How It All Started

Chapter 1

How it All Started

As I waited for my ride, I tapped my foot impatiently. Where is he I thought. Omigosh! If he crashed on that death machine I am not going to feel sorry for him. I told him the day he got it.

"Lizz, relax. Everything's going to be just fine," he told me on his 16th birthday.

He hopped on it and revved the engine. He smiled widely; showing his perfect teeth. 

I scolded him. "Well at least put on a damn helmet! I mean, what if you hit something and you fly over the handle bars and you hit your head on the concrete?!"

"Lizzabeth! Breath chick gosh," he chuckled. "I've got my license and I'm all good. Trust me, 'kay?"

I pursed my lips then finally smiled. "Okay, fine. Just be careful okay?"

 He threw his head up and laughed a deep chested laugh. He popped a wheely as I jumped back. He zoomed away laughing.

I shook my head from the flashback and angrily stomped my feet. Ooooooh! If that dumby crashed I'm going to have to walk. Tears welled up in my eyes from the thought of  him being hurt. But, I thought. He's also my best friend. If he gets hurt then its all my fault. I shook my head again. No. He's fine, he's alright. I'll just have to wait. It was a bright, mid -May morning at the bus stop for me. I shielded my face from the sunlight. After 15 minutes in my wait, I was at the nerve breaking point where I was biting off all my finger nails. I have to call him I thought. I pulled out my crappy Tracfone and dialed his number. Before I could push talk, I heard his motorcycle pull up. He was wearing a leather jacket with his jeans on. When he took off his helmet, his jet black hair stood up on his head-he likes jell, a lot-and his copper skin shown in the sunlight. His black eyes fell on me. They sparkled brighter then the stars in space.

He smiled at me. "Hey Lizz. Are you ready to go?"

My face felt hot and I knew I was blushing the worst kind of red. "You're late! You were supposed to be here by 6:45. It's 7:00 right now!"

He threw me a helmet that he personally customized for me. It was pink with bright yellow flames. I caught it and stared down at it.

"Hey, brighten up 'kay? I came, didn't I?" He motioned for me to get on his bike.

I put the helmet on and hopped on. "I just didn't want to be late, that's all."

He chuckled. "Nooo! You just don't want to miss 'special time' with Jackbutt."

I fumed. "His name is JACKSON! Say it with me, Jack-son. You're not too dumb to remember his name are you?"

I saw him roll his eyes. He placed his helmet back on as he said, "Shut up and hold on."

I giggled and wrapped my arms around his waist. He revved the engine and we started down the road towards Chesterwoods High. I've been in Toledo, Ohio for only 7 years . I moved with my father-Sam Poindexter-because of my parents divorce. The 1st day in 3rd grade, everyone looked at me like I was an illegal alien. They made fun of my last name, and so I sat alone at lunch. That's when I met Alex. He walked over to me while I was eating by myself.

"Hey. Elizzabeth right?"

I looked up from my tear soaked sandwich. "Yeah, what did you want?" I sniffled.

He nodded towards the people that made fun of me. "You're pretty tough to be dealing with a bunch of noodle heads over there."

I looked back into my sandwich. "Thanks, i guess."

"I'm Alex Smith. Toughest, roughest kid in this jail."

I stuck out my hand and smiled when his hand met mine. "Nice to meet you Alex."

Since that day, we have watched out for each other and stuck together like white on rice. But I couldn't forget the love of my life. Jackson Tuckerson. With his pale skin, dark brown hair-almost Justin Bieber like- and his blue-silver eyes. I met Jackson this passing summer. I was a cheerleader for the 4th of July parade. I was standing on the float; cheering and throwing candy blithely. The float stutted to a stop and I flew over, arms flaring everywhere. Jackson was standing right there and he caught me without flinching.

He looked down at me. "Are you alright miss?" His voice sounded like he was singing a tenor. Worry shook it.

I blinked; not aware that I had my arms around his neck. "Y-Yeah I'm fine. Are you okay 'cause I'm pretty heavy."

