Wild Dreams
Chapter Two
Admiring From A Far
The next morning, Xander having had the dream again decided to go to the gym for a work out. He had lifted weights for about half hour and then decided to go for a jog around the track. He had been jogging for the last hour. His mind was racing. His heart was pumping in and out in his chest. Xander who always kept himself in great shape continued to jog. He had to somehow find a way to clear his mind of his feelings for Vida. But lately she was all he could think about. He wanted to tell her how he felt but wasn't sure how she would respond. The last thing he wanted was to be rejected by the one girl he actually loved. He finally stopped jogging. Xander stood up taking in deep breaths after a long run. He hadn't realized that he just jogged around the track 25 times. Deciding to head back to dorm, Xander grabbed his towel and headed for the door to exit the track area.
He stopped when he saw Sky working out and decided to talk to him. As he begins to make his way over to Sky, he notices Sky smiling at someone. Perhaps it's Sydney. She's was about the only one other than Jack, Z and Bridge who could make him smile. When he got closer, he noticed the person he was speaking with wasn't Syd but Ben. Xander immediately got angry. He couldn't stand Ben and couldn't understand what the others saw in him. Against his better judgment he continues over to the two athletes working out.
"Hey guys." Xander said deciding to be polite. He noticed Sky's reaction to him. Ben had the same expression written on his face.
"Sup." Ben said noticing Sky's face.
"You two getting in a workout?" Xander asked trying to make conversation.
"What does it look like we're doing?" Sky asked angered at him for the way he spoke to Syd the day before.
"Sky I understand why you're upset with me. I just wanted to apologize. I didn't mean to raise my voice to Syd." Xander said hoping that Sky didn't hate him. He was wrong. Sky turned to him sitting up on the bench pressing machine frowning hard at him.
"Look, I don't give a shit about your apology. Further more I don't give a shit about you. The next time you raise your voice or even breath on my girl, I'll kick your ass. So why don't you just leave me and my girlfriend alone." Sky said harshly. Xander just turned and walked away. He was hurt. How could Sky be so cold to Xander? He didn't really like Xander all that much and it showed in his tone towards him.
"Dude that was harsh." Ben said.
"I don't give a damn." Said Sky. "Next time he won't talk to my woman that way and I won't have to hurt him."
"You wouldn't really do that would you?" Ben asked. Sky cocked his eyebrow up giving Ben the impression that he didn't know him very well. "Damn man." Ben said laughing as Sky with his cocked up eyebrow grinned. Both continued their workout.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Vida came down stairs that morning. She's dressed in a black pair of jeans a pink T-shirt and is wearing her black shoes. Sitting in the kitchen were Z, Syd and Madison. All three girls noticed Vida who looked cute in her outfit but was extremely tired. She yawned deeply before taking a sip of her coffee.
"Morning sis." Madison said to her.
"Morning." Vida said.
"You look like you didn't get any sleep." Syd said fixing her make up.
"I didn't. I stayed up studying until 1am." Vida said. "Professor Cormier is preparing us for the midterms."
"That's right. He's giving a prep-midterm exam today." Z said finishing her orange juice. Vida nodded. "We took it yesterday." Said referring to her self, Syd and Madison.
"Yeah the real one is in two weeks." Said Madison.
"Why is that anyway?" Syd asked. "I mean why not give us the exam next week?"
"Because he's using this week to prepare us for the real exam and next week we study for the week. Then we take the midterms." Vida said yawning.
"You ok V?" Syd asked her friend.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Just a little exhausted." Said Vida.
"Well don't worry, after this exams, we'll be off for three weeks." Z said smiling as she and Madison slapped each other five.
"And since the guys are playing in their final regular season game, we have the pleasure of accompanying them when they head to Los Angeles for March Madness." Syd said excitedly. The girls all cheered excitedly while high fiving each other.
"Great." Vida said sarcastically. "We get to accompany the horn-dogs on a trip to LA." Vida continued. The girls laughed.
"Wait what about our midterms? Where do we take them?" Madison asked.
"Dah, Mr. Cormier is sending his student aid with us so that we and the guys won't miss the exams." Syd said.
"Cool." Was all Madison could say then continuing to eat her breakfast.
"V you know, all three of us have boyfriends. How come you don't have one?" Z asked.
"But she does have a boyfriend. Sweet Ben Marshall." Syd said smiling.
"Sweet he is." Vida said smiling while thinking about Ben.
"So does that mean you got some? Madison asked as Z and Syd laughed.
"Not yet. Maybe I'll give him a little while in LA." Vida said they all giggled. She said then glancing at her watch. "Crap I gotta go. See you girls later." She said grabbing her backpack and running out of the back door. The girls watched her.
"You think she'll let Ben hit it?" Syd asked.
"Knowing my sister, she won't give it up right away. She'll flirt a lot first and then jump his bones." Madison said as Syd and Z gigged again while all three girls cleaned their plates.
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Chip found Bridge in the computer room working on one of the computers and watched him for a moment. Though both are best friends, he was very fond of him. He and Bridge had a lot in common. They both loved computers and are two of the smartest teens on campus. However, there was something else about Bridge that Chip noticed. He noticed how attractive Bridge is. He's smart, funny and had cutest blue eyes. Was he attracted to his long time friend? Chip had been attracted to Bridge since they first met but couldn't tell him. Bridge is the flirtatious type. He's gay and everyone knows it. They also know that Bridge is the type of guy who doesn't stay in a relationship for too long. Chip knew this but still wanted him. He stood there wondering if he stood a chance with Bridge. He sighed and walked up to his friend and the object of his affections.
"Hey." Chip said sitting next to Bridge who was trying desperately to finish up his paper.
"Hey." Bridge said not looking at Chip. "Why are you here so early?"
"I could be asking you the same thing." Chip said staring at Bridge. He was picturing Bridge with his shirt off sitting at the computer watching his muscles work underneath his bare skin. Chip was definitely falling for Bridge. "I thought we were going to meet the girls at the gym for the game?"
"We are. I just had to finish this paper before we did." Bridge said smiling. "Besides, the game doesn't start for another two hours." Bridge said still continuing to finish up his paper.
"Well I won't keep you." Chip said noticing how busy Bridge was. He then got up from the seat he was sitting in. "I'll see you in an hour?" Chip asked.
"Actually, I'm finished." Bridge said smiling. If you wait a moment, I can leave with you."
"Cool." Chip said as he watched Bridge admiring the view. Bridge saved his work on the computer, grabbed his disk with all his documents on them, shut off the computer and then stood up. "Did you bring the camcorder like Jack asked?"
"I sure did." Chip said smiling holding his back pack letting Bridge know that his camera is in his back pack.
"Let's go." Bridge said following Chip out of the computer lad with his back pack on his arm. Both walked out of the computer room. They walked in silence for a moment. Bridge noticed this. Chip usually talks about everything under the sun. For some reason he was quiet. "Hey." He said getting Chip's attention. "What's up?" He asked knowing something was on Chip's mind.
"Nothing." Chip said as they continued heading towards the gym.
"Charles Thorne." Bridge said taking Chip by his left arm. Chip turned to him surprised. How did Bridge know his birth name? "I know when something's wrong. Now spill it."
"I was just thinking about Xander. He seems so distant lately." Chip said wondering what was wrong with Xander although he had an idea.
"Have you tried talking to him?" Bridge asked.
