(no subject)
*~*~*~*
Alex leaned against the wall and yawned. “So, how are things going with the loser?”
Jake shrugged. “Slow.” Alex nodded. “Do you have a problem with what I’m doing with Ally?”
He shook his head and laughed. “No, I don’t. I think it’s funny and she deserves it.”
He looked confused. “Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “Little Ms. Perfect deserves to be taken down a notch or two.” Jake nodded slowly. “My parents think she is some sort of saint. They are in denial that they created the ultimate loser.”
He laughed lightly. “They must be.” Alex smirked. “Doesn’t she help you with your homework?”
Alex shrugged. “I’m surprised you’d want me to do this to your sister.”
He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t have a choice in the matter when it came to having her as a sister.” Jake nodded. “Ally does help me with my homework but it doesn’t make her less of a loser or a saint. I just want her knocked off the pedestal my parents put her on. It’s annoying and so is she.”
He smirked. “You’ve got that right.”
Danielle walked over to them with Chloe and Tim. She kissed Jake. He smiled. “What’s going on?”
Alex shrugged. “We were talking about the loser.”
Tim smirked. “How’s that going?”
Jake shrugged. “Slow.” He groaned when Chloe took out her camera. “Chloe, do you always have to have that thing on and in my face.”
Chloe smiled. “I need to document every detail so we can show the loser just how bad we got her.” Jake and Alex laughed and nodded. “So, Jake, tell us what has happened between you and the loser?”
He shrugged. “Nothing much. We talk and she tutors me.” They nodded slowly. “I did kiss her and tell her I liked her.”
Tim sneered. “Did you wash your mouth out with acid afterwards?”
Jake laughed. “No, I didn’t.”
Danielle’s eyebrow rose. “What happened? Did she believe you?”He looked at her. She smiled. “I’m not upset, Baby. I just want to know.”
He nodded. “Well, she pulled away and told me not to do it again.” They looked at him in surprise. “She knew I was lying. I promised her I wouldn’t do it again.”
Alex looked confused. “Why would you do something like that? The whole point is to convince her you like her.”
Jake rolled his eyes and laughed. “This is how I’m convincing her.” They looked confused. “I make her talk about herself. I ask questions and pretend I’m listening. I’m pretending to respect her wishes and when she least expects it, I’ll do it again.” They laughed. “The only problem is that new kid, Philip. He transferred into most of her classes and volunteers with her at the animal shelter and the homeless shelter. He is trying to compete with me for her.”
Alex nodded. “They do spend a lot of time together. They hang out after school at the shelters. He always drives her home. They hang out on weekends. They eat lunch together. He’s even had dinner at our house a few times.” Jake blinked. “Mike and Tim tried to tell him what a loser she is but he won’t listen. He says she’s a good person and he likes hanging out with her.”
Tim shook his head. “Obviously, there is something wrong with him mentally.”
Jake sneered. “He’s ruining things. I wasn’t supposed to have competition for her.” He groaned. “I guess I’m going to have to step up my game.” They nodded.
*~*~*~*
Margie smiled. “I told you that you would get an A.”
Ally held the molecular model tightly and laughed. “I believe I said the same thing about your volcano and I was right.” Margie rolled her eyes and shrugged. Ally groaned. “I forgot how heavy this thing was.”
She nodded. “My volcano is no light weight either.” Ally laughed and nodded. “Are you sure Philip is ok with driving me and my volcano home?”
She shrugged. “He offered. He wouldn’t have done that if he minded.”
Margie nodded. “That’s true. I like Philip. He’s really nice.” Ally smiled and nodded. “I have to stop at my locker. I’ll meet you at yours.”
Ally nodded. “Alright. I’ll be quick. I promise.” Margie smiled and shrugged.
Tim and Mike smirked as they watched Ally walk down the hall. “Let’s do it.” Tim said.
Mike laughed. “After you.” They walked towards her. Ally shifted the model in her hands to get a better grip on it and didn’t notice that Mike and Tim were standing on either side of her. They stuck out their feet. Ally and her molecular model went crashing to the floor. Ally grimaced and held her wrist to her chest. “Watch where you’re going, loser!” Mike yelled.
Margie set down her volcano and ran to her. “Oh my god! Ally, are you ok?”
Ally’s eyes watered. Her model was ruined. Pieces were scattered around her on the floor and she had a searing pain in her wrist. She took a few deep breaths and nodded. “I-I’m fine, Margie.” She winced when Margie touched her shoulder. “Ow!”
Her eyes widened. “Ally, you’re bleeding!” Ally hissed in pain when she tried to move. “One of the spikes you used sliced your shoulder!” Ally held in a yelp when Margie helped her up. “You’re lucky nothing worse happened.” Ally nodded slowly. “Don’t worry about your model. I’ll clean it up after I take you to the nurse.”
She shook her head. “I can’t let you do that, Margie. I’m fine. I’ll clean it up.”
She rolled her eyes. “You are not fine and I don’t mind doing it.” Ally let out a shaky breath. “Let’s go. I’m taking you to the nurse.”
She sighed. “I have to meet Jake for our tutoring session.”
Margie gave her a look. “Mr. Wonderful can go without one tutoring session.” Ally groaned in pain. “Ally, you’re in pain and bleeding. You have to get checked out.”
