Chapter 4

Alex arrived at school the next morning, ready for another day. As she walked through the halls towards her classroom, Tea suddenly ran up to her, looking out of breath. Alex looked at her with worry and asked,

"Tea, what's wrong?"

Tea replied, "A-Alex, I'm glad I found you. Do you know what happened to Joey?"

Alex looked confused and replied, "Joey? I don't understand."

Tea replied, "Didn't Joey talk to you before you left yesterday?"

Alex looked confused, recalling yesterday's events. She slowly replied, "Not after I left you guys in the classroom. Why?"

Tea furrowed her eyebrows and replied, "Joey's acting weird. He's here early, and he never does that unless he wants to duel Yugi."

Alex replied, "Ok. So let me see if I'm getting this so far. Joey's already here and he isn't dueling Yugi? What's so strange then?"

Tea replied, "Joey's in this daze, like nothing's snapping him out of it. I thought it might have had to do with him talking to you. But since he never did, I'm worried."

Alex nodded and replied, "Ok. Well, let's just go to class and maybe I can talk to him?"

Tea nodded, agreeing to Alex's idea. She and Alex walked towards their class and upon entering the room, Alex looked to where Joey was sitting. Joey had this puppy-eyed look, which Alex thought was a little adorable. She looked to Tea, who continued to look worried, and Alex understood why. Yugi and Tristan were trying to talk to Joey, but it was as though Joey wasn't hearing anything they said. Figuring that a direct approach would be best, Alex walked up to Joey. Smiling at him, she said,

"Good morning, Joey. You ok?"

Hearing Alex's voice, Joey snapped out of his daze, focusing on Alex's face. His face lit up upon seeing her and getting up, he grabbed her hands and said,

"Alex! I need to talk to you now."

Alex looked confused but nodding, she replied, "Ok?"

Joey then dragged Alex out of the classroom and back into the hallway. As he didn't want Yugi or their other friends to overhear them, Joey took Alex to a part of the hallway where there were very few students who could eavesdrop on their conversation. Joey then said,

"Alex, I just had to tell ya. You are amazing! I mean, the way you told off moneybags yesterday and-"

Alex interrupted, "Joey, stop. Tell me exactly what you think you saw, and try to keep it down. I don't want to risk people overhearing us."

Joey nodded, calming down a bit. Then he continued, "I wanted to talk to you after you left yesterday, but I never got the chance. I saw rich boy harassing you and then you punched him. Man, that takes guts. And I got to see it all. I'm never letting him live it down."

Alex laughed in embarrassment and replied, "Um, Joey. I'm flattered, but I don't want you to brag about it to Kaiba. Honestly, I didn't want to resort to violence, but he was being annoying and I didn't know what else to do. You don't think he's going to say anything? Get me into trouble?"

Joey shook his head and replied, "Nah, moneybags will be too embarrassed to say anything. I wouldn't worry about it. But it's good to know you can stand up to him."

Alex replied, "Of course. You don't have to worry about me."

Joey grinned and replied, "I can see that for myself. Man, I want to brag about it, but I'll keep quiet."

Alex smiled and replied, "Thanks, Joey. I appreciate that. We should head back. Class is about to start."

Joey nodded, and he and Alex walked back to the classroom, making it just before the homeroom teacher entered. The two of them took their seats, and Tea looked questioningly at Alex. Alex gave her a look to indicate that she'd tell her later, and Tea took the hint. The teacher then entered the room and took attendance. After everyone was accounted for, classes started and the first couple passed by without incident.

Then the math teacher entered, and immediately, most of the class groaned. Alex looked confused and Yugi whispered,

"There's a test today."

Alex nodded in understanding. As the teacher passed out test papers, he headed towards Alex to let her know that she could skip taking the test since it was only her first week and she hadn't known about it. However, before he could say anything, Kaiba said,

"Sir, I know Ms. Lawrence is new, but she shouldn't be given any special treatment. She should take this test like the rest of us."

