Chapter 23: Spell perfect

Chapter 23: Spell perfect (Wattpad)

The indescribable feeling was still there when we were both on the doorway. But when I heard my cousins, I knew this wasn’t a good idea to begin with. 

“Avery!” the twins chorused from the couch. They were eating cookies and it was obvious that they just woke up from their identical sleep-filled eyes – eyes like their father’s – and their tousled blonde hairs.

“Hey, guys.” They were looking at me expectantly and gazed at Travis like he was a new toy from Christmas. I looked at them, then to Travis – who seemed adorably uncomfortable – and then to the dining table, where they were speaking and it’s obvious they haven’t seen us yet.

I gripped Travis hand and smiled at him encouragingly, “I think it would be better to meet the adults first.” He nodded his response and smiled to me as well. I turned to the pouting twins and mouthed later. To them and made our way to the dining table.

“Mom?”

They all turned around and I bristled from their stares. They were looking at me like I’ve done something forbidden yet, they approved of it. Mom, being the savior, stood up immediately and faced Travis. He smiled shyly and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Allton.”

She laughed, “Please don’t call me Sylvia; it makes me feel younger. So, you must be Travis.” She appraised him for half a second and said, “Why don’t you sit down?” she gestured at the seat on Dad’s left and I pulled him with me. When I seated myself beside him, from across the table, I mouthed a thank-you to my Mom and she winked back. Then I saw my Dad.

“Uhm…Dad? Daddy, you okay?”

He was staring off to space but when I called him twice he blinked and focused on me properly. He smiled and after a second, looked at Travis. He offered his hand.

“Travis Warner, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Yes, sir. That’s me.” They shook hands.

That explains it.

Mom arched an eyebrow which I responded with a shrug and Uncle Zed regarded me as if he’s seeing me in a different light. They all are. I only smiled at Travis uncomfortably to avoid the stares and Dad said, “Travis, why don’t you introduce yourself properly to everybody?”

“I think Avery should do it.” Uncle Zed piped up. He smiled wide and looked at me, “Right, Ave?” 

I met his gaze head-on, “Actually, I – ”

“Travis?” Mom said, breaking up the little argument. Picking up the cue, he faced the table in general and said in a perfect voice, his charm and smile in full mode, “Hello, everybody. My name is Travis Anthony. It’s nice you meet you all.”

I released a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

Uncle Rence’s brow furrowed, “Does your family own the GI? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Yes, we do. Mom and Dad wanted to be here but they’re on a business trip at Singapore, so it’s just me for now.” He smiled winningly. 

“So what had you going after our Avery?” Grandpa asked. Aaargh. This situation is complicated enough, thank you Grandpa. Travis chuckled and under the table, his thumb traced soothing patterns against my skin. He said, “I could give you a list, but I don’t think I want to spend my entire life holding a pen and a paper.” 

The others on the table chuckled and one by one, everyone introduced themselves and started firing their questions. Unsurprisingly, Travis answered them all with complete ease and he relaxed against his chair, lightening the awkward tension in the room. 

Ten minutes passed and everyone was now laughing, telling stories of their own. The atmosphere became more light and comfortable and Travis just seemed to fit in perfectly with everyone else. In the midst of it all, Travis glanced at me and raised an eyebrow, as if to say, You okay?

I smiled tiredly in return, not bothering to answer properly and then I heard the twins. “Daddy,” Harvey and Nique said in unison as they went up to the table and tugged at each of Uncle Rence’s arms, “Why do you meet him? We want to talk to him, too.” They said, still synchronized. All attention were on them now as they pouted at exactly the same second and whined, “But that’s not fair!” Uncle Lawrence regarded and smiled at them patiently – I marvel at how he does that, seeing as those two can be quite evil as much as they appear to be cute. “But you have to promise not to pull any pranks on Travis, okay? Avery will not bake you cookies again if you do that.”

“Oh, no. We’ll be nice.” Harvey said with a huge grin on his face. That boy’s an excellent liar, trust me. I had my experience and I’ve known forever since that I need to be careful with what he says. Without another word, Nique dragged him by the arm and their Dad said, “Nique, what did I say about dragging your older brother?”

