"And then?" even through the phone I could sense Macy's tone held a huge amount of curiosity.
"It actually went great." I admitted taking my purse and waving Loui goodbye, but he'd been so focused on the material we made for the last hour since we came back to the Studio that I didn't think he even realized I brought his tupper by him and was going out for my lunch break. It was late, past 3 pm, but it usually was when we work on a session the whole morning. "Drew was so nice and had great ideas. I think we made something really awesome."
"I-" but Macy was interrupted by my other friend:
"I'm not sure she's getting it, Macy." and then talk to me. "What we're asking is what happened with Dylan."
I grunted under my breath. "Nors, is that all you can think about?"
"What do you mean?"
"You're always turning everything I told you into something about boys." I whined, and it was true.
"Well, little Alyson, when someone take all the trouble this guy has to do you a huge favor it's really hard not to read into it." I could practically see her rolling her eyes. "Has he already ask you out?"
I almost choked, pushing the front door open and making sure the 'closed' sign faced the street, folding my coath tightly with my free hand while walking. "Why would he do that?"
Norah sighed. "Do you need another lesson of human reproduction?"
"No." I cringed. "The first one was already enough unrequested."
"Then?" I heard struggling sounds and Norah's complains. "No, wait-"
"Give me the phone." Macy was loud and clear once more. "Alyson? It's not like I want to agree with this nutcase..." sounds on the back. "Yes, you are. Anyways, what I was saying, Norah does have a point."
"Thank you!" I heard her exclaiming from the back. "Put her on the damn speaker already. Now, you heard us?"
"Yeah."
"Great, now let's talk about the sweet model you manage to smitten."
"Oh my god." I face-palmed myself in shame, already feeling my face heating up. "It's not like that at all."
"Well," Macy gentle tone intervene. "It kinda is..."
"Yeap so tell us everything. Especially how are you going to tell Lover Boy he's way too late."
I cringer further. "Norah..."
"Lover Boy?" I could sense Macy's frown. "And who is that?"
"Isn't it abvious? The lost puppy that follows her everywhere."
"Brett?"
"See? I knew I wasn't the only one sensing their tension."
Oh Gosh. This is what happened when I keep things to myself. That everyone around only get half of it and understand everything upside down.
"Girls, it's not like that-"
"It totally is." cut me Norah cheerfully. "Do I have to remind you how romantic it was when he act all knight in shinning armour the other day?"
"When?" Macy still confused and I couldn't blame her.
The light turn red in front of me and forced me into a halt as Norah keep on with her charade. "I told you. The other day when she got sick I follow her out economy and found him carring her bridal style. It was sooo romantic... Auch! The fuck you hit me for?"
"What got her sick where his pills, you dope." Macy's voice was hushed, like she was hissing, but I heard it and at the memory made me felt ill all over again. That's it. Brett pulled me through hell yet once more and earlier today had the nerve to asked why couldn't I forgive him? Unbelievable.
"The pills? Didn't you say the where Jade's?"
"Jade gave them to Virginia"Â I explained huskily. "But the container got his initials."
"His initials?"
"B R, Norah!" huffed Macy. "Seriously, are you sure your IQ is on the right numbers?"
"I know what 'initials' means, Macy-bu, but couldn't they also be from Brittany Roland?" she dead panned and I frowned. I hadn't contamplate that option. Brittany? "You know, the known Clayton's bulimic... Also one of barbie's besties? Wouldn't it made more sense for her to have throw up pills?"
That... did make sense. But pulling me through shit ain't sound like something she would do. Brett on the other hand...
"But-"
"And on top of that." she cut me unfazed. "Why would he take care of you right after if he's done that."
"To humiliate me?" but my voice quavered in doubt. Norah didn't miss a bit.
"Yet he didn't. He brought you to straight to the nurse. No photos, no videos, no jokes."
"You... I... uh!" I hated when she rationalize things into her point of view. She was extremly good at it and it sucks. "Stop defending him. You're not helping."
"Hope you're not talking about me." I froze, my stomach doing a complicate twitch. Oh, please no. And slowly pivoted on my heels only to come face to face with the devil. "Oh, you were?" He had a cocky smirk on his face. "Now, would you look at that? How flattering."
I stood there, gawking at him and wondering how come he hadn't yet vanished since we 'kicked' him out went we came back and it's been over an hour from that.
"Is he there?! Oh please tell me he's there. Tell me-"
"How am I supposed to know?! Alyson? What's going on?"
