Alex - featuring Xiera's Thoughts

Alex had PE for her last afternoon class.

For the last day of the week, their teacher decided to keep it theoretical. He explained the sport they'd do for their next class. He discussed its history, its rules and its players. The students sat on the bleachers, wearing their gym uniform. They listened attentively since there would be a quiz before the class ended.

Pulling the collar, Alex found her uniform a bit tight. It had the same frame as a polo shirt but it had no buttons. The color was navy blue with gold trimmings at its edges. The collar even had golden triangular pins at the tips. Shorts also had the same design—minus the pins.

"Alright!" Coach Anderson clapped. He set down the marker on the whiteboard's ledge. His unruly brown hair was underneath a baseball cap. He wore the same top as the students but matched it with cargo shorts. A whistle dangled on his leg.

The students sat 1 meter away from each other. They used the upper bench as their tables for their quiz. They glanced over their shoulder at the sound of his voice.

"You can hand over your paper as soon as you're done. Then, you can go home," he informed the class, "Next week, I want to see some serious volleyball game. It would be mixed, 3 boys and 3 girls on each team. Winning teams would receive a perfect score."

Xiera snapped her head towards Alex.

The latter had risen to her feet and began to descend the bleachers. Xiera cried internally. She had dozed off in the middle of the lecture. She could only answer one-third of the questions. At this rate, she'd stay until class ended.

As soon as Alex handed her paper, another student did the same.

"Wow, that was quite fast you two," Coach Anderson praised. He assessed both papers, nodding. "I am very impressed. It also looks like that the two of you would get perfect scores."

Gazes shifted in his direction. They watched as a girl and a boy stood in front of their teacher.

"And…! They are perfect scores!" Coach Anderson chuckled. He put the papers away and snapped his fingers. An excited expression painted over his face. "Here's an idea. Both of you would be team captains for next week's game. What do you say, Alex? Neal?"

Alex frowned her lips into a grim line.

She felt glowering eyes on her back. She was sure it only came from one person. The previous days had gone by almost as she predicted. Because of how she talked back to Evelyn, both the latter and her minions now kept an eye on her. They also intensified the surveillance whenever the Marquis would interact with her.

At this rate, Alex figured they could make careers as bodyguards.

They certainly developed the skills for it.

"I'd love to," Neal answered first. "I'll be looking forward to it."

Then, he peeked to his left, "May the best team win, Alexandra."

"Oh… I didn't think your teams would compete against each other." Coach Anderson interrupted. "Now that you mention it, that sounds like a pretty good idea! That's the spirit! I am loving it already!"

"We'll be sure not to disappoint, Coach." Alex gave him a small smile. She returned Neal's glance with a brief glare. Electric currents fizzled between their eyes. Since he addressed her with the well wishes, he blocked her chance to reject.

She vowed to make him regret that move.

"I'll be going first," she announced, nodding at their teacher. She turned on her heel and left the premises. Her feet led her to the changing rooms where their things were stored.

Alex debated whether she should change or not. The PE uniform was a lot more comfortable than the official one. The only thing she'd change was the shorts. It stopped mid-thigh compared to the skirt.

Since classes were almost over, she probably could get away with a combo outfit.

Kate entered the changing room. She saw one locker open, a pair of feet peeping under its door. She headed for her own and cleared her throat. "You and Neal as team captains, huh?"

Slamming the locker shut, Alex huffed. "He and coach didn't really give me much of a choice."

"I understand," Kate replied. She grabbed her school bag and slung it over her shoulder. "We just have to be ready for Evelyn's move. She had been quiet so far but that game is like the perfect chance."

"I can't be sure. I'm just betting that she'd want to be on Neal's team."

"And she'd target you out of everyone in your team."

"Good point." Alex sighed. Whatever. She put it at the back of her mind. It was still about 7 days away. She clutched her own bag and asked, "Is Xiera done yet?"

"She's—"

"I can't believe you, guys, finished early! I had to turn in my paper from the pressure!" Xiera complained, stomping her feet into the changing room. "Couldn't you have waited a bit longer?"

Kate smirked as she closed her locker. "It's Friday and we get to leave early. Why would we want to stay longer than necessary?"

"Ditto," Alex agreed.

"I also don't want to run into Evelyn and her group," Kate added, "After Neal and Alex became team captains, I'm sure she'd have a lot more to say."

"Ew, you're right." Xiera wasted no time. She took out her essentials and joined them. "Let's get out of here."

The three of them walked towards the classroom buildings. Despite how wide the campus was, the school only opened one set of gates. It made it easier to monitor the students and the visitors.

Alex, Kate and Xiera passed through the courtyard.

They avoided the hallways, thinking they'd end up disturbing the classes.

The gate was locked when they reached it. Kate led them to one of the smaller ones. Unlike the big gate, these had more surveillance. They only opened it for special circumstances such as leaving school early.

"Had gym class with Coach Anderson?" The security guard asked as they approached.

Kate nodded in confirmation. "Yes."

"Tap your IDs on the scanner please."

Xiera went first. Beside the small gate, a square infrared scanner glowed in red. She held up her ID and pressed it on the screen. She pulled it back when she heard the sound of a digital bell.

For a moment, the scanner turned green.

The security guard opened the gate and let her out.

Kate took her turn next.

Then, Alex followed.

The girls became the first students out of Freccia Prep.

Hues of warm colors greeted their eyes, including the sky. The parking lot was filled with cars. Chauffeurs either stood near their vehicles or waited inside. A few of them chatted in groups, sharing stories. It was peaceful compared to the usual days.

Xiera spread her arms and breathed the autumn air. She thanked the heavens for a magnificent day, forgetting about the quiz. She had already submitted it. There was no need to dwell on it longer.

"It's a rare day to be out this early!" She cheered and skipped ahead of her companions. "Can't we go out and eat somewhere? We haven't hung outside since Alex came. Let's treat it as her welcome party."

Oh, the places they could go! Xiera drooled in her head. She craved for some good seafood. She could eat a whole lobster by herself. A cafe would also be okay. She could go for a cookies and cream frappuccino. She wouldn't need to worry about the caffeine since she'd be able to sleep late.

"What do you guys think?" She asked again, turning around.

…

…

…

Apparently, she had been talking to herself.

Apparently, Alex and Kate had stopped walking and failed to inform her. They stood a few cars away with their bags opened. Their hands held up notebooks and papers. It couldn't have been a more dreary sight for Xiera. The bright aura around her turned into gray.

She blew a raspberry, staying in her spot. She figured that they exchanged materials and notes again. How could they still be thinking of school? They just aced the Math test! A relaxation was a must for both of them. They were free for the weekend! They should celebrate!

She'd agree to anything as long as they came along.

Around a minute passed by and her companions weren't done yet.

Xiera shook her head. She couldn't even imagine what would take them so long. She shifted her attention, catching something from the corner of her eye. She realized that she reached the main road of the parking lot without her knowledge.

It was a wide space, often barren of any vehicles since it would block the big gate. That didn't seem to be the case for today. A black SUV had positioned itself a few meters away from her. It easily stood out from the sedans. It also had a lot more people around it.

Xiera squinted her eyes.

They seemed to be around her age.

"What is this?" She whispered, shaking her head. "Do they think this is an airport? What kind of idiot would hold up a sign of someone's name? I can't even make out the letters clearly."