-Chapter 20-

~Xander’s POV~

“We’re taking a trip to Moscow, Russia!” I blinked as Mrs. Bailey, my science teacher, told us the news excitedly. Every two years at this school they would take a field trip to another country since they got so much funding from parents.

“How much?” I questioned as she handed out the permission slip. Good thing my parents were visiting tonight.

“Four hundred.” She replied as I filled out the information that was already written on the board.

“Sweet.” Someone replied and then small chatter filled the room.

I read over the information. So this period (which was second), third and fourth would be going. Wait, wasn’t Skylar in forth? Oh, this shall be fun.

“Now class, you must have this turned in by the end of next week. Or you can’t go. We’ll be heading there the second week of February.” Mrs. Bailey told us sternly.

Okay, so four weeks until we go. That’s cool. Wait….

“Miss, how long will we be there?” I asked.

“Two weeks.” She smiled widely and I nodded, looking back down at the paper.

“I’m home!” I called into the apartment as I shut the door. Rex came running towards me, cowering behind my legs. I repressed a sigh. My mother always scared the hell outta my dog.

“Honey!” Mom yelled, running towards me. Rex let out a whimper while she wrapped her skinny arms around me. She was a short woman (me taking my height from my dad) with black hair and light brown eyes. She was petite and failed at athletics but when it came to smarts she was beast.

“Hey mom.” I greeted, hugging her awkwardly. It had been a few months since I saw here, having spent the winter break with my older sister and her family while mom and dad were out in the jungle in South America doing something to stop the destruction of the rainforests I think.

“Alexander.” I looked up at my dad and nodded as mom let me go. I had gained my teal eyes from him. Except instead of having the facial hair my face was smooth since I shaved regularly.

“Dad.” He hugged me lightly then we shook hands, smiling at each other.

“So, dear, how has school been?” Mom asked as we headed for the living room, Rex running into my room to most likely hide under the bed.

“Um….oh! The teacher gave me this today.” I pulled out the permission slip and handed it to her.

Both she and dad leaned in to read it, squinting their eyes slightly. “Oh, Moscow! That’s cool! How much?” Mom asked as she signed and dated it.

“Four hundred.” I replied.

“That’s cheap.” Dad muttered, pulling out his wallet and handing me four crisp hundred dollar bills.

“Thank you.” I nodded, putting the money in an envelope from the box under the coffee table and licked it close, writing my name on it then putting that and my permission slip into my bag.

“Want to go out to eat now?” Mom asked and for the first time I noticed the silky purple dress she was wearing that went just below her knees. Dad was in a black suit and I raised an eyebrow.

“Somewhere fancy in mind?”

“Yeah. So go change. Hurry up. We have reservations.” I nodded, heading to my room and got dressed in a pair of black slacks and a dark green dress shirt.

Rex peeked his head out of under my bed as I was buttoning up my shirt and I smiled down at him, leaning down to pat his head.

“Don’t worry; it’s only for a few days.” He growled.

I chuckled, walking out of my room and into the living room where my parents stood up from the couch and I followed out to their BMW.

~Skylar’s POV~

“Mom….you realize you invited Jack, right?” I questioned as I walked into the kitchen wearing some dark fitted jeans and an unbuttoned black silk shirt. I grabbed the milk out of the fridge, chugging from the carton as she spoke.

“I know dear but it’s been awhile since I’ve been with my friends. And this is better than you cooking food yourself, isn’t it?” She asked, slapping the back of my head and taking the milk back, putting it in the fridge.

“But it’s Jack. He’s an idiot!” I grumbled, pursing my lips as she buttoned my shirt for me.

“Go Gary!” Izzy suddenly screamed and I blinked, turning my head in the direction of the living room.

“What’re you watching?” I yelled.

“Alphas!” She replied.

Oh yeah….she recorded the season finale last night.

