Chocolate Chip Please!

Elizzabeth is at lunch with her friends and Jackson and Alex. Everything starts with a secret and a cookie.

Chapter 3

At lunch, my friends and I sat at a table near the big window. Alicia Thompson and Isabella McFadden sat across from Jackson and I. I met Alicia and Isabella when I tried out for cheer leading. I was shy and I was clumsy the first day.

Alicia came up to me as I was dying for a drink of water. "Hey, you're doing great. Keep it up girl. How 'bout we run with you?" She smiled; her white teeth blending in with her mocha skin.

"We," I panted.

"Bella," she called.

Isabella came running over. She was skinny but had a bigger chest then me. Her hair was tied up in a bun and she kind of reminded me of a model. Her eyes were a green-hazel which matched her brownish-blonde hair.

She bounced as she jogged in place. "Yeah, what's up Alicia?"

Alicia took my hands and said, "Stand up straight and put your hands on your head. Bells, we're going to run with her so we can help her through this, 'kay?"

Isabella looked at me and smiled. She wore braces. "Hey, I'm Isabella but some people just call me Bells, or Bella, or Izzie, or-."

"Bells, I think she gets it," Alicia chuckled. "Come on, we got to catch up."

They both took one of my hands. "We're going to work through this together," they said in unison.

My eyes were big and I blinked. "I'm sorry I forgot to mention my name."

"Oh yeah what is your name," Isabella asked.

"Elizzabeth, with two Zs."

"Oh," Alicia said turning around. "That's pretty. "

The coach blew her whistle. "Everybody get a drink?"

A rumble passed through the group of cheer leaders, then she nodded and said,"Okay, one more lap then exorcise time."

She blew her whistle again and we started running around the track course.

"Elizzabeth, stick with us, 'kay?" Isabella smiled.

I smiled back weakly and nodded. Since that day, they've looked out for me and I've done the same. Alex sits to my right and Jackson sits to my left. Jackson usually didn't eat lunch, but he ate some. Today, he was eating an apple and only an apple.

"Why do you eat so little," I asked him once.

He smiled and said, "Because I always have a big breakfast, dear Lizzie."

Alex would eat his whole lunch, plus eat off of mine sometimes. They would usually argue but today, they were quiet.

I balanced my fork on my finger. "So Jackson, how's Mrs. Burns doing?"

"She's fine," he said flatly.

He won't talk to me, I thought. Well, maybe I can try to get the secret out of Alex.

I turned to Alex and smiled. "Hey Alex?"

He looked at me; his face had no expression. "Yeah?"

"Will you come with me back into the line? I really want a chocolate chip cookie, but you know I'm shy." I placed my hand on his shoulder and flipped my black, pixie-like hair back.

He looked at me and smiled back. "Okay."

I went to get up and Jackson grabbed my wrist. "Since when are you shy?" His eyes were wide with anger and his eyebrows were pulled together.

"You already know I am." I smiled at him nervously.

"Elizzabeth," Jackson said with a warning in his voice.

"Alex will take care of me, don't worry," I said wiggling out of his grip.

I walked towards the line and Alex followed.

"He needs to stop worrying about you."

I looked at Alex. "What?"

"He needs to stop worrying about you," he repeated. "You're around me so you're safe."

I smirked as we got into the line. "He doesn't trust you. He says you're dangerous."

He chuckled. "Maybe he's right."

We both looked at each other; my face filled with worry. "I hope not."

Alex looked away and it got silent again. I hope Jackson's not right, I thought.

I reached for Alexs hand. "Hey, let me hold your hand," I whispered hesitantly.

He laughed and looked down at me. "Lizzie you are such a girl!"

I slipped my hand into his. "Shut up and deal with it."

He smiled at me. His face was soft and his eyes were too. "Okay, but only for right now."

I grinned. "I was going to do it anyway but okay. Thanks for your approval!"

He laughed and squeezed my hand a little bit.

It was silent for a moment until I spoke up. "So, did you want to tell me now? I mean, we're alone."

He looked at me, then looked at the lunch room at all the other people. He gave me a look where his lips curled to the side and he lifted one eyebrow.

"Come on! You said you would tell me and I can't wait any longer," I whined.

He rolled his eyes. "Liz, I mean when there isn't a crowd of people around us."

I stuck out my bottom lip and pouted. "You're no fair," I complained, snatching my hand away from his.

"Lizzabeth, don't be like that," he pleaded.

I turned my head away from him, adding a "Hmph!"

He tickled my stomach and I giggled. "I know you like this," he laughed. "Now look at me, please?"

I wiggled away from his hands; my head still away from him. "No."

He wrapped one of his huge, muscly arms around my waist and pulled me to his body.

He tickled me with his other hand while I laughed, "Stop! Ha ha, Alex stop!"

I struggled to get out of his strong grasp; breathing deeply. "Fine."

He was smiling bright and big. "After school?"

I smiled, still a little breathless. "Yeah, that's cool. Your house right?"

"Yep," he nodded. "So where was that tickle spot again?"

