AVA
"Ava?"
Pressing my eyes closed to quell the unrest of my nerves, I curse this coincidence before spinning with the most crooked smile I've ever gathered.
"Lucas." I grinned widely at him. My mouth hurts in the process, so did my heart throbbing in my chest.
He cleaned up in a sleeveless shirt, khaki trousers, and his hair the usual perfect mess it always is.
"Rem called me. I hope it is okay?" He quietly asked.
At least I am not the only nervous one.
"I was being helpful," Rem announces while settling on the counter, two duffel bags the boys had brought along.
Jackson helped him unzipped the supplies, and the contents were matters that could easily make me shit my pants.
I am good with beers, liquors, pizza, the chips but other than that; my confidence can't suffice. I am talking about the drugs, weeds and the white powder; I hope it isn't what my mind is thinking already.
"I will cook this." Taylor offered, heading to the cabinet to find the needed utensils, including a pot he dropped on the stove, so they could be baked in illusions, sedate themselves, stimulate and distort their reality.
Concludingly, I don't think I can risk my safety getting drunk around drugged teenage boys.
Okay, this is where I get off.
"I should go home," I announce.
"Come on; you should stay." Jackson slurred, dragging his feet towards me. I wonder if he is staging the drunken attitude, or he certainly is, which wouldn't come as a surprise since he sells drugs to sponsor his living. I found that out through the rumours that circulate. "We could have a lot of fun. Not much girls but you two are enough." He sickeningly smirked and stopped two feet away from me.
"I am going home. And so is she." I broadcast, jerking my head towards Lisa.
The guys are taking advantage of her crush for Remington to get her high, and god knows what they have in mind.
I might play the bitch of the school for a year, reaped the fame and fondness from every boy and girl there is in my school, but while doing that, I was well aware of the game I was playing, I was conscious of the risks. That's why I had always stayed away from small gatherings like this, a gathering that includes the jerks from the school athletics team.
I don't trust the hills high school jocks. The dirty deeds in their minds had always led to the worst outcomes. Last year the school board and every parent from Summerlin had to unite to invent a strict rule over parties at the emergency conference that was held because of a new boy, Logan Benjamin, who joined for senior year and invited Noah Thomas, a junior, to a party just to gang up with some couple of seniors, who thought Logan is a mentor and abuse the poor junior until he passed out in the basement and was found by two drunk girls later that night.
"Get up." I urged sternly, now scowling at her.
"What is wrong with you?" She rolled her eyes and stubbornly refused to move.
We might not be best of friends, but I wouldn't tolerate these wankers hurting her over her desperation for one of them.
"God, what happened to her?" Taylor's head falls back when he groans, signifying at me since I used to be their definition of fun before the summer break started. I would dance over the highest table in my underwear and kiss everyone or, more precisely, everything I was dared to make out with. "We don't bite." He chuckles while adding ingredients to some sort of soup he is making.
I shoot him a death glare and push Jackson from my way to get to Lisa, who's holding hands with the guy who swears never to have feelings for her.
From my push, Taylor had missed balance and almost tripped over and fell on his face, which somehow confirms my contemplation. Granted, he is under the influence of drugs already, even before Taylor is done cooking crime and sin for them to add and eat.
For a nanosecond, I wonder if Lucas does that illegal stuff laying out all over the kitchen island.
The thought had stimulated the partial side of me that is vulnerable and the other partial side that is revolted to events like this, and I suddenly wanted nothing but to exit this bloody house where parents are barely around. And Rem is allowed to commit any senseless affair his gormless brain could think of. So I yank Lisa's hand and pull her away from not a very excited Rem.
"Lucas, can you put a leash on your babe." He scowled, unfolding his true intentions since we all know he doesn't see Lisa as the one for him.
Vexing boldly, I declare for what could be the millionth time to the people I go to school with,
"I am not his babe," And tilt my attention to Lisa, exasperatedly throwing my hands around when I try to reason with her, "Look around you, I will give it thirty minutes, you will evolve in real hallucinations and detached from your surrounding, and whatever that happens next will be the biggest mistake of your life. So get your butt up." I emphasis the consequences until her face twisted into horror; by horror, I mean shared understanding.
"Not only is she leaving, but she is also taking away my Lisa." Rem pouts, dramatically pushing out his bottom lip when he pushes up onto the island and reluctantly settles on it.
"It is not like they're going anywhere. Right Ava?" Jackson taunts behind me, thoughtfully tracing the strands of my hair with his fingers.
Maybe I should turn around and knee him and end this irritation for myself because he's getting to me, and I am not one to tolerate idiots these days.
