Piper stared straight ahead as her teacher droned on in the background. Her eyes flitted to the clock; only twenty minutes of hell left, and she was free. Yet time was passing as slowly as molasses, and every time she glanced up, only a few minutes had passed. She craned her neck to look back at the empty seat in the last row of the classroom. A wave of disappointment washed over her as she realized it, unsurprisingly, still hadn't been filled.
Alex hadn't been in school since they'd had their fight. Turning around, Piper pressed her eyes closed and tried to drown out the thought. It crept in anyway, and she hated the words echoing in her head. It hadn't been pretty - but she still thought she was right.
"Pipes, it's not that big of a deal," Alex said.
She slipped the gun back into the boot and gently placed it back into the shoe box. As Piper stared at her, slack-jawed, she shrugged nonchalantly.
"I don't know what to tell you," she continued. "I know you don't understand, but you're on a different planet to me when it comes to stuff like this." She looked up at Piper, and upon seeing the look of sheer panic on her face made her regret ever getting it out to begin with. "I shouldn't have showed you."
"No," Piper said, her jaw working. "I don't think you should have."
"Just forget it," Alex said. She shrugged again, letting her hair fall in her face. Piper watched, her lips pressing together, and for the first time she noticed how tired Alex looked. Her sparkly eyes were underlined with dark circles and her hair, usually perfect even when she'd just rolled out of bed, looked dull and lank. Piper reached out to softly brush Alex's cheek.
"You don't have to live like this," Piper said gently. "We could-"
"My life is not a project for you!" Alex's face darkened into a glare. "Just leave it alone, okay?"
It wasn't just the argument that worried Piper. She hadn't heard from Alex in days. Despite their argument having happened on the weekend, she hadn't seen Alex at all this week, and it was Wednesday now. It wasn't as if skipping school was the crime of the century, but Alex never skipped. God knows Piper had tried to convince her on enough occasions. She always got the same stock answer: "Piper, you know I can't afford to lose my scholarship."
It was odd to say the least, and somewhere deep inside, Piper worried that something wasn't right. Though her pride was hurt, this was something more. No argument with Larry had ever ended like this. Come to think of it, no argument with Larry had ever really amounted to anything at all. If she was honest, she was beginning to wonder if this relationship was worth the hassle. She could end it all and go back to normal...and she could tell herself that all day, but she knew it wasn't true.
"Why can't you accept my help?" Piper asked, her voice soft but with a definite edge. She hugged her knees to her chest, letting out a sigh that said so much. A moment of silence had passed, and whilst the gun was put away, it was still the thing at the forefront of Piper's mind.
"Because I don't need it," Alex complained. She looked away, out of the window, and sighed. She took Piper's hand. It was a matter of pride. Whilst she knew Piper's intentions were kind, she couldn't help but prickle at the suggestion that she couldn't take care of herself. "Can't we just hang out?" Alex asked finally. "I just want to spend time with you...to be together, without everything else getting in the way. I just wanna be normal. You and me. That's it. Don't you want that too?"
She leaned in, touching her lips to Piper's. Closing her eyes, she deepened the kiss. Her hand rested on Piper's chest and she pressed her forehead to hers. Hot breath tickled Piper's ear as Alex leaned in. "Don't you want this?"
It seemed to be their way. Arguing turned into making out. It was like the tension in the room turned to passion, and things melted away with each kiss. It was nice, but also frustrating. But Piper had to admit she wouldn't change it.
"I do," Piper admitted. She pressed her lips to Alex's hesitantly. With Alex, everything felt new. She had only ever kissed two other people, and a peck in sixth grade didn't really count. Larry had been an okay kisser, she had to admit, but this was something different. Alex leaned in further, pushing Piper down. The blonde didn't resist, and tangled her hands in Alex's hair.
Alex trailed kisses down Piper's collarbone. Piper closed her eyes and shivered as her breath tickled her goosebump littered skin. Safe to say, Larry had never done that. She felt a thrill of excitement as Alex's hands slipped under her shirt.
"You okay?" Alex said softly. She rested her head against Piper's shoulder.
Piper nodded, threading her fingers with Alex's. Alex's hands roamed her body freely. They settled on the small of her back. Piper tentatively put her hand underneath Alex's shirt too, her fingers a lot more hesitant but still with a touch that made Alex shiver.
Piper pulled Alex close, burying her nose into her hair. Alex laughed at the peculiar act until she felt Piper's body shaking.
"What?" Alex asked, pulling away. Her forehead creased as she saw a tear rolling down Piper's cheek. She tried to brush it away before she saw, but it was too late. She cupped Piper's cheeks. "What's wrong, Pipes?"
