|♠ 11: And it all goes down.

And maybe that’s really the case. I mean, it only took me a week to get over him. Should be proof enough right? I guess I was just too blinded by his looks and the popularity that comes with dating the hot senior basketball player to see the truth. Looking at him now, with that sad, puppy-dog look in his eyes, only makes me feel sorry for him.

But no matter how much he deserves to be strung alone after what he did, I’m not that kind of person. I’m not as vindictive as I thought I was. I have to let him know that it’s truly over.

I heave a sigh. “Listen, Zac—”

“I know it was you who egged my car.”

I almost choke on my own saliva, my eyes bugging out. I open my mouth to refuse his claim, but he beats me to it.

“You had help, right? I heard a few voices coming from the bushes. Must be the Lawrence sibs.” He gives me a comforting smile. “It’s okay, I’m not angry.”

My stomach knots with shame at his forgiving tone. Why is he taking the high road? I expected him to be angry— as he should. He’s supposed to be lashing out at me for what I did. The calmness and understanding……..it’s the last thing I expected from him.

“It was a bitch to clean up, and my dad practically tore me a new asshole. But I get it. I deserved it after what I did to you.”

I wince and hang my head, unable to meet his eyes. “I’m sorry, I don’t know what I was thinking when I did that.”

I purposely don’t confirm his suspicion that I had help from Gun, Daph and Rod. And the fact that it was actually Daph’s idea. He may not be as forgiving toward them.

“No, Nikky.” Zac takes my hands and envelopes them in his, his voice gentle. “I’m the one who’s sorry. I broke your heart then got together with Lytton without a second thought.”

His last words make my eyes snap up to him in surprise. “You didn’t cheat on me?”

“No, I swear I didn’t. I’ve just been an idiot, thinking I didn’t need you anymore. Thinking I could do better. So when Lytton showed interest in me, I broke things off with you and hooked up with her. I really thought I’d hit the lottery with her.” He shakes his head on a rueful chuckle. “But seeing you with Lawrence made me realise that I still love you. I still want to be with you. Nikky give me another chance. Please.”

Why did he have to be soo sweet about it? If he was being a jerk, I’d have an easier time rejecting him. But all I see right now is sincerity and determination to win me back.

Damn it. He’s making it hard for both of us.

“There you are.” Comes that cocky voice behind me that I know soo well.

Oh,, shit!

“Lawrence.” Zac’s lips turn in displeasure as he stares over my shoulder, the softness in his gaze no longer there.

I step back, pulling my hands away from Zac’s grip before turning to Gun. “Hey.”

“I’ve been looking all over for you.” There’s a frown marring his gorgeous features. “I thought you got lost.” Then with a clenched jaw, he gives Zac a steely look. “McCarthy.”

Zac returns it with an icy stare of his own and grunts. They already don’t like each other. Now, add in the fact that Gun helped me trash Zac’s car, and that the latter sees the former as is his competition —crap, this is a disaster waiting to open.

Which means I need to diffuse the situation before It gets out of hand.

I wrap my hand around Gun’s toned bicep and tug. “You know what? Let’s get out of here. I’m not feeling good anyway. “

“No stay. Please.” Zac pleads, his eyes trained on me.

“She said we’re going.” Gun snarls. “Back off.”

Zac raises his eyes to him and takes a threatening step forward, his expression hardening once again. “You back off. You’re not good enough for her.”

Gun let’s out a disbelieving laugh. “And you think you are? Coming from someone who’s been nothing but a fucking dick to both his exes, that’s rich Maca. You should look in a mirror.”

“I completely regret what I did.” Zac grinds out, his cheeks reddening. “And I have no intention of repeating that mistake. But don’t act like you’re any better than me Lawrence. I bet your going to do the same to her in just a matter of weeks— probably even days.”

I gape at him. Seriously??

“No offence, Nikky.” He hurries in a sheepish tone.

I just throw my hands up. Why are boys such idiots?

A dangerous smirk forms on Gun’s lips. “Wanna bet, asshole?”

When I notice Zac balling his fists, I quickly position myself between them, pushing against their stupid rock-hard abs. “Ladies, Enough with the pissing contests! God you’re both acting like morons. Do you think it’s sexy when you do that? No, you’re just making a fool of yourselves.” They both open their mouths, but I quickly snap at them. “No, more talking! I’m done listening to your stupid yammering.”

By the time I’m done lecturing them, the guys stare at me as if I’ve just grown three noses. Ughh. Idiots.

I roll me eyes in annoyance, and before they can resume their verbal sparring, I grab Gun’s hand and pull him away, pecking him on the cheek. “Come on, its okay. Lets leave.”

My steps falter for a beat when I see the small crowd of onlookers directly on our path. How long have they been there? Did they witness the whole thing? Did they hear me going off at Zac and Gun?

“Move.” Gun barks before I can say anything making the crowd part for us as he leads me by the hand.

When we reach the front door, I stop him. “We forgot Daph.”

Cursing under his breath, he tells me. “Wait here. I’ll go get her.”

I stare after him as he walks away, the look on his face as he squares off with Zac fresh on my mind.

Was he really going to fight my ex to win me?Gabriella’s words echo in my ears, but I brush them off before they can even take root. There’s no way I’m giving up Gun to appease her. She can truly shove her threats down her throat. He’s mine and its high time I let him know I feel. I just need the courage to do it.

***********

Daph decided to stay at the party, telling her brother that she’d just get a ride with one of our classmates. So its just me and Gun in his Jeep. We’re blanketed in silence, neither of us willing to break it. Judging from the muscle ticking in his jaw, he’s still pissed at Zac. Or at me for chewing them out in front of other people, but hey, I gave him a peck on the cheek. Is he feeling emasculated or something?

