Song: Walked Through Hell by Anson Seabra

Chapter Twenty-five: Have you been humping the exact replica of a Greek god?

I really didn't want to move my head, but that would just be creepy, like I was smelling him, not that I would mind though.

"What?" Zane snapped at the person.

I turned my head at the same time Zane did, but we were still hugging each other, not tightly. So it was more like we were in each other's arms.

It was Wren. I should've known.

"Uh..." He looked at Zane questioningly. "You're hugging Avery, you know, red hair," He turned to me and stared. "Very beautiful smile." I looked back at my feet. That must have snapped him out of it because he continued on with his point. "On the street. I didn't know you two were friends. I thought it was more like an acquaintance where you only had to interact because of me."

I felt like a horrible person. And I didn't even know why. Maybe it's because I created Avery Adams, or maybe it's the fact that Wren fell in love with that created Avery Adams. Either way, it stung.

I looked back up when I noticed he wasn't speaking. He was staring at our hands around each other. I had the urge to just wriggle out, but it felt so comfortable to be in his arms like that.

Like what? I thought this was a friend hug.

It is.

Wren's eyes went from our hands to my face to Zane's face with a questioning look. He and Zane held each other's gazes for quite a while as if they were conversing. It was when Wren turned around to walk away that Zane finally snapped out of it and released me.

"I'll be right back." He muttered, eyes still on Wren, before he followed Wren to where his car was parked.

"Well, that went well." I murmured. I was about to head to the car, but something made me look back down at the alleyway of the side door. It was so dimly lit, even with the fact that it was around 5 or 6pm, it had this eerie feeling or atmosphere to it. If that made sense. I thought I caught movement, but I just disregarded it as the paranoia that comes after fright of something.

I walked back to the car, sat in it, and waited for Zane to be done with Wren. I locked all the doors just in case. Thank God I thought of that.

After a few seconds of settling down, I looked out the left window (of the driver's seat) to see where Zane and Wren were, but I didn't see them, so I assumed they were in his car. 

What an incompetent guardian demon!

I turned to look out my own window and what I saw literally glued me to my seat. Jaxon was coming out of the alleyway. He had a black leather jacket on a black shirt and black jeans and black boots. He was really sporting the whole 'I'm ready to kidnap someone' look. He was walking down the pathway with his hands in his pockets. He looked to be whistling. He really looked like a normal American citizen. He didn't look my way so I had high hopes he didn't see me, but the smirk at the side of his face gave me a feeling he could.

I didn't know what to do. I couldn't run. I mean, run where? I don't even know why I'm scared. I shouldn't be. All the doors are locked. I'm safe and secure. Right? Right??!

He stopped in front of the building right beside the car and rested his back on the walls. Still whistling and looking around. Should I call the police? No, no. That's a dumb idea. First reason, Avery doesn't exist. Second, He'd probably have gone by the time they got here.

He looked right at me and stared as if he could see me. But that wouldn't make sense. The windows were tinted, so people outside couldn't see inside. Right? Right??!

He smiled and looked back down and brought a phone out of his pocket and began pressing it. I squinted my eyes and saw that it was my phone. He hadn't even removed the Minnie mouse phone case, so I could see the ears sticking out of it. My new phone was more advanced, but all my pictures, videos and memories were there. I wanted it back.

He is tempting you to get out of the car.

I sure am tempted.

I was already unlocking the doors, and about to open mine when I heard the driver's door open. I turned to see Zane. He didn't look at me and was just staring forward as he settled down and gripped the wheel.

"Zane you need to see-" My sentence was cut short when I turned and Jaxon wasn't there. I searched any traces of him, but there was none. He was gone. I know for sure I didn't just imagine that. I mean how did Zane not see him? He was literally coming from outside.

Maybe it's the thing that's bothering him that flooded his mind.

I rested my back on my seat and turned only my head to Zane. He was no longer staring forward, he was looking at me. I usually liked being giving opportunities to look at him, as weird as that sounded, but this one made me feel uncomfortable and self-conscious.

I touched my cheek, and moved my hand around my face. "What? Is there something on my face?"

His strong demeanor disappeared and was replaced by a light chuckle.

"There's something on my face, isn't there?" He just continued laughing. "Oh my goodness! It's a booger, isn't it?" I covered my face with my hands. Oh my God! This is first hand embarrassment.

He tried to remove my hands, but I resisted and added dramatic effect. "You can't look at me like this."

He just laughed more and yanked my hands away from my face so I could stare right into his eyes. My smile dropped. Our faces were literally inches apart, and it must have been my imagination, but he seemed to be leaning in. That would have been great. But why would he want to kiss me? I mean, I'm not a fan of Serena, but I would never let her boyfriend cheat on her. That is so wrong. I don't want to be that person no matter how much I did want to kiss him. I'd hate it if I was her and that was the reason I turned my head and rested back in my seat.

I could feel his eyes on me, but would that mean he was actually about to kiss me? Did he like me like that, or was he just confused? I hated these thoughts. Why couldn't I just go back to thinking about my imaginary boyfriends like Rhysand or Klaus?

