So here's the next chapter. It didn't get as many reviews or even hits as I hoped but I guess it's been a long time since Palex was on the tv screen so maybe people have forgotten them. I still love them and I like to write stories for them and think of situations that fit them. For all of you who did read and review thank you. I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. I hope you enjoy this next chapter too and again let me know what you think. There will be more coming soon .
The next day Paige woke up to the sounds of Marco and Dylan in the kitchen eating breakfast. She looked at the clock. It was ten. She went to join them.
"Is Alex awake yet?" Paige asked unsure of what she was going to say to her.
"Yeah but she left already. She woke at like seven and ran out of here like the house was on fire." Dylan told her.
"So how was the kiss?" Marco asked excitement on his face.
"What?" Paige asked in shock.
"Bryce texted me to say how good your date went. He told me you guys kissed goodnight."
"Oh…yeah. It was nice." Paige answered relieved.
"Just nice? Sounds kind of boring." Dylan said.
"No it was their first kiss. What do you expect?" Marco said trying to defend Paige.
"Amazing, incredible, unbelievably awesome. Those are the words I would use to describe our first kiss." Dylan answered.
"Aww baby." Marco said and he and Dylan kissed.
"I have to go…shower." Paige said not paying attention to them.
Since it was Saturday Paige and Hazel had plans to go to the mall and find every sale they had. Paige didn't know if she would be able to stand it. Hazel was obviously going to have a thousand questions about her date with Bryce and Paige was trying to process what happened with Alex. If she didn't go though Hazel would think something was wrong. In the end Paige decided to go and act like everything was normal.
It started off well. Paige acted excited about how well her date went and tried not to be distracted. When they stopped in the food court Hazel brought up Paige's dancing with Alex.
"I'm so glad to hear your date went well. I thought maybe it didn't because I saw you dancing with Alex and I mean you guys had all eyes on you. It was just so out-of-character for you. What was it like your good deed for the night?" Hazel asked. It was constantly apparent that she disliked Alex.
"Alex is a good dancer, hun. We were just having some fun." Paige answered. She wanted to say more to defend Alex but she wasn't sure why.
"Whatever I don't understand it."
'Neither do I' Paige thought.
When she got home she had to get ready to work at the movie theater…with Alex. As she threw on her uniform she decided she was going to have a talk with Alex to clarify what happened last night immediately so there was no confusion. Paige was straight and Alex was her friend but that was it.
At work Alex and Paige didn't have much time to talk. When their shifts started there was a rush because a new slasher flick just came out and teenagers flocked to the theater. As soon as all the movies started for the night the concession stand was dead and all Paige and Alex could do was wait until the movies ended.
"You think they'll mind if I eat a bag a candy? I missed dinner." Paige asked already ripping into a bag of Swedish Fish not caring about the answer nervously trying to keep her hands busy. Just then screams were heard from the theaters.
"Ten bucks says that movie is so stupid. They always are." Paige said.
Alex still said nothing but moved closer to Paige so their arms were almost touching as they leaned against the counter.
"So we're not going to talk about it?" Alex asked looking directly at Paige.
"You're the one who ran away this morning." Paige said weakly trying to defend herself.
"But you're the one who ran away last night."
Paige took a deep breath and decided to get it all out. "I'm straight, Alex. I always have been. Last night I just…I got caught up in a moment. With our dancing and talking about sparks in relationships." Paige said.
"But you kissed me back. Why?" Alex asked truly trying to understand.
"You were there. It would've happened with anyone who I was talking with in that moment. I don't know. I felt bad." She thought she saw a hurt look cross Alex's face.
"Well who needs your pity? I don't" Alex said.
"We're still friends. But that's it. Besides I think maybe things could go well with Bryce."
"I though there was no spark?" Alex said looking off into the distance.
"I don't think I gave him enough time. I mean we only went on one date and we really did have a lot of fun. If I hang out with him more…he's good boyfriend material. Everyone sees we would make a good couple." Paige said.
"Yeah." Alex said and moved away. It was the last words they spoke to each other all night.
Bryce texted Paige on Sunday and they went bowling. It was fun and it kept Paige's mind off of Alex. After two weeks Paige and Bryce became official and their picture was taken for the newspaper as cutest newest power couple at Degrassi. Marco and Alex still met at Paige's house to discuss student council matters but Paige and Alex barely talked anymore. The only ones that noticed the difference were Paige and Alex.
One night Paige's parents decided it was time to meet Bryce after they had been dating for a month. Alex and Marco were also staying for dinner because Mrs. Michalchuk was a really good cook and usually once a week they would stay. Alex didn't realize Bryce was coming over too but once she did she tried to get out of it.
"I have to go. I have homework." Alex said. Marco and Dylan looked at her like she was crazy and Paige tried not to look at her at all.
"I'm glad to hear you have an interest in school but everyone needs a good meal so they can focus." Mrs. Michalchuk said with a smile.
