Reversing Roles

Chapter 15

Grayson swept through the crowd, keeping his head low, that next Thursday. A thick current of teenagers all glided and cruised passed each other, different thoughts and hopes and dreams all zipping and buzzing restlessly through their minds. To Grayson, observing people was interesting. Not in a creepy way, but just to get to know them better. To understand them. To look deeper. One boy treaded passed him, his eyes fixated on the Lino beneath his beat-up, dirty-white Converse High-tops, his scruffy, light cocoa hair seemingly leading his way. His cologne smelt of a mixture of crispy herbal spices. He rocked a vintage Jaws tee and a black pair of men's skinny jeans. His steps seemed light and airy, as if he were dazed; just going wherever the wind blew him.

Grayson's eyes then readjusted themselves onto a jumpy eighth grade girl, who came stalking towards him, her head held high and mighty, her auburn curls bouncing on her bony shoulders. A light spray of orange freckles coated her petite face. Her curious, topaz eyes scanned through the crowd, and she gripped onto her velvet bag straps, tightly. A fruity aroma wafted off of her as she slid around him. The delicate clomping of her small heels, growing fainter and fainter, as she travelled further and further down the hallway, rung in his ears.

Next, a tall, skanky-looking girl from his own grade promenaded through the crush of students, and they parted obediently, like the Red Sea. In fact, he recognised her as the girl Joey had ditched him for at Bruce Willis's house party, the other night. She sported a pink crop-top shirt, which practically revealed her whole, lacy bra, heels that snaked up her slender legs and a tiny black mini-skirt, which was basically see-through. Every guy couldn't resist a peek at her southern and northern regions. They ogled her, drool literally pouring from their thirsty mouths, for some boys, while Grayson stayed true to his girl, and instead, grimaced. She wasn't technically allowed to wear something like that to school, but the reason she got away with it was because she probably gave the principal his own private peep-show. The girl was obviously flattered, and freely soaking up the attention. A thick cloud of expensive, but also extremely strong perfume hung in the air around her, stinging his nostrils. He visibly shook his head in disapproval. See? People-watching could sometimes be fascinating.

He then snapped back into focusing on his own life, and his own path towards his next, dreaded class. People continued to carelessly push passed Grayson, not acknowledging his existence nor presence. But, he was used to it.

A fluorescent pink streak amongst jet black locks quickly caught his dusty brown eye. It was accompanied by a bright, hopeful smile; Alyssa. None other than the angel, herself. A warm glow heated his cheeks, and happiness swirled in his stomach. He felt at ease now that Alyssa was finally his, like a boulder had been lifted from his shoulders. He felt extremely lucky; privileged, even. Through his eyes, she was the most gorgeous girl on the planet.

"Hiya, Gray," she greeted, poking his ribs, playfully, and lightly pecking his cheek.

"Hey, you." He came in from behind her and wrapped his arms around her torso, pulling her close, as a sign of reassurance, safety and comfort. They side-stepped out of the rush, and Alyssa swivelled around, enveloping him in a proper hug. She smiled a bright, toothy grin at him, and he couldn't help but stare back at her in amazement. Had she gotten prettier overnight?

"Ready to go? The bell'll be going any minute now." As if on cue, the bell pierced the air. He chuckled.

"If we have to," he said, dramatically. She punched his arm lightly, and tugged on his jacket sleeve. He then slid his hand to meet hers, and they trotted along together, hand-in-hand, unfazed by the constant commotion surrounding them.

Suddenly, up ahead, Grayson spotted a familiar figure, who he actually wanted to get to know a little better. The lights bounced off her shiny leather jacket, which was identical to Alyssa's. Her long, layered, cinnamon brown hair cascaded loosely down her back, easily reaching her hips. He noticed her glower at Alyssa, then hastily twist around and march determinately down the hall. He furrowed his brow. Now was a good a time as any to introduce himself to Jade. Alyssa turned the corner, in the direction of their next class, but was pulled aback as Grayson planted his feet, staring off toward Jade.