"Well, well, well, what do we have here? I see they're letting just about anyone into the 'Society' these days," An all too sickeningly familiar voice sneered from behind me.

I'd just finished my shift at the kissing booth and was heading over to the High Tea Pavilion in search of food when the person I planned to annoy today, saved me the effort of looking for her by finding me herself.

Taking a deep breath, I turned around with a practiced, cordial smile on my face as I greeted the She-devil sweetly, "Oh Hi Melissa! I had no idea that you would be here today. Are you having a nice time? It's such a beautiful day though it's starting to get quite hot. Make sure you stay hydrated and apply sunscreen, wouldn't want your skin to match your hair colour now would we?"

Her lips pursed and her eyes narrowed as she placed two hands on her turquoise ruffle-skirt clad hips and zeroed in on me.

"I don't know why you're here, but if you think you can blend in with your salon hair, this prudish pink dress and those shoes which you probably stole because there is no way you could afford real Louboutins, you're wrong." She huffed with all her might, "I can spot a cheap fake amongst diamonds and I bet the mothers of the 'Society' can too. It won't be long before they realise you're just common glass." She snapped.

She was looked exactly like a peacock, desperately flouncing her feathers around in an attempt to attract a mate and deter competition, and I struggled not to laugh out loud.

"I'm just here to enjoy this lovely charity fete which I was invited to come to by Ryan's older brother Brad," I said, speaking calmly and sophisticatedly. "Oh and by the way, these- "I lifted my leg and pointed my (borrowed) nude Louboutin sandaled foot at her, "are real."

I could almost see the smoke coming out of her ears as my lips set into a satisfied smirk.

"I always love our chats Melissa, but now if you'll excuse me, I've got some business to attend to." I ended, turning to leave.

"I wouldn't be surprised if you slept with him to get them..." I heard her mutter deviously as I took one step away.

'Excuse me? Did she just say what I thought she said?' I was ready to tackle her to the ground but that would just be playing straight into her hands and it wouldn't be doing me any favours for this image I was trying to keep up. You had to fight passive-aggressive with passive-aggressive; if I attacked head on she would definitely play the martyr and pin me as the villain.

"You and I both know that's not true, but before you start that rumour like I know you are just itching to do, you better think about where you stand." I said, taking the moral high ground as I drew myself up to my full height and looked down at her. "First there's you, little caterpillar who just joined the 'Society' hoping to become a debutante butterfly. Nobody really knows who you are and I guess nobody really knows who I am either. So to everyone else I'm just another pretty debutante-hopeful like the rest of these girls, and I'm blending in pretty well actually."

She glared at me through her thick false lashes and I saw the muscle just under her eye twitch; she knew that I was right.

"But do you know who everyone in the 'Society' does know?" I continued, almost sardonically. "Brad. And they all love him. He's their golden boy, the one who's won the heart of every mother and grandmother on the panel and who every girl hopes will agree to be their escort. So do you really think they'll believe you, over him?"

I knew I was right, and she knew it too. But I should have known she wouldn't go down without a fight. As far as throwing shade goes, she was a straight A student in AP Bitching.

"Such sharp words coming from a not so sharp girl," She said lyrically as she flashed me a confident grin, "You speak to me like this now, but let's see if you continue to behave so badly when Ryan and his family are watching you."

I stiffened at her last snickering comment. 'How did she find out?!' I freaked out internally.

I saw an eyebrow quirk amusedly as she registered the panic in my eyes.

F*ck she just won. ARGH now she knows this is a sensitive area and she'll use it against me mercilessly in the future!

"Now if you'll excuse me, not that I even need your permission, I have some people to impress." She leered.

And with that she brushed past me haughtily and entered the pavilion.

Great, this day just keeps getting better and better...

______________________________________________________________

The pavilion was beautifully decorated and the food was amazing, but I was in no mood to mix and mingle. All I wanted to do was eat and drink alone, indulging in petit fours and bitter defeat. I should have known it wasn't worth arguing with Melissa; she wasn't worth the time and energy. That girl always brings the worst out of me and leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I sat down with a champagne flute filled with sparkling apple juice (I was caught before I could sneak away with the real stuff) and just watched the scene playing out before me.

All of the girls were up mingling with the other girls and mothers, giggling and twittering away with an enthusiasm that quite literally made me feel tired just watching them.

I am not cut out for this.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, before long I caught myself searching for Ryan; I couldn't help it, my eyes seem to be always subconsciously looking for him.

I saw him walk into the pavilion from the entrance on the other side of the room with Jack and Jasmine but he was too far away to see me let alone be able to hear me if I called out to him.

What am I thinking anyway? How would I talk to him after what happened earlier today and not bring up the elephant in the room? I'd then be forced to make idle chit-chat about the weather... forced to be fake with him. I wouldn't be any better than Melissa.

