Chapter 27: The threat of time

Chapter 27: The threat of time (Wattpad)

Part I:

How is it that your bestfriends suddenly agree with your mother?

Oh my gosh, that’s wonderful! I remembered Nicole exclaiming over the telephone and I grimaced, I never thought you’d ever wear a bikini – you said you hated it! But I’m really happy for your recent changes.

But I think I approve of Theresa’s reaction.

You? Bikini? Is this a prank call? You’re not Avery, are you?

She’s really sensible. But when I called at Cassie’s place with high hopes that she’ll be the same, it felt like aiming a boomerang at yourself.

PICTURES! I need the bloody pictures! Call me as soon as you’re home and Travis better not screw this one up. And Lexi’s here. She’s sick, though, but she’s giving you the thumbs-up so I think she’s cool with it. Avery Warner, I’ll be watching out for the pictures. Capiche? 

Yes, she’s calling me by Avery Warner since she found out about the rings. Actually the whole lot of them do, but I really don’t mind. Okay, I admit, it sounds nice.

I chewed my lip as my flip-flops tapped against our pristine white floor and I fingered the hem of my summer dress for the millionth time. Again, I rummaged inside my white canvas bag to check if I have everything. I breathed out. Okay, I got everything. I’m safe – for now.

I was extremely conscious of the thing I’m wearing beneath the dress. Aaargh. I’m not supposed to wear bloody bikinis.

“Avery, it’s going to be okay.” Dad said over his morning coffee. Behind him, Mom nodded her approval, just resting after she cleaned the entire second floor of the house.

“I hope so, but this thing is just overkill and I – ”

We all heard a car pull up on the driveway and followed by a familiar honking.

I gulped.

This is really, really, really bad. I don’t like what I’m wearing at all. I would give up every single thing I own – 

“Avery, why don’t you open the door?” Mom smiled sweetly.

“Thanks a bunch, Mom.” I muttered under my breath as I hooked my bag over one shoulder and walked unsteadily to the front door. As I swung it open, my breath caught in my throat.

I’m suddenly in love with khaki.

He was there, smiling brightly with a glint in his eyes that would make anyone passing by swoon, and age is irrelevant to my assumption. He was wearing khaki shorts and a grey jacket over his plain white shirt and the sun shining down on his chocolate hair was just mmm.

“You ready?”

I bit my lip and nodded, trying to appear calm and totally in control of myself. Which I am not. At all.

“Just wait a sec.” he stepped forward and caught both of my hands in his grasp and dusted a kiss on my nose. “I love your look. You’re beautiful.” He gave me a lingering kiss on my cheek and hugged me tightly. I laughed out loud, “You’re not bad yourself.” He pulled away, grimacing. “This? I had no idea what I was wearing.” He laced my fingers with his as he often did and I still can’t believe that it’s a perfect fit. He said, “Before we make out in my car, maybe I should say hi to your parents first.”

I burst out laughing and nodded my consent, leading him through the threshold and turned to the direction of the table where Mom and Dad area already looking at us.

Both of us waved and they smiled. Mom called out, “Have fun.”

“Will do.” We answered both at the same time. Before going out, I sent Dad a flying kiss, which became our habit when one of us goes somewhere for quite some time.

That is truly a blessing for us, since no one could have anticipated what would happen in the next forty-eight hours.

Part II: 

In a way, for some chosen lives, history does repeat itself. But in my case, it was different. Entirely different. When something gives an omen before anything comes striking, either death of a loved one or yourself, you should watch out for it. But as I got myself in the car with the love of my life, I wasn’t watching out for anything. It’s foolish; no one could ever have known, but I still blame myself for what became of myself a day from this beach trip. But then, I was happy. I was content. 

Was.

Excitement surged through me as Travis turned on the engine, with mischief evident in his eyes.  “I can’t keep my hands to myself, so I’ll just…” he quickly revved up the car and turned to the next possible corner and twisted the key. I barely heard the dying growl of the engine when Travis leaned forward and kissed me without a second thought.

He took my face into both of his hands and started out gently, but I couldn’t help myself. My hands splayed across his muscular chest and pressed closer and his mouth became firm on mine, the pressure increasing. His hand was now on the back of my neck, keeping me in place, and the other one was on the small of my back, gripping tightly and making me tremble. He swept my tongue on my upper lip and I clutched hungrily on his shirt, raining kisses on his chin. Then, he kissed my temple and moved back, his hair mussed and lips swollen. He cupped my face and gently put our brows together and I could see to the very depths of his blue eyes, which were empowered by emotion.

“I love you.”

An incredible feeling washed over me, making me feel string and very weak at the same time. I felt a smile unconsciously appear on my lips and I murmured, “I love you, too.” I heard his chuckle and his eyes sparkled brighter than any star I’ve seen. 

Even inside the car, I could see the trees branches and leaves whipping with the criss-crossing directions of the wind as we came closer to our destination. Apprehension clawed its way to me again and I bit my lip. “So,” I cleared my throat then tried again, “So, were going to your beach. Your private beach.”