I looked up to ask him about it, but just like all annoying devices, my phone had to interrupt. I groaned and picked it up from my lap. I had already gotten all my frequent contacts, some music and apps.

I looked at the caller ID with a scowl. It was Axel. Did he really think I was going to pick his call? He must be psychotic. I turned off my phone and put it back on my lap, ready to talk to Zane about it.

He wasn't looking at me anymore, he was revving the engine which was good, because I really didn't want his eyes to glue my mouth shut with their special super power or something like that. "Zane... About-"

He cut me off. "About what?"

I gritted my teeth feeling sort of dejected. "I was about to say it before you interrupted me."

"There's really nothing to say. We're going to that your friend's house, right?"

I looked down at my lap. I guess it was just a mistake then.

Were you expecting him to leave his girlfriend for you?

I was hoping. But hope is a useless piece of shit.

Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.

Well, there is no freaking light when the guy you're in love with is with someone else.

So there's no 'think'. It's no longer a keyword.

Whatever. It's not like it matters.

People change... Feelings change.

Stop thinking about what he said and focus.

The truth is reality sucks.

"Do you know the-" He cut me off. "Oh yeah I know the friend." He turned to me and his gaze glued me down as he said, "It's the one you betrayed by kissing her boyfriend, right?" He scoffed. "Little wonder she's upset."

What? I told him that out of trust and respect for him and he just throws the situation in my face like that, especially when he knows that's not what happened. Unless he doesn't believe me. Love or not? I would not let anyone disrespect me like that.

I picked up my bag, opened the door and stormed out of the car. I didn't know where I planned to go, but far away from him was fine. I mean, was he purposefully trying to hurt me?

I heard his car door open and close before I heard him call out. "Cherry! Wait!" 

I didn't wait. No surprise there.

His hand grab my arm. I turned to him with eyes of rage. I was more sad than angry, but I won't let him treat me however he wanted.

"What?" I snapped as I yanked my hand out of his grip.

He looked apologetic, but I wasn't sure if it was sincere. "I'm sorry. I'm really really truly sorry. I don't know what came over me. I was a complete idiot. Don't be mad."

"Why?" I didn't have to specify what I meant, because he understood it.

He ruffled his hair.

More like pulled it.

What's the difference? Either ways, when it all falls out, my laugh would be the loudest.

His gaze flickered. "I don't know. I was angry and I just took it out on you."

My eyebrows creased in confusion. "Why were you angry?"

He looked at me as if I had grown two horns. I touched my head just to check.

"What?" I asked him when he continued staring.

He shook his head. "Nothing. Just please forgive me. I am stupid and disrespectful and rude and arrogant-"

I scoffed. "You got that right."

He gave me a pointed look and I shrugged. "What? I can't lie."

He rolled his eyes. "Will you at least forgive me for my idiocy?"

I was about to nod when I thought of a more interesting way. "Maybe. All you have to do is mention all my pleasurable qualities while fanning me."

He raised his eyebrows and I replied, "What? They do it in movies. Now go." I straightened my back as he reluctantly started fanning me with his hands. I used my hands to swing my hair back, making it look like wind was blowing it.

"You're sweet. You're intelligent. You're kind. You're smart. You're..." He stopped fanning. I looked at him, sporting an offended look. "Is it really that hard to compliment me?"

I was teasing, but it actually hurt. Where was the 'You're beautiful' in that sentence. Oh, well! Not all of as can be as pretty as Serena Davis or Skyler Torres or Arabella Brooks. We just had to be ourselves.

Who are you kidding? Not being as pretty as them sucks.

I'm self-satisfied.

Sure.

"Let's just go to the car." I muttered before turning around and heading to the car, not checking to see if he followed, because I knew he would.

A few seconds after I settled in the car so did he. He started the car. I opened the glove compartment and started scrolling through the documents.

He looked at me from the corner of his eye. "What are you looking for?"

I shrugged. "Magazines, books. Something. I'm running out of books to read at home."

"Just buy some more."

I looked back at the compartment. It's not like we were broke, but every little money mom was earning was going into the college fund account. I mean she had four children to fend for all by herself. And I saved every last buck I got. We used to have a trust fund account under dad's name, but I'm guessing he took that with him too. "I would, but um-"

He cut me off, probably realizing how uncomfortable the topic made me feel. "I have a library in my house. We could check it out later if you want."

I flashed him a grateful smile even though he was looking forward. "Thanks."

Well I guess there was no more reason for me to be checking the compartment. I was just closing it when a blinking red light caught my eye. I looked closer, and I saw a tiny circular thing that looked like a device. I tried to pull it off, but it was stuck to the edge.

"What's this?"

He didn't turn. "Whatever it is, it was probably Wren." He paused. "The dunce."

I laughed at the name and shut the compartment, ignoring the device. It's probably some extra thing that comes with expensive cars. I wouldn't know. So I continued the ride without my mind flashing back to it.

I had bigger problems than that. Leyla problems.

*******

"Hi Zahra."

After we made a quick stop at the nearest store so I could change to Charvi, we came straight for Leyla's house.

