Semi-Edited

Song above is...Archer by Taylor Swift. (It kind of its the chapter but I am OBSESSED with it honestly!)

REMEMBER....I do not condone bullying. I am not promoting it or glorifying it. It is NEVER EVER EVER okay to bullying someone. Everyone is equal. Just remember that...spread LOVE not HATE! <3  

Happy Reading! :)

When my alarm went off the next morning I was once again tempted to just stay home but I knew I couldn't. I wasn't going to let Mitch ruin my grades over all of this. I needed a scholarship to get out of this small town one day.

I knew Mitch wouldn't be there for the rest of the week but his little minions would. His friends would make my life hell just as much as Mitch would. Add to that the fact that everyone believes the photo sent around.

I shouldn't care what people think of me, but I do. As a human I crave acceptance, just like everyone else. I want people to like me, even though it shouldn't matter. And it is high school. There is something about high school that makes you want to fit in with the 'popular crowd', even if you know after high school none of that will matter.

When Olivia and Derek picked me up I made a mental note to pick up my car no matter what today. I can't keep making them pick me.

The closer we got to school the more the pit in my stomach grew. I was now nervous about seeing Alex after yesterday. Much to Noah's disappointment I didn't go and sit next to Alex. In fact we avoided each other the rest of the night.

During dinner he sat far away from me, only spoke when spoken too-which made everyone wonder what was going on. Harper ended up falling asleep on the couch so Noah's parents proposed for her and Alex to just stay over. Alex agreed fairly quickly, leaving me to get a ride home with Olivia and Derek.

I had a feeling I wasn't going to see much of Alex today. A small part of me wanted to text him apologizing until I remembered that I didn't do anything wrong. Or at least not that I knew of.

Walking into school I kept my head down. I could feel the stares burning into my body as I walked by. Since I was walking besides Olivia and Derek no one did anything but I still heard the whispers.

My first three classes before lunch weren't bad. Nothing new happened besides more homework and a surprise test. I almost felt a little lost as I went from class to class but I wasn't sure why.

When lunch came around I silently hoped Alex would be there. Even if he didn't talk to me at least I could see him. But my disappointment only grew when Alex didn't appear.

Throughout the entire lunch period I kept glancing around hoping to see Alex sauntered into view, hands into his pockets, but he never did. Olivia and Derek seemed to have their now silent conversation but I couldn't find it in me to ask what they were doing.

It was surprising how quick I've gotten use to being around Alex in a short amount of time. I felt off without him being here. In Biology I was stuck by myself doing a worksheet. It was like how it use to be before I became friends with Alex.

Sitting there alone I felt eyes on me every few seconds. Because of where I was seated I could hear most of what people were whispering about.

"Can you believe she cheated on Mitch? Like who does she think she is?"

"She isn't even pretty."

"From that photo I'd sleep with her."

It went on and on. There were a few comments made about Alex but mostly about me. Always about me. It was clear no one was going to get over this for a long time. Much to my displeasure.

The more people whispered and stared the deeper I slid in my seat. I huddled deeper in my hoodie wanting to just disappear. I hated all the attention everyone was giving me. I should be use to it but I wasn't.

When the bell finally rang I was up and out of my seat in seconds. Only one class left and I can leave this hell hole. If only it was Friday not Wednesday.

Keeping my head down I made my way to Art, wanting this day to be over. Holding my books to my chest I weaved around the a rounded hallway. Didn't want to admit it but it was nice having Alex beside me in the hallways. People made way for him and he was sort of a barrier for me not to get shoved around.

I was almost to my Art class when I was stopped in my tracks by three familiar girls. Standing in front of me was Rebecca, Natalia, and Chelsea. All three stood there hands crossed over their chest, hip jutted out, glares plastered on their faces.

Shit. When Rebecca shows up it never ends well. How I wished Rebecca was like the blonde bimbos you see in the movies, but she wasn't. She knew exactly what she was doing and how to play people. In a way her and Mitch really are perfect for each other.

"Where are your friends today Riley?" The way she said it was like I was some leech attaching onto people and calling them my friends.

