Chapter 24

Chapter 24

"Congratulations, Al! I'm glad that you got the part. You've been working so hard for it and you do deserve it." Leah hugged Alison.

"Thanks, and I'm sorry about what happened. I really am. About the whole thing. It wasn't fair that he dismissed you just like that. You're an amazing dancer who should be given another chance."

"It's fine. So how are you feeling now that you got the part that you've always wanted?"

"My stomachs in knots, actually." Alison sighed laying herself on the bed feeling content that she had been chosen as one of the dancers for the Annual Ballet Performance which was a prominent event.

"You're an incredible dancer, Alison. Of course, you'd do great. I suppose you'll be spending much time with the rehearsals, huh?" Leah sat at the edge of her bed twisting the lace from the edge of her shirt.

"I know I might be busier but I'll still try to come here after rehearsal and we will keep on the update each day, right? I'd still be here whenever you need me." She sat up and gave her friend a big hug.

Alison dragged herself out of the bed getting ready for work after she left school early this morning and avoided Layla's call since then. She was not ready to talk, she does not want to hear nor talk about anything else but just hide under the cover and mope alone in her bed.

Off she drove and walked into the studio where she was greeted by the warm Mrs. Alby. She changed into her ballet clothes and waited for the kids to arrive. After much deliberation, she resolved to continue teaching part time after school for a couple of times a week. After she finished teaching two classes of the day, she decided to use this opportunity to let her emotions flow through dancing. Playing Sad Song by We The King featuring Elena Coats seemed like the perfect song for her current emotions. She swayed rhythmically to the music mixing ballet with contemporary dance moves pouring her souls and emotions that has been building up since the incident almost a year ago. She did a grand jeté as warm droplets fell from her eyes, feeling the lump in her throat that she had been trying to suppressed deep within her.

Leah. I missed you so much, you have no idea. There're so many things that I wanted to tell you, how I wish to just be able to talk to you. I tried to move on but it seemed that I'm stuck yet again. I messed up big time in the past and it seemed that all I could do is make a mess of things. I've made Layla and Jason, the two amazing people that made my life a little brighter, mad at each other all because of me. I feel so lost right now. I really am such a terrible friend. I've made you suffer, I've caused you so much pain and... I just wanted to talk to you. I really miss you so much, Leah.

Alison crumbled to the floor, her cheeks covered with hot tears just as the song ended. She broke down sobbing when she felt gentle arms wrapped around her endless shaking.

"It's perfectly fine to be lost at times. It's alright to cry your hearts out. You don't have to always be strong, it's alright to crumble and let it all out. Just remember that there are always people who truly sincerely care about you whether you realize it or not. You are not alone, dear. Whatever the problem, eventually you will get past it. The perks of hitting rock bottom is that the only way is to go up, things will get better. The question is how you deal with the problem." Madam Moreau held her closer until her sobbing subsided.

It was already the end of the week, the past few days had passed quickly by burying herself in school work and teaching. Layla asked her a few times what happened or what did she hear but Alison denied hearing anything and was simply passing by. However, it was clear that Jason had been avoiding her ever since Monday. During the times that they met, like in the class, they would simply greet and went on doing their own thing. Although she did feel him watching her at times.

"Do I really have to go? You have like countless parties throughout high school and we can't afford to attend all of them, right? So, let's just slide this one time, yeah?" Alison pleaded still under the covers of her warm bed while Layla and Zoe stood in her room trying to drag her lazy self out from it.

"It's Friday. It's drop-everything-and-be-lazy day. Come on, why don't we all just stay here and have a movie night?" Alison grinned, shooting up from her bed stating her brilliant idea to the two girls who seemed to be bored with her constant grouse.

"Get. Your. Lazy. Ass. Out. Now!" Zoe said between clenched teeth, placing her hands on either side of her hips.

"Ugh. Fine." She surrendered and walked into the bathroom for a quick shower. She wrapped her body in a towel drying her hair as she walked towards the wardrobe, dropping her towel and stood in her underwear looking for her favorite shirt and jeans.

"Hot mama alert. You've been hiding that body behind those sweatshirts all these times? Ally, if I have a body like yours, I'd flaunt it even in my own room." Zoe said with admiration.

"Second that, sister." Layla nodded her head but Alison just scoffed and shook her head disagreeing. Alison quickly get ready and went, Shane picked them up from Alison's house. Once they arrived at the place, it was already crowded with people. Don't they ever stop partying? Guess not. Walking together inside the house with the music piercing their ears. She scouted the Bratz sitting closely with some boys on the couch. Amber noticed her and tapped on Mia's shoulder eyeing her as she walked further into the house. She spotted Corey dancing with another different pretty petite girl with long black hair. Then, felt the air being sucked out of her lungs when she noticed a certain tall brown-haired boy kissing a girl at the corner of the room. Digging her nails into her fist, trying to ignore the upsetting scene in front of her. She had no right to be angry or hurt, she had no right to be jealous or resentful since he was allowed to kiss anyone he wants. However, why does her heart seemed to tightened at the scene? Why does it upset her so much that he was kissing another girl? Why does she feel betrayed?

Layla noticed that Alison had not followed them to the kitchen so she traced back her path scanning for Alison and saw her standing on the spot looking towards the end of the hallway. She followed her gaze and noticed how Jason was busy with that girl's face.

"Ally! Come on." Layla called her out from her daze and followed her like a lost puppy.