"Yeah but he tells me he's fine. You and I both know that's a lie." Chip said frowning. Bridge looked away. "It's frustrating."
"What's frustrating?"
"The fact that Xander won't talk about what's bothering him. Doesn't he know that we're his friends and will help him?" Chip asked.
"I'm sure he knows that but the only way we'll know what's going on is if he tells us." Bridge said being realistic. "Until then we let him be."
"I guess you're right." Chip said as they continued taking a longer route to the gym.
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Vida was on her way to the gym from taking her pre-midterm exam. She was on cloud 9 after acing her pre-midterm exam. She knew the stuff in that exam that's why she passed it with flying colors. Vida knew that when the time came to take the real exam, she'd be ready. Heading towards the gym taking her usually shortcut through the park, walking with her head down she hadn't been paying attention to the young man tying his shoes and bumps into him.
"Excuse me." She said as the young turned to face her. "Xander." She said surprised to see him.
"Hey V." Xander said smiling. "I didn't see you." He said fixing his shirt as it got wrinkled while he was tying his shoes. She stared at him for a moment. "So where are you going?"
"To the gym for the game today. You?" V asked.
"The same." Xander said staring at the woman he loves. "Do you want to walk with me?" He asked a bit nervous.
"Sure." Vida said as they both began heading towards the gym. Both were silent for a moment. Vida decides to speak. "Xander are you ok?" She asked.
"Yeah. I'm fine." He said trying to reassure her he was ok. "Listen V, I wanted to apologize."
"For what?"
"For being an ass yesterday. I haven't been sleeping well and it appears it's catching up with me. I'm you're friend and could never get angry with you guys. Do you forgive me?" He asked sincerely.
"Of course." Vida said as Xander breathed a sigh of relief. Both smiled uncomfortably. "So you haven't been sleeping well huh?"
"No." Xander said smiling.
"What kind of dreams are you having?" Vida asked unaware that he's been dreaming about her.
"Um nightmares." Xander said lying.
"What kind of nightmares?" Vida asked wanting to know more about these so called nightmares.
"Well, it's complicated." Xander said looking away.
"What happens in you're dreams?"
"Horrible things. Things I can't even speak of." Xander said stopping a moment. Vida stopped along side of him. "V, are you doing anything tonight?" He asked trying to avert her attention to another subject.
"UH no why?" Vida asked.
"I was wondering if you would like to go to a movie with me?" Xander asked hoping that the answer was yes.
"Sure why not?" Vida said smiling. Xander smiled.
"Cool." He said as they continued for the gymnasium. Vida noticed him for a moment. She secretly thought Xander was hot. Secretly being the key word. She never had the heart to tell him this reason being is because they were friends but were always at each other's throat. He looked like his mind was somewhere else. Vida wanted to know what he was thinking.
"What are you thinking about?" She asked.
"Oh uh, nothing." Xander smiled stumbling.
"You ok?" She asked.
Yeah. I'm relieved actually."
"Really??" Vida asked.
"Yeah."
"Why?"
"Well, it's just that…" He said staring into those beautiful brown eyes of hers. Vida watched him carefully trying pick up something in his expression. The only thing she could come up with was confusion. "It's just the dreams had stopped." He said lying. The dreams hadn't stopped. At least not yet anyway.
"Oh." She said pausing a moment before speaking again. "You said that you hadn't been sleeping well lately." Vida said.
"Yeah. That was until last night. I actually got a good night's rest." He said still lying. Vida stared at him. She knew Xander very well and could tell when he was lying. She knew something was up and it had to do with his lack of sleep.
"Oh." Vida said. "You sure nothing's wrong?" She asked.
"I'm sure." He said smiling.
"If there was something wrong, you'd tell me right?" She asked.
"Of course." Xander said. "I'd always confide in you." He said smiling. Vida smiled back. Xander was relieved. Now maybe just maybe he can tell Vida how he feels about her without being interrupted. Even though Vida seems interested in Ben, they weren't an official couple from what Xander could tell. He figured all he had to do was get her alone and tell her how he feels. Who knows maybe Vida feels the same way. Both continued walking towards the gym in silence which at this time was more comfortable.
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Jack, Sky and Nick were all getting ready for the game. All wearing their home jerseys which were light orange and white. Jack tied his dreads into a pony-tail then put his on wrists bands. Both bands are different colors. His left wrist sporting the Orange band and his right sporting the white band. Nick, Sky and Ben wore their bands the exact same way. Ben and Sky both have orange and white head bands. They saw Ben at his locker and decided to talk with him.
"Hey Benny." Jack said tapping Ben on his shoulder.
"What's up dudes? Ready for today's game?" Ben said.
"You know it." Sky said standing behind Jack.
"We gonna kick some Trojan ass today." Nick said excitedly as the entire team began to surface around him and Jack.
"I heard that." Ben said.
"Guys gather around." Said Jack as Sky, Nick, Ben and their teammates all gathered around Jack as their coach looked on. Coach Daniels made Jack the captain of the basketball team because of his leadership skills. Back in New Tech City, Jack was the captain of the basketball team. He and Sky were NTC Jaguars' best players. Jack led the team well and that's why they won a lot of games and went on to win the state championship beating the Briarwood Hornets. This was the same team which housed its best player Nick Russell. Coach Daniels watches as Jack continues to amp up his teammates. "Today is a special day. Today we show the Trojans why the Tigers are undefeated. Today is also our last game of the season before we head to the playoffs. Let's finish this season undefeated. Are you with me?" Jack asked practically yelling.
"YEEEAAAH." The Team yelled.
"What we gon do?" He asked amping up his teammates.
"Kick some ass." The Team yelled.
"I can't hear you." Jack said yelling.
"KICK SOME ASS." The Team yelled.
"Let's do this." Jack said as he led his team out of the locker room towards the gym for their game.
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The entire student body was on hand for this game. Chip, Bridge and the girls are sitting in the front row. Bridge has the camcorder recording every single detail of the game. Once Xander and Vida entered the gymnasium for the game, Vida immediately went over to join Madison, Syd and Z on the bleachers. Xander had to use the bathroom before going to join the girls. By the time he had arrived in basketball court, Bridge and Chip had taken seats next to Vida leaving Xander to stand and watch the game. He watched Vida who was talking to the girls about the game and had totally forgotten about him. Vida who is seated next to Syd, Z and Madison are watching as the opposing players came onto the basket ball court. He smiled watching her.
"Hey V, how did you do on your pre- midterm exam?" Chip asked.
"Easy as pie." Vida said smiling as they giggled
"That a girl." Bridge said pulling her into a hug. Suddenly the entire gym erupted in applause for the home team as Jack and his team came onto the basketball court. Bridge made sure to get their entrance on tape. The girls cheered as they're boyfriends came onto the field. Jack, Sky, Nick and Ben along with their teammates began taking practice shots.
"Hey V don't look now but your boyfriend Ben is staring at you." Syd said smiling.
"So he is." Vida said smiling back at Ben. Ben blew her a kiss using his lips. She returned the gesture. Ben received the ball from Sky and proceeds to take a shot of his own. He winked at Vida who just kept smiling. Syd, Madison and Z all noticed this and smiled. Chip and Bridge noticed Xander's reaction. He was pissed. If looks could kill, Ben would already be vaporized because the look Xander was giving him could kill any man. Nick saw this then turned to Vida who was still caught up in staring at Ben.
