Chapter Nine
Jennifer's Pov
Ugh, it was Thursday, which meant the party was just a day away. But as I stood in front of my overflowing closet, I felt a wave of frustration wash over me. Nothing, and I mean nothing, seemed worthy enough to wear to the party. I wanted to be the center of attention, the belle of the ball. But every outfit I picked up seemed dull and uninspiring.
My frustration was compounded by my anger at Xander. He had promised to drive me to school every day, but now he was coming up with lame excuses to get out of it. Who chooses their best friend over their girlfriend? It was infuriating.
And then there was the stunt Kierra had pulled by her locker. I was still seething about it. The only reason I hadn't retaliated was because Xander was nearby. But Kierra needed to learn a lesson. Xander Thompson was mine, and I wouldn't let anyone or anything come between us.
With a groan of frustration, I slammed my closet door shut. I needed a new outfit, and I needed it now. I decided to head to the mall, do some shopping, and maybe grab a snack before heading back home.
As I made my way to the door, I called out to my maid, instructing her to inform my driver that I needed to go to the mall. My parents were workaholics, and I had grown accustomed to having maids and drivers at my beck and call. But despite all the luxuries at my disposal, there was only one person I wanted to drive me around - Xander.
"Mall," I said simply, slipping into the backseat of the car. The driver nodded his head in affirmation, and we glided smoothly out of the driveway, headed for my favorite mall.
As we drove, my mind wandered back to the events of the day. I had been taken aback by Xander's sudden appearance, but I had quickly regained my composure and rushed out to meet him.
Now, as we sped towards our favorite ice cream parlor, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. Xander was already waiting for me, his eyes sparkling with amusement as he teased me about being late.
As we pulled up to the parlor, Xander turned to me with a mischievous grin. "Since you were obviously the last one to get in, you'll have to pay for both our snacks," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
I rolled my eyes good-naturedly, digging into my purse for my wallet. It seemed fair enough, considering Xander had paid for my lunch earlier.
As we sat down at a small table, Xander turned to me with a curious expression. "So, Kierra, what do you think of Jennifer?" he asked, his eyes searching mine.
I dropped my cup of ice cream, facing him with a thoughtful expression. "She's beautiful, I guess. Different from the rest of them, though."
Xander's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intensifying. "You really think so?" he asked, his voice low and husky.
I nodded, taking a sip of my ice cream. "Yeah, she is. She's an okay person, I guess."
Xander's expression turned thoughtful, his eyes clouding over for a moment. Then, he turned to me with a mischievous grin. "What do you think of Seth?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I stared at him, my eyes narrowing slightly. "He's an okay person, I guess."
Xander's face twisted into a scowl, his eyes flashing with anger. "He's an asshole, an idiot who deserves to be castrated. A complete waste of time, and frankly, a dumb ass by nature."
I raised an eyebrow, my eyes widening in surprise. "Xander..." I warned, my voice low and husky.
Xander smirked, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Well, you asked what I think of him, right? And that's what I think of him, period."
I shook my head, a smile playing on my lips. "You're impossible, Xander."
Xander chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Kierra, you asked why I hate him, right? Well, I'll tell you then..."Jennifer's voice cut through the air, her tone sugary sweet as she plopped down beside Xander. "Am I interrupting something?" she asked, forcing a smile onto her face.
I felt a surge of irritation at her sudden appearance, my mind screaming "Yes!" inwardly.
Xander turned to her, his expression polite but guarded. "Jennifer, what are you doing here?" he asked.
Jennifer's smile faltered for a moment before she recovered, her eyes sparkling with a hint of malice. "Oh, I was just around shopping and decided to grab some ice cream. Oh, hi Kierra," she added, her voice dripping with insincerity.
Xander's eyes met mine for a brief moment before he turned back to Jennifer. "Xander, would you mind getting me a scoop of vanilla?" she asked, her voice husky and flirtatious.
Xander hesitated for a moment before standing up. "Umm, I'll be right back, Kierra," he said, his eyes apologetic.
Jennifer's eyes locked onto mine, a smirk playing on her lips. "So fancy seeing the two of you here, huh?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
I stood up, my eyes flashing with anger. "Yeah, it's kind of like our place," I said, my voice firm.
Jennifer's smirk grew wider. "Oh, really now? Well, I like it, so Xander would bring me here every day now."
My voice rose in protest. "What? No, you can't do that!"
Jennifer's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Oh, it's just an ice cream parlor, Kierra. Don't get so worked up."
I felt my anger boil over. "It's not just an ice cream parlor, Jennifer. It's special, just for me and Xander."
Jennifer's smirk turned icy. "Too bad, then."