Kaiba had this smug look on his face, which annoyed Alex although she kept a neutral-looking face. Joey then spoke up,

"Moneybags, when are you going to stop harassing Alex? What has she done to you other than…?"

Alex looked at Joey, silently warning him not to mention the punching incident. Joey looked embarrassed and stopped talking. Kaiba then looked to the teacher and added,

"Sir, I just want to see for myself how smart Ms. Lawrence is. Surely, there's no harm in that. The test doesn't even have to count as a grade for her, if you're concerned for her sake."

The teacher looked conflicted, not knowing what to do. Kaiba added, "Oh, and I bet she'll do terribly, let alone that she won't pass your challenge."

At that, Alex calmly replied, "Oh? What challenge would that be, if you would please enlighten me?"

Kaiba replied, "Acing one of his tests. You get an automatic top grade if you do that, not to mention getting out of homework for the rest of the semester. Even I haven't done that, so no way a little girl like you could."

Alex was about to reply when the teacher said, "That's enough, Mr. Kaiba. Stop right there, or I'll have to give you detention."

Kaiba scoffed and replied, "Oh? For being right?"

The teacher was about to reply again when Alex said, "Sir, I'll take the test, and I want it to count."

The teacher looked concerned and replied, "Are you sure, Ms. Lawrence? My tests are extremely difficult, so unfortunately, Mr. Kaiba was not exaggerating."

Alex nodded and replied, "Bring it on."

The teacher sighed and handed a test paper to Alex. He then continued to pass out test papers to the rest of the class, and Joey looked at Alex, as though he wanted to ask if she was sure. Alex smiled at him, letting him know that she wouldn't let Kaiba get to her. Joey just nodded, turning back towards the teacher.

Once the teacher finished passing out the papers, he then announced that the test would begin now. Immediately, Alex looked to her test paper, briefly glancing at it. She raised an eyebrow and thought,

This is challenging?

Back in her time, this math level would be a breeze for her, so of course, she already knew all the material like the back of her hand. Still, she had to be careful, in case the test proved to be tricky but wasn't obvious. She quickly answered the questions, making sure to show her work, and she made sure not to miss anything, including filling out her name and today's date. Then she triple checked her work and quickly looked at the time. There was still a lot of time left before the class would be over, but there was nothing else Alex could do. As quietly as she could, Alex got up from her seat, taking her test paper and handing it to the teacher. The teacher raised an eyebrow and quietly said,

"Done already, Ms. Lawrence?"

Alex nodded and replied, "Yup. I even triple checked. You can grade it right now if you want."

Meanwhile, Kaiba, Joey, and a few other students briefly stopped to witness the exchange between Alex and the teacher. Kaiba especially was curious, as he had learned a few interesting facts about Alex after talking to Detective Amaro.

The teacher nodded, taking out a red pen and grading Alex's paper. As he went down the questions, his eyes widened with amazement, and Alex stood nearby, watching with curiosity. The teacher finally finished grading, and he looked to Alex and quietly said,

"I believe congratulations are in order, Ms. Lawrence. You are the first to ace one of my exams. Of course, you'll receive top marks and get out of all the work for the rest of the semester."

Joey overheard the teacher's comments and immediately shouted, "Go, Alex!"

The teacher glared at Joey and said, "Mr. Wheeler. Do refrain from shouting."

Joey looked embarrassed and quietly replied, "Sorry, teach." However, he couldn't help grinning at Alex, and Alex blushed a bit. The teacher then turned his attention back to Alex and said,

"You can return to your seat."

Alex nodded and as she walked back to her seat, she looked at Kaiba, who was gritting his teeth in frustration. She couldn't help but let out a tiny smirk at him before she resumed her neutral-looking face and took her seat.

Soon afterwards, the test was over and then there was one more morning class before lunch, which went by without incident. As soon as the bell rang to indicate the beginning of lunch period, Yugi turned to Alex and said,

"Want to have lunch with us again?"

