The moment doesn't last long though as when I turn around, my mom is already watching me with her arms crossed over her chest and her lips turned downwards. My smile falters but I keep it up, acting oblivious to her annoyance directed at me.

"Hey mom." I say and she merely frowns deeper.

"Where have you being?" She asks, and I tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I was out with Kelc. I'm sorry I was gone for so long." I lie innocently and she stares at me for a moment, her lips pursed, before she sighs and drops her arms to her sides.

"You know I don't mind you going out and all, but please keep me up to date." She says and I give her an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry. It won't happen again." I respond and her lips quirk into a wide smile as she eyes the jacket covering my shoulders.

"So," she starts, "who was the boy who just dropped you off?"

I laugh. "Nath-"

"Oh no, that wasn't Nathan. Nathan doesn't drive that car." She smiles knowingly and I gawk at her.

"Mom! Were you spying on me through the window?" I ask in disbelief, my mouth hanging open. My mom chuckles.

"I'm your mother, I have every right." She smiles smugly. I let out a laugh of disbelief, shaking my head as I do so.

"Nathan could have gotten a new car." I counter and my mom gives me a dubious look. I sigh.

"I know him from school and since Kelcy and I were both at the mall and he was coming this way, he offered to drop me off." I shrug and my mom nods before looking me up and down.

"And besides the jacket- which doesn't belong to you-" she winks "where are your bags you took with to Kelcy?" She says. I pull my hair up into a ponytail, using the hairband that was resting on my wrist to tie it up.

"I left it at her house since he brought me home. I'll get it tomorrow." I shrug, the lie coming out smoothly and effortlessly. However, the guilt isn't as easily ignored. My mom seems to accept my answer so I make a move to go up to my room, hugging her briefly along the way.

That is until she pulls me back, her eyebrows dipped in concern and her eyes staring at my forehead and cheek. My stomach tightens as I realise she's noticed.

"Where did you get these from?" She asks, moving my hair away. I force out a laugh, pulling her hands away. "Stop worrying mom. Kelcy and I were just messing around and I slipped. That's all." I give her a reassuring smile and she laughs at me as she shakes her head.

"You need to be more careful." She says and I nod. She pecks my cheek. "What do you want for dinner?"

I shrug. "I don't mind.

"Chinese it is then!" She claps and I laugh.

"Okay. I'll be upstairs." I tell her, walking backwards to the staircase. Once I'm in the four walls of my solitude, I allow the cheerful facade to drop and I let out a sigh. The saddest part isn't that I'm talking about Kelcy like we're still best of friends but rather the fact that lying to my mother has become so normal to me, and she doesn't even know it.

I'm an absolutely horrible daughter.

I drop onto my bed, rubbing a hand over my face and reminiscing over the last forty eight hours. I was assaulted because of Courtney, then I stayed at Alex's house, and then met some of the Rebels because I'll soon be switching over.

However, as much as I really want to do that, I don't know if I'm ready to be labelled a 'traitor' by the Elite and the rest of the school yet. And not even that, would the rest of the Rebels even be okay with this? By the sounds of it, Dylan and Thalia might be difficult to impress.

I won't blame them if they don't want me in.

What is really bothering me though is the fact that Geoff tried to sexually harass me, and who knows how many other girls, and I can't even do anything about it because that means I'll have to explain it to my mom which will inevitably lead to explaining everything, which I'm not sure I'm ready to do yet.

I bring my hand up to Alex's jacket which is still clinging to my shoulders and smile softly once again.

Courtney isn't wrong about a lot of things, but she sure as hell is about Alex.

****

The constant ping of my phone on my bedside table makes me peel my eyes open and turn onto my side with a groan as pain shoots up my side. I blindly grope for my cellphone, grasping it after much effort and bringing it to my face. I'm not surprised to see numerous texts but when I see who they're from, I wake up a little bit faster.

Alex: Morning Princess. Hope you had a better nights rest. I'll be fetching you at 10 to meet up with the rest of the Rebels :)

Alex: If that's okay...

Alex: Also, I have a question...
Are you a banana?

Alex: Because I find you a peeling

Alex: I'm probably the first person to text you today so you should be happy you woke up to my messages :p

My lips stretch into a smile and small laugh escapes me. I roll my eyes at the cheesy pickup line and type in a quick response, letting him know that I'm okay with that- despite being extremely nervous- and that his cheesy lines are too much for this early in the morning. Once my phone is placed back on my bedside table, quiet now that I've answered the boy, I pull the sheets off of my body and stand up with a stretch. I have an hour to get ready and do all that I need to get done before Alex fetches me.

I then proceed to lift my shirt up to examine the bruise on my ribcage. Today it is a dark blue and I grimace when I catch sight of it. I sigh and drop my shirt, opening my bedroom door and making my way downstairs. As I anticipated, my mom is seated at the kitchen island, mug of coffee in one hand while the other types away at her laptop.