Philip ran up to them. “What happened? Ally, are you alright?” Ally explained about what happened and winced. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Margie shrugged. “I was going to take her to the nurse.”
He shook his head. “She’s gone. I saw her driving out of the parking lot.”
Ally sighed. “Can you still take Margie and her volcano home?”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll take the bus like usual.”
He smiled. “I don’t mind taking you. Do you mind coming to the hospital first?” Margie rolled her eyes and shook her head. He nodded. “Get your volcano and meet us at my car.” She nodded and left. He put his arms around Ally and guided her towards the parking lot. “Don’t worry, Ally. I’ll take care of you.”
Ally leaned against him and smiled. “Thank you, Philip.” His smile grew. “You’re really a great friend to me.”
He kissed her temple. “You’re a great friend to me too, Ally.” She smiled. “Just lean against me and I’ll take care of everything.” She nodded and sighed.
*~*~*~*
Jake checked his watch for the third time in the last five minutes. Ally was a half an hour late. He sighed. She wasn’t coming. He picked up his bag and stalked out of the library and into the parking lot. He sighed when he noticed that his friends were waiting for him like always. He appreciated it but he knew they just wanted dirt on Ally. “Hey.”
Danielle smiled. “How was tutoring with the loser today?” Jake shook his head. “What did she do now?”
He shrugged. “She didn’t show up.” They looked confused. “She usually tells me when she’ll be late but she didn’t so I don’t know what happened.”
Mike smirked. “Well, she was probably distracted by something.” Tim laughed. The others looked confused. Mike told them about what they did. They, with the exception of Jake and Alex, laughed. “It was hysterical!”
Chloe shook her head as she laughed. “That’s horrible! She could have been hurt!”
Tim rolled his eyes. “That’s what makes it so funny!”
Alex stared at them. “Was she hurt?” They shrugged. “Don’t do it again!”
They stared at him in surprise. Erica blinked. “I-I thought you didn’t like her and were behind the plan.” He nodded. “So, why are you mad?”
He shrugged. “She’s still my sister. You can make fun of her all you want. You can go through with the plan to humiliate her. I don’t care but if you physically harm her, we’re going to have a serious problem.” He glared at Tim and Mike. “If she has a hair out of place because of what you two did, you’ll regret being born.”
Chloe smirked. “I got your brotherly devotion on film.” Alex rolled his eyes. “You are so manly.”
Alex laughed. “I’m aware. Thank you.”
Tim shook his head. “Alex, you make no sense at all.” Alex looked confused. “You help us torture the loser on a daily basis but Mike and I just trip her and that’s not ok?”
His eyebrow rose. “You have a little sister.” Tim nodded slowly. “Imagine if someone did what you did to Ally to her.” Tim’s eyes widened. “Do you understand now?”
He rubbed his eyes and groaned. “I’d kill the asshole.” He muttered. Alex nodded. “Ok, I won’t physically hurt her again.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “Do you know if Ally was hurt?” They shook their heads and shrugged. “That’s just great.” He muttered.
Danielle’s eyebrow rose. “Why do you care?”
He shrugged. “I don’t. It’s just what if she decides to stop tutoring me because of what they did? I’m screwed.” She nodded slowly. “Ally is a big loser. We all know that.” They nodded. “But she’s smart. She’s the only one that can help me pass Math and Science. If she decides to stop tutoring me after what they did to her, I won’t graduate.”
Chloe shrugged. “I doubt that will happen. She is totally crazy about you. She wouldn’t stop tutoring you because of what they did. She would never willingly give up her only chance to spend some time with you.”
Jake sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
*~*~*~*
Alex glared at them. “You’re dead!”
Mike gulped. “Alex, how were we supposed to know she would get hurt like that?”
Tim nodded quickly. “Yea, we just thought it would be funny. We didn’t know she would end up having to go to the hospital.”
Jake was walking over to them but stopped when he heard that. “Who had to go to the hospital?”
Alex sneered at them. “Ally had to go to the hospital after what they did to her.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “What? Is she ok?”
Alex looked at him. “When she fell, the model she built was in her hands. She fell and a part of the model landed on her wrist. One of the spikes she used sliced her shoulder.” Jake blinked. “She has a fractured wrist and had to get stitches.” Jake glared at them. “Philip and Margie found her and took her to the hospital.” Jake’s eyebrow rose at the mention of Philip. “He called my parents and, lucky for these two idiots, Ally just said she tripped over her own feet.” Alex sneered at them. “My Dad was pissed. If he knew the two of you were the reason she fell, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.”
Jake sighed. “Is she going to be alright?” Alex nodded. “Ok, I’ll talk to her when I see her in class.”
He shook his head. “Ally’s not here today. My parents forced her to stay home so she could rest. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to talk to her.”
Jake nodded. “Ok, I guess I have no choice but to wait.”
*~*~*~*
Ally opened the door and stared at him in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
Jake smiled. “I heard you were hurt and I wanted to see if you were ok.”
