Anything. I would take anything but this.

It was the next day. I was sitting peacefully, playing the piano in the music hall, when Brady Ashford struds up to me. Along with 3 other human beings. 

A pink haired, fashionista girl with long legs and curves, a man who was likely the sexiest of them all, and a cute looking boy with light brown curls. 

 The third one seemed to have a nice and calm aura. I liked him immediately. Even if he hadn't spoken a word to me. He gave me a small smile. 

The pink haired girl one seemed...like the bitchy girlfriend? The one Rebecca had talked about. Which meant one of the boys was Asher. Most likely the dark haired guy with light subtle and hazel eyes. He looked like the type that never committed. Like Austin. But not like Austin. He didn't have playfulness in him, he had that roughish feeling and appearance.

My heart thumped against my chest as Brady walked up and sat on the bench right next to me. My knees were on the verge of trembling. I took a deep breath. What did he want? He sat facing me, both of his legs thrown to opposite sides. I could feel his dark eyes on my side, even though my eyes never met his. He cleared his throat, a rough edge to it. The room was so silent they could probably hear my intense breathing.

Then, as if I couldn't control myself, my face turned towards him. I knew it was a mistake as soon as I did. His dark blue eyes were even more clear in the sunlight. My eyes hovered over his body. Which was a bigger mistake. He'd always had an athletic body, but lean planes I could see through the shirt were now even more defined. I bet he had abs. How could he not?

He had a crooked smile on his face. My body felt the need to shiver. Why did he have to look so good? Why did he have to make me feel this?

" You play beautifully." he said. His voice was now clearer without the pounding music. In fact, I was pretty sure I preferred that. I commanded my voice to be steady. I wasn't going to show him my feelings. I'd always been good at that.

" Thank you." I said. His eyes never left my face. It took all my strength to keep up the eye contact. He still had the crooked smile on his face. I knew what he was going to ask me before he opened his mouth again.

" I heard you were promised a date from my dear brother? I didn't think he was your type." 

Irritation crept into me,

" Why not?" I retorted. His eyebrow rose,

" His reputation isn't the best. In a week I say, he'll be bored of you." he said. I looked at him incredulously for his choice of words. He shrugged his broad shoulders,

" Bitter truth, Sylvia" My name on his tongue made my heart tug happily and painfully. Fluttering was rising from my stomach. I forcefully tried to keep it down.

" Sylvia." he said once more, as if he just wanted the taste of it again. His smile suddenly disappeared.

" I have no problem if you're up to it. I thought it was my duty to warn you. I love him, but he really isn't the love type. Just so you know." I was surprised by the small amount of anger laced in his voice. Why the hell was he angry for? My boldness made its return,

" I know perfectly well. You didn't have to warn me. Anyways, I'm not the love type either" I said hoping my voice matched his. His eyes bored into mine. I kept eye contact. It was like a staring contest. Except that it wasn't.

He was the one who averted his eyes first. None ofs us said anything else. The silence disturbed me. He gave me a tight lipped smile and stood up,

" Alright then. Whatever you want."

As they walked back to the door, he looked back at me. I gave him my sweetest and deadliest smile. Maybe it could teach him to stay away from me. I couldn't afford dealing with him now. Never again. In return for my smile, he gave me a smirk. His words next surprised me.

" For what it's worth, I did remember you. The girl who helped me with my ecosystem project in 5th grade. Mrs. Amminos was cruel for that project." He pretended to shudder. The crooked smile returned again.

I said nothing. I heard the pink haired girl let out a small laugh, as if she couldn't help herself. And then they all walked out the door.

Classes today were shorter and easier than yesterday's. Which was nice since I got to relax a bit before my date with Austin. I almost laughed at the thought. 5 years ago, I wouldn't have even thought it could be possible. A date with an Ashford. Although it had Brady the entire time, I still would've given anything for this. Things were going so well.

As I was about to start my homework, my phone rang. The name read, Nova. My hands were faster than anything to swipe the pick up button.

" Hey Lia?" her voice came in.

" Nove! Three days! Three days and you never called me." I said.

" Oh I'm so sorry. I was really busy. I swear." she sounded pleading to me.

" What were you busy in?" I asked. For 3 days?

" Stuff." she said. Her voice was tight. Stuff? What kind of answer was that?

"Now can you let that go, and tell me, what's up with you ?" Her voice changed back to that light, cheerful one. Of the Nova I knew.

" College." I said.

" Oh come on. What else? Juicy stuff? Hot boys?" I contemplated telling her about Brady. But then she was my best friend. For years. 

So I told her everything. She wasn't....very happy.

" Really? You know this guy has consumed your whole childhood and practically ruined it." she said. And then paused. She said more sofltly, 

" You still feel the same, Lia? What you felt back then?"

"Kinda." I admit, " Kinda." I heard her sigh through the phone.

" Ok." she said.

" Ok?"

" Yeah, ok. You told me that now he knows you exist so-"

" Nope. Never. Nothings going to happen with him. I'll get rid of it soon." I said, hoping that my words stood true.

" Besides, I have a date with his twin brother."

A red porsche was waiting for me outside the dorm building. The windows were rolled down and I saw Austin's blonde hair get tossed around by the wind. He grinned when he saw me walking up.

" Hello darling Sylvia" he purred.