A/N: Life sucks cuz it gets in the way. Honestly I should have had this up like last week. Major snowstorm and other shit hit me. Oh and btw to Some Guy that left me a review on chapter 9. It's a filler dude. I can make Paige a valley girl if I want. I can do whatever I want in fillers. If I was a space ship to come then I will make one magically appear. So =P
Disclaimer: I own a printer and way too many shirts. I however do not own Degrassi or its characters.
Two more weeks left until I have to go back to school. I know what you're thinking. Damn, I've been back for a long time. Well winter break in college is a long time. After a semester of papers, projects, group work, and a bunch of other shit I needed a long break.
It's about 8am right now and I'm heading over to Marco, Ellie, and Palex's place right now. Alex has asked me to help her with some college applications and stuff. We've already sent in some to the colleges she's really looking at. We're expected responses from two of the colleges in a couple of days now. Paige has no idea what Alex and I have been up to because Alex wants to surprise her.
As I approach the door it opens. It's Paige, looking fabulous as always.
"Hey Paige," I greet her.
"Hey Hon!" she greets me excitedly.
"You're looking pretty snazzy there."
Paige smiles at me. "Thanks Hon! I have a big interview at Dabenshire. Gotta run! See ya later."
"See ya!" I yell after her and wave good-bye.
I walk into the house and Marco is sitting at the table eating cereal and reading the newspaper.
"Yo homes," I greet Marco.
"Hey Jordan," Marco greets me back without even looking up.
I go to the cabinet and grab a pop-tart. "Where's Alex?" I ask with half a pop-tart in my mouth.
"Oh you mean the couch potato?" Marco asks with attitude.
Whoa. What the hell is with him? "Um, yea…" I answer.
"She's in the bedroom just lying there like always."
I eye Marco suspiciously. "Thanks… I guess," I say quietly. I enter the bedroom and there Alex is, just laying there.
"Oh Alex," I sing-song.
She sits up. Damn, what the hell is with her hair? Oh my God, it's sex hair.
I point at her. "Sex hair," I simply say.
Alex smiles slyly. "You bet," she says.
I'm shaking my head. "Ew."
"Don't be mad at me just because you're not getting any."
"Yeah yeah, whatever." I pick some clothes off the floor and throw them at her. "Put some clothes on. We have a lot of stuff to do today."
Alex falls back. "Ugh," she groans. "I don't want to."
"I don't want to do a lot of things but I have to. Now hurry up and get dressed."
I leave the bedroom because quite frankly I don't want to see Alex naked. I go back to the table where I left Marco and sit down in the empty seat next to him.
"So I saw a sign on the building saying room for rent," I tell him. "I wasn't aware y'all were looking for another roommate."
"Yeah," Marco says as he turns a page in the paper. "We need another roommate to help pay for rent, and since Alex hasn't even looked for a job…"
"Have you thought maybe she's been doing other things?" I ask him.
Marco puts down the paper and looks at me. "Like what? Besides sitting on her ass watching TV, eating our food, and playing house with Paige what else does she do?"
"What don't you try asking her?" I point to Palex's bedroom and Alex is standing in the doorway with her arms crossed.
"Let's go," Alex says sternly. She grabs her coat and is heading out the door.
"Bye Marco," I say and follow her lead.
Alex and I are in my car now as we're heading to the library.
"The nerve of him," she says. She's talking about Marco and what he said back at the house.
"Don't even listen to him Alex," I tell her calmly. "He has no idea how hard you've been working these past couple of weeks. And obviously he's still bitter about Dylan and he's just taking his anger out
on you."
"Yeah well I can't wait to see the look on his face when I show him all my acceptance letters." Alex is smiling confidently.
I pat her on the shoulder." That's the right attitude. Now I figured today at the library we'll get the last few applications done and we'll also continue our scholarship hunt. What do ya say?"
"Sounds like a plan to me," Alex says.
Alex and I started doing this college and scholarships stuff a little before she finished her last and amazing semester at Degrassi. I have no doubt in my mind that in the fall Alex will be at a University
studying to be a physiotherapist.
Later That Day:
Alex and I are back at the house. We're both in the doorway as Ellie, Marco, and Paige are interviewing some black guy with a giant afro puff.
"So why do you think you'd be a good roommate, uh Griffin?" Marco asks him.
"Uh well I'm quiet, clean and studious," Griffin answers. Sounds like the perfect roommate.