I opened my mouth but nothing came out, my throat had closed up. Guess I wasn't expeting to have to deal with him again. And after everything I'd said previously that day... Who knows how would he react?
"RYDEEEER!" I flinched away at Norah's high pitched shout and drove the ittem away from my ear. The heck is wrong with her?
Brett frowned at his last name being yelled and his eyes lowered to the phone, spiking in interest. Before I could realized it he snatched it from my grasp and brought it to his own ear. "Hello?" that made me snapped out my dazed state and my mouth dried, immediately attempting to get it back but easily being held away. "Oh, hi." he smiled spitefully at whatever they were saying. "No, why?"
"Macy hang up!" but Brett laughed and looked at me amused as he listened.
"Okay I will." a pause where I glared at him fumming as he just smirked. "Sure. Bye."
And just like that he hang up and tossed me back the phone. I glanced down at it, irritated, before taking it. "Why would you do that?"
"Do what?" he wondered innocently.
"You know what. Stealing my call?" I save the phone in my pocket and went to cross the street now that the light was finally green. Not to my surprise but nagging, Brett fell into step with me not bothering to answer more than a tiny shrug. "How come you still here?" I asked waringly, not thrusting him a bit, no matter what Norah thought.
"I told you why I was here." My guts clenched at the reminder of his words. Maybe I just want to spend time with you. His lies. There was no way I would fall for that. "This Norah chick..." I immediatelly tensed, already dreading whatever it was she said. He smirked. "She's fun. I don't remember her from before."
"She's new." I mumbled, uneased at the unknowledge of what her big mouth could had said in that minute they talked.
Brett nodded slipping his hands on the pockets of his jeans and nodding nonchalantly. "I like her."
"Really?" my heart jolted in my chest. "What did she say?"
"She reminded me to find a vegetarian place."
My brows knitted together. "What?" I was so not expecting that. "What for?"
"Because any other way you won't be eating, of course." he rolled his eyes as if it was a question for dummies. "Now, can we go already? I've been waiting forever here and I'm about to die from starvation."
"We?" he couldn't be serious.
"Come on, I've left you alone to flirt with that prick the whole morning, now can't you even give in on this?"
I blush furiously at the mention of Dylan. He'd been super nice today, helping and smiling at any chance he got. Why couldn't most boys be this lovely? But under Brett's attentive stare I hid it under a scowl. "I don't recall you complaining so much when Miss Model asked you to pose with her."
And she did. Drew actually did and there were a couple pictures with them posing together, Brett half turned so his face was irrecognizable but still. Why didn't she asked Dylan? Since he was a model as well, that would had been the clever choice, but no. She and Brett were getting along so well she had to ask him.
It bothered me more than it should, but I repeated myself it was because he was yet again intervening in my life.
To my further irritation, the auburn had the nerve to smirk. "What can I say? I look the part. And Drew was so entusiatic..." one of his shoulders lifted a bit, nonchallantly. "Didn't know you'll get jealous, Lys. If I'd known it, I would had done it before." he winked and I choked. How can someone be so cocky?
But I'm ashamed to admitt my chest fluttered at the gesture. No Alyson. You're over him! Remember what he'd done. Shaking my head I looked straight forward and went to accelerate but he halted me helding my hand. Immediately a thousand of burning tingles climbed up my arm and crossed my chest.
"Okay, wait." he sighed, as I peaked at him, not knowing what to expect from today's gentleness... What was he aiming at? "I'm sorry, that was an unfortunate joke. Now can we go have lunch already?"
My pulse raced again, alert. "Brett..."
"Just lunch." he frowned, and the way he said it made a pang of guilt at his hurt thrusted in my chest. "You're gonna have to eat anyway so what's the big deal in doing it with me?"
The sudden thought of all the things he could put me through in the mere time we waste there... the mere thought of go have a peaceful meal with him sounded ridiculous.
"It's not a good idea..."
"Of course it is." Suddenly I was being guided down the street and couldn't help but get nervous. "Norah already had told me which place is it you like. And I promise you I'll leave you alone right after." he assured at my still unease state. That last part spike my interest.
"You will?"
"Sure." he smirked but it was hard on the edges and I couldn't exactly read what he was thinking. "For today."