"Probably saw how much of a freak she is." Chelsea sneered. The girls fake blonde hair slowly fading and showing off her brown roots. I wanted to roll my eyes at the group. Chelsea and Natalia tried so hard to be like Rebecca. It's beyond sad.

Knowing if I said anything it would make it worse, I just clenched my books tighter to me and went to move around them. It was no surprise when they moved to block my path.

"I need to get to class." My voice was soft as I kept my head down.

"We aren't finished." Natalia snapped.

"Did you really think you could get away with getting Mitch suspended?"

"I didn't-"

"Sleeping with Alex Kinley and then having him stick up for you. Got to say I didn't know the little slut had it in her." I wanted to slap that stupid smirk off her face.

"But don't you worry Riley." The smirk disappeared off of Rebecca's face as she took a threatening step forward. I quickly looked around to see if there was a way out but there wasn't. The hallway was completely empty and I doubted anyone would help if they were here.

"Alex will tire of you just like Mitch did. He will realize you are a good for nothing slut. We all know he is only with you to see what all the fuss is about." I didn't want to listen to her, didn't want to believe the words coming out of her mouth; but I did.

I could feel her words chipping away at my heart. I shouldn't believe a single thing coming from Rebecca's mouth but the part of me that knew I wasn't good enough, was whispering that she was right.

"Do yourself a favor Riley and remember that you are nothing. Always have and always will be. Don't drag Alex down with you. You don't deserve him."

Tears pricked at the corner of my eyes. Her words like knives going right through my heart. Don't listen. Don't listen. But the damage was already done.

With a cherry on top, Rebecca reached out and slapped my books out of my hands. The loud bang echoed through the empty hall, followed by their laughter. Seconds away from crying I knelt down to gather my stuff.

Reaching out I went to grab my Biology book only for a high heels foot to slam down on top of it. I cried out in pain as the heel pressed hard into the back of my hand. I bit my lip to stop from yelling out.

"Remember your place." Rebecca sneered, pressing her weight into her foot more. She stayed that way for another moment before she stepped away. Quickly bringing my hand to my chest I kept my head down, avoiding any eye contact with the three girls.

With another laugh they trotted off down the hallway, leaving me sitting on the dirty floor with tears running down my face.

I cradled my hurt hand to my chest, trying hard not to sob right there. Why always the hand? It hasn't even healed from punching that guy at the club the other day. After a minute I looked down at my hand only to cry harder.

Right in the center of my hand was a cut in the shape of a square from her heel. Blood was already pooling at the top making me nauseated.

I stayed like that on the floor for another minute before forcing myself to get up. I couldn't stay sitting on the school floor. Using my other hand I gathered my fallen books and stood up. There was no way I was going to my last class.

With a burning hand I made my way to the parking lot. I was halfway through the lot when I remembered I didn't have my car. Right then I just wanted to scream bloody murder.

Mumbling under my breath I left the parking lot, ready to just go home. What did I do to deserve this? I don't know what I did to Rebecca to made her hate me this bad. I didn't do a single thing to Mitch to make him do this to me also. I just wanted all of it to stop.

I knew crying in self pity wasn't going to solve anything but it didn't stop the tears from flowing down my face. At least now no one was around to see me cry. I only wish I had my car.

The further I walked the more my tears dried and in its place was irritation. Irritated at Rebecca. Irritated at Alex for ignoring me and not coming to school. Irritated at everything in my life. I just wanted to drive as far away as possible.

I wasn't even sure what I was doing until I typed in the name of the shop that Alex took to my car to. The sooner I pick my car up the less I have to see Alex. Or at least that was what my mind was saying at the moment.

Rebecca's words echoed through my mind as I walked. I didn't want to believe her but I did. How could I not? If everyone thinks the same thing about me then it has to be true...right?

My hand was still throbbing as I neared the car shop. It wasn't bleeding anymore but my entire hand burned. It wasn't healed from the other night and now this. Of course it was my dominant hand, which was going to make writing even more difficult.

I let out a loud sigh which was then echoed by a clap of thunder. I was so engrossed in my thoughts I didn't even notice the dark clouds above. Thankfully I spotted the car shop up ahead, so hopefully I won't get rained on.

