The One

Chapter 32: I'm fine.

Alyssa's POV:

I was surprisingly happy to be back at school, which I guess I wasn't expecting, considering the fact that last time I was here, I got suspended.

But that's all in the past.

Thankfully the issue had already died down and had been replaced with the buzz from Faye's party, so no one really even paid attention to my return. That, or they probably never even noticed.

All good either way.

I met Shannon and Mikaela in class, and the rest of the day basically went along as it normally did. When it was time for lunch in the cafeteria, we all went together.

What I did not expect though, was Cameron and Darren coming to join us while Shannon and I were having an argument over fries. I didn't notice their presence immediately until he whispered into my ear.

"Looks like you're having fun,"

The shock from not hearing his voice this up close in a while lingered, as I slowly turned to take in his appearance. He was wearing his usual jeans and hoodie, with a jacket, and his hair looked a little longer maybe?

I wasn't sure, but I liked it. One minute I was sitting down, the next I found myself throwing my hands around his fit waist. He chuckled, the sound reverberating against my face on his chest, and returned my hug. I guess I didn't realize how much I had actually missed him until I could see him physically.

When I let him go, I looked up at his now smiling face. "I take it you missed me?" he asked.

"Maybe," I replied smiling and sat down, before remembering that Shannon, Mikaela and Darren were probably watching. Mikaela wasn't hiding her amused smile, while Shannon looked like the last place she wanted to be right now, was sitting beside Darren who didn't seem to mind.

Cameron, already seated by my side, greeted my friends before turning his attention to me.

"So how was your vacation?"

"Bittersweet. I met a really nice guy named Devon and his brother Jaeden who I mentioned earlier, ate some good food, and got into a huge, messy fight with my mom to top it off. It was peachy". I finished.

"I see how that's bittersweet. Is everything okay with your mom now?" he asked.

"Yeah, we're working on it". He nodded and we looked up to see Shannon and Darren sitting awkwardly next to each other.

I stared in confusion. "Everything okay?"

"Yeah," said Shannon, forcing a smile while Darren looked at her briefly before nodding also.

"Okay?" said Cameron, also confused. I shrug at Mikaela and continue eating the fries which Shannon is no longer fighting for.

"So, um, I wanted to know if you would like to escort me to the mall after school?"

"Like on a date, or are we going underwear shopping for you?" I teased.

He chuckled. "As fun as that sounds, I think a date is safer".

I was about replying positive when I remembered that I was going to see Rowan with Mikaela after school. "Cameron I'd like to, but I made plans to see Rowan after school today",

"Oh," he pouted. "Rain check?"

"Go with him Alyssa," Mikaela interrupted and Shannon nodded in approval.

"Yeah I'll go with Mik to Rowan's," she said giving me a subtle signal to say yes.

"Are you sure?" I asked them and they both rolled their eyes at my pestering attitude.