Him?

Chapter 15

Alexis's pov

After my episode of the panic attack Tuesday night, Destiny never left my side. He just followed me around everywhere I go, at school and at home. It was sometimes really annoying, but I totally understand. I got tired of him most of the times so at some points I just let him tail me all the way to the girls' room just to get some time alone.

On the following Friday, I was busy scrolling through my phone when Chris came in the restroom. She just stood there with her hands on her hips, pouting down at me.

"What?" I asked in a tone that sounded as if I was being blamed for something unknown.

"How long have you been in here?" Chris replied, gesturing with her hands to the walls and empty bathroom stalls.

"Umm... Not long. Why?"

"Destiny almost ripped my head off, telling me that it's almost time for his class and he wants to see if you're okay before he leaves." She glared at me.

I just stared up at her blankly, trying to remember just what time I ditched my bestie friend. Christina had that pissed off look on her face for a while until it suddenly changed to a very wide grin.

"Holy shit, I like can't handle all this cuteness," she finally screamed, "go out there and talk to him before he explodes into roses, hearts, chocolate, and all that shit." She grabbed me by the hands and pushed me towards the exit.

I just shook my head in confusion, wondering what the hell was she talking about. I pushed the door open only to find DJ pacing back and forth in front of the girl's bathroom. I stayed silent until he finally saw me and paused suddenly, shooting me a glare. I got the feeling I usually get when I was caught doing something I shouldn't as a child. Smiling sheepishly at my bestie, I took my time to approach him.

"You did that on purpose, didn't you?" It didn't sound like a question.

I just sighed, tired of arguing with him. I stretched out my arms for a hug and he reluctantly embraced me, letting out a sigh of his own.

"I'm sorry, okay." I said as we pulled away, "now get to class, I'm going to do some assignments so I'll be free for movies tonight."

That made him smile and ruffled my hair before he walked away, chuckling softly when I let out an irritated "aarrgghh!"

Chris came out of the bathroom just as I was about to head to the empty classroom. She linked her arms with mine as she started to talk about whatever was on her mind for the day.

"Ugh! My roommate is like so disgusting! Like, I just can't stand her anymore." She complained and I rolled my eyes because I just couldn't relate. How do these kids stay sane, living on campus?

"She doesn't know a single thing about fashion whatsoever! I mean, like who wears an orange top with pink and white pants? Like eeeww!" Christina went on, not at all bothered that I was barely listening. My mind was far away again.

It felt like I was floating somewhere in mental space and it was when I was near the entrance to the classroom I landed back on Earth. I wasn't sure how much of Christina's complaint I heard.

"... And you know what's even grosser? She like pores her cereal before she adds the milk! And she walks around the room while brushing her teeth. Like can't she just stay in the damn bathroom!"

Her phone went off and finally, put a stop to all her ranting. Chris checked the screen and stopped suddenly, her eyes widening a bit.

"Lexi, there's something I gotta tell you." She said, her voice was laced with nervousness which got me instantly on edge.

"What?" I asked, not sure if I wanted to know.

"There is this guy who've been texting me ever since I posted the first pic of you and me..." She looked at me and then trailed off, probably not liking whatever look of dread I had on my face.

The level of paranoia I had earlier spiked as I pushed Christina into the empty classroom and made sure the door was shut behind me. I mentally repeated to myself 'stay calm' in order to prevent another panic attack, which was totally uncalled for.

"What's his name?" My voice sounded tranquil but I was far from that.

"Before I say it, you should know that I had no idea he was some crazy stalker until you dragged me out of Sammy's and then I like totally forgot to tell you until now..." Chris's rambling was starting to wear on my patience, so I had to take deep breaths and count to ten before I did something irrational.

"Christina sweetie," I said, my voice trembling with the pressure of keeping my temper in check. I was finding it hard to figure out what I was feeling at the moment. Was I on the verge of pulling my hair out in fear or was I about to rip the stupidity out of my good friend's head.

"Please tell me you're not texting Star Boy," I said.

"Umm..."

She started and then I suddenly screamed. "F'CK!"

Chris jumped at my outburst, her gorgeous eyes widening just like it did that first time we met. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean..."

"Shit, I know." I almost screamed, "you're just this really nice friend who got caught up in something you have no idea about."

I started pacing the room, my brain thinking up all sorts of things all at the same time. Christina just stayed quiet, watching me with caution like I was a ticking time bomb, ready to detonate at any second.

After a while, I came up with an idea that was probably not my best and was definitely not a good one. "You're staying with DJ and me for a while," I said.

"What?" Chris replied, taken aback by my statement.

I rolled my eyes at her. "Want me to repeat?"

"Do you think that's really necessary? I mean, aren't you kind of overreacting a bit?"

"No. Besides, you need a break from your roommate anyway." I said. I needed to keep her around where I could see her. I have no idea what that maniac of an ex will do to her.

"But Destiny hates me." Chris protested.

I laughed a little. "No he doesn't," I was a bit unsure but I said it anyway, "he's just jealous that he's no longer my only friend."

"I hardly think he sees you as just a friend."

"Don't try to change the subject, Chris."

She sighed. "Okay, fine. I do need to get away from Bianca for a while. But I just want to know why this guy has you looking over your shoulders every second of the day. I mean, what did he do to you? Did he hurt you?"

I blinked back a few teardrops and laughed humorlessly. "No, not physically anyway. He wouldn't hurt a hair on my head. He'd do it to himself and others instead."

Christina looked confused at my answer and let out another stressful sigh. I tried to help her understand by giving away the least bit of information as I could. "Let's just say when his foster mom got burnt alive in her bed the night he disappeared, wasn't an accident."