Taking Chances

Chapter 2

Much to my disgust, my eyes wonder to Dylan. Nothing's wrong with him or anything, but his sister Jennifer is a pain in the butt. Well, maybe there is something wrong with him, he's a total douche bag. I'm being deadly serious. For a sixteen, soon to be seventeen year old, he acts like an immature five year old.

I've just never understood why my brother liked him, in my opinion he was trouble. Expecially now with his gadges, dyed hair, piercings, and tattoos. It literally makes no freaking sense.

But Dylan has always been around, before he got into all the tattoos and junk, unfortunately for me, that also meant his bratty little sister was also around.

Lost in thought, I don't notice the school coming into view. "Sure you don't want me to make sure you get to class safely?" Kasper teases lightly, poking his head out of the window. I give him a glare, that only makes him laugh.

"Ha ha, yeah I'm sure." I say, rolling my eyes to hide the smile growing on my lips.

I get out of the car and wave goodbye to Kasper, I purposely ignoring Dylan; not caring if it was mean or not.

For the past 10 years that's all I've been doing. I must admit however, I don't hate him and I only ignore him because of his sister. I know I shouldn't judge him based off of how much of a butt his sister is, but I just can't help it sometimes.

Oblivious to the fact that he got out of the car with me, I continued to walk contently. That was until I noticed a tall shadow following me.

"Hello." He greets coldly, in response I nod curtly and continue walking. Ignoring the feeling of him watching me through those dark brown eyes of his.

I wasn't expecting a warm greeting or anything, mainly because I know for a fact that Jennifer complains about me every chance she gets.

Just as I was starting to relax I hear a sickening sound. "Speak of the devil!" I feel my face redden slightly at the voice of Jennifer Mathews, I ball my hands into a fist and speed up, trying to push past people. Ignoring their glares and annoyed looks.

Too late, my heart sinks as I feel her hand rest on my shoulder, her nails digging into my bare skin; stopping me in my tracks.

"Trying to avoid me? I always knew you were a wuss." She said, her smirk growing wider.

Her once black but now bleached blonde hair laying perfectly on her shoulders. As always, I feel self conscious of my black hair which was simply down my back, I usually just brushed it and left it.

If someone was to compare us, most would say she was prettier. With her perfect 'blonde' hair and dark brown eyes. While I had simple black hair, and pale skin. My only stand out was probably my eyes, not that anyone paid attention to me.

My jade-green eyes meet her brown one's, determined not to let her walk over me this time. I let out a cold, unnatural sounding laugh in response.

"Oh, I didn't realize it was you Jennifer. I honestly thought you were that stray dog, curly, you know the one with blonde fur and a bald spot."I say casually, trying to hide the venom in my voice. I make sure not to look away from her, even though I notice her little group of snotty friends directly behind her. Threatening to attack on Jennifer's command.

It's my turn to smirk at her shocked expression, I rarely ever stood up to her, but when I did I put everything into it.

"You little piece of s-" To my surprise she stopped midway through her foul sentence. I look around for the cause and notice, everyone who was previously watching us now pretending we didn't exist. So you look away now. My thoughts bitter.

I didn't even bother to look at Dylan first, he was probably the last thing I looked at, my lips parting slightly in shock, slowly forming an expression of disbelief as he glared at his sister; who seemed to shrink under his gaze.

"Well, I've had a lovely time chatting with you Alice. Any how, I must be going now." She said, straining a smile before sauntering off. Her friends offering each other confused expressions.

I practically gape, but when she looks back I don't give her the satisfaction of seeing my surprise.

"Thank you." The words sound strange as they leave my lips, and come out before I can stop them. This is probably only the tenth time I've spoken to him. Even though I've known him since I was five.

The funny thing is, I met Dylan before Kasper. But the fates weren't for us, so he hit it off with Kasper and they've been friends ever since then. Leaving me behind to amuse myself.

"What did I do?" He asked, obviously knowing the answer to his question. I roll my eyes, not bothering to respond.

"Miss me!" I turn around and sigh in relief, watching my brother approach.

"I'm going to go to class." I announce, darting away before he or my brother could comment, and/or protest. Not that Dylan would protest. Why would he care if I left? 

Lost in thought for the second time today, I run face first into a person. I stumble back, about to loose my balance. A warm hand wraps around my wrist and stops my from falling. A goofy grin plastered on my 'saviors' face.

"Sorry!" I say, my cheeks red with embarrassment, that was until I looked up at the person who I bumped into.

"Jared!" I squeal, tackling hugging my old elementary friend. Thank God I'm at least eight inches shorter then him, if I wasn't then the impact might've sent both of us toppling over.

"Whoa, whoa. Hello to you too Alice." He said, chuckling at my behavior.

"It's been years!" I say dramatically, earning myself a smirk. But unlike other girls, I don't care.

I've missed his company, and I'm not ashamed to admit it. He used to be my best friend for Gods sake. I've also miss his dark brown hair and light blue eyes ever since he left in 5th grade to attend Clearwater middle school instead of Jacksonville Middle. None of that mattered, he was here now. At Seder High.

"Well, time to catch up, lemme see your schedule." I instantly give him my schedule, hoping I had at least one class with him.

"We have at least three classes together."  I beam, glad I have at least one person I know in the same class as me.

"Thank Goodness!" My voice betraying exactly how happy I am.

"You're all grown up Alice." Jared commented, trying to make small talk as I bounce around him; not even trying to play it cool.

"I could say the same to you, you're giant." I cover my mouth as I hear the sentence out loud. Where are my manners!? Oh well, he's just going to have to get used to it.

He chuckled good naturedly and stuffs his hands casually into his pockets, making me appreciate just how adorable he is.

"Care to walk me?" I ask, holding out my arm for him to take.

Giving me a sheepish smile, he links his arm with mine as we march through the hallway. Drifting back to my thoughts, I clearly remember when we were younger. Everyone always teased us because we 'liked' each other, but that was never the truth, at least not at the time.