Chapter 23: Spell perfect

Chapter 23: Spell perfect (Wattpad)

The indescribable feeling was still there when we were both on the doorway. But when I heard my cousins, I knew this wasn’t a good idea to begin with. 

“Avery!” the twins chorused from the couch. They were eating cookies and it was obvious that they just woke up from their identical sleep-filled eyes – eyes like their father’s – and their tousled blonde hairs.

“Hey, guys.” They were looking at me expectantly and gazed at Travis like he was a new toy from Christmas. I looked at them, then to Travis – who seemed adorably uncomfortable – and then to the dining table, where they were speaking and it’s obvious they haven’t seen us yet.

I gripped Travis hand and smiled at him encouragingly, “I think it would be better to meet the adults first.” He nodded his response and smiled to me as well. I turned to the pouting twins and mouthed later. To them and made our way to the dining table.

“Mom?”

They all turned around and I bristled from their stares. They were looking at me like I’ve done something forbidden yet, they approved of it. Mom, being the savior, stood up immediately and faced Travis. He smiled shyly and said, “Good morning, Mrs. Allton.”

She laughed, “Please don’t call me Sylvia; it makes me feel younger. So, you must be Travis.” She appraised him for half a second and said, “Why don’t you sit down?” she gestured at the seat on Dad’s left and I pulled him with me. When I seated myself beside him, from across the table, I mouthed a thank-you to my Mom and she winked back. Then I saw my Dad.

“Uhm…Dad? Daddy, you okay?”

He was staring off to space but when I called him twice he blinked and focused on me properly. He smiled and after a second, looked at Travis. He offered his hand.

“Travis Warner, if I’m not mistaken?”

“Yes, sir. That’s me.” They shook hands.

That explains it.

Mom arched an eyebrow which I responded with a shrug and Uncle Zed regarded me as if he’s seeing me in a different light. They all are. I only smiled at Travis uncomfortably to avoid the stares and Dad said, “Travis, why don’t you introduce yourself properly to everybody?”

“I think Avery should do it.” Uncle Zed piped up. He smiled wide and looked at me, “Right, Ave?” 

I met his gaze head-on, “Actually, I – ”

“Travis?” Mom said, breaking up the little argument. Picking up the cue, he faced the table in general and said in a perfect voice, his charm and smile in full mode, “Hello, everybody. My name is Travis Anthony. It’s nice you meet you all.”

I released a breath I didn’t know I’d been holding.

Uncle Rence’s brow furrowed, “Does your family own the GI? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“Yes, we do. Mom and Dad wanted to be here but they’re on a business trip at Singapore, so it’s just me for now.” He smiled winningly. 

“So what had you going after our Avery?” Grandpa asked. Aaargh. This situation is complicated enough, thank you Grandpa. Travis chuckled and under the table, his thumb traced soothing patterns against my skin. He said, “I could give you a list, but I don’t think I want to spend my entire life holding a pen and a paper.” 

The others on the table chuckled and one by one, everyone introduced themselves and started firing their questions. Unsurprisingly, Travis answered them all with complete ease and he relaxed against his chair, lightening the awkward tension in the room. 

Ten minutes passed and everyone was now laughing, telling stories of their own. The atmosphere became more light and comfortable and Travis just seemed to fit in perfectly with everyone else. In the midst of it all, Travis glanced at me and raised an eyebrow, as if to say, You okay?

I smiled tiredly in return, not bothering to answer properly and then I heard the twins. “Daddy,” Harvey and Nique said in unison as they went up to the table and tugged at each of Uncle Rence’s arms, “Why do you meet him? We want to talk to him, too.” They said, still synchronized. All attention were on them now as they pouted at exactly the same second and whined, “But that’s not fair!” Uncle Lawrence regarded and smiled at them patiently – I marvel at how he does that, seeing as those two can be quite evil as much as they appear to be cute. “But you have to promise not to pull any pranks on Travis, okay? Avery will not bake you cookies again if you do that.”

“Oh, no. We’ll be nice.” Harvey said with a huge grin on his face. That boy’s an excellent liar, trust me. I had my experience and I’ve known forever since that I need to be careful with what he says. Without another word, Nique dragged him by the arm and their Dad said, “Nique, what did I say about dragging your older brother?”

