Welcome To Alexandria

chapter 4

Iras’ POV

  “What the f**k is your problem dumb cunt?”

  I hear Andria from across the cafeteria, my mind races as I look for where her voice came from. When my eyes find her Ashley is all in her face. That pisses off more than I already was. Ashleys’ problem is no one has ever told her no in her life, there’s a reason her nickname is ‘daddies’ money’.  Now she’s mad because we had a drunk night, she wanted more and I didn’t it wasn’t even good s*x. But f*****g with my André is the fastest way to become my enemy. I’m trying to rush to Andria, people are starting to crowd them making it hard.

  “Move the f**k outta the way!”

  I hear Josh yelling at people and realize that the boys were trying just as hard as I was to get through. I lock eyes with Andria silently pleading with her not to swing. Everyone else might wanna see this fight but I don’t, Ashely would play victim and it would go on Andria’s record. College is way to important to her for that. She’s not thinking clearly because she smirks at me. I know I have to hurry now, I start shoving people not caring if man, woman, or child were in the way I have to get to her. Then I hear a painful crunch. Andria had to have broke Ashely’s wrist, I see Andria whisper something in Ashely’s ear that makes her eyes go wide. Still smirking Andria uses Ashley’s wrist to shove her back. Ashley lands on her ass but tries to get up fast taking a half ass fighting stance. I’m starting to think that people are purposely not letting me through, I know I’m not gonna make it to them in time. Ashley swings with her good hand Andria is quick to dodge it, grabbing Ashley’s arm and flinging Ashley over her shoulders to the ground. I can hear the air leave her lungs. I’m maybe five feet away now, Andria jumps on top of Ashley straddling and punching her. Her arms working like pistons, left right left right. I hear a loud crack before I see Josh snake his arms around Andria’s waist yanking her to his chest kicking and screaming. ‘How did he get to her before me?’

“GET THE f**k OFF ME!! LET ME GO! I’M NOT DONE LET GOOOOOO!”

It kinda pisses me off that he’s holding her so close but I have a job to do. Andria is still in the darkness as she calls it because I can see her eyes are glossed over, she must have blacked out. I quickly grab her face in my hand and run my fingers from her hair line till they fall off her chin. She stops thrashing and screaming but she’s still breathing heavy. Still in Joshes arms I bring her face inches from mine her eyes are closed but I know she knows it’s me.

“Breathe André, breathe for me okay.”

 I say cupping her face in my hands and rest my forehead on hers. I don’t care who’s watching she’s my number one priority at the moment. She sags in joshes arms, I signal him to let go. My arms take his place her body weight sinks against me our faces still connected while I keep telling her to breathe. Her breathing is going back to normal and I open my eyes I didn’t realized I closed lifting my forehead from hers. She opens her eyes and those deep pools of dark honey stare back at me for a moment. Our faces are so close I just have to lean in to take in her plump peach lips that I’ve wanted since the sixth grade. Now’s not the time for those thoughts though. I have to snap back into just being her best friend no matter how hard that is.

  “You good now?’

  I ask gently, she nodes her head yes but I need to hear her say it.

  “I need words André. Are You Good Now?’ I ask adding gentle pressure to her waist pressing our bodies together.

  “I’m good now Ira, I promise.”

  She assures me, I glance to were Ashley was laying and the principle standing there burning a hole in the back of Andria’s head. ‘Where was she when Ashley started this? In fact, where were any of the teachers to stop this before it got this far, who helped Ashley up I know she couldn’t have done by herself.’ The principle looks at me then points down the hallway, the students make a pathway. ‘Oh, now they wanna move.’ Andria clears her throat, I look at her seeing her ears heat up, god the way she blushes is so beautiful.

  “Ira let go now please?” I quickly drop my arms from her and look back at the principle.

    “Johnson, Hernández my office now.”

  She sounds bothered but not pissed maybe Andria has a chance for her side of the story to be heard. I look behind me seeing the guys then toss Josh my keys.

  “take our stuff to my car kay?”

