She slanted her head to gander at him. “What?” She wanted to know.
“You’re always so considerate to others. When will you appreciate yourself? Don’t take hogwash from anyone.” He gave her some advice and hopes it sheds her in the right direction. He admires that’s the one quality in her he loves. She spreads her heart to please others. He wondered if there became a time she pampered herself?
“Eileen?” Ethan realized she was silent all of a sudden. His eyes tilted in her direction and let out a slight chuckle.
Her head rested on his shoulder and covered her up with the throw blanket as he fell asleep shortly after.
《***》
The next morning, he awoke first no thanks to the sun's reflection through the window.
Ethan heard a knock at the door. His groggy eyes opened as he noticed she was still sleeping. Ethan slid without waking her and covered her up back up. He yawns towards the door. To his surprise, he saw Michael. “What are you doing here?” Ethan asked in a light whisper.
Michael noticed he must've woken him up.
“I'm not here to start another fight man,” Ethan told him flat out. It was too damn in the morning for another accusation.
“I'm not either alright,” Michael revealed as he caved in defeat. “With everything all cluster fuck lately, I became overwhelmed. I've wanted to know who I could trust.” Michael knew Ethan had every right to slam the door in his face right there. He wouldn't regret doing so after he accused him of betrayal.
A slight groan got Michael's attention. He discovered Eileen slept on Ethan's couch. “What's she doing here?” Michael asked in a slight whisper as he didn’t want to disturb her.
Ethan knew if he told the truth he might not believe him. “The whole thing between her and Avery has gotten to her. She wanted to talk and fell asleep.” Ethan half fibbed him the truth.
Michael understood her reasons to vent. “I meant what I said man if you want to throw me out after this I'll understand. I am sorry for how I've been acting.” He hoped one day Ethan would accept his apology.
Ethan knew what he was doing as he blocked Michael’s path to stop him. Ethan puts his hand out in front of him. Michael hesitated a few minutes before he accepted.
《***》
They heard fake clapping from behind. “Glad to see a bromance going strong. Phew, you've had me worried there for a second.”
Their eyes widened in shock and turned to leer at the door to spot Kasper Lockhart alive in the flesh.
“Haven't you caused enough damage?” Michael acknowledged him head-on.
Ethan was being alert in case of another ambush.
“I haven't done crap to you yet. In case you idiots haven't figured it out. I've tried to stop the attack from the get-go. Not to mention, I've protected that girlfriend of yours.” Kasper tilted his head over towards the couch.
Ethan's gazed followed. Michael wanted to slug him one. Ethan held him back.
“Save it for the real battle that's going to begin soon.” Kasper reminded them.
Ethan steps forward still skeptical about trusting him. “What are you talking about?”
“You'll know in time when it's going down. Whenever it does happen, are you two going to be on the same page by then?”
A contemplated Michael and Ethan remained agitated for a second.
“Name the time and place,” Ethan replied.
Michael hit him on the arm. Five minutes ago, they were bros again. Now it's back to this. “What the hell was that? We're going to trust him now?” Michael questioned Ethan on where he stood right now with him.
“Will you shut up and relax. You want this to end right?” Expressed Ethan. They've both wanted this end once and for all. “You remember the old saying, keep your friends close, enemies closer?”
Michael was curious about how this works in their favor.
《***》
Kasper was leaning by the front door. Hearing whimpers over by the couch. “Might wanna check on someone over there. It seems like a nightmare.” He got their attention.
“Eileen, hey, it's okay.” Someone said, snapping her out of the nightmare. Caressing her cheek. The whimpers continued quietly with Kasper, Michael, and Ethan looking puzzled on what to do.
She finally jolted up, catching her breath. “W-where?” Eileen adjusted her vision looking rattled as she ended up squeezing Kasper tightly.
“Shhh, it's okay,” Kasper soothed her the best he could. Even when his sisters were younger. He was never any good with consoling them. Rubbing her back to reassure her everything was okay. Nothing will harm her again. Looking back at the boys out of concern which had the same dumbfounded expression as he did. Listening to her cry a bit more. She regrouped herself momentarily. Kasper kneels in front of her lightly, moving her hair behind her ears. “You alright?” Kasper wanted to make sure.
She sniffs, catching her breath. No more nightmares, no more... Nodding her head. Finally, focusing on where she was. “Y-yeah, where am I?” She wondered. “Nevermind.” She noticed Michael was standing there. Who else was here? “Did Torrie come with—”
Kasper shook his head. “You want me to?” Maybe she can do this sisterly bonding thing?
Eileen wasn't in the mood to see anybody right now. That includes Torrie. She can tell they wanted to talk. “Just let me go freshen up, and you can talk.” Seeing, she made a complete utter fool of herself.
Kasper stood up letting her go. Ethan and Michael watch her enter the half bathroom. Ethan faces the bathroom door out of concern. Michael pats his shoulder; he can see the sorriness on his face.