She slowed down. “Sorry, Daddy.” She sent him an irresistible smile and a flying kiss and they both stood in front of Travis and to Dad’s left. They were just smiling like Travis is a new package from Santa or the Easter Bunny.

I have a really bad feeling about this.

“Uhm…I’m sorry, but pranks?” Travis whispered in my ear as the twins spoke to Aunt Laine and he gazed at the twins with something close to skeptism. “They look awfully cute and innocent to be pranking someone.” That’s exactly what I thought before.

“Just be careful. The last time they pulled a prank, it was quite, uhm, unexpected.” I hope he survives.

“I’ll give you a kiss goodbye if I live long enough, then.” He winked at me confidently and faced the twins. I whipped my head to Uncle Lawrence with my eyes screaming panic and he just shrugged helplessly and mouthed, Sorry in advance. 

That’s helpful.

“Hi, I’m Travis.” he smiled at them. The twins smiled sweetly in return and said, “Hello.”

“Hi, I’m Harvey. I’m five years old and seven minutes older.” He smiled swiftly. “I like you already.” Travis laughed and responded, “Well, I’m flattered. Thank you, Harvey.” Harvey offered his hand in a casual, but unmistakable way.

“Harvey.” Everyone on the table mildly scolded. I immediately grabbed both of Travis’ hands away from my cousin’s reach and he looked extremely baffled.

“What? Did I do some – ”

“It’s not you.” I looked at Harvey while he pouted and let his hand fall limp to his side, “But Daddy!” he whined loud enough so he can hear, “I was being nice!” Then the little devil looked at me, still pouting. “Avery, you’re not sharing.”

I don’t even own this guy.

“Please remove that thing, whatever it is, from your palm, Harvey.” I smiled in I’m-good-so-listen-to-your-big-cousin way and not end up looking electrocuted myself. “I know you have one of those freaky electronic skins. You too, Nique.”

Pouting terribly. Harvey slowly started peeling the skin-like pranking tool from his palm and then I turned to Nique. Grandpa Ian said, “Put it away now, darling.”

“You don’t want Travis getting hurt.” Dad supplied. Speaking of Travis, he was looking incredibly at Harvey, struck speechless.

“Nique.” Prompted Uncle Rence.

“But I don’t have one! Promise, Daddy. I really don’t. You believe me, don’t you, Travis?” she turned to him with her puppy dog eyes look that melted even my heart. Little scumbag.

“Whatever you wanted to use Niq, please put it down on the table.” I said to her, hoping for the best. The good thing about here is that it’s still early and they just woke up, so they’re still kind of mellow. Mellow equals more chance of avoiding disasters.

She heaved a little sigh and put her hand to her pocket and retrieved from it a Ziploc filled with black, crawling spiders. 

Travis blanched. 

“Goodness, gracious.” I heard Aunt Laine murmur. 

“But, Aunt Laine! I was saving these for later. I’m not going to use it now.”

 

“You…you little…” I can’t even describe the words I want to say to her. I looked at Travis pale face as he regarded the transparent plastic with wide eyes, his entire frame frozen. 

I turned to Nique and scowled, “Could – could you please keep that away, Niq? I’m serious, okay? I don’t want to see that ever again.”

“Okay, Ave.” she put the cursed things away from sight and she and her twin brother raced up the stairs with barely concealed glee. Everyone made small talk again and I faced Travis, pursing my lips. He was looking at me as well, confusedly shaken. 

“I do hope that didn’t freak you out much.” I said in a hush tone, “It’s just them, you know. But they’re really adorable when they’re not pulling those little games.”

“Little.” He muttered, “Yeah, I’m okay.”

“Travis?” Uncle Rence spoke in an apologetic tone, “I’m so sorry about my twins. I don’t know where they got that but they’ve always liked to…play as long as we can remember.” 

