Chapter 28: Prince in disguise

Chapter 28: Prince in disguise (Wattpad)

Part I:

Positive. I have to think positive.

My insides were twisting in horror, but I did my best to ignore it as I put my bag down on one of the benches and I faintly heard Travis say, “Thanks, Mina.” A helper – I think – nodded and smiled in response and proceeded to transfer my bag beside a briefcase and a Louis Vuitton. 

I took another deep breath as Travis led the way to his parents, who were now conversing lightly, glancing at our direction every now and then. Why are they looking at us like that? My stomach is now churning like crazy and I held Travis’ hand in a vice-like grip and I’m certain that one of us will have a bruise to deal with later on. He whispered in my ear, half-laughing.

“Relax. Smile. Where’s my little genius?”

“I’m right here.” I squeaked. He didn’t answer but traced patterns on my hand with his thumb and I became calmer with every caress.  Tried my best to put on a demure smile on my face as we approached them and in no time, we’re face to face.

“Hi, Mom.” Without letting go of my hand, Travis stepped forward and kissed his mother tenderly on the cheek and hugged her with one arm. As he pulled back, I saw the love between them and there’s no denying that they go along really well. Adding to my surprise was the accessory swinging on her neck, which became still and nestled comfortably on the base of her throat. 

I only have to wonder for three seconds before the memory from last Wednesday came back to my mind with surprising detail; we were shopping for the school dance – me, Cassie and the others – when Travis popped in the shop. He bought the necklace I’m seeing right now. He bought it for his mother! And to think we even considered Athena.

“Dad.” Travis gave his father a brief hug and stepped back, smiling at me. “Mom, Dad, this is Avery. Beautiful, isn’t she?”

Shit.

My knees were shaking and I forced my smile to look as natural as possible as Travis eased me forward with a soft hand on my waist. “Good morning Mr. and Mrs. Warner. It’s nice to meet you.” I sounded tragically nervous and I probably look like a trembling penguin before a shark. Suddenly, Mrs. Warner laughed and stepped forward, rubbing my shoulders. 

“You don’t have to looks so scared, Avery. We won’t hurt you.” She flashed a smile at me that exposed both of her dimples and her brown eyes glistened. She looks so much like her son.

“Oh, you look so pretty. I knew my Travis won’t disappoint. Right, Anthony?” Eyes were drawn to the rock-hard features of Anthony Warner, who looked at me for full three seconds and moved his gaze towards his son. When he faced me again, his expression softened for a fraction and he offered his hand, “Delighted to meet you, Avery.” He said in a deep voice.

In a hazy daze, I shook his hand, my eyes meeting his very blue ones. His eyes are very much like Travis’ but you can see that he uses it more to intimidate, rather than charm. But my mind was constantly repeating, I’m shaking hands with the president of Gedi Institute, the most successful company in the finances…

My hand fell limply to my side as I said, “Thank you, sir.” 

“Don’t call him ‘sir!” Carolyn Warner laughed, “You can call him Dad and call me Mom!” she smiled happily.

Oh my God. 

My heart slammed to my ribcage and my eyes widened in shock. “R-really?” Travis laughed on my side and his father scowled and said, “You’re scaring her, Lyn.”

“I’m not scaring Avery.” She punctuated that with a high laugh, “Please don’t feel uncomfortable around us, Avery. We won’t be mean to you. And why should we? From what we heard, you’re such a sweet girl.”

The tension left my shoulders bit by bit, but my mind was still completely boggled. “Uhm, heard from what?” I asked shyly, biting my lip. Her answer made me jump.

“Heard from Travis, of course! He’s told us so much about you!” She turned to her son with a beam and I stood, my entire body frozen. Travis flushed pink and said, “Mom.”

She giggled, seeming pleased with herself as I tried to process. Travis talked about me? My eyes watered slightly as I speculated just how I appeared to them. What the bloody hell did he say? I gave him a look that plainly said, I’m going to get you later. I received a nervous smile in return.

