Jack

“I just don't get it Ri.” I complained, on our way back home. “I mean, he always had fun with us at practice. Why would he say no?”
“Maybe, he just doesn't want to be in an official band, Jack. I don't know what to tell you.”
“First with the 'not a boyfriend' thing, now this.... I feel like Alex is just trying not to have anything to do with me.”
“Speaking of that, have you two like...made it official?” Rian asked, and I looked at him.
“That's a dumb question, we kiss and hang out like, all the time. We admitted our feelings and crap...”
“Yeah, but did anyone say; 'Would you like to go out with me?'”
“Um, no.” I muttered. “Is that necessary?”
“Typically. Yes.”
“I thought it was implied!”
“Looks like you and Alex have a lot of talking to do then.”
“This sucks.” I grumbled, sitting back in my seat. Rian patted my leg, and gave me a sympathetic smile.
“You'll figure things out. Don't worry.”

The next morning, I got up with a plan. Alex and I can just talk about us and the band, we can figure this all out. I mean, we had a fight just last week and it turned out okayish. Right?

So, as I strolled into Dulaney, I went to Alex's locker happy to see him already there.

“Hey, Lex.” I called, stepping up to him.
“Oh, hi Jack.” He said, looking at me for a moment before getting his textbook. He seemed tired.
“I was just curious if we can hang today.”
“Um, I don't know.” He said, closing his locker. “I have a lot on my mind.”
“You do look tired...” I said, shrugging. “We don't have to, there's always tomorrow.”
“Thanks.” He smiled.
“So, want me to walk to class with you?”
“Actually, I was going to meet up with Patrick. Hence why I'm here early.”
“Ah....okay.”

I kept trying all week, but Alex kept saying no to me. It was the same excuses. I'm busy today, I have some things to think over, not today Jack, please leave me alone. I was starting to get really annoyed again. Alex always acts like I'm the moody one, yet he won't even talk to me anymore. I didn't even do anything.

So, of course, I waited outside school for him one day and cut him off before he could start heading home.

“What is your problem, lately?” I asked, “Why won't you talk to me.'
“I told you, I have a lot on my mind.”
“Like what? What happened? Cause it seems like ever since the guys and I asked you to be part of the band you suddenly have no time for me.”
“Maybe because I realized I've been wasting too much time with all of you.” Alex snapped.
“Wasting time? Dude, you've helped us a lot with getting closer to our dreams. Don't you wanna be part of that?” I asked, slightly offended.
“It's not really what I want to do.”
“But you like music.” I argued, and Alex snorted.
“Yeah, so?”
“Well, haven't you ever thought of trying to be in the business of it?”
“Of course not, it's silly.” He said, and I frowned. “Don't look at me like that, its true. I didn't want to say anything, but you need to hear this. Music is a hard thing to do anything with, it won't help your future at all. I can't waste much more time with this.”
“Okay, fine. Don't be in the band. I just thought that if we worked together it would..help our relationship.”
“That's another thing.” Alex said. “This, this thing we're doing, I don't know what you think it is but we are. Not. Dating. You haven't asked me, and I haven't asked you.”
“I was getting to that part.” I attempted to say, but Alex shook his head.
“Don't bother. This week has really shown me some things.”
“How? You never see me!”
“Yeah, and now I actually have my homework done. My grades were slipping, thanks to you.” He accused.
“I-”
“Just shut up and leave me alone.” Alex said and went to walk away.

When he was a few feet away from me, it really hit me. What he said, so of course, I yelled.

“So, this meant nothing to you? Nothing at all? I'm not worth your precious A's slipping to what, a B+? Fine then, who needs you! You're just some pathetic church kid. I hope Jon breaks your fucking arm or something.”

Alex turned to look at me, seeming horrified but I didn't care. I stomped off, I had to. Otherwise he would've seen the tears that started form and fall down my face.

It took another week of being locked in my room, refusing to do anything, in order to close off my heart to the world again. As I finally went to school, three periods late, I was shocked to be approached by Brendon.

“Dude, whatever you want, don't bother.” I groaned, wanting to be left alone.
“Look, Jack. I heard about Alex...” He said, stopping me from walking away.
“Who told you.”
“Rian.”
“That fucking-”
“I wanna sing for your band.” He said, and I shut up.
“What?”
“Rian told me you got denied a singer. I wanna fill in.”
“Umm, okay...” I muttered. “Sing something.

Oh,
Well imagine,
As I'm pacing the pews in a church corridor,
And I can't help but to hear,
No, I can't help but to hear an exchanging of words:
"What a beautiful wedding! What a beautiful wedding!" says a bridesmaid to a waiter,"
And, yes, but what a shame, what a shame the poor groom's bride is a whore."

“Stop stop.” I said, and he looked at me, scared looking. “Who sings that?”
“I...wrote it.”
“Well, you're in.” I smirked. “Oh and Brendon.”
“Yeah?”
“Wanna hang out tonight?”
“Hang out, or...?”
“We can have some fun too.” I winked before walking off. “Band practice is every Wednesday and Saturday.”

I heard Brendon cheer like a loser, and I laughed continuing my way down the hall. It wasn't until I bumped into someone did my smile disappear.

“Jack?”
“Oh, hi Alex.” I deadpanned.
“Where have you been?”
“Does it matter?” I asked, and he flinched.
“Of course it does. Look about-”
“I know what you're going to say, and I don't care. You take care of your grades, I'll take care of my band.” I walked past him, muttering. “We got a new singer anyway.”
“Who?” Alex called and I just laughed, shrugging. He'll find out soon enough.

Maybe he'll feel some jealousy again. I'm kind of hoping he does.

Notes

Oops. I broke Jalex.

Take that Princess, that's what happens when you're a buttface.