by Casey Crisp
“Really?” I inquired while hoping that I sounded indifferent. Inside, I was practically buzzing with excitement, ready to jump at the opportunity. Jonathan was exceedingly endearing, but I also sensed that he was different from the other basketball players. He was only a sophomore, but this didn’t bother me. Actually, he reminded me of a real-life Henry Crawford who came to life from Jane Austen’s extravagant prose, but I possessed the rare opportunity to rectify Fanny’s choice.
“Tonight,” he suggested. “I can pick you up from your house. We can go wherever you want.”
I pretended to consider his words, even though my decision was already made. “Okay, let's go somewhere.”
“Are you serious?” Jonathan asked, a sincere smile bringing out the delightful green in his emerald-colored eyes.
I eagerly offered him my number, watching his fingers shake as he typed it into his phone. “Don’t make me regret this,” I told him. “I never hand out my number.”
“I’ll consider it an honor,” he promised me solemnly, and my heart was still racing in my chest even after he disappeared around the corner into his classroom lecture.
I waited for a moment before returning to my locker, noticing Aria starting in my direction from the corner of my eye. “He seems happy,” Aria observed when she paused by my side.
“I decided to humor him,” I replied nonchalantly, opening my locker to retrieve my history book. “So, what’s the plan?”
“Plan?” she asked quizzically.
“I’m not sure.” I shrugged. “I mean, do you think they know about your argument with Sydney? Alex is in our first period and he always knows everything.”
Aria sighed. “I thought about skipping this morning, but I was afraid that he might bother you instead.”
“I can handle him.”
“I know,” Aria agreed. “But Alex skips his first period all the time. Maybe this will be one of those days.”
I tried to gauge her reaction, but Aria was impossible to read when she was careful. “What if he says something?”
Aria shook her head in response to my question, but I could tell that she was bothered by what happened, even if she insisted that she had already forgotten the argument. However, she also knew that her conflict with Sydney would spread like a wildfire around our school, which meant that V and his friends would understand everything.
I was also aware of a potential confrontation, and I entered our classroom with trepidation, especially when I discovered Alex waiting in his usual seat at our table close to the front of the room. “Brynn, don’t worry about it,” Aria requested of me, but her reassurances lacked conviction.
Instead, Aria sat next to Alex cautiously as if afraid he would abruptly turn our lecture into an interrogation, but he merely offered us both a friendly smile. “Don’t look so suspicious,” he said cheekily before addressing me next. “Good morning, Miss Starr.”
I blinked at him in response. “You seem like you’re in a good mood.”
“Is there a reason why I should be upset?” he asked. “Are you always so negative, Miss Starr? Your sisters don’t act this way.”
“Miss Starr,” I muttered, and I hated the look of triumph on his face.
“Fine,” Aria said. “Is this how V wants to proceed?”
Alex seemed to consider her question. “What do you mean?”
“Is his approach to pretend nothing happened?” Aria asked. “To have you and all the others act normal?”
“Why wouldn’t we act normal?” Alex responded, and I found myself steadily growing furious with his obvious evasion.
“You should stop pretending like you don’t know,” I snapped at him, regretting my sudden aggression once Alex started laughing.
“I’m mad at you too,” Aria interrupted him. “There’s no way that you didn’t hear about what happened, so why are you pretending otherwise?”
“There is no act,” Alex said, brushing off our concerns. “What should we be so angry about?”
Aria was also annoyed with Alex’s lighthearted conversation, narrowing her eyes at him. “I don’t understand what V wants, but you can tell him that I don’t appreciate the games.”
“Well, if you insist,” Alex promised, stubbornly insisting on his misplaced goodwill. “I’ll let everyone know that Aria is displeased with our behavior. Perhaps we can have an intervention? Sit everyone down and talk things over.”
“You’re not even charming anymore,” I said, rolling my eyes as I turned back to face the front of the room.
Well, Alex had always been my least favorite.