All my hope deflatted all at once. Of course that offer wouldn't be something that exempt him from keeping on with his usual evil schedule. A quick glance at my wrist watch was enough to see that my break time was expiring quickly and seeing Brett mood today, that would be the best I would get out of him. Guess I didn't have much of a choice. I made mental note to kill Norah next time I saw her and before I know we were already at the bar where I usually spend my break. It was quiet and cute; with couches and tables sprawled arund the clean area and large windows all across the walls, showing the from the other side.
Butterflies flurter my stomach agressively when his hand laid on the small of my back to pull me along as the waiter guided us forward. Such an intimate gesture was not at all what I was expecting from him and my nerves grew worst than ever. Too bewildered to fight him I let Brett lead us to a table by the picture window, giving us a beautiful view.
As soon as we reached it I stepped out of his grasp and slipped in one of the chairs, feeling my pulse everywhere as anticipation for what his next move might be freaked me out. I swore I think I saw him huffing annoyed so as he took the chair across from me I hid myself behind the menu.
I couldn't believe I was about to lunch with Brett. It felt unrealistic. Beyond surealistic!
I quickly eyed what I like and slowly placing the cart beside me, tapping my finger to the tablecloth, nerves eating me alive. Would he do something? So far the day'd been pretty well, surprisingly. Would he turned it around?
Gosh, please no.
My gaze moved to the window and the view of the beach took my breath away. The sun was at the perfect place so his light glimered the waves and made them look magic. It looked perfect and I couldn't resisted and took my camera to captured the moment. It wasn't Elvis, but it look good nonetheless.
From the corner of my eyes I glimpsed how Brett's head snapped up from the menu at the sudden 'click'.
"What are you doing?" he asked as I annalized the picture and decided to take another.
"What does it looks like I'm doing?" I immediately snapped back and as soon as the words left my mouth I disliked them. Wether I like it or not, he'd been nice to me so far and my rude behavior might not be aproppiate now. Maybe if I keep on kind he would as well. Hesitantly and lowering the camera to pretend I'm busy inspecting the photo I swallowed the knot in my throat and smoothed my voice, almost whispering. "It just look so beautiful I can't help myself."
Brett hummed and I felt like face-palming myself. I'm really weird sometimes.
I opened my mouth and turned to him but my heart skipped a beat when I found his gaze already on me in such an intense stare I felt myself froze. His eyes widened a bit when he realized I caught him and we both diverted our gazes, my cheeks heating up. The hell was that? From the corner of my eyes I saw him awkwardly scratching the back of his neck.
Luckily the waiter decided to show up at that very moment and made us avoid that weird situation. Brett ordered an hamburger and I ask a green salad, but when the girl left again the enviroment was escaling to uncomfortable really quick.
I forced my brain and squeezed it, struggling to find something to talk about. Anything. But apparently I went blank when it comes to Brett.
"So," I cleared my throat. "How's the soccer team?"
Once more, I felt like face-palming. Really, Alyson? Soccer?!
His brows furrow together a little, as shocked as I was. "Good, I guess." I nodded and let a inner sigh in relief when he didn't mocked my lame come out.
"Oh, great. Soccer is a weird game don't you think? Well, maybe not 'cause you're used to it but think about it. A bunch of guys running after a ball? Whats' the point?" words flowed out my mouth before even being processed by my brain, trying to kept down the nerves I was feeling. So I did what I usually when I'm anxious: I rambled. "It's pretty famos in Europe, you know? They called it football there, and they are pretty obsessed about it, or that's what my mother said when my parents went to Spain." Why can't I just stop talking? "Anyway, I get it that you like it. The rush of the sport and all that, uh? I heard the first game would be next week. Against, Richmore, right? They have such a good team. Aren't they last years' champions? Well, I wonder if Clayton'll be more prepared this time than- " he perked one brow and my eyes widened when I realized what I'd said. "Oh, I-I don't mean last year you weren't prepared. You were great. You are great. "Abort mision, Alyson! Stop freaking talking! But I couldn't. "What I mean is that they kinda the bests here? Aren't they? But you're also- Nevermind. I, uh, don't know anything about s-soccer anyway. You'll do fine, I guess. Yeah."
If earth could just crack and swallowed me right there and then I would be eternally in debt with God. Unfortunately, all I was able to do was shrank on my seat. To my utter surprise he let out a chuckled and leaned to the table with a soft smile.
"You're cute." Heat covered to my cheeks violently. I mean, WHAT?! Did Brett just called me cute? Before I could preceeded it properly he kept going: "Yes, I'm into 'the rush of the sport and all that'; and yes Richmore was way better that us. Maybe they still are, but it's nice to know we get your support in that."