  “Yeah man”

 I run my hand through my hair and follow behind Andrie, passing Izzy in the crowd telling her to call dad. As we go down the hallway I just pray that no one is believing what lie Ashley is telling them.

***

Alexandria’s POV

  God can my life get any more pathetic? I am so embarrassed the whole school watched how Ira had to calm me down and bring me back to reality. How close and intimate he held me, if I could face palm right now I would. Last thing I remember is pushing Ashley, blackness, then hearing Ira telling me to breathe. My heart is pounding outta me chest when we reach the principles office. The door swings open and I see Ashley crying into her dad’s shoulder with an ice pack on her nose and her wrist wrapped up. Jesus hold long was Ira holding me? Her left eye is swelling but she manages to look up at me then she starts screaming and clutching on to the mans suit for dear life.

  “Ashley stop faking it you’re completely fine” Ira says annoyed

  “My daughter is not okay! Look what that lunatic did to my baby’s face!” The man who I’m guessing is Ashelys dad yells. The principle rubs her temples as she takes her seat.

  “Everyone calm down. Ira, Alexandria take a seat please.”

I sit down next to Ira on the couch next to her desk. Her eyes turn to me and she stare at me intensely?

  “I’ve heard Ashleys side of the story, would you care to let me hear what happened today?”

  She asks before taking a drink of coffee. But what am I supposed to tell her I can’t even really remember. Ashley scoffs her crying suddenly stopped.

  “It’s not a story it’s the truth! I went to ask her why she was so mean to me in class and she went crazy on me. She needs to be medicated!”

  Ashley screeches before starting to cry again with her dad rubbing her back. I may not remember everything but that’s not what happened. Ira starts laughing, we all turn to look at him. ‘Really Ira now is not the time.’ When he stops he looks at Ashley like he’s looking through her.

  “Is that really the best you could come up with? I mean I know it’s short notice but come on Ashley. She just attacked you…Really? Miss Kempten has Alexandria ever been in trouble before?”

  Hearing Ira say my full name sounds foreign. It’s always Andria or André. The principle sits back in her chair and looks at me again.

  “Come to think of it I think this is the first time we’ve officially met Alexandria, I sure wish it was to congratulate you on being valedictorian instead of this.” She smirks and Ashley’s dad looks like he’s about to explode. Before he can there’s a knock on the door Ira sighs in relief as the principle tells the intruder to come in. The door opens and to my surprise it’s Victor, he’s in mechanics’ suit a little grease on his face.

  “I got a call from my daughter that I needed to come down here it was argent?” He questions then looks down at my shirt I pull it into view and see it’s got blood on it. Victor rushes to me asking if I’m okay I tell him I’m fine and hear Ashley’s dad snort.

  “That’s probably my daughter blood on her shirt.”

   Victors head snaps toward in their direction, he about to speak but Ira stands looking like he’s about to murder Mr. Thomas.

  “Actually that IS Andria’s’ blood! Your precious daughter started an argument this morning getting embarrassed when she lost then hit Andria starting the whole fight… seems like she can’t finish ANYTHINNG she starts.” Ira finishes with a laugh Ira and Ashley glare at each other like they know something the rest of us don’t.

  “Ira sit down!” Miss Kempten says leaning forward in her chair then turns to look at me again. “Alexandria is what he said true?”

“Yes ma’am.” I answer hoping she doesn’t ask for details. Then Ashley’s dad starts yelling again red faced.

  “That’s ridiculous! My daughter would never do anything of the sort!  They are lying!” He screeches pointing at Ira and I.

  “Doesn’t the school have cameras Miss Kempten?” Victor asks with a raised brow and Miss Kempten nodes. “Why don’t we just look at them and see who’s kids are a liar?”

  “She’s not even your kid.” Ashley scoffs.

   Miss Kempten goes to her computer typing she turns her screen to us and hits play. Just like Ira said it’s clear Ashley stated it. Ashley l turns white and she looks at her dad for help. But he’s to pissed she made him look like an ass to pay attention to her. Miss Kempten look back at us with a smirk.