"Still gonna give him some?" Syd asked.
"He's getting more than some. I'm gonna bone his brains out." Vida said as the girls giggled.
Chip, Bridge and Nick all noticed this as Xander stood next to the stands. The game began with Jack scoring the first three points of the game. Sky followed with a three point shot of his own. Nick followed with a lay up shot giving the Tigers eight quick points. The crowd cheered loudly as Ben put the Tigers up by eleven with a three point shot of his own. Xander watched as Vida cheered for Ben smiling. Chip and Bridge watched Xander and could tell that he was pissed off and it had something to do with Vida. The first half ended with the Tigers leading the Trojans 59 to 22. Jack had twenty-two points, Sky had thirteen points and Nick had fourteen points and Ben had ten points.
The second half was all Tigers again. They came out shooting 60. The Trojans had no answer for the way the Tigers were playing. The game ended with Jack hitting a three point shot giving them a 112 to 78 victory. At the end of the game, Jack had forty points, Sky had thirty-two points, Nick had twenty points and Ben finished with twenty points. The crowd went nuts celebrating their final game and finishing undefeated. When the game was finished, Syd ran to Sky and jumped into his arms kissing him. Z ran into Jack's waiting arms and they began kissing. Madison gave Nick a congratulatory kiss. Xander watched Ben approached Vida lifting her off her feet while planting a kiss on her lips. He watched her smile at Ben as they kissed. Xander was infuriated. He decided to leave the gym hurt. The gym was filled with ribbons as the marching band played their school's music. Z, Syd, Madison and Vida all watched as the guys surrounded Coach Daniels giving him a massive hug. Then returning to they're girls. Bridge got everything on camera as Chip stood by him. Jack, Nick, Sky, and Ben kissed their girls on their lips.
"Hey ladies, do us a favor and wait for us while we get changed." Asked Jack.
"Don't we always?" Asked Z. Jack nodded.
"We'll be right here." Said Madison as she let Nick go so he and his teammates could head to the locker room.
"Guys go shower because you all stink." Said Bridge holding his nose.
"Whatever." Said Sky laughing as he, Jack, Nick and Ben all headed back into the locker room.
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Coach Daniels gets his guys in the locker room. They all high fived each other cheering excitedly. Coach Daniels watched as Jack led the cheers. He smiled at their excited faces but realized that they're true test has yet to come.
"Ok guys, settle down." Coach Daniels said as his rowdy bunch settled down. "You guys did an excellent job all season. I'm so proud of you all. You busted your asses all season long and it's gotten us to our second consecutive undefeated season. We are now undefeated in the last two seasons." He said excitedly as Jack and his teammates cheered. "Next up for us is the playoffs or March Madness. Now as some of you know, the playoffs are the toughest part of any sport. It's the time when we find out who the real players are. It's a time to step up your game. Take it to another level. A level it's never been before. These playoffs will test your souls, spirit and your testicular fortitude."
"Basically you're saying you wanna see whose balls are biggest?" Ben asked as the locker room erupted in laughter. Coach Daniels smirked realizing Ben was joking.
"Basically." He responded as the team giggled. "I know that you guys are ready to make a statement in the playoffs. I know we will win." He said giving his players encouragement. The guys all cheered once again. "The bus leaves for Los Angeles Monday morning so be ready." He said as the guys cheered while changing in the locker rooms. Coach Daniels watched his team once more smiling before heading into his office.
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After showering and dressing back into their street clothes, Jack, Sky, Nick, and Ben dressed in their suits all made their way back onto the basketball court. Wearing the suits is standard for all sports programs for all of the schools ranging from High school to the NBA. Bridge is the first to approach them.
"You guys smell a lot better." Bridge said being funny as he Chip and the girls waited for the guys outside of the gym. The girls giggled at his comment.
"Very funny Bridge." Jack said smirking. The girls continued to giggle.
"No seriously that was some game guys." Bridge said high fiving his friends.
"Yeah you clobbered them." Chip said smiling.
"We did didn't we?" Sky asked confident as the others laughed.
"And we can all celebrate tonight." Syd said.
"I know what that means." Jack said smiling as he tongue kissed Z.
"Fresh boy." Z said smiling.
"I met dinner at the Lair silly." Syd corrected him. "Keep it in your pants Jack." She said smirking.
"Keep it in your pants Sky." Jack said mimicking Syd's comments towards her boyfriend as they all giggled.
"How did you like the game V?" Ben asked with his arm around her shoulder.
"It was great. You guys were awesome." Vida said smiling as they both smiled at each other then shared a small kiss. Madison and the others caught this and smiled.
"Ben you wanna join us at the Lair tonight? We're gonna celebrate the team's undefeated season." Syd asked.
"You know I'm there." Ben said smiling with his arm around Vida's waste.
"Great." Vida said out loud totally forgetting about her movie date with Xander.
"I can't wait to chow down." Nick said. "All that playing made me hungry." He said as the others laughed.
"You're always hungry." Madison said rubbing her boyfriend's belly as they all giggled.
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Xander slammed his door shut and began pacing back and forth. He was extremely angered and hurt all at the same time. He couldn't control how he was feeling. He had to calm down. Xander went into the kitchen and took a can of beer out of the fridge. He sat down at the kitchen table thinking. Why was he so angry? Was he angry at Ben? Maybe. He didn't like Ben at all. Ben thought he was god's gift to women. Xander thought he was the biggest prick walking god's green earth. However Xander realized that he was jealous of Ben because he was vastly putting the moves on Vida and she was falling hard for him. Here he was about to tell Vida how he felt about her. Maybe there's still time. He and Vida were to see a movie tonight. Xander sat there continuing to finish his beer. He didn't know what to do. He put the can down on the table. "That's it. I've got to tell her how I feel." Xander said to himself. He began to get ready for his date with Vida hoping that she didn't forget.
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Jack and the others arrived at the Lair. Jack, Sky, Nick and Ben all got a standing ovation from the crowd of teens that filled the Lair's room. From fellow students to faculty, they all clapped proud of the way their team had finished off the season. The Lair is decorated in the school's colors Orange and White. The tables are pushed to the side to make room for dancing. Each table is decorated in Orange and White. There's a big stage platform with a podium on it. In the back of the college hang out is a DJ playing records. Mike the owner of the place had everything set up for the guys with a little help from Sydney and Shelly. Shelly along with some of her co-workers all set up the beverage tables and would serve food for the guests at the celebration. A banner stood high about the podium which reads Congratulations Tigers On An Undefeated Season" Jack and the others all smiled. Their teammates were already there.
"Oh my god." Z said smiling amazed at the turn out. "Look at the turn out." She continued.
"This is amazing." Bridge said smiling.
"I'll say." Said Chip who also sported a big grin while holding his camcorder getting this moment on film.
"Look at this?" Said Ben.
"Yeah, I didn't know the whole school turned out for this party." Said Vida.
"This is awesome." Said Sky with his arm around Syd's waste.
"Yes it is." Nick said with his arm around Madison's waste as they all made their way into the back of the Lair. Jack, Sky, Nick and Ben all high fived their teammates on the way towards the back.
Mike gets up on stage holding a microphone and there are several boxes behind him. He noticed Jack and his friends make their way over to the back near the stage. He realizes that Jack and his teammates don't know that Sydney had come up with the idea and presented it to him and their coach who is there as well.