Well, he should be thanking me. It got really intense back there. If I hadn’t diffused the situation, they’d probably end up punching each other. That would’ve attracted an even bigger attention. Hell, it would’ve probably stopped the whole party.

It was all Gabriella’s fault. If she hadn’t cornered me in the kitchen, Zac wouldn’t have waited a while. I could have easily finished talking to him before Gun could even think to look for me. The whole confrontation could have been avoided.

But, no. She had to go and assert herself, trying to use my fake relationship with Gun to black mail me. Like I’d be stupid enough to fall for it. If all goes well between me and Gun, her blackmailing attempt will be useless. She won’t be able to threaten me anymore. Not that I care if she does. I can always deny it.

Pushing Gabriella to the back of my mind, I give the guy occupying most of my thoughts a sideways glance. There’s still a hard expression on his face, his grip on the steering wheel tight.

“Can we talk?” I ask tentatively. Its now or never.

He schools his face and nods stiffly, stopping his Jeep and parking it by the curb. I recognize the area as the same one we’d made out at earlier today.

Why does it feel like a lifetime ago?.

“Let me guess, this is the part where your going to end our arrangement?”

“Um, yeah.” We have to end it before we start a real one, right?

“I knew it.” Gun huffs out a humourless laugh. “You’re just going to go back to him like nothing happened.”

Wait, what?

I whip my head to him and gape. “What the hell are you talking about?” And why does he look angry at me?

“I’m talking about the fact that you’re just going to go crawling back to that asshole like he didn’t hurt you. That’s dumb Nikitta.”

My breath catches in my throat. First, he accused me of going back to Zac. Now he’s calling me dumb. Where’s all of this coming from?

I give my head a little shake. “I……I think you’re getting it wrong.”

“Oh, I’m definitely getting it right.” He sneers. “In fact, I’m damn nailing it. The only reason why you asked me to be your fake boyfriend was to get back at him.”

My heart squeezes painfully, rendering me breathless. Is what he really thinks?

“That was the original plan.” Gun goes on when I still remain speechless. “Make him realise that the two of you belong to each other? Well congratu-fucking lations Red, you did it.”

I flinch. The nickname I’ve grown to love cutting through my chest like a knife. Why is he being so cruel? My eyes start to sting, but I furiously blink the tears back. There’s no way I’m crying in front of him.

“First of all, the one who’s being an asshole right now, is you not Zac. Secondly, of course that was the origin plan and I wouldn’t have asked you if you hadn’t given me the idea. And you agreed, so don’t act like I forced you to do it.” I’m so mad I’m practically shouting at his face.

And I thought this night would end with us making things official. What’s happening right now……..it’s the exact opposite of it. And I hate every second of it. I want to iron things out, set him straight. But my anger and hurt are getting the better of me, urging me to hurt him just as much as he’s hurting me.

He chuckles darkly. “Trust me, I’m regretting that now.”

Hearing those words feels like being punched in the gut. For a moment, my face crumples, tears filling my eyes even more. But I blink them back, refusing to let Gun see them.

But he does and remorse momentarily flashes through his eyes before they harden again.

That’s when I know that he means everything he said. I swallow the lump in my throat.

“I see. Well thanks for letting me know.” Then before he can say anything, I get out of his car. I’d rather walk the rest of the way home than stay another minute with him.

So I do, and that’s when the tears start to fall.

|♠ 12: Despondent Me.

Gabriella got her wish, after all. My fake relationship with Gun is officially over. I wanted it to be real between us, but it ended up going the opposite direction. Funny how that worked out, huh?

I thought he and I were on the same page, but it turned out I was wrong. Has it been one-sided all along? Did he not feel the same way? Then why the hell did he keep kissing me? We even went on a date, for crying out loud.

“Trust me, I’m regretting that now”

I keep replaying those words in my head, wondering how everything went to shit. Was it because of Zac? Was it because he was jealous of him?

Maybe Gun though that I’d go running back to Zac now that he’s single again. He said as much when when he drove me home last night. But then, he didn’t exactly get to drive me home, did he? I was soo upset with him that I decided to walk the rest of the way home. Then I proceeded and to bawl my eyes out in my room.

I thought I had my heart broken with Zac, but it was nothing compared to what I’m going through right now. I know it sounds completely ridiculous and stupid, knowing that I’ve been with Gun in just a short time, but my feelings for him run deeper. In just a matter of days, he managed to get me hooked on him. Quicker than Zac ever did. Hell, quicker than any other guy ever did.

“Why the long face this time?” Daph loudly plops her tray across from me, pulling me from my mopping state. “You’ve been wearing that expression on your face since I picked you up this morning.”

That’s because I’ve been sulking over your stupid gorgeous brother.

“I’m just feeling a little under the weather, I guess.” I lie.

Her face scrunches up, her eyeglasses falling to her nose. “Oh, no. Do you want to go to the nurse’s office?”

“No, I’m fine.” I hurry on. “I already took ibuprofen before I left home.”

God, I hate lying to my best friend. But I don’t want to spill all the details when anyone can easily eavesdrop into our conversation. I’ve had enough of being the center of the romour mill, thank you very much. I plan to do it later when school ends and it’s just the both of us. Which means I need to distract her for now.

“Anyway, how did the party go, after your, um brother and I left? You don’t look hungover.”

“That’s because I stopped drinking when you guys left.” She gives me an assessing look. “Actually, you’re the one looking hungover right now. You’re eyes seem a little puffy. Did you resume drinking when you disappeared at the party last night? Maybe that’s why you’re feeling off right now.”

“Yeah, um, something like that. So who did you bum a ride home with?”

“Rodney. When he found out you and Gun left, he offered to drive me.”

I raise one eyebrow, intrigued. Interesting. “Really? That’s nice of him.”

“It sure was.” Daphine agreed, twirling the spaghetti on her plate with her fork, not meeting my eyes.

