《Living With The Player》


 Chapter 1 How It All Began

    **CAMILA**


    The kind policeman ced a nket over my shivering body, I watched as our house burned to the ground. Mom and dad were a few feet away, barely keeping a grip on their control but still trying to remain strong for me. I was numb, well not fully since I had small injuries from running outside.


    They tried tofort me but it was of no use, my pictures, my files, everything gone in the blink of an eye and we were rendered homeless.


    Dad went ahead to make some phone calls, trying to get us a roof over our heads for the night. We¡¯d probably book a hotel room, for the night, but I can¡¯t help but think how expensive that¡¯ll be, it¡¯s not like we¡¯ll stay in one room. I can¡¯t do anything to help them, it¡¯s not making things better in realizing that this is all my fault. It¡¯s my fault our house caught fire and burnt to the ground. How could I be so silly and reckless?


    Like most teenagers, I was texting on my phone happily, I got so overwhelmed that I forgot the dish on the cooker. If that were the only thing that urred, it¡¯ll still be okay, except I didn¡¯t just forget, the dish would¡¯ve burned, I¡¯ll get scolded and it¡¯ll be okay. What I¡¯ll give for a scolding at this point. Aside from my forgetful attributes, I got so invested in the chat, I carelessly tossed a napkin on the burner, I relocated to my room to grab a pen and write something down. Well, it¡¯s a napkin and it escted quickly.


    My irresponsibility made me unaware until the smoke detector sounded. I rushed down, the phone still in hand, paper in the other and met the kitchen on fire. Confused, I rushed back to get water, but it was far toote. It¡¯s a miracle I escaped with merely burning marks on my back and my hands which meant no sleeveless tops for me anymore, It was all my fault that everything we worked hard for was gone. All the neighbours could say were ¡°Sorry¡± then retire back to their homes. At least they still had homes.


    ¡°Hey Pumpkin.¡± Dad cooed holding me. Not this time. His soft hands can¡¯t help me at this point. I¡¯m too invested in my thoughts to consider the possibility of ever oveing the guilt I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Dad.¡± I apologized, breaking down in a pool of tears. How could I do this to my parents? How will I show my face after this? They¡¯ll hate me if I tell them, but if I don¡¯t, the guilt will gnaw at me for eternity. I¡¯m so confused. Dad didn¡¯t see through my features, either that or he misinterpreted them for sadness. Not a full misinterpretation, I was sad, just not for the reason he thought. Still, he smiled caressing my cheeks. I pursed my lips and stiffened.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry dear, It¡¯s not your fault at all, it was an ident. They happen all the time, you¡¯re not to me at all.¡±


    But I am. I didn¡¯t dare to tell him the truth that I was cooking. He thought it was a leak, he assumed, I didn¡¯t make an effort to make any form of correction. Now I just feel extremely guilty.


    I nodded at his response as he held me tighter. I kept apologizing under my breath, for an unknown reason to him.


    We were able to salvage dad¡¯s car so we all got in. This car was all we have left.


    ¡°The house was insured but it¡¯ll take a while for them to cover it,¡± Mom announced as I sniffled. She wasn¡¯t feeling too well after everyone left, her face fell and she was on the verge of breaking down, I could sense it.


    ¡°Are we going to a hotel or something?¡± I asked following my previous conclusion. At least the house has insurance. It still doesn¡¯t make it okay, but it¡¯s better than nothing at this rate.


    ¡°It¡¯ll take a while, we can¡¯t keep living in a hotel and the money I would use to rent an apartment will be channelled into getting you two new clothes and other things,¡± Dad announced with a sad sigh. He just lost everything yet all he could think of was me. I choose to repay him this way? So stupid.


    I could barely keep it in anymore, I wanted to tell him the truth so badly. Fuck the consequences and anything thates my way. I just needed to admit.


    ¡°There¡¯s another option. I have an old friend. He heard the news, called to sympathise, then he kindly offered to let us stay for a while, at least until we get back on both feet. He¡¯s married with two kids but they have a lot of spare room and one of his kids is in college.¡±


    I sighed. Usually, this idea would not appeal to me in any way. I wouldn¡¯t want to live with anyone but now¡­? We had no choice. It was either this or the streets.


    ¡°And his other child¡­?¡±


    I blurted out curiously.


    ¡°You should know him, you attend the same high school anyway.¡±


    We do? I barely speak to anyone, I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be one of the randoms. We all let out a sad sigh.


    ¡°Yeah. Mr Emerton is a good friend and a great person.¡± He announced. I stood on edge. I froze at that moment. Usually, there are thousands of people bearing thatst night, but with the filter given; I know it¡¯s someone from my school, and currently, there¡¯s only one person with that name. Oh, fuck me. Two disasters in one night. I buried my face in my palm and tried to act normal.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to live with Dn Emerton,¡± I muttered slowly as he smiled, squeezing my mom¡¯s hand reassuringly.


    ¡°Oh no,¡± I muttered weakly.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Please not Dn, I can¡¯t face him again.¡± I thought as dad started the engine. I prayed to all the angels in heaven, even if I hadmitted the biggest sin, I squeezed my eyes and prayed that Dn wouldn¡¯t remember me. It¡¯s been two years, so I only hope he forgot me, although the same can¡¯t be said, since I still recall him every single night. Almost like it was yesterday, but it wasn¡¯t. It¡¯s been over two years.


    **MINUTES LATER**


    Dad¡¯s car came to a halt at a huge mansion, we all got out. In times like this, I was thankful that I was an only child because I can¡¯t imagine what would be of us if mom and dad had more children. That¡¯s a shitty thing to say. True, but still shitty. I shook my head realizing this was Dn¡¯s fault. He¡¯s not here yet still affects me. It¡¯s his fault for sure.


    Dad dialled a number and secondster, the gate was opened automatically for his car to end. Very nice.


    Dad parked his car in the garage, I stepped out slowly with the two things I could grab before rubbing, my phone which was the cause alongside my participation and I also grabbed my hoodie when I went upstairs, I can¡¯t remember why did, but I¡¯m d. I couldn¡¯t live without it. I¡¯d shut down if it got consumed in the fire. It¡¯s not exactly my hoodie, something borrowed which I may never return.


    Secondster, the door clicked open and a middle-aged man who was a replica of Dn walked out. This is where he got every from. Behind him was a beautiful woman who looked neen, but I bet she was Dn¡¯s mother.


    ¡°Emerton,¡± Dad called out fondly as they shook hands. Herees the awkwardness.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry it has to be like this but you three are wee to stay for as long as you like.¡± His mom announced.


    Mom nudged my elbow as a sign for me to speak up.


    ¡°Hi, good evening Sir, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m Cam, It¡¯s nice meeting you ¡± I greeted with a smile amidst everything that happened tonight.


    ¡°You make me feel so old.¡± They said as I smiled. They seem open.


    ¡°You all must be tired, we should get inside, you need rest.¡± Mrs Emerton announced as I clutched my things walking into the house.


    I hadn¡¯t seen any sign of Dn maybe my prayers were answered after all. Who knows? He might have gotten sucked in a wormhole.


    ¡°We¡¯re gonna talk to your dad Cam, you can take any room after the first one upstairs, that one belongs to Dn.¡± Mr Emerton instructed. I nodded slowly and went in. The house was bogus, I analyse the decor while trailing up the stairs.


    I walked past the first room, almost tempted to take a peak. Almost.


    I decided to stay as far away from him as possible so I picked the one at the end of the hall.


    The room was huge with a cute bed in the middle. I didn¡¯t have time to admire the decor. I took off my clothes carefully dropping my phone on the table and went straight into the shower. The burns didn¡¯t hurt that much, the pain killers the paramedics offered kicked in at light speed.


    I didn¡¯t know how long I took in the shower because I needed it. In there I squatted and thought about my current life situation as the water brushed down my hair.


    When I stepped out, I tied the towel a little loosely across my chest, turned around then tried tying my wet hair in a small bun.


    With my hands lifted in the air, the knot on the towel got loose and fell.


    ¡°Hey, Pretty.¡±


    I heard that voice that haunted my dreams. gulped as he stood up.


    ¡°Dn,¡± I muttered softly. I bent down, grabbed the towel and secured it over my body, holding it firmly to be sure.


    ¡°I was enjoying the view, a front view would¡¯ve been better.¡±


    I hissed at his audacity.


    ¡°You must be the girl my parents are talking about.¡± He replied with a scoff.


    ¡°Why do you look familiar though?¡± He asked. I gulped again trying to think of a good lie.


    My prayers were not answered.


    ****

 Chapter 2 Butt Naked

    **CAMILLA**


    The jerk didn¡¯t look away, even after I had a towel over my skin, he still ogled at my body, letting his eyes roam over my body, mentally undressing me, flicking the towel off with his hands. Ugh!


    I raised my head in embarrassment only to meet him smirking as nothing happened.


    ¡°Oh wait, I think I remember you now.¡± He said and I froze. My embarrassed demeanour was reced with fright instead. He made me so easily.


    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± I thought as he cocked his head to my side, daring to take a step forward even.


    ¡°We go to the same high school right?¡± He asked. I exhaled in relief before nodding my head.


    ¡°Knew it. In that case, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, please don¡¯t go bbing to everyone that we live together. I¡¯d prefer if that¡¯s kept between us. Got it?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t much of a question than amand. He thought too highly of himself, then of course very lowly of me. I was a nobody, the scandal it¡¯ll bring him when his flings find out he was living under the same roof with me. He¡¯d have to do a lot of exnations, I¡¯d be saving him a lot of stress if I simply kept my mouth shut. A little part of me extremely wanted to b, just to taunt him, and for the fun of it then maybe for a little spotlight myself. I don¡¯t know okay.


    I simply scoffed in response, shoving him the finger.


    ¡°Trust me, I¡¯d love to. It¡¯s easier since we¡¯re under the same roof, I¡¯m just a few doors away, whenever you¡¯re ready¡± He responded before turning away.


    ¡°Lest I forget, very nice ass by the way.¡± He clicked his tongue, I gasped and reached for a pillow, tossing it at him at the same time he mmed the door causing it to hit against the door instead. I huffed, crossed my arms then fell on the bed. ying with my hair while contemting my current life choices. It¡¯s only for a few weeks, then I¡¯ll leave this shit hole, I¡¯ll leave him.


    ¡°So much for fucking avoiding him then,¡± I muttered, stood up, took a few steps to lock the door, then I freely removed the towel.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I checked the closet since rich people loved to keep robes in there, and there were some clothes, but they looked like guy¡¯s clothes, this room was upied before it seemed. Since I had no choice, I brought them down, tossing a few on the bed to make my pick. I would have to manage them for the night, I put on a simple T-Shirt which reached my knee. Since it covered half my body, there was no need for shorts.


    Iid on the bed as thoughts of the fire crowded my mind. I turned and tossed all through unable to wash the guilt or get some sleep at least.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry Dad,¡± I whispered nearly shedding tears. I had none left to cry.


    ¡°Aside from the fire, there was another factor dancing around in my mind. Dn Emerton. He might not remember, but I do. Vividly. That makes things extraplicated. I can¡¯t y with fire, that¡¯s both figuratively and literally. I would have to avoid him at all costs no matter what. If he gets a whiff of the truth, I¡¯matose.¡± I thought with a deep sigh.


    I hope things don¡¯t change. I just want to continue my boring life as the unnoticed girl in school.


    ¡°You wish.¡± My subconscious mocked and I knew it was right. My life had changed and it might never be the same. I can only salvage what¡¯s left and pray for the best.


    ~THE NEXT MORNING


    The sun rays were my artificial rm clock, the minute they hit my skin I found myself waking up slowly with a lengthy yawn, don¡¯t get me wrong, I love my sleep and I didn¡¯t get much of itst night.


    I slept like a babyst night and now I was fully charged for the day.


    Usually, I would get my clothes ready for theundry but things aren¡¯t what they used to be.


    I simply rushed out of bed, grabbed my dirty clothes and left them in the bathroom forter.


    I heard a soft knock on the door, Dn wouldn¡¯t knock, would he? Forget Dn. It might be my mom or dad.


    I walked towards it, unlocking it as I twisted the doorknob to reveal a smirking Dn. I was wrong, he was being civil¡­? Knocking even. Did I wake up in an alternate universe?


    His eyes raked over my body as I realised I was wearing just a T-Shirt.


    ¡°I left my clothes here but they look so much better on you, I doubt you need these.¡± He raised a bag, I reached to grab it allowing my shirt to raise as Dn stared at my bareps, shamelessly might I add.


    I yanked it off his hands, mming the door on his face as I pressed my hand on my beating heart to calm it down.


    ¡°Being around him does me no good, I need to stay away,¡± I muttered opening the nylon to pick out the clothes for the day.


    ****


    After taking a shower, I got dressed in a floral gown and was on my way downstairs, everyone was at the dining table except my parents. Did they leave? Or maybe they were still resting after the long day yesterday. Mrs Emerton noticed how confused I was so she sighed.


    ¡°Your parents had an emergency, they had to leave the country but they¡¯ll be back soon.¡±


    She dropped with a reassuring smile at the end.


    ¡°They left without telling me?¡± I was a little hurt. Not little. Very hurt. Not even a note?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry dear, they left a bag and some money. They promised to call youter, but had to leave very quickly.¡± Mr Emerton said I exhaled grabbing what I needed. This sucked. This sucked.


    I left most of my books in my locker for which I was thankful.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, I¡¯ll eat something during lunch hour at school.¡±


    I offered a sad smile, not to sound ungrateful.


    ¡°Dn dear, be so kind as to drop Cam at school.¡± His mom ordered.


    He groaned a little bit standing up nheless as we got out of the house.


    Sadly, toplete his whole bad boy look he refused to get a car so he only owned a motorcycle. He handed me a helmet as I got on holding him tightly giving me a chance to inhale his cologne before he drove off. What happened to not been seen together? Noints from this side though.


    ******


    My joy was short-lived. I enjoyed clinging to him, getting a constant whiff of his cologne, but Dn had another trick up his sleeves.


    He stopped a few Meters away from school. I got up from the motorcycle. Of course, he drops me where no one can see us.


    ¡°I know, no one can know we live together,¡± I repeated, rolling my eyes.


    ¡°Great.¡± He beamed as I started to walk away.


    The minute I got to school, I went straight to my locker getting the books I needed for the day.


    I felt a warm pair of hands hold my waist and nuzzle around my ear.


    ¡°Hey, baby.¡± He whispered. I knew that voice all too well. His presence made me recall the incident once more.


    ¡°Hey, sweetheart.¡±


    He added as I turned and ced my hands on his neck.


    Meet Kyle. You might already be suspicious, but I¡¯ll confirm by saying he¡¯s my boyfriend. Two years and still going strong or whatever they say.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about yesterday.¡± He apologized and I sighed. He didn¡¯t need to bring that up, I¡¯m trying to forget


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault.¡±


    We were texting when the house caught on fire, you know the rest¡­


    ¡°Do you have anywhere to stay?¡± He asked tenderly. I gulped, meeting his intense gaze. What do I do? I can¡¯t spill Dn¡¯s story, not because I¡¯m scared, but Kyle wouldn¡¯t understand.


    ¡°Yeah we do, my dad friend¡¯s ce.¡± Well, that wasn¡¯t a total lie, more like a partial truth.


    ¡°But I am sorry,e on let¡¯s get to ss.¡± I mmed my locker in response as we held hands on our way to ss. d he dropped that, one crisis averted, for now. Knowing Kyle, he¡¯ll want to know more shortly. Very near future.


    ¡°Cam¡­¡± Dn called behind me. What the?


    I swear his voice made me freeze, I stood on an edge, dead in my tracks, and unable to react. He¡¯s talking to me? Calling my name even?


    We¡¯ve attended the same school since junior high, he barely utters one word to me even though we have over three sses together, now he¡¯s yelling my name in the halls? Murder me now. It was his dumb idea not to get noticed, wasn¡¯t it? I mentally smack myself across the face before turning to meet Kyle. Of course, his brows were knitted in confusion, he had that ¡°Exin now¡± look. I¡¯m so doomed.


    ¡°Who¡¯s he?¡± Kyle asks, tugging me towards himself. He knew exactly who Dn was. Everyone did. He meant ¡°Who the fuck is he to call your name like that?¡± The same question I was asking myself. We should both ask Dn.


    ¡°I¡¯m nobody actually but then again, I am the guy who saw her butt naked yesterday but still nobody.¡±


    He replied with a sly grin. My jaw dropped, he did not just spout out the rubbish. I wished the ground would just open up and swallow me. Kyle had a murderous look, not to mention the glint of betrayal in his eyes. How do I exin this to him? It¡¯s easier if Dn was ying a nasty prank, telling lies, but it¡¯s true.


    The environment turns noisy. I can hear everyone whispering things about me. Most of them are nasty. They¡¯re saying ¡°I¡¯m just his next catch.¡± He¡¯ll get bored of me. There¡¯s nothing special yet he¡¯s craving my body.


    Ugh. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. I know for a fact everyone wants Dn. His perfect jawline, always styled hair and the back boy aura he has going on.


    It¡¯s going to turn out a very interesting day today.


    Oh fuck me.


    ****

 Chapter 3 The Calm Before The Storm

    **CAMILLA**All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I was dumbstruck at his words, my lips could barely mumble a reply. Even if I wanted to, who would I reply to first? Dn shamelessly yelled my name from afar, getting the attention of anyone who cared to look, and they were a lot due to his poprity, or should I reply to my boyfriend first? He¡¯s curious to know why Dn Emerton saw me butt naked, literally.


    I just want to crawl into a hole then disappear. I¡¯m so confused.


    Kyle¡¯s hands disengaged from mine, forcing me to make a headstart on my decision. He¡¯s hurt. I turned back and met . the look of pain and hurt on his face. I turned again shooting a massive re at Dn, he replied with a smirk as he strode away. That¡¯s his n? Chaos? Disrupt my quiet and peaceful life. He didn¡¯t want or need anything except to make me seem like aplete fool in front of my boyfriend, now he¡¯s left a huge mess, but Dn doesn¡¯t care. It¡¯s all fun and games for him. Nothing more than that.


    ¡°Tell me he¡¯s lying.¡±


    His voice shook me, bouncing me out of my internal rant and thoughts of revenge. I never meant to hurt Kyle. It was a genuine mistake, but Kyle would not hear the end of it, he wouldn¡¯t believe me even if I spoke nothing but the truth, not to mention he was on the verge of losing it.


    I¡¯ve never seen him this angry. In two years, this was the first time he couldn¡¯t meet my gaze. It hurt more than I expected.


    ¡°Kyle, I can exin please,¡± I said, it sounded stupidly cliche, but I couldn¡¯t figure out anything else other than a plea in a bit to pacify him. It backfired, he scoffed and my words only seemed to rile him up.


    ¡°Tell me he¡¯s lying.¡±


    He raised his voice a little and I shuddered.


    ¡°Cami.¡± He called out, eyes watering, hands shaking by his side, he let out another scoff, then ran a few fingers through his hair and out. I was going to lose him. I¡¯ll lose him except I say something.


    ¡°My dad had no other option but to live with the Emerton. We were devastated, confused, frightened, and extremely tired after the fire. When Mr Emerton offered help, we took it. I didn¡¯t know it was then until we were in the car, I couldn¡¯t oppose or put my ridiculous feelings first. I had toply. I got there, we didn¡¯t see each other, I went upstairs, took off my clothes for a shower to get the stench of fire off my skin, When I walked out, I tied the towel across my chest, he appeared out of nowhere, I didn¡¯t know he stood behind me, the towel just slips and he saw my naked butt, only for like three seconds I swear.¡±


    Once again, I told a partial truth to cover my ass and not add gasoline to a fire. We¡¯ve had too many of those recently. If Kyle thinks it was a mutual mistake, he may not probe further. I hope he doesn¡¯t. Sincerely. My head is spinning and it isn¡¯t even first period yet.


    ¡°He saw you naked.¡± He stated in a low tone. That¡¯s all he picked? Not naked-naked. Just my butt. Surely I didn¡¯t say those to him.


    ¡°I know, it¡¯ll never happen again I swear.¡± I caressed his cheeks and he groaned. Please drop this.


    ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll stay away from him.¡±


    He pleaded, reaching for my hand, inching closer. I gulped and thought of it.


    ¡°Dn and I have no business at all, the second we get our house back, I¡¯m out of there so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    I gulped. ¡°He said promise¡­¡±


    My subconscious added. I shook my head knowing exactly what I did. Avoid and evade. I don¡¯t make promises I¡¯m certain that I won¡¯t keep. Even if I tried, the truth remains; I can¡¯t stay away from Dn. I just hope Kyle doesn¡¯t get hurt in the crossfire.


    ¡°Ok.¡± He muttered slowly cing his lips on mine. The short kisssted a few seconds, then he pulled away and slung his arm over my shoulder. Maybe it¡¯s due to the fight we just had, but it felt dry. I¡¯m having a headache. It¡¯s not even Monday.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get to ss,¡± I whispered holding his hand. He seemed hesitant but grabbed mine as we walked to ss.


    ******

 Chapter 4 More Than Meets The Eye

    **CAMILLA**


    sses went great except for the fact that Kyle was being extra all through. I get the fact that he¡¯s my boyfriend, I¡¯m all his and all, but after the encounter with Dn, a switch in his head tunned up a bit. For instance, he was being overprotective. I liked guys marking their territory, but not in excess. I¡¯m not a caged dog.


    He refused to let me out of his sight for even a second and he was driving me nuts, not to mention shooting death res at guys, most of them who were my friends and simply wanted to say hi. It was bing annoying, I tried to understand his fears, but I might snap any moment from now. I just can¡¯t with him.


    Thankfully, it was lunch break and I headed to the cafeteria, he trailed behind. I stopped abruptly, turning around to re at him. Kyle doesn¡¯t eat lunch ny per cent of times with me. He¡¯s busy with practice for his extra curricr activities. It gets choking sometimes with him, so lunch break is my time. He¡¯s taking that away as well.


    ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable,¡± I said with a scoff. Yup, this is me snapping.


    ¡°What did I do?¡± He feigned ignorance and I red harder.


    ¡°You¡¯re watching over me like a hawk, you¡¯ve refused to let me out of your site, you¡¯re shooting death res at my friends, not to mention brooding like some sick dude. It¡¯s freaking annoying and you know it!¡±


    I resisted the urge to poke his chest in front of all these people.


    ¡°In other words,  I¡¯m being a good boyfriend?¡±


    He was ying cute. Terrific.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re being a jealous freak.¡±


    I emphasized the fifth word with a sigh. I¡¯m trying hard not to hurt him.


    ¡°Babe, I¡¯m yours.¡± I smoothened myst statement, reaching up to peck his lips since he was very much taller.


    ¡°Yours and no one else¡¯s. The thing with Dn was a mistake and it will never happen again. Please believe me and trust me.¡±


    He sighed.


    ¡°Alright.¡± He yielded, crashing his lips on mine.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get something to eat.¡± I offered with a small smile. We¡¯re here after all.


    The Cafeteria of Kingston high was fairlyrge with enough space for people to seat freely, though they preferred seating in groups with most of their friends. Never quite understood that concept, probably because I¡¯m not the social kind.


    I sat with Kyle asionally and we would eat our lunch together. I didn¡¯t make any girlfriends because they all usually care about fashion and clothing which I have no business with, so Kyle was enough for me any day.


    We ate in silence until something extremely weird urred. A junior walked to our table passing me a note, I furrowed my brows in confusion, wiping my lips. Kyle was gazing intently, watching me as I opened the note to read. Please don¡¯t be what I think it is.


    ¡°Come eat lunch with me. You know who.¡±


    I do know who. Fucking Dn. What¡¯s his deal? Ignore me for years, order me not to act differently now that we¡¯re together, then gives me a huge surge of attention shortly afterwards. Bipr much?


    I squeezed the note in my fists, the nerve of him. He hasn¡¯t said a word to me in years and suddenly a freak ident makes us housemates and he decides to annoy me. Kyle noticed my mood changed, his eyes darted to my hand where the note stayed, I ced it in my bag, focusing on my food.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Kyle asks tenderly.


    ¡°Fine,¡± I responded coldly. I suddenly lost my appetite, grabbed my things and got out of the cafeteria.


    I knew he shouldn¡¯t affect me but he still does and it scares me. I knew I hurt Kyle but I just couldn¡¯t face him, the guilt was eating me up badly. I avoided everyone throughout the rest of the day and when it was time for closing, I got the books I needed, mmed my locker and got ready to leave. My phone beeped and Dn texted, I hadn¡¯t even given him my number and I didn¡¯t even want to fathom how he got it.


    ¡°Meet me at the same spot, I¡¯ll drop you off.¡± it read and I scoffed. I ignored his text figuring that I¡¯ll rather walk than let him toy me around. I was about to leave when I sighted Kyle at the end of the hallway, his cheeks were flushed and his eyes held sadness. It took everything in me to ignore him and walk away. I needed time alone to myself else I¡¯ll hurt him even more.


    ****


    My feet were soiled from walking. I shut the door behind me slumping as I got into the house, I jumped in fright as Dn sat on the couch waiting for me.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I waited for you.¡± He gritted his teeth annoyed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need you to drop me off anymore, I can walk,¡± I replied, clearly not phased.


    ¡°I invited you for lunch, you stood me up and now you don¡¯t want me to drop me off. I don¡¯t know what crazy game you¡¯re ying but don¡¯t test me.¡± He warned and I scoffed.


    Don¡¯t test me? What am I? Five? I¡¯m not a kid, you¡¯re not my father. You¡¯re no one, Dn. We don¡¯t have anything going on nor do we know each other. We¡¯re sadly forced to live under the same roof, the connection ends there.


    His eyes narrowed down at me. Why can¡¯t I keep my mouth shut?


    ¡°Why do I feel like there¡¯s more to you and me than you¡¯re letting on?¡±


    He asks causing my breathing to hitch. I talk a lot, now he¡¯s going to probe. He can¡¯t know. He mustn¡¯t.


    ******

 Chapter 5 A Monster In The House

    **CAMILLA**


    In the next few seconds, he had taken a few steps forward and gripped my hand. In shock, I gasped and wriggled, he held me tighter, and reached for the other, pulling me forward, so I ended up fully in his grip.


    This was the guy I¡¯m supposed to stay away from? As I said, that wouldn¡¯t be possible.


    I cleared my throat, trying to break free from his grip. He wants me to say something, lose my head and voice out so he could smirk in victory. No. I will not give him that much victory.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    He called in a soft tone. I forgot my decision of merely three seconds ago as my insides were melting into goo at the sound of his voice.


    He might have forgotten what happened but I relive it every day, I Try to forget but it seems impossible and being so close to him brings all the feelings back in full force. I can¡¯t let him get into my head again, I¡¯m  in love with Kyle and not frocking around with another guy. This is wrong. I can¡¯t. I shouldn¡¯t.


    I stomped on his foot. Hard. I channelled all the emotions I was feeling so it¡¯ll hurt and it did. He recoiled in pain and I utilized the opportunity running out of the living room without looking back, I took the flight of stairs upstairs, reached the far end of the hallway and ran into mine.


    My heart was threatening to jump out of its rib cage, my skin was still tingling from his touch, and my head was filled with memories. This isn¡¯t good.


    ¡°No¡­¡± I muttered crawling to the ground.


    ¡°No matter what, I have to stay away from him, I can¡¯t let myself get caught up.¡±


    I warned. I made  up my mind. I have a boyfriend who I need to concentrate on and I won¡¯t get distracted by Dn for much longer.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I took off my clothes, loosing my hair in need of a cold shower, I didn¡¯t know how long I would spend in there, but I just wanted him out of my head. For good preferably.


    ****


    My body was damp after dabbling over the wet spots with a towel when I stepped out of shower. I proceeded to changing into casual clothes and resting in my room, maybe texting on my phone until there¡¯s evidence of someone else in this house to avoid being along with you know who.


    I picked up my phone only to see at least twenty missed calls all from Kyle. Right. I did leave it on silent. I sighed. If I don¡¯t call back now he¡¯ll run mad.


    I dialed his number back, waiting for him to answer.


    ¡°Babe. I¡±m sorry. I knew I acted stupid today and I was crazy and insecure but I just didn¡¯t wanna loose you.¡±


    He spoke out. He sniffed and my heart softened. I¡¯m the one to apologise for treating him like an absolute jerk yet he¡¯s doing it all for me. How did I get someone like him? Yet I¡¯m letting someone else touch me.


    ¡°Kyle, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. I was not myself today and I transferred my aggression to you and I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m the one at fault. Not you.¡±


    I apologized and I heard his relief sigh, he¡¯s scared of losing me and I know it. I¡¯m scared of him losing me as well. I¡¯m scared of myself in all honesty. That sounds poorly constructed, it makes it seems as if I¡¯m not scared of losing him.


    I breathed. Enough thoughts for today. I¡¯m so stressed out.


    ¡°So you mean you¡¯re not angry with me, we¡¯re okay?¡±


    I forgot about Kyle being on the phone with it until he pops that question as a way to reassure himself. I nod my head in response forgetting I was on the phone with him. He sounded so vulnerable.


    ¡°Yes we¡¯re okay.¡±


    I answer after a while. For how long? I asked myself afterwards.


    ¡± I love you so much.¡±


    He mouths and I could tell he was sincere.


    Usually, in a second I would tell him I love him more but the words wouldn¡¯te out.


    ¡°Love you.¡±


    I responded with a slight chuckle.


    ¡°You must be tired, I¡¯ll call youter.¡± I nodded my head again before hitting myself on the face.


    ¡°Alright. I replied and he hung up.¡±


    Iid on the bed thinking of Kyle and how sweet he is and then there¡¯s Dn who¡¯s arrogant, rude and crazy. The direct opposite of what I want in a boyfriend yet I just can¡¯t seem to get him off my mind after all this time. I heard a soft knock on my door. I stood up praying it wasn¡¯t Dn, I was in no mood to talk to him tonight.


    ¡°Dear are you up?¡± I heard Mrs Emerton ask from the other side of the door.


    ¡°Yes I¡¯m up.¡± I replied clearing my throat.


    ¡°My husband and I are going out for dinner in a few minutes, I was wondering if you want anything sweetie?¡± She ask bringing a smile to my face. I open the door to face her.


    ¡°No ma¡¯am, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me ma¡¯am.¡± I chuckled and she smiled.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll be backter but you shouldn¡¯t stay in your room all day, it¡¯s not good considering all you¡¯ve been through. Come out. Dn is in the theater, you should join him and watch a movie.¡± She suggested and I gulped.


    ¡± No, It¡¯s alright. I¡¯m fine.¡± I tried to reject politely. I was trying to avoid him not get in close spaces even more.


    ¡°Nonsense. Dn!¡± She called out. As if on cue, he appeared secondster.


    ¡°You and Cami go watch a movie, your dad and I are going out.¡± Shemanded in a firm tone.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you in doors all day, live a little.¡± She pecked my cheeks before turning away to leave.


    ¡°Come on, theater is this way.¡± He walked ahead, I hesitantly trailed behind him. No snarkyments? Maybe he¡¯s waiting for his mom and dad to leavepletely. Of course.


    The room wasn¡¯t well illuminated but there was a big screen in the middle, Dn was watching an action movie already.


    ¡°Any choices?¡± I shook my head deciding to watch whatever he wanted.


    ¡°Alright.¡± He went back to his seat, munching on some popcorn. None at all? He was acting majorly weird.


    We watched the movie in silence, the only sound was the one from the movie and the asional tapping of my foot. Finally, the movie ended and Dn got up to change the movie. It started and I realised it wasn¡¯t action theme. It was a horror movie. I think I¡¯ve heard this one amongst the girls in school bbing about how romantic it was with their boyfriends. The movie was titled ¡°IT¡± .


    The movie began. I closed my eyes at the scary part shrieking. Dn turned to nce at me, feeling his eyes on my skin, I fluttered them open to meet his smirking.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny.¡± I eximed and he chuckled.


    ¡°Scardy cat.¡± He emphasized and I groaned.


    Suddenly, the lights went off totally and the movie stopped.


    ¡°Dn.¡± I called out, suddenly scared.


    Just then, they came back on but Dn wasn¡¯t in his seat anymore.


    ¡°Ugh!.¡± I heard a scream behind me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t eat me!¡± I yelled shielding my face. He startedughing. It was Dn. I opened my eyes to see Dn holding a remote andughing his ass off.


    ¡°Don¡¯t eat me.¡± He mocked. I thought of various scenerio and they all ended with me standing over his cold dead body. He¡¯s dead. I got up with all intentions of ending him.


    ****

 Chapter 6 Kyle

    **CAMILLA**


    I jumped on him, the goal was to try to pin him down. He kept giggling, due to my indirect tickling, or it could turn out as my advances and actions were amusing to Dn. Thetter fits his personality better. I got more annoyed and threw punches on every part of his body that I could.


    ¡°Say you¡¯re sorry.¡±


    Imanded, this was tiring, but I didn¡¯t want to back down without securing anything for myself.


    Instead of apologising as I asked, he chuckled, His stupid dreamy eyes twinkling with excitement. What did I say a second ago?


    My eyes shifted from his and to the position we were in. I was straddling him and his hands were extremely close to my ass. That exins his excitement and eagerness not to leave anytime soon.


    I blushed furiously, trying to get off him, he only pushed back and our faces were almost touching. I gulped trying to keep my eyes off his lips. Don¡¯t give into temptation. This is what he wants. To push me into making a move then make a big deal about itter on. Don¡¯t Cami. Just stand up and run in the other direction. Think about Kyle. Think about his feelings.


    I shook my head and kept my gaze on those lips, if I just leaned in a little bit, I would taste them. Giving into temptation, I scotched closer about to fuse our lips together when I heard the garage open. It gave me the reality check I needed to know that his parents were back, aside from that I had a boyfriend, Dn was a yer and this was a recipe for destruction.


    I pushed him off me with all the strength I had, wiped my face with my sweaty palms and ran out of the room, the nearest flight of stairs and went straight into my room.


    In my safe haven, I ced my palm against my fast beating heart, trying to calm it down.


    I was going to risk it all back there? For Dn?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡± I mumbled, the room was spinning and my head was hurting. Dn doesn¡¯t remember what happened that night. He just wants to have sex with me and brag about it to his friends and I can¡¯t have him affect me or break his way into my heart. Iid on my bed, closing my eyes, forcing myself to go to sleep.


    ****


    The next morning, The sun rays shone brightly, I rubbed my eyelids, yawning a little tired from the events of the previous day.


    I assume everyone let me sleep since I didn¡¯t receive a call fromst night till now. I stayed in my room and didn¡¯t bother going downstairs for dinner making me extra hungry.


    Mrs. Emerton said to leave my clothes in aundry basket for the washing machine, so all I had to do was get ready for school and have Dn drop me off.


    I didn¡¯t think I¡¯d want to be holding onto his abs everyday for weeks or months or how long it takes to get a new house. I figured I would walk or save up and get a car or maybe his dad could drop me off if it isn¡¯t too much trouble. I went through the clothes they got me picking a white shirt and a blue jeans, I went with snickers to match the whole week day look. I wasn¡¯t able to get any home work done. I just hoped the teachers wouldn¡¯t mind. I hung my bag on my shoulder and walked out of the room, extremely hungry. I walked downstairs slowly. They were all eating pancakes including Dn, I brushed past him and his eyes stayed on my back until I took a seat across him. I felt him trail me up till I sat down, of course I didn¡¯t dare look across and meet his waiting gaze. That¡¯s what he wants. To make me crumble under him, prove he¡¯s the alpha male. He just loves messing with people. Messing with me. No more.


    ¡°Good Morning everyone.¡±


    I say quietly taking my breakfast. So far, so good. I assume not if Dn has something to say about it.


    ¡°Morning dear, hope you slept well?¡±


    His mom asked, I nodded in response, eating in silence.


    After a few pancakes, I got up to walk to school. I needed to leave early if I wanted to get there before first period.


    ¡°I am off to school.¡± I said, they both gave me weird looks before his dad spoke up.


    ¡°Dn can drop you off dear, you can¡¯t walk to school.¡±


    ¡°Of course I can.¡± I replied with a yful chuckle but they didn¡¯t see convinced.


    ¡°Dn, what did you say to her?¡±


    His dad asks after my weirdugh. Shit. He¡¯s clearly suspicious or he knows how poorly his son can treat women, maybe a bit of both.


    ¡°Nothing. Dn didn¡¯t do anything, I just want to walk, it seems funny.¡±


    From the looks on their faces, I could tell they didn¡¯t believe me. At all.


    ¡°I understand you feel the need to be alone dear, but Dn can drop you off and if he tries anything you can tell us and I¡¯ll personally kill him.¡±


    His mom says with a sweet smile.


    ¡°Alright.¡± I give in running out of excuses. If I pushed it any further, I¡¯ll be the topic of discussion. I¡¯d just keep quiet and avoid small talks with him, ride to school and nothing else.


    ¡°Take care dear.¡± I waved them goodbye, exiting the house with Dn behind me.


    He mounted on his bike, I followed and he drove me off to school.


    I tried as much as I could to avoid contact with him but it was either I hold him tight or I fall off the bike. I piked the first option and tried not to get memerized by his cologne or let the sweet scent cloud my judgement and decision concerning my next steps.


    Then, I noticed the school was in sight and he wasn¡¯t stopping like the previous day. He was getting closer to the red zone, any student could stroll pass and catch me on his bike. Did he forget?


    ¡°Dn what are you doing?¡±


    I ask as he drove on. We neared the premises and Dn wawnt pulling over.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°Dn, someone might see us together.¡±


    I raised my voice but he seemed deaf or he didn¡¯t care? What happened to talks of his reputation and how thedies will react ovxe we¡¯re caught together? What the fuck is he thinking?


    Just then, we arrived as the parking lot, I was holding onto him tight . He took off his helmet and all eyes were literally on us. I had just arrived at school with the bad boy, a position girls would die to be in, some might even kill. After this, thatst word might be my fate. I dare look around and the girls are ring as the guys checked me out probably thinking I was new catch, wondering what Dn saw in me then debating on taking me next since his girls were usually the best, their words not mine.


    From the corner of my eyes, I sighted Kyle. My heart ripped in shreds.


    He stood at the corner in the hallway, he looked directly at Dn then back at me, pressed his lips into a thin line, realization shed in his eyes, his hurt eyes. Then, he shook his head sadly, lowered it, turned around then walked away without a single word. I got off the bike, red at Dn and ran inside to try and save my rtionship. Even I won¡¯t forget myself in a situation such as this. Why does Dn keep searching for ways to ruin my life? Currently Kyle is upset and the entire school is unravelling. This will not end well for any of us.


    ****

 Chapter 7 Killing Dylan

    **CAMILLA**


    In the midst of everything, I thought quick and acted fast. The first thing I did was control the situation, Dn had the narrative since everyone looked up to him and the lies he had to tell.


    I got off the bike immediately, brushing past the students which had just gathered to watch the scene ying out in front of them, they enjoyed it more than dance parties or prom night, especially on issues concerning the school nerd and the yer. Take about a dynamic duo not to mention the power couple of the Century.


    If only I gave two shits about them, their thoughts, or words. I didn¡¯t.


    I had bigger fishes to fry, more important things on my mind, I was strictly on the verge of losing him.


    I ran towards Kyle who was running in the opposite direction, trying to get as far away from me as humanly possible. With good reasons, his girlfriend now lives with a guy who has a record of screwing half the girls in the school, he saw her butt naked, and the day after she arrived clinging to him on a damn bike. That sounds awful.


    ¡°Kyle, wait please.¡±


    I begged, either he wasn¡¯t a fast walker, or he truly didn¡¯t want to run away. I caught up to him in no time, reached out and held his arm.


    ¡°I get it, I¡¯m not as popr as him or maybe as handsome, but I thought you wouldn¡¯t fall for him, I thought you would be mine. I forced myself to think and believe that you¡¯re mine, you¡¯re different even though I knew he¡¯d have his way.¡± I sensed the pain behind his words and it was my fault. Well mostly Dn for being an ass and a jerk at once, but I can¡¯t tell him that. I¡¯m acting like the bigger person.


    ¡°Kyle, it¡¯s nothing like that. He¡¯s just dropping me off. That¡¯s all that happened, he¡¯s just being Dn and trying to cause a scene, make something up where there¡¯s none, I swear nothing happened and nothing will happen.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to drop you a block away or something?¡±


    Kyle turned around and threw at my face. Yup. That¡¯s what we agreed on. Dn must have woken up and threw those things out as well.


    ¡°I swear, I have no idea why he did this and I don¡¯t care Kyle, I want you. Not him. It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    I reached out for his arm which he brushed off almost immediately. It stung.


    I sniffled and went in for a second trail, I seeded in gaining contact for a split second, he pushed me off this time. My heart sunk.


    Kyle. Please. My heart bled, begging within myself as we stood in the hallway.


    ¡°Kyle please.¡± I mouthed on the outside, barely able to hold the tears in.


    ¡°Look me in the eyes Cami and tell me you don¡¯t want him or have the tiniest feelings for him and I¡¯ll forget about everything. I can read your eyes, everything may seem crazy, but they can¡¯t lie of deceive me.¡± He said.


    I froze staring at him trying to form the words. Cat got my tongue.


    ¡°Hesitation.¡± He whispered, audible enough for our hearing and ours alone.


    I shuddered and pressed my lips before closing my eyes. I felt that stung again.


    Before any other exchange, he turned his entire body towards the ss rooms then walked away.


    What¡¯s worse?, I couldn¡¯t reach out nor do a single thing in trying to stop there. I stood at that spot staring nkly into space. Which brings the question;


    ¡°Did Kyle just break up with me?¡± I ask no one in particr rooted to the spot.


    It took a while. Minutes passed. The students murmured as they brushed past the statue in the hall. This who witnessed the exchange between Kyle and I struggled to hide their satisfaction, those who didn¡¯t made such topensate with Dn and I. I¡¯m a mess.


    Not sure how much time passed, but I gained myposure and managed to move to my locker, I hadn¡¯t done any projects or assignment and now Kyle left me all because of Dn. He didn¡¯t break up, break up, but his bodynguage was it. I hurt him. I hurt us.


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t I just say I didn¡¯t want him.¡± I muttered then pped myself across the cheek. I exhaled and checked my face in the mirror about to shut the lockers.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I gulped.


    He was right behind me, uttering those words straight into my ears.


    The fucking nerve.


    I spinned around. He had a fucking smirk over his cheeks, we were close enough for me to inhale his sweet musk. Bad idea.


    I pushed him off me, he barely bulged, but I pped him hard. Good thing no one was in the hallway to see. Wait, that¡¯s a bad thing. I need everyone to know how badly this imbecile disgusts me. They need to stop creating silly sceneries in their head.


    ¡°Is everything a sick game to you!¡± I fired noticing the much evident smirk on his cheeks.


    He hummed nonchntly and I nearly break into sobs.


    ¡°You said no one should know we live together, you¡¯ll drop me off at a distance. I agreed. I didn¡¯t have anyints regardless of the inconvenience it¡¯ll bring to me. After that¡¯s settled, you decided to go out of your way to do something else entirely. Just for augh? Is this what it is? What I am? A sick joke? Source of amusement? If it is, I didn¡¯t find any of it funny. You don¡¯t even have a clue what it cost me. None!¡±


    I raised a finger at him fuming with anger.


    ¡°In fact I do.. Yes I do. I just saved myself from being grounded by my parents when you tell them I don¡¯t drop you off at school.¡±


    His response was without care almost like he skipped half of what I said and moved to the final part.


    ¡°Seriously!¡±


    If he knew how furious I was in this moment, he¡¯d choose those words carefully and not test me for much longer.


    ¡°This is unbelievable. That¡¯s soemthing people say in moments such as these, but when I think about it, it¡¯s not. Not at all. You only care about yourself. That¡¯s not surprisingly, it¡¯s a well known fact. You only think about yourself when making a decision, just as you did in this one. You didn¡¯t stop to think how I would feel about it, did you? Hell no. You and I both know I would¡¯ve never reported you, you did it because you think you¡¯re a freaking King, you acted like I was one of your girls , you presented me in front of the whole school to fuel your stupid ego. I¡¯ll say this once and clear, stay the fuck away from me. We might live together but that doesn¡¯t mean we should speak.¡± I mmed my locker in fury, stomping my feet against the tiles while heading towards ss.


    My fists were shaking, all I saw was red and I just wanted to p him repeatedly. I can¡¯t believe Kyle left. Technically, he didn¡¯t say we¡¯re over but I feel as though even if we did get back together our love life will never be the same. Dn was just one of those passing guys, I shouldn¡¯t even remember what happened between us I mean he doesn¡¯t so why couldn¡¯t I just tell that to Kyle, why do I have to be so fucking stupid.


    ¡°Miss Renee.¡± The teacher called out, snapping me out of my thoughts. When did I get here again? One minute I was in the hallway, the next I¡¯m already seated. Get a grip Cami. This is what he wants. Don¡¯t give him the bragging rights or ruining your day.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡± I replied curtly.


    ¡°I was just teaching on the English revolution and you seemed not to be paying attention, maybe a day in detention would clear you head.¡± I frowned as she wrote me a paper.


    ¡°Just great.¡± I mumbled as the bell was rung. ss ended? Terrific.


    I got my bag and walked out of ss sluggishly. It was recess period and I just wanted to sneak out of school and go home. I knew I couldn¡¯t so I sufficed to resting in an empty ss to cote my thoughts. I closed my locker shut, trying to keep my bnce and not copse. Three girls appeared out of nowhere. They folded their arms throwing res at me


    ¡°Hey Bitch.¡± The one in the center spat out, she walked towards me and before I could say ¡°Jack¡± her hands connected with my cheeks.


    ¡°First warning, there wouldn¡¯t be a second. It¡¯ll be actions that are far worse than this. Stay away from Dn Emerton.¡± She warned. As if they were on cue, the remaining two spinned around throwing mean nces at me before trailing behind her.


    Hol¡¯up. Hold it. I clenched my teeth. That did not just happen. It didn¡¯t.


    I¡¯ll kill him. I¡¯ll kill Dn.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ******


    Thoughts on the book so far? Drop ament, I¡¯d love to hear what you think.

 Chapter 8 He Wants Her

    **CAMILLA**


    It was my way of gaining a sense of control if any still existed. Get a grip on my anger or quench it at least. Either way, I¡¯m going to kill him with my bare hands, I¡¯ll squeeze that stupid neck of his till it snaps then breaks. I¡¯ll choke him until he gasps for air, he won¡¯t be able to breathe and even then I won¡¯t feel pity nor stop for a damn thing. He¡¯ll pay for doing this. I¡¯ll multiply the pain I¡¯m in ten folds before serving it on his te.


    I didn¡¯t do anything. Not to him at least. Sure I wrong a whole bunch of other people, just not him. Why does he intend on ruining my life?


    Fuck. I¡¯m so mad. Enough talk, it¡¯s time for action. He¡¯s dead. Dn is dead.


    I knew where he was. The fucking ser pitch. That¡¯s where I¡¯m headed to. I don¡¯t give two shits who overhears or how they take the news. Hell the entire school can figure out we live together, I don¡¯t care. He made those rules then broke them, it¡¯s no bother if I do so myself. He¡¯s not the only one who decides which, when and how many rules to follow.


    The ser team spends their recess period in the pitch practising before heading towards the locker room. It was well known.


    yer. I meant that both literally and figuratively.


    He was damn good at it as well, if only his attitude could tune down a bit. Ugh.


    Being the star quarterback, I knew he would be there though, I wasn¡¯t sure if he was practising or not. I was prepared to wait because I¡¯m fuming with anger. If it gets the better of me and I¡¯m unable to contain it, I¡¯ll storm in there and give him a piece of my mind, then I¡¯ll repeat what his stupid girlfriend for the day or week if she¡¯s a lucky one did.


    I¡¯ll p him silly. I swear to the heavens I will.


    My face stung from the p that girl gave me and Dn was gonna be at the receiving end of my anger. I knew I had screamed at him this morning but that was before ¡°this¡± happened.


    Quickening my pace, I reached the locker room in no time. Guess what? They all finished practice minutes ago then hit the shower. Also, guess¡­ I¡¯ll wait. I can wait. No escaping on this day. He¡¯ll face my wrath one way or another.


    While waiting, my heavy heart was slowly calming. I was still furious at him, just not raving any longer.


    It¡¯s true people think better with a clear head. Before long, It hit me that while I was clouded with my anger of killing Dn, pping him, and making him pay for all he did, I failed to acknowledge something else.


    I was stupid in fact. It skipped my mind that he would not be the only oneing in. The ser team consisted of over twenty young high school students.


    I did not think this through. Still, time to salvage this before it turns into a worse nightmare.


    I tried to stand up. Tried. That¡¯s the keyword.


    Before I could fix the terrible choice I had just made, the door burst open and they rushed in. Talk about wrong timing. This can¡¯t be happening.


    I turned and shielded my face. Stupid. But what could I do?


    I¡¯ve been caught. Very embarrassing. Oh, ground please swallow me now.


    I peaked at the same time one of them noticed me thus alerting a few others. I gulped. Shit.


    ¡°Whose chick is this?¡± He asked with a full smirk stered on his face. I got up and moved back as the rest of them trailed their eyes on my body.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°Dn.¡± I stuttered needing saving. Strangely, his name was the first to pop into my head. I pick him over a dozen serers.


    I thought he didn¡¯t hear me and I was doomed until he emerged from the rest of them. He moved in front of me shirtless, standing face to face with his teammates. I gulped in admiration at his bareback, perfectly sculpted by the almighty. He was indeed breathtaking.


    ¡°Stay away.¡± He gritted his teeth harshly, like a lioness protecting its cub.


    They all moved back immediately. A few of them jokingly raised their arms in surrender.


    ¡°She¡¯s sexy though.¡± I heard one of themment, they moved towards the lockers to get dressed. I moved my eyes away deciding to focus on Dn, it was much worse, my eyes were glued on his abs, and I gulped again unable to look away.


    ¡°Are you gonna say something or stare all day?¡± Hisment snapped me out of my trance. I shifted my view upwards until I was faced with him.


    His face was glistening with water, it trailed to his neck and his whole body, and I almost forgot why I was here. Almost.


    I put up the coldest look I could muster.


    ¡°Tell your girlfriend you and I aren¡¯t a thing because the next time she even dares to touch me, I¡¯ll retaliate.¡± I spat out, my voice hard andmanding.


    ¡°What girlfriend?¡± He retorted. Dn feigning denial making me even more furious.


    ¡°Because of your little stunt, Kyle and I are having problems and your sick girlfriend dared to p me.¡± My tone clearly showed how annoyed I was at this moment. He didn¡¯t. At first, he looked genuinely confused then slightly confused, but the seconds those words were out of my mouth, they turned into something else.


    His face showed excitement and then he smirked.


    ¡°Here¡¯s the thing Cami, I¡¯m going to say this in the most rtable way possible, the first part that is while being very honest, about Kyle, I can¡¯t say I feel bad, I don¡¯t want you dating anyone.¡±


    His words rang in my ear, I red up. I didn¡¯t hear him. Who was he? My Father. Even he doesn¡¯t restrict me from dating. Did he fall? Hit his head maybe?


    ¡°You¡¯ve lost it haven¡¯t you?¡± I asked choking on a light chuckle. It must be.


    ¡°Nope.¡± He replied popping the ¡°P¡±


    ¡°And about the other part, as I said, I don¡¯t have one, a girlfriend that is. Whoever imed to be or introduced herself as is merely caught up in the Dn awesomeness, but I do not have a girlfriend. It¡¯s my sole belief that rtionships are for sick losers, you don¡¯t look like one, a sore loser that is which is why you should be happy that yours is about to end. I expect a thank you for helping elerate the process, the only thing I did was bring the future here. I¡¯d take that thank you now.¡±


    The fucking nerve!


    ¡°Firstly, I think you are crazy. Secondly, my rtionship with Kyle isn¡¯t ending any time soon because we will sort ourselves out. Thirdly, if she isn¡¯t your girlfriend then why would she and her minions tell me to stay away from you when nothing is going on and she wouldn¡¯t be suspicious if you hadn¡¯t done your stupid stunt.¡± I finished then crossed my arms across my chest.


    It¡¯s funny how his teammates peaked from the corner.


    ¡°Wait, girl and her minions? That narrows the search pretty well, but let me guess, blonde hair, too much make up, bitchy?¡± He asked, I nodded because she described her perfectly. He started tough as I watched in annoyance.


    ¡°Pay no attention to Pa, she¡¯s no one.¡±


    He waved her off, lowering his head slightly to meet my gaze. Easy for you to say.


    ¡°Let me guess, you hooked up with her countless times and she proimed yourself her girlfriend.¡± He smirked and I knew I was right.


    ¡°Idiot.¡± I cursed.


    ¡°Tell her she can have you all to herself, I don¡¯t give a fuck. I don¡¯t want you, I need to go talk to Kyle, and I¡¯m out of here. You don¡¯t care, it¡¯s obvious, but while you¡¯re in your awesomeness mood, please make it clear to your not girlfriend that we are not in any form of rtionship. Thank you¡±


    I turned around to walk away when he pulled me back.


    Caught by surprise, I could do nothing except for letting a small gasp escape from the back of my throat then watch Dn Emerton pin my hands above the wall. He stood directly in front of me, almost so that I got a clear view of his eyes. Why did the Almighty spend so much time perfecting him just for him to manifest stupid attitudes? We can¡¯t have it all I know that, but if only he wasn¡¯t cocky and annoying. If only¡­


    ¡°This is going to turn as being blunt, but I honestly don¡¯t care. I want you.¡±


    He whispered huskily, his breath fanned the back of my neck, glued and stuck to that position. I can¡¯t help but shiver. He was close. Too close.


    ***


    Thoughts on the book so far? Drop ament.

 Chapter 9 The Player’s Plus One

    **CAMILLA**


    It¡¯ll be the words of a liar if I say this current position wasn¡¯t getting me aroused, or I didn¡¯t like how we were in the moment.


    I did like it. A lot. Not only was this exceptionally hot, but this was also the first time anyone has ever made me feel wanted. I¡¯m spouting rubbish in some way, but I don¡¯t see any way to properly describe it aside from these words.


    Sure as hell I was caught up in my thoughts and not what was happening, but I could tell his eyes were fixated on mine, I tried to look away but I just couldn¡¯t. It was like my eyes had a mind of their own and they ended up moving back to meet his, I was getting lost in them until I heard whistles.


    First just one and then it was almost as if theypeted for who could whistle the loudest.


    I turned back to see most of the guys from the ser team staring at us, they were the ones whistling, if that wasn¡¯t enough, being caught by more than a dozen boys pinned to the walk by Dn, yeah you¡¯d think nothing could be worse than that, but something was. I heard a shutter sound then a sh of light over our faces. I knew what that meant.


    Shit now there¡¯s evidence. Someone took a picture.


    I cocked my head sideways and noticed most of them giggling, one had a phone in his hand and the rest of them were staring at it, staring at the picture that fucker took. This is bad. Not good at all.


    ¡°This is going to go viral. School website here Ie.¡±


    He says it¡¯s enough to jolt my mind, fight off Dn, get out of his grip then approach the boys. I have no idea what¡¯s running through my head, but if I know one thing, it¡¯s that the pictures can¡¯t get out. No matter what. Kyle will see them. The entire school will see them.


    I¡¯m dead. I¡¯ll never be able to show my face in school or anywhere else. Shit.


    ¡°Delete that please.¡±


    I find myself pleading to a group of boys, hoping they listened to me because if they don¡¯t, I can kiss my rtionship goodbye and my social life or theck of it gone.


    ¡°Hey could you send it to me before you upload it, I need a personal copy, for peace sake of course.¡±


    Dn clicked his tongue, I swerved my head in shock then red which he responded to with an infamous smirk clearly showing how little he cared about my dilemma. He was enjoying seeing and watching me suffer.


    Great.


    ¡°Asshole, tell them to delete it.¡±


    Imanded, turning my entire body to face him. He bit the insides of his lips then clicked his tongue before shaking his head in negation.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I curled my fists, fuming in anger. I¡¯ll kill him.


    ¡°I think not. I mean why would you want a picture of us together gone. Why? It makes no sense. Think about it; you¡¯re with me. Dn.¡±


    He motioned over his body with a full-blown grin. If I wasn¡¯t too busy trying to convince them to take it down, I¡¯d rush over to him and smack him very hard.


    ¡°Come on, I look amazing, I¡¯m sure you do too. It¡¯s a perfect photograph, so why are you making such a big fuss about it.¡±


    He arched his brows with a taunting smirk, then proceeded to shrug his shoulders. That does it.


    ¡°You¡¯re mad. Fucking insane.¡±


    I lifted my palm, focusing on him, and not anyone around us any longer.


    ¡°Since your pea-sized brain is missing some very important facts. I¡¯ll have to remind you that I have a boyfriend. We¡¯re together and we¡¯ve been happy, things have been going great but since I got stuck with you for some reason, we¡¯ve been having problems, I¡¯m trying to fix that, a picture with you in that position is not going to lessen the problem. It¡¯ll double it!¡±


    I lifted both arms dramatically.


    Even after that, he only shrugged acting like it was nothing. Maybe Dn truly didn¡¯t care about anyone else, except himself. Maybe he fed off the pains and suffering of the people around him. That sure as hell exins why he never stays in a stable rtionship.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t see how this isn¡¯t good news, or am I missing something? Your boyfriend breaks up with you is terrific.¡±


    That set me off. I couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and since my palm was already lifted, they went flying, I aimed for his face.


    That annoying perfectly sculpted face. I nearly pped him. I brought them down almost in impact, I did that knowing it wouldn¡¯t help the situation I¡¯m in, it would only fuel it more. If I p him, the boys would only do words.


    ¡°Please¡±


    I begged him instead. I pouted even, putting on my best puppy dog eyes.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell them to delete it. You and I both know your rtionship won¡¯tst with or without that picture.¡±


    He added with a grin. I heaved arge sigh in relief, that part was over.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± I responded with a grin of my own, ignoring the final part of his sentence. He doesn¡¯t need to tell me how long my rtionship willst. I can make it work.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    He trailed off, a finger raised in the air.


    I should¡¯ve known.


    I rolled my eyes the crossed my arm.


    I should¡¯ve anticipated that he¡¯ll want something in return. He is Dn Emerton.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I asked eager to leave this ce before something or someonees and ruin things.


    A part of me knew full well I wouldn¡¯t want to know the answer to that question.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter. You know we¡¯ll see. Don¡¯t sweat, it doesn¡¯t involve sex. You¡¯lle for that on your own. Y you can go. They¡¯ll delete it you have my word.¡±


    I cringed at his words. His ego keeps getting bigger and bigger.


    ¡°Wow, I feel so happy. Your word means a lot.¡±


    I mumbled sarcastically. It was of no use calling him out on some of those words, Dn¡¯s ego wouldn¡¯t let him see reason aside from what he believes is right. Sadly I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be in his bed anytime soon.


    ¡°They¡¯ll delete it.¡± He added, firmer this time.


    I sighed still and nodded.


    Giving onest look of uncertainty, I walked away. I guess I¡¯ll have to trust his words. However unsettling that is.


    I checked my phone, seeing I had a little spare time before recess is over, I might as well use it in trying to fix my broken love life.


    I¡¯ll talk to Kyle, I can¡¯t stand us like this. I knew he might be at his locker or his next ss early, it was his thing.


    After I checked his locker, he wasn¡¯t there, I proceeded to check his next ss.


    Don¡¯t ask me how I knew the sses he had. I wasn¡¯t stalking. It just happens that I know.


    I clicked the door open with a smile, I sighted him at the far end of the ss but what I saw next, made the smile drain from my face. Kyle and some girls were giggling, not only that but her hand was well ced over hisps while she smiled at him seductively.


    I shook my head and blinked my eyes repeatedly just to confirm that it was Kyle.


    It was.


    With a  scoff in anger, I turned away and ran out of the ssroom unsure if he saw me or not. We barely argued for a day and he¡¯s already with someone else. Dn was probably right. Picture or no picture. We can¡¯t get over our issues.


    I spent the rest of the day focusing only on my studies. asionally, my mind would try and figure out who that girl was because she seemed familiar and what Dn said about me owing him one, I didn¡¯t like that though. A debt must be collected Somehow. This one I had no say in. What could he want?


    I could only think about the perverted things he might ask me to do. Thest bell was rung and it suddenly hit me that I had detention today. I sent a text to Dn telling him to go on without me and not bother waiting for me. If he was going to.


    After the stunt, his mission is achieved.


    With a slight groan, I made my way to detention.


    ****


    Detention was a mixture of annoyance, craziness and sometimesughter. It¡¯s weird that way. I saw some of Dn¡¯s teammates and somehow we talked a little.


    I got to the parking lot ready to exit the school when I noticed Dn on his phone and bike.


    I looked sideways, backwards, then forward, maybe he was waiting for someone else, but the entire lot was empty.


    It couldn¡¯t be me, right?


    I strolled towards him with a mixture of surprise and curiosity.


    He heard my steps since his head was lifted, the smile on his face made it seem like I was the object of interest.


    ¡°You waited?¡±


    I blurted without any effort to hide my surprise.


    ¡°My parents would kill me if I left you alone.¡±


    He replied, nonchnt as ever. Figured.


    I scoffed then gave myself a mental p for thinking he cared or was worried about me.


    ¡°So what do you want?¡±


    I crossed my arms, curiosity getting the best of me.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when we get home, not here, besides it¡¯ste. Get on¡±


    He motioned over to the bike.


    ¡°No Dn, I want to prepare myself for the worse, so tell me.¡±


    Imanded, giving him a look that does take no for an answer. His hands went through his hair and he looked slightly nervous.


    This is anticlimactic. Where¡¯s that smug-grin Dn?


    ¡°Well, I wanted to ask you if you would be my plus one to this dinner party my parents are hosting, it¡¯s going to be boring and I was thinking with you it¡¯ll get slightly better since you¡¯ll end up annoying me.¡±


    I gulped, reyed those words in my head, but they sounded the same. The meaning didn¡¯t change and honestly, he rendered me speechless, so much that my lips parted, yet no words fell out. On the number of things I thought he¡¯d request, this doesn¡¯t even count on a scale of one to a hundred. Is he for real?


    ******


    Thoughts on the book so far? Drop them below, I¡¯d be delighted to hear them. Drop them in thement section.

 Chapter 10 His Date

    **CAMILLA**


    In some way, I fought to find the hidden meanings behind those words. It was Dn, it couldn¡¯t have been that in, there¡¯s something tucked away, I just can¡¯t see it yet.


    He wants me to apany him to this event. That almost makes it seem like¡­


    Was Dn Emerton asking me out on a date or something? That can¡¯t be possible. I¡¯m in over my head, but then again bringing someone to an event signifies asking the person out on a date, he also said it¡¯ll be less boring if I¡¯m around.


    Could I be overthinking it?


    There¡¯s the other option. He¡¯s said this before and I believe him at this point.


    Seeing as his parents are trying to make me feelfortable and at ease, they might have put him up to this, Dn can¡¯t say no to them. Apart from the ¡°parent¡± title, they can cut him off from everything he needs to keep up the bad boy lifestyle, his credit cards will be shut down, no clothes, no unting money around, and no girl. Something he needs to breathe.


    If that¡¯s the case, he knows I wouldn¡¯t agree if I feel it¡¯s forced on his part, that exins why he¡¯ll keep it a secret


    In that case, I shouldn¡¯t get overly excited about something which might turn out to be false.


    But am I excited? If I was, why would I be anyway? It¡¯s just a forced date with lies coated in it to convince me to tag along.


    He¡¯s well aware of what he¡¯s doing. Besides, I¡¯m keeping away from him till further notice so a date is a big no.


    Sadly I owe him one for fixing a problem he caused, everything is so fucked up and I¡¯m confused.


    I have so many questions, some of which I can¡¯t answer but can¡¯t help ponder on, all this while I stare at Dn. He was waiting for a response from me. And here I was deep in thoughts weighing the hidden words behind his statement and the consequences of any response I give.


    Saying yes is at my possible detriment, declining might backfire since he¡¯ll bring up my debt.


    He didn¡¯t seem to be phased by my trance, the face he made seemed used to stuff like this.


    How many girls does he make speechless every day? Wait. Where is thating from?N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I cleared my throat. He does these things. I hate them yet can¡¯t seem to control myself.


    Okay, Cami. Breathe. Just breathe.


    I paused for a few seconds more before offering him my answer; no answer, a diversion mostly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it¡±


    I wiped the silly smirk stered on his face. What? I truly didn¡¯t know what to say.


    Yes or no?


    Once I get back to his ce, I¡¯ll take a long bath then decide, great ideas always pop up in the shower.


    Next, I grabbed the spare helmet and mounted it on his bike. We weren¡¯t moving after nearly a minute. I parted my lips to protest but he beat me to it.


    ¡°The party is tonight.¡±


    He said with a deep sigh. Did I hear correctly? That¡¯s not good.


    ¡°Cool.¡±


    I chirped trying to sound uninterested.


    I wasn¡¯t about to let him know that the thought of going to a party as his date was making me English.


    But why? Images began to sh in my head. Images I struggled to keep at bay, but being this close keeps cracking those walls.


    It isn¡¯t good. I can¡¯t keep recalling things like this.


    His smile that night, his touch under the night, his groans of pleasure, and how handsome he looked. I recalled everything. Every little detail. It was imnted in my brain, even if I tried I couldn¡¯t shake it off.


    That was me.


    But he forgot. He didn¡¯t remember a single thing. It meant nothing to him, but for me, it was the best night of my life.


    I thought I could do this, but as it seems, I can¡¯t look him in the eyes without having those memories, shes at the very least.


    That feeling isn¡¯t shared.


    A party caused this. I¡¯m attending another one. Another one with him.


    I exhaled without responding. He copied my movements and got on the bike.


    Turning the keys, he started the engine and drove off.


    ****

 Chapter 11 Yes. Yes. Yes

    **CAMILLA**


    I held on loosely,  if I grabbed him even an inch tighter I would remember leaning into him on his bare abs, he took a hard turn. On impulse, I fell into his chest and those memories came flooding.


    Luckily, the house was right in front of us.


    He stopped his bike and I jumped down like the seats were on fire. They were in some way.


    I walked briskly towards the door eager to get in, take a warm shower and hopefully forget all these crazy memories. I¡¯ve been suppressing them so why are they resurfacing? Why now?


    My hands were on the doorknob when Dn pulled them away, My formerly cold hands became hot as warmth spread through them where he touched me. I turned to face him and my eyes met with his.


    This isn¡¯t good. Those eyes were my weakness. If I hung on, I¡¯d get flooded with more memories. That¡¯s exactly what happened. As I stared, it was that night all over again.


    Our ss clinging against the other, his eyes fixed on mine as we gulped the contents down, getting wasted with no clue of what awaits.


    ¡°No!¡±


    I yelled then shut my eyes.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    His hands connected with my cheeks, he could be acting on purpose, pushing me to my breaking point, or the soft stroke he left at the corner was fully innocent and not intended.


    I brushed them away but it was toote, they already affected me.


    ¡°Please Cami, go to the party with me. I won¡¯t annoy you I promise.¡±


    He pleaded, I couldn¡¯t look away, I can try. My resolve shouldst for three seconds before shattering.


    ¡°Yes.¡± I stumbled.


    I get how this looks, but trust me it¡¯s hard. He knows it as well.


    ¡°On one condition.¡± I quickly added mimicking his words.


    ¡°A condition for a condition, how sweet.¡±


    He smiled. That knocked me off. All I got was smirks and grins, but this was a fucking genuine smile, it didn¡¯te to stay, but those two seconds were enough.


    ¡°What¡¯s the condition.¡± His lips moved, it took a second for the words to register in my head. He¡¯s distracting me.


    ¡°Get a grip!¡±


    My subconscious warned. Not again. Not again. Cami!


    ¡°You won¡¯t try to touch me. No stroking cheeks, no hands, nothing. I¡¯ll tag along and that¡¯s it.¡±


    That¡¯s drawing the line. If he agrees, I won¡¯t get caught up and start talking.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He nodded. He didn¡¯t argue?


    ¡°You won¡¯t try to act cheesy or make snarkyments.¡±


    He nodded once more as I counted with my fingers. Those were two conditionsProperty ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°You won¡¯t act like a glorified yboy to girls.¡±


    The smirk was back after that one.


    He hesitated even, but eventually gave a small nod. Three conditions.


    ¡°Lastly, if I don¡¯t want to talk to you, you won¡¯t force me.¡±


    He shook his head in negation at this. My brows shot up.


    ¡°Then I¡¯m not going.¡±


    I almost opened the door but he shut it with his hands. I groaned getting sick of our bickering


    ¡°Okay, Okay¡­¡± He trailed off with yet another smile.


    It beats smirking hands down. If only he could do it more often.


    ¡°Good. That¡¯s all settled. As long as you don¡¯t vite those four conditions, the night will turn out smoothly. I¡¯ll be ready before eight pm.¡±


    I offered a in look and he nodded. I turned to enter.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I squeezed my eyes, swearing under my breath. He¡¯ll be the death of me if he doesn¡¯t stop calling my name like that. I took a deep breath and turned back to face him.


    ¡°What!¡±


    I snapped getting impatient.


    He smirked without a response. I red about to go in.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, but you¡¯ve listed four conditions, those conditions are meant for me to agree or else you won¡¯t tag along right?¡±


    He arched his brows. I¡¯ll p him. I¡¯ll truly smack him.


    ¡°What are you? Five? Have you been listening to a word I said? Yes. If you don¡¯t meet those conditions, I won¡¯t tag along as your¡­¡±


    I stopped myself about to use the ¡°d¡± word. He never said I was his date. Can¡¯t get ahead of myself.


    ¡°I won¡¯t tag along¡±


    I corrected myself almost immediately.


    ¡°Got it. I see. Noted.¡±


    He grinned.


    ¡°What is it? You better not¡­¡±


    ¡°Better not what? I¡¯m just thinking out loud, nothing wrong with that. Those conditions need to be followed, I can¡¯t help but feel you didn¡¯t set a duration, that means it¡¯s up to me. You didn¡¯t say I need to keep to them throughout the night now did you? No take-is. I¡¯ll see you at eight Cami.¡±


    I gasped. My lips fell open. Literally.


    ¡°And princess, you¡¯re my date.¡±


    He gently brushed my shoulders before passing me and going in.


    Either the next thing I¡¯m about to say was an innocent coincidence, or he was purposely taunting me. I felt his breath fan the back of my neck just as he opened the door. I have a long night ahead of me, I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll be able to put up with him.


    Shit. Why did I say yes?


    ****

 Chapter 12 Getting Doll-Ed Up

    **CAMILLA**


    I can¡¯t turn back on those words, I¡¯ll just find a way, struggle then through the day.


    After heading in, our paths didn¡¯t cross all through the day. We were the only ones in the house, his parents had apany to run.


    I locked the door in case he was getting stupid ideas. I checked my phone, clutched it to my chest slightly irritated and annoyed. Kyle hadn¡¯t texted or called, if I didn¡¯t better, I¡¯d think maybe he liked the seperation or wasn¡¯t at all bothered by the fact that we weren¡¯t together anymore.


    He didn¡¯t call it quits or say it to my face, it was like spacing, not a break up, I turn my back and he¡¯s talking to some bitch. How could I possibly rte to that?


    I¡¯m angry, with good reasons. I expect him to call or text, but there¡¯s nothing.


    I tossed the cell aside,ying down with my palms underneath my head. This isn¡¯t good at all.


    ****


    Hourster, my body wakes up on its own ord. If I slept through the event, that¡¯s a good excuse as any, but I just had to wake up.


    Very well then.


    Dn got clothes as well, I can¡¯t bring that as an excuse.


    Groaning, I got up and approached the closet. I¡¯m currently rummaging through my closet in search for a suitable outfit which would make me look good enough to go to the party with Dn tonight.


    By good enough, I don¡¯t mean dress to Impress or anything of that sort, I want to look presentable enough for his parents and any other dignitaries that might attend.


    On that note, nothing in this closet will do the trick.


    He got these clothes on purpose knowing fully well I do not show off skin.


    Aside from the slutty dresses, the others were casual clothes meant for sses or sleeping, not the kind you wear to a fund raiser.


    I returned to the dresses, taking them out at the same time, Iid then on the bed, examining carefully.


    They weren¡¯t presentable.


    I tossed each of them aside, by elimination I had just one left. It wasn¡¯t the best, but putting the others into consideration, it¡¯ll have to suffice. I wasn¡¯t convinced. I went back to the others, picked the first and looked over.


    The red dress had too much slit on the left, I had long legs, my thighs would be visible, if I decide not to wear tights, I¡¯m sure that my panties might even get exposed, one could only wonder why Dn would get me a dress like that. I rolled my eyes and kept it aside. That¡¯s a confirmed no. On to the next.


    The ck dress was a straight gown, no slits on each side, it was a beautiful piece, the only problem is the V-Neck at the top. I ced it in front and as I suspected, it would show a considerable amount of my cleavages and my upper breast as well.


    They couldn¡¯t have ced a covering or something. I rolled my eyes all over.


    The next¡­


    The Purple dress didn¡¯t fit my skin, I looked terrible in it.


    The green one was perfect but had a zipper problem.


    And the yellow one, I agreed to use this one since the rest were terrible, but after a second nce, I refused. It was definitely in. This counts as something casual, I mistook it for a dinner gown.


    I face palmed myself. Not good


    I slumped on the bed right on top the nunberous outfits, I checked the clock and it was already seven pm. I had taken my bath, I just needed to get dressed and apply a little make up. It was far toote to go to the boutique and even if it wasn¡¯t, I doubt I had enough money with me to spare.


    Well this is a good excuse as any. I guess no party for me.


    It¡¯s either that or look into ways to get a dress for tonight.


    I wagered that I had only one option and that was to go to Dn¡¯s mom. I didn¡¯t want to be a burden but I already promised Dn so I had no choice. I gulped hard practicing my lines before heading downstairs where I suspected they would be. She was in the kitchen giving orders to the maid ahead of time. I yed with my nails, waiting for her to finish up. She finally turned around and broke in a smile.


    ¡°Dearie? Can I help you something.¡±


    Her palms were pressed together still full of smiles. How could this kind and charming woman birth a monster?


    I shook my head.


    ¡°Actually, yes. There¡¯s this dinner party of yours Dn invited me to and I want to look good enough but you know most of my clothes were¡­.¡±


    Before I finished, she approached me, ced both hands over my shoulder, lowered her head slightly then grinned.


    Okay¡­


    ¡°I was truly waiting for you to say something, I didn¡¯t want it to seem crazy. Dn told me you said yes, I¡¯m extremely excited, I can barely contain it. I¡¯ll help you look spectar, you¡¯ll be center of attraction, I assure you my son will not be able to take his eyes off you.¡±


    Strangely, the final part gave me tingles.


    Without a response or opposition from me, she tugged at my arm, turned us both around and walked out of the kitchen.


    Let¡¯s see if she¡¯s right.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ******

 Chapter 13 His True Intentions

    **CAMILLA**


    I was in her room, it didn¡¯t look like the one she shared with her husband, more like the type you kept to yourself for makeup, artificial hair and other girly stuff.


    She has an entire wardrobe filled with dresses.


    I exhaled.


    ¡°I¡¯ve waited for this day for a long time, I only wanted a daughter, Emerton wanted a son, he won in the end since I got Dn instead. I tried after that, but it was hard to get him, so I¡¯m keeping my fingers crossed for anything that might happen, and Dn as I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve noticed is quite a handful, I¡¯m his mother but he¡¯s his own boss, I can¡¯t recall thest time he listened to me which is why I¡¯m excited you¡¯re here.¡±


    I nodded to myself even though her back was faced to me. She searched her closet while talking and once again herst words had me thinking. Will my presence changed a thing?


    ¡°Truthfully, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯ll take my advice about tonight, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯lle at all.¡±


    She chuckled, pushing a few gowns aside.


    This sucks. I was right after all.


    ¡°I knew his parents asked him.¡±


    I whispered under my breath cursing at myself for believing the sob story about him finding me entertaining.


    ¡°I told him to bring a pretty girl, he has tons of girls around him, but they are look like over priced sluts, I¡¯m so d he choose you.¡±


    She got a cloth out, dumping it on the bed. Her first choice in over ten minutes.


    Hol¡¯up. She didn¡¯t give him specific instructions to choose me. Hang on. He thinks I¡¯m pretty? Or just choose me since his parents wouldn¡¯t approve of any other girl? All very confusing. Dn¡¯s confusing. His mother is much simpler, maybe I can get the confirmation from her end.


    ¡°If I heard correctly, you didn¡¯t instruct him to take me specifically¡­¡±


    I leaned on to hear her side.


    ¡°Nope, I did not which is why I¡¯m thrilled you were his choice.¡± She popped the ¡°p¡±


    Shock isn¡¯t enough to describe how I am at this point. She began humming a song still searching for another dress.


    ¡°I can¡¯t believe Dn asked me from his heart. If he had one and it seems like he does.¡± She dumped more clothes until there were at least ten from me to pick from.


    Then she sped her palms together and turned. I was still stunned by her revtion, but she didn¡¯t know


    ¡°Now, let¡¯s get you ready.¡±


    She lifted an entire make up box while I wondered what I signed up for. It isn¡¯t a beauty pageant, and I don¡¯t want to over do this.


    ****


    I was too scared to look at my reflection in the mirror, I kept my eyes closed the entire time, she assured me it was light, but one hourter was her finishing touches.


    It¡¯s all done now.


    Mrs Emerton was getting ready herself, but she told me to leave without her. Leave my Dn is the correct trantion.


    I could protest, but I choose not to and just go with it.


    I went upstairs to grab my purse, but instead I saw Dn at my door.


    ¡°Are you ready? Should Ie in? I don¡¯t want you to p me again if we have another ¡°ident¡±


    I choked.


    He referred to the time he saw me ¡°butt¡± naked. I scanned his outfit and he cleans up excellently well. He almost looks cute leaning over my door like that. Almost.


    I cleared my throat making my presence known.


    I ignored the looks he was giving, his eyes were all over and I wished I went with a dress with a round neck.


    Mrs Emerton assured me that this one plimented my skin and body¡±


    Hhhh


    ¡°Shall we?¡±


    I cut him out from his staring game.


    ¡°Umm. Yeah. Sure.¡±


    He mumbled and I led the way.


    As I said, just go with it and get through this night.


    ******


    The car moved at a slow pace courtesy of the driver. The GPS announced that we would be there in less than five minutes. Since I was a dummy in these things, Idecided to ask follow up questions plus Dn has been quiet all through.


    ¡°What¡¯s the party about?¡±


    I bit down on my lips.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°It¡¯s a fundraiser for the less privileged.¡±


    He responded with no ulterior reactions. No smirk, no grin. Did something change?


    ¡°Right, my rules.¡±


    I recalled slightly irritated by my rules.


    Minutester, we arrived at the venue and it was dripping with elegance. I felt a little insecure about what I was wearing. I had no idea if he noticed but he took my hand and we walked towards the entry. I smiled a little although it didn¡¯t quite reach my eyes. A few cameras clicked as pictures were taken, we got in all the same.


    I couldn¡¯t ask any further questions, so I used my eyes in search for a ce to seat. Dn seemed absent-minded anyway.


    In my search, I caught sight of something else.


    I gulped. My insides filling with anger very quickly. He most definitely didn¡¯t.


    Kyle was here. Okay there¡¯s no major problems there, except the fact that beside him with a hand still on hisp was that bitch from his ss.


    I clenched my teeth ring at the two of them.


    Another thought crossed my mind. A possible answer to the question I asked earlier. Why did Dn bring me here? The reason he said. The reason his mom implied or the reason I¡¯m currently considering.


    He knew. His parents were in charge, he must have peaked at the list or had ess. He knew.


    Was that why he brought me here? To watch the show my ¡°boyfriend¡± and some girl would put on.


    Amazing.


    ******

 Chapter 14 Dylan D DickHead

    **CAMILLA**


    I nced at Dn, more like fixed my gaze on him like the answers to my question would automatically pop up in my head. I don¡¯t want to believe my suspicions are right, but it¡¯s too much of a coincidence to ignore.


    If it¡¯s true, then everything else I¡¯vee to know tonight will just be a huge waste, it wouldn¡¯t matter if it¡¯s just been buttering me up for this big finale.


    I turned away after he didn¡¯t notice neither did I get any vibes to prove my theory wrong or right.


    In other news, Kyle and the girl finally noticed our presence. She narrowed her gaze on me, recognition shed in her eyes, she blinked then whispered soemthing to him.


    He turned and his eyes went from me to the person standing beside me. To Dn.


    I gulped hard as his face hardened.


    Kyle wasn¡¯t an angry person, it¡¯s one of the things I did genuinely like about him, but he does get a little jealous then protective, but never an angry person. If Dn has him rikes up, it¡¯s a first.


    Then again, he shouldn¡¯t be annoyed. He¡¯s literally seating more closely to a girl than I standing next to Dn. Technically, I¡¯m not doing anything wrong, he¡¯s in the fault because anyone who walks in will think they¡¯re dating.


    On that note, I got a major confidence boost.


    I marched towards their table with a wide smile, I masked the urge to drag her hair and smack her head against the tile and increased my pace to reach them.


    Clearly taken off guard by my switch in emotion, Kyle arched his brows trying toprehend what I had in mind. I guess I wasn¡¯t that predictable Cami no more. Terrific.


    I exhaled with an extra slice of dramatics, gave my hair a little flip then took a free seat in their table before facing her. I n on having so much fun.


    ¡°What a lovely surprise¡­..¡±


    With a high pitch, I trailed off hinting I had forgotten her name.


    ¡°Eva.¡±


    She finished with a full smile, I couldn¡¯t ignore how pretty she looked, and I couldn¡¯t ignore the urge to wipe it off her face with a defeaning p. I don¡¯t know what¡¯s wrong with me. Do I want Kyle? Or do I not want him with someone else?


    ¡°We have English ss together, fancy seeing you here.¡±


    I chirped not sparing one look at Kyle. I felt his gaze on me though silently begging me to turn over, not going to give him the satisfaction sadly. He¡¯ll just watch from the space.


    ¡°Umm, yeah I guess so.¡±


    She giggled and even that was cute.


    I¡¯m desperately trying not to roll my eyes.


    ¡°Kyle invited me since his parents were donating and I guess that¡¯s why you¡¯re here too¡­¡±


    She trailed off pending a confirmation from me. I was rendered speechless by her exnation. Turns out she¡¯s not throwing herself at him as I thought, he had the audacity to invite her. Who would¡¯ve thought?


    Fighting the grim off my face was nearly impossible. Turning to re at him was the only thing on my mind.


    ¡°Actually, I came here with a friend.¡±


    I forced a smile then turned back, silently searching for Dn.


    I motioned to him after finding Dn leaning against a wall acting all nonchnt as always.


    ¡°Dn Emerton is your friend.¡±


    She squeeled with a slight chuckle. How and why is she so cute?


    If she¡¯s with Kyle and into him, why the giggle for Dn.


    I smacked myself at that. Half of the girls in our school go crazy over him. But in front of Kyle?


    ¡°Yup.¡± I popped the p with a slight grin.


    ¡°And Kyle is my boyfriend isn¡¯t that great?¡±


    I squished my shoulders together with another grin, showing all my teeth, just to catch her reaction.


    As I expected, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. She wasn¡¯t thinking in that direction at all.


    Then, I turned to steal a nce at Kyle and his face was priceless. His lips parted and stayed that way. Sorry to burst your bubble dear boyfriend.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll leave you two to have fun and I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    I made a kissing sound for Kyle, passed he r a small smile then stood up and walked away. That was very fun.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°You done?¡±


    Dn mouthed before I reached him.


    I halted and arched my brows. That was cold. Very cold.


    I masked my reaction and met him all the way.


    ¡°Did you know he would be here?¡±


    I asked in a low tone, just in case anyone was listening.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    He responded almsot immediately. I rolled my eyes unconvinced.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t I believe you?¡±


    I folded my arms waiting for soemthing more convincing.


    Instead, He shrugged and walked away, brushing my shoulders as he did. I turned with a gasp watching him leave.


    ¡°Rude.¡±


    I muttered, stomping my feet slightly.


    ******


    Thoughts?

 Chapter 15 Two Years Hidden

    **CAMILLA**


    I let out an angry groan then trailed after him, I passed Kyle as well but switched my gaze back to a moving Dn. Kyle can enjoy his night with Eva.


    Dn picked a table, seating on one end while I made my way to the other.


    As he did, he dug out his phone and began ying games or chatting.


    It was either my question that disturbed him or he was following my instructions. Let¡¯s try thetter and see how it goes.


    ¡°I lift the rule.¡±


    I cleared my throat, he looked up for a second before going back to his screen.


    What the¡­


    Now I¡¯m bored and Dn is truly being annoying. Where¡¯s the guy who wouldn¡¯t stop pestering me?


    ¡°Hey, I said I lift the rule. I¡¯m bored.¡±


    I pouted my lips which he would notice if I got one nce. I got nothing.


    Seriously?


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He replied without lifting his head.


    That¡¯s even colder than the first three replies I got. What¡¯s on with him?


    It¡¯s like he has three or four personalities, so unstable, acts like someone who¡¯s bipr or was diagnosed with it in the past. Damn annoying.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I parted my lips to speak, he lifted his head at that moment, I paused deciding to let him speak first. Hear him out and whates next better be an apology for acting like a dick all night.


    ¡°Look over there, that¡¯s Kyle. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be a great source of excitement for you. I¡¯m boring, you may go back to him. By all means, I¡¯m not stopping you ¡±


    Half of his words were dripping with sarcasm, the other half I didn¡¯t understand, that¡¯s his business. I¡¯m not interested inprehending or getting to know why he¡¯s this way.


    This is all my fault and no one else is to me.


    It all should¡¯ve been avoided if I just stayed back.


    I scoffed in response and got up in annoyance.


    He didn¡¯t notice or he did but didn¡¯t care.


    I walked away, deciding to go to the bathroom, powder my face and clear my thoughts, maybe even get a cab to drive me home afterwards.


    I can¡¯t stand three or four more hours in this ce, with ¡°this¡± Dn and then Kyle and that bitch barely three feet from me.


    ******


    I reached the bathroom with no one in it, got in and faced the mirror staring at my reflection, Mrs Emerton did an amazing job, too bad my smile is gone because of that dick.


    I reached into my bag and powered my face, adding a little blush so I don¡¯t look as down as I felt.


    Just then, the door opened, I looked over to see who it was and guess what?


    Eva walked in.


    Well, this could be a coincidence, two girls feeling the urge to visit the restroom at the same time, or she could be a psychotic person that trailed me here, meaning she¡¯s been watching me.


    Again could be a coincidence.


    Either way, I¡¯m not in for the little bathroom talk.


    I rolled my eyes about to walk out on her, I was done either way


    Just then, She held my shoulders preventing me from taking another step. Her grip was fucking tight. I looked over her shoulder to meet her eyes.


    There was no trace of the sweet giggly girl I met barely five minutes ago. Her eyes were dark while her lips curved into a smile. A wicked smile.


    ¡°I like Kyle, Cami.¡±


    She stated simply. Really? No seriously, are you kidding me?


    I couldn¡¯t do anything but roll my eyes at herment.


    Crossing my arms, I turned and faced her fully.


    ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend.¡±


    I responded, pressing my lips to taunt her. She knew that, but it¡¯s more fun watching her get annoyed with my constant reminder.


    ¡°Yet you¡¯re with Dn.¡±


    She smirked.


    ¡°I¡¯m not with Dn, as for why we came to this party today, the simple truth is that I don¡¯t have to exin anything to you, as I said Kyle is my boyfriend, I don¡¯t care if you like him or don¡¯t like him. Truly I¡¯ve realised that I don¡¯t care if you go to this fundraiser with him, at the end of the day you¡¯re still at the losing end. Know why? He¡¯s my fucking boyfriend. Nothing can change that.¡±


    I finished and held back at flipping the finger. This is so childish. Stalking me in the bathroom. I have to go now.


    At the end of my statement, she smiled.


    ¡°Look, I know you two are having problems. I can sniff it off.¡±


    I chuckled.


    ¡°So what? You¡¯re nning on yingforter? Your choice. I won¡¯t tell you to back off or anything, you may do as you please since it¡¯s your life, but I¡¯ll truly prefer not to leave you heartbroken when we sort ourselves out.¡±


    I clicked my tongue against my teeth then shook my head. That threw her off a bit then the smirk was back. This is getting annoying now.


    Since her hand was off me, I turned away and headed for the day. This is something twelve-year-olds would do.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly Cami, you¡¯re a smart person, now answer this, do you think you¡¯ll still sort yourself out after he finds out the truth about you and Dn. I don¡¯t mean the fact that you¡¯re attracted to him because you are, I¡¯m not judging I mean look at him, I¡¯m talking about the truth. The one thing you keep locked away in your cupboard from everyone. That truth. If Kyle finds, will he still want you back, I mean you¡¯re barely hanging on a thread now, what urs then?¡±


    Without turning, I gulped down hard.


    There¡¯s only one secret I¡¯m hiding that concerns Dn. It better not be what I think it is. There¡¯s no way in hell she¡¯d know anyway?


    ¡°What truth.¡±


    I asked feigning extreme confusion and ignorance. She might just be ying possum Afterall.


    ¡°The truth Cami, I know what transpired two years ago and I doubt Kyle knows too. Why don¡¯t we tell him huh?¡±


    She asked standing behind me. I quivered as shivers ran down my very core. How? Just how is this possible?


    ****


    What are your thoughts on the book? I¡¯m truly eager to hear them.

 Chapter 16 At The Brink Of Losing It

    **CAMILLA RENEE**


    ~Tuesday Evening~


    ~9:34 pm ~


    Since this was bing something like a bathroom face-off, I turned my head and faced her. Convincing her that my next words were nothing but the truth will be easier if I¡¯m looking directly at her.


    I¡¯m trying not to falter in my features or let my lips quiver with fright since those two emotions were the only thing I felt.


    Eva could either be messing with her words or truly be aware of what happened.


    Thetter is a catastrophe.


    I want to believe it¡¯s the former, if I was innocent it¡¯s only logical to deny all allegations. If she¡¯s tripping, I¡¯ll see it in her face and drop it down on her so hard she won¡¯t recover.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    With that being said. I could mutter these words.


    ¡°Absolutely no clue what you¡¯re talking about, I¡¯m not interested in hearing about it either, if this is some fricking reverse psychology plot to try and get something out, it¡¯s not working because there¡¯s nothing to get out. I¡¯m open like a book.¡±


    I clicked my tongue, crossing my arms.


    ¡°I am not stupid. I see through the act, you¡¯re scared of what I¡¯ll say.


    ¡°What you¡¯ll say? You¡¯ve not said anything all you¡¯ve done is poke a bear then run away in fright which means you don¡¯t dare to do anything, and that¡¯s usually the quality of empty vessels since they do make the loudest noise.¡±


    That came out more than expected. I¡¯m supposed to thread with caution, but with the recent developments, I only want to smack her silly.


    ¡°I know. Stop trying to y possum! I know!¡±


    She yelled then curled her fist.


    Know what?


    I asked within myself.


    Seeing as I was poking her harshly, I thought of nothing but how to get her to burst. I need to know what she ¡°thinks¡± she knows.


    With that, I did the most taunting thing and what annoyed everyone including myself. I beganughing.


    Not just any kind ofughter, there are several types. This one was directed to her meant to mock and taunt so she¡¯ll lose it.


    ¡°Girl, you¡¯re funny. You¡¯ll look good as a clown, you have the face and I can see you can Anke anyoneughs. You have my full sport if you decide to pursue that line of field and for the other thing¡­¡±


    I trailed off with a burst of shortughter, covering my lips with a few fingers.


    She red intensely.


    ¡°Good luck with that.¡±


    I stepped forward and patted her back. I heard her groan.


    There were two sides to this now.


    The first; my oriPal thoughts of her just trying to push me into saying something backfiring, then the second is that she did know something.


    Hopefully, if she thought I didn¡¯t care about her exposing me, she won¡¯t try doing it. If she thought I had nothing to lose she might just let it go. Might being the keyword. I might just have taunted and shoved her to the extent of spouting anything.


    I hope and pray this doesn¡¯t blow up in my face.


    ¡°Cami Renee, I¡¯ll say this one and slowly so youprehend every word. Enjoy this night while itst, if I were you I¡¯ll run out and go seat with him, give him ast kiss even, because mark these words, it¡¯ll be thest one you spend with my him. You¡¯ll watch the two of us and won¡¯t be able to do anything about it, he¡¯ll desert you. He¡¯ll hate you. You and I know what you¡¯ve done is fucking unforgivable.¡±


    She threatened. Her words struck me deep.


    Her eyes held venom and it didn¡¯t seem like she was bluffing.


    I gulped hard and turned around.


    If I don¡¯t leave this ce, I¡¯ll break down. My walls wille crashing right before her and she would¡¯ve won.


    ¡°Bye Eva.¡±


    I managed to croak sounding truly hoarse, before any more exchange of words, I ced don¡¯t hand on the knob, turned it and exited the room.


    I barely shut the door before leaning behind it, a hand over my chest and my knees growing weaker by the second.


    In no time I was hyperventting and finding breathing an extremely difficult task.


    I looked around for anyone, but the hallway was empty which was a good thing and a bad thing.


    I held to the door, curling my hand around the knob while slipping down slowly.


    My breaths were cut short and shallow.


    The walls felt like they were closing in on me hard. I couldn¡¯t do anything but hyperventte and gasp.


    This wasn¡¯t how I expected tonight to turn out as?


    ¡°Oh my God! Cami are you okay?¡±


    I heard a familiar voice sound, then I heard the footsteps approaching me, and finally, a warm hand ced over mine.


    ¡°Kyle.¡±


    I murmured at the brink of tears.


    ******


    Drop a word of encouragement on the story so far, it¡¯ll go a long way and I love to hear what you think always.

 Chapter 17 Multiple Personalities

    **CAMILLA**


    ~Tuesday Evening~


    ~9:43 pm ~


    I grabbed a fist full of his clothing, I wasn¡¯t sure what part. I hoped it was his shirt as I intended, if I ended up reaching for his pants, that will be very embarrassing and confusing at the same time.


    In response, he held my hand and squeezed it tightly allowing the warmth I received to provide somefort in this impromptu panic attack. It¡¯s all that bitch¡¯s fault!


    ¡°Kyle can¡¯t find out, Dn can¡¯t find out. No one can find out. Oh shit, she¡¯s going to tell everyone. I¡¯ll die if that happens. I should die now because I can¡¯t take anyone finding out the truth.¡±


    I debate internally, struggling to catch my breath and hold on to Kyle without fainting or worse getting a stroke if that¡¯s possible.


    He tilted my head towards his face, forcing me to look at him.


    I kept wheezing, holding on tightly and shaking my head in negation none stop.


    His eyes were darting to and fro from me, the door and back to me.


    Not knowing what to do, he took my arm and shoved me towards himself.


    I was holding to his shirt, after all, Inded on his shirt and let his cologne fill my nostrils before letting out a deep breath.


    I wheezed a few more times. He took a few steps away from the door, holding my waist to keep me steady, his hold was the only thing restraining my weak knees from slipping to the floor.


    Once again, he raised my head so I could look at him. This time he lifted a finger and stroked my left cheek a few times.


    I shuddered and released a deep breath. My breathing was slightly stable since I could exhale and inhale, but I still felt like my lungs were blocked or something.


    ¡°Babe, are you alright?¡±


    Without thinking, I shook my head in negation followed shortly with a light sob.


    He pulled me back into his arms, running circles around my back while whisperingforting words in my ears.


    I truly don¡¯t deserve Kyle. He¡¯s too good for me.


    I heard the doorknob click, I couldn¡¯t hold my head from turning and catching Eva walking out of the restroom, her eyes immediately darted to the position we were in. I felt Kyle¡¯s gaze on her. His eyes were red. He was mad. Very mad.


    ¡°Did you do this?¡±


    He demanded.


    I grip his hand and shake my head, giving him an answer. Maybe I was scared for what she might say if I didn¡¯t, or maybe I truly didn¡¯t want or need any more drama tonight.


    ¡°Not her fault.¡±


    I added and she walked away. That shocked the hell out of me. I released another breath following her steps until she disappearedpletely. I didn¡¯t expect that reaction. Not in the slightest.


    Kyle moved my head back to meet his gaze.


    ¡°Kyle I am sorry.¡±


    I found myself apologising and whimpering nearly breaking down into tears. I am sorry.


    ¡°Hey, it¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Without warning, he presses his lips against mine softly as we move together in unison, our tongues rolling off.


    A few secondster, he pulled away with a grin stered on his face. That made me smile as well. Tonight was back to being awesome. For now.


    Who knows what Eva has in mind?


    ¡°Let¡¯s not do this anymore, the fights and everything.¡±


    I nodded my head immediately and he pulled me in for a hug. My breathing calmed down and I felt better.


    From the corner of my eyes, I noticed an iing shadow, but it disappeared almost immediately. Then it seemed like someone was watching us.


    This might sound crazy, but it seemed like Dn saw us.


    ¡°I need to go now, Mrs. Emerton might be looking for me, I¡¯ll call you when I get home.¡±


    He nodded then pecked my lips softly.


    I blushed slightly before turning around.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you.¡±


    I whisper then walk out fully.


    Returning to the event, they were in the middle of donations, maybe I was wrong since Dn didn¡¯t seem like someone who moved an inch from his position.


    His head was lowered and his eyes were back into the game.


    Just as I left him.


    I breathed out and sat on my chair with a full smile. He didn¡¯t make a move to acknowledge my presence or notice that I had returned.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I groan in frustration. He barely looks at me before going back to his phone. In annoyance, I reach over and grab it smiling like I won a prize.


    ¡°Give it back.¡±


    His voice was hard and cold. Was I scared? No. We¡¯re in public, he can¡¯t Make a scene here.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°No, you¡¯re acting like a jerk.¡±


    I folded my arms again pouting my lips.


    ¡°Your rules, if you want to have fun go meet your boyfriend, nice reunion though.¡±


    In shock, his phone slipped from my grip andnded on the table, he reached over and got it.


    I was correct. He dide over to the restroom. He saw us. Wait, that means he was worried about me? Did hee to look for me?


    Nah. This is Dn Emerton.


    ¡°Grade -A- jerk.¡±


    I cursed while ring at him. I paid attention to what was going on at the party but it seemed so boring, no offence to the children who would benefit from it.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    I groaned standing up to go take a walk or something. I wandered away in the night. The cold night if I may add. Maybe I should go back and get my bag then leave. This was a mistake and aplete was my time. Should have said no.


    Wrapping my arm around myself to try and get warm, I stared at the sky until something else got my attention.


    A warm jacket fell directly on my shoulders. I turned my head and Dn stood behind me.


    I blinked at our closeness.


    ¡°Wear it, you might get cold.¡±


    He stated like it was nothing.


    My head will hurt from trying to understand him.


    ¡°Oh yeah. I wouldn¡¯t want your parents to me you for getting me sick.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and I heard him grunt behind me.


    ¡°I¡¯m here because I want to, not because of my parents.¡±


    He spoke up secondster. Yup. Most definitely getting a headache.


    ¡°Are you done being a jerk?¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but ask, I got a usual scoff.


    I¡¯m tired of this back and forth.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    He mutters under his breath. I almost didn¡¯t hear him. I covered my arms with the jacket and return to the sky presenting it with a question that¡¯s making me go nuts.


    ¡°How can someone switch from being a jerk then bes annoying followed by a show of care and suddenly turn sweet all under ten minutes?¡±


    I blinked my lids from staring too intensely. It would seem even the sky didn¡¯t know.


    ****

 Chapter 18 True Or False?

    **CAMILLA**


    ~Tuesday Evening~


    ~9:49 pm ~


    I held the jacket firmly, he stood behind me breathing on my neck. Truly breathing, I could hear his inhale and exhale at intervals.


    Okay, annoying Dn is back in full action. I curled my fist knowing he was doing this to rile me up.


    It¡¯s working like clockwork.


    ¡°Could you not do that?¡±


    I  furrowed my brows while trying to make my voice sound cold, it came out raspy instead.


    I guess his breathing affects me as well. He was aiming for that angle. I knew that much.


    ¡°Do what?¡±


    He asked feigning ignorance.


    He even pursed his lips and shrugged at the end. I¡¯ll p him before I get back to his ce. That¡¯s happening.


    ¡°Breath on me¡±


    I rolled my eyes in a duh and obvious tone. Instead of apologising as he should, he merely chuckled then shrugged.


    ¡°So in other words, you want me dead? Since I can¡¯t breathe anymore?¡±


    He trailed off at the end ying the witty game on me. I¡¯ll y along. His funeral.


    ¡°Yes! Finally. Wow! you¡¯re not dumb.¡±


    I said cing a hand over my lips, acting like I was stunned at that revtion.


    ¡°You know you¡¯re crazy right?¡±


    I asked. H cocked my head, licked the bottom of my lips then rolled his eyes dramatically.


    ¡°So I have been told, but I¡¯m curious since everyone has their reasons, why do you think I am?¡±


    He inquires still standing behind him.


    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve been acting cold all night and now you¡¯re giving me your jacket which is considerate, the opposite of your attitude all evening. That¡¯s crazy.¡±


    I exined in simple terms.


    ¡°As annoying as you are, I don¡¯t want you to freeze to death.¡±


    He replied like it was that easy. I felt it¡¯s deeper than that.


    ¡°Wow, I¡¯m ttered.¡±


    I mumbled sarcastically.


    ¡°Since you ask, the reason I was cold is that we came here together and the first thing you did was to rush to Kyle even though he was with someone else, if that wasn¡¯t enough you used me of emotional ckmail, one of the highest order. I¡¯m not the devil¡¯s advocate that I¡¯ll push you to an event knowing your boyfriend will arrive with someone else.¡±


    His tone dropped dangerously low while exining.


    That¡¯s the reason. I had no idea it affected him.


    I turned to meet his gaze.


    ¡°Kyle is my boyfriend.¡±


    For some reason, I felt as though he needed to hear it. Maybe we both did. I turned back to stare into space.


    ¡°Yeah, the kiss in the hall made ring.¡±


    I received one more eye roll.


    He saw that as well.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°You saw?¡±


    I pressed needing to hear his reason foring there. I had a hunch what it was, but I needed to hear those words straight from his lips. I don¡¯t know why I just¡­


    ¡°I wanted to check up on you, you were gone long.¡±


    His response cut my thoughts off. As I suspected, he was worried.


    Checking up on me.


    I sighed.


    Kyle is my boyfriend. We are together.


    ¡°Ok look I am sorry I ditched you but I needed to fix things with Kyle and I have, we are okay now, I shouldn¡¯t have neglected you either so I hope we are okay as well.¡±


    I emphasized a few words such as the fixing part.


    Dn and I can¡¯t have this aura.


    It¡¯s not fair to Kyle if he keeps walking into a scenario where it seems as though Dn and I have something going on.


    I have to see the record straight, for both our sakes.


    He didn¡¯t respond and for a second I thought he walked away or something. I turned and he was right there.


    ¡°Earth to Dn.¡± I snapped my fingers repeatedly.


    ¡°Yup, things should be amazing but are they?¡±


    I could tell it was a rhetorical question so I provided no answer. I can¡¯t read my mind, I have no clue what¡¯s going on in his.


    ¡°I¡¯m tired Dn, I want to go home and rest. The event is concluded.¡±


    I sighed, that was the first time I called his house ¡°home¡± and it felt relieving. Mom and Dad hadn¡¯t called in two days, I would have to call them when I get home, maybe they forgot about their daughter.


    ¡°Me too, let¡¯s get home.¡±


    He got his phone out. He dialled a number which I suspected was the driver.


    ¡°We¡¯re ready.¡±


    He said simply.


    ¡°Driver¡¯s waiting, let¡¯s go.¡±


    I wore the jacket properly. His scent filled my nostrils. It¡¯s intoxicating.


    ¡°I should go say goodbye to Kyle, I meet you in the car.¡±


    He offered a small smile and a nod.


    I searched for Kyle but he was nowhere to be found. I dialled his number but it was switched off.


    ¡°Weird.¡±


    I muttered under me breathe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see him tomorrow.¡±


    I mumbled to myself.


    I went back outside to search for the car.


    Dn was inside and waiting, I got in and he tapped the tinted ss in front of us. The car ignited immediately and the driver was off. I yawned. My bones were weak, my legs wobbly.


    I¡¯m not sure how I¡¯ll climb those stairs.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be home soon.¡± I heard him say, I yawned again resting my head on the car.


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    My eyes were threatening to shut, keeping them open was tiring.


    Dn moved closer, pushed my head a little to rest on his shoulders.


    I leaned in further, cing a hand over his chest.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mumbled resting my lids after a long night.


    *****


    ~Tuesday Evening~


    ~10:23 pm ~


    I could feel my body weight been lifted off the ground.


    Was this a dream?


    I blinked my eyelids slowly, opening them to catch a view of my surroundings.


    I was back at his ce.


    My eyes were closing and opening back all on their own, my body was weak and exhausted


    I could tell Dn was carrying me to my room. His eyes were locked on my face trying to figure me out.


    He pushed the door open with his leg then slowly dropped me on the bed, pulling the covers over my body. I turned to the side, chewing on the insides of my mouth.


    I heard footsteps moving to the side of the bed.


    Blinking my eyes, I noticed Dn right in front of me, he Inched closer, hovering over my body, still staring.


    ¡°Your eyes look just like hers.¡±


    I heard a faint whisper. Dn¡¯s whisper.


    Did he say that?


    I mumbled a few incoherent words and moved to the other side.


    ¡°But you can¡¯t be here, you can¡¯t.¡±


    I heard it fading his time yet his voice sounded so firm.


    I turned once more. He was so close.


    I chewed once again and muttered.


    He leaned in, my eyes screwed shut.


    I felt t cover my entire body up to my neck.


    I tugged at it, holding onto the edges, giggling as I did.


    ¡°Your smile, it¡¯s just like hers.¡±


    My eyes stated shut.


    ¡°But you¡¯re not here, you¡¯re not her. I know it.¡±


    He repeated.


    I¡¯m not sure if it¡¯s his words or I¡¯m imagining them.


    This time, I felt a peck on my temples.


    I¡¯m hallucinating for sure.


    Just then, I heard footsteps until they faded away. Thest thing I got was the sound of my door closing shut.


    I exhaled and fell into a December.


    ******

 Chapter 19 Weird Wednesday [I]

    **CAMILLA**


    ~Wednesday Morning


    ~7:09 am


    I rubbed my eyelids stretching on my bed, I opted to stand up, but pulled back instead, turning over, cing my head underneath my palm, finding my swear spot, then finally stretching the duvet to cover my upper legs.


    ¡°So fucking soft.¡±


    I moaned in delight, chewing on the insides of my lips, wishing I could stay here for the rest of the day. I do not want to get out of bed.


    Sadly, I had to.


    Snapping my eyes open, I lifted my weight, seating on the bed, stretching my arms wide.


    I let out a frustrated groan when I figured it was a school day.


    That¡¯s over seven hours of boring nothing.


    I already know half of what the teachers are saying, I can¡¯t understand why I¡¯m not allowed to just skip sses.


    It¡¯s boring listening to what¡¯s already in your brain.


    I removed the nkets from my skin, the cold weather pping against my bare body, I shuddered and looked downwards, frowning and arching my brows at the same time.


    Come to think of it, what happenedst night?


    Part of my memory is impaled as in I can¡¯t ess them.


    I didn¡¯t drink. At least I think I didn¡¯t.


    Even if I did, I was still in control since I was wearing the same clothes from the party yesterday.


    I do remember some things about the night.


    I recalled walking in and sighting Eva and Kyle.


    The bathroom incident.


    The panic attack.


    Kyleforting me, the kiss we shared to make up. Kyle and I were okay now.


    After that, I went back to my seat, Dn being a jerk fast forward to going out in the cold, the jacket is ced over my skin, I touched my shoulders where he ced them.


    Our bickering then Dn got the driver to get us home¡­


    I trailed off with my thoughts. I got so tired, I think I fell asleep on the way.


    I remembered waking up at the gate, then falling back asleep then he carried me to my room.


    Yeah.


    I was in his arms.


    I blushed furiously.


    When we got here, I was half asleep already, I think he was saying some things but that part was fuzzy, I remember opening my eyes to meet his lips moving slowly, mouthing words I did not remember.


    When ites to Dn, I can rest assured that It was probably his usual jerk jokes.


    I think that¡¯s all that happened, up until I woke up.


    I got up from bed with a tired yawn.


    For an event I didn¡¯t participate in, I sure was spent.


    Putting on my flip flops, I got up from the bed straight to the closet for something to put on.


    I picked a simple outfit to get ready for school.


    It was all jeans today.


    A Jean packet with a in white shirt inside, then Jean trousers and my usual backpack.


    I ced them all on the bed then went into the bathroom.


    Before then, I locked the door just in case.


    ****


    ~Wednesday Morning


    ~7:30 am


    It took barely ten minutes to get clothed, arrange my bag, pick out the books I¡¯ll need then finally grabbed my idle phone on the desk.


    Speaking of phones, it crossed my mind that I¡¯ll keep postponing this, so I punched my dad¡¯s number into the cell and waited for an answer.


    The phone vibrated to signify they answered.


    That was quick.


    ¡°Good Morning dad.¡±


    I chirped happily. It¡¯ll be refreshing to hear his voice.


    ¡°Morning.¡± A greeting came. I nodded my head as a response, they said they wouldn¡¯t be gone for long, obviously a lie.


    ¡°Cami. Honey!¡±


    I giggled at my mom¡¯s voice in the background. There was a slight shuffle which I think was caused by my dad handing the phone over.


    ¡°How are you? We are sorry we couldn¡¯t call. It¡¯s been hectic getting things back on track.¡±


    I rolled my eyes since they weren¡¯t in the room. I¡¯ve heard that excuse before.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was getting ready for school, so I figured I¡¯ll give you a call.¡±


    I chuckled lightly.


    ¡°Thank you, dear. We¡¯ll be home soon!¡±


    Dad echoed in the background.


    I sighed in relief. I hope so.


    ¡°How soon?¡±


    I pushed hoping to hear this week or a few days.


    ¡°A few weeks, a month tops.¡±


    What!?


    I gulped unable to reply.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    I answered in a simple tone


    ¡°I should go now before it¡¯ste.¡±


    I click the end button and tossed the phone in my bag before they uttered another word.


    Weeks? A month even?


    Wow. Terrific.


    In annoyance, I hung my bag over my shoulder, pulled the doorknob about to walk out but instead, I nearly bumped into Dn.


    ¡°Hi. Good Morning.¡±


    He greeted, his hair was still very much wet after taking a bath.


    I took a few steps back and took in his outfit.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    Perfect. As always.


    Well, he never really wears anything different, his usual ck jeans and white shirt. But still, he manages to y it perfectly.


    ¡°Are you getting breakfast because I am not hungry?¡±


    He beamed. If he only knew the mood I was in.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go to school.¡±


    I faked a smile. My parents ruined my day without me even knowing.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    The tension that existed this morning was awkward like it appeared out of nowhere.


    He eyed me suspiciously, his lips slightly parted as if he wanted to drop ament but was withholding himself.


    ******


    I greeted his parents with yet another fake smile, I wasn¡¯t feeling up to doing anything today. I just wanted to get through a normal day of school,y on my bed and rest for a while.


    At least I¡¯ll get to Kyle, maybe seeing him will lift my spirits.


    His line was cut off yesterday, so I haven¡¯t heard from him all night.


    Dn and I got on the motorcycle.


    Tiredly, I wrapped my arm around his torso,ying my head on his back.


    It was an innocent move, one I figured wouldn¡¯t mean anything, his body reaction was a different case.


    I heard his haggard breathing as if that wasn¡¯t enough, he turned and the look in his eyes.


    I gulped and lifted my head, releasing my grip on him slightly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I cleared my throat doing my best calm demeanour, when in fact I was curious as well as shocked.


    Nevertheless, he nodded, faced the road and drove off.


    Let the weirdness end here. Please.


    ****


    Noments?? is

 Chapter 20 Weird Wednesday [II]

    **CAMILLA**


    ~Wednesday Morning


    As I said, the tension was awkward, not to mention a little strange.


    I ignored it, ignored him.


    The ride was overly silent, I got so used to his wittyments every five seconds when he didn¡¯t make any, I felt empty. Different even.


    The drive felt longer even. It was usually ten minutes tops, but with the lingering silence, it felt as though I was there for hours.


    Still, we arrived at soon in one piece.


    On the bright side, yeah there¡¯s a bright side. I don¡¯t have to walk a slightly long distance when he pulls over and parks somewhere.


    Since everyone had seen us arrive together, there was no need to hide it anymore. Dn parked his car in the lot and I stepped down.


    Unlike the first time, the surprise on most students¡¯ faces was just in and forced.


    Although the nastyments they made were quite the opposite. I could hear them, but it¡¯s not like they cared.


    They happily called me slut, boyfriend stealer, like whose boyfriend did I still?


    I shook my head, a sad smile stered on my face.


    Realising I stood in the same position for over a minute, I turned back to meet Dn¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you after school.¡±


    That was my way of saying sayonara.


    My fake smiles were stered on my face. This should be it for the rest of the day. No need to smile at any real ones anyway.


    ¡°Hey Cami, put an actual smile on your face. It looks amazing on you.¡±


    I cocked my head to his side, blinked twice and nothing changed.


    I thought he was awkward Dn? That was a genuine advice shpliment.


    From Dn? Truly a weird Wednesday.


    I didn¡¯t know how to respond, if Kyle gave such I¡¯ll hug him or peck his cheeks, but this was Dn. The guy I¡­


    Ugh.


    I¡¯m overthinking this.


    To end this horror, I put up a half-smile, it didn¡¯t reach my eyes, but it¡¯s all he¡¯s getting.


    With that, I turned to face the entrance and walked away.


    ****


    It became my hobby to always check my locker first before going to the first period coupled with the fact that it had be our meeting point, Kyle and I.


    I¡¯m still worried about his phone being shut off.


    It could just be battery, but still unlike Kyle.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I shut my locker lightly, after picking a few books for first till the final period before recess.


    I sighed in contempt. No sign of Kyle.


    I should try his cell again.


    About to dig out my phone to call, I sighted him approaching.


    For that reason only, I forced a smile.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    I beamed, putting on my best energetic face.


    I can¡¯t have sad vibes when we just made up.


    Instead of his usual peck or smile, he simple gulped and bowed his face.


    Anti climatic much?


    ¡°Well someone woke up unhappy.¡±


    I joked, chuckling nervously.


    Something is wrong with Kyle.


    ¡°You look off. Did something happen? What can I do to make it better?¡±


    I giggled, reaching for his cheeks.


    My gentle stroke didn¡¯t affect him. He didn¡¯t budge.


    Now I¡¯m frightened.


    Is he still angry at Me?


    ¡°Cami, I¡­¡±


    ¡°By the way, where did you suddenly run off to yesterday? I came by to say goodbye and you just vanished.¡±


    I added curiously. I gulped again. My heart best rapidly multiplying.


    He better tell me what I need to know in two seconds before I explode.


    ¡°Yes. I switched it on purpose because I left the party before you did.¡±


    I nodded my head since that sounded reasonable.


    ¡°I left with Eva.¡±


    He added. I lowered my head a little, giving him the ¡°are you serious¡± look or ¡°you better be joking¡± look


    Either way, he¡¯s tripping.


    ¡°You went with her to drop her off? Or you both took the same cab.¡±


    The nervous chuckle was back. My eyes were glued to him, awaiting his next statement that better exin this entire thing.


    ¡°I had sex with Evast night.¡±


    He blurted out.


    That simple huh?


    My face froze. My body froze. Usually, I¡¯d gulp or start trembling, but I just froze. My brain was the only part of my body still functioning, although that¡¯s questionable as well.


    A minute ago I was giggling and smiling, but now I¡¯m frozen on the spot rendered truly speechless by my ¡°boyfriend¡± who just confessed to fucking another girl.


    ¡°How? Why?¡±


    I whispered. The moment my trance was broken, I could speak. Two words at the very least. My senses picked up again.


    My eyes watered up, I sniffled several times and my fingers trembled.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to use the drunk guy excuse, but that¡¯s what happened. She knew I was drunk, so she took that to her advantage, it just happened and I don¡¯t know how I can ever get you to forgive me, but I swear I wouldn¡¯t have¡­¡±


    ¡°So you two left the party for a quickie?¡±


    I asked extremely hurt. If he got drunk at the party, she convinced him to leave before they had sex. This was right after we kissed, he went ahead to have drinks with her.


    Are you fucking kidding me?


    I felt a new emotion overpower the old one.


    No more pain or hurt or shock. It¡¯s anger.


    I¡¯m angry. They¡¯re sick. Both of them.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami.¡±


    I heard him. I whip my head to his features and re. I red with everything, suppressing the silly tears threatening to spill.


    He¡¯s fucking..


    Ugh!


    ¡°You know what? I¡¯m sorry Kyle. Not you. I¡¯m the sorry one. Know why? I trusted you. That¡¯s why. It sucks, but I thought we were okay. We kissed even. I¡¯m sorry for leaving a party where my boyfriend was with another girl, I am truly sorry for not thinking about the consequences. Trust me, you¡¯ll never get a second chance to hurt me. By all means, Have fun with Eva.¡±


    With that, I gave him a final re, sprinting off.


    If he dared followed, I¡¯ll hit him. I know I would.


    Walking briskly through the hallway, I lowered my head a second time and felt the tears stroll down my cheeks.


    Fucking Eva. Fucking Kyle.


    Fuck the two of them.


    Ugh!


    ******

 Chapter 21 Drunk Or Not Drunk?

    **CAMILLA**


    ~Wednesday Morning


    Unlike my oriPal n of storming out to the garden or seating in the cafeteria and getting caught by a teacher, I ended up going to ss arriving a few minutes earlier, pouting like an angry lion starved of food.


    Anyone who dared mess with me gets anything they receive.


    Anger is the one thing I can¡¯t get a grip on and my levels are off the charts.


    The teacher did arrive as soon as the bell sounded. Most of it then was like that.


    I was currently in English ss learning about the various stress patterns.


    How ironic considering how rtable I am to the first word.


    Sadly, I wasn¡¯t paying any attention. Can¡¯t afford it at this point not to mention I covered the topicst week while reading ahead.


    Ugh.


    Safe to sat, my mind was somewhere else.


    Very far.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The teacher would throw random questions at students to check if we were following the topic, I¡¯ll freeze if she call my name, that¡¯s my reaction to a situation like this.


    If that happens, it¡¯s a straight hall ass to detention.


    I¡¯m not going through two hours of torment again.


    I¡¯ve learnt my lesson.


    I sat up straight, picked a pen and scribbled the topic on my note.


    In bold letters even. Stress.


    *****


    Ten minutes passed, I manage to get through the first page.


    At this point, the pen fell off my hand.


    The tiny bridge I ced between the thought of what happened and focusing on this reality was copsing rapidly.


    I tried to amend.


    Squeeze my eyes, shake my head, tap my fingers on myps repeatedly, even breathing exercises were no good.


    Bottom line; I couldn¡¯t concentrate.


    It got even worse by the minute.


    Facing forward, I imagined a desk in the middle of the ss.


    Kyle was standing beside it, pinning Eva by her hair down on the desk, she gazed at him licking her lower lip, he lowered his head and dived into her bare core.


    In return, she screamed as ripples of pleasure ran through her skin.


    Those screams flooded my head, ringing incessantly at the back of my ear.


    I shut my ears with both hands, shaking my head a few times.


    Three or four times, I closed and open my eyes and they were outrightly fucking.


    My boyfriend was screwing another girl on a fricking desk.


    Oh, God. I shuddered.


    ¡°Umm ma¡¯am, I have to use the restroom, please. It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    I chuckled nervously, she makes it a thing not to let anyone out of her ss. I can¡¯t stay here.


    Giving me a suspicious look, but nodding her head barely three secondster.


    With that confirmation, I sprang up rushed out of ss receiving mocking looks from half of my mates.


    ****


    I followed the OG n of withdrawing into my small shell.


    The restroom was my destination.


    In there, I lowered my head into the sink and sprinkled water on my face, lifted my head then stared at my reflection in the mirror.


    I won¡¯t have to worry about any make-up getting soiled since I don¡¯t wear them.


    ¡°Holy Fuck!¡±


    I gasped in horror.


    From the mirror, I saw Eva by one of the stalls.


    I was lost in thought I didn¡¯t know when she walked in.


    Fuck. Was she following me?


    I held my chest turned around.


    She stood there. Arms crossed. A sadistic smile stered across her features. That was nowhere near funny.


    ¡°Either you¡¯re a figment of my imaPation or we¡¯re making a habit of meeting in the bathroom. Either way, fuck off please.¡±


    I gritted my teeth.


    She chuckled confirming thetter.


    I heard her footsteps approaching up until she stood beside me.


    I grabbed a tissue, wiping underneath my eyes preparing to leave this ce and avoid any altercation by all means.


    She reached across my hand, turned on the faucet and rinsed her hand.


    She didn¡¯t even use the restroom. This is just a stupid attempt to annoy me.


    She¡¯s trying to force me into bringing ¡°it¡± up.


    That will be clich¨¦ not to mention springing the bitchy part of me up.


    I will not give into this. Nope.


    It¡¯s her business if she fucked Kyle or forced him into fucking her.


    They can both burn in hell. I do not give a fuck.


    I¡¯ll just leave now.


    I turned to.


    She ced a finger on my shoulder, another one of the ¡°things¡± to do.


    ¡°Oh, if you¡¯re wondering, Kyle is an amazing bed. You know for any doubts you¡¯re having. He¡¯s the best. I know you two haven¡¯t done anything, maybe you¡¯re scared of him being a poor performer, but he¡¯s truly great. Stop starving his darling. Although, I was more than happy to help.¡±


    She hummed after the final part.


    I will not give into this.


    Curling my fists was my first attempt at controlling my temper and the heightened urge to hit her.


    If I pped her. Let¡¯s leave it at that.


    ¡°I have zero words to exchange with you Eva, my fight is with Kyle and not you.¡±


    I exhaled, letting out a breath I¡¯ve been holding for too long.


    I¡¯m out of here


    ¡°Oh, how mature of you. Just don¡¯t let him give you the drunk crap since that¡¯s what most guys do when they¡¯re not man enough to admit it was a good fuck. Maybe even better than his girlfriend would¡¯ve performed. From your fellow girl and all, you deserved better than that shitty lie. Let me make it straight; Kyle was one hundred per cent soberst night, I was the tipsy one, he was sober. Not the other way around. Okay?¡±


    I turned to face her. She gave me a straight look, pressing her lips against the other.


    ¡°Liar.¡± I retorted clenching my fists. Harder than before. It¡¯s getting close to impossible not to hit her.


    ¡°He¡¯s your boyfriend, isn¡¯t he? Well afterst night I bet it¡¯s on theplicated status. But that¡¯s not the point, is it? Oh well. How stupid are you? Kyle doesn¡¯t drink in case you forgot. That¡¯s one point plus a whole lot of other things which don¡¯t add up, but you believe the guy who doesn¡¯t take any shots or any alcoholic drinks to get tipsyst night and I take advantage to fuck him? Cami. You¡¯re Seventeen not stupid.¡±


    She rolled her eyes and I froze.


    The realisation hit me.


    She¡¯s not lying.


    Kyle does not take anything alcoholic.


    He hates getting tipsy or drunk.


    He didn¡¯t have any reason to drink since we made up.


    There wasn¡¯t anything alcoholic at the party even.


    How could I not see any of this?


    He lied to me.


    He fucking lied to me.


    ¡°Anyway, I hope you sort things out with your boyfriend. If you don¡¯t, I like him a lot, plus we¡¯ve given skin to skin so¡­¡±


    She trailed off with a wink.


    Passing my back, she went ahead of me and left the restroom.


    My grip on the sink was firm, I clung to him staring into thin air with only one thing on my mind.


    Kyle lied to me.


    I turned on the faucet and poured more water on my face trying to convince myself that there was zero truth to her words.


    The clues were there, but I still want to believe he was telling the truth.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be.¡±


    I assured myself sniffling while turning it off.


    The tears were slowly forming underneath my eyes.


    ¡°It can¡¯t.¡±


    I wrapped my arms around myself sobbing.


    The tears kept falling out at their own will.


    ****


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 Chapter 22 The Garden Talk

    **CAMILLA**


    WEDNESDAY.


    Anyone could walk in. They¡¯ll meet a girl with puffy eyes shedding tears non stop for a guy who not only slept with another girl, but he also lied to her about it.


    This is stupid.


    Why would Kyle do that to me?


    We¡¯ve had issues in the past. It¡¯s been two fucking years of course we¡¯ve argued and even spaced each other.


    He hasn¡¯t resorted to sex or flirting.


    Maybe he has and I wasn¡¯t aware of it. Those girls didn¡¯t inform me, but he¡¯s always been screwing around.


    ¡°Then again, maybe I deserve what¡¯s happening to me, Eva was probably right. It¡¯s not his fault for craving those things, everyone has sexual needs and for so long I neglected it. The topic didn¡¯t appeal to me, it¡¯s popped up a few times but I shrugged it away, he eventually stopped making advanced, I figured he understood my side, but in the end he¡¯s just a horny teen who couldn¡¯t keep his dick in his pants much longer. It¡¯s not his fault. It¡¯s mine. I am to me for all that¡¯s happening.¡±


    I exhaled a little, wiped underneath my eyes, practiced the smile I¡¯ll put on for everyone before walking out of the restroom.


    Secondster, the bell was rung and sses had ended. I missed an entire first period.


    The English teacher will not let me out of her ss next time, I don¡¯t me her as well


    I¡¯m facing a simr case with Kyle.


    Even if the truth is revealed, truth is like a te which falls and cracks, you can try to re use, but there¡¯ll always been one side that lets things inside of the te drip out due to that little crack.


    The te is our trust for each other.


    It fell the first time when Kyle saw me with me, now this is another crack.


    It won¡¯t be long before it breaks.


    Tomorrow was Thursday, a day to seat back and rest at home since it¡¯s teachers day or something.


    Thankfully, the next day is a Friday. Thest day of the week before another resting period for me. Saturday and Sunday.


    Can¡¯t wait to get these stupid thoughts off my mind.


    We had a ten minutes recess before the next ssmenced. I think it¡¯s geography or something.


    I moved in the direction of the yard feeling the need for some peace and quiet. No one hardly everes here.


    It¡¯s usually there or four students who also crave silence.


    I¡¯m wrong.


    Not only were there at least seven students.


    One of them was Dn Emerton.


    Resident high school badboy in a garden?


    To say I was shocked is an understatement, like that wasn¡¯t enough, heid on the ground staring into space.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    I called out softly, he turned back and forced a small smile, they didn¡¯t quite get to his eyes.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been acting weird since yesterday after the party, did I do or say something wrong?¡±


    I find myself blurting, feeling self aware.


    He has been un-Dn like.


    My question went unanswered. He turned and looked forward even.


    ¡°No. You didn¡¯t do anything Cami. The problem rests within me and that¡¯s silly as well.¡±


    He halted and sighed, but he wasn¡¯t done just yet.


    ¡°I¡¯m just having an internal battle with myself over something stupid.¡±


    He finished with another sigh.


    ¡°Care to share?¡±


    Ibeamed in dire need of a distraction. It¡¯ll be good to think of something other than Kyle¡¯s Betrayal.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell, but on one condition.¡±


    There it was. The infamous Emerton smirk. Of course I expect nothing less. He¡¯ll want something else in return but not parties, they¡¯re officially bad luck.


    ¡°It¡¯s not an outing, I¡¯ll tell my story and in return you open up.¡±


    Sounds fair.


    ¡°Specifically why you¡¯re sad.¡±


    He added narrowing his gaze. Was I see through?


    How did he read so easily.


    ¡°Sad¡­ hhh¡±


    I blew a little air out of my mouth in hopes of convincing him otherwise.


    ¡°Stop it Cami.¡±


    He said firmly.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    I gave in and he sighed.


    ¡°This may not make much sense because even I find it confusing, but here it is. Two years ago, something happened to me. Something very important and now it¡¯s resurfacing but I¡¯m trying to convince myself it ain¡¯t possible, yet my mind can¡¯t stop considering the other angle.¡±


    He let out a frustrated groan. I gulped.


    ¡°He¡¯s not talking about me, alot of things happened to him two years ago.¡±


    We engaged in a short staring contest, barely three seconds then I turned away.


    ¡°Now your turn.¡±


    I chuckled lightly. Nervousness raking through me.


    ¡°Well, in my case it¡¯s straight forward and not much of a big deal. My boyfriend may or may not have fucked Eva the bitch at the party yesterday then may or may not have lied to me by stating that he was under the influence of alcohol.¡±


    I purposefully ced air quotes at thest part then rolled my eyes.


    Dn¡¯s jaw dropped. Yeah. I can¡¯t believe it myself.


    Shit happens.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    ¡°He¡¯s an idiot.¡±


    He cursed in a cold tone.


    Okay. That¡¯s Unexpected.


    ¡°He¡¯s not really Dn. A huge part of it is my fault. I starved him.¡±


    I sighed in remembrance.


    ¡°What?¡±


    Dn¡¯s lip twisted in a confused manner.


    ¡°I was his girlfriend, yet I didn¡¯t have sex with him, so he probably went ahead to do it with someone else. My fault.¡±


    I raked a hand over my body then lowered my head.


    ¡°And you¡¯re ming yourself for that why?¡±


    Is he back to feigning dumb? I rolled my eyes wondering if he heard me.


    ¡°Because it¡¯s¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up.¡±


    He cut me short.


    ¡°Take it from the guy who¡¯s had sex with a few girls¡­.¡±


    ¡°A few.¡± I retorted and he smirked.


    A full blown Dn smirk.


    He¡¯s back.


    ¡°Anyway, as much as I¡¯ve done it, I would never make a girl feel obliged to have sex with me. It¡¯s crazy and stupid, if Kyle had sex with her, that¡¯s on him. Do not me yourself for his stupidity.¡±


    ¡°That only makes you stupid and you are a lot things, but you aren¡¯t stupid Cami.¡±


    He ended lifting my spirits.


    That¡¯s the sweetest thing anyone has said in a while,ing from Dn it means much more than he¡¯ll ever know.


    I¡¯m struggling to keep those tears at bay now.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mumbled in appreciation. That¡¯s the confidence boost I need. I feel better. Much better.


    ******

 Chapter 23 Mixed Emotions

    **CAMILLA**


    WEDNESDAY.


    After that little moment of genuine happiness, the awkwardness dissolved a little.


    In time, it disappeared and we seemed to have a normal conversation, the time two people who attended the same school would have.


    Weird right?


    I know.


    It got to the point that we started talking about random things such as pet peeves, likes and dislikes, I got to know Dn Emerton a little not than when I walked into this garden.


    I forgot all about Eva and everything that ured this morning.


    The smile on my face was there to stay, at least until I leave here and get back into the real world.


    Which was now. The bell rung and what was nearly half an hour felt like two minutes.


    That¡¯s how being with Dn felt.


    Wow.


    I forced a smile to mask the disappointment in me for leaving this ce, if I wasn¡¯t such a nerd I might as well just skip sses, but I was. I am a nerd.


    ¡°Not to sound like a kill joy or a sadist, oh well I am just going to put this out here. After the revtion, does it mean you two are broken up? Or you¡¯ll still try and speak with him?¡±


    He asked keeping a straight face.


    I could tell there was no hidden agenda or mockery beneath those words. In fact, it seems Dn Emerton was merely curious.


    ¡°You want the truth? I don¡¯t know. I walked out on him this morning, but he¡¯s not aware that Eva and I had a confrontation causing me to find out the secret. I¡¯m not sure but I do know I don¡¯t want to see him now. That should be good enough. I¡¯ll decide how to handle thingster on, but our rtionship is on a broken bridge.¡±


    I replied truthfully. He nodded.


    ¡°I understand fully, but there might be a problem with one of your requests. The one that has to do with not seeing him¡­¡±


    He trailed off. I furrowed my brows in confusion, waiting for his next statement which should exin things.


    ¡°Why¡­¡±


    I trailed off requesting a fill in.


    Leaning further into my body, he ced both hands over my shoulders, making eye contact for a split second, my breath hitched, but he had other ns.


    Without warning, he turned me towards his direction and I caught the sight of Kyle literally storming towards us.


    He does not look happy.


