On the other side of town, Alex stepped out of her aunt’s house, skateboard in hand and uncombed hair. She had spent the night before binge reading a new novel release from her favorite author. She may rank 1st in her class but before that, she was also a normal human who had interests that could lead her to make decisions that she’d regret the next day.
Alex raced out of the porch and towards the gate, calculating the fastest time she’d reach school by skateboard and the chances of catching the bus before it leaves the station near her aunt’s house.
“S***” she cursed loudly. She had spotted the small silhouette of the bus drive away as she stepped out of the gate.
Alex blew a raspberry, “Perfect. Why did I even open the first page? Only one paragraph in and the writer already got me hooked. I should have known!”
As she placed her skateboard on the pavement and stepped a foot on it, a car horn sounded from behind her. Her head turned to her left slowly, almost unsure if she should even pay it any attention.
A black convertible stopped right next to her. The passenger side window rolled down.
Alex grimaced at the sight of two rows of pearly white teeth.
“Is that really how you should greet your best friend?” Logan exasperated.
“Isn’t Colin your best friend?”
“He is my male best friend and you—”
Alex raised an eyebrow, daring him to continue his words.
“—you are different. There. Bet you thought I’d spill the beans, huh?” Logan smirked.
Alex merely rolled her eyes, “What are you doing here?”
“I told you. I pass by this road on the way to school and on my way home from school. Come on, hop in. I’ll drive you.”
…
…
…
“You know you’d be late if you take your skateboard.”
Unable to contradict Logan’s logic, Alex grabbed her skateboard and sat in the passenger seat . Just like their previous ride together, the automobile glided over the street smoothly.
Logan avoided the busy main streets and used the less crowded roads which had more turns and curves but they didn’t seem to bother him as he maneuvered the car easily.
From the corner of her eye, Alex could see Logan occasionally glance her way. The feeling seemed like deja vu.
“I’ve told you this once before and I will tell you again” she began to say, “Would you just spit out whatever you’re thinking about?”
Logan laughed, remembering the time Alex meant, “I was just thinking. I mean now that I know what you are, I can totally see it even with this disguise of yours. You don’t look manly at all.
By this time, the car had reached the campus and had parked on Logan’s favorite spot.
Alex scoffed and opened the door, yelling, “Excuse me? I have you know girls also like gentle guys.”
Logan snickered and locked the car, “You mean, wusses?”
Alex walked around the car towards the school entrance, Logan catching up beside her. The two were a sight to behold. How dark and gray Alex’ clothes were that was how blue and white Logan’s were. Unlike Alex’ layered clothing item though, Logan only had denim pants and a white shirt—his toned muscles easily seen underneath it.
No wonder Logan called her unmanly, Alex thought. She quickly shook her head aside and punched Logan’s arm, “Dude, be nice, alright? These wusses might save your butt one day.”
Logan rubbed the sore spot, “How are you–well, I certainly know someone who is not a wuss. Check that out.”
Alex whipped her head and followed Logan’s line of sight. Max Peyton approached the entrance from his parking spot, the morning sun gleaming on his hair—all seven colors of it.
Alex’ hand flew to her mouth in shock. It looked really ridiculous but Peyton managed to own it. His flirty nature still peeked through and the girls nevertheless bought it.
“Damn” she breathed out, “That’s one guy who can’t be brought down.”
“You have to give him some credit for that.”
“Absolutely.”
It was at this point the said superstar noticed them. Max immediately changed directions. He smirked and ran a hand through his hair. He even gave them a slow twirl to admire the handiwork.
“Sup, ladies? How you like my new look? You know, this was a great idea. I wasn’t sure what color to go for when I wanted to dye my hair. Now, I can go around asking people which suits me best. This was a brilliant plan, Parker. I applaud.”
Unbelievable, Alex scoffed in her mind. In reality, she said, “Man, only you would find something good about this.”
Max made a huge bow, “I take no credit. It’s all Logan’s idea.”
Logan snickered a bit, “Glad to know I could help.”
“Hey, Peyton! Dude, what the hell?”
Stepping out of the crowd was none other Jae Parker. His long strides never hit anything or anyone. People parted like the Red Sea around him. Something Alex couldn’t believe existed outside of movies.
“You, Jae, my man!” Max raised his hand for a man shake/hug. That was usually how it went but Max tried to lean in for a kiss on Jae’s cheek but Jae dodged it by strangling him in a headlock, “Dude, is that any way to treat your best friend? I know I’m friend-zoned but come on, there’s no stopping my affections.”
“But you’re still wondering why you’re in this position?”
“Alright, I see your point. Now, lemme go, amigo. Or I’ll go straight for the lips next time.”
Jae belted out a laugh and let him go, “But, seriously, what’s up with the hair?”
“Your brother over here and I made a bet. I let him win so I can have an excuse to do this and ask people’s opinion on what color I should dye my hair.”
Jae didn’t buy it, “He totally kicked your butt during gym, didn’t he?”
Max was quick to forget trying to cover it up, “Is that even a surprise? You share the same genes.”
“Nope, there’s no one else allowed to win against you except him. Right, little brother?”
Alex felt tense. The last time she saw the twins together were before she told Logan her gender. Despite Colin’s words, she was quite unfamiliar with the two and was worried if Logan would snap at Jae again.
Instead of her worries, Logan rolled his eyes and played it off coolly, “Don’t make him sound all high and mighty. It was an easy win. Not much a challenge.”
Alex stood by and watched the two of them closely. If it weren’t for that time, she wouldn’t have been able to tell that they had a bit of bad blood.
Amusement filled Jae’s blue eyes, “Want to have a match then, dear brother?”
Safe to say, the total opposite was on Logan’s green ones, “Hell, no. Mom would get so upset and I don’t want to face her more.”
