Freckles, I like you a lot!

Chapter 4

Alex felt the shallow breathing of someone under him. He sluggishly looked up and realized it was Laurens. His heartbeat quickened and a blush rose to his cheeks. Alex didn't want to get up, not because he didn't want to wake up Laurens, but because he was literally laying on a sleeping Laurens! This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In a lackadaisical manner, Alex rolled off Laurens and just layed there. Several times he caught himself staring, but couldn't discover the strength to look away.

Laurens' eyes fluttered open. He slowly looked around, recollecting the memories of last night. "Feeling a bit better?' Laurens asked. Alex nodded and hugged Laurens tightly, displaying his thanks.

"You want to go downstairs and get some breakfast?" Laurens heaved himself out of bed, taking Alex with him. They went to the kitchen and met the others in the dining room, already eating.

"Good morning," Peggy greeted.

"Lovebirds," Lafayette added not-so subtly.

Alex turned red and started fidgeting. "It's not like that!" Laurens objected.

"Sure," ELiza rolled her eyes "I'll totally believe that."

"Guys," Aaron stepped in "just drop the subject. If they say nothing happened, then nothing did. Alex, Laurens, your breakfast is in the fridge."

"I'll grab it," Laurens offered. Alex nodded and sat next to Aaron.

"We're going shopping Today," Aaron announced "ALex here needs some essentials."

"We'll help," the Schuyler Sisters volunteered. Laurens came back with food and sat next to Alex and Eliza.

"Help with what?" He asked.

"We are going to shop for Alex," Hercules explained, his mouth full of food.

"May I join you?" Laurens asked Alex, earning a nod.

"Great!" cheered Angelica. "The whole gang is going. Maybe we can grab ourselves some frappuccinos at Starbucks later."

Martha appeared in the doorway "Kids, I left some credit cards on the counter, so knock yourselves out."

"Thanks, Mrs.Washington," Lafayette said as she left.

Hercules cleared the dishes and dumped them in the sink.

Later the teens found themselves in the mall searching for clothes that Alex could wear. Alex found himself unsure of what to do, so he followed Laurens around.

"Have you ever had a phone before?" Laurens asked. Alex shook his head. "Well come on then!" Laurens grabbed Alex's hand and led him to the nearest electronics store.

"Which one do you want?" Laurens asked. They looked at the array of phones on display. Alex pointed to a black Samsung touch-phone. They paid and found the others in the food court.

"Did you guys go on a date?" Peggy teased.

"For the last time Peggy," Laurens complained "we don't like each other like that." Aaron exchanged a glance with Alex, Laurens had just said that he didn't like Alex in that way. Alexander felt his heart sink, of course this wouldn't work out.

"Mensonges!" Lafayette shouted, slamming his fist on the table, drawing attention from other people within the building.

"Calm down, Laf!" Eliza scolded. "Is everyone ready to go?" The group nodded and grabbed shopping bags.

"I call driving!" Hercules enthused once they were all outside.

"Shotgun!" Lafayette yelled. The group found the van, Laurens and Alex sat together.

"You have fun?" Laurens asked. Alex gave a thumbs up. "Good, when we get back let's have Aaron set up your phone. He is really good with electronics."

The car ride back was fairly boring. Nobody said much, the radio playing in the background as the only source of noise. When they got back the entertainment room was a hub of activity.

"Aaron," Laurens handed Aaron the phone "can you set this up, please?"

"Sure thing," he responded, already pushing buttons on the screen.

"Alex," Laurens spoke "do you want my number?" Alex nodded.

"Already swapping numbers, huh?" Hercules teased. Alex shook his head, if Laurens obviously didn't like the teasing then neither did he.

Laurens jumped on Alex's back "Can you just speak already?' he asked as Alex toppled to the ground.

"Hey!" Peggy spoke up "No foreplay in the entertainment room!"

Laurens immediately got up "It's not like that! What's with you people and thinking that we are dating?!" he protested. Alex just lay there in embarrassment.

"Oh," Angelica said "would you look at the time. My sisters and I shall be heading home now. Catch you later, losers," they left the room and got in Angelica's convertible.

"So do I," Laurens agreed "Laf, you too, you have to drive me home."

"A bientôt" said Lafayette as he kissed Hercules then got his things together.

Once they left Aaron handed Alex his phone. "I've added everyone's numbers. Even Laurens'," he winked.

"Woah woah woah!" Hercules approached them "Does Alexander here have a crush on Laurens?" Alex nodded sheepishly. "Aw!" Hercules gushed "that's so cute!"

"I'm going to my room," Alex signed "I have to do stuff."

"Like text Laurens!" Hercules called as Alex opened the door.

Alex ignored him and went upstairs to his room. He hadn't written to his mother in over 2 days, and he needed to tell her everything that happened.

He finished up writing then stuffed the letter and pen in the bedside table drawer. Alex decided he may as well text Laurens. He found the contact and opened up the texting app. Hopefully he was doing this right.