“Why don’t we walk along the beach and honey, you can leave your slippers. The sand feels good.” She twined her arm around her husband’s as we left our flip-flops on the white sand, away from the waves of the beach. Then all together, we walked with the comforting water lapping at our feet and resumed conversation in friendly tones. Mrs. Warner made the affair alive with her incessant questions and warm laughter. I never expected this, but in several more minutes of walking and talking, I’ve taken a particular liking to them and more than enjoyed their pleasant chatting and presence. The same thing goes to Travis’ father, though he’s reserved throughout the whole exchange, he remained pleasant and at times, he smiled at me.

Not any word can describe how that simple smile meant to me. It makes my chest tight with a sense of welcome, that somehow, they don’t despise me at all. They like me.

“Does anyone want to go swimming?” Mrs. Warner asked curiously. I barely got a word out of my mouth when Travis said, “Avery does.” Then he put a firm arm around my shoulders, not letting me to squirm away from his side. Then he added, “I’ll join her, of course.”

“Of course, Trav. You can go change.” Mrs. Warner smiled brightly at us as Travis half-led and half-dragged me to the nearest hut with a single seating bench. 

“What the hell are you doing?” I said through clenched teeth. The thought of the bikini came back to my mind full-blast and I stopped in my tracks, crossing my arms over my chest. I tried my best – believe me, I did – to appear as if I’m pissed off, but I could already feel the blush spread across my cheeks. Travis smiled and put his hands on my waist and I felt more certain than ever that he shouldn’t, at all costs, see me in the bloody two-piece creation meant for girls who are prettier than me. He shouldn’t.

“Now, just what are you afraid of?” he asked in a sing-song voice, his eyes already full of malice. 

“Honestly, I’m afraid of you.” I replied, brushing the strands of hair that are blown in the wind, hindering my vision. He smoothed the top of my head and smiled wider, “You’re not afraid of just me. You’re also afraid of showing too much skin.” He winked. My worries increased and I pursed my lips, trying not to show how panicked I am. I…must…not.

Travis chuckled mirthfully and he pressed closer, our bodies touching. “This is fun.”

“This is humiliating. Your parents are watching, for God’s sake.” 

“No, they’re not.” He answered with calmness etched to his face and stance, “They gave us some privacy.” At his words, I whipped my head around and indeed found the area deserted. 

Great.

“If you have some mercy, you won’t let me swim at all.” My pulse and heartbeats are increasing with every passing moment and it took only a sliver of patience and sanity not to run. I need to escape.

“Let’s say I don’t have mercy.” He replied, his expression serious and he looked at me straight in the eye, clearly of the intention of letting me know he’s not joking now. Well, that makes two of us.

“It’s not my decision to wear what I’m wearing.” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. His eyes glinted and one of his eyebrows pitched up. He asked, “Underneath?”

“Stop looking so sexy.” I snapped while my whole face turned crimson. He didn’t seem to hear me as his grip tightened on me and he asked further, “You’re wearing a two-piece underneath, aren’t you?”

“No – Yes. I don’t know!” I cried out hysterically. This is just getting worse, damn it. His fingers came up to the knot at the back of my neck. “You don’t know? Well, why don’t we find out?” he started untying it and I froze, aware of my hyperventilating. In a sudden reflex, my hand reached back to stop him. I should’ve screamed but I only managed a whisper of, “No. Why don’t we just by something from the – ”

“It’s not like you’re the only one in swimming attire.” I turned to a more deeper shade of red as he started undressing, leaving him clad only in Speedo trunks that reached to the top of his perfectly carved knees. I gulped when he stepped forward, enclosing me in the circle of his arms. He said in a solemn voice, “Your turn.”

“Wha – what?” I tried my hardest not to drool, but that’s a hard feat. I mean, I’ve seen his six-pack and it’s just difficult to maintain a sense of being normal when it’s really in front of you and your hands are free to roam and touch…

“Point taken.” I heard him say. I blinked several times and looked at his face, “What point? Sorry, I was lost in…thought.” He regarded me with a slight smile as he said, “If what I saw earlier isn’t you staring at me with lust, then I don’t know what the hell it is.”