  “Thank you for the suggestion Mr. Hernandez…. Miss Thomas you’re suspended I’ll call your parents with a return date, you both may go now.”

  “I’m the victim here, she beat the s**t out of me! Now I get suspended and she gets nothing?!” Ashley yells pissing off Miss Kempten.

  “Language Miss Thomas! Furthermore, what I DO with Alexandria is my business not yours! Mr. Thomas I suggest you enroll Ashley in some self-defenses classes now please take her and leave the premises.”

With that Mr. Thomas pulls Ashley out crying. The room is quiet and Miss Kempten looks at me.

  “Now Alex, I understand that Ashley started the fight I must say what you did was beyond protecting yourself. I’m having trouble trying to find an appropriate punishment… what do you think your punishment should be?” She asked me with a raised brow. I glance at Ira and Victor before looking back at Miss Kempten.

  “I honestly don’t know what to say… I was defending myself and I guess I kept going because I was still upset about what she said to me this morning. I am truly sorry it got that far and while it would suck to have my record tarnished I understand if you feel the need to expel or suspend me.” I finish looking at my hands.

   “Calm down Alex I’m not going to expel you, you’re not only top of your class but top of the entire high school. Like Ira said this is the very first time you’ve ever been in trouble plus you were provoked both times.” I gave her a confused look. “I saw everything on live stream this morning.” She says smirking  while waving her phone from side to side. “Taking all of this into consideration I’m sending you home for the rest of the day. Since the BOTH of you will be leaving after lunch it’ll be considered a half day and won’t affect your attendance record Alex.”

“Wait what, I have training today, what did I do?” Ira asks looking from his dad to the principle. She sighs running her hands through her hair.

  “I have no doubt that the underlying reason for all of this revolves around you Ira. Now enjoy your day off…..”

  She motions for us to leave. I’m the last in line to leave as I close the door she stops me.

  “Alex…” I pause “I have a good feeling that something like this might happen again all I ask is you keep it off school grounds. I don’t like doing paper work.”

  She smiles at me and tells me to have a nice day, leaving jogging after Ira and Victor in deep conversation. As we’re leaving Victor keeps looking at me.

  “What?” I ask looking at him and he sighs.

 “Are you sure you’re okay? It would put my mind at ease if you let me or Ira take you to the hospital.” Victor gently asks me.

  “You never want me to go to the hospital when someone busts my nose.” Ira grumbles

“Shut up putita (little b***h) you’re always fine.” Victor flicks his hand at Ira and I can’t help but laugh.

  “I’m fine Victor I swear she only got one hit in.’’ I chuckle think about her face when she tried to hit me again.

 “Oh trust me I saw that but I would still like for Desiree to have a look at you at least.”

I’m about to say no when he drops to the ground clutching his chest. I panic and rush to him.

“OH MY GOD VICTOR ARE YOU OKAY?”

“Alex” he chocks out grabbing his chest “Alex… please I’m old and weak. Go…”

 I’m about to start crying, then he looks me dead in the eye.

 “Let’s go get you checked out” He deadpans.

 “Are you kidding me?” I screech at him “I thought you were having a heart attack!”

Ira and Victor laugh as he gets up. He pats me on the shoulder and I shrug him off.

  “Oh, come on Alex it was only a joke, but please let Dez check you out she’s probably on her lunch right now.”

   I finally give in. Ira leads me to his car and opens the door for me. It kinda bugs me but I leave it alone he did just put me back together today. Ira opens the middle console taking out his keys putting them in the ignition and the car roars to life. The car ride to the hospital is silent, my mind keeps wondering.

   ‘Do I thank him for being there? DO I keep my mouth shut and just keep it something we don’t get into? Well I really should thank him he stopped me from really hurting Ashley even if she really did deserve it. But what if he starts trying to dig deeper into my past… that’s not in his character. He only listens to what I’m comfortable telling him.’ Pushing my thoughts down I finally speak.

    “I-Ira…”

 “Yeah?”

     “I just wanted to say tha-“

   “André there’s no need to thank me. I’m always going to be here for you. It’s my job….. not that you’re a chore just I’m really protective over what’s mine.”

