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 17: My mind must be somewhere

Chapter 17: My mind must be somewhere (Wattpad)

Still cross-legged on the couch, I tore the page from my spring notebook and crumbled it. I wrote the current date at the top of the new sheet and pretended the pile of other crumpled papers on my side didn’t exist. 

My mind must be somewhere.

I took a deep breath and held it in for three seconds before exhaling. I checked the time – seven-fifteen. It’s been hours – hours – since that…incident and I still can’t breathe properly and my heart was still skipping. What the hell is wrong with me? I should be writing a reaction paper on history. Okay, focus. I picked my pen up and wrote on the first line. History…was full…of tragedy. Catchy. That’s good. I took a deep breath again and convinced myself this is just a piece of cupcake.

“Since when do you know yoga?” Dad came towards me and sat on the other couch by my side, only the low table between us. Before I could answer, Mom said, “Charlie, you would know if our daughter knew yoga.” She still concentrated on preparing the dinner over at the table while speaking.

“She looks flushed – she must’ve been doing yoga. Right, my dear?” he asked me, smiling. Oh, no. This is dangerous. I tried my best not to let my inner apprehension show on my face as Mom glanced up to me. I forced a smile. “Right, yoga.” I paused, but couldn’t help it any longer, “I need to go to the bathroom for a second.” I stood up before I heard the both of them assent and I restrained myself from running up the stairs and lock myself in the bathroom. Once I was safely inside, I shut the door close and leaned on it.

That guy is going to kill me one of these days. Stroke, possibly. Or stress. Either way, the finger points to him and all I need to do is write a death note and he’ll be arrested for good.

I looked around the space of our tiled bathroom. To my right is the shower with the blinds and to the left is the toilet. Directly in front of me is the counter with the sink and the mirror above it, which covers the entire wall. I walked forward and swept a hand through my messed-up hair. Dad was right – I’m blushing like hell.

I put my hands on my hips. This has to stop. It’s not healthy. It’s just a kiss, for Christ’s sake. But then there was one after that…and after that.

And after that.

I took deep breaths again to control my breathing. Why am I even affected by that rich, adventurous, insane person?

Okay, so if he’d kiss other girls before and if they’re suffering like I am right now then great. Otherwise…I’m just an idiot. Face it, Avery. I breathed in and out. You’re just an inexperienced moron.

“Avery?”

“Coming, Mom.” 

I opened the door and walked the length of the floor all the way down the stairs. Immediately, I went to the dining and sat down. “It looks great, Mom.” She smiled in response as Dad sat down and led the prayer without any prodding from anybody.

When I put the fork of steamed fish in my mouth, my taste buds danced tango in joy. Mom’s cooking skills are awesome.

“Sylv, honey, the camera’s with you right? For tomorrow?” Dad asked while eating. Mom nodded, “Upstairs in my duffel bag.” While they continued speaking, my thoughts wandered to something else entirely.

Camera.

Polaroid.

Oh, God. That was the most unexplainable moment of my life. I quickly poured myself a glass of water and downed it in five seconds. I got more water as the time where we were getting ready to leave the park replayed in my head. Oh, God.

We were walking back to his Jaguar as the sun was setting down on the horizon. What happened minutes ago from that blasted maple tree had me blushing like crazy and Travis was till laughing at it. I must be out of my fucking mind. 

Why the hell did I let him do that?

I should’ve screamed like my life depended on it. I should’ve.

“I’d be happy to do that again, but I’m worried that your cheeks would burst to flames.” He grinned at me contentedly.

“It’s not funny! I don’t know what happened back then. I must be insane.”

“Hey.” He tilted my chin up while walking, “Don’t be sad. I don’t know for you, but for me, that was pretty amazing.” I blushed deeper.

I did a gesture with my head that could be a nod or something. It was probably a something, not a nod. He smiled a little and released my chin, holding me by the shoulder tighter. This is ludicrous.

When the Jaguar came to view under the oak tree from earlier today, I sighed from intense relief. Going home is a miracle. I reached the vehicle before he did and finally, he came. 

“Stay here.”

Stay what?

He unlocked the driver’s door after the beep-beep of the car and brought out the Polaroid that had been haunting my dreams.

“Finally. So what’s the mystery all about?” I asked him.

