by Jamie Knight
I feel so alone and confused, as if this entire charade is all for naught. I will eventually lose Brent, then the respect of Robert and my parents. Hell, I’m already fighting with Tina.
Just up ahead I see Sarah and her entourage of Madison, Milli, Alison, Brandy and Brit. They wave at me and start walking my direction. Shit! I stop and quickly rub my eyes to get rid of the evidence of my tears.
“Hey, Lindsay, we saw you get out of Brent’s car,” Sarah explains with a smile.
“Oh, yeah, well, he gave me a ride to campus,” I say trying to hide the truth.
I look down at my left hand and at his grandmother’s ring. How could they not notice that? I quickly move my hand behind me to try and hide it, but it is too late. Sarah has seen it. She reaches forward, grabbing at my arm.
“Lindsay, what is that on your hand?” she asks with a tone of surprise.
“Uh, it is nothing,” I say stammering a bit. “It’s really nothing.”
All the girls approach and circle around me. It’s like a game to them. They are all smiling and laughing as they try to look around to confirm their suspicions.
“Is that a ring?” Milli asks incredulously.
“What? On my hand?” I say to buy more time to think.
“It sure does look like a ring!” Madison says.
“Did Brent give that to you?” Sarah gasps. “Are you engaged to him?”
I feel like I am in the middle of an interrogation at a police station. These girls will eventually break me and force a confession. I wish I didn’t have to feel this way! I wish I was really engaged and not just living a sham. This whole situation has me all messed up.
“Oh come on, gal! Just tell us,” Brit says.
I have postured for too long. I might as well show them the ring and get it over with. I move my left hand from behind me and present it to them. The engagement ring sparkles in the sun. They all have wowed looks on their faces.
“O...M...G, darling!” Sarah shrieks.
“Gal, that is one serious piece of jewelry!” Brit exclaims.
“Are you kidding me? Congratulations!” Milli says, jumping up and down.
They all crowd me to get a closer look. I feel a bit overwhelmed by the attention. But just a few months ago, this was what I wanted. I was waiting to tell these girls about my engagement. I was excited about it and hoping to make them jealous. But now, all I can think of is if they found out what a fraud I am. What would they say then? Would they act so happy for me? They’d probably call me names and shun me.
“It is Brent, right?” Sarah asks for confirmation.
“Yes,” I say shyly.
“You have to tell us all about it!” Brandy says.
“Uh, yeah, I plan on telling you everything,” I say. “But can we do it another time? I’m exhausted from the trip.”
They all look a bit disappointed. I know they want all of the details, but I think it’s best if I hold off and tell them another time. Right now, I feel like such a phony and I just want to run and hide. I better bow out gracefully, though.
“I have to unpack and do a couple of other things,” I tell them, summoning another fake smile. “I really want to spill the beans about everything, but I feel like I’m in a rush right now, and it would be unfair to you.”
“Um, okay, I guess we can wait,” Sarah says a bit dejected. “But not too long! Text you later?”
“Yes, of course” I say reassuringly. “I will see you all later!”
I manage to keep my smile and wave bye as I hightail it out of there. I start with a brisk walk and after I turn a corner and am out of view, I break into a jog hauling my bags the whole way. I see my dorm hall in the near distance. I can’t get there fast enough.
All I want to do it lay down and cry.
Chapter Seventeen
Brent
Furious, I drive back to my apartment speeding the whole way. I’m so mad. If Lindsay does decide to call this whole thing off… Well, I just don’t want to think about the potential fallout of such an action. What would Grandpa say? It would be a total disaster.
I swerve around a moving truck, avoid some boxes in the parking lot and pull into a space way too fast. The tires on the SUV screech. I know I should treat the rental better, but I just can’t think straight right now.
This entire situation has gotten completely out of control, Lindsay’s not wrong about that. Christmas Break was such a whirlwind. Yes, we fucked. It shouldn’t have happened. I know that’s true, but I don’t want to regret that it happened. Even though I kind of do.
Lindsay comes from such a strong religious background and I imagine that is part of the conflict inside of her. She was probably told by her parents and church elders that sex before marriage is the biggest sin. That must be why she is second guessing what we did. Or at least, I hope it is. I don’t want her to hate that she slept with me.
Hell, I don’t want her to not want to do it again.
I want her. I want Lindsay.
I shouldn’t because she is my best friend’s little sister. Robert has been such a good friend, he’d probably kill me if he found out I slept with his sister not just once, but twice! He’d most certainly stop hanging out with me, and I’d most likely never see Lindsay or him ever again. I have to find a way to avoid that nightmare scenario.
I just need to get back to my apartment, turn on some music, and clear my head out a bit. I get out of the car and head towards the stairs. I ignore the boxes everywhere. I’m sure I can reason with Lindsay and--
Oof! I almost run into someone on the steps to my apartment building.
“Sorry,” I mutter not looking up.
Not really paying attention, I try to move around the man, but he just moves in the same direction as I step, so he is in my way again. I move again. He follows, still getting in my way. I glance up to yell at him.
It’s Arron!