Really, Interesting.

Which makes it even more so, when she quickly changes the subject. “So, have you already finished your Science paper? It’s due tomorrow.”

My eyes widen, oh crap, I totally forgot!

With all the boy drama going on in my life, I’ve neglected my studies. My mom will totally kill me if she finds out I’m not prioritizing school.

“I need to pull an all-nighter tonight.” I groan. “This sucks.”

“Well, I’m done with mine. Which means I can help you finish yours. Sleep over at my house tonight. If we start early, we’ll still get good sleep.”.

If Daph had any clue about what’s going on between me and Gun, she wouldn’t ask me to stay the night at their house. As much as I don’t want to, I really have to work on my Science homework. Which means my boy drama needs to take a back seat. My assignment is more important. I just need to steer clear of Gun while I’m there. I’ll stay holed up in Daph’s room, just in case.

---

“Dinner’s fantastic, Belinda.” I tell Daph’s mom, rubbing my well-fed stomach. “I think I just gained a couple of pounds from it. “

“Oh, you still look great sweetie. You don’t have to worry about gaining weight just yet.” Belinda waves a hand dismissively from across the table but looks pleased with the compliment.

Daph and I just started working on my paper in her bedroom when her mom called us down for dinner. I was hesitant at first, not wanting to face Gunther just yet. Besides, I haven’t even had the chance to tell Daph about her brother yet. Although I managed to tell her about Gabriella and Zac while we were having lunch at the cafeteria. She was pleased to know that I don’t want anything to do with Zac— for revenge otherwise — anymore.

But I couldn’t say no to Belinda’s cooking, her homemade bolognese sauce, Greek pasta salad and Chinese BBQ pork- Char Siu is the best. Even better than my mom’s to be honest —not that I will ever tell her that. So I had to go join Daph and her parents for dinner.

Yeah, it’s just the four of us, Gun isn’t home yet. Probably still held up at basketball practice.

Thank God for small favours.

I can probably make my escape to Daph’s room before he even gets home.

Just as I finished thinking it, Gun walks into the kitchen, his steps faltering when he sees me. My heart stutters in my chest at the sight of him, and I glance away before my face betrays my feelings in front of his family. Not when Daph is still in the dark about it.

Belinda clicks her tongue. “Honey, you just missed dinner.”

“Sorry Mom. Coach was pretty hard on us today.”

“My poor baby.” She coos, making his cheeks burn as his eyes find me. “Take a seat and I’ll get a plate for you. Daph, Nikky, be little angels and clear the table and load the dishes into the dishwasher, will you?”

“On it, Mom.” Daph says giving her mom a thumbs up sign. “We’ll dig into the Chocolate Cherry Garcia in the fridge while waiting for Gun to finish dinner.”

Get stuck in the same room with her brother? I want to protest, but the words get lodged in my throat. Besides, everyone would think I’m being lazy. So I simply nod and smile, careful not to look at Gun who just pulled up a chair and sat down.

“Alright. I’ll be in the living room. I think there’s a football game tonight.” David, Daph and Gun’s dad mutters, kissing his wife on the cheek and messing Gun’s hair on his way out.

Belinda sets the place in front of Gun and leans down to place a kiss on top of her son’s head before following her husband out. Gun groans.

“Awww, my poor baby.” Daph coos in the same voice their mother used, snickering.

Face practically beet red, Gun flicks his eyes to me then glares at his sister. “Shut up.”

Is he embarrassed because of my presence?

With a laugh, Daph walks over to the fridge to retrieve the ice cream. While I grab a couple of ice cream glasses —hesitating for a beat before grabbing another for Gun— and spoons. I can feel his gaze on me, hot, and searing as I pad back to the table and set the utensils down.

“Thank you.” I hear him mutter.

I just nod, still not looking at him.

Ughh. This is complete torture. But I can’t just run back to Daph’s room without arousing her suspicion. So I square my shoulders and sit across from Gun.

“I forgot to tell you, Nikitta,” Daph starts, putting the ice cream on the table. “I saw Zac kissing Lytton outside the girl’s bathroom. They’re supposed to be broken up, right?” She scoffs. “It’s a good thing you turned him down when he tried to get back together with you at the party. I’m really glad that you’re totally over that no-good jerk.”

I just shrug, because what can I say to that? Although it pisses me off a little that Zac made a big show of wanting to win me back last night. I even felt sorry for him. I don’t know if he suddenly realised that Lytton is the one for him or he’s just using her to make me jealous, but I don’t give a crap either way. They won’t be hearing any objections from me.

It doesn’t escape me though, that Gun visibly stiffens his hand holding the fork freezing in mid-air. He lifts his eyes to me. “You rejected McCarthy?”

For a moment I’m taken back by his question. But I quickly recover and huff out a laugh. “You prevented me from telling Zac when you interrupted us, but yes, I was going to reject him.”

Daph stops, mid-bite of her ice cream. “You interrupted them?” She asks Gun. Then whips her head to me. “You didn’t tell me that.”

“She didn’t tell me that, either.” Gun says accusingly, but he’s not talking about the interruption.

Is he seriously blaming me?

I glower at him. “You didn’t exactly give me the chance to do that remember. What did you say again? That I was dumb for wanting to crawl back to the asshole?”

“I didn’t call you dumb.” But he flinches, shame filtering through his features.

“You might as well did.” I say bitterly still feeling the sting of his words, remembering how deep they cut through me.

Don’t you dare cry, I mentally warn myself when my eyes start to water.

“Wait.” Daphine interjects. “What is going on? Is there something I need to know about? Nikky?”

“You should have told me.” Gun ignores his sister, his eyes still hard on me. He looks pissed. Like I wronged him.

“And you shouldn’t have jumped into the wrong conclusion, but you did anyway.” Angrily, I wipe at the tears rolling down my cheeks.