“It’s still a surprise. But I’ll be taking a lot of pictures of the both of us from now on.” The words hung in the air as they slowly entered and registered in my brain.

“Us?”

“Yes, my genius. You and me.” He grinned as if everything’s okay with the world.

“And you won’t answer when I ask why because it’s a surprise?” I assumed quickly, expecting the worst. “You’re sharp as a knife.” He winked, confirming my fears.

What can he do with a bunch of pictures with my face on it? He’s not an assassin, is he? Travis raised the camera to eye level and took three steps back.

“Smile, darling. Your blush looks wonderful.”

I can’t help laughing at the ‘darling’ part. That was one hundred percent cliché! Midlaugh, I saw him snap the picture. The hard copy immediately sprung from the front and before anything else, I grabbed it, not giving him a chance to look.

“Hey!” he tried to reach for it, but I turned my back on him and surveyed the photo myself. Two things – whoa, that’s me? And the second is that Travis mustn’t get his hands on this. He said,

“Give it back.” He placed the camera on top of his car and encircled his arms around my torso from behind and momentarily lifted me in the air. I shrieked and tried to break loose the moment my shoes made contact with the ground. 

“I look hideous, trust me – ”

“Our eyes are different, Avery. And you’re biased so maybe I should see for myself.” He tried to grab it again but I ended up with my back on him, facing the car and trying to open the car door.

Too late.

He turned me around by the shoulders and I was pinned by his body to the car. He was smiling.

Shit.

He said, “Are we back here again?” he leaned in dangerously close.

“You can take the bloody photo. Seriously, you – ” he was kissing me for the hundredth time this day, and unconsciously, my hands went up to grip his shoulders and he pried me away from the car, his hands around my waist and pulling me against him.

I didn’t know what I was doing. I wasn’t aware of a bloody thing only that I was kissing him back and molding my body against his. But he didn’t seem to be bothered from my weight because when he pulled away to breathe for a second, he chuckled. Our lips touched again and I went under, my senses dulling. My arms encircled his neck and the next thing I knew, I heard the sound of the camera.

I pulled away slowly, looking to my side and Travis burst to laughter. On his hands now, with his camera is a picture of me…and him…Oh, God. He kept both photos to his jeans pocket, still smiling. He said, 

“In case you’d like to know, we’re still starting.”

I don’t want to live in this planet anymore. I’ll build a rocket first thing in the morning, and then choosing another galaxy to live in would be entirely preferable than – 

“Our daughter’s blocking out again isn’t she, darling?” Mom asked Dad in a carrying voice. He chuckled mirthfully. “I wonder what happened today.” He looked at me pointedly.

I sighed and can’t help a smile escape on my lips. My parents are amazing. I would just have to make a perfect alibi for them to join me in my moving-out-of-the-galaxy campaign; I can’t possibly leave them here.

“Nothing happened, Dad. I was just thinking.” I shrugged my shoulders for added effect, hoping it would suffice for them.

“Thinking what?” he asked still, taking a sip of water. Mom joined in and said, “Don’t tell me it’s homework, Avery. It’s the weekend and you deserve a break.”

Right. So my parents are a wee bit sharp, but aren’t all are?

“I was just thinking about the typhoon of people tomorrow.” I shrugged and then added, “With all of them coming, I guess I just feel a nit strung.” Mom was pursing her lips to keep herself from smiling. What? What did I say? That speech was flawless! Dad chuckled deeply. Really, what’s going – 

 

Oh, no.

It’s not possible.

But there’s only one explanation. Only a single one. My eyes widened.

It can’t be! 

“Mom, Dad, you see – Oh, God. How do I say this – ”

“When we found out what happened this afternoon, Ave.” Dad shook his head but he was smiling slightly, “I must say, we were indeed shocked.”

Oh my God. How could they know ­– oh, fuck! There must’ve been someone behind those blasted trees! Damn Travis to hell. Fuck it.

“Dad, I’m so, so sorry! Mom – ”

Mom spoke up first, “It’s okay, darling.”

Okay? They’re what? When I pictured this moment, it definitely wasn’t like this. I mean, for the love of God! I was kissing – Oh, shit. I can’t – 

“If you don’t, uhm, mind – Mom how did you find out?”

“The principal gave us a call. Really, honey. You should’ve told us in the first place; we’d understand.”

