All this talk about the trio’s impromptu party planning was really improving Tyler Jane’s Monday morning! It was exciting to think about having a normal weekend, especially after nearly two months of strict classes and not much traditional high school fun. In fact, she had been so engrossed in the conversation surrounding the “shindig” that she didn’t even notice when a certain someone approached the table. It took him wishing the girls a good morning in his elegant tone for Tyler Jane to realize who was really standing there.

In that moment, the redhead had never been more thankful that she reapplied deodorant.

Turning around to face Nicholas, a warmth crept up on Tyler Jane’s cheeks as she took in his features from up close. The two had exchanged stolen glances from a distance throughout the entire duration of breakfast, so she wasn’t completely surprised that he decided to make an appearance at their table. Did he just call her radiant? Swoon.

A master of the poker face, she quickly camouflaged her giddy emotions and let her lips settle into a subtle smirk instead. “Morning, Nicholas. Well thank you, you’re not too bad yourself. Care to join us?” Tyler Jane replied playfully, motioning to the empty chair next to her.

Nicholas brandished a charming, almost smug-like expression, taking Tyler Jane’s offer to join them with as much gusto as his overwhelming sex appeal was to most of those at the table. It wasn’t that Nicholas thought of himself as some sort of God among the humans, better than they were in every single way imaginable. He just knew how attractive he was and he embraced everything about that with as much confidence and arrogance as anyone else would in his situation.

The dark-haired boy sat with his right leg over the left and his hands rested in his lap near his overlapping thighs. “So what are we doing today, hmm?” His voice oozed with a natural curiosity that was his default setting. Though his eyes started on TJ, he let his gaze fall on the others as well.

Savannah was now cursing her decision not to hit the showers after her training session. Had she known that Nicholas freaking Grey was going to be gracing the specific area around her with his presence, she would have definitely cleaned herself up a bit. It was no secret that Nick was one of the hottest boys in the school. He moved with a debonair grace that Savannah could only describe as “equal to her own”, he knew how to avoid dangerous situations with ease, and that body… damn.

The second Nicholas sat down at the table, Savannah sat up, not wanting to let on just how much she wished she had chosen a better wardrobe for this moment. However, his attention seemed to be solely on Tyler Jane from the get-go. A reprieve, maybe? Although the fact that he was focused solely on her cliquemate was also a bit disappointing. Do I want him looking at me right now? Well, I’d take a little bit of attention, even if I look like I- SHIT!

Now he was looking at Savannah, and there was nowhere to run. Not without calling even more attention to herself. She fumbled around in her bag for the pack of Dentyne she usually had handy. At the very least her breath wouldn’t be bad. She popped a couple of pieces of gum in her mouth and relaxed just a little bit from the familiar flavors hitting her tongue. By the time she looked back though, his eyes were locked back on to TJ. So she spoke to draw them back. “Oh, you know Nicholas. Just another pleasant day at San Agustin. So classes, probably the gym later, bit of Netflix. The usual Monday stuff, right?”

As good as Tyler’s poker face was, Erica knew from late night gossip sessions that there was something going on there. Savannah’s sudden change in posture wasn’t lost on her either. As attractive as he was, Erica had never understood everyone’s infatuation with the Gray boy, especially not her friends’. Maybe his sister’s loud mouth had soured her opinion of him prematurely, but Erica had suspected that more often than not, the flirting was a game to him. Leo, if he’d been raised by sophisticated savants rather than neanderthals.

Despite her misgivings, Erica kept her smile friendly as Nicholas joined them. She nodded her agreement as Savannah spoke. “Y’know, you’d think you would’ve realized that you always seem to have a more interesting answer to that question than we do,” Erica said, punctuating her sentence by biting into a strawberry, and discarding the leafy top.

Genuinely smiling at the two (though he briefly had raised a brow at Savannah), he relaxed into the chair.“It’s good to keep it up at the gym. Health is essential for living your best life.” He spoke with a voice of mutual understanding of keeping the body fit and engaging in certain activities that helped with that. “I might be hitting the gym this afternoon as well. Maybe we could all spot each other.”

