The Gray Zone

CHAPTER 28

/Alexis' POV/

This week went by really fast and it was without doubt the most enjoyable one I had since I've moved here. In the lunch breaks I sat at Jesse's table, which was way more fun than sitting my other friends. Madison joined us often even though there was nothing more than occasionally making out between her and Zach. They both seemed happy with it and I was happy that they were happy and that the other boys were so nice and in general everything was in a pleasant flow. It felt good to finally belong somewhere and these were definitely the types of persons I wanted to be around.

But Sasha still didn't seem to like the situation right now and I could only speak to him between the classes. After a while I couldn't stand these one word answers any longer. We were such close friends so why did that had to change now. On one of those quick walks I asked him "I don't get it. What's your problem, Sasha?"

He stopped walking and faced me directly. It felt like ages since we had eye contact. "My problem is, Alex" He answered angrily "That you're together with the biggest douche one could think of. I saw what he did to those little kids the other day and all you did was making out with him?! I've been around a bit longer and know him, but you still won't listen when I say he's no good."

Annoyed I took a step back and raised my hands. "I'm together with someone who isn't you. Big fucking deal like it seems."

And with that walked straight past him. I didn't care that Sasha had been "around longer", he was still in no position to judge.

This evening I wanted to hang out with all members of the Neighbourhood again, since Bryan went to another school I was really looking forward to meeting him and had already asked for permission a couple of days ago. So I went downstairs and was about to put my shoes on when my mom called my name from the kitchen. It was December now and I guessed that some relative had asked what Levi and I would wish for Christmas.

"Yeah?" I said as I stepped into the kitchen and she put her magazine down.

"Why are you always going out? This whole week you met every day with somebody."

I breathed out. She still didn't know about Jesse and we had both agreed to tell it her next week or so. "I'm a teenager... teenagers go out to have fun with your friends..." I absolutely did not want to have this conversation right now, but Mom got up from her chair and faced me with a serious expression.

"I'm just worried that you can't keep your good grades up if you're never home. And also, who is it you're spending all that time with?" It sounded like an accusation but now there was no way out. I let out a deep sight.

"The truth is, Mom, I have a boyfriend."

She starred at me in shock and my eyes wandered down to the tiles on the floor. "A boyfriend?" I nodded. "Why do I not know about that?"

"Well, maybe" I replied "Because you're never around and you don't like it if I have boyfriends."

"Who is it?" She questioned further and there was no delight in her voice.

I sighed another time and managed to look her in the eyes. "Jesse Rutherford."

Mom'seyes got big. "No, not him. Joseph-"

"Joseph?" I interrupted her and she cleared things up while brushing a strain of hair out of her face.

"Mr. Dannie, sorry. He told me some things about this Jesse and his friends. They don't really seem to care about school."