Chapter 28: Prince in disguise

Chapter 28: Prince in disguise (Wattpad)

Part I:

Positive. I have to think positive.

My insides were twisting in horror, but I did my best to ignore it as I put my bag down on one of the benches and I faintly heard Travis say, “Thanks, Mina.” A helper – I think – nodded and smiled in response and proceeded to transfer my bag beside a briefcase and a Louis Vuitton. 

I took another deep breath as Travis led the way to his parents, who were now conversing lightly, glancing at our direction every now and then. Why are they looking at us like that? My stomach is now churning like crazy and I held Travis’ hand in a vice-like grip and I’m certain that one of us will have a bruise to deal with later on. He whispered in my ear, half-laughing.

“Relax. Smile. Where’s my little genius?”

“I’m right here.” I squeaked. He didn’t answer but traced patterns on my hand with his thumb and I became calmer with every caress.  Tried my best to put on a demure smile on my face as we approached them and in no time, we’re face to face.

“Hi, Mom.” Without letting go of my hand, Travis stepped forward and kissed his mother tenderly on the cheek and hugged her with one arm. As he pulled back, I saw the love between them and there’s no denying that they go along really well. Adding to my surprise was the accessory swinging on her neck, which became still and nestled comfortably on the base of her throat. 

I only have to wonder for three seconds before the memory from last Wednesday came back to my mind with surprising detail; we were shopping for the school dance – me, Cassie and the others – when Travis popped in the shop. He bought the necklace I’m seeing right now. He bought it for his mother! And to think we even considered Athena.

“Dad.” Travis gave his father a brief hug and stepped back, smiling at me. “Mom, Dad, this is Avery. Beautiful, isn’t she?”

Shit.

My knees were shaking and I forced my smile to look as natural as possible as Travis eased me forward with a soft hand on my waist. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Warner. It’s nice to meet you.” I sounded tragically nervous and I probably look like a trembling penguin before a shark. Suddenly, Mrs. Warner laughed and stepped forward, rubbing my shoulders. 

“You don’t have to looks so scared, Avery. We won’t hurt you.” She flashed a smile at me that exposed both of her dimples and her brown eyes glistened. She looks so much like her son.

“Oh, you look so pretty. I knew my Travis won’t disappoint. Right, Anthony?” Eyes were drawn to the rock-hard features of Anthony Warner, who looked at me for full three seconds and moved his gaze towards his son. When he faced me again, his expression softened for a fraction and he offered his hand, “Delighted to meet you, Avery.” He said in a deep voice.

In a hazy daze, I shook his hand, my eyes meeting his very blue ones. His eyes are very much like Travis’ but you can see that he uses it more to intimidate, rather than charm. But my mind was constantly repeating, I’m shaking hands with the president of Gedi Institute, the most successful company in the finances…

My hand fell limply to my side as I said, “Thank you, sir.” 

“Don’t call him ‘sir!” Carolyn Warner laughed, “You can call him Dad and call me Mom!” she smiled happily.

Oh my God. 

My heart slammed to my ribcage and my eyes widened in shock. “R-really?” Travis laughed on my side and his father scowled and said, “You’re scaring her, Lyn.”

“I’m not scaring Avery.” She punctuated that with a high laugh, “Please don’t feel uncomfortable around us, Avery. We won’t be mean to you. And why should we? From what we heard, you’re such a sweet girl.”

The tension left my shoulders bit by bit, but my mind was still completely boggled. “Uhm, heard from what?” I asked shyly, biting my lip. Her answer made me jump.

“Heard from Travis, of course! He’s told us so much about you!” She turned to her son with a beam and I stood, my entire body frozen. Travis flushed pink and said, “Mom.”

She giggled, seeming pleased with herself as I tried to process. Travis talked about me? My eyes watered slightly as I speculated just how I appeared to them. What the bloody hell did he say? I gave him a look that plainly said, I’m going to get you later. I received a nervous smile in return.

“Why don’t we walk along the beach and honey, you can leave your slippers. The sand feels good.” She twined her arm around her husband’s as we left our flip-flops on the white sand, away from the waves of the beach. Then all together, we walked with the comforting water lapping at our feet and resumed conversation in friendly tones. Mrs. Warner made the affair alive with her incessant questions and warm laughter. I never expected this, but in several more minutes of walking and talking, I’ve taken a particular liking to them and more than enjoyed their pleasant chatting and presence. The same thing goes to Travis’ father, though he’s reserved throughout the whole exchange, he remained pleasant and at times, he smiled at me.

Not any word can describe how that simple smile meant to me. It makes my chest tight with a sense of welcome, that somehow, they don’t despise me at all. They like me.

