Pretend

by Charlene Antrobus

  "Ok cool," they all replied before continuing their conversation.

  "Hey," I said as I walked over to where Kyle was stood with his friends.

  "Oh look who it is, long time no see," Jamie said as he threw me a smile.

  "Hey J," I replied with a smile on my face.

  "You know, we kind of miss you. Especially a certain someone," he said as he gestured towards Kyle with his head.

  "Shut up," Kyle said as he punched his arm.

  I tried to laugh it all off but my cheeks were getting hotter by the second. Awkward.

  "Just saying it as it is. Anyway say hi sometimes," Jamie said before walking towards the table where the rest of their group was sat.

  "Sorry, he's a jerk sometimes," Kyle said in a sad voice.

  "It's ok. How are you?"

  "I'm good, you?" He replied.

  "Yeah," I said.

  "What happened?" He asked as he looked down at my wrist.

  What was the point of wearing this stupid cardigan again?

  "Oh, it's nothing," I said as I tried to cover my arm.

  "Doesn't look like nothing. Did Aiden do that?" He asked with an angry face.

  "No, don't be so ridiculous," I said as a feeling of frustration ran through me.

  "Then how did you get those marks?" He asked through gritted teeth.

  "It doesn't matter, I came to find out about Mimi."

  "Tell me what happened to your wrist first?"

  "Kyle, you lost the right to be involved in my personal life a long time ago, so just drop it, ok?" I said in an angry voice.

  "Fine," he said as he stormed off towards the hallway.

  "Kyle," I shouted as I behind followed him.

  "Kyle, wait, please."

  "What?" He said as he turned around to face me.

  "I'm sorry, that was harsh," I said in a sad voice.

  "It's cool. I know we're not together anymore but I still care about you April and I wouldn't let anyone hurt you," he said in a gentle voice.

  "I know and I'm grateful but I'm ok. Aiden would never hurt me and it's all been sorted now, just trust me," I said as I took a step closer to him.

  "Ok," he finally whispered.

  "So, how's Mimi?" I asked.

  "She's ok. She'll be home by now. Mom should have picked her up already."

  "Ok, I'm thinking I'll let her settle in today but I would love to see her tomorrow, after school, if that's ok with you guys?" I asked.

  "Of course, I'd never stop you from seeing her, she loves you," he said with a gentle smile on his face.

  "Thanks," I said as I threw my arms around him.

  I couldn't bare losing Mimi and to know that he wouldn't take her away from me, made me happy.

  "I'm glad that you'd still look out for me," I said into his ear as I felt his grip on me tighten.

  "Of course, I always will," he whispered.

  "Thanks," I said before pulling away gently.

  I felt a vibration in my pocket as I stood staring at Kyle.

  I wonder if it was Jake again.

  "You want me to wait for you after school tomorrow?"

  "Yeah, that'd be great," I said as I smiled at him again.

  "Ok, cool. She'll be really glad to see you and so will I to be honest, I kind of missed you, I mean your friendship," he mumbled.

  "I miss you too and I really hope that we can still be friends, I don't want to lose you Kyle."

  "You won't," he said as he stroked my cheek.

  "Good, so tomorrow then, yeah?" I said as I began to slide my phone out of my pocket.

  "Ok then, I’ll see you later," he said as he walked back into the canteen.

  "Bye," I said as I watched him walk away.

  I don't know why but there was something about that moment that made me feel more peaceful, like a weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. I really hope that we can still be friends. As I looked down at my phone and seen Aiden's name I couldn't help but smile. I opened up the message and read it, quickly.

  Meet me in the library

  I had no idea why he wanted to go there, no one ever did.

  * * *

  It took me about five minutes to get to the library, on the third floor. I slipped inside and looked around for some sign of Aiden. I spotted a dainty girl with glasses sitting in the corner, reading some novel that I didn't recognise.

  "Looking for that hot guy?" She asked as she looked me up and down. I couldn't help but let a smile creep onto my face.

  "Yeah," I said as I felt my cheeks heat up.