"Ladies and gentlemen, can I have your attention please." Mike asked as everyone in the entire place turned their attention to him up stage. "Thank you. Today was a special day. Our basketball team not only punched their ticket to the play offs but they finished the season undefeated. The Canyon Lake Tigers, our hometown heroes. Let's give them a hand." He said as everyone including himself all began clapping. "These guys did one hell of a job all season long and tonight is their night. As you all know they will be heading to LA for the playoffs better known as March Madness. We want to send them off on a great note. This celebration is for you guys." He said as the entire place erupted in applause. "Now to say a few words here is Coach Daniels." He stepped back clapping allowing Coach Daniels to stand at the podium.
"Thank you. You know when this season began, I didn't know what to expect. The guys had done an excellent job and I was afraid that this year would be different. Well it wasn't and we still dominated on the court. I just want my players to know that no matter what happens, I'm proud of them. Let's go Tigers." He screams as everyone repeats what Coach Daniels just said.
"LLLLEEEETTT'SSS GOOOOO TTIIGGERRSSS." Everyone repeated.
Mike had stepped back up to the Microphone. He was getting ready to present some gifts to the basketball team.
"Ok. Thank you Coach Daniels. Now, because these guys have done a great job, I called a buddy of mines and he helped me create retro Jerseys for the basketball team to keep as their own. When I call you're name, come up and get your jersey." He said as Shelly held a hand full of jerseys in her hand. She hands the first one to him. He called out eleven of the fifteen members of the Tiger's team wanting to save the best four for last. "This guys always has everyone laughing at his antics on and off the court. Ben Marshall." He said as Ben received his jersey. "This player maybe little in height but boy can he hit those three pointers. Nick Russell." Nick smiled going onto the stage to receive his jersey. "This tall guy knows how to handle himself on and off the court and can dunk a basket with the best of them. Sky Tate." Sky smiled while going up to receive his jersey. "Last but certainly not least." Mike said as everyone in the crowd began to chant his name.
"JACK, JACK, JACK, JACK." Everyone said cheering.
"This young stud is quickly becoming one of the premiere point guards of the game. He can hit his shots from all parts of the court, has a mean hook, a smooth jump shot, defends his position well and is an excellent three point shooter. The captain of the Tigers team JACCCK Landors." He said as the entire place erupted again in applause as the most popular guy on campus smiled going onto the stage and accepting his jersey. "Let's hear it one more time for the Undefeated Tigers." He said the crowd continued to applaud.
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It was about 8:15pm and Xander was still standing at the movie theatre entrance. It's been an hour and Vida still hasn't shown. Reason being is because she's at the lair with the others. He was getting irritated. He kept glancing at his watch. No sign of Vida. He decided to wait a while longer to see if she'd show up. Better late than never. Question is will she show up?
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After receiving their retro jerseys from Mike, Jack and the others after being congratulated by half of the student body decided to find a table. All are sitting together talking. Mike and Shelly walk over to their table.
"Hey guys." Mike said standing in front of their table. "I just wanted to say congrats on a job well done."
"Thanks Mike we appreciate that and these cool jerseys." Nick said as they all smiled.
"Consider it a good luck charm." Mike said.
"We will. Thank you and Shelly for this party." Sky said. "The turnout was awesome."
"Well don't thank me, thank your girlfriend." Mike said. "Syd was the one who came to me and Coach Daniels with the idea." He said smiling.
"Is this true?" Sky asked smiling at his girlfriend. Syd smiled back indicating that she indeed was the person responsible for coming up with the idea for this celebration. "I'm so gonna get that ass tonight." He said as Jack and the others giggled. Syd smirked.
"So Mike can we get something to eat because I'm starving." Nick said rubbing his belly.
"Sure." Mike said. "Shelly will handle everything." He said then leaving.
"Good I feel like I can eat a cow." Said Nick.
"Keep eating like that and you'll look like one." Said Ben as they giggled.
"Keep eating like that and you'll look like one." Nick said mocking Ben as the others giggled. Shelly took down their orders and proceeded to get their food.
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It's now 9pm. Exactly 45 minutes later. Realizing he had been stood up, Xander decided to head back to campus. He was angered at Vida for standing him up. How could she agree to go out to a movie with him and then not show up? This was ridiculous. He was seething. Angered, yet was hurt. If Vida didn't want to go out with him, maybe she should've said so. Xander took the bus back to campus. He spent the entire ride back to campus thinking about his relationship with his friends. He felt like he was slowly losing them. He knows all too well what it's like to be abandoned. He hoped this wasn't déjà vu all over again.
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After having eaten like pigs, the gang decides to shake it off. They along with everyone else at the Lair began dancing. The DJ played lots of hip hop songs as well as regge, R&B and Rock. The DJ now put on a slow song on. Jack takes Z by the hand and the two begin to slow dance.
"What's wrong?" She asked her man.
"Nothing." He said smiling holding Z close to him.
"You look like you're miles away."
"I was just thinking."
"About the playoffs?"
"Something like that." Jack said then shifting a little in Z's embrace. Z could tell when something was wrong. Jack would always be deep in thought as if he was trying to figure something out. His eyes would wonder and he'd lose focus on what he was doing at the time.
"Papi." She called to him. It was her knick name for him. Jack looked at her. "You sure you're ok?"
"Yeah." Jack said smiling. I was just thinking about the NBA."
"What's wrong?"
"I'm contemplating on whether I should leave school and head to the NBA this year." He said staring at her. Z's face was blank. Jack tried to read her expression but wasn't able to.
"What do you think I should?" Z asked.
"I don't know." Jack said sighing. "I'm so torn I don't know what to do. Part of me wants to be rich and famous playing for a great NBA team. Yet the other part of me wants to get my degree and finish school." Jack said. "Seeing as though this is our junior year, I figure I could always come back and finish getting my degree. Or I stay another year." Jack said as he and Z continued to move around on the dance floor. Z didn't say a word. Jack noticed this and wondered what his girl is thinking about. "Hey, what's wrong?" He asked her.
"Nothing."
"Well what do you think?" Jack asked her.
"I don't know. This decision is yours to make." Z said. Jack looked away.
"You're no help you know that?" He asked her jokingly. Z smiled. "You seriously don't have an opinion on this?" He asked. Z simply shook her head no. "Why not?"
"Because no matter what decision you make, I'll always be by your side." She said smiling. Jack smiled back.
"I love you chica." He said leaning his forehead on hers.
"I love you to papi." She said as they continued to slow dance.
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Sky and Syd are sitting together watching the other students including their friends dance. Both sat in silence for a moment. Sky stared at Syd for a moment. "She's so beautiful." He thought to himself. Syd had always been there for Sky. She was his rock, his girl friend, the love of his life. Like Jack and Z both Sky and Syd had been together since their junior years of high school. Both had put off dating each other for two years and it was Sky who pushed for a relationship. Syd had her heart broken before and wasn't about to let it happen a second time. It took Jack, Z and Bridge to convince her to give Sky a chance. It paid off. She and Sky have been together for four years. Sky stared at her lovingly. Syd who was watching her friends dance turned to see her boyfriend watching her.
"What are you staring at?" She asked.
"The most beautiful girl in the world." He said smiling at her. Syd smirked. "Ok that was corny." He said as Syd laughed. "You're still beautiful though."