“It’s okay, sir.” Travis responded with a smile, “I’ll keep that in mind.” Before anyone else could say anything, we heard footsteps on the direction of the stairs and before I saw her, I heard Elaine say, “I’m telling you, that car on the driveway gives me vibes. I think’s something’s up, but I’m not really sure…”

“You’re still on hangover, El. I think you’re just imagining things.” I heard Lorraine say. Then a second later, all four of them came to view – Delsey, Elaine, Lorraine and little Kat – and they stood transfixed, looking at Travis on the table.

“Uhm…” Elaine was at loss for words and decided to just come forward and say, “Good morning, Daddy.” She came up to Uncle Zed and pecked him on the cheek and the rest started to follow suit. I heard Unle Lawrence demanding Delsey how many bottles she’d downed last night and the table was buzzing with conversation again. I smiled encouragingly at Travis who seemed to recover fully from his phobia attack and he smiled back at me, his eyes shining. I was tongue-tied for a moment but I managed to say, “Those are my other cousins. You’re safe from them.” He chuckled, flashing his all-too-perfect smile, “Thanks a bunch.”

“Hi, Travis.” Delsey smiled at the time she’s in front of him, “Avery told me all about you.” Her eyes twinkled.

“I did not.” I said through clenched teeth. She ignored me playfully and offered her hand, “I’m Delsey.” I saw Travis hesitate for a fraction of a second before shaking her hand, “Nice to meet you.” He smiled, winning her easily.

“Same here.” Then surprising us both, she said, “Let me guess, you have arachnophobia.” My brow furrowed and Travis looked stunned, “Wha – how did –”

“My sister’s upstairs, fiddling with the creepy little things. Just a little tip – don’t use the upstairs bathroom.” She smiled, “Speaking of which, I’ll have to check on her, please excuse me.” She sent me a wink and went upstairs.

We could all use a sister like her.

Then I saw Elaine and her two younger sisters come from over Travis’ shoulder. El mouthed, What the bloody hell, Ave? Lorraine gave me the thumbs up and mouthed as well, He’s hot! Nice work.

Aaargh.

I cleared my throat and nudged Travis with my shoulder. “Travis, meet the Charlie’s Angels.”

“Shut up, Ave. I’m Elaine.” She stepped forward and put in a happy grin. “You can call me El. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Right, El.

“I’m Lorraine.” As they shook hands, she said, “Don’t bother with a nickname, I don’t have one.” He chuckled in response and lastly, Kat appraised him with open, guileless eyes. She smiled. “I like you already.”

She is so cute! With her silky brunette hair and huge eyes and those cheeks! I didn’t notice that I was gaping at her when Travis laughed at my expression and gave me a quick kiss on the cheek. He turned to Kat.

“What’s your name, darling?”

“Kat.”

As I saw the exchange, my mind flew elsewhere. My cheeks were flaming and I can’t believe what happened or why I’m even feeling like this. It’s just a kiss on the cheek. 

But my mind reveled on the fact that the gesture was more natural than not.

“Do you want to play with me?” she started tugging at Travis’ sleeve while El and Lorraine circled the table to grab some cookies and other biscuits. He smiled, “Sure, just wait a second.” He excused himself from the table and we both got up. Unexpectedly, he picked up Kat and carried her to the living room. She was giggling delightfully and I sat on the rug across from them, bewildered.

“Correct me if I’m wrong, but I think you have a thing for children.”

He winked at me. “I actually do.” He turned to Kat who was standing up, eye level with him though he was squatting down. “What do you want Kat?” he asked and her face scrunched up in cute concentration and her little fists gripped his chocolate colored hair, “Why do you look so pretty?”

Travis laughed and said, “I’m not pretty. Your cousin Avery is.” 

I burst out laughing as he looked at me and reached out for my hand. “Please tell me what’s so funny.” Unconsciously lacing my fingers through his, I replied, “It’s just funny. Considering the fact that I probably look like garbage because I’m still on hangover.”

He smiled gently and leaned forward. In an act so uncharacteristically unlike his, he kissed my temple softly and whispered, 

“You’re not. You’re beautiful.”

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.