My eyes widened as an uncontrollable wave of relief washed through me. Damn it, they’re talking about me cutting classes! Cutting bloody classes! I struggled against the urge to rise to my feet and cheer. Cutting classes, they’d hopefully understand. Kissing under bloody trees, they absolutely won’t.

Thank you, guardian angel.

“Yeah, uhm, about that – ”

“Don’t take this the wrong way, Ave.” Dad was saying, “But, in a way, we’re glad you’ve done that.” They exchanged smiles right then about God knows what. 

Glad? Aren’t parents supposed to be outraged to heat this kind of thing? They should, right? Maybe Mom and Dad were just behind the times.

“We wanted you to have fun, once in a while. You always look tired, and those circles beneath your eyes, they’re getting worse. Ave, you don’t have to work so hard. You always get perfect grades, and as your Mom said, you deserve a break. Enjoy. You’re only a teenager once.” He grinned at me paternally.

I don’t work that hard! Maybe sometimes – okay, most of the time – but what am I supposed to do, then? Slack off? That’s just not appropriate.

“I have weekends off, Dad. The workload doesn’t seem much as bad, then.”

Mom raised an eyebrow, her topaz eyes sharp, “And I found some really interesting things on your planner. Please, honey, don’t tell me you’re making your classmates reviewers.”

Okay, maybe my parents aren’t so behind the times.

With the concerned look on their faces, I was positive they’ve been talking about this. Okay, relax. So I make them reviewers. It’s a gesture of kindness, right?  It’s not that hard to do, anyway. Maybe at times they pile up, but I always get them done. 

“They asked for some help,” I responded feebly, “And I figured why not?” I shrugged. “It’s nice to help.” I bit my lip and I just couldn’t say more. What else can I say, anyway.

“My dear,” Dad started, “If you love what you’re doing, then fine. We’re okay with it, but not too much. Not too much, okay? Everything has limits.” Genuine love and concern sprang from the both of them and I can’t help smiling.

“Not too much. Got it.” I nodded.

Dad winked and faced Mom again, “Where was I?”

“Your terrible golfing skills.” Mom’s faced glowed.

“Right,” Dad said sheepishly. “So, why don’t we just…”

As they drifted along with their talk, I ate my fish with much more gusto. That wasn’t so bad. I love my parents so much and I have no doubt that they love me, too.

While I ate, I let my thoughts move towards Travis cautiously, trying to assess where exactly I stand now in terms of our…thingy. Okay, so the guy’s attractive. Big deal; there are a lot of attractive Australians. My mind subconsciously conjured up his devastating smile. 

So he’s attractive and sexy. A lot of people are like that. Really, it’s not like there aren’t 1.6 billion more guys around the world, right?

And he stole my first kiss. Now, that’s something against him. It’s my first bloody kiss for God’s sake. It’s supposed to be romantic! The sparks-fly-music-inside-my-head kind of romantic. It’s supposed to be memorable!

My mind reminded me of how I spent my time under the tree.

Blasted tree. So he kissed me today. Big deal. Maybe seven times, I wasn’t sure – aaargh, this is not helping. So, those kisses made up for the first one. What’s the difference? It’s still the same person, even if you turn the universe upside down. 

More than made up for the first kiss, my mind hissed at me.

Shut up, brain.

Okay, so he’s an attractive, sexy guy who knows how to kiss. Big deal.

And he likes jellyfishes and penguins.

This isn’t helping at all. I drank water again, more slowly this time. I stared at my empty plate and tried to set my mind straight.

What am I even thinking, considering these things? But I can’t deny the horrid truth. So, I have a crush on him.

BIG DEAL.

It’s bloody highschool! It’s practically normal to have one, right? This is so warped. I never had problems like this before, but then again, he hadn’t even shown up before. It’s a matter of logic. As I tapped my hand against my thigh, a stunning realization hit me on the face like ice-cold water.

I’m pretending to be his girl. An attractive, sexy and a good kisser’s girlfriend. Me.

No. It’s all crap.

This isn’t even the ideal relationship! Where do I start, oh wait. Why don’t we start with this little fact that the ‘relationship’ isn’t even real? And then we can tackle the others. Splendid. Just splendid.

Wait. What am I thinking? I cannot believe I just thought like that. It’s like I wanted…oh, fuck.

