"Let's get going. We're running late," Lilith shouts at me from the foyer.

I ignore her and continue enjoying my tea, while also avoiding the perplexed stares from Christian and Mum.

"Ava, I'm not kidding; get your ass over here." Lilith warns me with exasperation.

"Language," both adults say in unison.

"Then you guys should let her know I'm leaving if she doesn't get here within seconds," Lilith says irritably.

Mum turns to face me. "Go on, Ava. It's almost eight."

"Good morning, Auntie, Christian, and little cousin," Sawyer joins us in her morning pyjamas, evoking nostalgic memories.

Smiling at Sawyer, Christian and Mum redirect their attention to me. "Ava," Mum takes a deep breath, trying to calm herself after my stubborn morning behavior.

"I'd rather be absent than ride with her," I mutter, nonchalantly sipping my tea.

"Okay! That's it. I'm not wasting any more of my precious time on you. I'm done with your shitty behavior," Lilith declares as she stands by the kitchen entryway.

Annoyed by her audacity, I rise to my feet and step towards her. "Oh really? Shitty behavior? You kissed me and touched places you had no right to," the words spill out before I realize we're not alone.

Oh, shit.

Lilith turns pale, appearing terrified and frightened. Her murderous glare shifts from me to our parents, who I'm sure aren't pleased with my confession.

"What?" Christian questions, his tone icy and sharp.

When I glance towards Mum and Christian, I can only stare blankly at all of them, mouth agape and filled with terror. I'm certain I look just as pale as Lilith does.

"It was a dare, that's all. I promised Dad," Lilith starts to tremble as she explains.

It takes Christian a few seconds before he responds. "Hand it over." He holds out his hand to his daughter, and I wonder what he's asking for.

"Dad, please," Lilith pleads, her eyes unexpectedly filled with tears.

"Now," Christian yells at the vulnerable girl standing next to me. The weight in his voice makes not only Lilith flinch, but every female in the room.

Lilith drops her Range Rover keys into Christian's outstretched hand without hesitation and shoots a fiery, dagger-like gaze at me. I immediately know it's over between us.

"And you're grounded for two weeks," Christian tells his daughter, gesturing between Lilith and me.

Oh, and that includes me.

Great.

"Welcome to the trekking club," I dramatically raise my hands before slinging my bag over my shoulder and grabbing my purple flask. I wouldn't be surprised if Leigh doesn't show up with my additional tea; he didn't sleep at home. Not that I care, I'm sure he's possibly sharing a bed with his new lover.

I leave the house with the bitterness of that thought in my throat.

***

"Why are you wearing heavy makeup?" Evie tilts her head and questions my new look.

I can guarantee you she doesn't want to see me without the concealer and everything.

"I bought some new products, and I wanted to try them out," I lie.

"Wow, that's quite a lot of products," Evie murmurs under her breath. "Where did I put the notebook I had on my desk?" She asks, confused after looking at her front table.

"Check your backpack. Maybe it's there," I suggest.

"It was just here." Evie says with a doleful tone when my eyes catch the two girls giggling mischievously at her.

"Okay! You two need to give her back the notebook, or I'll report you to the principal," I say, crossing my arms and facing Lisa and her partner in crime.

"What? Just like that, you're accusing us?" Lisa furrows her brows.

"Look, I've had enough drama this weekend. I don't have time for yours, so just return Evie's book. I'm not asking," I say, enunciating each word with irritation.

"Or what?" Lisa scoffs.

Is she testing my patience? Well, I'll show her.

"Ava, don't worry about them," Evie grabs my forearm.

With an impudent smile, I walk out of the classroom and head straight to the administration office. It's something I've never done before. Not only did I lie, but I also framed someone.

Seated in the solitary chair facing the principal, Lisa joins us in her mini skirt and button-down shirt. "Lisa, what happened between the two of you?" The principal asks the sassy girl sitting beside me.

"Nothing. She's just overreacting over some fat girl's notebook that I have no idea about," she snorts.

I wanted to rip her head off for body-shaming Evie, but I let her face the consequences.

"Why did you try to force Ava into the bathroom?" The principal gets straight to the point.

She immediately looks confused, revealing the look I was waiting for. She glances over at me and mumbles, "What?"

Frowning at the principal, I start. "She's been attempting to do that often. It's the reason she keeps throwing shade at me in class because I tell her to back off." I pout down at my hands, playing the role of an innocent victim.

"No... no, you fucking bitch. She's lying. I've never even shared a bathroom with her," Lisa stammers.

"Lisa, I've called your parents. You are suspended for a week for attempted sexual abuse," the principal informs her.

The terrifying yet murderous look she sends me does nothing to me; I've seen worse. I'm going through hell. Of course, nothing she does can scare me.