"Not enjoying yourself Dear?" A kind old voice came from a chair just a metre to the left of mine.

"Me?" I asked uncertainly, pointing to myself as I looked around for anyone else she could have been speaking to. But the grandmotherly woman simply nodded and smiled kindly, waiting for me to respond.

"Oh no it's a lovely fête, I'm just feeling a little tired." I explained, trying to sound upbeat.

She smiled knowingly.

How long had she been there? Probably even before I had sat down, because in actual fact I'd been too preoccupied with my thoughts, and shoving food into my mouth, to notice.

"Nothing to do with boy troubles?" She winked. This elderly lady was dressed in an elegant skirt suit in a demure shade of champagne pink, she wore white lace gloves, and a string of luminous pearls hung from her neck. But as opulent as she seemed, with her short white-blonde hair perfectly coiffed, there was something about her that gave me this gut feeling that she was not like the rest of the 'Society'.

"No, nothing like that," I replied briefly as I turned back to the scene and sipped my juice. As innocuous as she seemed, I wasn't keen on sharing my miseries with her.

"Oh come now, I know a lovesick sigh and a yearning stare when I see one." She chuckled softly. "What's your name Dear? Won't you entertain an old lady who doesn't care for flowery small talk and fakery." She gestured towards the rest of the mingling mothers and pre-debutantes in the pavilion.

I liked her; she looked old and sweet but anyone could see she had some fire in her, and there was a playful twinkle in her eyes that made her so endearing.

"Ava," I smiled, finally giving in to her request as I shook the adorable old lady's outstretched hand.

"Well Ava, it's wonderful to meet such a down to earth and charming girl like yourself. My name is Margaret, but please call me Peggy, all my friends do." She winked. "You see, even with all of these people here, I find myself feeling awfully lonely sometimes..."

I thought it was so cute that Peggy immediately treated me as a friend, considering we quite literally just met, and I sympathised with her loneliness. I've seen people treat the elderly rather like children, treating them as incapable of making their own decisions, sometimes speaking to them out of politeness and necessity, as opposed to taking an actual interest in what they have to say.

'Oh what the heck,' I thought, sighing internally. What did I have to lose? she was a little old lady who just wanted someone to talk to as an equal. I'd just talk to her a little, dramatise my problems, entertain her.

I don't really know why but I wanted to make Peggy happy.

Moving my chair right next to hers I saw her sit up a little straighter in anticipation.

"Well, you were right Peggy." I sighed melodramatically.

"There is a boy who's giving me some grief at the moment." I confessed to her.

"There always is." She replied with a mischievous wink. I couldn't help but laugh at her endearing sense of humour.

Without going into too much detail, I told Peggy all about Ryan, divulging some inner thoughts and feelings that I hadn't initially planned to disclose. There was just something so warm about her that made me feel extremely comfortable talking to her, as if I'd known her for ages.

"There's this boy I go to school with, Ryan, and he is probably the most gorgeous, kind and generous person I've ever met." I sensationalised, motivated by the excitement that lit up Peggy's features.

But it wasn't too far from the truth...

"He's smart too," I went on, "in fact we were partnered up for a huge assignment and at first I thought he was nerdy and shy, you know, the teacher's pet type; a goody two shoes."

"But...?" She probed expectantly.

"But, it turns out there was way more to him than I first thought." I replied as she leaned in to hear better.

Something changed though; the more I talked to Peggy about Ryan, the more I reflected on my feelings, and the tone in my voice became less upbeat, and instead serious.

"...We always had so much fun when we hung out. I was surprised he 'got' my sense of humour, not everyone catches the subtle wordplay I slip into my syntax.

He just understands me.

I find myself always in awe of his patience and tolerance...I am not exactly the easiest person to deal with at times."

"We all have our moments Dear," Peggy smiled understandingly, placing a warm reassuring hand on my arm.

"...I really like him." I told her earnestly. A wave of adrenalin coursed through my veins like an intense sugar rush. Just saying those words out-loud for once, gave me a huge sense of relief. I'd been denying myself the right to even think about Ryan that way for so long, but now I can't stop these feelings. And I realised, that this the only way I've ever been able to think of him.

"Well what's stopping you from going after him? Have you told him how you feel?" She asked, both enthusiastically and confused.

"I...can't," I stammered. But I was beginning to forget just why I made that decision in the first place.

"Why not?!" She exclaimed heatedly. "You're an attractive and sensitive young lady and any boy would be a fool to reject your affections!"

I was momentarily stunned by Peggy's outburst, grateful and appreciative of how much she cared.

"It's a little more complicated than that Peggy," I explained despondently, " I just feel like I'm no good for him, like he has such a bright future and he lives in this world," I gestured all around us,

"He's in another league."