I do not want the bloody thing to be real. I do not. Not. I must be going crazy! Why would I even want it to be real? It’s like I don’t have standards at all – not that I don’t, because I do. I have high standards, trust me.

Think, Avery. Think. I took a deep breath. It’s just a crush. A silly little crush. Avoidable and temporary. And in a couple of months, this insanity will be all over. I pursed my lips and sighed.

Wait. Did I just sigh? This is ridiculous – 

My phone rang and vibrated against my pocket and both Mom and Dad looked at me, slight curiosity on their faces. I slowly took out my phone, quietly praying it’s not Travis. 

It’s Travis.

What the hell is he up to?! I looked up to my parents and started to excuse myself but Mom said, “Answer it here. It’s fine.” She smiled and I desperately kept my lips tight together; if I don’t I’ll be cursing like I never had before.

If I don’t answer it here, it’ll look suspicious. I gritted my teeth and answered the damn call, putting the phone on my ear.

“Hello?”

“Avery.” As soon as I heard his warm, well-toned voice, my heart skipped beats. I’m sure patches of color are now on my cheeks, damn it. “What are you doing?” he asked and I knew immediately that something’s up. And I’m not sure I’d like to know what that something is.

“I just finished dinner.” I said as nonchalantly as I could. Why is he even asking? Why won’t he just say it?

“So, listen. I was wondering if you have something planned for tomorrow.” Millions of things are happening to me all at the same time. My body was humming. I don’t know what else to describe it but aaargh. I disregarded the fact that the ‘humming’ was from the sound of his voice. Maybe I have flu. Who could tell, right?

And why, why is he asking about tomorrow? Why?

“Why’d you ask?” he answered my question with confidence and an upbeat tone to his voice, “What do you say to a weekend with me on the beach?”

Beach.

Before I even knew what I was doing, my mind went ahead of me and imagined Travis on the beach. Shirtless.

What am I thinking? 

I licked my lips and tried to sound normal, “Uhm, you see, some relatives are coming over and it’s a family gathering, so…” Is it just me or did I sound disappointed? He seemed unfazed by this and purged on, with confidence still. 

“That’s okay. Some other time, then? Same venue.” I could practically picture him, on a tropical beach, maybe, smiling. I cleared my throat. “Sure. You really didn’t have to call me, you know.” I heard him laugh and I felt an overwhelming urge to smile myself. He said, “It’s fine, Your Highness. Don’t worry. And don’t forget your list, okay?”

“Yeah, list. Right.” I was breathless. He responded, “So, bye now. And,” he paused and continued, “I had a wonderful time.”

Now I really can’t breathe.

“Me, too.”

WHAT? Did I just say that? I didn’t say that. I did not – 

“Really?” he asked, half-laughing. “You weren’t so cool with it when we were walking back.” There was a slight question in what he said and the words tumbled out of my mouth, “No. I had a terrific time.”

There is no other explanation. I’ve become senile. At the ripe age of seventeen. 

There was a pause on the other end of the line then he chuckled quietly, “Glad to hear that. Bye now. Take care.” 

“Yeah, you too.”

The line went dead, but I was still holding the phone to my ear, in a trance. I don’t know whether to laugh, cry or both. My mind is buzzing from the ‘take care’ I just received. I returned my phone to my pocket and muttered absently to myself, “So he laughed. Big deal. If it wasn’t for that blasted tree – ”

“Uhm, Avery?”

I looked up in churning horror. Oh, GOD. How could I possibly forget about my parents?! Dad fixed me with a questioning look. What did I – oh my God. Why, the damned hell, did I insult a living organism related to plants with him on the same room? Why?

 

I hastily invented a speech, “I was saying that if it wasn’t do that blasted tree…ping, tripping incident. Not tree, like, you know, nature…” I bit my lip and my shoulders sagged in relief as he gave me a comforting smile. But Mom piped up, “Who laughed, darling?” I was instantly alert, my throat dry.

“Laughed?” I laughed, feeling like a moron. Mom replied, “You said ‘he’ laughed. Who’s ‘he’?” she looked directly into my eyes and I can’t lie. Not to my mother’s face! 

“It’s your boyfriend, isn’t it?” Dad said out of nowhere. He smiled good-naturedly.

That issue. The irony hits me on the face like a brick. Here’s Dad, delusional over the fact that I have a boyfriend and then Travis comes up, being the fake one.