I walk back to class with my head held high. It's clear that Evie has her book back.

Satisfied, I take my seat. The lectures feel like revision, or at least that's how I make them sound. My heart is elsewhere, far away from books and teachers in formal outfits.

"So, Embry and your brother's relationship is heating up. The pictures on Instagram answer everyone's questions. Embry herself got twenty thousand likes on her post. I'm sure when Leigh uploads from his side, with his large number of followers, Leibry will receive thousands of likes," Evie says as she chews on a boiled egg.

Referring to Leigh as my brother affects me, but not as much as what she's saying. "What pictures?" I barely breathe as I ask the excited girl across from me.

"Embry's updates from the weekend?" She cocks her eyes at me.

"Okay?" I ask, dumbfounded.

Evie looks at me like I'm some insane, strange old person. "What planet are you living on? Under a rock?"

"Can you enlighten me and stop teasing me?" I shrug and sigh.

"Here." She holds out her phone to me since I left mine back at home. Actually, I don't even know where my mobile phone is.

I couldn't retrieve Evie's phone, despite the fact that the first three posts on the page of the meanest person in my world consist of indecent pictures of Embry and my stepbrother.

The pictures from Friday were different ones, and I have no idea who took them. It hurts more than when my dad left. It hurts more than when I broke my ankle. It hurts more than losing my first pet. It hurts like hell.

I'm still in shock from what I just witnessed on Evie's phone screen when suddenly a liquid attack drenches my head—my hair, my throat, my outfit, my skin—just everywhere, soaking me with what is probably lunch juice.

"For betraying the circle of trust, embrace it."

I can hear the laughter and murmurs echoing in the cafeteria, just as I can see the bright flashes of cameras.

"How dare you?" Evie slams the table angrily and confronts Embry face to face.

"If the British Barbie got this, imagine what a fat sophomore with no title could get? Do the math and stay back," Embry threatens Evie.

If I weren't so shocked and broke, I would have supported Evie. I might have even considered slapping Lilith for her words.

But then, in a way, I deserve this. Indeed, karma is a bitch, because I have caused pain to many people in a single day simply because I couldn't handle my emotions.

Embry leans towards my neck and whispers, "I'm watching you, Ava Lancelot." Her voice carries a chilling threat, especially when she emphasizes my name.

I don't blame Embry for this. I don't blame Lilith either for allowing it to happen. I blame myself for believing that I could fit in with everyone. I blame myself for associating with the meanest people on earth. I blame myself for whatever punishment awaits me.

As I regain my composure, I shield my ears from the universe's noise and make my way towards the exit. The other kids have no idea that their videos and pictures are far less harmful than every step I take forward. In fact, I don't even rush out of the room; I let them capture my most embarrassing moment because I fear what's to come next.

Mentally, I feel incredibly vulnerable in the eyes of every person at Hills High. I feel insignificant, so out of place. I feel hated and alone.

To avoid the waves of laughter and rude comments, I decide not to go to the school toilet. Instead, I make my way to the second safest place I know in this school. With my head inclined and my backpack over my shoulder, tears stream down my face as I walk towards the library.

I move through the corridors, heading to the last corner where Leigh and I used to hang out. The word "used" stings even more, knowing that just last Friday, I was here with him, sharing quotes of the day and rose petals.

Shaking my head, I turn the final corner.

Just when I thought everything had ended for the moment, that I could finally cry my eyes out and find some privacy, I discover the source of all my problems sitting in the exact spot he used to occupy.

I immediately turn around, but he quickly grabs my hand, stopping me.

"Let go of me," I try to shake off his grip, but of course, he's stronger.

"What's happened, Ava?" he asks with genuine concern. I can feel his intense gaze as I keep my head lowered. "Ava?" he calls again, this time lifting my chin with his fingers.

I attentively study his features, starting from the length of his attractive neck, the slight bulges of twining cords that lead to his perfectly muscular body, his well-defined jawline and chin, his delicious reddish lips, which are currently pressed into a straight line, his straight and slender nose—a flawlessness rarely found in most people.

With a swallow, my eyes meet his sea-green eyes, glinting in the daylight. His eyebrows furrowed in a frown.

Leigh possesses the kind of features that can stop anyone in their tracks, the kind that weakens your knees, the very features that make me even angrier right now because I thought they were all mine just days ago.

And in that moment, I find myself blurting out, "I hate it here. I hate that I had to move here. I hate that my mom had to fall for your dad. I hate that he had to have two children, and I hate that I..." I stop myself from saying it. He doesn't deserve to hear those words from me.

I try to catch my breath, confessing my feelings through labored tones, accompanied by tears that fall hopelessly from my eyes.

"Ava, I never wanted things to turn out this way."

