Game Of Faces

Standing amidst the school library shelves, I let the natural exhilaration of classic books take over every fibre of my being. Focusing my attention on book covers, I run my fingertips over "Little Women" and "Wuthering Heights." I'm not sure if it's just me, but my mood easily changes when I gaze at books.

Instantly, the urge to go book shopping arises. Modern novels will serve, especially since I have space for extra books on my bedroom bookshelf. Most of my current collection consists of old British novels.

"Great books. If you're indecisive, I think you should start with 'Wuthering Heights,' then move on to 'Little Women'," a familiar voice suggests.

Knowing it's Leigh, I don't even flinch. I continue pretending to be engrossed in the books as I reply, "I've read them."

"Your mum wasn't kidding when she said you're a bookworm," he remarks playfully. Even without looking at him, I can tell he's smiling.

I steal a glance at him. He's wearing a simple white shirt and slightly skinny blue jeans. His boots shine as if I didn't vomit on them last night. And his perfectly styled hair remains the same. Standing opposite me, he wears the smile I've grown accustomed to. His scent fills the air, making me uneasy. I glance at him from the corner of my eye and continue perusing the books beside me.

I'll take any opportunity to avoid looking him in the eyes. Even this morning, despite being hungover, I woke up to realize that Leigh has an effect on me that I can't quite figure out yet. Swallowing aspirin and opting for coffee, memories of last night replayed in my head. In the kitchen, the realization hit me, and I knew I had made a terrible mistake. I allowed myself to be influenced by my mother's fiancé's son.

I kissed Leigh. I kissed Leigh. But then again, he didn't stop me. He went along and kissed me back. He was sober and fully aware of everything. Why didn't he stop me? Why didn't he pull back? He kissed me back as if it were acceptable. Just the thought makes me feel sick. What have I done?

"Hey, how are you feeling?" he asks when I don't respond.

"I've taken aspirin. I guess I'm good, thank you," I murmur.

I'm not only thanking him for asking about my well-being. I'm also grateful for him sneaking me into the house last night without my mum and Christian knowing. For tucking me into bed and making me tea when I needed it most, including now, as he holds the same flask. I don't say all of this because I want him to believe I'm oblivious to what happened last night.

When I steal a glance at him, his eyes are fixed on the flask in his hand. "Ava, about last night..." he starts, but I immediately interrupt.

"I know it was a bad idea to play a drinking game, but it all happened so quickly that I can't even remember anything apart from the beginning of the game," I lie. I can't bring myself to look at him directly because I know if I do, he'll see the truth in my eyes. I'm not a good liar, and I'm not accustomed to lying at all. But here I am, trying to convince my slightly nervous, pseudo-brother that I have absolutely no memory of what I did last night.

"You don't remember anything?" His tone is filled with surprise. I'm sure his eyebrows must be furrowing, but with my head down, I decide to keep it this way.

"Yes," I whisper and take a sharp breath. "Is that my tea?" Using the sudden silence, I change the subject, this time lifting my eyes to meet his. I muster every ounce of self-esteem I have to wear a mask that conceals my true face and emotions, smiling at Leigh as if nothing happened. As if I don't feel like kissing his captivating lips right now.

He's momentarily confused before the realization dawns on him, and his gaze lowers to his hands. Hesitantly, he holds out the flask to me. "Yes, I think you'll need it for the day," he says, smiling faintly and nodding.

"Thank you," I mutter.

For the rest of the classes, I struggle to concentrate even though I force myself to do so. My mind is consumed by thoughts of Leigh. Was he satisfied with my answer? Does he want me to remember? Does he prefer me not knowing what happened? What are the odds if I had told him I remember? Would that be the end of our bond? Would he stop bringing me warm tea in a purple flask every day? Would he go back to avoiding meals and spending time with Arlen and Tyron? Or would he kiss me back and tell me to keep it a secret from both our parents or stand before them and confess everything?

These thoughts leave no room for lunch because I know Leigh will be there, and I've come to realize that breathing doesn't become any easier when he's around. So I study and study until the school day ends.

Since I'm avoiding my soon-to-be stepbrother, I have no intention of riding home with him. But even if Lilith and I are on good terms, she wouldn't be driving me home. She has studying to do. This morning, Mum grew suspicious when I declined Lilith's offer and asked her to drive me to school before she left for her job. Now I can't call her again to drive me back home, so I suppose I'll have to walk with Evie.