  I just look at him trying to decide if I like being called property. Ira looks at my face and scrunches his brows together.

 “What did I say?” He asks.

    “I’m yours?” 

 I ask raising a brow challenging him to mess up. He chuckles and put a hand on my knee, gently rubing in circles.

  “Yeah stupid, you’re MY best friend and I’m yours I take that position very seriously you know… but in all honesty I know what you’ve been through.”

 My breath gets caught in my throat. What the hell does he mean he knows. I’ve been more than careful about what I tell him and my aunt is always to sloppy drunk to tell anyone anything about the murders. Did he find and article from my old city?’ My breath starts to speed up but not passing the throat, Ira notices and squeezes my knee.

  “Hey André breathe, you’re okay.” He says sternly but I’m not. How would he look at me if he knows my f****d up past? I feel like I’m about to pass out when I feel Ira unbuckle my seatbelt pulling me into his lap straddling him, ‘when did he stop the car?’ He takes my face in his hands making me look him in the face. His mouth is moving but no sound is coming out, all I hear is ringing in my ears. I start feeling pressure in my abdomen soon I’m forced to suck in air, my lung expand in relief. My head bows as I try to get my baring, I see that Ira is pushing on my diaphragm.

  “W-Where did y-you learn that?” I pant out looking up at him.

 “I’ve been reading books on how to cope with anxiety and panic attacks.” He shrugs

   “W-Why would you do that?” I ask starting to breathe steady. His hands move back to my face tracing my jaw with his thumbs then over my lips. His eyes flickering from my lips to my eyes as if he’s asking for permission. He leans in still tracing my lips.

 “I’d do anything for you André.” He words fanning my lips “ANYthing.”

 He closes the micro distance between us and his lips are on my mine. I’m quick in response, my hands going to the back of his head pulling him closer if that were possible. My heart is ponding but in a good way, a needy way. ‘This is bad, best friends don’t kiss like this. Best friends don’t kiss period Alex!’ That doesn’t matter right now what matters I need Ira so bad my chest burns or maybe that’s cause I’m not breathing. Ira is the one to break the kiss though taking in a sharp breath through his nose.

  “fuuuck, you taste so-ho good André.” He groans making me try to clench my thighs not being able to because I’m still on his lap. He feels this and chuckles pulling me into another kiss this one even more possessive than before. His hands move to my thighs rubbing the length of them getting closer to my center with each pull. His fingertips switching between harsh grasps to soft kneading, as much as I’m wanting for this to go further I can’t let it. Unwillingly I place my hands on his chest pushing myself putting needed distance between us.

  “We have to stop.” I whisper looking down at his rumbling chest.

“What did I do?” He groans

   “Nothing, I mean nothing I didn’t want to it’s just …” I look in his eyes seeing worry I hope he doesn’t feel bad for kissing me I wanted it to. “We’re on the side of the road, there’s not that much room in you’re car, I’m in sweats there’s blood on my shirt. I don’t want you to regret anything, I’m POSITIVE I’m not attractive right now.” He runs his fingers over my face shutting my up, something my dad use to do.

  “I get it.” He chuckles “Not the right place or time, I get André I do.” He pulls me into hug and starts running his hands up and down my back. “And I regret nothing about kissing you…” Silence takes over the car again as I take in Ira’s scent.

    “Uh, Ira we should probably start moving if your mom doesn’t ask what’s taking so long your dad definitely will.”

“Okay.” He whispers letting my go helping me back into my seat. I buckle my seatbelt again as Ira pulls back on the road. His hand goes to my knee again light kneading it, I enjoy to comfort.

  “I meant what I said Andre.” I turn to look at him “I’d burn cities to ash for you, learning how to comfort you is nothing to thank me over.”

  Silence take over the car again, I try not to think so much as we approach the hospital. I sigh as Ira finds a place to park. The car comes to a stop and Ira turns to me.

   “time for the hard part…. Telling my mom what happened. “He starts laughing and I frown, ‘f**k I didn’t think about momma Dez’s reaction. Ready or not it’s about to happen.