The stupid pill was some kind of purgative rubbish and left me out the game for the next couple days. After the little stunt they pulled on me this Monday and that got me throwing up two whole days: one sick and the second sore; I didn't had the will to face them again, not knowing what else would they had on the store for me. I managed to remain home 'till Thursday, the girls bringing me the work; and Friday I somehow achived to avoid everyone -by that I mean three persons specifically.
Yesterday was my peace day. It was in fact the first nice day I had all week, where I can get my forces recharged. I even got a message from Dylan where he asked me what to bring for today's session... Norah was sure he had only asked me my number for him and not for that friend of his. Can you picture that? If only...
Sunday had raisen up bright as ever but then... then Brett came pick me up at the church after the mass ended.
Why on earth will he ever come here? He used to make fun of me for believing!
I was a spiritual person, I feel a lot, and that also aplied to my beliefs. That was the final straw into my full recovery. But what I wasn't at all prepared was for when Brett show up after the mass and insist to accompany me to the Studio.
No.
Just no.
The Studio was one of my last safe placed I have from him and his people, and he wanted to taint it?
But he insisted, acting all worried and woe my grandmother, letting her think he was just a friend looking out for another.
It was at times like this when I regret not having filled her into all the drama. I thought it was better not to get the families involved, because our parents had been friends since forever, and even if mine weren't here anymore it felt like it would be tainting their beautiful relationship. The Ryders had always been like some unofficial uncles. Also, a part of me kinda felt at fault for our fallout and I never got the heart to tell them we weren't friends or close anymore.
So now I was trapped.
"I'm running late, get the bag three and six." was the greetment Loui gave me as soon as I unlocked the door of the Studio. "Chop chop! We got no time!"
I sighed, moving to do as he said and hanging them over my shoulder as my boss keep rambling to himself and running up and down getting everything needed. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, Loui was such a mess, and nine over ten times this is what it was like. His pictures are impolute, but everything else was kinda rushed up with him. He used to say I was the order after he went all tornado mood. And, I mean, he wasn't wrong. I ruled his schedule and his notes, organized the projects and bergain the final dates. Loui put his art and teached me a thing or two along the way.
Not that I'm complaining, I love this 'practices' I'd get here.
"Come on come on come on! We have to save the previous work. And have you already talk to Mrs Lania?" he lowered the stairs two at time, even more loaded than me, his hair disheveled and one shoe untied. "She asked for her- Oh, hi?"
All my amusement at his appearance suddenly faded into anxiety when I remember the scowling boy by the door that had refused to go home yet.
The car ride had been surprisingly... not awful.
Don't get me wrong, I was still too tense for it to be comfortable, but when Brett had slide in as well the whole angry halo he had when he practically force me to get in was almost gone. He actually tried to apologyze and erased the tension with a smirk and his usual jokes. I swear he was driving me crazy. One moment he's playful, the next he bullies me; one moment he's mad and angry, and the next he was back to his joker self. God, made up you're mind already! He need treatment.
And once he drop me and I went to bolt out and away, not wanting to push my luck and made mad Brett appear again; he got out as well and insisted in go with me. I panicked at him ruining my time here as well as everything else, but as Loui said, we were about to be late, and I couldn't afford to lose such a good chance as the one Dylan had get me here. So I prayed for the best and just let him come along.
"Oh, yeah." I coughed awkwardly, fiddling with the strand of the bag. "This is Brett. We, um, go to the same school."
The auburn grimaced at my words and rolled his eyes.
"Wow, Lys. That's deep." and outstratched his hand for the other to shake.
"Loui." my boss introduced himself, and then turned at me not even trying to hide his thoughts. Why bother? He's Loui after all. "Lys?" he rose one brow. "You never told de you got a nick name."
"That's because I don't."
"Oh, but they call you 'Lys'?"
"Nobody call me that."
"I call you that, Giggles." Brett's smirk was laced in his voice and Louis's jaw dropped.
"Giggles?! Well, well Miss Liar. Not only one but two. And here I am, calling you by your full name. Like if I'm some unimportant somebody!" he shook his head and I felt my cheeks flushing. "You should be ashamed."
"Loui please-"
"Mr. Louissiano for you."
Brett laughed and Loui high-fived him. High-fived him. Him. The gesture felt like a stab right on my guts. True, Loui didn't know who the boy really was but seeing them both teaming up to mess with me didn't sit me well. No, Loui, not you too. My hand fisted tightly around the camera hanging by my neck.
"Well, we got work to do, if you two are done."
And with that stormed out but kept hearing them chuckled in my back. I blinked when first tears burned my eyes. I knew my boss didn't mean anything bad but to joke a little, but it was Brett. My worst fear when I'd left the car was becoming true under my eyes. He would mess with me in the almost only safe place left I had.