She slowed down. “Sorry, Daddy.” She sent him an irresistible smile and a flying kiss and they both stood in front of Travis and to Dad’s left. They were just smiling like Travis is a new package from Santa or the Easter Bunny.

I have a really bad feeling about this.

“Uhm…I’m sorry, but pranks?” Travis whispered in my ear as the twins spoke to Aunt Laine and he gazed at the twins with something close to skeptism. “They look awfully cute and innocent to be pranking someone.” That’s exactly what I thought before.

“Just be careful. The last time they pulled a prank, it was quite, uhm, unexpected.” I hope he survives.

“I’ll give you a kiss goodbye if I live long enough, then.” He winked at me confidently and faced the twins. I whipped my head to Uncle Lawrence with my eyes screaming panic and he just shrugged helplessly and mouthed, Sorry in advance. 

That’s helpful.

“Hi, I’m Travis.” he smiled at them. The twins smiled sweetly in return and said, “Hello.”

“Hi, I’m Harvey. I’m five years old and seven minutes older.” He smiled swiftly. “I like you already.” Travis laughed and responded, “Well, I’m flattered. Thank you, Harvey.” Harvey offered his hand in a casual, but unmistakable way.

“Harvey.” Everyone on the table mildly scolded. I immediately grabbed both of Travis’ hands away from my cousin’s reach and he looked extremely baffled.

“What? Did I do some – ”

“It’s not you.” I looked at Harvey while he pouted and let his hand fall limp to his side, “But Daddy!” he whined loud enough so he can hear, “I was being nice!” Then the little devil looked at me, still pouting. “Avery, you’re not sharing.”

I don’t even own this guy.

“Please remove that thing, whatever it is, from your palm, Harvey.” I smiled in I’m-good-so-listen-to-your-big-cousin way and not end up looking electrocuted myself. “I know you have one of those freaky electronic skins. You too, Nique.”

Pouting terribly. Harvey slowly started peeling the skin-like pranking tool from his palm and then I turned to Nique. Grandpa Ian said, “Put it away now, darling.”

“You don’t want Travis getting hurt.” Dad supplied. Speaking of Travis, he was looking incredibly at Harvey, struck speechless.

“Nique.” Prompted Uncle Rence.

“But I don’t have one! Promise, Daddy. I really don’t. You believe me, don’t you, Travis?” she turned to him with her puppy dog eyes look that melted even my heart. Little scumbag.

“Whatever you wanted to use Niq, please put it down on the table.” I said to her, hoping for the best. The good thing about here is that it’s still early and they just woke up, so they’re still kind of mellow. Mellow equals more chance of avoiding disasters.

She heaved a little sigh and put her hand to her pocket and retrieved from it a Ziploc filled with black, crawling spiders. 

Travis blanched. 

“Goodness, gracious.” I heard Aunt Laine murmur. 

“But, Aunt Laine! I was saving these for later. I’m not going to use it now.”

 

“You…you little…” I can’t even describe the words I want to say to her. I looked at Travis pale face as he regarded the transparent plastic with wide eyes, his entire frame frozen. 

I turned to Nique and scowled, “Could – could you please keep that away, Niq? I’m serious, okay? I don’t want to see that ever again.”

“Okay, Ave.” she put the cursed things away from sight and she and her twin brother raced up the stairs with barely concealed glee. Everyone made small talk again and I faced Travis, pursing my lips. He was looking at me as well, confusedly shaken. 

“I do hope that didn’t freak you out much.” I said in a hush tone, “It’s just them, you know. But they’re really adorable when they’re not pulling those little games.”

“Little.” He muttered, “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Travis?” Uncle Rence spoke in an apologetic tone, “I’m so sorry about my twins. I don’t know where they got that but they’ve always liked to…play as long as we can remember.” 

