Chapter 18:Spin the bottle

I woke up the following morning to find myself in my room. Alex must have brought me to my room in my slumber.

I stood up and tidied the bed before going into the bathroom to brush my teeth. I left the room after brushing and went downstairs to find Alex in the kitchen making breakfast. The amazing and intoxicating smell of key lime pie filled my nostrils as i approached him.

"Good morning"I greeted, flashing him a smile which he returned.

"I see you're awake,i hope you slept well"He said as he dished out two plates of Pie, handing one over to me. I smiled and took it gladly from him as we both chucked the delicious pie into our mouths.

After eating,i helped Alex clear out the dishes before i retired back to my room. I pulled off my clothes and went to the bathroom to shower.

After taking my shower,i came out with a towel wrapped around me to find Alex sitting down comfortably on my bed,much to my surprise.

"What are you doing here?"I gasped.

"Waiting for you"He smirked.

"I'm not yet dressed,get out"I yelled.

"I appreciate your politeness"He said in humour and i scowled at him.

He raised up his hands in surrender and stood up.

"Nice boobs" He commented,earning a smack from me.

"Shut the door behind you,moron"I yelled as he left the room and obeyed my order.

I slipped my towel away from my body as i put on my underwear and changed into a black sweatshirt with pants. I hung my towel back neatly on the hanger in my bathroom and came back into the room to dry my hair. I combed my hair neatly and groomed it. I wore a light pink lip gloss with a touch of mascara. I slipped into black booted heels and flung my backpack on my back before leaving the room, heading down to the living room where Alex was waiting for me.

"Let's go"I told him as i walked past him heading to the door.

"Took your time huh?"He teased.

"Yeah...a girl has to look good"I said as we exited the building.

"For?"He asked.

"What? can't i look good without a reason?"I said as we walked towards his car.

"Well,yeah but most girls always dress up to please a guy" He said with expecting eyes.

"Well...i dress up to simply look good and not for some lame guy"I said as we got to his car. He went over to the driver's side and unlocked it. I opened the car and got into the passengers seat while he sat at the driver's seat as we drove out of the driveway.

We arrived at school in no time as Alex pulled into a free parking space. I got out of the car feeling comfortable to be seen with Alex, it's not like most people didn't already know that we were staying together.

We walked towards the building side by side, earning stares and comments from students around not.

"See you around"He told me and before i could muster up words he took off, running down the hall.

I spotted Jane and Zoey from afar and waved at them as i approached them.

I'm glad they'd made up.

"Hey girls"I called out to them as i got to them.

"Hey Liv"Jane said excitedly.

"Hey J"I beamed at her and then i looked over at Zoe who was now folding her arms.

"Look Zoe, I know you must be mad at me,i can explain,i....."

"Mad at you?Are you crazy, I'm waiting to hear every detail!"She squeaked.

"Oh."I said dryly

"What details?"Zoey asked, staring at us im confusion.

"Liv here,has something to tell us"Zoey said.

"She does?"Jane asked,raising her eyebrows.

"No i don't"I obliged.

"Of course she does"She then turned back to face me "now let's get you to class,you must tell us each and every details" Zoey said as she dragged me to our private hang out with Jane following behind.

Zoey pushed me into the classroom as Jane also walked in with us.

"Now Spill"Zoey folded her arms, eagerly was for me to talk.

"Spill what?"I rolled my eyes.

"Tell us how it happened,i was busy with Cade,i didn't see you guys,Alex told me that he kissed you and you ran away"She gave me a stern look.

"That's all there is"I lied.

"Is there anywhere i have fool written on my forehead?No right?now you better start talking or else I'll pull the truth out of your mouth in ways you'd never expect" She gave me a sly smirk.

"Okay fine."I took a deep breath. "Um...i don't know...we...em...we were swimming and throwing water on each other and then he pulled me to him,he encircled his arms around my waist and kissed me. I pushed him away immediately and ran away"I'd never tell them the whole story, they'll start thinking that i have some sort of feelings for Alex which i don't have.

"You dumbass,Alex kissed you and you pushed him away?"Zoey stared at me.

"Yeah... what's wrong?"I rolled my eyes.

"Wait... I don't understand all this,you mean Alex kissed you at the beach,in front of all the beaches population?"Jane questioned and i admitted with a nod.

"Whoa....that's something"She gasped.