The van was right in front of the Studio, the trunk opened with a couple bags in, proofing Loui had start packing it... Loui's style. I redid it properly adding the ones I was holding and slid in the passenger seat just as the guys left the Studio.
Much to my dismay, Loui encouraged Brett to tag along and help with the set up once we arribe. And to even add more cramps, he had to seat in the front of the van as well so I was practically sandwiched between them two. My lungs stop working from the moment the side of his thigh pressed mine. Was he for real? Well, it would be a looong ride.
I didn't said anything in the way to the meeting spot but they took it upon themselves to fill the silence with the effortless chat. For a couple social butterflies, it flued naturally and I couldn't help but to tense at how nice Brett was being. I could feel his stare on the side of my head every now and then and it made me more uneased. What was he doing? I still couldn't believe my boss allowed him to come to 'help with the bags'. Who in their right mind woud done that? And that Brett'd agreed!
Loui tried to dragged me into the conversation a couple times but I dodged it with monosyllables. Let's just hoped Brett didn't mess this miracle Dylan had gotten me, but knowing him...
We made it to the bridge where we'd accorded to made the seassion and the production team was already there, having set up the fundamental and were waiting for Loui's arribal and intructions for the lights and stuff. The river had dried long ago and there were only the artistic ruins of the stucture and nature that had grown under.
As my boss moved straight to the ones waiting to instruct properly how to create the proper scenareo before Dylan and his friend came, he ordered us to unpack the van. We did in silence and luckily it went on without much of a burden... but it was Brett. I couldn't relax. In the moment I did he'd crush me once more.
At the third trip to the van it was only left the bag four where Loui keep Elvis - that's how we'd baptizied the great camera, the one that cost almost as much as the Studio and that was able to do the most beautiful pictures. I loved that camera and could only dream about the day I'll be able to have one of those in my own studio.
Very carefully I reached to grab it and my heart stopped when someone else did as well.
Of course. He knows what the most precious piece is.
My throat closed as I focused on holding my end tightly in case Brett decided to drop his. "It's fine, I'll take this one."
One of his brows perked up. "It's really heavy, Lys. I can carry it."
I shook my head rather franticly. "It's very delicate."
"I'm just trying to help. It won't drop." he rolled his eyes in a duh-tone but I won't fell again.
"Heard that before."
His gaze widened for a fleeting second in realization and finally loosened his hold on the strand. I snatched it out his grasp, spinning around and struggled to hold it up and ignoring the weird look he gave me. Man it was heavy. I heard his steps following. "I told you that was a mistake."
I snorted at the lame unoriginal excuse.
"Okay."
"I didn't mean to drop your camera." he insisted quietly, and I sighed, already tired of this conversation and not wanting to felt bad about something that no matter what was lost forever.
"But you did." I came to a stop only when I reached the place where everything else was being prepared and crounched beside the bag to carefully pulled out the pieces and assembled them.
"Fuck, Lys, just... How long would it take for you to forgive me?"
I froze. Forgive him? Was he nuts? I looked up at him briefly in disbelieve and he seemed more serious than I would had expected.
The camera had only been one of the things he'd done. The most trascendental, yeah, but not the worst. Let's not forget earlier this very week I'd been puking my guts out thanks to him and his toxic crew. And the way he was looking at me now... Damn, he really know how to act. But I bet he just want me to drop down the guard to pull something worst on me.
My teeth greeted together and I went back to mounting Elvis. From the corner of my eyes I saw his fist clenching.
"You're doing it again. You can't just decide you're mad and not let me fix it."
My mouth dried. Was he really bringing that up? I know exacty what moment was he talking about. Back to when we first split. Apparently he didn't saw anything wrong in treating me that bad and tried to talk to me as if nothing but I was too pissed and hurt. Let's not forget that was after the whole mess with Jace. When he got mad at me and called me easy or whatever thing those rumors say about me. Brett didn't take well my silent treatment and confronted me... let's just say I ended up with a broken arm.
And now he was bringing that up?
"Well, last time you fix it pretty well, didn't you?" I couldn't help but mumble and he tensed even more if possible. Great, Alyson, give him more reasons to hate you.
"I... I forgotten you were on roller skates." More excuses. "I never meant for you get harmed."
"You never do, uh? But you did pushed me anyways, what would you want to achive if not me being harmed?"
"I... You..." I dared to looked up again and had to remind myself his unease was fake. I'd fooled myself long enough but he would never change, no matter how many times I'd prayed for him to. Once you pass certain line you can't go back. He gulped regaining his determination. "It has nothing to do with anything now. I apologized for that at its time. Why are you bringing it up?"
"You did!"
"I..."