Picking up my pace I made it to the shop and through the door just as the first rain drop fell. Getting soaked by the rain was the last thing I needed right now. Looking around I was surprised at how nice the car shop was.

Usually car repair places were grimy and smelly, but the reception area here was nice and clean. I've only been in a car shop maybe once in my life, usually being the one fixing my car, so I was impressed.

"Hi, how can I help?" A voice broke me out of my staring. A middle age man dressed in overalls with black covered hands, stood behind the desk looking at me in a friendly way.

"Um, I'm here to pick up my car." I moved closer to the desk, hiding the back of my hand to my chest.

"Great! What's your last name and the model of car?" I hesitated not sure if Alex gave them my name or his. He said he would take care of it all and now here I was having no clue if I was really in the right place.

"Uh a friend of mine brought it in for me. It's a 2012 Honda Accord, it needed an new alternator."

"Oh you are A-"

"Hey Dustin call Mr. Tyrell and...Riley?" Walking through the back door wiping his hands on a dirty towel was none other than Alex. A surprise look on his face seeing me here.

"Alex?" I looked at him in surprise. I didn't know he would be here. He works on cars. It actually made sense now though. The place he knew that would fix my car was where he worked. Wow, I should have put that together a lot sooner.

My mouth went dry as I got a good look at him. Who would have known Alex would look even sexier dressed in a pair of dark blue overalls covered in grease and other stuff. The sleeves of his outfit were rolled up to his elbows, showing off his strong forearms that were covered in black film.

Damn. I unconsciously bit down on my bottom lip.

"What are you doing here?" Alex moved around the desk and came towards me.

"Um...picking up my car." I inwardly slapped myself for responding like an idiot. I tend to do that a lot when Alex was around. Alex looked behind me for a second before looking back at my face.

"Did you walk all the way here?"

"Yeah." I mumbled. "You work here." It wasn't a question.

"I do."

We both stood there staring at one another. Just being around him I felt better. Like I can just forget about everything around me.

"Shouldn't you be in class?"

"Shouldn't you?" I shot back. I was still angry about everything and the fact that he didn't show up to school today, most likely avoiding me.

"I had to take care of something." He answered vaguely. "Let me get you your car." I just nodded, biting my tongue so I wouldn't say something else. I was afraid I'd ask him why he was avoiding me.

"I got this." Alex spoke to who I guess was Dustin.

"Of course you do." I stood there watching as Dustin sent Alex a wink, who in turned glared at the guy.

"Don't you have a truck to fix?" Alex spoke through clenched teeth. With another wink Dustin turned around and went through the door, leaving Alex and I alone.

I awkwardly stood there, shifting my weight on my heels. I wasn't quite sure what to say. Kind of hoping I wouldn't see him today, not being in a good mood anyways.

While he typed away at the computer I awkwardly glanced around. I didn't notice he stopped typing until he spoke.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine." Maybe if I say it out loud I will be fine. Alex moved around the desk, stalking towards me with long strides. I swallowed thickly as he neared, I wanted to take a step back but my feet were glued to the ground.

Alex stopped a foot away from me, his intense grey eyes looking me up and down. They came to rest on my arm, cradled to my chest. He took one step forward and reached out towards me. I started moving my arm away but the soft touch of his hand on my skin made me pause.

I watched him with wide eyes as I gently pulled my arm down. Seeing my hand I bit my bottom lip. Dried blood coated the top of my hand, no doubt already bruised. It was not a pretty sight.

I waited for Alex's reaction as he took in my bloody hand. His face was a mask but I did see the muscle in his jaw clench and unclench the longer he looked at my hand.

"Come with me." His voice was soft as he gently tugged me towards him. I didn't say a word as he lead me to what I guess was a bathroom.

Alex continued on not saying a word as he silently pulled my backpack off my shoulders and set it on the ground. He motion for me to sit on the toilet seat before moving around the small bathroom.

The longer he went without saying anything the more nervous I became. What was he thinking? I wish I could tell if he was angry or not.