So far, I still don’t have a boyfriend.

“Actually, it’s just Travis.” 

Immediately, sparks lit up my father’s face and he leaned forward, “So, the young man’s name is Travis? That’s quite a masculine name.”

Oops.

Oh, God. He got it wrong! I opened my mouth to speak but my Dad wasn’t giving me a chance, “At least you’re not denying it now, honey. So what’s he like?” Dear Lord. I looked at my Mom for help, like I always do, but this time – this one time! – she was smiling in a way I couldn’t quite place. She said, 

“Go on, Avery. Tell us.”

Shit.

Chapter 9: Unfair

Chapter 9: Unfair (Wattpad)

Oh, Sweet Jesus Christ. That experience was so scary, so freaky and oh, God, it was impossible. Maybe it wasn’t time travel or dimension. It has to be a medical problem. That’s it, that’s the answer - either a glitch on his brain or a glitch on mine. But it’s more probable that he’s the one who has the problem. Brain tumor? Unbearable stress? Or possibly, it could be in his genes. Who knows, right? Maybe I should check with some books at home – 

“Earth to Avery. Are you going to tell us what the bloody hell happened or should burgers come plying at you?” My ears heard Cassie saying.

I looked at my friends with my eyes unfocused, “Huh?” Lexi looked at me weirdly  and then slowly said, “Ave, you were, uhm, mumbling about tumors and genes and you were saying ‘Jesus Christ’ over and over.”

Theresa touched my shoulder, “I think you study too much. It’s better if you give yourself a break. If you don’t, we’re all going to steal your notes and your Bio book.”

Bio book.

Bio.

Warner.

Oh, God. I can’t.

“Avery, you look very pale.” Edward was facing me with a concerned look on his face and Nicole piped up, “You didn’t even touch your lunch. You should eat.” If I do that, I’ll most likely throw up. I don’t even know why I brought food with me in the first place. 

“Avery.” Cassie said in a tone that clearly says that she is serious, “We want to know what happened. Do you know that when I walked with you out of your classroom, you were saying creepy stuff under your breath like, dimensions and what was it? I forgot the other one.”

“Time travel?” I supplied lifelessly.

“Yep. Time travel. Care to explain about that, honey?”

I sighed and faced all of them, “You’d think I’m crazy.” Lexi answered, “We’re kind of expecting that from the way you’re acting just now.” then she took a bite of her apple.

“Well?” Theresa urged.

I bit my lip, “Today on Bio, we were having genetics and I…” 

“Let me guess, it’s about Travis.” Edward said.

I nodded and said faintly, “Yes, it’s about Warner.” 

“What about the spoiled git?” Case asked.

“He asked me for a favor.” An impossible, crazy one.

“What favor?”

“I…I don’t want to talk about it! It’s so creepy and funny – ”

“Creepy and funny?” Lexi asked.

“Avery, you’re worrying me.” Nicole patted my hand.

“I know! It’s fine, you guys. It’s fine. I’ll be completely normal.” None of them looked convinced. 

“Oh, look. He’s here.”

At what Nicole said, my head involuntarily turned to the entrance of the cafeteria and oh no. He is here. While he was looking around for some place to sit, he was totally oblivious to the girls swooning over him just nearby and to me hating him. I hate those designer shoes and those capri pants. I hate that snug turtleneck. And I really hate those – 

“Ave, if looks could kill, he would’ve been buried by now.” Wha – What did she say?

“Sorry, Case. I didn’t catch that one.” She sighed and rolled her eyes, “I said, if looks could kill, Warner would be absolutely – ”

“Is it me ever-helpful eyes or is he making his way here? And I mean here, here, on our table.” Oh, no. I can’t be that doomed for a single day, can’t I? 

“I don’t think it’s your eyes, Lexi.” said Edward.

“I think I have nausea,” I said to all of them as I started grabbing my bag, “I need to go to the bathroom, I really don’t feel well – ”

“Ave, you never get nausea.” Theresa complained.

“Maybe it’s cancer, not nausea.” I started getting up, “I don’t know, it doesn’t matter. I need to get the hell the hell out of – ”

“Hi, Avery.”

“ – here.” I finished faintly, dropping back to my seat. Oh, no. What the bloody hell is he doing?! I lifted my eyes to him and said quietly, “Hi, Travis.” He winked in response, complete with a killer smile and faced my friends, “Can I steal Avery for just one second?” No way.

