Reversing Roles

Chapter 17

Monday rolled around quickly, much to practically every student's dismay. Grayson stood, in a sort of, cocky manner, at his locker, chewing gum, with earphones jammed into his ears. He lightly bobbed his head. His usual, pop beats were replaced by some louder, more irritable tunes. His jeans sat lower than they usually did, and his hair seemed.... spikier.

It was still early in the day; fresh-eyed students, who still smelt of their shampoo and conditioner from their morning showers, trotted throughout the rabbit warren of corridors and hallways, clutching their heavy textbooks. The early-morning dew still lingered on the clipped grass outside the school, the sun's gentle rays reflecting off its delicate droplets, giving the illusion of shattered glass, scattered over the ground.

Up ahead, Grayson spotted Alyssa trudging along the hallway, simplicity and blissfulness splashed calmingly across her features. Their eyes locked, and a bright smile of his own appeared. She tilted her head, her cheeks glowing. He swiftly yanked his earbuds from his ears, letting them dangle from his phone, as she bolted toward him, flinging her arms around him, happily. He hugged her with the same, warm energy. Grayson planted his lips on hers, and fluttered his eyes closed. Her breath smelt minty, as did his, and applied to her lips was some form of fruity, delectable lip-gloss. When they broke apart, both Alyssa and Grayson held an identical sparkle in their eyes.

"We didn't hang out all weekend," Alyssa pouted, snaking her arm around his waist and looking into his chocolatey eyes, softly. He felt a tinge of guilt stab him in the chest. Yeah, he had to admit, he didn't text her as much as he would've liked, or as much as he usually did, but he spent the weekend hanging out and getting to know Jade Rivers. It was all for Alyssa, anyway, so he had nothing to feel guilty about. Right?

"Yeah, I know," he said, his head bowing.

"What are you doing this afternoon? We could get some ice cream, if you want," she suggested, brightening. He smiled, too, realising he wasn't booked.

"Yes, definitely. That sounds really nice-" Suddenly, it hit him like a slap in the face. He was, in fact, busy this afternoon after school. He and Jade had made plans to go downtown and buy him a new leather jacket. Jade had insisted. Plus, she also mentioned something about how she wanted to pick up a new packet of cigarettes, with her fake ID, which she was currently making Grayson his own. "-Actually, I can't today. I'm meeting up with a friend after school...." Alyssa's smile dropped drastically, and her hands began picking at an imaginary piece of thread on her shirt, anxiously. "I'm sorry, Alyssa." She shook her head, and stared at her feet.

"You know what? Don't worry about it," she answered, shakily. "I, uh, I forgot that Joey and I are actually going to the library today, so-"

"You and Joey?"

"Y-yeah. He lent me his copy of Lord of the Rings the other day, so I've decided to read it. Plus, we're studying together."

"Oh, you guys are studying together?"

"Um, yeah. We were going to invite you, but I guess you're busy," she mumbled, slightly shrugging, and never meeting his eye. He stared down at her in disbelief and doubt. Anxiousness was gnawing itself through his stomach. He chewed his lip. His head felt numb. Suddenly, the ghostly school bell pierced the air. Everyone silently groaned, lowering their heads and reluctantly and hesitantly dragging themselves off to roll call. A nervous breath of air escaped Alyssa's pink lips, and Grayson's eyebrow twitched.

"I'll see you later," she murmured, slowly lifting her eyes to meet his, and pecking his cheek. He smiled a small smile, grasping her hand before she turned away, and tracing his thumb over her smooth skin. She glimpsed at their entwined hands, not able to hold back a grin.