"Thanks." She said smiling. Sky leaned in and kissed her lips. The kiss was passionate. "What was that for?" she asked smiling.
"Just a little taste of things to come." He said flirting then kissing her again. "I wanna thank you." He said taking her hand in his.
"For what?"
"For coming up with the idea to throw this big bash for the players." Sky said. "The support is truly remarkable."
"Well you're welcome." She said as they kissed again. "Besides, you guys deserve it. Just imagine the party we're gonna have if you guys actually win it all." She said.
"When we win it all and we will, the party will be off the chain." Sky said confidently. Syd smiled again. Both noticed a crowd forming around the dance floor. "What's going on?" Sky asked as he and Syd stood up from the seats they were sitting in deciding to see what the commotion was about.
"I don't know." Syd said as both got closer to see what the crowd was looking at. Currently occupying the dance floor was Nick and Madison. Both were showing off their dancing skills as everyone clapped along to the beat of the music while encouraging the couple on the dance floor. Jack and the others were surprised at how good Nick and Madison were at dirty dancing. The girls were impressed with Madison's skills and her ability to shake her thang on the dance floor. Both are gyrating their hips to salsa music. Madison turns her back to Nick who grabs her hips pulling Madison into him so that her butt is facing his groin. Madison then grinds against him causing some arousal on Nick's part. She wraps her around his neck as he has his arms around her waste. Both moved in unison together. As the song comes to an end, Nick takes Madison's left hand, twirls her around his body then pulls her into him again and dips her. The crowd goes nuts cheering for the couple. Bridge and Chip had gotten their performance on camera. Both Syd and Sky approach their friends. "Damn Nick, I didn't know you could move like that." She said smiling.
"Yeah Madison, I'm surprised you could move like that." Said Bridge.
"Well we learned from the best right sis?" Madison said.
"That's right." Vida said smiling having taught her sister and Nick everything she knows.
"Baby I didn't know you could dance." Ben said.
"You didn't ask." She said smiling.
"Well why don't you show me some moves?" Ben said flirting.
"Let's go." Vida said as they all headed to the dance floor.
"Look at them go." Said Chip who's holding his camera capturing everything on camera.
"Boy Vida does have some moves." Bridge said getting some footage of their friends dancing. Both decided to join in on the dancing with some shoving from Z. Z took the camera from Bridge and began capture him and Chip dancing.
None of them noticed Xander standing by the door watching them. He was hurt. Vida had stool him up to come to this party held for the basketball team. What was worst was that he wasn't invited. He watched Nick and the others engage in the party dancing, laughing having a great time. It pained him to know his friends could just isolate him easily. Well he figured if they were going to isolate him, then he'd return the gesture. With that he turned and left.
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Later that evening, Chip and Bridge returned back to dorm laughing and carrying a bag filled with junk food. Both had spent the evening with their friends celebrating their College's basket ball team's undefeated season. They had so much fun partying. Bridge got the chance to dance and he never dances. He never could dance. He and Chip were both able to capture their friends' dance moves. Chip sits down on the couch sporting a huge smile.
"That was so awesome." He said putting the bag right beside him.
"Totally. And the best part is that we got it all on tape." He said smiling holding his camera. Bridge went to sit right next to Chip on the couch.
"So why don't we start putting this little video together?" Chip asked smiling.
"We can do that later. Right now I just want to sit here for a moment." Bridge said as both of them sat on the couch in silence. Not able to take the silence any longer, Bridge speaks again. "It's a good thing the guys are spending the evening with their girlfriends." Bridge said.
"Yeah. And Xander is…" He stopped mid-sentence realizing that he hadn't seen Xander all day. "Hey where is Xander?"
"Don't know. Haven't seen him since the game earlier." Bridge said staring into space. "What's wrong with him anyways? He's always so distant."
"I don't know. Funny thing is he wasn't like this in high school." Said Chip.
"Really?"
"Yep." Chip said staring at Bridge. "He was always so smooth with the ladies and confident."
"That's the impression I got when I first met him." Bridge said turning to Chip. Chip nodded. "Why the sudden change?"
"I don't know but I suspect it has something to do with Vida." Chip said not knowing how right he was.
"Vida??" Bridge asked.
"Yeah. Those two use to have their spats in high school. It was pretty funny." Chip said smiling.
"Wait so why would he suddenly change once he reached college?" Bridge asked confused.
"Because Xander realizes he's in college now. He's not the same person he use to be. Neither is Vida." Chip said. "Besides, college is about growing up. Everything changes once you reach this level."
"True but I don't get the connection." Bridge said still confused.
"Vida use to be this tomboy that really didn't like to do the girly girl things. Although she was attractive and had her share of dates, she wasn't well figured as she is now." Chip said trying to get Bridge to understand Xander and Vida's unusual relationship.
"Well figured?" Bridge asked.
"What do you notice about Vida when you look at her?"
"She's got a great rack." Bridge said knowing that he's gay he could actually get away with saying that.
"What else?"
"She has a nice ass." Bridge said.
"Bingo. Vida's figure didn't start to show it's self until she entered college. And now with her hanging with Syd and Z not to mention Madison, she's become more girly like." Chip said.
"I get it. Xander is seeing her in a different way now." Said Bridge.
"Yep." Chip said smiling. "That's why things change when in college."
"So she's the reason he left the gym today?" Bridge asked. Chip nodded. "I wonder why that is."
"Maybe he's lonely for some female attention." Chip said.
"And you think Vida will give him some attention? Please. Besides she's dating Ben and is happy." Bridge said.
"Did you see the look Xander gave them?" Chip asked.
"He looked like he was ready to kill Ben." Bridge said folding up his arms. "You think Xander has the hots for Vida?"
"Maybe but then they start to argue again and the idea of them liking each other goes right the window." Chip said then turning to stare at Bridge again. "Hey B do you ever get lonely?"
"No way." Bridge said. Chip looked away sadly. "Besides with you around, I'm never lonely." Bridge said smiling knowing that Chip was watching him.
"You mean that?" Chip asked. Bridge turned to him.
"Yes. I like you a lot." Bridge said smiling.
"How much do you like me?" Chip asked. Bridge then leaned into Chip and kissed him passionately. Chip surprised by the kiss kissed him back with the same passion. "Question answered." He said as both exhaled nervously.
"You wanna go upstairs?" Bridge asked.
"Why?" Chip asked naïve to the hint Bridge was throwing at him.
"Because what we're going to do shouldn't be disturbed." Bridge said taking Chip by the hand and leading him upstairs to his bedroom. Once they entered Bridge's room, both began kissing with angst. His knees buckled as Bridge's tongue invaded his mouth. Chip returned the gesture. They had stopped kissing as Bridge pulled him towards his bed.
"Bridge wait." Chip said as Bridge turned to him. "I. It's…" He said trying to tell Bridge that he was a virgin. Bridge put his finger to Chip's mouth to stop him from talking.
"Don't worry. I won't hurt you." He said as they began kissing again. Bridge began to remove his t-shirt. He noticed that Chip was scrawny but wouldn't tell him as much. He then began sucking on Chip's chest nipples. Chip moaned liking the way Bridge was using his tongue to pleasure his him. Bridge then began to unbutton Chip's pants. He could tell that Chip was erected. Bridge took his six inch cock out of his trousers. Chip helped Bridge out by kicking his pants away. He then pulled off his trousers. "You ok?" He asked making sure his friend and lover was alright in his first sexual encounter.