"I can't believe you went to Tyron Bertram's party," she says as we're halfway down the street from the school.

"Yeah," I sigh heavily. I can't believe it myself.

"How was it? A senior party? You must have felt famous," she asks anxiously, awaiting an answer. Actually, I haven't forgotten the curious gazes I received throughout the day at school. Despite the drama I thought I had created, the students looked at me as if I had won a gold medal. I'm sure the pictures I posted on Instagram and some rumours about last night's party contributed to it all. But then again, what did I gain from the party apart from pouring out my secrets?

"It was extraordinary, or maybe it just felt extreme to me," I explain.

"So, who did you meet?" She grins wider.

Rolling my eyes while smiling, I say, "No one."

"What? I refuse to believe that," she protests, grasping my forearm and fixing her eyes on me until I can no longer hide the rosy blush on my cheeks.

"I only talked to Arlen," I confess. And kissed my mother's fiancé's son. But since that was way out of line, I keep it to myself.

"Arlen... as in Arlen Garret?" Her eyes widen, and her grip loosens. "Shut up. He's single. That means he has feelings for you," she giggles and nudges me.

Flushed by her assumption, I begin, "He's Leigh's best friend. Leigh is kind of my stepbrother."

"And who says you can't date your brother's best friend?" Her right brow lifted in such a Dwayne Johnson way that I burst into laughter until my mobile phone's ringing tone distracted me. I saw Leigh's name appearing boldly on the screen. He must be wondering where I've been since I didn't show up in his car. I put the phone on silent and threw it back into my backpack.

We continued walking, and Evie was halted by a cosy bungalow with a porch and two cars parked in the small driveway. "This is me," she said, taking a deep breath.

"Cool..." I kicked my trainers.

"You should come in," she proposed.

Smiling, I shook my head. "Another time, I have to head home."

"Cool," she said with a tight smile, then turned toward her lawn.

I continued walking along the pavement, reminding myself that just because my school is in Summerlin doesn't mean it's close to my house.

When you choose to turn down your only ride offer and take a walk, you have to accept whatever comes with it.

Suddenly, a horn behind me startled me. I twisted around and found Quinn Chevrolet greeting me, popping her head through the window with a wide smile. "Jump in," she said.

I settled into the passenger side and buckled my seatbelt, knowing that Quinn isn't aware of my mum's safety policy.

"It's quite a long walk back to Eagle Hills, you know. Does Leigh have practice or something?" she asked.

"Yes, practice," I retorted, feeling uneasy discussing him.

"Oh, so Embry said Leigh drove you home last night when you were wasted. She gave him your purse too. Why did you get yourself that drunk for the first time, Ava?" she worriedly asked. Her tone filled with concern, preventing me from snapping at her.

The only question running through my head was how Embry got hold of my purse. But then I remembered my concern for Quinn last night, so I asked, "Were you okay last night? Did you have a drink or something?"

Both her hands on the wheel, she focused her eyes on the road, not giving me a chance to read her thoughts. She swallowed and forced a smile that I could tell was fake. "Can you believe Leigh and Embry talked last night? He even asked her out for dinner this Friday." She was hiding something, and I knew it, but I first let her words sink in.

Leigh asked Embry out. What? How? When?

"What?" I couldn't hide the surprise in my voice.

"I know, right? Not gonna lie, I was surprised too, but he did. Suri says she saw them talking for a while in the kitchen before he went looking for you. All I know is that Leibry will be official by the weekend, and the school will be buzzing." She laughed as if she had aced a math test.

Confusion and disappointment burned within me as I repeatedly asked myself why Leigh would ask Embry out and then kiss me back. So it was all a joke for him to toy with my emotions, my feelings.

And yes, he succeeded, because, by the time we arrived at my house, I was outraged. No, I was furious. So without even a thank you or goodbye, I stormed out of Quinn's car and banged into the house, heading straight to my bedroom.

***

It was dinner time when Mum and Christian made lasagna and happily served their three teenage children, who were all mad at each other. Well, more precisely, I was angry at both of them. Lilith for disappearing all night, and Leigh for kissing me back after asking Embry out.

