in threes
chapter 29

Chapter 29

Chapter 29

Lottie’s POV

I tug my jeans on, exhausted from the events of last night as I finish getting ready for school…

Alex, of course, wasn’t here when I had woke up again. It seems he must just wake up and regrethis decisions so he sneaks off to avoid

the awkwardness of it all!

My face flushes in embarrassment, remembering last nights ‘chat‘ with him where he admitted hegot jealous watching me do my cheer routine and stunts with that guy on the field…

After more thought, I just couldn’t understand him. I was only doing my routine, and yet he ended upkissing Tiffany all because he knew it would hurt me?

That’s not exactly nice of him! At this point, he obviously knows that I do have some feelings for himand he’s choosing to toy with them… great!

I sigh, pulling on an oversized hoodie belonging to Anna, thankful that we were close in size and forthe fact that she lets me share her

stuff…

I brush through my long hair once more, glancing at myself in the mirror, before picking up mybackpack and heading downstairs.

Imake my way down, before hearing chatter and laughter coming from the kitchen – causing me tofreeze.

I instantly notice the three unfamiliar dark coloured jackets hanging up by the door and almostcollapse when realising that the three boys where in fact still here after last night…

How embarrassing!

I had a total meltdown in–front of them all because Alex decided to kiss Tiffany… and to top it off wearen’t and never will be together so

I completely overreacted! Then to make things all the more sweet – Del had to practically pick meup on the side of the road and take me

home because I decided to run away!

I cringe at myself, my cheeks feeling like they had caught on fire as I just stand at the bottom of thestairs like a fool…

The longer I avoid them the worse it will be…

I inhale a slow deep breath, before trudging my way through towards the back of the house to replacethe kitchen-

“SURPRISE!” I flinch on entry, as Anna screams and grins at me.

My eyes grow wide, seeing the breakfast buffet they had created, alongside a cake that read ‘Alexis a douche

Anna scurries over to me, embracing me in a tight hug, as I hug her back in confusion.

Del and Jace decorated the cake and I baked it!” Anna confirms with a laugh, leading me closer tothe counter to admire their work.

I can’t help but giggle slightly at the cake, as Del and Jace laugh too at my reaction to their messywriting.

“Alex didn’t even protest!” Anna states with another laugh, as my gaze falls on Alex as he leansagainst the counter in the far corner – arms folded across his chest.

He watches me carefully, remaining silent the way I was used to him being, as he offers me asimple shrug.

“Thanks!” 1 nod and whisper out, as Anna encourages me to sit down next.

As if on cue, they all begin digging in to the pancakes, bacon, fruit and other treats they had set outas I grow thankful that nobody seemed to be making last night a big deal…

I seriously thought they would all make fun of me or think that I’m a total freak for reacting the way Idid all over nothing…

Anna hands me a plate, as I smile and thank her before piling on a couple of pancakes and bacon –topping the stack with some syrup.

After all it would be totally rude of me to pass this up after they spent their time making it all…

Just when I am about to dig in, the chair from beside me is pulled out, as I turn to see Alex himselfplopping down onto the chair.

Del begins telling Jace a funny story about a girl he used to date, as Anna scolds and makes fun ofhim, as I can’t help but shake the presence of Alex from beside me now as he piles up his own plateand begins eating…

“Sleep well?” His voice fills my ears as the others talk around us, causing me to turn and glance upat him.

“I guess…” I say quietly, as he smirks and returns to his food.

How can this guy make me feel this way… it was a feeling I had never felt before in my life… itwasn’t fear this time… more of a deep longing…

“I meant what I said last night.” He adds after a few moments, as I nearly choke on the pancakepiece I had just stuffed into my mouth.

He bites back a laugh, as again I am grateful that the others hadn’t noticed anything weird as Annanow spoke to them about some festival that was happening in town next week…

“I–I’m sorry too…” I struggle to replace my voice, hoping that he heard me, as I look to him again to seehe had paused eating.

“Don’t be.” He states firmly, as I sigh not knowing what to say back.

“We will talk about it later…” Alex concludes, as I nod once and continue eating.

Why does he want to still talk about it later? I would rather move on and pretend none of ithappened!

“So I’ll buy us all a ticket? Sounds fun right? They have loads of rides and different DJs playing… Itwill be so cool!” Anna rushes out in excitement, before she takes a long drink of her orange juice.

“Sorry I wasn’t paying attention… what’s the plan?” I ask her, as Del laughs at me and shakes hishead.

“We are going to the Spring Fest festival at the weekend! I’m going to buy us all tickets and we canget super cute outfits – you’ll love it!” Anna tells me, as I nod and smile.

Another new experience to be excited for!

I continue to eat the last of the food, before Jace cuts into the cake and gives us all a piece whilelaughing as he hands Alex the ‘douche‘ part specifically.

“I f**king get it!” Alex complains, causing the three of them to cackle at his reaction – as he doesn’thesitate before stuffing a piece into his mouth.

The day so far had been going much better than I had been expecting but I couldn’t help but worryabout what more Alex wanted to speak to me about later on…

“Before I forget… your Mom left me a voicemail this morning but I haven’t listened to it yet…” Annawhispers to me, causing my body to

instantly go rigid.

Why is she still calling me? She doesn’t even care.