"Yes." Chip said moaning a bit as Bridge fondled his groin going up and down on the shaft. Chip was moaning as Bridge watched his facial expressions. Bridge then took Chip's member into his mouth. Chip wasn't all that big so it wasn't hard for him to take all of Chip in his mouth. Moving up and down on his shaft, Bridge was giving Chip a blow job. Something he had never experienced. Chip moaned loud as he was about to cum prematurely. Bridge stopped sucking him and then jerked Chip off. Chip came in his hand. "UUH. UUHH. That felt so good."
"Come here. Bend over." Bridge orders as Chip obeys. "Spread your legs." He does spreading his legs apart from each other. Bridge took one finger and began to finger Chip's anal cavity. Chip immediately moaned letting Bridge know just how it felt. "You like that baby?"
"Yes. Keep going." He said as Bridge then continued to finger him. Chip moaned. Then Bridge stopped. "Why did you stop?" He asked flustered from moaning. Chip's member got hard all over again.
"Because I'm about to enter you." Bridge said taking off his pants and trousers. Bridge was pretty large for a guy his height. He put a condom over his eight incher and then slowly entered Chip. Chip moaned louder feeling the pain his backside. "You alright?"
"Yeah." Chip said in some pain. He was new at this and needed to just relax his hips.
"It will hurt at first. Just relax." He said as Chip nodded. Bridge then pulled out and entered him again. A bit more deeper. Chip cringed a bit. Bridge pulled out of him knowing that he was hurting Chip. He went over his dresser and grabbed the Vaseline.
"What's that for?" Chip asked really showing his lack the knowledge of love making.
"This is to open you up a bit more." Said Bridge as he opened the Vaseline jar and using his left finger dipped it in and pulled back tones of the stuff onto his finger. He then took that same finger and stuck into Chip's anal cavity again. Chip moaned like the way that felt. Bridge again stopped. He took the jar of Vaseline put it back on the dresser and then went back over to Chip. "You ready for me?" He asked.
"Uh huh." Said Chip who was extremely turned on despite being in some pain from the first time Bridge entered him again slower this time. Chip began moaning feeling less pressure.
"How does that feel?" Bridge asked.
"FEEELLSS SOOO GGOOOD." Chip moaned as Bridge entered him further. Bridge soon began pumping in and out of Chip. Chip who cringed for a while began to relax his hips and let Bridge in entirely. Bridge found his rhythm and was pounding his behind. Both moaned feeling the pleasure of each other. Chip took his own prick into his hand and while fucking receiving a good humping from Bridge, began to masturbate his self at the same time. Chip then began groaning louder. Bridge continued to plunge his member into Chip's tight rump. Both groaning in ecstasy as both were about to climax. "OOHH GGOOODDD BRIDGE." Chip screamed out.
"OOOOOH FUCCCK." Bridge yelled out as they both climaxed together. Chip coming from his member and Bridge who climaxed in him. Both then fell onto Bridge's bed collapsing breathing heavily. "That felt so good." Bridge said.
"Diddo." Chip said. Bridge took the covers and covered Chip and himself up on the bed. "Hey Bridge."
"Yes."
"I love you." Chip said.
"I love you to." Bridge said staring up at the ceiling.
"Hey Bridge."
"Yes Chip."
"I've always loved you since the day I first met you." Chip said admitting his feelings for Bridge. Bridge turned over to look at him.
"Really??" He asked as Chip nodded. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because I didn't think you liked me. I mean you have a reputation of not staying in a relationship for too long." Chip said as Bridge stared at him knowing that what he said was true. "I'm right aren't I?"
"Yes and no." Bridge said. "It's true that I haven't been in a real relationship." He said as Chip looked away. "Reason being is because I haven't found that special someone yet." Chip looked up at him.
"Do you think that maybe I can be that special someone?" Chip asked.
"You already are." Bridge said smiling. Chip smiled back taking Bridge's hand in his. Both kissed each other passionately. "Come here." Bridge ordered as Chip moved closer to him willingly. Both leaned back on his bed. Chip planted his head on Bridge's chest. Chip smiled realizing he just had his first sexual encounter the man he loved. Bridge Carson. He also felt relieved. Bridge knows how he feels about him and more importantly Bridge returned his feelings. This truly was a magical night in more ways than one. Chip closed his eyes slowly falling sleep trying savor the moment with his lover.
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The next morning, Vida had walked into the lair and noticed that everything was back to the way it was prior to the party. She walked over to the counter to place an order.
"Hey Mike." She said.
"Hey there cutie." Mike said playful.
"Boy you guys work hard getting the place back to normal." She said.
"You know me. I move quickly." Mike said smiling as they both giggled. "What can I get you?"
"Well actually, I'm ordering food for myself and the others." She said.
Xander who was sitting at a booth about three tables away from where Vida was standing noticed her and looked up angrily. She had her back to him. Xander rolled his eyes returning back to his book. Xander who hadn't been able to sleep spent the night listening to Bridge and Chip have sex. But he didn't care about they're love making. It was what happened earlier that angered him. Watching his friends all have fun at the party last night hurt a lot. The same party in which no one bothered to tell him about. What was worst was that the woman he loved had stood him up. She had totally forgotten about him blowing him off to be with Ben. Looks like she made her decision. Unable to sleep, Xander got out of his bed at 4am and began studying. At 6 am he decided to grab a bite while studying. So he took his book to the Lair to study.
"Ok. Shoot." Mike said.
"Give me three #4's, 2 #6's and 3 #1's please." Vida said politely.
"You got it." Mike said taking down what she ordered on the menu. A #4 consist of Pancakes, eggs, sausages, Toast with orange juice and coffee. A #6 consist of French Toast, eggs bacon, hash browns and coffee. A #1 consists of scrambles and bacon on a bagel hash browns and coffee. Mike went to the back making sure the order would be ready.
Vida turned around and saw Xander sitting at a table right behind her. Surprised that he'd be up this early she watched him for a moment. Xander had been studying his book. From the looks of things he has already eaten and was just reading. She decided to go over to him.
"Hey." She said smiling. Xander looked up and rolled his eyes. She was the last person he wanted to see. Vida stopped smiling when she noticed Xander's facial expression. "What's wrong with you?" She asked.
"Nothing." He said angrily. Vida wasn't buying it. She just watched him for a moment noticing the way he angrily went back to reading his book.
"Come on Xander, I know when something's bothering you so out with it." She ordered.
"Why should I tell you anything? He asked angrily.
"Because we're friends." Vida said thrown off by his attitude. "You can tell me anything."
"Friends huh? You could've fooled me." He said rolling his eyes.
"Xander what's the matter with you?" She asked raising her voice frowning.
"Nothing that concerns you." He said angrily. He lied to her. His reason for being so angry had everything to do with Vida.
"Why are you so mad all of a sudden?" Vida asked frowning hard at him.
" You keep saying we're friends." He yelled.
"We are friends." Vida yelled back.
"Then why did you can stand me up last night?" He said angrily. Vida stated at him angrily.
"What are you talking about?" Vida asked crossing her arms.
"We were suppose to go see a movie together remember?" He asked her yelling in frustration. Vida stared at him confused. "You never showed up Vida."
