"Ah" I yawned as I woke up and got up from my bed looking at the calender across from me. Two months had passed since then and everythigg was rather calm. I got out of my bed and after a quick shower and brushing my teeth. I went into the kitchen where my mother was making eggs and bacon

"Good morning" I said 

"Alex you're here. Good I just made an egg. This one is sunny side up" she said handing me one on a plate

"Thanks" I said before tasting it and quickly spitting it out

"What is it this time?" she asked disheartened

"Too much salt" I said before she sighed and went for another egg. 

Shortly after the door opened and Marcus walked in

"Good morning" he said

"Good morning Mark" we both said. Marcus had been coming over a lot since the two of them went out. He's been here every morning.

"Hey don't you have any work to do?" Mom asked. 

"Angelina is handlin everything" he said.

"You should give that poor girl a raise" Mom teased as she gave him a plate of eggs and bacon

"Did you make this?" he asked fearful

"Yes. Is that a problem?" Mom asked

"No. It's just...um I ate before I came" he lied 

"Really? That's too bad" Mom said 

"So is Amanda up yet?" he asked

"Yes she should be down any minute" Mom said before tiny footsteps were heard as Amanda came down the stairs

"Good morning" she yawned before taking a seat

"Good morning" Marcus said giving Amanda a friendly smile

"Mommy what is Mr Thomson doing here so early in the morning. It's not right for a stranger to be at someone's house so early" she said 

"Amanda-"

"No it's fine" Marcus said with a sad smile. A month after their date Mom had told Amanda that he was her father and as you probably guessed she didn't take it well. She didn't speak him even though he had came over the house everyday since.

"I'm sorry for showing up unannounced." he said 

"Whatever" Amanda rolled her eyes before turning to Mom

"Mommy I really want to go to school early today so can you hurry and finish this?" Amanda said 

"I'm sorry sweetheart I have to head into work early today. The manager said we have an emergency meeting" Mom said shutting off the stove

"Seriously? Can't you be a little late?" she asked

"I can't. She's talking about job cuts and I'm worried I might be on the cut list" 

"Why? You're a great accountant Mom" I said biting into a piece of burnt toast

"Thank you Alex but I've been late a lot recently. So I can't be late today"

"You know Bethany if something goes wrong you can always come work for me" Marcus said

"I don't think that would be necessary" Amanda instantly rejected

"It was nice of you to offer though" Mom said

"Alright fine. Can you carry me?" Amanda asked me

"I can't"

"Why not?" she groaned

"I have to go to class early today. Mr Francis said that he has something to tell everyone so I have to go in early. I have to be there by eight. I can't stop to bring you to school. Mr Francis would lock me out" I said 

"Damn it. Couldn't you be useful for once" she spat at me before Marcus chuckled

"Watch your mouth Amanda" Mom said before turning to Marcus

"Don't encourage her" she told him

"I didn't mean to" he chuckled

"So what I'm just gonna be late today?" I asked

"I can drop you off" Marcus said 

"Excuse you?" Amanda said

"I'm offering you a ride to school" he said 

"Hm..." Amanda said obviously thinking about it

"I think you should agree with it." Mom said. Amanda looked around the room at everyone's face before sighing

"Fine but I know you guys planned this" she said 

"I have no idea what you're talking about" I said quickly picking up my bag

"I'll see you guys later" I said before running out of the house. 

After running out I quickly made my way to the bus and that's where I saw Ben standing there waiting for the bus

"Hey Ben" I called out hoping this time he'd respond but of course he was still angry so he didn't say anything. He hadn't spoken to me since that day in the cafeteria but that didn't stop me from trying even though it was care he wouldn't respond

"So what do you think Mr Francis is calling us in for?"

