Chapter 4

Edited

Elias's POV

"Elias! It's time for school!" Lexi yelled as she shook me. I opened my eyes, slowly adEliasg them to the light that shined through my opened curtains. Neither my body nor my mind were fully awake. I struggled to lift my limbs from the bed, but it was no use. I placed my head into the pillow, breathing heavily. After a few more minutes of contemplating how my future will turn out if I didn't get out of this stupid bed, I dragged myself to my closet.

"I'm up," I mumbled. I looked around my messy closet and lifted articles of clothing to my nose. Smelling each one, I picked out a pair of red tight jeans and a black plaid shirt that smelled the least like weeks old garbage. Slipping them on, I went into the bathroom and stared at my awkward hair. I shook my head briefly, trying to get it back to its normal state. After brushing my teeth, I raced downstairs, sliding down the railing.

"God damn it, Elias," my mom growled, "don't break anything."

"Sorry," I chuckled, grabbing my backpack and board. I grabbed a few pieces of bacon and toast before running out the door. I skated past Andrew's Mechanics to see Austin already working. He was leaning against an old car with rusty red paint, screwing with the ignition. Ignoring him, I kept on my way to school.

Not even a day and Austin already has Alex falling. What does he have that I don't? Elias, you sound like a fucking girl.

Without realizing it, I was on Alex's street. She was walking down the sidewalk in black skinny jeans, black and white high top converse, and a jean hoodie jacket. As a smirk crept onto my lips, I skated beside her and poked her side. She jumped and let out a small yelp.

"What the fuck?" she pulled out one of her ear buds. I let out a hearty chuckle, feeling proud. She glared at me, her brown eyes growing darker. I plastered an innocent smile across my lips and shrugged.

"Sup?" I said, getting off of my board.

"Walking to school," she muttered, holding tightly to her satchel.

"Austin didn't want to pick you up?" I teased. She rolled her eyes smirking. I pulled my board closely to my chest, trying to block the awkward thrashing in my stomach from breaking free. We walked in a peaceful silence to the gates of Claremont High. Today we wouldn't have any classes together which I wasn't happy about.

"See you later," she smiled before walking off to Sam. As if on cue, Chris stepped in place of her beside me.

"Walking her to school already? You're not even dating and you're whipped," Chris winked, stuffing his hands into his pockets. I felt my cheeks turn a light shade of pink. I turned away from him, hoping he didn't see my embarrassment.

"I was just being nice," I sighed, walking to my locker.

"Sure," Chris said not believing me whatsoever. A pair of arms wrapped around my waist. I turned to see Victoria smiling. I had no weird feeling in my stomach, making me feel a bit more comfortable. I never liked that feeling. It made me feel weak.

"Good morning, babe," she smirked, kissing my cheek.

"Morning," I said, pulling her face into mine so that our lips were pressed firmly against each other. I could hear Chris gag, causing Victoria to pull away and stare icily at him.

"Don't you have a girlfriend to get to?" She scowled, pointing to where Sam and Alex were sitting.

"Yeah, I'd rather be there anyways," Chris rolled his eyes. He said good-bye, then walked to Sam and Alex, hugging them. I felt my insides cringe as he wrapped his arms around Alex.

"Let's go, babe," Victoria demanded. I sighed, grabbing hold of her hand and walked to math. Since we had a substitute, it was like a free period. I sat in the back corner, listening to The Dangerous Summer. Victoria left to gossip with her friends, leaving me to stare out the window and daydream.

I wasn't sure what to feel. I like Alex, but she does that weird thing to my stomach and I hate it. Victoria's great and everything, but it's not the same as it used to be. We used to be so close, and now it's hard to think I actually love her.

The sound of the bell rang, releasing me from this hell hole. Forgetting about Victoria, I sped out of class to meet Chris by his locker. He looked up and smiled at me.

"What's up?" he asked, closing his locker.

"Are you up for a bonfire tonight?" I asked, thinking up a plan in my head. He gave me a questioning look.

"Sure, but who's going?"

"The band and maybe the girls," I said. He nodded, agreeing with my plan.

"Just don't tell Victoria," he begged. He's never liked her ever since he found out she pushed Sam and Alex around during middle school.

"Fine," I sighed. Sam walked toward us, slipping her hand into Chris's.

"Hey, guys," she greeted. Chris leaned down and pecked her on the lips.

"How's it going, babe?" I winked. Chris glared at me and punched my arm. I rubbed my arm in pain as Sam laughed at me.

"Your girl is over there, lover boy," she winked, pointing to Alex who was sitting alone at a table.

"She's not my girlfriend," I muttered before leaving them. I walked over to Alex and slipped in beside her. I looked over her shoulder to see her writing in her journal.

He's dangerously entangled into my thoughts, suffocating me with his smile.

My lips tugged into a grin as I read. Before I could finish, she closed the book, turning to face me.

"Can I help you?" she exasperated.

"Just wanted to know what you were doing," I admitted, feeling hurt. Her face softened into a small smile.

"Oh, well, I'm doing nothing," she giggled, slipping her notebook into her bag. I cleared my throat, feeling my hands start to shake.

"My band and I are having a bonfire tonight," I said. " Do you want to come?"

"Sure," she smiled, relieving me. I handed her my phone, asking her to put her number in.

"I'll see you at eight then," I winked.

"Okay, bye!" she smiled, walking away. I relaxed my body, letting all the tension escape. Tonight would go great. Hopefully.