He motioned for my hand which I wordlessly extended to him. It shook slightly and I could barely extended it.

"This may hurt." He warned. With a damp paper towel he got to work on wiping the dried blood. When he passed over the cut I hissed softly.

"Are you going to tell me how this happened?" Alex spoke after a moment.

"I-"

"I won't take some bullshit answer like 'I feel down the stairs', Riley." I stayed silent, not sure what to say. I thought about coming up with some lie but I knew Alex would see right through it. He wasn't stupid.

I opened my mouth to answer only to hiss in pain. Alex was now wiping the wound with hydrogen peroxide which burned more than I thought it would.

"I didn't know you worked here." I said, trying to keep my mind off the burning as well as change the subject.

"You aren't changing the topic Riley. Who did this?" Damn it.

"It's nothing." I mumbled, looking down.

"This isn't nothing. This is a bad cut and on the back of the hand? That doesn't just happen." I could tell by the way he was forcing the words out, he was trying hard not to lose his temper.

"Yeah well heels can be dangerous." I muttered but Alex caught it.

"Heels?" Alex wasn't going to let it go. I wasn't sure why he cared so much either.

"Rebecca." I sighed giving in. Giving me a look to continue I glanced back down at my lap. "She knocked my books out of my hands and when I went down to grab them she stood on my hand." I left out the things she said to me, Alex not needing to hear that

Saying it out loud sounded so pathetic. I should have seen it coming but like the idiot I was I did exactly what Rebecca expected me to.

Alex didn't say anything after I spoke, just continuing on cleaning my hand up. His face was so blank that I wish I could see what he was thinking about. But like always he was hard to read.

We stayed quiet the rest of the time Alex cleaned my hand. After he wrapped it in some gauze and ointment he took a step back. The room was too small for him to go very far. It wasn't until now that I realized just how tight of a fit it was in the bathroom for the two of us. Alex's big frame making it seem even smaller.

When Alex still didn't say a word I started to get concerned. Why was he not saying anything now? He wanted the truth so bad and once he heard it he hasn't said a single word to me.

Right as his hand touched the door I quickly stood up.

"Alex." He paused but didn't turn around. "What's wrong?" I couldn't have pissed him off...right?

"Lets get you your car." Was all he said before exiting the bathroom, leaving me standing there staring after him. Hurt blossomed in my chest as I gazed at his retreating back.

Just another thing to add to the list of this being a bad day. I thought. Forcing the hurt down I slowly followed after him. I wanted to yell at him and ask why he was being a jerk but when I walked out of the bathroom someone standing in the waiting room. So instead I bit the inside of my cheek.

Alex lead me through the waiting room through the door he came out of a few minutes ago. Immediately I was surrounded with the smell of gas and oil. Loud buzzing noises echoed around the place.

When a loud bang sounded I couldn't help but jump in surprise. Hoping on one saw it I ducked my head and hurried after Alex. His long legs eating up more space than mine.

"We replaced the alternator and changed the oil for you." The way Alex was talking was like I was some other costumer.

"Okay, what do I owe you?" I ask softly as we came to a stop in front of a door that lead outside.

"It's on the house."

"Alex, no." I shook my head. I wasn't going to let him pay for it, wasn't going to happen. I was still going to pay, even if I have to call and talk to someone else.

"Its no big deal."

"Alex-"

"Just take the keys Riley." He snapped, thrusting my car keys in my direction. I felt my eyes widen at his tone.

Without another word I took the keys from him. I stood there waiting for him to say something else but he didn't say a word. More than hurt, I brought my hurt hand closer to my chest not wanting it to get wet in the rain.

I glanced back up at Alex only to find him staring off to the side, jaw clenched once again. I knew there was no point in saying anything else. With tears threatening to spill I turned and opened the door.

Splashes of rain immediately hit me as it fell from the roof. It was absolutely pouring now and I knew I would be soaked by time I reached my car. I could barely make it out through the rain up ahead.

I wanted to look over my shoulder and see if Alex was still there but I knew my heart would hurt even more if he wasn't there. Taking a deep breath and clenching my keys in one hand, I made a run for it.

