Chapter 30: Painted promises

Chapter 30: Painted promises (Wattpad)

Part I:

-

Travis straightened his royal blue tie for the millionth time as he appraised his appearance with a critical eye. He didn’t even bother with clothes that much but then Avery came. He smiled, and then glanced briefly at his ring.

Everything had gone smoothly now, and he’ll admit that he’d been nervous about the meeting yesterday, but nothing ever came up that might be bad for Avery, and that’s all that mattered. He’d been doubtful about his parents, but then yesterday showed that he should have a little more trust in them. Both of them.

He gave his approval of his own reflection at the gargantuan mirror in his room, which looks more like a master suite at a hotel than a teenager’s bedroom. He checked his keys on his pocket and grabbed the remote beside the mirror and with a few buttons pressed, the windows closed by their own accord and the curtains closed as well, and the lights flipped off.

When he emerged from his room, he barely took in the sight of their luxurious hallway when three guards on their custom black and white suit, together with Paul, blocked his next steps.

 His heart pounded and confusion had no place as suspicion clouded everything else. This happened before, more than once. He tried to look calm as possible and look authoritative like his father.

“Paul, what – ”

“Sir, we were ordered to take you back to your room. You are not to go anywhere until – ”

“Fuck that, let me through right now.” He snapped, losing his patience altogether. His father had to be behind this, he always has been. But Travis wouldn’t have known yesterday, not when he was smiling down at Avery as though he’s welcoming her.

Lies.

“Please, sir. We were ordered to – ” he didn’t finish the rest of the sentence as Travis stepped through and immediately, arms were restraining him and pushing him forcibly back to his bedroom door.

“Let me go! Bastards – ” they shut the door on his face. White-hot anger surged through his veins as he pounded through the door. “Paul, let me out right now. Tell my father I need to talk to him.”

Silence.

“Paul.”

A few more heartbeats passed when the doorknob turned and Paul emerged. Determination and a sliver of relief shook Travis but Paul shook his head, snapping the door shut and stood in front of it, making an exit purely impossible.

“This is fucking insane. Let me out, Paul.”

“Mrs. Warner gave us orders.”

Travis paused in mortification and his blood turned cold. “Did you – did you just say that my mother told you to do this?”

Paul mumbled his answer, but Travis can still hear it as clear as day, “Yes, sir.”

Travis’ head pounded and he found it impossible to believe. His Mom.

“Did she say why?” he said in a slow, but furious voice. Maybe he imagined it, but Paul’s stance turned something akin to doubt and disappointment, “She doesn’t want you around Ms. Allton, sir.” Travis couldn’t control the shaking of his entire frame now and he clenched his fists. She lied. She lied to her face.

Liar.

“Dad?” he asked, restraining his fury.

“Business trip, sir.” Paul replied in a voice full of concern and most of all, pity. Travis raised his head high and leveled his eyes with his personal bodyguard since he was a year old. His eyes blazed like fire and when he spoke, his voice was moderate, but anyone can sense the fury underneath. “I do not need your pity, Paul. I need your help.”

Paul dipped his head.

“I’m sorry, sir. I can’t.”

-

“Where the hell is he?” I complained for the hundredth time. “He’s late.” I checked Cassie’s watch and exclaimed, “It’s been thirty minutes!”

“It’s okay, Ave. I’m sure he’s okay.” Nicole comforted with a pat on my shoulder. Everywhere I turn, I see dancing people. The school gym had completely transformed and music was blaring from the speakers. There was a table filled with punch and other food and all the students seemed to be enjoying themselves. 

But not quite all.

“Ave, if something’s happening, he’ll call you one way or the other.” Lexi said with concern.

“I agree.” said Theresa, nodding. They all look terrific in their party dresses but I can’t focus on anything right now. I was tapping my foot like mad and I kept shifting my feet. We were sitting around a circular table, with a glass of punch in front of each of us but I haven’t touched mine.

“Call him, Ave. I don’t like this.” Cassie said with a straight face. Everything we hear is just laughter and enjoyment but I feel isolated from the rest of the world. I feel detached.

“I will.” I took a small breath to calm my erratic thoughts, “I’ll have to go outside; the signal is damned low.” They all offered words of comfort and concern and I quickly went out with my pouch in hand. Immediately, I took out my phone once I’m on the parking lot and I willed for it to ring.

He will answer. He will.

-

“Sir, it’s no use. She disabled your remote control system.”