Glancing up from where I was previously staring at the chipped nail polish of my nails where my hands rested on my lap, I saw that the corner of Peggy's mouth had turned down slightly.

"To tell you the truth," I continued apprehensively, feeling less confident about myself than I had in years, "I'm not actually a debutante. I'm just here helping to cover a shift at one of the booths; I'm not like these other girls,

I'm not cut out to be a socialite."

I don't know whether I expected Peggy to be angry or indifferent to my confession to being an intruder, but I was so relieved to see her finely-wrinkled face smile warmly at me.

"You know you really remind me so much of myself when I was your age." She said kindly, taking my hand into hers, "I hated this world of glamour and niceties..... I wasn't socialite material. In fact I really was something of a wild child. I dressed like every mother's worst nightmare, snuck out at every opportunity and did my best to rebel against all of this."

"Why did you stop?" I questioned.

"My older brother." She answered, "I had looked up to him from a young age because he had always encouraged me to be who I wanted to be and do what I wanted to do. But I doubt he ever imagined that my ways would end up costing him a once in a lifetime work opportunity. His would-be boss wanted a CEO from a respectable family, and one that didn't have a sister who had gone off gallivanting with his son."

"I realised," she continued, "it wasn't worth hurting the people I cared about. But more importantly, I could actually use my money and power to try and make a difference in the world...I founded this whole society with my best friend as a way for girls to work together and aspire to do the same. And we do, for the most part we do accomplish a lot of charity work. But it's not the same as it used to be.

Nowadays we have debutantes and fancy charity balls and parties where it's almost like we're congratulating ourselves for giving money to those who need it most when instead of just dumping a lot of money, we should be trying to reach out and work with the problem more interactively, vis-à-vis.

Even my daughter Emily.... It takes a certain kind of girl with guts and courage to stand out of the crowd and act the way she wants to act, not how society pressures her to act. And unfortunately Emily wasn't cut out to be that girl.

But I think you are."

She smiled sincerely at me and I was so touched by her words

"Thanks Peggy, that really means a lot to me." I thanked her.

But our meaningful moment was cut short by a shrill voice that came out of nowhere.

"OH my Mrs Beauchamp it is an honour to meet one of the founders of this esteemed society, my name is Melissa Proud and I will have the privilege of becoming a debutante this season. I just love your dress and what you've done to your hair and oh my, "

"Ava," she suddenly turned to me with a fake whisper, as if she actually thought Peggy wouldn't be able to see or hear her, "Now don't panic but the make up on your back is all streaky because of your sweat, must be the hot weather we're having, and your tattoo is starting to show. Oh and I love your nails, this French manicure is so much nicer than that lacklustre black they're always painted."

'Evil evil evil.' I thought hotly.

"Well it was ever so nice meeting you Margaret," She addressed Peggy, her voice dripping with sugary sweetness.

"It's Mrs Beauchamp to you young lady." Peggy corrected her tersely.

"Mrs Beauchamp," She amended, "Now if you'll excuse me I must dash."

And then the devil's daughter disappeared out of sight, probably making her way to suck up to the next unsuspecting society lady on her checklist.

My cheeks felt hot, red with both anger and embarrassment. I'd been worried all day that my tattoo would show, I was mortified that Melissa had deliberately tried to degrade me by outing my bad girl identity in front of Peggy when she knew I was trying to blend in. Peggy is open minded and had radical thinking for a woman in her time, but she was still a proper lady and surely she would frown upon my having tattoos. Good thing I'd remembered to take out the multiple piercings in my ears.

I didn't really know what to say to Peggy to explain myself and to be honest I shouldn't have to.

But looking to her and expecting an expression of disapproval, I was surprised to see a little half-smile appear and a twinkle in her eye.

"Whatever tattoo there is on your back, it's still well and truly hidden my dear." She reassured me, "and I've also got something to show you."

She slowly pulled up her sleeve to reveal an eagle's wing and large cursive letters in faded black ink that read 'Carpe Diem'

"Never forget, never regret." She offered simply.

And I couldn't help but laugh and sigh with relief.

In the near distance I could still see Ryan, but he had his back to me and Jack and Jasmine had disappeared (probably making out somewhere) and instead he was now talking to 3 guys.

"Oh dear, not again." I heard Peggy fret.

"What's wrong?" I asked, genuinely concerned.

"Those three boys over there standing together, are bad news. They are rude and obnoxious bullies and they've been tormenting my Grandson since they were in first grade!" She explained distraught.

"That's terrible!" I agreed wholeheartedly. I hate bullies with a passion.

"My Grandson is the quiet type," She continued, taking my hand into hers for comfort, "doesn't like confrontation at all and he would never hurt a fly, I always taught him to be a gentleman. And they took advantage of the fact that he wouldn't fight back. It died down for a while until middle school when they all suddenly became aware of girls and had their first girlfriends, except for my grandson."

