Things We Never Said

Seven

Ethan never brought up the phone call when I saw him in class the next day. I assumed he got busy and just forgot. He was probably so busy that it slipped his mind. Vanessa wanted to stay after school today to watch the basketball game. Gabe had insisted we come, and Vanessa said no repeatedly. I thought she would stick to her guns but here we are.

I glanced across at the bench where all the players were sitting. Gabe and Alex were sitting next to each other talking. Ethan was off to the side talking with Krista. She seemed upset and Ethan was trying to console her. I wondered what her problem was this time.

Alex noticed me and waved. I waved back. Gabe followed Alex’s line of sight and blew Vanessa a kiss. She gave him the middle finger. I couldn't help but chuckle.

“He’s cute.”

I turned to Vanessa. “Hm?”

“I said he’s cute.”

“Who? Alex?” I asked, confused. 

Vanessa rolled her eyes and smiled. “Yes, Alex.”

“I guess he is.”

“He’s also a nice guy.”

“Yeah, he is.”

“Why don’t you hang out with him more often?”

I shrugged. “I never thought about.”

“I think you guys would have a lot in common.”

I knew what she was doing, and I wasn't going to fall into her trap, so I said, “Let’s just watch the game.”

The game ended up being really fun and went very well. We won, of course, by a long shot. The crowd started to dissipate while Vanessa and I hung back for a while to avoid the chaos. Once most of the crowd had left, we made our way down the bleachers.

As we were heading towards Vanessa’s car, Gabe and Alex caught up with us.

“Did you see me make that shot?” Gabe asked Vanessa with a smug smile on his face

“No,” she said, depleting his ego. 

“I’m sure you did.”

“I’m sure I didn’t.”

“Why are you so mean?”

Vanessa rolled her eyes. “I’m not mean.”

“You are totally mean, you know that?”

Vanessa stopped walking to turn around and face him. “You really think I’m mean?”

Gabe shrugged. “It’s okay, you can make it up to me.”

She narrowed her eyes. “How?”

“We’re going to go grab a bite to eat right now. You should come.”

“Who’s we?” she asked with a raised brow. 

“Alex and myself.”

Vanessa glanced at me. I hoped she would say no. I just really wanted to go home and sulk in bed, but she surprised me by saying, “Alright.”

Gabe smiled. “Really?”

“Why not? What else are we going to do.”

“Meet us at the diner on fifth.”

“See you there.”

As soon as Vanessa and I got into her car, I groaned.

“Why did you say yes?”

“Because you need some fun right now.”

“You think hanging out with Gabe is going to be fun?”

“Not just Gabe. Alex will be there too.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What are you planning?”

“I’m not planning anything.”

“Be honest.”

“I am being honest. I’m really not planning anything.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“I’m serious. I just want you to have a good time and get your mind off Ethan. Nothing more.”

I sighed. “Alright. I guess you’re right. I do need some fun.”

It didn’t take long for us to get to the diner. The guys were already there waiting at a booth towards the back. We slid in across from them.

“Took you guys long enough,” Gabe said.

“We could’ve taken longer or not shown up at all,” Vanessa replied while looking at the menu.  

“I guess we’re lucky then for you gracing us with your appearance.”

“You’re damn right.” Vanessa glanced at Alex. “So, Alex, are you seeing anyone?”

I almost choked.

Alex blushed, his eyes flickering to me for a brief second before he answered, “No, I’m not.”

“Interesting.” Vanessa went back to looking at the menu.

I wanted to glare at her. She said she wasn’t going to try anything but here she was devising a plan. I could already see the calculating look on her face.

“I’m not seeing anyone either,” Gabe piped in.

“I wasn’t asking you,” she says without missing a beat.

Gabe gave her a flat look. He picked up the menu with a huff. 

Vanessa didn’t ask any more personal questions and I was finally able to relax. By the end of the night, my cheeks were hurting from laughing so much. Silently, I thanked Vanessa because she was right, I did need this.

The guys were walking us to Vanessa’s car when Alex turned to me. “What are you doing this weekend?”

“I have a hot date with homework.”

He laughed, “Gabe and I are going to the movies with a couple of other friends, would you and Vanessa like to join us?”

I smiled. “Um, yeah. That sounds like fun. We’ll be there.”

“I’ll pick you guys up around three.”

“Sounds good.”

He pulled out his phone and handed it to me, "Just text me your address."

We all exchanged goodbyes before leaving. Vanessa and I were driving to my house. I didn’t realize how late it was.

“You should stay at my house tonight.”

Vanessa glanced at the clock. “I probably should.”

As we were sneaking into the house, I silently prayed that Mom had already fallen asleep. We quietly snuck up the stairs, being very careful with each step to prevent any creaking noises to echo inside the house. We were both dead quiet until we successfully made it to my room and broke down into a fit of giggles.

It wasn’t until Vanessa and I were laying in my bed when I finally asked her, “Why did you ask Alex if he was seeing anyone?”

Vanessa laid on her side, facing away from me.

“I was curious.”

“You had no other intentions?”

“None.”

“Nessa…”

“I promise but now you know he’s an option.” Vanessa burst out laughing. I hit her with my pillow which just made her laugh harder.