Alexa's Point of View

I didn't know what to do or say to Hamzah. He drove me home, made me feel like everything was okay, but it still isn't.

I couldn't sleep last night, I kept replaying the thought of Hamzah and Haley sleeping together. I'm bothered by it. Not because I like Hamzah, that's not it. It's because I know Hamzah doesn't not feel for Haley, what she feels for him.

I got up and got ready for school. It was only Tuesday? It's only been four days since the party at Aaron's house, but it's felt like forever since that day.

Since Friday, Haley and I have become super close, I slept with Aaron, Hamzah stopped being my best friend, Ryleigh is tormenting me, and Haley and Hamzah hooked up. Maybe that party was a bad idea.

I sighed, getting dressed, doing light makeup as well. I wore a burnt orange short sleeve shirt with high waisted corduroy pants and my white shoes. I grabbed my backpack and headed towards the front door.

I walked outside and looked to the right of me, no Hamzah. I continued walking to school, alone.

I signed into school and went to the cafeteria, no Hamzah. I looked around, trying to find him, but I couldn't. I sat down anyways, hoping he would eventually show up. Maybe he was just running late. As I sat I tapped my foot on the floor, keeping it in a steady rhythm.

"Alexa."

I looked up for my eyes to meet with Aaron, "Oh," I said, I wasn't expecting to see him. "Aaron?"

He sat down in front of me, his curly messy hair sat against his forehead, "I uh.. I heard what Ryleigh did at the Diner.."

I nodded my head, "Yeah.."

"I'm sorry about her, she's just.. overprotective."

I was starting to get angry, "Then why'd you do it?"

"Do what?" He asked.

"Sleep with me," I said.

"Alexa I-"

"You should've told me you had a girlfriend," I said. "I know us sleeping together didn't mean anything to you, but you should've said that it wouldn't in the beginning so we would be on the same page."

He crossed his arms, "It's not like that."

"Well that's how you've made it seem," I angrily huffed out. "So please, enlighten me, and tell me what it's really like."

"I think you're beautiful," He started.

"Do you even know anything about me?" I asked him.

He looked at me with a face of concentration, pausing for a moment before saying, "You're smart. You get good grades. You've been best friends with Hamzah forever but recently things have been different. You're favorite thing to do is play board games, but it's never any fun because you're an only child and your dad is never home. It makes you angry. Your mom is always working to occupy herself so she doesn't think about your dad. You've never had a boyfriend, hell, I don't think you've ever even had a crush on anyone. You stick to just Hamzah. But recently you made friends with the most popular girl because you have a good heart. And being friends with her landed us here having this exact conversation. That good enough?"

My mouth was slightly agape, I was confused as to how he knew so much about me and my home life. I shook my head, "You're wrong about a lot."

"Then please enlighten me," He said leaning back in his chair.

I stayed quiet for a moment, truth is, he was right about everything. I did love playing board games growing up. But as I got older my dad started to go on more business trips leaving me to feel lonely.

"Exactly," He said, breaking the sudden silence.

"How did you know all that?" I asked him.

"I've liked you for a long time Alexa," He said.

I tilted my head, "I'm not buying it."

"Why not?" He asked. "You think I just guess all of that so confidently and ended up being correct?"

"Maybe," I shrugged.

"Let's go to class," He said standing up.

"Let's?" I asked, looking up at him.

"Yeah," He said holding his hand out for me to grab.

I rolled my eyes and stood up grabbing his hand, ready to go to class with him.

***

Hamzah was in English but didn't even look at me. Haley said hi to me but when it was time to work with partners, Hamzah beat me to it and stole her.

I was walking out of school when I felt a tug on my backpack, pulling me far back, I almost tripped. Two arms wrapped around me from behind. I turned my head to look up behind me and there was Aaron, pulling me into a tight squeeze.

"Let's go out," He said.

I was so confused, did he think we were just suddenly dating.

"Where?" I asked, going along with it.

"Wherever you want," He said.

I smiled as he grabbed my hand and led me out of the school, "The diner?" I asked.

"The diner it is then," He said as we continued to walk.

I followed him to his car. I sat in the passenger side. On the dashboard was a picture. I picked it up. It was a baby picture of Aaron, his mom and dad hugging him.

"This is cute," I said to him as he started the car.

He nodded without saying a word. I placed the picture back on the dashboard.

"Have you seen Hamzah today?" I asked Aaron as he drove.

He shook his head, "I haven't. Why?"

"I don't know," I shrugged looking down at my lap.

"You guys arguing?" He asked.

"Something like that I guess," I said, diverting my attention out the window.

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll both be fine," He said.

This made me wonder, would we? The whole fight is over Aaron and here I am.. with Aaron.. going on a diner date.

The rest of the car ride was silent beside the low radio playing music and Aaron's close-to-silent humming.

We walked into the diner. He held my hand. It was a weird feeling, to be holding his hand, in a diner full of people.

"Table for two?" Asked Kathy looking over at me.

My cheeks heated up, "Yes Kathy."

She grabbed two menus and started to walk towards the back of the diner, "So is this like a date?" Kathy asked looking back at us.

