"Get up."

"No."

"Seriously, Ava, get up."

"We have a week off. What are you possibly possessing?" I muffle with my head on my pillow.

"We have practice." Lilith refreshes my early morning memory.

"What? You have to be kidding me. I thought it was a national holiday?" I whine.

"Yes, ask your bestie who doesn't comply with fundamental rules. Now get your arse up, we're late."

"Can you please give me some privacy? I'm right behind you." I tell her, although it was a lie since I feel victorious when the door closes and silence again takes over the atmosphere. So, I melt back into my sleep.

"WAKE. UP."

Shoot!

I spring upright with wide eyes and definitely dishevelled hair.

"Did you just pour cold water on me early this morning?" I emphasize my frustration.

"Yes, Rapunzel, but correction of reality—it's ten in the morning... I think this weekend we need to go to the salon. I opine it's sad your hair is a mess around a discount month. Now you'll make us look like cheap girls." She thoughtfully frowns, with her fingers under her chin. "Perhaps there should be a spa that doesn't do the Black Friday stuff. Shit, I'm sure there should be. Okay, get yourself ready, Rapunzel. I'm going to Google search Nevada's expensive salon and spa."

"Rapunzel?"

She shrugs and rolls her eyes. "Your hair grows faster, don't get me wrong, but I think I should..."

"Let me hide in my bedroom and sleep all day." I interrupt, sarcastically.

Heavily, she sighs and retrieves her phone from her waist bag. "No, go bald and see how fast your scalp grows."

Infuriated, I'd had enough, so I grab her by the arm and lead her to the door. "Thanks for waking me up."

By the time I shower and get myself into a black tracksuit. I know how hot it can get at practice. So instead, I shrug off the jacket and tie it around my waist.

I don't think I feel comfortable with my reflection in the mirror. The white Calvin Klein sport crop top clings to my body and exposes a lot of skin, not to mention my abdomen.

Okay, change of plan...

"Damn... that's what I'm talking about, hot style. I see the Vegas sun is finally shining on you. Come on, let's get going." Lilith grabs my backpack and Puma trainers before pulling me out of my bedroom door and down to the ground floor.

"What is that smell?" I ask, as the aroma offers no mercy to my growling stomach.

"It's called turkey," Sawyer informs me from the kitchen.

"Where's Mum?"

"I don't think doctors get a day off, and if they do, then Auntie Susan is a workaholic," Sawyer says, and my soul goes duh.

"Ava, come eat your breakfast before you leave," Christian calls out from where he is giving Sawyer a hand in preparing Thanksgiving dinner.

"Dad, we're late for practice. We've gotta leave, or we will get kicked out of the cheerleading team." Lilith complains.

"I don't care. You know the rules. Health comes before anything. Now, come eat your breakfast."

"Duhhhh, make it quick."

I stalk to the kitchen while Lilith heads to the living room area. I snatch a chair and sit down at the table where Christian has kept my breakfast.

"I still can't believe you're in a cheerleading team. The more you live, the more the universe keeps surprising you." Sawyer giggles.

We managed to make peace a few weeks ago when Sawyer herself dropped the jealous attitude and came into my bedroom for a girl's talk. Since then, we've maintained our relationship, even though I always have the alert urge to rip her hair off every mealtime because she not only gets to sit next to Leigh but she also gets to communicate with him a billion times more than I do.

Surprised?

Alright, here's the thing. Since the Bellagio experience, I've deliberately maintained whatever relationship exists between Arlen Garret and me, while intentionally refusing to acknowledge Leigh's existence.

Not that I am content with my choice of behaviour, but I couldn't look him in the eyes after everything that's happened.

I'm sure he's probably having lots of fun with every girl in Vegas, including older women.

The thought alone has the power to squeeze the whole blood out of my heart, leaving me aching to death.

"Me either," I mumble.

It was around eleven when we arrived at Cole's Center, and the car park is almost filled up with mostly Hill's High students' vehicles. But what drew my attention is the blue Chiron shining from its spot.

He's here.

When Lilith notices where my attention has disappeared, she asks with a straw in her mouth—sipping coffee, "Have you ever practiced here?"

I shake my head, no!

She waggles her brows, looking amused. "Come and enjoy the perks of being a Boyce then." She pulls me with her into the gymnasium.

The thing about my soon-to-be stepsister is she's a person with a whole lot of self-confidence. With each step she takes in her sporty shorts and crop top, she feels like a goddess. While I, on the other hand, want to cover my chest already, as almost everyone's eyes dart towards us.