“Yes.” Travis answered, smiling as he drove through the road with ease that made him unbearably sexy.

“And nobody’s around except for us.”

“There’s the lifeguard.” He shrugged.

“Right.” I breathed in and exhaled to calm myself. “The lifeguard.”

“Yes, the lifeguard.” He flashed his complete smile while keeping his eyes straight in, but I could tell he’s immensely enjoying this. I can’t even bring myself to be annoyed because I’m being swallowed whole by panic. I’ve seen enough photos of Travis parents on countless magazines but it’s entirely different when you’re intending to meet them. Words like billionaire, company and scared are swirling around my brain and warning me of an impending doom – which is probably an understatement, but I don’t care; I’m scared out of my wits.

What would happen if they came to the conclusion that I’m the most horrible girl in the world? They won’t drown me, won’t they? I so hope not.

“What are you thinking?” he asked out of nowhere as he took a left. I swallowed hard before answering in a shaky voice, “I-I’m just thinking. They won’t drown me, right? It’s your beach, after all – ”

“If they do, I’ll jump in and save you.”

I gulped. “You will?” He laughed and I know we’re probably thinking the same thing – that the idea’s really absurd, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“I’ll always save you.”

Then he slowed to a stop in front of a guardhouse and beyond, I could already see colourful banners raised high and ruffled by the wind. They lined along the gravel path that leads to the tropical-looking huts and nooks made of indigenous resources. And I’m scared as hell.

Travis then opened his car window and nodded up to the middle-aged man in uniform who looked alert and wary. What for, I have no idea; no one seems to be around the area and it’s not as if someone can just pass through. I think.

“Sir.” He inclined his head and with a flourish, retrieved a small tab from behind him and put it in front of Travis, who put his palm on the center of the white grid. It immediately beeped and the lines on the grid turned green.

Whoa.

Are we entering a beach or a secret facility? The palm access thingy is just overboard. I mean, do we look like terrorists? And as if that wasn’t enough, the guard turned the tab around and I saw a lens – bigger than any I’ve ever seen before. Travis aligned his right eye with the lens and the same, little grid sprang to life, screening his eye and after an instant came the beep and the glow of color green.

“Thank you. Have fun, sir.” The man muttered as Travis closed the window, but not before I saw him give me an intensely curious look and turn away.

“I really enjoy that part.” Travis said as we sped through the path among the huts, on the way to the sound of the waves clashing not far away. “When I was a kid, I used to play James Bond.”

I don’t think my brain is functioning. What happened to the standard manual search where you actually use your hands? I glanced at Travis, who was patiently waiting for my reply. “Uhm. Was that a retina scan?”

“Yeah. Only allows access to retina patterns from myself, Mom and Dad. It’s too much, don’t you think?”

“Yeah…too much.” I replied dazedly. I heard his chuckle and he slowed to a stop in front of a particularly huge hut, with benches and whit lounge chairs facing the white sand.

“Here we are.” He stated with an irresistible glow.

“I’m going to die.” 

“I’ll die with you, then.” He shrugged, finally facing me. I breathed in and out and licked my lips, gripping my canvas bag tighter, “That won’t be necessary – ”

“Oh, look. There they are.” 

I froze as my eyes landed on two people on the shore of the beach. They’re far away from us for me to really see their features but there was no mistaking the towering figure of Travis’ father, who wore black slacks and white shirt, partly obscured by a black overcoat as dark as his hair. Even from this distance, I can see his ominous scowl that dominated any other expression on his face.

But before I lost my mind altogether and ran for it, the petite lady beside him waved, her royal blue dress fluttering slightly in the breeze. She had her hair on a ponytail, but I could see that the hue is exactly the same as Travis’. And if her husband is scowling, she clearly doesn’t make too much of it as she smiled happily, clasping her arm around his.

Their polar opposites, I can sense it.

“Your first impression?” Travis asked as he took gold of my sweating hand.

“They’re clearly…opposites.”

My uncertain statement was followed by his laugh and he kissed my palm lovingly. “I don’t think you will die.” Mustering some courage from his words, I looked at the same couple on the shore, the waves lapping at their bare feet and ankles. 

I took a deep breath, “Do I act the angelic girlfriend or the wild, carefree one?” He smothered a chuckle by biting his full bottom lip and said, “It would be really interesting to see you try the second, although I prefer you to act just like yourself.”

“Act like myself.” I nodded. “Got it.”

A few seconds later, we got out of the car, hand in hand. I steeled myself to meet the person who, unknowingly, changed the course of my life forever.

Chapter 11: Beneath the surface

Chapter 11: Beneath the surface (Wattpad)

It’s dismissal time.

My life is over. I’m doomed. 

After that incident, gossips have been spreading like wildfire. Even bloody teachers have been asking me how things were going between us and I can’t – they’re teachers! They’re supposed to be minding their own business! Everywhere I go, people would give me awestruck looks like they’re seeing a god or something of the sort, which is not fun, I’m telling you. It’s worse than the genius trash.