    I got, the tingles on my shoulders were not missed.


    So much for not wanting to see him.


    ¡°That¡¯s my cue to leave as much as I badly want to hit him. I think it¡¯s best I leave you two. For now. I¡¯ll see you.¡±


    His hands crossed my waist before he tucked both of them in his pockets and strode away.


    Two point of contact in one day.


    Dn passed Kyle and I know that smirk on his face was left there on purpose.


    Kyle made no attempt to hide his distaste in meeting us together.


    Right. Like I care.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything to say to you.¡±


    I started the minute he was close enough. My arms were crossed plus I had a huge re directed towards him. That should send the memo.


    ¡°I know, I just need to tell you the truth¡­¡±


    ¡°What truth?¡±


    I scoffed with a sarcasticugh hitting the back of my throat.


    Some fucking nerve.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t drunkst night, I knew what I was doing. I¡¯m sorry for lying earlier, I was so embarrassed of it and how you would react, but I shouldn¡¯t have lied to you and I¡¯m here to fix that.¡±


    He confessed. Eva wasn¡¯t lying.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I can¡¯t look shock twice now can I? I already know the truth, but I wasn¡¯t expecting him to open up so easily. That caught me off guard.


    ¡°Oh wow.¡±


    I mumble sarcastically.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami, there¡¯s no excuse for what I did.¡±


    ¡°So why did you do it?¡±


    I cut him off again. If there¡¯s no excuse, there should be a reason right?


    ¡°Moment of weakness I guess, I am sorry.¡±


    I scoffed. He guess? Wow. This day keeps getting better and better.


    ¡°Fuck you and fuck your apology.¡±


    I spat out full of despair.


    ¡°In case you had cotton balls in your ears earlier, I¡¯ll repeat it again. Stay far away from me.¡±


    I said flipping the finger in his face. I spun around and walked away to get to ss a littlete.


    He made no attempt to pull me back, that I¡¯m thankful. If anyone tries to pull me back or do anything to annoy me, I¡¯ll let out this untame anger which I¡¯m desperately trying not to let loose.


    ****


    The day was almost over, I kept myself all through but I knew what would happen the moment I was alone.


    Thankfully, the final Bell was rung, I hung my bag over my shoulder and was on my merry way to meet up with Dn.


    ¡°Hey Bitch.¡±


    That farmr voice cursed as I mmed my locker.


    Where have I heard it from though?


    Oh. I recall her now. She¡¯s the one who hit me the day I walked into school with Dn or rode into school rather.


    ¡°Look girl, who ever you are, I have no intention of taking Dn from you, he¡¯s all yours. I¡¯m not in the mood for anything like this today. I have a bad headache caused by a terrible day, so please get out of my way.¡±


    My voice was calm but hard. As I said, barely holding it in.


    ¡°No intention of taking Dn yet you seemed to enjoy talking to him.¡±


    Wow. Seriously? Okay. I¡¯m not to talk to him any longer. A guy who isn¡¯t even her boyfriend.


    I truly don¡¯t have time to argue.


    ¡°Ugh, as I said, no time for this. If you don¡¯t want me to talk to Dn who isn¡¯t your boyfriend, that¡¯s fine by me. I just want to leave. May I go now? Okay¡­ Bye¡±


    I rushed out trying to pass by.


    She pulled me by my arm, her louisy attempt to shove me back.


    Once bitten, twice shy. Her funeral.


    In return, I stomped as hard as I could over her leg.


    Her grip on my arm dissolved and she seethed.


    ¡°Today is not a day to mess with me.¡±


    I threatened shoving a finger in her face.


    Dn was in the parking lot, I marched towards him, turning back a few times to see if she trailed me.


    She didn¡¯t.


    Getting closer, I noticed a different look on his face.


    Not the one he left the garden with. He scanned my body then rested his gaze on my face. I¡¯m fucking stressed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    My voice came out rough and hard.


    He turned back and stared at me for a few seconds, he didn¡¯t ask why I acted that way.


    I got on the bike, pushing my hair into the helmet, I held his shoulders instead of wrapping my arms around his torso as I usually would.


    He hesitated for a few seconds and just when I figured he¡¯ll say something or ask something.


    He ignited the engine and drove off.


    That concludes an extremely weird Wednesday.


    ******

 Chapter 24 What Does He Know?

    **CAMILLA**


    WEDNESDAY


    The weirdness didn¡¯t end.


    Arriving at his ce, I hopped off the motorcycle and rushed instead, walking faster than I usually would.


    When he made no efforts to reach out, I lowered my head and shut the door behind me.


    I ran upstairs, locked myself in my room and sucked in a harsh breath. The walls felt as though they were closing in on me, not to mention my airway feeling clogged all of a sudden.


    ¡°Things are turning out terribly for me. For starters, I caused a fire in my house, I lost my boyfriend, my parents are away. I don¡¯t need a soothsayer to let me know that I¡¯m bad luck.¡±


    I whispered to my hearing.


    My shoulders began to shake in light sobs. Tears streamed down my cheeks. I got to my bed andid t, burying my face into my pillow, screaming out all my frustrations and then I cried even harder.


    ****


    Half an hourter, I pulled off my clothes and went into the shower, when I get out I¡¯ll fall on the bed, shut my eyes and sleep in hopes of my problems disappearing into thin air before I wake up.


    ****


    By the time I woke up, it was prettyte. About nine pm at night making roughly five hours of sleep or more.


    My stomach grumbled in hunger. I didn¡¯t eat much today.


    I didn¡¯t eat any food aside from the chips I got during lunch break, my appetite just wasn¡¯t there, but now I¡¯m starved.


    I felt itchy so I opted for any shower, taking off my clothes.


    Minutester, I changed into something else, put on my padded slippers, exited the room and went downstairs to grab a quick snack.


    After minutes of probing the kitchen, I  settled for a bowl of cereal and milk.


    I held it to my chest weakly, walking tiredly to my room when I heard noises from the theatre.


    It¡¯s after nine pm. Someone was watching a movie maybe?


    Out of curiosity, I moved towards the room to check.


    Poking my head inside, I caught the sight of Dn seatingfortably, a hand-dipped inside a bowl of popcorn while his eyes remained glued to the TV.


    He looked so focused on what he was watching.


    Wait a second.


    I cocked my head sideways, a tiny gasp escaping from my lips.


    Can¡¯t be.


    ¡°You¡¯re watching ¡°The Notebook¡±


    I chuckled. That got his attention, he noticed my presence, turned back, his eyes widened having been caught by yours truly.


    ¡°Dn Emerton is watching a romance movie, this is front-page news.¡±


    I giggled and he red, picked up the remote and switched it off.


    ¡°No evidence.¡±


    He smirked. I rolled my eyes steadily approaching him.


    ¡°Why are you still up.¡±


    He smiled a little. I reached where he was and took a seat across.


    ¡°I¡¯m not, I¡¯ve been asleep since we got back, I was hungry so I came downstairs to grab a snack.¡±


    Speaking of which, I picked my spoon and started eating slowly.


    ¡°Why the notebook?¡±


    I mused after a momentary silence.


    ¡°Nothing, I just felt like watching it.¡±


    He shrugged his shoulders, switching it back on.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re one of those guys who mock girls that are helpless romantics.¡±


    ¡°I am. You won¡¯t say a word about this to anyone.¡±


    He threatened. The face he made at the end was too funny to pass off, I chuckled again, shoving a spoon full of cereal in my mouth.


    ¡°Maybe I will. Maybe I won¡¯t.¡±


    I sneered and he red.


    ¡°I mean it, Cami.¡±


    He seethed, gritting his teeth at the end.


    Someone¡¯s mad. At least he understands how I felt back in the locker room.


    ¡°I probably won¡¯t remember anyway.¡±


    I rolled my eyes focusing more on my meal, he returned to his movie shortly afterwards.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Facing the screen, he asked and I halted.


    ¡°I have this stupid problem of forgetting things when I¡¯m sleepy¡±


    ¡°Are you sleepy?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    I popped the ¡°p¡± and he groaned.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny.¡±


    He added. Yeah, this is hrious.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just watch the movie.¡±


    Switching spots, I took the closest seat to him the ced my hand on his shoulders as we watched in silence.


    ¡°Kyle hurt you didn¡¯t he?¡±


    He broke the silence secondster.


    ¡°How.? W-When?¡±


    I stuttered.


    ¡°Our rooms aren¡¯t as far apart as you think plus, it¡¯s clear in your eyes.¡±


    He stared at me before looking away.


    ¡°He had sex with her on purpose.¡±


    I rified, my voice turning hard.


    ¡°Ohh.¡±


    He said simply.


    ¡°It hurts like hell.¡±


    My voice came out low and broken. He did that.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I shouldn¡¯t have asked.¡±


    I didn¡¯t respond since he was right. He shouldn¡¯t have brought that bastard up.


    I merely focused on the movie.


    ****


    ¡°Hey, Cami.¡±


    He called out, I finished the cereal and my full concentration was on the movie although it had almost ended.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He poked my shoulders, I whipped my head in his direction with a massive re.


    ¡°Would you shut it? It¡¯s the favourite part of the movie and I¡¯d like to enjoy it.¡±


    I snapped turning back to the screen. My eyes were threatening to screw shut, now I¡¯m sleepy but I want to watch the end. I yawned, wiping my face with my left palm.


    I¡¯ll watch till the end.


    ¡°Before you moved in here, have we met before? Maybe outside of school? I feel as though we have.¡±


    I heard Dn ask.


    My eyes were closing. I was tired.


    The movie had ended.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ countless times. In school.¡±


    I emphasized thest part.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean school Cami, I mean have we met like just the two of us?¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I yawned, leaning further into his body, sniffing his shirt.


    His cologne was fucking intoxicating. I raised my head from his shoulder trying to keep my eyes on him.


    ¡°Yes, we have.¡±


    I mumbled unsure if he heard me.


    ¡°Where?¡±


    There was this unreadable expression in his eyes. I can¡¯t think about that now. I just want to sleep.


    I yawned again, wrapping my hands around his torso.


    ¡°Cami. Where?¡±


    He asks again and I shut my eyespletely. Without answering.


    ******


    Thoughts on the book? Drop them in thement section. Also, add the book to your library!

 Chapter 25 Daddy Issues

    **CAMILLA**


    THURSDAY.


    The next morning, I woke up in my bed.


    The bed was assigned to me at Dn¡¯s ce.


    Speaking of which, where is he? I mean I recall watching a movie with him, the Notebook I think.


    I fell asleep at the closing credits and now I¡¯m back in bed. He picked me up again and brought me here.


    Wow.


    I blushed slightly at the thought of being in his arms.


    Why can¡¯t I recall it perfectly?


    This stupid habit of forgetting things needs to end.


    I blinked my eyes a few times to get the sleep off my eyes after which  I stood up to get ready for school.


    Taking off my clothes, I hopped into the shower for a quick.


    It¡¯s a few minutes after seven meaning I do not have to rush for anything.


    For my outfit today, I decided to go in Jeans and a T-Shirt.


    It takes roughly fifteen minutes to shower then I got dressed and stood at the edge of the bed.


    Since I didn¡¯t drop off my books back in my locker the day before, I kept the books I figured would be useless back at home.


    Now it¡¯s downstairs, getting on Dn¡¯s motorcycle and heading for school with hopes that nothing weird urs as it did the day before.


    About Kyle¡¯s issue since that¡¯s one word to describe it. For today, it¡¯s avoiding him all day. Not ready or willing to settle down and speak just yet.


    I¡¯m giving myself the time and space I need to heal. After that, I¡¯ll consider speaking with him.


    ****


    Before anything else, I hurriedly did some of my projects.


    When I returned from school yesterday, I was so engrossed over Kyle to start up on anything and now I was behind on my projects which is weird for me. I¡¯m always ahead.


    I couldn¡¯t get through all of them that¡¯s how far behind I was, very disappointed.


    Shaking my head, I imagined the punishment I¡¯ll receive from the teachers today.


    It¡¯ll be a first. All because of Kyle.


    Awesome.


    In the end, I zipped my bag and hung it over my shoulder ready to exit my room. It¡¯s almost eight anyway.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    Dn¡¯s voice came out from the other side of my door. It¡¯s almost but he¡¯s developing courtesy, usually, he¡¯ll barge in.


    ¡°Yeah? Come In. It¡¯s open.¡±


    I responded, he unlocked the door and walked in.


    Hands in his pockets as usual. His eyes went from my dressing to my bag and finally my face.


    His lips tugged in a small smile. Swiping his tongue over his lower lip, he ced both hands in front of me then burst intoughter.


    ¡°Hirious Cami. You love the school that much?¡±


    Arching a brow, hisughter echoed over the room and I¡¯m left wondering what could be so funny.


    ¡°What is it? I¡¯m confused.¡±


    I furrowed my lips expressing that emotion over my face.


    ¡°It¡¯s teachers day Cami. It¡¯s not like one of those useless holidays where you need to go to school. This one you¡¯re allowed to seat back at home and rest.¡±


    Like shackles falling over, I truly noticed what he was wearing.


    Un-Dn like. It was so casual but I thought it¡¯s a ¡°today look.¡±


    Nothing like his usual ck and ck or ck and white.


    That exins why the projects were so much.


    Oh shit.


    ¡°You are a nerd.¡±


    He joked,ughing harder than before.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny. You can stop now!¡±


    I snapped in annoyance.


    ¡°But it¡¯s funny. Hirious. I can almost sense the tears threatening to fall out since you¡¯re so funny Cami.¡±


    He choked on a few words, clutching his tummy whileughing.


    I took off my bag, tossed it on the bed the proceeded to take off my essories.


    ¡°On second thought, I shouldn¡¯t have told you. It would be priceless to watch you go to school theme back after realising it¡¯s a holiday. Oh, God!¡±


    He eximed, bursting into another round ofughter.


    ¡°Get out Dn! I want to change.¡±


    I seethed.


    ¡°Okay. Okay. I¡¯ll stopughing, I guess we all make mistakes after all.¡±


    He chuckled before letting that amusing state wear off. I knew sooner orter he¡¯ll do something to remind me.


    ¡°You may leave now. Why did youe here if it¡¯s not a school day?¡±


    Crossing my arms over my chest, I faced him feeling a massive re forming across my face.


    ¡°Right.¡±


    His tone went firm and serious. Bipr. So many confirmations.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    I asked cocking my gaze over to his side.


    His hands flung into his hair, tugging at its root.


    ¡°I need to do something before I convince myself not to. It took me a lot of courage to march up to you and I guess the school thing was a way of convincing myself to back up, but I¡¯m standing firm. I should do this.¡±


    He stated confusing me further.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I furrowed my brow inplete confusion.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡±


    I mouthed with a trail, the only response fitted for a statement such as that.


    He shook his head slightly then cleared his throat.


    Closing the gap between us, he stepped further and reached where I stood.


    I lifted my head and met his gaze.


    A small smile formed on his lips.


    Okay. I take those words back, I¡¯ll take the mocking now.


    He¡¯s been weird.


    He tried to take another step further, too close.


    I gulped and took three steps backwards.


    He chuckled again.


    ¡°We¡¯ve met before. I can feel it. Before all this.¡±


    He took one step closer.


    I retreated. Wait for what? He¡¯s suspicious? How did he find out? Oh shit.


    ¡°Then something happened.¡±


    He added halting in his steps. I froze. If he came closer, I couldn¡¯t even move.


    ¡°He couldn¡¯t remember, he just can¡¯t.¡±


    I thought to myself.


    He gained hisposure back, taking a few more steps, closing the gap once again. This time, we were inches apart now.


    ¡°And then I think that something might be easy to guess. I can¡¯t help but think that we¡­¡±


    I shut my eyes in anticipation of his next words, shaken to the core of what they might be. The truth? Another silly ploy of his?


    Fuck.


    Suddenly, my door clicked open. In a split second, I opened my eyes. The first sight was Dn¡¯s lips parted, about to make his revtion.


    I switched my gaze over his shoulder, taking my eyes to the open door.


    I gulped.


    This is even worse than yesterday. It¡¯s not even eight and so much has already happened.


    My parents are back. My mom and my dad are standing by the fucking door with the position Dn and are in.


    I shoved him slightly, so much so that they wouldn¡¯t notice.


    Sticking my hands in my hair, I tugged at its root and switched my gaze back to him.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t finish my project.¡±


    I stated with a nervous chuckle. Dad gave me a look, the kind he gives when he¡¯s annoyed, but my mom surprisingly smirked.


    On one hand, they helped me out of a sticky spot with Dn. I get another hour or two of escape from my past with him.


    On the other hand, I justnded myself in another mess with my dad.


    ¡°You¡¯re back!¡±


    I yelled ecstatically.


    What? It¡¯s the only thing that popped in my head. I might as well do damage control.


    ****

 Chapter 26 Camilla The Tutor

    ¡°**CAMILLA**


    THURSDAY.


    To move away from Dyaln and closer to my dad, also to wipe that nasty scowl off his face, the res aimed at Dn and I, I hugged them.


    Dad¡¯s eyes went behind me to re continuously. I¡¯m getting a lot of questions on that issue at the end of this. I just know it.


    After hugging them for what seemed like hours, but was probably a few minutes, I disengaged full of smiles. Fake smiles.


    How to make this any less awkward?


    ¡°You¡¯re back.¡±


    I beamed happily. I already said that. Awkward. Twitching my toe nails, I gazed at my mom at that in upmost confusion. They were not happy, well my dad wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Not necessarily. We aren¡¯t back full, but yeah we¡¯re around for a few days. We¡¯ll be gone before the end of next week.¡±


    Dad replied nonchntly, mostly focused at throwing ncing at Dn.


    ¡°There is a holiday today and Dn was trying to exin a thesis to me.¡±


    I stated to try and clear the air. That¡¯s barely believable. They know I¡¯m twice as smart as him.


    I gave myself a hard smack across the face.


    How did Ie up with something stupid?


    I don¡¯t do well under pressure.


    ¡°Well, don¡¯t let us stop you. You can continue.¡±


    Mom speaks up for the first time, it¡¯s as though she wasn¡¯t in the room.


    That smirk was back up on her face, stered even. Dad gave her a daring look but she shrugged her shoulders giving him one of hers. He can¡¯t possibly do anything.


    ¡°Come on dear, it¡¯s a long trip. We should freshen up and change, maybe grab a bite to eat.¡±


    She practically pulled him out of the room, but he still had res aimed at Dn.


    After they left, they shut the door with my face towards it and I released a long breath. One I¡¯ve been holding for a long time.


    That¡¯s another problem forter, my mom and dad can hold off on their issues for now.


    What¡¯s bothering me now is Dn and his findings.


    I turned and he just stood there, arms crossed and staring aimlessly.


    ¡°I should go.¡±


    He said out of the blue.


    Huh?


    ¡°I just remembered there¡¯s someone I have to see, I¡¯ll be gone the entire day. Have fun.¡±


    He passed through the corner, barely brushing my shoulders before taking his leave.


    That¡¯s another problem forter.


    I should be okay since everyone has left. Now I simply feel alone.


    My parents are back yet they¡¯re far away, Dn has gone out as well. Possibly to meet up with his others girls.


    Ugh.


    I shut the door slightly, locking it from my end then returning to my bed.


    I took a moment to myself to change into causual clothings and fell on the bed.


    I¡¯ll get started on those projects soon, I think for now I¡¯ll rather justy here and enjoy the peace and quiet before everything turns shitty again.


    ****


    HOURS LATER.


    I woke up to a headache and my tummy grumbling.


    No food. No water. Nothing all day. It¡¯s almost one pm.


    ¡°Cami, I didn¡¯t want to disturb your holiday.¡±


    Mrs Emerton greeted, making lunch in the kitchen.


    My focus was on the pancake, not her words.


    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re probably hungry. These should be ready very soon. Just wait there and I¡¯ll set the tes. Dn¡¯s dad has gone out, so has Dn and your parents¡­¡±


    ¡°They aren¡¯t here too.¡±


    I finished, taking a seat on the stool.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    I affirmed, adjusting my position.


    ¡°it¡¯ll get better soon, they are just trying to get their feet back, it¡¯s not easy loosing that much.¡±


    I¡¯m not angry. I don¡¯t have any right to get mad. It¡¯s my fault they are in so much trouble.


    ¡°Cami..¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not mad, I shouldn¡¯t get mad anyway. I¡¯ll just wait for these.¡±


    I smiled widely to cover the thoughts I got.


    She bought it and offered a warm smile herself.


    Ten minutester, she took a seat beside me, setting the tes and putting a few pancakes on each.


    ¡°Dig in.¡±


    She motioned over to them.


    ¡°So how is school?¡±


    She asked, slicing a piece with the fork.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    I hummed, following her moves.


    ¡°Sure? If Dn is doing anythings stupid¡­¡±


    ¡°No. He has actually being great. Better than I imagined actually.¡±


    I giggled recalling the theater yesterday and the garden the same day.


    ¡°Great?¡±


    She arched her brows suspiciously.


    ¡°Well as great as Dn Emerton can be, he¡¯s not a total jerk. No offense since he¡¯s your son.¡±


    ¡°Oh darling none taken, he can be a handful, but since you¡¯ve been here it¡¯s different.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    I asked stuffing my mouth with pancakes.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    ¡°Well, let¡¯s begin with the obvious. He does note home with a girl sometimes when he believes we are not home or when we are and they try to sneak it. I don¡¯t see panties in his room when I try to check in. A lot to other things. He¡¯s just different.¡±


    She shrugged unaffected, but her words had me cringing from start till finish.


    He brings his first home? Panties?


    ¡°I am sorry, I don¡¯t want any bad blood.¡±


    ¡°No. I guess it¡¯s better I know from the beginning ¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean he¡¯s doing that, as I said he¡¯s been different.¡±


    ¡°I doubt that.¡±


    I mumbled underneath my breath.


    She heard me though.


    ¡°Thank you for the pancakes. I¡¯ll just get a ss of milk to my room. I¡¯ll be in the finishing my projects for the day.¡±


    ¡°May I ask for a favour Cami?¡±


    ¡°Sure ma¡¯am. You don¡¯t have to ask me anything, I¡¯m indebted to your family.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine dear. It¡¯s a really big favour. I just want you to help Dn with some projects. He¡¯s failing in them and he is not dumb, he just doesn¡¯t like doing them, but I¡¯m sure if you give him that little push, he¡¯ll have no other choice than toply. I know it¡¯s a lot to ask, you don¡¯t need to do it immediately, just please try to. For me. I promise if you agree, let me know I¡¯ll speak with him so he behaves.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary ma¡¯am.¡±


    I chuckled nervously, tucking my hair.


    That¡¯s truly a huge favour.


    ¡°Will you do it?¡±


    She reached for my palm, batting hershes. How is it possible to turn her down?


    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can do although I¡¯m not a guru, so it might not be much.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    She grinned, standing up to hug me.


    ¡°Thank you Cami. For all you do.¡±


    Since her lips was ced beneath my ears, those words echoed for a while.


    ¡°Thank you for breakfast and lunch.¡±


    I giggled and pulled away, getting a ss of milk before returning to my room.


    With my back turned away, I could potray my true emotions which were confusion and fright.


    Tutuor Dn? That¡¯s a problem. A big one.


    Let¡¯s get through these projects first then I¡¯ll sleep.


    Speaking of Dn, where did he run off too? I¡¯m not jealous or worried not do I care per say, I¡¯m just curious.


    The day is half exhausted and he¡¯s not back.


    His business. Not mine.


    ¡°Right. Like you¡¯re not looking forward to it. Goodluck with that. You can lie to yourself, but not me. Since I¡¯m you and I know you¡­¡±


    My subconscious mocked in my voice. When and how did my life get thisplicated?


    ****


    Thoughts so far? If anyone can guess where Dn went. Double updates tomorrow.

 Chapter 27 Are We Friends?

    **CAMILLA**


    FRIDAY.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Something strange urredst night.


    Well aside from staying indoors throughout the afternoon, head buried in tons of paperwork, ending up going two weeks ahead of my ss, that aside my parents texted that they¡¯ll stay at some hotel for the night.


    It¡¯ll be too risky returning here at such ate hour.


    Since that was settled, I was left wondering who scrambled into the house at such ate hour


    The noise jolted me out of sleep.


    I heard the door open then clip shut wondering who came in.


    I knew it was Dn. My subconscious. I refused to admit it.


    Did hee home after midnight? Did he spend the entire day outside? Doing what?


    Only Dn can answer that yet my curiosity got the best of me.


    Before going to bed I concluded on one answer. He spent the day with someone else.


    ****


    The next morning, I woke up refreshed. Every time there¡¯s a holiday, I feel better returning to school the next day.


    Since I got up slightly early, I took some time after showering to curl my hair.


    I¡¯m not sure why, but I preferred a new look.


    It has nothing to do with Dn staying out.


    ¡°Right¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up. You.¡±


    I cursed in annoyance.


    After curling my hair, I let it fall then wore a simple gown. I can¡¯t overdo anything since it¡¯s Friday.


    ¡°Come in.¡±


    I beamed at whoever was at the door since they had the courtesy to knock.


    ¡°Good Morning Dear.¡±


    My mom and dad greeted me.


    ¡°They¡¯re back.¡±


    I mumbled response in annoyance then looked away.


    It¡¯s hard to know if I still have parents or not.


    ¡°Cami¡­.¡±


    Dn greeted, storming into my room.


    Awkward.


    ¡°Uhm, I had no idea your parents were¡­.¡±


    ¡°So you barge into my daughter¡¯s room anytime without knocking..?¡±


    He does. He truly does.


    Shit.


    ¡°Of course not dad.¡±


    I chuckled nervously.


    ¡°We need to talk with you, but it seems Dn is here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, dad. We need to get to school.¡±


    That¡¯s believable.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He replied with a tone of uncertainty.


    No doubt that ¡°talk¡± is about Dn Emerton.


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk when I get back Dad. I¡¯lle over to your room. That¡¯s if you and mom aren¡¯t out.¡±


    Mom shook her head in negation, speaking for both of them I assume.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Dn.¡±


    I said to end this awkward meet and greet.


    Mom and dad took lead to leave my room, I followed their lead and walked out as well.


    Dn retreated from the door so they could pass. Once he got through my dad, he gulped. Hard. So hard I caught sight of his Adam¡¯s apple for the first time.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he likes me much.¡±


    Dn mused when they were out of earshot.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, that¡¯s how he is with all the guys he sees me with.¡±


    That¡¯s a partial lie. I¡¯m hardly around guys, but when he does see me, he always cusses or scolds me.


    I¡¯m not sure why I want Dn¡¯s impression of my dad to stay good and vice versa.


    Well, we are staying in the same house.


    ¡°Even Kyle?¡±


    He asked. My breath hitched upon hearing his name.


    The name hasn¡¯t crossed my mind for thest twenty-four hours.


    ¡°Oh shit. I am sorry.¡±


    He added quickly.


    I shook my head, shrugging it off to feign nonchnce. When in fact I¡¯m highly bothered


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. My dad and Kyle are okay in a way. He knows we¡¯re dating, so he has no other option than to ept him, rather he knows we dated.¡±


    I quickly corrected. His brows shoot up at the tense I used, but he knew better than to question anything I say.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you gonna eat something?¡±


    He asked and I negatively shook my head. We are both holding back on asking questions.


    I¡¯m wondering where he ran off to, he¡¯s curious about Kyle.


    ¡°I want to stay hungry so I can wake up and stumble upon you watching ¡°The Notebook¡±


    I whispered, leaning into his skin.


    ¡°Hush¡±


    He said as I giggled.


    ¡°So you do remember.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    I answered.


    ¡°That reminds me, you were saying something before I fell asleep, I can¡¯t recall.¡±


    ¡°It can wait.¡±


    He responded.


    Passing the kitchen, the sweet scent of pancakes stung my nostrils.


    I took a quick detour and grabbed a few pancakes, stuffing them in my mouth.


    ¡°Bye Mr and Mrs Emerton.¡±


    I greeted trailing behind Dn.


    ¡°I think my dad might start dropping me off as from tomorrow until he leaves though.¡±


    He halted giving me the chance to catch up to him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Oh. It¡¯s Nothing. That means we would only see back at home. Yeah?¡±


    I nodded and he half-smiled.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°I like the hair. It looks good on you.¡±


    Heplimented, I forgot what I wanted to say and blushed, turning away so he wouldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°We should get going now. It¡¯s Friday.¡±


    I hopped on the motorcycle, he got on as well.


    I nearly rested on his back as before.


    Sighing, I wrapped my hands around his torso instead. I might miss this. Maybe.


    ¡°Would you like me to tutor you over the weekend?¡±


    I asked as he sped off.


    ¡°I¡¯d like that.¡±


    He stated.


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    I responded and shut my eyes letting the wind brush past my face.


    ****


    Thoughts so far? The reactions on thest chapter were not encouraging plus I¡¯m thinking of halting the book until any stories gives me a response. This might be thest chapter I upload.

 Chapter 28 Miranda

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY.


    Making a mental note to pick the books I¡¯ll need for the weekend, the weekend which includes tutoring Dn, I shoved them to the corner so they¡¯ll be easier to pick up when I return.


    Moving my head to the giant clock in the middle of the hallway, I saw it was almost time for the first period. I can¡¯t wait to get this day over with.


    With that thought, I shut my locker and spun around on my way to ss.


    Wrong move.


    Looking forward, I saw Kyle approaching, his features indicate he was searching for someone.


    Who? Maybe me? I doubt Eva¡¯s locker is located anywhere around here. Still, an early morning confrontation isn¡¯t what I¡¯d like.


    Almost immediately, I clung to my books about to turn just to avoid him.


    I sighted the clock and that¡¯ll make mete for ss. English ss. Considering the stunt I pulledst time if I end up beingte she¡¯ll write up a three weeks detention note for me.


    Not good.


    With that, I held my stance keeping my gaze on some other student except him.


    He might not be looking for me. There are tens of students currently here, it could be anyone else.


    Moving forward slowly, Our paths crossed. Please don¡¯t do anything.


    That prayer didn¡¯t move to pass the school¡¯s roof.


    As he brushed my shoulders, he reached for my arm, tightening his hand around it then pulling me towards himself.


    I gulped.


    I¡¯m stuck. His grip was firm and tight.


    Students crossed our path having no idea of what was going on.


    I can¡¯t miss ss.


    ¡°What?!¡±


    I thundered.


    I made my voice hard, cold, and rough. Unlike the sweet Cami he knew, the Cami he cheated on and lied to without remorse.


    The one beside him was filled with anger. No emotions whatsoever towards him.


    ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    His tone was pleading. I swear I heard him sniffle as though my attitude was soul-crushing.


    Very funny. I wonder how I felt when the news hit me? Oh right. I know. Heartbroken.


    ¡°It¡¯ll only take a minute, I promise.¡±


    I sighted the clock again. Two minutes.


    Ugh.


    I hesitated before nodding my head slowly.


    I¡¯ll stand and pretend to listen then leave.


    ¡°Lead the way.¡±


    My face was straight as he walked ahead to an empty ss. English ss isn¡¯t so far from here, so it¡¯s still a win.


    ¡°60 seconds and counting.¡±


    I tapped my foot on the floor to show how impatient I was. That¡¯s the time limit I have before the bell goes off.


    ¡°Firstly, I love you.¡±


    He started. I held the sarcasticments from dropping out. So manyebacks, but he deserves none of them. He can say shit.


    ¡°I made a mistake, I shouldn¡¯t have taken her out with me not to mention touching her or having sex with her, sorry isn¡¯t big enough to describe my apology.¡±


    He added as my breathing slowed down.


    When are boys so cliche? I knew that¡¯s all he¡¯ll have to say. Nothing more.


    Sorry does not change a damn thing. Hell, it does not even make things better. Not one bit.


    ¡°Cami, I don¡¯t know what to do that¡¯ll make this better. I do know that I can¡¯t lose you, I don¡¯t want to lose you ever.¡±


    His voice was low. Well then, should¡¯ve thought about that before screwing some girl. We are past that now. I do not give a damn about this.


    ¡°Twenty seconds.¡±


    I looked away.


    ¡°I promise you, I would never cheat on you again, just a second chance please.¡±


    My resolves were slowly falling apart. The resolve I¡¯m keeping up not to bash him.


    ¡°Ten seconds.¡±


    I voiced out with a sniffle. It¡¯s funny how much anger turns into tears, especially when I don¡¯t need to cry.


    ¡°Cami, I love you.¡±


    He repeated. Sure you do.


    Ugh.


    ¡°Five seconds.¡±


    I gulped, my lips quivering. I curled my fist. Anything to control the anger I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡°I love you more than anything and I don¡¯t want to lose you, please.¡±


    He begged.


    ¡°Three seconds Kyle.¡±


    I quickly wiped the tear that rolled out.


    ¡°Time¡¯s up, I have to go.¡±


    I turned around and made the leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry since you might hate me more for this.¡±


    Suddenly, He pulled me closer against the door of the ss and fused our lips.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    His lips moved against mine. This feels like torture, the kiss was good.


    It was great in fact. But no.


    I won¡¯t give in. I can¡¯t give in.


    I didn¡¯t kiss him back, I couldn¡¯t.


    All I could think about was his hands on her body, touching her, thrusting into her, making her feel good over and over again. It disgusted me.


    The anger overwhelmed my senses giving me the push I needed. I shoved him away so hard, he almost tipped over and fell.


    ¡°Stay away from me.¡±


    Tears clogged my throat. I opened the door and rushed out.


    The bell sounded through the hallway, I turned to see if he was trailing me and without looking forward, I bumped into someone else.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I apologized immediately since it¡¯s solely my fault.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Hey, are you okay?¡±


    She asked tenderly, noticing my puffy eyes and possibly swollen face.


    ¡°No.¡±


    My voice broke. I couldn¡¯t find the strength to utter a lie. I broke down.


    ¡°That¡¯s a stupid question, please don¡¯t shed tears like that when they¡¯re fine. It¡¯s fine, juste with me.¡±


    I didn¡¯t know why but I walked with her.


    We reached the girl¡¯s restroom.


    ¡°I¡¯m Miranda.¡±


    She said as I dried my tears.


    This is highly embarrassing. Crying in front of a stranger.


    ¡°Cami,¡± I responded and she smiled.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s nice to meet you, Cami.¡±


    She smiled.


    What¡¯s making her ted? I wish I could act like that every time, but my life isn¡¯t giving me many reasons to stay happy.


    I am grateful that she helped me, aside from that she wasn¡¯t the nosey time.


    Miranda didn¡¯t question the state she found me in.


    She didn¡¯t inquire from me why I broke down.


    Even if she did, I¡¯d just burst into another round of tears. I can¡¯t exin my disaster of a life to anyone.


    Where do I start from? The fire? My involvement in it? My boyfriend? The yer I¡¯m living with? No clue since my life is a mess.


    I clung to the sink, lowered my head and let the tears roll freely.


    ****


    Apologies for skipping updates. Drop your thoughts below. Still not signed yet. Hoping for the best

 Chapter 29 Lunch With The Player

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY


    After more than a minute of mental breakdown supported with crying my eyes out in front of her, I paused and ended in short sobs.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have ss or something?¡±


    I asked, reaching for some tissue.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°Could ask you the same? There¡¯s nothing wrong in being ten minuteste.¡±


    She cackled.


    What¡¯s humorous about any of this?


    I gave her that look. The look that says if I¡¯m crying,ughing is not on my list.


    ¡°Bad joke. I shouldn¡¯t try to make any given the circumstances.¡±


    She smacked her forehead, dropping her hand as soon as it dawned on her. I¡¯ve met someone who does the same thing as me.


    The aura around Miranda was fascinating. She¡¯s moved from the point of a stranger to an acquaintance.


    ¡°Since it¡¯s settled that we aren¡¯t heading into ss. We might as well talk about the teachers or whatever girls do in the bathroom.¡±


    I giggled at that.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°For what? All I did was stand and do well nothing?¡±


    Her eyes danced around the room then settled on me.


    ¡°That was enough.¡±


    I turned on the water, rinsing my hands and face then dried it off.


    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s start with the English Teacher. I don¡¯t like her at all. She¡¯s so fucking uptight.¡±


    Miranda eximed.


    ¡°Wow. Where have you been all my life?¡±


    I feigned a gasp, mping my right hand over my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure, but betterte than never. We¡¯ve found each other now and that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    She grinned widely causing me to smile. The nerd might just have made a friend.


    ****


    ¡°Did we just¡­¡±


    She trailed off halfpleting her sentence and giggling throughout the remaining words.


    The bell sounded while we were inside still. That¡¯s when it dawned on both of us.


    ¡°Miss first period.¡±


    Ipleted with a light chuckle. I¡¯m definitely on her ck list now, but it was worth it. The past Forty minutes with Miranda were the highlight of this week.


    ¡°Turns out that this was fun. That¡¯s if the noisy girls who walked I don¡¯t report us for suspected acts of lesbianism.¡±


    She struck a pose, turning her head to one end before winking.


    ¡°In that case, why don¡¯t we make it official and kiss? That¡¯ll give them something to talk about.¡±


    I joked.


    She burst intoughter and I followed shortly, clutching to my tummy.


    ¡°Oh my goodness. I have no idea where you¡¯ve been this entire time. I do not want this to turn out as those moments you meet someone fun and that¡¯s it.¡±


    She pouted. I agree. Miranda is the type of friend you¡¯d like to keep.


    ¡°In honour of meeting again, I¡¯ll need to know if you areing to the party at Winn¡¯s house this evening? That¡¯s a perfect spot to bloom this friendship.¡±


    The smile on my face fell.


    Parties were a big no for me.


    High school parties were hardly my thing. Well, I¡¯m not in college but you get the message.


    I always thought it wasn¡¯t of no use, not to mention I had a bad history with them.


    The deal was mostly girls and guys making out subsequently drinking and dancing, finally getting wasted then grounded over the weekend for those with strict parents.


    Ugh. How do I respond to Miranda now?


    ¡°Ugh. I can see you¡¯re not in favour of that suggestion, but I¡¯m going alone and it would be better if you tagged along.¡±


    She pouted her lips and made a babyface.


    For someone I had just met, it felt as though e were best friends.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    I beamed. Add it to the list with the heading ¡°Decision I¡¯lle to regret.¡±


    ¡°Yes!.¡±


    She did a little happy dance.


    ¡°We should better get back to ss before we end up in deep trouble.¡±


    She smirked mischievously.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you there. Please promise me, Cami.¡±


    ¡°I promise.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    She repeated a little louder.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you around.¡±


    With a tone of finality, she walked out of the restroom as did I secondster.


    That was fun, now it¡¯s back into the real world. The world where Kyle betrayed me.


    ****


    ~Lunch Break


    After what happened with Kyle, I just wanted to be alone and keep to myself at least for a little while so I picked the table farthest from everyone, sat down and began to eat in silence. My head lowered, my lips wrapped around the burger wishing everyone would pay zero attention to the girl in the corner.


    Out of nowhere, Miranda appeared. I noticed her shoes as she took a seat across, but I lifted my head for certainty and it was her.


    ¡°Fancy seeing you here.¡±


    She beamed, smiling like a beauty pageant contestant.


    How can one person turn out so lively?


    It¡¯s as though even if she had any personal problems of her own, it wasn¡¯t visible on her face.


    ¡°Hey again.¡±


    I grinned before taking a bite from the burger then setting it down by the table.


    ¡°Why would you pick here, far away from most people.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the point.¡±


    My subconscious added.


    ¡°I just wanted to do something different today.¡±


    I responded. A blunt lie of course. Why didn¡¯t I tell her I¡¯m the antisocial freak who didn¡¯t like contact with people?


    ¡°Alright, I just wanted to say hi, I¡¯d love to seat with you but my table is over there and it¡¯ll be rude to just abandon them. Please understand.¡±


    I nodded my head. I wouldn¡¯t want to seat with me either so it¡¯s fine.


    ¡°I¡¯m seeing tonight aren¡¯t I?¡±


    She asked in a calm tone.


    ¡°Most definitely¡±


    After my answer, she got up from the bench then walked away.


    I trailed her with my eyes to her table.


    What the?


    She¡¯s one of them?


    The shock was evident on my features when she took a seat beside those girls.


    By those girls, I¡¯m referring to the psychotic bitches who told me to stay away from Dn.


    The one who hit me was seated in the middle, close to Miranda. No doubt she¡¯s the ring leader.


    Miranda is with them. I wasn¡¯t expecting that.


    Just then, a thought crossed my mind.


    It could be those girls who would like to know what went on in my head and Miranda¡¯s sweet little act was just a way to get close to me and I fucking fell for it.


    She probably let them in on how hard I cried like the petty little girl I am.


    Turns out everyone is just interested in using me. They¡¯re all after one thing or the other.


    I rushed the fries to my table, stuffing them in my mouth eager to leave this ce.


    I won¡¯t cry again. She¡¯s no one. At least I found out, unlike Kyle who got the chance to hurt me.


    As though the universe was against me, in a bit to burst my bubble, A tray was carefully ced on my table.


    I raised my head, holding a piece of fry at the entrance of my mouth which hung open in surprise.


    ¡°Missed me? I¡¯m sure you did.¡±


    He asked then replied all at once.


    Slowly grinned, he reached for a piece of my fries, tossing it at the back of his throat.


    ¡°Delicious.¡±


    He clicked his tongue, keeping his gaze solely on me.


    I¡¯m still not over the shock.


    Wait a minute.


    Turning my head around the cafeteria, all I saw were students already looking at me.


    Well at Dn then me. So much for low profile. It¡¯s even more annoying that he does not care. Not in the slightest.


    ¡°Another one?¡±


    He raised his brows silently seeking my permission then stealing my fries again.


    ****


    I apologise for going M. I. A, I was awaiting the book signing, now it¡¯s done and I will continue updating!! Hope you¡¯ll enjoy!

 Chapter 30 Her Saviour

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY,


    Hisment had me hissing loudly, it got more attention swayed in our direction.


    I¡¯m making this worse aren¡¯t I?


    No. I¡¯m not at fault. This is his fault. Dn¡¯s fault. I need to remember that.


    His presence had me feeling light-headed or was it the hundreds of eyes on us? Maybe both.


    Okay. He needs to leave.


    ¡°Please leave.¡±


    Instead of epting my wishes, taking his tray and Leaving, myment only seemed to amuse him more since he was smirking and grinning at intervals. Either he¡¯s too blind to see how big of a scene he¡¯s causing or he doesn¡¯t care. Yup.


    Dn does not care. In fact I¡¯m beginning to think these kind of things are what turns him on. His weird fetish.


    ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    He repeated for the nth time. I re and he rolls the fry over his mouth, for a second I¡¯m distracted by how good that looks.


    The fries. I¡¯m referring to then and not Dn.


    ¡°Silence means yes Renee.¡±


    That was the first time he called me by myst name. What happened to Cami? More importantly, why did I like the sound of that from him.


    It sounded sexy and alluring. Teachers call me that all the time, but with Dn it¡¯s something else.


    Ugh.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t miss you.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at him toy emphasis.


    ¡°You did.¡±


    He argued.


    ¡°If you knew the answer then why ask anything if the first ce?¡±


    ¡°Is that admittance I hear?¡±


    He taunted pushing all the button avable to push. I can¡¯t with him. I don¡¯t even want to.


    ¡°Did not.¡±


    I retorted refusing to give in. This is childish bickering, but Dn smirking makes me want to argue it until he raises his g.


    ¡°Did too Cami, admit it. You missed me.¡±


    Back to Cami. That sounds good as well. It¡¯s his tongue and the way my name rolls off it. That¡¯s it.


    ¡°You wish I¡¯d miss you but even then, I won¡¯t.¡±


    Too loud. Thatst part was too loud. Ugh. What is the boy doing to me?


    I dared run my eyes around the cafeteria. They¡¯re not eating any more, their meal was the scene Dn and I were casually putting on.


    ¡°I sat here so people won¡¯t notice me, you just had toe over and ruin it all.¡±


    I snapped, annoyed with him. I hope he noticed and leaves.


    ¡°Oh. I didn¡¯t notice, I thought you were alone and sad after what happened and I thought¡­


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯ll go now as you asked ¡±


    I suddenly want to hear the final parts of those words. He came here to make me feel better? Comfort me?


    That¡¯s un-Dn like, but then again his tone was low. Too low for a prank.


    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I apologized quickly. He¡¯s right. I¡¯m annoyed over the Kyle issue and I snapped at him. Harshly. Which isn¡¯t something I¡¯d usually do. I¡¯ve changed quite a lot these past few days. I believe he had a part to y in that as well.


    His face softened and he ced both palms back on the table.


    ¡°So tell me, Who ass am I kicking?¡±


    I raised a brow getting confused.


    ¡°You are grumpy meaning someone has you riled up. I could totally give that person a punch or two¡±


    He joked. Or was he being serious?


    I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll mind Kyle getting punched in the face from Dn. That¡¯ll serve him right after everything.


    ¡°I think Kyle and I officially ended it. I think. We haven¡¯t really said the words, I haven¡¯t because I¡¯m not sure I can, but at this rate we might not need to. It¡¯s over. It hurts, but it¡¯s over.¡±


    He stared at me with an inconceivable expression before shaking his head.


    ¡°You¡¯re allowing him to get under your skin and acting as though you¡¯re at the losing end when you couldn¡¯t be more wrong and a guy like him is an arse. Just let it go for a day Cami.¡±


    Those words were actually soothing. I¡¯m feeling loopy again.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all.¡±


    I added with an involuntary sigh.


    ¡°I met a girl, which isn¡¯t something I¡¯ll usually do, we also talked which isn¡¯t like me at all. She was kind and caring. I even wanted to go a party tonight before I found out she is hanging out with your self proimed girlfriend and if your friends are acting like that, it must mean you¡¯re a part of that circle of attitude.¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders slightly uncertain.


    They are theplete opposite of the Miranda I met.


    I badly want her not to be like them, but if she is I¡¯ll be proving myself right.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to judge her from the rest of them? You couldn¡¯t even give her the benefit of doubt.¡±


    I pondered on his words for a few seconds, debating internally.


    What other reason could she have for seating with them?


    Sighing, I realized there might be some truth to his words.


    Maybe from her view, she has a good reason.


    I can¡¯t judge her from what I saw. Maybe I will attend the party tonight then speak to her, give her a fair chance to tell her stort.


    ¡°The school nurse isn¡¯t too far? I¡¯m sure you hit your head on the way over. This isn¡¯t like you to give great advice.¡±


    ¡°Oh Ren¨¦e, I am full of many surprise.¡±


    He winked causing my stomach to flutter. The name. His voice. He¡¯s just being extra sweet. It¡¯s nothing.


    Suddenly, Kyle appeared.


    I saw him first approaching from behind, I raised my shoulders defensively, sucking in a harsh breath.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    The smile on Dn¡¯s face fell through, he noticed nt difort and pieced that it was from whatever was behind me.


    From that, he turned just as Kyle reached us.


    I figured Kyle would try to say something to me, but what came next was him taking a huge swipe at Dn.


    That came unexpectedly.


    My entire body seized and I think I held my breath for two seconds or more before getting pushed back into the real world.


    A roar sounded all over the cafeteria as students got up from their seats.


    Dn recovered quickly, pulling him by the cor, knocking his head over.


    The students cheered louder. I remained seated barely able to move or breathe.


    I have to stop this


    ¡°Kyle!¡±


    I yelled, struggling to get between them.


    What got into him? Kyle is not violent. He has never been violent.


    ¡°Kyle stop it!¡±


    Dn would hurt him, he¡¯s stronger not to mention angrier I think.


    I¡¯m not certain of Kyle¡¯s reason to hit first so I can¡¯t give an urate judgement.


    Suddenly, Dn pushed him off himself ring hard, his nose was already bleeding from the first punch, but Kyle¡¯s was worse.


    Kyle¡¯s face was swollen as heid on the ground, moaning in pain.


    I half expected him to fight back and Dn to continue hitting him but Dn simply grunted and walked away.


    ¡°Dn wait!¡±


    I felt responsible for the fight, Afterall I¡¯m the only thing they have inmon that¡¯ll make Kyle want to hit him.


    I should go after him.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    Kyle coughed slightly, reaching for my  hand as blood oozed from his nose and mouth.


    ¡°You.  Stay the hell away from me.¡±


    I red at him, spitting out each words.


    He wasn¡¯t expecting that reaction.


    I retreated back as every eye fell on me.


    All eyes except Dn.


    Without thinking, I ran off in search of him.


    I searched all over the school.


    Lunch break is almost over yet I couldn¡¯t find him.


    Thest ce that crossed my mind was the locker room.


    That¡¯s where I found him.


    He hissed in pain while I strolled in, I cringed y nose hating to see him like that especially when it¡¯s majorly my fault.


    ¡°You should leave.¡±


    He beckoned the door, his voice was gruffly and cold. He¡¯s mad.


    ¡°Shut up and let me do that.¡±


    I¡¯m not sure where the boldness came from. I¡¯ll usually cower and squint then leave like he asked.


    Maybe it¡¯s because I know he¡¯s in pain or the fact that it¡¯s my fault, either way I grabbed the towel with no obstruction from him.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you fight back?¡±


    I ask softly after some seconds, dabbing the material over his nose. It had stopped bleeding already.


    ¡°That¡¯s because I knew you¡¯d be getting all the attention in the end. I had to stop when I realised that.¡±


    ¡°Mm¡¯mm.¡±


    I whispered underneath my breath, keeping my gaze on his eyes for a few more seconds. I looked away the moment he caught me staring.


    ****


    Drop your thoughts Underneath in thement section. Add the book to your library and anticipate the next chapter!

 Chapter 31 An Official Date. A Breakup

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY.


    I helped him clean up his blood smudged cheeks, his nose also had blood dripping out a little.


    They stroked each other as though they were both a pair of punching bags, each of them getting their fair share of pain.


    But Kyle got it worse, he couldn¡¯t move when I left.


    A wave of concern washed over me.


    Was he alright? He¡¯s a lying cheater, but I still care. Even though I shouldn¡¯t. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine. He has to be.


    I ran my eyes through his face, titling each side with my palm so I could be sure he was cleaned up.


    When that was certain, I ced the towel into the bowl and squeezed. The water had turned red already.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault you two had a fallout, it only makes sense that I should be the one to clean you up.¡±


    I exined with a small smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault I beat him up, he deserved that for being an ass. I¡¯ll do it again if necessary, you don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±


    I giggled.


    ¡°So you¡¯re what now? My knight?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯ll have me.¡±


    He forced a smile that was slightly crooked due to his busted lips.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    I arched my brows, putting up a goofy face.


    ****


    I missed the first period after lunch since the bell was rung in between cleaning his wounds and all.


    When the final bell sounded, I got up rmed.


    I¡¯ll miss the second period if I don¡¯t make it to ss.


    If anyone notices, I¡¯ll get reported then it¡¯s straight-up detention.


    The weird part was that after over forty minutes, the time wasn¡¯t ¡°spent¡±


    We didn¡¯t do anything per se.


    He tucked the bowl underneath the bench then pulled me to seat beside him. That was it.


    We¡¯ve been in that spot throughout, you could only hear the sound of our breathing.


    ¡°I should get to second, I don¡¯t want to go through detention.¡±


    ¡°Right. You have a party tonight.¡±


    I arched my brows. How did he know about that? Right, I bbered it some time ago.


    ¡°I should get going now.¡±


    I said headed for the door.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He called.


    Almost at the door, I turned my gaze back to him but offered no response. He called me. I gave him a look that says to continue. Let¡¯s hear what he had to say.


    ¡°I know this sounds crazy since a little unlike what I¡¯d usually do, but I have to ask; do you want to go to the party together? I got an invitation I was going to skip, but since you¡¯re going. Why not?¡±


    Okay, the fundraiser thing was shady. Spections between his parents putting him up to it or not, but this party thing meant he was asking me on a date right?


    Do high school parties count as dates? What would I know? I haven¡¯t been to more than three of them and I want alone and regret each one.


    ¡°So¡­.¡±


    ¡°Dn. I do not think that¡¯s a great idea..¡±


    I sighed deeply. I thought about it and I can¡¯t go with him.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused. Why? Did someone ask you?¡±


    ¡°No. No. No.¡±


    I replied quickly. Who would ask me anyway? That¡¯s not why.


    ¡°The reason is I just semi broke up with Kyle, I haven¡¯t made it official but after the fight, I will. Speaking of which that was viewed by countless students who are ranting and bringing up stupid spections about both of us. I do my best to keep a low profile, I think it¡¯s much to do all this in one day. Please understand.¡±


    I¡¯m looking at every angle.


    Kyle might be there. If he sees us together, I can¡¯t allow him to get hurt by picking a fight with Dn. I don¡¯t need any more attention, and another tiny reason for declining is getting in over my head. I can¡¯t over analyse all his requests.


    I¡¯ll go nuts.


    ¡°Kyle and I are still on the outs. I can¡¯t even try to talk to him after the way he acted. I just can¡¯t. I can¡¯t let you get in the middle of everything.¡±


    ¡°I will talk to him then.¡±


    Dn curled his fists.


    That¡¯s worse. They¡¯ll end up hitting each other again I¡¯m sure.


    ¡°No. It¡¯s my rtionship or was rather. I should remain responsible for anything that urs and I will, but it¡¯s not the right time.¡±


    ¡°I understand Cami. How about this? I won¡¯t ask for much at all. I just want to drive you to the party then we¡¯ll each go our separate ways, when you¡¯re ready to leave I¡¯ll take you back. It¡¯s not a big deal since half the school is aware that we live together. That¡¯s all.¡±


    He grinned.


    His tone didn¡¯te off like he had any other motive but when it came to Dn, I couldn¡¯t be too sure.


    ¡°Ok¡­¡±


    I hesitantly replied. He¡¯s right. I could use the ride.


    I¡¯m over three minuteste for ss, now I have to go. I turned back to the door.


    Just then, his teammates barged in, some of them at least.


    ¡°Dn! Are you crazy?¡±


    One asked all of a sudden. Was I a potato? The three of them brushed past me.


    ¡°How could you let that idiot beat you up and do Nothing?¡±


    Of course. His ¡°ego¡±


    For a moment there I forgot that Dn was the school¡¯s ¡°bad boy¡±


    He didn¡¯t hit back because of me and it might cost him his reputation. His friends do not like that miss.


    ¡°You know what? That doesn¡¯t matter. We are your boys, we understand and we got you covered.¡±


    They approached him, patting his shoulders.


    My eyes widened. They exchanged a look followed by snickers. I don¡¯t like that. I don¡¯t like that at all.


    I parted my lips to protest but Dn beat me to it.


    ¡°Guys, guys. You don¡¯t need to do anything since it¡¯s all cool. I can handle this.¡±


    I heaved a sigh of relief. Thank you, Dn.


    His jerk mode is on-off today, I thought he¡¯ll pounce at this opportunity.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of her right?¡±


    He pointed a hand backwards.


    Finally, the potatoes receive some credit.


    The other two focused solely on me. Their intense gazes were making me squirm. Can I leave now?


    ¡°She¡¯s off-limits.¡±


    Dn drawled out. His tone oozing with possessiveness.


    ¡°Hey man, I¡¯m just asking.¡±


    The other guy raised his hands defensively. I¡¯m not the only one that noticed.


    ¡°Come on Cami, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Wait for what?


    Dn sprang up from his seat, marched towards me, pulled my arm and walked out without another word.


    He was a little faster than I wanted, I could barely keep up.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I muttered hoping that¡¯ll get him to slow down.


    It did. He nodded.


    ¡°This is stupid. Ugh. Fridays are supposed to turn out great yet this one feels like an eternity. You should get to ss Cami. I¡¯ll go to the field and let my anger out the only way I know how to. My only advice is that you do something about the mess. You can try to fix things with him¡­¡±


    I whipped my head to his face, having to plop my weight upwards. He¡¯s taller.


    Did he just say what I think he said?


    ¡°You want me to get back together with him?


    I croaked feeling my throat get sore.


    ¡°Just do what will make you happy, I¡¯m not sure what that is.¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Is he kidding me now?


    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work out then break up with his ass. He had iting.¡±


    Dn smirked, pausing as we reached the hall.


    I matched his demeanour¡­


    ¡°So I¡¯ll pick you up.¡±


    He joked with a wink aimed at me. That¡¯s funny.


    ¡°Very funny.¡±


    I giggled a little.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you after school.¡±


    It was weird wanting to hug him, I didn¡¯t. I simply waved off the feeling and walked away.


    While headed to ss, I sighted Kyle by his locker. I should¡¯ve taken the other route but he¡¯s not supposed to stand there, was everyone skipping the second period?


    I nced at my watch, already ten minutes in. There¡¯s no use going there and getting sent out by the teacher.


    I just hope she doesn¡¯t take that to the principal who then checks and noticed I missed first as well.


    Since I¡¯m here, I can use this opportunity and talk to him.


    On cue, his head turned and he saw me.


    Okay, Cami. This needs to be done and you can do it.


    ****


    Drop your thoughts down inment section, I¡¯ll be responding to them.

 Chapter 32 Letting Loose

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    My voice was cold and void of any sentiment, exactly what he earned.


    He shook, squinting his lids while ncing for a few seconds.


    His eyes held so much hurt. He should¡¯ve considered all this before fucking Eva.


    I led the way and he followed. We got to another ss it¡¯s the same one he tried to kiss me in.


    I kept my hand down jostling the irritating thoughts low while striving hard not to smack him.


    ¡°That stunt you pulled during lunch¡­¡±


    I trailed off fuming with anger, he drooped his head. Of course. What in heaven¡¯s name could he use as a defence.


    ¡°Let¡¯s hold off on what you pulled at lunch today. First off, the reason why we are at this point at all. You cheated. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯ve said it your false without any bull shit to cover things up, so I¡¯m saying it now. You fucking cheated on me. We were in a rtionship, you had sex with another girl. That counts as cheating.¡±


    I held off on my rant, exhaled and motioned over my body before continuing.


    ¡°Two years with you. Fucking two damn years. That¡¯s how long we¡¯ve been together. You and I Kyle. Two years and it never crossed my mind once to cheat. I never cheated with you. Hell before we started dating, a lot happened to me. I fucking opened my heart to be with you, even though I was in such a shitty ce. I opened up and what did I get in return? What did you give? what did you do? You cheated. That¡¯s what. We had one argument, you screwed with Eva on purpose to spite me, you can me anything on this earth but you didn¡¯t see me fucking Dn did you?¡±


    I blurted out. So much rawness. I hate it when I get this angry. I can say anything to anyone.


    Now I¡¯m mad and hurt at once. A badbination.


    ¡°Now that that¡¯s out of the way. I¡¯m sure you understand that offence. On to the next. We are having issues like normal couples, instead of trying to sort it out in a normal situation, for this one, there¡¯s no way you and I are sorting anything.


    Your response is heading over on school property to pick a fight with Dn who did nothing. It¡¯s not his fault you couldn¡¯t keep your cock in your pants. Now that I¡¯m with you, I¡¯m honestly regretting feeling bad when his teammates were nning how to hurt you.¡±


    I poked his chest.


    ¡°Ugh¡±


    I yelled in frustration, my hands messing up my hair.


    ¡°What the fuck do you have to say for yourself? Nothing. You¡¯re just going to stand there and watch me then maybe run off and hit someone else!¡±


    I med.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami.¡±


    I did tell him to speak but hearing the same thing over and over again was beginning to get annoying.


    Once again, he closed the gap between us, reaching out as he tried to touch me.


    I whipped my head to face him, shoving him hard. He fumbled this time, his hand thumping against the door.


    ¡°I¡¯vee to realise that dating you was a mistake. After what happened to me, I didn¡¯t learn my lesson. I should¡¯ve stuck with staying away from boys. I¡¯m going to make this clear and official so there isn¡¯t much confusion. You see Kyle¡­¡±


    I started pointing at him.


    ¡°You and I.¡±


    I pointed at myself then faced the finger to him. He didn¡¯t break my gaze, I¡¯m going through with this regardless of how hurt he looks.


    ¡°We¡¯re done. To this day, there isn¡¯t any rtionship between us. Nothing inmon. Zilch. Broken up.¡±


    I proceeded to keep it up till this point, a drop of tear threatened to fall. Don¡¯t go weak Cami, not now.


    ¡°So what? You¡¯re doing this so you can run off and be with him?¡±


    My palms went flying but I stopped myself before anything else. He doesn¡¯t deserve any reactions from me.


    ¡°What I do isn¡¯t your fucking business because you Kyle!¡±


    I screamed sniffling.


    ¡°You ruined our rtionship. That was all on you! I¡¯m not the one who went ahead to cheat¡±


    I yelled at his face.


    ¡°If I do decide to fuck anyone, that should not be your concern. It¡¯s mine.  We are over. Stop acting like you¡¯re privileged to any knowledge about what¡¯s happening in my life. You¡¯re not.¡±


    I mouthed with a tone of finality. His eyes darkened at the sound of me fucking someone else. He cringed his nose then scoffed.


    ¡°It¡¯s over for good, I¡¯m saying this now. I will not discuss this topic again. Stay away from me.¡±


    A drop of tear spilt out from mine.


    I wiped it off instantly.


    Before anything else, I swivelled to the door and raved out of the ss.


    ¡°You¡¯re not gonna cry¡­ ¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I confided under my breath, rushing to the next ss. The bell creaked. That¡¯s two lessons bypassed today. I¡¯ll get the notes but I¡¯m conceivably ahead of that topic.


    I blinked my eyes furiously, digging into my back pocket for my cell phone.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll just look petty.¡±


    I tucked it back in. I was going to agree to Dn¡¯s proposal, but what¡¯s the need? I should stay away from boys. If I didn¡¯t give Kyle a chance, none of this would¡¯ve emerged. If there¡¯s anything I should be doing is letting loose and ignoring shitty things.


    ¡°I¡¯m just going to have fun at this party and let loose, just for a little while. Just for today.¡±


    I muttered trying to keep my emotions at bay. A mental breakdown is lurking beneath the surface, just a little more. before I lose it.


    ******

 Chapter 33 A Two Year Old Shirt

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY.


    CLOSING HOUR.


    I got through the rest of the day with noisy teens who had issues with their lives as well, they¡¯ll rather talk about the de-rails of mine than focus on theirs.


    They were lurking at every corner.


    I was the talk of the school. That¡¯s understandable, if I wasn¡¯t the object of discussion I¡¯d be interested to know who the girl was. The one the school¡¯s yer is ¡°running after¡± is The same girl who has the ¡°privilege¡±  to live under the same roof with him.


    Adding an extrayer to an already juicy cake, her boyfriend gets into a fight with Dn who does not fight back which is expected of a typical high school bad boy.


    Now that I think of it, it¡¯s quite the drama.


    After lunch, everyone heard of the semi-epic fight between Kyle and Dn, no one cared about that though, the highlight was that Dn didn¡¯t hit back when everywhere knew he could¡¯ve easily beaten him to a pulp. That brought up theories. Everyone had theirs and cliques argued about who could be right or wrong.


    Most people concluded it was because of me, they weren¡¯t wrong per se, but that was too general.


    They thought of something else. Probably Dn was screwing me while Kyle and I were still together causing Kyle to get furious.


    Yeah, that¡¯s probably what they think. The very thought makes me cringe in disgust.


    While others didn¡¯t believe that was all to the story, they added that I was still lying to Kyle about Dn and me, ying two boys at once.


    None of them knew who I was, yet they talked as though they did.


    Before the closing bell sounded, the entire school was in on it.


    No one was exempted, even the guys had a say in this.


    I hated this much attention, the minute I stepped out of ss, people were staring and whispering like I couldn¡¯t see them. I closed my locker a little harshly before moving towards the parking lot to wait for Dn.


    ¡°You just don¡¯t listen.¡±


    A familiar voice said, I turned back to see the bitch who pped me first then caused me to retaliate the next time.


    Round three is it?


    ¡°Come again for another round.¡±


    I chuckled feeling slightly bold, what¡¯s the worse that could happen? A rumour?


    I mumbled sarcastically.


    She scoffed, her expression showing slight surprise by my attitude. The fact that I¡¯m able to stand up against her Is rming.


    They have the impression that anyone could step over me and all I¡¯ll do is watch.


    ¡°Stay away from Dn Emerton.¡±


    She warned. Her girls appeared. Three of them. Excluding Miranda.


    Maybe Dn was correct and there¡¯s more to that story.


    ¡°Ok.¡±


    I agreed, shrugging my shoulders.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay away from him¡­¡±


    I trailed off teasingly.


    I sighted himing from afar. He¡¯ll make this much better.


    ¡°But can you tell him to stay away from?¡±


    I pouted, nudging my head in his direction.


    Her eyes followed my movements, they darkened at the sight of Dning towards me.


    ¡°She bothering you?¡±


    He asked. I shook my head, grabbed my helmet and got on his bed. Just to rile her up, I held onto Dn tighter than needed, he drove off. I didn¡¯t miss the look of rage in her eyes.


    I chuckled and Dn joined me.


    See? Even in this disaster of a day, I still find some joy. All because of Pa.


    ****


    ¡°I ended it.¡±


    I stated as he pulled over.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    He stared at me.


    That¡¯s weird.


    I gulped and nodded to get rid of the awkward air. Maybe he didn¡¯t need to know that detail, it sure didn¡¯t look like he cared.


    We walked into the house. I walked ahead while he trailed behind me.


    ¡°We¡¯ll leave by seven.¡±


    He informed at the top of the stairs.


    Just that. Nothing else afterwards.


    ¡°Okay¡­¡±


    I copied his earlier remarks then walked to my room.


    My simple routine every time I return from school, pull the doorknob,y on my bed reliving the day in my head, after a few minutes, pull my weight up and get into the shower.


    After a quick bath, I¡¯ll return to bed then freestyle from there on out.


    ****


    I went in search of my parents, that pending talk we had hasn¡¯t been sorted out. Maybe I¡¯ll be lucky enough to catch them while they¡¯re still around.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am Cami¡­¡±


    The maid called out.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I turned back to see a middle-aged woman.


    ¡°No Cami¡¯s fine.¡±


    I corrected, she offered a small smile before nodding her head.


    ¡°Your parents went out with Mr and Mrs Emerton.¡±


    She announced, I twitched my lips and nodded. Of course, they did. Anyone else but me is who they¡¯re around.


    ¡°They might be backte, dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    I smiled in response to hide the hurt.


    On the upside, I don¡¯t need to go through the agony of having to inform them about the party.


    I¡¯ll tell them when they¡¯re back, it¡¯s not like they can ground me in a house that isn¡¯t theirs.


    ¡°I¡¯m going out with Dnter. Could you tell my parents when they get back?¡±


    I smirked imagining the look on their faces when they get the news.


    Payback. If only I could get a picture, that shouldst longer.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    She quipped.


    ¡°Thank you¡­¡±


    ¡°Queen.¡±


    She responded with her name.


    ¡°Thanks, Ma¡¯am Queen.¡±


    I beamed. With no further distractions, I returned to my room to get ready.


    ****


    After hours of sorting and searching through the clothes I received from Mrs Emerton, this was hard without her fashion guidance.


    I finally got a nice blue gown to wear. I added some pumps and a little make-up, following the tutorials from party night.


    From my reflection in the mirror, I was good to go. In my books. High school girls tend to overdo things. A lot. Flimsy skirts, tiny shirts, the likes.


    As I stared at the mirror, memories came flooding back.


    Two years ago, I got ready this same way. I went a little overboard as they usually did, then I went to a party, I let loose, I drank more than I should, up until the point where I was wasted.


    That night I experienced something life-changing.


    Here I am once again, going to another party.


    A week after the event, Kyle and I crossed paths.


    A normal study group, that¡¯s how we got acquainted.


    The wounds were still fresh, but he assured me he¡¯ll soothe them.


    Somehow, He fought his way into my life and made me want to believe in love.


    I let him in and epted his love. I figured it¡¯ll be the best way to get the hurt out of my heart.


    Two yearster, he showed me how wrong I was.


    I was beginning to get cold feet about these party things. They aren¡¯t for me.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    Dn asked barging in, taking my mind off my doubt and focusing it on something else entirely.


    I couldn¡¯t take my eyes off him, not because he looked breathtaking.


    He¡¯s like that ny per cent of the time.


    My gaze was screwed on his body, his chest region for precision.


    He was wearing that same shirt.


    The exact one.


    I¡¯m not shitting myself. It¡¯s the same shirt he wore two years ago.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He called out softly noticing my sudden difort.


    ****


    Thoughts on this chapter? Don¡¯t forget to add the book to your library.

 Chapter 34 Messed Up Lives

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY NIGHT.


    I didn¡¯t even know that shirt still existed, Dn didn¡¯t strike me as the type of guy who would keep a shirt for over two years.


    Unless he bought one like that. Exactly like that.


    I remembered how it looked.


    Dn rarely puts on anything else other than a ck shirt, but this one had a grey lining from each side down till the hem of the shirt.


    Maybe he had more than one of it.


    I know it¡¯s just a shirt to him, but this particr one held a lot of emotions and memories for me.


    I snapped out of my trance the moment I realised I was staring at him wordlessly. Even if I tried to act like it wasn¡¯t affecting me, I would fall woefully at it.


    ¡°Cami¡­.¡±


    He sounded worried. Why wouldn¡¯t he be? I¡¯m acting like an obsessed lover or a confused student, staring at him like I saw a ghost. I cleared my throat and shook my head a little.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I was thinking about something.¡±


    ¡°Clearly¡­.¡±


    He trailed off focusing his gaze on me.


    I shook my leg, focusing on the ground instead, unable to look at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to go anymore or you¡¯re having second thoughts about us going together.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I rebuked him immediately.


    ¡°I do want to go, I badly need a distraction from my daily routine and about us arriving together, it¡¯s not like I had an option, I can¡¯t exactly ask my parents to drive me to the party not to mention they went out with yours.¡±


    I rushed the words out quickly, ending with an exhale.


    He smiled.


    ¡°Alright then, now that it¡¯s settled, we should get going.¡±


    He seemed ted that we were going to a party.


    I guess in some way I was, just not as much as him.


    I stepped out of my room, closing the door behind me.


    Maybe a short dress was a bad option, this one wasn¡¯t that short, it stopped a little below my knee, but I still shuddered in the cold night which was still young not toote to go back in and change.


    Nights like this remind me of our house, this time was movie night. I¡¯ll seat in front of the screen and just watch some random soap opera.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I can¡¯t do that anymore. I burnt it down.


    Happy thoughts Cam.


    Suddenly, Dnced our fingers together as we walked down the stairs.


    I wasn¡¯t expecting that from him.


    It was a simple gesture. One I appreciated considering how nervous I became.


    ****


    The Frathouse was in sight, cars were littered around the parking lot alongside most of the students in Kingston high, I took off my helmet as Dn pulled over. The ce reeked of alcohol but we moved closer nevertheless and went in.


    It got even worse. The smell of pot dozed my senses, I couldn¡¯t hear my thoughts since the music was ying so high.


    I was feeling all too light-headed, every corner looked simr so much so that I couldn¡¯t even tell the direction it came in.


    Most of the students were either drinking and dancing or doing both.


    ¡°Ok Dn, I¡¯ll tell you when I¡¯m ready to go.¡±


    I gulped.


    Put your big girl pants on and do this.


    I was about to leave but he pulled me towards him.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be okay?¡±


    We were raising our voices just to be heard.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll be okay.¡±


    I responded rolling my eyes. I won¡¯t. This is a disaster and I¡¯ll probably regret it tomorrow morning.


    ¡°I have been to a high school party before.¡±


    I added when he looked at me sceptically.


    ¡°Alright, just be careful.¡±


    My eyes darted to the shirt one more time and I smiled.


    ¡°Even if I wasn¡¯t, I have a feeling you¡¯ll always be there to save me.¡±


    I mumbled under my breath and walked away.


    No memories tonight. It¡¯s all about letting loose and having fun. I can do that.


    For now, the first thing I¡¯ll do is fulfil the promise I made to Miranda.


    It¡¯ll give me the chance to speak with her about pressing issues.


    Working with the little knowledge I had, I figured that I found the bitches and her minions, I might find Miranda with them.


    But, if that happens as Dn said, I¡¯m going to ask for an exnation before jumping to the conclusion that she might be one of them.


    After minutes of searching, I noticed them close to the open bar. Of course, Miranda was with them, she stood aside but she was there. Her eyes lit up when she sighted me.


    Suddenly, they widened, she began twitching them then darting to another area, then one hand went across her throat which was very weird.


    I frowned.


    She was trying to tell me something, but since I don¡¯t speak signnguage I¡¯ll just have to ask


    I got to them and Pa¡¯s head went up to acknowledge my presence.


    ¡°Cami Renee.¡±


    She stated. We are doing full names now? The final round had her shaken.


    I rolled my eyes waiting for Miranda toe along.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te here for you, I¡¯m here for her.¡± I nudged my head towards Miranda, they started chuckling.


    ¡°I have no idea what¡¯s funny?¡±


    I shrugged.


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s funny you think one of us would want to associate with you.¡±


    She trailed her eyes on my body, chuckled mocking me then left.


    I had no idea but it hurt, it made me feel ugly. The dress wasn¡¯t that bad, sure theirs were twice the size of mine, lesser that is.


    ****


    After my third shot of tequ, I started getting tipsy. My vision was a little blurred, but I could see Miranda from afar running towards me.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, I tried to tell you to wait.¡±


    I rolled my eyes as she slid in close to me.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you one of them? Why are you even talking to someone like me.¡±


    I slurred, reaching for my next shot of alcohol. The burn helps with the nauseating feeling of contempt.


    ¡°Cami, there are a lot of things you still don¡¯t understand.¡±


    Of course, there is. That¡¯s the oldest trick in the book, try something else, Miranda. Lying is not your stitch it appears.


    ¡°I know it looks stupid, but I swear there¡¯s a reasonable exnation for everything.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, moving the bottle back.


    ¡°Then exin everything to me.¡±


    I demanded. She exhaled, looked in all directions then started.


    ¡°My parents work at Pa¡¯s house.¡±


    She started. I cringed my nose.


    ¡°Who¡¯s Pa?¡±


    I stuttered, I can¡¯t recall any names. She sounds like someone I should know.


    ¡°The leader.¡±


    She replied in a duh tone. Yeah, I should know but if I wasn¡¯t stoned I¡¯d roll my eyes.  Yet here we are.


    ¡°I have to do what they say or else my parents might get med by her for something they have no idea on. It¡¯s not like I want to do these nasty things, but I don¡¯t have a choice either. It¡¯s a well-paying job that my family needs.¡±


    Even with the alcohol in my system, The guilty train knocked me right over.


    I had no clue. Dn was right. I judged her without thinking, but her hands were tied. She was living a life that wasn¡¯t hers.


    ¡°I think you might need this more than me.¡±


    Picking up the bottle, I ced it in front of her, pressing down my lips and offering a small smile.


    ****


    Author¡¯s Note;


    Please drop your thoughts in thement section. Lots of love.

 Chapter 35 Party Kisses

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY NIGHT.


    Agreeing to my suggestion, she pulled the drink to her end, took my shot ss and poured one for herself.


    I grabbed the bottle, lifting it to cling against her ss.


    ¡°This is to forgetting all about our shitty lives. At least for tonight.¡±


    We raised our instruments, toasting to my words before having a drink.


    Letting loose is nice and fun. Drinking from a bottle is exhrating. I never want this to end.


    ****


    Miranda didn¡¯t return to the girls, ording to her they don¡¯t pay attention to most things in parties such as these, they just make her tag along for the fun of tortuing her.


    The students barely noticed us having a drink.


    It¡¯s easier not to care about the eyes around when you¡¯re drunk, if I were sober I¡¯d be over cautiously, but now I just don¡¯t care.


    It¡¯s amazing.


    I moved closer to her as she carried on with the exnation.


    ¡°Pa likes to think of herself as the leader. The fact that her parents are rich gives her a first ss ticket to anything you wantnd.¡±


    I snorted in dusgust.


    What is this new me?


    She giggled and continued.


    ¡°The funny part is that this entire tortue thing wasn¡¯t her idea per se. You see unlike their daughter, the Smiths are very nice people. They started this whoem facade by repeatedly telling her to ¡°Tag Miranda along¡±


    She stopped mouthing the final part in a fake ent.


    We shared augh before getting serious again.


    ¡°Of course their intention was to give me a normal life. It was lost in trantion. Their daughter took it upon herself to me me miserable. They didn¡¯t mean she should turn me into her minion or mini ve because that¡¯s what she did and I have no choice, I was just doing it for me parents.¡±


    She bowed her head slightly. I heaved a sigh


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I managed to blurt out. She smiled immediately. Still smiling even after get life is like this? How?


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I guess I¡¯m used to it. I might be hurting but I¡¯ll never show it. just smile. That¡¯s the same advice I had for you, don¡¯t show them your weakness, even if you feel like dying inside, simply smile because it kills them to know you¡¯re happy.¡±


    I chuckled, but in some way if they think you¡¯re happy, there¡¯s just going to keeping back for more.


    I didn¡¯t tell her that though, I can¡¯t ruin her mood.


    ¡°Okay then, since that¡¯s out of the way. Another toast to forgetting once again and well drinking more alcohol.¡±


    I raised our sses.


    ****


    Half an hourter, I got more than tipsy. It¡¯s safe to say I¡¯m at the point of being drunk, my legs feel wobbly, the room keeps spinning and every sense in my body is heightened. More than it needs to be.


    Maybe it¡¯s time to stop.


    Gulping down my throat, i dropped the alcohol, sniffling my nose, head shaking and doing my best to get a damn grip.


    I¡¯m not sure why I drank up to this extent, history and experience should make me know better yet here we are.


    ¡°Hey Cami, Acouple of people are ying games upstairs. Want to join?¡±


    Shaking my head, I squinted my eyes to check who was speaking.


    I know him from school, but I can¡¯t exactly recall his name.


    Still, I nodded my head furiously. Anything to escape this terrible music.


    ¡°Are you ying?¡±


    I stretched a hand to see if Miranda was still there.


    ¡°Yes. I think I am, but we would have to go in at seperate times.¡±


    I parted my lips making a tiny ¡°o¡± shape.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami.¡±


    She added.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. I don¡¯t want to get you in any trouble. I¡¯ll go first.¡±


    I led the way upstairs to the room, opening the first door.


    The dude who invited us was no where in sight, but inside the room was like a mini party on its own .


    Suddenly, someone tugged at the hem of my dress.


    Drowsily, I spinned around and my gaze fell on Kyle.


    I¡¯m not drunk enough to forget I hate him.


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±


    He stated casually.


    I rolled my eyes. Unlike half the people here, he¡¯s clean. Sober. Maybe even fucked a few girls already.


    I eyed his outfit then moved to leave.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay. I won¡¯t disturb you.¡±


    He hurridely added. I sighed then bent down, folding my legs inside myps and seating like that.


    Involuntarily, my eyes searched for Dn but he was no where to be found.


    If I epted the not date thing, he would¡¯ve been closed to me, but now I hadn¡¯t seen him all night.


    I feel weird. The others agreed to y truth or dare, but I suddenly wasn¡¯t interested. I wanted to go home.


    I wrapped my arms around my body, looking back at the door.


    Would anyone notice if I slip out? I¡¯m here already so what¡¯s the use of leaving?


    No harm in ying a round or two. Complete the entire high school party experience.


    ****


    ¡°Last round.¡±


    I reassured myself, thankful that I hadn¡¯t fallen victim of a dare. It¡¯s my lucky night.


    ¡°Cami¡­.¡±


    They cheered as itnded on me. Definitely spoke too soon there.


    ¡°You¡¯ve exhausted your two truths, it¡¯s time for a dare.¡±


    The guy had a mean look on his face.


    It isn¡¯t fair, no one said anything about apulsory dare. If I chicken out now, it¡¯ll just add to the pile of reasons everyone had tough at me.


    I¡¯ll just wait for the dare and hope it¡¯s not something embarrassing.


    Just then, Dn strode into the room.


    His eyes went everywhere at once, he didn¡¯t seem drunk, hands tucked in his pockets, but his hair was messed up.


    In a sexy kinda way.


    My eyes were fixed on him and finally he noticed me offering a small smile before trailing inside.


    ¡°Great. Finally someone I can use. I dare you to kiss Dn.¡±


    He announced. I chocked on his words. The smile wipedpletely off.


    ¡°What?¡±


    I asked hoping I had imagined his words and it wasn¡¯t true.


    ¡°I thought it had to be someone in the game.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I crossed my arms. I heard that part in the rules.


    ¡°Truth or dare? Great. I¡¯m ying.¡±


    Dn is smirking. I know he is. He didn¡¯t hear the dare or he was ying dumb? Maybe both.


    I cursed him relentlessly under my breath.


    ¡°Great. Cami, You have your dare.¡±


    Everyone looked onto me in anticipation. Thus is bad.


    I took a deep breath and got up. Dn obviously had no idea I had been dared, or what the dare was about. Frankly, he didn¡¯t care. As long as I looked annoyed, he was okay with it.


    Anyway, it would just be a quick peck on his lips and that¡¯ll be it.


    My eyes dared to meet Kyle¡¯s.


    His brows were lowered. Both of them. He¡¯s hurt?


    He¡¯ll watch me kiss another guy which is not as bad as imagining sex with Eva.


    Forget about Kyle.


    Nevertheless, I got to where Dn sat at the corner.


    His head lowered, brows creased, eyes focused on his phone. Nonchnt as always.


    I raised his head.


    His eyes met mine then twinkled with confusion as I lowered my lips to meet with his.


    ******


    AUTHOR NOTE:


    *Please drop your thoughts in thement section.*

 Chapter 36 Camilla’s Past

    **CAMILLA**


    **FRIDAY NIGHT**


    The dare was a kiss, right?


    I had it all nned out, in my head before I approached him and as I thought, I¡¯ll walk over there and just kiss him.


    The n was a short kiss.


    You know the kind where you head over there and kind of peck his lips then withdraw, that¡¯s how it yed out in my head.


    The keyword is ¡°in my head.¡±


    This is what happened in reality.


    Retrace back to him gasping lightly in surprise, shortly afterwards, I did what I nned. I ced my lips over him, as I was about to pull away, he did what he nned.


    Still, in that position, Dn raised his head slightly, since he was taller, I gasped and lifted mine as well. That little opening of my mouth was the start of my doom, he merely used it to gain entrance.


    His tongue dived into my mouth, hitting the back of my throat causing me to gasp all over again.


    As I did, memories flooded my brain.


    If it had gone out as peck, this shouldn¡¯t have happened.


    Now, I couldn¡¯t stop and for some reason, I think he felt something simr.


    D¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    I just know it. The grunts were a big enough sign, so familiar. Like a want so raw you can hear it echoing in your head and what¡¯s even better, it¡¯s mutual because you have the same craving, the thirst and you can¡¯t be satisfied because you¡¯ll drink and drink and drink. After you pull out to get a little air, you¡¯re drawn back to drink so more. Even while you think you¡¯re dead drunk, you¡¯re inclined to take some more.


    That¡¯s how this was.


    Impulsively, he lifted me above ground level, I think we¡¯re both oblivious of the people around us.


    It¡¯s good. He¡¯s good. He knows he is. That¡¯s where the confidence starts from, the fact that he¡¯s good.


    I was on hisps, legs wrapped around his torso and this was getting out of hand. We¡¯ve both lost control.


    I pressed my lips together, an attempt to keep his out.


    He pressed his hands tightly around my waist, that decision mighte under another thought.


    My entire body was firing, my legs are pulsing with desires and I don¡¯t care about the noises around us, I never want this to end. Ever.


    His tongue was out again, I thought he was willing to pull away, but instead, they merely found the side of his neck, giving that spot a lick.


    Oh shit.


    I bit my lower lip, his tongue was surprisingly moving lower and giving hidden parts a lick.


    I tried my best not to moan but it was almost too hard. Almost.


    I didn¡¯t know what it was, but something snapped me right back to reality.


    The reality is that I¡¯m on hisps surrounded by over ten students and making out like we are lovers.


    Yeah, that reality.


    I shoved him off me, plopping my weight off hisps.


    Biting down on my lips, I turned my head as though something stung yet from the corner, I could tell his eyes were on me like I was some prized possession. That¡¯s all I was. An object. The girl who just kissed him. After all, that¡¯s all he wanted? A kiss from me.


    I¡¯m stupid. Fuck I am stupid.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I need to go. I should go.¡±


    I have no clue why I said that, but I did.


    I leapt from the spot, making a run for the door.


    Miranda caught my gaze, her eyes were pleading, silently apologising for not being able to rush after me.


    I understand. This is my problem and I should solve it.


    ****


    I lowered my head, bumping through sweaty males and horny teenagers until I reached a quiet corner.


    It was right around the bar, but most of them were drinking and getting high, this was somewhat private.


    I bent the knee and lowered my head.


    What started as sniffles turned into small sobs. I was dared to, I did it, it became too familiar, I let it overwhelm me and now I¡¯m back to that night all over again.


    I wrapped my hand around my neck, sobs raking through most of my parts.


    ¡°Hello again, Cami.¡±


    His breath fanned my face.


    Alcohol reeked off him. I slinked backwards, taking as many steps as I could until I couldn¡¯t feel his breath any longer.


    I snapped my head off, running my eyes through him, realization hitting me like a train.


    ¡°W-What are you doing here? Why are you here!¡±


    I muttered then yelled.


    I couldn¡¯t forget it, I didn¡¯t. I just didn¡¯t imagine I¡¯ll see him here. Not tonight.


    ¡°Miss me?¡±


    He implored with an unforgettable chuckle. The evil one. I swallowed hard.


    ¡°Come on Cami, it¡¯s been two years. Of course, you miss me. I¡¯m unforgettable like that.¡±


    He stated. I exhaled trying to calm myself but it was so hard. After the urrence in that room, I¡¯ve had enough st in the past for one night.


    ¡°I saw you making out with Dn, does he remember me too?¡±


    He lowered both brows, taunting me and pushing me to the edge.


    He knows it. I faced the other side. The dance floor, ignoring his dirty gaze.


    I stood transfixed still unable to move. Seeing my reaction, he continued.


    ¡°You know Cami, two years ago it was a party just like this. Come on, it has to bring some Deja Vu. The three of us, you, me and then of course Dn Emerton. I can see the look in your eyes, I know you remember.¡±


    My breath hitched. I struggled hard to exhale.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make it better with that shirt does it.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help it, I turned back immediately, once again faced with the devil himself. If he wasn¡¯t, he¡¯s giving that man quite a race.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I was thankful my voice came and firm, the cold night, the kiss leaving me shaken, I still sound bold enough, I¡¯m shaking down to my core, but I sound confident enough for this bastard.


    ¡°What I want is simple, it¡¯s what I always wanted¡­.¡±


    He trailed off like he was expecting me to know the answer or something.


    ¡°Cami darling, are we still ying the ignorance game. Tch, you know what I want is you.¡±


    He stated.


    I rolled my eyes ring harshly at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sociopath, stay the hell away from me. Don¡¯t try toe close to me.¡±


    I threatened and turned once again determined to leave.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m scared Dn isn¡¯t here to save you. We both know you¡¯re defenceless just likest time.¡±


    I exhaled sharply.


    ¡°I am curious about one thing, just one question;  Did you guys hook up after what happened or doesn¡¯t he remember? I recall he was drunk, the night wasn¡¯t at all young, barely enough lightning, it was severally dark, so I bet that he forgot all about you. He does not remember a damn thing. He didn¡¯t approach you in the hall or anything, that must have hurt. Does it hurt you, Cami?¡±


    He asked in a mocking tone.


    I couldn¡¯t retaliate because he was right. Dn did forget about me. He knows it. Dn was drunk. It was dark. He did something, but till this very day has no clue. I couldn¡¯t make a fool of myself and tell him so I pretended nothing happened, I kept my distance than did my best to move on.


    ¡°I¡¯m right aren¡¯t I?¡±


    He chuckled and my heart bled.


    ¡°I have to go. I don¡¯t want to stay in your presence or hear another word of what you have to say. Bye.¡±


    I took the first step, tears welled up and threatened to spill.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you ever tell anyone what happened that night? I didn¡¯t hear anything about what happened which means you kept it to yourself. I¡¯m wondering why. Put a guy out of his misery, I¡¯ve been curious for two years now.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t keep my tears at bay for much longer, I needed to get out of here fast. He¡¯s pushing all the buttons there are to push. He knows what to say, how to say it, and now he¡¯s breaking my resolve again.


    ¡°Or wait, that¡¯s a wrong question. I have another that should give the right answer. This one I have a hint of the answer, all you have to do is confirm. Here I go; are you scared of me Cami?¡±


    I turned my entire back to his face.


    A drop of tear rolled down my cheeks.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    He took a step forward.


    I shook my head numerous times.


    It seems like the past does catch up to you after all. I stood rooted to the ground, both eyes trickling with tears.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *It¡¯s getting hotter with her past, how well do you think you can piece it together?*

 Chapter 37 First Kiss?

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    As I said, okay I might not have said it directly, but I¡¯m sure by now you would¡¯ve caught up to the happenings of my life.


    More specifically, the one which ured two years ago. At this very party, on a night such as this.


    I was ted, after a twist of event, I was nothing short of sad and fear stricken.


    I¡¯m sure everyone has ideas on what happened.


    It¡¯s fairly easy to guess.


    Dn and I met that night, of course I¡¯d seen him trolling the hallway in his bad boy lifestyle, but that night was differnt.


    He was different.


    He made the night special.


    I squeezed hard.


    If only this jerk hadn¡¯t done what he did, that night wouldn¡¯t be scarred in my head.


    Whenever I recall it, I wouldn¡¯t feel a knot in my stomach or the urge to throw up wouldn¡¯t rise.


    There are happy sides, but there¡¯s always the undeniable hurt.


    This douchebag in front of me, well how do I describe him? He¡¯s the worse. A jerk. A bastard. An animal. Whatever adjective you use. He¡¯s terrible.


    He¡¯s Brandon. Brandon is a student of Richmond highschool. Richmond and Kingston high are closely built, you could see their fence from ours, as such they got invites to our parties. Brandon was there that night and he made it the worse night of my life.


    Let¡¯s not dwell much on that before I puke right this second.


    He¡¯s not worth a minute.


    ¡°Again, silence means yes. You¡¯re scared of me.¡±


    He announced. More like bragged.


    Who wouldn¡¯t be scared of him?


    He had this big bad wolf personality.


    All ck clothing. With Dn, it¡¯s hot. Brandon makes it scary. Dark hair. Dark eyes. Dark clothing. Wicked smirk that never seems toe off.


    I curled my fist, leaving a finger out.


    ¡°You stay away from me Brandon. I don¡¯t have anything to do with you, just stay away.¡±


    My voice sounded cold. Rugged even. Maybe he¡¯ll be scared. Maybe.


    I was wrong. He found my resistance amusing.


    The added grin on his cheeks exined that.


    ¡°Oh my dearest Cami, I¡¯ll leave. Enjoy the party, but we¡¯ll be seeing each other real soon. Dream of me while you sleep tonight. That shouldn¡¯t be too hard.¡±


    He winked.


    Momentster, he turned his back against me and left in the direction he came through.


    Once he was out of sight, I realeased a sharp breath.


    I¡¯ve been holding that for minutes.


    My hand over my chest, panting while clinging to the rail beside me.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat, a tiny gasp escaping from the back as I did.


    This is how it starts. The room spinning. Gasping for breath. My thoughts whirling and before long, I¡¯m having a panic attack.


    All because of that ass hole. It¡¯s all his fault.


    I breathed sharply, blinking my eyes to keep the tears from spilling


    What¡¯s funny is how I¡¯m surrounded by over fifty students, they¡¯re all too high to notice. Or maybe they did and none of them care to investigate.


    I chuckled sadly, choking on what was left.


    This is my karma I guess. I shouldn¡¯t havee here. To this party. I shouldn¡¯t have.


    ¡°Breathe Cami. You only have you. No one cares obviously, so suck it up and just breathe.¡±


    I said to myself taking sharp breaths.


    After a while, I regained myself, biting down on my quivering lips, the only thing keeping those tears from spilling once and for all.


    Ugh.


    That bastard doesn¡¯t deserve any of my tears and he isn¡¯t getting them.


    I went back to the bar to get yet another drink whilist sending a text to Dn to tell him I wanted to leave,ing to this party was a mistake.


    After clicking send, I face palmed my forehead.


    I just kissed him, rather made out with him and then I ran out like a crazy person.


    Ugh.


    I should not be texting him.


    Bad idea.


    How do you delete a text?


    Maybe I can just sneak out before he gets here.


    Then again, who do I get to take me?


    I chuckled sadly.


    I¡¯m the lonely miserable Cami with no friends.


    Of course.


    I drew the bottle closer, falling on my head.


    I¡¯m so sad.


    My shoulders raked with sobs.


    Ugh.


    Don¡¯t cry. Don¡¯t you dare cry.


    Miranda.


    I¡¯ll plead with her to help.


    Who am I kidding? I didn¡¯t even have Miranda¡¯s number to tell her.


    I would have to wait till Monday to inform her then.


    I chunked a shot of alcohol before disposing of the bottle.


    I slid out from the sweaty high school students letting all their worries out and drowning their sorrows in alcohol.


    The second I stepped out, the warm breeze but my body.


    Even with my clothing, it did feel chilly.


    I dragged my feet to a spot and fell.


    Not a hard fall, just enough so I couldy on the grass mad stare at the sky.


    The stars and the constitions. My dad and I used to do this. Back then when I was still daddy¡¯s little girl. Now I¡¯m nothing but a failure and a dissapointment. Anticlimactic much?


    I chuckled.


    My phone beeped.


    I groaned, fishing it from my purse.


    Two texts came in simultaneously.


    One from Dn and the other from Kyle.


    I shrugged opening the one that came first. Kyle. Yes I¡¯d rather speak to my cheating ex boyfriend than face the guy I kissed.


    ¡°Hey, are you okay? I haven¡¯t seen you since the game? Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Lame!¡±


    I eximed, exiting the pop up without replying.


    He¡¯s not my boyfriend, I do not owe him a damn thing.


    Plus, he didn¡¯t have a right to care about me anymore. Last I check, around this time he was thrusting into Eva¡¯s core.


    ¡°Oh Cami.¡±


    I grumbled, rolling over to the side.


    Okay. Okay.


    My fingers danced around Dn¡¯s text.


    I tapped open before I talk myself out of it.


    ¡°Alright. I was just about to day the same thing. Can you meet me at the parking lot? And Cami are you okay? Dn.¡±


    I groaned all over again, keeping the phone aside.


    Both palms flew to my face, covering my eyes.


    I released a breath.


    It¡¯s weird and funny how they both asked the same thing in a funny and weird way.


    I faced the grass, turning over tough.


    Am I okay?


    Well I¡¯m tispy, a little hungry, and the urge to puke keepsing up but am I okay?


    Peachy I guess.


    Nah, I¡¯m not.


    That¡¯s okay though.


    I wasn¡¯t ready to be okay this night, I just wanted a warm bath, my soft bed and a long, long rest. I checked the time, it wasn¡¯t even midnight yet. Usually, I would still be at a party by this time and get a scolding by the time I¡¯m home. They haven¡¯t even called yet which is weird for them so it¡¯s either they¡¯re outte like us or they got home and slept off immediately without bothering to check up on me.


    I think thetter. I¡¯m not a little girl to my parents and they stopped caring.


    Iughed again. A weird sound to my hearing.


    Ok. I responded to Dn¡¯s text, got up and began moving towards the parking lot. My phone beeped again.


    ¡°Hey, I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t spend much time with you because of the girls, I¡¯ll definately make it up to you, but it seems your night went fun as well. Unknown.¡±


    It was apanied with a wink emoji, I realised who it was and wondered how she got my number. I locked my phone deciding to reply to all my text messages before sleeping, when I get home.


    For now, I have to meet up with Mr Emerton. Well I¡¯m drunk, that should help with the embarrassing and awkward stares.


    Dn walked out minutester, his hands in his pocket. He didn¡¯t look drunk, probably because he knew he would be driving, or he handles alcohol much more than I can.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    He asked for confirmation, I nodded my head slowly with a small smile and got on the bike.


    That was somewhat easier than I potrayed in my head.


    He drove off immediately, my eyes wanted to shut so badly.


    I was spent.


    My shoulders were aching, my legs felt wobbly at the side of his bike.


    Who knew a party could be so exhausting?


    Iid my head on his back holding him as tight as I could closing my eyes, letting the wind blow past my face.


    ****


    We arrived at his house. I knew we did. I heard the gates.


    He pulled over, I should¡¯ve opened my eyes, but I¡¯m tired.


    I heard his sigh, a tired one yet so invariably hot.


    That was before he helped me down, taking the helmet off my face, messing my hair a little. That¡¯s when my eyes fluttered open, I pouted my lips staring at him wordlessly.


    I offered him a half smile.


    Since I¡¯m up, might as well walk inside.


    Just then, he held my hand stopping my next movements.


    Frankly, I¡¯m too tired to question orin.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I responded sleepily.


    ¡°Have we kissed before? You and I that is? I know it¡¯s strange and somehow silly, but I need you to answer. I have to know. Have we?¡±


    My half shut eyes widened at his question. Since we were already staring, he noticed immediately


    ****All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    *How was this? Drop your thoughts below.*

 Chapter 38 BUSTED

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SATURDAY MORNING.


    There goes an evening without me looking like a deranged person.


    Why can¡¯t things just go my way for a change? With the terrible night, I¡¯ll just rush upstairs and maybe fall in bed, letting sleep take away all my problem and they are a lot.


    At this point, I¡¯m faced with two alternatives. Two choices. Two options. Just one and two. There¡¯s no third party. Both of them are catastrophic depending on their reactions, they were actions and by rule they had equal and opposite reactions.


    The first and the dredged one was to Point nk tell him the truth if I did.


    The simple truth to his question, a mono sybic word, it¡¯s simple to pronounce.


    It¡¯ll take less than three seconds to mouth, but that¡¯s not the problem.


    Speaking the truth isn¡¯t the issue at this point, it¡¯s living and managing whates next.


    Follow up questions. Doubting gazes. Suspicious looks. The human need for an exnation.


    All of which I¡¯m not ready to tell, face, or admit.


    The first option is not an option. It¡¯s a death warrant I¡¯ll be signing.


    The second however would just be a continuation of the things I¡¯ve already been engaging in.


    Telling lies. Or as I would like to call them merely deflecting.


    I don¡¯t miss the doubting Thomas that springs inside of him, the suspicious gazes, how his brows drops almost immediately each and every time I deflect his questions.


    He asks. I chuckle andugh it over. Walk over or more like run inside and shut him out.


    It hurts when it¡¯s done to me so I can imagine how he feels.


    That¡¯s not great. It¡¯s somehow silly, but those are my only options.


    I have no other choice.


    Or is there?


    As the cold air brushed against my face, a bright idea popped inside my head. I cringed my nose, wiggling it slightly due to the breeze, the idea might work.


    The third choice. Abination of the first and second. Tell the truth, but add a bit of a lie and then the usual chuckling to cover it up.


    I exhaled sharply then parted my lips to answer after more than three minutes were exhausted in silence.


    ¡°Definitely we¡¯ve kissed before.¡±


    I started keeping a straight face. His however fell except his eyes which widenedpletely. I assume that¡¯s as a result of shock.


    Oh Dn.


    I parted my lips and let the rest blurt out by themselves.


    ¡°I mean did thest two hours of the party escape your head?¡±


    I cocked my head, pressing my lips tightly. What followed was a deep chuckle whichter turned into augh.


    Augh turned intoughter. Clutching my tummy and throwing my head back kind ofughter.


    My stomach turned at my words, but Iughed nontheless. It¡¯s the only thing I could do at this point.


    My n worked.


    After the second line, he straightened his features and kept his eyesight normal.


    His brown eyes did scrutinize me one final time, but with my cheeky grin anyone would think I was in a yful mood.


    ¡°Yeah. I must have been a little tipsy. I thought I remembered something.¡±


    I gulped letting my demeanor falter for a split second, then reced it with another wide grin. His hands went into his hair, raking deeply through the center then back again.


    He¡¯s battling internally with what his mind tells him and what his heart says.


    ¡°We should go inside. I¡¯m tired.¡±


    I faked a yawn eager to get into theforts of my own room even though Dn suspicions will have me up for a while. Although he seemed convinced as he asked no further questions. We walked through the door and I think that was it.


    ****


    I reached my room, slid through the door and closed the door. A hand over my chest, releasing a deep breath, heading continuously shaking while reliving what¡¯s been happening these pasts few days.


    More specifically, what happened tonight at the party.


    Brandon.


    I repeated the same thing over and over more to myself. Brandon is away. He can¡¯t do anything. His threats were baseless. I¡¯ll be fine. I have to turn out fine.


    Sliding at the base of the door, I scoffed and gasped together, squeezing my eyes and mumbling what I figured to turn out as a prayer. A prayer to the Almighty.


    For a sense of a normal in my life. I just want a normal day. A normal day. That¡¯s all.


    I bowed my head and even in that ufortable spot, I let myself rest. Heaven knows how badly it was craved.


    ****


    SATURDAY.


    My eyes fluttered open after series of rays from the sun kept hitting my skin.


    I slept by the door causing my shoulders and back to ache. Groans and grunts escaped from my lips while standing up. Headache. Hangover. Stupid one. What was I thinking with a bottle? Ugh.


    Luckily I had a few painkillers in the room to help and ease things.


    Hopefully they work quickly. I worked on my temples, rubbing the sides before they did.


    Momentster, I was able to stand without feeling the need to throw up.


    Then I sighted the text books over the table, the ones I¡¯d use to tutor Dn.


    Ugh. Maybeter today. Things are still a little bit awkward afterst night.


    Last night.


    Unconsciously, I grazed the tip of my nail over my lips.


    I squeezed my eyes hard recalling the fierce kiss. The one that had my insides goo-ing. Yeah that one.


    Smiling to myself, I was about to carryout the weekend chores then a knock came through halting that uing activity.


    I cringed at the thought of Dn at the door. Then again he never knocks.


    Dn¡¯s parents?


    Oh shit. Parents.


    Mine. I forgot about them. Fuck.


    I lowered my head at my outfit


    Dad will kill me.


    Hurridely, I stepped out of them, tossing it quickly inside theundry basket.


    I retrieved a simple gown from the closet, throwing it over my head then cing the straps at my hand.


    Shit. My breath still smells like alcohol.


    I was about to rush inside the bathroom to brush when a second knock came.


    ¡°Cami ..¡±


    Mother called out softly.


    Fuck. I am screwed.


    I tugged at my hair and moved to the door, twisting the knob and stepping away.


    God help me.


    ¡°Morning mom and dad.¡±


    I greeted awaiting their response.


    Father as always eyed my entire body, covering every inch of me.


    I dabbled slightly nervous. I¡¯m dead if I get caught.


    I stood in front of the basket so the cloth couldn¡¯t be seen.


    They nced at me for a while before answering.


    ¡°We¡¯re sorry we couldn¡¯t spend time with you yesterday, I know that¡¯s one of the main reason why we¡¯re back, we¡¯ll make it up to you before we n any trip or leave again.¡±


    Wow. Saturday morning started with an apology.


    That¡¯s not anticipated.


    Much less from my father.


    I get away with the party, my father is remorseful and they¡¯ll finally pay attention to me.


    A grin spread across my cheeks as those triple threat actions.


    ¡°Does that mean that both of you were out and had toe intest night?¡±


    I asked for rification. Dn and I might have gotten in before then. It was just after midnight if I remember correctly. The alcohol and boose made most things blurry. Except Brandon. Dn¡¯s question. Not to forget the epic kiss.


    ¡°Yeah. Is there a problem?¡±


    Mother furrowed her brows speaking up.


    ¡°Nope. Not at all. Just curious.¡±


    I quipped sounding like a bird


    I do that whenever I¡¯m scared and nervous.


    Oh Cami.


    Again, they gave me weird looks but I couldn¡¯t be happier.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go freshen up dad.¡±


    They half-smiled for some reason then walked away.


    I danced around a little, I didn¡¯t want a talk from my dad or my mom and now I¡¯m home free.


    I got ready almost immediately and rushed downstairs for breakfast.


    Saturdays are always meant for pancakes right?


    Yes they are. Yes they are.


    ¡°You seem very happy on a Saturday morning.¡±


    I stopped dead.


    He¡¯s behind me isn¡¯t he?


    Yes he is.


    I spinned around hoping to keep up an angry look or at least a straight face, but my jaw was left over the floor.


    He¡¯s breath taking and I think he knows just that.


    He didn¡¯t seem to sleep well as I. His hair was sticking all over the ce, he changed his clothes to something morefy and baggy. Baggy clothes should make you simr to a potatoe or something, but Dn Emerton is looking like a snack.


    Yes I just said it.


    ¡°You¡¯re ogling again. Tutors shouldn¡¯t ogle at their students.¡±


    I pressed my lips and forced my head to the side.


    He chuckled and moved away.


    ¡°I will freshen up then breakfast then tutoring. I¡¯m looking forward to it.¡±N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    I swallowed hard. Thest part was mouthed deeply. Extra stress while talking. I don¡¯t like the sound of that.


    He shut the door leaving me alone inside and gazing at the wooden structure, rooted and grounded to one spot. All because of him.


    ****


    *Drop your thoughts on my book. Love to hear them. Always.*

 Chapter 39 Tutoring Dylan

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SATURDAY.


    Flipping the straps of my dress up my hand and over my shoulders, I continuously reminded myself how easy this should be.


    It¡¯s the same as a teacher¡¯s job.


    The student which in this case is Dn Emerton, that student seats far away and listens as the teacher, me, speaks to him.


    I make sure he understands and afterwards, we can both put an end to the tortue and call it a day. Easy as that.


    ¡°With Dn Emerton, you and I both know that¡¯s a joke.¡±


    My mind wouldn¡¯t even buldge no matter how many times I grit my teeth or curl my fingers, even if they turn white before the end of today, somehow we both know Dn makes everything more stressful than need be.


    I purposely skipped breakfast with the ¡°family¡± which was weird even to me. I¡¯ve wished for my parents presence for days, they return and I avoid them.


    The talk. That¡¯s what I¡¯m calling it now. The one I¡¯ve agreed to for almost a week yet neither of us have found time for it. Oh well.


    My cell chimed over the desk while my head was buried in a book likewise my stomach rumbled from theck of food in over twelve hours. Just lots and lots of alcohol.


    Skimming through some other notifications from Snapchat, Instagram, and a bunch of other apps, I opened my inbox which had more than one unread messages.


    The most recent was from Dn.


    I cringed my nose wishing I had left it unseen as in on the table. The first like was visible. It was the tutoring.


    ¡°You chickened out didn¡¯t you?¡±


    That¡¯s what it read specifically. The three dots afterwards were clues that the message contained more.


    I had two more texts. Kyle and the unknown number which I deduced as Miranda.


    Shrugging at the former, my ex boyfriend and cheater, I picked Miranda instead who didn¡¯t cheat.


    ¡°I just wanted to check in. I wasn¡¯t sure what happenedst night. If you made it home safe. I¡¯m sorry about everything that happen. I really hope you give me a call or at least respond to my texts.¡±


    The usual cry emoji was attached in several ces mostly after each line.


    I rxed on my pillow, arching my back further into the bed. My tongue clicked against my upper lips while responding to her text and saving the contact.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine. Hungover before. Tired now. Exhaustedter. But fine.¡±


    I attached a smiley face and moved out of her conversation.


    Maybe just see what the idiot wants. ¡°Cami, I know you¡¯re angry.¡±


    As you should. I mumbled incoherently.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re angry, but I am worried. Highly worried. Please just¡­¡±


    That was it. Then a sad emoji after the dotted lines.


    Fuck you.


    He wasn¡¯t in the room, but¡­


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    I groaned deeply.


    ¡°I thought you would never ask.¡±


    ¡°Oh shit!¡±


    I cursed, lifting my head and tucking my cell away.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    I question, hovering my hand over my chest.


    He had a smile ongoing, spread over everywhere. His grin was suspicious.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°You said fuck you. I said I thought you would never ask. It¡¯s not easy holding on for weeks. Well done.¡±


    His brows shot up as did his ego.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t referring to you and the only time we are going to fuck as you so disgustingly put it is in your dreams.¡±


    ¡°Tch. You¡¯d think that.¡±


    He tilted his head gazing at the corner of my bed.


    ¡°What are you going in my room? Plus why do you never knock?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my house Cami.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my room.¡±


    I retorted balling both hands beside my feet.


    ¡°Still my house.¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    ¡°Am I getting on your nerves?¡±


    He lowered his brows


    ¡°You are. I want you out.¡±


    ¡°You already said you would tutor me and Bianca I think is very sexy. We would have been doing other things than learning about the state capitol, but I turned her down for you. So you¡¯re tutoring me.¡±


    He folded his arms while I cringed during half of his talk


    ¡°You are disgusting.¡±


    I spat out, pulling my covers.


    ¡°Go visit Bianca. I have no interest in tutoring you. Not anymore.¡±


    ¡°You had no interests in doing it after yesterday. That¡¯s why you hid yourself in here. You don¡¯t want to see me. In fact you¡¯re wishing I¡¯d leave  and it¡¯s not because I¡¯m annoying or you don¡¯t want to see me, it¡¯s because you¡¯re scared.¡±


    He left the doorway, taking a step inside, shutting the door behind him.


    I leaned further into the bed, my eyes turning darker while watching him lock my door and being mute about it.


    ¡°Why are you scared? It¡¯s the question I¡¯m asking myself.¡±


    ¡°You just locked me inside my room. That should be your answer.¡±


    I stuttered.


    ¡°Should it?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡±


    I cleared my throat, pulling my legs closer to myself.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think that Cami. I think you¡¯re scared of something else.¡±


    A tiny scoff escaped the side of his lips, his head remained tilted.


    ¡°I am not scared of anything.¡±


    ¡°Not even if I crawl into your bed, back you up against the wall, I¡¯ve been calcting if my hands would fit and they would. If I do that, I¡¯ll kiss you. Hard. You aren¡¯t scared of that Cami?¡±


    A lump formed quickly in my throat, I swallowed hard.


    ¡°Yes I¡¯m scared and I¡¯ll walk away. No I¡¯m not scared and I¡¯ll kiss you. Choice is yours.¡±


    My head began spinning. He had that grin up again. The one were he smiles like he owns the fucking world. Like he owns me which is something I will not have.


    Straightening my back, I kept my chin up and exhaled.


    ¡°My books are over that table. Since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s get started we don¡¯t have all day.¡±


    My response caught him by surprise, his demeanor shaped into just that.


    Surprise. That bad boy aura, talks of kisses, hard kisses, they usually have all the girl squirming and soon after begging for him to touch them. It didn¡¯t work on me. It doesn¡¯t work on me.


    ¡°Do you still need me to tutor you?¡±


    I asked feigning boldness. I was bold. Just not this much.


    ¡°Sure. I need you.¡±


    The words rolled off his tongue like nothing, but for me they sent a few shivers.


    I scoffed, taking the nket off my legs, plopping my weight over the bed to keep the phone and book I was reading.


    He went ahead to pull the table and chair towards my bed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to stayfortable while tutoring?¡±


    He cocked his head, blinking his lids at me.


    ¡°Don¡¯t y funny.¡±


    I warned.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t smirk at me. Don¡¯t smile. Don¡¯t grin. Just seat there and listen while I teach.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    He shook his head more than once. I checked for any signs of mockery, but his face was neutral thus far.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I responded, seating at the edge of the bed.


    I missed my left leg which was twisted to seat on the bed, in that manner I fell through, nearly colliding with the floor, with my head of course.


    Noticing this, Dn pulled his chair backwards, lept forward and grabbed my shoulders with his hands.


    It was close, my hair fell through, covering half of my face, the tip grazing the floor just a little.


    ¡°You¡¯re clumsy. You see me as the bad guy yet I just saved you from a very bad headache.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I replied sarcastically.


    ¡°You don¡¯t seem very thankfully Cami.¡±


    He taunted


    ¡°Let me up.¡±


    I wasn¡¯t well bnced, plus he was gripping my shoulders too tightly.


    ¡°Say thank you and mean it.¡±


    He answered.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Mean it Cami.¡±


    He replied as though this were some sing game.


    ¡°I already said thank you. What do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°Mean. It.¡±


    He emphasized.


    ¡°Thank you Dn for not letting me fall.¡±


    I gritted my teeth harshly.


    ¡°Great.¡±


    Swiftly, he pulled me up while I adjusted my legs to prevent myself from falling again.


    ¡°What are we doing?¡±


    ¡°Literature.¡±


    ¡°You have problems with literature? Who had problems with literature? It¡¯s like the easiest course to pass?¡±


    He smirked.


    I red quickly.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I won¡¯t do it again.¡±


    I folded my arms while he got the books out, my literature notes then began flipping the page.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    He asked, I cocked my head, dropping my gaze to the note. My eyes widened with realisation.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Give it.¡±


    I leaned forward trying to swipe it, he withdrew his hands quickly, a daring smirk ying across his lips.


    ¡°You wrote a poem about Kyle. That¡¯s what this looks like.¡±


    I bit my tongue to prevent myself from speaking out. It wasn¡¯t about Kyle. Sadly.


    ¡°Yes. Now give it.¡±


    My tone dropped. I didn¡¯t like being reminded of things. Things about my best.


    Slowly, he handed the note over, I took it from his grip setting it on the bed.


    ¡°We¡¯ll use the textbooks then.¡±


    He offered. I kept my hands crossed afterwards, tucking my hair from covering any part of my face.


    ****

 Chapter 40 Soccer Week[I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    The tutoring session went lovely. Dn made no snarkyments or remarks, no flirting. He¡¯s also kinda intelligent, once he gets past the whole bad boy issue. He¡¯s an actual nerd. He¡¯ll kill me, but it¡¯s true.


    As for Sunday, there¡¯s nothing much to write up about it other than the fact that my parents ditched me, no new thing there. That¡¯s practically all of it.


    Now it¡¯s Monday, back to my usual routine.


    Up from bed. In the shower. Down the stairs. On Dn¡¯s bike. Get to school.


    By the time I reached the stage, almost everyone was done with breakfast.


    I took an extra ten minutes in the bathroom, but I didn¡¯t mind since I had a full stomach fromst night pizza.


    One thing did catch me off guard. My parents eat breaking and eat bread. When did they return?


    I avoided their gaze, pulling up a chair beside Dn. They can save them apologises if they¡¯ll keep making one mistake over again.


    ¡°Cami, now that your parents are back for a while, do you want them to drop you off or continue with Dn?¡±


    Mr Emerton asked softly. I lifted my head, checking Dn¡¯s reaction.


    Her hair was styled forward, ck clothing as per his outfit, his face however seemed extra cheesy.


    He even threw in a wink for me.


    Parents it is. Maybe we can finally talk.


    I can¡¯t recall thest time that happened.N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.


    With that decision, I matched his smug grin with a smirk then answered


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with my Dad.¡±


    I said in a sweet tone. His eyes widened and he red at me. This overconfidence is honestly getting thoroughly out of hand.


    Just then, his lips twitched, mischief burning in his eyes.


    ¡°But how are we going to sneak off to a party after school?¡±


    He zoned in my face, pouting his lips knowing that would surely catch their attention.


    A few forks clung against the te.


    My dad was staring. On God! This is what payback looks like. Dn is an arse. A fucking dick.


    ¡°You¡­ went¡­ to¡­. a¡­ party¡­.¡±


    He drawled out, angerced in each word. Fuck shit.


    ¡°B-Busted¡­¡±


    Dn stuttered beside me, that was punishment for not picking him over my father. Not cool. Not cool at all.


    ****


    Out of respect for the Emerton¡¯s, I wasn¡¯t scolded on the dinner table.


    He did this perfectly. I pick them, he outed me, I get scolded because I picked them.


    I rummaged through various ideas in my head, each one thinking of ways to kill Dn without leaving a trace. Yes, that¡¯s how annoyed I am and some more.


    The first thought was I could suffocate him in his sleep, but he would scream and I might get caught, the second was slitting his wrist, he dies painfully buy I won¡¯t have the balls to do that.


    He¡¯s a pain in the ass, I will get back at him somehow.


    Dn Emerton will get what ising to him.


    ¡°You took Cami to a party!¡±


    I heard Mrs Emerton scolding at the corner.


    I bit my lips wondering how quickly my prayers were answered. Karma came early today.


    Time to y the victim card. I pouted, wiggling my brows trying to look so pitiful. It¡¯s working.


    ¡°No mom, I¡­.¡±


    He trailed off, ruffling his hair without any defence. Backfire much?


    He noticed she wasn¡¯t ready to listen, she simply red at him furiously.


    ¡°You two better get to school, we¡¯re gonna discuss this when you get back.¡±


    That applied to both of us.


    His mother and mine. Well, at least we are both getting equally punished. That¡¯s the upside.


    I did shake in fear while grabbing my things, heading for the car to wait for mom and dad. He gets to drive off alone, I¡¯ll get the talk during the ten minutes drive. I should¡¯ve just picked him.


    No. He wants that. I will not let him win.


    ¡°You must be really happy now.¡±


    He trailed behind me.


    ¡°I am happy actually but it¡¯s not like I did anything, if you hadn¡¯t opened your big mouth, none of this would happen.!¡±


    I retorted.


    He rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Well, why did you do it anyway? Just to get me in trouble?¡±


    I frowned as he got on his bike.


    ¡°Nope. I enjoy taking you to school. Today¡¯s just not gonna feel the same.¡±


    He responded. I stopped my movements, he passed me and got on his bike quickly, as though the words weren¡¯t meant toe out.


    A smile crept up tugging Against my cheeks as I watched him start the bike the drive off.


    My heart fluttered at his words and I found myself blushing slightly.


    ¡°Ready Darling?¡±


    Mother asked as they opened the door. I hadn¡¯t even noticed them walking past me. I shook my head vigorously in a bit to clear my head and I got into the car.


    This was supposed to feel like old times yet I felt weird. I got used to holding onto him, the wind blowing past our faces as he drove, his breathing hitching the second I pulled tightly, how he smiles at the corner, the little things I enjoyed each day, instead, I¡¯m stuck with my parents talking about the usual and being in the confines of a car.


    Maybe I should¡¯ve chosen Dn.


    ****


    Luckily, they kept to their words. Bad and good. Bad because I glued my face to the window, staring outside out ofplete boredom. They uttered not a single word throughout the drive. Good because no scolding for now.


    Finally, the ride was over as they pulled over close to the gate. I bade them goodbye before walking in.


    Dn pulled over In the lot, getting off his bike.


    A few friends gathered around him, they began talking instinctively.


    Must be nice. Being popr and all. Having folks to talk and chat with.


    I held the edges of my bag, walking away briskly, ignoring him and his friends.


    Back in the hallways, I took the direction leading to my locker. Everything was the same. Business as usual. Students discuss how their weekend went. A few gossiping about the kiss on Friday night as I strolled past them.


    Business as usual. Wait a minute. Behind my locker, a figure caught my attention.


    I narrowed my eyes and this better be some sick joke. A student fucking with me.


    That jacket. I¡¯ve only seen one person wearing that particr jacket. The ones with a serpent behind them.


    ¡°No! This can¡¯t be.¡±


    I looked again but it was true.


    ¡°Hello, students!¡±


    The inte sounded interrupting my half breakdown, I swirled my head to the mounted speaker at the side of the wall.


    ¡°Kingston high, our school and Richmond High, the visitors will be having a little friendly ser matchter this afternoon. The announcement should have been made earlier but it was omittedst week. Anyway, it wille up as a form of apetition between both students. Today is Monday, some of their students woulde here for the first stages. As thepetition progresses, some of ours would go there as per the custom. More details will be providedter. Enjoy ser week!¡±


    It trailed off. Before then, my head was beginning to hurt.


    The bulleting board was right at the corner, I zoned in on one of the articles.


    ¡°The students of Kingston High will be here for a friendly practise match.¡±


    It read.


    My breathing elerated.


    That news has been posted sincest week Wednesday. I usually go through these so how on earth did I skip it?


    Fuck shit. So damn stupid.


    ¡°How could I miss this?¡±


    I questioned myself.


    ¡°Brandon is a yer for them, he¡¯lle over. That¡¯s probably why Dn was talking to his friends. It¡¯s Brandon by my locker. He¡¯s here already¡­¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll see very soon¡­¡±


    His words from the party came back to memory.


    I returned my gaze to the locker searching for him while trying to calm my heartbeat.


    ¡°School activities would be lesser this week because of thepetition.¡±


    Suddenly, his words began to ring in my head continuously reying like a fricking loop.


    He said we would be seeing each other soon, this is what he meant. I fought so hard not to talk about the past but with Brandon here, things are bound toe up.


    Dn is bound to find out. Today even. Brandon will tell him today.


    Fuck shit!


    He wasn¡¯t by the locker anymore. Where? Just where did that bastard sneak off to!


    Just as I thought, I felt a presence sneak up behind me.


    I prayed silently before turning around meeting a smirking Brandon. The smirk you have when every fucking thing is going your wife.


    ¡°Peak-A-Boo.¡±


    He brushed my shoulders, poking my nose. Silvers ran through my spine at that tiny action. Trust me, they weren¡¯t the good kind.


    *****


    *Author¡¯s Note:*


    *Apologies for going M. I. A, had major issues. Looks like the truth maye to light? Will it? Well, we¡¯ll just have to wait for chapter two. Much Love.*

 Chapter 41 Soccer Week[II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    I retracted as many steps as I could, maybe five or six. It still didn¡¯t feel enough, his presence still crowded my senses and this wasn¡¯t in a good way. The goal was to create as much space between us as I could.


    His goal was to make me cower in fear. That has always been his motive. I keep letting him though. Stupid. Dumb. Scared. Cami.


    The more steps I retraced, the more steps he took to close the gap, plummeting all my efforts at getting away from him.


    Meanwhile, that mini attack was building up quickly, creating this huge lump in my chest. I didn¡¯t mean that figuratively, maybe it¡¯s just in my head but I still found it difficult to draw any breath. I¡¯m sucking in as much as I can, but it¡¯s hard. It¡¯s hard.


    Still, I kept moving backwards. He did the opposite and a hand flew to my chest.


    One more step behind and my back hit something strong. A human wall if you may.


    The next thing was to spin around and apologise, I hit a student.


    Before I could do that, the person behind me grabbed both arms, keeping me still.


    That¡¯s when the cologne hit my nostrils. It¡¯s Dn.


    I jerked my head over my shoulder, stealing a nce at his face having to lift mine a little higher since he was taller.


    His brows were lowered through hisshes, his lips tugged in a tight frown, he did not seem happy.


    His grip on my arms tightened which I assume were the result of his hands clenching in anger.  Do they know each other?


    He barely paid attention to me, not the kind he was given to Brandon. ring but still the same thing.


    ¡°Richmond..¡±


    He spat,  disgust and annoyanceced in his tone. He referred to Brandon by the name of his school, maybe he didn¡¯t recall Afterall.


    I wasn¡¯t the subject of his anger but I shivered still.


    Returning to my gaze to the idiot himself, he had stopped in his tracks, cocking his head while smacking his lips repeatedly.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be getting ready for practice?¡±


    That was a trantion forget out instead of messing with me.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    Brandon smiled. He then shoved his hands into his pocket and strode confidently to where we stood.


    Dn was behind me like a bodyguard, so I wasn¡¯t as scared as I¡¯d normally be.


    ¡°I¡¯m Brandon.¡±


    He stretched his arm, gently brushing against mine. I swallowed painfully.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    Dn responded, taking it in a firm handshake.


    They both have each other fierce looks, just a spark before this whole thing blows up.


    ¡°May the best team win.¡±


    Brandon added grinning.


    He then turned swiftly and walked away.


    ¡°Have we met before?¡±


    Dn asked in the middle of his march.


    ¡°Shit! fuck!¡±


    I cursed internally. Brandon spun around, his gaze falling on me first, he licked his bottom lip. Brandon is going to bury me. He¡¯s going to tell Dn everything now.


    ¡°Oh God please.¡±


    I prayed silently.


    ¡°Yes, we have.¡±


    Brandon responded. My heart had jumped out of its tiny cage now.


    ¡°We met on Friday at the party. I¡¯m not sure you noticed me though.¡±


    I heaved arge sigh in relief which didn¡¯t go unnoticed by Dn, he didn¡¯tment.


    ¡°See you around Kingston.¡±


    Brandon turned around and walked away and just like that, I could finally breathe properly.


    ¡°Was he bothering you?¡±


    Dn asked softly noticing my breathing and facial expressions.


    ¡°N-No¡­¡±


    I stuttered, he passed me a suspicious look still notmenting on my behaviour.


    ¡°I should get to ss before school activities are over¡­¡±


    I hurriedly said. He still hadn¡¯t let go of my arm.


    ¡°Umm could you attend the practice gameter today. I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯ve heard about it.¡±


    He ran his hands through his hair nervously.


    I bit my lips thinking of how to answer. Brandon will be ying, so will Dn. I can manage that. I¡¯ll have to.


    ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I half smiled and walked away.


    ****


    As I suspected, there weren¡¯t many sses as everyone remained in anticipation for the friendly practice game as they called it. I


    I kept my books and hung my bag since it might go on up until the closing bell.  I might just keep some in my locker at the end of the day or manage the rest of the home. Not sure if dad will pick me up again if he hadn¡¯t flown out of the country that is.


    I opened up a snack walking towards the yard where the match would be held.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    Miranda chirped, nudging my elbow.


    I smiled between my teeth, munching on the biscuit.


    I¡¯m terrible at this friend stuff. I hadn¡¯t even checked on her all day, well in my defence I¡¯m not sure how I can.


    She began walking beside me.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I greeted with a smile.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t say goodbye after your text, I was in a bit of a hurry. I did want to call before you texted and all. I am still sorry.¡±


    I apologized, she grinned like it was nothing.


    ¡°It¡¯s cool, you¡¯re watching the game right?¡±


    I nodded in response.


    ¡°That¡¯s cool, we should watch together.¡±


    ¡°Are you not scared of Pa?¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    I reminded her of the tiny wicked witch In our lives. She is is more than mine but still.


    ¡°Nope, she¡¯s a cheerleader remember, too focus on Dn Emerton to bother about dear old me.¡±


    She faked a pout causing a surge ofughter between us. That¡¯s right. Finally. Home Scott free.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go then.¡±


    We increased our pace so we wouldn¡¯t miss a thing. As we inched closer, the cheers got even Louder.


    I haven¡¯t been much of a ser fan, but I am curious to see Dn y. I haven¡¯t watched him before.


    ****


    The whistle was blown minutes ago when the game began.


    For a friendly match, they didn¡¯t y so sweetly.


    Each team tried to get to the ball and win, if this was just practised I wonder how thepetition would y out.


    I gulped as I watched Dn y so well, I understand why girls swoon, he¡¯s a quarterback that even makes it cuter. He earned it.


    He kicks and passes so well.


    Everything makes sense.


    I sighted Brandon on the field, his face was squeezed tightly.


    No surprise there. Richmond High was losing badly, Our team were one point ahead of them with just five minutes left in the match.


    If they score one more goal, they would get an equalizer which still isn¡¯t enough to win.


    Then again it¡¯s just practice, he should not be getting all worked up.


    I watched keenly as Dn held the ball, switching it between his legs to avoid the yer behind him.


    He was aiming for the goal post and if he does win it, there¡¯s no hope for the other team.


    We¡¯ll be two points ahead, the final whistle will get blown regardless.


    The goal post was a few metres away, Dn speed cannot bepared, the cheers were an indication, this is where the adrenaline rushes in during the match, I can feel it even and I¡¯m not the one running with the ball.


    Iced my fingers with Miranda¡¯s shutting my eyes and mumbling a few words.


    Usually, I wasn¡¯t interested in ser at all but right now, the match was so intense, I wanted Dn to win.


    Not only would it flip off Brandon, but Dn would win.


    Okay, it¡¯s time to not be a coward.


    I opened my eyes halfway as I heard cheering.


    Dn was about to score, the audience chants were off the roof at this point.


    My smile grew wider.


    My lips moved on their own ord to call his name.


    As we expected, he took a shot and the ball went straight inside the securing our win.


    The final whistle was blown momentster and at that point, Everyone got up cheering his name


    I smiled unable to contain my happiness for his win.


    In your face Bradon.


    Just then, he sighted me amid well almost the entire school.


    Staring a few seconds, he brought both hands in the air and did something strange.


    Joining his hands, he bent a few fingers and they ended up forming a heart shape.


    A gasp escaped the back of my throat, he motioned that to me, arching his brows


    I could not help but turn my head back trying to see if it was for some other girl, but it wasn¡¯t.


    It was for me. He did that for me.


    With that realisation, a blush crept to my cheeks as students continued chanting around us.


    Meanwhile, no one noticed, they were all too busy chanting, but I did and I think Miranda did as well with her non-stop squirming beside me afterwards.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note:*


    *Thoughts? Well, let¡¯s just say the next chapter will blow your minds away!! Cannot wait!!!*

 Chapter 42 His Escape

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    It took a few minutes of praises and chants of our school to have the audience in a happy mood.


    Then a few more till it passed away, the praises that is.


    It all subsided, but the entire ser team didn¡¯t end theirs there.


    While the losers, God it feels good to say that, while they bowed their heads in shame and walked away, our team retreated to the locker room to finish what started in the pitch.


    They had water which was a tradition, it didn¡¯t seem rational to pour water over yourself merely because you¡¯re celebrating, but it¡¯s their tradition so I¡¯ll go with it.


    The announcer made it clear our team would have to go to Richmond High the next day, but winning first already gave us an edge.


    Dn has disappeared with his teammates, taking the fun backstage, I was eager to join in as well. Well not in the fun, but just join in.


    Standing up from the seat, I peeked over the heads of students struggling to catch an entrance into the locker room.


    Getting an opening, I hurriedly moved towards it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll need to leave now.¡±


    Miranda announced, bringing my attention back to her halting my entrance.


    ¡°What? Why?¡±


    ¡°It looks fun. I¡¯ll love to go in there with you, but sadly I can¡¯t. Pa and the girls will be in there and if they see us, it¡¯ll be trouble.¡±


    I stood close to the locker room, unsure if I should go in or not. I looked back at a frightened Miranda refusing to take any step closer. Not with me at least.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I will just see youter. I need to do something first.¡±


    She nodded her head at my response and turned to leave.


    I didn¡¯t know what I had to do. After that stunt on the field, I felt as though I had to see Dn.


    In-person. Well, we¡¯ve done that, I mean up close. I need to stand before him, when I do I¡¯ll congratte him then I¡¯ll leave.


    That¡¯s it.


    A few students hissed as they brushed past me, visibly annoyed that I was standing and blocking their way into the locker room.


    ¡°Okay. Okay. I can do this.¡±


    I breathed easily, lifting a foot to take the necessary step.


    I¡¯d just chicken out and pause halfway through.


    The boldness and courage I needed to push the door open just weren¡¯t there.


    I¡¯m sure there are tons of students inside, cheering, and drinking.


    I don¡¯t belong there.


    Just then, someone behind me shoved me forward at the same time the door creaked open from the inside, I got in without knowing swarmed by some more students who weren¡¯t patient enough to ask me to step aside.


    Now I¡¯m in.


    I cringed my nose scrutinizing the entire room which reeked of boy sweat.


    It was not as crowded as I imagined though, the showers were running, most of them in it maybe Dn included.


    However, the cheerleaders were scattered around, running their hands over their exposed abs, openly flirting.


    Just make out already.


    I cringed a second time, tearing my gaze away from two students.


    I¡¯m unsure where that ¡°custom¡± originated from.


    The one which spells out a cheerleader and ser yer must date.


    I¡¯ll just do what I came here for then leave which is finding Dn.


    ¡°Are you lost, little girl?¡±


    Pa asked, her voiceing behind me.


    No time for this.


    I ignored her, moving further inside silently searching for him.


    ¡°You can leave now.¡±


    Shemands, I can hear her trailing behind me. Who wears heels after dancing as a cheerleader? Well, Pa does. It¡¯s not much of a school day, she¡¯s also the self acimed queen bee.


    ¡°It¡¯s either you leave this ce now or I¡¯ll throw you out¡­¡±


    Her threat came with a cold tone, she meant business, but I¡¯m not even shaken. She can¡¯t throw me out of the boy¡¯s locker room. That¡¯s just absurd.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what you¡¯re hoping to achieve here, but you have just ten seconds or I promise you I¡¯ll pull that dry hair of yours and toss you out of this ce as the trash you are.¡±


    She emphasised. I had to pause to turn, a tired sigh slipping through my parted lips.