"Hmm that might not work," Ellie says. "We're kind of loud."
"And sort of messy," Paige says.
I look back in Palex's bedroom. "Aint that the truth," I say quietly. Alex sort of elbows me, but in a playful way.
"Yeah we do homework in front of the TV," Ellie says. "You're an engineering student, right?"
"Yeah well and I book bands for the club and I spin," Griffin says. "So loud's okay." He sort of chuckles.
"Oh Griffin, you're just too cool for school," I whisper to Alex.
Alex quietly laughs at my comment.
"Well Griffin it was great meeting you," Ellie says.
"Okay um I'll let myself out," he says while getting up and putting his jacket on. "You guys get right to talk about me." Everyone sort of laughs at his comment except Alex and I. Quite frankly I didn't think it was that funny. Griffin leaves the room and then leaves the house.
"Thank you," Marco says and thrown down his pad and pen. "No more callers"
"Marco just wants to get into his pants," I whisper to Alex.
Alex nods her head, agreeing with me. "I agree," she says.
"Hey I'm not so sure," Ellie says. "A hot roommate is a lot more pressure than regular ones. I need freedom to wear flannel."
I raise my eyebrow at Ellie. Is she serious?
"Griffin was incredibly cute and normal," Paige says. I feel myself puking as she said cute. "It's two to one. Sorry Ellie." Ellie's shoulders slump.
"Hmm a guy here would be weird," Alex tells the whole group. "It's a tie."
Paige turns and looks at Alex. "Um hon, you know we love you, but you don't really get so much of a vote," she tells her. "The rent's the rent, you know?"
"Right. Of course," Alex goes back into the bedroom and I follow her.
"If it helps I totally agree with you," I tell Alex.
Alex sits down on the bed. "Doesn't matter since neither one of us pays rent." Alex grabs a book from the night stand and starts reading. I sit in a chair on the opposite side of the bedroom.
Paige walks into the room and looks at both of us. It's like she's studying us. I have no idea why though. I think Alex is a little upset with her because she didn't even look up when Paige entered the room. Paige gets on her laptop and starts typing away.
"Alex, please stop pouting," Paige tells Alex. Alex doesn't even look up from her book. "You know it's only-"
Paige's face expression changes to upset. "No, no, no," Paige says. She's standing up sort of holding her computer up. It looks like she's asking God to fix whatever mistake has just happened. Alex looks up from her book. Oh so now she's interested.
"Ugh!" Paige groans. "Come on. I'm so stupid."
Alex gets up from the bed and walks over to Paige. "What's the matter?" she asks Paige.
"My license expired and I thought I could renew it online, but…" Both Alex and Paige are looking at the laptop. "Alex half of this job is driving."
"72 hour wait," Alex says.
"I have to be there in an hour." Paige seems really worried.
"Damn, that's not good," I say out loud. They're both looking at me right now, silently telling me to shut up.
Alex turns her attention back to Paige and places her hands on Paige's arms to calm her down. "You have a car, I have a license," she says.
"You would do that?" Paige asks her.
"Well it might eat into my couch time, but it will be fun to hang out for a change." I don't know why Alex is lying to Paige about what she's actually been doing these past couple of weeks. I cross my
arms and sort of pout. I don't like feeling like I've done nothing these past weeks when all I've done is helped her.
"Thank you. Thank you. Thank you." Paige is hugging Alex while thanking her for agreeing to be her driver. "The entire fashion industry owes you huge. Ready to hit the road?" Paige hands the car keys to Alex.
"Later Jordan!"
Hours Later:
"You're wrong Jordan," Marco says.
"No you are Marco!" I argue back.
Marco throws his hands into the air. "Fine I'll look it up online!"
"You do that then," I tell him and cross my arms.
Marco sits down in the armchair and loads up his laptop. I hear the door open and here comes Paige and Alex carrying a bunch of clothes. Marco turns his head and also sees them walk in.
"Bonjour couture," Marco says as soon as he sees the clothes. "And Alex, its newest fan?"
"Uh not quite," Alex says while walking past Marco.
"Had a little license issue, but this adorable super human is chauffeuring so I don't lose my job." Paige informs him.
"The things I do to spend time with you. I just don't get why we have to bring all this stuff here." Alex walks over to the bedroom doorway and leans against it.
Marco is going all through the clothes. His gayness is really coming out.