I was walking with my friends and I was aware of the awkward tension in the air, but they talked and acted as if nothing out of the usual happened during lunch. And here I am, in a bubble, disconnected from the rest of the world. I can’t believe that happened. My mind was still somehow refusing to accept the fact. It seemed like everything was a blur and we never even smoothed things out so I have no idea what to do, how to act. Damn it. 

We reached the parking lot and Lexi and the others were still chatting when we heard the awkward greeting from behind.

Travis was there, looking uncomfortable and uncertain. I haven’t seen him since lunchtime and… and nothing. He said sheepishly, “So, uhm, guys, I think you know now that, uhm… Can I borrow Avery for just one second please?”

“Yeah,” Lexi said, staring. “Sure.”

Okay, this is it, the opportunity to smooth things over. He grabbed my hand and led me far away from my friends as possible, but unfortunately, people were lingering around, hoping to hear something interesting. Good God, aren’t they satisfied? Without letting go of my hand, he stopped in front of a Volvo and faced me.

“So, uhm, would you like to be my girlfriend for a while?”

Someone must really hate me somewhere and used witchcraft against me. Or even maybe supernatural means of revenge for something I’ve done unsuspectingly and asked – 

“Do you always do that when you freak out?”

“Huh? No.” What did he say?

He pursed his lips to keep from smiling and shook his head, “You’re such a lousy liar.”

“That’s a good thing. Lying is bad.” Then I looked at my friends engaged in a conversation with William Ricks, “Which reminds me of what we’re doing in this hell of a situation.” His other hand grasped mine and he said, “I had no idea you were having some problems.”

This day is evil. I’m having an awkwardly normal conversation with him, for God’s sake. I wanted to shake my hands out of his but truth be told, it feels nice. 

Forget I said that. Seriously.

I took a deep breath and raised my face up to his, “Just…no attachment, okay? And we’re not going to act all mushy with each other.”

“Yes, of course!” he grinned at me happily. “Whatever you like.”

At last, there is one thing he’s agreeing with. I heaved a sigh of relief and started to back away, removing my hands from his touch, “Okay, so tomorrow will be hell for me, so I should – ”

“Wait,” he caught my wrist and smiled alluringly, “Why don’t we start now?” How the hell can he act like there are no people gaping at us?

“I’m tired. Do you know how much stress and delusions you put me through after that paper conversation?” He didn’t even answer me and just raised his free hand to smooth my hair. I fought the shiver that went through me and said, “Will you please stop doing that?” I twisted my head away and looked at his face, and it was evident that he was enjoying. 

“Why? I’ve always liked your hair; it’s like dark chocolate.”

“It’s boring.”

“Well, then, why don’t you try to let it loose for once? You always braid it.” 

“I prefer it that way, you do you even care?”

“I’m just curious what you’ll look like when you unbraid it.” An awkward silence followed and he said hesitantly, “So, uhm, what’s your favorite color?”

I laughed out loud, “You really don’t have to go through the torture of actually knowing me.”

“Why not?” he chuckled, exposing the dimple on his right cheek, “I think you’re nice. So what’s your favorite color?”

“Blue.” I said unthinkingly, looking at his eyes.

Fuck. My favorite color is red.

He raised an eyebrow, smiling widely. “Really? Mine’s caramel.” 

Aaargh. Stupid colors. “Shut up. And stop smiling like that. I want to go home.” I started walking away, but he followed on my heels. 

“Home?”

“Yes, do you have one?”

“Actually I have plenty.” He still followed me and I started looking for my friends. Where the hell are they? “I only have two homes. And where the hell is Cassie?”

“Really?” I heard him say behind me, “Where’s the other one?”

“Raleigh, North Carolina. And where are they?” 

“You’re a country girl?” he said in a surprised voice and I couldn’t help but turn around. I sighed in exasperation, “I just said it. Please tell me why that insignificant fact is so hard to believe.”

“It just is.” He shrugged, “You like Harry Potter, don’t you? Want a movie marathon this weekend?” 

Weekend. There’s something about that – oh, God. I did a little facepalm. 

“What’s wrong?” he said, gently shaking my shoulders, “Don’t you want a marathon?” 

“I told my friends that you’re taking me out this weekend and just. Hell. Forget it.”

“That’s great! So, what time do I pick you up?”

Pick – oh my God.

“No, no! It’s fine. You don’t have to – ”

“You sure? It would be fun.” He urged, smiling perfectly. “I’m sure, just – just do what you’re normally doing on weekends, Trav –Warner. Travis.” I amended, seeing his expression. Out of curiosity, I looked behind my back and saw a bunch of people ogling at us. And another bunch, and another…

Didn’t they even see two people talking to each other before? They’re getting annoying. 

Travis said, “They look like they want to replay the cafeteria scene.” He smiled down at me. Hell, no.

“Kiss them, not me. I’m going home.” Figuring that Cassie and the others already went without me, I walked away from the school, leaving Travis behind me. But I heard him holler, “Love you, honey!”

Fuck.

This is not healthy, it’s just starting and I’m already acting like a lunatic and saying nonsense things – and my favorite color is absolutely red, without a speck of blue on it.

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.”

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.