“It’s okay, sir.” Travis responded with a smile, “I’ll keep that in mind.” Before anyone else could say anything, we heard footsteps on the direction of the stairs and before I saw her, I heard Elaine say, “I’m telling you, that car on the driveway gives me vibes. I think’s something’s up, but I’m not really sure…”

“You’re still on hangover, El. I think you’re just imagining things.” I heard Lorraine say. Then a second later, all four of them came to view – Delsey, Elaine, Lorraine and little Kat – and they stood transfixed, looking at Travis on the table.

“Uhm…” Elaine was at loss for words and decided to just come forward and say, “Good morning, Daddy.” She came up to Uncle Zed and pecked him on the cheek and the rest started to follow suit. I heard Unle Lawrence demanding Delsey how many bottles she’d downed last night and the table was buzzing with conversation again. I smiled encouragingly at Travis who seemed to recover fully from his phobia attack and he smiled back at me, his eyes shining. I was tongue-tied for a moment but I managed to say, “Those are my other cousins. You’re safe from them.” He chuckled, flashing his all-too-perfect smile, “Thanks a bunch.”

“Hi, Travis.” Delsey smiled at the time she’s in front of him, “Avery told me all about you.” Her eyes twinkled.

“I did not.” I said through clenched teeth. She ignored me playfully and offered her hand, “I’m Delsey.” I saw Travis hesitate for a fraction of a second before shaking her hand, “Nice to meet you.” He smiled, winning her easily.

“Same here.” Then surprising us both, she said, “Let me guess, you have arachnophobia.” My brow furrowed and Travis looked stunned, “Wha – how did –”

“My sister’s upstairs, fiddling with the creepy little things. Just a little tip – don’t use the upstairs bathroom.” She smiled, “Speaking of which, I’ll have to check on her, please excuse me.” She sent me a wink and went upstairs.

We could all use a sister like her.

Then I saw Elaine and her two younger sisters come from over Travis’ shoulder. El mouthed, What the bloody hell, Ave? Lorraine gave me the thumbs up and mouthed as well, He’s hot! Nice work.

Aaargh.

I cleared my throat and nudged Travis with my shoulder. “Travis, meet the Charlie’s Angels.”

“Shut up, Ave. I’m Elaine.” She stepped forward and put in a happy grin. “You can call me El. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Right, El.

“I’m Lorraine.” As they shook hands, she said, “Don’t bother with a nickname, I don’t have one.” He chuckled in response and lastly, Kat appraised him with open, guileless eyes. She smiled. “I like you already.”

She is so cute! With her silky brunette hair and huge eyes and those cheeks! I didn’t notice that I was gaping at her when Travis laughed at my expression and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. He turned to Kat.

“What’s your name, darling?”

“Kat.”

As I saw the exchange, my mind flew elsewhere. My cheeks were flaming and I can’t believe what happened or why I’m even feeling like this. It’s just a kiss on the cheek. 

But my mind reveled on the fact that the gesture was more natural than not.

“Do you want to play with me?” she started tugging at Travis’ sleeve while El and Lorraine circled the table to grab some cookies and other biscuits. He smiled, “Sure, just wait a second.” He excused himself from the table and we both got up. Unexpectedly, he picked up Kat and carried her to the living room. She was giggling delightfully and I sat on the rug across from them, bewildered.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you have a thing for children.”

He winked at me. “I actually do.” He turned to Kat who was standing up, eye level with him though he was squatting down. “What do you want Kat?” he asked and her face scrunched up in cute concentration and her little fists gripped his chocolate colored hair, “Why do you look so pretty?”

Travis laughed and said, “I’m not pretty. Your cousin Avery is.” 

I burst out laughing as he looked at me and reached out for my hand. “Please tell me what’s so funny.” Unconsciously lacing my fingers through his, I replied, “It’s just funny. Considering the fact that I probably look like garbage because I’m still on hangover.”

He smiled gently and leaned forward. In an act so uncharacteristically unlike his, he kissed my temple softly and whispered, 

“You’re not. You’re beautiful.”

