We are not family

Drink up

***Alex's P.O.V.***

"Are you sure you can stay alone? Honey, maybe we shouldn't go."-Judy said for the hundredth time this morning.

"We'll be fine, Judy."-I said giving her a reassuring smile.

"Mom, you left us like a manual on how to live for the next few days. We're not morons."-Nick said. I know he wants to roll his eyes, but can't, on the off chance they change their mind and stay.

"See, love? They'll be fine."-dad said taking the last bag and getting out of the house. We followed him. He put the bag in the car and turned to us. "That is if they don't throw a party. Which they won't because they know it's a punishable offense and they will be punished."

We just smiled innocently and waved as they drove off.

"Party?"

"Party!"

"Hey, guys? Did you not hear the part where he said punishment?"-our voice of reason called Zack appeared.

"Don't be a party breaker, Zack, chill."-I said as we entered the house.

"Maybe he wants to study again with the mystery girl."-Nick said as he closed the door behind us. Zack just rolled his eyes.

To give you a bit of context. I convinced dad to take Judy to the lake house for a weekend to calm down a little. We promised we'd finish everything she planned before they come back. So we are home alone and it's going to be fun Friday, guys.

"You think we can pull it off?"-Zack asked.

"See, Mini? This is how you convince."

"You mean manipulate?"-I said raising my eyebrow

"I wouldn't call it that."

"Sure sure."

"God you two are annoying."-Zack said, clearly uncomfortable.

"To answer your question. Of course. As long as we make it to school in time."-I said looking at the clock.

"You should drive with us, so we can go shopping together afterward."

"Okay. Let's just hurry up."-I said taking my backpack.

"Don't worry. Nick's driving."-Zack said throwing the keys to Nick.

"Oh, God, no. Please let's take my car."

"Oh, no no, Mini. I had to suffer through rides with you, now the tables have turned."-he said getting into the car. Zack sat at the back, leaving me the seat in front.  I know he did it on purpose, to annoy me. I hate him. 

"If you think me sitting next to him, will distract us enough to forget about your mystery girl, you're dead wrong, my friend."-I said taking my seatbelt.

The ride was quiet, mostly because I help my breath, due to Nick's reckless driving. Classes when by in a blur. People kept giving me those pity glances. It got so bad, I wanted to see Nick, just to be treated differently. 

As the last bell rang, I sigh in relief. I threw my things in the backpack, for the first time in ages not caring enough to put them in their place. Dex seemed to notice that and grabbed my arm stopping me. 

"What's going on?"-he asked, and as I opened my mouth to speak, he cut me off: "And don't say nothing."

I struggle a bit against his grip and he releases it. I was about to tell him about the things that kept bugging me, but when I looked into his eyes it was more than clear to me. I can't do this to him. I can't accept his friendship when friendship is not what I want. And what I want, I can't have. And just like that, I was back to square one, where I was months ago.