    How can someone throw tantrums and act silly every single day? Is it the money? Her parent¡¯s wealth? What has this girl feeling as though she owns the fricking world.


    ¡°Five seconds¡­¡±


    She drawled. I peeked through the corners. Dn isn¡¯t here. Why waste my energy exchanging words with her when he¡¯s not even in this ce.


    ¡°Besides, I can as well see him when I get home. I don¡¯t want a scene with her.¡±


    I reasoned with myself, sighed defeatedly and resigned to leaving.


    About to turn, I sighed Dn emerging from the shower room.


    His hair was dripping with water, but He had changed his clothes already. Finally a white shirt and ck pants, short-sleeved so I could see the trickles of water.


    I gulped in admiration. Her lips were moving he would be saying something or trying to mouth something to me, too bad I was barely listening.


    ¡°Cami was just leaving¡­¡±


    Pa grabbed me roughly by my arm, my five seconds are up then.


    I finally snapped from my trance fidgeting while struggling to shove her off.


    ¡°Let go of her now!¡±


    He fired in a hard tone. Both of us halted, his tone striking something. I watched as Dn marched towards me, forcefully pulling my hand.


    I winced at the struggle between two people. Pa could only hiss, that and nothing more. The others were more focused on drinks and girls to notice the side altercation happening in the same room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t do this again Pa.¡±


    He warned and tugged at my arm, pulling me out of the centre to another section.


    There was very little space between the guys and the girls so we tried to find a secluded area to talk.


    Finally, we did, there wasn¡¯t any space to seat so we leaned over the wall, silently staring at each other.


    Then he smiled while trailing his eyes over me.


    ¡°You know how risky it is toe back here, yet you did. You could have gotten squished between the boys. You¡¯re tiny Afterall¡­¡±


    He trailed off amused, biting down augh.


    ¡°Well yeah. I guess I do. I just wanted to say congrattions, you did great.¡±


    His brows shot up.


    ¡°You were impressed?¡±


    He asked, disbeliefced in his tone.


    ¡°Definitely.¡±


    I grinned fully.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a first. I didn¡¯t peg you as the ser type, but I¡¯m d you enjoyed the game.¡±


    He dropped his foot, striding towards me to close the distance between us.


    Then he took my face in his palms, leaving one finger to gently brush the hair from my face, that way he had a clearer view. I pressed my face against his palm, the only option of avoiding his intense gaze. I¡¯m doing my possible best not to turn crimson red with his actions.


    ¡°Thank you, Cami.¡±


    He said breathlessly, his voice dangerous low so much so that our closeness was the only reason I heard those words.


    Has it always been this husky as well? Or was I just not paying attention.


    I swallowed the lump in my throat, my face still titled away.


    ¡°Well then.¡±


    I cleared my throat softly. Can this end? If someone walks in, they¡¯re getting the wrong idea. I¡¯m not sure why he¡¯s doing this per se.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I should get going now.¡±


    I chuckled nervously, bringing my face forward with a slight blush on my cheeks.


    He twitched his lips in a small smile.


    ¡°Do you have to?¡±


    He asked. Whatever that meant, my heart fluttered.


    ¡°Well, there are no more sses so no but you¡¯re the quarterback of course everyone would want you to be close to them.¡±


    I replied truthfully. My tone was clipped with straightforward words.


    ¡°I know but sometimes it gets overwhelming you know, I just want to get away from it just for a little while. That¡¯s why I¡¯m asking if you truly have to Leave.¡±


    He smiled genuinely making my insides flip.


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t. I¡¯m not a cheerleader or anything, no sses. I¡¯m free I guess.¡±


    I rambled ending with a tiny shrug.


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    He mumbled, taking my hair from my back and pushing it over my shoulder.


    He pulled away and returned to his corner. My breathing returned halfway to normal. His close presence was somewhat intoxicating.


    ¡°Cami Renee, let¡¯s go somewhere. Let¡¯s escape this school, the teachers, the students. You and I. Even if it¡¯s only for a few hours. Just for today. Let¡¯s escape.¡±


    His proposal was crazily funny, especially with emphasis at the end of each word, the way it rolls off his tongue then the little smirk afterwards.


    It warms my heart and that tiny blush on my left cheek, it spread across my entire face.


    I ducked my head quickly, but he must have noticed by now.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I confirmed.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note:*


    *Apologies for the minor confusion in thest chapter, I made some slight errors but they¡¯ve all been corrected! Thank you for thements!*

 Chapter 43 Camilla Coming Clean?

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    After my confirmation, I heard whispers from both sides, left and right.


    As though it weren¡¯t enough, those snickers were followed by slight cooling.


    The type girls usually engage in at those sleepovers. Of course.


    This time it wasn¡¯t girls, Dn¡¯s teammates were shared on each side, they were making those funny sounds.


    ¡°Shut it all of you!¡±


    Dn yelled at the top of his voice. I snickered at his attitude which worked since they all stopped making silly sounds.


    ¡°You¡¯ll go?¡±


    He repeated unsure if I meant my earlier response.


    I smacked my lips acting like I was still thinking, fingers underneath my jaw and all.


    After a second or two, I frowned my face and he fell. Suddenly, I brightened it up with a sly grin.


    ¡°I did say yes didn¡¯t I? Or you¡¯d rather I changed my mind?¡±


    I asked still grinning.


    ¡°Not at all.¡±


    He stepped over,cing our fingers, the guys began gushing immediately.


    He¡¯s giving them a show. I can¡¯t even figure out why.


    He shoved them the finger and we walked out, Pa ring at us.


    ****


    ¡°Where exactly are we going?¡±


    I curiously asked.


    ¡°Well, where do you want to go?¡±


    ¡°Anywhere, there aren¡¯t any sses.¡±


    I responded with a slight shrug.


    ¡°Nerd.¡±


    He retorted in a teasing manner.


    ¡°I am not.¡±


    I argued, he chuckled elbowing me.


    ¡°You are Cami. A nerd. A full-blown nerd.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really.¡±


    I argued.


    ¡°Alright. Alright.¡±


    We were walking towards the parking lot.


    ¡°As I said, the day isn¡¯tplete unless I drive you to school or from.¡±


    He cocked his head towards the bike, I understood immediately and we walked towards it.


    ¡°So where to?¡± I repeated.


    ¡°You¡¯ll see. ¡±


    He tapped his finger over the handle, handing me a helmet.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I muttered under my breath.


    He starts the bike and begins to drive off.


    ****


    He finally pulled over, I took off my bike and read the scribbles on the signboard.


    ¡°Tom¡¯s coffee and tea.¡±


    It read.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    Dn brought me to a coffee shop? What is the name of unexpected is?


    I twitched my lips in confusion.


    I was expecting well not a coffee shop.


    A bike shop, maybe a pitch, I don¡¯t know anywhere else but this¡­ he¡¯s just one for doing the inexpedient.


    He chuckled noticing my expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Cami.¡±


    Taking my hand, he directed both of us towards the door.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡±


    ¡°Shhh¡­¡±


    He cautioned immediately.


    ¡°You¡¯ll spoil it all with questions, live for the moment.¡±


    He answered back.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    I replied.


    He smiled pulling the door open for me to lead the way.


    I looked around trying to decipher the meaning behind this shop, it looked pretty average though. As a normal coffee shop would.


    I didn¡¯t peg Dn for the coffer type bringing the question why did he take me here?


    ¡°Dn! My boy.¡±


    A middle-aged man emerged from one of the doors.


    Dn¡¯s face lit up with smiles while he approached us then he hugged him and pecked his cheeks.


    I¡¯ve never seen Dn so carefree and Smiley. What is going on here?


    ¡°Papa Tom, this is Cami, Cami, this is Papa Tom.¡±


    He introduced us, I smiled softly.


    ¡°It is nice to meet you, Cami. You¡¯re pretty, Dn likes pretty girls I¡¯m sure and you must be special, he never brings any girl over.¡±


    A blush crept up on both our cheeks, Dn¡¯s went away as quickly as it came but mine lingered for just a little longer.


    He waved it off and so did I.


    Papa Tom kept his hand across Dn¡¯s shoulder while the three of us walked to a table taking our seats.


    ¡°Papa Tom and my dad are friends, it might be small but this ce is like my haven, factory reset in a way.¡±


    He whispered lowly. My heart softened.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say something?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± I chirped as a waiter served us tea.


    ¡°So, I have another favour to ask.¡±


    I sipped some of my coffee.


    ¡°You know there was a practice match today at our school. Tomorrow there¡¯ll be another at Kingston High. It¡¯s a lot to ask but since there won¡¯t be any school activities, maybe you coulde with the team and watch me y.¡± He requested, I exhaled and let out a breath.


    ¡°But that would mean I would face Brandon head on¡­¡± I thought to myself silently.


    ¡°It would mean so much Cami to know you¡¯re there.¡±


    He adds softly and I want to say yes so badly but my goal should be giving space between Brandon and me, Dn already sees the resemnce, the three of us being together doesn¡¯t sound good at all. Silence reigned between us, he waited patiently for my answer. I thought about it and inhaleding up with an answer.


    ¡°Dn..¡±


    I started hoping this was the right choice.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I gulped after I had said it knowing I couldn¡¯t take my words back. I didn¡¯t want to agree but there was something about his face that couldn¡¯t let me mouth the words ¡°no.¡±


    Her face broke into a sly grin happy at my answer.


    ¡°Thanks, Cami, you have no idea how much it means to me.¡±


    I sighed a little, staring at him and I smacked my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m d.¡±


    I responded after a few seconds.


    ¡°We should get going back to school, thanks for this. It might be little but it means so much.¡±


    He suddenlyced our fingers together. I jumped slightly at his touch trying hard not to blush. I failed. He smirked.


    ¡°You¡¯re blushing¡­¡±


    His tone sounded surprised yet amused.


    ¡°I am not¡­..¡±


    I argued, quickly broke the contract, stood up abruptly and walked away.


    ¡°Bye Papa Tom.¡±


    Dn greeted trailing behind me. I put on my helmet and got on his bike, he shook his head softly still finding me amusing. I red hard at him promising myself not to shove him the finger not ready for the snarky response he would give after.


    Secondster, he got on the bike, started it and drove off back to school.


    ****


    Dn was right, it felt really strange.


    After we got back to school, the news of our victory didn¡¯t die down in fact, it rose to all corners of the school.


    There were no sses after so I had time to rest a little.


    Dn spent the rest of the day with his teammates and Pa who clung to him like flies on a dead body. Talk about desperation.


    What felt strange was the fact that my parents were picking me up.


    They waited at the parking lot, I sighted their and instead of my usual cheeky smiles, eagerness to tell my parents how my day went, I slumped my shoulders.


    Weird.


    Dn drove ahead of us and I felt weird not holding onto him instead.


    Oh well. At least my parents may have been a little preupied with setting things up to worry about old little me. No mention of the party. I am home free.


    I heaved arge sigh staring outside the window waiting until we got home. He pulled over into the garage, I stepped out ready to stay in my room, do some projects and maybe watch a movie.


    I twisted the doorknob and to my surprise, Dn¡¯s parents were with him in the living room.


    Maybe not so Scott free.


    I gulped not ready for whatever this was.


    Quickening my steps in an attempt to run away, it failed when dad called from behind.


    ¡°Hold it, youngdy.¡±


    Dad ordered firmly.


    I stopped at the base of the stairs turning around slowly.


    ¡°Yes, daddy.¡± I beamed smiling sweetly.


    That¡¯s not working today is it? He folded his arms shaking his head in negation.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t think we forgot about the party did you?¡±


    He asked rhetorically.


    ¡°Dn for taking Cami to a party, you¡¯re grounded for two weeks.¡±


    His dad stated. This feel like a coup?


    ¡°Same with you Cami,¡± Mom added.


    I whined and she rolled her eyes.


    ¡°But Daddy¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts, it¡¯s final.¡±


    He said firmly, I nced at Dn and he smirked.


    ¡°You¡¯re finding this funny aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Not really, but I¡¯ve had lots of time to think after today. It¡¯s why I¡¯ve felt this weird aura around you. Cami Renee, you are hiding one big old secret, only a matter of time before I get it out of you and two weeks stuck in this house alone is a matter of time.¡±


    His voice was low and calm but loud enough for me to hear and shiver at what seemed like a threat.


    Dad could only re at both of us, but his suspicions aren¡¯t what I¡¯m bothered about it.


    Dn knows something. He doesn¡¯t know what, but there is something.


    Maybee clean me? Tell him before he digs it up elsewhere?


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*:


    *Whew! I¡¯m trying to drop long chapters these days hoping I¡¯ll get more exposure for my book*

 Chapter 44 Playing In The Pool

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY EVENING.


    Flipping him the bird away from my parent¡¯s watchful eyes of course, I threw in a low snort, all to throw him off topic and get the heat off my skin, it¡¯s burning might I add.


    Mondays are never a good day for me, it¡¯s literally the worst day of the week for everyone in the world.


    I just hate them. Bad things are bound to happen.


    ¡°Meanwhile, it¡¯s evening and I¡¯m certain it was a fun day in school. Both of you better stop ring and looking as though you will slit the other¡¯s throat. In my opinion, the best thing is to start getting along. You¡¯re going to spend alot more time together. Fourteen days.¡±


    His Mother emphasized.


    I groaned in agony. Do not remind me. Come to think of it, I didn¡¯t have ces to go anyway, but Dn could have, now he is grounded, confided to this house and making my life a living hell on earth.


    Terrific.


    The grown-ups went upstairs, my dad ring as per the growing and bubbling distaste for Dn, Mother still had the smug grin fromst week, she¡¯s much more quiet these days.


    Hmm. Now it¡¯s just both of us.


    ¡°Well, at least I can take a walk today before the punishment starts tomorrow.¡±


    I mumbled inaudibly.


    ¡°Oh, the punishment begins right now.¡±


    I heard mom¡¯s voice boom from the top of the stairs, as though she read my fricking mind.


    Not so quiet anymore.


    I grunted, tossing my bag in the corner.


    I¡¯ll just pick it upter, but I¡¯m venting now.


    I turned and Dn was grinning like a cat. He¡¯s enjoying this?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to my room.¡±


    I said.


    ¡°Wait, you sound like you¡¯re angry at me? Are you angry at me Cami?¡±


    I curled my left hand over the rail, held it for a few seconds then let go and spinned around. Unbelievable.


    Is that even a question to ask?


    ¡°I sound like I¡¯m mad at you really? Is that even a question? Are you dumb or trying to get on my nerves?¡±


    He bit his bottom lips. Great. Thetter.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m not trying tough because of what you¡¯re saying, it¡¯s just the face you make whenever you¡¯re mad. It¡¯s priceless.¡±


    He chuckled lightly, motioning over my face which only expanded my frown. I¡¯m not finding this funny.


    ¡°I was home free when you told my parents about the party and ended up getting yourself grounded too.¡±


    I added and he sighed. Why is he so carefree about this? It¡¯s getting on my nerves.


    ¡°You¡¯re mad because I got us both grounded? I¡¯m sorry if it¡¯s new to you but I didn¡¯t give it much thought since I¡¯ve had the experience, I shouldn¡¯t have turned a blind eye to your feelings like that, I¡¯m truly sorry. To make it up to you, for all fourteen days I assure you, it won¡¯t feel like a grounding. You won¡¯t feel stuck. Look around you, this house is huge.¡±


    I crossed my arms, gazing at him suspiciously.


    ¡°The theatre isn¡¯t the only fun ce here, it¡¯s just one amongst a lot and if you allow me, I¡¯ll show you what other ces can be fun.¡±


    Now he has me. I¡¯m peaked with interest.


    ¡°I am listening.¡±


    I shook my head, keeping a slightly neutral face on.


    ¡°We have a game house, there¡¯s this little room for musical instruments, then there is an outdoor pool¡­¡±


    He trailed off. My eyes widened in shock.


    ¡°You guys have a pool!¡±


    I eximed in excitement.


    ¡°Yeah, we do.¡±


    He replied confidently.


    ¡°Hmm, okay. I¡¯ll go get my swimming..¡±


    I trailed off realising I didn¡¯t own any swimming attire any longer. They all got burnt. Right.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have any swimming trunks right?¡± He chuckled a little.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll get you one.¡±


    ¡°Never mind, I really don¡¯t want to wear one that might¡¯ve belonged to¡­.¡±


    I trailed off hoping he understood what I meant. I meant didn¡¯t belong to the girls he screw.


    Eww. I wonder why he would even make them wear those. What sort of sick fantasy is that


    ¡°Seriously Cami?¡±


    His retaliation broke me out of my thoughts thankfully, it¡¯s only the tone in his words that has me worried.


    He sounds hurt.


    Wait a minute. Did I get it wrong?


    What was I supposed to assume? How could he randomly have those if they didn¡¯t belong to one of ¡°his girls?¡±


    ¡°If you must know, my mom buys them all the time, they do not belong to the girls I¡¯ve fucked.  There should be one in her closet or something. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    He added quickly and walked away.


    ¡°Dn¡­.¡±


    I called out but he was already gone.


    Really? He gets mad over one wrong assumption? His reputation preceeds him. You cannot exactly me me for thinking that way. Fucking hell.


    ¡°Stupid.¡±


    I face palmed myself waiting for him to get back. Maybe I did go over board. Why did I even say that out loud to begin with?


    Now that I relive my words I actually sound stupid. using him of keeping their swimming trunks in his bedroom. As a prize possession or what? So stupid Cami.


    Highly dumb.


    ****


    ¡°Here you go.¡±


    I heard his voice as he emerged from the stairs.


    He wasn¡¯t lying, the trunk was obviously new. Thebel was still on it so it hadn¡¯t even been touched yet, I felt really bad.


    ¡°Dn, wait¡­.¡± I reached out to hold his hand.


    ¡°I am sorry I judged you like that, it just slipped out. I most definately didn¡¯t mean it.¡± I


    I apologized truthfully, he still bowed his head a little.


    ¡°Dn, I¡¯m really sorry.¡±


    I pleaded, he refused to budge. He carefully removed my hand my his and walked away. I trailed behind him since I had no idea where the pool was.


    ****


    We went around the back of the house until he stopped and I gasped in admiration.


    This house was truly spectacr.


    The pool was a little big, had a mini stair and all so you could get in. It even had this side bar for mixing drinks


    Very ssy.


    Dn didn¡¯t wait any longer, he took of his shirt exposing his tanned skin, I couldn¡¯t get a look at his abs since he backed me. Still angry I presume.


    ¡°Dn, I said am sorry. You say silly things all the time!¡±


    I practically begged but he didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Seriously, silent treatment? This is how you¡¯re nning on going on now? How mature? Dn! Very mature!¡±All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    Even after raising my voice at him. I got nothing.


    He unbuckled his pants and pulled them down.


    I swallowed the lump. Now I¡¯m wishing I get a front peak.


    Clear head Cami. Don¡¯t think of things. Don¡¯t.


    He dove into the water expertly and started swimming forward, till the end of the pool which was surprisely wide, then he¡¯ll go under the water for a few seconds beforeing up for air.


    I stood there clutching the trunk for two reasons. The first being Dn¡¯s sudden anger at me while the other is that I didn¡¯t know how to swim, so I did need his help, but I hated the fact that he wasn¡¯t talking to me. For no just reason.


    I made a mistake. I¡¯ve apologised so what¡¯s his deal?


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I called for the nth time, he wouldn¡¯t respond.


    I sighed feeling defeated and went around the corner to change.


    The trunk was a bit small, his Mother just misses the size and never bothers to return I¡¯m guessing, rich people lifestyle.


    Oh well, it will have to do. Not much a chooser.


    I kept my clothes safely folded over the rock I found then got out.


    I paused, looking around frantically.


    Dn wasn¡¯t in the water anymore. I waited a few seconds for him toe up for air if he went down, nothing. Oh no.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I called out rmed.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I raised my voice, marching towards the pool, but I still couldn¡¯t find him. I quickened my footsteps, looking in all directions wondering where he might have wandered off too. If he¡¯s not in the pool then where the hell did he go to?


    ¡°D¡­¡±


    Marching on, I kept looking backwards just in case and that¡¯s when I slipped on the wet surface, cutting my search short.


    One foot went high in the air, the other lost its bnce on the ground and my body was lifted up about to crash heavily on the ground.


    I waited for the pain that woulde when I hit the hard ground but nothing.


    No flinching. Nothing.


    I blinked my eyes opened and there he was. Knees bent, arms wrapped around my waist, securing me tightly.


    ¡°Where did youe from?¡±


    I blurted in all honesty. I¡¯m curious. One minute he¡¯s no where around, the next he appears and literally sweeps me off my feet.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note:*


    *We have a special guest in the next chapter. It¡¯s going to be fun!*

 Chapter 45 Blake Emerton

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY EVENING.


    From the beads of sweat scattered over his arms and exposed chest, I¡¯d say he got out of the water and left to do some silly thing which he always does. He got back just in time to catch me, which might I add is so fucking hot.


    I can¡¯t keep my eyes away, I¡¯m sure I don¡¯t even want to.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I breathed his name for two things. The first was epting what just happening and the second was confirming that it wasn¡¯t a poor figment of my imagination caused by actually hitting my head. Maybe I fell into the pool and was drowning as we speak.


    Oh wow.


    Daringly, I wrapped my arms around his waist, taking in his musky scent more confirmation that all of this was happening. I was not imagining it.


    He did freeze underneath my touch, his shoulders tensing and his grip hardening, the goosebumps I felt were showing against my skin.


    I swallowed a hard lump. A huge one.


    ¡°I know I said something stupid, it was hurtful and inappropriate. I can¡¯t tell why I did. It must be because I¡¯m stupid, so what do you expect? I didn¡¯t mean it I swear. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    I sniffled, pouting my lips like a little kid. Anything I could do to get him to forgive me. I¡¯ll do it.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    My voice was breaking out into light sobs. His gaze was piercing into mine. Brown eyes just staring without uttering a single word.


    I parted my lips to say something else when he beat me to the game.


    ¡°You¡¯re not stupid.¡±


    He mumbled so lowly that I almost didn¡¯t hear.


    Almost.


    This was after a few minutes of agonising torture known as the silent treatment.


    Thank goodness.


    That alone was enough to make me smile.


    ¡°Maybe, but I make it a habit of saying silly things. I am sorry.¡±


    I disengaged my hands from the crook of his neck, ying with my fingers while waiting on him to say anything else.


    ¡°I¡¯m not angry. Your words were just a little¡­. it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m not angry at you. I forgive you.¡±


    He announced. I snapped my head to meet his gaze grinning like a happy cat.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I chirped followed by a giggle.


    ¡°I do forgive you, but in my world, things like this do not necessarily go unpunished, so for that, I will  have to pay you back though.¡±


    A smirk formed at the edge of his lips, it spread quickly.


    I didn¡¯t quite understand any of those words, I cringed my nose, raising my brows all in confusion and wondered what he had in mind.


    Then, without warning, he lifted me from the ground which was easy considering the hold he had on me.


    We were at the edge of the pool, his bnce was a bit rocky, but he stabled quite nicely. That¡¯s when I figured the master n.


    ¡°Dn Emerton, don¡¯t you dare.¡±


    I pleaded.


    ¡°Payback¡¯s a bitch, Cami, beside you¡¯re already dressed for the asion.¡±


    He dumped me into the water as though it was a bed, I fell right inside, it wasn¡¯t the deep end but still, I can¡¯t swim.


    I went under trying to swim to the surface. It worked.


    ¡°Help!¡±


    I screamed once at the top, gasped as though I was drowning, I wasn¡¯t because it¡¯s not that deep but still I can¡¯t swim.


    I went back underneath, back up to gasp, then pping my legs.


    ¡°Dn! Help¡­. me!¡±


    I yelped a second time once I reached the top.


    ¡°Shit! Why didn¡¯t you say you couldn¡¯t swim?¡±


    I heard him cuss, then I heard another ssh which I assume was the sound he made after jumping in.


    I was back underneath, holding my breath, trying to get to the top.


    In truth, this section wasn¡¯t that deep.


    If I steady my legs at the bottom, my head would pop out.


    Dn can¡¯t know that though.


    I want him to work for it.


    He swam to where I was, the water making sshy sounds as he drew close, all this while trying to ¡°save¡± me.


    I already got my feet stable on the ground, I wasn¡¯t ¡°drowning¡± anymore.


    Once he reached where I was, his hands went out trying to cage me, secure me, save me.


    Swiftly, I went under.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    He screamed at the top of his lungs. He seems worried.


    I rose afloat taking a second to catch my breath beforeughing.


    Swimming isn¡¯t as hard as people make it out.


    ¡°What? I¡¯m not dead.¡±


    I announced yfully.


    ¡°You cannot do that!¡±


    He eximed realising what I did.


    I stuck my tongue at him in a teasing manner. He¡¯s the one who showed me inside, to begin with.


    With my feet at the bottom, I slid backwards trying to ¡°swim¡± and get out of the water.


    He was quicker as an expert swimmer, reaching where I was and fulfilling what he aimed for the first time.


    His hands secured my waist tightly.


    Still in that position, he swam back to the edge of the pool, he didn¡¯t stop until my back touched the wet wall.


    ¡°Caged.¡±


    He announced the obvious, clicking his tongue.


    I looked sideways and there was no escape for me. His body frame covered the side exit and of course, he¡¯s right in front of me.


    His hands are still on my waist, so even if I tried, he¡¯ll merely pull me back.


    ¡°What you did was not funny. ying inside the pool like that knowing you can¡¯t swim. What if you couldn¡¯t breathe? You drowned or something? What then?¡±


    He growled, I couldn¡¯t tell if he was scolding me or telling me. Eitherway, he sounded worried.


    I gulped for the third time.


    ¡°Well¡­¡±C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    I trailed off as he leaned in, closer than before.


    The hair on my wet skin had begun to stand. This doesn¡¯t look good actually. It does. Fuck it. It really does.


    ¡°Y-you have to admit it was a little funny.¡±


    I stuttered unable to speak incoherently. That¡¯s supposed to turn out as a line of defence. Silly.


    ¡°As I said, you¡¯re gonna have to pay for it.¡±


    His face was inches away from mine.


    His eyes switched everywhere. My face. My lips. Eyes. Everywhere.


    Slowly, he gently sucked on his bottom lip, then flicking his tongue from the centre then to the edges and finally, his eyes darted to mine.


    ¡°I thought I a-already d-did.¡±


    I added it as a form of protest. He did throw me into the pool.


    ¡°Well Cami, it¡¯s double pay now. You still owe me one.¡±


    He added huskily.


    I didn¡¯t move or talk afterwards.


    I couldn¡¯t.


    I kept my gaze on his eyes. As hard as it was. His gaze was peering, but that¡¯s what I did.


    He leaned, closing what¡¯s left of a few metres between us. I¡¯m sure I know what¡¯s about toe next. I think I want it.


    In anticipation, I screwed my eyes shut waiting for the sweet sensation that fills me at the moment we kiss.


    ¡°Little bro.¡±


    I heard a deep voice utter with a chuckle. No kiss. What in fucks name¡­?


    My eyes fluttered over.


    I looked over Dn¡¯s shoulders and darted them to the direction the voice came from.


    My brows were etched in surprise to see a much older version of Dn. His father must be the oldest version. This is hot. Unapologetically. This guy here is just hot.


    Drop-dead freaking gorgeous. He has brown eyes like Dn, the bad boy aura that seems to go in the family, dark clothes, hands tucked away, brown hair styled roughly, a never-ending smirk.


    Hot.


    Dn moved his eyes too and unlike mine which was dreamy, his darkened. His grip on my waist turned hard.


    ¡°Hey, Little brother.¡±


    He utters.


    I winced slightly, Dn rests his grips giving me the slip away, moving to another side.


    I turn to face him.


    His brother that is. I¡¯ve understood that much.


    Dn stands beside me, he stands beside me, no gap and all.


    I stare in confusion because that almost seemed protective.


    Almost.


    ¡°Hey beautiful Stranger, I¡¯m ke. ke Emerton. A pleasure to meet you.¡±


    He smacks his lips as Dn would, striding to the edge of the pool before stretching his hands towards me.


    I stare in extreme confusion, my lips twitching because I¡¯ve heard something like that before.


    ¡°ke? ke as in college ke, as in this hot guy standing right in front of me.¡±


    Finally, I stretch my hand, taking it softly.


    He shook it, his charming smile widening across his entire face.


    It¡¯s enough to melt Anyone. By Anyone I mean me.


    I can feel my stomach turn.


    Meanwhile, Dn¡¯s eyes are on me. For some reason, I felt weirdly in the middle of a brotherly feud.


    I don¡¯t like it, but ke has this aura. They all have it. The Emerton. He¡¯s trouble. ke is going to turn up as trouble.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *There you go. Another Emerton. Little wonder what role he¡¯ll have to y. More surprises toe! No spoilers. I¡¯ll be dropping daily updates hopefully. Just drop yourments in the section. Tell me what you think. Much Love!*

 Chapter 46 Everyone Loves Blake

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    ke¡¯s hands lingered on mine after the shake, he gave rise to his thumb and rubbed a small circle over the top of my palm.


    He didn¡¯t pull away after that, just a very intense gaze and what I¡¯vee to know as his signature smirk.


    Taking matters in my hand, I mean that quite literally, I pulled my hand away, clearing my throat not to make that exchange too awkward and obvious.


    Even afterwards, his gaze rested solely on me.


    From behind, Dn got out of the water, pulling my hand to help me.


    I was close enough, could get out myself, maybe there¡¯s an ulterior motive to that.


    Since we were out, ke took his eyes off me for a minute, directing them to Dn.


    A tensed and angry Dn.


    This entire ce was tense.


    ¡°Come here!¡±


    He cooed, pulling him in for a little bro hug.


    Even I could tell he didn¡¯t want to do it, his shoulders tensed and his face was broke out into a frown.


    He¡¯s making no move to hide the apparent dislike for each other. But why? They¡¯re both so alike? What could¡¯ve happened?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to change.¡±


    I announced pointing to the direction behind me, I left my clothes there, it¡¯s a good excuse and I get to leave these two alone.


    I emerged a minuteter, but neither of them was there.


    I wonder what urred for the few minutes I was away.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    If they did anything, I¡¯ll find out.


    Anything like what? They can¡¯t fight, right? They¡¯re brothers.


    Yeah, that¡¯s right. I can¡¯t overthink this.


    I figured they would be inside, a family reunion and all.


    Peaking at the pool a final time, I rubbed my palms getting against each other and strode back into the house.


    ****


    My thoughts were confirmed, they were in the living roomughing and talking.


    Hold that thought.


    Dn¡¯s parents were here. Mother and Father. ke Emerton their son. A family. An iplete one. Dn¡¯s not here. I spied the dinning, the same thing. Checked the kitchen and nothing¡¯s changed there too. He left.


    My stomach churned.


    The lump in my throat grew bigger by the second.


    One minute we¡¯reughing, giggling and smiling.


    I think we almost even kiss.


    Then, out of the fucking blue, his older brother pops up and Dn freezes.


    He shows emotions which I would not expect.


    There are bent up anger. Even before I came. It¡¯s been there.


    Something is wrong. I don¡¯t want to pry in what would seem like family issues, but I can¡¯t also sit back and ignore these things.


    I can¡¯t even let myself do anything without worrying.


    ¡°Cami, aren¡¯t you going to say hi?¡±


    Mother purges noticing my quietness. They were there as well. My Mother and Father. As I said, all except Dn.


    I shook my head, putting up a fake smile while facing ke.


    He¡¯s already staring.


    ¡°We already met by the pool. I would not want to interrupt this gathering, I¡¯ll be in my room since I am grounded and all.¡±


    I sped my palms together, a nervous chuckle falling off my lips.


    ¡°You¡¯re grounded?¡±


    He inquires. There¡¯s a hint of amusement in his tone.


    Of course, I don¡¯t seem like the person people ground.


    ¡°That¡¯s good for me at least. I¡¯ll be here for at least a week, you being grounded indoors means you¡¯re stuck home and I can get to know you.¡±


    I swallowed my hard lump down.


    Get to know each other?


    The first thought that crossed was how Dn will not like this at all. Somehow, I know he would not.


    Get to know me? He¡¯s in college why would he want to know me?


    I shook my head repeatedly, then nodded twice,cing my fingers and pressing them harshly into each other.


    I need to get out of here fast. Dn.


    I need to see him. Make sure he¡¯s okay. I can¡¯t breathe easy with him on a bent.


    Slipping past the happy crew, I reached the base of the stairs, ke¡¯s eyes followed me as I did.


    I could feel it.


    I rushed up the stairs, flipped my hair, tilting my head for a second, ke stared relentlessly.


    I looked away and hurriedly strode to Dn¡¯s room.


    This aura is suffocating.


    I don¡¯t like it.


    Standing at his door, I exhaled deeply then sucked in breath, balled my left hand and lifted it to knock, instead, the door creaked from the inside.


    Since when does he not lock his door?


    I tiptoed into his room, taking one step at a time, as I got in properly, I heard groans and grunts from the middle of the room.


    Lowering my head, my lips parted in surprise.


    On the list of things I prepared myself for when I get it, this was not exactly one of them.


    He was doing push-ups? On the floor..?


    I gulped, shamelessly checking him out.


    It¡¯s either he hasn¡¯t noticed my loud entrance, or he¡¯s ignoring me again.


    He¡¯s shirtless and those shorts underneath won¡¯t cover anything, you can still see a dick print.


    He¡¯s backing me, but I bet if he got up.


    Well¡­


    I swallowed deeply.


    Aside from all of this, he was sweating and holy mother of everything sweet and good, the sight is drool-worthy. Were he and his brotherpeting for God¡¯s best creation?


    ke was points ahead but with this, Dn just ate and there are no crumbs left. None at all.


    ¡°If you are going to stand there and watch Cami, I would suggest you take a picture, it¡¯llst longer. That ship has sailed through, I¡¯m done.¡±


    With one final grunt, he pressed his belly against the floor, hopping off it momentster.


    I couldn¡¯t stop myself from peaking properly.


    The view I got at the pool wasn¡¯t enough.


    Insatiable.


    That¡¯s what I am at this point.


    I stood rooted.


    He marched towards me, gave a very funny look, twisting his lips and all, then he brushed past me and a few secondster I heard the door shut.


    I jumped a little.


    He returned with a towel in his hand, swiftly cleaning through the wet parts of his body.


    ¡°Work out when I¡¯m stressed¡±


    He says answering the question on my mind.


    ¡°You¡¯re stressed? Are you okay?¡±


    I asked tenderly.


    ¡°Yup. Peachy.¡±


    He grinned, standing a few feet anyway, but I¡¯m nowhere near convinced.


    ¡°Ever since ke showed up, you¡¯ve been acting all weird, so I don¡¯t think you¡¯re as peachy as your im.¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    He retorted, snorting then looking away too quickly. He¡¯s lying.


    ¡°You have.¡±


    I countered.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t.¡±


    He replies, plopping on his bed.


    ¡°Yes you have, talk to me¡±


    I pressed, taking the first forward.


    ¡°It¡¯s stupid.¡±


    He says falling back on the bed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care if it is, I want to know, so tell me.¡±


    I demand another step forward.


    ¡°Well, I hate it when kees around. I¡¯m not sure how it started, it¡¯s petty because he¡¯s my older brother, but I can¡¯t help but feel bad when he returns. Even if it¡¯s for a day. It sucks. My parents automatically forget I exist. You can check it out, we¡¯re grounded but I bet if I walk out that door they wouldn¡¯t notice. Their star child is home. It¡¯s ke all week and I can¡¯t take it. The worse part is when he rubs it off in my face that he is all that and I¡¯m not.¡±


    Wow. I didn¡¯t expect that. Deep down I knew they were all good, but wow. I wasn¡¯t expecting something this deep.


    Dn didn¡¯t strike me as the feelings type, yet he¡¯s so raw at this moment. You can see it through those eyes, they¡¯re glistening at this moment.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    I began.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t lived in your brother¡¯s shadow before. Whenever he¡¯s here, it¡¯s like I have topete with him always for everything. He makes it a point to show me that everything I have can be his. In an instant.¡±


    He snapped his fingers for added emphasis.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    I took one added step, closer than ever to him.


    ¡°It is. He saw us together and for that singr reason, you¡¯re a person of interest to him. Come on Cami, you¡¯re not blind. You noticed. I noticed the way he looked at you. As long as we¡¯re with each other, he¡¯ll definitely go after you and that thought just makes my blood fucking boil. I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t. I will not let him make some sick game out of you.¡±


    His jaws were tightening again. He needs to calm down.


    Well the part about protecting me makes much better sense.


    ¡°Getting to know each other¡± wow. Dn knows his brother well.


    ¡°Aside from that, the truth is I won¡¯t be surprised if you choose him anyway. I saw the way you looked at him too. It¡¯s obvious, he¡¯s better than me in every way possible.¡±


    I did think he was hot. In my defence Dn takes lead now, it was a one-time thing because it¡¯s our first meeting.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I call out, stepping forward and closing the remaining gap between us.


    He raised his upper part, slumping his shoulders, resting his hands on the frame of the bed.


    I lowered my head, lifting one hand so I could cup his cheeks.


    ¡°You¡¯re your person. Your brother isn¡¯t you and doesn¡¯t worry about him trying to get me because I¡¯m nowhere ready to date anyone after Kyle. Let alone your brother.¡±


    I reassured him.


    It seemed to work as his face softened, working its way up in a smile.


    After that, it curved and that smirk was back. The Wicked. Should¡¯ve known it was just a matter of time.


    ¡°Forget about ke for a second, we were in the middle of something before he interrupted us right? Let¡¯s get back to that.¡±


    He suggested, flicking his tongue over his bottom lip.


    Is he referring to the kiss? I think he¡¯s referring to the kiss.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    Drop your thought lovelies! I want to hear what you think!!

 Chapter 47 Two Years Ago

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    He said what we were doing. Exact words. We were in the pool, he had his hands on each side of my head, caging me, leaning in, his lips were pursed, I think he wanted a kiss. I can never predict Dn, he makes it his life goal not to allow anyone to do that.


    But we are alone now, so what else could he need?


    Ugh!


    Either way, I¡¯ll find out in a minute.


    Snapping out of my thought, I lift one hand, reaching for a strand of my hair, I snap out of those flimsy thoughts staring wordlessly at him.


    ¡°So Cami.¡±


    There it is. He¡¯s ying at me. He wants me to make this first move, he¡¯ll just push me hard enough to do something, what if he doesn¡¯t want anything but me making aplete fool out of myself.


    Of course. I harden my face, creasing my brows.


    ¡°Stop goofing around, I think I liked it better when you were annoyed, just put on a shirt and pants. Not these shorts. Maybe we can run through one topic or two.¡±


    Unconsciously, it tugs loosely at one strand, a nervous chuckle slipping away from my lips.


    ¡°Why? I bet anything you¡¯ve been enjoying the view since you walked in. Why would you want me to cover-up? Or are we both going to deny you like what you see?¡±


    His confident observation was apanied by his usual smirk than a sly grin.


    He¡¯s not wrong. Doesn¡¯t need to know that though.


    I¡¯m enjoying his glistening abs or gaze piercing biceps, I just need the heat off me. It doesn¡¯t seem to be working though.


    I move backwards, rolling my eyes me a wink followed by a sly grin to which I roll my eyes.


    ¡°Not everything is a joke. Put on a shirt. What if your parents walk in on us.¡±


    ¡°The door is locked.¡±


    He stretched one hand, pointing towards the door.


    Obviously.


    ¡°It¡¯s shut not locked and that makes it worse. They walk in and you¡¯re this way, just both of us. It doesn¡¯t look good.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re worried they¡¯ll think we were fucking?¡±


    He narrowed his gaze, amusement etched along the lines of his face, I choked on something, my breath hitching for a second.


    He says things so raw, damming the consequences. It¡¯s invariably hot but also very annoying.


    ¡°That¡¯s it? You wouldn¡¯t the first.¡±


    A gasp escaped through my lips, I red hard. What¡¯s that supposed to mean? I¡¯m just one of his conquests? Wow.


    ¡°Ass-hole.¡±


    I pronounced, stressing my vocals.


    ¡°Scary cat.¡±


    He retorted. I snorted and moved awaypletely.


    Thank goodness that phase is over.


    Chuckling lightly, he strides towards the closet hopefully in search of a shirt.


    I crossed my arms harshly, maybe I can go now. My work is done. He isn¡¯t being grumpy anymore.


    Scanning my eyes around the room, I scrunch my nose at how annoyingly dirty he is. Clothes scatter all over the bed, at the corner, even on the bed.


    Annoying.


    I shake my head. The room is pretty ssic.


    A few ser posters hung over the wall. Nothing eye-catching. Just yers. Popr yers. A bed in the middle, a closet, a little desk at the corner. That¡¯s pretty much it.


    Hol¡¯ up.


    Just then, something caught my eyes on his desk.


    Is that?


    No. It can¡¯t. But it is. At least it¡¯s very simr. Wait.


    I swallowed hard. The possibilities swirling in my head quickly.


    It could be. Peaking at Dn, he was invested in his closet, searching for a short while they were scattered all over his room.


    That gives me an opportunity.


    Taking a final peak, I slide through the bed and reach the desk.


    I might have made a misinterpretation since I gazed from afar.


    Doesn¡¯t hurt to confirm.


    I lowered my head, tuck my hair behind my ears and pick it up.


    Oh my God. I wasn¡¯t being paranoid. It¡¯s the same thing.


    Recognition shes through my eyes.


    Inside a tiny case was one of my earrings.


    Just one ear. The left ear.


    A tiny chuckle slips out.


    It¡¯s the same.


    It¡¯s identical.


    I had the right ear.


    I kept it with me as did he, it was in the house, now it¡¯s burnt down as the rest of my things.


    If the fire didn¡¯t escte, I would have grabbed the earring as well.


    There just wasn¡¯t enough time. My adrenaline kicked off, the only thing on my mind was getting out, so I couldn¡¯t grab it that night, I had one chance. One thing to grab.


    I choose the hoodie because it meant more to me.


    I don¡¯t regret it.


    I smiled remembering how he got a hold of the left ear.


    It was the same way I got his hoodie which is still tucked away under my pillow. Right in this very house.


    It¡¯s kind of funny. We each have a personal item from the other.


    Carefully, I ced the earring back in its box, stepping away as the memories of thest two years came through.


    TWO YEARS AGO.


    FRIDAY NIGHT.


    I¡¯ve done stupid things, buting to this party as a slut. Well, it¡¯s charting on that list.


    The girls here did worse, but considering how I usually dress, this is slutty to me.


    My dress was above my knee, handless even, let¡¯s not even talk about my face.


    Why did I enter my parents¡¯ room?


    I don¡¯t use more than powder and foundation sometimes, but tonight I decided to touch my mom¡¯s make-up kit and it did not end well.


    My make-up was a little too much for a high school party. I went bold with the red lipsticks, eyebrows drew not nearly perfect, but better than most.


    It all screamed a bad idea. Guess what? I did it nheless.


    You can refer to this as one of the perks of ¡°letting loose¡±


    That¡¯s the goal.


    I chunked a whole ss of tequ, sliding it to the other end of the table requesting for more, my butt squishing against the tiny bar stool.


    I look around the party, everyone¡¯s dancing.


    I might join after another ss.


    I¡¯ve only had alcohol twice. Both wine. Both regretted. Now I¡¯m drinking tequ, it¡¯s bitter, there¡¯s this burn in my throat when I gulp it down, I still drink it.All content ? N/.?vel/Dr/ama.Org.


    The more I gulp, the lesser the centre of my chest hurts.


    About turning away, that¡¯s when Dn Emerton walked in.


    Wow.


    That¡¯s the only thing I could think of.


    Tonight he didn¡¯t go for a leather jacket or anything ck, he wore a grey hoodie and grey pants, but in the night, it looked ck.


    He still looks breathtaking.


    The girls stopping what they were doing and turning was enough indication.


    I smirked watching him closely, zoning on him as he strode in properly.


    Soon enough, the girls and guys crowded him. I averted my eyes going back to chunking tequ.


    You¡¯re wondering Why was I drinking?


    It¡¯s petty and childish but I¡¯ll tell you.


    My Mother and Father were bing extremely annoying with their regr trips, I¡¯m an only child, you¡¯d think I would not have to share care and affection with anyone.


    You¡¯d think wrong. In recent times, I have to beg for it, they only care about working and travelling leaving their seventeen-year-old daughter in a big old house, so tonight I decided to do something I would not usually do.


    Go to a high school party. I dressed like this and did it. I¡¯m letting loose. It hurt though. Their rejection of me hurt.


    I shoved it off thinking I would be used to it by now but I wasn¡¯t so I continued drinking.


    ¡°Pretty girls like you shouldn¡¯t be drinking alone.¡±


    I tucked my hair behind my ear and nced in the direction where the sound came from. I stared at him carefully trying to recall if I knew him. No, it wasn¡¯t Dn.


    ¡°I don¡¯t go to your school if that¡¯s what you¡¯re wondering.¡±


    He chuckles lightly.


    ¡°Come on, have a drink with me.¡±


    He gets us another drink and that was the start of that epic night.


    Not too long ago, we talk andugh lightly.


    It¡¯s all good until I felt myself getting a little tipsy. The ground was shaking, the people weren¡¯t standing anymore, they were spinning badly.


    Time to go home then?


    Before I could move away or stand up, his hands were on my bareback.


    Right, I forgot the back of the dress wasn¡¯t properly covered as well.


    Slut.


    I bit back my tongue, refusing to insult myself anymore.


    I stirred on the stool, to show my difort, before I could protest, his lips were on mine. He had leaned in and imed my lips as his.


    ¡°Brandon.¡± I trailed off trying to push him off softly, I was tipsy but not enough to make out with some stranger.


    His name was Brandon. In between the light discussion, he had introduced himself as Brandon some guy who patted his back and called him Reed. I assumed that was hisst name.


    Brandon Reed.


    I tried to close my mouth, both hands over his chest, struggling with a guy who wanted nothing but to have me. The feeling wasn¡¯t mutual.


    ****


    *Author¡¯ Note*


    *Yay! We have gotten an insight into her past. Apologies for not updating yesterday. I had some things to do. Drop your thoughts on what you think! Much Love.*

 Chapter 48 Blake’s Intentions

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    **PRESENT TIME**


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    I was jerked back to reality, Dn shook my shoulders roughly forcing my mind out of the pit it had entered while thinking about that night.


    The kiss didn¡¯t wash off quickly, I shook my head a couple of times until it engulfed in the air and returned to being just a past. A nasty past.


    ¡°Did you call me? I¡¯m sorry, I signed off. I was thinking of something. Sorry.¡±


    I said gulping. His eyes went to my hands.


    My eyes widened thinking I held the earring still, it wasn¡¯t in my hand.


    I recall dropping it. I forgot again after drifting into affairs of the past. Now I just look stupid.


    I switched my gaze to the desk where itidfortably, then back at Dn who now seemed nervous.


    ¡°Umm that belonged to someone I knew. It¡¯s not what you were thinking with the bikinis.¡±


    I cringed my nose, a fuzzy vision getting into my head of I and Dn doing that said thing.


    Not happening. Not in this lifetime or the next.


    Gross. Someone he knew though? That night was the only time we¡¯ve had an encounter, yet he said knew? He felt as though he knew me? But he doesn¡¯t even recall or else we wouldn¡¯t be standing feet away as strangers.


    Ugh.


    I released a deep breath with every instinct inside of mepelling me to ask further questions. It took my entire will to fight it off, I knew if I did, I would slip up during the process.


    I¡¯ll let myself get carried off and in the middle, he will unravel everything.


    Not today. I¡¯ve had enough drama with the pool, a maybe kiss, older brother, can¡¯t take two years ago.


    I had to let it slide.


    ¡°Oh, I was just admiring it because it¡¯s one earing, it¡¯s beautiful either way.¡±


    I brushed the topic off, grinning widely.


    Since he was far off, standing by the closet and all, he couldn¡¯t scrutinize me.


    He had his shirt on thankfully so that case is close.


    It¡¯s time for me to leave before something else goes amiss. I tilted my head, one final peek at that little beauty.


    My lips tugged in a smile. It¡¯s a work of art.


    ¡°If only he knew how much it meant to me, the truth behind it. If only he remembered everything clearly and not just bits and pieces, he wasn¡¯tpletely ignorant, but he hasn¡¯t gotten ahold of the bigger picture, I¡¯m too big of a coward to hand him the pieces.¡±


    I exhaled.


    Nothing hides forever though.


    Maybe someday Dn Emerton, someday I¡¯ll be able to tell you everything,e clean and fuck every consequence. That day isn¡¯t today.


    I snapped my head back to him, he had suspicious eyes on me.


    I cleared my throat.


    ¡°Leave now.¡±


    I thought facing him with a smile stered on my face.


    ¡°Well instead of studying as you suggested, I could show you other things.¡±


    He narrowed his gaze.


    ¡°Not what you¡¯re thinking of darling if you want that just ask. I¡¯m talking about ser things, music, my medals, not my dick.¡±


    He cocked his head sideways. I choked a second time.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡­.¡±


    I tried to defend, trailing off after getting distracted by his never-ending smirk.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I epted grudgingly.


    ¡°Just ask Cami..¡±


    I snorted, getting out of the corner, back to the centre of the room waiting on his move.


    ****


    My eyes were on him as we talked about random things.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    There is more to Dn Emerton than just a yboy or an entitled rich kid.


    So much more.


    For one, he loved ser more than I thought.


    It¡¯s usually a sixth sense, a thing for guys, they have to do it so people don¡¯t get the wrong ideas, or they aren¡¯t ridiculed by their peers, but with Dn.


    It¡¯s not just a sport. It¡¯s passion.


    That¡¯s why he yed so well on the field.


    He genuinely loves it.


    His phone screen saver was also a picture of a yer, I exined the paintings on the wall. There was also a ball which didn¡¯t make sense since the room couldn¡¯t contain it, but still, it¡¯s all fitting perfectly.


    In between the talks andughs, I hadn¡¯t noticed a lot of time had passed, I nced at the time and it was almost 8 pm.


    ¡°Shit. It¡¯ste. I should go freshen up then maybe dinner.¡±


    He nodded silently.


    ¡°Have dinner with us?¡±


    I hardly ever. It¡¯s weird to say that, he thinks I mean cereal and milk in my room.


    Not tonight.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I gave him a small smile before standing up.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    He beamed, reaching his feet almost the same time as I did, pecking my cheeks lightly. My smile grew wider, maybe a blush on both cheeks as well.


    That¡¯s so normal. The peck. It¡¯s what boys do to girls they Uhm¡­


    I¡¯m jumping off a cliff into an ocean of confusion. Let¡¯s not do that.


    ¡°Thanks for this today. The coffee for starters, then the pool of course, and this ce. Thank you.¡±


    I didn¡¯t understand thest one or why he¡¯s thanking me, but I gave a nod regardless.


    ******


    For the first time in a while, I took a bath and went downstairs for dinner.


    Dinner with my parents if they are still around. Dinner with the Emertons. ke included.


    Should be fun.


    Not.


    As always, I picked a casual outfit, a baggy jumpsuit which I could sleep in.


    Once I was fully clothed, I left my room and strode downstairs, my feet hitting each stair as I slowly passed through them.


    I made a mental note to ask my mom to take me to the mall during the weekends.


    It¡¯s just a way to get out while being grounded, I doubt she¡¯ll say no.


    I needed new clothes. Considering the others were burnt down and all.


    Then again, what do I know? Mother and Father could disappear into the night without so much as a goodbye.


    A girl can hope. A girl will hope.


    Hope is the I have left.


    ****


    Everyone got seated quickly, my eyes darted to the table, digging into my meal as did everyone else.


    I didn¡¯t mind taking the seat close to Dn.


    He can¡¯t do anything at the table. My parents are here, his as well then there¡¯s his older brother.


    Dad however did little to hide his distaste for our closeness.


    An overprotective Father. What more could I want? Oh I know, an ¡°around¡± Father.


    ¡°So son, how¡¯s college?¡±


    Mr Emerton asks after a few minutes, shoving the fork filled with a piece of meat in his mouth.


    ¡°Great.¡±


    He beams, his tone filled with nothing but excitement and maybe pride.


    Maybe.


    I nce at Dn and watch his neutral expression, his pressed lips, straight face, minding his business and eating.


    He¡¯s doing that fast. Eating that is. I bet he¡¯ll rather be anywhere else but here.


    Their question makes me wonder how many times his parents had asked him how was high school. Sure it¡¯s high school, but still school.


    My heart sunk.


    I don¡¯t think they ever do. That sucks.


    ¡°You shoulde home more often.¡±


    Again, I look towards Dn. He frowns for a second before straightening his face once again. Disappears as quickly as ites.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be seeing more of me.¡±


    I dart across the table where he¡¯s seated.


    He¡¯s talking to me?


    Oh, not good. Not good.


    I¡¯ve made it point to avoid his gaze, it¡¯s the first time we¡¯re making eye contact after the ¡°pool incident¡±


    In his night wears, I swoon for a minute.


    Hot.


    I turn away abruptly, this time not daring to check Dn¡¯s reaction. He¡¯s frowning or ring.


    Should¡¯ve just stayed in my room or something.


    ¡°So Cami.¡±


    He calls out my name.


    Oh shit.


    Out of courtesy, I look up to meet his eyes.


    Aren¡¯t we supposed to not talk during dinner? Why aren¡¯t his parents calling him out for that?


    Not good.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    I say half-smiling.


    ¡°As I said, I was hoping we could spend some time together. In that spirit, would you want to watch a movie after dinner, you should see the theatre.¡±


    If it wasn¡¯t for the number of adults around, my jaw would drop.


    I can hear Dn¡¯s breath quicken beside me, again I do not dare look.


    His brother did not just ask me out in front of my parents and his. Well indirectly, it¡¯s more like showing me the theatre, but if he wanted that he should have said it. Instead he requested to watch a movie then added showing it off.


    Clever. I¡¯ll admit.


    Girls find this sort of boldness hot, but I only want to get swallowed and disappear.


    How can he ask me out? Watching a movie together counts as a date? Right?


    I¡¯m sure, why would he?


    I recall Dn¡¯s words and they seem usible, but still the nerve.


    I can¡¯t look at Dn. His looks would kill.


    Maybe a peak though.


    I tilt my head and he¡¯s already staring. Retract that. He¡¯s fucking ring. His hand is wrapped tightly around the spoon, not eating any longer I see, murderous looks in those brown eyes, brows shot up in anger, lips pressing down harder than I¡¯ve ever seen.


    Swallow me now. Please.


    *****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *What do you think about ke¡¯s intentions? Will Cami give in? Dn¡¯s reaction? Let me hear your thoughts. The next chapter iste today or tomorrow. C*

 Chapter 49 Dinner Gone Wrong

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    8:43 PM.


    ¡°I have actually, that is I have watched a movie there before.¡±


    I answered, averting my gaze from a tormented Dn, that response was in hopes of ending the facade. He¡¯ll drop the date thing if there¡¯s no need to show me around.


    ¡°That¡¯s great, you could pick a movie although I was hoping we could Jumanji.¡±


    He¡¯s relentless.


    Wow. One more thing he has inmon with his brother. For everyone¡¯s sake, I can¡¯t go on the date.


    Yes, I¡¯m calling it that.


    It was in the confines of the house, there will be people around the house, we might be alone in the theatre, plus he didn¡¯t request for anyone else, that has all the attributes of a date, characteristics and all.


    If it sounds like a date. Looks like a date. It sure as hell feels like a date.


    It¡¯s a date.


    Deep breaths Cami. Deep breaths. What¡¯s strange is how Mother and Father havepletely zoned out, the Emerton¡¯s as well and don¡¯t even get me started on Dn.


    He¡¯s in his nonchnt phase but we all know he cares. For some reason, he¡¯s angry about this. With ke stretching it out more, it¡¯s only to cause more blowback.


    ke¡¯seback are strong, soon I¡¯ll have no choice but to say yes. Do I want to say yes? I¡¯m not interested in the said date. I can watch Jumanji on my cell phone. Maybe that¡¯s it. I just say no.


    ¡°I have sses tomorrow and projects to catch up on. I¡¯m sorry I won¡¯t be able to watch the movie, Maybe some other time.¡±


    Why did I give him hope?


    I turned to Dn. There¡¯s a shimmer of hope in his eyes, it vanishes again and the smug look is back.


    Maybe omit the ¡°some other time¡±


    Ugh.


    ¡°I thought it was ser season but it¡¯s okay some other time. I am here for a while plus I¡¯m avable any time.¡±


    Shit, he probably attended Kingston High.


    I give him a small nod to hide my lie and return to my food.


    If I just answer, he¡¯ll throw aeback. No one seems to care anyway, so why not end this.


    ****


    We ate in silence.


    Not the good kind.


    I could only hear the clinging of ss over the table, utensils over the te, and a few chewing sounds.


    It¡¯s annoying.


    When did my life be this bleak?


    Probably why I don¡¯t like having dinner like this anyway.


    I should bring something up.


    ¡°Mother, I was hoping we could go to the mallter on and get some clothes. I¡¯m all out, weekend maybe? I know I¡¯m grounded, but since I¡¯m with you I can just stay in one corner and be back afterwards.¡±


    I held my fork, looking straight at her. She passed dad a look then return her eyes to me. I¡¯m almost sure of what¡¯s happening next.


    Worth a try. Time to prepare me for the usual talk. What is this time? Insurance? Trip? Work? Or they just don¡¯t want to spend some time with their daughter. Figured that¡¯s it.


    ¡°Dear, we might not stay that long. It¡¯s Monday and we might not even stay till the weekend. I won¡¯t be able to go shopping with you, I¡¯m sorry. Maybe some other time.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    I reply trying to fake the acute pain in my chest caused by their rejection. I knew it wasing, it¡¯s not even the first time it¡¯s happening so why am I so disturbed and bothered? So stupid. That¡¯s why.


    ¡°Cami, it¡¯s fine. You don¡¯t have to wait till they return or go by yourself. I¡¯m around and avable. I could go with you. On the plus side, I¡¯m a guy who is also in college, there¡¯s no way I can¡¯t figure out the clothes that¡¯ll suit and look good on you. I don¡¯t mind tagging along for shopping, mind end up buying some for myself.¡±


    He offered with a smile.


    It didn¡¯t help the lump in my chest, not in a good way at least.


    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea.¡±


    Father spoke up for the first time.


    He¡¯d think that? Wait he despises Dn with me but has no problem with ke taking me out for shopping? Really?


    Since they were all in agreement, I didn¡¯t have any choice but to agree with a small nod.


    I want to disappear anyway, it¡¯s a good thing I¡¯m nearly done with my meal, that way I can leave this ce.


    As though he read my mind, Dn stood up, his chair screeching against the tiled floor as he slid past it, he stretched his hands over the table and grabbed his te.


    ¡°As much as I¡¯d like to stay, I¡¯ve had my fill.¡±


    He announced coldly. The final words sliced through me, leaving a very deep cut.


    Why did that feel personal?


    Fill with what?


    I¡¯m beginning to think it¡¯s not dinner.


    I gulp and keep my gaze steady on him, he doesn¡¯t pass one look to me.


    His eyes are on everyone else


    ¡°Mother, Father. Goodnight. Goodnight Mr and Mrs Renee.¡±


    He greets and walks to the kitchen.


    I¡¯m the only one that finds that odd, everyone else just lowers their head and return to their meal.


    Do they not see the despair in his eyes? His cold tone?


    Hard face?


    Really?


    My gaze is frozen to the spot where he stood moments ago.


    Secondster, he returns from the kitchen, once again avoiding my gaze, he slides through the dining around, enters the living room and shortly afterwards I hear his hurried footsteps up to the stairs.


    More than weird.


    I swallow and slowly bring my gaze back to the meal.


    My appetite is reduced and I don¡¯t even feel like eating any longer.


    Still, I pull up my fork and take a bite out of the meat.


    ******


    I left the table minutes after he did.


    They were having deserts and ke had even charmed my parents alongside his.


    He has the charisma, I¡¯m not surprised. I just didn¡¯t want to sit there and pretend to enjoy myself especially when I wasn¡¯t.


    My mind driftedpletely to Dn and I¡¯ll only feel better once I know how he is.


    After dropping my te in the dishwasher, I follow his footsteps up the stairs.


    Standing in front of my door, I¡¯m unable to pull the knob, get in and force myself to sleep. I know what I must do.


    Ugh. I take a deep breath.


    Spinning, I return to the path I came through and get to his door instead.


    Two times in one day. Maybe I¡¯ll catch him doing that thing again.


    Focus Cami.


    I ball my fist to knock, maybe he didn¡¯t lock it again.


    The door didn¡¯t creak open, but my knock sounded to my hearing.


    I step backwards contemting whether to wait or pull the knob in hopes of it being unlocked.


    Didn¡¯t need to.


    The door creaks as soon as I drift off, I¡¯m snapped back to reality, tilting my head to meet his gaze.


    ¡°Do you want something?¡±


    His tone is clipped. Harsh. I shudder and begin to rethinking here in the first ce.


    ¡°Uhm.¡±


    Cat got my tongue now. Holy fuck.


    ¡°I was just checking up on you.¡±


    ¡°Checking up on me?¡±


    He repeats followed by a loud scoff. He lets his hand off the knob, standing boldly between the door and his room.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    He asks hinting at sheer curiosity.


    Why I¡¯m checking up on him?


    Why am I checking up on him?


    The second one was for myself. Honestly, I¡¯m not sure. There¡¯s this thing in the centre of my chest that made mee here. Now I am and I look like aplete fool. Great. Freaking fantastic.


    ¡°Oh, nothing you just seem tensed especially when you¡¯re older brother was maybe asking me not.¡±


    That¡¯s what I want to say. It¡¯s what I think. But I don¡¯t utter that. I can¡¯t.


    ¡°At dinner¡­¡±


    I began instead.


    ¡°Dinner? I thought it was you and my brother doing whatever that was. Great job. It didn¡¯t seem predictable at all. I can¡¯t believe I thought there were tonic reasons for youing down for dinner. Turns out ke was the only thing you were there for. Enjoy the shopping spree. I don¡¯t need checking upon. I never said I wasn¡¯t terrific.¡±


    He closed the tiny gap that existed, retreated into his room and mmed the door.


    A tiny gasp escaped the little space I let out in my mouth.


    I can¡¯t. No, I can believe it. It¡¯s just surprising, but believable.


    Does he think I came downstairs for ke? Somehow I wanted that or something?


    It¡¯s ridiculous. It¡¯s stupid. It¡¯s childish.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    How can he even..?


    I curled my right hand, ring at the door like fire without shooting out from my eyes and just burning right through.


    ¡°Fuck it.¡±


    I swore underneath my breath, spun around and stormed back to my room.


    I keep proving how silly I am. Tonight is just an addition to the never-ending list.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *ke is equal to trouble. Lol. He¡¯s not as much trouble as the next chapter. Daily updates. Much Love.*

 Chapter 50 She’s Mine

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY MORNING.


    It¡¯s a Tuesday morning.


    I woke up sad and dejected.


    A literal frown was etched along the lines of my face, my lips were turned down, and the urge to get out of bed just wasn¡¯t there.


    After the little encounter, I had dragged my stupid ass to bed.


    Falling asleep after much-needed turning and tossing,ying numerous curses on Dn Emerton.


    Now I¡¯m just bleak. Sad. Tired. Hurt. Angry.


    All at once. Weird?


    That doesn¡¯t even sum it all quite.


    Aside from all of that, I had a bad dream.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I¡¯ve had bad dreams from the fire, my parents finding out then casting me out.


    Those were normal.


    This however was about a different subject. A delicate one. One I had chained and kept locked threw the key in the deepest sea andst night, someone found a spare.


    You¡¯re thinking right.


    Brandon. Dn. Cami. Party. Two years ago.


    I had that again.


    After the encounter, they were tons of them. For weeks I could not sleep, I resorted to pills just to take the pain away and while I thought falling asleep was the most difficult task, once I got past it something else came through.


    Nightmares.


    They were my punishment as I slept. They haunted it and shoved my worst fears down my throat.


    I¡¯ll wake up panting. Funny I¡¯ll scream once or two. Dearest parents were never home to notice them.


    It was hard. Pills. Tossing. Screaming. All of it drained the life out of me.


    I thought of therapy, but I couldn¡¯t do that. I was a minor, I need parents consent.


    What a joke.


    I did the only thing I could. I went through it alone.


    After a while, they eventually reduced and somehow I managed to cage it for good


    Untilst night.


    They had resurfaced in full force after a year.


    Great.


    There must be painkillers in this room, I¡¯ll need some eyeliner and makeup for this dull face due tock of sleep, then a very hot coffee so I don¡¯t slump on the way.


    It¡¯sst year all over again.


    ****


    Shutting my door, I released my grip on the knob, spinning cooly then sighting Dn at the far end of the hallway, very close to the stairs.


    I stop dead in my tracks taking a second to look at him, really look at him.


    He can¡¯t see me, I¡¯d like to think that instead of the obvious ignoring game.


    However, it also seemed like he didn¡¯t get any sleep either from the bags visible under his eyes. No makeup to conceal that.


    Just then, he tilts his head thus meeting my viewing gaze, he averts his eyes secondster, making a move to rush down the stairs.


    I squeezed my eyes tightly.


    I don¡¯t need to react. He¡¯s at fault. He¡¯s the one with baseless usations. I did nothing wrong and as such, I have nothing to say to him.


    Whenever he returns to his senses, we can talk.


    Nevertheless, I proceed to go down the stairs, Dn wasn¡¯t there which meant he left without taking breakfast or was somewhere in the house.


    ke was a no show as well. Thankfully.


    After drinking a cup of coffee, I picked my bagying over the stool, striding out of the house to wait in the car for mother and father.


    I detest this idea of driving me to school.


    It¡¯s not working out as I¡¯d hoped.


    ****


    ¡°Umm dear, we¡¯re leaving on Thursday.¡±


    They announced. We¡¯re almost at school. It¡¯s been a quiet ride all through and when I get something from either of them, it¡¯s this.


    Parents of the fucking year.


    ¡°Of course you are.¡±


    Sarcasm was dripping from my tone as I look away, staring at the window, the grass was better off than those two.


    ¡°You¡¯re free to go out, you¡¯re not grounded anymore.¡±


    Dad says as he pulls over by the school. Some sort of bribe? It¡¯s funny because if he even knew me, he¡¯d understand this grounding meant nothing.


    I do not go out. But he spends more time with strangers to notice how evolved his daughter was in her teenage years.


    It¡¯s all good.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that dad.¡±


    I respond coldly and step out of the car closing the door not so lightly.


    I march towards the school, anger coursing through my veins.


    ****


    At the school gate, a bus is parked, I halt for a moment and observe the environment.


    Students were getting into it. For a second I¡¯m confused, then it urs that it¡¯s still ser week. Yesterday was their turn toe here, today is ours.


    And I recall Dn asking me toe with them.


    We argued, he¡¯s being stupid and I can sincerely stay back just out of spite. Would he even notice or care?


    I released a deep breath.


    I stay glued to the bus watching it fill up, contemting what my next steps would be.


    I made a promise. He brings a jerk, but I¡¯ll still make good on that promise. I guess I¡¯ll go.


    With that concluded, I don¡¯t bother going towards my locker, my bag isn¡¯t that heavy anyway, plus the bus is almost at max capacity.


    I went straight for it to look like a red stain in a shirt. These people were talking and chatting, I seemed weird and odd.


    Plus there aren¡¯t any ser yers on it, there is a section reserved at the back though. No cheerleaders either, that must be where they¡¯ll stay.


    Pa will get on this too.


    Maybe I can stay back.


    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going bitch? This will be the second time I¡¯ll have to exin exactly where your ce is. This bus isn¡¯t for people like you so don¡¯t cross me. Get the fuck off!¡±


    Pa yelled.


    Standing at the first stair leading inside, I take a small spin and turn to face the devil herself.


    Must have summoned her by thinking.


    That¡¯s not all. Miranda and her goons are there too.


    The hatred in Miranda¡¯s eyes is visible from a mile off, but she can¡¯t exactly stand up for me


    I don¡¯t ever want to live a life like hers.


    ¡°This bus is for cheerleaders, teammates not ugly ducklings and boring people which pretty much defines you.¡±


    She added as her minions giggle. All except Miranda.


    ¡°Now beat it because I¡¯ll hate to do something we both regret. The locker room was just your day of grace, today is a reckoning. Don¡¯t test me.¡±


    She threatens, spitting every word out of spite, her tone reeks of jealously and maybe a little hatred underneath.


    She¡¯s right. Dn cut her short the other time.


    She gets to ¡°bully¡±  me now simply because he isn¡¯t here.


    Too bad for her.


    I don¡¯t need anyone to stand up for me.


    Twice i¡¯ve been hurt and tossed around.


    The first by Brandon Reed. I was tipsy and irresponsible, the second when Pa caught me off guard in the hall.


    That¡¯s where I draw the line. That¡¯s where it ends.


    I take a step down the stair and march towards her, enjoying my slow pace, watching as her eyes dart across my legs then my face, curiosity twinkling in these vicious eyes.


    ¡°This bus belongs to the students, not you or the ser team. I choose whether or not to attend the game and as you can see, I¡¯m attending. Now I can stand here and let you spout stupid and baseless threats, but I won¡¯t. I won¡¯t because that¡¯ll mean you¡¯re even worth listening to ¡±


    I retorted, pushing my head forward at some point


    All of them gasped which ass good, it concealed Miranda¡¯s chuckle.


    I nearly let one out of my own.


    ¡°I will end you.¡±


    ¡°As for what? I¡¯d like to see youe at me instead of talking all the time.¡±


    I took a step forward, daringly.


    Her brows shot up.


    ¡°I thought I made myself clear that Cami is off limits to you. I had thought you¡¯d stop this. Pa.¡±


    Dn boomed behind us


    I looked over her head and he was marching towards us, a few of his mates followed behind.


    I let out a surprise scoff, I didn¡¯t think he¡¯d say something if he saw this.


    I was wrong.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything wrong. She was trying to get on this bus. It¡¯s not her ce¡­.¡±


    ¡°She was trying to get on the bus because I asked her toe with. She¡¯s mine. She¡¯s with me. Don¡¯t ever make the mistake of taunting her. You¡¯ll have me to deal with.¡±


    He says firmly. I cross my arm over my chest. Pa¡¯s eyes switch back to mine, she res hard, stomps her feet over the grass and rushes towards the bus.


    Her ¡°girls¡± follow quickly, Miranda giving me a thumbs up before she gets inside.


    That¡¯s when I finally let the chuckle slip out.


    ¡°I was handling myself fine.¡±


    I gaze at him as the distance between us shortens.


    ¡°I could see that.¡±


    The smirk is back.


    ¡°He called me his.¡±


    I mumbled under my breath. What does this mean? Aren¡¯t we even arguing?


    ¡°She¡¯s mine.¡±


    His words echo softly at the back of my head.


    ¡°You¡¯re a jerk Dn. What you didst night was jerk-ish if that¡¯s a word.¡±


    I called him out. The smirk on his face disappearedpletely.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Apologies for not posting throughout the weekend, I decided to take a rest for myself. I¡¯m back now. Daily updates continue. Please drop your thoughts in thement section. C.*

 Chapter 51 An Injury On The Field?

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY.


    ¡°Yes, I am a jerk.¡±


    Dn taking responsibility wasn¡¯t the reaction I expected.


    My lips part in shock. I¡¯m stunned.


    *She¡¯s mine.*


    A tiny voice echoed in my head. Fo-cus.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want ke to take you shopping.¡±


    His cold voice tone forces my attention back to him. It never left, I just wasn¡¯t staring.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    I blurt out.


    ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. If you need to go shopping, I can take you. End of discussion Cami, you don¡¯t need ke¡­¡±


    ¡°Who are you to tell me who I can and cannot need? I didn¡¯t see you offering at the table yesterday?¡±


    I counter, returning my hands to being crossed.


    ¡°I know. I just don¡¯t want him to take you.¡±


    ¡°You mentioned that. I asked why. No answer.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you, Cami.¡±


    He responds ignoring my statement.


    Eye roll.


    ¡°As if.¡±


    I hissed loudly, ring harshly at him.


    ¡°I mean it, Cami. I¡¯ll take you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re taking me because you don¡¯t want ke to not because you want to.¡±


    I implode in anger.


    ¡°No. That¡¯s not it. You¡¯re confusing things. I don¡¯t want you with him doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t want you with me genuinely. I¡¯ll happily take you, Cami.¡±


    ¡°Because ke suggested.¡±


    He groaned, running a few fingers in his hair.


    ¡°I want to go with you.¡±


    He says staring directly into my eyes.


    ¡°Can I take you shopping on Saturday?¡±


    He asks instead.


    That¡¯s sweet.


    Don¡¯t blush Cami.


    I turn away to hide what might be a tiny blush.


    I could only help but nod my head in affirmation while facing the side of the bus. It¡¯s not much of a deal eitherway.


    No doubt we are giving the folks inside a fantastic show.


    ¡°Good. We¡¯ve been out here for a while, I¡¯m tired of standing. I¡¯m tired as a whole but luckily It¡¯s a long drive, I¡¯ll have the chance to rest since I didn¡¯t get any sleepst night. I was up.¡±


    He revealed. My brows lit with curiosity.


    ¡°Doing what?¡±


    I ask curiously.


    ¡°Thinking about someone.¡±


    He quips, moving to stand beside me.


    Interesting. His thoughts kept him up?


    ¡°Could I be me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it was you.¡±


    He answers back with a nod.


    ¡°Holy shit. Did I just say that aloud?¡±


    Noticing my reaction, he chuckles, leading the way inside the bus.


    I¡¯m too stunned to even move.


    ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±


    I repeat likest time.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    He motions over to a seat beside him. Most of his teammates were seated beside a girl, a cheerleader. It must be awkward having me. Pa wanted this. She probably envisioned it all week.


    Too bad. Countless eyes followed me every step up until I slid beside him. I lowered my head slightly away from all their scrutinising gazes.


    ¡°Wake me up when we get there.¡±


    He leaned into me, rxing his head on my shoulders.


    He must be really tired.


    I tilt my head to the corner where the cheerleaders were seated.


    Pa and the rest of them throw res at me and Miranda only giggles. From the corner of course.


    It¡¯s times like this where I wish we didn¡¯t have to hide our friendship, I¡¯d prefer if she was close to me and away from all of them.


    Someday.


    ****


    After about an hour, we finally arrived at Richmond high.


    The school was a little big but nothingpared to ours. Students took turns and stepped out of the bus.


    ¡°Emerton!¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Their coach yells after we had gotten off.


    Duty calls.


    Some of them were already trailing beside him, he¡¯s leading the way to what I assume must be the field for their practice.


    ¡°Wait here, I¡¯ll go get the team ready. I¡¯ll be back as soon as I can.¡±


    I give him a small smile and he wanders off.


    Just great. Now I get to stand alone close to this bus. Hopefully, Dn returns before any creep shows up. This isn¡¯t Kingston. I don¡¯t like this ce.


    ¡°And just like I thought, she made it.¡±


    Creep alert 101. Who would¡¯ve guessed? It¡¯s his school.


    I didn¡¯t shudder or those tingles didn¡¯t pop out, after seeing him on Saturday and yesterday, I¡¯m immune to an extent.


    ¡°Leave me alone Brandon.¡±


    I demand but he only snorts. He¡¯s standing a little far from me. I like that.


    ¡°You know I can¡¯t Cami.¡±


    He provides an answer momentster.


    Yes, torturing me is his favourite pastime. That¡¯s understood.


    ¡°Just beat it, aren¡¯t you supposed to be getting ready or something?¡±


    ¡°I am ready.¡±


    He boasts.


    Yes ready to lose.


    I stiffen a chuckle at my joke.


    ¡°Well if you¡¯re ready likest time, I guess Dn would just have to beat you again.¡±


    I burst intoughter in between words recalling the priceless look on his face when they lost. I¡¯ll get another dose this afternoon. Can not wait.


    ¡°Trust me, Cami, Dn Emerton isn¡¯t going to win.¡±


    He assured.


    Unlike the previous words, this wasn¡¯t boasting.


    It¡¯s like he was certain Dn would not win.


    ¡°Enjoy the game. It¡¯ll be unforgettable.¡±


    He turns and walks away briskly before I can utter another word.


    I¡¯m left wondering what he means.


    ¡°Hey, the game is about to start. I got you a perfect seat to watch.¡±


    I hear Dn announce, the voice is so faint. I¡¯m thinking.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    He shakes me lightly. I turned around and he¡¯s there. Brandon left because of him I¡¯m sure.


    ¡°Dn, promise me you¡¯ll be careful during this practice game.¡±


    I began, He just stares at me confused. I don¡¯t know why but that eerie feeling from this morning, the one I got after the dream. It was back and it came after Brandon talked to me. His confidence is more today. I can¡¯t tell why but it just is.


    ¡°Cami, it¡¯s just practice. The actual game isn¡¯t until Friday you know that.¡±


    This isn¡¯t the time for jokes. He knows exactly what I mean. I¡¯m worried.


    ¡°Dn promise me.¡±


    I beg, my voice shooting considerable low.


    ¡°Hey, I promise okay. I¡¯ll be careful but nothing will go wrong. Watch me, I¡¯ll win.¡±


    Both arms are up at the same time, wrapping around mine. His grip is soft, we are close enough for his breathing to echo softly in my ear.


    ¡°Dn I¡¯m¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    One hand disengages from my hand, lifting to meet my cheek where his finger gently strokes the corner.


    Swiftly, he closes the distance between us and while I think it¡¯s for a kiss, his lips evade mine quickly andnd on my cheeks instead.


    My shoulders are slumped and I¡¯m a little disappointed.


    ¡°Watch me win. Again.¡±


    He boasts and for him I half-smile.


    My mind isn¡¯t settled.


    Something is wrong.


    He lets go of mepletely, taking the corner to reach their locker room before the game.


    ¡°Please be okay.¡±


    I pray silently taking a deep breath hearing the cheers begin. He has to turn out fine. He will.


    Brandon is just trying to get to me. As he always does


    ~Hours Later.


    ¡°You tell me right now. How is he! I want to know how he is. Why is everyone looking at me like that? How is Dn!¡±


    I yelled enraged. Standing in the middle of the hallway, they were shared on each end.


    Miranda with some of his teammates and then a few more on the other end.


    ¡°It¡¯s not looking good. We have no idea.¡±


    Miranda responded following my heart rate escting quickly.


    It¡¯s almost as though I knew.


    I could feel it. Dn¡¯s going to die.


    I knew something would go wrong. I tried to warn him and now he¡¯s going to die.


    A sliver ran through my spine, a tiny gasp cutting my airflow slipping out from my lips.


    I take two steps backwards, both hands flying to each side of my body tofort me.


    ¡°Cami. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Miranda¡¯s voice breaks into tiny sobs, her legs making a move in my direction.


    The tears are blurring my vision, I can barely see but momentster, herforting arms are around mine.


    All I can think of is him. He can¡¯t die.


    He can¡¯t leave me.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Curious about what happened at the game? Well, we¡¯ll find out tomorrow. Maybe there was a kidnapper in school. Lol.*


    *Your thoughts in thement section. Gracias!*

 Chapter 52 A Slip Of The Foot

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY AFTERNOON.


    RICHMOND HIGH.


    While on the bus, Dn left directions to the spot he had reserved for me.


    Cute right? Well, just a little.


    The only problem was getting there in this state.


    Come on Cam.


    As I drew closer, the cheer squads from both teams well cheered at the top of their voices, each side eagerly praising their boys.


    With my heart racing, I could barely take two steps without a rethink.


    If I skipped the game, I would not get a heart attack while watching but the thought of what¡¯s going to happen to him will haunt me either way.


    If I don¡¯t, I¡¯ll end up twitching in my seat while being paranoid all through 90 minutes.


    I wanted nothing more than for the next few hours to pass by quickly, if possibly for Dn¡¯s team to score a few goals and give us the edge.


    That might calm my nerves down.


    Either way, I can¡¯t bail on Dn.


    Tentatively, I¡¯d lift my left foot, shoving it forward, then the right, with that I was able to follow his directives and disappear amongst the crowd of students cheering excitedly.


    ****


    While seating alone, I kept fidgeting. Maybe if I convince myself of what this feeling was, It¡¯d go away.


    The dream is horrific, which exins this morning. For Brandon, I might just feel terrified of their team winning. He¡¯ll never let me hear the end of that story, maybe I¡¯m that worried and it is taking its toll.


    Before I could conclude on either, Miranda slid in beside me.


    I hadn¡¯t even noticed the seat wasn¡¯t taken.


    I would¡¯ve kept it but I wasn¡¯t aware she¡¯d make it beside me.


    We are in the open.


    ¡°I can¡¯t help just standing there and watching them. You¡¯ll never know how sorry I couldn¡¯t say anything.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    She says sadly, lowering her head.


    ¡°I took care of myself quite nicely I¡¯m sure.¡±


    I jabbed her slightly, trying to uplift her spirits. We both can¡¯t be down at once.


    ¡°I understand why you couldn¡¯t, we¡¯ve been over this before. Don¡¯t you dare me yourself?¡±


    I cautioned sternly.


    ¡°Fine. Onto more pressing matters. Before, I was curious, but after today I can see. It¡¯s ring why Pa hates you now. She¡¯s been in love with Dn since forever. Can¡¯t stop talking about him. Invited him over countless times and suddenly, Dn Emerton wants you. He wants you. Do you have any idea what that means!? It¡¯s huge!?¡±


    She beams making a girly squeaky sound, shooting both hands high in the air.


    ¡°What?! He¡¯s not. He was just trying to get her away from me. He figured she was bullying me or something. That¡¯s all there is to it.¡±


    My face flushes with embarrassment. I turn my cheeks away, facing the corner of the field.


    ¡°He does. Everyone saw the way you two were on the way here. It¡¯s obvious so do not try to deny it. The only question now is, do you like him?¡±


    She elbows me slightly. I snapped my gaze back to her.


    That wasn¡¯t even a question, I don¡¯t like Dn Emerton.


    He saved me. Granted he doesn¡¯t remember, but he still did. I¡¯m grateful to him. That¡¯s all there is. I don¡¯t like him? Tch. Miranda is just in over her head.


    ¡°Of course not.¡±


    I bluntly deny nervously chuckling.


    ¡°That¡¯s not even a question. You would never admit it. But you do.¡±


    Her brows went straight up then down again, my cheeks were a dark shade of red now.


    Ugh.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Pa thunders behind us.


    She¡¯s dressed in her usual cheering leading outfit.


    Mini skirts and tights. Without the pompom of course.


    For once I¡¯m d she intervened. There¡¯s not an issue with Dn anymore.


    Beside me, Miranda jumped out of her skin, the yful demeanour falling off her features almost immediately.


    ¡°You¡¯re friends with her?¡±


    She asks, pointing back and forth between both of us as though I was trash or Miranda was.


    ¡°Pa, this does not want you to think. It¡¯s not what you think¡­.¡±


    Miranda sprung up from her seat, trying to reach Pa probably to plead.


    Pa flinches, a smirk appearing on her cheeks as she steps back.


    ¡°Your mom is so dead. You¡¯re so dead! I have been searching for the perfect excuse whereas it has been right before my eyes. Terrific!¡±


    She sped her palms together, her hands strutting down to her waist, resting there imminently.


    ¡°You just wait. Both of you will regret crossing me.¡±


    She fires then struts away.


    ¡°I have to plead with her if she does something my mom is finished. I don¡¯t care about what happened to me. I¡¯ll dly ept the punishment as long as my mother is kept out of this.¡±


    Miranda is off before I could even utter one word.


    As she left, my heart sunk even deeper.


    I felt 100% responsible for what just happened to her.


    I didn¡¯t even have the stomach to watch the game anymore. The day is fucking messed up. First Brandon. Then this.


    ****


    The starting whistle was blown seventy minutes ago. Dn and I hadn¡¯t made any eye contact whatsoever throughout the game, mostly because my eyes were kept on the scoreboard than the actual yers. Aside from him, my heart was with Miranda. Pa was on the field cheering them on, I didn¡¯t expect Miranda to return to me, but I can¡¯t find her anywhere either.


    I made a mental note to text herter. I feel so guilty.


    Back to Dn and his scoreboard.


    I needed the reassurance.


    I felt a little relieved as we were beating their team pretty good, even better than yesterday.


    We were over two points ahead.


    Brandon is a joke. A terrible joke.


    I got worked up for nothing. The referee was twenty minutes away from blowing the final whistle.


    I can watch peacefully now.


    I tore my gaze away from the scoreboard, immediately searching for him


    Found him.


    Dn was giving it his all on the field. It was like a 3D movie, I got to see all the action clearer than most people. No wonder he picked this spot. Why didn¡¯t I watch this since?


    Hold up.


    What¡¯s happening?


    Just then, I noticed instead of the usual formation of spreading the yers out as defence or any ready to take the ball, they were all following one person.


    Brandon.


    They ran behind him like an attack leaving their post unguarded.


    That wasn¡¯t the end of it.


    Brandon was rushing towards Dn.


    This wasn¡¯t ser anymore.


    It¡¯s an attack.


    I rose from my seat, but it was all toote.


    It happened too quickly.


    One minute my lips are parting to yell at someone as though I¡¯m the only one that has good eyesight.


    The next minute, a few yers get ahead of him, Dn halts and the puzzled look shes through his eyes.


    Brandoning up behind him acts as though he wants to take the ball but instead his legs move for Dn¡¯s.


    He kicks it harshly. More harshly than he would¡¯ve if it were the ball itself.


    Dn is off the ground, tumbles over a little thennds back to the ground. His head broke his fall.


    Not good.


    The thud noise echoes in my head. That¡¯s just my brain exaggerating things, but still.


    It doesn¡¯t go away.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    Finding my voice, I screamed which seemed to kick start everything.


    The Field turned into something else in seconds.


    The entire student body is murmuring and some of them are yelling as I am.


    The 3D vision doesn¡¯t favour me anymore, I can see as blood gushed out from his head.


    My heart rams against my chest.


    I take the first step without thinking, pushing past everyone in my way towards him with a speed I didn¡¯t know I possessed.


    Adrenaline maybe.


    When I get there, there are people gathered already, the game is halted and my vision of him is nearly gone.


    Some of them have their phones out recording while others are calling for help.


    I stand in the middle of the fieldpletely confused about what to do.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *This is the first part, I can¡¯t let my word count exceed, the other part will be uploaded shortly. Apologies for the dy. Thements on the previous chapter made me teary! Please drop your thoughts!!*

 Chapter 53 HE KNOWS

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY AFTERNOON.


    ST JOHN¡¯S HOSPITAL.


    1:06 PM.


    ¡°The doctors are with him, as soon as there is any news, you will be the first to know about it Cami, I promise you.¡±


    ke¡¯s hands spread across my shoulders, softly squeezing the top of both sides.


    My head went around to nce at him, I wasn¡¯t sure what time he had popped up or why he was with me as I sat on the bench staring into space, I just knew everything¡¯s been a blur. I¡¯m surprised I haven¡¯t had a meltdown yet.


    I squeeze my eyes and I¡¯m back to that field again. How much time has passed since Dn fell?


    The screeching sounds at the back of my ear make it seem like ten seconds ago, the screams of students are still ringing loud and clear, everyone scrambles around and after a while, the sound of an ambnce approaching reces it.


    It¡¯s faint but I remember The nurses rush around with at least two men, they¡¯re with a stretcher and at this time I¡¯m pushed to the corner to give way for them.


    Dn is lifted off the ground, of course, there¡¯s a pool of blood in his wake. His blood. Red. Thick.


    I turn away and bite down on my lips. This is happening.


    When I return to him, he¡¯s over the stretcher, his hands falling out on both ends, I can tell he¡¯s unconscious since his eyes are screwed shut. When they take him right in front of me, I can¡¯t help but stretch my hand to reach for his.


    I miss it by just an inch.


    *He¡¯s gone*


    They take him through one of the exits then I lose sight of himpletely.


    I shudder and that¡¯s all it takes to break what little resolve I have left.


    I¡¯m crashing down on the field, my insides turning into nothing, welled up tears trickling down my cheeks.


    Miranda. She rushes to my aid.


    I think we took the same car here as well, only I squeezed my eyes for a few seconds, dozed off and when I came to, they were all gone.


    I rushed inside the hospital and here we are.


    I keep going in and out, one minute I¡¯m yelling, the next I¡¯m seated here with ke behind me.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It¡¯s been one heck of a crazy day.


    I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to get better.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake!¡±


    Miranda screamed rushing inside the room.


    Impulsively, I turned my head to her body, she was struggling to catch her breath at the same time rolling her eyes over ke¡¯s figure.


    I got up quickly, my legs failing me since they were shaking after everything that¡¯s happened.


    ¡°Take me to him.¡±


    I fell forward, nearly slipping to the ground, ke was quick enough to break my fall.


    I didn¡¯t want any of this. They¡¯re all wasting my time.


    ¡°I want to see him.¡±


    I demanded, gritting my teeth then a re or two.


    He nodded softly, showing he would give in.


    Dn¡¯s awake. That¡¯s good news, right?


    It should be. *I hope*


    ****


    ¡°How is he doctor?¡±


    I heard Mrs Emerton ask.


    My feet got better after a stretch, I was inching towards his room but it seems his parents had arrived in between, they had gone in to see him which is good news.


    ¡°He¡¯s awake. That¡¯s progress. He has a bad concussion from the fall, he also has bruised feet, so I¡¯m sure how many games he¡¯ll be able to y. Aside from that, the fall was extremely hard on his head, we can¡¯t say what impact that will have, for now, we¡¯ll just observe. It¡¯s safe to say the storm is over.¡±


    I had mixed feelings about that report, but he¡¯s awake.


    ¡°Thank you, doctor.¡±


    She whispered as we made a bend, bringing her into our view.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I pressed my lips down in a small smile, taking lead from both Miranda and ke to meet up with her.


    Surprisingly, she pulled my arms for an embrace I hadn¡¯t realised I needed.


    ¡°How is he?¡±


    I asked with quivering lips.


    ¡°He¡¯s Dn. He asked for you.¡±


    *He asked for me?*


    I pulled my head away staring in shock.


    ¡°He did?¡±


    ¡°Yes. You should go. I don¡¯t want to hold you back anymore.¡±


    I scrunched my nose suddenly perplexed.


    It¡¯s weird that¡¯s he¡¯s asking for me. I have another bad feeling.


    *I¡¯ve learnt my lesson not to ignore those*


    Ugh.


    Looking over her head, I sighted ke, Miranda, then some of his friends.


    No cold feet now.


    Facing the door, I reached for the knob then pulled it.


    ****


    ¡°Dn,¡±


    His name rolls off my tongue with ease. I have to admit, seeing him like this just rips my heart apart.


    ¡°Hi,¡±


    He croaked, lifting his head slowly. There were at least three pillows set behind his head, extra padding I supposed. Something isn¡¯t right.


    He¡¯s not Dn. Not to me.


    I swallowed a tiny lump, twitching where I stood which was very close to the door.


    ¡°How are you?¡±


    I asked to ease things.


    ¡°Well I feel like shit, my head hurts pretty badly, the bandage around it is highly annoying, but all of that doesn¡¯te close to something else.¡±


    His eyes went dark at the end. What¡¯s happening?


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    He chuckled, his legs twitching under the bedding they provided.


    He crossed his arms, arching a brow before he replied.


    ¡°I hit my head. When I was unconscious, I saw things. At first, I figured it¡¯s the bright light people talked about. I thought I was dying which is ironic. Only in my ca, s, e I didn¡¯t see a bright light, I saw images, a lot of pictures. I recalled things that were always hard to process such as my tenth birthday when Barney came over or how my grandfather looked like when I was five, or how my father would lift me off the ground, I remembered those things in that state. Those were fine. Then I saw something else.¡±


    *Fuck.*


    I curled my fist, my insides pushing me to turn around and run while I still could. I had an idea where he was taking this to.


    It can¡¯t be.


    ¡°Two weeks ago I had asked you if we¡¯ve met before. You said in school which isn¡¯t a lie. It isn¡¯t. *But it is.* We had met in school, but that wasn¡¯t the only ce was. You stared directly in my face and lied to me. That was the first then you kept lying. I asked you if we¡¯ve kissed before. You said yes. Hours ago at that party. You lied. *Again.* We had kissed before. Aside from that party. Two years ago if I¡¯m correct. You lied to me Cami and I want to know why and it better be a good exnation.¡±


    I winced throughout his talk, his words were like knives, sharp knives cutting through my skin


    A few veins had popped out on his forehead, there were no traces of smiles or smirks on his face, he was dead serious.


    He was angry. *Angry at me*. He had every right to. I did lie to him. More than once. What¡¯s worse? I had no justification at all. This is the point where I lose himpletely.


    I don¡¯t know why I hide the truth. *I just did* not Dn knows. *I¡¯m screwed.*


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *The past few days have been a lot, I had to take care of someone who got injured, just got back to writing. As a bonus, I¡¯ll be posting another chapter before the day is over.*


    *Sooooooo what do you think? Dn is overreacting in my opinion*

 Chapter 54 His Hoodie

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY EVENING.


    ST JOHN¡¯S HOSPITAL.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    I bite back on my lip, so hard that I couldn¡¯t stop until I tasted my blood. I withdrew my hold and looked around for a seat instead.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to seat down. You need to exin to me and then I decide if it¡¯s good enough, if it is we¡¯ll see, but from the look on your face you¡¯re going to leave because it¡¯s crap.¡±


    ¡°Dn..¡±


    ¡°Speak. Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    I exhaled slowly.


    ¡°What do you remember from that night? The kiss? Anything else?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the question.¡±


    He retorted narrowing his gaze.


    ¡°Maybe it should be. If you¡¯re sure you know everything, I doubt you¡¯ll be so mad now.¡±


    ¡°What else happened? I have an idea of what happened right? Alright then. You tell your side of the story then we can go back to how you kept it away from me for two years.¡±


    I stood on end, swallowing hard.


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    He trailed off waiting for my reply.


    ¡°What did you remember?¡±


    ¡°How is that relevant?¡±


    I winced at his tone. Not good. I hate how he is to me.


    He¡¯s cruel.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to start all over and bore you or something.¡±


    I replied after seconds of gathering the momentum to speak.


    This side of Dn I evoked, it¡¯s terrible.


    ¡°It¡¯s in bits and pieces. I was drunk wasn¡¯t I?¡±


    I nodded quickly.


    Releasing a breath, he moved on the bed, stillcing his arms together, the angry look on his face not changing in any way.


    I sighted a chair at the corner honestly wishing he¡¯d let me a seat. My legs are wobbly, shaking out of fear.


    ¡°We met at a party. We didn¡¯t meet so much as you attended it and I did because I was angry and felt that was the best way to let out some steam¡­.¡±


    I trailed off with an unexpected sigh.


    ¡°Then¡­¡±


    He arched his head forward.


    It seems as though he doesn¡¯t recall Brandon. He just recalls the kiss.


    He thinks we hooked up at the party or something then I just walked away.


    ¡°You saved me.¡±


    I stated.


    His face curved in confusion confirming my conclusion seconds ago.


    He didn¡¯t recall that part.


    No wonder he¡¯s so mad.


    ¡°Saved you from what Cami?¡±


    His tone shifted from annoyed as earlier to concern. It was etched as the words rolled over his tongue.


    I gulped down.


    ¡°It¡¯s over two years now when I attended that party. I watched you walk and along the line, I met Brandon.¡±


    ¡°Brandon? Wait for a second, what are you talking about?¡±


    Without responding, I took a few steps to seat down.


    My legs couldn¡¯t hold me anymore.


    Okay. I can do this


    ¡°Two years ago, I had a terrible night. The worse experience but it was also the best night of my life. I¡¯ll tell you everything.¡±


    -TWO YEARS AGO.


    Brandon¡¯s tongue drove into my mouth, I sat livid as he deepened the kiss.


    As I expected, he tasted only like alcohol. There¡¯s the good metallic taste you get, the kind that makes you want to take your clothes off in an instant then there¡¯s the bad kind, the one that makes you want to puke, you feel dirty and it¡¯s simply gross.


    That¡¯s this kind. Yup. The bad one.


    His hands slid down from bare back up to my waist, he pulled me closer.


    ¡°So many things I¡¯d like to do to you.¡±


    Hemented, I whimpered underneath my breath. His lips went to the side of my ears, gently nibbling.


    Before I could respond, he had me picked up, his hands securing my waist to keep me from getting out.


    Everyone was either wasted or dancing, maybe both, too engrossed in their affairs to notice my weak protests.


    His grip was far too tight, I didn¡¯t stand a chance to get out.


    At the end of the corridor, they were at least four rooms. He selected any one of them, pushing the door open and practically shoving me inside.


    The room was spinning quickly.


    I think I¡¯m more than tipsy now.


    I didn¡¯t have that much to drink. Did I?


    My hands flew to the side of my head, soothing my temples to lessen the pain.


    The sound of the door shutting echoes in my ear, I look forward and see him marching towards me. He has a look in his eyes.


    It¡¯s hunger. Lust. Thirst. Intense. Very intense.


    I can barely see. Barely. I step a little backwards and the back of my leg hits something wooden.


    I manage to turn. It¡¯s a bed.


    The situation is slowly dawning on me.


    He¡¯s going to rape me.


    I¡¯m going to get raped. I didn¡¯t think this through did I?


    I yelped.


    ¡°Help me.¡±


    I can barely hear through my words no one on the outside will hear me.


    Brandon¡¯s two feet away and I¡¯m drunk as hell.


    I whimper again, squeezing my eyes, preparing myself to kick my way through if I had to.


    If he¡¯s raping me, I¡¯ll put up a fight.


    Just then, the doorknob twisted then creaks, I snap my eyes and just as I, Brandon turns and face the door.


    Dn Emerton.


    He strides in slowly, his confused eyes switching between both of us.


    Without thinking, I brush past Brandon and get out nearly hitting the ground.


    Dn pulls my arm before I can slip through the door, I wince a second time, my eyes switching to him.


    Instead of lust like Brandon¡¯s, there¡¯s the only concern.


    Tightening his grip, he turns back to Brandon with a re them storms away pulling me.


    ****


    We¡¯re outside where the noise is a little better. The party never ends. They just stop when the sunes up. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll evere to one of these. I made a terrible choice.


    What in hell was I thinking? I nearly got raped. If Dn hadn¡¯t opened that door, he would¡¯ve..


    I shake my head vigorously to clear the thoughts. They only return.


    I¡¯m drinking water I think although it has a funny taste.


    How many bottles did I have?


    Dn is still chunking down tequ. From an entire bottle. He¡¯s not slipping, this must be the hundredth time he¡¯s having alcohol.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mumbled gulping the little water left.


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°He was going to rape me.¡±


    I shuddered at the very thought.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee.¡±


    He slurred.


    Inching forward, I pull at the strand of hair threatening to fall.


    ¡°Ouch!¡±


    He yells. I chuckled, resting on the car


    ¡°What was that for?¡±


    Narrowing his gaze, he took one more shot.


    ¡°It¡¯s good luck.¡±


    I shrugged my shoulders.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I held up the hair, leaning further into his skin, dangling it over his face.


    ¡°Mmmm¡±


    I replied, nodding my hear


    Pulling back, I moaned in pain as well, having to lean my head into his chest.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    He mumbled, his finger reaching for my ear


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Your earring It must have identally got in mine.¡±


    He held it to my face. I giggled a second time.


    ¡°Here. It¡¯s cold.¡±


    Taking off his hoodie, his shirt got raised a little and I got a tiny peek of what¡¯s under.


    ¡°A picture?¡±


    He teased. I turned away immediately, grabbing the hoodie then putting it on. He zoned in on a few students, watching them work.


    Looking around, my eyes widened in the realisation of howte it¡¯s gotten.


    I¡¯m dead if my parents call someone to check on me and I¡¯m not home.


    Fuck!


    ¡°Thank you for tonight.¡±


    I muttered again, plopping myself upwards to peck his cheeks.


    He turned at the same time and I ended up kissing him. UnintentionallyC¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    It was barely five seconds, enough to get the good kind of alcohol taste.


    I pulled away quickly, my fingers shaking due to the cold or maybe it was the kiss.


    Before he could react, his phone began ringing. As he turned away to answer, I took a deep breath and faced the other side, running back into the party to take the side entrance where I boarded a cab and went home.


    Luckily no one hade, I took off all my clothes hopping into the shower to wash off any remains of Brandon.


    Shivering slightly, I stepped out and crawled into the bed.


    I ended up falling asleep in nothing but his hoodie.


    -PRESENT TIME.


    After my little storytelling, I rxed further into the chair, taking in his facial expressions or theck of them.


    I couldn¡¯t quite pinpoint any.


    I¡¯m not sure what I was looking for though.


    Maybe Anger at me for lying.


    Hurt for the same reason. I don¡¯t know maybe he¡¯d evenugh at how defenceless I was that night.


    Pain because his head was hurting. Pity because I¡¯m a girl. Nothing. Nothing.


    I guess this is what numbness looks like.


    After a few seconds, he finally spoke up.


    ¡°So¡­ my hoodie?¡±


    He raised both brows at me.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Cat¡¯s out the bag!! Finally!! You¡¯d think this is where it gets okay. Well¡­. the drama is only beginning!!! Don¡¯t forget to drop your thoughts.*

 Chapter 55 The Play-Offs

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY EVENING


    ST JOHN¡¯S HOSPITAL.


    I gawked at him, his head cocked over, a cute smile tugging at all corners of his lips.


    I know what he¡¯s referring to. At least the grimace and re are off his face.


    I can¡¯t deal with that side of him again. Ever.


    ¡°Your hoodie Mr Emerton is under my pillow, safe and sound. I¡¯ve taken good care of it.¡±


    That¡¯s not a total lie although I hardly take it through theundry, I don¡¯t wear it outdoors, so it¡¯s not always dirty. It¡¯s majorly because of his cologne, it¡¯s barely on it anymore, but still.


    ¡°You kept it?¡±


    He ponders taking me out of my poorundry choices.


    The amusement in his tone had me surprised.


    He thought I¡¯d throw it in a dumpster or what? I ran into a burning house for it, safe to say I don¡¯t n on letting it go anytime soon.


    ¡°I did.¡±


    I answered confidentially despite the tiny blush creeping up my cheeks at his intense gaze.


    ¡°It helped me through some rough night when I had nightmares and all.¡±


    I continued, shifting ufortably at that confession.


    ¡°Right.¡±


    His brows dropped, the dark eyes had returned, but not because of me.


    ¡°Remind me again why didn¡¯t you report that Bastard. I can understand why you didn¡¯t approach me, but he shouldn¡¯t get to just go away with it.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    I sputtered, chuckling in between two words.


    ¡°We were both drunk, I wouldn¡¯t be taken seriously. I¡¯m a minor, my parents would get involved and that¡¯s a whole pile of drama I don¡¯t care for.¡±


    His gaze softened, resting solely on mine. I didn¡¯t need pity though. I turned away.


    When I returned, it went dark again. Dn struggled to lift himself, I plopped up from the chair to reach the edge of the bed.C¨°ntens bel0ngs to N?(v)elDr/a/ma.Org


    ¡°He¡¯s back. it¡¯s cracking me up because the bastard had the nerves toe back. He¡¯ll get what¡¯sing to him, wait until I get up from this bed.¡±


    I leapt forward, cing my knee on the bed.


    ¡°You won¡¯t do anything Dn.¡±


    I tugged hard at the sheets, bending my back so I could re fully


    ¡°You¡¯re not the boss of me, seems like the beating I gave him that night, he wants more. Who am I not to give it to him?¡±


    He smirks afterwards following his Dn shrug.


    Dn clicks his lips afterwards making me giggle.


    ¡°You¡¯re still giving me my hoodie though.¡±


    I arched my back, almost squatting on the bed.


    ¡°Yeah¡­ Good luck with that.¡±


    I chuckled, taking my hair backwards.


    ¡°A lot of things are going to change now that I know the truth. You¡¯re aware of that right?¡±


    He narrowed his gaze, dropping both brows at me.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    I drawled, gulping down my throat.


    ¡°I can¡¯t exactly yell, so why don¡¯t youe over here, I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    I arched a brow suspiciously, he followed my movements as I got down, taking the corner to the side of his bed


    ¡°Closer¡­¡±


    He beckons. I roll my eyes slightly then take a few more steps forward.


    I was at the edge of his bed. One swing of my leg and I¡¯d be touching the floorboards.


    ¡°Closer Cami.¡±


    He whisper-pleads. What¡¯s he nning? I take one step forward.


    ¡°Closer¡­¡±


    The word rolls off his tongue igniting a fire inside of me.


    I breathe down and it¡¯s hot in here.


    ¡°I don¡¯t bite, it¡¯s just a secret which I don¡¯t want anyone to hear it. Closer.¡±


    He adds, his voice dialling then a lot, it even sounds a little husky or maybe it¡¯s just me.


    I tuck my hair behind my ear, slowly and cautiously, I bend over the bed so I hover over him.


    His brown eyes are directed straight into me, gazing at me with an unread expression.


    He tilts his head slightly and my eyes brimmed with confusion.


    I¡¯m about to stand straight probably hiss or something, that¡¯s when he cuts me off.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    He whispers.


    Lifting his weight off the bed,


    He tilts his head slightly and his lips are pressed against mine.


    It was a short kiss. Barely any movement at all. They practically pressed against mine then he pulled away.


    He nuzzles his legs at the side of my neck then pulls awaypletely before I could react.


    He left me wanting. If there was a fire inside of me, that was gasoline. My legs are wobbly again.


    I¡¯m more concerned about his head which was injured and how he managed to do that. But then again he¡¯s Dn.


    ¡°I feel better already.¡±


    He exhales deeply.


    I pull back, standing straight, trying to control my light panting.


    Whirling back to him, I watch in awe as he shameless licks his bottom lips which were over me a second ago. That was the n all along wasn¡¯t it?


    ¡°You¡¯re just so¡­¡±


    I paused when I heard the door creak open. Since I was staring mostly at Dn, he had the first sight of who walked in. I had the first sight of his reaction. It wasn¡¯t pleasant.


    Dn¡¯s face summed up in a frown then it moved to disgust and finally rage. Nothing like what I got. This was multiplied.


    I had to turn and see for myself. What got him like this.


    Turning back, Brandon and some of his teammates alongside Dn¡¯s teammates walked in. Pa and her crew went in with them and so did Miranda.


    The coach wasn¡¯t here which was to be expected. He had to take care of things back there. Brandon was the first to speak up. He wasn¡¯t being subtle about how much he¡¯s enjoying this, instead of sympathy all you could get was a smug grin.


    ¡°Dn, I¡¯m so d you are okay. I thought something might have happened, you know idents happen on the pitch every time. Most times, the injured person doesn¡¯t survive. Ser is such a risky game, but I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    Sarcasm was practically dripping off each word.


    He¡¯s not happy! He wanted Dn badly injured maybe even in aa! All for what? I held the metal rail of the bed.


    I¡¯ll kill him.


    ¡°The game is on Friday but you look wounded, I can only pray you to get better before then else I fear you might not be able to y as you know healthes first.¡±


    He finished off with one of his best fake smiles, nodding his head a few times.


    Dn¡¯s teammates continued to re. A blind person could easily note the double meaning of each of those words.


    My mind drifted slowly to his earlier words utter with nothing but confidence, it was practically oozing off his skin.


    The fall was no ident. He yed dirty. He did it for revenge. It worked because, in this current condition, there¡¯s no way Dn can y.


    Without Dn, everyone knows their chances of losing drops by over 50%, maybe even more.


    All of this just makes my blood boil.


    I whipped my head to him, Brandon Reed was staring straight at me, his eyes were daring. He knew my hands were tight, which made me even more annoyed.


    He knew I had no proof, I couldn¡¯t do shit to him. If I had the chance, I wouldn¡¯t report, I¡¯ll m his face into a fucking wall.


    Anyone who was watching would see my knuckles turning white, I hate him. I hate him and I can¡¯t do anything. He has me backed up against a corner.


    As always.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Another apology, so sorry. I had exams for the past two days. I¡¯m back now!. Drop your thoughts down below. Much Love.*

 Chapter 56 Terrible Tuesdays

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY EVENING.


    ST JOHN¡¯S HOSPITAL.


    They all crowded him, his teammates that is peering into his eyes with several questions and with Paying her filthy hands over his skin, it was making my blood boil.


    The room was over crowded anyway.


    I slipped away through the same corner, exiting the room with a final gaze at Dn who might I add barely noticed anything.


    ****


    Being self aware of Dn¡¯s condition, my heart was no long hitting against its cage, the room wasn¡¯t spinning anymore so I felt much better.


    I nced at the clock hung over in the receiption, it¡¯s way over closing hour and my books I¡¯d need were back in school.


    Since Dn is in good condition, I¡¯d just take a cab back there. Should still have change in my back pockets.


    I dug into it retriving a few notes which should be more than enough to get me there.


    Before that,  I got to the cafeteria to get a cup of tea, my throat was still dry from the wailing.


    Sipping slowly, I searched the empty room. Most visitors have returned home, there¡¯s no way to stay back in the cafeteria.


    Hold that thought. I noticed Miranda walking up to me. Her hands were clipped together, ced in front of her skirt, she tucked her hair gently, striding towards me. Something about her was off though.


    Pa is in the same building, I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d take such a bold step. Did something changed? How did the conversation turn out? So many questions that should be answered. Her arrival in less than three seconds.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    I half smiled, she got to me fiddling with her fingers.


    ¡°How did it go with Pa? Did they hurt you or something? Is your mom gonna get to keep her job? I¡¯m so sorry. Are you okay?¡±


    I bombarded her with questions before taking a deep breath awaiting her response.


    ¡°Pa gave me a second chance, I¡¯m okay. My mom gets to Keep her job too.¡±


    She revealed. That¡¯s such good news yet the grimace across her face didn¡¯t mirror those words.


    I thought she¡¯d be happy yet she seems sad. Her eyes are distant from the few seconds I get a hold of them that is, she can¡¯t seem to maintain eye contact even.


    ¡°Is everything okay Miranda?¡±


    I purged quite taken by my curiosity and a little concern.


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t all. Begging her that is. She said this time I had gone too far and for redemption, there was something else that I needed to do.¡±


    She took a deep breath, lifting her head to meet my gaze.


    I stretched my hand to meet hers, she withdrew immediately, a gasp falling off her lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure we could have been great friends. I was supposed to toss the tea over your hair, but I doubt I can do that you. You are an amazing person and I¡¯m sorry I¡¯m messed up that we can¡¯t be friends, but it¡¯s a choice between my mother and you and I have to choose her. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Her voice broke towards the end, she sprang off from her seat.


    ¡°I just thought I shoulde here and make things clear.¡±


    She sniffled, wiping the edge of her nose.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami.¡±


    Her gaze softened for one second, then she turned around and left.


    Once she was out of sight, I let go off the cup which was already shaking in my hand, I can¡¯t believe it. I actually lost the one friend I managed to make in forever.


    I sat there alone watching my coffee grow cold and soon, I let the tears trickle out.


    It hurt. It hurt badly.


    I shouldn¡¯t have to let go of Miranda because of that bitch. We are above sixteen, we aren¡¯t kids anymore so why on earth does she make it her life goal to make everyone miserable.


    I can rte to Miranda. I can. It¡¯s her family. I just have to ept her decision and move on. It was fun though. Having someone like that in my life was unforgettable. Too bad it¡¯se to an end.


    ****


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    I left the books back in school, I was ahead as always and I didn¡¯t feel like studying. Or doing anything at all.


    I actually wanted toy in bed, roll the duvet over my skin and stay there.


    After a really long and warm shower, Iid on my bed gazing at the ceiling. Dn won¡¯t be home tonight, he¡¯ll be discharged in two or three days, I heard his Mother tell that to his father.


    At least he¡¯s fine.


    I meant no offence to them, but I stayed in my room, skipping dinner with the rest of them.


    After a short while of staring, I let out the air from my mouth and sprang up from the bed.


    Now I¡¯m bored.


    If I stay there I¡¯ll just cycle my thoughts through Dn, Brandon, and Miranda.


    I need a distraction.


    I picked my phonezily struggling to decide which game to y, if I understood any.


    A call interrupted my search, the caller well was not anticipated.


    Kyle. It¡¯s been what? A few days since we broke up. Not up to a week.


    Wow.


    This is the longest we¡¯ve gone without speaking and I feel terrible for not even giving it much thought.


    I mean we dated for two years.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I reprimanded harshly.


    I shouldn¡¯t feel sorry for him. He cheated.


    He screwed some bitch. If we are not together anymore, that¡¯s on him.


    I tucked my hair away, cing the phone over my right ear.


    I wonder why he¡¯s calling.


    ¡°Hey Cami.¡±


    He croaked, a guilty vine sprung inside me. I can¡¯t help it.


    This is awkward. Us talking like this.


    ¡°Hi Kyle. It¡¯s being a while.¡±


    I mused, chuckling to ease the tension.


    ¡°Yeah, it has.¡±


    He nervously chuckled and took a deep breath before continuing.


    ¡°So, how have you been?¡±


    Awkward. That¡¯s one of those most awkward questions to ask. This is where we are now?


    God no.


    I ran my hands through my loose hair, trying to stop myself from nibbling on my finger.


    ¡°Fine¡­ I guess.¡±


    I didn¡¯t want to sound ecstatic. I wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°I hate how things ended between us Cami. I hate the role I had to y in the break up. I¡¯m sorry. I acted like a jerk who probably doesn¡¯t deserve forgiveness yet here I am asking for it anyway, please.¡±


    His voice was strained and there was a whole vine of guilt stripes in me.


    I can¡¯t help this soft spot for Kyle.


    He¡¯s right. He¡¯s an ass hole, but he was my ass hole as some point.


    Gross. Okay that came out wrong but.


    I brought one hand to my lips, nibbling slightly.


    ¡°As friends Cami. I want us to be friends.¡±


    I sighed deeply.


    Exes aren¡¯t usually friends. It¡¯s like a rule. It always ends up badly.


    ¡°Please..¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I heaved arge sigh. I¡¯m going to regret this somehow. Breaking that rule.


    Fuck it anyway.


    ¡°Thank you Cami. I don¡¯t want to bother you anymore, you must be tired. I heard what happened to Dn and all so I¡¯d leave you to get some rest. Goodnight.¡±


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    I whispered letting the phone down on the bed.


    I fell back letting more air out of my mouth.


    Just great.


    Dn¡¯s ident. Loosing my only friend. ¡°Back together with Kyle¡± as friends of course. All in one day. What¡¯s next?


    At that thought, a knock came through at my door.


    Great.


    ¡°Come in¡­¡±


    I mused lifting my back off the bed. The door creaked open and revealed ke at the other end.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to bother you, but I was just thinking maybe both of us could go see Dn tomorrow¡±


    I couldn¡¯t help but arch my brow. That felt off.


    Both of us arriving together will set Dn off.


    ¡°Actually I was nning on going there immediately after school, I¡¯m not sure we can meet up.¡±


    That¡¯s a good excuse right? It¡¯s also the truth so it makes sense.


    ¡°Oh in that case maybe we could hang out sometime?¡±


    My jaw dropped. Did he just? I think he did. The fucking nerve.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *I¡¯m back!! Thoughts?!*

 Chapter 57 Can’t Run From Your Mistakes

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    Rooted to the spot in my room, I racked my brain for a possible escape route out of the sinking sand I was currently standing on.


    The more words I speak, the harder I sink.


    I fluttered my eyes and ducked away from his gaze, a mixture of embarrassment and confusion flicking over my eyes.


    Eventually, a hand crept to the centre of my head, I tugged at a strand of my hair, a pastime whenever I get too nervous or confused.


    Now I¡¯m a little of both.


    Turn him down.


    Just say no.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    So many options and those were the only two popping in my head.


    I can¡¯t be scared of him. Yet I can¡¯t get the words out, my lips are parted, there¡¯s air flowing in yet the words are caught in my throat.


    I returned my gaze to him, his eyes are peering straight into mine searching for an answer I¡¯m unable to provide.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I cursed before I can help myself, tugging harshly.


    I mp my lips shut, the air hitting my lungs causing me to begin coughing harshly.


    ke tries to step forward, I retreat carefully at the same time, my phone rings out loud.


    A call when you need one.


    Lifesaver.


    A hand over my throat, I lower my head, tilting it towards the screen to look over the caller ID.


    Must be fate ying dirty tricks on me.


    Dn is calling. It¡¯s past 9 pm, his older brother is in my room, and he chooses now to call.


    I¡¯ll pick anything over this awkward conversation.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I started with a smile managing to stretch it along my entire face while meeting ke¡¯s curious gaze.


    ¡°Are you okay? I got really worried. You just left without a word.¡±


    *I didn¡¯t actually. You were too busy with your friends and others.*


    I keep my smug thoughts to myself, chuckling lightly as though nothing urred.


    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m fine. Something happened though, but it¡¯s nothing to worry about. I¡¯ll tell you about it when Ie to see you tomorrow.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but notice ke¡¯s brows shooting up at the end of that sentence, it¡¯s good he understands I¡¯m going to see Dn. I¡¯m not sure why, this feels like a brotherly duel or something, I don¡¯t want to get caught in the middle.


    ¡°Oh, alright.¡±


    He sighs in defeat.


    ¡°I¡¯m just d you¡¯re okay.¡±


    He adds after a short pause.


    ¡°Is that Dn¡¯s hoodie?¡±


    ke asks in the background, stretching his hand forward.


    I tilt my head and truly the hoodie pokes out from the pillow. I don¡¯t care about that, Dn knows the truth already, what has me shaking is that he knows *ke is my room*


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    ¡°Is that ke?¡±


    His tone is strained, I can tell he¡¯s barely holding it back.


    ¡°Is he in your room?¡±


    He throws another question.


    The air is sucked out of my lungs.


    Fuck me.


    I¡¯m screwed. Morally screwed.


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s in my room.¡±


    ¡°We were just talking.¡±


    I add almost immediately, the words rolling off my tongue with ease.


    No lies. We were talking. He was asking me out and I was gaping like aplete moron.


    Shit.


    ¡°Oh, I guess I¡¯m interrupting something. I¡¯ll call youter.¡±


    I hear the beeping tone over the receiver before I can utter another word, he doesn¡¯t let me speak in my defence.


    This can¡¯t be good.


    Taking the phone off my ear, I stare at the screen with a whole lot of emotions. Mostly hurt and fright.


    ¡°Am I interrupting something?¡±


    ke Peers clearing his throat.


    ¡°Not really. I think I¡¯ll be busy this Saturday, I won¡¯t even have time to go shopping. I¡¯m sorry ke.¡±


    Dn¡¯s harsh exit was good for something. I was too angry to care about ke.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. I understand. I¡¯ll let you get some rest now, I¡¯ll catch youter.¡±


    He moves towards the door and I can finally breathe better.


    The minute he¡¯s out of my room, I quickly dial Dn¡¯s number again.


    ¡°Hey¡­.¡±


    I trail off with an intake of breath.


    ¡°Are you done with him?¡±


    I could sense the anger in his tone. I wonder how his face is scrunched.


    ¡°Yes, he just left. It isn¡¯t wasn¡¯t you think Dn, he just asked me to the movies.¡±


    I bite back my lip wishing I didn¡¯t give that out, things will only get moreplicated.


    ¡°Oh, have fun.¡±


    He mumbled sarcastically.


    ¡°You¡¯re being childish Dn, I said no to him. I turned him down.¡±


    There¡¯s a short pause over the phone. For a few seconds, I figure he might have hung up on me.


    ¡°You did?¡±


    He clears his throat, disbeliefced in his question.


    ¡°Yes, I did.¡±


    I repeat, exhaling deeply.


    ¡°But ke is in college. He¡¯s hot and I think has a car or some shit.¡±


    The irritation is almost ring.


    ¡°I know right.¡±


    I said, taunting further.


    I hear him snort before shaking my head.


    ¡°I  mean, I know but he¡¯s not my type.¡±


    I rify.


    ¡°If ke isn¡¯t your type, what kind of guy is he?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Dn. You should get some rest. Good night.¡±


    I withdraw, sensing what was about toe next.


    In truth, I¡¯m not exactly sure what kind of guy my type falls under.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    He says sounding disappointed by my answer.


    ¡°Just to satisfy your curiosity so you sleep better, if I were to choose, my type would most definitely be the younger brother.¡±


    Daringly, I click the send button before he has the chance to speak another word.


    Sweet revenge.


    Tossing my phone aside, I drew the covers over my legs, facing sideways and falling asleep with a cheeky smile across my face.


    ****


    WEDNESDAY.


    I took extra care of my skin, paying more attention to the marks caused by the fire, I hadn¡¯t noticed any of these.


    I wondered what Dn thought when he saw them.


    I¡¯ve been wearing jackets and sleeved shirts to school, but by the pool and those other times he¡¯s seen me, he must have thought the burn marks were hideous. They are. Especially the ones over my arm, I feel disgusting staring over them


    Sighing, I resided to another pocket T-Shirt and blue Jeans, cross-checking for anything amiss.


    Since I didn¡¯t have much back here, my bag wasn¡¯t too heavy for me to carry.


    With Dn¡¯s absence, I have no other choice than to ride with Mother and Father, if they aren¡¯t on a ne or something.


    Shutting my door, I heard faint whispers directly underneath the stairs. Drawing closer, I shoved my head forward to listen more.


    It was my parents talking. The fact that they¡¯re whispering is just suspicious.


    Are they eloping or something?


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible dear, the insurance should¡¯ve arrived by now. They¡¯re just saying that so they won¡¯t pay.¡±


    Fuck!


    Without the insurance, there¡¯s no way we¡¯ll get the house back.


    Why won¡¯t they be?


    How does mom know they won¡¯t pay?


    I listen further, peaking to see if anyone was watching me watch them.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way our house was burned down on purpose. That makes no sense. They must have made a mistake honey.¡±


    I heard mom¡¯s voice clear as day.


    Her words are ringing, each time even louder and its meaning finally dawns on me.


    They know. They don¡¯t know clearly, but they know. The insurancepany. My father. My mother. It won¡¯t take long until I¡¯m busted.


    They¡¯ll know I burned the house down and worse, they¡¯ll know I hide it from them.


    ¡°Oh, God! Bloody hell! I¡¯m screwed!¡±


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    Apology! Huge one. I went M. I. A for nearly two weeks. Feels great to be back. Expect more frequent updates. It¡¯s a new year!! Drop your thoughts in thement section below. Muah.

 Chapter 58 Final Days Of Pleasure

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    KINGSTON HIGH.


    WEDNESDAY MORNING.


    I back away slowly, slinking towards the top of the stairs and their voices slowly fade away.


    They know. Soon they¡¯ll ask the dredged questions. Queries I won¡¯t be able to answer. Knowing my parents, they¡¯ll get the authorities to investigate more, they won¡¯t pull back since the shock card will be far overdue. They¡¯ll question me as their lives depended on it.


    I¡¯ll be questioned and purged until the truthes to light.


    At that point, I¡¯m fucked. I reach into my hair and pull harshly at the stands. What a way to kick-start my morning.


    ****


    I contemted tossing all my clothes off, faking an illness to avoid sses. I decide against it for one reason; if I¡¯m going to get screwed ultimately, I¡¯ll figure out a way to spin it.


    I have to. Throughout the drive, they both acted conspicuously yet made no mention of the fire.


    I guess it hasn¡¯t been concluded. Yet.


    Hopping of the car, I headed for my locker then tried to focus on my ss with everyone either talking about the yoffs or Dn. Maybe even both.


    Ugh.


    My mind was a whirlwind, I¡¯m going through all the ways of spinning this around.


    I could say I was outside when the fire started, I wasn¡¯t but It can be termed as that, we¡¯d lose the insurance since the cause lodged is different from the actual reason, my parents would put all the me on me for negligence.


    That doesn¡¯t work out.


    If I take responsibility for it, we still lose the insurance and my parents wouldn¡¯t let me hear the end of it.


    Fucking dead!


    ****


    It¡¯s the third period I think, I¡¯ve lost track of the entire day. I¡¯m mostly in between sses with three or four students, ser week and all.


    I hadn¡¯t run into Gina or Miranda, not sure how to feel about that.


    ¡°Hey, Cami.¡±


    Kyle¡¯s voice boomed behind me, his finger brushed against mine as he took the seat directly beside me.


    Tilting my head, I passed him a look trying to mask my uneasiness. The ss had ended. Wow.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    He asked softly.


    ¡°We dated. You used to tell me everything. We are friends now. You can talk to me.¡±


    He urged, letting his finger linger at the top of my hand.


    *Why not? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s not already aware?*


    I take a deep breath, shutting my eyes for a second.


    ¡°The insurancepany realise that the fire wasn¡¯t an ident.¡±


    I rush out quickly, squeezing my eyes harshly.


    After a few seconds of no reply, I blinked them open watching him carefully.


    ¡°But it was an ident.¡±


    He whispered, staring at me delicately.


    ¡°That I caused.¡±


    I whisper back and he sighs.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t mean it, Cami.¡±


    He justifies, I nearly scoff.


    ¡°Maybe I did, I was really mad at them that day.¡±


    I admitted sadly.


    ¡°But you didn¡¯t, It was your house too. You also lost valuables.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°What if a case is opened or something. What if my parents don¡¯t getpensated?¡±


    ¡°Nothing like that is going to happen Cami.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I need your advice. I don¡¯t know what else to do?¡±


    Imented, nearly bursting into tears.


    ¡°I think you should. They might be angry, but I think if ites from you and you exin what happened, you have a chance at forgiveness but for that to happen, you need to tell them.¡±


    A sad smile tugs at the edge of my lip. I knew that. I mostly needed to hear it from someone else.


    ¡°Thank you, Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Come on. Richmond folks are here, the game will soon begin. It won¡¯t be the same with Dn, but it¡¯ll help you take the mind off your impending doom.¡±


    He joked, stretching his hand forward.


    I reached for it reluctantly, my mind still swirling with thoughts.


    **HOURS LATER**


    As I predicted, due to Dn¡¯s absence we got a whopping beating from Brandon¡¯s team. At least five points down and Brandon could not stop grinning, he kept staring and oh God if I could smack it off his smug face.


    We need Dn. The team needs Dn. I need Dn.


    I was already on my way to see him, hopefully, he felt betterer and after the little conversationst night, I¡¯m happy to.


    After my parents drop me off with dad¡¯s scoff, I try to formte a n to get them to listen to me. Tonight. I have to talk to them tonight.


    ¡°What two things can I use to set the mood. I need it to be perfect.¡±


    I sent the text to Kyle and patiently wait for his response while walking towards Dn¡¯s room.


    Pushing the door open, I coo slightly at his resting figure, His hair slightly covered his face making him, even more, drool-worthy.


    He does that effortlessly? Wow. I stride in slowly, closing the door behind me.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    I say raising my brows a little, reaching the corner of his bed.


    ¡°Hi. I didn¡¯t notice you there, I¡¯m trying to rest as much as I can, I manage to convince the doctor to let me off today. I¡¯ll need to y tomorrow.¡±


    My brows shoot up in annoyance.


    ¡°You¡¯re not ying tomorrow maybe on Friday but not tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Yes or no, we got our ass kicked at practice today because I was absent?¡±


    He asks.


    We both know the answer to that question, but I can¡¯t let Dn y tomorrow.


    I was about to protest when my phone beeped.


    ¡°Wine, champagne, juice?¡±


    It¡¯s a message from Kyle.


    Since I¡¯m by the bed, Dn is taller as well, I¡¯m sure his eyes flicker over the screen and he reads it as well.


    ¡°You and Kyle are back on talking terms?¡±


    He asks. I lift my head then nod slowly.


    His lips twitch tentatively and the smile on his face disappears slowly.


    ¡°Why is he texting you about wine? A date?¡±


    He adds a follow-up question.


    I can¡¯t tell him I¡¯m trying to confess to my parents. I¡¯ll tell him but not in this position.


    I cleared my throat a few secondster. Dn¡¯s eyes peered into my skin waiting for a reply.


    I squeeze my eyes imagining how disappointed he¡¯d look when I confess to him.


    I can¡¯t bear that now.


    ¡°You know what, never mind.¡±


    He finally says amidst my silent treatment.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I agreed since it¡¯s the only option I have.


    ¡°I should get some rest before the doctores and discharges me.¡±


    He says and turns away making a knot tighten at the pit of my stomach.


    ¡°Dn¡­..¡±


    ¡°Have fun.¡±


    He clips harshly. I shudder slightly at his tone, a low whimper slipping from my lips.


    ¡°Do you want me to stay till you get discharged?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need, you have a date right?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I said furrowing my brows in confusion.


    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid Cami. Wine, champagne soon he¡¯ll call and ask what restaurant? ¡±


    A peel ofughter slips instead and I do my best not to cackle altogether.


    ¡°If you still love him, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±


    ¡°But I don¡¯t love him.¡±


    I answer quickly.


    He turns to meet my gaze and the room turns twice as hot.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t getting back together.¡±


    I clear my throat touching the base of my neck.


    ¡°Would you care if we were?¡±


    I asked waiting for a response. He doesn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°She¡¯s mine¡­¡±


    His words rey at the back of my mind.


    Possessive. I¡¯m only an object maybe.


    Soon, we will be moving out of the house and it¡¯ll be like Dn and I never met. He¡¯ll forget about me.


    I¡¯m at the moment.


    He¡¯s being territorial but once I¡¯m gone he moves into the next new thing.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Mmmm¡±


    I answer absentmindedly.


    For all, I know in a couple of hours, my life would turn to hell.


    So when he¡¯s gone, I only have the memories to remember him. It¡¯ll be like two years all over again.


    I meet his watchful gaze, admiring how he gulps every few seconds, I dip my head lowly, staring curiously, he closes the gap and gently presses his lips against mine.


    My eyes immediately flutter, there¡¯s a short pause of silence, he groans deeply then stretches his hand forward, tugs at my waist, and he takes control of the kiss, gliding his tongue against mine, taking full possession of my mouth.


    Maybe I am his.


    ¡°Don¡¯t get caught up but enjoy it why did itst Cami.¡±


    I remind myself, right before raking my hands through his hair letting a moan escape through my lips.


    ******


    *Anyone here still?*

 Chapter 59 Star-Gazing

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    ST JOHN¡¯S HOSPITAL.


    WEDNESDAY.


    He tugs at the hem of my shirt, I took the cue, lifting my weight off the floor and on the bed, my legs ced on each side of the bed, my centre finding its resting ce right above his member.


    I swear I heard a groan.


    My face flushed bright red sensing his hands creep lower, down to the base of my ass, not only was I self-conscious, it¡¯s not like Pa¡¯s or the girls he¡¯s been with, but I haven¡¯t been touched. *Not like this.*


    His hands wererge enough to wrap around each cheek, I was expecting a squeeze or something.


    He didn¡¯t. They rested there without a movement. *Maybe they¡¯re too small.*


    Practically clueless, I struggled to maintain his pace, tilting my head so he could brush his tongue against my lip before shoving it back into my mouth.


    My idle hands were shivering, I could get them in his hair or stroke his cheeks.


    I¡¯ve made out with Kyle, but this thing with Dn.


    It¡¯s just. *Intense*


    I recalled his head injury and resolved to ce my hand on the bed inside.


    ¡°Cam¡­¡±


    He murmured, pulling away with his teeth nibbling softly against my lower lip.


    An involuntary gasp escaped through my lips, I pushed my head forward in an attempt to kiss him again, but he had already pulled backpletely.


    My eyes were still halfway shut, no doubt my cheeks red as a tomato.


    Still in that position, I could sense his dick gaining blood and pressing against my core. Through our clothes of course but still very hot.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to open your eyes?¡±


    He teased. His finger gently stroked my cheeks leaving a wave of heat along that particr line.


    I shuddered underneath his touch, squishing slightly, unconsciously dry humping against him.


    ¡°Bad idea.¡±


    His breath was at the side of my neck, he had moved further, his hands went around my waist as well, keeping me steady and halting those movements.


    ¡°D-Didn¡¯t mean it¡­¡±


    I stutter, gulping down harshly.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you?¡±


    He taunts further, his mouth nearlytching to the base of my neck.


    ¡°Your eyes darling, open them.¡±


    He demanded. They fluttered open on their own ord. I was staring closely at his back until he pulled away with a smug grin.


    ¡°You kissed me?¡± He asks sarcastically.


    ¡°No. You did. ¡±


    I reply, my throat turning dry.


    ¡°Well, you leaned in.¡±


    He argued leaving me stunned. It¡¯s true. I did


    ¡°Uhm..¡±


    I tilt my head at our position, moving slowly to disengage from his body.


