Semi-Edited! (But what else is new :D) 

Song above is...Bleed Out by Blue October

Happy Reading!

I thought I was free of Alex after the whole library thing but 15 minutes into my next class, Biology, he came walking into the room. I was surprised by his appearance, as was every other girl in class, that I didn't hear him talk to the teacher or hear the teacher tell him to take a seat next to me.

My eyes followed him until he reached my table at the back and he slid into the empty seat next to me. I gaped at him along side every girl. What was he doing here?

"Looks like we are lab partners, freckles." Alex smirked, clearly not noticing the glares being thrown at us. I was too shocked to say anything before the teacher started talking once more, ending my chance to say something.

For the next fifteen minutes I kept glancing at Alex from the corner of my eye. It was kind of hard to believe he was here in class sitting next to me. Sure I was the only one without a table partner but he could have been placed somewhere else. And we were a good month or so into the school year, how could he be switched into this class so late?

I had so many questions swirling in my mind but the one that stood out was-did he switch to this class on purpose? He better not have. It was going to make ignoring and forgetting him a lot harder. After I had left the library I made a deal with myself that I was going to ignore and forget Alex and everyone else. I just needed to get through this school year without anymore problems and I'd be free. Being around Alex was going to do the opposite of that.

With twenty-five minutes left of class the teacher came around and drop off packets for each table to complete. I knew this was my chance to talk to Alex so I waited until the teacher walked off before saying anything.

"What the hell are you doing here?" I hissed.

"Learning?" He looked at me innocently but I could see a twinkle in his eyes.

"How did you even get in this class?" I grabbed the packet and started writing my name down angrily.

"My schedule got mixed up so I'm in different classes." Alex shrugged. "You're just an added perk." Cue the smirk.

I decided not to say anything as I slid the packet over to him to sign his name. I couldn't decide if I was happy about him suddenly being my lab partner. From all the stares we were getting I wasn't so sure about it and it wasn't going to help the rumors around campus.

"Are you going to keep staring at me or are we going to do this packet?" Alex's voice brought me out of my thoughts. With pink cheeks I quickly looked away from him, not having noticed I was staring in the first place.

"Which of the following is an example of rapid evolution caused by mutation?" I read the first question. I quickly answered it before Alex could and moved onto the next one. This went on for three questions before the packet was ripped from my hands.

"Ow paper cuts!" I hissed already feeling multiple cuts.

"This is a group assignment."

"I thought you'd want me to do it all." Alex stared at me for a good minute before he shook head. "What?"

"You think you know me so well."

"And if I do?" I challenged. I really didn't know anything about Alex Kinley besides what people say about him in the halls. I highly doubted most of it was real. I could gather that much just after spending two days with him. Alex was definitely not the 'rude, cold, bad boy', at least from what I've seen.

My eyes widened as he suddenly leaned in closer to my face. I sat frozen as his warm breath fanned against my face. I was pleasantly surprised at how cinnamon-y he smelled.

"You have a lot to learn about me, freckles." He whispered, his voice deliciously low. Leaving me there gaping at him he turned back to the packet and started working on it.

I stared at the side of his face confused and a bit frazzled.

"Are you going to help?" Alex teased glancing at me. Shaking my head I grabbed my pencil and started helping him with the packet.

By time the bell rang for the end of class we managed to finish the entire thing. I was severely surprised at how much Alex actually knew. He answered just as much questions as I did. The reason I knew most of the answers was because I had nothing better to do then to study for upcoming tests and read ahead in the textbook. But Alex, I'm not even sure how he most of the answers.

Alex didn't really seem like the type to study for hours and do his homework on time. He seemed more of a 'do it last minute' type of guy. But once again I was proved wrong. He doesn't show it but the dude was extremely smart.

I fully expected Alex to be gone by time I packed up my things but instead I found him casually standing by the end of the table waiting, his backpack thrown over one shoulder. Once more my eyes ran over his form, appreciating how good he looked in his blue jeans and black leather jacket. Of course he'd be one of those guys that could wear girly PJ's and still pull it off.