Chapter 20: The bright side

Chapter 20: The bright side (Wattpad)

The word paparazzi took a whole new meaning. I clutched the magazine hard, as though it would erase the foreboding photo in front of me and change into something coherent and possible. Nevermind the laws of transition. This must work. This insanity must end. This atrocity, violence of – of my – violence of my privacy and of my well-being. And of my sanity.

My eyes swept through the cover title, though my brain was refusing to accept the words,

The lovestruck billionaire and the flare. Then below that was worse, mush worse. This month’s latest issue – 18 year-old heir to the fortune of Gedi Institute and his newfound love. For more information on Mr. Travis Warner and Ms. Avery Allton, see page 19.

Page fucking nineteen.

I held the rest of the package under my arm and frantically started flipping the pages. My breath went short – it’s a five-page article.

Five.

Pages.

The first page had Travis and I walking casually, but it had been shot at the most opportune moment; we were looking at each other. Intentionally or by accident, I don’t know, I don’t care, the headline read, The multi-million dollar relationship. And the byline in smaller letter size read, by Cassandra Watts.

I never in my life, wished anyone to rot in hell. Never, not until now. This Cassandra Watts should just stick it where the sun doesn’t shine. While my academic mind profusely reminded me that the sun literally doesn’t shine on the Arctic and Antarctic region, I started reading the first paragraph,

The media and the worldwide press has always been covering stories, issues and financial breakthroughs from the known company of Gedi Institute for high-ranking and high-flying lawyers in the city. Mr. Anthony Warner, age 35, has always been a prominent figure in the upper circles, as expected by everyone from his only son and heir, Mr. Travis Anthony Warner.

Mr. Warner, age 18, has had his own share of the public media and spotlight, but now, he may be able to bask in it. Following the events of yesterday afternoon, Mr. Warner was seen out with a Ms. Avery Allton. From very reliable sources, Ms. Allton has apparently, been in a relationship with Mr. Warner for many months and both are deemed to be serious with each other.

Ms. Allton, age 17, has some very surprising academic background and an IQ of 109. A new student at the same school with Mr. Warner, it is assumed by our sources that it was instant attraction that had them knowing each other. The couple, as their classmates had said, always “made time for each other” and it is undoubtedly clear in our photos that the statement is true to every inch. They were spotted at a local park in Melbourne, namely Royal Ridge Park, spending the warm afternoon walking, away from prying eyes. From the time – 

“Avery? The magazines.”

“Yes, Mom. Coming.” 

I turned back to the article, wiping my sweating brow with my arm. Words were swirling around my head, making me dizzy – some are full-out lies and the others are nothing but the horrifying truth. Months? It’s not bloody months, fuck their sources. And just who the bloody hell said that we were ‘making time with each other’? People at school are so twisted and wretched! They can’t just keep their mouths shut, can’t they? Just fuck this. 

Lies, lies, lies. And ‘instant attraction’? Just who the fucking hell do they think they’re kidding? And what is this shit with ‘serious with each other’ relationship?

It’s blatantly obvious that Cassandra Watts – whoever the hell she is – just ate some crap out of some ‘sources’ and published – published! – this fucking story without any heads-up of any fucking kind.

Just who do they think they’re dealing with?

And my IQ isn’t a hundred and fucking nine – it’s 113. I sat down on our lawn and spread out all the magazines before me – Billboard, Details, Ok! Magazines, U.S. Weekly, PopMatters, Life&Style Weekly, and some more others that makes me want to puke.

They all have different covers, different headlines, but one topic in general.

Fuck.

With a shaking hand, I picked a paper at random – Variety magazine. Its front cover was of Travis and I when we were back at the car. He was pinning me against his car, his arms snaking around my waist and my arms were doing the same with his neck. He was smiling radiantly, his assets in full-view mode, but it wasn’t that observation that made me stop and look.

It’s me. My face.

I had no idea what I could be thinking in that particular moment, but my physique looked more…vibrant. Alive. I looked really happy. Energetic and inexplicably happy. I remembered what Nicole said on the phone,

“I’m glad you found him.” 