“Does anyone want to go swimming?” Mrs. Warner asked curiously. I barely got a word out of my mouth when Travis said, “Avery does.” Then he put a firm arm around my shoulders, not letting me to squirm away from his side. Then he added, “I’ll join her, of course.”

“Of course, Trav. You can go change.” Mrs. Warner smiled brightly at us as Travis half-led and half-dragged me to the nearest hut with a single seating bench. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I said through clenched teeth. The thought of the bikini came back to my mind full-blast and I stopped in my tracks, crossing my arms over my chest. I tried my best – believe me, I did – to appear as if I’m pissed off, but I could already feel the blush spread across my cheeks. Travis smiled and put his hands on my waist and I felt more certain than ever that he shouldn’t, at all costs, see me in the bloody two-piece creation meant for girls who are prettier than me. He shouldn’t.

“Now, just what are you afraid of?” he asked in a sing-song voice, his eyes already full of malice. 

“Honestly, I’m afraid of you.” I replied, brushing the strands of hair that are blown in the wind, hindering my vision. He smoothed the top of my head and smiled wider, “You’re not afraid of just me. You’re also afraid of showing too much skin.” He winked. My worries increased and I pursed my lips, trying not to show how panicked I am. I…must…not.

Travis chuckled mirthfully and he pressed closer, our bodies touching. “This is fun.”

“This is humiliating. Your parents are watching, for God’s sake.” 

“No, they’re not.” He answered with calmness etched to his face and stance, “They gave us some privacy.” At his words, I whipped my head around and indeed found the area deserted. 

Great.

“If you have some mercy, you won’t let me swim at all.” My pulse and heartbeats are increasing with every passing moment and it took only a sliver of patience and sanity not to run. I need to escape.

“Let’s say I don’t have mercy.” He replied, his expression serious and he looked at me straight in the eye, clearly of the intention of letting me know he’s not joking now. Well, that makes two of us.

“It’s not my decision to wear what I’m wearing.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes glinted and one of his eyebrows pitched up. He asked, “Underneath?”

“Stop looking so sexy.” I snapped while my whole face turned crimson. He didn’t seem to hear me as his grip tightened on me and he asked further, “You’re wearing a two-piece underneath, aren’t you?”

“No – Yes. I don’t know!” I cried out hysterically. This is just getting worse, damn it. His fingers came up to the knot at the back of my neck. “You don’t know? Well, why don’t we find out?” he started untying it and I froze, aware of my hyperventilating. In a sudden reflex, my hand reached back to stop him. I should’ve screamed but I only managed a whisper of, “No. Why don’t we just by something from the – ”

“It’s not like you’re the only one in swimming attire.” I turned to a more deeper shade of red as he started undressing, leaving him clad only in Speedo trunks that reached to the top of his perfectly carved knees. I gulped when he stepped forward, enclosing me in the circle of his arms. He said in a solemn voice, “Your turn.”

“Wha – what?” I tried my hardest not to drool, but that’s a hard feat. I mean, I’ve seen his six-pack and it’s just difficult to maintain a sense of being normal when it’s really in front of you and your hands are free to roam and touch…

“Point taken.” I heard him say. I blinked several times and looked at his face, “What point? Sorry, I was lost in…thought.” He regarded me with a slight smile as he said, “If what I saw earlier isn’t you staring at me with lust, then I don’t know what the hell it is.”

My mind went blank. I sputtered, “Lust? I’m not a lusty person – ”

“Sure, you are.”

 

“I am so not. I’m a normal person.”

“If you experience it, it doesn’t mean that you’re abnormal.” He stated matter-of-factly. Taking a deep breath, I reached behind me and undid the tie, “I’ll look ridiculous.” Biting my lower lip, I tugged the dress down and discarded it beside Travis’ clothes. The caramel stood out against my porcelain skin and I shifted uncomfortably, lifting my eyes to see his reaction.

I instantly reddened as I saw him eyeing me with his blue orbs wide with wonder – and something else.

“This is ridiculous.” I whispered.

“You’re right.” He leaned forward, “I don’t know how I can just stand like that.” He kissed me with a passion I’ve never experienced from him before and I was absolutely undone. I forced myself to move back, “Why – why don’t we – ” I breathed hard, “Why don’t we just go swimming?”

“Good idea.” He said in a husky voice.

“I don’t thi – ” he crashed his lips to mine again, at the same time, lifting me up and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck. I had no idea where he is heading, but I could feel the motion of his legs and suddenly, the sound of monstrous waves came up behind me and saltwater splashed on my back. Breathing hard, I opened my eyes while Travis nuzzled my bare shoulder. We were thigh deep in water and my mind is in total disarray. My chest was heaving as I felt him gather my loose hair on one side and he sucked on my neck.

“God, Travis.” I pulled back again, only to have him look at me with hunger, which is either a really good or a really bad thing. I became strikingly aware of my legs still around him and I unlatched myself, landing in the cold water.