My mind went blank. I sputtered, “Lust? I’m not a lusty person – ”

“Sure, you are.”

 

“I am so not. I’m a normal person.”

“If you experience it, it doesn’t mean that you’re abnormal.” He stated matter-of-factly. Taking a deep breath, I reached behind me and undid the tie, “I’ll look ridiculous.” Biting my lower lip, I tugged the dress down and discarded it beside Travis’ clothes. The caramel stood out against my porcelain skin and I shifted uncomfortably, lifting my eyes to see his reaction.

I instantly reddened as I saw him eyeing me with his blue orbs wide with wonder – and something else.

“This is ridiculous.” I whispered.

“You’re right.” He leaned forward, “I don’t know how I can just stand like that.” He kissed me with a passion I’ve never experienced from him before and I was absolutely undone. I forced myself to move back, “Why – why don’t we – ” I breathed hard, “Why don’t we just go swimming?”

“Good idea.” He said in a husky voice.

“I don’t thi – ” he crashed his lips to mine again, at the same time, lifting me up and I instinctively wrapped my legs around his waist, my arms around his neck. I had no idea where he is heading, but I could feel the motion of his legs and suddenly, the sound of monstrous waves came up behind me and saltwater splashed on my back. Breathing hard, I opened my eyes while Travis nuzzled my bare shoulder. We were thigh deep in water and my mind is in total disarray. My chest was heaving as I felt him gather my loose hair on one side and he sucked on my neck.

“God, Travis.” I pulled back again, only to have him look at me with hunger, which is either a really good or a really bad thing. I became strikingly aware of my legs still around him and I unlatched myself, landing in the cold water.

“Jesus, it’s so cold!” My teeth clattered almost instantly and I looked at him, “You didn’t tell me it was cold!” I wrapped my arms around myself against the chill. It’s so coooold. The corners of his lips turned up in a smile, “I didn’t notice. You see, I was busy. But then you had to cut my fun.” I rolled my eyes, still shaking violently.

“Right. Thanks bunches.”

His smile brightened as he put both his hands on my shoulders and guided me deeper to the waters, “It’ll go away.” I opened my mouth to protest but he beat me to it, “Should we have a making out session number two completely without clothes this time?”

I quickly swallowed my retort and didn’t say a word until we’re both underwater from the neck down. “This isn’t half-bad.” I remarked, aware of the constant brushes of his feet against my legs.

“Told you.” He winked again.

For the rest of the remaining hours of morning, we remained soaked; we first had a swimming race and then we took pictures of anything interesting underwater with his waterproof camera. Then we took stolen pictures of each other. It was as if everything I’ve suffered through; all the longing, the waiting, had all been for this particular moment. More than enough compensation for the constant yearning for that someone who would bring out something different from me, to actually look at me, not like so many others.

But he’s been there all along. My prince in disguise.

Part II:

We ate light dinner on the hut with Travis’ parents. There were lamps glowing, guiding us with light as we ate our shrimps and crabs. To be honest, the wooden table was filled with all the seafood I could think of and each must’ve cost a fortune. I huddled myself to Travis’ jacket, which I’m wearing over my wet garments but no one seemed to mind as we laughed and talked, enjoying each other’s company. 

Everything seemed to pass in a state of blur, because the next thing I know, I was bidding goodbye to Mr. and Mrs. Warner beside Travis’ car. They were making offers and invitations for me to come to their home – slash mansion – anytime I want and that I’ll always be welcomed. As they waved and smiled goodbye, I got in the car, as well as Travis and we were speeding out of the place.

I played with the hem of my summer dress which I wore again after dinner, and smiled contentedly. Behind the wheel, Travis also smiled. “And this morning, you were worried about dying.” He shook his head. I yawned and relaxed, then I snuggling deeper to the warm seat.

“I’m tired.”

“Sleep, love.”

I closed my eyes and let sleep take over me. That was the last words – those two words – that he ever said to me.