"Or is big brother coming for your rescue again?" Swallowing roughly, I freeze from sudden annoyance. My body was not functioning even as little as blinking my eyes when he moved my hair to one shoulder and lowered his nose to the nook of my neck, slowly sniffing as though he was searching for something specific. "I heard the first thing he did in town is coming for your first-ever relationship?"
Through his mocking statement, I had picked information, though. Something must have gone wrong the other time I was in this house after assuming Princeton Claire carries something of Leigh that was supposed to be mine.
"What are you talking about?" I twirl around and meet Lucas eyes even when the question is directed to Jackson.
But it was after I had gone on with my instinct and turned around, I realised it was a stupid option because I was now standing so much close to Jackson, too close, my chest was touching his stomach, (Yes, he stood just tall enough as every hill high athletic). From the satisfaction on his face, he was gaining pleasure from the horror deepening over my features. He quirked up his lips into a startling smirk and took the opportunity of the panic in my expanded pupil to corner me against the island.
He brought his nose to my cheek and grumbled in my face, "Ask him. He had the experience of almost choking to death." His mouth smells like rotten beans.
Wait, did he say Leigh choked Lucas?
I was blinking rapidly, not knowing where to start, when Lucas lessened my situation and started with his anserine friend.
He dragged the jerk back by his shirt, I heard the fabric make a shredding noise, but I didn't care. He deserves it. He deserves to have his everything tear up. I feel like helping him up and setting his belongings on fire.
"Just having your back brother." Jackson giggled and staggered back and clashed against the cabinets as the drugged idiot he is.
He chortle and then burst into loud laughter before attempting to reach for me again, but Lucas smashed him back by the chest, as he was useless, giving his inebriated state. Lucas has him pinned to the cupboards, and the two were trading silent, challenging glares that blaze with fire.
On the contrary, the rest of the other two boys didn't fidget the slightest but only laughed at their two friends, almost fighting each other.
"Jackson, you don't want to try. Stay out of her hair." I think that's what Lucas growled and let go of Jackson.
"Let's go." He flatly said to me, and before my system could perform, he grabbed my hand and led me to the exit.
It is at that moment I thank God for having my crossbody bag hung over my shoulder because it would've been absolute awkward to return to Rem's kitchen looking for my stuff after what just happened.
Lucas didn't say a thing even when Taylor asked him how they were supposed to get home since clearly, he was the one who drove them here.
We just walked out of the house wordless. He was pulling me to the lawn, where his car was parked on the driveway. Behind me, I could hear Lisa's footsteps; she was coming with us. It sprinkled the tiniest relief over me, knowing one thing came out good on my birthday.
Lucas didn't say anything when he opened the passenger door for me and watched me get in safely just as Lisa climbed the backside of the vehicle.
Before he circled the car and got into that driver's side, Lisa reached forward from the rear seat and smirked in the rear mirror.
"He is falling hard for the girl, just like all the boys, Ava Lancelot."
When she got the reaction out of me, for I couldn't restrain the terror that comes with the remainder of the two siblings back at home, both in love with me, Lisa sat back into the seat and buckled her seatbelt which reminded me to do the same.
The drive from sun city, I had quietly let my eyes closed as the wind blows through the rolled down windows while Lucas drives at what was definitely above the limit Christian and mom will approve of me to be involved in.
Through the freeway of Del Webb Boulevard and the traffic we stopped, waiting for the red light to snap green and the stretched lane we followed on North Town Center Drive, my mind was at ease as I tried to let go of everything in my head, including the fact that everyone at home must be unnerved over my disappearance and not having my phone with me might have even fueled up their pressure.
Only God knows how many times they've tried reaching me.
When we cut into the residential areas and arrived at Niagara Falls, where Lisa stays, it was like I had sowed everything that's happened today; I watched the designated neighbourhoods until the car stopped and parked by the side of the road.
The back door opens and closes, then Lisa sticks her head through my window and pats my shoulder, "Thanks for the ride Luc, this side of the town always sucks when it comes to public transportation."
"Have a good night, Lisa." He spoke for the first time since we left Rem's place.
"Oh, I will." She smirks and adds before she composes herself upright, "Take her somewhere good. Today's her birthday, it's all over my IG, and it's beginning to annoy me." She winked at me and cracked into laughter at my murderous glare.
We watched her stalk away towards the colossal villa. I can't begin to describe since encountering villas and luxurious estates every day has now become a natural experience.
Yes, that's what living in las Vegas would do to you.
"Where are you going to? Eagle hills or-"
I didn't let him finish. I interjected, "The mountains."
"Okay."
He raves his engine and pulls out of the street.
