Chapter 26: Confidante

Chapter 26: Confidante (Wattpad)

Mom and Dad were reading on the sofa. They were side by side, and they seemed really interested and absorbed. I bit my lip as I stared at them adjacent to the couch, tapping my pen against my Bio assignment. I’m still trying to find the opportune moment to ask them about tomorrow and my confidence just fails me. As always.

I thought of Travis’ hopeful face as he dropped me off from school.

“Dad? Can I ask you something?”

“Hmm?” he said absently, no looking up. Wha – he didn’t even look at me! 

“Dad.” I complained. No response. “Mom?”

“Yes, honey?” she smiled at me. I sat up straighter and said, “Can I go with Travis’ family tomorrow on the beach?”

“Will you go home late?” I knew she wasn’t really asking – she knows already. To be frank, she’s used to Travis going in and out of the house and it’s become habit for her to reserve some cookies for him whenever he decides to pop in. But the same can’t be said for me; I can hardly visit time to time in their mansion whose guards probably wouldn’t let me in, anyway.

“I really don’t know. Travis will drive me home.” We hadn’t really discussed that part but I’m sure as hell that he will. “So, I’m going to meet Mr. and Mrs. Warner and…Mom, what the hell should I wear?”

She burst to laughter and finally put her book down. ‘Is that what you were going to ask your Dad? Because asking him is probably not a good idea.” I can’t help chuckling in spite of my inner dilemma, “I was asking or permission, but…” I glanced towards Dad, who was, predictably, still sticking his nose in the book he’s holding. Mom caught my eye and she mouthed plants. Then she winked.

Of course.

Without speaking, she got up and put her arm on my back and I left my assignment on the couch and went with her upstairs to my room. The moment we were inside, she assessed my face and said, “You’re worried.”

“Not that much.” I squeaked.

“Good. You’re worried.” She nodded as if satisfied and got my hand and led the way to the cabinet. “Let’s see.’ She pulled both handles open and quickly skimmed the contents, pursing her lips. She said conversationally, “Ave, do you want advice?”

“About the thing I’m wearing?”

“No. About Travis, honey.” She as still perusing my inventory but I can tell she’s serious about what she’s going to say. Cautiously, I said, “Sure, Mom.” I realized I was nervous. Not because Mom isn’t close to me – we’re close as hell – but it’s just that she’s never given advice about something like this before and…it’s just new.

“If you want to know how he would treat you in the long run, just look at how he treats his mother.” She has her hands on a green scarf I got from Aunt Laine on my 14^th birthday, but she looked at me and smiled pleasantly. Maternally. “That would speak for itself.”

I nodded soundlessly and managed to smile a little. I will definitely do that. Suddenly, she said, “I like this one.” I saw her pull out a summer dress which has a colourful blending of ocean green and magenta. It’s one of those kinds where you tie both ends of long, thin strings of cloth at your nape. And…my shoulder blades will be exposed.

“It’s nice, Mom. But – ”

“No buts here, Avery. El gave you this and you didn’t even use it once. Don’t you think she would be disappointed?”

“She knows I wouldn’t wear it, so she gave it to me.”

“So, don’t you think It would be nice to show her that you can wear it?” she lifted her eyebrows and smiled triumphantly. I sighed. Trust mothers to have their way with everything.

“You win. But don’t tell me that I have to wear a – ”

“How about a bikini?”

Shit.

I groaned. “Mom. I don’t do bikinis. I’ll look pale.”

“But you’ll be under the sun, honey. You’ll probably get a good tan, but bring sunblock, okay? And extra clothes, money, just in case – ”

“I’m not going to wear the bikini. Ever. I’m going to murder Uncle Zed – ”

“She just laughed at her brother’s antics. But it is not funny. Not in the slightest. I mean – me? Bikini?

“He said they matched your eyes and he’s quite right, darling. And it’s really worth trying.” 

“I’m going to have a heart failure when I look at myself in the mirror – ”

“If you’re going to have a heart failure, imagine what would happen to Travis.”

Fuck. I blushed furiously and I was stunned momentarily. I sighed, “Mom, that’s so unfair. I’m not model perfection like him – ”

“Nonsense. You’re perfect.”

I rolled my eyes and sent her a look that plainly said, You don’t say?

“Mom, you’re extremely biased.”

“Well, that’s a good thing. But that’s not exactly the point. You will wear your Uncle’s gift. No excuses and no buts.”

I gritted my teeth. Maybe asking my mother was a wrong move. So what should I’ve done, then? Ask the neighbors?

“Is this payback-for-all-you’ve-done day or what?”