Instantly I was pelted with rain. Of course it wasn't a soft rain either, it had to be coming down in sheets. I almost slipped as I reached my car but managed to stay upright. I tugged at my door handle only to find it locked.

Cursing under my breath I fumbled with my keys to unlock it. I could feel the rain soaking my jacket and my hair. By time I managed to unlock the door I was dripping. Slamming the door shut I sat in my seat trying to catch my breath.

Not wanting to get my car seats soaked I started the car, happy to hear the sound of the engine starting, and backed out. Despite my hurt hand I clenched onto the steering wheel as I drove slowly home in the rain, alone.

By time I made it inside the house all I wanted was a warm shower and to eat my feelings. Who would have thought that after such a good day yesterday, today would turn out like shit.

Walking through my empty house the need to talk to my mom grew. Right now I could use a good hug and yet no one was around. I knew if my brother Trent was here he would make me feel better or he'd go after Rebecca and Alex.

Setting my stuff on the kitchen counter I pulled my phone out, hitting my mom's number without hesitation. Hearing my mom's voice answer after the third ring I felt my eyes start to water again.

"Riley? Is everything okay?" Was the first thing out of her mouth.

"Yeah its okay."

"Well good. I hope school is going well. Make sure to keep up on those grades." My mom rattled off not even missing a beat.

"Mom I was actually wondering-" I started to say hoping she would have a minute to listen to me.

"Shoot. Sorry hun, I am needed in the ER. Be good and don't get into any trouble."

"Mom-" I didn't even get a chance to say anything else before the line went dead. I stared down at my phone until my vision got blurry. Just once I wanted my mom to talk to me and not run off for some emergency. It was too hard to do I guess.

Even though it was only 1 o'clock in the afternoon was I was completely done with today. Pissed at everyone and everything I left my phone downstairs as well as my stuff, before heading upstairs to possibly cry my heart out.

* * * * * * * * * * * 

"Yeah whatever." I mumbled as I watched Amanda Bynes dance with her boyfriend on screen. I was on my third Rom-Com, What A Girl Wants. Probably not the smartest idea watching love movies where the girl always gets the guy.

But I was currently content sitting in my bed with wrappers all over my bed, a half eaten bag of Cheetos, and a tub of ice cream in my lap which was most likely all over my face.

After crying my face off in the shower I was now just drained and over everything. I had absolutely no plans to move from my current spot. Well going to the bathroom and getting more snacks doesn't count. I already took pain killers for my hand so I was good to go.

As the movie credits rolled I exited out of it and scrolled down the list of Rom-Com's on Netflix. Seeing When In Rome, I didn't hesitate clicking it absolutely loving the movie despite seeing it a hundred times.

Shoveling huge spoonfuls of Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream into my mouth, I sat there ogling at Josh Duhamel. If only I had 5 guys wanting my attention. I angrily thought biting into my ice cream, only to regret it as pain radiated through my front teeth.

I was half way through the movie when my stupid doorbell decided to ring. I ignored it and kept watching my movie. Probably some solicitor that wanted to sell me something. No thank you.

When it rang a second time I rolled my eyes. I vowed that I wasn't going to move the rest of the day and night and I meant it. I don't break promises, even if they are with myself.

It was quiet for a moment making me think the person finally gave up. Only for a second later to have the person press on the doorbell one after another. I thought I could hold out on the annoying constant sound but after a few seconds I couldn't do it.

Beyond pissed I threw my comforter off, annoyed that I was interrupted during my Me time.

Stomping down the stairs I went straight for the door, the doorbell still ringing off the hook.

"When someone doesn't answer the first time doesn't mean you keep doing it!" I yelled, flinging the door open on whoever was standing there. I knew I looked like a crazy person with my hair up in a messy bun falling out unattractively. No doubt ice cream and cheetos all over my face. And I was only wearing my brothers t-shirt that fell down to my knees. I definitely looked homeless.

Seeing who was standing there gave me pause.

On my porch dripping wet from the rain was none other than Alex. He was still wearing his work overalls but they were now a few shades darker from the rain. His black hair sticking to his forehead. Water running down his face. Anyone else would look like a drowned rat right now but not Alex. He somehow managed to look even hotter wet.

