when I'm with you [ fierrochase ]

Chapter 04

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ALEX

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Alex was in the middle of eating her lunch when Mallory Keen took a seat down at the table. This wasn't odd, of course, because she sat with them every day.

What was odd, however, was the fact that she held up a slip of paper that looked quite similar to a party invitation. Mallory definitely wasn't one to party, being more interested in causing physical harm to Halfborn. Nevertheless, Alex was intrigued.

"Did you guys hear about the Stoll's party this weekend?" she asked.

"Yeah," Magnus said. "I'm not going, though."

"Oh, come on, you never go to parties!" Mallory complained.

"I don't think he even leaves the house," Alex commented. Magnus shrugged, not disagreeing.

"Anyway, whether or not Magnus leaves the house isn't our concern, right now," Mallory interrupted. "I, for one, want to go."

"Then go," Magnus suggested.

"I can't go alone, Magnus. That's just bad decision making," Mallory said. "While I may be intimidating, I admit, boys will do anything illegal when they're assholes, so I need someone to come with me." She glanced over at Halfborn, who, being her boyfriend, was basically already expected to come.

"Oh, no, I'm not going," Halfborn said immediately. "The football team is holding their own end-of-the-season party, and I would prefer that over a hot and stuffy house full of drunk and high teenagers." Mallory groaned.

"Can't you just come with me?" she begged.

"No," Halfborn replied, returning his full focus to his food.

"Well, I'm not coming, either," Sam said. "Not like I would be allowed, even if I wanted to come."

"T.J?" Mallory asked.

"Can't. I have to finish that essay for Mr. Brono's class, and then I still have to start that science project due next Wednesday," T.J explained. Finally, Mallory turned her attention to Alex.

"Alex," she started. "You know I wouldn't ask you if I wasn't hopelessly desperate."

"I dunno," Alex replied. "Parties aren't really my thing."

"Please, I am begging you."

"The great Mallory Keen begging? Please continue."

"Does this mean you'll come?"

Alex heaved a sigh, rolling her eyes. "I guess. Is it some sort of Halloween party?"

"No," Mallory said immediately. "It's just a casual dress. Thank you!"

"You better buy me something after this," Alex said.

"Okay. You probably won't regret this, I promise," Mallory said.

"Not much of a promise," Alex muttered, but smiled anyway.

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"I'm going out! Don't wait for me!" Alex called to her dad. "Not that you would, anyway," she added quietly once she closed the door.

Mallory had texted her that she was outside, and Alex immediately said she was on her way, grateful for a way to get out of the house so she could avoid her dad and stepmom for an evening. Despite the nerves she felt about actually going to a party with Mallory, since she didn't ever go out to parties with people, Alex ignored and pressed the main floor level on the elevator.