Laurance often had good intentions, but his timing was also poor. It's Friday, marking the last day of the first week of school. Laurance and Cadenza had been getting along swimmingly in school already. Laurance was popular amongst everyone, and Cadenza was adapting well to college life. Secretly, Alex felt bad that Laurance started a new school during his senior year, but she doesn't comment on it. 

Mutually, they worried about Alex. 

On the way to school, Laurance decided to spark the conversation of her week from the driver's seat. 

“Are you sure it's going well? The classes aren't too hard? Sometimes I worry they may become too hard for someone your age.”

Laurance's fretting causes Alex to sigh and look out the window. She had already received a conversation like this from Cadenza by a phone call. It was evident the two older Zvahls were communicating. 

“It's a three minute car ride, and this is how you choose to spend the time,” Alex tells him. “I'm fine, Laurance. I've gotten used to this workload for three years now. I'm not the only person my age bumped up a grade anymore. Just think of the Ro'meave twins.” 

She doesn't bother to look towards her sibling beside her. She knew he cared, but it was too much sometimes. 

“Are you all packed for tonight? Is there anything I need to drop off?” 

Alex shakes her head. “I'm fine, Laurance. Everything is all packed and ready to go.”  

The remainder of the drive isn't much longer. Laurance has a good parking spot due to being a senior. Alex doesn't wait for Laurance to pull his keys out before exiting the car and walking towards the water fountain. She knew the front doors were locked for a few minutes more, so there was no need to join the group that acted like a flock of chickens. 

Kandi and Vylad sat at the fountain, waiting for her. She offers a timid smile and lowers her bag to the floor. “Morning.” 

Kandi matched Alex to the T, but Vylad was able to dress the way he wished. Fridays were days they were allowed to ditch their uniforms, but they still had a dress code for these days. “You good?”

“Laurance is just a pain,” Alex responds, glancing down at her phone for the time. She lugs the bag back up, ready to head in. “I'm not walking with you. I'm dropping this off in my gym locker before class.” 

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

She had already wiped her face clean and stripped her hair of her bow. The sensation of relief flooded over her when her hair fell past her shoulders. It'd been up in a ponytail for far too long. 

Kandi is in the shower, and Alex has learned just how long it takes the dark haired female to bathe. She had already been ready for bed and had a conversation with Vylad when she believed Kandi to be done. At least, the water was turned off. 

Alex found herself downstairs in the kitchen. She wanted a glass of water, but she didn't know where any glasses were. 

“You could've asked someone for help.” 

Alex turns her head behind her, surprised when she sees Garroth. She was rummaging through each cabinet until she found the one she needed. “I didn't see the need to ask for help. I would've stuck my head under the faucet if I was that desperate.” 

“You're so weird,” Garroth says. His tone wasn't offensive or judgemental. It was more along the lines of amusement. 

“I call it having a personality.” 

Garroth smiles and walks towards her. She eyes his movements, skeptical when he reaches his arm forward and places his hand beside her. A cage formed between the countertop and him, trapping her inside. Before she has the chance to say anything, he has pulled out a glass of his own. 

“You looked like a natural out there tonight,” he tells her, filling his glass up at the refrigerator. “At least, from the little I saw.” 

Alex nods. “I've only done it for the past two years.” 

Their conversation felt awkward again. Despite being in cheer, Alex knew little to nothing about football. She also didn't know Garroth as well where she could keep up a conversation like this. 

It seemed Garroth got the hint. He sipped awkwardly at his glass before drinking the rest in one final swig. Alex had both of her hands together on hers, staring at the little bit of liquid inside. 

The sound of a door creaking and soft footsteps echoed down the stairs. “I suppose you've learned just how long my sister showers for.” 

Alex smiles. “Yeah, I think she beat my brother for the longest showers ever.” The awkwardness slips away once again, leaving a playful atmosphere between them. Alex hears her name being softly called from upstairs. “I've been summoned.” .

“You can't leave my sister waiting,” Garroth teases. He waves her off jokingly and waits for her to start walking. “By the way, you look petty in your uniform.” 

Alex's mouse drops open at this, letting an exhale slip past her lips. She rolls her eyes, smiling before walking back up the stairs.