ã€ŠScattering Lilac Ashesã€‹


 Chapter One

    Chapter One

    The second week of Year Eleven started under a sweltering haze. By the time Lila Moloney dragged herself to English, she was already wishing for the week to be over.

    ¡®It¡¯s way too hot to be productive,¡¯ she thought with a sigh, fanning herself with her right hand, using her left to move her long, thick black hair from the middle of her back to her shoulder. It didn¡¯t help that her new uniform felt scratchy against her skin. She readjusted her white blouse and navy button-on tie, attempting to at least look a little presentable. After all, her class also contained Asher Wagner, the long-running Dux of her cohort.

    It wasn¡¯t as though she wanted to impress him in any way ¨C but, next to his incredibly prim and proper appearance, with his perfectly ironed uniform and impeccably set hair, she always felt that she should at try to measure up to Forestglade College¡¯s strict uniform regime. He¡¯d been the poster child for all facets of pride the College held ¨C excellent grades, flawless attendance, and even exemplary skills on the soccer field. It was hard not to feel inadequate next to him, even though their interactions over the years were few and far between. It had been that way since Lila had first met Asher, especially since his crisp, neat and tidy appearance was almost a rule at this point.

    Pursing her lips, Lila unzipped her emerald plaid skirt pocket and checked the time on her phone. It was nearing 8.20am, but Ms Shard was nowhere to be seen. In fact, she was rather alone outside the Language Block this morning. Had the sticky humidity driven away her classmates? Or had she misread her new timetable?

    Panic began to settle in her chest as she pulled her laden bookbag to her front, searching for her printed timetable. As soon as she shoved her hand into her bookbag, however, she spotted him approach. Except¡­ there was something incredibly wrong with his appearance.

    Asher¡¯s golden-brown eyes rested on her for a moment before sliding to the still-locked door of their English classroom. His hair was tousled, his tie askew and uniform creased beyond belief. He looked taller somehow ¨C had he been that way last week? Lila couldn¡¯t remember. Was she noticing this now because they were the only two out here?

    ¡°Oh, good, there are some students today,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s shrill voice tore Lila¡¯s attention from Asher. Their teacher hobbled her way to the classroom, her silver glasses slipping down her heavily lined face, laptop bag slung over her right shoulder. She unlocked the door, admitting both Lila and Asher, before fussing about by the projector, plugging in cords and turning on screens.

    It seemed as though Ms Shard¡¯s emergence summoned the rest of Lila¡¯s classmates, who filed in with various states of sleepiness and complaints a few seconds after Lila sat in her seat towards the front.

    Ms Shard promptly began the roll call, before diving into this morning¡¯s lecture. Lila absentmindedly traced circles upon her notebook, only half paying attention. Asher¡¯s 180-degree shift in his appearance¡­ perhaps it was the way he¡¯d stood outside, his face devoid of any particular emotion, or his drastically dishevelled looks, that gave Lila pause. He was¡­ different. And, not only was it needlessly distracting, it was distinctly disturbing.

    Surely there was a reason for this. His methodical meticulousness wouldn¡¯t let him just forget to dress himself properly ¨C right?

    ¡°¡­ your pairs have already been assigned,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s piercing voice cut through Lila¡¯s musings. ¡°Once I¡¯ve read out your pairs, please sit together. It¡¯s difficult to complete a project between two when you¡¯re not.¡±

    ¡®Well, that much¡¯s clear,¡¯ Lila thought, already resigned to her fate. She hoped her partner would at least pitch in some effort to their project and was at least decently competent. Having been at Forestglade College since the second grade, she didn¡¯t cling to this wish with any real hope ¨C most of her classmates seemed to be cruising through high school without much care in the world, despite the absurd amount of money their parents paid for the privilege.

    ¡°Asher and Lila,¡± called Ms Shard, ¡°you two will present to the class an in-depth analysis of The Great Gatsby, please.¡± Ms Shard paused to pull a piece of shredded paper from a small wicker basket perched upon her desk. Lowering her glasses slightly, she squinted at the paper in her hand. ¡°On Daisy Buchanan.¡±

    Immediately, Lila flushed as she began reorganising her stationery upon her desk. The seat next to her was empty, so it seemed like a given for Asher to move to sit beside her. Panic began to flood her mind ¨C she prayed Asher wouldn¡¯t realise she¡¯d been thinking about him all morning, but then remembered that was ridiculous and flushed even harder.

    A few moments passed as Ms Shard continued reading through her list and assigning presentation topics before Lila caught a heavy whiff of a homely deodorant with notes of roasted nuts intermingling within the scent. With a sigh, Asher pulled the seat beside Lila out and heaved his extraordinarily bulky backpack upon his desk.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with, yeah?¡± he whispered to Lila, who had stopped breathing. She nodded stiffly and turned away from him, intent on looking anywhere else, wishing that the tingles across her arms would stop dancing.

    Before long, Ms Shard finished her list and adjusted her PowerPoint presentation to a slide detailing what was required of them. Flicking to a new page in her notebook, Lila began to jot down the basics. Introduce the topic, the author¡¯s intent, the current interpretation of the character, and their own analysis of how the character contributes to the themes, plot and strength of the book. PowerPoints are to be due on the Friday before presentation week.

    ¡®Standard, but could be difficult,¡¯ Lila thought as she brought the tip of her pen to her lips. From her peripheral vision, she could see Asher taking similar notes before tapping the end of his pen in a satisfied sort of way.

    ¡°Any ideas yet?¡± he asked with a sideways glance at Lila. She immediately looked away again, this time as though her eraser was the most interesting object in the universe and shrugged nonchalantly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need to think on it,¡± she replied in a low mumble.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Ms Shard warned sharply, lips pursed. ¡°I¡¯ll need you to keep quiet still. I¡¯m not yet finished assigning this.¡±

    Asher flashed Ms Shard an apologetic grin before solemnly looking ahead to the new slide displaying the criteria for the presentation. He fluffed the back of his hair and leaned backwards in his chair, somehow still maintaining his characteristically immaculate posture. Lila snuck a peek before tuning in to Ms Shard¡¯s explanation of the criteria. Now that he had spoken to her, it was even more evident that there was still something bothering her about him. Was it the way he was talking to her so casually?

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    ¡°Alright, now you can discuss your project amongst yourselves,¡± Ms Shard announced, flicking back to the slide with the task description. In an instant, the class burst into chatter that didn¡¯t seem too related to the assignment, however Ms Shard had pulled out a stack of papers and begun leafing through them, pen at the ready.

    Lila reluctantly turned to her partner, who was looking through his notes. Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to her before he pulled out his well-worn copy of The Great Gatsby which was already littered with brightly coloured sticky flags.

    ¡°I¡¯m actually glad we got this topic,¡± he said, flipping through the book, ¡°she¡¯s not a very complicated character.¡±

    Lila nodded, readjusting the top of her uniform with shaking fingers. Now that Asher was so close, she could see the faint outline of stubble across his jawline, further contributing to his scruffy image.

    He gave a heavy exhale, blowing his chestnut-coloured hair out of his eyes, resting his open book upon the desk face-down. ¡°You¡¯ve just been staring at me today. Are you good?¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± mumbled Lila, heat rising from her cheeks, avoiding his critical gaze. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to make you uncomfortable.¡±

    Asher gave no response and instead picked up the book, browsing through the pages again. Lila fidgeted in her seat, looking down at her notes which now felt alien to her. How was she going to survive this project?

    <hr>

    ¡°Girl,¡± sighed Elise Thorpe after one look at Lila¡¯s despondent face as they ate lunch together under the shade of a tree by the school pond, a small respite from the sweltering sun bearing down on the school grounds. The tail end of January was certainly spitefully beating down upon those who were foolish enough to be wandering around outside during lunch in the Australian sun. Lila observed several pockets of students relaxing under trees behind Elise, much like they were, and others still scurrying to find relief under the school¡¯s many awnings. Elise began retying her caramel curls into a manageable bun before asking, with a bobby pin in her mouth, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Lila unwrapped her sandwich and took an aggressive bite before shaking her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s so obvious something is wrong,¡± Grace Thomson said matter-of-factly. She was on Lila¡¯s other side, taking a delicate bite of a carrot stick, a gust of wind throwing her honey-blonde hair into her mouth.

    Lila swallowed roughly before taking a gulp of water from her steel water bottle. She was about to get it over with and tell her two best friends about her blundering before her coffee-coloured eyes laid on Asher, walking across the yellowed field towards the three of them.

    ¡°What the fuck has gotten into him?¡± gasped Elise, a hand jumping to her mouth, plainly horrified at his appearance.

    ¡°Is that Asher?¡± whispered Grace, her bright ocean eyes wide.

    ¡°Yup,¡± replied Lila glumly, though a glimmer of delight curled the corners of her mouth. At least her best friends could see what she was seeing.

    Asher stopped short of the three of them, his increased height casting a towering shadow over them with a hint of menace.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said simply. Lila looked up into his face, searching for reason within his expression as to why he had just determinedly strode up to them, but she couldn¡¯t read his face at all.

    ¡°Asher?¡± she replied, raising an eyebrow quizzically.

    ¡°Can you come over to my place tonight?¡±

    Both Elise and Grace began to splutter and choke on their respective lunches, with Elise whacking Grace¡¯s back to help dislodge a bit of carrot. Asher didn¡¯t even look at them, despite the dramatic scene playing before him.

    ¡°Um. Why?¡± she asked timidly, her eyes darting to her friends.

    ¡°For the project. For English?¡±

    It was his turn to look puzzled at her. For what felt like the hundredth time that day, Lila felt blood rising in her cheeks as she looked away from him.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± she said softly, twirling a lock of her shiny black hair in her fingers. ¡°I should be able to. J-Just send me your address. Email¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I got your number off Daniel,¡± Asher quickly responded. ¡°So I¡¯ll just text you. See you then.¡±

    He swiftly turned on his heel before stalking back off in the direction that he came, a gust of wind blowing his navy school blazer gently. Were his shoulders always so broad?

    ¡°Okay, what the fuck just happened?¡± Elise demanded, turning to Lila, her hazel eyes wide in amazement.

    ¡°I almost died,¡± interjected Grace hoarsely, ¡°did that actually just happen?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila affirmed slowly. ¡°We¡­ uh. We got paired for English this morning. And I made such a fool of myself.¡±

    ¡°How?¡± questioned Elise, taking a bite of her half-forgotten apple.

    ¡°I just¡­ couldn¡¯t help staring at him.¡±

    Elise and Grace shared a swift, knowing look. Grace then gave Lila a shrewd smile.

    ¡°Have you got a crush on Asher?¡± she asked in a sing-song voice. Lila stood, the suddenness of which jolting Elise and Grace, who stared up at her.

    ¡°No,¡± said Lila firmly in a half-shout. ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    ¡°Well sit down,¡± insisted Elise, pulling at Lila¡¯s skirt to get her to sit again. A few students threw fleeting looks in their direction before resuming their own conversations. Lila turned beet red as she fell back into a seated position on the grass.

    ¡°Sorry. I just¡­ well, don¡¯t you think Asher¡¯s weird?¡± Lila stumbled over her words. Elise and Grace nodded.

    ¡°Super weird,¡± said Grace sagely, taking another carrot stick and waving it in Lila¡¯s general direction. ¡°And weirder still, he wasn¡¯t acting weird with you!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± asked Lila, tilting her head in Grace¡¯s direction. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Oh God Lila, Asher has had a crush on you since like the fifth grade. Or forever, whichever came first,¡± laughed Elise, taking a swig of orange juice from the bottle that she¡¯d bought from the tuckshop.

    ¡°He has not,¡± Lila denied vehemently, raising her hands in a ¡®stop¡¯ motion. Elise was clearly overexaggerating.

    ¡°He so has,¡± replied Grace, nodding deeply. ¡°But he didn¡¯t act all nervous with you just now. I wonder if he¡¯s gotten over it.¡±

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± blinked Lila, attempting to brush over her friends¡¯ claims. ¡°He¡¯s just¡­ different now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, totally,¡± agreed Elise, ¡°I mean, it looks like he didn¡¯t even attempt to iron his pants.¡±

    ¡°Or brush his hair,¡± confirmed Grace, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

    ¡°Yes, yes!¡± said Lila excitedly, ¡°And so I just couldn¡¯t help but look at him. Like a lot. And he called me out on it. And now we¡¯re partnered for English.¡± Lila slowly deflated, holding her head in her hands.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Elise remarked reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s forgotten by now already.¡±

    ¡°But it was so awkward! He didn¡¯t speak to me for the rest of class!¡±

    ¡°And now he¡¯s asked you over,¡± Grace noted slowly. ¡°Do you reckon he¡¯s going to murder you?¡±

    A shiver ran down Lila¡¯s spine as Elise clapped Grace on the shoulder lightly. ¡°Don¡¯t say weird stuff like that! He¡¯s not violent. Just¡­ scraggly now¡­ for some reason.¡±

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. She took it out and saw a message from an unknown number listing an address. As she put the address in her Maps, another message buzzed through ¨C It¡¯s Asher btw.

    Elise and Grace leaned over to see Lila¡¯s phone. Lila put it back in her pocket without responding. It looked like Asher¡¯s place was along her normal bus route.

    ¡°Maybe you should talk to your brother about giving randos your number,¡± suggested Elise.

    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Lila cracked her knuckles, her eyes glinting. ¡°I¡¯m gonna teach him a lesson.¡±

    <hr>

    As the rest of Lila¡¯s classes passed her by, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of intrigue she¡¯d felt since seeing Asher that morning. Thinking on it, nothing about his behaviour lined up. The relaxed way he spoke with her was, as Grace had pointed out, abnormal. Though, Lila still wasn¡¯t convinced that he¡¯d ever had a crush on her.

    Regardless, the theory she¡¯d settled on by the end of Biology was¡­ that he¡¯d given up. But why?

    The scrape of stools against the linoleum flooring served as an uncomfortable backdrop to Lila¡¯s contemplation. She distractedly said ¡®goodbye¡¯ to her classmates as she trekked towards the locker room to retrieve her belongings, deep in rumination.

    She folded her arms underneath her chest, her eyes hardly seeing her way forward, a gust of wind blasting at the leaf-riddled path before her, carrying with it the sun¡¯s fury. The chatter of students animatedly filling in friends as to their summer holidays, normally something Lila attuned her ears to, didn¡¯t so much as lift her eyes.

    Year after year, he put in the most amount of effort out of anyone in their cohort. And now, when faced with their last two years at school, arguably the most important years, he was giving up the goose? That didn¡¯t make sense at all. Not for someone as prepared and reliable as Asher.

    Her curiosity had been piqued. He was hiding something ¨C Lila was sure of it. The scent of a secret was tantalising ¨C practically begging to be revealed. And, once her mind started ticking, it wouldn¡¯t be satiated until she found an answer. That much was practically genetic.

 Chapter Two

    Chapter Two

    The decrepit school bus rolled to a stop and Lila clambered out, giving the driver a mumbled thanks as she pulled her backpack on her shoulders. Looking down at her phone, she began to head in the direction of the Gilded Estate. Lila passed by it every day on the school bus but had never had reason to walk through here. Several homes lined the street, separated by several metres of grassland. Most of these homes were lofty, almost mansion-like in appearance and gave off the impression of certain opulence.

    She drew closer to her destination, which looked to be the biggest house around. A basalt stone pathway lead up to mammoth oak front doors, two brass traditional door-knockers affixed to each door. There were no cars in sight, though Lila conceded that they may be in the garage to the far left of her. She did hope that they wouldn¡¯t be alone.

    Lila double-checked that she was at the right place before taking a deep breath and using the knocker on the right-hand door.

    Almost instantly, the door opened and there stood Asher, already changed into wrinkled grey sweatpants and a dark grey t-shirt that looked a size too small for him, also wrinkled.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he said simply, opening the door wider to allow Lila inside. ¡°Welcome, I guess.¡±

    Lila nodded at him in acknowledgement and made to take off her shoes in the entryway.

    ¡°Yeah, you can just pop them to the side there,¡± said Asher, pointing to a shoe rack on the left-hand side of the expansive hallway with marbled tiles. Mirrors lined the wall leading to the kitchen that Lila could see in the far-off distance. The ceiling was at least three metres in height, making the house appear both airy and cathedral-like. Though Lila¡¯s family weren¡¯t the definition of poor, her father having a semi-successful private investigation firm that allowed her family to send herself, her sister Clare and her brother Daniel to a private school, they were undoubtedly squarely within the educated upper-middle class. However, it looked to her like Asher¡¯s family might be in the upper class ¨C they appeared at least far wealthier than her own family.

    ¡°So, um, where¡¯s everyone else?¡± asked Lila awkwardly shifting her weight between her feet, trying not to look at herself in the mirror.

    ¡°Dad¡¯s still working at the hospital, he¡¯ll be home late. The chef is preparing dinner. Mum is¡­ not home.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila merely said. She followed Asher¡¯s lead towards the kitchen. She could hear someone bustling in the butler¡¯s pantry as they approached the huge, speckled-grey granite island bench.

    ¡°Gabriel, my friend is here,¡± Asher called out. Lila quickly whipped her head around to look at Asher¡¯s expression however he seemed to be pointedly looking elsewhere. A portly man in his mid-to-late-30s quickly burst out of the butler¡¯s pantry and gave Lila a beaming smile.

    ¡°Hello Lila,¡± he said cheerily. ¡°Asher has told me a lot about you.¡±

    Asher jerked a hand to the back of his neck, still looking away from Lila and almost imperceptibly mumbling something under his breath. He shoved his other hand firmly in his pocket. Lila didn¡¯t bother to ask him to repeat himself. She returned Gabriel¡¯s smile and made to shake his hand but he quickly jumped back, raising both hands in the air away from Lila.

    ¡°Sorry, I would but I¡¯ve got meat juices all over these bad boys. I¡¯d rather not subject you to that messiness.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Lila, ¡°no worries at all. Enjoy your cooking.¡±

    Gabriel nodded, his smile returning. ¡°I certainly will. I suspect, though, you¡¯ll want to hurry along to the library before you get left behind.¡±

    He gave her a wink before heading back into the butler¡¯s pantry. Lila hastily followed Asher, who was rapidly walking towards another set of doors which, when Asher threw them open, revealed a private library. Countless books lined the floor-to-ceiling shelves that covered three walls, the height of which matched the foyer Lila had crossed to get here. Rolling ladders were affixed to each of the three walls and several mahogany tables with matching cushioned chairs were scattered around the library, making the perfect reading and study tables. The only bare wall showcased an ornate latticed window, underneath which laid a daybed that was gently dappled by the afternoon sun. A skylight hung in the centre of the room, scattering a mosaic of light across the room. One table already had Asher¡¯s backpack on it and he took a seat before pulling out his school-issued laptop, notebook and The Great Gatsby.

    Lila slowly made her way over, sliding her own backpack off her shoulders.

    ¡°I just wanted to make a head start on this,¡± said Asher stiffly, typing what Lila presumed was his password into the laptop.

    ¡°That sounds sensible,¡± replied Lila, pulling her own study materials out of her backpack.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already clarified with Ms Shard that we will be marked both individually and as a pair,¡± said Asher matter-of-factly, his eyes not lifting from his laptop screen. ¡°And I¡¯m not willing to sacrifice my grades for this, so you¡¯ll need to put in a lot of work.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flashed in anger which quickly subsided after taking a deep breath. He was the Dux, after all, and while Lila¡¯s grades were excellent in English, she wasn¡¯t about to challenge him for the title.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± she said quietly as her own laptop booted up. She picked at her nails while she waited, the sounds of Asher¡¯s furious typing failing to alleviate the feeling of awkward silence pressing in on her windpipe.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Asher attempted to break the silence but trailed off as quickly as he¡¯d started.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila replied, acknowledging his attempt but faltering to add anything of substance.

    ¡°Do¡­ do you have a boyfriend?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes remained glued to his computer, but he¡¯d stopped typing. ¡°Shit, sorry, you don¡¯t have to answer that.¡±

    Lila chuckled awkwardly but her mind quickly turned to her best friends¡¯ lunchtime assertions. ¡°No, haven¡¯t since Isaac.¡±

    The silence seemed even more suffocating than before. Finally, Lila¡¯s laptop requested her password which she eagerly typed in. Why did she bring up Isaac? Isaac Fisher was Asher¡¯s best friend after all. And they¡¯d only dated two years ago for a couple of months¡­ hardly a relationship at all.

    ¡°I see¡­¡± said Asher softly, beginning to type again.

    ¡°Um¡­ w-what about you?¡±

    ¡°What about me what?¡± asked Asher, his eyes flickering to meet Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Uh, d-do you have a girlfriend? O-Or boyfriend, I don¡¯t judge.¡±

    Asher paused, looking down again and fluffing the back of his hair. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but let out a gasp and quickly switched to a yawn in an attempt to hide it.

    ¡°She goes to a different school.¡±

    Lila nodded, unable to find a response to Asher¡¯s statement. She opened a Word document and started to jot down notes in response to the task criteria. They continued to work in silence for a while longer until a knock at the door interrupted their typing. They both looked up and saw Gabriel standing in the doorway, offering a tray that held a juice jug, cups and a plate of cheese and crackers.

    ¡°Something to nibble on while you¡¯re working,¡± he said with another almost trademark grin, setting the tray down in the middle of their table.

    ¡°Thank you, Gabriel,¡± said Asher, hardly looking any further at Gabriel as he continued to work.

    ¡°Looks great!¡± said Lila chirpily, pouring herself a cup of juice. ¡°Thank you for thinking of us.¡±

    Gabriel simply bowed himself out of the room and the door closed with a gentle click.

    ¡°He¡¯s nice,¡± said Lila, sipping on her juice. It tasted of cranberries and apples, with a hint of lime, and distinctly fresh.

    ¡°He¡¯s been working for our family since I could remember,¡± said Asher simply, not bothering to touch the tray. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know if he¡¯s especially nice.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh.¡±

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed. Asher let out a heavy sigh, and she quickly picked up her phone and had a look. It was Elise, asking if she was still alive.

    Yep¡­ Still alive. Asher has a girlfriend, Lila replied.

    BOOO he does NOT, Elise replied instantly, a shocked emoji following it. A second passed and she sent through a whole bunch of emojis in various stages of shock and grief.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher¡¯s voice cut Lila¡¯s grin down to size. ¡°I¡¯ll have to ask you to leave if you¡¯re not taking this seriously.¡±

    Lila quickly turned her phone off from vibrate and set it face down on the table, her ears turning red. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    They continued for another hour before Asher stretched his arms up towards the ceiling, cracking his neck on either side.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough time to get our thoughts together. Let¡¯s firm up what points we want to say.¡±

    Lila stared at him in surprise. She wasn¡¯t that far into her own personal analysis of Daisy, but Asher continued to look at her expectantly.

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    ¡°W-Well, we could at least discuss the division of labour?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, good idea. I¡¯m happy to pull the points together on our PowerPoint if you¡¯d like to design it and make it look good. I reckon you could also write the author¡¯s intent and current interpretation of Daisy. I can handle the intro and our original analysis. Oh, and the conclusion too, I suppose.¡±

    Lila nodded, though she was somewhat perturbed that his division of tasks matched what she was thinking. ¡°Sure, I have no complaints.¡±

    ¡°Great. I guess in that case, I don¡¯t have to hear what you have to say about Daisy.¡±

    ¡°Well, hang on,¡± said Lila, anger flaring yet again. ¡°What if I¡¯ve got something good?¡±

    Asher blinked slowly, which further inflamed Lila¡¯s anger.

    ¡°Let me hear it then.¡±

    Lila grew quiet and began picking at her fingers again. ¡°I-I¡¯m not done yet.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily again, seeming annoyed. ¡°You can send me what you think by the end of the week. I¡¯ll think about adding your points in.¡±

    Lila nodded, not wanting to open her mouth again in case she said something else that was stupid. She started to conduct some research into the author¡¯s intent and current interpretation of Daisy, and they continued to work for some time more until another knock at the door rang out.

    ¡°Yes?¡± asked Asher, not bothering to look at who was knocking. It was Gabriel again, and he crossed the room towards them, chest-first, a smug smile on his face.

    ¡°Will Lila be staying for dinner?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Oh crap,¡± said Lila, picking up her phone again. She hadn¡¯t asked her parents if it was okay to stay this late. Right on cue, a phone call from her Mum came through.

    ¡°Sorry, I have to take this,¡± she said, apologetically getting up from the table and walking to a corner for a sense of privacy. With her back turned to Asher and Gabriel, she braced herself for her Mum¡¯s wrath.

    ¡°Lila, where on God¡¯s green earth are you?¡± her Mum asked sternly. ¡°You have three seconds to explain before I lose it.¡±

    ¡°Sorry Mum,¡± Lila said hurriedly, ¡°I¡¯m still at Asher¡¯s for that project I told you about. Uh, he- um, his chef asked if I will be staying for dinner.¡±

    There was silence for a moment as Lila imagined her Mum was pinching the bridge of her nose in exasperation.

    ¡°Wait¡­ Did you just say chef?¡±

    ¡°Uh huh. They have a private chef here.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I suppose it¡¯s not every day that you go to someone¡¯s house and they have a private chef¡­ I¡¯ve met Asher, haven¡¯t I? His father, Ivaan, is the CEO of the Forestglade Private Hospital, correct?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Is he there now?¡±

    ¡°No, Asher said he¡¯ll be home late.¡±

    ¡°What about his mother, Tabitha?¡±

    ¡°Also not here. B-But he¡¯s got a girlfriend.¡± Lila¡¯s voice dropped to a very low whisper, as if this was a horrid secret. ¡°And his chef is here.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ alright, I¡¯ll allow it. You are in Grade 11 after all, and it seems like you won¡¯t be getting into trouble.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Mum,¡± replied Lila with a small smile.

    ¡°Let me know when you¡¯d like to be picked up.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, see you later.¡±

    Lila hung up the phone and returned to Asher and Gabriel, who seemed engrossed in a discussion that they ceased when she approached.

    ¡°My Mum said I can stay for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Wonderful!¡± cried Gabriel, clapping his hands in exuberance. ¡°I¡¯ll plate it up and place it in the dining room.¡±

    Asher dropped the lid of his laptop as he stretched again, standing up.

    ¡°Come on,¡± he gestured to Lila to follow him. She closed her laptop down and followed Asher and Gabriel out of the library.

    The dining room had a large, solid wooden table that matched the tables within the library. It was surrounded by exquisitely carved chairs and a large chandelier reflected flecks of light across it. A centrepiece of candles was alight, and three plates of food were placed neatly around the table, ensuring no one was sitting too close to the other. The silverware glinted under the chandelier in a way that hinted to Lila that it was certainly high class.

    Lila inhaled the delicious scent of slow-cooked beef with a red wine jus, perfectly cooked potatoes, honeyed carrots and broccoli pieces.

    ¡°Dig in,¡± beamed Gabriel as he tucked himself into a spot at the far-right end of the table. Lila picked the seat closest to herself and began eagerly eating, complimenting Gabriel here and there. It tasted even better than it smelt, that was for sure.

    Unlike at Lila¡¯s own house, dinner was not peppered with conversation or jovial jokes. Despite the delectable food, there seemed to be no joy shared between Asher and Gabriel as they ate. Perhaps it was because Lila was there, or because there were only the three of them, but Lila tried with difficulty not to pay it any further mind.

    Once dinner was finished, Gabriel brought out small ramekins of cr¨¨me br?l¨¦e and Lila felt as though she was in food heaven. The delicate crunch of the caramelised sugar gave Lila a delight she hadn¡¯t yet known whilst in Asher¡¯s home thus far.

    Soon, however, that was finished as well, and Asher stood up with a yawn.

    ¡°We¡¯d better finish up,¡± he said, ¡°before I fall asleep.¡±

    For the first time, Lila felt as though she could relate to Asher as she trudged along behind him to the library. They began to work again for a few minutes before Lila spoke.

    ¡°What time should I be leaving?¡±

    ¡°Whenever you¡¯d like,¡± said Asher simply. ¡°I¡¯ve got a spare room made up as well if you need.¡±

    He had said it so casually that Lila felt as though she misheard him.

    ¡°I thought you had a girlfriend.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s, his eyebrows scrunched in confusion. ¡°Yes¡­ I¡¯m not inviting you into my own bed,¡± he said drily before looking down and continuing to type away while Lila struggled to come up with a response. After having no success, she instead sent a message to her Mum to come collect her.

    ¡°My Mum will be here in half an hour,¡± said Lila, putting her phone face down on the desk.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll let the maid know.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ you have a maid as well?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s only part-time. She comes through after dinner to take care of the dishes left by the chef and any nighttime arrangements during the week. She¡¯s here all weekend, though, to clean the house generally and makes our meals while the chef gets a rest. They both stay in the worker¡¯s cottage a little ways away in the back.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh¡­¡± drawled Lila, trying to relate but wholly unable to. Her Mum was a housewife, though sometimes she helped with Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s business here and there, having been an accountant by trade, so it was somewhat similar, though Lila and her siblings definitely had chores too. ¡®Many hands make light work¡¯ was her Mum¡¯s favourite saying, after all.

    ¡°Say¡­¡± Lila said slowly, unsure where the courage was suddenly coming from. ¡°Why do you seem so¡­ different now?¡±

    Asher¡¯s typing continued as he replied, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡­ you used to be very particular with your uniform, and appearance in general.¡±

    Asher stopped typing and he gave Lila a hard stare before sighing and looking away.

    ¡°I was¡­ told that looking like I care too much made me look like a nerd.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is that all?¡±

    Asher shifted in his seat, a grimace flashing across his face before returning to a neutral expression.

    ¡°No, but you don¡¯t need to know.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°She does have a habit of messing up my clothes a bit,¡± said Asher, a deep blush on his cheeks. ¡°But I just don¡¯t have the time to keep up with appearances anymore.¡±

    For a split second, Lila¡¯s mind wandered to a feasible scenario where Asher¡¯s clothes could get messed up, but quickly dispelled the thought before it could go any further. ¡°Why?¡±

    Asher sighed, closing the lid of his laptop once more.

    ¡°I guess since we¡¯ve known each other for so long, I could tell you. As long as you don¡¯t tell anyone else.¡±

    ¡®It¡¯s not like we¡¯ve ever been friends though¡¯, Lila thought, but nodded for Asher to continue, curiosity in command of her body as she leaned in.

    ¡°My Mum¡¯s missing. Since a couple of weeks ago, just after Christmas. I¡¯ve been spending all my nights and mornings trying to find her.¡±

    Whatever Lila had been expecting, it definitely wasn¡¯t that.

    ¡°Missing?¡± she whispered, her mind reeling, eyes fixated on his. In an instant, Asher¡¯s normally proud, straight-laced form seemed to wither before her, his eyes darkening with uncharacteristically open emotion. Lila¡¯s hands jumped reflexively to clutch his clenched, trembling fists. Asher closed his eyes and took a shuddering gulp of air and it was in this moment, now that they were so close, with Asher¡¯s guard fully down, that Lila could see how absolutely exhausted the boy before her was. The dark circles under his eyes, ragged hair, skinnier frame, pallid face and dishevelled clothes now pooled together to form an explanation as to his odd transformation since returning to school for the new year.

    ¡°I¡¯m terrified.¡± His words hung in the air, their significance constricting Lila¡¯s throat as she tried to think of what to say, as if there was anything she could say.

    ¡°Asher¡­ I-¡±

    ¡°Sorry Lila,¡± said Asher, abruptly taking his hands out of her grasp and rubbing his face, as if to wipe away the fatigue marring his face. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a lot, I know. I didn¡¯t mean to-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry. At least, not to me. You didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Look, thank you for telling me. Is there anything I can do to help?¡±

    Asher stiffened, eyes wide with what looked like fear and uncertainty.

    ¡°Help?¡± he croaked, as if he¡¯d never heard the word before, his eyes boring into her soul as if searching for the punchline.

    ¡°Yes, of course,¡± replied Lila earnestly. ¡°My Dad¡¯s a PI, I¡¯m sure he could-¡±

    Asher stood suddenly, his chair squeaking loudly across the tiles. ¡°No thanks.¡±

    ¡°W-Well,¡± faltered Lila, ¡°if you don¡¯t want a PI, I can still help if you need me to.¡±

    ¡°No one knows about this, outside of my Dad, Gabriel and the maid. I didn¡¯t mean to drag you into this. My Dad specifically forbade me to talk to anyone about it. We haven¡¯t even contacted the police¡­¡± Asher trailed off, his eyes becoming misty. He raised his left arm to his eyes and rubbed them fiercely, before shaking his hands aggressively, as if to dry them.

    ¡°That must be really tough on you, Asher,¡± Lila said with a forlorn smile. ¡°Sharing the burden can lighten the load, you know.¡±

    Asher ran his fingers through his hair, avoiding her gaze now.

    ¡°Just forget I said anything,¡± he said with a heavy sigh. ¡°There¡¯s nothing you could do for me anyway.¡±

    Though Lila wanted to object, she began solemnly packing away her things. Who was she, really, to interfere?

    The silence enveloped them tightly as Asher stood, staring at her and biting his bottom lip contemplatively whilst she zipped up her backpack.

    ¡°My Mum will be here any minute now,¡± Lila said quietly, inspecting the table as though it had the most interesting woodgrain she¡¯d ever seen. ¡°I¡¯ll wait outside so she knows which house. See you at school, Asher.¡±

    Lila hoisted her backpack onto her shoulders and began to walk to the door when Asher stood in front of her, immovable.

    ¡°Lila, I-¡±

    ¡°No, no, honestly. You¡¯re all good. It¡¯s your personal matter, I don¡¯t need to meddle. Thank you for telling me, though. If you need help, you can let me know, but otherwise I won¡¯t mention it at all. Your secret is safe with me.¡±

    Asher¡¯s mouth set into a hard line before he clenched his jaw and looked up at the ceiling.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ thanks for listening.¡±

    ¡°You need to get some sleep, you look awful. And for the record, there¡¯s nothing nerdy about a well-dressed man,¡± Lila smiled at him gently, before stepping around him and opening the door back into the hallway. The lights were still on, though Lila couldn¡¯t see or hear Gabriel in the vicinity.

    Carefully retracing her steps to the front door, Lila glanced at her reflection in the mirror and saw she looked just as dishevelled as Asher. ¡®Must be from all that thinking¡¯, she thought with a wry smile before smoothing down her straight black hair and tucking her uniform shirt properly into her skirt. Satisfied, she crossed the hall and was about to open the front doors when Asher appeared behind her, having seemingly jogged to catch up to her.

    ¡°I need to let you out,¡± he said, looking even more haggard than before. ¡°We¡¯ve got a security code.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± replied Lila, stepping aside to let him approach the security box to the right of the doors. After a few monotone beeps, a musical tone indicated Lila could leave and she wasted no time in opening the front doors.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you my notes on Friday,¡± she said awkwardly before closing the doors behind her.

    ***

    ¡°So¡­¡± Grace smiled at Lila teasingly the next morning, waggling her sculpted eyebrows. ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡±

    Lila shrugged, shoving her emptied backpack into her locker. ¡°As well as any study session, I suppose.¡±

    ¡°Did you find out why he seems so¡­ odd, at least?¡± Elise asked, slamming her own locker door shut before twisting the dial on her lock.

    ¡°Well, he¡¯s got a girlfriend-¡±

    ¡°Lies,¡± insisted Grace, shaking her head. ¡°You told us this last night but I insist it¡¯s a lie. He doesn¡¯t even have time to leave our own school with all that studying, let alone visit another to find a girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what he told me,¡± Lila said flatly, closing her own locker softly. ¡°And he even said she messes up his clothes sometimes. Whatever that means.¡±

    ¡°Oh GOD,¡± cried Elise dramatically, ¡°he¡¯s trying to say he¡¯s not a virgin.¡±

    ¡°Not that I needed to know that,¡± Lila rolled her eyes playfully at Elise.

    ¡°Sure you did,¡± giggled Grace, ¡°how else is he supposed to entice his long-time crush? Make her jealous, of course!¡±

    ¡°Well, it didn¡¯t work. And I¡¯m not his long-time crush.¡±

    The trio began to bemoan the fact that they would be assigned their first piece of Modern History assessment that afternoon during their shared class as they walked together as far as they could before splitting off to their separate morning classes.

 Chapter Three

    Chapter Three

    In the comfort of her room, Lila tightened her fuzzy teal blanket around her shoulders as she stared at the blinking vertical line on her Word document, her right leg propped up on her chair. The week had flown by and although Lila and Asher sat next to each other in English class a couple of times that week, they had hardly exchanged a word. To Lila¡¯s disappointment, however, Asher still looked just as worn as he had when confessing his family secret to her in the seclusion of his library.

    But now it was Friday night. And she hadn¡¯t written anything else since her visit to Asher¡¯s. So she was effectively screwed.

    ¡°This isn¡¯t good¡­¡± she muttered to herself, leaning her head against her leg, frowning. With Asher clearly under the pump, she didn¡¯t want to stress him any further. Not that he had any confidence in her own ability to analyse Daisy¡¯s character.

    ¡®He¡¯s right though¡­ she¡¯s not a particularly complicated character¡¯, she thought, rhythmically tapping the edge of her laptop in time to the blinking cursor.

    She stayed like this for a good while until a knock at her door sounded, startling her.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she called, swivelling her chair to face the door. Her brother Daniel was standing in her door frame, his arms folded in apparent displeasure.

    ¡°Out with it,¡± he barked.

    ¡°Out with what exactly?¡± asked Lila, miffed.

    ¡°Where have you put the j- YOU BITCH!¡± Daniel leapt forward, arms outstretched towards the bottle of mango nectar sitting peacefully upon Lila¡¯s desk. Lila quickly stood up, placing herself between her brother and the juice defensively.

    ¡°Get your own juice.¡±

    ¡°This is our juice,¡± growled Daniel, trying to bat away her sturdy frame.

    ¡°Not anymore. You gave my number to a random guy. Remember? Fuck your juice privileges.¡±

    ¡°That juice is my right as the youngest in this household, thankyouverymuchyouarse.¡±

    ¡°Nuh-uh. Don¡¯t give my number out to strangers.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d hardly call Asher a stranger,¡± scoffed Daniel, straightening up and puffing out his chest and cheeks simultaneously, emulating a ruffled pelican almost perfectly. ¡°Bro¡¯s been stalking you since the second grade.¡±

    ¡°He has not,¡± retorted Lila, crossing her own arms defiantly.

    ¡°Uh, yeah he has. Are you dense? Did you just think he was a friend?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s never been my friend.¡±

    ¡°Clearly. Hence why he asked me and not you for your number. And actually, why did he need it anyway?¡±

    Lila flushed, her breathing suddenly laden with embarrassment. ¡°School project. You didn¡¯t ask him before you threw out my digits?¡±

    Daniel gave a derisive snort. ¡°Nuh. Biology?¡± he asked, waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

    ¡°English, you dick! Get out!¡± Lila tossed the nearest cushion from her collection of at least ten brightly coloured ones on her bed at Daniel¡¯s face.

    ¡°Not without my juice!¡± Daniel cried, leaping forward and slapping Lila aside, triumphantly securing the juice before scarpering out of her room. Lila could hear his maniacal laugh through the paper-thin walls and sighed heavily before plonking herself back down in front of her laptop.

    Her phone was lit up with several messages from Elise. She was on shift at McDonald''s tonight, but it seemed like she was on break.

    You¡¯ll never guess what, Elise had texted the group chat between herself, Lila and Grace.

    What, Grace had already replied.

    Lila couldn¡¯t see any further messages from her lock screen, so she opened it, bracing herself for some ridiculously inane McGossip. However, upon opening the group chat Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us, Lila saw a blurry picture of a guy and girl standing in line at their local McDonald''s, wrapped in a romantic embrace. Lila squinted, zooming in to see further detail. It looked like Asher, for sure. She¡¯d almost memorised the various untidy folds in his uniform by now. Out of concern, of course.

    OMG is that Asher and a girl, Grace had sent with a bunch of shocked emojis.

    YES. She¡¯s hot toooo. Looks like she goes to Mulberry Heights. Must be smart, Elise had replied, adding a shrugging emoji.

    Lila locked her phone before throwing it at her bed. Whatever.

    She sullenly sunk further back into her chair. Lila briefly wondered if Asher¡¯s girlfriend knew about his missing Mum. Surely she did¡­ but then he¡¯d said only his Dad and the help knew¡­

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed again. Groaning, she leaned over to pick it up. It was a text message from Asher.

    I was hoping for an insightful email tonight, the message read. The project is due in four weeks.

    ¡®AKA, ages¡¯, thought Lila, turning off her phone¡¯s screen. Her phone buzzed again.

    Can you come over again tomorrow? Or Sunday. Idm.

    Lila sighed and unlocked her phone. I¡¯ll send it soon, not that I have anything exciting to send. I don¡¯t think we need to meet tho

    This isn¡¯t about the project. Sorry to disappoint, came Asher¡¯s near-instant reply.

    What then, Lila replied instantaneously, regret hitting her as quickly as she had sent the text. She probably should¡¯ve waited. Now she sounded too eager.

    I need help.

    <hr>

    Lila paced outside the two ornate oak front doors that stood as the gateway between the plebian road and the mansion within which Asher was surely waiting. She¡¯d taken the opportunity to get here by way of sneaking a driving lesson with her Mum in as a way to sweeten the deal to letting her come over to a boy¡¯s house on a weekend.

    ¡°Ooh, my girl is working on her independence!¡± her Mum had cooed before buckling herself into a harrowing experience on the road. It was no doubt made more terrifying by the fact that Lila¡¯s heart was beating a mile a minute independent of her maneuvering of a metal hazard in the shape of a Holden SUV. But no matter. Lila knew her parents wanted her to get her provisional licence as soon as possible so she could be a bit more independent. Independence was, in fact, one of her Mum¡¯s favourite concepts for her children, having fled her home country to seize a better life for herself and her siblings. ¡°Life in a country such as Australia is a gift¡±, she preached. Something not to be squandered. Nowadays, Lila was generally allowed to go anywhere as long as she took the opportunity to drive there herself under the supervision of one of her parents.

    But now that she was here and her Mum had zoomed off, Lila was deeply regretting it. Scratch that, she was regretting her whole existence at this point ¨C especially the fact that her lilac sundress had difficulty buttoning up by her chest this morning, despite having had too much room the summer before. Even so, she wasn¡¯t about to admit defeat. Plus texting her Mum while her Mum was driving was dangerously distracting, and then it would be a waste for her Mum to immediately set out again after getting home. Though at this point, Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she was just making lame excuses to try and convince herself that she was better off going inside than wiling away her youth languishing on Asher¡¯s family¡¯s very expensive porch.

    Counting to ten whilst inhaling helped to stem her nerves in most circumstances, so Lila resigned herself to testing it out here. She closed her eyes and had only arrived at ¡®six¡¯ before the doors swung open.

    ¡°Been here long?¡± Asher leaned against the doorframe, clad in navy shorts and a crumpled grey singlet. Though he was on the skinnier side, Lila¡¯s eyes traced the unmistakable lines of toned muscles bulging slightly from his biceps.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± she replied in a voice slightly higher than usual. She coughed and looked up at him expectantly, slowly moving her backpack from her shoulders to her front to hide the buttons that were currently fighting for their inanimate lives.

    ¡°Good. It¡¯s bad manners to have you pacing out here for too long. Plus the neighbours might notice.¡± He opened the doors further and ushered her inside. Being a Saturday, there would be no Gabriel, which disappointed Lila slightly. Kicking off her shoes and placing them in the designated rack, Lila was surprised to also see house slippers waiting for her behind the doors. Particularly as she had almost toppled over them.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s suggestion,¡± Asher said, gesturing to them.

    ¡°A death trap?¡± asked Lila, collecting her balance before sliding them on. They were a size too big, but definitely new.

    ¡°Sure. But if you¡¯d rather cold feet, feel free to ignore her hospitality.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether he was joking or not but followed him down the hallway nevertheless, still wearing the slippers. As she approached the kitchen, she could see a lithe, young woman in a fawn apron over a black t-shirt and pants arranging a bunch of small finger sandwiches on a plate similar to the one that held cheese and crackers the week before. The woman looked up from the plate and beamed at Lila.

    ¡°Welcome, welcome,¡± she said, quickly washing her hands in the sink in the middle of the island before drying them off with her apron. She held out her hand and Lila shook it with a smile.

    ¡°Marlene,¡± the woman introduced herself with a nod, ¡°heard a lot about you from Mr Wagner, of course.¡±

    Asher again pointedly looked away from Lila, seemingly far more interested in the island bench stools than the interaction between Lila and Marlene. Marlene smirked and pushed the tray towards Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯m finished with these, by the way. You can bring them with you.¡±

    Asher nodded and obediently picked up the tray before walking towards the library. Lila stepped out in front of Asher to open the door and let him through, to which he muttered a ¡®thanks¡¯ before crossing into the library.

    Closing the door behind her, Lila took in the sight of the library yet again. There was something so cosy about this place that she felt she could spend years in there, buried in books.

    Asher set the tray down at the same table that they had sat at last week. His laptop, notebook and novel were already set up, along with an empty coffee mug.

    ¡°I read through your email this morning,¡± he said, settling in before his workstation. ¡°It actually was quite good. I was surprised.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond as she pulled out her materials, sitting down where she had sat last time. She wasn¡¯t quite convinced that he had realised that what he said fell under the definition of a ¡®backhanded compliment¡¯, and she wanted to exude a sense of calm rather than offense. It was too early in the morning for combativeness.

    ¡°Ah,¡± said Asher, typing away at his laptop without looking at Lila. ¡°That sounded like a jab. Sorry. I meant that your thoughts were intriguing, I hadn¡¯t actually arrived at that conclusion myself. I¡¯ll definitely be incorporating your points into the presentation.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± said Lila simply, twisting her hands together under the table. Working with Asher always made her feel as though he was a stern teacher or caregiver disciplining her.

    ¡°Lunch will be in about two hours,¡± said Asher, peering over at Lila briefly, as if to gauge her enthusiasm about this fact. She was, in fact, enthused, but just nodded, trying not to let it show. The sides of his mouth seemed to twitch, but Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether that was an involuntary spasm or the suppression of a smile.

    Silence pressed on Lila yet again as she scuffed her slippers across the tile under her chair. It was definitely her least favourite part about working with Asher. ¡°So¡­ what did you need help with?¡±

    ¡°Well, have you given any thought to the design of the presentation?¡±

    ¡°Not really,¡± Lila answered honestly. Her mind had been racing since accepting Asher¡¯s invitation to come over, such that she barely remembered the project at all.

    ¡°I¡¯d suggest you think about it over the next hour.¡± Asher¡¯s gaze felt like it could pierce through her.

    ¡°I thought it wasn¡¯t about the project?¡±

    Asher sighed, pulling out his phone and rapidly typing something on it. A second later, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed.

    Marlene is standing outside.

    A shrill chill ran through Lila¡¯s veins as she looked back at Asher in horror.

    She¡¯s been keeping tabs on me. Uncomfortably so. She¡¯ll be busy preparing lunch in an hour or so, so we¡¯ll talk then.

    Lila nodded in response and began to pull together the design aspects of the presentation. Eventually, Asher caught her eye and closed the lid of his laptop. Lila followed suit, glancing at her phone clock ¨C about 45 minutes had passed.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Coast should be clear now,¡± he murmured quietly. Lila nodded in response, leaning forward in her chair slightly. Asher rubbed his chin slowly, his eyes darting to various points in the library as though trying to gather his words.

    ¡°I need your help, Lila. But only yours. As much as I think your Dad could be helpful, I don¡¯t want to stress my Dad out any further.¡±

    ¡°Okay. What can I do?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ that¡¯s what I¡¯m struggling with. My Dad¡­ he¡¯s been throwing himself into work at the hospital. But he still says we can¡¯t get anyone involved.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­ do you think he had anything to do with your Mum¡¯s disappearance?¡±

    Asher held his face in his hands at the suggestion. ¡°¡­ I can¡¯t rule it out. He¡¯s just being so weird. Gabriel and Marlene too.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a weird situation,¡± Lila acknowledged softly. ¡°Are they being suspicious, or are they just trying to cope?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure. All I know is Mum disappeared on the 28<sup>th</sup> of December. Her phone, keys, wallet, everything is still here. People don¡¯t just leave without that stuff¡­ right?¡±

    ¡°Not generally of their own accord.¡±

    Asher looked up at Lila as though she had something incredibly profound. ¡°That¡¯s what I said to my Dad, but he told me to just ignore it.¡±

    Lila nodded sagely, tapping her chin contemplatively. It was unusual, but she still could have left voluntarily.

    ¡°What does your Mum do for work?¡±

    ¡°She works from home doing social media marketing. She¡¯s always on the phone or her laptop. That¡¯s why Gabriel is here during the week, to make sure she eats, she works so much. Dad sometimes works from home too.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m guessing her laptop is still here?¡±

    ¡°Actually, that¡¯s the only thing that is missing. At least, that I¡¯ve seen.¡±

    ¡°She wasn¡¯t scheduled for a work trip or anything?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°She hasn¡¯t gone on one of those for a few months. She usually tells me a month in advance so I can¡­¡± he trailed off, swallowing hard. ¡°Uh, so I can get used to the idea of her not being around for a bit.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes glistened as he spoke before he looked toward the ceiling, clenching his jaw. Instinctively, Lila reached out and touched Asher¡¯s shoulder gently. He unclenched his jaw, but remained stiff, still looking up at the ceiling. They sat in silence for a few moments before Asher¡¯s phone buzzed on the desk, startling them both.

    ¡°Shit,¡± said Asher, staring at his phone. ¡°I¡¯ve got to make a call¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me,¡± said Lila, smiling reassuringly. ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­¡±

    Asher crossed the library, phone to his ear. ¡°Hey babe, what¡¯s up?¡± He gave a backward glance at Lila before slipping out the door. It closed behind him with a soft click. Lila exhaled heavily before reaching out for a sandwich on the tray. It looked to have cream cheese and cucumber inside. Absently, Lila took a bite and began scrolling through her messages to see what she¡¯d missed. There were a couple from her family group chat, including one where Daniel asked their parents for some juice if they were at the store. ''That boy sure loves his juice,'' thought Lila with a smirk, reacting to his message with an eye-roll emoji.

    A message from Elise to the Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us flashed on Lila¡¯s screen as she took another bite of her sandwich. Lila double-tapped the message to open up the group chat, rolling her shoulders back to stretch them.

    Soooooo I found out her name, the message read. Holly Reid. So basic. Apparently she¡¯s friends with Reilly, I saw Reilly give her a discount today.

    Omg lol, replied Grace, she went to my primary school. Did ballet and cheer

    So she¡¯s fit and hot. Unfair, replied Elise.

    He¡¯s on the phone with her now I think, Lila sent, typing it out clumsily with her left hand. Even called her babe lol

    So he¡¯s either serious about her, or she asked to be called that, replied Elise.

    Lila reached over for another sandwich as a few more messages came rolling in. This one seemed to have thinly sliced ham and cheese, which she bit into with zest as she scrolled through the messages, which detailed several theories as to how Asher had come across Holly. So far it looked like ¡®Tinder¡¯ was winning the battle.

    As Lila grinned stupidly at her friends¡¯ messages, Asher slid back into the room. Lila almost threw her phone down before adjusting herself so as not to appear suspicious. He seemed lost in thought again.

    ¡°Does Ho- your girlfriend know about your Mum?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± asked Asher, seemingly surprised that Lila was still there. ¡°Oh. No, she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    Lila stopped herself from asking why he hadn¡¯t told her, though the question burned in her throat regardless.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been dating for only a few months,¡± clarified Asher, as though he could read Lila¡¯s enquiring mind. ¡°I¡­ guess I don¡¯t want to¡­ I don¡¯t know, it¡¯s¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you who you tell,¡± said Lila. ¡°You don¡¯t need a reason.¡±

    Asher nodded, though it seemed automatic ¨C as though he wasn¡¯t actually present.

    ¡°A-Anyway, what else?¡± Lila asked apprehensively.

    ¡°Oh. Well, I don¡¯t think she went off on her own,¡± said Asher, still seeming dazed. ¡°But I can¡¯t help but think someone here knows something.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a start,¡± replied Lila, nodding affirmatively. ¡°Have you asked any questions?¡±

    ¡°Dad told me not to. Besides, I don¡¯t even know what to ask.¡±

    Lila grabbed a pen from her pencil case and twirled it through her fingers, before creasing open her notebook to the middle seam. She sketched out a table with several columns. In the first, she wrote the following questions:

    ¡®Where did Asher¡¯s Mum go?¡¯

    ¡®What is the motive for her disappearance?¡¯

    ¡®Who knows where she went?¡¯

    ¡®What was Asher¡¯s Mum doing when she disappeared?¡¯

    In the next column, she wrote the following:

    ¡®What evidence do we need to be sure of the previous questions?¡¯

    In the last column, she wrote the following:

    ¡®Evidence details¡¯

    Lila then pulled out her collection of highlighters and wrote ¡®Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯, ¡®Gabriel¡¯ and ¡®Marlene¡¯ underneath the header ¡®Legend Key¡¯ and highlighted each a different colour.

    Lila pushed her notebook towards Asher for him to look at. It was crude, but Lila was pretty sure it seemed similar enough to an investigation plan she¡¯d seen in her Dad¡¯s office.

    ¡°What is this?¡± asked Asher, running his finger down the legend key.

    ¡°A plan of sorts,¡± replied Lila, shoving her highlighters back into her pencil case. ¡°A starting point, at least. That way we can get some focus on what we want to know.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± murmured Asher, tapping ¡®Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯ a couple times before pulling out his own pen. He began to input what he¡¯d already told Lila with great deliberation plainly on his face.

    ¡°Do you remember how she was before her disappearance?¡± Lila asked as Asher¡¯s pen began to slow down.

    ¡°Normal, I guess. I¡­ didn¡¯t really take notice. Mum was, well, like Mum.¡±

    Lila nodded, raising her right hand to her chin as though rubbing it would cause answers to come tumbling from her mouth. Asher continued to write in the notebook before suddenly looking up at Lila, eyes wide and sparkling with realisation.

    ¡°She sent Gabriel home early,¡± he said in a hushed, urgent tone. ¡°The 27th. Said it was a Christmas gift, to go on his leave early. But he insisted on staying ¨C his leave wasn¡¯t supposed to start until the 30th. Gabriel actually has no one to go to, and he said as much. He¡­ also said we were like his family. Mum couldn¡¯t get him to leave fast enough. Even Dad tried to talk to her. But¡­ but she said Gabriel needed to go.¡±

    Lila lightly rapped her fingertips along the edge of the desk. While not necessarily odd on its own, in the context of Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance, it certainly stood out. Did she have other reasons for having Gabriel leave?

    Lila flipped her phone right side up and flicked through her calendar app. The 27th of December was on a Tuesday.

    ¡°Does Gabriel make Christmas dinner?¡± Lila asked, locking her phone screen.

    ¡°Yeah, actually,¡± replied Asher. ¡°We have Christmas at our house. It¡¯s usually a big deal. Our family come from all over Australia. Last year my cousins from England even came down. They left the morning of the 27th, and it was after Mum came back from the airport that she told Gabriel to go and not come back.¡±

    ¡°Did everyone leave then?¡±

    Asher nodded briefly before stopping himself.

    ¡°Everyone except my Uncle Prakash. Dad¡¯s brother. He left midday on the 28th with my aunt and their kids back to Sydney¡­ Mum and Dad took them to the airport too, and after she came back she locked herself away in her study for a bit. Then¡­¡± Asher glanced at his phone before looking back up at Lila. ¡°Then I went over to Holly¡¯s place. Uh, my girlfriend.¡±

    Lila adjusted her position uncomfortably, trying not to convey that she already knew Holly¡¯s name. Asher didn¡¯t seem to notice anything as he leaned forward on his left elbow and ran his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were mixed,¡± Lila said softly. Asher gave a shrug. ¡°Doesn¡¯t really come up in everyday conversation. My grandmother was Indian. Insisted her kids have Indian names to not lose her culture, but I don¡¯t really think ''Ivaan'' and ''Prakash Wagner'' works as well as she¡¯d hoped. She let them carry on Pop¡¯s last name though as a compromise.¡±

    Asher reached forward, grabbed a finger sandwich, and took a bite before swallowing hard. ¡°You¡¯re mixed too, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Certified Wasian,¡± smiled Lila. ¡°Mum¡¯s from the Philippines. She¡¯s the eldest of six kids and left to find a better life for her family. Dad¡¯s traced his family back to somewhere in Ireland, but his side¡¯s been in Australia for generations.¡±

    Asher¡¯s phone lit up once more and he picked it up with a sigh. ¡°Sorry, Holly¡¯s calling again¡­ she¡¯s unwell. I¡¯ll be back.¡± He threw an apologetic look Lila¡¯s way as he exited through the library doors yet again.

    Lila pulled her notebook back towards her, reading Asher¡¯s notes. She turned to a new page and labelled it ¡®Timeline¡¯ and drew a rather wonky vertical line down the middle. At the bottom, she wrote ¡®Disappearance¡¯ and began to jot down the events Asher described chronologically along the timeline, with Asher¡¯s visit to Holly written just above ¡®Disappearance¡¯.

    So engrossed was she that she hadn¡¯t realised Asher¡¯s return until he pulled out his chair to sit in yet again.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± said Asher again, ¡°she¡¯s a bit needy when she¡¯s sick it seems¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± replied Lila, ¡°I¡¯m sure I would be too.¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, she wanted nothing else than to shove them back in, but instead opted for a hurried, ¡°I mean I would be too with my boyfriend! If I had one, I mean.¡±

    Asher pulled Lila¡¯s notebook towards him, leaving Lila¡¯s awkward comments unaddressed. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±

    ¡°A timeline of sorts,¡± replied Lila, wholly relieved that the topic had now changed. ¡°It might give us some clues as to where we should look into.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    ¡°Has your Mum¡¯s work asked for her?¡± Lila asked, recalling Asher¡¯s previous advice that his Mum worked from home.

    ¡°That¡¯s actually a good question. I don¡¯t know. They haven¡¯t asked me, at least, but I would think they¡¯d ask Dad.¡±

    ¡°Maybe write that in the table,¡± Lila suggested. Asher complied before turning back to the timeline, continuing to review it.

    ¡°By the way¡­ does your girlfriend know?¡± Lila asked, looking down at her hands which had twisted into knots in her lap.

    ¡°Mm? About Mum? Like I said before, she doesn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°W-What about me? Being here, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Asher looked up, squinting at Lila as if appraising her like a second-hand watch at a pawn shop. ¡°I have talked about the project, and that you¡¯d be coming over from time to time until it¡¯s done. Why?¡±

    ¡°Just curious,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not really like you publicise the fact that you¡¯re in a relationship.¡±

    Asher closed Lila¡¯s notebook gently, and leaned back in his chair, looking at her now as though he¡¯d found a valuable inscription inside the watch band. He slowly brought his pen to his lips, which was creeping into a half-smile.

    ¡°Jealous?¡± he asked, eyes twinkling with mirth.

    ¡°No,¡± replied Lila, almost too defensively. She shook her head before adding, ¡°It¡¯s just unexpected. Everyone is usually so excited when they¡¯re going out with someone, it¡¯s hard to keep it quiet.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± shrugged Asher. ¡°But it¡¯s more exciting when it¡¯s a secret, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Is it exciting because it¡¯s a secret, or because you can let people in on the secret?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow. Asher opened his mouth before promptly chuckling.

    ¡°Dunno. Guess I¡¯ll have to figure that one out.¡±

    ¡°How did you two even meet anyway?¡±

    ¡°Debating. Our school does round-robin tournaments with theirs and a couple others. She¡­ she¡¯s incredible. They always say that third speakers always get the short end of the stick, but somehow she knocks it out of the park each time. I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve ever beat her school when she was third speaker.¡±

    Looking at Asher¡¯s bright smile as he professed his delight over his girlfriend¡¯s prowess, Lila could tell without a doubt that he was absolutely smitten. Somehow, the news felt like a knife had punctured a hole in her stomach, leaving her hollow. ¡®Maybe I¡¯m just hungry¡­¡¯ Lila thought, patting her stomach as if to check that she was in fact intact. A low but painfully audible growl vibrated through her abdomen.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± Asher asked.

    Lila glared down at her stomach before answering with a small injection of petulance, ¡°Maybe¡­¡±

    ¡°I think Marlene was finishing up soon, I can check if you¡¯d like?¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Lila said, desperately trying to convey the fact that she really, really did not want him to check on when food would be ready. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll check.¡± Asher stood up, putting his pen on the desk.

    ¡°NO!¡± yelled Lila, surprising even herself, let alone Asher who immediately sat back down. ¡°Sorry, no thank you. It¡¯ll be ready when it¡¯s ready. Nothing we can do to change it.¡±

    ¡°Sure¡­¡± replied Asher, his voice seemingly layered with uncertainty.

    They both sat in silence now, looking in the far corners of the library. Lila picked at the skin of her nail beds until they were raw. Taking a deep breath, Lila broke the silence again.

    ¡°Look, you can let me know what you want to do from here. I think I¡¯ve started you off, at least, with a plan.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­ I¡¯ll think about it. I have a rough idea, but I think I just need to write down what¡¯s happened and let you know. In the meantime, you should really get to work on the PowerPoint.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow at Asher before smirking. ¡°Yeah, yeah, Mr Dux. I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    <hr>

    Lunch turned out to be a less-than-exciting affair, much like dinner with Gabriel, however, the stark difference between a professional chef and the occasional cook was clear.

    ¡®Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with spaghetti and meatballs¡¯, thought Lila as she twirled her fork in her meal, particularly as the meatballs were undoubtedly hand-prepared and the sauce didn¡¯t taste like it was storebought either. Evidently, Marlene had put as much effort as she could into their humble lunch, which Lila very much appreciated. Unlike Gabriel, however, Marlene did not join them for lunch, which had the unfortunate effect of allowing the awkward silence to cling even tighter to Lila and Asher upon leaving the library. Lila deeply regretted leaving her phone behind, particularly as she was attempting to remain entirely fixated on her meal.

    ¡°What time do I need to leave today?¡± asked Lila, stabbing a meatball and inspecting it as though it would give her a time.

    ¡°Whenever you¡¯d like,¡± replied Asher through a mouthful of spaghetti. ¡°The spare room is still made up.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll go after lunch then,¡± announced Lila, a strange shrill note carrying through her statement.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±

    Lila quickly shovelled the rest of her lunch in her mouth, adrenaline suddenly flowing through her veins. Once done, she half-sprinted to the library and sent a message to her Mum, requesting to be collected. Lila¡¯s Mum sent an exceptionally large thumbs-up emoji in response and Lila exhaled deeply in relief. She began packing away her things when Asher¡¯s voice called out to her from the doorway.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a hurry,¡± he said, a peculiar, fleeting expression crossing his face. Was it sadness? Surprise? Relief? Lila couldn¡¯t place it.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve got to work on my Biology assignment,¡± Lila said, knowing full well she had absolutely zero intentions of looking at that assignment until the week it was due.

    ¡°I can respect that,¡± Asher responded with a nod. ¡°Sounds important.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s like 50% of my grade or something ridiculous.¡±

    Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°Glad I¡¯m not doing Biology then.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d think it was cruisy,¡± Lila shrugged, zipping up her backpack, the only thing missing being her notebook. Lila crossed the room towards Asher, clutching it to her chest, suddenly aware, again, of how tight her dress was after finishing lunch.

    ¡°Here,¡± Lila passed Asher her notebook. ¡°You can keep it for now. This one is just for English. You can give it back to me when we have class next.¡±

    Lila could have sworn the tips of Asher¡¯s ears turned pink as he took a step back, distancing himself from Lila some.

    ¡°I swear I don¡¯t bite,¡± Lila said, frowning.

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t, but I¡¯d rather you not stand so close to me.¡±

    Lila took a step back herself before spinning around and collecting her things hurriedly.

    ¡°Lila, sorry, that sounded rude. It¡¯s just¡­¡± Asher brought a hand to the back of his neck and gave her a sideways glance. He violently shook his head. ¡°Nothing. It¡¯s just nothing.¡±

    ¡°Well, it sounds like something if I can¡¯t even give you a critical notebook without admonishment,¡± said Lila sternly, turning towards him and crossing her arms. She sounded like her Dad now but was suddenly too annoyed to care about her sudden verboseness.

    ¡°I¡­ you¡¯re right. I was just thinking about Holly and I want to respect that we¡¯re in a relationship.¡±

    Lila cocked her head to one side, eyebrows furrowed deeply. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Asher looked even more uncomfortable than he had during their many awkward silences combined. ¡°I don¡¯t think I worded that right¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to clarify, yes,¡± Lila said impatiently, the weight of her backpack feeling as though it had gained ten kilograms.

    ¡°I just think that, as I¡¯m in a relationship, I should respect that she¡¯s my girlfriend and should remain appropriate with females.¡±

    Lila stared at him for a moment before bursting into laughter.

    ¡°O-Oh my god,¡± she wheezed, wiping tears from her eyes. ¡°You sound like a robot. ¡®Females¡¯.¡±

    Asher stiffened at the suggestion, which really didn¡¯t help subvert Lila¡¯s assertions.

    ¡°Well, it''s whatever. I said my piece. I¡¯d like a firm boundary, please,¡± he said, his tone dead serious.

    ¡°Roboticness aside, I think it¡¯s admirable enough that you¡¯re thinking about that,¡± Lila said, having recovered from her giggling fit. ¡°I¡¯ll respect it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± replied Asher, looking relieved, pressing Lila¡¯s notebook to his chest briefly. ¡°I¡¯ll finish up with this and give it back to you next week.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll need it for the assignment.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should come collect it tonight the-¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°Biology, remember? I don¡¯t have the time, sorry.¡± In reality, she¡¯d had enough of being around Asher for the moment. Her head was starting to spin.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll walk you out then.¡±

 Chapter Four

    Chapter Four

    The rest of the weekend flew by, despite Lila doing nothing in particular. Try as she might, the hollow feeling she had felt in Asher¡¯s home refused to go away, so Lila had given up trying anything at all. She stayed virtually confined to her bed, which was unusual enough that her older sister, Clare, let herself into Lila¡¯s bedroom on Sunday night.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t showered. Or moved. The light¡¯s not even on. I see you¡¯ve eaten, at least,¡± Clare eyed the dishes stacked on Lila¡¯s desk before coming in to sit in Lila¡¯s desk chair, switching on the lamp sitting on Lila¡¯s desk. Lila winced at the sudden burst of light and waved a hand to fend it off.

    ¡°Daniel said he offered you juice this morning when you passed him in the hall to the toilet and you said no, thank you. That¡¯s alarming, Lila. You¡¯re never polite to him.¡±

    Lila snorted but made no effort to continue the conversation. Sighing, Clare rolled the chair towards the bed.

    ¡°Boy troubles?¡±

    ¡°No. And don¡¯t analyse me with your psychology voodoo, sis.¡±

    ¡°For the hundredth time, I¡¯m only a second year and Uni hasn¡¯t even started back up yet. I can¡¯t analyse shit, and even if I could, I¡¯d need way more training to be accurate. Plus, voodoo is a sacred religious practice ¨C don¡¯t be facetious.¡±

    ¡°Since when have you cared about being accurate?¡±

    ¡°Since you came home on Saturday afternoon after visiting a boy and then refused to talk to anyone and hid away in here. Girl, that looks like depression but I know that¡¯s probably not it.¡±

    Lila turned to face the wall, glad that her double bed was pressed up against it. The two sisters sat in silence for a moment before Clare sighed again.

    ¡°Mum said you¡¯re getting better at driving,¡± she said simply.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t hit anything yet, so I¡¯d call that a resounding success.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re talking like Dad again.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just growing up, dude,¡± said Lila, turning back towards the ceiling, staring at it blankly. ¡°You¡¯re supposed to learn more words as you get older. May as well use ¡®em before I lose ¡®em.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like they¡¯re a one-time use-¡± Lila¡¯s phone buzzed, cutting Clare¡¯s argument short, and Clare reached out to take a look at it.

    ¡°Hands off,¡± said Lila lamely, not even bothering to reach for it but giving Clare a sideways glance all the same to monitor what she was doing with it.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t opened over a hundred messages from Grace and Elise!¡± Clare observed, her pitch rising, concern now plain in her voice. ¡°Did you guys have a fight?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied sullenly. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, sis. Maybe my period is coming.¡±

    ¡°False,¡± Clare shook her head, putting Lila¡¯s phone back on the desk after plugging the charger in. ¡°You had it like two weeks ago.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I was faking.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take all the heat packs next time you¡¯re faking your period then, you ass. Ours are basically at the same time.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond, moving her gaze to the ceiling again. The cornices began to fall out of focus, their usually straight lines hazy as she continued to lay there. The sound of Clare¡¯s slippers brushed across to where Lila¡¯s bedroom door was, and by the small squeak, she could tell Clare had opened the door slightly. A sweet yet savoury scent wafted through the room and Lila sniffed the air, placing it immediately.

    ¡°Is Mum making tocino?¡± Lila asked, her nose continuing to twitch as she inhaled more of the smell.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Clare replied, her voice carrying a superior, all-knowing air of ¡®I definitely know, but I¡¯m not telling you¡¯ that always drove Lila nuts when they were kids. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll need to go downstairs and find out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s cruel and unusual punishment,¡± mumbled Lila, her stomach growling in agreement. ¡°Everyone knows that¡¯s my favourite.¡±

    ¡°We were just hoping that you¡¯ll drift towards it like Jake from Adventure Time and those special sentient sandwiches,¡± Clare said loftily.

    ¡°Only if the scent carries me there,¡± Lila replied glumly, still making no effort to move.

    ¡°I can carry you there,¡± Clare offered. Lila gave a half-hearted ¡®ha¡¯ for Clare¡¯s proposal.

    ¡°Look, Lila, we just want to see you,¡± Clare said pleadingly, placing a hand on Lila¡¯s side gently. ¡°Dad especially. You know he won¡¯t say anything, but he¡¯s worried.¡±

    Lila slowly turned around to face her sister, who was looking at her with puppy-dog eyes now. ¡°We¡¯ll cheer you up. Promise.¡±

    ¡°God, you¡¯re pushy,¡± Lila replied monotonously.

    ¡°What are eldest siblings for if not to push the younger ones?¡± Clare asked, putting her hands on her hips, her dark brown eyes glinting in the light of Lila¡¯s solitary desk lamp. ¡°Whether it be swings, down the stairs, or to cheer you up, you can guarantee I won¡¯t have any second thoughts about pushing you.¡±

    Clare huffed in a satisfied sort of way, as though she had said something absurdly profound.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should be pushing me down the stairs¡­ Actually, that might be nice, sis. Then I might end up in hospital and won¡¯t have to finish this English assignment with Asher.¡±

    Quick as a flash, Clare sat down on Lila¡¯s bed. ¡°Is that what¡¯s wrong? I can help you with your assignment.¡±

    Lila groaned, grabbing one of her cushions and putting it over her face.

    ¡°Just suffocate me. Or leave. Either works.¡±

    Lila could feel Clare¡¯s weight disappear from the edge of her bed and heard Clare¡¯s slipper-clad footsteps softly padding away across Lila¡¯s room. Then, the footsteps bounded heavily in Lila¡¯s direction and as she threw the pillow off her face, she saw Clare¡¯s crazed, hell-bent expression mere centimetres away from her own shocked face before she was body-slammed. The force winded Lila as Clare curled her hands around Lila¡¯s shoulders, pulling her into a far too-tight embrace.

    ¡°Geddoff me,¡± Lila wheezed gruffly, flailing against her sister¡¯s determined grasp.

    ¡°No can do,¡± Clare announced, wrapping her legs around Lila¡¯s, nuzzling her cheek. ¡°I¡¯m going to pull you outta here with love!¡±

    Lila gave a small shriek, ¡°Anything but love!¡±

    The two sisters melted into fits of giggles as Clare began to tickle Lila¡¯s side, shouting ¡°I LOVE YOU!¡±. Before long, Lila¡¯s door burst open with a boom as Daniel¡¯s voice unexpectedly thundered, ¡°Oi! Cut it out you dunderheads! The boys can hear you guys being stupid in here.¡±

    Clare rolled off Lila and onto the floor with an unceremonious thud as Daniel slammed Lila¡¯s door shut. Lila could hardly stifle another giggle as she heard him stomp his way to his room down the hall.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing by ¡®the boys¡¯, he means his Fortnite crew,¡± Clare said, sitting up.

    ¡°Probably. He sure loves his juice and his games,¡± replied Lila matter-of-factly. She looked at Clare briefly before giving a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll come down for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Clare replied perkily, getting up from Lila¡¯s floor and brushing down her skirt. ¡°You should probably message Elise and Grace back.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila trailed off as Clare crossed her room again and opened the door. ¡°Thanks, Clare. You¡­ did manage to cheer me up a bit.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯d hoped for ¡®a lot¡¯, but I¡¯ll settle for ¡®a bit¡¯,¡± smiled Clare as she sank into a gracious curtsey in response before leaving, gently closing the door behind her. Lila waited until she could no longer hear Clare¡¯s footsteps before picking up her phone to scroll through the messages. Most of them were from the group chat, but a couple were direct messages. Lila¡¯s last message to the group chat had read, ¡®Home now.¡¯. She had not even looked at anything since. Which appeared to be a big mistake.

    We''re coming over in an hour if you don¡¯t reply, a message from Elise read.

    Maybe two, Grace had replied.

    That had been 50 minutes ago. Lila bolted from her room, jumping down the stairs two at a time, skidding to a halt in the kitchen breathlessly before her Mum.

    ¡°What, what?¡± her Mum asked, clearly perplexed, brandishing a measuring cup full of rice grains.

    ¡°Elise and Grace might be coming soon,¡± Lila gasped, gulping as much air as she could after the sudden rush of activity after having no activity all day. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t see their messages and I think they were worried.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum stood there, opening her mouth, about to say something but instead shook her head and sighed. ¡°Lucky I made extra,¡± she said as if resigning herself to her fate, throwing the cup of rice into a rice cooker bowl.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Lila quickly rubbed her nose against her Mum¡¯s cheek affectionately, taking a deep sniff like she¡¯d always done since she was young, before turning tail and leaping back up the stairs. Lila banged on her siblings¡¯ doors and called out, ¡°My friends are coming over!¡± before throwing the shower on as she assembled some clothes.

    After what felt like the quickest shower on record, Lila dried herself and threw her clothes on just in time for Clare to knock on the bathroom door, declaring the presence of Elise and Grace in their family home.

    ¡°Okay!¡± called Lila, shoving her toothbrush roughly in her mouth, not taking much care to clean her teeth properly. Once finished in the bathroom, she clambered down the stairs to find Elise, arms folded and tapping her foot impatiently on the landing.

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t you been reading our messages?¡± she snapped.

    ¡°Biology assignment,¡± Lila replied with an attempted nonchalant shrug. Evidently, this convinced no one, as Lila could hear Grace snort derisively from the left-hand side where the kitchen and dining room were located, and Elise rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Can we talk about it later?¡± Lila implored, clasping her hands together as if to beg for forgiveness. Elise glanced backwards before unfolding her arms.

    ¡°Your Mum reckons dinner will be done in a few minutes,¡± Elise said curtly before whipping around and stalking off towards the dining room. Lila descended the stairs and followed, finding Grace standing just outside the dining room, staring up at a picture of Jesus that was proudly nailed to the back wall.

    ¡°I feel like I might get smote standing here,¡± she said ominously. Lila smirked before linking arms with Grace, pulling her into the dining room and seating her at an empty spot. Elise, Clare and Daniel were already seated. Daniel was engrossed in his Nintendo Switch and Clare was scrolling through Instagram on her phone, whereas Elise patiently sat pin-straight in her seat. Her temper had seemed to cool a bit, and Lila gave her an apprehensive smile, which Elise returned with some measure of warmth. Lila reached for the bottle of tropical juice that was sitting in the middle of the dining room table and poured some into each available glass that was set up.

    ¡°Clare,¡± called Lila¡¯s Mum from the kitchen. ¡°Can you please help set this out?¡±

    ¡°Coming,¡± Clare replied, immediately jumping up, leaving her phone face down on the table. Clare returned shortly, carrying a serving dish containing the tocino and side dishes of tomatoes and fried eggs. Lila¡¯s Mum followed behind with a large bowl of garlic rice. Lila gleefully armed herself with the spoon and fork that patiently sat next to her plate.

    A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

    ¡°Good to see some life in you,¡± Clare laughed, putting the plate down on the middle of the table.

    ¡°It¡¯s my favourite,¡± shrugged Lila. ¡°I bet you could even resurrect me with this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind when you die,¡± Daniel said drily, helping himself to some food.

    ¡°Thank you for letting us crash your dinner plans, Mrs Moloney,¡± Grace said courteously as Lila¡¯s Mum settled into her seat.

    ¡°No worries at all,¡± Mrs Moloney beamed. ¡°I was making extra anyway. And it seems you¡¯ve brought my daughter back down to eat with the family. She was in such a rush to get ready, I thought she might slip and die in the shower.¡±

    ¡°Mum!¡± Lila cried, burying her head in her hands.

    Elise and Grace glanced at each other quickly before also helping themselves to some food. As everyone became preoccupied with their dinner, the front door swung open, and a deep voice that Lila recognised as coming from her Dad called out, ¡°I¡¯m home!¡±.

    ¡°We¡¯re having dinner, darling,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum replied loudly, picking at her teeth with her tongue briefly.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Mr Moloney replied, appearing in the dining room. ¡°Oh,¡± he said once he took stock of the going-ons of the room. ¡°We¡¯ve got guests. And Lila is here.¡±

    ¡°Course I¡¯m here Dad,¡± replied Lila through a mouthful of food. ¡°Mum made tocino.¡±

    ¡°Delicious,¡± Mr Moloney replied, a grin spreading across his face as he pulled out the chair beside Mrs Moloney.

    ¡°How was work today, Dad?¡± Clare asked, sipping her glass of juice. ¡°It¡¯s odd that you had to go in on a Sunday afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s some things you can only do on Sundays,¡± replied Mr Moloney, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. ¡°Like letting yourself into an empty jewellery store.¡±

    ¡°You robbed a jewellery store?¡± Grace asked incredulously.

    ¡°I would love to say that I did, Grace, but as it turns out, some money and jewellery have been continuously going missing without my interference. I went in to check the footage whilst it was closed to not give away the fact there¡¯s an investigation afoot.¡±

    ¡°And why is giving away the fact that there¡¯s an investigation bad?¡± Lila interjected quickly, rice spilling from her mouth in her haste. Her Dad gave Lila a puzzled glance before responding.

    ¡°Well, the bad guys can do lots of things if they know something¡¯s going on before we¡¯re ready to interview them,¡± he said simply. ¡°Things like deleting footage, and intimidating witnesses, among others. It¡¯s best practice to keep everything as confidential as possible, in any case.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said quietly, her mind briefly drifting to Asher¡¯s appeal for help in finding his Mum. For a moment, Lila contemplated telling her Dad what was going on but was interrupted by a visage of Asher¡¯s misty eyes as he explained that his own Dad forbade him to speak about the matter.

    ¡°You don¡¯t normally ask questions about my work,¡± Mr Moloney said, peering suspiciously at Lila as he brought his spoon to his mouth. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± replied Lila, coughing slightly. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°She told me that too, before I body slammed her,¡± said Clare, looking doubtfully at Lila. ¡°But I think she¡¯s hiding something.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± piped up Elise, scraping her plate with her spoon.

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Grace nodded.

    ¡°Now, now,¡± Mr Moloney said smoothly, holding his hands up in a ¡®stop¡¯ motion. ¡°Lila is entitled to her privacy.¡±

    ¡°Sure am, Dad,¡± agreed Lila, shovelling more food into her mouth. She could see Clare shooting her a sideways glance but elected to ignore this as she inhaled her glass of juice.

    Dinner otherwise proceeded without much commotion, except for a few conversations regarding Grace and Elise¡¯s high school experiences thus far, and what Clare was studying at university. In fact, no one spoke to Lila at all, which she appreciated. Despite her entitlement to privacy, Lila couldn¡¯t help but think that her friends and sister would still grill her about what was going on out of earshot of her parents.

    So, there was nothing else for it. She had to think of a viable excuse, rather than tell them the truth ¨C that trying to help Asher find his Mum was weighing heavily on her heart and mind to the point that she wasn¡¯t sure she¡¯d ever function properly again. How desperately she wanted to believe his Mum would be found, safe and sound, or even return home of her own accord. But with each passing day, hour and minute, the likelihood of Asher¡¯s Mum being alive dwindled, and Lila was beyond sure that Asher, intelligent as he was, was hyper-aware of this fact.

    Plus, there were those complicated, bubbling feelings that seemed to surface whenever she thought about Holly, which happened far more often than Lila had anticipated over the past couple of days. It wasn¡¯t as though she had a crush on Asher, nor was she jealous of Holly. It couldn¡¯t be that. There was no way. He was just a classmate, just like all the others.

    ¡®Besides,¡¯ thought Lila as she jammed her fork into a piece of meat, scraping it unpleasantly across the bottom of her porcelain plate before holding it up in her clenched fist, ¡®he¡¯s taken.¡¯

    She bit her lip as she recalled his face as he¡¯d recoiled from her presence the previous night. She had been replaying the moment as though she had nothing else to replay in her mind. Was she gross? What did Asher mean by respecting that he was in a relationship with Holly? She hadn¡¯t done anything¡­

    ¡°¡­ Lila¡­¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes refocused on Grace¡¯s concerned expression as she tapped Lila¡¯s arm urgently.

    ¡°Your tocino fell,¡± Grace said, glancing down at the pitiful piece of pork that was lying down sideways by her cup of juice as if it was asking for mercy.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± mumbled Lila, her face feeling as though it could match the heat of the Australian sun. She hurriedly stuffed the piece into her mouth, trying not to imagine it actually asking for mercy, before washing it down with juice. For some reason, despite the juice, Lila¡¯s throat felt perpetually dry as she fought to avoid everyone¡¯s stares.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been so weird,¡± Daniel said suddenly, glaring at Lila as though she was an imposter.

    ¡°Daniel!¡± admonished Clare, reaching over and tapping his wrist.

    ¡°What?¡± Daniel asked, rubbing his wrist before pouring himself and Lila more juice. ¡°She¡¯s like¡­ not acting normal.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Daniel,¡± replied Lila with a sigh, sipping her cup. Clare continued to fuss at Daniel in low, angry whispers, but truthfully, Lila didn¡¯t mind. The fact that Daniel had noticed showed to Lila at least that he cared enough to pay enough attention.

    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that her gloominess is infecting the rest of this house,¡± Daniel shrugged. The rest of Lila¡¯s family shot him looks filled with anger, but Lila instead nodded in agreement, tears welling in her eyes.

    ¡°Yeah, I guess it would,¡± Lila murmured before she scraped the rest of her dinner into one spoonful, threw it into her mouth, and jumped up, startling everyone at the table. Lila couldn¡¯t take it anymore. The atmosphere laying upon the dining room patrons was rife with unanswered questions and well-placed but stifling concerns that were just disrupting Lila¡¯s thoughts.

    ¡°I¡¯m done, thanks for the food, Mum!¡± she said, flying out of the dining room and stumbling up the stairs and into her room, snapping the door shut. She could hear vague sounds of arguing downstairs, which she thought was probably targeted towards Daniel, given he had spoken last, and dived under the covers of her bed. It wasn¡¯t his fault, really, that she had fled, but if she stayed any longer, she knew the truth would have come tumbling out of her mouth along with a flurry of tears.

    Eventually, a soft knock sounded at her door.

    ¡°Lila¡­¡± It was Clare¡¯s voice again. ¡°Is it okay if Elise and Grace come in?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah,¡± replied Lila dully. The door swung open, and Elise and Grace entered, looking about the room in a tentative kind of way. Immediately, Elise sank into the beanbag near Lila¡¯s modest bookshelf and Grace perched herself on the edge of Lila¡¯s desk chair.

