Just Friends

* First day of 10th grade for Katie, Cayla and Kara*

“Ready?” Alex asked me as he came into my room.

I nodded, grabbing my purse and backpack.

“Yupp.” I nodded, barely looking at me.

“Can you please talk to me again?” He sighed heavily. “I know that I just got back, and that I’ve been hanging out with Lisa a lot...”

He stopped when I gave him a death glare.

“Alex, I will be your friend, but you aren’t helping yourself here.”

“Jack’s okay with it!”

“I’m not.” I snapped. My phone vibrated, and I got a text from Cayla. “Cayla’s ready.”

“Okay.” He nodded. “Ready now?”

I nodded my head, and then we walked outside of my house. I slid into the passenger side of the car.

“Look, Lex...” I trailed off. “I don’t see you and Lisa lasting. I’m sorry.”

“Okay.” He nodded, trying not to get mad at me.

I pushed his buttons, but he could never hate me. We both knew that.

“But...as long as you’re happy.”

“Really? You aren’t mad?”

“No, I’m pretty pissed, but you’re my best friend. Alex, I can’t stay mad at you for nothing. We both know that.”

Alex smiled over at me, and laced his fingers through my very own.

It wasn’t unusual for us to randomly hold hands, it never had been.

“I’m glad that you’ve come around.”

I rolled my eyes.

“Whatever. Just get Cayla, okay?”

“Fine.” He chuckled and drove toward her house before we headed toward the school.

When we got out, Alex held his arm tightly over my shoulders before I wrapped my arm around his waist in return. Cayla was already half way across the parking lot. Jack attacked her in one of his famous Barakat hugs before letting his arm rest over her shoulders.

Those girls still looked at me.

But I’m used to it by now.

“You’re fan girls are going to be the death of me one day.” I joked. “I don’t know what I’m going to do if you actually get signed.”

“HEY!” Alex pouted. “You’re acting like it’s impossible.”

“Sorry.” I giggled before we walked up toward our friends.

“Kit Kat!” Jack yelled, hugging me, but not taking me out from under Alex’s tight grip.

“Hey,” I laughed. “Why must you be so excited?”

“Because I’m awesome.”

“Sure you are.” Kara joked. “Cute top, Kate!”

I smiled.

“Thanks!” I laughed.

We were standing in front of Alex and Jack’s lockers. I saw Adam walk by with some of his friends, and he smiled and waved at me. I waved back, and felt my face flush.

“Awe, how cute.” Cayla giggled. “Someone has a crush on Adam.”

I giggled like a little girl.

“Just a little one...”

“Really?” Alex looked at me oddly. “When did this happen?”

“Um...forever and a day ago?” I rolled my eyes playfully. “He’s so cute!” I gushed.

“Didn’t he ask you to prom last year?” Kara laughed as she asked me.

I nodded.

“But my bestie chose me!” Alex squealed in a girl voice. “Okay, enough girl talk.”

“Lex?”
“Yeah?” He smiled down at me.

“Shut your trap.”

“You’re not nice to me.” He pouted.

“Cry me a river.” I laughed. “EP! He’s coming over here! How do I look?” I asked Alex.

He smiled sadly, and I furrowed my brows.

“Beautiful.”

I smiled back, and then turned to see Adam.

“Hey.”

“Hi.” He laughed. “I was wondering if you wanted to hang out after school today.”

I was about to open my mouth.

“Sorry, man. She can’t. She’s hanging with us.”

Adam looked at Alex and nodded.

“Maybe next time?”

I was bummed.

“Totally.” I replied with a slight frown on my lips. “Later, Adam.”

He waved and nodded.

“Bye.” He walked off and over toward his friends.

“What was that?!” I snapped.

“Whoa, calm down.” Alex laughed.

I took my arm from around him, and I crossed my arms.

“Alex that was a douchy move.”

“Whatever.” He laughed it off, tightening his arm around my shoulders.