It was amazing the things you picked up when you were invisible. Not that Lily was really invisible, but she sure felt like it sometimes. When people were talking to their friends, the tiny redheaded nerd was often forgotten. Not that she was complaining. It certainly helped pick up intel. And intel is just what Ava and her friends provided. They were in English class, not really doing much. Not that she did anything in that class anyway. English was overrated, and her D+ grade proved her opinion about it.
In the background a movie played, but Lily's attention was fixated on the twins, Ellie and Corvin. She was sitting right next to them, and they never even gave her a second glance. A hurtful perfection of a circumstance. The first rumor that caught her attention was about the teacher surprisingly. Something about him leaving to deal with his daughter. And Alexandros had been involved. Unsurprising. She wondered if that had happened before or after she ran into him with that redhead after lunch.
Then she heard Jackson's name and the world froze around her. Every time she heard that name her heart started beating faster and her breath got shallower. She missed him so much. So much that she hated him for it. She hated herself for it. She even hated Anna for being one of the next ones in line for Jackson's lady conquest. She used to considered Anna one of her friends, but now... She had even had sex with him already. After, what, like one date. An angry look fell over Lily's low hanging head. In her veins she felt her blood boiling, as her fingers clenched into fists, fists Jackson taught her how to clench, and grow white from tension.
Lily was so angry she almost missed the next bit of information. Not a rumor this time, but an opinion. A strong bold opinion, straight from the mouth of Ava Mossos. So the transfer brunette wasn't a fan of the queen. Who was really. Being honest, Dominique wasn't the the best choice for top dog. Maybe... An idea began to form itself in the back of her mind. If anyone could overthrow the queen, it would be Lily. She was cunning enough, and certainly had the motivation.
Ava had a point when it came to Audrey, but Lily had done worse in her time than blowing up a car and starting a rumor. Bet Audrey had never been arrested before. Still if Lily's plan was to work, she'd have to make sure Audrey was out of the picture. Lily just so happened to be sitting next to the perfect person to do it for her. Furiously starting to type on her phone under the desk so they sub wouldn't see, she had plenty of practice, Lily quickly acquired Ava's phone number. Kid stuff.
As the bell rang, Lily sent Ava a text. She didn't want to approach her in person, yet. Better to do this over text message. Lily's text was short and to the point.
To: Ava Mossos
So you're not a fan of the queen? Good.
Immediately after sending the text, one rang into her phone. Tristan again. God she couldn't deal with this idiot right now. Not when her mind was so occupied. She didn't want to admit it to herself, but after Jackson had been brought up her tiny little crush on Tristan seemed to pale in comparison for what she felt for him. Blowing out a large breath of air she hammered out an abrupt text.
To: Tristan
Busy.
Jackson Aurum
Time: End of School
Location: Beverly Hills High
Interacting With: Analise
@Aewin
Jackson burst out laughing at Dominique's comment about Audrey sleeping around. It was accurate. Ana probably wouldn't appreciate him laughing at her best friend- ex best friend, but he didn't care. Audrey had been such a bitch to her, she deserved a little of her own medicine. As abruptly as the
friendly conversation started it was over. Dominique left the scene, and of course when the queen left, her minions were free to do as they pleased. Before she left, though, she gave Jackson a little piece of advice. Not to hurt Ana or else. The thought hadn't even crossed his mind, but thanks Dominique for putting worrying thoughts in his head. Not that he was really scared of Dom's rath. He could handle the pressure being on himself, he just didn't want Ana to get hurt.
Jackson was brought back to reality, by his girlfriend's soft voice. Apologizing. Classic Ana. Smiling at her cute innocence, he didn't say a word, only grabbing her hand and walking her to her next class. Standing outside of the classroom, Jackson leaned in to press a prolonged goodbye kiss into her before separating for a class he had been hoping to miss earlier.
School flew by and before he knew it, it was time to leave. Jackson grabbed his backpack, whipping it off the ground so hard it his him in the back. Hurrying out of the classroom, he glanced around the enterance of the school for Ana. Having no luck in finding her, Jackson checked his phone for messages. Three of them came in quick succession, all from Ana. Grinning like an idiot at his phone, he quickly typed back.
To: Panda
Haha, really? Guess I have to change yours to Panda then huh? Call me as soon as you get a chance to sneak away, never got a chance to say goodbye
Jackson would've loved to spend the rest of the afternoon with Ana, at the very least texting her, but since she was busy he certainly wasn't going to sit around like he had no life besides Ana. Shoving his phone back in his pocket, Jackson hopped in his car and sped off out of the parking lot. Five minutes later he pulled into the gym.
Football season was about to start, soon after would be lacrosse. Jackson hadn't played a sport in months. He was certain if not for this gym he would have gone crazy over that period of time. Walking in, he quickly changed into his boxing gear. One of the younger kids even offered to help him with wrapping his hands. When he was completely ready he started his routine. Nothing complicated or extravagant, just enough to get his muscles burning and his face sweating. Before long he got into a rhythm, music pumping in his ears, hair slicked to his head.
And then one of the trainers called him over to the ring in the middle of the gym. His name was Tony, a retired boxer, with a major reputation for being a fearless in the ring. Tony had been helping Jackson find a couple fights over the past few months in addition to training him.
"Hey, kid. Gotta proposition for you. See that kid over there? You knock him out in this test fight and I've got something lined up that you'd be perfect for." Jackson glanced over at the person Tony was talking about, he hadn't been expecting a fight today. In the corner of the ring a large black man stood, even taller than Jackson.
"His names Allen."Jackson raised his eyebrows at Tony, but got nothing back but a shrug. Rolling his eyes he shoved in his mouth guard and climbed in opposite to the giant. Glancing at Tony one last time, he nodded for him to go. The two fighters moved towards each other, warily, waiting for the other to make the first move. Inside his chest, Jackson's heart was hammering just like it did in the beginning of every fight. It wasn't until someone got punched that he, strangely, calmed and focused. Allen was the first one to make a move, throw a quick fist at Jackson's head. He managed to dodge it, narrowly, before slamming a fist into his belly. The giant barely flinched.
"Shit-"The two of them continued to hammer it out for the next several minutes. Climbing over the ropes, Jackson slid to the ground blood dripping from a cut above his eye. Spitting on the smooth wood floor he observed the salty taste of the red liquid. He felt like he got the shit beat out of him, and he really had. Glancing back over the floor of the ring Jackson smiled as much as his cut lip would let him. Allen was laying on the floor face first, out cold with Tony tending to him. Leaning his head back against the wall he groaned as his side stretched, a large bruise already forming.
"Ah... man, Ana's gunna be so pissed."