"Hey it's no big deal,you guys should stop making a fuss about it,we all know what kind of a guy Alex is,the kiss doesn't mean anything to him"I told them.

"But it means something to you right?"Zoey asked.

"Of course not.... please..... it's no big deal... it's not like it's the first time we're kissing each other"The words came flying out of my mouth.

Oops.

"Whoa...you guys have kissed before?"Jane asked.

How do i save myself from this mess I've gotten myself into.

I know Alex and i have kissed severally,on his birthday when he poured slime on me and during our truth and dare game.

Well i wouldn't count the kiss at his birthday since i only did it to rub off some of the slime on him.

'You also kissed yesterday when you took the pills' My subconscious mind reminded me.

"Um...no....just that one time on his birthday"I told them.

"And during our truth and dare game"Jane Zoey added.

There's no way I'd tell them about yesterday.

"Oh,so now you have your third kiss with him and soon you both will have several kisses and then he'd proposed and you'll become official couples"Jane squeaked excitedly.

"Um,that will never happen"I rolled my eyes at her.

"Of course it will,just look...you guys are already making progress in your relationship,you now seem to tolerate each other and get along"Zoey said.

"That's because we are now friends"I smirked, knowing that I've just busted their little bubbles.

"What!"They exclaimed in unison.

"You heard me,so cut out this madness of expecting any sort of relationship between Alex and I,my parents will be returning soon and then we will graduate and go our separate ways"I told them.

"What if he asks you to be his girlfriend,will you accept?"Zoey asked out of the blues.

"Of course not,we all know how Alex's relationship with his girlfriends can be"I'm starting to wonder where i found these hoodlums that i call my best friends.

"What if....he breaks up with all of them and chooses you instead"Jane asked.

"That's insane,we all know that Alex is not the type of guy who commits to relationships and i also have no interest whatsoever in dating him, weren't you guys supposed to be enemies of Alex?"I rolled my eyes.

"Um...but you're now his friend aren't you,that automatically makes him our friend to,right Jane?"Zoey looked over at Jane.

"Yeah,right"Jane smiled.

"You both are insane,i think you need to see a psychiatrist,you never know what could happen"I teased.

"And you need to see a therapist,you never know what could happen"Zoey mocked and i hit her playfully.

"Let's change the topic guys, I'm getting bored of this conversation"I told them.

"But i like it"Jane groaned and i rolled my eyes at her.

"Fine, let's discuss something better"Zoey said.

"Hey Zoey, Alex said you'd bring my car to school with you"I said.

"Oh yeah,here are the keys"She handed it over to me.

"Where did you even get the keys from,i thought i locked it car and took the keys"I asked.

"No,you left the keys in my room"She explained.

"Oh."I said and then we heard the bell ring.

"Um...see you guys later,i have history"I told them.

"Okay bye"Jane waved at me as i stood up.

"Meet us at the cafeteria during lunch break"Zoey said and i gave her a smug smile before heading out of the class towards my classroom.

After class,i went to the cafeteria where Zoey,Jane,Alex were already seated at our spot, laughing and discussing.

I frowned as i walked towards them.

"Hey Liv"Zoey beamed at me.

"Hey Liv,i saved a seat for you"Jane said, point in at the empty chair beside Alex.

I glared at all of them.

"She wouldn't wanna sit with me,right Liv?"Alex smirked and i scowled at me. I went around the table and sat next to Alex.

"Hi Liv"Justin smiled at me and i mustered the fakest smile at him.

"What are they doing here?"I whispered to Zoey.

"You know i can hear you right?"Alex answered and i shot him a nasty glare.

"Wasn't talking to you Williams"I scowled.

"Oh so we're back to using last night now are we,Henderson"He smirked.

If looks could kill,Alex would be far dead and buried 8ft below the ground with the way i was glaring at him.

"Relax....i was just teasing you"He said, throwing his hands up in surrender.

I couldn't see Blake anywhere around and i couldn't be more glad. Any day i set my eyes on him anywhere near my friends, I'll make sure to punch his face so bad that no girl will ever give me another glance.

"Hey look, it's Blake"Justin said, pointing towards the entrance.

The big guy up there never listens to me.

We all looked at them entrance and i could see Alex clenching his fists.

Why doesn't he seem happy to see his friend?

"What happened to him?"Jane asked as we stared at Blake, watching his every movement as he sat down alone in a table few metres away from us.

His cheeks were puffy. He had a black eye and few stitches on his arm and face. Serves him right.

