"I just want the best for him; he needs someone better than Hailey. She's caused him a lot of pain," Lilith says while driving.

Resting my head against the window, I mumble, "That's good." I'm trying to push away any thoughts related to Leigh and Embry; I've already seen enough. By now, Leigh has probably introduced Embry to Christian, and it wouldn't surprise me if she joins us for dinner tonight.

Lilith's expression when Embry announced she was giving Leigh a ride to school is still etched in my mind. Lilith seemed to soften towards Leigh while Embry pecked him on the neck. She really wants her brother and her best friend to be together. Meanwhile, I'm the other sibling—soon to be a half-sibling—who can't stand seeing my soon-to-be stepbrother with another girl.

I used to think I was protective of Leigh because Embry is a mean brat who always gets what she wants. But now I'm realizing it's not just protection; it's jealousy. I don't want Sawyer to come to Las Vegas anymore, I don't like Sofia Halt being around Leigh either, and I have no interest in hearing about his past relationship with Hailey Morgan. I even find myself wanting to harm the girls who gawk and giggle when he walks by. Shit, I finally understand my feelings, and it's not pretty.

"What's wrong with you? You seemed lively earlier. What changed?" Lilith asks with concern, glancing back and forth between the road and me. "If it's about your flask, we can always turn around, you know? Or is it the outfit?" She asks sadly.

Before I can say no, she continues. "Today is Twin Tuesday anyway, and we didn't have enough time to go shopping over the weekend. The dress shirt isn't bad, Ava. It's Ariana Grande's dressing style. I mean, she wore the exact high boots at a concert a month ago. And right now, we're matching with shirts that read 'sisters'; we look so adorable." Lilith seems genuinely excited, though I'm sure I appear the opposite.

As Lilith explained earlier, it's spirit week, and we involuntarily ended up twinning in black dress shirts, knee-high boots, and kitty hairbands—something she ordered for both of us. I feel lucky that I don't have to dress like Embry, who looks like a witch. It's not pleasant when she expects Leigh to accompany her as her twin. Embry didn't care to join Lilith and me while we were getting dressed, which only increased my anger. What is Leigh doing with her downstairs, anyway? If he's as desperate about me as he claims, he wouldn't be getting involved in her manipulative games.

After getting dressed, I practically ran out of the house to avoid witnessing whatever Embry and Leigh were up to in the living room. I not only abandoned my tea but also left my homework behind. I'd rather face punishment than go back inside that building and confront my fears.

It's uncomfortable knowing what Leigh feels like, what he tastes like, and seeing another girl experience it. I don't want to share him with anyone. I know it's impossible for me to have him to myself, but that doesn't change how I feel. I don't know what I'm doing or where this is heading. I used to know right from wrong and believe in realism, but now I yearn for something that doesn't exist in reality.

"No, I'm just thinking about class," I respond, only half-truthful. I'm worried about my neglected homework. I'm not sure what the consequences are for late assignments at Hills High, but in my boarding school, students were usually given detention or a zero mark.

"Don't stress about anything, enjoy your teenage days. Thinking is for adults. It's homecoming week; let's celebrate," Lilith advises me in a strange way that sparks ideas in my head.

She adjusts her kitty hairband and shrugs. "I'm going to grab IHOP coffee." She adds as we approach her favorite morning spot.

***

"I know I didn't ask for your approval, but my human geography homework is about you," she announces with closed eyes, fearing my reaction.

She doesn't have to worry because I'm intrigued. "Seriously? I didn't know you admired me that much," I joke and giggle under my breath as the lecture continues.

"Don't flatter yourself; I've never had an English friend, so I'm curious about you, your culture, and everything. Like your tea obsession, even in hot weather," Evie says with a smile until her eyes land on the spot where my usual flask should be, but today it's only my phone. "Where's your tea?" She shakes her head.

"I unintentionally left it behind—" Before I finish my lie, our teacher calls us out.

"You definitely have something to share with us, Ava. We're listening. What did you learn about your conversation partner?" Mr. Franco gestures to Evie.

Luckily, I never find myself nervous when it comes to answering questions in public. So I gladly stand up. "Once upon a time, during spirit week, everything was going fine until some boring people ruined it," someone murmurs cruelly, someone who happens to be Lisa Austen.

Annoyed by her attitude, I suppress the devilish smile that wants to creep onto my face before I begin. "Actually... I studied this person for a while. She's originally from Nevada but has borrowed an Australian accent. She's obsessed with observing the glamorous lives of fortunate individuals. Not that there's anything wrong with that, because when your own life is nothing but lies and pretense, you might turn to reality shows to find some semblance of happiness. It's good to be yourself, isn't it, Mr. Franco?" I ask, feigning naivety.