“She’ll be okay, give her a few minutes to herself,” Kasper said as he tried to lighten the mood.
Ethan nods trying to focus on something else.
《***》
Eileen shakes the nightmare off as she paces back and forth. Splashing some water on her face did not help whatever. Alright, just calm down ... all it was is a bad dream, Avery's not going to hurt you anymore. Feeling her eyes darting into the reflection from the mirror. The one thing she rarely does is stare at herself. Everything wasn’t physically back to normal with her. She turned back away from the mirror, as a knock at the door distracted her.
“You okay?” Ethan's voice was making her jump a little.
Eileen leaned her back against the door. “Yeah, I'll be out in a minute.”
He sighed with relief. Hoping she wasn’t doing anything drastic to harm herself again. Hearing his footsteps departure.
She inhaled a huge deep breath. You can do this. Putting her hand on the doorknob, turning it open. “Did I miss anything?” Eileen tried to act like nothing happened.
《***》
“No, we've been waiting on you. You sure you want to—” Kasper sees her mind is somewhere else.
“Fine,” she reassured everybody. Wanting them to drop the subject.
Kasper clears his throat, watching her sit back down. Beginning to focus on what he wanted to discuss.
“What did you mean earlier about that plan of yours?”
Kasper's eyes shifted to Ethan unexpectedly. Michael was still having doubts. Maybe they can trust Lockhart after all? If not, at least they know what kind of guy he was, while Ethan begins to explain his ideas at least.
The guy's voice began to fade away. Still shaking off her own nightmare, as she hugs her chest. Rubbing her arms, feeling a bit chilly as she keeps an eye on the situation at hand. She had to admit it was a bizarre, unique alliance. Nobody would see this coming. Could they actually pull it off? Stop Avery once and for all? The phone call she gave her father never did any good. Thinking it was a good choice at the time. In reality, it was a complete waste of time. Her brothers were right about that, at least. Sadly, her father ignores their request. Unless it benefits him, they suffer the outcome. Always away from work. Especially during the holidays, when he does call, it’s only for a few minutes. Checking in and disappearing, s
hortly afterwards.
“You still with us?” One of the guys said.
Seeing the puzzled look on her face. She nods, faking a lopsided smile. The muffled voices fade back to silence.
Why did she even agree to work with him in the first place? This whole situation really was all her fault. Feeling guilty about it again. Her head tilted away from the conversation staring at the window. Why does she do this to them? They never deserved this kind of punishment. This was her doing, and they shouldn’t suffer. Kasper, Michael, and Ethan shouldn't have to walk in horror. Looking over their shoulder all the time. She lowered her head in shame. What would happen if she disappeared? Leave and never come back? Would things get better for them? Would it get worse? Hell, would they even notice she left? Avery was right. One way or another she would need to make a decision. Her feelings were different for both men. Michael and Ethan were working together for the greater good. But what will happen when this is all said and done? Will they still be friends? Enemies? Or ignoring each other altogether. And Kasper? What does he get out of this? How does Torrie know him? Why did he agree to help her?
“Okay, clearly one of us isn't paying attention,” Kasper said breaking her thoughts.
Ethan can clearly tell she was worried about her nightmare. His eyes darted her gaze. She felt his stare looking back at her.
“You know Avery won't get you, right? We're going to make sure of it.” Ethan tried to snap out of her funk.
She had a question of her own. Taking her eyes off of Ethan, to focus on Kasper. “Why are you doing this?” She asked Kasper. She didn't want not to meddle in this scheme of his. “I know why they’re doing this. But why are you? My brothers put you on a pedestal. Nonstop ‘Kasper this’ or ‘Kasper that.’ To betray them plotting behind their backs like this. Aren't you two even concerned or curious?” She knew she wasn’t alone in this. They had to be having doubts about this. She wanted them to be smart about this alliance.
“If it means ending Avery once and for all. We're gonna do whatever it takes.” Ethan told her like it was. Yes, they had their own doubts about joining forces with Kasper. Ethan wasn't going to lie. Was it worth to gamble their future away for? If it meant for a safer future without bullying. Whatever it takes, right?
“Will you be able to work with us?” Kasper wondered as part of him needed to know. They can certainly do this without her. It would be nice to have her involved. How did it get this far? It was them vs. her brothers.
She didn't ask to be stuck in the middle. Again, being forced to pick a side. Starting to get frustrated. “I didn't ask to be involved in any of this.” She needed some air. All this was beginning to make her feel claustrophobic again. Rising to her feet. She left the boys alone. Feeling the cool December air hit her warm face as she closed the door behind her.
“Let her cool off. We got everything we already need.” Ethan trusted Kasper was right about this. She’ll come around when she’s ready. Everyone was getting on an edge. They will be on guard when the final battle comes.
Chapter 20
Kate never felt so mortified in her life. Not even when she was poor. That rarely affected her growing up in society. To her, it became a normal everyday ordeal. She was in her comfort zone. Now wishing she could've skipped school after having a meltdown a few days ago. Why did she agree to give him another chance?