Chapter 12: Top of the list

Chapter 12: Top of the list (Wattpad)

I’m considering dropping out of school, but when I think of the progress I made for this school year, the words ‘drop out’ just seems heartbreaking. I picked up my pen and started scribbling the last question for Athena and Will’s reviewers. And less than five minutes later, I stapled the two pages of each and looked at my cloned copies. I scribbled one above, Will and the other Athena. Okay, mission accomplished. 

I lay down on my bad and fanned my hair around me. Thoughts were swirling around my head and making me dizzy, and I tried closing my eyes but what happened was much worse. Words in black and white were flashing through my eyelids, words like Warner, Jacob, Potter, boyfriend, Athena, reputation, cookies – wait. Cookies?

What does cookies have to do with anything? Then my mind hit on the right memory. Oh, right. The cookies for Dad saving my neck because of the bike near fiasco. As I looked back on that day, it seemed to be a lifetime away from me. So many things had happened and it’s not good.

I started getting up, thinking I should check the remaining ingredients downstairs when my phone rang. Oh, what now?

I grabbed it from under my pillow and looked at the caller ID, which displays, Unknown number. Uh-oh. I watch the setting sun dip ever so slowly down the horizon and felt like kicking something. I pushed ‘accept.’

“Hello?”

“Avery, I need to tell you something.”

I groaned and closed my eyes in frustration, “What do you want?”

“I just wanted to tell you that we have to make a list.” A what?

“A list?” I repeated, my tone full of doubt and uncertainty, “A list of what? Are you out of your mind?” 

“Any list! But it has to be about us. Just – just write something like, Things I love about Travis or something like that.” He is out of his mind. Why the hell would I do that? “Tell me what this bloody list for is again?”

“My Mom. God, she’s such a romantic. But I really want to convince her and we need something concrete.” That way he says that makes what we’re doing sound like against the law. Well, technically, it is; it violates the law of etiquette. It crushes etiquette.

 “Fine, I’ll do your bloody list.”

“You’re an angel. And I’m sorry if I’m talking to you like this, I’m kind of busy.”

“Yeah, I figured. I have something to do as well, so we should probably – ”

“Absolutely! And by the way, the Polaroid is with me. Bye, Avery. Thank you so much, you’re wonderful.” Polaroid?

“What’s with the – ” the line went dead. He just hanged up on me! I disregarded the fact that he already said bye and therefore has the right to turn down the phone but he bloody hanged up on me! 

I gritted my teeth for the millionth time this day and tried to bottle up my anger. “Why is this insanity even happening to me?” I muttered under my breath to no one in particular. After that damnable lunchtime, my friends smothered me with cannonballs of questions and right now, I know they have it in their heads that Travis and I are the type of couples that are lovey-dovey with each other – which we aren’t.

The situation is really bad for me! I don’t get irritated easily and I have rare occurrences of foul moods but everything’s turning upside down now.

Travis Warner is to blame for this mutation.

I swept my hand through my hair annoyingly and got out my plain white stationary from the cabinet as well as a Biro. I scribbled on top with a messy handwriting – my handwriting was neat before! neat! – the words, Things I hate about Travis Anthony Warner. 

I paused in thought and started a first one, He makes my blood boil. That’s perfect, but I’m sort of craving for more. I added below the first, He thinks he rules the world. I tapped my pen against the pad of paper, getting the hang of this pointless scheme. This is actually not a bad idea – I already feel some of the moodiness leave my system. 

“Avery?” I heard downstairs. 

“Coming, Dad.” I called out, but I couldn’t resist adding one more to my list, He’s vain. I put my items down and raced to the stairs and saw Dad over the stove.

Dad on the stove means trouble.

“Do you need help?”

“Honey, I did everything like your Mom said to prepare for dinner, but it just started looking like that.”

I giggled. My father attempting to cook is like Voldemort laughing with Albus Dumbledore. “You know, Dad, you can tend to the garden; I’ll cover you up here.” He gripped my shoulder and kissed my forehead, “You’re an angel.” I laughed as he went to the cupboard. He got out his gardening tools and headed out to the door. I turned to what Dad did and dumped the charred remains of – chicken? I think it is. I started everything from scratch, hoping that my not-that-bad-anymore mood will last until dinner.

2 hours later.

