Better ~Jean x Reader AU~

Chapter 22: Jagged Shreds

Well...I'm guessing today went well...right? I huffed as I made my way to the elevator. Kellen had walked me to my dormitory but had to leave before escorting me back to my room. I didn't mind though. I had to digest the day. I mean, I hadn't a chance to talk to YF/N one-on-one, but I was certain he had a few things to say. I was certain it was all positive, of course. But still. I just needed alone time.

I was about to press the button to summon the lift when I heard someone say, "Y/N."

I turned my head to face the door, my eyes landing on Alexandra. She was making her way through the dormitory's doors, a sly smile plastered across her lips. I swallowed nervously, completely confused as to why she would be there. I mean, it didn't make sense.

"Alexandra," I tried to smile back. "What a...surprise. What are you doing here?"

She reached me and shrugged, "I was looking for you when I ran into your boo. He told me you were here." She flipped her hair over her shoulder. "Mind if we chat?"

I examined her. Besides the mischievous grin lifting her lips, she appeared to be her usual self. She was still dressed in gorgeous clothes with her hair and makeup done beautifully. She didn't send off any red flags. Not that that really said much.

"I don't mind," I replied. "I was just heading to my room, but I guess we can ju-"

"That's perfectly fine," she interrupted, pressing the button. "We can chat in your room. It won't take long, I promise."

"O-okay," I stuttered. "Yeah. That's...fine."

The elevator arrived, and I followed Alexandra onto it. There was a silence that lingered between us...other than her humming. It wasn't a diabolical tune, but it did make me feel more than a little curious. I couldn't and didn't know how to read her, so there was no telling what she wanted to discuss. It was all awkward as hell needless to say.

The elevator doors opened, and Alexandra motioned for me to lead, at which I did. It was almost nerve-wracking to have her following me. It was almost as if I could feel her stare burn into the back of my skull. But I just pushed on and went to my door, unlocking it. She followed me in and closed my door behind herself. At that moment, her face transformed from almost friendly to one of complete disgust.

"What the hell? I thought we had a deal," she snapped.

I flinched back, stuttering, "W-what deal?"

She crossed her arms over her chest and snorted, "Tch. Don't play stupid. You know exactly what I'm talking about." Her eyes briefly left me before returning and pointing to my side. "I bought you that ugly ass dress in exchange for you staying the hell away from Jean."

My eyes widened. I thought I had misheard or misunderstood her. After all, I had been obliging. I had been avoiding Jean like the plague...or, at least I thought I had been.

"What...what are you talking about?" I swallowed.

"OMG," she groaned in annoyance, rolling her eyes. "Stop playing coy. Michelle saw you and Jean talking last night." A tint of darkness doused itself across her countenance as she added, "Did you forget our little deal or do I need to cause some damage to that pretty little dress of yours?"

My eyes widened once more at that. "You wouldn't."

"Try me," she growled.

She was suddenly so close to me, her gaze glaring into mine. She did not appear pleased in any way possible, alerting me. Though I hadn't intentionally planned on running into Jean, I knew I could do nothing. In Alexandra's eyes, I was already guilty and there was no convincing her otherwise.

"Still wanna test me?" she spat. "That dress isn't shit to me. I'll rip it to shreds and not bat a lash." Her lips curled up into a sly smirk. "Besides, the money spent on that was child's play. Do you really think that'd stop me?"

I lowered my gape to the floor and swallowed, "N-no. I-I don't...I don't think I will. I...I'll comply with no further complications." I squeezed my hands into fists. "I'm so sorry for all of this, Alexandra."

I was waiting for her to snap at me, but she just chirped, "Awe. Tis all forgiven, Y/N. I'm so glad we could have this chat." She gently patted my shoulder. "Thanks for this. Well, have a good rest of your day."

"You too," I whispered.

I listened as she giggled lightly as she made her leave, closing the door shut behind herself. I was left in my room, my eyes glued on the floor as if it was the most fascinating thing on earth for what felt like forever when I finally glimpsed at my alarm clock. Jean and I had never discussed a meeting time, but I wasn't about to risk running into him again. So, regardless of how early it was, I just climbed into bed and hid away for the remainder of the day.

And when Jean knocked on my door that evening asking if we could talk...

...I ignored him.

**Bello my lovelies. I know this chapter was not overly exciting, but there was another interaction with Alexandra. How do y'all feel about that? Feelings about Alexandra in general? Feel free to let me know! Thank you so freakin' much for everything! Y'all are awesome sauce! Wuv yous!! <3**

-Noel Ross

P.S. I'm still accepting questions for the fun facts section at the end of this book. :)