"That sort of thing is stupid, everyone eventually finds the person that's right for them and it's silly to think that he has to have found that person by middle school!" I consoled.

"Do you think I could ask a favour of you, would you help my Grandson out, pretend just for today you're his girlfriend just so that those horrible boys will stop bothering him?" She asked with hopeful eyes as she squeezed my hand.

What did I have to lose? I felt so sorry that Peggy loved her grandson so much and she looked so upset that she couldn't help.

"Sure Peggy," I smiled kindly, "I'd love to help you out. Where's your grandson now?"

"Right over there talking to them," she pointed.

Ryan?

No, it absolutely couldn't be him. It couldn't, that would mean__

But she pointed straight at him again, and swallowed thickly.

Shocked and a little flustered I tried to do some damage control "Peggy I didn't know that he...that you...and I told you all of those things and- "

"Oh hush now Dear," she said smiling knowingly with a twinkle in her eye, " I always hoped that the right kind of girl, one that was genuine and down-to-earth, would come along and take care of my Ryan before others who were only interested in our money could sink their claws into him."

"Our relationship is a little more complicated than that," I tried to explain,"...We're more than friends but,"

"Less than lovers." she finished for me. "I won't tell you what you should do, believe you me I've had enough of that when I was younger, but I will say that in the end what it comes down to, is how you feel, how you really feel.

We often forget that we're important too."

_________________________________________________________

RYAN'S POV

"Hey Haywood, back again this year for some more rejection?" An unintelligent voice snickered.

Crap, that was Sean.

I was hoping I wouldn't have to run into these guys today, but they were probably waiting for a chance to get to me.

"It's not rejection if you don't ask any of the girls out," I countered calmly as they stood around me, Jackson on my left and Sean on my right while Trey stood right in front of me.

"Whatever man, the point is that you don't even have the skills to be able to ask a girl out in the first place. Amiright?" Jackson sniggered before high-fiving Sean.

"So how's it going this year Ryan?" Trey asked, condescendingly, "finally got a girlfriend yet?"

"Look guys, it's none of your business." I tried to say confidently.

These three have had it in for me since we were 6, but at least I wasn't the only one they picked on in class. They tormented just about anyone that had something they wanted.

"So that's a 'no' then?" Trey smirked, "let's see, 18 years with no girlfriend; why don't you just do us all a favour and come out of the closet already?"

"Oh Shit!" Jackson exclaimed as he and Sean burst out laughing.

I don't hate many things, I feel like hate is a strong word. But I can honestly say I hate these guys.

"Dude look, look! Hottie at 12 O'Clock," Jackson nudged Trey, "Isn't she that girl you were telling us about? The one that was working the kissing booth but left before it was your turn?"

"Yeah that's her," Trey said as he stood up straighter and flicked his fringe to the side.

"Mm Damn her body is tight." Sean whistled as his gaze travelled downwards.

Then I turned around to see who it was.

"Ava?" I murmured absentmindedly, stunned to see her coming over here looking more beautiful than ever.

"Wait you know her Haywood?" Jackson asked, astounded. "Introduce us man! One of us has to nail her..."

'Over my dead body you will.' I snarled internally.

Crap, where is all this hostility coming from?

I never used to fight back against them, Grandma always said they weren't worth it and it was better to let things go. But with Ava? I wasn't about to just sit by and watch them play around with her...

__________________________________________________________

AVA'S POV

Ok, here we go Ava, let's do this. Do it for Peggy. Do it for Ryan. I said to myself, building up my confidence.

Peggy said that these boys had tormented Ryan all his life, especially for not having a girlfriend (which I cannot believe). I was the kind of girl that had the guts to put them in their place and I intended to do just that.

The blond one saw me heading their way and nudged the guy who seemed like the leader of their group, deferring his attention from Ryan to me. I stared straight ahead and he probably thought I was coming for him, until the black haired one whistled and disgustingly gave me a once over as he made a comment that caused Ryan to turn around too.

Then I only had eyes for Ryan, not even sparing a glance for the others. I saw the surprise and then confusion register in his face as I sauntered over to them confidently, swaying my hips with each step. It was time to turn on the charm.

"Hey baby," I murmured sultrily to Ryan as I finally approached the group.

Raising my arms gracefully as I came to a stop, I gently took his adorably bewildered face in my hands and kissed him passionately, effortlessly, as if we always greeted each other like this.

It wasn't just Ryan that was visibly shocked. Already I could tell my presence had turned the tables and greatly changed the dynamic of the group.

"I've been looking all over the place for you, but I see now that you've been occupied by some old friends." I smiled charmingly at them, "aren't you going to introduce them to your girlfriend?"