Chapter 22: The best and worst hangover

Chapter 22: The best and worst hangover (Wattpad)

Part I:

Hangover – the disagreeable after effects of drunkenness. 

Fuck that bullshit.

I can’t believe the human dictionary could be so incompetent in defining these kinds of things. It’s freaking nausea and headache at the same time, not to mention the humiliation that I’ve been anticipating when I’ll face my parents later.

I was so stupid! Why did I get drunk in the first place?! Now I can’t even recall what I did last night; only up to the point where Delsey was dragging me downstairs and we asked permission which we received immediately…then we were having a blast…then El joined in our crazy drinking session and then…

It’s fuzzy.

It’s too damned fuzzy for me to decipher. I slowly untangled myself from the sheets, trying not to wake Elaine and Delsey on either side of me and stood up unsteadily. I surveyed the bedroom and got a warm wave of relief when it was still in order. 

I sighed, tried to remember some other details from last night – and failed – and finally resigned to checking my phone. The first thing I checked was the inbox, though I don’t text much, and was unsurprised to see that there aren’t any new messages. I checked my call log next.

I gagged.

Names flashed through my eyes with sickening speed; Sarah, Travis, Unknown number, Sarah again. Damn this. I closed my eyes for a moment and didn’t open them yet – the dark was so much more inviting than the blinding nausea. 

So, all the people who called me last night are Cassie and the rest of the bunch, Travis, Sarah and lots of unknown people. 

Prank calls?

I slowly opened my eyes and considered it, but there were too many people who called for this to be a silly little joke. Just too many. Then with a mind-numbing thud, I remembered the blinding truth to everything that happened last night.

It all started with the blasted photos. Those magazines!

 

That must mean that these people are precisely just that – unknown. They’ve read the maagzines. The fucking magaaazines. So, to simplify it, I had been worried sick for the last few days because I thought my family would finally find out about Travis so I isolated them from him, but it turns out that I have to isolate them from the rest of the world.

Nice.

But I still couldn’t figure out what really happened last night. My subconscious was trying to remind me urgently but I can’t…aaargh.

What is it?

What the hell is it?

I swayed on my feet and settled on the floor slowly. God, I’ll never drink again. Ever. Why did I even do that? I must’ve been a bloody mess. Was I that depressed?

You were, scumbag.

Oh.

MESS. My mind is a galactic mess of sorts. Fuuuck. I can’t differentiate what I’ve been imagining from reality and do you know how hard that is? I don’t even curse this often, but fuck etiquette. Damn being nice.

Okay. I took a deep breath. So let’s tackle this nightmare one step at a time. 

Dad turned on the music. Yeah, that’s right; I remember that one as clear as day. Then I was serving drinks and Uncle Zed stopped me and we had a little chat. Oh, darn it. I told him about Travis. 

And after that, uhm. Fuck, my head hurts. Okay, after that, the party went smoothly and…speed stacks. We were playing speed stacks. Right, I remember that. I breathed in and out now, willing the nausea to ease. So, right after that, El told me about her Ethan and I…

Fuck.

That did not happen.

My eyes widened as I remembered the events at this very room. No, no, no! Aaargh. This is not acceptable. Of all the guys in this – this wretched life I have, it has to be him. He doesn’t even see me! For all I know on his part, I’m probably just his buddy who was kind enough – no, stupid enough – to help him. 

Biting my lower lip, I stood up cautiously and went to my cabinet. I opened one side and the full-body mirror instantly reflected me. I moved closer and scrutinized my appearance with an honest, critical eye.

I wish I hadn’t.

Bloodshot eyes – hangover or from crying? Why the hell would I even cry? I’m certainly not that depressed – same clothes from yesterday, though they look a lot deal more tattered. I look physically drained. I saw more – eyebags that looked forever etched to my skin and loose wavy hair that tumbled down in clumps from sleeping. I look like I’ve been diagnosed with cancer.

You’re not. You’re beautiful.

My eyes flashed. 

