3 Book High School Romance Bundle: A Kiss at Midnight & Prom King & Under My Skin

by Zara Rivas

  Watching the retrieving form of Chris leave, Creston knew that he had broken another tie with a person that meant a lot to him. It had pained him to allow Cassandra make a fool of Essa, however he knew that had he taken the initiative to step in and break off the cat fight, it would only show that he still had feelings for her. In all honesty Creston had wanted Essa to hate him because he sure as hell was beating himself up for ever hurting her.

  The silence in the cafeteria was deafening now and there was nothing more Creston wanted than to leave. As he sat in his seat numbly, he felt a cool cloth drape over his jaw where Chris had hit him. Glancing up, he met pale green eyes which held an apologetic look in them.

  "I'm sorry," Cassandra choked and all he could do in response was place an assuring hand over hers which was holding the cloth in place.

  - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

  Essa Evans didn't know what to do or say as she paced around in her basement. She was still recovering from the events of this afternoon, only able to dwell on the fight between Chris and Creston. She hadn't bothered to stay at school after what had happened at lunch, there was no doubt that people would be approaching her or giving her their undivided attention – which was something she didn't want.

  As a knock resounded, she watched as the basement door slowly slid open to reveal her mother. Pausing in step, she managed a taut smile at Ava Evans.

  "Hello dear," Ava greeted, able to see the stress in her daughter's features. "Had a bad day?"

  Essa gave a shrug, "Could be better." She replied and spotted the way her mother cautiously made her way down the stairs. It was evident that there was something on her mother's mind, "What's going on mum?"

  Ava shook her head and sighed at the pointed look she received from Essa. Was she really that easy to read? "It's nothing dear, it's just your father and the house."

  Essa almost gave into the urge of just pulling her hair out. She had enough to deal with this instance without having to think about her father and what he had prepared for her and her mother. Practically falling onto the stool before her, her blue-green eyes settled onto her mother.

  "Go on," she mumbled.

  "He wants you and Erica to spend your next break at his place to make some amends," Ava informed. "I didn't agree on your behalf, it is after all your choice and I just want you to know that I'm happy with whatever you choose to do." She explained and didn't continue.

  "And the house?" Essa questioned.

  "Well I'm definitely sticking to the new feature wall and everything, but I can't officially start on it with you and Erica in the house."

  As her mind began ticking Essa released a small sigh. "I guess visiting dad for the upcoming break would be a good idea," she stated, "Besides, it'd be interesting to see how his new house is."

  "I heard about the fight at school between Chris and Creston," Ava breathed gently, "Do you want to talk about it? The school principal called Elaine up at the restaurant today and Creston was in quite a state."

  Essa shook her head; she honestly didn't want to speak about today's events with her mother, not when things felt so complicated. It felt like yesterday when she had first introduced Creston to her mother, and now they weren't together anymore...

  Fidgeting with her hands, Essa's heterochromial orbs met her mother's quiet gaze. "Creston and I aren't together anymore,"

  As Ava took in the news, she frowned. "But he seemed to like you more than anything"

  Essa scoffed at her mother's words. "Some people are just great at acting," standing from her seated position, she stretched. "I think I'll head off over to Chris' I want to see that he's okay."

  "Take care," Ava breathed and observed as her daughter exited the room.

  For all her life Ava had always dreamed of her youngest daughter and her best friend's son ending up together. However the day that she had met Creston Spencer, she knew that there was nobody on earth as well suited for Essa as he. Where Essa was fiery, Creston was cool able to get her to bend his way. And although Chris had a way of always making Essa happy, Ava had never seen her daughter glow and laugh the way she had in Creston's company.

  Breathing in, Ava decided that there was nothing she could do to rectify the situation. She had learned from her failed marriage that if things were meant to be, they would somehow work out...

  Chapter Seventeen

  The masculine figure of Tynan Welling stood silently at the front porch of his childhood friend's place, watching with his intense blue eyes as she grabbed her bags from the hallway. In all honesty it was a little hard to watch her leave even though she was only going to be away for a week. But with Creston out of his life and now Essa being absent for a short period of time, Chris knew that things would be hell for him. He dreaded the inevitable the moment he was alone. It was obvious that he was going to go all introspective when he was seated alone at home...

  Deep down Chris knew that there really wasn't any time for brooding considering the final end of year exams were approaching after the mid semester break, however he knew that it was expected that he would spend majority of the time deep in thought. Managing a small smile, he grabbed the two bags from Essa's hold, treading down the driveway with her, the two of them heading to the car parked out at the end of the driveway.

  "Chris please," Essa voiced teasingly and she couldn't help but smirk when the faint grin on her best friend's features grew to a full one. "Always have to be the gentleman," she muttered, making it sound like a horrible thing.

  Tynan chuckled as he shoved her belongings into the boot of Erica's car.