    I can feel his gaze on me as I return to the corner of his bed, ignoring the urge to try and find a dick print or something.


    ¡°I need water¡­¡±


    I gasp slightly, turning around and leaving the room.Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Yes. I¡¯ve been known to act cowardly in difficult situations.


    ****


    About half an hourter, the doctor came in and his parents arrives to sign his discharge papers.


    *Yes I drank water for half an hour.*


    ke isn¡¯t there and although Dn straight up denied it, I can tell he¡¯s hurt by an unsupportive brother. *That meant ke was only going toe for me?*


    I shrug the callous thought off my shoulder.


    I keep a small distance as the nurses help him off the bed and into the car, it takes everything not to re at them for staring.


    ****


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    Dn and I barely exchange gazes since his parents encourage him to get some rest.


    I¡¯m mostly avoiding him after the kiss.


    I don¡¯t want to embrace what it might mean for both of us.


    Clinging to the rail of the stair, I hear footstepsing from the dining.


    Swerving around, I catch my parents walking towards me.


    Shit.


    I forgot about my other problem.


    No champagne or juice.


    ¡°Cami. Great. We were justing to your room. We¡¯re leaving early tomorrow morning. I think Dn¡¯s parents would take you to school since Dn is feeling a little incapacitated.¡±


    Dad begins, earning a quick nod from me.


    My legs are getting weak again. He parts his lips to continue. What¡¯s he going to say now?


    ¡°We also thought you should know that the insurancepany called. The case isn¡¯t that simple, we now have reason to believe that it might have been arson. They think it was nned, did you notice anything strange that night?¡±


    Mother asked, her innocent brown eyes peering into mine as though I remained her innocent and sweet Daughter. Fuck.


    Arson.


    My parents would rather entertain the idea of someone else burning down their home than believe their daughter was merely careless.


    The knot tightens and I cling harder to the rail.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. It happened quickly, I can barely remember what happened.¡±


    I denied, averting my gaze from hers. My eyes would give me away.


    ¡°I think they¡¯re just trying to get out of this. We¡¯ll let them do what they want. Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    Dad added. I heaved a sigh.


    Maybe I should just tell them. I¡¯m digging a pit.


    A random thought drizzled in. The insurancepany use me of arson. That¡¯s impossible, right?


    I cringed my nose, stering a fake smile across my features. My knuckles turned white from holding on to the rail.


    ¡°Alright. Goodnight Mom, Dad. I¡¯ll turn in now.¡±


    I greeted, chuckling dryly.


    Without warning, I turned quickly and ran upstairs.


    I¡¯m screwed.


    ****


    My thoughts were haunting me, I tossed and turned without resting mostly trying to figure out a solution.


    Just then, my phone chimed, lighting up in my darkroom.


    ¡°You up?¡±


    It¡¯s Dn.


    I chuckled lightly pressing the phone to my chest nearly putting it down and ignoring him.


    *Nearly.*


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    I looked it up a few times before clicking send


    ¡°I¡¯m outside.¡±


    His reply came almost immediately. Wait for what?


    ¡°What do you mean outside?¡±


    He read it in seconds.


    ¡°Like outside of your room, I can¡¯t knock.¡±


    I gulped down my throat.


    I bent my head, ncing over my outfit.


    Grabbing my jacket, I threw my hair over a band, keeping it in ce.


    Pushing the doorknob, I pulled it back slowly trying not to make a sound.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    I called out hoarsely.


    He stood there shirtless, wearing nothing but sweatpants.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep.¡±


    I narrowed my gaze suspiciously.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I repeated, crossing my arm over my chest.


    ¡°Let¡¯sy under the stars.¡±


    He suggested ignoring my previous question.


    I forced myself not to smile.


    ¡°Come on.¡±


    He tugged at my arm before I could protest, I ced a palm over my lip, concealing the screech about to slip out.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I scolded, he turned, a sly grin dancing at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fun..¡±


    He whispered as we ran down the stair.


    I turned silently praying for no to catch either of us.


    ****


    It was getting prettyte, maybe around two am, my head was still on Dn¡¯s chest, my body heating up like pizza in a oven.


    I yawned tiredly, reasoning everything that¡¯s been happening.


    This was a great way to take my mind off things.


    I¡¯ll head back in a few hours. We had school tomorrow and he had ser practice. Even though I advised against it.


    ¡°Dn, let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    I suggested nudging his elbow so he¡¯ll listen.


    ¡°Ugh! I want to stay here. With you.¡±


    He answered firmly. A different surge of excitement rushed through me.


    The topic of the kiss hadn¡¯te up. Yet


    We were outside. On the porch to be exact.


    Wey there, staring at the skies. He was right regrettably. The stars were beautiful.


    ¡°We need to get inside. Now Dn.¡±


    I reminded him after a few seconds, taking my head off his chest.


    He shut his eyes instead, paying little attention to me. Bending my knee, I reached for his crossed arms, tugging harshly.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    He groaned, snapping his eyes open.


    I red harshly.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    He sumbed, standing firmly on both feet.


    ¡°We should do this more often.¡±


    He whispered as we slid through the door.


    ¡°Yeah. I agree. At least until I leave and you forget about me..¡±


    I blurted the final details out. He halted in front of me, turning around slowly. I watched as his gaze intensified, his eyes darkening.


    ¡°Is that what you think?¡±


    He asked after a few moments.


    ¡°It¡¯s what I know.¡±


    I answered instead.


    ¡°Goodnight Dn. It was fun truly.¡±


    Without another word, I move ahead, brushing past his shoulder, half expecting him to grab my hand and tell me it¡¯s not true. Tell me I¡¯m wrong about such statement.


    My heart tore apart when he didn¡¯t.


    At the base of the staircase, I looked over my shoulder, waiting for anything. Nothing happened.


    Quickly, I ran up the stairs, headed for the room, pulled the door open and slid in, gently closed the door with my heart in my hand.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Anyone still here?* *Drop your thoughts!!*

 Chapter 60 Merely A Possession?

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    KINGSTON HIGH.


    It¡¯s fall so the weather¡¯s only going to get colder. With the arson caseying down, for now, I got up slightly better than the previous day.


    The only thing weighing me down was Dn. Our conversation early this morning.


    Ugh.


    After getting dressed, I threw my legs down the stairs, turning my head through the entire living room to catch a glimpse of everyone at the same time.


    They were all seated at the dining table.


    My parents. Dn¡¯s. ke of course. Then weird me strutting towards them.


    Hopefully, Dn changed his mind about ying. I


    ¡°Good morning,¡±


    I murmured to their hearing, pulling a seat for myself.


    They acknowledged in their way and we ate in silence. ke didn¡¯t speak a word other than nodding his head.


    I heard one stair creak, my head snapping in that direction.


    Dn was strolling down the stair slowly, he had a head warmer over his head concealing the bandage used to cover the wound there.


    His pants covered the bruises on his knee, but he took each step carefully showing he wasn¡¯t too good on his feet.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    He greeted, reaching the table.


    His chair was rtively close to mine, while my head was ducked trying to minimise as much contact as possible.


    ****


    ¡°I¡¯m never doing that again.¡±


    Dnmented after we cleared our tes.


    ¡°Doing what?¡±


    ¡°What happened at the table this morning. It was weird.¡±


    He added snorting loudly. I agree.


    ¡°I did tell you to stay home. Whose fault is it?¡±


    I asked, picking my bag over the couch approaching the front door.


    ¡°Brandon.¡±


    He hissed causing a chuckle to fall off my lips.


    ¡°Right..¡±


    I trailed off elerating my footsteps so I could leave before him.


    ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯m on my bike again.¡±


    He whined over again as we got in separate cars.


    ****


    ¡°Cami, I get the feeling that we should talk about what hallst night.¡±


    He suggested after getting down from our parent¡¯s cars.


    I paused for a second giving him the chance to catch up.


    ¡°They¡¯re not much to talk about, it waste. I was in my feelings and I blurted something which didn¡¯t make a lot of sense, that¡¯s all.¡±


    I cut in with a forced smile.


    He reciprocated it without any furtherments. That¡¯s solved. Thankfully.


    It¡¯s our turn to head over, so the bus was parked in the lot awaiting everyone¡¯s entry.


    I mumbled a prayer seeking help so nothing goes wrong today.


    ****


    We were close to the school by now but then something weird happened. The bus suddenly stopped and came to a halt. The driver got down alongside some teachers to see what went wrong.


    ¡°Okay students. It seems like we have a faulty engine. Not fatal but it¡¯ll take a while to get a mechanic and fix it. Today¡¯s game might be dyed or cancelled.¡±


    He announced and a peel of excitement surged through me.


    There was muffled groans and snorts on the bus. I had more or less mixed feelings.


    **AN HOUR LATER**


    A packed bus filled with almost one hundred students had drastically reduced to less than twenty.


    Most of them stepped out in groups and began walking towards Richmond High. They should¡¯ve gotten there by now.


    I couldn¡¯t risk it especially with Dn¡¯s leg so I sat patiently waiting for the bus to get fixed.


    I wouldn¡¯t mind if it didn¡¯t, it would mean Dn has more time to rest for tomorrow.


    The students left were mostly cheerleaders, Dn¡¯s teammates and a few others.


    ¡°Okay, I¡¯m fucking bored. Let¡¯s y a game or something.¡± Pa¡¯s minion drawled out dramatically. I think her name is Yvonne possibly.


    ¡°Finally! Someone with a n. What do you have in mind?¡±


    Another student from the back, siding her im.


    I nearly snorted at them both. Not someme Highschool game. Again.


    ¡°Truth or dare.¡±


    Pa chirped and I rolled my eyes. Of course. Predictable.


    ¡°You ying?¡±


    Dn asked behind me. I shook my head In negation making him chuckle. He¡¯s been silent since earlier, barely uttering more than ten words


    ¡°Could you y though? I want to have the opportunity to kiss you again.¡±


    He whispered right below my corbone.


    I shuddered all too quickly. It wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea.


    ****


    ¡°Truth or dare Nate¡­¡±


    A random guy asked. The guy known as Nate had his hands over his jaw, contemting an answer.


    ¡°Truth¡­¡± He finally responded.


    ¡°Who¡¯s do you think is the  hottest girl on the bus right now.¡±


    I rolled my eyes at their stupidity.


    Hot? Really?


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He mumbled freezing my thoughts.


    ¡°W-what¡­.¡±


    I stuttered and some students cooed.


    Dn tensed up beside me and I swear I couldn¡¯t believe what I heard. First, I¡¯m not ¡°hot¡±pared to Pa and the others on the bus, and the second which is frankly nerve-wracking, he called me hot.


    You don¡¯t call a girl ¡°hot¡±


    The bus is hot. ssrooms are hot. Not a fucking person. I clenched my jaws, anger coursing through my veins.


    ¡°Speak of the devil. Cami, truth or dare.¡±


    The same guy asked.


    ¡°Truth.¡±


    I answered without thought.


    ¡°Are you in love with Dn?¡±


    He asks narrowing his gaze at me. A smirk yed on his lips.


    Dn¡¯s teammates had already begun giggling, most of them thought I¡¯m by far swoon. Anyone on the bus would yell yes without thinking twice.


    Fuck them all.


    I¡¯m not them.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I answered firmly, ring harshly at him.


    ¡°Great news. The bus is ready and we¡¯re good to go.¡±


    A teacher announced in the middle of our intense game.


    That¡¯s how it ended.


    Iid back in my seat and heaved arge sigh, Dn still seated inches away, his haggard breathing loud enough for me to hear.


    ****


    The bus came to a halt and we stepped down one after the other. Dn brushed by me without so much as a word, I hurriedly got down and caught up wondering what had gotten to him.


    ¡°Are you still going to y? It¡¯ste¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Yeah, if they¡¯re still a game to be held.¡±


    He replied without turning back.


    Looking ahead, I notice Brandon and his teammates approaching.


    Dn halts and I quickly catch up.


    ¡°Emerton. d to see you¡¯re up and well and I sincerely hope no more idents happen on the field.¡±


    What¡¯s this supposed to mean?


    My breath hitched and I let out a tiny gasp.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Dn reassures me like he sensed my fear. I nodded quickly.


    Just as before, I waited in a corner while he got ready and talked to some of his teammates.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    A voice greeted me, it sounded familiar, when I turned back it was the guy from the bus.


    Not the guy that asked the questions but the other one¡­ Nate, I think.


    ¡°Nate right?¡±


    I asked with a smile.


    ¡°Yeah. I just wanted to say ¡°hi¡± you know. I haven¡¯t seen you as a cheerleader though, I think I would notice someone as beautiful as you.¡±


    He tters causing a tiny blush to creep up my cheeks.


    ¡°I¡¯m not a cheerleader.¡±


    ¡°You should consider it.¡±


    He teases, I chuckled deeply.


    ¡°So, I have to go y now, but I hope we can pick this back upter. I would like to get to know you.¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡±


    I chuckle nervously, reaching for a strand of my hair.


    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±


    Dn cleared his throat behind us.


    I tilted my head to catch a glimpse of him.


    He takes his stance beside me, shooting teachers at Nate.


    He¡¯s angry? Again?


    ¡°Beat it, Nate.¡±


    He growled.


    Nate lifted his shoulders, facing him with a straight face, clearly not phased.


    ¡°Can¡¯t I talk to a girl anymore?¡±


    ¡°Not ¡°my girl.¡±


    Dn retorts almost immediately. My eyes widen.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Nate. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    He offers me a smile before leaving. After he¡¯s out of sight, I swerve my body and turn towards Dn, an annoyed look ying over my features.


    ¡°Excuse me, I think I didn¡¯t hear you quite alright. Did you call me ¡°your girl¡± ¡±


    I bashed, ensuring to quote his exact words.


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that.¡±


    I hold a finger towards his face.


    ¡°Firstly it was ¡°she¡¯s mine¡± I figured it was sweet, I overlooked it, but now it¡¯s ¡°your girl¡± If you haven¡¯t noticed, you¡¯re being straight up possessive. It¡¯s even worse because we aren¡¯t together Dn! You do not own me. You don¡¯t get to re at every guy that tries to speak with me. You don¡¯t.¡±


    I warned, nearly poking him in the chest.


    ¡°Good luck with the game.¡±


    With that, I turn in any direction and start away in a rage.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Welp! I slept off the other time. Apologies! Anyway, let¡¯s hear from the audience. What do you think Dn truly sees Cami as?*

 Chapter 61 Actions Have Consequences

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    RICHMOND HIGH.


    Out of spite, I didn¡¯t return to the field. The path led me into the school either way, so I trailed my fingers over the lockers and gave myself a tour.


    High schools are designed simrly, so there wasn¡¯t much to see. ssrooms with tags above so you don¡¯t get lost, teacher¡¯s office, the cafeteria, bathrooms. Just the paintings and sizes are much different.


    I paused at their garden, pushing the door open and stepping inside.


    The sweet scent of flowers filled my nostrils, theirs was a little bigger and more developed I¡¯d have to admit.


    Finding a spot to seat, I pushed my legs inside so I could rest my head on myp. The band holding my hair fell loose and it sprawled over my face.


    Further thoughts of Dn swarmed my head. I scolded myself relentlessly, sniffing harshly in the mildly cold weather.


    He probably wants my body. Maybe that¡¯s it. It has to be it.


    At the brink of letting my emotions rip off, I heard iing footsteps.


    Springing up, I secured my hair in a ponytail and stayed behind the door, looking to listen to whoever wasing.


    Maybe I¡¯ll get caught for trespassing. Maybe I¡¯m not supposed to stay in here.


    ¡°For a second there, I thought those Kingston¡¯s guys had a shot. I guess their quarterback¡¯s injury has stopped him from ying properly. It¡¯s good for us though. I¡¯m so excited to win!¡±


    I heard one girl¡¯s voice followed by her giggles then another one that sounded a little simr.


    I balled my fists, pulling the doorknob and jumping outside.


    They jumped as well, clearly startled by my appearance. Richmond girls. Skimpy dresses. More like clinging to their skin. Mean looks or maybe it¡¯s the eyeliner. Way too much make-up. What else? How does their school even allow this kind of dressing?


    ring at both of them, I crossed my arms and fired back.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    I inquired, churning the side of my lip.


    ¡°The biggest gossip of course. If you¡¯re in here that means you missed the game. Well, we can¡¯t call that an actual game if the opposing team let us win.¡±


    The second paused andughed harder.


    My anger was getting harder to keep a lid on now.


    ¡°Well then, we¡¯ll see what happens on Friday. It¡¯ll be fun winning that trophy.¡±


    One more giggle then they turned around and strut away, adding too much sway to their hips.


    I shook my head in disbelief. Total weirdos


    A gasp slipped from my parted lips realising the gravity of those words.


    We lost. Even with Dn ying, we lost.


    Was it because of me?


    *No*


    My subconscious countered quickly.


    *I¡¯m not that important.*


    Shit. Why did he have to y? I told him he wasn¡¯t ready.


    Dn! How is he? What fucking happened.


    Hurriedly, I dashed towards the yard.


    The cheerleaders from our school had their pom-poms down, their faces seemed dejected, those girls weren¡¯t lying. We lost.


    I switched gazes searching for the yers.


    The cheers around had me disoriented already. I could slightly see a bunch of guys headed into the locker room.


    That must be them.


    I trailed behind them, squeezing through cheering girls and sweaty yers.


    I got shoved inside and the sight I beheld made me nauseous. I had to blink back twice just to make sure I wasn¡¯t hallucinating from being squeezed too hard. I was not. If the cheering outside was high, this was booming. The actual fuck.


    ¡°Dn! Stop it!¡±


    I cried, my voice ring at the back of my ears. Everyone paused and faced me. Have they all gone mad to watch him beat up a guy?


    Dn halted his curled fist which was at the brink of hitting the other guy¡¯s face.


    The other hand was used to firmly grip that yer¡¯s shirt and slowly he turned his head towards me, meeting my gaze.


    I breathed harshly, his gaze piercing into my skin.


    Then, he turned away swiftly and punched him.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I screamed, rushing towards both of them as though I had the power to do anything.


    Regardless, I shoved him away as hard as I could. He barely flinched but switched his gaze one more time.


    ¡°Stop it!¡±


    I yelled, lowering my voice slightly, tears brimming at the brink of my eyes.


    His face was hardened, for some reason his eyes were red, he had taken off the head warmer, the bandage on his head was visible, I¡¯m sure those stitches would rip off anytime soon. He¡¯s getting himself hurt. All for what?C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Dn kept breathing down on me, ring harshly, still holding onto him.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    I added, lifting my left hand, wrapping it slowly around his.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Hemanded, dropping the other guy who fell loosely on the floor.


    Still ring, he stormed out of the room.


    I nced at the Richmond High yer on the floor, nose bleeding badly, he¡¯ll need to get that check upon.


    I switched to the door, watching Dn strut away and speedily rushing after him.


    ¡°I told you if you weren¡¯t hundred per cent, you could seat this one out.¡±


    I yelled, gritting my teeth. He halted. We took the back door so I could we the parking lot from here.


    ¡°I know what I did.¡±


    He responded in a gruff tone. The fuck is that supposed to mean?


    We lost. He gets into a fight putting himself in more danger and he knows what he did!


    ¡°I lost on purpose. It¡¯s better when your enemy thinks you pose no threat. We¡¯ll win tomorrow.¡±


    He added, my eyes widened in shock and some more.


    ¡°You lost on purpose so Brandon would think you¡¯re still not fine? That¡¯s why you insisted on ying. That makes a little sense, but I still don¡¯t understand why were you beating that guy up.


    ¡°I did it on purpose, doesn¡¯t mean I love losing. He was talking trash.¡±


    ¡°Seriously Dn? You could¡¯ve seriously hurt him! What then!?¡±


    ¡°I wish he had. I don¡¯t give a fuck about it.¡±


    He stated harshly.


    ¡°Have you gone fucking mad!? What is wrong with you?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡±


    He swerved back, ring harshly at me.


    I recoiled at his gaze, scrunching my nose a little.


    He scoffed then parted his lips as though he wanted to say something. He clipped them shut then slumped his shoulders.


    ¡°Nothing Cami. Nothing.¡±


    He whispered. With that, he turned back and walked away.


    ¡°Emerton are you crazy?!¡±


    I wince at the coach¡¯s harsh tone.


    Dn had stopped in his tracks, I rushed to catch up to both of them, keeping a little distance.


    The anger in his face had faded off, he was mostly twisting his lips in confusion, standing straight and waiting for the coach to speak. It¡¯s probably about the fight. Fuck Dn must be in trouble.


    ¡°What¡¯s the wrong coach?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong is that you acted like a mad man and you injured an opponent. He can¡¯t y tomorrow.¡±


    I gasped, both hands reaching to cover my lips


    ¡°Can¡¯t y tomorrow? That¡¯s not possible. I barely threw three punches at him. I only ruffled him up a little. I didn¡¯t cause any serious damage! This is just some stupid tactic. I¡¯ll apologise if that¡¯s what they want.¡±


    Dn seethed, clenching one hand.


    ¡°An apology isn¡¯t going to fix this Dn.¡±


    ¡°But¡­.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s incapacitated and can¡¯t y, that¡¯s the story whether it¡¯s true or not. The teammates im he¡¯s an important striker and if they¡¯re down one, we should be as well. They are demanding you don¡¯t y either. Dn. We rece you for the game tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s freaking absurd!¡±


    Dn thundered. I flinched.


    He¡¯s right. That¡¯s absurd. Makes zero sense.


    ¡°Their request might get granted. It¡¯s up for a vote, there¡¯s a very high chance you don¡¯t y tomorrow and we both know that game is lost if you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Good job Emerton. You outdid yourself this time. You let your anger get the best of you. It cost us the game.¡±


    Coach lowers his head, his tone reeking of disappointment. The news had left me speechless. Maybe even Dn as well since his lips were clipped tightly.


    What the fuck is this?


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *No excuse this time, I¡¯ve been going through things of my own. Will do my best to drop my chapters today. Please hold. Thank you.*

 Chapter 62 Consent Before Sex?

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    RICHMOND HIGH.


    THURSDAY AFTERNOON.


    Dn stormed off before I could stop him, I trailed behind with my head lowered, my eyes brimming with additional tears.


    Back into the school, both teams had huddled. For the vote I¡¯m certain. Dn strumbled into the locker room while I stayed back to watch.


    I swivelled my head away as the results were announced. His actions had their consequences. Typically blood for blood.


    It¡¯s as though I was suspended from the game, my throat feels dry, my heart is ripped apart, I can¡¯t exin why this hurts. It just does.


    Then I saw him. Brandon and I peered at each other for barely ten seconds before I ducked my head away. He was shirtless and grinning, two girls on each of his sides, his hands wrapped around their waist, he whispered something to them causing their faces to turn red.


    He won.


    Just then, I spotted Dn getting out of the locker room. He switched his shirt this time, his bag hung over his shoulder whereas I left mine on the bus.


    I looked furiously at both sides. The bus where I couldfortably sit and wait to be driven back to school, or a sad and broken Dn clouded by anger.


    There¡¯s only one option.


    ****


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    ¡°I¡¯m fucking stupid!¡±


    I yelp at the back of my throat, jerking backwards as Dn¡¯s hands are lifted in the air, aimed at the punching bag in his room.


    You¡¯re wondering how we got here?


    After the announcement, Dn stormed off and I followed, he took a cab without a word and I had to give directions to the driver who kept exchanging puzzled looks between the both of us.


    I prayed hard for Dn not to hit him with his judging looks.


    Eventually, we reached Emerton¡¯s Mansion.


    Burst through the door. The living room was empty thank the heavens. Still not speaking, he stormed upstairs straight to his room.


    Surprise isn¡¯t enough to describe my emotions. I gently shut the door and press my back against it, keeping my sight on him. My legs are throbbing, fingers crossed and my brows furrowed watching him retrieve the punching bag from the closet. Here we are.


    He tossed off his shirt to the corner, flexing his muscles and what¡¯s worse; he wasn¡¯t wearing any gloves. His knuckles are busted from the punches he threw earlier, but I¡¯m highly mortified to even consider uttering one word.


    I just stand and watch him punch that bag wishing it was Brandon.


    A few minutester, he parts his lips and utters that sentence.


    Ites as a shock, shredding through my heart if he¡¯s cursing himself. It¡¯s that bad.


    ¡°I¡¯m just a crazy, messed up, and idiotic fool. I¡¯m so stupid!¡±


    He halts, his breathing hastening while both hands are ced at each ear.


    I gulped down my throat.


    I¡¯m perplexed. He¡¯s hitting that thing with so much venom.


    What if he hits me? *He Won¡¯t*


    My heart says to stay here with him, but I¡¯m scarcely helping.


    I¡¯m not exactly sure how I can even.


    Do Ifort him? Is that what he needs?


    Ser is everything to him and losing to Brandon will crush him.


    He told me once it¡¯s the only thing he¡¯s best at.


    And now, He lost it.


    A big opportunity is gone like that. What do I do?


    ¡°D-Dn¡­¡±


    My voice came out as a stutter, I didn¡¯t sound confident at all.


    Nevertheless, he stopped immediately. His eyes flickered with shock.


    Did he not know I¡¯ve been here this entire time?


    We took a cab together. How angry is he not to notice?


    It passed through his lids then he blinked them away and turned.


    ¡°Go away, Cami. I just want to be alone right now!¡±


    He said with a straight face then goes back to punching.


    I flinch once more but stay rooted to my spot. Words can hurt Dn. Maybe that¡¯s what he wants. Hurt me bad enough so I¡¯ll go.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    I call out firmly, removing myced fingers and keeping them at my side.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    He asks coldly. His clipped tone causes me to cringe. Hends two punches quickly, groaning after the first then letting out the air from his mouth at the second


    ¡°Stop it, please.¡±


    I plead, stepping forward.


    ¡°Everything! Fucking lost! Gone, Cami! It¡¯s all gone! Don¡¯t you understand? My parents are going to have a field day once the coach tells them. ke is going to be ted, once again he¡¯s better than me.¡±


    He thunders, breathing heavily.


    His eyes are red and I¡¯m shuddering. Not out of fright. More like pity and sadness.


    ¡°I know¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t!¡±


    He screams back at me before I can continue.


    ¡°Your parents adore you. Your parents worship and love you. You haven¡¯t felt unloved so you can¡¯t possibly know anything! You don¡¯t fucking know anything!¡±


    He screams once more, a tear is on the verge of rolling out.


    I scoff lightly. If only he knew exactly how well they *love me*


    ¡°Dn, please. Just let me¡­¡±


    ¡°No Cami. You need to leave, now.¡±


    He says roughly, closing the distance between us, reaching for my arm, gripping tightly then pulling me towards the door.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I scream, mostly choked by my tears.


    ¡°I want to be alone Cami. Go away.¡±


    He¡¯s stronger, I can¡¯t resist his hold, he pushes me out of the room, let¡¯s go and returns, mming the door without another word.


    I sucked in a harsh breath, taking my tears with it. No.


    I wasn¡¯t going to give up so damn easily. Taking a deep breath, I step forward and face his brown door.


    ¡°Let me in!¡±


    I screamed, pounding the door as I did.


    ¡°Yeah, your parents woulde up and ask what¡¯s happening here so if you don¡¯t want that, I suggest you let me in!¡±


    I screech, hitting the door, hard, rough, and without pause.


    Finally, I hear the knob click, he pulls the door harshly as well, I¡¯m too close so I practically fall into the room.


    Impulsively, he reaches out, gripping my arm as before then pulling me to my feet.


    Kicking the door with his leg, he shuts it behind us and the air gets sucked away.


    So close.


    Our proximity.


    So fucking close.


    One hand is wrapped around mine, lifted slightly in the air while the other is carefree.


    My head is tucked away and I take two full breaths to calm my nerves.


    It doesn¡¯t work. The second I take in his cologne, my brain is reset.


    I¡¯m thinking If I just took one step closer, tilt my head slightly, you know whates next.


    I¡¯m feeling bold.


    I take both legs one step forward, plop my weight upwards and meet his gaze.


    His brown eyes are most distant. The urge to stroke his cheeks until they¡¯re bright again.


    His lips are crooked in a frown. I¡¯d give anything to get his usual smirk.


    Breathing out, I did the only thing that popped into my head.


    I pressed my lips against his.


    I knew he¡¯d react. Maybe shove me away or kiss me back. Either one.


    *Wrong*


    He did the unexpected.


    Without giving me the chance to gasp at how minty he managed to taste, his arm goes to wrap around my waist and our bodies are crushing against one another.


    I did say I was feeling daring right?


    I dipped my tongue in his earning a teasing groan from him. It jabbed me over the edge.


    I got lifted off the ground. Not like I protested or had anyints.


    Both hands were around his arms and they popped out when he groaned while seating.


    Fuck this boy is gorgeous.


    He sat first then hoisted me onto hisps, his lips weretched to my neck and I brushed my hair, my lips parting in their own ord, moans slipping out every second.


    His boner was aggressively pressing against my jeans, but I honestly didn¡¯t mind at this point.


    This kiss was different from the rest, no words said just raw need, craving, and passion.


    I didn¡¯t care if he was iming me I just wanted to be close to him. As close as fucking possible. I needed him to know that I¡¯m here. His words are turning upside down and what he needs to understand is that I¡¯m still here.


    He buried his lips at the crook of my neck, he let his tongue out, drawing circles and slowly marking his Territory. *Fucking good*


    I shook, digging my nails into his back.


    Moving them upwards into his hair, I held his head urging him not to stop.


    I could swear I heard his chuckle, his hands were circled at the base of my waist, but they were slowly moving to the hem of my shirt, finding their way inside.


    My eyes snapped open and I squirmed a little.


    He froze and pulled away, both of us breathing down to catch our breaths.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I got carried away.¡±


    He panted.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay.¡±


    I manage to blurt out, keeping his gaze.


    Did I just permit him to touch me?


    ¡°It¡¯s okay?¡±


    He asked again, his brown eyes shimmering with an unreasonable expression.


    *Oh no*Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *More updatesing. Xoxo. Drop thements down below. PS: I know most of y¡¯all are still angry.*

 Chapter 63 Winner Takes It All

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    THURSDAY.


    ¡°You know what? It doesn¡¯t matter. I shouldn¡¯t get hauled away. When this does happen, it wouldn¡¯t be because I need a stress reliever.¡±


    I swallowed hard.


    *When?*


    ¡°Yes Cami, when.¡±


    He retorted, tilting my head to meet his gaze. His eyes got brighter, the smirk had reinstated thank the heavens. I did say it aloud.


    *But he said when! That means¡­* Shit. I¡¯m not going to think about what it means.


    ¡°At least you¡¯re calm now.¡±


    I swap topics easily, twitching to get off hisps and move away.


    Instead, he whirls his arms around my waist, holding me in ce.


    I swallow harder. Slowly, I lift my head, contesting his look while stretching forward to gently caress his cheeks.


    He presses his lids against each other, tugging my waist towards his body, closing the little gap between both of us.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about the way I acted for most of the day. Nate. Yelling. Hitting that guy. I shouldn¡¯t have. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Instinctively, I wrapped my hands around his neck, resting my head over his shoulders.


    ¡°I won¡¯t say I understand. I can¡¯t. It¡¯ll hurt like hell to think of this scenery.¡±


    I admit truthfully.


    ¡°But unlike everyone else, I¡¯m not leaving. I¡¯m right here.¡±


    I put in almost immediately, pecking his cheeks before expelling my grip.


    ¡°And just so you know, I¡¯m not letting Brandon win. You¡¯re going to y tomorrow and Kingston High will take the trophy home.¡±


    I assure with a small smile.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s okay Cami. It¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°It is not over just rest. Calm down and leave it to me. You need rest and I¡¯m stunned these stitches haven¡¯t gone loose.¡±


    Gradually, I caress the top of the bandage, it wasn¡¯t bleeding.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go now. Promise me you¡¯ll get some rest.¡±


    He nods carefully.


    Hoping off hisps with no hostility, I stand by the bed watching him soothe into the mattress then pull the covers over his body.


    Giving him a small smile, I twirl around and make my way out of the room with my head in a sandstorm.


    What the fuck did I just do?


    I guaranteed him the match. I couldn¡¯t bear the sad look in those eyes, so I told him he would y tomorrow and now I have no idea how to make it happen.


    What¡¯s worse; I only have a few hours to think. That¡¯s all. Bloody hell.


    ****


    Plopping in bed for the better part of the night, I took several positions; standing by the door, squatting, seating, all in a bid toe up with a n.


    My imaginary thinking cap was on but all the ideas were surely going to fail or extremely impossible to implement. Cancelling the game will not help. Trying to plead is a no. Saying Dn was provoked is useless.


    Nothing¡¯s going to work.


    I can¡¯t tell him he won¡¯t y. I won¡¯t.


    Sadly, it¡¯s almost three am on a Friday morning, the match is today.


    After days of practising, both schools are going to face off in a stadium and one of them bes the winner.


    Just then, an idea popped in.


    As it did, I already thought of loopholes to that idea.


    If I can persuade the coach to make the entire team wear helmet, their faces will be covered, I can even add headbands because of Dn¡¯s injury.


    The only drawback is that everyone might get suspicious because of the change.


    Or wait, I can say the headbands are in honour of his fall and the fact that he can¡¯t y. That works.


    But the helmet. Fuck.


    One of the yers can step out for Dn to y.


    It might work. If I can figure out a good excuse.


    Yawning tiredly, I pulled the sheets over myself with the idea swimming in my mind.


    Five hours till morning.


    ****


    I groaned loudly at the hard-knock over my door.


    Then it hit me. Friday. The match.


    My lids snapped immediately, I jumped out of bed, checking the time.


    Almost eight.


    I was up thinking I nearly overslept.


    Moving to answer the door, I tied my hair loosely before clicking the lock.


    ¡°Good morning.¡±


    His brows were raised suspiciously, looking over my clothes.


    ¡°Uhm, I won¡¯t take long to get ready.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. My parents can wait. I just wanted to give you this.¡±


    Stretching his hand, he handed a folded shirt to me, biting on the side of his lip.


    Curiously, I let it loose, lowering my head to see what it was.


    A gasp escaped my lips. It¡¯s his jersey. It¡¯s spelt Dn at the back. Then his number 7.


    Wow.


    ¡°I might not get to y, but I still think you should have it.¡±


    It was my turn to bite my lips, a tiny red spot evident on both cheeks.


    ¡°I-I love it.¡±


    I grinned widely.


    ¡°Okay then¡­¡±


    He turned around and left. As soon as he was out of sight, I pulled the shirt to my chest and inhaled his scent.


    *Intoxicating.*


    ****


    ¡°Your bike?¡±


    I asked.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m feeling better. Took some painkillers. I¡¯ll have this hideous band taken off my head tomorrow.¡±


    I chuckled at his frowned face.


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    I say trying to hide my excitement. I¡¯m back on his bike again.


    ¡°This season is confusing. Yesterday it was cold as fuck today the weather is so dusty.¡±


    Hements, reaching for a helmet for me.


    ¡°Yeah¡­.¡±


    I agree with a smile.


    ¡°You¡¯re ying today I assure you.¡±


    He passed me a puzzled look.


    ¡°Just trust me.¡±


    I added smiling reassuringly.


    ****


    We went to school first, since there might be a bus to take the students there. I think everyone is allowed to go today.


    Once he turns off the engine, I¡¯m off the bike in search of the coach.


    There!


    ¡°Coach, can I talk to you for a second.¡±


    I request, taking deep breaths.


    He nods and we move to a corner.


    ¡°We have only thirty per cent chance of winning without Dn. We can¡¯t afford to lose him.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    He says sadly.


    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking and I came up with an idea. If we do it properly, Dn Emerton would be on the field.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I thought that we could say we don¡¯t want another incident, so we want to wear helmets this time around. Those kinds usually conceal your mouth and only your eyes are visible. Then our team would wear headbands in ¡°honour of Dn¡± Then maybe those buffers inside of their pants and shirts so they can all look simr, those things should be provided right?¡±


    I quoted with a smile. I¡¯m a genius.


    ¡°The helmets make sense and it¡¯s only right, the headbands are a little weird but I still don¡¯t get how this helps Dn.¡±


    Still smirking, I narrow my gaze at him.


    ¡°Oh I get it, a team yer can switch positions and Dn can y.¡±


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    I beam, giggling with pride.


    ******


    ¡°The other coach agreed.¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    I eximed happily.


    Barely half an hour before the game.


    ¡°I was thinking Dn shouldn¡¯t be seen by anyone. This is our part of the field and I want to make it seem as though he didn¡¯t attend the match till after, so there¡¯s no suspicion.¡±


    ¡°That makes sense.¡±


    I agreed, still smiling.


    Approaching Dn, I noticed he was in the locker room with the other guys. Pa was there as well, clinging to his arm.


    I scoffed in distaste.


    Sighting me, he slowly detached himself then marched to where I stood.


    ¡°I did it.¡±


    I announced, still grinning.


    ¡°You fucking did it!¡±


    He yells a little loudly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll celebrateter but for now, we need to act fast. You¡¯re taking a normal car, we don¡¯t want anyone to know that you came. When you get there, you¡¯ll have to make sure no one sees you. There would be two locker rooms provided. Sneak into ours and we¡¯ll take it from there.¡±


    ¡°Bossy are we?¡±


    He teases, flicking his tongue over his lower lips.


    ¡°Stay focused Dn.¡±


    I respond trying hard not to smile.


    ¡°Get going now. The bus is about to leave.¡±


    He shakes his head, reaches for his bag then leaves.


    Crossing my arms, I pass a look at Pa who¡¯s still ring.


    Tch.


    ******


    All through the drive, without Dn sadly, Pa did everything to get on my nerves.


    Mocking sounds. Snickers.


    Miranda wasn¡¯t by her side, which got me worried.


    I just hope she¡¯s alright and Pa hasn¡¯t done something crazy.


    As we neared the field, my heart raced.


    The advantage of having more students attend is that slipping through will be easy for Dn.


    I followed the boys to the locker room awaiting Dn¡¯s arrival. He should¡¯ve been right behind us.


    ¡°So what¡¯s the n.¡±


    I jumped out of my skin, facing the other side. Dn was filled with smiles.


    ¡°You put on a helmet. You y the game.¡±


    I beamed then shrugged easily.


    ¡°But what about the guy that¡¯s ying instead of me.¡±


    ¡°Ohe on Dn, you know he isn¡¯t supposed to y at all.¡±


    I flipped my hand.


    ¡°Yeah, but who knows if this has been his prayer. It¡¯s an honour. My slip up made it answer, I won¡¯t feel good if I take it away from him.¡±


    ¡°Dn you can¡¯t be¡­.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll sit this one out.¡±


    A familiar voice dered. I switched my gaze to the direction where it came from.


    ¡°Nate¡­¡±


    I smiled softly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll skip this one out just bring home that trophy.¡±


    Dn nodded firmly.


    ¡°Good. Everything¡¯s settled.¡±


    I sighed in relief and got out so they could change.


    ¡°Onest thing, you avoid Brandon at all costs. Don¡¯t get any ideas.¡±


    I warned then shut the door.


    ****


    The whistle was blown and the game began. I prayed silently we wouldn¡¯t get caught. They all had the headbands and masks on, not to mention their paddings might them all look the same size.


    Fingers crossed.


    ¡°Final whistle and the trophy belongs to Kingston High who have beaten their opponent, Richmond High, leading with six points!¡±


    The announcer cheered.


    Everyone behind, beside, and in front of me stood up to cheer.


    Who knew winning felt this good?


    Slipping through the benches, I shoved and tackled every student in my way, until I reached where most of the yers were.


    Even with the helmet, I knew exactly who he was in the midst of them all.


    ¡°You did it..¡±


    I gushed.


    He took off the helmet, so his lips could be visible.  Hopefully, everyone is engrossed with winning to notice both of us.


    ¡°Not really, it was all you. Everything was made possible because of you. Thank you, Cami.¡±


    His hands reached through the side of my waist, tugged me closer then imed my lips.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Long chapter. I know!!!! Hope you enjoyed it! Drop your thoughts in thement box! Love and kisses!*

 Chapter 64 A Player’s Confession

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY AFTERNOON.


    STARMOON STADIUM.


    Fuck cation and the knowledge that we could get caught at this moment.


    Fuck all my anxieties including one that he might leave me when we move out.


    Screw it that our rtionship remains indefinite even after more than one make-out session.


    We are flub. In our way, Dn and I are just two screwed up teenagers but you know what? Fuck that too.


    We have a record together and somehow, I can¡¯t seem to get rid of him even if I tried, I¡¯m tired of avoiding the inevitable.


    Fuck everything. At this instant, it¡¯s just his lips on mine, any and every other thing is irrelevant and not worth it.


    A little too soon, He pulls away panting and huffing for breath. He just won an entire match. It¡¯s anticipated I guess.


    ¡°You should go change before someone sees.¡±


    I mumbled, leaning further into his chest with my hand over the lines.


    ¡°Yes. Come on.¡±


    He retorted, ridding his throat then pulling me towards the locker room.


    ****


    In the convenience of the locker room, He picked up gently to the awe and amusement of everyone inside.


    The boys are shirtless and cheering for the win, everyone is either wet or screaming, most are both.


    I chuckle as soon as I¡¯m down on my feet.


    My skin is warm and all tingly, electric current gushing through me at this instant.


    I haven¡¯t been this happy in a while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go change, there¡¯s a victory party and you¡¯reing with me because we have a lot to talk about. There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been dying to tell you.¡±


    Ducking his head, he pecks my cheeks then scurries away.


    *Something to tell me?*


    Does he want to ask me out?


    Fuck no. That¡¯s an absurdity. Dn would never settle for someone like me.


    I dock into a corner left with my thoughts and the sound of everyone cheering happily. He sure knows how to exit.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    It¡¯s futile trying to think of it because nothinges to mind.


    I have to wait for him toe back and fill in the nk spaces. I am eager though. Eager and curious. A part of me blushes at the thought of him wanting to you know *to date me*


    ¡°Hello, Cami.¡±


    Brandon utters behind me with a grunt snapping me out of my little Disneynd. I thought this is our locker room only. Ugh.


    I swirl around with a full smirk, taunting him with so much satisfaction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so cocky. We might have lost today but this isn¡¯t over. You and I aren¡¯t over.¡±


    He emphasises, gazing intently.


    I¡¯m shaken, but I don¡¯t let it reach my eyes. The time of his *bullying* is over.


    ¡°Empty threats from a person who¡¯s clearly out of options. You lost Brandon. ept it and move the hell on!¡±


    I clench my teeth then move away before he gets any ideas.


    Then I run into a wall and Dn¡¯s hands are around my waist, gripping me protectively or is it possessively? Can¡¯t think of that now, much less with his cologne filling my nostrils faster than the speed of light.


    ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t have the balls to attend the game. Guess I was wrong.¡±


    I grit my teeth in annoyance. Why the hell did he have toe around?


    ¡°You¡¯re crazier than I thought if you envisioned me missing out on an opportunity tough it up in your face that we beat you. A maniac even.¡±


    I lean into Dn muffling my giggles.


    ¡°Anyways, have fun at the loser party. If there is one. For the next season, just a little tip from the *winners* bring in your best. Focus on trying to be better instead of thinning thepetition, it never works out.¡±


    Dn clicks his tongue probably with one of his smirks, I¡¯m focused on Brandon so I don¡¯t get a glimpse of his face.


    ¡°I texted my parents that we mighte homete so they won¡¯t make a big deal or fuzz about it.¡±


    He mutters, moving to stand beside me.


    ¡°Bye Brandon.¡±


    I tease, pulling Dn out of the locker room before any further exchange of words. It¡¯s too much of a happy day to let Brandon Reede between it. Plus Dn has something important to tell me.


    ¡°Eager much?¡±


    My subconscious teases. I flip her off without much of aeback. She¡¯s me. She¡¯s also right.


    ¡°So what next?¡±


    ¡°We party.¡±


    He mouths, linking our fingers together.


    Our fingers wereced as we moved towards his bike. It¡¯s a good thing be had it brought here. Dn had shifted into a simple shirt and ck jeans. The head warmer was back on and he looked extremely cute in this outfit.


    ****


    We drive around the city till about six pm when the party will begin.


    Dn had texted his parents again about our location, so that wasn¡¯t an issue.


    Inside the party, drinks were flowing freely. We¡¯re at one of the seniors¡¯ houses.


    It¡¯s a frat house where the gates are always open.


    This was certainly a celebration. There¡¯s vodka. Tequi. Wine. Everything except water and my throat is dry.


    ¡°I know I¡¯ve said this before, but I¡¯m grateful for everything you did. Getting me to y and win. Thank you, Cami.¡±


    Our fingers were still intertwined. I shuddered, meeting his soft gaze.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me. It was partially my fault even if you won¡¯t admit it, I would never be able to live with myself if you didn¡¯t y.¡±


    He nodded slowly then sucked in a quick breath.


    ¡°As to what I wanted to talk about¡­¡±


    He wandered off, breaking our hand-holding to reach for his hair.


    Dn¡¯s nervous.


    I pout within me at the loss of contact.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡±


    I stuttered, clearing my throat.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I have to clear up. It¡¯s about the two of us.¡±


    I choked hard. Clear up? That¡¯s not a good way to start the sentence


    ¡°Today will go down in books. Nate Donavon. I had doubts when Dn wasn¡¯t allowed to y, but now Nate proved us all wrong. There are even rumours that a school might offer him a schrship after that y today. Who knows how many advisors were present today.¡±


    I listened keenly to a conversation between two people at the back.


    They didn¡¯t know we were seated nearby.


    Their words are registering in my head and my heart rips apart.


    I didn¡¯t consider one thing while trying to help Dn.


    I was so desperate, I did anything to ensure he yed. I didn¡¯t stop to think he gave glory to someone else.


    Dn yed so expertly, everyone noticed. They think it¡¯s Nate. Nate will get all the praise. Not Dn.


    I¡¯m not Dn but I can only imagine how it will feel. The coach will know but he can¡¯t do shit. Dn will stand there and eat those words, listening to them without being able to react.


    What was I thinking?


    ¡°I need to go get a drink. Do you want?¡±


    I snap my head to his face, it had altered into a small frown.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I reply slowly. He heard them.


    Plopping off the seat, he struts away towards the kitchen leaving me alone to my uncollected thoughts.


    ******


    ¡°Don¡¯t drink please.¡±


    I stretch for the bottle after his third shot.


    ¡°Take a seat, let¡¯s talk about it. Alcohol won¡¯t help.¡±


    I wince at his hard look.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to talk about. It¡¯s selfish of me to be mad.¡±


    He snorts, dropping the ss over the table.


    ¡°It¡¯s not Dn. You did everything, you yed gracefully and he gets to take the credit. It¡¯s not selfish if you¡¯re hurt. You have a right to be.¡±


    cing a hand over his, I tilt my head to meet his eyes. He looks away almost immediately. Now I feel even worse.


    ¡°He volunteered to back down when no one would. He did something selfless for my benefit and now I¡¯m furious, it¡¯s selfish.¡±


    Dn retorts harshly, as though he were scolding himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. He¡¯s might also get a schrship because of you. Not okay. You¡¯re entitled to a pang of pain.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure. I did it again, creating a bigger problem whilst trying to fix one.¡±


    I sigh sadly, knitting our fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll try to fix it.¡±


    I whimper lowly. I have to.


    ¡°Let¡¯s put that aside, we won and I¡¯ll try to remain happy for that fact. At least for now. We were talking about something before all that came about¡­¡±


    I took a deep breath. Moment of truth.


    ¡°I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°I have something to say to you. A few things. I don¡¯t want you to interrupt me till I¡¯m done talking. Don¡¯t say anything. Just listen.¡±


    I nod my head and he breathes out.


    ¡°When you came to live with us, I had mixed feelings about it mostly because there was something about you I couldn¡¯t deduce, I understand why I felt that way now, but there¡¯s something else which I still can¡¯t get. I don¡¯t do rtionships or dates. I¡¯m a yer and that¡¯s it. I¡¯ve been telling myself those words for weeks now, but I know deep down they don¡¯t apply when ites to you. Cami, I¡¯m not sure how or why but I don¡¯t want to y you. I just want you. I don¡¯t know how to express it more than that. Do you even understand what I¡¯m saying or¡­.¡±


    I exhaled and stared at him. He gaped at me awaiting an answer.


    ¡°You said not to interrupt until you¡¯re done¡­¡±


    I blurted out. He twitched his lips then rolled his eyes. Maybe not the best response to that.


    *You think?*


    My inner self chuckled with mischief at my peril.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Not as long as yesterday¡¯s but¡­ First confession of many I can assure you. I can¡¯t wait till Cami¡­ no spoilers!! I¡¯ll update soon. Lol*

 Chapter 65 The Fire Incident [I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY EVENING.


    FRAT HOUSE.


    ¡°You said not to impede you, so I¡¯m not reaching to answer your question.¡±


    I shrugged my shoulder, sipping my drink gradually.


    ¡°I¡¯m done, for now. Cami Renee, resolve my question.¡±


    He dipped his brows, gazing intently.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how long I¡¯ll be at your house, I¡¯m not sure what this is and I can¡¯t make any judgments until I¡¯m 100% sure. Let¡¯s take things as they are. See where it leads us too.¡±


    He lowered his brows, nodding carefully, but the gape of disappointment rested within those lids.


    I doubt anyone will turn down an offer from Dn Emerton which is exactly why I need to think hard before spouting anything.


    Regardless, he did just say he liked me. That¡¯s what I deduce from the entire thing.


    The yer confessed he likes me.


    *Shock waves.*


    ¡°Cami,¡±


    He jerked my hand, sping me back to that reality.


    Heat rose to my left hand and even more when I met his gaze.


    ¡°Should we go home?¡±


    He inquired. Shaking my head in negation, I retrieved the bottle from the ground.


    ¡°Let¡¯s have a drink.¡±


    He tapered his gaze.


    ¡°For one night only.¡±


    I inhaled and exhale, pulling his ss to fill it up then taking a chunk from the bottle directly.


    This is going better than I envisioned it in my head.


    ******


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we y on a prank on ke¡­¡±


    I giggled afterwards, tugging harshly at his shirt.


    ¡°Drunk Cami isn¡¯t my favourite version, let¡¯s go inside.¡±


    His bike was at the lot, his hands wrapped around my waist which was the only thing keeping me from slipping and hitting my butt. Hard.


    I¡¯m stoned.


    ¡°I want to y a prank.¡±


    I slurred, pouting my lips, tugging at the hem of his shirt so he¡¯d face me. We were almost at the front door. Everywhere¡¯s bright from the numerous night lights we have surrounding the house.


    ¡°You¡¯re drunk Cami.¡±


    ¡°Exactly, being drunk makes me daring. Come on, you¡¯ve always wanted to make him squirm a little so why don¡¯t we y a prank on him. The night is still young.¡±


    I smirked.


    ¡°What do you have in mind?¡±


    I pped repeatedly and he chuckled under his breath.


    I propped myself upwards to reach his height then whispered into his breath.


    My breath reeked of alcohol, I hope he didn¡¯t mind.


    ****


    The prank was simple.


    We take away all his underpants and leave them in other ces in his room.


    He had two closets, so we picked one each and got to work.


    I did mine carefully, leaving some under his pillow, inside the drawer close to his dressing mirror.


    Tilting my head, I found Dn by the other closet, gripping something and gazing at it with wide eyes.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I half yelled, swearing underneath my breath, trying not to wake ke up.


    ¡°Mmmm..¡±


    He retorted, barely looking away for a second.


    Striding to where he was, I took a peek over the letter and gasped at the heading alone.


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible.¡±


    I shook my head.


    ¡°It is. Return the clothes. Let¡¯s go ¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    Hemanded. I nodded slowly, turned and did what he said.


    He squeezed the paper inside his palm and stormed away.


    Too tired to follow not to mention the massive headache approaching, I staggered to my room, slipped through the door and made my way to the bed.


    ******


    SATURDAY.


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    I learnt my lesson to always keep some painkillers handy.


    Luckily, I didn¡¯t have chores. I got to sleep in and finally get up hangover free at almost nine pm.


    After a quick shower, I strolled down the stairs following the sweet scent of pancakes, that¡¯s when I heard Mr Emerton speak.


    ¡°You know son. Your skills in ying ser always made us proud but now you went ahead. You shouldn¡¯t have let what happened to destroy that.¡±


    I wince, squeezing my eyes and halting where I stood.


    Dredged moment.


    He was trying to sound polite but his words were hurting Dn.


    ¡°At least I didn¡¯t get expelled.¡±


    Dn blurts out.


    I whimper and everyone else is silent. ke lifts his head to re


    ¡°What?¡±


    His mom was the one to speak up this time.


    ¡°Your star son, ke Emerton got expelled from college. I might be a messed up kid with anger issues, but at least I didn¡¯t get expelled.¡±


    With that, he shoves his chair back and stands up, digging into his pocket for the letter and cing it in front of his father.


    That¡¯s what we foundst night in his room.


    A letter of expulsion. ke isn¡¯t here because he misses his family or a break from college. He¡¯s here because he was expelled for misconduct.


    ¡°Mom, Dad. I can exin¡­¡±


    He starts. His voice is strained and more so, I feel sorry for him.


    Maybe Dn shouldn¡¯t have let his parents know like that. It was not the best choice to make.


    The irony of this situation. They showered ke with so much love, care and attention making him feel the need to be perfect, so much so he couldn¡¯t let his parents know when he made a mistake.


    Taking a turn, I made a way back upstairs to my room. They were having a family moment


    ******


    Laying on my bed, I heard a soft knock followed by a voice.


    ¡°Cami, it¡¯s me. Open up.¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re still talking downstairs now.¡±


    He says, sliding into the group.


    ¡°Great. Now they know how perfect their child is.¡±


    He ced air quotes on perfect.


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have let them know like that Dn.¡±


    He stared at me in disbelief.


    ¡°You¡¯re not honestly on his side now are you?¡±


    ¡°There are no sides Dn. That was something private about his lift and regardless, he should¡¯ve told them himself. Not you.¡±


    I reprimanded, my voice failing me towards the end.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Let me finish.¡±


    I sniffled rting how ke must be feeling to how I would¡¯ve felt.


    If Kyle or anyone that found out went behind my back to tell my parents, I would not be able to take it.


    ke must be broken at this point.


    ¡°I¡¯m saying this because I can rte. I know how it¡¯ll feel disappointing your parents and then I can¡¯t imagine someone else going behind my back to tell them what happened.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m confused Cami, what are you saying?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday, you opened up about something and I guess this time is I¡¯ll open up.¡±


    After I say this, you might look at me differently, but I should tell you to know. The secret will be out sooner rather thanter anyway.¡±


    I said and exhaled.


    ¡°The fire that burnt my house down, it wasn¡¯t a mistake or an ident. Not in the way everyone thinks at least. It was my fault. I had a huge hand in what happened that night. I¡¯m the reason we¡¯re here. The reason why my parents lost a lot. It¡¯s all on me.¡±


    I confessed, tears welling up in my eyes at the end of it.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *I was mostly tired today, couldn¡¯t update earlier. Much love*


    *Anyway, what do you think about Dn¡¯s reporting? Justified or¡­?*

 Chapter 66 The Fire Incident [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION


    SATURDAY.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡±


    I scoffed, a peel ofughter slipping out through my spread lips.


    ¡°Exin because I¡¯ve never been more confused in my entire life.¡±


    Hoisting one hand, I urged him to settle, giving myself a moment or two to calm down as well.


    ¡°My parents weren¡¯t always like this. I was an only child and at some point, I was loved heartily. Then they began taking trips every month, leaving me with a nanny or most times forgetting to get one and I was fed up. Two years ago I went to that party because I wanted to show them I¡¯m rebellious.¡±


    I chortle at my words.


    ¡°We all know how that turned out. As though my list of bad choices wasn¡¯t enough, I added one more. That night they were out to God knows were, I got angry and stormed away while something was cooking and well you know the rest.¡±


    He puffed. I left out the Kyle part for good reasons. I¡¯m not prepared to tell him Kyle had me distracted. Too much drama for one day.


    ¡°You must think I¡¯m a failure, well you would not be so far off. I am. I demolished our house. I wreck things.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not a failure Cami. Horrible things happen.¡±


    He rose from the bed, reaching for me.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I fastened, repelling away almost immediately.


    ¡°Bad things don¡¯t just happen, they happen because people had a hand in it, I had a hand in that. Don¡¯t you see?¡±


    I squinted my lids, inclining my head as we gazed at each other.


    ¡°Cami. Things that are meant to happen will happen regardless of our involvement. If your house went down, it¡¯s because it was meant to.¡±


    ¡°Bull¡±


    I swore, scoffing again.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°It¡¯s not. It¡¯s how things are designed. Why do people die then? Good people. Lovely people who haven¡¯t done one single bad thing. Why do babies die during birth? It¡¯s because they were meant to. It hurts sometimes. It rips us apart most times. We aren¡¯t the same anymore, we often me ourselves but you must understand that there are much bigger forces, I¡¯m not the religious type but I get that much. If something happens, it¡¯s because it has already been set in stone. We can¡¯t change it.¡±


    I choked on a tear. His words dawned on me.


    ¡°It does not heal the wound inside of me or make me feel less guilty.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point of telling you, Cam.¡±


    He breathed. I blinked again.


    Cam. I loved the sound of that.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you so you don¡¯t hate yourself for all of eternity.¡±


    He affirmed, taking another step.


    ¡°Thank you, Dn.¡±


    I mouthed as he reached where I stood, spreading both hands and pulling me straight into his arms.


    ¡°As for your parents, they deserve the truth. No one deserves to be lied to. No one at all. Talk to them, exin your side of the story and then you ask for forgiveness. They are your parents, they¡¯ll have to forgive you even if it takes a while but they will.¡±


    I twitched. Kyle had the exact stance and I nned on telling me. I agreed to wine and Dinner, then they came up with arson and all that went down the drain. I guess you can¡¯t run from your problems. Not as long as I¡¯d like to.


    Ugh.


    ¡°What if they don¡¯t?¡±


    I muttered my sad question.


    ¡°There¡¯s more. The insurancepany has refused to pay and there¡¯s a case. I was going to tell them, but then they revealed the cops think it¡¯s arson, I¡¯m scared I might be in even bigger trouble.¡±


    ¡°Fuck Cami!¡±


    He screeched, pulling my shoulders out of his chest so I could face him. Then, his hands went to my cheeks, palming my face.


    ¡°Why the hell didn¡¯t you tell me this sooner? This isn¡¯t a tiny case any longer. They have the cops involved and you¡¯re ying a very bad game of chicken. It¡¯s only a matter of time before you are caught. It¡¯s game over. I don¡¯t want to see you hurt. I won¡¯t be able to bear it, please tell them and end-all of this.¡±


    His eyes were pleading, gawking intently at mine which was watered up already.


    Still, between his palm, I bobbed slowly, gasping afterwards.


    He let go then pulled me back in. I couldn¡¯t hold it in much longer, I broke out in tiny sobs, my shoulders raking. My heart is torn apart.


    ¡°They¡¯re your parents and they love you. Even if they don¡¯t show it and you don¡¯t feel it, they do love you. There¡¯s one under the thing you should know; the truth alwayses out. It can¡¯t be hidden forever. Use our past, for example, you hide it for two years, we went to the same school, our paths crossed, you even began living with me under the same roof, but as I said when it was time, the truth revealed itself because it can¡¯t remain a secret. Not for good. The best thing is to take control of the narrative, tell them before someone else does. I will be right here with you. Every step of the way.¡±


    I nod my head and lean into him as far as I can go.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell them.¡±


    I answer, encircling my arms around his chest.


    It¡¯s scing. My life feels as though it¡¯s falling apart and resting in Dn¡¯s arms are the onlyfort I can enjoy now.


    Minutester, I pulled away to face him.


    It¡¯s time.


    Sucking a sharp breath, I nodded one more time then parted my lips to speak.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go give them a call.¡±


    ¡°You want to tell it over the phone?¡±


    He twitched his lips teasingly.


    ¡°No, definitely not.¡±


    I chuckled releasing a little tension which I suppose was his aim.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell them toe home for just one day. I¡¯ll say it¡¯s urgent and hope they listen.¡±


    I pressed down on my lips, shaking like a leaf.


    ¡°They will.¡±


    He affirmed, stepping forward to squeeze my hands. I forced a small smile at his reassurance, resisting the urge to hug him again. I need to make the call now before something else stops me.


    ¡°Thanks a lot, Dn. Before I forget, you owe your brother an apology. It wasn¡¯t your ce to tell your parents. You should apologize. I hope you do, and maybe both of you could talk. As brothers.¡±


    I plopped my legs, pecking his cheeks as he would mine.


    Retreating, I took a small spin and made for the door leaving him standing in the middle of the room


    I¡¯m as confident as a girl on prom night, which entails I¡¯m nervous as hell but I will do it.


    ****


    In the closures of my room, I searched for my cellphone. With each sound of the dial tone, I shook tremendously. After dialling her number, yes I¡¯m calling my mother. It¡¯s always mom you call when you¡¯re frightened or in trouble. I¡¯m both of them currently.


    We¡¯ve grown apart from the mommy¡¯s girl I used to be.


    A sad smile takes my demeanour as memories of our past invades my memory


    If I¡¯m able to earn their forgiveness, I¡¯d like to get close again. It¡¯s never toote.


    *You can do this.*


    A sharp intake of breathter, I click on the call button and try to practice my words.


    She takes me by surprise and answers almost immediately.


    *Wow.*


    ¡°Hi, mom.¡±


    I greeted nervously, smiling lowly.


    ¡°Hi dear.¡±


    She beamed and I sniffled. She¡¯ll be extremely disappointed.


    ¡°Cami, is something wrong?¡±


    She asked gently.


    ¡°Actually. There is something I need to tell you. I was hoping you and dad coulde back tomorrow for a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Can it wait? Your dad and I¡­¡±


    ¡°No mom. Please.¡±


    I begged, cutting her off before she¡¯d finish.


    ¡°Alright, my dear. I¡¯ll tell your dad about it. We¡¯ll be home tomorrow.¡±


    My heart jumped a little. Okay. That¡¯s done.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Good-bye, mom.¡±


    I ended the call and slowly redrew into my bed. In twenty-four hours I might be signing my death warrant. I¡¯ve been running from the truth for so long, now that it¡¯s in front of me, I¡¯m scared.


    I¡¯m terrified of what¡¯ll happen tomorrow. Their reactions when the truth slips out from my lips. Their faces as they realise their daughter is capable of such atrocities.


    *What if they don¡¯t forgive you?*


    A voice whispers slowly, I seat up with my knees joined together, my hands folded at the back of my head, lowered over myps.


    *I¡¯d just have to live with those consequences then.*


    I whisper back then sob lightly.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Yesterday was a terrible day. Apologies for breaking the update. Will TRY to drop a second chapterter today if I can. Drop your thoughts on what you think. Xoxo.*

 Chapter 67 Pleasurable Distractions

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION


    SATURDAY.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Gasping, I lifted my head abruptly following the sound, my gaze was fixed at the door.


    Maybe it¡¯s my imagination.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Dn¡¯s voice sounded the second time. I hopped off the bed,nding on one foot, nearly missing the second foot. Quickly, I held the beddings, stabling myself.


    He¡¯s outside.


    Wiping both cheeks, I rushed towards the door, exhaled then unlocked it.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    He called softly. My lips were quivering, struggling to keep all my emotions at bay.


    ¡°Are you okay¡­¡±


    ¡°N-No.¡±


    I choked on my tears.


    ¡°Cam¡­¡±


    Practically rushing into his arms, I encircled my arms around his torso, rxing my head over his chest


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    He cooed, straightening my tangled strands.


    It didn¡¯t feel like I would.


    ¡°My entire world is falling apart.¡±


    I grumbled, my voice wobbling.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    Tilting my cheeks, I squirted my eyes to maintain his gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯m here.¡±


    He repeated softly.


    ¡°I want to see Miranda.¡±


    I blurted then pulled away.


    ¡°If I¡¯m going to screw up everything, then I might as well add it to the list. It¡¯s been a while and I¡¯m worried about her.¡±


    He nodded,cing our fingers together.


    ¡°Do you want me to tag along?¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s been a messy day for you as well. You have to talk with your brother. This is something I need to do alone.¡±


    He nodded once more.


    ¡°Be careful. I¡¯ll be right here waiting for you to return.¡±


    I slipped back in his embrace, shutting my eyes so I could enjoy it for a second or two.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    I pulled away, sniffling.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Lifting my hand, he ced a little kiss over the top. My heart fluttered at his gesture.


    I withdrew into my room and grabbed the things I needed before cing a call to her.


    ******


    We agreed to meet at an alley after much back and forth. She changed a little. Unlike Miranda who prefers trousers, she was wearing a in skirt and loose shirt. I wonder why. Pa¡¯s doing I fear


    ¡°I can¡¯t stay out for long.¡±


    She stated loosening me out of my trance.


    ¡°You¡¯re seventeen Miranda. You fucking own your own life. I know you¡¯re scared for your mom but aren¡¯t you fed up? I¡¯m saying this because I¡¯ve had my fair share of realisations today and it¡¯s not funny. You need to take charge before it gets toote. Trust me, I know.¡±


    I paused.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of having to be mocked and controlled?¡±


    I asked tenderly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you felt the same way but you¡¯re the first friend I¡¯ve had in a long time. Whenever you¡¯re ready to stand up to her, I will be right there beside you. That¡¯s all I need you to know ¡±


    I paused again and she sniffled.


    ¡°You¡¯re not a pawn Miranda. You¡¯re smart, intelligent, beautiful and you¡¯re in charge of your world. Don¡¯t let nobody rule it for you.¡±


    This time, she faced me nodding repeatedly.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Whenever you¡¯re ready. I¡¯m behind you. I won¡¯t let you get bullied anymore. This has to stop and it will.¡±


    ¡°It will.¡±


    She murmured in response.


    ¡°I miss you too. I¡¯m sorry about the mean words I said. I didn¡¯t mean it.¡±


    I spread my arms so she could embrace me. Slowly, she slid towards me, hugging me since we were about the same height.


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep in touch. I¡¯lle up with a n and let you know. Thank you, Cami.¡±


    I nodded, releasing a deep breath. One good thing about today at least.


    ****


    Surprisingly, I enter the living room and everyone is gathered. The smile stered over my face slowly dissolved.


    Everyone was here. Everyone.


    Dn. His parents. ke.


    Oh no. Maybe if I slip away they won¡¯t notice.


    ¡°Cami, I¡¯m d you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    I blurted because technically, I¡¯m not part of the family. This seems like a family issue.


    ¡°Yes. We have something we wanted to say. ke and Dn were already speaking, but we wanted to talk first.¡±


    His mom added. Dn went to ke. I didn¡¯t think he would. How did it turn out? I¡¯m highly curious.


    I plopped on the couch already sweating.


    ¡°Firstly, I want to apologise to you Dn.¡±


    His dad began. It took everything not to gasp.


    That was unexpected.


    Dn shrugged his shoulders, maintaining a straight face.


    Mr Emerton exhaled a little then continued speaking.


    ¡°I never noticed how little attention we pay to you. It was never our intention to make you feel unloved in any way. We love both of you.¡±


    Dn sucked in a harsh breath, gazed at his father for a second then looked.


    How did they know how Dn had been feeling?


    ¡°I¡¯m also sorry for making it seem like youpete with your brother. For better grades, trophies and most importantly, for our affection. We paid attention to ke more but we never loved him more than you, we just thought you were doing so well on your own, ke always needed a helping hand. It¡¯s our fault for now realising how hurtful that must have been. I¡¯m so sorry.¡±


    Dn kept gazing towards the kitchen. Slowly, he turned to me.


    His eyes were filled with pain.


    I blinked mine, the sudden urge tofort him stronger than anything I¡¯ve felt.


    ¡°I asked you to stay because I want to especially thank you, Cami. You came into the house and since you¡¯ve brought joy especially to Dn. I haven¡¯t had time to appreciate you which is why I¡¯m saying it now. Thank you so much.¡±


    That was his mother. I couldn¡¯t stop blinking my lids. I did not see that approaching. Did I do so much to him?


    We shared a look once more. His gaze had softened a little.


    ¡°Dn, we hurt you but we¡¯re asking for your forgiveness. You¡¯re our son. We are your¡­¡±


    ¡°Parents?¡±


    He finished with a scoff.


    I flinched, finally, he speaks.


    Turning to meet their gazes, I feared for the worse. He¡¯s mad. He¡¯s furious.


    ¡°Tell me, if ke had continued to be the star student you thought of him as would you even dare to do this. If the expulsion hadn¡¯te, will this ¡°intervention¡± happen? Without thinking, the answer is ¡°No¡±. You may think your eyes are open but they aren¡¯t actually. ke will get better, he¡¯ll apply to a new college so please by all means father, mother, wait for him and continue your love. This apology means nothing. You¡¯re a little toote.¡±


    His mom gasped at his words, his dad said nothing, pulling her towards him.


    I was speechless. He¡¯s hurt, he¡¯s saying all these because he¡¯s hurt.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be in my room. I have projects I need to work on.¡±


    With that, he simply walked out on them.


    Follow or stay behind? Those were two options currently in my mind.


    If I follow him, I mighte off as rude. His dad did say to wait behind. On the other hand, if I did stay behind Dn would most definitely act out and I¡¯ll be worried.


    Fuck it.


    Nodding at both of them, I got up and made for his room.


    ****


    From the other side of the door, I heard groans and grunts.


    I can bet you anything he¡¯s on that punching bag.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He called with my folded fists in mid-air. I hadn¡¯t even knocked.


    ¡°I can hear you breathing¡­¡±


    He added making me giggle. He can¡¯t possibly hear me breathing. Right?


    ¡°Or you can see the outline of my feet through the opening and the bottom of the door.¡±


    I lowered my head and the shadow of my feet was visible.


    ¡°That too.¡±


    He joked.


    We both chuckled when I heard the door click.


    ¡°You know I hate you seeing me when I¡¯m in his state.¡±


    I stared at a semi shirtless Dn trying hard not to gape.


    *Well I don¡¯t mind. Not really, I get to see him shirtless which is hot.*


    I kept that part to myself. He released the door fully so I could get in, the punching bag already insight.


    The moment I got in, he mmed the door shut, tugged me forcefully then caged me over the door, both of my hands secured by his.


    I was forced to meet his gaze and might I say, it was hard. Once I got a nce, I had to lower my head and they were fixed my eyes on those abs, looking away was harder.


    ¡°Hi¡­¡±


    He snickered, tone reeking with amusement.


    ¡°And what¡¯s so funny?¡±


    I bounced back to his eyes, ring at him.


    ¡°Oh, nothing. Nothing at all.¡±


    He says then let me out. I breathed in relief and moved to the centre.


    I was right, he was on the punching bag. I moved towards it giving a light punch.


    Dn startedughing. I turned back with a massive re.


    ¡°You¡¯reughing at me?¡±


    He inclined his head with a smirk.


    ¡°You hit like a girl.¡±


    He moved towards me, pinching my nose.


    ¡°I am a girl you dumb ass.¡±


    I rolled my eyes making him chuckle.


    ¡°Ok then well you hit weakly, this is how it¡¯s done.¡±


    He threw one punch at the bag, it shook terribly and so did I.


    He plopped on his bed afterwards, I tried again only making Dnugh harder.


    ¡°Stop it.¡±


    I whined.


    ¡°Okay, okay. What do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°Teach me how to punch.¡±


    I demanded with my hands on my hips.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t know. It¡¯s cool and who knows who I might have to hit in the future. Maybe Dn Emerton.¡±


    I grinned mischievously.


    ¡°Alright then,e here.¡±


    I eagerly went to his side. He ced his hands on my waist making both hands steady.


    ¡°Thrust your hips forward them hit as hard as you can.¡±


    His voicemanded directly into my ear. It was very distracting.


    ¡°O-okay.¡±


    I stuttered doing as I was told. The first one came out weak, I followed his instructions doing better on the second and third. By the fourth, I was almost as good as Dn. Well not nearly, but a girl can dream.


    ¡°Good job Ren¨¦e¡±


    Hemends behind me. Even myst name sounds sexying from his lips.


    ¡°What next?¡±


    I chirped gushing with excitement.


    ¡°I get to do something else.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s¡­.¡±


    I trailed off when he spun me around and crashed his lips fiercely over mine.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Daily updates are backkkkkkk. Please drop yourments. Xoxo.*

 Chapter 68 Her Time Is Up

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SATURDAY.


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION.


    His possessive side is out again, epassing me between his bed while seating in front of me.


    My hands knitted together, buckling his sheets between my hands.


    Somehow we got to the bed and let¡¯s just say the making out has gotten a little more intense


    I¡¯m attaining more enthusiasm these days by lifting his shirt and tossing it off myself.


    Even more, I got my hands off his sheets and circled them around his neck, heaving my waist forward so there wasn¡¯t any gap left.


    Now I wish he¡¯ll make the next move and do something. Anything.


    Gasping lowly, I pulled away sucking at my bottom lip.


    ¡°D-Dn¡­¡±


    I jerked.


    ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±


    *He doesn¡¯t*


    Laying beside me, he took my hand and made me rest on his chest which is the exact opposite of what I wanted. I¡¯ll just have to settle for this I guess.


    Striving to calm my breathing, I whirl and tilt my head to face him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bring up something to ruin this moment.¡±


    He says, rubbing his nose against the base of my neck.


    I giggle and tear away from his skin.


    ¡°Too bad.¡±


    Still seating on the bed, I cross my hand against my chest, thankful that my messy hair hadn¡¯te undone.


    For once I¡¯m happy I¡¯m in baggy clothes, can¡¯t help but feel a little self-conscious when he touches me.


    ¡°Two things.¡±


    I began, clearing my throat harshly.


    ¡°My parents will be home tomorrow, I¡¯ll talk with them and since we are on the topic of family. What did you say to ke?¡±


    He blew out, rxing over the floorboard, spreading both arms. I gulp seemingly distracted.


    ¡°Take a picture. My phone is right over there.¡±


    He teases with one of his usual smirks.


    I scowl, turning my gaze away from his body.


    There was silence for a few seconds until he finally spoke up.


    ¡°I spoke to ke. I already apologised and for a second maybe we could¡¯ve talked like actual brothers until my mother and father walked in. As for them, I can¡¯t say our rtionship is at its best now. I can¡¯t be convinced otherwise that they only want to attempt to fix me because they¡¯ve realised ke isn¡¯t all that. In their twisted sense, they think I could be the next ke or something. If I want my parents to love me, it¡¯ll be for who I am. Not who they want me to be.¡±


    I blink my lids repetitively.


    Before I could move on to the second, a knock came at the door.


    My eyes turned wide at the thought of someone seeing us like this.


    Could it be ke maybe?


    The embarrassment will be less if it¡¯s him.


    He groaned before leaving the bed.


    ¡°Put on a shirt.¡±


    I gritted my teeth harshly.


    ¡°Calm down. Are you scared of what they¡¯ll think?¡±


    I red harder.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    He resolved, picking up his shirt then tossing it over his head.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    He says opening the door. Mom? Fuck no.


    ¡°I¡¯m not here for you. I understand you don¡¯t want to speak to me right now. I¡¯m here for Cami.¡±


    I heard her voice from the hall. My heart jumped from its cage. Did she just say she¡¯s here for me?


    I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s worse. The fact that she wants to speak with me or she knows I¡¯m in her son¡¯s room, granted she saw me leaving, but still I¡¯m in his room.


    Fuck me.


    Dn opened the door fully, standing and grinning with an unknown source of delight. I¡¯ll smack him.


    ¡°Cami, may I talk to you for a minute in the hall.¡±


    She says still standing in the hall, I can hear her clear as day. Her damn voice won¡¯t stop echoing in the back of my head as well.


    This must be one if not the most difiting moment of my life. What could she perhaps want?


    Getting over the bed, I neaten my hair a little in case it got ruffled during the kiss.


    ring at Dn for the nth time, I slowly move towards the door to speak with his mother.


    Wow. This is my life now?


    ****


    ¡°How do I even begin this¡­¡±Property ? 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.


    I stand straight, joining my hands together while waiting for her to begin.


    ¡°It seems you and my son are together¡­¡±


    She trailed off after making my eyes bulge out of their socket?


    What the? Is she here to scold me? Will she tell my parents? Has she already?


    Fuck no.


    ¡°Umm Mrs Emerton¡­.¡±


    I squirmed slightly tongue-tied.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s quite alright Cami. You need not exin yourself.¡±


    She chuckled, reassuring me just a little. I¡¯m mostly quivering.


    ¡°I have a favour to ask. That¡¯s why I asked you here. It¡¯s a huge favour. I¡¯m only positive you can do it.¡±


    This is getting more interesting by the second.


    ¡°I was hoping you could find a way to talk to Dn. Convince him to seat down with me and his father. You don¡¯t need to do it, I came here to ask for your help. I¡¯ll understand if you can¡¯t.¡±


    Her eyes were pleading. I can¡¯t tell her no. It¡¯ll crush her. She¡¯s his mother.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make any promises because now Dn is hurt and angry, but I¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Cami, this means the world to us.¡±


    I nodded softly, considering I might not even be able to pull through with it.


    ¡°I will leave both of you now. Thank you once again.¡±


    She pressed her lips into a straight line before walking away.


    I stood outside of Dn¡¯s room taking my time to summon the courage and go back in.


    ¡°So, did you two talk about painting your nails?¡±


    He arched his brows. I shook my head in negation cringing at what woulde next.


    ¡°She wanted me to talk to you about what¡¯s happening.¡±


    There was silence then after a few seconds ofughter. Dn threw his head back and beganughing. Hard.


    ¡°Well, we just talked about them so you said no right?¡±


    I swallowed the lump in my throat.


    ¡°Right Cami?¡±


    He repeated inclining his head to stare.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t say no to her Dn. She begged me. They aren¡¯t asking for much, possibly a seat down. All of you including ke.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything Cami.¡±


    He said, his tone reeking of finality.


    ¡°You can¡¯t ask me to do this. Not this soon.¡±


    His tone fell and he gulped as well.


    ¡°One hour max, just seat at the same table with them.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t and I don¡¯t want to Cami. Don¡¯t push it¡±


    He hardened his voice, crossing his arms over his chest.


    ¡°But Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°Stop.¡±


    He stated firmly.


    ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll leave you alone since that¡¯s how you¡¯d want to remain.¡±


    I waited for him to refrain me. He didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    He responded afterwards.


    I scoffed lowly, shook my head slightly and stormed out of his room.


    ****


    SUNDAY.


    EMERTON¡¯S MANSION


    After I argued with Dn, I locked myself in my room for the rest of the day, avoided dinner and rested.


    Since my parents were on their way here, I skipped morning mass and waited for their arrival. Also, the house is on thin ice with ke¡¯s expulsion among others, I would prefer if I was alone.


    My phone beeped over my best side table. I turned in bed to peek at the screen.


    ¡°We might be running a littlete.¡±


    I scoffed after reading. Of course, they¡¯re runningte.


    Laying on the bed with absolutely nothing to do, my tummy grumbled in hungry. I ignored it and tried to force myself back to sleep.


    **ONE HOUR LATER**


    The hunger had intensified and was bing unbearable. I had to walk outside and find something to eat downstairs. It¡¯s been an entire day since I had actual food.


    Just as I was about to make some cereal, my eyes darted towards the door and the bowl slipped from my grip.


    From the little opening in the kitchen, I sighted three officers walking into the house and speaking with Mr Emerton.


    A memory shed in my head and I recall one of them from that night.


    The night of the fire. Oh fuck. Fuck me.


    What are they doing here? I began trembling fearing that the worse might just have happened.


    My time is up.


    ¡°Miss Renee, we have some questions for you. If you don¡¯t mind talking to us.¡±


    One of them announced but my mind was more focused on the car noise outside. My parents are here. The cops are here as well. *Double trouble*


    My time is up. They know. They must know. What are they going to do now? What will my parents say now?


    *****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *A busy day sote updates. Apologies. Drop what you¡¯re thinking in the box below. Xoxo.*

 Chapter 69 Her Arrest

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SUNDAY.


    EMERTON¡¯S RESIDENCE.


    I moved backwards, maybe I¡¯ll find sce in the kitchen, I did however maintain a vignt gaze at the officer. I¡¯ve seen how they treat criminals?


    *Was I a criminal?* Possibly.


    Mr Emerton had appeared from behind, his gaze motioning from the officers to mine.


    My parents can¡¯t be far back.


    The other two looked like they preferred to shove me in prison, while the man from the night of the fire kept a straight face, but I could see a little pity at the back of his eyes.


    Just then, my mother and father strolled in.


    Perfect. My impending doom has appeared.


    ¡°Officers. Good afternoon.¡±


    Mom greets them cautiously offering each of them a smile. She sent me a weird look and so did dad. They don¡¯t know yet. If only these officers had arrived an hourter, or if mother and father weren¡¯t so damn tardy for once. Fuck me.


    ¡°Is there a problem here?¡±


    Dad asked sternly. I shook in fright even though the question wasn¡¯t proposed to me.


    ¡°There is. In the case of the fire which took your house, we¡¯ve discovered new evidence, your daughter has be a person of interest. We¡¯d like tomunicate with her.¡±


    ¡°Unbelievable. You were just going toe in here and arrest her! Without notifying her parents!? I doubt that¡¯ll go well with her rights.¡±


    Mom snapped with an aggressive re.


    ¡°She¡¯s not under arrest. Yet. We¡¯re just taking her in for questioning.¡±


    He replied, twitching his lips. Dad held her by her arm, preventing her from doing any further damage while I stepped out of the kitchen.


    Mr Emerton resided silent, crossing his arms over his chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see a warrant, you cannot take her without one. She¡¯s not going anywhere.¡±


    Father added and I sighed in relief. They can¡¯t possibly have a warrant right?


    ¡°It isn¡¯t an arrest. We were hoping she woulde in willingly.¡±


    The officer from that night spoke softly. Mother turned to him, hissing a little too loudly.


    ¡°She¡¯s not going anywhere with you unless you have a warrant. Come back when you get one. Officers.¡±


    They bobbed quickly, striding out of the house. Once the door clipped shut, I released a sharp breath. One I¡¯ve been holding since their arrival.


    I ran to my mother¡¯s side, clutching my hands around her waist.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay baby.¡±


    She assured, pecking my forehead, her hands stuck in my hair smoothening my curls.


    I heard footsteps striding down the stairs, I couldn¡¯t hear who it was since my head remained over her bosom.


    ¡°They can¡¯t do anything to you. You¡¯ll be fine. They¡¯re desperate to find a culprit so they¡¯ve turned into bullies.¡±


    She clenched her jaw. I gulped hard. My mother still thinks I¡¯m her innocent child. I¡¯m guilty of what they¡¯re using me of. I sniffled then lifted my head.


    My gaze was fixed and locked on Dn¡¯. He nodded slightly. That¡¯s my cue. It was all I needed. It¡¯s time to tell them the truth. Things are already out of hand anyway.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, may I talk to you about something?¡±


    I gulped.


    Dad shook his head in affirmation and mom brushed her fingertips over my face.


    They don¡¯t know I¡¯m about to ruin their image of me. *For good.*


    On the way back to my room, I prayed hard. I didn¡¯t have one point, I just prayed for everything to turn out fine.


    We got there and shut the door behind us.


    Nervous as hell, I began fidgeting with my fingers, shifting over to the hem of my shirt, folding and unfolding it, my head drooped as I¡¯m unable to look my parents in the eye.


    *I¡¯m disgusted by myself.*


    ¡°Is there something wrong darling?¡±


    ¡°You two were always away. Business trips and events, I grew up as an angry child and that weekend you travelled. I was alone in the house, the cook had left me with something I detested or there was no food at home, I can¡¯t even recall much, but I went into the kitchen that night¡­¡±


    I started, raising my head and holding my breath.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused, you said you were in your room¡­¡±


    Mother replied, blinking her eyes slowly.


    ¡°I lied.¡±


    I retorted quickly causing her to gasp, but this was merely the beginning. What¡¯sing next will rip her heart to shreds.


    ¡°Cooking wasn¡¯t a problem since I¡¯ve done it more with the trips. I turned on the gas and tried to heat something. It was taking too long, so I wandered upstairs and got my phone. I kept chatting with a friend, and in doing so, I left the food. It slipped my mind. When the smoke rm went off, it was toote, I was distraught and confused. I couldn¡¯t think of what to do, I didn¡¯t know who to call, so I ran. I ran outside and the neighbours did the rest. That¡¯s the truth.¡±


    I confessed, sniffling lowly.


    I zoned on their faces, trying to read their expressions and get something. Anything.


    Anger, disappointment or maybe even pain. I needed to see how they felt but there was nothing. Not even shocked. I think they¡¯re numb.


    ****Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I didn¡¯t look away.


    I gazed frantically, pleading with my eyes for them to wake up from the trance I just put them in.


    ¡°Mom. Dad. Please say something.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s worse dear.¡±


    Dad spoke up, scoffing then shaking his head lightly.


    ¡°The fact that you did something and put your mother and me in one of the hardest ordeals of our lives, or that you had no shame to let us know. You had to keep it a secret for this long. Do you know how much torture it has been!?¡±


    I flinched at my own father¡¯s harsh words, tears gathering quickly.


    ¡°Dad¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t!¡±


    He yelled. I trembled, a tear or two falling out.


    ¡°How could you be so silly? So immature!? How!?¡±


    He thundered, scolding me further.


    ¡°I never meant to¡­¡±


    I shook my head furiously.


    ¡°You never meant to? Seriously? You never meant to burn your house down on purpose. They can charge you for arson and you might go to prison! If you had told us earlier, we wouldn¡¯t have pursued the case. Now they¡¯ll think we didn¡¯t know which is correct, they¡¯ll think you¡¯re just a spoilt brat who burned her house down to get back at her parents, maybe they aren¡¯t so wrong after all.¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡±


    I argued, shaking my head vindictively.


    I turned to my mother who kept mute throughout my father¡¯s rant.


    She can¡¯t possibly believe I did it on purpose.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t burn the house on purpose. I could never do something like that!¡±


    I raised my head, nearly choked by my tears.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe you.¡±


    Father answered, shredding my heart apart.


    ¡°I have no idea how on earth I am going to solve this. I¡¯ll try to withdraw all the cases we¡¯ve filed. The fire is burning and I¡¯m not sure we can put it out. The irony.¡±


    Father announced with a deep scoff, raging out of the room.


    ¡°Mom¡­¡±


    I cried. Her eyes stared at me with pity, she seemed as though she wanted to hug me,fort me, but she didn¡¯t. She trailed behind dad and left.


    I fell to the ground, my heart pounding furiously, head throbbing harshly and with my entire room spinning, I shut my eyes and let the tears trickle out.


    *ONE HOUR LATER.*


    With my life falling apart before my eyes, I struggled to stand then left my room, blinking back my tears in search of Dn.


    He wasn¡¯t in his room.


    I took the stairs down and ran my eyes over the living room.


    My heart kept mming against my chest. I might faint soon. The room is spinning fast. I need to speak with Dn.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    I breathed, sighting himing from the backyard.


    His eyes swept over my body, rushing over to my side. My lips trembled as he approached. Can this just be one really bad dream? *Please*


    Just about the same time, a knock came through at the front door. Fuck!


    I whimpered underneath my breath, Dn¡¯s handsced carefully with mine.


    He moved towards the door, clicked the knob and opened it. I hid behind him, shaking like a leaf.


    ¡°Cami Ren¨¦e we have a warrant for your arrest and questioning.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck is she being charged for!¡±


    Dn yelled, tightening his hold over my hand.


    *Arrest.* I¡¯m going to prison. I¡¯m going to an actual prison.


    ¡°Miss Ren¨¦e is being charged with third-degree arson. She needs toe with us now.¡±


    My life is over. I¡¯m dead. I¡¯m fucking screwed. My throat is dry. My head is banging. I think I¡¯m going to vomit.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Had a busy day yesterday, couldn¡¯t update much. Apologies. Please I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts.*

 Chapter 70 Juvenile Detention

    **DYLAN EMERTON**


    -ONE HOUR EARLIER.


    Cami¡¯s parents deterred me upon sighting, I was just about to enter her room, but from their faces, they had done something crazy already.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be astounded to find out you had a hand in my daughter¡¯s mishaps.¡±


    ¡°Ren¨¦e!¡±


    Her mother cautioned, clutching his hand.


    I scoffed, daring to press my lips in a small line. The nerve of him.


    ¡°Your daughter¡¯s mishaps? Of course, parents me their children for the manifestations of their mistakes. You¡¯re no different.¡±


    I spat, scowling severely.


    ¡°Do not test me, boy. Your father and I might be friends..¡±


    ¡°Yes. Best friends. Of course. You¡¯re cut from the same cloth of being terrible parents.¡±


    I countered. Instead of smacking me for my outrage, his demeanour changed instantly. My words must have struck deep.


    ¡°If Cami burned the house down, it was only a ripple effect of the fact that you failed as a parent. I am not saying she isn¡¯t to me, but you will not get to take the high and mighty road, neglecting your involvement in it. She did it by ident. She would never destroy her home like that. If you believe otherwise, it¡¯s sad that you hardly know your daughter. I¡¯ve spent what? A month tops with her and I know her more than you who have spent seventeen years with her. Oh sorry, when you count the time spent with her, it amounts to less than a year.¡±


    With every word slipping through my lips, I watched as her parent¡¯s thought hard. When I was done, I slipped past both of them and went outside. I need some air. I need all the air I can get.


    **PRESENT TIME**


    ¡°You need to let here with us now. We have the warrant.¡±


    The leading officer spoke fiercely, stepping into the house.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I answered determined as hell to fight them off if that¡¯s what it¡¯ll take.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not careful, we¡¯ll arrest you for obstruction¡­¡±


    ¡°I would very much like to see you try.¡±


    I stepped forward, blocking his path. It pays to be tall enough.


    ¡°Dn. No!¡±


    Cami shrieked behind me, stepping up.


    ¡°I will go with them. Just let my parents know. If they care enough toe to the station.¡±


    She strode along, one of the officers tugging her hand and in so disengaging ours.


    ¡°No¡­.¡±


    I whimpered softly.


    I watched them take her away, her figure receding slowly into the cop¡¯s car.


    ¡°Father!¡±


    I boomed at the top of my voice.


    ****


    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    -HOURS LATER.


    ¡°Miss Ren¨¦e, we have here your statement from the night of the fire and officer Dean who took the said statement, do you remember him?¡±


    I lifted my head to see the middle-aged officer from that night. My mind shed back to him covering my skin with a jacket. A sad smile reached my lips.


    I nodded quickly.


    ¡°Good. He assumed you were traumatized, so he didn¡¯t get much out of you, but you mentioned that your house had caught fire and you had no idea what happened. Is that correct?¡±


    I whimpered softly, nodding my head.


    Looking around, I couldn¡¯t see much aside from the tiny room I was in one window by my left and a door close to it.


    It was really cold in here and I wasn¡¯t allowed to pick a jacket before leaving, the gown I was wearing was made of thin cotton, I¡¯m shaking from both my conviction and the actual cold.


    No one hade yet. Not my parents whoshed out. Not Dn.


    They brought me in here and I think the investigator brought a little file with ¡°Ren¨¦e¡± boldly spelt and he¡¯s asking the questions now.


    ¡°Miss Ren¨¦e, I would like you to tell me what happened that night.¡±


    I switched my gaze to his hardened face, he didn¡¯t seem like the kind of man who would reason with anyone. He scares the shit out of me.


    ¡°Uhm..¡±


    ¡°The truth this time.¡±


    He added abruptly. I trembled in fright.


    ¡°I identally left something on the fire and that¡¯s how my house got burned down.¡±


    I admitted.


    ¡°identally.¡±


    He started, twitching his lips carefully.


    ¡°Yes. I never meant to.¡±


    ¡°If it was an ident, why did you lie? These things happen, especially in teenagers. The insurancepany would¡¯ve been able to help, everything would turn out well, so why did you lie to everyone about your involvement?¡±


    ¡°I was scared.¡±


    I whisper.


    ¡°Scared of?¡±


    ¡°My parents. I was scared of what they would do to me if they found out.¡±


    He chuckled lightly.


    ¡°Miss Ren¨¦e, do you know that every house has inbuilt CCTV cameras in case of a burry. Your house had one in the living room and from the footage we saw, it clearly shows you going upstairs to take a jacket when going outside as though you knew the house was on fire.¡±


    ¡°I did know.¡±


    I shouted back. He narrowed his gaze.


    ¡°At that time when I ran up the stairs, I did know. It was toote. I was confused, so I went upstairs for the jacket then left.¡±


    He chuckled once more.


    ¡°Do you know what I think Miss Ren¨¦e? I think you were an aggravated teenager who wanted to get back at her parents and she decided to burn her house down.¡±


    ¡°No! That¡¯s not true.¡±


    I cried, shaking my head repeatedly in negation.


    ¡°Officer, she has a visitor.¡±


    Someone announced by the door, halting their interrogation.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say anything else, Cami. You can¡¯t question her without awyer present.¡±


    An unknown figure says to the officers. Mother and Father trailing behind.


    I release a deep breath as a ray of hope shines through this very dark pit I¡¯m in. Finally, someonees for me.


    ****


    ¡°Mother. Father!¡±


    I screech, scrambling into their arms.


    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m sorry for what I¡¯m putting everyone through because of my stupid mistakes. I never meant for any of this to happen.¡±


    I shake my head sideways more than once, tears flowing freely down to my arms. This hurts badly.


    ¡°We¡¯re your parents. We can¡¯t possibly be angry especially in a time like this. Children make huge mistakes. Besides, it¡¯s our fault in the end. We are sorry honey.¡±


    Dad kissed the top of my forehead as mom was already on the brink of crying.


    ¡°Can they arrest me for arson?¡±


    I mumble quietly.


    ¡°They can if there¡¯s enough evidence¡±


    Dad revealed. They had the footage. Was that enough?


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to jail.¡±


    I sobbed.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    I added, choking on my tears.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be. Your dad and I are with you. We aren¡¯t going anywhere. We got awyer already and It¡¯ll be over before you know it, you¡¯lle out just all right. I promise you my darling.¡±


    Mom assures.


    ¡°We should go speak with Mr Raul, yourwyer. He¡¯ll be able to bring us to speed on what¡¯s going on.¡±


    Mom reaches for my thumb, squeezing it slightly.


    I can only nod.


    They exit the room with Mr Raul and I return to my chair, sliding into it and resting my head over the desk.


    I¡¯m condemned.


    ****


    Every girl has a very unique bucket list. Several things she must do before she dies or gets into college from high school.


    I had mine, I hadn¡¯t even begun to work on the long list but one thing¡¯s for sure.


    Getting arrested and put in an interrogation room wouldn¡¯t be part of that list. Sometimes things happen unexpectedly and sometimes we just have to live with the fact that we don¡¯t always get what we want. Although we try hard, we cannot always get what we want.


    An hourter, I got to know my stand.


    My primary hearing in front of a judge would be tomorrow.


    He¡¯ll determine if the case should be taken to trial.


    If I lose that hearing, I will have about a month before I¡¯m called back to court where I¡¯m at least sixty per cent certain I¡¯ll be found guilty and sentenced to juvenile prison till I turn eighteen and after that I¡¯m not sure what¡¯ll happen.


    While my friends prepare for prom and graduation, I¡¯ll be in prison.


    This isn¡¯t how I nned my life out.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Mom and Dad had returned along with Mr and Mrs Emerton by the corner.


    Dn wasn¡¯t in sight.


    You¡¯d think my conviction would earn his presence, but no. He¡¯s not here.


    Weirdly, I needed him close to me right now, hug me and whisperforting words in my ears so I¡¯ll believe it¡¯s going to be okay.


    If it isn¡¯t in the end at least I¡¯ll have the delusion that it is. For a little why.


    It¡¯s crappy yeah, but I¡¯m desperate.


    Could he still be mad after yesterday¡¯s quarrel? I don¡¯t think so. He was willing to fight those officers off me, so why the hell didn¡¯t hee to see me?


    He¡¯s aware of what happened, he has to. What¡¯s more important thaning here when it feels like my entire world has ended.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I want to have faith. I want to believe that everything¡¯s going to be okay but it¡¯s not. I knew from the moment I caused the fire, I only dug my own grave only a matter of time before I fell into it and someone closed it up.


    No matter how I thought about it, I lived on borrowed time and it has just psed.


    ¡°We won¡¯t be able to grant bail till after the hearing tomorrow, but we have made sure you¡¯ll be treated right. We¡±ll be back here first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    ¡°No! No! You can¡¯t leave me here. Please don¡¯t leave me here.¡±


    Mother reached for my hand, crouching down to my level.


    ¡°Mom, please. I can¡¯t stay here anymore. It¡¯s like I¡¯m losing my mind. Please get me out of here.¡±


    I wept bitterly.


    ¡°I will baby. I promise you I will do anything I can to get you out. I¡¯ll move mountains if I have to, but I can¡¯t do that today. We¡¯ve tried everything.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    I shook my head numerous times.


    ¡°It¡¯s time.¡±


    The officer stepped inside.


    ¡°Dad, please.¡±


    My lips quivered searching through all their faces for help. They all had the same look. My fate is sealed.


    I¡¯m spending a night in a holding cell and the worse is yet toe.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Well. Well. Well. The urge to put Cami in jail is nerve-racking. Let¡¯s see how this all ys out though. Where is Dn btw? We¡¯ll see. Xoxo.*

 Chapter 71 A Battle In Court

    **DYLAN EMERTON**


    SUNDAY.


    I blinked back the memories of this afternoon, hissing as the papers over the desk seem to get blurry. I¡¯ve been starting for a while now.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    Her faint whisper, echoes in the back of my head. A reminder of what they had done to her. Her resolve to break as she¡¯s been taken away.


    One hour. It¡¯s been an hour since I watched them take her away


    Lawyers. That¡¯s the first thing they reckon.


    I¡¯m here peering at myputer screen while studying cases of arson. You¡¯d think she¡¯ll get off the hook as a minor. Not certainly.


    They¡¯re implicating her in burning the house down on purpose. The simple key to getting her back is proving the truth. It was a horrible ident. Nothing more.


    My parents have gone to see her.


    I bit back my tongue severely before it whispered what I secretly craved.


    To see her. To touch her. To hold her in my arms kiss away every fucking ounce of pain.


    It broke everything in me to see her shed tears. I could be silly and visit,fort her as her parent were or I can stay back and do something about the arrest.


    As much as it whipped my soul, I didn¡¯t go to see Cami.


    My flesh was weak and how badly I wanted it craved hers.


    I can¡¯t. Not at the moment.


    I can¡¯t walk into that prescient and assure her everything will be peachy.


    It won¡¯t.


    Nothing would be okay. If we don¡¯t hurry, Cami is going to actual jail.


    I won¡¯t see her. I won¡¯t touch her. I will lose her. This isn¡¯t the time tofort.


    I can qualify as a dirtbag for not going to see her. An asshole for being insensitive, but I would rather be all those persons and ensure she¡¯s out in the end.


    Thewyer my parents will hire won¡¯t do much, he doesn¡¯t have enough time plus he barely knows Cami and the case. Not like I do.


    A loophole. That¡¯s all I need. I have less than twenty-four hours to find it and I will. Even if it¡¯s thest fucking thing I do on this earth, I¡¯ll find it.


    ¡°Hang on tight Cam. I swear it to you, I¡¯ll do whatever it takes to get you out.¡±


    I swore before moving on to the next page, reaching for the ss of water over the table.


    ****


    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    Not a second after visiting hours ended, they were instructed to leave.


    I wasn¡¯t in jail yet but this is the treatment I get.


    Dad tried to implore for more time, all to deaf ears. They had to leave.


    ¡°Cami, we¡¯ll be here tomorrow for the hearing. You¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s just for one night. I promise you, it¡¯ll be over by tomorrow.¡±


    I almost scoff, but that would merely be disrespectful. They don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll get through the hearing. What evidence do we have to sway this case in my favour?


    Nothing. Fucking done.


    Mother grasped me and I broke downpletely. Hard sobs racked through my body before burstingpletely into tears.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t go.¡±


    I solicited, wailing loudly. The room is spinning again. Very fast.


    ¡°I have to go now. I¡¯ll always be here with you but right now, I have to go. I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯m so sorry you have to go through this.¡±


    She crushed our bodies harder.


    Dn¡¯s parents stood aside and dad¡¯s hand was still linked to mine, for a few seconds then they disengagedpletely.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    She whispers. I was too stunned to speak.


    Those were three words I hadn¡¯t heard from my mother in over a decade.


    Tears blurred my vision of them exiting the room entirely.


    The officer escorted me back to my cell. It was fairlyrge, with a light bulb in the hallway so it wasn¡¯t too dark.


    A medium-sized bed at the far end of the room, that was all.


    He gently shut the door and I recoiled in fright, crawling towards the metallic structure.


    Holding onto the frame of the bed, I slid into the mattress and winced at how hard it felt.


    The mattress back at both homes was soft and silky. This feels wooden.


    Staring at the ceiling, I blinked slowly as tears rolled down my cheeks.


    I doubt I¡¯ll sleep a wink tonight.


    Turning over, my mind drifted to Dn and what¡¯s he was doing at this moment.


    Punching the bag? Unlikely.


    Sleeping or texting? Maybe?


    Not caring about how I was? Definitely.


    Sniffling, I wiped the edge of my eyes and turned again determined to get some sleep. It¡¯s a big day tomorrow. Maybe the most important of my life.


    ****


    MONDAY.


    The first day of the week is always the most irritating. For most. It¡¯s submitting assignments and returning to sses. None of which I disliked. Until today.


    My primary hearing is today and I arose in the most excruciatingly and ufortable manner. My back hurt like hell.


    I didn¡¯t sleep much, the sounds of dripping water and crawling insects kept me up at night, I shut my eyes tightly and before I knew it, someone called out for me.


    ¡°It is time Miss Ren¨¦e.¡±


    Her voice boomed outside my cell.


    The door rattled as she unlocked it and I got up, stretching my hands in the air.


    Once outside, I noticed some other kids. They looked meaner but who was I to judge? We¡¯re in the same category at the moment. We¡¯re all considered criminals.


    The female officer directed me to a crappy excuse for a bathroom. It¡¯s about the same size as the bedroom, maybe even smaller.


    I slid inside carefully, shutting the door behind me while searching for a lock. I clicked it then sighed deeply.


    I don¡¯t have any new clothes, I¡¯ll have to rinse and repeat these old ones. Who would¡¯ve fucking thought I¡¯d be doing this. Oh, the irony.


    I chuckled at my sad state, unclothing myself while pushing the shower curtains aside.


    *You¡¯re not going to cry.*


    I bit back every tear and stepped inside.


    ****


    The female officer was kind enough to hand me a deodorant. I didn¡¯t smell like shit, can¡¯t say the same for how I feel.


    I was returned to the prescient, front desk and made to seat at the corner.


    I mumbled a word of prayer as we headed to the court. Where my fate will be determined.


    ****


    We arrived in front of the huge brown door


    I¡¯d imagine I¡¯d be ced in cuffs as a criminal or something, but that wasn¡¯t the case.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I was merely escorted by three officers.


    Two from yesterday and the female officer from this morning.


    She pushed the door in and I whimpered at the lights.


    Dn must be in school now. It¡¯s the first period Afterall.


    I¡¯ve watched movies and I think it should be mywyer, my parents and the intiff.


    Strutting inside the room, I met yet another shock. The nth one in twenty-four hours.


    Sure my parents were there. Mywyer as well. That wasn¡¯t all. Dn Emerton was seated right beside them. He even dressed well in casual. I lowered my head and looked over my dress. I feel stupid.


    He was d in a simple white shirt and ck pants. Tucked in. Dn tucked in his shirt. Opposite day. That¡¯s the only exnation because this isn¡¯t possible. Not in this world.


    ¡°Dn is here.¡±


    I took slow strides towards them, gazing at him intensely, hoping he wouldn¡¯t disappear.


    ¡°Now that the defendant is here, we may now begin. ¡±


    The judge struck his hammer over his desk, snapping me out of my trance. Dn was still there.


    ****


    ¡°Miss Cami Renee, on one charge of third-degree arson, filed against you by the state of New York, how do you plead?¡±


    A clerk rose beside the judge, holding up a piece of paper.


    Thewyer has exined this part. I was to plead not guilty. I wasn¡¯t paying much attention, mostly staring at Dn. He hadn¡¯t met my gaze since I stepped into the room, he¡¯s been staring at a folder over his desk.


    ¡°Not guilty.¡±


    I answered, clearing all thoughts of Dn away from my head.


    Someone else got up. Awyer for the state I assume. He was dressed in a ck suit like mywyer.


    ¡°The state will like to call Miss Ren¨¦e to the stand.¡±


    Here we go. I¡¯ve seen so many scenes, I know the lines and how it goes. He is going to probe the hell out of me.


    ¡°Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth?¡±


    ¡°I swear.¡±


    I responded, cing my hand on the Bible. Here goes nothing.


    ¡°Miss Renee could you please tell this court what transpired on that day, the 21st.¡±


    My feet were wobbly, both hands wrapped around the wooden frame.


    I looked at Dn, he wasn¡¯t staring at the folder anymore, it was in the hands of thewyer and he was smiling. He was smiling at me


    ¡°It was a Wednesday night. My parents were out and I was home alone.¡±


    ¡°So you admit you felt distraught to be alone.¡±


    He interrupts quickly, I twitch a little quickly recovering, raising my shoulders boldly.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Thewyer advised me to tell the truth, I did nothing wrong.


    ¡°So distraught enough that you decided to act out, so they might take you seriously¡­¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    I answer sharply. He used my answer against me.


    ¡°Objection your honour.¡±


    I switched my gaze to mywyer, he had gotten up with an angry look.


    ¡°Overruled. Please continue.¡±


    I whimpered. This isn¡¯t good


    ¡°Tell this humble court, were you angry or not that your parents left you. Wasn¡¯t there so much anger in you to do something catastrophic?¡±


    *Tell the truth.* That¡¯s working against me at the moment.


    ¡°Yes I was, but I did not burn my house down on purpose.¡±


    I retort firmly.


    ¡°Anger is a great motivator, Miss Renee. Would you even know if you did it on purpose?¡±


    My lips throbbed.


    I nced at Dn. He passed me a small smile encouraging me to continue.


    ¡°I did not burn my house down on purpose.¡±


    I repeat, curling my fist in annoyance.


    Thewyer didn¡¯t ask any further questions, I took it as a hint to carry on.


    ¡°I was in the kitchen cooking a meal, I got hungry.¡±


    ¡°In this file, I have the report of the night where your parents clearly state you were in your room which is what you told them. Did they lie to an officer Miss Ren¨¦e?¡±


    ¡°No, they didn¡¯t!¡±


    I exim losing my self-control.


    ¡°I lied.¡±


    I added in a low tone.


    ¡°I lied to my parents.¡±


    I rify then exhale.


    ¡°Why would you lie? You lied to your parents about where you were. You say you aren¡¯t guilty, It was an ident, so why didn¡¯t you tell them that. Why lie? If you¡¯re truly innocent as you¡¯ve imed, why the lies?¡±


    ¡°I was scared.¡±


    I answer abruptly, on the brink of crying.


    ¡°Of what?¡±


    ¡°Objection your honour. Irrelevant.¡±


    ¡°Sustained.¡±


    He responded and I breathed. This isn¡¯t like the movies. My heart is bursting out now. I can¡¯t take this.


    I proceeded.


    ¡°I was chatting in the kitchen. I got carried away and didn¡¯t notice when it caught fire. When it did, I had no idea how to react, I ran back to my room to get a few things and when help arrived, it was toote.¡±


    ¡°So let me get this straight. You were chatting but you didn¡¯t notice the stench of burning food. Miss Renee you can¡¯t expect us to believe that.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the truth.¡±


    I growled getting riled up.


    ¡°It¡¯s physically impossible not to mention unbelievable. Thank you, your honour.¡±


    He strode back to his seat.


    Mywyer got up.


    My redemption? I would hope so.


    He had Dn¡¯s folder in his hands, ran through it then walked toward me with a smile.


    ¡°Firstly, I would like to thank you the case for closing the case for us.¡±


    He says and my lips twitch tentatively.


    ¡°You gave all the key points we needed to solve it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just go straight to the point. Miss Ren¨¦e did you ever feel your parents didn¡¯t love you enough. Were too strict.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I answer slowly, gazing at them at the corner. Mum and dad were clutching at each other. I did that to them.


    ¡°Good. That inly illustrates why she lied. The court cannot forget her stance. She¡¯s a minor. She¡¯s allowed to make mistakes. That¡¯s to clear that aspect. Now moving on to the actual case.¡±


    ¡°Miss Ren¨¦e¡¯s toxic report from that night shows that Miss Ren¨¦e had ingested wine which has a sizeable amount of alcohol. You can¡¯t me a seventeen year for drinking. If you want to do it, don¡¯t charge her for arson in the process. We should be thanking God she was able to get out as quickly as she could and not burnt in the process. Finally, I¡¯d like to present the court with her phone records which will prove all her ims. She was texting at that time, so she could not try to burn her house down at that moment. That would be all your honour.¡±


    He handed the file over which contained the report and my texts.


    Oh shit. My messages. I told Dn and my parents it was a friend. It wasn¡¯t. It was Kyle.


    Fuck Dn will know I was texting Kyle and I lied.


    Shit. I snapped in his direction, watching his demeanour Straight as fuck. He¡¯s not mad that I lied? Or he¡¯s saving that aspect forter?


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    He mouthed.


    I swallowed hard.


    ¡°The court will now be in recess for fifteen minutes until a decision is made.¡±


    Fifteen minutes till my fate is announced. I¡¯m so sweaty.


    I got out of the stand, following thewyer¡¯s direction to return to my seat. The urge to throw up at this moment. Oh God I pray I don¡¯t


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Another busy day for me. I¡¯ll be updating more frequently in February. I¡¯ll be able to double update for the first week. We¡¯re gradually approaching the end of the first season. I can¡¯t wait for what¡¯s in store next. Lots of love.*

 Chapter 72 Moving Out

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    MONDAY.


    Thenkiest fifteen of my life did not go by promptly. I was advised not to have any physical contact with anyone, just me and mywyer.


    Dn and my parents had moved two rolls backwards.


    He had high prospects of us winning the case. He says barely anything was done by him, Dn did research and he got the toxic report, but it was all Dn¡¯s idea.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    They operated incredibly fast I¡¯d admit. The call logs are evidence.


    *Call logs.*


    I inclined my head to face him, He¡¯s already staring, straight face, pressed lips, no evident emotions. He¡¯s been like this throughout.


    I looked away and sighed.


    I¡¯m nervous as hell. My fingers have beenced for God knows how long, the room is fully air-conditioned yet I¡¯m hot on the outside.


    It would¡¯ve been nice to get a hug from mom or dad or just hold Dn.


    Regardless of how this ends, I¡¯m thankful for everything they¡¯ve done.


    I tilt my head and he¡¯s still staring. This time, his lip curved into a tiny smile and a blush creep to my cheek.


    Just then, the judge returns with the clerk.


    It¡¯s time. It¡¯s time to find out what everything has been for.


    ¡°It¡¯s time to announce the verdict.¡±


    The clerk began, standing upright beside the judge.


    I gulped and bit hard on my lips, repeatedly until I tasted my own blood.


    ¡°In the case of the state versus Cami Renee, this court finds Miss Ren¨¦e..¡±


    My heart pounded furiously against my chest.


    ¡°The court finds her innocent of arson. However, we cannot neglect the chaos she caused in the environment and she lied to an officer which is a crime. For this, she will be subject to one month ofmunity service during the weekends starting this week.¡±


    He finalized and retreated to his seat. The judge struck his hammer and we all got up.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    I squealed, cing a finger over my lip almost immediately.


    I¡¯m still in court. *Keep calm.*


    We paused for both of them to leave, once they were out I leapt for joy.


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    I howled, hugging them as tightly as I could, leaving no space between us.


    The feeling was unearthly.


    ¡°Finally, all of this is over.¡±


    I peaked at Dn standing behind us, I chortle lowly, his shirt was untucked from his trousers, hands shoved back into his pocket.


    Of course. I knew that phase couldn¡¯tst long.


    ¡°Thank you, Dn.¡±


    Father spoke in appreciation. Did he just say thank you? To Dn? Oh wow.


    ¡°You¡¯re wee. It was my pleasure¡±


    My heart fluttered. I pulled away from my mom, shrugging my shoulders, smiling sheepishly, my face instantly flushing.


    ¡°We¡¯ll go finalize everything and check if there are some things that need your signature. Then we are good to go.¡±


    Dad passed Dn a softer look than usual. He returned his gaze with an even softer smile. Things are getting weirder by the day it¡¯ll seem.


    ¡°So.¡±


    I quipped as soon as they were gone.


    ¡°So.¡±


    He retorted, smirking from the corner of my lips.


    ¡°You owe me for this. I saved you probably one year in jail. I deserve to pay for my dealings.¡±


    ¡°Pay? You didn¡¯t get mepletely acquitted now, I still have thatmunity service to carry out.¡±


    I teased, twitching the corner of my lips.


    ¡°How ungrateful!¡±


    He gasped, I titter then took a step forward.


    ¡°The call logs with Kyle¡­¡±


    ¡°Your friend.¡±


    He taunted still smirking. I tucked my hair away from my face.


    ¡°Just kiss me.¡±


    I fastened my head to his face, he had closed the gap between our legs. That was quick and direct. Can¡¯tin. It¡¯s been sprinting through my mind this entire time.


    Tentatively, I attained his height, cing my lips over his, slowly at first in the middle of the courtroom.


    Then, he slid to the curve of my waist, wrapping his hands then lowering it softly to my bum, squeezing lightly.


    I moaned right into his mouth. Ecstatic.


    ¡°We should probably stop before Uhm¡­¡±


    I hum,pletely out of breath.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    He murmured huskily, pulling away with his hands still beneath my bum. Or theck of it.


    ******


    Minutester, my parents returned.


    I had a few papers to sign, then I needed to get my things from the officer at the front desk and that¡¯s it. I could finally go back home. I¡¯ll spend an hour in the bathtub, some clean clothes and then my sweet, soft, silky mattress. I¡¯ll sleep in and think of this as a nightmare.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I muttered to Dn, striding out of the prescient.


    That horrible chapter of my life is finally shut for good.


    ¡°It¡¯s not like I was going to let you head to jail, Cami.¡±


    Heughs sweetly. For a second, I can¡¯t look away as the sound falls off his lips.


    I like this Dn. His brown hair is even styled with gel probably, it¡¯s usually silky and ruffled, but today he¡¯s just different. I¡¯ll enjoy it while itsts.


    ****


    I trudged into the car with Dn. Mom and dad took the passenger seat and driver¡¯s seat respectively and we slid into the back. I jerked into him slightly, my hair falling over his face causing both of us to chuckle.


    I heard Dad clear his throat at the front and I tried to adjust immediately. Dn¡¯s hand flew to my exposed thigh, forcing me to halt. I sucked in, swallowing whatever got caught in my throat.


    ¡°I like you close. Stay.¡±


    He mumbles, his lips fixed right above my lobes.


    Bobbing my head, dad ignites the engine and drives off.


    ****


    ¡°I need a bath.¡±


    I grumbled the second I stepped into the house.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Dn questions


    My parents went ahead, back to business as usual. I don¡¯t mind. They¡¯ve done enough for one day.


    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Dn. I¡¯m fine. I just need a long bath and a good rest. At home.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    I asked, seeing his demeanour shift to something else.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard you call this ce ¡°home.¡±


    He mutters.


    ¡°It¡¯s the first time it¡¯s felt like home.¡±


    I whisper back.


    *****


    I stuffed my mouth with as much junk food I couldy my hands on. Pancakes. Cream and sugar. Cereal. I¡¯m famished.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be here for a few more days. We¡¯ve cancelled most of our travels for at least a month. We wanted to wait but I think you require some good news.¡±


    I halted on the chicken about to enter my mouth


    ¡°What¡¯s the news?¡±


    I quipped, setting it over the te.


    ¡°We bought a new house, we decided to let the insurancepany decide what to do with the old one. We¡¯ll be leaving here soon. It¡¯s high time, we wouldn¡¯t want to overstay our wee. You must be excited. It is amazing right?¡±


    Mom squealed in happiness, squishing my shoulders. Just when this ce was starting to get good. Terrific.


    ¡°A-amazing¡­.¡±


    I stuttered at her incorrect interpretation.


    Was I happy that my parents were getting back on track after that disaster?


    Yes. Heck yeah. Was my heart crashing against my chest at the feeling of not living under the same roof with Dn Emerton any longer?


    Fuck yeah.


    I lost all my appetite for food, my face curving into a tight smile. I can¡¯t let them know I¡¯m not happy. They¡¯ve been through enough already.


    ¡°That¡¯s amazing.¡±


    I forced a tight smile, my lips pressing hard into a thin line.


    They added random small talks, none of which I paid attention to.


    I excused myself, returned the dishes and went to my room.


    I need to sleep.


    ****


    I got up a little after seven, my stomach had enough to eat earlier today, I slid to the edge of the bed, grabbing my cell phone.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I sent a text to Dn thenid down. He¡¯s downstairs for dinner maybe.


    ¡°We¡¯re how many rooms away again?¡±


    My phone chimed and his text read just that. Or maybe he¡¯s wide awake.


    ¡°I won¡¯t be here for long¡­¡±


    I clicked send with a deep sigh.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving?¡±


    *Obviously*


    ¡°Yes, Dn.¡±


    He didn¡¯t respond. I sat by the edge of my bed, clutching my phone, waiting patiently for his response.


    He never did.


    I figured a lot of things could¡¯ve happened, could¡¯ve been called by his parents, or the evident reason is he¡¯s ignoring me.


    In theing days, a lot more will happen. It¡¯s just as I feared. I hate to think that after all that happened I was right in thinking he¡¯ll neglect me as soon as my homestay is over.


    I¡¯ll be devasted. I¡¯m far too gone. If that happens, Dn would¡¯ve wholly shattered my soul. Leaving no crumbs behind.


    A sad sighter, I shut my screen and went back to bed with a heavy heart.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Few more chapters till the end of the first part. I won¡¯t start a new book. It¡¯ll be added to this one, but it¡¯ll have another introduction. I can¡¯t wait! Much love.*

 Chapter 73 Dylan 2.0

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY.


    Today starts averagely. Boring is another way to put it.


    I forfeited yesterday entirely, the aftermath of winning the trophy, maybe that¡¯s not such a bad thing after all.


    I didn¡¯t see the entire Kingston High gush over Nate. It¡¯s pretty much a win-win.


    That aside, I slept and arose on an actual bed, it didn¡¯t mean jail in a correctional facility serving God knows how many long years.


    I get to go back to school and live the life of a normal teenager. Everything is only possible because of him. And we aren¡¯t even on speaking terms.


    *I think.* The message fromst night remained on seen in the morning. Not even a fucking emoji. Who does that?


    ¡°Dn does.¡±


    My subconscious answers. Of course.


    I got d in blue jeans and a red shirt, I¡¯m feeling colourful on the outside.


    Reaching for my cell and other essential items, I stuffed them into my bag, hung it over my shoulder and left my room.


    Mom and dad weren¡¯t at the dinner table, I got to know they were finalizing the purchase of *our* new house.


    It was just Mr and Mrs Emerton, Dn and me. Speaking of missing people, ke was not here either.


    Did I miss something in between the holding cell and the primary hearing? I established a mental note at the back of my head to query Dn when I got the chance, granted he might take it the wrong way, but I¡¯m curious.


    Setting my bag aside, I drew a seat, two seats away from him, slid into it and set my hands over the desk.


    ¡°Good morning Cami, I reckon you slept well.¡±


    I pursed my lips at her statement, curving them into a forced smile, then nodded my head.


    I truly did not.


    ****


    Breakfast is over, everyone moves to the kitchen to drop their utensils and tes, Dn is faster than all of us, tossing them aside then reaching for his tiny backpack.


    He¡¯s moving like a ghost. Barely uttering one word all through. I forgot about the issue with his mother and father even. We argued about that before I got brought in. Did they ever trash it out? So many gaps.


    ¡°I will miss the light your presence has brought in this house Cami dear.¡±


    Dn¡¯s mother gushes over my figure, moving to peck the top of my forehead.


    From the corner of my eyes, Dn is fuming by the side, his gaze locked on both of us. My best guess is that he heard what she just said.


    ¡°Thank you, I enjoyed every moment of my stay.¡±


    I emphasised the first verb since he was listening in. Leaving was not by choice nor did I have a say in it, I shouldn¡¯t be punished for it. Much less by him.


    I stepped away, bidding them goodbye, Dn moved ahead before I reached the doorway, forcing me to quicken my pace and reach him right before he gets on his motorcycle.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    I poke his shoulder, frowning my face in irritation. I don¡¯t n on following this phase all through the day. If he has something to say, he should fucking spit it out.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    I recoil at his clipped tone, taking a second to recover. Did he just ask me *what is it?*


    The audacity.


    ¡°What is it? Are you fucking blind or merely stupid? Maybe a bit of both because you¡¯re clearly something.¡±


    I crossed my arms over my chest, scowling severely.


    ¡°I have no idea what you¡¯re going on about Cami. We are going to bete, if you don¡¯t mind, get on.¡±


    He nudged a helmet towards me. I gasped this time around.


    He isn¡¯t on his period. That¡¯s the only exnation for this mood shift, or this was the real deal, he¡¯s just been masking the entire time, now that my tenure is nearly through, there¡¯s no need to keep the facade up.


    Thetter is more convincing.


    ¡°Fine then. Just great.¡±


    I snatched it from his grip, getting on his cycle.


    He seemed hesitant, parted his lips even, I expected protest afterwards, an exnation hopefully.


    Nothing. I got nothing.


    A sigh passed through them but that was it, he got on afterwards then drove off. I gripped the sides of the motorcycle, pledging not toy a finger on him.


    ****


    He switched the engine off and I hopped off, adjusting my shirt and jeans.


    I heard him release another sigh.


    Things were still awkward between Dn and me.


    Striding into school, people stared at me strangely, if they were in groups, they¡¯ll whisper instinctively.


    I tried to shrug it off, but it wasn¡¯t just ten students, it was the entire student body as I strode past them.


    Was happened in twenty-four hours?


    I got to my locker, input thebination and focused on getting my books out, I mmed it shut after picking the stuff I needed, but then I sighted someone beside me staring at an article over her screen.


    What¡¯s interesting is that my face is on it. What the¡­?


    ¡°May I see that.¡±


    I didn¡¯t wait for her to consent, I strode carefully and peaked properly. I only nced through the headline and lost my head.


    ¡°CAMILLA REN¨¦E ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH ARSON.¡±


    It read. The air was sucked away from my body.


    ¡°If you were arrested, how are you here? Are you a criminal?¡±


    I red and took off without answering.


    Somehow, news of my arrest got leaked to the school. How the fuck was that even possible?


    Everyone with a device and ess to the school¡¯s newspaper was aware.


    I¡¯m skipping the first period.


    It couldn¡¯t have been Dn leaking the news right?


    Not possible. I shook the thought off.


    Someone else must¡¯ve leaked in.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be in ss?¡±


    He inquires facing the rose petals. He¡¯s everywhere I go. Like a fucking tail you can¡¯t take out.


    Was he referring to me?


    ¡°How do you know it¡¯s me?¡±


    I whisper, striding into the space fully.


    ¡°Because I know Cami.¡±


    He answers.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not cryptic.¡±


    I mutter under my breath. That¡¯s sarcastic of course.


    ¡°Everyone knows I was convicted. I¡¯m not ready to face that music yet.¡±


    I retorted as an answer to the first question.


    ¡°WHAT?! how could they possibly find out.¡±


    I would roll my eyes, but I¡¯m drained.


    ¡°How could I know Dn? I¡¯m not a fricking psychic. It got leaked somehow. I just want to stay here for a while, go back to sster.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    He states simply.


    I huff and look away. What¡¯s his fucking problem.


    ¡°When are you guys leaving?¡±


    He chirps after a while. Oh, now he wants to face the obvious.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Maybe before the week runs out, they¡¯re settling everything. My parents will let me know.¡±


    I shrug my shoulders.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to leave.¡±


    He mouths.


    I tilt my head to his lips, confirming those words to him. They did.


    ¡°Dn, I don¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t. It does make it better though.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I scoff and turn to face him fully.


    ¡°You¡¯re being a grade-A jerk you realise that? You¡¯re punishing me for something I cannot influence or stop, do you think you¡¯re the only one entitled to get hurt about it? Hell no. You don¡¯t see me acting grumpy or treating you like filth. You know what? Fuck off.¡±


    ¡°Cam..¡±


    I plopped my weight off the grass, storming out of the garden with a frown printed on my face.


    ****


    I¡¯m unable to think properly.


    I just let the air escape from my nostrils in an attempt to breathe properly. A failed attempt. I got called to the principal¡¯s office to ¡°exin¡± myself, it did a little good since another article was published to clear the arson issue. Didn¡¯t stop the girls from mocking me though.


    The day¡¯s over, now I can head back home and sleep in.


    It does feel like I¡¯m on the verge of losing my mind. I needed to face Dn, I feel a migraineing up.


    A silly thought crept in, Dn driving off and leaving me stranded.


    He acts inhumane when he¡¯s mad or throwing tantrum, I wouldn¡¯t put it past him.


    I breathed in relief, sighting his figure close to his motorcycle, then scrunched my nose in disgust shortly afterwards.


    He wasn¡¯t just standing close to his bike, he was also engaging in a conversation with some girl. She giggled to something he whispered, leaning into his chest, twirling a strand of her hair with her fingers and smiling sheepishly.


    He raked his hands through his hair and from where I stood, it almost seemed like he was flirting with her.


    *Wow.*


    For a moment there, I nearly forgot Dn Emerton was a yboy. Almost.


    Technically and in theory, he¡¯s a free man.


    How could I miss this side of him? Was his charming side so enticing that I turned a blind eye to the flirty and yboy aspect?


    What the fuck is wrong with me?


    Keeping a low profile, I carefully walked up to them, struggling not to hiss or scoff at her pathetic attempt for a skirt and shirt. A skirt barely reaching her knee might I add and the shirt can pass off for a sports bra.


    What parents let their daughter leave the house dressed like a slut?


    ¡°You¡¯re here. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow Kate.¡±


    ¡°Do you have to go, we can go back to my ce and have lots of fun there.¡±


    She reached for his arm and guess what? He didn¡¯t lift a finger to thwart her movements, my eyes dted with shock observing both of them closely.


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    He answered and she pulled back with a pout.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow Dn.¡±


    I bit my lip to keep mute waiting for her to leave.


    He handed me a helmet without uttering a word.


    ¡°I could always take a cab, I wouldn¡¯t want to cut in on your flirting.¡±


    I balled my left hand, standing by the cycle without getting on.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t flirting with her. We¡¯re partners on a project.¡±


    ¡°I stood right there. I¡¯m not fucking blind! She was all over you.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but I wasn¡¯t flirting with her.¡±


    He admitted. I gasped in sheer shock.


    ¡°May we go now?¡±


    I didn¡¯t drag further, I¡¯m too stupefied to speak. I  only got on his bike letting him ride away.


    In what world does Dn treat me like dirt? This one it¡¯ll seem.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *PS: I had a busy day hence thete update. Now for the book, I¡¯m mostly speechless and confused at the same time. Well, let¡¯s see how it all turns out. Xoxo.*

 Chapter 74 Home, Sweet Home

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY.


    My parents were home by the time he pulled over in the driveway, or they abandoned their car and stepped out.


    Maybe not. The bo of the car was creaked open with boxes in it.


    What¡¯s going on?


    Are they packing? Correction, are we packing?


    ¡°Finally, you¡¯re home.¡±


    Mom moured, halting my mini-breakdown, she¡¯s happy with a full-on smile, gripping this box in her hand.


    Again, what¡¯s new?


    Quickly, I reached for the cartoon and peek inside. It¡¯s filled with clothes. That¡¯s confirmation.


    We are packing. That¡¯s too soon. My face curves into a frown.


    I overlooked Dn, hands shoved away and propelling his way towards us.


    ¡°We¡¯re leaving tomorrow darling, your dad and I are taking a few things over now, we also want to make sure everything¡¯s in ces such as the future and the utensils, we might sleepover even but we don¡¯t want to stress you, so we¡¯ll just move your things and a few more tomorrow.¡±


    Mom confessed as dad emerged behind her, holding a box of his own.


    I scoffed. This isn¡¯t happening.


    ¡°Tomorrow¡­¡±


    I croaked, nodding slowly.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that so soon? I mean there isn¡¯t any rush is there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, but after the trial and everything, we think it¡¯s time for stability, also the house is finished, so there¡¯s no reason to dy any longer.¡±


    Mum nudged my shoulder, reaching for the box and heading towards the car again.


    *No reason at all.*


    ¡°I guess so.¡±


    I chuckled outwardly.


    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll start packing my things in advance.¡±


    I sighed dejectedly and took off.


    ke appeared to have left the house, there¡¯s no sign of his presence anywhere. No way in hell I can ask Dn now.


    Still, it felt really strange to start packing. Awkward even. My insides are fretting.


    I always thought our stay would extend for months, maybe even a year.


    I knew we¡¯d leave eventually, but I was just beginning to let my guard down.


    It skipped my mind that at the end of the day, this was all temporary.


    ¡°Need some help?¡±


    Dn voiced by the door. I¡¯d been staring at the closet filled with gowns from Mrs Emerton, unsure if to pack them up or not.


    ¡°I can manage.¡±


    I answer lowly. I¡¯m not in any mood for OG Dn, or Dn 2. 0, whatever version this was.


    Still, I heard footsteps walk in and shut the door. I turned and twitched my lips slightly.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    No answer.


    He approached my closet, holding a box up for me.


    Is he starting to get bipr? From the head injury maybe? The band-aid is off, maybe something clicked while ripping it away, he¡¯s been acting off so I would not be so rmed.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    I yanked the first gown, taking it off the hanger and crumpling it roughly.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little bit don¡¯t you think.¡±


    I tilted my head to gaze. What¡¯s he on about now?


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I screeched, eyes widening at the object he was currently twirling in his fingers.


    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be a size¡­¡±


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    I fired.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to hear the end of that sentence. Give me back my¡­¡±


    I trailed off, squirming slightly.


    Why on earth would he pick my bra? Why would I leave it lying around in the first ce?


    Fuck.


    He chortles, visibly enjoying my little breakdown session.


    ¡°Now. Give that back. Give it!¡±


    I marched towards him trying to swipe it from his grip, the closer I got, the farther he moved.


    ¡°Beg me.¡±


    A gasp escaped from my lips. Wasn¡¯t he just flirting with some girl like ten minutes ago? Ignoring the fuck out of me as well? Now he¡¯s back to teasing and goofing around? I can¡¯t keep up.


    ¡°Please give it back.¡±


    I yielded.


    ¡°Give you what back?¡±


    He arched his brow making me groan.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±


    He handed it back to me. I growled in annoyance, stuffing it straight into the box.


    ¡°You¡¯re leaving.¡±


    He announces, a few feet away from me as though the reality hit him again.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    My voicees out weak. I can¡¯t handle this.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it.¡±


    He lets go of the box, which hits the ground and my body instantly reacts, jumping in fright.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to go.¡±


    I blurt out. I¡¯m reaching now. He¡¯ll just walk away likest time.


    ¡°What do you want me to do then? Stand here and watch you leave this house and my life?¡±


    ¡°Dn, I¡¯m not¡­¡±


    I pause, sighing loudly.


    ¡°I want you to kiss me.¡±


    I said instead, lifting my head to meet his watchful eyes.


    ¡°That I can manage.¡±


    His hands move for my neck, encircling one hand around it then tugging me forward and finally, we¡¯re kissing again.


    This kiss was different. It felt different. Countless emotions shoved into one slow and meaningful kiss.


    I knew what it was. It was a goodbye kiss from Dn. It was his way of saying goodbye.


    Our tongues danced around fighting for dominance, I tried but as always he won. He always wins.


    Retreating carefully, we reached the edge of the bed and I fell back.


    He broke my fall, wrapping his arm around my neck, hovering over my weight, ducking his head, trailing sweet kisses from my neck to my jawline and back again.


    I could only moan and groan out his name as he did. Repeatedly. It¡¯s a good thing my parents are out of the house.


    His lips were on my tummy slightly elevating my shirt, but I didn¡¯t mind, I loved it each time the tip of his tongue swerves my belly button, it was like little sparks of fire within me.