She grinned. “It’s the first one.”

“Mom. Do I have to beg on my knees?” Maybe I should’ve asked Dad instead. Or maybe, I should’ve had the initiative to do it myself.

“Avery, that won’t be necessary. But when Travis sees you in this two-piece caramel bikini – ”

“Mom – ”

“It would be really nice if you could snap a photo of his face.” She continued as if I didn’t interrupt. She smiled hugely, “Now, I’ll help you pack your things, how about that?”

Thanks, Mom.

Chapter 15: The damned park

Chapter 15: The damned park (Wattpad)

“Why are you still freaking out?”

I bit my lip worriedly. We were in his car – a Jaguar, what else could I expect? – and we were heading to the bloody park. When we got out of the bathroom, we didn’t encounter any prefects or any obstructions on the way and he practically dragged me across the parking lot and into his expensive car. He got it for his 18^th birthday. 

I wonder what my parents would give me.

“I’ve never done this in my whole life. I don’t cut classes, why am I even here?” he just chuckled, replying, “I knew this would be good for you.”

I turned my body around to face him, “You call this insanity ‘good?’ We’ll be in the principal’s office in less than twenty-four hours and this isn’t even my idea.”

“Avery,” he said in a patient tone, “Breaking some rules is sometimes good for a person.”

“This isn’t one of those times.”

“Yes, it is.” He argued, “Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you’ve never disobeyed your parents, teachers, anyone since you learned how to breathe.” That last part was just harsh! Technically, he’s right, but I never really saw anything appealing in being a rule breaker. I just don’t like it.

“What does my obedience have to do with anything?” I grumbled. 

“If you don’t explore beyond what you know, how can you learn?” I paused. That’s…absurd. I do explore beyond my own means. My brows drew together in thought. I definitely explore. I said, “You sound like a monk.”

His lips turned up in a radiant smile, “I’m right, aren’t I?” I can’t help rolling my eyes, “But I do explore. Maybe you’re just terribly unobservant.”

“I meant a different explore. Beyond the rules and the restrictions.” He shrugged and finally said, “Nevermind. We’re here.” His grin turned wider as he took a right. My eyes surveyed the wooden welcome sign that read simply, ‘The Royal Ridge.’ I groaned. 

“Tell me why you hate this place again.” He inquired as he drove carefully through the tall trees and the other beautiful obstructions.

“It’s ancient history.” I supplied lifelessly.

“I’m sure it’s fun to hear.” He prodded. He has no idea what he’s talking about. There’s nothing fun about a guy using a girl at all. “You’ll be bored to tears.” I said to him.

“Come on, Avery. I’m sure it’s not that bad.” He stopped the car beside a thick oak tree and turned the engine off. “Let’s get out first; I want to show you something.” Before I could even respond, he got out and started waking to my side of the car. When I came out, I found myself face to face with him and closed the car door without breaking off the staring contest. I said to him, “I’ve been here before. I memorize this bloody park.” 

He laughed in confusion, “Why do you say that as if it’s a bad thing?”

“Because it is.” I scowled at the ground. Without warning, he put his arm around me and pulled me close to his side, probably using my right side in the process. My scowl deepened as he started walking without relinquishing his hold on me. He said, “While we’re walking, you could tell me what it’s all about.”

For the whole duration of the afternoon, we did nothing but walk around the park and talk about nonsense things. To tell you the truth, it’s not that bad. But, no. Just no. But my mind seemed to disregard the ‘no’ I was shouting in my head as we played tag on the spot and skipping rope with a bunch of kids we say while we were walking by. 

I was having fun like I never had in days. I hadn’t noticed that it was almost afternoon but whenever I’d point out that we shouldn’t be where we were, he’d cut me off and invite me to another silly – and tempting – activity, like hide and seek. 

I must be crazy.

Now we were eating ice cream, sitting on the green grass. I didn’t want him to buy this since it was incredulously expensive but damn, I never knew ice creams could be so delicious.

“Avery, two hundred fifty-six times one hundred sixty-three?”

“Forty-one thousand, seven hundred twenty-eight.” I giggled, “Seriously, you can do better than that.” I taunted as he looked at me with his mouth hanging open. 

Okay, so I confessed to him a little secret of mine; ever since I learned how to count like the many infants around the world, my parents and math teacher found something unusual in my counting skills. They called it a gift.

I always called it a disorder.

I can do large sums in my head, and it’s just that. I don’t know how I do that but it’s really easy. I laughed as I watched Travis’ face, “Eat your ice cream before I get it from you.”