The bloody mood didn’t last. Partly because a lot of people had been prank-calling me ever since I went back to my bedroom – Travis’ girl minions, no doubt. And because of his bloody messages – he said he has a surprise for me and I texted him back, asking what it is but I received no reply. I sent it again, still none. I did it again. And again and again.

Nothing.

I should get sick tomorrow. Really, maybe a fever would do. Better yet, flu. Nobody can suspect me of having other motives for not turning up, right? It’s flu, for Christ’s sake. I cut my tasty chicken thigh with my knife, imagining it was Travis’ foot. I cut another slice because that trick did work like magic for my nerves. And the Polaroid problem is really disconcerting me. 

What the bloody hell has that to do with us?

Somehow, I don’t like the feel of it. He will do something, I’m sure of it. Why can’t he just cut the long story short and save me from these stress attacks? I don’t even feel stress before.

“Avery?”

“Travis? I mean, Dad? Dad? What?”

“Ave, you seem distracted,” Mom said with her forehead creasing, “You okay?”

“Yeah, Mom. It’s just the three tests tomorrow and some people asked me for help and I was thinking how to help them understand and…stuff.” 

“I was just saying,” Dad said, chewing the dinner he supposedly prepared, “That you were planning to bake this Saturday.”

Saturday.

Weekend.

The bloody park.

“Yeah, I’m going to bake.” I said without vigor.

“You’ll have to make a lot – Aunt Adelaine and the others are coming.”

“What?” No! The timing is rotten! Rotten.

“They’re going to stay for three days.” said Mom. Oh, God. My uncles. My grandma. My cousins.

I’ll just have to commit suicide.

“Ave, you okay?” Mom asked again.

“Yeah! Yeah, I’m fine.” I said, putting a spoonful of chicken in my mouth and swallowed hard, “That’s great! I missed all of them.” My voice trailed away as disturbing images formed in my mind’s eye.

What the bloody hell would happen?

I clenched my jaw and stabbed the chicken mercilessly with a fork. They won’t find out. I won’t let them.

-

Sylvia looked at her daughter from across the table. She was never really good at lying; that’s one of the qualities that made her dear. The mother smiled silently.

She wondered when they’ll be able to meet this Travis.

-

Chapter 4: Parent exposure

Chapter 4: Parent exposure (Wattpad)

Part I:

“Avery, you pray.”

“Dad, you pray.”

“Avery.”

“Okay, Mom. Okay. In the name of the Father, of the Son…” I recited the words memorized since childhood, and saw Mom and Dad murmuring as well.

“Amen.” In unison, we held our utensils and started to eat dinner – soup and broccoli. Mom just got home thirty minutes ago, and her work clothes are now changed to a t-shirt and comfy jeans. I know they’re comfy because I tried them on before. Don’t ask why – I was seven. “Dad, can you pass the – oh thanks.”

My father has a special talent like that. He can read my mind sometimes and it’s really creepy. Mom flipped her coppery hair from her shoulder, “Charlie, have you been gardening all day?” she asked in a lilting, but at the same time demanding voice. Dad was at the head of the small table, but he fidgeted in his seat as Mom’s caramel eyes – exactly like mine – bore right through him. 

It’s fun to see Dad squirm.

“There were weeds around honey and…yes, all day.” I saw Mom’s lip curve in what I know was a loving, but disapproving way, and I joined in the conversation.

“He also helped me with the bike, Mom.” 

She turned to me instantly and I saw behind my mother’s back that Dad was shaking his head, unmistakably mouthing the word ‘no’ with ambivalence.

Oops.

“What happened to the bike, Avery?”

Gah. I suck at lying, but to hell with it. “Uhm, you know. Dad was just checking if…”

“Maintenance.” Dad said suddenly, then put a fork of broccoli to his mouth. “Things should be checked regularly, don’t you agree?” he said to Mom and I sighed in relief as she smiled and resumed eating.

You’ve witnessed firsthand how Dad becomes my partner-in-crime these past few years.

We ate quietly after the close shave and I saw Dad smile to me and secretly giving me a thumbs-up. I winked in response. Then he turned to Mom and asked, “Did you see the news today? That…”

I ate silently while they were engaged in their own conversation. I can’t see any point in rising up my opinions, mainly because they’re talking about politics. And I don’t even like politics. I was jolted back to reality when I heard my name.