  "Where did you think I got my 'Ladies-man' title?" He responded and when his arms were free, he outstretched them for a hug. "Are you going to give me a hug before you go or are you going to complain that I'm trying to charm you?"

  He watched with smiling, bright eyes as Essa seemed to fight an inner battle. Waiting patiently, he was alarmed when she leapt into him for a heart-warming embrace. She had never been so enthusiastic to hug him unless it was his birthday, or when they were going to be separated for a while.

  "You act like I'm going far away and never coming back," she laughed in his ear, closing her eyes momentarily as she relaxed in his arms. She had to admit that Chris gave great cuddles, but compared to Creston... Inwardly wincing from the thought, she broke the contact.

  "An hour is far Ess," Chris informed. "And a week feels a little long," he said softly but smiled. "I guess it'll be good to have a break from crazy people like you,"

  Punching Chris softly in the arm, Essa sighed. She had enjoyed his company immensely for the past few days simply because he had the uncanny ability to make her laugh when she thought she'd never be able to laugh again. Also, it was because of Chris that Creston was slowly falling into the recesses of her mind. She was slowly ceasing thoughts of Creston Spencer, thinking of him less over time because she was gradually mastering the ability to forget. But seeing Chris now made her feel wretched because she knew that when she was gone, he'd be left on his lonesome.

  For the past few days she had tried to convince him to have a talk with Spencer, but he had been stubborn like a mule. It had made her feel guilty that things between Creston and him had fallen apart because of her. She didn't like the fact that she had come in between their friendship and now that she was going away for a week, she couldn't bear the thought of having Chris alone. It was true that he had many friends, but none of them were as close to him as her or Creston, so leaving him for her dad's was unnerving in a sense.

  As if he had read her mind, Chris spoke; breaking her out of her train of thoughts. "I'll be fine Ginger Ale," he reassured in a gentle tone but saw the doubt etched across her perfect features. "Stop worrying about me and enjoy yourself," when his words didn't alter the uncertainty visible on her face, he sighed. "Essa..."

  Essa fought for a moment with the words she was about to say and the thoughts in her mind. After a second of hesitation, she decided to spill.
"Can't you just try to make amends?" She pleaded softly. "Don't ruin such a long friendship over something so petty," she explained and spotted the dark look on Chris' handsome face.

  "You're not petty," he defended. "And I warned him what I was capable of if he did anything stupid,"

  "But that's between me and him."

  "Me and you are best friends too, so technically it's between me, you and him." He shot back.

  Running a hand through her long wavy locks, Essa closed her eyes briefly in defeat. Every time she brought up the subject, he'd always get defensive and it was evident he wouldn't have it any other way. She was flattered that Chris had sided with her, but it was selfish to have him break ties – especially one that he had treasured so deeply.

  Opening her eyes, she stared at him – studying his features for a moment. The blue of his eyes lacked the usual bright intensity and the dark circles under them indicated he hadn't slept well in days. Seeing the image of a worn-out Chris pulled at her heart strings and yet again the thought of postponing her trip to her father's crossed her mind.

  "Don't you even dare think about it," he warned and it startled her. He smirked smugly at her astonishment, "We grew up together. I know how you function, and you are going to your father's for the week."

  Before anymore words were exchanged, the voice of Erica Evans interrupted their conversation.

  "Essa we should get going, Dad wants us there by lunchtime." She called in a rather bitter tone; it was evident that she still hadn't forgiven her father for his infidelity. Descending the few steps of the front porch, Erica paused for a moment only just realizing she disrupted an important discussion. "I'll get the car started," she mumbled.

  As the sound of the four-wheel-drive roared to life, Essa's mismatched eyes glanced at Chris solemnly before she leaned in for another quick embrace. "Can you just try for me? I'd take you with me if I could but you would just feel awkward." She whispered and felt comforted by the squeeze of his arms.

  "I have somewhere to be today," he lied.

  Breaking the contact, Essa headed over to the passenger seat with Chris close behind. She shifted so that her front profile was facing him again.

  "It doesn't have to be today, or tomorrow. I just want you to have a go at making amends just to give me some peace of mind."

  Reaching past her frame, Chris grasped the car door handle, pulling it open for her. He wasn't going to make any promises because at the mere thought of his friend he found himself furious. Waiting as Essa turned to get into the car, he made sure she was seated comfortably, her seatbelt secure before closing the door. As Erica shifted the car into reverse, she waved at him before backing out of the driveway.

  Watching quietly, Essa found herself waving at Chris. She kept waving until his athletic figure disappeared from her vision. It was a pity that you couldn't alter your emotions for people, it would make life so much more easier. A part of Essa wished that she had fallen in love with the blonde male first. If things had occurred that way, she was sure she wouldn't be enduring the heartache she was fighting now. Deep down she knew she loved Chris, but it was more of a 'friendship love' – something that would always be there for her to fall back on.