"Yeah I don't know either. Maybe he's finally retiring. I bet he'd love that" I said before the bus came and he walked on

"Great nice talk" I said sarcastically as I walked on to the bus 

"So you really not gonna talk to me again?" I asked sitting beside him. Not saying anything he got out of the seat and walked to the crowded back

After the bus ride I went to class seeing Wendy and Samantha talking to each other

"Good morning" I said waving at them

"Do you hear something?" Samantha asked but Wendy didn't respond so I sighed and walked to my seat

"Good morning Alex" Emily said before I smiled a bit

"Sup Emily" I said taking my seat until Mr Francis walked into the room

"Shut your traps and sit down" Mr Francis said as he sat on his table

"Okay I bet you're wondering why I called you all here" he said looking at his clipboard

"And the reason is...because I wanted to." he said before everyone groaned and glared at him complaining

"Alright alright quiet down. There is also a legit reason you brats. You guys are going to do a group assignment. This is the last assignments for the school term. Next week you brats will be off for the Winter break. Thank God in heaven"

"Excuse me Mr Francis but do we get to choose the groups?" Emily asked

"No. Now shut up. I have already chosen the group. Now I'm going to start listing out the groups. Group one Elizabeth Monroe, Emily Smith, Matthew McConaughey and Roddey Burns" he said 

"Wow I'm the same group as Elizabeth" she said looking towards Elizabeth

"Ouch I'm feel sorry for you" I joked

"Why? Elizabeth is amazing. She's so cool, pretty and smart. She's really the coolest person in school and easily the most beautiful. Her bright blue eyes and tall straight golden hair. It's so shiny and silky and I'm getting it's really smooth. Her body parts are the absolute perfect thing on a human. Her lips also look so soft and-" she gushed

"Wow it sounds like you have a pretty big crush there" I noticed

"No it's not like that. Really" she said blushing

"It's just that I think she's so cool. Don't you think so?" she asked before I looked towards her

"Yeah. She's pretty...cool" I said before she noticed my gaze and turned towards me sending a smile my way and waving. Her sweet smile made me smile back at her

"Group four is Samantha Jones, Benjamin Andrews, Alexander Freeman and it's quite unfortunate but Wendy Williams will also be paired with you slackers" Mr Francis said. 

I was surprised at the time. I looked around at everyone's face and they looked back at me. The surprised lasted for the next two classes. Once lunch came I had pushed it to the back of my mind as I made my way to the garden where both Elizabeth and Gwen were already seated. 

The both of them had gotten really close and were almost like best friends. Elizabeth still had her superior attitude but that surprisingly didn't scare off Emily. She enjoyed Elizabeth's presence and Elizabeth was helping her practice her French 

"Hey guys" I said taking a seat

"Oh hey Alex" she said

"Alexander" Elizabeth said before eating a sushi

"Sushi. May I have one?" I asked reaching for one but she immediately hit me with the chopsticks

"What did I tell you?" she said sternly

"I know. I know. I'm just messing with you. Hand me the chopsticks" I said taking the chopsticks from her. She had been teaching me how to hold chopstick so I was pretty good at it now

"Mm Delicious" I hummed before handing her back the chopsticks

"Wow Alex you got really good at using those" Gwen said 

"But of course he had a teacher like yours truly" Elizabeth said

"You know Elizabeth you are the most talented person I know. I don't think anyone can find a way to praise themselves like you" I said before turning back to Gwen

"And thank you for the compliment Gwen. How is your French lessons going by the way?"I asked

"It's great" Gwen said

"Indeed Gwendaline is quite the fast learner unlike you" Elizabeth said

"Okay let me hear some of it?" I said

"You really want to?" she asked excited

"Sure go ahead" I shrugged 

"Alright what do you want me to say?" she asked

"..hm.." I said thinking about it

"No profanity Alexander" Elizabeth said

"Okay. Describe the weather" I said 

"Le temps est ensoleillé avec peu de nuages" she said 

"Wow. I don't understand a thing you said but you sounded amazing" I said

"Merci beaucoup" she said with a smile

"So I heard you guys are doing a project in your class" Gwen said

"Indeed. I have been paired up with a bunch of stooges. Except for Emily" Elizabeth said 

"She's rather acceptable" 

"She'd love to hear that. I think she has a crush on you" I said

"I wouldn't blame her. I am almost perfect. Only a simpleton like yourself wouldn't fall for me" she said before I rolled my eyes

"Shouldn't have said that" I told myself

"So what about you?"