"Girlfr-, I -um, yes. Of course." Ryan stumbled over his words before quickly catching onto the ruse.

"Ava, this is Jackson," he said, gesturing to the blond one, "Sean," the black haired perv, "and-"

"And I'm Trey," said the leader, cutting Ryan off as he stepped forward and shook my hand, "Trey Walters of Walters & Co, you may have heard of me before, I do a little modelling." He winked seductively.

And as if the name Trey wasn't pretentious enough, I saw on his name tag that it was spelt Très like the French word.

I didn't understand why Ryan just stood silently next to me, like he'd been defeated the moment Trey cut him off. Had they bullied him so often when they were younger that he was just used to keeping his mouth shut and letting them walk all over him? My heart wrenched at the thought.

"So are you boys childhood friends of Ryan's? Or maybe former classmates?" I asked casually

"Actually, we're n -" Ryan began to explain.

"Both!" Jackson interjected as he playfully punched Ryan in the arm.

"But our good ol' buddy Ryan here neglected to tell us about his gorgeous girlfriend," Très said as his eyes swept over me like I was something to eat.

"So Ava is it? Ava__?" he asked, waiting for me to reveal my last name so he could probably check if I had the family name or fame to make talking to me worth his time.

"Maxwell. Ava Maxwell." I complied reluctantly. Truth be told I had neither money nor status, yet I still knew I was worth more than the person he'd ever amount to being.

"How long have you two been going out? Did you lose a bet or something?" he continued in all seriousness.

"Haha oh you're a joker Très!" I laughed regally, snaking my arm around Ryan's torso and resting my head lovingly on his shoulder as I snuggled into his side. God he was so deliciously warm and comfortable, it felt like heaven when his arm encircled my waist and held me close.

"Actually," I continued, flirtatiously placing my hand on Ryan's chest, "We've been together for about 8 months, isn't that right Ryan?" I lied effortlessly. The reason it was probably so easy to lie, is because I wished it were true.

"You're right Sweetheart," He replied, playing the part and kissing the top of my head, "our 8th month anniversary is coming up soon."

"Aw Cookie you remembered~!" I gushed prettily. Geez maybe I was turning on the charm a little too much. I was beginning to make myself sick with how ditzy I sounded.

"What kind of a pet-name is 'Cookie,' Haywood?" Sean snickered.

"Oh dear, sorry Ryan it just slipped out, I hope you're not embarrassed," I looked up at him with puppy-dog eyes and I could tell he was struggling not to laugh. "But I'm sure you boys understand," I said turning to them and flashing a radiant smile, "You know how it is with girlfriends and their nicknames for their men, we just can't help ourselves! I mean, I call Ryan my 'smart cookie' because well he's incredibly intelligent, one of the top ranking students at our school, along with me of course," I winked at them, "and I just can't help but brag about brilliant and remarkably talented he is." I ended, looking sincerely into Ryan's eyes. Even if it was all an act, I meant what I said, and I savoured the small blush that bloomed on his cheeks as he looked down at me with a small smile. This told me that he wasn't used to compliments, compliments he deserved more than anybody else I'd ever met and I wanted so badly to let him know how wonderful I truly thought he was. But I couldn't do that for real now could I? I wasn't actually his girlfriend...

"It's alright Ava, I don't mind. Well I'm sure you guys all know how it is with your girls," Ryan grinned confidently; it was his turn to have some fun now, "I bet they're all beautiful and adore you just as much as I adore Ava." He said, giving my side a small squeeze. And just like that my heart rate sped up to 100 miles an hour as warmth flooded my body. Someone should give Ryan an Academy Award because his acting was so good I almost let myself believe his words.

"Ahah-hah-hah yeah, um, our girlfriends are always giving us nicknames, but you know, they're usually more masculine like uh Godzilla." Said Jackson, overly arrogantly.

I half-buried my face into Ryan's shoulder and clutched at the fabric of his shirt to stop myself from exploding with laughter, and from the way his arm tightened around me and body tensed up, inconspicuously rumbling with silent laughter, I could tell he was having trouble holding it in too.

"Oh-ho hmm" I remarked, my voice strained as I tried my best to sound normal, "that's um, so endearing ng ha." I almost snorted.

It was so obvious that out of the 3 posh-bags (that's short for posh douchebags by the way), only Très with his ridiculous technically-French name had any real experience with having a somewhat proper relationship, but from the way he was flirting with me before, anyone could tell he was a serial playboy. As for the other two, it seemed like they would throw their daddies' money at any large-breasted blonde that paid attention to them, and that was the extent of their expertise with women.

"Anyway," I said, finally regaining my composure, "I hate to steal you away from your friends Ryan, but actually your Grandmother sent me over to get you, she wants to talk to you about something to do with the society and I'm afraid we've been distracted far too long already by these charming gentlemen," I continued, flashing another practiced, resplendent grin at the 3 Stooges. I was almost sad to wrap things up, this little act was by far the most fun I'd had all day.

