Alex...Where's the Real You?

A sequel to the 1st chapter.

Chapter 2

Alex... Where's the Real You?

 

After I went to my locker, I went across the hall to my Algebra 2 class. I clutched my books to my chest. I had class with Alex and Dylan for the 1st three periods. The door was closed meaning Mr. Hieghns was taking attendance. I took a deep breath trying. I just started a war, I thought. Watch what you say and watch your step. I took another breath and turned the knob slowly and entered the room with my head down.

"Ah, Ms. Poindexter. So nice of you to join us."

Halfway to my seat, I stopped and turned around. I smiled weakly. "Uh, yeah. I woke up late and the lady in the office wouldn't give me a pass." I bit my bottom lip hoping he would take my lie.

He nodded his half-bald head. "All right Ms. Poindexter, but only for today got it?"

I nodded quick. "Yes sir won't happen again."

He waved me off and I rushed to my seat. I sat inbetween Alex and Dylan. I slid into my seat uneasily and set my books in the cage underneith the desk. I got out my algebra book, my algebra notebook, and my pencil. All the stuff Mr. Hieghns was talking about I already read with Jackson and completed all the work. What's wrong with Alex, I thought. Is he that attached to Dylan that he would put his crew over his best friend. I drummed my fingers on the desk and tapped my pencil with the other hand. I was looking at the board with a blank expression on my face. What makes Dylan so important? Hell! What makes me not important?! I've known Alex longer. What makes Dylan more important?

Suddenly something slaps onto my desk. I jump and look at Alexs hand sliding away. He glances at the folded paper he put on my desk and then looks at me. I take the note and unfolded it. It said: Can you please stop tapping that damn pencil! It's annoying.

I wrote him back: Sorry geez. What happened to you over the summer Alex? You're not yourself.

I folded it and passed it back to him when Mr. Hieghns wasn't looking. He unfolded it and I watched his eyes scam the page. He looked at me and glared; his big, black eyes going into kill-mode. I motioned for him to hurry up and write back. He turned back to the paper, shaking his head. He wrote furiously and too fast for my eyes to keep up with. I sighed and sunk back into my desk. I wonder what he's writing, I thought. He's probably writing, "Why don't you mind your own damn business?" I laughed at the thought of him writing that because I know he would say that. I heard a "Ahem" and looked at Alex. He pointed to the note on my desk and I made sure Mr. Hieghns wasn't looking and snatched it. It said: Just because I have friends other then you and Clay doesn't mean I've changed. What happened to you over the summer?

I glared at him and he glared right back. I started righting back: Nothing's changed about me Alex. And it's not only the people you're hanging around now. You've changed. Please, tell me what's going on. ={

I folded it back up and waited for Mr. Hieghns to turn around again. Once he did, I passed it quickly back to Alex. He unfolded it and again, read it faster then I could. Then he sighed and looked at me with more of a desperate look. Like he didn't want me to know something, but he wanted to tell me. He turned back to the note and started writing again. When he was finished, he hesitated to pass it back to me. I took it from him and he pulled away quickly.

I unfolded it and it read: I... Can't tell you right now. I really can't. I would have to show you more then tell you which I can't do right now Liz.

I was confused. Does this involve Dylan? Is that why he can't tell me? Because... Because of Dylan? Is he scared? 

I started to write him back: I know I'm such a girl for saying this, but, I'm just scared to lose you. If you're scared of what Dylan might say then don't be. You don't need him. I'm here for you.

I folded it slowly and hesitantly passed it back to him. I finally just slid it onto his desk and pulled my hand away quickly before I changed my mind. He unfolded it and read it; his eyes scamming the page. Then, he turned to me and smiled; his bright, movie-star teeth showing. He started to write back then passed it to me.

It read: Do you really think I would leave you in the past? Silly girl. I need ya too much for me to leave you for Dylan. He's not important. Plus, yes I am scared of what he might say if I told you now. How 'bout this: we go over my house after school and I'll tell you, deal?

I smiled at him. He pointed to the note; motioning for me to write him back. 

I turned back to the paper and wrote: Okay, deal. I bet your dad's gonna be surprised to see me again huh?

I passed it back to him. He read it and groaned. I giggled as he gave me the "really?" look.

"Is there something I should be laughing about too, Ms. Poindexter," Mr. Hieghns said.