"Do not tell me gawking is one of the perks, because I would love to leave now." I whisper.

"You're not going anywhere, Ava. I will not remind you again. I have a great picture around here, and I'd love to keep it that way. So, wear your girl pride mask and feel your worth." Lilith is faking a wide smile that I am sure must hurt as she blasts me with commanding orders.

I didn't know I am hyperventilating until the three girls stop in front of us.

"Hello, bitches." Embry sneers, also showing too much leg, just like her girls.

"I cannot wait for tomorrow's party. I've already gotten my dress." Lilith tells the group of her so-called friends.

"Me too."

"Me three! Did you know Chucks Marine's new home is a four-story building with three gates before getting through?" Suri announces.

"No way!" The girls gasp as if the BBC had just reported a breaking news.

"I thought he was some wack. I've always given the boy asinine comments," Quinn questions.

"I heard he stays with his drunk guardian in a shop?" Lilith asks confusedly.

"Used to, until his biological parents finally found him," Suri tells them.

"And he accepted them without shame? They probably sold him as a baby for adoption," Embry scrunches her face disgustingly.

"I know, right?" Lilith exclaims.

Oh, dear gossip girls. I don't feel comfortable around them. I don't trust them at all, so I mind my own business and try to ease my tense discomfort.

"Do you blame him? Who wouldn't want a place where money talks?" Suri asks, and the three snort.

"Anyway, what is the snake doing with you?" Embry shoots it directly at me, and my body becomes rigid.

"Oh, I forgot to tell you, we're good now. Sisters always fix stuff, huh?" Lilith gleefully pulls me into her arms and kisses my temple.

"Who could have a long grudge with the British fruit? Welcome back, Ava." Suri steps forward and warms my frozen body in a hug.

"Cool! Sorry I was harsh. I was just being the..."

"Regular bitch?" Embry rudely interrupts Quinn just in time as Sofia calls on us.

Even as the girls begin moving towards the cheerleaders' teammates, I can feel Embry's eyes burning fire on me. Just like I can feel the set of green eyes studying me as I walk behind Quinn.

"Hey, Lilith, do you think I can have dinner at your place?" Embry unexpectedly asks, knocking my insides unconscious.

"Actually... I think that is a great idea..." Lilith starts.

"What is a great idea?" Sofia halts, stopping opposite us with her forever-cheering mask mirroring all the girls.

"Let's see..." Embry's eyes wander around the gymnasium where almost everyone is ogling the one person I wish were mine. "It's called mind your own business." She smiles innocently at the cheerleader captain.

"As far as I am concerned, you girls are my business, junior. Unless you want to quit the squad? You can leave then. I believe the door is open. Cole, the door isn't locked, is it?" Sofia raises her plummy tone just for Cole to clasp, and he did, for he replies, "No."

When Embry doesn't move or object, Sofia crookedly smiles and turns. "Good, that's what I thought. Now get your arses in line. And Ava, welcome to your first off-school practice. It's gonna be fun."

After almost getting a bone broken since I can swear Embry intentionally refuses to support the rest of the team to catch me, and for the fourth time I land hard on my buttocks.

"What is this nonsense?" Frustrated, Sofia questions.

"She's too fatty for flying. It's obvious," Embry answers like it's a matter of fact, evoking laughter from everyone at my expense.

"Or maybe you're just a lazy, spoiled girl and you can't catch," I didn't just say that.

Please, floor, do me a favour and let me sink inside of you.

"What did you just call me?" Embry steps into my face.

Yes, a coward is what I am. "Nothing," I mumble.

"Yes, nothing." She repeats boldly, warning evident in her tone.

"Again," Sofia orders, and the team rushes to help me get ready. Embry? Unwilling. "Five, six, seven... float."

Embry literally shifts and fakes a fall at the same time I land on the carpet.

"I think she broke me into pieces," Snaky Embry begins wailing. "Told you she's heavy." She yells purposely, and Suri, Lilith, and Quinn rush from their positions to her.

"So you're useless then? We need a new base. Any volunteers?" Sofia asks, nonchalant about Embry's situation, which I am sure is pure pretence. But I am feeling more than low, with zero per cent of self-esteem, that I decide to stay mute on the floor.

"No, I'd love to keep my spot on the team. I can manage. We would only need a lighter flyer," Embry whines, clearly shading me.

"Ava, what's your weight?" Sofia turns to me, but I am too humiliated to speak up for myself. I am sure a word from me could release the tears threatening to spill.

