"What?"

"You know what I mean, Anna." Easton said, "The day my eyes lay on you at Steve’s house, I already liked you. I am deeply sorry for admiring you but I can’t help it. I’m happy looking at you from afar smiling, laughing—" he let out a deep sigh and continued, "I don’t know but you brought joy in me without doing anything."

Easton cupped my face and my heart pounded loudly against my chest with his action. My breath caught in my lungs as my eyes met his. His emerald-green eyes were clouded with anticipation and sincerity. Never had been in my entire life have seen such eyes looking at me like that.

"Are you—" I bit the inside of my cheek, mulling over what I should say next.  "Are you serious about this?" I asked faintly. My heart sunk in flattery when he nodded.

Geez. He’s serious. It’s real. He wasn’t joking! I actually don’t know what to say and feel. Like seriously why was he confessing all of the sudden? Okay, I won’t deny that I had a thing about Easton way back then but everything gets a little bit complicated right now. I am deeply confused! I am deliberating Ashton’s reaction about this if he finds out that I’m cheating with his step-brother.

Wait. What?

Cheating? My cheeks foolishly flustered with the thought. It’s not that whatever between Ash and I was real but I have this feeling at the pit of my gut that as if I’m fudging at his back. He was cordial with me these past few days and I can’t afford to disappoint him.

Believing that I was gawking for a long time, I felt the absence of Easton’s hands off my cheeks. His arms fell limply on his side. He pressed his full lips together and puff out a deep breath.

"I know what you’re thinking. No, I know who you’re thinking is. And, I don’t wanna compete with him anymore because there’s nothing to compete in the first place. You are free to decide, Anna. I don’t want to force you because I respect you so much." He smiled feebly yet I could see the defeat masked on his placid appearance.

Oh good gracious what should I say? Who am I to afflict such sadness to this perfect guy? I was carried by the wave of Easton's emotion that I didn't think much what I said next.

I THINK I'M GOING NUTS.

✿✿✿

It was past seven in the evening when I reached Ashton’s house. His house was few blocks away from ours so I didn’t mind walking at this night treacherous hour. I shifted the packs of medicine and fruits in my hand, smiling with the idea that he might like my simple thoughts of appreciation. I even brought flowers with me hoping it might cheer him up.

I peeked closer through their high fence, eyeing the inside of their pharaonic type of place and it seems like I'm looking up a replica of Woodland manor in the city. Their house was utterly huge for two people to live in. My finger hovered over the bell, inching it to press it when someone sought my attention. My heart thumped heavily in my chest as I eyed suspiciously the tall blonde standing in front of Ashton’s threshold, her back facing me. Though I can't see her caked-up face, I know pretty well of who she is. The door swung open and Ashton followed out and handed her, I assumed, her jacket. 

What is she doing here?

Guess my question why he didn't contact me was now answered. I laughed spitefully. Here I thought Ashton and I were okay.  Who am I kidding? I was absurd to think I can replace her easily. I always seem to fade in the background whenever she is involved.

I hastily wiped the tears that crept down on my cheek. I cursed. "Stop, I might seeing it wrongly." I mumbled to myself.

When I looked up, my eyes went completely black when Victoria reached for him and kissed him.  I covered my mouth to stop myself from making unnecessary sound. I clutched my chest desperately, hoping this twinge of  dejection I'm feeling will just go away. I closed my eyes and spun around as I can't stand the sight I just witnessed.

To say that I'm hurt is underated.

✿✿✿

I went to bed with a heavy eyes, heavy head and heavy heart. Everything felt heavy for me.

I couldn't wipe away the memory of her kissing him. The urge to scratch Victoria's flesh is so strong so I could ease the pain I am feeling. I want to pull her perfectly golden hair and splash water on her head just like in movies. But of course that would just only in my head, I could barely hurt a fly how much more a sassy girl like her?

I rolled over at the side of my bed. Why I am feeling this way is beyond my comprehension.

For a hundred times tonight, another sigh scaped my lips. "If only you are here with me." I whispered, looking at Lucy's smiling picture resting at my side table. It wouldn't be a hard time for me figuring out this obscure emotions pounding in my gut.

My body momentarily jolted when my phone suddenly vibrated. I hastily grope it at the side table and my stomach churned when his name appears on my screen.

Moo Calling

Indifferently I swiped the decline button. I don't have the will to talk to him right now.

His name again popped on the screen. I opened his message and it reads,

Moo
10:01pm
moo;)

Moo
10:01 pm
Ey, what r u up to, moo?
How's ur day?

Moo
10:05 pm
U okay?

Moo
10:17pm
Just wanna say goodnight, sleep tight and don't let the bed bugs bite. 👀 ↪️ tom:*

The last message brought smile on my face. Shaking my head with his corny antics, I shut the screen off. I went downstairs to get myself a glass of water and when I went back, another message coming in.

Easton
10:23
6pm at Felix Resto tomorrow. May the dream angel be with u when u sleep, m'lady. goodnight:)

Oh shoot. I almost forgot I've agreed upon his invitation.

✿✿✿

Chapter dedicated to dyosanahartii and -Edgy_Solby- your messages fire up motivation in me to update so here it is. Have a great day everyone and stay safe. All the love:*