"Um hon, we can't leave them at the venue alone. They are priceless. Marco, flown from Milan today."
"No!" Marco exclaims. Marco tries to grab the dress.
"Oh no touch pas."
"I saw a pair of $1200 shorts tonight," Alex informs us. "Who buys $1200 shorts?"
"Paris Hilton and other rich bitches," I tell her. She points at me indicating that I'm correct.
"I wish I could!" Paige exclaims. "Being near them on the runway will have to do."
Alex and I are both giving each other a look. We both know that even though my family is "rich" I wouldn't pay more than $30 for a pair of jeans."
"That's just sad," Alex responds to Paige's previous comment. "So uh this show, it's for the world's five other shorts-loving freaks?"
"This show is like a huge deal," Marco says. "They said in the paper today who's sitting front row."
"I don't really understand fashion shows to be honest with you," I tell everyone. "I mean most of the outfits you see at this show regular people wouldn't wear on the street. I mean be real for second."
"I bet we could have a fashion where all the outfits are just really cool looking trash bags," Alex says. "We'll call it Bagging Fashion."
Alex and I are nodding at her idea and we pump fists. Paige rolls her eyes at us.
"Hon I will be done at the office at 4 tomorrow," Paige tells Alex. "But if I'm not outside you can just wait for me, okay?"
"Sure, I'm getting use to that," Alex answers.
Alex and I go back into the bedroom while Marco and Paige continue talking about the outfits. Alex sits on the bed and I sit in the chair.
"Ya know we still have some applications we have to do," I tell her. "Deadlines are coming up."
Alex sighs and throws her head back. "I know I know," she says. "It's just I want to spend some time with my girlfriend."
"I understand that Alex but still…"
"But still nothing Jordan. Paige needs my help and I'm going to help her."
I throw my hands up in surrender. "Alright, fine. You win."
Next Day:
I find myself wondering what the hell I'm going to do when I get back to campus. Obviously I'm going to have to face Tammy sooner or later. I can't just ignore her for a whole semester. That would take up too much energy. I throw my head back in sigh. I raise my arms into the air.
"Why God?" I ask loudly. "Why me?"
"Because you're a special girl," some mysterious deep voice says.
"What the-."
Someone's chuckling now. I turn and see Brian peeking through my door.
"Ha ha Dad, you're so funny."
Brian opens the door and walks over to me. "I know I know," he says. "I'm hysterical." He gives me a cheeky grin.
"May I help you old man?" I ask him.
"Hey, watch it. I'm not old yet."
"By the time my younger sibling turns 18 you'll be 60. If we were in the states you'd almost be able to collect social security checks."
"I know you're mom and I didn't pick the perfect timing to have a baby but we're both happy to be able to bring a bundle of joy into this world. Plus this kid is very happy to have you as a big sister."
I brush my shoulders off like I had dirt on them. "Yeah I guess you're right. That little snot bucket is lucky to have me."
Brian hugs me. "Just know that no matter what your mom and I love you and will always love you. We're not going to love you any less just because a baby is going to be here."
I nod my head, understanding. "Ok Dad."
Brian kisses me of the forehead and leaves the room.
I'm a Barbie girl, In a Barbie world.
Why is Paige calling me? "Hello," I answer the phone.
"Jordan is Alex with you?" Paige asks me angrily.
"No, I'm at my house. I have no idea where Alex is."
"URGH!" Click.Staring at the phone, I'm wondering what the hell that was all about. I shake my head and get up. I have a feeling whatever Alex is doing, it can't be good.
Ellie, Marco, and Palex's Place:
I enter the house and immediately a smell hits me. Oh you have got to be kidding me. I go to Palex's room and swing open the door. The sound of hip-hop music hits my ears and the smell and sight of weed smoke hits my face. Right in front of me is Jay and Alex lighting it up.
"You gotta be kidding me!" I yell.
"Oh hey Jordan," Alex says and giggles.
Jay waves at me. "Hey J-Dawg."
I yank the blunt out of Alex's hand.
"Hey!" she yells.
"Your angry, pissed off girlfriend just called me asking where you are," I tell Alex. "Did you forget to pick her up?"
Alex raises her hand to her mouth. "Oops," she says and shrugs her shoulders.
"It's not her fault J-Dawg," Jay says. "Mel just broke up with me and Alex is being a good friend by being here with me."