I opted for not saying anything as I made my way to my next class, Alex following next to me. As soon as we entered the hallway it was like all heads snapped in our direction. It was almost silent as the two of us walked side by side.

Dipping my head I clenched onto my textbooks tighter. Next to me Alex didn't seem as bothered by the looks everyone was sending us. From the corner of my eye I could see he was casually walking as if no one else was around us.

For some reason I felt a little bettter walking next to Alex down the hallway. No rude remarks were sent my way, no shoves, nothing. It was the first time in over a month I haven't had to walk down the hallway and dodge people trying to trip me. With Alex at my side everyone parted like the sea as we walked by.

Nearing my last class, Art, I finally became aware that Alex was still beside me.

"Don't you need to get to class?"

"I'm already here." He gestured towards the doorway that lead into the art room. I stopped and stared up at him trying to see if he was serious. When he didn't even crack a smile I knew he was serious.

"You're kidding me."

"Better believe it freckles." With that he turned and walked into the classroom, glancing over his shoulder at me with a wide smirk. I gazed after him shocked. I seriously couldn't get away from him if I wanted to.

Stepping into the classroom I only made it a foot in when I was shoved. Stumbling forward I managed to grab a desk in front of me before I fell.

"Watch it." The voice of one of Rebecca's clones hissed at me. Clenching my jaw I looked up and my eyes clashed with Alex's grey pair. His face was emotionless but his eyes were narrowed. I watched as Natalia strutted over to Alex, leaning over the desk practically flashing him.

Not in the mood to watch her flirt with him I pushed off the desk and moved towards the back. The desks in art were those big ones that four people could sit at, of course I sat by myself so I never had to worry about sharing it with anyone.

I barely sat down in my seat when the chair next to me squeaked. When the big body slid into the seat I wasn't surprised to see it was Alex.

"Are you going to keep following me around?" I questioned, not even glancing at him.

"At least with you I won't be constantly touched." The disgust in his voice made me smile.

"What you don't like someones boobs in your face?" I turned my head to look at him, a teasing grin on my face.

"Not fake ones." I choked at his comment. I covered my mouth at the sudden laughter coming out of my mouth. Didn't expect that kind of answer. "What, its true." I shook my head still laughing.

"That was a good one." I smiled once I got my laughing under control.

Once the teacher came into the room our conversation stopped but I still had a stupid smile on my face. While the teacher talked I opened my sketch book to a blank page and started doodling. I wasn't paying any attention until a nudge on my arm jerked me out of my drawing.

"Ready?"

"Huh?" I looked at Alex in confusion. "Ready for what?"

"I'm your model."

"Wait huh?" I glanced around us quickly and found people pairing up and moving around the room.

"Wow for a nerd you really don't listen well."

"I'm not a nerd." I whined for the hundredth time.

"I'm starting to believe you aren't. Anyways, we are suppose to pair up and draw the other person so get to it." Alex snapped his fingers. While I tried to tell if he was being serious about being my partner he stood up.

"What are you doing?" I questioned, watching him push his chair to the side and place his hands on the desk.

"Posing." He sent me a cheeky grin. I watched bewildered as he got up on the table and laid down on his side, head propped up by his hand. "Draw me like one of your french girls." Alex popped his hip up a bit more.

Nothing could stop the laughter from coming out of my mouth. Never in a million years did I think I'd hear Alex Kinley say that.

"Mr. Kinley what in the world are you doing?" Mrs. Benell the art teacher asked coming up to our table. I tried to stifling my giggles as Alex craned his neck back to look at her.

"Posing like you said." I watched Mrs. Benell as she looked him over as if she was trying to decide what to say. Finally she sighed loudly and stepped back.

"Continue then." When she walked away Alex sent me a wink making me grin. Only him would not get in trouble with the teacher.

"Come on freckles, its going to take some time to draw this perfection." He gestured to his body making me roll my eyes.

"You're so humble."

