Semi-Edited! (Lets be real, we all know there are mistakes :D) 

As you can tell the top part is the last part of Chapter 22. I decided it flowed better if I cut the last chapter and put it here instead. So if you go back one chapter you'll see this part is gone. Sorry you have to re-read the first bit. (Does any of that even make sense?)

Song above is...Catch by Brett Young (Love him in general but the song fits the end of the chapter!)

Happy Reading! :)

Two movies later we were now all huddled in my bathroom picking out face masks to wear. It was crazy but all of us were having a good time. Liv was being Liv and talking animately, buzzing around like a butterfly.

What was more surprisingly however was Lexi. She seemed to loosen up and wasn't anything like the girl I met not too long ago. She was laughing, smiling and even telling jokes. Her usual hard expression now soften and friendly.

Once we all settled on a mask and helped each other put it on, we returned to the living but instead or carrying snacks, Lexi was holding two bottles of alcohol.

I stared at the bottles in apprehension, taking a seat once more on the couch. Liv and Lexi didn't even bother grabbing glasses as they opened the bottles. One was a bottle of wine and the other looked like vodka but flavored strawberry.

"Here you go." Lexi handed me the bottle of Smirnoff Vodka. I stared at the bottle then at her, not really sure about drinking it. "Trust me it is sweet enough to drink straight." She nodded at me to take a sip.

Taking a deep breath I brought the bottle to my lips and took a small tip. The taste of alcohol hit my tongue before a sweet taste of strawberry followed. My throat burned only a little as I swallowed but it didn't taste that bad.

"See not bad." Lexi took the bottle back and took a bigger sip than I did.

I next tried a sip of the wine which turned out to be disgusting. Laughing at my expression Liv put that bottle of wine away and stuck with the Smirnoff.

"So," Liv took a drink off the bottle and handed it to me. In the back ground the TV continued playing Letters To Juliet, while the three of us laid around. "Are you going to tell us what's going with you and Alex?"

I choked at her words, swallowing the vodka down my burning throat.

"Excuse me?" I coughed.

"Don't act like there isn't something there." Lexi rolled her eyes. "We all see it."

"There's nothing there. Alex and I are...not sure what we are. Friends maybe?"

"Yeah right." Lexi scoffed. "The sexual tension there is insane." My face turned bright red at her words. There was no sexual tension between Alex and I.

"Got to agree with Lexi. That night we played Monopoly." Olivia fanned herself, giggling.

"The way they eyed each other was like they were undressing each other in their heads." Lexi sent me a wink.

"Guys!" I could practically feel the heat coming off my face as the pair kept going on about the tension between Alex and I.

When it showed they weren't going to stop anytime soon, I reached over and yanked the vodka bottle out of Liv's hand. Tilting the bottle back I took three huge gulps, wiping my lips with the back of my hand.

"He hasn't asked you out yet has he?" Liv suddenly asked. I found myself rolling my eyes.

"No. He won't either. He doesn't see me like that. I'm not exactly the relationship type."

"What do you mean?" Both girls looked at me, waiting for my answer.

"Going by what happened in my last relationship, I would say I'm undateable." I shrugged.

"What Mitch did to you isn't your fault Riley, it's his. What he did was beyond disgusting." Liv explained. The thing is I wanted to believe her but I couldn't. In the back of my mind was always Mitch's voice whispering those horrible things to me.

Telling me I wasn't good enough. I wasn't quite sure if I'd ever be able to get past that.

"I've met Mitch once or twice and he's a dickhead. Don't ever believe a word that comes out of his mouth." Lexi added.

"Everyone else does." I muttered, taking another swig from the bottle. Maybe the alcohol will let me forget for a while.

"If we all believed what our ex's said to us then we wouldn't be here right now." The seriousness of Lexi's tone made my look over at her. Her grey eyes looking directly at me, a troubled look crossing behind them. I didn't have to ask to know something horrible happened in Lexi's last relationship.

"But then we find someone who treats us right." Lexi's face transformed as she no doubt meant Nico. The only person to make the girl in front of me swoon.

"Which brings us back to Alex." Liv brought my attention back to her. "He would never do something like that, trust me. Alex is a good guy."

I knew he was. From the moment I met him I knew he was nothing like Mitch.

"It's been so nice seeing how he acts with you."

"He doesn't really act that different around me though." I handed Liv the bottle and leaned back, my head suddenly feeling a tad bit lighter.

"You definitely didn't know him before." Lexi grunted. "God he was an asshole there for awhile. I mean still is but not as much as before."

"Remember when he wouldn't say a single word unless it was to insult someone."

"That doesn't sound like Alex though."

"Trust me, Alex has a...rough side to him. He can be the sweetest guy you've ever met or he can flip a switch and be this withdrawn asshole."

I was only slightly surprised by that. I have seen him withdrawn a couple of times but he was never rude when he was. Or I've chosen not to see that side of him.

