Epilogue

Epilogue (Wattpad)

Guilt.

Travis had been living with it a year now, after that drastic chain of events took place for the both of them. A whole year, yet Travis had never let go, never forgot. And he never will.

He stared at the same decrepit white wall. White is the color for purity, yet the hue seemed to mock at him everytime. But it was better than looking at the ring on his finger. He never removed it, but it only causes sheer torture when he gives it the slightest glance.

Everyone was petrified when they found out. And they all blamed him for everything. Every single thing. The burning expressions from everyone as they looked at Avery through the small glass door were agony to him. Every single one of them put the blame on his shoulders; her parents, her friends, and her family all looked at him differently. They sent him silent, but hurt, angry and betrayed looks.

Right after everyone had found out, Travis’ world shattered like brittle glass. Evidences point that Avery, while still being held captive, got hold of the rapist’s knife and stabbed him multiple times – forty-two times. She’d been unconscious in the hospital for many days; days where every loved one visited, took care and guarded over her. But when Travis walks in, the tension in the air rises, speaking louder than words. Everyone prayed that she would wake up.

When she did, they regretted every prayer.

A psychiatrist said that this was normal, but to Travis’ mind, it’s not. She would come back to him, surely. She would, wouldn’t she? 

But two days later, they transferred her to the asylum. She kept screaming every single day and she would not let any male approach her – only Travis.

He didn’t know if it was a blessing or a curse. Every person who attempts to go near her to talk or calm her down – even her parents – always comes out hurt and injured and she shouted at them. Only he could come on her and when he did, she would bury herself in his arms and succumb to heartbreaking tears, murmuring nonsensical words over and over. 

They had so much love together, but so little time. He’d do anything he could to give them more time. Anything. She had her whole life ahead of her and yet she’s here. Slowly wilting. Not even in control of her mind. This shouldn’t have happened to her. A person like her deserves more, so much more.

She deserves to be happy, secure and everything good in the world. She should be with him.

But she isn’t. She’s here. 

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 19: Change of things

Chapter 19: Change of things (Wattpad)

“Harvey! Where’s Niq – oh, there you are. Come here, both of you. Why the hell are you so wet?”

Delsey tugged at their identical shirts and put it in their, yes, identical bags. She pulled her short, curly hair to one side of her shoulder and appraised the twins with eyes like her father Lawrence’s. “What have you been doing outside?”

As the midgets scrambled to an explanation, I’m on the floor, nibbling on my cookie and tried to pay attention on the spin the bottle game. Lorraine started this after drinking her softdrink and everyone tagged along. And everyone seemed to be intensely focused, too.

Well, not everyone.

“Avery.” Lorraine tugged on my arm. “You’re mentally absent again. You have been since you came downstairs. Di my sis freak you out?” I managed a chuckle and said, “Everything’s fine.” I gave her a smile for reassurance and we both watched Kat do her dare – don’t ask what it is, you won’t believe me. As everyone burst to laughter, my mind wandered off again several miles from here to a different place.

To the park.

I still can’t believe it, even though the undeniable facts are there. He’s gorgeous and I do enjoy my time with him. I really do, he makes me laugh – makes my blood boil – but he makes me smile and other things. He’s always asking nonsense questions but I like it, somehow. And he’s…different. He’s just…perfect.

Put two and two together, there goes my common sense, gone with the wind to who knows where.

I’m so stupid. I think I’ve been blinding myself all along.

My thoughts were pierced by a raucous peal of laughter all around me and I was jolted back to reality. I turned my head to the side and found everyone’s eyes on me, gleeful expressions on their faces. Expecting the obvious, I looked down at the empty bottle and found it pointing at me. 

Great. Just what I needed.

“Truth or dare?” they all said in chorus. I better not screw this up – my cousins may be head over heels for guys, but they’re smart. Guardian angel, I hope you’re there.

“Dare.” I said with my stomach churning in horror. Instantly, they all went about their ideas, cutting off one another and grabbing my arm and telling me what to do. Beyond all the chaos, I heard Kat whine, “Let’s ask Avery why she’s not telling us about her boyfriend.” 

Oh, no. Fuck, fuck. I averted my eyes from her and pretended I didn’t hear anything. None of them did – they were still in a colossal disorder. But my heartbeats didn’t slow down.

Kathlyn must’ve heard her father and I talk earlier! Aaargh. Please. Let Kat keep that valuable information to herself. If she so much as hint someone…oh, God.

I’ll use my fist to rearrange Uncle Zed’s teeth. Who said I can’t? Smart people can also be tough. I’ll have to talk to Kat alone later. 

