Steve Parker watched Alex’s back disappear from the kitchen. Teenagers wouldn’t do something reckless when there were adults present, right? “Let me get you some soup” Tim said, interrupting his thoughts. She grabbed a bowl from a cupboard and headed to the stove. Using the ladle Alex left near the pot, she filled the bowl to the rim. She slowly …

“Tim?” The question flew out of Alex’s mouth. “Yes, my parents named me, Timothy, for some odd reason” Aunt Tim shrugged. They entered a spacious living room. Alex had little time to appreciate their interior. Aunt Tim quickly led her down the hall. “Aunt Tim. I like it” Alex commented. She really did like it. It had a ring to …

“The double date?” Lauren exclaimed. She had her arms crossed over her chest, leaning a shoulder against the locker next to Alex. She actually had a cheer practice scheduled right now but she decided to check on Alex. School was over and if Lauren remembered right—like she could forget—Alex had a house to visit. “Alex, do you hear yourself right …

Alex closed her eyes and yawned, leaning her forehead against the cold metal of her locker. The first morning back to school had been brutal.  Half of her classes each had a pop quiz. She hadn’t been well prepared for them.  Thankfully, she had done the homework yesterday night. She could only pray that she knew enough to get an …

“I told her you found a friend.” “Oh, the friend…” Alex nodded to herself. Right. Her mother wanted her to make a friend, “Huh, I almost forgot about it… hey, Lauren, want to meet my mom?” Lauren’s heart soared at the sound of Alex’s question. Between her and Logan, Alex had chosen her to meet her mother. Well, she did …

Lilly heard two voices on her way up the stairs. Only a number of people had gone to the second floor and none of them matched the second voice. When she reached the top, she peeked inside and observed. Based on their interactions, she could tell the two felt rather close. Yet, she remembered that Alex only had one friend. …

Hold the phone. Logan and Alex slept together?! Lauren opened her mouth several times but no words came out. She put her hands together and pressed them on her lips. She needed to plan this carefully. Her eyes narrowed, inspecting the scene in detail. The two suspects laid on the bed separately, none of their skin touched. They used their …

Logan glared at Alex. How could someone sick be so irresponsible? He thought since her aunt worked a lot, Alex learned how to look after herself.  Yet, here she was, only caring for herself halfway. What if he didn’t come? What would have happened to her? Shaking his head, he left her room, “Wait, right here.” Alex sighed in relief. …

Max exhaled sharply through his nose, biting his inner lip. He suppressed a smile and bowed his head. He didn’t think this day would ever come.  He didn’t see any reason to hide something that was out in the open.  Chuckling, he whispered, “That makes you more observant that people give you credit for.”  Five years and no one had …

Colin and Lauren went their separate ways. Like he had mentioned earlier, the cheer team also had practice during lunch break. They usually had some time to eat a bit but after that, they went straight to business. Today they held their practice outside on the field. The game this Friday would be for the football team. Rumors had said …