I point a finger a Jay. "Call me J-Dawg one more time Hogart and I will fucking burn a hole into your hand."
Jay makes a sad face and sort of whimpers.
"Call Paige now," I order Alex.
"Ugh," she groans. "Fine." Alex grabs the blunt back from me.
Alex dials Paige's number on the house phone. I can hear some talking coming from the phone.
"I will be soon, Paigey," Alex says. "I just had to um…just read the style section, okay? I'll get there as soon as I can."
Jay is shaking his head and quietly giggling. I hate these two when they're high. After a few more minutes on the phone Alex hangs up. Alex turns to look at Jay and me.
"I have to go get her," she tells us and puts out the blunt in the ashtray.
"First Mel leaves me, now you," Jay says sadly. "My heart is cracked open and leaking love juice all over the place."
"Your heart will heal." Alex stands up but sort of wobbles. She's holding on to the chair for support.
I slap my forehead and groan. I need to get friends who don't cause me to have an ulcer.
"I can't drive," Alex says and starts laughing. "I'm too stoned." Jay starts laughing as well. "No, what am I gonna tell Paige?"
"That you're an idiot and you're lucky to have her in your life," I mutter.
Jay points a finger in my direction. "No," he says. He turns his attention back to Alex. "Tell her that I'm a mess. That you're being a good friend. She'll get it."
Alex shakes her head. "No she'll have a fit, actually," she says.
"You bet your ass she'll have a fit," I tell them.
"These are the only things she cares about," Alex says, pointing to the dresses and ignoring my comment. Alex unzips the plastic bag to the blue dress. This has trouble written all over it. Alex takes
the dress out.
"Whoa Mel would look so hot in that," Jay says sadly. Jay slumps his shoulders. "God I miss her."
"And that's why I keep you around!" Alex says suddenly. "For your brilliant ideas!"
That's it; I've had enough of this. I go to Jay. SLAP!
"Snap the fuck out of it!" I yell at him. He's looking at me in disbelief and covering the side of his face I just slapped.
"Grow up and be a man. If you want Mel then go get her. Getting high is not going to help your situation." I turn to Alex. "And you," I say while pointing to her. "I'm gonna go pick up your girlfriend and
while I'm gone think of a great apology for her."
I stomped out of the room and out of the house. I dial Paige's number. "Hey Paige, I'm on my way to get you," I tell her.
Returning to the House:
I just picked up Paige and she is really pissed off. When I pulled up to the sidewalk to get her she was giving ME the evil eyes. I haven't even done anything! We just pulled up to the house and Paige is still oozing anger.
Paige storms into the house and I'm right behind her. If she's going to kill Alex someone is going to need to call 911.
"Alex!" Paige yells. Paige places the dress she was holding on the char. "Alex, can you at least do me the courtesy of being here when I yell at you?"
Paige walks into the bedroom and I follow. I can still smell the weed. Paige and I turn around and there's Alex hiding behind the door with a stupid smile on her face. Is she still high?
"You ditched me!" Paige yells at Alex.
Alex comes from behind the door and she's wearing a trench coat. I feel really uncomfortable now.
"I'm gonna go into the living room," I tell them.
"I know. I'm sorry, but Mel dumped Jay and he really needed-" Alex says.
"Let me guess, a shoulder to get high on?" Paige interuppts Alex.
I'm far away from the room where I can't hear the conversation.
"Oh my god!" Paige yells. "Take off the dress now!"
That did not sound like a "let's have sex now" yell. That sounded more like an "I'm going to kill you now" yell. Oh fuck, what stupid thing did Alex do now? I'm staying in the living room because I do not want to be caught up in that cross fire.
Alex is walking out of the bedroom right now holding the coat against her. Although she's holding up the coat I can tell she's wearing the blue dress I saw her pull out earlier. I hang my head down and I'm shaking it. It's like no matter what something wrong is always going on with these two.
"I'm going home now," I announce. I think I've had enough Palex drama for one night.
Next Day:
I often wonder to myself how many times a couple can mess up and still think they're meant to be with one another. I mean when you think about it Palex has so many problems and issues I wonder why I think they're meant to be. It's just somewhere in my heart I know those two aren't meant to be together and in the end will be together.
She's the girl all the bad guys want. Yeah, she's the girl all the bad guys want.
Ugh. I can already tell this isn't going to be good.
"Hello," I answer my phone.
"Hey I need your help delivering some stuff."