"Yes, it is. But I don't think your explanation is what we were looking for in terms of studying the geographical distribution of humankind and the relationship between human beings and their environment," Mr. Franco explains.

"Oh, we didn't even get to her environment, culture, and economic aspects, Mr. Franco. I was describing her as the phony she claims to be. She's all pretense and making a fool of herself. Now I realize she doesn't even have a life, does she? Lisa, what do you think about people like that?" I boldly turn my gaze towards Lisa, making her visibly uncomfortable as she swallows multiple times. She's wearing a jumper that matches her sidekick, Taylor Smith.

If I'm going to follow Lilith's advice and enjoy my teenage days, I need to confront Lisa or at least try to.

"I don't think that's what Mr. Franco expects from you," she avoids my gaze and evades my question.

Evie is struggling to hold back laughter while the entire class remains unaware of whom and what I am referring to. Lisa should consider herself lucky; I'm not as mean as she is, otherwise, I would expose her for the fake person she truly is. "Ava, please take your seat. I expect everyone to have their homework on their desks," Mr Franco commands the whole class just as a familiar event occurs.

Leigh enters the classroom with my purple flask and a notebook similar to mine. "Sorry, can I give Ava her homework and a message from her mother for a minute or two?" Leigh Boyce, in his usual perfect way of appearing in my class, causes both male and female students to blush intensely as his words flow effortlessly.

Mr Franco gives me an approving nod.

Despite being mad at Leigh, I follow him outside the classroom into the empty hallway. However, it's clear that the empty hallway doesn't satisfy Leigh, as he takes hold of my hand and leads me to the janitor's room. I'm starting to think this is becoming our secret hideout.

"What is it this time, Leigh?" By now, I understand our code. I know there's no message from my mom.

"You forgot your tea and this." In his gentle, deep voice, he hands me the two items he's holding.

"Thank you," I say coldly to him.

Leigh swallows and leans towards me as he speaks. "I didn't ride with Embry."

I don't know how I should feel about it. I suppose that's what I wanted, right? For him to drive on his own. For him to reject Embry's desperate offer.

"Why?" I ask, as I still don't understand my own feelings. How am I supposed to understand his?

"Because I don't want to ride with anyone but you, Ava. I guess I have no idea how much I've been waiting for you. I'm not letting you go; you should know that by now."

"You've dated someone before me, Leigh. It's not like--"

He cuts me off with a tender and soft kiss on the side of my lips. I relish the taste and savor his flavor. He's so different from everyone else. It's not that I have anyone to compare him to, for Leigh is the first person I've ever kissed.

In the midst of his scent and taste, a mix of excitement and a blend of fear and hope arises within me. I long for his kiss, and even if I wanted to pull away, I can't bring myself to. He tastes like nothing I've ever experienced. He has the kind of taste that you wouldn't want to let go of, the kind that leaves you craving more after just a small taste. He smells intoxicatingly heavenly, bringing a quick burst of spring in the midst of winter. This time, I respond to his touch and closeness. This time, I move with him just as I've always wanted to. This time, I grasp his neck and pull him closer to me, savoring every moment of our kiss.

Our eyes close, and our noses and lips touch as he whispers the words I've never heard from anyone before. The words that can easily bring all the broken pieces together. "I thought I would never feel something like this, ever. What I had before is nothing compared to what I feel for you."

"While what we have, I'm afraid I--"

"Hey," his voice is low and filled with emotion as he interrupts me. "Remember we have a bet. If I lose, you can reject me, but not now." He slightly shakes his head against mine.

He really knows how to make me smile with his words. "That means you cheated before the game, Leigh Boyce." My voice is equally low to match his.

I can feel his smile as we share warm breaths between us. "I suppose I deserve a head start advantage."

When I open my eyes and pull back slightly from Leigh's face, I speak slowly. "I better head back to class before the janitor comes by." I start biting my lip nervously.

Smirking, he responds, "Déjà vu, huh? Lucky me, this time you didn't tease me."

How can someone look so angelic, effortlessly handsome?

I try to suppress the smile on my face as I shake my head at him. "I'm not apologizing."

"I don't expect you to. I probably deserve it." He smiles and moves aside from the door. "Get going. Are you all submitting that thing?" He nods toward the notebook in my hand.

I nod and leave the room, feeling a sense of freedom from all the challenges I faced earlier this morning—days ago.

I walk to class with a sense of peace and stability. For the first time since I arrived in Las Vegas, I feel naturally calm and at ease in a truly comforting way.

