"See you later Alexis." Aggie says as she, Keun Sup and Jackie are leaving Alexis at the creek.
"We're still on for next week at the bowling alley right?" Jackie asks as he signs to Alexis.
"Of course. Bye guys. I'll see you later." Alexis says as she signs back to Jackie before watching him, Keun Sup and Aggie leave.
"So I see you started hanging around my old champions." A voice says revealing to be Xavier.
"Xavier what are you doing here? Wasn't expecting to see you at the creek so soon. Also they're not your champions anymore. And they do have names you know." Alexis says as she crosses her arms.
"I know. Just saying what I see." Xavier says as he puts his hands up.
"I can see that." Alexis says as she chuckles slightly.
"But to answer your question I just kinda thought I'd come out and see how things are around the creek since I left. I can tell people's opinion of me still hasn't changed considering the looks I've gotten from some of the kids." Xavier says.
"Can you blame them? I know why you did what you did but still though. You treated a lot of kids pretty poorly Xavier. Like I told you before. It's gonna take some time." Alexis says.
"Speaking of how come you've been giving me more of a chance since Craig and I teamed up that one day? Considering Omar is your brother I would of thought you'd be just as reluctant to trust me." Xavier says.
"Well I'm more patient and sympathetic than Omar on some things. I love my brother but he's not exactly had much social interaction since he became the Green Poncho so he's got his own work to do with peers. But me I'm kinda used to a lot of things. So I've learned to take a lot of stuff with a grain of salt. I wanted to give you a chance and I knew it would be a lengthy process with you. That's why I gave you a chance. Doesn't mean you've earned all of my trust yet but you've earned my attention to say the least." Alexis says as she smiles kindly.
"Thanks. I don't know what to say." Xavier says as he looks down slightly.
"You're welcome. But just know I will let you know when you cross a line just as much as I'll support and encourage you when you are making steps in the right direction. So in other words don't think I won't smack some sense into you if you start any of your old habits again. I may be patient but I'm not afraid to speak my mind." Alexis says as she glares slightly at Xavier.
"Trust me. I figured that out with you long ago. But I'll try to follow yours and the others example. I know I got a lot to learn. Patience being one of them and that is gonna be hard." Xavier says as he rubs the back of his neck.
"Well you're already making the first step in the right direction by admitting your issues and wanting to try and do better. That step is always the hardest." Alexis says as she smiles softly at Xavier while putting her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.
"Yeah. No kidding." Xavier says as he smiles shyly while blushing.
"Anyway I was about to head over to the arcade and get some pizza while I play some games. You wanna come?" Alexis asks as she gestures to another direction.
"You want me to come hang out with you?" Xavier asks in surprise.
"Yeah. If you're interested. My dad is the co manager at the place so I always get free pizza and unlimited tokens for games. I love going there sometimes with my friends and hanging out. Or we could do something at the creek if you'd prefer." Alexis says kindly as she smiles.
"Why are you being so nice to me? You have no reason to. In fact you have every reason not to be." Xavier says in surprise.
"Listen Xavier you're a lot of things but you deserve a chance just as much as the rest of us. So yeah I wanna hang out with you. Besides I don't mind that much being around you. I kinda enjoy it." Alexis says as she blushes.
"Really?" Xavier asks as Alexis nods.
"Yeah... I like you." Alexis says shyly as she blushes.
"You like me? I knew it! No one can resist my charms." Xavier says happily as he smiles smugly earning an annoyed look from Alexis.
"Slow down there. I'm still getting used to you as a friend. Yeah I'll admit I do like you in that sense but that doesn't mean I wanna date you right off the bat either. One step at a time Xavier." Alexis says.
"Oh fine. But since you just admitted that to me that means you can't complain about me complimenting you anymore." Xavier says as he smiles triumphantly.
"Fine. You can compliment me if you want." Alexis says as she chuckles.
"And maybe take you out sometime?" Xavier asks shyly.
"Xavier." Alexis says as she smiles and crosses her arms.
"Hey can't blame me for trying. But seriously though would you ever say yes to that? Or at least us just hanging out together sometimes? Just the two of us?" Xavier asks curiously.
"I think a hang out would be nice. Far as a date though let's work on the friend part of things first then we'll go from there. Plus I'd rather not hear any lip from my friends if they found out about something like that this quick with you being back around us as a friend now instead of an enemy." Alexis says as she and Xavier begin walking down the sidewalk.
"Fair enough. So what kind of pizza do you like?" Xavier asks as he looks at Alexis.
"Pepperoni and sausage is my favorite. Yours?" Alexis asks as she smiles.
"That's my favorite too. Oh and Alexis?" Xavier asks happily.
"Yeah?" Alexis asks as she smiles.
"Thanks for inviting me to hang out with you. I really appreciate it and your chance at friendship." Xavier says happily.
"You're welcome Xavier. I'm happy you said yes to hanging out." Alexis says happily.