He worked his hands gently up my sides.

I started to blush. "Ummm, I thought I heard Jackson call me."

He stopped. "No he didn't."

I pushed his hands away. "Yes he did. Oh! There he goes again. I have to go, to him."

I fast-walked away from the line and towards the table. My head was down so no one could see me blushing.

"Elizzabeth, what's wrong?"

I looked up and Jackson was standing before me. His face was streaked with stress and worry. His eyebrows furrowed upward and his mouth made a straight line.

"I, uh-."

"Your cheeks are red," he said lightly gliding his hand onto my cheek. "Are you all right? Did he touch you?"

My face got hotter as he glided his hand onto my cheek. "Uh, no. C'mon let's sit."

I went to sit down but he stopped me. "Where's your cookie?"

Crap, I thought. "Alex, went some place else. He said he had to... Go talk to Dylan."

He looked at me sideways and I smiled weakly. We both sat down and he grabbed my hand unexpectedly. My cheeks got hot again and I took in a breath.

He glanced up at me and smirked. "It's funny how easily I can make you blush."

I laughed and swatted at him playfully. "Oh hush."

He took my hand and pulled me closer to him so I under his arm. I could feel my face get hot and looked up at him gently. He looked back at me with the same soft expression on his face. I blushed deeper; trying to look away, but he had my chin without me even noticing.

"Dude, out my seat."

I jumped and turned around quickly. It was Alex; holding my cookie folded in a napkin in his hand.

I looked at him wide-eyed. "Alex-."

"He needs to move," He said plainly. His face had no emotion.

"Well just sit to my left." I patted the seat next to me and smiled. "No biggie."

I really hoped Jackson didn't say anything.

"Yeah just sit there." My hopes were crushed.

Alex narrowed his eyes at him. "I was talking to Elizzabeth, not an imbecile," he snapped at Jackson.

Jackson stood up slowly. "What did you say?" His voice was calm and cool, but his hands were balled into a fist.

Alex stood straight. "You heard me."

Jackson chuckled hysterically. "Why don't you go back to following your pack like the puppy you are."

Alexs hand balled into a fist and crushed the cookie. His face scrunched up and twisted with anger.

"My cookie," I whined. They both ignored me.

Alex started to tremble. "I am asking you to please move yourself to another seat."

Jackson placed his hand to his chin. "Beg doggie."

Alexs eyes flashed with anger; an anger that I've never seen. His dark eyes set ablaze, as did his face.

I stepped in between them. "Jackson, Alex. Please, let's just sit down and eat."

I placed my hand on Alexs chest. It was blazing to the touch.

I pulled away quickly. "Alex, you're running a fever. Let me take you to the nurse."

I pushed his chest but he didn't budge.

"Lizzabeth, move out the way," Jackson warned.

"C'mon you guys," Alicia said. "Let's not fight over a seat."

"Yeah," Bella said; her voice shaking. "L-Let's just all b-be cool."

I shot a glare at them and they threw their hands up surrender. Alicia got up along with her tray and moved to another table. Isabella looked at her, then got up and mouthed to me, "I'm sorry." She followed Alicia.

Wimps, I thought.

I grabbed Alexs' hand and squeezed. "Look at me."

His glare turned to me then softened.

I exhaled. "This needs to stop. Now come with me."

I walked towards the double doors of the lunchroom when Dylan, Clay, Spencer, and Justin stepped in front of us.

I glared at them. "What do you want? He nearly got into a fight."

"He needs to come with us," Dylan said; his voice more humble then ever.

I stepped in front of Alex, still holding his hand tight. "Why?"

"God Elizzabeth get off his dick," Clay exploded. "You're not his mother, or his older sister! So don't worry about him, unless you like him."

My face went hot. "He's my best friend! He's nearly like family. You've only known him a year or two. So let me take care of him and you do you."

I tried shoving past them but Alex grabbed my wrist. "Elizzabeth, I'll go with them."

His voice was, plain. No emotion to it.

I turned to him. "Alex-!"

He shoved past me and stood with them. "I'll see you after school okay?"

A shadow cast over his face. I stood there looking at him; flabbergasted. My face was stricken with horror and betrayal.

"Run along now little Lizzie," Dylan said with a crooked smile.

I turned swiftly and stormed back to my seat; trying to hold back my tears. I sat down and hid my face behind my short, brown hair.

"Elizzabeth, is there something wrong?"

I looked up to see Jacksons, deep blue-silver eyes. His face was close to mine that I could feel the coolness of his breath. It made me forget what I was angry about. I stared at his beautiful features, numbing the pain of the previous event. His cheekbones shone perfectly.

"Elizzabeth, hello?"

I shook my head and turned away. "Uh, yeah. I'm fine."

I flushed with embarrassment.

"Are you sure you're fine?"

I cleared my throat. "Yes, it's just-."

Saved by the bell. I hurried and grabbed my backpack and swiftly exited the lunchroom through those double doors.

I'm sorry Jackson. I just, can't tell you.

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