"Morning mom." I greet, walking around the island to kiss her cheek.

"Morning sweetie. How'd you sleep?"

"Well and yourself?" I ask.

She sips her coffee. "Great thank you."

"Is it okay if I go out today?" I ask, leaning on the kitchen counter. She doesn't look away from her laptop screen.

"You and Kelcy going out again?"

I shake my head. "No, uh, a... friend" I say, unsure as to how to refer to Alex "that I know from school and Sunny Smiles wants to take me out today. Is that okay?"

My mom's eyes connect with mine and she smiles mischievously. "Is it the same boy who dropped you at home last night?"

My lips quirk at the sides and I scratch the side of my arm. "He's not a mystery boy mom, he's name is Alex. And yes, it's him."

She sips her coffee, looking back at her screen in amusement. "Sure sweetie. As long as you're not back late."

I grin. "Thank you mom!"

Before she has the chance to reply, I'm running back up to my room and pulling out an outfit.

I'm in and out the shower in record time, then throwing clothes on and running a brush through my hair. I put some makeup on, nothing heavy but enough to conceal the bruises I've so kindly being gifted. Just as I'm pulling on a pair of shoes and tying my laces, I hear the doorbell ring. My eyes widen a considerable amount.

"I'll get it Sophie." My mother calls up the stairs. I hear her pad across to the front door, pulling it open and speaking to Alex. I feel a rush of worry, hoping he won't say anything to her I might regret. I hastily grab my phone while slipping it into my shoulder bag, jogging down the stairs only to see my mother laughing as Alex gives her one of his million dollar smiles. I approach the two of them, my eyes lingering on Alex for a second longer as I take in his appearance.

"Hey Alex." I smile and he looks away from my gushing mother to me.

"Morning Sophie."

I turn to my mom then, smiling softly and pecking her cheek. "I'll see you later." I tell her and she nods, her eyes wandering over my appearance. I see surprise light up her features considering that I don't usually leave the house in jeans and sneakers when I'm going out with friends. I ignore it though, turning back to Alex. He watches the exchange between my mother and I silently.

"Is there a certain time I should have Sophie home?" He asks politely. I glance at my mother.

"Just not too late." She smiles. "You two have fun."

Alex smiles again, his brown eyes alight. "Alright. Thanks for letting me take her out for the day, Mrs Cooper." He speaks and my mother waves a dismissive hand.

"Don't worry about it, and please, it's miss." my mom corrects him gently. Alex's eyes glance to me in confusion for second long enough to make me stiffen before looking back at my mom with a thin lipped smile.

"Apologies, Miss Copper."

My mom chuckles and I almost face palm.

"I think Alex and I should get going." I say and Alex nods. I move over to his side, bidding my goodbyes to my mother before we both walk down my porch to his car. Once we're both seated in his car, he turns the engine on and he pulls off of the curb. I sit silently in the car, hoping he won't ask anything about my father. I don't particularly feel like explaining how he fucked up- twice- and left us like we were nothing. Or about how much his departure has affected me.

"Your mom is sweet." He comments and I smile.

"She likes you." I comment and he glances briefly at me.

"Who doesn't?" He smirks cockily and I roll my eyes.

"Always so modest." I tease.

It doesn't take us long to reach Martin's house once again however, this time is slightly different than the last since I'll be meeting everyone. If things really go south today, they could snitch to Courtney about my plans and everything will go to shit.

I couldn't risk that. I couldn't afford that.

When Alex stops in Martin's driveway where three other cars are already parked, he reaches out his hand and clips my chin, moving my face up towards the light. I'm taken by surprise at the sudden action and my eyes widen. His eyes scan my bruises and I try to breath properly.

"How are you feeling?" He asks, dropping his hand from my face but eyeing me in concern. I don't know if he's talking about the injuries or the actual situation. I go with the one I'm most comfortable with.

"I'm feeling okay. I'm still sore but it's manageable." I respond and he nods.

"Hopefully you'll be better tomorrow." He smiles and I nod, letting out a nervous sigh and wiping my sweaty palms on my jeans.

"Hey," Alex says softly from beside me. I look up at him to see him watching me with soft eyes. "Stop worrying. Me and the guys have your back. Plus, they're not that bad when you get to know them."

I swallow hard. "I know but I just don't want to mess this up." I explain. He nods in understanding, stray pieces of his hair flopping over onto his forehead in the process. My fingers itch to push them back.

"And you won't." He gives me an encouraging smile and I try to return the gesture. We're out of the car a few minutes later and making our way to Martin's front door. Alex knocks once and the door is opened shortly after, revealing Martin with a relaxed smile.