Getting up I went and grabbed some extra pencils from the cabinet before coming back to the table and opening my sketchbook to a blank page. With my chair pushed back a bit I could see him better.

"Are you seriously going to lay like that the whole time?"

"Yep." I shrugged and brought my pencil to the paper. If he wanted to pose that like for a good 45 minutes than fine by me.

The room was filled with soft chatter as everyone worked. I found myself getting lost in sketching out Alex's form. I wouldn't say I was the best at drawing but I could draw more than a stick figure. Art was just a simple class for easy credit and it was the one class I didn't have to interact with people. Most of the time we are left to our own devices which I did not mind.

After about 20 minutes of posing Alex started to fidget. I bet his hip was starting to ache from the hard desk. The more he started to fidget the harder it was to draw him.

"Aren't you done yet?" The little whine in his voice made the corner of my lip tug upwards.

"Alex its only been 20 minutes."

"So? That's plenty of time."

"Maybe if you hadn't chosen this pose." I pointed out, my eyes darting to him and the paper in my hands.

"They make this pose look so easy." Alex complained, throwing his head back.

"And this is why women are models; they deal with the pain silently."

Thankfully I was almost done with the sketch as he kept moving around. Tired of hearing him complain I let him move.

"You don't have to stay like that anymore." I was just working on details now anyways.

"Thank god."

"It's your fault. You choose that pose." I said, glancing up briefly from my sketchpad.

Before he could say a word Mrs. Benell spoke from the front of the classroom.

"The bell is about to ring so put away your pencils. You all should be almost finished enough to finish it at home without your partner. Tomorrow you and your partner will switch places." At that I raised an eyebrow. Alex draw me? Now that was going to be interesting.

Closing my sketchbook I carried it with me to put away my pencils and grab my things. I didn't want to chance Alex grabbing it and looking through my drawings. Just as I predicted the moment I sat my sketchbook down Alex was reaching for it.

Slapping his hand away I brought it to my chest.

"I can't see the picture of myself?"

"No."

"As your muse I'm pretty sure I get to see the finished product."

"First off, my muse? And second, it's not finished so you can't see it."

"Yes your muse. I figure from here on out you'll be asking me to model for you. Hard to pass up on these good looks I know." I stared at him for a full minute before replying.

"It amazes me you can fit that shirt over your large head." I said with a straight face.

"I make do." I didn't miss the spark in his eyes as he smirked down at me. I hated how much taller he was than me...okay fine I didn't hate it, in fact I quite liked how tall he was. But it made me feel like a dwarf next to this tall frame.

"I bet the neck has to be specially made to fit." Alex narrowed his eyes at me but didn't say anything in return. Feeling like I won, I made my way to the door as the bell rung.

"I expect to see that picture tomorrow freckles." He breathed next to me.

"Yeah not going to happen." No way was I actually going to let him see it. It looked horrible already so that was a big fat no.

"You do realize Mrs. Benell will make us show each other tomorrow right?" He pointed out.

"Not gonna happen pretty boy." I knew the last words were a mistake as soon as they came out of my mouth.

"Oh you think I'm pretty?" I didn't have to look at him to know he was smirking down at me.

"I-I...no." I inwardly smacked myself. I literally just made it worse by stuttering. Coming to my locker I avoiding eye contact with Alex as I opened it to put away my textbooks.

"Although I'm kind of hurt you only think of me as pretty, freckles. Usually I'm called 'sexy, handsome, god's gift to women."

"Gods gift to women, really? Your head can't get any bigger can it?"

"You did call me pretty." Groaning I shoved the rest of my books in my locker.

"I'm never going to live that down am I?"

"Not a chance." With another groan I closed my locker.

"Just so you know I wasn't calling you pretty, its just a figure of speech."

"Uh huh." He clearly didn't believe me and honestly I didn't believe me either. Knowing there was no way to come back from that I started for the front of the school to go to my school. "You are done right?" Alex asked as we left the building.

Most seniors had 7th period free and a few juniors, but everyone else had to stay another 45 minutes. A good perk to being a senior, along with being able to go off campus to eat if you wished.

