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 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 15: The damned park

Chapter 15: The damned park (Wattpad)

“Why are you still freaking out?”

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

I wonder what my parents would give me.

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

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

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

“This isn’t one of those times.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I must be crazy.

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

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

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

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

I always called it a disorder.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He isn’t, right?

I’ll think about that later. Too confusing.

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

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

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

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

Chapter 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.