"He was getting better but then suddenly you showed up Riley and he instantly seemed better. Lighter even."

"But I haven't done anything." This isn't the first time someone has said this. Noah the other day said the same thing. But I haven't done anything to change Alex. I've just been...me.

"I can't believe I am about to say this." Lexi muttered, taking a drink of the bottle before continuing. "There is something about you Riley that just makes you likable."

I stared at Lexi in shock. Did I really just hear those words come out of her mouth? Has someone taken over the body of Lexi and replaced her with this kind version?

"I thought you hated me."

"I've come to tolerate you, don't go thinking I love you now." Lexi's eyes narrowed in my direction but I didn't even care. I was ecstatic. I broke Lexi Ogden's wall down. "Tell anyone about this conversation and I'll deny it." She pointed a finger at me, which I just grinned to.

"Noted."

"Told you she wasn't that bad." Liv smiled brightly at me.

"I'm fucking amazing." Lexi boasted, earning a laugh from both Liv and me.

We then spent the next hour passing the bottle of vodka around while telling stories. Because of the alcohol all three of us were more relaxed and telling each other I was sure we wouldn't have sober.

I ended up learning so much about Lexi and Olivia in just that hour. Like the fact that Olivia only started Youtube because she was always left home alone while her dad worked and because she needed to do something to keep busy after her mom died.

The most interesting fact I learned was that Olivia did have a crush on Derek. As soon as she said it out loud her face turned bright pink and she huddled under the blankets. Both Lexi and I let out big yells to the information, although Lexi already knew.

It was so obvious about her feelings but I didn't tell her that. Only grinned and teased her about it. In Lexi's words, Liv just needed to grab Derek by the head and kiss his brains out until he falls in love with her. I whole heartedly agreed, to which Liv shook her head saying she wouldn't act on her 4 year crush.

Despite the buzz I was feeling, I mentally tucked that information away for later.

Next was Lexi. With a bit of alcohol in her system she instantly opened up, but not about the things you'd think about. No. A tipsy Lexi was a horny Lexi. She kept going on about how sexy Nico was and how he could never keep his hands off of her, especially her ass.

After telling us about the sex positions they've done it in, I knew I was scared for life. I learned way too much about Lexi in a matter of minutes. I wasn't sure I could face Nico after hearing about such personal things. I only hoped with each sip of vodka the images would be wiped away from my brain.

Although after the sex ed Lexi practically gave us, she did tell us something personal. Turns out Lexi lives in a foster home. Something I didn't expect at all, but Liv clearly knew when she didn't act surprised.

My heart ached for Lexi when she said she bounced around foster homes since she was 6 after her mother overdosed. This was her fifth home but this place she has been at for four years now. When she quickly changed the topic I knew the other homes was something she didn't want to talk about.

Next the topic came back to me. With the amount of alcohol in my system I found myself telling them all about my brother leaving me to join the military, and then about my parents being home. Despite the alcohol in my veins it felt nice to finally tell someone who wouldn't judge me or tell anyone else.

The next little bit passed by in a blur. One second we were sitting there laughing, then next we were jumping around singing at the top of our lungs to music, and then we'd be on the floor doing each others hair. We went from one thing to another.

Next thing I knew the Smirnoff bottle was almost gone and I was definitely feeling it. When I stood up to use the bathroom I stumbled, almost falling over onto the ground. I giggled the entire way to the bathroom, Lexi and Liv joining me in the laughter.

For the first time in a long time I felt good. More than good. I didn't realize drinking alcohol could make someone feel so...relaxed and free.

"You know what we should do." Liv giggled as I sat back on the couch, well more like fell on it and on top of her. Somehow all three of us were now sitting on the couch. Snack wrappers everywhere, blankets and pillows scattered around the room. No doubt the three of us looking drunk with hair everywhere and sloppy grins plastered on our faces.

"What?" I leaned forward grabbing a random peach ring off the floor before plopping it in my mouth. So good!

"Lets call the boys!"

"YES!" Lexi and I said simultaneously. By now we were definitely not thinking straight.

We all three of us cuddled around each other as Liv pulled out her phone and hitting 'Call Derek'. We tried to be quiet but we were laughing none stop for no apparent reason. I was a little surprised when Derek did answer considering it was well after midnight.

"Derekkkkk." Liv sang, echoed by Lexi and I.

"Liv are you...are you drunk?"

"Most definitely not! Right girls!"

"Nope!" I emphasized the 'p' at the end and smiled to myself.

"How much did you three drink?"

"Tell Nico to get his ass here I wanna play!" Lexi suddenly spoke right into the phone. Judging from the scratching on the other side Derek put us on speaker phone.

"Lex?" I heard Nico's deep voice speak through the phone.

"You have such a deep voice Nico. So manly." I wasn't in control of my mouth as I spoke.