"What about me?" I asked

"I'm sure you're quite happy to be doing an assignment with your crush"

"What" I chuckled

"I see the way you wave and greet her every morning. I'm sure you're glad that she won't be able to avoid you now" she said

"Oh my. Are you jealous?" I chuckled

"Jealous? Hardly. To be jealous Wendy would have to something I want. And I already have everything I want" she said kissing my cheek

"Plus Wendy isn't even comparable to my shadow. No offense to her" Elizabeth said 

"So you say" I said condescending

"Oh drop the condescending tone. I'm truly not jealous" she said 

"I didn't reject" I laughed before she huffed and pushed another sushi roll into my mouth

"Shut up and eat" she said while I continued to chuckled. Lunch ended soon after and we went back to class then school day had ended soon after and I was stuck in class packing up my bag 

"Alexander" Elizabeth said walking over to my desk as I was packing after Mademoiselle Smith walked out

"Elizabeth." I said 

"Are you ready? For today's lesson I think we should focus on the sciences and maybe a little algebra"

"Actually I can't walk home with you" I said. Elizabeth had been tutoring me during the last few months so I could get my grades up from a D- to a B-. Which to me was a major improvement though I was often met by her furious and disappointed gaze upon showing her the grade. We study at my house so she walks home with me and sometimes Gwen tags along with us

"Why not? And if it is a silly and nonsensical reason like the last time I will hit you across your head. I will not tolerate another low grade like the last time" she said 

"First of all a B minus isn't a bad grade and second I have to go with Wendy and the others to decide where we're going to do our project" I said 

"Oh I see" she said

"Can we just change the time. We meet up" 

"No I have something planned for the day." she huffed

"You are upset aren't you" I said 

"I'm not upset" she said

"Yes you are" I said

"For the last time no I am not. And if you say it again I will hit you" she said

"Fine I won't talk about the fact that you're upset" I said before she hit me in th back of my head before storming off leaving me only to chuckle as I watched her. 

After I got out of my seat and met up with the others in the cafeteria

"Hey guys" I said but no one responded leaving me to sigh as I sat down

About an hour passed and we only sat their in awkward silence staring at each other until Wendy broke the silence

"Okay listen. We know that we weren't exactly on the best of terms-"

"Thanks to a certain someone" Samantha said looking at me mockingly

"I'm trying to apologise" I said

"That's not the point. We have a project to complete and all this awkwardness won't get us anywhere." She said

"Right now we just have to  put aside our differences and finish the project. I don't know about you guys but I can't afford to fail"

"I understand" I sighed

"Honestly I don't really care either way" Ben said

"Yeah I think this sounds like too much work" Samantha said looking at her phone

"Are you two freaking kidding me? Can youu just take something serious for once" Wendy asked upset 

"What's the big deal it's just a stupid group assignment. Who cares if we fail it's not like it's important" Samantha said dismissively

"It's important to me. Maybe if you'd take your head out of your phone you'd see that" Wendy snapped

"Don't be a drama queen it's just a stupid assignment we got as freshmen. It just an useless grade to make our parents happy"Samantha rolled her eyes

"Of course you don't care about grades.That's not why you're at school anyway" Wendy shook her head

"You know other people actually come to school to learn right?" she added

"And what's that suppose to mean?" Samantha said glaring at Wendy

"Um...am I missing something?" I asked surprised at their sudden outburst. To me this was very strange as they seemed really friendly in claso but to Ben this wasn't anything out of the ordinary

"Can we just drop this and focus on the project" Ben said trying to stop the argument

"Fine let's get this over with" Samantha rolled her eyes

"Good so when and where are we going to do it?" Ben asked

"I say we do it after school" Samantha said

"I can't" Wendy and I said

"I have classes" Wendy said

"And Elizabeth is helping me with my studies" I said

"Fine. What about Saturday?" Ben asked

"I'm free in the evening" I said

"I'm busy" Wendy said

"Doing what?" Samantha said

"It's private" Wendy said

"Okay what about Sunday" I said 

"An excuse to skip church I'm in" Ben joked

"I'm okay with that" Wendy said

"Okay" 

"So where now?" Ben asked

"How about Alex's house" Samantha asked

"My WiFi's down. We could do it at your house" I told him

"My house is too small" Ben said

"Well I don't want any to associated with any of you in my neighbourhood" Samantha said

"What about you Wendy?" Ben asked

"No" she instantly rejected

"Why?"

"No" she repeated

"Okay fine. What about to school library?"