“Ah….” I mumbled, stepping back from my mom. She had on an emerald green gown while dad had a black suit with a tie that matched her dress. My tie was black and loose around my neck. Izzy was wearing a white dress that went to her mid-thigh. Tonight we were heading to one of those fancy restaurants that I hated. Something Italian….I think.

And also all of the Gamer Club and their parents were coming. So we’d have two tables, one for me, Jack, Drake, Ryan, Akuma, Izaya and Izzy and one for the parents. See, they were all close, rich, and successful. Dad and Akuma’s dad being game designers, Jack’s mom being an artist, Ryan’s parents being music producers, and Drake’s parents being big computer creators. Meaning all of them were partners since video games need computers, graphics, and music.

“Izzy! Shadow! Let’s go!” Mom called. Izzy came in from the living room a few seconds later and dad came down the stairs, grabbing the keys to the Escalade and we followed him out to the car.

~Jack’s POV (ENJOY THIS!)~

“Mom! No! My painting!” I cried, holding onto the doorframe of my art studio/bedroom.

“Come on stupid! We gotta get to dinner!” She ordered, her skinny but strong arms wrapped around my waist as she tried pulling me.

“How the hell can you pull so hard in high heels?!” I screamed, trying to wiggle out of her grasp. I was in the middle of painting a new picture. It was the school hallways during passing when so many people where together yet alone at the same time, wrapped up in their thoughts.

“Because I’m awesome! Now come!” With one last jerk she pried my hands off the door and dragged me by my ear to the bathroom where she scrubbed the paint off my face roughly, making one cheek redder than the other.

“Dammit woman.” I growled as she ordered me to put on a silver dress shirt and a black tie. I slung them on, pouting, and glared at her as she tied the tie right and very tight. Hey, that rhymes! I pushed away my thoughts as I loosened the tie greatly and kicked her out of the bathroom as she ordered me to put some black slacks on. I didn’t wanna go. Everyone was just gonna tell me I’m an idiot again. I’m not an idiot. I just don’t see things the same way as them. They think like computers, I think like a painter. A drifter more like it. I’m breezy and stupid when it comes to classes that involve math but when it comes to English or Art, I’m beast.

I put on my earrings, smirking while mom yelled at me not to on the other side of the door. I finished it by making sure people could see my Zero Kiryu tattoo on my neck (I was obsessed with that man) and opened the door, brushing past my mother and headed into my room towards my closet. I put on a black silk vest and left it unbuttoned. I put on a black studded belt then followed her as she walked in her gold dress with two black felt angel wings on the back. The dress went to her mid-calf and she had matching two inch hells. Something I had no idea how she walked in.

She glanced over at me, scowling at my earrings but then blinked in surprise. “I forgot you have blue eyes.”

“Because I wear contacts all the time.” I rolled my eyes, picking up my glasses from the study as we passed it. It was a big room with bookshelves lining all the walls and a single mahogany desk in the middle.

“You look weird.” She said flatly and I smirked.

“Why thank you, mother.”

“Welcome dear~!” She teased, walking into the garage. We both got into the silver Porsche 911 Turbo my mom loved and she pulled out of the garage, heading down the short driveway and onto the highway that was in front of our two story home.

“Have you ever let your friends see you with glasses?” She asked.

“No. but I forgot to get my new supply of contacts today and I’m forced to.” I muttered, crossing my arms with a scowl.

She sighed, ruffling my silver hair with her slim fingers as her eyes watched the road.

“At least it’ll be a shocker.” She smirked.

“I know, right?” I copied her expression then turned up the radio.

My mom and looked the same. Tan skin, silver hair that wasn’t dyed like people thought-it was natural-and shockingly blue eyes. The only difference was I was tall whereas she was short. My height was the only thing I had gotten from my dead beat father who had gotten my mom pregnant at age seventeen then ditched. Good thing she was so smart and granny and grandpa were well off with money along with sympathy.

“Jack.” I blinked, looking up seeing as I’ve had my head bowed while I thought and I was surprised to see that we were already at the restaurant.

“That was fast….” I muttered, getting out.