Tyler Jane smirked as Nicholas sat next to her, subconsciously brushing a piece of hair behind her ear that had fallen into her line of vision. She was glad he had accepted her offer to join them, and evidenced in the confidence that radiated off of him, he seemed happy too. She listened as Savannah previewed her day, and couldn’t help but notice she seemed a little… off. She couldn’t exactly put her finger on it but she shifted her focus to the conversation instead. At his mention of going to the gym, Tyler Jane quickly dismissed Nicholas’ idea with a small laugh. “Count me out, I spent nearly two hours at the dance studio this morning and I think my legs and feet are practically begging me to take a break. I’ll gladly lie in bed for the rest of the day.”

“We can definitely go to the gym together!” Savannah blurted out, almost making an ass of herself in the process. “I mean, I did all my cardio work earlier today, so I was going to hit the weights a little bit after P.E. and history, so I can definitely meet you there and spot you and do whatever you want to…” DAMN IT SAVANNAH! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? Shut your damn mouth and stop making such a fool of yourself!

Maybe it was just that need to feel like some guy was interested in hanging with her without offering up a bowl of fried ants or something, but there was an almost primal instinct urging Savannah forward. All of Sol’s talk during their gym sessions and the word around the school of all the sexual exploits others were getting into, it almost made Savannah feel like she was failing some unseen class by not letting some guy take her behind the bleachers already. But she wouldn’t just give it away. No, no it had to be someone worthy of her body. Someone like Nicholas…

“I can always use some extra motivation when I’m doing my leg pumps, ya know?”

Nicholas had originally intended to focus his efforts on TJ for obvious reasons, but that was because he never thought Savannah had anything past what came at face value. Not that he ever thought she wasn’t an interesting person. She had plenty to offer. But when it came to him, he had a strong lean to TJ because they were both cut from the same cloth and she was a breath of fresh air compared to the usual company he kept. But now, Savannah’s forwardness caught his eye in such a way that he charmed his way into a smile her way, leaning a couple inches forward. “There isn’t any better motivation than an excellent workout partner, which I have been called once or twice. One might even say I push my partners to their absolute limit.”

Erica’s eyes flicked between TJ and Savannah, trying and failing to keep her eyebrows from cocking ever so slightly. Savannah had gotten much bolder than Erica could remember seeing her. Damn Savvy. Ballsy. She was much less shocked by how easily Nicholas changed the focus of attention. Why couldn’t they see what a player this boy was? She considered making a witty comment about how fickle boys could be, but kept it to herself. No need to break the peace. “I’m gonna have to pass on that. No desire to see my absolute limit, thank you very much,” she said, smirking.

The redhead’s stomach nearly dropped to the floor seeing Savannah flirting with Nicholas literally inches away from her. The whole thing actually made Tyler Jane feel slightly uncomfortable, especially since she had previously confided in both Erica and Savannah that she thought the boy was quite attractive in more ways than one. But, her award winning poker face remained (to some extent); she couldn’t let Sav see she was bothered by this! Tyler Jane would have to subtly one-up her. With a forced laugh, she agreed with the brunette seated across from her. “I concur. I’d rather see my limits pushed elsewhere…” She let the beginning of her phrase linger, leaving just a little bit to the imagination before continuing on and purposefully shifting the subject. “...like at our party this weekend, I plan on drinking a lot if we could find some alcohol in this god forsaken place.”

Well, if TJ was going to try and out-flirt Savannah, that was a battle that the girl with the dyed blonde-and-pink hair was definitely going to lose. The chomping on her gum was intensifying as she watched her friend drop any hint of pretense and just go right for the jugular on Nicholas. Savannah didn’t have the ammunition, and didn’t have the confidence that Tyler Jane had, and she knew it.

But she couldn’t let TJ win that easily, could she? Sav knew that the redhead had eyes on the Grey boy from the get go, but damn, there was enough of him to go around, wasn’t there? Not that Sav was interested in any kind of timeshare arrangement, but there just weren’t any options in this school that made as much sense to her as Nicholas. She had to fight with her head here.

“Right! You’re so right, TJ. That would be a great time to really push some limits!” she confirmed. “I mean, I don’t want to brag, but back in Sweetwater, I was definitely known for my... limit-pushing abilities. So… yeah,” For fuck’s sake, Savannah, that’s the best you could come up with?