Delsey raised up her voice and said, “Hey! Would you please keep it down? Decide what to do with Avery and just move on. No need to have such a ruckus.” I emitted a small sigh of relief. Delsey had been always like that. She’s the oldest in our generation – twenty-two years old – and so she’s the one always taking care of us, watching over and reminding us to be careful. She’s always the one I ask advice from. Lorraine said in her singer voice, “I really have a good one, guys. Listen here – ”

My phone started ringing.

There was a moment of intense silence wherein they stared at my vibrating pocket with thousands of questions in their eyes. Hervey said, “Why aren’t you answering, Avery? Are you scared?”

You bet I am.

I hesitated for a second more and brought out my phone, holding my breath when Elaine said, “Put it on loudspeaker.”

She’s usually a good cousin.

I clenched my teeth and braced myself to see his name.

It’s Cassie.

I exhaled, answered the goddamned call and put it on loudspeaker. “Hey, Case. You really scared – ”

“You and me! Sitting on a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G! You tell her – ”

Pure terror shot through me and I fumbled with my phone and managed to put it on handset option and fucking jammed the cursed phone on my ear, “Why the hell are you singing Hey Daydreamer out loud – ”

“Hey, Avery!”

 

“Theresa? Is that you? Why the – What – ”

“Avery! If you can see what we’re seeing right now – ”

“Nicole? Where are you all – ”

“Oh, nothing. We’re just chilling out here at Case’s place and looking at you kissing your boyfriend crazy in a magazine – ”

“WHAT? Magazine?! What – ”

“Ave?” Elaine looked at me with curiosity all over her face. “Is there some kind of emergency – ” I covered the phone with my other hand and regarded all of them. I probably look like a wild animal, but I don’t care. What Lexi said was – that was just – 

“I’ll be right back.” I told all of them, standing up and heading to the door. I told my friends over the phone, “Just hang in there, guys – ”

“Avery?” Oh, Jesus Christ, what now? I turned my head to the dining table where Mom was and sent her an annoyed scowl and I mouthed, ‘What?’

“Could you get the magazines I ordered from the gate? And don’t scowl at me, darling.”

I blinked.

“Magazines? Like, Entertainment Weekly, Daily Candy and others like that?”

“Yes, and a bunch more. Could you get it, please?” 

“Sure.” I love you, Mom. I went out the door as quick as a flash and closed the door behind me. 

“What the fuck is going on – ”

“We told you, Ave – ” Cassie was interrupted by Lexi who said in an excited voice, “Looks like you had fun, Ave!” They all burst to laughter and I know for a fact that they have tears in their eyes right now. But I don’t – don’t – care about any wretched thing at the moment. My heart is pounding really fast and I’m hyperventilating in a bad way.

This is not happening to me. It’s not. In just about a second, I will wake up and this will be all a very, very bad dream. A nightmare.

“Ave, maybe I should tell you properly.” Nicole started saying and I can distinctly hear her saying to the others, “Shut up, you guys! She’s freaking out!” She went back to me, “We’re partying here, but we know how you are with you family so we didn’t pressure you to come.” 

Okay, fuck this. This isn’t a bloody nightmare. It’s real. 

“So, uhm. We were reading some magazines like we always do when we hang out and we were…surprised.” She laughed nervously – she’s avoiding the subject. Of all my friends, Nicole is the most diplomatic, the good girl. She’s the angel. Nicole avoiding the topic is not a good sign.

“Say it to me straight, Cole. What is it?”

‘Uhm…well. According to Hello! Magazine and a dozen others, you and Travis went out on Friday afternoon and you had a date. But we knew that. These pictures, though. These pictures of you eating ice cream, his arm around you…the tree, it was just…wow.”

The whole world exploded before my eyes.

Pictures. From…from the tree.

My mind and body felt numb and I couldn’t process the information properly. This is too freaky to be true. I should’ve seen someone. We would’ve seen that someone who shot the pictures. It’s impossible. There has to be rational explanation for what is happening right now.

“Pictures…from – from the park? Ridge park?” I asked in a voice I couldn’t even recognize. Nicole hesitated, seemed to argue with herself and decided to say, “Yeah, where they sell those ridiculously priced ice creams.”

I took a deep breath and forced my eyes to look at the mailbox at out front gate – which was stuffed with a package wrapped in brown paper. The size looks too perfect for it to be a coincidence. I groaned my heart out.

“Ave?” came from my phone was Nicole’s sympathetic voice. “I just figured that you should probably know before your family does. So, you know, you’ll have warning. And it’s your choice to tell them – it’s your bloody boyfriend.” When I didn’t respond, still shocked to the core, she said worriedly, “Ave, you okay?”

“Were there other pictures? And what does the magazine say about me?”