"Riley?" I knew that voice!

"Allie!" I yelled.

"Are all three of you drunk?" Alex asked. All he got in return was a giggling, following by me and Liv suddenly breaking out into a High School Musical Song. He sighed through the phone. "We are on our way."

Liv and I didn't even notice when Alex hung up, both of us intently singing to High School Musical. After messing up Liv somehow got "Bop To The Top" to play through her phone.

We only had to share a look at each other before jumping up and facing each other. The next second I was singing Ryan's part and she was singing Sharpay's. And we sounded pretty damn good. At least with Lexi's cheering it felt that way.

It went on that way for about 3 songs. We were so into it that none of us hear the front door open or see four guys walk inside.

I turned around as soon as "Stick To The Status Quo" ended, panting and feeling a bit dizzy but fine. When my eyes finally focused they landed right on a familiar figure. Before I even knew what I was doing I was jumping on the couch and off the back towards the one person I wanted to see.

"Allie!"

(This is where the 'new' chapter begins if you skipped the first part!!)

I wasn't well coordinated in general but mix alcohol with is and I was beyond clumsy. I thought I would be graceful jumping off the couch towards Alex but somehow my foot his the back of the couch and I went flying forward.

I slammed into something hard and stumbled but a pair of strong arms wrapped around me before I could hit the ground. Not even feeling the tinge of pain in my ankle, I grinned up at Alex.

"Allie." I was feeling quite good and didn't even care that I was leaning into Alex with his arms around me to keep me stable. "You came!"

The rational part of my brain was begging me to get my shit together and not act like a fool in front of Alex and everyone else, but my inner voice was quieted down by the alcohol.

"Rileyyyy." Liv sang out, drawing my attention away from Alex. Pushing out of his hold I shoved past Noah, Derek and Nico to get back to Liv's side. I threw my arms around her and hugged her small frame to me.

"You're my best friend Liv." I cooed, my words slightly slurred.

"How much did you girls drink?" Noah asked, looking at us with raised eyebrows.

"Not that much dingleberry." Liv rolled her eyes. To the side of us Derek walked over to the practically empty bottle of vodka and held it up.

"Looks like it." He replied sarcastically.

Ignoring him I glanced over and found Lexi hanging onto Nico like a Koala bear. Her entire body was wrapped around his large frame. She was saying something to him while he gazed down at her with a soft expression.

"I'm going to get you guys some water." I barely heard Noah talk let alone walk out of the living room.

"Is this your first time getting drunk freckles?" Alex asked, folding his arms across his wide chest while looking at me.

"No...maybe." I giggled. I knew I drank a little too much, especially for being a first time drinker of vodka, but right now I felt too good to care. Consequences be damned.

A second later Noah walked back into the room carrying three full water cups. He handed one to Alex before heading to Nico.

"Come on freckles, lets get you a bit sober." Alex moved around the couch towards me.

"But I feel so good right now." I whined.

"You are going to regret that in the morning." He came up to my side. "Now take a sip." He firmly pushed the cup towards me. Huffing I grabbed it and took a few sips.

"Looks like you guys had some fun." Noah said, looking around the room at the mess we made. Wrappers on the couch and table, blankets and pillows on the floor, tv still playing.

"Riley! We are missing High School Musical!" Olivia suddenly yelled, even though she was right behind me. In the background I suddenly heard the opening piano to "Breaking Free". I wasted no time in shoving the cup in Alex's direction, not even caring if he caught it or not, and turned to Olivia.

The two of us moved to a clear part of the room, the others forgotten. As soon as Troy Bolton started singing Liv followed. When it came to Gabriella's part, I through caution to the wind and sang along.

I would have never done this sober. And judging by the fact that I was singing out loud in front of people, it showed that I drank a lot more vodka than I thought.

When Liv tried to do the little moon walk Troy does in the movie, I lost it. Giggling uncontrollably, the two of us started on the chorus. Like two drunk idiots we moved around the living, acting as if we were Troy and Gabriella.

I was only briefly aware of the sets of eyes on us as we sang along to the song. Their good voices drowned out by our horrible drunk ones.

From the corner of my eye I did notice everyone took a seat on the couch, watching us intently. I didn't miss the look on Derek's face as he watched Olivia be a dork.

When the song finally ended Liv and I fell to the floor panting heavily. Damn, who knew dancing and singing could be such a workout. Wow.

The world swayed slightly as we laid there, still laughing at ourselves.

"That was entertaining." Noah teased.

"You're welcome for the show." Liv grinned, sitting up. "I need more alcohol." She suddenly said stumbling to her feet.

"I don't think so." Derek shook his head at her.

"And why not?" Liv placed her hands on her hips, her eyebrows raised.

"You've had enough Liv."

"No I haven't! I only had a little bit." She put her fingers together.

"Says the girl who can't stand straight." Just as Derek pointed out, Liv stumbled to the side unable to stand straight.