I sigh loudly. Find your happy place Jordan, fine your happy place. "I will be there in ten minutes," I say through my teeth.
Hours Later:
"Alex we have to deliver them!" I yell at Alex.
We're arguing about the VIP reminders Paige wanted Alex to deliver.
"They're $3000 Jordan!" Alex yells. "That's a lot of money"
"I know that's a lot of money but it's not our job to decided whether or not they should be delivered just because of how much they cost." I look at the car's clock. "Alex it is two o'clock! Paige is going to kill us."
"No she won't," Alex says calmly. "We'll just go to her job and explain what happened and why we couldn't deliver them."
This chick has gone crazy! "You want to go to her job?" I ask horrified. "Number one, that's a bad idea no matter how you spin in. Number two, look at you!" I point to Alex's outfit. "You're wearing sweats, a jean jacket, and dirt tennis shoes. You cannot go into a fashion place looking like that."
Alex looks at me with anger and disbelief. "Are you turning into one of them now?" she asks.
"One of them? Alex, I'm trying to stop you from doing something completely idiotic."
"Just drive Jordan."
I shove Alex. "Fine."
I'm driving to Paige's work now. I know this is a bad idea but if I didn't drive her I knew Alex would just walk there herself. We pull up to Dabenshire. I turn to Alex.
"I'm asking you, no begging you. Please do not do this."
"I'm going in and I'm going to talk to Paige." Alex opens the car door and gets out.
Ugh. I need to at least try to stop this. I get out of the car and run after Alex. Alex and I enter the building and all eyes are on us. Well actually all eyes are on Alex. I look quite good, as always. Alex fast walks into the next room and I'm right behind her.
She's about to get on the runway. Oh shit.
"Alex," I half whisper half yell. "Do not do it."
Too late, she's walking down the runway making her way toward Paige.
"Paige!" Alex shouts to get her attention.
Now I don't know what Paige's boss usually looks like but she doesn't look pleased with Alex walking on her runway right now. Alex is talking to Paige and I'm standing a few feet away. I'd rather not get evil eyes from some fashion lady that doesn't know me.
Paige's boss is pointing at Alex saying something. Paige grabs Alex and now they're walking toward me. This is not going to be good.
"Alex, what is wrong with you?" Paige asks Alex. "You didn't deliver the reminders, did you?"
"We were about to but-," I start.
"No 'cause I saw the invoice," Alex interuppts me and tells Paige. "$3000 for chocolate? That's three months rent to where I come from."
"And if I hadn't spent the last hour frantically calling people about the show, I'd have lost my job," Paige says.
"This isn't happiness, Paige." Alex's voice is getting louder. "This is a lame temp gig that has you acting like a diva."
"Guys," I say calmly. "Maybe we should take this conversation somewhere else and calm down a little bit."
Both girls turn to me with anger in their eyes. "Stay out of it Jordan," they say simultaneously.
Paige turns back to Alex. "Who asked you to judge what is okay for this company or me?" Paige asks her. "I am trying to start a career I actually care about."
"You actually care about this artificial crap?" Alex asks her. "Paige you wrap presents and iron dresses like a maid. Sorry if I have principals."
"You know what? You were better off as a stripper. It is all great to climb up on your high horse, but at least that girl was working for something."
My jaw has literally just dropped. I can't believe Paige just said that. Paige tries to walk away but not before Alex grabs her kind of forcefully.
"Alex, I'm done," Paige says.
Now they're both walking away angrily and I'm just standing here not able to move. I can't believe that just happened. I can't believe I was able to stop that. I can't believe I'm still standing here
letting Alex walk away.
I run outside the building and I'm looking around frantically. I'm looking left and right but I see no sign of Alex. I run my hands through my hair. I have a feeling there will be no happy ending to this story.
Next Day:
I couldn't find Alex anywhere. I pretty much drove all over Toronto and I called her cell about 100 times but she never answered. I didn't dare go to the house though for fear that Paige would be there.
DING-DONG!
That's the doorbell. I jump out of my bed and run downstairs. I hope to God it's Alex and she's ok. I open the door. It is Alex but she's crying and holding a duffel bag.
"Alex?"
"I j-just came over to say good-b-bye," she says through her tears.
"Good-bye? Alex what are you talking about? And why are you carrying a duffel bag?"
Alex shrugs her shoulders. "I'm moving to Ajax to live with my mom's cousin."
What?