"Thank you but you have a pretty full house." Alex said.
"Nonsense. You know we always have enough."
"Okay." Alex said defeated.
Paige let out the breath she had been holding. This was really happening. It was going to be an awkward night.
Bryce arrived and he was like every parents dream for their daughter. He was handsome and charming and polite with good table manners. He wasn't too thrilled to see Alex there but he kept himself under control. Alex mostly stayed quiet. Mr. and Mrs. Michalchuk had lots of questions for Bryce and were genuinely happy with him. The only people that noticed a strain and awkwardness were Paige and Alex.
"Well what a pleasant dinner." Mrs. Michalchuk said. "Both our children have found nice and handsome men. Now only if Alex could find a nice girl. We want to see you happy too. And when you do find a nice girl you can bring her here for dinner." She added.
"Thanks." Alex said not making eye contact with anyone.
"I think she already may have her sights set on someone." Bryce said with a malicious smile directed towards Alex.
"Really? Who, Alex?" Mrs. Michalchuk asked excited.
"No one." Alex asked.
"Oh yeah. You were dancing with her at the dance." Bryce said.
Paige's mouth dropped open. Marco and Dylan watched now realizing who Bryce was talking about.
"I mean you haven't talked to her in a while but you seemed to like her then." He added.
"Oh tell us." Mrs. Michalchuk said excitedly not unlike a five year old.
"It's really no one." Alex said and stood up. "I'm sorry. Dinner was amazing as always Mrs. Michalchuk but I really have to get home." She said as she practically ran out the front door embarrassed that her feelings were being put on display.
"I wonder what her problem is?" Bryce said.
Mr. and Mrs. Michachuk were confused and had no idea what was going on but this was their night to meet Paige's boyfriend so they continued with dessert. Afterwards the six of them engaged is some family fun by playing charades. When it was time for Bryce to go Paige walked him to the door.
"I really like your parents and I really like you. This was a great night." He kissed Paige. "But don't think I don't see how Alex looks at you. I don't like that she's here so much. Just keep that in mind." With those last words he left. Paige felt like she should apologize to Alex but didn't know how.
The next day at school Paige was waiting for Bryce at his locker when the bell rang. The hallways were completely empty.
"Come on. We're going to be late. Mr. Armstrong hates tardiness." Paige said.
"So we'll maybe get detention. You know I could charm him into excusing us. I'm one of his star athletes." Bryce said as he gently pushed Paige against the lockers and started to kiss her.
She pulled her head away. "Stop. Come on. I barely understand what's going on in that class anyway."
"Maybe if you stopped staring at Alex you would learn more. Now come on just five more minutes." Bryce said as he held her there and reached his hand under her shirt.
"I said stop." Paige said louder and tried to move his hands away but he pushed back with more force. Just then they heard someone yell "Hey" from down the hallway and then footsteps came running. Bryce stopped and pulled away from Paige.
"What the hell are you doing? Didn't you hear her stay stop?" Alex asked her blood boiling.
"What are you stalking her? Stay out of this. This is between Paige and me. She wasn't serious. She was enjoying herself too." Bryce said smugly.
Alex went towards him ready to fight but Paige stepped in between them.
"Don't, Alex." Paige said begging with her eyes.
Bryce bent down to get his books completely unthreatened.
"If he hurts you I'll kill him." Alex told Paige so Bryce couldn't hear. With that she walked away.
"Come on babe. You ready for class?" Bryce asked as he threw an arm around Paige's shoulders. They took off in the opposite direction to class.
After school Marco and Bryce were in the gym as the Spirit Squad practiced waiting for Paige.
"You don't notice it?" Bryce asked Marco referring to Alex.
"No. I don't. Paige and Alex like used to hate each other. It's pretty much a miracle that they're even friends."
"Sometimes Alex looks at her like…I don't know. And Paige is so cold and prudish. She doesn't want to do anything except kiss. I know I'm an amazing kisser but I'm also amazing at other things too. You know?" Bryce said as he elbowed Marco suggestively.
Marco looked down not sure how to answer this. Pretty much all of Paige's friends knew that she had been raped and it wasn't a secret but Marco wasn't sure if he should tell Bryce or let Paige when she was ready.
"I mean there are plenty of other girls who would sleep with me especially those girls on the Spirit Squad. I'm like a god to them and they would love to take something away from Paige. She better realize that or it's going to be see you later Paige." Bryce continued.
Marco decided it was in Paige's best interest to let Bryce know so he didn't dump her for a stupid reason.
"Paige isn't a prude. First of all she has morals. She doesn't sleep with random guys. Second of all Paige was raped freshman year. She's probably just scared to get intimate because of what happened." Marco explained.
"At least one guy was able to get what he deserved from her. She was probably leading him on and teasing him. Making him crazy like she's making me. He probably just gave her what she deserved, what she really wanted." Bryce said crassly.
Marco was appalled and just stared at Bryce.
