Future Favorite Regret (Jalex)

10: Bite that Know-It-All Tongue

Title: Keep The Change, You Filthy Animal by All Time Low

"Hey, Alex," Tay says and hooks her arm over my neck. "How was your weekend?" Rian jogs over and smiles. 

"It was pretty great," I say softly. "Uh, how about you two?"

"I got to talk to Jenna on the phone," Tay says giddily. "It was great. She says she'll be out in a few weeks."

"That's cool," Rian says. "Mine was boring. I was doing Mrs. Wick's stupid packet. And then I called my cousin. She says all is well in Nashville."

We stop at the front of the school, where I see Jack leaning against a tree. Alone. 

"That's a new sight," Rian mutters bitterly. "Looks like people finally figured out how much of an asshole Jack is and finally-"

"Jack!" I wave my hand. He looks up and smiles. Then, his expression falters. I turn and see Rian glaring at him. 

"Alex, what are you doing?" Rian whispers harshly. "Don't you remember what-"

Jack walks over and I greet him. 

Rian rolls his eyes while Tay just looks confused. 

"Hey, get away from him," a voice says. I look and see Vic shoving Jack away. Lisa crossing her arms. Kellin and Justin just watch. "Alex said you hurt him," Vic grumbles. 

Jack's eyes widen. "Wait I-"

"Everyone pause for a second!" I shout. The group stops and turns to me. "Okay, this sounds super shitty, but don't hate Jack. I can't really tell you why I have this sudden change, but I am. He's never hurt any of us."

"He hurt you though," Rian says. 

"It's a misunderstanding," I answer, hoping he'd drop it. 

Instead, Rian just steps towards Jack. "Listen here you son of a bitch. I've held Alex as he cried because your dumbass decided to leave him and act like he never mattered. I'm not going to let you do it again."

Jack nods. "I get that. I just-"

"You better leave Alex alone, you two-faced snake. He might think you've changed, but you don't have me fooled for a second."

"Rian, back off," I groan. "Everyone just shut up for a second." Jack immediately looks at me. "I know it doesn't seem like it. And I know he's on the bad side of things. But Jack is different. I can't tell you how I know, you're just going to have to trust me."

Rian scoffs and walks away from the group. 

"Look, Alex... I do trust you. And I want to believe that he's different. But he hurt you," Lisa says softly. "For that, I'll never trust him. But, I'll accept the fact that he's here."

"I think I should just leave you guys... This was a bad idea," Jack mumbles. 

"Jack, wait-"

He sighs. "I'm sorry about this," he whispers. "I'll see you later."

"Am I the only one super confused right now?" Kellin asks. "I thought Jack was one of Trace's friends."

"He was my best friend at one point," I say softly. "Shit happened, but it's alright now. The point is, why can you guys just-"

"He hurt you. He hurt you badly. He left you and you were alone. Remember that, Alex," Lisa interrupts me. 

I roll my eyes. "Lis, it isn't what you think. He-"