"So, how was today?" Mom asked.

Everyone was quiet, Lilith's eyes darting to her food and Leigh's eyes darting to mine. Well, mine were darting to Mom. "Fine."

"Just fine?" She asked me, clearly expecting a long explanation and stories about our lunches and P.E., as was customary during our dinners. But no, she wasn't getting anything from me.

"It was mildly okay. The weather was hot," Leigh told her, wearing that cute, warm, deceiving smile that I was sure he gave to Embry.

"Yes, the temperature was very high. I had my lunch in my office today because the cafeteria was packed with people, and I can't handle the heat after surgery," Mom explained to Leigh.

"Two successful surgeries in one day. You're just so perfect, you know," Christian praised Mom, causing her cheeks to immediately turn rosy as she smiled softly at him.

Since none of this interested me, I hurriedly shovelled my lasagna into my mouth so I could escape from these people.

After changing into my pyjamas and entering my room, a soft knock came at my door. Before I could open it, the door swung open, and yes, Leigh appeared, stepping inside before silently closing the door.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey." This was the first time he had ever come into my bedroom since I moved in, and I felt uncomfortable with him there and the door closed.

"I didn't know you could eat that fast." Even with the soundproof door closed, his voice was low and cautious, meant only for me to hear.

"Yes, I do that when I don't want to sit around certain people," I shot back, looking directly into his confused, dilated eyes.

"Why?" he asked.

"Why what?" I lifted my gaze to meet his.

"Why don't you want to sit around the people downstairs, including me?" he asked.

Now I looked away, dropping my gaze to the drawer beside him. "I need to do my homework, Leigh. Goodnight." I dismissed him, though my words weren't as effective as I had hoped.

"Why are you ignoring me? You texted me last night asking me to come get you, and now you're refusing to ride home with me or even give me an explanation." He looked worried, and I looked confused.

"I texted you?" I scoffed at his ridiculous accusation.

Confusion and irritation creased his forehead as he confirmed, "Yes."

Even in my drunken state, I don't recall using my phone at all last night. I don't even remember seeing my purse to find my phone and send a coherent message. Wasn't I sitting in the backyard, feeling hopeless and on the verge of tears?

Well, I don't think he knows what he's talking about unless someone actually texted him. That someone must be Embry. Of course! Why didn't I put it all together? She got me drunk so she could use me to get closer to Leigh. Oh my God.

She is such a manipulative person.

Frowning, I inform him, "Embry texted you, not me."

"What?" If I thought he was confused before, he's completely clueless now.

"She gave you my purse, didn't she?" I raise my brow, seeking confirmation.

With furrowed brows, he nods. "Yup, she did. She said you left it on Tyron's kitchen worktop."

Yes, that might be true. I remember dropping it while helping Arlen, but then she took advantage of it to get closer to Leigh, and that angers me even more. "Yes, she texted you so that you would come around and ask her out, just like you did," I scold him.

"I don't understand," he claims, clearly confused.

"Of course, you don't," I hiss.

"Why are you mad at me? I don't get it," he asks calmly, while I feel like I'm about to explode.

"I'm not mad. Just leave my room," I say, turning my back to him, trying to calm my racing heart. He has a strong effect on me that I can't explain, no matter how hard I try.

"Ava," he starts.

"Just leave me alone, Leigh," I practically yell. He asked Embry out and then kissed me, giving me hope in something I didn't even understand.

He hesitates as he opens the door. "Just so you know, she asked me out, and I haven't considered the proposal yet," he says before closing the door.

I try to calm down the rage I'm feeling. I guess I failed at concealing my emotions because I'm certain he saw the disappointment in my eyes and heard the anger in my voice. As I lie on my bed, attempting to soothe the pain in my throat and chest, I tell myself, "Embry did it on purpose." But then again, I want to know if Leigh is actually considering going out with her. Does he have any feelings for her? Would he kiss her back if she kissed him?

I'm still angry when my bedroom door opens again. I was about to scream at Leigh, but it turns out to be Lilith. She enters with a cup of milk and a plate of biscuits, wearing an apologetic smile.

"I'm sorry, Ava," she frowns. Worry fills her expression as she gestures towards the armchair, asking for permission to sit.