"Yeah. You?" I briefly heard him reply as we walked towards the parking lot. Once again all eyes were on us and I instantly felt uncomfortable. My eyes moved on their own and found Mitch leaning against his car staring at Alex and I. Beside him Rebecca was glaring at me, her glare piercing my skin across the parking lot.

Wanting out of their sight I weaved my through cars to get to mine at the back of the lot. Of course Alex trailed behind me not saying a word. The guy was a like lice, you can't get rid of him.

Finally reaching my car I was surprised to see it was unharmed. No silly string or notes attached to it. I glanced back over at Mitch and his friends silently wondering what they did to my car. They had to have done something. Cautiously I moved towards my car, keeping my eyes out for anything weird.

"What are you doing?" Alex stood in front of my car watching me with a curious expression.

"Just checking." I mumbled going to the backside of my car. When I came all the way around I found nothing out of place. No dents, no scratches, the doors still locked. After having my car messed with for so long it felt weird when it was untouched.

"Find anything?"

"No." I said bewildered. I dared another glance over my shoulder but Mitch and his lackeys were gone. There was still a nagging feeling telling me they did something to my car.

With Alex standing there confused as hell I unlocked my car and slid into the passenger seat. Nothing looked out of place and it didn't smell. Still not believing it I put the keys in the ignition. As soon as I turned the keys my car wouldn't start. A little clicking noise could be heard and I instantly knew what was wrong.

With a loud curse I got back out of the car and popped the hood. Leaning over the hood and peering down at the engine I groaned.

"Seriously?" Closing my eyes I took a deep breath.

"What?"

"My alternator is broken and I know for a fact it was fine a few weeks ago because I replaced it." It could not have been a coincidence its broken. I can clearly see the line where someone cut it with a knife.

"And you know its the alternator how?" Alex came up beside me and peered down.

"Because this," I reached forward and grabbed the alternator. "Connects to the battery. If it is broken or not working properly it can't get enough energy to the battery to start the car. It is completely broken so nothing is getting to my battery." I explained.

"I forgot you know cars." Alex stated.

Realizing I just geeked out on him about cars I felt my cheeks heat up and I ducked under the hood once more. Mitch use to hate when I talked about cars, always interrupting me to talk about something else. Over time I learned to not say anything about it.

"Where did you learn about that kind of stuff?" Alex asked, his voice slightly muffled with my head under the hood. I waited for him to get the hint I didn't want to talk but he continued on standing there waiting for me to answer.

"My brother." I mumbled finally taking my head back out.

"Why are you embarrassed about learning cars from your brother?" He asked, bewildered. I wasn't embarrassed by it. I just learned a while ago that guys don't like it when girls talk about guy things like cars or even football.

"Uh..." Grabbing my elbows I kept my gaze on the asphalt. "Mitch didn't like it when I talked about cars." When Alex didn't say anything I peeked a glance up at him to find him staring at me with a hard look on his face, his jaw clenched.

Alex stayed silent for another minute before shaking his head.

"I can have someone come and fix it." Surprised at his offer I shook my head.

"That's okay. I can call a towing company after work."

"Freckles, its not a big deal. I know someone who can come pick it up and fix it, he owes me a few favors." He shrugged as if his offer meant nothing.

"Alex you don't have to."

"I want to. He can come get it while you are at work and maybe even have it done by time you are done." His offer was very tempting. If I waited until after my shift to call a towing company they might not even tow it until tomorrow and then to get someone to fix it.

Staring up at him I waited for the catch. He had to want something in return. When he stared back at me with those grey eyes I didn't see anything. Biting my bottom lip I thought it over before I found myself nodding.

"Okay."

"I'll text him now." I watched as his long fingers flew over his phone. Pieces of his hair fell onto his forehead and my fingers itched to push them back. "Done. Now let me give you a ride to work."

"Alex no-"

"Riley stop, I'm taking you to work." At the firm tone of his voice I raised my eyebrows. I contemplated arguing him with but thought better of it. If Alex Kinley was offering me a ride who was I to turn it down.