"Who did that to him?"Jane asked.

"Seriously Jane, don't you know when to shut the fuck up"Alex yelled angrily and i stared at him suspiciously.

I looked at Zoey who sat beside me staring directly at Blake. I gave her thigh a slight squeeze and she gave me a dry smile. I know she still cares about him despite what he did to her. She had such a good heart. She seemed to be recovering faster from the heartbreak than i did when i was broken hearted once upon a time in New York.

I stared back at Alex who was now eating his food in silence.

"Alex"I called and he stared up at me with questioning eyes.

"Did you...do this?"I asked with expecting eyes.

"What?"He asked.

"Are you the one that beat Blake up to that extent?"I asked.

"No"Was his cold response.

"Answer me Alex"I urged him.

"I said i didn't...Jesus,leave me the fuck alone Liv"His temper rose immediately as he got up and left the table walking towards the exit without bothering to finish his food.

"What's wrong with him?"Jane asked.

"I don't know, he's just being melodramatic"I told her.

"Hey guys...um... I'll go and check up on Blake"Justin stood up.

"Yeah...sure"Jane said and i stared at Zoey to see her reaction to Blake's name being mentioned.

"See you later guys"He said and walked away towards Blake's table.

Why do i have a feeling that Alex is behind this?

"Um... I'll be in the restroom"Zoey stood up and i gave her a knowing smile.

"I'll come with you"Jane said.

"No J,stay with Liv, I'll be back"She said and Jane nodded as she left.

"So....what do we discuss?"Jane asked, taking a bite of her cheeseburger.

"Um...i think I'll go get some food then we can discuss"I told her and stood up.

"Oh okay,please get me some extra fries"She said and i nodded.

***

I got home at exactly 5pm. I haven't seen Alex since break time. I went upstairs and took a quick shower. I changed into a grey hoodie and pink sweatpants.

I left the room and went down to the kitchen. I took out a left over Mario chocolate cookie from the fridge. I pulled the wrapper open and took a bite of the delicious treat. I left the kitchen and went into the living room. I lied down on the couch with my legs crossed as i switched on the television.

I was busy watching National Geographic when the door pulled open with Alex standing by the door. He shut the door close behind him and i immediately stood up to my feet with my arms crossed as i waited for him.

"Hey Liv"He smiled.

"Don't hey Liv me Mr,you have some explanation to do" I scowled at him.

"Not now Liv,please"He said as he sat down on the couch beside me.

"Come on Alex,i know you're the one behind what happened to Blake, spill it out already" I sat down beside him, facing him.

"Liv I...."

"Stop lying to me Alex,i know you did it,admit it already"I frowned.

"Fine...yeah i did it"He admitted.

"Why? I know he's a jerk and he deserves every bit of it but why did you do it?I thought he's your friend"I questioned.

"I don't wanna discuss this right now, please"He said standing up as he headed towards the stairs but then i ran up to him, obstructing him.

"What's this Liv,move out of the way"He looked pissed.

"Not until you tell me why you beat up Blake"I folded my arms.

"Argh,why do women always have to be so damn annoying?"He groaned.

"I'll be less annoying when you tell me exactly what i wanna hear"I told him.

"Fine"He said and went back to sit down back on the couch with me following behind. I sat down beside him.

"So?"I asked eagerly waiting for his response.

"Um...you know that night when you were drunk and I'd brought you home" He started.

"Yeah?"I asked,unsure.

"You told me what he did to you"He said quietly.

I did?

"Okay?"I said, waiting for him to continue.

"I was furious so i...."

"The next morning when you'd disappeared and i asked you where you went,it was his place you went to,right?"I completed for him.

"Yeah...um... let's just forget about it"He said, standing up and i also stood up along with him.

"You fought with your best friend for me?"I questioned.

"Well...he doesn't have the right to act like that to you or any girl,what kind of guy would kick a girl out of his house?i only knocked some sense into him"He said,his anger flaring up.

"But he's your friend right?why would you do that to him for me?"I asked.

"Because he put you in that state where you were even almost....."He paused.

"Almost what?"I asked with questioning eyes.

"Nothing"He said dryly.

"Almost what Alex?tell me"I pushed further.

"It's nothing,just a slip of the tongue,i was just angry because he made you drink so much and i didn't like to see you in that situation and he also hurt your best friend"He said.

Why do i have a feeling that he's hiding something from me? i decided not to force it.