What was that? What the hell was that? I must be going senile. But as I scanned my brain for the source, I know they’ve been said to me last night. I know it. 

But, wait a second. Me? Beautiful? Yeah, thanks.

I stashed away the information inside my brain and went back to the topic at hand – Travis. So what the bloody hell about him?

I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw my cheeks flaming. Jesus Christ, it’s just his name. Then a strange thought crossed my mind.

What if he said that?

 

You’re beautiful.

As I watched, the color drained from my cheeks and the sparkle died in my eyes like sunset. They filled with tears.

Travis would never say that.

Part II:

This is different. I’ve always disregarded anything I feel, anything serious. But right now is another story. I’ll have to tread my path with him carefully from now on.

As I combed my wet hair, I stepped out of the shower and wrapped my body around my white bathrobe. I tied it securely, finally finished with my hair and looked at myself in the huge mirror.

I don’t look that bad anymore – there’s a pink tint on my cheeks from the warm bath and I looked as white as a porcelain doll, in the middle of the good and bad way. But my eyes are troubling me; they looked lifeless.

No will. No energy. All drained.

I sighed and my shoulders sagged. I’ve never felt so low in my life. Going with him in that park was a mistake. Spending that lunch with him was a mistake. This never should’ve happened. I should’ve seen it. 

I looked at myself in the mirror and I saw that I looked, if it was even possible, worse. I blinked and tears feel to the tiles beneath my feet. I can’t understand it, and I’m used to understanding. You can’t just leave someone torn up to pieces.

I wiped the tears from my face with the back of my hand, even though every part of my body feels broken. I took a deep breath and forced a smile on my face. It seemed to tear my face apart, but I kept the smile intact. I started gathering my things when my ringtone echoed through the bathroom space. My smile disappeared.

Shakily putting my belongings back, I took out my phone and felt even worse. Much, much worse.

Travis Warner, the caller ID simply said.

Pressing the answer key, I answered as normally as possible, “Hello.”

“Avery.” More tears fell as I heard his voice. I held the countertop and took a deep breath. Fuck it, Avery. “I think you called last night, but I can’t remember. Sorry.” 

“It’s all right. That’s why I called you.” When I bit my lip, I immediately tasted blood. “Travis?”

There was a pause before he replied, “Yes?”

“Nothing.” I changed my mind at the last second. Pretty stupid of me to say I love him when he doesn’t even like me back. I waited for his response but heard nothing. My brow furrowed in concern, “Travis? You okay?”

“I’m not.”

The words hit me hard. It squeezed my heart until I couldn’t breathe. As more tears streamed down my cheeks, my spirit spiraled even lower. How could he just say that?

“I…last night. Did I say anything?”

“Let’s talk when I get there.”

When you get here…

“I’ll wait for you.” I realized that I meant those words more than I let on.

Part III:

Fully dressed, I paced in Mom and Dad’s room, gathering courage for the inevitable. He’s on his way here. To my home. My heart thudded faster. When I checked earlier, my parents and all the other adults are having their morning coffee along with cookies. I escaped here just to prepare on how to give them a heads-up. 

So far, my mind is still a total blank.

No guts, no glory, my dear niece. 

Before I could lose the moment, I strode towards the door, and in no time, I’m already facing all of them. “Avery,” Aunt Adelaine said, “Coffee?” she offered, raising her own cup. As I shook my head no, Uncle Zed soundlessly offered the chair next to him for me to sit on. 

Everyone went on with the conversation and Uncle quickly slipped a hundred bucks in my pocket. I gave him a smile, which hopefully disguised my discomfort. 

Okay. This is it.

Taking a deep breath, I faced my parents at the head of the table. As if the hundred dollar bill gave me energy, I waited until Grandpa Ian finished his remark on their talk and smoothly joined in the conversation,

“Dad, Mom. You remember Travis, don’t you?”

Everyone’s eyebrows pitched rocketed upward aside from Uncle Zed, who was grinning excitedly. My parents were smiling but it was Dad who replied, “What about him, Ave?”

