21. Alex
Chapter twenty-one
Alex
NOAH
“You’re not going to school today, either?”
“No.”
“You’ve missed about three days since the withdrawal...”
“Yeah.”
“Staying in bed all day?”
“Yes.”
“Listen Noah, I’m sorry about–”
“It’s fine Alex. You don’t have to explain.”
“I’m just trying to help you.”
“...”
“You are my best friend after all.”
“I know.”
I was fourteen.
Alex stared at me quizzically. I had seen that look before.
Crap. I did it again, didn’t I?
“Dammit, uh– I’m sorry,” I mumbled, turning away.
“Sorry...?” Alex questioned, touching his mouth in shock. “You kissed me.”
“I-I know. My bad.”
I flinched at the hand placed on my shoulder. “Dude, is there something you’re not telling me?”
I shook my head, still unwilling to meet his gaze.
“Well,” Alex sighed. “Let me tell you something.”
I looked up at the calm exterior of Alex’s face and expected the blond to tell a heartbreaking story about his past, about how it was okay that I kissed him because he understood. Perhaps, something like that happened to him in his past too.
Alex narrowed his eyes and stuck a finger dangerously close to my nose. “Next time you want to kiss me, you treat me to dinner first, jerk!”
“WHAT?”
“I said–”
I rose from my spot on the pier, my face reddening. “I heard you! You– You idiot!”
Alex catapulted to his feet, following me as I stamped away in the opposite direction.
“What? I’m not a whore, so I should charge you shouldn’t I? Huh? Do you think I’m a slut, Noah? Hmm?”
“Alex, shut up!”
“You do!”
I stopped in my tracks, unable to hold back my laughter. Just the look on the dobe’s face made me snicker. He was actually offended. Alex grinned as well, rubbing the back of his head.
“Ah, I knew I could make you laugh.”
I gave him a light punch in the arm. “Yeah, shut it.”
Alex’s face got serious. “No, but for real. You owe me a burger or something. Maybe a steak. You can afford it.”
I smiled. “Fine. Deal. But–” I glared at him. “You forget that I ever kissed you.”
“And you never mention that I let you buy my kiss. I’m VERY classy. I mean, if I’m going to be a future politician, I shouldn’t be seen as a prostitute.”
A brief pause.
Then we both busted out in laughter.