The Gray Zone

CHAPTER 40

/Jesse's POV/

Zach has told us we shouldn't dress up or anything for his party, because he just wanted to have a nice evening with his friends. With his friends and maybe a hundred other kids from school. I was really looking forward to the evening, too and because I was already pretty excited, I asked Alexis to come over so we could go together to the party.

Just a couple of minutes after dinner, she sent me a text, saying that she's outside. I rushed to the door and opened it and saw her wearing a Chicago Bulls jersey tucked into her high waisted ripped faded jeans and chucks. As always, she looked astonishing. "Hey, Baby." She smiled and I led her in and after greeting my mom, I guided her to my bedroom.

Alex sat down on the bed and I on one of the chairs, bouncing my leg. "I like what you're wearing." I smiled and went through my hair.

"Well yeah, I thought maybe if you're the jock I could dress as your jock-y girlfriend." I admitted that I hadn't actually picked an outfit yet and she instantly got up and walked over to my wardrobe. "May I?" She snickered.

"You may."

Then she went through all of my clothes and picked my guns n roses shirt and my leather jacket. "How about this with a snapback?" She asked and I nodded while facing her. "Why are you so nervous?" Alex's eyes went to my leg. "You're Jesse, aren't you so famous for being relaxed 24/7?" She imitated other kids from the school, before walking over to me and sitting down on my not bouncing leg. "Everything is more than fine, Babe."

And the she leaned forward to kiss me which eventually got me away from thinking so much about everything at once. "I actually own a cap from the Chicago Bulls." I murmured and she put her hands around me.

We spent the rest of the time just talking and I made her laugh a bunch of times. At one point Alexis got up, to put deep red lipstick on and it was just the whole outfit which made her seem like she wasn't from here and I loved it.

/Alexi's POV/

We got to the party when it was about nine and Zach opened the door with a big smile on his face. "What's up guys?! Come in, the other boys are already in the kitchen!"

We thanked him and made our way through the hallway, which was already crowded. I could spot Madison in the living room and told Jesse I would come in a second, before walking over to my friend.

"Hey!" She shouted and I think she had some drinks already. "Hi, Maddi." I smiled and hugged her.

"Nice shirt." She complimented.

"You don't look bad yourself."

"Thanks. I heard Levi would come today, too?"

I snickered. "Yeah I think he's gonna come. But in the meantime, do you want to hang out with me and the boys?" She nodded happily and I took her hand while we walked through the rooms. Everywhere were red solo cups and people from all grades I knew from school.

In the kitchen, it was just the five boys and Lauren, leaning against the kitchen counter. After I hugged all of them, I hopped on the kitchen island to face them and Madison did the same. "Do you want a beer?" Jeremy asked and was already handing me one can.

"Don't you want any, Bae?" I asked silently and Jesse walked over so he didn't have to speak over the loud music. "I thought about what you said the other day. And I don't want to be aggressive and make you sad, so I'll stop drinking."

"Oh Jesse, that is so sweet of you! And mature as well." I smiled and he put a hand on my thigh and slid his tongue awfully slowly into my mouth. We all stood there for a while and just talked. Occasionally, someone else would go into the kitchen, but seconds after that leave again to not disturb us. It felt good being so respected, even if it was just because of the boys. But still, I liked how exclusive we seemed to be. After a while, Zach went away and came back with two girls I didn't know but they all seemed to be friends. "How about we play something?"