Thieving Florida

chapter 8

Let me tell you. Xander and Eden's, well mainly Eden's reactions when I came to the roof breathless and covered in sweat?

Absolutely.

Priceless.

Xander didn't have much to say. He simply lay down on the sleeping bag he had set up. But Eden just had to give her two cents in the situation after I explained myself.

"It's like the first night. The police probably followed her and they're probably about to catch us! Damn it Alec, get her OUT of here!" she yelled while glaring at Xander. He shrugged.

"They didn't follow me. There were only two or so that I could see and no one was behind me when I ran so..." I defended.

"You don't know that. It could have been a trap. Alec, your girlfriend is an idiot."

Boy, if I was drinking water, I would have spit it out. "What did you say?" Xander and I said in unison. He stood up abruptly.

"Your. Girlfriend. Is. An. Idiot."

"I-I'm not his girlfriend," I said. Eden rolled her eyes.

"Oh please, you two making goo goo eyes at each other when you think the other isn't looking? I don't think you guys are even aware that you do it. But just so you know, you can't ogle each other when he's in prison for your stupid actions," she sneered.

I stood there, stupefied, with my mouth totally ajar. Xander on the other hand let out a harsh laugh.

"I told you before. There's nothing going on between us, little sister. Think it all you want, but she's just... someone who is idiotic enough to be around us," he said.

"Oh sure, whatever sweetens your tea. She means more to you than your willing to admit and you know it," Eden said.

I cleared my throat. "Um, guys? I'm right here..."

"Sorry, I don't like tea. I also don't like Jessica. You know she's just an... an aid," Xander said coldly.

It was very clear that the moment Xander finished his sentence, he regretted it immediately. The look on his face was filled with guilt, but every word still stung.

"Nice going," I heard Eden mumble. My lip was quivering and my eyes stung, threatening to spill tears.

"Jes, I didn't mean it like that. Please, don't get worked up about this," Xander pleaded. I bit my lip.

"No, it's fine. I want most people to like me but I have to learn that not everyone will. It's okay, I'll just go," I said.

"No, Jes. Don't go. I just meant that-"

"Let her go, Alec," Eden interrupted. "You can't just say that about someone and expect them to stay. Besides, doesn't she have parents? They should keep a better eye on her."

"At least let me walk you to a safe point. The streets are dangerous around here, you know that Jes," Xander insisted. I shrugged.

"If it makes you sleep better at night, sure," I said after a minute. Xander looked relieved and started climbing down the latter.

We got down to the streets and walked quietly side by side. It was very awkward and I wanted it to end. Sadly we were still ways from being in a safe enough area.

"So tell me again what happened?" Xander asked. I shrugged.

"I told you. We were in some abandoned building, like half of the ones around here, and we lost track of time. Somehow the cops knew we were there, and I ran," I said quietly. Xander rolled his eyes.