“I think you’re a mutant.” He said, licking his ice cream. “No one can do that, it’s impossible. Maybe you’re lying.”

“I’m not.” I said without a qualm as I finished eating and I hugged my legs to myself looking at the sky. 

“Right, maybe you’re just an experiment gone wrong.” Then, “But you’re a nice experiment.”

“Gee, thanks. That was a heart-warming compliment.” I shrieked as he lunged at me and tickled me mercilessly. 

Time passed by in a blur as we did all the things we could think of. We even tried out being a temporary mascot – yes, I know – for the promotion program of the park for an hour – Travis was wearing pirate attire and I was a nymph. Kids were going gaga over us and I probably never laughed like I did right then. They actually believed that we were pirates and mythical creatures and we made up stories about ship wars and trolls that eat fairies. It was outrageous. Lies are bad, right?

When I was changing to my usual jeans and t-shirt, I thought about what I’m doing. Like, what I’m really doing. I was having fun with Travis, the son of the president of Gedi Institute, the most promising company and all the glitz and glitter and – and the bane of my existence? 

He isn’t, right?

I’ll think about that later. Too confusing.

A smile unconsciously formed on my face as I heard him saying even though he wasn’t even in the room, “Avery! I have a wonderful idea – it’s something to curb your cautious nature.” He opened the door and flashed me a perfect smile.

I don’t like the sound of that. And I don’t have a cautious nature! “Enlighten me?”

He walked me over to the outside first, and didn’t say anything until we were surrounded my tall trees and Mother Nature. He looked around the area, the tall trees, and the deserted gravel path and craned his neck to check that no one was staying by the bench. I’m actually giving a go for whatever he’s thinking, as long as it doesn’t violate the park rules – I mean, we just helped them for their promotion and doing something bad for them felt akin to backstabbing.

When he was contented with his search, his hand on mine tightened. He asked, “Tell me, will those people back there give me penalty for climbing one of these trees?”

Chapter 10: Bestfriend for afterlife

Chapter 10: Bestfriend for afterlife (Wattpad)

My Mom once said that silence is divine. 

I really don’t know why that is considered a piece of wisdom right now.

I held my breath, bracing myself for the eruption that would ensure my tragic death. Oh, Lord. What will they do to me? Pretend I don’t exist? Throw me out of the friendship circle? Despise me?

“Wait, wait, wait.” Cassie said, chuckling. But her chuckle seemed to be more out of disbelief than amusement, “Travis Warner, asked you, Avery Allton, to be his girl, knowing that you don’t at all like him. Is that right?”

“Yes.” I answered as quietly and meekly as possible.

“And you didn’t tell us this piece of information right away because you were speculating that it was probably a tumor on his brain, or possibly a problem in his genes or it can be alternate dimensions or – what was the other one again? I always forget that one.”

“Time travel?” I repeated.

“Yes. Or you thought it was time traveling. Is that right?”

“Yes, Case.” I said faintly.

“Right,” she said, nodding her head, “And this just happened today on Bio.”

“Yes, Case.” My responses were getting lower and lower.

“And he wanted to talk to you just now because…?” she lifted an eyebrow an question and I know when this is the case, she expects a straight answer. My mind scrambled frantically and an answer came swooping out of nowhere.

“The – he said on Bio that we should – you know. Go somewhere nice. The – to that – ridge park this weekend. Just so, you know. That, yeah.” 

Damn. I suck at lying. 

“Ave, you’re blushing.” Edward said faintly. It’s because I’m so bloody conscious that I am lying so bad and that Travis – Warner! – should decide to go the – the bloody ridge park with me! Like, me, me. Nicole looked at me with her lips parted in surprise, like the others. She said incoherently, “You…you and Travis. You and Travis are dating?” OH, GOD. I don’t like that word! I don’t do damned relationships and aaargh. This. Is. His. Entire. Fault.

“Yes. We are…yeah, we are.” I shrugged my shoulders.

“I don’t believe you.”

My head slowly turned to Cassie Isabel Sierra. Why the hell can she read me so easily?! As best as I could, I changed my expression of utter helplessness to questioning, and just a little bit of hurt, “Case, why don’t you?”

“I just don’t Ave.” She smoothed her hands on her lap and then faced me with the most serious face I have seen her with, “Prove to me what you just said to us.” Oh, no.

“Uhm, what do you mean ‘prove’?” 

“I don’t want to push, Ave. You know I don’t but I want to know if you’re telling the truth,” she bit her lip and continued, “You see Warner over their table?”

Uh-oh.

“Yeah, I do.”

