Estelle Bronwyn

There are two main things I dislike in this world.

The ocean.

And my Dad.

I wouldn't be surprised if one day he said that he wasn't my actual father and was the next of kin my mom chose after her death or even more realistic: he kidnapped us. And very sneakily too. A month ago, I barely knew who he was and I still don't and frankly don't ever want to know.

With my arm tightly crossed and one earbud in, I stared at the window. Houses and shops blurring in and out of my vision.

"What sport did you say again, Levi?" my so-called father said, driving my brother and I to school on a Wednesday morning.

"I'm in the swimming team now. Got a swim meet next week too," my twin said contently. I turned to look at him,

"Since when were you interested in competitive swimming?" his eyes ripped away from me. That was one clear sign he was about to lie.

"Since Forever?" He scoffed, almost taken aback from my question.

"I thought theater was your thing?"

"And I thought shutting up was yours?" He  replied mockingly, causing our dad to glance at us.

"I was only wondering; thought you'd at least keep me updated," I murmured as I turned on my phone. Being twins, I've shared everything with him. The womb, my clothes when we were little, the chicken pox and whilst growing up we kept each other in a loop, anything interesting to tell each other. Guess we're not really children anymore though. Surprisingly, we're turning 18 next year and he still acts like he's 12.

His thin eyebrows met in the middle, "I'm not twelve." I rolled my eyes, not bothering with another response but the conversation continued.

"What about you Estelle? Joined anything?Joining anything?" my Dad asked as he flickered between me and the road.

I shook my head, "I wanna stay low and focus on my studies." Levi suddenly made an exaggerated yawn,

"Boring."

"Like you won't be belly flopping the water any chance you get." He shrugged, pulling his blond hair away from his face "Make sure not to drown during practice."

"Your words don't hurt me. You can't break my confidence." And annoyingly, he had too much of it and his inexplicable ability of not knowing when to shut the hell up.

"As long as you don't embarrass yourself," The car came to a stop and I realized we finally arrived at Oak hurst.

"That's enough bickering you two," The brown haired man said. Clutching onto my bag, I closed the car door shut and entered the school grounds earlier than my brother. When it came to school; we were strangers.

I searched through the sea of students and found two of my friends. Julia and Walker outside the entrance of the school. Julia was quite easy to spot, from her usual green and crystallized bracelets, to her green tank top and headscarf that held her braids upright. If I can find Julia then Walker is almost certain to be near her.

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked with a small smile. Julia returned the smile back. Walkers eyes widened just the slightest,

"Nothing, nothing" he adjusted his glasses. "Just talking about college life. We were thinking of having an apartment. Us four." Julia scrunched her face for a moment.

"Yeah. We were," she replied calmly as usual, she had this kind of vibe that could be taken in multiple ways. I took it as friendly and sweet, it was just a resting face that told a different story.

"College is more than a year away?"

Walker runs his hand through his brown hair, "Most teachers I've spoke to said it's better to narrow your college options so it's much easier next year." We started to notice a swarm of students entering the building and we also follow the crowd to the corridors. One of us was missing though. Where's Rio?

"Guys, guys! Wait up!" Speak of the party devil and he shall appear. I turned around first to see his black hair glued to his sweaty forehead. We then all came to a halt, others walking around us. 

"Why are you so sweaty?" Julia asked as she looked at him up and down. Rio swallowed his spit loudly before answering,

"My little sisters--big story," He sighed. Walker let out a small chuckle.

"Mea and Rea at it again," A smile grew quickly on his lips. "Babysitting those two are hell"

"Thanks Walker, I'll tell them that," Walker gave the tanned boy a thumbs up. "Anyways I've got some big news for all of you"

"Money to help pay for my hair extensions?" Julia quickly shot.

"No"

"Books about theory of relativity?" I said.

"Aren't those books more than 50 bucks" And there was no reason for it. Who knew physics was so expensive?

"The big news is we're invited to a party at Tony's place!"

"No, Rio. You know we hate parties. It always ends up the same. Most of us get drunk and do things we regret" Julia droned; Walker nodded quickly moving closer to her. I didn't mind parties, but back at my home town there wasn't very much there.

"Yeah like the time-"

"Not the time Walker." She stared hard at him.

"What about you Estelle. This will be your first proper party here too." He was right. Besides what's the worst that could happen. I'm not an alcoholic nor do I have raging hormones at the moment. Best of all, it'd keep me from my dad trying to talk to me.