She knew there was a video of her performance. The school's been buzzing about it non stop as she felt the stare daggers from her fellow peers or heard the non-stop whispers behind her back about her epic failure. Why did that matter to her at all in the first place? She knew one of Tiffani's minions posted it up to make her look bad on purpose. It had to be them. Without proof, it'll be her word against Tiffani's. She glanced at the clock, which seemed to have slowed down again as she tapped her pencil on the desk. All she wanted was for this day to be over, but she knew the humiliation wouldn't end. Not unless she does something to stop it herself. Finally, after hearing the bell, she darted towards the ladies' bathroom. Pacing back and forth, trying to calm herself down with her paranoia that hasn't disappeared since her last encounter with Morgan.
It's alright Kate, you're fine, nobody is watching you. You can finish this. Her hands were shaking as they leaned on the bathroom sink. Feeling the moist water on her face. Drying her face off the door swung open. Kate's eyes shut praying it wasn't who she thinks.
Tiffani's fragrance filled the bathroom stall.
Damn, there goes that theory.
Tiffani readied herself for round two.
Kate reopened her eyes, lifted her dropped head releasing an exhausted sigh. Her eyes met Tiffani's grin. Part of her wanted to wipe that smirk off her face. Gripping the edges of the sink holding back her outburst. Not wanting another public situation. What the hell does she want to gloat about now? Nope, I'm not in the mood to find out. Wanting to leave as quickly as possible. Seconds from reaching the door Tiffani spoke.
“Katie heard about your dilemma. Sorry to hear about your little fiasco.” Tiffani knew how to push someone's buttons.
“I'm not in the mood Tiffani.” Kate gritted her teeth in a scowl tone.
Don't lose her now
Kate knew Tiffani doesn't give a damn about her well-being. Her humiliation was Tiffani's ammo. Kate wasn't that naive to hear the sardonic in her voice? This was her doing.
Tiffani placed a hand on Kate's shoulder. Giving her a look of concern. “Hey, I get it. I'd be a nervous wreck after my embarrassment. I, mean, Flynn's not used to charity work.” Tiffani got a rise in her.
Kate mumbled under her breath. Don't let her win, you're smarter than her, Calming herself with nice thoughts.
Tiffani glanced at the side spotting a fist forming. It was working.
Kate exhaled after counting inside her head a stress technique she picked up for studying. “You know what Tiffani you won. I'm done playing our cat and mouse game. Clearly your deceitful worked. The high and mighty Tiffani Alistair. Always scheming to achieve what she wants.”
A sly grin appeared on Tiffani’s face. Obvi she wasn't totally wrong. Sashaying up to her. Kate desperately wanted to slap her. Controlling her temper isn't working. Breathing through her nose.
Tiffani gave her a once-over glance. She was tense. “Now you know not to cross me. By the way, no need to thank me.”
Kate raised her brow. She folded her arms across her chest. “Why would I?”
OMG, this is too much fun!
Kate noticed a wide smile curving on her lips.
Tiffani remains nonchalant. “You should’ve seen him Katie when you left him, he was heartbroken. I did what I could to cheer him up after you stomped all over him.”
Kate felt her head droop. She didn't mean to explode in his face like that. But Kate couldn't take it anymore.
Tiffani moved inches closer to whisper in her ear. “Let's say, for a split-second I was able to make you disappear.”
Kate gnash her teeth and kept imagining ways to hurt her.
Tiffani continued to press harder. “Imagine what I can do to get rid of you permanently from his head.” Tiffani gloated after she pulled out. Tiffani fixes her hair standing in front of the mirror.
Oh boy did she want to snatch the hair off of the fake dumb barbie. “Trust me, princess, there's nothing I like more for you to disappear for good.” Kate shoved right past her. Leaving the bathroom.
“And now ...” Tiffani ruined her hair as if she got into a fight. Smudging her makeup and ripping some of her blouses. Tiffani ended up slapping herself across the face to get it red.
《***》
Flynn noticed an irked Kate who came out of the restroom. He knew she was still pissed with how things went down on their ‘date’.
“Kate Lennox please report to the principal's office!” The intercom said.
Caden scrutinized his eyes in her direction as Kate closed her locker. “Wonder what that’s all about?” He queried.
>
She shrugged her shoulders. Putting her books in her backpack. “I don’t know. You mind getting notes for class?” She figured she wasn’t going to be there on time.
Caden nods as she sighed and took the long walk towards the principal’s office.
To her, this was the walk of shame. She barely missed school unless her mom had car trouble, or she had the flu. What could she have done to get herself in. Her feet stopped and noticed a banged-up Tiffani Alistair inside the office. Kate remained blanchard. Her blouse ripped; her hair was messy. It looked as if she was in a fight.
True Love:Follow Your Heart Page 14