Her eyebrow rose. “Really?” He nodded. “Well, I’m fine.” He nodded slowly. “Is…is that all you came by for?” He shifted uncomfortably and shrugged. “Alex isn’t home yet. I think he’s out beating up Tim and Mike.” He blinked. “I had to tell Alex what they did. I know that they’re his friends but…” She bit her lip. “I guess I shouldn’t have told him. He’s always so overprotective of me.” He looked at her incredulously. She sighed. “He tells me how he tries so hard to get everyone to back off of me but they just won’t listen to him.” His eyebrow rose. “I know I’m technically his little sister and he wants to protect me but I don’t want him to get into trouble.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “Alex…told you that?” She smiled and nodded. “And, you believed him?”
She laughed lightly. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I believe him?” He shook his head again. She smiled. “I know we don’t always get along. He can be…a bit of a jerk and I can be difficult but he’s my brother. He…we’ve always been close and try to look out for each other. He defends me to you…his friends.” Jake blinked. “And, I defend him to our parents.” Jake nodded slowly. “It’s…I don’t know. We’ve always been that way.”
He stared at her. “Does he know that you defend him to your parents?”
She shook her head and looked confused. “No, he doesn’t. Why should he? It’s not like we’re keeping score.” Jake held in a groan. “I always warn him when he’s about to get into trouble so he has time to prepare. I don’t tell him that I calm Dad down beforehand. There’s no point in it.”
He gulped. “I think you should tell him, Ally.” She looked confused. “Trust me. He should know.” She nodded slowly. “And, I came here to see you, not Alex.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You did?” He smiled and nodded. “You didn’t have to come out of your way to see me. I’ll be going to school tomorrow.” His smile grew. Her eyes widened. “Oh! I forgot we missed your tutoring session yesterday! No wonder you came by!”
He sighed. “That’s true but I did come to see how you were doing.” She blinked. “We can start tutoring tomorrow.”
Ally shook her head. “No, we can do it now.” He looked unsure. She smiled. “I don’t mind. I need to do something. I’ve been trapped in this house all day watching television. I need a distraction.”
Jake smiled. “Are you sure?” She nodded. He followed her into the kitchen and sat down. “I appreciate this.” She shrugged. “I was worried when you didn’t show up yesterday. Usually, you tell me if you’ll be late.”
She shrugged slightly. “I wanted to tell you but Margie and Philip insisted I go to the hospital right away.” He nodded slowly. “Do you want something to drink before we get started?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m fine.” She sat down next to him. He held her hand. “I’m glad you’re ok, Ally.”
She pulled her hand away and nodded. “Thank you, Jake.” He sighed. He was getting nowhere with her. “Let’s get started.”
*~*~*~*
Alex closed the door behind him and yawned. “Ally cat, I’m home!”
Ally smiled. “I’m in the kitchen!” Alex walked in and smiled. “How was your day?”
He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “It was alright.” She nodded. “More importantly, how are you feeling?”
She smiled. “I feel fine.” His eyebrow rose. She let out a tiny laugh. “I swear I’m fine.”
He looked at the table and saw opened text books and notebooks. He shook his head and sighed. “Allia, you are supposed to be resting today.” She nodded slowly. “Why are your books out?”
She laughed lightly. “Alexei, I was resting all day but there’s only so much television I can watch.”
He rolled his eyes and laughed. “I’ve never had a problem watching a lot of television.” She smirked and nodded eagerly. He laughed and pushed her shoulder. “You’re an ass!” She yelped in pain. His eyes widened. “A-Allia, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do that!” She gritted her teeth and nodded. He grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and placed it gently on her shoulder. “Does that help?” She nodded. “I’m sorry, Allia.”
She smiled. “I know you didn’t mean to do that, Alexei.” He sighed and nodded. “You didn’t beat up Mike and Tim, right?”
He shrugged. “I was going to but I knew you wouldn’t want that. I talked to them and told them to lay off you.”
She sighed. “Well, let’s see how long that lasts.”
He gulped. “I…I try…”
She patted his hand and smiled. “I know you do and I appreciate it.”
He let out a shaky breath. “Mom and Dad are working late tonight. What do you want to do for dinner?”
“Pizza or pizza?”
He smirked. “Chinese.”
She laughed. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t one of the options. Please, try again.” He pouted and batted his eyelashes at her. She rolled her eyes. “Oh alright. We’ll get Chinese.” He smiled. She put her head on his shoulder. “You’re the only one who can get away with doing that to me.”
He laughed and nodded. “I know.” She laughed. “How about we make ice cream sundaes and watch ‘Sound of Music’ after dinner. That always makes you feel better.”
She blushed. “I can’t eat ice cream sundaes anymore.” He looked confused. She rolled her eyes. “I’m fat and need to lose weight.”
He rolled his eyes. “You aren’t fat, Allia!” Her eyebrow rose. He smiled. “You’re great just the way you are.” She smiled. “Don’t let those assholes make you think any different.”
She laughed. “You’re a good brother to me, Alexei.”
He looked away from her and shrugged. “You’re my little sister and I don’t like people messing with you.”
She smirked. “I’m your little sister by two minutes.” He shrugged. She hugged him. “Well, you’re a great big brother.” He smiled. “Will you sing along with me when we watch ‘Sound of Music’?”
Alex rolled his eyes and groaned. “Do I have to?” She pouted and batted her eyelashes at him. He groaned. “I always have to sing along with you.” She continued to pout. He rolled his eyes. “Alright. I’ll sing along with you.” She smiled. “You’re the only one who can get away with doing that to me.”