"Obviously she doesn't-"

"Yeah I'll go. Sounds fun." I interrupted.

"HA!See, someone knows how to have a little fun" Rio Bellowed, hooking his arm around my shoulders. One things for sure, there is never a dull moment with this guy.

"Trust me Estelle, we'll be talking to all the popular people. Blair, the son of Neptune all of them"

Walker sighed, "Just call him Theo its not that hard"

"But it makes him so much more mysterious"

The nickname was something to do with his swimming skills from what Rio usually rants about. I've seen him before around school surrounded by mainly his friends and sometimes with girls. The only thing mysterious about him is probably his straight face he always has on.

Julia sighed, "We're going to be late if we don't hurry our asses up now." As soon as she said that the bell suddenly rang.

***

The end of the school day came. I had to wait an extra hour and a half just so my dad could pick Levi up too at the same time. Saves him all that petrol he said. I think he should be doing more to help us out. It's the least he could do.

I lingered on the stairs in front the school. I occupied my time doodling on my notepad, mainly plants, objects and animals if I could be bothered.

My eyebrows furrowed and eyes were glued to the paper in front of me; the gust rattled my colored pencils and threw my hair. Though I didn't take notice to it. The double doors opened, and a group of boisterous guys came out.

"Can't believe you did that," The one with the curly hair said as his large bag pulled my pens away from lap.

"Shit sorry," He helped me collect my pencils scattered on the stairs. I gave him a grateful smile,

"Thanks," The pencils were finally in my case, zipped tight. Our eyes met briefly until he glanced at my sketches.

"Nice drawings," He pointed out, standing up again.

"They could be better," He reached his hand out to the notepad and I allowed him to.

"Already are," He grinned, to the point his teeth slowly came out. "You should show these in that art gallery fair in spring."

"Yeah, I'll think about it" I barely show anyone my art projects let alone showcase it to random people. Thinking about it made me feel uneasy and exposed.

"Yo! Tyson come one!" Called one of his friends.

As he left, Levi called my name.

"I've already called Dad and stuff." He cleared his throat and my eyes quickly diverted from his wet dirty blonde hair to his legs. Every step he took was like he had crutches on.

I furrowed my brows. "What the hell happened to you?"

"Nothing." He said as he briefly tightened his eyes shut.

"Then mind if I look at your leg?"

"It's from practice. Swimming is demanding sport if you didn't know." I rolled my eyes. Clearly, he wasn't going to tell me the true reason and I wasn't going to pry it out of him either. If it was detrimental he would tell me.

"I'm sure it was." I shoved my notebook and pencils in my bag and off we went to the parking lot. The weather had a dull feeling to it, mainly ashy clouds and the sun began to set already.

"How was practice anyways?" I asked, walking over to the grey Jeep.

"Tiring." He said monotonously, closing the car door shut. He rested his head on the window as his legs spread apart like a starfish.

"Make sure to take a nice shower before bed" Dad advised.

"I can't. Got a party." He said. If he wasn't in pain he'd be smiling from ear to ear.

"Shower before then" Our Dad wore his glasses and started the car. Levi exhaled before closing his eyes for a long time. Then it suddenly hit me that I was actually going to a party. With my brother. In a place full of random people who jump and do crazy things for hours. God, what did I get myself into?

***

"Estelle, you ready?" Levi shouted from downstairs. He wasn't enthusiastic when he found out I was going to the same party. Standing in front of the mirror, I scooped my blonde hair into a messy bun. I barely kept my hair down. I decided to wear a tight black dress that stopped at my knees.

"Estelle!"

I grabbed my small handbag, "I'm coming!"

Walking down the stairs with my heels was an untold battle; it didn't help that the stairs were made out of some sort of wooden material. In the long hallway, everyone waited at the door. My dad in his usual checkered shirt and grey jeans attire smiling warmly at me.

"Rio's been waiting for you," Levi said. He was standing outside he door in a brown jacket and ripped jeans it complimented his buzz cut.

His face brightened, "You look great."

"So do you," I said, grinning. Levi raised his hands like he was waiting for someone to compliment his mediocre clothes.

"You look fine too," I said, with a slight shake of my head. I left the house glancing at Rio's mom in a black car.