"Thanks." I sent him a sincere smile before slamming my car hood down and going around to grab my bag. I left my car keys in the visor, thankful I had an extra set of house keys in my bag.

Patting the hood of my baby I trailed after Alex. It wasn't until we were a few feet away from my car did I remember that Alex drives a motorcycle. I wasn't to keen on getting on one. Having doctors as parents I knew all the statistics of motorcycle crashes and I've heard enough stories about accident victims to last me a lifetime. If my parents knew I was getting on a motorcycle they'd disown me for sure.

When Alex stopped a few spaces down from my car I breathed out in relief. Instead of his motorcycle his Camaro was sitting there. I stared dreamily at it. I was pretty sure I could sit in that car everyday and never get tired of how gorgeous it was.

"Flies are going to get in your mouth." Alex commented making me snap my jaw shut. Chuckling at me he moved to the drivers side. With blushing cheeks I slid into the passenger seat and clenched my bag to my chest.

The two of us were quiet as he pulled out of the school parking lot and headed for Sofia's Bookstore. I couldn't help but be pissed at Mitch for messing with my car. I was okay with silly string or even washable paint on my windows but this crossed the line.

"Here." Alex brought me out of my thoughts by extending his phone in my direction.

"What's this for?" I asked, grabbing his slim black iPhone.

"Put your number in."

"So you can booty call me at 3 in the morning?" I raised an eyebrow at him. I didn't have to see his entire face to see him rolling his eyes at me.

"No, so I can call you when they get your car."

"Uh huh." I smirked but found myself entering in my number to his phone. "Thank you for getting my car looked at." I said, handing him back his phone.

"No problem."

A few minutes later Alex pulled up front of the bookstore. With my things in my arms I turned to smile at Alex.

"Thanks for the ride." Shutting the door I took a step towards the bookstore only to pause at the sound of Alex's voice.

"Mitch is an asshole, freckles. So don't listen to a word he said." He smirked at me through the open window before backing out and driving off, leaving me to stare after him confused. It took me a minute to realize he was talking about what I said earlier about cars and Mitch.

Smiling and shaking my head I turned and headed into Sofia's for my shift.

* * * * * * * * * * *

"Thank you! Have a nice day." I smiled at the costumer and handed over their books. As soon as the person left the store my phone buzzed loudly under the counter. Reaching for it I frowned. With no friends means no one to text.

Seeing the unknown number I narrowed my eyes only to read the text and know exactly who it was from.

"Your car is at the shop freckles."

I couldn't help but be surprised that Alex actually texted me and got my car in the shop. A small part of me thought he wouldn't actually do it. Smiling to myself I sent him a 'thank you' back and saved his number into my phone. Not even a minute after I hit sent he replied.

From: Alex

"You owe me now"

From: Riley

"And how do you figure that?"

As I waited for him to reply I sat on the stool behind the counter and leaned my forearms down. The bookstore was a little slow right now so I at least didn't have to worry about a customer walking in.

From: Alex

"First off for being your muse. And second, I called in a favor to get your car looked at. So you technically owe me two things."

From: Riley

"I don't think you being my 'muse' means I owe you."

From: Alex

"Yes it does which means I'm calling in one of my favors."

Re-reading his last text over I felt my stomach sink. My mind immediately went to him wanting me to sleep with him. I couldn't help but think that. After everything at school it would make sense for Alex to just be using me to get in my pants.

A few days after the whole Mitch thing blew up I had a couple of guys come up to me and faked being nice to me. Them being nice to me only last a day before they realized I wasn't going to sleep with them. After cursing and calling me names they joined the 'hate-Riley' campaign.

It made my chest hurt thinking that Alex only talked to me for that reason. Wanted to get in my pants and then tell the whole school how easy I was. I didn't know Alex enough to know if he wouldn't really be doing that to me. For all I know he could be putting on a mask like Mitch did.

My phone buzzed again in my hand making me realize I'd been in my head for a good 5 minutes.