“Look, he’s getting up.” She fixed her gaze on me again, “Everything’s up to you. Just do something that would convince me – convince us. Anything will do.” I want to cry. Like, seriously. I do. I can’t do anything now; I just fed them nonsense about me and Travis – Warner – and if I refuse, they’ll suspect and then he would find out that I messed up and he’s going to ruin everything.

That’s it.

Slowly, I stood up from my seat, “I’ll be right back.” I dodged other people and walked to him briskly before he could leave the place. He was just taking his first steps to the exit when I grabbed him by the arm. He whipped his head around and he faced me, smiling.

“Why, hello there, Avery. Changing your mind?”

“You had me cornered.”

“Hey, you okay?” his brows creased over his perfectly sculpted face, “You look upset.”

“I am not upset – I am fucking upset. I don’t even curse, but I don’t care. I don’t know what the hell could you possibly want from someone like me – for all I know, after you used me for your benefit, you’re going to treat me like trash. I’ve been there before, and I have no intention of having that repeated over and over like a stupid, broken cassette player. Just get the fuck away from me and my friends. They’re all I have and I hate – no, I loathe you so much that I couldn’t even breathe and I don’t even hate on someone.” I can’t help my hands turning to fists from rage.

“Avery, you’re crying.”

“The fuck I am. I hate you so much. Get the hell away from me; I don’t need you in my pitiful life. You just add to my mound of problems and I don’t even – ”

He stepped forward and kissed me.

His hands came up to my head and my back to keep my frozen body in place and he pressed his body to mine. I was beyond petrified, the sensation and movement of his lips on me blinding and suddenly, he stopped what he was doing and pulled away.

His wide eyes were sending me a sincere apology and he said quietly, “I had no idea that you had problems, Avery. I am so sorry for my – are you okay?”

“Did you just kiss me?”

“Come again?”

“You kissed me.”

He rubbed his hand at the back of his neck sheepishly and bit his lip, “Sorry about that, too. I, uhm, it looks like you were never going to stop and I had no idea how to shut you up.” 

“That was my first kiss.”

Pause.

“Sorry?”

“That was my first kiss.”

Pause.

He swore. He opened his mouth but it was a few more seconds before he actually said anything, “I had no fucking idea. Sorry, I – ”

“It is fine.” I said, in a trance.

“You sure? Do you want me to help you back to your – ” We both heard my phone ring and I got the vibrating little thing from my pocket and I instantly answered it with my hand shaking.

“Case?” 

What she said was delivered incredibly fast, “You really, really, really didn’t have to do that, Ave – I believe you wholeheartedly and absolutely and it was just the little fact that you suck at explaining things and we were doubtful because frankly, I didn’t ever think that I would live to see – tell me, did he really kiss you or am I insane?” 

Without declining the call, I turned around and saw their faces struck by lightning and – oh, no. Oh, hell. This is not good. People were looking at me, at Travis, at his hand on my waist and oh, fuck.

They saw. They saw it. 

I heard someone on my left whisper audibly, “I think they’re together now; I saw them on Bio and they were really sweet and everything…” she told it to her friend, and then the friend of her friend joined in and now everyone resumed what they were doing as if they’ve just been paused.

“You know,” I said, looking at Travis, “I would really like to punch you.”

Prologue

I Sort of Love You (Wattpad)

Prologue (Wattpad)
 

Guilt is the worst emotion you could ever feel.

It closes around you, everywhere you go, like the devil himself is hovering around your back.

Travis Warner had been with the devil for a year now.

He stared at the perfectly white, stainless wall for a long time, just sitting by himself and wondered where his life would lead. He’d been always; night and day, day and night. He’d never questioned or complained about it, because it was his fault she was here in the first place. In this unremarkable place where everywhere you turn, all you can see is sickening white. 

But she doesn’t belong here. She belongs to the world outside. He should be with her, they should be exploring the delights of the world together – the colorful bright world that held so much promise for the two of them.

But she isn’t. She’s here; confused, scared and all alone.

Just because of his one, simple mistake.

No one wished more than Travis did, that he could’ve done things differently If only he hadn’t committed that one mistake that forever changed his life. And destroyed hers. The love of his life. He’d been ridiculed with frustration, anger, guilt and deep sadness. The accusing stares from everyone left him with scars that he knew would never heal.

But as time passed, the only the guilt and the sadness remained with him. Never leaving, always there. He’d been left to battle his own demons since that night, long ago.

Everyday, every single day, he wished, he prayed and he hoped. But none of it was enough even as he pledged that he would do everything and anything he could – even turn back time – just to have his love back.

To have Avery safe, whole and back to her own mind.