Chapter 9 — Wrong Place, Wrong Time (or Maybe Not)
The day began like any other in Section E — loud, restless, and full of arguments that somehow always ended in laughter.
Jay slid into her usual seat, ignoring Keifer's amused glance.
"You're early," he said.
"You're annoying," she replied automatically.
He smirked. "And yet you're smiling."
"I'm not."
"You are now."
Across the room, Alys was deep in another round of "fake relationship" antics with Drake. He had taken her pen and was holding it just out of reach.
"Give it back," she said flatly.
"You have to say please."
"I'd rather fail the class."
"Guess you'll just have to stay with me longer then."
Jay rolled her eyes at the two of them, though she couldn't deny it was a little entertaining.
After Class
"Let's follow him," Alys said suddenly, nodding toward Drake, who was heading for the gate.
Jay blinked. "What? Why?"
"For fun. Don't you want to know where he lives?"
"Not really."
"Too bad, you're coming."
Before she knew it, they were walking a safe distance behind him, trying to look casual whenever he glanced back. He didn't seem to notice — or maybe he didn't care.
They followed him through a few side streets until he reached a gated house. Jay was about to suggest they turn back when the front door opened.
A tall man stepped out — Tito Steve. "Drake? Who are your friends?"
Drake froze, looking over his shoulder. "They're not—"
Too late. A woman in a sharp dress appeared beside Steve — Tita Katrina, Drake's future stepmom. "Oh! You didn't tell us you were bringing company."
Jay was ready to mumble an excuse and run, but Alys stepped forward with a bright smile. "Hi! I'm Alys, and this is Jay. We… uh… decided to drop by."
Katrina's smile didn't falter. "It's nice to meet you both."
Steve nodded. "Any friends of Drake's are welcome."
Drake's eyes said they are not my friends, but his mouth stayed shut.
"Anyway, we were just leaving," Jay said quickly, tugging at Alys' sleeve.
"Yeah, we don't want to keep you from… whatever you were doing," Alys added.
As they walked away, Alys couldn't stop grinning. "That was fun."
Jay groaned. "You're insane."
"Maybe. But admit it — you're curious now."
She wasn't going to admit it. Out loud, anyway.