“Wait, where’s Lucy and Jade again?” I asked, frowning.

“I told you earlier, they went to their friends and then headed to the movies.” Mom sighed and I nodded. My sister and I were surprisingly close. Though they were annoying as fuck.

“Any reservations?” The waiter said as he stood at the podium. His feet must hurt if he stands there all day.

“We’re part of the Davis party.” Mom told him with a smile. He blinked, looking her over and then nodded. My mom was young, being only thirty-four and looking twenty-four. Having three kids (two of them twins) didn’t really hurt her figure. As soon as she gave birth she went back to being skinny and had gotten some cream that got rid of the stretch marks.

“Rosie!” I looked at Mrs. Davis as she stood from her seat, giving mom a hug. Looks like we were the last to arrive.

“Hi Emerald! It’s nice to see you. Looking great as always.” Mom complimented her. I looked around at the others parents. Ryan’s dad and mom were beside Skylar’s dad. Ryan’s dad had the same brown hair and eyes as his sons while his wife had blond hair and blue eyes. Both of them were really smart. Drake’s mom was beside Ryan’s mom and Drake’s dad beside her. His mom had dark brown hair and blue eyes and his dad had black hair with green eyes. Finally there was Akuma’s mom and dad. Both being Japanese, they had black hair and dark brown eyes. The same looks went with all the adults: tall, smart, handsome males and petite, smart, beautiful women.

“And is this Jack?” Skylar’s mom asked in shock. I looked down at her as I put my hands in my pockets and nodded.

“Oh my God! You look so different! Wait; are your eyes actually blue?” She asked, lifting my glasses up to peer at my eyes curiously. I just stood there, waiting until she was done.

“I thought the same. I’m so used to him with his contacts.” Mom stated and I shot her an annoyed look. Always so truthful.

“Are you blushing?” Emerald asked, poking my left cheek and I frowned.

“No. Mom attacked me with a rag and soap.”

“You had paint on your face!”

“That’s nothing new.” I rolled my eyes and headed over to the table where I saw all the people my age sitting. I took a seat next to Drake, propping my elbow on the table and put my still red cheek in my palm. Skylar had cut himself off from talking and they were all staring at me.

I raised an eyebrow. “Something the matter?”

“You look hot.” Ryan stated. Everyone’s gazes then snapped to him in shock while he blushed.

“No, wait, uh….no homo!” He ordered, looking around flustered then pointed at me.

I rolled my eyes and looked at Hanna who was on the other side of me. She was eyeing my glasses, looking like she wanted to lift them up like Emerald had and I sighed, taking them off for a second. I blinked as things became blurry then looked over at her.

“You wanted to see my real eye color?” I questioned flatly. She nodded, leaning in and I stayed still as she touched my face, utterly bored. After she was done I put my glasses back on and could see again.

“I didn’t pick up my new contacts so I had to wear my glasses.” I explained and Skylar’s eyes furrowed.

“Wait, you actually need them? I thought you just used them because they looked cool.”

“Well I don’t.”

“What would everyone like to drink?” I looked up at a waitress and she was looking at all of us, blushing because we were all hot and she knew it. I looked her over. Blond hair in a bun, nice complexion, pretty blue-gray eyes. She was hot but not my type. Seemed pretty nice though. Kinda shy.

“Mountain Dew.” Everyone said simultaneously. She darted her eyes around, probably counting us and then nodded, scurrying away.

“Is it just me or are you guys thinking Jack looks smarter?” Izzy asked suddenly. Everybody nodded and I smirked.

“Why thank you.”

~Drake’s POV~

I watched as Jack smirked.

“Why thank you.”

It was weird seeing him with blue eyes. They looked like the ocean over in the Caribbean or something. What the hell. I actually thought he had purple eyes.

“So….what does this place actually serve?” Akuma asked, looking at the menu in confusion.

“I thought you took Italian?” Hanna muttered.

“No, I took French.”