"Jesus Kathy," I said awkwardly. "Way to put us on the spot. You might as well just scare him off."

Kathy rolled her eyes, "Whatever Alexa."

Aaron let out a laugh, "Well yes actually," He squeezed my hand in his.

I looked up at him, confused. Did Aaron Hull just admit to being on a date with me, excitedly? We sat down in the booth in one the far corners of the diner.

"Drinks?" Asked Kathy.

"You're waiting us?" I asked.

"Samantha can host," She winked at me. "Now, drinks?"

"Coke," Aaron said.

"Me too," I nodded my head.

"Perfect," Kathy said. "Drinks will be out momentarily."

I rolled my eyes at Kathy, she never spoke so proper. I guess she wanted to leave an impression on Aaron.

"Coworkers?" Aaron asked.

I nodded my head, "Kathy is like one of my best friend ever."

Aaron nodded his head in return, "She seems nice."

"She is. She is so tough and strong."

"How so?" Aaron asked.

"Her daughter has cancer," I sighed.

"Damn," Aaron said. "She seems so young."

"She is," I said in agreement.

"Well I'll be sure to leave a nice tip then," Aaron smirked.

I rolled my eyes, "Do what you want. She definitely deserves it though."

"I won't even make her earn it," Aaron said.

"Oh like you did to me?" I asked scrunching up my face.

"Exactly like that," He laughed at my expression.

Kathy came back with the drinks, "Here you two go. Need more time for the food?" Asked Kathy.

"Yes please," Aaron smiled up at her.

"I'll be back in a few," She smiled before turning around and leaving.

"What are you thinking of getting?" He asked, looking up from his menu to face me.

"I don't know," I shrugged. "I do work here, I know this menu like the back of my hand. But, I normally don't eat here, I don't know what to try."

"You can never go wrong with pancakes at a diner," He said.

"Well I consider myself more of a waffle girl," I said with a smile on my face.

"Of course you do," Aaron threw his hands on the table. "I knew you were too good to be true."

"Then I guess this means I'll just leave," I said.

"Good. I like to eat alone better," He laughed.

"Loser," I commented. "So pancakes though?" I asked him.

"Yeah," He answered. "With chocolate chips. But not too many. I don't like when the taste gets overwhelmed by chocolate."

"Okay," I said. "I think I can agree with that one. Maybe I'll get chocolate pancakes too."

"With bacon," Aaron said. "Oh I'm so hungry."

"You and I both," I said realizing I hadn't eaten a single thing all day today.

Kathy came over, "What will it be?" She asked.

"Chocolate chip pancakes and bacon," Aaron started. "For the both of us."

"But not too many chocolate chips," I said to her.

"Got it, give it like fifteen minutes," She said.

Time passed as we talked. Aaron was very down to earth. I didn't really realize until now. All of our other conversations never really ended well. Hopefully today's will.

Kathy brought us our food, the smell of pancakes filled my nose. She placed each plate down in their places, "If you need anything, don't hesitate to flag me down."

"Thank you," Aaron smiled.

She flashed her big grin back at him, and walked away.

I looked over at Aaron. He knew so much about me somehow, but I feel like I barely knew him. And what I did know, I wanted to forget.

"You graduate soon, don't you?" I asked him.

"A few months longer and I'm out of high school," He said. "Why?"

"Just wondering," I said. "Any plans for college?"

"Nursing," He said. "I want to major in nursing."

I tilted my head, "Didn't expect that one."

"Why not?" Asked Aaron. "I can be a very nurturing person if I'm just given the chance."

I nodded my head slowly, "Interesting."

"What about you?" He asked.

"I still am only a junior," I said. "But I don't want to go to college."

"You're so smart though," He said confused as he chewed on his pancake.

"Sure I am," I said. "But I don't know what I want to do. It seems to stupid. Going to school for years to owe so much money to just go to work and all your money goes back to that college. It's all a scam really."

He nodded, "I can't argue with that. But, you can easily be worse if you don't attend college. You'll get a low paying job, flipping burgers or waiting tables, and you won't be able to afford to live on your own. At least in not in California."

"I'll marry a rich doctor," I said. "Or lawyer. Or a famous person."

"Good luck," Aaron laughed.

"What's so funny about that?" I questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing," He shrugged. "It's just — I never wanted to be a doctor or a lawyer."

"Oh shut up Aaron," I rolled my eyes.

***

We climbed through my window. The room bright from the sun.

"I'll be right back," I told him. "I just want to use the bathroom."

"I'll stay quiet in here," He smirked.

I headed for the door, opening it. I heard commotion from the living room. Confused, I decided to head towards the living room.

I turned into the living room. My eyes widened greatly. My father sat on the couch, with a woman. She looked familiar in a pencil skirt and red blouse. They were kissing. But she certainly wasn't my mother.

I took a few steps back, careful not to be too loud or obvious. I backed up into my room, tears welling up in my eyes.

"What happened?" Aaron asked.

"My dad," I said upsetly. "He's in the living room, but not with my mother."

Aaron seemed to catch my drift. He opened his arms for me to sit down so he could hold me. I accepted his invitation and fell into his arms, crying.