    ¡°Come on, Lila,¡± Elise said, ¡°you know for a fact that you¡¯re not yourself. We need our sunshine back.¡±

    Grace nodded affirmatively before adding, ¡°Your whole family is worried.¡±

    ¡°Even Daniel,¡± confirmed Elise.

    ¡°Especially Clare,¡± Grace smiled, her eyes flickering towards the door, which was slightly ajar.

    ¡°You can come in, you know,¡± Lila called reluctantly. Clare slid into the room and closed the door behind her.

    ¡°I was just going to stand out there anyway,¡± Clare said with a shrug, leaning against the back wall.

    ¡°I know,¡± sighed Lila.

    ¡°Lila, we¡¯re only worried because¡­ well, you know what happened to Uncle Adrian.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± said Lila softly. ¡°I promise I¡¯m okay, really. Nowhere near anything like that.¡±

    Clare simply looked at Lila as if waiting for her to explain herself.

    ¡°I¡¯m probably being overdramatic,¡± Lila began, sweat pooling in her palms, a shaky undertone in her voice. She had to be extremely careful here. ¡°But I can¡¯t stop thinking about Holly.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s Holly?¡± Clare asked, casting a confused look at Grace and Elise, who had both leaned back in their respective chairs in seeming understanding.

    ¡°Holly is Asher¡¯s girlfriend,¡± Elise explained. ¡°Asher being Lila¡¯s partner for a school project.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh¡­¡± Clare trailed off.

    ¡°She¡¯s super hot,¡± Grace added.

    ¡°Oh. Are you gay?¡± Clare asked, looking at Lila as though assessing her ¡®gayness¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure I¡¯m not,¡± Lila said flatly, glancing quickly at Grace, who avoided her eye pointedly.

    ¡°So, you like Asher then?¡± Clare asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila exhaled heavily, biting her bottom lip. She hadn¡¯t settled on an effective lie. Perhaps she should go along with it?

    ¡°Girl, I think you should stop lying to yourself,¡± Elise interjected sagely. ¡°It looks like a crush, talks like a crush and walks like a crush.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so down bad,¡± Grace agreed. ¡°What did he do to you yesterday?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like he did anything wrong,¡± Lila said defensively. ¡°I just¡­ let him borrow my notebook. And when I tried to give it to him, he jumped back and said something about respecting his relationship with Holly. And¡­ he mentioned that she was good at debating. That¡¯s how they met. And he looked so happy talking about her¡­¡± Lila trailed off, the hollow feeling in her stomach suddenly making itself known again with a vengeance.

    ¡°Hold up,¡± Elise said, waving her hands in a ¡®wait¡¯ motion. ¡°What did Asher need your notebook for? Isn¡¯t he a clear winner for the Dux this year too?¡±

    ¡°The year has barely started. I don¡¯t think anyone is in the running for Dux just yet,¡± Grace said plainly. ¡°I¡¯m sure he just needed Lila¡¯s notes for the project.¡±

    Elise fell silent, folding her arms in a seemingly contemplative way.

    ¡°I think,¡± Clare said with a small smile, ¡°we may be fixated on something that doesn¡¯t really matter here.¡±

    Lila tried her best to not convey any emotion in relation to Clare¡¯s statement as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear with a trembling hand. The information that was actually hidden in her notebook ¨C that is, the basis of the beginning stages of an investigation into the disappearance of Asher¡¯s Mum ¨C was something she had to protect at all costs.

    ¡°Y-Yeah, Grace is right,¡± Lila piped up with a slight cough.

    Clare scratched the side of her head. ¡°Look, I know I¡¯m not the authority on crushes, but what even attracted you to this guy in the first place?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been acting all odd this year,¡± Elise commented, attempting to sit up higher in the bean bag. She instead flailed about for a moment before flopping back into her previous position in defeat. ¡°He¡¯s just been so different to usual, like he wears his uniform a bit differently, and has just been¡­ well, I¡¯ve been hearing from other people that he¡¯s all, like, jumpy and erratic. I think he¡¯s finally caught Lila¡¯s eye a little too late.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s basically an open secret that Asher has had a crush on Lila for ages,¡± Grace chimed in.

    ¡°He has not,¡± Lila said hotly, her cheeks burning.

    ¡°The poor guy didn¡¯t say anything for the whole two months you were dating his best friend,¡± Elise retorted. ¡°And I mean that literally. I think he lost the capacity to speak at all.¡±

    ¡°He probably had a cold or something,¡± Lila reasoned.

    ¡°For two months?¡± Elise rebutted.

    ¡°Ladies, ladies,¡± Clare interrupted, gently gesturing for them to stop. ¡°Whether or not he had a crush on Lila is irrelevant for the moment. Lila, what do you want to do about it? You can¡¯t mope forever.¡±

    ¡°But I quite enjoyed it,¡± Lila quipped, pulling her blanket up to her neck.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to say you shouldn¡¯t feel your feelings,¡± Clare said, giving Lila a hard stare. ¡°But you should be at least productive with your feelings.¡±

    ¡°Do you want us to try and break Asher and Holly up?¡± Elise asked gleefully, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said sharply. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    ¡°Do you want to make him jealous?¡± Grace queried, picking at her nails.

    ¡°I¡­ No. I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°Sounds to me that you want to a tiny bit,¡± Clare laughed.

    ¡°Once this project is over, I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila declared. ¡°We won¡¯t need to talk anymore, so whatever I¡¯m feeling will just fade away.¡±

    Both Elise and Grace rolled their eyes at Lila in unison.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious,¡± Lila said sternly. ¡°He has a right to like Holly and have a relationship with her. I don¡¯t have any rights or stakes to interfere with that. And I¡¯ll just need to get over it.¡±

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Clare said, placing a hand on her chest dramatically. ¡°That sounded really mature for you.¡±

    ¡°I try,¡± Lila replied drily.

    ¡°One way to get over it is to get your own boyfriend,¡± Elise said in a sing-song voice, clasping her hands together dramatically.

    ¡°Or girlfriend,¡± suggested Grace, idly staring at a mark on Lila¡¯s wall.

    ¡°I think Mum would rather you be pregnant than have a girlfriend,¡± Clare joked.

    ¡°I think she¡¯s a bit more progressive than you¡¯d expect, for a Catholic Filipino lady,¡± Grace said nonchalantly.

    ¡°Gender of my non-existent partner aside, I¡¯m good. Truly. I¡¯ll just focus on schoolwork,¡± Lila said earnestly.

    ¡°That¡¯s code for ¡®get me a partner ASAP¡¯,¡± said Elise with a firm nod.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never focused on schoolwork,¡± Grace concurred.

    ¡°There¡¯s no hidden meaning in my words,¡± Lila snapped, frustration leaking into her demeanour now. Wincing at her tone, she closed her eyes and inhaled deeply, trying to reign it in.

    ¡°I bet you wouldn¡¯t say no if you happened to find yourself in the company of someone attractive,¡± Grace said loftily.

    ¡°I¡¯m not all about looks, either,¡± Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead.

    ¡°Clearly,¡± scoffed Elise. ¡°You just want to aim for the stars with the smartest person in our cohort.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯ll be okay Lila?¡± Clare intervened, stepping forward slightly. ¡°While I¡¯m sure that you can handle a partner and schoolwork, I¡¯m more worried for your mental health.¡±

    Lila waved a hand dismissively at Clare. ¡°No worries here. It¡¯s just been a rollercoaster of a term.¡±

    Clare looked as though she might argue but instead relaxed her pursed lips and simply nodded.

    ¡°You do know you can come to me with anything, right?¡± Clare asked in a sombre voice.

    ¡°Yes, sis, I know. Sorry I couldn¡¯t come out with it before,¡± replied Lila, tucking her knees to her chest and hugging her legs.

    ¡°Okay. As long as you know that. I¡¯ll take my leave now,¡± Clare said cheerily, departing the room with a soft click of Lila¡¯s bedroom door.

    ¡°I must say,¡± Elise said conversationally, ¡°your family is incredible. Intense, but incredible.¡±

    ¡°I mean, if I was hiding out in my room, my Dad would just think it¡¯s a normal Sunday,¡± shrugged Grace.

    ¡°Mine would be alarmed that I wasn¡¯t hiding away in my room,¡± Elise chimed in.

    ¡°I¡¯m never just holed up in my room unless I¡¯m studying. Probably why I¡¯m never in here. I prefer hanging out in the living room. We¡¯ve¡­ been through a lot. So, we take care of each other,¡± shrugged Lila. ¡°I think it¡¯s mostly because of Mum raising us the way she has. ¡®Cause of the things she had to go through to get here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s really nice to see,¡± Grace added. ¡°Not a lot of people have that. I feel like I¡¯m being healed just by being here. Even though the Jesus portraits are a bit oppressive.¡±

    Lila stared deeply at her knees. While she couldn¡¯t say her worries had melted away after having that discussion with her sister and friends, she definitely felt a little bit lighter.

    ¡°Thanks for coming, guys,¡± Lila said softly, tracing her blanket¡¯s patterning next to her right hip.

    ¡°It¡¯s the least we could do,¡± replied Elise gently.

    ¡°You did worry us, for sure,¡± Grace said, getting up from Lila¡¯s chair and stretching. ¡°But I think we should take our leave.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± said Elise, glancing at her smartwatch. ¡°Dad¡¯s been here for about ten minutes. I¡¯m guessing we¡¯re taking you home, Grace?¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± saluted Grace.

    Lila walked Elise and Grace down the stairs and out of her house, waving at Mr Thorpe as Elise and Grace got into the car. Elise rolled down her window and thrust her head out.

    ¡°See you at school tomorrow!¡± she called out as Mr Thorpe slowly rolled the car away from the Moloney family¡¯s driveway.

    ¡°See you, get home safe,¡± Lila replied, waving at the three of them before heading back inside. Once inside her room again, Lila checked her messages and saw only one. Her heart thumped violently as it seemingly sunk below her stomach.

    Please come over after school again.

 Chapter Five

    Chapter Five

    Lila resisted the urge to open Asher¡¯s text and reply, which was going well until he cornered her in the locker room on Tuesday afternoon. He had suddenly appeared in all his scruffy splendour, his undereye area a ghastly purple, next to her locker after she locked the door with an off-seeming grin plastered across his face. It definitely didn¡¯t reach his eyes, which looked clouded somehow.

    ¡°I know you saw my text,¡± he said in a light tone that seemed forced. ¡°And you ignored me in English this morning.¡±

    ¡°I may have,¡± Lila said stiffly, raising a leg to help straighten up the bundle of schoolbooks in her arms from below. The distant banging and clattering of students grabbing things out of their lockers slightly muffled her voice as she added, ¡°I simply don¡¯t have the time, sorry.¡±

    She curtly turned on her heel and began walking away towards the steps leading up from behind the locker room, towards her last class for the day.

    ¡°Is it because I told you off?¡± Asher asked, jogging to keep up with her.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of Holly?¡± Asher now overtook Lila and was walking backward so he could face her as she carried on up the stairs and across the limp, yellowed grass field, palm trees providing dappled shadows across the path she had to take.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it because of the project?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it-¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila said sternly, no longer walking. He stumbled to a halt as she continued to speak, a gentle breeze picking up and providing relief across her slightly sweaty face. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t respond to you. I¡¯ve been swamped. I won¡¯t be able to come over. There¡¯s nothing to talk about regarding the project since we¡¯re finalising our own scripts. We can practice next week.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about that project,¡± Asher said in a whisper laden with desperation, his face sparkling with apparent anticipation for her response. ¡°I finished up writing all I could remember. I just don¡¯t know where to go from here.¡±

    Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see several classmates casting the pair furtive looks and she sighed. ¡°You¡¯re lucky I¡¯ve got ten minutes before class starts.¡±

    Lila guided Asher to a path running alongside the back of her classroom that was always generally secluded, even though a wooden bench inviting all to sit upon it was mere metres away. Setting her heavy books down on the bench, Lila crossed her arms and turned to Asher, who kept folding and unfolding his own as though he didn¡¯t know what to do with his limbs. It looked to Lila that he was nervous now that they were very alone, though she couldn¡¯t think why.

    ¡°L-Lila, I know I¡¯ve thrown a massive burden on you,¡± he began. Lila cut him off.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Really. You needed to let it out and I was happy to listen.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ve got the know-how to help me.¡±

    A zap of electricity flushed through her veins at Asher¡¯s words. Lila stared at him in shock. This sounded like an actual compliment this time.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to get my Dad to see reason,¡± he continued, ostensibly avoiding her gaze by looking at his feet. ¡°But he still doesn¡¯t want anyone involved.¡±

    ¡°Then I don¡¯t think I should be getting involved,¡± Lila replied flatly. Asher paused.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know what else I can do besides finding her myself. And I¡¯m not stupid enough to think I can do it on my own, nor am I stupid enough to get on my Dad¡¯s bad side when I live with him and¡­¡± Asher swallowed hard before saying in a voice that was barely above a whisper. ¡°He may have done something to her.¡±

    Lila bit her lip, deep in thought now. Realistically, what could she do? She didn¡¯t have a nose for investigating like her Dad. But seeing Asher so frightened and vulnerable left her feeling as though she couldn¡¯t do anything else but try.

    ¡°Can I think about it?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    Asher¡¯s eyes glimmered as he took her hands in his.

    ¡°Yes, please do,¡± he said, shaking her profusely in what Lila assumed was gratitude. She quickly took her hands back towards her chest and turned away from him. The warmth from his grasp flowed up the rest of her arms and to her face as she tried to hide her attempts to slow her breathing down.

    ¡°Sorry, I just got really excited,¡± Asher said awkwardly. ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±

    ¡°N-No, nothing like that,¡± Lila said hesitantly, turning back to face him. ¡°I¡¯ve got to get to class.¡±

    As Lila began gathering her things from the bench, Asher clapped a hand to his forehead.

    ¡°Shit, me too! Don¡¯t forget to text me!¡± he yelled in apparent realisation as he sped off without a backward glance at Lila, kicking up a cloud of dirt in his haste.

    Lila could see in the distance her Biology classmate, Cecelia Walters, jump away from Asher as he flew past her. Other classmates were starting to meander towards her from across the hill and their overt stares at Lila deepened the blush on her cheeks even more as she hurried along to class.

    <hr>

    ¡°What was that?¡± Cecelia whispered to Lila furiously as they jotted down notes regarding the inner workings of an animal cell, her rich, chocolate-brown hair gradually escaping from its loose hair-tie and brushing against the desk in time to her writing. ¡°I almost got run over by Asher, of all people.¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila hissed back. Despite her best efforts, she couldn¡¯t ignore the feeling that the whole class¡¯s eyes were boring into her skull. Clearly, it was not ¡®nothing¡¯, but if she played it off just right, maybe it would fade away into the past before making its way through the wheels of the rumour mill.

    ¡°Are you guys dating?¡± Lucas Greenwood muttered, writing with his curly, sandy-blonde head low to the table, his wire-framed glasses askew upon his tanned, freckled face.

    ¡°No!¡± Lila shot back defensively.

    ¡°Lila,¡± called Mr Johnson in a warning tone from the teacher¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Sorry sir,¡± Lila replied softly. The feeling that everyone¡¯s eyes were glued to her only intensified as she started to draw a small diagram of an animal cell in her notebook, referencing her splayed textbook every so often. It was definitely dodgier than she would have liked, but it would do the job when it came time for revision. If she could read her notes by then.

    As the class progressed through to a worksheet to be completed in table groups, chatter began to fill the Biology lab and Lila could hear snippets of her name here and there.

    ¡°It sure looks like you¡¯re dating,¡± Cecelia said matter-of-factly as she distributed copies of the worksheet to Lila and Lucas.

    ¡°He¡¯s got a girlfriend,¡± Lila said without thinking. Cecelia and Lucas gasped in unison.

    ¡°Who?¡± demanded Cecelia as she and Lucas leaned in close to Lila, their eyes shining with interest.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t mean to say that,¡± Lila groaned, leaning away from the pair.

    ¡°Well, you did, so you better cough up the goods,¡± Lucas said with a cheeky grin.

    ¡°She goes to a different school, so I doubt you¡¯d know her.¡±

    ¡°Try us,¡± Cecelia replied, leaning in to the point that her chair was a millimetre from toppling over.

    ¡°Her name is Holly Reid,¡± Lila sighed dejectedly, doodling a spiral at the top left of her notebook.

    ¡°Dude, I know her!¡± Lucas laughed, as though it took him by surprise that he knew her. ¡°She¡¯s the nicest person.¡±

    ¡°How do you know her?¡± Cecelia asked, whipping her head to face him.

    ¡°We went to primary school together. She was, like, the most popular girl to exist and she wasn¡¯t even mean about it. Just did her thing and was sweet to everyone, y¡¯know.¡±

    ¡°She sounds like a good match for Asher then,¡± Cecelia mused. ¡°Sometimes I think he¡¯s too grumpy. Like, chill out dude. It¡¯s just school. You don¡¯t need to stress that hard about grades until, like, year twelve.¡±

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    ¡°Cecelia, you do realise that¡¯s next year, right? Have¡­ have you still not been taking school seriously?¡± Lucas asked incredulously. Cecelia rolled her blue-grey eyes but grinned playfully at him.

    ¡°That¡¯s next year Cecelia¡¯s problem.¡±

    ¡°Uh, I think that should be this year Cecelia¡¯s problem-¡±

    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± came Mr Johnson¡¯s gravelly voice from behind Lila.

    ¡°There¡¯s about ten on this sheet, sir,¡± Lila said reflexively, not daring to turn to face their teacher. Mr Johnson chuckled as Lila felt two kicks under the table from the direction of Cecelia and Lucas¡¯ feet.

    ¡°Nice spiral, Lila, but I think you should save them for later in the year when we talk about the ear. Get on with the questions please, team. I don¡¯t want to have to assign you homework, especially since you have an assignment to complete still.¡±

    ¡°Lilaaa,¡± huffed Cecelia as the soft clacks of Mr Johnson¡¯s business shoes fell away. ¡°What the heck! You¡¯re going to get us in trouble!¡±

    ¡°And then what?¡± Lucas quipped. ¡°You¡¯ll actually need to do schoolwork?¡±

    Lila began to go through the worksheet without much enthusiasm, scanning the page to identify the easiest questions to tackle first. She briefly chewed on the tip of her rainbow-patterned pen as she concentrated, then wiped it on her hip absentmindedly. So¡­ Holly is nice¡­

    The edges of the hollow pit in her stomach felt as though they were widening ever so slightly. She grabbed a fistful of her hair as if she could drag herself away from her intrusive thoughts. Would she have felt better if she thought Holly was horrible?

    ¡°Well, if you guys aren¡¯t dating,¡± Lucas drawled, writing down an answer painstakingly slowly. ¡°Why are you so chummy all of a sudden?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s my partner. For the English presentation,¡± Lila said, quickly adding the last sentence for clarity.

    ¡°I see¡­ I got stuck with this one for the presentation,¡± Lucas said, jerking his thumb at Cecelia, who pouted in response. ¡°She doesn¡¯t do anything! Here my poor parents are, sending me to a private school for better quality education only to be surrounded by imbeciles.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Cecelia chastised. ¡°I¡¯m not an imbecile. Just unmotivated.¡±

    ¡°Why are you so unmotivated?¡± despaired Lucas, pulling at the sides of his curls. ¡°This is only just one of the most important years of our lives!¡±

    ¡°Next year¡¯s more important,¡± Cecelia shrugged, matching the gesture with her hands. ¡°Plus, I think your Uni career will be more important than high school anyhow. I¡¯m just trying to conserve energy so I can make sure I have enough thinking power to decide my career path.¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you already seen the guidance counsellor?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Surely you¡¯ve already decided?¡±

    ¡°Have you?¡± Lucas asked, staring at Lila like she¡¯d grown a second head. ¡°Who even knows what they want to be at sixteen? I don¡¯t even know if I want my license!¡±

    ¡°N-No, I haven¡¯t,¡± Lila said, picking at her chin bashfully. ¡°But I¡¯m getting close! I think.¡±

    ¡°Christ on a bike,¡± muttered Lucas, sinking into his chair, a hand dramatically raised to his forehead.

    <hr>

    Lila threw her backpack on the floor of her room with a heavy sigh. Now no longer surrounded by her classmates, Lila crossed to her desk and sat in her chair, pulling a spare piece of printer paper out of her drawer. Plucking a random pen from her plastic pink pen caddy, Lila spun the paper so it lay sideways. She folded the paper in half before tracing the crease, dividing the paper into two.

    On the top left, she wrote ¡®Pros¡¯ and on the top right she wrote ¡®Cons¡¯. Squinting at the words as if they weren¡¯t in English, she wiggled her pen, preparing herself to write something down for each column.

    Pro¡­ could help Asher find his Mum¡­ con¡­ spending time with Asher¡­ pro¡­ chef made meals¡­ con¡­ he¡¯ll boss me around¡­ pro¡­ he could help with my schoolwork¡­ con¡­ he¡¯s got a girlfriend¡­ pro¡­ he¡¯s got a girlfriend, so won¡¯t be creepy¡­ pro¡­ I¡¯ll be useful? I think¡­ con¡­ I have to keep it a secret¡­ pro¡­ we share a secret¡­ con¡­ I have no idea what I¡¯m doing¡­ pro¡­ neither does Asher¡­ con¡­ not doing it means I have to stare at his sad face for the rest of the project¡­ pro¡­ it¡¯s the right thing to do¡­

    Lila continued listing the pros and cons that she could think of in helping Asher and found that the pros outweighed the cons by just a hair. As she counted them up again, Lila couldn¡¯t help but wonder where Asher¡¯s Mum could be. Of all the cons, the one that bothered Lila the most was not finding out the truth.

    ¡®I am such a nosy bitch¡­¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head in disappointment. ¡®And if the police can¡¯t do it, something is better than nothing.¡¯

    As though on cue, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed on her desk. Quickly picking it up, Lila saw a message from Asher in her notifications. Pulling the menu open, she could see that it was just a simple ¡®So?¡¯, but Lila accidentally opened it up. There was no turning back now.

    I¡¯ll play detective, she sent.

    Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. I won¡¯t forget this, came Asher¡¯s near-instant reply. Lila could imagine Asher on the other side, waiting with bated breath for her reply. For some reason, the thought made her smile.

    Tomorrow? My place? Asher sent immediately following the previous one.

    Gabriel will be here. This message was also instantaneously sent following the previous.

    Should be okay, Lila replied. But I¡¯ll need to check.

    Asher¡¯s reply came in the form of a .gif depicting Spongebob¡¯s victory screech. Grinning, Lila locked her phone.

    Lila trundled down the stairs and into the living room where her Mum was sitting on the couch, resting with her feet up on the ottoman and watching a Tagalog drama via YouTube.

    ¡°Mum,¡± Lila began, taking a seat next to her.

    ¡°Mm?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum grunted in response, eyes glued to the screen.

    ¡°Can I go over to Asher¡¯s tomorrow?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum didn¡¯t respond, fixated still on the screen which depicted the moment the lead actor and actress were about to kiss. Then, an ad started blaring from the speakers. She tutted in seeming disgust as she turned the volume down on the TV.

    ¡°What did you say?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked, facing Lila.

    ¡°Uh, I asked if I can go over to Asher¡¯s tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Asher this, Asher that!¡± Lila¡¯s Mum cried, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°No, Mum!¡± Lila replied hurriedly. ¡°He¡¯s got a girlfriend. It¡¯s for our English assignment. Like last time.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum reached for her phone and proceeded to tap and scroll on it, peering at it before looking up again.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Lila, your Dad and I are flying out tomorrow. He¡¯s got a networking conference in Sydney that he wants me to go to, for his work. We won¡¯t be back until the weekend.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said disappointedly. ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum looked at Lila with narrow eyes, as if sizing her up.

    ¡°You know I want you to be independent,¡± she said slowly. ¡°As long as you can get yourself to and from his place, it should be okay for you to visit Asher for your schoolwork. Just don¡¯t come home depressed again.¡±

    Lila gaped at her Mum, eyes wide. ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said dismissively, turning back to the TV. ¡°I know you¡¯re very responsible. And you said he has a girlfriend, and your assignment is almost due. Plus, Clare did fight me every day to visit her friends while your Dad and I went away on business trips. I knew I couldn¡¯t do anything about it while I was away anyway. It just meant she¡¯d hide it from me. Poorly. I won¡¯t hear the end of it if I said no to you and she found out. I just don¡¯t like that you came home so sad the other day¡­¡±

    ¡°Mum, that wasn¡¯t anything to do with him,¡± Lila started to speak before her Mum shook her head.

    ¡°I heard all about it from Clare ¨C that you were upset about your assignment. But, you¡¯ve got to push yourself to finish this project, right? That¡¯s why you¡¯re so desperate to go.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum paused to give Lila a mischievous smirk, her eyes crinkling in the corners. ¡°Maybe his smarts will rub off on you and you can be a nurse. Or maybe even a doctor!¡±

    ¡°Maybe, or maybe his smarts will rub off on me and I¡¯ll become a really smart tattoo artist,¡± Lila replied in jest.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯ll reconsider my permission,¡± her Mum said sternly.

    ¡°I¡¯m kidding, Mum.¡±

    ¡°I know. You can¡¯t draw.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum smoothed down Lila¡¯s hair affectionately, before turning the volume on the TV up, the ad break now over. Lila took this as her cue to leave and, upon returning to her room, sent Asher a message confirming the plan for tomorrow. Asher sent through a simple thumbs up in response.

    <hr>

    ¡°Your Mum let you go while she¡¯s away?¡± Elise gasped at lunch the next day, dropping her bag of snack pretzels into her lap, crumbs coating her dark navy school blazer.

    ¡°Yeah. I think Clare had something to do with that a few years ago. They used to fight all the time,¡± Lila shrugged, picking a piece off her burger bun to eat.

    ¡°Your Mum is way too cool to be an Asian Mum,¡± Elise commented dreamily.

    ¡°I¡¯m just as surprised as you are, to be honest. I thought she would put me under house arrest instead.¡±

    ¡°Well, she probably doesn¡¯t think Asher is much of a threat,¡± nodded Grace as she slurped her juice box loudly. ¡°She knows him as the Dux and, to be fair, he¡¯s a pretty quiet guy. She¡¯s met him, too.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s very unassuming as well,¡± Elise confirmed, dusting herself off.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t get the highest grade for this project, I¡¯m going to cry for you,¡± said Grace, aggressively biting into a piece of broccoli that had made its way into her pasta.

    ¡°I¡¯ll cry too, don¡¯t worry about it. I just want it to be over. There¡¯s only so much thinking that can be had about Daisy Buchanan,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°Laaame,¡± Elise drawled, stretching.

    The trio sank into a comfortable silence as the sweltering humidity was briefly parted by a gentle breeze sweeping past them. Lila smiled in relief as the wind danced along her skin, tossing wisps of her black hair that had escaped its ponytail behind her shoulders.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Grace piped up suddenly, crushing her evidently empty juice box. ¡°What are you going to do about your crush?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila asked, whipping around to stare at Grace in confusion.

    ¡°Well, you know. Isn¡¯t going over to his place so often confusing the issue? Can¡¯t you guys study in, like, the school library or a public one?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila paused. ¡°I mean, Asher¡¯s an only child so it¡¯s pretty private at his place. We can practice or whatever without interruptions.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I mean,¡± Grace replied, giving Lila a stern look. ¡°If you want to just ignore it, I think you need to distance yourself.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s this coming from all of a sudden?¡± Elise asked, straightening up, her brow furrowed.

    ¡°I just don¡¯t want Lila to get hurt, is all,¡± Grace replied in a sullen tone. ¡°The weekend sucked.¡±

    ¡°Guys,¡± Lila interjected, raising her hands in a gesture of surrender. ¡°Thank you for your concern, really. I¡¯m being serious when I say that he did nothing wrong. It¡¯s my own stuff that I need to figure out. But that doesn¡¯t mean I should let it affect our project. It¡¯ll go away when we stop meeting so often.¡±

    Elise and Grace both looked at Lila, doubt clear in the way that their eyebrows were half-raised and lips were pursed almost identically.

    ¡°Lila, you know that when you get a crush you can¡¯t just ¡®turn it off¡¯, right?¡± Elise said, crossing her arms.

    ¡°I know that,¡± Lila replied, a hint of defiance in her tone. She didn¡¯t have a crush on Asher, anyway. She was just nervous about helping him find his mother. That was all.

    ¡°An easy way to start though is to get a boyfriend or girlfriend,¡± Grace said matter-of-factly. ¡°I¡¯m serious about trying to hook you up, if that¡¯s what you want.¡±

    Lila stood up, collecting her rubbish.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± she said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯ll go away.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t waste your time on someone who¡¯s taken. Just think about it, at least,¡± Elise implored.

    ¡°You guys aren¡¯t even in relationships,¡± Lila said pointedly, still standing over her friends.

    ¡°I am,¡± Grace whispered so quietly that Lila wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d heard her.

    ¡°Since when?¡± asked Elise incredulously.

    ¡°Since Friday night.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re only telling us this now?!¡± Lila exclaimed. ¡°Who is it?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t say. At least, not yet. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, what¡¯s up with all these secret relationships?¡± pouted Elise, also starting to pack up the remnants of her lunch.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± mumbled Grace, her normally pale face bright red.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila said, helping Elise to her feet. ¡°You can tell us when you¡¯re ready. Secrets can be exciting.¡±

    Grace gave Lila a timid smile as she also got up to stand. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°And here I was, thinking we were all single pringles,¡± Lila smiled back at Grace.

    ¡°Sorry to disappoint.¡±

 Chapter Six

    Chapter Six

    ¡°You¡¯re here!¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t even have the chance to knock before Asher, still clad in his school uniform, flung open the front doors of his house that Lila was now acutely familiar with. Before she could react, he had managed to grab her around the wrist and pull her inside. Stumbling to get her shoes off, Lila¡¯s mind scrambled to figure out what was even happening.

    ¡°Come, come,¡± Asher urged, bouncing on the heels of his feet.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the fire?¡± Lila asked, bewildered. She neatly set her shoes aside in their now-usual place.

    ¡°There is no fire,¡± Asher replied, still bouncing. ¡°Come say hi to Gabriel.¡±

    Lila shuffled behind Asher hesitantly as he began to make his way to the kitchen.

    ¡°Gabriel!¡± called Asher, cupping his mouth with his hands.

    Gabriel bustled out of the kitchen, his jovial smile widening as he laid eyes on Lila.

    ¡°Lila!¡± he said, hurrying forward to clasp her hands in his, shaking them firmly. ¡°So good to see you again!¡±

    ¡°And you too,¡± Lila beamed, her confusion melting away as quickly as it had come.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll enjoy what¡¯s on the menu tonight,¡± he winked.

    ¡°Colour me intrigued,¡± Lila said pleasantly.

    ¡°I won¡¯t spoil the surprise,¡± Gabriel said with an air of mystery, winking at Lila again.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you later, Gabriel,¡± Asher interjected, walking off in the direction of the library. Lila gave Gabriel a small wave as she half-jogged to keep up with him. However, instead of heading into the library like always, Asher kept going, leading the way to a magnificent staircase with intricately carved wooden balusters.

    ¡°Where are we going?¡± Lila asked as they climbed the steps.

    ¡°My space,¡± replied Asher. ¡°Dad¡¯s taken over the library.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Lila, taken aback. ¡°I thought he wasn¡¯t home much?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been preparing to lead a pretty big workshop,¡± Asher sighed, ¡°so he¡¯s got all these worksheets and PowerPoint presentation papers everywhere. He¡¯s been practicing setting up groups and things like that. He¡­ also hasn¡¯t been going into the study. Don¡¯t worry, though, he¡¯s not here now.¡±

    Lila wordlessly continued on behind Asher as he made his way to a room at the far end of the bright, open landing. The carpet here was pleasantly springy and cream-coloured, with carefully curated d¨¦cor sprinkled alongside various walls. It resembled something that you could find in an interior decoration magazine. All the doors along the landing were closed, and Asher was moving so quickly that Lila didn¡¯t get time to ask about the other rooms.

    Upon entering the room at the far end, Lila was surprised to see that it was a spacious rumpus room. A large TV was mounted to the wall to the left of Lila, with a sturdy-looking TV cabinet that had a Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 sitting underneath. A matching coffee table sat just before it. Lila could see Asher¡¯s open school bag sitting next to the table. A plush, expensive-looking dark grey couch sat opposite the TV. Covering the right wall was a kitchenette with a small sink, fridge, and counter. Strip LED lights framed the ceiling but were currently off. A plate of snacks was placed on the counter, along with two cups and a couple of different bottles of assorted juices and sodas.

    Dotted around the room were various posters regarding movies and video games, along with a few plants that were either incredibly healthy or artificial. There were also a few standing cabinets here and there filled with books, games, magazines, and figurines.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Lila couldn¡¯t help saying.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing special, really,¡± Asher said, rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°I much prefer the library for tasks requiring concentration.¡±

    Lila simply nodded, still taking in the various curiosities within the room.

    ¡°That door there,¡± Asher said lamely, pointing to a door at the far-left side, ¡°is the bathroom. And that door at the back is my bedroom. Oh, and on the right is the guest bedroom.¡±

    Lila quickly glanced at Asher, trying and failing miserably to not be curious about his bedroom.

    ¡°This place has the added benefit of being one of the only spots where there¡¯s no cameras,¡± Asher added. ¡°At least, none that I know about.¡±

    ¡°Cameras?¡±

    ¡°For security. You¡¯ve seen our intense front door. You¡¯d be surprised how many people see our house and think we must be hoarding some secret treasure or something. We¡¯ve had a couple of attempted break-ins over the years.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lila trailed off, slipping her backpack off her shoulders and placing it down.

    ¡°It also means we can speak a bit more freely,¡± Asher added.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a chance that Gabriel could just come and burst in here?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like coming upstairs. He usually talks to me through the intercom,¡± Asher replied, gesturing towards an intercom system that was behind Lila. Next to the system was a control panel that seemed to be for the air-conditioner.

    ¡°It seems like its own mini-apartment,¡± Lila commented, still looking about the room.

    ¡°I guess you could call it that,¡± Asher said with a bashful smile. He gestured to Lila to take a seat on the couch. Lila found the couch to be surprisingly comfortable and settled in.

    ¡°What would you like to drink?¡± he asked as Lila could hear him opening a bottle of soda.

    ¡°Oh, uh, anything¡¯s fine with me,¡± Lila replied, somewhat awkwardly, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. She started twirling the ends of her hair in her fingers as Asher began pouring drinks into cups.

    ¡°By the way, Asher¡­ I couldn¡¯t help but notice that you seem really¡­¡±

    ¡°Excited?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah, you could say that.¡±

    Asher gave her a sheepish grin as he placed the opened drink bottles in the fridge. ¡°For the first time, I¡¯ve felt like I¡¯ve been making headway. It¡¯s put me in a better mood than I have been in days, or even weeks, to be honest.¡±

    He made his way over, placing the cups on the coffee table before pulling out Lila¡¯s significantly crumpled and scuffed notebook.

    ¡°Uh, sorry for all the creases,¡± he said, his cheeks reddening as he passed it to her. Horrified, Lila opened it up to find that it fell quite easily to the investigation pages. These pages were filled top to bottom with Asher¡¯s notes, various diagrams, and question marks.

    ¡°It might be easier if I explain,¡± Asher said, averting his gaze as he drank from a cup.

    ¡°Please do,¡± Lila replied, still aghast. She placed the notebook gingerly on the coffee table and took a sip from her own cup.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been taking it with me while out on my bike,¡± Asher began, putting his cup back down on the coffee table. ¡°And I may have dropped it a couple of times.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Are you riding your bike while reading my notebook?¡± Lila asked bluntly, placing her cup down.

    ¡°N-No. Not at all,¡± Asher replied, turning his body to face away from Lila and towards the door they entered from. Which was absolutely suspicious at best.

    ¡°Asher, are you still roaming around at night?¡±

    He didn¡¯t respond for a moment before nodding, still facing the door.

    ¡°When do you get the time to sleep?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I think you should reconsider-¡±

    ¡°What if she¡¯s hurt?¡± Asher snapped, eyes sparking as he suddenly whipped around and glowered at her. ¡°I have to keep going.¡±

    ¡°And what if you get hurt?¡± Lila retorted, standing up suddenly, casting a shadow across his face, her arms folded and her own face stern. ¡°Then what? Who¡¯s going to look for her then? Not your Dad, not the police.¡±

    She exhaled heavily, nostrils flaring, as his jaw flapped open, his eyes wide and unblinking. It felt like an age passed between them until Asher tore his eyes away from hers.

    ¡°¡­ I know. Believe me, I do,¡± he murmured, clenching his fists. ¡°I just¡­ feel so godamn useless.¡±

    He buried his face in his hands at these words and Lila unfolded her arms, slowly lowering back onto the couch.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± she said quietly, reaching out a hand to touch his shoulder momentarily before closing it into a fist and dropping it back into her lap. Asher¡¯s previous admonishment suddenly played back in her mind¡¯s eye as she tried to focus on him.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± he choked. ¡°I¡¯m suffocating.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m here, isn¡¯t it?¡± asked Lila. ¡°That¡¯s why you couldn¡¯t hold onto it by yourself anymore, right? So that I can help you breathe again.¡± Lila cringed slightly at her proclamation but carried on earnestly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be ashamed of, Asher. Even if you think you¡¯re useless on your own, together we can do something. I promise.¡±

    Asher looked up at Lila, his eyes red and slightly puffy. Lila couldn¡¯t decipher the look that he was giving her now ¨C a mixture of pain and hope, perhaps? It couldn¡¯t be admiration, but maybe it was something between all three.

    He wiped his eyes on the back of his hands as he cleared his throat, straightening up his posture again.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been wondering myself, why I told you,¡± he said, a grimace flashing across his face as he spoke. ¡°It just came out so easily. And though I¡¯ve been more stressed than I¡¯ve ever been in my life¡­ this burden¡­ it feels lighter every time you help me come up with a plan, or something tangible or easy that I can do.¡±

    Asher gave Lila a quick sideways glance as she nodded, encouraging him to continue.

    ¡°It feels like you won¡¯t judge me,¡± he said quietly, staring at his hands as he picked at his nails. ¡°And¡­ like you¡¯ll do anything to keep my secret safe.¡±

    Lila bit her lip before interjecting with a trembling voice, ¡°I¡­ told Cecelia and Lucas about Holly.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes snapped to hers as she hurriedly continued. ¡°They¡­ thought we were dating. And I let it slip.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped as Asher didn¡¯t say anything in response. Then, he gave her a smile that looked pained.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I put you in that position,¡± he said, rubbing his forehead. ¡°It seems I can¡¯t keep to my own rule of respecting my relationship with Holly. Truthfully, Isaac cornered me yesterday ¨C he said a bunch of people from soccer saw me with you behind the Bio lab. He¡­ implied that they thought we were making out or something. I¡­ forgot to tell you, actually. A lot of people think we¡¯re dating. I¡¯ve been hearing wild rumours all day, so I¡¯ve been telling people about Holly so they¡¯ll shut up. Isaac and I have been trying to do some damage control, so hopefully you won¡¯t hear them too.¡±

    It was now Lila¡¯s turn to bury her face in her hands, though she was sure the heat from her scarlet face would burn them up. She hadn¡¯t expected that Isaac would be involved, but she supposed that they hadn¡¯t ended on bad terms, at least.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Asher said, his voice wavering. ¡°I¡¯ve been kicking myself all day and then when I saw you coming up the driveway, I forgot all about it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Asher. I¡¯m just relieved that you¡¯ve been telling people.¡±

    She felt Asher¡¯s weight disappear from the other end of the couch and looked up to find him bringing the snacks to the coffee table.

    ¡°Feel free,¡± he said awkwardly before sitting back down. Lila grabbed a pack of mini-Oreos and bit into one, avoiding Asher¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I figured it out, by the way,¡± Asher said suddenly, also tearing into a pack of mini-Oreos. ¡°That the secret of my relationship with Holly was exciting because I can let people in on the secret.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± replied Lila, chewing on another mini-Oreo, still looking elsewhere.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask you to keep it a secret, either.¡±

    ¡°I still let it slip.¡±

    ¡°I still trust you.¡±

    Lila pivoted in her seat to assess the truth behind Asher¡¯s statement with a piercing look. Crumbs tumbled from his lips as he fought to swallow.

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious,¡± he coughed, dusting himself off. ¡°I can¡¯t help myself from trusting you. I am truly grateful that, though I can¡¯t figure out why, I did tell you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila replied gently. ¡°For trusting me. I promise this is between you and me. We¡¯ll find your Mum, Asher. And¡­ thank you for sacrificing your secret with Holly to combat the rumours. I haven¡¯t heard any today, at least.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher said with a small smile, eating a mini-Oreo.

    The silence between them returned. However, Lila could feel a certain warmth in this silence. She picked up her notebook.

    ¡°Can you promise me, Asher,¡± Lila said, turning the pages and skimming his notes, ¡°that you¡¯ll take care of yourself from now on? At least, stop going out every night and morning. Try and get some sleep.¡±

    Asher stiffened, before nodding sombrely. ¡°I¡­ promise.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila gave Asher a reassuring smile. ¡°I mean it when I say I¡¯m getting concerned about your health. You need to help yourself before you can help your Mum.¡±

    Asher wordlessly nodded again, and Lila turned her attention back to her notebook. He had certainly fleshed out the timeline starting from early December, though Lila couldn¡¯t see that any of it was really relevant ¨C it was a fact that Tabitha Wagner had been busily preparing for the Christmas season. All of her actions up to her disappearance neatly fell into expected duties ¨C shopping at the mall, picking up guests from the airport, entertaining their guests, writing Christmas letters, calling family members¡­

    ¡°Hey Asher,¡± Lila said, tracing the words ¡®Christmas letters¡¯ with her index finger, brow furrowed. ¡°How do you know she was writing Christmas letters?¡±

    Asher spluttered for a moment before hitting his chest with a fist and throwing the rest of his drink down his mouth. ¡°Sorry, wrong pipe,¡± he wheezed before shaking his head.

    ¡°Christmas letters¡­ well, Mum was constantly in the study with the door closed when our guests were elsewhere, which was pretty often actually¡­ With the pandemic, no one was able to visit for ages so our ¡®out of towners¡¯ would go to the city, or the beach or see some sights most days. When she came down to lunch one day, I asked her what she was working on and she said Christmas letters. She even showed me one to Aunt Madeline. She lives in Canada and couldn¡¯t come visit. She¡¯s just had a baby.¡±

    Flipping through to a clean page and taking out a pen, Lila wrote a note ¨C ¡®Letter to Aunt Madeline.¡¯

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a bit late to write Christmas letters?¡± Lila frowned at her note, as though it had done something wrong.

    Asher brought his right thumb to rest under his chin and pressed an index finger against his mouth, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°Now that I think about it, it was a bit late¡­¡±

    ¡°Did she write them every year?¡±

    ¡°Well, she started it up when the pandemic happened. So it would¡¯ve been the third year.¡±

    ¡°When would she post them?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ feel like she posted them mid-November, to give it time to make it by Christmas.¡±

    ¡°What about last year?¡±

    Asher brought his other arm to his right elbow, bracing it as he looked down at his lap.

    ¡°I¡­ think she already posted them.¡±

    ¡°When was your Aunt Madeline¡¯s baby born?¡±

    ¡°What does that have to do with-¡±

    ¡°Could it have been just one letter to Aunt Madeline, congratulating her on the birth of her child?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes sparkled with seeming understanding as he looked into Lila¡¯s eyes. ¡°What was she working on for so long?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Is the study open?¡± Lila asked, standing up and dusting her own crumbs off her uniform.

    ¡°I think so,¡± said Asher, standing up as well. ¡°And Dad¡¯s not home still.¡±

    Asher led the way again, out of the rumpus room and to the landing. He opened a door to the right. It was connected to a hallway, at the end of which was a set of double-doors matching those guarding the library.

    ¡°So, why does your family have a study and a library?¡± queried Lila.

    ¡°The study is where Mum usually works from home. It¡¯s far cosier, she reckons, and Dad also has a desk in there but he¡¯s not in there nearly as often as Mum is. It also means that if I need to study or something, I can do so without disturbing them.¡±

    While not relatable in the slightest, Lila replied, ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    Upon reaching the doors, Asher twisted the doorknob on the right-hand side. He stood back for a moment, tilting his head slightly as if in confusion before trying the doorknob on the left-hand side. The doors remained steadfastly closed.

    ¡°That¡¯s odd¡­¡± he murmured, pensively scratching the side of his head. ¡°It should be open.¡±

    Lila stepped past Asher and tried to twist the doorknobs and found the same result. Spying a keyhole under the doorknobs, she turned to Asher and asked where the keys would be.

    ¡°Keys? Hmm¡­¡± He began to pace in front of the doors as he continued to deliberate. ¡°I don¡¯t actually know where they would be, but I know for a fact that they do keep spare keys. If I had to guess¡­ they might be in the safe in their bedroom.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t hurt to try,¡± said Lila, and off they went, back through to the main landing. Asher crossed the landing to a door on the opposite side and wrenched it open. There was another small hallway that opened into a bigger room. Similar to Asher¡¯s rumpus room, a couch and TV were stationed here, and there was a mini-bar set up. Passing through this area led them into a spacious and lavish bedroom. A king bed with expensive-looking, lush silk covers and several embroidered decorative pillows sat proudly in the middle and the dark side tables held delicate, baroque-style lamps. To the left was a walk-in wardrobe that was at least the size of Lila¡¯s entire bedroom and lined ceiling to floor in storage solutions which, in the small glimpse that Lila took, displayed opulent dresses, coats, and suits.

    To the right was a bathroom with beautiful dark-emerald tiles and lighting that framed a large, free-standing bath. A large glass shower with two showerheads stood beside the bath. Lila was sure that along the wall would be an incredibly large mirror and most likely a double sink situation, but she couldn¡¯t confirm this from her vantage point.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila said faintly, looking around the room to soak in more details.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be quick,¡± Asher said, darting to the walk-in wardrobe and fiddling around the back wall.

    ¡°Do you know the combination?¡± Lila called, not willing to venture any further into the room.

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Asher called back. ¡°It¡¯s my birthday. Huh¡­ probably shouldn¡¯t have said that.¡±

    ¡°¡­ And what¡¯s your birthday?¡± Lila asked, a cheeky grin across her face.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know!¡± Asher laughed. A few moments passed and Lila heard a loud click.

    ¡°Got it!¡± Asher exclaimed. Lila could hear some assorted jingling before a slamming sound.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher urged, dashing out of the bedroom and towards the study again, Lila following behind at a similar pace. Finally reaching the study, Asher jabbed a key into one of the keyholes.

    ¡°What¡¯s the rush for?¡± Lila asked, huffing to catch her breath from the sudden sprint.

    ¡°The CCTV gets sent to the study,¡± he said vehemently as he twisted the doorknob and threw the door open dramatically. ¡°We need to delete the footage us snooping around.¡±

    The thrum of a computer was the only sign of life within the study, which was in virtual pitch-black darkness. Asher switched on the lights as Lila stepped further in. Blackout curtains lined the windows within the study and two large desks sat along the back wall. One desk held the whirring computer, four monitors, an RGB keyboard, and matching mouse. Above the four monitors were two large TVs mounted to the wall. Asher pulled out the leather office chair that belonged to this desk and shook the mouse.

    Almost instantly, life returned to the four monitors and two TV screens. Several small squares appeared on the TV screens showing different areas of the house and yard. One such square showed Gabriel dancing in the kitchen whilst frying something. There was no sound playing, but Lila could almost guarantee that Gabriel was singing his own soundtrack.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher said, mashing buttons on the RGB keyboard. ¡°Can I ask you to keep an eye on the CCTV, please? Given the conference, Dad might end up coming home earlier than usual.¡±

    ¡°Roger that,¡± replied Lila, marching over to the other desk which held a more modest computer system of only one monitor, a simple black Dell keyboard and mouse. ¡°Is this your Mum¡¯s setup?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± replied Asher, peering at the bottom right monitor. ¡°Dad sits there if he¡¯s working in here.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Lila rolled Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s desk chair over to behind the other desk and sat down.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you think this setup is a bit intense for a social media marketing job?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Huh? Uh, maybe? I dunno, Mum¡¯s setup has always been like this. She does heaps of graphic design stuff too.¡±

    Lila continued to eye the CCTV screens. Nothing really changed about the scenery except that in small intervals Gabriel would seemingly have an epic solo with a spatula as a makeshift microphone and then return to subdued, serious cooking.

    Lila giggled, ¡°Gabriel is the best.¡±

    Asher looked up and, upon seeing Gabriel break it down with an air guitar riff, grinned. ¡°Yeah. Ever since I was little, he¡¯d invite me into the kitchen for some rap battles and singing lessons while teaching me how to cook the basics. I owe all my finest sandwich combinations to that man.¡±

    Lila chuckled and turned her attention to the items on Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s desk. A ¡®World¡¯s #1 Mum¡¯ mug and framed photo of Asher as a toddler in a sandpit were just underneath the bottom two monitors. Various books about traditional marketing and social media tips were piled upon the desk, as well as several colourful notebooks and novelty pens in a lumpy, clay, shoddily-coloured pen caddy.

    ¡°Did you make that?¡± Lila asked, pointing at the pen caddy. Without breaking eye contact with the monitors, Asher nodded. ¡°Yeah. Grade Four art class. I keep telling Mum to throw it away but she calls it her little treasure from her greatest treasure. Ugh, sorry, that was way too sappy.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s adorable,¡± Lila cooed, smiling again as she continued to survey the items on the desk. Next to the pen caddy, Lila noticed something glinting in the light above.

    ¡°Hey, aren¡¯t you supposed to be watching the CCTV instead of looking at embarrassing things on my Mum¡¯s desk?¡± Asher asked, still not looking at Lila and clicking away rapidly.

    ¡°Asher, look!¡± Lila tapped his shoulder, pointing at the glinting objects. He glanced at Lila, confused for a moment before reaching forward and picking them up. It was an engagement ring and a matching wedding band.

    ¡°T-This is Mum¡¯s¡­¡± Asher said in a hushed voice, inspecting it further. ¡°It¡¯s got Mum and Dad¡¯s wedding date engraved in the band.¡± Asher passed it along to Lila in an apparent daze. ¡°She never goes anywhere without them.¡±

    The rings oozed classy, with a huge, solitaire diamond affixed to the engagement ring. Though Lila was tempted to put it on her own ring finger for a split second, she passed them back to Asher. He tentatively placed them back in their original position and continued with his work, though this time his breathing seemed slightly laboured, and his clicking was slower.

    ¡°¡­ Are you okay?¡± Lila asked, rolling her chair slightly closer to his.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine¡­¡±

    Lila nodded and sat back, not wishing to push him any further.

    Then, Asher suddenly piped up. ¡°I mean, she even showers with them on. I can¡¯t think why she¡¯d take it off now.¡±

    ¡°Were your parents having any marriage troubles?¡± Lila whispered.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know anymore,¡± Asher breathed, his fingers trembling on the keyboard. ¡°Was she leaving Dad that night?¡±

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said, shaking Asher¡¯s shoulder as if to snap him out of his thinking. ¡°We don¡¯t have evidence that your Dad did anything. Don¡¯t forget that.¡±

    Asher gulped but continued working on the computer regardless. Lila glanced back up at the CCTV though she knew nothing had moved. She would have noticed it; the surveillance cameras were so clear.

    Minutes passed in silence, with Lila not looking away from the CCTV footage before Asher stretched his arms to the ceiling.

    ¡°I¡¯ve finally made it through to the CCTV holdings,¡± he said, his voice stronger than it had been minutes before.

    ¡°Cool,¡± Lila replied, looking down at the monitors. Asher clicked through a few folders before reaching the last modified folder. Upon opening it up, Asher scrolled down to the last saved videos. He played one and it showed Asher and Lila emerging from Asher¡¯s rumpus room.

    ¡°That is so creepy,¡± Lila said softly. Asher continued to locate CCTV clips following their journey to the master bedroom and the study.

    ¡°The camera systems we¡¯ve got saves clips in two-minute intervals,¡± Asher said, peering into the monitors. ¡°They detect any movement, whether it be humans, trees, friends¡¯ pets that come over, you name it. Then it saves the next two minutes of footage, even if nothing is in the frame anymore, and keeps recording until there¡¯s no movement for two minutes.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said, looking up at the live CCTV above the computer. Again, there was just Gabriel, grooving.

    ¡°I bet you have a ton of clips of Gabriel,¡± Lila laughed. She could see Asher crack a half-hearted smile as he continued diving through various folders. She stretched her own arms and swivelled around her chair, taking in the rest of the room. The d¨¦cor generally matched that of the rest of the house, however mounted to the back wall above some grey filing cabinets were several framed certificates. Lila stood and moved forward to have a look through them. Two were for Asher¡¯s Dad, but four belonged to his Mum.

    ¡°Your parents must be so intelligent,¡± Lila said softly. She couldn¡¯t quite comprehend what Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s degrees were for, except that one was in marketing.

    ¡°Yeah, they are,¡± Asher said distractedly.

    ¡°Your Mum seems like she settled for a marketing job,¡± Lila mused, sitting back down in the office chair and looking back up at the CCTV. ¡°She¡¯s so educated but chose marketing?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Probably likes it. Plus, it let her stay home and hang out with me when I was young.¡±

    ¡°Was social media marketing even a thing when you were young?¡±

    ¡°Nah, not really, but she was doing normal marketing back then. She then quickly moved with the times with the social media thing.¡±

    ¡°Has her work asked where she¡¯s been?¡± Lila asked. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Not that I know of. I asked Dad the other day about it, and he said he¡¯s been handling it. She apparently has a lot of leave¡­¡±

    Lila leaned back slightly in the office chair, lifting a leg up and leaning her head onto her knee as she continued to watch the CCTV. A bird flew into the frame of one of the outside cameras briefly and Gabriel looked to have settled down into some serious cheffing. Lila¡¯s eyes glazed over as time passed even further before Asher spoke once again.

    ¡°That should be everything deleted. From the recycle bin too. I¡¯m just going to have a look and find what she was working on over Christmas¡­¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say she had a laptop?¡± Lila asked, straightening up her posture. ¡°She might have used that?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re all synched up,¡± Asher said confidently, closing down the CCTV folders. ¡°Mum told me about all that when I started high school. Apparently, OneDrive is really good like that, as long as you¡¯re connected to the internet. Mum usually uses that laptop when she¡¯s travelling or wants a break from the study. Otherwise, she¡¯s always holed up in here on this computer.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Lila rubbed her eyes and looked down at the desk again. Surprised she hadn¡¯t noticed this before, she tugged at a folded piece of paper that was sandwiched between two textbooks next to her. Unfolding it, she began to attempt to read the list that was written on it.

    Robin

    Find below to-do list.

    Dear sister IA.

    Habitat to change in the night.

    82-112<sup>nd</sup>, half past 90.

    Contacts for Husaavi confirm ¨C 0409928121630.

    Keep safen these locked suns.

    Yonder caf¨¦.

    Operation plain vanilla.

    Currently 100<sup>o</sup>C.

    Asher ¨C optometrist req.

    The note ended here but looked as though it was written in a rush ¨C most of the lettering was smeared and it wasn¡¯t signed. What did it mean?

    ¡°Asher, have you seen this before?¡±

    Asher took the paper from Lila¡¯s hands and blinked rapidly, shaking his head.

    ¡°What? I don¡¯t need glasses.¡±

    ¡°Is that all you understood from that? Does your Mum have a brother or a sister?¡± Lila asked, taking the note back and folding it into its original shape.

    ¡°She¡¯s got a couple siblings, but not one named Robin. It¡¯s definitely Mum¡¯s handwriting. Though her handwriting is usually neater than that. Could it be inspiration for a social media post?¡±

    Lila reached into her pocket and pulled out her phone.

    ¡°I think I better take a picture,¡± she said, unfolding the paper again and taking a photo of it. She folded it once more and stuffed it between the pages of the top textbook. Lila switched her legs and continued to stare at the live CCTV, barely blinking. Though absolutely mind-numbing, at least she was confident Asher¡¯s Dad hadn¡¯t come home just yet.

    Eventually, Asher let out a frustrated groan. ¡°There¡¯s nothing! How can there be nothing?¡±

    ¡°When was her last activity?¡± Lila asked, eyes still fixed on the CCTV.

    ¡°Mid-November. She took leave to prepare for our guests around then. So, what the heck was she working on?¡±

    ¡°Anything in the notebooks?¡±

    Lila could see in her peripheral vision that Asher was now swiftly flicking through each of the notebooks on his Mum¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s just graphic design plans and notes about trends at work,¡± Asher replied. Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure how he could have registered that with the speed at which he was going but question it as she continued to look at the footage. Eventually, Asher slapped the last notebook down on the desk and abruptly stood up.

    ¡°Nothing. Absolutely nothing.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s on her laptop and she didn¡¯t sync it,¡± Lila reasoned. ¡°We might be able to find some traces if we keep digging.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of his nose before closing down everything that he had opened. He turned the computer onto standby mode and looked up at the TV screens as well.

    ¡°Nothing interesting I take it?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Well, I think I¡¯ve learned a few new sick dance moves, but nothing else. Just us and Gabriel here in the house.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher nodded firmly. ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the rumpus room.¡±

    Lila wheeled herself to Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s desk and tucked the chair under, stretching her legs before turning to follow Asher out of the room. He flicked off the lights and opened the door before jumping back as though he had been punched in the gut.

    ¡°M-Marlene?¡± he stammered.

 Chapter Seven

    Chapter Seven

    Lila peered over Asher¡¯s broad shoulders and saw that Marlene was indeed standing in the doorway, a saccharine smile that didn¡¯t reach her eyes plastered on her face.

    ¡°Mr Wagner. Lila,¡± she said pleasantly, cocking her head to the side and brandishing a tray of carrots, crackers, cheeses and dip. ¡°I came to see if you were hungry for some healthy snacks.¡±

    Asher was frozen as Marlene continued to thrust the tray into his empty hands.

    ¡°Dinner will be ready in about an hour,¡± Marlene continued in a sickly-sweet tone. ¡°May I interest you in moving along to the rumpus room?¡±

    ¡°U-U-Uh yup, sounds grand,¡± Asher stuttered, the various tiny dishes in the tray audibly clinking against each other.

    ¡°Fantastic,¡± Marlene smiled again, still without a hint of joy in her eyes. She stepped out of the doorway, bowing. Asher seemed to have difficulty walking forward at any particularly efficient speed but moved past Marlene all the same.

    ¡°Thank you, Marlene,¡± Lila said, trying to match Marlene¡¯s tone. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to.¡±

    Marlene beamed at Lila, warmth brewing in her eyes as she beheld Lila¡¯s gaze. Asher and Lila wordlessly began to walk down the hallway back to the landing before Marlene called out again.

    ¡°Oh, and Mr Wagner.¡±

    Asher rigidly turned to face Marlene. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Please give me the keys.¡±

    Lila immediately took the tray away from Asher¡¯s trembling hands and was unprepared for how heavy it was. As she struggled to ensure it didn¡¯t fall onto the carpet, Asher took out the ring of keys he had obtained from the safe and tossed it at Marlene, who caught it effortlessly.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr Wagner. I will call you when dinner is ready via the intercom.¡±

    Lila looped a free finger through Asher¡¯s belt loop, a technique she frequently used on Daniel, and pulled him along the hallway without daring to look back at Marlene. They finally burst into the rumpus room and Lila gratefully placed the tray where the previous snack tray had been sitting when she first entered, rubbing her now aching forearms.

    ¡°What the fuck is she doing here?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was barely audible from behind Lila. Lila turned to see Asher¡¯s face was practically devoid of all colour and he was shaking from head to toe, his eyes the widest she¡¯d seen yet. She gently tugged on his arm, attempting to coax him to the couch. He allowed her to lead him there, his breathing getting quicker by the second, to the point of almost hyperventilating.

    ¡°She¡¯s not meant to start until a few hours from now,¡± he gripped his hair as he spoke. ¡°Was she on the CCTV? How did she get there? How did she know I had the keys? She¡¯s not a fucking ghost, is she? Am I going insane?¡±

    Lila bit her lip, struggling to think of a response. Truthfully, she was also freaked out but knew that if she gave in to what her primal instincts were screaming now, they would both spiral into helplessness. She took a deep breath and began to count to ten, closing her eyes.

    She had only gotten to ¡®three¡¯ before Asher began to clutch his stomach and dry retch, anxiety clearly getting the better of him. Lila moved to comfortingly pat his shoulder, Holly be damned.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything, Asher,¡± Lila whispered, her voice quivering with fear. ¡°You¡¯re not going crazy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not, right?¡± Asher asked again, his voice uncharacteristically shrill. ¡°I can¡¯t be.¡±

    ¡°I have no idea what¡¯s going on,¡± Lila said as she tried to sound calm, but wasn¡¯t sure if it was working. ¡°But we can¡¯t lose our nerve.¡±

    Asher quickly looked up at Lila, his eyes meeting hers. It looked as though he was searching for something in them, but he then closed his eyes and nodded.

    ¡°Y-Yeah.¡±

    He sucked in a sharp intake of air, his hand still on his stomach as he did so. Lila followed suit, this time making it to ¡®ten¡¯, drawing her breath to the tips of her fingers and toes before shaking out her shoulders. She hadn¡¯t realised how bunched up they were until now.

    ¡°C-Can we do something else?¡± Asher asked in a small voice.

    ¡°What would you like to do?¡± Lila asked, her own voice much steadier.

    ¡°Maybe watch some dog videos?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Precisely one hour passed before a crackling voice jolted both Lila and Asher bolt upright. They had become so engrossed in South Korean dog grooming videos on YouTube that the time had sped by in the blink of an eye.

    ¡°Mr Wagner.¡± It was Marlene¡¯s voice. Asher and Lila stared at each other with uncertainty. Three seconds passed before the intercom crackled again.

    ¡°Mr Wagner. It is time for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Is she eating with us?¡± Asher squeaked, his hands flying to his cheeks.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be okay,¡± Lila said, though she was trying to convince herself just as much as she was trying to convince Asher. ¡°It¡¯s just dinner.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. S-Sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need to be sorry. Let¡¯s go before she talks again.¡±

    They made their way downstairs and to the dining area, Lila growing more apprehensive with each step she took, her hands strangely ice cold despite the summer night. To Lila¡¯s delight, Marlene was nowhere in sight. Gabriel was busy placing their plates around the dining table when he looked up at Lila and Asher, beaming. A pleasant rush of warmth washed over Lila as she returned Gabriel¡¯s smile.

    ¡°Hi again, Gabriel,¡± Lila said, taking her seat. He gave a deep, flourishing bow in response before heading back into the kitchen ¨C presumably to get more plates of food.

    Lila inhaled the scent of Moroccan chicken as she looked down to see it was surrounded by roasted eggplants, red capsicum, onions, almonds and apricots, all covered in a spiced sauce, placed carefully over a bed of fluffy white rice.

    ¡°Dig in, dig in,¡± insisted Gabriel, who had returned with two more plates, Marlene following behind. Lila could see Asher tense up as she walked past him. Marlene said nothing.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a wonderful surprise that Marlene has joined us early?¡± Gabriel asked, tucking himself underneath the dining table. ¡°Apparently today is wash day for all the spare bedding and blankets. It absolutely cannot wait in this humid summer, according to Marlene.¡±

    Marlene nodded but seemed to be concentrating on the food before her, rather than on anyone else seated around the table.

    ¡°It couldn¡¯t wait a couple of days?¡± Asher asked in a strained voice, shovelling food into his mouth with more force than necessary.

    ¡°No, Mr Wagner,¡± confirmed Marlene, still avoiding Asher¡¯s gaze and elegantly cutting a piece of her dinner. ¡°Left any longer and the sheets would become mouldy. The three guest bedrooms have the finest Egyptian cotton sheets which, though luxurious, are unfortunately prone to mould. We are set for a rainy weekend and these sheets will need to be hung up rather than placed in the drier, so it needs to be done now.¡±

    A case of theft: this story is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Lila remained silent as she ate. Upon hearing the explanation for Marlene¡¯s unscheduled arrival, she couldn¡¯t be sure whether or not what Marlene was saying was legitimate. She did note, however, that Marlene had given an awful lot of detail for such a simple ¡°no¡± response.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Gabriel said cheerfully, interrupting Lila¡¯s train of thought, ¡°I know we¡¯ve now met properly a couple of times, but I can¡¯t help the nagging feeling that you¡¯re incredibly familiar ¨C as though we¡¯ve met before this year.¡±

    ¡°You might have seen her at school,¡± Asher replied through a mouthful of capsicum. ¡°A couple years ago when you regularly used to drive me in. Before the bus route stopped by the Estate.¡±

    ¡°Aha,¡± Gabriel laughed amiably, ¡°of course. That must be it.¡±

    Dinner continued without much more conversation beyond small talk, Gabriel being the driver of all conversations.

    ¡°That was delicious as usual,¡± Lila said affectionately, patting her stomach as Marlene came around and collected the empty plates.

    ¡°I try very hard for you, my dear,¡± Gabriel replied genially before jumping to his feet and following Marlene into the kitchen.

    Gabriel returned moments later with small dishes of brownies and vanilla bean ice cream, chocolate syrup and pieces of honeycomb scattered artfully across the top. Marlene floated in after Gabriel, carrying a tray of two small glass jugs filled with dark liquid, four matching cups and a small milk jug and sugar bowl.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought some black tea and coffee and accompaniments,¡± she announced, placing the tray down and pouring drinks for everyone after clarifying their preferences.

    Upon finishing up dessert, Lila pulled out her phone and sent a quick text to Clare to pick her up.

    Not staying the night? Clare instantly messaged back with a winking emoji.

    Definitely not. He¡¯s got a girlfriend, remember, Lila replied, rolling her eyes. Clare responded with a simple shrugging emoji and sent through her ETA.

    ¡°My sister will be here in about half an hour,¡± Lila said before catching Asher¡¯s hauntingly pale expression, his eyes wide yet vacant. It sent a chill down her spine ¨C his terror was overwhelmingly obvious. Lila quickly messaged her sister again.

    Sorry Clare, it¡¯s an emergency. Can you wait a bit?

    A response came through from Clare a minute later.

    Yeah, yeah. Just pulled over. I¡¯ll grab some Maccas.

    Thanks, replied Lila, turning off her phone.

    ¡°Actually, she¡¯s just grabbing some dinner,¡± Lila said quickly. Asher looked relieved as he sipped his coffee, life seeping back into his cheeks. Gabriel threw his hands up into the air dramatically.

    ¡°Lila!¡± he admonished, though with a teasing tone apparent in his voice. ¡°You should have told me your sister would be needing dinner!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lila replied bashfully. ¡°She¡¯s always so busy, I never know when she¡¯s eaten or not. Actually, she¡¯s out most nights, so she always sorts herself out for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t hesitate to let me know if you need me to make extra next time,¡± Gabriel said with a wink.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Lila promised, drinking the last dregs of her tea. ¡°Thank you very much for dinner and dessert, it was lovely as always.¡±

    Gabriel waved as if to bat her compliment away but thanked her all the same. Asher instantly stood up like a bolt of lightning had just shot through him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go grab your stuff,¡± he said in a robotic kind of way. Lila followed him back upstairs without question, hearing Marlene and Gabriel clatter away behind them.

    After closing the door to the rumpus room, Asher exhaled as if he had been holding his breath the whole time that they were eating dinner.

    ¡°Lila, can you come with me?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I just did-¡±

    ¡°I mean for a bike ride. I wanna clear my head, but I don¡¯t think I can do that without you today.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I can¡¯t ride a bike on my own.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Asher replied, looking at her with an intense seriousness that made her squirm under his gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve got a two-seater and can guide you through.¡±

    Lila quickly opened her phone to see if Clare had texted her again. She hadn¡¯t. Perhaps she was ordering dinner by now. ¡°As long as it¡¯s quick.¡±

    As Lila strapped a bright blue helmet underneath her chin, she was regretting her decision to not go home earlier. Asher pulled the tandem bike from the garage and wheeled it to where she stood in the driveway, a red helmet also strapped to his head.

    ¡°We look like dorks,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°Better dorks with intact skulls than dorks with broken ones,¡± Asher replied seriously, swinging a leg over the front seat. Lila reluctantly swung a leg over the back seat and tried to get comfortable, which was incredibly difficult with this bike seat.

    ¡°You will need to pedal,¡± Asher said, glancing at her over his shoulder.

    ¡°Yes sir,¡± Lila replied gloomily.

    Quickly they set off, Lila trying to match Asher¡¯s pedalling. A cool breeze caressed them as Asher drove them down the street and in a direction Lila hadn¡¯t been before. Before long, Lila began to get a sense of Asher¡¯s rhythm and the ride was then much smoother. Streetlamps streaked overhead as they gained more speed until they eventually reached an empty park.

    Asher gently applied pressure to the brakes as they slowly followed the footpath into the heart of the park. Once the bike halted, Asher kicked out his kickstand and hopped off the bike. He came around to Lila, kicking out her kickstand as well and offered a hand in getting off the bike, but she declined. After awkwardly stumbling off the bike, she unclipped her helmet and followed Asher to sit on a nearby bench.

    ¡°Do you feel better now?¡± Lila asked quietly as trees gently rustled overhead.

    ¡°Yeah, I do. The air doesn¡¯t feel suffocating over here,¡± Asher replied, unclipping his own helmet and placing it on his lap. He loosened his tie and wiped the sweat off his brow before grinning at Lila, looking relieved.

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Lila nodded, swaying her feet. ¡°By the way¡­ a thought struck me on our ride here. Why do you have a two-seater bike?¡±

    Asher looked over at the bike before chuckling. ¡°It¡¯s actually my parents¡¯ bike. Dad never learned how to ride a bike, so Mum got it one Christmas and it was their ¡®couple thing¡¯ for a while before she got busy with work. Looks absolutely ridiculous doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    With smiles on their faces, they sat in a comfortable silence before Asher spoke again, his tone much more severe.

    ¡°Do¡­ do you think Marlene did something to my Mum?¡±

    Lila sighed and swatted away a mosquito as she contemplated his question. She had been expecting it for a while now but hadn¡¯t found an answer yet.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have enough information to conclude anything,¡± she said slowly. Asher clenched his fists to the point where his knuckles turned white before quickly unclenching them.

    ¡°Okay. There¡¯s something seriously wrong with her though.¡±

    ¡°That much, at least, is clear,¡± Lila concurred, looking up at the starry night sky, as if celestial beings would provide answers via the constellations.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you agree.¡±

    A soft gust of wind swished past them as Lila racked her brains to say something ¨C anything ¨C that might comfort Asher. In the distance, Lila could hear possums darting between branches and squabbling with one another, but they provided absolutely no inspiration.

    ¡°At least you have Gabriel,¡± she said quietly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about why my Mum was adamant about sending him home the day before she disappeared,¡± Asher revealed tensely, swallowing hard. ¡°Was he angry enough about that to hurt her? Or did she find something out and wanted him gone?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have a rebuttal to that. While it was true that they didn¡¯t have enough information to confirm literally any theory, it didn¡¯t mean that it didn¡¯t exist somewhere they hadn¡¯t looked yet.

    ¡°You know,¡± said Asher, gradually turning to face Lila. ¡°As much as I roam the streets at night and in the morning to find her, I also do it to escape.¡±

    ¡°I thought as much,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°I would too.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s normal too,¡± Asher muttered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should look at me as the standard for ¡®normal¡¯,¡± smiled Lila. ¡°After all, I¡¯m here with you in the dead of the night, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°Most people would¡¯ve run off for sure by now.¡±

    ¡°Glad I¡¯m not most people. In fact, last time I checked, I was just one people.¡±

    Asher chuckled again before planting his hands on his thighs, slowly getting up from the bench.

    ¡°Where to from here, Lila?¡±

    ¡°For the investigation or like¡­ now?¡±

    ¡°Both.¡±

    ¡°Well, I think we need to cool it down a bit,¡± Lila said, placing a finger on her chin. ¡°Marlene is freaky as hell and that won¡¯t help us think rationally if we try and plan something now.¡±

    Asher nodded in agreement. ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    ¡°We could just focus on our English project in the meantime.¡±

    ¡°Also true,¡± Asher conceded. ¡°While I don¡¯t like sitting on my hands, I get what you¡¯re saying, Lila. Let¡¯s just¡­ take some time to collect our thoughts.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back, then,¡± Lila suggested. Asher clipped his helmet back on in response and in no time, they were back at his place, skulls definitely still intact.

    Lila sent a message to Clare that she was ready to go now as they climbed the staircase yet again. Assembling her things together, Lila suddenly turned to Asher, having seen him shifting his weight between his feet as though he had too much energy to spare.

    ¡°Remember you promised you¡¯d stop going out so often?¡± Lila asked, glaring at Asher. He raised his hands in a ¡®wait¡¯ motion and gave her a small smile.

    ¡°Scout¡¯s honour,¡± he said, tapping his chest with a closed fist. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°You better be,¡± Lila said tersely, zipping up her bag with her English notebook inside. ¡°You¡¯ll need to sleep if you want to think about the next steps. Plus, we¡¯ve still got school tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he replied, saluting her with a grin. Lila couldn¡¯t help but grin back. She was comforted that he at least seemed to be in higher spirits than he was at dinner.

    A car horn sounded outside and Lila quickly slid her backpack on her shoulders.

    ¡°Must be my ride,¡± she said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to let you out again,¡± Asher replied, leading the way back downstairs. It was eerily quiet down on the first floor. Lila briefly wondered where Marlene was hiding now. She mentioned nothing to Asher as he typed in the security code and opened the doors for her.

    ¡°I think we have English tomorrow,¡± he said as she struggled to put her shoes back on.

    ¡°I think so too,¡± Lila replied, almost falling over but catching herself in time. ¡°So, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow then. Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight.¡±

 Chapter Eight

    Chapter Eight

    Though Lila and Asher didn¡¯t manage to talk much during English the next morning, they did occasionally smile at each other, their eyes conveying an encouragement that penetrated deeper than their progress on the presentation. Lila left English that day with a small wave goodbye at Asher and an enjoyable sensation running down her back, hands tingling with the excitement of a secret shared between them. She made her way to her next class, grinning like an idiot, and remained more-or-less like that before her smile was dulled by the whispers of a rumour.

    It was at lunch whilst waiting in line for the tuckshop that she heard someone sneer behind her.

    ¡°Lila is such a slut. Asher is taken and she¡¯s just jumping all over him. Poor Holly.¡±

    ¡°I know right! What a pick-me homewrecker. Holly is wayyy too nice and pretty for that bullshit.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, Lila is so average too, like Asher really hit the jackpot and he¡¯s going to throw it away for what? Some Asian chick?¡±

    Lila resisted the urge to turn around as the two voices behind her descended into cackles, given she was unsure whether they knew she was just ahead of them. As her face drained of any colour, she suddenly wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether she had the strength in her legs to even try and face them.

    ¡°Whoa, whoa,¡± a familiar voice said, coming to her side and grabbing her arm gently as she struggled to steady her footing. ¡°You okay?¡±

    Lila looked up at her saviour and found herself in the company of Isaac. He was significantly taller and more tanned than when she¡¯d last been in his company, looking like a string bean in comparison. The warmth in his green eyes burst the floodgates holding her tears back. This clearly flustered Isaac as he looked around as if trying to find someone to help him, but no help came.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said quietly, ¡°do you want to have lunch with me? I already have my lunch, but I can wait for you.¡±

    Sniffling, she nodded, wiping her face with her blazer, trying not to cry any further. Isaac remained next to her in line until she could get inside to grab some lunch before rejoining her at the exit. They walked in silence for a while until they found a spot to sit under the shade, some ways away from her usual spot with Elise and Grace. Despite being her best friends, Lila was a tiny bit grateful that Isaac had offered to have lunch with her today. She knew that her friends would just get livid on her behalf, and while it was certainly appreciated, it wouldn¡¯t be helpful in mending her spirit.

    Before opening up her wrapped chicken sandwich, Lila sent a quick text to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us telling Elise and Grace that some lunch plans had suddenly come up and she¡¯d meet with them in Modern History class that afternoon. A flurry of question marks and messages expressing concern instantly came through but Lila muted the group chat for now and locked her phone screen.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Isaac asked, surveying her with apparent suspicion as he peeled his banana.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ well¡­ no,¡± Lila said quietly, suddenly no longer hungry.

    ¡°I heard them too,¡± Isaac said, looking up into the branches of the tree they were under as a burst of wind twisted through the leaves. ¡°The comments about you.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes watered again as she looked at her lap, knowing full well that if she took a deep breath now, it would all be over and she¡¯d be a sobbing mess.

    ¡°Lila, I know you and I know Asher,¡± Isaac told her gently, abandoning his banana to look at her. ¡°I know those rumours aren¡¯t true¡­ and I¡¯ve heard worse.¡±

    ¡°Is that supposed to be comforting?¡± replied Lila morosely.

    ¡°I thought so, but now I don¡¯t know anymore.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for trying,¡± Lila said with a watery smile. ¡°Please never do that again.¡±

    Isaac sighed heavily before looking down at his banana and taking a bite.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯re average, by the way,¡± he said, swallowing. ¡°I mean, clearly, given we dated a couple years ago.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± replied Lila, still looking at her chicken sandwich, considerably deflated.

    ¡°Despite all his smarts, though,¡± Isaac continued, taking another bite of his banana. ¡°Asher sure is an idiot.¡±

    ¡°No, he¡¯s not,¡± Lila said feebly.

    ¡°He is,¡± Isaac nodded vehemently, the remainder of his banana wobbling in agreement. ¡°He knows how the rumour mill works. And despite that, he threw you under the bus not once, but twice.¡±

    Lila remained quiet. It was true, though. Despite being Dux, Asher was always the butt of the joke as far as the rumour mill and popularity contests were concerned. But this year, it seemed like his standing had improved enough that it was now only Lila getting dragged through the mud.

    ¡°It¡¯s because Holly is so popular,¡± Isaac said, as if reading her mind. ¡°I know she doesn¡¯t go here, but heaps of us went to primary school with her since our schools are so close.¡±

    Isaac finished his banana with apparent relish before moving on to a cheeseburger that he pulled out of his blazer pocket.

    ¡°What do you mean by twice?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Well,¡± said Isaac over the frantic unwrapping of his cheeseburger, ¡°firstly, he got way too close to you in the vicinity of Ayla Dean and Brittany Klein. Then he started telling everyone that he¡¯s dating the most popular girl at Mulberry Heights. While some people backed off, others have just gotten nastier, thinking you¡¯re still trying to get in his pants even though he¡¯s in a relationship.¡±

    ¡°What do I do?¡± Lila despaired, throwing her head into her hands, her eyes brimming with tears yet again.

    ¡°The best you can do is ignore it,¡± Isaac said with a wry smile. ¡°But that¡¯s easier said than done. Trust me. I¡¯ve been through countless nights with Asher trying to pick up the pieces.¡±

    Lila¡¯s shoulders drooped further, her head almost touching her knees.

    ¡°I will say though,¡± Isaac said, scrutinising her whilst chewing his cheeseburger. ¡°Despite getting together with Holly, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s stopped talking about you with me. I feel kinda sorry for Holly if she¡¯s getting the same treatment. It¡¯d be hard to compete with the girl he¡¯s been in love with for years.¡±

    Isaac nonchalantly shoved the rest of his cheeseburger in his mouth while Lila contemplated the exact mechanism behind having the earth swallow her whole. Isaac dusted his hands before speaking again.

    ¡°You know that¡¯s why I decided to end it, right?¡± he asked breezily, leaning backwards on his elbows and looking up towards the bright blue sky.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Lila murmured, her heart suddenly beating loudly in her ears, half-drowning out Isaac¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Asher is my best friend. And I didn¡¯t realise until we started dating how gutted he was that you¡¯d be dating someone else. Especially me, even though I asked if he was okay with it. Every time I tried to talk to him while we were dating, he¡¯d just be all quiet or go hide somewhere. And while you¡¯re great, my buddy is someone I couldn¡¯t lose. It¡¯s still true, though, what I said when we broke up. We¡¯re better off as friends than partners.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ was surprisingly very honest,¡± Lila said, shocked. Isaac grinned at her and shrugged.

    ¡°All I can say is that you¡¯ve been bringing him back to life this year. I don¡¯t know what happened over summer break while I was away in Bali with family, but he hasn¡¯t been himself. I know he hasn¡¯t told me about it not because he doesn¡¯t trust me, but because he doesn¡¯t want to worry me. But, man, he¡¯s still making me worry.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s in love with me, though,¡± Lila whispered, prodding her sandwich idly.

    ¡°I was just as surprised as the whole school that Asher started dating Holly,¡± replied Isaac, lying down on the grass now, hands behind his head. ¡°But you could be right, of course. He¡¯s very keen on her. Probably as keen on her as he once was with you. He still can¡¯t shut up about you, though, that¡¯s a fact.¡±

    ¡°What does he even say?¡±

    ¡°All sorts of stuff. Recently, he¡¯s been raving on and on about your Daisy Buchanan analysis. Which, I¡¯m sure it¡¯s great, but what an absolute snooze fest. Says stuff like he can¡¯t anticipate the way your mind ticks or something.¡±

    Lila looked up at the sky, her face a deep red. But then she heard a familiar voice behind them call out to Isaac. Turning around, Lila could see it was Asher heading their way.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± said Asher, locking eyes with Lila before stopping short of the pair and looking down at Isaac, who was still lying on the grass. ¡°A-Am I interrupting something?¡±

    Lila could have sworn that his voice sounded tight, as though he was struggling to enunciate the words he wanted to say. However, a strong gust of wind had simultaneously picked up some leaves and tossed them around their faces. Perhaps he¡¯d swallowed one. Isaac waved a hand lazily to indicate ¡®no¡¯.

    ¡°Nuh. Just caught Lila crying cause of some rumours. Y¡¯know, the ones you helped to start.¡±

    ¡°Isaac!¡± Lila admonished, burying her face in her hands and kicking his leg.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna lie to Asher,¡± Isaac replied, rubbing the spot where she kicked him. ¡°That¡¯s unhelpful.¡±

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Asher hissed, sitting down next to Lila. ¡°I am so, so sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ll just ignore it. It caught me off guard, that¡¯s all. I hadn¡¯t heard anything yet until today.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t let you be the school¡¯s punching bag, Lila,¡± said Asher gruffly. ¡°Especially not after all your help.¡±

    Lila could see Isaac lift his head a little and raise an eyebrow at her, but she ignored him.

    ¡°It¡¯ll die out, I¡¯m sure,¡± Lila said. ¡°It always does. But¡­ maybe you shouldn¡¯t be seen with me at school. For a while at least.¡±

    Lila looked up at the sky again, a hard lump forming in her throat.

    ¡°¡­ That would help, wouldn¡¯t it?¡± Asher mumbled. He rubbed his stubbled jawline, sighing deeply before standing up again. ¡°Got it.¡±

    He began to wander off in the direction he came as Lila called out, ¡°Asher, wait!¡±. He held up a hand in a half-wave but didn¡¯t look back.

    ¡°It¡¯s no use,¡± Isaac said lowly, shaking his head. ¡°He¡¯s made up his mind.¡±

    Lila gripped her sandwich, her mind jumping between the idea of swallowing it whole or finding Daniel and giving it to him.

    ¡°You sure you¡¯re going to be okay?¡± Isaac asked, raising his eyebrow again as he looked at her. ¡°I know you said it caught you off guard and, as I said before, that¡¯s honestly not the worst I¡¯ve heard.¡±

    Lila swallowed hard and nodded, unable to form any words in response. Isaac gave her a small, encouraging smile.