    Then, he quenched it by pulling away entirely. His eyes were void, hands stuck in his silky hair ruffing it up even more.


    ¡°Goodbye Ren¨¦e.¡±


    He started getting to his feet. And that was it. He walked out on me. Again.


    I withdrew into the bed, burying my head into the pillow.


    I didn¡¯t cry. I didn¡¯t even sob. I wasn¡¯t sure why, but I didn¡¯t have the stomach for either. I justid there feeling more numb than I¡¯ve ever been.


    ****


    WEDNESDAY.


    Moving out.


    I nced around the room in the state I met in, closet wide open and empty, bed sheets neatly arranged, no trance of my stuff anywhere.


    I boxed them up and my parents were currently taking them downstairs.


    I¡¯m almost sure they¡¯re waiting for me, but I¡¯m not ready to leave.


    It¡¯s merely nine am,  I didn¡¯t leave this room after Dn¡¯s kiss, I stayed crumbled in a ball and slept off.


    In the morning, I finished packing and here we are.


    This room is the starting point. In this room, Dn saw my butt.


    I giggle at the distant memory.


    In this room, Iughed harder than I ever have. In this very room, I made out with him. Probably for thest time as of yesterday.


    The start in this room was bumpy but it got so better.


    I have no regrets. I enjoyed every bit of it, now it¡¯s time for goodbye and I can¡¯t seem to leave. I know I must, but it¡¯s tearing me apart.


    ****


    Minutester, I¡¯m wearing Dn¡¯s hoodie forfort. I came with it, only fair I exit with it.


    I took onest nce at my room, a sad smile crossing my cheeks, then I shut the door for good, squeezing my eyes hard, forcing the tears back in.


    A part of me hoped he was still here, it was nine am, but I hoped he stayed back to say goodbye.


    He didn¡¯t.


    I strode down the stairs, his parents standing by the door, I don¡¯t want them.


    ¡°Goodbye Cami.¡±


    They chorused, pulling me in a hug.


    My water broke. Not the birth kind, the tears kind.


    I shook as tears streamed down my cheeks, I broke down totally.


    This was home. My home.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ****


    The new *house* had virtually the same design with little or no difference from the old one.


    Wemenced with simple things. Mopping and sweeping and then finally hanging up the curtains and rearranging the shelves to our liking.


    It has four bedrooms. I got one farthest away from the stairs.


    The movers arrived with the appliances left and after two hours, it was starting to look like a *house*


    We called it a day at about one pm being tired as hell, I slumped on the sofa in the living room, gazing at the ceiling with the chandelier dangling from the top.


    I¡¯m too tired to reach my room, so I simply crash on the sofa, closing my eyes and praying this is a dream. Hoping I wake up back at the Emerton¡¯s.


    I¡¯m selfish, but it¡¯s what I want.


    This here is weird. This here sucks. I flipped to the other side, squeezing fiercely. This isn¡¯t home. It won¡¯t be home. Not for me. Not for a long time.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Yes I¡¯m back!. I was working on a lot, so updates had to be halted. Big apologies. Drop your thoughts below. Few more chapters before the big show stopper. Anticipate!*

 Chapter 75 Miranda 2.0

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    THURSDAY.


    REN¨¦E MANSION.


    This week will go down as one of the fastest in my books. It¡¯s Thursday and I wake up on a really soft bed. Dad must have taken me upstairs. *Just like old times.*


    I murmur underneath my breath, brushing my arm against the edge of my jaw.


    I toss me over and the wrapping makes squishy sounds, it¡¯s still covered being brand new and all.


    Seating straight, I sight my mirror which is directly opposite my bed. That¡¯s moving to the corner. My closet is on the left and a bathroom beside my bed. The mirror has to go. I can¡¯t wake up staring at zombies which is what I look like now.


    Numerous bags underneath my eye. My hair tangled and stuck out on each end, my shirt crumbled in addition to the smug look on my face. I look and feel like shit.


    There¡¯s no wall clock, so I use my phone instead. It¡¯s still early. Barely six pm.


    Ugh.


    I consider returning to bed for an hour, but I practically slept through yesterday, so I get up instead and began arranging my room.


    ****


    A few minutes past seven, the room is mirrored against my other room back at Dn¡¯s. I get into the shower with my clothes spread on the bed. A gown for today.


    Tying my hair in a neat bun, I reach for the second drawer stuffed with a few beauty items or is it cosmetic? Who gives a shit. I can¡¯t go to ss this way. I touch my brows with a little led, a blush on both cheeks and nude lipsticks for my dry lips.


    That should be fine. Great at concealing my depressive and needy state.


    Now it¡¯s time for school. Time to see Dn.


    Mom seemed to have adapted to the kitchen. Coffee¡¯s brewing already. Dad¡¯s seated and dressed making small talks with her.


    *Just like old times.* I repeat and shrug it off. They¡¯re moving on, maybe I should too.


    ¡°Day one wasn¡¯t that bad after all..¡±


    I mumbled, returning my cup of coffee then exiting the house.


    ****


    With Kingston High in sight, I start fiddling with my fingers, my anxiety building up quickly.


    Dad halted at my school allowing me to step out.


    As though it was nned, Dn seemed to have just arrived. He was leaning over his cycle and speaking with his friends.


    Clinging to my backpack, I marched towards the front gate, inclining my head to make eye contact. The smirk on his face dissolved the moment his eyes crossed mine.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I scoffed. He¡¯s keeping a straight face¡­ because of me? That¡¯ll make us strangers. And we are not strangers.


    My entire body went rigid. Different thoughts scampered through me.


    I watched as about four of them talked, Dn, neglecting my presence a few feet away.


    ¡°Maybe I should walk over there and talk to him?¡±


    I considered, breathing out loud.


    What that in mind, I took slow strides toward the four of them.


    He didn¡¯t notice, maybe he did and didn¡¯t give a flying fuck.


    I scoffed a second time and halted.


    Not a chance in hell.


    I sighted Pa emerge from behind, a smirk crossing his cheeks again as she made her way beside him. Now he¡¯s smirking for her? As though he enjoys herpany?


    ¡°She¡¯s mine.¡±


    His distant words echo in the back of my head. Not so long ago he muttered those words to Pa. The same girl who gazed as though she could fuck him with her eyes.


    I averted my eyes, a stinging sensation overpowering both lids too quickly.


    ******


    mming my locker, I jump out of my skin at my own temper.


    Dn¡¯s little stunt has put me in a mood, I¡¯m not so sure why, but it sucks


    ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡±


    Kyle asks beside me. I hadn¡¯t even noticed him till now. Has he been there for a while?


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    I say and try to move away. He¡¯s quick to block my path. Not taking no for an answer then.


    ¡°It does not seem like nothing if Cami Ren¨¦e is mming lockers.¡±


    He chortles leaning on one of them.


    ¡°There¡¯s a lot you don¡¯t know, but since you to go school here you¡¯re probably aware I got convicted, but I¡¯m acquitted of all charges now. My parents bought a new house so I moved out of the Emerton¡¯s yesterday.¡±


    I revealed in one breath.


    ¡°That¡¯s what makes you upset? The acquitting or the moving out.¡±


    He seemed genuinely confused, twitching his lips with both brows arched.


    ¡°Not really.¡±


    I sigh and contemte revealing Dn¡¯s most recent characters to him, my ex-boyfriend. We¡¯re friends now right? And friends speak to each other about boy troubles. That¡¯s right.


    ¡°Dn¡¯s been acting strange even before I left the house, now that I¡¯m gone it feels as though he cut me off and I don¡¯t want to believe that¡¯s what happened. He¡­¡±


    ¡°Did he touch you?¡±


    Kyle asks abruptly. I blink my lids then nod slowly.


    ¡°Definitely.¡±


    Kyle says leaving me stunned.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to hurt your feelings Cami, but you didn¡¯t honestly think Dn Emerton was the exclusive guy? Hell, he¡¯s sticking his throat down five girls a week. If he hadn¡¯t touched you, maybe the thrill would exist, but he has and I¡¯m sorry to have to be the one to tell you this, but you got yed.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true.¡±


    I cut in, ring up. I¡¯ve been telling myself those exact words but hearing it from someone else¡¯s lips. It¡¯s not true. Dn would not.


    ¡°Okay then, what other exnation could you possibly have for him ignoring¡­?¡±


    Kyle¡¯s gaze is piercing into mine, begging me to prove him wrong. Maybe he¡¯s not. Maybe I¡¯m the wrong one. The delusional one. The one who is in over her head and stuck on a guy who only wanted to make out a few times.


    Dn Emerton does not do it exclusively. I was a fool to think otherwise.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°I have to go Kyle.¡±


    I duck underneath his arm and strut away before he even has the chance to utter another word.


    ******


    ¡°I¡¯m ready.¡±


    A textes from Miranda during recess. My mind is wrapped up in Dn that I can¡¯tprehend anything.


    During physics ss, I failed two questions. That never happens. Ever. Miss Trina was kind enough to let me off because even she¡¯s aware that I never answer wrong.


    It¡¯s all this thinking. I¡¯m reliving every moment with Dn and trying to convince myself I got yed. Maybe then I can move the hell on.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I text back, exiting the female restroom where I may have had a mini breakdown.


    ¡°I¡¯m ready to let go of Pa. Stand up for me.¡±


    She replies in seconds. Adrenaline rushes through me.


    I get back at Pa for one, I get a distraction as well. Let¡¯s do it.


    *Selfish cunt.*


    My subconscious cautions. I truly am.


    ****


    The moment the final bell is struck, Pa and I meet by my locker.


    I brought the idea of standing up to Pa and but we never really discussed how she¡¯s going to do that.


    It has to be in a way that doesn¡¯t affect her mom so we need to be smart with it.


    ¡°I want it to be today.¡±


    ¡°Today?¡±


    ¡°Yes. If I get home, I might end up convincing myself not to do it. Pa would be out soon, I¡¯ll confront her today, in a few minutes.¡±


    ¡°But what about your mom? She might get affected.¡±


    I¡¯m stunned by this bravery. Days ago she was shuddering at the mention of Pa, but now she¡¯s willing to face her head-on.


    ¡°That¡¯s why we¡¯re going toe up with the perfect n.¡±


    ¡°In under five minutes?¡±


    I chuckle which sounds weird to my ears even. Ites out dry and mostly forced. What has Dn done to me?


    ¡°I need it to be today Cami.¡±


    ¡°Alright, let me think¡­¡±


    As if. My mind is clouded with nothing but Dn. I release a sharp breath and remind myself how much this means to Miranda, I might have also added that I¡¯ll get a goodugh from Pa¡¯s face.


    Yes, I am that selfish.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    I yell secondster. Just like that, the perfect n saunters into my head.


    ¡°How are Pa¡¯s parents?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re very nice actually.¡±


    My jaw drops. Why didn¡¯t I consider this sooner?


    ¡°That¡¯s perfect then. It means they aren¡¯t aware of their daughter¡¯s deeds.¡±


    ¡°We can use it to our advantage and threaten her.¡±


    I added with a mischievous grin.


    ¡°Threaten Pa?¡±


    She scrunches her nose.


    ¡°Yeah. We¡¯ll tell her she could either let you live your life the way you want away from her and her clique or her parents find out everything.¡±


    ¡°What if it doesn¡¯t work? What if she doesn¡¯t care?¡±


    ¡°She will. You¡¯ll make her care.¡±


    I say firmly.


    Pa¡¯s out of English ss, strutting towards us. She notices me first, a knowing smirk crossing her face. She¡¯s winning. She gets Dn.


    Focus Cami. This is about Miranda. Speaking of which, her gaze crosses over and Pa¡¯s demeanour switches to annoyance.


    ¡°I don¡¯t even want to know why you¡¯re with them. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    She nudges her elbow.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going with you.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Miranda¡¯s voicees up the firm. I had doubts for a second.


    ¡°What did you say?¡±


    Pa¡¯s eyes are bulging out of their sockets. Mine as well.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going. I don¡¯t recall stuttering.¡±


    A gasp escapes her lips. I stiffen augh.


    Miranda doesn¡¯t look intimidated in any way.


    I watch the drama unfold slowly. Miranda folds her arm and Pa hasn¡¯t said another word. Yet.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take it you¡¯re on your period or something. Let¡¯s assume I fully understand yourshing out phase of something. Are you done now? I get it, it felt good while itsted now, I¡¯ll say this slowly so you¡¯ll grab each word¡­ Let¡¯s¡­ Go¡­¡±


    She draws out clenching her fists.


    ¡°N-O.¡±


    Miranda replies in the same tone. Mockery.


    Why isn¡¯t this being filmed? Fuck.


    ¡°Ok then. Whenever you¡¯re ready,e to my house but you¡¯ll meet yours and your mother¡¯s things on the front porch.¡±


    I trembled. That¡¯s always been the punch card, her threats.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay. We¡¯ll wait out there and I¡¯ll be more than d to tell your father and your mother the way you spend all your free time bullying me, forcing me to do all your projects. What¡¯s new they¡¯ll be happy to hear so let¡¯s each y our part. He whoughsst isn¡¯t it?.¡±


    Her eyes twinkle slightly in shock. She wasn¡¯t expecting that outburst at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t test me, Miranda.¡±


    She warns grudgingly.


    ¡°You know what your parents can do to you so I suggest you don¡¯t make threats that¡¯ll backfire. I don¡¯t want much just stay away from me and my mother. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Pa¡¯s lips are parted but words are unable to form. She just stands there, lips pursed with looks to kill. Kill me and Miranda.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you around. Even though I hope not. Good-Bye.¡±


    Miranda retreats to me. I may be as stunned as Pa. Fuck that felt exhrating. The look on her face. I need a picture. And Miranda. Who knew she could speak with that?


    As it turns out, even Miranda had a second skin I didn¡¯t know about.


    *Just like Dn.*


    I shake the thought off furiously, I refuse to worry about someone who doesn¡¯t care. Perhaps Kyle is right. I mean even I didn¡¯t know Miranda was bold enough to do such, I get fooled easily. Maybe I did get yed. I¡¯ve watched movies like this. Read books such as this.


    What makes me special? Completely nothing. Dn¡¯s a yer who had his fun with me. Nothing more.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Miranda chirps, swinging her arm over my shoulder. I swerve my head and take in her demeanour, at least one of us is happy.


    ¡°Peachy.¡±


    I retort deciding not to ruin her moment.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note.*


    *If things go well, I¡¯ll update another chapter in a few hours, if not it¡¯s till tomorrow. Much love from this end. Drop yourments below!*

 Chapter 76 Living Without The Player [I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    RENEE¡¯S MANSION


    FRIDAY.


    *Day Nine.*


    I spat the paste in my mouth, gobbling a little water down my throat to rinse what it eft of it.


    It¡¯s been nine days in here and with each that passes by, the knot in my chest grows tighter. On one hand, the bond with my family seems to have gotten better.


    Mother and Father are making ns to return to work. I may have forgotten to mention they¡¯re both real estate agents, hence the sweet deal for a house we could bag. Four rooms. A ridiculously enormous master bedroom, arge living room, a spacious kitchen, the perfect house.


    *In hindsight*


    That¡¯s what it remains to me, a house. I still couldn¡¯t stomach what happened over thest week.


    After Dn¡¯s abrupt switch, followed by ignoring my very existence during ss, I came to your conclusion that Kyle¡¯s words might be correct. I¡¯ve passed denial, can¡¯t recall the other crappy stages, now I just need to ept it.


    *Dn isn¡¯t dead, you¡¯re not grieving.*


    My annoying inner self reminds me. I grunt and toss the toothbrush aside.


    After all, it¡¯s his reputation. A part of me has been expecting a school blog article revealing the bet Dn made. It¡¯s in the books I read, the only exnation for his behaviour. Maybe it was all a bet between friends.


    I lived with the yer. It was his time to have some fun right under his roof.


    Ugh.


    Grumbling, I sprinkle some water on my face, concluding that Dn will remain at the back of my head for the rest of the day.


    Not.


    My subconscious has been even crankier. Just like I am.


    ****


    After showering, I checked out the list of alternatives from what I could wear to school. Mother took me *shopping*, which was more or less buying the entire section.


    I shake my head, shuddering, remembering how she shoved me into the changing room to try on every one of them.


    Might as well use it.


    Yanking blue jeans off the hanger, I tossed them over the bed and twirled my finger over the choices of shirts I had.


    Let¡¯s go ck.


    I picked a simple back shirt, gulping down as images of Dn flooded my mind.


    No!


    Fuck no. I can¡¯t spend the rest of high school fantasizing about a guy who doesn¡¯t give a shit about me.


    No.


    On day one, he ignored me and hooked up with Pa. Well, I didn¡¯t see them sucking their faces off one another, but she was fucking him with her eyes.


    I cringe at the not so distant memory.


    On day two, our paths crossed at the cafeteria and he walked by me with his friends. Without a fucking word.


    I curl my fists harshly.


    Day three to four was the weekend. Mr Emerton gave my dad a call to check on us.


    Day five was Monday. I may or may not have spied on him during practice and he may or may not have caught me. I curled my fists in anger.


    I spent day six and seven with me avoiding the hell out of him. I wanted to walk over them, plop my weight up since he¡¯d nearly twice my height, yank his shirt and yell those words I¡¯ve been dying to scream out. ¡°Why the fuck are you ignoring me?¡±


    I don¡¯t. I know better than to kiss his fucking feet.


    I don¡¯t see him on Tuesday and Wednesday.


    Day eight was yesterday. A crease forms between my brows and I wince. Day eight was fucking pathetic. We had the same ss together. I walked in on Pa and Dn seated together, flirting as their lives depended on it.


    Ever since Miranda stood up for herself, Pa shifted her bully spirit to me. She didn¡¯t smack me. No. She used other methods. Other effective methods.


    Name-calling and the best, flirting with Dn.


    It riled me up so badly, I nearly crushed her skull with my bare hands. In my mind, of course.


    The fucker kept giving her his best smirk. You know, the one that has all the girl¡¯s knees shaking.


    I strode past them and Pa had never to call me out.


    I grip my dressing table harshly.


    She did. Dn didn¡¯t turn.


    I wince at the memory. She called me a bitch, and he didn¡¯t flinch. For a guy who threatens to hurt her if she does anything, he was sure as hell just fine sitting there, watching me get insulted.


    My nails are gouging into the wood, threatening to break.


    I recall hoisting my head and going to my seat without another word. I could¡¯ve retaliated, but Dn¡¯s reaction or theck of one left me utterly speechless.


    Today is Day Nine. I wonder what fate has in store.


    Hold that thought. My phone ringtone sounded over the room. I tilt my head and move towards the dressing table, Miranda¡¯s name shing up on the screen.


    At least not everything¡¯s bad. I still have Miranda. Although she¡¯s been probing for details about Dn and me, she¡¯s also been a great distraction from my own thoughts.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I chirp, bringing the phone to my ear.


    ¡°Did you get my textst night?¡±


    She answers.


    ¡°No, I was studying for the midterms, had little time to go through them. What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Really Cami, such a nerd.¡±


    She retorts and I can picture her rolling those big blue eyes. I chuckle lightly.


    ¡°In the spirit of celebrating my freedom from Pa, I was thinking I could attend a party tonight. It¡¯ll be my first without them and I was hoping¡­ no telling my best friend to apany me¡±


    She finishes, I almost choke.


    ¡°A-A party?¡±


    I ask, breathing out loud.


    ¡°Yes. You need it too so you can stop thinking about¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m in.¡±


    I cut her before his namees up. She¡¯s right. A party will get my mind off Dn when I¡¯m fucking drunk, that is.


    *Or you¡¯ll just see him there¡­*


    My subconscious reminds me. I snap at her internally, reminding me that Dn isn¡¯t dictating how I spend my weekends.


    ¡°That was easier than I expected. I¡¯ll leave you to get dressed. See you soon.¡±


    She makes a kissing sound before the line goes dead. I drop the cell back over the table and consider my reply for a split second.


    Parties aren¡¯t usually for me. Assaults, impromptu kisses, a terrible drunk puking, vomit, lots of that.


    I sigh involuntarily. I¡¯m doing this. I am getting Dn Emerton out of my head, going to this party and having as much fun as I can.


    Without that thought, I get dressed and ready for school.


    ******Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Taylor Swift is the music industry.¡±


    Miranda purrs at some girl. I think Kelly. It¡¯s no surprise Miranda makes more friends than I can count in less than two weeks. She¡¯s friendly like that. Pa was holding her back. Now she¡¯s free to p her wings.


    ¡°She¡¯s had her moments, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯s quite on top.¡±


    The other girls¡¯ retorts, earning a hard stare from my best friend. I chuckle and reach for a French fry, ignoring their bickering.


    My life is going well currently. If not for the other thing. Good house. A few friends. Great grades, yet I¡¯m not quite satisfied.


    It¡¯s lunch break and we¡¯re all sitting at the table, talking about well Taylor swift, yet my mind keeps drifting off too¡­


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Dn. I finish with a sigh. My head snaps up at the same time and the girls grow silent. Did I imagine that?


    Oh, hell no.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He repeats a little louder this time. Everyone else seems engrossed in lunch to care, but my entire world just stopped. The girls are on edge as well. Kelly is shifting in her chair, reaching for my leg as though I¡¯m not aware Dn Emerton is hovering over my table, calling my name not once but twice.


    Then, his face breaks out in a small smile, tugging at the corner of his lips. I swallow a lump in my throat, clinging to the edge of the table.


    Day Nine did the unexpected. Dn walked up and spoke to me.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I croak, surprising myself by sounding firm when all my insides were turning to mush. Dn¡¯s here. Standing in front of me. After over a week, I got to hear his hard voice. I¡¯ve missed him up close. I¡¯ve missed him entirely.


    But why now? What could he possibly want?


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note¡±


    *I took a few days off because ideas kept swarming in. Crazy right! Anyway, I had to pen all of them and decide which is the best. It¡¯s going to be a crazy ride!*

 Chapter 77 Living Without The Player [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    KINGSTON HIGH.


    FRIDAY.


    I observed his expressions, hoping to deduce what rationale he had to speak to me. I got nothing. If his hands were stuck in his hair, I¡¯d figure he was nervous, his fingers weren¡¯t twitching, his brows reveals nothing, his face straightened as his shoulders.


    ¡°Can we speak privately?¡±


    He added, his tone smooth and curt.


    I spied Miranda, her mouth filled with pasta, but her eyes fixed on both of us.


    ¡°Go.¡±


    She mouthed.


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I clipped, then stood up.


    This better not be one of those scenes where this end up being something I regret.


    It was.


    ****


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    I repeat.


    ¡°Mother has been asking whether you are going toe around to tutor me. I tried brushing her off, but I have a feeling she might call you, which is why I came to inform you I don¡¯t want you to tutor me anymore. I think I¡¯m doing good in the course. That¡¯s pretty much it.¡±


    He concluded. I clenched my jaw, gaping at him in disbelief.


    After nine days, he called me here for this? I forgot about the lessons. We only tried it once, and I didn¡¯t think it¡¯ll be regr, but even at that, why did he have to rub it in my face? Mockery?


    ¡°Why..¡±


    I whispered, losing a grip on my control.


    ¡°I¡¯m doing well on the subject, and my mother might¡­¡±


    ¡°No. Not the tutoring. Fuck that. That¡¯s bull and you know it. Why are you acting like an asshole?¡±


    His lids brimmed with shock, but it left as quickly as it arrived.


    Then he cleared his throat before speaking.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    I blinked back at his tone. Hard. Did that annoy him? I hope so. He has annoyed me all week.


    ¡°You are. You¡¯ve been avoiding me for days?¡±


    I gritted my teeth.


    ¡°Did we see each other often in the past? I bring you home, but what other interaction did we have in school before you left the house?¡±


    I almost gasp. Almost.


    ¡°You¡¯re not seriously trying to justify what you¡¯ve been doing?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t need any justification. I¡¯m not avoiding you, there just isn¡¯t anything for us to speak about, unlike now which¡­¡±


    ¡°Bull Dn. That¡¯s bull fucking shit. You¡¯re being a jerk. You¡¯re punishing me for leaving your house. How the fuck is that fair?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not making sense. I¡¯m not punishing you for anything.¡±


    I burst intoughter, covering my lips with a few fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I just didn¡¯t think you¡¯re the kind to act like a hypocrite. One more thing I¡¯m finding of you. Kyle was right. It took a while, but I finally get it now. He was right. I was just a spark of the moment. You fucking used me as a ything and now I¡¯m out of reach, you¡¯re moving on to fucking Pa as you did before.¡±


    His eyes turned dark, and he breathed loudly. I wasn¡¯t done.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even have the decency to admit it. It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m such a fool for not epting and trying to see something else when the truth is ring. I understand your words. No more tutoring from me. Goodbye Dn.¡±


    I took to my heels to leave.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He called out, his tone reeking of desperation. Or maybe that¡¯s just what my heart wants me to believe.


    I¡¯m done. I don¡¯t turn back; I walk away quickly and get as far away from him as possible.


    Tears are gathering in my eyes, threatening to spill any second. I can¡¯t cry for him. I won¡¯t.


    I ball my fist and blink hard. Repeatedly. Reminding myself that he¡¯s the jerk. He¡¯s the stupid one. I did nothing wrong.


    ****


    ¡°Are you sure about this? I will not mind if you maybe skip the party?¡±


    I turned to re harshly. Miranda flinched and continued touching her makeup, knowing better than to speak further.


    I summarised the entire thing, since I couldn¡¯t keep quiet after returning with foggy eyes. I told her about the kisses, sweet words, near sex, everything. Her lips stayed parted in shock for over ten minutes before she utters two words.


    ¡°Stay in.¡±


    But that ship had stayed. I did one thing; party, drink and have fun. Maybe even give a guy my number.


    It¡¯s my final year in high school. I will not sulk for the remaining months.


    ¡°Look, I will not go crazy or do silly things. I¡¯m not stupid. Don¡¯t worry about that. I just want to have fun and, as you said, we are celebrating your freedom from that bitch.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what people say when they n on doing stupid things.¡±


    She murmured, but I heard her just fine. Then she bobbed her head a few times in agreement.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I affirmed and reached for the lipstick. Bold purple. It matches the dress I¡¯m wearing. One of Mrs Emerton¡¯s. The one with a slit on both ends reaching just below my knee, round-necked but with a teasing design just at the top of my cleavage. I borrowed some jewelry from mother, more like sneaking in and took them, but I¡¯ll be back before midnight so it¡¯s fine.


    Now I¡¯m sitting in front of this mirror and doing my makeup.


    Tonight I party. Hard. Harder than I¡¯ve ever partied.


    Since we both didn¡¯t own a vehicle, we opted for a cab, since those were a little easy toe by.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Mother and father had a dinner asion to attend. I¡¯ll be fine as long as I¡¯m back before midnight. It¡¯s just a little after eight, so I have more than enough time.


    Miranda wasn¡¯t looking so bad. Stripped jeans and a crop top, a matching ck purse and daring makeup. Just like me.


    And we¡¯re off.


    ****


    Loud Music. Pot. Weed. Too many perfumes stench. Tequi. Drunk teens. The average party.


    Miranda and I went in hand in hand, but I had to let squeeze into the crowd myself. The girls were stuck on guys, twirling their hips on their crotch and others were drinking while dancing still.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back. I¡¯ll go find Kelly!¡±


    Miranda yelled over the music. I bobbed my head and went away to find a ce to seat, or maybe I should get a drink first.


    The kitchen wasn¡¯t hard to locate, drinks were flowing freely as well. I handpicked vodka. A bottle. Yes, I meant it when I said I¡¯m having fun.


    ¡°Cami didn¡¯t peg you as the party kind.¡±


    I spun around with the bottle, eyeing Eva suspiciously.


    She¡¯s like the character that disappears yet makes a sudden appearance. Why now?


    Rolling my eyes, I opened the medium-sized bottle and took a huge sip.


    ¡°Wow. Someone¡¯s a hard drinker. What exactly did I miss?¡±


    She smirked. Ignoring her once more, I moved away from the centre, hoping to find somewhere to sit.


    ¡°Come on, are you still mad over the sex thing? I thought we¡¯ve buried the hatchet.¡±


    She chuckled, trailing behind me


    If I ignore her, maybe she¡¯ll go away. So I did. I pretended not to hear and kept moving.


    ¡°Friends?¡±


    A scoff slipped from my lips.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I answered.


    ¡°Come on, I¡¯m sorry. Besides, it¡¯s not like Kyle and I are together? We¡¯re not..¡±


    I could sense the sarcasm in her tone.


    ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    ¡°You and I could share all our secrets.¡±


    She continued. I took another gulp, squeezing my eyes at the burn in my throat.


    ¡°I said fuck off Eva.¡±


    ¡°Alright then. If you change your mind, I¡¯m sure you know where to find me.¡±


    She clicked her tongue before retreating.


    I exhaled deeply, setting the bottle over the table. Just then, my phone beeped with a text. It may be Miranda wanting to inform me where she ran off to.


    I unlocked the screen, running my eyes over the message.


    Fuck. It was from Dn. My breath hitched as his message registered in my head. He can¡¯t be serious.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    It stated. Punctuated and all.


    Like hell we do. I ignored the first, and another popped in.


    ¡°I can see you, Cami.¡±


    I scoffed and locked the screen, reaching for the bottle and chunking a little down my throat.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    Someone called beside me. My heart jumped at the thought of it being Dn. It wasn¡¯t, and it made my heart sink.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jimmy.¡±


    He added, and I snickered. Well, I said I¡¯m having fun.


    *And forgetting about Dn.*


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I answer back, swerving my head to meet his gaze, supplying my best smile of the night.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Roughly three more chapters left till the end of this first part and trust me, Jimmy is here to stay. Everyone will love him and the next chapter will be¡­ Ah! Can¡¯t wait. See you soon.*

 Chapter 78 In Bed With The Player[I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRAT HOUSE.


    FRIDAY EVENING.


    ¡°So the ski topples over me and I dug straight into the fricking cold snow and my friends are mostly taking videos andughing their heads off. None of them helps me and that¡¯s why I never go skiing again.¡±


    Jimmy finishes his story, and I threw my head back, still reeling withughter. Staying with him has been so much fun. He¡¯s himself. At least, I think he is. He¡¯s not bad in the eye as well. Curly brown hair. Pink, kissable lips that most girls would be drool over. Tanned skin. Muscles underneath that brown shirt he¡¯s wearing. He¡¯s also tall, which is the first thing girls look out for.


    He doesn¡¯t mind telling me how much he hates skiing because of that impression. His hand is also slung over my shoulder. I don¡¯t think I mind that little contact.


    Maybe it¡¯s the alcohol flowing through my veins, reaching my brain and making me less uptight, or just maybe I actually want this.


    *Or you¡¯re looking for ways to annoy Dn.*


    My subconscious chirps in. I flip her off because I don¡¯t care what inner me thinks.


    Miranda has been a no show. I¡¯m getting worried about her. I¡¯ve been talking to Jimmy for almost an hour.


    We¡¯ve exchanged little details. He doesn¡¯t even go to Kingston High. He¡¯s a Richmond student, which had me a little phased with the experience I had, but that¡¯s quick to wear off. Jimmy¡¯s aura isforting.


    ¡°I¡¯m enjoying this conversation. I am.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    He teases, taking a little sip from his drink. I chuckle lightly.


    ¡°I came here with someone.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    His face drops immediately.


    ¡°Not a guy. My best friend. A girl.¡±


    I correct sweetly.


    ¡°That¡¯s better.¡±


    Hements. I don¡¯t react to what thatment would me. It¡¯s way too early to think of shit like that.


    ¡°She went off and hasn¡¯t returned. I¡¯m getting worried, so as much as I hate to break this conversation up, I have to.¡±


    ¡°I cane with you then.¡±


    He surprises me by saying.


    ¡°Unless you¡¯re not enjoying mypany, as you say, and this is just a way of getting me off your back.¡±


    He chuckles.


    ¡°No, of course not. You cane. I¡¯d love for you two to meet.¡±


    I grin, then hop off the stool. He does the same while I search for my cell phone to call Miranda.


    Truth is, I shoved that object away in fear of Dn calling or texting me. Luckily, there isn¡¯t another notification from him after thest two I got. I brush the feeling of disappointment that follows that realisation and dial Miranda¡¯s number instead.


    I¡¯ve been a terrible friend. What If Pa tried something?


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    She giggles, a little too cheerily.


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    I ask, returning to the living room, and students are still dancing. It¡¯s been over an hour aren¡¯t they having leg cramps or something?


    Jimmy¡¯s watching everyone carefully, trailing behind me with his hands dug into his pocket. I can¡¯t deny how overly sexy he seems.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m upstairs, I came back, and you seemed engrossed in that guy¡­¡±


    She giggles. Definitely drunk.


    Ugh. I thought I was a bad friend.


    ¡°I¡¯ming to meet you. Do nothing stupid.¡±


    I warn then hang up.


    ¡°Upstairs.¡±


    I mumble, ducking my head to face Jimmy. His mind is elsewhere and our heads nearly collide. I¡¯m quick to move mine away, turning red while mumbling an apology.


    ¡°Um, she¡¯s upstairs.¡±


    I repeat, flushing immensely.


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    He ticks, flicking his tongue over his bottom lip. I chortle, then take the lead upstairs praying that Miranda hasn¡¯t fallen for some horny ser yer.


    ****


    ¡°Miranda.¡±


    I yelp, sighting her close to a pool table.


    Downstairs was just an open space where people could dance and then the kitchen for a beer, in here for something else. Another party entirely. Pool table. A normal table filled with drinks and cups, then an open space.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    She slurred, draping her hand over her shoulder.


    I cringe at her state wondering why I let her wander off.


    ¡°Did you at least find Kelly?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    She popped the ¡°p¡± a little too loudly, then turned and shoved a finger forward.


    ¡°She¡¯s right over there, ying dare or dare with some dumb students. That¡¯s right! We should y!¡±


    Miranda squeaks, gnawing on my arm and shoving me forward.


    Jimmy chuckles behind me, trailing both of us.


    I hate drunk Miranda. She¡¯s the worse so far. Fuck.


    The alcohol must leave my system because my eyes are clear as day. Maybe I should fix it.


    I grab a cup and fill it with the contents of a bottle that¡¯s lying around. I have half the mind to check thebel for what it is, but the other half wants to be as free as Miranda.


    ¡°Dare or dare.¡±


    Kelly grins, referring to a random dude on who the bottle had mysteriouslynded.


    My fellow students realised that truth is boring because well you could easily lie; they erased it and came up with dare or dare. I think it¡¯s trash, but you¡¯re not hearing anything from my mouth.


    Typically, you¡¯re given a dare. If you try to chicken out, then you¡¯ll be aughing stock for the entire school. One time they dared this girl to suck on a guy¡¯s dick, she couldn¡¯t Obviously, ran out the door and never looked back.


    For over a month, she got nasty messages and snickers about how big her mouth is yet couldn¡¯t swallow a dick.


    I cringe hard.


    High school girls are remarkably mean, I don¡¯t want to be that girl because I¡¯m sure as hell not doing stupid things like giving a fricking BJ in public, but my best friend has my arm draped over hers and is very drunk which means not taking no for an answer.


    I swerve my head at the sound of apuse, including Miranda. She l dared this guy top dance with a girl. His shirt is off, leaving his muscles bare. The pants are still on, but there¡¯s a dent at the centre. He¡¯s hard just by dancing. The girl doesn¡¯t seem to mind either. Everyone enjoying this.


    ¡°Do you want to y?¡±


    My skin tickles at the sound of Jimmy¡¯s voice right below my ear lobes.


    ¡°Um, I can¡¯t leave her here. She¡¯ll murder me when she gets sober.¡±


    He smiles softly.


    ¡°But it¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t want to ruin the party¡­¡±


    ¡°I asked because I want to y.¡±


    He smirks. The first of the night. He¡¯s moved from cute to hot in a split second. My mind immediatelypares his smirk to Dn¡¯


    I shake the hard thought of my mind and smile back.


    ¡°Alright then. I guess we are ying.¡±


    Jimmy moves beside me and I¡¯m stuck between him and Miranda, who is still clinging to me while watching the bottle spin eagerly.


    It stops. Everyone cheers too loudly. It¡¯s a girl this time.


    ¡°Cat, I dare you to do a split on the pool table.¡±


    There¡¯s a grin on Kelly¡¯s face as she gives Cat her dare, which isn¡¯t so bad.


    A split is easy for someone as flexible as me.


    The girl scowls deeply, then steps forward. Maybe that¡¯s why Kelly handed over the dare. She knows Cat might be terrible at splitting.


    Cat gently gets on the table, shoving one leg forward and the other backwards, her ass cheeks now propped up a little, the guys are ducking their heads to a clearer view as her core reaches the pool table, both legs split in different directions.


    Cat takes a deep breath, and everyone is pping. See, that wasn¡¯t so bad at all.


    The bottle is spinning again. My anxiety builds up every time. What if itnds on me?


    It slows down dangerously close to us three; I wince at the thought. Oh no.


    Fuck no. Please.


    Then it stops. Miranda


    I cannot help but exhale.


    ¡°Miranda.¡±


    Kelly¡¯s eyes twitch with mischief. Maybe she¡¯ll go easy on her, being friends and all.


    ¡°I dare you to go downstairs, find any guy of your choice, and stick your tongue down his throat. That¡¯s code for kiss him.¡±


    Kelly smirks.


    I have a major cringe show. Miranda let go of my arm, smirking back at being brought with a challenge.


    Nearly everyone storms out of the room, trailing behind my best friend, who is about to kiss some guy. Right. That¡¯s not awkward. I¡¯d chicken out if it were me.


    She¡¯s at the base of the stair, strutting into the living room where mostly everyone is shaking their ass and getting dead drunk.


    I consider stopping it. Sober Miranda will not consider this, but she¡¯s already far gone


    I catch her tug at a guy¡¯s shirt; he turns over, wide eyes and before he can say anything, Miranda¡¯s parted lips are crushed over his.


    Everyone hoots for her, and I zone in.


    Holy fuck. That¡¯s not just any guy. It¡¯s Kyle. Miranda is kissing Kyle. She pulls over, licking her bottom lip with no knowledge of who he is.


    I don¡¯t think she knows.


    I turn away before he could spot me, rushing up the stairs.


    I¡¯m not mad. I broke Kyle and I. I certainly don¡¯t have feelings for him, but Miranda is my best friend and she just made out with him.


    God, it¡¯ll be awkward when I tell her in the morning.


    My temples are swelling, I might be hungover, and what was I drinking upstairs? I cross-check the time. Almost eleven pm. I should get going.


    I¡¯ll call a cab for Miranda and me.


    Spinning back quickly, I bump into Jimmy, who¡¯s walking toward me.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry ¡±


    We both say, then burst intoughter.


    ¡°You just ran off like that. I thought something happened.¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    I stop myself from telling him Kyle is my ex. I might never see Jimmy again, so what does it matter?


    ¡°I felt the urge to throw up at my best friend¡¯s slopping kissing.¡±


    I say instead.


    ¡°I take it you¡¯re just about leaving?¡±


    How did he figure?


    ¡°Yes. I think it¡¯s best I go before something crazy happens tonight.¡±


    ¡°Well then, Cami, I had a splendid evening. You¡¯re one of a kind.¡±


    I chuckle, tucking my hair away at hispliment.


    ¡°Would it be such a cliche move if I were to ask for your¡­?¡±


    He¡¯s cut off by the sound of an object crashing nearby.


    Our heads bob in the sound¡¯s direction. What if someone¡¯s trying to steal something?


    ¡°I¡¯ll go check it out.¡±


    Jimmy says, once again reading my thoughts.


    He strides quickly to the origin, peaks his head inside one room while I y with my dress. His face curves in a wicked smile and he pulls away, returning to me.


    ¡°What was it?¡±


    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s nothing, just a guy and a girl getting off.¡±


    He chuckles, sliding multiple fingers in his hair. I cringe. The third one. That¡¯s so disgusting.


    ¡°Anyway¡­¡±


    He starts, but my phone¡¯s beeping with a text from Dn. My heart skips one beat.


    ¡°Too much fun.¡±


    It reads. I furrow my brows,pletely confused. Did he drunk text me?


    I re-read it multiple times but still can¡¯t deduce meaning.


    Closing my screen, I put it away and decide Dn isn¡¯t worth the effort. He¡¯s trying to mess with me.


    ¡°Text from no one. What were you saying?¡±


    I smiled.


    ¡°I was going to ask for your number¡­¡±


    He trails off with a grin. Jimmy¡¯s good. He¡¯s been nothing but fun all night.


    I¡¯m about to dig into my contact and call out my number when we hear another object crash. My heart skips another beat and I¡¯m rushing to the sound of the noise.


    I have no clue why. As Jimmy said, it¡¯s just two drunk and horny teenagers.


    I reach the door, my fingers wrapping around the knob. It creaks but opens up slowly and I peek inside.


    I sucked all the air out of my lungs. Literally. I gasp out of breath and that gets his attention.


    His eyes scrutinize my body in the fairly lit room, then they widen with realisation.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    A groan slips out of his mouth, but I shut the door and run off before he can react.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Jimmy calls softly. He¡¯s probably noticing how quickly my eyes are watering up. I¡¯m fucking stupid. What the hell was I thinking?


    Fuck!


    I mutter all the curses in my head strolling back to Jimmy. That¡¯s when I hear him.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    Dn yells in the hall.


    My feet are stuck to the ground at the sound of his voice. I release a sharp breath and another pair of hands are around me. It¡¯s Jimmy.


    ¡°You let go of her.¡±


    Dn grows behind me.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±


    Miranda adds, she¡¯s behind Jimmy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I croak.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking talk to me. It¡¯s rude to leave a girl when she hasn¡¯te yet and I¡¯m sure Pa was right at the edge of that. You should go finish.¡±


    There¡¯s this edge in my voice. One I haven¡¯t heard before. I think it¡¯s rage, and it¡¯s scary.


    I can¡¯t see his face. I¡¯m not sure I want to. I don¡¯t miss the gasp from Miranda, though.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mutter to Jimmy, my lips quivering as I run a finger over his clothed chest.


    Slipping between both boys, I reach Miranda, who pulls my arm immediately. She¡¯s still drunk, but even at that, my emotions are bare for anyone to see.


    ¡°Can we go?¡±


    I bite down on my lower lip, blinking back every tear that¡¯s going to spill. She nods quickly.


    It takes everything in me not to incline my head and look at him. His eyes probably. I would¡¯ve loved to see the look in them. But I don¡¯t.


    I keep walking down the stairs with Miranda. He does not follow. I¡¯m grateful. Miranda¡¯s calling a cab, I think. We¡¯re squeezing through teenagers and leaving the party, and once I¡¯m out the door into the cold night, the realisation hits me smoothly.


    Dn was screwing Pa. I saw them with my fucking eyes. The tears are flowing freely; I don¡¯t stop them. I¡¯m not sure I can.


    *****


    *Author¡¯s Note.*


    *Well that was anticlimactic. Very much. Let¡¯s see what happens next!*

 Chapter 79 In Bed With The Player [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    REN¨¦E MANSION.


    FRIDAY NIGHT.


    The lighting noise jerks the entire house, Miranda jumps at the top of the stairs, squealing in fright.


    I¡¯m not phased. I don¡¯t feel anything.


    My tiny arms are around my chest while I drag my legs up the stairs, nearly tripping and falling over.


    *Which wouldn¡¯t be so bad.* Maybe when I go unconscious, I¡¯ll wake up to the true reality that all this was just a nightmare. *A terrible one.*


    I never went to that party. I never had fun with a random guy. Not only that, but I never participated in dare or dare. Miranda didn¡¯t kiss my ex and the anti-climatic, I didn¡¯t see him. I did not see him thrusting his length in her. I didn¡¯t see her tits in the air, bouncing as she steadied herself on him.


    Furthermore, I squeeze my eyes so hard they¡¯re hurting, but I want the image to go away. It¡¯s fixed in my head, I keep reliving it, and I just want it to go away.


    My chest is tight as fuck. I can barely get a breath out without feeling the urge to gag. It hurts. I¡¯m not sure what or why, but it just does.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Miranda calls beside me, softly caressing my arm.


    ¡°You should go.¡±


    I croak, my voice is unrecognizable to my hearing.


    ¡°I can stay the night¡­¡±


    ¡°No, you should go.¡±


    I sound like a broken record.


    ¡°Are you sure? I don¡¯t know what happened¡­¡±


    ¡°He fucked Pa. That¡¯s all. I want to take off my clothes before my parents get back. You should go.¡±


    I repeat. Her jaw is on the floor. Is she shocked? But why? He¡¯s a yer. They fuck anything in a skirt, it¡¯s part of the job description.


    ¡°I can stay. We¡¯ll tell your parents it was a slumber party or¡­¡±


    Another lightning struck.


    ¡°It¡¯s going to rain soon, you should go.¡±


    I avoid her suggestion and move away. I can¡¯t deal with her at this moment, I want to sit under the shower and meditate.


    I doubt I¡¯ll cry, I¡¯ve got zero tears left. I¡¯ll just stay there for a while.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you tomorrow. Please get some rest. He¡¯s an asshole for doing that.¡±


    I half scoff.


    ¡°He did nothing wrong.¡±


    I find myself saying.


    ¡°He did. You don¡¯t deserve that.¡±


    ¡°Too bad for me.¡±


    I chuckle sarcastically.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    I lied.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Please just¡­ I need to be alone.¡±


    My voice betrays me. Curse it. I crack like a broken soundtrack.


    ¡°I will give you a call tomorrow.¡±


    I add, then clear my throat. Finally, she nods and tugs me for a hug.


    I want to cry so bad. Miranda pulls away after a while, sniffling lowly. I manage a tight smile, pressing my lips into a fast line.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    I murmur, then watch her stride down the stairs before exiting the house.


    Another lightning sound. This time, I shudder and slip to the ground. My legs clipped together, my back retreating until it¡¯s against the wall, my hands still wrapped around my chest.


    For a minute I just stay there, the entire house is quiet except for the weather outside, only my breathing is heard, I prefer it that way.


    Minutes passed, then I lower my head and exhale. That¡¯s when I heard a knock. My head snaps back up, a gasp escaping my lips.


    My first thought is my parents. They¡¯re supposed to be back after midnight. I think. It¡¯s barely eleven-thirty, plus it¡¯s their house, I doubt they¡¯ll knock unless they forget their key.


    Slowly, I pull myself off the ground and stand firm.


    Miranda? She just left, why would she knock again? Unless she thought I already went back in.


    Or maybe it¡¯s someone else entirely.


    Another knock. I¡¯m tempted to ask who it is, but I stride down the stairs instead, peaking outside, where it¡¯s already drizzling.


    Third knock.


    I slid through the living room and face the door, ducking my head to see the foot shadow of someone outside. Just one person.


    Tentatively, I reach for the doorknob and pull, a gush of wind blowing my hair backwards and temporary blinding me from viewing. Once it cleared, I see exactly who was at my door.


    My rage has returned. The air is sucked out again, and I stare inly.


    He stares back, tugging at his jacket, a little wet from the drizzle outside.


    Finally, he parts his lips and speaks-


    ¡°Cami.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    My name off his tongue ignites another rage in me.


    I¡¯m taking two steps, balling both hands and shoving him out into the drizzle.


    Leaving my door wide open, I walk outside and meet his gaze, he¡¯s still reeling from my push and there¡¯s this look of surprise in his eyes.


    What the fuck was Dn thinking? He¡¯lle here and what? Call my name sweetly, and I run into his arms, we¡¯ll cuddle in the cold weather then make love afterwards? Of course. He¡¯s a yer. I shouldn¡¯t expect anything less.


    Once he¡¯s steadied, his eyes are fixed on mine. I¡¯m breathing hard, scowling at him with every fibre in me. I¡¯m angry. I¡¯m fucking angry.


    Before I can think, I¡¯m marching to him again, lifting my right palm to his face. He doesn¡¯t stop me, I hit him as hard as I can muster. His head swerves to the side, but he still doesn¡¯t react.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    I scream in frustration, clenching my right fist, grimacing hard.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He calls softly. That¡¯s it.


    My left hand is up and connecting with his stupid face. I want to scar it so badly, I want it destroyed, so I can¡¯t look at it anymore. So I can¡¯t remember every time that faces curved into a smirk. A smirk for me.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He chokes and the sound of his voice is annoying.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking call my name!¡±


    I scream. It¡¯s a good thing it¡¯s drizzling, no one will be outside. We¡¯re like two crazy individuals arguing in the rain. My gown is getting soaked, but the pain in my chest makes me oblivious of almost everything that¡¯s happening around me.


    ¡°Let me exin.¡±


    He offers his breath, hot and still reeking of alcohol.


    ¡°Fuck that!¡±


    I grit my teeth, resisting the urge to smack him again.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    Is that desperation? I shake the thought of. I don¡¯t care if it is. I don¡¯t.


    ¡°No. No. No. Fuck no. I don¡¯t want to hear anything from you. Get out. Just get out!¡±


    I scream, tugging at my roots.


    ¡°Pa sent the text to you. Thatst one. I sent the first two, and when I saw you with that guy, I just got angry. I started drinking, and she was there¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, I choke on augh.


    Pressing my lips down, I try to hold it back, but it¡¯s futile.


    In the rain, I throw my head back andugh. I cackle. I chuckle. I giggle. Iugh hard. I¡¯m clutching my tummy andughing harder than I¡¯ve everughed. My hair is soaked and I¡¯m stillughing.


    Then I pause.


    ¡°Do you have to be such a clich¨¦?¡±


    I smirk, cocking my head at him.


    ¡°The bull story. You sent two texts. You saw me with another guy, then what? Did she fall on your dick? Somehow she pushed you into the room? Or what¡­? Did she rip your clothes off you? And then just identally hopped on your dick?¡±


    I smirk again, nearly bursting into another round ofughter.


    ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t tell me you were drugged?¡±


    I fake a gasp.


    ¡°Oh my god, Dn¡­¡±


    I purse my lips. That¡¯s sarcasm.


    ¡°No. I was not drunk.¡±


    He mutters coldly. Is he mad now? He¡¯s annoyed?


    ¡°That¡¯s good then. It means there¡¯s no excuse for what you did. I was talking to a guy, so you fucked Pa? How does that coborate in any way? You¡¯re fucking sick.¡±


    I spat, full-on ring once more.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m sorry. Cam, I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, don¡¯t call me that!¡±


    I yell, shoving him back once again.


    He regained stamina, exhaling deeply. A look crossed his eyes momentarily. Then, he¡¯s marching toward me.


    Confusion creases my brows, and before I can part my lips to speak, his are on mine. He¡¯s fucking kissing me.


    Both palms are on each side of my face, covering them entirely, and his mouth is pressing against mine. I don¡¯t feel a damn thing. I don¡¯t part my lips. I don¡¯t kiss him back.


    I just squeeze my eyes and take a breath.


    Then, for the nth time this might, I fold my hands and push him off. My hand is back up. A tight p across his cheeks.


    Either he didn¡¯t think I could push him off, or he wasn¡¯t sure I had that much strength, either way, shes of shock and hurt consume him.


    The rain is getting heavier by the second, we¡¯re both nearly drenched, and we just stand there.


    I blink back the tears threatening to fall. I can¡¯tugh again. I scoff instead.


    ¡°The fuck do you think this is? A rom? You figure it¡¯s raining, and you can just kiss me? A fucking kiss in the rain, and I¡¯d what? Part my lips and dive your tongue, kiss you back, and we rip each other clothes off? All is forgiven as Iy in your fucking arms! That¡¯s what you thought? Oh, fuck. Dn. You¡¯re fucking clueless. You don¡¯t even understand, do you?¡±


    I choke on a lump.


    ¡°You ignored me. You made me think I was a ything. A toy. A hand me down. You watched as Pa called me a bitch, then dayster you screw her, and now you¡¯re shoving your tongue down my throat? Who the fuck does that!? What the hell is wrong with you!?¡±


    I scream, throwing my hands in the air. He stands there without replying, watching me wordlessly.


    I choke a second time. Most definitely on a tear. It¡¯s a good thing it¡¯s raining because I cannot bear Dn seeing me this way.


    ¡°You will turn around and walk away. You won¡¯t utter a word to me. Not now. Not ever. You will walk away from me. You will forget everything just like I will and then both of us will return to our former lives because I assure you, I will never give you the chance to hurt me again.¡±


    I dere full of spite. He nces, then his eyes zone in on mine. I¡¯m struggling to breathe. My chest is clogged.


    ¡°Goodbye Cami.¡±


    He mumbles, turns around then walks away. When he¡¯s out of sight, I take a few steps backwards until I hit the door.


    I¡¯mpletely soaked. My entire body is shaking. I don¡¯t think the cold is taking all the me for that one. Hot tears are trickling down my face.


    I suck in then release another breath.


    Slowly, I walk towards the stairs, careful not to slip and hit my head. *Again, which I wouldn¡¯t mind at all.*


    *TWO MONTHS LATER.*


    KINGSTON HIGH.


    The entire stadium is filled with cheers as students march forward to collect their diplomas. Miranda bagged hers, smiling widely as her mother took a picture with her.


    I¡¯m smiling as well, although mine isn¡¯t genuine or from the heart.


    Mother and Father are here. They took a picture with me while I got mine. I can¡¯t wait for this stunt to be over, so I can go back home and get to packing. I still have about eight months before the first semester starts, but you can¡¯t be too early, right?


    That¡¯s right. It¡¯s graduation. We¡¯re finally done with high school. Cool right?


    Now we are off to college to *find ourselves,* I decided to major in psychology. Humans are funny. Getting to understand how they think and helping them will be fun. I think. Miranda is majoring in drama because heaven knows she¡¯s a natural actress. We got into the same University, roommates even. Cool right? The University of California.


    My hands are still pping from the names being called, but they halt at the announcer¡¯s next words.


    ¡°Dn Emerton.¡±


    His words ring at the back of my head, my hands are caught in the air, my face looking forward. The entire audience is waiting.


    *He didn¡¯te?*


    Then I hear slow steps towards the podium.


    *Look away.*


    My subconsciousmands. I don¡¯t. My gaze is stered on him. He¡¯s wearing a ck suit underneath the gown. His face is void while grabbing the tiny object from the principal, who¡¯s smiling widely. A sh of light is caused by the camera taking a picture. He looks different. He¡¯s not smirking. Likewise, he¡¯s not doing anything. He takes a picture with his parents and that¡¯s it. A final handshake with a few teachers, then his head turns.


    I¡¯m sure he¡¯s staring at me now. We¡¯re staring at each other. A first after two months. We haven¡¯t seen eye to eye in two months. This doesn¡¯tst either.


    I turn away and face something else, the burn in my chest reminding me exactly why Dn Emerton and I will never have anything to see or talk about. After that night, we went our separate ways. I urged Miranda to forget about the entire issue, I just wanted to get through high school and move on.


    I ditched the sses we had together, I moved in and out of school and although our paths crossed less than ten times, we never uttered a word to each other and that¡¯s the way it¡¯s going to remain. He¡¯s in my past. As he should be.


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Is he though?? In case you¡¯re wondering, this is the end of part one! Goosebumps!!!! The next part is going to be mind-blowing. Honestly can¡¯t wait to write it. Oh! Lest I forget, please drop yourments. I¡¯m eager to read them!.*

 Chapter 80 Life In College[I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    EIGHT MONTHS LATER.


    -CAL-U


    TUESDAY.


    California University, or as most people like to call it, Cal-U. One of the finest institutions in the entire country,petitive as well, but getting into not that difficult with my final year grades. I had nothing distracting me as well, enough time to study. I could¡¯ve gotten into Harvard if I wanted, but Cal-U is hours away from home. The skies aren¡¯t that cloudy. Winter isn¡¯t freezing and Miranda¡¯s here. It¡¯s perfect.


    Another reason may just be because a certain someone had no interest in Cal-U, so our paths may never cross again.


    I¡¯m holding a box of clothes staring at amodation 205, my room. A lot changed in eight months. I cut my hair, reduced it to shoulder length. I almost dyed it dark if it wasn¡¯t for dad¡¯s lecture. I became distant. When it was time to leave, I packed my stuff in boxes and left without thinking twice.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    Miranda squealed behind me, her enormous arms going around me, squishing me between herself.


    I mumbled a few curse words at the back of my head, wondering if I made the wrong choice by matching our roommate¡¯s profiles together.


    We get a double room in the first year, an assurance and all that. You get to choose a roommate as well if you¡¯re aware of her profile. Miranda and I lived together at Kingston High, but after Pa, she changed a lot. She¡¯s more ¡°dramatic¡±, a lot more dramatic. It¡¯s her major, so I¡¯m learning to adapt to this alternative lifestyle.


    I cringe at my thought. Pa. I forgot about her. At least I convinced myself that I did.


    ¡°No! No! No!¡±


    Miranda yelled, pulling away. She¡¯s being a drama queen. Again. Ugh.


    ¡°You will not sulk for your first year. I will not allow it.¡±


    She insisted, cing her hands over her hips. I ran a few fingers through my hair.


    ¡°Miranda¡­¡±


    I growled.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare. Don¡¯t Miranda me..¡±


    She joked, pping my wrist.


    ¡°Can we just move in already?¡±


    ¡°No. We are not taking a step into our apartment until we agree here and you have to promise me.¡±


    *I¡¯m going to regret the next few sentences.*


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I gritted my teeth.


    ¡°Promise me you will stop sulking over you know who. You will try to move on from high school. Come on, shitty things happen and I know it hurts. You shut me out. You didn¡¯t let me try to do anything and I¡¯m certain you shut the entire world out too, but I guess it¡¯s fine because people have their way of dealing with pain, but this is college. One day you¡¯re going to look back and realise that you missed out on a lot simply because of one bad experience, so you have to promise me you won¡¯t sulk anymore. We¡¯re agreeing to have the best first year. Come on.¡±


    She shoved her pinky forward, gasping loudly. I chortle, ducking my head to nce at her.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t five anymore Miranda, there¡¯s no way we are pinky swearing.¡±


    I giggle again, smiling widely.


    ¡°Yes, we are. There are no age limits to the pinky swear. It¡¯s one of the most powerful ways to seal a promise, so we pinky swear.¡±


    She shoved her hand forward once more.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, stretching my hand as well, crossing our pinkies against each other.


    ¡°This ispletely ridiculous.¡±


    I chuckled again, looking around the hallway. Hopefully, no one is watching us act like five-year-olds.


    ¡°Shut up Cami!¡±


    I couldn¡¯t hold it anymore. I burst intoughter, clutching my tummy harshly.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen youugh that hard in a while.¡±


    Shemented. I brushed my hair away, chuckling lowly. She isn¡¯t wrong. I don¡¯t recall smiling orughing much after the Incident. It¡¯s been nearly a year.


    ¡°Now we move in!¡±


    Miranda eximed once more. I¡¯m sure Residence hall B has a policy against noisy halls, but my best friend couldn¡¯t care less.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    I¡¯m d we are together. Without Miranda, I have no clue what I¡¯ll do. I shoved the key into the keyhole, turned the doorknob and strolled in.


    This is my home now. For the next eight months.


    ****


    RESIDENCE HALL B


    They fully equipped our room with two standard beds on each end of the room, it has Wi-Fi, there¡¯sundry on our floor, amon kitchen as well, and amon room for ¡°making friends¡± it isn¡¯t so bad.


    It took nearly the entire day to move our clothes and other stuff into the room. Then we took turns showering and finallyy on the bed, staring at the ceiling.


    The next day is orientation, another ¡°fun¡± activity. I¡¯m thinking of skipping the bogus event, but knowing Miranda she¡¯ll tug my ass down to the centre.


    Ugh. I¡¯m dredging the entire thing already.


    Then again, Miranda and I might drift off since we are different faculties. I¡¯ll sneak off then. Perfect.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you are calling your parents?¡±


    She chirped, turning over to face me.


    ¡°I sent them a text.¡±


    I murmured, shutting my eyes. It¡¯s almost three pm if I¡¯m not mistaken. I¡¯m exhausted.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    She whispered and turned again.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°Mmmm..¡±


    ¡°We are going to have fun, right? This is college.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡±


    I answer, yawning and slowly drifting away.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯m going to make sure of it.¡±


    That was thest thing I heard before shutting offpletely.


    ****


    8:54 PM.


    I stood up properly over the bed, spying Miranda in the corner, still sleeping. Her closet is still a mess, but mine is as neat as a pin.


    Trying not to make a sound, I grabbed my towel and the change of clothes creeping into the shower.


    The hair dripped from my head with my towel tied loosely over my chest. I pulled out my shirt and sweatpants, then ran the towel over my hair before exiting the room.


    Tucking my palms in my pocket, I strolled outside and took in the entire school.


    I should¡¯ve brought a jacket as well. It¡¯s fricking cold out here.


    Just then, my phone beeped, and I had to dig into my sweat pants to retrieve it. Miranda. No one would text or call.


    ¡°Where are you!!!¡±


    Three exmation marks. I huffed.


    ¡°Took. A walk.¡±


    I clicked send and tucked it away, sighting themon area. There are people there.


    Our hall is not gender-based, so there are guys. Maybe go back to my dorm. I¡¯m not in the mood for making friends. Taking a simple U-turn, I strolled towards the elevator.


    Once inside, I punched the button that¡¯ll take me to my floor and rxed against the wall.


    Instead of moving up, someone halted the closing doors. Male.


    I could tell by his hands.


    Gulping down my throat, I thought, what if-


    What if?


    No. I shrugged it off my mind. The doors opened to amodate him and I lifted my head to see.


    I wasn¡¯t wrong. I¡¯m hardly ever wrong after that night, mostly because I over analyse and overthink. It¡¯s him.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I whispered. His head snapped to mine, blue eyes glistening with recognition.


    I released a breath, then chuckled.


    ¡°Hello, gorgeous.¡±


    He answers back. He remembers me. Just like that, all the air is sucked away.


    ******

 Chapter 81 Life In College [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    TUESDAY.


    CAL-U


    Jimmy. Never got hisst name. I scan him, taking in his featurespared to thest time I saw him.


    As much as I thought I¡¯d never return to that moment in time, I recall the shots of tequ we had taken, theughter brewing in the air, his hand slung over my shoulder. His got even broader. He¡¯s holding up a box and my brows shoot up. He¡¯s moving in here? He¡¯s going to Cal-U? Isn¡¯t that precious? No, it is not, that¡¯s sarcasm.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I snap my head back to him. He¡¯s in the elevator, and we¡¯re going up. Then he ms his hand over the buttons and we¡¯re halted in the air.


    I swallow hard.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to think you remember me.¡±


    He chuckles, a hand running through his silk hair. There¡¯s a wrinkle left and the urge to help him out is overwhelming. He¡¯s wearing a simple ash shirt and sweatpants. Just like me.


    *Keep calm Cami.*


    I clear my throat.


    ¡°I remember you, Jimmy.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    I swallow again. His smile widens, and he kicks the box towards the corner.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t we moving?¡±


    ¡°Why do you think we aren¡¯t?¡±


    He taunts with a smirk.


    ¡°If I knew, I wouldn¡¯t ask.¡±


    I retorted, crossing my hands to hide the fact that they were shaking. I¡¯m not scared. I don¡¯t think Jimmy would hurt me. So why am I feeling fluffy suddenly?


    ¡°Eight months.¡±


    He breathes.


    ¡°Eight months and I spent every moment with you at the back of my head.¡±


    That¡¯s such a guy thing to say.


    ¡°You knew I go to Kingston. You could¡¯ve tried to contact me if you wanted.¡±


    I snap harshly at him. Did I want him to contact me?


    ¡°Clich¨¦¡­¡±


    His words ring in the back of my head. I could¡¯ve given him my number if it wasn¡¯t for¡­


    I shake the thoughts off.


    ¡°I know, but considering the terms we left off on, I didn¡¯t think contacting you was the right choice, so I kept my distance and here you are.¡±


    I scoff, adding an eye roll in between.


    ¡°I need to get back to my room.¡±


    I straighten my shoulders, trying to conceal a re.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    He pushed the button, and we began moving again.


    I have two more floors till I get to Residence Hall B. What are the odds that we are living on the same floors?


    God no. Jimmy going to school here wouldn¡¯t influence anything. For all I know, anyone at Richmond or Kingston could be here. It changes nothing.


    I stepped forward and pushed the stop button once I reached my floor.


    ¡°Till we meet again, gorgeous.¡±


    He whispers, standing by my side. Great, his voice got even thicker up close.


    Why is there a shiver running down my spine?


    *Not a chance in hell Cami.*


    ¡°I doubt it.¡±


    I swerve my head, passing him a tiny grin, before walking out of the elevator.


    It was hot in there. I strode quickly to room 205 without turning back. It¡¯s best if I have no clue about him. None.


    I didn¡¯t state it explicitly, but I have no ns to date or anything of that sort. Boys are at the bottom of my to-do list, right after never.


    I intend to let it stay that way.


    Room 205.


    Twisting the doorknob, I walked inside, and Miranda jumped in fright.


    Her slightly elevated phone slipped from her grip, dropping on the bed, and I frowned in confusion.


    Was she on a video call with someone? And why pause at my expense?


    Quirking my brows, I shut the door behind me, and she sat up on the bed


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know it was you. I got a little scared there.¡±


    She exined, giggling nervously.


    She¡¯s withholding information.


    ¡°Spill.¡±


    I demanded, crossing my arms once more.


    Her hands went behind her head. We¡¯re scratching now?


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    She giggles again.


    I narrow my gaze suspiciously, contemting whether to push it further or simply let it slide. Thetter seems better for now. I had a long day.


    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    I reply, striding towards my bed. She turned away to reach for her phone and I catch a glimpse.


    It¡¯s a video call. I wasn¡¯t wrong.


    *I¡¯m never wrong these days.*


    Why would she be startled over that? A better question was she speaking with? Weird.


    I kick off my shoes and get into bed properly, pulling the covers up to my neck.


    ¡°I saw Jimmy.¡±


    I blurt, staring at the ceiling.


    Miranda was dead drunk that day, but she remembered events in bits and pieces and although I never spoke about the main course, I told her about the desert. Desert in form of Jimmy whosest name I still do not know.


    ¡°Jimmy?¡±


    She repeats, her voice straining to recall.


    *One. Two. Three¡­*


    I murmur.


    ¡°Fuck! Jimmy!¡±


    She squeals. Of course. Drama-Queen.


    ¡°Cute. Hot. Funny. Sexy. Jimmy!¡±


    Those were not my words. Not even close.


    ¡°Tell me everything!¡±


    She gushes, leaping from her bed to mine.


    Ugh. Why don¡¯t I ever keep things to myself again?


    ¡°I went for a walk. I got into the elevator while returning and he got in as well.¡±


    ¡°Oh, my God! The elevator thing! That¡¯s so cute!¡±


    She squeaks. Oh, my eardrums.


    I release a breath. I could just turn and try to sleep, but will she let me? Not.


    ¡°Nothing happened. We said hello, and I got off.¡±


    I rolled my eyes, cing both hands over my chest.


    ¡°When you start a sentence with nothing happened, it simply means something happened, so tell me!¡±


    What do I say? He may or may not look more beautiful than Ist saw him?


    Beautiful isn¡¯t the word for a guy, but not the point at the moment. He may or may not have broader shoulders, a sexy voice. What else?


    It¡¯s theck of manly contact that¡¯s getting to my head. Jimmy and I had a good time one night. The night turned into something else afterwards. There was lots of flirting, some from my end. I think.


    That¡¯s all it was. Eight months passed. I changed.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not the rule, am I? I¡¯m the exception. Good night Miranda.¡±


    I reached for the night light, switching it off and turning it over.


    She grunts in reaction, hopped off my bed and went to hers. I have a feeling that subject is to be continued.


    Orientation.


    Thest thing on my mind before driftingpletely into slumber.


    ****


    WEDNESDAY.


    7th September 2022. For first-year students, we get a meal n. There¡¯s arge dining hall, typically all I have to do with every money is get ready for sses. Everything else is nned out.


    ¡°Morning roomie.¡±


    Miranda chirps. She¡¯s a tight sleeper, but I¡¯ve dealt with insomnia in the past. I barely get any sleep in.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    I reply, searching for an outfit inside my closet


    ¡°No!¡±


    Miranda screams, jerking my arm away from the ck gown.


    ¡°You are not putting on that trash. You will wear something colourful and pretty. I¡¯ll burn all your baggy shirts and sweatpants. You are not doing that with me.¡±


    Her grip around my arm is tight as fuck.


    ¡°Wait here.¡±


    Shemands, stomping to her closet. A new day. Miranda Cosgrove caused a new regret.


    Fuck me.


    ¡°There.¡±


    She shoved a gown in my hand. A blue gown. I scrunched my nose.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare Cami Ren¨¦e? Put that fucking gown on. It suits your eyes.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s also too tight. Too scrubby. Too not ck.¡±


    I whined, holding it up by the tip of my finger.


    ¡°Ugh.¡±


    I groaned.


    ¡°Put it on or I swear to God I¡¯ll burn those clothes.¡±


    She pointed to my otherfy outfits. Knowing my best friend, she¡¯s well capable of doing that.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I caved and slid the hand of the other dress down both arms. I¡¯ll regret this for sure.


    ****


    Orientation would take ce in the huge space outside.


    I¡¯ve received too many nces from everyone to know I hate this dress. Miranda is unting herself more or less without a care in the world. She¡¯s going to be an actress, the looks will be a regr thing


    There was a podium in the middle and a projector. Lots of pictures as well.


    I don¡¯t need this. I spent thest eight months researching this ce. I don¡¯t need a map. I know every faculty advisor, every course due date, every lecture hall. I should be the teacher.


    Folding my arms, I stood in the corner watching Miranda speak with a few people.


    Pa¡¯s parents sponsored her. I¡¯m not sure what urred. Miranda knew Pa was a soft spot, and I truly wasn¡¯t paying attention, but I know they¡¯re supporting every expense.


    I smiled softly at that thought.


    ¡°Hello again, gorgeous.¡±


    A voice whispered, thickening in my ear.


    Fuck me.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I gritted my teeth. It¡¯s getting annoying now.


    I kept looking forward. Fingers crossed, he¡¯ll walk away. He did not.


    Miranda is smirking at the corner, giving me the *you¡¯ll spillter* look.


    Eye roll.


    ¡°Orientation is not just for the talks. You¡¯re supposed to move around andmunicate.¡±


    He clicked his tongue.


    Second eye roll.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about that.¡±


    ¡°Why is that?¡±


    He¡¯s closer now. Almost as though our bodies are fused, and he¡¯s behind me.


    ¡°I don¡¯t..¡±


    I paused.


    That sentence was supposed to be ¡°I don¡¯t know¡±, then a third eye roll. That¡¯s how I proposed it, but it didn¡¯t go in that direction and it¡¯s not because of Jimmy¡¯s alluring tone.


    I halted. You¡¯re wondering why aren¡¯t you?


    Well, I have a question as well which will answer the former.


    What the fuck is Dn Emerton doing here?


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Miranda pulled my hand away. I jerked and faced her.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I blurted out.


    Fuck.


    Turning back, I zoned in on that spot. He¡¯s gone.


    There¡¯s no one there anymore.


    Did I imagine him? He wouldn¡¯t go here? He would not attend Cal-U. I know that, but I¡¯m positive I saw him?


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Miranda called behind me. I. Jimmy. Miranda. Possibly him. Just like that night.


    D¨¦j¨¤ vu. The bad kind.


    ****

 Chapter 82 Life In College [III]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    CAL-U


    9:42 AM.


    I half expected a shocked expression over Miranda¡¯s face to mirror mine, but when I ducked my head back, she was nothing but annoyed. She didn¡¯t see him.


    Did I imagine him? Negative. I know what I saw. I¡¯m sure of it.


    ¡°Cami. Are you okay?¡±


    Jimmy asks, reaching for my arm. No.


    This is confusing enough. I recoil at his touch, folding my fingers together.


    Miranda res extremely hard. Oh God, my head is spinning. The entire environment is spinning.


    ¡°Jimmy, why don¡¯t you give Cami a tour of the university?¡±


    It¡¯s my turn to re. I already know every inch of the ce.


    Before any protest can spill out from my mouth, Miranda tugged me towards him, revoking the tiny amount of space I put.


    ¡°Cami, may I talk to you a second?¡±


    Again, she¡¯s jerking me off without waiting for an answer.


    ¡°What is wrong with you? Jimmy is great! Why don¡¯t you want Jimmy?¡±


    Ice my fingers in my hair.


    *Why don¡¯t I want Jimmy?*


    Right. I don¡¯t want *boys*


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m taking a break from dating.¡±


    ¡°You only dated one guy, and that¡¯s Kyle, and he cheated and all¡­¡±


    She stops herself, cringing at her words, and I can¡¯t help but feel it¡¯s not Kyle betraying me that struck her so much.


    It¡¯s my turn to narrow my gaze. Miranda met him. Hell, she kissed him hard. Was that all? Did I miss something in between the eight months of sulking?


    ¡°Then another thing happened with the guy you never dated¡­¡±


    I snapped my head, dissolving the thoughts of Kyle. Later. I¡¯ll think of thatter.


    ¡°He used me.¡±


    I interject, clutching my fist.


    ¡°There¡¯s no sugar coating. It¡¯s no use trying to make it feel better. He used me. End of story.¡±


    Pity. Oh great, now she¡¯s pitying me.


    ¡°I saw him. That¡¯s why I got knocked off for a second there. I think I saw him.¡±


    I flutter my eyes shut and let the images fill my head. Squeezing them harder, I try not to let him invade my thoughts.


    I fail.


    Once I recall the ck jacket I saw him in, white T-shirt on the inside, hair trimmed a little but still wavy, silky, and *sexy* that¡¯s not all I recall. I remember that night. The rain. Hisst kiss. His exnation. The tears. The screaming. I recall it all.


    Once I¡¯m done, I blink back and sniffle.


    ¡°I thought you said he would not go here.¡±


    Miranda¡¯s breath quivers as well.


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t. He just wouldn¡¯t go to Cal-U. Maybe it¡¯s in my head. Maybe I pictured him.¡±


    I shudder. I¡¯ve kept him off my mind. In the back of my head, it¡¯s still there. I¡¯ve been suppressing everything, but I¡¯m this close to bursting.


    After graduation, I didn¡¯t see him. We didn¡¯t speak for over five months. For my birthday in February, I half expected a card. Big mistake on my part. I cried even harder.


    I chuckle softly. My parents asionally spoke to him, but I made up every excuse not to speak to them. I just couldn¡¯t stomach it.


    He chatted about moving to New York. Ser yers would thrive there. California isn¡¯t New York, so maybe I just envisioned him.


    *Keep telling yourself that.*


    My subconscious blurts, doing a little ridicule dance inside of me.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Miranda draws both my hands. I forgot she was even there.


    ¡°I get how this must be hard for you, but you¡¯re certain he would not go here. Maybe you saw someone who looked like him. Regardless, that will not pass as an excuse not to have fun. At the very least, take a tour with Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°But I already know the ce. Every inch.¡±


    I whine. Miranda narrows her gaze, then rolls her eyes.


    ¡°Be the fucking tour guide, then. Don¡¯t test my patience, Ren¨¦e, I mean it. I¡¯ll shove this finger up your ass if you do.¡±


    ¡°Gross. You¡¯re disgusting.¡±


    She winks.


    ¡°Its appalling how many men get off on that fantasy¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Which? Ass finger shoving girls?¡±


    I joked, my lips twitched at the corner. A second passes and we¡¯reughing our heads off. A few other heads turn in our direction and I tuck my hair away, flushing out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at the dormster.¡±


    I smiled, giving her a small nod before leaving.


    Jimmy hasn¡¯t moved an inch. He just stands there, checking out something on his phone.


    ¡°I want to be best friends with her, so she teaches me how to make youugh like that again.¡±


    Again. I chuckle deeply. Has everyone noticed how dark I became?


    ¡°Too bad she already has a best friend and just so you know, I made both of usugh.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡±


    He replies, receiving another chuckle.


    ¡°You need the tour more than I do, so let¡¯s go.¡±


    There¡¯s another tour guide for all students, but I¡¯ll fill in for him today.


    ****


    CAL-U is fascinating. The faculties look like they were just built even though the school is decades old.


    ¡°So, Cami, what are you majoring in?¡±


    Jimmy asks. We¡¯re almost done circling.


    ¡°Psychology. Science.¡±


    I rify.


    ¡°So, are you already trying to profile me?¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°I profiled you months ago, Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°People change.¡±


    He defends feigning offence


    ¡°You didn¡¯t.¡±


    I chirp in.


    ¡°Okay then. Humour me. What¡¯s your profile?¡±


    I duck my head and grin. This feels like my first patient.


    ¡°I think that you¡¯re a guy who feeds off humour. Maybe it¡¯s been your way of getting out of unpleasant situations in the past.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s quite an urate profile. That¡¯s All You¡¯ve Looked at?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll prefer to keep the others to myself.¡±


    I answer, nibbling on my bottom lip.


    He chuckles, sliding various fingers in his hair.


    I swallow hard because there are too many creases he didn¡¯t fix.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I answer quickly and look away.


    ¡°You know, I keep thinking about what would¡¯ve happened if I had gotten your number that night.¡±


    I scoff.


    ¡°I know what would¡¯ve happened. You will try to make contact and I¡¯ll ignore all of them until you give up.¡±


    ¡°That would not be fair.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    I turn to him.


    ¡°That reaction will be based on someone¡¯s mistake that night. Your current self is based on someone¡¯s mistake that night.¡±


    I freeze.


    He¡¯s not wrong. He¡¯s not right either.


    ¡°You know nothing about that night.¡±


    My fists are curling of their own ord.


    ¡°I don¡¯t. I only think I know, but you haven¡¯t made a move to rify anything yet.¡±


    Now he¡¯spletely right.


    ¡°But if there¡¯s one thing I¡¯m sure of, you¡¯re attracted to me.¡±


    My eyes are balling.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°You heard me. You¡¯re attracted to me.¡±


    He chirps.


    ¡°I¡¯m attracted to you¡­¡±


    I point back at both of us, then giggle.


    ¡°You¡¯ve stuttered and repeated it instead of denying it straight up. That¡¯s a sign, Cami.¡±


    I frown immediately.


    ¡°You do not know what my indications are.¡±


    Third eye roll.


    ¡°What¡¯s your major? ¡±


    I ask switching the topic.


    *Am I attracted to Jimmy though?*


    ¡°Psychology.¡±


    He smirks. My jaw is on the ground.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t think to mention that this entire time? Have you been profiling me?¡±


    I pause, cing both hands on my hip.


    ¡°I asked first, and you didn¡¯t ask back. No, I haven¡¯t been profiling you. Not at first.¡±


    He winks.


    Oh fuck. That was smooth. I didn¡¯t think anyone could pull off a smooth wink. Anyone else except¡­


    Not a chance in hell. Don¡¯t think of him.


    ¡°Well, then this tour is over.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be annoyed.¡±


    He¡¯s chuckling deeply.


    ¡°I don¡¯t see what¡¯s funny.¡±


    I red harshly.


    ¡°Oh, nothing. I¡¯ll walk you back then.¡±


    I hiss low, strolling back to my dorms.


    ¡°Your number Cami. I am not missing this opportunity before something screws things up.¡±


    Still frowning, I punch in my cell number and storm off.


    ****


    ¡°Thank you, Cami. I had a lot of fun today.¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Forth eye roll.


    ¡°I mean it. Since we are in the same department, I will see more of you.¡±


    His smile is alluring. I¡¯ll give him that.


    I pressed my back against the door. Suddenly, he¡¯s leaning in. This is the closest we¡¯ve been facing each other. A nice scent as well.


    Are they any disadvantages for him?


    Wait, he¡¯s going to kiss me? Hell no.


    His face inclines elsewhere, his lips gently brushing against my cheeks. He pulls backpletely, grinning widely.


    ¡°I¡¯m d your demeanour is better after what happened earlier. It must¡¯ve been hard.¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    I furrow my brows, suddenly confused.


    ¡°Dn Emerton was at the Orientation. I figured that¡¯s why you got all bleak, because you saw him?¡±


    Oh no. The air is gone again. I was right. I was fucking correct. It wasn¡¯t a figment. Dn was there. Jimmy stood behind me and he saw him.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    ¡°Good-Bye Jimmy.¡±


    I whisper. My voice is barely audible to my hearing.


    Before he could protest, I click the knob, slid into my room, and shut the door.


    ¡°Ooh! Tell me everything!¡±


    Miranda is inches away. I bet she¡¯s been waiting for my return all day.


    My face is pale. My hands are sweaty. My mind feels fuzzy as well. I¡¯m not sure what to make of this.


    He was here. Why?


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    Her tone switches from anticipation to worry.


    ¡°Dn was here. Jimmy confirmed it.¡±


    I spit out, then stroll over to my bed. I can¡¯t do this right now.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *A little change because of the time difference in my location. It¡¯s going to be one chapter before midnight Singapore time, then another chapter before noon Singapore time. Enjoy!*

 Chapter 83 Breaking The Girl Code

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E **


    THURSDAY


    8:03 AM


    RESIDENCE HALL B.


    ¡°Rise and shine, my pretty.¡±


    Miranda¡¯s grubby voice sneered in my left ear. I tossed the sheets over and turned away.


    I¡¯ve gotten used to no sses, sleeping in, binge-watching, and ignoring the outside world.


    Now I have to *school.*


    I picked up my course schedulest week; I took little course load since it¡¯s fall and I want to get the hang of everything first. Today I only have one lecture. It¡¯s general psychology.


    I can¡¯t wait. Sense the sarcasm?


    ¡°Alright. You can sleep in, but I¡¯m going to ss. Unlike you, I¡¯m looking forward to bing an actress.¡±


    It¡¯s my turn to snicker.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    She whined, pulling the entire cover off my bed. It exposed my skin to the harsh cold since its fall.


    ¡°Great. You¡¯re up. I¡¯ll give you ten minutes to get ready and we can leave together.¡±


    She produces a kissing sound, then struts outside the room.


    Exhaling sharply, I seat up on my bed and look around.


    My hair¡¯s all sticky from the time I spent sleeping yesterday. I figured out sleeping is an excellent way to ignore and avoid all of life¡¯s problems.


    Unless fate kicks you in the arse. Then you get nightmares.


    I had one. It was about a certain guy whose name I will not mention. He¡¯s attending Cal-U.


    It¡¯s a nightmare, but it¡¯s also impossible because, as I¡¯ve quoted many times, Dn is off to New York.


    ******


    Since Miranda¡¯s absence from my clothing selection thanks to the heavens, I got the chance to pick a simple ash top and blue pants. It¡¯s cold, so I pulled on a ck sweater in case the lecture halls are fully air-conditioned, which I suspect.


    Unlike high school, I don¡¯t need to carry books around, a bag is even optional, but I need my notepad and personalputer, so I opted for a carry-on. Also ck.


    I¡¯ve spent nearly half an hour between showering and getting ready. Miranda hasn¡¯t returned, so maybe she went off without me.


    Hold that thought.


    My phone beeps with a text message. It¡¯s from an unknown number, even.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about yesterday. I never meant to ruin the mood. It¡¯s like leaving a girl halfway through an orgasm. That experience just stays with you. I¡¯d love to make it up to you over coffee or dinner sometime. Jimmy.¡±


    I have to give it to him; the example fits, and he¡¯s good with humour as well.


    Barring my screen, I tuck my phone away in my bag and stand up.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    Miranda screeches, bursting into our room. Right on cue. I believe we¡¯ll be getting a lot of phone calls for disturbance during theing months.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky I like the shirt. It makes your boobs all perky.¡±


    She giggles.


    First eye roll of the day.


    ¡°Can we go now?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Stretching out her shoulder, I narrow my gaze, shaking my head with a little butt linking it with mine.


    Oh, the first day of ss.


    ****


    9:30 AM.


    Regardless of the meal n, Miranda and I got coffee and biscuits before going our separate ways.


    Her energy for the first day is unmatched.


    I¡¯ve been scanning the entire faculty. Some students are like Miranda bubbling with joy and excitement, others are void like me, and some are in the middle.


    I¡¯ve also been looking out for him. I¡¯ve tried keeping him off my mind. It¡¯s not working out well.


    Reasons Dn Emerton could¡¯ve been here.


    A; his friend moved in and he wanted to ¡°survey¡± the ce. That¡¯sme, right?


    B; he just wanted to get a feel for the university, orientation is not limited to just students. Does everyone know that?


    And C. I¡¯ve been dredging C. The third option is me. He came for me. Coincidence; we were at the same ce and time? I think not.


    ¡°You will turn around and walk away. You won¡¯t utter a word to me. Not now. Never. You will walk away from me. You will forget everything just like I will and then both of us will return to our former lives because I assure you, I will never give you the chance to hurt me again.¡±


    My exact words that night. He did just that. He followed every word I said. After eight months, why reappear?


    ¡°Good morning gorgeous.¡±


    Proximity alert. How do I know? His breath is fanning my fucking neck.


    I take a few steps forward, more steps away from him, before turning around.


    He¡¯s wearing ck and white. Hair is curled backwards. Jimmy has a sex appeal. His smile will make you want to strip. I swallow hard.


    ¡°You¡¯re just standing there, if I didn¡¯t know better if you think you were waiting up for me?¡±


    He says cockily.


    ¡°Well, you know better.¡±


    I snap.


    Was I just standing there and thinking about him?


    This is precisely what I do not need. Thoughts of him evading my mind. I¡¯ve put them away for months now. Whye back now?


    ¡°Cami about yesterday¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s cool. It exhausted me, that¡¯s why I left like that, but you and I are cool. You did nothing wrong by mentioning him.¡±


    I cringe my nose but the smile erupting on Jimmy¡¯s face is exhrating.


    I¡¯m tingling again. Just like in the elevator.


    ¡°Well then, the ss has begun. We should get going.¡±


    He nudges his head towards the big brown door. I bob mine slowly and strides towards it.


    Dn Emerton.


    ¡°Out of sight, out of mind.¡±


    I recite.


    *But for how long?*


    My subconscious questions, a tiny whisper, but a valid inquiry, and it lingers. Throughout Mrs Penelope¡¯s lecture, the question leaves a handprint in my mind.


    How long do I get to keep him out without burstingpletely? I can¡¯t Kidd myself, he still affects me.


    ****


    General psychology wasn¡¯t all that terrible. I spoke to a few people. Mrs Penelope made us get up and give a little introduction. It¡¯s psychology. We spoke about dislikes, likes, and why we¡¯re studying this course.


    Everyone¡¯s answers were simr. Including mine.


    I exchanged cell numbers as well, we even have a group chat for just this course.


    I didn¡¯t look gloomy ny percent of the time; I giggled a little at Ben¡¯s corky jokes. He¡¯s a second-year student.


    I chortled at Lee¡¯s observations. Good ones even. I had a good day.


    ****


    1:05 PM


    ¡°Wanna have lunch?¡±


    Miranda¡¯s text popped in as I exited the lecture hall.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m famished.¡±


    I answer back, then tuck my phone away.


    Secondster, it beeps once more.


    ¡°You never gave me an answer to dinner.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    It¡¯s Jimmy. I recall him muttering goodbye to me. He flirted a few times during the lecture, I find him charming. He¡¯s cute even. If I want fucked up, I¡¯ll be turned on in so many ways.


    ¡°You¡¯re a psych major. Take a hint.¡±


    I smirk to myself after replying.


    ¡°Well, girls love it when guys pursue them. Am I getting warmer?¡±


    He texts back. I shake my head strolling back to the dorms.


    ¡°Ice cold.¡±


    I click send, holding onto my phone and bag.


    ¡°Just one chance. *Inserts weepy face.*¡±


    I bite my lips and hold back a tinyugh.


    He¡¯s relentless.


    ¡°I don¡¯t go on dates, Jimmy.¡±


    I text back, almost regretting it. Almost.


    Jimmy may give me tingling sensations, sexy smirks, good looking hair, but my rule is valid. No boys.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to believe I¡¯ll change your mind soon.¡±


    The punctuation at the end of that sentence makes me shiver for some odd reason.


    I don¡¯t text back. I shove my phone into the back of my pants and hurry to the dorms.


    ****


    ¡°You said yes, right?¡±


    Miranda asks, tossing a shirt over her head. The weather is a little hot, so I might shower before leaving as well.


    ¡°No Miranda. I did not say yes.¡±


    Second eye roll. Why bother to inform her of the happenings in my life again?


    ¡°Are you delusional! You¡¯ll text you right now and agree to that dinner date!¡±


    She¡¯s stomping her feet. Great. We¡¯ll get evicted for sure.


    ¡°I will do no such thing.¡±


    I crossed my arms, narrowing my gaze in a standoff.


    ¡°Cami Ren¨¦e.¡±


    Full name basis now?


    ¡°I told you no dates.¡±


    ¡°We did the pinky swear. We¡¯ll have fun.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t see you going on dates.¡±


    I counter happily switching the topic off me.


    Miranda jerks. As though I have caught her masturbating.


    ¡°You see. You¡¯re as guilty as me. ¡±


    I feign offence, but honestly, I just need the heat of my skin for a few seconds.


    ¡°Actually¡­¡±


    She trails off, exhalingrgely.


    Wait, a second. Actually, what?


    I¡¯m lost now.


    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯ve been dating someone this entire time?¡±


    She bobs her head in affirmation.


    Oh, fuck me. That¡¯s an unexpected answer.


    My best friend has been in a rtionship? Without my knowledge?


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me? I don¡¯t understand.¡±


    I chuckle, but there¡¯s nothing funny.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you for obvious reasons, Cami. You weren¡¯t in a good ce. I didn¡¯t want to act insensitively.¡±


    I have a huge sigh.


    ¡°Who is he?¡±


    I inquire, observing her expressions.


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡±


    ¡°Come on, the secrets are already out and while I¡¯m furious at you for keeping it this entire time, I¡¯m curious. Tell me.¡±


    I arch my brows and wait for a reply.


    ¡°Kyle.¡±


    She states. My jaw drops.


    ¡°Kyle? Well, I see we both have a thing for guys named Kyle¡­¡±


    I chuckle mid-sentence, but Miranda¡¯s not sharing in my humour. Her face is stone cold. Then it strikes me. What I missed this entire time.


    Her facial expressions yesterday at the mention of his name. The kiss that happened months ago.


    Miranda isn¡¯t dating another guy named Kyle. She¡¯s dating my ex-boyfriend named Kyle.


    ¡°You¡¯re dating my ex-boyfriend.¡±


    That¡¯s not a question. I¡¯m sure of it.


    ¡°Cami. I can exin.¡±


    Her hands are shaking badly, eyes watering up as she stares intently.


    I¡¯m not sure where to focus my anger on. My best friend for lying to me this entire time and hooking up with my ex or myself for not realising it sooner, because the signs were all there.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Tomorrow, I¡¯ll be dropping both chapters simultaneously. I have an event to attend. I¡¯ll drop the next chapter for today in a few hours.*

 Chapter 84 Date Night With Jimmy [I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    Silence. The new wall clock Miranda had hung in our room was the only thing keeping this ce from mirroring a graveyard.


    I lingered for the next phase of this discussion. You know the kind that involves ¨C they already broke up. I badly wanted to tell you. You weren¡¯t in a good ce. Those sticks.


    I wait. My patience is wearing thin. My knuckles are turning white at the rate I¡¯m squeezing them at. My forehead is forming two to three lines of crease, but I wait.


    I don¡¯t speak first. No-that would show weakness and I am not weak. I¡¯ve not been weak in eight months.


    Yet my best friend stands at her corner of the room, headshot down, so I can¡¯t get a good look at how she¡¯s coping, but I refuse to feel an ounce of guilt for her. I won¡¯t allow it.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She blurts, and I explode.


    Those words are part of my suggestions and it tips me off the mental cliff I¡¯ve been hanging on to.


    ¡°You¡¯re sorry!?¡±


    I yell, then scoff.


    I¡¯m off the bed and marching towards her.


    She realised and whips her head off, meeting my gaze and her expression cuts me off.


    I would not hit my best friend, maybe take and yell, but I¡¯ll never dream of getting physical. Yet Miranda is sniffling with tears strolling down each eye and that¡¯s enough to dissolve the anger I¡¯m feeling.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    Before I can think, I¡¯m tugging her into my arms.


    I haven¡¯t seen her cry since Pa and that prickles me hard.


    I don¡¯t want to cause her crying, I never want her to shed tears.


    It makes me recall the number of times she must have cried every day, or how badly her life must¡¯ve been.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I really am.¡±


    She chokes. On more tears.


    I pull away and sigh. She¡¯s taller. I¡¯m 5¡¯4 give or take, which is like average height.


    ¡°I know there¡¯s a girl code on it and I flopped. I¡¯m sorry. It wants even because of what you were going through. I was just scared. I didn¡¯t know how to walk up to you and exin that I like your ex. Ugh!¡±


    She plopped on the bed, then bury her face in her palms.


    I¡¯m more curious than mad now. I can¡¯t a hundred per cent me her, though. I¡¯m not that great of a friend if I didn¡¯t pick out the fact that she¡¯s been in a rtionship this entire time, so I take a seat next to her and sigh.


    ¡°So tell me, how did you and Kyle Evans hook up?¡±


    She¡¯s concealing a blush. How serious is this?


    I missed a lot.


    ¡°After the kiss that night and all that happened, I went home and scolded myself for not being able to stop thinking about him because I realised who he was after everyone tweeted about it in the group chat. I thought it¡¯ll be one of those kisses and runoff, but then I ran into him. Not once. Not twice. I kept running into him. It was like the universe wanted us joined or something.¡±


    She pauses and exhales, passing me a knowing look.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind talking about my ex with you.¡±


    I assure with a slight chuckle. It¡¯s been over a year since Kyle and I broke up, and why it¡¯s a sly move to go out with him without telling me? It¡¯s in the past and I can¡¯t change it. Throwing tantrums won¡¯t change things. I learnt that quickly.


    It¡¯s best to find my foot and move on.


    ¡°So when he invited me to dinner, I just couldn¡¯t say no. I thought it¡¯s just one date and nothing will go wrong¡­¡±


    She sighs.


    ¡°Then you couldn¡¯t resist his charming smile.¡±


    I chuckle. Miranda blushes hard, then bobs her head.


    ¡°From one date. It went to four and then we started hooking up. This was like months after what happened, I swear. I tried to resist him, I just couldn¡¯t. When he asked me out, I did say I¡¯ll tell you about it before saying yes, then you ran into him and your mood was ruined that day. I just couldn¡¯t.¡±


    I ball my fists without my knowledge, reminiscing about that day.


    In the past eight months, Dn and I have only crossed paths a handful of times and after graduation, I saw him once. The keyword being I saw him. He didn¡¯t notice me. I don¡¯t know which annoys me more, the position in which I saw him or the fact that he was too engrossed to notice.


    **MONTH EARLIER.**


    ¡°Yes mother, I¡¯ll get the grocery and I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    I hang up before any more orders camee from my mother¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Good afternoon.¡±


    The male cashier greets me while not so subtly checking me out. I¡¯m wearing a tight gown with a low cut, so I can¡¯t really me him, only I¡¯m not in the mood for guys, so I flip him off and ce the items over the counter.


    He¡¯s packaging them, getting ready to give me my bill. I take the time to look around, checking to see if I missed anything.


    Then I catch his gaze. My breath hitched. I can only get a side view from my angle, but I recognize him. Anyday. Anytime.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am?¡±


    The cashier¡¯s calling. My bill must be ready, but I¡¯ll be dammed if anything else could take my attention off him. He¡¯s wearing the signature Dn look. White shirt. ck pants. I don¡¯t see his face clearly. I¡¯m not sure I wanted to.


    I narrow my gaze as another figurees into view.


    My breathing gets cut off again. It¡¯s a girl. Of course, he moved on so quickly.


    I almost scoff. Almost.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.¡±


    The cashier is jerking my arm and I¡¯m forced to turn away.


    ¡°Sorry.¡±


    I mumble and dig into my bag for my card. He¡¯s checking it, and I turn around to see the car gone. Along with Dn.


    **PRESENT TIME.**


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    I mumble.


    ¡°See? I didn¡¯t mean to upset you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not. I just don¡¯t enjoy talking about him. He¡¯s a part of my past. I¡¯d like to keep it that way.¡±


    ¡°I understand.¡±


    She breathed.


    ¡°So about me and Kyle? Do you approve?¡±


    She¡¯s ying with her nails again.


    ¡°Do you like him?¡±


    I zone in on her facial expressions. Her eyes grow wide. Her dted pupils. She doesn¡¯t just like him. She might actually be in love with him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that. It¡¯s ring.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I approve as long as he makes you happy.¡±


    I¡¯m tempted to bring up the cheating, but I don¡¯t. People change, right?


    *Not really.* But I¡¯d like to think Kyle will do right by my best friend.


    ¡°So, how does this work? Long-distance and all?¡±


    ¡°Actually, Kyle is nning on transferring here next year.¡±


    ¡°And somehow I wouldn¡¯t have found out?¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    I tease, nudging her elbow.


    She¡¯s still a little uneasy, but her shoulders are less tense than before.


    ¡°I really am sorry for lying to you rather ¨C withholding information.¡±


    There¡¯s a smirk brewing at the corner of her mouth. I¡¯ll regret something soon.


    ¡°Now that we have registered, I¡¯m not up for dates. We can go back to the actual reason I brought this conversation up. You turning down Jimmy.¡±


    She¡¯s grinning again.


    ¡°Ugh. No. Can we move this to another day? I filled today up with you and Kyle.¡±


    ¡°Hell no. I know what you¡¯re trying to do. The psychology won¡¯t work on me.¡±


    I feign a gasp


    ¡°I so wasn¡¯t.¡±


    She arches a brow, then hisses lowly.


    ¡°Right¡­¡±


    ¡°Anyway.¡±


    She¡¯s hopping off the bed and dashing towards mine.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing?¡±


    I growl. Before I canprehend, she¡¯s grabbing my cell and courtesy of knowing my password, Miranda can unlock my cell phone.


    ¡°You better not be.¡±


    She¡¯s far off, but I can see her in my inbox. Specifically Jimmy¡¯s chat and I.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    I pout, but it¡¯s toote. Miranda has typed and sent a reply.


    ¡°When and where?¡±


    That¡¯s not all. She added a wink face emoji to the text.


    Alright. Murder me now. My phone beeps faster than it ever has.


    ¡°Great. You have a date tomorrow night at some restaurant. It sounds super fancy.¡±


    I release the loudest groan ever, then bury my face in my palms. My best friend will be the death of me.


    Fucking hell.


    ******


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Courtesy of an emergency family outing, I wasn¡¯t able to have ess to my phone. Apologies. I¡¯m still out hence this short chapter. I¡¯ll try to make it up to you, but please drop your thoughts in thement section.*

 Chapter 85 Date Night With Jimmy [II]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    THURSDAY.


    CAL-U


    RESIDENCE HALL B.


    ¡°Of course, you can¡¯t wear one of those hideous outfits in your closet, you¡¯ll have to borrow one of mine and¡­¡±


    Miranda continues rambling, waving a few fingers in the air whilst nning *my* dream date.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going.¡±


    I dere. She freezes, then turns to me. A chuckle slips out. Then silence. A staring contest in which both of us don¡¯t blink.


    Then she takes a few steps until she¡¯s inches away, lowers her head until its metres away from mine before uttering-


    ¡°Yes. Yes, you are.¡±


    I shake visibly because her voice is down to earth scary. Images of my best friend shoving me out the door filled my brain. It¡¯s not impossible. I¡¯ve lost this fight already.


    I guess I have a date tomorrow.


    Exhaling sharply, I ept my defeat and grab a jacket.


    ¡°We were nning on having lunch before all of this?¡±


    As though a switch was flipped, her face curves in a wide smile.


    ¡°Yes, we were.¡±


    She clicks her shoulder to mine and we exit the room. I can not stop thinking about the date. It¡¯ll be my first time out with another guy in almost a year.


    ******


    FRIDAY.


    I forgot today will be the final day of the first week of ss, hence party night. In high school, they throw parties at a frat house or a friend¡¯s ce, but in college, it¡¯s done openly with beer and whiskey.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    It overjoyed a part of me I hadn¡¯t gotten shoved by Miranda to such a party, because of my date.


    Great. Then fate gives me a butt smack. Jimmy texted this morning that we should attend the party instead of the restaurant. He said and I quote, st time was fun before all the other stuff. I was hoping I could make another fun memory and not have it ruined.¡±


    At first, I cringed. Hard. Then I thought it was sweet and Miranda could not stop yelling and gushing. First date at a frat party? I have to give it to him for outside the box thinking.


    However, I don¡¯t like parties for obvious reasons. I¡¯m weighing all the pros and cons of this. There¡¯s just one bad side; my past. A lot of good things.


    People around. I¡¯ll be morefortable. Miranda in in sight. I can dress myself up.


    Ugh.


    Eventually, I texted back and agreed. It is one of the worse decisions I¡¯ve made and I¡¯lle to regret it.


    Today I have three sses. General psychology. History of psychology and my all-time favourite; experimental psychology.


    The third ss will be fun because I¡¯ll actually get to take notes and maybe we¡¯ll get an assignment for a subject.


    The thought of it is exhrating.


    ****


    Miranda buzzed my phone with six reminders of the date. She¡¯s ensuring I don¡¯t miss this.


    Turning off the fourth one, I slipped through a few bodies and stepped into my final ss for the day.


    Experimental psychology.


    The teacher is male. He starts by passing around a piece of paper. It contains our names and a project.


    Finally.


    ****


    After the introductory phase, we get to the good stuff. The assignment is to write up a report on someone you know. Exining their likes and dislikes and trying to figure out why they have them.


    I can¡¯t wait to get started. I¡¯m thinking Miranda might be a good subject for this.


    ¡°Gorgeous¡­¡±


    Jimmy coos by my left ear. I thought everyone had left.


    *Clearly not.*


    I shut myputer screen, shoving it away.


    ¡°Stop calling me that.¡±


    Hissing, I made my way off the chair.


    ¡°Considering I¡¯ve called you that twice, and this is the first time you¡¯re calling me out on it, I think you like it just that I pissed you off.¡±


    ¡°Stop analysing me.¡±


    I murmur with a groan. Sure, the nickname gives me tingles in all the good ces. It doesn¡¯t mean I like it or I like Jimmy.


    ¡°Convincing yourself otherwise won¡¯t help.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I just tell you not to analyse me!?¡±


    I snap since we were the only ones left in the lecture hall.


    ¡°It¡¯s fun and you know I¡¯m right.¡±


    He grins.


    ¡°What¡¯s fun is you trying to humour your way into figuring out whether I¡¯m going to bail on you today because you know I didn¡¯t send the text.¡±


    I smirk.


    ¡°Touche.¡±


    He clicks his tongue while I grab the rest of my stuff.


    ¡°Are you bailing on me, though?¡±


    His tone is careful. Vulnerable even.


    From the corner of my eye, I watch him y with his fingertips.


    ¡°No Jimmy, I¡¯m not bailing on you. ¡±


    I exhale, bobbing my head a little.


    *Even though I want nothing more than to watch movies all night.*


    I keep the rest to myself, then lift my head since I¡¯m ready to leave.


    ¡°Do I pick you up or¡­¡±


    A smile is threatening to break at his tone. He sounds like a five-year-old.


    ¡°No, you do not pick me up, Jimmy ¡±


    I grin while facing him.


    ¡°You¡¯re smiling and the date hasn¡¯t even begun. Do you see what I mean? You like me.¡±


    The spell is broken. I roll my eyes.


    ¡°You looked cute for a second there.¡±


    I reach for his cheeks, having to stretch my arm a little as he¡¯s much taller.


    Pinching it tenderly, I chuckle and try to move backwards, but Jimmy¡¯s arms are around my waist and tugging me closer.


    The gap between us is non-existent anymore. I gasp and the air in my throat caught.


    ¡°You know I¡¯ve been keeping a tight lid on my self-control, trying my very best not to touch you.¡±


    His fingers rake up my arm, leaving tingles in their wake. I swallow hard. I can¡¯t let him get to me like this.


    ¡°Then you do that.¡±


    He ducks his head, stooping his mouth at the base of my ear.


    *It¡¯s hot in here. It¡¯s an oven in here.*


    My hands are knotted together in front of my thighs, rooted to that very spot. I think I want this. At least my body wants this.


    I can¡¯t even get an eye roll out.


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    He trails out, sucking in what I think is his lower lip.


    ¡°Mmm¡±


    I murmur back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at eight pm.¡±


    His breath grazes my upper neck before he pulls awaypletely, exhaling deeply, then digging his hands and raking his hair thoroughly.


    I can¡¯t even mask the look on my face which might be desire. Fuck. Me.


    I clear my throat. Twice.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at eight.¡±


    I retort, turn out and practically run out of there.


    Once I¡¯m out, I realise it wasn¡¯t hot in there at all. It was Jimmy.


    With a hand over my neck, I recall how his breath felt right there. How good it felt right there.


    *Do I really like Jimmy?*


    *****


    ¡°I approve.¡±


    Miranda bobs her head, inspecting my choice of outfit. I¡¯m tempted to roll my eyes, flip her the finger or something because I genuinely do not give a fuck if she cares. I¡¯m on edge as it is.


    Jimmy¡¯s stunt in the lecture hall. What tonight will bring? There¡¯s a bad feeling lurking in my mind. I¡¯m not sure why.


    However, I look moderately good.


    Button-down shirt exposing my tummy ripped pants and I¡¯m considering tying my hair in a messy bun.


    Miranda took charge of my makeup, hence an hour or more of pure torture.


    Again, murder me now.


    ****


    ¡°The Uber will be here in two¡±


    Miranda announces, bubbling with excitement. She looks smoking. Her clothes are matching mine, just a little more revealing and body-hugging. I¡¯ve never been the girl with curves to kill, but Miranda¡¯ is just to die for.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink this. Jimmy is a great guy.¡±


    *That¡¯s what scares me.*


    ¡°I¡¯ll try not to.¡±


    I manage a smile, pressing my lips into a straight line.


    Thest reminder of the date goes on and a text from Jimmy pops up simultaneously.


    ¡°I promise we¡¯ll have fun tonight. You¡¯ll be happy if you let me make you happy.¡±


    I blink a few times.


    Happy. When was thest time I was happy? Maybe let loose for tonight. Maybe give Jimmy a chance. Aside from Jimmy, there¡¯s the other elephant in the room. The mystery of ¡°him¡± he was here. I haven¡¯t figured out why and as much as I suppress all of that, it¡¯s still there.


    ¡°Uber¡¯s here.¡±


    Miranda chimes breaking me out of those thoughts. Let¡¯s see where the night takes me then.


    ******


    ¡°You went skiing again?¡±


    I hung my mouth open.


    Jimmy nods furiously, and my lips break into a smile.


    ¡°This feels like d¨¦j¨¤ vu because you told me never again.¡±


    He joins me,ughing for a little while.


    ¡°I said that, but I conquered that fear over the winter.¡±


    ¡°So how did it go?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t fall again, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re asking.¡±


    He nudges my shoulder and that little contact leaves me aching. Aching for more.


    ¡°Cheers to conquering our fears.¡±


    I lift the ss a little before bringing it to my lips, then setting it down.


    Looking around, this date isn¡¯t the worse. Sure, people are getting high and wasted. Miranda is God knows where, but Jimmy has been goodpany. He doesn¡¯t over-talk; he knows how to keep the conversation light and interesting, and my body seems to react well with his, yet the doubt lingers.


    ¡°You look beautiful, as always.¡±


    He chirps. Good thing I¡¯m looking away because my face flushes at hispliment.


    ¡°If only you let that guard down¡­¡±


    He trails off.


    ¡°In the next few seconds, you¡¯re going to kiss me back or shove me so hard that I fall, but frankly, a taste would be worth anything.¡±


    His breath is at my neck again. I gulp hard.


    Maybe let loose a little.


    ¡°A taste wouldn¡¯t be so bad either.¡±


    I whisper back, swerve my head towards his, and take his lips.


    Granted, it wouldn¡¯t be the first reckless choice.


    ****

 Chapter 86 Shadows Lurking Around [I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRIDAY.


    FRAT HOUSE.


    His broad hand moves down to my cheeks, cupping it in one go, his tongue iming my lips in one swift motion.


    He releases a grunt as his mouth engulfed mine, closing the space between us until there¡¯s nearly none left.


    I whimper and set my hands down, barely hanging onto my chair and letting him kiss me. However, he wants. I shoved the thoughts in my mind and let him im me. It¡¯s a good kiss. My tummy tingling is a good sign.


    Jimmy¡¯s an expert kisser, yet the paranoid part of me kept searching for excuses on why things could royally be screwed up.


    ¡°That was worth it.¡±


    Jimmy whispered against my lips, pulling away, but his hand remained over mine, drawing circles at the top of my left hand. They slowly slid through to my thigh, resting there. I can¡¯t deny my body¡¯s reaction to his touch.


    I jerk slightly in my seat, then tug away, wishing I hadn¡¯t tied my hair up. There¡¯s nothing to cover my eyes with.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Jimmy¡¯s voice snaps me back to his face. They¡¯re lines of worry and I¡¯m quick to force a smile to mine.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    Smacking my tongue over my bottom lip, I draw in a little, then chuckle. His eyes remain on those lips, monitoring each movement.


    ¡°You¡¯re beautiful.¡±


    He blurts out for the second time. I flush instantly, trying to turn away.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I murmur and focus back to the crowd. No one noticed that kiss, or rather I and Jimmy were seated next to each other.


    ¡°Refill?¡±


    I bobbed my head, shoving my ss towards him.


    He grabbed his and mine, then strolled away. Once he¡¯s out of sight, I sigh a second time, then search for my phone, rying what just happened to Miranda.


    I might lose it if I don¡¯t tell someone.


    ¡°Finally! Fuck celibacy. Go, Jimmy!¡±


    She replies in seconds. Her enthusiasm has me shaking my head in disbelief. Of course, she¡¯s on his side. I tuck my phone away, then exhale.


    This kiss was great. His lips are even fuller when pressed against mine, his voice got even huskier when he moans straight into my mouth. That was very hot. I shudder to relive his kiss.


    What¡¯s with the nagging feeling in the pit of my stomach?


    ¡°Back..¡±


    He announced, passing a ss to me, keeping one for himself, then setting a bottle over the bar stool.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I press my lips tightly until the ss reaches them and I have to gulp in one go.


    ¡°Usually when I make out with girls, there suggest ditching a ce anding back to mine.¡±


    I can tell by his tone that he¡¯s teasing, and it works. I¡¯m grinning when I turn back to face him.


    ¡°Poor Jimmy, can we go back to your ce?¡±


    I purposely bat myshes more times than usual, then pout my lips before dragging my tongue over the bottom, knowing it just drives him nuts.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He answers breathlessly.


    ¡°Too bad.¡±


    I smack my lips in my usual tone, taking another gulp from my ss. It¡¯s vodka. I believe.


    ¡°Do I at least stand a chance at a second date?¡±


    I throw my head back, chuckling deeply.


    ¡°The first date isn¡¯t over and you¡¯re asking for a second?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Proactive.¡±


    He grins, shing his entire set of teeth.


    ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡±


    I smile back, then stand up.


    ¡°I have to go use the restroom. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    He nods once and I turn around and slip away. I¡¯ve never been to this house before, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯ll be too difficult to find a restroom.


    There should be one downstairs. I pass through a couple of boys and girls around a pool table; the girls are barely clothed if crop tops and short skirts count as clothing. The kitchen is over there and the final door is a closet or a restroom.


    I don¡¯t get to find out. It¡¯s locked.


    That only leaves upstairs.


    I blink my lid a few times then stroll upstairs where the music is even louder. Miranda is here for sure. There¡¯s barely enough room to slip by, but I do. There¡¯s a line by the restroom.


    Civil much? I have little of a choice.


    I pick a spot, holding onto the rail while waiting for my ¡°turn¡±. This is ridiculous.


    Eventually, it¡¯s just one girl left inside, then I can go in. My dder is about to burst, and that¡¯s not even an exaggeration.


    Once she¡¯s out, I practically bump into her while going in. I can barely lock the door before hopping into one seat.


    It doesn¡¯t look too dirty, but I squat over it instead and finish my business.


    ****


    A text from Miranda interrupts my hand washing experience. I raise my head and sneak a peek, hoping she isn¡¯t drunk and texting. Again.


    ¡°Hey. Where are you?¡±


    Clearly not.


    ¡°Restroom upstairs. I¡¯ll be down soon.¡±


    I text back just as I exit the ce. I¡¯m tempted to sprinkle a little water over my face, but that¡¯ll ruin my makeup and Miranda would kill me.


    ¡°Finally.¡±


    Speak of the vixen. She turns her attention away from Jimmy to me and I slid back into my seat, grabbing my drink, which is full again for some weird reason. I could¡¯ve sworn I drank from it. Maybe Jimmy refilled it.


    ¡°When are we leaving?¡±


    I whisper to Miranda.


    ¡°It¡¯s barely midnight.¡±


    I roll my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll leave with Jimmy soon. I have a lot to do tomorrow.¡±


    She res harshly.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s the first party of the semester.¡±


    She¡¯s pouting. I¡¯m clenching my fist underneath the table.


    ¡°Fine. One hour tops, then I¡¯m leaving.¡±


    Then a grin. The switch in attitude so quickly needs to be studied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be upstairs.¡±


    And she¡¯s off. I turn my gaze back to Jimmy, who¡¯s watching me quietly and still sipping from his ss.


    ¡°So I have an hour here. What do you want to do?¡±


    ¡°How about we dance?¡±


    I cringe hard


    ¡°I¡¯m terrible on my feet.¡±


    He smirks.


    ¡°I suspected you¡¯ll say that, so you don¡¯t have to worry because I will do most of the work for you. Come on.¡±


    He stretches his right hand in front of me. Inner me is tugging harshly to grab it, but I don¡¯t think I want to.


    I don¡¯t want to.


    ¡°Um, do we really have to?¡±


    It¡¯s hard rock ying over the juice box. I expected the girls to grind and all. I can¡¯t do that.


    ¡°Or we could take a walk?¡±


    My eyes lit up. That¡¯s better. I nod my head quickly, then stand up, grabbing my purse.


    ******


    ¡°Let¡¯s y a game. You¡¯ll tell me something and I¡¯ll tell you something.¡±


    I burst intoughter.


    ¡°That¡¯s so kindergarten, but I¡¯ll bite.¡±


    Heces his finger with mine as we stroll away from the music.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start. I¡¯ve been crushing on you for eight months.¡±


    I chuckle lightly. Clearly.


    ¡°I¡¯m having fun and I haven¡¯t done this for almost a year.¡±


    His gaze lingers on mine for a few seconds.


    ¡°I¡¯m d.¡±


    He whispers.


    ¡°I wish we could do this again.¡±


    I breathe.


    ¡°I fear what will happen if I keep doing this again.¡±


    I blurt, then exhale deeply.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be.¡±


    He stops abruptly.


    *I already am.* I keep silly thought to myself.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You don¡¯t.¡±


    He repeats, tilting my jaw until I¡¯m staring straight at him.


    He ducks his head, pressing his lips against mine. Unlike the kiss inside, this is much harder. It¡¯s swift. Quick. The amount of alcohol we¡¯ve both consumed might fuel it. I take lead this time, flicking my tongue over his then stroking gently.


    He grunts and pulls into my waist, wrapping his arms around the small of my back. A moan escapes my throat as I kiss him back.


    Then something vibrates against my thigh. I pressed his pocket against it, so I assume that must be his phone.


    He pulls away, licking his bottom lip.


    ¡°Worse time for a phone call. I¡¯ll just take this.¡±


    He ces his phone over his ear, listening to the receiver.


    Letting go of his hand, I stepped away, narrowing my gaze on the shadow close to the alley. It almost seems like we were being watched.


    Jimmy¡¯s attention is still focused on the caller, so I trail the shadow.


    Cocking my head, I try to make out anyone. I can¡¯t. Increasing my pace, I reach the intersection and exhale when there¡¯s no one in sight.


    I really am paranoid.


    About to turn around and return to Jimmy, another gasp escape my lips instead.


    Someone pulled my arm towards the alley and before I dared to scream, arge fist covers my mouth and muffles my resistance.


    ¡°Darlin, it¡¯s just me. Calm down. It¡¯s just me.¡±


    His words sunk deep into my tummy and leave butterflies in their wake. I sigh deeply, fluttering my eyes open. And it¡¯s not a fucking dream.


    There¡¯s a tiny flicker of light, but it¡¯s all I need. It¡¯s all I¡¯ll ever need. The realisation is crushing. Dn¡¯s figure is hovering over mine in the alley, a handful pressed over my lips, his eyes boring into mine.


    I exhale deeply, but there¡¯s another shadow still. That could only mean Dn was never trailing me, or he and someone else were. But who? And Dn. Dn is right here in front of me. We¡¯re pressed against each other. I can feel his breath on my skin and fucking hell, I missed this. I missed him.


    ****


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Yesssssssssssss the man of the fucking hour!!!! I sure as hell missed him!!!!!*

 Chapter 87 Shadows Lurking Around [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    FRAT HOUSE.


    SATURDAY.


    00:12.


    I can only hear his breathing. It¡¯s shallow and slow. I can feel it on my lips as well, my nose, maybe my forehead.


    He¡¯s moving. He¡¯s fucking moving. He got taller as well; I feel like a fricking midget just standing next to him. A 5¡¯2 midget.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything?¡±


    I swallow deeply. I thought Jimmy¡¯s voice was sensual. Fuck, I¡¯m delusional. Dn¡¯s voice went from husky bad boy to orgasm level hot.


    He¡¯s by my ear now.


    ¡°Who¡¯s following me?¡±


    I blurt. I¡¯ve gone from bold and daring to low. Too low. I¡¯ll me hysteria for thinking someone¡¯s trailing me, since the only other option must admit Dn¡¯s closeness is affecting all my senses. I won¡¯t.


    I¡¯ll ignore my racing heart, which is threatening to jump out of its cage, how every hair on every part of my body is tingling with the slightest contact, and I¡¯ll deny how my core throbbed with just the sound of his voice.


    I¡¯ll rebuke it under oath because Dn can¡¯t do this to me. I vowed not to let him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, Darlin.¡±


    The new nickname. Fuck. My legs squeezed of their own ord. I had nothing to do with it. His voice jolted down to my core and I seethed, forcing my head to face him.


    Another dim light. Another glimpse.


    His features have evolved in eight months. How do you develop chiselled jaws? Fuller lips?


    I¡¯m tempted to reach out and touch, but I can¡¯t. Can I?


    *You can¡¯t Cami.*


    ¡°So you were following someone who was following me? Which means you were following me?¡±


    He doesn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    The spell is broken because it isn¡¯t the sound of Dn¡¯s voice. A third voice boom amidst the back and forth. Jimmy.


    ¡°Your date.¡±


    Dn curses. His jaw tightens, and he moves away.


    ¡°I should go.¡±


    No response. I slid out from the alley back into the main road, checking both sides. The only human in sight was Jimmy. Could his shadow have been what I saw?


    ¡°God, I thought I lost you or something. I¡¯m sorry the phone call took so long. I had some issues to sort out. Did you go back inside?¡±


    He nudges towards the party, but I preupied my mind with everything else but him. Dn. Someone is following me. Or not?


    Dn wouldn¡¯t lie, right? It¡¯s absurd for someone to trail me, but he wouldn¡¯t try to deceive me about something like that. *You don¡¯t know him.*


    Inner me reminds. She¡¯s smart. I should listen to her.


    ¡°Or maybe he was the stalker¡­¡±


    My subconscious taunts, and I realize. Dn was stalking me. He¡¯s been here this entire time. Does he go to Cal-U or what?


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    Jimmy drapes his arm over my shoulder, tugging me towards his skin. But unlike thest two kisses, there isn¡¯t any sensation. I barely flinch.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I had to adjust my shirt, but I¡¯m fine.¡±


    I stered my best tight smile. Jimmy buys it and pulls me towards his chest. I overlook his head and nce at the alley. Dn¡¯s watching. I can tell.


    ¡°Let¡¯s continue our walk, shall we?¡±


    Tugging me sideways, he links our fingers once again and dives into a new conversation. One I do not listen to or let it sink into my mind.


    My entire mind, soul, and body are fixated on him. He¡¯s back. He¡¯s fucking back. I don¡¯t turn. I¡¯m afraid if I do, I¡¯ll let go of Jimmy and run right back because I have a lot of questions.


    Questions only he can answer. And maybe, just maybe, I want it. I want him. Fucking hell, there¡¯s no deliberation, I do. My body, at least.


    ******


    ¡°If it were up to me, I¡¯ll take another tour around school or something, but I should let you get some rest. It¡¯s already one am.¡±


    ¡°You will not suggest I go back to your dorm¡­¡±


    I smirk.


    *Why did I just say that?*


    He leaned in, flicking his eyes down to my lips for a split second.


    ¡°I¡¯m not¡­¡±


    He hums, brushing his lips over mine, then stepping back.


    ¡°Such a gentleman.¡±


    I clicked my tongue, pushing the key into the keyhole.


    ¡°Alright then. Goodnight Jimmy.¡±


    I mutter.


    ¡°Good morning Cami.¡±


    My face breaks into a grin, then I push myself upwards, pecking his cheek before opening the door with my other free arm.


    ¡°I will see you in ss tomorrow, then we can discuss second dates.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    He winks, then retreats.


    Smiling softly, I wander into my room and shut the door, clicking the lock and tossing my shoes at the same time.


    Spying Miranda¡¯s side of the bed, which is still messy, waiting for her return, which I doubt will be soon. She was ying poker when we left.


    Sighing, I reach for the hem of my shirt when a knock interrupts my undressing mode.


    D¨¦j¨¤ vu.


    *Miranda wouldn¡¯t knock.*


    I recall my first thought that night and shudder. It feels too fucking simr.


    Strutting towards the door, I lift my weight and check the keyhole.


    Not fucking taking chances. My heart skips a beat for a second, but no one¡¯s there.


    Fucking weird. I heard a knock. I¡¯m sure of it.


    Turning away, I reach for my shirt again when the doorknob clicks.


    The fuck?


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Darlin.¡±


    I freeze feet away from the door.


    Oh, no. Oh no. No. No.


    Squeezing my eyes tightly, I hold my breath and try not to react. If I y dumb, maybe he¡¯ll leave.


    ¡°I know you¡¯re in there. I saw you fuckinge up with him.¡±


    I don¡¯t miss the venom in his tone at the mention of *him*


    I swallow harder.


    Taking a deep breath, I march towards the door and pull it wide open.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be halfway across this fucking state!?¡±


    I yell into the hallway, breathing through my mouth. People are sleeping. I need to calm down.


    Then, his face breaks into a smile. And fuck if that isn¡¯t gorgeous. I wince and step away. The more distance, the better.


    I scan him swiftly. ck denim jeans. ck jacket. Zipped up. He grew his hair; it looks even better. More ruffled. It¡¯ll feel heavenly to run my fingers through them.


    Oh, snap out of it. Snap out of it, Cami.


    ¡°I am.¡±


    He answers cooly.


    ¡°You¡¯re clearly not if you¡¯re right in front of me.¡±


    I ball my fist with a re.


    ¡°Know what? I don¡¯t care. I do not care to know why you¡¯re in Cal-U and not New York. I¡¯m only bothered about why I¡¯ve seen you twice tonight when we agreed never to speak to each other again.¡±


    His face hardened.


    ¡°We didn¡¯t agree. You agreed.¡±


    I re even harder.


    ¡°The fuck? You¡¯ve been away for eight months!? Why the hell are youing back now?¡±


    ¡°Right moment.¡±


    He shrugs.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding. You¡¯re fucking joking.¡±


    ¡°Someone was trailing you tonight.¡±


    ¡°Yes. You.¡±


    I nearly poke my fingers into his eyes.


    ¡°Yes, I was trailing you, but someone else was as well.¡±


    I scoff.


    ¡°Right, some other mysterious person was following me.¡±


    Can I hiss now?


    ¡°I mean it.¡±


    He sounds annoyed.


    ¡°Thank you for trying to protect me, Dn.¡±


    Crossing my arms around my chest, I roll my eyes and straighten up. His eyes are roaming around my body, making me self aware.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°Right, because that¡¯s your strong suit.¡±


    I retort. He winces and shuts his eyes. I¡¯m annoyed as well.


    ¡°Bloody hell!?¡±


    He yells, slipping an entire hand into his hair. *Fuck I want to touch it.*


    Get. A. Grip.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Your date clearly took good care of you.¡±


    That¡¯s sarcasm. I scoff once more.


    ¡°Yes. He did.¡±


    ¡°It was clear as day. I should go.¡±


    ¡°You should.¡±


    I clench my fists harder.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    He curses while turning away.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    He whispers against his lips. I heard him though. As though it was amplified by a speaker and imnted in my mind.


    Then he strides away.


    *I¡¯m sorry*


    I fall back until I¡¯m up against the door inside my room.


    ****


    *Thoughts!!!???*

 Chapter 88 Dylan In The Dorm [I]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SATURDAY.


    CAL-U.


    For the past eight months, I¡¯ve made a schedule for my weekends. It rotates like clockwork and it never declines. I wake up, dump all my dirty clothes into the washer, set it to wash and dry then return to my room, set a one hour rm to return and pick it all up then dive straight into the day¡¯s activities which include but aren¡¯t limited to-snacks, movies, and a soft bed with silk sheets.


    You¡¯d think being in college makes an old dog learn new tricks, yes I realise I¡¯m calling myself a dog, it¡¯s more of a reference. Anyway, being in college changes nothing.


    I usually jumpstart the day by binge-watching on Friday night, which got hijacked by Miranda.


    Granted, that caused a lot of other events to unfold. I can¡¯t help but scold myself. If I resisted further and stayed inside, none of those terrible things would¡¯ve urred.


    Not things. Thing. Dn fucking Emerton thing.


    Jimmy¡¯s kiss. Twice. That wasn¡¯t bad. I was enjoying the date. I was happy. Iughed.


    Notice a pattern? They¡¯re all in the past tense because the second he showed up being husky, sexy, taller, more manly all at once. Fuck my life. *Fuck*


    ¡°Why do you seem like you¡¯re about to throw up?¡±


    Miranda¡¯s voice jolts me out of my thoughts while I set up my iPad at the edge of my bed.


    I can¡¯t have TVs, but I bought this as an alternative.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I scowl, then turn away.


    She¡¯s d in short pants and a crop top. She looks freshly bathed. The stench of alcohol is gone, seeing as she stumbled into the room at six am half drunk, half partying in her mind.


    She was going on about spilling details on Jimmy and I. Wait till I tell her about the other elephant in the room-I don¡¯t.


    If I keep whispering things about Dn and his return, I¡¯ll give life to it. Meaning and all that shit. I don¡¯t want that.


    What were my exact words during graduation? *Dn Emerton is a part of my past. He should stay that way.*


    My brain agrees, but my body. Fuck it. It doesn¡¯t listen to reason. It refuses to see history on the road to repeating itself.


    It vibrates at the most tiny brush with him, the Knott n my chest tightens, and my core aches. I haven¡¯t had sex in almost two years.


    Yes. It¡¯s been that long. Dn and I got close.


    I wince at the distant memory.


    *His hand connected with the punching bag. Both of usnded on the bed. His fingers skimmed through my body. *


    I blink back twice to escape it all. It seemed like ages ago when we lived barely three doors apart. That¡¯s in the past. I¡¯m in college. None of that matters. He does not matter.


    Even I have to chant it like a fucking mantra every day, I fucking will.


    ¡°So how was Jimmy? I purposely kept away all night to give both of you privacy, or did you go over to his ce?¡±


    I cringe in disgust. Half for Miranda¡¯s words, the other half in remembrance of mine. I actually suggested going over.


    ¡°Neither. He dropped me over and that¡¯s it. Although we kissed twice.¡±


    I let out. If I don¡¯t give her something, she¡¯ll tug at my resolve until I let Dn slip. It¡¯s hypocritical though. I yelled at her for keeping a boyfriend-my ex from me, here I am keeping¡­


    I scoff while pausing.


    Dn and I didn¡¯t have abel. How ironic.


    ¡°Was it good?¡±


    I bite back a smile. Jimmy¡¯s a good kisser. An expert.


    I bob my head and she squeals.


    I turn my gaze away and focus on connecting the iPad with my streaming subscription.


    I need to catch up on thetest episode of the Witcher. Geralt is that bitch.


    ¡°So, did he ask you out yet?¡±


    I choke on augh.


    ¡°No, he didn¡¯t. We went on one date. He would not pop the question.¡±


    I revert and giggle.


    ¡°Ugh. If he did, you¡¯d say yes, right?¡±


    She nudges my elbow now, sitting on my bed. Again, my best friend cares less about my personal space.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Jimmy is okay.¡±


    ¡°Okay? He¡¯s perfect. What more do you want?¡±


    The question lingers, and I throw it back to myself.


    What else do I want?


    *Dn.*


    A faint voice brushes against my mind. I half gasp. I wasn¡¯t thinking about that?


    Oh my. I was. It¡¯s why I¡¯ve beenparing both of them all week. I¡¯m such a loser.


    ¡°You mind filling me in on what you¡¯re thinking about?¡±


    I shake my head in negation.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I guess I¡¯ll figure out what to tell Jimmy when he asks me.¡±


    I smile and pick up my headphones.


    From the corner, I see a crack in Miranda¡¯s lips. She¡¯s smiling. That¡¯s not a good thing. It means she¡¯s plotting as well.


    Luckily, she bounces off the bed and returns to hers, leaving me with enough time to binge-watch thest five episodes I missed.


    ****


    It¡¯s past five pm and I¡¯m merely done with the series ¡°scandal¡±. It¡¯s appalling how a woman can have many men at her feet. That¡¯s who I want to be. Olivia Pope is the *it* girl.


    I finish through the second season, and my iPad gives me a battery warning. I plug it in, then log out and grab my phone.


    It¡¯s been over twelve hours of no contact from anyone, and it¡¯s weirdly satisfying. Miranda left a little after noon to have lunch with *inserts word* a friend.


    I check all social media,nding on WhatsApp which already has a group for the psychology major. I save a few of my course mates¡¯ numbers and log off when a notification from Jimmy gets me back in.


    ¡°You actually know social media? Who are you, and what have you done with Cami?¡±


    It causes a surge of augh within me.


    ¡°Yes, I know WhatsApp.¡±


    I reply. Keep it simple. Should scare him off.


    ¡°Let me guess, you spent the entire day doing something introverted and decided it was time to pick up where you left with us humans?¡±


    I chortle at his urate analysis. He will make an excellent psychologist.


    ¡°Jimmy-1, Cami-0¡±


    He responds with twoughing emojis and I¡¯m about to sign out again when I see the typing emoji pop up at the top.


    Ugh. Not done yet.


    ¡°You can make that score even anytime.¡±


    I gulp down and a blush creeps swiftly to my cheeks.


    It¡¯s a cryptic message, but I¡¯m smart enough to know what he means.


    ¡°How so?¡±


    I y dumb and send it right back.


    ¡°I can¡¯t exin it over text. Give me a second date and I¡¯ll teach you.¡±


    I freeze. The temperature has gone up a bit in here.


    ¡°I¡¯ll consider it.¡±


    I quip. He reads it back almost immediately and begins typing.


    ¡°Toote. I¡¯m almost at your door.¡±


    My eyes grow wider and I re-read it twice. Two points to Jimmy. That¡¯s bold. Daring. And hot.


    Fuck. I look down at my loose gown. It¡¯s a Saturday. I wasn¡¯t expectingpany. I toss it off immediately and reach for shorts and a top, mirroring Miranda¡¯s look for some awkward reason.


    I pick up my phone after leaving Jimmy on read and begin typing some crazy reply like *like hell you are*


    y dumb, although I know he could very well be marching up here.


    That¡¯s when I hear a knock at the door.


    *Toote.*


    He¡¯s here already.


    Crawling towards my front door, I put on my best smile and click the doorknob, pushing it wide open.


    But bloody hell does it migrate into a scowl once I meet the face on the other side, ergo it¡¯s definitely not Jimmy.


    ¡°Expecting someone else?¡±


    Dn whispers, not so subtly checking me out and his eyes locking in on my bare legs.


    I knock my knees together to stop the spread of heat and the fucker smirks.


    Looking over his shoulder, I sight the elevator ding. Jimmy strolls out and, in a split second with no form of reasoning at all, I tug Dn right into my dorm and m the door.