Her eyes locked onto mine, a challenge sparking in their depths. "Oh, and next time, I really wouldn't want you alone with my boyfriend."
Xander returned, a cone of ice cream in hand, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment before he turned to Jennifer. "Here you go," he said, his voice neutral.
Jennifer's face lit up with a smile as she took the cone from Xander. "Thanks, boo," she said, pecking his cheek lightly.
I felt a pang of jealousy at the intimate gesture, my eyes flashing with anger. Jennifer's eyes sparkled with delight as she savored the ice cream. "This tastes amazing, Xander. Can we go here all the time?" she asked, her voice dripping with excitement.
My heart sank at her words, my mind racing with a sense of unease. Xander's response was nonchalant, but it felt like a dagger to my heart. "OK, sure, I guess so."
I felt like screaming, my emotions boiling over. "But it's our special place, you can't do that!" I wanted to shout, but I bit back the words, my heart heavy with sorrow.
Jennifer's presence felt like a intrusion, a reminder that Xander was no longer mine alone. I felt like I was losing him, bit by bit.
As we finished our ice cream, I suddenly felt the need to escape. "Umm, Xander, I should get going," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.
Xander nodded, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment. "OK, I'll drop you off then."
Jennifer piped up, her voice cheerful. "Alright, can I tag along?" she asked, grabbing her things.
I felt a surge of resentment, but I pushed it aside, my voice emotionless. "Yeah, let's go."
The ride home was awkward, Jennifer dominating the conversation with topics that only interested her and Xander. I felt like a third wheel, a spectator in their private world.
As my house came into sight, I heaved a sad sigh, relieved that I would finally be free of their company. The car came to a halt, and I quickly got out, muttering a quick goodbye to Xander and Jennifer.
As I opened the door to my house, my gloomy expression disappeared, replaced by a look of surprise and delight. Maxwell was back! My heart leapt with excitement, and I would have normally rushed to envelop him in a tight hug. However, my gaze fell upon a rather...disturbing scene. Maxwell and Maya were cozied up on the couch, their lips locked in a passionate kiss.
My eyes widened in shock, and I let out a loud, exaggerated cough. "Ahem, ahem!" I screamed, startling them both. They quickly sprang apart, their faces flushed with embarrassment.
I rushed over to Maxwell, throwing my arms around him in a tight hug. "What's up, little sis?" he asked, hugging me back as Maya worked on her hair in the background.
I pulled back, my eyes narrowing at Maxwell. "So, you called her first, huh? You bastard!" I exclaimed, hitting him lightly on the arm.
Maxwell chuckled, holding up his hands in defense. "When were you planning on telling me you were back?" I demanded, hitting him again.
Maxwell grinned mischievously. "I wanted it to be a surprise, and guess what? It's for good this time!"
I screamed out loud, hitting him again in excitement. "Ouch, you hit like a girl, you know!" Maxwell teased, rubbing his arm.
Just then, Xander walked into the room, a smirk on his face. "I told her exactly the same thing," he said, his eyes glinting with amusement.
Maxwell's face lit up with a smile. "Xander, my mannnnn!" he exclaimed, embracing Xander in a bro hug.
I felt a pang of jealousy at their reunion. "Aren't you supposed to drop your girlfriend off?" I spat out, trying to sound nonchalant.
Maxwell raised an eyebrow, staring at me in surprise. "Girlfriend?" he asked, his voice incredulous.
I looked away, feeling a flush rise to my cheeks. "Yeah, long story. I'll explain later," I muttered.
Xander chuckled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Oh, Maya, fancy meeting you here," he said, his voice dripping with sarcasm. Maya's face turned bright red as she looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment. Jennifer burst into the room, her eyes scanning the space frantically. "Xander, what's wrong? Why the screaming?" she asked, her voice laced with concern.
But before anyone could respond, her gaze landed on Maxwell, and her expression transformed into one of shock and horror. "OMG, Maxwell!" she screamed, rushing back out of the room as quickly as she had entered.
Maxwell sprinted after her, calling out her name. "Jennifer, wait!" But she was already gone, vanished into thin air.
I turned to Xander, my brow furrowed in confusion. "Umm, what just happened?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Maya shook her head, her eyes wide with wonder. "She looked like she saw a ghost," she added, her voice filled with awe.
Maxwell returned to the room, his expression somber. "Do you know Jennifer?" Xander asked, his brow furrowed in confusion.
Maxwell's response was simple, but it hinted at a deeper connection. "Yeah, I know her," he said, his eyes clouding over.
I sensed that there was more to the story, that Maxwell and Jennifer's relationship went far beyond a simple acquaintance.