He had to admit something to himself: what was happening between the two girls was amusing. He was no stranger to at least feeling like the object of lust. Nicholas could make peace with the effect he had on others. From Dwayne and how flustered he was leading into the final moments before passion took them into the night to the girls with their claws out. If it were anyone else, there might be an empty seat at the table, but he truly loved being in the middle of this teaser of what potentially was to come. “So, tell me more about this party,” Nicholas interjected between the girls. He knew he couldn’t let them tear each other’s clothes off for his sake ...yet.

“Friday night, first floor common room.” Erica glanced across the cafeteria at Billie, and then back to Nicholas. “The Evil Twin isn’t invited though. We’re trying to keep this chill,” Erica said, the conviction in her words clear as day. Her and Billie’s contentious relationship wasn’t exactly a secret. “If a night of illicit substances and general teenage debauchery is your vibe, well, be our guest.”

”Evil twin, huh?” He laughed off that comparison to Billie Jean. It was amusing to him that they considered her the bad one. Guess the bad attitude doesn’t always win hearts.

Tyler Jane pursed her lips and let her eyes roll up to the ceiling at Savannah’s odd response. What was she even trying to accomplish with that? As much as the blonde was one of her closest friends, the way she threw herself into the equation was a little off putting to the redhead. Thank god Nicholas took the hint about the party though. She had wanted to extend an invitation to him privately later on before the assembly, but she guessed now was as good a time as ever.

She tried her hardest to hold in a chuckle at Erica’s statement regarding Billie. Tyler Jane had attempted many times to be friendly towards Nicholas’ twin sister, but for some reason, the dark haired girl never had any of it. They were complete opposites- one loud and the other gentle, one mischievous and the other proper. It simply wouldn’t make sense for the two of them to get along, but that didn’t mean Tyler Jane didn’t put an effort forth. Shaking off the ill feelings, the redhead spoke with a smirk. “We’re here for a good time, not for a long time- it’ll be fun.” She said deviously.

“Well, I do suppose Billie wouldn’t have that much fun if she were to somehow come into the possession of this knowledge,” Nicholas mused aloud, closing his eyes as he muttered something only he could make out. What he said aloud and what he knew to be a fact seemed to be two different things. He knew in his heart that Billie would have fun just to spite him and especially if he kept this a secret. He knew she had this nasty habit of making trouble for the two of them even if one didn’t actively seek it. Coming to this potential eyebrow-raiser, should she find out he never told her, it could spell trouble for everyone who kept it a secret. Taking only a single moment to reflect on the pros and cons, Nicholas shrugged. “Sounds like fun. Count me in.”

The dyed-hair girl looked away for a few seconds. She knew she put forth an incredibly weak effort in trying to match TJ’s game, but Savannah was determined not to let that feeble response be her final word in front of Nicholas Grey. Plus there was the look that Tyler Jane gave her. Like she knew what Savvy was trying and failing to do and wasn’t impressed. She knew she was stepping over her bounds a little, but dammit! Why couldn’t she be the alpha female for once?

Because alphas get singled out and picked off and get pregnant. That’s how it worked back home.

But she wanted this. Everyone else had a story that didn’t involve knocking themselves out in an office door. Why couldn’t she?

But she could. She could be the hero. She could impress Nicholas and restore her commitment to the friendship in TJ’s eyes. Maybe even get an approving nod from Erica. That would be nice. To feel like she was contributing to the plan of the pack that they concocted. Even if she was against it at first, it was happening now. And she could bring the hurt. She could bring the booze. She had a way. She didn’t understand why, but she knew how. Sometimes fate is funny like that. She wanted to avoid it. She didn’t want to risk expulsion, but she didn’t want to lose face in front of her best friends and her crush. Nope, it was time to stop playing dumb. It was time to go on the attack.

“It’s going to be a great time. Guaranteed,” Savannah boasted. “Because I know for a fact there will be plenty of potent potables there, because I will be acquiring them. So get your orders in now. I’m saving a bottle of Hpnotiq for myself, but you can have whatever you like.” ...As long as I actually know what it is. And can carry it. Maybe I can get Bradley to help. Why I am doing this?

