I swear that I'll explain my absence in the next chapter but please just enjoy this one in the meantime. Love you all so much for the support and compliments. May you all have happiness and cookies.

Alexis' POV

I pushed Chase away quickly. I walked to the furthest I could away from him while brushing my hair out of my eyes.

"What was that?" I asked

"You tell me," Chase smirked

"No," I snapped. "Davenport, give me a direct answer. What was that kiss supposed to mean?"

He stared at me with widened eyes and I crossed my arms and waited for an answer. He looked everywhere around the lab except where I was standing. I sighed after a minute of silence and walked out of the lab, secretly hoping he would follow me. He didn't.

I grabbed my coat from the couch and lightly grinned as I saw Melanie and Adam sleeping in each others' arms. They were such cuties! As I zipped up my coat, I heard a footsteps radiating from the lab. I quickly walked out the door and headed towards my destination, the playground.

I grabbed a seat on a swing once I arrived and looked around. The playground was nice and clean, unlike most of the broken and written-on ones of New York. It was a breezy Friday night, which explained the lack of kids. No parent would allow their child to willingly get sick. I looked at my feet as I swung myself and hummed a little song as time passed.

"Hey!"

I jumped off the swing and searched for the voice. Although I may not live in New York anymore, that doesn't mean that the people are any different.

"Woah," the male voice called out. "I didn't mean to startle you."

As the guy walked closer, I started to make out some features. He had black hair, green eyes, and looked about my age. His hands were in the pockets of his jacket and had the biggest smile on his face. He was really good looking too. The combination of black hair and green eyes tended to remind me of my father, which caused my smile to falter. I quickly shook the thought out of my head and I looked towards the guy once again. He stuck out his hand.

"I'm Gabriel but everyone calls me Gabe."

"Alexis," I said while I shook his hand. "Call me anything you want."

"What are you doing by yourself at a playground so close to midnight?" he asked

"Just needed some air, y'know?" I shrugged as I sat down on the swing again

He nodded as he sat on the swing next to mine. I stole the occasional glance at him. Talking to attractive people was never my forte.

"So… how old are you?" he asked

"15."

"Oh, cool. I'm 16."

"Are you a sophomore?"

"Yeah. Are you?"

"Yeah. My birthday is in a few months."

This awkward game of 20 questions went on and ended with both of us laughing and knowing more about each other than I did some of the Davenports. Gabe was a nice person and I liked him. Dare I say it, it may even be a small crush.

"It's weird that I haven't seen you around the halls," he laughed

"Well, I've only been there for about 3 days. We may even have a class or two together and just not know it," I shrugged

His face brightened. "That'd be so great. Anyways, you're going to make a lot of friends so you shouldn't worry."

Gabe got up from his swing and held out his hand. I took it as I stood up. He quickly switched the position to us linking arms and I blushed.

"Need someone to walk you home? It's almost midnight." Gabe smiled

"Sure. Who do you have in mind?" I laughed

"I know this wonderful guy by the name of Gabriel who would be perfect for the job."

I rolled my eyes as we walked to the house together. I turned around once we finally reached the front door.

"This is my stop," I grinned

Gabe smiled again. "See you Monday."

I opened the door and watched him walk down the street. He suddenly stopped and ran back to the house. Once he got to the front window, he held up his phone with his number on it. I quickly saved it and gave him mine. I waved as he walked away for the second and final time.

I walked into my room and saw Chase sitting on the edge of my bed.

"Get out," I snarled. "I had a good night and I don't need you ruining it."

"You're telling me to get out after I covered for you? It's almost midnight, Alexis. Where the hell were you? I lied to Davenport and said you had a headache and fell asleep. I don't lie." he snapped

"I never asked you to play hero, did I? Stop acting like I owe you anything because you did something nice for me. I would cover for you anyways so stop acting like what you did was so great."

Chase walked closer and looked me in the eye.

"Where. Were. You?" He asked

"You. Don't. Need. To. Know." I responded

He grabbed me lightly by the arm and asked again.

"Let go of me," I growled

He quickly let go. "Make sure this is the last time this happens."

"Sure will, Dad." I said as I tried pushing him out the door

He quickly spun around and kissed me. I stood still, not moving at all.

"There," he said quietly

I stood in shock as I touched my lips. I stomped angrily towards the door.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" I yelled down the hall

"Figure it out yourself," he responded

I walked back to my bed and flopped onto it. I felt my back pocket buzz. I pulled out my phone to see a message sent by Gabe.

"Goodnight Alexis! It was nice meeting you." The message flashed

I smiled and fell into a dreamless sleep.

Chase's POV

I paced around my room. Everyone was asleep with the exception of myself. The only word I could think of was 'Alexis'. Her laugh, her smile, her humor, her stubbornness, her anger. This went on for about half an hour. I would think of all the good things then slowly drift off into the bad things. I just didn't want to think about her at all. Didn't she understand that people would love to just use her to get to Davenport? Spies? Journalists? She's so innocent. She shouldn't be used like that. Friends can turn into enemies very quickly. I picked up my phone and opened a new message to her I typed the two words I knew she was longing to hear.

"I'm sorry"

I looked at the text and erased it. Why should I be the one saying sorry? She made me lie to Mr. Davenport. She should've kept track of time. I wrapped myself in my comforter and fell asleep with all these "She should've" swarming in my head.

It wasn't my fault, so why do I feel so bad?