* * * * *

Alex's POV

When I got home, it was vacant. I went into my room and lay on my bed. I turned over, reading six-thirty on my clock. I could use a short nap, I thought. I closed my eyes, feeling tiredness taking over.

There was a knock on the door, waking me from a deep sleep. I swung my legs over the edge, dragging myself into the hall. Opening the door, I saw Austin standing in front of me in baggy jeans, a black V-neck and his red varsity jacket.

"Hi," he smiled slipping his hands into his pocket. I blinked rapidly, trying to keep my heavy eyes open.

"What are you doing here?" I yawned.

"Thought you'd need a ride," he said, leaning coolly against the wall. I looked down at my watch to see it was already seven.

"Alright, let me get changed," I stretched, motioning him inside. I went into my room and looked for my sweats. Buzz Buzz. I grabbed my phone to see I had a message.

Hey love, do you need a ride?-Elias

I smiled apologetically to myself as I replied.

Hey, no! Austin actually came so I'm good-Alex

I slipped on my sweats, putting my phone into its pocket. After pulling my hair back into a messy bun, I walked into the living room to see Austin playing on his phone.

"Ready?" I asked. He looked up smiling.

"Let's go," he said, walking out to his car. I wrote out a quick note to my mom before following him out.

"Where's Tyler?" I asked, looking around curiously.

"He had to go early to set everything up," he smiled. I nodded, turning my attention outside. It was dark, but the moon and the stars created enough light to make the streets visible. After a half hour ride, we pulled up to what seemed like a lake house. My eyes grew wide, mesmerized.

"Who lives here?" I asked as we pulled into the dirt parking lot.

"My grandparents, but they're out for the weekend so they let me use it," he winked. I got out and walking towards the small cottage. Austin jogged up to me, brushing his arm against mine. My insides grew warm at his touch. We walked to the small fire pit what was lit with Sam, Chris, Elias, Lexi, and Tyler situated around it.

"Hi," I greeted, sitting next to Elias. He turned and gave me a small smile before turning back to the fire. Tyler was playfully strumming an acoustic guitar, playing no particular tune. We all sat in a comfortable silence watching the fire flicker. I glanced at Elias to see him slowly drifting to sleep. My lips curled at how peaceful he looked.

"Do you play?" Tyler asked me. I nodded, motioning him to give it to me. I placed my fingers on the strings trying to figure out what to play. Without hesitation, I guided my fingers up and down the strings, playing "Kiss Me Slowly."

I whisper-sang to myself, losing myself in the world of music. I felt eyes suddenly being drawn to me. I glanced up to see everyone watching me, even Elias.

"Wow," Austin said in awe. I half-smiled, feeling my cheeks burn. I placed the guitar beside me and stood up yawning.

"I'm going to bed," I said, walking towards the house. The night was cold causing me to shiver. A blanket draped over my shoulders causing my icey skin to melt. I looked next to me to See Elias walking with his head hanging low and his hands in his pockets.

"Hey," I smiled, tugging on the blanket.

"Hi," he responded, walking beside me into the house. We walked in feeling warmth fill the atmosphere. Elias disappeared into the kitchen, coming back with two mugs that smelled like coffee.

"Thanks," I said, taking the mug from him. I pressed my lips to the mug, feeling the steam tickle my nose.

"So Austin brought you," he tried to start a conversation. I nodded, feeling uncomfortable.

"You didn't invite Victoria?" I asked, turning the tables. He smirked, leaning against the wall.

"Nah, I needed a free night," he said, taking a sip of his coffee. I scoffed unamused.

"You know if you don't like her, stop leading her on," I muttered. I may not like Victoria, but no guy should treat a girl the way Elias does, even if she is a bitch.

"Eh, it's fun," he shrugged. I rolled my eyes at his insensitivity.

"I almost forgot about your player ego," I sighed, shaking my head. His smirk died out into a frown. "I'm going to bed. Good-night," I said taking the blanket off of my shoulders and giving it back to him. He stayed quiet as I trudged up the stairs. I entered a small room with two queen sized beds placed in the middle. Since Lexi already had her bags on one of the beds, I decided to share the end bed with Sam. I tiredly crawled in between the white comforter and let sleep wash away the sinful dreams of Elias Rios.

Elias's POV

"I'm going to bed. Good-night," Alex waved, heading upstairs. I wasn't sure whether to feel hurt or not. When she says it, she makes it seem like a bad thing. I shook my head chuckling.

Oh, well.

I looked up to see Austin and the rest of the gang coming inside.

"God, it's cold," Sam sighed, rubbing her hands together. Chris smiled, taking her hands into his and blowing on them. I sighed, feeling as if my heart was being tightened by a lemon squeezer .

"What's up with you?" Austin asked, leaning against the wall next to me.

"Nothing," I mumbled, walking into the kitchen. After placing the mug into the sink, I decided to go get some rest.

"I'm going to bed, guys," I sighed, stuffing my hands into my pockets. They all mumbled good night as I walked upstairs. As I turned the corner, I saw Alex's door wide open. I looked inside to see her sleeping peacefully. Her hair draped over her face, moving up and down with her chest. I began getting that odd feeling in my stomach. I groaned as I dragged myself into Austin's and my room. I flipped onto the bed, taking out my phone to see I had a few missed calls and messages.

Hey Babe <3 I came over, but your mom said you weren't home :/ -Victoria XX

I rolled my eyes, deleting the text. I placed my phone on the nightstand, turning to face the window. I watched the lake swarm, waiting for my eyes to grow heavy. My eyes drooped, finally letting sleep drown me.