Page 54 of The Perfect Spiral
So, I stopped trying to make friends, stopped caring to talk to them, and stopped caring what they thought of me.
I always resented the fact that he could converse with people so effortlessly and kindly, while I would respond with sass or awkwardness. A few years down the line, I embraced both of those traits my mother so kindly passed down to me.
All the girls would flock to him when he played football for our high school team. I, however, wouldn’t go near the field unless I was playing on it.
I used to detest being around him, boasting about himself, portraying himself as this divine god that all the girls would fallto their knees for, literally.
I played soccer when I was in high school. He used to come to my games, to try to throw me off and check out the other girls on my team. Actually, all of Kyle’s friends did that.
Kyle played on the same team as Knox and used to nag at me for not going to a game. My excuse was always something like, ‘I have to wash my hair’ or ‘I’m seeing Hannah tonight.’
Kyle was really good until he blew out his knee at the end of senior year. It was a tough time for him.
I won’t lie, I used to have a crush on Knox when I first met him. Then he opened his mouth, and that’s when I realized, he’s such an ass.
I even told him so. See, he used to treat me differently from everyone else, especially after the kiss. Ever since that happened, he was an even bigger ass.
Then we kissed again, and it just made things worse. So we stayed clear of each other, but at the same time, he was always around. Always.
How did I become friends with Hannah? We bonded over the fact that our brothers and their friends were the objects of every girl’s affection in our school.
She has an older brother, James, who was in my older brother Max’s year. They are best friends. Don’t get me wrong, James is hot!
Sandy blonde hair, well-built like he was in the army, always wore a tight top to show off his muscles without taking it off, and his light tan made all the girls swoon when he walked by.
Hannah is a year older than me, so we were in the same year, but she was the youngest until I joined. We had some classes together, but not many.
She never saw me as a stepping stone to get closer to my brother,and the same went for her. Although James was hot, he wasn’t someone I pursued, but she encouraged me to sometimes.
You know those guys that you can appreciate from afar but never make a move on? Yeah, he was that for me! Although he did try a few times and flirted with me like crazy.
Hannah used to hate it, but now she ignores it and enjoys it when I tease him back because I’m not like the other girls who talk to him. I’m a little more feisty.
But all my brothers and their friends do it to her too. She’s always had a thing for Wes and Tyler, but was always too shy to do anything about it.
Enough of the childhood memory rant.
Andy and I had just finished our last exam before Christmas break, two different ones. Although I could’ve easily aced Andy’s exam.
Walking out of the hall, we grabbed our bags and ran to each other for our traditional final exam hug.
“Thank fuck it’s over! I couldn’t mentally take it anymore!” she cries out on my shoulder as we hug each other.
“Honestly, you’re a nightmare during finals week! It’s like you’re PMSing times ten!” I laugh, my voice muffled by her shirt.
We pull apart, scanning the room for our next move. Spotting Wes in the corner, Andy tugs us in his direction. “Wes!” she calls, waving enthusiastically.
“Hey, Alex!” Selena greets me, her arms cradling a stack of folders. I groan inwardly, already knowing why she’s approaching me. Knox.
Ever since the airport incident, it’s been all about Knox. Every girl on campus has:
Asked me if we’re dating, to which I’ve always replied no. Inquired about his availability, to which I’ve always said yes.
Requested that I pass along their number, to which I’ve always refused.
There’s no way I’m playing matchmaker for him.
“I was wondering if you could give this to Knox?” Selena asks, extending an envelope toward me.