"But I'm having so much fun." She whined, stomping her foot like she was five.

"And you will but no alcohol." I stared over at Derek with wide eyes. I wasn't use to hearing him be so firm.

I looked away from the pair who were going back and forth. Liv acting like a kid, trying to convince Derek to give her more alcohol. My eyes instinctively landed on Alex. He was already staring right at me from his spot on the couch.

Deciding to stand up I struggled for a second but managed not to fall over. I did a little celebration dance for that little feat, unknown that Alex was watching me the entire time.

A quick glance around the room I found everyone occupied. Nico and Lexi were seated in a chair making out aggressively. I wrinkled my nose at that and quickly looked away.

Noah was eating cheetos from the bag still on the table, while looking at his phone. Derek and Liv were no where to be seen but I was pretty sure they were in the kitchen. The only person left was Alex.

Suddenly out of no where I stepped towards Alex, a drunk smile on my face. Alex's eyes followed my every movement until I stood a foot away. Hearing the opening notes of the next song I knew exactly what I wanted to do.

"Allie, dance with me."

"What?"

"Dance with me." I stuck my hand out. When he didn't move to grab my hand I stuck my bottom lip out in a pout. "Please." I tried my best puppy dog eyes. 

https://youtu.be/fCa8pxUtN1s

(This song still makes me want to dance with my future bf. Fun fact: They filmed the second movie 20 mins from my house)

Alex let out a sigh before grabbing my hand. The grin that appeared on my face was so wide it could have split my face. The feel of his hand in mine sent a shook all up my arm.

I pulled him back to the spot Liv and I were just dancing in. The only dancing I've ever done is alone in my room so when the song started I wasn't quite sure what to do. Maybe this wasn't the best idea.

Realizing my mistake I went to pull away only for Alex to wrap his arm around my waist. Without a word Alex placed one of my hands on his shoulder while he grabbed the other. I knew my eyes were wide at the formal stance of dancing.

As Troy and Gabriella's voice played from Liv's phone still on the table, Alex moved us side to side. The feeling blossoming in my chest was something I've definitely never felt before.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I'd be dancing with Alex Kinley in my living room. The way his eyes stayed on mine and the feel of him pressed against me, I didn't ever want to move. I wanted this to be engraved in my brain for the rest of my life.

We stayed just like that as the song played around us. The longer I stared at Alex the more I felt my head swirl. His scent was intoxicating. Before I even knew what I was doing I was leaning forward and...sniffing his shirt.

"Are you...are you sniffing my shirt?"

I beyond shame at this point, burying my face further into his chest. It was a mix of men's cologne and...cinnamon? I wasn't quite sure but damn it smelt good.

"You smell good." I practically moaned. "Can you bottle that scent?"

"My cologne?" The amusement clear in his voice.

"I like it." I mumbled into the fabric of his shirt. I felt him chuckle, his chest vibrating beneath my face.

We stayed like that as the song continued on playing. I sang the song under my breath as we swayed. My feet were barely moving but I felt like I was flying, Alex's arms keeping me grounded.

I could write this off tomorrow as being drunk but what about Alex? He was sober, as far as I knew, yet he was pulling me closer.

Before I could think too much of it my name was being yelled.

"Riley, Lexi I found more vodka!" Olivia suddenly yelled coming into the kitchen. Our moment was ruined but hearing the word vodka I didn't even care. I shoved Alex always from me and started towards Liv, not even caring that Alex stumbled behind me.

Before any of the guys could stop us the three of us girls were passing the bottle around, taking shots. The burning in my throat not as bad as it was the first few times.

"Liv." Derek groaned, coming from my kitchen.

"You guys are going to regret this in the morning." Noah tutted. He was right but at the moment none of us could give a damn. As I reached for the bottle a third time a hand took it from me before I could.

"Freckles, you are going to throw up." I followed the hand to Alex's face. "This is your first time drinking you need to slow it down."

"Know-it-all." I muttered.

"What was that?" Alex raised his eyebrow at me. The tone he used was the same tone I've heard him use with Harper.

"Nothing." When Alex turned to hand the bottle back to Derek I stuck my tongue out at his back.

"Buzz kill." Lexi rolled her eyes before going back to her boyfriend. I internally agreed with Lexi, mad that Alex took away our alcohol.

"I wanna do something." I whined, moving to sit on the couch. Because of how much alcohol I had in my system I ended up falling half on top of Noah.

"It's after one in the morning Riley." Even sitting down Noah was taller than me, so I had to tilt my head back to see his face.

Staring at him from below I noticed how smooth his face looked. He must have shaved recently and it made his jaw look even sharper.

Without even thinking about it, I reached up and stroked the side of Noah's face. The skin smoother than any other skin I've ever touched in my life. Not even when I shave my legs is it this soft.

"It's smooth." I cooed like an idiot.