"Drink up!" Zoe exclaimed passing each a cup, without hesitation, Alison drank the whole content in one gulp hoping that it might wash her emotions along. Zoe was surprised by her action since she was the one who has been reluctant to go to the party. Upon seeing that, Zoe pulled Alison and Layla to dance. They danced and let loose of everything. Alison refused to get upset, she refused to give in to whatever she was feeling and just dance it off.

"Don't mind him. Let's just have fun!" Layla yelled to her ears as they danced. Alison was startled that she noticed and gave her a hug with a big smile.

"Thank you for being such an amazing friend!" She shouted back and pulled Zoe together into the hug. They continued to dance and had fun together.

A few weeks had passed, they were having an upcoming algebra test on Wednesday which they were not prepared for. The past week, Alison had been trying to avoid Jason since the party, trying to erase the scene from her mind, which he noticed and did the same. They would just passed by each other only by a simple nod and kept their distant.

Little did she know that Layla had been trying to pull Jason out of his own state of denial. She knew him way before things spiraled down on him.

"You don't realize that you actually are hurting her and yourself by doing that stupid act back at the party?! I bet you can't even remember who that girl was, anyway! Do you?" Layla fumed, her eyes glaring at him, demanding an answer that she knew he did not have and was confirmed by him shrugging his shoulders. Fortunately, he knew Layla for a long time to know that she sincerely meant well with good intentions or he would never tolerate anyone raising their voices towards him.

"When are you going to man up and actually be honest with your own feelings, Jay? You can keep on denying all you want, but you know it deep in that little heart that you tried so hard to numb, that you do care about her as well. You should realize that not everyone is like... her." She said softly as Jason snapped his head towards her.

"Look, I've known you since forever and I really care about you, you know that. I just want the best for you and I know that you're hurt, you're angry but at least you could try and give Ally a chance, she's different."

"I know. She is. But what if she isn't... any different, you know." He stared at the floor.

"Then, you'll know. Till then, you just need to take that leapt, Jay. Like I did with Shane. I was so afraid that I pretended that we're just friends for so long when all I need is just to take a leapt of faith and now, we'll see how far we could bring this relationship to. You know?" She bumped her shoulder into his slightly as she smiled.

"Anyway, are we still up for the study group after school?" Layla inquired closing her locker.

"Yeah we'll meet up after school at the library. Don't forget to bring the textbook, alright?" Zoe agreed and Alison nodded.

After their class ended, they made their way to the library for their revision together. After two hours trying to solve the value of x and countless head scratching problem solving, Layla and Zoe finally decided to continue again tomorrow. They went home ahead while Alison stayed behind to study further, finishing a few more pages. After she finally felt confident about her knowledge, she packed her bag and walked out of the school building towards her car. Placed her bag at the passenger seat and started the car but the engine would not start. Panicked, she tried again, and again, and again, but the car remained dead. Frustrated as the day is getting late and the school compound was getting deserted, she got more distressed by the minute. She took out her phone dialing for her mother in the hopes that she could come pick her up from school. Before she could make the call, there was a knock on the window and there stood Jason.

"You okay?" Jason asked and she opened the door.

"No! My car won't start. Ugh!" She complaint, annoyed.

"Let me check it." He gestured as she stepped out of the car allowing him to check the car. He tried to start the engine, checked the dashboard lights, then checked the car engine, walking to the front and back of the car.

"Well, your car battery is out. Unfortunately, I don't have the jump start cable and neither do you. For now, I think it's best if you leave the car here and call the tow truck to bring your car for services. Now come on, it's getting late." He explained while stepping out of the car and walked away from the car, then paused.

"What are you waiting for? I'll drop you home." He insisted gesturing her to follow him. Hurriedly, she gathered her things from the car and followed him towards his car at the edge of the carpark while texting her mother.

"Why are you still here, anyway?" He asked placing his things at the back of the car.

"I was here with Zoe and Layla studying for the algebra test but they've went back first. You?" She answered putting on the seatbelt.

"Football practice." He simply replied starting the engine and drove off.

"How've you been?" He finally asked breaking the silence after they left the school compound for a good few minutes now.

"I'm... good. You?" She said sheepishly feeling awkward.

"Good." He responded keeping his eyes on the road while she refused to look at him so she stared out the window instead. Afraid that he might sense her uneasiness being close to him, alone in this confined space, where he sat just a few inches away from her. They remained quiet until he parked his car at the driveway. She quickly took off the seatbelt and opened the door.

"Thanks." She said but he was already out of the car walking her towards the front porch. Why does he have to be that gentleman? It's awkward enough. Her mother opened the door before she could even place her key inside the keyhole.

"Oh, Jason! Thank you so much dear for dropping her home. I was still caught up at work just now, thankfully you're still there. Oh, I wonder how you're going to work tomorrow, Ally-dear, I've to ask your dad maybe-" Her mother seemed to be talking to herself out loud.

"I can drop her off to work, Mrs. Brooke. Since I also have to go to the workshop which is just beside her studio, anyway." Jason quickly responded. Upon hearing this, Alison's eyes was about to pop out of her socket in shock.

"No, it' fine." "That would be great." Alison said at the same time with her mother.

"I can just take the bus." Alison glared at her mother who does not take the hint she was trying to convey.

"I would feel more comfortable if you'd just go with Jason. If that is not too troublesome to you, of course." Her mother requested Jason who agreed wholeheartedly. He left a few minutes later after turning down the offer from her mother to stay for dinner which she internally thanked the God's for. He's just a friend. He's just a friend. He's just a friend! Get that in your stupid stubborn head!