    ¡°If you need anything, you let me know. Also, you should eat that sandwich instead of strangling it.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Isaac. I¡­ I really appreciate you rescuing me back there. Also, leave my sandwich alone.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything particularly special,¡± Isaac replied, a slightly bashful grin on his face. ¡°You needed help and I was just there at the time.¡±

    ¡°Either way, I¡¯m still grateful.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome¡­ are you going to eat it though?¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°Where were you?¡± Elise whisper-yelled at Lila in Modern History as the trio took their places at their usual moulded dark grey plastic table at the back of the classroom which was excessively decorated with wartime posters. Lila tried to ignore Elise as she pulled out her notebook and Rilakuma pencil case, which was made more difficult by the way that Grace was gently nudging her.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Grace whispered calmly. ¡°I¡¯d heard from someone that you were with Isaac, crying.¡±

    Lila scowled at her notebook, forcefully flipping to a clean page and writing today¡¯s topic at the top.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°Did he make you cry?¡± Elise huffed, her eyes narrowed in a death glare. ¡°''Cause if he did, I¡¯m gonna make him cry.¡±

    ¡°He was trying to cheer me up, actually.¡±

    ¡°Did Asher make you cry?¡±

    ¡°Guys, I know you¡¯re concerned, but I¡¯m serious when I say I¡¯m fine. Just need to get over these stupid rumours.¡±

    Elise and Grace instantly fell silent, glancing at each other briefly before buckling down to write some notes of their own.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lila said quietly, her breath hitching slightly. ¡°You guys know something. Or have heard something.¡±

    Elise and Grace simultaneously winced, putting both their pens down.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ heard a couple things,¡± admitted Grace, staring at her notebook.

    ¡°What have you heard?¡± asked Lila impatiently.

    ¡°It¡¯s not worth it,¡± Elise said, shaking her head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know.¡±

    Lila made to argue before remembering Isaac¡¯s advice to forget about it. And to hand over the sandwich. Sighing, Lila continued to jot down notes, tapping her foot against the floor in agitation.

    ¡°Lila, I can¡¯t concentrate,¡± murmured Grace.

    ¡°I can¡¯t either,¡± Lila replied, still tapping her foot.

    ¡°If we tell you what we¡¯ve heard, will you stop?¡± Elise asked, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°¡­ It might change things.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know whether it¡¯ll be helpful to know what¡¯s being said,¡± cautioned Grace, shooting Elise a warning look.

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t want to but I 100% get how Lila¡¯s feeling,¡± Elise said quietly, looking down at her hands. ¡°Knowing that people are saying things but not what¡¯s being said would kill me, too. And¡­ isn¡¯t it better coming from us than someone else?¡±

    Grace shifted in her seat, looking around the classroom, which was abuzz with table discussions regarding the Vietnam War. Lila peeked at the PowerPoint and saw that each table had been assigned different topics to briefly research and discuss before coming back to the group as a whole.

    ¡°It looks like everyone¡¯s doing their work, at least,¡± Grace said finally, biting her lip.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just get that out of the way first,¡± Elise suggested, pulling open her school-issued laptop. They worked quickly, reaching a consensus regarding their topic before huddling closer together around the table, Lila hardly speaking a word despite her mind racing. What did Isaac mean earlier when he said he had heard worse? What did Elise and Grace know? Should she just tell them not to worry about telling her? It would be easier to ignore if she didn¡¯t know¡­ But at the same time, she knew deep down that she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep that night, turning her thoughts over and over again until they became silt, to be compacted and turned even more thereafter¡­

    ¡°Lila, I just want you to know that we did warn you,¡± Grace began hesitantly after softly closing her notebook. ¡°But¡­ Elise is right. It¡¯s better coming from us than someone else.¡±

    Lila inhaled deeply before nodding solemnly. ¡°I know you guys aren¡¯t spreading rumours around about me, so it¡¯s okay. And¡­ I want to know. I¡­ My curiosity is killing me.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ here goes¡­¡± Elise looked at Grace tentatively before continuing. ¡°I heard that you¡¯ve been trying to get into Asher¡¯s pants when he got a girlfriend after stringing him along for years. And that you¡¯re a stupid slut that doesn¡¯t know when to back off.¡±

    ¡°Generally speaking, people have been saying that you have no morals and you¡¯re a pick-me and a homewrecker. Heaps of people think you¡¯re the worst kind of girl ¨C one who doesn¡¯t respect boundaries and just wants to claim victory over Holly by getting with Asher ¡®cause you¡¯re jealous of her.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s also a bunch of people who are just confused in general about why Asher would be a hot commodity. People who think Asher isn¡¯t that bad of a guy have been wondering why you can¡¯t let him be happy with Holly.¡±

    ¡°It turns out that a lot more people than I expected know Holly. Looks like she still does cheer, so if people didn¡¯t know her from primary school, they certainly know her now. Our school goes toe to toe with hers for cheer and she¡¯s their favourite flyer.¡±

    Lila felt herself begin to shake as hot tears streaked silently down her face. Rage coursed through her veins, her body feeling as though it was pumping lava instead of blood. She closed her eyes as her nails dug into her palms and let out a forced exhale. Elise and Grace touched her arms in an attempt to be comforting, but it only fed the fire within her.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila said stiffly, looking down at the desk. ¡°¡­ Thanks for telling me. I just need to be left alone. I¡¯m not mad at you guys.¡±

    Elise and Grace withdrew their hands and the rest of the class passed by in silence, with Elise designating herself as their table¡¯s spokesperson. Lila absorbed nothing and continued to scowl at her notebook. If it wasn¡¯t inanimate, it surely would¡¯ve turned to dust by the time class was dismissed. Shoving all her materials haphazardly into her bag, Lila took off and out of the classroom.

    <hr>

    ¡°Clare,¡± Lila whimpered, knocking on her sister¡¯s bedroom door, her backpack still hanging off one shoulder. ¡°Clare, I need you.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, Lila opened the door, eyes blurred from tears. Clare was standing in the middle of her room in a mild state of undress, her shirt half over her head. Upon Lila¡¯s entrance into her domain, Clare swiftly pulled her shirt down and folded her arms across her chest, looking half-concerned and half-terrified.

    But, despite Clare¡¯s quick reaction and the tears in Lila¡¯s eyes, there was something that Lila could not unsee.

    ¡°Clare¡­ what¡¯s that on your ribs?¡± Lila asked, her backpack dropping to the floor of Clare¡¯s bedroom with a thud.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Clare replied in a high-pitched tone, spinning around to face the back of her room and away from Lila. ¡°W-What¡¯s wrong, Lila?¡±

    ¡°Did you get a tattoo?¡±

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am,¡± replied Clare, still facing away from Lila. ¡°That¡¯s definitely not what that was.¡±

    ¡°What is it then?¡±

    Clare spluttered for a moment before walking towards her door, slamming it behind Lila.

    ¡°You have to promise you won¡¯t tell Mum or Dad or Daniel. Especially Mum.¡±

    Lila held out her pinkie finger. ¡°Pinkie promise.¡±

    Clare still looked apprehensive, though she wrapped her pinkie around Lila¡¯s. Carefully, she lifted her shirt again, exposing her right ribcage to Lila. Upon it was a delicate drawing of a carnation and a snowdrop intertwined with one another. Underneath were two sets of numbers in cursive lettering ¨C 11.01 and 23.01.

    Lila couldn¡¯t quite process what she was looking at momentarily before it clicked.

    ¡°C-Clare, that¡¯s clearly a tattoo,¡± Lila gasped.

    Clare gently grabbed Lila¡¯s wrist and pulled them both towards her neatly made single bed. They both sat down, Lila still dazed.

    ¡°Sorry I lied. I panicked.¡±

    ¡°When did you get it?¡±

    ¡°Last week. I¡¯ve had it booked in for three months though.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Those dates are our birthdays, yeah?¡±

    Clare nodded, a sheepish look on her face. ¡°Yeah. Carnations and snowdrops are the birth flowers for January.¡±

    Lila just continued to stare at where the tattoo was on Clare¡¯s body, her mind reeling. ¡°Mum¡¯s going to murder you.¡±

    ¡°I know. So, keep your promise and tell no one.¡±

    Lila nodded, her expression severe. ¡°Scout¡¯s honour.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve never been a scout.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ picked that phrase up from someone.¡± Lila finally looked away from Clare and towards the closed bedroom door, choosing not to elaborate. They sat in silence for a few moments before Lila spoke.

    ¡°That¡¯s really sweet, Clare.¡±

    ¡°What is?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Lila squirmed slightly, struggling to form the words to convey her true feelings. ¡°T-That you got my birthday tattooed on you too.¡±

    Clare smiled gently at Lila. ¡°It¡¯s not right to have a birth flower on there just for me. We¡¯ve shared our birth month from the moment you were born, after all.¡± She squeezed Lila¡¯s hand affectionately. Lila returned an affectionate squeeze of her own.

    ¡°So, what brought you bursting in here?¡± Clare asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Oh¡­¡± The emotions Lila had been harbouring on the bus ride back home suddenly flooded back, her eyes sparkling with tears.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Clare asked, taking Lila into her arms and stroking her head tenderly. Lila couldn¡¯t help it now. She began to bawl into Clare¡¯s chest, trying to form coherent sentences but failing to finish a single word. Clare didn¡¯t interrupt, continuing to hold Lila as her body was racked with violent sobs that increased in intensity with each strangled breath. Eventually, Lila calmed down, wiping her eyes on Clare¡¯s shirt and snivelling occasionally.

    ¡°That was a lot,¡± Clare said kindly, helping to dry Lila¡¯s eyes with her hands whilst holding her face. ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡±

    Lila took several shuddering breaths as she relayed the rumours that were swirling around her. Clare nodded at intervals, taking Lila¡¯s words in without much outward reaction.

    ¡°Oh, Lila,¡± she sighed once Lila had finished her explanation. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry you¡¯re dealing with this.¡±

    Lila flashed a feeble smile at Clare before she looked down at her hands, unsure about what she could say next.

    ¡°I¡¯m only saying this as I¡¯m older and wiser than you,¡± Clare said with a wink. ¡°Isaac is right. Your best bet is to try and ignore these rumours. But I want you to remember that the people who actually matter ¨C your friends, Asher, your family ¨C all know that you have very good morals. We all know that you wouldn¡¯t dare make moves on Asher while he¡¯s dating Holly. You even said as much the other day, and I believe you. Though, hearing how many people seem to think you¡¯re trying to get with him, it makes me wonder ¨C you are a virgin, right?¡±

    Lila nodded, blushing slightly. ¡°But it¡¯s not like anyone would believe me if I told people that,¡± she mumbled.

    ¡°People can think how they want to think,¡± Clare said firmly. ¡°Not that whether you are or not actually matters. What people think and say doesn¡¯t change the facts, and it doesn¡¯t change who you are. You¡¯re beautiful, funny and have a good head on your shoulders. And I¡¯m not just saying that because I¡¯m your big sister and I¡¯m obligated to. I mean it. I tattooed your birthday on my body, after all. I wouldn¡¯t do that for just any old Jane Doe.¡±

    Lila laughed meekly. Clare rubbed Lila¡¯s back in a comforting sort of way.

    ¡°I, unfortunately, don¡¯t have any solutions for you,¡± Clare said, pulling Lila back into a hug. ¡°But if you want to rant and rave at me about anything at all, I am here for you. It can help you feel better.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said in a small voice, wiping her face again to ensure there were no more tears.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like to see you upset, but I know it¡¯s not about me. You should feel all of your feelings. Try not to push them down or bottle them up, okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    Clare smiled, gingerly pinching Lila¡¯s cheeks. ¡°Let me know if you need help with that too.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± replied Lila, getting up from Clare¡¯s bed and crossing her room to let herself out. Pulling her backpack onto her left shoulder, she suddenly turned around to face Clare.

    ¡°Are you going out again tonight?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but I¡¯ll leave at about 8,¡± Clare replied. ¡°Uni doesn¡¯t start for a couple more weeks, so my friends want to party like there¡¯s no tomorrow.¡±

    There was something in Clare¡¯s voice that Lila couldn¡¯t place, but she opened the door without questioning it.

    ¡°Okay. Love you. Be safe.¡±

    ¡°I will. Love you too, Lila. I¡¯ll make some dinner for you and Daniel and keep it in the fridge.¡±

 Chapter Nine

    Chapter Nine

    Friday was plagued with heavy, windy rainfall, to the point where umbrellas didn¡¯t do much except turn inside out and drag students away without notice. Elise and Grace had avoided speaking to Lila about the rumours. However, now that Lila was hyper-aware of the contents of those rumours, she occasionally caught snippets of her latest negative attributes between classes, in the locker room and during lunch.

    She tried her best to not pay it any mind, though it was proving to be just as difficult as everyone around her had warned. Lila found herself wishing almost every hour that there was an ¡®off¡¯ button for the rumours, but, in the absence of such a miracle button, rationalised that something new would happen soon and the heat would be off Lila. She would just need to be patient.

    And, as luck would have it, eventually the discussions in the hallways had begun to also be peppered with discussions of Valentine¡¯s Day plans for next Tuesday. Some took the opportunity to sneer that Lila would definitely ask Asher to be her Valentine, not caring whether Lila was in the vicinity or not. Truthfully, Lila didn¡¯t have anyone that she was thinking of asking to be her Valentine. Not that it was a requirement to enjoy an otherwise boring Tuesday. Besides, Asher was avoiding her at every chance he could now, short of bolting into the distance whenever he saw her roaming the school, so it wasn¡¯t like she could ask anyway. He had even resorted to sending her formal emails during English instead of talking when it came time to work on their assessment per Ms Shard¡¯s instructions.

    With the rain not letting up even a smidge, lunch meant sequestering in the library with the rest of the school. Luckily, it had been recently remodelled to a massive two-story structure with plenty of seating space, so it didn¡¯t feel nearly as squashy in there as it could have been. Elise, Grace and Lila found the most secluded spot they could on the bottom floor, which actually meant that they sat in the middle of groups of Grade Eight and Nine students who didn¡¯t know or care about them.

    Unwrapping her heated container of spaghetti, made with a Jollibee-inspired twist, Lila couldn¡¯t help but notice Grace looking forlornly at her own creamy chicken pasta.

    ¡°Everything okay, Grace?¡± Lila asked, a teensy bit grateful that she wasn¡¯t the one receiving that question.

    ¡°Huh? Oh. Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any Valentine¡¯s Day plans?¡± Elise asked conversationally as she tucked into her cup of yoghurt.

    ¡°No,¡± Grace sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t really do anything then.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± asked Lila through a fiery-hot mouthful of cheesy spaghetti.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s already booked,¡± replied Grace, stabbing at a piece of chicken. ¡°Or 18-plus.¡±

    ¡°Damn. I¡¯m assuming you¡¯re not up for sneaking into places you shouldn¡¯t be?¡± Elise asked, sipping on a bottle of Coca-Cola.

    ¡°No thanks. I happen to like not being in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. Should we have a girls¡¯ hang out, then?¡± suggested Lila, frantically blowing on her spaghetti. ¡°I don¡¯t have any plans.¡±

    ¡°Sorry Lila,¡± replied Elise solemnly, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got a shift at Maccas until late.¡±

    ¡°Boo,¡± huffed Lila, taking a bite.

    ¡°And I¡¯ve got to catch up on my music practice,¡± Grace said apologetically, the faintest trace of a blush across her cheeks. ¡°Been slacking a bit.¡±

    ¡°All good. I¡¯ll just do the same old things I normally do on Tuesdays,¡± Lila replied, slightly dispirited.

    ¡°And what would that be?¡± a voice from behind Lila queried. Lila turned around and saw Isaac pulling a spare chair to their table and sitting down.

    ¡°Uh, why are you here?¡± Elise asked, staring at him with obvious disapproval, a spoonful of yoghurt halfway to her lips.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wandering around the library all lunch trying to find a spot somewhere but it¡¯s so packed,¡± Isaac replied, unzipping his lunchbox. Lila and Grace moved their respective lunches to give him some room.

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you with Asher?¡± Grace asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°He¡¯s been a slippery eel today,¡± shrugged Isaac. ¡°Every time I lay eyes on the bastard, he sprints in the opposite direction.¡±

    Elise snorted. ¡°Did you guys have a fight?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly¡­¡± Isaac trailed off, glancing at Lila awkwardly before digging out a banana from his lunchbox. He began to peel it despite the stares from Lila, Grace and Elise. Lila shook her head and continued to eat her own lunch. At least Isaac was a friendly enough face.

    ¡°So anyway,¡± Isaac asked through a mouthful of banana. ¡°What¡¯s this I hear about Valentine¡¯s Day?¡±

    ¡°You heard nothing good,¡± sighed Lila. ¡°Looks like everyone has plans that aren¡¯t romantic in the slightest. How boring.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your plans?¡± Isaac asked, sipping from his water bottle.

    ¡°Should probably actually get cracking on my Bio assignment,¡± Lila said dejectedly. ¡°I¡¯ve been putting it off.¡±

    ¡°Would you be able to put it off for one more night?¡± Isaac waggled his eyebrows at Lila. Grace and Elise looked at each other with bemused expressions.

    ¡°If you¡¯re asking me to hang out with you on a romantic dinner date, I¡¯d like to politely decline,¡± Lila replied coolly. ¡°I¡¯m having enough trouble as it is fending off the current rumours.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Isaac said, raising his hands in surrender. ¡°Just figured you might like to see what Asher is up to on Valentine¡¯s Day.¡±

    Elise straightened up instantly, looking at Isaac with bright eyes brimming with interest. ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, he asked me to help him book a place at a fancy restaurant and I accidentally booked twice, half an hour apart ¡®cause I¡¯m an idiot. So, there¡¯s a spare table for two.¡±

    ¡°How convenient,¡± murmured Grace.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila said nonchalantly. ¡°But Grace was having trouble finding a place for Valentine¡¯s Day.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± said Isaac, perking up. ¡°You can take the booking if you want. I seriously don¡¯t need it.¡±

    Grace glanced at Lila before asking Isaac for more details. Eventually, Isaac began rapidly tapping on his phone to change the booking over to Grace.

    ¡°Well, that was good timing,¡± Lila grinned, nudging Grace with her shoulder. ¡°Will you still get time to practice?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah, it¡¯ll be fine,¡± replied Grace distractedly, looking through her own phone.

    Isaac¡¯s phone buzzed and he jumped up. ¡°Looks like Asher¡¯s decided to stop avoiding me. You guys have fun, I¡¯m gonna go find him.¡±

    Lila waved goodbye as Isaac disappeared into the throng of students milling about. Elise pulled on Lila¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you pass him up?¡± she asked, pouting. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know what Asher and Holly are up to?¡±

    ¡°Not particularly,¡± replied Lila, scooping up a bit of mince. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve heard some people talking about seeing me with Isaac yesterday. No doubt I¡¯d find myself in a mythical love square by Wednesday morning if I went. The restaurant is local, after all.¡±

    Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± replied Elise, leaning back in her chair as she began to eat a sandwich.

    ¡°That¡¯s good for you though, Grace,¡± Lila said cheerily. ¡°You get to have a romantic date with your partner!¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± replied Grace, biting her lip. Contrary to Lila¡¯s expectations, her expression seemed to convey worry more than excitement.

    ¡°Is everything all good?¡± Lila asked, scraping the last bits of her lunch into the corner of her container before spooning it into her mouth.

    ¡°Peachy,¡± said Grace, looking down at her barely-touched pasta. ¡°Um, you said it was local¡­ have you been there before?¡±

    ¡°Not personally, but I sometimes go past it when I go grocery shopping with my parents,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°It always seems pretty busy and everyone who eats there looks pretty fancy.¡±

    ¡°D-Do you think it would be weird for a teenager to be there? Without parents?¡±

    Lila contemplated this for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°Nah, should be fine. It¡¯s fancy but still in a shopping mall.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon a lot of people from our school will be there?¡±

    ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s a good question. Probably not. I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s organised enough to book an actual restaurant experience for Valentine¡¯s Day. I bet the cinemas are all packed, though,¡± Lila replied, eyeing Grace carefully as Grace resumed eating her lunch.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Elise asked, also eyeing Grace.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Grace pushed around her food with her fork briefly before leaning towards the table and whispering. ¡°My partner¡¯s a¡­ female.¡±

    ¡°Figured as much,¡± replied Lila quietly with a gentle smile. Elise looked between Lila and Grace as if watching a tennis rally before throwing her hands up.

    ¡°Hold up. What?¡± she asked, her shock abundantly clear. ¡°How did you know, Lila?¡±

    ¡°I mean, Grace doesn¡¯t make it much of a secret,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. ¡°Plus¡­ she may have cried about it to my Mum and I last year while you were in Sydney with your family.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Elise, looking a bit miffed. ¡°And¡­ you didn¡¯t want to tell me because¡­?¡±

    ¡°I asked Lila not to tell anyone,¡± Grace said quickly, dropping her fork to the floor. She picked it up, her face bright red. ¡°I¡­ haven¡¯t told my family yet. Or anyone else, really.¡±

    Elise remained quiet for a few moments before sighing. ¡°I guess that¡¯s fine,¡± she said, aggressively biting into her sandwich.

    ¡°If it was up to me, I wouldn¡¯t have even told Lila and her Mum,¡± Grace said defensively. ¡°But it just¡­ came out in a rush.¡±

    ¡°To be fair, you¡¯re in the closet but the door¡¯s made of glass,¡± Lila teased, grinning widely. Grace laughed in response and continued to eat, having wiped her fork on a tissue.

    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Elise, seeming warmer than before. ¡°Thank you for telling me. And thank you for keeping Grace¡¯s secret, Lila, even though I would¡¯ve liked to have known. But it¡¯s not about me. I support you wholeheartedly, by the way. Thinking about it some more, Lila is absolutely right. You are terrible at pretending to be straight. Plus, who even says ¡®partner¡¯ at our age?!¡±

    <hr>

    Now that Lila was back at home, lounging on her back in front of the TV, which wasn¡¯t even on, she found that she had no real motivation to do anything. It didn¡¯t help that the sound of the rain splattering on their steel Colorbond roof was rapidly lulling her to sleep.

    Before she drifted away entirely, she heard Clare trod down the stairs. She appeared before Lila, hair wrapped in a towel and dressed in a black shirt and jeans.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Clare asked, sitting down next to Lila and grabbing the remote.

    ¡°A lot, actually. But here I find myself, doing nothing.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± said Clare sympathetically. ¡°Classic.¡±

    Clare flipped through Netflix¡¯s menu, pausing every so often to read the description of potential shows, but eventually turned the TV back off.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing on,¡± she sighed, leaning back into the couch. Lila murmured her agreement half-heartedly. There were actually a bunch of shows that looked intriguing, but not enough for Lila to pick one out.

    ¡°Do you feel better? About the rumours, I mean,¡± Clare asked, inspecting her manicured fingernails.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I feel better¡­ It still bothers me.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re just hanging out all limp on the couch?¡± Clare asked with a fond smile.

    ¡°You caught me. I¡¯ve transformed into a limp noodle. Woo,¡± Lila said emotionlessly, wiggling her arms briefly.

    ¡°Are you at least al dente?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think so, sorry. Maybe I¡¯ll need to boil myself in some water.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Clare admonished. ¡°I can¡¯t have that. I have to pick up Mum and Dad from the airport tomorrow and I think they¡¯d like to see an un-boiled Lila.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯ll survive,¡± Lila replied loftily. ¡°I¡¯m the spare child anyway. Are you going out again tonight?¡±

    ¡°Sure am,¡± replied Clare, scrunching the towel on her head. ¡°Why? Did you need something from me?¡±

    ¡°No, just wondering.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Have fun. What¡¯s it for this time?¡±

    ¡°One of my Uni friend¡¯s birthday party.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    As Lila was contemplating the next avenue of discussion, Daniel waltzed into the family room whistling, bright red wireless headphones covering his left ear.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have any Fortnite matches?¡± Clare asked Daniel as he took a seat on one of the couch¡¯s matching armchairs.

    ¡°Nah, no one¡¯s on at the moment,¡± sighed Daniel, picking up the remote and turning the TV back on. He also began to flick through Netflix¡¯s offerings to the same level of success as Clare had only moments before.

    ¡°Why isn¡¯t there anything interesting to watch?¡± he asked, clearly irritated.

    ¡°I think you might just have high standards, the both of you,¡± Lila said lamely, watching Daniel pass by the same shows she was still interested in.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have high standards,¡± Clare and Daniel said in unison. They looked at each other for a moment before Daniel snorted, pulling the other side of his headphones onto his exposed ear. Clare gave a hearty laugh and started scrolling on her phone.

    ¡°By the way Daniel¡­ Where¡¯d you get those headphones anyway?¡± Lila asked idly.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Daniel exposed his right ear. Lila asked the question again.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡± Daniel asked, a hint of combativeness in his tone, crossing his arms.

    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t work, and you didn¡¯t ask me for money,¡± Clare said slowly, narrowing her eyes at Daniel, who was obviously avoiding looking at either of his sisters now.

    ¡°Oh. Uh, got the money from Mum.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± replied Lila, raising her upper body via her elbows to see Daniel better. ¡°If someone asks Mum or Dad for money, they give the same to all of us so it¡¯s fair¡­¡±

    Daniel immediately got up from the couch and went into the kitchen without saying another word, covering both ears with the offending headphones again. Lila could hear him opening various doors in there before pouring something (most likely juice) into a cup.

    ¡°Nup, I¡¯m going to go talk to him,¡± Clare said with a huff, taking the towel off her head and throwing it on the couch by Lila¡¯s feet. Clare stalked into the kitchen, footsteps heavy in apparent anger.

    Sighing, Lila dropped back down so she was flat on her back and closed her eyes. She could hear muffled, raised voices and strained her ears in an attempt to hear what was being said.

    ¡°¡­ from?¡±

    ¡°¡­ told you¡­ Mum¡­ well in school.¡±

    ¡°¡­ didn¡¯t tell¡­ grades¡­ still¡­ term¡­¡±

    ¡°LEAVE ME ALONE!¡±

    Daniel¡¯s yell rang crystal clear. Sitting completely upright, Lila saw Daniel rush past her, holding a cup that was splashing slightly onto the tiles. He vaulted up the stairs before slamming a door shut.

    Lila waited for a moment to see if Clare would follow Daniel back out of the kitchen but saw no sign of her. Upon making her way into the kitchen, Lila saw Clare staring out the kitchen window into the driveway, breathing heavily.

    ¡°Whoa, you good?¡± asked Lila tentatively. Clare jumped and turned her attention to Lila.

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, sorry. He just¡­ started yelling so quick. I think we need to cool down¡­¡±

    Lila nodded and poured Clare juice from the carton still standing open on the kitchen counter.

    ¡°Here. I¡¯ve heard drinking something can help you calm down.¡±

    Clare took the cup with both hands, smiling briefly. ¡°Thanks, Lila.¡±

    Lila waved her hand, indicating to Clare to not worry about it before crouching down to rummage for some paper towels below the sink. Lila then cleaned up the trail of juice Daniel had left behind in the kitchen and living room before returning to the kitchen and pouring her own cup of juice. The sisters stood in silence for a short time before Lila suggested checking in on Daniel.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if he¡¯ll be receptive,¡± replied Clare with a sigh, rinsing her finished cup in the sink. ¡°I don¡¯t even know how to handle him these days, he¡¯s changing so quickly. He¡¯s never yelled at me like that before¡­¡±

    ¡°Well, you are five years older than him. Do you even remember what it was like for you five years ago?¡±

    ¡°Oh, piss off, I¡¯m not ancient, of course I remember.¡±

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll need to organise an archaeological dig site for your memories,¡± Lila smirked. Clare batted at her playfully before becoming serious again.

    ¡°I get it, I do. He doesn¡¯t want to talk to me cause I¡¯m the eldest. He might open up to you if you try, though. You guys are closer in age, anyway.¡±

    ¡°I mean, he could¡¯ve gotten them from Mum on the side,¡± Lila reasoned. ¡°Instead of asking for money to buy them himself. That¡¯s a loophole we¡¯ve all exploited. Or Mum¡¯s going to give us the money after they come back. Or maybe someone gifted it to him, but he doesn¡¯t want to say. Like a girlfriend or something.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Clare folded her arms, looking down at the kitchen counter in a pensive manner. ¡°Any of those could be it, of course. But it¡¯s weird. I mean, he¡¯s still thirteen, so he can¡¯t even start working even if he wanted to, so he¡¯s definitely not got a job.¡±

    ¡°Plus, he¡¯d have to clear it with Mum and Dad anyway, since they¡¯d need to drive him.¡±

    Clare shrugged. ¡°I mean, if he¡¯s got a way to get there and back, he might feel like he doesn¡¯t have to tell them.¡±

    ¡°Maybe we¡¯re thinking too much about the headphones,¡± Lila said. ¡°It is weird that he yelled at you about it, but the middle of the term is coming up. He might just be super stressed.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll leave it for today,¡± Lila said finally after a heavy pause. ¡°Give him some time.¡±

    ¡°If you say so,¡± shrugged Clare. Glancing at her watch, Clare¡¯s eyes widened.

    ¡°Crap! I¡¯m going to be late!¡±

    Lila could only blink before Clare exited the kitchen in a blazing rush.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to make dinner! Order some Uber Eats or something,¡± Clare called, taking the steps two at a time. Lila slowly made her way back to the living room and caught Clare yelling out, ¡°I¡¯ll send you the money!¡± before banging her door shut.

    ¡°Dope,¡± Lila muttered, flopping back onto the couch unceremoniously. She grabbed the TV remote and clicked on a Netflix show that, having been teased with it twice now, she was now desperate to see.

 Chapter Ten

    Chapter Ten

    The weekend passed with Lila begrudgingly holed up in her room, working through her various assignments and revision. Her only reprieve was coming downstairs for some water to find her parents and Clare milling about in the living room on Saturday night. Otherwise, she had found herself in a state of frenzied study, her focus surprising even herself.

    Thinking on it, it might have been some odd form of escapism, to stop herself from thinking about the rumours or Valentine¡¯s Day. Or maybe it was a way to pass the time in the hopes that Asher would message her that weekend. Lila thought it was more likely to be the first option as she scrolled her phone, eating some apple slices her Mum had prepared for her on Sunday afternoon. But no such message had arrived by Sunday evening, and she was admittedly starting to overthink.

    ''He must be busy with Holly,'' Lila thought with a sigh. ''I thought he¡¯d want to look into his Mum¡¯s disappearance a bit more¡­''

    With a sinking feeling in her stomach, Lila began to envision a scenario where Asher had told Holly about his Mum. He probably didn¡¯t need Lila anymore, really. Especially if Holly was as nice and brilliant as everyone around her was saying. Had Lila become too dependent on Asher¡¯s need for her?

    Lila shook her head at the thought, pulling herself towards her desk again and opening her school laptop. She had agreed to help Asher, but if he didn¡¯t need her anymore, that was fine. He didn¡¯t necessarily ask Lila to find his Mum, just to help him with finding her. It wasn¡¯t as though he wasn¡¯t smart enough to put together the pieces. Maybe her investigation plan was enough help as it was.

    ''But what about Marlene? Did she do something to Asher?''

    An icy feeling crackled through her veins as she desperately shook her head again. Marlene was creepy as hell, but surely she wouldn¡¯t try to harm Asher. He was the son of her employer, after all. That¡¯d just be a bad move.

    ''Unless she did something to Tabitha¡­ and he¡¯s next.''

    ¡°Oh, shut up!¡± Lila exclaimed, clutching her head in an attempt to banish the intruding thoughts, her heart racing. Breathing sharply, Lila signed into her laptop. She probably just needed to do some more work to put her mind at ease.

    She checked through her emails to see if there were any new announcements or instructions from her teachers, but it was the same as it had been yesterday. Lila was about to exit out of Outlook before a ding sounded, announcing the arrival of a new email. It was from Asher.

    Without a second thought, Lila opened it up, curious as to what he was sending.

    Lila

    Please finalise your portion of the script by next Saturday and send it through to me. I¡¯ll edit it and send you the final copy so you can finish the slides. You can take a week from there to finish the slides and I¡¯ll check it.

    We¡¯ll need to practice. I¡¯ll book a room somewhere in the school library if I can for the week of the 27th. Remember the slides are due in to Turnitin on the 3rd of March. I don¡¯t know what day Ms Shard intends for our presentation, but we need to be prepared to go first.

    Regards

    Asher

    Lila sighed dejectedly. Her zest for working on her schoolwork was suddenly sucked out of her upon reading Asher¡¯s email.

    ''Well, at least he¡¯s alive¡­ and still studious.''

    <hr>

    Monday carried the same gloomy weather as the past few days, though the rain had abated by lunchtime. Given this, Lila decided to brave the tuckshop scene again, carrying her umbrella just in case.

    It wasn¡¯t long until someone fell into step with her along the way.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, buttercup?¡±

    Looking over, Lila saw that it was Cecelia, biting on a salami stick with a lopsided grin.

    ¡°Oh, hey. Nothing really. Are you almost done with the Bio assignment?¡±

    ¡°Ugh, I wish,¡± Cecelia bemoaned, chewing loudly. ¡°Barely started.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ do know it¡¯s due next week, right?¡±

    ¡°''Course I do,¡± Cecelia snorted. ¡°Got all the dates locked in on my calendar. Not that I check it.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s the thought that counts,¡± Lila replied with a small smile.

    ¡°Exactly! That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been saying to Lucas. He¡¯s been so mean about the English project though, it makes me wanna cry,¡± Cecelia pouted. Lila didn¡¯t respond immediately, though she was inclined to wonder if Cecelia would classify Asher¡¯s email from last night as ¡®mean¡¯ too.

    ¡°I mean, we have an exam too, for both Bio and English,¡± reminded Lila. ¡°Are you prepared for those, at least?¡±

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯ll breeze through those. Exams are the only reason why I haven¡¯t been kept down. I just work so well under pressure. Like 90 minutes of pressure.¡±

    ¡°At least you¡¯re self-aware.¡±

    ¡°Yet she doesn¡¯t want to change,¡± Lucas¡¯ voice called from behind them. They both turned and waited for him to catch up.

    ¡°Going to tuckshop as well?¡± Lila asked as the trio resumed walking.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lucas said, slightly puffed. ¡°I need a meat pie.¡±

    The trio chatted some more regarding upcoming assessments, with Lila and Lucas attempting to encourage Cecelia to, at the very least, crack open her dusty textbooks for five minutes to air them out.

    Upon reaching the tuckshop line, however, Lila was now surrounded by whispering voices and sideways glances. Lila couldn¡¯t bear to look anywhere else but down.

    ¡°So¡­ pretty gnarly rumours, hey,¡± Cecelia said, gently looping Lila¡¯s arm through her own. ¡°Isaac has been practically yelling about how they¡¯re untrue by the lockers.¡±

    ¡°Has he?¡± Lila asked quietly. ¡°I hadn¡¯t noticed.¡±

    ¡°Well, you get in and out so quick I don¡¯t think you¡¯d hear his first sentence,¡± Lucas replied, shaking his left leg as the line remained immovable.

    ¡°I see,¡± murmured Lila, still looking at the floor.

    ¡°¡­ You¡¯re not trying to get with Asher though, right?¡± Cecelia asked. Lila hurriedly removed her arm from Cecelia¡¯s grip, her eyes hastily snapping to Cecelia¡¯s curious blue-grey ones in shock.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t even dream of it,¡± Lila spat, taking a step back, a wave of nausea crashing in her stomach.

    ¡°What the- Cecelia, you can¡¯t just come out and ask that!¡± Lucas admonished, stepping between the pair.

    ¡°Don¡¯t deny that you¡¯re curious too! You were making bets with me and Rae on Friday!¡±

    Lila stormed out of their spot in the line, leaving neither of them a chance to explain themselves. She made her way to the back, clenching and unclenching her fists as she stood in her new spot, breathing heavily. She pressed her hands against her cheeks, the heat of which was making sweat pool around her brows. She hadn¡¯t expected Cecelia or Lucas to buy into the rumours, and the realisation that they did despite knowing her for years was hitting her like a freight truck.

    After a few seconds, Lila glanced around to see whether Cecelia or Lucas followed her. Instead, she saw Asher standing next to her, his hand raised as if to tap her shoulder. Lila jumped at his sudden appearance, stumbling over her own shoes. At this, Asher rapidly turned on his heel and walked away, breaking almost into a sprint.

    The line ahead of Lila moved closer to the tuckshop before she could fully process what she saw. Someone from behind bumped into Lila, pushing her forward regardless of her own agency.

    ''That¡­ was odd¡­'' Lila thought, shuffling forward again as a new gap emerged. Was he about to say something to her? Should she text him? The speed at which he had disappeared had her feeling as though he had mistaken her for someone else, hence why he left upon realising it was actually Lila.

    Suddenly, she wished she hadn¡¯t seen Asher at all. Seeing his face left her annoyed now, and she crossed her arms. Was he still sticking by the idea that they shouldn¡¯t be seen together? Was that why he sent her an email instead of a text? Was that why he hadn¡¯t asked her over or for more help regarding his Mum? But¡­ at least he looked healthier than he had in the past few weeks. Perhaps he was taking her advice to get some rest.

    Without warning, Isaac appeared before her, hands on his knees and heaving as though he had run a marathon.

    ¡°Li¡­la¡­ d-did¡­ Asher-?¡±

    Lila flared her nostrils briefly and pointed in the direction that Asher had gone and Isaac gave her an appreciative wave as he jogged off that way. Now the annoyance was only being piled on even further. Why did Isaac seek her out? Was she the godamn keeper of Asher¡¯s location?

    ¡°Move it or get out of the line,¡± the person behind Lila said exasperatedly, pushing her forward yet again.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± mumbled Lila, moving forward obediently. Deciding to no longer spend any more energy on Asher, Isaac, Cecelia or Lucas for the moment, Lila took her phone out of her skirt pocket and began absently looking through her social media apps.

    A message from Grace flashed on Lila¡¯s screen and she quickly opened it up. It was to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us.

    Hey sorry I¡¯ve got to stay behind for my private music lesson. I¡¯d try and get out of it, but my parents are paying $100 a week extra for it

    Go for your life girl, Elise had responded. Lila, are you grabbing food now?

    Yah, Lila replied, feeling relieved that maybe an actual friend would join her in this horrid line. In line now

    Roger that. Coming, Elise replied. Lila locked her phone screen, waiting anxiously for Elise¡¯s arrival.

    ¡°Oh hey, fancy meeting you here,¡± Elise beamed when she did arrive, slotting neatly next to Lila in line. ¡°I brought lunch today, so I¡¯ll just wait in line with you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been doing that a lot this year,¡± Lila commented with a smile. ¡°Saving for something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise replied. ¡°Thinking about going on a holiday.¡±

    ¡°By yourself?¡±

    ¡°Nah, with family, but I need more spending money than what I brought to Sydney,¡± Elise lamented, picking at a spot on her chin. ¡°Anything exciting happen while you were in line?¡±

    Lila tossed up the idea of telling Elise about Cecelia and Lucas, but knew that if she did, Elise would march up to them and start a fight. Lila was far too hungry to deal with the fallout of that, so she elected to only tell Elise about Asher and Isaac.

    ¡°Yo, that is weird,¡± Elise said, cocking her head to the side. ¡°Wonder what Asher was trying to do.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Beats the hell out of me.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, maybe you should tell your Mum that,¡± Elise nodded sagely. ¡°She¡¯d be so proud to have a devout Catholic daughter.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°I don¡¯t think Mum cares either way what I believe, she goes on about independence so much.¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Elise replied, shrugging. ¡°You guys have a lot of Jesus pictures in your house.¡±

    Lila laughed, her worries melting away in the presence of Elise. She looped her arm around Elise¡¯s as they chatted more. Upon reaching the entrance of the tuckshop, Elise waved her off and made her way to the exit.

    As Lila stood at one of the refrigerators housing all manner of chilled goods, a few snatches of conversation made their way to her.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Valentine¡¯s¡­ boyfriend¡­¡±

    ¡°Cute!¡±

    ¡°¡­ movies¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ tickets already?¡±

    ¡°Yup¡­¡±

    Lila bent down to inspect the lower shelves which held cut-up fruit and desserts, assessing whether she wanted either before standing up again, perusing the names of various drinks. As she did so, a female student bumped into her. Lila could almost see over the top of her head and looked down. The student was oddly familiar, but she couldn¡¯t find a name for the student.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± the student said before scrambling off to the hot food section.

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila replied, though she wasn¡¯t convinced the student had heard her, owing to the speed at which she had dispersed. Lila shrugged to herself as she evaluated the drinks again.

    ¡°¡­ no allowance again¡­ hungry!¡±

    ¡°¡­lunch¡­ from home?¡±

    ¡°¡­ no time¡­¡±

    ¡°Should go¡­ Banker¡­¡±

    Lila leisurely picked up a carton of Tropical Punch and Sunshine Punch each, peering at both to compare the differences.

    ¡°¡­ see? Asher¡­¡±

    ¡°Ugh, I know¡­ bitch.¡±

    ¡°Isaac too!¡±

    ¡°¡­ slut.¡±

    Lila¡¯s grip on the cartons tightened considerably as she swivelled around to face the offending students, however, no one from the crowd behind her stood out especially. Turning around again, she replaced the now severely dented Sunshine Punch back in the fridge.

    ''You¡¯ll be fine,'' Lila thought to herself, placing one foot stiffly in front of the other to make her way towards the hot food section. ''Just get something to eat and get out of here.''

    Lila weakly picked up a takeaway box of potato salad and roast chicken and made her way to the cashier. The line was moving slowly here and Lila tried not to hear what else was being said but that was next to impossible.

    ¡°¡­ Asian¡­ so ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°Holly¡­ too nice¡­¡±

    ¡°Someone¡­ tell her!¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­ making out¡­ outside Bio!¡±

    ¡°EWW!¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, trying to focus on something else.

    ¡°Wesley¡­ dating¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding¡­¡±

    ¡°Your items, dearie,¡± a voice called out to Lila. A large gap was between Lila and the kind-looking tuckshop lady, who was looking at Lila in a quizzical manner.

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila said quietly, hastening to hand her items over.

    Lila managed to survive the transaction and walked out to see Elise standing to the left, trembling from head to toe.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you all fired up?¡± Lila asked, her brow furrowed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what,¡± Elise snarled. ¡°Some dumb bitches were calling you a hoe. I almost fucking decked them.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t do that,¡± Lila pleaded. ¡°You¡¯ll just make it worse.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Elise replied stiffly. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m stood here, shaking menacingly instead of giving them the good ol¡¯ one-two Elise special.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila said, pulling Elise by her shirt sleeve so they could move along outside of the tuckshop area. They wandered for a bit as they ate, Elise seemingly cooling down enough to comically review her sandwich artistry ¨C much to Lila¡¯s delight.

    After a while, they found a dry, secluded place to sit underneath an awning.

    ¡°Finally,¡± groaned Elise as she chugged her water bottle. ¡°Walking around was killing me.¡±

    Lila nodded in agreement, wolfing down the remains of her lunch in earnest now that they were seated. Elise paused, eyeing Lila, before speaking again.

    ¡°Look, I know these rumours suck. But, at least with Valentine¡¯s Day tomorrow, I think you¡¯ll get pushed to the side in the rumour mill.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯ll be a relief if I do,¡± said Lila with a sigh. She gave Elise a hard look, sizing up her demeanour and mood. Upon being satisfied that Elise was not looking to jump down anyone¡¯s throat anymore, Lila relayed what she had heard about herself that day.

    ¡°Lila, that is so horrible. I am so sorry this is happening to you. I don¡¯t even know why or where these rumours started¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. And now it seems like Asher doesn¡¯t want to be in my vicinity at all.¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, I can¡¯t blame him. I mean, what if the rumours reach Holly? It¡¯s not like she¡¯s at our school or knows you. She¡¯ll probably believe them.¡±

    A sickening feeling weighed on Lila¡¯s heart now. She had been so focused on how the rumours were affecting her that she hadn¡¯t stopped to think about how it would affect Holly. Or Asher¡¯s relationship with Holly. Despite the fact that Lila didn¡¯t have a crush on Asher, Holly probably would believe the rumours, given there were so many flying around. Plus, there was also the fact that so many people knew Holly ¨C if she hadn¡¯t heard the rumours by now, it was only a matter of time before she did.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ a really good point.¡±

    ¡°Not like you¡¯d be able to meet with her to clear it up, though. At least, not without looking like a psycho stalker.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Also a really good point.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes I surprise myself. My last two remaining brain cells can cook up some good stuff once in a while.¡±

    Lila sighed, patting Elise on the head affectionately. Elise smiled, clearly enjoying the attention.

    ¡°I just hope that Holly believes Asher,¡± Lila finally said, snapping her empty takeaway box closed.

    ¡°She¡¯ll have to, if they¡¯re really as in lurve as you say they are,¡± shrugged Elise. ¡°Otherwise, if I didn¡¯t trust my boyfriend and I heard this, I¡¯d go absolutely nuts.¡±

    Lila bit her lip, bringing her knees to her chest. Elise gently stroked Lila¡¯s arm in a comforting sort of way.

    ¡°At least you¡¯re not actually trying to go for him like some girls would,¡± Elise said reassuringly. ¡°It¡¯s probably better off that he¡¯s avoiding you, anyway. For a whole load of reasons. One of them being that he¡¯s just adding fuel to this nonsense fire.¡±

    Lila nodded solemnly, raising her head to give Elise a slight smile. Elise returned her smile, but her eyes suddenly lit up, as if struck by a thought.

    ¡°Or¡­ we could find out the source of these rumours and stamp it out.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, straightening up. For some reason, her heart was pounding in her chest. Elise smirked mischievously.

    ¡°Well, if there weren¡¯t rumours flying around, neither you nor Holly nor Asher would be bothered, right? You guys are just trying to go about life in peace. It wasn¡¯t your fault that you got paired with Asher for English. I mean, anyone with half a brain would know that he would want the best grades possible, which means spending a butt-load of time on it. Which means he''d be spending a butt-load of time with you to work on it.¡±

    Lila nodded slowly, encouraging Elise to continue.

    ¡°So¡­ let¡¯s figure out where they¡¯re coming from and clear it up.¡±

    Elise fist pumped the air, showcasing excitement about the plan. Lila found herself chuckling at her antics.

    ¡°I get where you¡¯re going with this, but how? How do we even find out where rumours start?¡± she asked, leaning forward so Elise had her undivided attention.

    ¡°We start with the most likely culprits!¡± Elise began stroking an imaginary moustache as if to imitate the great literary detective Hercule Poirot.

    ¡°Well, Isaac did tell me that Ayla Dean and Brittany Klein saw Asher with me outside the Bio lab, which I think is where it all started¡­¡± Lila trailed off thoughtfully.

    ¡°We can start there!¡± Elise jumped up, her movements jerky. ¡°I sit next to Brittany in Maths.¡±

    ¡°I can try and talk to Ayla in PE, but¡­ I don¡¯t think she¡¯d want to talk to me about it.¡±

    Elise continued to twirl her imaginary moustache, as if deep in thought.

    ¡°That¡­ is a hitch in the plan,¡± she admitted finally. ¡°But I reckon if you try and turn her mind around, so that it¡¯s clear that there¡¯s no way you¡¯d want to date Asher while he¡¯s got a girlfriend, you might have a shot.¡±

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s worth a try.¡±

    ¡°And, if you¡¯re successful, Asher wouldn¡¯t need to hide from you.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s fine if he wants to¡­¡± Lila mumbled, looking down at her fidgeting hands. ¡°Even if we stop these rumours, he¡¯s still dating Holly.¡±

    ¡°Just because you¡¯re dating someone doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t have friends, Lila,¡± Elise replied, shooting her a stern look. ¡°It¡¯s obvious that you don¡¯t want him to keep running away from you.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Look, I don¡¯t have a preference either way,¡± Lila said, trying to ignore the lump in her throat as she spoke. ¡°But I may as well try and do something about these rumours at least. For Asher¡¯s sake too.¡±

    That afternoon, Lila had to go back to Biology. Now that they were some ways into the term, it would be next to impossible to find a seat away from Cecelia and Lucas without looking weird. And she definitely didn¡¯t need to add more wheat to the rumour mill by a long shot.

    Throwing her shoulders back and holding her head high, Lila made her way to her usual seat. Thankfully, Cecelia and Lucas weren¡¯t in the lab just yet. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether this was good or not but tried to focus on pulling out her materials with quivering hands.

    After setting herself up adequately, Lila thought briefly about all the things she could do or say when Cecelia and Lucas inevitably did arrive but had scarcely made any headway with a plan before they sailed into the classroom. Lila quickly looked back down at her notebook, opening and closing the cover in an attempt to look busy. In her peripheral vision, she could see both trying to catch her eye, however staunchly ignored these attempts.

    They sat in their usual spots, scraping their lab stools along the linoleum floor and Lila still preferred to look anywhere else in the room. Her hands were still quivering, but was it due to anxiety or anger? Lila wasn¡¯t sure. Either way, did she really need to interact with people who would think there was an inkling of truth in the rumours?

    Eventually, Mr Johnson swept into the Biology lab, carrying bundles of papers as usual. With only a minute to spare before the class was scheduled to start, he hurriedly wiped down the remnants of the previous class¡¯s work from the whiteboard. Once satisfied with the state of his whiteboard, he turned back to his desk and began to mark the roll.

    As Mr Johnson began to go through today¡¯s topic in detail, Lila felt a small ache emanate from her chest. By now, Cecelia, Lucas and Lila would have cracked a few jokes, exchanged witty banter, or at the very least spoken about something that happened recently in hushed whispers. But, with both of them as silent as a stone, perhaps what Lila was feeling was longing? Or maybe heartburn?

    Lila subconsciously shook her right leg as she tried to home in on Mr Johnson¡¯s words. He may as well have been teaching in Spanish today, with the amount of sense Lila was making whilst her mind was wrapping itself into knots.

    Biting her lip, she attempted to write some notes, but was interrupted by the arrival of a small slip of notepaper with Cecelia¡¯s loopy handwriting on it.

    Lila, I¡¯m really sorry about what happened at lunch, read the note. It was really rude. And pres- prez- pre¡­ presumtus- I can¡¯t spell it. Judgey. I was judgey. I know you wouldn¡¯t try and do anything with Asher while he¡¯s dating someone. I was just curious ¨C just in case. :( -C

    Lila slowly blinked at the note. She wasn¡¯t quite sure how accepting she was of such an apology in note form but conceded that she wasn¡¯t necessarily making it easy for Cecelia to apologise by ignoring her. Sighing, she folded the note and tucked it into her notebook. At the very least, she¡¯d try and concentrate on class for now and figure out how to address Cecelia later.

    After about ten minutes had passed, a new note tentatively slid across Lila¡¯s notebook. This one was written in Lucas¡¯ angular handwriting, with clear hesitation marks throughout.

    Lila, I hope you¡¯re okay. I¡¯m sorry for being stupid. You deserve better than bets about whether you¡¯re trying to get with Asher or not. I hope you can forgive me. And Cecelia. I¡¯m not trying to make you feel guilty, but she cried the rest of lunch.

    Lila folded this note as well and placed it with the previous one, her subconscious shaking increasing in intensity. While Lila was sure that Lucas¡¯ note had good intentions, there was something about it that bothered her. Was it the mention of Cecelia crying? Who cared about that?

    Lila balled her hands into fists before breathing deeply. She couldn¡¯t lie to herself ¨C she did actually care, at least a little. Perhaps Cecelia did regret what she had said at lunch?

    ''And can I really blame them anyway?'' Lila thought as she chewed the end of her pen, ''I¡¯d probably ask the same thing if it was happening to someone else¡­ though only to Elise and Grace.''

    Despite this, Lila wasn¡¯t about to respond to either just yet. They could at least sweat a little while waiting.

    As it had been for the past few lessons, Mr Johnson shared around worksheets across the classroom, which began to fill with the excited babble of Lila¡¯s classmates. Cecelia and Lucas remained unusually silent as Lila tried to process what the worksheet was asking of her.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll move past it. It¡¯s not okay, at all. But I¡¯ll move past it,¡± Lila said softly, still staring at the worksheet.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± Cecelia replied in a half-whisper. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Lila looked up at Cecelia and Lucas, who were both seemingly absorbed in their own worksheets, writing down answers.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to make Bio awkward. I know you guys were just curious and swept up by the rumours. For the record, though, I don¡¯t even like Asher in that way. He¡¯s just my partner for English. Nothing more,¡± Lila said firmly. Cecelia and Lucas exchanged a quick glance before they put their pens down, giving Lila their full attention.

    ¡°Thanks, Lila,¡± Lucas said, seeming relieved.

    ¡°I believe you,¡± Cecelia nodded, her eyes wide with seeming sincerity. ¡°It would be pretty weird if you were interested in Asher anyway.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond immediately as she tried to register what Cecelia had said. Would it be weird if she was interested in Asher? What did that mean?

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Cecelia continued hesitantly, her voice dropping to a low whisper. ¡°Are you going to do anything about the rumours?¡±

    Lila blinked at Cecelia in surprise. ¡°I¡­ well, at first, I was just going to ignore them, but I think I¡¯ll try and clear it up at the source.¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas exchanged another brief look before simultaneously leaning forward, their eyes glimmering.

    ¡°Can I help?¡± they asked in unison.

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°Please!¡± Lucas said pleadingly, clasping his hands together as if in prayer. ¡°I want to help squash it down, especially after what I did to you.¡±

    Cecelia nodded fervently before adding, ¡°Besides, I¡¯m at least super nosy. I¡¯m sure I¡¯ll find something useful.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted between both of their eager faces before she closed them, sighing.

    ¡°I guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to have a couple more eyes and ears¡­¡±

    Lucas and Cecelia high-fived, grinning. Though Lila was a bit unsure about having Lucas and Cecelia on board, they at least had access to more classes and therefore students than she did.

    ¡°Oh shit, here comes the teacher,¡± Cecelia said under her breath. Immediately the trio picked up their pens and put their heads down, attempting to look sufficiently studious. The effectiveness of this strategy was apparent when Mr Johnson meandered to their table, his wiry eyebrows arched in clear disbelief.

    ¡°You three look to be having a ball, going through this worksheet,¡± he said loftily. ¡°Can I take a look?¡±

    Lucas uncovered his worksheet and Mr Johnson perused it momentarily before making a satisfied sort of sound and straightening up.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re progressing just fine,¡± Mr Johnson said, nodding and walking off to a table of giggling students.

    ¡°Ladies and gents, I didn¡¯t think the mitochondria was that hilarious,¡± he called before he was out of earshot of Lila, Cecelia and Lucas.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to try and talk to Ayla in PE tomorrow morning,¡± Lila said, scribbling down an answer to one of the worksheet questions.

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Cecelia replied, scrawling her own answer to the same question. ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s going to work out well?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know what to think. I haven¡¯t talked to her since, like, grade eight.¡±

    ¡°And for good reason,¡± Lucas said darkly, stretching his wrists. ¡°Ever since she got boobs, she¡¯s been such a cow. Even has the same thrilling mind as one.¡±

    ¡°I just think you¡¯re still salty from when she rejected you last year,¡± Cecelia said haughtily, a grin creeping on her face. Lucas immediately began coughing, his face scarlet.

    ¡°She did what?¡± asked Lila, leaning in herself now. She hadn¡¯t heard that story yet.

    ¡°I-It wasn¡¯t anything, really,¡± Lucas replied, adjusting his glasses and looking fixedly at the worksheet before him, his face still rosy. ¡°I¡¯d, um, forgotten about it all, actually¡­¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± snorted Cecelia. ¡°From trauma, maybe. Dude, she destroyed you.¡±

    ¡°Why haven¡¯t I heard about it?¡± Lila asked, looking between Cecelia and Lucas, who was chewing his lip.

    ¡°You¡¯re not really a consumer of the rumour mill,¡± Cecelia replied with a shrug. ¡°Besides, I think Ayla was too embarrassed to even tell anyone about it. Hard for a rumour to get in the rumour mill when one of the Chief Operators isn¡¯t putting anything in it.¡±

    Lila nodded slowly in understanding. Based on what Cecelia said, Isaac was right ¨C Ayla was absolutely a key player in all the rumours around the school. Which meant she definitely needed to play her cards right if she wanted to get to the bottom of it all. Otherwise, it would likely get even worse. Lila held her head in her hands as she tried to think of a strategy.

    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Lila began haltingly, ¡°I should just act casual with her for now. I won¡¯t try and pry about the rumours tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°That might be a good start,¡± Cecelia replied. ¡°At least for now. Lucas and I can put our feelers out for anything else that¡¯s weird. Ayla¡¯s not the only person who spreads rumours.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, smiling softly at Cecelia and Lucas.

    ¡°It¡¯s the least we can do,¡± Lucas replied, adjusting his school tie, his face no longer pink. ¡°I really feel terrible, Lila.¡±

    ¡°As do I,¡± said Cecelia passionately. ¡°Like, seriously terrible.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, I¡¯ll move past it,¡± replied Lila, holding her hands up in a ¡®stop¡¯ gesture. ¡°But I¡¯ll need both of you to stop hanging onto it, too.¡±

    ¡°Roger that,¡± saluted Cecelia. ¡°I¡¯ll dm you what I find out on Insta tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Likewise,¡± Lucas said, inclining his head.

 Chapter Eleven

    Chapter Eleven

    Valentine¡¯s Day at Forestglade College began under a threatening, all-encompassing thick cloud of grey that only intensified the humidity sticking to Lila as she marched from the bus stop to her school locker. Despite the gloomy backdrop, there was an infectious buzz amongst the entire student body that Lila tried to pay no mind to as she battled her way to her locker, dodging couples displaying serious PDA left and right.

    Upon shoving her bag inside her locker, Lila pulled out her smaller bag containing her gym uniform and threw it over her shoulder, making the lonely trek to the school¡¯s gymnasium at a casual pace. Despite the humidity, Lila found the walk itself quite pleasant, stopping every so often to admire the recently trimmed shrubbery, native proteas and other seasonal plants dotting the landscape.

    Along the way, she heard many exclamations and squeals of delight as students presented each other with gifts of flowers, chocolate, teddy bears and the like before classes commenced. Lila momentarily wondered what it would be like to be showered with such gifts but shrugged the thought off as fast as it had come. Wishful thinking wouldn¡¯t help her with the more pressing matters that she needed to address.

    By the time she arrived, there weren¡¯t many other girls in the change room, which filled Lila with relief. Facing the cream brick wall, Lila quickly began to change out of her school¡¯s alternative blouse and skirt combo. The buttons on her blouse easily came undone, much to her chagrin ¨C she wasn¡¯t able to find her newer uniforms as they were all in the wash at home. Lila, having slipped on her much roomier PE polo and shorts, was pulling her runners on when Ayla and another female student waltzed in, giggling amongst themselves.

    They didn¡¯t appear to react to Lila¡¯s presence in the change room and were instead absorbed in their conversation about who had received what that morning and speculating who might get asked out that day. It didn¡¯t pique Lila¡¯s interest in the slightest, so she left, her heart just about leaping out of her chest.

    Now that she had actually seen Ayla, the thought of talking to Ayla sent her nerves on edge. What would she even say? ¡®¡°Hey, are you talking about me?¡± Yeah, right. As if she¡¯d answer that one¡­¡¯ Lila gritted her teeth at the thought as she slowly made her way to the spacious, full-sized basketball court within the gymnasium. The gymnasium also had a stage, given it was used for assemblies and other important events at school, but today it was curtained off. It didn¡¯t appear that any students were lingering on it either.

    Ms Wright, an athletic, young, brunette teacher with a severe fringe and bright pink glasses, was already standing in the middle of the court in her PE tracksuit, stretching. Behind her sat a conspicuous silver wireless speaker, which stood out to Lila as being odd for PE. Some students were following Ms Wright¡¯s stretch routine while others were splayed around the court floor, chattering excitedly.

    Since starting Grade Eleven, Lila had noticed that most of the Core classes that she had shared exclusively with her Pastoral Care (aka PC) classmates for the past several years now contained a mishmash of students across the whole cohort, PE being one of them. Lila knew this was to account for the various combinations of the higher-level classes that her cohort was now taking, but it still took some time to get used to. Disappointingly, she hadn¡¯t been lucky enough this year to have had Grace or Elise share her PE class and so had thus far kept to herself as best she could.

    However, she was also unfortunate enough to share PE class with Asher. Whilst it hadn¡¯t been a problem for the beginning of the term, due to her intent on remaining as invisible as possible, this fact now made her anxious, given his strange behaviour yesterday and the circumstances they now found themselves in that she was trying to resolve. After a desperate, wild glance around the court, Lila couldn¡¯t see him and breathed a small sigh of relief. She then picked a spot near Ms Wright to sit down and wait.

    It didn¡¯t take long for the rest of the class to file through. Once everyone was seated, Ms Wright called the roll before clapping her hands together, a mischievous grin making its way across her face.

    ¡°In the spirit of Valentine¡¯s Day, I have some news. For the next couple of weeks, we will be practising dancing,¡± Ms Wright exclaimed, her voice echoing against the gymnasium¡¯s walls. All background chatter ceased immediately at these words. Lila stared up at Ms Wright in shock.

    ¡°This is to prepare you all for semi-formal, of course,¡± Ms Wright continued, pacing in front of the class. ¡°I can finally tell you all that the semi-formal will be held on the 21<sup>st</sup> of April, in this very hall.¡±

    Several hands instantly shot up from the crowd of students.

    ¡°Yes, Ayla?¡± called Ms Wright, pointing to an especially outstretched hand.

    ¡°That¡¯s not nearly enough time to prepare,¡± replied Ayla in an almost whine, her own voice also reverberating across the gymnasium. ¡°Why isn¡¯t it in, like, the middle of the year?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s always been held towards the end of April,¡± Ms Wright replied simply, shrugging. ¡°I would know ¨C I did attend Forestglade College too. I did not realise that it would come as a shock that this tradition would continue.¡±

    Lila heard indistinct grumbling amongst her classmates but focused on Ms Wright as she continued to speak.

    ¡°The semi-formal will require you all to know a couple of dances. Each PC class will be assigned either Dance A or Dance B and called upon during the semi-formal to dance. Additionally, there will be some two-person songs played, so I¡¯ll need to teach you the waltz box step as well. We¡¯ll start with that as it¡¯s the simplest of the dances. So¡­ I¡¯ll grab a student now to demonstrate the waltz box step¡­¡±

    Lila immediately tried her best to look as though she was a part of the floor to no avail, particularly as no other students were sitting around her to provide any sort of cover.

    ¡°Lila, please join me to demonstrate the feminine role in the waltz box step.¡±

    Sighing, Lila stood up and approached Ms Wright, dragging her feet as much as she could in displeasure. It didn¡¯t help Lila¡¯s case that Ms Wright was also the hockey coach for the past several years, which Lila had been a part of since grade eight. Ms Wright was clearly enjoying Lila¡¯s despair at having been called up by the fact that she appeared to be holding back a smile.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll lead,¡± announced Ms Wright once Lila stood in front of her. They went through the steps of the waltz box step, including a small twirl, a couple times before Ms Wright turned back to the class, seemingly satisfied with Lila¡¯s progress.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Ms Wright said, looking towards the crowd of students for a moment. ¡°Asher, please join me,¡± she called out, ¡°I¡¯ll need you to demonstrate the masculine role. Lila, get back here. You¡¯re not dismissed yet.¡±

    Lila flushed bright red and returned to her previous position. Her attempt at slinking away into the crowd had failed, causing a ripple of whispered conversation to emerge amongst her classmates.

    Asher coolly stood up from where he had been seated and made his way over to Ms Wright and Lila. He did not look at Lila once.

    Once they were finished going through the waltz box step, Ms Wright beamed at Asher and Lila. Lila¡¯s heart dropped as she began to realise the next stage of their demonstration. She tried desperately to convey to Ms Wright that she should be sent back into the crowd wordlessly through her body language and her wide, anxious eyes, but Ms Wright didn¡¯t appear to notice.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Ms Wright said, ¡°now you two will need to put together what you¡¯ve just learnt and demonstrate to the class, please.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    It felt as though the blood in Lila¡¯s legs had been replaced with lead. She couldn¡¯t find the strength to move any closer to Asher, who was still refusing to look directly at Lila¡¯s face. Internally, she was screaming to escape as fast as she could, but her body wouldn¡¯t respond. He inched his way over to her with his hands firmly in his pockets. It felt like Lila forgot how to breathe with each passing second in his presence. Now that they were so close again, she could see that, while Asher remained markedly untidy, at least the circles under his eyes were far less pronounced.

    They stood almost arm-length apart, Lila awkwardly averting her eyes from his face, blindly fishing for his hand. Upon finding it, Lila hoped that the heat from her face was only perceptible to herself. His hand was warm and much bigger than hers. As it gently cupped hers, Lila felt a rush of tingles run down her arm. She couldn¡¯t tell whether it was his hand or hers that was slick with sweat but prayed that either way, he didn¡¯t notice. Asher moved his hand slightly and Lila realised that he was trying to ensure there was as much distance between them as possible without breaking formation.

    Lila could hear her classmates giggling and whispering as they stood in an awkward embrace, waiting for Ms Wright¡¯s cue to begin. This was absolutely the worst situation she could have found herself in while trying to combat the rumours swirling around them both. ¡®Why did Ms Wright have to pick ME?¡¯ Lila complained to herself, looking down at their feet. She tried to suck in a deep breath, slow her racing heart and loosen her tense shoulders, though this proved futile.

    ¡°Come on, get closer. You¡¯ll just end up looking terrible,¡± Ms Wright said sharply, grasping Asher and Lila¡¯s shoulders and shuffling them closer together. Lila could feel Asher¡¯s heat even more intensely. If she wasn¡¯t flushed before, she certainly was now.

    ¡°And look at each other. Please,¡± Ms Wright added, stepping back. ¡°You¡¯ll just step on each other¡¯s feet if you keep staring at them. And as you¡¯re dancing, try to get into a rhythm.¡±

    A shrill shriek accompanied by fits of laughter from several classmates burst from the students on the court. Ms Wright sighed heavily, turning towards her charges with her hands on her hips.

    ¡°Guys, this is not on,¡± she said sternly. ¡°You¡¯re in Year Eleven now. It won¡¯t be long until you¡¯re adults in the real world. There¡¯s no need for this childish behaviour.¡±

    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am,¡± the class mumbled in unison. Lila could still hear a snicker here and there, but the class fell silent otherwise.

    ¡°I expect you all to be watching,¡± Ms Wright called, stepping away from Lila and Asher now, folding her arms. ¡°Because in a few minutes, you¡¯ll all get into pairs and do it yourselves.¡±

    Dissatisfied grumbles cropped up from the crowd but Ms Wright either didn¡¯t notice or pretended not to notice as she clasped her hands together.

    ¡°Alright you two,¡± she said, nodding encouragingly. ¡°Off you go.¡±

    A basic waltz beat began to sound from the speaker behind them. Lila tentatively raised her head to look at Asher¡¯s face. His eyes were looking behind her, but Lila could have sworn that his face was tinged with pink. They continued to stand together, unmoving. Panic began to settle in Lila¡¯s chest as she tried to search her memory for the instructions to the waltz box step. She came up empty.

    Keeping in time to the beat, Asher abruptly began to move, firmly grasping Lila¡¯s shoulder and guiding their footing with apparent ease. He almost seemed like a professional dancer, until he trampled Lila¡¯s toes. She winced but persisted along with the routine regardless. It didn¡¯t take long for Lila¡¯s body to fall into step with Asher, joining his rhythm and adding her own sway on occasion.

    Their initial awkwardness completely melted away as Asher spun Lila, catching her again immediately. A smile began to blossom on Asher¡¯s face as they continued and he finally looked into her own eyes, a blazing intensity behind his expression that she couldn¡¯t fathom. It caught her off guard. Lila stumbled slightly, and his expression quickly returned to neutrality as they recovered their rhythm. At the slightest hint of pressure, Lila followed Asher¡¯s guide and after a few more completed box steps, Asher twirled her again. This time, however, he didn¡¯t meet her eyes, looking instead just past Lila¡¯s right ear.

    Ms Wright began to clap, and smatterings of applause from their classmates followed her lead. Asher and Lila slowed their steps down to a halt, their breathing slightly laboured.

    ¡°That was brilliant, guys. Good work. You can take a break while everyone else gives it a go,¡± Ms Wright grinned, pausing the music. Lila returned to her original spot on the court, sitting down and pulling her knees to her chest. Her body felt alight with tingles, which began to fade now that she was no longer in Asher¡¯s vicinity.

    The class erupted into loud discussion as Lila¡¯s classmates began to pair up. Ms Wright roamed the court, adjusting postures and reminding students of the flow of the dance before returning to the front of the class, arms akimbo.

    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you guys can match Lila and Asher¡¯s moves,¡± she said with a wry smile, winking at Lila and turning the music back on.

    There were more boys than girls in this class, and Lila watched on in amusement at a couple of paired boys, Justin Daly and Connor Williams, who tried to outdo everyone else in the class through added twists and flourishes as they danced. This included an impressive high kick from Connor that resulted in his shoe flying across the court. Many classmates complained of their partners treading on their toes, and others remained so uncoordinated that even Ms Wright¡¯s personal instructions couldn¡¯t rectify them. The majority of the class seemed to get the hang of it though and it wasn¡¯t long before Ms Wright made her way over to Lila, bending down to her eye level.

    ¡°Are you ready to continue practising?¡± Ms Wright asked, removing her glasses to wipe them on her shirt.

    ¡°U-Um, I don¡¯t think-¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Ms Wright said cheerily, straightening up. She gestured for Lila to stand, which she reluctantly did. Ms Wright briskly walked over to Justin and Connor, both of whom were now shoeless and kicking the air ferociously. Lila trailed behind curiously.

    ¡°Boys,¡± Ms Wright said exasperatedly, interrupting their interpretive dance that resembled two chickens having a stand-off far more than the waltz box step. ¡°Whilst I¡¯m glad you¡¯re enjoying yourselves, unless you want to look like a fool in front of all the girls at semi-formal, I suggest you try and rein it in. Lila, please pair up with Connor. Justin, I¡¯ll have you with Asher. Follow me, please.¡±

    Ms Wright swept past Connor, making a beeline towards Asher, who was looking at the floor as if zoned out. Justin was close behind with his head hung low.

    Connor turned to Lila, a cheeky grin across his freckled face. He gave her a low bow before standing up again, assuming the correct formation for the masculine role.

    ¡°Let¡¯s dance, m¡¯lady.¡±

    A wave of repulsion washed over Lila, however, she settled into the correct stance all the same.

    ¡°Please never call me ¨C or anyone, actually ¨C m¡¯lady again,¡± Lila said drily as they began to dance. Connor¡¯s face turned beet-red but he didn¡¯t say anything in return. Try as Lila might, she could not fall into a comfortable sense of rhythm with Connor, partly because he kept kicking her feet accidentally. Somehow dancing with Connor felt flat and aimless, even when he twirled Lila. As they kept practicing, his arm slowly drifted down her back. Lila quickly ducked, ensuring his hand rested back up on her shoulder, but it began making its way lower yet again.

    ¡°Oi,¡± barked a voice behind them, ¡°hands should be by the shoulders.¡±

    Connor and Lila both sprang apart, staring about in the direction of the voice. It was Asher, dragging Justin along stiffly. Actually, it looked more like Asher was propping Justin up like a ragdoll than anything else. Asher¡¯s eyes were sharp and narrowed, glaring at Connor.

    ¡°Or what?¡± Connor asked, lowering his hand again. ¡°Don¡¯t want me touching your side woman when you¡¯ve already got a girlfriend? Don¡¯t be greedy, mate.¡±

    Asher threw Justin¡¯s hands off him, who emitted a surprised whimper, stepping toe-to-toe with Connor. Connor, being several centimetres shorter than Asher, immediately receded under Asher¡¯s intimidating shadow, stepping backwards. Asher¡¯s face was white, his hands balled up and shaking. His mouth was set in a hard line as he exhaled forcefully. It seemed, for a moment, like he was going to punch Connor. Many of their classmates were now openly staring in their direction, craning their necks to see the scene unfolding.

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said immediately, attempting to step between the two. Asher¡¯s eyes quickly flickered to Lila before he turned away, grabbing hold of Justin¡¯s wrists and dragging him back to where they had come from.

    Lila gaped after Asher before slowly turning to Connor, who still looked fretfully in Asher¡¯s direction. She hadn¡¯t ever seen Asher get aggressive like that before now.

    ¡°S-Shall we?¡± Lila said hesitantly, getting back into the proper stance. Connor nodded slowly and rejoined her. This time, he seemed to have gotten the hint loud and clear. He thankfully behaved, glancing over his shoulder every so often, for the rest of the lesson before Ms Wright called the class together to debrief.

    ¡°We¡¯ll come back to this dance next lesson,¡± Ms Wright told the class once they had sat back down on the court. Some, mostly males, groaned in response. Ms Wright raised her hands, gesturing for silence. ¡°Once I¡¯m satisfied you¡¯ve got the hang of it, we can move on to the group dances. Those are a bit more fun.¡±

    Ms Wright checked her watch briefly before clapping her hands together and dismissing everyone to the change rooms.

    Now that her class weren¡¯t entertained by their dance partners, Lila felt the now-familiar feeling of too many eyes on her as she scarpered to the change room. An ominous feeling flooded through her as she tried to ignore the stares. Whilst she was glad that Ms Wright had paired her up with Connor after the demonstration, she was sure that the commotion hadn¡¯t been unnoticed.

    ¡®So much for Asher trying to stay away from me to help the rumours die down,¡¯ Lila thought as she threw her gym clothes into her bag, her face burning.

 Chapter Twelve

    Chapter Twelve

    After morning tea was over, Lila dejectedly made her way to her daily PC class. While she wasn¡¯t sure what her homeroom teacher, Ms Wang (who also happened to be her Maths teacher), had in store for them besides marking the roll and announcements, she was hopeful that today was light on any particular content. Most days it was designated to be free time where students could get together to discuss assignments or exams, play card games, or otherwise bond with their classmates. Some days, Ms Wang attempted to discuss the importance of safe sex, taxes, religion, career aspirations, and the like over the uncontrollable chatter of 11E. Today seemed like the former as Lila settled into her usual seat and waited for the arrival of Elise and Grace. Predictably, they wandered in a minute before class was due to start and hurried to their usual table, unable to say anything of substance to Lila before Ms Wang marked the roll.

    Upon finalising the roll with all 26 students present, Ms Wang began to explain the details of the upcoming semi-formal.

    ¡°It¡¯ll begin at 7.30pm sharp in the gymnasium on the 21st of April,¡± she said, peering closely at her work-issued Surface Pro. ¡°Girls, your dresses may not be shorter than the knee, and as it¡¯s semi-formal, it isn¡¯t expected that you wear full gowns. You may not wear dresses that show a lot of cleavage. Boys, the general expectation is to wear suits, but as it¡¯s semi-formal, you can dress it down a bit. A full list of clothing expectations will be sent around later this afternoon. Partners are not required, however, there will be dances where having a partner organised in advance is highly suggested. There will be finger food available ¨C it¡¯s not a sit-down dinner.¡±

    Ms Wang gave the class a hard look before reading further. ¡°You¡¯ll be required to attend school as per usual that day.¡±

    At this, Lila¡¯s classmates began to groan.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°But I¡¯m going to need a full day to get ready!¡±

    ¡°How is anyone supposed to concentrate?¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am! Can¡¯t we just have this day off? This is, like, one of the most important days of the year!¡±

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t mind coming in¡­ I¡¯ll just change after school and be all set.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sod off, Liam.¡±

    ¡°Guys,¡± Ms Wang warned over the noise. ¡°I know you¡¯re not happy about it, but I can¡¯t change the rules. Besides, school ends at 3.20 anyway. You have four whole hours.¡±

    The class fell silent, though most had their arms crossed, insolently looking up at Ms Wang, waiting for her to continue.

    ¡°Looks like that¡¯s all I have to share today. You have about 40 minutes of free time before your next class,¡± Ms Wang said, pulling out a planner and flicking through the pages. ¡°You can let me know if you need a hand with something, otherwise I¡¯ll just be lesson planning. Keep the noise to an acceptable level, though. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have you do some algebraic equations.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± replied the class in unison before they began to talk amongst themselves, heeding her warning to keep the noise to a minimum. They''d had Ms Wang as their PC teacher for the past three years ¨C they knew she could get scarily strict in a matter of seconds. And her equations were no joke.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise whispered urgently, ducking her head low to the table and gesturing for Lila to come closer.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila whispered back, following Elise¡¯s direction. Grace also lowered her head and leaned closer to the other two.

    ¡°Just on the way here, I¡¯ve heard that PE was filled with sexual tension between you and Asher? And now everyone is absolutely convinced that you guys have banged, not just made out. And that you had Asher and Connor fighting over you and it was a whole brawl. So people are speculating that you¡¯re sleeping with Connor, too.¡±

    Elise¡¯s words tumbled out of her mouth as though she couldn¡¯t get them out fast enough. She then stared at Lila almost apprehensively, fumbling with her hands. Lila rolled her eyes and explained what actually happened to Elise and Grace. Both looked troubled by the end of Lila¡¯s story.

    ¡°Today¡¯s Valentine¡¯s Day,¡± Grace said slowly. ¡°And yet I¡¯ve only heard about you and Asher all day, besides actually seeing people receive gifts in the locker room or in the hallways between classes.¡±

    Elise tapped her chin as if thinking hard. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like the rumours are going to die down. Especially not after PE today. Did you get a chance to talk to Ayla?¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± bemoaned Lila, flopping onto the desk in a defeated manner. ¡°So much was happening all at once and I was nowhere near her. By the time class ended, I just wanted to get out of there ASAP.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you at all,¡± Grace said softly, patting Lila¡¯s head. ¡°Sounds like it was intense.¡±

    ¡°And so counterproductive. I¡¯m so far from the bottom of this that it feels like I¡¯ll never get any answers. Especially now that more¡¯s piling on.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be so down about it,¡± said Elise gently. ¡°It¡¯s only day one of putting serious work into it. I still haven¡¯t had Maths yet.¡±

    Grace paused, looking between Lila and Elise for a moment before leaning in and whispering. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on Holly and Asher during my date tonight.¡±

    Lila sat bolt upright, staring at Grace in concern. ¡°Oh, please don¡¯t worry about that at all,¡± Lila said, grabbing Grace by the shoulders. ¡°Enjoy your date. Besides, I don¡¯t need to know what they¡¯re up to.¡±

    Grace raised an eyebrow. ¡°But you want to know.¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± Lila faltered, letting go of Grace. Grace gave her a smug smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I won¡¯t be able to take my eyes off them anyway,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling a bit anxious about people at school knowing that I¡¯m gay. So, I want to keep an eye on them so I can see if they notice me. Especially since Holly knows me too. She¡¯d probably want to say hi.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to go through with the booking, then?¡± asked Elise. Grace nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve already cleared it with my parents and my partner. No backing down now. Plus¡­ it¡¯s a bit exciting, having our first fancy outing like this.¡±

    ¡°Now it sounds like you want to get caught,¡± Lila said with a smirk.

    ¡°After telling Elise, I do feel like this secret is less important to keep in, though I am still anxious,¡± conceded Grace.

    ¡°Is that meant to be an insult?¡± Elise pouted.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Grace said, shaking her head earnestly. ¡°It just means I feel much more comfortable talking about it in general, thanks to you guys.¡±

    Lila squeezed Grace¡¯s hand in response, which Grace reciprocated, her eyes shining. Then, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. Lila checked it and saw a notification regarding a message from Cecelia on Instagram.

    Girl what happened?? My class can¡¯t stop talking about PE!!! The message read.

    ¡°What does Cecelia want?¡± Elise asked, reading over Lila¡¯s shoulder with a deep frown, crossing her arms. It was clear that Elise was still displeased with Cecelia after what Lila relayed to her yesterday at lunch. As she waited for Lila to explain, a scowl began to etch itself onto her otherwise stony face. Lila quickly detailed the events of Bio to Elise and Grace, who exchanged miffed glances every so often.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Once Lila finished, Elise unfolded her arms, worry now replacing the anger in her eyes.

    ¡°Lila, you don¡¯t have to force yourself to get over it for the sake of Bio,¡± Elise said quietly. Grace nodded in agreement. Lila shrugged nonchalantly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve basically forgotten about it anyway. It¡¯s fine,¡± she said dismissively.

    ¡°You always hide your feelings behind your assertions that you¡¯re fine,¡± Grace said sharply, a tinge of exasperation in her voice. Lila simply shrugged again, the corners of her mouth lifting in a slight smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, truly.¡±

    Both Elise and Grace shot her disbelieving looks before sighing deeply in unison. Lila looked down at her phone again to see more messages from Cecelia.

    No but like wtf happened with connor

    They¡¯re going mental

    U wouldn¡¯t even know its valentines day

    Lila closed her eyes, trying to envision a life where she wasn¡¯t the center of rumours. Her time out of the collective consciousness of her cohort had been so short-lived and she was severely regretting her lack of appreciation of her previous, carefree lifestyle.

    ¡°Maybe you should tell her what actually happened,¡± suggested Grace, bringing Lila out of her reprieve.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    Lila texted Cecelia the whole story in various bits, with Cecelia reacting appropriately to her messages via emojis. When she was done, Cecelia replied.

    It¡¯s gotten wild then

    Idk what to do

    How do I help

    Lila screwed up her face as she struggled to think. Lila didn¡¯t even know what she should be doing in this scenario, let alone what Cecelia should do to help.

    Can u find out who told people about this morning, Lila replied.

    I¡¯ll try, Cecelia responded. Lila locked her phone¡¯s screen and put it back in her pocket, zipping it up forcefully. She held her head in her hands, grinding her teeth as she tried to steady her breathing. Tears began to well behind her eyelids as she replayed the comments Elise had reported back in her head, with each one progressively threatening to break the floodgates.

    ¡°Do you want me to talk to Ayla?¡± Grace asked. Lila lifted her head from her hands slowly to look at her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she whispered, her vision shaky.

    ¡°Maybe you should just take it easy for now,¡± Elise suggested. ¡°Now that this has blown up, I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll get anything out of anyone, Lila.¡±

    Lila looked back down at the desk, unable to formulate anything in response. She supposed it was true, at least. But sitting still, while being attacked by the outrageous gossip that had no sign of stopping, wasn¡¯t ideal either.

    ¡°We should have lunch in the library today,¡± Elise stated firmly. ¡°Find a quiet corner and get away.¡±

    ¡°That might be for the best, Lila,¡± Grace said encouragingly.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ sounds good.¡±

    Once Maths was over, Lila tried her best to speedwalk to the tuckshop, hoping to avoid snippets of conversation regarding herself. It didn¡¯t work as well as she had hoped, but what she did hear seemed to be centered around the imaginary love triangle between herself, Connor, and Asher. Every so often, she also heard whispered theories of a love square with Isaac added in, given his attempt to cheer her up last Thursday during lunch. Adding Holly made it a love pentagon, and, as Lila was not interested in any one of them, she was internally banning herself from interacting with any other male until the rumours ended. She was not eager to have a love hexagon over her head, though the logistics of avoiding all males in this climate seemed iffy at best.

    ''Lila, you¡¯ve got this,'' she thought to herself, determined now to make a beeline straight to the tuckshop, ''just grab some lunch and go to the library. You don¡¯t need to make any stops or detours.''

    Owing entirely to the fact she had been nearly jogging on her way to the tuckshop, Lila was delighted to see there was no line to get in. Grabbing a fruit salad and some hot food, Lila left the tuckshop in such a rush that she didn¡¯t notice a lanky, dirty-blond male student standing outside the exit until she ran into his back.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± he said, turning around to look at Lila. As soon as he saw her, however, a grin crept across his face. There was something about it that was significantly unsettling. Lila tried to side-step around the boy to continue her journey to the library where Elise and Grace were waiting. Instead of moving out of Lila¡¯s way, he followed her movements so that they were still facing each other.