Piper shook her head, reluctant to say anything.
"Just tell me," Alex said gently. Anxiety was bubbling; she'd seen Piper mad, but not this upset. "Nothing bad will happen here, okay?"
"Please don't get mad if I say it," Piper whispered.
Alex nodded curtly. "I won't."
"Do you promise?"
"Just say it," Alex said, pushing hair out of Piper's eyes.
"I've never liked anyone as much as I like you," she admitted. The word 'love' hung in the air, but Piper left it unsaid, and for that, Alex was grateful.
"So?" Alex laughed. "That's a good thing. I like you a lot too, which is handy."
"But I'm just so worried about you," Piper admitted. She sat up, nodding toward the wardrobe. "I can't get that gun out of my head. Please don't use it. Please keep yourself safe," she stammered. "Please...just get rid of the fucking thing, it's not worth it."
Alex sat up. "For Christ's sake, Piper, you're like a fucking dog with a bone. Drop. It. Already!"
"That's easy for you to say! What if the roles were reversed? What if you went to bed afraid I was going to die? Or get attacked by my crazy ex? Let's face it, Larry's not much of a threat, is he? I certainly wouldn't need a fucking gun stuffed in my wardrobe!"
Alex opened her mouth to reply, but stopped dead in her tracks as the door flew open. Diane stood on the other side, her face set in a thunderous gaze. Piper scrambled to her feet and Alex gulped as she frowned at the both of them. Neither of them knew how much she had heard.
"Alexandra Vause," Diane said, her voice rising hysterically. She jabbed a finger at Alex's chest, glaring at Piper before turning back to her daughter. "You tell me what's going on right this instant!"
"Et tu, Piper?" Mrs Figueroa asked, tapping on Piper's desk. The sound of her voice made Piper jump.
"Uh," Piper said weakly, looking up. The light was harsh for eyes that had been open all night as she tossed and turned and she winced as it shone down. "Can you repeat the question?"
"En français, s'il vous plaît!" Mrs Figueroa barked.
Piper sighed. "Um…"
Mrs Figueroa rolled her eyes, but stood straight and addressed the rest of the class. "Anybody else?" she asked swiftly, shooting a glare to Piper that was a warning to listen. It fell on deaf ears, and Piper put her head down on her desk. Thoughts of Alex consumed her.
As the end of the class drew nearer, and students were on tenterhooks waiting for the bell to lunch, Mrs Figueroa quietly stood next to Piper's desk. "See me after class, okay?"
Piper suppressed a sigh but nodded. As the bell rang, she stayed put at her desk, twirling the pencil case that held the school supplies she hadn't touched in longer than she would care to admit.
"What's going on, Piper?" Mrs Figueroa asked as she sat at her desk. She crossed her legs, feet clad in heels dangling in front of Piper, and awaited an answer. "I know your grades haven't been the best lately, but you're a bright girl, and never quiet, at least."
Piper shrugged. "You know how it goes," she said limply. "High school sucks."
"Yeah, pretty much," Mrs Figueroa said, without a hint of sympathy in her voice. "But," she continued with false brightness, "it sucks for everyone, so you're on an even playing field."
"Mm," Piper said, letting out a long breath. "That doesn't make me feel much better."
"Do I look like a guidance counselor to you?" she asked Piper, raising her eyebrows. She flicked through papers, looking thoroughly bored with the conversation, and tapped the desk.
"Well, can you get it together?" Mrs Figueroa sighed. She leaned her chin on the back of her hand, hunching forward. She lowered her voice, a hint of a smile on her face. "Your parents are a pain in the ass and if your grades don't go up, I'll be hearing from them a lot more often. Neither of us want that, hm?"
A smile flickered across Piper's face. Mrs Figueroa might not be the teacher she'd go to if she was in trouble, but she admired her ability not to bullshit, and she always said it how it was.
"You could say that again," she said, rolling her eyes. "I'll try harder next class, Mrs Figueroa." She ducked her head as she stood, gathering her things to put away in her backpack. "Sorry about my parents. They're...well, you know."
"I know," Mrs Figueroa said, tipping her head at Piper. "They care. You're a lucky girl. Don't throw that away for whatever's causing…" she gestured to Piper, and the blonde realized her lack of effort with her appearance that morning hadn't gone unnoticed as she had hoped. "All this. No boy is worth it. I promise you that."
Piper let out a little laugh. "Yeah...I figured that one out."
