Solitude

Chapter 16 (Back Home)

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

After how many days, Alex decided that crutches are the worst thing that could happen to a person. It's heavy and bothersome and irritating and it could drive anyone crazy - specifically, her.

"You're glaring again." her mom said.

"I told you, I don't need crutches. I can walk just fine on my own." she said.

She picked her book up and read where she left off. She was getting at the good part when she felt a sharp pain on her right foot. She froze and closed her eyes tight; it's cramping again.

"Something wrong?" Her mom unquired.

"Cramps."

"I told you not to overuse those legs so they can heal properly. Why won't you listen to me?"

"Because I hate not doing anything, mom. Give me something to do. Anything!"

"Alexandria Athena, what was the doctor's order?"

"Don't do anything unnecessary."

"Very good!"

The conversation left Alex scowling to nothing in particular. If there's one thing she hates aside from olives, it's being idle. She felt anxious when she's doing nothing, it's as if she's waiting for something to happen and moat of the time that something is not a very good thing.

She kicked her crutches once again and resumed her wallowing along with some whining and a few groaning.

Having a good night sleep was impossible since she love rolling all over her bed. And there will be times when an agonizing cramp will wake her just like tonight.

She bit her lips to prevent a cry from coming out then slowly flexed her foot to stop it from cramping. It's a painful process and by the time she's done, her nightgown was soaked with sweat.

She glanced at the digital clock on her bedside table and discovered that it's only three o'clock in the morning. She groaned knowing that she won't be able to get even a wink of sleep now that she's fully awake. She turned to stare outside of her window and waited for the sun to appear.

"I don't really get it how you ended up with a broken leg but it doesn't matter," Michelle said, "what matters most is you're home and at least you're somewhat safe."

They were walking along the hallways of the school. Alex felt weird going back to school fresh from the mission but her mother didn't give her much choice. Now she's suffering from discomfort not only from the fact that she's different from the rest of the students but also because of her wretched crutches. It made her feel awkward and clumsy, two things she never were.

"Anyways," Michelle continued chattering, " there's something you have to know about Blake."

"What's that?" She said, curious as ever when it comes to Blake.

"You remember him acting so close and friendly before you left right? It made me curious so I investigated a bit."

"You investigated?"

"Well, I asked around and persuade a lot to know the real reason why he was like that to us or should I say, to you."

Alex suddenly had a feeling that what she's going to hear will change how she looked at Blake and their relationship, if there's any. Her gut was telling her that whatever Michelle discovered is not a good thing. She didn't want to ask but the words were out of her mouth before she even noticed them.

"And why was he like that?"

Michelle took her to a corner far from the crowd and looked around a bit as if whatever she's going to tell her should not be heard by anyone. And that made her more nervous.

"You know about the whole 'bet thing' every start of the school that is now a tradition here, right?"

Alex felt dread settled in her stomach. She wanted this conversation to stop but felt powerless.

"What about it?" she asked.

"Blake is the challenger this year and the challenge is to make someone fell for him and-"

"It was me." She interrupted Michelle from saying too much.

"Lexa-"

She stopped Michelle from saying anything more. The truth punched her in the gut and she can barely breath. She felt like laughing that moment. How stupid could she be, she honestly believed that Blake would be interested in someone like her. Such thing is impossible.

"What do you want to do?" Michelle asked her timidly.

That made her think. What does she want to do about it? Beat him into a pulp? Rage and rave? Cry and wallow in hurt? What does a girl do when faces with heartache and betrayal as huge as this?

Then she starightened herself and took deep calming breaths. She needed to think on what to do next and what her next moves will be. She turned to Michelle to say some words.

"I want you to pretend we don't know anything yet, Mich."

"What? Why? Aren't you going to confront him about it right now?"

"No," she shook her head, " I need to think on what to do next. I can't be rash about this. Are you with me?"

Michelle looked conflicted but after some time, she heaved a sigh and nodded. "I just hope you know what you're doing." she said.

"I'm not really sure but I won't gain anything if I confront him now. I think I should wait and observe when will be the right time to strike back."

They parted ways for their first subject but Alex knew that she won't be paying attention to her lessons today. Her mind is full of thoughts about Blake and what she just discovered about him. It hurts to know that he doesn't really care about her but she can't do anything about that. She just wish that she'll be enlightened on what to do.

And as Alex thought, the day passed by without her noticing until the bell signaled the end of class and another school day is over. She just went home still lost in her very own thoughts.

A/N:
Sorry the update took so long. I hope you'll forgive this scatterbrained author.

I hope you'll enjoy this part and send me your thoughts and vote!

Thank you!