Was she serious? Two seconds ago, Savannah didn’t even want anything to do with the party- Tyler and Erica had to convince the girl to go in the first place! She had even said that parties were played out! And now Sav was all for it and confident that she’d be the one to find the booze? Nope, no way. Tyler-Jane didn’t like this, not one bit. She didn’t lose her temper easily, but she was damn near close to it after hearing Savannah going to extremes. Whatever she was trying to pull here was ridiculous, and the redhead didn’t want to stick around to hear another word of it. So she wasn’t going to.

“Shoot, I lost track of time. I need to go back to my dorm and shower before class.” Tyler Jane lied, checking the time on her phone for dramatic effect. After all, she was still in her dance attire and couldn’t very well show up to her seminar looking like a greaseball. Tyler stood up and threw her bag over her shoulder. “Anyone else heading that way?”

As the tensions rose and the glares intensified, the small part of Nicholas that watched them go at it for his sake didn’t want it to end, but he knew all good things had a limited lifespan. Such was the nature of life. But that didn’t mean he couldn’t twist events in his favor and roll the dye to make things more interesting.

On that note, Nicholas stood up, straightening his pants and shirt. “I’ll walk with you, TJ. I’ve been meaning to change out of these clothes myself. Been in them since yesterday.” He never liked to remain in the same outfit for more than a day if he could help it but he desperately wanted a fresh change of clothes since his were getting sweaty (even though Dwayne’s enticing scent made it somewhat worthwhile).
“Maybe on our way, you can tell me more about your morning.” He flashed her a smile.

And with that, Savannah knew she had lost. Tyler Jane and Nicholas were heading to the showers together. And TJ had gotten in first. There was nothing she could say, to change his mind. There’s nothing she could do, that she hadn’t tried. And even the light that kept her out of sight broke her too. There was a song in there somewhere, but she couldn’t put the music to it.

Savannah did her best to maintain the serene grace that she was known for, but it was obvious that was hard enough as it was with Nicholas around, smelling like sweat and … other things… Of course, that could also just be her. She wanted to run away right now. But that would also lead right into their paths as they headed out. No. Now was the time to stay still.

Erica looked between Savvy and the receding form of TJ. She felt as if she’d just witnessed an entirely new side of the both of them, something, animalistic. Shaking her head, she finished off her fruit salad, popping a final strawberry into her mouth. “Well… that was interesting.”

The remaining girl lowered her head onto the table. “Erica, what the fuck did I just do?”

“I would describe it as, throwing yourself at Nicholas Gray. Nice confidence, bad taste though,” Erica said. “TJ might try to kill you later, so I’d keep that confidence stored somewhere.”

The thumping sounds of forehead on table started to grow louder. “Ugh, I know. I don’t know why I did that. It’s just… Nick does something to me. I don’t know. Tyler is gonna hate me for the rest of the week now. And I think claiming I could get all the booze made it worse. Is there even a place to get booze near here?”

Erica’s fingernails clacked against the hard grain of the table as she sorted through her memories, lips pursed in thought. “There was a liquor store, on the side of the road. I remember seeing it on our way here. It doubled as a gas station, but it couldn’t have been that far from here. Gold Star Liquor and Gas,” Erica said, the image of the station clear as day in her mind. “You’re a hot girl, you probably won’t even need an ID.”

That memory of Erica’s was amazing sometimes. Savannah couldn’t even remember the trip into San Agustin. It felt like she had been at this campus forever. But there was a road that led off the grounds. It was pretty visible. It had to be easy to get to the highway or something that this fabled watering hole of booze was on. “I’m not worried about needing an ID. I got that covered. I just… I’m going to need help. Would you? I mean, I understand if you don’t want to. I can probably ask Bradley to help. He has to have a way to figure out where this place is…”

Erica shrugged. “Eh, what the hell. Might be fun,” Erica said, a glint in her eye that seemed to assure it would be.

A wave of relief crashed over Savannah. She wasn’t going to have to try and atone for her mistakes alone. “Thank you, Erica! Thank you so much! All right, cool, so we can figure something out and we’ll be set for the weekend. Awesome. Yes. This will work.” She let out a huge sigh. “OK, between this and the run, I think I’ve had enough sweating things out today. I gotta go get ready for class.”