The Game ✔

Chapter seven

My Sunday went on slowly at work, Ayden was not scheduled so the day seemed to last forever, then I had to catch up with my homework. Monday came around way too quickly.

I lazily crawl out of my bed and take a quick shower before walking out of my bedroom. I stop a little looking toward the end of the hallway where my father's bedroom is. It's dead silent and a strange feeling stirs in me like I forgot something.

''Are you alright?'' My mom asks from the stairs and I jump slightly.

''Yes I-I just... Everything's fine.'' I start walking down.

''I'll be late tonight so if he needs anything-''

''Yes sure, whatever.'' I don't listen anymore and make my way directly outside the house to get to Ayden's house. The only moments that were considered normal with my mother were when someone else was with us otherwise, it's just weird between us since last year.

I open the door and see Ayden's parents around the table and Ayden himself at the stove.

''Hey Karen, Phil. What is our big boy doing at the stove?'' I ask and go sit with them when I've gotten out of my coat.

''Hey Alexa, you tell us. He said it was all for you.'' Karen tells me and I give her a side hug.

''I can't believe you don't remember, I wouldn't have done all this otherwise.'' Ayden seems almost regretful.

''Oh yeah! My pancakes and bacon!'' Joy fills me and I sit at my usual place.

''Oh please Ayden serve me like I'm a member of the royalty.'' Ayden mimics me in a girly voice. ''No problem Alexa, I'll do it because I'm an awesome human being.'' He drops a pancake on my plate.

''I wouldn't have said it any other way.'' I start eating before he can say something else.

''How are your grades, Alexa?'' Phil asks me from across the table.

''Really dad?'' Ayden demands perplexed but I don't whine.

''Just got an A+ on my math test.'' I brag knowing very well Ayden didn't do so well.

''Ah, if only you could teach Ayden,'' Karen says winking at me.

''Mom.'' Ayden whines, a hand on his heart, ''You don't mean that.''

''Oh yes love, I do. And if you don't get those grades up I'll have to cut your internet.'' I stifle a laugh.

''I can't believe you,'' Ayden tells me as he sits next to me. ''I make you pancakes and vegetarian bacon and you take sides with my parents against me.''

''You didn't pay me for the taxi.'' I laugh when he makes a face.

''You're not going to drop this, are you?'' 

''Oh no, it just started.''

I help him wash our dishes when we're done eating and then we go brush our teeth. Yes, I have a toothbrush in his bathroom.

We leave for school and have to spread apart to get to class.

''I'll see you at lunch,'' Ayden says and leaves me in the hallway. I make my way to my English class and find Cameron sitting next to my usual place. I look around but there are no other seats available. I give Jake a distressed and accusing look since he usually sits next to me but he only shrugs, mouthing 'sorry'.

That little brat, he'll hear from me at lunch.

''Hey princess.'' Cameron greets me with his smirk and it's like Saturday night never happened.

''Hey smarty pants, why are you sitting here?'' I flatten my palms on his desk and stare at him.

''This is my new place.'' He says.