"Why are you petting me? Guys she's petting me!" Noah stared down at me with wide eyes, not sure what to do.

"What kind of cream do you use on that face?" I questioned, my hand not once stopping from it's stroking.

"Uh soap?" Of course he used just soap. He's a guy and they don't apparently need five cleaners and five moisturizers to help with their skin.

Instead of responding to his answer I brought my other hand up to now stroke both cheeks.

"Alex, come get your girl. She's creeping me out." Noah grabbed my wrists and pulled my hands away from his face. I made a noise in the back of throat.

"Freckles you are scaring Noah." Alex suddenly appeared next to me.

"Not my fault he has a soft face." I pouted, facing him. I stared at Alex for a minute before reaching out to touch his face.

My eyebrows wrinkled at the slightly prickly feeling under my fingers. I stroked Alex's face which wasn't as soft as Noah's. For some reason I was transfixed by the feel of the slight stubble on his face. It was just enough to slightly tickle the palm of hand.

"Allie, you don't have as smooth of a face as Noah." I randomly commented. "But I like it."

I moved my gaze upwards and found Alex's stormy grey eyes already looking at me. Up close like this I could see little flecks of blue in them, making them that much more enchanting.

I wasn't sure why Alex was looking at me the way he was. I've never seen the look he had on his face and I badly wanted to ask why he was staring, but even drunk me knew not to ask that.

"I'm hungry." I suddenly said out of nowhere. Alex was quiet for a moment before he let out a chuckle, shaking his head which in turn made my arms move.

"Remind me to never let you drink." He smiled. He continued on staring at me as I kept on my hands planted on his cheeks. "Have you eaten anything?"

I finally pulled my hands away from his face to tap my chin.

"Hmm....gummy bears, chocolate, candy bears, chips." I rattled off. Alex blew air through his nose at my words.

"That is junk food, not real food."

"Hey! They were delicious!"

"Is anyone else hungry?" He ignored me and asked the rest of the group. A chorus of 'Hell Yes' responded. "Lets go get some food."

Alex stood up from the squat he'd been in the entire time. Extending his hand in my direction I stared at it, my mind slowly catching up. With a drunk smile I grabbed it with my own.

With the help of Alex I staggered to my feet. I clenched tightly onto his hand, needing the extra balance. I marveled at how perfectly our hands fit together. I could feel the callouses on his hands from him working on cars so much. His hands were perfectly rough yet soft .

A soft squeeze of my hand brought me back from staring at our conjoining hands. While I was busy staring, everyone else around me had their shoes on and were heading out the front door.

Remembering we were going to get food, I tugged at Alex's hand as I walked towards everyone else. My stomach was already growling at the thought of food.

"Freckles, shoes?" I waved him off, not even caring I was only in socks. I didn't give Alex a chance to say anything else before pulling him out the front door, making him close it behind us.

I stumbled only twice as we made our way to Noah's car parked up front. I climbed in the back with everyone else, somehow managing not to let go of Alex's hand the entire time. But with everyone in the back there were no seats.

Pouting I half stood, half squatted in the car. I made a move to somehow squish beside Derek and Liv but a tug on my hand made me stop. Glancing over my shoulder, Alex gestured for me to come back out gently pulling my hand.

Turning my foot missed the edge of the car and I was suddenly tumbling forward. I'm pretty sure the squeal I heard came from me as I fell. Almost like slow motion, Alex reached for my waist and caught me.

My body slammed into his painfully but I didn't even register it as I stared up at him wide eyed. Our chests were pressed against one another and his face was inches from mine. If I titled my head back just a bit our lips would have met.

I think my mouth opened to say something but nothing came out. Words were stuck in my throat, my head foggy from the alcohol and the smell of Alex's cologne.

Alex recovered faster than I did. He took a step back but still kept his hands on my waist.

"Come on clumsy lets get up front." I didn't say a single word as he slowly lead me to the passenger side of the car. Even drunk my face was as red as a tomato.

It was almost too much when Alex got in the car first and helped me in after, settling me on his lap. Every part of my body left like it was on fire. My mind was having a hard time believing I was actually sitting on Alex's lap. I was pretty sure if I was sober I would have passed out.

Alex has never been so...touchy with me. Could be because I wasn't sober and would most likely fall without help. He was probably only doing so to be kind. Yeah, thats the reason.

When the car lurched forward I had to grab the 'oh my god' bar in front of me to stop myself from sliding. Alex's hands wrapped around stomach, holding me tightly to him.

I was glad he couldn't see my face with how dark it was. I squirmed in his lap, trying not to crush him under my weight. But the feel of his arms tightening around me made me stop.

"Stop moving freckles." Alex whispered in my ear. The drunk part of my brain wanted to not listen and move, but the small part of me that was slightly sober told me otherwise.

"Where do you guys want to eat?" Noah asked from the divers seat.