Ally laughed. “I know.”
He smiled and stood up. “Ok, put your books away and I’ll order dinner. Do you want the usual?”
She gulped. “These aren’t my books.”
He looked confused. “They aren’t mine.”
She wouldn’t look at him. “They’re Jake’s books.”
His eyebrow rose. “Jake was here?” She nodded slowly. “Why did he leave his books?”
“I didn’t.” Alex turned around and saw Jake standing there. Jake looked at Ally. “I’m sorry I took so long. My mom wouldn’t stop talking.”
She glanced at Alex and nodded. “It’s ok.”
Alex glared at him. “What are you doing here?” Jake blinked. “I told you that Allia had to rest and you could see her tomorrow.”
Ally sighed. Jake looked confused by the name Alex called her. “Alexei, he came by so I could tutor him.” Alex gave her a look. She smiled. “We didn’t meet yesterday because I had to go to the hospital.” Alex shrugged. “I’m tutoring him in two classes and he can’t afford to lose a day let alone two. He came by so we wouldn’t miss another session.”
Jake looked at her. “I also came by to see if you were alright.” Ally’s eyebrow rose as she shrugged. Alex smirked. “Do you want to continue?”
He shook his head. “No, you need to go now.” Jake stared at him in disbelief. He never saw Alex act so protective of Ally before. Ally gave him a look. “Don’t look at me like that, Allia! You know we can’t have people over if Mom and Dad aren’t home.” Ally rolled her eyes. “They’ll get pissed if they knew you were working instead of resting.”
She hugged him. “You worry too much, Alexei.” Alex smiled. Jake blinked. “Just let us finish up. Mom and Dad won’t find out.” Alex sighed. “After we’re done, we can order Chinese and watch the movie.”
He sighed and nodded. “You’re making my sundae with extra cherries.” She laughed and nodded. He looked at Jake. “You have five minutes to finish up.”
She rolled her eyes. “Half an hour.” Alex shook his head. “We have five problems left to go over and it should be done within a half an hour.” Alex sighed and nodded. “I promise it’ll be over soon.”
He hugged her and smiled. “Alright.” Ally smiled. “Tell me what you want to order so I don’t have to harass you while you’re tutoring him.”
She thought for a moment. “The usual.” He rolled his eyes. “What? I like lo mein!”
He groaned. “That’s all you get.” She nodded. “Do you want anything else?”
She shrugged slightly. “Do you want to share the cheese wantons again?”
His eyes widened as he nodded eagerly. “Yes, I do. They are so good.”
She laughed. “Promise you’ll save two for me.” He smirked. “I only got half of one last time before you took it.” He laughed. Jake stared at them in disbelief. The way Alex would always talk about her, you’d think he hated her but it seemed like he idolized her. “Come on, Alexei. You can save me two. I know you have it in you.”
He laughed. “I’ll get two orders of it. This way, you’ll be able to get two.”
She nodded. “Ok, that sounds fair.” He smirked. She looked at Jake. “I’ll be right back. Start looking over the problem where we left off.”
He nodded. “I will. Where are you going?”
She blushed. “I have to go to the bathroom.” Jake nodded. “And, this doesn’t count towards the half an hour!”
Alex rolled his eyes. “Yes, it does, Allia!” She laughed. “Allia!” His eyebrow rose when he noticed Jake staring at him. “What?”
Jake shook his head. “I thought you two didn’t like each other but…you do.” Alex glared at him. “Why are you mad that I’m here?”
He shrugged. “I told you you’d see her tomorrow and you still came to see her.” Jake nodded slowly. “Plus, she should be resting, not tutoring you.”
He sighed. “She offered and I need the help.” Alex nodded. “I’ve never seen you like that with Allia before.”
He sneered. “Don’t call her that.” Jake’s eyes widened. “It’s a family thing.” Jake nodded slowly. “Don’t tell anyone about what you saw here today.”
Jake nodded. “I won’t.” Alex sighed in relief. “Why are you being so nice to her if you don’t like her?”
Alex shrugged. “She’s my sister and she’s injured.”
He eyed him closely. “You feel guilty.” Alex rolled his eyes. “Yes, you do. You feel guilty about her getting hurt.”
He sighed. “Of course I feel guilty. My friends hurt her so it’s my fault. I never thought they’d physically hurt her.”
He nodded slowly. “I didn’t either.” Ally walked in. He smiled. “Are you ready?” She nodded. “So, the two of you are having Chinese?” She nodded slowly. “I love Chinese.” Alex’s eyebrow rose. Jake smiled at her. “Do you mind if I stay for dinner?”
Alex smiled when Ally looked at him. “It’s up to you, Allia.”
Ally bit her lip. “I don’t think that’d be a good idea. Alex was right. Our parents don’t like us having people over when they aren’t here.” Jake blinked. He wasn’t expecting her to say no. “Let’s just finish our session for today and we can start again tomorrow.”
Jake nodded slowly. “Alright.” Alex smirked.
Alex leaned against the wall and yawned. “So, how are things going with the loser?”
Jake shrugged. “Slow.” Alex nodded. “Do you have a problem with what I’m doing with Ally?”
He shook his head and laughed. “No, I don’t. I think it’s funny and she deserves it.”