Everyone's attention is on me, including the Cheetahs footballers who are supposed to be working out and minding their own responsibilities. It makes me feel so small and vulnerable that I clutch my knees to my chest and focus on steadying my heart rate.

"Forty, I believe she's slender enough," that raspy, husky voice takes over the silence.

Sofia tilts towards Leigh's direction, where he's wiping off the sweat on his holy skin with a white towel. That view is enough for every girl's meal, perpetually. "Yes, slender enough," breathier, Sofia repeats his words, mentally causing my eyes to roll.

I feel like screaming and warning everyone to take their eyes off of him. Why won't they stop staring at him?

"What? That's... that's not even possible. She's underweight then," Embry's words crack, apparently struggling with immaturity.

"It's better to be underweight than overweight," Sofia tries to stifle her laugh, but it keeps escaping each time she exhales, so she has to cover her mouth with her palms.

I think I take back my words. I still like her.

"Can I have a male volunteer who will show these ladies how it's done, please?" Sofia asks the huge boys working out.

And before I process what she was implying, Arlen is approaching.

My eyes widen, but not enough since they almost fall when I feel Arlen's cold fingertips around my bare waist.

"I've always told you all to never limit yourself by thinking you can only do one thing. Under the right circumstances, anything is possible. By trying other positions, you'll gain a better understanding of the responsibilities involved in each. This has been our motive for a long time. Not everything lasts forever," Sofia tells her team. "Please, Arlen, show them how it's done."

And before you know it, I am floating in the air with my legs spread high up wide, just like my hands. And safety? Is when I land tenderly in his big, strong arms. Arlen Garret's heartbeat is audible, and his eyes are shimmering with different emotions, but something like desire is even stronger. So, I instantly detach myself from his warm embrace.

"That's exactly what I am talking about. Thank you, Arlen Garret, for the volunteer." Sofia winks at the shy boy smiling at me.

"Now I want y'all in line and let's do this again. I want a strong team, not a weak one. And Ava, you'll need confidence and be courageous. Attitude is everything up there and down here. You have to believe you can do it because if you don't think you can, you probably won't. Moreover, you must trust your teammates and vice versa." Sofia shoots a dagger glance at the fuming Embry. "If you trust them completely, you know that if you were to fall, someone will be there to catch you. With that out of the way, you can concentrate on what needs to be done. Which is?" She pauses, waiting for everyone to conclude the speech.

"Cheering." Loudly, everyone answers.

"Good, let's get to business." She swirls on her black trainers, showcasing her tan, long legs and round buttocks. Matter of fact, she's hot and she's proud of it.

***

"When is your next game?" Christian asks.

"It was supposed to be tomorrow, sir, but it has been shifted until next week," calmly responds Arlen Garret.

Yes, Arlen Garret joins us for Thanksgiving dinner. Mum and Christian had invited him a week ago, and the poor dude believes it's a step towards something great between us.

"I told you about the schedules, Dad, remember?" Leigh exasperatedly drops the spoon beside the dish in front of him.

Oh, and Leigh on the other side has increased the level of his seething since Arlen volunteered in the gym. Not that I am surprised, since he spent the weeks showing some new attitude that wasn't Leigh-like, and even Christian is beginning to worry.

Don't get me started. We all know the real Leigh Boyce would never force communication with some heart-thumping, scream-inducing, deathly machine like X-scream on a hundred-foot tower.

Mum and Christian ignore the attitude from their dear, polished son and continue to confer with Arlen.

Did I mention Embry's here too? Yes, Lilith did her good friend game and pulled a chair for her fake friend. On the other hand, there's Sawyer, Leigh's indoor crush. She was the other piece that sandwiched Leigh, and even if you barely know Leigh Boyce, you could easily find the annoyance and exhaustion in his features.

If I am being completely honest, I feel a little bad for him, apart from the jealousy burning in angry fire inside my chest. But what can a girl do, mostly when her mother and her fiancé believe she's brought a date to their table?

Focus and act responsibly.

Yes, that's me right now, even when I have the urge to dismiss Arlen and slap Embry with a bowl of mashed potatoes... oh, and fix Sawyer's hairstyle to a normal twenty-first-century fashion. That's how every reasonable human should appear.

God, do I have to be here? It's not like we celebrate Thanksgiving where I come from, but of course, Christian and his children do. Therefore, Mum wouldn't like me stepping back from it.

I smile. I don't even know why I am smiling until the doorbell rings, and Mum comes into the dining room with yet another obstacle called Sofia Halt.

