(John's POV)
"Hey, John," Elizabeth greeted, sitting next to me. "What are you doing here alone?"
I was playing with some shit game on my phone, seated on a bench by the corridor of Beaufort's main building. Tryouts for the team had just finished and I was waiting for Alvin. We were going somewhere to prepare some party to celebrate.
That and to do some more partying. It was, after all, the summer before our senior year started.
"Waiting for Alvin," I answered, looking up to her. "What are you doing here?"
"Same," she answered with a smile. "So who was appointed captain?"
"Alvin, I'm co-captain," I said, pocketing my phone.
"Really?" she squealed. "Congratulations!"
She threw her arms around me and hugged me briefly, and I could smell this strawberry scent from her. I smiled at the gesture as I could somehow tell she was really happy for me although I knew she was also really happy to know that Alvin was captain since they were closer and, heck, she was waiting for the guy.
I asked, "Where are Alexis and that other girl you're always with?"
"You mean Chandria?" Elizabeth said. "Geez, don't you think you should know her name by now, John? She's been our classmate for a few years now plus she's my bestfriend too."
I frowned. Of course, they didn't know. Chandria didn't even know that I knew she was bestfriends with my fucking half-brother.
"Why bother, she's not my type," I just said. "Aren't you supposed to go have your own tryouts for cheerleading today?"
"Yeah, I'm going there after I meet up with Alvin since... I want to congratulate him too," she grinned.
"You sure you guys are just childhood friends?" I raised an eyebrow.
But before she could answer, we heard Alvin's voice followed by a girl's laughter. I turned to look and, sure enough, Alvin was walking towards where Elizabeth and I were seated. He wasn't alone though as his arm was draped around a girl's shoulder while her arm was around his waist.
I glanced at Elizabeth and saw that the smile on her lips had disappeared as her lips were in a straight line. She was staring at them and I noticed that the happy glint in her eyes when she congratulated me was gone.
Huh, too bad, she really looked pretty when she's happy.
Wait, what?
I shook my head and stood up, "Hey, Alvin!"
Alvin glanced up and I saw his face fall a little when he saw me but I shrugged it off. From the corner of my eye I saw Elizabeth stand up.
"Hi, Alvin," she greeted. Alvin and the girl he was with walked up to us.
"What's up?" he asked.
"Party tonight," I answered.
"Oh yeah, I'll meet you there instead. A little busy right now," Alvin smirked as the girl he was with giggled. I could feel Elizabeth tensing up beside me.
"I... I have to go," Elizabeth said. "Anyway, I heard you're captain of the team, Alvin. Congrats."
"Thanks," Alvin said.
Elizabeth nodded then turned to me, "Bye, John. Congrats again."
With a little wave, she turned to walk away. I didn't even realize I was watching her leave until Alvin cleared his throat beside me.