“We can just ignore him,” Aria said. “Tell me about Jonathan instead.”
“Gladly,” I agreed, tapping my pencil on my notebook. “He’s taking me out to eat tonight wherever I’d like.”
“That means something did happen on the elevator that night?”
“What is this about Jonathan?” Alex interrupted, leaning across an affronted Aria. “Are you going on a date, Miss Starr?”
“We’re ignoring you,” I said. “You’d have more fun painting or something.”
Alex chuckled at my sarcastic suggestion. “Is Jonathan really your type, Miss Starr? I pegged you as someone who liked men a little cleaner.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked, falling right into his trap, but I couldn’t help myself. He was so infuriating.
“Why do you have to antagonize her?” Aria interjected, saving me from an obvious attempt to unhinge my temper. “I’m onto you, Alex. If the other boys act like this, then I’m sure V has something planned.”
***
For the most part, Aria remained diligently by my side whenever she could, including during our scheduled lunch period. Instead of entertaining V’s desires, she joined my friends at our usual table in the dining hall. Meanwhile, Beckett, Alex, and Chrystian sat together at a table near the center of the room. Every so often, I noticed that their attention wavered to our group, and I held my breath as I waited for them to intervene. “It’s hard to ignore them when they keep doing that.” Nicole finally acknowledged the situation. “Have they been especially nice all today?”
Aria nodded. “What have they said to you?”
“Beckett sat next to me in my first period,” Nicole said. “Something that he’s never done before.”
“Did he say anything?” Aria asked.
“Nothing relevant,” Nicole replied. “He really only talked about me.”
“I guess Venir doesn’t care about your argument with Sydney,” I said, but it sounded unusually wrong when I expressed my concerns to the others.
“Maybe their approach is to win over the Starr sisters,” Skyla said conspiratorially, and she clapped her hands together like she had just solved an important puzzle.
“That doesn’t seem right.”
However, even Aria seemed to believe the radical hypothesis. “Brynn, don’t you have a class with Chrystian?”
“Yeah, but Chrystian is always nice to me. That wouldn’t be unusual.”
“Maybe, but his attitude might be different,” Aria said. “Skyla might be onto something.”
I studied Chrystian from afar, watching as he held up a book to read over the pages. Chrystian was always considerate during our writing lecture. He liked to help me with my projects, and he never bothered to tease me anymore about accepting his assistance. He was very much different from Alex who didn’t hesitate to tease me when he got the chance.
“I have some news,” Nicole offered, toying with the cap on her bottle. “Rose might be interested in Ryder Ainsworth.”
“Really?” I frowned, finding that revelation surprising since Rose certainly gave no indication that she was interested in Ryder, especially considering what happened at our last school.
“Heidi Delacruz was supposedly trying to ask him out,” Nicole continued, “but he turned her down.”
“You really need to stop listening to rumors,” I said as if my sister, after 15 years of playin
g the role of gossip girl, would finally listen to me.
“And you shouldn’t be so quick to dismiss them,” Nicole returned. “This could be an opportunity for Rose.”
“Rose?” Skyla questioned, finally joining our conversation. “What do you mean?”
“I think Ryder is totally endgame,” Nicole eagerly explained. “If Ryder really rejected Heidi, then Rose should have no grievances about a relationship.”
Aria suddenly gasped, a pleased smile emerging across her face. “I could find out from Beckett since he’s close to Ryder.”
Nicole nodded her approval. “Intel is important.”
I rolled my eyes.
“Will you come with me to the lounge after school, Brynn?”
“What about practicing for your test?” I asked her.
“I’ve been working,” she offered vaguely, but I could tell that she wasn’t concerned.
“Fine,” I begrudged, rolling my eyes when Nicole offered Aria unnecessary advice on how to bring up the topic of Ryder’s personal interests. I listened calmly, unsurprised by my little sister’s tendency for mischievous behavior. Because Nicole Starr was nothing if not meticulous.