He smiled; his dimples showing. "No, I'm fine. You're the perfect shape."

I giggled and felt my face got hot.

"So before I start getting to know you, I'm intriged what your name is," he said setting me down.

I flipped my pixie-brunette hair. "Elizzabeth Poindexter. And yours?"

"Jackson Tuckerson." He grabbed my hand and brought it 2 his lips. "It's a pleasure to meet you Elizzabeth."

When he kissed my hand I giggled again; my face probably a beet red.

"Elizzabeth! Elizzabeth, are you okay," Alex screamed, bursting out a crowd of people.

I snatched my hand away and smiled at him. "Yeah, I'm fine. If it weren't for Jackson, I'd probably have a concusion."

Alex glared at Jackson and Jackson glared back.

Alexs gaze turned to me. "Whatever," he mumbled walking away.

Alex didn't talk to me for a week after that. I sighed at that far memory. I saw the school come over the horizon; rising with the sun. Many students were standing outside near their cars or just talking. I searched for Jacksons blue Mustang.

"Hey! Keep seated 'till the ride is over," Alex exclaimed slowing down pulling into the parking lot.

I pouted and sat back down. He pulled into a vacant parking spot near a Mercedes and a Toyota. I hopped off of Alexs motorcycle and threw him my helmet. It hit him in the chest from the ooph he gasped. I ran out into the parking lot and searched rampidly for Jackson.

I felt someone put their hands over my eyes. "Guess who."

I smiled. "Let me see. Cold hands, kind of deep voice, and sweet smell. Is it... My dad?'

He uncovered my eyes and stood infront of me, smiling. It was Jackson. "You're so silly, my love."

I took his hand and weaved my fingers between his. "Yes I am. But that's one of the many reasons why you love me."

He smiled showing his perfect white teeth. He was wearing a black jacket with black denim jeans. His hair was swept to one side and it covered his left eye. The wind blew clouds infront of the shining sun and making my skirt blow in the wind. I straightened out my black shirt. It had a skull with a bow on it. I shivered from the sudden drop in temperature.

"Here, take my jacket," Jackson said handing me his jacket.

"Are you sure you won't get cold," I said, hesistantly taking his jacket.

He chuckled. "No I'm fine."

Wrapping his jacket around me, I couldn't help but get lost in his mesmorizing eyes. He looked at me too, then wrapped his arm around my waist; pulling me to his side. I couldn't help but blush. I wrapped my arms around his stomach and heading to the entrance of the school. Everyone was heading inside except for one person: Alex. I looked over my shoulder and left and right but I couldn't see him. I sighed and slumped onto Jacksons shoulder.

"What's wrong Liz," he asked tilting my head up.

I could feel my face flush pink. "I-I can't find Alex. If he's not at school he'll fail the math test and today was the only make up day and-."

"Lizzabeth, why do you worry about an incompitant fool?" Jacksons voice had no emotion and his face had gone hard as marble.

I shook my head; eyes still on his. "He's not a fool, he's my best friend. I don't know why you two hate each other so much but it's going to have to stop!"

My voice shook with anger. Jacksons expression still hadn't changed.

I pushed away from him but he grabbed my hand. "Elizzabeth, I'm sorry. It's just that you should be worrying about your own school work. If Alexander needs a tutor then I will ask one of the class officers to help him, okay?" His bright smile returned and his face had a warm glow to it again.

I couldn't resist to smile back. Something over his shoulder caught my eye though. I looked closer and saw Alex hanging out with Dylan Myer and his gang.

Dylan had the most dangerous guys in town; Spencer Goforth, Clay Goforth, and Justin Claw. Dylan was the head of the gang and was the most dangerous. My eyes grew big with worry knowing Alex was over there talking to them.

"Liz, where are you going?" Jackson had grabbed my arm. I was walking over there without knowing.

"I got to talk to Alex." I twisted my arm trying to get out of his cold grip.

"Elizzabeth don't. I don't want you to get hurt." His voice shook.