I stood there with my mouth open, not sure what to say.

"Can I come in."

I honestly for a second wanted to say no and slam the door in his face. The way he acted earlier really hurt my feelings. I did nothing wrong and he didn't have treat me with such a cold shoulder.

But seeing him standing there soaking wet and a pleading look on his face my resolved weakened. Without a word I stepped to the side to let him pass. I shivered at the cold air he brought in.

Closing the door Alex stood there awkwardly on the front mat, dripping. I wasn't a hateful person, never was. So no matter how hurt I was at the moment I wasn't going to let Alex get sick from his wet clothing.

"Let me grab you something from my brothers room." I murmured before heading upstairs.

I wasn't sure if my brothers stuff would fit Alex but it would be better than wet clothing. Grabbing a t-shirt and a pair of old sweatpants I cam back down. Alex stood in the same spot as I left him.

"You can change in the bathroom." I kept my distance as I handed the clothes over to him.

"Thank you." When I didn't say anything in return he quickly walked towards the spare bathroom. As soon as he was out of sight I moved towards the big mirror we had hanging by the kitchen. Seeing my reflection I cringed. Great.

I knew Alex wouldn't take long I quickly took my hair out of my bun and finger combed it. I wiped my face with my hand trying to get the junk off of it. I looked like a giant slob. I didn't have time to run upstairs to grab pants so I was going to have to deal with what I was wearing.

Just as I finished finger combing my hair once more the door to the spare bathroom popped open. Alex came around the corner carrying his wet clothes. My mouth went dry at the sight in front of me.

The t-shirt I gave Alex was a bit too small. The Nike shirt stretched across Alex's wide chest and gripped his biceps. While my brother was in good shape Alex had a bit more muscle on him. The sweatpants seemed to fit just fine at least.

I inwardly cursed at how sexy he looked in the outfit. Get it together Riley. I inwardly yelled at myself. Now is not the time to get distracted by his good looks.

"I'll put these in the dyer." Gently grabbed his clothes I moved around him to go to the laundry room. The entire time I gave myself a lecture. I wasn't going to let him bat his beautiful lashes at me and I'll forgive him.

Coming back to the living room Alex was sitting on the edge of the couch, looking deep in thought. Curious as to why he was here I took a seat in the chair across from him, my movement causing him to look up at me.

We stared at one another for a full minute. Neither of us saying a word. The awkward silence was starting to form, making me shift in the chair.

"Riley." His raspy tone sent a shiver down my spine. It was kind of odd hearing him call me by my name, not Freckles. "I shouldn't have snapped at you earlier."

Alex leaned his elbows on his knees while looking directly at me.

"I wasn't angry at you. And I shouldn't have taken my anger out on you." A pained expression crossed his face. "There is a lot going on and when I heard that someone purposely did that to you I just..." He trailed off, hanging his head.

I could practically see the weight he was carrying on his shoulders. Weighing him down so much. I didn't know what was going on but whatever it was it's taking a toll on him.

"Alex it's okay."

"No it isn't. Riley you need to stop letting them walk all over you."

"You think I like it?" I snapped, shocking the two of us. Sighing I looked down. "I just want to make it through the rest of the year without anymore targets on my back."

"Not if you are getting hurt."

"It doesn't matter Alex."

"Yes it does." He raised his voice. "It is never okay for someone to touch you or hurt you. I don't care who it is."

Bringing my head back up I looked directly at him. His grey eyes blazing with some emotion I couldn't see. His jaw was clenched and so was his hands on his legs.

"Why do you care?" I found myself asking. I didn't say it or mean it rudely either. I was curious as to why a guy like Alex, a guy I've only known a few weeks, cares so much about what happens to me. No one else does.

For a second I didn't think he was going to answer but he finally opened his mouth. His eyes meeting mine and never once looking away.

"Because I see you Riley. I see what others don't and I know you don't deserve any of this." My chest squeezed at his words. "There is a fire inside of you Riley. Show it."