***

"He was kind of adorable until he embarrassed himself. Seriously, who plays 'One Less Lonely Girl' for their girlfriend these days?" Embry makes a disgusted face in Harry's direction with his guitar.

Quinn's annoyance at her friend criticizing her devoted boyfriend is evident as she shoots Embry a murderous glare and retorts, "You should worry about Leigh; he's probably asking Sofia to the dance." As soon as the words leave her mouth, they have the desired effect, as Embry's internal wound appears visibly on her face.

"Quinn Ambrose, will you go to the dance with me?" Harry loudly asks his girlfriend, while the entire cafeteria respectfully gives the two lovers a silent moment, waiting for Quinn's answer.

"Of course, baby," she replies and runs into Harry's arms amidst applause. Quinn and Harry look stunning in their black tuxedos. They appear both bossy and cute.

"Prick she needs a real man, not a girl pretending to be one," Lord Zachary crudely remarks about Harry, eliciting laughter from almost all the students in the cafeteria.

I don't understand Zachary's strange attitude towards Quinn, and I'm not comfortable with it either. Even though he and I have never had a proper conversation or introduction, I have despised him among all the members of the cheetah's team ever since Tyron's party.

"I see why your ex dumped your immature ass," Lilith fires back at him.

Suri leans over and whispers to Lilith, "Remember, he dumped her."

"Actually, he dumped her," Embry emphasizes loudly, intending for Sofia Halt from the next table to hear.

How can they even cheer together when they both have a thing for someone who clearly doesn't want them?

Lord Zachary doesn't respond to Lilith. I guess no one does. Besides, she's the sister of the school's most popular person; no one dares to confront her. For instance, last week, Embry threw a punch at me, but everyone acted like it never happened because Leigh got involved and stood up for me. I didn't need an expensive car or anything to cover it up.

Today went by with numerous proposals from students in all grades, whether it was in class, on the field, in the hallways, library, toilets, or the car park. Flowers, petals, balloons, and plenty of decorative items are scattered everywhere.

After school ends, I let my mom know that I'm going to Evie's place, where I spend my evening and have dinner with her incredible family—her mother and father, Mr and Mrs Kyle, and Evie's little brother Jacob, who has been staring at his plate since dinner started. Evie's family is so welcoming, kind, and they also share an interest in football. I learned that they're attending the homecoming game. Later, Mr. Kyle and Evie give me a ride back home around eight.

***

"Here's what I got for you two." Mom hands Lilith and me each a beautifully decorated black box.

"What's inside?" I curiously ask, eager to open it.

"Go ahead and check," she says with a reassuring smile, covering her mouth with her hand.

Lilith opens her box at the same time as I do, and inside, we find designer pajamas for tomorrow since our principal and the school president decided to move Pajama Day from Monday to Wednesday due to some circumstances.

"Perfecto, pinky swear," Lilith cheerfully murmurs.

"You girls need to figure out a time to go shopping. We need to find your dresses for the dance before Saturday," Mom tells us.

"It's all Leigh's fault for suggesting going to the Grand Canyon on Saturday. And on Sunday... well, Sunday there was a storm," Lilith groans, trying to come up with excuses. She lies down beside me on her bed in her nightwear, which matches mine.

"The storm didn't start until the evening. You girls took it for granted," Mom reminds us of the harsh truth. Interestingly enough, I went with Arlen for shirt shopping on Sunday and completely forgot to get myself a dress for the dance.

"So, when is the dance?" I ask a silly question, something I should know, but unfortunately, I don't.

Lilith stares at me with a blank expression for a while, waiting for me to burst into laughter and say I was kidding. But when I don't, she remarks, "Now she's taking everything for granted." She groans even louder this time and covers her face with a pillow. "I literally can't stand you."

"Seriously, Ava?" Mom sighs heavily and sits down exhaustedly on the bench by the bed.

"I thought the game was happening on Saturday?" I ask, embarrassed by my lack of knowledge.

"No, the game is on Friday, Ava, and the dance is definitely happening on Saturday. That's how it works in every school," Lilith annoyingly explains to me.

Mom shakes her head. "You should pay attention to details, Ava."

"I am, Mom. Arlen said that if I agree to go to the game, he'll come to pick me up before it starts on Saturday." I rub my face in my own confusion. "So you should blame him, not me," I add.

When I lift my head, I find Mom and Lilith grinning wider than any normal person would. "What?" I ask firmly, shaking my head, disoriented by the two strange people around me.

"Arlen asked you to the dance, Ava," Lilith emphasizes loudly.

"Watch your language," Mom shoots a warning gaze at her soon-to-be stepdaughter.

"Sorry, I couldn't help it. Oh my God... I have to tell Dad and Leigh." She jumps to her feet while my mom laughs at Lilith's enthusiastic reaction.