    *Why the fuck did I just do that?*


    ******C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    *Author¡¯s Note*


    *Thoughts!!? I¡¯m excited to hear every and all of them!!! Please drop as manyments as you¡¯d like.*

 Chapter 89 Dylan In The Dorm [II]

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    RESIDENCE HALL B.


    SATURDAY.


    ¡°If you missed me that much, you could¡¯ve just said something. Different lovenguages, I guess, noints here.¡±


    He chuckles darkly. I shudder and we¡¯re up against the wall.


    I choose to ignore his gentle stroke or the electrifying feeling it jolted down my spine.


    Instead, I shoved him harder and mped my hands over his lips


    *Okay, I¡¯m making a lot of poor choices today.*


    His eyes widened, giving me the hint that something surprised him. They only grew darker underneath my gaze.


    So what if Jimmyes in here and finds Dn? We¡¯re not together.


    It will be awkward as hell considering we were flirting over the phone and embarrassing too. I can¡¯t let that happen.


    Right on cue, a knock sounded at the door. I gasp and let go of Dn, trying to spin away only to be tugged back in that position.


    ¡°Do that again.¡±


    He whispers, bringing his fingers to my arm.


    Hell no.


    Shoving him away, I struck a finger up in his face and red.


    ¡°You were expecting someone else. Who?¡±


    My phone chimed on my bed. Jimmy for sure.


    I need to think.


    ¡°Who is at the door, Cami?¡±


    Dn gritted his teeth. I nearly smack his handsome face in anger. *Handsome?*


    Hell fucking no.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I blurt.


    ¡°Jimmy?¡±


    He repeats, then scrunches his nose in utter disgust.


    ¡°Yes. Jimmy. Why are you even here?¡±


    ¡°Why is he here?¡±


    He asks instead, ignoring my further questioning.


    Dear Lord.


    ¡°He¡¯s here because I want him here.¡±


    ¡°Do you though?¡±


    He chuckles, then moves forward. I retreat.


    ¡°Yes. I do. I¡¯m going to open that door and you¡¯ll hide once I have him distracted. You leave.¡±


    ¡°Like hell, I¡¯ll leave you alone with him.¡±


    He clenched his fists about the same time my phone started ringing.


    Bloody hell.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I cussed, keeping my voice as low as it could go.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He retorted, licking his bottom lips while zoning in on mine.


    *Not the time to think about how hot that was.*


    ¡°You need to leave.¡±


    ¡°What if I stay here? He doesn¡¯t have half the right to get mad at me for being in your room.¡±


    The ass hole has the nerves to plop down on my bed.


    There¡¯s another knock.


    ¡°Tell you what, why don¡¯t we negotiate?¡±


    He pushed his hands into the bed, crossing his legs with a smug smile on disy.


    I¡¯ll regret this.


    ¡°Fine ¡±


    I clenched my teeth, looking back at the door with Jimmy on the other side.


    ¡°I will pretend like I give a fuck about him seeing me. I¡¯ll hide, then leave for you to entertain him, but you¡¯ll have to do something in return.¡±


    I cringed my nose.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you a text. A meeting spot. Go there tomorrow at the time I specify.¡±


    I almost scoff. Almost though.


    I need him.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°No resistance? How cute?¡±


    The corner of his lips curved ever so lightly and he hopped off the bed.


    He can¡¯t exactly force me there. I just need him out of here and I¡¯ll deal with whates next-Later.


    ¡°And before you even think of backing out tomorrow¡­¡±


    He trails off, finding the small of my back and cing his hand there, his lips hanging around the back of my ear.


    My phone is ringing again.


    I gulp.


    ¡°I just want you to know that I wille over here again. Jimmy won¡¯t be here to stop me.¡±


    Stop you from doing what? I bit my lower lip to stop those words froming out. I¡¯m not afraid of him.


    He let go, scooting away to the corner, leaving room for me to open the door.


    I jolted towards the door; the heat spreading through my body, and with shaky hands, I opened the door.


    Jimmy was on the other side, a frustrated look on his face and his phone at the back of his ear.


    I pinned down a smile and went outside.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I umm plugged my ears with music. I couldn¡¯t hear you.¡±


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t your phone stop the music when a calles through? I¡¯ve been calling you.¡±


    ¡°Uhm.¡±


    I tugged at his hand, gently moving him towards the other side, that way he was backing my room.


    ¡°I was using my iPad, not my phone. I¡¯m sorry for making you stand outside like that.¡±


    I blinked twice, and he seemed to have bought it.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was just worried that I came off too strong and you didn¡¯t want me near you.¡±


    Dn strolled out of my room, his hands tucked away.


    My eyes bulged out as he stood behind Jimmy, not moving an inch, mischievously grinning as a silent *I dare you.*


    Anything Jimmy mentioned went off the top of my head. All my attention was on Dn, who was behind me.


    ¡°I hope I didn¡¯t interrupt your Afternoon or anything?¡±


    I heard the faint whispers of his question.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    I answered, tearing my gaze away.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Yes, definitely.¡±


    I took his hand in mine, grinning widely.


    Dn¡¯s demeanour switched almost immediately, ring at our linked fingers.


    I¡¯m tempted to flip him the bird, but he strides away before I can.


    Once he¡¯s out of sight, I can confidently tug Jimmy into the room and shut the door.


    The entire room still smells like him. *Or maybe it¡¯s just me.*


    ¡°Did you purposely make sure there isn¡¯t anything else to seat on other than beds?¡±


    Jimmy teases, reaching for my phone. A light blush appears on my left cheek.


    ¡°Some Freshers like to spend their weekends by going around campus, but you¡¯ve been cooked up in here all day.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t fancy people much.¡±


    I prop my brows, closing the doors to my closet.


    ¡°All people?¡±


    There¡¯s a hard edge to his tone, but I can¡¯t tell since I¡¯m back at him.


    ¡°The general poption. Yes.¡±


    I chuckle then turn again, but he¡¯s already right in front of me. And since there¡¯s nothing but my wooden closet behind, I¡¯m officially caged.


    ¡°No exceptions?¡±


    He taunts, ducking his head to meet my limited height.


    ¡°None.¡±


    I mumble, giving my head a little shake in negation.


    ¡°That¡¯s too bad.¡±


    He clicks his tongue. What follows next is Jimmy¡¯s shoes thudding against the floorboard. That¡¯s how quick he was to encircle his arms around my waist and fuse our lips.


    Surely I gasp in surprise while being lifted off the ground.


    Did not expect things to make sure of a heavy turn.


    It¡¯s more of a reflex when my legs wrap around his waist and we¡¯re at the edge of the bed.


    He¡¯s nibbling on my bottom lip, gently asking-begging for my entrance.


    When I don¡¯t part my lips, he lowers my back on the bed and drifts off. His first form of assault is my neck.


    If only neck kisses ever turned me on. Barely.


    A groan slips out when he began sucking, gently at first, then slowly evolved to half biting, which wasn¡¯t as bad as Miranda described.


    It felt good.


    ¡°I¡¯m back!¡±


    Speak of the devil. I think of her and she shows up, bursting through the doors like the drama queen she is.


    ¡°Oh my God!¡±


    For the second time today, I shove a boy harshly and bolt out of my bed.


    ¡°Next time maybe lock the door, Cami!¡±


    She squealed, turning around to face said door.


    I bite back a smile, tugging my loose shirt down to my tummy.


    Jimmy¡¯s hand went over to his belt bucket, trying to conceal what I figure must be a bulge. I make him hard?


    *Wow.*


    ¡°I should go. I¡¯ll see you.¡±


    He pecked my lips, then waltzed out of the room.


    ¡°I¡¯m never going to look at this room in the same way again. Ugh!¡±


    Miranda groaned, wrinkling her nose while moving inpletely.


    ¡°How did you go from not wanting to date him to nearly fucking him in our room?¡±


    I snort at her choice of words, then shrug.


    ¡°Oh no. I want to know everything!¡±


    She demands, stomping her feet at the centre of the room. I chuckle once more.


    My phone lists up. Notification of a text disying across the screen.


    Tuning my best friend out, I unlock it and have a look.


    The number is unknown, but the content gives him off.


    ¡°Behind the faculty of arts. Tomorrow. Noon. Don¡¯t bete.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    The tiniest shiver creeps up my spine, and I exhale.


    *****


    Thoughts!? Overly excited.

 Chapter 90 Detective Dylan

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    SATURDAY.


    RESIDENCE HALL B.


    ¡°I don¡¯t reckon I¡¯m speaking to a wooden nk? Are you even listening to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Miranda. I am.¡±


    I clicked the power button,ying t on the bed.


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t tell me he was a sloppy kisser¡±


    I snorted, keeping my eyes shut.


    ¡°I told you, he¡¯s not.¡±


    I mumbled, folding both hands across my chest.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    Dn Emerton.


    I¡¯m tempted to utter-But no.


    ¡°What makes you think there is?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think there isn¡¯t?¡±


    She fired. I chuckled and blinked back at her.


    ¡°He¡¯s a good kisser. He¡¯s understanding. Same major¡­¡±


    I recite then sigh.


    ¡°Okay, three pros. What are the cons?¡±


    ¡°None.¡±


    I chirped. Another sigh.


    ¡°Then what¡¯s your problem, Cami? Do you want a huge signboard screaming ept me?¡±


    I giggled and finally stood up.


    ¡°You seem so keen on me dating Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°Of course I am. He¡¯s perfect.¡±


    ¡°What if having no con is a con? Haven¡¯t you heard the saying if something is too good to be true then it¡¯s probably not true¡±


    It¡¯s her turn to snort.


    ¡°Bull. That¡¯s a crappy way to think.¡±


    She took off her jacket, turning to the closet to get changed.


    ¡°Iid back in bed, reying everything in my senses repeatedly. Every time I¡¯m back in one position. The meeting is tomorrow. Maybe go there and put an end to his advances. What¡¯s the worse that could happen?¡±


    ****


    SUNDAY.


    I was never the religious type. I believed in the Almighty. I just don¡¯t fancy churches. But as per Miranda¡¯s request, I dragged my ass as early as 8 am and got ready for mass. That ended a little after 10 and we were back at the dorm, which gave me a little time to arrange my presentation or get started on it.


    ¡°What are your dislikes, Miranda?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t know what I don¡¯t like? We¡¯re best friends?¡±


    She gasps and tugs on her lips while frowning.


    ¡°Of course, I know them. I want to know more. It¡¯s for a presentation in ss.¡±


    ¡°So I¡¯m yourb rat now?¡±


    I chuckled and showed her the screen. I¡¯d typed out details about her. Name. Age. Date of birth. And notes.


    ¡°Drama queen?¡±


    She screeched. That¡¯s her bio.


    ¡°Well, you are a drama major. It should appear apliment.¡±


    I took theputer away from her wavery eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing it. Go find someone else.¡±


    She huffs, then crosses her arm. Of course, she¡¯s being a drama queen about being called a drama queen. So Miranda like.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be serious.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re going to put up everything about me in front of your ss, then I¡¯ll be aughingstock. Hell no.¡±


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make it anonymous.¡±


    ¡°Still no.¡±


    She shook her head vigorously. Great, now I need a new client.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry?¡±


    She chirped, finding a spot on her bed.


    ¡°What¡¯s on the meal n this afternoon?¡±


    ¡°Eggs and bacon.¡±


    ¡°Eww.¡±


    We chorused.


    ¡°So I¡¯m thinking we go out. It¡¯s almost noon, so lunch?¡±


    I halted.


    Noon is when I¡¯m supposed to meet Dn.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you hungry or do you have ns elsewhere?¡±


    She must have noticed my difort.


    ¡°Not really.¡±


    ¡°Not really to the first question or the second?¡±


    ¡°Of course I¡¯m hungry. I only had coffee this morning. I¡¯m supposed to meet someone, but I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯m going to.¡±


    She quirked her brows in suspicion.


    ¡°Well, you can see your mysterious person, then meet me at the Van¡¯s Pizza ce. Just don¡¯t take too long. You know it, right?¡±


    I bob my head in affirmation. It¡¯s official then. I¡¯m meeting him.


    ****


    d in a floral gown to match the weather, I slipped on a cover shoe and grabbed my jacket.


    At exactly noon, I got a text from him.


    ¡°Waiting.¡±


    Who knew one word could hold that much power? Enough power to make me quake.


    I didn¡¯t text back before exiting the room.


    I nibbled through half my nails from the elevator up to the faculty buildings.


    He said behind.


    I¡¯m doing this. My legs feel light-weighted with each step forward, like I¡¯ll fall or something.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    Being in a closed space with him isn¡¯t how I imagined my weekend.


    Unless I¡¯m not?


    I reached the spot, half expecting to meet him on his knees or something, yes that¡¯s a little far-fetched, but what can I say?


    Instead, I see not just Dn, but up to ten other students. Male and female.


    I can make him out from the group, no jacket for today. Just ck pants and a blue shirt.


    He¡¯s saying something to another guy, then they chuckle, and he turns away.


    The second I meet his gaze, I shiver and grip my purse harder.


    Slowly, he strides over to me, grinning widely.


    The others don¡¯t seem to notice, or they don¡¯t bother with both of us.


    ¡°You¡¯re here.¡±


    He breathes and I¡¯m hit with a wave of his cologne. It¡¯s more ofvender and oranges. If there was ever such abination.


    ¡°Yes. I keep my word.¡±


    Actually no. I would¡¯ve chickened out, but somehow I¡¯m here.


    He chuckles, then tucks his hand away.


    ¡°Although I do have a lunch date with someone, so I¡¯m not sure how long you¡¯ll have me here for. I¡¯m not even sure why I¡¯m here.¡±


    His brows shoot at the word date, parting his lips to say something, but cutting off at thest minute.


    ¡°You¡¯re here as a witness.¡±


    He takes a few steps and stands beside me. His scent is all I can think of now. I inhale, then exhale.


    They¡¯re standing by each other and two of them step forward.


    ¡°It¡¯s our first week, and they gave us a project to work on. The faculty of art, department ofw and justice.¡±


    I bite the corner of my lips to prevent a gasp.


    Dn dropped ser forw or justice?


    I keep mute and wait for him to carry on.


    ¡°It¡¯s being documented, and the teacher demanded we have at least one witness outside of the department.¡±


    He pauses, then smiles.


    ¡°Since I was too kind to hide while *he* sees you, I figured you could return the favour.¡±


    The corner of his life draws as he smirks.


    ¡°So what do I have to do?¡±


    ¡°For today, observe the surrounding. We¡¯re almost done, just getting things around.¡±


    I nodded without a word.


    ¡°The department ofw is brought with a case to trash out. I¡¯m studying criminal justice. We have to investigate and find the truth. Each side has two detectives, and they can present a strong case.¡±


    I couldn¡¯t hide the shock on my face.


    ¡°You want to be a detective?¡±


    I blurted in shock.


    ¡°Yes, Cam.¡±


    He smiled widely, and a breath got caught in my throat. *Cam*


    I coughed harshly.


    ¡°That¡¯s surprising. What about ser?¡±


    I found myself curious about his life choices.


    ¡°I can still y for Cal-U, but the thrill I got on the field was nothingpared to what I felt after figuring out the truth about the arson case and getting you freed.¡±


    He locked his gaze on mine; I peaked carefully, trying to check for hints of deceit or mockery. Maybe this is some sick way of trying to get to me. No way he gave up football.


    I couldn¡¯t uncover any. Dn is deadly serious.


    He wants to study criminal justice for me-well; I was his muse of some sort. I helped him figure that part out. A good thing came out of burning my house down, after all.


    I coughed a second time, blinking back furiously. I¡¯m not crying in front of him.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    I turned away.


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    I answered quickly.


    ¡°Is there anything else?¡±


    I choked on my own words, trying to get full breaths out of my lungs.


    I didn¡¯t think this could happen. Did he drop ser? As a career?


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I flinched at his touch, pulling away and reeling.


    ¡°I have to go now. I have someone waiting for me, but text me whates next and all. I¡¯ll try my best to make it.¡±


    The tears brimming beneath my lids were threatening to spill. I need to leave now.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    His tone hardened, and I ducked away. I won¡¯t look at him-I can¡¯t.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I answered back, just as cold.


    Swerving my entire body, I strode away quickly, getting out of that environment that was choking with every passing second.


    Back in the middle of the university, I kneeled my head while walking as the tears trickled slowly.


    I have no clue why I¡¯m crying. None. Just the centre of my chest hurts. It¡¯s constricted and it fucking hurts.


    *He figured that out because of me?*


    I sniffled and kept moving to the pizza ce.


    Remember when I said what¡¯s the worse that could happen? The worst just happened.


    ****


    Thoughts?

 Chapter 91 Two Guys And A Booth

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    SUNDAY.


    ¡°Did you get hit by a bus or watch a cat get killed? You look like shit.¡±


    I slid into a booth, taking a space beside Miranda, ducking my head for a slice of pizza.


    ¡°Mood swings.¡±


    I shrug my shoulders, lunging for another.


    ¡°Who did you meet up with?¡±


    She pulled my hand over her, sping roughly,pelling my gaze on hers.


    ¡°If you ask politely, I might reckon to tell you.¡±


    I bat myshes, taking a page from Jimmy¡¯s book. Using humour to brush off awkward moments. It worked. Miranda arched both brows, then revoked her arm.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back. I need to ce my order. I¡¯m thinking pepperoni. This chicken is not it.¡±


    I push my lips down on each corner, forcing a tight smile. It¡¯s until I face my back against my best friend I¡¯m able to let the mask drop and sniffle.


    Truth be told, I was one bus away from going back to the dorms and skipping the outing, but knowing Miranda, she¡¯ll bust my ass in the shower or on my bed and drill the truth out, anyway.


    The only way I could escape is facing her head-on. I¡¯m aware of my crimes. Being a hypocrite-hiding the truth. But I can¡¯t let her know just yet.


    Soon.


    I stood in line for collection, thumping one foot on the floor, peaking to see when my name would pop up on the screen. Eight more customers.


    ¡°What topping are you getting?¡±


    Pushing my hair back, I whirled to glimpse at the voice over my head.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    He entertained my look with a cheesy smile. I¡¯ll say the early twenties. Maybe a student at Cal-U.


    ¡°Roni.¡±


    I quipped, then fended off.


    ¡°Same here. Your favourite?¡±


    Twirling my eyes, I offered a quick nod and retreated to the screen. Four more orders before mine.


    ¡°Do youe here often?¡±


    Just when I thought the day wouldn¡¯t get any worse. I¡¯m being hit on while waiting for my pizza.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my first time. I¡¯m here with someone.¡±


    I answer without giving him a stare. If he¡¯s smart, he¡¯d back off.


    Dn thought ¡°someone¡± was a guy. Hopefully, he¡¯d think so as well. And I¡¯m back to thinking about him.


    Ugh.


    It¡¯s the weird pizza guy¡¯s fault.


    I cringe my nose and frown, tapping my feet impatiently.


    ¡°If you were here with me, I¡¯d never leave your side. Not for a second.¡±


    Gross. That¡¯s hand¡¯s down the worse pickup line I¡¯ve gotten in a while.


    Seriously?


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mumble, biting my bottom lips in annoyance. Fuck, when will this pizza get off the fricking oven?


    ¡°So, I was wondering if you¡¯d like to hang out sometimes?¡±


    He drew closer; I know because I can feel his breath fanning the nook of my neck.


    I trudged away, stirring my head to the top board. Two more orders before mine.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I retorted back, curling my fist.


    ¡°Why¡­¡±


    ¡°Hello, gorgeous.¡±


    I released a breath of fresh air.


    Jimmy.


    Grinning fully, I swerved and hooked my arm with his. His eyes twinkled with mischief, tightening his grip on my other hand.


    ¡°I was wondering how long it¡¯ll take to get the pizza. You¡¯ve been gone a while.¡±


    I chuckled and leaned into him, trailing my fingers up his arm.


    The other perv red at Jimmy, then backed off. Thank the heavens.


    Once he was out of sight, I exhaled and shifted.


    ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°Feet tapping, sighing, biting lips¡­¡±


    He shrugs, hinting at a smirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    The attendant called, stretching a box of pizza.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    ****


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I eyed Jimmy suspiciously, ncing at Miranda hiding behind a slice of pizza. Hiding a smile.


    Of course, she tries to hook us up again.


    ¡°I was in the area.¡±


    I rolled my eyes and grabbed one for myself.


    Of course he was.


    ¡°Have you decided who to use for the presentation?¡±


    ¡°I did. She refused to be quote ab rat.¡±


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m not an experiment.¡±


    Miranda chirps, flipping her hair behind her back.


    Drama queen. I mused and turned to Jimmy


    ¡°Great. I was thinking we¡¯d use each other for the presentation. There¡¯s no rule for psychology students, is there?¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll agree to it.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    He taunts, eyeing me from the corner of his eyes.


    Why? We¡¯ll spend time together. Have to discuss and make observations about the other. Nope. Not taking that chance.


    ¡°Co-ask. It seems like a perfectly good idea. I mean, it¡¯s not like you have a bucket of friends just waiting to volunteer.¡±


    I red at my best friend, taking the side of the guy she wants me to be with instead of the said best friend.


    ¡°Still no. Not interested.¡±


    ¡°We have a week to turn it in. I¡¯ve already written your bio.¡±


    ¡°Delete it.¡±


    I hissed in annoyance.


    ¡°No. I¡¯ll wait. When you don¡¯t find anyone, youe to me.¡±


    ¡°Cocky much?¡±


    I fired. He chortled and finished thest slice.


    ¡°Not really. Mostly confident.¡±


    Jimmy winks, leaning on the booth. I and Miranda are nearly finished. Guess we¡¯ll be leaving soon.


    He¡¯s right. I don¡¯t have anyone else to ask. Miranda was the first and only option, but I¡¯m not telling him that and feeding that huge ego. I¡¯ll just search for volunteers in school.


    Ugh. I¡¯ll have to spend a few hours with a stranger. He better not be a creep like that perv earlier.


    I looked up, and Jimmy was already gazing.


    ¡°Fine. You can be my client. We meet on my terms, and it¡¯s strictly for the presentation. Nothing more.¡±


    I warned, chunking thest piece.


    Smirking, he bobbed his head and grabbed a napkin.


    I better not regret thister.


    Jimmy and I are both done. Miranda is the only one left. Since we¡¯re seated beside each other, Jimmy takes the other end of the booth.


    He¡¯s facing the door. Slowly yet suddenly, his face grows harder. His once blue eyes twinkling with excitement and mischief darkened and filled with scorn.


    I locked my gaze on him, but Ie to know that his istched onto something else.


    Someone else.


    The door sounds a bell noise and I hear footsteps striding towards this booth. Or is it to ce an order?


    If Jimmy¡¯s demeanour switched that easily, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s an ordinary person.


    Pressing my palms over the table, I rotate my head and take a peek for myself-regrettably.


    It¡¯s Dn. Not just him, but three other guys are strolling behind him.


    He hadn¡¯t changed his outfit from earlier, but the rest of them had jackets on, equally hot. Not equally. Dn beats both of thembined.


    I tear my gaze away. Jimmy is still staring. ring rather.


    I count five seconds before they get to us, or maybe I¡¯ll be lucky and they don¡¯t notice. Or walk right past and order.


    Five. Four. Three. Two. One.


    ¡°May I join in?¡±


    I¡¯m not.


    The other two guys strut ahead to order, but Dn halts right in front of our table.


    Miranda¡¯s head snaps to his face. If she¡¯s shocked, she does a great deal to conceal it.


    Her features are in as she esses him.


    I slip my hand underneath the table and grip.


    It seems I¡¯m staring at Dn, Jimmy stares at me and Miranda stares at all three of us.


    A standoff.


    Meanwhile, Dn just asked if he could seat and I can¡¯t find any words to pass my fucking throat.


    Yes? No? Get lost? Fuck off?


    Nothing.


    ¡°No, you may not.¡±


    Jimmy speaks for all of us. I breathe a little through my mouth, nibbling my bottom lip gently.


    Please walk away. Please.


    ¡°Right Cami?¡±


    Jimmy adds. I choke, flinging one hand to my chest.


    ¡°I need to use the restroom.¡±


    I blurt and hop off the booth. I can sense his gaze on my back and I walk slowly. I lower my head yet once I¡¯m by him, they lift on their ord to glimpse. He smirks and takes my seat.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be here waiting.¡±


    He says, then tucks his hands.


    ****

 Chapter 92 Severing Ties

    **CAMILLA REN¨¦E**


    VAN¡¯S PIZZA PLACE.


    SUNDAY.


    You¡¯re twenty. Not a sixteen-year-old, put on your big girl pants and handle them.


    One. Two. Three. Four.


    I sprinkle some water on my face, gawking at my reflection in thepact mirror.


    Five. Six. Seven. Eight.


    They¡¯re waiting for me. I snatched a line of tissue and smeared it underneath my brows, fluttering my lids twice. I repeat the action until my face is less flushed and nearly dried up.


    Nine. Ten. Eleven. Twelve.


    I¡¯ve got this.


    Straightening my shoulders, I sauntered out of the restroom and returned to the table.


    Dn had taken my spot beside Miranda, and they were talking.


    Traitorous bastard. She should be angry. For me.


    Jimmy stayed silent on the other end, swiping through his cell phone.


    I cleared my throat, rendering my presence known to all three.


    ¡°I think we should get going, Miranda. It¡¯s gettingte.¡±


    She winced, fastening her shoulder des before plopping up from the booth.


    ¡°I will see you tomorrow, Jimmy. We can discuss how we¡¯ll meet up, then begin, or you can text meter?¡±


    He offers a charming smile. I¡¯m grateful he doesn¡¯t press or try to follow.


    One of his hands reaches out, then strokes my free hand resting over the table. I smile back, then pull awaypletely.


    All this while, I avoid minimal contact with the other elephant in the room.


    ¡°Dn. May I have a word? Miranda, I¡¯ll meet you outside.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    His brows shot up. I¡¯m more rmed than him about how I could get that out without throbbing, but I did.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    He¡¯s up and about, strutting towards the door. I stroll behind him, masking any enigma of annoyance that was brimming inside.


    Once we¡¯re out of earshot and the ce entirely, I yank his arm and pull him towards the corner.


    ¡°This again?¡±


    He chuckles. I sink my nails as far as they can go and he jumps in fright.


    ¡°That fucking hurts.¡±


    ¡°Good. I want nothing less.¡±


    Ish out, then tug away.


    ¡°Why are you following me!?¡±


    It¡¯s hard to keep my voice calm, but I don¡¯t n on making it known that he affects me that much. Especially to him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I came here with friends. You saw me walk in with them, did you not?¡±


    There¡¯s an end to those words. He¡¯s taunting. And hell if it does tip me over the edge.


    I huff and cross my arms.


    ¡°Right. We bump into each other coincidentally. Why didn¡¯t you seat with your friends then? Why walk up to my table?¡±


    He chortles first before answering.


    ¡°Cami. If you didn¡¯t want me seating with you, you could¡¯ve just said so. Dn go away. That is easy. Instead, your boyfriend helped you out, and you ran away like a toddler.¡±


    An involuntary gasp slipped out from my lips. I blink twice in disbelief.


    Too stunned to speak, I gazed at him in dismay. His words reyed several times in my mind. I wait for him to take it back-He does not.


    I¡¯m tempted to call him out. Jimmy isn¡¯t my boyfriend. I didn¡¯t run. Or give him a tight smack across that smug face.


    But no. I won¡¯t give him the satisfaction of getting to me.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    I seethe instead, flipping him the finger.


    ¡°Did I lie though? You¡¯re acting like a child, Cami. Decide.¡±


    ¡°Decide. Is this a joke?¡±


    I half scoff in betweenughs.


    ¡°Fine then. I¡¯m settling this once and for all. We should stop casually bumping into each other and ept the fact that we¡¯re different people now. Move on.¡±


    He nods ever so slowly. I try to hint out what he¡¯s thinking, but his face gives nothing off. He tightened his jaw for one, but that could mean anything.


    ¡°Understood. I guess that would mean you choose Jimmy?¡±


    He cocks his head, chuckling dimly.


    I step back. Again, I want to yell that there was no choice.


    I don¡¯t. I keep mute.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s better this way. Now we both know where we stand. You¡¯re already the outside witness in our presentation. We¡¯re meeting once a week only. If that¡¯s not too much of a burden to ask.¡±


    I hide my hands behind my back, balling each of them to halt the shivers coursing through my spine.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I croaked, barely recognising my voice.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    I winced at his tone, squeezing my eyes against its lids.


    ¡°I should go now. I wouldn¡¯t want to keep you away from him.¡±


    Again, the venom at the end of that statement didn¡¯t go unnoticed and again, I did not correct him.


    Tucking both hands away, he spun and walked towards the parking lot, then disappeared entirely.


    I tore my gaze away and walked out, sighting Miranda waiting by the entrance.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I could barely hold it in.


    I sniffled and embraced her, my hands encircling her waist to keep me from falling.


    ¡°Uber¡¯s here.¡±


    She whispers, tugging my hand towards the car.


    My best friend. What will I do without her?


    I pay no attention to the driver while I ce my head over Miranda¡¯sps and shut my eyes.


    Miranda does me the biggest favour by not uttering a word or asking questions, she seats there and strokes my hair. Gently.


    ****


    ¡°Home.¡±


    A voice whispers straight into my left ear. I groan and shift into position, colliding with another body.


    Slowly, I blink my lids twice and read the sign.


    ¡°Residence Hall B.¡±


    I scoff and seat up. Not home. Not even close.


    We both step out and she hands him the fare.


    ¡°Hey.¡±


    I pass a small smile, tucking my hand underneath my shirt, strolling off.


    If there¡¯s one thing I need is sleep and quiet.


    *****


    MONDAY.


    There¡¯s an incessant ringing in my ear and it¡¯s not an rm ergo I didn¡¯t set one.


    The noise is typical, and soon Ie to understand it¡¯s my cell phone.


    Half asleep but full-on annoyed, I peek at the screen and the drowsiness escapes me.


    ¡°Mom.¡±


    Fuck.


    I seat up straight, pressing the side button so the noise fades out. I said I¡¯ll call, but it¡¯s been almost a week. I forgot.


    Shit. If she¡¯s calling now, it¡¯ll be to scold or yell.


    Regardless, I click the answer button because she¡¯s my mom.


    ¡°Good morning Cami.¡±


    She¡¯s calm. That¡¯s a good sign.


    ¡°Good morning mom.¡±


    I breathe, sticking a hand in my curls.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I haven¡¯t called since I moved in.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I understand the life of a fresher can be difficult, plus you¡¯re having a hard time settling in.¡±


    I smile without answering back. She¡¯s wrong. I don¡¯t have a hard time. I¡¯ve had free time. I just didn¡¯t call back. Calling would bring that to the past. The past I try so desperately to put down.


    ¡°How¡¯re your professors? And your courses? I trust you¡¯re doing well.¡±


    ¡°Excellent. How¡¯s dad?¡±


    ¡°On a trip. He should be back today. I¡¯ll tell him you called and asked about his days ago.¡±


    I chuckle lightly.


    ¡°Thanks, mom.¡±


    There¡¯s silence for a few seconds. I can hear her breathing fine.


    ¡°I spoke to Mrs Emerton a few days ago. She said Dn got into Cal-U as well.¡±


    Here we go.


    ¡°Have you two run into each other?¡±


    She adds, causing my breathing to cease.


    I coughed hard and pulled away.


    ¡°No mom. I did not know he would start here. I always thought he¡¯d head for New York.¡±


    I try to keep my voice simple and in. I¡¯m lying to my mother, yes, but the truth will only bring more questions.


    It wasn¡¯t a secret that Dn and I kept away from each other and my mom and dad had questions. Questions I brushed off.


    Mom probed severally, every time she got the same robotic answer.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Alright, dear. It¡¯s fine. I just wanted to check on you. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re having early sses. Try giving your old woman a call one of these days. I love you.¡±


    ¡°I love you too, mom.¡±


    I answer back then hang up, falling back to bed.


    Therefore Mondays will remain the worse day of the week. Imagine starting off this way?


    After yesterday¡¯s theatrics and a good night¡¯s rest, I concluded of new beginnings. If I¡¯m willing to put my past behind me, I have to equally let a future in. That starts with giving Jimmy a chance. He checks all the right boxes.


    After nearly three and a half years, I¡¯m ready to date again.


    ****

 Chapter 93 His Side Of The Story [I]

    **DYLAN EMERTON**


    NINE MONTHS EARLIER.


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    I strike send and assess her. She picked up her cell and scanned through the text box. Her brows went up. Both of them. My heart flipped at the thought of getting a response, but then she slid it right back to the table as though I was nothing.


    Maybe I am. My throat went dry, and I reached for more tequ.


    Of course, she wouldn¡¯t text back? I hurt her. I¡¯ve been hurting her.


    I¡¯m such a fool.


    ¡°Hey Dn, care for a dance?¡±


    ¡°Fuck off.¡±


    I hissed, flipping my hand in her direction.


    ¡°A blow job maybe? I can make you feel real good. The best you¡¯ve ever received.¡±


    I cringed, scrunching my nose.


    ¡°I said fuck off.¡±


    ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    I sent one more than the blonde sauntered off after my rejection.


    Again, she read it through. Only this time, the tiniest flicker of surprise reached her eyes. Maybe it¡¯s the alcohol getting to my brain. Making me see things I want.


    Regardless, she shut her screen without answering back.


    ****


    I mmed my balled fists on the table, extending my grip on the ss in my other hand until it reaches its limit, breaking into pieces.


    A few of them reached the floor and others got stuck inside my arm.


    Hissing in pain mixed with sheer annoyance, I bounced off the stool I was sitting on and walked away for a band-aid.


    That¡¯s when I froze.


    The surrounding music stopped ying. It was just me and my heart threatening to burst out of its cage.


    I thought tonight was sick and alcohol should help doze the pain of losing her, but hell no.


    Cami is right in front of me. We¡¯ve established that. That¡¯s not all. She¡¯s with some guy. Who the fuck is he and where the fuck did he crawl out from? I¡¯ll end him.


    She has her shoulders draped around him. Her fuckingugh meant for me released into the air for him. What the fuck? I looked away for barely ten minutes.


    She¡¯s twirling her fingers around a ss, batting hershes, and they¡¯re too fucking close for my sanity. I bet he¡¯s thinking of fucking her. No. A. Fucking. Chance.


    I clench my fist and dig the pieces further into my hand.


    It hurts. It fucking hurts. Just nothingpared to the pain in my chest.


    I consider two things. Go up there and trash him. I can take him. He¡¯s built. I¡¯m stronger. Or two walk away, then take care of my wounds first.


    I pick thetter since I can¡¯t deal with any more drama or fuss. My head is about to fall off.


    Cami Ren¨¦e can push me off a cliff and have me yearning to climb back up. Ribs broken. Hands and legs dislocated. Body ripped apart. Still, all I can think of is how to crawl back up. Back to her.


    Turning my head away, I bump into more girls, girls who openly shove their bodies in my face and offer to have their tongues down my throat.


    Disgusting pieces of shit.


    I grunt and work my way through till the first restroom I can find.


    Most of them moved away from me. That¡¯s how much power I have.


    The ones inside finished quickly and wandered off, leaving me inside the tiny room with a toilet and sink.


    Angling my head to the sink, I turned on the faucet and let the water drown my hand.


    Simultaneously, I reached out and pulled out the few pieces of ss stuck inside.


    Each time I winced. Not at the pain from my hand. But the one in my head from squeezing my eyes and being able to see nothing but her.


    I¡¯m a fucking jerk. How I¡¯ve been treating her for over a week is any sign, yet I want to curl my fists around his little neck and crush it against the wall for daring to nce in her direction.


    Then I want to pull her into my arms. Let her stay there until my clothes reek of her perfume. Until all I can see, smell, hear, and sense is her.


    Only her.


    Fuck it.


    I grovel while digging my phone out with my left hand, finding her number and putting it straight into the message app. I¡¯m about to send the third message. I chicken out and shove it back in.


    In all honesty, these past few days have been hell and back. I couldn¡¯t finish and found the dumbest excuse to speak.


    My mother mentioned the tutoring lessons earlier that day, it destabilised my morning.


    I recall her torturous words-


    ¡°I miss having Cami around. Maybe the tutoring lessons will give me a chance to see her again.¡±


    Then she shut my door with a smile, unknowingly tarnishing my entire day.


    I staggered to school with thoughts of her and her only. I had it up to here. Then during lunch, I just couldn¡¯t bear it.


    I went by her table and, and I asked to talk.


    She looked stunning. Her hair was padded differently. I had half the mind to pull her in and yell the word fuck more times than needed.


    Instead, I did the ass hole thing and pushed her away for good.


    Those weren¡¯t the only mistakes I made.


    Pa. I hung out with her more times than required. Why? I figured it¡¯ll keep Cami away. And it did.


    That day in ss, when she walked up to her, her eyes shone with tears. I had to conceal my hand underneath the table so it wouldn¡¯t crack under pressure.


    I did many things just to keep my mind off her. Boxing more. Hitting things. People sometimes. Ser. Everything. Yet the slightest object brings her back. It didn¡¯t help that we went to the same school.


    And now?


    I¡¯m stuck in a restroom, face down on the sink, clenching harder by the second and wishing I could turn back time to when it was just us.


    Screaming monsters. Teaching her how to throw a punch. Having her underneath me. Take a ss of wine or two. The pool. Getting caught sneaking out. Her hands were around my chest on the way to school and back. The fun times.


    I want those. Simple. Tender. Yet so fucking delightful.


    And I screwed it all.


    I smashed the edge of the sink and yelled out.


    Calming my breath was of no use. She¡¯s with that fucker out there. Another image branded on my mind. I won¡¯t fucking sleep tonight with more visionsing in. I¡¯ll torture myself with thoughts of both of them.


    I squeezed my eyes, shaking my head vigorously.


    Make it stop. Just make it stop. This is fucking hell.


    Then again, why am I putting myself through it?


    It¡¯ll be easier to walk up to her instead of texting. Get her away from him to talk. Tell her the truth.


    ¡°I¡¯m falling for her and it¡¯s scaring me.¡±


    I wince one more time.


    There¡¯s the reason. The coward I always knew I was.


    Stay away from her and tell me it¡¯s better this way.


    If she¡¯s not with me, she can¡¯t hurt me.


    Because love only causes pain and hurt. That¡¯s why I fuck. No strings attached. Just sex. Yet Cami and I haven¡¯t crossed that threshold, and I still fell for it. Fell for her.


    Kisses. Smell. Giggle. Hair.


    Every part of her I got was intoxicating. I craved more. I couldn¡¯t stop wanting. Scratch that, she became a need.


    I had her. Literally. Same roof. Bedrooms apart and all that shit.


    I didn¡¯t realise the faucet was still on, but I used that opportunity to get some water in my face.


    Then she left. Moved rather.


    All my insecurities I buried ran back up to the surface. I remembered Athena.


    Ipared Athena and Cami until I had concluded that what happened with the former would reur.


    That this was just history¡¯s nasty way of repeating itself after all *those who cannot learn from history are doomed to repeat it.*


    So I tried to learn. I withdrew myself. Like a bastard. A coward. An asshole.


    All those and many more. I treated her like shit. Thest few days in the Emerton mansion were dirt for her. All because of me.


    Every night I¡¯ll remind myself it was for the best.


    History can¡¯t repeat itself. I won¡¯t recover for the second time.


    Yet every night, a piece of my soul has ripped apart at the thought of never being able to hold her anymore.


    I made my decision. I should live by it, right? Wrong.


    Again I try telling myself after graduation things will get better. I¡¯ll move away to New York. She won¡¯t be in my sights. Just a few more months. If only I can go without breaking before then.


    That¡¯s debatable.


    I move away from the sink after turning the water off, exhaling deeply, then strolling out of the restroom into the halls.


    I should leave. I meant this party to get her off my head, yet if I go downstairs back to that stool, chances are not one or two students will head home with broken ribs.


    Home it is.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    A familiar voice chuckles and I catch her blonde hair making its way to me.


    Turn around and walk.


    The voice in my head is clear. It¡¯s amand even. We both know nothing good ever came out of Pa and me meeting up. Not now when I¡¯m this close to breaking.


    Yet I add a list to the asshole-y things I¡¯ve done and stay right on that spot. I let her make her way to me.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    She doesn¡¯t waste a second, is pulling herself up, nting a kiss on my cheeks.


    Pa has tried to make a movie with Cami out of the ¡°picture¡± so far, nothing has happened.


    Hugs. Pecks. Flirting. Openly nudging her boobs in my face. But nothing.


    ¡°Are you okay? Your hand looks awful?¡±


    She cooed, stroking my affected hand.


    ¡°Yeah. I am.¡±


    I answered groggily.


    Now is the time to go home?


    ¡°It¡¯s a party, yet you don¡¯t seem like you¡¯re having any fun. Tell you what. Why don¡¯t I make your entire night so much better?¡±


    Her feet are back up since she pressed her lips to my ears.


    I stumble away and clear my throat. Bad idea.


    ¡°Hold. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    I hand over my phone and go back inside, sprinkling more water on my face to get a hold of myself.


    I can¡¯t me alcohol because I¡¯m only tipsy, nowhere near drunk. So no.


    ****


    Pa has been going on about something for a while now. I barely give a hoot until she says-


    ¡°I promise you. You won¡¯t remember her while you¡¯re with me.¡± And she¡¯s back in my space.


    Usually, I¡¯ll strangle her for making that statement at all, but in this state, I¡¯m wrecked.


    My mind is in all ces. It worked for Athena. I started screwing after her and I guess she left my mind eventually.


    I have fucked no one for a while. This might be what I need.


    Don¡¯t do it. The voice in my head is rmed. Warning. Screaming.


    But do I listen? Hell no.


    I throw caution out the door and march up to her, fisting her hair in my hand, drawing her towards my skin and pressing my lips against hers.


    It¡¯s no different fromst time-yes, I¡¯ve kissed and had sex with Pa before.


    Mine covers hers quickly. Since there¡¯s no resistance, I push my tongue in and she moans.


    ¡°There¡¯s an empty room.¡±


    She breathes. I pull away and yank my hair.


    Last chance to walk away from this. The voice in my head sounds like it¡¯s given up. As it should.


    I haul Pa towards the room and if I hadn¡¯t known better, I¡¯d say she organised this.


    Too bad I don¡¯t give a shit.


    I m the door with her back against it, plunging to my knees with my head inclined directly against her pants.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    She whispers. I jerk my head because it only reminds me of her.


    ¡°Quiet.¡±


    I order and work my way through her jeans, slipping them off. She¡¯s wearing nothing but a thong underneath, which disappears less than three secondster. I kiss my way up to her core.


    Her pussy is bare to me. Freshly shave. I press my lips against her opening, parting her slit with my tongue before licking my way right to her clit.


    She reverts, mping down on my head to keep me steady.


    Growling, I press my tongue against her folds, gently nibbling her clit with my upper teeth.


    She moans loudly, and I pull away, prickling with guilt.


    ¡°I said quietly.¡±


    I demand, then stand up. Enough of the fucking forey. Cami is still in my head.


    ¡°Come.¡±


    I pluck her hand, motioning towards the bed. If I¡¯m lucky, there¡¯s a stack of condoms in one of these drawers.


    Pulling off my shirt and pants, I meet her halfway and stand at the end of the bed, ripping the foil packet so I can roll the condom on.


    Pa has a smug smile on disy and when I close my eyes, it reced her face by Cami¡¯s.


    That¡¯s enough. I yank her legs towards me, bncing them on each side of my shoulders, and in one swift motion, I bury my length inside of her.


    There¡¯s nothing slow or sweet about it. All I crave is numbness. Feeling nothing. Especially her.


    I thrust roughly and hastily. Determined to clear my head. Pa is writhing underneath me, but I¡¯m not concerned with the likes of her. I let one leg down, turning her to the side, then plummeting once more. She pushes another object to the ground, which sounds across the room. Again, I don¡¯t care.


    Then I hear another noise. One minute I¡¯m this close to Cumming with the face of Cami still in my mind, the next I sight her with the corner of my eyes. Cami?


    I blink thrice, and she¡¯s still there. She¡¯s ring at both of us. And her eyes. Bloody hell.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    I pull out at the same time as she ms the door. There¡¯s another image branded in my head. Her eyes when she saw the two of us.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    I grab my pants and tug them off, same with my shirt, then rush out of the room.


    You¡¯ve outdone yourself this time.


    I wave the voice off, but we both know it¡¯s right. A part of me can tell ¨C this was thest straw. I may have lost Cami. For good this time.


    ****


    It¡¯s a longer chapter since I couldn¡¯t upload it yesterday. Who¡¯s Athena btw?

 Chapter 94 His Side Of The Story [II]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    EIGHT MONTHS EARLIER.


    I discern her without a sound, attentive enough to notice her every move, yet quiet enough not to get caught.


    Cami Ren¨¦e has twisted me into a stalker. An excellent one.


    I haven¡¯t gotten caught in over two months.


    I know her routine by heart. I¡¯m good at this.


    I peak at her in ssrooms, on her way back home, during lunch with Miranda, Kelly, Brandon, and her other fucking friends. Yes, I know their names. Full-on stalk mode.


    Graduation is today. It¡¯s silly because I looked forward to doing this. *Looked*


    I wrote it off as the day to let go.


    But after that night, I got more invested than ever. And today as we sped our diploma and told goodbye to friends, I felt it was time to say goodbye to her. Close that chapter.


    Our silent exchange in the audience meant the world to me. We have roughly eight months before college. We¡¯ll be worlds apart and I practised my expressions every day. Now she¡¯s in eyesight. All I need to do is take less than thirty paces to snag her. So why have I stood rooted behind this car for nearly half an hour?


    My window is enclosing rapidly. She will leave. She will drive off with her parents. I¡¯ll never see her again. I¡¯ll never get the chance to-


    Fuck my life. It¡¯s now or never Dn. Her parents pull up the car. She¡¯s clutching her purse with both hands, pecking Miranda¡¯s cheeks and muttering something in her ear before they break apart. Then there¡¯s a wave, and she turns.


    She¡¯s strutting out of sight now. Towards her parents¡¯ car. But I can still see.


    All I see is her.


    The cloak of contentment is fading. The smile on her face barely ten seconds ago has washed awaypletely.


    Her brows plunge significantly, and she puffs out.


    I clutch to any part of the car as ihooked the air in my lungs. I¡¯ve never seen this side of her before.


    She appears shattered. Broken. A fucking shadow of herself.


    Both hands fall to each side. I released a pent up breath of mine.


    Me. I did that. I broke Cami.


    She¡¯s smiling in public but withdrawn, really. All because of me. All because I was selfish, dumb, and stupid enough to fuck it all up.


    What am I going to say when I walk up to her?


    Hello? Happy graduation. Sorry I fucked someone months ago and ruined whatever we might have had. I think I have feelings for you and it scared me to the point of pushing you away and then I screwed uppletely?


    I breathe, then scoff.


    She treads into the car, then her head moves to turn back. I retreat, ducking behind the car so she wouldn¡¯t see me.


    *Coward.*


    My subconscious uses. Guilty as charged. That I am.


    From the mirror, I watch her heave, then get in. Her dad drives off hastily and I grip the back of the car, feeling nothing but hatred. Hatred towards me.


    I¡¯m a screwup all way round, but this is the worst. The best thing I can do for Cami is leaving her alone.


    I¡¯ve ruined senior year already. I can¡¯t be a part of her college experience. I will not taint that for her.


    Holding that thought, I slipped off my graduation cap, cing it between both hands, then ambling into the walk of shame.


    I¡¯m a terrible person and Cami deserves better. It took me this long toe to terms with it.


    ****


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    ¡°Dn!?¡±


    My mother beckons in the halls.


    I can hear her through the locked door, but I pretend not to.


    I feign fatigue and rest on my bed. In thest few months, I¡¯ve done four things.


    Sleep. Eat. Drink. Box.


    In no particr order. It¡¯s a weekday and my mother should not be yelling, which means it can¡¯t be important. Or so I thought.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    Father yelled, and my eyes snapped wide open.


    It¡¯s one thing to ignore my mother, but dad will just make a fuzz about it.


    So I slipped on a shirt and rolled my body out of bed. My exhausted figure, which I barely took care of. More junk foods. Bruises from punching too hard. Among others.


    ¡°Good morning family.¡±


    I chirped, half opening the door. They breathed out, causing a smirk to form on my lips.


    ¡°How may I help since I¡¯m so eager?¡±


    I rolled my eyes. That was sarcasm.


    ¡°I told you yesterday after dinner. Your cousin ire ising in today. She put in an application for Cal-U and got in, so she¡¯ll be staying here for a few months before moving into the dorms. You¡¯re picking her up from the airport, so get clothed and move.¡±


    Mom ordered, then stormed off. My rtionship with them has improved a little.


    I left the door wide open, standing there in utter shock.


    ire wasing?


    ire Mitchell. Twenty. Gorgeous. Sarcastic. Witty as hell. The female Dn.


    The one person in my family I could tolerate, since we had one thing inmon. We were both screw-ups.


    After thoughtful deliberation, I mmed the door shut and got ready for the airport.


    The final months may be worthwhile after all.


    ****


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    She squealed, leaping from the ground, thentching her arms around my waist.


    I let her rest her head over my chest before stroking her hair. She¡¯s wearing the signature ire look. Blue jeans and a ck shirt. The female Dn in the fucking flesh.


    ¡°I missed you.¡±


    I ruffled it back, causing her to frown.


    ¡°Of course you did. I¡¯m the moment.¡±


    She twirled a strand, then chuckled.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    I tugged at her luggage, heading for the car which I had to borrow for dad.


    I have parked my cycle for thest five months. Lucky guess why that is.


    It wasn¡¯t the only thing I switched up or moved.


    I rearranged my room and took out all the reminders of her. If only it were that easy to evict her from my heart.


    ****


    ¡°So what university are you looking at?¡±


    ire asks on the way back home.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know yet.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    She half yelled. I winced, pressing my shoulder des more to my ribs.


    ¡°I still have a few months before the applications close up and I could easily get into ser in New York.¡±


    ¡°So do that.¡±


    She was exasperated. I chuckle lightly without answering.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re done with a high school with no clue what to do with your life.¡±


    I ignore that remark.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    Silence.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡±


    Her voice dialled down a little.


    ¡°You¡¯re still the same cocky bastard, but there¡¯s something off. I can tell.¡±


    I wince once again.


    ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out eventually, so spill now.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go shopping before we head home?¡±


    I whisper low to evade her interrogation.


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ire squeals. Clockwork.


    I¡¯ve never met a female engrossed in shopping like ire.


    ¡°Your distraction worked, but we will return to that topic sooner rather thanter.¡±


    She mused. I remained silent and turned towards the first mall in sight.


    ****


    ¡°Done?¡±


    I cocked my head in annoyance, putting thest bag in the back seat.


    She bobbed hers severally.


    I sighed and shut the bo, leaving her to get into the car.


    I went around it and got into the driver¡¯s seat myself, then I adjusted the mirror, about to drive off. That¡¯s when I see her.


    All I can see is her.


    My surroundings wash off, leaving just her. Everything I¡¯ve kept sealed and hiddene rushing back. The force is strong enough to knock me down; I grip the side mirror and shut my eyes, shuddering, with millions of shivers running through my spine.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    ire¡¯s voice takes me back to the present. I blink a few times and exhale.


    She can¡¯t see me. She won¡¯t see me. I hit the elerator and drive off.


    ****


    ¡°Dn. Wait!¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ire¡¯s footsteps are quick, desperately struggling to meet mine. I¡¯m taking three or four and running ahead until I get to my room and m the door in her face.


    Still, behind it, I drop to the floor and cover my entire body with my arms. My breathing is haggard and heavy. So much weight on my back. I blink and she¡¯s there. I look forward and her reflection appears again.


    Her. The cashier. God, it¡¯s been so long. Too long. Why did I have to see her and ruin everything?


    Fuck my life!


    *****


    ¡°Pour a ss for me.¡±


    Doesn¡¯t she ever go away?


    Once again, I flip my cousin off and continue sipping one of my dad¡¯s expensive wine.


    I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t mind. I¡¯ve got no fucks to give, anyway.


    ¡°I found something in the room. I think it¡¯s the answer to all my questions.¡±


    ¡°Great for you.¡±


    I slurred.


    ¡°I did my homework and asked your parents. I just need you to answer two questions.¡±


    ¡°Hit me.¡±


    I lifted the bottle and topped the wine.


    ¡°How bad was it? What you did and why haven¡¯t you tried to fix it?¡±


    I contemte lying. Taking the wine to my room as I should¡¯ve from the beginning. But after seeing her today. What the fuck do I have to lose?


    ¡°She walked in on me fucking another girl. I fucked her life up enough and I will not ruin it any further. We don¡¯t have a future together. I¡¯m going to New York. She¡¯ll be in Cal-U, I hear. ¡±


    I pause andugh a little.


    Mother thought I needed to know Cami will be in Cal-U. As though I wasn¡¯t torturing myself enough.


    ¡°She saw you? Fuck.¡±


    ire pulled a ss and yanked the bottle from my grip.


    ¡°That¡¯s fucking messed up.¡±


    The wine gets to the brim before she hands the bottle back.


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    I smirk and continue drinking.


    ¡°Your mother says coach called months ago. Why haven¡¯t you signed up yet?¡±


    ¡°I will.¡±


    I retort, gritting my teeth.


    ¡°I know. It¡¯s been months since graduation. Why haven¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Fuck off ire.¡±


    She stiffens beside me. Guilt rises to my chest, but I shove it back down. I need her to leave me the hell alone.


    ¡°Ser was for high school. It was fun. It¡¯s a guy thing. I get it. But is that what you want to do for the rest of your life?¡±


    I hiss and pound the table with my fist.


    ¡°What are you, my shrink?¡±


    Sheughs sweetly, then takes my drink away.


    ¡°I¡¯m not Dn. You¡¯re my cousin and I care about you. A lot. I want you to think hard. What do you want to do? Because I can bet my Prada jacket that it¡¯s not ser. That¡¯s the first step to getting yourself back.¡±


    She pecked my cheeks, taking the bottle and both sses away, retreating into the kitchen.


    Bloody hell.


    I gulp aggressively and face down on the table, unable to get ire¡¯s words out of my head.


    ******


    Thoughts!?

 Chapter 95 His Side Of The Story [III]

    DYLAN EMERTON.


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    EMERTON MANSION.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    I grumble, gliding into an empty chair.


    ¡°Good morning, son.¡±


    Dad peeps along with mother and ire, who gawk hard at me.


    I gape at my food instead, having the appetite of an ape courtesy of the alcohol I hadst night.


    I dozed off in that spot, got up in the middle of the night, and crawled my way to an actual bed.


    Arose with a heavy hangover. The only reason I¡¯m putting food in my stomach is full-on body weakness.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    ire hissed across from the table. My mother and father left moments ago to get set for work. It¡¯s just me and her now.


    ¡°What!?¡±


    I snarled, slipping on some ketchup on my fries.


    ¡°You look like shit.¡±


    I snorted under my breath, lifting my head to re, which only made her chuckle further.


    ¡°I¡¯m d to amuse you, dear cousin.¡±


    I whirled my eyes, dipping my head away from hers and back to my food.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s the day to call coach yet?¡±


    ¡°I thought you¡¯re betting Prada jackets that I won¡¯t do it.¡±


    I arched a brow tentatively.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Oh, I am. I¡¯m just searching for ways to annoy my favourite cousin.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your only cousin, well, aside from ke.¡±


    I gritted my teeth, fisting multiple fries in my hand.


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    She squealed. I shut my eyes and ignored her.


    I¡¯ll ignore her all day.


    ¡°So, when are you making the call?¡±


    She added. Ignore.


    ¡°Today? Tomorrow? Sent a text? An email? Or you¡¯ll go there yourself. I¡¯m sure Kingston High would dly let their star ser yer in, especially when he tells them he¡¯s taking the legacy forward. You only have a tiny window before the coach¡¯s influence can¡¯t do much. Better make that call.¡±


    She pauses, gnawing on her fries too loudly.


    ¡°Could you drop it?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    She popped her lips against the other end, then titter.


    ¡°I¡¯m rethinking having you around. I may just leave the house and return when you go to college.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re nning on staying in this house even while I¡¯m even college? Dn.¡±


    She gasps, mping her chest with one hand, then batting those annoyingly longshes. I grunt and turn away.


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you ruin your future. Not while I¡¯m here.¡±


    Hair flip. Terrific.


    ¡°Alright then. Have a good day ire.¡±


    I grabbed my tes and left the table.


    ¡°You can¡¯t hide for me, Dn Emerton!¡±


    She screeched.


    ¡°I can certainly try.¡±


    I whisper low, leaving the dishes in the washer.


    ****


    ¡°Sup cuz.¡±


    ¡°What are you doing in my room?¡±


    ring, I took off my earbuds, leaving them on the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m bored. This house used to be more fun than it is now. You used to be more fun. I wish cousin ke was here.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not.¡±


    I answered icily. ke got into winter sessions in some college, ns to transfer to a university afterpleting a few credits. His life isn¡¯t shitty anymore. I took his ce.


    ¡°Calm down. You¡¯re my favourite. Although you¡¯re turning into a grumpy ass hole as of recent.¡±


    ¡°Grow up ire. You¡¯re twenty. Life isn¡¯t all sweet and soft.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know.¡±


    She retorts simply.


    ¡°So tell me about Cami.¡±


    She demands, plopping beside me on the bed.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°So rude of you Dn.¡±


    She fakes another gasp.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired of this banter?¡±


    ¡°Nope. I told you I¡¯m bored, so unless you find something for me to do, all I have is annoy you. That rhymes!¡±


    She giggles, pping her palms together. Fuck my life.


    ¡°Go run into a bus.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯ll be painful, not fun. Don¡¯t be silly.¡±


    She nudges my elbow, falling back to the bed with a sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I have no more options for you.¡±


    Rolling my eyes, I picked up my phone and unlocked the screen.


    ¡°Finally making that call?¡±


    ¡°For thest time, no. Leave me alone!¡±


    ¡°Annoyed are we?¡±


    She countered, a smirk ying dutifully on her lips.


    This used to be me months ago. Annoying. Cocky. Charming even. Now I prefer staying indoors and being grumpy.


    What happened to me?


    ¡°Did I prick too hard? Struck a nerve?¡±


    I sighed.


    ¡°I¡¯m not calling coach.¡±


    I murmur.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    She whispers back.


    ¡°I love ser, as a sport. It¡¯s not something I¡¯d like to do every day for the rest of my life.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I know.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    She chortles, lifting both arms in surrender.


    ¡°It¡¯s for fun. I will not get drafted of whatever. Go into a team or be a captain. That¡¯s not what I want in life.¡±


    ¡°So, what do you want?¡±


    She queries. There¡¯s no sarcasm or taunt. Genuine curiosity.


    ¡°I¡¯m going into the university to be a doctor. Why? When my mother was sick, I felt dead inside. I wanted to help her, but I couldn¡¯t. When my friend Kira came down with a cold during one of our slumber parties, it tortured me all night because I didn¡¯t know what to do. That¡¯s how I feel anything someone is sick or down, so it¡¯s what I want to do. Help people. Regardless of what the problem is.¡±


    I nodded softly.


    ¡°You. What do you want to do? What gives you so much joy and satisfaction that you might burst inside? What feels so natural and makes youplete as though they made you for it?¡±


    My mind returns to Cami. Not just her. The times I watched her. The moments I could predict what she would do next since I already figured that out. And then, I recalled the court case.


    I reminisced, figuring out the call history, the alcohol, everything that led to proving her innocence. That¡¯s when it clicked. The thing I love doing is figuring things out.


    Mysteries. Being able to predict the oue. It all began with her.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    ire calls out, grabbing my arm. I jerked away and turned towards her.


    ¡°Are applications for Cal-U¡¯s fall semester still open?¡±


    Slowly, she smiled before full-on grinning.


    ¡°Oh cousin, I thought you would never ask.¡±


    ****


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    ¡°So? Did you get in? Tell me? How was the interview?¡±


    ire sted too many questions at once.


    I chuckled and pulled a chair.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny? I¡¯ve been waiting all day for the news. You said an email came in. I assume it¡¯s the admission decision. So, did you get in?¡±


    Joining both hands, she shut her eyes in anticipation. I consider teasing, but I¡¯m too excited for myself to bother.


    ¡°Yes, I got in. Obviously. They¡¯ll be dumb not to let me in.¡±


    I add an eye roll and ire leaps before embracing me. Too tight, might I add?


    ¡°Yes! Oh my God, I was worried you wouldn¡¯t. You applied a few weeks before the deadline. Thank fuck.¡±


    She squeals.


    Thank fuck? I¡¯ll let that slide.


    ¡°Well, I did.¡±


    I moved from a chair to the sofa, facing the ceiling quietly.


    ¡°Phase one of my ns isplete.¡±


    ¡°Phase one?¡±


    ¡°Yes, birdbrain.¡±


    She answers, pulling a ss of water.


    ¡°Phase one was getting me into the university?¡±


    ¡°Yes. CAL-U specifically.¡±


    I exhale, and she gulps the liquid.


    ¡°And what exactly is phase two?¡±


    I momble, knowing her next sentence will knock a breath or two out of me.


    ¡°Dear cousin, phase two is fixing your screw up with Cami.¡±


    I flinched.


    ¡°Do I even want to know what phase three might be?¡±


    ¡°No, dear cousin. No, you do not. Just go with the flow. I only have your best interest at heart. With a little fun along the line.¡±


    She winks, then strides upstairs, leaving me with my thoughts and expectations.


    A few more months till I see her again.


    I¡¯ll be a liar by saying it hasn¡¯t given me goosebumps or sleepless nights.


    But as ire always says, it¡¯s the thrill that makes everything so goddamn interesting. I know I¡¯m on the verge of losing it when I quote ire Mitchell. I know I¡¯m on the verge of losing it when it¡¯s been too long without her.


    ****


    I¡¯ll be an alternating between POVs, not so much to get everyone confused but to have a better understanding of each character¡¯s thoughts. Enjoy!

 Chapter 96 Project Kisses

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    CAL-U.


    MONDAY.


    SEPTEMBER.


    ¡°The presentations will be due in about a week. I¡¯ll inform everyone exactly when they¡¯ll have to do so. It will ount for a significant part of your grades, so put in your best.¡±


    Mr Tony recounts referring to the board before diving fully into this week¡¯s lecture.


    ¡°Yes, Mr Quint?¡±


    I swerve my head to Jimmy at the mention of hisst name, then flinch.


    He¡¯s already staring and smirking.


    ¡°There isn¡¯t a rule that states we can¡¯t use other psychology majors for our project, right?¡±


    ¡°No, there isn¡¯t. As long as you both turn in different presentations of the other.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Sir.¡±


    Jimmy shoots a wink in my direction and returns to his seat.


    The lecture goes on. I¡¯m busy taking notes while my phone beeps every sixty seconds.


    I can take two guesses of who that might be.


    Jimmy and Mr Quint.


    At the fifth beep, I dig into my tiny bag and fetch it, peaking at the screen. It¡¯s him.


    ¡°My ce or yours?¡±


    He sent the same thing repeatedly.


    Talk about consistency.


    ¡°Yours.¡±


    I text back and tuck it away.


    It¡¯s almost as though his gaze is burning into mine. I didn¡¯t resist.


    One ¨C the project is due soon. I can¡¯t be cking on my first presentation for the semester and then the obvious reasons; I¡¯m trying to give Mr Quint a chance.


    ****


    ¡°Gorgeous.¡±


    Jimmy remarks, handing me my pen. I grin back and his blue eyes twinkle in sheer shock.


    ¡°What?¡±


    I chuckle, tucking my hair away.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright? You haven¡¯t given one sarcasticment all day. It¡¯s creepy.¡±


    This time, I throw my head back andugh.


    ¡°Maybe you¡¯ve gotten through my icy heart.¡±


    I gesture to my chest. He beams, then drops his head.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    His eyes snap back to mine and the distance is almost non-existent.


    ¡°Really.¡±


    I blink back and haul my bag.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see you this evening. Four pm sounds good?¡±


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    He mombles incoherently.


    I waltz away, feeling slightly satisfied with myself. Call me cocky, but today had gone my way. I have had no screw-ups. Yet.


    ****


    The rest of the day went by easily. I had lunch with Miranda. I finished a series I liked. I even had time to nap. Something has distracted enough me not to wander thoughts about the other him.


    At three pm, I took a shower, hurled on some makeup, styled my hair to surpass my shoulder, and searched for a casual outfit that didn¡¯t include all ck.


    Miranda wasn¡¯t in the dorms, so I shot a text and fled with myputer.


    Turns out Jimmy didn¡¯t live in residence hall A.


    He also texted not to meet at his dorm. He thought housing will be more preferably. I just didn¡¯t know whose house it was.


    I¡¯ll find out soon. I got an address and a cab. ETA in about five minutes.


    On the way over, I cleared the drafts about Miranda and started one on Jimmy. Full name. Age. Hobbies I knew of. Then my notes are on the corner.


    ****


    ¡°Gorgeous.¡±


    He pulled my coat over my back, urging me into the house.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a room in the dorms? Whose ce is this?¡±


    ¡°A friend. I stay here sometimes. But he¡¯s not home now, so we have the entire ce to ourselves. Water or wine?¡±


    ¡°Water¡¯s fine.¡±


    I drummed my fingers across the sofa, finding one to seat on while waiting for Jimmy.


    His hair is ruffled again. More so than usual. ck sweat pants and a in green shirt.


    ¡°Do you own ab?¡±


    I blurt as he plops down beside me, hisughter filling the air shortly afterwards.


    ¡°Definitely. Why do you ask Cami?¡±


    He smirks, then powers theputer.


    ¡°Your hair. It¡¯s never okay¡±


    I steal a nce, then swallow hard. He watches me knowingly, then smiles. Itsts barely a minute, yet charming.


    ¡°You have a thing for hair then. I see.¡±


    ¡°No fair. You¡¯re profiling me.¡±


    A blush makes its way to my cheeks and I huff.


    ¡°You make it easy.¡±


    I huff again, picking up myputer and moving to the sofa across from him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    I switch to a less yful tone than create more categories for him. I¡¯ll have to create a presentation on thatter. For now, I need the raw materials.


    ****


    In the past two hours, Jimmy and I take turns recounting our past. Childhood memories. First time. Reaction to events.


    He ordered pizza in between and it¡¯s much more fun. I¡¯m half taking notes for the project and a half enjoying myself. Have a good time.


    ¡°You like clowns. Who would¡¯ve thought.¡±


    I chirp and sort it in.


    ¡°They always try to make others happy, regardless of how they¡¯re feeling.¡±


    He shoots back. I¡¯m halfway through myugh and a slice of pizza.


    ¡°It¡¯s already past six.¡±


    I announce, saving the word document.


    ¡°Yes. Yes, it is. Continue some other day?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I have a few things to work on tonight. I¡¯ll just get moreter on.¡±


    He shakes slowly, and I shut down theputer, shutting the screen.


    We get up, but he walks towards me almost immediately.


    ¡°You know, I nearly forgot this was a project. Pizza. Reminiscing. Laughter. Felt like a second date.¡±


    His grin spreads across his entire face. It¡¯s contagious. I can¡¯t help but smile back.


    ¡°Cocky much?¡±


    I nudged his shoulder, bending my back, then dipping my head to grab myputer.


    ¡°I¡¯ve only been able to think of three things throughout this evening.¡±


    He runs his fingers through the hem of my shirt.


    ¡°Enlighten me.¡±


    I inhale, gripping the edges of myputer, my back facing him while I stare at his window as though it was art.


    ¡°The first is how to concentrate and profile you.¡±


    He adds, crawling his finger from the base of my shirt, then pressing the pad of his thumb against my belly.


    My breathing hitched immediately.


    ¡°I¡¯m an open book. Should be easy.¡±


    I jerk my head, forcing a small smile even though he couldn¡¯t see.


    ¡°What¡¯s the second?¡±


    ¡°I was thinking of dropping the project altogether. Focus on listening to everything you have to say. I never want you to stop talking.¡±


    His voice is husky enough to leave any woman throbbing. I¡¯m any woman.


    He must lean over me. I can feel his breath on my skin. Right underneath my neck if I¡¯m correct.


    ¡°And the third?¡±


    I blurt out, more curious than I¡¯d like to be.


    ¡°I was thinking how usible it¡¯ll be to kiss you before the day is over.¡±


    He takes one breath to snatch myputer away, not so gently thrusting it over to the couch, spinning me around, then crushing his lips over mine.


    These kisses keep getting better. And better.


    Both arms are crawling underneath my shirt, drawing lines around my tummy. I make a mental note of that. It¡¯s not like I can include it in my project, but just in case.


    His tongue muscles are effective, he¡¯s dominating and I have noints. I take two breaths, then divulge any control I had left over to him.


    I huddled my back against his sofa. Jimmy moves up against me, taking his hands off my belly and lowering them against my jeans instead.


    I pull his head back against my lips and stroke my tongue against his bottom lips, pulling it between my lips.


    He grunts loudly, tugging my zippers. I pull away, breathing shakily, meeting his gaze and there¡¯s nothing but desire.


    ¡°My psychology says when she tugs away she¡¯s trying to decide what to do, then the other option; she wants to do something herself. Which is it gorgeous?¡±


    He lowers his body on mine, careful not to crush his weight against me, but enough to lean and flicked his tongue over my earlobes.


    ¡°Both of em.¡±


    I whisper back, dipping my head for a kiss.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    He takes my lower lip first, pulling it between his teeth, and I tug against his shirt, folding the edge between both fists.


    One more push. He jerks away for a split second, tossing it over his head, then returning to me.


    His lips don¡¯t meet mine. They trace my corbone, leaving feathered kisses. I whimper, trying to squeeze my thighs together.


    I jerk my leg and wrap them around his waist instead, moaning in absolute delight.


    ¡°Consent is everything gorgeous. Where do we go from here?¡±


    He murmurs as his lips graze my neck.


    ¡°Your bedroom.¡±


    I answer back, locking my hands around his neck.


    ****


    I missed the update yesterday because I¡¯m a little I¡¯ll. Shorter chapter today as well.


    Regardless, let me know what you think in thement section!

 Chapter 97 Unusual Bad Luck

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    MONDAY.


    ¡°Cami Ren¨¦e, you are one confusing specimen.¡±


    He starts, lifting me off the couch. Both legs wrap around his waist in their ord.


    ¡°How¡¯d you figure?¡±


    Iugh, stuffing a fist into his hair then rolling as I wanted to since that day by the faculty. I toss my head back and moan.


    ¡°One would think you¡¯re shy.¡±


    He puts in, burying his head by my neck, then taking a spin around proceeding further into the house.


    There¡¯s a long hallway ahead.


    I giggle. ¡°Aren¡¯t I?¡±


    ¡°Reserved.¡±


    He begins again, meandering to my ear, flicking his tongue over my lobes, then rolling. As he did before. Repeatedly. I moan and tug at his bareback, gouging my nails as far as they could go.


    ¡°But this Cami is something else. Bold¡­ Daring.¡±


    He turns to one room and I sigh. ¡°I am.¡±


    Using his foot, he booted it open, crouching his knee so we could both go in with no obstruction.


    ¡°My bedroom.¡±


    I plop down from his waist, wriggling around the room with a yful giggle.


    ¡°As you requested.¡±


    He nibbles, strutting behind me. I trot my hand through the dressing table which is filled with body spray, ab he does not use and creams.


    ¡°Yes. Now, where were we?¡±


    I taunt, arching a brow as I spin around and meet his gaze. They¡¯re fixed on mine, staring with lust and hunger. Maybe it¡¯s a mirror of how mine looks.


    But again, I have no more fucks to give.


    Stepping on my toes, I curl my hands, wrenching his hair and the part of him I wanted to meet my level. Cautiously, I pull his bottom lip between my teeth and close what remaining distance was left.


    We moan in unison. My back hits the dressing table, causing a few objects to spill over to the ground.


    I¡¯m above ground level, swerved and meeting the bed in the middle.


    Tentatively, he let me down without breaking contact.


    He hauls away only to bend over, taking my shirt off my bodypletely, leaving just my bra and jeans.


    His lips are on my belly again, drawing circles with his tongue and sucking on them until they leave a mark.


    Arching my back, I grab the sheets, but he¡¯s quick to press my body against the bed, thwarting my movements.


    He chuckles right against my belly button. I half shudder and wince simultaneously, breathing at intervals to keep myself from losing it.


    Jimmy¡¯s lips go from my belly button to my upper abdomen and finally steady at my cleavages. They¡¯ve gotten betterpared to high school, but they¡¯re still a sensitive area for me and I gasp and snap my lids open.


    He recoils immediately, setting his gaze on me. They¡¯re filled with concern and a little confusion.


    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


    I bob my head slowly, lifting half my weight for a kiss. He goes behind my back, unsping my bra clips, then tracing his fingers upfront to get rid of them entirely.


    I don¡¯t *not* notice how my body trembles at his touch. Granted, it¡¯s been a while, but he¡¯s good. He¡¯s extremely good.


    I sigh softly when his lips reach my breasts, but just as they¡¯re about to circle my nipples, I catch the sound of iing footsteps.


    Jimmy does as well because he jerks off my body, grunting out loud with a hand stuck in his hair. I grab my shirt and pull it over my head just as a figurees into view.


    Jimmy bolts off to the door to intercept whoever that is and shortly afterwards, they¡¯re speaking indistinctly in the hall, then retreating.


    Swiftly, I pull the shirt off, grab my bra and reach behind, clipping it in ce, then return the shirt to its ce.


    My hair is sticking out after taking such a long time to put it in ce.


    I roll my eyes and consider taking hisb, but that might do more harm than good.


    I¡¯ll just order a ride from there up to my dorm, then pray no one sees me till I get inside. It¡¯s already past six pm. Maybe luck will stay by my side.


    Huffing deeply, I move out of the room, running a few fingers through my hair. Damage control.


    I reach the living room, and Jimmy is still speaking with his friend. Fuck, he¡¯s still shirtless. That¡¯s not a good look.


    I turn red and stare past him and meet his friend, already ncing.


    Then it crosses my mind that we might have already met. He seems oddly familiar. Just can¡¯t ce when or where.


    ¡°Cami, this is Graham, my friend and roommate, once in a while. He¡¯s the one I told you about.¡±


    My blush only deepened.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    I murmur, stepping forward to shake his hand. His intense re confirms my suspicions that we might have met after all. If he could narrow the search, he doesn¡¯t utter a word, merely takes my hand with a smile.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    He greets back, and I move away.


    All seems to go well for now. Jimmy and I made out intensively. Might have gone further and done the ¡°deed¡± if Graham here hadn¡¯t returned. Why did he even?


    Jimmy said he¡¯ll be gone. I shake my head and move away. Hopefully, I don¡¯t see his face again because this is very embarrassing. Don¡¯t take a genius to figure out what I was doing in his bedroom. Doesn¡¯t help much since Jimmy wouldn¡¯t put his shirt on.


    Fuck my life.


    I¡¯ll just grab myputer, my cell phone, then leave.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get any good wine, so there¡¯s no point in staying over. We¡¯ll just continue from where we dropped off tomorrow.¡±


    My back is bent over, but my ears are not. Those words register in my head. They originate from the front door, which I realise now was casually left open.


    Maybe if I wasn¡¯t so engrossed in Jimmy and his friend, that might have meant someone else wasing in.


    I realise that mistake now only it¡¯s toote.


    That voice at the door? It¡¯s Dn¡¯s. It¡¯s unmistakable Dn¡¯s.


    I skip past why Dn is here. He¡¯s following me? He¡¯s friends with Jimmy somehow?


    I chortle silently at that thought.


    Hol¡¯up, He¡¯s a friend of Graham. I saw him over the weekend. They were speaking when I arrived behind the faculty. What the fuck is my problem?


    Why didn¡¯t I realise that sooner and leave?


    Deep breaths Cami. My world seems to move a little slowly because my back is still bent over, gripping myputer tighter than when Jimmy stood behind me whispering nasty things at the back of my ear.


    Oh God, why did I just make thatparison?


    Maybe I just stay and Dn leaves as he said. Maybe he already left? Nope. There¡¯s no way he hasn¡¯t seen me unless he¡¯s standing by the front door, in which case he¡¯s already seen Jimmy.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Holy mother of everything messed up. Jimmy is shirtless.


    Dn would see that.


    Do I care? No. We cut each other off. I don¡¯t-fuck yeah; I do. I wouldn¡¯t be frozen in one position for nearly a minute if I didn¡¯t.


    Deep breaths.


    Gently, I straighten my back and turn.


    In my head, I said I¡¯ll face Jimmy and his friend. Say goodbye and walk out of here like Dn wasn¡¯t just standing there.


    I scoff.


    Like hell I did. My gaze went past everyone else in the room and stopped at him.


    And he¡¯s not gleaming.


    He stares straight back. His eyes are red. He¡¯s cringing as though he were reliving a nasty event. Then had twitched his lips and glimpsed past me and goes to Jimmy.


    Shirtless Jimmy.


    Graham just walked in. With him. He¡¯ll know we were alone in the house. I don¡¯t exactly look innocent.


    Crumpled shirt. Messed up hair. The biggest giveaway will be my features. I suck at concealing.


    I¡¯d look like sex.


    Holy hell. Why is my life always fucked up?


    His demeanour only grows harder, matching his gaze to Jimmy.


    I want to disappear.


    ¡°Do you want me to call a cab for you?¡±


    Jimmy breaks the silence.


    ¡°Alright man, we¡¯ll see tomorrow.¡±


    Graham says almost at the same time.


    How much time passed? It feels like a month to me. I¡¯m guessing a minute in reality.


    Graham exits the living room, leaving just us three.


    His words from Sunday return ¡± Instead, your boyfriend helped you out, and you ran away like a toddler.¡±


    I exhale and breathe in. I can do this.


    ¡°No Jimmy, I already called one. I¡¯ll leave now. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    I answer curtly. That¡¯s a lie, but who gives a shit at the moment?


    I don¡¯t nce at either of them as I mentally n an escape route farthest from him.


    I slip past the sofa, but he¡¯s still by the door. He doesn¡¯t look like he¡¯s going to move. A silent dare.


    I breathe hesitantly.


    Reaching the front door, it got harder to exhale. My feet feel heavier with each step forward.


    Then I¡¯m standing right beside him.


    I keep my eyes steady on the street and give a moment of silence. Regardless, all I can see is him. His hot breath by my side, fists curled, so much rage radiating off him. I¡¯m tempted to turn and peek at him.


    I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t. I don¡¯t.


    I take a few more steps and exit the apartment.


    ******


    I had a fewplications. Healthwise. Couldn¡¯t upload it, but I¡¯m back. A slightly longer chapter to make up for it. Drop your thoughts!

 Chapter 98 Desperation Creaks [I]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    MONDAY.


    7:05 PM


    I settled on the walkway clutching a few devices with messy hair and an even shabbier face.


    After about five minutes, I secured an Uber. An overpriced one. It is nearly seven pm.


    The driver took one conclusive look at me, scrutinizing my outfit. Confusion sprints past his lids as I got into the car. He utters no word-thankfully.


    Throughout the ride back, I took full breaths and reminded myself I did not care for Dn. Not even half a fuck.


    Why do we keep running into each other?


    Graham was there as well. It¡¯ll be silly to think both of them might quarrel. I hope not.


    I don¡¯t know Dn anymore. I never even knew him, but Jimmy wouldn¡¯t do anything stupid. I¡¯m sure of that.


    After I said and done all, I dragged my exhausted figure from the elevator to room 205.


    ¡°Fuck. No keys.¡±


    I grit my teeth and call Miranda. From this side, I can hear the call ringing.


    ¡°I¡¯m outside. Didn¡¯t take my keys.¡±


    I end the call, leaning against the wall. Momentster, the door unlocks from inside and I push myself into the room.


    ¡°I thought you were spending the night over at Jimmy. From your text, it seems you two¡­¡±


    Miranda goes on and exins my day like I didn¡¯t just live it.


    I kick off my boot, crawling into bed, squeezing my arms and legs together so I only take up a small portion.


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    I murmur sleepily.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I breathe, keeping my lids shut down.


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    I momble and haul the covers up to my shoulders.


    Silence. I can hear her by my bed. Quick breaths, possibly watching me.


    Then, without a word, she gets into my bed and pulls the cover over herself.


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here.¡±


    I don¡¯t answer. Not even a nod. Can¡¯t risk a crack in my tone because hell if I¡¯ll shed a single tear. I¡¯m an adult. I don¡¯t get to cry whenever I face life problems.


    I press my lids down on each other, forcing myself to sleep. It¡¯s hardly a limited escape. My problems remaine dawn, but I¡¯ll take it.


    I¡¯ll take anything at this point.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON


    MONDAY.


    4:40 PM


    ¡°Tell me again how your first week at Cal-U went and fingers crossed the parts about Cami were a figment of your bird brain imagination!¡±


    I exhalergely, monitoring ire while she paces across the room, locking and unlocking her fingers.


    ¡°I saw herst week during orientation. I can¡¯t tell if she saw me or not.¡±


    I break and recollect Cami¡¯s face that day. She didn¡¯t look enthusiastic at all. She scowled at everything in the staring distance, cringed each time a new voice came up, flinched whenever a student tries to introduce himself. It¡¯s easy to read her features when so much hasn¡¯t changed. At least towards everyone else.


    Once she sees me, her wall is up. She¡¯s cold. Venomous. Her hatred for me thickens and its daggers shoved through my belly, then twisted.


    Every day I wish I could turn back time.


    ¡°Hello? Dn!?¡±


    ire shoves my shoulder. I jerk back, shaking my head with a few fingers still running in my hair.


    ¡°Sorry. I zoned out.¡±


    ¡°Clearly. What the hell are you thinking of?¡±


    ¡°Her. That¡¯s all I can see.¡±


    I answer without a single thought.


    ¡°We had a n.¡±


    She wiggles her brows. Irritation? She didn¡¯t expect Cami to stay this close and I¡¯ll repel?


    ¡°No, you had a n. A n which you keep all to yourself. I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re doing. Phase two or some silly shit.¡±


    I fire.


    I¡¯m being frisky and harsh. Can you me me? My whole life feels shitty.


    I choose off-campus housing this year.


    Have my ce ergo personal space, yet ire graced me with her presence thrice already.


    How sweet.


    ¡°I would have told you every detail. You know that. It¡¯s awful now. First, you stalk during orientation, then you stalk again on her date. Twice. Now you¡¯re telling me she¡¯s the outsider on your project?¡±


    I exhale. I have made poor choices over the past week.


    ¡°First, I wasn¡¯t stalking during both dates. I thought someone was following her on Friday. She was in danger.¡±


    ire narrows her gaze in disbelief.


    ¡°I mean it!¡±


    I yell, exasperatedly. I know what I saw on Friday.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t watching her?¡±


    ¡°I was. I just thought-¡±


    I cut myself short and breathe through my mouth. I sound crazy even to myself. Cami didn¡¯t believe ire won¡¯t.


    ¡°Never mind. We already argued on Sunday, plus she has a boyfriend now. She¡¯ll never trust or forgive me, so phase two has failed before it began. Maybe you and I should forget the whole n.¡±


    ¡°Dn-¡±


    ¡°She made it clear on Sunday where she stands. With. Her. Boyfriend. He¡¯s the same guy she was with eight months ago. He was at the orientation. With her. Friday party. Now pizza on Sunday. Four times? That¡¯s a pattern. A rtionship pattern.¡±


    She sighs, grabbing my arm.


    ¡°I should go.¡±


    I recoil and get on my feet.


    ¡°There¡¯s this guy I need to meet for a project. I¡¯ll be back. I don¡¯t expect you to wait. Go to your dorm, ire.¡±


    I wash my palm over my face, forcing a smile across my features.


    ¡°Thank you, ire. I wouldn¡¯t be in college if it wasn¡¯t for your push. Sometimes, it¡¯s best to ept that some things just aren¡¯t meant for me. There are mistakes that we just can¡¯te back from.¡±


    She blinks her lids, her lips parting with no wordsing out. I take that as my cue and slip out through the door. Hands tucked away and head bowed. I need a drink.


    ****


    6:49 PM


    I should have gotten that drink. Instead, I met up with Graham. He wasn¡¯t able to take my mind off her. I barely kept up with the project arrangements and now we were supposed to head over to his ce for drinks, but the universe despises me so.


    It turns out that of all the roommates or friends Graham could have; he picked a bastard. Jimmy fucking, I don¡¯t know hisst name.


    That would¡¯ve been great. Sure, I hate his guts and want to shove him into a moving truck, but I could¡¯ve walked out of there. That is easy.


    But no. It got worse because she was there. And since Graham and I arrived minutes apart, I know she was there for him. She was there with him.


    Fuck theputer she held. Her demeanour gave her away. Her hair. Her eyes. Her suspiciously dry lips and the fucker.


    I wince at how literal that might be. The bastard wasn¡¯t wearing a shirt and Cami¡¯s looked like it was just tossed on.


    I don¡¯t think. I can¡¯t feel it. There¡¯s only one thing on my mind-Hit him.


    He wouldn¡¯t touch her. I don¡¯t care if they¡¯re fucking dating. He would not fuck Cami. She wouldn¡¯t fuck him.


    I facepalm myself mentally. Of course, she would. She¡¯s grown. In college. Not with me anymore. They had sex. I scrunched my nose at the rotten stench.


    Then I wait for her gaze to meet mine. It confirms everything I already know.


    The blow kicks me straight to the gut and I shudder.


    He had his hands on her. I don¡¯t shut my eyes; I keep them wide open. I can¡¯t imagine what they did. That¡¯s too much torture.


    She twists the knife even further by acknowledging his presence and not mine. I don¡¯t expect a ¡°Hey Dn.¡± At least a small smile. Yes, I¡¯m that desperate. She has me wherever she wants.


    I could fall to her feet. Kiss them. Help her put on slippers. Fucking crawl. I don¡¯t give a shit as long as I¡¯m close enough to grace her presence.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    All I see is her. But all she sees is an idiot who tore her heart to shreds.


    The knife sinks into the pit of my stomach when she exits the apartment. I called her out on it yesterday, and she just proved beyond doubt how wrong I was. She can do anything herself.


    ¡°What do you want with Cami?¡±


    I turn half my body to him. I couldn¡¯t tell at what point I ended up peaking outside to watch her retreat.


    I draw my bottom lip, peaking at his bare chest. Not in a good way. He¡¯s hot. Why did he have to be hot?


    ¡°This isn¡¯t middle school, pretty boy.¡±


    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t. You¡¯re not getting another chance to hurt her. I don¡¯t care if I have to beat you until you¡¯re six feet under. Farthest away from Cami.¡±


    I chuckle, genuinely finding it funny.


    ¡°Bold and a bit funny for you think even death can keep me away from her. It won¡¯t.¡±


    I stare him down, scoff, then pocket my hands and exit as well.


    I don¡¯t call a cab; I take the other direction and begin walking.


    My legs are this close to turning and running after her. Fall. Beg. Cry. Yell. Whatever. As long as it pleases her.


    I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t. I don¡¯t.


    ****


    Thank you for thements. I dozed off while editing. My bad!

 Chapter 99 Desperation Creaks [II]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    TUESDAY.


    The sun¡¯s rays glinting above my head provokes me to stir repetitively.


    Until my eyes break open with a little pressure, then Iprehend I¡¯m not alone on the bed. I blink several times, then toss to the other side.


    My eyes are twinkling, making out the figureying beside me. It could be a daydream. Or not. She stayed here.


    I cock my head and surveil. Miranda part her lips, slowly breathing through them. My features soften while I pull my cell phone, quickly navigating to Snapchat and taking a picture.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    She says grudgingly, spreading her legs as her eyes slowly blink open.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I opine, tucking my phone away. Miranda nces down at both of us sleeping on the same bed. I cock a brow and smirk.


    ¡°Never. Speak. Of. This. To. Anyone.¡±


    She spelt out. I lifted one hand in surrender, clutching my cell in the other. Again she nces suspiciously but gets up.


    ¡°She said not to speak of it. Said nothing about uploading a picture.¡±


    To kick-start my morning, I upload the picture to my snap story, because I can.


    Anyone who has my cell number will see it. Just for the fun, of course. Maybe sleep with one eye open afterwards.


    ****


    My course catalogue for the semester feels psychic. It¡¯s as though they made it for me.


    Coincidentally, I have no morning sses on the day I wake upte. Yes-Miranda and I didn¡¯t get untilte 10 AM.


    She had sses by ten and swore till the door. Little wonder how she¡¯ll react when she sees the snap.


    Crossing my legs on the bed, I pulled my iPad and logged into Netflix.


    Having a few hours before ss, I could get through three episodes without food, stop at the cafeteria before ss, and grab a bite.


    A quarter through a movie, I got a text from Jimmy. Knew it wouldn¡¯t take too long before the boy drama returns.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    in.


    ¡°Happy Tuesdays.¡±


    Who says I¡¯m a boring texter?


    ¡°I was going to wait till sses this evening, but I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about yesterday¡­¡±


    My attention is undivided. How can I process Jimmy¡¯s text while watching Riverdale? The series is unbelievably captivating.


    ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about what might have happened had Graham stayed where he was.¡±


    I hummed silently, ncing at the texts sent minutes apart.


    ¡°Cami. I have something to ask youter today. Meet in front of our faculty after ss?¡±


    Sigh.


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be there.¡±


    I shut my screen and return to the movie.


    *****


    1:43 PM.


    CAL-U cafeteria is three times the size of the one at Kingston High. Folks rarelye by here in the afternoon, but with my flexible meal n, I can eat whenever I want.


    ¡°Sandwich and a coke.¡±


    The school chief turned her back to me and I thumped my foot on the ground, checking my reports.


    I got a few jovial responses from the snap. An ¡°okay¡± reply from Jimmy and random DMs from students-mostly guys in my faculty.


    Sigh. Again, I lock my screen and force a smile on.


    An odd sentiment crawls up my spine. I reaped something simr earlier this morning promptly after I texted Jimmy. Itsted until I showered and left the dorms. Seems like it¡¯s back now.


    It seems like¡­ Disappointment? No. Why will I be?


    I dent a smile across my cheeks. Happy thoughts Cami.


    ¡°Here you go.¡±


    I smiled curtly, pull the tray and search for an empty table.


    A few students are scattered, and I take the farthest one possible.


    I crunch on my meal with no obstructions. There are about ten minutes, give or take, before ss. I don¡¯t have to rush. It¡¯s a two-minute walk from this cafe to the lecture hall.


    Just then, my phone glows up and vibrates.


    Not once. Twice. Thrice. Four times. What the fuck?


    I screw the lid over the stic beverage and peek at the scream.


    I choke on the remnant while concealing augh trying to force its way out.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯te home.¡±


    ¡°Delete the picture!¡±


    ¡°I look so fucking hideous! Cami! I¡¯ll get you back. I swear to the lord almighty I¡¯ll get you back!.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll never be able to show my face anywhere! Do you know how many reposts that picture has gotten? Fuck! The captions! Murder me!¡±


    The texts don¡¯t stop there. I mute my cell to halt all vibrations and gulp my drink down my throat.


    Reposts? I have more friends on my snap than I thought. My best friend overreacts, drama major and all. I¡¯m sure the picture isn¡¯t that bad.


    Rolling my eyes, I scan my story to corroborate and cackle in response.


    Okay-it¡¯s bad. She¡¯s half pouting. She squeezed her eyes. She looks horrible. No makeup. No blush. Natural Miranda. Maybe I went a little overboard by uploading.


    Hastily, I take the picture down and slide my phone away.


    A few more bites to go.


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you took it down. I¡¯ll still kill you, though!¡±


    I may end up turning my phone off. She¡¯s even stalking me.


    ¡°You better text me back. Text me fucking back!¡±


    Eager, are we?


    I swallow another gulp of my coke and look up ahead. Then I choke and it¡¯s stuck in my throat.


    What did I say yesterday? Um ¨C yeah. ¡°Why do we keep running into each other?¡±


    I cough lightly, which yields his attention.


    Terrific. He¡¯s sporting a in T and sweat pants. Casual Dn. Might just be my favourite type. Wait what?


    I probably shouldn¡¯t check him out, but I can¡¯t help myself ¨C I do.


    I scan and re-scan his outfit. Each time quivering differently. His eyes are distant, boring into mine, then twinkling softly.


    He lets out a sigh, and the trance is broken. I realise I¡¯m holding a stic coke in mid-air. Slowly, I pull it down and it creaks underneath my grip.


    Unconsciously, I return to him. He keeps my gaze, his chest gaining weight as he heaves slowly.


    For a moment, it¡¯s just us. Everyone else fades out.


    I blink first, but all he does is stare.


    ¡°Dn? Did you get us a table yet?¡±


    Someone else¡¯s voice booms behind him. Strangely, it echoes in the back of my ear. The spell breaks again.


    That voice. It¡¯s female.


    Her figurees up. Her hand reached out to encircle his and I flinch, averting my eye unconsciously.


    I stare past him and gaze at her instead.


    She¡¯s stunning. Dirty blonde hair tied in a neat bun. Suspiciously longshes, full, cute, pink and kissable lips. I shudder.


    There¡¯s another feeling crawling inside me. Nothing like this morning or afternoon.


    I don¡¯t give it much thought before nudging it down.


    Wait a minute. I know her.


    I close my eyes and let myself remember.


    Months ago. Mall. Dn. Her.


    My jaw drops to the floor. She¡¯s the same girl I saw him with. Do they know each other? The hell?


    She¡¯s wearing a Cal-U sweater, so she goes here as well? Isn¡¯t that fucking cute?Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I scowl and meet Dn¡¯s gaze. He¡¯s still gawking. I re, then stand up. Toss the lid on the unfinished beverage and throw all of it in the garbage.


    I prefer to think my abrupt exit is since I¡¯mte and not because of him or, better still-her.


    I pull my backpack and he¡¯s still staring. I know he is. This time I don¡¯t look back.


    Fuck, they¡¯re standing at the only entrance. I have to walk by them.


    That¡¯s fine.


    Straightening my shoulders, I clear my throat and begin walking.


    Pretty girl is talking over his shoulder, they¡¯re standing by a table. Either Dn is feigning nonchntly or he genuinely doesn¡¯t care what she¡¯s saying.


    I look forward and keep walking. As I pass by him, I sense his finger stroke my arm. It¡¯s faint. Barely two seconds and gone before I know it.


    The impression remains. My body reacts all too well. I turn to goo. Literally. Both arms fall by my side.


    My pulse quickens. Quakes run down my spine. My insides flip over and I breathe.


    Out through the door, I lean against a wall and puff out.


    He touched me. I know for a fact that he did.


    ¡°Or you¡¯re a freak and made it up. Why would he touch you?¡±


    My subconscious counters mentally scolding.


    No. I know what I felt. Dn¡¯s fingers stroked my arm. It wasn¡¯t an afternoon breeze. It was him.


    Fuck, I¡¯mte for ss. I stride quickly toward my faculty with an internal battle between my mind andmon sense. Thetter argues that Dn and I are done, so he wouldn¡¯t do that. He¡¯s with someone else. The former knows what it felt. Regardless of the possibility of it being below average, it knows what happened.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON.


    ¡°What were you about to do?¡±


    ire scolds, tightening her hold on my arm. The girl is fucking stronger than she seems. Her hold caught me off guard. I pushed back and let go of Cami.


    ¡°She was right there.¡±


    ¡°Yeah. You almost pulled her arm¡±


    I pulled it. Well, flick is the right word. For a second. Her skin glistened. Smooth and tempting. I didn¡¯t stop her yesterday; I cursed myself for it.


    I gaped at the ceiling, reliving the entire thing, and when I got some sleep, I could still see her. She wasn¡¯t alone. She was with him.


    I watched as he had his hands on her. Touching her. Caressing. Smooching. I got up, panting.


    Now I see her again and I¡¯m expected to keep my hands off?


    ¡°Why did you hold my hand even? Now she¡¯ll think we¡¯re together or something. Fuck ire.¡±


    I mentally facepalm my forehead only to look up and ire is fucking smiling.


    ¡°What¡¯s funny? Huh?¡±


    ¡°I did that on purpose. I want her to go to ss or home and think about what she saw here. I¡¯m a girl. I know how these things work. Nothing helps figure out your feelings faster than jealously. It works like magic.¡±


    She snaps two fingers, chuckling at her joke. Again, this isn¡¯t middle school.


    ¡°Or Cami thinks I¡¯m still a yer and it backfires. She has seen us together before. At the mall!¡±


    ¡°Even better!¡±


    She squeals, pping her fingers.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy. You¡¯re making everything worse. I me me for getting you involved at all.¡±


    ¡°Cousin. Trust me. It¡¯ll work.¡±


    She drawls, batting hershes at me.


    ¡°It won¡¯t.¡±


    I seethe not finding any part of this the least funny.


    ¡°It will. I can bet you my Prada jacket that it will.¡±


    I roll my eyes and take a seat.


    ¡°Maybe I should talk to her.¡±


    ¡°Yes, because talking has helped for over eight months. Words aren¡¯t doing much, Dn.¡±


    ¡°So your n is to what? Make her jealous and what?¡±


    ¡°One step at a time, cousin. It¡¯ll be fine. Trust the process.¡±


    She coos. Her confidence will be my demise.


    ¡°Or it won¡¯t and you just shoved her farther away.¡±


    My inside voice counters. I can¡¯t say I disagree. Besides, I have an irking sensation about today. Something feels off.


    ****


    Thoughts? Again I dozed off while editing. Apologies. Drop prettyments!!

 Chapter 100 Be Mine?

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    TUESDAY.


    FACULTY OF SCIENCE.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Jimmy hums by my side in the middle of ss.


    ¡°Peachy.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    I peep, twirling my pen between my fingers. I arrived a few minuteste and didn¡¯t have the luxury of selecting seats in the back, but there was one free beside Jimmy, which I dly seized. Now it¡¯s just the both of us, then hundreds of other students around.


    ¡°Why? Do I look bad?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly. You¡¯ve been fretting since you walked in. Either you hate beingte or something happened.¡±


    He jitters then opens an Excel spreadsheet.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    I arch a brow, peering over his project. He turns the screen away, but I get a tiny peak.


    It¡¯s our project.


    ¡°I¡¯ve written barely five lines about you. How did you write so much about me!?¡±


    I exim. There are at least two paragraphs written.


    ¡°I pay attention. With you, nothing else exists.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you should drop psychology and be a poet instead.¡±


    I coo, pouting my lips.


    ¡°But seriously, what¡¯s up with you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. I¡¯m just having a bad day.¡±


    I shrug my shoulders, gobbling down my throat with everything around me fading slowly.


    ¡°ss will be over soon. We can go get ice cream?¡±


    I grinned immediately.


    ¡°Jimmy Quint, you just might win me over after all.¡±


    He smirks and we retreat to the ss.


    It¡¯s just a bad day. Nothing much. I¡¯ll head home after ice cream, then sleep it over.


    I refuse to admit any thoughts about him or her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget projects are due in by this Friday. If you haven¡¯t rounded them up, I suggest you get to it.¡±


    A sizeable amount of the ss groans but I measly roll my eyes. I haven¡¯t gotten through it either. Friday is two days away. Jimmy and I will need to meet tomorrow and the next.


    Luckily, I don¡¯t have too much of a tight schedule.


    ¡°Jokes on them. I have the most readable client. I¡¯m almost done with the presentation.¡±


    ¡°Right. I¡¯m an open book and you have all the answers to why I like or dislike things.¡±


    He smirks again.


    ¡°Tell me one thing I like and the reason.¡±


    ¡°You like the colour ck because it makes you look confident. There¡¯s at least one ck item on your body daily and most times, it makes up 70% of your outfit.¡±


    I struggle to keep my features straightened. That was spot on. Very good, in fact.


    ¡°Look at you all figuring me out.¡±


    I nudge his elbow.


    ¡°Details on how the presentation will be carried out have been sent to your registered student email. Check it out and ensure you¡¯re familiar with the entire process. I¡¯ll see you on Friday.¡±


    Another round of grunts scattered, but Mr Tony chuckled and pulled his things before exiting the lecture hall.


    ¡°Ice cream?¡±


    Jimmy mused beside me.


    ¡°Ice cream.¡±


    I affirmed and grabbed my things, tucking them in my bag before getting up.


    ****


    ¡°Vani is your preferred vour.¡±


    ¡°Okay. I¡¯m thinking you just asked me here to profile me more, and how did you even know that?¡±


    I re intensely.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t spend a second on the list. Your eyes went in search of that vour.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m in the mood for it.¡±


    I cross my arms, taking a seat on the chair Jimmy had pulled out.


    ¡°That could be it, but you also didn¡¯t deny it when Imented so¡­¡±


    I gasp, blinking my eyes in disbelief. Anyone could¡¯ve guessed that.


    ¡°And to answer your other question; no I didn¡¯t invite you here for the analysis. That¡¯s merely a bonus. I just love spending time with you.¡±


    My insides flutter at the genuinepliment.


    The server reaches our table, cing a tray filled with a medium cup of ice cream for both of us.


    Jimmy got strawberries with sprinkles. I just wanted in vani.


    ¡°Heaven.¡±


    I moaned, licking the ice cream off my lower lip. I noticed Jimmy¡¯s eyes darting to mine, then easing to my lips.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking we should meet up tomorrow and maybe Thursday evening. Conclude the presentation. You could text the time?¡±


    He nodded absentmindedly.


    ¡°Jimmy?¡±


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    He wiggles his head once.


    ¡°But maybe a coffee shop this time. I don¡¯t think my ce or yours will get any work done.¡±


    ¡°We got work donest time.¡±


    I argued, cocking my head.


    ¡°Yeah and some.¡±


    He countered, eyeing me with hungry eyes.


    I suck on my spoon, moaning hungrily while Jimmy gapes in what seems like amusement.


    ¡°You had something to tell me?¡±


    I momble, engrossed fully in my ice cream.


    ¡°I do. I¡¯ll tell you on the way to the dorms. I¡¯ll walk you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re staying at Graham¡¯s tonight?¡±


    Fuck.


    I lower my brows, recalling the other day. Neither of us spoke concerning it, but now that I brought up the topic-


    ¡°No. He has a few people over for the project he¡¯s working on and for drinks.¡±


    Jimmy¡¯s tone dipped. I looked past his face, down to his knuckles, which had turned a shade of pink at the rate he was squeezing.


    By people, that trantes to Dn.


    Shock waves make their way to my skin, I jerk conspicuously and Jimmy eyes my movements.


    ¡°Almost done?¡±


    The air on the table shifted. This time, I me Dn entirely. Stupid me for bringing him to at all.


    ¡°Yes. We should go.¡±


    We pulled our tables at the same time and he waited for me to move ahead, then trailed behind me.


    That was simple yet fun. Jimmy did everything well. Pulled the chair. Waited for me to walk ahead. The rightpliments. He¡¯s even funny.


    ¡°Having no con is a con.¡±


    Inner me prompts, but I drag her down. Jimmy has some. I just haven¡¯t seen them yet.


    ****


    ¡°Can I ask a question?¡±


    I duck my head and look.


    ¡°Yes. Why not?¡±


    We¡¯re five minutes away from my dorms. Jimmy has been quiet throughout the walk. He¡¯s never silent.


    ¡°Dn. You. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°You answered too fast, Cami.¡±


    He sighs.


    ¡°Not everything is a profile, Jimmy.¡±


    I struggle to say that with a straight face. I answered too fast.


    ¡°So there¡¯s nothing at all?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    I affirm.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ve been debating on whether to bring this up, but I don¡¯t give a shit. I¡¯m done waiting. We¡¯ve gone on dates. Made out and some.¡±


    He winks and I giggle, pushing my hair back.


    ¡°I¡¯ve never been the guy who gets the girl. I¡¯ve hesitated and sat back, but now I want to make the move first.¡±


    He halts his movements, yanking both hands. We¡¯re standing beside a few trees.


    ¡°Jimmy¡­¡±


    My brain processes his words quickly. How did I not figure it out before?


    Of course, he wants to ask me out. He said, ¡°I need to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°Be Mine. No more back and forth. Undefined terms. I know what I want and it¡¯s you. I don¡¯t have to watch or wait. There¡¯s no rethink once you¡¯re involved. So Cami, will you go out with me?¡±


    He lets out all in one breath. This escted fast.


    I exhale twice, staring him down in disbelief. Considering all his words, I could only narrow down one-he¡¯s certain.


    Jimmy didn¡¯t think twice before wanting me or asking me out. He hasn¡¯t given me a red and green light all at once. It¡¯s always been a good ahead.


    I¡¯ve thinned down all the pros and I¡¯m adding one more to the list-He¡¯s confident.


    I don¡¯t care about my past. I¡¯m not bothered about what Dn will make of this. Dn was never certain about me. We lived under the same roof and I got mixed signals and skepticism.


    But with Jimmy? It¡¯s a clear shot. One I¡¯m willing to take.


    Whirling my right hand through the back of his head, I push my upper body to meet his height, pressing my lips against his softly.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I whimper against his lips, circling my other hand to meet the first.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON.


    Luke is telling a story about how he banged a girl over a counter with her parents in the living room. The guys are enthralled andughing harder by the minute.


    I keep looking over my shoulder at him. I can¡¯t ask Graham where he is, but I rather know he¡¯s here than the other obvious option.


    ¡°Is there something going on between you and Jimmy?¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d you figure?¡±


    I quip and nce at Graham.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been looking at the door. Twice every minute. Jimmy is the only one who could be here, so I figure you¡¯re waiting for him¡­¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    That¡¯s a lie.


    ¡°Alright then, but he texted back after I invited him for drinks with us. He¡¯s staying at his dorm. He says he went out with Cami. The same girl who¡¯s our observer, right? It seems like they¡¯re getting serious. He might even ask her out soon.¡±


    Graham continues divulging more information about them.


    Might? They aren¡¯t dating yet? She didn¡¯t deny it at the pizza ce.


    Did she want me to think they were together?


    Hold the fuck-


    I¡¯m digging out my phone before my brain keeps up and reminds me this is a bad idea.


    ¡°I need to see you tomorrow.¡±


    I text and exhale.


    I tap my hand over my jeans impatiently.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Her replyes through.


    ¡°Do I need a reason to?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She answers immediately.


    ¡°Our case project. You¡¯re an observer.¡±


    I fold my fist and wait for her answer.


    ¡°I can¡¯t make it. I already have ns for my presentation. Maybe Friday or over the weekend.¡±


    The dagger shoots straight into my chest. She has ns-with him. I just know it.


    ¡°Text me once you¡¯re free.¡±


    As much as I want to act petty now, mention the fuckers¡¯ name, persist, act entitled along those lines. I can¡¯t. I¡¯ll settle for alcohol and try to forget all of this. For tonight.


    Meanwhile, Cami doesn¡¯t text back. I toss my phone away and reach for a bottle of whiskey.


    I can¡¯t have it all after all.


    ****


    Well. Things may have just gotten interesting. Had such a busy day, but daily updates!

 Chapter 101 Back And Forth [I]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    TUESDAY NIGHT.


    ¡°She said yes!¡±


    An enthusiastic voice reaches through the door. The guys-Luke, Shawn, Graham, and Ian all cheer while I stagger from the stool. All of them are too drunk to poke for details, but Jimmy¡¯s voice gives it off as something to apud.


    She. Said. Yes. That voice belongs to Jimmy and ¡°she¡± in this scenario is no other than Cami.


    My cellphone buzzes and I realise it¡¯s well in my grip. I get a notification from Instagram, which allows me to peak at the phone clock before the screen shuts off-7:22 PM.


    Where has the fucker been since? He came back here at this hour to dere openly that she said yes.


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to stay at his dorm? Not like Cami is the kind of girl you wouldn¡¯t dly announce to the entire fucking world.


    ¡°Maybe they¡¯ve been celebrating. That¡¯s why she didn¡¯t answer yourst text.¡±


    My subconscious taunts, deliberately, twisting the knife already lodged in my heart.


    Alcohol has the guys sprawled across the couch, sofa, and even on the floor.


    Then I hear heavy footsteps attaining towards me. I grip my cell harder, this close to tumbling over.


    As much as I tried to get drunk. I didn¡¯t. I¡¯m well sober.


    Sober enough to think of Cami. I am sober enough to relive our final conversation earlier this evening. Sober enough to know she is well out of my reach. She belongs to him now. I want to be anything but sober because the asshole has reached where I am and I have to turn and face him.


    His broad shoulders do nothing, but they¡¯re straightened to intimidate. Except I¡¯m sober enough to stand tall and match his grinning face.


    He got Cami. What sane person wouldn¡¯t grin after that?


    ¡°Whiskey?¡±


    He cocks a knowingly brown, reaching past my shoulder for the half-empty bottle and a ss.


    ¡°Want some?¡±


    He continues. I grip the edge of the chair and turn my head towards him. Our faces were inches apart from touching. I pull back, shaking my head hard. The impulse to punch him isn¡¯t there anymore.


    I felt nothing at the moment. Just self-hatred and the urge to throw up.


    ¡°No.¡±


    My jaw is firm, but Jimmy barely shrugs, still grinning.


    Retrieving the bottle and ss, he fills it up, chucking it straight up and then taking a huge gulp.


    ¡°Cami said yes?¡±


    I ask. A confirmation is exactly what I need now. Not.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I bob my head, cursing under my breath and finally letting go of the chair.


    I¡¯m surprised I don¡¯t fall to the floor, but there¡¯s barely enough stamina, so I find something to grip quickly.


    ¡°Congrattions.¡±


    My voice is hoarse. I¡¯m not sure why I said that, but it¡¯s out of my lips and in his ear.


    He reced his grin with a smug smile.


    ¡°Thank you. I feel like I¡¯m floating on air.¡±


    I chuckle darkly. Cami takes all the air away from my lungs. I guess she handed it right to him. The irony.


    ¡°Treat her well.¡±


    I carry on, wondering why I¡¯m speaking to the fucker about her. Maybe it¡¯s because the other alternative is taking more alcohol or wallowing in self-pity.


    Maybe it¡¯s because I need the realisation to sink in further that I¡¯ve lost her, or maybe it¡¯s because, in some sick and twisted way, Jimmy is the closest thing I have as a connection to her.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    He stares me down, silently taunting me as a way of saying, ¡°I will do better than you did.¡±


    I scoff silently.


    ¡°She deserves the world.¡±


    I find myself utter and reach for the back of my neck, tugging a strand of my hair. Jimmy¡¯s eyes met suspiciously. I¡¯m not drunk. Weirdly confused and disoriented.


    ¡°Goodnight Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°You can take one room upstairs? It¡¯ste.¡±


    Graham offers, swinging his arm over my shoulder.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. My ce isn¡¯t too far off from here. I can walk.¡±


    That¡¯s a lie. I live at least half an hour from here. Graham doesn¡¯t know that.


    I don¡¯t n on getting an Uber and I¡¯ll be sick to my stomach if I stay another minute around Jimmy. The constant reminder of what he has. What I had. What I lost.


    I gaze past Graham and the others and finally settle on Jimmy. He¡¯s good for her.


    He¡¯ll give her everything and more. I¡¯m too fucked up, anyway. My phone buzzes once again. This time it¡¯s a text message. One I don¡¯t open.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    I murmur, unsure if any of them heard me. I don¡¯t wait for an acknowledgement before tucking my hands away and trailing out into the cold night. My mind refuses toe to terms with the truth. I¡¯m unable to ept the fact that I¡¯ve lost her. Even though it¡¯s ring. I just keep going back and forth.


    *****


    WEDNESDAY.


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E.


    ¡°You said yes?¡±


    Miranda throws my word back at me in question form. I roll my eyes, sipping my coffee as she stares from across the table.


    ¡°Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes, for the fourth time.¡±


    ¡°I thought you liked Jimmy?¡±


    I ask then arch a brow, digesting her expressions.


    ¡°I do. I¡¯m just¡­ Wow! Cami Ren¨¦e, you sure know how to take people by surprise.¡±


    ¡°You thought I won¡¯t be able to say yes?¡±


    Iugh softly, but it doesn¡¯t reach my eyes. Why would she think I won¡¯t say yes to Jimmy?


    ¡°No. I just I wasn¡¯t sure you would ¡±


    She sighs. I want to ask a follow-up question, yet I refrain.


    ¡°I did. Jimmy is great, and I said yes to Jimmy. Speaking of which, I have to meet said Jimmy for our project. Take care of this for me? Yeah?¡±


    I gulp a few more sips, then pull myptop and take my leave.


    Walking out through the door, I keep a tight smile on my face for everyone who walks by, but my mind is left unsettled because I can¡¯t help but wonder why Miranda didn¡¯t think I could say yes.


    ****


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    Jimmy whispers behind me, kissing the top of my forehead and then helping me with my jacket.


    ¡°I just had coffee with Miranda. Sorry.¡±


    He pouts and then pulls the other cup to himself.


    ¡°More for me then.¡±


    Jimmy winks, and I crawl into the booth.C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    As agreed, we met at a coffee shop to finish up the project, which needs my undivided attention.


    I begin with the things I know about Jimmy. Love clowns. Love humour. Dislikes tea. Not a morning person. I¡¯m invested fully in writing everything about him. He teases about writing that I like him and the reason being quote ¡°a hunk¡±


    I ended up getting another cup of coffee.


    An hourter, I¡¯vee up with a page on Jimmy. I read through it and it¡¯s surprising, not trashy.


    ¡°We¡¯ll conclude tomorrow.¡±


    I think I¡¯m finished. Just a few more touches.


    My phone takes out that time and beeps. I know who it is. Or have a good idea. How?


    After I said yes to Jimmy via a kiss, we took a walk around campus. He shared funny jokes and held my hand, more kisses than on the way back.


    All was going well until I got a text.


    I recall shaking as though I fell into a pool. I recall assuring myself that nothing will make me respond to hisst message.


    ¡°Text me once you¡¯re free.¡±


    Then I recall texting back around past seven and cursing myself. Finally, I recall gaining constion in ¡°He won¡¯t finish the project without my presence¡± With that as a final excuse, I could get some sleep.


    Now I know it¡¯s him because I¡¯ve also been waiting for a reply all morning. My cell was the first time I checked. Nothing. I swore more for conceding at all. I was subtle about it.


    ¡°What day aside from tomorrow¡¯s meeting¡±


    Okay, maybe not sure much. Again, his project might be due soon.


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    I jerk my hand and face Jimmy. I zoned out again


    ¡°Sorry, what were you saying?¡±


    Unlocking my screen, I tap on the notification while monitoring Jimmy.


    ¡°I said if you wanted to work more or we could pick it up tomorrow?¡±


    Whatever Jimmy uttered after that was void because my brain lost its sense of functioning, hence I can no longerprehend words. Why? The girl from yesterday just walked in. How is she so perfect?


    The same one; at the cafeteria. The one with Dn. But that¡¯s not all. I whip my head away and face down at the text from Dn, and that does something else to me entirely.


    ¡°Text me when you¡¯re free. I can wait.¡±


    It could be me reading into lines when there¡¯s nothing there, or Dn intentionally sent that because there¡¯s nothing tonic about it.


    ****


    We might be getting some Dn-Cami action in the next few chapters since clearly, we all hate Jimmy. I think he¡¯s sweet though. He may end up getting the girl *wink* Fingers crossed.

 Chapter 102 Back And Forth [II]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    Jimmy¡¯s voice is the rock between overthinking and confusion. Overthinking the text I got from Dn and confusion on how to act in front of Dn¡¯s girlfriend.


    ¡°Jimmy is the rock between you and Dn?¡±


    Fucking hell. I didn¡¯t mean that. Inner me needs a chill pill.


    ¡°Sorry, I was examining a text.¡±


    The first rule of a rtionship is don¡¯t lie. If you lie it only means you¡¯re guilty.


    ¡°You told half the truth.¡±


    Inner self mocks. Shut up. Did I though?


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Do you want to continue?¡±


    I tip my head over and pretty girl isn¡¯t alone. Two other girls are giggling behind her and strolling towards us maybe the cashier in front of us to ce their others. She can pull of a in green dress, I¡¯d look like a potatoe in that


    ¡°No, I need to get back to the dorms. I¡¯m a little tired. ¡±


    ¡°Liar.¡±


    I jerk at my voice. Fine, I¡¯m guilty. I admit I have no desire to speak to her.


    ¡°Hello Cami, I¡¯m ire.¡±


    But she obviously wants to speak to me. The fuck?


    Let¡¯s skip the how the fuck does she know my name? Why in hell¡¯s name would she walk over to me? and go right to- Her voice is softer up close. An. Ge. Lic.


    This time I agree ¡°Having no con is a con.¡±


    Jimmy arches a perplexed brow, which doesn¡¯te close to how I¡¯m feeling. If she¡¯s here, Dn chatted about me to her. Hell she knows my name.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get the bill. I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    Don¡¯t go.


    Jimmy exits the table and ire quickly takes his ce, departing the other two girls so it¡¯s just us two.


    ¡°Boyfriend?¡±


    She nudges her head to Jimmy trailing off. I cock mine and mirror my emotions across my face. Surprise. Dismay. Shock. Confusion. Lots of confusion.


    ¡°Yes¡­¡±


    I answer with uncertainty. Did he send her?


    ¡°Do I know you?¡±


    ¡°Yes. We both know how you know me.¡±


    I¡¯m tempted to foist an eye roll, but that might be rude so I gawk instead.


    ¡°Why are you here ire?¡±


    Jimmy should be back any minute with the bill. This is highly weird.


    ¡°I just thought I¡¯ll stop by and we could exchange greetings. You left abruptly yesterday.¡±


    ¡°Yes, I had to get to ss.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Yeah. ss.¡±


    She repeats and it¡¯s almost mockery. All in my head. Dn¡¯s girlfriend or whatever this girl is wouldn¡¯t mock me.


    ¡°Alright then. I¡¯ll be leaving soon.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll just take your old table.¡±


    I clip my lips tight covering the gasp that would¡¯ve escaped them.


    ire just smiles. It¡¯s the attractive one that makes her eyes seem fucking gorgeous. She¡¯s perfect.


    ¡°Alright then. Hope you enjoy it as much I did.¡±


    What did I just say and why?


    ¡°Oh, I will. The table seems good. So perfect and different from the others. It has everything I need. I¡¯m shocked that you would leave.¡±


    I fold my fists watching ire smirk.


    ¡°Well, maybe the table isn¡¯t that good. It just wants you to think it is. It seems decent from the start but fucks up and you have no other option but to leave it even though it shatters you apart or maybe staying will wreck you even more.¡±


    She blinks back and so do I.


    Are we still referring to a table in a coffee shop?


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Jimmy announces behind me.


    ire¡¯s gaze is stuck on my face as I grab my things and make my way out of the booth.


    *****


    ¡°That was weird.¡±


    Jimmy wagers in. If only he heard our conversation.


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    I momble.


    ¡°Are you okay? Did that girl say something to upset you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Again I answer too fast. Jimmy lowers his eyes and I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll call me out on it. He doesn¡¯t. I exhale and face Cal-U instead.


    ¡°I never to go research in the library. I¡¯ll see youter.¡±


    I reach up to his height, pressing my lips over his. He crosses his arms around my waist, hoisting and securing me tightly.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see youter gorgeous.¡±


    He mutters against mine then pulls awaypletely.


    I decide to take a cab to school rather than a ten minutes walk.


    Truth be told, I just want to get away and maybe read up on general psychology.


    ****


    CAL-U¡¯s library is reviewed and refreshed every month. Books are removed and added, so it¡¯s kept up to date.


    What makes it special is the little section of books from best-sellers across the world. For the literature students, of course, I like to take advantage of that perk too.


    There are no library passes, but you¡¯ll have to check in with the librarian to get a book out. There¡¯s amon room with several chairs to sit and read, but since it¡¯s Tuesday and a little past noon, the ce is almost empty.


    I count two girls and three guys when I passed. I visit the novel section. The likes of pride and prejudice, ugly love, after, and a few rom are enticing but I skip them all and take up a psychology text. I¡¯ll take those home and read themter.


    *****


    Books have a way of passing time, especially when it¡¯s about fascinating topics.


    I¡¯ve gone through 3 texts on the human mind and some of its signature traits. These will aid my project a lot, but it¡¯s also past four pm. I skipped a calculus ss.


    Trying to decide which book to take home, I stretch as high as my hands can go for the ¡°November 9¡± book which is ring at the top of the shelf. But being 5¡¯2 has its downsides.


    Groaning, I storm off to beckon one of the students reading upfront, but the entire library is cleared out.


    I contemte dubbing the librarian, but the woman is past her sixties and that¡¯ll be hard.


    Guess the book isn¡¯t meant to be mine. I¡¯ll get After instead.


    I frown back to the shelves, but little wonder how a book disappears after barely a minute.


    Could¡¯ve sworn it was right there. My hand couldn¡¯t reach it either.


    I check both sides, but the entire space is cleared.


    What in fuck¡¯s name?


    ¡°Looking for this?¡±


    My entire body goes rigid. Everything stands still except my breathing and even that goes haggard as well.


    ¡°November 9. Colleen Hoover.¡±


    He calls out then chuckles. Behind me. He¡¯s behind me.


    ¡°You want it?¡±


    My fingers are knotted against each other. I¡¯m whispering soothing words to stay in control.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    It¡¯s always my name off his tongue that does the trick. I spin around and he¡¯s no longer twenty feet away which is what I concluded from the sound of his voice.


    He¡¯s standing at the next shelf, pressing half his body weight against it, twirling a copy of the book in his hand.


    ¡°Want. It?¡±


    Then he smirks.


    Ignore it and it¡¯ll go away.


    I take to my heels and just tread. Slowly at first but his footsteps are gaining on me. He takes the other path to the shelves. I can hear his paces by my right, but I keep walking, determined to get as far away as possible.


    Then I sight a crossing, but it¡¯s already toote. Hees upfront and our bodies collide.


    He doesn¡¯t jerk a bit as my entire body crashes into his, my head falling directly beneath his jaw, pressing hard against his chest.


    Instead, he takes out both arms and encircles me, giving it five seconds before slipping them to my waist to keep me steady. My body is steady, but my breathing is all over the ce and now Dn and I are huddling against each other.


    He¡¯s breathing down on me. Fucking literally. I can¡¯t lift my head. I won¡¯t lift my head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t lift your head.¡±


    Inner me screams, tugging at her imaginary hair. We have one thing inmon now;verge of loosing it.


    I lift my head.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I hum. Breathlessly.


    ¡°Mmh.¡±


    He groans softly and if his hands weren¡¯t holding me steady, my entire body would¡¯ve melted straight to the floor.


    ¡°Yes. I want it.¡±


    He swallows down his throat, taking a deep breath without breaking my stare.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    His voice is gruff and he presses the book against my lower back which propels our bodies further against each other.


    ¡°Anything else you want?¡±


    He utters his words slowly, each phrase rolling off his tongue-what¡¯s that word¡­ Divine. Absolutely divine.


    ******


    Yesterday was a bust but please tell me what you think. The next chapters will be making a few people smile but I¡¯m still Team Jimmy anytime.

 Chapter 103 Back And Forth[III]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    TUESDAY.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    She tensions, yanking away from my hold. Losing contact feels like blood being oozed away from my body.


    ¡°This is a library. You¡¯re not the only one who reads Cami.¡±


    ¡°You came here to read?¡±


    She questions, sprouting disbelief.


    ¡°So hard to believe that I can.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Sheshes out. I came here to read. Then I began watching her for at least half an hour.


    ¡°What did you tell ire about me?¡±


    ire? A better question did ire tell Cami about me?


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Answering a question with another question could either be two things. You¡¯re trying to see how bad the situation is by getting me to divulge more information or you¡¯re genuinely stupid. In your case, I think it¡¯s both.¡±


    She crosses her arm underneath her chest; the book lingering out from one end.


    ¡°So vicious Cam. So very harsh.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that.¡±


    She sparks. I take a step forward and she withdraws.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call you what?¡±


    I slide my head, mirroring a smirk across my face.


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    I ask, cocking my head sideways.


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡±


    She blinks continually, seizing a huge gulp.


    ¡°Does ire know what happened between us?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I don¡¯t keep secrets from her.¡±


    -because we are also cousins. I refrain from that. From the way Cami¡¯s face scrunches, ire may be on to something. I¡¯m curious about how she¡¯ll take it.


    ¡°A couple with no secrets. How cute.¡±


    She coos sarcastically. Not good then.


    ¡°Did you tell Jimmy? Or I¡¯m one of those off topics that sours the mood.¡±


    ¡°You give yourself way too much credit.¡±


    ¡°More like not enough.¡±


    I roll my eyes and then add, ¡°Deny it. I dare you. Tell it to my face that you can confidently talk about me with your boyfriend without jerking.¡±


    I lick my bottom lip unconsciously, darting towards her until there¡¯s no space left.


    ¡°I dare you, Cam.¡±


    I rey, ducking my head low enough to reach her left ear. Her breathing seizes and there¡¯s enough heat radiating off her skin to melt mine.


    ¡°I should get going. It¡¯ste.¡±


    She blurts, turning her head towards me.


    Massive mistake.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered all of my questions. Let¡¯s start with number one. Anything else you want aside from the book?¡±


    Her gaze levers from the book in her hand to my features, back to the book, and then it drops to the ground. ¡°No.¡±


    She replies. It sounds like a whimper or a low cry.


    ¡°Last chance.¡±


    Twirling a few fingers, I stroke my way from her arm. She¡¯s wearing a sleeveless shirt, so part of her skin is uncovered.


    What I would give to fall to my knees and just kiss them. Maybe suck a little until I leave a mark.


    My gaze meets hers and I might trip, but the look in her eyes tells me she¡¯s thinking the same thing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y a game.¡±


    I retract my hand, grinning widely.


    ¡°A game?¡±


    ¡°Yes. A game with Cami. Two questions. You answer two questions of mine. I answer two questions of yours. Brutal honesty.¡±


    ¡°Why would I want to y that?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s the only way I¡¯m letting you leave.¡±


    I mark before she utters another word. She ogles me wordlessly for about half a minute. There¡¯s an internal debate about whether to fight, revolt or just give in.


    ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s get it over with then. What is it?¡±


    Thetter then.


    ¡°First question. Have you told your boyfriend what happened to us? Not just that night.¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t. That¡¯s my past. There¡¯s no reason to bring it forth.¡±


    I wince at her words. I¡¯m in her past?


    ¡°Second question. Why are you with him?¡±


    ¡°You want to know why I¡¯m dating Jimmy? Is it so hard to believe that I could just move on and be with someone else?¡±


    Yes.


    ¡°No, it isn¡¯t. I¡¯m more or less curious.¡±


    I go for thetter answer. Saying yes changes nothing.


    ¡°Jimmy has all the pros. No cons.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t having no con a con?¡±


    I interrupt. Her eyes move to mine swiftly, inspecting my features. Her lips heave out and she looks like she wants to say something. Then she snips them and shakes her head instead.


    ¡°Jimmy is the exception to that rule. He does everything right. He¡¯s nice to me. Caring even. What more could I want?¡±


    ¡°A guy that isn¡¯t boring because that¡¯s exactly what you just describe. Bo-ri-ng.¡±


    I¡¯m biting my lips hard not tough, but Cami is gritting her teeth, scowling so badly that it¡¯s impossible not to.


    So I let go. I gobble down inughter so much so that I¡¯m on the brink of tears.


    ¡°Jimmy isn¡¯t boring.¡±


    She defends, her voice crammed with annoyance.


    ¡°Name one fun thing he¡¯s done.¡±


    I get out betweenughs and then pause while waiting for an answer.


    ¡°Your questions are up. I¡¯m not answering.¡±


    That does it. I throw my head back andugh even harder than before.


    ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    She spits and then swivels away.


    ****


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    I don¡¯t know why I dawdle and chatted with him. I should¡¯ve run off the minute we got disengaged. He¡¯s fucking infuriating.


    I can¡¯t tell what has me riled up more. The taunts about Jimmy who isn¡¯t boring. His fucking annoyingughter or that my subconscious is searching in between the lines of his words and getting tingles every time he chuckles.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    All of them. I fucking hate this, so I¡¯m going to leave.


    I turn, determined to walk out of the library, but what¡¯s that phrase-the devil works hard but Dn Emerton works harder. Yeah. That one.


    It takes one pace to pull my arm, twist, and then press me over the bookshelf.


    ¡°Just one Cam.¡±


    He hovers over my face, his breathing tickling the corner of my lips and then my nose. I don¡¯t even bother shifting, I¡¯m caged between his body and if I¡¯m being honest, he¡¯s mesmerising in this state.


    ¡°I. Dare. You.¡±


    He spells out, taking a hand out to stroke my cheeks. I shudder and press my lids down on the other.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you one recent.¡±


    I begin with, knowing I¡¯lle to either regret or bask in my next phrase.


    ¡°Recall Monday? When I saw you at Graham¡¯s apartment.¡±


    I don¡¯t twitch my lips when my eyes meet his. He freezes as the recollection dawns.


    ¡°I was upstairs. I just came down, and you saw me. Jimmy. Graham. Jimmy was shirtless. Do you remember?¡±


    I drawled, stroking his arm as he did mine barely two minutes ago.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    I batted myshes, feigning nonchnce. Ignoring the edge of his tone.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t fuck him. You didn¡¯t fuck him. You wouldn¡¯t dare fuck him.¡±


    He dered, snaking his arm off mine. I re harshly, then scoff.


    ¡°My turn. First question; What would you do if I did-you know¡­ Fucking? Dared.¡±


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    That sounded like a warning. It screams shut up. Don¡¯t utter another word, yet I kept gawking while he glowed at me effortlessly.


    ¡°You¡¯re ying with me and it¡¯s not funny. You wouldn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Second question Dn. What if I wasn¡¯t ying with you? What would you do?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t fucking kill me.¡±


    He winced, pounding his hand against the shelf. I jerked and shut my eyes as well.


    A few seconds expired and I could flutter them open. He drifted a few paces back, scanning me down to my toes, muttering words underneath his breath.


    I strived to catch my breath, wondering if I took it too far with the taunting.


    ¡°Did you?¡±


    He whispered so low that if it wasn¡¯t just us two, I wouldn¡¯t have picked it.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I retort, and his entire body trembles. He exhalesrgely, biting repeatedly on his shorter lip.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you? You¡¯re right. He was shirtless. You were upstairs. Why didn¡¯t you fuck him?¡±


    I flinch at the rawness.


    ¡°Graham walked in.¡±


    I momble.


    ¡°You stopped because Graham came back? What if he hadn¡¯te back? I mean, imagine both of you had the liberty of being alone. Would you fuck him?¡±


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°Answer me.¡±


    He seethes.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    His tone plummets considerably. Is that a whimper?


    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll never know Dn. It didn¡¯t happen.¡±


    Dn snorts, several emotions crossing his features at the same time. Anger. Sadness. Hurt. Rage. Annoyance.


    ¡°I should go. Thank you for the book, Dn.¡±


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡±


    I stuttered, terrified of what he¡¯ll say yes.


    ¡°The answer to both questions is simple. If he had touched you like that, I would make sure he wouldn¡¯t be able to touch anything for a while and then I¡¯ll remind you exactly what it¡¯s like to be touched. Properly. I¡¯m a hypocrite because I¡¯m guilty of the same thing I just asked¡­¡±


    He threads towards me again. ¡°But.¡±


    He half chuckles.


    ¡°I. Don¡¯t. Care. Know why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve concluded that you and I are far from done. I¡¯ve got a lot to fix. But this is just the beginning. Now you can go.¡±


    He whispers, angling his head to skim his tongue over my exposed flesh. Just a spasm of it.


    *****


    So very excited about the 100th chapter of this book. I wouldn¡¯t have made it this far if it wasn¡¯t for my readers. Yourments keep me going, so please drop your thoughts below.

 Chapter 104 The Wedding Party [I]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    TUESDAY.


    I plunge the bottled water over my bed and slid down, but my whole body still wriggles and relive thest fifty minutes of my life. Verity be told. I didn¡¯t think I¡¯ll make it past the section of the library without melting or floating across the floor, but I did.


    I could even say a greeting to the distraught librarian, I could dig out my cell phone-order an Uber and subsist by the sidewalk, peeping over my shoulder, half predicting him to show up again.


    I ordered pizza and went back to the dorms. I just finished devouring, drank a lot of water. Despite that, I can¡¯t get him out of my system.


    Everything makes me recall. My clothes have an imprint of his smell from the number of times he pressed us against each other. My arms, legs, cheeks, and lips are yet to recover from his being. Curse him for making it feel that good.


    I didn¡¯t think I could react like this. But I did.


    I tossed me over. Right. Left. Forward. Backwards. Staring at the ceiling. Rubbing my palms. Watching a movie. All zilch.