As the tension in the room grew thicker, Maxwell suddenly announced, "I'll see you guys later. I need to cool my head." He rushed up the stairs, leaving us in an awkward silence.
Maya turned to me, her expression sympathetic. "Girly, I'll get going," she said, her voice soft.
I tried to reassure her, but my words felt hollow. "Maya, don't be sad. I'm sure it's nothing," I said, trying to sound convincing.
Maya's response was laced with skepticism. "Yeah, it's nothing," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. She walked away, leaving Xander and me alone in the room.
Xander plopped down on the couch, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "And then there were two," he said, his voice low and husky.
I turned to him, my eyes narrowing. "Bird brain, aren't you at least curious why your girlfriend ran out in shock?" I asked, my voice tinged with annoyance.
Xander's expression turned enigmatic. "I am, but I'm more curious why you're so sad today," he said, his eyes boring into mine.
I looked away, my heart heavy with emotion. "It's nothing," I muttered, trying to brush off my feelings.
But Xander's words lingered in my mind, a reminder that he saw right through me, that he knew me better than I knew myself. Xander's eyes locked onto mine, his gaze piercing. "I know you remember, just tell me," he said, his voice low and husky.
I took a deep breath, my words tumbling out in a rush. "It's just that the ice cream thing was for us, okay? And you let your girlfriend have it. It hurts, Xander," I said, my voice sincere.
Xander's expression softened, his eyes filled with regret. "You should have just said something, I would have said no," he said, his voice filled with apology.
I shook my head, my eyes welling up with tears. "How could I, Xander? She's your girlfriend," I said, my voice cracking with emotion.
Xander's eyes burned with intensity, his voice low and husky. "Yeah, and you're more important," he said, his words sending shivers down my spine.
I felt like I was melting into his gaze, my heart pounding in my chest. "What did you just say?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Xander's smile was enigmatic, his eyes glinting with amusement. "I said you're more..." he started, but his words were cut off by Maya's sudden arrival.
Maya rushed into the room, her hair disheveled and her clothes soaked. "Gosh, it's pouring out there," she exclaimed, shaking the rain off her jacket.
I rushed to her side, concern etched on my face. "I'll get you a blanket, Maya. You must be cold," I said, trying to comfort her.
Maya smiled weakly, her teeth chattering. "Thanks, girly," she muttered, wrapping the blanket around her shivering frame.
Xander's voice cut through the silence, his words laced with amusement. "So, we're obviously stuck here, and your parents won't be coming anytime soon," he said, his eyes glinting with mischief.
I rolled my eyes, my voice dripping with sarcasm. "Geez, thanks, Captain Obvious. I wouldn't have guessed that," I said, my words earning a tongue-out from Xander.
Maxwell's voice cut through the banter, his suggestion unexpected. "Umm, we could watch a movie," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
Xander's grin was instantaneous, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Yeah, let's watch a movie, but definitely not a romantic one. Horror suits this scene," he said, his words sending shivers down my spine.
I smiled, my eyes meeting Xander's. "Alright, I'll get the popcorn," I said, grabbing Xander's arm and pulling him towards the kitchen.
As we walked, I intentionally left Maya and Maxwell alone, giving them some time to talk. The tension between them was palpable, and I wondered what secrets they were hiding. The popcorn was ready although Xander made it a point to annoy me all through out our stay in the kitchen and by the time we were back with the bowl Max and Maya were hugging near the couch
"Awwwn... I cooed as she blushed sitting near him on the couch as I took a sit on the floor
"OK OK let's watch then.. Max said smirking as I silently wondered what could have happened between him and Jennifer
'Arrgggh... Maya and I screamed for the umpteenth time
"If you guys as just gonna scream all through the movie I might as well change it
"Nooo... We chorused
"Baby... Xander mocked as took a sit near me on the floor
"Shut it Thompson... I said hitting him hard
"Let's just finish the movie... Maya said as we went back to the movie
The lights kept on shaking which was making this seem like an actual horror movie and to top it all off Xander was making really creepy sounds near me every second
"Argggg... I screamed as the light went off
Jumping off the floor and the popcorn splattered all over
'Arggggggggggggggggg....I shouted as the movie made a really creepy sound coupled with the lighting strikes while it was pitch black as I rushed to grab the closet pair of hands close to me "Awwwwwwwnnn.…..Max and Maya cooed when he lights came back on as I stared at the position we were in
Turns out the pair of hands were no other than Xander Thompson's and I was straddling him completely, i tried to get out of the position but it only made it worse as his hands involuntarily moved to my waists and mine placed on his shoulders still on the floor blushing crimson red as Maya and max cooed even more.