He bowed, "Thank you for stating the obvious"

"Alright Rio, let's go"

"You're not going with us?" My father questioned as he pulled out his car keys.

I sheepishly smiled, "No, I'm going with Rio for tonight." My Dad glanced at him and nodded slowly.

"Don't worry Mr Bronwyn, I'll make sure she comes home unharmed" Rio said with his face held high. I didn't know whether to believe that or not. Just then, the black car beeped and that was a sign for us two to leave.

I greeted Rio's mom and she began to drive away from my house. With my seatbelt locked in, my fingers fidgeted on my dress. I think I was feeling the nerves now; I've barely interacted with people in my year it doesn't make going earned for some reason but I want to have fun and enjoy my life a bit. It's what I deserve.

Throughout the trip, Rio gave me a run down on who to watch out for and who to befriend and there was one that was very prominent:

"Stay away from Theo Waterston as well, his crazy ex-girlfriend will make sure you won't see the light of day again" He warned, wide eyed.

"Rio stop scaring Estelle."

"But mamá I'm making sure my friend goes home in one piece"

"Is she actually crazy?" I kept a wavering smile on.

He snorted, "No I was just kidding about that." I sighed, of course I believed his incredulous beliefs. Before he could talk about anyone else, the car came to a halt and I was met by a modern house filled with strobe lights, consuming the night sky. The bustling garden of red solo cups, basketball hoops and ping pong tables. And not to mention the noise from inside. I feel so sorry for this guys neighbors.

"Be safe you two" Was the loving words from Rio's mom as we left the car.

"Please tell me you'll stick by me for the whole night please," I clung on to his arm. His large grin somehow reassured me.

"Let's find somehwere to sit for a bit" The music grew to the point he had to yell. We maneuvered through the pool of people only bumping into a few shoulders and couples kissing. It wasn't easy finding a sofa to sit on but we made it and we sunk into the small space that was open to us. I didn't realize how big the living room was until I got to look around the surroundings; the high ceilings and marble floor.

Rio spoke in my ear, "I'm gonna get us a few drinks alright?" I flashed a smile at him and soon enough was sitting on my own. 10 minutes later being on my phone, I saw Levi walking towards me, my large smile diminished, however, as I saw his small limp. I couldn't hide my sour face.

"What a great friend he is, leaving you all alone," He raised his eyebrows, sinking a the seat beside me. Luckily he didn't ruin the passionate makeout session on that very sofa.

"He's just getting us drinks" I said. "Such a gentleman, isn't he?"

Levi moved around trying to get comfortable but all I was thinking about was that leg of his. I'm no swimming guru but I don't know how you can get a limp from swimming practice, and those boys who came out were really happy for some reason. There's no way that-no. It's probably wrong; bit of a stretch.

"What happened to your leg again?" I tilted my head.

A large sigh escaped, "I told you already swimming practice"

"How? Were you just fatigued?"

His eyes ripped away from me, "Yeah, yeah something like that"

He was lying. Why did he need to lie? It's not like I was going to report him to the police or something?

"Levi, I'm your sister you can tell me," I said slowly. He bit his lip as his eyebrows met in the middle. "Was it one of the guys in the team?"

He blinked. "What? No? They're all welcoming. Why would they do that?"

"I don't know you tell me? Did one of the guys just happen to hurt your leg on purpose?"

"Yeah one of them but it was on- "

I stood up, "So it wasn't swimming practise?"

He then stood up too, "No, but what's the difference in me telling you?"

"The difference is I'm not gonna let them walk over my brother like that" I flung my bag over my shoulder,

"Estelle. Don't do anything"

"Too late!" I marched off. My number one thing was to find those swimming idiots, I don't need to do anything drastic just something to keep them off Levi's back and what better person to find than Theo Waterston himself.

"Oh Estelle here's you drink" Rio said from behind.

"Do you know where Theo is?"

Hesitantly, he replied, "Yeah backyard...why?"

"Because he's been an asshole" I lightly shoved the people who were in my way just to get into the kitchen where two large double doors were that showed a swimming pool and even more people. I stopped in front of the double doors and my eyes locked on to him; with his friends laughing their heads off.

So this was the 'Son of Neptune', the best swimmer in the school, a playboy. So many names and for what reason?

I must've been standing in front of the doors for while when people tried to get past me and also the fact his friends starting glancing at me.

No point waiting any further now.