My mind went blank at his words. He spoke with so much conviction that it threw me. He really things there is a fire inside of me? I don't think I've ever had someone say that about me.

"I...I'm not saying this right." He muttered. 

(Sorry I had to had a gif because this guy is so drool worthy!) 

"Alex." I felt the corner of my lips tilt up at his expression. "You are doing better than you think." At my words his shoulders sagged a bit in relief. "And I forgive you."

The cute small smile that formed on his face at my words, made my own grin widen. Without even trying Alex was adorable. In a way he was like a little puppy.

(I'm sorry but can we talk about his smile?!)

We sat there smiling at one another like a pair of dorks. With a soft blush gracing my cheeks I finally looked away.

"Uh do you want something to drink or eat?" I offered.

"Water would be good."

I felt him following behind me as I headed to the kitchen. Grabbing two bottles of water I handed one over. My eyes unconsciously watched his arms move as he opened the bottle and brought it to his lips.

Who knew I apparently had a thing for arms and hands. For some reason I found myself gazing at his arms like some weirdo.

"How did the car run?" Alex broke the silence. I inwardly thanked him for breaking the silence.

"Good. Thank you for fixing it." Little did Alex know I already called and paid for it. I moved out from behind the counter and leaned my hip against the counter top, crossing my legs as I did so.

I hadn't noticed Alex watching me until I saw him shift awkwardly on his feet, his eyes suddenly now downcast.

"What's wrong? Are the clothes too tight?"

"Uh," He rubbed the back of his neck, suddenly acting shy which surprised me. Alex has always been a confident guy. "You aren't wearing any pants are you?"

At his words my eyes grew wide and my mouth popped open. I had completely forgot I was only wearing a long t-shirt. Suddenly the thought that I flashed him my underwear when I sat down earlier came to mind.

"Shit." I muttered. I heard a chuckle as Alex smirked at me, his eyes twinkling.

"I mean I don't mind." There he is. Confident, cocky Alex is back. I was starting to get use to cocky Alex and in a way found it rather amusing. He wasn't anything like Mitch in that way.

Beyond embarrassed I pulled the hem of the t-shirt down trying to cover more of my legs.

"Uh I'll be right back." Before he could reply I took off for the stairs. Why do I always find ways to embarrass myself in front of Alex?! It was becoming a habit of mine.

Running into my room I wanted to face palm at how forgetful I was. I still had my tv on and all my junk food laying on my bed. My poor ice cream was probably all melted now.

After slipping on a pair of sweatpants and using a hair tie to shorten my shirt, I got to work on cleaning up my bedroom. I moved fairly quickly not wanting to leave Alex downstairs too long. I was pretty sure I'd find a random Cheeto in my bed tonight.

With my hands loaded with wrappers and the ice cream carton I made my way back downstairs. I was silently hoping Alex would be in the living room so he wouldn't see how much of a pig I was earlier.

Of course my luck though I came into the kitchen and found Alex sitting on a stool scrolling through his phone. His head popped up as soon as I entered the kitchen. I paused as if I was caught doing something I shouldn't. His eyes went from my face to my hands and back up, a smirk appearing on his face.

"Someone had an eventful afternoon." He teased.

"Don't judge me." I narrowed my eyes at him, as I moved around the kitchen to put the stuff away.

"I will if you start eating a carton a day."

"Are you saying if I got fat you wouldn't talk to me anymore?" I crossed my arms and look at him. His head was down looking at his phone when he answered.

"Yes."

"What!" Realizing what he just said his head snapped up, eyes wide.

"Wait, no! I didn't mean that." I narrowed my eyes at him, enjoying watching he squirm a bit. "I would never! I was looking at my phone and saw something I wasn't listening I didn't mean it." He rambled not stopping for a breath.

As much fun as it was to watch him struggle I couldn't hold back my laughter any longer. I gripped the counter laughing hard as Alex sat there glaring at me.

"You did that on purpose." I went to respond but instead kept giggling.

"I'm...sorry." I caught my breath but one glance at Alex sent me back. Wasn't sure why it was so funny but damn it was.

"Are you done?" He asked with a bored tone.