"But they did. Everything went wrong, and I hate you for that," I retort with hatred seeping through every inch of my being. I hate him for making me desire him, for making me believe there was something real between us, only to crush me into what I am right now.

He shakes his head and cups my face with his hands. "You don't hate me. You're just hurting," he says softly, his voice filled with emotion.

I can't argue because deep down, I know he's right.

Struggling to breathe, tears mingling with my sobs, I manage to say, "I'm so sorry I let you down." His proximity is dangerously tempting, and his lips brush mine lightly.

"I want to take everything back. Let me make amends. I hate seeing you like this, Ava," he says, his words barely escaping our lips, his breath warm against my skin.

His eyes, filled with hope, his voice so soothing, and most of all, his magnetic lips, they all cloud my judgment, causing me to connect my lips with his soft, rosy ones. His hands are warm as they gently stroke my wet hair and tear-stained cheeks. I feel my pain dissipating, my heart rebuilding itself and healing every wound within. I let myself indulge in what I've been missing, what I long for so desperately.

Leigh kissed me deeply and tenderly, filled with desire and a hope that I no longer comprehend. The intense emotions between us almost brought me to my knees. However, abruptly, like a needle piercing my skin, the memory of the boy who exudes vitality and the girl who exudes morbidity, both half-naked, came flooding into my mind.

As I pulled away from his heavenly taste, I found myself choking on my breath. With our foreheads touching and eyes closed, I sniffled and whispered, "I can't." My head involuntarily shook against his, and in a hushed tone, I repeated, "I can't, Leigh. I'm sorry, but all I see is you and her." When the words left my mouth, it took him about ten seconds to drop his hands to his sides, leaving me with a sudden sense of loneliness.

This time, Leigh didn't stop me. He remained motionless, with closed eyes and slumped shoulders, while I hurried away, my eyes filled with tears. I left behind my favorite place and my favorite person, with a renewed ache overwhelming me once again.

For the remainder of the day, I continued to receive the treatment I deserved as everyone pointed me out. Let's just say the same held true for the rest of the week, as I had to deactivate my Instagram account after returning home on Monday. The memes, tags, and mean comments I received were enough to make me despise myself even more. How can people be so cruel? On Monday, I almost deactivated my phone too, as I couldn't bear to read the messages Leigh sent during the weekend after what happened at Embry. And on Monday, just like the following days, Leigh didn't come home.

Today is Thursday, the day of the Halloween game. Hills High School will be playing against a neighboring team. Since it's an away game, students are boarding school buses. I hand my backpack to Evie, asking her to save me a seat while I quickly go to the restroom.

As I pass by a group of giggling girls, it's obvious that they are talking about me. But I ignore them and continue towards my destination. I enter the restroom, relieve myself, and silently pray that I won't encounter any bullies inside. Trust me, there's nothing worse than being bullied in the restroom.

After I finish, I turn back to leave. When I reach halfway down the hallway, I catch a glimpse of Leigh's familiar brown leather jacket through the small, transparent glass of a closed laboratory. He's wearing his backpack on a single shoulder, and standing across from him is a woman in her thirties, likely a teacher whom I vaguely recognize. She's standing about a foot away from him, leaning against a desk, and talking while Leigh nods in response.

Doesn't he have a game to play? The other team members have already left or are about to leave.

The noise from further up the hall startles me, prompting me to quickly retreat back to the yellow school bus that is ready to depart. "Over here!" Evie calls out, waving me over.

Smiling, I make my way to my only friend at Hills High these days, avoiding the girls in cheetah-print cheerleading outfits at the back of the bus. "Thanks," I sigh with relief as I sink into the comfort of the soft seat after a long day spent in hard, wooden chairs in our classroom.

"You're very welcome," Evie responds. "What are you going to wear tomorrow for Halloween?" she asks as the bus begins to move.

Smiling, I recall the cute and innocent costumes made by my auntie from London. "I'm going as Anna from Frozen. My cousin and I have been dreaming of doing it," I say excitedly.

"How adorable! I'm dressing up as Superman," she playfully sticks her tongue out.

"But Superman is a man," I playfully remind her.

Lost in thought for a moment, Evie smirks and then bursts into laughter. "Alright, Superwoman. Are you happy now, Ava?"

"I'm more than happy. I feel like I'm on cloud nine," I laugh along.

"Is someone giving you a ride to the party, or should my dad and I swing by your house before the party starts to pick you up?"

Turning my head to face her, I ask with a tilted head, "What party?"

"The usual one, at Brandon's place. It's for every kid in town. Even adults are welcome if they follow the rules," she explains.

Great, she's also going to that questionable party.

"Nice to know you're attending the questionable party," I roll my eyes and look away.

Shifting in her seat, Evie turns to face me. "What? It's not an exclusive event; everyone can go."