    ¡°I have somewhere to be,¡± Lila said frustratedly. ¡°Can you please move?¡±

    He inched his way forward, his grin slightly too wide now. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that you¡¯re easy,¡± he said in a low whisper. His eyes flickered down to Lila¡¯s chest before adding, ¡°And it looks like it¡¯s true, too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila said, stepping back, pulling her blouse in front of her chest in an attempt to give the buttons more room. Why today, of all days, were her better-fitting uniforms in the wash? This did not deter him as he continued to get closer to Lila.

    ¡°Who even are you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t play hard to get,¡± he murmured, reaching out to touch her shoulder, which she batted away.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila repeated, her voice growing louder. ¡°Like I said, who are you?¡±

    ¡°You wound me, Lila. I¡¯m Harrison, from 11A.¡±

    Lila blinked slowly, not recognising him in the slightest. He stepped closer yet again. He was now so close that Lila could smell his acrid breath, and she instinctually backed away.

    ¡°Lunchtime¡¯s just started,¡± Harrison whispered, his ebony eyes devoid of any warmth. He still edged closer to Lila. ¡°We can hide away in a bathroom¡­¡±

    ¡°Like hell I¡¯d want to do that,¡± Lila attempted to sound firm, but her voice cracked as a sense of foreboding began to wash over her.

    ¡°If Connor, Asher, and Isaac can all get in there, surely there¡¯s room for me,¡± Harrison said, his eyes roving past her chest now and towards her legs. Lila desperately looked around to see if there was someone ¨C anyone ¨C around.

    Lila¡¯s eyes landed on Ayla, who was strutting towards the now-present line to the tuckshop, looking pleased with herself, her shoulder-length, glossy, black curls bouncing as she walked. Lila cringed at the sight of Ayla, her failure to talk to her still present in her mind, but she had no other choice. Escaping Harrison in favour of seeking out Ayla would be the lesser of two evils in this scenario.

    Lila made to start walking towards Ayla, but Harrison grabbed a hold of the corner of her school blazer.

    ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going?¡± he said, his eyes ice cold in contrast to the smirk plastered across his face. He gripped her blazer with more force as she attempted to slip out of his grasp.

    There was nothing else for it. Lila kneed Harrison square in the stomach and ran towards Ayla, who was staring at the pair, hand to her mouth in apparent horror.

    ¡°YOU BITCH!¡± Harrison coughed, clutching his stomach and wheezing. He began to stumble towards Lila and Ayla until someone in the distance called his name. Lila couldn¡¯t see who had spoken from where she stood, huddled next to Ayla. Harrison abruptly turned around and walked off in the direction of the voice, grumbling and rubbing his stomach.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Ayla gasped once Harrison was out of earshot, moving around Lila so that she was on the other side of the line and out of view from Harrison. Lila buttoned up her blazer with trembling hands, despite the heat. While Lila didn¡¯t know Ayla very well, she was immediately far more relaxed in her presence as Ayla turned her body to shield Lila even further.

    ¡°H-Harrison said I was easy,¡± Lila said quietly, her voice wavering. ¡°B-But I still haven¡¯t done anything besides kissing¡­¡±

    Ayla¡¯s fawn-coloured eyes appeared to be searching Lila¡¯s, as though assessing the truthfulness of her statement. Lila quickly looked away, uncomfortable with the eye contact, and twirled the ends of her ponytail. The fact that Lila and Ayla hadn¡¯t ever really spoken before was incredibly apparent as the silence between them grew. Ayla opened her mouth as if to speak a few times before shaking her head.

    ¡°Lila¡­ I¡­ I know you probably think I had something to do with these rumours going around,¡± Ayla said slowly, shifting her weight between her feet and biting her lip.

    ¡°I might,¡± Lila whispered, unable to find much strength in her voice anymore. Ayla nodded a couple of times, looking at the tuckshop as they shuffled forward in the line.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how these rumours have gotten as twisted as they have,¡± Ayla said finally, still averting her gaze from Lila¡¯s face. Lila looked down at her shoes now. Could she trust that Ayla was telling the truth? Did Ayla really not know how they had gotten so warped? Or was she trying to disguise her involvement in adding to the rumours and knotting them with her own hands?

    ¡°¡­ Look, Brittany and I did see you and Asher talking behind Bio and wondered whether you guys were dating. I¡­ may have talked to a couple of my friends, but I swear that¡¯s it. I haven¡¯t even said anything more to anyone else since Isaac told me that Asher has a girlfriend. Plus, Asher himself showed me pictures of them together.¡±

    A stinging sensation shot through Lila as Ayla¡¯s words sunk in. Lila reasoned that it was likely due to the shock from Harrison¡¯s behaviour. She placed a hand on her chest to confirm that she didn¡¯t have a hole running through it before finally looking up at Ayla.

    ¡°Well, if you guys aren¡¯t saying more things, then who is?¡± Lila asked. Ayla¡¯s expression appeared to be open and honest, her shoulders relaxed and hands by her side as she answered.

    ¡°I honestly have no idea. Lila, what Harrison just tried was¡­ awful. From girl to girl, I promise you that if I had known it would get like this, I would¡¯ve kept my mouth shut. This whole thing about you being a homewrecker or making out with Asher and all the rest of it ¨C I swear, that¡¯s not coming from me. Plus, it seemed like Asher was getting touchy with you, rather than you being touchy with him that day. I would¡¯ve said he was a cheater way before calling you a homewrecker. You¡¯re so absolutely average, I doubt you¡¯d go against any kind of code, let alone girl code.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ thanks, I guess?¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± smiled Ayla. Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether Ayla had realised that Lila¡¯s ''thanks'' wasn¡¯t necessarily genuine.

    Lila¡¯s phone vibrated in her pocket and, upon pulling it out, saw Elise was calling her. Scrolling through her notifications, Lila also saw she had missed about twenty messages from both Elise and Grace and a couple of Snapchats.

    ¡°Crap, I¡¯ve got to run,¡± Lila said, swiftly declining Elise¡¯s call. ¡°I have to go to the library.¡±

    Ayla simply waved goodbye as Lila dashed off to the library, clutching her blazer to close it even further than her buttons allowed.

 Chapter Thirteen

    Chapter Thirteen

    ¡°Lila, can you either sit down and stop pacing, or go upstairs to your room to pace?¡± sighed Lila¡¯s Mum later that night in the living room. Another Filipino drama was showing on the TV, this one subtitled, and actually quite interesting. Lila looked up from her phone as she slowed her steps to a standstill.

    ¡°Sorry Mum,¡± she said, quickly sitting down on the couch. Lila refreshed her group chat every few seconds, waiting to hear from Grace regarding her date. Eventually, Daniel sauntered into the living room, cup of juice in his hand and headphones covering one ear. He raised an eyebrow at Lila.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re unloved this Valentine¡¯s Day,¡± he snorted, sipping from his cup.

    ¡°Same to you, Daniel,¡± Lila replied, anger flickering in her voice.

    ¡°Same to you, Daniel,¡± said Daniel, poorly mimicking Lila in a high-pitched voice and exaggerating his facial expressions with each word.

    ¡°Daniel, either sit down and stop talking, or go upstairs to your room and talk,¡± their Mum said, clearly frustrated as she turned the volume up on the TV. Daniel rolled his eyes and covered his other ear with the headphones, stomping his way up the stairs and to his room in response.

    Suddenly, Lila¡¯s phone vibrated in her hands. She quickly unlocked it. It was a message from Elise.

    I¡¯m on my short break, it read. I¡¯ve been pissed off all shift still. Who the fuck does Harrison think he is?????

    It¡¯s fine. He didn¡¯t really end up doing anything, Lila replied, disappointed it wasn¡¯t a message from Grace.

    It¡¯s not fine. He totally would¡¯ve, given the chance, came Elise¡¯s rapid reply.

    We were surrounded by people, Lila sent.

    But what if you weren¡¯t? Elise followed this up with a few angry emojis.

    We don¡¯t know what would have happened because we weren¡¯t alone. He might¡¯ve behaved

    Lila, that¡¯s what scares me. We don¡¯t know. Like Grace said, you should report it to a teacher

    I¡¯m not going to get Harrison in trouble over that

    Maybe he shouldn¡¯t have sexually harassed you then

    That wasn¡¯t sexual harassment. Just a misunderstanding. It¡¯s all cleared up now

    I¡¯ve gotta go back to work, but I¡¯m being serious Lila. You should report it

    Lila sighed and locked her phone. It didn¡¯t seem like Grace would be finishing up anytime soon. Maybe Lila should go to bed. It would at least make the time go by quickly.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a school night?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked absently, snacking on sunflower seeds. She offered Lila the bowl, but Lila declined, stretching.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I think I¡¯ll go to bed now.¡±

    Lila rubbed her nose against her Mum¡¯s cheek and made her way up to her room. She sat on her bed for a while, absorbed in a phone game, before a notification from Snapchat interrupted her. It was from Isaac.

    ¡®He hasn¡¯t sent me a Snap me for a long time,¡¯ Lila thought, curiously opening it up. Isaac had taken a picture of his TV, showing a program Lila wasn¡¯t familiar with.

    I heard what happened with Harrison, the text overlaying the picture read.

    Great, Lila messaged back. She wasn¡¯t about to go ahead and take pictures of herself or her room.

    I can¡¯t tell if that¡¯s sarcastic, came Isaac¡¯s reply. It appeared he didn¡¯t bother taking another picture either.

    U tell me, Lila replied.

    The guys have sorted him out, Isaac replied. He¡¯s our striker for soccer.

    ¡®Is that where the confidence came from?¡¯ Lila briefly asked herself before replying with a thanks.

    I think Asher is still on his date, messaged Isaac.

    I see. I don¡¯t care, btw

    I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t. But in case you do a lil, he hasn¡¯t messaged me saying he¡¯s home or anything

    Lila momentarily wondered if Marlene was at Asher¡¯s house, waiting for him.

    I heard something interesting today btw, Isaac continued.

    Interesting how

    Well, I heard that you¡¯ve slept with so many guys from a couple people in 11B

    I still haven¡¯t kissed anyone else but you, Lila replied, rolling her eyes, let alone slept with anyone.

    Lila could see Isaac start and stop typing a message several times.

    I see. That wasn¡¯t the interesting bit, Isaac finally replied after a couple of minutes. It seems like that rumour could be originating in 11B

    Why¡¯s that

    Blake Carruthers and Tyler Jameson were talking about it in PC today. They were making bets on how they could get you to sleep with them

    Rage filled Lila¡¯s veins as she struggled to think of a response.

    When I asked them why they thought you¡¯d be into it, they said they¡¯d heard some stuff from some girls in 11B. Apparently someone who knows you super well, that¡¯s why she knows everything. Does that ring a bell?

    Unclenching her jaw, Lila paused to think, her breathing steadying. There wasn¡¯t anyone in particular that stood out to her from 11B, especially anyone who knew Lila super well, but perhaps she¡¯d be able to look into it tomorrow¡­

    Something about tomorrow bothered her. Lila opened her school-issued laptop and logged in to her Student Hub. A sinking feeling settled in the pit of her stomach as she opened up her timetable. English was tomorrow morning.

    U good? Isaac had messaged Lila on Snapchat again.

    Yeah, just realised I have English tomorrow morning

    Is that a problem?

    Lila tapped her fingers on the edge of her phone absently. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a problem, but she¡¯d need to be even more careful around Asher now than she already was.

    I¡¯ll figure it out. Anyway, thanks for the tip. I¡¯ll see you around school, Lila finally sent.

    No worries, replied Isaac, have a good one.

    Grace hadn¡¯t ended up sending anything to Elise or Lila that night regarding her date night for Valentine¡¯s Day, much to Lila¡¯s dismay. She would have to wait for PC or lunch to get all the details, particularly as they didn¡¯t have Modern History today. With nothing else she could do, and as though hurrying through her usual routine would make time go faster, Lila arrived at school far earlier than she had intended that morning. Now she sat in her empty English classroom in the red-brick Language Block that had once served as the sole basis of the College, already set up for the lesson.

    Lila turned the pages of her notebook through her hands without much thought, the sound of crinkling paper keeping her company. Usually, the school echoed with the sounds of shrill laughter and raucous discussions from students. However, at this time, there was only the distant sounds of a leaf blower, wielded by the school landscaper. As Lila continued to sit in silence, the lights overhead dimmed. Sighing, Lila waved her arms above her head, and they brightened again. Sometimes sustainability could be a pain.

    Lila flicked through her notebook some more until she reached the pages filled with Asher¡¯s handwriting. She idly traced his notes with her index finger. It was funny, really, how she could tell when certain points engaged Asher¡¯s mind the most due to the depth of the indentations left on the page. He seemed to be particularly focused on Marlene, who had been out of town the week of the disappearance. He had also circled the entry on the timeline where Gabriel had been told to leave several times.

    ¡®They certainly are pretty suspicious¡­¡¯ Lila thought. It was frustrating that Asher was avoiding her. But¡­ maybe it was her turn to reach out to him? Lila bit her lip as she contemplated this. Maybe it would be okay. It¡¯s not like people would necessarily know that they were texting each other¡­ Though, if someone did find out, people would probably think there was some credence to the rumours¡­

    The door to the classroom swung open behind her and she jerked out of her chair, spinning around to see who entered. Her stomach lurched as she laid eyes on Asher, who traipsed into the room. She slammed her notebook shut and turned so she was facing the back wall. He looked far more dishevelled than he had the last time she saw him. For a moment, Lila wondered why Asher was in class so early before remembering that Asher was always at school early. She¡¯d seen him several times over the years, pouring over his notebooks and textbooks in empty classrooms, with no friend or distraction in sight.

    He said nothing to her as he put his backpack down on the table with a thud. Lila didn¡¯t know whether she should sit back down or run out of the room like a bat out of hell, but regardless she no longer had any air in her lungs.

    ¡°¡­ Sorry,¡± Asher muttered. Lila looked down at him in surprise. He was still pulling out his materials for the lesson without glancing at Lila.

    ¡°For what?¡± Lila asked, still between escaping and staying.

    ¡°For yesterday. And last week. And¡­ just in general.¡±

    Lila slowly lowered herself into her chair, unable to take her eyes off Asher. ¡°Asher, it¡¯s really not your fault. It¡¯s just¡­ how high school is.¡±

    Asher clenched his fists, slowly looking up at Lila. His eyes looked tired but glinted with a furious intensity all the same.

    ¡°I heard about Harrison,¡± he spat, aggression rising in his tone. ¡°And it¡¯s my fault.¡±

    ¡°Asher, seriously. I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s fine. He just believed the rumours and thought he could try something, and he now knows that¡¯s never going to happen.¡±

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s not fucking fine,¡± Asher snapped, standing up now, breathing heavily. ¡°Who else is going to believe the rumours and try something? What if it¡¯s worse next time? Stop saying it¡¯s fine. Nothing about this is fine.¡±

    Stolen novel; please report.

    Lila remained silent for a moment. ¡°¡­ Asher I¡¯m trying to fix this.¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t fix it. I can¡¯t fix it. And that pisses me off. Even trying to avoid you doesn¡¯t work ¡®cause something always fucking happens and then it starts up again. I feel like I¡¯ve told everyone I see to back off with the bullshit rumours, but every lesson it gets worse.¡±

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s fine. I can handle myself.¡±

    Asher shot her a sharp look. ¡°I¡¯m barely handling myself, Lila.¡±

    Lila gave Asher a soft smile, trying to bury her sadness and guilt at dragging Asher into this mess deep within her heart, where he couldn¡¯t see. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. Just focus on you and Holly. I¡¯m sure the rumours have gotten to her as well.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face drained of all colour as he threw himself into his chair. His reaction and lack of response confirmed it to Lila ¨C Holly knew. Lila decided to change the topic.

    ¡°¡­ How did Valentine¡¯s Day go yesterday?¡± Lila asked, looking down at her worn notebook. She wasn¡¯t quite sure if she wanted to know, but it was too late to take the question back.

    ¡°H-Huh? O-Oh,¡± Asher looked down at his hands before answering, his voice strangely high-pitched. ¡°Yeah, it was good. I went to dinner with Holly last night and it went well.¡±

    Lila nodded, looking down at her own hands, which were trembling slightly. ¡°Sounds like fun,¡± she said lamely before abruptly getting up. ¡°I¡¯m just going to go drink some water¡­¡±

    ¡°Lila-¡± Asher began before his voice caught in his throat.

    ¡°Class is going to start soon,¡± Lila said, already halfway out the door. ¡°We have to ignore each other, remember?¡±

    Lila looked behind her shoulder to see Asher staring at his desk. ¡°¡­ Yeah,¡± he said with a hint of forlornness.

    Lila quickly left the classroom to the nearest bubblers outside and splashed her face with water. Feelings she couldn¡¯t identify were floating up to the surface of her mind, and she struggled to keep them at bay. Was it the fact that Asher was concerned about her? Was it the fact that he was suffering because of the rumours? Was it the fact that his Valentine¡¯s Day date with Holly went well?

    Shaking her head, Lila clapped the sides of her face, trying to snap herself out of her thinking. Wallowing would not help her. If she wanted to help Asher, she needed to figure out where the rumours were coming from and stop them at the source. ¡®He¡¯s tried so much already ¨C it¡¯s my turn to do something,¡¯ Lila thought, taking a drink. The coolness of the water sharpened Lila¡¯s determination. She couldn¡¯t place all the responsibility at Asher and Isaac¡¯s feet, after all their campaigning.

    Nodding to herself, Lila made her way back to the classroom. A couple of classmates had filed in, setting up their desks with their materials. As soon as Lila entered, all conversation suddenly stopped. Asher¡¯s face was stony, his right hand clamped around a pen, but he didn¡¯t so much as give Lila a sideways glance as she settled back in. Lila turned slightly away from Asher, looking off into the distance at the whiteboard, head in her hands, trying to not show any emotion.

    ¡®It¡¯s better this way¡­¡¯ she thought as her stomach twisted and turned. ¡®I¡¯ve got to protect them.¡¯

    The rest of the morning¡¯s lessons raced by. Now that the term was fast approaching the mid-point, classes were becoming more involved and complex. She had hardly said a word to Cecelia and Lucas in Bio, though both had reported back that they hadn¡¯t learned much regarding the rumours in hushed tones whilst Mr Johnson meandered over to other tables.

    Finally, with no messages still from Grace, Lila trudged her way to PC class. Hopefully, Grace was just wanting to talk in person about what happened, but there was a chance that she wouldn¡¯t want to around their classmates. Although, if Asher¡¯s date with Holly had gone as well as he had said, perhaps there really wasn¡¯t anything for Grace to say.

    Grace and Elise were already sitting in their usual seats in PC and flagged Lila over when she entered.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila said simply as she collapsed into her seat.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Grace and Elise said in unison. They exchanged a glance before Grace leaned in towards Lila.

    ¡°Last night was so¡­ odd,¡± she whispered. ¡°I¡¯ve already given Elise a quick run-down of what happened.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, unable to disguise the hurt in her voice.

    ¡°Actually, I needed her advice,¡± Grace quickly explained. ¡°I¡­ honestly wasn¡¯t sure if I should tell you about what happened.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡± Lila asked, straightening up.

    Grace fell silent, clearly struggling to find the words. ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s just¡­ um¡­¡±

    ¡°Apparently¡­ Asher¡¯s date didn¡¯t end so great,¡± Elise interjected.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, confused. ¡°Asher told me this morning that it went well¡­¡±

    Elise narrowed her eyes as Grace shot Lila a fierce look.

    ¡°Why are you talking to him? That¡¯s just adding fuel to the fire,¡± Elise said, crossing her arms.

    ¡°It¡­ just happened. No one else was in class and he apologised. And I asked him how Valentine¡¯s Day went with Holly and he said it went well,¡± replied Lila, attempting a nonchalant shrug.

    ¡°Well, I can tell you that was a lie,¡± Grace said matter-of-factly. ¡°Like, a major one too.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, what do you mean?¡± Lila asked, impatience now biting her tone.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Ms Wang¡¯s voice cut through the girls¡¯ conversation like a knife, shattering it completely. ¡°Are you here?¡±

    Lila raised her hand reflexively, confirming her presence. She hadn¡¯t even noticed Ms Wang come in, let alone make her way down the roll to ¡®Moloney¡¯. The girls remained silent as Ms Wang finished marking the roll. There were no announcements today, and it seemed like their time today was designated as free time. Conversations began to fill the classroom, though Ms Wang¡¯s usual threat of maths hung in the air. It was a particularly effective threat for Lila, given that Ms Wang was her Maths teacher.

    Lila eagerly turned to Grace and gestured for Grace to speak.

    ¡°Well¡­ my¡­ partner and I came into the restaurant,¡± Grace whispered again, flicking a nervous look around the room. ¡°And it was pretty easy to spot Asher and Holly. They were both dressed really nicely, actually. And there was a huge bouquet and box of chocolates on the table. Not that that matters to the story, heh-¡±

    ¡°Grace, you¡¯re babbling,¡± Elise sighed.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Grace grinned sheepishly before resuming. ¡°And the waiter put us a couple tables away from them. I don¡¯t think they actually looked at me at all. I kinda wish they put us further apart¡­ they already had their food, but neither of them looked happy.¡±

    Grace gave Elise another meaningful look. Elise nodded for Grace to continue.

    ¡°As my partner and I waited for our dinner, we could hear Asher and Holly fighting.¡±

    Lila leaned in even further, her eyes fixed on Grace¡¯s face. Grace grimaced, took a deep breath, and said, ¡°Uh¡­ they were fighting about you.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Lila, sitting back. ¡°What about me?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ it seemed like Holly was pretty convinced that Asher was cheating.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned red as she made to argue, but Elise raised a hand to stop her.

    ¡°We know you¡¯re not hooking up with Asher,¡± Elise said softly. Grace nodded in agreement.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Grace said, ¡°Holly said something about how he¡¯d been spending so much time with you. And that she¡¯d heard so many things, like that you were a slut, trying to get it on with Asher between classes, and he kept denying everything. But it didn¡¯t seem that Holly was convinced at all. She¡­ she walked out.¡±

    Lila gave a low whistle.

    ¡°To be fair,¡± Elise said quietly. ¡°I think I¡¯d have the same reaction.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± agreed Lila. ¡°I would too.¡±

    ¡°After that, Asher sat alone for a while before getting the bill. He grabbed the flowers and chocolates and hurried off. I didn¡¯t see where he went as my food arrived, but they didn¡¯t come back.¡±

    Lila rested her chin in her right hand as she contemplated what Grace had said. The way Asher¡¯s face turned pale after Lila asked about their date made a lot of sense now.

    ¡°Why do you reckon he lied to me about it?¡± Lila asked slowly.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it obvious?¡± Elise asked, looking at Lila bewilderedly. ¡°He didn¡¯t want you to feel bad about it. It¡¯s not like you can do anything to change it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I think, too,¡± Grace said.

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lila muttered. It made sense, but it wasn¡¯t necessary on Asher¡¯s part. The girls sat in silence for a couple of minutes before Elise smiled.

    ¡°I had Maths with Brittany this morning,¡± she said, ¡°and I got some names.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± replied Grace, clapping her hands together. ¡°That sounds intriguing.¡±

    ¡°So, Brittany herself swore black and blue that she, like Ayla, dropped it all after Asher cornered her and said to back off. He also showed her pictures of him with Holly and told her it was starting to hurt his relationship with her, and he was actually a bit aggressive about it, apparently. Said he was fed up with it all. So, Brittany¡¯s felt pretty bad about it ever since, according to her.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can trust it,¡± Grace said frankly. ¡°We¡¯re talking about Brittany and Ayla here. They¡¯re, like, the grade¡¯s most renowned gossips.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Elise said, ¡°but at the same time, gossip spreads like wildfire. Some pockets of fire burn hotter than others, despite whatever the temp is for the origin point.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Grace conceded, sitting back in her chair.

    ¡°Anyway, Brittany swears she only talked about it with Ayla, Marcus Furlow, Heather Burroughs, Piper Baker, Charlotte Choi, and Mia Turner.¡±

    ¡°Are any of them in 11B?¡± asked Lila. Elise looked at her in surprise.

    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°Isaac seems to think that the rumours are starting in 11B,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°He said someone who apparently really knows me is in 11B but I seriously don¡¯t know who it could be.¡±

    ¡°That is weird,¡± Grace mused. ¡°It sounds like maybe they¡¯re pretending you¡¯re close so whatever they¡¯re saying sounds like the truth.¡±

    ¡°Probably,¡± sighed Lila. ¡°Are any of them in 11B?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m pretty sure Piper, Mia, and Marcus are. Brittany is in 11A. I don¡¯t know what class Heather and Charlotte are in, but I¡¯d guess 11A as well,¡± replied Elise thoughtfully.

    ¡°Did you get any names from Ayla?¡± Grace asked Lila.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said in dismay. ¡°We¡­ didn¡¯t have a particularly long conversation about it. It was more about Harrison, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Even hearing his name pisses me off,¡± Elise said venomously. Lila chose not to respond ¨C she knew if she said it was fine, Elise would insist that it wasn¡¯t, and they wouldn¡¯t get any closer to the perpetrator of the rumours.

    ¡°It¡¯s odd,¡± Grace said slowly. ¡°I never really see Ayla and Brittany hanging out that much.¡±

    ¡°They have their own friendship circles,¡± Lila said with a shrug. ¡°They¡¯re definitely only friends during class. I mean, Ayla is in 11D. It¡¯s kinda to be expected that friends would mainly be in your PC class, especially in grade eleven. We have PC every day after all.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to get names from Ayla?¡± Grace asked.

    ¡°I think I can get them,¡± Lila said slowly. ¡°She seemed really genuine during our talk yesterday. I¡¯m sure I can guilt her into telling me who she¡¯s been talking to. Plus, we have Study together as our last class for today.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, thanks for the offer though. I should be right.¡±

    Grace gave Elise another glance before smiling at Lila. ¡°I¡¯m sure you will be.¡±

    Despite Lila¡¯s confidence in PC, as the rest of her classes and even lunch dragged on, Lila couldn¡¯t reconcile a plan of attack. Should she just ask Ayla in person? Would Ayla even talk to her? They didn¡¯t normally talk, and even with their conversation yesterday, Lila wasn¡¯t sure that it wouldn¡¯t be weird to talk to Ayla today. Lila did see that they had each other on Facebook but couldn¡¯t bring herself to even type ¡®Hi¡¯ in Messenger.

    After signing in with her Study teacher, Lila wandered off to a secluded corner booth in the library, contemplating her next moves. She could see a little ways away Ayla and a female student sitting together, talking. At the very least, Lila knew she needed to talk to Ayla alone.

    Sighing, Lila opened her laptop and tried to work on her Bio assignment, glancing up every so often to see if Ayla and her friend were still sitting in the same place. Lila tried to recall the name of the student sitting next to Ayla as she read through her draft assignment ¨C was it Penny? Or Poppy? Lila knew she had seen this student in the halls for a while but had never spoken to her.

    It wasn¡¯t until halfway through the lesson when Ayla¡¯s friend got up and walked off towards the printing room that she remembered ¨C it was Piper. Piper herself was a rather short, freckled, and incredibly thin girl with straggly, wispy brown hair tied in a limp ponytail. To Lila, Piper was not unattractive but rather plain ¨C seemingly able to blend into her surroundings and whoever she was with. To this end, Lila could see why she would be included with the popular crowd ¨C slotting in effortlessly with her looks, but also not having an overpowering personality vying for dominance.

    Slamming her laptop lid closed, Lila hurriedly made her way to Ayla, who was looking through a textbook. Now that Piper had left, it was Lila¡¯s chance to talk to Ayla in private.

    ¡°H-Hi,¡± Lila said tentatively, clearing her throat. Ayla looked up in surprise before smiling at Lila.

    ¡°Hey.¡±

    ¡°S-So I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Lila said, her words carrying odd inflections, ¡°about yesterday.¡±

    Ayla nodded, placing a bookmark in her textbook and closing it.

    ¡°Um¡­ I just wanted to check¡­ w-who did you say you spoke to about Asher and me?¡± Lila¡¯s voice dropped to a whisper as she began picking at her nails.

    ¡°Oh, is that all?¡± Ayla asked, her smile brightening. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll tell you what I said yesterday ¨C that I haven¡¯t said anything else for ages.¡±

    Lila waited with bated breath as Ayla brought a finger to her chin in apparent contemplation.

    ¡°So¡­ it was¡­ Piper, of course,¡± Ayla waved a hand in the direction of Piper¡¯s belongings. ¡°And Belle, Mia, oh and Scarlett. I also spoke to Jackson, since he does soccer with Asher, but he was useless. And Brittany and I talked, of course.¡±

    Lila nodded slowly, trying to picture who Ayla was talking about. Belle and Mia were in Lila¡¯s Japanese class, but they sat on the other side of the classroom with the popular students. There was no way in hell that Lila would be able to talk to them without it being super awkward.

    ¡°Ayla, the printer is absolutely fu-¡± a voice from the left of Lila called, before stopping short. Lila turned and saw Piper holding a crumpled piece of paper in her hand, her head tilted in curiosity.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said quickly to Ayla before scuttling off to her laptop again. She quickly typed the names down in her phone¡¯s Notes app before flipping her phone face-down on the desk. ¡®Elise said that Mia and Piper are in 11B¡­¡¯ Lila mused to herself as she began to settle back into her schoolwork. Lila could sense someone was looking at her but every time she looked up, she didn¡¯t meet anyone¡¯s eyes. Everyone else seemed entirely absorbed in their schoolwork. Perhaps she was just paranoid now.

    Shaking her head, she moved on to her English script. Asher had given her until Saturday to finalise her portion, but there was no sense holding onto it now that she had some time. The rest of her Study period passed by productively and eventually ended without Lila noticing. She continued to make finishing touches on the script until she was satisfied, taking stretching breaks every so often.

    Slowly, the library began to fill with more students ¨C some seemed to want to get work done, at least, while others were just being rowdy amongst themselves. A group of boys set themselves up along the biggest table on this side of the library and Lila could see from their laptop screens that they were jumping into a Minecraft server.

    Knowing that the library would get even more unruly within a few minutes, Lila sent off her finished script to Asher via email before packing up and heading home.

 Chapter Fourteen

    Chapter Fourteen

    The rest of the week flew by in a flash of whirling colour, assignments, homework and stress. By the time Lila returned to school the next week, she couldn¡¯t recall whether she¡¯d heard many rumours about herself. Had they died down? Or was she too busy to pay attention to them?

    Hurrying to English after her Design class ran overtime on Monday morning, she took her usual spot next to Asher. His eyes briefly glanced at her as she came through, but it otherwise seemed as though she didn¡¯t exist. With each English class that passed by Lila, she kept trying to remind herself that Asher didn¡¯t hate her. Though, admittedly, she was beginning to doubt herself. He hadn¡¯t yet acknowledged her script and the distance between them felt like it grew with each day.

    This class progressed much the same as the previous ones, except today they were to be assigned a slot for their presentation.

    ¡°¡­ and finally, Asher and Lila,¡± Ms Shard called, reading down a printed list. Several students began to whisper among themselves, however, Ms Shard carried on regardless. ¡°You two will present on the 9th of March.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t say anything as she diligently noted this down in her notebook. They had just over two weeks to perfect their presentation¡­

    A thought struck Lila so suddenly that she dropped her pen. It hadn¡¯t occurred to her before now that, once the 9th of March came and went, she wouldn¡¯t have any legitimate, school-related reason to continue seeing Asher. Not that they were seeing each other at the moment anyway, but if they didn¡¯t resolve the rumours, it wasn¡¯t likely that they¡¯d ever see each other again outside of school.

    Lila balled her hands into fists tightly. ''Then I won¡¯t be able to help Asher find his Mum¡­'' she thought solemnly. ''And if he still hasn¡¯t told anyone, he¡¯ll be all on his own again¡­''

    The image of Asher crumpling before her due to the weight of his fear and loss when he had confessed that he was terrified appeared in her mind¡¯s eye. Her heart ached as tears began to well in her eyes. How desperately she still wanted to take that terror away¡­

    Ms Shard launched into an explanation of the criteria sheet for the presentation, like she had when the task had first been assigned, as a reminder of what was required of them. Lila only half-listened as she stared at the date of their presentation in her notebook.

    Without warning, the buzzing of her phone inside her pocket broke her out of her musings. Pulling it out curiously, with furtive looks in Ms Shard¡¯s direction, she looked at her notifications under the desk. A text message from Asher had arrived.

    I tried to get a room at the library, it read.

    A second text came through as she was reading the first.

    But it was already full, this one read.

    Okay, replied Lila, the beating of her heart overtaking any other sensation within her body. What¡¯s the solution then?

    Asher¡¯s reply took some time to go through, though Lila didn¡¯t dare to look at him. Eventually, her phone buzzed again.

    If you¡¯re fine with it, I think you should come over again. I¡¯ve almost finished with the script, so if you want to finish the PowerPoint early, we can meet this weekend. Saturday maybe?

    Lila stared at the words on her screen. Another weekend visit meant a visit where there was no Gabriel and Marlene was likely to be hovering around them.

    We can meet on Monday if you¡¯d prefer, but this way it¡¯s less likely that anyone from our grade will see you, Asher sent swiftly.

    Saturday it is then, Lila replied with a sigh, locking her phone screen and putting it back into her pocket. While she was glad that they were meeting up again, she didn¡¯t want to risk upsetting the rumour mill even further. With Asher seemingly slipping further and further away from Lila, one misstep would surely have him avoid her for the rest of their schooling lives.

    That night, Asher sent through a revised version of the script. Lila couldn¡¯t see that much of her sections had changed, which surprised her. Did he think it was good? Or was it so horrible that there was no saving it?

    ''Don¡¯t be stupid,'' Lila told herself firmly as she continued scrolling through the script. ''Even if it was terrible, out of anyone in our grade, Asher would be able to fix it up.''

    True to his word, Lila found some familiar words within the section regarding their original analysis of Daisy Buchanan¡¯s character. Smiling to herself, she began to pull together the PowerPoint in its entirety.

    Lila stood in line at the tuckshop the next day, yawning. She had spent a bit more time than she¡¯d realised on the PowerPoint, and it was definitely punishing her today. Elise was on her way to Lila already to give her company in the slow-going queue, but Grace was once again held back with a private music lesson. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure whether she¡¯d make it inside the tuckshop due to how fatigued she felt. If she didn¡¯t know any better, she would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d run a marathon before waiting in line.

    ¡°Yo,¡± a voice to her left said. Looking around wildly, Lila¡¯s eyes found themselves on Elise¡¯s beaming face.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said, shuffling to the right so that Elise could slot in next to her.

    ¡°I brought lunch again,¡± Elise said, swinging her lunchbox, illustrating her point.

    ¡°Anything exciting?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Nup. But sometimes boring is good, y¡¯know?¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Lila smiled at Elise. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here though, I¡¯m dead tired.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± sighed Elise, unzipping her lunchbox and pulling out a green apple. ¡°It feels like all these assignments are out to get me. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever be able to sleep peacefully again.¡±

    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Lila laughed in agreement.

    ¡°Are you going to do hockey again?¡± Elise asked through a mouthful of apple.

    ¡°Yeah. Care to join?¡± Lila asked, nudging Elise gently as they moved forward.

    ¡°Won¡¯t be able to, sorry. Have to keep all my afternoons and weekends free. Saving up for a holiday, remember?¡±

    ¡°Surely you can roster off some time for co-curriculars,¡± Lila pouted. Elise shook her head.

    ¡°No can do. Someone¡¯s gotta be the go-to for picking up shifts, and I¡¯m not about to ruin my rep for hockey, I¡¯m afraid. If I find time though, I¡¯ll watch you play for sure.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± grinned Lila. ¡°I¡¯ll try and do you proud.¡±

    The girls fell silent as they waited in line. Gradually drips and drabs of conversations surrounding them carried over to Lila.

    ¡°¡­ happened to the love rectangle or whatever?¡±

    ¡°Oh! I heard¡­ fake news¡­ Ayla said¡­¡±

    ¡°Makes sense. Connor¡¯s not attractive anyway¡­¡±

    Lila exchanged a meaningful glance at Elise and they both perked up their heads as if to extend their eavesdropping range.

    ¡°¡­ visited Banker¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ so cool¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah! ¡­ no worries¡­ money¡­¡±

    ¡°Yo, can you introduce¡­?¡±

    ¡°For sure¡­ super friendly¡­¡±

    ¡°Wesley¡­ dumped¡­ lol¡­¡±

    ¡°OMG! When?¡±

    ¡°Valentine¡¯s Day¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you¡­ music teacher¡­ weird?¡±

    ¡°Yeah nah¡­ she¡¯s cool.¡±

    ¡°¡­ fail at Maths¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ no allowance again¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ go see the Banker!¡±

    ¡°¡­ stacked it in PE¡­¡±

    ¡°I saw¡­ pissed myself¡­¡±

    ¡°Tiffany screwed¡­ weekend.¡±

    ¡°¡­ feel so bad¡­ Lila¡­¡±

    ¡°I know right¡­ crazy¡­¡±

    ¡°Isaac said¡­¡±

    ¡°They totally ignore each other¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ misunderstanding¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ always thought it was fake¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ new job!¡±

    ¡°Can I visit?¡±

    ¡°Holly¡­ perfect girlfriend¡­ no way Lila could¡­¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat momentarily before she swallowed hard. It seemed as though the rumours about her were starting to turn in a different direction or fade away entirely. Was that Ayla¡¯s doing? Or maybe Brittany?

    ¡°Ha!¡± Elise suddenly half-shouted, grinning in a self-satisfied sort of way.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila asked, baffled by Elise¡¯s sudden exclamation.

    ¡°Finally! People are starting to move on!¡±

    Elise¡¯s enthusiasm was infectious. Lila couldn¡¯t help but grin back.

    ¡°Seems like it,¡± Lila said, relieved before adding, ¡°I think it might still be early days, though.¡±

    ¡°For sure,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°But regardless, I think we can count this as a win.¡±

    For the first time in ages, Lila felt the weight on her shoulders begin to dissipate. Maybe she¡¯d be able to continue helping Asher in peace after all¡­

    Once Lila acquired lunch, Lila and Elise meandered over to sit outside their Modern History class, chatting about all the other things that they had heard in the tuckshop line. Grace didn¡¯t end up joining their discussion of the various goings-on, despite the fact Modern History began straight after lunch. She showed up as soon as their teacher threw the door open and invited everyone inside, red-faced and sweaty, as though she had been running at full pelt.

    After settling in at their desks, Elise eagerly filled Grace in with what she had heard at lunch whilst the class was going through a collaborative worksheet. Once Elise finished, Grace gave Lila a small smile that seemed tinged with sadness.

    ¡°That¡¯s great, Elise, but¡­ where I was, plenty of people were still saying that Lila¡¯s trying to get with Asher while he¡¯s dating Holly. They¡¯ve been saying it¡¯s her kink,¡± Grace said in a whisper.

    ¡°What the actual-¡± Lila began hotly.

    ¡°Shh!¡± Elise hissed, a finger to her lips. ¡°We know it¡¯s not true.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking, though,¡± Grace added softly, ¡°that the rumours were really persistent and vicious. I don¡¯t think these are the work of students blowing things out of proportion, like what usually happens. This seems more¡­ malicious.¡±

    Lila sat back in her chair, contemplating Grace¡¯s suggestion. She had known that she needed to find the source of the wild rumours to stamp it out, but she¡¯d never considered that the rumours were being started maliciously.

    ¡°That actually fits,¡± Elise murmured. ¡°I mean, especially if what Ayla and Brittany said was true. They¡¯re, like, at the top of the rumour pyramid but said they dropped it as soon as Asher cleared it up. Yet, somehow, things got even crazier. Isaac and Asher were doing damage control, like, the day things started to get weird but it didn¡¯t work.¡±

    ¡°They also said it independently,¡± Lila interjected, a hand to her chin, narrowing her eyes at her desk while she churned Elise and Grace¡¯s statements in her mind. ¡°I mean, they could have coordinated their stories for sure, but when Ayla walked into the change rooms on Valentine¡¯s Day, she wasn¡¯t talking about me, even though it seemed like I was the hottest topic around. I can¡¯t say for sure if she talked about me after my stupid dance practice with Asher, but after Harrison-¡± Lila shot a quick look at Elise, who rolled her eyes at Harrison¡¯s name before continuing, ¡°-she seemed really genuine. Kinda like she was terrified for me.¡±

    ¡°They are gossips, for sure,¡± Elise said with a nod. ¡°But I really don¡¯t think they¡¯re generally malicious about it. Which, now that I think of it, is probably what you need to run the rumour mill. If what you put in there is interesting and mildly salacious, your minions can take it and run it right into the ground with crazy additions. If it was too unbelievable to start off with, I doubt many rumours would have any legs. Part of the fun about gossip is speculating wildly if there¡¯s anything more going on.¡±

    The girls fell silent for a minute or so before Grace piped up.

    ¡°Did you get any names from Ayla?¡±

    Lila nodded, pulling out her phone¡¯s Notes app. ¡°Uh¡­ looks like it was Piper, Belle, Mia, Scarlett, Jackson and Brittany.¡±

    ¡°Have you narrowed down anyone?¡± Elise asked, peering at Lila¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Well, Ayla said that Jackson was useless, and if we take Brittany out of the equation, we¡¯ve got Piper, Belle, Mia and Scarlett. If we take Isaac¡¯s theory into account, based on what you said last week¡­ Piper and Mia are both in 11B and both of them are friends with Brittany and Ayla¡­ so it looks like Piper and Mia are suspects,¡± said Lila, tapping the edge of her phone thoughtfully.

    ¡°How are we going to figure it out?¡± Grace asked, concern plain on her face. ¡°It¡¯s pretty obvious that Elise and I are your best friends. I doubt the person behind it would spill the beans to one of us, especially since I don¡¯t know either Piper or Mia, like, at all.¡±

    ¡°Neither do I,¡± Elise sighed frustratedly, looking up at the ceiling as if a plan of attack would be written on the ceiling tiles.

    An idea drifted into Lila¡¯s mind and a grin slowly crept on her face. ¡°I can send in Cecelia and Lucas.¡±

    Elise and Grace looked at Lila as though she¡¯d cracked a cypher.

    ¡°I reckon that would work,¡± Elise said incredulously. ¡°You guys don¡¯t really hang out outside of Bio.¡±

    ¡°As long as they¡¯re good actors,¡± shrugged Grace. ¡°If it¡¯s being done on purpose, they could pretend that they want to spread more rumours around as part of a smear campaign.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have Bio next?¡± Elise asked enthusiastically. ¡°I bet they¡¯d be able to get to work on narrowing it down pretty quick.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I do,¡± Lila replied, ¡°I¡¯ll see if they¡¯re up for it.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m up for it,¡± Cecelia hissed as she wrote down notes from the whiteboard later that afternoon in Bio. She elbowed Lucas, who hadn¡¯t reacted to Lila¡¯s plan yet.

    ¡°I-I could do it,¡± he murmured, rubbing his side whilst writing his own notes. ¡°But, to be honest, I don¡¯t know them at all. They might think I was trying to get with them¡­¡±

    ¡°Maybe you could find things out indirectly,¡± Lila suggested, twirling her pen through her fingers.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lucas replied, looking up quickly at Lila. ¡°Yeah, I probably could.¡±

    ¡°I reckon maybe Jackson or Marcus know something. If they¡¯re friends with Piper or Mia, surely they¡¯ve heard what either of them have been saying about me,¡± Lila continued, her pen clattering to the floor. Sighing, she slid off her chair and retrieved it before immediately proceeding to twirl it again.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lucas trailed off as he struggled to copy down the diagram on the whiteboard.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem very enthusiastic,¡± Cecelia frowned at Lucas as she also struggled to copy down the diagram.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯ll be tricky to not show our ulterior motives,¡± Lucas said slowly, crossing out his failed diagram and starting again.

    ¡°Yeah nah, I don¡¯t reckon so,¡± Cecelia replied. ¡°You just gotta pretend your ulterior motive doesn¡¯t involve talking to Lila about what you learn.¡±

    Lucas shot Lila an uncertain look before nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can figure out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so excited,¡± Cecelia said in a hushed whisper, beaming at Lila. ¡°Hopefully we can narrow it down!¡±

 Chapter Fifteen

    Chapter Fifteen

    It wasn¡¯t until Friday morning that Lila heard anything of note from Cecelia or Lucas regarding Piper and Mia. They did have Bio in between, but with their assignment due on Thursday afternoon, they hadn¡¯t interacted much. Now that it was over, Mr Johnson was content with showing YouTube videos regarding the concepts they needed for their exam next month, which meant that half the allocated class time was spent trying to repair speakers and skip ads. It also meant that the class was considerably rowdier, creating the perfect cover for Cecelia, Lucas, and Lila to discuss what they had found.

    ¡°Good job dodging being called for more dance practices yesterday by the way,¡± Cecelia started off, giving Lila a meaningful look.

    ¡°What can I say? I hid behind a group of Asians, and apparently blended in quite well.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you didn¡¯t dance with Connor or Asher again?¡± Lucas asked.

    ¡°¡¯Course not,¡± Lila replied, rolling her eyes. ¡°I was stuck with Wesley instead.¡±

    ¡°Was he still weeping about his ex?¡± Cecelia smirked.

    ¡°Big time,¡± Lila nodded, stretching. ¡°It was kind of touching, really.¡±

    ¡°Sad times for Wesley,¡± Lucas said sagely. ¡°He¡¯s always unlucky in love.¡±

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Cecelia interjected. ¡°We¡¯re not here to talk about Wesley. I found something out.¡±

    Cecelia¡¯s eyes glinted in excitement as she leaned forward, as though she was fit to burst from the news she was holding onto. Lila glanced around the room to check no one was listening before encouraging Cecelia to go on.

    ¡°Mia did gossip about your dance with Connor and Asher,¡± Cecelia said, her tone rising with excitement at each word. ¡°But she swears on her Mum¡¯s life that she¡¯s never called you a slut.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s hardly definitive,¡± replied Lucas, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I know,¡± Cecelia said impatiently. ¡°But get this ¨C she¡¯s noticed Piper has been real odd lately.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Lila asked, straightening out of her slouched position.

    ¡°Piper has been a solid C+ student for years, according to Mia. She knows ¡¯cause they¡¯ve been in the same PC class for the past few years, even though she doesn¡¯t really consider Piper to be a close friend. Apparently, in PC, Piper prefers to hang out with the guys. Says they¡¯re less drama, even though at lunch she runs to Ayla¡¯s side to throw shade.¡±

    ¡°So?¡± Lila asked, folding her arms.

    ¡°So¡­ this year it took Mia by surprise when Piper started working really hard on schoolwork. She¡¯s even gotten a private tutor and just studies during PC now, even if the guys try to get her to talk to them.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it is Year Eleven,¡± Lucas said defensively, throwing his hands up in a shrugging gesture. ¡°I¡¯ve literally told you to take Year Eleven far more seriously, like, all term. Good to hear someone else is knuckling down.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s weird,¡± Cecelia insisted, glancing at Lila, clearly ignoring Lucas¡¯ comments. ¡°¡¯Cause even though she studies all the time now, Mia reckons Piper might be saying things.¡±

    ¡°Could Mia just be redirecting you?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    ¡°Well,¡± Cecelia puffed out her chest, looking proud of herself. ¡°That¡¯s what I thought until I talked to Piper.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d she say?¡± Lucas asked keenly.

    ¡°She said she¡¯s never even heard of any such rumours, or anything about Lila and Asher at all. Isn¡¯t that weird? Surely if you¡¯re not hiding something, you¡¯d say that you¡¯d heard of the rumours but didn¡¯t spread them around or weren¡¯t involved in the conversation. I mean, Ayla and Brittany apparently talked to her about Lila separately. Plus, with the fact that Isaac and Asher have been wandering around between classes and in the lockers saying there¡¯s nothing between you and Asher and he¡¯s happily with Holly, I doubt there¡¯s anyone left in senior school who hasn¡¯t heard about the drama.¡±

    ¡°That is weird,¡± conceded Lila, tapping her fingers on the lab table. ¡°How believable were they?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, they¡¯re both super shady,¡± Cecelia said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°I don¡¯t think Mia has called you a slut, she was super adamant about that. But then again, you don¡¯t need to call someone a slut if you¡¯re telling everyone that they¡¯re sleeping with so many guys at once or trying to get into a taken guy¡¯s pants. And when I asked Mia what she thought was true about you and Asher, she tried to backtrack and said that Ayla had cleared things up, so none of it anymore. She even said I shouldn¡¯t talk about it with other people since it wasn¡¯t true.¡±

    Cecelia paused for dramatic effect, her eyes sparkling, before she began to speak again. ¡°However, Piper seemed super uncomfortable from the get-go when I asked about you. She kinda looked like she wanted to escape and kept fiddling with the lock on her locker. Maybe she said she hadn¡¯t heard anything to get me to leave her alone. But why?¡±

    The trio paused for a moment, with Lila tapping her foot on the floor in contemplation.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also found something out,¡± Lucas nodded, rapping his knuckles on the table as though he¡¯d just remembered. ¡°I heard from Marcus that Piper is, like, one of your closest friends.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve said a word to her in my life,¡± Lila replied, taken aback. Lucas looked at Lila in apparent surprise.

    ¡°That¡¯s odd ¨C apparently Piper knows a lot about you. Such as your favourite ice cream, your hockey position, what books you¡¯ve got borrowed out at the library, your bus route¡­ all sorts of stuff.¡±

    It felt like a bucket of ice water was dumped over Lila¡¯s head at these words. ¡°W-What?¡± she asked, her mouth flapping open.

    ¡°Not that I know whether any of those things she ¡®knows¡¯ is true, of course. But Marcus said that Piper hasn¡¯t been able to shut up about you recently. He¡¯s paired with her for English, apparently, and she just kept going on and on about the fact that you were trying it on with Asher. He also mentioned that she¡¯s been avoiding him and the guys in PC, which tracks with what Mia said. But she¡¯s definitely lied to Cecelia about not knowing anything about the rumours.¡±

    Lila whipped her phone out of her pocket, diving into her various social media apps to see if she was friends with Piper on any of them. Piper evidently followed her on Instagram, but nothing else. Could she have figured out those things from her Stories?

    ¡°That¡¯s actually so effing creepy,¡± Cecelia whispered through her fingers, which were clamped over her mouth. ¡°Like, beyond creepy.¡±

    A shiver ran across Lila¡¯s entire body as she processed what Lucas had said. Whether or not Piper knew from her Stories, the fact that she retained that knowledge and was telling people they were close friends was still unsettling. Lucas shot a quick look at Cecelia and Lila, his brow furrowed in obvious confusion.

    ¡°How is that creepy? Weird, sure, but I dunno about creepy,¡± Lucas said, shrugging.

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    ¡°I mean, Lila¡¯s said that she¡¯s barely spoken to Piper. How else is Piper supposed to know all that stuff without talking to Lila? By stalking,¡± Cecelia said pointedly, drawing out the last word. Lucas gave an incredulous laugh.

    ¡°Yeah nah, dude, that¡¯s ridiculous,¡± he chuckled, taking off his glasses and wiping them with his shirt. ¡°I think stalking would be too strong a word. She¡¯s probably just curious or wants to be friends with Lila but doesn¡¯t know how. Have you seen her hanging around all the time, Lila?¡±

    Lila tried to recall whether she had seen Piper around. Piper, being as short as she was, could be missed in a crowd. It slowly dawned on Lila that Piper had, in fact, been around Lila fairly often.

    ¡°She was in PE with me,¡± Lila said, folding her arms across her chest and looking down at scratched-in initials on the surface of the table. ¡°I saw her when I was getting changed before the demonstration ¨C she came in with Ayla.¡±

    ¡°So she could¡¯ve seen you, Asher, and Connor and maybe said some things¡­¡± Cecelia trailed off thoughtfully.

    ¡°I¡¯ve bumped into her in the tuckshop,¡± Lila murmured, remembering back to the Monday before Valentine¡¯s Day. ¡°Or, rather, she bumped into me. She basically ran away from me then.¡±

    ¡°Must be a coincidence,¡± Lucas replied with a shrug. ¡°I mean, we all have the same lunchtime.¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ she also takes the bus with me, but I can¡¯t be sure. If it is the same girl, she always sits in the back. I prefer the front¡­ makes me feel less queasy,¡± Lila said quietly, thinking hard now. If Piper did take the same bus route, then she¡¯d seen Lila get off near Asher¡¯s house¡­ Not that she was going to share that nugget of information with Cecelia and Lucas. Despite their apologies and help after their accusations and bets, Lila was still hesitant to reveal that she¡¯d actually been over to Asher¡¯s place a few times, virtually alone.

    ¡®And that I¡¯m planning to go tomorrow too¡­¡¯ Lila thought, biting her lip to prevent herself from spilling those details. Telling either Cecelia or Lucas would be a one-way ticket to Suspicion Station and they¡¯d start thinking the rumours were true again.

    ¡°¡­ do now?¡± Cecelia¡¯s voice pulled Lila out of her thoughts.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Lila asked, blinking rapidly at Cecelia.

    ¡°I asked what you¡¯re going to do now about Mia and Piper,¡± replied Cecelia, blinking slowly back at Lila, obviously perplexed.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila replied, tracing imaginary circles along the table. ¡°Well, I think I¡¯ll need to collect my thoughts together. Then¡­ I guess I¡¯ll have to try and convince them to stop¡­¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s pretty clear that it¡¯s Piper,¡± Cecelia said confidently.

    ¡°It¡¯s either Piper or she¡¯s trying to hide her involvement,¡± Lucas agreed.

    ¡°Yeah, I think so too,¡± Lila confirmed, nodding. ¡°And if it¡¯s not Piper but she¡¯s hiding her involvement, I need to know why. Plus, I want to get to the bottom of why she¡¯s been telling people that we¡¯re friends.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re taking notes,¡± a stern voice behind Lila suddenly cut their conversation short.

    ¡°Yes, sir. Very many, sir,¡± Lila said quickly, flipping through her notebook in a panic.

    ¡°Good, good,¡± Mr Johnson trailed off. Lila glanced behind her to see Mr Johnson wandering around the Biology lab, interrupting the conversations of all their classmates equally.

    ¡°At least he¡¯s not just targeting us,¡± murmured Lila as she creased a blank page open and began to write notes based on the YouTube video currently playing.

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Cecelia muttered, following suit. ¡°Can¡¯t believe we have to do work now.¡±

    Lucas gave a heavy sigh and dramatic eye-roll at Cecelia¡¯s words as he flipped his own notebook open. Both Cecelia and Lila exchanged a cheeky grin before continuing to take down some notes.

    After another lesson spent ignoring Asher in English, Lila impatiently waited for Grace and Elise to meet with her whilst she stood in line at the tuckshop. That lesson in particular felt like torture ¨C for some reason, Lila had spent much of the lesson sneaking peeks at her phone to see if Asher would text her to cancel their plan for tomorrow, but he hadn¡¯t. He also didn¡¯t acknowledge her existence yet again, but Lila tried to firmly remind herself that he hadn¡¯t suddenly taken a disliking to her ¨C that it was just part of their plan to combat the rumours.

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Elise said playfully, bumping Lila with her hip. ¡°What¡¯s got you all spacey?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°Where¡¯s Grace?¡±

    ¡°Next to you,¡± Grace¡¯s voice said on Lila¡¯s right side. Upon whirling around to face Grace, Lila shuffled aside to make room for Grace and Elise in line. The students directly behind Lila tutted loudly but didn¡¯t otherwise say anything to dissuade them from cutting in.

    ¡°Assembly sucked ass, as usual,¡± Elise lamented, pulling a mandarin from her lunchbox and peeling it with a bit more aggression than necessary.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Grace nodded, stretching her arms in front of her. ¡°Almost fell asleep.¡±

    ¡°The thing I hate the most about assembly is having to wear the dress,¡± Lila sighed, pulling at her shapeless emerald-green dress and folding down her white collar so it was tucked under her dark navy blazer. Faint dark green, lime and grey lines imitating a plaid design did nothing to make the ¡®formal dress¡¯ uniform any more attractive, and Assembly days additionally required skin-coloured stockings, blazers in this sweltering heat, and pristine ribbons tying up their hair.

    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± sighed Grace, also tugging at her uniform, ensuring her navy clip-on tie sat neatly underneath where her collars met. ¡°I much prefer the blouse and skirt combo. So much breezier in the summer, plus it looks better.¡±

    ¡°Not that we have much to choose from,¡± smirked Elise. ¡°But, I suppose, as far as school uniforms go, it¡¯s not the worst. We could have bright red or Cadbury purple.¡±

    ¡°I like purple uniforms,¡± pouted Lila. ¡°But I guess I¡¯d get sick of that after a while, too.¡±

    ¡°At least they went all in with the green,¡± nodded Grace. ¡°Being this is Forestglade College and all.¡±

    The line moved forward, and the girls began to envision loudly what alternatives could be made to the school uniform to make it less of an eyesore. Eventually, their imaginations took them down an avenue where instead of uniforms, they were given plastic trash bags to wear. Somehow this option was unanimously agreed upon as being much better than their current uniform.

    Giggling, Grace and Lila waved goodbye to Elise as they both entered the tuckshop. Once their lunches were secured, they collected Elise at the exit and wandered off to their usual spot in the shade, their cream-coloured straw hats neatly covering them from the overbearing sun. Today¡¯s Assembly carried strong reminders of detentions to be issued if students walked around campus hatless, and none of them were keen to take up the tempting offer.

    Once seated, Lila launched into a retelling of the information she¡¯d gathered from Cecelia and Lucas in Bio that day. Elise and Grace were both suitably horrified at the fact that Piper seemed to be keeping close tabs on Lila for unknown reasons, and asked Lila about her plan of action.

    ¡°Well,¡± Lila said, taking a bite of a chicken strip garnished with a strand of her hair, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it during Assembly and English.¡±

    ¡°Go on¡­¡± Elise said, gesturing with her yoghurt-covered spoon.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll need to stalk the stalker.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Grace cooed. ¡°That sounds like a fun idea.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hoping to have a ball doing it,¡± Lila frowned at Grace. ¡°But, I¡¯m hoping that I might be able to figure out where she goes during the week so I can talk to her, girl to girl.¡±

    ¡°I think you guys will just be going ¡¯round in circles,¡± Elise snickered. Lila rolled her eyes but gave Elise a small grin all the same.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see her around me all the time,¡± Lila replied, taking a drink from her juice box. ¡°So, I think I¡¯ll get some valuable insight into where she frequents.¡±

    ¡°To be honest, before all this, I hadn¡¯t taken any notice of Piper,¡± Elise said, tipping her yoghurt cup into her mouth.

    ¡°Neither, but I realised she¡¯s in my Art class the other day,¡± Grace shrugged.

    ¡°I think she¡¯s in my German class,¡± Elise added, pulling out a bag of snack pretzels from her lunchbox.

    ¡°And she has PE and Study with me,¡± Lila noted. ¡°I looked around to see if she was in my English class and it doesn¡¯t look like it, nor is she in my Maths class.¡±

    ¡°She also doesn¡¯t do Modern History,¡± Grace said thoughtfully. ¡°I think she does Dance? She seems like a girl who would do Dance as a subject.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, I can ask Lauren. She¡¯s in German with me and does Dance as well,¡± Elise replied excitedly, whipping out her phone and quickly swiping on it. Within seconds, her phone buzzed in her hand, and she looked up at Grace and Lila with a thumbs up.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re narrowing down her schedule,¡± Lila sighed, leaning back on her elbows, and looking up toward the bright blue sky. It was dotted with swishes of wispy clouds that appeared to be moving across quickly. Well, as quickly as clouds could go.

    ¡°What do you reckon her last subject is?¡± Elise asked, also leaning back on her elbows.

    ¡°Probably a science. Seems like most people take a science,¡± Grace reasoned with a shrug.

    ¡°She¡¯s definitely not in my Bio class,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°If she is doing a science, it would have to be Physics or Chemistry.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if she¡¯s smart enough to do either of those,¡± Elise said absently, staring at the sky. ¡°No offense,¡± she quickly added, glancing at Grace and Lila.

    ¡°Am I supposed to be offended?¡± Lila snorted. ¡°Either way, though, we don¡¯t know for sure.¡±

    ¡°Hey Lila,¡± Grace said slowly, ¡°when will you get the time to follow Piper around all day?¡±

    ¡°Good question,¡± Lila replied with a small sigh, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a go, but I should really focus on my schoolwork right this minute. It seems like everything¡¯s coming to a head in the next couple of weeks.¡±

    ¡°Did you want us to help?¡± Elise asked.

    ¡°Should be right,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°You guys have got a lot on, too. Plus, I¡¯m taking some solace in the fact that the rumours have slowed down some.¡±

    ¡°If you do need help, we¡¯re not far,¡± Grace said, glancing at Elise, who nodded fervently.

    ¡°We¡¯ll come running,¡± Elise said confidently. ¡°In my case, it¡¯ll be a bit slow, but I¡¯ll run all the same.¡±

 Chapter Sixteen

    Chapter Sixteen

    Lila found herself stood on Asher¡¯s porch yet again on Saturday morning, dressed casually in a red t?shirt, jeans and Vans this time, backpack hanging off her left shoulder. Though the t-shirt was slightly tighter than she would have liked, it was at least better than the dress she had worn last time. Never again would she trust a buttoned dress whilst getting changed in a rush.

    Taking a deep breath, she knocked on the right side of Asher¡¯s front doors. A minute passed before it slowly opened. It was Marlene, looking distinctly unkempt with her messy bun askew, flour on her nose and something wet down the front of her apron.

    ¡°G-Good morning, Marlene,¡± Lila said tentatively. Marlene simply smiled and ushered Lila inside with a bow. Lila took her shoes off and slipped on the house slippers that were waiting for her.

    ¡°I¡¯m testing a new recipe,¡± Marlene said, gesturing to her floured nose and wet apron without so much as a greeting. ¡°Oh, and Mr Wagner is just upstairs in his room,¡± Marlene added, still holding the door open.

    Lila nodded, goosebumps suddenly rising along her arms and neck. Standing in Marlene¡¯s presence without Asher was nerve-wracking, especially after their last encounter. As if on cue, loud footsteps bounded down the staircase at the far end of the house, and Marlene closed the door behind Lila with a soft click.

    Lila made her way further into the house and met Asher by the kitchen bench. He was dressed casually in a slightly crumpled longline navy t-shirt that complemented his fair but olive-tinged skin very well, his light grey tracksuit shorts hung low on his hips.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he said, smiling at Lila, though his eyes shared none of the joy. His eyes flickered behind Lila¡¯s shoulder briefly before he indicated to Lila to follow him.

    ¡°Are we going to the library?¡± she asked, her stomach suddenly dropping at the prospect of being back in Asher¡¯s space within the house. Though it was nicely secluded, it was exactly the setting for the rumours to explode and multiply, should anyone from school find out she was in there alone with Asher.

    ¡°Not today,¡± Asher shook his head, leading the way as usual. ¡°Dad¡¯s still wrapping up the finishing touches of his workshop.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied as they climbed the staircase. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d have already presented the workshop.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Same, but apparently that¡¯s this week coming. He¡¯s travelling there on Monday.¡±

    ¡°So, you¡¯d be alone with Gabriel and Marlene?¡± Lila asked softly. Asher nodded, opening the door to the rumpus room and gesturing for Lila to go through. The room was set up exactly as it had been last time, except new drinks were waiting to be opened in the kitchenette. The snack tray featuring finger sandwiches was already on the coffee table, and it looked as though Asher had already eaten a couple judging by the crumbs sitting atop his scattered school supplies.

    Lila put her backpack down next to the couch as she took a seat. She breathed a small sigh of relief. Asher seemed relatively normal with Lila despite the awkwardness of the past couple of weeks. Maybe he didn¡¯t hate her, after all.

    ¡°¡­ juice?¡± Asher¡¯s voice drifted to Lila, snapping her back to her senses.

    ¡°J-Juice sounds great,¡± she replied, only half-convinced she answered his question appropriately. She could hear Asher wordlessly opening a bottle and pouring something into a cup. He made his way over to Lila and passed her a cup of orange-coloured juice.

    ¡°Tropical juice,¡± he said by way of explanation as he took a sip of his own cup. He pushed aside some of his supplies to make room for his cup. Lila put her own cup down. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at Asher directly. Her heart had decided to play up again, loudly, and she feared it would burst out of her chest if she looked at Asher.

    They sat in awkward silence on the couch for some time, neither one of them apparently wanting to be the first to speak. Then¨C

    ¡°Uh-¡±

    ¡°I-¡±

    They both cut each other off with nothing of substance. Lila shut her mouth with a snap in embarrassment, staring at her hands as if they didn¡¯t belong to her. Now that they were alone together without Marlene hovering behind them, Lila realised that her first assumption was absolutely incorrect. This was distinctly the most awkward they had been with each other to date. It felt even worse than their first meeting at Asher¡¯s.

    Lila could hear Asher rub his face and exhale loudly before he began to speak again.

    ¡°H-How are you holding up?¡± he asked, losing steam towards the end of the question.

    ¡°G-Great,¡± Lila lied. Immediately her face turned bright red, and she hid it in her hands.

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Asher said, moving slightly closer to inspect Lila¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re not crying, are you?¡±

    Lila threw her hands into her lap. ¡°No,¡± she said defiantly. She wasn¡¯t crying, though she was considering it as a viable option in the circumstances. Asher leaned back, taking a deep breath.

    ¡°Good,¡± he said softly, averting his gaze from her. They sat in silence for another few moments before Asher coughed uncomfortably.

    ¡°Um, so¡­ the dance,¡± he trailed off.

    ¡°Yep,¡± replied Lila.

    ¡°It was¡­¡±

    ¡°Kinda fun,¡± smiled Lila, though she still stared at her hands instead of looking at Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ it was. We¡­ we work well together. B-But I just want to say that I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°About Connor. And you. I really shoved my foot in it, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    Lila finally looked up at Asher, who was fiddling with his hands. He seemed incredibly nervous. He quickly looked away from Lila, instead looking at something behind her.

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve already apologised for that. Like I said last time, it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said. ¡°I appreciated it, really. He was¡­ being a creep.¡±

    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s not like the consequences went away.¡±

    More tense silence followed before Asher buried his face in his hands.

    ¡°Look, Lila¡­ I don¡¯t want to say this¡­ but I don¡¯t think we should hang out after the assignment¡¯s over.¡±

    It felt as though the air had completely vanished from Lila¡¯s lungs as they plummeted towards her feet. She couldn¡¯t catch her breath in time to respond to what Asher had said, but he continued on regardless.

    ¡°These rumours¡­ are ruining my life,¡± he said, his face still in his hands. ¡°Holly¡¯s really upset by them.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I see,¡± Lila choked. She involuntarily coughed and shook her head, trying to get a grip on herself. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Asher lifted his face from his hands, looking at Lila with another of his unfathomable expressions.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m glad you understand,¡± he said, his voice sounding strangely stifled. ¡°This does mean, though, that¡­ well, you won¡¯t be able to help me find my Mum anymore.¡±

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    Lila nodded, her eyes watering slightly. Was the aircon blowing into them?

    ¡°I appreciate everything you¡¯ve done for me,¡± he added hurriedly. ¡°Seriously. Based on the structure you¡¯ve given me, I think I can carry on by myself.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I don¡¯t think you should do this by yourself,¡± Lila said sharply, giving him a piercing gaze. He seemed to wither slightly under it but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything further. ¡°I mean it. You¡¯ll drive yourself crazy and someone needs to keep you in check.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said dismissively.

    ¡°Have you told Holly? Or Isaac?¡±

    ¡°¡­ No.¡±

    ¡°If I can¡¯t help, you should at least recruit someone else,¡± Lila said seriously.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone else to help me,¡± Asher said, his voice suddenly taking a determined tone. ¡°It¡¯s you or no one, I¡¯m afraid.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said simply.

    ¡°W-What I mean is that I want as few people to know as possible,¡± Asher said quickly, his cheeks pink.

    ¡°I understand.¡±

    ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t think Holly or Isaac would know where to begin to help me. They¡¯d probably be a hindrance more than anything else.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila stared down at her slippers and scuffed them along the floor gently. Truthfully, she wanted to argue against Asher¡¯s decision. He¡¯d already shown that he was mere minutes away from falling over in exhaustion before he told Lila. It wasn¡¯t healthy for him to go at it alone again, but¡­ it was still his issue. Not hers.

    Lila¡¯s eyes began to swim with tears, but she rapidly blinked them away. She could hear Asher attempting to speak but faltering last second. Lila still couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. It wouldn¡¯t do her any good to see his expression now, anyway. He¡¯d already decided.

    ¡°L-Let¡¯s just get this practice out of the way,¡± Lila finally said, leaning over the side of the couch to pull out her English materials.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ let¡¯s do that¡­¡±

    They spent the rest of the morning running through their presentation and script. As they conducted their run-throughs, Lila became increasingly fidgety. Asher¡¯s suggestion that they stop hanging out after the project was over was weighing on her mind, causing her to stumble and hesitate over the script much to Asher¡¯s clear annoyance.

    Lila was frustrated with herself endlessly. She had already known that it would come to this, though she tried to deny it to herself. But now that he had said it, she wasn¡¯t sure why it was affecting her so much. It had only been a matter of time. He had a girlfriend, after all. No matter how well they worked together, or how comfortable or engaged she felt whilst working towards the truth behind Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance, Lila couldn¡¯t stand in the way of Asher and Holly. After all, Asher looked so happy when he mentioned Holly and seemed so distraught now that the rumours were threatening to tear them apart.

    Eventually, Marlene¡¯s voice crackled through the intercom, breaking their concentration and calling them to lunch. They obediently made their way downstairs without a word and were met with the smell of pizza. Curious, Lila sat in her usual place at the table but noticed the lack of cutlery beside her porcelain plate. Marlene bustled in, carrying two small wooden paddles. She placed them on the table with a faint grin, looking proud of herself. From this vantage point, Lila could see two humble pizzas, one with ham and cheese and the other an assortment of vegetables, spinach leaves and mushrooms.

    ¡°Handmade pizzas,¡± she announced. ¡°I tried very hard today.¡±

    ¡°Smells delicious,¡± Lila said, sniffing the air, ¡°thank you very much, Marlene.¡±

    Lila helped herself to a slice of each pizza, figuring that she was just meant to eat with her hands. Asher didn¡¯t make any moves to get food, his eyes seeming distant.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked, raising a slice to her mouth. It was piping hot. The cheese stretched down towards her plate as if trying a daring escape to avoid being eaten. Asher jerked like she¡¯d startled him before he shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, yeah, I¡¯m good,¡± he said, hurriedly reaching to grab some pizza. Marlene gave them both a slight smile before moving back to the kitchen. It seemed she would not be joining them for lunch again. Once lunch was finished, Lila and Asher meandered their way into the rumpus room. Asher poured himself another drink after offering one to Lila, who declined. She remained standing even as Asher walked over to the couch, looking at her curiously and clutching the top of his cup as if his hand were a claw machine.

    ¡°Nice carrying technique,¡± Lila nodded, a small chuckle escaping her lips.

    ¡°What can I say? Sometimes I¡¯d like to be a claw machine at an arcade,¡± Asher said jokingly, placing his cup down as he sat on the couch. The uneasy atmosphere between them appeared to abate slightly. Lila inhaled deeply before she spoke again.

    ¡°Asher, is there any way that I can keep helping you?¡±

    He slowly stood up again, turning to look at Lila. He looked taken aback, his eyes studying her face. Lila contemplated saying ¡®never mind¡¯ and carrying on with their English practice, but instead adjusted her posture as she waited for Asher to respond.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t think you wanted to help me, to be honest,¡± he said after a lengthy pause, the tips of his ears pink as he finally tore his eyes away from Lila. Lila reeled in shock before she quickly recovered.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± she asked, moving over to the couch now. Asher rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced up at the ceiling, pressing his lips together firmly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never really had anyone want to help me,¡± he finally replied softly, his shoulders slumped as if in shame.

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila slowly took a seat, her eyes fixated on Asher as flashes of varying emotion crossed his face.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve been the Dux for how long?¡± Asher said darkly, pinching the bridge of his nose. ¡°And it¡¯s not exactly like my family¡¯s hurting for cash. I¡¯m usually the helper, not the helpee. Even though I know for a fact that I¡¯m not popular in the slightest, you wouldn¡¯t think it when holidays and exam time comes around. I helped everyone who asked, at first, but gradually, it wore me down. People took advantage of me and I eventually told them to piss off¡­ That¡¯s when the rumours about me got really bad¡­¡± he trailed off before giving Lila a sideways look and exhaling deeply.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I keep spilling all that kind of stuff to you,¡± he grimaced. ¡°I don¡¯t even say this kinda stuff to Isaac or Holly.¡±

    ¡°Must be part of my natural charm,¡± Lila joked, and he gave a half-hearted chuckle for her efforts. ¡°But I¡¯m being serious. I want to help you.¡±

    ¡°Voluntarily, or because you feel obligated to after I dragged you into this and put this burden on you?¡± he asked, guilt evidently colouring his words.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila shuffled closer to him on the couch, looking up at him earnestly. ¡°It may have started as an obligation, but I¡¯ve still offered to help even though you¡¯ve given me an out, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    Asher held his head in his hands for a moment before wiping his face, nodding slowly. ¡°I can¡¯t refute that,¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°No sir,¡± Lila said playfully, shaking her head. ¡°You cannot.¡±

    Their eyes met again, though this time it felt as though the air between them was charged with energy, the weight of Lila¡¯s words and strength of her conviction seemingly registering in Asher¡¯s gaze. Lila felt herself sinking into his warm, honey-brown eyes before fluttering hers shut and moving back to her original position on the couch.

    ¡°¡­ Thank you for your offer, Lila,¡± Asher said. ¡°I appreciate it. I¡­ don¡¯t know how you¡¯d be able to at the minute, especially with these rumours and how they¡¯re upsetting Holly.¡±

    ¡°What if we get rid of them?¡± Lila asked, looking at her English notebook intently.

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried,¡± Asher replied gloomily, sipping his cup.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got some leads on the source,¡± Lila replied quietly, opening the cover of her notebook repeatedly.

    Asher suddenly stood up, knocking his empty cup across the coffee table. ¡°Who is it?¡± he demanded, shaking slightly. ¡°¡®The source¡¯ sounds like one person. How do you know it¡¯s just one person? Tell me! I have to talk to them.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I¡¯m not going to tell you who I think it is,¡± Lila said, crossing her arms defiantly.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Asher growled, crossing his own arms as well, matching her pose. ¡°Lila, I have to know.¡±

    Lila squirmed slightly under his intense glare and bit her bottom lip. He was right, of course. The rumours were as much of a problem to him as they were to her, though Lila could acknowledge that Asher had much more to lose due to them.

    ¡°It¡­ is a she, and I¡¯m not giving you her name,¡± she said slowly, against her better judgement to say nothing at all, ¡°but Isaac said that he thought the rumours were originating from a particular PC class. Not yours or mine. And¡­ I think she¡¯s been following me.¡±

    Asher looked down contemplatively at Lila for a moment. ¡°Lila, you¡¯ve got to tell me. Let me help you.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said forcefully, ¡°I¡¯m being serious. But I can say that I¡¯ve ruled out Ayla and Brittany, at least. I think it¡¯s one of their friends.¡±

    ¡°All the more reason for me to know,¡± Asher said, his voice sounding almost frantic, gesturing wildly. ¡°If it¡¯s one of their friends, I have to do somethi-¡±

    ¡°I can handle it,¡± Lila said, attempting to sound confident, raising her hand in a ¡®stop¡¯ gesture. Asher blinked at Lila and reluctantly sat down.

    ¡°You sure?¡± he asked, looking concerned now.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯ll be like a girl-to-girl conversation. I think you might intimidate her too much. Then the rumour mill will have something else to talk about as well. In any case, now that exams are coming up, I bet you¡¯ll be super busy trying to preserve your status as Dux. You¡¯ve seriously got so much on your plate right now. Let me be useful for once. Besides, if my plan doesn¡¯t work out, there¡¯s no reason why you can¡¯t try afterwards as the backup plan.¡±

    Asher fell back onto the couch, his mind still clearly active, though he seemed more satisfied with Lila¡¯s plan.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re right about one thing, at least. I have to concentrate on my schoolwork,¡± Asher lamented. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can concentrate on anything else at the moment¡­ not even Mum. She¡­ she told me that no matter what happens, the Earth could swallow us whole or we could get struck by a meteor, my studies have to come first. I don¡¯t want to disappoint her.¡±

    Lila glimpsed Asher wiping at his glistening eyes briefly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you could ever disappoint her,¡± Lila whispered. Asher looked wildly at her.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, staring at Lila as though she was a prophet.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a feeling I get. After hearing you talk about her, and seeing the study,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°I can¡¯t explain why, but that¡¯s what I reckon anyway.¡±

    Asher swallowed hard before nodding. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ thanks.¡±

    ¡°Though,¡± Lila gave Asher a teasing grin, ¡°I¡¯m happy to not test that hypothesis right now. Shall we get back to it?¡±

 Chapter Seventeen

    Chapter Seventeen

    True to Asher¡¯s word, he seemed entirely dedicated to his schoolwork upon returning to English class on Monday. Whilst Lila and Asher were still ignoring each other as much as they could in English, now that it was close to the time that they would need to hand in their scripts and PowerPoints for marking, they were forced to break the fa?ade a couple of times to show Ms Shard that they were, indeed, working collaboratively. By the end of the lesson, they quietly agreed to meet up on Wednesday night again to run through the presentation and speech to ensure it was polished. By the seriousness on Asher¡¯s face, Lila figured that he wouldn¡¯t focus on anything else besides their assignment on Wednesday, which suited her just fine.

    Lila had spotted Piper on her normal bus route, and around the lockers between classes, which she noted with curiosity. Somehow, Piper seemed to stay tantalizingly close but also way too far for any kind of meaningful interaction. Oftentimes, Piper would manage to disappear into any lingering crowds, with Lila unable to keep up in any capacity. It frustrated Lila, but she couldn¡¯t dedicate any more time to the intricacies of Piper¡¯s schedule besides what she could incidentally see.

    Grace and Elise also tried their hands at following Piper when they could, though that also proved fruitless. What Lila did manage to figure out by now was that Piper was already seated in the back of the school bus in the mornings and would stay on after Lila got off in the afternoons. Without a doubt, that meant that Piper could have noticed Lila changing her stop when she went to Asher¡¯s after school.

    It also seemed that Asher¡¯s dedication was transferring to Lila as she knuckled down to tackle her upcoming assessments that Monday and Tuesday. Lila didn¡¯t even pay attention as to whether rumours about her and Asher were still floating about, as she¡¯d taken to holing herself up in the library to get some extra study in, much to the chagrin of Elise, who reluctantly followed Lila, and the delight of Grace, who eagerly brought her own study materials.

    Lila also took solace in the fact that PE on Tuesday morning didn¡¯t have any room for any more rumours ¨C the class was practising group dances, which required the ''feminine'' roles to be inside a circle of ''masculine'' roles. They would complete a few steps together in ''feminine'' and ''masculine'' pairs before twirling to the next partner. Though this meant that Lila and Asher danced together a couple of times, it had been so brief that Lila had barely noticed she was in Asher¡¯s arms again until she¡¯d moved on to the next person.

    Her newfound dedication to study got to the point that, despite the fact that Clare¡¯s Uni semester had begun, Clare still found the time to check in on Lila with bowls of cut fruit or snacks in the evenings before she left to hang out with her friends.

    ¡°You¡¯re working so hard,¡± Clare said affectionately on Wednesday morning as the two sisters ate breakfast before heading to their various educational institutions for the day.

    ¡°I try,¡± Lila said sheepishly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll do great on your exams,¡± Clare said with a yawn, sipping her cup of coffee. She¡¯d been looking progressively more tired lately, but Lila reasoned that Clare was trying to readjust to starting classes again.

    ¡°Thanks, sis,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°By the way, tonight I¡¯m going over to Asher¡¯s again to practice for English. I¡¯ve already told Mum, but just in case. You can save the fruit for next time.¡±

    Clare didn¡¯t say anything and instead leaned across the table to pinch Lila¡¯s cheek and ruffle her hair with a cheeky grin.

    ¡°Not my hair,¡± complained Lila, shoving a mouthful of Milo cereal in her mouth hastily before smoothing down her hair.

    ¡°But you¡¯re so cute,¡± Clare squeaked as she smacked Lila¡¯s hand out of the way so she could ruffle her hair again. Lila dodged, grabbing her bowl of cereal and drinking the milk out of it. After dropping it back down on the table, Lila ran off upstairs to brush her teeth, almost kneeing Daniel in the stomach in the hallway as he grumpily stomped his way to the kitchen.

    ¡°Oi!¡± he shouted.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± she called back through a mouthful of toothpaste, speeding through her morning routine. Her first class of the day was English ¨C she couldn¡¯t be late.

    <hr>

    Asher confirmed the plan for Lila to come over again that night at the end of English in a low murmur. Lila managed to survive the rest of the day amidst a flurry of assignment prep whilst waiting to head over to Asher¡¯s. Though, now that she was in Study, her last class for the day, Lila¡¯s enthusiasm and concentration had waned almost entirely.

    Lila sat in the same booth that she usually did and found Piper and Ayla in her field of vision. The way that they were sitting meant that whenever they looked up, they could see Lila, which made her feel a bit self-conscious. They were relatively quiet today, concentrating on their laptops and flipping furiously through various books. With the level of concentration they had, Lila was definitely looking at them far more than they looked at her during their Study period.

    ¡®Well, if I can¡¯t focus on my schoolwork, perhaps I can think about my plan¡­¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh. She picked a particular notebook that was virtually devoid of any notes and opened it to the middle. What would she even say to Piper? When? How?

    ¡®I know I told Asher I could handle it, but I don¡¯t even know what I¡¯m doing,¡¯ Lila thought despondently as she jotted down notes regarding what she knew about Piper so far. Piper was in 11B, friends with both Ayla and Brittany (the renowned gossip Queens), was at least a stop or more further than Lila on the bus route, suddenly began to raise her grades, would tell people that she was close with Lila for indeterminate reasons, and it was theorised that Piper would then use that as a way to legitimise what she was telling people about Lila¡­

    But why? This point had been niggling at Lila once she had learned about Piper¡¯s potential involvement in the rumours swirling around Lila and Asher. Was she just swept up in the fervour of the rumours? Or was she vindictive? Could she be friends with Holly and mad on Holly¡¯s behalf? Unfortunately, Grace wasn¡¯t close enough to Holly anymore to get information in that regard, but that was Lila¡¯s top theory in the absence of Piper¡¯s perspective.

    Lila pondered further as she reread her notes. Should she confidently assert her position that Piper was definitely involved, or try a softer approach to see if Piper would admit it herself?

    Lila suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to look up. Upon doing so, she saw Piper whipping her head towards Ayla. Was Piper staring at Lila? Did Piper know Lila was looking into her? Or was Lila just hyper-aware of Piper¡¯s movements now?

    Lila didn¡¯t make any further headway into her plan of action by the time Study finished, on account of being increasingly paranoid that Piper was looking at her. Lila threw all her belongings into her bag and dashed to her locker, taking everything else that she needed before slamming it shut and hurrying towards the school bus station. All the while, despite her speed, Lila would catch glimpses of Piper here and there, but that was to be expected. They would be travelling on the same bus, after all.

    Lila took her usual seat on the bus and stared out the window, waiting to see when Piper would appear. Eventually, Lila realised that Piper was already sitting at the back. Goosebumps erupted across her whole body as Lila tried to think when Piper could have slipped past her notice. She couldn¡¯t.

    Try as she might, Lila couldn¡¯t relax her muscles as they journeyed through the suburbs surrounding Forestglade College. Upon reaching Asher¡¯s stop, Lila snuck a peek at Piper who remained seated at the back. Piper glowered back at Lila and Lila hurriedly got off the bus, shivers running down her spine. What was Piper¡¯s deal?