“Jesus, it’s so cold!” My teeth clattered almost instantly and I looked at him, “You didn’t tell me it was cold!” I wrapped my arms around myself against the chill. It’s so coooold. The corners of his lips turned up in a smile, “I didn’t notice. You see, I was busy. But then you had to cut my fun.” I rolled my eyes, still shaking violently.

“Right. Thanks bunches.”

His smile brightened as he put both his hands on my shoulders and guided me deeper to the waters, “It’ll go away.” I opened my mouth to protest but he beat me to it, “Should we have a making out session number two completely without clothes this time?”

I quickly swallowed my retort and didn’t say a word until we’re both underwater from the neck down. “This isn’t half-bad.” I remarked, aware of the constant brushes of his feet against my legs.

“Told you.” He winked again.

For the rest of the remaining hours of morning, we remained soaked; we first had a swimming race and then we took pictures of anything interesting underwater with his waterproof camera. Then we took stolen pictures of each other. It was as if everything I’ve suffered through; all the longing, the waiting, had all been for this particular moment. More than enough compensation for the constant yearning for that someone who would bring out something different from me, to actually look at me, not like so many others.

But he’s been there all along. My prince in disguise.

Part II:

We ate light dinner on the hut with Travis’ parents. There were lamps glowing, guiding us with light as we ate our shrimps and crabs. To be honest, the wooden table was filled with all the seafood I could think of and each must’ve cost a fortune. I huddled myself to Travis’ jacket, which I’m wearing over my wet garments but no one seemed to mind as we laughed and talked, enjoying each other’s company. 

Everything seemed to pass in a state of blur, because the next thing I know, I was bidding goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Warner beside Travis’ car. They were making offers and invitations for me to come to their home – slash mansion – anytime I want and that I’ll always be welcomed. As they waved and smiled goodbye, I got in the car, as well as Travis and we were speeding out of the place.

I played with the hem of my summer dress which I wore again after dinner, and smiled contentedly. Behind the wheel, Travis also smiled. “And this morning, you were worried about dying.” He shook his head. I yawned and relaxed, then I snuggling deeper to the warm seat.

“I’m tired.”

“Sleep, love.”

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over me. That was the last words – those two words – that he ever said to me.

Chapter 25: Transition

Chapter 25: Transition (Wattpad)

One week with Travis seemed to pass in a blur.

On Monday, we went back to school and spent the time when we aren’t with a teacher or dozing off secretly on our desks taking ridiculous pictures of each other from his Polaroid and got sent out of the classroom by all teachers, and Mrs. Jones said that we were “ridiculously in-love lovebirds you disturbs the progress in class.” Which is really accurate, bless her gifted mind. We came home last that night and ha gave me a mind-blowing kiss on our front door which would undoubtedly be replaced by another.

Tuesday, we spent time with my friends again and took their pictures as well. We had lunch together and Travis still fit in with all of them even when they asked him to remove his shirt for them to see if he really has abs. 

And we know the answer to that, don’t we?

And if that wasn’t enough, the next day, he came to my house ridiculously early and the second I woke up, his face was inches from me, smiling as he said, “What if we get hypothermia for today and don’t go to class?” True to his word, we spent the entire day on the mall – three of them, actually – and he brought out his credit card and told me to go crazy and he’ll pay.

Life couldn’t be more blissful at that moment. I brought things not only for myself, but for my whole clan. Sadly, we were chased by a herd of obsessed paparazzi and much to the civilians’ confusion, we ran up and down the escalators and brought things at random for disguises. Even a moustache. The point is, we got out safely without being squashed or forced to pose or something tragic like that.

I never wanted it to end. Never.

These past few days, I haven’t been accepting others’ plea for assistance for anyone’s projects or homework – mainly because Travis threatened anyone who dared – and a permanent smile is on my lips. It just never fades and I love it. I don’t braid my hair anymore when I go to school and I gave up trying to own another cellphone. A permanent cellphone, atleast. Even my friends said that my aura’s different, and they’re praising the changes like the work of an angel. I have that angel. His name is Travis.

On Thursday, after classes, he slipped past Paul and followed me home in a cab. After almost dying of laughter from the fact that it was the first time he had ever ridden a taxi, I let him inside the house, which was vacated by my cousins yesterday, much to their dismay, we ate granola bars up on my room while we pasted on what we now call ‘decrepit little box’ from everything we had taken the past few days – from the classroom, under the desks and when he was carrying me piggyback style on the school’s greenhouses.

And also Lexi, Cassie, Theresa and Nicole’s pictures together with us from yesterday and when we went shopping. This was the ridiculous part; we were wearing absolutely everything we like that catches our eye, which was pretty much all of it. My favorite picture was the one with the both of us in the dressing room – the saleslady had no idea, praise her – with Travis wearing a tuxedo and me on a blue ball gown. Then we tried on Ray Bans and snapped the picture at random.