From: Alex

"I need to babysit my little sister and her friends tomorrow and I could use your help."

Reading that sentence I felt my shoulder and back relax and the ache in my stomach slowly disappeared. I hated that my first thought was him trying to use me.

From: Riley

"Uh what time?"

I nibbled on my bottom lip as I waited for him to reply. If that was his favor I think I can handle helping him babysit his little sister and her friends.

From: Alex

"Tomorrow around 3."

I did have to work tomorrow from 11:30 to 5 but I bet Helen would let me have the day off or get off early. I wasn't even sure why I was going to go out of my way to help Alex but I was. It probably had to do with the fact that I wanted to have at least one friend. One person that actually wanted me around; even if that person is Alex Kinley.

Before I could talk myself out of it I quickly sent a reply back.

From: Riley

"Okay. Sounds good."

I slapped myself on the forehead at my text. Could I be any more of a dork?

From: Alex

"Great."

All it took was that one worded reply to make me grin like a lunatic. I don't even know why I was smiling like I was.

"What's got you grinning, dear?" The sudden sound of Helen's voice made my jump. My body moved to the side, threatening to knock me off my stool but I managed to grab the counter and steady myself.

"Helen!" I clenched the counter with white knuckles, my heart pounding. "Don't sneak up on me like that!" How did she even do that?

"Sorry dear." Helen smiled at me but I could see the amusement on her face. "What's got you smiling so wide?"

"Uh nothing." We both clearly heard the lie in my voice.

"Uh huh." I rolled my eyes at the grin she was giving me. Before she could continue I quickly spoke up.

"Uh Helen?" I asked and she nodded. "Would it be okay if I get off early tomorrow?"

"Of course sweetie."

"You sure? You will be okay without me?" I couldn't help but worry about Helen being here all alone. I know she wasn't exactly that old but it still worried me.

"I'm perfectly fine running my store alone, sweetie. Don't worry about me." Her words soothed my worries a bit.

"Thank you!"

"What are you going to do?"

"Um, just helping a...friend out." I wasn't sure 'friend' was the right word to use though. Alex and I weren't friends. We barely met this past weekend and who's to say we will continue on talking to one another after a few days. By this time next week he could be just another person that didn't want to be friends with me.

"A friend huh?" I didn't miss the suggestive tone in her voice.

"Yes, just a friend." I put emphasis on the word friend. Alex would never be anything more than that, I can't allow it. I've learned that I am not girlfriend material and I don't plan on ever going through what I went through with Mitch again.

"That is alright with me dear. Have fun with your friend." Patting my hand Helen sent me a smile before heading to the back office.

Sighing I glanced down at my phone. The screen had now gone black but I could still see the conversation between Alex and I. If Alex does become my friend that is all he can ever be.

What Helen doesn't know is I don't plan on falling in love ever again. 

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I don't know about you guys but I am loving Alex. He seems like he has good intentions and now he is going to let Riley meet his sister! I seriously need a guy like that...so if you know any cute, sweet, funny, caring guys send them my way please and thank you!

I am sorry about the wait for this chapter but I am working on something special for you guys! I am so excited about it but I can't tell you about it just yet. Very soon I promise! But I hope you guys will be as excited as I am about it. 

As everyone knows that the holiday season is now upon us! This means finals are here and time to be around family. I'd love to hear what you guys do for Christmas or Hanukah! Do you have any family traditions, weird traditions? 
Here we go to my grandparents Christmas Eve and we do a gingerbread house contest and then open a present. We always get to open two presents and one of those is always PJ'S :D But leave a comment on what you and your family does!

Anyways, I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter!! I am seriously loving this story so far and I hope you guys are too! Thank you for taking the time to read, vote and comment as well <3

<3 <3 <3 <3

-Ken

P.S I am about to finish "Kingdom Of Ash" today and for those that have read it leave a comment and we can talk because DAMN! I need someone to talk to about this book and series!! If you haven't read this series YOU HAVE TOO!!!