    Lila checked behind her shoulder to ensure Piper wasn¡¯t following before making her way to Asher¡¯s place, hand on her chest to try and steady her furiously beating heart. She needed to calm down before knocking on the door. If Asher noticed how spooked she was and asked, Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she could make a convincing enough lie. If he found out the truth, he would definitely seek to pry Piper¡¯s name out of Lila and confront her himself.

    Lila took a deep breath and counted to ten before knocking on Asher¡¯s front doors. Asher immediately opened the right-side door, still in his uniform, his shirt untucked and hair a mess. He seemed rather distracted, merely giving her a tired smile before letting her inside.

    Gabriel was bustling about in the kitchen as usual, humming to himself. Lila greeted him with a sunny smile, which he delightedly returned.

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you Lila,¡± he beamed. ¡°I¡¯m pleased to say that Ivaan will be joining us for dinner today.¡±

    Lila froze. Asher¡¯s Dad? She quickly glanced at Asher who gave her a half-hearted shrug.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get set up in the library,¡± he said simply, leading the way. Lila waved goodbye at Gabriel as she struggled to match Asher¡¯s pace. It felt like he was almost sprinting.

    Asher¡¯s study materials were already set up in the library at their usual spot, a plate of various fruits, cheeses, and crackers in the centre of the table. Lila put down her school bag and set herself up. As Lila had predicted, Asher didn¡¯t mention anything that wasn¡¯t related to their English project or other upcoming assessments. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether he had noticed that her demeanour was slightly off or whether she was playing it cool enough that he couldn¡¯t notice.

    The run-throughs of their presentation today were much smoother than Saturday. Lila only stumbled a couple of times through the script, and it seemed that Asher had more patience today as he didn¡¯t mention her mistakes, nor did he seem annoyed. After an hour of practice passed, he nodded satisfactorily to himself.

    ¡°Great work, Lila,¡± he said, still looking down at his printed script. ¡°If you want, I reckon we can upload all our materials to Turnitin tonight.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Lila asked, scrolling through the slides she had prepared, checking for grammatical errors.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Asher said, looking up at Lila. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll just double-check, just in case¡­¡±

    ¡°Go for it,¡± Asher smiled before looking back down at his script.

    Lila conducted a couple of checks of the script and slides before uploading both to Turnitin. Asher leaned over to see her screen as she waited with bated breath to see their originality score. It came in at 3%. Checking through the matches, it was all quotes from The Great Gatsby. Lila stretched, relieved.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± Asher suggested, also stretching. ¡°My brain is getting fried, plus dinner is still a while away.¡±

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°Gladly,¡± Lila grinned, grabbing a few grapes from their snack platter. The silence between them today felt comfortable ¨C warm, even. They scrolled through their phones and snacked until eventually, Asher broke the silence and suggested they run through the presentation a few more times.

    Once finished, Lila checked the time ¨C it was only 5.30pm. She guessed that dinner wouldn¡¯t be for another hour or so. Asher looked at his phone, frowning.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m out of ideas on what we should do,¡± he said, running his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°I guess we could study on our own?¡± Lila suggested reluctantly. She¡¯d been studying all day and she wasn¡¯t keen on more study, but would if Asher wanted to. Surprisingly, he shook his head.

    ¡°No ma¡¯am,¡± he said, taking an apple slice from the platter. ¡°Breaks are just as important as study, you know.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Lila said curiously. ¡°What¡¯s your usual study routine?¡±

    Asher looked sheepish. ¡°It¡¯s nothing really special,¡± he replied, his cheeks slowly growing pink.

    ¡°You can let me in on the secret,¡± Lila said, a grin spreading across her face. He wasn¡¯t normally so meek.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re trustworthy,¡± he said, appearing to bite back a smile at his words. ¡°I guess one of my biggest tips is to recite what I¡¯ve learned to myself. I also quiz myself out loud. It¡¯s¡­ a bit embarrassing, to be honest. I don¡¯t hold back when trying to relate the information to my experiences. I have a hard time keeping it just in my head, though. I get weird looks when trying those methods around other people.¡±

    Lila took another bunch of grapes and chewed on them thoughtfully.

    ¡°I see,¡± she said. ¡°I can see why that would be useful.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied. ¡°When I hear myself say something that doesn¡¯t make sense or just sounds ridiculous, I go back and review the material before quizzing myself again. I also handwrite as many notes as I can. I find that using my body and listening to my own thoughts connects the dots effectively for me. Typing doesn¡¯t give me the same effect. I¡¯m not too sure why, but I think it has to do with the fact that handwriting is a very conscious thing. I can touch type with my eyes closed, so I find that typing¡¯s only really helpful when I¡¯m just trying to put my thoughts to paper in the first instance, not when trying to learn or memorise content.¡±

    Asher briefly paused, tapping his chin thoughtfully before continuing again. ¡°I also give myself frequent breaks. A twenty-to-thirty-minute break every hour or so usually works for me. If I go for much longer, I don¡¯t retain anything. It was hard not to feel guilty at first, but I figured if I wasn¡¯t being productive, what was the point in going so long anyway?¡±

    ¡°Tips from a master,¡± Lila replied, impressed. ¡°You¡¯ve definitely put a lot of thought into your study techniques. I usually just re-read everything until it feels like I don¡¯t know English anymore.¡±

    ¡°Does it work for you?¡±

    ¡°Eh¡­ mixed results.¡±

    Asher chuckled, cutting himself a slice of cheese and putting it on a cracker. ¡°If what you¡¯re doing isn¡¯t working, I¡¯d suggest trying one of those methods. Writing down notes in your handwriting, quizzing yourself, reciting the content, frequent breaks ¨C those kinds of things could help you out.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled, ¡°those sound like good tips.¡±

    ¡°We do all learn differently, though,¡± Asher added seriously. ¡°So please don¡¯t shoot the messenger if those techniques suck.¡±

    Lila laughed heartily, tossing a couple more grapes into her mouth. Asher joined in her laughter momentarily before they fell into an easy silence again.

    ¡°Seriously, though,¡± Asher said through a mouthful of cheese. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like studying at the moment.¡±

    Lila dropped her voice to a low whisper. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t want to talk about your Mum today?¡±

    Asher shook his head violently. ¡°Dad¡¯s home. I can¡¯t guarantee where he is in the house at any given time. He¡¯s very¡­ quiet.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila leaned back in her chair. ¡°That¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for understanding.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila said, before standing up. ¡°Got any board games? Or something fun to do?¡±

    Asher blinked up at her as though she said something in Tagalog. ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard of fun before? Or is it board games that have got you stuck?¡± Lila asked playfully.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯ve heard of fun,¡± Asher replied defensively, also standing up. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ well, we do have board games, but no one really plays them.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied, taken aback. ¡°That¡¯s kinda sad. They must be really dusty, then.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Probably.¡±

    ¡°My family play board games every so often, but I¡¯ve got two siblings I can bully into playing with me,¡± Lila said matter-of-factly. ¡°I guess it must be different for only children.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, walking to a particular bookshelf on the far back wall. ¡°Mum was the only one who really made time to play them with me. Gabriel sometimes, too, but as I got older, I guess no one really suggested it as much. I can¡¯t even remember the last time I played any of these.¡±

    He knelt to look at the bottom of the shelf, which evidently housed a number of board games. Lila followed behind, curious to see what kind they had. It looked like a rather standard collection, though there were a few that Lila didn¡¯t recognise. Some seemed word-related or educational, which was definitely not part of her family¡¯s board game interests. Asher pulled out a set of Jenga blocks.

    ¡°I guess we could warm up with this, at least,¡± he said, standing up again and inspecting the set. They walked to an empty table this time and built the Jenga tower. They battled via scissors, paper, rock to see who would start (Lila won), and then their tournament to discover the best player began.

    Playing Jenga with Asher was certainly an interesting experience. He seemed to light up in ways Lila hadn¡¯t seen before as his competitive streak shone through. Lila found herself dramatically commentating each move Asher made and he quickly caught on and commentated her moves as well. They continued that way for some time, hilarity ensuing as each move elicited progressively more ridiculous commentary and light roasting (some of which included how Lila would simultaneously be the worst and best engineer to grace the planet, and how Asher¡¯s pincer grip could outcompete a particularly angry crab), to the point that Lila knocked over their first tower from belly-laughing too hard.

    ¡°Yes!¡± Asher cried, fist-pumping the air before dissolving into laughter as well. They repeated the process a few more times, their stream of laughter almost entirely continuous, until a loud knock sounded on the library door.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get it,¡± wheezed Asher, stumbling to stand. Lila tried to keep herself together as she smiled stupidly in the direction of the door. Asher opened it and Gabriel poked his head in, looking energetically about the room.

    ¡°I thought there were about ten people in here!¡± he joked, beaming jovially at Lila. ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°Is it that time already?¡± Lila asked, rubbing her stomach, and looking at her phone¡¯s clock. An hour had passed.

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Gabriel confirmed, disappearing from the entryway. ¡°I¡¯ll collect Ivaan.¡±

    At Ivaan¡¯s name, Asher froze momentarily, all joy seemingly sapped from his body at once.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked, crossing the room to join Asher at the door.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher replied, shaking his head in direct contradiction to his assertion. ¡°All good.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t push any further so as not to ruin the carefree mood they had fallen into and followed Asher to the dining room. It looked as though they were being treated to a chicken with marsala risotto, complete with roasted asparagus, judging by the steaming serving dishes set out in the middle of the table. Four plates and sets of cutlery were set up today, one of which was at the head of the table.

    Now that the high from Jenga had faded slightly, Lila suddenly felt nervous as she shakily tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and smoothed down her uniform as best she could. She felt glad that, though a trash bag would look better, she was wearing the formal dress today. She¡¯d never met Asher¡¯s Dad (at least, not that she could remember), and didn¡¯t know what to expect. Asher hadn¡¯t said much about his Dad except that he was suspicious that his Dad had something to do with his Mum¡¯s disappearance.

    It didn¡¯t take long for two sets of footsteps to reach their ears and Lila turned to see Gabriel leading a tall, handsome man into the dining room. He had a strong nose and cheekbones, light-olive skin, salt-and-pepper hair, and dark eyes framed with luscious eyelashes. He was also dressed smartly in navy-blue business attire. Lila recognised the unquestionable resemblance between father and son immediately. Though Asher¡¯s features were certainly fairer than his Dad¡¯s, Lila still felt as though she was looking at what Asher would look like in the future.

    Lila instantly felt a sense of familiarity in Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s features. Given she was also biracial, she found this feeling comforting ¨C most biracial people that she met found a special type of connection upon realising they were in the company of other biracial people. It was as though their shared yet individual struggles with their identity instantly bonded them together.

    Lila stood to greet Asher¡¯s Dad. He looked surprised to see Lila, but his face broke into a welcoming smile as he moved forward to shake her hand firmly.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± he said, his deep voice smooth like honey and exuding an infectious sense of calm. ¡°I¡¯m Ivaan.¡±

    ¡°Nice to meet you, Mr Wagner,¡± Lila said, her voice wavering only a little. ¡°I¡¯m Lila. A classmate of Asher¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Please, call me Ivaan,¡± Ivaan replied, his eyes twinkling. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you from Asher.¡±

    Lila quickly glanced at Asher, who was still seated and now gently prodding the placemat under his dinner plate as if it was an archaeological discovery, his ears pink.

    ¡°Though, I must say,¡± Ivaan added, ¡°I didn¡¯t realise Asher had a different girlfriend now.¡±

    ¡°W-We¡¯re not dating,¡± Lila squeaked, her face immediately burning a bright red. ¡°He¡¯s dating Holly still. We¡¯re just¡­ uh, partners for our English presentation.¡±

    ¡°Oh, of course. My mistake,¡± Ivaan smiled apologetically as he moved to the seat at the head of the table. ¡°Unfortunately, being as busy as I am at the Forestglade Private Hospital, I can sometimes get a couple details wrong. I apologise if I made you uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°No, not at all,¡± Lila replied quickly. She didn¡¯t dare look at Asher as she sat down herself. Gabriel dished out the food to everyone¡¯s preferences before taking his own seat. As expected, dinner was delicious and another relatively speechless affair. Ivaan tried some mild small talk here and there, asking how school was and how their project was going. Lila, in turn, asked how Ivaan¡¯s workshop went, and all questions were met with the same vague ¡°Good¡± answers. Ivaan wasn¡¯t exactly unfriendly ¨C just quiet, as Asher had told her. Not much more was said as they reached the dessert portion of their dinner, which today consisted of a caramel slice and vanilla bean ice cream.

    ¡°That was scrumptious as always,¡± Lila said to Gabriel, patting her stomach once she was done.

    ¡°I can always count on you to be so complimentary, Lila,¡± Gabriel said pleasantly, smiling warmly at her as he collected their plates and brought them to the kitchen. Lila could hear the front door open and close.

    ¡°Ah, Marlene!¡± she heard Gabriel call out cheerily. ¡°Another day, another night shift. I assume your appointment went well.¡±

    ¡°Hello to you too, Gabriel,¡± Marlene¡¯s voice floated down the hallway. Lila and Asher glanced at each other, and Asher quickly said goodbye to his Dad before they both scrambled toward the library.

    ¡°Study hard you two!¡± Ivaan called behind them. Neither Lila nor Asher replied in their haste to get away.

    Once in the safety of the library, Lila texted her Mum that she was ready to get picked up. Upon receiving a ¡®K¡¯ from her Mum, they noiselessly packed away the Jenga game and Lila packed up her study materials. Lila could sense, however, that Asher seemed a bit deflated after dinner, as he distractedly tried to put the Jenga game back on the shelf but instead made others topple over. Sighing, he rearranged the games before standing back up, scratching the side of his nose.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re all good?¡± she tried asking. Asher wordlessly nodded, turning away from Lila, and began packing his own materials away.

    ¡°How¡¯s your plan going? About she-who-must-not-be-named,¡± Asher suddenly said, looking intensely at Lila as he waited for a response.

    ¡°She¡¯s not Voldemort,¡± Lila snorted. ¡°I¡¯m planning on having the chat with her after our presentation at the moment.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± he said tersely, continuing to pack away his things. ¡°You¡¯ll let me know if you need a hand, right?¡± he added after a pause.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied reassuringly. ¡°You¡¯ll be the first to know if I failed.¡±

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s not hope for failure,¡± he said with a tight smile.

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Lila said. ¡°But it¡¯s always smart to prepare for the worst.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t disagree with that.¡±

    Once packed, Lila returned to the board game shelf to inspect what else was there. She grinned as she picked up a weathered copy of Monopoly and dangled it at Asher.

    ¡°Next time we should play this.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± he groaned, walking towards her. ¡°Absolutely not.¡±

    ¡®He didn¡¯t say I wasn¡¯t coming back¡­¡¯ Lila noted, her cheeks tinged with pink as she replaced it on the shelf. She pointed a couple more out to Asher, and he agreed or vetoed accordingly until a horn sounded outside.

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯ll be for me,¡± Lila said, grabbing her things.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said softly, his eyes seeming overcast with an emotion Lila couldn¡¯t place with certainty. ¡°I¡¯ll let you out.¡±

    ¡°Are we going to practice again this weekend?¡± Lila asked abruptly when they were at the front doors, turning to face Asher. His expression quickly changed to one of contemplation.

    ¡°Not sure,¡± he said, typing in the security code. ¡°We can if you want.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied as she pulled her shoes on. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it and let you know?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good. Uh, goodnight, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher,¡± Lila replied with a small smile and wave at Asher, which he returned. He closed the doors behind her and she skipped to her Mum¡¯s car, which already had L-plates on the front and back windshields, trying, and failing, to stop grinning. After getting into the driver¡¯s seat, Lila scraped the car along the gutter slightly as they drove away, her Mum frantically yelling in a mixture of Tagalog and English. The rest of their journey home was uneventful though, and Lila¡¯s good mood didn¡¯t dissipate at all.

 Chapter Eighteen

    Chapter Eighteen

    Given her Maths assignment was due in a couple of weeks, Lila decided that the time potentially spent practicing that weekend with Asher would be better used on Maths. She let Asher know as much during their next English lesson, and he counter-offered with having one more practice session the day before their presentation. It sounded reasonable to Lila, and she accepted the offer in a hushed whisper. He gave her a thumbs up which he switched to a ¡®rock¡¯ formation and Lila rapidly followed up his challenge with her own ¡®rock¡¯. This time Asher won their scissors, paper, rock battle, and they shared a quick grin before settling back to ignoring each other.

    Throughout the rest of the week, Lila kept an eye out for Piper after her unsettling behaviour on Wednesday afternoon. She didn¡¯t see Piper too much, to her relief, though she did notice that Piper would behave very possessively over her locker. When she brought it up to Elise and Grace during their lunch in the library on Friday, Elise and Grace simultaneously announced that they had seen the same thing.

    ¡°She never opens it all the way!¡± Elise said, chewing her sandwich animatedly.

    ¡°If someone unexpectedly comes up behind her while she¡¯s at her locker, she slams it shut,¡± Grace nodded, delicately biting into a carrot stick. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s hiding something? Or is she just private?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lila murmured, scratching the top of her head briefly. ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure.¡±

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve pointed it out, I¡¯m so curious about what¡¯s inside,¡± Elise pouted.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably not relevant to anything,¡± Lila said, shaking her head. ¡°She doesn¡¯t seem to spend a lot of time at her locker from what I can see.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± replied Grace, finishing her carrot stick with apparent relish before adding, ¡°After you told us about it, I haven¡¯t stopped wondering what her deal was on the bus the other day.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila said truthfully, frowning at the table they were sitting at. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to think of an answer, but the only theory that fits well is that she¡¯s good friends with Holly and mad on her behalf. But I can¡¯t verify that, of course.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Elise interjected with a flourish of her hands. ¡°I reckon I could! Remember Reilly?¡±

    ¡°Are they that close?¡± Lila asked, surprised.

    ¡°Reilly said to me that they were pretty close. They both do cheerleading. She¡¯s actually met Asher, too, as Holly¡¯s boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah, they go to Maccas together. That¡¯s how you found out he was dating Holly,¡± Lila pointed out.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Elise chuckled, swiping open her phone. ¡°I totally forgot about that.¡±

    Lila laughed along with Elise before Elise looked back up at Lila and Grace. ¡°Annnnd sent!¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just straight up asking her?¡± Lila asked, eyes wide.

    ¡°¡¯Course. She¡¯s always on Snap and we¡¯re not always on shift together.¡±

    ¡°Is she meant to give Holly a discount?¡± Grace asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Apparently, she works at the Mulberry Heights Maccas,¡± shrugged Elise, eyes locked onto her phone screen. ¡°I dunno for sure, but that¡¯s what Reilly said, and clearly she gets a discount somehow.¡±

    ¡°Interesting,¡± said Lila, tapping her fingers along the table. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have thought she would work at somewhere like Maccas.¡±

    Elise shrugged again. ¡°I mean, I work there, don¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah, but she¡¯s a cheerleader and part of debating. Where does she get the time?¡±

    ¡°Probably weekends,¡± Grace reasoned in a whisper, looking around them furtively before continuing. ¡°I mean, you set up visits with Asher on the weekends pretty easily when that should be the time he¡¯s seeing Holly - if she didn¡¯t have weekend commitments.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said simply. ¡°I¡­ never thought of that.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, Reilly got back to me!¡± Elise said excitedly. She looked at her phone for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°Reilly doesn¡¯t know Piper, at least.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t necessarily mean that Piper isn¡¯t friends with Holly,¡± Lila pointed out. ¡°But I guess my theory is looking a bit shakier now.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got Study again after this right?¡± Grace asked, turning towards Lila, another carrot stick in her hand.

    ¡°Yup, then I¡¯ve got English. I am beyond glad this week is over soon,¡± Lila sighed, biting into a sweet chilli chicken strip.

    ¡°Saaaame, it feels like the end of the term is so close but so far,¡± Elise whined, flopping onto the table.

    ¡°Have you given any thought to who you¡¯d want to go with to semi-formal?¡± Grace quietly asked. Lila choked on her chicken and chugged some water to dislodge it from her throat. Elise sat up, staring at Grace in apparent surprise.

    ¡°No, actually,¡± said Elise, looking back down at the imprint of her face on the table and attempting to wipe it away. ¡°I completely forgot we have to get all that stuff sorted too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone in mind either,¡± Lila said after swallowing hard. ¡°What about you Grace? Does your partner go here?¡±

    Grace turned beet red as she aggressively bit into her carrot stick. ¡°N-No,¡± she finally said, her voice higher pitched than usual as she stared at her lunchbox. Lila cast a suspicious look at Grace but didn¡¯t probe any further.

    ¡°Do you want to go together?¡± Lila asked, looking between Elise and Grace.

    ¡°Is that even allowed?¡± Elise asked darkly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± shrugged Lila. ¡°It¡¯s not like we can force any guys to go with us instead. They¡¯d need to want to.¡±

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s okay,¡± Grace replied softly, ¡°a-as long as it¡¯s with you, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Plus, there¡¯s nothing against us joining a dance or two if someone asks on the day, right?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Grace said, slowly chewing the rest of her carrot before finally looking up at Lila with a smile.

    ¡°Can we go as a three?¡± Elise asked, sipping her juice box loudly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Lila supposed. ¡°Though, if you have a better offer, I don¡¯t mind if you split off.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay with me, too,¡± Grace nodded. ¡°A-And if you get an offer too, Lila, that¡¯s cool.¡±

    ¡°Oh God, I¡¯m more than good,¡± Lila said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°While I hope to get to the bottom of the rumours, I don¡¯t want to just throw myself back into the shark¡¯s jaws. I know I¡¯m stupid, but I¡¯m not that stupid.¡±

    Grace seemed relieved and smiled at Lila again before picking at her food. Lunch continued on as usual and the trio parted ways reluctantly once it was over. Lila trudged up the stairs to where her Study teacher was already seated, looking through her various pieces of marking, and signed in.

    She took her normal place in the secluded booth. Looking up, she saw Piper and Ayla sign in and head over to their own usual places. Lila assumed that they would be working on English, given it was due today, and tackled her own work. She didn¡¯t notice whether Piper had been looking at her that lesson, but decided she wouldn¡¯t worry about that for now. Now that time was speeding toward her presentation with Asher, she was feeling rather anxious.

    ¡®Better to invest my energy into something I can fix now,¡¯ she thought, opening the criteria sheet for her Maths assignment. ¡®Otherwise, I won¡¯t be able to do anything in the end.¡¯

    Predictably, once she set herself up in her English class after Study was over, it was abuzz with panicking students. Ms Shard simply marked the roll and let the students drive their own objectives for the day. The assignment was due at 4pm, after all.

    ¡°Are you nervous?¡± Asher murmured, leaning in close to Lila. She wasn¡¯t until he¡¯d asked that so close to her, his body heat seemingly transferring to her cheeks. Her mouth suddenly felt very dry, but she looked down at her laptop, trying not to look at him.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m good,¡± she said stiffly, typing in her password.

    ¡°This might be a bit presumptuous of me, but I don¡¯t think we have anything to worry about,¡± he continued, stretching his arms out in front of him and lying across his desk. ¡°I triple-checked that we matched the criteria sheet.¡±

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    ¡°I trust you,¡± Lila said simply, giving Asher a sideways glance. Their eyes met and both quickly looked away.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± he replied, shifting slightly in his seat to turn his head away from her. ¡°I think I¡¯ll take a nap¡­¡±

    They didn¡¯t talk for the rest of the lesson, though Lila constantly checked that they had, in fact, submitted the correct documents to Turnitin. She also flicked through the script and PowerPoint to ensure she hadn¡¯t forgotten what they had written and ran through it in her head a couple of times. Eventually, Ms Shard lightly tapped Asher on his shoulder with a few papers.

    ¡°Are you needing to go to sickbay?¡± she asked, concern clear in her motherly tone.

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher replied, sitting up with a yawn. ¡°Just a bit tired.¡±

    ¡°I did see that you and Lila had uploaded your assessment early,¡± Ms Shard said. ¡°Considering we only have about twenty minutes left before it¡¯s the end of the day, I suppose I¡¯ll allow you to do¡­ whatever you¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher said, slipping back into his original position, still facing away from Lila.

    Lila smiled to herself as she continued going through their assessment. Asher had worked hard all term. He deserved a bit of rest.

    <hr>

    Lila could hardly remember what happened between Friday afternoon and Wednesday afternoon. She had tried out Asher¡¯s study methods over the weekend and weeknights and found that she did understand the content for her exams better. The only reprieve she allowed herself was during lunch. Now that English was handed in, she and Elise wandered around or sat in their usual lunch spot on Monday and Tuesday as Grace was holed up in music lessons.

    During her lunchtimes with Elise, whilst traipsing about the school campus, Lila did catch some comments regarding herself and Asher. They mainly referred to Lila as desperate, with not much substance behind them now. Which, at this point, didn¡¯t bother Lila as much as they once had. Elise, on the other hand, seemed far angrier on Lila¡¯s behalf than Lila had ever been about them. The fact that the rumours were still featuring in daily conversation with their cohort, however, gave Lila pause. As time went on, the persistence was definitely odd, but solidified her resolve to continue with her current plan of seeking out Piper once the English presentation was over.

    When Grace was able to join them on Wednesday, the trio hung out at the library instead, insulated from the rest of their classmates and the rumours. Lila couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything else besides her presentation for tomorrow morning, however. Grace and Elise tried to engage her in some discussions, but her responses were painfully non-committal. After realising they weren¡¯t going to go far in this vein, both girls changed tactics and tried to give Lila some tips regarding the presentation tomorrow.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Lila said, sadly stabbing at her potato bake. ¡°I appreciate that you¡¯re trying to help me. I¡¯ve seen some of my class¡¯s presentations, though, so I have a good idea of what not to do.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be great,¡± Grace said soothingly, patting Lila¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. ¡°After all, you¡¯ve been paired with Asher.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise said with a vigorous nod, ¡°and there¡¯s no way you¡¯d do worse than me. I had a coughing fit during my presentation. My partner was going to murder me right on the spot.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯d be able to mark you down for that,¡± Lila said doubtfully, ¡°especially since it sounded like it was an involuntary reaction.¡±

    ¡°Who knows,¡± shrugged Elise. ¡°But at least it¡¯s over with and I don¡¯t have to think about it again. Look on the bright side! You¡¯ll be done and you won¡¯t have to hang around Asher anymore if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    Lila had Study yet again that afternoon and still couldn¡¯t settle her nerves. After signing in with her teacher, she made her way to her usual spot that she had been sitting in since the beginning of term. Lila stopped a few metres short of the booth. A familiar person sitting in it today, their back facing her.

    ¡°Asher?¡± she asked curiously, sliding into her usual side of the booth and sitting in front of him.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said casually, looking up at Lila from his laptop. ¡°You know, it¡¯s taken me seven weeks to realise that since we have PE together, we also have Study together.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied, pulling her laptop out of its case. ¡°To be honest, I didn¡¯t realise either until you just told me.¡±

    Asher laughed heartily. ¡°Glad I wasn¡¯t the only one!¡±

    ¡°Where have you been sitting this whole time?¡± Lila asked, opening up one of her assignments that she was working on.

    ¡°The other side of the library,¡± replied Asher, vaguely waving a hand toward the back of the library. A large pole connected to a wall that stood in the way of where he was pointing. Lila hadn¡¯t been to that side of the library often, though she knew that behind the wall and pole was an area of tables and chairs that were set up for Study. This area could also be segregated by room dividers. It was also one of the only areas on this floor that could be reached via the second entrance to the library without Lila noticing, especially since she wasn¡¯t interested in trying to sit there at all. That was mostly due to some occasions where she had been chased out for last-minute classroom changes last year due to remodelling works, so she hadn¡¯t even bothered trying this year.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you were over there,¡± Lila replied.

    ¡°Yeah, most of the guys sit over there,¡± Asher said dismissively. ¡°But they¡¯ve taken to playing Minecraft on a new LAN server lately, so it¡¯s been really rowdy. It¡¯s been driving me crazy now that we¡¯re this close to the end of the term and none of them want to take it seriously.¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila before casting his eyes back down to his own laptop. ¡°I actually saw you sitting here by coincidence on Friday when I went for a walk to get away from them. I didn¡¯t want to say anything ¡®cause you seemed to be concentrating¡­ I hope that doesn¡¯t sound stalkerish.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila replied, blushing slightly. ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t notice you.¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°No worries. Actually, you¡¯ve got a pretty cosy nook here. I wouldn¡¯t have noticed this existed if I didn¡¯t come across it by accident.¡±

    ¡°No one really sits on this side of the library,¡± acknowledged Lila. ¡°It¡¯s why I like it here.¡±

    Her eyes flickered past his left shoulder and rested upon Piper, who was without a doubt glaring at her. Almost as quickly as Lila had laid eyes on Piper, Piper dropped her gaze to engage in a conversation with Ayla. Lila¡¯s stomach dropped ¨C was Piper starting a rumour about her and Asher again?

    ¡®Shit,¡¯ Lila thought, lowering herself in her seat so she was mostly blocked by Asher¡¯s shoulders. Not that it would help her now as Piper had already seen her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Asher asked, looking down at her in apparent surprise.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Just trying to get comfortable.¡±

    Asher nodded and said nothing further. Lila couldn¡¯t tell Asher to go away ¨C that would be way too suspicious now that they were about ten minutes into Study. Lila also still couldn¡¯t tell Asher about Piper, especially now that Piper was sitting so close to them. But, all the same¡­ she probably should say something to him.

    ¡°S-Should you really be sitting with me?¡± Lila asked in a low voice, leaning forward to keep her head down. Asher blinked at her for a couple of seconds before realisation struck.

    ¡°Shit, sorry,¡± Asher said hurriedly, beginning to pack his things away. ¡°I just thought it¡¯d be good to study together. I didn¡¯t want to be alone or with the guys, and you¡¯re not loud at least.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to run away,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°Our presentation is tomorrow. If anyone asks or says anything, they¡¯ll figure it out after tomorrow. I just wanted to remind you that we should be¡­ distant to some degree at school still.¡±

    Asher slowly put his things back on the table. ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    ¡°Did you still want me to come over tonight?¡± Lila asked, her whispering even quieter than before.

    ¡°I guess that depends on if you think we need more run-throughs,¡± Asher replied, matching her volume. ¡°I did say to Gabriel that you would be coming today.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied, suddenly feeling guilty. If Gabriel was preparing for dinner already, she didn¡¯t want to waste his efforts.

    ¡°He shouldn¡¯t have started making dinner yet,¡± Asher said, as though reading her thoughts. ¡°I can let him know when school finishes what the plan is, and he¡¯ll still have enough time to adjust.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said, chewing one of her fingernails anxiously.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just see if we need to after practicing,¡± Asher said quickly, straightening up. Lila reluctantly followed suit and they began to practice their presentation again for the rest of their allotted Study time. Lila couldn¡¯t detect any mistakes in their last couple of practice runs, much to her delight.

    ¡°I reckon we¡¯ll smash it,¡± she beamed at Asher, packing away her materials. For some reason, he looked troubled.

    ¡°Asher?¡± Lila asked, halting her movements and giving him her undivided attention.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± he looked around before packing away his own things. ¡°Sorry. I got lost in my own thoughts for a minute there. Yeah, seems like we¡¯re all set for tomorrow. Don¡¯t think you need to come over today if you don¡¯t want to. It might be better off if you get as much rest as possible.¡±

    Lila bit her lip as she weighed the pros and cons quickly in her mind. She felt pretty confident that they had their presentation down pat, so she didn¡¯t really need to go over tonight. Though, she was curious about what Gabriel would be making for dinner.

    ¡°I¡­ think I¡¯ll just head home,¡± Lila finally said. ¡°You¡¯re right about the rest thing. I need to keep my energy up for tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± Asher said, his voice sounding slightly off. He cleared his throat before adding, ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow for our presentation.¡±

    <hr>

    Standing in front of her classmates, Lila¡¯s knees shook with sudden fear. She¡¯d practiced and practiced and practiced the presentation with Asher, but now that she was standing here, her classmates staring up at her blankly, she felt consumed with self-doubt and nerves. Asher, by contrast, seemed as cool as a cucumber as he set up their PowerPoint on the projector. Once it was set up, he walked over to Lila, holding the pointer.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got this,¡± he whispered, smiling at her encouragingly. ¡°It¡¯s not that different to when it¡¯s just us. We¡¯ve done this a billion times now.¡±

    Lila nodded, exhaling slowly. Asher gently pressed the pointer into Lila¡¯s hand as it was her job to change the slides before he briskly walked to the other side of the projector screen. She unsteadily shuffled through her palm cards, ensuring they were in the right order. Both Lila and Asher then looked expectantly at Ms Shard, who sat directly in the middle of the classroom. She gave them a thumbs-up and clicked a button at the top right of her stopwatch so it would begin timing them.

    Framing the presentation in the mindset that it was just another run-through helped significantly as Lila watched Asher talk through the introduction with confidence, not even referring to his palm cards once. Lila knew that Asher believed in her ability to carry on the presentation, which eased her mind some. Taking a deep breath, she took over their presentation at the appropriate time, imbuing her own brand of confidence into her gestures, tone and gait.

    ¡®We work really well together,¡¯ Lila thought as she passed the baton back to Asher, who picked up where she left off perfectly. Glancing at the audience, she could see Ms Shard and several other classmates watching them in rapt attention. Whenever Asher introduced a new point, Ms Shard nodded to herself, writing down notes with a barely perceptible smile. It looked as though they were doing great thus far.

    The rest of the presentation flew by quickly as Lila got into the rhythm of her portions, her self-esteem blooming with each sentence that captivated her audience. Upon Asher¡¯s final concluding statement, a smattering of applause sounded from their classmates. Someone even cheered, though Ms Shard¡¯s death glare cut it short.

    ¡°Well done,¡± Ms Shard said with a mysterious smile. Lila could see that her compliment was genuine, but how ¡®well¡¯ Ms Shard considered their presentation went couldn¡¯t be determined from it. Lila could hear some classmates whispering praise, and others gave her a thumbs-up as she passed them to get back to her seat.

    ¡°Now, Devon and Xavier, please set up for your presentation,¡± Ms Shard called as Asher closed down their PowerPoint. Devon and Xavier collectively groaned as they stood up and shuffled to the front.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, can we just skip out? How are we going to top that?¡± whined Devon.

    ¡°Boys, just give it a good crack and it¡¯ll be all over,¡± Ms Shard said sternly, clearly not impressed with their attempts to get out of their presentation. Snickers and giggles followed Ms Shard¡¯s words as Xavier glumly opened their PowerPoint.

    ¡°I think that was perfect,¡± Asher whispered warmly once he sat down next to Lila. ¡°Best run-through we¡¯ve done yet.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Thanks for your hard work.¡±

    ¡°Same to you, too.¡±

 Chapter Nineteen

    Chapter Nineteen

    ¡°LILA!¡±

    Lila had only just left her English classroom the next day, her brain slightly fried after having watched a few presentations, when she saw Elise running full pelt at her.

    ¡°Whoa!¡± Lila exclaimed, catching Elise in her arms before Elise could bowl her over. ¡°Is there a stampede or something?¡±

    ¡°Lila, t-the rumours,¡± Elise gasped, her eyes sparkling with tears that had yet to spill out. ¡°I don¡¯t know what happened, but it¡¯s gone crazy, like overnight.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Asher¡¯s voice unexpectedly came from behind the pair in the form of a low growl, causing both Elise and Lila to freeze in place momentarily. Lila had been the last to leave today as everyone else fled into the sunshine to enjoy their lunch, and she had seen Asher leave a minute or so before she did. Why had he doubled back?

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila warned, patting Elise¡¯s head gently. ¡°Go to lunch. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher snarled, his own tone mirroring her warning.

    Lila whipped around in a flash, letting go of Elise who stumbled briefly before regaining her footing, glaring at Asher. She was dangerously close to losing her cool.

    ¡°Asher, Elise hasn¡¯t told me anything yet. If something has kicked up again, is it really wise for you to be standing here talking to me?¡±

    Asher clenched and unclenched his jaw a couple of times as he exhaled audibly, rage clearly building inside.

    ¡°When?¡± he spat, seeming unable to form a full sentence. Elise looked nervously between the pair as they glowered at each other as if in a stand-off. Lila realised by the meaningful intensity of his gaze that he intended to ask when she was going to have that ¡®girl-to-girl conversation¡¯ with the alleged perpetrator of the rumours. She sighed and dropped her expression.

    ¡°I need one week,¡± Lila said, regaining some measure of composure as she took a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her next Friday.¡±

    ¡°That long? Fine.¡±

    Asher turned on his heel and stormed off away from Lila and Elise, ruffling his hair with slightly more force than necessary. Elise gaped after him for a moment before grabbing Lila¡¯s arm, pulling her in the opposite direction towards the tuckshop.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Elise muttered. ¡°Grace is already waiting for us at the tuckshop.¡±

    Elise didn¡¯t let go of Lila¡¯s left arm as they silently walked to the tuckshop, Lila¡¯s mind racing too fast to try and say anything. By the time they reached the tuckshop, Lila had replayed the look on Piper¡¯s face from yesterday afternoon in Study so much that it was burned into her mind¡¯s eye.

    ¡°Finally! There you are!¡± a familiar voice called as soon as they entered the bounds of the tuckshop. Grace appeared suddenly from Lila¡¯s right side and looped her arm around Lila¡¯s free arm.

    ¡°We met trouble,¡± Elise sighed, letting go of Lila.

    ¡°What kind of trouble?¡± Grace asked, leading Lila towards the tuckshop line with Elise following behind.

    ¡°The only trouble that would make everything worse,¡± Elise replied bitterly. ¡°Asher showed up just as I was trying to hurry Lila along.¡±

    ¡°Of course he did,¡± Grace replied, rolling her eyes. ¡°That boy seems so determined to make things worse.¡±

    ¡°Guys,¡± Lila said quietly, ¡°what¡¯s going on? Elise seemed like she was about to cry when she found me.¡±

    Grace¡¯s grip around her arm tightened. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should talk about it here,¡± Grace said after a quick glance at Elise.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± agreed Elise. ¡°We need to go somewhere quiet for this.¡±

    The girls didn¡¯t say any more as they waited for the line to shorten. The chatter from students surrounding them was much noisier than usual. It was impossible for Lila to make anything out, which seemed odd to Lila. Eventually, Grace and Lila were able to enter the tuckshop.

    Unlike all the other times that Lila visited the tuckshop, as soon as she passed through the automatic doors, all conversation stopped. It felt like everyone in the tuckshop, including the lunch ladies and cashier, had turned to stare at her with wide eyes as though she was an alien visitor. No one dared to speak.

    ¡®Weird¡­¡¯ Lila thought, though she tried to shrug it off. As she moved around the tuckshop, selecting her items, she noticed that she had an abnormally wide berth around her. It was¡­ unsettling, to say the least.

    Lila wordlessly paid for her items as quickly as she could and exited, still feeling the eyes of each student boring into her. If she stayed any longer, she would surely become reminiscent of Swiss cheese with all the holes she¡¯d have from their laser-like stares. Luckily, Grace wasn¡¯t far behind Lila and they both collected Elise on the way towards their usual lunch spot. Still, neither Grace nor Elise said a word on their journey.

    Once they sat down, Elise and Grace looked at each other before sighing heavily in unison.

    ¡°Lila, please promise us that you¡¯ll just listen,¡± Grace said quietly, unwrapping her chicken burger.

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    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied without much enthusiasm.

    ¡°¡­ I guess I¡¯ll go for it,¡± Elise said, sounding unusually unsure of herself. ¡°The rumours have taken a¡­ dramatic? That¡¯s not the word¡­ serious? Ridiculous? Outlandi-¡±

    ¡°Elise, you¡¯re stalling,¡± Grace said through a mouthful of burger.

    ¡°S-Sorry¡­ point is, Lila, these rumours are absolutely fucked and way worse than what they were before.¡±

    Lila stopped breathing as she waited for Elise to continue. Elise looked away from Lila, tugging at some grass next to her.

    ¡°So, um, people are saying you¡¯re a slut, and trying to ruin Holly¡¯s relationship with Asher,¡± Elise finally said, still averting her gaze from Lila.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound so new,¡± Lila said despondently, unable to bring herself to eat.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Elise crushed the blades of grass between her fingers until they were almost mush. ¡°And they¡¯re saying now that¡­ um¡­ you¡¯re prostituting yourself to Asher.¡±

    Lila blinked at Elise. Surely, she misheard Elise. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Grace jumped in, ¡°they think Asher is paying you to have sex with him.¡±

    Lila¡¯s jaw almost hit the floor. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re saying that it¡¯s so sad that Asher¡¯s paying you, ¡®cause you¡¯re some poor Asian girl and just doing what girls from South-East Asia do. That Holly is too pure to have sex with Asher, so he¡¯s instead paying you to sleep with him. And that you¡¯re letting it happen because you¡¯re using him for his money. And if it¡¯s not through money, it¡¯s through him tutoring you privately. Apparently, your presentation was way too good for you to have done anything on it, so they think you¡¯ve used your body to get him to do all the work¡­¡± Grace trailed off, averting her gaze as well and looking at the sky instead.

    Lila gave a nervous laugh. ¡°You¡¯re pulling my leg,¡± she said. Elise and Grace shook their heads at the same time, both looking gloomy.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s been telling everyone that they know it¡¯s true ¡®cause they saw you get off the bus and go to his house the other day. And, apparently, someone saw a box of condoms in your gym bag,¡± Grace continued in an almost-whisper.

    Lila spluttered for a moment. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know condoms were in boxes,¡± she finally managed to say, her mind spinning through so many different emotions and thoughts. ¡°I thought they were just sold in, like, a packet or something.¡±

    Grace shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about it,¡± she said simply.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Elise cut in, ¡°so many people have been talking about your presentation. Like, your chemistry was off the charts or something, and apparently that proves that you guys have been banging. I still don¡¯t know what they¡¯re trying to say with that, but that¡¯s just what I¡¯ve heard.¡±

    Lila was speechless. How could anyone come to that conclusion? Piper wasn¡¯t in her English class¡­ so was someone else spreading these vicious rumours?

    ¡°I feel sick,¡± Lila whispered, clutching her stomach. Wave after wave of nausea crashed in her stomach, and her face was as white as paper.

    ¡°Should you go to sickbay?¡± Grace asked, clearly alarmed.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila replied, a hand to her mouth. ¡°I just¡­ need some time.¡±

    She could see Grace and Elise cast each other a look in her peripheral vision.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Elise asked gently.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll be fine¡­¡±

    The rest of lunch passed by in silence. Lila didn¡¯t end up eating any of her food for fear of throwing it up, so kept it on her person in case she¡¯d feel better between classes. Her next class was Maths and everyone was working quietly on their Maths assignments, given it was due next week, which suited Lila just fine. The students sitting on either side of Lila otherwise ignored her, which also suited Lila just fine. She was almost done with her assignment and spent the rest of her time trying to focus on ensuring all her calculations were correct.

    Throwing herself into her work did help her feel better, so she ended up eating a little on her way to her Design class. It was another lonely lesson, with everyone absorbed in their Design assignments, but Lila felt relieved. No one spoke during this lesson either ¨C Lila was sure she¡¯d be able to hear a pin drop.

    Once Lila¡¯s Design teacher, Mr Dillon, released them, Lila took her time packing up and heading to her locker. She wanted to avoid as many students as possible, which worked in her favour as everyone was eager to go home for the weekend. Upon reaching the lockers, Lila couldn¡¯t see anyone except Piper, who was fussing about in her own locker. Like Elise and Grace had said, Piper didn¡¯t open her locker wide at all. Lila wasn¡¯t sure that Piper could even see what she was doing in there.

    Seeing Piper, however, made Lila¡¯s insides boil with rage.

    ¡®Calm down,¡¯ she told herself firmly, opening her own locker and pulling together what she needed to take home for the weekend. ¡®Stick to the plan. I don¡¯t have any proof that Piper is spreading rumours, and if I confronted her now, she could easily say it wasn¡¯t her.¡¯

    It was easier said than done to try and let go of the anger taking root within Lila, as she only just managed to not explode as she slammed her locker shut and put the lock back on. She¡¯d stayed at her locker trying to calm herself through deep, shuddering breaths far longer than she normally would, and now the locker room was devoid of any students. Lila jammed her hat onto her head and stomped towards the bus stop. She couldn¡¯t see Piper around but figured she¡¯d either be at the bus stop by now, or already on their regularly scheduled bus.

    The humid air wrapped around Lila¡¯s body as brittle, dead leaves crunched despairingly under her school shoes. There weren¡¯t many students lingering around campus at this time, though Lila could hear distant cheers from the nearby oval. As it usually happened towards the end of the school term, Lila knew that some students (like her brother) would be playing soccer or touch footy after school. Teachers would usually be holed up and busy in the Office Hub (where all the Senior School teachers¡¯ desks were located) marking if they were on campus at all, so a few groups of students would take advantage of the lack of supervision.

    Lila briefly wondered if Daniel was there now, or if he had already gone home, before arriving at the bus stop. Four buses taking a specialised route towards Lila¡¯s home would depart every day in fifteen-minute intervals. Judging by the electronic sign she was standing under, her next bus would arrive in about five minutes. There were only a couple of students milling about alongside the pavement by the bus station, chatting incessantly about assignments, boys or ¨C

    ¡°¡­ Asher!¡±

    ¡°¡­ totally¡­ seems legit.¡±

    ¡°Just look¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ defs looks like¡­ money¡­¡±

    Lila turned to face the direction the comments were coming from, but the offending students immediately stopped talking and were scrolling on their phones, sneaking glances at each other and trying to contain their giggles. ¡®Just¡­ let it go for now,¡¯ Lila tried to urge herself as she slowly turned back to the direction she was facing, trying to see if her bus was coming. It did arrive shortly afterwards, and after Lila placed her school bag next to her seat, she saw Piper saunter her. Piper looked as though she had no recognition as to who Lila was, as her glassy eyes passed over Lila¡¯s body as if she were part of the seating.

    ¡®Where was she hiding?¡¯ Lila thought as the bus¡¯s engine roared to a start and trundled through the suburbs. The bus station itself was fairly open ¨C the footpath leading away from the school had a few hedges, but nothing substantially large enough to hide a person without it appearing obvious. Had Piper just been behind Lila the whole time? Did she not want to be spotted? Or was she still watching Lila?

    ¡®I don¡¯t need to worry about that now,¡¯ Lila told herself firmly, though it was rather tempting to obsess over this during the weekend. ¡®If I finish my assessments that are due next week, I can invest more time into finding out for myself what Piper¡¯s up to¡­¡¯

 Chapter Twenty

    Chapter Twenty

    Lila¡¯s pure dedication to knuckling down and finalising her assessments to the best of her ability over the weekend surprised even herself. Though she was prone to losing motivation, she resolved that easily by remembering the fact that her own classmates were wandering through life entirely convinced that she was prostituting herself out to Asher, and channelling the anger that surfaced into dogged determination.

    Several times over the weekend, Clare tried to bring Lila back to Earth through friendly conversation. Lila shut down each of her attempts with the insistence that she be left alone to finish her work. Every time Clare left, however, Lila felt pangs of guilt and anxiety course through her. It wasn¡¯t as though she didn¡¯t want to tell Clare what was happening, but she couldn¡¯t. The rumours before now were just child¡¯s play. The current string of rumours was absolutely vile and malicious ¨C and potentially rumours Lila would never be able to shake. Lila¡¯s reputation was at stake, along with Asher¡¯s, not to mention how Holly would feel if she heard that her boyfriend was allegedly paying his classmate for sex because Holly lacked in some way or another.

    And it wasn¡¯t as though Clare could do anything about the rumours anyway. All that would happen was that Clare would freak out, get upset on behalf of Lila, and then pity her for the rest of time ¨C none of which was helpful. No matter which way Lila sliced it, the pros of venting to Clare wouldn¡¯t outweigh the cons of her sister¡¯s reaction.

    It also wasn¡¯t as though Lila could posit her theories as to who was spreading these rumours and their motivations to Clare either ¨C Lila still wanted to keep the identity of her prime suspect close to her chest for a number of reasons. If she was wrong about Piper, then she was no better than the culprit behind this mess if she went around telling people it was Piper. If she was right about Piper, Lila wanted to deal with her without anyone interfering. It was absolutely personal now.

    As Sunday night faded to Monday morning, Lila found that her determination hadn¡¯t wavered a single bit. She¡¯d handed in her assessments that were due that week, and her mind was clearer than it had been for days. Lila followed her normal Monday morning routine closely, deviating only slightly to pack her own lunch today. Checking her watch after zipping up her lunchbox with a smug grin, Lila noted that leaving in a couple of minutes meant she had the best chance of catching the same bus as Piper. She also ensured that she took the time to annoy Daniel, who was grumpily chewing some cereal in the kitchen, on her way out the door. Daniel normally hopped on the next bus, owing to the fact that he was exceedingly slow and grumpy in the mornings, and Lila had long run out of the patience she once held in waiting for him so they could go to school together.

    As Lila waited by the bus stop, she briefly wondered when she started catching the earlier bus. Before she could muse any further, it rolled to a squeaky stop before her, throwing open its doors to welcome her aboard. Upon climbing up the bus¡¯s steep stairs, Lila involuntarily sucked her breath in as hard as she could ¨C Piper was sitting at the back of the bus, staring directly at her with a distinctly bored expression.

    ¡®Act normal¡­¡¯ Lila urged herself as she hurried to her usual seat, exhaling as slowly as she could. ¡®She can¡¯t figure out that I¡¯m following her¡­¡¯

    Lila held her breath almost the entire way to school, her phone games doing nothing to distract from her nervousness. They somehow only made the passage of time plod along. When the bus finally reached the bus station outside the school, Lila walked some ways to one of the hedges lining the footpath before tapping on her phone rhythmically in an effort to look as though she was texting while waiting for someone. From this distance, she could see in her peripheral vision when and where Piper would head off to.

    Piper exited the bus last and Lila immediately put her phone to her ear. She pretended to be on a phone call with Daniel, turning partially away from Piper as she spoke.

    ¡°I forgot it at home, dude, just bring it,¡± Lila said, sighing in frustration. She paused for a few moments to allow for a non-existent response.

    ¡°Daniel, I swear to God, I will hide all the jui-¡± Lila said, cutting herself off before pausing again. Lila let a little bit of the anger she had been stewing over the weekend seep into her face as she turned around, looking scornfully at the ground. Piper seemed to have been standing still, a few metres away before Lila saw her feet begin to walk hurriedly up the path towards the school.

    ¡°If you bring it, I¡¯ll ask Mum to get us Maccas for dinner,¡± Lila said, finally looking up. She could see the back of Piper¡¯s school bag disappearing around the corner, her bright pink love-heart-shaped keychain swaying like a fishing lure, towards the locker room. Lila shakily slipped her phone back into her pocket and surreptitiously rounded the corner herself at a slow pace. Lila could still see her despite the distance between them and kept an eye on who she mingled with.

    As soon as Piper reached the threshold of the locker area, she was accosted by Mia and Ayla, who were certainly cheery for a Monday morning.

    ¡°Piper! We thought something happened!¡± Mia exclaimed, wrapping Piper in a hug, which she returned stiffly. Lila took this as her chance to slip past and go to her own locker, pulling out the materials she needed for English.

    ¡°You said yesterday that you¡¯d be, like, super prompt,¡± Ayla¡¯s voice echoed across the locker room with a slight whine. ¡°We need to get changed for Dance! Our performance is coming up soon.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Piper¡¯s monotone voice replied. Lila opened her locker and adjusted her hair as she half-looked in the mirror affixed to the door. She took a small glance over the edge of the door at the trio. She saw Piper squeeze her school bag into her locker, opening it only a crack as usual, before pulling out a smaller bag.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Piper said, smiling at Mia and Ayla as she snapped her locker door shut. Lila looked into the mirror, swiping at several stray baby hairs. The voices of Mia, Ayla and Piper drifted off into the distance. It seemed like they were discussing the latest episode of Married at First Sight.

    Lila glanced around to ensure they were definitely gone before hoisting her laptop bag on her shoulder. She double-checked that her English and Maths materials were in the bookbag slung on her other shoulder before locking her locker shut.

    Unfortunately for Lila, Dance was in the complete opposite direction of her English class. Now that her target had escaped to a different class, Lila¡¯s mind began to fret. She hoped that Asher hadn¡¯t yet heard the latest¡­

    Upon reaching the English building, however, Lila¡¯s hopes in that regard were immediately dashed. Asher was furiously pacing outside the doors. He looked as though he¡¯d just escaped a wrestling match between himself and the dryer with how crinkled and unkempt he looked. The bags under his eyes were the darkest that Lila remembered seeing over the past couple of weeks.

    He didn¡¯t seem to notice Lila and now that she had gotten closer, she could see he was muttering indistinctly to himself. Lila surveyed the area near them ¨C no one else from English had arrived just yet. Should she take her chance to check in on Asher?

    ¡®Idiot,¡¯ Lila admonished herself. ¡®That¡¯s exactly how things go from a shit sandwich to a shitstorm.¡¯

    Before Lila could retreat around the corner of the Language Block, however, Asher¡¯s eyes had finally come to rest on her. She attempted an awkward wave whilst backing away, but he strode quickly towards her.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said stiffly, his golden-brown eyes brimming with uncertainty.

    ¡°That¡¯s my name,¡± Lila said, taking a small step backwards. The corners of Asher¡¯s lips lifted for a split second before settling into a grimace.

    ¡°I know we shouldn¡¯t be speaking,¡± he said in a measured tone, looking away from Lila. ¡°But I heard what¡¯s being said. This is absolutely fucked.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t agree more,¡± Lila said simply, her eyes darting towards both sides of the Language Block that she could see. No one seemed to be coming just yet, so in a hushed tone she added, ¡°On all fronts. I¡¯ve started work on ascertaining what is happening, why and who''s behind it. Naturally, once I figure all that out, it should lead me to a resolution.¡±

    Asher blinked at her in surprise. ¡°Your language is oddly-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°Leave it to me, okay? If I need help, I¡¯ll ask.¡±

    Asher looked deeply into Lila¡¯s eyes as if trying to uncover secrets within. But there were none ¨C Lila was being entirely open and honest with Asher. Hopefully, he could understand that, but Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure after he dropped his gaze and turned away from her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll come running as soon as you say the word,¡± he said, interlocking his hands and placing them on his head before drifting away.

    ¡°Good,¡± Lila replied to his back, ¡°I¡¯ll hold you to that.¡±

    <hr>

    Morning tea meant Lila needed to find Piper quickly. Thus far, her intel had narrowed down that Piper would be doing either Physics or Chemistry before morning tea. Being released from Maths meant that Lila was at least located in the STEM area of campus. Reaching the science labs in time to discover Piper¡¯s next steps wasn¡¯t an impossible feat.

    Lila hurried alongside the Science Building, hoping to figure out which science class it was before she found herself standing outside the labs where she didn¡¯t belong like an amnesiac. But she didn¡¯t need to.

    Jostled within the crowd of students just ahead of Lila was Piper. Lila¡¯s stomach flipped as her eyes roved over the crowd and noticed Asher a few steps ahead of Piper, talking freely with Isaac, waving his Chem textbook in the air as though it was a stack of money. What were they talking about?

    ¡®Stick to the plan, dummy,¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head furiously, locking her sights on Piper again. Piper didn¡¯t seem interested in engaging with any of her classmates as the Grade Eleven students marched towards the lockers in unison, boisterously laughing and talking amongst themselves as they did so. In fact, if Lila wasn¡¯t so determined to keep track of Piper today, Lila could easily lose her within this crowd, being as short and unassuming as she was.

    Piper didn¡¯t appear to do anything of note along this journey, though occasionally she lifted her phone as if to take a selfie. Although, Lila was too far away to say with any amount of certainty that it was indeed a selfie.

    Following the crowd meant that it didn¡¯t take Lila long to arrive outside her own locker. Opening it with a sigh, Lila employed her trick from this morning to keep an eye on Piper. In a matter of moments, Mia, Ayla, Belle, Scarlett and Jackson appeared to surround Piper at her locker, talking animatedly about something or other. Given the amount of students clanging about the locker room, Lila couldn¡¯t hear a word of what the topic was, but the gestures the group were making suggested that it was likely some form of interesting gossip.

    Lila swapped out her heavy Maths and English materials with her Modern History notebook and took out a banana from her lunchbox. Piper¡¯s group eventually moved away from the lockers, and Lila took her chance to follow them at a distance. Lila didn¡¯t get very far before Grace and Elise simultaneously sidled up next to her.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Grace smiled casually, taking a bite of an apple.

    ¡°What¡¯s up,¡± Elise grinned, throwing her right arm across Lila¡¯s shoulders. Lila stiffened, but then quickly relaxed. Their appearance actually made following Piper¡¯s group less suspicious.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking we could go somewhere new for morning tea,¡± Lila said in a low voice, leading Grace and Elise towards Piper¡¯s group whilst still maintaining a safe distance.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Grace asked, cocking her head. Elise elbowed her in the side and pointedly looked at Piper¡¯s group.

    ¡°Ow- ohhh,¡± Grace whispered, rubbing her side, nodding in seeming understanding.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just act like we usually do,¡± Lila suggested softly, peeling her banana. Elise and Grace nodded, with Elise diving into a tale of the latest clownery that she had witnessed in her Manufacturing class that morning.

    A group as large and gabby as Piper¡¯s seemed to have sufficiently masked the trio¡¯s presence as not a single one looked behind them. Lila noticed, however, that whilst Ayla and Mia were clearly the drivers of the group¡¯s conversation, Piper seemed to be the only one who had a distinct idea of where they were going. Through subtle gentle tugs and nudges, Piper was plainly driving the group¡¯s direction from the centre. Was Piper a natural leader in terms of making these kinds of group decisions? Or was it the nature of Piper¡¯s unnoticeable character that allowed her to do that without raising an eyebrow from the others?

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Do they not have a regular morning tea spot?¡± Lila whispered to Grace and Elise, pointing out Piper''s behaviour with exaggerated eye movements, who both shrugged.

    ¡°Maybe they switch it up every day?¡± Elise suggested.

    ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± Lila murmured, more to herself than for the benefit of Elise and Grace. They were now outside the Home Economics (aka Home Ec) building which was surrounded by a plethora of students who were seated on the surrounding grass, or just underneath the roofing connecting the four kitchens, enjoying the brief reprieve of morning tea under the gentle morning rays of the sun.

    Lila had never thought to come here for morning tea or lunch, but it seemed to be a decent enough spot to enjoy either. To Lila¡¯s unpleasant surprise, Isaac and Asher were leaning against one of the Home Ec walls under the roofed area, their legs casually splayed before them. They seemed absorbed in their conversation, just as they had been outside of the Chem Lab and didn¡¯t appear to notice the arrival of either Piper¡¯s group or Lila¡¯s group to the general vicinity.

    ¡®So this is where Asher and Isaac hide away to¡­¡¯ Lila thought, surveying the area. It seemed like most of the students here were from either Grade Eleven or Twelve, and though Lila recognised a few people, she wasn¡¯t close enough (or brave enough) to sit with anyone.

    Piper¡¯s group carefully waded their way through the groups of students who had already established a seating arrangement on the grass and found a spot towards the Home Ec building. Luckily, Piper¡¯s back was facing Lila¡¯s direction.

    ¡°Shall we sit down?¡± Grace asked brightly. Both Elise and Lila nodded in unison and they picked a small empty spot beside some Grade Twelve students.

    ¡°¡­ hear? ¡­ underclassman¡­ paid for sex!¡±

    ¡°No way!¡±

    ¡°Apparently¡­ Dux¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ sounds legit¡­¡±

    ¡°And get this¡­ CEO¡­ Hospital¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d do it¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ stupid¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ slut¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ taken?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ homewrecker too¡­¡±

    It seemed that the rumours had reached the ears of the Grade Twelve students, but they didn¡¯t appear to know the identity of the pair the rumours centred around well enough to realise one of them was sitting right there. Lila accidentally squished the end of her banana hard enough to sever half of what was left of it but caught it in her mouth in time to avoid it from toppling to the ground.

    ¡°We can leave,¡± Grace said quietly, ¡°we know where Piper went to after morning tea and next is PC anyway, so it¡¯s not a mystery where she¡¯s going next.¡±

    ¡°Come,¡± Elise said suddenly, standing up and pulling on Lila¡¯s arm. ¡°Let¡¯s bounce.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t resist and followed Elise and Grace back to the locker room at a leisurely pace. There wasn¡¯t much time left of morning tea anyway as it was substantially shorter than lunch. They stood around their respective lockers, with Grace talking about the piece she was practising in her private music lessons. Eventually, more students arrived at the locker room, pulling out various items from their lockers with a collective touch of despondence.

    Once PC and Modern History were finally over, Lila, Grace and Elise returned to their lockers to put away their materials and grab their lunchboxes.

    ¡°It¡¯s rare to see you with a lunchbox,¡± Elise smirked at Lila as she slammed her locker shut.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied, taking out a Yakult drink and downing it quickly. Grace shivered at the sight.

    ¡°I could never have Yakult like you do,¡± she said, wincing. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ way out of my comfort zone.¡±

    ¡°Luckily I¡¯m not feeding it to you,¡± Lila replied in jest, smiling. Grace mock-rolled her eyes but returned Lila¡¯s smile all the same. Elise¡¯s expression suddenly lit up, and she pulled both Lila and Grace closer to her by their shirt sleeves.

    ¡°Should we pre-empt their lunch spot?¡± Elise queried in a low murmur.

    ¡°We could,¡± Lila replied, glancing at where Piper¡¯s locker was. No one was there just yet.

    ¡°Let¡¯s,¡± nodded Grace. ¡°Besides, it would look less suspicious if we keep showing up after they do.¡±

    The trio made their way to the Home Ec building and found a number of students already lazing about on the grass and under the roof. As before, no one seemed to care about their arrival, which Lila was thankful for.

    Lila, Grace and Elise settled in towards the edge of the grassy area under the shade of a large paperbark tree. This spot provided an excellent vantage point to be able to see students coming to sit via the direction of the Grade Eleven locker room. The trio engaged in small talk as they ate, checking the path leading to the Home Ec area every so often. After a few minutes, Asher and Isaac arrived, heading straight towards the same spot they were sat in at morning tea. Asher¡¯s face looked sullen as Isaac nattered on about something or other, and Lila felt an almost overwhelming urge to ask him what was on his mind. She instead stayed put, tossing a couple of shrimp crackers into her mouth to prevent herself from talking.

    Neither Asher nor Isaac¡¯s heads even turned in the direction of Lila, Grace and Elise which Lila was secretly grateful for. Whilst Asher would surely keep ignoring Lila¡¯s presence for the moment, Isaac himself would probably jog over to greet them, given his friendly disposition this term thus far. They quickly disappeared from Lila¡¯s sight, having crossed the threshold to the roofed area.

    Lila shoved her emptied shrimp cracker packet back into her lunchbox and was about to choose what to eat next when she felt an urgent nudge from Elise.

    ¡°They¡¯re here,¡± Elise hissed. Lila moved her head to hide behind Grace, trying to be as unnoticeable as possible. Piper and her friends ambled up the path, laughing amongst themselves. Piper suddenly stopped dead in her tracks as she seemingly caught sight of Lila, Grace and Elise. They all ducked simultaneously as if they were playing hide-and-seek. ¡®Well, now we look more suspicious¡­¡¯ Lila thought to herself with a sigh, looking back up at Piper. A strange expression crossed Piper¡¯s face for a brief second, but she looked back at her friends, joining in their banter. The hairs on the back of Lila¡¯s neck stood up as she continued to observe Piper¡¯s group eventually sit down and crack into their food.

    ¡°What the hell was up with that expression?¡± Elise asked quietly, looking between Grace and Lila with wide eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied just as quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got Art with her next,¡± Grace said, opening a small snack popcorn bag. ¡°I hope she doesn¡¯t try to stab me or something.¡±

    ¡°I highly doubt she¡¯s dangerous,¡± laughed Elise.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t if I were you,¡± Grace countered through a mouthful of popcorn.

    ¡°Something about her is definitely spooky,¡± Lila murmured. Grace nodded emphatically and Elise sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you that,¡± Elise admitted, jabbing a straw through her juice box.

    The rest of lunch passed by without much consequence, though Lila occasionally noticed Piper¡¯s piercing gaze rest on her. About ten minutes before lunch ended, Lila, Grace and Elise wandered back to their lockers to get ready for their afternoon classes. Design and Biology were next on Lila¡¯s agenda, neither of which she shared with Piper.

    By the time Lila trudged to Biology after Design was over, most of her classmates were already seated inside. A hush fell over the students as Lila opened the door and warily made her way to her usual seat. Cecelia and Lucas were already seated, looking distinctly glum.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Cecelia said softly once Lila sat down and pulled out her notebook and pencil case.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila replied, slightly unnerved by how down Cecelia and Lucas seemed. The noise in the Biology Lab gradually rose again as the class waited for Mr Johnson to arrive.

    ¡°Why do you guys look so sad?¡± Lila asked as she flipped to a blank page in her notebook.

    ¡°It¡¯s absolutely awful,¡± Cecelia whispered. ¡°Everyone was just talking about you before you came in.¡±

    ¡°Someone said there¡¯s pictures, proving¡­¡± Lucas trailed off, swallowing hard.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not doing anything with Asher,¡± Lila said firmly.

    ¡°We know,¡± Cecelia replied. ¡°I¡¯ve tried telling people, but they say you¡¯re lying to me so you can keep up a good image.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not lying,¡± Lila said hotly, her temper rising in her throat.

    ¡°We know,¡± Lucas cut in, holding a hand up in surrender. ¡°Have you done anything about Piper yet?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Lila sighed, popping the ¡®p¡¯ particularly hard.

    ¡°Do you want a hand with anything?¡± Lucas asked.

    ¡°I¡­ should be fine for now,¡± Lila said, clicking the tip of her pen. ¡°I do have a plan.¡±

    ¡°What is it?¡± Cecelia asked, perking up immediately and leaning in.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say,¡± Lila said with a grimace, looking down at the table.

    ¡°Aw,¡± Cecelia whined, pouting.

    ¡°Cecelia, let her do her thing,¡± Lucas warned, nudging her.

    ¡°Fiiiiine,¡± Cecelia drawled. ¡°But let me know what happens when you¡¯ve finished your plan, okay?¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Lucas,¡± Lila said, giving him a soft smile. ¡°I¡¯ll let you guys know.¡±

    Mr Johnson burst into the room, red-faced and puffing slightly.

    ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, class,¡± he wheezed, placing his computer bag and a stack of papers down on the desk. ¡°I had something to attend to.¡±

    He immediately dove into the agenda for today¡¯s class, and Lila didn¡¯t get a chance to speak to Cecelia or Lucas about anything non-work related for the rest of the lesson.

    Once Mr Johnson released them, Lila bid Cecelia and Lucas goodbye and beelined to the locker room, hoping to get there early enough to see Piper go to her locker. There weren¡¯t many students just yet, so Lila slowly packed her materials into her bag. Due to the fact that she¡¯d handed in some of her assessments early, she didn¡¯t actually need to pack much. Normally, this would be a cause for celebration, but there was only so much standing around she could do at her locker before she looked like she¡¯d lost her marbles.

    After what felt like an age passed, Lila spied Piper unlocking her locker, pressing up against it oddly yet again. What was she trying to hide? Piper looked around as if checking whether the coast was clear before she pulled out her school bag. Piper then quickly shoved some books and things into it before slamming the door shut and walking off towards the bus station.

    Lila carefully placed her hat on her head and followed at a reasonable distance, pretending to be engrossed in her phone again until they arrived at the bus station. They didn¡¯t have to wait too long for the bus to pull to a stop before them.

    Piper climbed onto the bus and sat in her usual seat at the back, and Lila took her own usual seat in the front. Flashes of trees and shrubbery flew past Lila¡¯s window as the bus went deeper into the suburbs. All was fairly standard ¨C routine, even. Even the harsh braking of the bus lurching the students forward around tight roundabouts was usual.

    What was unusual, however, was that Piper suddenly exited at an unfamiliar stop, far earlier than Lila¡¯s own stop. Lila gaped as Piper confidently strode off the bus with a few other students, tapping her travel card at the terminal by the bus driver. Lila pressed up against the window as she watched Piper follow the footpath into a side street. Heart thumping in her chest, Lila tossed up whether she should get off as well. The bus¡¯s door clattered shut and the bus inched forward a couple of metres, the driver craning his neck to the right, indicator ticking away before Lila leapt up.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry! Sorry, sorry, I need to get off,¡± she cried, throwing her school and laptop bags across her shoulder. She hurried to the terminal as the bus driver shook his head.

    ¡°Kids,¡± she heard him grumble as the door opened again.

    ¡°Thank you!¡± Lila shouted, almost tumbling off the steps onto the footpath. The door snapped shut behind her, and the bus sped off, cutting across a grey Mazda, which honked angrily.

    Lila couldn''t see where Piper was now that she was a couple metres past the bus stop but started walking in the direction of the side street Piper had gone down regardless. Hopefully, she hadn¡¯t gotten too far.

    ¡®Where is she going?¡¯ Lila wondered. Lila passed several other Forestglade College students who were shuffling towards various houses. The houses lining the street Lila was traipsing through looked rather large, but still relatively modest. Each of their front lawns were clearly meticulously cared for, owing to the light green colour the grass still held despite the March heat. Many of the feature garden beds had large flowering plants that stood proud, stretching towards the sky. Stone pathways wound their way up to a few heavy-set front doors, and Lila spied several garden statues hiding outside some houses.

    Lila continued to follow the footpath at a brisk pace, keeping an eye out for Piper. It didn''t take long to spot her in the distance, and Lila slowed down. Piper didn''t look behind her, nor did she seem lost as she led the way down several more side streets, each one boasting incrementally more impressive houses. Eventually, Lila realised that the street she was on was familiar, though she normally travelled here from a different direction.

    Confused, Lila slowed her pace even further as Piper passed a sign for the ¡®Gilded Estate¡¯. The houses here were easily the most impressive out of all the others they had passed. Frowning, Lila carried on, hiding behind various cars and hedges as Piper wove her way down the road. Did she have a secret boyfriend in this estate?

    Gradually, Piper slowed her own pace and took to hiding behind various cars and hedges as well, which perplexed Lila even further.

    ¡®If Piper has a boyfriend around here, surely she wouldn¡¯t be hiding from him,¡¯ she thought. Both girls continued to inch down the street before Piper suddenly stopped. Lila immediately ducked behind a car, her heart racing a mile a minute. Had Piper spotted her?

    Lila couldn¡¯t hear Piper coming closer to her and chanced a glance around the corner of the car. Piper was edging her way up the driveway of the house diagonally across from... Asher¡¯s house? Lila''s brow furrowed as she observed Piper seemingly take coverage from foliage that lined the left side fence. She was unmistakably facing Asher''s house, looking intently at it.

    Lila stopped a gasp from escaping her lips and pressed her back up against the car. Should she move closer? What should she do? Should she message Asher, telling him that some girl from school was staring at his house?

    Lila carefully took another look at where Piper was standing now. She didn''t seem to want to go any closer to Asher¡¯s house, squatting behind a particularly dense hedge. Piper¡¯s face was turned upward, still staring at it. As Lila watched, Piper pulled out her phone and held it above her head. While Lila couldn¡¯t see for certain from this angle, she was sure that Piper was either taking pictures of Asher¡¯s house or zooming in on the camera.

    From Lila¡¯s mental map of Asher¡¯s house, it seemed as though Piper might be looking towards Asher¡¯s wing. Did his bedroom look out this way? Lila wasn¡¯t too sure as she hadn¡¯t actually been inside his bedroom, but it was a distinct possibility.

    As Lila remained behind the car, it felt as though cold, invisible fingers ran along the back of her spine, sweat dripping from her brow. Her breathing was choppy as she tried to think of what the best course of action would be for the moment. Biting her lip, Lila carefully took her phone out of her pocket with trembling hands and quietly took a photo of Piper in the hedge. She took another photo, this time landscape, capturing both Piper and Asher¡¯s house in the shot.

    ¡®For now, I should get back on the bus¡­¡¯ Lila thought to herself, slipping away from her hiding spot and back down the street, checking every so often that Piper wasn¡¯t following behind. Her whole body was tense, anxiety tingling through her muscles, though she reached the bus stop without a fuss. She was somewhat surprised that she found it so easily, and waited a few minutes for the next school bus to arrive, contemplating Piper¡¯s motives deeply.

    ¡®Is Piper trying to sabotage Asher?¡¯ Lila thought, narrowing her eyes at her shoes, a finger to her chin. She recalled what Cecelia had said about Piper¡¯s grades suddenly increasing. Was she trying her shot at being the Dux this year? Was she trying to beat Asher down so that he¡¯d mess up his assignments and exams?

    The air brakes of the school bus pulled Lila¡¯s attention away from her thoughts. She watched more students from Forestglade College descend from the bus and boarded, much to the surprise of the bus driver. She tapped her travel card on the terminal and found an empty seat, casting a quick look at the remaining students.

    To her surprise, Daniel was sitting on this bus towards the back. Their eyes met and he raised an eyebrow, his arms folded. Lila shook her head and turned back towards the front of the bus, which rolled away from the stop unceremoniously. She opened her phone¡¯s Gallery and zoomed in on the pictures she¡¯d taken of Piper outside Asher¡¯s house, a knot forming in her stomach.

    Exhaustion suddenly washed over Lila, and she put her phone back in her pocket, rubbing her forehead. She didn¡¯t have enough capacity in her brain to try and explain what she saw. She couldn¡¯t wait to crawl into bed.

 Chapter Twenty-One

    Chapter Twenty-One

    Brringg¡­ brringg¡­

    Lila cracked an eye open, groaning. It felt far too early for her alarm to be sounding, but unplugged her phone regardless. She had been tossing and turning all night, hardly resting at all. She half-entertained the idea of feigning sickness and staying home from school today as her mind began to wake up.

    Lila lifted her phone high in the air above her, her eyes bleary and unfocused. She rubbed the sleep out of her eyes and tried to see the time displayed on her lock screen. With a heavy sigh, she slowly got up and went through her usual morning routine, ensuring that she packed her lunchbox again.

    She barely made it onto her usual bus, owing to the fact that she was going twice as slow today. Upon boarding the bus, however, Lila couldn¡¯t see Piper. Frowning, Lila tried to remember the last time Piper wasn¡¯t on this specific bus with her.

    ¡®Is she sick?¡¯ Lila thought to herself, placing her chin in her hand as she watched flashes of colour pass by the window. Her first class of the day was PE, so she¡¯d find out soon enough whether Piper made it to school.

    Lila didn¡¯t cross paths with Piper on the way to the locker room either. Yawning, Lila opened her locker and shoved her schoolbag and laptop inside. She grabbed her PE bag and leisurely walked to the gymnasium to get changed. There was no need to wait around for Piper given they had class together first up.

    Once dressed in her PE uniform, Lila made her way to the court. Ms Wright hadn¡¯t yet arrived, but a couple of students were already stretching on the court in preparation for today¡¯s class. One of them was Asher, though Lila coolly passed him to sit in her usual spot towards the stage. He similarly didn¡¯t say anything to her or even look up at her as she walked by.

    After some time, Lila noticed Piper and Ayla enter the gymnasium in their PE uniforms, laughing together as usual. Again, Lila wondered why Piper hadn¡¯t been on their usual bus, but Ms Wright shortly took command of the class¡¯s attention with a couple of sharp claps.

    Today¡¯s class was another practice run of the various dances for semi-formal, and there was a lot more giggling than usual in general. From the various snippets that Lila heard throughout the lesson, some people in her cohort had already asked others to semi-formal, with others still discussing their plans to ask particular students. Lila felt relieved that no one seemed to be talking about her this morning.

    After PE and Design were over with, Lila dragged herself to her locker to grab a banana from her lunchbox for morning tea, distinctly unenthusiastic for what the rest of the day had in store for her. The day was not close to finishing at all and Lila''s energy had rapidly depleted already. Hopefully, she''d perk up after some food...

    But there was something strange about her lock today. Lila put her code in and tried to open it, but it resisted. Was she at the right locker?

    ¡®Odd,¡¯ she thought, trying her code again. This time, it clicked open and Lila shook her head. She probably put the wrong code in but didn¡¯t realise, she felt that tired.

    Sighing, she gripped the handle of her bookbag, preparing to shove it in her locker as she swung her door open. Instead, she immediately dropped her bookbag to the floor upon looking into her locker.

    A picture was covering the mirror on the inside of her door. A picture that Lila had never seen before. A picture that she definitely did not put there.

    Stomach swirling, she pulled the picture off her mirror with trembling hands. It was a picture of Lila looking back at whoever the photographer was on Asher¡¯s doorstep. She was dressed in her uniform, and Asher was stood in the doorway in his uniform as well, his hand gripped around her wrist, a grin on his face. Lila¡¯s breath hitched as she tried to take in every detail of the photo. When was this taken?

    Her mind went blank, her breathing growing increasingly disordered. It felt as though she couldn''t suck in enough air as her eyes drifted down to words written along the bottom of the photo in red marker. It read ¡®WHORE FOR HIRE¡¯, along with Lila¡¯s own mobile number. She couldn¡¯t think who had her mobile number except for her family, Grace, Elise, Asher and Isaac. Did Asher or Isaac put this photo in her locker? It surely wasn¡¯t Grace or Elise. Was it a sick prank from Daniel? Any conversations she had with other classmates were usually through Snap or Insta, and she never posted her number anywhere.

    Tears welled in her eyes as she gripped the photo even more tightly. How did someone get into her locker? She was sure she locked it this morning after grabbing her PE uniform. Her stomach tightened and she clutched her blouse with her left hand. Her knees felt weak ¨C enough that she might collapse.

    ¡°Lila?¡± a voice suddenly called from her right side. Lila jumped, a pathetic whimper escaping her lips. It was Grace, her eyes full of concern. Lila wordlessly handed Grace the photo, placing her right hand on her mouth to prevent herself from throwing up. Grace didn¡¯t seem to register what she was looking at before Elise hugged Grace from behind, making Grace leap almost a foot into the air.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Elise laughed, ¡°that¡¯s a strong reaction!¡±

    Grace spun around, passing Elise the photo silently, her face deathly serious.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Elise asked, her eyes darting between the photo and Lila, who was still struggling to get her breathing under control.

    ¡°Actually, what the fuck is this?¡± Elise demanded a second later, her eyes flashing in anger, passing the photo back to Grace. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°I-It was stuck to my mirror,¡± Lila managed to get out, stepping aside to allow Elise and Grace to peer into her locker.

    ¡°How?¡± Grace asked in a panicked tone. Elise grabbed Lila¡¯s lock and locked it. She tried to pull it apart without any luck.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila whispered, tears now falling from her eyes.

    ¡°We need to tell a teacher,¡± Grace replied, desperately gripping Lila¡¯s shoulders and pulling her into her arms.

    ¡°N-No, please don¡¯t,¡± Lila said weakly. ¡°Please.¡±

    Elise stopped fiddling with the lock and looked at Grace, as if formulating a plan with Grace via telepathy.

    ¡°I think you need a new lock, at least,¡± she said simply. ¡°I can go see Mr Morrison.¡±

    Mr Morrison was their kind, middle-aged and portly Head of Year who was also the Physics teacher for Senior School. He¡¯d been their head of year since Grade 7 and was quite popular with the students. While Lila didn¡¯t have much to do with him, given she didn¡¯t do Physics, he did seem open to students who sought counsel from him. Perhaps he¡¯d be able to help?

    ¡®No,¡¯ Lila firmly told herself. ¡®I don¡¯t even know who did this. It¡¯ll be a major spectacle for no gain if Mr Morrison decides to call an assembly or something about it. Then the rumours will get even worse if it¡¯s traced back to me¡­¡¯

    Elise dropped Lila¡¯s lock on the floor and it burst open. The three girls stared at it for a few seconds. Elise gingerly picked it back up again and locked it. She shook it close to her ear, as if it would tell her the combination required to open it.

    ¡°Can I try something?¡± she asked, looking at both Grace and Lila. Lila nodded and Grace and Lila both moved away from her locker. Elise gestured for Lila to open the lock, which she did. Elise closed Lila¡¯s locker and locked it shut, pulling at the lock. It seemed to be firmly keeping true to its purpose. Elise then rummaged around her bookbag for a moment before pulling out her scientific calculator. It had a hard plastic cover on its face and Elise raised it above her head before bringing it down on the lock at an angle. It opened without much resistance.

    ¡°Hell nah, we¡¯re getting you a new fucking lock,¡± Elise hissed, ripping it off Lila¡¯s locker. ¡°I¡¯ll run and grab one from Mr Morrison. Someone needs to stay here to make sure no one tries anything else with your locker.¡±

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Before Lila or Grace had a chance to argue, Elise sped off.

    ¡°There she goes, charging off again,¡± Grace sighed. She gave Lila a soft smile and gently wiped away the tears that had trailed down Lila''s cheeks.

    ¡°Do you have some water?¡± Grace asked. Lila nodded and opened her locker. She avoided looking at herself in the mirror as she pulled out her water bottle and drank from it. The water seemed to help calm her breathing down somewhat. Lila finally stopped drinking and put her water bottle back, picking at her nail beds. She quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed what had happened, but the locker room was devoid of anyone now that they were fifteen minutes into morning tea.

    ¡°This is some sick joke,¡± Grace finally said, putting the photo face down inside Lila¡¯s locker.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said softly. After a few moments of silence, she pulled out her phone and the photo. She took a couple pictures of the photo before placing it back in her locker face down. Grace looked at her in apparent surprise and confusion.

    ¡°¡­ just in case whoever left it there comes back for it,¡± Lila said, averting her eyes from Grace and looking instead at her shoes. Grace wrapped her arm around Lila¡¯s left arm, leaning her head against Lila¡¯s shoulder. They stood like this for some time before Lila heard rushed footsteps coming towards them. Turning, Lila saw it was Elise.

    ¡°He has a couple in his office,¡± Elise said, thrusting a box at Lila. It contained a brand-new lock. ¡°He was horrified when I showed him the drop test. He reckons if this one still has the same issue, they¡¯ll look at replacing everyone¡¯s locks.¡±

    Lila spent the next few minutes shakily setting up her new lock, ensuring she had a new combination in case the person had somehow figured out her old one. Elise did the drop test on this lock, and it seemed to hold up. Lucas¡¯ words drifted to Lila as she firmly locked her locker again.

    ¡°Someone said there¡¯s pictures, proving¡­¡± he had said, regarding the recent rumours. Was this picture one of the ¡®pictures¡¯ mentioned?

    ¡°Do you wanna head to PC?¡± Elise asked softly. ¡°I¡¯m sure Ms Wang won¡¯t mind if we¡¯re in there already.¡±

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Let me just get my Maths stuff¡­¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t speak to Elise or Grace for the rest of morning tea, nor during PC. She did say ¡®bye¡¯ to them before heading off to Maths, but otherwise, her mind was far too hazy to think of anything that she could say.

    She couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything Ms Wang said during that lesson, which was fine as it was a revision lesson going through some of the concepts they had learned earlier in the term in preparation for their final exam next Wednesday. Lila¡¯s mind whirled with trying to process the total invasion of privacy she had experienced. Not to mention the fact that someone had followed her to Asher¡¯s house and taken a photo of him pulling her inside. She had clearly looked right at the photographer but she couldn¡¯t remember seeing anyone, or a camera, that day ¨C or rather, any day that she¡¯d been to Asher¡¯s. Were there more photos of her going inside his house somewhere? And did the person who had taken the photo intend on spreading this photo, or others, around?

    Lila did admit to herself that the photo looked bad. It didn¡¯t look like Asher was just politely inviting a classmate inside his house for an English project. He clearly looked happy to see her as he was eagerly pulling her inside by her wrist, and Lila could imagine that it wouldn¡¯t be hard for people to infer it was for a ¡®romp¡¯.