“Avery, how was school?”

Mom, the new students have been ogling at me, the school’s SuGee. It was terrible.

“Mom, it was great.”

“That’s good, Ave. Did you have fun with Cassie?”

“Yes, Mom. I always do. Why don’t we just – ”

“How was Chem?”

“Easy, Mom. Can you – ”

“How about – ”

“Mom. Everything’s fine. School is great.”

“Okay, then.” She flashed a perfect smile at me and then turned back to Dad. Oh. She didn’t detect the irony. I sort of hate dinner time sometimes.

Dad suddenly said out of nowhere, “Avery, we’ve been planning to talk to you.” He automatically acquired a fatherly, I-am-your-parent-therefore-you-are-my-responsibility voice and he looked at me in the eye.

Oh, no. The talk. I can feel it coming. I want to crawl into a hole so badly and let the bacteria decompose m tissues. Mom sensed my discomfort and smiled at me reassuringly – in this territory, Mom is my trusted ally. 

I met Dad’s gaze as he said, “You don’t have to hide things from us, honey.”

“Dad. I told you before that I’m not hiding – ”

“Ave, honey. You don’t have to be scared. You should – ”

“Dad, please. I never – ”

“Just promise to me and your Mom that we’ll get to meet them soon.”

“I don’t – he doesn’t even – ”

“Just listen to your Dad, Avery.” Mom smiled at me and I just know that she’s enjoying this. Okay, so here’s the thing. Dad actually thinks that…that, you know…

“Your boyfriend would be quite something, wouldn’t he?”

Oh, God.

“This boyfriend doesn’t even exi – ”

“Did you have a fight? Kids usually do that these days.” He ate some more.

Yes. My father thinks I have a bloody boyfriend. Oh, Jesus Christ. I can’t even stand to say the word out loud. I don’t even want to think about the word. That b-word has this taboo all the time and everywhere I go. Why can’t he just see that I don’t have the bloody boyfriend – gah, hate that word – he’s talking about?

My Mom chuckled at my gobsmacked face and thankfully, thankfully, came to the rescue. She turned to Dad and said, “Give it a rest today,” then she smiled, “Attack her later or tomorrow, hun.”

Dad is so unbelievably persistent in this thing. He didn’t give up just yet and said, “But we’ll be meeting him, right Ave?”

How the hell can you meet a non-existent person?

I inhaled deeply to regain control of myself and exhaled through my mouth. This is just unbearable.

“Okay, Dad. Okay. You happy now?” I saw him smile jovially. “Very happy, darling. Now, let’s just finish this tasty soup.” I gritted my teeth. I don’t even know why I’m annoyed, but I am. I don’t have a bloody boyfriend – I really hate that word – and I have no intention of making the mistake of having one.

Part II:

People at highschool are so loud. And do they even know that some people actually needs peace and quiet? It's not like they’re Eskil Donningsbakken and brag about their talents. You know, that extreme artist from Copenhagen, Denmark who does a handstand – handstand! – on top of the 280 ft. high Radisson S.A.S. Scandinavia building. He’s really my idol and I also found out that – oh. Nevermind.

“Oh! I have another one, Avery – ”

“Shut up, I don’t even know you – ”

“Yes, you do. My full name is Travis Anthony Gedi Warner – ”

“Quit. I don’t like being rude but – ”

 

“Just listen, Miss SuGee – ”

“Don’t call me that.” 

“Fine, princess – ”

“Don’t call me that, either.”

“Okay then, Edward. You don’t have to be so – ”

“Shut the hell up!”

Have you ever seen the devil laugh? I did right then. “You’re so touchy, Edward. I wonder why.” Can he just die? That would be purely a wish come true. He could burn at the stake or –

“So, want to hear my pick-up line this time?”

I closed my Biology book furiously and faced him. 

