You guys, have no idea what I've been through...

Let's get straight to the point. I failed my first CIMA Law exam; by 6 points. I needed to get 3 more questions right and I would've passed. LIFE. So, now, you know why I didn't update on the day I said I'd update. I've never failed anything in my life. It surprised me so much.

It's not like I know I'm good or anything... I just, I knew that I was average, that I'm enough to pass along and be good even if it's not great. I hadn't expected what I'd got so it took some time to come to terms with it. 

But, I'm back again, even with the busy schedule going on. I hope you guys like the chapter!

I changed the updating date to SUNDAYS! Have fun!

---

"Mum, what are you doing?"

She continued to go through my bag, checking through the set of clothes and the bags of chips. "What does it look like? Where's the mini pockets in this thing?"

"Why do you want to know? Stop taking everything out."

I piled everything back in, glaring at mum. She just continued to scan my room before checking the side pockets. "What do you have in here?"

"Mum, where are you doing?! Seriously, stop! Dad!"

"I just want to know if you're hiding something!"

"What would I be hiding?! I'm going for a school trip mum, for a day!"

She huffed, pouting. How does she change her attitude in seconds? "I just want to make sure you have everything and stay safe."

"Mum," I sighed, hitting her softly on her shoulders. Her height reached my shoulders so I always have to look down to her. "For the last time in this week, I'm not doing drugs!"

"I'm not worried about that Alan. I'm more worried about the you having sex."

"MUM!"

Dad walked, calm as ever, asking what we were talking about. I explained the whole situation, telling him to take action immediately.

"This isn't my first trip that involves girls mum. And it wouldn't matter anyways because you've already known about all my previous relationships."

"Oh," dad said. "Don't think about what your mums says. Plus," he turned to mum, "I'm sure our son knows that we don't want to be grandparents just yet, right Alan?"

I groaned, burying my face into my hands. My parents owned unstable characters. Their personality changes so fast.

"I'm not going to hook up with anyone on a one day trip to the springs that's three hours away. Transportation being a bus, with the girls strictly at the back and the boys at the front."

"Why is it like that?"

"Because the—" I cut off my words. This conversation was going nowhere. "Why does it matter?! Just let it go. And I'm late thanks to you two, I'll be going now."

I grabbed my shoulder bag and walked out of my room. Katie was sitting at the counters, going through her phone. "Enjoy your trip idiot."

"Don't call me an idiot Paws or I won't hesitate to tell mum where you were on the first week of school after you made up with Mason."

She stood alert.

Thought so.

I left her at that, laughing at her face and got out of the house just when Drake pulled up. "Thanks man," I gave him my fist to hit.

We got to the school parking lot right on time. The bus had just arrived and coach was counting all the students that were present. Most of the music people were already there including Max.

I spied closer, checking his choice of clothes. He wore a white t-shirt and black jeans, as most of the time. To make it a good look, the black leather jacket did it. He had his hair brushed to the side, no gel and his face, looked a little paler than usual. He was carrying his guitar with the case behind his back.

"Oh, everyone's just casual today, thank god I didn't overdo myself."

I snapped my eyes to Drake before turning back to eye the whole lot. Of course, they were also just wearing what they normally wore. Why did I only notice Max?

Because you've been crushing on him?

I ignored my subconscious and walked up to the gang. I hid my blush that warmed my face and rubbed the back of my neck. No one seemed to notice and I was thankful.

"Jones, Baker, glad the both of you were able to make it on time with that lazy ass behind you."

I tried not die of embarrassment when I automatically twisted to see what he was talking about. This was supposed to be the part were a murderer comes and shoots me dead. How more embarrassing can I get?

"Alright, everyone, get in the bus, girls at the back, hormonal teenage boys at the front, go, go, go."

Everyone hoots and follows the orders. I found myself in the middle of the seatings, right in front of the first space for the girls. There weren't too many of them, but the music team was mostly girls on the violins, flutes and a few trumpets. Then there's also the singers mixed within the team. Like Max, a few more guys played the guitar and the piano, a few sharing the trumpets as well.

Everyone had their instruments except for the pianists and the base violinists. They were in the bus to just have fun, like my team.

Once I had my bag stuffed under my legs, Drake slapped my shoulders, telling me to get the snacks out because it was time to finally relax and not think about school. As the bus was rolling, the singers didn't even hesitate once before starting a musical at the back, shouting on top of their lungs when the players started to join in.

