Out in the Garden

Awkward

At the end of the day, Caroline walked out of her final class and saw Alex leaning against the lockers adjacent from the door. She took a few steps forward so she wouldn't block the door and cocked her head to the side, pulling her backpack higher up on her back. 

"Hey!" Alex called over the throng of people. "Thought you might want a ride." 

Caroline shrugged and stepped closer to him. "Sure," she said, moving in with the crowd that was flowing towards the exit of the high school. 

Alex didn't say anything as they started to walk. He shoved his hands into his pockets and looked at the ground. Other students were bustling around them, talking louder than Caroline liked. Before she had met - or, remet rather - Alex, at this point in the day she'd  normally have her headphones in until she found Rem, or until she got home if they didn't walk together that day. 

And speaking of Rem, she definitely had a lot to tell him about. 

It took Caroline a few minutes and lots of classrooms and rows of lockers to realize it, but other people were looking at them walking together. She sighed; she knew the news of their so-called "scandal" was spreading around. She tilted her head to look at Alex, but he either didn't seem to care, or didn't show any signs of caring on his face, even though these were all mostly people that he was friends with. He had his usual smirk and airy nature about him, half-sauntering through the hallways. 

"Anyone heckle you today?" Caroline finally asked, hoping to break what felt like an awkward silence. 

"Not really. Just the guys. You?" He replied casually as they approached the main lobby. 

"No. Just stares and people whispering. Maybe I'm paranoid though. Rissa did pass me a note in class saying that she knew what happened and if Rem has any friends that aren't me he must know by now too. I'm gonna have to call him later tonight," she said, trailing off. 

"Don't sweat it," Alex replied. "Don't worry about it. It's just high school, and if anything we can always say the kids that saw anything made it up. Which I'm sure they did." 

Caroline groaned, throwing her head back in frustration. "You're right, they're probably exaggerating so many fake details..." her mind played different scenarios, different rumors that kids were making up about her an Alex in the closet. 

As if on cue, someone behind them shouted "Hey lovebirds!" 

Caroline groaned again; Alex just looked behind him and rolled his eyes. 

It was Jack; he came up behind the two, throwing his arms around both of their shoulders. "So Caroline," he said jovely. "Was he a good kisser? Was there any tongue? Al, you didn't tell me you got her shirt off too! I can't believe you two wild kids! I'm so proud! A proud Papa!" 

Caroline shrugged out of Jack's grasp, walking faster a few paces to get ahead of the two of them. "That didn't happen!" She snapped over her shoulder, drawing the attention of other students in the hallway. 

She heard Alex say something under his breath to Jack, undoubtedly setting the record straight, but Caroline wasn't exactly sure how. Either way, she and Alex needed to get their stories straight. 

Once outside the building, Caroline waited for Alex to catch up so that he could show her exactly where the Jeep was parked. He was still speaking to Jack, though it seemed as though the subject had quickly changed. Jack was still grinning from ear to ear, but Alex was looking cool as a cucumber and sounding deep in conversation. As they got closer, Caroline could make out what they were saying. 

"I'll see you tomorrow though buddy, I have to get straight home so only Carrie is getting ride privileges today." 

Jack scoffed but gave Caroline a warm smile. "Alright man, I'll see you tomorrow!"