Alexis Collins by Shelby (best book club books of all time TXT) 📕

a long while as if he was trying to take a mental picture, never to be thrown away.
“We should probably go back, before my family has realized I’ve been gone.” She stated, rising to her feet.
“You’re right. Here, take my hand so you don’t stumble around on the way back.” He grabbed her hand and took off for the woods. Alexis loved the feeling of having a boy’s hand in hers; a feeling she had never had before. They moved along the path quietly but quickly until they finally came to the exit. Walking through the tall trees, they saw the party was as alive as ever. People were dancing on the patio now, apparently already have eaten, and the kids were now playing hide and go seek. Alexis noticed her mother seemed very happy talking to Mrs. Andrews next to the fire pit, something she had rarely seen.
“I guess we didn’t miss much.” Bryan smiled, releasing her hand to face the cold alone. “I’ll go get us some food if you would like to go ahead and sit down.” He stated, jogging over to the food. What a gentleman. She thought to herself as she went through the tables.
“Alexis,” the two girls from school called her over. “What were you and Bryan doing in the woods?” They asked when she walked up to them.
“Nothing, just showing me something,” Alexis tried hard to think of their names, but couldn’t think of them.
“Oh, you probably don’t recognize us out of school. I’m Natalie.” the blonde stated as if reading her mind, looking at her friend, “and this is Lila. Have a seat.” Alexis sat down, confused at how nice they were being. They had hardly even known her name since the fourth grade.
“Ok, so I didn’t know what you liked so I got you one of everything.” Bryan said, walking up and looking rather happy with himself. Taking the last empty seat between Alexis and Natalie, he immediately dug right in.
“So, Bryan, I was just telling Alexis how great it is to have such a good guy in town now.” Natalie beamed, placing her delicate hand on his arm.
“You were?” Alexis questioned, not remembering that conversation. Natalie could only give her a look as she continued to seek Bryan’s attention.
“Anyways,” Natalie continued, “I was thinking I could show you around on Sunday.”
“Actually, Alexis is going to show me around tomorrow.” He stated, before going back to his burger. Alexis didn’t think anything was wrong with that, but by the look on Natalie’s face apparently there was something very wrong with it.
“Well, I didn’t realize you guys were so close.” Natalie said through clenched teeth, still trying to keep her smile.
“Oh, not really, we just met.” Alexis said quickly, trying to keep the conversation going.
“I think Alexis and I will be great friends, Natalie.” Bryan stated, smiling at Alexis. Natalie couldn’t take it anymore; mumbling an ‘excuse me’ Natalie and Lila left.
“Why do you look so confused?” Bryan asked after a while, but Alexis didn’t answer; instead, she had her own questions.
“Why do you think we will be such great friends?” Alexis questioned, looking down at her burger.
“Because I want us to be, and I think we could get along really easily. We are both very artsy and I can tell that you’re not big on parties, and neither am I. You would rather sit and think rather than talk, just like me. I need a friend and it honestly looks like you need one too.” His words were soft but direct.
“You act like you’ve known me for years.” Alexis stated quietly.
“I feel as if I have…and-” but he was interrupted by someone calling for him from across the yard.
“Bryan, come quick, your mom wants you!” Mr. Andrews called for him. Bryan stood and motioned for Alexis to come too. They walked side by side to the patio where Mrs. Andrews was dancing to the music.
“You two looked like you were having too serious of a conversation to have at a party; dance!” She commanded, flowing across the patio/dance floor to her husband who was running the music. Alexis and Bryan stood there awkwardly as Mrs. Andrews had the song changed to a much slower pace.
“May I have this dance?” Bryan asked, holding out his hand to her. Alexis had never danced before but she couldn’t help but take his hand in hers. She leaned her head against his shoulder as he swept her around the dance floor, holding her close. Alexis had never felt so safe before. She looked up into his eyes and knew he was serious when he said they would be great friends. What better way to come back from fall break on Monday but with a friend? She felt excitement for the first time in a long time. She couldn’t wait till tomorrow.
Chapter 1

Chapter 1

Imprint

Publication Date: 12-22-2012

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