I sought my courage and forged on, “We talked last night and…and he’d really like to meet you all.”

Before anybody else could react, he chuckled and said, “Absolutely.” Mom smiled, “Where is he, darling?”

“He’s going to be here soon. I’ll wait outside.” I stood up and left the table because I don’t want to be there when they ask the questions. But my parents don’t even know Travis’ last name. Not even Uncle Zed.

They’ll find out sooner rather than later.

I pushed the door open and the fresh air greeted me the instant I took the first step over the threshold. The sun was beating down on me, but the heat is more bearable than not. Sighing, I walked on the gate and took three steps down and sat. What’s intended to happen will happen. Let’s just see how this damned thing goes.

3 minutes later

The instant I heard the sounds of what unmistakably be other than a vehicle, my tired muscles tensed and my senses sharpened. The only good thing about this is that I’m incredibly tired and still on hangover to boot. I restrained the urge to tear up and curse as the sight of his car showed up on my right and parked in front of our little home. 

My legs straightened on their own accord and I stood up. I was unfocused and detached from the world and I only saw the driver’s side opening and he came out. His eyes met mine at the next second and he walked purposefully towards me, his eyes never leaving me. 

It’s as if my universe became him and my everything became him. Now that I’ve set my eyes on him, I’m determined never to let him slip away from me. That would be impossible. It can’t be that way.

As if drawn to him, I met him halfway and the moment I can touch his skin, without thinking, I wrapped my arms around his familiar neck and pulled him down to me and kissed him like my life depended on it. And he did the same. I could even feel my feet being lifted from the ground and I felt only bliss, being complete and nothing else. 

My body was more than humming – it was craving. It seemed as if eternity had passed before we both pulled away at the same time and I looked in the bluest eyes I’ve had the privilege to see, to know, cherish and understand. It’s like I can see into his very soul and I wanted it that way. 

He didn’t smile and neither did I. So many turbulent emotions can be seen on the surface and there were still things to be sorted out. He just whispered.

“Maybe we should come in.”

Chapter 21: Part of me

Chapter 21: Part of me (Wattpad)

I promised myself that I would tell my parents what’s been happening. I know. I promised myself to do that as I tore out some pages from the magazines to show my cousin that I’m not crazy and salvaged the bloody things. 

But here I am, a glass of beer in my hand and laughing my heart out with El and Delsey. Since last year, Mom and Dad had given me express permission to drink alcohol. I never really saw any opportunities and motives to do so in the first place but apparently, this is a night where all the rules are getting thrown out of the window.

Kat, Nique, Harvey and Lorraine pouted and practically begged their parent to let them join us they gave a flat out, automatic no.

We were side by side on the couch, our faces flushed and the amber liquid sloshing down from our glasses as we tried to control our fits of laughter. In case you’re wondering – and I’m sure as hell that you are – I am not drunk. Never. But okay, fine. That one time when the entire family had a reunion, I got really drunk. That was sometime after my 16^th birthday. I am not drunk. I just have difficulty seeing things clear – clearly – because the glare of the light is directly above us – me? – and I’m feeling really, extremely dizzy. Or is it tipsy? What the hell is the difference?

Delsey and El started singing Katy Perry and I was the first one to crack up real bad. They are so bad singers. I mean, they’re fucking with the tune so bad that I – I – can’t even recognize the song. That just doesn’t make sense, right? It doesn’t make any fucking sense, but maybe that’s just due to the fact that my gaze is a little blurry on the sides. But atleast I’m not hallucinating. Yet.

I giggled. 

“Hey, Miss genius!” El said, slumped over the arm of the couch and taking a sip. I blinked slowly and – ohh. Me, the super genius. Right. I haven’t heard that title for so long. It – it really does make me feel good; it makes me a whole new, different identity. Even if that identity includes being the nerdy fucked-up, and absolutely unwanted girl. I mean, if I even managed to fall in love, why the fuck that guy? That’s just really fucked. Up. It’s stupid. And I don’t do stupid, I’m used to being the right one. And just fuck it.