Alex grinned and replied, "Of course."

Joey rushed up to Alex and said, "I'm starving."

Alex laughed softly and replied, "I understand. Let's go then."

She took her things and fortunately, Kaiba didn't stop her. Joey was worried that Kaiba was going to harass Alex again although that didn't happen.

Alex, Joey, and the others went to the rooftop to have lunch. After they got settled, Joey turned to Alex and immediately said,

"You are awesome! And don't ya deny it."

Tristan grinned and replied, "Joey's right. How did you ace that test?"

Alex shrugged and replied, "It wasn't hard to me. I know that sounds like I'm bragging, but I'm not. I just looked over the test carefully, made sure to fill everything out, didn't trip up on anything. The usual, really."

Yugi replied, "That makes sense, but I'm surprised you already knew that material. Did you take advanced math classes back in America?"

Alex nodded and replied, "You could say that. The material was pretty easy for me. I'm surprised I'm the first to ace these exams, though. I thought, for sure, that Kaiba would have beaten me to it."

Joey smirked and replied, "You'd think. Man, you know how to put moneybags in his place."

Alex blushed and replied, "That really wasn't the point, but I have to admit that it felt good. I prefer avoiding confrontation, though."

Bakura replied, "Yeah. I don't get why he keeps bothering you."

Joey replied, "It's obvious. He's jealous."

Alex replied, "What? Jealous of me? Why?"

Joey replied, "You're new, you're beautiful, you're smart, you have a way better personality. You're just better than moneybags in every way."

Alex blushed deeply and replied, "Thanks, I suppose. But we should eat. We only have so much time for lunch."

Alex felt a little uncomfortable that the conversation was dragging for as long as it was. Tea then said,

"That's true. We should eat."

The others took the hint as well.

Meanwhile, Kaiba was staring out the window, thinking over what had happened earlier. He wanted to test Alex, based on one of the things that Detective Amaro had found out about her.

Sir, it'll take me a few more days before I can give you a comprehensive report, but here's what I have so far. Ms. Lawrence seems to be clean. She doesn't have any criminal record, and she's been reported to have a genius-level IQ. It might even be higher than yours, sir. It's a little strange that she doesn't appear to have any social media, but it isn't impossible.

As I said, it'll take me a few more days and I'll give you a more complete report then.

That's why Kaiba had taunted Alex into taking the math exam earlier. Truthfully, he hadn't expected her to ace it, but when she did, he couldn't help feeling annoyed. However, it did confirm about Alex being a genius. His interest in her grew although he still couldn't help disliking her.

As lunchtime was ending, students were returning to their classrooms, and Kaiba watched as Alex returned with Yugi and the geek squad. Alex was chatting happily with Joey although Kaiba couldn't make out their conversation. Alex suddenly laughed at something Joey said, and for some reason, that irritated Kaiba. As they got close enough, Kaiba called out,

"So the mutt has found his master?"

The smile on Joey's face vanished, replaced by an irritated look. Joey clenched his fists, ready to make some sort of comeback. Alex reached out to touch Joey's arm and said,

"Hey, ignore him. He's obviously trying to get a rise out of you. Besides, I like puppies."

Alex gave this cute look and Joey blushed. He replied, "Really? Then you can be my master anytime."

Alex blushed in surprise and coughing, Yugi replied,

"Um, you two? Class is about to start."

Alex nodded and quickly took her seat. Joey did the same, and other students took their seats. The English teacher entered the classroom soon after, and afternoon classes proceeded without incident. Alex acted the role of student, paying attention to the lessons. However, she should have been a little more on guard, as Kaiba cast furtive glances at her. Sometimes, they would portray his irritation towards her, but other times, they would reveal more of curiosity.

Once classes ended for the day, students gathered their things and began to leave the classroom. Joey got up and approaching Alex and the others, he said,

"That was exhausting."

Alex replied, "School can be tough, but it's worth it. If not for the classes themselves, at least for the friends you make."