"Leigh, you didn't mention Sofia's your date tonight," Mum herself looks so confused. Who wouldn't? The dude already has two girls clouding him.

"Isn't it painful to be attractive?" Lilith mumbles, struggling with laughter.

Okay, I have to admit, it's funny.

"I thought Thanksgiving dinner is a family thing?" I ask her.

"That's what I thought. Well, I guess Leigh has expanded our family more than we thought," she giggles.

That got me, though, even when it was a joke.

"Maybe they're confining him," I mutter. I don't trust my words, I only hope I am right.

"Well, he's never complained." She exhales, and my eyes go to Leigh as he hugs the Barbie in a tight, skin-showing mini peach dress.

"Thanks for having me," she tells him, and he smiles small.

I try to ignore the seating arrangements. Neither of the girls gives space for Sofia, so she situates herself between Mum and Embry.

"Sawyer, this is a very delicious meal. Thank you," Arlen Garret praises her, and the girl only winks at me, embarrassing him further.

What an awkward way to start a Thanksgiving in the States.

"So, Sofia, do you have any plans for university?" Christian asked the high social-class girl.

"Yes, Mr. Boyce. I'm planning to pursue medical studies at Harvard University next year," she politely boasted after calmly finishing chewing.

"I'm going to Columbia University to study law. That's where my parents went together," Embry interjected herself into someone else's conversation.

For once, Embry, show some respect.

"Are they all going to Ivy League universities?" I curiously asked Lilith.

"Yes, don't worry, we're all going there," Lilith smirked, turning her attention back to the girls.

"Don't you have another year before university? Honey, you have plenty of time to answer interrogations. Right now, it's all about Leigh and me," Sofia innocently joined the sneaky game, while Lilith and I could only watch.

Feeling degraded, Embry let out a small giggle and turned to Sofia. "I doubt that, darling. The handsome man here wants to know about my future, since that's where he'll be — in my future."

Okay, snickers circulated among Arlen and Sawyer, and if I heard correctly, Lilith too.

"You expect too much from Earth..." Still smiling, Sofia patted Embry's hand just as I bent under the table to grab my napkin.

Girls are crazy; I witnessed a private heel fight between Sofia's shoe and Embry's.

Okay, Ava, get up. This is strange.

"Anyway, Susan, I would love to come around for some lectures. Maybe then the medical school wouldn't be too challenging for the first semester," Sofia shot a catty eye at Mum, and yes, it worked because Mum was already blushing and agreeing to spend time with Sofia Halt in the hospital.

"You look pretty. I've been meaning to tell you," Arlen Garrett whispered to me. I swear to God if looks could kill, Arlen would be a dead man because Leigh's eyes were nothing but dark and charging daggers ready to strike.

Appreciating the compliment became difficult since I felt choked by Leigh's intense gaze, so I smiled and excused myself to get some fresh air.

I headed to the backyard door and slid it open, greeted by the relaxed atmosphere and the scent of mint and water. I felt at ease.

Not for long, though.

"What are you doing here?" came the venomous voice.

"It's my home. What are you doing here?" I shot back.

She smirked and stepped closer.

"Whatever you do, take your eyes off him."

I stiffened in my tracks and tilted my face towards hers. "What?"

"I don't trust your sister-brother behavior anymore. I smell something fishy around you, Ava Lancelot. So open your ears attentively because I won't repeat myself. Falling for Leigh is an incestuous taboo you don't want to be caught in. You're giving me a reason to doubt you, and God knows I don't want to disgrace you in the eyes of Las Vegas unless you want me to. So tell me, is there anything between you and your brother?" Her voice was as sharp as a blade, slicing through my heart as I stood there, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

"He's not my brother," I choked on my breath.

Her eyes narrowed quizzically. "So that's a yes, isn't it? You want him... Maybe we should go tell your parents right now, before the wedding, and save humanity from such an abomination." With loathing and hatred, she bit on each word as she pressed, and I slowly retreated from her.

I mentally slapped myself to find the words and shield myself from her accurate accusation. "That's not true. I only want Arlen. That's why I invited him as my date tonight."

As soon as the words left my tongue, I regretted having a mouth.

Oh, Ava, oh!

I saw the expressions on Arlen and Leigh's faces from the other side of the space, both with different emotions. While Arlen looked like he had been crowned the king of Disneyland, Leigh looked like the prince who had been framed and locked in a cell beneath the sea, left with nothing but sorrow.

Oh, I'm a mess!