“Yeaah? Present, ma’am.” I raised up my hand and Elaine burst to fresh laughter and said, “Your phone is vibrating. It looks really funny, like that rodent from South Africa – ”

“Whaaat? Why South Africa?” Delsey commented and then laughed hysterically, slipping off the couch and unto the floor. Elaine recovered enough to say, “I could tell you all about the historical background of South America and then tell me it’s boring.”

“I thought it was Africa?” Delsey’s eyebrows pitched up.

“Dolt, it was the south of America. I think you’re drunk…”

I ignored the two martyrs and pulled out my phone while trying to get out of the couch. I swayed fucking dangerously for a moment and I thought I was going to die but I somehow planted my feet to the ground. 

Ha ha. Planted. That’s funny. I can plant my feet. Ha ha. 

I staggered outside with my beloved liquid still in hand and I looked at the screen of my old-fashioned phone. I really couldn’t read the name clearly. Am I going blind? Or senile? Ha ha. I took some more gulps, feeling the alcohol travel through my veins in a warm, sensual way. But I still can’t make out the name.

It has a letter T. Uhm, uh. Theresa? Or, uhm, someone Tom? Reeya? No, I don’t know any Reeya. But it’s such a nice name. Ha ha.

It took a few more moments to register that the anonymous person was calling. I managed to hit the right key and put it on my ear.

“Hi there. Who are you?” I don’t know why, but I suddenly laughed. I feel funny.

“Avery? It’s Travis. And…are you okay?”

“Travis? Oh, I thought you were Tom.” I took another sip of beer and my mind seemed to be beeping. Reminding me of something, I guess. There was really this something that I was upset over…

“Who the hell is Tom? Avery, are you drinking with a guy?”

I burst out laughing. This Travis is funny. “I don’t know Tom, either. But he looks handsome. Uhm, uh. I think it was some other name. Errol? Aaah. Ethan. That’s it. He’s a nice, nice guy. Fucking gorgeous.” 

There was silence on the other end of the line.

Whaaat? I really did hear from someone that Ethan is drop-dead gorgeous, but I can’t see who. It’s like a muddy haze. Ha ha. Muddy haze. How can a haze be fuzzy? I should write that on my report for Sunday. But…I think it’s due on Thursday, but I really can’t be sure…Friday?

“Where are you?” the voice asked curtly. 

Why is he being so grumpy? He’s like a big, big bad bear. 

“Uhm. I’m sorry.” I chuckled, “Why are you so grumpy? You sound like a veeery big, bad bear. But I really like your voice, bear – ”

“Fuck it, Avery. Where the hell are you?” 

My brow knitted together – ha ha. knitted together – and I pouted. I’m a good girl; I don’t hit people. And I get nice grades.

“I’m just here. Just here, looking at that huge tree – oh! I remember something!” This is a really nice story! “Do you know Travis?”

“Avery, you’re drunk – ” 

“Travis is my boyfriend! Do you know Travis? I saw him in the, uhm. Magazines. I saw him in the magazine. Funny, right? You know, I like him so much. He’s so funny and different and very comfortable, do you know him?” 

Another silence.

“Hellooo?”

“Avery, I’ll be right there, okay? Stay where you are.” 

“But I’m not finished with my story yeeet.” I heard the person chuckle softly and he replied gently, “Tell me the rest of the story when I get there, okay? Where are you, love?”

“We’re having a – a party right here in our small house. It’s so funny that lots of people can fit in it. And, uh. Did you just call me something? Oh, nevermind. Just come here quick; I’m feeling really, really tipsy.”

“I will.” The call ended.

I refilled my glass with more beer from the bottle. I can see sooo many stars. The grass isn’t so itchy so it feels really funny. I also noticed that the phone in my pocket was always ringing, but it says, Unknun numbur.

I don’t have alien friends.

So I didn’t answer. But Unknun numbur was still calling. They’re so friendly, aren’t they? I wonder if Unknun numbur has a wife.