The silence was awkward, too awkward now that the windows were closed and there was no music playing.
But it didn't get even worst until I attempted to turn on the radio, and Lucas clasped my hand and slowly directed it back to my lap.
Okay, I had enough.
"What is your problem?" I lose it. I totally lose it.
"My problem? Did I look like I have one?" He scoffs, solidifying his focus on the road and squeezing firmly on the wheels until his knuckles are white and the car is going even too fast than I can handle.
"Do not kill us," I yelled, and he abruptly pressed the brake, pulling by the road's shoulder.
I've never been grateful for the seatbelt, for when the force came and jerked my body forward, it was there to hold me in place.
My heart was thumping too loud in my chest. It was like I was about to faint when he hit the steering wheel with his palm and yelled back, "Stop it!" As though I am the psycho who almost got us killed.
Stunned, I asked him, "Now I am to be blamed?"
He shook his head and blew out a breath, his hand running through his tousled hair when he angles his body towards me and shakes his head again.
"No, Ava. No." He slowly said and closed his eyes.
I went straight to the point and asked, "What happened that day when I passed out?"
"Leigh thought I took advantage of you, and he wasn't happy." He plainly confesses.
I just stared at him for a half minute with a slack jaw, trying to visualise how it truly went.
"I will never do that, though. I will never take advantage of you." He added when I didn't say anything.
His eyes searches mine while I try to think of a way out of this suddenly awkward quiet room, squeezed with some kind of weird tension, which makes me long for fresh air.
And then he chooses to lean forward, lacing his fingers and mine together. My heartbeat picked up, not because he has that effect that ignites every part of me like Leigh does, no, but because I was thinking about escaping whatever he was about to start. I hope to do that, it wouldn't get me thrown out on the freeway with no ride back home and no phone to call anyone I know.
"Please just give me a chance." He was begging, eagerness boldly harsh in his eyes. "Let me get to know you." He insisted and inclined forward, letting me know of his presence, for his face was just half an inch away, and fear was beginning to get that best of me.
I can't kiss someone again. I can't make another mistake. I can't keep cheating on Leigh before the day is over.
Without thinking, I pulled back and compressed my lips to a small line, shifting it into a smile at the clearly hurt boy watching me with sad eyes.
I couldn't handle it, so I cowardly exited the vehicle to breathe.
For another five minutes, we both remain in our positions. He didn't drive away and leave me stranded as I assumed. And I just stare at the cars passing by until I can breathe again.
I was aware of the sound of the door opening and closing. I just didn't care enough to look back and see him coming over to sit onto the hood of his car.
"Here." He held out something-a small black rectangular box.
"What is that?" I asked, hugging myself as the night chills hit my bones, for my clothes weren't so convenient.
"Not a wedding ring." He smiled.
I giggled and collected the small box, opening it to reveal a slim silver bracelet made of flowers and beautiful stones. It must cost too much.
"Wow, this is so beautiful. You didn't have to." I mumbled, and he smirked.
"But I did." He retorted. "It will look good around your wrist."
I smiled at him and looked back at the shiny thing.
When I brought it out from the box, I held out my hand and the jewel to Lucas,
"Please."
The flicker of excitement that crossed his face was visible; I even caught the relief sigh he made when he collected the object and wore it around my wrist.
Once it was fixed, I whirl my hand back and forth, noticing how the tiny bracelet fits my hand.
"Thank you," I said to him, and he smiled back.
After that, we returned to the car since we were lucky to spend enough time by the side of the road without getting a ticket.
The rest of the night passed by while we lounged at a twenty-four hours restaurant, talking, laughing and eating the whole time until morning. That for some hours, I was able to survive without having to worry about my step-siblings.
But it all came to an end when two men in cops uniforms came over to our booth and brought a phone with my photo on the screen to my face, scrutinising me.
"Ava Lancelot?" The man asked and lifted his badge that says he is a legitimate policeman. With that, I immediately knew what this was.
Christian had reported me missing.
Great, just great.
"Yes." I nodded.
And instantly, their eyes shift to Lucas.
"Did he hurt you?" The other man asked.
"Do I look hurt?" I throw back.
"Okay, the two of you are coming with us."
"I am going home anyway. Let him go." I told the men, who had now attracted the attention of the restaurant's staff.
"We have to deliver you home, and he needs to come with us." The other man said like it's a matter of fact.
"He didn't kidnap me if that's what you're trying to imply." I gritted my teeth and stood up.
Can my life get any worst?
Lucas smiled at me and grabbed my hand, "Is okay? I can come with you. Besides, I will not be able to have peace of mind having you taken away without knowing the genuineness of this whole thing."