When I snapped the box close, he surprised me by getting out the paint from my cabinet – he memorized my room now, come to think of it – and started getting the brushes out.

“Are you on drugs?”

“You’re worse than any kind of drug, you know.” He said, and then he told me about the pair of weird rings he found out about. Apparently, they’re colorless and pretty thick. But the magic was on the inside; when you paint on the inner part of the ring, no matter how small a dot, it will magnify on the outside. It was a perfect circle, but one side is particularly bulging and I guess that’s where the magnifying part is. The next second he pulled out a pack of colorless, identical rings and held out a brush for me.

“I figured since none of us are professional artists, I’d be stupid to buy only two. And, most importantly, I’m with a genius.”  He winked and half-laughing, I got the brush from him and we set to work on the bed. I didn’t even bother with the sheets – a little stain won’t kill anyone. We should’ve known it was really hard, though – what an understatement – but we had our beautiful output three hours later. Yes, three – surprise, surprise!

Mine was really nice – I am not bragging; it really is – considering it was hours in the making. In the course of those three hours, there grew a pile of failed attempts to personalize the rings, which is on my desk. It was already splattered with multi-colored ink and it looks…flashy. 

The first thing I did with my ring was to paint everything on the inside with nail polish – Travis the copycat, did it, too – and I tried my best to write my name in neat cursive with the bluest ink I found. Then with slow, but sure strokes, I drew and arrow with blank ink across the name in an abstract-ish kind of way. I let dry for twenty minutes and then covered the whole thing with white, for a neat background. Another twenty minutes and I’m looking at my handiwork.

Grinning as if I’d won a car, I showed it to him and received a sweet kiss that turned me to melting honey.

We exchanged rings – I know! It’s so cliché, like a wedding, but I don’t care – and saw that he did exactly the same thing that I did, except that he used caramel for his name. I stared at the Travis on the ring, written in caramel with his handwriting and gave him a huge grin and a simple kiss on the cheek. I’m not that good at batting my eyelashes, so I’ll just end up embarrassing myself.

I put the ring on my finger and never removed it. After that we painted each other’s face silly. 

Then came forward the next day – Friday.

“Is anybody even listening to me?”

“Present, sir.” I giggled to Mr. Saxon as my hands played with Travis’ under the table. The professor looked around the chaotic classroom and sighed, sweeping a hand through his curly hair. “I give up.” He muttered as he walked and flopped himself down his chair. He looked at the students with an apathetic, hopeless look in his eyes as papers flew through the open area, people talked at the top of their voices and everything was just in an ordered mess. It’s fantastic.

“D’you think he needs help?” I asked Travis with an eyebrow raised. Honestly, I feel sorry for him. Travis pursed his lips and waved to the professor, who stared back dejectedly. Clasping his hand with mine, he stood up. “Definitely.” 

We made our way to the distraught teacher and stood in front of his desk, trying to send him good vibes. He looked up and a faint smile appeared on his lips, “Atleast the two of you are still normal.” I smothered a violent chuckle at what he said and just listened to Travis, “Anything we could help you with, sir?”

“Can you bring Ms. Handler back to normal?”

We all looked at Kristine, who was interviewing some of our freaked-out classmates, utterly convinced that she looks and has the great potential to be Larry King.

“I think that’s beyond our means.” I answered as graciously as I could. But even if Kristine would do more than that – and I’m sure she will – I wouldn’t have her any other way. I’ve grown quite fond of her, actually. Isn’t that terrific? And to think I was afraid of her before. Tsk.

“I thought so. Then there’s nothing at all. But I appreciate it, Ms. Allton.  Mr. Warner.” He nodded to us. He really does look dismal, but then a sudden thought occurred to him. “You tow will have additional points straight to the card. For conduct.” Then he turned to me and smiled genuinely, “Not that you’d need anymore, Avery.” I grinned back at him and said, “You can give my part to Travis.” I shrugged when professor gave me the not-again look and Travis groaned. “He’ll need it.” I smiled innocently as he rolled his eyes and faced Sir Saxon, “You sure you don’t want our help, sir? We still have half an hour. No announcements or anything?” 

“There is one.” He sighed wearily and got a printed piece of paper and handed it over to us. “Maybe they’ll listen to you. God knows I’ve had enough.” Together, Travis and I read the contents and immediately froze, then read the whole thing over again.

“Sunday? This Sunday?”

“I know. It’s a little bit of shock. The principal probably couldn’t contain the excitement.” 

“But the school dance is supposed to be two weeks away.” Travis grumbled as my mind flew away. Sunday? It seems so sudden. And couldn’t they just wait a little longer? I don’t like this.