    ¡°Fuck my life!¡±


    I swore, mashing the pillow over my face. Who knows, maybe I¡¯ll be lucky enough to die. In death, I can¡¯t possibly be having thoughts of Dn Emerton.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON


    ¡°Why are you so giggly?¡±


    ¡°Me?¡±


    I posed confusion. ire bridges her leg on my bed, sending me a tight look.


    ¡°You saw her, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    I bounced my head like a child being offered ice cream. I couldn¡¯t hide my grin.


    ¡°Before you yell at me, I didn¡¯t see her. It was a coincidence, I swear.¡±


    She narrows her gaze.


    ¡°I mean it. It was after you saw her. What did you tell her?¡±


    That earns her a smirk.


    ¡°Nothing. What did she say I told her?¡±


    ¡°ire¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    She howls, snickering all over.


    ¡°She seems hurt. The scar is still there to some extent.¡±


    Sighing, I seized a seat beside her.


    ¡°I know. Thest time I tried talking about it, she shut me offpletely. I don¡¯t know how to go about it without pushing her away.¡±


    ¡°Well then, instead of celebrating, I suggest you think of ways to fix it. It¡¯s not an easy issue, Dn. I saw the look in her eyes when she spoke about the,¡±table¡± she¡¯s hurting and before you forget; she has a boyfriend. He¡¯s good and she might like him.¡±


    I coil my fists, slinking at the mention of Jimmy. Give it to ire to ruin a happy day for me.


    ¡°Look. I¡¯m all for team Can. I¡¯m your cousin, I¡¯ll always be on your side, but I¡¯m also a girl and want you did doesn¡¯t just go away.¡±


    ire squeezes my palm reassuringly before getting up from the bed. I fall back and stare at the ceiling


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going now.¡±


    She hums and picks up her bag. Sighing, I let her exit my t and shut the door. Then I toss over and relive that night over. Every time, I wince at the look on her face. The one that made me realise I had broken her.


    ******


    WEDNESDAY.


    ¡°No, mother. It¡¯s the start of a semester. I can¡¯t just take breaks for a wedding.¡±


    Rolling my eyes, I peek over the back of the door for my sneakers. They aren¡¯t there either. It¡¯s two minutes after eight am and my ss began well-two minutes ago. But Mrs Emerton called and invite me to a family¡¯s friend wedding which I have no intention of attending. I barely know her friend, Windy, it is? No clue.


    ¡°Dn. I don¡¯t think you have Saturday sses. You cane on Friday evening and leave Sunday night and be back on Monday.¡±


    Hell no. I grumble for two reasons. My mother¡¯s incessant persuasiveness and my sneakers are still missing.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it, mother. I¡¯m concocting no promises.¡±


    ¡°You can bring a plus one.¡±


    That¡¯s supposed to convince me?


    ¡°Alright, mother.¡±


    I answer, determined to end the call.


    ¡°Oh, and Dn, for the icing on the cake, I¡¯m almost certain Cami will be in attendance. Her parents areing, and I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll invite her. We¡¯re renting a motel with our rooms closely packed. Just putting that information out there.¡±


    She hung up afterwards and I sight my sneakers behind a pile of dirty clothes but the grin on my face Isn¡¯t because of that.


    Cami will be there? Just the two of us. For the weekend. I can use that opportunity to speak with her without getting fucking interruptions.


    And just like that, mother could make my morning. I sprinted to ss already ten minuteste. But who gives a shit? In a few days, I¡¯ll be in Los Angeles with Cami.


    Perfect.


    ****


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I be your plus one?¡±


    ire pouts on the brink of tears.


    ¡°Because instead of introducing yourself as my cousin, like a normal human being, you came out as my girlfriend, which is fucking weird, so I¡¯m not having you there. This might be my chance to speak with Cami. You¡¯re not ruining it.¡±


    She stomps her feet, sniffling loudly. ¡°But I did that for you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be a drama queen, ire.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re fucking mean. Do you know that? Mean!¡±


    I twirl my eyes.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you with Prada sneakers.¡±


    A grin cocks up at the side of her face.


    ¡°And the entire ordeal. That could work.¡±


    It infects the others corners of her face and soon she¡¯s smiling sheepishly.


    ¡°Good. I¡¯ll need to pack a bag or something. I¡¯ll be leaving Friday evening.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re sure Cami¡¯s going?¡±


    ¡°Yes. Her parents will be there as well, so she¡¯ll go.¡±


    ¡°Even though she knows you¡¯ll be there?¡±


    ire lifts a brow.


    I didn¡¯t think of that. Cami wouldn¡¯t skip the entire thing because of my presence? My pent up excitement fell through.


    ¡°How do I know if she¡¯ll be there?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a thing called asking? It¡¯s when you walk up to someone and utter a few words which form a question, then wait a few seconds and they mouth some more words which be an answer.¡±


    I red hard.


    ¡°Ask her.¡±


    ire repeats, nudging her head. I haven¡¯t seen her since Tuesday. Different faculties. Our paths hardly cross. I¡¯m a psycho for using my project as an excuse, but it¡¯s the only thing I have now.


    ¡°We have a meeting tomorrow. Do you think you can make it?¡±


    I tap the table while the message remains unread. What if she says no?


    ¡°Sure. I¡¯ll be free after evening sses. 5 pm.¡±


    That was smooth. And dry. And casual. Nicely done Ren¨¦e.


    ¡°I have to go now. Thank you for lunch. I¡¯ll go pack a bag and get ready for the weekend ahead.¡±


    ¡°Say hi to your parents for me.¡±


    She yelled after me since I ran halfway to the door in under ten seconds.


    ****


    THURSDAY.


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E.


    The presentation is tomorrow. Jimmy and Ipleted ours today and I am a little bumped that he won¡¯t let me see it.


    After the coffees date which followed, I returned to the dorm, got changed, went to ss, and then went to the spa with Miranda.


    Horuster, I picked a floral ck dress and headed to the faculty of arts. Behind it.


    It¡¯s just Dn and his project. I just stand there and watch the entire thing. No need to speak with him or get into tight spaces that might include huddling, hovering, grovelling or all three. Easy peasy.


    ****


    ¡°Are you going to the wedding on Saturday?¡±


    That breaks the dream. I¡¯ve avoided contact for half an hour, but Dn shoves his way and reaches me with a dor question. How did he know about it? Mom called on Tuesday evening to inform me of it.


    Wait-He is invited too? How did I miss that? More importantly, how can I ¡°uninvite¡± myself?


    ¡°Cami?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±


    I blurt, then watch his demeanour.


    ¡°My mom called a few days ago. She invited me as well.¡±


    Obviously. Fuck my life. Dn will be there.


    ¡°Maybe we can travel together?¡±


    ¡°T-Together?¡±


    I stutter.


    ¡°Yes. We¡¯re going to the same motel, after all.¡±


    ¡°I know. It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    I panic.


    ¡°I have ns.¡±


    I blurt, besides cutting Dn through his next sentence.


    ¡°ns? I don¡¯t understand. We¡¯re going to Los Angeles. You¡¯re not going to the wedding?¡±


    His brows knit together in confusion. Damage control Cami. Fix it!All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    I¡¯m going to fucking regret this.


    ¡°I mean, I invited Jimmy and we¡¯re travelling together. I don¡¯t think you¡¯d want to join us or anything. He¡¯s my plus one. I¡¯ll be with him.¡±


    I let everything in one breath, but even after that, I can¡¯t exhale. I¡¯m not sure he can either since he¡¯s staring no-ring at me.


    It takes half a minute until I realize I just invited Jimmy to a weekend in Los Angeles with Dn. The three of us together, possibly under one roof.


    That should be a st.


    ****

 Chapter 105 The Wedding Party [II]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    THURSDAY.


    ¡°Two days. I lingered for two fucking days. Sleepless night. Condemning myself. Hurling. Veering around. Hell and back. I survived till this day all under the constion of being able to have her close all weekend and she¡¯s going with fucking Jimmy!? How does one un-alive another human being?¡±


    I can¡¯t disguise anything. My emotions are on full disy and fuck, I do not give a shit.


    ¡°Jimmy. You¡¯re going with him? Your parents know?¡±


    I clench my jaw, wishing I were near enough to hear her heart rate. Is it scampering like mine?


    ¡°They said I could bring a plus one. It¡¯ll be a good time for them to meet him.¡±


    Like hell. I fastened my fists by my side, grimacing intensely. She better take back every word. Fucking Jimmy. Meet her parents? They¡¯ve barely been dating for a two weeks?


    ¡°You think it¡¯s a good idea to introduce your boyfriend?¡±


    I don¡¯t conceal the venom I have for the rtionship or the boyfriend. He can go fuck himself.


    ¡°No Dn, I don¡¯t. They should meet him anyway.¡±


    How¡¯d she figured?


    ¡°nning to get married soon?¡±


    I narrow my gaze. She flinches and takes two steps backwards.


    ¡°What is your problem?¡±


    Her voice is slightly raised, which gets our attention. Fuck, I¡¯m screwing this up. Breathe Dn. Breathe.


    ¡°I just thought of something, but it was fucking silly. I got upset and I¡¯m taking it out on you. I¡¯ll see you on Saturday, Cami.¡±


    Tucking my curled hands away, I strode to another corner of the space, all to move away from her. I can¡¯t think straight at the moment. My head is about to fall off its position. How could she do this?


    I know-how. I mean, why? Why fucking Jimmy?


    ****


    ¡°She invited her boyfriend? It¡¯s no surprise. That¡¯s what girls do. Invite their other half to meet their parents.¡±


    ¡°Call him her other half one more time.¡±


    I rasped, shoving my head into her space. ire recoiled, shaking her head softly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mean Cami. You need to calm down before you do something regretful. Again.¡±


    I sulked in annoyance. Calm down? I just had my entire world crumbled in under an hour.


    I¡¯ll calm down when hell is as cold as my fridge.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to the fucking wedding. It¡¯s one thing seeing them once a day, but having to be around them. Not a chance. I¡¯ll rather eat shit.¡±


    I swore, kicking off my shoes.


    ¡°You¡¯re foolish. You¡¯re going to that wedding, Dn. Don¡¯t be a fool. Just because he¡¯ll be there shouldn¡¯t stop you. Besides, he won¡¯t be on the same floor. Cami¡¯s parents aren¡¯t expecting him. That benefits you. Breathe and think.¡±


    ire stood in front of me, rubbing her palms together. The rage builds up still.


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    I cried out, whacking a hole into my bedding.


    ¡°I need some air or a walk. Both. Maybe a drink in between. You can stay the night or shut the door on your way out.¡±


    She flinches at my tone, but I¡¯m off the bed and slipping on footwear.


    ¡°You¡¯re just going to avoid problems every time theye up? This is exactly why Cami isn¡¯t yours. Exactly why she has a boyfriend whom she¡¯s taking home in a few days from now. A boyfriend who isn¡¯t you.¡±


    I thwarted in my strides, nearly three feet from the door. I can leave and dismiss my cousin, who barely knows anything about me, but-


    ¡°What would you rather have me do?¡±


    I whisper, lowering my head as I turn around.


    ¡°Fix it. Dn. At least try to. Pack a bag. Make a n. Fix things. First, it¡¯s taking the boyfriend to see her parents, then it¡¯s losing her for good. Dn, you know what to say to Cami, right?¡±


    A shiver breezed past my body.


    ¡°I tried talking thest time.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but did you exin what happened? Did you tell the truth?¡±


    ¡°ire¡­¡±


    I cautioned with my eyes shut tight. This is something I won¡¯t deal with.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else, isn¡¯t there? It just doesn¡¯t add up. You fucking someone and running away from the truth. The only reason is you fear the truth. You¡¯re terrified of the reason you felt you had to fuck someone else.¡±


    ¡°ire!¡±


    I thundered, shooting her a warning gaze. She doesn¡¯t look deterred.


    ¡°What are you scared of, Dn?¡±


    She asks tenderly. Both of us grow silent. It¡¯s past seven pm, so the surroundings are mute as well. I can hear my breathing. And hers. Equallyboured.


    ¡°You¡¯re never going to get her back if you¡¯re stuck somewhere else. If you try to do it, you¡¯ll only end up making things worse.¡±


    I huffed, followed by a scoff. Still, ire looked straight at me, daring me to do something that proves her theory right.


    ¡°I have no clue what you¡¯re talking about. Maybe you should forget this entire Dn-Cami thing. I¡¯m sure you have your life to worry about. Don¡¯t delude yourself into mine. Goodnight.¡±


    I hear a muffled gasp from her end. My words sliced right through her heart. This is what I fear. Hurting the people I care about. That¡¯s my toxic trait. My defence mechanism.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Cami. I¡¯m sorry ire.¡±


    I sighed dejectedly and slipped through the door.


    ****


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    FRIDAY.


    Today will be good. My flight is around five pm with Jimmy. I asked him yesterday, and it ted him to apany me. His exact words were; Best weekend ever. I had ns with friends, but I¡¯ll fucking cancel. Two days with you. Things just keep getting better. And some more.


    I felt terrible for giving off the wrong impression. Jimmy believes I had his best interest at heart when I invited him to the wedding. I left out the crucial details of damage control with Dn and let my boyfriend think I wanted him to meet my parents.


    That aside, today will be good. I have my first presentation in two hours. I¡¯m fully hydrated. Caffeine pumped. Miranda picked out a body-hugging jumpsuit-ck, which oozes confidence and I¡¯m standing outside, clutching myputer and assuring myself that today will. Be. Good.


    Yet my cynical inner self chirps that if my subconscious needs a reminder, it just might mean today will turn out terrible.


    ****


    ¡°Nervous?¡±


    Jimmy brushes his fingertips over my arm, drawing circles and lines as the next studentes up.


    I bob my head in negation, since I¡¯m certain I¡¯ve got this.


    ¡°As you shouldn¡¯t. You¡¯ve got this. I¡¯m sure everyone will fall in love with me as well when you¡¯re done.¡±


    As well? I chuckle nervously.


    ¡°By the way, the flight is by five? I¡¯ll head over to your dorm before then? We¡¯ll go to the airport together?¡±


    I nodded in affirmation. This is happening. Sigh.


    I reach across the table and link my fingers with Jimmy. He seems to appreciate the gesture but says nothing as we each wait for our turn.


    ****


    Inner me is a pessimistic bitch. There¡¯s nothing wrong with today. Our project was superb. Teachers¡¯ words even. I¡¯m getting an excellent grade for sure.


    Now it¡¯s time to pack a two-day kit and leave for the airport. I¡¯m just waiting for Jimmy¡¯s arrival.


    ¡°Do you ever feel you¡¯re in a movie? This will make a good plotline. You. Boyfriend. Somehow ex-boyfriend, but never ced abel. All in one ce for the weekend. Broadway goals.¡±


    I hissed as loud as I could, flipping my best friend off.


    ¡°I¡¯ll excuse that for the full saga when you return.¡±


    Like clockwork, a knock came through. Must be Jimmy.


    ¡°You¡¯re going to getid, kissed the hell out of off, or both. I hope it¡¯s both. Little wonder which guy it¡¯ll be, though.¡±


    ¡°Miranda.¡±


    I cautioned, mentally face-palming myself.


    I unlocked the door before she had any more chances to scare the shit out of me.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    ¡°Ready.¡±


    I affirmed, blocking all despairing thoughts away.


    ****


    Not only did I imagine Dn ending up on the same flight with us, but I also kept checking the corners, waiting for him to pop up. I got nothing. Maybe he changed his mind and stayed back?


    Because I brought Jimmy?


    ¡°My parents got us an entire floor. It¡¯s about four rooms, so maybe you can get one on another floor or something.¡±


    ¡°Four?¡±


    He chuckled, pulling the door for me.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Yes. Four rooms. Two master bedrooms. Then a single bedroom for me and one for Dn.¡±


    I let it all out with ease, but then I realized.


    Fucking Dn. I didn¡¯t tell Jimmy about fucking Dn.


    ¡°Dn is here as well?¡±


    I squeezed my entire body hoping to disappear. Jimmy is behind me and his tone does not sound encouraging. We¡¯re in the reception and I can¡¯t find anyone.


    ¡°Yes. His parents invited him as well.¡±


    ¡°You knew all this time he was going to be here?¡±


    Oh no. His tone. It¡¯s screaming distrust. This was not intended. Why do I make absurd mistakes?


    ¡°Yes, but it slipped my mind. I didn¡¯t purposely keep it away¡­¡±


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    My mother screeched, interrupting both of us. Not just her.


    Several figures strolled behind her, including the Emertons. All of them. Including yours truly-Dn.


    Smack me now.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON.


    Mrs Ren¨¦e strutted towards her daughter, engulfing her in a bear hug for about a minute, and then pulling away. I eyed her and the fucker behind her. Jimmy seems tense. It ticked his jaw. Is he scowling at me?


    Lovely. What did I miss?


    Mr Ren¨¦e went forward, not before ring at Jimmy. They exchanged a short greeting, but now everyone¡¯s focus was on Jimmy. He had to step forward, standing beside Cami.


    ¡°Mother. Father. This is my boyfriend. Jimmy.¡±


    Pin-drop silence follows her introduction. My parents each share a look at me, then one for themselves and all three of us turn to her. She doesn¡¯t seem the least fazed, her head kept high, shoulder touching Jimmy¡¯s.


    ¡°Boyfriend?¡±


    Our parents blurt in unison. Their tone says it all. d I¡¯m not the only one that sees this for what it is-a fucking joke. A chuckle peels from my lips. Interesting. This weekend will fuck fascinating.


    *****


    I¡¯d like to hear your thoughts on the book so far. The next few chapters are going to be lovely for some shippers. Take a lucky guess.

 Chapter 106 The Wedding Party [III]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    ¡°It¡¯ste and it must waste us all from the trip. Why don¡¯t we have a good night¡¯s recess, then prepare for the wedding tomorrow?¡±


    Mrs Ren¨¦e proposed. Her husband didn¡¯t take an appreciation to it, giving a shrewd look at his daughter and Boy. Friend. Oh, the weekend drama.


    ¡°Yes, I think that¡¯s a decent idea¡±


    My mother agreed, elbowing dad to join her in-which he did.


    ¡°Cami, I got you a dress for the wedding since I wasn¡¯t sure if you packed any. It¡¯s on your bed. As for your boyfriend¡­¡±


    Her distortion at the very mention is enough to putedians out of their business. I could double over inughter, but I have a suspicion there¡¯s more toe.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. He can book his room.¡±


    Cami tries to keep a straight face, but with her dad¡¯s grunt and mombling words along the line of ¡°damn straight, he can¡± I have to bite my lip not to cackle.


    ¡°Or they could stay together? Save the cost¡±


    The humour in this entire thing is drained. What the fuck is her mother thinking? Ain¡¯t no way in hell pretty boy is sleeping next to Cami.


    I flip half my body to her mother, glower at her, and so does her husband.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll have a room. I don¡¯t want to encroach.¡±


    I can¡¯t figure out who grunts louder. Me or Mr Ren¨¦e. I do, however, know who Cami scowls at-me. And hell if her annoyance doesn¡¯t turn me on more than it should. I hold back on paddling my bottom lip.


    ¡°Alright then. It¡¯s good to see you, Cami. We should all turn in for the night. We¡¯ll meet at the reception and then have breakfast before driving to the church. Goodnight everyone.¡±


    Nothing beats a closing remark from my dad, yet no one attempts to move.


    Dad finally pokes at mom then they spin around and jaunt in the direction they came in. It¡¯s just me. The Renee¡¯s and pretty boy.


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you to your room, Cami.¡±


    Her mother offers. She¡¯s hesitant to move. For good reasons. Papa, Ren¨¦e can¡¯t keep his eyes off Jimmy. Trust me, the feeling is mutual, Mr.


    ¡°Umm maybe I should show Jimmy the booking area or?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯spetent enough to find his own way. Right?¡±


    Her dad interrupts, cocking an eyebrow, groaning halfway through and at the end. Oh my God. This keeps getting better. Shade him to hell and back Papa Ren¨¦e.


    You didn¡¯t think this one through, Cam. And how did Jimmy end up here without her parents¡¯ knowledge?


    We were told on Tuesday. She informed me on Thursday, which means she asked him in between. That should¡¯ve been time to let them know. Something¡¯s not adding up.


    ¡°A-Alright.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    Cami stutters, flipping her hair forward to conceal half of her emotions.


    ¡°Goodnight. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±


    Jimmy greets, about to lean forward to peck her cheeks. Again, her father grunts and he¡¯s quick to recoil.


    Good choice Jimmy, excellent choice. Keep your grubby hands to yourself. I¡¯m having too much fun with this.


    Cami and her mother saunter off. And then there were three.


    I take a few bold steps and stand behind her father. His shoulders are stiff, set out to intimidate while his eyes do the ring.


    One. Two. Three. Four.


    ¡°I¡¯m Jimmy.¡±


    The fucker begins. I bite my bottom lip so hard I¡¯m terrified they¡¯ll bleed out.


    ¡°I know.¡±


    Cami¡¯s father answers. No filter on the sarcasm or how annoyed he is-at Jimmy.


    This is so much fun.


    ¡°Right. I just think you deserve another introduction.¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh? How¡¯d you figure?¡±


    He scoffs harder than I would¡¯ve.


    This is even better than an orgasm. I¡¯m all here for the Jimmy nder. Drag him across the damn floor.


    Jimmy¡¯s gaze turns to mine, and he stares furiously. I don¡¯t flinch the slightest because we both know he¡¯s trying to put out an impression.


    ¡°Make that booking else¡­ I doubt you¡¯d have a ce to sleep tonight.¡±


    That would be so nice. I stiffen the nth chuckle, crossing my hands across my chest.


    ¡°Yeah, you do that Jimmy.¡±


    I chirp.


    Mr Ren¨¦e scrolls his eyes over Jimmy, rolling them as they pass his features.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    His sharp tone provokes Jimmy to jump, but I¡¯ve heard it so many times that my pulse merely revs.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    I repeat in a sing-song voice, then walk away from both of them. I fall asleep with the widest grin on my face. And something tells me tomorrow will be even better.


    ****


    SATURDAY.


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    I roll out of bed with a splitting headache. It¡¯s half because I barely slept three hours and half based on the events that drained the sleep out of me.


    I make a note to request Advil and yank the dress out of the clothing bag to decide if I¡¯ll skip this entire weddings shit.


    This is stunning. It¡¯s a knee-length yellow gown, a dangerously ced V Neck slit which will keep anyone¡¯s eyes on it with the jewellery mother ced beside itst night.


    Sigh. I guess I¡¯m going after all.


    ****


    Brushing my teeth takes up less than five minutes. I shower for half an hour, then change into something casual before heading down to the reception, which already reeks of bad luck followingst night¡¯s ordeal.


    Note to self; next time when you invite your boyfriend to a wedding to meet your parents in between, tell your parents in between. Also, tell said boyfriend that your not ex-boyfriend will be there.


    Jimmy texted his room number, and that was it. My parents ¨C no, my father refuses to converse with me, but my mother is giggly about the entire thing.


    How do I tell her I brought him so I couldn¡¯t be in Dn¡¯s face? How do I tell her Dn has been in my face?


    How am I barely neen a half and having this many life problems?


    I don¡¯t get an answer to that since Dn is back in my fucking face.


    I want to smack that grin off his stupid face. What¡¯s so funny? I have a banging headache and he¡¯s joyous?


    Oh, right, he looked like fucking mother nature just standing there watching everyone plummet Jimmy to the ground.


    ¡°Good morning Cami.¡±


    He rasps, a little too close for my thighs since they ache in response. Curse his morning voice for sounding so good.


    ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡±


    ¡°Like a baby.¡±


    I retort coldly, strutting away to avoid him.


    ¡°Quite the coincidence. I slept the same.¡±


    I roll my eyes even though my back faces him.


    I hear iing footsteps. ¡°Good morning Mr Ren¨¦e¡±


    Then I freeze. Fuck. I¡¯ll just go back to my room and crawl under the bed.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    Seems my father still hates Dn. That makes two of us. He slides in front of me and takes a seat.


    There¡¯s a table for three. How convenient.


    Dn doesn¡¯t mind my dad¡¯s unweing demeanour and takes a seat right next to him.


    Now there¡¯s just one. Dad¡¯s eyes me daring me to move again-I don¡¯t.


    I slid down and mutter all the curse words I know to Dn Emerton, then I pray for forgiveness for any God up there since I might murder him before I¡¯m back in Cal-U.


    ¡°So Cami, how is your boyfriend?¡±


    Dad begins, folding both hands and then pressing them over the table. Can we not do this? Specifically, in front of Dn? Again, my father taunts me not to respond.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine. I¡¯m sure he¡¯s still sleeping. Should be down soon.¡±


    ¡°Good. Good. You could¡¯ve told us he wasing?¡±


    Dn¡¯s gaze burns into mine.


    Shit. Fuck. Dad no. Please fucking no.


    ¡°Uh, I texted mom. I¡¯m sure she just forgets to let you know.¡±


    The lie keeps adding up. Now I¡¯m bringing my mother into this? Who will most definitely cover up for me, but from the look on the faces of both men, they don¡¯t for a minute buy the lie.


    ¡°I see.¡±


    Both of them murmur in unison.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡±


    Dad states bluntly. Dn¡¯s grin explodes. I can¡¯t help but kick his knee under the table. He bites the wince down and smirks instead.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know him, dad. You¡¯ve barely spoken ten words to him?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a thing called intuition. Mine tells me Jimmy isn¡¯t good news.¡±


    I roll my eyes. Convenient.


    ¡°Jimmy is a good guy.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    ¡°Besides, you don¡¯t like any guy I¡¯m with.¡±


    ¡°True. I didn¡¯t like Dn either.¡±


    I choke on a gasp. Oh no.


    ¡°Ouch. I¡¯m very likeable.¡±


    Dn deres beside him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like Jimmy either.¡±


    My father adds, ignoring Dn¡¯s side remark.


    ¡°Out of curiosity, who do you like less?¡±


    ¡°How does that help in any way?¡±


    I grit my teeth, bawling each of my hands.


    ¡°Okay, you don¡¯t like both of us. We¡¯ve established that, but if you were to pick who you liked less sort of elimination by less likeability, who would it be?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t answer that Dad.¡±


    ¡°Why? Scared you¡¯d have the same answer if the question contained the opposite of that adverb?¡±


    My entire body immobilises, and it¡¯s just us two.


    Until Jimmy takes that chance and strides out of the Hallway. In just fricking boxer briefs. That will not help the impression on my father.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    Dad states, then gets up from his seat. Was that an acknowledgement or an answer to Dn¡¯s question?


    ¡°Figured.¡±


    The asshole quips and I bet he¡¯s still gleaming.


    ¡°You¡¯re right, my answer remains the same and the adverb in question is like.¡±


    I mutter as aeback. My tone is firmer than I thought.


    ¡°Oh darling, that would imply you hate both of us, which is inurate and, by definition of my question, the adverb can¡¯t be like. There¡¯s only one adverb left. Go figure.¡±


    He got up as well, bobbing his head at Jimmy, which passes off as a silent greeting, or a mark of territory because Jimmy nods back.


    ****


    Thoughts?

 Chapter 107 The Wedding Party [IV]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    SATURDAY.


    ¡°Good Morning gorgeous.¡±


    Jimmy is outstanding at fooling facial expressions or my dad and Dn leaving as he enters are of little regard for him.


    Still, he sheathes his arms around my neck and sps his lips against mine.


    Extra credits for confidence Jimmy. My dad could return any moment from now.


    I part my lips and let his tongue evade mine.


    ¡°Morning.¡±


    I momble and he pulls away, invading the seat Dn vacated minutes ago.


    We engage in small talk; I apologise for not telling him about Dn. He smiles back and waves the topic off. That easily.


    ****


    They toasted breakfast eggs and bacon served from the motel, my mother¡¯s cooking beats this any day, but I don¡¯t have a choice, so I bite it down along with the bile in my throat.


    I¡¯ve never been seated at a more uneasy table for seven. Clinging sses and forks are the only sound for ten minutes and it¡¯s excruciating. Dn is happy though. For reasons best known to the fucker, he can¡¯t stop grinning.


    Thankfully, it ends and we disperse to get ready.


    ¡°Jimmy. We¡¯re going to rent suits. You should tag along or you¡¯re intending on sporting boxer briefs?¡±


    Shit. Everyoneughs. My mother. Father. Dn¡¯s parents. Jimmy and I share the same outraged look but his dies down quickly and he chuckles, it¡¯s soft and washes away, his eyes hinting on the actual emotion-rage.


    I glint at Dn. I can¡¯t stop. That wasn¡¯t funny. He¡¯s embarrassing him in front of my parents. Deliberately.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tag along.¡±


    Dn shakes slowly, and they all agree to meet back in ten minutes.


    It¡¯s just thedies left. Dn¡¯s mother. Mine. And dear old me.


    Yay.


    ****


    ¡°Jimmy is quite charming.¡±


    Mrs Emertonments, standing beside me, cing the ne over my neck. It¡¯s not that huge. Medium-sized with an encrusted diamond in the middle. It¡¯s more of a pendant. Pretty.


    ¡°He is.¡±


    I react, pulling the tiny sleeve of the gown over my shoulders. It goes on my shoulder, leaving the entire hands bare, so Mrs Emerton suggested I wear gloves that would extend to my ankle. It¡¯s not a bad idea.


    ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say about him? He¡¯s nice?¡±


    I recall Dn¡¯s words-insults. Jimmy being nice makes him boring, but I don¡¯t mind.


    If nice is stable. Fun. Con free. Makes meugh. I do not mind at all.


    ¡°I like him, mom. That¡¯s all you should care about out.¡±


    I turn around, smiling fully clothed.


    ¡°You look beautiful.¡±


    Mrs Emertonplimented, pulling me into her arms. My breasts aren¡¯t as full as girls my age, so my cleavages don¡¯t pop out as much, but I¡¯ll take thepliment.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I roll back to the seat and await her makeup box. We might miss church and go straight to reception.


    ****


    DYLAN EMERTON.


    The church program began two hours ago, so we are not making it. Our dressing ¨C the men didn¡¯t take nearly half an hour, but Cami and the others have been up there for a while.


    I lift my head over my dad¡¯s shoulder, prying on him while he converses with Jimmy. The fucker.


    Jimmy picked a brown suit. Button-down and all of that. Stupid pretty boy.


    I choose ck. Buttons popped up with a white T-shirt inside. It¡¯s still a suit don¡¯t judge me.


    ¡°Finally.¡±


    Mr Ren¨¦e sighs in relief, his eyes fixed on something behind me. Someone.


    All of us turn towards the hallway and my entire world revs. Oh, lord. Sweet mother fucking Jesus.


    My first thought is if Cami bathed in baby oil. Her legs are on full disy courtesy of the knee-length gown and they are glistening. I slid upwards and nearly stumbled. Holy fuck.


    From her waist to her upper chest, the gown is fitted. Glued to her skin, so those curves that are usually concealed with baggy shirts, are poking into my eyes.


    I won¡¯t look away. I can¡¯t. I don¡¯t.


    But then Jimmy struts in front of me, reaching her, taking her hand, then whispering words at the back of her ear. Words that make her giggle. Words that make her blush. Words that spear through my heart.


    I flinch then turn away.


    For a moment there I ceased to recollect that she belonged to another.


    ****


    ¡°There are two cars. The Emertons in one. Renee¡¯s in the other¡­¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Jimmy can walk.¡±


    I shrugpleting Mr Ren¨¦e¡¯s sentence. I expect a scowl, but he chuckles deeply.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    Cami and my mother caution in unison.


    ¡°What? I was kidding. I was joking.¡±


    I repeat, grinning at Jimmy. The fucker¡¯s jaw is throbbing. I bet he wishes he could hit me. Too bad.


    ¡°I can take the car. The parents are in each car. Kids in the other.¡±


    I advise instead. Ain¡¯t no way I leave Cami with him. Even if it¡¯s barely a half an hour¡¯s drive.


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Or you and I could take my bike. For old time¡¯s sake.¡±


    I lean backwards, mombling those words beside Cami. For her hearing only. Her pulse quickens, but she keeps a straight face, looking at anything else but me.


    I pull back and walk over to dad for the keys.


    ******


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E.


    The tension throughout the drive was nerve-racking. Jimmy kept his hands on my thigh, a smirk on his face, and he kept talking especially loud enough for Dn to listen in. And Dn-he peeked like he was suffering.


    He rather spied at both of us through the rear mirror than drive. When we got down, Jimmy kissed me full on the lips then we all went in.


    They arranged the tables for two, so it was me and Jimmy, Dn and some other guy and our parents seated far off.


    *****


    ¡°I have to go take the call.¡±


    I nod my head and watch him leave, sighing as music booms in my ear. I do want to dance, but Jimmy didn¡¯t ask. Yet. Maybe when he gets back.


    Sigh.


    ¡°Dn!?¡±


    I half yelled, spying the fucker stand up and sprint to my side faster than I could say his name.


    ¡°A dance?¡±


    A firm hand stretched forward, offering to take mine. No taunting smile. No crooked lips or frown. No frown. A simple yet charming look across his features. I almost reach for it.


    Almost. Jimmy already mistrusts me, he¡¯ll be back any moment and dancing with Dn will not look great.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°Jimmy isn¡¯t here. The song¡¯s almost over. Everyone is dancing and you¡¯re not. Come on.¡±


    I survey the room. Almost ny percent ofdies are on the dance floor.


    ¡°No. I don¡¯t want to dance.¡±


    Lies.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me scream at the top of my lungs. I will do it. People are already watching. You¡¯ll honestly turn me down in front of this many people?¡±


    I looked over his shoulder, and truly a few eyes had glued to our exchange.


    Fuck my life.


    ¡°Fine. I swear I¡¯ll kill you before we return.¡±


    ¡°Darlin, you could do whatever you want with me. I serve at your pleasure and I exist only to satisfy you.¡±


    I ignore the uproar in my tummy. The flutter in my belly. Flip-up and down. How my fingers immediately heat. I even try to tug away the smile threatening to break out in full force. I try so hard.


    I smack my brain and remind the other fucker that this is Dn. This is what he does. He makes me feel good today and then the next day he leaves. On that, we agree and I snort at him while standing up.


    His resolve doesn¡¯t break, if only he adds an extrayer of wall and grips my hand so tightly I¡¯m being pulled across from my seat and into his arms.


    ¡°Stunning.¡±


    He remarks, tilting the hair away from both sides of my face, pushing them until they¡¯re resting close to my ear.


    He was right. The song ends at that moment, every couple stands apart and I think I may have gotten off the hook with this one. No song. No dance. No Dn.


    I thought wrong. A second tune ys out afterwards. An even slower song. I know this one ¨C Dandelion by Ruth B. It¡¯s a couple¡¯s song.


    If fate isn¡¯t the biggest fucker.


    I¡¯m shoved out of my thoughts as Dn makes his way toward the centre of the floor. We stand apart for ten seconds as two other couples, then the song ys out in full.


    My shoulders glue by my side, Dn smirks, moving around my body, halting at my back, breathing down my neck.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t smiling.¡±


    He rasps. I sip down my throat.


    ¡°There¡¯s no reason to.¡±


    I momble back. He chortles and thenes forward. His steps are calcted. Slow. He reaches me, lowering his eyes to sweep the ne dangling over my neck. Or my cleavages? I can¡¯t tell.


    He lifts a hand; I press mine against it reluctantly. We take a moment to exhale, then we move in sync. It¡¯s almost as though it¡¯s just me and him. Every other person is left.


    One step forward. Two-step backwards. Repeatedly. Hands sped together. By the fourth, he spins me a little, tugging me a little further to himself each time. More than necessary.


    ¡°I pray to God. Whoever listens up there. I pray every day that one day-you¡¯ll be mine.¡±


    He hums. Slowly. Pressing my back against his chest, his voice too intense as it fans my neck. Then he let¡¯s go. That¡¯s the exact line from the song. Is he serious?


    I suck in a harsh breath. The artist is right. It¡¯s getting hard to breathe.


    He¡¯s behind me again, enacting his torturous movements, spreading both hands across my shoulder.


    ¡°You should smile Cami. You¡¯re magnificent and everyone should have their fucking eyes on you.¡±


    ¡°They might since I¡¯m terrible at this.¡±


    I answer back, genuinely feeling Stupid.


    ¡°You¡¯re not. Even if you are, I don¡¯t give a shit. This is perfect. You¡¯re perfect because of your imperfections, so at this moment I want you to smile. For you.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t rush his words, speaking in the synch of the song, threading the tip of his finger along the curve of my neck then struts forward.


    ¡°Divine.¡±


    He breathes, pulling my left hand towards me, huddling our bodies together as well.


    I crack open and grin like an idiot. I sure as hell feel like one.


    ¡°Perfect.¡±


    He adds, and we¡¯re back to dancing. I ster a smile on each end of my face and my body just moves. I don¡¯t hold back. I don¡¯t think what¡¯ll happen after this dance. How Dn would react after this dance. I simply dance. And it feels fucking amazing.


    Seconds. Minutes. I don¡¯t want this to end.


    I don¡¯t wince when his chest presses into mine. I giggle when his eyes meet mine. Oh I feel alive alright.


    The song is almost over; we stand apart again, breathing heavily.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five. Six. Seven. Eight. Nine. Ten. Breathe Cam.


    He moves hastily, pressing my head against his chest, his hands encircle my lower back and I breathe. I¡¯m scared I¡¯ll choke if I don¡¯t breathe. His scent. It¡¯s his scent. He rocks both our bodies slowly, matching the beat of the song.


    This is too satisfactory. Seconds pass. Half an minute. It¡¯s over.


    ¡°I want to kiss you so bad. So badly. It hurts. So painfully that it hurts, baby.¡±


    He whimpers so lowly, that I doubt my ears. I doubt they heard him say that, but when the songes to a stop and we pull away, every fucking doubt is vindicated.


    He¡¯s looking down. His eyes skimmed past every curve of my body. Then he breathes as well. It rakes through his entire body and mine. He shakes so intensely. Bobbing his head sideways.  He¡¯s fighting something. Himself maybe? His own will? Who knows?


    ****


    Thoughts!? I just feel bad for Jimmy. Everyone else hates him but the poor guy did nothing to y¡¯all. I¡¯ll try to update sooner tomorrow if my busy schedule permits me.

 Chapter 108 The Wedding Party [V]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    SATURDAY.


    I peep right and people are retiring. Left and folks are dispersing.


    ¡°Come.¡±


    He rasps. I loathe the way my body reacts. I despise the influence one word from him can have on me. My feet don¡¯t stay. They heed to him and snatch his hand.


    I¡¯m not sure why defeat shifts up my skin when we reach the table and he lets go.


    I¡¯m not sure why my whole body rakes with sadness at the loss of his hand. Jimmy hasn¡¯t returned and Dn saunters back to his seat. His eyes reach mine shortly. The look from the dance floor holds.


    I shiver.


    ¡°Sorry I took so long.¡±


    Spell is driven. I move my entire body to meet Jimmy¡¯s. He¡¯s back. I don¡¯t feel guilt. Guilt for dancing with Dn while he was gone. Nothing.


    I felt zero since I directed every sense to his words. ¡°I want to kiss you so bad.¡±


    And I ask ¨C why doesn¡¯t he? Another question creeps, one I ignore for the answer bothers me; If he did, would I let him?


    ****


    34. I¡¯ve tossed over thirty-four times. It¡¯s a little after seven pm and there¡¯s not a peep, but I¡¯m tossing.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    A ss of water. That¡¯s what I need. I roll my weight and exit my room, quiet enough to reach the waiting room with no intervention.


    I get to the water Despenser, drag a cup out and fill it with water. It¡¯s at the edge of my lips when the air in the room alters.


    I can¡¯t count three breaths because someone is behind me.


    One. Two. Three. I can¡¯t take the fourth breath because he does it for me. He breathes directly over my neck.


    ¡°Breathe.¡±


    He hums and I huff sharply. The ss trembling in my grip, the water inside following suit and my hands unable to do anything about it. I¡¯m clenching the object, but it feels like rubber.


    My brain must be on low power functioning because I do something silly. I turn forward.


    One. Two. He takes two drags to get his eyes from my face down to my toes. Red PJs.


    His hands go around mine and they¡¯re so close to touching that I cry when they don¡¯t.


    He dives his head forward, his lips positioned beside my neck.


    One. Two. Three.


    Then I hear water trickling. He¡¯s getting water from the dispenser.


    He hauls away and I gape at him. The water gulped down his throat swiftly. He releases a groan when it gets depleted, stretching forward to keep the cup.


    Willpower. That¡¯s what it takes to get the cup to my lips and gulp the water down, Turing my back against him to dispose of the cup.


    He has only said one word to me so far. I should get back to my room.


    ¡°Goodnight.¡±


    I murmur, sliding away from the water dispenser. I can hear him breathing behind me.


    I reckon twenty breaths is what it¡¯ll take to reach the hallway.


    ¡°Wait.¡±


    Dn hisses. Like it hurts to say just one word. And hell do I wait. Six more till I get out of here.


    I want to prompt my subconscious of the many ways this could go wrong. I can¡¯t. I can¡¯t do anything but wait in anticipation of Dn¡¯s next move.


    One. Two. Three. Four. Five. My hands fling by the sixth and for a second I believe it¡¯s my body finally fleeing as it should¡¯ve.


    It isn¡¯t. It¡¯s Dn¡¯s arm pulling me towards the nearest wall. I expect one more word or none.


    He¡¯s so close. He¡¯s too close.


    This is wrong. This won¡¯t end well. But I can¡¯t stop staring. He¡¯s breathing so lowly, almost inaudible. He shut his eyes. Lips mombling incoherent words. It¡¯s the dance floor all over again.


    His hands¡¯ drop mine. I¡¯m free to go. I can go. I should go. I don¡¯t go.


    His features are enthralling, I can¡¯t stop staring. I should stop staring. I don¡¯t stop staring.


    And then he blinks twice and keeps those eyes open. Hazel brown. I could get lost in these. I think I already am.


    They¡¯re passing a warning. His eyes are screaming to get the hell out of here. Then I catch it. His control slipping. He groans a second time and my eyes screwed shut.


    Fifteen. That¡¯s the number of words Dn uses to break me.


    ¡°I have decided that everyone can go to hell and burn to ashes. Fuck it.¡±


    ¡°I Do.¡±


    I jump out of my skin as his right-hand impacts the wall.


    ¡°Not Care.¡±


    I¡¯m breathing. It¡¯s all I can do. Back against the wall. Hands pinned by my side. Head lowered and pressed against mine, tugging me against the wall.


    Whatever devil he¡¯s been fighting off, he lets it take over. I know that because I count; One. Two. By the third breath, he¡¯s kissing me. The answer to my earlier question is yes. Yes, I let him kiss me. And for a follow up ¨C Yes I kiss him back.


    He palms my face and kisses me fervently. I¡¯m out of breath but I don¡¯t stop him. I kiss him back. With reckless abandon, I spread my lips and kiss him. Sweet Almighty.


    I poke my back as far against the wall as I can; I hold my knees from falling even though they¡¯re as shaky as a liquid. And when Dn tugs at the bottom lip, I part them. Oh, God. Dear God. His tongue.


    It¡¯s until his tongue is sweeping against mine that I recall the good he feels. How perfectly they match.


    My full body is scorching. I¡¯m starved.


    He reads my mind. I¡¯m one minute away from slipping to the ground when his hands engulf my waist. mping me tight enough to elicit a moan.


    I¡¯m not in any pain. My entire body feels more alive than it has in ten months. Dn¡¯s kiss is taking all the oxygen away from my lungs, but it¡¯s the only thing keeping me breathing.


    My hands are immobile by my side, he crushed his weight on mine and they¡¯re unable to move. I jerk slightly and they p against his pants. His dick.


    Oh. My. God.


    Don¡¯t stop. Is that my voice?


    He listens to them. Dn kisses me harder. Hunger. Need. Craving. Desire.


    The hurt. Pain. Tears. Wails. Screams. He wants to kiss all of them away from my core. He¡¯s grunting and trembling, and neither of us has the will to pull away.


    One hand is crawling up my body. I hold my breath. Dn circles his left hand around my boob, resting against it without moving. Then he palms gently.


    A moan falls out because it¡¯s remarkable.


    His hair. I want to touch his hair. I haven¡¯t felt his hair in months. My hands are almost in his hair. But then-


    ¡°Now I know what her answer would¡¯ve been.¡±


    I shriek. Dn¡¯s lips stop moving against mine. My father. That voice belongs to my father. My father just walked in on Dn and me making out.


    Why does the realisation upset me more because Dn has stopped kissing me? Why aren¡¯t I terrified of my father¡¯s reaction?


    ¡°I think it¡¯s time to turn in Cami.¡±


    I slip out of Dn¡¯s cage and face my father. His eyes are stern.


    Four breaths. I take just four then I wander off. I¡¯m not scared of him. Mostly angry.


    ******


    DYLAN EMERTON


    Silence. Crickets. Insects. Mr Ren¨¦e. Dn Emerton. I tilt my head to see if Cami is truly gone. She is. It¡¯s just the two of us.


    I¡¯m angry. My jaw is tickling. Of all the interruptions it has to be her father. I don¡¯t consider him hitting me. Yelling. I¡¯m an adult. His daughter is an adult. I don¡¯t worry about that. My concern is the fact that he stopped us.


    I had her. In my arms. Mine. Mine to hold. Mine to kiss. I felt her. After ten excruciating months, I fucking had her.


    I¡¯m curling my fists and ring before I process my emotions.


    He just stands there, tapping his feet on the floor awaiting my response. Fuck this.


    I want to sprint across the room, find her and kiss her again. That¡¯s what I want. That¡¯s what I need.


    She was like oxygen, and I have been so ravenous for breath. I had her. I fucking had her.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I crack open, angling my head and staring. My name? Does he start with my name? Does he have a fucking clue what his voice cost me?


    I had her. And now she might never let me get that close again.


    ¡°You should get some rest. You have a flight ahead of you tomorrow.¡±


    Surprise? Shock? If every nerve in my body wasn¡¯t tingling from fervour and my heart wasn¡¯t pounding against its cage, I¡¯d probably feel all of those.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    My voice is hoarse. I glue my feet. I don¡¯t want to leave. I want to stay here, bask at the moment that was taken away. I want to shut my eyes and imagine that Cami is still pressed against that very wall. My hands crawled their way up her skin. Mine. All mine.


    I tremble Immensely. Why did he have to walk in?


    ¡°I will not dictate my daughter¡¯s life choices, but it¡¯s going to take more than kisses to gain her forgiveness. But if you must know, I¡¯d ce my bet on you as the winner.¡±


    I narrow my gaze without a word. Call me cocky but maybe if he hadn¡¯t walked in-that kiss could¡¯ve turned into something more, but he did.


    ¡°You have so much potential. Both of you have so much potential. I¡¯d hate to see it go to waste. Goodnight.¡±


    He turns and props away. I stay there for seconds. Maybe minutes. I can¡¯t tell. When my legs recognise themand my brain gives, I crawl to my room, but the kiss doesn¡¯t go away. It¡¯s all I can think about. It¡¯s all I can see.


    Iugh at my next thought. The thought of me being in love with Cami.


    *****


    SUNDAY.


    ¡°Hey, ire.¡±


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    She replies, her voice clipped and tight. I¡¯m in the waiting area. It¡¯s a little after three pm, a bag slung over my shoulder and a lot of noises around me.


    ¡°The flight will soon take off, but I just can¡¯t wait a couple more hours till I¡¯m able to see you again. I want to apologize. For two things. First; I shouldn¡¯t have put my needs above yours and instructed you to stay back. You presented yourself as my girlfriend for my sake, you were only trying to help. I shouldn¡¯t have done that and I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    There¡¯s silence on her end. I fear she hung up in between, I¡¯ve been an annoying bastard, so I would not be surprised.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    I burst into tiny chuckles.


    ¡°Yes. I feel more refreshed than I have in almost a year. Second, I want to apologise for how I spoke to you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Have they informed you of a potential bomb explosion? Are you calling to say goodbye to your loved ones?¡±


    Iugh so hard my tummy tickles. ire thinks it¡¯ll take my life being on the verge of death to call and apologize. How sick and twisted.


    ¡°No ire. I¡¯ll say this in person, but I can¡¯t go another hour of you thinking you¡¯re not helpful because you have been. College was not on my to-do list. Cami wasn¡¯t either.¡±


    ¡°Is that it? Do you need my help with Cami?¡±


    Bile climbs up my throat. That¡¯s even sicker. That I would only call because of Cami. That she thinks I¡¯m a selfish bastard. Who would only call to apologise for more help?


    ¡°No. No, I do not need help with Cami. This isn¡¯t about her. I¡¯m calling for you. I¡¯m calling to apologise to you. No influence.¡±


    ¡°Is this some ploy?¡±


    Sigh.


    ¡°No. It isn¡¯t a ploy. I¡¯m sorry ire. I¡¯ll try to do better.¡±


    I hear her hum along the line; I say no other words.


    ¡°You¡¯re never going to get her back if you¡¯re stuck somewhere else.¡±


    I repeat ire¡¯s words from Friday.


    ¡°You were right and now I¡¯m going to do whatever it takes to get unstuck. Goodbye ire.¡±


    She mombles something in return, an acknowledgement. I¡¯m in over my head and clutching the cell against my chest to process it.


    **


    I didn¡¯t sight Cami throughout the day nor at the airport but all three of us board the same flight. I¡¯m aware their seats are closer to the cockpit, but I stare outside, taking out the image of the crying baby on her mother¡¯sp beside me. I don¡¯t search for her.


    I exhale tightly, scraping my lids shut and allowing my exhaustion to take control.


    *****


    Thoughts!?

 Chapter 109 Athena Williams

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    SUNDAY.


    My day in one word is-fast-paced.


    Jimmy and I moved around the city. Zoo. Ice cream. Park. Children. Kingston High stood closed because of the weekend. Funny how I didn¡¯t spend a waking second relishing it. My physical body dwelled beside Jimmy, but everything else was back at the motel. Back atst night. Back at his kiss. Back at him.


    Each time tugging more fiercely and swearing curse words. To who exactly? Dn for kissing me? Myself for allowing him? Reciprocating? and then enjoying it? or my father for interrupting us?


    So many deeds in one night.


    I went directly to my room and fasten the door, my heart racing as I paced from edge to edge. Eventually, I slumped behind it and listened to the footsteps. I held my heart in my hand and watched him zone past me. Or my father? I didn¡¯t know.


    I lingered in that position, slept in that spot and woke up with an ache in my back.


    Then as the coward, I am, I texted Jimmy that we should go out. I¡¯m expending the entire day away from Dn. Away from my father.


    I went as far as texting my mother to organize my things. We would runte. I lied. We would not make it back in time to prepare. All lies.


    Jimmy and I spent less than two minutes at the motel. Exchanged greetings. Prolonged stares from my father. I couldn¡¯t conclude if my mother was aware yet. He¡¯d surely tell her. Possibly while I¡¯m miles away. And Dn?


    I tried to lock him in a cage and toss the key away, but no. He thumped on the door. Cried out. Screeched. Then when I arch closer, he jostled me down with him.


    Sigh.


    ¡°Are you okay? Stressful weekend? We¡¯re leaving now.¡±


    Jimmy¡¯s thumb circles mine, drumming over the surface with a smile etched along his pretty face.


    I smile back without an answer. I cheated on him yesterday. I don¡¯t know what that means for both of us. I know nothing.


    I¡¯m a mess. Aplete mess. Fifteen words. He broke my resolve with fifteen words. I arch further up the seat in the Uber, clutching Jimmy tightly.


    I want to apologise. I want to exin. I want to confess. But I do nothing. A greater part of me is numb. Most of me hasn¡¯t gotten over that kiss.


    I trace a line over my bottom lip, rippling all over. How can he feel this good after so long? How can he affect me when I hate him?


    I drill my eyes until they¡¯re firmly shut. I need sleep. The only retreat from Dn and the imprint he left on me.


    ****


    SUNDAY


    ¡°You gotid!¡±


    Miranda shrieks, bracing me into her arms. Jimmy chuckles behind both of us. We touched down in Cal-U soil ten minutes ago. I reek of exhaustion, so Jimmy offered to ride with me to my dorm. I can¡¯t wait to get these jeans off.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°You sneaky bastard!¡±


    She coos and I want to drop dead.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t getid, Miranda.¡±


    I voice out, pacing into the room, flinging my bag over my bed and myself right next to it.


    ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn you look like you gotid. You have thudded was so wrong but felt so good face.¡±


    I flinch. urate much? She¡¯s right. Only it wasn¡¯t sex. Just as good. Maybe better. Fuck me.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    I grumble. I hear Jimmy walk in. I think he¡¯s by my bed


    ¡°You must be tired gorgeous. I¡¯ll leave you to rest. I¡¯ll text youter.¡±


    I open my eyes and he¡¯s hovering over me, tilting forward and plopping his lips over mine.


    Nothing. Not even a flutter. Jimmy¡¯s kisses made me feel bubbly but now it¡¯s just a pair of lips against mine.


    He breaks free with a grin, clearly not noticing the distraught on my face.


    ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    I mutter. Jimmy just kissed me. I didn¡¯t enjoy it? I didn¡¯t like it? I¡¯mparing it to Dn¡¯s. What did that man do to me?


    Two seconds is all it takes for Miranda to hop off her bed and onto mine. Two seconds after Jimmy exits the room.


    ¡°You better spill. You had sex with Dn under the same roof as Jimmy?¡±


    I cringe so hard, lifting my weight off the bed.


    My shirt squeezes behind me, I reach over and ruffle it back up.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t have sex with anyone.¡±


    She eyes me thoroughly.


    ¡°I mean it. I kissed Jimmy a lot. We haven¡¯t gone that far plus my parents don¡¯t like him much either.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t say.¡±


    She chirps. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Oh, nothing. Just wondering.¡±


    ¡°Wondering what?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    Snorting, I fall back to the bed, palm my face and sigh. I sigh twice. Thrice. Repeatedly.


    Sighing is thest thing I recall before slumping. Again, my only escape from the trance he put me in.


    ****


    MONDAY.


    My schedule for this week is a little more intense. I¡¯m starting my week with chemistry ¨C my least favourite course. The teacher makes it bearable, but I¡¯ll rather study the human mind than discuss atoms and molecules. It¡¯s a one-hour lecture and I practically doze off.


    Jimmy didn¡¯t bother enrolling in the course this semester, so there¡¯s no one to even converse with.


    Speaking of which, Miranda has been brewing for details. She knows something urred, but I nkly deny it. Shame? Maybe. I haven¡¯t informed Jimmy either. Mostly because I don¡¯t know what to say. How to apologise. I¡¯m more immersed in courses, assignments, and distractions.


    ¡°I will email your assignment for this week to your student ount. They¡¯re due before the end of the week.¡±


    Mrs Rae ended with my head over my desk. Finally.


    I hear students scampering to leave, most of them as bored as I was. I keep my head over the table for a few minutes, indecisive about what to do with the rest of my day.


    I take four full breaths and get up. I¡¯m greeted with an empty lecture hall and silence. My bag is at the corner, so I reach for it and identally spill the contents.


    Fuck.


    I bend over attempting to thrust my little notebooks and pens inside. I have two extra pens for each colour, so it¡¯s about six of them. I only count five.


    I arch further beside the table and pick it up, then I stand straight about to shove it inside.


    ¡°Hello, Cami.¡±


    Every hair on my body rockets. I gasp loudly positively startled for an instant.


    ¡°It¡¯s just me.¡±


    He recites his words from day one at the party. He does not touch me this time. He¡¯s behind me. He¡¯s keeping his distance.


    I can¡¯t feel his breathing.


    I silence the voicemanding me to turn.


    ¡°What do you want Dn?¡±


    Is he here about the kiss? I hope not.


    ¡°I need your help.¡±


    My mind catches up with his project. There¡¯s a thing called texting. He can¡¯t just drop by here and make it difficult to breathe.


    ¡°I need you to work as my shrink or psychologist.¡±


    Triple credits for suspense and the box answer. He wants me to what now?


    Is this a joke?


    Good. I¡¯ll y along.


    ¡°Dn if you need one, I¡¯ll give you a number. I¡¯ve barely gotten through one semester, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m qualified to do anything for you.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about your qualifications. I want you.¡±


    Fuck. How can he say stuff like that? It¡¯s a good thing my back faces him. My skin is on fire and he¡¯ll know with one look at me.


    I am finding this conversation intriguing and against my better judgement; I follow up.


    ¡°Why do you need sessions Dn? Did you witness a murder? Kill someone?¡±


    ¡°None of those. I think.¡±


    I nip my lip. Don¡¯t smile. Do not crook a grin at his words, Cam.


    ¡°So¡­¡±


    I should pluck my bag and make a run through the door, yet here I am on the edge of my toes waiting for an answer.


    ¡°I¡¯ve watched movies where people got better by talking about their problems. Marital affairs. Toxic rtionships¡­¡±


    He trails off, and it piqued my interest even more.


    ¡°What do you mean Dn?¡±


    I mean to sound uninterested, but Ice my tone with curiosity. I bet he¡¯s smirking.


    ¡°I want you to help me get over someone. A person I love or loved. It¡¯splicated.¡±


    My touch halts on the pen. I swallow a hup.


    Dn. Love. Those two words in the same sentence? Who would¡¯ve thought?


    Does he want to get over someone? Could it be-me?


    I jerk my head so fast I nearly stumble. Dn isn¡¯t in love with me.


    It¡¯s half a question and half a statement.


    ¡°Her name is Athena. Athena Williams.¡±


    This time I lose bnce. The pen in my hand falls to the ground ¨C again and I grip the edge of the table, letting out a sharp exhale.


    Athena? He has never mentioned someone named Athena. Where does iree into the picture? Is she a rebound? Is Athena his ex? Is he double dating?


    What is going on? Aside from the obvious curiosity, there¡¯s also anger brewing. Anger at the fact that Dn has or had someone else in his life and was kissing me less than twenty-four hours ago. The fuck?


    ¡°Will you help me?¡±


    I want to cry out hell no. Whack him until he falls. But I¡¯m too curious about this woman. Whomever she is.


    Too excited at my first ¡°patient¡±  Too angry. Answers. I need answers. And so I sell my soul to the devil once more. I willingly hand him the key to the cage. I set him loose.


    He¡¯s open to dominating my whole world now.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I murmur. The burden of my words presses down on my chest.


    ****


    Thoughts!? The next chapter is well¡­ No spoilers.

 Chapter 110 Secrets And Shades [I]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    ¡°Athena.¡±


    I roll the name over my tongue. The name of the girl who manages to *make* Dn fall for her. Did shepel him? Was it willing? How long did it go on? I can¡¯t imagine. I can not process this.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Dn muses and for a minute it was just me and my impressions about the girl he¡¯s in love with. Or was?


    ¡°When do you want us to start?¡±


    I don¡¯t mince how eager I sound. I¡¯m done with ying behind bars.


    ¡°I¡¯m essible for the rest of the day. You?¡±


    ¡°I have an evening ss, four pm. We have time to burn.¡±


    ¡°So you want to start now?¡±


    I find my head boobing unconsciously. I don¡¯t put the pen away this time. I reach in and grab my notepad. My fingers are trembling because it¡¯s brand new. I didn¡¯t require it till now.


    I flip the first page and scribble his name over it. There aren¡¯t any students. No sses. We can use it here. Barely three minutes I was indecisive, now I know what I must do.


    Dn hints at my decision and pulls a chair directly opposite me. I can ogle but there¡¯s not much to see. ck sweatpants. Grey sweater. His hair looks like it hasn¡¯t seen ab in a day or two. He has done nothing sexual or hinted that he yearned to. It should make me relieved yet annoyance marks its way up my spine. I grip the table and steady my heartbeat.


    ¡°Athena.¡±


    He murmurs, whistling underneath his breath. I catch the slightest sh of hurt in those eyes before it¡¯s gone. What did she do to him?


    ¡°Do you want me to ask background questions if you¡¯refortable or you¡¯ll dive right in?¡±


    I cross one leg over the other. Eager. Curious. Just spill everything out.


    ¡°You can ask a few questions. Build up the angst and by answering, you¡¯ll learn the entire thing.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I whisper slowly. My fingers are still shaky. More fiercely even. He just handed me a universal key into his head. And now I can¡¯t find the keyhole because it has caught my whole being off guard.


    His calm features aren¡¯t helping. He¡¯s across me, staring lifelessly straight in the eyes, taking in my opinions which are still bare, but he does nothing. He says nothing.


    It¡¯s my move.


    ¡°Athena Williams. How old is she?¡±


    I release a pent up breath, holding the next in fear of Dnughing. Talking about how gullible I am. How easy it was to tell me this sad tale and get me all riled up. He¡¯llugh, get up, tuck his hands away and leave still chuckling.


    ¡°She¡¯ll be twenty at this point.¡±


    His icy tone cracks my imagination. Oh. My. I stare. He doesn¡¯t stutter. Composure. Hisposure scares the shit out of me.


    Not being able to read him appals me more than I expected.


    ¡°You dated?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He answers quickly. Sizzling again. But nothing in his eyes. No hurt. Anger. No shame. Nothing.


    ¡°She was my first girlfriend. My only girlfriend.¡±


    I shudder so intensely that my notepad slips off myp. I lift my second leg and halt its movement then pull it back with my free arm.


    When I look up, Dn¡¯s eyes are on my exposed skin. My thighs. For the first time in minutes, I see his eyes. I see his thoughts. I sense his emotions.


    Desire. It¡¯s gone again and we both clear our throats.


    ¡°Why did you two break up?¡±


    I dredge the next answer. He said ¡°was¡± meaning they¡¯re no longer together, ¡°She¡¯ll be¡± meaning she isn¡¯t dead. But ¨C he also said ¡°love¡± I need answers. Badly.


    ¡°We broke up years ago. I was around fifteen and a half.¡±


    Dn will be twenty-one early next year.


    I don¡¯t miss the Dodginess. I asked why. Instead, he gave me when. There¡¯s a crack though. In that well-sought amour, he snaps. He tightens his shoulder des and shuts his eyes. Then he shakes. He wriggles so harshly I want to run over there and hold him. He¡¯s not crying, but his eyes have turned a darker shade of red.


    Dn looks like he just saw a puppy get murdered. No. That doesn¡¯t do justice. He looks like he just saw a baby get massacred. No. He looks like he just ughtered a baby holding a puppy.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I whisper, tentative. Frighten. Worried.


    ¡°You said your only girlfriend?¡±


    I intended to repeat my former question. Purge for answers. But he¡¯s looking at me. He¡¯s looking at me! I¡¯m not sure I want those answers. So I deflect. I switch to something else.


    Fuck it¡¯s selfish, but I ask that instead. I question him for my benefit.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    His voice. I swallow, clinging to my notepad. I haven¡¯t penned a thing. I can¡¯t hold that pen. I¡¯m not sure I can form letters anymore.


    This Dn. I¡¯ve seen kind. Funny. Angry. I think jealous. I¡¯ve seen all shades. I thought I had seen all shades.


    Not. Not. This Dn isn¡¯t numb. He isn¡¯t sad. I do not think there is a word in any dictionary to describe this Dn.


    That makes me feel many things; Curious. Worried. Pity. Sympathy.


    I sigh. I sigh thrice.


    ¡°ire?¡±


    I utter. My voice is as bare as his.


    Then he chuckles. His eyes grow wide and heughs. It¡¯s not the type you let out when something is funny. It¡¯s crooked. It¡¯s calcted. It sends thousands of shivers down my spine.


    ¡°I¡¯d forgotten about that.¡±


    He chuckles silently. That? I¡¯m lost.


    ¡°ire is not my girlfriend.¡±


    Five words. On Sunday I thought to myself, in a sick and demented way I found constion in not being the only cheater.


    I thought Dn was in a rtionship too. He cheated as well. Yes, it¡¯s cruel, but I found sce knowing I probably won¡¯t be the only one losing my mind.


    I will not be the only one having to worry about him or her finding out. I thought he was with ire.


    Now he spits it to my face that he isn¡¯t.


    ¡°What?¡±


    My re takes him by surprise. He¡¯s knocked off bnce and rises to his feet. I get up as well and we¡¯re staring.


    ¡°What do you mean ire isn¡¯t your girlfriend?¡±


    I repeat. Much slower this time. Careful so he heard and digest each word. And hell his next words better be better than thest six he just uttered.


    ¡°I mean we aren¡¯t dating Cami. I never told you she was my girlfriend. You saw us together at the cafeteria. She saw you and the coffee shop and that was her being overly dramatic. We aren¡¯t together. We aren¡¯t dating.¡±


    I slip down to the chair. I¡¯m immobile for seconds. And the first feeling I register is a relief. I¡¯m a sick bastard. I¡¯m relieved to know Dn isn¡¯t with anyone. But then I¡¯m also a terrible person.


    He kissed me knowing he had no attachments to anyone else, but I did. I still do.


    Jimmy is kind. Jimmy is sweet. Jimmy is con free. I¡¯m messing up something beautiful. What is wrong with me?


    ¡°You never corrected me. You knew I would think that and you just let me.¡±


    I¡¯m concerned about how I sound. Pathetic. That¡¯s the word.


    ¡°Silence doesn¡¯t always mean yes. I¡¯m sorry for letting you think that. I guess I just wanted to know if the thought would bother you. It was ire¡¯s idea. The thought of me being with another. I wanted to know if it drove you crazy as it did me.¡±


    I bottle down the fluster. I conceal one reaction to his words ¨C blushing and focus on the other-annoyance.


    He knew I thought they were together. He let me think it ¨C for his own selfish needs. For himself.


    ¡°Cami, I never meant to make a fool out of you. I never.¡±


    I raise my hand and his lips clip shut.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the topic for today. It¡¯s also non of my business. Let¡¯s continue.¡±


    I sound as cold as Dn.


    ¡°How did you two meet?¡±


    ¡°We met through our parents.¡±


    He answers. Clip. Void of emotions.


    I see. I want to murmur, but I watch instead.


    I nod slowly, nibbling on my lips to keep them from shaking.


    ¡°Why did you two break up Dn?¡±


    I thread carefully.


    ¡°We broke up because she was using me. She only got close to me for selfish reasons. Every touch. Every word. Every phrase. Every kiss. All lies. Sculpted by her and aimed at me to control. To influence. And inevitably, to destroy. She was my undoing. They say there¡¯s a fine line between love and hate, I¡¯ve never rted much to that sentence, I do now. Since I can¡¯t tell if I hate or still love her.¡±


    I crumble. His words are my undoing. I shake severely. I keep biting my lips but they can¡¯t stop quaking. They don¡¯t stop jerking.


    I¡¯m sorry. What? Are you? I don¡¯t utter anything. I¡¯m stunned for words. I-


    I shake my head. Repeatedly.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s enough for today.¡±


    It is. This is too much information and it¡¯s vague. I want to know everything, but what if it¡¯s too much for me to bear.


    ¡°We¡¯ll continue tomorrow, that¡¯s if you¡¯re up to it. Maybe we can meet¡­¡±


    I can¡¯t keep my eyes off his. What happened?


    ¡°We can meet at my ce.¡±


    He interjects, I face him in astonishment. It disappears easily and I have to clear the lump from my throat.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    I croak, picking my things up.


    ¡°You want my help, right? From our session today I¡¯d tell you something. Take responsibility for your actions. Acknowledge your faults and the part you have to y in them. Goodbye Dn.¡±


    I slung my bag over my shoulders, angle my head and nce at him. He¡¯s looking already.


    I sigh. I sigh over again. I don¡¯t quit sighing until I¡¯m out the door and in the hallway.


    *****


    Thoughts?

 Chapter 111 Secrets And Shades [II]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    TUESDAY.


    Over twelve hours have run by since Athena William¡¯s title was spoken into my ears. I haven¡¯t been able to form a mental picture ergo Dn hadn¡¯t given away physical features.


    I may or may not have struggled not to search the web and then vacated the bed at three am to scribble a note to request more details on what she looked like. Okay fine. I did.


    I also prepared notes on further questions. I need to know; What did she do? How does he feel used? How did they break up? Does he still have her contact? Why is he still in love with her? Among other many questions?


    Then I scaled them in order of preference. All thirteen questions. Only then was I able to slumber. I ced my notebook between my fingers. If this is the surge I get from one patient, I can¡¯t wait to have sessions with more of them.


    ¡°We have a meeting for the project today. Maybe you and I can have our session there afterwards.¡±


    -Dn


    ¡°Sure-¡±


    My phone is being ripped out of my grip in the middle of reacting to Dn¡¯s text message.


    ¡°Miranda!¡±


    I howled, lifting mine. She replicated my movements only backing off, so she was out of my space.


    ¡°Dn? You¡¯re talking to Dn?¡±


    She snickers more amused than annoyed at the secret I was keeping.


    ¡°You¡¯re meeting him too? For sessions?¡±


    I blush fiercely, nting both hands beside my waist.


    ¡°You¡¯re in contact with Dn? What happened to,¡± he¡¯s in my past?¡± Hating him till wherever?¡±


    I roll my eyes at her failed attempt to match my tone.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten what happened between us. I¡¯m with Jimmy now.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°Maybe you should confess to yourself more often. This looks like you¡¯ve forgotten.¡±


    She shoves the cell in my face, dangling it directly beneath my eyes.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t forget. I¡¯m helping with a project because the other day when he came over, Jimmy was here as well. He bullied me into helping so he could leave.¡±


    She gasps, pressing one hand and the phone over her lips.


    Here we go.


    ¡°Cami Cecelia Ren¨¦e.¡±


    ¡°My middle name isn¡¯t-¡±


    ¡°Oh, now you want to sass me? I will call you whatever I want. A boy who isn¡¯t your boyfriend was in this room. Our room and I had no clue!¡±


    She stomps her foot. I want to tell her at that time Jimmy wasn¡¯t my boyfriend either, but I sp my lips and wait for the rant.


    ¡°How long has this been going on? What else are you keeping from me?¡±


    She narrows her gaze; I lick my dry lips and list out the things I hadn¡¯t told her yet. In my, mind. They¡¯re quite a lot.


    ¡°You¡¯ll crack it, eventually. Why ruin the fun?¡±


    Another gasp, but this time I smirk.


    ¡°And the sessions? What are those about?¡±


    ¡°Uhm¡­¡±


    I trail off at a loss for words. It¡¯s an ufortable subject. I can not tell Miranda.


    ¡°It¡¯s sensitive, but it has nothing to do with rtionships or our past. He¡¯s seeking my help as a psychologist. In training.¡±


    I bite my grin. Yes, I¡¯m fucking proud.


    ¡°I see. It¡¯s a delicate topic so you can¡¯t tell anyone. He requires both of you to meet together? Alone. He can speak to you freely for long hours and you should do this for a while?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes¡±


    I stutter, swallowing hard. That¡¯s the interpretation, but her tone feels like it isn¡¯t, but she¡¯s just saying it is.


    Not sarcasm. But not ¡°not¡± sarcasm. Sigh.


    ¡°Dn would not lie about something like that.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt your judgement, Cami. I just want you to stay certain of the things you do. You¡¯re dating Jimmy. You tried to be happy with someone else. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to him to keep you know¡­¡±


    I tighten my fists. If only Miranda knew Dn and I kissed on Sunday. Guilt earns its way and clouds my entire body. I¡¯m an awful girlfriend.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t get hurt again. I never want to see that Cami again. This time I¡¯ll break a few bones in Dn¡¯s body. And for Jimmy, try not to hurt him either. His only offence was loving you.¡±


    My bottom lip keeps throbbing after the talk. The whole room feels crowded. I need to go.


    ¡°I should get going to ss Miranda. Thank you..¡±


    I lean forward, plucking my cell phone then pressing my closed lips against her cheeks


    I¡¯m out the door with the second sigh of the day. I should get my shit together. After the maths course.


    ****


    Jimmy and I have been texting the entire day. No sses jointly mean restricted ¡°face time¡¯ and I miss him.


    Corny jokes. His hair. His choice of outfits. I miss Jimmy.


    I¡¯m halfway through texting on a meet for dinner when Dn answers.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    I click send for Jimmy and text Dn back.


    Another session.


    ****


    Their project ising together beautifully. I will see the presentation. I took part after all.


    But something tenses between Dn and me through the entire thing. Lingering thoughts until it¡¯s over.


    Graham isn¡¯t here. Thankfully. I don¡¯t need Jimmy more suspicious.


    Once everyone clears out, Dn pulls out two chairs opposite the other. He grabs a table for me and then takes a seat.


    Again his hair hasn¡¯t been touched, well not by ab. His hand bes the alternative. He¡¯s run them through continually.


    The while T-shirt and grey pants he¡¯s wearing are rumpled as well. I believe he may have taken a nap in them. He doesn¡¯t look good.


    ¡°We should begin?¡±


    His voice stays the same as yesterday. Unrevealing.


    ¡°Are you doing this to taunt me? So we could spend time together? This Athena thing?¡±


    His eyes spark to mine. Dn¡¯s nose red in annoyance. Miranda got into my head. I can¡¯t work unless I know for sure this isn¡¯t some sick game, but Dn¡¯s expressions are making me wish I could take back those sixteen words.


    ¡°You believe I¡¯m lying to you? Making up this sick story about Athena Williams? An imaginary first girlfriend?¡±


    I draw at his tone. He¡¯s scowling but there¡¯s hurt in those eyes. More hurt than anger.


    ¡°Dn I-¡±


    Fuck why did I allow Miranda to get into my head? He¡¯s up before I finish my assertion.


    I think he¡¯ll walk away but he¡¯s darting towards me, sticking his hands in the back pocket and retrieving his phone.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°No. I trained my mind. Soul. And body. I did nothing to pursue her, but you want proof of her existence? Fine. Here¡¯s thepany page.¡±


    He unlocks the screen, swiftly moving to Instagram. Search whichprises nothing but criminology results. Emerton enterprises.


    The ount is verified. My eyes are keen on the screen. Dn searches through the followers. Athena Williams.


    There are only two results, but Dn wastes not a second before tapping the first. The pressure on his arm lessons greatly and my guilts just keep adding up.


    I made him go back to her. Her profile is professional. Bioprising age, hobbies, and Snapchat handle.


    Dn¡¯s finger is frozen, hovering over the profile picture


    Two breaths. The trance breaks, and he diverts to one post. Thest post. A picture of her.


    I gasp. She¡¯s stunning. Remarkably beautiful. I angle my head and Dn¡¯s eyes are shut.


    ¡°I. Do. Not. Want. To. See. Convinced?¡±


    He seethes visible aware that I¡¯m staring. At him.


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡±


    He shuts the screen and dashes off to his seat. We can cross the first item of our scale. I have a mental picture.


    She¡¯s a brte. Her hair isn¡¯t too long, it barely reaches her shoulders, but her eyes. She has green eyes and perfect lips. If she didn¡¯t get a nose job, the almighty must love her a lot. Perfection. Athena is perfection.


    ¡°May we continue?¡±


    I look down at the notepad. The next question is direct as well.


    ¡°How did she use you?¡±


    My voicees off shallow. Petrified.


    Heughs then pauses, looks at the ceiling and a sigh slips past his pursed lips. I¡¯m torn between speaking ¨C cancelling the question and watching him battle himself.


    ¡°Athena¡¯s parents wanted to sign a deal with my father. My father¡¯spany. He was having mixed feelings about the entire thing. I can¡¯t tell if they put her up to it, or she wanted her parent¡¯s favour, or it was merely a mind game to her. I¡¯ve never fucking figured that aspect out.¡±


    He halts abruptly, tightening his jaw and watching me grip my notepad. His shoulders are tensed whole resting over the chair. I don¡¯t exhale until he does and one breath takes over my entire being.


    ¡°You know what¡¯s funny Cami? It¡¯s the fact that eventually, I figured things out. I found out. But you know what I did-¡±


    I cover my lip on the other and hold my head back from bobbing. It¡¯s a rhetorical question.


    ¡°Nothing Darlin. I didn¡¯t do a thing. I let her do as she pleases. I pushed aside my family¡¯s future since my dad was sceptical of the whole thing. I knew she was using me and I let her. Not for revenge. Not for vengeance. I had no n except to let her n scale through. I loved her that much.¡±


    Mental notes are falling into my mind. Was the deal a bad thing? Did it go through? Was Dn¡¯s father¡¯spany harmed in any way?


    So many questions. Then I nce forward and Dn¡¯s eyes are stark red. His lips are shaking and busted from the number of times he¡¯s bitten them.


    He¡¯s still. Aside from his lips, every other part of him ispletely still. His confession left him frozen. I¡¯m still breathing. I thought for sure my lungs will get clogged.


    Every ounce of control holds me back from sping his hand and kissing it until there¡¯s no sorrow left. But I don¡¯t. I watch him. Utterly andpletely broken.


    I can only help if I¡¯m aware of the entire thing. Comforting him will not do either of us any good.


    ****


    I had so much to do the previous day and today. There might be a shift in the times I post. I¡¯ll be using UTC+1 and I¡¯ll be uploading before midnight (UTC+1) Apologies for any inconvenience.

 Chapter 112 Secrets And Secrets [III]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    TUESDAY.


    ¡°Athena¡¯s parents have been a family friend. At the very least that¡¯s the story they gave me when my father introduced them in our living room.¡±


    I pretend not to exist in the room. I don¡¯t shift for any sound. Dn meets the ceiling while enunciating as though this was a reminiscence to himself than a profession to me. I don¡¯t mind truly. I¡¯m here to listen.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t care for the likes of them. I just yearned to y video games, text, maybe toss on a few leather jackets.¡±


    ¡°But then she came over. The Williams were over for dinner twice. As at the third invitation, I bolt the door and stayed inside. I only went down for a ss of water. That¡¯s when I saw her. My first thought was, ¡°how old do you have to be to get married¡±


    He chuckles, sliding both hands underneath his head.


    ¡°Then she nced at me and it was like an enchantment. The beginning of my torment.¡±


    ¡°I spent my free time with her. Movies. Dancing. Texting. Laughing. I was falling for her and she misled me into thinking she fell for me too. And when we kissed, I was gone for. I loved her with every sense, every blood, every bone, my entire being existed for her.¡±


    He¡¯s talking lowly again.


    ¡°How did you find out she was using you?¡±


    Hetches his eyes to mine, asserting my presence. Those eyes, they¡¯ve never been this dull and full of so much suffering.


    ¡°I overheard my parents discussing the contract. Father said he didn¡¯t have a good feeling about it and when I tried to move away, I caught Athena hearing in as well. She said she was trying to find me. A lie. I had grown used to her expressions that I knew it was an instant lie, but I loved her still so I jabbed it away and enjoyed her spell.¡±


    ¡°And then she switched up. Instead of teenage talks. Movies. Beaches. She would utter talks of thepany. How an alliance would mean both of us never get separated. Those were her words, and they worked. I saw it from her eyes and I wanted nothing more.¡±


    ¡°My parents didn¡¯t budge with my word. Athena red with bitterness and cried. She said I didn¡¯t love her enough and left. I couldn¡¯t bear her rage so I followed. I saw her ledger tossed away in her bag. She kept details of her progress. She made me a case and left passages. Detailed entries of the both of us. Side note on how I was easy to manipte and get to. I read the entire thing, but I wasn¡¯t hurt. I was not upset. I was a sick bastard who only felt the need to give Athena what she desired.¡±


    Dn¡¯s eyes are closed, but he recites tenderly.


    ¡°I imagined If I did this she¡¯d love me more. You know like in the books? Fate dating then falling in love.¡±


    He chortles softly.


    ¡°I was a fool. I seeded, but I was a fool.¡±


    He switches fromughter to irritation.


    ¡°I got her the contract. I assured my parents to sign. And Athena walked away from me. She ceased to return my calls. She stoppeding over. I wasn¡¯t permitted to see her and weekster, she left the country. She wielded me. I let her use me. I used me.¡±


    ¡°The contract, did it do much harm to your father¡¯spany?¡±


    Every time I cut in, his eyes glisten. I pull him back from whatever damnation he had descended into.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t a parasitic rtionship, but they earned so much and my father got peanuts. He was smart to put a validity use, so we got out after three years, but I know they both me me. I me myself. It¡¯s me not sympathising with them. I only mourned her. I was angry at losing her.¡±


    He twirls his fingers in midair.


    ¡°I made such a huge mistake, and I didn¡¯t care for a long time. A yearter I got better. But I couldn¡¯t risk loving. I closed off. I detested myself. And I packed Athena¡¯s history in a box and kept it which is why I do not know if I love her still. Which is why I needed your help.¡±


    He finally seats straight,tching one finger onto the other, then gaping. At me.


    ¡°And now that you know everything Cami; how much of a fuck up am I?¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t.¡±


    I answer, dropping the notepad and pen.


    ¡°The truth is; You were a kid. We were all kids. Hell, our moralpass was based on stupid kinks, drugs, and alcohol. What you did was shitty, and it cost your parents so much. It formed the basis of you believing you¡¯re a screw-up-¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    He croaks like he¡¯s in pain. Like the entire thing was burning from his insides.


    ¡°You were Dn. Past tense. You¡¯re not a kid anymore. You¡¯re older. Wiser. More experienced. I can¡¯t tell you if Athena is the love of your life, that part is for you to figure out by yourself, but the entire rtionship was built on lies. It was toxic. But I can¡¯t tell you how to feel. I can only help with the mental block. The ideology is that one mistake should define your entire life. It shouldn¡¯t. I can say with absolute certainty your parents have forgiven you. Now you have to acquit yourself. It¡¯s crappy. It¡¯s hard. But the only way you¡¯ll move on is to free yourself.¡±


    ¡°What if I can¡¯t?¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯ll be lost in yourself and her. Reliving the cycle of hurting others as a defence mechanism for getting hurt in the past.¡±


    ¡°Cami-¡±


    ¡°That night when I walked in on both of you.¡±


    He pauses tensing immediately.


    ¡°The pain was excruciating. I couldn¡¯t breathe because I forgot how to. I could not think since every reasoning had left my body. It broke me apart and for months I wasn¡¯t myself. I created a defence mechanism as well. I blocked anyone from getting too close to hurt me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re with Jimmy.¡±


    He breathes. It¡¯s not ridiculing or hoaxing. More of a reminder.


    ¡°Ah, yes. I said yes to Jimmy because I needed a breath of fresh air, he had all the right boxes and I didn¡¯t want to live in the dark. I didn¡¯t want that defence so I ripped it apart. And in doing so, I let go of what you did. I refused to let it dictate my actions.¡±


    I exhaled. ¡°I forgave you.¡±


    I whisper, clipping my eyelids shut.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Are you saying this too-¡±


    ¡°No. It¡¯s nothing but the truth. I forgave you for everything because I wanted to move on. I haven¡¯t thought of that night in months now. It¡¯s why I could stand so close to you, why I could speak freely without so much resentment. It still hurts like shit, but that rage just isn¡¯t there. I need you to know that Dn. And I need you to forgive yourself. It¡¯s the only way you¡¯ll be happy.¡±


    He¡¯s shaking again. His shoulders are raking with whispers of a sob. I count just three and they¡¯re barely audible.


    ¡°It¡¯s not just Athena. Tons of other girls. I scared them. Including you. How do I forgive myself for that?¡±


    ¡°I told you yesterday. Acknowledge your fault. Admit the part you had to y in it and let go. Then move on with your life.¡±


    He pokes his head off the side of the chair, groaning loudly.


    A few secondster, he pops up abruptly and makes his way over to me.


    My brows knit in confusion, my knees mp together and Dn drops to my level, crouching then steadily his hands over eachp.


    I freeze momentarily, letting the shock register in my head.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    He runs a few fingers through the length of his hair and then exhales.


    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to apologise to everyone I¡¯ve hurt. I can¡¯t let them know how stupid or selfish it was or the reason I did those things was out of hurt. I can apologise to you though.¡±


    ¡°Dn that was almost a year ago, and I told you I¡¯ve-¡±


    ¡°Yes. You¡¯ve forgiven me, but that¡¯s in context. That¡¯s your mental block. You¡¯re saying it to move on, but have you really? Or have you told yourself it many times that a lie has shaped itself into the truth? There¡¯s another reason why you can stand being near me, but it isn¡¯t because you¡¯ve pardoned me. I know that because I did not earn your forgiveness.¡±


    Another reason?


    ¡°But you¡¯ve already apologised-¡±


    ¡°No. That night I don¡¯t think I was sorry.¡±


    I wince as a string of hurt reaches my chest.


    ¡°No¡­ I mean I don¡¯t think my apology was genuine. I tried to kiss you afterwards. I didn¡¯t fully understand how deeply I hurt you. Something still focused me on myself and my needs. I knew what I did was terrible that¡¯s why I ran after you, but that was a crappy apology and I should¡¯ve done more.¡±


    ¡°Dn-¡±


    ¡°No. Let me finish. The only way I can forgive myself is if I clear my conscience for breaking you. For making you feel you have to date someone else. For pushing you to be with someone else. For the months of pain. Sorrow. Heartache. Tears. For making you miss out on beautiful things because you were healing. For being me. For losing you.¡±


    I gulp. My mind is crying out a contradiction to those words, but I can¡¯t mouth them. He¡¯s wrong. Right? I¡¯m not with Jimmy because of Dn. I didn¡¯t date Jimmy as validation for moving on. Right?


    ¡°I¡¯ve carried the weight of my actions and the pain of being hurt by a loved one. I transfer that aggression and I am sorry. Cami, I am sorry. For making you feel less worthy. For making you think I¡¯m indecisive about you. For making you feel unworthy. For you have to see that disgusting act. For not knowing how to properly care for you. I ampletely sorry.¡±


    His voice fails him and mine is stuck in my throat, lowering my head to keep my gaze on him. He¡¯s shuddering still.


    Then, his hands creep from my thighs and pull my right hand. He takes it up to his lips, cing a kiss at the centre. His lips leave an invisible branding and I¡¯m blinking back as many tears as I can.


    ¡°Anyone with a brain knows you¡¯re-perfection. Entirely perfect. Certainly magnificent. The lots of me is undeserving of you.¡±


    He murmurs, grazing his lips at the edge of my thumb before letting go.


    ¡°Dn, I-¡±


    He grins. It covers his entire face and all the words just hang in my throat. ¡°Forgive me.¡±


    He hums.


    ¡°Thank you, Cami. For everything. I think there¡¯s one more thing I have to do.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    I stutter, startled by how quickly he veers the topic.


    ¡°Athena. I need to speak with Athena. There are a few questions only she can give answers to.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He nods in affirmation.


    ¡°Even if the answers aren¡¯t what I expected, that¡¯s fine. It¡¯s better than being curious for the rest of my life. And hopefully, I¡¯ll be able to get closure and finally let go.¡±


    I stare at him in awe. A million thoughts just gushing through me. I had forgiven him¡­ I think. But he still apologised. And the things he said about Jimmy and me. Were those just off-topic additions or are they more vital than I give credit for?


    ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. We should go.¡±


    I nod twice. This is a new shade of Dn.


    ******

 Chapter 113 Closure

    DYLAN EMERTON


    TUESDAY


    Load shedding. Relief. Inner peace. A strike able bnce between my mind, body, and soul.


    That¡¯s how good it felt to open up about her. When I returned from the wedding, I kept fretting, although the kiss had awakened a fire inside of me; I craved to do more. Just not yet.


    My past will always tow me down to a dark, lonely, and quiet cell. I need to free myself. The shackles of Athena Williams had to be broken.


    And they are. They are because of Cami. Just when I reckoned I couldn¡¯t love her less, she pushes the line a little further.


    I¡¯m utterly smitten by her. It took years to say those words and I mean them now. I¡¯m in love with Cami Ren¨¦e.


    I breathe sharply walking beside her in silence. What I would give in exchange for a confession. I lost it back there.


    So beautiful. So worship-able. At her feet, given the infinite pleasure of beholding her features.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    The words were on my mind yet stuck in my throat. I jerked back. I already made out with her once. She¡¯s in a rtionship, I¡¯m giving the respect for that sole reason.


    I¡¯m not quite prepared to watch her love someone else, but I¡¯ll bottle my longings My pain. My desires. For her.


    I¡¯ll fix myself. Go meet Athena. Clear my head. And once I¡¯m back, I¡¯ll be Cami¡¯s. If she¡¯ll have me.


    ******


    Athena is in Pennsylvania. Finding her was easy. The power of Google and Instagram. She attends a university there, but locating her residence proved tricky.


    I had to call in a few favours from my dad¡¯s contact and an hourter; I had an address. My flight leaves tomorrow morning before 8.


    ******


    I got a max of five hours of sleepst night after fidgeting with my pillow, propping my hands in my face and ying online games.


    I touched ground minutes ago. Since I don¡¯t have any luggage, I¡¯m currently waiting for the cab to take me to her ce.


    The drive took less than twenty minutes and then came to a halt in front of a medium-sized apartment. Almost the same size as mine.


    Stepping down, my heartbeat went in the opposite direction and even quicker as I approached the door.


    What if she¡¯s not home? Or shuts the door in my face?


    I folded my fist and knocked softly.


    No answer. I gave a three-second allowance and then rang the doorbell instead.


    ¡°Coming.¡±


    I froze at the sound of her voice. This is it. Myst shot to walk away. No ¨C I¡¯m doing this. I smoothen the length of my hair, her steps drawing nearly. Three breaths and the doorknob clicks to reveal her figure.


    Shock? Anger? Love? Awe?


    I thought I¡¯d feel those, but no. I just stare at her. Recognition shes through her eyes and she hold the door to restrain herself and her breathing.


    ¡°May Ie in, please?¡±


    I quip, striking a small smile. She nodded and then moved aside.


    Slowly, I trudged inside, and the apartment is like mine.


    ¡°Hello, Dn.¡±


    She fidgeted with a nail, creasing the other underneath her green shirt.


    Her jeans began directly beneath her navel.


    Athena hadn¡¯t altered even the slightest. Maybe a little more height, piercing green eyes ring as ever, her curves were more outgoing and finally, she grew her hair past her shoulder, but still the same girl I kissed in the cinema.


    ¡°Hi.¡±


    I answer,ying my back on the couch without an invitation.


    Athena stands there, ncing, watching, observing, her lips would asionally part but she¡¯ll clip them back.


    ¡°There¡¯s something-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She cries out, pausing my sentence.


    Sorry?


    ¡°Uhm-¡±


    ¡°No. Continue. I want to hear what you have to say.¡±


    I cross my legs, spreading my arms around the chair. The living room is the size of my apartment at Cal-U. It has an enclosed section for the wine cab and dining, which minecks.


    ¡°For blocking you out of my life years ago. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    She slumps on the nearest sofa.


    ¡°Blocking is one specific way to put it. I¡¯m more concerned about the motivations for those actions and I need you to be honest with me. You owe me that much after the entire time?¡±


    I incline my head, spotting the wine cab.


    ¡°A second.¡±


    Swiftly, I strut towards it, picking out a bottle of red wine and two sses. I need to stay focused.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m listening.¡±


    I dered upon my return. Athena seems moreposed, she¡¯s exhaling at intervals, legs and arms crossed.


    ¡°I-¡±


    She stops, heaving arge sigh. My lids perk in curiosity.


    ¡°Maybe I should ask the questions then. I knew what you did Athena. That day when you got angry and left, I saw your journal entries if that¡¯s what you¡¯ll call them. Dating all you¡¯ve done to get into my life for getting my dad to align with your dad.¡±


    Athena¡¯s focus rests on her legs, I can only hear her stable breathing. Still, she does not answer. And I continue.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°I found out before the contract was signed. Weeks ago precisely.¡±


    She snaps her head to me, confronting my eyes for the second time today. She scans my features for hints of foul y and shifts when she senses none.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand, why didn¡¯t you say anything? If you knew what I wanted to do, why didn¡¯t you try to stop me?¡±


    She murmurs instinctively.


    ¡°Because I thought I was in love with you. I thought it¡¯ll make you happy. I thought you were doing it so both of us can have an alliance as well. I was young, stupid, and reckless.¡±


    She shivers, turning her head away.


    ¡°I knew, and I helped you. I persuaded my dad in fact and the deal bit us in the ass courtesy of your dad, but I¡¯m not here to reminisce all of that. I just want to know why you did it. The truth. Your parents put you up to it? Did they instruct their daughter to befriend and manipte me? I just need to know why.¡±


    ¡°After all these years, you¡¯re here to know why I betrayed your trust?¡±


    Sheced her tongue with disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, Athena.¡±


    I seethe,ing off harsher than I expected. She jumps slightly, recoiling at my tone. An apology is at the tip of my tongue, but I bite it back.


    ¡°I deserve the truth. If only that¡¯s what I get from you.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    She answers as soon as I finish. No? I don¡¯t deserve the truth?


    ¡°No. My parents did not ask me to do it.¡±


    She rifies, breathing in and out. I jerk tremendously. A part of me had the tiniest hope that Athena was innocent-not quite but at least she wasn¡¯t the orchestrator.


    But she was. The removed knife from before resurfaces and sinks deeper into my heart.


    ¡°My parents wanted us to move to another state because that branch wasn¡¯t doing well. I figured if we got the contract we wouldn¡¯t have to move. I didn¡¯t want to leave.¡±


    I cut her off with a scoff.


    ¡°I call bullshit. You left anyway. You left the country less than a monthter.¡±


    Her eyes glistened then she looks away.


    ¡°Let me finish.¡±


    She whispers breathlessly.


    ¡°I had friends back here, so I asked my parents if the Emertons had agreed after two meetings. They said it was under negotiation, but we may not have that time. I couldn¡¯t leave, so on the third dinner, I opted to tag along and see things myself. I had no intention of trying to manipte. I barely paid attention. I didn¡¯t know the Emerton had a son ¡±


    ¡°Sons.¡±


    I correct clenching my fist.


    ¡°Dn-¡±


    ¡°Continue.¡±


    I answer briskly.


    ¡°When I saw you, I was curious. Eager to know more, but my parents said the third one did little either. That¡¯s why I began searching for options and-¡±


    ¡°And you used me for your selfish gains.¡±


    Iplete, chuckling darkly.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it right?¡±


    ¡°I never meant to hurt you. I never meant to date you. I just wanted to get close to you, befriends and-,¡±


    ¡°Bull. You let me touch you. You went out with me. You said yes. You gave off those signals. You never wanted friendship!¡±


    I exim, heaving repeatedly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t want it to go that far at first. I was selfish. Young. Stupid. I never meant to hurt you.¡±


    ¡°But you did. Because of you, I haven¡¯t been able to love anyone else properly. I can¡¯t me you entirely, but you¡¯re the catalyst. You couldn¡¯t even leave a message. You just used me for your gains, blocked me out of your life then packed up and left.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know what to do. My parents said the branch was doing well and didn¡¯t need their aid, so we would leave still. I was angry. Hurt.¡±


    ¡°I hurt you?¡±


    I utter in disbelief. Unbelievable.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I know it¡¯s a shitty thing. I did a terrible thing.¡±


    My legs are jerking with anger. I¡¯m not sure about the hopes I had when I arrived, but this just annoys me.


    It¡¯s fucking crazy. She did everything for her. Her selfish needs. Fuck my life.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Dn. I never intended to cause you pain or suffering.¡±


    ¡°You just continued living your life in this new state? Let go of the entire past. Me.¡±


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°Answer me.¡±


    I fume.


    ¡°I¡¯m not heartless.¡±


    ¡°Debatable.¡±


    I scoff.


    ¡°I¡¯m not. I made terrible decisions, but I regretted all of them. I was too engrossed in me to call after a while and I guessed time passed.¡±


    ¡°You moved on Athena. Just say the fucking words.¡±


    I sip from the wine chuckling once more.


    ¡°I came here for closure. I need to move on as well. I had theories, but I genuinely thought your parents were to me. Now I find out it¡¯s all you, I¡¯m not sure what to think. I want to judge you, but I realise I did the things you did as well. Maybe even worse. I could use our past as vindication, but that¡¯ll make me silly. Take responsibility for your actions and the role you yed in them. You hurt me. I hurt people. That cycle needed to end, so I¡¯m breaking it.¡±


    I gulp the remaining contents of the ss and set it over the table.


    ¡°You¡¯re in love with someone.¡±


    Athena breathes, meeting my gaze once more. Iugh.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to think I am, but maybe it¡¯s just a phase. Attraction. My head feels shitty now, so I can¡¯t tell the difference.¡¯


    ¡°You¡¯ve hurt her?¡±


    ¡°Yes. More than once.¡±


    Iugh again.


    ¡°And you¡¯re stilling back?¡±


    ¡°I keeping back and hurting her, maybe it makes me a sick bastard and not the guy who loves her.¡±


    I¡¯m surprised at my tone. I don¡¯t sound harsh. I utter those words calmly and it knocks me off bnce.


    ¡°You¡¯re here for closure to give yourself to herpletely. Whether you¡¯re in love with her, that¡¯s not an easy thing to do.¡±


    I giggle.


    ¡°I might never earn your forgiveness not erase the things I did to you, but I regretted every horrible choice. If I could take it back, I would.¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want you to.¡±


    ¡°If you took away that mistake, everything would be very different. I wouldn¡¯t strive to be the Dn Emerton I am now. I wouldn¡¯t have met her.¡±


    ¡°Will you ever be able to forgive me?¡±


    ¡°All this time I didn¡¯t know if I still loved you or hated you for those actions, and now I have my answer. It¡¯s neither. I loved you in the beginning. I loved you as much as a teenager could love a girl. When you left, I had to hate you to stop loving you, but after a while, I just stopped doing both. Now it¡¯s nothing. The realisation is refreshing Athena.¡±


    She blinks back thrice.


    ¡°And to answer your question; there¡¯s nothing to forgive anymore. If I were angry, but I¡¯m not. I felt nothing towards you and I don¡¯t mean that as an insult. It¡¯s how I feel now.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say, Dn. I wasn¡¯t expecting you toe back ever.¡±


    I chuckle and hop off the couch.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to show up here either, but this chapter of my life needed an ending. I¡¯m satisfied with what I got. I¡¯d have to leave now, but thank you. For your honesty.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to keep in touch this time. I¡¯d like it if we try the friends¡¯ ship again.¡±


    I smile softly.


    ¡°I linked my inst to my father¡¯spany¡¯s ount. The cards are all yours, but I have a flight to catch.¡±


    ¡°I have to get my girl back.¡±


    I momble the final words to myself.


    ****


    Apologies for not being able to upload for the past two days. I have and will be caught up in work throughout the rest of this month. I can¡¯t assure daily updates but will try to update at least once in two days. I¡¯ll make it up to everyone afterwards.

 Chapter 114 Pros And Cons

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    THURSDAY.


    11:35 AM


    ¡°Yes mother, I got back safely. I took off three days ago and you call now?¡±


    I twirl my eyes, knocking a few books off my table identally.


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    ¡°Language my dear. Language!¡±


    She criticized.


    ¡°Yes, mother.¡±


    I momble, bulging my tongue. I lowered half my body to the floor to pick up the books, curving my head to keep the cell phone over my ear.


    ¡°And I didn¡¯t call because your father and I left for a business trip the next day. Besides, I can¡¯t take the entire me, you couldn¡¯t send a text as well.¡±


    I have been a bad daughter. Promising then failing to keep.


    ¡°Yes, mother. I¡¯ll call or text next time. Send my apologies to dad.¡±


    I generate a mental note to return these books to the library. I wrapped up November 9test night.


    ¡°I love you, Cami. We both do and it sucks that you¡¯re far away and don¡¯t call or text. And that¡¯s not the only reason I¡¯m mad at you.¡±


    She huffs. I¡¯ll need to seat down for the next part.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What else did I do Mother?¡±


    I cross my fingers, uttering a silent prayer that Mother hadn¡¯t known about the kiss.


    ¡°Your father was telling me an interesting story yesterday. He ims you and Dn were making out in the lobby. He said it was ferocious, passionate, and you both appeared to be sucking each other off for dear life.¡±


    ¡°Dad didn¡¯t say that mom.¡±


    I momblezily. Prayer is unanswered.


    ¡°Fine. He said you kissed Dn.¡±


    ¡°He kissed me.¡±


    I correct.


    ¡°You let him didn¡¯t you?¡±


    My mother doesn¡¯te off judging. There¡¯s nothing but amusement clouded in his voice. Her daughter¡¯s life has a resemnce toedy.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t exactly have a choice. I was against a fuck ¨C brick wall.¡±


    I interject, avoiding the curse word.


    ¡°I don¡¯t understand Cami. I thought he broke your heart, and you hated him.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a genie to grant wishes so I could ask why you were sulking for the better part of this year. I¡¯m aware he had something to do with it..¡±


    I cringe my nose. Mother and Father gave me space. They asked no questions while I was in my ¡°zone¡± They knew the entire time and said nothing?


    ¡°Mother¡­¡±


    ¡°Is it like a forbidden Romance?¡±


    ¡°No, mother!¡±


    I gasp, falling into the bed, propping my hand over my face. Oh, God.


    ¡°So what then? You hate him. Enemies to lovers?¡±


    ¡°Jesus! What have you been reading?¡±


    I clutch my tummy with my free hand, doubling inughter.


    ¡°I¡¯ve seen the movies. You hate each other with a vow, then you can¡¯t contain your emotions, and all that hate just goes into this passionate kiss. Oh, my God.¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    I whined. That sounds like what happened with Dn and me, but my mother isn¡¯t obtaining that satisfaction. Also, the hatred isn¡¯t mutual.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a business meeting or something mother?¡±


    ¡°Or something. But we get no mother-daughter time. You were overst week, but after the wedding, you shut off and let¡¯s not even get open on the dancing you and Dn were engaged in. The stares that boy gives you.¡±


    She coos dreamily, gushing loudly. I disced the cell from my ear, sighing dejectedly.


    ¡°It was just a dance mother.¡±


    ¡°And the kiss?¡±


    She puts in.


    ¡°Then on Sunday, you disappeared throughout then your flightter in the day. Oh my God!¡±


    She yelled. Startled, I tossed the phone away. I have two dramatic women in my life at this point.


    ¡°Why did you scream mother?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re in a book. This is such a good plot.¡±


    ¡°Again with this? I¡¯m not the main character in your Romance books mother.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you though? I just recalled the boyfriend. The one your dad kept cursing under his breath. The one with the wavy hair. He has a pretty face, my dear. Emmy? Was it?¡±


    ¡°Jimmy, mother. His name is Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°Right! Jimmy. You¡¯re such a nasty girl. He was rooms away while you were making out with Dn. This is getting better and better!¡±


    ¡°My God! Mother!¡±


    ¡°What? This is good. Did you tell him yet? What did he say? Did he get down on his knees? Cry? Please tell me he cried for you, dear. Did he threaten to cut Dn¡¯s arm off?¡±


    ¡°Goodbye, mother.¡±


    ¡°Cami Lera Ren¨¦e, do not hang up on your mother!¡±


    She warned sternly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not discussing my rtionship life.¡±


    ¡°Rtionships.¡±


    She corrects, giggling loudly.


    ¡°Dn and I aren¡¯t in a rtionship mother.¡±


    ¡°So why did you let him kiss you? And enjoy it?¡±


    Silence. Someone¡¯s finally speaking aloud. Voicing the question I¡¯ve been asking my subconscious for days now.


    ¡°Honey, why are you with Emmy-sorry Jimmy?¡±


    ¡°I like him.¡±


    I grumble, curling into the bed. The never-ending question.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because mother; he¡¯s nice to me. He treats me well. He¡¯s handsome. He takes me on dates. He¡¯s funny too. He checks out everything.¡±


    ¡°You initiated with he¡¯s nice to me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother. That¡¯s his biggest pro, and he¡¯s not boring!¡±


    The final words came out louder than I aimed to. I won¡¯t endure Mother ndering Jimmy as Dn did.


    ¡°I would not say he was, honey. You didn¡¯t include the kissing part? Is he terrible at it¡±


    ¡°Mother!¡±


    I rasped, my cheeks turning light red.


    ¡°We¡¯re both adults Cami, I¡¯d like to know if he¡¯s terrible. He checks out all the simple qualities. What about passion? Is he good in bed too?¡±


    I toss over, groaning into the air.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t had sex with him, Mother. Jesus.¡±


    ¡°Alright. Alright. But he is a good kisser?¡±


    I track the edge of my lips, searching through my memory box for ourst kiss. If we¡¯re citing passion, it¡¯ll be the time we nearly had sex in his bedroom. I flutter my eyes close, a breath escaping through my lips.


    Jimmy¡¯s lips over my neck, tracing soft kisses, my back pressed against his bed, I sigh softly-but then the memory grows fuzzy. When I open my eyes once again, Jimmy isn¡¯t hovering over me.


    He¡¯s reced by Dn whose mouth is on mine. Hot and swift. The fragmented pieces of me moan and take her hand in his hair, plopping her upper body to meet her needs, grinding her lower part against his.


    Wait-what?


    I snap my lids open, gasping out of breath. Did I just-


    Oh, God. I touch my lower lip, jerking my head.


    ¡°Cami? Are you there?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Mother.¡±


    I answer breathlessly.


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s nothing, Mother.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Jimmy is a good kisser.¡±


    I add, pressing my hand over my beating heart. Why did I think of that?


    ¡°If he is honey, why did you kiss Dn?¡±


    ¡°I-¡±


    ¡°You know what? Since you love lists so much, make one of Dn and Jimmy. Pros and cons.¡±


    ¡°Jimmy doesn¡¯t have any con¡¯s mother.¡±


    ¡°He does. Dn kisses better.¡±


    ¡°Mother! That¡¯s not his fault so it shouldn¡¯t count as a con.¡±


    ¡°So you admit Dn¡¯s a better kisser.¡±


    ¡°No! God. Mother!¡±


    She ripples inughs; I facepalm myself, slumping my shoulders hard.


    ¡°Reverse psychology shouldn¡¯t work on you, but I am your mother.¡±


    She spits between bursts ofughter.


    ¡°Make the list honey. You don¡¯t need to tell me about it, even though I¡¯ll daydream. Recall some pros have more weight than others.¡±


    This got bizarre fast.


    Sigh.


    ¡°What happens when I¡¯m done with the list?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll know honey.¡±


    ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t hurt Jimmy and I can¡¯t be with Dn either. He¡¯s-¡±


    ¡°He hurt you didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°How did you-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your mother, love. Did he apologise?¡±


    ¡°Yes. He did.¡±


    ¡°Did you exonerate him?¡±


    ¡°I did it all over again.¡±


    ¡°Then make the list honey.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not selecting between the two of them mother. This is ridiculous. I should not be speaking to you on matters such as this.¡±


    She chuckles for half a minute.


    ¡°I¡¯m dating Jimmy. It¡¯s not a choice.¡±


    ¡°Oh honey, it became a choice the minute you kissed Dn.¡±


    That conceals my nexte back.


    ¡°Have a good day, honey. Call your old woman once in a while. I miss you. I love you.¡±


    She sniffles.


    ¡°I love you too mom. I¡¯ll call. I promise.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye Cami.¡±


    I momble it back and the line goes dead. I notice a text sent ten minutes ago. A text from Dn.


    We haven¡¯t been in contact since Tuesday. After the session. After he ran off to see his ex-girlfriend.


    ¡°The project presentation is today by 3. Come to see?¡±


    Curiosity will end me. Not for the presentation, but for how the trip went. He¡¯s back? I figured he might spend so much time with her?


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    I text back and crawl under the covers. Two hours of sleep to wash off my mother¡¯s cynical words. No way I¡¯m making a list between both boys. Not a chance in hell.


    ******


    I¡¯ll do my best to upload it earlier tomorrow. Please leave a review after reading.

 Chapter 115 Harper Kennedy

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E.


    THURSDAY.


    This is pungent. The setting. The outfits. Even the words used are hot. I¡¯m not speakingpletely about Dn-sure he¡¯s standing out with that suit. Not the kind on Saturday-but an actual ck suit vest, the hand-less jacket hase off his torso and hanging over a chair.


    He¡¯s not wearing a T-shirt, but a full-sleeved shirt. Tight. Sexy. So good. I can peak at the frames of his chest.


    Aside from Dn, the entire exhibition is heated. Sizzling.


    Dn spoke coherently, outgoing, with a little humour now and then. His role was to cite facts and evidence procured during the investigation. Seeing him say words like ¡°Reconnaissance¡± does a lot to my lower parts.


    Words have always been this huge turn on. There¡¯s nothing sexier than a guy who¡¯s able to express himself using words. A guy who¡¯s not afraid to speak on exactly the things he feels.


    ¡°Perfection. Divine.¡±


    I smile softly recurring his messages and the impact they had on me.


    ¡°Sincere Expression. Unintentionally Attractive.¡±


    I momble in my head.


    Oh, my. Did I just give him a pro?


    ¡°So what¡¯d you think?¡±


    Speak of the brown-eyed devil.


    ¡°It was perfect. You did expertly well.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Darlin, I¡¯m d you enjoyed it.¡±


    He swirls and began moving, nudging his head like a cue for me to follow.


    I shove the pro and my mother¡¯s words down a sinkhole. How did I unconsciously listen to her? The same way I thought of kissing Jimmy and Dn invaded that daydream. The same shit happens now with this list.


    It¡¯s a terrific pro.


    ¡°Some pros carry more weight than others.¡±


    Holy mother. I¡¯m quoting my mother.


    Jimmy says sexy words too. Again with theparison? As though it¡¯s a choice. As my mother pointed out.


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    ¡°Mother?¡±


    I say half my thoughts by ident, jerking at his touch over my shoulder. He quirked his brows, wielding augh.


    ¡°Girls usually use the term daddy. But we can work with mother too? Maybe switch it up to mommy?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s terrible. Oh. My. God. That¡¯s horrible. Don¡¯t say that again. Don¡¯t!¡±


    I sp my belly with both hands, hollowing inughter.


    ¡°What? You¡¯re not into the kink?¡±


    ¡°Moaning daddy in bed? Or mommy? God that¡¯s weird-mommy. Who knows?¡±


    I shrugged, dialling down to a few chuckles.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been with a girl who called you daddy?¡±


    I blurt as we flee from his lecture hall. He narrows his gaze, grinding silently on the inners of his lips.


    Athena maybe? He must like it then.


    ¡°No Cami, I have not. But it is fascinating and I wonder how it¡¯ll sound if-¡±


    He clips his lips swiftly; I wonder if he were biting down the next words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. It could be quirky.¡±


    ¡°How would you know Cami? You haven¡¯t gottenid in ages.¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    I eximed, jabbing an elbow at him.


    ¡°And you getid every weekend correct?¡±


    I Intended to match his tone, the opposite, however. I wanted toe off sarcastically. But no. That phrase almost seemed daring and the tiniest bit of ¨C bitterness.


    ¡°Jealousy?¡±


    Inner me supplied.


    ¡°Annoyed.¡±


    I shook my head instead.


    ¡°No Cam, I don¡¯t getid every weekend.¡±


    He replies smoothly. Not a hint of an edge in his tone. If he noticed my irritation, he hid it well.


    ¡°Twice a month then?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    He breathed, and we¡¯re out of the entire faculty.


    ¡°Once a month even?¡±


    ¡°No Cami. Not even once a month.¡±


    He tossed the jacket of the vest on, lowering his head to button up. I can ogle without getting caught because this man is just ¨C ugh.


    He finally stuck ab through his hair,  he threw the entire length backwards. It¡¯s shinier, definitely gel.


    ¡°This entire year at the very least?¡±


    I supply, crouching my head away once we did him buttoning. He strode first, and I countered his strides.


    ¡°Not even this year.¡±


    He breathed, staring at the half-empty walk away. To be fair, it¡¯s almost six pm, and the school is clearing out.


    ¡°How long has it been then?¡±


    I fold my hands, halting immediately.


    ¡°Let¡¯s see.¡±


    Clicking his tongue, he gazed everywhere else repeating the same motion repeatedly.


    ¡°My calction should be an estimate but; ten months, six days, two hours, and a few minutes.¡±


    Pa. He hasn¡¯t been with anyone since her. Since the two of us went our detached ways that night. How do I react to this information?


    ¡°That¡¯s a long time. Pretty sure your dick is out ofmission. I doubt it¡¯ll be able to work properly ever again.¡±


    Again, a page out of my boyfriend¡¯s book is cringing.


    Using Jimmy¡¯s tactics on Dn.


    ¡°Oh Darling, you¡¯ll be surprised.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    ¡°Wanna test your theory?¡±


    His eyes rest on mine, taunting and daring all at the same time.


    I shove all theebacks I derived down my throat which is now dry.


    ¡°P-Pass.¡±


    I quip tucking my hair away.


    ¡°How did your trip go? I didn¡¯t expect you back this weekend at all.¡±


    ¡°Why is that so?¡±


    I note he ignored my original question, but I¡¯ll y along.


    ¡°Well, one day isn¡¯t sufficient to catch up-¡±


    ¡°Catch up?¡±


    Heughs cheerily; I blush.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t travel all the way to catch up besides I had the presentation.¡±


    ¡°What if-¡±


    ¡°No, I would not have stayed back even if I didn¡¯t have the presentation.¡±


    Hepletes easily.


    ¡°Did you find what you were looking for?¡±


    ¡°Are you speaking as Cami my shrink or Cami-¡±


    ¡°Your friend.¡±


    I finish instead.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t friends.¡±


    He states hardly. Three words can lead shivers down my arm and straight to my thighs.


    ¡°Cami your what then?¡±Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    I ask, pressing my feet to the ground to keep my weight steady.


    ¡°My shrink or just Cami.¡±


    ¡°Both.¡±


    ¡°If you were my shrink, I¡¯d say yes I got closure. She gave me the answers I wanted and I feel better than I have in years. Equipped to move on.¡±


    ¡°And thetter?¡±


    ¡°If this wasn¡¯t a session, I¡¯ll tell you my ties to her are disbanded. I¡¯m going to work towards being the better man.¡±


    Better? I gulp.


    ¡°I¡¯d say my past dissuaded me from being able to love somebody as I should. My defence walls to hurt in fear of being hurt are non-existent.¡±


    He strumbled through my side, continuing behind me, matching my pace so he hovered.


    ¡°I¡¯d say there¡¯s this girl that drives me mad with desire. Insane with need. So very wild. I lost her once. Unintentionally. Apologetically. Entirely my fault. I¡¯d say I do not want to lose her for the second time. I¡¯d say although she¡¯s out of reach, it kills me to be close and hold back. Restrain. Limit. Endure. Pure torture.¡±


    It¡¯s the husky voice that gets me every day time.


    Are we still walking? I hope not. My knees could give out any moment from now.


    ¡°Should I keep going?¡±


    I nod twice, staring at the pointless tree with Dn behind me.


    ¡°Expression. Pro number one for Dn.¡±


    Yes, I¡¯m making the stupid list. Bloody hell does it take a lot of weight.


    ¡°Keep a straight face. Don¡¯t ask like anything¡¯s amiss.¡±


    His rhythm switches from husky to scary. What?


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn. Just keep walking.¡±


    Huh?


    ¡°Someone is watching you.¡±


    Again the water in my throat dries up. Is someone watching me? Again. Why would anyone be watching me?


    ¡°Calm. We can¡¯t give off a hint.¡±


    ¡°Where is he or her?¡±


    I barely recognise the sound of my voice.


    ¡°Two o¡¯clock.¡±


    I¡¯ve watched enough movies to know where to look through the corner of my eye. It¡¯s just bushes. I see nothing.


    ¡°Check for the reflective shadow. He¡¯s hiding behind one of those bushes.¡±


    I glimpse. And there it was as Dn stated. A clear shadow of a person. It¡¯s too fussy to tell if it belongs to a man or a woman.


    Dn and I move forward, each step my knees bunk further.


    ¡°What do you n on doing?¡±


    ¡°Element of surprise. I¡¯ll get to the person and we find out why he¡¯s been following you. I told you weeks ago, you thought I made it up.¡±


    ¡°Not the time to rub it in.¡±


    I hiss.


    ¡°Also, it may not be rted to that Friday night.¡±


    ¡°Right. What are the odds of you having two stalkers?¡±


    I sense the sarcasm, but I don¡¯t answer. We¡¯re so close and my anxiety is up to here.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed anyone?¡±


    ¡°I have not.¡±


    I answer truthfully and we¡¯re getting nearer already.


    I estimate ten breaths and seventeen seconds.


    Dn cancels it out. He takes just four breaths and less than eleven seconds to leap towards the bushes.


    I¡¯m transfixed on that spot counting the remaining six, then I rush to him and he¡¯s knocking a guy over the ground, his hand tightened around his cor, bringing him to his chest then plummeting him again.


    The weird thing is I¡¯ve never seen this guy in my life before.


    ¡°Harper. Why are you following her? First Friday party, now in school. Why!?¡±


    Dn asks. Does Dn know his name? Does Dn know him?


    The guy-harper keeps wheezing, barely able to get a word out.


    I want to tell Dn to get off the guy, not to put so much pressure on his throat, but I stand there once again engulfed by sheer curiosity.


    ¡°You¡­ sick¡­¡±


    Dn grips harder before he spits more words out.


    ¡°Why are you following her?¡±


    ¡°I. Am¡­ Not¡­ I¡¯m¡­ Following¡­ You.¡±


    Dn let¡¯s go, jerking back, getting his sleeve stained, but staring-ring at the stranger. The known stranger is named Harper.


    ****


    Did my very best to drop this episode earlier? Leave a review after reading!

 Chapter 116 Breaking Resolve [I]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    THURSDAY.


    ¡°Dn, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    I brace his left arm, heaving half of his body against me.


    The stranger ¨C Harper struggled to get up with zero help from either of us.


    Once both of them settled on their feet, Dn clenched his jaw and red whilst Harper, twisted his neck and removed the dust from his shirt.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    I prefer not to wince and get offended at how Dn ignores me. He hasn¡¯t nced at me one time, he¡¯s scowling at Harper while throwing many questions at his face. And there¡¯s the first con.


    I can¡¯t phrase it as indecisiveness, hismunication skills at some point? That¡¯s not quite right either, I¡¯d figure out a term for itter. For now, let¡¯s focus on Dn notmitting murder which will be the case if Harper doesn¡¯t tear that grin off his face.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the first question you should ask an old friend D.¡±


    D? They¡¯re friends? And on a nickname basis?


    ¡°We aren¡¯t friends Harper. Never was. Never will be.¡±


    ¡°I beg to differ man. I beg to differ.¡±


    He levels his gaze, taunting silently. I know my grip on his shoulder will do nothing should Dn decide to hit him again, but I grab on and stand behind him.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been here for weeks? You¡¯ve been following me. Why?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to say hello. It¡¯s been a while don¡¯t you think so? You cleaned up nicely. Even got yourself a good girl. Nicely done D.¡±


    ¡°Keep Cami¡¯s name out of your fucking mouth.¡±


    ¡°You wanted to rip me open thinking I was following her. Isn¡¯t she that same girl that had you sulking for months?¡±


    Dn moves forward, I clench my fists and mumble a few words.


    ¡°She is. Looks like you got her back too. Your life¡¯s all peachy now. Kinda makes you wonder how you treat the rest of us that had your back while you were down on the ground.¡±


    My brows remain furrowed the entire time. What are they talking about?


    ¡°I made myself clear thest time Harper. I do not want a thing to do with you and your sick pack of friends.¡±


    ¡°Our friends.¡±


    He corrects, giving off the first emotion since he showed up. Anger.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got your girl back, moved to California to start school and suddenly you think you¡¯re what? Santa¡¯s son? Hell no. You can¡¯t walk away D. Not from me¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    Dn grunts.


    ¡°Yet here I am¡±


    ¡°Well, you¡¯re a coward. Lurking in the shadows this whole time doing what? Pathetic. Stay away from me. And her. Or I swear you¡¯de off with more than just bruises.¡±


    I¡¯m not the figure being threatened, but Dn¡¯s tone is icy to grow shivers and they rake through me.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    He¡¯s referring to me yet gazing at Harper.


    I release my grip on his arm and step away. Both of them stare each other off for five seconds before Dn breaks off, turns towards me, his features softening, and then he snatches my hand.


    That¡¯s my cue to leave.


    ****


    I¡¯m in Dn¡¯s apartment. We agreed to have a session here at some point. That n got sidetracked, but here I am.


    It¡¯s bleak. There¡¯s a living room. Corner leading to a kitchen. A lobby which should lead to his room and some, but this entire housecks a special touch. There are no pictures on the wall either.


    Dn was in half a minute ago yet my knees are scrambling with worry. He mutters something like wait, but that was ten minutes ago and I could¡¯ve inferred it.


    So I¡¯m settling in his living room, awaiting his return and hopefully some replies.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    That voice was unmistakably Dn¡¯s, originating from his bedroom as a cry, muffled by something.


    I jumped off his couch, slipping a foot and almost tumbling over. But no ¨C I regained myposure.


    Did he want me toe? He called out to me so yes?


    Before I could register and make the choice, my ringtone sounded in the entire living room.


    I swirled my head and looked. Jimmy.


    Something registered, however. My boyfriend and I hadn¡¯t spoken throughout the day. No sses. No texts. Holy shit.


    I¡¯m just realising that now? How-


    The phone was still ringing and making a lot of noise, to silence it, I yanked it off the couch and slid the answer key.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I muster a voice. Pitchy. Too cherry.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Caught in 4k. All at once. Jeez no. I¡¯m not fucking anyone, but I am in Dn¡¯s apartment. Dn ¨C he called me.


    I switched the hand holding up my cell phone which had gathered enough sweat in seconds.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m good.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you all day. I checked out the faculty and you weren¡¯t there either. Miranda said you went out and quote, ¡°will kill you for abandoning her the entire day¡± I got worried.¡±


    Definitely caught there. Fuck. The first rule: don¡¯t lie. But how do I tell the entire truth here?


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    This time there¡¯s no error. Dn is calling out to me. He¡¯s growling more or less.


    My chest is constricting.


    ¡°Yes. Um, I was out well for most of the day. I had to help with a project which was today, so I went over there.¡±


    ¡°Not in the faculty of science?¡±


    Another low guttural sound from the hallway. I wince.


    ¡°No Jimmy. Arts.¡±


    ¡°Oh.¡±


    ¡°I had to help Dn.¡±


    I elucidated.


    ¡°Alright, that¡¯s fine. You¡¯re done right?¡±


    Jimmy didn¡¯t sound worried as before. He sounded like Dn. They sounded like each other when one mentions the other¡¯s name.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­ I¡­ Am.¡±


    I hear cursing. Oh, my God.


    ¡°But you aren¡¯t home yet? You¡¯re still out?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I ran into someone who I didn¡¯t know¡­¡±


    What? I smack my forehead.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°I mean Dn ran into someone who he thought was following us.¡±


    ¡°You were with Dn?¡±


    Holy shit. It¡¯s getting worse.


    ¡°Yes. We left the faculty together after the presentation¡±


    ¡°Alright. Then where are you now?¡±


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    The call was firm the third, but there¡¯s a tinyyer of raw need at the end.


    ¡°And you said someone was following both of you? Are you hurt?¡±


    My chest twists harder. He still cares. All Jimmy does is care about me.


    ¡°No, I wasn¡¯t. Turns out he was following Dn. I think they¡¯re friends, maybe. I¡­¡±


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    My heart skips one beat and I rev.


    ¡°Jimmy?¡±


    I squeezed my lids knowing the chances of mementing my next words are off the roof. Yet here I am deciding to utter them.


    ¡°Yes? What-¡±


    ¡°I have to go now. I¡¯ll call you tomorrow.¡±


    I utter dejectedly.


    ¡°What? Are you okay? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    I tighten my lids, fasten them and don¡¯t blink because this hurts. My chest is about to burst through. I catch a breath in my throat, I can¡¯t even get that out. So I sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯ll call you tomorrow Jimmy. I am sorry.¡±


    And like the coward I know deep down I am, I tossed the cell phone over the couch ¨C without hanging out, only then I¡¯m finally able to breathe and sprint across the living room, down to the lobby where there are two rooms but only one is unlocked.


    I¡¯ll make an excellent track star is what I realise with the speed I got here.


    I halt and exhale, facing the unlocked door.


    There¡¯s a window directly facing my view and the shadow of a bed not fully materialised since I¡¯m not in here.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    I flutter my eyes at the sounding from inside. What will I meet should I take two more steps?


    ¡°Choose.¡±


    A voicemands at the back of my head. Is that what I¡¯ve done unconsciously?


    Refusing to hang up on Jimmy but putting him down still, rushing over to Dn with no clue of what he was doing. Here I am. By his door. I swallow what¡¯s left of my throat and glide in. My only vindication is that he needs me. I know he does.


    So when I pace into the room and find Dn seated beside the bed, both legs propped so he could ce his hands over his knees, his eyes screwed shut, his hair ruffled with so many fingers, so the gel is useless and unable to hold his hair from falling and concealing a few lines of his face. He releases a shaky breath and parts his lips.


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    He exhales and I¡¯m dropping to my knees and crawling over to him, taking a spot right next to him, matching his movements.


    Head pressed against the floorboard. Knees propped. The hair is the only exception.


    ¡°I thought you left. I think I implored you to stay, but I surely thought you left.¡±


    I glimpse his eyes and still closed them. It¡¯s like he thinks this might be an illusion.


    Then he cracks augh. It¡¯s not humorous, it¡¯s almost like a release of breath through his mouth.


    Wordless, I pull a hand from his knee, encircling my fingers around them, squeezing fiercely.


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    I mumble, closing my eyes as well.


    ¡°I truly want to restrain myself from kissing you, holding, touching, branding, as I have been throughout today. I want to respect your rtionship and you. No respect for Jimmy, he can fuck himself. Maybe a little, barely an atom though.¡±


    He chuckles while I listen, matching his breathing without responding.


    ¡°But it¡¯s so hard. You don¡¯t have the slightest clue how hard it is.¡±


    I lock my lids, but at the rate the floorboard creaks, you know his shoulders are shaking. Maybe his full body.


    ¡°You¡¯re wondering who Harper is. He¡¯s a part of my past. Those bleak months after I hurt you. Harper is a part of them and I hoped never to return to it, but here we are. If you want to hear everything, I can-¡±


    I press our fingers together, hushing his next words.


    ¡°You can tell me about it in the morning.¡±


    I answer without looking or opening my eyes.


    ¡°No.¡±


    He retorts. The board jerks again.


    ¡°I need to do something. You don¡¯t understand. If I¡¯m speaking to you about it, maybe I can get my mind to work. It¡¯s the only thing that might serve. It¡¯s the only thing I can think of at the moment, or else I might just-¡±


    I sigh twice. In the living room, I mentioned doing something crazy. Scratch that, what I¡¯m about to do moves the fine line.


    ¡°Kiss me.¡±


    I tremble at my words. The firmness. Lack of restraint. No hint of doubt either.


    Silence. For about twelve seconds he doesn¡¯t answer or do anything in particr.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Then he shifts. Our entwined fingers are unlocked. His entire body wriggles away and I breathe refusing to open my eyes.


    ¡°Say it again. Please.¡±


    I realise now that he hase upfront, murmuring words directly in front of me.


    My chance to mp my lips and swallow it all back. But no.


    ¡°Kiss me, Dn.¡±


    I arch my back against the floorboard. He just breathes.


    ¡°This is¡­ I don¡¯t want you to think I¡¯m¡­ Fuck. Cami. I¡­¡±


    I can hear and feel how close he is to me. How close he is to breaking. And I glide him to that limit. His breaking point.


    ¡°It seems you and I would have a lot to regret in the morning then.¡±


    I blink my eyes and I¡¯m met with a man filled with hunger. Raw undiluted desire. It¡¯s maddening. It¡¯s a mirror of my looks.


    ¡°I believe I instructed you to kiss me, so you really should-be-kissing, me.¡±


    I drawled, releasing a breath only after the final word. Both his hands drop in defeat, his head follows and I contemte taking it all back.


    What a stupid decision that was. Urging him to kiss me.


    I open my mouth to speak, his head beats me to the first motion and lifts. All words are gone since it¡¯s ring. He¡¯s at that point. And all hell is about to break loose.


    Dn doesn¡¯t waste another second before evaporating any space between us, palming my face and iming my lips.


    A low whimper slips past my lips, and he swallows it down, groaning in satisfaction. Perfectly, my butt is pressed against the floor and my knees are propped or else I might truly slide down considering how quickly my entire body fades out with Dn.


    ¡°You¡¯re so good at driving me insane. I don¡¯t think I could go on like this Cam. I don¡¯t want stolen kisses anymore, I want it all. I¡¯m a selfish bastard who wants all of you.¡±


    He parts my lips without an invitation, deepening the kiss with his god sculpted and perfect tongue.


    I moan, driven by nothing but passion pulling me to tug at the strands of his hair.


    I filled my fingers with as many as I could find. Then his hands went around my back and his hips began rocking my abdomen.


    I don¡¯t recognize the sound that escapes my lips at that swift and torturous motion.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    He grunts and repeats the same thing, barely giving me two seconds to feel all of him before tugging away.


    I take one hand away from his hair, gripping his shoulders and his lips leave mine, finding a spot and nestling between my jaw and neck.


    ¡°Bloody¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe¡­¡±


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°I Uh¡­¡±


    Again what the fuck am I saying? This feels unreal. Too good. I don¡¯t want it to stop. So when Dn pulls back, tugs at my knees to the ground and picks me up ¨C all in one breath, I don¡¯t resist. I don¡¯tin either when my back is suddenly pressed against his twin bed and his lips find mine again.


    ****


    I had to cut it because of the word count limit. And maybe because I like to y games. Loll Reviews? Let¡¯s hear em.

 Chapter 117 Breaking Resolve [II]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    THURSDAY.


    He¡¯s scarcely touching me. I know he¡¯s deterring. Several grunts underneath his breath which he thinks are unheard. Illogical words which keep sounding like Fuck. Bloody hell. Sweet torture.


    But he¡¯s not letting loose. I want him to let loose. His shirt still glued to his chest is any indication that he doesn¡¯t want to. But why?


    He tugs my hands away when I try to fish his hair, I¡¯m out of breath, but I don¡¯t want this to end. If it¡¯s all he¡¯s generous to give I¡¯ll take it.


    I want more. But I¡¯ll take what I reap.


    ¡°The things I could teach you, the ces I could reach, what I could do.¡±


    He scuffs the tip of his tongue against the swell of my breasts, sending out ripples of pleasure through my entire body. His might stay on, but mine has been discarded. Shirt and bra. When did that ensue? No. Fucking. Clue.


    I fold and refold, gripping the sheets and gnawing my teeth against the corner of my mouth.


    ¡°Sadly, I can¡¯t go more than this. As much as this will make me vomit tomorrow morning, I must draw the line and stop. When we do this, you¡¯ll remainpletely mine, not some half sided or out of the moment spontaneous sex. Got it?¡±


    I¡¯m pretty sure I shook my head in negation which should exin his low chuckle. He hadn¡¯t pulled away and I don¡¯t think I could stay like this.


    ¡°But it would be unfair of me to leave you this way. Although it has a sex appeal. Writhing under my touch and solely at my mercy. As you should be. Now, I could back away. That¡¯s door number one. Huh?¡±


    I bobbed my head repeatedly, ultimately certain it¡¯ll urge him to proceed.


    ¡°Or there¡¯s door number two. I could make youe and stay here. Probably fall asleep. Which?¡±


    He lugged his tongue across my lower abdomen, directly above my Jean.


    ¡°D-Dn¡­¡±


    I twitched, forcefully jerking back. He mped a hand over my knee, strongly pulling back.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a response Darlin, I need an answer. Clock¡¯s ticking.¡±


    He dangled the finger over the button, using his thumb pad to draw circles on my panty lines.


    ¡°T-Two.¡±


    ¡°That answer has gone by. Now I need to hear it. Reassurance and all that. No. No. There¡¯s a sly word, it¡¯s at the edge of my tongue. I¡¯ve almost got it. Wait-consent. Yeah. That¡¯s it.¡±


    He chuckles.


    I bat a lid open, watching his hair fall forward. I unlocked my hands from the sheet, reaching for his head.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be impatient Cam. Say the words and that¡¯s it.¡±


    Steadily, he presses his tongue against my exposed skin, drawing a line with it and then cing soft kisses along with his creation.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I divulged, never hearing myself sounding so breathless.


    ¡°Yes to what love?¡±


    A jolt of pleasure sparked when a button came undone, exposing my inner-wear. I try to recall what colour of panty I eventually went for. It beats me. Surely it¡¯s not something so silly.


    ¡°Yes¡­ I¡­ Want¡­ You¡­ To¡­¡±


    I retract my hand and grip once again, mping my lips and muffling the cries.