  "Over there," she said as she pointed towards some bookshelves on her left hand side and then immersed herself back in her book.

  "Thanks," I said before following her directions.

  I suddenly felt my phone vibrate again.

  You’re getting warmer

  I let a smile fill my face as my eyes scanned around the library for him. He was obviously close. Suddenly I felt a hand grab me and before I knew it, I was face to face with Aiden.

  "Wow, I feel like I've been kidnapped," I said as I smiled at him.

  "Don't give me ideas," he said with a smirk on his face.

  "So, why the game of hide and seek?" I asked sarcastically.

  "It was fun," he said as I felt his hands slip around my waist.

  "So, what was so urgent?" I asked as I slipped my hands around his neck and gazed into his eyes. I really could get lost in those eyes.

  "Well I'm too much of a guy to admit that I missed you so let's just say that I got impatient about seeing you," he said as he began to chuckle to himself.

  "Oh, is that right?" I said as my smile increased.

  "Mmm," he said before planting a soft kiss on my lips.

  Yes I have definitely missed doing that.

  "Yeah, I feel better now," he said as he rested his forehead against mine.

  "Don't you think that this is a little risky, we are in school after all?" I said as I raised my eyebrow and continued to smile at him.

  "Yeah but like I said before, you like the danger," he said with a smirk on his face. How had I not realised how much I had loved this guy before?

  "What are you thinking?" He said as he studied my face.

  "Just wondering what you have for planned tonight," I replied.

  "Oh, well you'll just have to wait and see."

  "No clue?"

  Suddenly I was interrupted by a noise, not too far from us.

  "What was that?" I asked.

  "Nothing, probably just that girl putting her book back.”

  "Oh, the one that thinks that you're hot?" I asked.

  "She does?" He said with a smirk on his face.

  "Yes she does," I giggled.

  "Sorry, can't say that I’ve noticed much since you walked in," he said before planting yet another kiss on my lips.

  I stood smiling at him for a few seconds before I decided that it was time to go.

  "Right, I think Crystal might start getting suspicious if I don't head back now," I said as I gave him a peck on the lips.

  "Ok," he said in a low, husky voice.

  "Bye," I said as I headed out of the library.

  I glanced back to see him leaning against a book case, smiling as he watched me go. That girl was right, he is so hot.

  * * *

  The day went by pretty quickly after lunch and before I knew it, I was back at the Daniels' helping Crystal get ready for her date.

  "Ok, so how do I look?" She asked as she stood back so that we could examine her.

  "Put it this way, if I was a guy then we wouldn't be just talking right now," Jess said as we all burst out laughing.

  "Really?" Crystal asked in a girly voice.

  "Yes really, you look amazing," I said as I watched her turn from us to the mirror over and over again. She did look beautiful, as always. She had on a light blue, denim skirt, a tight black tee with a rhinestone pattern on and small black heels. Her make-up was minimal but effect, her silky blonde hair was curled and f
ell beautifully down her back. She finished the outfit off with a pair of black and silver earrings, a matching ring and bracelet. She looked amazing.

  "Thanks," she said as a smile filled her face.

  "Right, let's go," she said as we followed her out of the door.

  "You're wearing a skirt?" Aiden asked as he watched Crystal walk down the stairs.

  "Yes, it's hot outside," Crystal replied in a frustrated voice. As he opened his mouth to reply I gave him a look that said 'don't you dare’. My look was returned with a sexy smirk which of course resulted in me blushing. I also didn't miss the fact that Anthony had his eyes fixed on Jess.

  "What time is lover boy coming then?" Anthony asked with a smirk on his face.

  Right on cue the doorbell rang.

  "This should be good," Anthony said as he rubbed his hands together.

  "Be nice," Crystal said, giving Aiden an innocent look.

  "Hey," Aiden said as a nervous looking Cameron stood at the door. It was funny seeing Cameron looking so nervous since I had never seen that side of him before. It was probably the fact that he was faced with Aiden who was older than him and also rather intimidating when he wanted to be.