He looked confused. “Why do you say that?”
He shrugged. “Little Ms. Perfect deserves to be taken down a notch or two.” Jake nodded slowly. “My parents think she is some sort of saint. They are in denial that they created the ultimate loser.”
He laughed lightly. “They must be.” Alex smirked. “Doesn’t she help you with your homework?”
Alex shrugged. “I’m surprised you’d want me to do this to your sister.”
He rolled his eyes. “I didn’t have a choice in the matter when it came to having her as a sister.” Jake nodded. “Ally does help me with my homework but it doesn’t make her less of a loser or a saint. I just want her knocked off the pedestal my parents put her on. It’s annoying and so is she.”
He smirked. “You’ve got that right.”
Danielle walked over to them with Chloe and Tim. She kissed Jake. He smiled. “What’s going on?”
Alex shrugged. “We were talking about the loser.”
Tim smirked. “How’s that going?”
Jake shrugged. “Slow.” He groaned when Chloe took out her camera. “Chloe, do you always have to have that thing on and in my face.”
Chloe smiled. “I need to document every detail so we can show the loser just how bad we got her.” Jake and Alex laughed and nodded. “So, Jake, tell us what has happened between you and the loser?”
He shrugged. “Nothing much. We talk and she tutors me.” They nodded slowly. “I did kiss her and tell her I liked her.”
Tim sneered. “Did you wash your mouth out with acid afterwards?”
Jake laughed. “No, I didn’t.”
Danielle’s eyebrow rose. “What happened? Did she believe you?”He looked at her. She smiled. “I’m not upset, Baby. I just want to know.”
He nodded. “Well, she pulled away and told me not to do it again.” They looked at him in surprise. “She knew I was lying. I promised her I wouldn’t do it again.”
Alex looked confused. “Why would you do something like that? The whole point is to convince her you like her.”
Jake rolled his eyes and laughed. “This is how I’m convincing her.” They looked confused. “I make her talk about herself. I ask questions and pretend I’m listening. I’m pretending to respect her wishes and when she least expects it, I’ll do it again.” They laughed. “The only problem is that new kid, Philip. He transferred into most of her classes and volunteers with her at the animal shelter and the homeless shelter. He is trying to compete with me for her.”
Alex nodded. “They do spend a lot of time together. They hang out after school at the shelters. He always drives her home. They hang out on weekends. They eat lunch together. He’s even had dinner at our house a few times.” Jake blinked. “Mike and Tim tried to tell him what a loser she is but he won’t listen. He says she’s a good person and he likes hanging out with her.”
Tim shook his head. “Obviously, there is something wrong with him mentally.”
Jake sneered. “He’s ruining things. I wasn’t supposed to have competition for her.” He groaned. “I guess I’m going to have to step up my game.” They nodded.
*~*~*~*
Margie smiled. “I told you that you would get an A.”
Ally held the molecular model tightly and laughed. “I believe I said the same thing about your volcano and I was right.” Margie rolled her eyes and shrugged. Ally groaned. “I forgot how heavy this thing was.”
She nodded. “My volcano is no light weight either.” Ally laughed and nodded. “Are you sure Philip is ok with driving me and my volcano home?”
She shrugged. “He offered. He wouldn’t have done that if he minded.”
Margie nodded. “That’s true. I like Philip. He’s really nice.” Ally smiled and nodded. “I have to stop at my locker. I’ll meet you at yours.”
Ally nodded. “Alright. I’ll be quick. I promise.” Margie smiled and shrugged.
Tim and Mike smirked as they watched Ally walk down the hall. “Let’s do it.” Tim said.
Mike laughed. “After you.” They walked towards her. Ally shifted the model in her hands to get a better grip on it and didn’t notice that Mike and Tim were standing on either side of her. They stuck out their feet. Ally and her molecular model went crashing to the floor. Ally grimaced and held her wrist to her chest. “Watch where you’re going, loser!” Mike yelled.
Margie set down her volcano and ran to her. “Oh my god! Ally, are you ok?”
Ally’s eyes watered. Her model was ruined. Pieces were scattered around her on the floor and she had a searing pain in her wrist. She took a few deep breaths and nodded. “I-I’m fine, Margie.” She winced when Margie touched her shoulder. “Ow!”
Her eyes widened. “Ally, you’re bleeding!” Ally hissed in pain when she tried to move. “One of the spikes you used sliced your shoulder!” Ally held in a yelp when Margie helped her up. “You’re lucky nothing worse happened.” Ally nodded slowly. “Don’t worry about your model. I’ll clean it up after I take you to the nurse.”
She shook her head. “I can’t let you do that, Margie. I’m fine. I’ll clean it up.”
She rolled her eyes. “You are not fine and I don’t mind doing it.” Ally let out a shaky breath. “Let’s go. I’m taking you to the nurse.”
She sighed. “I have to meet Jake for our tutoring session.”
Margie gave her a look. “Mr. Wonderful can go without one tutoring session.” Ally groaned in pain. “Ally, you’re in pain and bleeding. You have to get checked out.”
Philip ran up to them. “What happened? Ally, are you alright?” Ally explained about what happened and winced. “I’ll take you to the hospital.”
Margie shrugged. “I was going to take her to the nurse.”