"Well it was lovely meeting you Ava Maxwell," Très said suavely as he took my hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a sloppy kiss on my knuckle as he held my gaze with a suggestive look in his eyes, "I can imagine why Haywood has been hiding you away from us for so long," He continued smugly, smirking provokingly at Ryan "with a face and body like yours, I'm sure he'd be worried that someone more superior might just... steal you away."

I felt Ryan stiffen uncomfortably, bristling at Très' subtle insults. But I squeezed his hand reassuringly without turning to look at him, to let him know that I could handle this.

Batting my eyelashes at the King of the posh-bags, I bit my lip and giggled.

"Oh Très, there you go again with the jokes!" I said, yanking my hand out of his sleazy paws, "But unfortunately," I continued, abruptly dropping the high-pitched, ostentatious tone in my voice, "I'm not the type of girl that is so easily swayed by money, expensive gifts and meaningless flattering words designed to lure naïve girls into the trap of thinking that they're of more value to you than just a pretty accessory to hang off your arm, and that once you grow tired of them you won't just heartlessly toss them aside in search of a new plaything."

I had the pleasure of watching Jackson and Sean's jaws drop wide open, but still it wasn't enough, because Très' surprise at my change in character, was quickly followed by an amused glint in his eyes.

"Do not assume," I said menacingly, raised on my haunches as I took a step towards him, "that just because you have money, money that you didn't even earn yourself, that you are better than other people. You're not. Ryan is worth more than all 3 of you pretentious dicks put together and I can't believe that you would even think for a second, that I would ever leave him for someone like you." I ended, unable to conceal the contempt in my voice.

"Didn't know Haywood was so whipped he had to get his girlfriend to protect him." Sean sniggered under his breath to Jackson.

"At least he doesn't have to pay me to be his girlfriend, unlike some other people here." I shot back icily without missing a beat.

All three of them were visibly stunned.

"I would close my mouth if I were you boys," I advised with an innocent smile as I stepped back next to Ryan and linked my arm with his. I changed my facial expression completely, back to the charming, regal young lady I previously portrayed; the ability to change demeanour in seconds, I knew, was far more terrifying than intimidation alone ever could be. "You wouldn't want to choke on the bitter taste of reality now would you?"

And just like that I turned around, flicking my hair majestically over my shoulder and strode away purposefully, pulling Ryan close.

_________________________________________________________________

"Thanks." He said quietly as we walked out of range of earshot.

Our arms had gradually unlinked, but I wasn't ready to let him go just yet. So I bravely slipped my hand into his, and his fingers splayed and gently interwove with mine. As if it was instinctual. And it felt like the most natural thing in the world, to be holding his hand.

"Don't mention it." I replied, suddenly so shy and at a loss for words. "But they're still watching. Whatever you do, don't look back until we've gone around the corner." I whispered as we continued to walk across the room.

"Ok," He replied simply, his hand tightening around mine, making my heart pound.

With my eyes focused straight ahead, I sensed him looking at me with the same mild expression of surprise and confusion as the one he had worn just before our second kiss at the kissing booth earlier today.

He looked like he was trying to figure me out.

But he was having trouble. I don't blame him; I'm having trouble figuring out myself too.

I struggled not to turn around to see the reactions of the three posh-bags; I really wanted to see that condescending smirk wiped from Très' face. But I resisted.

Ugh! I can't believe I almost had to kiss that guy. Thank god my shift ended early thanks to my replacement basically shoving me out of the booth. If she wanted to kiss Très so badly then better her than me!

Brad was going to pay for this.

The guys that were sweet and respectful to me got a kiss on the lips that lasted half a second, but the sleazy douchebags that acted like they were self-entitled, only got a peck on the cheek; I refused to give anything more than that to satisfy my end of the contract of having to give a 'kiss.'

We finally reached a secluded area of the enormous pavilion, the very edge of the room where two pillars stood, and where the large white gossamer drapes (that hung from the tall ceiling) gathered and cascaded down forming an opaque partition between us, and the rest of the crowd.

"Seems like this is the only place we can talk in private." He remarked as we each leaned against a pillar and faced each other.

"We're going to talk?" I asked hesitantly. Stupidly I hadn't really thought far ahead enough about the aftermath of this little stunt. I had once again acted on impulse and was going to pay for it.

"We need to talk." He repeated firmly, as he crossed his arms against his chest.

I swallowed dryly.

Things suddenly took an unexpected turn that I was not prepared for.

"Today at the kissing booth-" He began.

"Ryan can we not talk about this now." I interjected worriedly; I didn't want to bring up the things I couldn't make excuses for.

But he ignored me.