“Uhm, you see, Avery was just telling us something important.” Nicole said nicely, as always. Travis raised both of her eyebrows, “Really? I wonder what it is.” He looked at me and although he was smiling, the message was crystal clear: Don’t you dare.

I said, “Yes, and it’s somewhat private, so if you don’t mind, I’ll talk to you later.”

“Oh, that’s cool. I’ll just see you around, ‘kay?” What? He’s just going to let the opportunity slip like that? He’s way too cunning for that – something’s fishy. I replied nervously, “Thanks.” He was just turning around when he seemed to remember something.

“Oh, right.” He faced Ed, “Bailey and Tolland wants to play ball. You wanna come?” What?

“Sure, that’s cool. What time?” Ed replied.

“No idea. You’ll have to ask them.” 

“Yeah, thanks.” Edward nodded. The bane of my existence smiled then looked at me and I should’ve – oh, no. He’s looking at me with that gleam in his eyes and I knew instantly that he thinks he won me over. I stared at him and then flickered my gaze to Ed discreetly.

He’s blackmailing me! Stupid, dirty, prick!

“See you later, Avery.” He walked away as Lexi whistled low, “That was weird, though I must say he looks better up close.” I paid them no attention as I groaned loudly. Oh, God. I can’t do this anymore. He is so evil.

“Avery? What’s wrong? I think that went well.” I heard Nicole say. Then Theresa said next, “Ave? You’re on another planet again.”

My mind slipped away as I considered my options. So the bane of my existence needs assistance – bloody assistance – and I don’t cooperate he’ll go psycho on me. So what the bloody hell should I do? Jesus Christ.

Option one – don’t agree. I bit my lip at the thought. Don’t agree option equals to rifts in friendship, so no. My friends are everything to me, and I won’t rock to boat. Agree? Oh, God. I can’t even think of the endless things that option would imply. I just can’t, it’s unbearable. 

How about the double-cross him option? I pursed my lips.

That would be evil.

But he is evil, too! This is his entire fault; he made sure that I have no escape and have no more options. He is such a motherfu –

“Avery!” Cassie shook my shoulders, “Can you hear a word I’m saying here?”

“Yes, of course!” I replied hastily. She arched her brow, “What was I saying just now, then?”

“You asked me if I could hear a word you’re saying.”

“And before that?”

Cassie just won’t quit, aaargh. I took a wild guess and threw caution to the winds, “You were interrogating me about what happened with me and Travis.” She was just opened her mouth to respond when Theresa attacked me first with a bewildered gaze. 

“Since when do you call the bane of your existence by his first name?”

Crap.

They’re looking at me weirdly right now, like they’re waiting for an impending storm. Their stares have so much intensity that their anticipation was almost tangible. I could feel it.

“Why the hell are you all looking at me like that?”

“Avery,” Lexi said with exasperation, “Just answer the question for the sake of our peace of mind.” They had me cornered. All of them. What the bloody hell should I say?! Panic rose through me as I considered my options for the second time, super fast. Don’t agree – impossible. The truth? Not bloody likely. He, Travis – I mean the bane of my existence – he will kill me and right after my parents chose an epitaph he’s going to tell Ed.

Double-cross him option – I have no idea! But that thought of doing something that bad to someone is just…wrong! It’s not me! And I bloody well can’t do it.

Oh, no. No, no, no. This is bad. This is very bad.

I need to use my evil side in this situation, damn it! Why do I feel bad, anyway? I really can’t take this.

I faced my friends, meeting their gazes with what I hope is a convincing face, “The thing is…maybe I don’t really hate the Boy E – I’m not saying I like him!” I added hastily, seeing their expressions, “It’s just that he’s been nice sometimes and maybe it’s not really good to feel hate and he’s been okay lately and…stuff.”

They didn’t seem convinced. Edward said, “But just a while ago, you acted really…odd.”

Lexi couldn’t even sit straight, “Ed meant that you had sudden cancer and nausea when he went here and what about the favor? Why did he want to talk to you?”

I just answered one question and they fire me with dozens of others! This is just madness – 

“Avery, spill. Now.” Cassie said and I knew in an instant that her patience is running out. She wants to find out what’s going on, right this second. I took a deep breath and said the unbelievable.