Why is my cousin at my place? It’s rather annoying that he has shown up out of the blue. What is he even doing here? Whatever it is it can’t be good. I try to calm myself. He’s the kind of person who senses weaknesses in other people and exploits them. To show annoyance would just provide him more ammo. I better play this cool.
“Oh hey, Arron!” I say while forcing a smile onto my face. “Dropping by for a visit?”
“Hello, cousin Brent,” he says with a wicked grin.
Oh jeez, whenever he drops the “Cousin Brent” moniker it means he has big news to share. But he won’t tell me out here. He’ll want to let the anticipation stew away so when he fully reveals whatever it is he has to say he can drink the reaction in. The dude is trouble!
“You want to come inside?” I ask.
“Love to,” Arron replies, still grinning.
I walk up to the front entrance of the apartment building and punch my code to unlock the front door. Arron and I head to the elevator and don’t say a word to each other. He is really reveling in this moment. We get off on my floor and walk down to the end of the hallway where I reside.
“Can I get you a drink?” I ask once we’re inside.
“You have any beer?” he asks, looking around the apartment.
“Sure, and I’ll have one too. I need to relax after a long drive,” I say while going over to the fridge.
I hand him a beer and then pop open mine. I take a long sip, trying to relax and see what hell my cousin brought with him.
Arron opens his can and, in one long annoying gulp, proceeds to down the entire beverage. After he finishes, he burps, crushes the can, and then tries to hand it back to me. I point to the recycle bin, but he tosses it in the garbage instead. What a dick.
“So, Brent, have some news to tell you,” he says. “I’m transferring to a new school. And guess where I’m landing?”
Just spit it out you irritating, irksome, infuriating, obnoxious dillrod.
“I’m transferring here, Brent,” he says in a snide tone. “To Pacific Day University. I am going to be here walking around campu
s. You’ll probably see me out on the quad. Hell, you’ll most likely bump into me everywhere.”
Oh wow, this is going to be tough to keep up this facade. But how is it any different than pretending to be engaged? Arron wants to see me upset by this news. I can’t give him the satisfaction.
“That’s great!” I say happily. “When do you move here?”
I can see him looking for a break in my demeanor. A tell that will give him the satisfaction he craves. I must remain strong.
“As soon as the paperwork is finished and I can transfer my credits then I’ll start taking classes,” he says. “But I’m moving here today. I got a two bedroom apartment in this building.”
Two bedrooms?
“That’s fantastic, Arron,” I say, hiding my true emotions. “You’re going to love it here. This really is the best school.”
“Yeah, all of that is well and good, but the real reason I’m here is to find a wife,” he says. He raises one dark eyebrow and give me a look. “I mean, if it was so easy for you to find one, has to be a cinch for me, right?”
And there it is. This is all about the contest. He is here to keep an eye on me and see if my engagement to Lindsay is real. I have to be on my best behavior at all times. But with Lindsay on the edge, so close to bailing on our arrangement, it is going to be tough. I absolutely have to convince her to keep going.
“You always do well wherever you go, Arron,” I say with fake cheer. “You’ll do just fine here. In fact, you’ll be flush with prospects.”
“And do you think Collin will excel, as well?” he asks, letting the other shoe drop.
I have to bite my tongue. This is another surprising development.
“Ah, so Collin is transferring too?” I ask.
“Yes,” Arron says. “That’s the reason we got a two-bedroom apartment.”
“Well hey, that’s even more great news,” I say. My face is starting to hurt beneath my fake smile. “The more the merrier, am I right?”
“Oh, it will be totally cool,” Arron says almost gloating. “The three of us together again.”
“Yeah, that’s awesome,” I say.
No, it’s not awesome. I need to figure out something, and fast!
“Hey, since Collin will be here too, what do you say you guys help Lindsay move into my apartment this weekend?” I ask.
I am somehow going to have to make this total lie into a reality.
“Are you two ready for that?” Arron asks. “Seems like a big step to take.”
“It’s a major commitment but our love is strong enough to handle it,” I say with made up confidence.
“Well hey, I’m there for you, cousin,” Arron says. “If you need my help you can count on it. Just let me know when and where and I’ll coordinate with Collin. We got this.”
“Thanks, Arron,” I say.
“Can I get a beer for the road?” he asks. “I’ve got a bunch more boxes to haul up.”
“Sure, give me an hour and I will help you.”
After Arron leaves, I give Robert a call. He has to know about this new development. I need him on my side and to have my back. The contest just got crazy real.
“Robert, it’s Brent,” I say. “Hey, just to let you know, my cousins Arron and Collin are transferring here.”
“What?!” Robert says with surprise over the line. “Those two troublemakers are coming here?”
“Yep,” I confirm. “Just wanted to give you the heads up in case you bump into one of them around campus.”
“Appreciate it, buddy,” he says. “Grab a burger later?”
“Sounds good,” I say. “Give me a text and let me know what’s up. See ya.”
We both hang up. Robert is a good friend. I can trust him to keep an eye out and let me know if the cousins are up to something. Chances are they’ll hit the ground running and create a bit of chaos. They excel at that. But it also makes them clumsy. They have a tendency to telegraph their moves well in advance of making them. That’s one major reason I’ve beaten them in so many of Grandpa’s competitions over the years.