I couldn’t care less if all the people kiss his feet in complete devotion because of his face. I admit, he is unusually handsome, and a lot of girls warned me to watch my step because they found out that we’re seatmates. Just seatmates, for the love of God, and they’re threatening me. I could see some of their point when I looked at his tousled, mild chocolate hair, his perfectly carved jaw and cheekbones, his handsome chin and long lashes. But life is unfair. Some are given looks and then there’s me, so average in contrast.

Of all the things this guy has to know about me, though – of all the bloody things! – it just has to be my secret little thing for Ed. I gritted my teeth. It wasn’t my fault that I didn’t know he was a keen observer. I had no idea. It was just one afternoon and I was looking – okay, staring – at Ed from my view on the window. They were playing ball and then the next thing I heard – 

“I didn’t know you like Edward.”

Aaargh. I need a gun in my hands right now. I glared at him and said icily, “Go ahead with the bloody pick-up line.” He laughed, showing his perfect set of teeth and cleared his throat.

“You’ll really like this one, Avery. You being the school gen – ”

“Just get on with it! Why are you making this so hard – ”

“Okay!” he grinned and cleared his throat again, “Are you made of copper and tellurium?”

That’s just plain weird. “Why?” I asked. How the hell can a human anatomy include copper and tellurium?

“Because…you’re so cute.” He held his breath, smiling and anticipating my reaction. My brow creased together.

“Come again?”

“Don’t you get it?” he asked with his face looking crestfallen, “Copper? Cu? And Te? It’s from the bloody periodical table!” 

I burst out laughing. “That one is new.” I can’t believe it but I giggled again. It’s really corny and…it’s just corny.

He grinned at me and said, “Do you know I’ve been scanning the entire periodical table just to make sure I was doing it right?”

“I hate to burst your bubble, but it’s kind of…” I chuckled mirthfully.

“Kind of what?” he bit his lip.

Should I insult the pick-up line he worked hard for and let him crumble to dust or be the diplomat?

“It’s really nice.” I nodded and smiled a little. If I was born without a conscience, he’d be so sorry.

“Really?”

“Yeah, absolutely.” Gah. The damned conscience.

“Avery, I want to tell you something.” He said, still smiling. Oh, good. A distraction. I always welcome a distraction from a disaster of any kind. “What?” I asked.

“You suck at lying.”

Oh.

“Was I, err. Was I that obvious?” he chuckled this time. “You were never really good at lying.” Well, that’s just invasive. It’s as if he knows me, which he doesn’t.

 “You don’t know me, Warner.”

“Don’t call me Warner – it’s as if we’re not friends – ”

“We aren’t. Stay away from me. Go away.”

He winked and said, “Why don’t you just accept the fact that you like me?” Aaargh. I’ve never met someone like him in my entire life. His ego is unparalleled and just disgusting. 

“Do you have eyes?”

“Yes, indeed. And I use them to – ”

“Make everyone crazy.” That sounded so wrong so I added, “In a bad way.” His smile turned wider as he said, “There’s no such thing as making someone crazy for you.”

“Not if it includes annoying the hell out of them.”

“I’m charming you,” I don’t think he even knows the meaning of the word, “And it’s not my fault that you see it the other way.”

“What other way?”

“Okay. Let’s have a little experiment.” He rubbed his hands together and swiveled in his chair, facing me completely. He said with a straight face, “Look at me in the eyes and tell me they’re hideous.”

“They?”

“My eyes,” he shrugged. “Look at them and tell me they’re awful.”

This is just unfair. I know by soul that the color of his eyes is blue. Mediterranean blue. A nice-ish blue. Okay, I like the color of his eyes, shut up.

“What do you want from me, Warner?”

“That you like me. And don’t call me Warner.”

“Then don’t call me names, either. Do you know how hard it is for me to just – ”

“Okay, Avery. Now where were we?”

“I have no idea.”

“Come on, Edwa – Avery. Why are you being so hard?” This guy is impossible. “Hard on what? Will you just please stop annoying me?”

“I’m not annoying you. I just want to be friends. And afterwards, maybe we can have lunch together – ”

“Go away.”

“Avery.”

I will not bloody respond. He rolled his eyes then and just said, “Suit yourself. It’s your loss.”

Gah. I hate – no, I loathe him so much.