Damn it. I wasn’t supposed to cry in front of him.I didn’t even get to start on my ice cream.

Unable to remain in the same room with Gun a minute longer, I jerk up from the table. “You can do the dishes on your own right? I’d like to continue with my paper now.”

I don’t wait for Daph’s response. I hightail out of the kitchen like the devil is on my heels.

|♠ 13: Are we both signing the same song?

My vision is blurry with tears as I run up the stairs towards Daph’s room. I couldn’t stand to be in the kitchen any longer. I needed to be as far from Gun as possible. I’m almost at the door when a hand clasps my wrist, stopping me. I know it’s Gun so I twist around and shove him off.

“Leave me alone!”

His nostrils flare as he staggers back. “If that’s what you want, then why are you crying?”

“Because you’re a heartless jerk!” I whisper-yell, not wanting to attract the attention of his parents. Its bad enough Daph has to witness our whole exchange and likely already started to put the pieces of the puzzle together before I can come clean to her. I don’t want to drag them Into our drama, too.

This whole thing is stupid anyway.

Stupid and fleeting. Because this is exactly what it is. Because Zac was right. Weeks from now, maybe even days, Gunther will go back to his usual M.O —hooking up with girls. And I’ll be left pinning over him like an idiot.

It’s like I never learn.

“And you drive me crazy!” Roughly Gun runs his fingers through his hair, eyes wild, then cups my face in his hands and the rests his forehead against mine. “You have no idea how much.” His breath is hot on my lips, making me want to bridge the distance between us. My heart is thundering in my chest while an ache forms low in my belly, slithering it’s way up my chest and settling there.

Even after what he did, I still want nothing more than to kiss him and be with him, to kiss and make up.

I’m truly an idiot.

“Why do I find that hard to believe?” I say sarcastically laughing through my tears, swatting his hands away and wiping my cheeks.. “You haven’t even said anything. You just made out with me every chance you got.”

Is that all I’m good for? Someone to fool around with?

His brows pinched together in annoyance. “And that wasn’t enough to clue you in? I’m not in the habit of kissing girls I don’t like Red.”

God help me— I want to sucker punch him right now.

“Oh do you want a trophy or something? A round of applause? A medal? A bucket of fucking eclairs?”

He growls. “Why are you so stubborn?”

He’s seriously asking me that? After what he did? After all the words he said?

“Because you hurt me you asshole.” I stab a finger at His chest. “You keep hurting me and making me cry and I hate you for it!”

He’s speechless for a moment, stunned by my words then he gives me a pained look. “Nikky—”

But I’m already done talking. I trudge into Daph’s room and slam the door on his face. Thankfully, he doesn’t follow me inside. Maybe he realises that he won’t be able to get through me. Or that I’m not worth it, after all. But I hear his retreating footsteps through the door.

Resting my head against it, I stare up at the ceiling and will myself not to cry. I don’t want to spend another night crying my eyes out, I’m so tired of it. And I still have a paper to write.

So that’s what I do. I dive into my science paper, burying and distracting myself with research just so I don’t have to agonize about what just happened. Its not until an hour later that Daph enters her room. I’m not sure if she wanted to give me space or she went to talk to Gun, but I brace myself when the door opens and she steps inside.

“On a scale from one to ten, how pissed are you at me?” I ask warily, idling my chair from the study table.

She folds her arms across her chest and leans against the door. “A big fat, fifteen.”

Uh-oh.

I wince. “That bad?”

“So you and Gun……” She shakes her head, disbelief crossing her features. “I honestly don’t know what to think about it.”

“If there’s any consolation, my only wish would be that nothing would change between us.”

She arches a brow. “You’re seriously quoting Whitney Houston’s song right now?”

“Who’s that?”

She rolls her eyes. “Never mind. It’s not the point.”

Probably one of her favourite singers. If reading books is my thing, listening to music is hers.

“Why didn’t you tell me?” She demands

“Because Gun’s not just any guy. He’s your brother. You already thought it was weird enough to fake date him. I didn’t want to freak you out further.” Even to my ears it sounds lame.

“Well, do I look like I’m freaking out?”

I shake my head mutely.

Sighing, Daph walks over to my bed and plops down. “You shouldn’t have held out on me Nikitta. Maybe you’re right. Maybe I would have freaked out. But only for a while, I’d learn to get over It eventually. You’re my best friend, I’ll never be against your happiness even if it comes in the form of my annoying brother. “

“I’m sorry, D.” I hang my head in guilt and shame nipping at me with it’s sharp teeth. Looking back on the last few days, it was really dumb of me to keep everything as a secret to her. If I had told her, I probably wouldn’t be in this situation. Things wouldn’t have gone to sit.

But what’s done is done. I just have to be better, moving forward.

“I accept your apology.” She declares, providing the fact that she’s the bestest friend in the world.”

“Thank you.”

“But are you sure this thing with Gun isn’t just a rebound?”

I bark out a hallow laugh. “Believe me, I’ve asked that question myself a million times. But no, it’s not.”

I’m certain, now more than ever, that’s it’s never been a rebound. My feelings for Gun are real and have nothing to do with Zac.

Which sucks if I think about it. I could’ve seriously taken a break from another heartbreak.

She sighs. “Well, now that it’s been settled. What are you going to do with my brother?”

I blink at her. “What am I going to do with him?”

“I literally just asked you that.” She laughs.

“Nothing, its over.. We didn’t work out.” I shrug, my casual tone hiding my true feelings. “It’s just probably meant nothing to Gun anyway.”

She doesn’t have to know that I feel the absolute worst. That I just want to curl up and cry. Because doing so will make her think the worst of her brother. Even though Gun and I aren’t on good terms, I don’t want Daph to think that way. I don’t want to go between them.