A small relief smile twisted my lips.
"A tigger from the heart." I quoted our school's slogan and Brett laughed, a sound that melted my chest and made me wanna thaw and punch myself at the same time. Wake the heck up, Alyson. You got over this stupid crush ages ago. Don't let a few kind words erase how awful he'd been to you.
"Sure, Giggles." and then he frowned. "Do they really called soccer 'football'?"
"That's what I was told." I nodded carefully.
"And how do they called actual football?"
"American football."
"Wow. And we're the egocentrics?"
I shrugged but we were both grinning. How? How could I allowed myself to let my guard down with him? What if he was planning a prank all along? Even if he didn't Brett ain't deserve my good mood. It was simply not fair, but with him being so casual and almost sweet I felt my walls being pulled down slowly and untoppable as we talked.
Then our food came and my insecurities shone again. I remember too well the little prank with the pill and how awful I felt during and after their little laughs. What if he's put something on my salad? What if the waitress joined him and I'd be throwing my guts out all over again? How could I trust him after what happen not so long ago?
Brett saw my hesitation and frowned at me.
"Is there something wrong?"
"I..."
My hands slightly shook and involuntarily moved to graze my stomach, remembering too well the throbbing pain it was put through some days ago. Brett eyes followed my gesture and cold sweat covered my back.
"Are you feeling sick again?"
"I just- Did you put something on it?" I stuttered the direct question, not seing the point in smoothing it.
His eyes widened. "Did I what?"
"B-because it's not funny. You got your fun the other day, don't put me through that again."
His bewildered expression only made me more anxious. Why did he acted all innocent? What's the point?
"Put you through what?"
"Quit pretending, those were your pills!"
"You kept talking about this pills but I've got no clue what you're saying."
I frowned. He's a liar. I'd seen his name on the tin. Those were his pills. Norah's words kept echoing in my mind but I refused to just believe them like that. Not with Brett.
He held my glare, like trying to see through me, eventually getting annoyed but I didn't budge. When I thought he was about to snap, he huffed and dragged my salad to his side of the table.
"W-what are you doing?" I gasped in shock as he took his fork.
"You think I put something on your food, uh? Well, that's ridiculous for a lot of reasons but fine, I'll prove you wrong."
And he brought a forkfull of salad to his mouth. While I eyed him, wating for anything to happend. Bret just swallowed with a wince and pushed the plate back to me.
"There you go. Beside the disgusting plants on it there's nothing wrong. Happy now?"
I scowled.
"Disgusting plants?"
"You should really taste this hamburger." he lifted it to take a bite and almost moaned. "This is great."
"Maybe, but this might go against the whole vegetarian thing, you know?"
"Always so picky." he grumbled wryly and I had to bit my lip to prevent me from giggling. Giggling!
The minutes keep passing and I'm afraid I must confess I didn't dreaded it as much as I should. I pained me, it really did, 'cause it remind me of the frindship we once have; but it didn't went as uncomfortable and tense as it should considering everything and it only mad it all more confusing. What was he aiming at? If he really wanted to play a prank on me, why wait? To gain my trust? And if he actually was trying to just 'spend time' like we used to, why did he tormented me in Clayton?
In fact, how am I even allowing him to be in good terms -even if it's just for a lunch time- after what he put me through ove years? Am I really that masochistic?
But somehow I couldn't help it. This careless Brett was the one I loved. Maybe I just missed him too much to be able to shut him down even considering all my instincts were shouting at me to keep him away. What was wrong with me?
Topics kept escalating one to another and somehow we ended up joking about the Spring Ball, and how the soccer team was the chosen to be he main theme this year, since it will matched with the semifinals.
"Yeah." he chuckled. "I'm dying to see Hunter opening the dance."
I frowned. "He will?"
"Well, it either Lydia or Jade who'll be the Flower Queen and who ever win will. Hunter is praying for it to be Jade but don't tell Hammel."
I bit my lip, all suddenly shattering at the mention of Jade. That girl was pure venom. And so was he, no matter how much I let myself be fooled. Maybe he didn't have nothing to do with the pills... or maybe he just enjoyed it from affar. But It's been three years in which him and Jade had done the impossible to put me down.
"You'll go?" he cut my depressing thought and I mumbled quietly:
"I don't know."