Amongst them, it wasn't hard to spot Max Winters, sitting a few seats in front, staring at me. I averted my eyes as fast as I can.

Could the guy be any more obvious? And why was he staring at me, anyways?

No one seemed to notice it and so, the rest of them were actually enjoying their time together. The girls at the back decided to start torturing everyone, even though the 'everyone' seemed like only me, with their high pitches and twisted singing skills. 

Soon, the bus was vibrating due to the loud singing, clapping and the bounces of all the team members jumping on their seats, not caring of Mrs. Wilson yelled from the front to shut it down. I so badly wanted to help her, but I sunk down in my seat instead, neck heating up with that one person continuously staring right into my soul.

It didn't last too long. Soon, most of them got bored of singing loudly and settled in their seats to hum in the background. The bus stopped in a hour or so, piping the energy out of everyone once again at the sight of the entrance to the Spring.

Have they never been on a field trip before? I felt like I was with a bunch of wild animals; the leader of it being Brian, because that's how he rolls every single day. The teachers let us be, reminding to stay in the area and only doing things that won't get us in hospitals and police stations.

I stayed behind the team, as quiet as I can, ignoring the weird look Drake was giving me. By the time it was lunch time, everyone ended up using their pocket money and had gotten as wet as one could get. Even though it was warned, on of the musician ended up hitting his head on something hard, resulting the big ice pack he's been holding, and will hold for the rest of the day.

Drake'd decided to not put up with my behaviour and had spent the time with the rest of the guys, sometimes flirting with the girls when coach wasn't looking. He only slapped his arm back on my shoulder when we were told to follow to eat. He tried to cheer me up, which worked a little, since I'd decided that I was just being stupid and I should enjoy my time for myself.

Who cares about Max Winters's weird personalities?

I ignored the back of my mind that said otherwise. It was hard, especially since Max fucking Winters had been so persistent at making me realise that there was something there in the... kiss... we shared. The though sent shivers through my body, unwanted, annoying hope sparking inside.

I sat myself down on one of the clean benches, dragging Drake with me. Before I knew it, half the students from the trip were crowding over us, around the table, all the empty seats, now taken. I got squashed in-between in a few seconds, making me look up. My small smile that I'd mustered the courage to get fell down at the sight of Max Winters, next to me; so close to me.

My mind screeched to a stop and I tried to figure out what happened. How did Max Winters end up sitting very close to me?

No one seemed to notice my discomfort as they continued their conversations. Max though, he was staring at me, like he'd been in the bus. I tried to bak away, but Drake pushed me back, shouting my ear that there was people sitting on the other side and I should stop trying to take all the space.

I didn't say anything to that.

I had no idea why he thought that I was trying to take all the space for myself when my own space wasn't with me.

My thigh was stuck on Max's. I couldn't move my body and if I did, even just to get a little bit comfortable, I knew that my leg would get lifted up and on top of his. I wasn't going to try anything.

Drake was pushing me on his side too, but his thigh against mine just annoyed me. My other side that I was trying to get away from, his whole body pressed against my side, burned. I felt like one half of my body was burning.

Then that second snapped, and Max was smiling, laughing and saying something to the guys around, as if he hadn't been burning holes on my back the whole time.

I didn't know if I was the one going crazy.

"So Alan, what's your problem?"

Brian had to be the one who asked. Almost everyone's eyes were on me and I tried not to make my red face visible. I failed.

"Why do look like you're getting smashed by tomatoes?"

I ignored Max's gaze when I felt it. I could see it, from the corner of my eye. I could feel his breath against my skin, tingling, warm, comfortable. I forced myself not to lean in.

No way.

It was official guys.

Alan Baker was going crazy.

"Mind your business Brian," Drake stepped up. "Alan's just worried about his English project since he missed out a little last week, aren't you?"

I didn't know if I was supposed to be grateful or choking on my spit. I gave a small nod, giving Drake a smile when everyone went back to their previous conversation.

I ignored Max, drinking water as much as I can, chomping down the burger I got.

---

Finally, some inner feelings guys. It's been so long to get this book travelling but meh, I like it. Don't forget to vote and share the story!

And, 700+ VIEWS?! Guys, I'm so happy and grateful!

Thank you so much!