“I don’t know Nikky, it doesn’t look over to me.”

I stare at her. “What do you mean?”

“Gunther is sulking in his room. He has bags under his eyes. Big, awful bags like yours. And the way he looked at you in the kitchen, and he practically ran after you? That didn’t scream over and nothing to me.”

“You drive me crazy you have no idea how much” he said.

Is her assumption correct? Am I blinded by my righteous anger to see the truth?

|♠ 14: A revelation that got me beaming.

“I’m just saying, honey I think it’s worth the shot.” Mom is telling Dad as she prepares the doughnuts and squeezes frosting into the cupcakes on the table.

One of our neighbours, Mrs. Janell, has watched my mom’s cupcake and doughnut making videos from month’s back so she ordered four dozens of cupcakes, two dozens of doughnut muffins and one dozen of watermelon doughnuts for her son’s seventh birthday tomorrow.

While dad is feeding Lupita her baby food, I’m helping Mom out with the frosting of the cupcakes, since she’s working on the doughnuts. My frosting’s not as pretty as her work, but it’s not so bad either.

“Well, it can be just like last year. Which wasn’t a good turnout.” Dad has a playful smile on his face even as he mutters the words pretending the spoonful of food in his hand is an airplane, making Lupita giggle with glee before allowing Dad to put it in his mouth.

“You don’t know that.”

My parents are talking about the upcoming state fair. Last year, Dad participated in it— got himself a booth and all to showcase the best selling books of Baldwin Reads & Sno-cones. It wasn’t a fail exactly, but it wasn’t a success either. So I’d been disappointed.

“Well this year’s fair falls on a Saturday, which means there will be plenty of kids. Put Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Twilight, The Chronicles Of Narnia, Lord of The rings and whatever series currently trending on display and they’ll surely go crazy over it.”

“She’s right Dad.” I chime in. “Since I have no school that day unlike last year, I’ll serve as your marketing mouth piece. Daph and I —we’ll both be here to help, I promise.”

Mom beams at me. “That’s so great sweetie.” To dad she says. “Why don’t you order some souvenirs and memorabilia to go with your books? You can sell them as a pack of some sort.”

Dad’s interest perks up, suddenly inspired. Then he and mom proceed to enthusiastically bounce ideas off each other. While I’m just content to listen and perfect —or at least try to– my frosting design.

Seriously I’m happy that Mom is totally being supportive of Dad. Now no one would think she wasn’t a fan of dad’s business in the beginning. Because nowadays, she’s his number one cheerleader and motivator, especially during the days when Sales are down. She’s there to cheer him up and remind him that his highsale days far exceed his slow-sales ones.

Dad’s the same with Mom’s YouTube channel –although in her case, it’s views instead of sales.

They’re a truly solid team.

As I aspire to have a marriage as awesome as theirs some day. But at the moment, I have to tread through the complicated web of teenage relationships.

Which for the most part sucks. Especially when the guy you’re falling for is the most frustrating guy on the planet.

Teenage boys are the worst. I wonder if adult guys are any better?

God help the womankind if they’re basically the same. Daph insists that Gun feels the same way, but I don’t see him knocking on my door to prove it. Like where is he right now? But it’s as if fate is mocking me, because the doorbell chooses the moment –of all moments –to ring. Damn it fate.

Seeing that Both my parents are currently occupied, I scamper off to the door, mindlessly wiping the frosting stains off my hands on the apron I’m wearing. Yeah, I’m all disheveled from helping mom bake, but I just don’t care. It’s probably Daphine anyway, waiting to hangout. Although she didn’t tell me she was planning to come over.

“Hey Daph, what’s the —” The words die in my mouth when I realise that the person standing on my doorstep isn’t my best friend.

It’s her brother.

My heart stutters in my chest. What is he doing here? “Honey who’s that? Mom calls from the kitchen.

“No one.” I practically yell, stepping outside and closing the front door behind me. Then taking a deep breath, I brace myself and turn to face him. “What are you doing here Gun?”

I resist the urge to smooth my chair and check myself for any smear of cupcake frosting. I shouldn’t care that I currently look like a pauper in a Disney movie. He came here unannounced. He can deal with my unglamorous self. “What do you want? I don’t have all day.” I say, when he just stares at me quietly, his eyes taking me in intently, giving me the urge to sneak back inside the house and freshen up. Especially when he looks soo good in just a simple red T-shirt and dark jeans. But that’s the thing about Gunther —he always looks good.

He shifts on his foot, suddenly looking nervous. “Can we talk? Please Nikky?”

With wary eyes, I wrap my arms around my waist. “About what?”

“About us.”

I remain still. “What about us?” Is he here to declare his feelings for me? Or break my heart even more? No, he’s not that heartless……is he?

Gun takes a deep breath as if to draw courage. “When I told you i regretted agreeing to be your fake boyfriend, I lied. I never regretted it. Not even for a second. How could I when it made me realise my feelings for you?”

My breath hitches at his words, my heart racing, but I mask my reaction by crossing my arms over my chest. “Then why did you say it?”

“Because, I got jealous when I saw you with Zac. I thought the two of you—”

“Are back together? That’s why you assumed the worst of me?”

He grimaces. “I’m not proud of it, but yeah.”

“That really hurt me, Gunther.” I blurt before I can stop myself. But I mean them nonetheless.

“I know.” He winces. “God I know. Seeing you cry last night……” He swallows hard, a pained look on his face. “It made me realise how much I screwed up. You were right. I hadn’t said anything to clue you in.”

My heart is going a mile a minute now. The sound of steady beat in my ears. What is he saying?” “W-what are you s-saying?” I echo my thoughts, stuttering over the words.

His eyes meet mine, and in them, I see it– what he’s yet to say, what I want to hear. “I’m saying my heart is yours Red.” A sheepish grin curves his lips, reddening. “And I really hope you don’t break it.”