"Aren't you supposed to be a jerk? Aren't you supposed to be worse than Blake in breaking girl's heart?so why did you take my side instead?why do you care so much about me all of a sudden?"I asked with hopeful eyes.

"Because....i don't know,i just do"He said calmly.

"Alex i wouldn't want to be the reason for your friendship tearing apart"I said and he burst into laughter immediately making me confused.

"Friendship tearing apart?who said anything about my friendship tearing apart?Blake and I have been friends since childhood and we've had our fights severally, it's nothing new, he'll still come around. I only beat him up to knock some sense into him since that's the only language that he understands"He said.

"Oh... okay?"I said unsurely.

"Yeah don't worry about him, he'll come around, just worry about yourself"He winked at me playfully. I was glad that he has lightened up the tense atmosphere.

"You should go and freshen up,Zoey,Jane and Cade will be here anytime soon"I told him.

"What...why?"He asked.

"Just to hang out"I told him.

"I don't have any problem with Zoey and Jane but what the fuck is that moron coming here to do?"He asked.

"Why do you hate him so much?"I asked.

"Because he's an asshole and a jerk"He spat.

"What did Cade ever do to you Alex?"I asked.

"Everything"His eyes turned dark.

"What?"I asked.

"I don't wanna talk about it and don't you dare try to force it out of my mouth, I'll be in my room"He said and left.

Remind me how i became friends with this asshole again?

***

I sat down on the couch watching Tv with a bowl of ice cream in my hand. I took a spoonful of ice cream and chucked it into my mouth, laughing at the program i was watching.

I heard the door bell ring and i immediately got up running to the entrance. It must be Zoey and the rest.

I pulled the door open to see Cade,Zoey,Justin,Jane and one other boy I'd never seen before.

"Hey guys" I greeted as i let them into the house, shutting the door behind as we walked into the living room.

We exchanged pleasantries as we all sat down on the couch.

"Who's he?"I asked, gesturing at the blonde boy in grey t-shirt and blue jeans. He's kinda cute i had to admit.

"My cousin"Jane said.

"Oh."Was my dry response.

"Hi I'm Matt"The boy stretched forth his hand for an handshake. I took his hand and gave him a sheepish smile.

"I'm Liv" I said.

"Nice to meet you Liv" He smiled and let go of my hand.

"Oh this tastes amazing,where did you get it from?"Zoey asked.

Not again! My eyes widened in horror as i stared at Zoey who was now in possession of my ice cream bowl, scooping it into her mouth.

"Hey that's mine,i didn't say you could have it!" I squeaked.

"I didn't ask"She smirked.

"I should have hidden that ice cream before opening the door"I facepalm myself.

"Too bad you didn't,now it's mine"She giggled as ahe continued stealing my ice cream. That's my favorite ice cream!

"Let's share it Zoe"Jane said as she came to the living room with a spoon in her hand.

What the fuck!When dis she even leave the parlor?

She sat down beside Zoey in attempt to join her.

"Hands off Roberts,this is mine alone" She squatted Jane's hand away as she possessively claimed the ice cream bowl.

"But you can't finish that much ice cream, it's big enough for us to share" Jane said.

"Watch me" Zoey said as she took another spoonful of ice cream. I chuckled at Jane's frowning face.

"Fine then,eat alone. I pray you die of diabetes"Jane folded her arms.

"I'm a child of God,those kind of prayers doesn't work on me"Zoey said as she continued eating the ice cream.

"Your a child of the devil,infact your devil's apprentice" Jane scowled and i couldn't help but chuckle.

"Let's watch a movie guys"Cade said disrupting us.

"What movie?"I asked.

"Let Zoey decide"He said.

"Why Zoey?"Jane furrowed her eyebrows.

"Because I'm awesome" Zoey answered.

"Ugh,you sound like Alex"Jane groaned and we laughed at her expense.

"Where's Alex by the way?"Justin asked.

"In his room, drowning in misery"I laughed.

"Ha ha,so funny, I can't stop laughing"Alex said as he approached us.

What's he doing here?

"Hey man"Justin said and stood up to hug his friend.

"Hey guys"Alex said and pushed me over on the couch, making space for himself as he sat beside me.

"Hey!"I squealed.

"Hey Alex,nice for you too join us"Zoey said. Zoey was the only one enjoying all this.