Travis flung a vase across the room and his ears met a crackle of porcelain and it shattered to pieces. “What do you want me to do, then?” he demanded, but received no response. For the past thirty minutes, he’d done nothing but find a way out but it was impossible. He locked gazes with Paul and saw no other choice.

Slowly, he stepped in front of him and said, “Paul, this is bullshit. Help me out.” When he received not a single word of reply, he wasn’t dismayed. On the contrary, he was even more determined than before.

“I know you might lose your only job over this, but I need you to help me. You’ve met Avery, for God’s sake, there’s nothing wrong with her.” Travis saw him recall the brief encounter and he was aware that Paul had taken a liking to Avery. Whenever he was forced to go over with Paul on his heels, she treated him as a friend and even offered her cookies. 

Anger was on the surface again as he thought of her sweet face and the deception she so unfairly received. 

Avery deserves so much more.

“Paul, I have enough credentials and if you lose your job for helping me, I’ll sign a letter of recommendation myself. I know Dad will do the same. I’ll promise we’ll do it.” His voice was near to pleading. Call it desperation, or anything you want. He didn’t care.

His statement was punctuated with a strong silence. Then Paul raised his head and fixed him with a determined stare. “I’ll escort you down to your garage, sir. We’re not going to Ms. Allton, your mother gave me orders to transfer you to your resthouse not far from here. When I tried to get you in the car, you knocked me out cold, and you escaped. We didn’t have this conversation at all.”

Travis smiled. “Agreed.”

In his haste, he forgot his phone on the bedside table.

-

Part II:

I gritted my teeth in barely-concealed aggravation. I was outside the school’s premises right now, holding the phone to my ear. Fucking signal. I can’t believe that tonight of all nights, this has to happen. I just need to know that he’s alright. That somehow, he’s on his way here.

But he isn’t answering.

Why isn’t he answering? In my panic, I moved forward, trying to get more signal as much as possible. My mind raced through the possibilities to provide a plausible explanation to my worry. He must’ve left his phone. Or he was out of battery or – or something. There must be something reasonable. I heard a small beep from my phone and I looked at my screen.

No signal.

“Fuck.” I hissed and strode further towards the street. I had no idea where I was going as I speed-dialed Travis again. I knew it was irrational, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling that this isn’t just a simple misunderstanding. It’s only one dance, but I think there’s something going on.

As I continued my strides forward, I didn’t notice someone inching forward, hiding from my sight. Waiting.

Just waiting.

-

Travis pushed his Jaguar until he could feel its annoyed grumble, but it still wasn’t enough. He was far away from the school and he wanted to get there now. He felt a deep gratitude to Paul, who agreed to stay behind to cover their alibi for his supposedly ‘escape.’ 

He was intensely worried about Avery. He didn’t know why this much, but he was deeply worried. It was protective instinct, but he wasn’t taking any chances. He needed to see her with his own eyes.

He accelerated the car, almost like a blur as he sped through the night.

-

Where the hell is he?

I massaged my throbbing temples and tried to calm down. My feet hurt terribly but I couldn’t care less about anything as my thoughts were rampant with fears and doubts. I know it’s only one mundane event, but I couldn’t put my finger on something. It’s maddening. 

I looked around and found the pavement deserted and deathly quiet. I hadn’t noticed that I’ve gone so far; the lights from the school gym appeared like pinpricks from here and I felt a stab of wariness. I started to walk back when I heard a man’s voice from behind me,

“Darling, why are you going back?”

I jumped in fright and stumbled forward, almost tripping. I whirled around and found a tall, muscular man, who towered over me and with a scarred face looking at me wonderingly. He smiled slowly.

“Boyfriend isn’t picking up?”

I tried to swallow my fear and said shakily, “I need to get going.” I didn’t wait for his response as I quickly took long strides back, dialing Travis again.

Where are you?

I risked taking a look over my shoulder and froze when I saw no one. Fear rippled through me in huge waves and I hurried my steps, looking around for the sight of the same scarred man.

Travis, where are you?

-

On the empty bedroom, the same phone kept ringing and ringing for the past hour. 

No one was there to pick it up.

-

Sylvia sipped her coffee. She was on break and she still has ten minutes more for free but she didn’t go out to buy a piece of her favorite pastry like she always does.

She’s worried. She tried to fight the feelings of concern as she did her work, but now it came back at her, stabbing at all corners of her mind. Whatever she tried to do, she just couldn’t shake the feeling. Giving in, she took out her phone and dialed her husband.