"Jack in the Box!"

"Arby's!"

"McDonalds!" I yelled, not even sure why I yelled but going along with Liv and Lexi.

"Oh a Mcflurry would be so good right now." Liv moaned from the back of the car.

"I'm never letting you drink again." I heard Derek mutter in the back.

"McDonalds it is." Noah mumbled.

"I thought you didn't drink, freckles." Alex suddenly asked.

"Liv and Lexi said I need to loosen up. Plus it tasted really good." I giggled for no apparent reason.

"What? You don't need to loosen up." Alex sounded a bit angry.

"Did you know if a sheep and a goat mate, the offspring is called a geep." I completely ignored him as a random thought entered my mind.

"A what?"

"A geep. Sheep/goat. It would be so cool to own one, imagine!"

"I don't think they really exist freckles."

"Why would they make it up? That's like saying a Satyr isn't real." I rolled my eyes.

"A Satyr?" Noah questioned next to me.

"Mythical creature. Half man, half horse. From the book Percy Jackson." Alex supplied before I could. I gasped, turning my head to look at him.

"You know Percy Jackson."

"The fact that you think I don't read hurts freckles." Alex deadpanned.

"It surprises all of us too freckles." Noah added with a wicked grin. The sound of Noah saying the nickname Alex gave me didn't seem right. Like it was only meant for Alex. 

"At least I read." Alex shot back.

"He reads! We met at Sofia's bookstore." I grinned over at Noah. "He's my book buddy!" The smile Noah sent me, made grin even wider. Noah really cute, like super cute.

"Like hell he is." I heard Alex mutter behind me. Before I could even think about the fact that I said that out loud, the sight of the McDonalds sign stole my attention.

"McDonalds!" I cried, my hand unconsciously smacking Alex's arm around my waist. In the backseat Liv and Lexi cheered alongside me. I could have sworn I heard Nico and Derek mumbled something about 'drunk girls are the worst' but the thought of golden fries meant more.

"What do you guys what?" The sigh that escaped Noah, meant he was already over us.

"Mcflurry, fries-extra large fries."

"Oh yeah SuperSize it!" Lexi added.

"They don't do that anymore." Nico butted in.

"What? What kind of bullshit is that? I am going to go in and speak to the manager right now." I turned on Alex's lap to see Lexi was moving towards the door, ready to go fight the manager. Nico had his arms wrapped around her waist and easily brought her back into his chest.

"Don't worry babe, we will get you three large fries."

"Really?" Lexi went from angry ball of fire to teary eyed.

"Of course." I looked away as Nico kissed her temple.

"So how many fries?" Noah asked the group, pulling behind three other cars. Who knew McDonalds would be so busy at 1 in the morning. I was quiet as everyone listed off what they wanted. Even the guys getting something.

"How about you freckles?" Alex asked, softly patting my thigh.

"I want....20 piece chicken nuggets, with fries and a Mcflurry....please." The look Noah sent me made me narrow my eyes at him. He thought I wouldn't be able to eat it all. "Please." I said more forcefully.

An amused chuckle sounded behind me and vibrated up my chest. Noah just shook his head and slowly drove up to the window. I sat there on Alex's lap softly humming as Noah ordered all of our food.

Everyone in the car was having their own conversations. I stopped humming as I took everything in. Here I was in a the car with a group of friends. Friends. After the whole thing with Mitch I never thought I'd have friends again, and yet here I am. I found myself smiling at that thought.

"Freckles." A nudge at my back cleared my head. I glanced to the side to see Noah holding out two bags of food. Food!

I reached out and grabbed them. The smell of greasy fast food invading my sense and making my stomach growl and my mouth water. I quickly went through the bags to see if mine was in it. Not seeing my nuggets I passed the bags backwards for the others.

It seemed like bag after bag after drink tray of Mcflurries came through the window before my meal finally ended up on my lap. Noah maneuvered the car into an empty parking spot as everyone claimed their food. Lexi cheering loudly at finding her three large fries.

For a second I sat there wondering how Alex and I were going to eat with me on his lap but he easily grabbed a fry from the bag. Shrugging I pulled out my nuggets. Like everyone else in the car I shoved nugget after nugget into my mouth, followed by fries. I probably looked a mess as I dipped my stuff in sweet n' sour, stuffing my face as I went.

I was 10 nuggets in when I realized Alex wasn't eating behind me. I turned just enough in his lap to look at his face.

"You aren't eating." I casually said.

"I had fries." I shook my head.

"No you need food." With a determined look, I reached down and grabbed a nugget before turning back to Alex. "Eat." I practically shoved the nugget in his face. When he didn't eat it I waved it inches from his lips. "Alex." I tried to say firmly.

Alex finally leaned forward and took a bit of the nugget in my hand. I grinned widely. The next little bit was spent with me taking a fry and feeding Alex one, along with the chicken nuggets.