"Sorry, sorry. I'm good." Taking a few deep breaths I got my laughter under control. "Your face though."

"Thanks for making me out to be a horrible person." He grumbled.

"Oh please." I rolled my eyes.

"If someone was here they would think that."

"Hate to say it but you are far from the bad boy rep you have."

"Hey, I have that title for a reason." Alex narrowed his eyes at me.

"I'm pretty sure watching disney movies with three little girls is not what a 'bad boy' does." I pointed out. "But at least you aren't at the bottom. Derek is a step below you on the 'bad boy' scale."

"Bad boy scale?" Amusement appeared on his face.

"Yep, I made it up."

"Who is on the scale?"

"Lets see..." I tapped my chin as if in deep thought. "First, Rhysand. Second, Jace Herondale. Third, Will Herondale." As I listed off my top three, my amusement growing as Alex sat there beyond confused.

"Who the hell is Rhysand, Will and Jace Herondale?"

"Oh you don't know three of the hottest men?" A flash of anger passed over his face at my words. Did he seriously think they were real people? If only. I inwardly sighed.

"You do realize the hottest is in this room with you, right?"

"Hmm." I made a show of looking him over. "Eh." Little did he know he was by far the hottest guy I know. It was hard to believe he was actually here in my kitchen with me.

"And you know these guys how?" Alex raised his eyebrow at me, actually looking serious. He even leaned forward on the counter.

"Well," I leaned my forearms on the counter across from him. "we met at the mall, the library and they have been in my room."

"Your room." His eyebrows almost went up to his hairline. I was trying my hardest not to laugh and ruin it. I couldn't decide if he was just that gullible or I was that good of an actress. If it was the latter, Hollywood here I come!

"Multiple times in fact."

When I noticed his hands form into fists and his face turn serious I knew I had to stop the little charade. He actually believed they were real life people not fictional characters.

"They are actually in my room right now....on my bookshelf." I waited for the light bulb to go off, as my words sunk in.

"Bookshelf...ohh." There it is.

I once again lost it. My laughter shook my whole body that I had to lean into the counter to hold me up. I was laughing so hard tears came to my eyes. The entire time I laughed my heart out, Alex sat there staring at me. For a split second I thought I saw him smile but then my laughter took over making me close my eyes.

"Oh god that was good." I wiped at my eyes, still slightly giggling. I had thought he would get it sooner than he did.

"I clearly underestimated you Freckles." Alex leaned back in the stool, arms crossed over his chest. The action made the shirt stretch even more around his biceps. Amusement clear on his face.

My heart race picked up at the nickname 'freckles'. While I liked the way Alex said my name, I liked freckles better. I may have hated it before but now I yearned for it.

"Well you should learn not underestimate me, bad boy." I grinned.

"I guess so." The smile that appeared on Alex's face took my breath away. I knew right then and there I was a goner. 

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Hello!! Yes you may send me hate messages for taking so long to update. I know I was suppose to update yesterday but my dumbass was like 'I wanna add this scene! It has to be put in here!' and guess what....Its not even in this chapter *face palm* I ended up cutting this chapter in half so it will be next chapter. Why do I do this to myself? 

But hey this chapter is over 7K words so...hopefully that makes up for everything! Plus more Rilex moments. Ugh I want my own Alex so bad. Why is that so hard? Maybe Amazon ships them hmmmm. :D

I do want to say a HUGE thank you for all the love you guys gave me on my book 'Something Inside' becoming an interactive game. Your support is amazing and I cannot thank you enough for it. If you haven't checked it out, go back a chapter and you learn all about it! THE ENTIRE BOOK is up on the app so you don't have to wait for updates. (But beware the game is VERY different than the story...)

I love you guys so much. I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!! Remember it is NEVER EVER EVER okay to bully someone. No matter. Everyone is equal and deserves the same respect. Don't think I am glorying or promoting bullying with this book!!

Watch out for the next chapter....HINT HINT!

VOTE, COMMENT

<3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S We are almost to a THOUSAND followers on Twitter! If you haven't followed me on Twitter head over and do so! I'm always on there so pop by and chat. Plus I sometimes say funny things....sometimes :P