  There were numerous times that she thought it was possible to build something more out of the 'friendship love' but she knew she wouldn't and couldn't treat Chris that way. He wasn't second best. In her mind, she knew he deserved somebody that wasn't as damaged as she was right now...

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  A bouquet of fresh red tulips lay prettily atop the dark, classy marble tombstone where a picture of a beautiful, young lively female smiled cheerfully back at the quiet, grey-blue eyed figure. He had been standing before the headstone for the past hour, busy sharing his thoughts with the one person he had longed for the most to be by his side in the flesh and blood.

  Staring at the picture of his mother with a distant look in his eyes, flashbacks of his childhood memories entered his head. Although he hadn't remembered much, he did recall that she had been one of the most beautiful individuals that crossed his life. He recollected her gentleness, her laughter, the way she stared at him with affection in those wondrous, carefree violet eyes. But the one thing that haunted him the most was that he remembered her dying...

  Creston would never forget what he had lost at the age of 7 nor would he disregard how long it took for him to endure the loss and carry on. He remembered that day vividly – as if it had only occurred yesterday – he had been at school, the past few months had been difficult. His mother hadn't been full of energy like she used to, she would be sleeping or in bed majority of the time. There would be a day or two where she would manage to find a way to have fun with him and his younger sister, Victoria, whenever she wasn't too drained of power; however those days were getting scarce as time lapsed.

  That day at school Creston was being the usual silent, well mannered child he was. It had surprised him when he was called to the principal's office, and what greeted him there had stunned him. His father, who was still a beginner businessman then, was standing in the principal's office with a miserable expression etched across his young face. Instantaneously Creston knew it had been his mother as he found himself being gathered up into his father's arms. He couldn't recall how he had gotten to the hospital, but the moment he was there, tears filled his eyes at the image of his fragile mother lying in bed.

  She was straining to fill her lungs with air – with every breath she took, it had hurt. The room was eerily quiet as she reached out for him and his sister. Although Creston couldn't remember the words she said, he was certain that it was in regards to him being good and to look after his sister, Victoria, and listen to his dad. And then it happened... It was nothing abrupt nor was it anything that put her in agony. She appeared as if she was falling asleep, her breathing gradually evening out as her heavy eyelids closed over those unique violet eyes. One moment the machine was silent, and in the next it was making a constant bleeping sound.

  Breaking out of his reverie, Creston smiled softly at the joyous picture of his mother. It had taken forever to get over the fact that she wasn't around anymore, but now that he had come to terms with her absence, he felt slightly lighter as he shifted to leave.

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  Tynan Welling strolled down the busy streets of the city; he was planning on splurging a large amount of money on games and music to keep him company for the next few days. With no soccer practice and no best mate or childhood friend around, he knew he'd go crazy. Passing various stores which blasted loud music at him, he crossed the road heading for the largest game store in town.

  As he approached the doctor's clinic where only pregnant women went, the two leaving figures caught his attention as he studied them with his ocean blue eyes. There standing before him was Creston Montgomery Spencer, holding the hand of Cassandra and leading her down the concrete path where he was blocking the way. Clearing his throat, Chris waited as the familiar gaze of Creston's eyes locked onto his profile, comprehension crossing his features.

  Only just noticing that they had come to a sudden halt, Cassandra's pale green eyes glanced up to find the one person she had never thought she'd see. Gasping aloud, she realised that her secret would no longer be a secret as Chris' cerulean orbs glowered at her. Feeling's Creston's hand squeeze hers in a reassuring manner, she stared up at him and smiled tautly.

  "Go home first and I'll come by tonight," he breathed at her and all she could do was nod in response.

  Hailing a taxi, Creston opened the door and waited until Cassandra was comfortably settled before placing a quick kiss on her forehead. He informed the taxi driver of the address he was to take her and then closed the door, waving briefly at her before turning back to face the one person he had dreaded. Never in his life did he ever bet on Chris discovering his troubles in such a way, but now that everything was out in the open, Creston k
new there was no need to lie.

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  An awkward silence reverberated in the park as the two silent figures of Chris and Creston sat idly on the park bench across from one another. It was a warm sunny day but neither of them took notice of their surroundings as they stared out to the wide green patch of grass. They had been sitting quietly for the past half hour, neither of them ready to open their mouths and speak. The tension from the fight the other day was still fresh in the air.

  Flexing his jaw, Chris felt obliged to speak first. He wasn't used to this; it was always Creston that was full of the jeers and leers. Examining the serious look on Creston's features, his blue eyes lingered for a moment at the swollen area of Creston's left jaw, a feint purple bruise visible. Guilt poured through him and he suddenly wished that he didn't get so angry... Not knowing how to touch the topic at hand, Chris decided to just get straight to the point.