Now I have to get Lindsay back with the plan. I hope I can convince her. I head out across campus and go to her dorm room right away.
As I approach Lindsay’s dorm, I feel a sense of dread. I’m going to have to convince her to move in with me. I was hoping it wouldn’t come down to this, but when the nuclear option is the only one you have what else can you do? I just don’t know how Lindsay is going to feel about it. She might tell me to go to hell, particularly after how we left things earlier.
I take the stairs up to her floor, walk down the hallway and stand outside her room. It’s a much different experience than last time. Then, it was all fun and new and playful. I’d love to recapture those feelings.
The door is slightly open, but I still knock. “Lindsay? Can I come in?” I ask.
She is unpacking and doesn’t even look around to acknowledge me. She is clearly still pissed off at me.
“You may enter, Brent,” she says coldly.
I step into her room and take a deep breath. To achieve my mission, I am going to have a beg. It’s unbecoming of a Morgan, but when you’re in dire straights then drastic measures have to be taken.
“Lindsay, I am so sorry,” I tell her. “I was wrong. But we can work that out later. Right now, I need you to agree to continue with our plan.”
“Why should I do that?” she asks with anger in her voice. “What’s to stop me from telling everyone the truth? I’d rather have a clear conscience and deal with the consequences.”
“Lindsay, that wouldn’t do either of us any good,” I explain to her. “It is now more imperative than ever that we keep our little charade going. You see, my cousins Arron and Collin are transferring here to Pacific Day.”
“Wait, what? Those two jerks are coming here?” she says slowly snapping out of her funk and to attention. She glares at me.
“They’re moving here to spy on us and try to gain an advantage in the contest,” I explain. “But if we can show a unified front they will eventually give up and go back to the college they came from.”
“They are really that serious about winning?” she asks.
“Yes,” I say with absolute certainty. “Those two would sell out their own mother if it meant they could beat me. They’ve been trying for years but I always end up beating them. And now they feel they have a real chance at taking me down, by showing that we’re not a real couple. We can’t let that happen!”
I can see the wheels turning in her head. She is wondering if she should continue or tap out. She is thinking if it is worth it or not to keep going. I have to continue to plead the case until I can convince her.
“My grandfather loves you,” I say. “He really thinks you are an amazing person. I think he wants us to win.”
“Really?” she asks.
“Yes, really,” I say reassuringly. “As I mentioned, we just have to convince my conniving cousins that we’re for real. Once they get that through their thick skulls, they’ll admit defeat.”
She thinks on it for a moment. That moment turns into what seems like an eternity. She looks down and sighs. Then she looks up with a determined expression on her beautiful face.
“Okay, I’m in,” she says. “Let’s beat those jerks.”
Chapter Eighteen
Lindsay
I can’t believe I’m moving into Brent’s apartment and his jerkwad cousins are helping us. To make matters worse, they aren’t taking the task at hand very seriously. They keep fucking around! I just want to get this over with and be done with them, but they are slacking for what feels like forever. It’s almost as if they’re having too good of a time annoying me.
Arron picks up my reading lamp and looks at it with a funny expression on his face. He then shakes it as if to see how breakable it is. Then he actually tosses the lamp up in the air, misses catching it, lets it drop to the floor, and breaks it.
“What are you doing?” I yell.
“I was seeing how light it is,” Arron says. “It really is made of cheap material. Where did you get it from, the Salvation Army or something?”
“I did get it from a second-hand shop,” I admit. “Not that it matters now!”
I feel my face start to go red. There really isn’t anything I can do to stop it.
“Why don’t you just toss all of this stuff in the trash, then?” Collin asks, looking at one of my throw pillows. “If you’re marrying Brent then you don’t have to worry about money ever again.”
“Yeah, your stuff is basically garbage. Just chuck it in the bin where it belongs,” Arron chimes in.
Maybe I should just toss everything and start over. But if Brent loses the contest where will that leave me? I’ll need things to set up a new place with. I’ll have to be a little bit independent for now.
I pull the throw pillow from Collin’s hands and wrap it in my arms with a blanket. Collin eyes what I’m carrying.
“I can help you throw that away,” Collin offers. “I love smashing stuff too.” He points to a shadow box I had made which contains mementos from back home. “So, if there is anything you want me to destroy, let me know.”
I slap his hand away and he just laughs.
Brent sees how they’re treating me and doesn’t step up to defend me. In fact, I can tell he is doing his best to hold back his laughter. He can’t resist the sight of my face all beet red. This is another nightmare.
Maybe I’m not good enough for him. Maybe his cousins are right, I am just a poor loser who will always be on the outside looking in with his family. I’ll never be able to be their equals. They will belittle and mess with me until this whole charade is over. Maybe I should go crawl away into a hole and cry.
Arron, Collin and Brent continue very clumsily moving my stuff. Arron drops my clock and it crashes to the ground. The shell comes off and pieces scatter everywhere. They just laugh and keep working, stepping over it like it’s nothing.