Noticed

Chapter 9

Chapter 9

          “Are you okay?” Alexis asked me. I nodded, looking out the window. He cleared his throat. “So, how’d it go?” He asked, swallowing nervously. I glanced at him, smiling. “Oh, great,” I said sarcastically. “Dad wants to kill him, Michael wants to kill him, Mom thinks it’s her fault, Freya cried her eyes out, and Carlie thinks it’s because if her. Just great.” He cleared his throat. “Sorry,” he said. “Anyway, how about this sleepover? On a school day?” I laughed. I knew what he was trying to do, and it worked. 

          “You know, Lex,” I said. “You never cease to amaze me. You’re so peppy.” He laughed, taking a right turn. “I know, right?” he said, glancing at me for a second. “Unlike Damen, he’s either broody or lovesick.” My good mood evaporated. “Thanks for reminding me he hates me,” I said sadly. Alexis chuckled humorlessly. “No, Isabella,” he said.”Damen’s- well, Damen doesn’t hate you, I know that for sure. He’s hurt. He did find Kellen kissing  you, you know.” I sighed. “Why would he care?” I asked, not expecting an answer. “I mean, he doesn’t like me, like that.” 

          Alexis laughed. “Um, yeah he does,” he said. “He likes you more than that, actually.” I glanced at him, seeing his smirk. “How do you know?” I asked. “Did he tell you?” Alexis’s smirk faded a little, and this time, I smirked. “Well, no,” he said. “But I know.” I sighed, looking back out the window. “We’re here,” Alexis announced. I sighed again and jumped out. “Thanks, Alexis,” I said. “This means a lot, letting me stay here.” He smiled. “Anything for my bestie,” he said, nudging my shoulder.

          I smiled, grabbed my bag, and followed him in. I glanced over at the TV and saw Percy sitting there, staring at Jersey Shore. I grimaced and turned away. I hate Jersey Shore. Percy glanced back and his eyes widened. He clicked the TV off and stood up. “Hi, Isabella,” he said, trying to be seductive. I smiled politely, but inside I was wincing. I mean, Percy’s got acne and his eyes are too far apart, nothing like his perfect brother. 

           I glanced at Alexis, turning my back on Percy. I stuck my tongue out and pretended to make gagging noises. He laughed. I turned around just in time to see Percy glare at Alexis. “What’s so funny, little brother?” he asked. Alexis shrugged. “Nothing,” he said. I giggled. Percy sent a strained smile to me. I grabbed my bag from where I dropped it on the floor. “Me and Alexis are going to go now,” I said slowly. “So.. See you later.” Percy’s smile widened and he waved, sitting back on the couch and staring at the blank TV.

            I looked at Alexis with my eyebrow raised. He laughed. “Don’t worry about it,” he said quietly. “He doesn’t want to disgust you with his choice of TV shows.” I chuckled. “Oh, well,” I said. “I guess we should go up to your room now...” He smiled. “Sure,” he said. I followed him up the stairs. He turned to the left, choosing the door two in. I smiled as I looked in his room. Typical boy. Messy, with underwear and jeans strewn all over. I took a look at his bed. Not made. I shrugged. I don’t mind. 

             “Nice room ” I said cheerily. He chuckled. “Yeah, right,” he said. “It’s messy. Sorry.” I shook my head. “It doesn’t matter,” I said. “Anything to get away from him.” He laughed. “Well, you can use my house as a hideout,” he said. “I don’t mind.” I laughed, slinging my arm around his shoulder. “Thanks,” I said. I squeezed his torso before moving to flop down on his bed. 

              “How do you stand it?” he asked, pointing to my cast. I glanced down atit and moved my leg off the bed, then let it flop back down. “I really have no idea,” I said honestly. “It’s really annoying.” He sighed, laying next to me. “What are you going to tell Damen?” he asked. I yawned. “The truth,” I said wearily. “I mean, there’s really nothing else I can tell him. He won’t accept anything but the truth.” Alexis took my hand and squeezed. “It’s the right thing to do, I mean, I was the first you told, but that doesn’t mean he’s not important,” he said, squeezing harder. “Damen will understand. He’ll be pissed, but he will help you through it; you know, going to the police and everything.”