"Wow, so it's even worse than I thought. Even prisoners are welcome," I sarcastically scoffed.

"Ava, you're coming, and you're bringing your British cousin along," Evie insisted.

"Not happening. Besides, I'm still grounded," I stubbornly replied.

"Do you honestly think someone as boring and weighted down as me would attend such a condemnable activity? Ava, I can't afford to sink any lower in my life," I exhaled, irritatedly leaning towards Evie and speaking softly. "Do you have any idea how lucky you are to be so talented and blessed? You're a top-class student, a smart teenager. You're beautiful and fun to hang out with. Many of those fancy snobs hiding behind makeup and expensive things would kill to have the blessings you possess. So, embrace every step you take with the awareness of how unique you are."

I didn't pull away as her arms enveloped me in warmth. "I love you, Ava Lancelot. You're an angel placed in this sinful earth."

Frowning against her shoulder, I swallowed roughly. I was nothing close to angelic. I was a devil pretending to be an innocent and polite fifteen-year-old. I was a liar, a betrayer, a deceiver. I was the perfect definition of a sinner. I deserved everything I was going through.

"I need someone who is flexibly lean, weighing no more than forty-five kg," someone called from behind the bus. "Any volunteers?"

Ignoring the call, I continued hugging my friend until someone tapped my shoulder. Spinning around, I found Sofia Halt in her perfect cheerleader uniform.

"Ava, right?" she smiled down at me, and I nodded curiously. "You are just the missing piece we need to complete the squad," she informed me, as if I had expressed interest.

"Oh, I'm not volunteering," I gave her an apologetic smile and turned away.

Nudging my ribs, Evie whispered in my ear, "This is an opportunity no girl would refuse." She shot me a warning glare and raised her head to the cheer captain. "She's in. She's so flexible and slender."

"Excuse me? You have no right," I retorted at my seatmate, but it seemed too late because Sofia grabbed my wrist and pulled me along with her towards the back row where Lilith and all the girls, including the other cheerleaders, were seated.

"Everyone, this is Ava. She's joining the team," Sofia introduced me to her friends, her hand resting on my shoulders.

Unable to process everything, I stood in silence as I scanned the faces of mostly senior and junior girls who smiled at me.

"This is a joke, right? She has no experience for this," Lilith motioned towards the team. "Not in any sport. She failed at swimming, for fuck's sake," Lilith continued, irritatingly disgracing me.

Perfect! Let her broadcast it to everyone on the bus—we're not getting along anymore. She should consider herself lucky; she has friends who give her rides to school every day. Me? Not so much. I couldn't understand why she kept throwing shade at me. It's not like I'm walking freely on the streets of Las Vegas. I'm just as grounded as she is.

"No, she's slim and cute. We can lift her easily," the captain said.

And at that moment, I felt warmer standing beside the homecoming queen than I did around my own supposed family.

"What do you mean by 'lift her'?" Embry exclaimed, joining two African American girls in their protest.

"Hmm, how do I say this politely? Alright—Embry, you've gained weight recently, so you'll have to step into the base position. Ava will be our new front flyer. So, Ava, welcome to the team. You'll need more practice, but today, I want you to trust your team. They've got your back," Sofia said to me, bending my waist lower and seating me next to a guy in a male cheerleading uniform.

What just happened? Just like that, I found myself in a team of perfect girls in tiny uniforms.

"You've got to be kidding me," Embry screamed.

"You can't expect to stay on top forever if you don't watch your diet. I've warned you all. No one can handle the load. Stay fit or face the consequences," Sofia announced, unintentionally or not.

"Are you calling me fat?" Embry growled at the senior, folding her arms defensively.

"No! I'm simply saying you've gained weight recently."

I almost laughed at the response. I had no idea Sofia was this blunt.

"What the fuck, bitch?" Enraged, Embry stood up, her eyes blazing.

"I don't want any trouble. Maybe you can find someone else, or Embry can take her position back," I finally muttered, intending to return to my previous seat.

Sofia's hand stopped me. "Oh no, I like you, and I'm keeping you. Who would refuse such beauty and a surprisingly adorable accent?" She smiled broadly at me.

"How dare you replace Embry? You can't find anyone better than her," Quinn protested.

Of course, she would. They all would. It was their responsibility to defend her, even though she couldn't reciprocate that support to them.

"I just did in a second. I'm not forcing anyone to stay. If you can't accept my decision, the door is open, or you can try the windows too. I can always find a better replacement, just like this adorable, cute British thing," Sofia patted my shoulders and led me back to my seat.

At that moment, I didn't care about the animosity I held towards her. I felt loved, I felt saved, I felt protected.

I realized I liked Sofia Halt—the senior who had a crush on the boy I loved.