"You smiled at me after I chose to kiss you again. Tell me what that meant, because I can't for the life of me work it out."

"It was just a kiss," I said nonchalantly, "It was for charity, it doesn't mean anything." I lied through my teeth.

The look on his face told me he didn't buy it, "I don't think it was just a ki-"

"Alright fine, I was happy you picked me again because I didn't want you to get 'mouth herpes' from the other girls working the booth that might as well have had vacuum cleaners for heads the way they were sucking face." I said over-confidently, producing a slightly more believable lie.

We lapsed back into silence. He did not look convinced at all, but he seemed to let it go at least for now...

"...And when you kissed me just 10 minutes ago, pretending to be my girlfriend in front of Très, that meant nothing to you?" He asked, his demeanour suddenly serious , almost steely.

"That was just acting." I lied again, "It's a theatre skill to be able to fake a kiss." There is a very thin line between pretend and reality...

"Oh... So kisses aren't a big deal to you then?" He mused, seeming somewhat irritated to my confusion.

As the gossamer drapes billowed gently in the passing breeze, I felt the tension in the air rise noticeably. Ryan was getting agitated in a way that was so unusual for him and I didn't like the thought that I was the one making him mad.

"It depends on the person, and the motive." I continued cautiously, "If you kissed somebody just for the sake of it, there are no feelings behind it, it's an act; it doesn't mean anything. You know, like when actors kiss on screen. It's fake."

"So everything was fake?" He asked, his tone was low and he spoke in a way that suggested he wasn't just talking about today's events.

"Yes." I answered, definitely more confidently than I really felt.

"Kissing me meant nothing?" His question may as well have been a statement because that's how bittersweet it sounded.

"The things I said about you were tru-" I tried to change the subject but,

"I'm calling bullshit Ava." He shot back darkly. And those words zapped my conviction like the paralysing electric shock of a taser.

The only other time I'd ever seen Ryan this mad was at the Winter Formal, on the way back to my house in his car when...when he told me he was in love with me.

He was dark and angry and he had me feeling bare and vulnerable, like an exposed nerve.

"Don't lie to me Ava. Please don't lie and tell me I'm important to you, but that you feel nothing when we're together!" He said severely, taking a step towards me.

'He can see right through me.' I thought as my stomach sank.

"Don't act like kissing me at the kissing booth was just for charity, or that it didn't feel like we were just pretending to be a couple." He stepped closer and closer as his voice strained with emotion.

But I wasn't scared of him, I could never be afraid of someone I knew would never hurt me.

"Look me in the eye and tell me that even when you 'fake' kissed me it didn't feel real," He demanded heatedly, now close enough that I could see fire burning in the usually calm ocean of his eyes.

My mind was scrambling, and my heart was beating hard as I tried to keep my cool; he had seen right through me and yet, like a complete fool I had to open my mouth and fight back,

"An acting kiss is what it is Ryan! It's a tool, it serves a purpose. That one kiss didn't feel like it was fake or real, it didn't mean anything at all! It was a performance and any actor would be able to tell the difference! I explained unjustifiably annoyed, taking an indignant step towards him. This was stupid, he was right and I was wrong but like a child I instinctively wanted to defend myself from the harshness of the reality of it all.

His face fell; it became solemn and brooding as he took one final step towards me.

I was so tempted to take a step back, but I forced myself to stand my ground and look at him directly, no matter how anxious his close proximity made me, or how self-conscious I suddenly felt in this delicate pink dress. Or how that serious look in his eyes aroused some serious involuntary reactions from my body.

"I'm not an actor Ava, you are. I can't do it. I can't pretend, I can't kiss you without it meaning something for me, even if it doesn't for you." He was so close now that I could feel the static electricity surging between us. "Everything feels real to me and I can't tell when you're being fake or- "

"But you haven't had the same experience with acting as I have!" I quickly interjected, protesting futilely.

He paused, and in the momentary silence I could hear the echo of my heart resonating in my ears.

He reached out and I felt the warm palms of his hands caress the base of my jawline, briefly embracing my face before his fingers glided down my neck and splayed themselves across the nape. But worst of all, his thumb brushed over my pulse point, that ticklish weak spot just above my collarbone, and I knew he could feel the erratic beating of my heart.

"Then tell me how real this feels to you." He breathed, with darkened hooded eyes boring into my soul, as he proceeded to bring his head down to mine and capture my lips in a kiss that shook me to the core.

"Mmph!" I exclaimed, initially surprised by his out-of-character boldness.

But I revelled in the happiness and rippling aftershocks of pleasure that hit me like a cascade of dominos.

I knew I shouldn't have kissed him back, I knew I shouldn't have responded to his touch, I knew I shouldn't have listened to Brad about getting revenge and I shouldn't have come today at all.

