Guarded Hearts ✓

Chapter 5

A/N: Here's another chapter. I don't own the song 'Good girls go bad' or anything else mentioned in this chapter. Check out the video for the song on the right and the picture I've chosen for for Alex. Enjoy! (:

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Chapter 5

     I fanned myself with my hands and leaned up against a wall in the corner of the room. Jayden had managed to disappear a little while after we reached the party, so after I caught a glimpse of Kathy, I stuck to her like glue. I wasn't like Jayden and Kathy. Sure, I was comfortable talking to the two of them... but I wasn't as social as they are. Heck, I could barely get through a conversation with anyone other than them. I saw a familiar blonde head walk towards me, holding two bright blue plastic cups.

     She situated herself against the wall next to me and took a sip of her beer. "Have you seen Alex anywhere?" she asked, looking out in disgust at the crowd of hormonal teenagers grinding against each other.

     "Nope, why?"

     "He's kinda cute, isn't he? I'm thinking of asking him out," she said taking another sip.

     I felt a pang of jealously seep through me. I brushed the stray strands of red hair from my face and took a hesitant sip of the alcohol. "Isn't that a little too... forward? He might think you're desperate or something..."

     Her face fell and she sighed. "Yeah, I guess your right."

     I'm a horrible best friend. Why don't I feel happy for her? Kathy likes him! She SHOULD ask him out right. It's the 21st century for Pete's sake; girls ask guys out all the time. I just... I don't want to see them gaze lovingly into each other's eyes. I don't want to hear about how he 'kidnapped' her and took her to some romantic midnight stroll. I just don't want to hear it...

     "Kath! Vi! You guys are awesome!" Jayden shouted stumbling towards us.

     Rose ran behind his and quickly grabbed his arm, before he fell into a lip-locking couple. She dragged him toward us; her face evident of annoyance.

     "Is there any way you can take him home?"

     "No... he drove me here and I don't have a licence," I sighed

      "My brother dropped me off," Kathy piped.

      Rose ran her hand messily through her hair and sighed. "I'll take him to my place, he can just crash there. His parents aren't home and someone needs to make sure he doesn't die in his sleep," she half joked.

     "What about his truck?" I asked.

     "I can't drive a manual, so Alex is going to have to take the truck. You can get him to drop you home, he won't mind," she said.

     "He can stay at my place."

     "I don't want to get you into trouble with your parents. It's fine, really," she said.

     "But...." I trailed off.

     I could easily have let Jayden stay at my place. Aaron was looking after me until our parents got back from their business holiday in Dublin and is pretty laid back about what we did up until then. But for some reason, I didn't want her to know they were gone. I didn't want her to jump to conclusions and pity me because my parents weren't here. They're good parents and honestly care about me; they're just busy.

     "Okay," I nodded and she gave me a quick wave before dragging him outside.

     I stood still, watching them leave. Was he with Rose all night? I shook my head and went after them. I heard Kathy distantly calling my name, but I ignored her. I just need to make sure Jayden's alright. I saw Rose pushing him into the backseat, so I grabbed an arm and helped her.

     She smiled and nodded her head in the direction of the house. "Need to grab the keys from Alex. I'll be right back," she said quickly and sprinted into the house.

     I leaned against the car and peered at him the the open door. My hand made it's way to his face and I slowly stroked his slightly chilled cheek; leaning closer as I did so. His eyes slowly opened and a lazy grin appeared on his face. I smiled back at him.

     "I... like you. I really like you," he said drowsily.

     I instantly jerked back in shock and stared wide-eyed at him. I heard a deep exhale of breath come from beside me. I turned to see Rose standing there with a mimicked shocked expression on her face. A mixture of emotions crossed her face, before she set me a guilty smile.

     Jingling the keys, she said. "I should get going."

     I gave her a single nod and without a second glance, went back inside. So Jayden likes Rose. I shouldn't be surprised. You can't be 'just friends' with someone that pretty. I can't even bring myself to hate her, because she's... nice.

     "Nice outfit," a voice sneered at me.

     I rolled my eyes and turned to face Stacey. Damn, this is her party isn't it? "Thanks."

     "I was being sarcastic," she spat. Yes, she spat.

     I turned to leave, after giving a small shrug, but she manged to grab my shoulder before I had the chance to slip away. I inhaled in shock. An arm fell onto my shoulder and she quickly dropped her hand; taking a step back. I felt familiar tingles. I didn't have to look to know it was Alex's arm on my shoulder. I saw him give her a nod in 'hello' out the corner of my eye, but I kept my gaze forwards.

     I felt him inhale and exhale loudly dramatically as he steered us both towards Kathy, who was now talking to a group of girls I vaguely recognised. I saw her face fall when she saw Alex's arm over my shoulder, so I quickly pushed it away and held an irritated expression. It was fake; I liked the feeling of his arm over mine.

     "Hey Kathy," he smirked.

     She absentmindedly twirled her hair and grinned. "Hey Alex!"

     His smirk grew and before I had the chance to object, he grabbed both mine and Kathy's hands; leading us to the make-do dance floor.

     <I make them good girls go bad

I make them good girls go

Good girls go bad

(Good girls go bad)>

     I relaxed, forgetting that it was Alex that I was dancing with and let myself have fun. I shook my hips, sang along and threw up my hands at the given times. I saw Kathy laughing to the music and silently motioned that I was heading to the kitchen. She nodded and started dancing closer to Alex. If I didn't know her better, I would think that she was grinding up against him. That's not the Kathy I know...

     I shook it off and continued walking to the kitchen, where I found several unopened bottles on the counter. I quickly tore the plastic off and chugged down the lukewarm water. I scowled at the bottle and placed it back on the counter. It wasn't exactly cool and as refreshing as I hoped for, but it was good enough.

     "You ready to go?"

     I turned around and came, literally face-to-face with Alex. His smirk extended when I let out a gasp and fell back against the counter. "What are you doing?" I hissed

     "Offering you a ride home," he said, playing with my now frizzy hair.

     I swallowed deeply at the lack of space between us and felt my face heat up at the familiar tingles I felt. "You-" I started to say.

     "Violet," a familiar voice cut in.

      I quickly shoved Alex away and saw Kathy standing by the kitchen door; watching me with cold eyes. Just my luck.

     I opened my mouth to explain, but she cut me off again. "Can I talk to you alone?"

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A/N: Published this a few minutes before midnight! So, there you guys go...you got lucky ;D Ohhh what do you think's going to happen with Kathy and Violet? Give me your theories.... ;P

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