I smiled involuntarily, flipped the magazine open and looked for the scoop. It said the same things all over again, but the way they told it made me look and feel like Cinderella. The pictures weren’t so bad – what I meant to say is that there are no photos where we kissed, and that’s the crucial part. Just the pictures where we were fooling around and of him taking a picture of me.

Now, in that picture, I definitely looked happy.

I sighed again, feeling the pressure close around me, trapping me with no way out. I breathed in and out, counting the seconds before exhaling. I bit my lip worriedly and faced me dilemma.

What should I do?

The most practical thing to do would be to call Travis now. And I mean, now, now. But Mom’s waiting for the blasted magazines and I really don’t know if I should…I glanced at the monstrous bamboos and a risky plan made its way to my mind.

The bamboos look tall and thick enough to cover Dad. What more to a harmless little package of magazines? This scheme is so childish, but this situation is pushing me and leaving me no choice in the matter. Childish be damned. I started getting up and stuffed the magazines back randomly when I paused.

So what should I tell Mom?

Mom, there has been a raging hurricane outside and I barely escaped with my life. Let’s just forget about the magazines and cherish each other and our family. 

No, I don’t think that would work.

Okay, slow down. There’s always a solution to a problem. I looked down at the package in my hands. It’s a matter of will, and it also relates to the fact of my readiness to tell them of my situation. Shit, I can’t do this. I can’t tell them now; I need time.

Five minutes later, I sighed. Okay, I’ll follow my subconscious thinking. To hell with everything. 

 

My legs moved forward shakily as I closed the door behind me. Elaine and the others went back to their game, but she glanced at me worriedly, asking, “You okay?”

“I’m fine.” I responded in a raspy voice. After clearing my throat I tried again, “I’m fine, El. I have a bit of a headache.” Her look of concern intensified. “Do you want me to get you something? Just sit down, Ave. No offense, but you look terrible.”

I feel more than that. ‘Terrible’ doesn’t even begin to cover what I’m feeling right now. It’s not even barely adequate.

“It’s okay, El.” I gave her a smile and before she could stop me, I moved forward to the dining table where my alder relatives are chuckling amusedly. Mom quickly turned to me, “Where – Avery, are you okay?” she urgently stood up and placed a hand on my cheek. Her hand was like a blaze of fire against my numb cheek. “Did you eat something, honey?” Do I really look sick?

“Nothing, Mom.” I guess I can use this to my advantage. 

“Ave, you alright?” Dad joined in the conversation in hushed tones while everybody else on the table went along as they were. “Did she eat something, hun?”

“I didn’t eat anything, Dad.”

“Well, why didn’t you?” Both of my parents asked in unison. Mom sad worriedly while Dad held my hand, “You didn’t eat anything?”

“Mom. I meant that I didn’t eat anything bad that I know of and Mom, they probably delivered the magazines in a wrong address; I didn’t see them.” Please, please, please. Surely, anybody can read the telepathic message I’m trying to send – 

“It doesn’t matter. Just rest upstairs, okay?”

My knees seemed to give in from my weight and I trembled violently. I exhaled. 

Someone up there must really love me.

“Ave, get better, m’kay?” Dad said as he pecked my cheek, “Now, let me help you up – ”

“Dad, it’s fine. I’ll go with Dels.” I need to speak to someone before I faint. “Okay,” he said. “Get better, Ave.”

“Rest, okay?” Mom reminded.

“Will do.” And with that, I started towards Delsey, who was lounging on the couch reading a book. I stood awkwardly in front of her and tried to keep my cool. “Dels? Can you help me for a minute?” She looked up from the book and immediately, her expression morphed from curious to absolute concern. 

“Ave? Are you okay?” She discarded the book without even putting her bookmark. “You look like ice.” She started getting up and out a hand on the small of my back. “C’mon. Let’s get you upstairs.” I didn’t even bother replying because I know she would just tell me to shut my mouth tight as a coffin. And I’m really tired.