"Stand you up I didn't…." She stopped mid-sentence realizing what Xander was talking about. "Oh no the movie date." She said with a guilt-ridden expression on her face.
"Yeah that's right." He asked angrily with a hint of hurt in his voice.
"Xander I totally forgot." She said feeling bad about standing him up.
"Oh great." Xander said hurt at the fact that she could easily forget about him. "It's nice to know you could easily forget about me." He said getting up from his table with his book in his hand.
"Xander wait." Vida said watching him. "I'm so sorry."
"Yeah right." He said angered at her. "I came back to campus only to find out there's a party going on at the Lair. I find out that you guys were there." He said raising his voice. If Vida didn't know better she could hear the hurt in his voice. "A party my so called friends had and didn't even think to invite me."
"Xander I…." Vida said not realizing how angry she had made him. Not realizing how hurt he was.
"Look, if you didn't want to go with me, you could've said so. As far as the others are concerned, tell them that if they want to isolate me, they got what they wanted. I will never bother you guys again." Xander said angrily walking away. Vida just watched him. She was surprised at his attitude, yet she couldn't remember the last time he spoke to her in that tone. In fact she doesn't think Xander's ever spoken to her that way before. It was kind of a turn on. However she felt bad. She did agree to see a movie with him and then stood him up. How could she do that to a friend? Either way, she knew she had hurt him.
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Later that afternoon, Jack, Nick, Sky, Ben and their team mates got in some practice before leaving campus tomorrow morning for LA. All worked out in the weight room after basketball practice. Coach Daniels watched how his team was physically and mentally preparing themselves for a long playoff run. Question is will they go all the way? After practice, the guys headed back to their dorms and pack up for the trip. They weren't the only ones packing for the trip. Jack is the first to notice Bridge and Chip sitting together making out.
"Ahem." Jack said smirking. Both Bridge and Chip looked up. "Looks like someone had some fun last night?"
"We sure did." Chip said smiling along with Bridge who winked. Jack laughed.
"What's so funny?" Asked Nick.
"You're friend here just got laid last night." Jack said smirking.
"What? That's great man." Nick said excitedly.
"What's great?" Sky asked with Ben walking up behind him.
"Chip here officially became a man courtesy of Bridge." Said Nick.
"Way to go dude." Sky said shaking Chip's hand.
"Thanks man." Chip said.
"Now we can't call you a virgin anymore." Ben said smiling.
"That's right. There are no virgins in this house." Chip continued boasting about his night with Bridge who just smiled.
"Except Xander." Ben said as they laughed jokingly.
"Doesn't masturbating count as sex." Jack asked smirking.
"Nope. You gotta have the real thing." Sky said.
"Ain't that the truth." Bridge said as they giggled.
"We better get packing." Said Sky.
"Listen, I'll catch up with you guys tomorrow. I gotta get packed my self." Ben Said. He resides in another dormitory.
"Alright man. Later." Said Jack. Ben waved goodbye before heading out the front door. "Aren't you two coming with us?"
"Yeah. We're already packed." Said Bridge.
"Good cause we have to be out of here by 7:30am sharp." Jack said heading back upstairs to pack up.
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Xander is at the library. He has been trying to study for these midterms all day. He hasn't been able to because of the scene he caused earlier with Vida. He had every right yell at her. He was angry at Vida for standing him up and then forgetting about him. Worst of all she admitted to forgetting about him. Part of him couldn't help be forgive her. This was the part of him that was in love with her. He was caught between a rock and a hard place. The other part of him was angry and hurt. This part of him made him want to just forget he ever knew her and move on. His heart won't let him forget her because he loved Vida and couldn't live life without her in it. What was also frustrating not to mention painful was the fact that his so called friends were slowly but surely isolating him. Though they didn't know it, Xander did and hated it. Though the isolation began back in their freshmen year, Xander didn't really feel isolated until Ben showed up. What was a guy to do? Frustrated, Xander threw his pen across the room. Shelly who was walking past his table saw this and reacted.
"I think you might need that pen." She said staring at Xander who obviously was distracted.
"It's ok. I have another one." He said with his face in his hands.
"You ok?" Shelly asked.
"Fine." He said not wanting to talk at all.
"You look like you have a tone of things weighing you down." Shelly said.
"You're very observant." Xander said rubbing his tired eyes.
"You wanna talk about what's bothering you?" Shelly asked.
"Not really." He said not wanting to be disturbed.
"Ok. Well, I was gonna ask you for help with something but I don't think I should impose." She said then turning to leave.
"Wait." Xander said. "What don't you want to impose on me?" He asked.
"I was just gonna ask if you could accompany me to LA?" Xander stared at her for a moment. "See I'm Professor Cormier's student aid and I have the task of helping the basketball team study for the midterms. I was wondering if you could help me with that?"
She asked hoping the answer was yes.
"Um." Xander said not sure he should go. After all Ben is on that team and he knew Vida would be going to LA to be by his side. "I don't know if I should." He said smiling politely. The truth was, Xander didn't want to go because of Vida and Ben.
"Please. We can grab Pizza on the way?" Shelly said trying sweeten the pot for Xander who loves Pizza.
"Ok fine. I'll go." Xander said. "But only to help you out."
"Oh great Xander you're a life saver." Shelly said going over to plant a tiny kiss on his cheek. Xander smiled. "Ok get packed and I'll meet you in the parking lot of the campus tomorrow 7:30am." She said leaving.
"Ok." Xander said watching her disappear behind a stack of book shelves. "Great." He said sarcastically then grabbing his books and leaving the library.
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Vida is standing in her bedroom packing for the trip LA in the morning. She hadn't been able to concentrate thinking about Xander's comments earlier this morning. She stopped packing and sat down on her bed. Xander's comments hit hard for her. "It's nice to know you could easily forget me." Sheclosed her eyes picturing the expression written on Xander's face. It was a cross between anger and pain. She remembered his next comments to her. "If you didn't want to go out with me you should've said so and as far as the others are concerned, tell them that if they want to isolate me, they got what they wanted. I will never bother you guys again." She shook her head realizing that Xander was right. She had every right to be angry with her. He had every right to feel bad. She had made plans with him and then blew him off. That was wrong. She hadn't thought about Xander until she saw him earlier. She was too busy thinking about Ben that she completely forgot about one of her closes friends. What was worst was that no one bothered to tell Xander that there was a party leaving him out in the cold. There's a knock on her door.
KNOCK, KNOCK
"Come in." She said getting back up off her bed to continue packing. Madison walks into her room.
"Hey sis." Madison said in her usual cheerful voice.
"Hey." Vida said not really wanting to be bothered.
"You finished packing yet?"
"Almost. I have a few more things." Vida said. Madison noticed her mood and wondered what was wrong.
"What's wrong?" She asked. Vida didn't respond. "Are you worried about being alone with Ben?"
"No. I'll never get that worried about being alone with a man." Vida said turning to her sister. "It's…" She said trying to tell Madison about her spat with Xander earlier. "Nothing." She said giving up.
"Tell me V. What's wrong?" Madison demanded to know.
"It's Xander."
"Xander?" Madison asked. Vida nodded. "What's wrong now?" She asked not surprised to hear that she's having an issue with Xander. Those two always had issues every since they were in high school. This was nothing new to her.
"I saw him this morning." Vida said flustered frowning.
"And?" Madison asked.
"He seemed so angry."
"Why was he angry?"