"No, no. If anything happens Alex will protect me." I wiggled out of his grip and raced over to Alexs side.

When I stepped into their little group chat, I could feel the tension and eyes fall on me. I didn't look back; afraid I would get knocked against the wall. I kept my eyes to the ground. I lifted my head to see Alexs face. His expression was hard and his face was tight with anger. His jaw tightened and untightened and his nostrils flared. Still, I kept my eyes on him and only him. Once I was finally by his side, I stood to face them but kept my eyes on the ground.

I cleared my throat. "Shouldn't you guys be in school?"

I heard a deep chuckle. "Excuse me, but that isn't your place to tell us whether we outta be in class. Shouldn't you be applying make up somewhere in the bathroom?"

I snapped my head towards the voice to see it was Clay. He smirked while the whole group laughed. He had that kind of Ashton Cutcher face and a butt chin. His eyes were pure black and he had the same hair style as the rest of the group.

I snorted. "Yeah, I'm pretty sure I saw you in there to. What? Is it the time of the month for you again?" I stuck out my bottom lip and placed my finger on my cheek in mockery.

The whole group went, "Ooooooh."

Clays face turned a hot pink as he started to shake violently. "Listen you litt-!"

"Clay that's enough," Dylan commanded.

"Dude! Just let me-!"

"No!," Dylans voice boomed. "I said that's enough."

Clay stepped back and Dylan stepped forward. "Elizzabeth, what is your business here?"

"My 'business' is to get Alex in class! Did you know he's failing at least 3 classes?! So why do you have him out here? He should be in his classes as well as you Dylan." I crossed my arms, fuming and exhausted.

Alex grabbed me by my wrist and pulled me close to his side. "Elizzabeth, what do you think you're doing," he whispered angrily in my ear.

His breath was hot which made me shiver. "I'm trying to help you."

"I don't need any help! I'm fine with my classes, all right? Listen, if  I start to fail I'll come to you to tutor me."

"No Alex," I said louder. "I want you in class! Not around... Them!"

His face went blank and he let go of my wrist slowly. I stood there, not knowing what to do.

"Liz, that was stupid," Spencer said; shaking his head in disgust.

Alex finally lifted his head again; his face twisted with anger. "Well I don't remember when you all of a sudden became my mom! Listen Elizzabeth, I can pull my own all right?! And I don't need you or anyone else trying to tell me how to live! So why don't you do me a favor and just go to class!"

I felt like I'd just got slapped in the face. The whole group was silent. Even Dylan was speechless.

Alex grabbed my wrist and pushed me out of the circle. "Go!"

I looked back one more time. Alex... Wasn't my Alex anymore. He's changed, I thought. I shook my head trying to shake off my tears of anguish.

 I ran back into Jacksons arms and we embraced for a moment. My arms were wrapped around his waist and my face was snuggled into his shirt. He smelled of lavender and sweet honey.

Jackson lifted my head up. "Are you all right?"

I nodded. "Yeah I'm fine." 

"Lizzabeth, your eyes are red." He frowned.

"I, uh, have allergies," I lied.

He focused his eyes on me, searching for the truth. I wanted to overt my eyes but he had a hold of my head.

Then, he finally smiled and nodded. "All right then my love. Shall we go? We're going to be late."

I nodded, biting my bottom lip. He had his arms around my waist; probably knowing I was going to collapse on my knees any minute.

We walked into the building silent. The hallways were almost clear but a few people remained standing at their lockers. Teachers were rushing them off to their classes and blowing whistles. Jackson gently turned my head towards his and kissed me. His lips were soft yet cold. When I pulled back, I let out a sigh.

"Go to class, Lizzie Bear," he gasped.

I smiled and turned away from him. 

He tugged as my wrist and I spun around. "And allergies? That's the oldest trick in the book Liz."

My face felt hot as I blushed. He chuckled and brushed the side of my cheek then walked away. Somewhere deep inside, I kind of knew he knew.