I somehow managed to get to the second landing and she gently pushed my bedroom door open and settled me on the bed. I lay down and immediately felt extreme comfort and weariness at the same time. I can’t help closing my eyes and breathing in deeply.

“Hmm.”

I opened my eyes again and saw Delsey assessing me with her eyes narrowed in speculation and her hands on her hips. She pursed her lips and then moved forward. While removing my flip-flops, she lectured.

“Don’t tell me you have been eating something not good for you. You really look terrible, Ave. Like that girl from the Corpse Bride.”

“Thanks, Dels.” I muttered in a hoarse voice. That was extremely encouraging and just what my ego needed. She instantly erased what she said in my mind with a warm smile. “I was just joking. You should look in the mirror more closely.” Yeah, and see my skinny self. That’s nothing new. I grabbed a pillow from over my head and hugged it tightly. My caring cousin sat down by me on the bed and surveyed my face. 

“I know what you’re thinking, Ave. And I’m guessing the reason why you’re so out of shape is because of some problem. Am I right?”

She’s such a mind reader, but I think that’s one of the qualities that made her such a good role model for us. I sat up slowly and faced her.

“Before I say anything, uhm. Could you please remind your Dad about my ten bucks? He was going to give me, you see.”

“Got it. So what’s the big problem?”

I sighed and looked deep in her eyes. Okay, no beating around the bush this time. I licked my lips and started, “I have this problem. A really, really big problem. And I really don’t see how – ”

“Is there a solution?” she suddenly cut me off, her eyes testy. “Ave?” she prompted.  Why is she asking that? Shouldn’t she be asking about the problem?

“Yes, there is. There is a solution.”

“Then why are you worrying?”

That was unexpected.

For a moment, I couldn’t speak. Of course, I’m worrying because – it’s just – it’s a fucking problem! We’re supposed to be worried sick over them. But her remark had me thinking. If there is a solution, then why am I worried? I bit my lip again and looked at her and I saw her smiling like she knows what I’m going through. 

“What if there’s no solution?” I said, “At all? No solution to this miserable problem that I’ve gotten myself into – ” I was cut off by her laugh and she said, “You sound silly, Ave.” Silly? How the hell could I be silly? “What?” I asked her, still puzzled. 

“You said so yourself – there is no solution. None at all. So why are you still worrying?”

“But – I don’t have a choice! You don’t even know – no one knows!” I said hysterically. Damn. She’s really good in these things. Delsey arched her eyebrow slowly. “Well, then. You’ll just have to tell me everything, right?”

20 minutes later

Her hand was trembling as she held the page torn off from a magazine. I held my breath, having explained everything to her already as she turned to the next torn page. Then the next. And the next one.

Slowly, she raised up her stoic face and met my gaze. She released a breath I hadn’t known she’d been holding and she only said seven words, as though she’s in a dream-like state, “You’ve got to be fucking with me.”

I exhaled. 

“Ave, this is – this – wow. I can’t – ” she looked at lost for words and she just gaped at me soundlessly. “Look,” I started. “I know this looks ridiculous and you’re probably waiting for me to shout ‘Happy April Fools’ but the point is that it’s really, really true and it’s not April.” To be honest, my speech looks like it had no effect on her.

“So, you’re in a relationship with Travis Warner. The Travis Warner.” She chuckled in disbelief, “I’ve read about him a few times.” She shook her head and chuckled again. “Wow, Ave – just – wow.” She blinked rapidly and said, “Do you want a quick math?”

No, I don’t like that. The term we use for my counting disorder is ‘quick math’ but Delsey looked so expectant that I felt like I really had no choice in the matter.

“Dels, you know how I hate that…thing.” I gave her a withered look as I elaborated, “It makes me feel like a freak, as though I’m in a circus for weird people.”

“You, Avery Jacob Allton, are not a freak.” She stressed out then said, “Now, Ave. Two hundred, fifty-six thousand, one hundred forty-two minus five thousand, two hundred thirty-one?”

