Part VII: Waking Up

WHY THE HELL DID YOU LET HER DO THAT?

"Ry she just gave me a kiss that's all. I didn't declare endless love for her…" Alex replied.

You know you're lying to her. You like someone else.

"I know. She knows that too…"

Then why did she kiss you?

"I don't know… She's my best friend Ry… I can't just push her back."

I didn't say you should push her back. I'm just saying you shouldn't have let her kiss you.

"I know. I just… I don't know… I didn't want her to get upset."

Alex… You can't be everything to everybody. You have to hurt people sometimes. Be honest… Come on squirt. If you really care for Jodie, you'll tell her the truth. If you care for Marissa, you'll tell her too. At least they know what they are getting into.

"And my parents…? What would they say? They'll kick me out…" Alex tone's was scared.

Squirt… if they kick you out. I'm flying there to be your guardian. I'll make you graduate in Harvard with or without their help.

"But you can't do that… You're sick…"

You can't change who you are Alex. Besides, I'm sure Harvard needs a new shooting guard next season.

"Yeah you're right." Alex slowly showed a smile on her face.

----

"She's been like that since last night." Lindsay said as she peeked through the bedroom door.

She was afraid Marissa might throw another pillow at her. Or better yet… a figurine.

"What was the last thing she did before she went all mopey and moody?" Summer asked.

"She made this phone call to a friend of hers. I think it was Alex. Yes, Alex."

"Ah… I see. I'll try and cheer her up." Summer replied and entered the room.

Lindsay closed the bedroom room to respect her sister's privacy.

"Hey Riss… How are you?" Summer asked as she sat beside Marissa's bed.

Marissa didn't answer. She just stared at the ceiling.

"Something wrong Riss? Your sister said you've been throwing pillows at her…"

Still no answer.

"Did something happen with Alex?" Summer went straight to the point.

"Nothing happened to Alex." Marissa answered emotionless.

"So what's up with you then? Summer asked.

No answer.

"Did Alex say something to you?" Summer had grown impatient.

"She didn't." Marissa replied.

"Then what gives?"

No answer.

"You know I can't help you if you don't talk!" Summer was frustrated now.

Still no answer.

"Why can't you just tell me huh? You used to tell me stuff since we were in third grade! I mean…"

Marissa cut her off.

"She has a girlfriend."

"…huh uh what?"

"She has a girlfriend." Marissa stared at the ceiling, not even blinking.

"I didn't know Alex had a girlfriend."

"Well she has…"

"Did Alex tell you that?"

"No. I spoke to the girl. I was looking for her. I called her. That girl answered." Marissa closed her eyes.

"Riss…"

"I'm fine Sum… I'll be fine…" Marissa left out a soft sigh.

----

School was less than bearable for them. Alex and Marissa managed to maintain a civil relationship without getting into a heated argument. Alex felt Marissa's contained anger whenever their eyes met. Marissa on the other hand avoided much staring. She would turn her gaze away whenever she looked at Alex. She didn't want to melt into Alex's sad eyes. Every thing was kept bottled up inside. Not until one day in gym class.

They were practicing shooting hoops. Of course Alex didn't have a problem. Marissa did though. Then it was time to practice passing. Marissa was with her team when she saw Alex giggling with another girl. She didn't know the other girl. It was a girl from the other class. It seemed she wanted Alex's autograph. Marissa couldn't take it anymore. She could hardly think of what Alex was doing with her girlfriend. Seeing girls flirt around Alex was more than she could take.

Alex was just being nice to the girl when she felt a ball hit the back of her head. Every body else was in shock. Marissa just threw the ball at Alex.

"Hey! What was that for?" Alex rubbed the back of her head.

It hurt.

Marissa didn't answer. She turned away, and then walked towards the girls' locker room.

"I'm talking to you!" Alex shouted as she started to follow Marissa.

Marissa stopped dead in her tracks. But she didn't look back.

"I'm talking to you. It would be nice if you turn your face towards me." Alex demanded.

"Who are you to demand such?" Marissa turned to face Alex.

Her eyes were angry. She turned again and walked.

Every one in class was staring at Alex. They were trying to see what she would do next. Alex looked around. She had to make Marissa apologize. She followed to the locker rooms.

The locker rooms were empty. The other students didn't dare enter the premises. They wouldn't want to be there if all hell breaks loose.

"Marissa!" Alex shouted.

Marissa didn't move. She sat on the bench in front of their lockers.

"I don't think I deserved getting a ball thrown on my head!" Alex added as she walked nearer Marissa.

Marissa didn't answer though. She didn't look at Alex either. This fumed Alex even more.

"You know you've been all bitchy these passed few days. I don't really know what's going on with you. I mean you hardly talk to me…" Alex continued on not realizing Marissa was standing up.

"… I know you have a wonderful side of you… and I know it's just been weeks…" Alex still had her motor mouth running.

Marissa on the other hand was staring at Alex, who had her eyes glued to anywhere but Marissa.

"… I just want you to know if you're mad at me you don't have to throw balls at me. I don't want to get hurt physically… I mean…"

But before Alex could finish, Marissa held Alex closer then kissed her fiercely. Every inch of sensation produced heat around their bodies. Alex eyes opened wide, Marissa's on the otherhand closed. Alex hands held on to Marissa's waist as she closed her eyes. Marissa's hand traveled then rested on Alex's shoulder holding Alex closer. It felt as though she wanted to be as close to her as humanly possible. But before Alex could do anything further, Marissa suddenly pulled away. Her eyes still closed. Alex opened her eyes with the loss of Marissa's lips on hers. Her lips were still burning. They stared at each other. Then slowly Marissa backed off. She gave Alex one last look her face, still emotionless, and then walked out the door. She left Alex standing alone on the locker room, completely stunned.