You Look Pretty Low

[Trinity]

A couple of weeks later, the beginning of February, Peyton and I were really settling ourselves in. We were creating quite a reputation for ourselves, Peyton for being Alex’s new fling as well as sleeping with other guys, and me for sleeping around in general. It probably didn’t help that we got into a lot of fights too.

Today was a Tuesday and the lesson before lunch. Peyton and I had a study period now, as did Rian and Zack, and we were all sitting in the library, studying.

“Zaaack?” I whined softly, an idea popping into my head

“Y-Yes, T-Trin?” Zack stuttered

“I don’t understand this French exercise. Can you help me?” I asked, pushing my full lips into a pout

“Sure,” Zack nodded shyly

I heard Rian and Peyton snicker as I moved so I was practically sitting on Zack’s lap. For the next half an hour, Zack tried to explain the exercise to me, faltering and stuttering every time I bit my bottom lip and leant against his arm. Then the bell rang.

“D-Did that help?” Zack asked hopefully

“Mmhmm, thanks,” I winked

Zack blushed, making us laugh. I patted his thigh teasingly before putting my books back in my bag and standing up. As the four of us walked to the canteen, Rian pulled Zack back a bit.

“Brah, she’s totally coming onto you – why aren’t you responding?” Rian asked softly

“Why would someone like Trinity Hayes want someone like me?” Zack frowned

“Well she obviously like you, so quit doubting yourself. Why are you holding back?” Rian pressed

“I’m not holding back, I just…”

“Save it, brah. Just think how lucky you are,” Rian smiled

Zack bit his lip but nodded, rejoining Peyton and I, us two oblivious to their conversation.

*

[30 minutes later]

[Peyton]

Trinity, me, Jack, Alex, Rian and Zack were all sitting under their usual tree. Trinity was smoking while the rest of were all talking. We all noticed Zack couldn’t help but stare at Trinity’s lips every time they took a drag. The funny thing was, I could tell that my sister was well aware of this.

“Peyton, can I talk to you for a sec? In private?” Alex asked quietly

“Er, sure,” I nodded

Alex helped me to my feet, and led me a few metres away

“What did you want to talk about?” I asked curiously

I couldn’t help but smile as Alex took my hands in his. I didn’t expect to hear the next words that came out of his mouth.

“What would you say if I asked you to be my girlfriend?” Alex asked smoothly

“G-Girlfriend?!” I stuttered, not believing my ears

“I know I haven’t known you very long, but I really like you, Peyton Hayes, and I want you to be mine. Only mine,” Alex confessed

“No sleeping with anyone but you?” I frowned

“Baby, you won’t need to sleep with anyone but me,” Alex drawled, making me blush lightly

I bit my bottom lip, knowing what I wanted, and nodded.

So will you be my girlfriend?” Alex smiled

“I’d love to,” I smiled back

Alex instantly covered my mouth in a deep kiss, roughly pulling my body against his with his hands on my waist. I breathed in deeply, the electric connection between our lips making me crave him more and more. The four beneath the tree whooped and cat-called when they saw our fiery embrace, so Alex pulled away, resting his forehead lightly against mine.

“Save Zack’s innocent eyes!” Jack yelled teasingly

Zack blushed deeply and punched Jack in the arm. I laughed as Trinity just smirked. Alex led me back to the group hand-in-hand, the both of us wearing identical grins. Then Trinity narrowed her eyes at me, and I paled slightly, knowing she was going to confront me later.

“Is everything alright babe?” Alex whispered, noticing my silence

He kissed the corner of my mouth to get a response, so I nodded.

“Everything’s fine,” I lied, forcing a small smile on my face

*

[4pm]

[Trinity]

“Thanks for the ride, Rian! See you tomorrow!” Peyton called

Rian smiled and waved, before walking into his own house. Peyton and I waited until Sue had opened the door and let us in before finally looking at each other.

“What the bloody hell were you thinking?” I spat, stomping up the stairs

Peyton followed me, the two of us quickly walking into our room.

“I like Alex…why would I say no?” Peyton frowned

“I thought the whole point of us being like we are was to make sure you didn’t get hurt again?” I exasperated

I knew it wasn’t such a good idea to bring up Peyton’s past love life, but right now I knew I needed to.

“What if want to try something new? Monogamous relationships are meant to be fun!” Peyton protested

She just didn’t get it.

“You just don’t get it, do you? Alex is a player – he even admitted it the first time we met him! He’s just like every boy you’ve ever dated, Pey. You always fall for the bad guys, and I don’t want you to get hurt! You’re my baby sister!” I said angrily

“I’m only nine months younger than you, Trin, I can make my own decisions. I want to give Alex a chance – why can’t you be happy for me?” Peyton asked sadly

Her distressed expression made me feel guilty, not something I usually felt. Damn. I knew I had to give in.

“Pey, don’t get upset. I just don’t understand why you’d want to be in another relationship. But…if you want to give him a shot, I won’t stop you. As soon as he breaks your heart, I’ll be there with a bottle of whisky in hand, kicking his ass,” I shrugged, smiling weakly

Peyton grinned and launched herself at me, rugby tackling my short body to the floor. I laughed, having missed our anti-stress wrestling matches. The two of us kicked, bit and punched the other, until Donald insisted on flinging our door open.

“What is going on in here?” he exasperated

“Chillax old man, we’re having fun,” Peyton snickered, releasing me from a painful headlock

Jesus fuckk, I’d forgotten how strong she was. I rubbed my neck, standing up.

“We don’t condone fighting in this house,” Donald said firmly

“What are you going to do, Don? Kick us back to the agency?” I asked innocently, helping my sister up too

Donald rolled his eyes and walked out our room, closing the door again. I smirked at Peyton triumphantly, glad to have another hit to the Bensons.

“So are we cool?” Peyton smiled, wiping the blood from her nose

“Yeaah we’re cool,” I nodded, dabbing my split lip with my sleeve

Peyton smiled and wrapped her arms round my waist. I didn’t hesitate to hug back.