Rivals

Kyle was running late for English and scrambled to grab his English textbook from his locker. As he headed for class, he heard a familiar laugh from a distance that sent a dull pain to his chest. He frowned with squinted eyes as he followed the sound around the winding corridor to find Jessi with the "new guy" - again. Kyle hadn't seen Jessi smile like that in ages.

School days passed and Kyle noticed that Jessi was continually hanging out with this mystery man. It was unsettling.

A sad grimace covered his face as he watched Jessi happily conversing with the stranger. A sudden guilt then struck him, for he truly did want to see her happy. He just couldn't imagine her happy with someone else - it would take some getting used to. Jessi sang out another laugh, but Kyle couldn't watch any longer. He let out a sigh, turned around with a sour expression, and headed to class.

The school bell played its tune after first period. The students flooded into the hallway. Kyle exited English with Amanda.

"Looks like Mr. Turner failed yet again at making Shakespeare worth talking about. I almost fell asleep." Amanda jested in efforts to get Kyle's attention. Yet he kept his eyes peeled aimlessly in the hallway.

"Kyle?" Amanda's eyes followed Kyle's sporadic gaze.

"Yes?" Kyle's eyes continued to scan the hallway.

"Nothing." Amanda fought to hide the frustration in her voice. She sighed, and tried again. "So do you wanna walk me t-"

"I'll talk to you later Amanda." Kyle spotted Jessi with Xander and did not want to miss his opportunity. Amanda shook her head in anger as she watched Kyle speed toward the dynamic duo.

"So are you stalking me or something? Our timetables are almost identical." Jessi teased.

Xander chuckled happily in amazement as they compared schedules. "I had nothing to do with it, honest. I guess...some things are just meant to be." He found Jessi's eyes. She huffed out a toothy smile and found his eyes as well. She blushed again as her smile morphed into a nervous grin.

"Good morning, Jessi." Kyle projected almost robotically. His attempt at acting casual failed.

Jessi gasped and whipped around. "Oh, Kyle! You scared me." Jessi's smile cracked right along with her heart. She wasn't ready to see him, so she acted quickly, jumping into introductions before the crack dared to grow. Jessi turned back around to face Xander and cocked her thumb towards him while giving him a small smile. "This is Xander. Xander, this is my..." She turned her head to lock eyes with Kyle. "...Umm this is my...friend, Kyle." She looked down and cleared her throat nervously. Kyle cringed at the word 'friend.' Not long ago they were exploding lights with a single kiss. The word friend didn't suffice to describe their relationship. At least, he felt that way.

"Pleasure to meet you." Jessi stepped aside as Xander offered a hand.

Kyle stood rock still as he examined what felt like a new opponent. "Hi." Kyle said coldly. He stared Jessi down with a look of bitter betrayal. Xander dropped his empty hand and forced an awkward grin.

"I'm late for Economics." Kyle said without expression as he turned his back and retreated to his locker.

"Well that was rude." Jessi murmured apologetically. She was utterly embarrassed.

"Don't worry about it. Maybe he had gas or something." Xander offered humorously. Jessi chuckled - mission accomplished.

"Right. I'll just...talk to him later." Jessi looked at Kyle another time with a frown and wrinkled lips. "We should get to class too." Jessi recovered. Xander smiled and motioned his hand for her to lead the way. She returned the gesture with a closed smile, thankful for his patience with Kyle.

As Kyle remained hidden behind the door of his open locker he peaked at Jessi walking away with Captain America in the corner of his eye. He was less than pleased. He had to endure hours of pointless lectures before he could confront Jessi.

The last bell finally rang and Kyle quickened his steps to Josh's car for his usual ride. He peaked inside before entering the front seat only to find Andy sleeping lengthwise in the backseat.

She's usually here by now. Kyle thought.

"Andy had a long day." Josh explained jestingly. He began to drive away when Kyle fastened his seatbelt.

"What about Jessi?" Kyle pleaded.

"She got a ride with her 'Xander' friend." Josh said in a teasing deep voice.

Kyle cringed at the emphasis of his new rival's name. Of course they went home together. Kyle brooded.

Home at last. Kyle fled toward the house. "No need to thank me for the ride!" Josh echoed from a gaping distance. Kyle was surprised at how little he cared about leaving Josh behind. He couldn't control his need to speak with Jessi as soon as humanly possible.

Jessi found herself content and smiling as she folded laundry over her bed. She let her mind trail back to the witty banter she and Xander had throughout the day. Her head tilted in elation. She was surprised at her inability to stop smiling. Then the sound of a familiar beat snapped her back to her dull painful reality.

Kyle reached Jessi's open door but didn't dare come further. It was easy to watch her from behind. She was peaceful; beautiful. He didn't know where to start.

"I take it this visit is in regards to Xander?" Jessi scoffed rhetorically. Vulnerability was not an option. Her armor was up. It was all she had.

"Jessi." Kyle offered peacefully. But Jessi face remained rock hard keeping a cold composure as she turned to face him. So he put up his own wall.

His eyes narrowed and his grimace shrunk into a frown as he approached Jessi. "You can't let random people into your world, Jessi - it could be dangerous." Kyle ordered.

Jessi didn't buy the speech. She tilted her head slightly to the side as if to make an inquiry, and blinked apathetically as she locked eyes with him. "Need I remind you that you let Amanda into your world?"

Kyle's upper body rocked back as he took in her words. He quickly blinked in surprise and bit his inner lower lip, for he didn't know what to say to retort her words. His lack of response and her stubbornness slightly angered him.

His lips tightened together. "I'm just trying to look out for you Jessi." Kyle muttered the words as he turned slowly to retreat toward the exit.

"Kyle, wait." Jessi slipped out softly. "I'll be careful." She confessed in slight submission and utter sincerity. Kyle turned his head back to her and forced a smirk. Jessi managed a corner smile that soon fell. It still hurt to be around him.

Kyle slowly swung around back to the door. Once again, it hurt to leave, for he knew he was not simply concerned for her safety. He was well aware that she was able to take care of herself. He real fear was that he was losing her. He broke his gaze off the door he closed behind him and made his way down the hallway with his eyes down to the ground.

He looks so miserable. Did I miss something? Jessi thought.