Even after 20 chicken nuggets and fries, I dug into my Mcflurry like it was going out of style.

"I love McDonalds." Liv moaned from the backseat, munching away at the last of her fries. I hummed in agreement.

"I think it's time to get you guys back home." Derek suggested.

"But the party is just getting started." Liv protested.

"Liv, we both know when we get home you'll crash." I wanted to agree with Liv but I was suddenly very tired. Now that I was full and the alcohol was really setting in, I just wanted to go back home.

I found myself leaning back into Alex, my empty ice cream clenched in my hand. Despite Liv's pleas in the back Noah backed out and headed back towards my house. I was too tired to turn around and see what Lexi and Nico were doing, but I was pretty they were wrapped in each others arms.

Sitting on Alex's lap was surprisingly comfortable. Add in his arms wrapped securely around me and I never wanted to leave. I felt so...safe. Like nothing could touch me right now.

I couldn't decide if I wanted to remember this tomorrow. To remember how big of a fool I've made of myself tonight. But then again I wanted to remember this moment. How sweet Alex was being with me.

I wasn't quite sure what tomorrow will bring. Will he be just like this? Holding my hand, whispering in my ear, calling me freckles in that husky tone? Or would things go back to normal.

Just the thinking about what I wanted made my head hurt. Right now was not the time to decide.

Thankfully a few minutes later Noah pulled up to the house. A lot slower than when we left, everyone trickled out of the car. Reluctantly I slid off of Alex's lap, stumbling only slightly when my feet hit the ground. Alex came out after me, a firm hand on my lower back as he lead me towards the front door.

When he took out my house key I stared at him in surprise. When did he even grab that? He let everyone in and ushered me in last.

The looks on everyone's face as I walked into the living room let me know it was definitely time for bed. The guys looked exhausted while Lexi and Liv looked drunk tired.

"Nico and Lexi, you two can take my parents room." I pointed down the hallway. "There is a bathroom there if she gets sick." Nico sent me a grateful nod before carrying what looked like a passed out Lexi.

"Derek, you and Liv can take my brothers room upstairs. Also has a bathroom if Liv needs." I couldn't help but grin at the adorable smile that graced Derek's face a she helped Liv up the stairs. Boy was smitten.

"Sorry Noah looks like you have to take the pull out. You can use the blankets out here if you want."

"It's okay. As long as there is a bed I'll sleep." He was already up, pulling the couch out.

"What about me?" A voice asked beside my ear. I forgot about Alex. Or did you? The voice in my head decided to pipe in. I'm not entirely sure what made me do it but the next words out of my mouth seemed to surprise the two of us.

"You're with me." The look on his face made me giggle. He definitely didn't think I'd say that. I didn't see the look Noah and him gave each other for I was already hallway up the stairs.

Getting closer to my room I could hear Derek and Liv's voice coming from my brothers room. It was slightly odd having all the rooms filled, when for months they've been empty. There's probably an inch of dust in each room from lack of use.

I was suddenly so tired and my head was whirling, I didn't even care that Alex was seeing my messy room. All I cared about right now was getting in my comfy bed.

Ignoring Alex's gaze on my back I stumbled towards my bed. I managed to pull my cover back before falling backwards. Letting out a groan I closed my eyes at the spinning room.

"Probably shouldn't have drank that much." Alex noted, the sound of his feet making its way towards me.

"No shit sherlock." I muttered, opening my eyes to find him hesitantly sitting on the edge of my bed. Odd, considering just a few weeks ago he willingly took over my bed.

"I think I like drunk Riley. She's confident."

"Are you saying I'm not regularly confident?" I raised an eyebrow, staring up at him as I laid on my back.

"Definitely not." Alex didn't even hesitate answering.

"Hey!"

"It's not a bad thing." He shrugged. Yet again I found myself talking before thinking.

"Do you like me that way?" My voice was so soft I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't hear me. I closed my eyes not wanting to see his reaction.

Alex was quiet for a bit, making me think he didn't hear me or didn't want to answer. Embarrassed at my question I made to turn on my side away from him, but I felt the bed next to me dip.

I peaked one eye open to find Alex laying on his back next to me, his arms crossed behind his head. The sight of his biceps pushing against his shirt made my mouth dry. Riley, pull yourself together. I inwardly scolded myself.

"Riley." The sound of my name made me open both my eyes. "You don't have to be confident for people to like you. If they can't like you for being shy then screw them." He said it so casually yet my heart squeezed.

"I'll probably regret saying this tomorrow but I'm glad you talked to me that day in the parking lot." I whispered, turning on my side to face him.

Alex turned on his side to face me as well, his face inches from mine. He stared at me as if wanting to say something but not sure if he should. I waited patiently.

"Did you ever get lonely not having friends at school?" He asked so softly I almost thought I imagined it.

