The Outlaws

twenty six.

Picture: Random Guy as Christian Dacquel

Sorry this chapter took longer for me to update. There were some complications. :(

ALEXIS

"Hello?" I answer on my phone, putting my pen down. "Jer?"

It's only been three days since the break up on Wednesday, today being Friday. And today-I wish I could say 'as usual'-I'm studying. I'm spending my freaking Friday, alone in my room, studying. Kayleigh would have joined me, but she said she was too tired so she just headed home.

Why am I not with Christian, like I normally would be? Benedict wasn't feeling well, so Christian had to take care of him. At least not being with him would save me from the awkwardness. Now that I feel things, I have no idea how to act around him. Ignoring my liking for him is a lot harder than I thought.

"Yeah, hey," he replies on the line.

"What's up?"

"My cousin's having a party tomorrow night. He doesn't go to our school, by the way, but he told me I could invite anyone. You wanna come?"

My eyebrows shoot up involuntarily. "I, uh... I-"

What exactly does this invitation mean? Is he implying something?

"I mean, not as my date," he rushes. "Just inviting you. That's all."

"Right. I know." I laugh awkwardly. "Um, I don't have any plans... So, yeah, I guess I'll be there."

"Great. And my cousin, Ryan, told me I could invite any number of people."

"Okay...?" I say, unsure of why he's telling me this.

He chuckles. "So, I'm inviting you, with a +7."

Oh.

"Wow... Thank you, Jer. It means a lot."

"Don't mention it. My friends are going to be there, though. But at every other party, we have no problems ignoring each other. So it should be fine."

"Alright. Thanks for the heads up."

"No problem. I'll text you the details. See you there."

"You too."

After we hang up, I text my +7 about the party and all of them agree to go.

Honestly, I'm excited about this party. I really need a break from this half day of studying. It's too much.

***

"Come ooon, you want a little bit of slutty! Admit it!" Lindsey complains.

"No, I don't!" I refuse.

Do I?

Kayleigh, Rachel, Lindsey and I are getting ready for the party together at Lindsey's place. This is a weird experience.

For the past ten minutes, Lindsey has been trying to get me to wear a pushup bra-not that wearing pushup bras is a slutty thing to do.

"Okay. Let's look at it this way: you put this-" She waves the brand new, black pushup bra in my face. "-on and see if you like it or not. If you like it, wear it. If not, take it off. I'm just telling you that it will probably make you feel more confident. Or, if you want more attention, you should wear it. I'm not forcing you to wear it for the night, I'm forcing you to try new things!"

"Nice speech, Linds," Rachel comments, actually looking surprised and pleased.

"Yeah, I like it!" Kayleigh voices.