Brett's eyes narrowed and I know depites his cheerful facade, whatever he was about to say hold more seriousness than he intent. "You neither come to last year's prom." my throat closed, not having expect that. "How come?"
"Nobody asked me." I shurggued dismissingly, lowering my face but he didn't let it drop and huffed.
"See? I know you're lying there."
My heart stopped.
"I'm not-"
"I know Andrew Mars asked you to the ball last year." my head snapping his direction confused. How could he know? Only Macy and I knew about that. He must saw the confusion in my face 'cause he lifted on eyebrow. "What? Isn't it true?"
My cheeks flushed furiously.
"Mm, yeah, but-"
"Then?"
I bit on my lip harder and glared at him. I didn't actually like Adrew more than a friend, but I would had loved gone with him to the ball. The problem? I'd known Brett wouldn't had let me alone and his teasing would had been awful for Andrew as well. How could I tell him that?
He looked at me expectantly, waiting for my answer and not intimidated by my death glare on him. I hated how much control I had given him in my life. I'd had enough. This has to change.
"Well?" Brett pressed seeing I was not talking and I diverted my gaze far from him.
"It's so not of your business." I folded my arms over my chest. The carefree dynamic had drastcally morphed in a matter of seconds and I hate it. That's what happen when I allow myself to forget who was I actually dealing with.
"And that Dylan." I frowned at the sudden change of topic and his jaw clenched at the same time an unconvinient blush climbed up my neck. Really bad timing. "You like him?"
My finger tightened around my arms. How dare he to asked me something as personal as that? And in such a way as if he has every right to do so. His electric blue eyes returned my baffled stare for long moments, but I ended up lowering mine, shaking my head. He couldn't keep doing that. With my heart up my throat I got up, awfully scratching the floor with the chair.
"I'm going."
"What?" his eyes widened and his whole demeanor changed, leaning forward. "No no. We can end it here and-"
"We've already ended it." I glanced the empty dishes and grabbed my purse, painfully sliding part of the payment I got today. Brett insisted it was on him but I couldn't let him buy me food just like that. After everything. I didn't need his pity and I was pretty sure he'll find a way to get it back if I accepted it. This had been an awful idea.
"Lys..." he breathed out with a frown, staring hard at the bill over the table like he couldn't believe I actually refuse to let him buy me.
"Leave it. I can pay my own things." barely.
Wow, for once I sounded steady and sure. I sounded like someone able to stand for herself. This might be gone in some minutes so I better get this chance and leave head high. As I exited the place I heard him called for me, following swift.
"Just tell me." was it pleading what I sensed lacing in his tone? Couldn't be. I wouldn't let him fool me yet once more.
"I don't have to answer to you, Brett." I scoffed, done with his change of mood and his whole driving-me-crazy skills. "Now I need to go work and you need to leave."
"Wait." he stopped me by the wrist but I pulled out his grasp, bringing my hand to my chest and rubbing the tickling skin where his fingers had been. It was ridiculous he get a reaction from me with such a small touch. He locked down at my action, fist and jaw clenching but didn't tried to reach for me again. "I'll drive you back."
Like hell. "You won't."
"I haven't parked that far. It'll be a couple minutes walk-"
"I'll take the bus, Brett." I was so done with this situation I didn't even care about the consequences anymore. I was tired and sick of him messing with my mind. One moment he was cold, the next he was hot and I couldn't think straight anymore. He seemed to be about to say something else so I beat him. "My break is almost over and I really don't want to be late." I deadpanned taking one step backwards. "This was lovely, but let's not repeat it. Tomorrow you'll go back to your rutine and mess with me, so can we pretend nothing of this happen? For both our sake." and finally walked away not wasting another second nor wanting to hear his reply.
Jeez. The further I moved, the better I breathed. There was something about Brett that was simply maddening for me. He drive me crazy, in the bad side of the word, yes, but also in the good... in the very good. Despites everything he'd done, there was times where I could still feel this pulling towards him... and I hated it.
Why couldn't he let me hate him in peace? Or just ignore me? It was like he push and pull at the same time and it hurt.
___________________________________________
Hey! this chapter was a bit longer. Hope you guys like it, and also, thank you for the 800 views!! WOW.
I'm not sure when would I be able to post again this story since I've started classes and right now I'm more focused on Drag Me Down -another story you can find in my profile- but hopefully I'll be able to update in a week or two :)
Don't forget to comment, vote and share.