“So, should we, uhm, tell them?” I looked gazes with Travis and faced the room, which, if was even possible, became worse. I could already see two couples making out in the corner and – couldn’t they atleast have the decency to go to a private – aaargh. Look who’s talking, kissing under bloody trees.

Travis snapped his fingers. “I have an idea. Can you call your friend Kris? Maybe she can interview us.” I smiled at him hugely and with his arm around me, we went to the middle of the room but before we could utter a single word, Kristine startled us with a gigantic, “Hello!” she grinned at the both of us and just…grinned.

“Hi, Kris.” 

“You two are really cute, I swear.” She was still grinning like crazy, but that coming from her is a small miracle – she almost seemed normal. Almost.

I smiled affectionately in return, “Thank you. And we really have to say something to everyone and it would help if…if, you know – ”

“It would be really nice if you’d help us get the message across.” Travis smoothly cut in and ducked as a book flew above his head. Irritation stabbed at me – that was a bloody Trig book and its hardbound. You don’t just throw books like that, it’s just plain disastrous.

“Hey,” I called out to Ryan Bailey, “Could you please watch it?”

The rest of the boys have me impressed stares and chorused “Oooh.”

That was overkill.

I blushed furiously as Travis chuckled and proudly put an arm around me. ”Yeah, Ry, watch it.” Bailey said a rushed apology and went back to his business. I instantly faced Travis, “That was overkill. I didn’t mean to be so snappy – ”

“Of course you didn’t.” he winked and returned to Kris, explaining to her. I honestly forgot that she was here, much to my chagrin. Before we even saw her agree, she took us by the arm and rushed to the podium where the teacher’s desk is and she didn’t seem to mind the mess in our classroom as she shouted at the top of her lungs, 

“You slimy gits! We have an announcement!”

Everyone’s heads turned and when they saw who was on the podium, hushed silence followed, but I could feel the impatience boiling just below the surface.

“Uhmm…” I started saying, fiddling with the paper in front of me, “So we just found out that the Masquerade was transferred and it’s going to be this Sunday, instead of two weeks away – ” I shrieked as a notebook came flying out of nowhere and I instantly ducked and it hit the board instead. Oh, God. That was close.

 

Instant pandemonium met my eyes as everyone complained about having appointments and just what the principal was playing at. My heart was still pounding when Travis gripped my shoulder and asked, annoyed, “You okay? People here are so stupid.” I just nodded and I saw him pick up the notebook and read the owner’s name. The next second, the same notebook came flying once again and landed squarely on the person’s forehead, who turned crimson as everyone laughed.

“Travis.” I complained. He sent me a ‘what?’ look and faced to poor owner, “You know, you should think twice before throwing things at my little genius like that.” Laughter rippled through the room and short applause followed together with the whistle blowing.

Nice.

“You should – why don’t we just go down?” I told him under my breath and led the way back to our seats as everyone – thankfully – went back to their own matters. The moment I sat down, I grumbled to him, “You show off too much.”

“Well, you show too little.” He shrugged, “And of all people, you have a right to brag, you know.” 

“I don’t like to brag.”

“That’s why I’m doing it for you. Now about that school dance.” He crossed his leg toward me and faced me with an intense stare with his brow slightly creased, not saying anything. I licked my lips and shifted uncomfortably and his piercing blue eyes flickered with amusement. I somehow recovered my ability to speak, “So, are you going?” The corner of his lips curved and he slowly raised an eyebrow. He smiled enticingly, “Going with?”

“With, uhm, me?” I responded feebly. I feel like shriveling up into a ball and that’s just stupid. I heard his laugh right then and he kissed me on the cheek. Grinning, he said, “Why the hell are you so scared of me sometimes? And yes, I want to go with you. That’s why Mom brought you the dress.” My eyes widened.

“What exactly does your Mom know about me?”

He took a deep breath and said uncertainly, “Yeah, about that. Since tomorrow is a Saturday, she – she asked you to go to the beach with us.”

I stared.

“It’s not that bad! Dad will be there, too. And then there’s me. I won’t leave you and it won’t be awkward, I promised. She really wants to meet you.” I blinked at what he just said and found something odd.

“What about your Dad? Doesn’t he want to meet me?”

 He bit his lip and said, “I’m sure he’s looking forward to meeting you, but he’s really busy so he didn’t really exactly say it…”

“You’re lying.” A stab of panic git me and my heart slammed. My mind instantly scrambled for an excuse to be absent on the said beach activity. An alarming image came to my mind of Travis’ Dad eyeing me coldly…and shouting at me… 

“Avery.” He took my hands and rubbed soothing circles with his thumb. “My father is anti-social. It’s just that. He goes away for business meetings and not for parties. I’m sure there’s some psychology thingy that you know about his behavior. And the whole point of going to the beach was that they could finally meet you.” He stared at me searchingly and said, “Please come with me?”