Mrs Figueroa hid a little smile. "Get out of here, Piper."
Piper nodded quickly. "See you later, Mrs Figueroa."
Her teacher waved her off. "I really hope not!"
Piper stood at the edge of the cafeteria, looking around at the bustling scene in front of her. She scanned the crowd, and despite knowing already that she wasn't here, found herself disappointed when she didn't spot Alex. She pursed her lips, looking around, and sighed when her eyes settled on Polly.
The brunette beamed when she saw Piper lingering, a smile tugging the corners of her mouth upwards. She gestured for Piper to come and sit with her, but Piper shook her head.
It wasn't that she didn't miss Polly; far from it, actually. She missed her desperately. Every time she had a problem with Alex, or every time something amazing happened, she wanted to call her. But too much time had passed, and there was an awkward tension. Besides, Polly hadn't called either. Piper bristled when she saw Brook Soso sitting next to her at the table.
Maybe later, Piper mouthed, looking apologetic. Turning before she could say anything else, Piper headed for the courtyard. She needed to clear her head, and the fresh air would do her good, as her grandmother always said. But, as she breathed in deeply, filling her chest with air, she scrunched up her face. It wasn't fresh air at all, and she looked around for the source of the foul smell.
Smoke billowed up from edge of underneath the bleachers. Laughter rose up from within them, the high pitched giggle of a teenage girl and the gruff chuckle from the boy who was with her. Piper walked over to them, curiosity written all over her face.
"Hey! I thought you said you were gonna share, asshole," a familiar raspy voice said. The girl didn't sound mad, far from it.
"And I thought you said you were sober," the boy laughed. "That lasted about as long as the last time."
Piper wrinkled her nose as she rounded the corner, the smell permeating the air. She recognized that annoying voice anywhere, and it concerned her all the more. She tip-toed to the edge of the bleachers and peeked her head around.
"Is that you, Nicky?"
Nicky jumped at the sound of her name being said, and quickly threw whatever she was holding onto the floor. She tossed her hair, trying unsuccessfully to get the smell of weed out of it, and stammered, "What? I'm not doing anything!"
"Okay," Piper said as she tilted her head. She looked at the joint on the floor, eyes meeting Nicky's questioningly. "I didn't care if you were."
Upon seeing Piper's face, she relaxed considerably, leaning back. "Oh, it's just you, Blondie. Jesus, you scared me. Don't sneak up on a girl like that, eh?" She looked to the floor where the joint was, eyes filled with disappointment. She sighed wistfully, turning to the boy behind her. "This is why you always buy more than you think you'll need."
"I did," he said indignantly. He glared at her. "It's not my fault you didn't. Although I'm paying for it, you ruined my plan for the afternoon." He groaned. "I was really looking forward to getting high and sitting here till 3PM."
Piper raised her eyebrows at him as he turned to her. "Joel, right?" she asked uncertainly, shrugging her backpack further up her shoulders. "I've seen you around." She stuck her hand out. "I'm Piper."
"He knows who you are," Nicky said, ignoring Joel's complaints. She cocked an eyebrow at the hand hovering in the air.
Ignoring the handshake offer, he looked Piper up and down, not noticing how she squirmed under his intense glance. He smirked. "Wanna see some more of me?"
Nicky smacked the back of his head. "Knock it off, she's not interested."
Joel turned back to Nicky, rubbing his head. Despite that, he was grinning. "Why, you jealous, Nichols?"
Nicky rolled her eyes, a wicked smirk on her lips. "No, but she's batting for the other team."
"Well," Piper said, looking uncomfortable, "I wouldn't say that...it's a spectrum, you know, a scale."
"Oh, don't start that again," Nicky complained. "I'm not nearly high enough to deal with another lecture on the Kinsey scale."
Joel looked disappointed but unsurprised. "Is there something in the water in this town?" He hopped down from the bleachers, quickly over the let down of that revelation. His voice rose hopefully. "Got any hot friends?"
Piper rocked on her heels. "Not really."
"You don't think I'm hot, Piper?" Nicky asked. She pulled out a cigarette from her pocket, lighting it up. Breathing out a cloud of smoke, she shrugged. "I won't pretend I'm not hurt."
"I didn't think you were my friend," she replied honestly.
Nicky laughed, which turned swiftly into a coughing fit. Before she had recovered from it, Joel had swiped the cigarette from her fingers. "Hey!"
"What?" he asked, taking a long drag himself. "I shared. Where'd you even buy these? I get carded every time."
Nicky relented on the cigarette. It was a poor alternative anyway. "You don't have a fake ID?"
