Double Crossed

Chapter 9~Aria

I know I shouldn't feel this upset. After all it's probably for the best. There was a lot I didn't know about Drake and most of the time I couldn't stand him. My mind was screaming that Drake was dangerous, a bad idea. Yet there was something always drawing me to him. Maybe I liked that things were interesting with him or the fact that he seemed to understand how lost I actually felt even if I did my best to hide it.

Because that's exactly what I was. Lost. Before Colorado Mom and I moved two other times until we managed to stay settled for a couple years. There wasn't anything for me in Colorado for a while though, but I stayed since I didn't know what to do. I never had any really close friends or anything that interested me. Now here I am trying San Francisco. I think it's working better, but I still don't feel like this is where I truly belong.

Drake never did anything to show he understood me. I just had this feeling he did. So no matter how many times I tell myself this is better, I know they're just empty words. If it was for the better then I wouldn't feel this upset about it.

I finally arrive at school and my car is one of the few still in the parking lot. I don't drive away just yet though. I just sit in the warm interior with my head leaned against the leather seat. What's happening to me? I'm usually a good judge of character and I count myself pretty smart. But that guy has a way of twisting everything in my mind. For god's sake no normal person gets hunted by hitmen. Drake could be in a gang or part of a drug ring for all I know. All of this is going through my mind but all I can think about is his playful smirk. Finally I pull out of the parking lot and drive home with only thoughts of Drake running through my mind.

I try to forget about Drake but it's kind of impossible when I see him everyday at school and I can feel the heat of his stare on my back. I do what he asked and I never try to talk to him, but that doesn't mean I can't look at him. When I think that Drake isn't looking, I steal glances at him. Every time I do he looks as handsome as ever but his mouth is turned down permanently in a scowl.

"Are you and Drake fighting again?" Elena asks one day at lunch.

I shake my head. "No, what makes you think that?"

"I've sensed tension between the two of you this entire week," Elena says. I should've known she'd notice. Staring at me and Drake is her favorite pastime during bio. "It's almost like you guys are back to the way you were before."

"Plus you've been a little out of it," Wendy adds.

"Yeah even I noticed and that's saying something," Jack seconds.

I huff in annoyance. Am I really that easy to read? I decide to stick to my original claim. "Nothing is going on between us. I guess I'm just stressed from school."

Elena gives me a look. I swear that girl can see right through me. Thankfully she doesn't press the issue any further seeing how I don't want to talk about it.

"In that case I think a trip to the mall is in order for the weekend," Elena announces happily.

"We can't," Jack says, pointing to himself and Wendy. "My grandparents are coming over this weekend and they want to spend time with me and Wendy since they found out she's my girlfriend."

Elena rolls her eyes as she pretends to be mad. "Seriously?"

Jack smiles teasingly at her. "You're welcome to join us."

Elena scoffs. "No offense but your family is sort of insane."

"Tell me about it! I'd rather go shopping with you guys," Wendy says sadly.

"You don't like my crazy family?" Jack asks looking crestfallen. Wendy gives me and Elena a quick a wink that Jack somehow misses. Someday his obliviousness is going to get him killed.