After the bell rang, I made sure to arrive early for my writing lecture. I took my usual seat, folding my hands on the table, and I waited for Chrystian with high expectations. Even if Skyla’s radical theory about Venir was accurate, it was still always hard to tell with Chrystian since he seemed mostly indifferent.
For instance, once he entered the classroom, he gave me a friendly smile before taking the empty seat at our table. As he rummaged through his bag, I leaned in closer, studying him with more attention than usual. Subsequently, when he turned back around to face me, I quickly averted my eyes. “What?” he asked, fingering the edges of his spiral notebook. “Did you need something, Brynn?”
“I’m just surprised you didn’t beat me here.”
Chrystian held up his watch to look at the time. “This is when I always get here. You’re the one who’s early.”
“Really?” I murmured. “I didn’t even notice.”
He chuckled. “I feel like there’s something that you want to tell me.”
“I got here early to look over my writing.”
“Is this your subtle way of asking for help?” Chrystian sighed, and an amused smile graced his friendly countenance.
“I actually finished the assignment,” I said. “I’m pretty good at writing scenes.”
“But there is something different with you.”
“With me?” I asked, returning his studious gaze. “Nothing is different with me.”
“Then are you implying that there’s something wrong with me?”
“There’s nothing wrong with you,” I said, and the words escaped my mouth before I could stop them, freezing only when I realized their implications.
Chrystian’s smile grew wider. “What was that?”
“I’m not here to play games.” I tried dismissing the subject, grateful that he didn’t seem interested in pursuing my unexpected comment. “You’re just being extra nice today.”
“Aren’t I always nice?”
“I meant all of your friends,” I clarified before narrowing my eyes. “It’s suspicious.”
“Is it?” Chrystian asked, settling his chin on top of his hand. “How so?”
“Nevermind.” I sighed because Chrystian seemed just like his usual self. There was probably nothing to Skyla’s theory.
“Are you busy after school?” he suddenly asked, catching me off-guard.
“What?”
“You had morning practice correct? Are you available to do something with me this afternoon?” He questioned me earnestly.
“Go somewhere with you?” I repeated, but I didn’t mean to sound as horrified as my tone suggested.
“You don’t have to.”
“But what is it?”
“I’m going to the airport to pick up a friend,” he offered vaguely, eyes flashing with something that I couldn’t discern.
“I have plans with Aria after school,” I said, but I was suddenly feeling confused.
“It’s fine, Brynn.” Chrystian shrugged. “I can go alone.”
I desperately wanted him to elaborate, but our teacher decided to start class before I could ask Christian to explain himself. Instead, I sat there stupidly, grappling with the possible meaning of his seemingly random request. I mean, why had Chrystian chosen me instead of his other friends?
***
I could tell that our appearance was an unexpected surprise for Alex and Beckett when Aria and I walked downstairs into the lounge. “Aria,” Beckett acknowledged with a pool stick in hand. “V isn’t here yet.”
“That’s exactly what I want,” Aria said. “I can ask Beckett for a favor before he leaves.”
“Favor?” Beckett repeated, confusion evident in the subtle way his mouth drew into a thin line.
“Since you’re in such a giving mood today,” Aria continued, “I thought you could do something for me.”
Alex and Beckett exchanged uncertain glances. “Does this have something to do with V?”
“No,” Aria said, glancing back at me briefly. “This is for me and my friend.”
“Miss Starr?” Alex asked, regaining some of his previous bearings.
“One of them, yes,” Aria agreed, “Beckett, I think you’re pretty good friends with Ryder Ainsworth?”
Beckett shrugged. “We’ve only recently met, but Ryder is a team captain so we spend a lot of time talking about plays.”
“I need you to do some detective work,” Aria said. “I’ll owe you a favor.”
A faint hint of a smile played at the corners of Alex’s lips. “You want to owe him a favor?”
“Exactly. That’s how much I need your help,” Aria agreed. “What do you say?”