"Not opened on Weekends" I told him

"So we don't have anywhere to go" Ben sighed

"You're you losers forgetting Wendy's dad is a librarian" Samantha said

"No. We can't go there" Wendy said

"Why not? They have free WiFi, books we can use as reference and computers. It's honestly the best place we can use" Ben said

"No" she repeated

"Come on Wendy" I said

"It is the only place we have" Samantha said

"What about the other library?" 

"You mean the one that's literally on the other side of town. It'd take us all day to get there" Ben said

"So what! Let's just leave early" she huffed

"Screw this let's just put it to a vote"  Samantha said

"Yeah I'll stay out so we can get the answer right away

"If you want to go to the Wendy's dad library raise your right hand and if you appose raise your left" Ben said 

"Okay. Wendy and Sam go first" Ben said before Wendy and Samantha raised their left and right hand respectively

"You're turn" Ben said giving me the side eye

"Come on Alex do you really wanna go all the way across town" Samantha said

"Come on Alex please" Wendy whimpered. 

"I'm sorry but your dad's library is more convenient" I said raising my right hand

"Two to one. Looks like we're going to the library" Ben shrugged 

"Screw you all!" she yelled slamming her hand on the table upset before getting up

"The hell was that about" Ben asked as we were all very confused as none of us knew what she was going through at the time

"Nothing. I have to go" she said about to walk in when Anthony came in 

"What's up babe" Samantha smiled

"What are you still doing here?" she asked

"Oh Ethan and I were planning our christmas party. We were having a little trouble with the venue" Anthony said

"I told him we should just use his sister's house" Ethan said. This son of a bitch was Ethan Powers. Back then he was Anthony's best friend before Anthony learnt how much of a waste of air the creepy bastard was despite his incredibly good looks. If you hadn't guess I don't like him very much now. Unfortunately back then I thought he seemed nice

"I don't think Elizabeth would agree to that" I said

"Yeah I know but I thought maybe you could ask her"

"Anthony, if Elizabeth listened to what I say we wouldn't have been dragged around by her" I joked

"You could at least give it a shot" Ethan said

"Okay sure. I'll call her when I get home" I said

"Thanks man" Anthony said

"But what are you guys still doing here?" he asked

"We were deciding something for a project. We just finished" Samantha said

"Okay so you wanna ride home?" Anthony asked

"Sure" Samantha said picking up her bag

"You coming Wendy. I'll drop you off" Anthony offered before Samantha rolled her eyes

"I don't think your friend would like that" Wendy said noticing Samantha's attitude

"I don't think she'd mind" he said still smiling

"I do" Samantha said 

"Why? She's your best friend isn't she?" he asked

"Indeed and you're my boyfriend that I want to talk to in private" she said

"Can't we talk after I drop her off"

"Are you freaking kidding me?" Samantha glared at him upset

"Come on I want to ask her advice on something" he said

"And why can't you ask me?" she asked

"Come on Babe this is about school" he joked

"And I'm too stupid to help?"  she asked in a slightly treatening tone

"That's not what I'm saying" he said

"But it's what you're implying" she said 

"Look I don't need a ride home. I'll just take the bus" Wendy said walking off

"Don't worry man I'll make sure she gets home" Ethan said walking after her

"Let's go" Samantha said storming off

"I'll see you guys later" Anthony sighed before leaving

"Well that was unexpected" I said

"Not really" Ben sighed

"You've changed" he said

"What?" I asked

"That was the first time you've ever went against something Wendy wanted to do."

"It was just more convenient" I shrugged not seeing it as a big deal

"And you didn't offer to follow her while she was upset" 

"I have to go home. I have to study. I'm sure she's fine. See ya Sunday" I said

"Whatever man" he said picking up his bag leaving.

After that I left school and immediately went home

"Man I'm tired" I said walking in to see my mom and Mark laughing in the kitchen

"Aren't you two merry? Did something happen? You feeling the Christmas spirit early" I joked

"No but I got an early present" he said

"Do tell" I smiled

"Your mother agreed to go out with me on a christmas eve" Mark said smiling

"Really? Christmas eve date?"

"Do you have a problem with it?" Mom asked me

"No but a christmas eve date isn't exactly a first date type date. Like Valentine's day" I said before they chuckled

"We'll be fine. You should focus more where you and Elizabeth are gonna go?" Mom teased before I blushed a bit

"Go? I don't...I haven't thought about that" I said shyly

"Well I'm sure you two will discuss it upstairs" mom said

"Upstairs?"

