Cursed To The Alpha

Chapter 3

Janie and I scamper out of the classroom and head to our lockers, weaving through the bustling hallway.

'I need to use the restroom,' Janie says, shutting her locker door.

'Sure, I'll meet you at the cafeteria,' I tell her as I stash my books in my locker.

Everyone smiles and greets me as I walk toward the cafeteria, I can tell a few boys are waiting for the moment to ask me out, but they back out at the last second.

As I enter the cafeteria, I see Brad waiting in line. He looks nervous, but his smile is genuine when he sees me approach.

'Hey, Rose. How have you been?'

'I've been fine,' I smile.

'That's good to hear,' he smiles but then fiddles with his fingers nervously. 'So, I've been wanting to ask you if you'd like to go out with me sometime?' Brad asks, his voice shaky.

'You're so sweet, Brad, but honestly. I don't think I'd have the time to date. You know, with all my sleepover dates with Janie, study dates with Janie, hanging out the entire weekends with Janie. I just don't think I could imagine any room for a boy in the picture,' I tell him, trying to let him down gently.

'Oh, I see,' he says, as his shoulders slump with disappointment, just as Janie bolts up to me, looking quite worried.

Her body slams into mine, and she grabs my arms, 'Rose, something has just happened!' she tells me and looks over her shoulder at Xander, the new guy.

Xander raises an eyebrow and nods at me. I assume that's his version of saying hello and introducing himself? Then again, I've noticed he hasn't been hanging out with anyone here. Instead, he is always strangely hanging out in the shadows of each room, but I've noticed that most of the guys that do go near him seem intimidated and try to avoid going near him again.

Xander appears to be a man of few words, has a quiet and intense demeanour. He has dark hair swept back from his forehead, with a few strands falling into his eyes. His dress sense only adds to his overall mysterious goth-like appeal. He is wearing a dark trench-style coat that reaches his knees, adding to his imposing figure and height. The black coat is made of leather and has large silver buttons that glint in the light. He pairs this coat with dark trousers and heavy black boots, giving him a sharp, imposing silhouette. His eyes are a deep, rich brown that seems to hold a world of secrets and mysteries, and his facial expression gives away nothing of what is going on inside his head. He has an air of mystery that surrounds him, like a cloak that both conceals and reveals his true nature.

I stare back at Janie, 'What's wrong?' I ask her.

'Xander, the guy who transferred here last week, just asked me out on a date!" she says.

'Oh… how nice, and you knocked him back, of course?' I smile at her.

'Erm, what? No, I told him he could take me out next Friday night since we already have plans for tonight.'

'Great!' Brad says, chiming in, 'Let's make it a double date then?' he smiles at Janie.

'What!' I shout, while Janie shouts excitedly with a 'Yes!'

I groan and facepalm myself.

'Great! I'll organise with Xander what time we will pick you up and where we will take you ladies,' Brad says, beaming. 'See you ladies later,' Brad adds before tossing his food tray aside and bolting to Xander.

'Well, someone's keen to go on a date with you,' Janie says with a smile, fluttering her eyes at me.

'More like desperate,' I huff, crossing my arms.

'Oh, come on, Rosie-Posy, don't be like that. You've told me before you think Brad's one of the cutest boys in this academy anyway.'

'That doesn't mean I want to date him. Yes, he's cute, hot in fact, and just because his gorgeous blue eyes are captivating and constantly draw my attention for very long periods of time is not the point!'

'Oh, come on, Rose. I've never been on a date before, let alone been asked out on one. It's a clean slate for me. Xander doesn't know I predict things, so this is my chance for a guy to see me beyond all that,' she pleads.

'I've never been on a date either, Janie, because having boyfriends means us spending less time together. Who else will paint my nails the way I like them? Who else will spend the night in matching pink bunny pyjamas and style my hair with French braids? And let's face it, no one gives a better facial than I do, and I like making pancakes with ice cream on top for us before we watch our soppy romance movies on Saturdays! Are you really going to give that up for a guy?'

Janie bursts into laughter.

'I don't get it. How is our lives being turned upside down so funny?' I ask her.

'We can still do all that and have boyfriends,' Janie smiles.

'Well, I beg to differ,' I reply, stubbornly crossing my arms again.

The end of recess bell rings, 'Come on, let's finish our lessons for the day, and we can talk more tonight over popcorn and facials,' Janie smiles.

Rose

We dash to Janie's house, eager for a night of girly fun. As we approach her house, you can't help but feel a sense of enchantment. The house is steel blue with white trimmings creating a fairy tale-like aura as if you're about to enter a storybook world.

The low white picket fence surrounding the front yard adds to the overall charm and character of the property. It's a quaint feature that creates a sense of nostalgia, as if you've stepped back in time to a simpler era. And then there's the large willow tree that towers over the picket fence, its long branches swaying in the gentle breeze. It's truly a majestic sight to behold, providing a natural canopy and adding to the peaceful ambience of the property.

Inside the house, the warm beige colour of the walls and the white trimmings around the windows and doors continue to create a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The open-concept living and dining area on the first floor is bright and airy, with large windows that let in the natural light. The mix of modern and vintage furniture adds a unique touch, creating a stylish and comfortable space.

Upstairs, Janie's bedroom is a haven of tranquillity. The comfortable queen-sized bed and vintage vanity create a sense of wistfulness as if you're sleeping in a room passed down through generations. And then there's the balcony outside her bedroom, providing a stunning view of the front yard and the willow tree. It's the perfect spot to enjoy a morning cup of coffee, unwind with a good book in the afternoon, and wave at me on my balcony opposite hers.