Kaiba overheard Alex's comment, scoffed, and muttered, "Stupid friendship comment."

Alex chose to ignore Kaiba's comment and turning back to Joey, she commented,

"I thought I heard something, but it must have been my imagination. Anyway, our plans for this weekend are set, right?"

During lunchtime, Alex and the others had talked about plans to spend this Saturday today. Joey offered to give Alex a tour of Domino City, and the others chimed in, ready to assist. Alex smiled and readily accepted.

Joey grinned and replied, "Yup, and I'm looking forward to it. You're going to have the best tour guides ever."

Alex replied, "I know I will. I'd like to get a proper tour. I only know of a few places so far."

Tea nodded and replied, "I understand. We'll make sure you properly get to see the city. Oh, and call me later, ok?"

Alex nodded, knowing that Tea was referring to the Joey incident. She then got up and said,

"I should get going."

Joey replied, "I'll walk you out, ok?"

Joey didn't want Kaiba to harass Alex again, so he figured there would be no incidents if he were to accompany her. Alex nodded, understanding Joey's intention, and she replied,

"Sure."

She turned to the others and said, "I'll talk to you all tomorrow."

Alex and Joey then left the classroom to head towards the school's front entrance. Although Alex had hoped he wouldn't be there, unfortunately, for her, Kaiba was blocking the way and he was anticipating her arrival although he hadn't expected Joey to accompany her. Immediately, Kaiba said,

"Why's the mutt here?"

Joey replied, "I'm tired of you harassing Alex. You take things too far, Kaiba."

Kaiba ignored Joey and looking at Alex, he said, "I just wanted to bring up one thing and then you can go."

As Joey was with her this time, Alex figured that Kaiba wouldn't say anything too threatening. She looked back at him and evenly asked,

"What is it?"

Kaiba replied, "Stay away from Mokuba."

Alex couldn't help but let out a laugh and replied, "Really? That's what you wanted to say? You aren't his keeper. He can do what he wants, but you really ought to be a better brother to him."

Joey looked confused and asked, "Uh, what happened?"

Alex turned to Joey and replied, "I'll explain later."

Kaiba angrily replied, "And what do you mean by that?"

Alex turned back to Kaiba and replied, "If you really cared about Mokuba, you'd have taught him how to defend himself. He wouldn't have had to deal with that attempted kidnapping if he'd been able to fight them off."

Joey replied, "What? Mokuba was kidnapped?"

Alex replied, "Attempted, but I stopped it."

Joey nodded, and turning to Kaiba, he smirked and replied, "See? More proof that Alex's a good person and you ought to leave her alone."

Kaiba replied, "Stay out of this, mutt." He then turned to Alex and said, "You know nothing about Mokuba or me, and I certainly don't need advice from a little girl who couldn't even save her own brother."

Hearing Kaiba's latter words, Alex felt her heart beat fast, as Kaiba caught her off guard. She knew Cas put as accurate info about Alex as possible although she had to wonder exactly what Kaiba knew about the circumstances that led to Andy's disappearance. At any rate, Alex was having trouble keeping her composure and knew she needed to leave. Fortunately, Joey spoke up with,

"Moneybags! That's a low blow, even for you. Resorting to insults just because Alex has one-upped you every…"

Joey trailed off, as he glanced at Alex and saw a lone tear trail down her right cheek. Alex herself hadn't even realized that she was crying. Forgetting everything, Joey approached her and asked,

"Hey, you ok?"

It was then Alex snapped out of it, coming to her senses. She quickly smiled at Joey and replied,

"Oh, yeah. I'm fine. Um, I should go."

She then turned to Kaiba and added, "Congratulations. Perhaps you'll have the decency to stop bothering me now."

Then Alex walked quickly out of the school, not knowing that Joey was tearing into Kaiba. Alex felt her emotions in turmoil as she walked faster, just wanting to get away as fast as possible. The one thought that ran through her mind was,

I'm going to eliminate Kaiba, no matter what.