The Trouble-Makers

The next Monday at school I could feel the tension in the air as soon as I walked through the school doors. I caught a few glares from some of the kids roaming the hallways but that was something I was growing used to the more I hung out with the Trouble-Makers. Even though I wasn't even a member I was now being associated as one of them.

Through history class Alex seemed relaxed, leaning against one of his arms on top of the desk. It seemed everything was all in my mind, that was until the bell went off.

Alex heaved a sigh. "I don't get why you can't just skip this class with me," he said, standing up. Ever since I found out he was a part of this class I pretty much begged him to keep coming so I wouldn't have to sit alone.

"Are you kidding?" I asked, following him out the door. "If I did that I would definitely get caught."

"Not when you're with me." Alex winked at me, stopping by my locker so I could ditch my books in it.

"Alex!" I turned to find Mike shoving people out of his way and running towards us. "Guys," Mike heaved, trying to catch his breath. "The courtyard.."

"Okay, dude, catch your breath. What about the courtyard?" Alex asked as I shut my locker door to stand beside him.

"It's the clique," Mike said and I saw Alex stiffen beside me, "and Jack."

With that, Alex almost let out a growl. I bit down on my lip and as much as I wanted to tell Alex to stay out of it I knew we couldn't just leave Jack.

"I'm going now. Where are the rest of the guys?" Alex asked, beginning to walk away.

"I already told Rian, I'm going to go find Jaime," Mike said, walking the opposite direction.

I struggled to keep up with Alex but he shot a glance behind him at me. "Stella, you stay here," he said harshly.

"No way I'm staying here," I said, nearly jogging to keep up my pace with him. "I'm not leaving you guys alone."

"Why are you doing this?" Alex asked, stopping at the courtyard doors. "You're not even a Trouble-Maker."

"Because I want to be there for you like you were there for me," I responded simply, but my words must have held some weight because Alex's expression softened.

He nodded his head before pushing the doors opened and we made our way towards the crowd, pushing our way to the middle. Sure enough, there was Jack standing in the middle of it with Rian at his side facing Kellin.

"I don't know how many times we have to beat it into your head until you finally show some manners," Jack spat. It was obvious if it weren't for Rian holding him back, Jack would be attacking Kellin right now.

"Jack," Alex murmured, walking up to his side and setting his hand on his shoulder.

"And look who finally showed up," Kellin started, a spark igniting in his eyes. "Alex himself. And look, his girlfriend, Stella." A creepy smile came across Kellin's face. "Tell me, Stella, how many lies did they say to you for you to join their little club?"

"Shut up, Kellin," Alex growled, taking a step towards him.

"No, really, I want to know. Or maybe you just really are a slut like everyone says and you can't stay with one guy too long," Kellin spoke easily, obviously not noting the growing anger radiating off of Alex.

Jack cursed and he grabbed onto Rian, pushing him backwards. "There's no stopping him now, princess," Jack murmured towards me, but I ignored him. I refused to stop watching Alex. His entire body was tense and he looked like he was about to explode. His short fuse was about to go off.

"I wonder when she'll move onto me, actuall-" but Kellin couldn't finish his sentence because Alex leaped at him, knocking Kellin off of his feet and onto the ground and the crowd screamed. Alex was on top of him, fist raised in the air but I quickly intervened, jumping after the two boys and grabbing a hold of Alex's fist.

"Alex, stop, please don't do this," I said quickly, looking down at Kellin whom had fear written all over his face. "This isn't worth it, Alex, trust me."

Alex shook his head quickly, refusing to turn away from Kellin. "No, Stella, he's crossed the line way too far this time." He tried shaking me off of his arm roughly but I refused to let go, continuing to beg. "Jack," Alex called, and I furrowed my eyes in confusion until I felt a pair of arms wrap around my waist and pull me away from Alex.

"No!" I cried, trying to get out of Jack's grasp. If Alex did really start beating Kellin, who knew how far he would take it. I had to do something. Alex wound his fast back into the air and Kellin struggled underneath him. "I'll join the Trouble-Makers!" I shouted, and I could feel the confusion coursing through the crowd, but it caught Alex's attention. I felt Jack's grip on me loosen and I quickly broke free, running back over to Alex and holding onto his fist once more. "I'll join the Trouble-Makers if you stop and walk away right now," I nearly whispered, my voice shaking.
Alex turned his head to face me, astonished by my bargain, but intrigued nonetheless. His body grew less tense and I freed his fist, opening his hand and intertwining out fingers.

"Come on," I encouraged, pulling Alex off of Kellin. Kellin scrambled to his feet and, again, ran off and disappeared into the crowd.

"Freakin' wimp!" Jack called after him, but I ignored him and guided Alex out of the crowd.

"We can't stay here," Alex murmured, squeezing onto my hand.

I slowly nodded my head, realizing he was pretty much telling me we were skipping the rest of the school day. "Okay," I said as he held onto my hand and pulled me towards the school's parking lot.

Notes

Kind of really wanted to have a fight in here where Alex actually punched Kellin but I guess that'll have to wait for later, or maybe not c;