"Oh yeah Elizabeth came over after school saying she'd wait for you. She's been in your room ever since" Mom said

"Thanks Mom" I said

"I can make lunch for you guys" she said

"No that's okay" I said before remembering who convinced me to let her cook 

"You know what Mom. I'm sure Elizabeth would love lunch" I said smiling evily

"Mac and cheese?" she said 

"Huh uh" I nodded 

"I'll send it up when I'm finished" she said before rushing to the counter

"If you're trying to get her to be your girlfriend poisoning her won't be a good idea" he whispered

"It's revenge" I chuckled creepily while rubbing my palm together

"O..kayyyy" he said wide-eyed

"See ya" I said running up the stairs 

When I opened the door laughing at my maniacal plan I noticed Elizabeth was sleeping peacefully on my bed so I immediately shut my mouth and quietly closed the door before slowly tip-toeing over to her. She was incredibly beautiful as I watched her sleep. It was as she were some disney princess sleeping beautifully. But that illusion of pure beauty broke when she started tossing and turning in her sleep kicking 

"How dare you try to capture my jade lips without my permission, simpleton" she said in her sleep causing me to chuckle. That moment I  remembered despite all her many skills and beauty she was still a normal girl. Her tossing and turning stilled for a moment and her peaceful beauty returned. Not wanting to wake her up I put a sheet over her before going to the studying table she bought for me in the corner of my room and looked at the clock she had gotten me. I wasn't able to read it at first because it was analogue but she thought me how. It took a while but I could finally read it. After checking the time I began studying as quietly as I could. Soon after Mom walked in

"Hey kids" Mom said

"Ssshh" I shushed her

"Elizabeth's asleep" I whispered

"Oh I just brought you lunch" Mom said 

"I'll take it" I said getting up and taking the tray

"She sleeps so beautifully" Mom said 

"Yeah" I smiled before she turned tossing and turning again

"Sometimes" I said my smile becoming awkward 

"It is getting late you should finish studying and wake her up soon" she said

"Sure thing" I said before she left and I returned to my desk and threw away my lunch before returning to my studying 

About an hour later I heard a mumbled groan

"Look who's awake" I smiled 

"What time is it?" she asked rubbing her eyes

"Six p.m. You've been sleeping for hours" I said

"Oh. Did you finish your studying?" she asked with a stern glare

"Yes" I said

"You didn't just slack off?" she asked

"No" I said 

"I'll choose to believe you this time" she said getting off her bed

"Thanks" I rolled my eyes

"My Mom made us lunch" I said 

"Send her my thanks" she said coming over and taking a spoon of the mac and cheese

"How is it?" I asked trying to hold back my laughter

"Hmm...It's cold and insipide yet somehow it is extremely salty" she said grabbing a paper towel from my desk and spitting the mac and cheese into it and throwing it into the bin

"And that's why I didn't let my mother cook" I chuckled

"I must admit that was quite atrocious" she said

"Yeah I know" I said

"But I still insist she continue practicing" she said

"I agree" I said

"Why?"

"While her cooking still sucks, she's not burning the kitchen down and the food is at least edible"

"I see" she smiled

"Hey I wanna ask you something" I said

"Okay go ahead" she said

"Would you be okay with a party being thrown at your house?" I asked

"If I'm being brutally honest I wouldn't. The last one I hosted was filled rowdy juvenile bastards and harlots who don't know how to pick up after themselves" she said walking over to my bed

"So that's a no?" I sighed as she sat on my bed

"Depends. Did my idiotic brother put you up to this?" she asked crossing her legs

"Full disclosure. Yes-"

"Then my answer is no" she interrupted me

"Can't you let me finish first?" I sighed

"Fine percede" she said

"Your brother suggested I ask but that's not the reason I did. I want to ask so we could go to a party together. As friends" I said

"A date?"