My chest tightens and swells, it feels like I’m having a heart attack. And its all I can do not to throw my hands around his neck and kiss the bejeezus out of him. But I want to smack him silly for putting me through unnecessary pain.

Because seriously, why didn’t he say anything? This boy. It’s not going to be a smooth ride with him. We’ll be arguing endlessly, and he’s going to piss me off a lot, but also know that he’ll win me over again and again

Because he’s Gun and he has my heart too.

“Nikky? What are you thinking? Say something, am I too late?” His eyes are wide with panic, it makes me want to laugh.

I shake my head. And with a suppressed smile, I say. “I’m thinking that that had to be the most stereotyped line I’ve ever heard.” When his shoulders sag, I quickly add, “but also the sweetest. “

His face brightens at that. “Does that mean my poor soul is forgiven?”.

I giggle. “Yeah.”

He mutters a dramatic “thank goodness” before slipping his arm around my waist to pull me to him. But my hands shoot out and push against his chest.

Staggering back, he gives me a confused look. “What the hell? I thought we were okay now.”

“We are. But I deserve a little groveling, don’t you think?” I let out a loud sigh, as if it’s an inconvenience to explain myself. “I’m not an easy girl Gun, you have to prove your feelings for me first.”

But I have to be firm about this. It’s the last he can do after making me cry. Its not that I plan to make him sweat or anything. I just need him to woo me a little and make me feel that he’s really serious about us.

Biting back a laugh, I pat his chest. “I still have a batch of cupcakes waiting to get frosted, so I’ll see you later, okay?” I say pecking his lips.

“W- wait—”

But I’m already inside and closing the door, a huge smile on my face and a spring in my step as I make my way back to the kitchen.

Please like and comment your suggestions. And don’t forget to leave a review.😘

|♠ 15: Me and Him ^Him and Me

I’m staring out the window as the teacher drones on in front of the class.

I can’t pay attention to the lecture when my mind is somewhere else. Its on Gunther. The day after Gun went over to my house to apologize. Like I said, I had no intention of making him work for it for a long time. So when he came knocking on my front door the following night with a bouquet of roses in his hands, I jumped into his arms and kissed him stupid.

We were inseparable since.

“Yvonne and I are heading to Vicente’s later.” Cash, Yvonne’s boyfriend tells me as we stroll down after last period. “You and Gun should join us.”

“Actually, I have to catch up on something. Maybe next time.”

He searches my face. “Everything okay, Nikky?” Aww Sweet cute Cash. He’s such a blessing. With his jet black hair and amber eyes, Yvvone managed to succumb to his charms just afew days ago.

I chuckle. “Yeah, I’m fine.Everything’s fine.” I pat him on the shoulder and stroll down the maze-like hallways which are kind of empty for some reason. Where the hell is Gun or Daph?

A shiver rans down my spine just thinking of our next make out session with Gun. With a smile, I cross the parking lot, spotting a big crowd of students by the trees, with their phones taking pictures of something in them.

Grey monkeys. Cute grey squirrel monkeys. Daphine is in the crowd too taking pictures with Yvonne who’s waving her phone around like a maniac. I head towards them before something not far from it catches my attention.

Not something —someone. And not just someone.. A couple kissing. My steps move to a halt, my body going completely numb when recognition sets in.

Gunther and Gabriella.

Kissing.

My boyfriend –kisssing an FFB who’s got a huge-not-so-secret crush on him.

My head is spinning. My ears are ringing. My knees are threatening to buckle under me. Everything around me blurs to nothing until they’re all I can see. Bile works up my throat, as Gun pulls away, his eyes fixed on her.

“You feel it too don’t you? This thing between us.” Gabriella trails her hand down his chest. “Leave that poor excuse of a fake girlfriend and come be real with me. You’re secret will be safe with me I promise.”

Gun grabs her hand, and drops it harshly, stepping back. Then as if he finally senses my presence, he flicks his eyes in my direction, his face pale when he sees me. “Nikitta.”

Hearing my name, Gabriella follows his gaze. Surprise crosses her features before a triumphant smile replaces it. I ignore her, focusing my tear-brimmed glare on Gun, whose face is filled with guilt and panic. “

“Red, please.”

“No.” I shake my head. Then I’m turning on my heel and running away, ignoring his calls as tears run down my cheeks.

°°°°°°

“There must be some kind of explanation for what you saw. I mean, Gunther couldn’t do something like that. He wouldn’t dare cheat on you with Gabriella. He’s in a relationship with you, not her?” Rodney tries to assure me as I cry my eyes out in my room. “Maybe you should talk to him first.”

After running from the parking lot, I tried calling Daphine but she didn’t pick up her phone, hence I called Rodney, asking him to come to my house. Which he didn’t hesitate to do when he heard the sniffles through the line. And even though his best friend trampled on my heart, I just needed to talk to someone, he’s a friend too.

I blow my nose into the tissue and toss it into the growing pile of used ones in front of me. I don’t care how gross I’m being right now.

God, I can’t believe Gun did that to me.

But do you really? Zac warned me about what Gun would do, but I took a risk and look where it got me. A sob escapes my lips, sending fresh tears running Down my already soaked cheeks.

“Oh, hon. Come here.” Rod wraps his arms around me, letting me cry on his shoulder.

And that’s what I do, I let it all out— all the hurt, all the pain —hoping that its nothing but a nightmare. But it’s not. It’s all real, and it hurts soo much.

“I wish I never fell for him.” I tell Rodney when I pull away. “This wouldn’t have happened. Maybe I should have taken Zac back, he wanted me anyway.”

Rod shakes his head vehemently. “I really think you should talk to him.”