"Yeah...you kinda wanna stop eating that cause it's expired"Alex said to Zoey who immediately dropped the bowl, spilling ice cream all over the place with her jaw dropping.

"Expired!"Zoey exclaimed while Jane burst out into laughter.

"Gotcha!"Alex also burst into laughter.

"You fooled me didn't you?"Zoey narrowed her eyes,fuming.

"Ha!typical Alex"I laughed out my lungs.

I knew he's always up to no mischief.

"You fucking retard,you made me drop my sweet bowl of ice cream!"Zoey yelled furiously.

"Sorry...fine I'll get you another one" He said, throwing up his hands.

"There's none left in the refrigerator"I informed him.

"I'll buy"He said.

"Then get your ass out of here and get me some ice cream!"Zoey yelled.

"I hope you know that ice cream belonged to me so I'm the one who Alec will be buying some for"I informed her, earning a scowl from her.

"Fine, I'll get a bowl of ice cream each for you girls" He stood up.

"And popcorn"Jane added.

"Abd Pizza"I added.

"Fine... I'll get popcorn,ice cream and Pizza"He said, pulling out his keys from his back pocket. "I'll be right back"He told us and we waved at him excitedly as he left.

"Zoey,you might wanna clean up the mess you made"I told her, pointing at the messed up ice cream all over the floor.

"Ugh!"She groaned and stood up, going towards the kitchen.

After cleaning up the mess,she sat down beside me as we all decided on a movie to watch.

We decided to watch fifty shades of grey. During the movie, Alex came back with our orders and distributed it to us before joining us to watch the movie.

After we finished watching the movie,Alex sat down on the floor while we were all debating on what to do next.

"Um... let's play a game"Jane suggested.

"What game?"I asked.

"Spin the bottle"She told me. "Who's in?"

"I am"Zoey squeaked.

"Me"Justin raised his hands.

"Me too"Matt said.

"Count me in"I said.

"Me too"Cade said and we all faced Alex who was quiet the whole time.

"What?"He scowled.

"Are you playing?"I asked.

"Why would i play some dumb childish meaningless game with you guys?"He frowned.

"Come on Alex,it will be fun"Jane persuaded.

"If he doesn't wanna play then don't force him, he's a dumbo after all"I smirked,earning a glare from Alex.

"I'll play"He said.

I knew just the right buttons to press in order to get him.

"Fine, I'll get the bottle"I said and went to the kitchen.

I came back out with an empty bottle which i placed on the ground as we all sat on the floor with the bottle in the middle.

"I'll go first"Jane said excitedly as she spun the bottle which landed on Cade.

"Cade,truth or Dare?"She asked.

"Truth"He answered.

"Who's your crush?"She asked.

"Um...."

He better not mention my name.

We all stared at him, waiting for his response.

"I don't have a crush"He answered simply.

"Liar"Alex spoke and we all shot him a glare.

"Alex!"I yelled.

"What?" He shrugged.

"Your turn Cade"Jane said and Cade bent over to spin the bottle. The bottle landed on Zoey.

"Zoey, truth or dare?"He asked.

"Truth"She smiled.

"Do you still have feelings for Blake?"He asked and i shot him a nasty glare.

"Cade!"I yelled and he then gave me a sympathetic

"It's okay"Zoey whispered and gave me a reassuring smile. She paused and took a deep breath. "Yes"

"Oh"Was Cade's dry response as he handed the bottle to her which she spun and then it landed on Alex.

"So Alex" She smirked "Tell us about you and Zoey's kiss in details"She said eagerly,making everyone gasp.

"What?"He muttered.

"I haven't chosen whether it's truth or dare"He clarified. Bursting her bubbles. We broke out into laughter.

"Oh...right....choose dare please"She begged.

"No...i choose truth"He rolled his eyes at her, making me chuckle.

"Fine then,do you like Liv?"She asked and i scowled at her.

"Yeah... as a friend"He responded. For some unknown reason,i felt slightly hurt that he likes me only as a friend.

Ugh, what's going on with me!

"Oh....your turn Alex"She handed the bottle to him and he spun it. The bottle landed on Matt. Alex groaned.

"Who's this guy by the way?"Alex scowled.

"He's Jane's cousin,be nice!"I told him.

"Fine....truth or dare?"He asked Matt.

"Dare"Matt seemed to have no idea how mischievous Alex could be.

"Oh nice,i want you to pull off your clothes right now and leave it that way for ten seconds"

Our Jaws dropped.