Stalking Charlie

Not Ugly

Alex Stone

So stupid!

I plunged myself into the water, drowning all the thoughts inside my head. I could still feel my humiliation burning my face.

I shouldn't have believed Jake, that was my mistake! I was so stupid to think that Kenneth will actually think I'm hot when some weeks ago he rejected my kiss.

I don't even know what went in my mind and kissed him. I shouldn't have done that. Now there's too much awkwardness between us. And the fact that Nick knows about it is also embarrassing.

He probably sees me as his little sister. He took care of me and protected me like a big brother ever since I met him. It was just me who kept hoping he would see me in a different light.

But he didn't have to sound so disgusted and rude to deny Jake's stupid joke! Remembering Kenneth's fierce denial and his embarrassed face. I know I'm no Ashley Banks but I'm NOT ugly!

The cool breeze blew on my skin when I emerged, making the hairs on my arm stand up. I stayed in the water for a few more minutes. When I looked back at the beach I couldn't see my brother anymore on their spot, even Jake and Kenneth.

Where'd they go?

I swept the beach with my gaze, and spotted Jake and Kenneth with a couple of girls sunbathing. My temper flared as I watch them flirt with those skanks.

"Allie, you're sexy as hell. Believe it and you can go fuck Mitchell's brain out."

I chewed on my lower lip, thinking about Cassie's words before when we were talking in my room. That was the time Nick caught me and her in my room, wearing a lingerie she bought. She was teaching me seduction techniques, but Nick misinterpreted it.

Yes. Yes, I'm sexy. And I can go fuck whoever I want. I'll show Kenneth Mitchell that I'm not a little girl anymore!

I marched back to the beach with my embarrassment gone, what's left is the bitter determination to verify my attractiveness.

I swept the beach with my gaze. My father's nowhere to be seen. Good. Nick's also gone. Even better.

I approached the nearest guy to me, which happens to be in front of the sunbathing whores. I chided myself for judging those poor girls, unaware of my murderous intentions, but they don't really have to laugh outrageously on Jake's stupid jokes that the whole beach can hear them and that girl with a striped bikini that's obviously flaunting her cleavage on Kenneth can go to hell!

"Hey." I said to the blond guy I targeted. He's got a gorgeous tan going on and a nice smile, really perfect teeth. He's kneeling by the sand, his surfing board laid next to him.

"Hi." he said, a small frown on his face but smiling nonetheless. I saw him check me out and his smile widened further.

See! I'm NOT ugly. Why can't Kenneth see that? I thought seethingly.

"That's a nice board you got there." I started, smiling sweetly.

"Yeah, thanks.. uhm." he trailed off, standing up to his full height.

"Alex! I'm Alex." I supplied for him, offering my hand for him to shake. He took it, circling his thumb on my palm.

"Nice meeting you, Alex. I'm Stephen." he smiled, flashing his pearly whites even wider. He almost look like a predator about to eat his prey. "Have you surfed before?"

"No. I-I haven't." I faltered when he stepped closer, his shirtless chest almost on my face. "B-But it seems interesting."

I peeked around him and saw that Jake and Kenneth is still engaged with their conversation with those sluts. I held my ground and looked up at Stephen, who doesn't seem as charming as before.

"Yeah? Well, I can teach you." he offered, gesturing to his board. I took a step back when I saw his eyes stayed on my chest.

"Uhm.. no. I don't think I can do it." I shook my head, instantly regretting my impulsive decision. "Kinda clumsy. And-"

"No, no, baby. Don't worry. It's easy to learn." he insisted. Before I can walk away he grabbed my waist and pulled me next to the board. His hand brushed on my thigh and I almost screamed bloody murder.

I'm so stupid! Dad was right, I shouldn't make any decisions in my life because I'm so freaking stupid-

"Alex?"

I whipped around and saw Kenneth walking to us, his face concerned. I gulped as I ogled at his half naked form, his chest exposed and tanned, his lean, muscular body gorgeous as hell.

He squinted his pale blue eyes against the sun and stopped in front of me.

"Are you okay?" he asked. "What's going on?"

I opened my lips to speak but Stephen beat me to it.

"She wants to know how to surf. And I'm teaching her." he said defensively to Kenneth. "She's fine."

Kenneth never wavered his eyes off me. He was waiting for my confirmation.

"D-do you know where Dad is?" I choked, embarrassed that I needed his help when I did this all by myself.

"Yeah." he nodded, his mop of curly blond hair bouncing with the movement. "He was preparing our food, I think."

He held out his arm and I clasped it with two hands, grateful that he came to my rescue. I turned around and waved at Stephen.

"Um, thanks for your time. Bye." I smiled weakly. He was scowling, then shrugged me off, not even smiling back now.

Kenneth walked me away from there silently, his face averted away from me. I don't have any idea where we're going because he just kept on trudging ahead.

We reached a secluded part of the beach, trees are a little thick here and shading us from the sun. I looked around me and saw no one.

"Kenneth-"

"Why the hell did you do that?!"

I flinched when he suddenly turned around and yelled at me. His face is red with anger, like I've never seen before.

"W-what-"

"Why would you talk to a stranger like that?! Can't you see that he's got bad intentions inside his head?! Can't you see the way he keeps on staring at your chest?! That jerk already raped you inside his head!"

He was gesturing wildly, combing at his curly hair in frustration, making it messier.

"That was stupid, Alessandra! And dangerous-"

"Why do you care?! Are you my boyfriend?!"

I bit my lip as those words flew out of my mouth without my intention of saying it aloud. Kenneth just looked at me weirdly, the hands on his sides balled tightly. He stared at me like I just had sprouted horns, so I focused my eyes out in the water.

There was a tensed silence as we stood there, sands on our feet and sun over our heads. The soft breeze blew on the water gently, making small waves crash on the nearby rocks in a calm way.

"I'd like to be."

My head snapped back to him. Did I hear-

"I want you to be my girlfriend, Alessandra."