He shook his head. “She’s gone. I saw her driving out of the parking lot.”
Ally sighed. “Can you still take Margie and her volcano home?”
She rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll take the bus like usual.”
He smiled. “I don’t mind taking you. Do you mind coming to the hospital first?” Margie rolled her eyes and shook her head. He nodded. “Get your volcano and meet us at my car.” She nodded and left. He put his arms around Ally and guided her towards the parking lot. “Don’t worry, Ally. I’ll take care of you.”
Ally leaned against him and smiled. “Thank you, Philip.” His smile grew. “You’re really a great friend to me.”
He kissed her temple. “You’re a great friend to me too, Ally.” She smiled. “Just lean against me and I’ll take care of everything.” She nodded and sighed.
*~*~*~*
Jake checked his watch for the third time in the last five minutes. Ally was a half an hour late. He sighed. She wasn’t coming. He picked up his bag and stalked out of the library and into the parking lot. He sighed when he noticed that his friends were waiting for him like always. He appreciated it but he knew they just wanted dirt on Ally. “Hey.”
Danielle smiled. “How was tutoring with the loser today?” Jake shook his head. “What did she do now?”
He shrugged. “She didn’t show up.” They looked confused. “She usually tells me when she’ll be late but she didn’t so I don’t know what happened.”
Mike smirked. “Well, she was probably distracted by something.” Tim laughed. The others looked confused. Mike told them about what they did. They, with the exception of Jake and Alex, laughed. “It was hysterical!”
Chloe shook her head as she laughed. “That’s horrible! She could have been hurt!”
Tim rolled his eyes. “That’s what makes it so funny!”
Alex stared at them. “Was she hurt?” They shrugged. “Don’t do it again!”
They stared at him in surprise. Erica blinked. “I-I thought you didn’t like her and were behind the plan.” He nodded. “So, why are you mad?”
He shrugged. “She’s still my sister. You can make fun of her all you want. You can go through with the plan to humiliate her. I don’t care but if you physically harm her, we’re going to have a serious problem.” He glared at Tim and Mike. “If she has a hair out of place because of what you two did, you’ll regret being born.”
Chloe smirked. “I got your brotherly devotion on film.” Alex rolled his eyes. “You are so manly.”
Alex laughed. “I’m aware. Thank you.”
Tim shook his head. “Alex, you make no sense at all.” Alex looked confused. “You help us torture the loser on a daily basis but Mike and I just trip her and that’s not ok?”
His eyebrow rose. “You have a little sister.” Tim nodded slowly. “Imagine if someone did what you did to Ally to her.” Tim’s eyes widened. “Do you understand now?”
He rubbed his eyes and groaned. “I’d kill the asshole.” He muttered. Alex nodded. “Ok, I won’t physically hurt her again.”
Jake rolled his eyes. “Do you know if Ally was hurt?” They shook their heads and shrugged. “That’s just great.” He muttered.
Danielle’s eyebrow rose. “Why do you care?”
He shrugged. “I don’t. It’s just what if she decides to stop tutoring me because of what they did? I’m screwed.” She nodded slowly. “Ally is a big loser. We all know that.” They nodded. “But she’s smart. She’s the only one that can help me pass Math and Science. If she decides to stop tutoring me after what they did to her, I won’t graduate.”
Chloe shrugged. “I doubt that will happen. She is totally crazy about you. She wouldn’t stop tutoring you because of what they did. She would never willingly give up her only chance to spend some time with you.”
Jake sighed. “I hope you’re right.”
*~*~*~*
Alex glared at them. “You’re dead!”
Mike gulped. “Alex, how were we supposed to know she would get hurt like that?”
Tim nodded quickly. “Yea, we just thought it would be funny. We didn’t know she would end up having to go to the hospital.”
Jake was walking over to them but stopped when he heard that. “Who had to go to the hospital?”
Alex sneered at them. “Ally had to go to the hospital after what they did to her.”
Jake’s eyes widened. “What? Is she ok?”
Alex looked at him. “When she fell, the model she built was in her hands. She fell and a part of the model landed on her wrist. One of the spikes she used sliced her shoulder.” Jake blinked. “She has a fractured wrist and had to get stitches.” Jake glared at them. “Philip and Margie found her and took her to the hospital.” Jake’s eyebrow rose at the mention of Philip. “He called my parents and, lucky for these two idiots, Ally just said she tripped over her own feet.” Alex sneered at them. “My Dad was pissed. If he knew the two of you were the reason she fell, you wouldn’t be breathing right now.”
Jake sighed. “Is she going to be alright?” Alex nodded. “Ok, I’ll talk to her when I see her in class.”
He shook his head. “Ally’s not here today. My parents forced her to stay home so she could rest. You’ll have to wait until tomorrow to talk to her.”
Jake nodded. “Ok, I guess I have no choice but to wait.”
*~*~*~*
Ally opened the door and stared at him in surprise. “What are you doing here?”
Jake smiled. “I heard you were hurt and I wanted to see if you were ok.”