She rolled her eyes then smirked when she looked behind me to where Zane was sitting in the parked car. "You took your time."

"Whatever you're thinking, don't think it." I cancelled all her thoughts as she let me in.

I knew Zahra. She was still going to think it.

"How could I not?"

Exactly.

"You could have little self-control."

She smirked. "Impossible."

I rolled my eyes.

"So..." She trailed off, but continued when she saw I had no intention to bring up information. "What are the deets?" I just shrugged then she wiggled her eyebrows. "Have you been humping the exact replica of a Greek god?"

I scoffed. "As if."

She crossed her arms. "Don't pretend you can't see how hot he is." 

That reminded me of the time she said the captain of the football team was hot, and I thought she was talking about Axel. I must have been really dumb not to have noticed Zane before.

"I'm not going to pretend I don't know how hot he is, I'll just unsuspiciously change the topic."

She gave me an incredulous look. "You know now that you've mentioned it, it's not going to work."

I smiled and crossed my arms piecing all my thoughts together. I'd had this suspicion for a while based on certain behavioral patterns. "What's going on between you and Kai?"

She seemed shocked, nervous, flustered. And all in all, out of words. It was amusing. That pretty much answered my question. If you added the very blooming color on her cheeks.

I smiled at her loss of words and decided to change the topic. I put one arm around her shoulders and started steering her towards Leyla's room. "So, how is she?"

That seemed to put some words back into her mouth. "She's been crying all day. I made her all her favorite foods, but she hasn't touched one. Her parents aren't home yet, and I don't know what to do. Every time I mention your name, she just becomes worse. She looks horrible."

I couldn't help the guilty feeling in my gut.

I dropped my arm from her shoulder when we got to Leyla's door. I hesitated, but what for? We've been friends for years. I'm sure it'll be fine.

"I'll just go back to the game room."

"To text Kai?" I offered with a smile.

"Shut up." She muttered before turning to leave.

"You are so going to tell me all about it tomorrow." I called out to her as she walked away, and opened the door before I changed my mind. Wait, should I have knocked? Nah, I never do.

She didn't even look up when I entered. She was sitting on her couch, just staring into space. Her eyes were red and her face was puffy. Her hair was like a haystack, but what caught me was the blank and lost look in her eyes.

People get really affected when they've been hurt by the ones they love.

"Leyla..." Her eyes flashed up to mine and she forced out the words. "Get out."

I couldn't stand this cold shoulder anymore. "No."

She looked taken aback. "No?"

"No. I have to talk to you."

"I'm really not in the mood right now, Charvi!" She barked at me and actually flinched. I tried to speak again but she cut me off before I could get any words out. "Whatever you have to say, I really don't want to hear it."

"Well, you're gonna because if it were the other way around and I saw something that put you in an incriminating position, I wouldn't believe it until we talked it out." 

"Get out!" She yelled at me and began throwing pillows.

I caught none as I fought to hit them and protect my torso. "Babe relax!" I matched her voice.

"You want me to relax?" She sneered at me. At least, she stopped throwing pillows.

"Yes I do. We're supposed to be friends, Leyla. Ever since school started we've not been as close as we were because of a boy."

She scoffed as she stepped forward, "So what now? You're saying it's my fault?"

I groaned loudly. I was extremely frustrated now. "For the love of God, we didn't even kiss!!"

She raised her hands in mock surrender. "Oh, I'm so sorry I interrupted." She responded sarcastically. 

"You know what? I came here to apologise."

She cut me off. "I don't want it."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Really?" She nodded in affirmation.

I still continued. "Really? Is this what would put our friendship to a stop? A boy?"

She was quiet as she let my words sink in. 

I placed a hand on my chest as I took a step towards her. "I have made it clear to you countless of times that I didn't like Axel like that. Even if I did, I would put my feelings aside for you. Do you know why? Because I care about you. I'm your friend, Leyla. I'm not the enemy. Why do you keep treating me like I'm one?"

When I got to her, I reached for her hand. She shrugged me off immediately I touched her and took multiple steps back.

My face was a mixture of disbelief and pain. "Leyla, come on."

"No. Leave."

I stood and stared at her, but she showed no signs of her mind changing so I walked to the door. And on getting there, I did the rashest thing I could think of. I turned back around to face her, tears of frustration filling my eyes. "If you make me leave this room now, you're putting a stop to our friendship, and I'm not sure if I'll be there if you want to press play."

Her face softened a little, but then went back to stone as she replied through gritted teeth. "I don't care."

"What?" Zahra exclaimed as she burst through the door, almost knocking me over.

She was eavesdropping, clearly. "Come on guys, I'm sure you can work this out."

I raised my hands. "I tried. I give up."

Zahra turned to give a pleading look at Leyla, and Leyla seemed to notice what she meant. "No way. I'm not apologising, she's the one in the wrong here."

I pulled at my hair as I practically screamed at her. "What did I do that is so terrible?!!!"

She matched my level of frustration with her anger she yelled back at me. "You made that freaking deal!!!"

Oh shit, she knew about the deal!

*

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Thanks and Toodles <3