Level Playing Field

-six-

~David~

A cool breeze swept through the air as I began to walk home from school.

It was was a cool Friday afternoon and I had no plans in particular.

However, there was one person that I just couldn't seem to get out of my head.

Whether I'd like to admit it or not, Alex was having an effect on me.

I found myself getting nervous around him, which is really annoying because we're partners for Ms. Warner's stupid project.

Whatever I felt for him, I'm going to have to nip in the bud. I refuse to be hung up on some guy who barely gives two shits about me.

I felt a drop of water fall on my face and looked up at the darkening sky.

Great. It's raining. Just my luck.

After a few minutes, it was now pouring and I gave up trying to walk faster to avoid the rain.

Right as I was celebrating my good fortune, a car slowed down beside me.

On any other occasion, I would have been alarmed but I couldn't find it in me to care.

The window of the car rolled down and I saw the one and only, Alex.

"Hey do you want a ride? It's pouring out."

"Yeah actually, thanks," I replied apprehensively.

This is kind of weird. I feel like one moment he could care less about me, and the the next he's being nice and offering me a ride.

But I'm not picky, I'd rather ride home in a BMW than walk in pouring rain. So, I climbed in the car.

"Sorry, I'm kind of wet."

That sounded wrong. In the category of word choice, that comment was a solid D-.

I felt the heat rise to my face as I sat down awkwardly in the seat. It was almost like I could feel his watching eyes.

I looked up and he had his signature smirk on his face. He was just sitting there, enjoying my discomfort. Asshole.

I glared at him. "What?"

"Nothing," he turned back towards the steering wheel and began driving.

Now he seemed a little uncomfortable. Serves him right.

"Where's your house?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the road.

"I'll just direct you. It's easier, especially in the rain. It just came out of no where. The weather's been so weird lately. One second it's nice out and the next second it's pouring-" and there I was, rambling.

How do I always manage to embarrass myself, no matter the situation? I'm sure I'm bright red by now so there really is no coming back from this.

Again, he smirked. It's like it's a permanent fixture on his face. "You ramble a lot, don't you."

"Is it that obvious?" I replied, glancing down at my lap.

I know I shouldn't succumb to my nerves when I'm around him, but it's hard not to. His presence makes it hard to think straight.

"No, of course not," he said, sarcastically.

I rolled my eyes and looked out the window.

Once we arrived at my house, which look longer than expected because apparently my directing skills aren't as good as I thought they were, Alex parked outside and we sat for a little in awkward silence.

He looked like he was going to say something, but seemed hesitant.

"So," I said, hoping to break the awkwardness but only adding to it.

"Do you have any plans tonight?" he asked.

To be honest, I was quite taken aback by the question. I didn't know he had any interest in my personal life.

I waited a little too long before answering his question to ensure that I wouldn't embarrass myself. "No, not really. My Fridays don't usually consist of any extracurricular activities."

Yet another failed attempt at keeping whatever dignity I had left.

He laughed, but it seemed more genuine and less mean-spirited. "Ok, since your schedule's empty, are you going to Jack Donovan's party?"

A party? What does this guy take me for?

"I'm going to go out on a limb here and assume the name you just said is one of your friends, and parties aren't really my scene."

He smiled and I felt a familiar feeling that usually came along with other signs of an infatuation.

"You should go. I'll be there," he said, looking up from his lap.

"Is that supposed to entice me?"

"Ouch," he replied, putting a hand to his chest and feigning offense. "At least try and come?"

"Maybe," I said as I opened the car door and stepped out.

"Is that a yes?" he yelled as I walked away.

I deliberately ignored him but truthfully, I was contemplating whether I should go to the party or not.

It's way out of my comfort zone, but what's the harm in having some fun?
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Hey! Thanks so much for reading! Sorry this update took so long, I've had so much work. Hope you enjoyed the chapter! :)