My brow furrowed and I gritted my teeth, “Don’t look at me like that. You’re cheating.”

“Please?” he begged me for another five minutes and – can he just – who can blame me?!

“Fine,” I sighed. “But only because I’m madly in love with you.”

Delight filled his eyes as he laughed and kissed both of my hands, “That’s the spirit. I knew you’re always ready to comply.”

“That’s because you’re cheating and I’m biased.” I pouted.

As the afternoon slowly crept us by, we had no idea.

I wished I knew, that if I’d turn down the invitation to spend time with him tomorrow, this Friday afternoon would be the last time I would look at him the same way ever again.

With every fiber of my being, I’m thankful I said yes.

Chapter 16: Mr. and Ms. Environmentalist

Chapter 16: Mr. and Ms. Environmentalist (Wattpad)

“You’re crazy!” I hissed as he calmly stalked to the sugar apple tree on my right. It was beautiful but I can’t really appreciate how just pretty it is because of Travis. He just lost his mind!

“What are you doing?!” I continued hissing through clenched teeth. He ignored me – that was expected but it still made my temper snap – and now he stood in front of the huge specimen, his arms crossed, no doubt deliberating on how to climb up. I scanned the vicinity quickly and rushed up to him, getting hold of his elbow and tried to dissuade him.

“If you got caught, I won’t cover for you. We just helped them! You’re so… stupid!” He didn’t even budge; he just smiled at me and said in a lilting voice, “Don’t tell me you’re not going to join me.” My jaw dropped. This situation is entirely ludicrous. I can’t climb up there! First thing, I don’t even know how to climb and secondly, well. Secondly, I just can’t!

“There isn’t even any reason to climb up there! You’re insane as hell.” It was clear that his mind was set even before he turned to me and said, “There isn’t any reason not to do it.”

“Idiot! You are so – ” he started getting hold of the trunk and positioned his foot on a rock nearby and heaved himself up. I was speechless. I can’t help stomping my foot in bottled up irritation, “Get back here, Travis!” He only laughed and looked back at me, “Why are you whispering?”

I sighed and scowled. This isn’t a bloody adventure! If someone sees up and reports, I don’t know what the hell I should do. He was already sitting on the tree, on a spot where two sturdy branches sprout from the trunk. One branch was higher than the other and he used it as a bar to keep himself properly balanced. I think he’s seven or eight feet from the ground, and that’s rough estimation.

“Come up here, Avery.” He offered me his free hand but I didn’t pay the slightest attention to it. I swept a frantic glance on the nearby sparse area between the trees and hissed, panicked, “Not so loud! I knew you were trouble from the beginning – ”

“Just climb up, use that rock over there.”

“You’re insane. And what’s the hand for?” he chuckled at my question and swung both of his feet, “For you. Climb up. Come on, I’ll give you space.” He started scooting to the side, inch by inch and left enough space between him and the tree’s main trunk. If he seriously thinks I’ll go up there, he needs therapy.

“I don’t climb bloody trees. And get back here, Travis. If you fall down, I won’t catch you.” 

He was still swinging his feet and he looked at ease with himself, “I was counting on that. Why don’t you get up here so we both fall? That way, your conscience stays clean.” I released a worn-out sigh. He’s worse than Harvey and Nique put together – my twin cousins. Twin cousins who wreak havoc at every opportunity they got. 

And they’re coming over on Saturday.

I groaned out loud. Just talk about timing. Travis seemed to be worried and tried to change my mind one more time, “The view is pretty.”

I just pursed my lips and crossed my arms so tightly that it probably looked glued together. I frankly couldn’t care less. He didn’t give up just yet and held out his hand again, “Come on, Avery. Come up here with me?”

“Don’t use that mushy tone with me.” He laughed jovially and replied, “I wasn’t using any tone. Just come up and I’ll help you.” He extended his hand.

“What good would come out of this nonsense? Please illuminate my mind, because I really can’t see anything.” He looked at me strangely and said, “Don’t you do things just for fun? Because you want to?”

“I do. For my sanity, please just go down – ”

“Give me an example?” he asked.

I took a deep breath to calm myself down. Okay, I told myself, No way in hell this guy would give up. I bit my lip. I’ll just talk him through it – I won’t climb that tree.

“Example of what?”

“Things you do for fun.” He shrugged, finally letting his arm rest at his side while the other remained clutching the upper branch. Bloody things I do for bloody fun. I gritted my teeth, “I bake cookies – ”

“Really?”

I stared up at his face, eyebrows pitched up and lips slightly parted. He looked surprised. “What’s with me baking cookies?” I asked in mystification.