  "Hi," Cameron replied before shifting his eyes to Crystal and smiling.

  "Can I have a quick word with you?" Aiden asked politely as he guided Cameron into the living room.

  "Yeah sure," Cameron said after clearing his throat. With that him, Aiden and Anthony all disappeared into the living room, closed the door and left us alone.

  "Oh gosh, this can only end in tragedy," Crystal said as we began to walk into the kitchen.

  "It may not be that bad," Jess said.

  "Seriously? Did you see the glint in Aiden's eyes? I need him to get a girlfriend so that he'll stop focusing on my personal affairs," she grunted.

  "I don't think that will change a thing," Jess said as she threw me a sneaky smile which I tried to avoid.

  "Well the date will probably make Cameron forget all about Aiden’s little talk," I said in a bid to make her feel better.

  "I doubt it," Crystal said.

  Suddenly we all stopped moving as we heard the noise that was coming from the living room.

  "Is that crying?" Jess asked as we all looked at each other in confusion.

  "Oh no," Crystal said before running towards the door.

  We of course followed her as she ran towards the living room and she swung open the door.

  "No way, tell that story again dude," Anthony said as we watched the three of them in fits of laughter.

  "Erm what is going on?" Crystal asked as she raised an eyebrow in the air.

  "Oh Cam, was just telling us some crazy stories," Aiden said as he continued to laugh.

  "Cam?" Crystal asked.

  "Well guys I better be going," Cameron said as he stood to his feet.

  "Yeah, dude. Listen you got to come round again man, I need to hear more of these stories," Anthony said as he gave Cameron the 'man hug'.

  "Yeah sure," Cameron said as his fist and Aiden's met. I have to admit that I was just as confused as Crystal was and from the look on Jess' face, so was she.

  "Don't let her bully you Cam," Aiden said as he gave Crystal a look.

  "I won't dude, laters," he said before they both walked out the door towards Cameron’s car.

  "Have fun," Jess and I sang in unison.

  "What the hell just happened there?" Jess asked as I shut in the door.

  "He's cool, I like him," Aiden said as Anthony nodded his head in agreement.

  "Ok," I said in a confused tone. It then became slightly awkward as we all stood there in silence trying to avoid looking at each other.

  "So, I'm going to go now," Jess finally said as she gave me a slight squeeze.

  "Erm, me too. I can give you a ride if you like," Anthony said in the sweetest voice I have ever heard him use. I had to actually bite my lip to stop myself from laughing.

  "I'm ok, don't worry," Jess said, much to my surprise. She really was playing hard to get.

  "Come on, it's just a ride plus it would make up for the fact that you ignored my texts," he said with a smirk on his face.

  "Texts? Dude you broke your rule?" Aiden said.

  "Ssh," I said as I hit him on the arm.

  "Well ok, I suppose four’s a crowd anyway," Jess said before slapping her hand over her mouth.

  "Don't worry I know too," Anthony said with a smirk on his face.

  "You do?" I asked in shock.

  "Yeah it was obvious, you and Aiden are not exactly very subtle with those looks," he said as he laughed to himself.

  "Oh shut up," I said, playfully.

  "Sorry," Jess mouthed as she looked at me.

  "It's fine," I mumbled.

  "Well now all’s out in the open," Aiden said as he pulled me into his arms and started to kiss me. I was in shock, real shock!

  "Yeah that is my cue to go, come on you're coming with me, no arguments," I heard Anthony say to Jess.

  "Awww, so cute! Call me tomorrow," Jess whispered before I heard the door close.

  "It worked," Aiden said as he gently pulled away from me, laughing.

  "What worked?"

  "My plan to get them two to go together and get the hell out so that we can be alone," he said with a smirk on his face.

  "Oh and there was me thinking that you just wanted to kiss me," I replied with a smile on my face.

  "Oh, there was definitely that too," he said as he gently kissed me again.

  "Now, go get ready," he said.

  "Ready? We're going out?" I asked with a puzzled face.

  "My lips are sealed," he said as he walked into the living room.