But automatically my chin tilted up, bringing my all too eager lips closer. If this kiss lasted even a second longer, I would begin to lose myself.

And yet I couldn't pull away.

But fortunately, he broke away first.

"Why would you kiss me back if it means nothing to you Ava?" He asked, his voice pained and tired.

The tension filled silence charged the atmosphere around us as his words hung heavily in the air, and heavily on my heart.

I hated this. I hated that I felt so conflicted, I hated that I was hurting both of us. And I hated seeing him so distraught, more than I cared about being vulnerable or weak.

Could I overcome my insecurities to make him happy? Make us happy?

...

"I can't lie to you." I confessed, "I can't act or pretend when I'm with you."

I saw his eyes light up.

"The kiss just then...does mean something to me." I whispered shyly, looking down at the floor awkwardly. Why was it now of all times that I couldn't seem to find my voice, or the effort to put up a front of confidence?

"What?" he said, either because he couldn't hear me or he was in disbelief.

"I said," I repeated a little louder, willing myself to look directly at him, "It means something to me."

I must have been blushing, my cheeks felt warm and my shoulders were hunched together self-consciously, yet still I tugged at his shirt gently, and wordlessly drew him towards me. Like a child, humbled after being scolded, asking for forgiveness in the form of an embrace.

He was staring at me again, but he wasn't surprised or confused. He looked like he was in a daze, or paralysed

I gently slipped my arms around his neck and rested them on his shoulders, bringing us closer together, and closer still.

Til I could feel his heart beating erratically against my chest and heard his short, bated breaths.

Close enough that my cheeks tingled with warmth as I felt his heated gaze upon my face. But I cast my eyes, they couldn't bear to meet his.

And when I found the courage to look up, sure enough he was staring right back.

Eyes locked, hearts racing, the familiar magnetic pull between us was too strong to resist any longer.

Call it a moment of weakness, or maybe a moment of selfishness, because I didn't want to fight against the way I felt any longer. So I leaned forward, and closed the gap.

With a soft groan that escaped his lips, the kiss deepened immediately, and I completely unravelled in his strong arms as they slipped around me and held me flush against his toned body.

I couldn't help but moan softly, pleasurably, as days, weeks, maybe even months of longing for Ryan were relinquished.

The delicious scent of his cologne pervaded my senses and drew me closer, made my skin burn with an acute feminine awareness at the parts of my body that came into contact with his. Soft where he was hard; a perfect fit.

As I found myself backed up against the cool, smooth stone of the pillar, his velvet tongue ran tentatively along my lower lip, as if he was asking for permission. And I gave it up so easily.

Shudders of pleasure racked my body at the electrifying sensation of his tongue against mine. He tasted like champagne; lush, sweet and addictive. And the things he was doing to me were just as intoxicating.

How did I ever manage to drag myself away from this feeling? This incredible sensation that caused my insatiable need for his heavenly kisses to grow.

Hot desire pooled between my thighs with every kiss, every caress, every time he breathlessly whispered my name.

"Ava," he murmured huskily as we broke away briefly. Every word that passed from his lips sounded like a symphony to my ears, music that sent sparks shooting throughout my body.

"mmh" was about the only thing I could say before I pulled him closer and proceeded to kiss him with an intensified need.

How could his kisses be so good that they made feel so scandalously bad?

God I wanted him, I wanted him so much. But it wasn't just lust; my chest felt so full, so many emotions swirling inside, clouding all logic and reasoning. The only thing I could think about is how I would do anything to keep kissing him like this, because I didn't just want him; it was more than that.

It was... I can't explain it.

And suddenly, standing there encased in the sanctuary of his arms, I felt an overwhelming ache in my chest to be close to him.

I wanted to be his everything; everything he needed, and more.

But could I really be that for him?

Dread began to seep into the cracks left by my insecurities.

I'm not good enough to be his everything...

Sensing the change in my mood, or maybe just the fact that the pace of my kisses had slowed and my arms had slipped down to place themselves on his chest, Ryan paused as he took my face into his warm hands and held me still for a moment.

He pulled away slowly from my swollen, thoroughly kissed lips and took a moment to look at me, dare I believe it, adoringly, before proceeding to kiss me one more time.

Softly. Sweetly. Long and deep.

So tender it left me breathless, and I felt an emotion stir within me that was so powerful I almost couldn't believe such a feeling existed.

He tilted my head up to look at him as his lips left mine and I should have known better than to stare into his devastatingly blue eyes.

I was entranced, I couldn't look away.

Then quietly he whispered,

"I love you."

And I froze.

_______________________________________________________

Hey lil cutie pies, well how's that for a MASSIVE chapter with lots of drama and Ava + Ryan action?

Don't forget to VOTE, COMMENT and FOLLOW if you like what's going on right now!

Love you all, happy reading! Cerise xx