“Nothing. I just didn’t expect you much as the kitchen type.” Then he became brighter – if that was even possible; he must be radiating sunlight himself. He said, “We should bake together sometime.” Dreadful images of the coming weekend flashed before my eyes: me baking in the kitchen and everyone from our small clan coming into our home and Travis magically appearing on the doorway. 

If Travis came personally to the house I will bake the cookies and myself.

I cleared my throat and said, “Yeah, sometime.” Sometime equals to not the weekend, right? Right? Right. “Please get down. It’s hard to keep my head up while talking to you, you know.”

“Then get up here. Please? I don’t bite.” He outstretched his hand yet again.

“I told you I won’t. What the hell is it with you and rule-breaking?” I wondered out loud. He retorted, “What’s with you and too much devotion to the rules?” he didn’t give me a chance to speak, “I’m not committing a crime here. Just get up.”

“No.” I said the word as harshly as I could. He didn’t even let me speak back there! Aaargh. This guy’s instinct for male domination goes back a long way. 

“Please?” he put his hands together in a pleading gesture and I can’t help myself, “Don’t do that. Hold on to something or you’ll bash your head down here.” One eyebrow of his came up and he said, “Aww. I love you, too.”

“On second thoughts, you’re free to commit suicide right about now.”

He laughed louder, his teeth glistening, “Avery, I was just teasing. No need to be so touchy. Just come up here, will you?” I scratched my head and bit my lip. “Arguing with you, Mr. Warner, gets tiresome.”

“Then don’t argue.” He simply stated.

“So, I just what?” I said sarcastically, “Climb up there?”

“Yeah, that’s all. Simple, isn’t it?” he grinned and then spoke in a thoughtful voice, “Unless you don’t know how to climb up. You do, don’t you?”

“Of course I do.” I automatically responded defensively and then I realized my mistake too late. He already had that devious grin on his perfect face and he said patronizingly, “Of course you do. You’re my genius. Silly me.” He paused but carried on in a single beat, “Why don’t you show me?”

I gritted my teeth together for the hundredth time and confessed, “I lied. I don’t know how. I never had, happy?”

“Marginally.” He nodded, “You can try now, I’ll teach you.”

“No, thank you. I appreciate it, but no.”

“It’s not like you not wanting to learn new things. Topics inside the classroom, no problem – straight As, not to mention the creepy thing you have with the calculating earlier. But outside? Now, that’s the million dollar question.” He tapped a finger against his chin for emphasis. 

I snapped.

He wants the adventurous Avery, fine. I’ll give him more than climbing pathetic trees.

I stepped forward and settled my foot on the nearby slab of rock, making sure I was stable while holding on the main trunk of the tree. I heard Travis’ laugh and I saw his offered hand next to my head. He said, “Grab hold. I’ll heave you up.”

“If you let go, I’m going to drag you down with me.” I threatened as I placed my free hand on his warm one. I felt goosebumps creep along my arm and I heard him say, “Deal. Come on up. I got you, love.” 

I blushed inexplicably and he heaved me up with my other arm around the trunk and my free foot on a particularly low branch. I twisted my torso around and sat on the sturdy branch next to him. I immediately held the upper branch for ensured balance, much like he was doing, and I tried to forget the whole ‘I got you, love’ nonsense. 

He smiled at me, “See? That wasn’t so hard.” Instead of answering, I pursed my lips and looked down, willing myself not to trigger my phobia to heights. I scooted closer to the main trunk, enough to feel my side pressed against it. Travis – the complete idiot – inched closer and I was now sandwiched between him and the trunk. Great.

“How long do we have to stay here again?” I asked. “Your call. We’re not so high up from the ground, but high enough.” He pointed to the fountain obscured on the other side of the gravel path, between the trees. “It looks prettier up here.” 

“Uh-huh. Prettier.” I muttered absently, trying not to let my fear show. I can’t look down. I’m practically frozen like a block of ice, which is not good. 

“Hey are you acrophobic?” he asked, sounding surprised. I just swallowed and nodded, not an eager for an elaboration any more than I could handle. He chuckled uncomfortably, “I have a fear of spiders, not that it matters. Why didn’t you say anything to me?” he now put his spare arm around my shoulder.

“You were pushing.” I whispered.

“Still, you should’ve said something in the first place.” He insisted as he moved more closely to me. I said without sparing a thought, “You can squish me if you want. I don’t care. I really don’t want to feel empty air around me at the moment.” He laughed slightly in my ear and I shivered. He moved even closer. 

“Better?” he said.

“Yeah,” I nodded, “Though, I think I’m still losing contact with reality.” 

“Why don’t you avoid looking down so you won’t feel the nausea or whatever the hell you’re feeling?” he reasoned out to me. I took a deep breath and looked up at the canopy of trees above our heads and instantly felt worse.