"Did you not hear me say as friends" I sighed

"Okay after listening to your reasoning I've decided to agree. Under the condition that you and I watch the first snow fall of the year in private. According to the news it is likely to commence falling on Christmas Eve" she said

"That's a weird request but okay" I said

"Good" she smiled

"I'm getting a little hungry. What about you?" I asked before her stomach gave a low growled which I found surprisingly cute

"I could eat" she said blushing

"Let's go" I said before we went down

"Don't tell me you're going to order fast food again" she sighed 

"No this time I want you to try something new" I said taking out a basin from the fridge

"What is that?" she asked

"A surprise" I said taking a box of mac and cheese from the cabinet, and took a pound of chicken from the fridge.

After I finished I put out a plate in front of her and she pulled a knife and fork

"Go ahead try it" I smiled before she stabbed the chicken leg and cut off a piece and ate it

"Mm" she said savoring the taste

"How is it?" I asked but she only raised a finger asking for a minute before she swollowed

"The chicken is tender, the macaroni was really cheesy and buttery seemingly melting in my mouth but the thing that made it really standout was whatever sauce you added on it" she said resting down the knife and fork

"All in all it is incredibly delicious" she said 

"Thank you" I smiled

"So where did you get that sauce?" she asked. That was the miracle sauce that would make my future successful and the best thing I ever accidentally made. It would become the basis of my future company

"I made it myself" I said smugly. I saw the shocked look in her eyes for a brief moment before she smiled at me. 

"I guess no one can be completely useless" she said 

"Thank for the compliment. Back handed as it may be" I said before I started eating

"So how was your little get together with your ex friends?" she asked

"We're still friends" I said

"Right they're just giving you the cold shoulder because they're shy" she said sarcastically which surprised me

"Were you just using sarcasm?" I asked with a smile

"If a simpleton like you can why can't I" she said 

"It's just a surprise.You're usually very straight forward" I smiled

"Hmph I asked you a question. You have yet to give a satisfactory answer" she huffed

"Well we're meeting up on Sunday to do the project at Wendy's dad's library" I said before taking a bite of my chicken

"Her father owns a library?" she asked

"He's the librarian" I clarified 

"I see" she said 

"I'm actually worried about her" I said not noticing Elizabeth flinch

"Please tell why?" she said but I had noticed her tone changed from light conversation to a soft interrogation

"Something just seemed off to me. We mentioned going to her Dad's and she freaked" I said

"And?" she asked

"Wendy loves her dad's library. She'd go there everyday after school in middle school. Though I haven't seen her go by there much recently." I said

"That tends to happen when you're outcasted" she said finishing up her meal resting the knife and fork on the plate pushing it away from her beforre wiping her mouth

"When you're finish come follow me out" she said standing up

"You want to take the bus" I joked getting a glare as a response

"Alright I'll call a cab" I chckled. 

Th day of the project came and I was outside of the library with Ben waiting paitently for the girls. 

Not long after a cab pulled up and Samantha walked up

"Hey Sam" Ben smiled

"Loser. Ben" she said politely to Ben 

"Where's Wendy?" I asked

"Is she not here yet?" 

"No I thought you'd come with her" Ben said

"You don't think she'd back out" Samantha said

"No way. She is the one that wanted to do this assignment the most" I said

"Yeah he's right" I said before another taxi stopped and Wendy got out

"Hey sorry I'm late" she said 

"Alright we're all here. We should head inside" Ben said before he and Samantha walked in. I was about to walk in when I noticed Wendy still hadn't moved 

"You okay?" I asked

"I'm fine" she said

"Aren't you coming in?" I asked

"Yes" she said

"You haven't moved" I told her

"In a minute" she said

"Is something wrong?" I asked

"huh?"

"You seem hesitant. Is everything okay?" I asked

"I'm fine" she said 

"Okay. Then why aren't you going in?" I asked 

"I'm just getting some air. Go in I'll join you in a minute" she said

"Okay" I said before I thought crossed my mind

"Is your mom okay?" I asked before she glared at me

"Why would you suddenly ask about my mother" she glared

"I saw her two months ago. She was working at the gas station. Is something going on?" I asked

"That is none of your business. Alexander bare in mind we are not friends and it is not appropriate for you to ask for someone's personal life like that" she said

"I wasn't trying to pry"

"You were" she said

"I just wanted to know if you're okay" I said

"I'm fine. So can you just go inside" she said

"Sure" I said walking in and going over to Ben and Samantha 

"Where is she?" Samantha asked

"She says she need a minute. Let's just sign in" I said before we walked up the librarian's desk but Wendy's dad wasn't there instead it was his secretary