Her eyebrow rose. “Really?” He nodded. “Well, I’m fine.” He nodded slowly. “Is…is that all you came by for?” He shifted uncomfortably and shrugged. “Alex isn’t home yet. I think he’s out beating up Tim and Mike.” He blinked. “I had to tell Alex what they did. I know that they’re his friends but…” She bit her lip. “I guess I shouldn’t have told him. He’s always so overprotective of me.” He looked at her incredulously. She sighed. “He tells me how he tries so hard to get everyone to back off of me but they just won’t listen to him.” His eyebrow rose. “I know I’m technically his little sister and he wants to protect me but I don’t want him to get into trouble.”
He shook his head in disbelief. “Alex…told you that?” She smiled and nodded. “And, you believed him?”
She laughed lightly. “Of course. Why wouldn’t I believe him?” He shook his head again. She smiled. “I know we don’t always get along. He can be…a bit of a jerk and I can be difficult but he’s my brother. He…we’ve always been close and try to look out for each other. He defends me to you…his friends.” Jake blinked. “And, I defend him to our parents.” Jake nodded slowly. “It’s…I don’t know. We’ve always been that way.”
He stared at her. “Does he know that you defend him to your parents?”
She shook her head and looked confused. “No, he doesn’t. Why should he? It’s not like we’re keeping score.” Jake held in a groan. “I always warn him when he’s about to get into trouble so he has time to prepare. I don’t tell him that I calm Dad down beforehand. There’s no point in it.”
He gulped. “I think you should tell him, Ally.” She looked confused. “Trust me. He should know.” She nodded slowly. “And, I came here to see you, not Alex.”
She looked at him in surprise. “You did?” He smiled and nodded. “You didn’t have to come out of your way to see me. I’ll be going to school tomorrow.” His smile grew. Her eyes widened. “Oh! I forgot we missed your tutoring session yesterday! No wonder you came by!”
He sighed. “That’s true but I did come to see how you were doing.” She blinked. “We can start tutoring tomorrow.”
Ally shook her head. “No, we can do it now.” He looked unsure. She smiled. “I don’t mind. I need to do something. I’ve been trapped in this house all day watching television. I need a distraction.”
Jake smiled. “Are you sure?” She nodded. He followed her into the kitchen and sat down. “I appreciate this.” She shrugged. “I was worried when you didn’t show up yesterday. Usually, you tell me if you’ll be late.”
She shrugged slightly. “I wanted to tell you but Margie and Philip insisted I go to the hospital right away.” He nodded slowly. “Do you want something to drink before we get started?”
He shook his head. “No, I’m fine.” She sat down next to him. He held her hand. “I’m glad you’re ok, Ally.”
She pulled her hand away and nodded. “Thank you, Jake.” He sighed. He was getting nowhere with her. “Let’s get started.”
*~*~*~*
Alex closed the door behind him and yawned. “Ally cat, I’m home!”
Ally smiled. “I’m in the kitchen!” Alex walked in and smiled. “How was your day?”
He leaned over and kissed the top of her head. “It was alright.” She nodded. “More importantly, how are you feeling?”
She smiled. “I feel fine.” His eyebrow rose. She let out a tiny laugh. “I swear I’m fine.”
He looked at the table and saw opened text books and notebooks. He shook his head and sighed. “Allia, you are supposed to be resting today.” She nodded slowly. “Why are your books out?”
She laughed lightly. “Alexei, I was resting all day but there’s only so much television I can watch.”
He rolled his eyes and laughed. “I’ve never had a problem watching a lot of television.” She smirked and nodded eagerly. He laughed and pushed her shoulder. “You’re an ass!” She yelped in pain. His eyes widened. “A-Allia, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to do that!” She gritted her teeth and nodded. He grabbed an ice pack out of the freezer and placed it gently on her shoulder. “Does that help?” She nodded. “I’m sorry, Allia.”
She smiled. “I know you didn’t mean to do that, Alexei.” He sighed and nodded. “You didn’t beat up Mike and Tim, right?”
He shrugged. “I was going to but I knew you wouldn’t want that. I talked to them and told them to lay off you.”
She sighed. “Well, let’s see how long that lasts.”
He gulped. “I…I try…”
She patted his hand and smiled. “I know you do and I appreciate it.”
He let out a shaky breath. “Mom and Dad are working late tonight. What do you want to do for dinner?”
“Pizza or pizza?”
He smirked. “Chinese.”
She laughed. “I’m sorry. That wasn’t one of the options. Please, try again.” He pouted and batted his eyelashes at her. She rolled her eyes. “Oh alright. We’ll get Chinese.” He smiled. She put her head on his shoulder. “You’re the only one who can get away with doing that to me.”
He laughed and nodded. “I know.” She laughed. “How about we make ice cream sundaes and watch ‘Sound of Music’ after dinner. That always makes you feel better.”
She blushed. “I can’t eat ice cream sundaes anymore.” He looked confused. She rolled her eyes. “I’m fat and need to lose weight.”
He rolled his eyes. “You aren’t fat, Allia!” Her eyebrow rose. He smiled. “You’re great just the way you are.” She smiled. “Don’t let those assholes make you think any different.”
She laughed. “You’re a good brother to me, Alexei.”
He looked away from her and shrugged. “You’re my little sister and I don’t like people messing with you.”
She smirked. “I’m your little sister by two minutes.” He shrugged. She hugged him. “Well, you’re a great big brother.” He smiled. “Will you sing along with me when we watch ‘Sound of Music’?”