"This is crazy." I groan, and he laughs while we head towards the police car parked in the scanty car park.
"We stayed up all night. Do you blame them?"
Okay, he may have a point.
The ride was an hour drive to my home, and it was smooth. The cops happen to be authentic, not some serial killers who stole two police uniforms.
The moment the car passed through the gate and stopped by the driveway of the mountain house, the front door opened, and a dishevelled hair Lilith stood by the entranceway in her pyjamas.
That's when that wrecking feeling returned in my chest. I became numb in the backside of the car, watching her from quite a distance.
When the policeman opened my door, and my eyes met hers. That instant, she turned away and disappeared, leaving the door wide open.
One second to five, and then there was Leigh. He emerged through the open door, dressed just as the last time I saw him. Even his shoelaces were intact. It is like he didn't sleep at all. Which the eyebags around his eyes explains, yet he still manages to look flawlessly.
I hate that my time away affected him; I had left him worried the whole night.
That charming smile of his swept across his face when he spotted me, and all the pain I felt vanished. The view of him lights up my mind.
He was approaching when I got out of the vehicle to hug him, but he abruptly stopped as though he had stepped on an armed trap. His expression turned to steel. He swallows roughly; I didn't miss the slides of his sharp Adam apple.
Then I followed his eyes, behind me, to where there was Lucas, standing awkwardly with his hands shoved in his pockets.
Bloody hell.
As white as a dead body, I forced myself to spin back to Leigh, now; he was glaring at me with what was clearly disappointed and hurt in his eyes that drilled right through my chest, and I felt like my world was collapsing.
No, not him. He can't hate me.
His nose was flared, his pressed lips twitching as though he was struggling to stifle something.
"Leigh." I lurched forward, but he didn't let me explain. He turns around and heads back into the house, just like his sister.
No, please, no.
I felt ripped off. Something hurt so much, and I couldn't even tell what it was.
In shock, I just stared at the place he had followed, and the first tear rolled down my face when Christian came out from the door. And I wonder if he will turn away too. But he stayed; he walked over to me and pulled me into him, letting me crack and cry in his shirt.
I heard him thank the police officers and plead with them to make sure Lucas was delivered home too; after the officers told him everything, the waiter who served us all night from the restaurant had told them early.
I heard the tires skidding against the driveway, I heard the gate opening, the cars distancing, but I just kept crying and apologising to the man who put so much effort to please me yesterday.
Knowing I was at the foot of hell, it was all I could do.
After what felt like forever, in Christian arms, he told me it was time to go in.
I didn't want to, I can't face it, but I have to. It was my home; I couldn't run away from it.
He led me into the house and assured me he would talk to mom; I shouldn't worry. But what drained the blood from me was the boxes I found in the foyer, some of which were mine. And mom sitting, legs crossed on the foyer's bench.
I stopped and swallowed, waiting for her tantrum. And it came, in the next three seconds, she exploded, first throwing a museum grade flower vase and letting its pieces shatter everywhere around the floor.
She later pulls out a frame and throws it towards me. I have to scream her name. Well, not scream, since my voice was hoarse and I was beginning to cry again.
Christian contemplated who to hold, but eventually, he settled on his wife, maybe because he was the armed one or because she was his wife.
He scampers to her side and tries to stop her from throwing the decorations sitting over the drawer.
She screams in his arm, wriggles and squirms. She was pointing her finger at me.
"What could you ever want? How can you be so greedy? I gave you everything. You have a life barely a little per cent of your age could get. What else do you want from me?" She cries. "A boy? For a boy, you ran away, left us looking like fools where Christian had to struggle to get tickets at the last minute because you said you wanted it. Why are you so selfish, Ava?"
Selfish.
I scoffed, my eyes blurred, my throat clogged, as the lump was only growing larger with every breath I drew.
The words were stuck underneath that lump. There is a scream also I wanted to let out.
I wanted to tell her I wish I had never returned this morning. I wanted to tell her it was me who should be throwing pictures and breaking vases. I wanted to tell her it was her who messed me up, not wrongly as she claimed. I wanted to her; she had brought me into the midst of chaos. I wanted to tell her I hated her for being my mother because she failed all reasons that made her a parent.
But I don't have my voice; I can only weep tears physically and cry emotionally.
I was numb, alone and cold. My head was throbbing, my heart had tightened, and my skin felt like I was burning. I didn't care when dryly, she informed me to grab my boxes; we were returning to eagle hills.
I yank the two purple boxes that are mine, and through turning, my eyes spotted Lilith peeping from the edge of the staircase. She was sitting there, watching what she had rooted.
I hate her. I hate all of them.