It Started With a Dare

Chapter 10

Chapter 10 (Re-Written)

~~~

"Hey," Alex waved as he walked over to me once I exited the school gates after a tiring day classes, "how's school, love?"

I violently swung my backpack at him in attempts to keep him away. "What on earth are you doing here?" I asked.

"Walking you home?" he shrugged and walked beside me, knowing to keep a safe distance away.

"I can go and walk to the police station and tell them you're stalking me," I frowned at him. "Besides I don't want you to know where I live, you freak."

"Cruel words there, Annie-chan," Alex chuckled. "Besides, I bet you would want some company, living in that apartment all by yourself."

"I'm not alone. I have a dog," I said. "Don't you have somewhere to be other than annoy me? Like be with your classmates?"

"Meh, not really," Alex said nonchalantly. "Since I used to live here, the teachers just leave me be. Besides," then a buzz was heard between the two of us, "hold it." He pulled his phone from his jean pocket and answered a call, "Hey. Yeah. Now? Sure. I'm nearby. Oh, her? I'll ask. Bye."

"No," I said, seeing the look on his face, "I have to go back to my flat."

"I didn't even say anything," Alex laughed. He caught up when I began a brisk pace on my way down the street, passing stores and more stores. "But yeah, I wanted to invite you to the diner. They got curious this morning and want to get to know who the weird-looking girl is."

"'Weird-looking'? Seriously?"

"Yeah," he chuckled. "I also want you to meet Isla."

"Isla?"

"The girl I like," Alex said, peering closely at my face.

Deciding not to give him the satisfaction, I just kept my face passive as possible. "I don't stay out on school nights, and I have loads of homework," I made up excuses that seemed legit. "Bye, Alex." Then I walked away, thankful that Alex didn't follow me this time.

I was so angry, and the reason was so shallow that it made me even angrier with myself. Alex was doing all these silly things with me while liking another girl. I felt bad for her, but I was also jealous of her, which is why it upsets me big time.

~~~

"For goodness' sakes, Alex, give me back my shoe!" I cried out. "I'll be late for class if I don't leave in five minutes." I must be going mad for talk my dog into returning my shoe. Apparently, Alex had gained a bad habit of hiding my shoes in random places. Last night I found one of my sneakers under my covers.

I was in the middle of almost bawling my eyes and tearing my hair out when the thing I was looking for peeked out from under the cleaning cupboard. I made a dive for it and hastily pulled it on. Just as I reached for my backpack so I can finally leave, there was a knock on my door.

Alex suddenly went berserk and barked furiously as he scratched furiously at the door with his front paws. Curious yet wary of who may be visiting me this morning, I decided to just look through the peephole. I let out a silent prayer while releasing a hushed frustrated cry when I saw the human being right out the door.

Checking my watch, I was really going to be late, and I'll have to dash on my way to school if I don't leave now. Well, here goes nothing. I took Alex in my arms in case he goes on a bloody rampage on Loki's grandchild who was standing right outside the door.

"How did you find out where I live?" I narrowed my eyes at him. Puppy Alex was barking bloody murder, and I was getting worried that the old German lady who live right across the hall will file me a noise complaint. She already threatened to file me one when I wouldn't stop blasting Queen every once in a while. I pulled him inside my flat and closed the door behind him.

"This was the only apartment complex in the area near that diner and the convenience store," Alex shrugged. "I could be a Sherlock, don't you think?" He looked around and nodded in appreciation. "This is some place you got here. You live quite the fancy life, eh?"

I narrowed my eyes at him, still attempting to calm down the puppy in my arms. Then I suddenly had a thought of what might happen if I actually let him down and release his rage on Alex. I sniggered and patted him head.

Alex caught sight of the puppy and smiled, "Cute." Then he reached out his hand to pet him, but the canine growled and looked at him nastily.

I laughed and rubbed his ears as a reward. "Good boy, Alex," I said. "Let's not be nice to the intruder."

"Woah. Hold on. You named that dog after me?" Alex smirked. "Someone's a bit too infatuated."

"One more comment, and I'll have him sic you," I threatened. My eyes wandered to my wrist watch. "Damn it. I'll be late for school now. Thanks a lot, Alex."

"Which Alex? The cute puppy? Or the cute human?" Alex smiled cheekily.

Cringe. I smiled dryly at Alex before gently lowered my beloved pet down. Idiot Alex paled while Puppy Alex charged at him, prepared to unleash Hell.

~~~

End of story. Idiot Alex lived to see another day as he sat on the top of a stool and hugged his legs, but that didn't save the end of the left leg of his jeans. Two puncture holes aren't that bad though.

I was so proud of my baby.

But I was still late for school.

Worth it.