A mother’s intuition is always right.

-

The school still looks far away, though I felt like I’ve been walking hard forever. My heart rate accelerated with every single step I took, fearing to look at dark corners or anywhere at all where the light is scarce.

That man wouldn’t leave me alone. He wouldn’t. I have to get out of here now.

I walked for more minutes, it felt like it has been an eternity, but I can’t make sense of the time, or anything at all. All I know is that I have to be surrounded by familiar people again. My hands were shaking and I wasn’t thinking straight, my lungs were burning but I took no action to stop.

The next thing I knew, a hand covered my mouth and gripped my upper torso tightly.

“Boyfriend still didn’t pick up?” he said in a throaty voice directly to my ear and I struggled in fear. I whimpered as I at his hands to release me and I stared at the dropped phone on the ground, the name Travis was still legible even from here but the call declined automatically when he didn’t answer.

Where are you?

“Hmm.” His palms kneaded my stomach and I felt tears sting my eyes. My heart thudded when he took steps to the sidewalk and into a dark alley. Though there was no light, I could still decipher the foreign surroundings.

“You’re really pretty.” His hands gathered my hair and he licked my neck from behind. Revulsion pulsed through me as he sighed hungrily. He let my hair loose but covered my mouth in a filthy piece of cloth, preventing me from speaking. Then he tied my hands.

No, no, no.

He pressed me to the alleywall to my back and when he pressed his huge body to mine, he groaned. “You’re going to be a treat.” He started rubbing against me and I sobbed painfully. His wide hands came to my waist and squeezed, with it came a stab of pain. Then he reached higher.

I emitted a muffled cry.

“Sweetheart, did that hurt? No? Let’s try it again.” He squeezed my breasts and I whimpered, shaking my head.

“No? But we’re just getting started…” he dipped his head and licked my breasts. Even with the thin fabric between his tongue and my skin, I couldn’t bear it. I sobbed as he bit.

A guttural sound came from his throat and he started tearing my dress with his bare hands, unable to wait any longer. His hand rubbed against me and he sighed. “Soft.” I cried out and he sighed deeper, “So inexperienced. But I’ll teach you, don’t worry.”

As he took off the rest of my garments, my mind screamed revulsion, terror and the highest degree of fear. His knee pushed against my center but before he took my mouth, he whispered to words that destroyed and mutilated me. Words that made me snap and lose control over my whole mind.

“You’re beautiful.”

Chapter 29: Toward the end

Chapter 29: Toward the end (Wattpad)

Part I: 

I blinked my eyes open and drew the blanket higher up to my chin. I seemed to be half-asleep, but my mind persistently whispered to me that a blanket was out of place. Odd. The sunlight streaming through the windows did a bit of disorientation to my eyes, but then my mind shouted that a window is definitely off set. Groaning sleepily, I rubbed my eyes and tried to make sense of my surroundings.

My bedroom.

I slowly sat up and looked around. Next, I looked at myself and tried to remember if I put on the nightgown I was wearing. Surely, I did wear that. But the funny thing is, I can’t recall at all. How the hell can I not remember if I wore something or not?

I suddenly heard a soft knocking and I said in a sleepy voice, “Come in.” I wasn’t at all surprised when Mom came in, smiling pleasantly. What caught me off guard was the tray of food she was carrying.

“Breakfast in bed?” I asked good-humoredly as she approached me with a chuckle. She had her hair in a bun today, so that must mean that she has to go to the bank. I sat up gingerly as she set the tray in front of me. 

“We figured that you’ll be really groggy and grumpy when you wake up, so your Dad prepared this.” 

I blinked. “Dad?” I looked at the toast, sunny side-up and bacon that looks just perfect. I somehow find that hard to believe. “Dad made this?” I asked for the second time. Mom nodded her response and added, “I made your juice.” I looked at the orange juice beside the plate and smiled at her, “Thanks, Mom. And I’m not grumpy.” I chuckled.

“You were asleep when Travis dropped you back; your Dad had to carry you up the stairs.” She smiled at the memory. I imagined my soft-natured father carrying me all the way to my bedroom. “Is he okay?” I laughed.

“He’s fine. And about your school dance for tonight – what will you wear?” she had her eyebrows up and I quickly went to the defense before she harbors any ideas, “Remember the dress from last Friday?” Realization dawned on her and she nodded approvingly. “I won’t be home until later tonight, okay? Just rest or you’ll pass out in front of everyone when you go dancing.” Then she smiled. “Have fun, Ave. See you later.”