Maybe I was extremely tired, or maybe I just wanted to confine in someone, that made me answer.

"Yeah." I answered truthfully. "Didn't realize how bad until I meet you guys."

"Are your parents ever home?" I knew this one was coming. It didn't take a genius to notice my parents lack of presence. And the fact I never talk about them.

Once again I answered honestly.

"No. I haven't seen them in about 5 months or so." Alex's eyebrows raised at that. "They've always been so into their work they forgot they have children. Wasn't as bad when my brother was here but now he's gone and it's just me here."

"Riley."

"I've never been someone's first priority. But it's okay. I've gotten use to it. You can get use to a lot of things pretty quickly." I shrugged as much as I could laying on my side. This was the first time I was openly sharing. Not even my 'past-friends' knew about my parents and the toll it has taken on me.

I felt my eye lids getting heavier and heavier as the seconds went by. Sleep finally catching up with me.

"Riley..." Alex couldn't seem to find the right words which made the corners of my lips tilt up.

"It's okay. I now have everyone and you." My eyes drooped, barely open at this point. "You make me feel less alone."

I didn't see or hear Alex's response as sleep swept up and claimed me.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

Alex

Gazing over at Riley I couldn't get the sad look on her face out of my mind. While she may act fine, she isn't.

It wasn't until today that I've noticed how withdrawn she has been. Always acting like one foot was out the door whenever she hung out with us. Never actually smiling and letting herself be present.

I've always noticed the shyness and being withdrawn, especially at school. Not that I blamed her. But ever so slowly I've been seeing Riley acting more....carefree? I wasn't quite sure what the word was but she was clearly happier than she was when we first met. I smiled at the memory of our first encounter.

I had been watching her from the parking lot as she made her way to her ruined car. A childish prank by Rebecca that had me rolling my eyes. From where t I was perched on my bike I could see her face, and the moment she saw her car I saw that fire she had. The fire she rarely ever shows.

Wasn't sure what possessed me to drive her and say something but when I did I was pleasantly surprised at the bite in her tone. She may be the shy, bullied girl but I knew there was more beneath that.

While Riley was drunk tonight it seemed like she was more herself than she ever has been. Goofy, spunky, adorable. I paused at the last word.

Riley adorable? Hell yes.

I held back a laugh at the thought of her drunk. She had no care in the world once alcohol entered her system that is for sure. Bouncing around singing at the top of her lungs, her voice somewhat on key.

I don't think I've seen anyone more beautiful than Riley when she asked me to dance with her. Her green eyes wide with innocence, her face eager for me to say yes and grab her hand. Her brown hair coming out of her bun and sticking up everywhere. Completely makeup free and clad in PJ bottoms and a t-shirt.

She really had no clue how beautiful she was. At how those gorgeous green eyes could lure anyone in the moment they looked into them.

My hand moved on it's own, reaching out to push aside a piece of hair that fell on her cheek. My fingers softly grazed her cheek, my eyes taking her in. I felt bad that I was taking advantage of her being drunk.

I knew for a fact she wouldn't normally sit on my lap if she was sober. Knowing that I purposely placed her on my lap as we went to McDonalds. While I felt bad, the feeling of her on my lap and my arms around her it washed away. And don't even get me started on the way she tried to be bossy and making me eat.

I inwardly groaned. Now is not the time to be thinking of that. I scolded myself.

The longer I laid there staring at her, another wave of guilt washed over me. She didn't know the truth. I should have told her a few days ago when we skipped school but I chickened out. I was being a cowered about it but I was worried about her reaction. Because whether I wanted to admit it to myself or not, Riley has slowly made her way into my life and I didn't want her leaving it anytime soon.

With a sigh I brushed my thumb across her cheek. Tomorrow. I'd tell her tomorrow. 

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Hello my gorgeous readers! How is everyone doing? As usual I want to apologize for the...month long wait. (didn't even realize it has been a month) I do want you guys to know that I am working on a few....side things for you guys. It has taken up a bit of my time but I promise I'll be getting back to writing more....fingers crossed!

Now...Who is in love with ALEX?! I wish I could make him real and keep him for myself because damnnnnn. Male book characters like Alex really ruin my expectations in real life. Because I know there isn't a guy out there like Alex. (But lets be real NO ONE will EVER be better than Rhysand from ACOTAR. He's perfection! If you know who I'm talking about leave a comment so we can fan-girl together)

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter! It is almost 10k words! Woah. So hopefully that makes up a bit for the wait. Thank you guys for being so patient and kind and supportive and just plain amazing. I love you guys so much!!

VOTE, COMMENT 

<3 <3 <3

-Ken 

P.S I am thinking of doing an Instagram Live soon! If you'd like that leave a comment or go over and follow my Instagram! (OutOfMyLimit17!) 

BTW any good books you guys are reading lately??? I've been re-reading A Court Of Mist And Fury. I LOVEEE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!