My face felt hot and I bet I was flushing the worst kind of red. 

I went to speak but Alex cut me off. "We were just conversing about her taking me along with her friends while they shop. It's torture, really."

All the girls giggled; not at me but at his cute charm. 

"Can you please continue your conversation at lunch," Mr. Hieghns said.

"Yes sir," I nodded.

I looked at my hand which was sitting on the desk and found the note underneath it. I picked it up and unfolded it: I always got your back. And mainly to impress the ladies.

I grinned and rolled my eyes at him. I laid my head down in my algebra book. I wonder what it is. What Alex is going to tell me. I wonder if  him and Dylans crew are going to do some community work. I smiled. I really hope it's something good.

*

The bell rang and everyone hurried out the classroom. I took my own sweet time to get out. I peered out the door and saw Alex walking with Dylan and his crew. 

I shifted my books to a comfortable position and ran towards them. "Hey Alex! Wait up will ya."

The pack stopped and looked at me.

"Hey Alex, this your babysitter now," Clay said coldly.

I frowned. "Yeah, like you need one. Who was that lady that was sitting behind you in history, Clay? Was that your mother, because she seemed about ready to beat your a*s in the middle of class."

Again, Clays face turned red under his light copper skin. "Alex bro, you better get her befo-!"

"Clay, shut up," Spencer spoke up.

"Don't tell me what to do you-."

"Clay! That is enough," Dylan yelled at him. "Got to class. I will meet you there."

Clay and Dylan both looked at each other with hatred in their eyes. Clay finally huffed angrily and stormed off to class.

"You cause a lot of trouble in this group, Elizzabeth," Dylan said, turning to me.

"Trouble only starts when mouths get smart," I replied.

Dylan whispered something to Alex and walked away.

Alex looked at me and frowned. "Lizzabeth, you don't always have to follow me around. Listen, go to class. I'll meet you there, okay?"

I shook my head; my eyes started to water. "But-."

"No! Go to class Elizzabeth!"

He walked off with Spencer and Justin. I felt my bottom lip starting to quiver and my vision started to blur. I turned around to head for my class and bumped into someone.

"Alex," I gasped.

I looked up and it was Jackson. "Elizzabeth, what's wrong?"

"Jackson," I cried and fell into his arms.

I broke down and cried in his arms in the middle of the hallway.

"It's all right Elizzabeth, it's okay," he hushed me. "Everything's all right."

"He's gone Jackson," I sobbed into his shirt. "He's gone! He left me."

"Who Elizzabeth?"

"Alex! He's gone off with Dylan and his stupid friends."

The halls were almost empty and the bell was bound to ring about any second.

"Lizzie, please to crying."

I looked at his face and it was soft.

He grinned and reached into his pocket. He pulled out a white decorated hankey. "Please stop crying Elizzabeth, you'll ruin that pretty face of yours."

I took the hankey and wiped my tears away. 

Jackson held me by my waist and pulled me up. "Now, lets get you to class before you're late."

I sniffled and nodded. "Okay."

I held onto him close and walked with him to my class. My legs were a little shaky but Jackson held me up. We stopped in front of my Latin class.

"Elizzabeth, can you do me a favor?"

I looked at him. "Of course, anything."

His face was blank again. "This is hard for me to ask, but, he's hurting you."

"Jackson, what are you asking?"

"I'm asking for you to stop hanging around that low down dog you call a friend," he snapped.

I looked at him in disbelief. "No... No! How could you ever ask that of me?!" I pushed away from him and struggled out of his grip.

"Elizzabeth, I'm only trying to protect you."

"Jackson please! He's not only my friend or my best friend, he's my brother too."

He stared into my eyes, looking for another expression. I stared back with pleading eyes. 

Then he finally gave up and sighed. "I'll see you 4th period, all right?"

I nodded and he kissed me on the forehead, shoved his hands in his pockets and walked down the hallway. My cheeks were blazing hot and I had a headache. My nose burned. He knows that me and Alex are really close, so why would he ask that? I shook my head. He's worried about me. Alex brings a lot of stress into my life but he's my best friend and I need to protect him. I found myself clutching my fist close to my heart. I opened my fist and saw Jacksons pocket hankey. I smiled. No need to worry Jackson.

I opened the door; smiling.