    ¡°To what?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy, it¡¯s just us. You can tell me.¡±


    He¡¯s doing this on purpose I¡¯m sure. He could easily peel the cotton away from my skin, but he draws circles with his tongue. Teasing. Torturing.


    ¡°Make mee.¡±


    I gasp and shut my eyes.


    ¡°Took you a while¡­¡±


    I hint at the ghost of a smile across his face when he tugs awaypletely.


    I awaken my lids because of loss of contact and I¡¯m about to say something like-


    ¡°Why¡¯d you stop?¡±


    Throwing away the final shred of dignity I had left, but thankfully Dn crawls back before I can utter a word, yanks the rest of my jeans down my legs and props my knees. I press my legs down on the bed.


    ¡°Round two for question game. Whoever wins this round wins it all, and here¡¯s the deal-breaker; There are no incorrect answers.¡±


    He¡¯s barely getting an audience from me, I catch one of two words from his lips while the rest are hazy at the back of my mind, but his next sentence is everything. And so much more.


    ¡°Do you want me to spell my name with my tongue or do you want me to carve it out with my finger? Sadly, those are the only two options for now. What say you, Miss Ren¨¦e.¡±


    Does he not understand I¡¯m barely able to breathe at this point? I¡¯m gasping for air. My lungs are clogged, and hees up with that.


    ¡°Tick. Offers blows up in ten seconds. It¡¯s an easy choice.¡±


    I blink open, catch him between my legs and I shut my eyes again, exhalingrgely.


    ¡°Just¡­¡± ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    I whimper and arch my lower back. Dn dips his finger, pulling the linen of the only thing covering my core.


    ¡°Sigh. Time¡¯s up. I¡¯ll y judge and jury then executioner obviously.¡±


    Another tiny chuckle sends out pleasure surges. Then Dn makes rapid work of my panties, tossing them behind him.


    ¡°Soaked.¡±


    He rasps, lowering his head, positioning it between my spread knees. I brace the entire sheet and toss my head against the headboard.


    Dn¡¯s tongue glides over my slit, and then he presses down for seconds, building up the angst he needs. It takes biting my lips and dragging my tongue not to scream.


    How long has this been? Three years? Four? Has it always been this good?


    ¡°Calm Darlin. I¡¯ve barely even begun.¡±


    He chuckles directly against my core, taking out a singer finger once again drawing circles over the top.


    ¡°My name.¡±


    I nearly furrow my brow since it¡¯s confusing as fuck, but as Dn Emerton is perfectly sculpted, he clears all doubt.


    ¡°Undoubtedly perfect.¡±


    He muses against my opening, trailing kisses at the centre and licking up everything I was willing to give.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I moaned as the first finger slipped in, and he¡¯s a man of his words. It did feel like carving, he drags the edge then slowly pumps, pulls out thrusts back in.


    Speechless. Breathless. Please make it not stop. Ever.


    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°God, Dn.¡±


    I cried out.


    ¡°So close baby. You¡¯re so close.¡±


    He coos, adding a second finger, increasing his pace, whispering while I called out to whatever deity was up there. So fucking good.


    ¡°For me love. Come for me.¡±


    With yet another cry, I let go and spurt on his finger, my arms jerking and my knuckles worn out from holding onto the sheets for that long.


    ¡°Perfection itself.¡±


    I heard his mumble, I crossed my legs and he pulled himself up to me, bringing both hands to his chest, yanking thus ending whatever gap was left.


    Thest thing I recall is his hands parting the hair from my face and Dn¡¯s lips pressed against my temples. Then I shut my eyes with an easy smile across my cheeks.


    ******


    FRIDAY.


    Tentatively, I pulled a hand draped across my shoulder. Dn stirred, sounding a muffled noise whilst in his sleep. I freeze and mumble three prayers to the Almighty. I¡¯m a terrible person and by anyone¡¯s books a sinner, but please answer.


    Sighing, I cross my knees, tucking one lip over the other and sliding out of his bed, tugging at the covers.


    ¡°Fuck.¡±


    I swore, turning half my body to pull it off and then getting off his bedpletely.


    I lowered my head, picking up my underwear and jeans, waiting until I was in the hallway before slipping those on.


    Only then could I breathe properly.


    ¡°What is this a one-night stand? And we haven¡¯t even gotten to the sex part.¡±


    Too soon. His chuckles are even better with a morning voice.


    ¡°Cami, turn around.¡±


    Hemanded. Should just make a run for it. Bag. Cell phone. Out the door.


    ¡°You won¡¯t make it past the door before I catch up to you, which I¡¯d prefer not to, so turn around.¡±


    ¡°W-Why.¡±


    ¡°Because my sleep was better with youying one foot away and I¡¯d like to continue sleeping.¡±


    ¡°I should get back to my dorm Dn. I have-¡±


    ¡°I know you should get back, I¡¯m asking you not to. So turn around.¡±


    I¡¯m a good racer. I can make it to the door. The end to the lobby is what? Three strides away. Getting the cell off the couch, my bag is somewhere around, I can leave that forter¡­Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Cami. Turn. Around.¡±


    I gulped.


    ¡°Please.¡±


    Exhaling after each step, I revolved around and faced him.


    Shirtless Dn. Going once. An all-time favourite.


    ¡°I understand you¡¯re shorter, but eyes up here would you?¡±


    Clearing my throat, I pushed a little of my hair back and glimpsed at his face again.


    ¡°Come back to bed.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I just told you like fifteen seconds ago.¡±


    He half red, pulling both hands in the air.


    More like seventeen, but I¡¯m not counting ¨C I am.


    ¡°But I have to-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how long it¡¯ll take before everything screws up again, it¡¯s a constant in my life, so, please. I want to enjoy this before it blows up in my face. Come back to bed with me.¡±


    He slumped his shoulders, defeated. I nced behind me ¨C the lobby. My things. Chaos aside. Jimmy. Miranda. My mother. Looking forward ¨C Dn. A few hours of escape.


    Sigh.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I drag the rest of the hair away from my face, taking two strides and closing the gap between Dn and me.


    ¡°Peace.¡±


    He murmurs, encircling my waist, then burying his nose into my hair.


    Peace. Well, it¡¯s the calm before the storm.


    ****


    Thoughts!? I n on getting revenge on behalf of Jimmy though, this is uneptable. Fingers crossed.

 Chapter 118 Having No Con Is A Con

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    FRIDAY.


    When I bussed Dn¡¯s forehead and left his apartment at 10 AM, I felt the rest of my day would turn to shit. I¡¯ve been at peace for so long.


    I got to my residence with no Miranda. Just my ex-boyfriend resting over her bed. His appearance wasn¡¯t the issue, it was the news he plunged that was.


    Kyle informed me that Miranda had been crushing on him longer than she let out. He said, ¡°I¡¯m d she told you everything.¡±


    But my best friend left out the prologue, sieved the plot and shortened the epilogue.


    And no, I did not distil the information before a knock came through and Harper strode into my room.


    How did he know where I live? Let¡¯s add it to the pile of things that make nominal sense at the moment.


    Now it¡¯s me, my ex-boyfriend, and the guy that looks like a horror movie actor.


    ¡°Are you scared of me? What did your boyfriend tell you that has you shaken with fear?¡±


    Kyle blocked the little space between Harper and me.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Who is this Cami?¡±


    I and Kyle uttered the same thing.


    ¡°I just thought I¡¯d drop by and say hi since we barely exchanged greetings yesterday.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know you. There is no reason to exchange fucking greetings.¡±


    I bit my tongue identally, tasting my blood and groaning.


    ¡°Dn is your boyfriend? Your boyfriend and I are friends, isn¡¯t that reason enough?¡±


    ¡°Dn is your boyfriend?¡±


    Kyle murmurs. My head is spinning too fast at the situation, and I don¡¯t think I can stomach correcting Harper.


    ¡°You and Dn don¡¯t seem like pals to me. I¡¯ll say this once. Leave.¡±


    ¡°Ouch. No way to treat a guest. Sure Dn and I had issues, as any friendship or rtionship does. Recall you and Dn having problems too? How did you forgive him for that?¡±


    I clench my fist.


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    ¡°You heard thedy, you have no right to stay here any longer, so go. Now.¡±


    Kyle mandated, still standing in front of me.


    I exhalergely.


    ¡°Fine then. You don¡¯t want my friendship or information, I¡¯ll leave. I could¡¯ve warned you against the impending doom that awaits your heart.¡±


    Harper conceded, a smirk brewing at the edge of his lips. The kind that makes you want to vomit. I¡¯ll be regretting whateveres out of his lips next.


    ¡°Tell Dn I said hi, and he¡¯s a coward for leaving like that after everything I did. You ain¡¯t all that, anyway.¡±


    Kyle lurched forward, I wrapped my hands around his arm before he could hit anything or Harper.


    ¡°Why does everyone want to punch me? Is your pussy that good? Is it?¡±


    Harper is speaking to Kyle and my cheeks are heated, I contemte letting go and allowing Kyle hit him or something.


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t answer that. I¡¯ll just ask Dn when hees crawling back to us. The same way he did when you left him. Has he told you that story yet?¡±


    Harper chuckles, turning his gaze to me. I¡¯ve never had a thing for blondes and Harper just makes it worse. I need to p that fucking smirk off his face.


    ¡°Dn was crushed. Like a tiny little bird. I saw him. I brought him in and-¡±


    ¡°And he left you. God! Take a hint. Stop whining like a baby. He fucking left you. Now you leave!¡±


    I yelled losing my temper.


    ¡°Are you gay or something? You have feelings for him and he couldn¡¯t reciprocate?¡±


    I paused, a smirk forming on my cheeks. Harper¡¯s nose res with annoyance, and finally his lips clip shut.


    ¡°If Dn left, it¡¯s your fault. If he doesn¡¯t want toe back, it¡¯s your fault. So get the hell out of my room before I call campus security and have you kicked out of this Fucking school.¡±


    I released Kyle¡¯s arm, stepping out of his skin and facing Harper myself.


    He snorts. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±


    He peaks at both of us and then struts out with his hands in his pocket.


    Once the door is locked, I slip down on the bed and exhale.


    ¡°About Miranda and I¡­¡±


    ¡°I have so many things on my mind. Now I¡¯m adding my best friend eye fucking my boyfriend for longer than she admitted? I have no clue what you want me to say, Kyle. It¡¯s best if I leave the room, give you two some space to talk. I have a few issues to sort out myself.¡±C0ntent ? 2024 (N/?)velDrama.Org.


    ¡°I thought she told you, I wouldn¡¯t have spoken if-¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine Kyle. I love Miranda. She¡¯s my best friend. I do not know why she hides that from me, but I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    I picked a few items from my closet and slipped away to shower then change.


    When I¡¯m done, I¡¯ll put a call through Jimmy. We have to talk.


    I need to exin. He deserves an exnation.


    ****


    The same fate befell me at Graham¡¯s apartment where I met up with Jimmy who went inside to get me a ss of water.


    His idle phone on the table beeped, his call logs shing across the screen with one prominent name.


    ¡°Harper Kennedy.¡±


    That¡¯s not a coincidence. I picked it up as Jimmy took his first stride back into the living room.


    ¡°You know Harper?¡±


    I drop his phone, searching his eyes for the truth.


    ¡°Cami, wait.¡±


    ¡°How do you know Harper? Is it just a coincidence that the same guy turns up and¡­ Exin Jimmy.¡±


    I scoff.


    ¡°I can exin.¡±


    ¡°You should because I don¡¯t like the exnation my brain is giving off.¡±


    ¡°Harper and I are old friends.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re friends with him?¡±


    I¡¯m not judging. I¡¯m highly disoriented and perplexed.


    ¡°Yes, but we haven¡¯t been in touch for a while and-¡±


    ¡°Wait, Harper and Dn were friends. Harper knew what happened between the both of us. Did Harper tell you as well because you were there that night? Harper and Dn met after that night, but it¡¯s too much of a coincidence for you not to know. Did the both of us meet afterwards because of Harper? Exin!¡±


    I demanded.


    ¡°Cami. I had no clue. When we met, I didn¡¯t know Dn or his connection with Harper I swear.¡±


    ¡°Then after? After that night. After Harper and Dn met. After Dn told Harper what happened! What you witnessed as well! What happened then!¡±


    I¡¯m yelling loudly but I do not care. My head might explode soon. But I do not fricking care.


    ¡°Cam-¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a fucking child you need to soothe, I need answers. I want you to give me answers. Tell me the fuck happened. Tell me the truth. When we met again on the elevator that day. The dates and all of that. Was it fucking nned? Did Harper fucking n all of it?¡±


    My chest hurts at the thought of it all.


    ¡°Cami. Wait.¡±


    ¡°Tell me the truth goddamit! Tell me!¡±


    I howl.


    ¡°Yes. But that¡¯s not half of it. That¡¯s not the entire thing. Let me exin. That night at the party. I had no clue. I swear I had no fucking clue. That part was purely coincidental. You and I met by fate.¡±


    I¡¯m biting excessively against my lower lip. My eyes are hot with unspilled tears. Oh, God. Fucking shit.


    ¡°It was the best night of my life. The very best and I swear to God I fell for you, Cami. Then we went upstairs, I wished we had never gone upstairs, and we saw him. I didn¡¯t know what you two were or what had happened and I couldn¡¯t contact you either and I thought that was it after you left, then I got in contact with Harper who wouldn¡¯t stop talking about this new guy he met. How they clicked. How he knew they were perfect for each other in some sick way. He said the guy had his heart crushed by some girl, and it was perfect for him.¡±


    I¡¯m breathing through my mouth. My anxiety clogged every air in my lung.


    ¡°I was barely paying attention until Harper said his name. Harper knew something was up from my facial expressions. I couldn¡¯t hide it. I told him everything, and that¡¯s when Harper came up with that idea. He said that if I were with you, then Dn and you would never get back together, so Dn wouldn¡¯t have any chance or reason to leave.¡±


    I choke on nothing, heaving against my chest with a heavy heart. No. No. Fuck no.


    Miranda. Kyle. Harper. Jimmy. This is too much.


    ¡°I swear to God I did not care about any of it. I only agreed to his sick n because I wanted you either way. I was in love with you and I wasn¡¯t thinking. Cami.¡±


    ¡°Harper kept tabs. He called. He texted. He asked questions about us. How you asked me out. If you¡¯ve touched me yet. Kissed me. I¡¯m almost certain he told you about Dning here as well. That means you knew. That means you¡¯ve been lying to me this entire time. That means we built this entire rtionship on lies. Oh, God.¡±


    I gasp, stepping back.


    ¡°You can¡¯t possibly do this Cami. I lied to you. Yes. But I didn¡¯t do it for Harper.¡±


    ¡°Like fuck you didn¡¯t!¡±


    I seethe.


    ¡°You should¡¯ve broken off contact. Dn broke off contact with him. Instead, you let him keep tabs on me. You let him follow me around like some psycho. You knew. All this time when you guessed things about me. It wasn¡¯t because you were naturally good. It¡¯s because you trained yourself to be perfect. To be con free. It¡¯s because of him. You-¡±


    I pause and choke on a sob.


    ¡°Dn¡¯s not perfect. You can¡¯t possibly believe that he is. Why do you think Harper wanted Dn? What do you think they did together? Dn is not the good guy. You¡¯re a fool to believe he is.¡±


    I gasp, staring at Jimmy. Those blue eyes filled with tenderness and love have dispersed. It filled this side of him with venom. It¡¯s a side I haven¡¯t seen before. I tear my gaze away.


    ¡°I said something. Having no con is a con. My subconscious knew somehow, but I shoved her away. I thought-¡±


    I stop myself to chuckle.


    ¡°I came here to exin myself. I came here because I felt sorry for you. I felt bad about what happened. I knew we were together and I still-¡±


    ¡°Wait, a minute. You spent the night with Dn! You fucked him!¡±


    I squeeze my eyes and brush the hair away.


    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t fuck him.¡±


    Jimmy¡¯s features softened, but it¡¯s only for two seconds because my next three words are going to break it all over again.


    ¡°But I cheated.¡±


    ¡°We were in a rtionship and I did something with him. We didn¡¯t have sex, but it was wrong and I came here because I thought you were good. I felt you didn¡¯t deserve it. I figured I was a bad person, but now I see that-¡±


    I blink furiously. No way. I will not cry at a moment like this.


    ¡°We¡¯re over Jimmy. You and I are done.¡±


    ¡°How can you not see that I love you? How are you choosing Dn over me? Dn who hurt you. Dn who tore your heart to shreds. All I¡¯ve ever done was love you.¡±


    ¡°No! All you ever did was create an image of this perfect man. You made me believe you were wless. You made me think we needed to be wless to work. But Dn has ws. Yes. He does. And so do I. But you know what the difference is? He admits his ws. At the moment, I pick the devil I know over the angel I do not.¡±


    I grit my teeth, bending over to sp my purse.


    ¡°I love you, Cami. Please don¡¯t do this to us. I love you.¡±


    I blink thrice preferring to save my tears for when he¡¯s not around.


    ¡°Goodbye, Jimmy.¡±


    I revolved and strode out of the room.


    ****


    I bowed my head and let the tears stroll down my cheeks while walking. Two minutester, I sniffled and dried every trace of them.


    Still, I kept walking with my cell phone ringing every two minutes.


    It could be my mother. But all bets are on Miranda.


    Sighing, I take a turn and stop at the apartment. Then I walk up to the Porche and sound a knock over the door.


    I just need to shut my eyes.


    ¡°Oh, hi.¡±


    ire greets me, I blink multiple times and step back.


    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯ll go. I didn¡¯t know you were¡­¡±


    I stutter, bobbing my head.


    I¡¯m aware they are cousins, but it feels awkward. And Dn isn¡¯t here, so there¡¯s no need to-


    ¡°Cami.¡±


    Dn¡¯s voice booms over her head. I exhale, trembling directly over the edge. Give me seven. Seven more seconds till I have a breakdown.


    ¡°I will take an extremely long walk now.¡±


    ire says in front of me, going back inside to retrieve her bag and then exiting. I exhale.


    Four.


    ¡°Cami, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    I release another breath. Dn reaches the door and I close the space between us.


    Two.


    ¡°Cami, talk to me.¡±


    He palms my entire face.


    Zero. I squeeze my eyes and stop holding back. I shake so intensely, my bnce on the ground shifts and I fall back into his arms.


    ¡°Can you just hold me? For like ten seconds. Just-¡±


    I stop mid-sentence when Dn¡¯s hand reaches the back of my head, pressing me into his chest.


    ******


    Well. Well. Well. Thoughts?

 Chapter 119 Her Escape

    DYLAN EMERTON


    FRIDAY


    I¡¯ve held twelve hours of pure bliss. Eliminating running into Harper after months of being away, I got to sleep with Cami. Not sex. No fucking. Sleep. Having her cradled against my arms, breathing softly against my nose, I spent roughly half an hour monitoring her sleep.


    Then she stirred. I could¡¯ve asked for more time and kept her in the bubble for longer, but as much as I longed for an escape within the walls of my apartment, far away from the world, it was ridiculous and inconceivable.


    So I discharged her from the bed. Losing contact spurred in my stomach and I cowered. She nipped my forehead, pulled the rest of her things and waddled away.


    ¡°I need you to know that I don¡¯t regret a thing that happenedst night, I¡¯m not indecisive anymore. I know what I want, it¡¯s you.¡±


    I lowered my head, pinched against her forehead then pressed my lips against hers. Softly. Two seconds before I retracted. She bobbed her head and left.


    I knew Cami enough to understand her guilt and dilemma. It¡¯s the reason I couldn¡¯t have sex with her even though she was right there. Mine for the taking. I didn¡¯t.


    It was also the reason she had to ask for it. I wanted it. I craved it. Hell, I would have cracked if I didn¡¯t touch her, but she was with someone else.


    I had to be 100% certain she wanted it too. And she did.


    My wish nearly backfired, hearing her ask for it kicked me over the edge.


    I had it up to here. I nearly lost it. Every ounce of control I had built evaporated, and God I almost took her there.


    It wasn¡¯t Jimmy or hermitment to him that dissuaded me; it was her. She wanted it. But her conscience would kill her the next day, just as it is now. I shouldn¡¯t tell her to leave Jimmy, that needs to be her choice, but I can let her know I am hers.


    Mind. Soul. Body. I belong wholly to her. I hope that¡¯ll be enough.


    *****


    I used the next, two hours cleaning up. I skimmed a little in my room wanting a locked reminiscence of Cami.


    Before two pm, my cousin walked in.


    ¡°Predicting someone else? Your eyes seem disappointed.¡±


    I grunted and picked the idle cushion.¡±I am.¡±


    I mumbled. ire gasped in her seat.


    ¡°If I didn¡¯t know better, I¡¯d say you were purposely dismissing me. After everything, we¡¯ve been through. That¡¯ll be hurtful Dn.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood ire.¡±


    ¡°Like hell, you aren¡¯t. I have no clue what¡¯s up with you. After that stupid phone call from the airport, it¡¯s like you evaporated.¡±


    I declined to the sofa opposite her.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s been happening.¡±


    I need a distraction and my cousin is the only person vacant to talk with. I still owe her for being rude.


    ****


    ¡°You¡¯re quite the main character Dn, that¡¯s magnificent.¡±


    Another snort. I finished telling her about Athena, the sessions, and Cami. I skipped thete-night intimacy. And Harper. For known reasons.


    ¡°You¡¯ve been busy too. Now I feel useless, you did most of the work yourself.¡±


    Rolling my eyes, I got up to retrieve a ss of water.


    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you. So very proud.¡±


    She ps repetitively and then giggles in excitement. I¡¯m not happy. Yet.


    ¡°So have you finally professed your undying love for her?¡±


    I choked.


    ¡°I told you she¡¯s with someone else right?¡±


    ¡°That didn¡¯t stop you from kissing her passionatelyst week. Yes, Dn, I know about that. I¡¯m quite unhappy at you for concealing it.¡±


    Another choke.


    ¡°How do you know about that?¡±


    I rushed back to the living room.


    ¡°That¡¯s for me to know and for you to stay up at night wondering how I know.¡±


    She smirked.


    ¡°ire.¡±


    I cautioned, bringing the ss to the edge of my lips.


    ¡°What? I know something you don¡¯t. Sucks right?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have-¡±


    ¡°Fine. Cam¡¯s dad saw both of you. He told Cami¡¯s mom. Cami¡¯s mom told you. Yours told me.¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    ¡°Oh, God.¡±


    I could smack my forehead at this moment.


    ¡°Now that we all know. Exin to me why you haven¡¯t gotten her yet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not making another mistake ire, it isn¡¯t the right time.¡±


    ¡°Right time? That¡¯s cock and bull Dn. There¡¯s no such thing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    I strode back to the kitchen to return the ss, hearing the faint sound of the doorknob rattling while returning.


    That¡¯s weird.


    But then, I heard her voice, and I didn¡¯t care about the weirdness. Abruptly, my whole body was lit on fire. She is here.


    I used twice my normal strides and got to the front door. I thought ¨C she¡¯s back. She returned.


    I wasn¡¯t wrong. I was not right either.


    Cami left my apartment slightly distraught, but she was happy. Her eyes were gleaming with warmth, but merely two hours went by, and she was here. The contrary to how she left.


    Her eyes are frigid, a darker tone than their usual colour. She was crying. I clench my fist. Jimmy. He¡¯s the only one that strikes my mind.


    I hear ire speak to her, but I don¡¯t switch my gaze from Cami¡¯s.


    ire exits, and Cami walks in, leaving the door open behind her.


    Seeing her up close is worse, her fingers are jerking, her lips are going in the same direction, and those eyes.


    ¡°What did they do to you?¡±


    ****


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    I counted 206 seconds before Dn jolted. His hands weren¡¯trge enough to close the door behind us, but his legs were.


    The thud shook my hands as well, and I recoiled from his chest.


    ¡°Sorry, I just needed that. I should¡¯ve said something, called first-¡±


    I cough hard, watching him watch me. He¡¯s frowning. At me? Is he mad?


    ¡°What did he do?¡±


    He speaks.


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°Jimmy. What did he do? I¡¯m not a fool. If you are or were crying, it¡¯s probably his fault so I want to know what he did. Then I can decide how many broken ribs the doctor will diagnose.¡±


    ¡°D-Dn.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t ask again.¡±


    He hissed.


    ¡°Kyle is back. Miranda didn¡¯t tell the entire truth about him. I don¡¯t know why she tried to hide it. It¡¯s confusing as hell. H-Harper. Jimmy. Jimmy and Harper. He knew Harper. Harper nned the entire thing. Jimmy acted this entire thing. He made me think he was wless, but it was just some sick game to Harper and Jimmy took part in it. I¡­ He¡­¡±


    I choked on whatever words my brain scrambled out. I stifled some more and heaved. I sound worse than a ruined disc.


    ¡°Harper and Jimmy know each other. Harper came up with the idea for Jimmy to be with you. With Jimmy, Harper has kept tabs on you all because of me. I¡¯m not sure what¡¯s going on with Kyle and Miranda, but it seems she hide something from you?¡±


    Did he get all that? I nod slowly.


    Silence. Nerve-racking silence for at least ten seconds. My whole body trembles from the entire thing, but I can¡¯t keep my gaze away from Dn.


    Dn-He stands there. I can pick out three emotions written over him. Folded fists in annoyance. Furrowed brows in either confusion or he¡¯s nning something in his head then his eyes, currently locked against my features, they¡¯re softened for now. He¡¯s looking at me with tenderness.


    ¡°Come.¡±


    He creaks, extending his right hand. I blink an eye at it.


    ¡°I will deal with everything. I promise. Come.¡±


    He adds, and I step forward reluctantly, grabbing his hand and exhaling with relief.


    He¡¯s leading me back to his bedroom, into his room, over his bed. Dn kicks my shoes off and tugs my weight underneath his sheets, then he snuggles beside me and covers both hands around the length of my waist.


    I flicked my eyes close and breathe.


    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. I promise.¡±


    He reassures me, running his fingers down the length of my hair.


    How does he make me believe every word thates out of his mouth?


    ¡°I never should¡¯ve let you go this morning. It¡¯s my fault Harper is here, but I won¡¯t make that mistake again Darlin. I won¡¯t give anyone the chance to hurt you.¡±


    I hear the quietest whisper of those words, then I let my exhaustion win and slumber.


    ****


    I have the busiest schedule. I¡¯ll make it up to everyone with a longer chapter tomorrow, or double updates. Reviews?

 Chapter 120 Dylan’s Past [I]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    FRIDAY.


    Two hours of slumber before Cami shook, lurching her head and then peeking her eyes at me.


    ¡°Hey..¡±


    ¡°How long have I been rxing?¡±


    ¡°Two hours, give or take. You can rest some more if you¡¯d like.¡±


    ¡°No. My phone. I need to-¡±


    ¡°Miranda had called half a dozen times. I answered on the seventh ring.¡±


    She shuffled her feet to a sitting position and then smoothed her eyes even more.


    ¡°What did she say? What did you tell her?¡±


    She stammers, striving to get the sleep away from her eyes.


    ¡°I told her you were resting. You¡¯ve had a long day. I knew what happened and you would talk to her when you were ready.¡±


    Cami exhales in relief, fluttering her eyes shut for a few seconds.


    ¡°And everything else? Harper? Ji-¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t utter his name. He called twice, and I blocked his number. I didn¡¯t want to say some very incriminating facts in case he ends up in the hospital. It¡¯s your phone and I¡¯ll unblock him. I didn¡¯t want to wake you up.¡±


    ¡°No it¡¯s fine, I¡¯m not ready to converse with him anyway.¡±


    ¡°What did you tell him? After he exined.¡±


    I ask.


    ¡°That we were done.¡±


    She answers back. I¡¯m a selfish cunt. Don¡¯t grin at it, Dn. Do not grin. This isn¡¯t the time to get excited.


    Her eyes are still closed, so I tug a little smile. She¡¯s not with him.


    ¡°You broke up with him? For good? No more.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d think I would want him after everything?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Cami. He¡¯s still con free Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°No. He isn¡¯t con free. He¡¯s been lying to me this entire time ¡±


    ¡°Everyone lies Cami.¡±


    That makes her eyes snap open.


    ¡°Are you defending him?¡±


    Mine swells in shock.


    ¡°No. I just want to understand your reason for leaving him. I want to hit him in ces that take time to heal. I will never defend him. I¡¯m just making sure you¡¯re doing what¡¯s best for you. I mean, didn¡¯t you love him?¡±


    ¡°Did I Dn? Do you think I was in love with Jimmy?¡±


    Iy back as she does, resting my head at the edge of the bed just so I could stare at her from the rim of my eyes.


    ¡°You were with him for stability. At some point, he gave you everything you wanted-¡±


    ¡°No. He did not.¡±


    She counters.


    ¡°I did terrible things. I ept it. I took Jimmy because I wanted a guy who wouldn¡¯t make me feel I was second best. That much is true. He was funny. Caring. A good kisser even.¡±


    I flinch.


    ¡°But he wasn¡¯t you. I was so angry at you. After that night, I was so furious. I shut myself out and everyone else, so when Jimmy came along, I just let myself believe he could be better.¡±


    ¡°During the sessions, you said you¡¯re sorry for making me believe I need to be with Jimmy. I wanted to correct you, I didn¡¯t think it through. Now I see it. Regardless of the lies, he fed me, Jimmy and I wouldn¡¯t have ended well because a rtionship built on lies wouldn¡¯tst and Jimmy wasn¡¯t the only liar. I lied when I told him I was over you. I lied to myself by saying your presence wouldn¡¯t affect me. I made so many poor choices, all to avoid the inevitable-you.¡±


    ¡°Cami.¡± I don¡¯t turn nor find her eyes. The next part will be tough for me, and I¡¯d rather gawk at my bedroom door.


    ¡°After that night, I did so much. I med myself. Then I sought eptance of my own. Elements that could make the pain ease because I felt I couldn¡¯t get rid of it and somewhere along the line, I met Harper Kennedy. And I made a mistake. Now you¡¯re caught up in it.¡±


    Cami freezes, her breath getting caught up as she stirred beside me.


    I can¡¯t think of a better time than now. If Cami and I are ever going to have a future together, I need her to know everything I¡¯ve done, including the ones I¡¯d regret forever.


    **


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    ¡°You have a pretty face, but those eyes seem. Why are you here?¡±


    I take my hands off the helmet of my bike, turning just my head at the right angle to see the person who¡¯s speaking to me when I don¡¯t want to be spoken to.


    He¡¯s tall. I¡¯m taller. He¡¯s a blonde. The dirty kind. Has an open tooth at the front which should make him seem attractive, but he just smiles creepy, and his eyes are more dangerous than mine. I recoil and blink fast.


    Maybeing to this neighbourhood is a bad idea, but the farther I was away from home, the lesser the ache in my heart was.


    Everything was a recollection of her. Every damn thing. I needed it to stop, so I got on my bike and drove. I stopped at the ¡°thug street¡± that¡¯s what they called it. The shops had broken windows, yet a few were still open and operating. The streets had the weirdest stench of spilt oil.


    Everyone I crossed either smirked or red. I¡¯ve counted fifteen people in total. Only three girls. I don¡¯t think a lot of theme out. It¡¯s almost six pm, it¡¯s justified.


    ¡°You¡¯re a quiet one. Those are always the best. I think I like you. It doesn¡¯t appear you belong here, but you¡¯d fit in. And I like you.¡±


    I snort.


    ¡°I dislike you. I¡¯m not here to make friends, so fuck off.¡±


    Instead of faltering, his eyes widened and held his knee pads and beganughing. Cackling. Everyone would hear, but this crazy asshole just keptughing.


    ¡°What the fuck is funny? Know what? I¡¯m not doing this.¡±


    ¡°Oh, I like you. I don¡¯t trust in soul mates but you. I like you a lot,¡±


    He reiterated, bobbing his head with consent


    ¡°Bye.¡±


    ¡°I am Harper. Harper Kennedy. I don¡¯t know your name yet, but if you consider screwing the entire world over and not giving a damn, I can help you. We have the same look and I believe you and I will get along nicely. Just a few hours, you look like a guy with nothing left to lose.¡±


    I eye him and his clothes. Leather jackets. Thick pants. He has knee pads for some weird reason.


    ¡°So pretty boy? You in?¡±


    He is right. I have nothing to lose. I¡¯ve lost everything already.


    ¡°What do I have to lose?¡±


    He chuckles and shrugs his hands across my shoulder, pulling me to his body.


    I nce at my cycle considering moving it somewhere safer, but I shrug against it and trail Harper instead.


    ¡°Dn. Dn Emerton.¡±


    I introduce myself with a smirk.


    **


    PRESENT.


    ¡°That¡¯s how you two met? At the other side of town?¡±


    I nod with a sad sigh. The prologue isn¡¯t scary, I¡¯m about to get into the plot.


    ¡°Whatever I say next, I want you to know that I¡¯m not that person anymore. I did bad things, but I¡¯m not a bad person and I hope you¡¯d forgive me.¡±


    ¡°What are you-¡±


    ¡°Just listen. Let me finish the rest part.¡±


    ¡°O-Okay.¡±


    She answers hesitantly. I will do this.


    If Cami walks away after knowing, I¡¯d respect her decision.


    **


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    ¡°I had my guys bring your bike here.¡±


    Harper announces bringing me a ck gate. Guys?


    ¡°Are you kidnapping me?¡±


    Heughs.


    ¡°We are soulmates truly.¡±


    He bangs the door twice, waits four seconds then knocks five times and steps back.


    Someone rolls the gates open allowing us entrance.


    It¡¯s just a house inside. A bungalow.


    ¡°This ce yours?¡±


    ¡°No D.¡±


    Smirking, he leads the way towards the door, and I trail behind.


    ¡°The party started already. It¡¯s almost eight. Come on.¡±


    Just then, Harper shrugs his shirt off and continues walking till we reach the house


    It¡¯srger up close. It¡¯s painted bleak with red and blue.


    Again, Harper repeats the knockbination and waits for someone on the inside to open.


    When the figure does, my jaw ticks at what I see.


    They filled the entire room with people; they make a tiny circle and in the middle I can pick out two grown men,unching fist attacks at each other. One of them is stronger and takes the other guy down.


    The weaker falls and knocks his cheek against the floorboard. To my surprise, the entire house fills with cheers and squeals of joy.


    ¡°Pussy.¡±


    Harperments and he¡¯s taping his hand. Where did thate from?


    ¡°Wait, you¡¯re fighting?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    He grins.


    ¡°And you will too.¡±


    ¡°W-What? People could get seriously hurt or worse ¨C die? Is this even legal?¡±


    I ask, looking around frantically.


    ¡°Calm down. You¡¯re worried about others getting hurt, but maybe they should. You¡¯re hurt too. Why shouldn¡¯t they be as well?¡±


    I shake my head and step back.


    ¡°D¡­.¡±


    ¡°Dn. My name is Dn.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not legal, but it isn¡¯t exactly illegal.¡±


    I narrow my gaze.


    ¡°Watch the fight. Watch mine at least. If you don¡¯t enjoy the feeling of watching someone go down, blood oozing, screams of pain and suffering, it could even be yours. If you don¡¯t get any validation from those, then you may leave. Just watch one. Remember, you have nothing left to lose¡±All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Harper holds my sight, knowing he got me there. I clutch an borate sigh and gaze from him to the spectators inside. They all look weirdly satisfied.


    Would I be as well? Will the burn in my chest go away?


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    I grunted and Harper¡¯s grin spreads thoroughly.


    **


    PRESENT.


    ¡°You stopped back to watch Harper fight?¡±


    I smile sadly.


    ¡°If only that were all I did Darlin, but I did other things too. Worse things.¡±


    ****


    I pledge to do my best to update daily until Ipleted this book. Truth is; I¡¯m already working on my new book simultaneously so I can drop it when this ends. Much Love!

 Chapter 121 Dylan’s Past [II]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    FRIDAY.


    ¡°What else did you do?¡±


    She drools the next few terms and then clears a breath.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m here. I just need a minute.¡±


    I inhale, drawing as much air in as I could.


    ¡°I hung back and watched the fight that day when instead I should¡¯ve gotten my cycle and driven home¡­¡±


    MONTHS AGO.


    Harper took his first hit a minute into the fight. You can imagine how many hits the other guy has been getting since then. Harper moves like a skilled ninja.


    If I believed in superpowers or that shit, I would think had telepathy. He foresaw his opponent¡¯s moves.


    And the other guy was bulky. Harper was near twice his size, yet Harper didn¡¯t have a scratch on his face until some seconds ago, but the other guy?


    He had a broken nose and that arm will need serious icing. The strange part is that none of them had gone down yet. What¡¯s even stranger is how my eyes can¡¯t blink or look away. I¡¯m that invested.


    When it started, I flinched twice, but since then I¡¯m grinning. I have to bite my tongue not to cheer with the rest of them.


    Blood. So much blood. So much pain. I want it. I want more.


    Harper makes a contract and shoots a wink. It clicks. He sees it in my eyes as well.


    I understand him. Why does he believes we¡¯re such a good match? I¡¯m considering it too.


    ¡°Ugh!¡±


    A series of groans erupt around me. I look back and the man has Harper down on his face, twirling his left hand behind his head.


    You¡¯d think Harper would wince or be on the brink of tears from the amount of pain he¡¯s in, but no. Harper is chuckling. Part of his face hides, but I can break out a smirk anywhere.


    Someone rings a bell, and they drift apart. His opponent shoots both hands in the air and yells while everyone cheers.


    I can¡¯t stop looking. I won¡¯t.


    Harper lost, but he¡¯s smiling. One hand looks livid by his waist. His eyes are bloodshot, but he¡¯s still grinning.


    I¡¯m left to wonder how good it must feel. My eyes glisten with curiosity and I want to try it out myself.


    **


    PRESENT.


    ¡°Wow.¡±


    Cam gasps, batting bothshes and then pulling her bottom lip into her mouth.


    ¡°What happened next?¡±


    She slid a pillow behind her head, arching back to get morefortable.


    ¡°Everything.¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I whisper as more copies flood in. Images I¡¯ve suppressed for so long.


    **


    MONTHS AGO.


    ¡°Why are you happy since you lost?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t understand D, it¡¯s animating.¡±


    His eyes shimmer with delight, and a twisted sneer makes its way back to his lips.


    ¡°I can only imagine.¡±


    ¡°Maybe you don¡¯t have to. They¡¯re setting up another round. We could enlist.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t assume I¡¯m cut out for fighting. I¡¯d lose too. I¡¯d be down in one minute t.¡±


    Amid such arge crowd, Harper grabs his knee likest time andughs even harder.


    ¡°Winning isn¡¯t everything sometimes. What if I told you I lost on purpose?¡±


    He smirks.


    Harper did fight in the beginning. I turned away for one minute and Harper was down on the ground.


    ¡°Why would you lose on purpose?¡±


    A tiny flicker of emotion flipped past his lids, so quickly that I couldn¡¯t pin it down.


    ¡°Well D, maybe I enjoy being taken down on my ass. Pain is good. If I¡¯m feeling enough pain in my body, I won¡¯t feel any in other ces.¡±


    He stares straight at me. I¡¯ve never rted to someone¡¯s words as I have to what Harper just said to me. Which is why I don¡¯t give two fucks or think my next words through. I simply say them.


    ¡°How do I get into a fight?¡±


    **


    PRESENT.


    ¡°You joined?¡±


    Cami turns her upper body, the pillow shrugs off and it masked her face with shock. Talk about a plot twist.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a cult, but yes I asked to get into a fight.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    She hums.


    ¡°Darlin, Harper was the right thing. I felt so much pain in my body, that I felt nothing else except for that pain. And I¡¯ll be a liar if I said I didn¡¯t enjoy it or crave more.¡±


    I turn to my feet unable to bear whatever look she¡¯ll give me. Then I chuckle.


    ¡°If only you knew we haven¡¯t even gotten to the nasty part yet.¡±


    **


    MONTHS AGO.


    ¡°Leave all of that to me. I¡¯ll put you up with someone new as well¡­¡±


    ¡°No. Don¡¯t. Anyone who¡¯s up for a fight, let them in.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure? You don¡¯t have any experience.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, but it can¡¯t be tonight. Come on. I¡¯ll show you around then I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll have to get back to the pretty side of town.¡±


    He chuckles at his joke. I¡¯d take offence, but I don¡¯t. I¡¯m merely excited for whenever Harper has to show me.


    **


    I got a call from Harper exactly three days after that night. He called before noon that there was a fight that night by 7. Which was good since mom and dad had a dinner reservation and won¡¯t be back till midnight.


    I kept my boxing gloves and knee pad in the corner andy in bed with fantasies of how tonight would go.


    Now and then, Cami would creep in and I¡¯d focus on the blood and ripples of cries from whatever opponent I face.


    **


    I left the house a little before 7, taking my cycle and zooming off. I¡¯m meeting him at thepound.


    Harper stood outside d in a simr outfit, except no jacket this time.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d make it. I¡¯m surprised as I am intrigued.¡±


    Patting my back, he did the same knock asst week so we could both pass through.


    ¡°Your opponent is an amateur. His name is an usher. He¡¯s a little bigger than you, but I believe you can take it.¡±


    Harper grins levelling a look at me.


    ¡°Last chance to back out if you don¡¯t want to?¡±


    I chuckled.


    ¡°What do I have to lose Harper?¡±


    **


    I won the fight. How to describe the feeling? Everyone was cheering. They cheered me on the field, but this everyone was yelling my name. Usher had a broken rib, I knocked it in when he tried to aim for my face; it was anticipated, I just ducked and shoved the first thing I saw-his left rib.


    He got down immediately, and I won. I feel powerful. In control. I like this. I like this a lot.


    ¡°You¡¯re a natural D, that punch was beautiful.¡±


    Beautiful. That¡¯s the word.


    ¡°Any more fights?¡±


    ¡°Woah¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°There is, but this guy is an expert..¡±


    ¡°Great, I¡¯ll grab a bottle of water and we can go. It¡¯s the winner against someone else right?¡±


    Harper watched me, silently deciding on what he should do.


    ¡°I see so much of me in you, it¡¯s fucking crazy.¡±


    He bobbed his head sideways. It¡¯s my turn to knock his shoulder and Strutt away.


    **


    The next guy-Timothy. He¡¯s taller and faster. An expert as Harper said. I was down on my knee twice. Both arms were twisted, but I kept going, kicking his shin, and then trying to get him down. The best part was Harper being right.


    Winning or losing, I was lit. Either I¡¯m inflicting pain or being on the receiving end, but it feels good.


    It¡¯s no surprise that I lost the fight, but being down on my side of my face, I squeezed my eyes and bottled augh. Now I rte to Harper. More than anyone in my entire life.


    **


    PRESENT.


    ¡°You¡­¡± ¡°I¡­¡±


    I sigh.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused. If you were enjoying it so much. Why did you leave? Why does Harper say you abandoned all of them? Did you suddenly stop fighting, and he picked offence?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I stopped fighting.¡±


    She peered at me.


    ¡°I stopped fighting because I found out the fight club was using the fights for something else.¡±


    ¡°W-What?¡±


    ¡°Aside from the fee charged to get in. Harper coordinated bets on yers. Then he would purposely lose our resolve to win the match to manipte the betting results, and he used me to do it.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ Why?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know. That¡¯s not why I got in. I didn¡¯t know until¡­¡±


    I groaned, washing my entire face in both hands.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know until someone nearly died for it.¡±


    She gasps so loudly, that it rings in my ear and the sound does not stop.


    **


    ¡°Cami? Say something. Please say something.¡±


    I tear my gaze from the door, my eyes are burning up but I get enough courage and take a peek at her.


    She¡¯s staring right back, bewildered and trying to process everything I had just said.


    I cock a brow and search her features. Hate? Judgement? I can¡¯t tell. She just keeps staring.


    ¡°Say something.¡±


    I creak.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t hate me.¡±


    I¡¯m tempted to add but conceal that part for myself.


    ¡°I need to get a ss of water, I¡¯ll be back.¡±


    Cami breaks first and leaves my room. I trail her figure until it disappearspletely, then I quiet my entire being and listen to her footsteps until they are no more.


    ****


    Drop a review after reading!

 Chapter 122 Dylan’s Past [III]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    FRIDAY.


    She fled. I¡¯m hunching on my bed, gazing at the door while waiting for her figure to slide through. It¡¯s been over 5 minutes and 20 seconds, and Cami hasn¡¯t returned.


    I can¡¯t carry myself off the bed and wander after her, so I dwell back and seal my eyes, looking back on a time when I didn¡¯t have so many life problems.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t quit?¡±


    I rear back, my eyes drifting open, and find her in the middle of the room.


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t. I went to get a ss of water, and I lost track of time in the kitchen. You thought I¡¯d leave?¡±


    Her brows crease with nothing but sympathy.


    ¡°If I were in your ce, I¡¯d leave.¡±


    I answer back.


    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving Dn. I don¡¯t want to go back to my world.¡±


    ¡°Mine isn¡¯t looking peachy either.¡±


    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯re in it and that¡¯s enough for me. Now finish the story.¡±


    I blink and draw a finger to my skin, tapping a circle to check if I am fantasizing.


    ¡°What if you detest me when I finish?¡±


    ¡°I will not hate you, Dn. Whatever you did, I know you didn¡¯t do it on purpose. I know it wasn¡¯t your fault. I know that because you have a good heart. You¡¯re a good person.¡±


    Cami pulls her over sideways, slips in and returns it over her legs.


    ¡°And it¡¯s in your past. It shouldn¡¯t define you. I have had my fair share of terrible mistakes. I caused a fire in case you forgot. I had people judging me for that too, so I will not surmise until I know the entire thing, so tell me what went on after your first fight.¡±


    One of her arms circles my lower back, but she doesn¡¯t draw closer. Cami trusts me. Cami believes in me.


    She won¡¯t hate me. And that¡¯s enough courage to get through the saga and shut that chapter.


    **


    MONTHS EARLIER.


    The fight club became my second best spot. My first was my bedroom where I¡¯d listen to music or box. I saw my parents, they saw me, but I didn¡¯t level my eyes with them.


    Over thest two weeks, I¡¯ve been watching a lot of fights. I prefer folks of higher standing than me. I didn¡¯t need to act tough. I¡¯d rather take a beating than win even. Harper and I spent time outside thepound. I opened up about Cami. The entire thing. His message was to;


    ¡°Forget about her. You can¡¯t keep scowling over a girl who has likely moved on.¡±


    My chest aches more than the times I got hit since pictures of her and some bastard won¡¯t stop shaping.


    I craved being knocked up by my ass and feeling pain in more pieces of my body than I can count.


    I¡¯d slither back into the house with big hoodies so my mom or dad barely noticed.


    The funny part is that my brother did. ke returned from college after his first semester there he saw my ck eye. Since I lowered my head while walking, I can¡¯t recount why ke knew something was amiss.


    What¡¯s even funnier was that he didn¡¯t take revenge and call me out as I did him. He extended a hand and offered a talk which I denied.


    No one understood what I desired or was going through, only the fight club. I forfeited two fights while he was home, but he left the week after and I was back in the little ring.


    This was my life now. A life of excitement and thrill.


    Until one Thursday night when everything went to shit.


    I no longer received calls or texts from Harper, I took my cycle and got to thepound.


    Tonight my parents would be home early and I didn¡¯t want any queries, so I nned to leave by 5, which was two hours earlier than the fight for the night. I drove there and parked the cycle elsewhere; I knew the special knock to get in and Harper wasn¡¯t in sight.


    I considered calling, but a better part of me opted for a walk around thepound. Aside from the bungalow, the whole area was filled with carpet grass and looked tidy enough.


    Then I noticed a shack in the corner. Curiously, I inched near it. I got a whiff of Harper and his friends.


    I got acquainted with two already. Eli and Victor. I made out an extra voice inside. They were discussing, then my shadow got made. I panicked as the door burst open revealing Harper.


    ¡°You¡¯re here early. It¡¯s good. I¡¯ve been meaning to let you in on this.¡±


    Harper never showed his emotions. He was smirking or grinning. Same with today. He pulled me inside and I followed. The ce was lit with nothing but a bulb along with 3 other guys, above neen maybe.


    They all had ck shirts on just like Harper.


    ¡°D, these are my friends. Thisst guy is Miles.¡±


    He introduced, grinning harder.


    ¡°What are you doing here? And what do you mean let me in?¡±


    Another smirk.


    **


    The flight club charged about twenty dors per head and every night they made above a thousand grand or more, but that wasn¡¯t the only flow of ie.


    They had a betting system. When two yers were fighting, the spectators had two minutes into the match to ce their bets on who would win. Harper and his friends were in charge, they made tons from the proceedings.


    ¡°Youe here to discuss bettings?¡±


    They shared a look.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    An emotion crossed his eyes. I captured it immediately.


    Half-truth. Fear. Uncertainty.


    But I didn¡¯t question him. I bobbed my head and departed secondster.


    That night I won the fight and went head with a head injury.


    **


    Four dayster, I arrived the same way I usually did, but the aura was different. The nagging sensation of something amiss and about to go wrong kept rising in my chest, but I dismissed it constantly.


    My opponent was Rina. Harper and Rina had fought thrice, and he won twice, leaving me excited about fighting him tonight.


    ¡°Hey D,e here for a second.¡±


    I strode towards Harper, pulling my shirt off since we were a minute away from starting.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Rina is tough. Are you sure you¡¯re ready?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡±


    ¡°Alright then, but I think I gave a tip for you. Rina usually puts all his muscles into the match, so you need to let him think he¡¯s won, once that happens you have to go all out on him. Don¡¯t stop even though he looks weak. That¡¯s how you win.¡±


    I listened keenly. Harper beat him once, so of course, I¡¯d take his word for it.


    **


    Following Harper¡¯s words, I yed a mini offence than a defence; barely dodging and then getting punched.


    Minutes into the fight, I got a space and went for his lower jaw.


    Rina staggered backwards, but I didn¡¯t halt. I punched again then he fell back. I went for his stomach; he bent forward and dropped to his knees.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back.¡±


    Gritting my teeth, I kicked both his legs and watched the entire crowd cheer my name. Even then I kept going, hitting and pping. Rina was down and bleeding thoroughly, the sight amused me in ways that shouldn¡¯t be normal.


    I won.


    **


    I severely injured Rina that night, and I bruised my knuckles from the impact on his body.


    I began searching for Harper since I was scared about what happened to Rina.


    That¡¯s when I heard him and Miles discussing.


    ¡°That was amazing! You were right. He¡¯d be good for business. Everyone was catching up to your antics, but with Dn, he¡¯s perfect.¡±


    I pressed my ear over the door and got the entire thing.


    Harper¡¯s tip? That was all nned. He wanted me to hold back while everyone ced bets; he needed me to hurt Rina and get the crowd¡¯s attention.


    It was all for show. A man lost his life for the show. Harper¡¯s betting system was rigged. All for money.


    **


    PRESENT TIME.


    ¡°I confronted him. The sick bastard didn¡¯t deny a word. He offered me money and a chance to hit people. Let out my pain. I made the mistake of telling him about you, so the asshole figured I¡¯d like hurting others to soothe my suffering.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°That¡¯s what happened. That¡¯s the history between Harper and me, now you know.¡±


    ¡°I think to myself; what if I said something about the bet? Even if I didn¡¯t go to the authorities, what if I asked further questions instead of being a selfish prick? What if Rina died that night?¡±


    I added.


    ¡°But he didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make it better Cam. I left the entire ce. I told Harper and his friends that I wanted nothing to do with the fight club. I didn¡¯t go to the cops because my entire body felt rigid, a weekter I returned and they cleared the ce out. I figured they moved to another location. Then ire came around and pulled me out of that dark prison, made mee here and you know the rest.¡±


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    ¡°I feel guilty Cam. Harper is right, I¡¯m not a good person. I¡¯m just like him. I had the matchbox while he struck it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not like him. You made mistakes too, but you¡¯re not Harper.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not so sure anymore.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do that to yourself. I did it after my house got burnt down and you pulled me out, so do not do it to yourself.¡±


    ¡°I have nothing to forgive you for, you¡¯re forgiving yourself just like with Pa. If you need to see Rina, then do it. But you let go and you tell Harper he has no control over you anymore.¡±


    I can¡¯t help but nod.


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    I think to myself, smiling softly. This isn¡¯t the time to say it to her. She¡¯d freak out. Too many problems and bursting those three words may only add to it. Besides, she just broke up with Jimmy. It¡¯ll be a dick move. But I love her. I¡¯m in love with her. So much so that I worry it¡¯ll consume me. No-I worry I¡¯d let it.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    I mumble, patting my lips against the other, drawing closer so I could im hers.


    If only I could stay here in this bed, having her in my arms, her lips over mine, repeatedly. Nothing is more vital.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ****

 Chapter 123 Till Whenever

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    FRIDAY.


    ¡°How fucked up do you reckon the outside world is now?¡± Dn dissembles the subject for a few seconds.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been in istion for twelve hours give or take? I¡¯d like roughly two per cent more.¡±


    Simultaneously, we break intoughter.


    ¡°What do you expect to do after graduation? P. I or you¡¯re going to work for a firm?¡±


    ¡°Well Darlin, I like my space, so I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be under anypany. I¡¯ll frence.¡± A delicate smile jerks my lips.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯ll be stressful? Having all those limited resources?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m very resourceful.¡±


    He soothes me, pressing several kisses on the side of my head.


    ¡°And you? What are you going to do?¡±


    ¡°Hospitals. I want to work in a hospital. I¡¯ll be able to reach and help more people that way.¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s a long time from now, we still have three-plus years to go. A lot could ur¡±


    ¡°You¡¯d expect to change career paths?¡±


    He taunts. I shrug both shoulders.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just striving to keep an open mind. I infer my house got destroyed, and that wasn¡¯t foreseen. Of what use is scheming when everything youboured for could fade away in the blink of an eye.¡±


    I chuckle and bask in his scent. Dn¡¯s hand is around my waist and I¡¯m sneaking as much scent as I can.


    ¡°That¡¯s the beauty of it, Darlin. We can dream. We can try to dispute all variables, but if that n isn¡¯t meant to be, it¡¯ll get derailed.¡±


    ¡°You specte that everything transpires for a reason?¡±


    ¡°I am. Think of it this way; it¡¯s like a chain reaction. One event leads to another.¡±


    ¡°Expatriate.¡±


    I scoot closer.


    ¡°You and Kyle were together. I bet he plotted a lot with you. Now he¡¯s with your best friend. Hold that thought. You came into my house and you and Kyle broke up, Pa and her friends kept taunting you because you were with me, you found Miranda because of that taunt, and Miranda found Kyle.¡±


    I stretch my face out as I smile. I didn¡¯t see that one. It seems beautiful.


    ¡°If the house didn¡¯t get burnt down, they might have never crossed paths, but if fate meant them to, they would¡¯ve. Some extra path fate would bring both of them together.¡±


    I veered.


    ¡°Are you saying they are soulmates? Do you believe in that too?¡±


    I teased.


    ¡°I do Darlin, there¡¯s a theory that you¡¯re being pulled to your soulmate. You spend your entire life working to meet that one person put in this world for you. When you¡¯re united, there¡¯s only peace. Sometimes they¡¯re your first love, sometimes they aren¡¯t. But you¡¯ll always see them in the end.¡±


    ¡°And how could you exin they are your soulmates? There isn¡¯t exactly a handle.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t, you could be pulled to over ten guys in a lifetime, each of them would make you feel unique things, and one of them might be your soul mate, the only way to know is to keep going. Which is why I intend to love you whenever and hope that you and I are forever.¡±


    A breath is squeezed in my throat. ¡°Love you?¡± Does he intend to love me? Does Dn love me? W-What?


    ¡°What did you?..¡±


    ¡°Are you going to speak to Miranda soon?¡±


    He jabs. ¡°I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s the weekend, so I don¡¯t need to return to the dorms for the next two days.¡±


    ¡°Are you nning on avoiding her for eternity?¡±


    ¡°No Dn, I don¡¯t know what to say.¡±


    ¡°Who says you¡¯ll do the talking? Maybe you just need to sit and listen to her side of the story. What did Kyle tell you?¡±


    He whispers, nuzzling his hair in my face.


    Sighing, I recall my ex¡¯s words earlier today.


    ¡°Miranda said she noticed me by the bleachers during ser week, we were already broken up then and Pa was at cheerleading practice. We spoke four words to each other before she had to leave, I took little meaning to it. But I saw her more after that ¨C hallways, locker room, outside the school, and in ssrooms. It was nothing serious, just shared looks and shadows of a smile.¡± I recount the words as he spoke them.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t tell you any of this?¡±Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°No. I thought my best friend kissed a random stranger for a dare. Now that I specte maybe Kelly knew about the crush and made sure Miranda had to kiss someone. I¡¯d preferably not think about that night, so I may be wrong.¡±


    His hands met mine underneath the sheets, squeezing gently.


    ¡°Are you mad about it?¡±


    ¡°Angry? No. Aside from the girl code, I have no reason to get mad. Hurt? A little. We went through so much in high school, we became best friends, and she hide the truth.¡±


    ¡°Did you ever tell Miranda about that night with Pa?¡±


    I lift my eyes to meet his in shock.


    ¡°I know you do not wish to debate it, but I promise I¡¯m getting somewhere. I just need to know if you told her the truth. That you walked in on Pa and me.¡±


    ¡°N-No.¡±


    My shock is for something else. It¡¯s for me. I did not tell my best friend about it.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell Jimmy either? Although maybe Harper did, you couldn¡¯t bring yourself to. Yet each of them knew I had hurt you somehow and you could¡¯ve exined the reason, you just didn¡¯t.¡±


    There¡¯s no judgement in his voice, more like trying to pass the message across.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    He whispers, tracing a line on my right arm.


    ¡°I was ashamed.¡±


    I breathe.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell anyone, not even my parents. I never opened uppletely, because I was ashamed of the fact that something of that degree urred to me. I didn¡¯t want Miranda to have to look at me every day and reminisce that night. Not even a flicker of it. Or my parents thinking I wasn¡¯t good enough for that to have happened. I didn¡¯t want pity. I didn¡¯t want any altercation in the normal way of my life and at that moment, it just seemed easier to conceal the truth.¡±


    I finished, relief washing over me.


    ¡°Sometimes when bad things happen to me because of other people, or other people do bad things to me, I ask myself; if I did this in the past, why did I? And if I wanted to do this to someone in the future, what are the reasons I could have? Sometimes I get answers that could justify their wrongdoings, other times Ie up nk. That¡¯s how I decide if they might be worth forgiving, or if they will keep hurting me.¡±


    I can not breathe. That¡¯s-


    ¡°I don¡¯t know Miranda as much as you might, but just maybe she was embarrassed or didn¡¯t want her friend to feel betrayed, maybe it was easier to take the first part of the love story out of the equation. Just maybe Darlin.¡±


    I close my lids and then sniffle.


    ¡°I should speak to her. Not just listen.¡±


    I state, my voice thick with emotion.


    ¡°You should.¡±


    Dn affirms, tightening his hold on my lower body.


    ¡°I did it with ke you know.¡±


    He whispers, gently brushing my hair.


    ¡°I asked if the roles were reversed, why would I try to hit on you?¡±


    He chuckles deeply.


    ¡°You¡¯re everything and more. The reason was that simple. Plus, he was bold enough tomunicate, I couldn¡¯t decide.¡±


    ¡°So you forgave your brother?¡±


    I query lowly.


    ¡°Well, we can stay in one room without attempting to punch each other, and he strived to help me with Harper, I don¡¯t believe I was ever mad. Maybe a little jealous, maybe a little of a jerk.¡±


    ¡°A little?¡±


    I butt in.


    ¡°Fine a big jerk, but that feels like a long time ago, things are better now. They have to be.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s lovely to hear Dn.¡±


    I yawn lightly, turning away from his gaze, but still within his hold.


    ¡°You asked me what I said, Cami.¡±


    He recounts, breaking the momentary silence.


    Dn¡¯s lips are hovering over one ear, I arch into his touch, inviting him, needing everything he offered.


    ¡°I said I intend to love you till whenever. As long as you let me.¡±


    That takes every ounce of sleep. It¡¯s reced with adrenaline.


    I slip my head back to his face, palming a side of it. Then I kiss him. I don¡¯t imagine either of us intends to hold back.


    ****


    I¡¯m aware it was unfair to disappear like that. I apologize. I¡¯m honestly working on my new book which will drop as soon as Ipleted this! I willplete this book this week! So very excited!

 Chapter 124 Everything To Lose [I]

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    FRIDAY.


    ¡°You scent, It¡¯s better than I ever imagined.¡±


    Dn grunts fill the entire room as he kisses me up to my thighs, snugging his nose over my skin and then pressing his mouth on my inner skin.


    I moan, giving little regard to how loud I must sound, or who might be attracted to what we were doing.


    I¡¯m d in my panties only, which soon meet their fate on the floor. Dn steps away, holding my gaze as he makes quick words of his shirt.


    Kneading my legs, I crawl to the edge of the bed, attempting to reach his belt buckle.


    He passes me a knowing look, chuckles, and then tosses his head back, allowing me room to his body.


    I peel the pants off his skin, reaching for the waistband of his boxer briefs.


    His hands meet mine and he halts that movement.


    ¡°Not yet.¡±


    He grumbles, concealing his head in the corner of my neck.


    ¡°Lay back.¡±


    His gentlemands ring in my ears. Obeying, I straighten my legs and return my back to the bed, all without breaking his gaze.


    Smirking, he bent the knee and crawled after me, halting above my waist. Back to where he began.


    ¡°Much more beautiful than I could ever imagine.¡±


    He speaks more to himself and then settles between my legs. His lips angle directly at my opening, but he merely blows a kiss and moves to the side.


    I do not appreciate his gentle assault on my lips. Once again I tug on the sheets and struggle to breathe,ing out with pants and then sputters of his name.


    ¡°Patience.¡±


    He breathes over me, tilting his face to my centre.


    ¡°Finally.¡±


    I wail as his lips meet mine. My other lips.


    His tongue. I was wrong. I don¡¯t prefer his tongue in my mouth, I like it better between my legs.


    No rush. He starts slow. Licking. Tasting. Relinquishing. Then he picks me up the pace, drawing his bottom lip over my clit.


    A scream peels out of my mouth. I clutch the sheet and shut my eyes.


    He does it again and in time I reach out to pull his head, hoping to hold him in ce.


    He¡¯s faster. Pinning both hands with his, then sucking even slower.


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I rasp, reminding myself that I needed air. I needed it as much as I wanted Dn¡¯s tongue-


    ¡°Oh, God.¡±


    I grunt, and cover my face with the sheets, screaming into the cotton material as Dn takes me over the edge with his mouth.


    Just as I feel myself close, he takes his face off.


    My breathse up shaggy, but I make him out in the room, tugging his boxers off each leg, then reaching for a thin foil, ripping it apart, then wrapping it over his cock.


    I gulp. It¡¯s truly been a while.


    ¡°Soaked.¡±


    He remarks likest time, jabbing each leg forward to meet his skin. It¡¯s as hot as mine.


    I open my eyes and look at him. I don¡¯t break contact again, not even when he thrusts himself inside me. His motion is swift but cautious.


    ¡°Oh, my God.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not entirely in.¡±


    He states, his tone hinting amusement.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what?¡±


    I half yell.


    Chuckling, ¡°Raise your hips, press my back on the bed, and try to keep your knees steady.¡±


    I swallow hard, following his directives.


    ¡°You can take it.¡±


    He whispers, then fills me with all of him. It stung a little, but my body stretches to amodate his.


    ¡°Move.¡±


    I seethe, hardly recognising my voice. And he does move.


    Slowly at first, then his pace bes needy. His back falls, and both hands plopped on the bed. I close my eyes and a faint image of that nightes into view.


    ¡°Look at me Darlin, only me. It¡¯s just you and I. No one else matters right now.¡±


    I bob my head and blink it back, circling my legs around his waist. Grunting, he plunges harder and my hands meet him, letting him own mepletely.


    ****


    SATURDAY.


    Dn and I didn¡¯t get up until 9 AM this morning, and it took a lot of convincing to leave his bed and house to my dorm. Afterst night, we cuddled for a few minutes, watched a movie, and then went to bed. This morning, reality hit and I needed to talk with my best friend.


    So here I am, pulling the door to my room, half expecting Kyle to be in her arms.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kyle?¡±


    I blurt my thoughts. My best friend scrambles with her pillow, blinking the sleep away from her lids, tucking her hair more than once.


    I strut into the room to sit at the edge of my bed.


    My legs are crossed with an amused expression on my face.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± I taunt, absorbing her clothes. She creaks of sex. We both knew that.


    ¡°Are you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll admit I gotid if you do.¡±


    Gasping, she hopped off the bed andnded right next to me, sniffling my hair.


    ¡°I knew you looked different. I don¡¯t. Wow! How did it? Kyle said someone came over. I have a lot of questions.¡±


    ¡°I can imagine. So, did you getid?¡±


    A blush springs on both cheeks. ¡°It¡¯s fucking obvious. I don¡¯t even need to ask.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you annoyed?¡±


    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sure how I¡¯m feeling. It¡¯s like this huge weight has gotten off my chest.¡±


    ¡°Wait. I¡¯m missing something here. You didn¡¯t get together with Jimmy, did you?¡±


    I give a tiny Bob in negation. That¡¯s all it takes for my best friend to get on her feet and scream.


    ¡°You¡­ Dn¡­ You and Dn¡­¡±


    She mumbles incoherently, pointing in the air and back to me.


    I bury my face in a cluster of both palms, groaning loudly.


    ¡°How did I miss this? What the hell? Okay. We need to y secret sharing. Now!¡±


    Motioning a hand over the other, she exhaled and calmly returned to the bed.


    ¡°Alright then. You begin.¡±


    I left the edge to a morefortable position, propping my elbows on myps.


    ¡°I slept with Kyle yesterday. It wasn¡¯t the right time to be fucking him, but with you gone and our rtionship hanging on a thread, I needed the distraction.¡±


    I narrow my gaze, taunting her with a gleaming look in my eyes.


    ¡°Stop looking at me like that!¡±


    She shrieks, covering her face in her palms.


    ¡°It seems we are in sync.¡±


    ¡°Nope. You having sex with Dn isn¡¯t a secret, so give me something else like how on earth did you switch boys so fast? You¡¯re quite the yer, Miss Ren¨¦e.¡±


    She elbows me lightly and then plops down beside me.


    Over the next fifteen minutes, I tell the tale of Harper, Dn, and Jimmy. How they are connected, how I was a pawn at some point, and how I figured the entire thing out. I blurred out some details about the fight club, for Dn¡¯s sake.


    ¡°This is quite the plot, and I figured my life was a movie, but yours may just be a best seller.¡±


    Her back ttens against the headboard. I giggle and then y with the idle strands of my hair.


    ¡°So you and Jimmy are over? I should kick his fucking junk for toying with you like that. The nerve of that bastard!¡±


    ¡°Jimmy was a pawn, an important pawn, but he was the messenger. The actual viin of the story is Harper.¡±


    ¡°And he was in this dorm? I should get the entire ce sprayed and rid of his scent.¡±


    I toss my head back andugh.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t want to think about either of them.¡±


    ¡°Do you think they¡¯ll back off? Jimmy included. I mean, from your words, he seems adamant about getting together with you, then Harper has this obsession with Dn. I¡¯ve studied it in sociology. It doesn¡¯t end well.¡±


    Shrugging, I toss my head to the corner before parting my bottom lip. I didn¡¯t know how to reply appropriately.


    Harper does seem relentless in pursuing Dn. He traced him from New York to Cal-U. He¡¯s been following both of us from day one. Lurking in shadows.


    ¡°It only gets worse, especially once they realise they¡¯ve lost. Then they take drastic actions. Their cognitive functioning is just gone. All they can see are those trying to keep them away from the ones they want.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should call Dn? Ask him what we could do? A restraining order might help. I didn¡¯t think it¡¯ll be serious.¡±


    ¡°He barged into our dorm Cam, that¡¯s an indication.¡±


    My heart raced twice as fast. How did I miss those signs? Harper is like a ticking bomb. He¡¯s getting closer to destruct.


    ¡°Cam?¡±


    ¡°About Kyle and I, I need you to understand it wasn¡¯t my intention to lie or deceive, I just didn¡¯t want you to see me in another light or think less of me. It¡¯s no excuse, but I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Her blonde hair falls forward, covering her features.


    ¡°Those eight months of silence before college. I withdrew from the world because Dn hurt me that night at the party. I had to walk in on him screwing someone else. Pa.¡±


    Her hair snaps in the air and locates my eyes, blinking back in disbelief.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    ¡°What!? Why didn¡¯t you say something? How could he?..¡±


    ¡°It looks like aeons just striding in there and watching them, but it happened. I told no one aside from Jimmy who was there. He may have put two in two with Harper¡¯s aid, of course. My parents. His parents. You. I hide from everyone. For the same reason as you did, and I got so mad when you did it.¡±


    I sigh softly. ¡°I got upset about something I was guilty of.¡±


    I added, then lightly chuckled.


    ¡°That was wrong, so I apologise as well.¡±


    Miranda struggled to blink back too many trickles of tears, eventually sumbing to them and pulling me in for a hug. I choked on a chuckle, on the verge of crying as well.


    ¡°So you¡¯re not mad at me? I don¡¯t have to break up with Kyle? I like him¡­¡±


    She spouted between tears.


    ¡°I like that you like him and no, I¡¯m not mad at you anymore.¡±


    I ran my left palm over her back soothingly. A chortle or twoes out to prevent more tears.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. No more crying. It¡¯s the weekend and you and I should head to the movies or have lunch together. You can let me in on the many secrets of Kyle Evans in bed.¡±


    I sensed her body still then, filling with heat. She¡¯s blushing.


    ¡°But I need to make a phone call first. I have to get my mind off Harper. I¡¯ll just call Dn, then we can leave? Sounds good.¡±


    She nodded, her head resting on one side of my shoulder.


    Pulling away, I reached for my phone and dialled Dn¡¯s number, tapping repetitively, waiting for him to pick up.


    Nothing. I rang his cell thrice. That¡¯s weird.


    ¡°Dn isn¡¯t picking up.¡±


    I announced. Miranda threw on a fresh T-shirt and then returned to my side.


    ¡°He was home when you left, right? Maybe we can stop by there since it¡¯s important.¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll just call himter.¡±


    I swallow the bile in my throat, forcibly willing my mind to ept that nothing was wrong.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll just text Kyle and inform him about the outing.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    I mumbled quietly, gripping my cell phone still. It¡¯s all the talks of Harper that have me riled. Everything¡¯s fine.


    ****


    Miranda and I bought tickets for Marvel¡¯s eternal, which got dyed and then shifted to an hourter. In between, Dn called back and the noise from impatient viewers surpassed my ring tone. I drifted from the crowd to call back.


    Luckily, he answered on the first ring and I released a breath. One I¡¯ve been holding in my throat for too long.


    ¡°I called you thrice this morning.¡±


    I state, my tone nothing but using.


    ¡°Were you worried, darling?¡±


    I hear muffled chuckles.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny.¡±


    ¡°I was sleeping. That¡¯s what weekends are for. Why were you all worked up?¡±


    Sleeping. Of course. All my worry about nothing. I strode further down the lobby, away from the crowd so I could listen well.


    ¡°Nothing, Miranda was saying something about Harper and his obsession, which might end up badly and I needed to talk to you. Maybe we should talk to the authorities or get a restraining order.¡±


    His silence is loud. For half a minute, Dn more or less just breathes over the line.


    ¡°Harper functions like a man with nothing to lose. He¡¯s like an animal, and he¡¯ll bite it provoked. The restraining order may only rile him up.¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t do anything. What if he goes after me or you? Even Miranda could be a victim of mind games.¡±


    ¡°I know him, Cami. He can¡¯t do much unless we try to push him.¡±


    ¡°So technically, your way out is doing nothing than living in constant fear of Harper showing up when we least expect it? He¡¯s not going to stop. He wants you.¡±


    ¡°Cami¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m getting the restraining order. It¡¯ll help calm my nerves. I understand if you don¡¯t want one.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. You¡¯re getting it wrong. I just think that getting it might make matters worse. Harper is unpredictable.¡±


    I chortle.


    ¡°If he¡¯s unpredictable, what makes you so sure he won¡¯t bite before making barking sounds? How can you tell this isn¡¯t a battle, and the war hasn¡¯t even begun? I worry Dn.¡±


    ¡°I know¡­¡±


    ¡°No. You don¡¯t. I have to go now. The movie maymence any moment.¡±


    ¡°Darlin.¡±


    I drop the call and then spin around.


    ¡°You¡¯re smarter than I give credit for, but it¡¯s toote. You can¡¯t restrain me when I have you.¡±


    Two breaths. One for Harper to utter those words to my face, pulling off a taunting smirk, and the next for my body toe crashing down from the impact of a gun at the side of my face.


    ¡°Dn is wrong. I do have something to lose now-Him. I was wrong as well. I told him there¡¯s nothing more dangerous than a man with nothing to lose. I¡¯d like to adjust that quote. There¡¯s no one more psychotic than a man who¡¯s on the verge of losing the one thing-the only thing he holds dearly.¡±


    Harper¡¯s tall figure hovers over mine. Smirking, he bends the knee and his face exhales over mine. I flinch, then squeeze my eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. Dn will be joining us soon.¡±


    He muses and more figures loom over me. One of them sticks a needle in my arm and I hear something rolling on the ground right before I¡¯m picked up and ced into it.


    ****

 Chapter 125 Everything To Lose [II]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    SATURDAY


    ¡°You had her for two days, give or take! You couldn¡¯t allow me to spend a day with her!¡±


    I check the ID. it¡¯s unknown, but I recognize Miranda¡¯s voice. I¡¯d figure out how she got my numberter.


    ¡°What are you talking about?¡± The more obvious question.


    ¡°Well, Cami texted, ¡°I had to run.¡± I assume she¡¯s with you?¡±


    My brows knit together.


    ¡°She isn¡¯t here.¡±


    Standing up from the bed, I toss a T-shirt on, rmed.


    ¡°How long was that text?¡±


    ¡°About three hours ago, I had to watch the movie. Now I can¡¯t reach her, and I called you to rant. You better not be fucking again!¡±


    ¡°Miranda slow down. I haven¡¯t seen Cami since this morning.¡±


    ¡°Huh? But she texted me that¡­¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s at the dorm?¡±


    ¡°No. I called thendline there. No one answered.¡±


    My heart skipped a pace.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute, Cami never texts in full with me. Much less use words like ¡°Run¡± Why am I just noticing this?¡±


    My heart jumped at another one.


    ¡°I think something happened.¡± No shit.


    ¡°Wherest did you see her?¡±


    ¡°We were waiting in line for tickets, then she drifted off to take the call with you.¡±


    I thought she hung up because of the mini argument, but what if she ¡°had¡± to hang up?


    Oh shit.


    ¡°I have to go. I¡¯ll call you if I find anything.¡±


    The call ended, and I left the house.


    Someone might know who took her.


    **


    Jimmy was at the dorms today. The fucker went there.


    ¡°Where is she! Where the fuck did you take her to?¡±


    I shoved his chest, rushing forward to pull his cor before he could react.


    ¡°The fuck is this!¡±


    Jimmy red, and I knocked my head over his.


    ¡°I swear I¡¯ll end you. Tell me where the fuck she is?¡±


    ¡°I have no clue what you¡¯re talking about!? Get off me!¡±


    He howled, but I already yanked him to the ground, maintaining my hold on his cor so I can deliver the first punch.Copyright N?v/el/Dra/ma.Org.


    My folded fist is in the air while I re at his bleeding nose.


    ¡°Where is Cami?¡±


    I drawl.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. I tried calling her, but she blocked me. She wasn¡¯t there when I tried to got to her ce. Since Friday, I haven¡¯t seen her.


    He rushed. I took two breaths and then dropped my hand. He seems like he¡¯s telling the truth. If he didn¡¯t take her, who did?


    ¡°What happened?¡±


    Parting my lips to speak, my phone¡¯s tone beat me to it.


    I checked the ID. Harper fucking Kennedy.


    ¡°Not a fucking good time. Fuck off, Harper!¡±


    I answered, my finger hovering over the end button.


    ¡°Not even if it interest dearest Cami? Alright then.¡±


    He ticks his tongue. My eyes grow twice their normal size.


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean?¡±


    I seethe.


    **


    I can¡¯t see. My eyes are open, but I can¡¯t fuck see. I¡¯m in an Uber. He¡¯s taking me to the location Harper texted, but I can¡¯t fucking see.


    I can¡¯t see what¡¯s in front of me. All I see is her. They hurt Cami. Being beaten up. Harper touched her.


    Fuck. My entire body is sizzling.


    He said toe alone. Like fuck, I was going to waste any more time by contacting anyone.


    I tossed my phone into my back pocket and trembled, arriving at the location.


    Outskirts of the city, too. Harper loves ces like this.


    I don¡¯t wonder what he wants. Money? Validation? I¡¯ll get on my knees and beg if that¡¯s what it takes. He needs to not hurt her. I need him not to touch her. She needs to be okay.


    Oh God, please let her be okay.


    **


    The Uber stopped a few kilometres from the exact spot. I wonder where I¡¯m headed to.


    There are barely any houses here, I countless them five in total. And people? Hardly up to seven.


    But I keep moving. None of them matters. My T-shirt is soaked with sweat, my pants are sticking to my legs, and my heart is racing like a car. But I keep moving.


    Almost there. I¡¯ll have her soon.


    **


    It¡¯s apound. Harper¡¯s coordinate sent me to apound. I stand in front of the enormous gate. Then, I pull out my cell phone to call him, but the gate opens and beats me to it.


    ¡°You¡¯re here in record time. That girl must mean the world to you. Quite a piece of ass, too.¡±


    Eli hums.


    ¡°What did you do to her?¡±


    ¡°A lot.¡±


    Heughs and my hands are flying forward.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    Harper sounds inside.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting. Come on in.¡±


    There¡¯s a silent taunt in his voice. I steady my breathing and walk-in. It¡¯srger inside. There¡¯s a house likest time, but this is a two-storey building.


    I stride towards the building, sitting speakers on the outside. That must be how Harpermunicated with me.


    Passing through the door, I sight Harper in the middle.


    ¡°Do you know this building barely cost anything? No one wanted it because of the location. Funny how something can mean so little after some time?¡±


    Harper¡¯s emotions are apparent. Anger.


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s here.¡±


    He quips.


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°You.¡±


    He retorts almost immediately.


    ¡°Not a chance in hell. I quit your lifestyle.¡±


    He clicks his tongue.


    ¡°That¡¯s cruel bro, I thought we were friends.¡±


    Eli quips,ing from the stairs.


    ¡°Where is she?¡±


    I repeat, much harder this time.


    ¡°Here.¡±


    ¡°Give her back.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not quite how this works. You have to do something for us first, an exchange.¡±


    He smirks.


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing a thing.¡±


    The three of them beganughing.


    ¡°I have a man standing beside her. On my word, he¡¯ll put a bullet through her skull. Are you prepared to hear what you¡¯ll do?¡±


    I freeze. Seconds pass, but I nod my head.


    ¡°Perfect!¡±


    **


    Harper wants me to fight. After all this time, they started a fight club again. It turns out there are cameras with those speakers by the space in thepound. That¡¯s the fighting ground and on the third floor, that¡¯s where the audience stays and watches the entire fight. They can contain arger crowd that way.


    My opponent is Ryke. Harper gave me a few details about him. We¡¯re the same size, but he has a track record for plummeting. I take off my shirt and ce my gloves on.


    I promised I won¡¯t ever do this again, but here I am prepared to hurt someone else for her.


    ¡°A show of good faith and a little morale.¡±


    Harper shoves a screen in my face. They tied Cami to a pole. She seems unconscious. They faced her head to the ground, so I can¡¯t inspect her condition.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    He takes it away and then moves back.


    ¡°Let the fight begin!¡±


    Eli screams as my opponent emerges.


    ¡°For her.¡±


    I remind myself, propping my fists forward.


    **


    A broken rib, nose, a few fingers, and I¡¯m still standing. Wavering. But standing still.


    Ryke is a good fighter. His reflexes are top-notch. Hard to get a hit in, but I¡¯ve mastered his pace, so I watched. He steps forward. I duck, then spin.


    He screams, about to punch me. I let him, then pretend to drop to my knees. Kneading his balls, I deliver the perfect punch underneath his jaws.


    His eyes shoot up. Trying to recover, I spin again and reach for his left arm, twisting it as he did mine.


    Behind him, I take his right leg down and pin his hand over his back, panting like a starved animal.


    ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    I whisper and apply more pressure.


    He groans. He can¡¯t get off this position, no matter how hard he tries.


    ¡°Winner!¡±


    Harper sounded in the speaker. I let Ryke go, pulling off my gloves. Without a care in the world, I storm back into the house. Scanning the empty first floor, I proceed to the second.


    ¡°I¡¯ming.¡±


    I might faint soon. God, the room is spinning.


    Reaching the second floor, it¡¯s covered with curtains. The entire four corners are concealed.


    Looking forward, the first curtains go off and Camies into view. It¡¯s a stage and I¡¯m below it.


    ¡°Cami!¡±


    She¡¯s conscious.


    ¡°A genuine work of art. You still got it, Dn. That was beautiful. The way you took him down? Perfect!¡±


    Harper flutters his eyes shut.


    ¡°You¡¯re made for this D, can you hear the entire crowd? They would pay thousands to watch you. Admit it, you feel the rush too. You crave it. You like it. Give into it. Forget about her and the boring life she¡¯ll give you. This is your destiny.¡±


    I spit at the ground. A cloth of blood-forming in its wake.


    Washing the corner of my mouth, I take three heavy breaths, then re.


    ¡°I hate myself for what I just did. I don¡¯t crave anything. And Cami? You do not know the peace she brings to me. I have no desire to please you, Harper. I¡¯ve yed your crazy ass game. I won. Now let her go.¡±


    I clench my jaw, tilting my head for any of his sudden movements. Cami¡¯s mouth is restrained, but I could make out the muffled screams. Her eyes tell me all I need to know, too.


    She fears her mind. Her head¡¯s swollen, and her wrists are a shade of red from their struggles.


    I will kill him. I swear to God I¡¯ll kill him for touching her.


    ¡°So impatient. Aren¡¯t you interested in round two?¡±


    ¡°Harper, I swear to God¡­¡±


    ¡°The answer is yes or no, Dn, no need to swear.¡±


    His friends chuckled, bobbing their head at his little joke.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I grunt.


    ¡°Wrong answer.¡±


    Smirking, he waves a hand over to his friends.


    ¡°Harper.¡±


    I warn, blinking my eyes to stay active.


    ¡°Patience, Dn, I have another surprise for you.¡±


    ¡°Let us go! Let Cami go! We yed your sick game.¡±


    ¡°Tch.¡±


    He clicked his tongue. Two of them had disappeared behind the curtains at the corner.


    ¡°Harper! What the hell is this?¡±


    ¡°A little drum roll, please. Five seconds until the big reveal, I assure you. You did not see thising. It¡¯s spectacr!¡±


    Harper shoots his hands in the air, bringing them back to p and grin.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you.¡±


    I grit out.


    ¡°Almost there. And¡­ Here we are! Round two!¡±


    Yelling, the two of them emerge from the curtains. But they¡¯re not alone.


    Each of them has a fist full of ire¡¯s arm. She has a swollen head like Cami.


    They steal my breath at the mere sight.


    ¡°Harper! You sick bastard!¡±


    ¡°Calm. I assure you, you¡¯ll enjoy it!¡±


    He cackles.


    ¡°Bring her forward.¡±


    He motions, drawing two fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!¡±


    I swore, marching forward, determined to squeeze my fingers around his neck


    ¡°Not so fast. Stay D, Stay.¡±


    He cocked his gun, pointing it at Cami¡¯s head. Her eyes slipped shut, and she whimpered. I halted.


    Bringing ire closer, the guys wrapped her around the next pole.


    She struggled hard, but they were twice her size. It was fruitless.


    ¡°What are you doing? Why did you bring her here?¡±


    ¡°You should¡¯ve listened to your girlfriend. She¡¯s smarter. I¡¯m considering you both switching ces, but the next part will be more fun if Cami is tied here. Are you ready for fun, love?¡±


    He attempted to stroke her hair. Cami turned away, gritting the cloth covering her mouth.


    ¡°Oh, right, let me help you with this.¡±


    He tugged the cloth away, chuckling as he did.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    She gasped, wheezing.


    ¡°How cute. The next part will be easy. Scouts honour D, no more games after this.¡±


    ¡°What the fuck do you want?¡±


    I screech, fisting both hands.


    ¡°On the right, we have ire Moris. On the left we have Cami Ren¨¦e. Both women are important to you. Now I¡¯m quite curious to know which is more important. The cousin? Rted by blood? Or the girlfriend? Intertwined souls? This will make a good prequel.¡±


    He giggles like the sicko he was.


    ¡°The fuck are you going on about?¡±


    ¡°Oh D, I want you to choose between both of them. You can¡¯t have it all in life. That¡¯ll be unfair to other miserable people. Now you get to lose something important, just as everyone has. Will it be ire or Cami?¡±


    ¡°You psycho!¡±


    Cami screeched.


    ¡°What? Fair is fair. I lost everything. My men here lost someone. Then I had you, and from what I hear, she also yed a part in bringing you two together. So, you won¡¯t have both of them. That¡¯s the right order of life!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re a mad man! This is crazy!¡±


    ¡°Oh love, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯m sure Dn will choose you.¡±


    He turned to ire with a smug smile.


    ¡°Hurry and choose.¡±


    He tossed the gun at ire.


    ¡°You¡¯re a sociopath. I¡¯m not picking between both of them!¡±


    ¡°You are. Choose now!¡±


    He yelled, taking the safety off.


    ¡°Harper!¡±


    ¡°Choose or I kill both of them. Better still, a guessing game.¡±


    ¡°Harper! The fuck!¡±


    I screamed, my heart racing. I can¡¯t breathe.


    ¡°Tic-tat.¡±


    ¡°Inne, Minnie, Minnie, dead!¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    I shouted as the first shot went off.


    ****


    Thoughts? Thoughts? Thoughts? Yesterday, it took over twelve hours for my chapters to pass, not sure why.

 Chapter 126 Everything To Lose [III]

    DYLAN EMERTON


    SATURDAY.


    The shotnded beside Cami¡¯s leg, making a dent in the wood. I saw my entire life through my eyes, and Cami was the only thing I could see.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I almost lost her. Harper would¡¯ve shot Cami if I hadn¡¯t howled. The bullet was inches away from hitting her.


    ¡°I do not have all day D. I would¡¯ve opted for initials, but they both have Cs.¡±


    His goons allughed as he waved the gun in the air. I stomped forward, lifting my chin.


    ¡°You almost hurt her. I would have killed you!¡±


    ¡°Aww D, we¡¯re brothers, remember?¡±


    He clicked his tongue, then lifted the gun again.


    ¡°Enough stalling. Choose.¡±


    I eyed both of them. My family. My whole life. I love them both. I may not love them.


    I¡¯d be a fool to deceive my brain by saying I loved both of them at the same level. Cami means more. Cami will always mean more. But that does not justify killing my cousin. I can¡¯t live with that. I¡¯m done thinking about just my needs.


    She has friends. Parents. May have a boyfriend who also puts everyone else above her.


    I can¡¯t. I won¡¯t choose.


    ¡°Dn. I won¡¯t miss this time. It¡¯ll be straight through her skull.¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡±


    ¡°Choose.¡±


    He demanded.


    ¡°I have a counteroffer.¡±


    I took another step, bringing me more to his level.


    ¡°How about you and I fight? We¡¯ve never gone to it. Aren¡¯t you curious to know which one of us has this thing in his blood? Me or you?¡±


    I smirked.


    Harper loves challenges. It¡¯s the one thing he¡¯ll throw his all for it.


    ¡°I told you we were soulmates, not the weird dating kind, but you and I belong side by side, to the ces we could conquer together.¡±


    He exhaled with a dark smirk.


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡±


    He added, dropping the gun.


    I need to offer him something priceless. The one thing I know he¡¯ll want.


    ¡°Me. I¡¯m the bargaining chip.¡±


    His eyes gleamed with interest. He did not hide the excitement or rush of energy.


    I spied Cami. Her head is already bobbing sideways, showing her disregard for what I¡¯m about to do.


    ¡°You? A minute ago you said what¡¯s the word?, ¡°I have no desire to please you.¡±


    ¡°That was before you tried to make me choose between them.¡±


    I nudged ire and Cami.


    ¡°So you want us to fight? When I win, youe back to the fight club? For good? No questions asked. No resistance, no trying to y smart. Is that it?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes.¡±


    Cami¡¯s head would not stop shaking, her body soon followed and I fear she was trembling with tears.


    ¡°When I win..¡±


    I start,cing my tone with assurance.


    ¡°You let all three of us leave. No more schemes. You leave us the hell alone.¡±


    Harper beganughing.


    ¡°You can¡¯t beat me in a duel, Dn.¡±


    ¡°Are you scared?¡±


    I cock my head, smirking.


    ¡°Of course not. I just don¡¯t want to hurt that pretty face. But I ept that it¡¯s more money for the audience. They¡¯ll eat this up. You and I are on the fighting pits.¡±


    I conceal the disgust in my eyes. Harper kinks are fucking irritating. How can someone enjoy others getting hurt? What sort of sick person would derive satisfaction from ruining everyone else¡¯s life?


    ¡°If I lose, you¡¯ll let them go too. You only get me. You stay away from the people I care about.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem like a fair trade. You aren¡¯t losing a thing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m selling my soul to you. I think that¡¯s plenty.¡±


    ¡°Oh D, stop pretending like this doesn¡¯t get you going. Admit it, I¡¯m sure your girlfriend will understand. Won¡¯t you, dear?¡±


    He takes two strides and relives her of the cloth covering her mouth.


    ¡°Do nothing he says, Dn! Do not fight him! He¡¯ll..¡±


    ¡°A simple yes or no would do.¡±


    Shaking his head, he ces the cloth back and then chuckles.


    Cami¡¯s eyes are pleading to me, but I can¡¯t listen. Both of theme first.


    ¡°Do you agree? You get me in return if I lose, and you let them go. If I win, you let all of us go.¡±


    Harper nods.


    ¡°I want your word.¡±


    I demand.


    ¡°You have my word D.¡±


    Smirking, hees down from the stage, leaving his men and Cami, then of course ire.


    ¡°As a show of good faith, I¡¯ll even untie them and bring them to the pits to watch. After all, it¡¯ll be theirst time to see you.¡±


    Patting my shoulder, he motions three fingers and the men move out with the girls.


    ¡°May the best fighter win.¡±


    Harper chides beside me and then walks ahead.


    ¡°May the best fighter win.¡±


    I reiterate and follow.


    **


    Back in the pits, I hear the cheering from the spectators upstairs.


    ¡°You like? I thought if you could hear how much they worship you, then you¡¯ll stop this delusion ande back to where you are below.¡±


    I wrapped my hands, ignoring Harper¡¯s remark.


    ¡°You and I are it, teams. Taking you down won¡¯t be enjoyable for me.


    ¡°It will be for me.¡±


    For him to hear, I replied loud enough.


    ire is conscious. Their hands are restrained.


    Eli and Victor and the only ones beside them. Eli on Cami and Victor on ire.


    If this goes sideways, I need toe up with a backup n. Harper isn¡¯t mentally functioning anymore. He¡¯s unpredictable.


    For now, I¡¯ll y his game. Hopefully, I can take him down.


    **


    ¡°Stop resisting. You¡¯ve lost already! Stay down, Dn!¡±


    Harper howled, his arms wrapped around my neck and squeezing the life out of me.


    ¡°No.¡±


    I croaked, taking his legs down. He let go, and I began choking, standing upright and missing a few paces since the entire world was spinning.


    ¡°The crowd is energetic. They¡¯re eating this up, but it¡¯s been over ten minutes. Give up! You¡¯re bleeding. You¡¯re tired. Give up!¡±


    He chuckles.


    ¡°Not a chance.¡±


    I fold my fist, preparing for him toe at me.


    ¡°Guess we are doing this the hard way, then.¡±


    He snorts and rushes toward me. Skipping a beat, I shit my eyes for one second and smirk.


    Why didn¡¯t I think of this sooner?


    Getting out of his way, Harper¡¯s eyes widen in shock, but it¡¯s already toote.


    I shove a foot forward and he trips, flying into the air. It¡¯s difficult to recover himself, and Harper crashes to the floor with a loud thud.


    I keep my foot on him. Harper moans weakly and then it¡¯s over.


    ¡°I won.¡±


    I grit my teeth and then step away.


    His men are stunned, and a shiver runs through my spine too. I beat Harper. Me. I did it.


    Weakly, he pulls his body from the ground and res at all of us. His men. ire. Me. Then his eyes drift to Cami and they darkened.


    ¡°Harper!¡±


    It happens swiftly.


    Harper pulled a gun from his pants. Rushing toward the girls. Pushing ire aside, then grabbing Cami and finally, he presses the object on the side of her face.


    **


    ¡°The fuck are you doing, Harper? Let her go!¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    He pressed the gun against her skull, standing in front of me to keep all of us at bay. ire is behind me and his goons are scattered. One of them pushed a button, which I assume will kill the cameras so no one can see what¡¯s happening.


    ¡°You gave me your word.¡±


    I spit with venom.


    ¡°I did. I thought I would win, but I underestimated you D, that was fully on me. I forgot how good you were. God, you¡¯re so good. We could be kings. We could have so much. Money. Power. Women. If only you let go of her.¡±


    He pushed it further in.


    ¡°Alright, I don¡¯t care about the duel. Forget that I won, I¡¯ll stay here. I won¡¯t go back to her or ire, or anyone. Just let her go. Let her go!¡±


    I pushed two hands before him, trying to step forward. Harper¡¯s lids blinked twice. He was debating it. Please.


    ¡°No.¡±


    He finally speaks after seconds.


    ¡°I¡¯m not dumb. As long as she is alive. As long as she exists in this world, you¡¯ll never fully belong to me. I should¡¯ve done this the moment I heard about it. This is the answer. You¡¯ll see. One day, you¡¯ll wake up and see that I did this for you. Everything was for you.¡±


    ¡°Harper. If you touch a hair on her head, I will kill you. It won¡¯t be us as soul mates or brothers in the arm. It¡¯ll be me some spending the rest of my life hunting and killing you.¡±


    I clench my fists.


    ¡°No. You¡¯re just angry. Once she¡¯s gone, you¡¯ll see that both of us are the real end game. Your judgement is clouded because this bitch is still breathing. I only need to end her life. That¡¯s it.¡±


    He cocked the safety off. Cami whimpered, squeezing her eyes shut.


    ¡°Harper don¡¯t. Harper!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s always been you and me. Everyone else left. They all abandoned me, but you¡¯re like my better half D. I won¡¯t lose you.¡±


    ¡°Fuck, I¡¯ll do whatever you say. I¡¯ll stay by your side. I¡¯m not fucking leaving, just don¡¯t hurt her. Please!¡±


    Silence. Harper locks his gaze on me, but I¡¯m focused on Cami. ire is behind me, panting and gasping for air.


    ¡°All for you D. This is all for you.¡±


    Harper covers his eyes, but I see a sh of conclusion in them.


    He¡¯s going to kill her. I take the first step but-


    One breath.


    I take one breath and I hear a gunshot. It¡¯s silenced, but it pierces through my eardrums.


    I don¡¯t have time to think before making a hit for Harper. I pounce on him, taking him down on the ground, but below I deliver the first hit, I realise he¡¯s already bleeding. More like choking.


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    Cami¡¯s voice rings at the back of my head, her arms encircle mine, and then she shoves me off him.


    Wait¡­ What just happened?


    Harper¡¯s gun is lying two feet away from him. He has a bullet hole in his hand where the gun was, and he¡¯s choking and bleeding out.


    I swerve my head and there are officers around us. His men are surrounded and on the ground. Everything is spinning since I have no clue what¡¯s going on, but I have a hint. Miranda springs past a few guards, enveloping Cami in a tight hug. Behind her is Jimmy.


    My lungs. I don¡¯t think my lungs are functioning anymore.


    ¡°Dn?¡±


    Cami breathes, anxious and more worried.


    It¡¯s over. We¡¯re safe now. It¡¯s okay to drop to my knees and let out a breath I¡¯ve been holding for ages.


    ****


    Thoughts? Few more chapters left. I¡¯d love your reviews on the book so far! Much Love!

 Chapter 127 Loving The Player [I]

    MIRANDA COSGROVE


    SATURDAY.


    ¡°The audacity of you toe here! You animal!¡±


    I shriek, knocking my nose, which forces me to step back.


    ¡°Why does everyone keep hitting me today?¡±


    Rocking my head, I disregard thement he made and what he might mean. He deserves all the punches in the world.


    ¡°Get the fuck out of my dorm. You better not try to speak with Cami. Not after what happened. I refuse to let you get close to her.¡±


    Shoving a finger in his face, I propped my shoulders to seem taller and more intimidating.


    ¡°Where is Cami? Dn came to my ce screaming about how I tried to get her into the dorm. I came back here to make sure she was okay. He got a call and ran off. Have you seen her?¡±


    My bag drops to the floor and I panic.


    ¡°What? He hasn¡¯t found her? He hung up, and I thought, maybe¡­¡±


    I lower my knees and retrieve my cell, dialling Dn¡¯s number first. Straight to voice mail. I did the same to Cami. Voice mail.


    What the hell is happening?


    ¡°What did you do? What did you and that sick bastard Harper do?¡±


    I yell, folding my fist for a second hit


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t. Harper would not hurt her. It¡¯s Dn he¡¯s after. Cami isn¡¯t a target¡­¡±


    Jimmy rambles, turning away from me.


    ¡°Unless he sees Cami as an obstacle. Of course. He¡¯s been abandoned his entire life. Dn is the one thing that feels right to him, and Dn would not give in because of Cami. He¡¯s tried to separate them before, but that didn¡¯t work. The next best thing is taking her out of the equation.¡±


    ¡°Jimmy! Where the fuck did he take her to? What did Harper do to her?¡±


    ¡°I do not know. I¡¯m just specting. Maybe he called Dn and threatened him. Maybe Dn is on his way there.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe you¡¯re with him!¡±


    ¡°What!? I would do nothing to hurt Cami. I love her!¡±


    ¡°Say that again and I¡¯ll smack you straight to heaven! Right, I forgot. You belong down in hell with the other demons.¡±


    I yelled.


    ¡°I can¡¯t imagine I tried to set you both up. You¡¯re an animal. A sick, demented, and twisted animal! How could you let the bastard get close to her through you? You knew Harper was evil, and you still yed conduit. If you loved Cami, you wouldn¡¯t let anyone that dangerous have ess to her life. You don¡¯t love her. You never did.¡±


    I take out my phone and try another number.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Being useful, since everyone around me is ipetent.¡±


    ¡°Pa.¡±


    I grit.


    ¡°Hello, Miranda, lovely to hear from you. How¡¯s college treating you?¡±


    I can hear the sarcastic twitch. Pa stayed back in New York and went to a college there while I had to move very far away.


    ¡°I need your help.¡±


    I bite my tongue quickly to prevent spitting silly things.


    ¡°That¡¯s a first.¡±


    ¡°Cut the crap, okay? Dn is involved. If you don¡¯t help, he might be in danger, and I know you still have this fantasy of being with him after this long.¡±


    Rolling my eyes, I spy Jimmy tapping his foot.


    ¡°No dear, I¡¯m over Dn. One day he¡¯ll realise how perfect we could¡¯ve been, but I¡¯m over him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡± I muse with a roll of my eyes. She didn¡¯t hear me.


    ¡°But I¡¯m thrilled to be the hero of this story. The one who saves everyone¡¯s asses. Do tell, what is it you need?¡±


    ¡°I need the contact of the FBI agent your dad knows. It¡¯s urgent.¡±


    ¡°FBI? It must be serious.¡±


    ¡°It is.¡±


    I answer impatiently.


    ¡°Alright dearest. I¡¯ll text it to you. Don¡¯t forget it was me who saved all of you and I¡¯d hate to say you owe me one, but you do.¡±


    She chuckles and then ends the call. Sighing, I head to my inbox for the number whiches in half a minuteter.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To save my best friend and the love of her life. You can eithere with us or stay here. The choice is yours.¡±


    I shrug my shoulders, sprinting towards the elevators and praying they were both out of harm¡¯s way.


    **


    ¡°We tracked your cell phone before the signal died and we¡¯ve been waiting for an opening. Luckily no one was injured except Harper. He¡¯ll survive.¡±


    Agent Tom exined. I wonder why he couldn¡¯t aim for the head. Something about disarming the weapon or whatever.


    If I had the gun, I¡¯d shoot twice. One on his arm, and the other straight to the head. But it¡¯s not my call. Once he¡¯s all healed, he¡¯d be taken to prison.


    There¡¯s an illegal fight club. Kidnapping. Withholding and usage of an unregistered weapon. So many counts.


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Cami whispers in my ear for the fifth time.


    ¡°I would not stand by and let them kidnap you, not while we still had that movie date.¡±


    ¡°You brought Jimmy?¡±


    ¡°Well, he was at the dorms when I got there. Dn may have ruffled him up a little.¡±


    Sheughs.


    ¡°Speaking of Dn, how are his arms and knuckles?¡±


    ¡°The doctor checking, but it¡¯s just bruised. I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°And ire?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s resting. They took her yesterday. She¡¯s been with them for almost twenty-four hours. I¡¯m not sure what they did to her. She hasn¡¯t said a word to me since we got back.¡±


    ¡°And you? How¡¯re you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just d Harper¡¯s been taken away. Everyone¡¯s fine, that¡¯s all that matters.¡±


    **


    TWO WEEKS LATER.


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E.


    ¡°Hey¡­¡±


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I nod my head curtly, pulling my books, ready to leave ss.


    ¡°I just wanted to apologise. For real this time. What I did was unforgivable, and not just helping Harper. Everything else.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s going to take a while, Jimmy.¡±


    ¡°I know, but I also need you to know that whatever you offer me, I¡¯ll take it.¡±


    ¡°Jimmy¡­¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t mean a rtionship. I understand that you and I will never be like that again. We are in the same department, and our paths will cross. I¡¯d like it if we don¡¯t avoid each other when it does.¡±


    I chuckle lightly.


    ¡°Speaking of the department, Dn tells me you¡¯re helping ire?¡±


    ¡°Yes. She came over a few days ago and we¡¯ve been talking.¡±


    I arch a brow.


    ¡°She went through a lot with Harper, more than you¡¯ll know.¡±


    ¡°Care to expatriate?¡±


    ¡°Patient doctor confidentiality gorgeous.¡±


    He hums.


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m just d she¡¯s getting help. I didn¡¯t get to know her much before this entire thing.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯ll be fine. It might take a while, but she¡¯ll be okay. I¡¯ll make sure of it.¡±


    I bob my head a few times.


    ¡°This is my cue to leave. I got injured thest time and I¡¯m still healing.¡±


    I furrow my brows in confusion. It clears up when Dn appears behind him.


    He and Jimmy share a nod before exchanging spots.


    ¡°We were just talking.¡±


    ¡°Okay, Darlin.¡±


    He kisses the top of my head and then pulls the rest of my books.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I just got back from the station. Harper is out of the ICU and has been taken in. I went to give my statement. The trial date will be set soon, and you might have to testify. I don¡¯t think ire will be up to it, but I¡¯ll ask.¡±


    Dn squeezes my right hand reassuringly.


    ¡°I can testify. It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    He halts andes forward, palming my entire face.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m sure. I need him to be put away for good.¡±


    Tilting his head, Dn presses his lips against mine. Softly at first. I look around to be sure we¡¯re alone in the lecture room, although I doubt he cares if someone sees.


    No one else is here. So I shut my eyes and kiss him back. This past week has been tedious. Once they heard, my parents flew here. My mother did a full-body inspection and then gossiped about Dn and me ¨C more like rubbing it in my face about how right she was.


    My father did the unexpected. Heughed at Dn¡¯s joke and then whispered something about his blessings.


    And Dn? He¡¯s been nothing short of amazing. He¡¯s also whispered those three words when he thought I was asleep on Wednesday night.


    The three words I know he¡¯s waiting to hear back.


    ¡°I got you something.¡±


    Pulling away, he tucks a hard one into his pocket and retrieves a small box.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°A reminder. Open it.¡±


    He¡¯s grinning. That¡¯s suspicious.


    Slowly, I pop the lid and a tiny pendantes into view. There¡¯s a small bike attached to it.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    Iugh.


    ¡°It¡¯s a reminder. None of this would¡¯ve happened if you never got on the bike. I saw it in the shop and thought it was cute, plus it made me think of you, so I went and bought it.¡±


    He smiles.


    ¡°Mr Emerton, are you being cheesy to me now?¡±


    I move forward, stepping on my toes to pinch his cheeks.


    ¡°I am, but it¡¯s only for you.¡±Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    Pinning my hands, he moved my entire body so my back was facing him, unclipped the jewel, and ced it over my neck.


    ¡°I love you Cami Ren¨¦e.¡±


    His words are silent whispers against my neck. Caressing the little object in the middle, I chuckle and face the back entrance.


    ¡°Well, I like you. I like you a lot.¡±


    I grin.


    ¡°You like me. That¡¯s all?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have sex with someone I don¡¯t like.¡±


    ¡°Mmmm.¡±


    He spun around.


    ¡°I need to hear you say it before I lose my mind.¡±


    ¡°What if I don¡¯t want to? Or worse; what if I don¡¯t love you?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I can still get into Harper¡¯s Crazy Train then.¡±


    I elbowed his rib, frowning at my face in return.


    ¡°Dn Emerton, I love you. I¡¯m in love with a retired yer. I like you a lot, but I love you even more.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s being cheesy now?¡±


    He coos, cutting me off with a kiss before I could conjure aeback.


    **


    We have one final chapter which would clear a few doubts and questions, of course, an epilogue. Enjoy!

 Chapter 128 Loving The Player [II]

    CLAIRE MITCHELL


    Sixteen days. So much has happened in over two weeks. So much has changed. Before I¡¯d be begged to shut up, now everyone keeps gawking and idling for a word or two out of me.


    My parents flew out of Cal-U yesterday. They did their best, but I wasn¡¯t ready yet. Dn¡¯s mother got close though. All she did was hug me and I sobbed.


    Yesterday I saw him. Cami¡¯s ex. He knew about everything, so I choose to give the doctor¡¯s words a chance and then open up about this entire shit.


    So here I am, sitting across from him, peaking at his notepad while he scribbles my first andst name.


    ¡°If I gave you a choice between your blood and the one person you loved, who would you pick?¡±


    He gawks in shock. Half expecting me to keep quiet throughout.


    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re withdrawn? Because of what Harper did to Dn?¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°No. Of course now. I just don¡¯t see a reason to talk much unlike before. I¡¯m curious, so I¡¯m asking.¡±


    ¡°No. You¡¯re trying to convince yourself that you¡¯re nobody because Dn might have chosen Cami.¡±


    ¡°Would have.¡±


    I inject, sighing.


    ¡°No. He wouldn¡¯t have preferred her over you and left you for shit.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, but he sure as hell cares for her more than me.¡±


    ¡°He does. Shepletes him.¡±


    Jimmy announced,ughing more at himself.


    ¡°That¡¯s a sick thing about life. He loves you. He does. But with Cami, it¡¯s like she¡¯s the missing part of him, but no, Dn would not have picked her if he meant you dying. That¡¯s the first thing we established today.¡±


    ¡°How do you know? He stole your girlfriend. I don¡¯t think you should be supportive now.¡±


    Jimmyughs for half a minute, tosses the notepad and pen, and then readjusts his sitting position on the chair.


    ¡°My first patient and I¡¯m enjoying this. He didn¡¯t take her because she was never mine, ire.¡±


    He doesn¡¯t break away, and I scoff.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    ¡°Why did you pick me for this? There are tons of more qualified people.¡±


    ¡°The same reason Dn picked Cami when it was his turn. You¡¯d understand better than the rest of them.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    He chirped, throwing one leg over the other.


    ¡°They set the trial for next week. The primaries at least. If all goes well, it won¡¯t make it past that stage before the judge gives his sentencing. Are you ready to testify?¡±


    I flutter my eyes and recall every shitty thing.


    ¡°So alone. No one is here. I¡¯ve been watching you thinking I¡¯d meet resistance, but no one. No one around you. Dn guards Cami like a hawk, I¡¯ve barely found an opening to capture, but you. So very easy. I¡¯m doubting how useful you¡¯d be.¡±


    I recount Harper¡¯s words with an endugh.


    ¡°He said that to mess with you.¡±


    ¡°They didn¡¯t lie, Jimmy, he spoke the truth. I was a sitting duck because no one cared enough to stay around me. It¡¯s always been like that, I¡¯ve tried to project myself into everyone else¡¯s lives, but it seems fruitless. As you said, they have their missing pieces. I¡¯m just the unfit piece and it didn¡¯t suck that much until Harper was in my ear whispering it so loudly that I can¡¯t unhear it. But to answer your question, yes I¡¯ll be testifying because that bastard will spend a lot of time behind the bars of a prison cell.¡±


    I clutch my purse, fisting a full hand in aggression.


    ¡°So what exactly do you want for me, ire?¡±


    ¡°I need you. Need. I need you to sit there and listen to me recount the worst twenty-four hours of my life because talking to you will make me feel better. Because I need to not lunge for his throat when our eyes meet in that courtroom. Can you do that?¡±


    ¡°What transpired next?¡±


    Jimmy inquires, bringing his chair towards me.


    ****


    FRIDAY.


    ¡°If you choke him, I¡¯d find a way to erase footage, then you can always use the famous I don¡¯t recall line. You should do just fine.¡±


    I took off my left leg which was carefully ced over my right, smirking while reaching for my idle bag at the corner of the room. He beat me to it, raising it higher than I could reach.


    ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Will you try to strangle him?¡±


    ¡°Ask me again in a few hours.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me toe along?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    I hum lowly.


    **


    The past few sessions have been terrific. Jimmy would sit for over an hour and just listen. He didn¡¯t give side remarks or his opinion on the conclusions I arrived at.


    He made it easy to open up. Let him know how they ced me in a dark corner with a box of pizza. More like a rat. How I¡¯d hear their taunting voices at the four corners of the room.


    How Harper hade to me, hovering over my face like a psycho.


    How they tied me up sometimes and moved me, making me trip then fall merely to get augh at. How I waited for anyone to notice I was gone, but it felt like the rest of the world had simply just moved on.


    How I felt like nothing. How I was treated like nothing. I told him everything. And he listened.


    Today is the hearing for Harper. I called Dn. For the first time in two and a half weeks I spoke to my cousin because after hearing myself talk, I could figure out that it wasn¡¯t entirely his fault. We were all high that day. Either on adrenaline, pain, hurt, or agony. Dn had just fought someone after almost a year of vowing never to return, yes Cami and I met days ago and I heard his side of the plot.


    I guess it¡¯s easier to condemn everyone else when only your version reys in your head. Once I got his and hers, the stalking, the past they had together, everything fit.


    The hurt didn¡¯t go away entirely, but I¡¯m on the road to recovery.


    ¡°Ready?¡±


    I didn¡¯t flinch as Jimmy pulled my hand in his and we walked out of his dorm. And maybe there might even be a love story in there for me.


    ****


    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    ¡°You did great Darlin.¡±


    Dn added pressure on my already shaking arm. The testimony was intense. They almost overruled ire¡¯s since she was mostly unconscious. She could¡¯ve misinterpreted things.


    And mine? It was valid, but now they¡¯re making a plea deal since Harper was allegedly intoxicated.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    I hardly smelt it, but it¡¯s usible. Aside from the kidnapping, he¡¯s hanging on multiple charges.


    Assault. Breaking in. The list goes on. He¡¯s not escaping prison, thewyer is merely trying to get him lesser time.


    Finally, it was Dn¡¯s turn. The final words before the case are decided upon.


    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    He bobbed his slowly then took the stand, his brown eyes piercing over all of us, stoppingstly at ire.


    She¡¯s a bit farther from both of us, Jimmy is beside her, and if my angle is urate, they must be holding hands. Miranda exited half an hour ago and had to make it to ss.


    After being sworn in, Dn¡¯s palms spread across the table before he spoke.


    ¡°Harper Kennedy was once a friend. As weird as it was, Harper was there when I was at my lowest. I left him once I got better and for that, I feel partially responsible for how he turned out. He made mistakes. Terrible mistakes. Maybe they could have been avoided if he was simply loved. I believe that¡¯s the bottom line, he was never loved. I know first-hand how life turns dark without the love and care of someone, and although Harper is guilty of every single charge set against him, he was innocent at some point. He¡¯s going to jail, for a long time, but I truly hope that maybe one day he¡¯ll get the love he deserves. Harper took Cami Ren¨¦e and my cousin. He manipted me to fight him and someone else, he threatened miss Ren¨¦e with a gun before he was finally subdued by the FBI. That is my testimony.¡±


    My lids gleamed with pride. How could a man be just perfect in all areas?


    ¡°I love you.¡±


    I mouthed while he reached me.


    ¡°I love you more Darlin.¡±


    Clipping my hair, he presses the full length of his mouth over mine.


    ****


    Harper was sentenced to seven years in county prison with lightbour then psychology helped as much as he needed. His aplices were each sentenced to three years with manualbour.


    We watched as he was taken away by the officer, no exchange, no vile words, nothing.


    It was almost sad. Almost.


    ¡°Let¡¯s grab a drink, it¡¯s Friday night.¡±


    Jimmy suggested. Sighing, I made for the door with the shake of my head as the only evidence of agreement.


    ****


    ¡°Where do you see yourself next month?¡±


    I quip, holding up the drink and meeting everyone¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Whining about the next exam while looking forward to date night.¡±


    I answer then toss the drink over.


    ¡°Worrying about which restaurant to pick for the woman I love. I don¡¯t worry about exams, I ace them.¡±


    He passed a wink then topped his ss as well.


    ¡°On a pool table, shaking my ass because it¡¯s Friday night.¡±


    ire clipped and then gulped it down. All of us chuckled.


    ¡°Begging my makeshift client to leave, so I could go watch a girl shake her ass on a table. Or several girls.¡±


    Jimmy arched a brow then drank his. Unmistakably, ire did blush.


    ¡°You¡¯re okay with this?¡±


    Dn chides so I could hear only.


    ¡°When has my life never been awkward.¡±


    I answer back with a knowing smirk.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s my life purpose to date people, then through me they meet their one.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even.¡±


    He scolded knowing what I implied to us. I tossed my head and then giggled.


    ¡°Where do you see yourself in the next minute.¡±


    Iugh quietly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know getting a refill?¡±


    I chuckle and wave the empty bottle in front of him.


    ¡°Kissing you.¡±


    He answers then covers his lips with mine.


    ****


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡±


    Holding my waist, he steadies my gaze on the moon in front of us. We dispersed a while ago when Dn¡¯s friend grabbed him from the table. ire and Jimmy sauntered off no longer after, I wonder how that sexual tension is going.


    ¡°Where I¡¯ll be¡­¡±


    ¡°With me.¡±


    He finishes, kissing the back of my neck.


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not certain.¡±


    ¡°Oh it is, we always find our way back to each other.¡±


    ¡°Smug much?¡±


    ¡°Certain much.¡±


    He says instead. It must be your alcohol getting my cheeks to re. Oh Dn Emerton and the things he does to me.


    ¡°Miranda texting not toe to the dorms unless I have headphones.¡±


    I cringe at the meaning of those words.


    ¡°What made you think you were leaving my side either way?¡±


    He peppers kiss on my neck, trailing to my jaw then finally meeting my lips.


    ¡°Till Whenever Darlin, but I¡¯ll pray it¡¯s forever.¡±


    He whispers, branding his tongue on the insides of my mouth.


    THE END.


    ****


    Author¡¯s Note: I want to thank everyone who followed me through this journey till its end. Thete updates, the sick days, everything. Thank you!! As a special offer, I¡¯ll be uploading an epilogue which would show a massive time jump and a little surprise for everyone. Since I¡¯m uploading my new book, the epilogue will drop before the end of this week. The new book will be uploaded on Goodnovel and Novelcat first. It¡¯s titled A VOW TO HATE. If you¡¯re interested. Much Love, C.

 Chapter 129 EPILOGUE 01 – A Kidnapping Guide

    CAMILLA REN¨¦E


    EIGHT YEARS LATER.


    WILLIAMS MEDICAL CENTER, WASHINGTON.


    ¡°Cami? Are you done with that patient?¡±


    Athena peaked her head in, checking the room to be certain. I nodded my head, stifling augh. She strode in, pulled a chair and chuckled while seating.


    ¡°How long did he stay this time?¡±


    ¡°Two hours. Two pure hours of torture. Listening to him ramble about a woman who¡¯s probably shaking her ass on a yacht with another man. It¡¯s sad. Funny, but truly sad.¡±


    Athena poured two sses of wine for each of us.


    ¡°You deserved it.¡±


    I bobbed my head in agreement. Sighing, she took a seat across as though she were my patient.


    I have no clue why his wife suddenly picked her bags and flew half way across the country leaving him devastated. Poor man still loves her, he¡¯ll heal. Hopefully.


    Until then, it¡¯s my duty to sit and listen. And he¡¯s like a two out of my tough patients. There are some who haven¡¯t gotten over dead daughters. Others who are depressed. God I love my job. It¡¯s like an inside scoop to everyone¡¯s problem, and I feel very useful to each of them.


    ¡°How about you? No surgeries this week?¡±


    ¡°No, not really. I do have to head to Florida, though, for open-heart surgery.¡±


    My lips formed an ¡°O¡±


    ¡°It seems like fun. James ising along too. So it¡¯ll be more fucking than surgery.¡±


    I tossed my head as numerousughs pealed out.


    Speaking of fucking, Dn had a case in San Francisco. He should be back by now. He hasn¡¯t called either.


    ¡°You¡¯re thinking about fucking, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    She smirked.


    ¡°I have to go make a call. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±


    She shook her head while I got up. I stood near the window, checking out the sign in the corner.


    Williams Medical Center. Athena and I own the ce, but the name was catchy, so I let her have it. There¡¯s an reward for everything. It¡¯s a huge hospital, hence the three-storey building.


    After graduation from Cal U, Athena and I ended up doing our thesis together and once we got past the weird phase of the past, we became very close. This hospital, it¡¯s our sweat. It¡¯ll be our legacy.


    I get goosebumps just thinking about it.


    Oh, and my theory may hold weight. James and I were friends from Cal-U and they got in contact with me. Although we didn¡¯t do anything, but I love teasing Dn about it.


    Dn threw a fit after that. He hasn¡¯t met his soulmate through me though. I¡¯m beginning to believe it¡¯s just may be me.


    And speaking of Dn, it keeps saying his number can¡¯t connect to mine.


    Heaving repeatedly, I lock my screen and pace around my office.


    This ce was built nearly a year ago, but Athena¡¯s father and mine got us the publicity we needed to hit off from the start. Athena typically handles everything clinical. I take care of the mental aspect. It¡¯s a match made from heaven.


    If only my boyfriend will have the decency to charge his cell phone on the flight over.


    Maybe Jimmy heard from him? They were in the same state, after all. Jimmy moved to San Francisco and started his firm there. ire got a job as a media representative, so their rtionship is working out perfectly. I have this feeling they got hitched secretly. They both went off for a few days, honeymoon perhaps?


    Kyle and Miranda stayed in California, which was a downside to me, but I understand, they did get married straight after Cal-U, plus we have to live different lives.


    I love Washington, plus I can take a flight whenever it¡¯s necessary. And Dn. He did exactly what he said. He worked as a frencer, taking cases and helping out. Hisst job was in San Francisco, a murder case. He texted it was closed yesterday, meaning his flight was today. I haven¡¯t heard a thing from him.


    ¡°Hey, gorgeous.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m right here!¡±


    ire squeaks over the phone.


    ¡°Jimmy.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ¡°How are you? And the other one who¡¯s right there.¡±


    ¡°Peachy. How¡¯s the centre? Bubbling I¡¯m sure since everyone across the globe would rather go there turn anywhere else.¡±


    Myugh runs deep and I momentarily forget about Dn, it returns swiftly though.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be with my cousin? Why are you calling us instead? You¡¯d think since he went away for a week, you two would be over Each other.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I called. He texted that he¡¯d being in today, but I haven¡¯t heard from him. I am worried.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s weird. The flight should havended over three hours ago.¡±


    My pulse quickened.


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    My mind was in all sorts of ces. Did the flightnd okay? How about the case? Was he dyed? Why wouldn¡¯t he call if he was?


    ¡°Cam.¡±


    ire chirped lowly.


    ¡°I have to check with the airline, I¡¯ll call you backter or something if I hear from him. Thank you. ¡±


    I hear a low acknowledgement then hang up.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Athena returns, but I¡¯m already getting the airline¡¯s contact from the website.


    ¡°Dn¡¯s flight should¡¯vended hours ago, but I haven¡¯t heard anything from him. I¡¯m checking to see if¡­¡±


    ¡°Hello. Yes, my name is Cami Ren¨¦e, I need to enquire.¡±


    I proceed to give her my details, certain that I¡¯ll be listed as one of the next of kin. Nothing had happened. I would¡¯ve heard it over the news.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am the flightnded safely and everyone got off-board. Would you like me to help with anything else?¡±


    I release a sharp breath then nod my head.


    ¡°No. No. That¡¯s fine. Thank you.¡±


    I drop the call and return it to Athena.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s been doing this for three years Hena, he calls me first thing when he¡¯s in Washington.¡±


    ¡°Maybe call the house? His cell phone probably died.¡±


    I nod repeatedly. We live in a penthouse. I¡¯ll just call the reception. Maybe they saw him sign in.


    ¡°Good idea.¡±


    I fasten my cell phone and dial the number. It takes at least three seconds for them to pick up.


    ¡°Hi Ethan, it¡¯s Cam. I just wanted to check in to see if Dn came through today?¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. He went in a while ago.¡±


    My breathing steadied.


    ¡°Thank you, Ethan.¡±


    ¡°See? You got worried for nothing.¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel right, if he got in, he should¡¯ve charged and called. I¡¯ll tell Quin to cancel the rest of my appointment, I need to see him for myself.¡±


    ¡°Alright, just calm down.¡±


    I grab my car keys from the counter, pass a quick nod then slid through the door.


    **


    PENTHOUSE.


    ¡°Good day ma¡¯am.¡±


    Ethan chirps as I walk in. I barely acknowledge him before running through the elevator. Everyone is possibly right. Sometimes people make a mistake in their itinerary and a routine for three years likely gets a glitch.


    Best case scenario I get railed over my bed, in the shower.. and I¡¯m thinking of sex now.


    Getting to our door, I swipe the key and step inside. The entire ce is empty, but there¡¯s a suitcase at the corner. He dide home.


    ¡°What?¡±


    His cell phone was also dropped on the ground.


    Huh?


    I trail forward and his clothes are scattered near the bed. Dn wouldn¡¯t.


    Then I see it. A noteying over the bed.


    What in?


    ¡°Come to Lincoln Memorial if you want to see him again. H.¡±


    What the fuck? I panic and drop the note.


    Oh no.


    ¡°Harper.¡±


    A quicker runs down my spine. How did I forget? Harper got out a year ago. He took Dn.


    Just then, my phone starts ringing.


    ¡°H-Hello.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure you got my note. Be there in less than half an hour.¡±


    The voice is scrambled, so I can¡¯t tell who it is.


    ¡°Harper?¡±


    ¡°Did you miss my love?¡±


    He quips in his normal voice then hangs up. Oh my God. It¡¯s Harper.


    I could call the cops or Athena could.Belonging ? N?velDram/a.Org.


    ¡°Come along.¡±


    My phone brightens with the text message. Biting my lips, I shake my head repetitively and pull my bag.


    ¡°I can¡¯t let him hurt Dn again.¡±


    This is stupid and it¡¯s like kidnapping 101. Nevere alone. But here I am, going to Lincoln Memorial. Alone.


    I¡¯ll be dammed if anyone touches him. Only I have that right. Me and me alone. I¡¯ll kill Harper myself if the need arises. Fucking bastard!


    ****


    The entire thing is almost 3000 words, I had to split it into two. Both chapters were uploaded simultaneously. Thest part is cracking for sure. Hope you enjoy it!

 Chapter 130 EPILOGUE 02 – The Finality

    CAMILLA RENEE


    LINCOLN MEMORIAL.


    It¡¯s three pm and there¡¯s hardly anyone around. I can¡¯t see Harper or Dn. I¡¯m inside the memorial.


    My phone began ringing again.


    ¡°You listened. Now keep walking. You¡¯ll get your reward soon.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°You. Forever.¡±


    He answers in the sameputerized voice. Me? I thought his obsession was Dn. After seven years, he¡¯s still psychotic.


    ¡°W-What are you talking about? Why won¡¯t you leave me the fuck alone?¡±


    I step forward, checking around.


    ¡°I can¡¯t, even if I tried,¡±


    I furrow my brows.


    ¡°Where is Dn?¡±


    ¡°Closer.¡±


    I shiver


    ¡°Why did you take him? What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I told you, Darlin, you and I. Forever.¡±


    I search the entire ce. It¡¯s no longer scanty. It¡¯s empty now. Completely empty. I walk out and try trailing the surrounding. Even security has vanished.


    Wait, a minute. Dn calls me Darlin. Did Harper take that up now? Has he gotten even more crazy?Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org.


    ¡°Have you figured it out yet?¡±


    ¡°Dn.¡±


    I whisper.


    ¡°Darlin.¡±


    He answers, but it¡¯s no longer over the phone. He¡¯s behind me, I¡¯m sure.


    I spin around and he¡¯s at the bottom of the stairs. But he¡¯s not standing. He¡¯s kneeling on one knee.


    ¡°Dn¡­¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Harper? I¡­¡±


    ¡°Marry me.¡±


    He cuts me off with a smug grin, showing off a box with a diamond-encrusted in the middle of a ring.


    I gulp.


    ¡°W-What? I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Marry me, Darlin. Then I¡¯ll tell you whatever you want to know.¡±


    ¡°ckmail into marrying you? Really?¡±


    A chuckle slips out.


    ¡°Yes. Repeat after me. Yes.¡±


    I cross my arms and move closer.


    ¡°You know, it¡¯s easy to write a love note toe here and sign it D, like a normal person. Or you know give me flowers or ce the ring at the bottom of a ss, so many options. These theatrics weren¡¯t needed. I would¡¯ve said yes either way.¡±


    His face lifts up as I reach him.


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ll marry you.¡±


    Slipping the ring on my left finger, he pulls up and reaches my face.


    ¡°You made a man kneel for over two minutes.¡±


    He hums, licking his bottom lip.


    ¡°As he should.¡±


    I answer back, smirking.


    ¡°Yes, the theatrics weren¡¯t needed, but it was epic and a total turn-on seeing you scared for me like that. You were typically shaking when you called Ethan to ask where I was¡­¡±


    He circles my skin, leaving goosebumps as he passed by.


    ¡°I was not scared. You asshole. How dare..¡±


    He¡¯s back in my face and cutting me off so swiftly that I take a step back. His right arm takes my back, steadies me and finally, I give in and kiss him back.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused. I¡¯m sure I heard Harper the second time. How did you?¡±


    ¡°You cane out now. She said yes. Obviously.¡±


    Slowly, a few faces are revealed. One of them is pungent. It¡¯s Harper. He¡¯s smiling. Not the vicious kind, but the type that makes you love guys with an open tooth.


    ¡°I¡¯m confused. Exin!¡±


    ¡°I kept in touch over the years. I visited. I suggested psychology help. Seven years is a long time to get through issues, and we got through them.¡±


    ¡°He tried to kill me.¡±


    ¡°And I assure you, you¡¯ll get your revenge. You and ire can take turns to hit him while I tie him to a pole.¡±


    He smirks and I shake my head.


    ¡°So both of you did this entire thing?¡±


    ¡°Well he¡¯s the bodyguard for the woman whose husband was murdered, so we returned together once the case ended.¡±


    He shrugs. I put the pieces together in my head them elbow him.


    ¡°You sick fool!¡±


    ireughs and thenes with Miranda and Athena. All three of them encircle me in a hug.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°Seeing you pace was fun.¡±


    Athena answers.


    ¡°And over the phone? I recorded your tone and yed it. Priceless.¡±


    ire adds and all three of themugh out.


    ¡°It¡¯s not funny!¡±


    I pout.


    ¡°Hey!¡±


    Miranda coos, tightening her grip on me.


    ¡°It¡¯s epic.¡±


    Dn answers beside me. Maybe it was a little fun, I peak at the ring over my finger. I¡¯ll be Mrs Emerton soon.


    ¡°Mrs Emerton.¡±


    I mouth softly.


    ¡°Okay! The gang is here now so we can get drunk!!¡±


    Kyle yells.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give James a call. Maybe he cane.¡±


    Athena muses, I pull away and return to Dn¡¯s side.


    ¡°You like it don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I like it a lot. I love you a lot.¡±


    I giggle then kiss him again.


    ¡°This seems like the end of our story.¡±


    ¡°Quite the contrary Darlin. You should¡¯ve thought about it before saying yes. Now we¡¯re stuck forever, you¡¯re never getting rid of me again.¡±


    He kisses the side of my forehead. I don¡¯t stop ying with my finger, watching everything unfold before me. He¡¯s right, this is the start of another adventure.


    ¡°Wait until you have my kids which we should start working on the moment I have you alone.¡±


    He twirls his index nail over my exposed shoulder.


    ¡°Oh yeah, definitely a big adventure.¡±


    I chuckle.


    ****


    FIVE YEARS LATER.


    ¡°You can¡¯t pregnant again if you¡¯re already pregnant.¡±


    Dn reasons, unclipping my bra.


    He just got the results from the pregnancy test and decided we should celebrate it by having sex.


    ¡°You¡¯re crazy. We¡¯re not harming the baby.¡±


    ¡°Come on! You know it¡¯s barely a foetus. We can call Athena now to confirm.¡±


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I hall yell when he grabs his phone.


    ¡°You know she¡¯s on vacation with James. They couldn¡¯t have their honeymoonst year, so we are not interrupting them. Drop the phone.¡±


    Imand, pointing to the desk.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°No buts. Do it now.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll bend over then?¡±


    ¡°Dn!¡±


    I yell, more likeughing.


    ¡°What? Soon it¡¯ll be likest time with those stupid mood swings and funny cravings, I n on enjoying as much as I can.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    I arch a brow.


    ¡°Pretty please.¡±


    He pouts.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a missing girl to work on?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have a man to convince that Magic isn¡¯t real?¡±


    He counters with a smirk.


    ¡°Oh Jesus, I can¡¯t do this now. I¡¯m going to bed.¡±


    ¡°Ohe on! Please Cam I¡¯ll go slow I promise.¡±


    ¡°Oh my God, Dn!¡±


    I scream,ughing uncontrobly.


    ¡°Mommy is everything alright. Why are you yelling?¡±


    Freya whispers, knocking over the door.


    ¡°Go away!¡±


    Dn whines theny on the bed.


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    I chuckle and move to the door. Freya walks in and reaches the bed, moving to Dn andying on top of him.


    They¡¯re the same person. And she¡¯s only three years old.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m not going to..¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even say it.¡±


    I warn, biting my lips to notugh.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    He lifts her, cing her beside him.


    Chuckling, I slip into the bed so she¡¯s in the middle.


    ¡°Give her five minutes. Once she falls asleep, take her back to her room, make sure you tuck her in, leave the lights on as she¡¯d like, and thene back. Maybe I¡¯ll bend over then.¡±


    I speak quietly, ensuring he¡¯s the only one who hears. Once I¡¯m done, I wink and then turn over.


    He¡¯ll take her back in two minutes I¡¯m sure.


    Five years ago, I made the best decision by marrying him. We bicker. More than normal. He sometimes sleeps in the guest room. When I got pregnant with Freya, it was scary, but we got through that phase.


    I clutch my tummy with a smile. Baby number two. Yet another adventure with him.


    A smile creeps my cheeks when I feel Freya being lifted over the bed.


    I¡¯m enjoying every bit of this. And as Dn would say, till whenever, but God I want him forever.


    ¡°Back like I never left Darlin.¡±


    He retorts, over my ear.


    ¡°God that¡¯s terrible.¡±


    Laughing, I flip around and kiss him.


    THE END.


    ****


    Author¡¯s Note: Again, I would like to thank everyone for following me through this journey. Don¡¯t forget to check out my new book: A VOW TO HATE. Also, leave a review after reading. Let me know what you think of the book so far! Thank you. Lots of love. Now and forever, C.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!