    ¡°¡­ Lila,¡± Ms Wang¡¯s voice gently roused Lila from her musings. Lila looked up and found that she was alone in the classroom with Ms Wang.

    ¡°Lunch started a few minutes ago,¡± Ms Wang said, resting against a desk in front of Lila. ¡°I noticed in PC that you seem really lacklustre today. Is everything okay?¡±

    Lila nodded and began packing her math materials into her bookbag. She could sense, however, that Ms Wang was dissatisfied with that answer as she still remained in front of Lila.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Ms Wang said lightly, a small, reassuring smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯ve been your PC teacher for the past, what, three years? Four years? You can talk to me about anything, you know. I promise I¡¯m not as scary as I look.¡±

    Lila continued to look down at her desk before she nodded slowly.

    ¡°I know, ma¡¯am. Maybe I¡¯ll talk to you about it one day. It¡¯s¡­ just been a lot, recently. I need some time to figure out my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Ms Wang replied, standing up straight. ¡°I just wanted to remind you that you¡¯re not as alone as you may be feeling. Despite all the people that surround you every day during high school, it can sometimes feel like the loneliest place on this planet. I¡¯ve been there, done that.¡±

    Lila looked up at Ms Wang, who still smiled at Lila kindly. She felt like she wanted to cry in the safety of Ms Wang¡¯s kindness, but looked away before she could start.

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila said, standing up herself and putting her bookbag on her shoulder. ¡°I appreciate it. Really.¡±

    ¡°Off you go, then,¡± Ms Wang said, waving Lila off. ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯d rather be having some lunch than talking to some crazy woman.¡±

    Lila cracked a half-hearted grin at Ms Wang before heading out of the classroom and back to the locker room. On her way there, her phone buzzed and she pulled it out. It was a message from Elise to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us asking where Lila was.

    On my way to the lockers, Lila replied. Sorry. Ms Wang wanted to talk to me

    Are you in trouble? Grace sent.

    No, she was just concerned, Lila sent back.

    Sounds about right, Elise replied. Lila locked her phone screen and slipped it into her pocket.

    Grace and Elise were leaning against the lockers surrounding Lila¡¯s when she arrived.

    ¡°There you are,¡± Grace smiled, seeming relieved as her shoulders untensed entirely.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila replied lamely, opening her locker and pulling out her lunchbox.

    ¡°Saw Piper and her squad roll out,¡± Elise said, inspecting her own lunchbox. ¡°They seemed way too happy about something.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon they¡¯re gossiping about me too?¡± Lila asked absently as she locked her locker.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Elise said, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°Are we going back to the Home Ec building?¡± Grace asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I wasn¡¯t able to really keep tabs on Piper today.¡±

    The trio casually made their way over to the Home Ec building, Elise attempting a few jokes which fell rather flat. It didn¡¯t seem like Grace was in the mood to be joking around, either.

    The grass surrounding the Home Ec building was full of students having lunch, but the trio managed to find a spot that also allowed them to see Piper¡¯s group of friends. Today, Piper¡¯s group was joined by Brittany and a few of Brittany¡¯s friends. Lila couldn¡¯t bring herself to check if Asher was sitting in his usual spot. If she was being honest with herself, Lila didn¡¯t really want to see Asher ever again. Why was she even trying all this for? Maybe she should just give up and go back to what they were before. Just two classmates who hardly ever spoke¡­

    ¡®Don¡¯t be a coward,¡¯ Lila thought to herself sternly. ¡®You¡¯re doing this so that you can help Asher find his Mum. This will only be temporary until you get to the heart of the rumours. Either way, they can¡¯t continue as they have been, you¡¯ll need to stop it somehow¡­¡¯

    Lila clapped her hands to her face and shook her head. She couldn¡¯t let her resolve get beaten down like this. The investigation into Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance was far more important than high school nonsense ¨C she needed to get a grip on herself.

    Lila huffed and nodded to herself, unzipping her lunchbox with newfound motivation. She would get through this, and she would help Asher. Lila grabbed her sandwich and began to eat with a sigh of relief. She hadn¡¯t realised how hungry she was until now as she ate with fervour. She glanced in the direction of Piper¡¯s group. They seemed absorbed in their conversations, the occasional shrill laughter from one of Piper''s friends echoing across the grassy area.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got German with her next,¡± Elise said, throwing a couple pretzels in her mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye on her. See if she says anything shady.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, swallowing roughly. ¡°I doubt she will in class with you there, though.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d be surprised,¡± Grace said, her voice dropping to a low whisper. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to bring this up earlier cause of¡­ well, what happened. But I had Art with her this morning. She was talking to Ayla about how you¡¯re like a ¡®pick me¡¯ and that she¡¯d heard about the prostitution rumours and wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was true. She even said that if it was true, you¡¯d be so disgusting, she probably wouldn¡¯t be able to look you in the face ever again. Which is odd to say considering she said she wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was true, plus I was sitting at the next table.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she thought you¡¯d start thinking it was true and turn on me,¡± Lila replied with a shrug.

    ¡°She¡¯d be dumb as rocks if that¡¯s the case,¡± Elise snorted, smacking her lips and scrunching her emptied snack pretzel bag.

    ¡°I somehow doubt she¡¯s dumb as rocks,¡± Lila said slowly. She bit her lower lip, contemplating whether she should tell Elise and Grace about Piper¡¯s weird behaviour yesterday after school. She cast a look at Elise and Grace, who were both chewing in silence, looking down at the grass they were sitting amongst. After a pause, Lila decided against it for now. She wanted a little bit more intel before riling Elise and Grace up again, plus she was still trying to process what she had seen. It was too weird to even figure out a motive behind Piper¡¯s actions, but perhaps with more information Lila would be able to understand what was going on¡­

    Lila¡¯s next class, Japanese, finished up in the blink of an eye. Today, Ms Takahashi advised the class that next term, they would have some exchange students from Japan attend their classes. Ms Takahashi spent the rest of the lesson going over some common phrases and things to say to the students, so Lila didn¡¯t have much time to think about anything else.

    Modern History was next, and Lila was grateful that she¡¯d finish the day in Elise and Grace¡¯s company. Elise hadn¡¯t heard anything of note from Piper during German, but they were preparing for their reading exam next Friday, so she wasn¡¯t surprised.

    They walked to the locker room after class ended, with Lila in a far better mood than she had been all day. She even mustered up a couple of laughs at Elise¡¯s lame jokes as she prepared her school bag to take home. As Lila closed her locker, she caught sight of Piper looking intently in Lila¡¯s direction. Before Lila could react, Piper immediately turned around and walked off the bus station. Elise and Grace exchanged raised eyebrows as Lila waved goodbye at them and headed off towards the bus station as well.

    Nothing of note happened on this bus journey as Lila¡¯s exhaustion took over her again. She could hardly believe that it was only Tuesday. She quickly checked behind her as she left the bus at her usual bus stop and saw Piper staring out the window to her left. Lila had no inkling as to what Piper might be thinking now, but left the bus all the same ¨C her eyelids were heavy and her muscles cried out for proper rest. Falling into bed was the only option she had for tonight.

 Chapter Twenty-Two

    Chapter Twenty-Two

    Piper still wasn¡¯t on the bus Lila took the next morning. While odd, it wasn¡¯t the end of the world ¨C Piper had somehow arrived at school yesterday morning, so Lila supposed it would be the same today.

    Thankfully, Lila¡¯s locker didn¡¯t seem as though it had any further intruders. The photo was still face-down inside. She pulled out her English and Biology materials with a sigh before heading off to the Language Block.

    Asher was outside their English classroom and gave her a sideways glance but otherwise didn¡¯t interact with her. His hands were firmly shoved in his pockets and he was glaring at an innocent-looking palm tree that was swaying gently in the breeze outside the classroom. It felt as though he was oozing a steady stream of anger. Lila didn¡¯t dare approach him.

    They still sat next to each other in English despite the fact that the project was over. No one had wanted to change their seating arrangements so late in the term, so Lila was stuck beside a broody Asher. She hoped he wasn¡¯t angry with her as she tried to listen to Ms Shard¡¯s lecture on the next book that they would be analysing for the next term. It was Shakespeare¡¯s Romeo and Juliet, which enthralled no one.

    Biology was next, and neither Cecelia nor Lucas spoke to Lila. She thought it was odd, but they didn¡¯t seem unfriendly either. Perhaps they were concerned with their final Biology exam next Monday. Lila couldn¡¯t dwell on it, however. She had more important things to worry about.

    As she made her way to her locker for morning tea, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. She took it out and saw an unknown caller was calling her. Curious, she answered, slowing her pace on the pathway.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Hey. Is this the right number?¡± a male voice asked, breathing heavily.

    ¡°For what?¡± Lila asked sharply, tilting her head to the side. A few students turned around to look at her, but turned back around almost as quickly.

    ¡°For the whore,¡± the voice said, sounding almost as perplexed as Lila felt.

    ¡°Who is this?¡± Lila asked, alarm rising in her voice. ¡°How did you get my number?¡±

    ¡°What a tease,¡± the voice sighed before hanging up. Lila stared at her phone for a moment before putting it back in her pocket, shaking her head.

    Elise and Grace were already standing at Lila¡¯s locker, each holding a piece of fruit for morning tea.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said, still unable to shake her confusion, ¡°I just got a weird phone call.¡±

    ¡°What about?¡± Grace asked, taking a bite of her apple.

    ¡°Someone asked me about a¡­ whore?¡± Lila replied, pulling out a mandarin from her lunchbox.

    ¡°That¡¯s weird,¡± Elise frowned. ¡°Wrong number?¡±

    ¡°Hope so,¡± Lila laughed, closing her locker door. They hadn¡¯t made it very far towards the Home Ec building before Lila¡¯s phone buzzed again. It was another unknown caller.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Lila asked as she answered the call.

    ¡°Yo!¡± a male voice distinctly different from the one that called a few minutes ago.

    ¡°Uh, who is this?¡± Lila responded.

    ¡°Jackson,¡± the caller said, his tone distinctly flirtatious now. ¡°How much are your¡­ services?¡±

    Lila hung up immediately, her mouth agape. What was going on?

    Her phone buzzed again, and she saw it was a text message from yet another unknown number. They were asking what services she was offering and how much. She passed her phone to Grace, who looked at the message in bewilderment.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± Grace queried, passing it to Elise, who looked just as puzzled.

    ¡°Did someone put your number on one of those weird websites?¡± Elise questioned, giving Lila back her phone.

    ¡°What kinda websites are you looking at?¡± Lila asked, frowning as she put her phone back in her pocket. Elise looked as though she was about to answer when Lila¡¯s phone buzzed yet again. It was another unknown caller.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± Lila asked, her tone distinctly angry.

    ¡°Whoa, kitty, calm down,¡± a male voice laughed. ¡°You¡¯re a bit feisty.¡±

    Lila¡¯s chest filled with an overwhelming feeling of panic. She was almost hyperventilating now, her hands quivering almost to the point of dropping her phone. Elise took the phone from her.

    ¡°Stop calling,¡± she snarled, hanging up.

    ¡°I¡¯m keeping this,¡± Elise said, shoving Lila¡¯s phone in her pocket. ¡°Just ignore them. Must be a prank.¡±

    Lila nodded sullenly and followed Elise and Grace¡¯s lead to the Home Ec building. A few people stared at them before bursting into laughter as the girls walked across the grass to a spare spot. Some of the people in Piper¡¯s group continued to laugh even as others subsided, wiping away non-existent tears. Lila saw Piper smirking in her direction, but tried to remain calm as she swiftly surveyed who else was here. She couldn¡¯t see Asher and Isaac, but perhaps they were still coming.

    Lila, Grace, and Elise sat down and quietly ate their morning tea. Elise occasionally took Lila¡¯s phone out of her pocket but said nothing about what was happening on it. Lila didn¡¯t want to ask. The looks and whispers surrounding them told Lila more than enough. Something had clearly happened that she was in the centre of.

    All seemed relatively normal with Piper¡¯s group, albeit with a few more looks in their direction than usual. Eventually, Lila, Grace, and Elise were back in the locker room, taking out their materials for the next lesson, before making their way to their PC classroom.

    It seemed like another lesson where students were left to their own devices in PC, with Ms Wang busy marking assessments. Lila kept her head down, trying not to draw any further attention to herself. Elise reluctantly returned Lila¡¯s phone at the end of class, given they didn¡¯t share any others for the rest of the day.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you at lunch, Lila,¡± Grace said with a small smile as they reached a fork in their paths.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an ear out for what Piper¡¯s saying in German again,¡± Elise said tensely. ¡°Though I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll be able to keep from socking her.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°That¡¯ll be more trouble than it¡¯s worth.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s so frustrating not being able to do anything!¡± Elise cried, throwing her hands in the air. ¡°I know you want to talk to her at the end of the week, but what¡¯s the point in waiting?¡±

    Lila fell silent, shifting her weight awkwardly.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t do it right now,¡± Lila finally admitted, looking at her shoes. ¡°Just¡­ so many things have happened at once, I need to breathe for a bit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, Lila,¡± Grace cut in, placing an arm on Elise¡¯s shoulder as if to hold her back. ¡°We¡¯ll support whatever you want to do.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Lila smiled, waving as she continued walking to Japanese.

    Her phone buzzed again, and she pulled it out. She had 32 unread messages and 16 missed calls. The latest message was a simple question mark from an entirely unknown number. How did all these people know her phone number?

    Like she had been during the week, Lila kept an eye on Piper during lunch. Yet again, people seemed to be laughing at Lila as she entered the vicinity of the Home Ec building and yet again Lila didn¡¯t see Asher or Isaac anywhere. More phone calls and messages came through to her phone, but she was trying her best to ignore them for now. Truthfully, with each message or phone call that buzzed her phone, Lila¡¯s stress levels rose even further. She wasn¡¯t sure how much she could take, but as soon as classes resumed for the afternoon, they stopped.

    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    Lila was sure, now, that all the messages and calls were coming from students, and they were most likely Forestglade College students. How they all knew her phone number and why they all had similar reasons for contacting her, Lila still couldn¡¯t figure out. Potentially, the photo of her and Asher that was stuck inside her locker had made its way to the rest of the school? But... she hadn¡¯t seen anything floating around ¨C no flyers, no posters, nothing. If it was spreading through social media, Grace or Elise would¡¯ve seen it and sent it through to Lila, but they seemed just as lost for ideas as she was.

    Lila tried to think all through Design, but nothing that would fit the scenario playing out before her came to her. It was also difficult trying to think during Design given the stares she was receiving. Every time Lila looked up, it was a different student who quickly turned away from her. Design was generally a very quiet class, so the silence accompanying the awkward looks she was receiving didn¡¯t seem that unusual.

    Once she was released, however, Lila felt a sense of dread weighing on her shoulders. She had Study now with both Piper and Asher in the library. She didn¡¯t want to see either of them, but it was the best opportunity she had to observe Piper, given she was always sitting in view of Lila.

    After signing in with her Study supervisor, Lila settled in at her usual booth, which was empty. She had half-thought that Asher would be sitting there, like he had before their presentation. Piper sailed in with Ayla soon after, smiling in a carefree manner as they spoke about something. Lila was too far away to hear what they were talking about, but Piper glanced in her direction and sniggered. Lila¡¯s face flushed with anger. She inhaled deeply, her jaw clenched as she looked down at her laptop. Whilst her assessments were handed in already, she did have a few exams next week that she needed to study for.

    The trek to the bus station after Study was over felt more arduous than usual. Piper was just ahead of Lila, her footsteps bouncy and light. It seemed as though she was in quite a good mood, though Lila didn¡¯t have any idea why that would be. Daniel was on this bus today, but he didn¡¯t look at Lila as she sat down. Perhaps he was coming home early to study for exams?

    Lila¡¯s phone was buzzing almost non-stop whilst the bus roared through the streets towards home. She let out a frustrated sigh and turned her vibration mode off entirely before she looked out the window, her eyes glazing over. Eventually, the bus rolled to a stop outside her usual bus stop and Lila and Daniel exited. With a quick glance at who was left on the bus, Lila saw that Piper was still there.

    Daniel and Lila didn¡¯t speak a word to each other as they walked home. Daniel seemed off somehow, but Lila didn¡¯t have the energy to ask him what was up.

    Clare greeted them upon arrival without getting up from the couch and they both gave her a muffled ¡°Hey¡± in return. Lila climbed the steps to her bedroom and shut herself away just as she had been doing during the week. Throwing her bag unceremoniously to the floor, she tucked herself into bed and had almost fallen asleep before a knock sounded at her door.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she called, unmoving. The door slowly opened with a creak. Lila expected Clare to come in, but it was Daniel. He sidled in awkwardly and shut the door behind him, taking a deep breath.

    ¡°U-Uh, sis¡­¡± he said hesitantly, still standing by the door.

    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± sighed Lila, tightening the blankets around her. ¡°What do you want?¡±

    He clenched his jaw before crossing the room and sitting in her desk chair.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know how to say it,¡± Daniel said, looking at the floor. He seemed really uncomfortable. Lila sat up, concerned and fully awake now.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± she asked, reaching out to touch his arm.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m all good,¡± Daniel replied, fidgeting with his hands. He breathed deeply again before he pulled out his phone, tapping rapidly on it.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, slowly giving it to her. Her heart sank as she registered what she was looking at. It was the photo that had been in her locker yesterday, complete with the message calling Lila a whore and listing her phone number. But there was something odd about this copy of the photo. She zoomed in and saw that Asher¡¯s face was blurred out, though his school uniform was clear as day. This was evidently a different copy than the one that was hiding in her locker.

    ¡°Where did you find this?¡± she whispered, her voice wavering.

    ¡°In the boys¡¯ bathroom,¡± he said quietly. ¡°There¡¯s actually a copy in all the boys¡¯ bathrooms.¡±

    All the air in Lila¡¯s lungs escaped as she stared at Daniel in disbelief. ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°Someone told me about it at lunch today,¡± he said, still averting his gaze. ¡°Uh, he tried to borrow money from me. When I asked what he needed it for, he said that there¡¯s a girl in Grade 11 who¡¯s offering some¡­ services. S-So he wanted some cash.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing he didn¡¯t know that the ¡®girl in Grade 11¡¯ is your sister,¡± Lila sighed, passing Daniel his phone back. He nodded solemnly.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on, Lila?¡± he asked. ¡°I pulled this photo down at lunch but when I came back an hour later, a new one was in its place. You¡¯re not¡­ actually-¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m not,¡± Lila said, pinching the bridge of her nose.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked, looking incredibly serious for once. Lila rubbed her face as she contemplated telling Daniel the truth ¨C that she was a few centimetres away from a nervous breakdown. But¡­ he was her little brother. This was her fight. He didn¡¯t need to know.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said, smiling at Daniel. ¡°I¡¯ll sort it out. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help worrying, sis. This is so messed up.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± she said softly, pulling Daniel in for a hug, who resisted half-heartedly. ¡°Thank you for letting me know.¡±

    He looked at her doubtfully and stood up.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell Clare,¡± he said. ¡°She¡¯ll just freak out.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Lila replied, nodding. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    He left the room, closing the door softly behind him. Lila waited for his footsteps to fade away before throwing herself back into the bed. She couldn¡¯t hold back her tears anymore.

    For the first time in a long time, Lila cried into her pillow until she fell asleep.

    <hr>

    Lila almost missed her usual bus on Thursday morning. She had been so exhausted that she hadn¡¯t heard her first couple alarms. She didn¡¯t bother packing lunch today so she could make it on time.

    Piper was sitting on the bus this morning, looking prim and proper as she avoided Lila¡¯s gaze. To Lila, Piper looked almost smug, which angered Lila somewhat. If Piper was behind all of this, there was no way that she didn¡¯t know how it would be affecting Lila. It was almost sociopathic.

    ¡®Clare¡¯s been rubbing off on me,¡¯ Lila thought with a wry smile.

    Lila¡¯s morning classes passed without consequence, and she was relieved when morning tea came around. Sitting so still with everything that was happening around her was almost torture, so she welcomed the opportunity to stretch her legs. Grace and Elise met with her and they made their way to the Home Ec building as usual. Lila briefly checked her phone and saw that her missed calls and messages had grown to 40 and 82 respectively.

    During morning tea, they watched Piper¡¯s group, who seemed to be going about their business as usual through gossiping and snide laughter. Upon spotting Lila, Piper¡¯s group¡¯s laughter increased exponentially. They seemed so carefree, unlike Lila who felt like a desperate bird in a cage that was far too small. Asher and Isaac were still nowhere in sight, but Lila shrugged it off. Perhaps they were in the library, studying for exams. Asher was the Dux, after all.

    Upon entering their PC class a few minutes early, however, Lila was surprised to see Ms Wang walk towards her, her face entirely serious.

    ¡°Lila, can I please ask you to come with me?¡± Ms Wang asked, her tone giving away nothing regarding the context for the request. Lila nervously nodded, and Ms Wang turned to Grace.

    ¡°Grace, I¡¯m leaving you in charge for the moment, please. I¡¯ve printed the roll ¨C it¡¯s next to my computer.¡±

    Ms Wang led Lila away from the classroom and towards a spare meeting room a few doors down. She tapped her staff ID card on the receiver and opened the door for Lila, who anxiously walked in. There was no one else in the room, which helped Lila relax a little, but otherwise, she was finding it hard to breathe.

    Ms Wang closed the door softly behind her and gestured to an empty seat. Lila sat down, fumbling with her hands. Ms Wang sat across from Lila, her face rather stern but not unkind.

    ¡°I¡¯ve received a few reports,¡± Ms Wang began gently, ¡°of some alleged unsavoury behaviour.¡±

    Lila looked up at Ms Wang but didn¡¯t say anything in response. Ms Wang proceeded to pull out a copy of the photo Daniel had shown Lila last night and placed it in front of Lila. Asher¡¯s face was blurred in this one too, but the red writing on the photo was as sharp as ever. Tears began to form in her eyes as she picked up the photo. She wanted to tear it to shreds but restrained herself. She instead wiped away at her tears before looking back up at Ms Wang.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to ask if that¡¯s you in the photo,¡± Ms Wang said simply. ¡°We both know that it is.¡±

    Lila nodded wordlessly, pushing the photo back towards Ms Wang.

    ¡°I do have to ask, however,¡± Ms Wang continued, her eyes seeming to bore a hole into Lila. ¡°Are you offering sexual services to students?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila replied quietly, staring at the table.

    ¡°Do you know who¡¯s putting these up?¡± Ms Wang asked. Lila shook her head in response. At this point, though she had strong suspicions that it was Piper or at the very least Piper¡¯s friends, she didn¡¯t have any evidence for this.

    ¡°Is there anything else happening that I should know about?¡± Ms Wang asked softly. Lila bit her bottom lip and pulled out her phone. As she did so, a message flashed up on her screen. It looked like she¡¯d missed a few more messages and calls. Lila opened her missed call list and gave her phone to Ms Wang. She scrolled through the list with her lips pursed in disapproval.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ve gotten a lot of messages, too,¡± Lila whispered, taking the phone back and opening her messages. Ms Wang couldn¡¯t hold her professional composure as she goggled at Lila¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Oh no¡­¡± Ms Wang whispered, scrolling through the messages. ¡°These are awful, Lila.¡±

    Lila nodded, tears threatening to spill over from her eyes. She took a deep, shuddering breath as she waited for Ms Wang to finish looking through the messages. Ms Wang looked up at Lila, her eyes narrowed in anger.

    ¡°Right,¡± Ms Wang said firmly. ¡°We will need to start an investigation into this, Lila. This is absolutely unacceptable. Do you feel safe at school?¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t considered this question yet. Did she feel safe? No one had attacked her, or anything, but her mind conjured an image of Harrison grabbing her blazer over mere rumours that Lila was sleeping with Asher and Connor.

    ¡°I¡­ think so, for now,¡± Lila said, only half-believing herself.

    ¡°I can call a cab to take you home,¡± Ms Wang said earnestly. ¡°Your safety is our priority, Lila.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila said, looking up at Ms Wang. Her hands curled into fists under the desk as she steadied herself. Enough was enough. She was going to talk to Piper this afternoon, evidence be damned. Now that teachers were starting to get involved, talking about her safety and sending her home from school despite being in the thick of exams and assignments, Lila knew for certain that this had gone too far.

    ¡°If anything changes, please let me know,¡± Ms Wang implored, standing up. ¡°I cannot stress enough the seriousness of all this, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila replied, also standing up. Lila''s voice shook as she added, ¡°Apparently, there¡¯s pictures in all the boys¡¯ bathrooms.¡±

    Ms Wang sighed heavily, checking her watch. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it. We¡¯d better get back to class, then. Hopefully, Grace is finished with the roll.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Three

    Chapter Twenty-Three

    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to her this afternoon,¡± Lila said to Grace and Elise as they walked towards tuckshop. She was ravenously hungry now and, as she didn¡¯t bring lunch today, needed to buy something to eat.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Grace asked, seeming surprised. ¡°The week isn¡¯t over yet.¡±

    ¡°Ms Wang told me just now that the teachers are starting an investigation into the photos,¡± Lila said in a low voice.

    ¡°Photos?¡± Elise asked, biting into a sandwich.

    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Lila said sheepishly. ¡°I forgot to tell you guys since I haven¡¯t wanted to go on my phone. Daniel told me yesterday that copies of the photo that was in my locker are in all the boys¡¯ bathrooms. But for some reason, Asher¡¯s face is blurred out in those ones.¡±

    ¡°Oh hell no!¡± exclaimed Elise, dropping her lunchbox. She swiftly picked it up again. ¡°All the boys¡¯ bathrooms?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what Daniel said,¡± Lila shrugged. The trio joined the back of the line to get into the tuckshop.

    ¡°I heard that all the Dance girls have been asked to stay back after school today,¡± Elise said, eating more of her sandwich.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± asked Lila, surprised. Perhaps this would work in her favour¡­

    ¡°Lauren was complaining about it in German this morning,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°Apparently their teacher hasn¡¯t been happy with the quality of their practices. She¡¯s booked out the dance room for this afternoon so they could practice some more. It¡¯s mandatory apparently, since their performances are due tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Did she say how long the room was booked for?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Oh, about half an hour. Apparently, the Eisteddfod competition is coming up in July, so the room is booked out after that for the competitors. Unfortunately for Lauren, that means she¡¯s stuck there for an hour and a half after school today.¡±

    ¡°Is Piper part of Eisteddfod?¡± Lila asked, excitement beginning to brew within her.

    ¡°Nope,¡± Elise smiled. ¡°I heard from Lauren a few weeks back that Piper tried to get into the Dancettes this year, but bombed the audition. Ayla got in, though.¡±

    ¡°Do you want us to come with you to talk to her?¡± Grace asked, shuffling forward as the line into the tuckshop shortened.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s better if it¡¯s just me. One-on-one, y¡¯know? She might not talk if she¡¯s being ganged up on,¡± Lila replied thoughtfully.

    ¡°Makes sense to me,¡± Elise said. ¡°Besides, I can¡¯t stay back today. I¡¯ve got a shift at Maccas.¡±

    Grace nodded in agreement. Lila finally made it inside the tuckshop and bought a cheeseburger, hashbrown and chocolate milk. Not the healthiest of meals, but it would do. Instead of heading over to the Home Ec building, the girls decided to head over to their usual lunch spot. There wasn¡¯t a need to see what Piper was doing anymore, after all.

    Once lunch was over, Lila strolled to her English class. She was gradually feeling more positive as time ticked by. She¡¯d have a conversation with Piper, tell her how she was feeling, and ask her to stop the rumours. She¡¯d understand once she saw Lila¡¯s phone. Depending on Piper¡¯s response, Lila could go back to Ms Wang and ask for leniency for Piper. Then, it would all be over¡­

    Asher was standing outside as usual, waiting for class to start. As soon as he laid eyes on Lila, however, he turned around and walked towards the other end of the Language Block.

    ¡®He¡¯s taking this whole ¡®ignoring me¡¯ thing really seriously,¡¯ Lila thought, before shaking her head. It was fine. They¡¯d be fine soon enough. And then they¡¯d be able to continue their investigation into his Mum¡¯s disappearance...

    Asher continued to ignore her as usual during English, and Lila counted down the minutes until her Maths class began.

    Ms Wang smiled brightly at Lila as she entered, but didn¡¯t otherwise act differently around Lila that afternoon. It was the last class of the day with more revision piled on them. Lila worked through the examples, employing the study techniques Asher had taught her by connecting the exercises to theory whilst keeping an eye on the clock.

    Once dismissed, Lila almost ran to her locker and threw all her materials in it. She didn¡¯t want to lug around her school bag whilst waiting for Piper that afternoon. She paused before shutting her locker for just a moment. She should probably take the photo from her locker¡­

    After pocketing it in her blazer¡¯s breast-pocket, she said goodbye to Grace and Elise. She then headed off to the library to wait out the next twenty minutes. Nervousness began to creep onto Lila as she waited. It felt more like she was waiting twenty hours than twenty minutes, but she took the time to browse the library¡¯s offerings. Nothing really stood out, but perhaps that was because Lila was anxiously willing time to pass faster.

    Her phone started to ring a pleasant tune, indicating that time was up. With a heavy exhale, Lila walked back to the locker room, her stomach twisting.

    She was in luck ¨C Piper was already there, opening her locker. There was no one left in the locker room, either. Piper looked up at Lila and pressed herself against her locker as usual.

    ¡°Hi Piper,¡± Lila said, standing a couple metres away from Piper. Piper furrowed her brow, her eyes darting about behind Lila.

    ¡°Hi?¡± she finally said questioningly, her eyes resting on Lila again.

    Lila inhaled deeply, trying to stem the anger burning in her veins. ¡°I know you¡¯ve been spreading rumours about me.¡±

    Piper sighed, slamming her locker door shut. She held onto her lock for a moment before pocketing it. She turned to face Lila, her arms crossed and eyebrow raised.

    ¡°Why do you think that?¡± Piper asked flatly.

    ¡°First of all, I don¡¯t even know you but you¡¯ve been telling people that we¡¯re close friends.¡±

    Piper shrugged. ¡°Sure, I¡¯ve said that. Doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m spreading rumours though.¡±

    ¡°You told Cecelia that you didn¡¯t know anything about the rumours, but Ayla told me that she talked to you about Asher and me outside Bio. I also heard that Brittany told you about that separately.¡±

    Piper stiffened, her hands on her hips now. ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re known to lie,¡± Lila said triumphantly. Piper blinked at her.

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯re perfect either,¡± Piper drawled. She began picking at her nails.

    ¡°What I don¡¯t get is why you¡¯re so obsessed with me,¡± Lila continued, ignoring Piper¡¯s attempt at a jab. Piper scoffed.

    ¡°With you? Don¡¯t make me laugh. Why would you think I¡¯m obsessed with you?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, you know my hockey position, favourite ice cream and what books I¡¯ve got borrowed out at the library, among other things. I barely even know what they are, so why do you? If you¡¯re not the one spreading rumours, then why lie and say we¡¯re friends? It sounds more like a tactic to provide legitimacy to rumours you make up.¡±

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Piper fell silent, her picking increasing in intensity. Lila took Piper¡¯s silence as an admission of guilt and pressed forward. She didn¡¯t have any evidence, but that didn¡¯t mean Piper knew that.

    ¡°Once I figured out that you were the most likely person spreading rumours, given all this and the fact that you¡¯re friends with the Gossip Queens, Ayla and Brittany, I decided to do some investigating on my own.¡±

    Lila paused for dramatic effect. Piper looked like she was hanging onto every word Lila was saying now, her eyes locked onto Lila''s face.

    ¡°I started with finding out what classes you take and keeping tabs on you casually last week. But this week¡­ well, I¡¯ve been following you around pretty closely.¡±

    At this, Piper¡¯s face drained of all colour, her light brown eyes looking positively owl-like. She wordlessly tangled her fingers in the end of her ponytail, her lips quivering.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you know what that means,¡± Lila said slowly, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I saw you outside Asher¡¯s house. I thought you would¡¯ve noticed me following you, but you didn¡¯t look back even once.¡±

    Piper began breathing heavily, stepping back from Lila before breaking into a nervous grimace.

    ¡°S-So? W-What does that have to do with rumours about you?¡±

    Lila wordlessly pulled out the photo from her blazer pocket and thrust it towards Piper, ensuring the picture was facing her. Lila was silently grateful that she had taken this version with Asher¡¯s face clearly in it. There was no way Piper could play dumb that Lila was outside Asher¡¯s when the photo was taken.

    ¡°Out of all the people I narrowed down, you are the only one who undeniably knows where Asher lives,¡± Lila said, waving the photo between her index and middle fingers like a flag. ¡°Someone saw you breaking into my locker, too. You certainly chose an odd time to do it, Piper. You weren¡¯t on the bus with me that morning. You were probably testing how you could break in with those old combination locks we inherited from the upperclassmen. Unfortunately for you, it didn¡¯t work like you wanted it to, so you ran out of time to put this photo in my locker before I arrived.¡±

    This was obviously a lie ¨C but it looked like Piper took the bait as she tugged at her hair, almost to the point of tearing it out. She also didn¡¯t refute Lila¡¯s claim. Lila lowered the photo before she continued.

    ¡°So, I¡¯ll ask another question. Why have you been spreading rumours about me?¡±

    Piper suddenly tore her hair-tie from her head, running her fingers through her stringy hair. ¡°You were standing in my way,¡± she finally spat, looking up at Lila, her eyes bulging.

    ¡°In your way?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow. She looked back down at the photo of her and Asher when it suddenly struck her like a gong, her realisation slowly becoming clearer with each reverberation. Why would the photo in Lila¡¯s locker show Asher¡¯s face but the ones spread all around campus have his face hidden? The photo in her locker¡­ needed to have Asher¡¯s face so that Lila knew the photo wasn¡¯t photoshopped¡­ but the ones in the bathrooms¡­

    ¡°Do you¡­ like Asher?¡±

    Piper let out a guttural growl and threw open her locker. Lila took a step back, her face frozen in a silent scream as she took in what was inside. Plastered on all the walls were photos of Asher throughout the years. It looked like the collection started when Asher was in Grade 8, judging by the haircut. Asher was always looking away from the camera. Photos that included other girls had their eyes crossed out in red pen. One of the photos included Lila standing next to Asher, laughing, but Lila couldn¡¯t remember when it would¡¯ve been taken. It definitely wasn¡¯t this year¡­

    Her eyes roved upwards to the top shelf. She could see several items that definitely didn¡¯t belong to Piper. A boy¡¯s sock, patterned with flamingos, was hanging over the edge, along with a deflated soccer ball and weathered notebooks. Other trinkets were scattered about, but Lila didn¡¯t recognise any of them.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°Like him? Like him? I love him! I was so close to getting with him this year, after he finally stopped pining after you. I tried to break him and Holly up by spreading so many rumours but none of them took! And then you came out of nowhere after crushing his heart, getting so close to him¡­ so I had to kill two birds with one stone. Eventually, Holly would leave him. Who stays with a cheater?¡±

    Piper looked positively deranged now as she proudly looked at her shrine of Asher. ¡°I spent years researching everything about him. I¡¯ve tried everything to get him to notice me. For the past few years, I¡¯ve been spreading rumour after rumour to beat him down and make him so undesirable to anyone else but me! So he¡¯d have no one else! But it didn¡¯t work. So this year, I started getting my grades up ¨C if I become second in line, or even third in line for Dux, there¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯t know who I am. Then, we¡¯d get to talking and then dating and then he¡¯d propose and we¡¯d get married and I¡¯d have it made!¡±

    Horrified was an understatement of how Lila was feeling. Her head was spinning, and she hardly had the strength to stand any longer.

    ¡°So why don¡¯t you just fucking give up?¡± Piper snarled. ¡°It¡¯s not like you even like him anyway. You just toyed with him when he was right there. Then you got with Isaac in front of his eyes! You¡¯re the worst of the worst!¡±

    The absolute insanity of Piper¡¯s accusation was not lost on Lila. Lila was the worst of the worst? Whatever Lila had been expecting of Piper, it certainly wasn¡¯t this. This was a level of depravity she hadn¡¯t considered. Piper was a bona fide stalker, and it seemed like she was mere inches away from becoming totally dangerous.

    ¡°Why are you ruining my life?¡± Lila finally asked quietly, her face downcast as she tried to think of a way to escape.

    ¡°Ruining your life?!¡± Piper half-screeched. ¡°You¡¯ve ruined mine! Everything I¡¯ve worked so hard for has been ruined because of you! You¡¯re a stupid dumb whore that doesn¡¯t deserve any happiness. There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to stop until I bury you in the ground.¡±

    Piper slammed her locker shut, breathing heavily. Lila¡¯s horror escalated in her throat, sending shivers throughout her whole body. Should she try and get a teacher? Were there any left at this time?

    Footsteps sounded behind Piper, and Lila could see Ayla running up towards them.

    ¡°Piper!¡± she called, waving. Piper¡¯s expression and entire demeanour instantly changed to one of joy as she turned to Ayla, her face returning to that of a normal schoolgirl. This sudden change in Piper was battling for the top position of the most disturbing things Lila had seen this afternoon. Piper had seemed on the edge of a rampaging breakdown only a second ago ¨C and now she was hugging Ayla like it was an ordinary Thursday.

    Lila took this as her chance to get her stuff out of her own locker and make a break for the bus station. She could feel Piper¡¯s angry, piercing eyes on her as Ayla started begging for Piper to come with her to the dance room again.

    ¡°Please! Ms Drew said that you can come train with us as a sub for Eisteddfod! Apparently, Tia¡¯s swollen ankle isn¡¯t healing as fast as she¡¯d like¡­¡±

    Lila drowned out the rest of their conversation as she threw her books into her school bag and hoisted it on her shoulder, along with her laptop bag. She closed her locker hastily but still made sure it was firmly locked before escaping the locker room.

    ¡°Oh sorry, were you guys talking?¡± she heard Ayla¡¯s voice ask behind her. Lila didn¡¯t care to hear Piper¡¯s explanation, if she provided any at all.

    She rushed to the bus station, her mind reeling faster than a snapped fishing line, adrenaline pumping through her veins. The emotions running in her mind were changing and flipping faster than she could process.

    She couldn¡¯t keep this a secret from Asher any longer. He had to know how unhinged Piper was. It was clear that Piper wouldn¡¯t be listening to Lila. That wasn¡¯t the civil conversation she¡¯d been hoping to have. At best, Lila thought that Piper was likely ignorant of the effect the rumours were having on Lila and Asher and would stop out of guilt. But knowing that it was all intentional, and she had no plans of stopping filled Lila with dread. Plus, she¡¯d now poked the bear. Surely it would ramp up even more, though Lila wasn¡¯t sure what ¡®ramping up¡¯ would even look like in this scenario.

    Lila made it to the bus station, puffing slightly. The last school bus of the day would be leaving in ten minutes. Without a real plan in mind, Lila whipped out her phone and started calling Asher. Three beeps sounded as she waited for him to pick up ¨C a new unknown number was calling. She declined the incoming call with a frustrated sigh.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Asher¡¯s voice came through Lila¡¯s phone. She fumbled her phone for a moment before replying breathlessly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry but can I please come over? Now? It¡¯s important.¡±

    There was a pause on the other end of the line.

    ¡°¡­ Is everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila replied in a shaky whisper.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let Gabriel know you¡¯re coming.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila hung up the phone and messaged her Mum to let her know that she would be studying at Asher¡¯s tonight. Lila¡¯s Mum sent a thumbs-up in reply.

    A message appeared on Lila¡¯s screen from an unknown number, and she turned her phone screen off. The bus screeched to a halt before Lila and she fretfully looked around before boarding with a few other students. Thankfully, Piper was nowhere to be seen. Perhaps she¡¯d gone with Ayla to the dance room after all.

    Lila tried her breathing exercises as the bus weaved its usual route through the suburbs. For some reason, the exercises heightened her anxiety, so she stopped, electing to bite her nails instead. Finally, she reached Asher¡¯s bus stop, and she jumped off, virtually running towards his house.

    She banged on Asher¡¯s front doors as soon as she could, looking behind her every so often while she waited for someone to let her in. She couldn¡¯t see Piper, but knowing that Piper had already taken so many photos of her and Asher without either of them noticing deeply disturbed Lila. She didn¡¯t care if she seemed paranoid at this point ¨C there was no being ¡®too careful¡¯ anymore.

    The right side of the front door tentatively opened. Lila couldn¡¯t see anyone behind the door but kicked off her shoes and rushed inside all the same. She took a moment to place her shoes neatly in their usual place before the door closed behind her by an unseen person.

 Chapter Twenty-Four

    Chapter Twenty-Four

    Lila turned to see Asher standing cautiously in the hallway, dressed in a crumpled, white singlet and loose, grey, sweatpants. He looked at her with a mixture of curiosity and a different emotion that Lila couldn¡¯t comprehend in her current state.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve been chased by bears or something,¡± he finally said.

    ¡°I can tell you for a fact that I wasn¡¯t chased by bears,¡± Lila replied, breathing heavily. ¡°They don¡¯t exist in Australia.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¦,¡± replied Asher lamely. ¡°Uh¡­ not to say that you¡¯re unwelcome here, but¡­ why are you here?¡±

    Asher¡¯s words opened her floodgates without warning, taking Lila completely by surprise. She began to break down in sobs as every emotion she had felt over the past week caught up to her in the safety of his house. Asher reached out to grab her, but pulled back at the last second, seeming unsure of what to do.

    Lila slowly sunk to the tiles, her tears taking over her body entirely. She couldn¡¯t manage to get a single word out to Asher ¨C her lungs wouldn¡¯t let her. She tried to reign it in, but couldn¡¯t even muster the strength to stand.

    ¡°L-Lila?¡± Asher asked hesitantly, lowering himself to the ground as well.

    The sound of shuffling slippers echoed through the hallway amongst Lila¡¯s blubbering.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice floated down to her, clearly concerned. ¡°Oh dear¡­¡±

    ¡°What do I do?¡± Asher asked desperately, panic raising the pitch of his voice.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take her upstairs,¡± Gabriel suggested. Asher and Gabriel tried to pull Lila up by her arms, but she still couldn¡¯t stand.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll need to carry her,¡± Gabriel said after a few attempts. She attempted to apologise, but all that came out was a whimper intermingled with heaving sobs. Lila felt Asher¡¯s sturdy arms envelop her as he picked her up with Gabriel¡¯s assistance. She heard the jingle of her bags getting lifted, and though she couldn¡¯t say for certain, thought that Gabriel likely picked them up.

    ¡°Thanks, Gabriel,¡± Asher muttered, adjusting his position so he was carrying her princess style. Lila couldn¡¯t fight back against this course of action as she still struggled to breathe and stop her tears. Asher slowly carried her through the house, his breathing becoming heavier with each step. Lila could hear Gabriel following close behind. Asher carefully made his way up the staircase, still holding Lila.

    ¡°Allow me,¡± Gabriel said once they reached the top of the staircase. Despite her convulsive crying, Lila heard a door open and Asher began walking again. At last, Asher lowered her down, and Lila recognised that she was on Asher¡¯s couch in his wing of the house.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be just downstairs if you need me. Let me know what¡¯s happening, please,¡± Lila heard Gabriel murmur. She then heard the sound of her bags gently landing on the carpet.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher replied. The sound of the door closing followed soon after.

    Lila continued to bawl her eyes out for quite some time. Asher remained silent as she did so. Eventually, her breathing deepened and her flood of tears softened to a snivel. She wiped at her eyes, embarrassment now taking root within her. She hadn¡¯t meant to break down like this, and especially not in front of Asher. She slowly sat up, a headache forming. Asher silently passed her a cup full of what looked like water, and she took it from him with a weak smile.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± she said, before gulping down the drink. It was indeed water.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± he replied awkwardly. He avoided her eyes but sat down next to her, holding his own cup.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked gently.

    ¡°What didn¡¯t happen?¡± Lila replied, her eyes sparkling with more tears again. She groaned and wiped them away aggressively.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be embarrassed,¡± Asher said quietly, taking a sip from his cup. Lila nodded and took a few deep, quavering breaths, looking down at her lap.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know where to begin, honestly,¡± Lila said softly. She looked back up at Asher, who met her eyes now. They were full of comforting warmth and concern.

    ¡°D-Do you know a girl named Piper?¡± she finally asked, tearing her eyes away from his.

    ¡°Only enough to know that she¡¯s in our cohort,¡± Asher said, suspicion colouring his tone. He leaned back into the couch.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s the one who¡¯s been spreading the rumours,¡± Lila said, shuffling her feet along the floor. ¡°I narrowed it down by figuring out she was connected to 11B, since Isaac thought the rumours were starting there, and who was connected to both Brittany and Ayla. It was between Piper and Mia, but Cecelia spoke to both of them and Piper lied about her knowledge of the rumours. She said she hadn¡¯t heard anything, but Brittany confirmed to Elise that she spoke to Piper when Brittany saw us outside Bio. Ayla confirmed to me personally that she told Piper about them around the same time as well. And people have been saying that Piper knows way too much about me, even though I¡¯d never really spoken to her until today.¡±

    Lila¡¯s words tumbled out of her mouth and she barely took a breath during her explanation. She glanced at Asher, who looked troubled, but was clearly listening to what she was saying.

    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Asher trailed off.

    ¡°P-Piper¡¯s terrifying,¡± Lila whispered, her voice catching in her throat. She took another sip of her water.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been following her all week,¡± Lila said, inhaling deeply. ¡°Asher, I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you earlier. I didn¡¯t know what to do. I didn¡¯t want to compromise my investigation. I didn¡¯t have much evidence that it was Piper to begin wi-¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher cut her off firmly. ¡°Just tell me what happened.¡±

    Lila silently pulled out her phone and flicked to her Gallery. She opened the landscape photo of Piper hiding in the hedge, looking at Asher¡¯s house which was also in frame. Lila passed her phone to Asher, who jumped up upon grabbing it, knocking his drink to the floor.

    ¡°What the fuck is this?¡± he hissed. ¡°How does she know where I live?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± Lila said truthfully. ¡°I just saw her get off at a different stop than usual on Monday and followed her here. I don¡¯t know what she was doing, but she never noticed me. It¡­ seemed like she was really focused.¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    Asher stared at Lila¡¯s phone for a few seconds. Then, he put it down on the coffee table, face-up. He suddenly walked towards his bedroom.

    ¡°Can you give me a sec?¡± he asked, opening the door.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila replied, pointedly looking away from his bedroom, though she was curious about it. She heard him stomp inside. It sounded as though he was fiddling with some blinds, and she heard him swear before he returned.

    ¡°She can definitely see into my bedroom from there,¡± he said, looking incredibly disturbed. He sat back down and picked up his now empty cup with shaking hands. Lila didn¡¯t comment on this as she took another sip of her drink. Then, swallowing hard, Lila pulled the photo of her and Asher out of her blazer pocket and handed it to Asher, who stiffened.

    ¡°I saw this,¡± Asher said in a voice that badly suppressed his anger. ¡°In the bathrooms. I¡­ was furious. I kept pulling them down when I saw them, but they just kept coming back.¡±

    ¡°Look carefully,¡± Lila said, still averting her gaze.

    ¡°¡­ this does seem different,¡± Asher said slowly, bringing the photo closer to his eyes. He suddenly looked at Lila in realisation. ¡°My face isn¡¯t blurred here.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°I think this is the only one that has your face clearly shown.¡±

    ¡°Where did you get this?¡± he asked, still staring at the photo.

    ¡°It was stuck to the inside of my locker on Tuesday.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Asher asked, his mouth falling open in apparent shock. ¡°Inside your locker?¡±

    ¡°Trust me, I was freaking out when I saw it,¡± Lila said bitterly, looking up at the ceiling briefly. ¡°Turns out my lock could be opened with a sharp hit.¡±

    Asher gave a low whistle and ran his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Lila continued, putting the photo back in her blazer pocket. ¡°I don¡¯t remember seeing anyone outside your house when this was taken. But after seeing Piper outside your house on Monday, it was pretty easy to guess that she could have taken this photo as well.¡±

    Lila¡¯s phone suddenly lit up as another unknown caller¡¯s attempt at reaching her flashed on the screen. Asher picked up the phone again, frowning.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila said, putting her face in her hands. ¡°Ever since those pictures went up in the bathrooms, my phone has been getting calls and texts non-stop from guys.¡±

    ¡°How many have you gotten?¡± Asher asked, his voice suddenly a low rumble. He looked at her, his eyes flashing in apparent anger.

    ¡°Probably over fifty calls and over a hundred messages,¡± Lila guessed. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to take a look.¡±

    He scrolled through her missed calls list and messages quickly, his face gradually reddening in fury.

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s Thursday night. They only started going up in the bathrooms on Wednesday morning.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ just been ignoring them now. I picked up the first couple of calls ¡®cause I didn¡¯t know my number was plastered all over the boys¡¯ bathrooms. The callers asked how much I charged and what services I was offering¡­ As if.¡±

    Lila swallowed hard, trying not to cry again. Asher didn¡¯t say anything further as he put her phone face down on the coffee table.

    ¡°S-So, my PC teacher pulled me aside today. And she asked me if I was offering sexual services¡­ they¡¯re about to open an investigation into this. So, I confronted Piper this afternoon. Now that the teachers were getting involved, enough was enough.¡±

    Asher nodded, his eyes not leaving Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how else to put it, but she¡¯s deranged, Asher. She¡¯s been stalking you since like Grade 8. Her locker¡­ is full of pictures of you. But you¡¯re never looking at the camera. A-And I think she¡¯s stolen some of your things. Her locker is like a godamn shrine to you.¡±

    Asher closed his eyes, putting his head in his hands. Lila wasn¡¯t sure what he would be feeling, but repeating what she had seen was making her nauseous all over again.

    ¡°She¡¯s the one who¡¯s been starting rumours about you,¡± Lila continued. ¡°She said it was so you¡¯d be¡­ undesirable. And she tried to start some about Holly when you guys started dating, but no one cared about them. Then she saw we¡­ well, that we were getting closer this term. And she saw it as an opportunity to ¡®kill two birds with one stone¡¯, she said. She¡­ said she loves you and wants to marry you, and that I was getting in her way. She also said that¡­ essentially she planned that Holly would leave you because of the rumours.¡±

    At this, Asher clenched his fists, slowly looking up at Lila.

    ¡°Please tell me you were able to stop her,¡± he spat.

    ¡°She¡­ said she wasn¡¯t going to stop until she buried me into the ground.¡±

    Asher¡¯s nostrils flared as he stood up and walked away from Lila. Though she couldn¡¯t see his face, an overwhelming sense of wrath emanated from him. His shoulders and toned biceps were tense, his fists clenched so tightly that they were white, thick veins protruding from his arms. Even from a distance, Lila could hear him exhaling heavily as his body shook. This was the most enraged that Lila had ever seen him. He seemed apt to burst into flames at any second now.

    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± he finally snapped. ¡°I¡¯m talking to her tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°What are you going to say?¡±

    ¡°The truth,¡± Asher said, shooting her a look full of venom. It took her aback. Lila almost didn¡¯t recognise that this reaction was most likely directed at Piper rather than her. ¡°That there¡¯s no way someone as vile as her would ever have a chance with me. That I hate her and that will never change. She¡¯s crossed the line so far that it¡¯d be quicker to walk around the Earth to get back to the line than it would be for her to turn around.¡±

    Lila nodded, looking back down at her lap. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I can hardly comprehend the gravity of her actions myself, but she¡¯s stalked me, she¡¯s stalked you. She¡¯s made my life miserable with her incessant rumours. And the one time I find some light in my life, she¡¯s tried to destroy that too by trying to break me and Holly up. The rumours she¡¯s pulled out of her ass have put you in danger with Harrison, and now all these guys are hitting you up for something you¡¯d never offer. Harrison thought he could have his way with you over a rumour about you freely sleeping with m-me,¡± Asher coughed strangely, not meeting Lila¡¯s eyes, before continuing.

    ¡°A-and Connor. Now that all these people know your number and think you¡¯re ¡®whoring¡¯ yourself out, it¡¯s a ticking time bomb before someone else tries something. And she doesn¡¯t have any remorse for her actions. She¡¯s not going to stop. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard of a worse person that¡¯s been within throttling distance of me.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to report her to the teachers?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather we report it together,¡± Asher said. ¡°After seeing you¡­ well¡­ y¡¯know. I realised how badly this has been affecting you. I feel stupid now, actually. All I¡¯ve been worried about all this time is how to make sure this doesn¡¯t get back to Holly¡­ But you¡¯ve really being going through it.¡±

    Lila hung her head low, but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything in response. He crossed the room and buzzed the intercom.

    ¡°Gabriel, feel free to prep dinner,¡± Asher said after a moment. Gabriel¡¯s voice swiftly came through the intercom.

    ¡°Okay, Asher. I¡¯ll make enough for Lila as well.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher replied. He took his finger off the intercom and turned back towards Lila. His face was stony, but he gave her a somewhat reassuring smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m not angry with you, Lila. I appreciate all the investigating you¡¯ve done, and everything else. I just don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll be able to control myself tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°If it gets too much, I can step in.¡±

    Asher nodded at Lila. ¡°Okay. Seems it¡¯s time to team up again.¡±

    Lila smiled at these words. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    They spent the next hour or so watching some YouTube videos in relative silence. They jumped across a few genres ¨C from Let¡¯s Play videos, to dog grooming, to improv skits and anywhere in between ¨C while they waited for Gabriel to let them know dinner was ready.

    Dinner today consisted of beautifully cooked lamb chops covered in a mint sauce, garlic roasted veggies and home-made gravy. Whilst it was simpler than the other meals that Gabriel had cooked thus far, it was by no means of a lower standard. Dessert was cr¨¨me br?l¨¦e again, and it felt as though Lila¡¯s spirit was being healed by Gabriel¡¯s cooking. Like most of the dinners Lila had enjoyed in Asher¡¯s home thus far, his Dad was absent. Secretly, Lila appreciated this fact. If he was home, he surely would¡¯ve heard her breakdown and it was bad enough that she had embarrassed herself in front of Asher and Gabriel because of it.

    ¡°That was amazing as always,¡± Lila said with a bright smile once she finished her dessert. Gabriel beamed at her in response.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad to see that you¡¯re looking much happier,¡± he said cheerfully.

    ¡°It¡¯s all thanks to your cooking,¡± Lila grinned.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Asher pouted. ¡°Surely I helped?¡±

    The three shared a laugh and Lila messaged her Mum to collect her. Asher and Lila went back upstairs and watched another video or so. It wasn¡¯t long before the sound of a car horn advised them that Lila¡¯s Mum had arrived.

    Lila put her bags over her shoulders and followed Asher down the stairs again. He punched the security code into the security system and opened the door for Lila.

    ¡°Thank you for hearing me out,¡± Lila said, turning to face him briefly.

    ¡°Thank you for telling me,¡± Asher replied, a grim smile on his face. ¡°Not that I¡¯m happy with anything you said.¡±

    ¡°Sorry I couldn¡¯t give you any better news,¡± Lila said sarcastically.

    ¡°I was just teasing.¡±

    ¡°I know. Same here.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Five

    Chapter Twenty-Five

    Lila woke with a start the next morning. Her first alarm wasn¡¯t due until half an hour and she was wide awake. Lila contemplated trying to go back to sleep. But her desire to catch the earlier bus to avoid Piper was far stronger.

    Lila threw herself together as quickly as she could, the pits of her stomach tying itself into knots. She tried not to think about yesterday and failed miserably. It was all she could think about, the image of Piper¡¯s distorted face having been burned into her mind¡¯s eye.

    She was too nervous to pack lunch today, so hauled herself to her bus stop ten minutes before the first school bus was to arrive. Though March could still be blisteringly hot, this morning a cool breeze brushed past Lila¡¯s face as she waited. It eased her somewhat, but the humidity underlying this breeze hinted at an overbearingly hot lunchtime.

    After boarding the bus and confirming that Piper was not there, Lila checked her phone. The calls and texts had increased even further and she felt like throwing her phone into a creek. Biting her lip, she looked out the window, trying to distract herself with the scenery.

    While Lila was hopeful at the prospect of Asher finally ending the rumours, they hadn¡¯t actually discussed how or when Asher would have his conversation with Piper. Shaking her head, she pushed the thought out of her mind. Leaving behind the empty, roaring bus, she gradually made her way to her locker, distinctly unenthused by the fact that she was at school far earlier than she needed to be. She had Maths first up with Ms Wang, so she could potentially get started on revision in the library¡­

    When Lila entered the locker room, however, she saw Asher leaning against her locker, looking deep in thought. She looked around to see whether there was anyone else, but it seemed that it was just the two of them in there.

    Gulping, Lila tentatively walked up to Asher. He didn¡¯t seem to notice her.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila said uncertainly. Asher jumped, looking around wildly before locking eyes with Lila. A beat passed before he moved away from her locker.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, somewhat sheepishly. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be here so early.¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± Lila replied, putting her school bag away with a sigh. ¡°I woke up too early.¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°Same.¡±

    Another pause passed between them before Asher spoke again.

    ¡°Where was the photo?¡± he asked, gesturing to her locker. Lila pointed at the mirror on the inside of her locker door and he let out a low hiss.

    ¡°That¡¯s so creepy.¡±

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Lila agreed. ¡°Trying not to think about it, actually. So¡­ what¡¯s the plan?¡±

    Asher ran his fingers through his hair, grimacing. ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow at him as she shut her locker and locked it, having sorted out her book bag. ¡°You don¡¯t have one?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°She¡¯s so unpredictable. I can¡¯t make a plan around what she¡¯ll likely say.¡±

    ¡°I guess it would be hard.¡±

    ¡°I thought of about fifteen different plans that I could do, but none of them feel right,¡± he said, leaning against the locker next to Lila¡¯s, his arms folded. ¡°It feels so odd, knowing that I should be able to think of the perfect one so easily but being unable to.¡±

    ¡°How long have you been here?¡± Lila asked, leaning against her own locker now.

    ¡°About half an hour. I took down all the photos in the boys¡¯ bathrooms,¡± he said, averting his gaze.

    ¡°How are you feeling?¡± Lila asked after a few moments of silence. He gave her a sideways glance before sighing, kicking at the floor.

    ¡°Feeling like I could raze this building to the ground.¡±

    Lila gave a hollow laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t let anyone hear you say that.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± he said, an equally hollow smile on his face. ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m only saying it to you. You¡¯re not just ¡®anyone¡¯, you know.¡±

    ¡°Noted,¡± Lila said, looking at the floor now. A small, budding feeling of warmth began to spread from her heart as she bit back a grin. She checked the time on her phone.

    ¡°Piper should be here in a few minutes,¡± Lila said tonelessly. ¡°Are you just going to talk to her here? In the locker room?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Why not? I¡¯d rather not enclose myself in a classroom or something with her. They only have one exit.¡±

    Lila briefly wondered whether that was for Asher¡¯s benefit, or Piper¡¯s, and stretched her arms behind her back.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re fine with a whole bunch of witnesses,¡± she said. As if on cue, a few groups of students wandered in, chatting indistinctly. A couple of students did a double take as they looked at Lila and Asher, but neither moved to pretend they were ignoring each other today. It felt as though they were preparing for a boss fight, the anticipation now tingling through Lila¡¯s blood. With each passing second, her heart beat faster and harder than it did before, rising to a crescendo.

    Asher suddenly stood before Lila, bringing his right fist down to his open left palm, his eyes sparkling with realisation. ¡°I¡¯ve got it! The current plan is to approach this calmly, rationally, and with dignity, which is more than she¡¯s shown to us. I¡¯m not going to stoop to her level. I will treat her firmly but also afford her respe-¡±

    His words were cut short as his eyes landed on Piper, who had split off from a large swarm of students and was walking to her locker, seemingly unaware that Lila and Asher were standing nearby. He instantly marched right up to Piper before Lila could grab him.

    ¡°You!¡± Asher barked, pointing at Piper, who looked at him in apparent alarm. Lila slapped a hand to her face before chasing after Asher. This didn¡¯t bode well.

    Asher took a deep breath, his face glowing with anger.

    ¡°How dare you,¡± he almost shouted, commanding the attention of everyone else in the locker room. Some craned their necks to see what was going on as Piper shrunk away from Asher.

    ¡°S-Sorry?¡± she squeaked, bringing her backpack to her front.

    ¡°You are vile,¡± Asher spat, the volume in his voice increasing with each syllable, jabbing the air between himself and Piper as he spoke. ¡°Piper, you¡¯re horrifying. You¡¯re absolutely insidious and calculating. You could be intelligent if you tried, but you instead waste your time chasing someone who will never want you. You instead waste your time spreading misinformation and gossip and play the part of the vulture digging through the wreckage you wrought as if you innocently stumbled across it. How worthless. Your heart is ugly and necrotic. Looking at you disgusts me. You¡¯re a stalker, a bully, and a swine.¡±

    He breathed heavily before pulling a stack of photos from his blazer pocket. He threw them at Piper¡¯s feet. Evidently, they were the photos he¡¯d taken down from the boys'' bathrooms that morning. Lila was frozen and almost entirely consumed by Asher¡¯s magnetic wrath.

    ¡°This is the fruits of your labour. This pile of lies, which you relied on to destroy me and destroy Lila. We¡¯ve done nothing to you. I barely knew you fucking existed until yesterday when I found out you¡¯ve been sitting outside my house without my knowledge. And now that you¡¯ve got my attention, I wish you didn¡¯t,¡± he continued, his breathing unsteady, almost to the point of hyperventilating.

    Lila tightly gripped Asher¡¯s arm, pulling him back from Piper, who was now silently crying, her backpack crumpled on the floor.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila warned.

    He closed his eyes before taking a deep breath. He nodded and gently shook her hand off his arm. He stepped forward, cracking his neck, glaring down at Piper, who had sunk to the floor.

    ¡°Don¡¯t come near me again. Don¡¯t come near Lila again. If I catch wind of you spreading rumours again, I will do more than destroy your spirit,¡± he snarled, his entire body twitching with outrage.

    Piper began to sob loudly into her hands. Looking down at her like this, Lila felt a small pang of pity in her chest. It was quickly replaced with revulsion as Piper looked back up at Lila, her face full of loathing and wet with tears. She let out a banshee-like scream as she lunged forward towards Lila.

    ¡°You bitch!¡± Piper screamed, crawling the rest of the distance between herself and Lila. ¡°Why did you tell him?!¡±

    A circle of students was now forming around the three of them, all of them watching on with wide eyes, seemingly too stunned to make any noise. Asher pushed Lila behind him as he swiftly stood between Piper and Lila.

    ¡°She is not a bitch,¡± he growled. ¡°She¡¯s done absolutely nothing to you, and you decided to destroy her reputation. You decided to throw her into danger. You gave out her phone number to strangers, hoping for what? That she¡¯d get attacked? Or worse? Why? Just ¡®cause we fucking got paired for English? It¡¯s not even like we got to choose!¡±

    ¡°A-Asher,¡± Lila stammered behind his back. ¡°It¡¯s fine-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you already, Lila. Stop saying it¡¯s fine. Nothing about this is fine,¡± Asher hissed, looking over his shoulder at her. Piper began to wail loudly at Asher¡¯s feet and he shuffled back, closer to Lila, his face wincing in repulsion.

    ¡°I will never love someone like you,¡± Asher said coldly above Piper¡¯s wails. ¡°Get over it. I love Holly.¡±

    Lila felt her stomach drop and chest tighten, her lungs uncomfortably constricting. Was it from the stress of the confrontation?

    ¡°I think that¡¯s enough,¡± Lila said quietly, looking down at Piper¡¯s small frame which had curled into a fetal position. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Asher nodded, stepping around Piper and kicking the photos out of the way as he passed them. He led the way through the crowd, which silently parted like the Red Sea, Lila following close behind. Not a single student spoke. Piper¡¯s yowling seemed to get louder the further they walked away until it stopped completely with the slam of the locker room doors closing behind them.

    Asher continued walking, though it was apparent he had no destination in mind. He was trembling, a hand pressed to his chest.

    ¡°I¡­ kinda lost it there,¡± he said eventually as they passed a set of bubblers. He slowed his pace and took a drink from them. Lila couldn¡¯t find the right words to say in response, so said nothing at all. It seemed like Asher was trying to drown himself by how much he drank, but he eventually turned the bubbler off.

    ¡°Was I too much?¡± he asked tensely, wiping his mouth and turning to face Lila.

    ¡°¡­ it was certainly a lot,¡± Lila replied. ¡°What happened to your plan?¡±

    Asher groaned, putting his face in his hands, squatting on the floor. ¡°As soon as I saw her, I couldn¡¯t help it. I just¡­ saw red.¡±

    ¡°It was a pretty impressive rant,¡± Lila said with a wry smile. ¡°Very eloquent.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher looked up at Lila. ¡°Do you think she got the picture, or did it fly over her head?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, nah, she definitely got the picture,¡± Lila replied, her voice higher-pitched than normal. ¡°Her and the rest of the grade.¡±

    Asher rubbed his face and then, without warning, let out a scream into his palms. Lila jumped in alarm.

    ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, concerned. He paused before responding, his face still in his hands.

    ¡°Yup. Just¡­ screaming into my hands. Like all okay people do.¡±

    Lila looked at him, deadpanning for a moment, before bringing her own hands to her face and screaming into them as well. It felt incredibly cathartic, and when she was done, they both burst into almost-delirious laughter.

    ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯s it then,¡± Lila said, wiping a small tear of unexpected joy from her right eye.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher said, standing up, his face serious again. ¡°We need to report her to the teachers. Can you come with me at lunch? You said Ms Wang told you an investigation was opening, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I¡¯ve got Maths with her first up. I can let her know that we need to talk to her at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher replied, closing his eyes, and bringing a fist to his forehead. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve got Chem with Piper first.¡±

    ¡°And you decided to do this before Chem?¡± Lila asked incredulously.

    ¡°I¡­ thought it would be a civil conversation,¡± Asher said unconvincingly.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila snorted. ¡°Not that I was expecting it to go down like¡­ that, but I don¡¯t think civil was ever on the cards.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll let you know if she shows up, I guess,¡± Asher sighed as they began slowly walking back towards the locker room. They passed several people from their cohort, some of whom openly stared at them as they went.

    ¡°Somehow I don¡¯t think we¡¯re in the clear of the rumour mill just yet,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°Probably not, but at least it¡¯s not for the reasons we have been,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°If it¡¯ll go the way I think it will, it¡¯ll be fine though.¡±

    ¡°And what way is that?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Well, from what happened, I predict you won¡¯t even feature in the new rumours.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Why?¡±

    ¡°I mean, you didn¡¯t even really say or do anything. I bet everyone will just be talking about me and her for a bit,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°And I can handle that. I guess the benefit of having a psycho-stalker spread rumours about you for years is that you build up a pretty good tolerance.¡±

    They reached Asher¡¯s locker, and he unlocked it, pulling out his Chemistry textbook and other assorted books.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at lunch, I guess,¡± Lila said awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ve got to get to Maths.¡±

    ¡°See ya then,¡± Asher smiled, giving her a little wave before reaching into his locker again.

    Lila arrived at her Maths classroom in time to see Ms Wang ushering students inside.

    ¡°Ms Wang?¡± Lila said, standing outside the classroom still. Ms Wang looked at her in surprise before smiling at Lila.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila. Do you need something?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Lila glanced around. Most of her classmates were all inside now, so there was no real risk of being overheard. She at least couldn''t see anyone else approaching. ¡°It¡¯s about the investigation you mentioned.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Ms Wang said, closing the classroom door behind her. ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°A-Asher and I need to talk to you about it. At lunch, preferably.¡±

    Ms Wang raised an eyebrow but nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming this is about some new information?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°You could say that.¡±

    ¡°Alright. You can bring Asher to our PC room. No one will be in it during lunch.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Ms Wang opened the classroom door again and gestured for Lila to head inside. Lila settled in, her mind incredibly clear. She found herself able to focus on Ms Wang¡¯s revision lesson with ease.

    This clarity followed her to her Modern History classroom. Elise and Grace both kept glancing at Lila, but their Modern History teacher was demanding total silence from the class as he went through the expectations of their Tuesday exam.

    Upon being released for morning tea, however, Elise and Grace immediately began peppering Lila with questions as they walked towards the locker room.

    ¡°What happened this morning?¡±

    ¡°Why was Asher so angry?¡±

    ¡°What did Piper do?¡±

    ¡°What did you find out?¡±

    ¡°Where did you go after?¡±

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°Guys,¡± Lila interrupted them, halting in place. ¡°I can only answer one question at a time.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise and Grace said in unison. They resumed their journey to the locker room, not saying a peep.

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    ¡°Were you guys there?¡± Lila eventually asked. Elise shook her head, but Grace nodded.

    ¡°I tried to get to my locker, but no one let me through. I heard Asher being super angry, but I couldn¡¯t see or hear much. Then when I finally got to my locker, I picked up the photos on the ground and chucked them in the bin.¡±

    Lila recapped Asher¡¯s ¡®conversation¡¯ with Piper to a rapt Elise and Grace as they pulled out their food for morning tea. She also included further details regarding what she had found out about Piper, including her visit to Asher¡¯s house on Monday.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, WHAT?!¡± Elise shrieked, slamming her locker shut, squeezing her mandarin so tightly that juice dripped onto her shoe.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t tell you earlier¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Grace piped up as Elise wiped her juiced hand on her uniform absentmindedly. ¡°I get it.¡±

    ¡°Not happy about it,¡± Elise added, sucking at the tiny opening on her mandarin. ¡°But I get it, too.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t even told you what I saw in her locker,¡± Lila sighed as they rounded the corner out of the locker room. All eyes seemed to be on them as they strolled to the tuckshop so Lila could buy something to eat.

    ¡°¡­ but I think I¡¯ll save that for when we have more privacy,¡± Lila added, casting her eyes downward. If everyone was going to stare at her, she didn¡¯t need to see it. Elise began to whine, but Grace quickly shushed her.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Lila, Grace, and Elise to slot into the tuckshop line, which was flooded with students eagerly babbling about various goings-on. There were so many different conversations that Lila couldn¡¯t decipher anything in particular whilst in line.

    ¡°Do you think she¡¯s still at school?¡± Grace asked quietly, biting into a pear.

    ¡°Well, her Dance final is due this afternoon,¡± Elise reminded them. ¡°Also, what are you eating?¡±

    ¡°A pear. What of it?¡± Grace retorted, taking another bite of her pear. Lila shook her head at their antics.

    ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s a toss-up whether she cares about that,¡± Lila said in a low voice. ¡°If she was only trying to get good grades to impress Asher, she might just throw in the towel.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon they¡¯re sitting at the Home Ec building? Piper and her friends, I mean,¡± Elise asked, slipping her mandarin peels into her pocket.

    ¡°If they are, I don¡¯t know if Asher would be,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°Does Asher sit there too?¡± Grace asked, frowning. Lila looked at Grace in confusion. It was pretty obvious to Lila that he did.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Lila said slowly. ¡°You didn¡¯t notice?¡±

    ¡°Huh, funny that,¡± Elise said, looking skyward, a finger on her chin. ¡°I didn¡¯t notice either.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila murmured, looking down at her shoes.

    ¡°I was so focused on Piper¡¯s group, I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t see him,¡± Grace laughed. ¡°Your observational skills are pretty good, Lila.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, looking back, I think that¡¯s why Piper¡¯s group always sat there,¡± Lila said, a slight flush forming on her cheeks. They were at the front of the tuckshop now, waiting for the teacher on duty to wave Lila through.

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°See you out the front.¡±

    Lila crossed the threshold into the tuckshop and perused the items. ¡®I should probably buy some lunch while I¡¯m here too¡­¡¯ she thought, heading over to the sandwiches.

    ¡°¡­ you see? Insane¡­¡±

    ¡°Yo, he was so mad¡­¡±

    ¡°Kinda hot¡­ never seen Asher¡­¡±

    ¡°Careful, mate¡­ saw what happened if¡­ like Asher¡­¡±

    ¡°Piper¡¯s a bit¡­¡±

    ¡°Scary¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ mega intense¡­¡±

    ¡°Dude, I¡¯d move schools¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ made it all up¡­ how awful.¡±

    Lila tried not to draw attention to herself as she caught more snippets of what people were saying.

    ¡°¡­ heard she wanted¡­ him.¡±

    ¡°Lowkey, that¡¯s pathetic as¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ put the pictures up¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ stalked him.¡±

    ¡°¡­ his HOUSE!¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t even deal¡­¡±

    ¡°What does insidious mean?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Banker¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ money?¡±

    ¡°¡­ servo after school?¡±

    ¡°Need an icy pole¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ called it¡­ not a homewrecker¡­¡±

    ¡°I failed the heck out of that¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Asher¡­ loves Holly¡­ clearly not interested¡­ Lila.¡±

    ¡°The rumours¡­ ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°Just English partners¡­¡±

    ¡°Elijah¡­¡±

    ¡°I heard! ¡­ scholarship?¡±

    ¡°Ms Shard¡­ so old.¡±

    ¡°Ha! Righto¡­¡±

    Lila carefully approached the cashier, paid for her items, and left without much fuss. Elise and Grace waved her over.

    ¡°Do you want to stop by the Home Ec building?¡± Grace asked, checking her watch. ¡°We¡¯d have enough time to check it out then head to PC.¡±

    ¡°I suppose we could,¡± Lila shrugged, peeling open a banana.

    The trio meandered over to the Home Ec building, Elise regaling them on tales of her latest Maccas battle scars, with Grace and Lila laughing at her dramatisations. Upon arriving at the usual spot, they noticed that it seemed rather empty. Mia, Scarlett, and Jackson were sitting there, talking in hushed voices, but Piper and Ayla were conspicuously absent. Lila glanced towards the roofed area and didn¡¯t see Asher or Isaac sitting there either.

    Lila, Grace, and Elise continued on their leisurely loop back towards their lockers, with Lila shoving her lunch in her locker and pulling out her Japanese materials. With nothing else to do, they casually headed over to PC. Ms Wang was already sitting inside, reading some papers. She looked up briefly and allowed the trio to sit inside on the proviso that they wouldn¡¯t disrupt her.

    They quietly looked through their schoolbooks whilst they waited for Ms Wang to commence PC. Their PC classmates gradually filed in, talking amongst themselves, though Lila was too engrossed in preparing for her Japanese exam next week to try and listen to what was being said.

    ¡°11E,¡± Ms Wang called out, silencing the chatter of Lila¡¯s classmates instantly. ¡°We are quickly speeding towards school holidays, but we¡¯re not just there yet. Don¡¯t forget to revise and prepare for your exams next week. Additionally, semi-formal is just around the corner. I have a list of potential suppliers for suits and dresses, among others. If you¡¯re stuck on where to go, feel free to see me. Otherwise, I have nothing else for you today. Keep the noise to a minimum, everyone.¡±

    Ms Wang turned her attention back to the stack of papers on her desk. Lila reluctantly pulled her phone out of her pocket. Ignoring it as much as she could had been a very difficult exercise over the past couple of days, but she was curious. Asher did say he would let her know if Piper showed up to Chemistry¡­

    Scrolling through her phone, Lila saw that she had missed several more calls and messages, but it seemed significantly reduced in comparison to yesterday. There was a message from Asher intermingled with several other messages from unknown numbers.

    She went to Sickbay, the message read. He hadn¡¯t sent anything else. Lila tapped Grace on the shoulder, as she was closest. Grace tapped Elise on her shoulder, and they both leaned in, reading Asher¡¯s message.

    Do you know if she¡¯s coming back? Lila replied.

    No one¡¯s said anything, Asher sent back almost instantly.

    Okay. Thanks for the intel, Lila replied. Then she added ¨C Btw, Ms Wang said to meet at my PC class. I¡¯ll take you there at lunch

    Sounds good, Asher replied with a smiling emoji.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got German with her next,¡± Elise whispered as Lila turned her screen off and pocketed her phone. ¡°We¡¯ll see if she turns up. I¡¯ll let you know at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, ¡°I¡¯m actually talking to Ms Wang with Asher about Piper during lunch.¡±

    ¡°Do you have a music lesson?¡± Elise turned to Grace, pouting, her best attempt at puppy-dog eyes on display.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°We can wander around campus. Maybe we¡¯ll hear something interesting.¡±

    ¡°I hope so,¡± Elise grinned, pointing at Lila. ¡°This morning¡¯s already been interesting.¡±

    Lila let out a chuckle before she shook her head and said, ¡°Could say that, aye.¡±

    Japanese class entailed heavy revision, with Ms Takahashi sternly advising everyone to practice their kanji over the weekend before their exam next week. Lila wasn¡¯t quite so confident in her kanji and uneasily noted down Ms Takahashi¡¯s suggestion.

    As Japanese drew to a close, Lila became incredibly fidgety. She¡¯d be meeting with Ms Wang and Asher in a few minutes about Piper¡­ Would Ms Wang believe them? What would happen to Piper? Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she wanted Piper expelled, but she also didn¡¯t want to see her ever again, especially after the thinly-veiled threat about burying Lila.

    She began walking to her locker, trying not to think too deeply about her impending conversation with Ms Wang. At the very least, Lila wouldn¡¯t be in trouble¡­

    ¡°Penny for your thoughts?¡±

    Asher was leaning on Lila¡¯s locker again, a half-grin on his face. He held a lunchbox in one hand, the other being in his pocket.

    ¡°Sorry, I only accept bank transfers,¡± Lila replied, gently pushing him aside so she could grab her own lunch. Asher snorted.

    ¡°An enterprising enigma, I see,¡± he said as Lila shut her locker, armed with her sandwich and juice.

    ¡°I try,¡± Lila said. ¡°Gotta start the hustle from somewhere.¡±

    They headed off in the direction of Lila¡¯s PC class, not saying much. It felt like everyone they passed turned to ogle at them, their conversations cutting short as they walked by. Lila could have sworn that, despite Asher¡¯s outwardly relaxed demeanour, he was anxious as hell. There was something about the way he seemed so jumpy, his eyes flickering about as if trying to take in as much as he could.

    Lila exhaled deeply as they stood outside her PC classroom before raising her hand and knocking on the door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± came Ms Wang¡¯s voice through the door. Lila exchanged a look with Asher before turning the handle and letting them in.

    Ms Wang was sitting at the teacher¡¯s desk, chewing as she stabbed a few lettuce leaves from her salad bowl with a fork. She smiled at Lila, gesturing for both of them to sit at the two chairs that were pulled up beside the desk.

    ¡°How can I help?¡± she asked, covering her mouth and swallowing. Lila saw a notebook was open beside Ms Wang, turned to a blank page. Ms Wang put her salad down on the table next to it. They clearly had her full attention. Lila glanced at Asher, his face now extraordinarily pale.

    ¡°U-Uh,¡± he stuttered, ¡°w-we have some information.¡±

    Ms Wang nodded but didn¡¯t say anything. Lila jumped in.

    ¡°We have reason to believe that Piper Baker is behind everything.¡±

    ¡°Everything?¡± Ms Wang raised an eyebrow, reaching for a pen.

    ¡°Well¡­ the photo you showed me yesterday, for one,¡± Lila replied, looking down at her Gladwrapped sandwich. ¡°I know that some of it was blurry, but I received a copy of an unblurred one¡­¡±

    Lila fumbled around in her blazer pockets before pulling out the photo in question. ¡°I found this on the inside of my locker door on Tuesday.¡±

    Ms Wang took the photo and looked at it for a moment, before staring up at Lila. ¡°Did you say on the inside of your locker door?¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°Elise tested my lock and it seemed like it was pretty easy to bypass. She got me a new one from Mr Morrison.¡±

    ¡°Why do you believe Piper is responsible?¡± Ms Wang asked, clicking the tip of her pen. Lila looked at Asher again, and he nodded. Lila pulled out her phone, declining a call that flashed on her screen from an unknown number with a frustrated sigh, and opened up the photo of Piper in the hedge outside Asher¡¯s home.

    ¡°I guess I need to tell you some backstory,¡± Lila said awkwardly as she passed her phone to Ms Wang. ¡°There¡¯s been a lot of rumours about me and Asher this term, all of them untrue. So, I did my own digging into who could be spreading them and narrowed down Piper. I¡¯ve never really spoken to her, but people told me she knew way too much about me. So I followed her on Monday and she was doing¡­ that¡­ outside Asher¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°I assume you¡¯ve been to his house,¡± Ms Wang said, writing down some notes in the notebook.

    ¡°Yeah. We got paired for English, and we worked on the project at Asher¡¯s place. Which is kinda where this all started, I think,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°And I also assume Piper hasn¡¯t been invited to your house?¡± Ms Wang asked, looking up at Asher now.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher replied.

    ¡°Okay. Is there anything else?¡± Ms Wang asked, turning to Lila.

    ¡°A lot, actually,¡± Lila said sheepishly. ¡°After our conversation yesterday, I decided to talk to Piper. To confirm whether she was the one behind it. And she basically confessed. A-And she¡­¡± Lila faltered, shooting Asher another look before shaking her head. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she could say anything more about what happened to Ms Wang.

    ¡°Lila told me that Piper basically has a shrine to me, ma¡¯am. In her locker. Apparently, she¡¯s been stalking me for years. And she also told Lila she wasn¡¯t going to stop, and I quote, until she ''buried her into the ground''.¡±

    Ms Wang let out a small gasp, before coughing, seemingly in an attempt to cover it up. She wrote some more notes down, peering at Lila¡¯s phone again as a message from an unknown number appeared on the screen.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve been getting more unsolicited calls and texts,¡± Ms Wang said to Lila, sounding disappointed.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ but it seems to be slowing down now. Asher pulled down the photos from the boys¡¯ bathrooms this morning and I haven¡¯t gotten as many since.¡±

    ¡°But still some,¡± Ms Wang murmured, writing down some more notes. She looked up at Lila and Asher and leaned slightly back in her chair.

    ¡°These are some serious accusations,¡± she said finally. ¡°But I appreciate that you¡¯ve provided some evidence.¡±

    Asher gave Lila a sideways glance before he leaned forward. ¡°Ma¡¯am, can I say something?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Ms Wang responded. Asher inhaled deeply.

    ¡°I don¡¯t feel safe, with Piper still here. Especially now. I¡­ kinda yelled at her this morning, and she tried to go for Lila. There¡¯s probably over twenty witnesses for that bit¡­ She¡¯s terrifying.¡±

    Ms Wang looked very grave as Asher¡¯s words hung in the air, her body rigid.

    ¡°I will need to escalate all this,¡± she said, her tone far more business-like than usual. ¡°But, to summarise, you two have said that Piper has been potentially stalking Asher for years, and has likely stalked Lila to some degree. She¡¯s additionally strategically placed these photos with a slur and Lila¡¯s mobile number, implying that Lila would, forgive me, hire herself out for some sexual services. And this effect was achieved to an appalling degree and continues despite the photos being taken down. She also has a ¡®shrine¡¯, so to speak, regarding Asher in her locker. She¡¯s also threatened Lila and tried to ¡®go for¡¯ Lila this morning in front of witnesses. Finally, Asher doesn¡¯t feel safe with Piper in the school. Lila, do you feel safe?¡±

    ¡°After this morning, I¡­ don¡¯t think so, but I also don¡¯t need to go home,¡± Lila said, biting her bottom lip. ¡°To be honest, while I don¡¯t feel safe at school, I also feel like there¡¯s safety in numbers here. She¡­ takes the same bus home as me, and I think she knows what bus stop I get off at. If she¡¯s stalked Asher, she might know where I live¡­ so I¡¯d rather stay here until the rest of my family go home. I''m usually the first one home if my sister''s not there.¡±

    Ms Wang closed her eyes, rubbing her forehead.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need to talk to the Headmaster about this,¡± she finally said. ¡°It¡¯ll be hard to get evidence for some of what you¡¯re saying, but we can have Piper open her locker. That should be enough to be able to take some serious action.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat as she exchanged another glance with Asher.

