What I Couldn't Tell Him

4 - You're Hot When You're 𝐴𝑁𝐺𝑅𝑌

ALDEN POV

I've come to realise over the last few hours that my death glares are almost ineffective now people have seen Jaimie's. She's taking my dignity and now my power. Fuck that bitch.

"Hey man." Jordan greets me. His hand is resting idly around a girl's waist, right over her ass. I raise an eyebrow. He laughs and the girl shifts uncomfortably. I ignore the sour guilt and my own discomfort.

He whispers something, obviously sexual, and she blushes red hot and walks off.

"Are you copping out yet? Before you have no pride left whatsoever?" He smirks.

"Nope. I'll get her."

"Really? If you're so confident.. Get her around at yours tonight." Jordan challenges.

We both know the odds of that happening are extremely slim, unless I steal her keys or something. I keep that in mind as a fallback plan.

"Fine. You're underestimating me."

I don't know if he's aware of the convenient closeness of our houses, but if he isn't then I have a surprise advantage.

"Well she's right over there," He chuckles, "Let's see you pull, bro."

I groan, imagining someone hearing him say that. As shitty as it is, I do get embarrassed being around him and Brook sometimes.

I feel kind of gross knowing that I'm lumped in with them. This stereotype I've inherited is inextricable from them and the shit I've done with them. They're good guys most of the time, I know they'd have my back, but they can be dicks and they make me a worse person. We kind of feed each other's energy. That's when stupid shit goes down.

There are a few younger kids watching us, probably infatuated even though I have never spoken to them. One time, a girl in the year below walked up to me in the hallway and straight-up asked me to sleep with her. I didn't. I don't know why I'm proud that I didn't. Jordan would have.

The halls are tiled white, except from a cigarette butt that Jordan dropped carelessly. Absentmindedly, I consider picking it up, but I just send it skidding towards the bin with my foot instead. I return to the conversation. I'd have picked it up if he wasn't stood there.

I see Jaimie, willowly and elegant, but with something kind of tough about her. I would totally have slept with her by now if I could. Jordan gives me a shove towards her.

Her disgust is almost palpable the closer I get. Someone with more shame would be hurt. I run on competition, not pride.

"Hey, dollface."

"F*ck off, will you?" Lucy growls. I'm only mildly surprised that Jaimie has managed to befriend the most openly hostile person in the year. Lucy is beautiful and untouchable. If that was even an option, I wouldn't go for it. Too goth for me.

"No. I've come to talk to Jaimie," I answer. Lucy catches her eye and tips her head towards me.

Whatever conversation she was having with Jenni, it was good. She has a warm smile and her cheeks are creased from laughing. She has a dimple. I have no trouble admitting that she's fine. The nice smile dissolves instantly as she sees me.

"What?"

"What you up to?" I smirk.

"I was having fun. Not anymore, cheers." She hisses.

"You're hot when you're angry."

She narrows her eyes.

"I can't say the same about you, anytime actually." She smiles, but there is a glint in her eye, "What do you want then?"