“No…” I bit my lip, “Didn’t work.”

“Oh, uhm…” he shifted his weight uncomfortably and tightened his hold on my shoulder – whether he was aware of it, I don’t know – and then he said, “Why don’t you tell me some trivia? Like, about polar bears, penguins, or something?”

“The body of a jellyfish is 99% water.” I blurted out without thinking. This seemed to distract him, “Really?” he said, eyes wide, “So what happens when they’re on land?”

“They die and rapidly disappear as the water in their body evaporates.” 

“Wow.” He said. “They’re like ninjas.” 

“Did you know penguins know how to fly millions of years ago?”

“No way.” He said, his eyes getting wider, “They’re swimmers.”

“Go ask the encyclopedia back home.” I felt my heartbeat slow down and I calmed down remarkably. He asked, “You recovered yet?”

I nodded slightly and responded, “Sure, I’ll survive.”

“Err, not that it’s bad, but why do you look frozen?”

“Huh? Oh, right. Yeah. Right.” 

Then without warning, he shook my shoulders. “Bastard!” I screamed, “If I died right there, I will haunt you forever.” I faced the tree trunk. “That would be interesting.” He said. I felt his chin on my shoulder and the goosebumps started again.

“Can you please evaporate?”

He laughed out loud and his breath tickled my neck. This is bad. This is very bad. When I felt him pull back, a cold wave of relief washed over me, “That was out of line.” I told him and I turned around. His face was overcome with curiosity and he was pursing his lips. My brow creased.

“Travis, you okay?”

“Can I ask your permission?”

“For what? I don’t have anything with me right now.” I reminded him in case he gets any ideas.

“Can I kiss you?”

I almost fell off the tree had it not been for the higher branch where I put my hand on. Travis said, “Whoa, careful – ”

“”Please don’t tell me I head what I think I heard.” I said, looking at the dead center of his eyes. He shrugged, smiling lopsidedly, “Just this one time?”

“You did it before. And what if there’s a paparazzo around?” This is not happening. I’m on a bloody tree with him. That in itself is too much for the ultimate power of reality. Maybe extraterrestrial beings had infiltrated the Earth to the point that the person in front of me – who’s very close to me – was actually an alien which has hidden or invisible gills, and maybe scales to match – 

“You look hit my lightning. I just want to kiss you and I’m not an alien.”

“Who said you were?” I muttered innocently. Did I just say my thoughts out loud? That’s ridiculous. 

“I heard you murmuring, Avery.”

Right. It was ridiculous. 

“I think we should get down now.” When he didn’t look convinced, I added, “It’s getting a bit dark.” My voice was feeble and his hand came up and cupped my face.

“Uhm…If somebody sees us…” he came closer to me and closer until I felt my head bump against the trunk.

“This is a joke, right? I’m dreaming, most probably…” he’s so close to me now that the tip of our noses touch and I saw his eyes shine from a smile. He said, “You’re nervous.”

“You’re out of your mind.” 

He laughed lightly and replied, “Yes, I am.” He tilted his head to the side and leaned even closer. “Uhm… we should…probably…get down, don’t you think?” My chest heaved as his other hand got mine and he placed it on his neck. More of this, I would surely die. I’m serious. He’s so close to me. I can’t even breathe. He smiled, showing his perfect set of white teeth. He didn’t even move back; he just stayed there. This is fucking ridiculous! It’s not fair – I can’t even breathe, for the love of God. I said with my uneven voice, 

“You’re torturing me. Go away.” His eyes gleamed from my remark and he raised a sexy eyebrow, “Do you want to torture to end?”

“Yeah…Go, now.”

He chuckled quietly and instead of backing off, he leaned an inch more and his lips caught mine. My heart stopped and all thought were zapped from my mind. He kissed me softly, his hand coming up to my hair to keep me in place. Then the kiss became different. His kissing turned deeper, his lips coaxing my mouth to open but they remained sealed shut. He bit my lower lip and my next breath drew in sharply.

“Stop that.”

“What? The biting thing?” he said in a rough one and he bit my lower lip yet again and murmured, “I think it’s nice.” Before I could respond, he kissed me again, pushing me over the edge of my sanity. I released a sated sigh against his perfect lips and he chuckled. I looked at him and he said, “See? Not that bad at all.” He looked at me and pursed his lips hungrily. He said, his gaze darkening,

“If I’m not mistaken, you’re more than up for round two.”

-

On a nearby tree invisible from view, the lone paparazzo silently took picture after picture. He couldn’t stop grinning. Money! he thought with relish, and he could already see the headlines, The son of the president of Gedi Institute with his one and only love or something like that. He didn’t care. All he knows is that huge magazine companies would be clamoring for his pictures. He smiled wider.

Today is heyday.

-