"Good morning Josie" I said

"Alex, Ben and Sam. What wind blew you guys here? I haven't you guys since you got into college. You guys too cool now for books" she joked. Josie was Wendy's Dad secretary for around five years at the time and we got along quite well. When she started working here she had just gotten back from college. She and Wendy were great friends. They were so close that people would think they were sisters...at that time at least

"It's not like that" I laughed

"We were just busy" Ben said before she walked out from the desk and we saw her stomach and were surprised

"Wow Josie. Either you've been visiting the cake shop a little too much or-" Ben said

"I'm pregnant" she giggled

"Oh my god. Congratulations" Samantha squeeled

"Thank you" 

"How far along are you?" I asked

"Six months" she said

"That far" we said shocked

"Who's the father?" Samantha asked

"Anyone we know" Ben said before she looked down

"Um... I'll get back to you" she said  coyly before she picked up a rather heavy looking box

"What are those?" I asked

"New arrivals. I have to stock the shelves and be back" she said

"Are you sure you should be carrying something so heavy in your condition" Samantha said.

"I'll be fine. It's just a little box" she smiled

"Nonsense" Mr William's said as we walked over to her and took the box

"You're pregnant Jo. You can't be carrying anything heavy. We don't want anything happening to the baby" he said smilling tenderly at her

"I just wanted to do something. You're not  paying me to stay at the counter and look pretty" she said

"That's exactly what I'm paying you for. And you're doing a very good job" he said with a slightly flirtatious tone

"Stop it" she said coyly hitting his shoulder

"Um" we all said not sure what was happening. Mr Williams and Josie usually had a decent relationship but it had never been something like this which we found odd

"Oh hey guys" he said finally noticing us

"What brings you here?" he asked

"We are doing a class assignment." I said

"Oh. Just you guys?" he asked

"No Wendy's with us" I said

"Oh.." he said

"Something wrong?" I asked noticing his change of expression

"...Nothing is wrong" he said 

"So where is she?" he asked before Wendy walked up to us

"Haven't you finished signing up yet?" she asked us 

"Hey Wendy. How is your mother" he said with an awkward smile.

Wendy glared at him then to Josie who seemed to be avoiding eye contact which I could guess was out of guilt

"I'll go get a seat" she said walking away

After that awkward situation we signed in and met back up with Wendy and started working.

There was an awkward silence as we all sat there each doing a separate part of the project. Soon I wanted to use the bathroom so I excused myself. On my way back from the bathroom I heard giggling

"What was that?" I asked softly as I moved closer to it. There was an alley that no one used. As peeked around the corner into my eyes widened in shock as my mouth gasped in silent surprise

Mr Williams and Josie were making out in the alley feeling each others very intimately  

"James we can't do this here" she giggled as he kissed her neck and squeezing her breast

"Come on Jo just a little. You know I can't resist you" he said 

"What about the baby?" she giggled before he kissed her lips

"Don't you know sex during pregnancy is good for both you and baby. It can help you sleep better, lower your blood pressure and even make you happier" he said

"God I hope our son doesn't share your sex drive. He'd get someone pregnant before graduation middle school" she joked and I gasped again and stepped down accidentally knocking into Wendy who had went to the bathroom after me

"Owe" she said

"Wendy" I said surprised

"What are you looking at?" she asked

"Nothing" I said

"Let's go back to the others" I said not wanting her to see what was happening

"You sound suspicious. What is going on in that alley?" she asked

"Nothing" I said sweating nervous

"Move" she said

"We should go finish the project"

"Move" she said sternly before I sighed and stepped to the side. She peeked around the corner and I think I could literally see her fuming with anger

"Are you f**king kidding me!" she yelled surprising the two of them

"Wendy" Mr Williams said

"Wendy" Josie said

"Don't call my name you f**king bitch!" she cursed at her

"You can't even keep it in your pants when I'm in the same f**king room!" she yelled

"Wendy just calm down" he said

"Are you crazy. You're here f**king that slut while I'm doing a freaking school project!" she cursed