  "But what do I need to wear?" I asked as I peered into the living room.

  "Anything," he said as he shrugged his shoulders.

  "I don't want to under dress," I said with my hands on my hips.

  "April, you look good in everything you wear, now go," he said with a smile on his face.

  "Fine," I giggled before running up the stairs.

  I had to admit that I was more than a little bit excited to see what the surprise was. Aiden just keeps me on my toes and it's really quite interesting.

  After trying on at least ten different outfits, I finally decided to go casual. I looked over my outfit in the mirror and smiled. I had picked my black, skinny jeans, red shirt and my flat red shoes. I wore my hair up today as it was still quite warm outside.

  Getting ready also gave me some time to think about Jake. I decided that it was probably not a good idea to meet up with him, so I text him saying that I don't think that we should meet after all and he still hasn't replied. Maybe he's upset, who knows. Honestly I was too excited about what Aiden had planned that it didn't really matter right now.

  "Hey," I said as I walked into the living room.

  "You look beautiful," he said as he stood to his feet and walked towards me.

  "Thanks."

  "So, you ready?" He asked as he took hold of my hand.

  Nodding my head I let him lead me to the garden...Wait the garden?

  "I thought that we were going out?" I asked in a confused tone.

  "Well we are, kind of," he said with a smirk on his face. It was only when I stepped into the garden that I understood what he meant.

  I couldn't get the smile off of my face as I took everything in.

  "You did this for me?" I asked excitedly.

  "Well with a little help from Ant, yeah," he said as he slipped his hand around my waist.

  "Aiden, it's so cool," I said as I smiled at him.

  At the bottom of the Daniels' garden they had a guest house. He had completely decorated it in a way that it mirrored Danny's Diner. It was covered in little lights, had a red carpet path and even had a sign reading Danny's Diner. It wasn't a trip to Paris or a proposal on top of the Eiffel tower but it was perfect and I loved it.

  "I just figured that since your date kind of got ruined, maybe you'd want a second
shot at it?" He asked in what appeared to be a nervous voice. Aiden, nervous?

  "I think it's a great idea," I said as I watched the smile spread across his face.

  "Ok, well then why don't you step inside," he said with a smirk on his face.

  "Ok," I said as I allowed him to lead me inside by my hand.

  I gasped.

  "How did you do this?" I asked with a smile on my face.

  "Well I figured that Danny's Diner wasn't really Danny's Diner if you didn't have Danny's food and he owed me a favour," he said as he sat me down on the chair to the left with a smirk on his face.

  "You actually remembered the meal that I have," I said, looking up at him.

  "It's your favourite," he said as though I was crazy for asking.

  Wow.

  "There's dessert too, since you never got it yesterday," he said as he looked into my eyes, smiling.

  "You really didn't have to do all of this," I said as I put my hand on top of his.

  "I know but I wanted to," he said with a more serious face.

  I knew that he still felt guilty about yesterday.

  "It's perfect. Thank you," I said as I smiled at him.

  * * *

  Once we had finished at 'Danny's Diner' we decided to play a few rounds of Mario cart which Aiden won, unfortunately. Then I sort of forced him to watch Twilight.

  "Ok, so I'm going to explain this one more time," I said as I paused the DVD for like the third time tonight.

  "His family are the Cullens, they call themselves vegetarians because they only feed on animal blood," I explained, yet again.

  "Well they can't exactly call eating animals being vegetarian," he said with a smirk on his face.

  "Yeah well it's vegetarian to them, they don't eat humans," I said in a frustrated tone.

  "Well I still think that it's a bit weird," he said as he let out a slight chuckle at the sight of my frustration.

  "Just be quiet so that I can watch this bit," I said as I clicked the play button and continued watching Charlie and Edward sit at the table uncomfortably, waiting for Bella to come down the stairs in her dress.

  As I tried to get into the film again, I couldn't because I could feel eyes on me.

  "Why are you staring at me?" I asked.

  "I can't help it, I told you, you're cute when you're mad," he said with a smirk on his face.