As if on cue, my phone beeps on the nightstand, signalling another text message. It’s been blowing up since I got home, and I’ve looked enough times to know that it’s Gun.

“Red I’m sorry.”

“Can we please talk?”

“It’s not what you think.”

Bringing my gaze back to Rodney, I snap. “So he can rub their hooking up in my face?” I clench my jaw, shaking my head. “I don’t think so.”

Rod is about to respond when Daphine walks into my room. “Rodney is right. You need to talk to him.”

I wipe me eyes, before gaping at my best friend. “He told you?”

“Yep.” she smirks. “He knew I would kill his sorry ass if I heard it from anyone first.”

Rod scoffs and rolls his eyes. “So, because of that, you’re taking your brother’s side?” I say.

She frowns at me, coming closer. “I’m not taking his side. I’m just saying, talk to him. You’ll see that you got it wrong and its all just a misunderstanding.”

My eyes flare wide as my jaw drops. She thinks it’s all a misunderstanding? Wat. The. Actual. Fuck. I feel my blood boiling even as I stare at her. “Get out!” I shove her away.

She looks taken back. “What?”

“I don’t needed you here. Get out!”

“But Nikky—”

“Now!!”

“Fine.” She glares at me. “Don’t listen to me and make your life miserable. I’m your best friend, and I would never give you wrong advice.”

“Go with her.” I tell Rodney, sniffling.

He blinks at me. “But—”

“Just go. All of you. I want to be alone.” I lie on my back and turn on my side, my back facing them. A moment later, I hear my bedroom door close behind me.

I know I’m being a jerk, but just want to be alone and wallow myself in self-pity right now. I can be a pathetic mess today. “Tomorrow I’ll try to be strong.” I lie to myself.

****

I must have fallen asleep from all the moping and crying. Because the next time I open my puffy eyes and glance at my bedside clock. I see that its already close to midnight.

I missed dinner.

Sighing, I turn on my nightstand lamp. My mouth is parched, I need a glass of milk. And maybe some Ben&Jerry’s Chunky Monkey. Just as I’m climbing out of bed, my phone beeps making me frown. Who would text me at this time of the night?

Gun. Gunther would.

Why is he still texting me? I haven’t responded to any of his messages. Can’t he take a hint? What more does he want from me anyway?

“I’m just saying talk to him. You’ll see that you got it all wrong and it’s all just a misunderstanding. “

I pull my lip between my teeth. Could Daph be telling me the truth? She’s my best friend for God’s sake, she wants the best for me. But I saw him kissing Gabriella with my own eyes. I didn’t just imagine it.

Reluctantly, I reach for my phone. I’m just going to read his messages. I’m not going to respond.

Gunther: Look out your window.

I blink at the message, Huh?

Another message appears:

Please.

My eyes pop wide. Is he outside right now? Tossing my phone onto the bed, I hurry to my window. And sure enough, there he is, standing in my front yard looking up my window with watery eyes.

My traitorous heart kicks up a beat at the sight of him. “What are you doing here?”

“Can we talk?”

“It’s already late!”

“Please, Red. Just give me a few minutes.”

I just stare at him, hesitating. Should I go downstairs? He looks so sad that my heart aches. He blows on his hands, then stuffs them into the pocket of his pants. Its cold outside and he’s just wearing a hoodie.

Oh, who am I kidding?

“Fine.” I sigh. “I’m coming down.”

Grabbing a sweater from my closet, I put it on top of my PJ’s and head downstairs, stepping out onto my front porch where Gun is already waiting.

“Hey.” He breathes out, his emerald eyes locking on mine, making my heart skip a beat.

This was a bad idea.

“Hey.”I mumble, hugging my middle. “Interesting time to come over.” I know I should be bitter towards him after all the hurt he’s put me through, but I just can’t. Not with the tenderness that he’s looking at me with.

“I can’t sleep. Not without you. I need to clear things up. I need to make things right.”

I shake my eyes and wrench my eyes away. “Gun, please. Haven’t you hurt me enough.”

“I didn’t kiss Gabriella.”

That has my gaze snapping back to him. “Seriously? I was there. I saw the two of you doing it.”

“You saw her kissing me, not the other way round.” He moves his fingers through his hair, messing it up. “I was heading to my car when she stopped and asked if we could talk. So I indulged her, and then the next thing I knew, she was kissing me.”

I just stare at him, my lips pressed into a thin line. Is that really what happened?

“Nikky it’s the truth, you have to believe me.”he pleads, moving closer to me, pulling something a phone out of his pocket. Not his phone, its way too girly and very familiar. It’s Yvonne’s phone. He unlocks it and goes to videos, then places the phone in my hand as a video starts playing.

Monkeys are playing on trees. Grey monkey. The ones that were at school this evening, people are cooing at the monkeys, very many voices and I notice Yvonne and Daph’s voice. The person(who I believe is Yvonne) changes angles and starts filming two moneys fighting just on the right. And there I see. At the end of the video is Gun talking with Gabriella, he seems irritated, looks like she’s convincing him to do whatever he doesn’t want. Then she manhandles him in a kiss, and it’s when I appear. Just at the time they start kissing, he pulls back quickly and it’s where the video ends.

Gun then looks at me with hopeful eyes. Should I believe him— as much as I want to— the image of them kissing just can’t get out of my head.

“Nikky, you’ve got to believe me.” Then he cups my face in his hands, as if he can’t keep himself from touching me anymore. “Baby I miss you. I miss you so much it hurts. Baby please.”

I close my eyes and a tear falls down my cheek making him groan as if in pain.

“I really screwed up, didn’t i?” He whispers, gently wiping the tear away. “Nikky please, give me a chance to fix this. Give me a chance to make things right between us. One last chance— that’s all I ask.”

God, it’s soo hard to keep a stubborn ground when I see nothing but sincerity and determination in his eyes.