“Bye, Mom.” She kissed my forehead lightly and smiled at me one last time before going out.

I faced the tray of food and took a sip from the juice. So, I fell asleep; mystery solved. As I started to eat my breakfast, I thought of the day ahead. I find it uncomfortably strange that I have nothing to do but wait for tonight. But at that moment, I didn’t think much about anything except the fun I hill have at the event and how everyday seems to be an occasion of some sort.

But tonight has far more in store for me, and everyone I held dear.

Part II:

It’s six-thirty pm. For some parts of the morning and the whole of afternoon, I tried to fill up my day with activities right after I prepared for the upcoming event tonight. I tried to watch the television after taking a bath but gave up quickly after being bored to tears. I honestly don’t know how people stand to watch others do some drama on the screen. 

I read two pocketbooks in a row and called my friends, deciding that we should meet inside the school gym where the school dance is being held for maybe atleast, ten minutes before it starts. I gave them my okay to them and as I placed the receiver back to its place, I remembered biting my lip and wondering what to do next. Dad insisted on taking a nap and I walked upstairs like a zombie, intending to do just that, but I didn’t expect a simple nap to last atleast six hours. 

“Two kings.” Dad muttered, putting two cards on the table between us and took a bite of his toast.

“Bluff?” I guessed, holding my breath. He heaved a great sigh and upturned his cards, which were certainly not kings and added both to his deck. “I’m not a good liar.” 

I laughed. “I got that from you, then.” I finished the toast on my right hand and shuffled my cards and resumed the game with a pair of threes.

We’ve been playing for thirty minutes straight while eating toast. I already beat Dad five times, much to my amusement. I was waiting for his turn when he said, “I quit.”

I burst out laughing at the defeated look on his face. “Come on, Dad. One more round?”

“Not a chance.” He shook his head, albeit smiling. He said gruffly, “Why don’t you go and get dressed and put on your make-up or something?”

“I don’t do make-up.” I remarked as I arranged the whole deck of cards and put it on a small box.

“I still want to see you in that new dress of yours before you go clubbing.”

“Dancing, not clubbing, Dad. Seriously, I don’t even go near clubs.” I rolled my eyes  as he looked at me with in endearment and he said, “Sorry, honey. So why don’t you prepare a fashion show for me?”

“I’m on it.” I jumped to my feet and went up the stairs to my bedroom, taking note of my appearance at once on the mirror of my cabinet. No more eyebags – not bad. I took the dress and removed it from the hanger and began taking off my clothes and pulled the dress over my head. It actually feels fine, and I don’t look really bad at all. The white swirling designs are very nice to look at and – oh no. I twisted my torso around and looked at the complicated strings on my back, still untied.

I can’t believe I’ve forgotten it was a criss-crossing type of silly dress. I carefully reached back and tightened the two strings and tied it like a ribbon. I combed my hair until it’s ridiculously smooth and shiny before putting on topaz earrings and a simple necklace with fine chains. I didn’t bother with any ring as I looked at the one I’m wearing. Without being aware of it, I smiled at the name painted on the ring. 

I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

The real challenge was the heels. I stared at the three-inch…thing, and wondered if I might break my ankle or fall flat on my face. I debated for five more minutes before finally grabbing them and putting them on.

I took a deep breath and faced the mirror. I look...different and strangely normal at the same time. Different because I feel, tall. The black heels did a lot of work, I admit. But I saw some people wear more outrageous outfits than this, so I feel normal. As normal as I can be, anyway. I didn’t put anything on my face save for a lip gloss and I got my matching black pouch, which I filled with my wallet, temporary cellphone, and a few other necessities. 

Finally I went out to the hall and found Dad waiting at the bottom of the stairs.

“You look wonderful.” I walked down with care and kissed him lovingly on the cheek. “You’re biased as Mom, but thank you.”

He laughed, “I’m not biased, you’re too hard on yourself.” Then he escorted me to the door and gave me a really tight hug. “Have fun ‘til you can’t breathe, okay? You’re only in highschool once.” I giggled as he pulled back, “Yes, and thank God for that.” 

He gave me one last kiss on the head and a smile. Before I went out into the night, I blew him our trademark flying kiss.

The kiss that meant one of us will be away from quite some time.

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.