"They never believe me," he complained. "You don't look eighteen either."
"They'll let you if pay them double," Piper piped up.
Both Nicky and Joel turned to Piper, their faces both mirroring the disbelief they felt. As they stared, Piper shrugged, playing with the straps of her backpack.
"You've bought cigarettes?" Nicky asked, doubt steeped into her tone. She raised her eyebrows at Joel, as if to say get her. "Gotta hand it to ya, I never saw you as a smoker…"
"I'm not. Larry asked me to bring drinks round to his a couple of times." She shrugged again, just realizing that he'd let her take the fall if anything had gone wrong. The thought didn't sit well with her, but she pushed it down.
Nicky nodded, clearly more impressed with Piper than she had been before this conversation, and leaned back against the bleachers. Then, as if Piper wasn't even there, she turned to Joel. "So," she said, "about this friend you were telling me about.."
Before Joel had the chance to respond, Piper cleared her throat. "Nicky, I just need to ask you something-"
Nicky swiped the cigarette back from Joel, taking a quick drag before nodding. "Shoot," she said, looking at Piper.
"Have you heard from Alex?"
Nicky straightened at the mention of her best friend. "No," she said immediately. "Have you?"
"No," Piper said uneasily. She looked past Nicky at Joel, who was intently listening to the conversation. Upon seeing Piper's gaze fall back, Nicky turned.
"Hey, go find some chick to harass, will you?" she said offhandedly. She handed the cigarette back to him, and he took it without complaint.
"I'll see you around," he said, touching her arm gently.
Nicky nodded, looking completely uninterested now Piper was talking about Alex. She sat forward as he walked away, tilting her chin up at Piper.
"Is there something I should know about?" Nicky asked tightly.
Piper swallowed hard. "You should be nicer to Joel," she said, stalling. "I think he likes you."
"What the fuck does that have to do with anything? My relationship with him has nothing to do with you, now spit out whatever you had to tell me in the first place or get out of here."
Piper chewed the inside of her cheek. "We had this massive argument, about something I can't really tell you about, and her mom came in and she looked so mad...and now she hasn't been here for three days and I can't contact her, and she hasn't called or messaged me, and to be honest I'm getting really worried…" Piper let it out in one huge rush, and Nicky looked at her dubiously.
"She's probably fine," Nicky said, but Piper heard the doubt in her voice.
"I know about Sylvie," Piper continued. "Why hasn't she spoken to either of us? What if something bad has happened?"
Nicky pressed her lips together. Grabbing her bag, she tilted her head to tell Piper to follow her. "Well, let's go find her, if she doesn't wanna talk to us," Nicky said, walking with urgency to the parking lot where her car was currently sitting. As they were walking towards it, Nicky noticed a change in Piper. It was as if a switch had been flicked.
Nicky looked in the direction Piper had stopped to stare in. A brunette with multi-colored streaks in her hair was stood outside the school gates, with her back towards the two of them. Nicky wasn't even sure it was Alex. The hair was new. She was hunched over.
But Piper ran towards the figure regardless, and, not wanting to be left out, Nicky followed.
"Alex!" Piper called out as she neared the girl. She stopped just before she got to her, breathless, and leaned against the gate-post. "Oh, Alex, I'm so relieved. I've been so worried about you. Listen, I didn't mean anything I said, okay? I've been losing my mind about what could have happened to you, and why didn't you pick up your phone?" Piper waited for a response. When she didn't get one, not even a reaction, she lost her confidence a little. "Alex?" she asked, her voice small. "I like your hair, why the change?" she asked, reaching out to grab a piece of the blue or magenta hair that she'd had put in.
Alex turned. On her cheek there was an ugly shade of yellowing brown that shouldn't have been there, connected to a black eye. She crossed her arms, staring at the two girls, and defiantly waited for a response. Her lips were pressed into a thin line.
"Holy shit," Nicky said. She raised her eyebrows at Piper. "Must've been one hell of an argument."
Piper couldn't believe what she was seeing. She gingerly touched Alex's cheek, trying to decode what happened from any clues on her face. She couldn't even form a response for a few moments, stammering incoherently. She was so shocked she even ignored Nicky's smart-ass remark.
"What the hell happened to you?!"
A/N: Thanks for reading!
Thank you, vauseandspanishharlem, guest, whiteshadowchains and guest for the reviews. I appreciate them more than you could imagine.
I am sorry for the delayed update but life gets in the way sometimes. Please let me know your thoughts on this chapter, and what you'd like to see in the future. Hope you're all well.
- Star xo