"Hey bro. Sophie," Martin gives me smile and I return it. He moves out the way, giving us access to enter his house. Alex goes in first and I follow suit, Alex turning to Martin for a second.

"They're in the living room." Martin tells him, walking ahead of Alex to the place he previously mentioned. My heart beats like a bongo and I feel the need to run back home grow stronger. However, I manage to push my feet forward until the chatter and laughter that once filled the room, slowly dies out once they've seen me.

Nina Williams stands up from the couch, a scowl gracing her face. Christina follows her friend's actions while Thalia makes a move to come towards me before Dylan grips her wrist.

"What the hell is she doing here?" Dylan growls, the first one to break the awkward silence.

"Chill your tits bro. She's here with me." Alex says, pulling me closer to demonstrate that.

Thalia snorts. "What? You a traitor now?"

Alex clenches his jaw, his eyes darkening. "Watch it Thalia."

She doesn't get to respond when Nina speaks up. "Why would you bring an Elite into Martin's house?" She asks blatantly, ignoring the fact that I'm standing in the same room as her. I frown, my lips pursing.

"I need to speak to all of you." Alex responds. Everyone looks at him expectantly, except for Thalia who glares at me. "Sophie is moving over to us." Alex says cautiously, his eyes darting to everyone.

"What the fuc-"

"We're asking for everyone's opinion first so no need to flip a lid." Martin cuts Dylan off.

"Why would we let her in?" Christina asks incredulously, stray strands of her blonde hair falling out of its pony. Nina crosses her arms over her black band tee with a smug look.

"She's associated with Courtney." Nina adds and Thalia scoffs from the opposite end of the room.

"Forget that, she's an Elite. A snotty bitch, if you'd ask me." She hisses my way and I sigh.

"Are you going to forget what you said the night of Tyler's party?" Alex asks Nina incredulously and she shuts her mouth while I frown.

They spoke about me?

"That doesn't change shit, Alex." Dylan exclaims.

"Fuck off, man." Alex flips Dylan off. I didn't come here to tear them apart or to cause an argument. I came here to ask if they're okay with this, and, if they're not, that's okay. I can't and won't blame them. That's what makes me open my mouth and spit some words out amongst the heavy tension.

"I'm not expecting you guys to agree," I pipe up, them looking at me in hesitance. "but I really want out of the Elite. I don't blame you for not trusting me but I'm just asking for you to give me a shot." I croak out, swallowing nervously.

Thalia sneers. "For you to fuck with us?"

"Oh come on Thalia." Martin snaps, irritated at her comments.

She scoffs and Dylan pulls her closer to him in an attempt to calm her down. He then looks up at Alex in something that looks vaguely as hurt, but I can't be so sure. "How come Martin and Cole know about this but I don't?"

Alex's jaw clenches, his words slipping out in cold sarcasm, "Maybe because we actually talk to each other."

I don't have time to analyse Alex's dig at Dylan as Nina cuts the two seemingly pissed off boys.

"I'm only agreeing to this because I trust you, Alex, and I don't hate Sophie nearly as much as do with the rest." She looks at me at the end and I would feel relieved if she didn't just imply that she doesn't like me. Hated me, actually.

Christina looks me up and down, her lips puckering up in thought. "You seem nicer than the lot so I'm down." She shrugs casually and my lips quirk into a small smile. Alex nods at them as Martin claps, before he turns to Thalia and Dylan.

"What? You think I'm as stupid as them to agree to this bullshit?" She juts her chin out to where Nina and Christina are standing.

"Fuck off, Garcia." Nina sneers venomously at her and Thalia sneers back.

"I don't actually care what you think, Thalia." Alex scorns, "You're unreasonable so whether or not you agree, she's in."

She laughs humourlessly before Dylan steps forward. "What happened to being fair?" He asks and Alex scoffs.

"You think Thalia's fair?" He asks incredulously and Dylan glares at him. Thalia walks towards Alex, coming so close that I can smell her perfume from besides Alex.

"I don't care what happens," Thalia hisses, her brown eyes staring me down and it seems as if she forgets I deal with Courtney Smith, so I simply stare back with my chin raised high. "but don't talk to me. I'm not your fucking friend." She eyes me patronizingly. "I don't make friends with snotty bitches."

I purse my lips at her words, them being slightly hurtful and humiliating. She then steps back, picking her handbag up off the nearby couch and turning back to Alex.

"See you around Alex." She mutters, beckoning Dylan over who follows her but not before looking down at me. Once they're out the room I look down, scratching the side of my arm.

"Well that went better than expected." Cole mutters and Alex sighs.

"You two sure about this?" Alex double checks with Christina and Nina.

Nina's eyes flash to mine for a brief second. "Yeah, I think we are."

Oh snap. This looks like a mix for trouble, huh?

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Quick Q: what are your impressions on Thalia and Dylan?

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