alters

02

WHEN I step out into the shimmering drizzle of rain, I realize that Jack hasnʼt called. With a bit of concern I fish for my phone in my book bag, while taking shelter under the schoolʼs large awning. I dial his number and press my cell against my ear.

The long, dreary rings fill my head until finally he answers. ʻʻLucky?ʼʼ

ʻʻJack, you didnʼt callーʼʼ

ʻʻWhere the hell are you? Iʼve had the boys waiting for minutes!ʼʼ He shouts into the receiver, an abrupt buzzing sensation making camp in my ear canal.

ʻʻSorry, Jack, itʼs just thatーʼʼ

ʻʻSave it. Just get your butt over to the casino ASAP.ʼʼ And with that triumphant demand he hangs up.

I want to fume at his intolerable behavior, but even I am capable of perceiving that the warmth I once was so accustomed to when thinking of my brother had vanished long ago. When he started doing bad things.

I mumble a frustrated curse and delve into my bag for another cigarette.

I yank my hood agitated over my head and hope the wetness falling from the sky wonʼt hurt my smoke. I truly have the intention of stomping the entire way to the casino, but my feet are tired and people are starting to stare.

When the neon lights finally jump into my vision, the rain has almost completely stopped. I remove my too-big sweater and reveal my simple black dress. With the mask of the top it appeared only to be a casual skirt during school hours. But there is no way in Heaven and hell that I can get in the casino with a casual skirt.

I hide my bag and sweater in the usual spot in the alleyway across the street, and then trek over the crosswalk. The casino is small; one could easily mistake it for one of the brick apartment buildings itʼs tucked between if it werenʼt for the enormous sign above the entry way.

A long line stretches in front of the building, a sturdy bouncer standing at the entering doors. I puff out smoke as I waltz passed him, holding out the usual hundred it takes to get it. He accepts the money without a word and allows me to pass in without hesitation. My anger mixed with the dress rewards me with that adult like sophistication, so most costumers on the inside donʼt question my presence.

I find Jack and his habitual gamble buddies in their spot. When he spots me he practically leaps from the table. ʻʻThere you are, Lucky! You look beautiful darling.ʼʼ he embraces me and kisses my cheek.

ʻʻSorry Iʼm late.ʼʼ I murmur and take my usual seat in the chair beside him. He chuckles and shakes his head.

ʻʻItʼs perfectly fine, baby.ʼʼ he assures me. To avoid complete humiliation from his gamble squad he has to masquerade me as his older, elite girlfriend. If they knew I was his younger sister I canʼt even contemplate how the drunken idiots would respond.

He returns to his game, a simple game of poker I think. He likes to keep it unoriginal. As he scans over his cards he keeps repeatedly whispering, ʻʻCome on, Lucky Coin, come on...ʼʼ

He calls me his Lucky Coin. Lucky for short. Never Alice.

As they go about the gamble I initiate a casual conversation. ʻʻI met someone today.ʼʼ

ʻʻOh yeah?ʼʼ He pretends to be interested. I enjoy making small talk with him at the casino because when in the presence of his gambling buddies heʼs forced to at least try.

ʻʻA man.ʼʼ

ʻʻYou know the rules, Lucky.ʼʼ He mumbles and looks at me.

He doesnʼt let me date, and not for the purpose of playing the overprotective brother role. See, heʼs very superstitious, and he fears that Iʼll lose my luck if I fall in love. Thatʼs why he canʼt gamble if Iʼm not beside him in my designated seat.

ʻʻI know,ʼʼ I whisper back and he returns back to his game.

ʻʻHah! I think Iʼve got him! I got him!ʼʼ Jackʼs opponent shrieks excitedly, lifting his hands above his head.

I smirk to myself. The man is wrong.

Jack never loses.

✄ ✄ ✄

We took home almost a grand that day, which Jack promised he would spend all on me. Which he did at the mall last night. Another thing Jack never does is lie.

I wear one of my new outfits to school the next day and receive absolutely no commentary for the shift in attire from my fellow students. I donʼt mind though, Iʼm not a fan of talking to people I hate. Which is everyone.

Currently Iʼm stationed at a lonely lunch table surrounded by people I call friends. Heather is still clad in that ridiculous cheerleading outfit of herʼs from her morning practice. Sheʼs the pretty blonde one in our group. Alex has her nose shoved in some Jane Austen novel, completely ignoring us. She wears nonprescription glasses and has really short hair.

I sigh and pull my knees to my chest, dropping my chin against them. Heather instantly scolds me. ʻʻAlice, you canʼt sit like that. Youʼre wearing a skirt!ʼʼ

ʻʻAs if anyone would look at me,ʼʼ I mumble.

ʻʻStop being emo for two seconds and act like a lady.ʼʼ

ʻʻYes, mom.ʼʼ I donʼt drop my knees.

Heather huffs out a curse which forces Alex to laugh a little. ʻʻYou really are such a mom, Heather Hot-Head.ʼʼ

ʻʻDonʼt call me that.ʼʼ She snaps which makes us both laugh.

ʻʻHey, get a load of the new guy.ʼʼ Alex murmurs to me when Heather starts grumbling to herself how much she needs new friends.

I slowly turn my head, eyes grasping at every student crowding the nutrition center. Then my eyes find him.

✄ ✄ ✄

DunDunDunnnn chapter 2.

Sorry if this story is boring.

I still love you anyways.

Please vote and comment it is very encouraging:3

I'm putting a picture on the side of the outfit Alice is wearing at the end of the chapter c;