“Magazines, Ave. There’s more than one and they all – oh. Nevermind that. There’s one with both of you inside the shop, walking through the park and I think I see his car in the distance. Oh, by the way, is it true that his plate number is personalized?”

“Yeah. It’s TAW 018.” I supplied lifelessly. 

“Wow. And, oh right, you were asking. So, just a sec.” I heard the flipping of pages and she went back to me, “This one’s the same, but he has his arm around you, looking at you and he’s smiling. You look sweet!” 

I couldn’t breathe.

“Go on, Cole.”

“Right, sorry. You’re on the grass, eating ice cream. Then he’s tickling you.  Then there are lots of others. Seriously, Ave, you were playing tag? Then this one, he’s up on the tree, holding out his hand for you. You both look fantastic. You look like you came out of a movie or something.” She flipped the next page and paused. No. Please, God, no. That pause is bad. Very bad. Please don’t tell me that they have a photo of that, too. Nicole said in a squeaky voice, 

“You’re both up the tree now. He…he has his chin on your chin your shoulder and the next picture, you were…uhm. You were actually…” I heard her take a quick breath, “Do you want me to say the truth or cushion you with a lie?”

No. No, no, no. I took a deep, deep breath and said,

“I’ll just…call you back.” She responded to me immediately, “Sure. Don’t stress over it too much, okay? These things happen and just…just make sure you won’t have a heart attack when you see it and…Ave?”

“Yeah?”

“I’m glad you found him.”

“I know.” I replied feebly. “Bye.” The line went dead and I put the phone back to my pocket with numb fingers. Breathing rapidly, I took small steps towards our gate and faced the package.

Okay, what was it that Uncle Zed always say when there’s a challenge?

No guts, no glory, my dear niece. You have to do whatever you have to do with confidence. Same goes for no pain, no gain. It’s quiet the same. So, just wing it.

Confidence. Yes, got it. I took a few more steps forward and with trembling hands, got the package. Now that it’s in my hands, there’s no doubt that it’s a bunch of magazines. Steeling myself, I tore off the brown paper and a large streak of it came off, leaving me to look at a photo of Travis and I kissing under the canopy of trees from People Magazine. Front cover.

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 13: Only one

Chapter 13: Only one (Wattpad)

I think I’m floating. But no, that doesn’t seem right. The last thing I remembered was walking to school, but I was really drowsy and…

“Hey, kid!”

OH, JESUS CHRIST. MOTHER OF GOD. I was startled back to consciousness and almost stumbled backward. That was incredibly stupid! 

“Sorry!” I called out to our neighbor from his window. You saved my life, I wanted to add. He said, “Yeah, no problem!” then, “Drink coffee!” I should definitely do that. 

“Will do!” I started walking again, willing not to make another scene like that one. God, that was embarrassing. I yawned. I really can’t believe I just did that! I don’t think it’s even possible.

I shifted the weight of my backpack and tried to focus my mind. If only I slept properly last night. Why does this have to happen to me, off all people! I clenched my teeth together as I recalled the events after dinner last night.

The lights were off. I was half-sleeping already and looking forward to a peaceful slumber when my phone rang beside my head. 

Oh, God. I’ve had bloody enough of phone calls starting this afternoon! I bet my house that when I pick up, the phone line would be dead and then it would ring again, I pick it up, no answer, ring, pick-up.

It’s endless. It’s insanity.

But I can’t just let my phone ring like that – I’m only a coward sometimes – so I grabbed it. Fully awake now, I pressed accept and didn’t waste a second to put it in my ear.

“Hello?”

“You cold-hearted bitch.”

“Sorry?”

“How dare you take Travis away from me!”

“Uhm…I really don’t know you. Sorry, but – ”

“Just because the Lord took pity on you and made you his seatmate, doesn’t mean that you have to go flirting with him! Bitch!”

“I don’t know you, okay?” God. The female dog word just gets old and I don’t get hurt when they sat that anymore; I probably heard it a gazillion times in less than an hour, “Just stay away from me.”

“I don’t think you even love Travis! You’re just using him, aren’t you? And then you’ll break his heart, you bitch! You’re using him!” 

This girl has no idea, not a single idea, that what she’s saying is the other way around. “Please, it’s the middle of the night. We have classes tomorrow – ”

“You just want to go tomorrow so you can slaver over Travis’ body! You are so disgusting!” I don’t believe this. So I am the disgusting one here?

“Look, whoever you are, just get over it. Travis and I are together, he loves me, I love him, the whole nine yards. So, just please, leave me alone. We could all do with some sleep.” I can’t believe I just said that but this girl is pushing me.