“Ah….here, I’ll help you.” She dragged him closer, murmuring what things were and pointing at the menu. I looked at my own menu and frowned. Eh….I don’t understand this crap….

“You need help, don’t you?” Jack questioned, raising an eyebrow.

“I took Latin and Swahili.” I grumbled and he nodded, leaning over and pointing at some words that looked like gibberish to me.

“This is Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup, that’s Four Cheese Margherita Pizza, Spinach Basil Pesto, Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta, Cioppino, Peppered Shrimp Alfredo….”

“What’s the last one exactly?” I questioned and he adjusted his glasses slightly, squinting his eyes.

“Um….if says ‘a jar of Alfredo sauce gets an added kick with cayenne pepper, Romano cheese, and extra cream. Served with red bell peppers, shrimp and penne pasta, this is one rich dish!’. I’ve had it once. Pretty good actually.”

“Mk. I’ll have that.” I mumbled. He nodded, leaning back to his chair to look at his own menu. I didn’t even know he knew another language! What the hell? I thought he was just stupid! Though….he looks pretty smart in those glasses. And hot….hm….

~Skylar’s POV~

“Is everyone ready to order?” The waitress returned with that same blush and everyone nodded as she set down all of our Mountain Dew glasses.

“Alright, who’s first?” She asked, pulling out a notepad. I raised my hand. She turned her attention to me and I smiled.

“Give me the best wine ya got and for food….the Double Tomato Bruschetta and could you bring full Tiramisu Layer Cake for all of us?” She nodded, scribbling down my order. Hey, she didn’t even check for an ID. Sweet….

I zoned out as everyone else ordered and looked around, seeing all the people who were also dressed up all fancy. Black hair caught my eye and I looked over the smexy looking guy for a moment before he brushed the hair out of his face and my mouth dropped. Holy shit! That was Xander. I turned back around quickly, taking a sip of my drink as I tried to cover up my shock.

~Xander’s POV~

I felt eyes on me as I brushed my hair out of my face and glanced up just as a boy turned around quickly with a blush on his face and drunk something that looked like Mountain Dew. I looked him over, frowning at the weird feeling in my stomach. What the hell was up with that?

I looked around at his companions then my eyes widened in shock. It was Skylar and his friends! There was his sister and….wait, who’s the Japanese kid? That Akuma’s brother or something? I heard he had younger twin siblings.

“Something wrong Xander?” Mom asked and I turned my head to look back at her and I smiled.

“No, nothing’s wrong. Just saw some friends of mine.”

“Friends? Oh, is Jason here?” Mom questioned, looking around.

“Nah, not him. It’s a kid I had to do a French project with. He and his friends are super smart. Well….except one.” That silver-haired boy popped into my mind and I looked around the table. Well….there was a man with silver hair. But he had glasses on and bright blue eyes. What the hell? I thought he had purple eyes.

“Oh, really? That’s nice. How bad was the grade?”

“An A.” I cocked an eyebrow at my mother and she blinked in surprise then her face blushed.

“I’m sorry! You just have usually bad grades.”

“He has an A average.” Dad stated. She blushed again, looking at me apologetically.

“I’m sorry!”

“Whatever.” I mumbled, stuffing my mouth with food.

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Authors Note

How many POVs did I actually do O.O
*counts* one, two, three….six POV changes with four POV, two POV no four no wait if I divide that by….oh my God I can’t explain this right! With two being Xander and two for Skylar! There!
Anyway….I actually enjoy Jack’s POV. Huh. Who knew.
So….here’s chapter 20~! Vote please~!
~Mew
P.S. Jack on the side. His hair is shorter though and this is contacts. OH! AND VOTE! Pwease? x3 ->

Songs of the Chapter ~|10|~

Fall For You-Secondhand Serenade

Hero-Skillet

Grim Goodbye-The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

You’re Not Alone-Saosin

The Anthem-Good Charlotte

There For You-Flyleaf

Dying In Your Arms-Trivium

Empty With You-The Used

On My Own-Saosin

Stranger-Secondhand Serenade