Suddenly, I heard a car stop in front of our gate and I sit straight up, still drinking my juice. I wonder what brand this is – it’s so nice and very…tasty. For a normal juice.

“Avery.” Someone whispered.

“Huuh? Are – what? Ghosts?”

“Wow.” The same person said, “You’re so drunk.”

I blinked several times until some of my vision returned. There’s someone at the gate…he looks familiar. Is that Adam Levine? He must’ve dyed his hair; it’s supposed to be black.

“Heeey.” This is funny. I didn’t know Adam died, “Are you a burglar? Should I scream?” The person chuckled and then said, “Come over here, Avery. Can’t you see me?” Have I gone blind? But I see enough light – above me and the burglar are circle lanterns, but I really can’t see his face…

“Burglars look like shit, don’t they? But you…why do you look like Adam Levine?”

He laughed again. “Come over here and answer.”

“Oh, okay.” I stood up slowly and swayed to the side and then I got my glass and very nice bottle of tasty juice and staggered to the gate. 

“Avery…I had no idea that you drink.” 

I pressed my head against the metal bars, breathing slow; waking is really hard. I should ask Mom to buy me a stroller.

“Hey. You’re not Adam.” He grinned at me and his face was up close, even with the gate between us. He looks really funny and familiar. Did I meet him somewhere?

“I’m not Adam. I’m Travis, remember?” Huh? That doesn’t make any sense. I laughed out loud and drank some more juice. 

“That is fucking funny. And someone called me earlier – he’s a big, bad bear. Do you know him? He was really bad. He was – was – ” I laughed uncontrollably, “He was asking where I was and I told him I like you. Is that okay?”

Travis smiled and slipped his hand through the bars and cupped my flushed cheek. That feels nice. Really nice, actually.

“Yes, it’s okay.”

I chuckled and put my hand on top of his. It’s really, really nice. I think I should just chop off his hand and keep it for myself.

“Really? You won’t be angry with me? You won’t hit me?”

He blinked. “I would never do that.” Aaah. Okay, that’s good. “You sure, okay? I really, really like you.” He smiled delightfully at what I said and told me, “I like you, too.” 

I laughed out loud. Now, that is funny. “No, you don’t. No one likes the nerd in real life. And I’m actually on top of the list.”

“You’re not. You’re beautiful.” 

I blinked because my heart seemed to stop functioning. The blur seemed to lessen around me but my headache intensified. Oh, God, it hurts like hell. That doesn’t seem right.

“You’re lying. No one ever called me beautiful.”

He smiled again and said, “Maybe they’re blind.” Maybe. Yeah, maybe they are. There’s still something nagging at me in the back of my mind. Shouldn’t I be…

“You know, I really did – didn’t – I didn’t plan to tell you that I’m in love with you. I really didn’t. Isn’t that funny? I thought I hated you, you see. And then, a couple of hours ago – two hours ago happened and I don’t know! It just happened like, like gravity and uhm, tidal waves! But I know you don’t like me back, so I told myself to keep it quiet and then, then after two months, this will be all over and I’ll just walk away like nothing happened. Cliché, right? But this is my fault. I always fall in love with the wrong person. I thought having an IQ of 113 would help, but it didn’t, you know?”

Silence.

There’s really something that sending me alarm bells, but my head is so full of other things and whatever the urgent thing is, it’s being covered up by so many others. My brow furrowed and I patted his hand that was frozen on my cheek.

“Hey, you look bad.” 

“Avery,” he hesitated for a long time and finally said, “Are you in love with me?”

“I know! I am so sorry. I didn’t mean for it to happen. I didn’t ask for this, but then I started feeling happy around you and I just – I don’t know! I can’t explain it. It’s – I won’t mention it again, ever. In my whole life, I’ve never felt so stupid.” Tears stung my eyes and my heart felt tight. “I mean, how could someone like you be with me in the first place? It’s preposterous. I – I’m so stupid.”

“Don’t cry, Avery.” He sounded guilty.

“As if you care.”

He didn’t answer.