“Don’t you dare speak to me like that! You, slut! You’re going to pay for what you did. You hear me? You’re going to pay!” She’s going to scream forever, Avery. Face it. Lord, forgive me. I never hang up on someone, but…

I shakily pressed the decline key and immediately turned my phone off, getting out the battery to be thorough. 

Silence. Now this kind of silence is divine.

I closed my eyes, but it was a few more hours later before I actually slept. Bloody distractions. 

I now joined the crowd of people slowly making their way to the school entrance. I didn’t even sleep that well; I had nightmares when I tried to – about a bunch of girls killing me in my sleep with armalites and axes while Travis took bloody pictures of the whole scene, using Polaroid.

Highschool is full of perils. 

Then suddenly, one girl came up to me after taking care of her things in her locker. I know her – Mia Thompson. She’s good friends with Will.

“Uhm, Avery?”

“Err, yes?” This conversation is awkward. 

“Is it true about you and Travis Warner?” she asked with huge eyes.

I forced a smile and said, “Yeah, we…yeah. It just happened, you know.” I shrugged, hoping it would make up for my lack of words. It worked. “Oh!” she said, her eyes getting wider, “I see. Well, we’re very happy for you, Avery.” I am so not.

“Thanks, Mia.” I smiled and waved goodbye to her and went to my room. As soon as I sat down settled, I opened my phone and texted Cassie, See you at lunch? While I was waiting for her reply, I got out my things, ready as always for note taking. My phone beeped and I aged at her message.

You sure you don’t want to have lunch with your new boyfriend? (; 

Aaargh. It’s just lunch for God’s sake. Just because you have a relationship doesn’t mean that you have to spend every second with your partner.

Right?

And this isn’t even a real relationship! It’s forced. It’s cruel to innocent people. It’s impossible.

“I’m not going to bloody spend my lunchtime with him.” I muttered under my breath as I started typing Cassie a negative answer when out of nowhere a hand covered my eyes from behind.

“What the – ” Oh, no. Oh, God. There’s only one person who has the guts to do this kind of thing, “Uhm, Travis?” I asked faintly.

I heard his booming laugh and then he removed his hand. I blinked several times rapidly and then looked behind me.

Oh, no.

Oh my God.

“Flowers?”

He held out the bouquet of red roses to me and gave me a million dollar smile. What is he doing? This isn’t part of the deal, it bloody isn’t. “Hey, don’t you like roses? They suit you. And I also brought you something.” He gave me a big rectangular box covered in royal blue. 

“I hope you like it. Mom picked it out for you.” He grinned hugely. 

“Your mother?”

He chuckled, “I just said it; please tell me why that insignificant fact is so hard to believe.” He winked at me and I scowled, “Copycat.” 

He laughed lightly and said, “I have a plan for us today and I think it would be extremely healthy for you.” Plan? My mind is suddenly exploding with information.

“Wait, wait.” I laughed uncomfortably, “What plan? Why did your Mom buy this for me? And last night, what was the Polaroid issue? And did you know I haven’t got a decent – ”

He covered my mouth with a hand, laughing. “Slow down! God, you’re so cute. Now tell me what happened last night.” He went and sat down on his seat, twisting his chair to face me. 

I did my best to ignore the ‘cute’ comment and he said, his brow creasing in amused confusion, “You’re blushing.” 

“You’re delusional. And last night, your fansclub is to blame.” I put the flowers and the package on my desk and looked at him straight in the eye. He looked confused, “Fansclub?”

“They prank-called me last night, cursed me, called me names, accused me of things I’ve never done, condemned my very name to the gates of hell and I couldn’t sleep because – ”

He looked angry, “What the fuck – ”

“We both heard my phone ring and I quickly darted my eyes to the caller ID. 

Unknown number.

I faced my seatmate and raised my eyebrows at him, “I’m going to put it on loudspeaker, okay?” I didn’t wait for his response and pressed ‘accept’, putting it on loudspeaker.

“Hello?”

“Allton, you’re at school now, aren’t you? Fucking with Travis’ body no doubt – ” I barely got a word out of my mouth when Travis pried the phone away from my hands and said, “Sarah, what are you doing?”

“Travis?”

“Leave Avery alone. Go away or I swear I’ll destroy your immaculate image if she complains ever again. And we never even had a relationship. You’re delusional.” He cut the call and slammed the phone on my desk. 

I was speechless.

That was…new. 

“Are you, err, okay?” I said hesitantly, my heart was pounding and I was concerned he might explode. He just pursed his lips and said, “If they bug you, I’m right here.” He smiled slightly at me, but the smile was beautiful, nonetheless. “They’re so delusional. How can I have a relationship with sixty-seven girls all at the same time?” 

Yeah, I thought wonderingly, last time I counted I was only one.