"THAT'S ENOUGH!" her father yelled before everyone went silent

"James don't" Josie said

"No this has to be said. I have tried to be paitent with you but you are passing your place little girl. Josie and I are going to get married. She is going to be your step-mother you should show some damn respect to her. I will stand here and watch you insult her like that" he said

"Are you seriously scolding me right now. I caught you with your damn mistress" she said

"Fiance Wendy" he said

"I think I should go" Josie said about to walk away

"No you're apart of this" Mr Williams said grabbing her hand

"He's right. I should leave" Wendy said before she stormed off

I stood there awkwardly watching them

"Um I'mma follow her" I said embarrassed before I followed her

Wendy angrily walked passed everyone fuming as she went to the door

"What's her problem?" Ben asked

"I'll tell you later" I said following her 

I walked outside to see Wendy crying on the steps

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked

"No" she cried

"Okay then. You can just continue crying" I said

"What are you still doing here! Can't you just get lost! You're really annoying you know that!" she yelled at me tears still in her eyes

"I just want to see if you're okay. I'm worried" I said

"I don't need you to worry about me! Who the hell are you to worry about me! Do you think that this will get me to like you! It won't so just get lost" she yelled

"That's not why I'm doing this" 

"Then what the hell do you want from me!" she yelled

"I want to know if you're okay. I think of myself as your friend"

"Do I look okay! My dad's leaving my mom for his secretary that he knocked up. My mom moved out and is struggling to make ends meet but she's still sending my brother to that damn overpriced school and I haven't had a free Saturday since I went to that damn Theme park. I've working my ass off for the past two months. A penny of which I don't see because I have to pay for my damn after school classes in the hopes that my grades can be enough to get me a scholarship to a college. And amongst all this I have to deal with Samantha's insecurities and your annoying crush. And to top it off I have no one to talk about my problems." she vented tears rapidly running down her face.

Wow I didn't think she was going through all that. Looking back it was laughable to say that I knew her. I had no idea to what her life was like but I knew it was sad. I want to tell her it was gonna be okay but I didn't know that for sure. Deciding it was better not to say again I threw my arm around her and pulled her into a hug patting her back as she cried

"If you ever need someone to talk to you can talk to me okay" I said

"Why?"

"What?" I asked

"Why are you still so nice to me. I was so mean to you"

"You weren't wrong though. I didn't hang out with you because I wanted to be your friend. I did eventually become your friend though. Maybe this time we can actually be friends" I said smiled

"Thank you" she smiled back before someone cleared their throat and I looked up to see Elizabeth and Anthony looking at us

"Aren't you two cozy?" she said with a spine chilling tone

"I-I-It's not what it looks like" I said

"I see so what is it Alexander?" she asked sternly before Anthony noticed Wendy's red puffy eyes

"What happened to her?" he asked. I looked at her silently asking for permission to tell them but she shook her head no

"It would be easier if they knew. The more people who knew the more people you can talk to" I said. She thought about it for second before agreeing so I told them what she had told me 

"Oh my god are you okay?" Anthony said hugging Wendy

"I'm...I'm not fine" she said before the door opened and Samantha and Ben walked out

"What's taking you guys so long?" Samantha asked before she noticed Anthony's arm around

"Are you freaking kidding me. Why the hell is your arm-"

"Not now Sam" he said not in the mood to deal with her

"Screw this. I'm going home" she said walking away

"Sam. Sam!" Ben called out following after her 

"Aren't you gonna go after her?" I asked 

"She'll be fine. I think I should get Wendy home" Anthony said

"I'll be fine. You should go deal with Samantha" Wendy said getting out of his hug

"No. Let her blow off some steam. I'll get you home" he said before he lead her to his car

"I guess we'll have to reschedule the project" I said

"I could offer my services for a commission of course" she said

"I have ten bucks" I said reaching into my pocket

"That is acceptable. We can get a cheese burger" she said before kissing me

"What was that for?" I asked

"Nothing" she smiled

"But what about your assignments?" I asked as we went back into the library

"That is already completed. Much to Emily woe" she said

"How did you deal with that by the way?" I asked

"I simple told her I was flattered but I am already in a relationship with someone. She was rather curious to who I was in relations with" she said

"And what did you say?" I asked fearing her answer

"You know me Alexander. I told her the truth. I told her I was dating a simpleton" she said getting me to chuckle as I opened a chair for her to sit