"Hey," Bryce's face broke into a grin trying to get Marco back on his side, "I'm just trying to look at it from every angle. You know, see it from the other person's point of view. Isn't that what people are always telling us to do?"
"Yeah." Marco said but he was starting to see another side of Bryce and he wasn't liking it.
At Paige's house Dylan and Marco had gone out to study at the Dot and Bryce and Paige were in the living room doing homework. Marco and Alex weren't able to meet up because Alex had to work. Their homework had been forgotten and Bryce lay on top of Paige on the couch kissing her neck. He moved his hand down to her waist and went to unbutton her jeans. She grabbed his hand to stop him.
"Slow down." She said.
"If we slow down anymore we won't be moving. There are plenty of other hotter chicks who would kill to be with me. You better start realizing that." Bryce said angrily and he grabbed his stuff and stormed out. Paige was too shocked to move.
Marco didn't come back over with Dylan and Paige didn't feel like she could talk about it with Dylan. She just tried to push it from her mind for the night. She was the last one awake in her house at eleven. She brushed her teeth and hopped into bed. She tried to think of happy things to help her fall asleep and not surprisingly Alex passed through her mind. Just as she was drifting off to sleep her phone vibrated signaling a text message. She hadn't heard from Bryce since he left and she thought it might've been him. She got a little nervous about what he would say but was relieved when she looked and saw it was from Alex. It said 'Can u open ur front door?" Paige jumped out of bed and tried to go as quietly as possible down the stairs and to open the door.
"Hey." Alex said standing there. Even with just the porch light on Paige could see Alex was beat up. Her lip was split and there was a gash above her eyebrow.
"I…I didn't know where else to go." Alex said as explanation.
"Come in." Paige led Alex to the couch and went to go get first aid supplies.
When she returned she sat down next to Alex and began to clean the cut above Alex's eyebrow with a washcloth and a bowl of water.
"What happened?" Paige asked.
Alex flinched when the washcloth hit the cut. "I had a fight with my mom's ass of a boyfriend. He was wailing on her so I stepped in."
"And let him wail on you?" Paige asked.
"Don't worry I got some good shots in too." Alex said with a small smile and lifted her hands, the knuckles were bloody.
"Alex…" Paige said sorrow washing over her.
"Tell me why do girls date jerks that treat them like shit?"
"I don't know." Paige said wanting to avoid this conversation.
"Like my mother. All she dates is deadbeat losers who spend our money, get drunk, and get violent. Or how about you?" Alex said.
"Me?"
"You. Spinner was a jerk. He cheated on you and got you fired from your job fighting about the other girl. Matt was willing to throw you under the bus and have you repeat a grade and switch schools just so he could keep his job. And don't even get me started on this guy you're dating now. What was that today?"
"Nothing just a little disagreement. Couples have them all the time, hun." Paige said unsure why she was defending it.
"That's bullshit and you know it. He should've stopped when you told him to. He wasn't going to."
"Alex…"
"Listen Paige, I care about you, probably more than I should. And I've tried to deny how I feel and I've tried to keep it buried. You don't feel the same? It's okay but I don't want to see you hurt and I'm going to do everything to make sure you're not."
It was in that moment that Paige could no longer deny her feelings for Alex. She leaned in to kiss Alex. It was soft and gentle. Paige was being careful because Alex's lip was busted. This time Alex was the one to pull back. She looked at Paige with questions in her eyes.
"I'm not running away this time." Paige answered and she kissed Alex's lips one more time. "Now what else is bruised?"
"My ribs."
"Okay. I can wrap them but you have to…to take off your shirt." Paige said blushing.
Alex took off her shirt and exposed her skin. The left side of her abdomen was badly bruised.
"Alex…" Paige said shocked.
"Don't. Just fix me."
"I think you should go to the hospital."
"I can't." Alex said with finality so Paige got to work. After Paige did that she cleaned Alex's bloody knuckles.
"Would you be able to grab me a pillow and a blanket so I can sleep on the couch and I'll be out before your parents get up?" Alex asked.
"No." Paige answered.
"No?" Alex asked.
"No. You're going to sleep in my bed…with me."
Alex gave Paige a look that asked 'Really?' and Paige smiled back. Paige led Alex up to her room and they laid down in the bed. They laid there neither one of them saying anything afraid to move.
"Alex?" Paige asked breaking the silence.
"Yeah."
"I'm sorry I ran away before. I was scared of what people would think."
"It's okay. If they say anything I'll beat them up." Alex said jokingly. Paige smiled and snuggled into Alex who through her arm around Paige. They feel asleep like that.
The next day Paige woke up and reached out to Alex but she wasn't there. She found a note on the pillow. 'Hey. I didn't want to cause drama with your parents. Last night was amazing though. I'll see you at school.'-Alex. Paige smiled thinking about Alex but got nervous when she thought about school. What was she going to tell Bryce? How would she explain this to her friends?