Alex rolled his eyes and groaned. “Do I have to?” She pouted and batted her eyelashes at him. He groaned. “I always have to sing along with you.” She continued to pout. He rolled his eyes. “Alright. I’ll sing along with you.” She smiled. “You’re the only one who can get away with doing that to me.”
Ally laughed. “I know.”
He smiled and stood up. “Ok, put your books away and I’ll order dinner. Do you want the usual?”
She gulped. “These aren’t my books.”
He looked confused. “They aren’t mine.”
She wouldn’t look at him. “They’re Jake’s books.”
His eyebrow rose. “Jake was here?” She nodded slowly. “Why did he leave his books?”
“I didn’t.” Alex turned around and saw Jake standing there. Jake looked at Ally. “I’m sorry I took so long. My mom wouldn’t stop talking.”
She glanced at Alex and nodded. “It’s ok.”
Alex glared at him. “What are you doing here?” Jake blinked. “I told you that Allia had to rest and you could see her tomorrow.”
Ally sighed. Jake looked confused by the name Alex called her. “Alexei, he came by so I could tutor him.” Alex gave her a look. She smiled. “We didn’t meet yesterday because I had to go to the hospital.” Alex shrugged. “I’m tutoring him in two classes and he can’t afford to lose a day let alone two. He came by so we wouldn’t miss another session.”
Jake looked at her. “I also came by to see if you were alright.” Ally’s eyebrow rose as she shrugged. Alex smirked. “Do you want to continue?”
He shook his head. “No, you need to go now.” Jake stared at him in disbelief. He never saw Alex act so protective of Ally before. Ally gave him a look. “Don’t look at me like that, Allia! You know we can’t have people over if Mom and Dad aren’t home.” Ally rolled her eyes. “They’ll get pissed if they knew you were working instead of resting.”
She hugged him. “You worry too much, Alexei.” Alex smiled. Jake blinked. “Just let us finish up. Mom and Dad won’t find out.” Alex sighed. “After we’re done, we can order Chinese and watch the movie.”
He sighed and nodded. “You’re making my sundae with extra cherries.” She laughed and nodded. He looked at Jake. “You have five minutes to finish up.”
She rolled her eyes. “Half an hour.” Alex shook his head. “We have five problems left to go over and it should be done within a half an hour.” Alex sighed and nodded. “I promise it’ll be over soon.”
He hugged her and smiled. “Alright.” Ally smiled. “Tell me what you want to order so I don’t have to harass you while you’re tutoring him.”
She thought for a moment. “The usual.” He rolled his eyes. “What? I like lo mein!”
He groaned. “That’s all you get.” She nodded. “Do you want anything else?”
She shrugged slightly. “Do you want to share the cheese wantons again?”
His eyes widened as he nodded eagerly. “Yes, I do. They are so good.”
She laughed. “Promise you’ll save two for me.” He smirked. “I only got half of one last time before you took it.” He laughed. Jake stared at them in disbelief. The way Alex would always talk about her, you’d think he hated her but it seemed like he idolized her. “Come on, Alexei. You can save me two. I know you have it in you.”
He laughed. “I’ll get two orders of it. This way, you’ll be able to get two.”
She nodded. “Ok, that sounds fair.” He smirked. She looked at Jake. “I’ll be right back. Start looking over the problem where we left off.”
He nodded. “I will. Where are you going?”
She blushed. “I have to go to the bathroom.” Jake nodded. “And, this doesn’t count towards the half an hour!”
Alex rolled his eyes. “Yes, it does, Allia!” She laughed. “Allia!” His eyebrow rose when he noticed Jake staring at him. “What?”
Jake shook his head. “I thought you two didn’t like each other but…you do.” Alex glared at him. “Why are you mad that I’m here?”
He shrugged. “I told you you’d see her tomorrow and you still came to see her.” Jake nodded slowly. “Plus, she should be resting, not tutoring you.”
He sighed. “She offered and I need the help.” Alex nodded. “I’ve never seen you like that with Allia before.”
He sneered. “Don’t call her that.” Jake’s eyes widened. “It’s a family thing.” Jake nodded slowly. “Don’t tell anyone about what you saw here today.”
Jake nodded. “I won’t.” Alex sighed in relief. “Why are you being so nice to her if you don’t like her?”
Alex shrugged. “She’s my sister and she’s injured.”
He eyed him closely. “You feel guilty.” Alex rolled his eyes. “Yes, you do. You feel guilty about her getting hurt.”
He sighed. “Of course I feel guilty. My friends hurt her so it’s my fault. I never thought they’d physically hurt her.”
He nodded slowly. “I didn’t either.” Ally walked in. He smiled. “Are you ready?” She nodded. “So, the two of you are having Chinese?” She nodded slowly. “I love Chinese.” Alex’s eyebrow rose. Jake smiled at her. “Do you mind if I stay for dinner?”
Alex smiled when Ally looked at him. “It’s up to you, Allia.”
Ally bit her lip. “I don’t think that’d be a good idea. Alex was right. Our parents don’t like us having people over when they aren’t here.” Jake blinked. He wasn’t expecting her to say no. “Let’s just finish our session for today and we can start again tomorrow.”
Jake nodded slowly. “Alright.” Alex smirked.