“Two hundred fifty six thousand, nine hundred eleven.” I answered, bored. Really. I feel like a monkey behind bars in a freaking zoo. Delsey’s eyes spoke out her awe for the disorder and I resisted the urge to grit my teeth. It’s not her fault that I’m an abnormal person. I had to live with it for seventeen years. She suddenly said,

“I don’t think the quick math is helping.” She bit her lip as I replied, “Yeah. It makes the headache worse.” Then she smiled.

“I have the perfect alternative.”

Chapter 8: For sale

Chapter 8: For sale (Wattpad)

I must’ve entered another dimension this morning. There’s no other explanation for this phenomenon. That must be it. Other dimensions do exist. I calmly wrote my reply, 

That joke was funny. Better than your pick-up lines, actually. And I think you were possessed by some evil spirit before going to school.

His reply made me catch my breath.

I’m serious, Avery. I need a girlfriend. And I mean, now.

My eyebrows drew together and I looked at him. I raised an eyebrow that was both skeptical and questioning at the same time but instead of answering, he got the piece of paper from me and started writing. I went back to my notebook and almost laughed out loud. I wonder how I’ll go back to my own dimension or if it’s a matter of willpower. Probably both. 

It was a few more minutes and a lot more information on genetics later when he gave me his reply. It was in a paragraph and it said, 

This is me, Travis. I’m not an evil spirit, And snap out of it, Avery. Whatever scientific skirmish you’re thinking right now, stop it. I said it wrong – what I meant was I need you to pretend to be my girl. Just for a couple of months. I really, really need this, please? I’ll beg on my knees if that’s what you want, I’m desperate.

I think I just came back to my own dimension with a few details misinterpreted. I shook my head in disbelief. I feel disconnected from my body, to be frank. I feel numb – like a ghost. Of course, I have no idea what being a ghost felt like, but just had a near-death experience right then so, close enough. I wrote back to him,

I thought you have a girlfriend? A real one, I mean.

I sort of expected what his answer would be, but I was still surprised to see it.

I don’t. Just say yes, please.

Gah. The disconnected-from-the-body-feeling was starting to go away, replaced by the harsh reality. 

What about Athena? Ask her, not me.

You don’t understand. Please just tell me that you’re okay with it and I’ll explain.

Okay with it? What the – okay to pretend to be with him? That’s like taking a bath using a gasoline and lighting a match in the bathroom. And isn’t it supposed to be the other way around? The decision after the situation, right? Or did I do some time travel and things are just different in the future? That would be more sensible. And I really prefer time travel to dimensions – the idea of alternate universes kind of makes me small and hey, did you know that Einstein said – Warner pushed the now-crumpled piece of paper in my hand and I read it.

You’re doing it again. Snap out of it.

I sighed from the very depths of my being and wrote of the only thing I could think of answering in return, 

Let’s talk later. And I’m not saying yes now, okay?

So you’re going to say yes later?

Aaargh. Whatever dimension or timeline I am in, he is still that annoying.

LATER. Talk to me LATER. 

You’re a lifesaver.

He is so irritating! I didn’t say the bloody yes! Jesus Christ, this day just gets better and better.

45 minutes later 

“No.”

“You didn’t even let me – ”

“Whatever it is, no.”

“Come on, Avery, please?”

I finally turned around and faced him. It’s a free period – we rarely get free periods so I was looking forward to spending it with Cassie and the others but aaargh. He’s always in the way. We were in the hallway and people’s eyes were on us as we walked past. That’s another reason not to like being around the Boy E – people always stare at him. And there’s nothing even worth staring! Okay, there is. 

“Of all the female population in the school, why the hell are you asking me?”

“That’s what I’m trying to tell you but you wouldn’t let me!”

“Fine! Go on, tell me.” I punctuated that with crossing my arms over my chest. I just want to get to Cassie. I need to tell them this and probably I’ll get my explanation for this erroneous work of nature. Or maybe he had retrograde amnesia and lost some of his memories?

“Oh, thank God. Come here. I’ll explain.” He yanked my arm with an intensely relieved expression on his face and led me towards an empty classroom through the crowd of people.