Oh no, I never thought about it. He left me thinking he was taking me to the game when he actually meant the dance. Why didn't he just say it? What am I going to do? Should I call him or text him? Should I accept or reject? I'm panicking.

Before I can make a decision, Lilith disappears from her bedroom.
Great, she's telling Leigh about Arlen.

"I didn't say yes," I try to inform her as loudly as I can, but I'm sure she barely hears me. I'm left with the new purple pajamas on my lap and my ecstatic mom blushing at me.

Great, Lilith, just great.

***

I quickly get ready in my pajamas and tie my hair into a smooth ponytail, opting for a makeup-free look as usual. When I head downstairs to the ground floor, Lilith is already waiting for me due to my disappointing alarm.

"Where's Mom and Christian?" I ask her as I hurriedly grab my flask.

"Everyone's already left, Ava. We're running late," she rolls her eyes and drags me by my backpack, pulling me out of the house while I fail to resist.

"But I'm not ready," I pout.

"I can't afford to have an absence on my attendance because of your sleeping issues," she snaps back sassily and jumps into the driver's seat. Honestly, the pink pajamas Mom got for her look so cute. She looks solid.

By the time we arrive at Hills High car park, all the girls are gathered near Embry's red Ferrari, dressed in adorable pajamas, just like almost everyone else, except for a few non-traditional students.

"Guess what?" Quinn screams as we approach them.

"What is it, bitch?" Lilith shrugs, looking confused.

"Someone asked our girl to the dance," Quinn jumps up and down, clapping her hands.

"Did Leigh finally ask you?" Lilith exclaims at the same time, and my heart instantly sinks. No, please, not now, not after yesterday.

"If only you talked him into it," Embry rolls her eyes.

Wow, someone has quite an attitude this morning. Anyway, my contented life continues after relief washes over me.

"Xavier asked Suri," Quinn spills the news.

Quinn and Lilith suddenly scream in unison while Suri blushes, and Embry covers her ears with her manicured nails. "No way, bitch," Lilith says and pulls the shy Suri into a hug.

I guess Xavier is the blonde-haired guy from the cheetah's team. He seems to never take his eyes off Suri.

"It's about time, my dear," Quinn says, still laughing.

"Well, Leigh better ask Embry to the dance. And we can focus on finding you two a date," Suri kindly suggests.

"You don't have to worry about me. If I want a date, I can get one with my eyes closed. For example, watch this," Lilith closes her eyes and loudly declares, "Who wants to go to the dance with me?" And just when I was about to poke fun at her audacious attempt, almost every boy in the car park gathers around us.

"No way," Quinn and Suri snicker while Embry's face displays clear disapproval of Lilith's actions.

"You're cute. Come pick me up five minutes before the time. You know the address," Lilith gestures to a cute, lean guy in blue pajamas and struts away.

"How can I make it clear that I disagree with this typical local behavior without saying anything rude?" Embry exasperatedly walks ahead of us in her slippers through the hallways.

While Suri takes out a highlighter pen from her bag and writes down a wish or whatever, Suri writes on a small colored paper attached to the Spirit Week creativity board. "Thursday, TikTok day. Dress code: career outfit. What does that even mean?" Suri mutters under her breath.

"Keep it to yourself," Lilith firmly points her finger at the irritated, red-haired girl in red pajamas. "And guess what, y'all? Arlen asked Ava to the dance," Lilith wraps her arm around my shoulders after she spills the news to the girls.

"Holy fuck, you bitch," Quinn curses playfully as she pulls me towards her as if I'm some object.

"Oh my gosh, Ava. I told you he likes you," Suri says, sandwiching me from behind.

And now is the right time for me to say it, loud and clear. "Don't make a big deal out of it. I haven't said yes yet."

"What?" The two girls sandwiching me immediately react to my words as they both pull away and stare at me as if I'm some contagious virus.

"I haven't said yes to Arlen yet," I repeat my words, a bit softer this time.

"But now you have," Lilith and Embry chime in unison, and before I can comprehend what they mean, the four of us shout in unison, beaming at me. "Arlen! She said yes."

The crowded hallway starts applauding as I gnaw my lip in embarrassment, trying to hide my rosy cheeks. When my eyes find Arlen Garrett in his cheetah jacket and nothing related to pajamas, standing by his locker, he grins widely as our eyes meet. Beside him is Tyron with some long-legged girls, and instead of Leigh, Xavier is by his left, waving to Suri, I'm sure of it.

My eyes anxiously scan through the maroon jackets around the hall until they land on the person leaving through the entrance door.

Oh no.