Together just you & me.

Chapter 8 - Unfortunate.

As I'm walking down the tight, dark alleyway, sheltered by the rain from thick tree branches hovering above me, I move my face to the side and inhale Jason's coat, it smells just like him. Sweet, fresh and just, perfect.

The thing with me is, I don't normally think about my future and what it holds, but I can't help but wonder if me and Jason will remain friends... or more than friends.

What do I know?

I mean, I know him and Jessy aren't too keen on each other, but that shouldn't be a problem, right?

The real problem is if Alexa does get in the way. Our way. What if she makes Jason change his mind about me? God knows what evil plans she has crammed in her tiny, sinful brain.

I try not to think about it.

I keep walking down the alleyway, determined to get home before a storm decides to rupture. I hadn't noticed it was so dark out; the skies are covered in dark clouds, gloomily hovering above my head.

It was like I'd jinxed it. Not even 5 seconds later, I hear her voice. "Well look who it is, girls," she says in her annoying, high-pitched voice. "it's the freak."

I turn around to meet the green eyes of my now and forever enemy, Alexa Wright. Behind her are the rest of her pathetic clique, Christina, Jenna, Claire, Francesca and Naomi, all still in their cheer leading outfits, but have put on leather and jean jackets on top.

The clique of cheerleaders laugh simultaneously, smirking at me.

"What do you want, Alexa?" I say, my eyes boring into hers.

"What do I want? I want you to just... vanish," she says, clicking her fingers as though she actually had the power to do so.

I sigh and cross my arms.

"But unfortunately I don't have that sort of power." she says, examining her perfectly manicured nails. "But what I do have is... money."

She says, eying me up and down.

"That's right..." Alexa says, walking around me. "that's something your family hasn't much luck with, isn't it?"

I clench my teeth. The other girls have leaned up against the alleyway, watching me suspiciously.

"Your family hasn't had much luck at all, has it?" she says, pouting her painted lips and cocking her head to the side.

I feel my breathing get faster by the minute.

"Oh Elizabeth, don't worry... your secret's safe with us." she says, putting her hand on my shoulder. "Isn't it, girls?" she says, looking back at the girls, smiling.

The clique nod enthusiastically. 

"What do you want?" I ask again, my voice weaker this time.

Alexa steps back a bit, observing me. Then she laughs, as though my question was ridiculous. It wasn't. What does she want from me?

"Isn't it obvious?" she says, popping her hip her hand is on.

I frown and shake my head.

"That new guy... what's his name? Jack? Jake? Jacob?" he looks away, thinking hard. "Jason." she says, clicking her fingers. "That's the one…" she says, nodding to herself.

I dig my nails into my palms.

Stay calm.

"I want him." she says, looking me dead in the eye, smiling. It wasn't a question. It was a fact. When Alexa has her eye on something, there's no backing out. If anyone gets in her way, they’re responsible for their own mental or physical injuries they're about to get.

I don't know what to do or say, so I just stand there, locked eyes with her.

"Look, when I see something I like, I obviously want it. And guess what, Elizabeth?" I know I said I hated it when Mrs. Grimm says my name, but she makes me detest it.

She steps closer to me. "I get it."

"Why are you doing this?" I almost whisper.

"Oh I'm sorry," she says, faking sympathy. "I thought..." she trails off, looking away, pretending to think. She looks back at me, smiling this time. "Do you like him?"

I feel my body cower under her stare; I step back a little and she steps forward. It's like she's capable of controlling me; like I'm her puppet. But then again, everyone is her puppet.

Alexa gasps and looks behind her at her clique, they all raise their eyebrows and laugh.

"Oh honey, I’m sorry but… do you really think he'd be interested in someone like you?"

The insult stings, but it fades away seconds later when, out of nowhere, I suddenly have a confidence boost.

"I'm sorry, I don’t want to offend you or anything, but... I don't think you're his type." I say, crossing my arms over my chest, looking her in the eye.

Alexa scoffs and examines her nails again. "Please, I'm everyone's type."

I shrug and look away.

"Why would you even say that?" she asks curiously.

"Oh... well," I smile. "Because he's gay."

I know it's bad. It's really bad... but how else am I going to defend myself?

Alexa stares at me. If looks could kill, well, I'd be dead.

It's silent for a few moments, then Alexa bursts out laughing, and her 'puppets' behind soon copy her reaction.

Alexa smiles at me, steps even closer to me and strokes my cold cheek. Her hand is warm and soft, but definitely not comforting.

"Oh sweetie," she says, laughing. "I do feel sorry for you. Telling me he's gay's not gonna stop me from getting him."

 She takes her hand away from my face, then swings it back at the same spot, slapping me hard.

"Ouch!" 

My cheek stings. A lot.

The girls behind us gasp, they all look a bit shocked and taken back.

I step towards her, but she pushes me back, so hard I fall backwards on the floor.

I wince as she steps up to me and bends down over me.

"If you get in my way or tell anyone about this... the whole school will know what a poor little unfortunate bitch you really are. Understand?"

I have no choice but to nod.

"Good." she says, smiling. "That's all."

And with that, Alexa gets up and walks off. I stay on the floor, watching as she disappears around the corner, her clique suit behind.