"He was angry at me." Vida said turning to sit down her bed. Madison sat down next to her. "See yesterday before the game, I bumped into Xander and we walked to the gym together." Vida said.
"So why would he be mad at you?" Madison still unsure as to why Xander would be so angry.
"We were suppose hang out and see a movie together and I stood him up." She said feeling guilty about it.
"Oh." Said Madison. "Well I'm sure you didn't mean to stand him up."
"I know but Xander doesn't see it that way." Vida said sadly. "He's really hurt."
"It's Xander. He'll be back to his goofy self before you know it." Madison said smiling slightly. Vida didn't return the smile.
"Maybe, but that's not what concerns me." Vida said looking back her sister with a serious expression.
"What do you mean?" Madison asked.
"It's what he said to me that has me a little worried about him." Said Vida.
"What did he say?"
"I believe his exact words were and I quote; "If you didn't want to go out with me then you should've said so and as far as the others are concerned, if they want to isolate me then they got exactly what they wanted. I will never bother you guys again." Vida said as Madison had a strange look on her face.
"Who did he mean by the others?" Madison asked.
"He met us. You, me, Nick, Chip, Bridge, Jack, Z, Syd, and Sky." She said feeling bad about the situation at hand. "He's mad that he wasn't invited to the party last night."
"We didn't even know about the party." Madison said frowning her self.
"I know." Vida said looking away. "All I know is that he's upset."
"Maybe I should talk to him. I've always had a way of getting him to open up." Madison offered.
"No. I don't think he wants to see any of us right now." Vida said frustrated.
"I can smooth things over. You know get him to talk to me." Madison continued wanting to know what was really up with Xander.
"No sis." Vida said firmly being the oldest of the two.
"Aren't we all friends?" Madison asked as Vida turned to her nodding. "Then why not try talking to him?"
"It may make things worst. I say let him cool off then we can try and talk to him. Find out why he's so mad." Vida said as Madison nodded.
"I guess that makes sense." Madison said sighing. "I'll let you finish packing." Madison said standing up to leave. "Hey uh V." She said stopping at Vida's bedroom door.
"Yeah."
"Everything will be ok. I know Xander and he can't stay mad for too long." Madison said trying to reassure her sister that all will be well.
"You're right." Vida responded smiling.
"Later." She said leaving Vida's room.
"See ya." V said to her sister. Once Madison closed the door behind her, Vida sighed again. She sat there for a moment thinking about Xander. She began to realize that she hadn't been spending time with him. After all they were friends and friends, good friends usually spent time together. What was she to do?
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That night, Nick, Jack, Sky, Chip and Bridge are all in the kitchen sitting down to dinner. They had ordered their dinner from the Lair deciding not to go out as they had to get up early in the morning. Both Bridge and Chip ordered Cheese burgers with French fries and cokes. Sky ordered a chicken salad with French dressing, tomatoes on the side and a diet Pepsi. Nick ordered fish sticks with onions rings and a Vanilla smoothie. Jack ordered a vegetable platter, a fruit salad and Snapple Ice-T. All are laughing talking about the party last night.
"I can't believe you danced like that." Sky said taking a piece of tomato into his mouth.
"Yeah I mean you and Maddie tore it up on the dance floor." Jack said taking a sip of his ice-t. Nick smiled nodding agreeing with his and Madison's dancing skills courtesy of Vida.
"What can I say? It was Vida who taught us everything we know." Nick said wiping his mouth with a napkin.
"I gotta get V to teach me to salsa." Bridge said smiling.
"You know what I can't wait for? The Playoffs. I can't wait to get to LA and begin the playoffs." Said Jack.
"Me neither." Said Sky. "We gon kick some ass." He continued cheering.
"That's right. They're not gonna know what hit'em." Nick said as he high fived Jack and Sky.
"Best of all, we're gonna have our boys B and C getting all of our games on Video." Jack said high fiving Bridge and Chip.
"We gotcho back." Chip said trying to sound hip. They all laughed when Xander enters the kitchen without unttering a word to them. He went to the fridge and grabbed a beer. The guys watched him except for Sky who was still upset with him.
" Xander why don't you join us for dinner?" Nick asked. "I've got plenty left."
"No thanks." Xander said angrily. The guys watched surprised by his mood.
"Hey Xand." Chip said taking a fry into his mouth. Xander didn't respond. "Hey Xander, you in there?" He asked smiling trying to be funny. He realized that Xander wasn't smiling. He glanced at Nick who looked concerned.
"Xander you ok?" Nick asked concerned. Xander ignored him heading into the living room.
"That's werid." Said Bridge continuing to eat his food.
"No doubt. I wonder what crawled up his butt." Jack said as Sky laughed.
"I'm gonna talk to talk him." Nick said getting up from the table and heading into the living room. He sees Xander sitting on the couch watching TV holding the remote control. "Hey Xand, you alright?" He asked as Xander frowned at the sound of Nick's voice. Nick sighed frowning himself. "Xander what's wrong?"
"Nothing, I'm fine." He said angrily.
"There was a party last night for the team." Nick said still staring at him.
"So I heard." Xander said sarcastically.
"Where were you?" Nick asked.
"Jee, let's see. I had a date that never showed and there was a party I wasn't invited to." Xander said sarcastically. "You know the same party you guys attended? By the way how was that party?" He asked frowning hard at Nick who returned the gesture.
"The party was fine. Is this why you're in such a shitty mood?" He asked.
"No Nick, I'm just peachy." Xander said continuing to be sarcastic.
"What is your problem?" He asked damn near yelling.
"I haven't been laid in a while and it's starting to get on my fucking nerves." He said still using that sarcastic tone with Nick. He shut off the television then heading to the staircase which leads their bedroom. Nick followed him.
"Xander." Nick yelled to him.
"What?" Xander yelled back.
"What's the matter with you?" Nick asked frowning. Jack, Sky, Bridge and Chip heard the yelling and wanted to know what was going on. They came into the living and noticed the tension between Xander and Nick. "Lately you've been walking around here with a stick up your ass. What the hell has gotten into you?"
"That stick." Jack joked as Sky laughed.
"What do you care anyway?" Xander said heading up the stairs. Nick and the others watched him.
"Is he ok?" Chip asked.
"I don't know." Said Nick. "He's been acting really strange." The others nodded.
Xander was acting strange. Did he just say that? For a guy who claimed to be Xander's friend really didn't know him. Xander had every reason to feel as bad as he does. His friends continue to isolate him. Worst part is that they don't even realize their doing it.
Xander packing for the trip to LA realizes he's going to be tagging along on the same trip to LA with his so called friends. At least he'll have Shelly to keep him company. He picked up a picture of Nick, Madison, Chip Vida and himself standing in front of their lock in high school. Those seemed to be some good days. He and his friends had some great times together. Now things were different between him and the others. Nick had basketball with Jack, and Sky. Chip hung out with Bridge who became his boyfriend. Madison and Vida both had Syd and Z to hang out with which left only him. What would happen on this trip?
To Be Continued!!!!!!!!
Chapter Three Entitled "March Madness": Jack leads his team through the grouling college basketball tournament known as March Madness. Meanwhile things between Xander and Vida hit an all time low. He also continues to isolate himself from the others as well. He turns to Shelly for comfort. What will happen?
Stay tuned.
Note: Sorry this chapter is out so late. I've been having issues with my family so please bare with me.