Beckett studied Aria with a thoughtful inquisitiveness. “What is it?”
“I need you to find out whether or not Ryder is interested in Heidi Delacruz...or maybe another player on the girl’s team.”
“This seems like a strange request from you,” Beckett remarked. “Why do you want to know?”
“Deal or no?” Aria asked, ignoring his question.
“Oh, it’s a deal,” Alex inserted smoothly, giving Beckett an oddly familiar smirk. “When do you want it done?”
“I don’t remember asking you.”
Beckett chuckled. “I think Alex has a more pressing need for your services.”
“Well, as soon as you can find the time,” Aria replied, but she suddenly lacked her previous confidence. “Brynn and I have somewhere to be.”
We started for the staircase immediately, but before we began our ascent to the top, Alex was calling out Aria’s name. “Can I cash in on that favor?”
“Already?” Aria seemed surprised, but her tone was carefully guarded. “What is it?”
Alex’s playful smile vanished, altering his entire demeanor. “Let’s talk later.” His eyes briefly glanced in my direction.
Aria tensed immediately, appearing less than thrilled with the idea. “Fine, but I expect you to keep your promise.”
I rolled my eyes at their secrecy, following Aria with a frown. “Don’t be jealous, Miss Starr,” I heard Alex say, and I fought the urge to snap back at him.
***
Jonathan: Are we still going out tonight?
I re-entered the house, trying to ignore Jonathan’s text message. “What is it?” Nicole asked before appearing at my side and shamelessly swiping my phone away from me. How she constantly seemed to know when something, or in this case someone, was disrupting the normality of our trio would never cease to amaze me.
“Nicole!” I exclaimed after attempting to reclaim my hostaged phone.
However, she managed to effectively dodge my hands. “Are you going out with Jonathan?”
I ignored her question when I took my phone back, pushing against her shoulder with more force than necessary. “You shouldn't t
ake what isn’t yours.”
“Oh, relax,” Nicole said, grabbing my arm and shaking me a little. “Are you dating Jonathan?”
“You are?” Rose’s voice joined the fray, her head poking out from the kitchen. “Is that true?”
“He asked me out to dinner with him tonight.” I sighed. “But then all that stuff with Aria happened and I don’t know if I still want to go.”
“You have to!” Nicole insisted. “Why would you turn him down? This could be your chance!”
“You act like I don’t have a choice,” I grumbled.
“Just have dinner with him, Brynn,” Rose suggested. “It doesn’t have to mean anything.”
“It means everything!” Nicole declared, stomping her foot for emphasis. “Tell him you’ll go!”
Remarkably, despite their encouragement, I was already considering the idea of entertaining his proposal, but I still felt nervous about the prospect of going out with someone who I barely knew. Especially since I was terrible when it came to socializing with most people, ceasing to appropriately function around the ones who made my heart beat a hundred miles per hour inside my chest. “I don’t know...” I trailed off anxiously while looking down at his message.
“Do it! I’ll even help you get ready.”
“Where would we go?” I frowned and Nicole squealed.
“Tell him to take you downtown. You’ll have plenty of restaurants to choose from.”
“He obviously likes you, Brynn,” Rose offered with a supportive smile. “It’s only one night.”
For the first time since I could remember, I decided to listen to my sisters and return Jonathan’s text with a brief affirmation. Thereafter, he finalized our evening together with a rather cheeky emoticon and a promise to pick me up at 8:00 p.m. which, according to Nicole, was not nearly enough time to prepare. “I’ll have to hurry,” she said, practically dragging me into her room. “We have to pick out your outfit, fix your hair, do your makeup...”
I zoned her out because, when I really thought about it, my last relationship occured at our previous school, and we had only managed a relationship for a few unpromising weeks. Subsequently, I developed an unfavorable opinion because men were extraordinarily difficult, and they were always clueless when it came to women. They made things so awkward, and it only worsened my prospects because I was already an innocuous and socially inept person.