    ¡°If we are going to get her to open her locker, it would be important for you and Lila to be in attendance,¡± Ms Wang continued. ¡°If it is as Lila says, you deserve to see it for yourself, Asher. And Lila will need to confirm that it is what she saw yesterday. Of course, if you don¡¯t want to see it, Asher, that¡¯s fine as well. This is all very, very serious, and probably deeply overwhelming.¡±

    ¡°I want to see it,¡± Asher said firmly, standing up suddenly. Ms Wang blinked up at him for a second, before nodding.

    ¡°It¡¯ll likely happen after school,¡± Ms Wang said. ¡°We¡¯ll still need to complete some independent enquiries and paperwork, most likely. Would you both be able to meet me in the locker room at the end of the day?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila and Asher said in unison. Ms Wang checked her watch, scrawling a few more dot points before looking at Lila and Asher with a reassuring smile.

    ¡°There¡¯s still some time before the end of lunch,¡± Ms Wang said. ¡°Lila, can I please ask you to email me the photo you showed me today? And please take some screenshots of your call and text history. I don¡¯t need your entire history, but just enough to get the point across. I¡¯ll need it when I meet with the Headmaster. I¡¯ll just need to collect my thoughts before I do so, if you¡¯ll excuse me.¡±

    Lila stood up, making sure to grab her uneaten sandwich and juice, and left the classroom, Asher trailing behind.

    ¡°That went smoothly,¡± Lila noted.

    ¡°Surprisingly so,¡± Asher agreed.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s taking it seriously ¡®cause you¡¯re the Dux?¡± Lila posited. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ve got Study next,¡± he said, beginning to walk in the direction of the locker room. ¡°Shall we head over to the library? I¡¯d like to sit with you again today. The last couple of Study blocks were torture. Our class is still not taking Study seriously and it¡¯s driving me nuts.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Lila said casually. After grabbing what they needed, including their English books as that was their last class for the day, they walked over to the library together. Just as it had been for the majority of the day, people seemed to be stopping their conversations to stare at them as they passed. Lila''s mood soured some and privately hoped that it would stop soon.

    They set themselves up in Lila¡¯s usual booth, Asher putting headphones in and working quietly as soon as they sat down. Lila sent the requested pictures to Ms Wang before setting up her own independent study materials. Lila occasionally snuck glances at Asher as she studied. Despite his sloppy looks, he was entirely in his element while studying. His focus seemed unbreakable ¨C inspiring, really, his face looking entirely serious as he worked.

    Lila nudged Asher when their Study teacher arrived, and they signed in. Lila kept an eye out for Piper and Ayla, but neither of them appeared in their usual spots in the library. Piper was probably in Sickbay still ¨C was Ayla with her? Or was Ayla sitting elsewhere, avoiding them?

    ¡®We did call out one of her closest friends for being a massive creep,¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh as she flipped open her Maths textbook. ¡®She could be mad if she thinks what we said was untrue, or she¡¯s trying to adjust to the new info¡­¡¯

    They almost missed the end of Study due to their collective focus on their revision. Once Lila noticed that English was only a couple minutes away from starting, she urgently interrupted Asher.

    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta go!¡± she said, panicked now. They threw their study materials into their various bags and ran off towards their English class, making it just in time for roll call. After they sat down, wheezing and puffing slightly, Lila reached out a hand towards Asher and, after staring at her hand for a second, gave her a low-five and a joyful grin.

    Once English was finally over, Lila and Asher trekked back to the locker room. Lila wasn¡¯t sure how this afternoon would play out, having not heard from Ms Wang after sending the pictures through. The uncertainty was gnawing at her stomach as she pressed her lips together, holding her breath almost the entire way to the locker room. Asher seemed just as nervous, his face slightly pale and he looked mainly at the floor.

    Upon reaching the locker room, they saw Mr Johnson and Ms Wang standing guard in the entranceway. Ms Wang waved them over.

    ¡°You two can go in. We¡¯re just trying to make sure this is as private as it can be,¡± she explained, stepping aside to let them through.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with Lila and Asher, Bradley, if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Ms Wang said to Mr Johnson, who nodded stoically, arms crossed and stance wide like a nightclub bouncer.

    Ms Wang followed Lila and Asher as they walked towards Piper¡¯s locker. Mr Morrison and Mr Lockwood, the Headmaster, were already waiting with a very subdued Piper. As soon as she saw Asher and Lila approach, tears began to well in her eyes, but she otherwise remained silent, unlike that morning.

    Mr Morrison looked uncharacteristically grim. Mr Lockwood, an incredibly tall, balding man with rectangular glasses and bushy beard, looked similarly solemn.

    ¡°Greg, this is Lila. And, of course, you know Asher,¡± Ms Wang said, gesturing. Mr Lockwood nodded in acknowledgement.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this show on the road, then,¡± Mr Morrison said, clapping his hands together. ¡°Piper, please open your locker.¡±

    Piper¡¯s face turned bright red as she glanced at Asher, shifting her weight between her feet. ¡°N-No thank you,¡± she whispered, looking down at the ground, a small tear escaping down her face.

    ¡°Piper, as this is school property, this locker will be opened in the presence of everyone here, whether you give us permission or not,¡± Mr Morrison said firmly, though not unkindly. ¡°I would rather not use the bolt cutters if I don¡¯t have to.¡±

    Piper remained silent for a few moments.

    ¡°Do I have to watch?¡± she finally asked, still looking at the ground, wiping the tear away.

    Mr Morrison looked at Mr Lockwood, as though deferring the decision to the Headmaster. Mr Lockwood pursed his lips.

    ¡°You¡¯ll still need to be here, but you can turn around after it¡¯s opened,¡± he said in a measured tone. Piper hesitantly stepped forward to her locker and unlocked it before returning to her original spot, this time facing the opposite wall.

    Mr Morrison creaked it open, and Ms Wang gasped, covering her mouth. The inside of the locker was much the same as yesterday, however there was also a stack of the same photos that had been plastered in the boys¡¯ bathrooms on the bottom shelf. Lila¡¯s eyes darted to the pictures of Asher, and settled on one that she featured in, her stomach heaving. Mr Morrison and Mr Lockwood looked dumbfounded, and Asher looked white as a sheet of paper. Seeing it for a second time seemed to pile on the impact on Lila, particularly as the first time had felt so quick. She began to shake, tears forming in her own eyes.

    ¡°Lila, is this what you saw yesterday?¡± Ms Wang asked gently, seemingly recovered from her shock.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila replied, sniffling slightly, scratching nervously at her wrist. ¡°Though that stack of photos wasn¡¯t there yesterday.¡±

    Asher stepped forward, looking at the items on the top shelf in apparent disgust, intermingled with abject horror.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been missing that sock,¡± he said, almost too quietly to hear. ¡°It¡­ went missing on the washing line a few months back. I only had one pair of flamingos.¡±

    ¡°What about these things?¡± Mr Morrison asked, pointing at several of the trinkets. Asher nodded, his breathing rapidly increasing as he continued to look at Piper¡¯s locker.

    ¡°Mine too. Oh God, I-I feel sick,¡± he said, clapping a hand to his mouth, his pale face taking on a green tinge.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to take pictures,¡± Mr Morrison said quickly, pulling out his phone and taking pictures of the contents of Piper¡¯s locker. He then reached in and grabbed the stack of photos on the bottom shelf, adding, ¡°I¡¯ll also confiscate these.¡±

    A receipt fluttered to the ground as Mr Morrison took the stack out of the locker, and Lila quickly bent down and grabbed it. She passed it to Mr Morrison, who thanked her.

    ¡°Looks like this is a receipt from Officeworks,¡± Mr Lockwood observed, taking the receipt from Mr Morrison. ¡°For one hundred copies.¡±

    ¡°A-A hundred?¡± Lila asked faintly. Her head started to spin as she tried to take in the information. How many had Piper already put up?

    ¡°Greg, I think we may have reached a decision,¡± Mr Morrison said with a disappointed sigh. ¡°To be honest, I half-thought these kids were making this up¡­¡±

    ¡°Dean, I¡¯ll ask you to not discuss this here,¡± Mr Lockwood said sharply, giving Mr Morrison a meaningful look. Mr Morrison immediately fell silent.

    ¡°Piper, I¡¯ll have to ask you to come with us to my office, please,¡± Mr Lockwood said, turning to Piper. She noiselessly nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ll inform you of the outcome via email,¡± Mr Lockwood said, now looking at Asher and Lila. Asher looked dazed and didn¡¯t seem to register Mr Lockwood¡¯s words.

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Lila said, clearing her throat. ¡°I¡­ think Asher needs to process for a while, but I¡¯ll make sure he reads your email.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, Lila,¡± Mr Lockwood replied, smiling down at her for the first time this afternoon. ¡°I appreciate the severity of what Asher has seen, so I¡¯ll take my leave now. Dean, Jia, please accompany me and Piper to my office.¡±

    Mr Morrison locked Piper¡¯s locker and followed Ms Wang, Mr Lockwood, and Piper out of the locker room.

    ¡°Asher, are you okay?¡± Lila asked once they left.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± he said, gulping loudly. ¡°I¡­ just need to be left alone for a while. Sorry.¡±

    Students began to file into the locker room, looking at Lila and Asher curiously as they headed to their respective lockers.

    ¡°That¡¯s understandable,¡± Lila replied with a soft smile. ¡°Let me know if you need anything, okay? I¡¯m serious.¡±

    Asher avoided her gaze for a moment before tentatively looking into her eyes. It felt like he was waiting for her to rescind her offer. When she didn¡¯t, he tore his eyes away and ruffled his hair before saying, ¡°¡­ Yeah. Thanks.¡±

    Asher swiftly turned on his heel and walked to his own locker. Lila exhaled heavily. It had been a long week, and she couldn¡¯t wait to get home.

 Chapter Twenty-Six

    Chapter Twenty-Six

    The fatigue from the past week seemed to fully press down on Lila as she laid on her bed that afternoon. She hadn¡¯t even bothered to get out of her school uniform, she was that worn out. She kept refreshing her Outlook inbox, waiting for an email from the Headmaster, but it didn¡¯t appear to be forthcoming just yet.

    The calls and text messages were now only coming in drips and drabs ¨C she¡¯d only received two text messages and one call on the way home, which Lila bitterly considered a success. She opened up her texts with Asher and began typing for a moment before stopping herself. He said he wanted some time to himself. She wanted to check in, but it was surely way too soon.

    Lila briefly wondered what Asher had told Isaac about the events of yesterday and today. Lila hadn¡¯t actually seen Isaac at all that day. Did he even show up to school?

    Lila swiped her phone to Snapchat and opened her dms with Isaac. Their previous conversation was already long gone, but he had seemed happy enough to talk to her on here¡­

    She bit her lip as she stared at the blinking cursor in the chat box. Should she reach out to Isaac? ¡®He should at least know that Asher¡¯s going through a hard time, right?¡¯ Lila thought to herself. Isaac didn¡¯t need to know any of the details if Asher didn¡¯t want to tell him. Though, it would at least be courteous to let him know that Asher needed more support now¡­

    Hey, Lila sent tentatively. Isaac opened it up almost immediately.

    What¡¯s up, he replied.

    Idk how much u know, Lila sent. She sent another message that read, but u should know that Asher is going through it rn

    I thought so, Isaac sent back. Thanks for telling me

    No worries, Lila sent. I¡¯d check in on him but he said he wanted to be alone atm

    Ok, Isaac replied. I¡¯ll check on him later and let u know

    Thanks, Lila replied before hastily adding, Not that I need to know

    But u want to know, Isaac sent back, an emoji of two wide eyes next to his words. Dw, I can tell

    ¡­ no comment, Lila replied, turning her phone screen off. She plugged it in on her desk and began to drift off into a deep sleep.

    When Lila did wake up, several hours later with dinner having long passed, she opened her phone again to check her school emails. There was a new one now. It was from Mr Lockwood, the subject line reading ¡®Private & Confidential¡¯.

    Heart thumping in her chest, Lila opened it up. It read:

    Dear Asher and Lila,

    As discussed, please find below outcome.

    Piper Baker will be suspended from school, effective immediately, for the next two weeks. She is expected to return to school next term, however, the College will reassess as it comes closer to the time. She has been informed of the seriousness of her behaviour, and that I had considered expulsion. As I am unconvinced that Piper was entirely aware of the consequences of her actions, I have decided to afford her the benefit of the doubt.

    Please note that as she is still a student, her exams next week will be held in my office, but she will be required to leave campus as soon as they are completed.

    Thank you for your assistance. Good luck with your exams next week. Asher, please see me in my office next Monday to go through the belongings secured from Piper¡¯s locker.

    I request that you keep this private. I am aware that it may not be private for long, however, disciplinary matters regarding students are not for wider discussion.

    Kind regards

    Greg Lockwood

    Headmaster

    Forestglade College

    Lila lowered her phone to her chest, thinking hard. She did agree that expulsion did seem too harsh, but she wondered how Asher would be feeling about it. Regardless, Lila felt the weight of the world slowly lift from her shoulders as she re-read the email. Either way, it at least eased her mind that she wouldn¡¯t be seeing Piper around for a whole month, given school holidays were in a couple of weeks.

    Checking the time, she saw it was 9.15pm. Her stomach grumbled. It was tempting to try and sleep again, but her stomach disagreed loudly. Sighing, she threw the covers off and trudged downstairs, yawning. Clare was in the living room, her face full of glam makeup, wearing suit pants, a blazer, and a jumper. It seemed to be far too hot for Clare to be wearing all of that, but before Lila could question it, Clare rushed forward.

    ¡°You¡¯re alive!¡± she gasped, pulling Lila into a hug. Lila returned the hug and stood back, appraising Clare¡¯s appearance once more.

    ¡°You look nice,¡± Lila said, lifting one of Clare¡¯s curls from her shoulder and watching it drop back down.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Clare beamed. ¡°I was practicing today. I¡¯ll be going out in a few.¡±

    ¡°Practicing for what?¡± Lila asked, tilting her head to the side. ¡°Overheating?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Clare rolled her eyes at Lila, poking her in the ribcage. ¡°My makeup, dummy. My¡­ uh- friends gave me some tips that I wanted to try.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad that your ¡®uh¡¯ friends gave you tips,¡± Lila replied, looking around the living room. Clare turned the TV off, blatantly ignoring Lila¡¯s comment, and began digging through her handbag that was sitting on the couch.

    ¡°Judging by the fact that no one complained at you turning the TV off, Mum and Dad aren¡¯t here?¡± Lila asked.

    Clare shook her head. ¡°They¡¯ve gone on a date. Daniel¡¯s in his room though. There¡¯s some fried rice and chicken in the fridge if you¡¯re hungry. Mum prepped it before they left.¡±

    Clare pulled out her glittery phone and began scrolling on it, her artificial nails, painted a pink ombre, clacking.

    ¡°Gotta bounce, sis,¡± she said, looking up at Lila with a small, tired smile.

    ¡°Are you sure you should be going out?¡± Lila asked, concern furrowing her brow.

    ¡°Can¡¯t back out of this one,¡± Clare replied, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s a Friday night. Busiest night of the week, besides Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, I wouldn¡¯t want to go anywhere busy,¡± Lila grimaced, shuddering dramatically.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see how you feel about that when you¡¯re 18,¡± Clare laughed, grabbing her keys, handbag, and bulging tote bag from the couch. ¡°I¡¯ll show you the ways.¡±

    Lila sighed before smiling at Clare all the same. She pointed at the tote bag curiously and asked, ¡°What¡¯s in the bag?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Clare looked down at it for a minute before replying, seemingly avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°My¡­ friend forgot some stuff in my car. I¡¯m meeting up with her tonight.¡±

    ¡°Righto,¡± Lila replied. There was something off about Clare¡¯s reply, but maybe Lila was just overthinking things. She was dead tired, after all.

    Clare hugged Lila again before walking off towards the garage. ¡°See you tomorrow, probably. Don¡¯t study too hard. You need some breaks as well.¡± Clare raised a hand in a half-wave before disappearing through the doorway, keys jingling, without waiting for a response from Lila.

    Lila climbed the stairs to Daniel¡¯s room and could hear him typing furiously on his computer. She knocked on his door and heard a huge flurry of commotion that sounded like papers rustling around before Daniel responded.

    ¡°What?¡±

    Lila opened the door slightly. Daniel¡¯s room was a mess of clothes, papers, and assorted rubbish on the floor, with schoolbooks haphazardly piled on shelves. Lila wrinkled her nose as she took in the sight of several empty juice boxes lining the back wall and the stacks of dishes sitting next to his desktop computer. He looked annoyed at her as he leaned over his desk as if trying to cover something on it, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± he asked sharply.

    ¡°I was about to warm up some fried rice,¡± Lila said, narrowing her own eyes and widening the door. ¡°I was coming to ask if you wanted any¡­ Are you hiding something?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Daniel said defiantly, his face flushing slightly.

    ¡°Sit up then,¡± Lila challenged, crossing her arms. Sighing heavily, he did, revealing an open notebook. It just looked like a whole bunch of maths homework, and Lila raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Are you cheating on your maths or something?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Daniel said, raising his voice to an almost-whine. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ borrowing this¡­ from a friend.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like cheating,¡± Lila replied, rolling her eyes. ¡°Whatever. I don¡¯t care. Clare might, but go off, I guess. You want food or nah?¡±

    He closed his notebook and nodded stiffly. ¡°I¡¯ll have a bowl. Thanks¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Lila sighed, shutting Daniel¡¯s door and climbing back downstairs. While she waited for their food to heat up in the microwave, Lila swiped through her notifications. It seemed that she had received more missed calls and texts from unknown numbers, but altogether it had only been ten calls and messages.

    ¡®Can¡¯t believe I¡¯m glad that it¡¯s only ten,¡¯ Lila thought despondently, rubbing her eyes. She opened her Outlook again and read the Headmaster¡¯s email one more time. Had Asher looked at his emails yet? Lila checked her Snapchat but saw that Isaac hadn¡¯t messaged her. Lila opened her texts and saw her draft to Asher still sitting there. Puffing the air from her cheeks, Lila deleted it and started again.

    Hey. I¡¯m just checking in. I hope you¡¯re okay. It looks like Piper is suspended for the rest of the term, so you don¡¯t have to worry.

    Lila cringed at her message, and tried to delete it again but accidentally hit ¡®send¡¯ instead. Lila almost launched her phone at the ground but reflexively gripped it tightly. The microwave beeped, and Lila put her phone in her pocket. She carried both bowls of food upstairs, first putting hers on her desk and then knocking on Daniel¡¯s door. He grunted in response and Lila entered.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Daniel said as Lila walked towards him, brandishing his bowl and spoon.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila asked, placing them on his desk. Daniel swivelled in his chair and pulled out what looked like a whole ream of photos from his school bag.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been doing my part to clean up the streets,¡± he said, fanning himself with them, a mischievous grin on his face.

    Lila looked at him in shock, taking them from his hands. She recognised them immediately as copies of the photo of her outside Asher''s. ¡°Where did you get these?¡±

    ¡°Some of them I took down from the bathrooms, but most came from others. At $1 apiece, it was a bargain. Should¡¯ve seen all the people running around looking for photos. Almost started a few brawls. Granted, I didn¡¯t expect to be out $432, but once word spread and more and more photos kept coming in, I couldn¡¯t exactly refuse to pay up. You owe me, sis.¡±

    Lila gaped at him. ¡°I- Where did you get the money?¡±

    Daniel glared at Lila. ¡°Sold a kidney, what of it? ¡­ Don¡¯t give me that look. Wasn¡¯t my kidney.¡±

    Lila exhaled in annoyance. Clearly, she wasn¡¯t going to get an actual answer from him and she was too tired to fight back.

    ¡°It¡¯s been dealt with now,¡± Lila said, ¡°the culprit¡¯s been suspended for the rest of the term.¡±

    Daniel let out a low whistle. ¡°Wow, wouldn¡¯t it be nice to have a whole month off? Maybe I should put the photos back.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at him and said, ¡°Thanks anyway. It¡¯s kinda oddly heartwarm-¡±

    ¡°Please leave,¡± Daniel said, cutting her off and avoiding her eyes. The faintest trace of a smile was on his face, but Lila took the hint and left his bedroom, still holding the photos. She contemplated what to do with them before stomping away downstairs. She wrenched open the front door and tossed them into the wheelie bin with a loud thud.

    ¡®I shoulda put that in recycling, huh,¡¯ Lila thought before shrugging. Returning to her room, Lila sat at her desk and began spooning fried rice into her mouth as she selected a YouTube video to watch on her personal laptop. Her phone screen lit up, and Lila looked down, dropping a couple of grains of rice on the screen. It was a reply from Asher.

    Thanks for letting me know. I¡¯m going to try and focus on exams next week, it read.

    Okay, Lila sent in response. It was a good idea. She had some kanji to catch up on too¡­

    <hr>

    The stress levels of her cohort were palpable as Lila arrived at school on Monday. Exam week always had that effect. Piper wasn¡¯t on her bus that morning, which was unsurprising as she was suspended. Between Study classes and exams during the rest of her week, Lila heard bits and pieces of students speculating where Piper was and whether she was away from school because she was devastated about Asher turning her down.

    When she did see Asher during the week, he seemed incredibly worn out. While he wasn¡¯t exactly ignoring her anymore, he seemed far more invested in his work than talking ¨C including during Study, despite sitting with Lila again.

    Once Friday arrived, all the calls and messages to Lila¡¯s phone from unknown numbers stopped entirely. Lila was grateful to put that behind her and was in a much better mood by the time lunch started that Friday afternoon.

    Standing in line for the tuckshop, no one seemed interested in any rumours, and were rather placing bets on how hard they failed exams, or what answers they put for certain questions, and similar. Grace and Elise arrived a few moments later, lamenting about their own exams.

    ¡°Hey, at least it¡¯s almost over,¡± Lila said, shrugging.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Elise replied, cracking into her lunchbox with interest. ¡°This week has just dragged on though.¡±

    ¡°Next week will just be prepping us for next term. I hope they don¡¯t give us any homework to do during the Easter break,¡± Grace sighed. The trio shuffled forward as the line shortened. Lila tightened her blazer around her shoulders briefly.

    ¡°Do you guys reckon it¡¯s getting colder?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Well, March is almost done with,¡± shrugged Elise through a mouthful of cookie. ¡°We¡¯re in Autumn and all that.¡±

    ¡°By the way,¡± Grace asked, turning to Lila. ¡°What happened to all those photos?¡±

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Lila groaned, bringing a hand to her forehead. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you. It was so weird. Daniel had like 400 of them.¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Elise said, scrunching her nose. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I think he was paying people for bringing them to him,¡± Lila said. ¡°He said he was cleaning up the streets. Made me actually feel like a ¡®whore¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Yo, that¡¯s actually genius,¡± Elise said, eating another cookie. ¡°How much was he paying them?¡±

    ¡°Just $1 a photo. I bet he was surprised after the 50th photo, but once he got it going, he said he couldn¡¯t refuse to pay up.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯d he get $400 from?¡± Grace almost whispered.

    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t say,¡± Lila shrugged.

    ¡°He could build an army,¡± Elise said, clearly impressed. ¡°What¡¯s that in total? Like over 500 photos?¡±

    ¡°She must¡¯ve really hated me,¡± Lila said with a humourless laugh.

    After finishing up lunch, Lila headed off to her final exam ¨C Maths. It didn¡¯t end up being as bad as she had expected, though perhaps that was a sign that she didn¡¯t really know the material. But, there was no going back now.

    She arrived at her locker, yawning as she packed her school bag.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Elise tapped Lila¡¯s shoulder as she passed. ¡°What¡¯re you doing this weekend?¡±

    Lila looked blankly at Elise for a moment before replying, ¡°Nothing. Can¡¯t believe I had to think about that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a morning shift at Maccas tomorrow, but we can go watch a movie or something after?¡± Elise suggested. She pulled out her phone, typing rapidly before adding, ¡°I¡¯ve just asked Grace, too.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Not that there¡¯s anything really interesting at the movies.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find something. I mean, we don¡¯t have to watch a movie. We could go shopping for semi-formal?¡±

    ¡°Either works for me,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°I haven¡¯t really thought about semi-formal.¡±

    ¡°Well, I have,¡± a deep voice behind Lila said. She whirled around, face to face with Lucas. He had a hand behind his back, smiling.

    ¡°Oh, hey Lucas,¡± Lila said, blinking rapidly and stepping back. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Lucas looked over at Elise, who was eyeballing both Lucas and Lila in confusion. He revealed what was behind his back ¨C a bouquet of assorted roses, peonies, and carnations in various shades of pink along with some white baby¡¯s breath. He thrust it towards Elise, a nervous grin across his face.

    ¡°Elise, would you like to go to semi-formal with me?¡±

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila gasped, before clamping a hand around her mouth, backing away from the both of them. Elise appeared properly bewildered now.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± she tentatively said, warily looking at Lucas like he was playing a prank on her. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you rather go with Cecelia?¡±

    Lucas¡¯ smile quickly faded.

    ¡°I¡¯m asking you, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°I-I guess you are. I just never would¡¯ve expected¡­¡± Elise bit her lip, gently taking the flowers from Lucas. She nervously glanced at Lila, who blinked at Elise as if trying to send her a message in Morse code. What message Lila intended to send, she wasn¡¯t sure, but she was definitely screaming internally as she watched the exchange.

    ¡°These are lovely, Lucas,¡± Elise finally said, carefully caressing a rose petal, the cellophane wrapping crinkling in her hands. She looked up with a small smile.

    ¡°Yeah, okay,¡± she said, her smile splitting into a beam now. ¡°I hope you¡¯re ready to dance.¡±

    Lucas bowed slightly, winking. ¡°Dance Meister Greenwood, at your service.¡±

    Elise laughed, and Lucas checked his watch. ¡°Sorry, ladies, I¡¯ve got to head off ¨C my shift at Subway is starting soon.¡±

    As soon as he left, Lila stared at Elise with wide eyes, her mouth open. Elise was red-faced and pointedly staring at her flowers, still fiddling with the petals.

    ¡°Well, I never guessed Lucas would ask you to semi!¡± Lila finally exclaimed.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have, either,¡± Elise said, her cheeks deepening even further. ¡°I thought he would¡¯ve gone with Cecelia, they¡¯re so close.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s already got a date,¡± Lila said, trying to think whether Cecelia had ever mentioned semi-formal to Lila. Grace suddenly appeared behind them, out of breath and sweaty.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Grace said, placing both hands on her knees as she panted. ¡°I got caught up talking to a teacher about something. I saw your text, Elise.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡± Elise asked absentmindedly. Grace squinted at Elise.

    ¡°¡­ about movies tomorrow? I ran all the way here so we could talk in person. Also, why are you holding flowers?¡±

    ¡°Grace, forget about movies, Lucas just asked Elise to semi!¡± Lila almost shouted in glee, turning towards Grace.

    ¡°What?¡± spluttered Grace, placing a hand on her chest. ¡°Hold up, I need a min¡­¡±

    Eventually, Grace managed to catch her breath again and straightened up, a hand bracing her side. Lila began relaying what happened with relish as Grace looked back and forth between Lila and Elise, her mouth agape.

    ¡°And you said yes?¡± Grace asked, seeming floored by the news.

    ¡°I did,¡± Elise replied, blushing again.

    ¡°Well, we definitely need to find dresses now,¡± Lila declared. ¡°Now that you have a date, you can¡¯t wear just whatever. Let¡¯s have a look tomorrow.¡±

    <hr>

    That weekend, the trio hung out at the local shopping centre, perusing various dresses at a couple of different dress stores. Nothing stood out in particular, but at least they were narrowing down potential choices.

    Otherwise, the weekend passed as all others had ¨C with nothing of note. Lila did begin taking evening walks, however, in order to gently get her body ready to start hockey again, and she was joined by Clare on Sunday night.

    ¡°Are you going out again after this?¡± Lila asked as they strolled through their neighbourhood. Clare shook her head.

    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t need to,¡± she said, stretching her arms above her head.

    ¡°That sounds rare,¡± Lila laughed, also stretching her arms.

    ¡°Maybe, but it gets a bit expensive on Sundays, so I don¡¯t really get asked.¡±

    ¡°Do the bars charge more or something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so they keep the staff who have been on longer on Sundays,¡± Clare said. Lila frowned.

    ¡°What do you mean by that?¡± she asked.

    ¡°W-Well, you get paid double on Sundays,¡± Clare finally said. ¡°So, a lot of bars give those shifts to staff who have been working longer and charge a little bit extra to compensate.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you get paid double on Sundays... but, why do you know that? I thought you didn''t work.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only some jobs that do that. And I don''t,¡± Clare quickly said, stopping in her tracks. ¡°But all my friends are broke Uni students, so no one ever wants to go out on Sundays. ¡®Cause of the extra charges.¡±

    ¡°Well, here we are, out on a Sunday. Can¡¯t say no one ever wants to go out on Sundays,¡± Lila said, grinning cheekily at Clare who rolled her eyes dramatically. Lila¡¯s phone buzzed, and she sighed as she pulled it out of her gym leggings. Since no unknown numbers had contacted her on Saturday, she had switched vibrate back on.

    It was a notification from Instagram. Curious, Lila opened it up and saw a new dm from Cecelia.

    Hey, it read, is it true that Lucas is going to semi with Elise?

    Hey, Lila replied, sure is! Isn¡¯t that exciting?

    Yeah, Cecelia replied. Elise is pretty, so they¡¯ll be a good match

    Totally agree, Lila responded.

    That¡¯s all I wanted to know. See u next week, Cecelia sent. Lila double-tapped this message so Cecelia knew she saw it and put her phone back in her leggings.

    ¡°What was that about?¡± Clare asked as they pressed on with their walk.

    ¡°Oh, just a school friend. She was just checking that one of our friends was going to semi with Elise.¡±

    ¡°Oooh,¡± Clare cooed. ¡°Elise has a date to semi! What about you?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°No one¡¯s asked, and I don¡¯t want anyone to ask, either. While I¡¯ve dealt with the rumours for now, I don¡¯t want new ones to start.¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes snapped to Lila¡¯s face. ¡°What do you mean, dealt with the rumours? I thought you were just gonna ignore ¡®em?¡±

    ¡°¡­ well, it got pretty hard to ignore¡­ I guess you could say that they got worse. B-But it¡¯s okay ¡®cause I found the source of the rumours and dealt with them,¡± Lila said, somewhat nervously. She could hardly remember the rumours that she relayed to Clare earlier in the term. Those had been so mild in comparison to what Lila had been dealing with just last week¡­

    Lila rubbed her face, squishing her cheeks as she looked at Clare. Clare simply nodded, carrying on with the walk.

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask for details,¡± Clare said quietly. ¡°But I did notice a big change in you over the past few weeks. Daniel, too. He must¡¯ve heard them at school.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond to Clare, who continued. ¡°Hearing you say that you¡¯ve dealt with the source of the rumours makes me happy though. It does make sense that you don¡¯t want to go to semi with anyone in that case, especially if they¡¯d gotten worse.¡±

    Lila nodded. They rounded the corner of their street, made their way up the driveway to their house, and headed inside without further conversation. After showering, Lila lounged downstairs, as usual. Her parents were sitting together on the couch, watching a soap opera on free TV. Lila silently played some phone games, until a notification popped up on her phone again. This time, it was from Isaac on Snapchat.

    Curious, Lila opened it up.

    I forgot to tell you that Asher¡¯s doing okay now, it read, a skull and crying emoji following the message.

    All good, Lila replied, switching back to her phone game.

    So¡­ semi, Isaac sent. Lila opened the chat again and saw Isaac start and stop typing a few times, until he eventually sent, Do any of your friends need a partner?

    Internally noting that Isaac hadn¡¯t asked whether Lila was available, she replied, Well, I¡¯m technically going with Grace but we already decided that if someone gets a better offer, it¡¯s fine to split off

    Grace huh, Isaac replied instantly. Doesn¡¯t she have a bf?

    Lila bit her bottom lip. Would Grace want her to lie about the gender of her partner with Isaac? If Isaac was assuming Grace¡¯s partner was a guy, Grace evidently hadn¡¯t told Isaac the gender of her partner. Perhaps a white lie would be fine¡­

    Ya, but goes to a different school, Lila eventually sent.

    I see. So, we could go together. Do u know if he¡¯s jealous?

    Lila contemplated Isaac¡¯s question for a couple of minutes. Grace had been adamant with her that she was entirely lesbian, so it was unlikely that any partner would think she was cheating on them with a guy. But, if they did think Grace was cheating on them, it wouldn¡¯t end well. She sent a message to Grace, but it didn¡¯t look like Grace was online. If she waited any longer, Isaac would probably think she was telling Grace his plans, which Lila didn¡¯t necessarily want to ruin¡­

    I don¡¯t think he¡¯d be jealous, Lila replied, sending a shrugging emoji with it.

    Guess it wouldn¡¯t hurt to ask. Worst she can do is say no, Isaac replied, sending a shrugging emoji as well.

    Thanks Lila. See you at school next week, Isaac sent directly after the previous. Lila replied to the same effect. As soon as it sent through, Lila was on the phone to Grace, who seemed like she¡¯d just woken from a nap.

    ¡°So, for reasons I¡¯m not telling,¡± Lila started off, ¡°if someone was hypothetically talking to me about your partner, can you please let me know what I should say?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Grace said quietly. ¡°Um, for now, male pronouns are fine. A-And if they ask if they¡¯re at the same school, just tell them no but you don¡¯t know what school it is.¡±

    Grace emitted a small, self-satisfied sound as she finished her requirements.

    ¡°Fab,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°That works.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Grace said in an almost whisper. ¡°I truly do appreciate it. Thank you for checking.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯d check,¡± Lila said breezily. ¡°Though¡­ I was kinda in the moment¡­ and you didn¡¯t answer¡­ but I said ¡®he¡¯ and that ¡®he¡¯ goes to a different school.¡±

    Grace sighed heavily into the phone. ¡°You¡¯re so godamn lucky you know me well enough.¡±

    ¡°Pretty lucky to know you in general,¡± Lila replied cheekily. ¡°But I¡¯m glad I got both right.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Seven

    Chapter Twenty-Seven

    Monday started with English, and Lila and Asher sat next to each other as usual. It felt weird to no longer need to pretend to ignore each other.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Lila said awkwardly as Ms Shard started handing out everyone¡¯s marked criteria sheets for the presentation.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Asher said, looking at her with a smile.

    ¡°Did you end up looking through the stuff?¡±

    ¡°What st- oh. Yeah. It turned out to be¡­ a whole lot,¡± Asher said, shuddering. ¡°I still can¡¯t believe I never noticed.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone expects to be stalked,¡± Lila said frankly.

    ¡°I guess not¡­ thanks, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher said, collecting his and Lila¡¯s marked criteria sheets as Ms Shard passed them. Lila¡¯s eyes almost popped out of her head as she looked at hers.

    ¡°Oh my God!¡± she cried, elation taking over.

    ¡°What, what?¡± Asher asked, hurriedly looking over at her sheet.

    ¡°I got an A+!¡±

    Asher chuckled, relaxing back in his seat. ¡°Is that all you¡¯re excited about?¡±

    Lila flushed but rolled up her criteria sheet into a loose tube and bopped him on the shoulder. ¡°Hey, not everyone gets straight A+s, you know. I¡¯m allowed to be happy!¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher grinned, ¡°your excitement is just¡­ cute.¡±

    Lila dropped her tube, which unfurled on her desk unceremoniously, her heart thumping just slightly harder than before. ¡°Don¡¯t call me cute,¡± she said finally.

    ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± Asher said, clearly biting back his smile now, raising his hands in surrender.

    Ms Shard took back command of the students, who had been either cheering, lamenting, or discussing their marks. She went through the criteria sheet, indicating what the teachers had been out looking for as she went. Lila still felt giddy, gleefully eyeing her criteria sheet as Ms Shard spoke. After Ms Shard was done with explaining the criteria sheet, she opened a new PowerPoint.

    ¡°Now, as a reminder, next term we¡¯ll be reading Romeo and Juliet. We¡¯ll take the first two or three weeks to read it in class. It may be a bit complicated, but we¡¯ll get there in the end,¡± she said, flicking through the slides as she spoke.

    A collective groan resounded from the class, but Ms Shard ignored them.

    ¡°Please bring a copy of Romeo and Juliet to class on Wednesday and we¡¯ll start on the history of the play.¡±

    ¡°Ma¡¯am,¡± a hand belonging to Liam Davies, one of Lila¡¯s PC classmates, shot up.

    ¡°Yes, Liam?¡± Ms Shard asked, peering at him over her glasses.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with these old-as books? Why can¡¯t we have anything newer?¡±

    A few giggles erupted from Lila¡¯s classmates as Ms Shard sighed.

    ¡°Liam, we will be moving on to contemporary literature later in the year. There¡¯s no need to fret. Now, please be quiet.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t fretting. I don¡¯t even know what fretting is. Is that a ¡®fret¡¯?¡± Lila heard Liam mumble to the guy sitting next to him as he crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair defiantly.

    ¡°Are you into Shakespeare?¡± Lila asked Asher as Ms Shard wrapped up her explanation of the intended assessment pieces. It didn¡¯t look as though there were any group projects scheduled for next term.

    ¡°I dabble,¡± Asher whispered back.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know you could ¡®dabble¡¯ in Shakespeare,¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°The more you know,¡± Asher smirked back. ¡°My favourite is ¡®A Midsummer Night¡¯s Dream¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m both impressed and appalled that you have a favourite,¡± Lila replied.

    ¡°Well, the books you saw in my library aren¡¯t for decoration,¡± Asher remarked. ¡°Mum made me read a few of Shakespeare¡¯s plays in preparation for high school a few years ago.¡±

    It felt almost as though Asher had committed a crime by acknowledging that Lila had been in his house out loud. Lila quickly looked around but saw that no one was even looking their way.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said simply. Asher gave her a brief sideways glance, but before he could say anything else, Ms Shard dismissed them from English.

    <hr>

    By the time lunch had arrived, Lila was wondering what the point of being at school during this week was. She walked to tuckshop with Grace and Elise in tow, having just finished with Modern History which involved watching the beginning of a movie regarding the Vietnam War.

    As usual, the trio took the shortcut behind the auditorium. Following this path would take them in a diagonal direction to the tuckshop. According to Pythagoras, this was clearly the most efficient way. Lila remembered that much about maths, at least. It was less travelled owing to the vast number of trees lining the path, casting deep shadows across the walkway, and contributing to a slightly eerie atmosphere.

    In the far distance, Lila spotted two figures, dressed in the boys¡¯ uniform, standing at the far end where the path opened into the main road. They appeared to be looking in the trio¡¯s direction. Due to the distance and shade, Lila couldn¡¯t see any particular details regarding the identity of the students.

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked, pointing down the road. Grace and Elise halted their banter, stopping dead in their tracks.

    ¡°I hope it¡¯s not Piper with a knife,¡± Elise replied darkly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± hissed Grace. ¡°It could actually happen! You¡¯ll freak Lila out!¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m well aware that it is a possible scenario, thank you. Besides, unless she stole a whole uniform set from Asher, I don¡¯t think she¡¯s got a boys¡¯ uniform,¡± she replied drily.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it look like they¡¯re just¡­ waiting for us?¡± Grace asked anxiously, hiding behind Elise.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re at school,¡± Elise said cautiously. ¡°So, I doubt we¡¯d be in danger.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s keep going, then,¡± Lila said, attempting to sound brave.

    They slowly inched their way up the path. The two figures stood still. Eventually, Lila recognised who they were approaching. It was Asher and Isaac. Grace and Elise seemed to realise at the same time, as they both stopped walking like robots.

    Lila waved at Asher and Isaac, and Asher waved back. They were now walking to meet the trio on the path.

    ¡°You guys looked so creepy,¡± Lila laughed once they were in a reasonable distance for a conversation.

    ¡°It certainly was a bit of an ambush,¡± Asher said, glancing at Isaac. Isaac seemed to be trembling, his hands behind his back. An awkward pause followed before Asher sighed deeply and folded his arms, glancing between Isaac and the trio. When nothing happened, Asher sighed again and pushed Isaac forward with his elbow. Isaac inhaled deeply and walked closer to Grace.

    ¡°G-Grace, will you go to semi with me?¡± he asked, presenting her with a bouquet of lilies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums and yellow roses.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Grace gasped. She looked desperately at Lila and Elise, who were now both grinning. Asher and Isaac continued to look at Grace expectantly.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°You know I¡¯m in a relationship, right?¡±

    Isaac shrugged. ¡°I know he doesn¡¯t go here, and I know you can¡¯t bring him. School¡¯s pretty strict about that. Besides, I think it¡¯d be fun to have someone to dance with. And we¡¯re both dancing-partner deprived. Plus, I¡¯m not asking to date you.¡±

    ¡°I, uh, said I¡¯d go with Lila,¡± Grace finally replied.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me,¡± Lila said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°I can be a pretty good third wheel.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, he¡¯s your ex!¡± Grace said, panic rising in her tone. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°Sure, but that was hardly a relationship,¡± she said. Isaac nodded in agreement, still holding the bouquet.

    ¡°B-But you guys ki-¡± Grace protested, before Lila shushed her, her face bright red. She tried not to look at Asher, but from her peripheral vision, he looked distinctly uncomfortable.

    ¡°It¡¯s semi,¡± Lila finally said, looking at Grace. ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you can¡¯t say no, but please don¡¯t say no because of me. Trust me, I seriously don¡¯t mind either way.¡±

    Lila then leaned in towards Grace and whispered, ¡°Plus, wouldn¡¯t it help you?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Could I think about it?¡± Grace asked timidly, looking down at her shoes. Isaac seemed relieved and handed her the flowers.

    ¡°Lila¡¯s right. You can say no. But, I¡¯m glad you¡¯re not saying ¡®no¡¯ right to my face, right now, in this very moment. I think I¡¯d collapse. Take the flowers, I¡¯m allergic.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Grace said, clutching the bouquet. Asher and Isaac began to walk past the trio, back down towards the Modern History building, Isaac sneezing loudly. They made it about ten metres down the road before Grace turned around.

    ¡°Isaac, I¡¯ll go!¡± she called. He spun around to look at her, beaming.

    ¡°Heck yeah!¡± he shouted, fist-bumping the air. He took a couple of backward steps, still beaming, before he sprinted down the path away from the tuckshop. Asher followed close behind, shouting ¡°Mate, where¡¯re ya goin¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Boys,¡± Elise said, shaking her head with a chuckle. They heard a distant ¡®achoo!¡¯ before breaking into laughter.

    <hr>

    Sitting in Bio, her last class of the day, Lila felt that there was something odd between Lucas and Cecelia. Mr Johnson had returned their marks for their assignment today and was going through the criteria like Ms Shard had done in English. She received a B, which was standard fare for Lila. She took down notes regarding what assignments in the A-range looked like but couldn¡¯t help sneaking glances at Lucas and Cecelia.

    They seemed normal, but the energy was all sorts of off. Perhaps it was the way that Cecelia seemed to avoid looking at Lucas¡¯ face. Perhaps it was that she would shuffle away every time Lucas slightly moved in her direction, whether that be because he was stretching or asking her a question. Perhaps it was because of Cecelia¡¯s lacklustre responses to Lucas¡¯ jokes and jibes.

    When Bio finished up for the day, Cecelia waited in the classroom for Lila to pack away her things. Lucas tried waiting, as well, but Cecelia politely asked him to go away. Which was again strange. Lila couldn¡¯t think of a moment previous to this where Cecelia had actively told Lucas to leave. Lila could sense that Cecelia wanted to discuss something, so packed her things at half the normal speed to ensure that they would be the last to leave.

    ¡°See you on Wednesday, Mr Johnson!¡± Lila cheerily called over her shoulder as she and Cecelia exited. They meandered slowly towards the locker room, neither saying anything for a few minutes.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Cecelia finally said in a half-whisper. ¡°Can I hang out with you this week?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, surprised. ¡°Did you and Lucas have a fight or something? You guys are always hanging out together.¡±

    ¡°Nah, we didn¡¯t have a fight,¡± Cecelia sighed, readjusting her stack of books that were in her arms. ¡°Just¡­ want to spend more time with you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Lila nodded, ¡°I¡¯m usually hanging out with Grace and Elise, if that¡¯s cool with you?¡±

    Cecelia¡¯s breathing audibly stopped for just a moment, before she shook her head.

    ¡°That¡¯s cool with me,¡± Cecelia said, her voice somewhat strained.

    ¡°I mean, I can see about, like, rotating hangouts or something,¡± Lila said, confused by Cecelia¡¯s tone. Lila put it down to the fact that Cecelia didn¡¯t really hang out with Lila during lunch, since Cecelia instead hung out with Lucas and their own shared PC friends.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Cecelia shook her head again. ¡°It¡¯ll be fine. I just¡­ don¡¯t really know them.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯ll be a good time to try to get to know them,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°Though, tomorrow Grace has a music lesson, so it¡¯ll just be Elise and me.¡±

    Cecelia nodded in acknowledgement, and they fell silent for the rest of the way to the locker room.

    ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯ll see you tomorrow?¡± Lila said, turning to Cecelia at the entrance of the locker room.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cecelia replied with a faint smile. ¡°See you then.¡±

    <hr>

    On Tuesday morning, Lila found herself partnered with Justin Daly for the waltz box step. Now that semi-formal was upon the students, Ms Wright hardly needed to give anyone instructions to pair up and practice. Lila had barely noticed that he was in her class since the demonstration she had with Asher, so it was a surprise when he extended his hand for hers at the start of the lesson. Justin wasn¡¯t nearly as clumsy as Connor had been, though, which she was silently grateful for. Many of the other partners that she randomly found herself paired with seemed magnetised to her toes.

    ¡°So, Lila¡­¡± Justin said, twirling her.

    ¡°Uh, yeah?¡± Lila asked, catching her breath.

    ¡°D-Do you have a date to sem-¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re about to ask me to go with you, I¡¯m good, thanks,¡± Lila replied quickly. ¡°I¡¯ll just be going alone.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Justin replied, his face bright-red and sweating profusely now. ¡°Is it ¡®cause of me?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied earnestly as Justin guided her through another spin. ¡°It¡¯ll be my response to everyone, no matter who asks me.¡±

    Justin fell silent, though his redness took some time to disappear. Lila felt a bit guilty about cutting him off so quickly and bit her lip as she thought about what she could say to alleviate the situation.

    ¡°Thank you for asking me,¡± Lila said gently. He avoided her gaze, nodding stiffly.

    ¡°For the record, I-I wasn¡¯t about to ask if you wanted to go together or anything,¡± he blurted out, his face quickly turning red again.

    ¡°Okay. Well, thanks anyway for asking if I¡¯m going with anyone. You sounded concerned,¡± Lila replied, though she was unconvinced by Justin¡¯s objection.

    ¡°I am serious, though,¡± Lila said after a few more rotations through the waltz box step. ¡°I don¡¯t want a repeat of the rumours. You saw what happened with Connor, and that was over a, like, ten-minute practice. I don¡¯t know how it¡¯d go after three or four hours of semi.¡±

    Justin breathed a sigh, seeming relieved. ¡°Yeah, that makes sense.¡±

    The class moved along to the group dances, and now that Lila and Asher weren¡¯t ignoring each other, Lila felt strangely nervous. She rotated through dance partners, getting closer and closer to Asher by the second. Should she look at him? Should she look away? Would he think she was weird if she did either?

    Asher firmly caught Lila in time to the music. She glanced at him but looked back down at her feet just as quickly. She felt him shake and she looked up at him again. He seemed to be holding in a laugh, so her stare turned to a glare. He winked at her in return and spun her towards her next dance partner, her face burning.

    Lunch with Cecelia and Elise was shaping up to be an interesting experience. Usually, whenever Cecelia dropped in on Lila during lunch, she was with Lucas, sharing banter and a cheery disposition. Cecelia¡¯s general liveliness had seemingly lost its shine as she bit into her meat pie, her eyes lost in the distance and face seeming more pale than usual.

    Elise hadn¡¯t said anything about Cecelia¡¯s showing up to their hang-out spot though she did excessively fumble with her sandwich wrapper. Having neither Cecelia nor Elise say very much was putting Lila on edge too, but she tried to enjoy the increasingly pleasant rays of sunshine that were gently warming her without thinking about it too much. Even dinner with Asher¡¯s Dad didn¡¯t feel as awkward as this.

    Lila decided to bite the bullet.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s your plan for the holidays, Cecelia?¡± she asked. This seemed to rouse Cecelia from her mindless state as she met Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I¡¯m going away to Hamilton Island for Easter,¡± Cecelia said quietly. ¡°We leave on Friday night. Then, I come back on the 10<sup>th</sup> doing not much.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, that sounds exciting,¡± Elise exclaimed, sitting forward. ¡°I went over last Easter. It¡¯s so nice.¡±

    Cecelia blinked blankly at Elise before her mouth curled into a smile.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cecelia remarked. ¡°I went a few years ago but can¡¯t really remember it. All I remember was playing with my cousins by the beach. Don¡¯t ask me about anything else on the island.¡±

    Elise laughed. It sounded genuine as she straightened up her posture.

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to make sure your parents have made reservations at the restaurants. They get so full so quickly and getting groceries is a pain,¡± Elise said in a serious tone.

    ¡°I think they¡¯ve made a couple reservations, but I¡¯ll check.¡±

    ¡°The island is also really small, generally, but the buggies are fun.¡±

    Cecelia nodded, life seemingly returning to her cheeks as she sipped on a bottle of Coke.

    ¡°What about you guys?¡± Cecelia asked after she twisted the lid back on.

    ¡°I¡¯m just at home,¡± shrugged Lila. ¡°We usually have a big family get-together for Easter Sunday with, like, my grandparents, but this year they¡¯re going down to Melbourne to see my cousins.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to Melbs? Rude,¡± Elise gasped.

    ¡°Clare and Daniel weren¡¯t interested in going, for some reason. It was a hot topic, but Dad decided it might be good downtime to tidy up some stuff for the business. We¡¯ll probably have a nice lunch or something instead with just the five of us. My Dad is fond of barbecues, but he¡¯s not trusted to cook much. Mum¡¯s cooking is just too good and she chases him away from the kitchen. Easter is about the only time she lets him loose ¨C she hates the smoke of the Weber.¡±

    ¡°Lowkey kinda sad that you¡¯re just stuck here,¡± Cecelia said, frowning.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find something to do. I still have to figure out what I¡¯m wearing to semi,¡± Lila said with another shrug. Elise shot her a sharp look. Lila looked back at her, perplexed, but Cecelia seemed to perk up even more.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have a dress either! Can we go have a look when I come back?¡± she asked, her eyes sparkling.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it leaving it a bit late by then?¡± Lila asked. Cecelia shook her head vehemently.

    ¡°While semi is still nice, it¡¯s a lot less investment than formal. I¡¯m happy just picking up a nice dress from like Myer or something. My Mum¡¯s best friend is a seamstress, so she can alter it pretty quick on the side for me. Oh! Maybe I can ask if she can alter your stuff too? If you need it. Besides,¡± Cecelia said, with a mischievous grin on her face, ¡°when have you ever known me to be prepared early? I¡¯m not saying you guys need to wait for me to buy your dresses, but I just don¡¯t wanna go alone.¡±

    ¡°Fair,¡± Elise replied with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll have to check my schedule when it¡¯s closer to the time, though. They like to give me surprise shifts at Maccas when I¡¯m still here for school holidays.¡±

    ¡°We should invite Grace, too,¡± Cecelia added, seeming genuinely excited now. Lila couldn¡¯t help but smile with Cecelia.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll text her now before we forget,¡± Lila said, taking out her phone and doing just that.

 Chapter Twenty-Eight

    Chapter Twenty-Eight

    Lila almost forgot her copy of Romeo and Juliet when she woke with a start on Wednesday morning, having slept through her first two alarms. Panicking, she took two stairs at a time as she rushed out the door, her hair still undone. The school bus was just coming up over the crest by her house when she desperately flagged it down.

    After tying her hair up haphazardly on the bus, Lila separated out what she needed to bring with her that morning so she could simply throw her bag into her locker and hurry off to English. She wasn¡¯t technically late, but it sure felt like it when she flew past Ms Shard, who was just about to close the classroom door.

    ¡°Morning!¡± Lila called as she scurried to her seat next to Asher, who was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°You¡¯re a bit later than usual. Is everything okay?¡± he murmured as Ms Shard started marking the roll.

    ¡°Nah, yeah, all good,¡± Lila puffed, pulling out her copy of Romeo and Juliet and her laptop.

    ¡°You seem¡­ frazzled, at best.¡±

    ¡°I just missed my alarms, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Was something keeping you up?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up with the interrogation?¡±

    Asher sat back in his seat, crossed his arms, and pensively looked at his desk.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he muttered finally. ¡°Sorry. Just thought there was something wrong.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± Lila whispered back, looking at the PowerPoint presentation Ms Shard was now showing them regarding the history of Romeo and Juliet, ¡°I just need to settle in. My whole routine is outta whack.¡±

    ¡°Fair.¡±

    Every so often, as they listened to Ms Shard''s lecture, Asher¡¯s eyes would light up. He whispered extra details to Lila, extending upon Ms Shard¡¯s content with unbridled passion. His knowledge regarding Shakespeare, that time period, and contemporary interpretations of Shakespeare¡¯s work was impressively vast, and Lila couldn¡¯t help but be enthralled with his words. Listening to him speak, Lila thought he seemed thrilled to be delving into Romeo and Juliet, even if it wasn¡¯t his favourite work of Shakespeare''s.

    Before Lila knew it, English was over and she was sitting in Bio again, next to a deflated Cecelia. Lucas seemed to be running behind.

    ¡°Cecelia, is everything okay?¡± Lila asked. She didn¡¯t want to channel Asher¡¯s interrogatory vibe from that morning, but Cecelia was definitely off today as well.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cecelia said sadly.

    ¡°That¡¯s so unconvincing.¡±

    Cecelia gave Lila a faint, sarcastic ¡®ha¡¯, but didn¡¯t elaborate.

    ¡°Well, if you need to chat, just let me know,¡± Lila said with an encouraging smile. Cecelia smiled back, but the appearance of a sweaty Lucas outside the Bio door dropped her smile immediately. He slinked into the classroom, somehow managing to avoid catching Mr Johnson¡¯s attention, and sat down in his usual seat.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said to Lila and Cecelia, pulling out his Bio notebook.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied. Cecelia remained tight-lipped. Lucas looked at her for a moment, before casting his eyes downward. The rest of the lesson progressed in a tense silence that Lila didn¡¯t know how to shatter.

    With about five minutes left on the clock, Lucas finally asked, ¡°Cecelia, did I do something wrong?¡±

    Cecelia audibly exhaled before turning to Lucas, her eyes seeming hard. ¡°No, you didn¡¯t,¡± she replied loftily.

    ¡°It really feels like I did. Lila, you feel it too, right?¡±

    ¡®Oh God, why did he throw me into this?¡¯ Lila thought, searching desperately for a vague response that neither confirmed nor denied what Lucas had said.

    ¡°U-Uh, well, um, I think we¡¯re all just exhausted,¡± Lila stammered. ¡°Y¡¯know, end of term and all that.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cecelia interjected quietly. ¡°I¡¯m just worn out. Need some space.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lucas said, his brow creasing slightly as if in contemplation. He nodded to himself, and upon being dismissed for morning tea, disappeared quickly.

    Lila and Cecelia roamed around campus, stopping briefly by the tuckshop, during morning tea. Grace and Elise eventually joined them before they departed for PC. Cecelia hadn¡¯t said much today, either, but Lila could have sworn she had seen flashes of guilt on Cecelia¡¯s face every so often. They followed this same journey at lunchtime, with Cecelia feeling more like a spirit casually haunting them than a part of their group. But, if she needed space, space was what Lila could give her. She didn¡¯t press for any more details.

    Lila¡¯s final class of the day was Study, which felt a bit pointless given she had nothing to study for. She made her way to her usual booth after signing in. It didn¡¯t seem as though Asher had arrived just yet. Across the way, she saw Ayla sitting in her usual spot, looking intently at her laptop. When Lila had passed Ayla between classes, or otherwise found herself around Ayla¡¯s vicinity, she had noticed a distinct lack of friendliness emanating from her. Whilst it was to be expected, given Piper was still on suspension, Lila was pleased to hear that there weren¡¯t any rumours circulating about her and Asher getting together anymore. It seemed that Ayla, being the Gossip Queen that she was, wasn¡¯t a revenge-seeking type. Or perhaps Lila was looking at it too deep?

    The only rumours that remained which were remotely connected to Lila were about what Asher had said to Piper and its aftermath, which seemed to get even more ridiculous and outlandish with each retelling. Some of what Lila had heard involved Asher allegedly telling Piper to go die in a hole, that he was supposedly marrying Holly, and that Piper was locked in a mental institute, among other things. Other rumours tried feebly to discredit Asher¡¯s confrontation with Piper in general, however there had been too many witnesses for any of them to really take hold.

    Asher slid onto the bench in front of Lila, breaking her from her thoughts, a grin on his face.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, opening up his laptop.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied, looking down at her own. It had fallen asleep. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to join the Minecraft boys? Not like we¡¯re actually studying anything,¡± she said, gesturing towards the section of the library where the rest of their Study class sat.

    Asher shook his head. ¡°I mean, I play Minecraft, but they¡¯re just so noisy. Kinda prefer having my own company to enjoy my Jebs. Uh, those are¡­ rainbow sheep.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°I sometimes mess around in Minecraft. Hate Creepers with a passion. But oddly I find them cute.¡±

    Asher looked at her in amazement, before launching into a discussion about the latest Minecraft updates, what he was currently saving his diamonds for, and his shenanigans in the Nether. He seemed like a giddy little kid, and they shared a few laughs and swapped a few stories before settling into a comfortable silence.

    ¡°So, uh, I¡¯ve actually been meaning to ask¡­¡± Asher said quietly after a few minutes.

    ¡°Ask what?¡± Lila replied, glancing at him as she paused her YouTube video.

    ¡°Well¡­ I-I think you should meet Holly.¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila said, her heart dipping in her chest unexpectedly at the mention of Holly. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    Asher looked a bit embarrassed now as he closed his laptop lid, his face turning an interesting shade of red.

    ¡°She¡­ um, she¡¯s still a bit upset by all the rumours,¡± he said awkwardly. ¡°I told her they¡¯re not true, and I told her the whole story about Piper. And while it¡¯s improved, I think she¡¯d just feel better overall if she could actually meet you.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied softly.

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty important to me,¡± he said after a heavy pause, looking at Lila with intensity now. ¡°I love her. I don¡¯t want her to keep being upset, but¡­ at the same time¡­ I¡¯ve been itching to keep looking into¡­ well, you know what I mean. A-And I just need Holly to know that it¡¯s all above board, y¡¯know? Like, you don¡¯t like me like that, and I don¡¯t like you like that, but we¡¯ve just got something that we need to work on still. And that¡­ she doesn¡¯t need to worry,¡± he explained, stumbling over his words occasionally. He finally looked away from Lila and she let out the beginning of a sigh before stopping herself.

    ¡°I¡¯d be lying if I said I wasn¡¯t curious about her myself,¡± she said. ¡°I don¡¯t have any plans for the weekend just yet.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face lit up. ¡°I¡¯ll see when she¡¯s got time!¡±

    ¡®I hope I¡¯m not going to regret this¡­¡¯ Lila thought as he tapped away on his phone.

    <hr>

    Thursday had completely passed Lila by. She was starting to get swept up in the excitement of her cohort gearing up for Easter holidays and semi-formal that she paid little to no attention to any of her classes. Cecelia was still hanging around Lila, Elise and Grace, and still subdued during Bio, but had started to come out of her shell by the time Friday lunch rolled around. The girls spent their last lunch of the term excitedly locking in plans to go dress shopping after Cecelia returned from Hamilton Island. While they were at it, they also planned some days to be spent hanging out at the movies, or at each other¡¯s houses over the next two weeks.

    After lunch, Lila made her way to Study, eager for the start of the school holidays. This afternoon, both of her classes were with Asher, with English proceeding immediately after Study. They hadn¡¯t spoken much in English yesterday as Ms Shard had decided to put on a contemporary movie inspired by Romeo and Juliet as a teaser for next term. Given their allocated time for classes, they¡¯d finish the rest of the movie today.

    Asher was already in their usual booth in the library, watching something on YouTube. Lila signed in and sat across from him. Ayla wasn¡¯t anywhere to be seen, but Lila had noticed that there was a suspicious number of students missing today, most likely not bothering to come in for the last day of term.

    Asher looked up at Lila as she sat down, and his face broke into a grin.

    ¡°So, I spoke to Holly,¡± he said, lowering his laptop screen. ¡°She has a late shift at Maccas tomorrow from 6, but she said she¡¯d be down to have lunch before then.¡±

    ¡°T-Tomorrow?¡± Lila stuttered.

    ¡°Does tomorrow not work for you?¡± Asher asked, a very slight frown creasing his forehead.

    ¡°I-It does,¡± Lila said hesitantly, pressing her hands together in her lap. ¡°I just didn¡¯t think we¡¯d be meeting so soon, for some reason... I wasn¡¯t lying when I said I had nothing on this weekend.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher replied, leaning against the back of the booth as he grabbed his phone. ¡°I can see if she¡¯s available on Sunday instead?¡±

    ¡°No, tomorrow¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said firmly, shaking her head. ¡°Where are we going?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s see¡­¡± Asher trailed off, looking through his phone. ¡°There¡¯s a caf¨¦ in the shopping centre that just opened up ¨C Caf¨¦ Vines. Can you make it there?¡±

    Lila swallowed as she opened her Maps app. It looked like she could get there by bus.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, slipping her phone back into her pocket. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you guys there.¡±

    ¡°Great!¡± Asher replied brightly. Lila connected her earphones to her laptop and began watching YouTube videos to pass the time. She couldn¡¯t focus on any of them in particular, though she couldn¡¯t think why. Was she nervous about meeting Holly? What if Holly met Lila and decided that Asher shouldn¡¯t hang out with Lila anymore? Did that mean they had to abandon the investigation? Surely Asher wouldn¡¯t¡­

    ¡®But he did, though,¡¯ a voice Lila hardly recognised as her own whispered intrusively in her mind. ¡®When the rumours started getting to Holly, he stopped you from helping him with the investigation¡­ and besides¡­ he¡¯d said so early on that he wanted to respect his relationship with Holly¡­ and if she thinks he¡¯s not doing that, then surely he¡¯d drop you, not just the investigation¡­¡¯

    Lila inhaled deeply in an effort to calm her increasingly jittery body. She didn¡¯t want Asher to be alone again, investigating his Mum¡¯s disappearance in, potentially, the middle of the hornet¡¯s nest. And now that he had more free time, she knew for a fact that he would be obsessing about it to unhealthy levels again, sacrificing his own self-care and self-worth.

    ¡®Plus, he¡¯s too damn stubborn to get help from anyone else,¡¯ Lila thought with an edge of bitterness. Without telling it to, her mind conjured up small snippets of Lila¡¯s time playing Jenga with Asher. She didn¡¯t want to miss out on any more memories with him ¨C

    ¡®Dummy,¡¯ the intrusive voice purred. ¡®You¡¯re not there to make memories with him. You¡¯re there to crack the case. You don¡¯t need to bask in the shadow of these irrelevant, joyful memories. Unless you¡¯re willing to confront yourself.¡¯

    Lila frowned. What did that mean? Confront herself? About what?

    ¡°¡­la?¡±

    Lila looked up to see who was speaking to her. Asher was already packed up and standing, staring down at her in concern. She blinked rapidly at him in confusion.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got English now,¡± he said, looking bemused. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to get your attention for a minute or so.¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied, immediately getting up and hastily packing her things away. ¡°I got lost in my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I can send you a dollar if you give me your bank details,¡± Asher smirked. For a moment, Lila couldn¡¯t make sense of what Asher was saying. Then, she recalled her joke about accepting bank transfers in exchange for her thoughts. Was he asking her to tell him what she was thinking about? A small smile flickered across her face, but she quickly dropped it.

    ¡®Like hell I¡¯ll tell him,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, the heat in her cheeks rising. She wordlessly finished packing up. Asher chuckled and shook his head, leaning against her side of the booth as he waited.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go finish off that movie,¡± he said, ¡°then I can bore you with all the parallels and historical inaccuracies I¡¯ve found.¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t bore me,¡± Lila said quickly, still not looking at Asher¡¯s face. He was silent for a moment but stopped leaning against the booth.

    ¡°Even better,¡± he said finally with another chuckle. ¡°A willing victim to my pontifications. We gotta get there quick before you change your mind and tell me to piss off with my thoughts.¡±

    Lila frowned, slinging her bookbag over her shoulder.

    ¡°You don¡¯t speak very highly of your interests,¡± she said, giving him a piercing look.

    ¡°Huh,¡± Asher said in seemingly genuine surprise. ¡°I guess not.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ready to see for myself the value of your thoughts,¡± Lila said, flashing him a grin and setting off in the direction of English. It took him a moment, but he followed her at a half-jog.

    The rest of the movie evidently captured Asher¡¯s attention, as he didn¡¯t end up talking to her much throughout. On occasions that he did in a low whisper, Lila warmly received his commentary. It almost felt as though she was getting a two-for-one class, sitting next to the Dux.

    The movie finished about ten minutes before class ended. Immediately, Lila¡¯s classmates began pestering Ms Shard about leaving early.

    ¡°Everyone, calm down,¡± Ms Shard called sternly above the noise. ¡°While I¡¯d like to go home too, I need to keep my eyes on all of you until the clock strikes 3.20pm. I don¡¯t care what you do for these next ten minutes, except that it is in this classroom and befitting of the College¡¯s expectations of you.¡±

    The room immediately burst into conversation and shrill laughter as Lila¡¯s classmates begrudgingly remained seated. It almost felt that they were competing with each other to make as much noise as possible in rebellion. Asher turned to Lila somewhat lazily.

    ¡°What¡¯s your plan for the holidays?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a few things on, but not much really,¡± Lila replied. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not doing much either,¡± he sighed. ¡°Holly¡¯s family are going away over Easter.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not going?¡± Lila asked, surprised. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°They don¡¯t have room for me, apparently,¡± he said. ¡°But that¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°What do you normally do over Easter?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Well, Gabriel usually cooks a small Easter Sunday lunch. It¡¯s not his usual day, but he gets a bit lonely for Easter. Marlene helps him with the cooking, too, but no one else comes by since the rest of my family live in other states and countries. They usually save up to come over for Christmas, though.¡±

    ¡°Sounds wholesome,¡± Lila grinned.

    ¡°Hey, maybe you could come?¡±

    ¡®As a replacement for Holly?¡¯ a thought intrusively crossed her mind. Lila shook her head, as if to dispel it. What was up with her today?

    ¡°I have my own family thing,¡± Lila said awkwardly, looking down at her desk.

    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Asher said hurriedly. ¡°Of course. I just¡­ thought it¡¯d be a bit lonely this year, since Gabriel¡¯s cooking for only four¡­¡±

    Lila bit her bottom lip, feeling slightly guilty. Knowing that Gabriel felt that way about Easter made Lila¡¯s heart ache. He was too sweet for his efforts to be shared with only a small handful¡­

    ¡°¡­ I could probably come by if you want to do Easter dinner,¡± Lila said quietly.

    Asher¡¯s eyes lit up as he said, ¡°I can check if we can do dinner.¡±

    Lila slightly regretted the suggestion, but it was too late to back out as Asher eagerly typed away on his phone. Why did she say that? If tomorrow didn¡¯t go well, she doubted that she¡¯d be welcome for Easter Sunday¡­

    ¡°Alright everyone, we¡¯ve got about 30 seconds left,¡± Ms Shard half-shouted over the noise of the class. Everyone immediately stood up and made to move before Ms Shard stopped them with a stern, ¡°I¡¯m not above giving you detention on the last day!¡±

    The students reluctantly sat down again as Ms Shard continued to speak.

    ¡°Please be safe over the school holidays. Enjoy Easter, if you participate, and come back well-rested and eager to learn. You may go.¡±

    Several students cheered as everyone leapt up and flooded out of the classroom. Lila and Asher fell into a synchronised step as they headed off to the locker room. They started talking about their co-curriculars for next term, with Lila wondering if she¡¯d be in her usual midfielder position for hockey, and Asher pondering whether he wanted to relinquish his usual position as goalie for soccer to try something new. By the time they reached locker room entrance, it seemed as though Asher didn¡¯t want to go to his locker.

    ¡°I should get going,¡± Lila said finally, edging slowly towards her locker. Asher nodded, but his eyes seemed downcast and he didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± Lila added awkwardly.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher replied, giving her a small smile. ¡°See you tomorrow. 12, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

 Chapter Twenty-Nine

    Chapter Twenty-Nine

    Lila stood in front of her closet, suffering from decision paralysis. It was 9am, but she¡¯d already showered, brushed her teeth and blow-dried her hair in anticipation of lunch with Holly and Asher. She¡¯d had a look at Caf¨¦ Vines¡¯ menu online and saw that the caf¨¦¡¯s general vibe was casual, warm and earthy.

    Flipping through the various shirts and dresses hung up on her clothing rack, she couldn¡¯t figure out what to wear. Should she dress down? She didn¡¯t want to seem like she was trying too hard. But then again, wasn¡¯t she trying really hard? Confronting Piper suddenly seemed like a piece of cake in comparison to surviving lunch¡­

    ¡®Well, dresses are a no-go,¡¯ Lila pondered, pushing aside a few dresses. The lilac sundress she had worn to Asher¡¯s house slowly made itself known as she continued to look through her clothing rack. Clutching the hem, Lila was brought back to the first time she had visited Asher¡¯s house on the weekend. It was as though she could feel her hands still writing the rudimentary investigation plan from that day. Then, in a flash, she was also reminded of Asher¡¯s words ¨C

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯d rather you not stand so close to me¡­ I was just thinking about Holly and I want to respect that we¡¯re in a relationship.¡±

    Lila pulled the dress over to the others with force, almost pulling it off the hanger, and flicked through the rest of her potential options, her breathing heavy.

    ¡®Let¡¯s just go with a shirt and jeans¡­¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh. She perused her shirt options, her hands hesitating over a black T-shirt that had a Creeper with Minecraft hearts surrounding it, the words ¡®You make my heart EXPLODE¡¯ in white blocky letters underneath the image. Lila cringed slightly ¨C she really needed to throw it out, having received it as a Christmas present some years ago. She instead picked a plain caramel brown cotton shirt featuring a small collar. She paired it with wide-leg, light denim jeans.

    Looking in her floor-length mirror, she thought she looked suitably casual enough. She ran her fingers through her hair, ensuring it was shaped nicely, and clasped a dainty gold necklace around her neck. The pendant was a gold circle featuring diamantes. She then slung a small, black cross-body bag over her shoulder.

    A knock sounded on her door.

    ¡°Come in!¡± Lila called, still facing her mirror. She saw in its reflection Daniel sidling in, rubbing his eyes sleepily.

    ¡°Uh, hi?¡± Lila questioned, turning around fully to face him.

    ¡°You¡¯re wearing that?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow, somewhat judgementally.

    ¡°You came in here just to rag on my outfit?¡± Lila asked, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°No. I came in here to ask you to get some apple juice while you¡¯re out.¡±

    Lila checked her phone clock. It was 10am.

    ¡°Why me?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna get it,¡± Daniel replied flatly. ¡°I still have some for today, but it¡¯s just convenient for you to get more since you¡¯re already going out.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Sure. Text me in like two hours so I don¡¯t forget.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you even doing at the shops?¡± he asked absently as he began to shuffle out of her room.

    ¡°Just having lunch with some¡­ friends.¡±

    ¡°Sounds sus. You normally say their names when you¡¯re hanging out with friends. You got a boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said bluntly. ¡°Get out.¡±

    He obliged with another yawn. Lila trudged downstairs and nestled herself on the couch. It seemed that no one else was up and about, which was normal for a Saturday. The anticipation whilst waiting alone to leave for the caf¨¦ on time was excruciating, however. Should she just leave now and hang out at the shopping centre? She could look at some stores while she waited¡­

    Lila drummed her fingers on her thighs as she considered the options. Sitting on this couch filled her with a sense of doom ¨C as if by waiting here, she¡¯d forget the bus she needed and miss her opportunity to meet Holly.

    ¡®There¡¯s nothing wrong with being early¡­¡¯ Lila told herself. ¡®I¡¯d be able to find something to occupy my time¡­¡¯

    Checking the bus timetable, Lila gradually rose to her feet. The next bus to the shops would be in about ten minutes, with the subsequent bus only arriving 30 minutes after that. She knew herself well enough to know that 40 minutes of waiting would be enough to unravel her entirely.

    The bus ride to the shops felt as though it lasted two hours, but it was only about 20 minutes before she hit the ¡®Stop¡¯ button. The bus pulled into the shop¡¯s bus station and most of the other commuters exited with Lila. Many of them seemed like school students, though she didn¡¯t recognise anyone.

    She checked her phone clock again. It was 10.45am now. Sighing, Lila made her way into the shopping centre. She¡¯d at least take a look at the bookstore ¨C perhaps there were some new fantasy or mystery novels that looked interesting. She put an alarm on her phone so that she knew when to leave and entered the expansive bookstore. Upon the rows and rows of shelves within the well-lit store sat colourful books with fresh spines, waiting to be cracked open by a curious reader.

    She beelined her way to the teen fiction section, perusing the latest offerings. To her delight, a new book from one of the series¡¯ she was reading was out. It was called ¡®Monarchy of the Moon¡¯. She immediately hooked it under her left arm and continued to browse. Nothing else sparked her interest at the moment, so she wandered through other shelves.

    Eventually, she reached the History section. One particular row along the bottom caught her eye. Curious, she squatted and picked up a hefty-looking book on the history of Shakespeare¡¯s works. She flicked through a couple pages and put it back, eyeing the rest that were sitting on the shelf. Many of them were particularly heavy and Lila didn¡¯t necessarily want to lug it around the shopping centre. She picked up one, however, that was in paperback form. She opened it up, flipping to a few pages, before nodding to herself. After hearing Asher gush over the time period and works of Shakespeare, Lila couldn¡¯t help but be intrigued.

    She purchased both books just as her alarm began to ring. The cashier bid her farewell and Lila went on her way, gripping the handles of the paper bag holding her new books tightly. Caf¨¦ Vines was at the other end of the shopping centre from the bookstore. She¡¯d given herself about 15 minutes of time to get there, though it would hardly take more than a couple of minutes to walk the entire length of the centre.

    Her mind was ticking through the potential theories she held regarding the latest iteration of her series as she wandered towards Caf¨¦ Vines. She soon found herself trailing behind a guy and girl holding hands and laughing about something or other. They looked familiar.

    Lila slowed her pace as she took in the appearance of the couple before her. The guy was dressed casually in what looked like a polo shirt and long chinos, but there was something about his tousled chestnut-coloured hair that bothered her. Pondering this, her eyes glided over to the girl. She was dressed in a white, knee-length and flowy dress with delicate navy flowers embroidered around the hem. Her flaxen hair was perfectly curled, reaching her small waist, and clipped back with decorative clips. She was taller than Lila, though it was hard to tell by how much given the straw-coloured wedges she was wearing. Despite the shoes, she was still shorter than her male partner by a good few inches.

    Realisation suddenly hit Lila like a bullet to the brain. It was Asher and Holly. Lila ducked around a column within the shopping centre, as if to hide from them. She began trembling from head to toe, the imagery of Asher and Holly holding hands stubbornly remaining in her mind¡¯s eye. They both seemed so carefree, laughing comfortably in each other¡¯s company. Taking a deep breath, Lila peeked around the column to see how far they had gotten.

    ¡®A fair way,¡¯ Lila thought as she continued to survey them. ¡®Far enough away that if I leave now, they won¡¯t think I¡¯ve followed them down here¡­¡¯

    Lila side-stepped the column and began walking towards Caf¨¦ Vines, grabbing her paper bag even more tightly. She could hardly tear her eyes away from Asher and Holly as they strolled through the centre, their hands still touching tenderly.

    ¡®I mean, they are boyfriend and girlfriend,¡¯ Lila reminded herself sternly. ¡®You¡¯ve seen plenty of couples hold hands, even just from this morning. No need to get worked up over it.¡¯

    Asher continued to hold Holly¡¯s hand as they stepped over the threshold into the caf¨¦. They were immediately greeted by waitstaff, who led them away from Lila¡¯s line of sight. He seemed entirely unaware of Lila¡¯s presence a mere fifteen metres away from him.

    ¡®No wonder he¡¯s so easy to stalk,¡¯ Lila thought bitterly as she approached the caf¨¦, her hands aching from the deep impressions left by her bag of books. ¡®Well that was a fucked thought,¡¯ she quickly chastised herself as she approached the entryway.

    Upon entering the caf¨¦, the same waitstaff greeted Lila, asking how many people she was dining with that morning. She glanced around the room, but she couldn¡¯t spot Asher or Holly from here.

    ¡°I- uh, hmm. Well, I¡­¡± Lila faltered as the kind-looking waitress dressed in a branded, olive-green t-shirt and black leggings stood before her, waiting for an explanation of her seating arrangements.

    ¡°Yes?¡± the waitress asked politely, blinking rather slowly.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied, taking a deep breath. ¡°I¡¯m meant to meet some people. A guy and a girl.¡±

    The waitress nodded before asking, ¡°Do you have names for these people?¡±

    ¡°Uh, Asher and Holly.¡±

    The waitress smiled and led Lila towards the outside section of the caf¨¦, overlooking some garden beds that were clearly tended to by the caf¨¦ itself. They also served as a fence for the boundary of the caf¨¦. There were a number of tables and chairs dotted around the outside area, with large, black umbrellas shading the many patrons sitting underneath. It looked like a relatively popular caf¨¦, given the fact that almost every table outside here was occupied.

    Lila and the waitress walked a few paces, with Lila blinking the gleaming sunshine out of her eyes. The waitress indicated to the back left corner of the outdoor section. Asher and Holly stood out like a sore thumb in this corner as there were no other customers sitting nearby. They both sat with their backs facing Lila and the waitress, and were leaning into each other, seeming engrossed in a conversation. Lila thanked the waitress, who gave her a deep nod and bustled back to the inside of the caf¨¦.

    Lila¡¯s stomach churned as she took another deep breath. She counted to ¡®ten¡¯, but somehow felt just as anxious as she did before she¡¯d counted. There was nothing else for it ¨C she couldn¡¯t just stand here forever, and if she backed out now, there was no way that Holly would accept her. Exhaling forcefully, Lila gritted her teeth and walked towards them.

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°H-Hi,¡± she said once she was within earshot, her voice breaking oddly. Asher turned his head to face Lila, his face breaking into a grin.

    ¡°Lila!¡± he exclaimed, standing up. ¡°We weren¡¯t expecting you for another five minutes. Come, sit, sit.¡±

    He gestured to the two open chairs in front of himself and Holly. Lila took the seat opposite Holly and set her shopping down on the free seat, the churning in her stomach growing more intense now. She looked up at Holly.

    Holly was smiling at Lila, her azure eyes seeming to portray a limitless depth. She was gorgeous in every way, her teeth pearly-white, and a small dimple on her right cheek. A smattering of freckles dotted her slim nose, and her cheeks were rosy. She was wearing a light amount of make-up that enhanced the doe-like effect of her eye shape. Her face drew Lila in immediately and Holly had a certain air of confidence and approachability that instantly put Lila at ease. Lila couldn¡¯t help but smile back at Holly.

    ¡°Holly, this is Lila, my classmate. And Lila, this is Holly, my girlfriend,¡± Asher said, gesturing as he sat down.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you,¡± Holly said, leaning forward to grasp Lila¡¯s hand. Her voice was silky-sweet and carried an undertone of inner strength. Lila felt compelled to listen to every single word Holly said.

    ¡°And I you,¡± Lila said, still smiling. Holly didn¡¯t seem angry with her ¨C at least not yet. ¡°Asher gushes about you all the time.¡±

    Asher immediately knocked over his glass, which was luckily empty, his face flushed.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Holly asked, seeming genuinely concerned, gently rubbing Asher¡¯s hand that had hit the glass.

    ¡°Yup. I was just trying to fill our cups with water,¡± Asher replied, his eyes fixed on the water jug that he was pouring from. He filled all three cups with water and placed the jug in the centre of the table.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said, taking a sip of water. Holly also took a sip of water.

    ¡°Sorry about picking an outdoor table,¡± Holly said, setting her glass back down. ¡°I just have a sensitive nose, so outdoor settings are easier for me to enjoy. The smell from the kitchen was almost overwhelming when we came in here.¡± Holly then gave a small laugh and shook her head before adding, ¡°I¡¯m so silly, sorry if it¡¯s an inconvenience.¡±

    ¡°No, no, not at all,¡± Lila replied quickly, waving her hands in a ¡®no¡¯ motion. ¡°It¡¯s quite pleasant out here. I¡¯m glad the weather is cooling down.¡±

    ¡°Same!¡± Holly replied. ¡°I much prefer winter over summer.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t agree more,¡± Lila replied with a pleasant laugh. ¡°There¡¯s nothing better than curling up under a blanket in the cold with a good book.¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Holly agreed, her smile bright. ¡°What books are you into?¡±

    Lila pulled out the copy of ¡®Monarchy of the Moon¡¯ that she had purchased earlier that morning. ¡°This got released recently, so I¡¯m excited to read it over the holidays.¡±

    Holly¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Oh my goodness! I¡¯ve been trying to get a copy, but every time I go, it¡¯s sold out.¡±

    Lila and Holly dove into a discussion of the events of the previous two books, theorising what the antagonist was up to and what the climax of the series might be. Asher looked between the both of them, relief in his eyes, but did not jump into the conversation.

    Eventually, the same waitress that had directed Lila to Asher and Holly¡¯s table came by, pen and pad in her hand.

    ¡°What can I get you guys today?¡± she asked, her tone light and casual.

    ¡°Can I please grab the¡­ chicken and haloumi wrap please? And a creaming soda, please,¡± Asher asked after consulting the menu briefly.

    ¡°The vegetarian burger for me, please. With an orange juice,¡± Holly said, beaming at the waitress.

    ¡°Could I please have the creamy chicken pasta. And for the drink, a pineapple juice, please,¡± Lila asked with a polite smile. The waitress repeated their order and took their menus as she departed.

    ¡°Are you vegetarian?¡± Lila asked Holly with interest, drinking some more water.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Holly replied, somewhat bashfully. ¡°I find that it works the best with my body during Cheer season.¡±

    ¡°Has that started already?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Well, the comps start in June and my school starts going through routines next term. But this year, I wanted to start my regime early. I¡¯ve been feeling pretty meh for the past few weeks but getting into the routine for cheerleading has helped me somewhat.¡±

    ¡°Are you a flyer?¡± Lila asked. Holly nodded, seeming surprised.

    ¡°I am,¡± she confirmed, ¡°so I have to make sure I¡¯m as light as I can be during comp season. I don¡¯t want to hurt my teammates.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied. Holly definitely had the charisma and face that would perfectly complement the role of a flyer. It was no wonder that Grace had said Holly was Mulberry Heights¡¯ favourite flyer.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you knew,¡± Holly said, tucking a loose lock of hair behind her ear. ¡°Are you a cheerleader as well?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head, slightly panicking to think of a response that didn¡¯t involve Lila knowing way too much about Holly through various sources. ¡°My sister did cheer, though. I¡¯d always see her comps and it looks like fun but being so close to other people and being responsible for their safety always freaked me out. I have mad respect for cheerleaders.¡±

    Holly seemed briefly disappointed as she slightly sunk into her chair. She leaned towards Lila and said passionately, ¡°I reckon you¡¯d suit the position of flyer. It¡¯d be fun to compete with you!¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat for just a moment. ¡°N-Nah,¡± she said, looking down at her hands. ¡°Flyers are the face of cheer routines. I¡¯d mess it up somehow.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Holly said earnestly. ¡°Maybe you should try out for your school this year?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have my hands full with hockey,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Maybe next year I¡¯ll be tempted to try.¡±

    Their waitress reappeared at their table with their drinks and silently handed them out.