"And you're really wondering why I can't forgive you?" I let out a small laugh, too done with the whole situation. A pang of pain hit my chest when his face grimaced in ache but I ignored it. It's fake, Alyson. It's all false. "You can't be serious. You keep bothering me, tormenting me dayly... Damn, you forced yourself here when I clearly told you I want you away. You can mess with me in school but this is my work place. You got no right coming here as well. And... what's even the point? What is it that you want?"
"Maybe I just want to spend time with you," he dead panned harshly and my heart halted. "Is it really that hard to believe?"
"Obviously." I huffed. How silly did he think I was? But the expression when he stepped away made my chest hurt. Don't let him get to you. He's pretending, messing with you again. "Just... If you really want to help just leave me alone so I don't mess this oportunity since, you know, after your stunt last year would probably be the only chance I get."
I didn't know where that bravery came from. It's been years since I straight talk him like that. I don't know what impulsed me to snapped but I just did. And Brett eyed me like I just slapped him, his fake hurt and regret at the mention of last year fiasco harmed me.
His jaw clenched, eyes burning, but his respond surprised me. "Fine." and after staring at me hard another couple seconds he marched towards where Loui was directing the crew.
That's it. This was what I wanted, right? Then why did I feel bad about telling him off like that? I pushed it all to the back of my mind and focused on Elvis, making sure he was perfect and ready for some action.
People moved around, fixing things and preaparing all for the model's arribal. From what Dylan had told me through texts and what the girl's manager had instructed Loui, it apparently was the book she'd be showing the college scouts in order to apply for the place. It need to be perfect and shown not only her natural skills in the profession but also made her the center of the project. So that beautiful surrounders we'd chosen for the scenario needn't to outshine her.
I still yet to see her but already could tell she must be a true beauty. Great, guess I'd barely pass as a human being by her side, more points to my self-esteem. But well, I usually work with perfect-looking girls and by now I'm used to be invisible for the male population in any type of situation. That's why it shocked me so much Dylan sweetness. But never mind, whatever it was that might had the chance to start would surely fly out the window when he get the chance to compare me with his model friend.
Worst, when he met Brett.
My eyes widened. I hadn't thought about that possibility.
Holly shit.
"Hello there."
I almost jumped out of my skin at the sudden greetment and immediately looked up to the person standing by my side. Dylan himself.
"Hi." it came out too high and I cleared my throat already feeling my cheeks heaten up. I get on my feet, dragging Elvis with me now that it was mounted properly, shifting my weight one feet to the other awkwardly. "How's eveything?"
"Good." his smiled was toothy and it made my chest fluttered. "How about you?"
"So far so good." I shyly grinned back and cleared my throat once more, apparently once hadn't been enough. "Is everyone already here?" I wondered glancing around and seeing the crew shaking Loui hands and marching away and some other people gathered around him. I couldn't see the auburn but that didn't eased me a bit.
"Yes... Come, I'll introduce you."
Dylan's hand carelessly landed on my shoulder to guide me forwards and I immediately felt a tickling sensation in the pit of my stomach. Not as heavy as when Brett did but- The hell? Why did I even think something like that? Frustrated I let it fade away from my mind as Dylan approached us to the rest of the group. More concretly to the stoic man and the gorgeous girl talking to Loui.
I had been right. This Drew Fannigan, aka Instagram celebrity with over one million followers was absolutely radiant. From her medium lenght platinum hair to her slender perfect shaped legs, passing for her immaculate body and face. How do you not feel self conscious with a girl like that? Drew would even put Jade in shame.
As we approached I felt my anxiety tightening the plump in my throat and it gets worst when her eyes fell on me as the adults keep talking. She smiled warmly and approached us nonchallantly.
"Hey, you must be Alyson." and surprised me further when she launched for a direct hug, completely taking me out of guard.
"Drew, let her breath." sighed Dylan when I got overpower by shock.
"Oh, I'm so sorry. Maybe if someone hadn't been talking about her this whole past weeks..." she rolled her eyes and I didn't know who was more blushed, me or Dylan. Drew laughed. "Never mind. Now you." her attentions was fully on me again and I swallowed painfully.
"Me?"
She nodded. "I heard you'll be doing some of the pictures, and since my father is already scaring your boss in doing everything convencionally perfect, " again she rolled her eyes. "I was thinking we should talk on our own."
I nodded fiddling carefully with Elvis. Those photos I'd take not only would had to shown her potential but mine as well. If I wanted any chance to get selected by Nebraska University I needed to step up my work.
"I had a couple ideas, actually." I mumbled quietly. "Been thinking the whole week."
Drew's face lighted up like a christmas tree. "Great. I have some too." her arm intertwined with mine, making even more evident she was some inches taller and was also wearing platforms. "I knew Dylan would had a great taste. Let's show them how to improve."
********************
"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" 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 immediately 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. Not affraid. 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.
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QUESTION: Any thought about Brett?
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