Oh maybe you know, he’s telling the absolute truth, a voice at the back of my head says.

I’m such a sucker for this boy.

“I love you.” I say chewing on my bottom lip.

“Oh, how I love you too Red.” He says flashing a huge grin, a tear escaping his eyes.

And as we kiss under the stars, I make a mental note to myself.

Screw Gabriella. Screw all the girls who will dare try to take him away from me. He’s totally mine. And I’m totally his.

|♠ 16: Epilogue

“You seriously need to stop doing that.”

I smile against Gun’s lips before detaching myself from his lap and sliding back to the seat next to him, giving Daph and apologetic grin. “Sorry, Daph.”

My best friend has been bitching about me and her brother’s constant PDA ever since we arrived at Paris Sydney’s party, but really, ever since we got together again weeks ago. Specifically, the day me and Gun reconciled and kissed under the stars, we’ve been glued to the hip.

To Daphine’s constant and annoyance and frustration.

Which amuses her brother to no end and makes me feel a little guilty. Before Gunther and I got together, I only went over to their house to hang out with Daphine. Now, I go there to hang out with the two of them. I usually seek out Daph first and be with her for an hour or two before spending the rest of my time with Gun.

Because even though I’m completely head over heels in love with her brother, I don’t ever want her to feel left out. I always make sure to remind her that her best friend —me— is always there for her.

I’m not the only one though, Gun also makes her feel the same.

Which is why, sometimes, the three of us hang out together to play some board games or watch movies in the living room. At least Daph stays with us until she can no longer handle our PDA.

But it doesn’t mean that we don’t gang up on Gun anymore. The two of us stiil band together to either make fun of him or argue with him. Of course, he retaliates afterward —by torturing me with his kisses. Which I shamelessly love every minute of.

Being with him is like that —hot and exhilaratingly fun. And I was right, there are some arguments and silly fights. But they never last long. Once he or I cave in, we’re back to being the awesome couple that we always are.

“Who would have thought they’d last this long?” Daph muses of over the rim of her red Solo cup, her eyes trained across the large pool in Paris’s backyard.

And then I see them. Zac and Lytton. He’s whispering something in her ear, making her blush and playfully smack his arm. He grins and then kisses the side of her head.

“Yeah, who would’ve thought?” I say.

But I did. Zac and I have been having serious talks. I was right in my assumption that he had hooked up with Lytton after Rodney’s party to make me jealous. After I told him point blank that we were truly over, I encouraged him to take his relationship with Lytton seriously. I pointed out that she seemed to have strong feelings for, him, and he dumped me for her for a reason. He protested at first, insisting that I was the only girl he wanted. But seeing that I’m currently staring at the two loved-up couple, Zac ended up heeding my advice.

Funny how things worked out between the two of us. I wouldn’t call us friends, but we’re all good now. No more lingering resentment between us. That revenge plan honestly feels like a long time ago. And despite all the drama that took place, it brought me here. So how can I regret it?

“Should I be jealous?” Gun’s voice filters through my thoughts. When I glance at him. There’s no hint of jealousy or suspicion on his face, just plain amusement. Because he knows I’m completely his, just as I’m confident that he’s completely mine. We’re each other’s and no one else’s. And no other guy or girl can change that.

“Hmm what do you think?” I murmur, planting a chaste kiss on his lips..

In true Gun fashion, he chases my lips when I pull back and capture them in a hot lingering one. “I say, let him try.” He murmurs with a low chuckle, stealing another kiss before leaning back on his chair.

“You guys are unbearable, you know that right?” Daph groans. “Can’t you like, spend an hour without mauling each other’s faces?”

I exchange a heated look with Gun, knowing that the answer to that is a resounding no. What can I say? We can’t keep our hands off each other for long.

Daph throws her hands up. “You know what? I’ll just head inside and dance. You two can stay here and make out until your lips fall of.” She downs the rest of her beer and saunters off. Only to stop dead a few steps away, her face white as a sheet as she stares across the pool.

Frowning, I follow her gaze and find Rodney, sitting in one of the lounge chairs —making out with Paris. When I turn back to Daph, she’s no longer on the same spot. But I catch sight of her long brown hair before it disappears through the crowd.

What the hell was that about? Is there something going on between her and Rod?

Wanting answers, I turn to Gun keeping my voice as casual as possible. “Hey babe, what’s the deal between Rodney and Paris?”

He shrugs. “They’re hooking up, what else?”

“So it’s not serious?”

His brows pinch together. “I don’t really know. They’ve been spending alot of time together lately, and I think they went on a few dates.”

“That doesn’t sound like hooking up to me.”

“Who cares?”

I scowl at him. “He’s your best friend.”

“So? We’re not girls. We’re not like you and Daph. We don’t do relationship talks.”

“Are you being serious right now?” I scowl harder. Didn’t he talk to Rod about our fake relationship?

“I’m just kidding Red.” He says, pinching my cheeks playfully, chuckling when I glower at him. “I’ll ask him tomorrow if you really want to know.” Then he waggles his eyebrows, mischief crossing his features. “Now to a more important matter, how about we blow off this boring party and go head out to my Jeep and make out? It’ll be a more productive use of our time, don’t you think?”

I roll my eyes. “Geez, you are such a romantic.”

But who am I kidding? Of course, I’ll go with him. He’s right anyway. This party is boring. With a sigh, I get up from my chair and hold out a hand to Gun. “Come on, my Prince. Take me to your castle.”

He takes my hand and in one swift move, rises from his seat and snakes an arm around my waist. “Now, who’s the romantic one?” He growls, sending delicious shivers down my spine.

God, this guy, he never fails to make me feel things. Never fails to steal my breath and make my toes curl. And definitely never fails to make me feel like the luckiest girl in the world.

Honestly, what more can I ask?

THE END♥.