“I said tell me, not drag me. You have some hearing problems, Warner – ”

“Travis. I told you to call me Travis. I call you Avery and you call me Travis.” My mind was still wrapping up on the undeniable fact that he just demanded – yes! demanded! – me to do something. He is so infuriating. He shut the door and turned the lights on, without breaking his stride, he walked to the teacher’s desk and pushed me to sit. He stood in front of me.

“Okay.” He said, running a hand through his hair. “First of all, I’m in a little bit of trouble. I’m panicking, actually and I don’t know why this just has to happen to me when I did nothing wrong – ”

“Stop the drama. What do you need me for?”

He took a deep breath, “My parents are nosy,” Well, we have that in common, “And they talked to me yesterday. I thought it was nothing but God. Was it really something. My Dad, he’s terrifying and he jumped at me and said that he wants to meet my girlfriend and I know he has high expectations from me – hell, everyone does – but I don’t have a girlfriend! I don’t bloody want one. You know me, I don’t have commitment.” 

He looked at me, his eyes searching for an answer while I just sat still, in some kind of trance. “Right, Avery?” I nodded soundlessly, and then he continued his rant. 

“I know people here have been thinking about me and Athena but I can’t let her meet my Dad. He’ll kill me! Not that Ena isn’t nice; it’s just that she’s not my parents’ taste.” He looked at me, his look imploring me and it’s glaringly obvious that he’s implying something. I said hesitantly, “What’s your parents’ taste, then?” 

He bit his lip and responded, “They like smart people.”

Oh.

Oh, dear.

I slowly stood up in my chair and said, “Well. That was a nice chat. So, I’ll juts,” I cleared my throat, edging away from him, “I’ll just see you around.” I took a step backward. “Bye, Travis.”

“Wait! Don’t go – I need you Avery, please?” He took a step towards me and I stuttered, “Cassie is waiting for me, I should go. Oh! Look at the time,” I said, glancing at the wall clock at the back of the room, not noticing that it wasn’t working, “Time flies by so fast – ”

“Avery, you’re the only one who can save me. I’m begging you, please?”

“There are other nicer people around; all you have to do is look. As for me, I’m in a bit of a rush so I can’t – ” He caught my wrist and gripped it like it was a lifeline. By the look on his face, it probably is. He held both of my hands and looked in my eyes, “I’m begging you. And I don’t even beg!” he added with a slightly hysterical tone in his voice, “Do you want me to kneel?”

“No! Don’t kneel…don’t, don’t…Oh, God.”

He was kneeling.

I stared at him and he looked back with deep desperation etched to his features, “Please?” No! This is not happening! Why the hell am I feeling guilty?! 

“I can’t! We’re not even close – ”

“We are! We are close! Pleeease?”

“Don’t make me feel guilty!”

That was the wrong thing to say.

His eyes widened and he gripped my hands tighter, “Tell me, is it okay for you to have that in your conscience and knowing you could have done otherwise?”

“Otherwise? I can’t do anything – ”

“Yes, you can!”

“I can’t!”

“I’ll pay you if you want!”

“I’m not for sale!”

“Please?”

He stood abruptly an now he’s inches from my face. Face. Oh, God. I don’t like this. His Mediterranean eyes were pleading silently and I said apologetically, “I’m sorry, but I can’t. I have no idea how I can – and I don’t – I’m supposed to hate you, okay? Not feel sorry and help you out.” 

“No! You’re too nice to hate someone – ”

“You were the bane of my existence, okay? Can’t you grasp that? You always have been.”

 

“Were?”

“What?”

“You said ‘were’ as in past tense.” he scrutinized me.

Jesus. This is insanity.

“I meant – it’s so hard to explain – will you just take three steps back, please?”

“You’re blushing.” He said in an awestruck voice as he removed one of his hands from mine and touched my cheek softly. Oh, no.

“Please don’t – don’t touch me – I really have to go now, okay? Just go – get the hell away from me. I don’t owe you anything.” I pulled away and ran to the door.