    ¡°Your food will be ready soon,¡± she announced with a smile.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila and Holly replied simultaneously. They glanced at each other and shared a giggle as their waitress walked away.

    ¡°So, Lila, I have to ask,¡± Holly said, tracing the condensation along her glass of orange juice. ¡°And I¡¯m sorry for being so forward. But I heard a lot of things floating around that really upset me¡­¡±

    Holly trailed off, clenching her fists. Lila waited for Holly to continue, rigidly frozen in place despite her heart pounding in her ears. Lila¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t move from Holly¡¯s face, which looked conflicted somehow.

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re not interested in Asher, right?¡± Holly finally asked, looking up at Lila.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila said quietly. It felt as though she was trying to swallow a golf ball, the surface of her eyes pricking. She didn¡¯t allow tears to form as she met Holly¡¯s gaze. ¡°He¡¯s just a friend.¡±

    Holly looked down at her hands. Lila glanced at Asher, who was also looking down at his hands, his eyes seeming distant.

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t know how much Asher told you about Piper,¡± Lila said in a low voice. ¡°But she was obsessed with tearing you guys apart by any means necessary, even if it meant destroying me.¡±

    Holly raised her eyes to Lila¡¯s, tears sparkling in them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, Holly. I¡¯ve only kissed one person in my life a couple of years ago. I don¡¯t have any intentions of adding more to the collection. Especially after what happened with Piper, it¡¯s put me off being around any guys for a long time. Besides¡­ you should¡¯ve seen what he was like when he was defending you, in front of all our cohort. Most guys probably would¡¯ve been embarrassed to declare they love their girlfriend in front of so many people, but Asher wears it like a champ. I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything I could even attempt that would break you apart. Piper tried pretty hard, and you guys are still here, going strong. It¡¯s¡­ pretty inspiring, to be honest,¡± Lila said earnestly.

    Holly seemed to be listening intently to Lila¡¯s words but didn¡¯t say anything immediately. Lila started picking at her fingernails as she waited for Holly to speak.

    ¡°Lila¡¯s only hanging around me because I¡¯ve asked her to,¡± Asher suddenly said, his voice cracking slightly. ¡°She¡¯s pretty knowledgeable in a few things I¡¯m not, so she¡¯s helping me out.¡±

    Holly looked at Asher sharply.

    ¡°And I can¡¯t help you out?¡± she asked quietly. Asher seemed to hesitate before responding.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a euphemism to me,¡± Holly sighed. ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve been feeling like something¡¯s going on in the background, like you¡¯re not telling me something. And you¡¯re not telling me how you feel, as usual. You understand how that looks, right?¡±

    Lila suddenly felt as though she was intruding on a conversation that Holly and Asher should be having privately. Lila awkwardly sucked on the straw in her pineapple juice, trying to look anywhere else but at Holly and Asher. Asher sighed.

    ¡°Holly, you have my heart,¡± he said seriously. ¡°I¡­ well, my Dad forbade me to talk to anyone about it. I don¡¯t want to betray him any further.¡±

    Holly sat back in her chair, before looking at Lila with a soft smile. ¡°Somehow, I feel like I can trust you,¡± she said eventually. ¡°You seem pretty supportive of our relationship, which surprised me, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°Asher¡¯s been devastated by the thought of this breaking you two apart for weeks.¡±

    ¡°Has he?¡± Holly asked, clearly surprised. She looked over at Asher, who rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a rollercoaster of a term,¡± Lila said with a hint of resentment. ¡°But Asher¡¯s concern about you has been incredibly stable.¡±

    Holly¡¯s eyes welled with tears again. ¡°I¡¯m glad-¡±

    Holly broke off as the waitress set down their plates of food. Asher offered his drink to Holly, who took a small sip and shared her own with him. Holly also offered some of her chips and burger to Asher, which he accepted with a broad smile. Lila picked at her pasta, having suddenly lost her appetite, before Holly started up a new conversation about hockey, absorbed in Lila¡¯s description of her teammates and their goals for this hockey season. They dipped and dived through various topics, ranging from popular YouTubers, current Netflix programs, other book series¡¯ and everything in between. Asher occasionally joined in but seemed more content with watching Lila and Holly¡¯s discussions and jokes. Every so often, Holly would tease Asher in a loving sort of way, and he¡¯d tease her back, intermingling lingering glances and subtle touches throughout their interactions. An hour passed, and slowly ticked towards two hours before Asher checked his watch.

    ¡°We should probably get going,¡± he said, seeming reluctant.

    ¡°Oh, for the movie!¡± Holly exclaimed, scrambling to get her bag. ¡°I almost forgot!¡±

    Lila felt strangely disappointed. She hadn¡¯t expected to enjoy herself half as much as she did.

    ¡°We should organise some time to hang out,¡± Holly said, grinning at Lila. ¡°I feel like we¡¯d be really good friends!¡±

    Lila heard Asher suck in a deep breath, but she cupped Holly¡¯s hands in her own without looking at him.

    ¡°I¡¯d love to! I was just thinking the same thing,¡± she said with a small giggle. ¡°Oh, we should add each other on Insta!¡±

    The girls pulled out their phones eagerly, adding each other within a few seconds, before heading over to the cashier.

    ¡°Are you paying together or separately?¡± the person behind the till asked, a slightly bored expression on his face.

    ¡°Separ-¡± Lila began, before Holly stepped in front of her, flashing her debit card with a grin.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± she said proudly. ¡°Together, please.¡±

    ¡°Holly, no, it¡¯s all good,¡± Lila insisted, pulling out her own debit card. ¡°I should really be paying for you guys.¡±

    Holly shook her head firmly, narrowing her eyes ever so slightly. ¡°Lila, I feel absolutely awful for ever doubting you. It¡¯ll help clear my conscience.¡±

    The person behind the till merely blinked slowly, his hand hovering above the touch-screen.

    ¡°It¡¯s pretty easy to split it,¡± he drawled, raising an eyebrow.

    Lila opened her mouth to argue the point, but Asher caught her eye and shook his head.

    ¡°There¡¯s no point,¡± he said gravely. ¡°She¡¯s made up her mind.¡±

    ¡°Yes, indeed,¡± Holly agreed, making a satisfied sort of sound to emphasise her point. The cashier sent the total to the EFTPOS machine and Holly tapped her card.

    ¡°Would you like a receipt?¡± he asked, not looking up at the trio.

    ¡°Ye-¡± Lila started to say before Holly shook her head.

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Holly said firmly. She winked at Lila and pulled Asher along by his hand. They interlocked their fingers and quickly fell into step together, Lila following close behind.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ll see you guys around,¡± Lila said, her disappointment returning to her voice.

    ¡°I probably won¡¯t be able to meet up during the holidays,¡± Holly said, ¡°I¡¯ve got a lot of shifts at Maccas before heading off to Moreton Island. Need to save as much money as I can.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Lila said. ¡°We can always organise a time during the term.¡±

    Holly nodded happily. Asher kissed the top of Holly¡¯s head, wrapping his right arm over her shoulders.

    ¡°We still need to grab some popcorn,¡± he said gently.

    Holly pouted. ¡°I know, but I feel sad we have to leave Lila!¡± she said. Asher laughed a deep belly-laugh and squeezed Holly against his chest.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be the last time you guys will meet,¡± he reassured her. ¡°Right, Lila?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila said, somewhat dazed. It felt as though her heart was slowly being punctured the longer she looked at Asher and Holly together, so she looked at the floor instead. Her phone buzzed in her pocket, and she pulled it out. Daniel had sent her a .gif of a dancing apple. ¡°Yeah. ¡®Course it won¡¯t. I¡¯ve got to get some juice for Daniel, so I¡¯ll go that way. Enjoy your movie.¡±

    Lila pointed towards the grocery store. Before Lila could turn and walk away, Holly shuffled forward and pulled her into a hug. She smelt like a fresh bouquet of flowers. Lila returned the hug with a small smile. Holly and Asher waved goodbye to her as they headed off towards the cinemas, holding hands again.

    Lila watched them go, her good mood threatening to evaporate entirely before she clapped her free hand to her face, her other hand loosening its grip on her paper bag. Why was she feeling like this? She¡¯d had such a great time at lunch¡­

    ¡®They make a great couple,¡¯ Lila thought as she ambled towards the grocery store. ¡®And Holly is exactly as Asher and everyone else said¡­ she¡¯s really nice.¡¯

    She was almost dismayed that she couldn¡¯t find a reason to dislike Holly. But then again, why was she trying to dislike Holly? She should be happy that Asher had found a great match in Holly. After all, he seemed really happy. Loving, even.

    But that was easier said than done as Lila hid away in her room for the rest of the day after delivering Daniel his juice. Lila couldn¡¯t untangle her complicated feelings in a way that made sense to her. Had she been hoping Holly was horrible to Asher? Why? That didn¡¯t make sense at all.

    Despite this, though, Lila couldn¡¯t help the tears soaking into her pillow.

 Chapter Thirty

    Chapter Thirty

    Lila relayed the events of Saturday to Grace and Elise when she met up with them a couple of days later while they hung out at the shopping centre. They had planned to narrow down some more dress choices and scout out a shop or two for when Cecelia was able to get a dress next week.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise sighed, flicking through the sale rack of the third store they had visited that day.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila asked, looking through a different rack.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how to tell you this, but I think you¡¯re really down bad for Asher. Like, mega down bad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila said flatly, turning to the rack behind her so Elise couldn¡¯t see her face.

    ¡°The fact that you turned around just now is sus, dude,¡± Elise laughed. ¡°What do you think about this one? Is purple my colour?¡±

    Lila peeked over at Elise pulling a deep purple, knee-length dress to her chest and nodded approvingly. ¡°I reckon you should try that one on, at least.¡±

    Elise continued to hold it as she browsed. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m glad that Holly is nice,¡± Elise said. ¡°But are you sure you should be trying so hard for the guy? I mean, the English project is over, so you could just disappear.¡±

    Grace emerged from the changing rooms to the left side of the store, wearing a strapless navy blue satin dress with pleats.

    ¡°What do you think?¡± she asked, twirling.

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Lila said enthusiastically. ¡°That looks good Grace!¡±

    Grace grinned and thrust her hand into the sides of the dress. ¡°And it has pockets!¡±

    ¡°Frothing,¡± Elise said approvingly. Grace giggled, swishing side to side, before heading back into the changing room.

    ¡°You should take a pic of it if you¡¯re not going to buy it now,¡± Lila called.

    ¡°Good idea!¡± Grace replied in a somewhat muffled voice.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve become pretty good friends now,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I mean, with the English project and the whole Piper fiasco, I don¡¯t think it¡¯d be right to just disappear. I mean, he¡¯s a decent guy.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Elise said, sighing. ¡°But you¡¯re going to hurt yourself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila replied, her voice somewhat strained. ¡°I know that you and Grace are convinced that I have a crush on him. I know he¡¯s taken, and I know he¡¯s really happy with her. I¡¯m not bothered by it, but y¡¯know, don¡¯t you think the PDA was a bit much? ¡®Specially since I was there as like a third wheel.¡±

    ¡®Besides,¡¯ Lila thought to herself. ¡®It¡¯s not a crush.¡¯

    Elise shrugged. ¡°Sounded pretty normal for a couple. What do you think Grace?¡±

    Grace emerged from the changing room, clutching the dress she¡¯d tried on. She frowned for a moment and also shrugged.

    ¡°I mean, I guess it could be a bit rude, but at the same time I¡¯d be lying if I said I didn¡¯t have some PDA with my partner.¡±

    Lila grimaced, fixating her eyes on the rack of dresses before her. She quickly found that she couldn¡¯t focus properly on any of them.

    ¡°I did say at the beginning of the year that I didn¡¯t want you to get hurt,¡± Grace said pointedly. ¡°So I¡¯m not exactly happy that you¡¯re throwing yourself into hanging out with him and Holly. Elise is right ¨C some distance could be good.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not hurting,¡± Lila said, though her voice cracked unnaturally. Grace and Elise both exchanged a doubtful look.

    ¡°You always deny your feelings, Lila,¡± Grace said gently. ¡°Maybe you should try-¡±

    ¡°And what if I stop denying it?¡± Lila asked sharply, crossing her arms. ¡°It¡¯s safer to deny everything. That way, it can¡¯t hurt me if it¡¯s not true.¡±

    Grace and Elise exchanged another look of concern, and Elise opened her mouth to say something before Lila interrupted her.

    ¡°Forget I said anything. Please. That¡­ I don¡¯t know where that came from. It¡¯s¡­ complicated.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Okay,¡± Grace replied. ¡°I don¡¯t understand, but I¡¯ll respect it.¡±

    ¡°Forgotten before you even asked,¡± Elise said, grinning while indicating that she had nothing in her head. Lila smiled at Grace and Elise, before turning her attention back to the rack.

    ¡®I can¡¯t run away from him, anyway,¡¯ Lila thought as she continued to browse the dresses absently. ¡®I¡¯ve got something I gotta do first¡­¡¯

    But¡­ Asher hadn¡¯t messaged her since their meeting on Saturday. Lila had thought that it went well with Holly, but as the days passed, she started thinking that perhaps Holly didn¡¯t want Asher hanging out with Lila after all.

    ¡°Hey Lila,¡± Elise called, waving a hand in front of Lila¡¯s face. ¡°You¡¯re spacing out again.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°What about this one?¡± Elise asked, pulling out a crimson, knee-length dress. The bodice was decorated with many silver imitation gems and diamantes in various sizes. There were tasteful cutouts around where the breastbone would be, without revealing any cleavage. The chiffon skirt itself flared out from the waist, appearing to have a built-in petticoat with several layers of varying shades of red.

    ¡°That¡¯s cute,¡± Lila said, nodding. Elise thrust it into her hands.

    ¡°Try it on, then,¡± she said, smirking. ¡°Red is so your colour.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit too flashy for my taste,¡± Lila said, somewhat tentatively.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t tried on a dress from this store yet,¡± Elise said simply. ¡°It¡¯s no fun if it¡¯s just Grace and I.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t like it, you don¡¯t have to buy it,¡± Grace added with a nod. Lila raised the dress to her eye level, spreading the skirt to see how far it extended. She looked back up at Grace and Elise uncertainly. Elise smiled encouragingly, and Lila headed into the changing room.

    It fit Lila very well, once she figured out where her arms were supposed to go. Looking in the mirror, she thought it seemed to make her olive skin tone appear deeper and richer, though not necessarily darker. She spun in the change room, and the skirt twirled out nicely. Satisfied, she pulled the changing room curtain aside and stepped out.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Grace whispered.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Elise said, giving a low whistle. ¡°You look so good!¡±

    Lila bashfully looked in the mirror again. She did admit that she liked how she looked in it. The decorative pieces gave it a good amount of sparkle and shine, and the fullness of the skirt wasn¡¯t too much either.

    ¡°Lila, you have to get it,¡± Grace insisted.

    ¡°For sure!¡± Elise concurred. ¡°It would be a crime not to at this point.¡±

    Lila bit her lip, before breaking into a wide grin. ¡°Alright,¡± she said, feeling slightly giddy now. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ve found what I¡¯m wearing.¡±

    The girls continued to look for dresses for Elise and Grace before heading home for the day. Lila felt exhausted, but Clare insisted Lila try on her dress once she arrived home. Both Clare and Lila¡¯s Mum were ecstatic over Lila¡¯s purchase and began to suggest ideas for matching shoes and accessories. Lila eventually stopped them with a tired smile, and they allowed her to go upstairs.

    Lila hung her dress up in its garment bag in her closet before falling into bed. She was starting to feel excited about semi, despite her lack of a partner. She fantasised for just a moment about having a partner for semi but dispelled the thought. She¡¯d only just beaten back the rumours ¨C she definitely didn¡¯t need any more to start.

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed on her desk and she brought it closer. She quickly sat up in her bed, her eyes wide. It was a message from Asher.

    Sorry for not messaging sooner, it read. As she read this message, a new one came through.

    Holly really enjoyed herself. Thank you for coming

    No worries, Lila replied with shaking hands.

    She¡¯s fine with us hanging out btw. She just needed some time to think about it

    I¡¯m glad, Lila sent, placing her phone on her chest. Her body slumped forward, losing its stiff posture. She hadn¡¯t realised how tense she had been about it. Her phone buzzed again.

    So I was thinking it¡¯s time to kick up the investigation again. Are you free tomorrow? The 5<sup>th</sup>.

    Lila quickly opened up her calendar. It seemed like her next plans were scheduled for Thursday the 6<sup>th</sup>.

    Yup, she replied. Asher seemed to take a while to respond.

    Great. See you tomorrow at mine around 11?

    Sounds good, Lila replied, her heart thumping. Asher didn¡¯t send anything else.

    <hr>

    Clare didn¡¯t question why Lila was going to Asher¡¯s house the next morning as she dropped Lila off, but she had her lips uncharacteristically pursed as she rolled the car to a stop.

    ¡°Let me know when you need to be picked up,¡± Clare said with a wave.

    ¡°Will do,¡± Lila said, closing the passenger side door behind her. Clare skidded off without a backward glance at Lila. Lila walked up the familiar path, casting a quick look around her surroundings. Though Piper had been suspended, Lila couldn¡¯t be too careful that she wasn¡¯t lurking in the bushes, watching Lila. She didn¡¯t see anything and knocked on the right-side door. As she waited, Lila smoothed down her outfit, which was another t-shirt and jeans combo.

    The door opened a few moments later, and Asher leant in the doorframe, his hair in its typically messy state and matching the wrinkled look of his casual graphic tee and jean shorts.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said with a smile. ¡°You made it.¡±

    ¡°Of course I did,¡± Lila replied, moving forward. Asher stepped backwards, allowing her entry into the home.

    ¡°Gabriel is shopping at the moment for some groceries,¡± Asher explained as Lila put her shoes in her usual spot. ¡°He should be back soon. Dad¡¯s working at the Hospital.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s just us?¡± Lila asked, fiddling with the messenger bag that was on her right shoulder. Her stomach did a funny swoop as the words left her mouth.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Asher said, closing the front door behind Lila and looking at her curiously. ¡°Is¡­ that a problem?¡±

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila replied, her cheeks strangely flushed. Asher looked at her for a moment without saying anything.

    ¡°We can sit either in the library or my rumpus room,¡± Asher finally said as they continued to stand awkwardly in the hallway.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind, either way,¡± Lila responded.

    ¡°I think¡­ we¡¯ll go up to my rumpus room,¡± Asher said carefully, casting furtive looks around the hallway.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila uttered. They made their way to Asher¡¯s wing of the house in relative silence. It seemed to Lila that Asher was intentionally being quiet, so she didn¡¯t attempt any conversation either. It felt lonely without Gabriel¡¯s usual welcome, but Lila tried to pay it no mind.

    Once in the safety of the rumpus room, Asher turned to Lila, his eyes burning with urgency.

    ¡°Lila, I want to investigate Marlene.¡±

    ¡°I do too,¡± Lila replied with a firm nod.

    A look of relief crossed Asher¡¯s face as he gestured for Lila to sit down on the couch. He made his way to the kitchenette, pouring some drinks for them. He sat down next to Lila and took a sip, seeming to be lost in thought.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad that we sorted out the rumours,¡± he eventually said, setting down his cup and looking at Lila with another of his intense but unfathomable expressions. ¡°You did well to get to the bottom of it, Lila. I¡¯ll be honest, finding all that out about Piper freaked me the hell out. I¡­ definitely wouldn¡¯t have been able to come up with nearly the same amount of info as you did¡­ I didn¡¯t sleep that night. But¡­ knowing that you were on my team got me through.¡±

    Asher gave a surprised laugh, shaking his head. ¡°Why am I saying this?¡± he asked, seemingly troubled by the question.

    ¡°Thank you for telling me that, Asher,¡± Lila replied quietly. Asher¡¯s eyes snapped to Lila¡¯s as she spoke. ¡°I¡¯m glad, too. And I¡¯m glad that we were able to get Piper the heck away from you, even if it¡¯s only been temporary. I was pretty worried that she¡¯d hurt you, actually. It¡¯s been such a relief, these past couple of weeks.¡±

    ¡°You were worried that she¡¯d hurt me?¡± Asher whispered. He tore his eyes away from Lila and looked instead at his hands.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m sure you¡¯d be able to handle her,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°But¡­ yeah. Even so, it scared me that she¡¯d try and do something even worse.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Asher trailed off, still looking at his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m also glad that Holly seems okay with us hanging out,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I was pretty worried that she¡¯d say you had to drop me and then we wouldn¡¯t be able to¡­ to get to the bottom of your Mum¡¯s disappearance.¡±

    Asher looked up at Lila, a small smile on his lips. ¡°I was never worried about that,¡± he said confidently. ¡°I mean, I knew that you guys had to meet up, but I also knew that you two would get along. I didn¡¯t think it¡¯d be as much as you did, though. She couldn¡¯t stop talking about you after the movie, but she still needed a couple of days to make sure she was comfortable with her decision.¡±

    Lila nodded, now looking at her own hands. She wasn¡¯t too sure what it meant, that Asher was confident that she¡¯d get along with Holly. Were they similar somehow?

    ¡®Well, not that similar,¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh. ¡®She¡¯s an absolute bombshell, and I¡¯m¡­ just me.¡¯

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°You guys are really sweet together,¡± Lila whispered, still looking away. ¡°I¡¯m happy you found your person, Asher.¡±

    Asher swallowed audibly and Lila looked into his eyes again. There was something lurking in them, but it was too complicated for Lila to untangle. Was it happiness? Sadness? Lila wasn¡¯t sure why Asher would be sad, but she knew it certainly wasn¡¯t pure happiness.

    ¡°I am curious, though,¡± Lila piped up, her mouth suddenly feeling as though it didn¡¯t belong to her. ¡°What did Holly mean when she said that you weren¡¯t telling her how you feel, as usual?¡±

    As soon as she recognised what she had said, Lila wished she could reel the words back into her mouth and swallow them whole. Asher gave a heavy sigh, leaning back into his side of the couch and staring up at the ceiling.

    ¡°I¡­ well, you saw her,¡± he eventually said, the fleeting ghost of a smile dashing across his face. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ perfect. Every morning I wake up and remember she¡¯s mine, I kinda freak out. The thought of letting her slip through my fingers scares me. I¡­ don¡¯t want to screw her up with my imperfectness. My vulnerability. So, I don¡¯t really say anything at all about my feelings, or show her my full emotions. I don¡¯t know if that makes me dishonest, but¡­ to be honest, I¡¯d never thought anyone could like me in that way. Especially with all those stupid rumours about me over the years. I lost a good many friends over them¡­ so I thought she was joking when she asked me to be her boyfriend, after our last debating match last year. Now I¡¯m at the point where I¡¯m unsure how to talk about my feelings with her. She¡­ tells me all the time that I¡¯m like her happy charm. That my happiness makes her happy¡­ s-so I can¡¯t lose my smile with her, y¡¯know? ¡®Cause¡­ then I won¡¯t be her happy charm anymore.¡±

    He ended his explanation with such a quiet murmur that Lila almost didn¡¯t hear him. Lila¡¯s heart sunk through her body as she listened to Asher¡¯s words. It sounded like he was in a predicament¡­

    ¡°But, for some reason, it¡¯s like I can¡¯t shut up my feelings or hide away my emotions with you. I mean, you¡¯ve already seen me at my worst, emotionally. Well, at least I hope that¡¯s the worst¡­¡± he said, bringing a hand over his eyes, a humourless chuckle escaping his pained grimace.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, unease settling in the place her heart used to sit. It sounded like he cared about Holly an awful lot. So, was the reason Asher felt comfortable letting out his feelings and emotions with Lila because he didn¡¯t care about his image with her? Did that mean, then, that he didn¡¯t care about Lila?

    ¡°W-Why do you ask?¡± Asher asked with a slight stutter. A blush appeared to be coating his cheeks, but he still wasn¡¯t looking at Lila.

    ¡°Just curious,¡± Lila said honestly. ¡°I just would¡¯ve thought that you¡¯d¡­ communicate those kinds of things with your girlfriend.¡±

    Asher remained silent for a moment.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he said finally. ¡°And I hate that you¡¯re right. I hate that I just can¡¯t with Holly. It fills me with a lot of guilt every time she asks and I lie through my teeth. But I just don¡¯t want to disappoint her with the real me.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯d be stupid if she was,¡± Lila mumbled under her breath.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Asher asked, whipping his head around to look at Lila with wide eyes.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Lila replied, turning away from Asher on the couch. She started pulling out her personal laptop and English notebook, her own cheeks a deep red now. He didn¡¯t ask her to repeat herself again. Hopefully, he hadn¡¯t heard what she¡¯d said¡­

    ¡°A-Anyway. Thank you for being so honest with me, Asher. I appreciate it,¡± Lila said, attempting a bright smile. ¡°It sounds like it¡¯s usually difficult for you, and I don¡¯t want you to think that I don¡¯t notice that.¡±

    Asher nodded silently, tugging on a lock of his hair. He seemed lost in thought. Lila opened the laptop with an attempted businesslike flair, which seemed to catch his attention again.

    ¡°So, Marlene, yeah?¡± she said, clearing her throat.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher replied, relaxing his posture. ¡°I think, given everything, she¡¯s the most suspicious person at the moment.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s write up all the points we¡¯ve got,¡± Lila suggested, opening a fresh Word doc. She saved it and titled it ¡®Himitsu¡¯.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°It¡¯s Japanese for ¡®secret¡¯,¡± Lila explained, flushing again. ¡°I just thought it fit since we¡¯re trying to keep our investigation on the down-low. Plus, it looks like a doc for my Japanese class, so it¡¯s unlikely to be opened by someone else.¡±

    ¡°Does someone else have access to your laptop?¡± Asher asked, seeming alarmed. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°No, and it¡¯s password and biometric-protected. But you never know.¡±

    ¡°I guess it¡¯d be odd for you to have a document called ¡®Investigation into Tabitha Wagner¡¯s Disappearance¡¯ or ¡®Asher¡¯ or something,¡± Asher supposed with a shrug.

    ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s start detailing what we know about Marlene in relation to the case.¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Lila set up a rudimentary table. It felt almost like she was preparing to make a suspect profile.

    ¡°What¡¯s her last name?¡± she asked. Asher looked at her blankly.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know your help¡¯s full name?¡± Lila asked incredulously. ¡°That sounds kinda rude.¡±

    ¡°I never needed to know,¡± Asher said defensively, his face growing pink. ¡°So I never asked.¡±

    ¡°How are we meant to do some open-source searches?¡±

    ¡°What are those?¡±

    ¡°Searches you can do on Google, Facebook, Insta, things like that. It¡¯s called open-source ¡®cause you can come across it with little to no security clearances. The info isn¡¯t locked behind a paywall, or otherwise secured. So, it¡¯s ¡®openly¡¯ available. And a lot of it is put on the internet by the person themselves, too.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I didn¡¯t know there was a name for it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I did a bit of digging around my Dad¡¯s study the other day since he works from the PI office usually, and I found an interesting reference guide for it. I basically do it all the time, anyway, ¡®cause I¡¯m nosy about our classmates but it¡¯s easier with a full name. A date of birth is handy too. But it¡¯s a bit of a bummer that we don¡¯t have her name.¡±

    ¡°Maybe Gabriel knows?¡± Asher suggested, pulling out his phone.

    ¡°Don¡¯t text him,¡± Lila said sharply. Asher hesitantly lowered his phone.

    ¡°Sorry. We should probably be pretty careful from here on out, in terms of what we send and receive,¡± Lila explained. ¡°You never know who¡¯s reading it.¡±

    ¡°But my phone¡¯s locked-¡±

    ¡°You can install tracking apps and all sorts on phones, with or without the password.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a conspiracy.¡±

    ¡°How do you reckon wiretaps work in the Police? It¡¯s not like they go to the person and say ¡®Hey, I¡¯m a Detective with the Police, can I borrow your phone for a sec? Just need to track your messages.¡¯ I know wiretaps usually refer to older tech, like home phones, but they still get texts and stuff from smartphones nowadays.¡± Lila said sternly. Asher fell silent.

    ¡°We¡¯ll wait for Gabriel to get home and ask him in person,¡± Lila said gently. Asher nodded.

    ¡°For now, let¡¯s compile what we do know about Marlene and her involvement in this case.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    They worked together to provide an overview of what they knew about Marlene. It seemed that she¡¯d started working for Asher¡¯s family about 6 or 7 years ago and she lived at the worker¡¯s cottage with Gabriel. She worked part-time at night, so they had no clue what she did during the day. Marlene had left to see her family the week of Christmas, departing on 23 December last year and returning on 30 December, the day Gabriel started his leave. Asher didn¡¯t know where Marlene¡¯s family was, but he thought that Marlene may have stayed pretty local to the area.

    Lila also noted down that Marlene hadn¡¯t returned on the day that Asher¡¯s Mum had gone missing. She also wrote the question, ¡®When was Marlene made aware that one of her employers had disappeared?¡¯. Additionally, Marlene seemed to have started keeping tabs on Asher as soon as she returned from leave. While Asher originally saw it as a sign of concern for his mental state, it seemed excessive. He explained that it felt like every time he left his rumpus room, she would be standing just outside, cleaning or with baskets of laundry in her hands.

    She apparently was also on the phone all the time, after his Mum¡¯s disappearance, when he had hardly seen her even take it out of her pocket before. Then, there was the matter of Marlene having avoided all the CCTV cameras on 8 February, when Lila visited¡­ and when Piper took the photo of Asher pulling Lila inside his house.

    ¡°Asher, I do have to ask,¡± Lila said with a small frown as she re-read their notes so far. ¡°I know you said that¡­ well, the reason why you look a bit¡­ uh, dishevelled¡­ is because you¡¯d been told it made you look like a nerd. But, if you have a basically live-in maid, surely she¡¯d decide how your clothes lay and all that?¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila before laughing.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said after pulling himself together. ¡°You think I look dishevelled?¡±

    Lila suddenly felt as embarrassed as when she¡¯d asked Asher about why he didn¡¯t tell Holly how he felt.

    ¡°W-Well, I¡­ it¡¯s not like¡­ well¡­ I m-mean¡­ you certainly don¡¯t look ¡®shevelled¡¯,¡± Lila said pointedly.

    Asher broke into raucous laughter this time, clutching his stomach. Lila watched on in bemusement, waiting for Asher to stop again. He eventually did, wiping a small tear from his eye as he straightened up.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he wheezed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise I had that impression on you. It¡¯s kinda funny, given how hard I tried over the years to impres-¡±

    He quickly cut himself off with a cough, not meeting Lila¡¯s eyes. Lila tentatively nodded.

    ¡°I guess it would be kinda funny, to know that I think you¡¯re dishevelled,¡± she said quietly. ¡°B-But you didn¡¯t answer my question.¡±

    ¡°I told Marlene she could wash my clothes but to buzz off with the iron after Mum disappeared,¡± he said simply, rubbing his stomach. ¡°I¡­ wanted to get out of my comfort zone. It was getting almost OCD-level, the amount I was obsessed with how wrinkle-free I needed everything. She was getting kinda sick of my demands, so she didn¡¯t fight me on it when I asked her to stop. Plus, I didn¡¯t want her to spend more time looking at my stuff than she needed to, what with the weird vibes she¡¯s been giving me.¡±

    Asher paused for a moment, looking at the corner of the coffee table before continuing. ¡°I dunno if you¡¯d call it self-destruction, but I guess I wanted to dismantle my image a tiny bit after Mum disappeared. It was¡­ kinda like letting go of my control of how immaculate I could possibly be at any given moment was my way of regaining control. I guess it sounds counter-intuitive, but¡­ it was freeing. Plus, Holly said she likes it better this way.¡±

    Lila nodded again, contemplating Asher¡¯s words. It felt like she suddenly knew a whole lot more about him than she had before from that simple question.

    ¡°So, what now?¡± Asher queried, looking at Lila¡¯s computer screen. ¡°I can¡¯t think of anything else, at the moment.¡±

    ¡°I mean, we still have to do our open-source searches,¡± Lila replied, scrolling through the table. ¡°Once we get those done, I think we can decide if we want to talk to Marlene, follow her to see where she goes during the day, or have a look in the cottage.¡±

    She looked up at Asher. He was looking at her with an expression that Lila couldn¡¯t help but think was maybe awe.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad I told you about all this,¡± he said, a smile slowly appearing on his face. ¡°It feels like every time I get lost for ideas on what to do, you¡¯ve got an answer for me.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t be too reliant on me,¡± Lila responded quickly. ¡°This is the first time I¡¯m doing something like this too.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher nodded, stretching his arms above his head. ¡°But somehow it feels like you¡¯re a pro. Sorry if it feels like I just put you on the spot.¡±

    ¡°N-No, it¡¯s okay,¡± Lila said, looking down at her laptop again, her heart thumping in her chest, the tips of her ears reddening slightly. It felt like Asher had just complimented her, but she wasn¡¯t too sure whether he¡¯d meant it to be a compliment. Whatever the case may be, she felt like she wanted to treasure the warmth she was now feeling.

    A crackle sounded at the intercom, making both Lila and Asher jump.

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve come back. Is Lila here yet?¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice sounded through the speaker. Asher immediately crossed the room.

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s here,¡± Asher said, glancing back at Lila. She gestured wildly, trying to convey that she wanted to go see Gabriel.

    ¡°I¡­ think she wants to see you,¡± Asher added with a smirk. ¡°Either that, or she suddenly wants to show me an interpretive dance.¡±

    Lila made to argue, but Gabriel¡¯s deep belly laugh sounded through the speaker.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be glad to see you too, Lila,¡± Gabriel chuckled. ¡°Come down when you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Asher replied, moving away from the intercom, looking smug.

    Lila immediately crossed the room towards Asher. ¡°What the heck?¡± she asked in a huff. He raised his hands in surrender and laughed again.

    ¡°You gotta admit, that was a lot of gesturing. I thought it was pretty funny.¡±

    Lila glared at him for just a moment before joining in with his laughter. They made their way downstairs, with Asher imitating her gestures much to her chagrin, but she found herself chortling.

    Gabriel greeted them at the kitchen counter, beaming as usual.

    ¡°Lila!¡± he said joyfully. ¡°Have the holidays been treating you well?¡±

    ¡°They certainly are, now that I¡¯ve seen you,¡± Lila grinned. Gabriel winked at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to hear that. Though, I¡¯m sure that¡¯s because of the food.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t deny that you cook a mean meal,¡± Lila teased. Gabriel guffawed. Surprisingly, Asher joined in Gabriel¡¯s mirth.

    ¡°Well, I hope you¡¯re excited for lunch, then,¡± Gabriel said slyly.

    ¡°Always,¡± Lila replied, smiling. Gabriel made to move into the butler¡¯s pantry before Asher stopped him.

    ¡°Gabriel, I have a question,¡± he said. Gabriel turned back, looking at Asher curiously.

    ¡°You don¡¯t normally have questions for me,¡± he said, seeming excited by the prospect.

    ¡°I guess I don¡¯t,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°A-Anyway, I wanted to know if you knew Marlene¡¯s name? Or date of birth?¡±

    Gabriel looked surprised now, walking back to the counter.

    ¡°All these years, and you don¡¯t know?¡± Gabriel questioned.

    ¡°I-I guess I never thought to ask,¡± Asher replied somewhat sheepishly.

    ¡°And it¡¯s been way too long to ask Marlene now, I suppose,¡± Gabriel said with a booming laugh. Asher¡¯s sheepishness seemed to turn to embarrassment, but Gabriel didn¡¯t take long to answer Asher¡¯s question.

    ¡°Well, her name is Marlene Mathieson, with an ¡®h¡¯ in it. As for her date of birth, I believe it¡¯s the 7<sup>th</sup> of June, 1993.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about getting her something for her birthday.¡±

    ¡°Well, hang on,¡± Gabriel pouted. ¡°What¡¯s my birthday then?¡±

    ¡°Easy,¡± Asher said confidently. ¡°18<sup>th</sup> of August.¡±

    ¡°It came to you so easily and yet you don¡¯t get me anything?¡± Gabriel asked incredulously.

    ¡°See ya at lunch!¡± Asher called behind him as he set off at a fast pace back down the hall, gripping Lila¡¯s wrist. She stumbled behind him but waved at Gabriel all the same, who let out a disappointed sound before heading into the butler¡¯s pantry.

    Closing the door to the rumpus room behind them, Asher seemed far more energetic now.

    ¡°So, we¡¯ve got those details!¡± he said, seeming to bounce on his heels as he went to the couch again.

    ¡°Sure do,¡± Lila replied, rubbing her wrist slightly. He hadn¡¯t let go until he¡¯d opened the door. ¡°Let¡¯s get to Googling.¡±

    They spent the next hour or so trying to find a scrap of detail on Marlene but found none. Asher didn¡¯t seem to know any nicknames that Marlene went by, so Lila also searched for ¡®Mary¡¯ and ¡®Marley¡¯. A couple Facebook profiles appeared, but they were all locked down. Instagram profiles vaguely fitting Marlene¡¯s details were set to private as well.

    ¡°This is frustrating,¡± Asher said despondently, scrolling through his phone.

    ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s like this,¡± Lila said with a sigh. ¡°Do you have Gabriel on Facebook?¡±

    Asher pulled up his Facebook profile and checked his friends list.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°He might be connected to Marlene,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. She shifted her gaze to her own Facebook account briefly before looking back up at Asher.

    ¡°Are we friends on Facebook?¡± she asked. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t use it very much anyway so I don¡¯t have many people added. I think I¡¯ve only got, like, Isaac, Holly and my family on there.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied in a half-whisper. She continued her searches until a notification sounded on her laptop. It was a friend request from Asher. She looked up at him again, tingles rushing down her arms, but he seemed absorbed in whatever he was doing. She accepted the request. He only had 42 friends, so Lila supposed he was being truthful about not having many people as friends on Facebook. She resisted the temptation to look through his profile for the moment as she conducted further searches on ¡®Marlene Mathieson¡¯.

    Finally, she closed her laptop lid with a groan.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re gonna find anything, Asher,¡± she said, rubbing her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to call it there,¡± Asher said with an annoyed sigh, dropping his phone on the coffee table. ¡°Gabriel¡¯s friends list is private.¡±

    ¡°Look, not every open-source search will show anything,¡± Lila said, trying to sound comforting. Asher sighed again.

    ¡°But isn¡¯t it weird to have absolutely nothing?¡± he asked quietly. ¡°I mean, literally everyone has something on social media. Right?¡±

    ¡°She could just have locked it down,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I know it¡¯s frustrating, but we need to pick a new plan.¡±

    Asher nodded but didn¡¯t say anything further.

    ¡°Out of the three options I said before,¡± Lila raised after a few moments, ¡°which appeals to you the most?¡±

    Asher held his head in his hands before responding.

    ¡°F-Following her, I think. It¡­ doesn¡¯t make me feel good, but¡­ well, Piper figured out a whole bunch of stuff following us, didn¡¯t she?¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to if you¡¯re not comfortable,¡± Lila quickly insisted. Asher looked up at her again, determination in his eyes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do it,¡± he stated, his voice firm.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied. She pulled out her phone and looked at her calendar.

    ¡°It looks like¡­ well, I have plans tomorrow, and then it¡¯s the Easter break. Everything¡¯s basically closed then¡­ hmm¡­ I¡¯ll be here on Easter Sunday, right?¡± Lila asked, her eyes flickering briefly to Asher¡¯s face. He nodded. ¡°Alright, so then I¡¯m shopping with Cecelia and the girls on the 11<sup>th</sup>¡­ then hanging out again on the 12<sup>th</sup>¡­ if Marlene is only absent on weekdays, during the day, it looks like we can have a go at following her on the 13<sup>th</sup> and 14<sup>th</sup>.¡±

    Lila looked up from her phone at Asher. He seemed somewhat disappointed.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you¡¯d be so busy during the holidays,¡± he said slightly dejectedly.

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s mostly plans with the girls to hang out and get stuff for semi. But we realised the other day that we need to get serious about it. Grace doesn¡¯t have a dress still, and we all need to get shoes.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher said shortly. ¡°I forgot about semi.¡±

    ¡°Well, I hope you remember to get a suit or something,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°It¡¯s on the 21<sup>st</sup>, after all.¡±

    Asher seemed like he wanted to ask Lila something with the way his mouth twitched but remained silent.

    ¡°Anyway, when does Holly get back from Moreton Island?¡± she enquired.

    ¡°She¡¯s actually gone until the holidays end, basically. She comes back on the night of the 16<sup>th</sup>.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. A heavy pause hung in the air until the intercom burst to life again. It was Gabriel calling Lila and Asher down for lunch.

    The rest of the day consisted of another delicious meal (a Mongolian beef stir-fry, the beef being especially tender) before Lila was back in the rumpus room with Asher.

    ¡°I¡­ think I should get going,¡± Lila yawned.

    ¡°You can nap here, you know,¡± Asher offered, glancing at her. He was looking through the table again on her laptop.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°I only just got Holly on my side. I¡¯m not about to screw that up by staying over at her boyfriend¡¯s place.¡±

    ¡°R-Right,¡± Asher replied, looking even more intensely at the laptop than he had been. Lila sent a message to Clare to pick her up.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to stay for a bit longer?¡± he asked quietly. He still averted his gaze from Lila.

    ¡°Clare¡¯s already on her way,¡± Lila said, fiddling with the strap of her messenger bag.

    ¡°I feel like you avoided the question.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not really about what I want,¡± Lila whispered under her breath, surprising herself. It was almost as though she couldn¡¯t get control of her own thoughts or body lately.

    ¡°¡­ well, let¡¯s just watch something until Clare comes,¡± Asher suggested. From Asher¡¯s reaction, Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether he¡¯d heard what she said.

    Clare arrived about half an hour later with a beep of her car horn. Lila quickly turned to Asher before he could get off the couch.

    ¡°Before I go, can I ask you to do something?¡± she asked urgently. He looked at her in surprise.

    ¡°Sure¡­¡± he trailed off uncertainly.

    ¡°Just to make it efficient, can you please get a feel for Marlene¡¯s normal routine? Like, whether she¡¯s just in the cottage all day before starting here at night, or maybe she goes elsewhere.¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that all?¡± Asher asked, looking relieved.

    ¡°Yeah. What¡­ what did you think I was going to ask you to do?¡±

    Clare sounded the horn again outside, and they both leapt to their feet. Asher and Lila hurried down the stairs. As they rushed past the kitchen, Lila called out a goodbye to Gabriel, who responded in kind from the depths of the butler¡¯s pantry. Asher let Lila out the front door as usual.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you on Sunday,¡± Lila said as she put her shoes back on.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied with a nod. ¡°See you then. Uh¡­ thanks. For today.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila grinned as she began to walk towards the driveway, ¡°happy to be of service.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-One

    Chapter Thirty-One

    Though the next couple of days away from Asher were idyllic, as far as school holidays went, Lila couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what Asher had said about hiding his feelings from Holly. She knew she was overthinking as she tried to discern the meaning behind Asher¡¯s words and what he thought about Lila. Why was it so easy for him to open up to Lila? Despite his admission to this, Lila still felt that perhaps Asher wasn¡¯t completely honest with her. What did that mean?

    She decided to say none of this to Grace or Elise when they went shopping again on Thursday, but when she bought way more Easter chocolate than Grace and Elise expected, Lila did mention that she was seeing Asher on Easter Sunday. They made their disappointment known, loudly, and so Lila ensured to keep her woes regarding Asher to herself ¨C at least, for now.

    Lila still kept her thoughts to herself over the Easter weekend despite being surrounded by her parents and siblings. She was evidently doing a terrible job at appearing fine, however, since her Dad pulled her aside on Easter Sunday by the barbecue on the alfresco with a clack of his tongs. Lila had made the mistake of bringing out the corn and garlic butter to him whilst Clare and their Mum fussed with dessert and Daniel set the table.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he called before she could escape into the safety of the house, his shrimp-patterned apron slightly bulging around his belly as he spoke.

    ¡°Yes, Dad?¡± Lila asked with a sigh, turning back to face him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been deep in thought recently,¡± he said conversationally, placing the corn on the barbecue beside the chicken pieces. A tongue of flame leapt out at him, and he stepped back as he waited for Lila¡¯s response.

    ¡°Is that a bad thing? Maybe I want to be more contemplative,¡± she replied, crossing her arms.

    ¡°I¡¯m sensing contemptuousness,¡± her Dad observed, closing the lid of the barbecue.

    ¡°Sorry. Just got a lot of things going on. Semi-formal is on the 21<sup>st</sup> so I guess I¡¯m stressed about that,¡± Lila lied.

    ¡°Are you still going to that boy¡¯s house after lunch?¡± her Dad asked sternly, his hazel eyes peering at her over the rim of his oval-shaped glasses.

    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± she said, slightly uncomfortable now.

    ¡°Let me take you,¡± he said, wiping his hands on his apron. ¡°We can have a chat, just you and me. We haven¡¯t had one of those in a long time.¡±

    Lila looked back through the glass doors. Clare and her Mum were laughing, pushing each other aside as they struggled to put whipped cream on the desserts. Daniel was rolling his eyes and shaking his head at them with a slight smile on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯d already asked Clare if she could take me,¡± Lila eventually said, looking back at her Dad.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure she won¡¯t mind if I take you instead,¡± he countered seriously.

    Lila relented with a sigh. ¡°Okay, Dad. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s the way,¡± he said affectionately with a wink.

    Lila couldn¡¯t bring herself to eat much of her Easter Sunday lunch, despite the attempted cajoling from her Mum. Daniel was more than happy to eat Lila¡¯s share, but there was something in his eyes as he asked if she was done with her food. Was it pity?

    They hadn¡¯t spoken really since he¡¯d given her the stack of photos. They¡¯d both been so busy with exams and Daniel had begun holing himself up in his room more often since exam week was over. He had explained to his family when questioned a couple of nights ago that he was busy throwing himself into Fortnite as a reward for a term well done. They generally left them to it but on occasion, as Lila mindlessly watched TV with her parents, her Mum would fret about Daniel¡¯s mental state.

    ¡®Maybe I should check in with him again,¡¯ Lila thought as she stabbed at a remaining piece of potato salad. ¡®Let him know I¡¯m fine and all that¡­¡¯

    After lunch, Lila sat downstairs with her parents and Clare watching ¡®90 Day Fianc¨¦¡¯. They sat for a while in a comfortable bubble, watching TV, until Lila¡¯s alarm to get ready to leave sounded. Groaning, she quickly went upstairs to refresh herself and grab her messenger bag that was fit to bursting with Easter chocolate.

    When she returned, her Dad was standing by the door to the garage, keys in his hand. He smiled brightly at Lila and gestured towards the garage. Lila quickly divvied out the chocolates for her family, ensuring her Dad¡¯s was with her Mum, before hurrying into the garage. After diving into the car and buckling her seatbelt, Lila input Asher¡¯s address into the Nav. Her Dad smoothly pulled out of the driveway, turning down the radio slightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell your mother that I¡¯m driving you, okay?¡± he said with a wink. ¡°You don¡¯t need to get your 100 hours done in the first, what, three months of turning 16. Don¡¯t know why she gets so worked up over it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Dad,¡± Lila smiled. Truthfully, she wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d be able to drive after the amount of food she had managed to eat in the end.

    ¡°So, I¡¯ve noticed that you¡¯ve been going over to this boy¡¯s house a lot,¡± her Dad said after a momentary pause. Lila sighed. This was exactly what she had been afraid of when accepting her Dad¡¯s offer to drive her.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila replied shortly.

    ¡°Do I need to have ¡®the talk¡¯ with you?¡± he asked, indicating around a roundabout.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied, slightly panicked.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have it anyway. So, when a girl and a boy, or a girl and a girl, or a girl and a they/them love each other very much, or not at all so I hear these days-¡±

    ¡°DAD!¡± Lila yelled, covering her ears. ¡°Ew! Gross!¡±

    He chuckled heartily before sobering up.

    ¡°To be serious, though,¡± he said sternly. ¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila responded tersely.

    ¡°Are you wanting him to be?¡±

    ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad drove for a few minutes in silence before Lila spoke again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what I want,¡± she admitted. Her Dad nodded.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine, as long as you communicate that,¡± he said, glancing at her. ¡°Neither of you should waste the other¡¯s time.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s got a girlfriend,¡± Lila muttered sullenly. ¡°So, it¡¯s not like I can bring it up.¡±

    ¡°I see. So, instead, you go over to his house and sulk about it?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t sulk about it at his house,¡± Lila replied, crossing her arms defiantly. ¡°And, anyway, I don¡¯t have a crush on him.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t say you did,¡± her Dad replied, smirking. ¡°But if you need to talk, I¡¯ll be here.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Dad, but you know I probably won¡¯t. It¡¯s a bit¡­ embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not the only one embarrassed, you know.¡±

    Lila fell silent, staring out the window. She could feel her Dad occasionally look at her, but he also didn¡¯t speak. Lila pointed to the correct house when they approached, and made to leave before her Dad stopped her, putting the car into park.

    ¡°Lila, I just want you to know that I do care about what you¡¯re going through. I know I¡¯m not your Mum or Clare, but sometimes there¡¯s things you won¡¯t be able to talk about with them.¡±

    Lila felt her breathing quicken. This would be the perfect moment to talk to her Dad about Asher¡¯s Mum. Then, she¡¯d be able to disappear in peace whilst Asher lived his life happily with Holly, and her Dad could work on finding Tabitha.

    ¡°I do get the feeling that you¡¯re not just bothered about a boy, though,¡± her Dad added, as if reading her thoughts. ¡°There¡¯s something deeper here. Why have you been going through my office?¡±

    Lila¡¯s stomach just about fell out of her body. Her Dad didn¡¯t look angry. But there was hardly enough time for Lila to think of a good enough lie to escape unscathed. It felt almost ironic that right when she was contemplating telling him about Asher¡¯s secret, Lila was again desperate to keep it as confidential as possible.

    ¡°I¡­ was looking for reference material,¡± Lila said truthfully. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been thinking about career paths. Since I¡¯m in Grade 11, and all that.¡±

    That last part was a lie, but her Dad seemed to accept it as he sat back, a half-smile on his face.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to sneak in, Lila. You can just let me know when you need to go in, or even what you need. I¡¯ll help you find it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad. I¡­ I¡¯ll let you know.¡±

    Her Dad leaned over and gave her a kiss on the forehead.

    ¡°You¡¯re an intelligent girl, Lila. Whatever decisions you make, as long as you think them through, I¡¯ll support you.¡±

    ¡°You trust me that much?¡± Lila asked incredulously.

    ¡°You¡¯re not as wild as Clare, nor as combative as Daniel,¡± he replied seriously. ¡°Not to say that they¡¯re unintelligent or can¡¯t be trusted. But you respect the rules a lot more than both of them combined. That, in itself, is valuable.¡±

    Was telling an adult about Tabitha¡¯s disappearance a rule to be respected? Lila wasn¡¯t sure, but she hoisted her messenger bag onto her shoulder and got out of the car.

    ¡°Thanks for dropping me off, Dad,¡± she said, about to close the door. ¡°I love you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Remember to use a cond-¡±

    Lila slammed the door shut and watched her Dad chortle through the window before he slowly drove off, her face hotter than the sun.

    She was still flustered as she knocked on the front doors. She tried with excruciating difficulty to put any and all imagery relating to ¡®cond-¡¯ out of her mind. As she waited for a response at the door, she took to staring at the stone slabs beneath her feet, trying to focus instead on the details within its faces. A beat passed before Asher opened the front doors, dressed in a crumpled black long-line singlet and grey sweatpants, blinking rapidly at her appearance.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± he asked her as she pushed past him and aggressively kicked off her shoes.

    ¡°Fine and dandy,¡± she said through gritted teeth.

    ¡°I might be missing the mark here, but it seems like you¡¯re very much not fine and not dandy,¡± he said, smirking as he closed the door behind her. As was normal on days Marlene was in the house, slippers were waiting patiently for Lila in the entranceway. She put them on with a huff and marched towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Did I do something?¡± Asher called after her, scrambling to follow.

    ¡°Just my Dad being stupid,¡± Lila squeaked, her blush deepening even further. Gabriel was busy artfully arranging a roast lamb leg upon a sparkling serving dish, but still managed to smile brightly at Lila as she walked in.

    ¡°Lila!¡± he exclaimed, ¡°I was worried you weren¡¯t coming after all.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯d be here, Gabriel,¡± Lila said, her mood instantly improving. She pulled out four chocolate Easter bunnies and placed them on the counter.

    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    ¡°I got one for everyone,¡± she said, suddenly self-conscious. Asher immediately grabbed one and held it above his head in triumph.

    ¡°Yesss!¡± he cried. ¡°Chocolate!¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back a perplexed laugh as she watched Asher do a little dance with his bunny.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Gabriel warned, ¡°you¡¯ll fall over into the lamb. Again.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°How long will you be with dinner?¡±

    ¡°Maybe about fifteen minutes to half an hour,¡± Gabriel said, frowning at Asher.

    ¡°Wanna go upstairs?¡± Asher asked, turning to Lila gleefully. Lila nodded and he led the way as usual.

    ¡°Asher¡­ what does he mean by ¡®again¡¯?¡± Lila whispered. Asher clearly pretended not to hear her, though his face reddened.

    Once arriving at the top of the landing, Lila laid eyes on Marlene, who was holding a full washing basket. Marlene turned around and Lila saw the glint of a smartphone screen in the basket.

    ¡°Welcome, Lila. I trust you¡¯ll be going into Mr Wagner¡¯s rumpus room?¡± she smiled, though it didn¡¯t seem to reach her eyes.

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Lila said, her eyes flickering to Asher¡¯s rigid form. ¡°By the way, Marlene, I¡¯ve left a chocolate bunny for you downstairs on the kitchen counter.¡±

    Marlene¡¯s smile widened, warmth slowly seeping into her eyes as they creased in seemingly genuine delight.

    ¡°Thank you very much, Lila,¡± Marlene said, bowing her head. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to collect it before dinner.¡±

    Lila and Asher awkwardly shuffled into the rumpus room, Marlene¡¯s eyes not leaving them once. Upon closing the door, Asher put his chocolate bunny on his kitchenette counter.

    ¡°Thanks for this little guy,¡± he said, smiling at it fondly.

    ¡°You seemed pretty happy to get it,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°¡¯Course I am,¡± Asher said, grinning at Lila now. ¡°Never received one of these before.¡±

    ¡°Never?¡± Lila repeated, shock plain on her face.

    ¡°Yup. Only ever got the shitty little eggs. Gabriel always insists that his desserts are far better than Easter chocolate, so no one ever bought one for me. I mean, Gabriel¡¯s desserts are amazing, but look at him!¡± Asher said, cupping the bunny in his hands and thrusting it at Lila, who couldn¡¯t help but smile at his joy.

    ¡°It is very cute,¡± Lila agreed. Asher made a satisfied sort of sound and put the bunny back down on the counter, still grinning. If she had known he¡¯d find so much delight with something worth $5, she would¡¯ve bought him a couple more.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Asher said, walking over to the couch. ¡°We could play a couple of games while we wait.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila said, shrugging off her messenger bag and sitting in her normal spot. ¡°Fair warning though, I can get super competitive. Like, as if my life depends on it.¡±

    ¡°Noted,¡± Asher laughed, turning on the Switch. They looked through Asher¡¯s catalogue of games and settled on Mario Kart. Lila wasn¡¯t kidding when she said she could get super competitive as she absolutely smashed Asher into the ground at Mario Kart.

    ¡°Damn,¡± he said as the screen showed their final tallies. ¡°You¡¯re a monster.¡±

    Lila cackled as she waved the joy-con controllers in the air. ¡°When you¡¯re a part of three, you gotta claw your way to the top,¡± she declared, tossing them onto the couch and flexing like a bodybuilder. Asher chuckled, shaking his head at her antics. The intercom¡¯s static made them both jump. It was just Marlene calling them down for dinner.

    ¡°Have you been looking into her movements?¡± Lila asked in a low voice once the crackling stopped. Asher nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a log that I can show you tomorrow or next week when you come over.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind either way,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°It won¡¯t change what we do in the interim.¡±

    ¡°Guess not,¡± Asher sighed, opening the door for Lila. They both slowly made their way downstairs, inhaling the delicious scent of a lamb roast and accompaniments.

    Sure enough, placed on the table was the piece of lamb Gabriel had been fiddling with when Lila arrived. It was surrounded by a bed of roasted pumpkins and potatoes sprinkled with rosemary, and honeyed carrots. Coleslaw also sat by the serving dish, next to a pitcher of gravy. Lila¡¯s eyes found themselves on Asher¡¯s Dad, who seemed lost in thought.

    ¡°Hello, Ivaan,¡± Lila said pleasantly, moving to shake his hand. This seemed sufficient to bring Ivaan back down to Earth. He smiled at Lila, though his eyes still seemed overcast.

    ¡°Hello, Lila,¡± Ivaan replied, reciprocating her handshake in kind. ¡°Good to see you join us today.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for changing your plans and having me over,¡± Lila said politely as Marlene and Gabriel took their seats at the table.

    ¡°The more the merrier!¡± declared Gabriel. ¡°Tuck in, tuck in!¡±

    Dinner today was similar to the last time Lila ate with Asher¡¯s Dad ¨C a mixture of small talk and undeniable awkwardness. At least Lila could bask in the glory that was the dinner Gabriel had prepared. A lot of the questions Ivaan asked gave Lila a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu, given Lila had answered them previously. Lila asked Ivaan how his work was, and he replied with the same vague ¡°Good¡± as he usually did. Lila did notice, however, that Ivaan appeared to be more withdrawn than he had been the last time they had dinner. Was he perhaps feeling the effects of not having Tabitha around for a typically family-oriented holiday?

    Once everyone had finished with dinner, Gabriel had disappeared into the kitchen once more. He returned with a tray and a smug look on his face. Lila peered at the tray as he passed her, though she could only see the tops of what looked like little round chocolate cakes.

    ¡°Chocolate orange-infused lava cakes,¡± Gabriel announced as he passed them along to everyone. ¡°Feel free to add thickened cream, if you¡¯d like.¡±

    Gabriel gestured to the milk jug on the tray and dug into his dessert. The burst of citrus complemented the rich, velvety flavour of the chocolate cake, and Lila was in food heaven.

    ¡°Gabriel, it feels like you¡¯ve outdone yourself again,¡± Lila said sweetly, briefly sucking on her spoon.

    ¡°You make me blush,¡± Gabriel laughed, waving Lila¡¯s complement away.

    ¡°No, I agree,¡± Ivaan said suddenly. Gabriel¡¯s laughter stopped as he stared at Ivaan.

    ¡°Really, Ivaan?¡± he asked incredulously. Ivaan nodded.

    ¡°Well done, Gabriel.¡±

    Gabriel didn¡¯t say anything, but he did seem far giddier than he had before as he gently rocked in his seat. Once their dessert plates were finished, Lila and Asher looked at each other. As if reaching an agreement with just one look, they simultaneously got up.

    ¡°Thank you very much for dinner, as always, Gabriel,¡± Lila said with a smile.

    ¡°The pleasure is all mine,¡± Gabriel said earnestly, getting up as well and collecting the dirty dishes.

    ¡°Did you get your chocolate bunny, Ivaan?¡± Lila asked. Ivaan looked up at Lila, his eyebrows creasing before relaxing in recognition.

    ¡°Oh! Yes, yes I did. Thank you very much,¡± Ivaan said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to consume it responsibly.¡±

    Lila and Asher said their goodbyes to Ivaan, Marlene, and Gabriel before heading back upstairs to Asher¡¯s rumpus room.

    ¡°Thank you for coming,¡± Asher said once Lila was sat on the couch again. ¡°I truly appreciate it. And I think everyone else does, too.¡±

    Lila flashed Asher a quick smile. ¡°No worries,¡± she said, leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°When were you thinking of leaving?¡± Asher asked, checking the clock on his phone.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good question,¡± Lila replied slowly, checking her own phone. She¡¯d been here for almost a couple of hours already. Should she play some more games with Asher, or go home?

    ¡°You could-¡±

    ¡°I think-¡±

    Lila and Asher had both interrupted each other awkwardly. Lila indicated for Asher to go on.

    ¡°You could stay for a bit longer,¡± Asher said, seeming embarrassed now that he¡¯d been interrupted.

    ¡°I was thinking that. If you don¡¯t mind, we could play some more games together,¡± Lila suggested, looking down at her lap, suddenly feeling a tingling shyness crawl across her shoulders and pull them inward.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Asher said with a broad smile, turning the Switch back on again. ¡°This time though, let¡¯s try a co-op game.¡±

    They spent a couple more hours playing a few different co-op games before rounding it out with a few more Mario Kart matches. This time, Asher won a couple, and Lila won the others. Lila couldn¡¯t help her stupid smile on her face as her phone buzzed. It was her Dad, asking when she was ready to be picked up.

    Lila stretched her arms and wrists. ¡°I think I should probably organise to get picked up,¡± she said softly. Asher nodded, though his face seemed to relax into a despondent look at Lila¡¯s words.

    Another message from her Dad came through before Lila had the chance to message him, reminding her to use protection. Lila rolled her eyes, and replied, ¡®You can come get me now. And stop being weird pls¡¯. Her Dad simply sent an emoji with its tongue stuck out in jest.

    Asher glanced over at her phone. Immediately, his whole body went rigid like a board, his face a deep red, almost purple in colour.

    ¡°You good?¡± Lila asked, confused by his reaction.

    ¡°Y-Yup,¡± Asher replied in a strained voice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind my Dad,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°He¡¯s just being stupid.¡±

    Asher¡¯s posture relaxed only a little. Lila, wishing to change the topic as quickly as possible, started a new game of Mario Kart. Asher hesitantly joined, and they resumed their light-hearted gaming session without a fuss. Eventually, Lila¡¯s Dad texted her to let her know he''d arrived, so they both left the rumpus room. Marlene was standing at the kitchen counter, observing them come down the stairs.

    ¡°Bye, Marlene,¡± Lila said with a small wave. Marlene smiled kindly at Lila, waving back.

    ¡°Has Gabriel already left?¡± Asher asked absently, looking at the counter instead of Marlene.

    ¡°Yes, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene said politely. ¡°He¡¯s not used to working on Sundays, after all.¡±

    Asher bit his lip, looking slightly guilty. A horn sounded outside the house, and Lila sighed.

    ¡°Must be my Dad,¡± she said softly. She waved at Marlene again, and made her way to the front doors. Asher unlocked the security system but seemed to hesitate to open the doors.

    ¡°So¡­ I guess I¡¯ll see you on the 13<sup>th</sup>?¡± he asked, looking back at Lila.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, bending to put her shoes on.

    ¡°Not long, then,¡± Asher mumbled.

    Lila decided she didn¡¯t hear that as she stood up. ¡°Goodnight, Asher,¡± she said.

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila,¡± he replied, opening the doors to the cool night air. Lila gave him a backward glance as she walked down the pathway towards her Dad¡¯s car. He was still in view as she climbed into the passenger seat. Lila looked back towards the house as her Dad drove off, catching sight of Asher still standing in the doorway. He gave a small wave, which Lila tried to return but wasn¡¯t sure that he would¡¯ve seen it.

    <hr>

    Cecelia returned from Hamilton Island significantly more tanned than when she had left. She seemed like she was back to her normal, bubbly self as Lila, Grace, and Elise took her through the shops where they had found their dresses on Tuesday. Eventually, Cecelia landed on a silvery-grey dress that was a body-con style, flaring out slightly at her knees before stopping. The girls grabbed all their last-minute accessories and assorted makeup as well before parting for the day.

    The next day, all four girls hung out at the mall again. Cecelia seemed to still be normal, however, there were times that Cecelia¡¯s mood seemed to noticeably drop. One such time occurred when Elise began talking to one of the shop owners about obtaining a tie and pocket square with similar material to the dress she had bought for semi. At the time, Lila didn¡¯t see an issue with Elise¡¯s request, however, Cecelia had exited the store, her smile gone. Lila made to go after her, but Cecelia had returned so quickly, laughing that she thought she had forgotten her phone but noticed it in her pocket at the last second. Cecelia''s laughter had a hollow, disingenuous feel to it, her smile not reaching her eyes, that concerned Lila, though she decided against mentioning it.

    Despite Cecelia¡¯s occasionally odd behaviour, Lila¡¯s mind kept wandering back to Asher. Neither Grace nor Elise seemed to have filled Cecelia in regarding Lila¡¯s own odd mood. However, Lila¡¯s mood seemed sufficient enough for Cecelia to pull Lila aside and drag her towards the sushi store for lunch. Grace and Elise, who had decided to get kebabs, weren¡¯t seemingly bothered by Lila¡¯s kidnapping, having waved at Lila despite her audible protests.

    ¡°Hope you want sushi,¡± Cecelia said with a playful tone.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied with a heavy sigh. After getting here, it was obvious there was no escaping this, really.

    ¡°Lila, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± Cecelia asked seriously as they waited in line.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied, averting her gaze from Cecelia¡¯s face.

    ¡°If it¡¯s nothing, then you¡¯d be able to look at me,¡± Cecelia said pointedly. Lila sighed again.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been hanging out with Asher a bit over the holidays,¡± she said, folding her arms in front of her chest. Cecelia¡¯s eyes almost popped out of her head as she registered what Lila said.

    ¡°What?! Are you insane?¡± she spluttered.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°But it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Clearly not,¡± Cecelia snorted. ¡°You were staring at a wall for like five minutes in the jewellery store today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d gotten my stuff earlier,¡± Lila insisted.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Cecelia replied doubtfully. ¡°That¡¯s why you got the earrings and pendant set.¡±

    Lila flushed. ¡°You can¡¯t have too many,¡± she retorted, her anger flaring only slightly. Lila shook her head and took a deep breath. Eventually, she looked up at Cecelia.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you, then?¡± Lila asked. ¡°It¡¯s only fair that you tell me after I told you.¡±

    Cecelia looked evasive all of a sudden. ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± she said eventually, looking at the display window of sushi rolls. She selected what she wanted, Lila close behind, before turning to look at Lila.

    ¡°I think I might have a guess,¡± Lila said slowly, soaking her tuna and cucumber sushi roll in soy sauce as she waited for Cecelia to get her miso soup. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re more bothered than you¡¯re trying to show that Lucas didn¡¯t ask you to semi.¡±

    Cecelia nearly dropped her sushi, but caught herself in time. Lila took this as a sign that she was right.

    ¡°Had you talked to him about going to semi?¡± Lila asked gently. Cecelia shook her head.

    ¡°I¡­ kinda assumed we¡¯d go together,¡± she said timidly.

    ¡°I think everyone else did, too,¡± Lila replied, though not unkindly.

    ¡°While I was away, actually, Jackson asked to go to semi with me,¡± Cecelia said bashfully.

    ¡°What¡¯d you say?¡± Lila asked, leaning forward excitedly.

    ¡°I said no. It¡­ didn¡¯t feel right, to me. To go to semi with someone else.¡±

    Lila nodded, returning to her original position. A few moments passed before she asked, ¡°I am wondering though, what is your relationship with Lucas anyway?¡±

    Cecelia brought a shaky hand before her trembling lips. ¡°I¡­ thought I knew what it was, but I don¡¯t know anymore.¡±

    The sushi store clerk flagged Cecelia down, passing a steaming bowl of miso soup to her. Lila and Cecelia both proceeded walked to an empty set of tables and chairs in relative silence, Lila checking on Cecelia every so often. She seemed to have deflated again. They both sat down and ate their sushi, not looking at each other.

    ¡°Do¡­ do you think he likes Elise?¡± Cecelia asked after a while, staring sadly at her last sushi roll.

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure what she should say in this scenario. She knew for a fact that Elise didn¡¯t like Lucas in any kind of romantic way ¨C Elise had said as much when Grace and Lila grilled her last week. Plus, Elise¡¯s usual tells weren¡¯t present when talking about Lucas. But Lila had no idea of Lucas¡¯ intentions¡­

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila said finally, capping the lid of her soy sauce container. ¡°But I do know that she doesn¡¯t like him in that way, at least.¡±

    Cecelia began eating her last sushi roll with zest. She seemed to have perked up, if only slightly.

    ¡°Seems like we¡¯re both dateless, though,¡± Lila observed. ¡°But we¡¯ll have fun together, right?¡±

    Cecelia nodded at Lila, swallowing her sushi. ¡°¡¯Course. We don¡¯t need dates to enjoy semi.¡±

    They began discussing other topics ¨C in particular Cecelia¡¯s Easter adventures on Hamilton Island ¨C and were shortly joined by Elise and Grace, who were complaining about the length of time it had taken to get their kebabs.

    By the time Lila returned home, she had almost forgotten about her plans for tomorrow, the 13<sup>th</sup>. But in the safety of her room, she started feeling anxious, her insides curling and twisting as she tried to sleep. Asher had asked her to arrive at 8 the next morning. Her Dad was happy to take her again that early in the morning, given he was heading off to work around that time, but it meant that she¡¯d arrive at 7.30am instead. Asher probably wouldn¡¯t be awake at that time.

    Lila turned in her sheets again, closing her eyes. The more she panicked about not getting enough sleep for tomorrow, the more awake she felt. Sighing, she checked the time. It was 11.34pm. Lila switched on her desk lamp, wincing at the sudden burst of light. Perhaps she¡¯d do some reading to help her sleep.

    She¡¯d already finished ¡®Monarchy of the Moon¡¯, but hadn¡¯t yet cracked into the book about Shakespeare. ¡®I¡¯ll just read a couple pages¡­¡¯ Lila thought as she opened the cover. When she next checked the time, she saw it was already 12.55am. Although it had taken longer than she¡¯d hoped, she was definitely tired enough to fall asleep now. She put her book down next to her on the floor, double-checked her alarms, and drifted off to sleep, her mind lost in the streets of England during the Elizabethan era.

 Chapter Thirty-Two

    Chapter Thirty-Two

    Lila groaned as her alarm blared in her ear. She had a fleeting image of Asher in Venetian breeches and doublet with an outlandish ruffled collar around his neck flashing in her mind as she rubbed her eyes. Looking around her room, bewildered, Lila saw the book she¡¯d been reading lying beside the bed, opened to portraits of aristocratic men in the Elizabethan era. She snapped the book shut and yawned into her hands.

    A knock sounded at her door.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila called groggily. Her Dad poked his head into her room.

    ¡°You still need me to take you today?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes, please,¡± Lila replied, starting to get up. ¡°I¡¯ll have a shower now.¡±

    ¡°Please do,¡± her Dad replied, crinkling his nose. ¡°You¡¯ll stink up my car, otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Ha, ha, ha,¡± Lila sarcastically imitated a laugh. He closed the door with a cheeky grin.

    This car ride to Asher¡¯s was almost entirely silent, with Lila yawning every so often. Upon arriving outside Asher¡¯s house, her Dad turned to her.

    ¡°Do you need me to wait out here until you go in?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll be right. Thanks for the lift, Dad,¡± Lila replied, hopping out of the car.

    ¡°Alright. Don¡¯t forget to use protec-¡±

    Lila slammed the door again, suddenly more awake than she had been on the way here. She glared at her Dad, who threw his head back in an exaggerated guffaw before driving off. Sighing, she checked the time on her phone. It was 7.36am. Looking around the street, Lila saw several people either jogging or walking their dogs. Others still were driving off ¨C presumably to get to work.

    Asher had been adamant that 8am would leave them with plenty of time for whatever it was they needed to do. But what if Marlene left earlier than he anticipated today?

    Lila carefully walked up the path towards Asher¡¯s house, trying to ensure that she didn¡¯t make any noise. She sent a quick text to Asher, letting him know she was outside, but otherwise found a secluded spot beneath a CCTV camera to observe the goings-on of Asher¡¯s house. A few moments later, a flashy Mercedes-Benz emerged from the garage to the far left of the house. Lila ducked behind one of the columns framing the entrance to the house, trying to conceal herself. The occupant of the car was Asher¡¯s Dad, who didn¡¯t seem to notice Lila¡¯s presence as he drove off.

    Seconds later, the right front door opened and a hand emerged, pulling Lila inside by her wrist quickly. Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat for just a moment, shock freezing her eyes open, before realising it was only Asher. He was wearing a plain white t-shirt with tan-coloured shorts and socks today, though he looked somehow even more run-down than usual. He pressed a finger to his lips, and Lila slowly took her shoes off without much noise. They tiptoed past the kitchen. Lila could hear Gabriel humming in the butler¡¯s pantry and made to greet him, but Asher shook his head at her.

    They crept up the stairs and into Asher¡¯s rumpus room without making a sound. Once inside, Lila gingerly placed her bag down, looking at Asher with curiosity.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t want Gabriel to make a fuss about you being here.¡±

    ¡°Does Marlene come here in the mornings?¡± Lila whispered back. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°No, but she doesn¡¯t know you¡¯re coming today.¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason for that?¡± Lila asked in a low voice.

    ¡°I just thought it¡¯d be easier to follow her if she doesn¡¯t expect you to be around,¡± Asher replied softly, shrugging.

    ¡°What¡¯s her normal routine?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes lit up and he walked over to the coffee table, picking up his personal laptop. He had his own document titled ¡®Himitsu¡¯ open and it looked like a log of movements for Marlene. He thrust it into Lila¡¯s hands and she scrolled through. There wasn¡¯t much, however, it looked like Marlene was very punctual over the past few days that Asher had been keeping tabs on her. Even the times that she completed her regular chores and duties were precise, with the start and end times varying only within five minutes.

    It looked like Marlene promptly left the cottage at 8.30am every weekday morning, taking off on foot. Given that she had a car in the garage at Asher¡¯s house, her destination was clearly either not far away or able to be reached by the public transport available around Asher¡¯s house. It looked like Asher had copied the timetables of the three nearest bus stops at the bottom of the document. He¡¯d also highlighted the bus numbers and times of buses that would arrive after Marlene would conceivably get to the bus stops. The left corner of Lila¡¯s mouth lifted slightly. ¡®The Dux thinks ahead¡­¡¯

    It also looked like Marlene arrived back in the cottage at precisely 1.30pm and remained there until 5.55pm. She would then arrive at Asher¡¯s at 6pm and begin laundry or cleaning. At 7pm, she would eat dinner, either with Gabriel and Asher or without depending on what time dinner was ready, and commence other duties at approximately 7.30pm. This would continue until 10pm, at which time she returned to the cottage.

    ¡°Great job, Asher,¡± Lila said quietly, re-reading the log. Her eyes flickered to his face, and he was looking to the ceiling, blushing slightly. Lila furrowed her brow when she took in the full details of the log again. Marlene was pottering about the house around dinner time on most days, and yet Lila had never noticed this before. Additionally, it seemed that dinner ran on its own schedule, without taking into account whether Marlene was ready for it or not¡­

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± he said, scratching his chin. Lila grinned at him, before looking at the clock on Asher¡¯s laptop. It was 8am now.

    ¡°So, we¡¯ve got half an hour before we have to go,¡± Lila observed, closing Asher¡¯s laptop lid. He took the laptop from her and put it back on the coffee table before he sat on the couch.

    ¡°I found a video that¡¯s 27 minutes long that you¡¯d like,¡± he said, patting the couch cushion next to him.

    ¡°Oddly specific,¡± Lila grinned, sitting in her usual place. They watched the video in silence and once it was over, Asher looked meaningfully at Lila.

    ¡°My bedroom window shows the driveway,¡± he said in a low voice, standing up and stretching. ¡°Let¡¯s have a look.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face immediately felt like it would burst into flames.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t need to,¡± she stammered. ¡°Y-You can go.¡±

    Asher looked puzzled as he turned to face her. ¡°I promise it¡¯s nothing special,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t worried about that,¡± Lila replied, looking at her knees and tugging on the ends of her hair. ¡°I-It just feels like your room should be¡­ private.¡±

    Asher blinked rapidly for a few seconds before his face also turned red. ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± he said hurriedly. ¡°Sorry if I made you uncomfortable. I just¡­ it¡¯s the best vantage point.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Lila said quietly, standing up. Asher didn¡¯t argue and they both wordlessly entered his room. It was of a moderately large size, filled with posters of various movie series¡¯ and games, as well as a modest bookshelf. His queen-sized bed was pristinely made, and not a thing was out of place. There were two internal doors in here as well, which Lila presumed connected to a wardrobe and bathroom, or similar.

    Asher opened the blinds, which were along the left wall. A desk set with schoolbooks sat beneath the windowsill, and Lila tentatively crossed the room to stand next to Asher.

    ¡°Has Marlene left yet?¡± Lila asked, checking her phone¡¯s clock. It was 8.29am.

    ¡°She should in a couple seconds¡­¡± Asher said, narrowing his eyes. As if on cue, down below, towards the side of the house, emerged a figure. The figure¡¯s body type matched Marlene''s, though their black hoodie obscured any details regarding their face and hair. It was also wearing black leggings and black runners.

    ¡°Must be her,¡± Lila said. Asher nodded.

    ¡°She¡¯ll be walking towards the right in a minute or so,¡± Asher said, closing the blinds. ¡°Let¡¯s go before we lose her.¡±

    They quickly made their way downstairs, the noise from their footsteps drawing Gabriel¡¯s attention.

    ¡°Oh, Lila! I hadn¡¯t realised-¡± he started saying as they rushed past the kitchen.

    ¡°See you later, Gabriel!¡± Asher half-yelled behind him, hurriedly inputting the security code. ¡°We¡¯ve got to do something first.¡±

    ¡°Bye Gabriel!¡± Lila called, slipping her shoes on hastily.

    They burst out of the front doors and briskly advanced towards the end of the driveway. Lila couldn¡¯t see any trace of Marlene, but Asher, being taller than she was, reassured Lila he could see Marlene at the end of the street on the right side. They sped up their pace slightly so that Marlene was well within their sights again.

    ¡°Jesus, she walks quick,¡± Lila huffed, struggling to keep up.

    ¡°Can barely keep up,¡± Asher wheezed in agreement.

    They passed a few joggers as they continued, all seeming engrossed in their morning routines. Lila supposed that she and Asher might have looked like they were on a morning walk as well, though neither were dressed in athletic gear.

    Marlene didn¡¯t look behind her once as she continued to swiftly traverse the streets.

    ¡°Do you know where she¡¯s going?¡± Lila panted.

    ¡°She could be going to the little shops,¡± Asher replied, puffing. Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, Marlene turned down a side road that opened up into a quaint street lined with several shops. There were a couple of caf¨¦s, a bookstore, a trinket shop or two, and a small grocery store within the shopping district. A retirement village was located at the far end of the street. Marlene headed into a caf¨¦ in the middle of the complex called ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. Lila and Asher stopped to catch their breaths, staring in the direction of ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯.

    ¡°A caf¨¦?¡± Lila managed to say after a few heaving breaths.

    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Asher replied, a hand on his chest. ¡°What a walk!¡±

    Lila pulled out her phone and checked the time. It was 8.55am. It looked like only the grocery store and caf¨¦s were open at the moment.

    ¡°Wanna go to the grocery store?¡± Asher asked, pointing at the unassuming shop. It sat next to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, though it had no windows from which to observe the caf¨¦.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be able to see the caf¨¦ Marlene went into,¡± Lila said, pressing her lips together as she thought. The bookstore was just across the street from the caf¨¦ in question, but it didn¡¯t seem like it was open.

    ¡°How about we just walk along the street for now, then?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied, nodding. They took off at a slow pace, looking towards ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ every so often. Marlene didn¡¯t reemerge. They reached the retirement village and turned around, walking back along the same side of the street.

    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.

    ¡°Should we walk along the other side?¡± Asher asked, looking at Lila. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°We don¡¯t know what she¡¯s doing in the caf¨¦,¡± she said, her tone serious. ¡°We could end up bumping into her.¡±

    A worker within the trinket shop on this side of the street exited, holding a small chalkboard sign. They placed it just outside the shop in front of Asher and Lila, greeting them cheerily before walking back into the store.

    ¡°Maybe the bookstore''s open now,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°We could probably see into the caf¨¦ from there.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Asher replied. They both strolled towards the bookstore and Marlene still did not emerge from the caf¨¦. Entering the bookstore, they browsed the selection of books that were along the edge of the window. Lila was right ¨C they could see into the caf¨¦ from here.

    ¡°Do you see her?¡± Lila whispered, absentmindedly picking up a novel and flicking through the pages.

    ¡°I think so,¡± Asher replied, also picking up a novel. ¡°If my eyes aren¡¯t deceiving me, it looks like she¡¯s the barista.¡±

    Lila squinted through the window. There was a woman working at the barista machine, though she was wearing glasses, her sleek, blonde hair in a braid that started high up her head.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise she wore glasses,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°Me neither,¡± Asher replied. ¡°I¡¯ve also never seen her hair like that, and she¡¯s been our live-in maid for 6 or 7 years.¡±

    ¡°Weird¡­¡± Lila muttered. ¡°I didn¡¯t know she knew how to make coffee.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, neither did I,¡± Asher said, laughing incredulously. ¡°I feel like I¡¯m only scratching the surface of Marlene, despite having had her around for so long.¡±

    They continued to browse the books in the bookstore, sharing some interesting finds with one another, until an hour and a half passed. The worker at the cashier seemed a little miffed that they were still in the store and hadn''t yet purchased anything by the way he ogled at them, so they decided to take their leave.

    ¡°Well, if it took us half an hour to walk here from your place, and she gets back at 1.30, she¡¯s probably on shift until 1,¡± Lila reasoned, glancing at her phone¡¯s clock again. ¡°So we¡¯ve got, like, two and a half hours left.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be able to survive two and a half hours here,¡± despaired Asher, a hand to his face. Lila looked around the shopping street. There was a caf¨¦ directly diagonal to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ called ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s Caf¨¦ & Bakery¡¯. It looked far less popular than ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, but there was outdoor seating. If they sat outside, they¡¯d be able to see the door to Marlene¡¯s caf¨¦ at least¡­ which meant they should be able to see Marlene leaving, in that case.

    ¡°Have you had breakfast?¡± Lila asked, casting a fleeting look at Asher. He looked down at his stomach and rubbed it.

    ¡°No,¡± he said quietly. With the comedic timing only possible once in a while, his stomach grumbled loudly. Lila smirked, trying to hold in a laugh. Asher seemed embarrassed, but Lila relayed her plan to sit outside ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s¡¯ while waiting for Marlene to finish her shift.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Asher nodded. They headed inside ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s¡¯. The inside was decorated haphazardly, clearly trying to imitate a kooky-cosy look, but somehow missing the mark due to the garish colours and patterns dotted around the place. The dark wooden furniture pieces and artful lampshades paid homage to the attempted vibe, but it was still mildly horrific. Along the back wall were several shelves containing different types of bread loaves, and two standing fridges beside the shelves held a variety of thankfully tastefully decorated cakes. There were very few patrons inside, enjoying their morning breakfasts and coffees.

    A perky, brunette waitress in her early 20s, dressed in a vibrant pink gingham, frilly apron over a black shirt and black leggings, greeted them at the door.

    ¡°Welcome to ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s Caf¨¦ & Bakery¡¯,¡± she said chirpily, brandishing two menus. ¡°Table for two?¡±

    Lila glanced at Asher, the palms of her hands suddenly sweating. They¡¯d never eaten just the two of them before.

    ¡°Yes, please. Outside, if you can,¡± Asher said, smiling.

    ¡°Front or back?¡± she asked, already stepping in the direction of the front of the caf¨¦.

    ¡°Front, please,¡± Asher confirmed with a firm nod. The waitress smiled and led them outside. Asher indicated to a suitable table that allowed both of them to have a good vantage point to see the front door of ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯.

    ¡°You can order from the QR code on your table,¡± the waitress said, pointing to a sticker that was on the plywood box containing cutlery and napkins for their table, ¡°or you can order at the register inside.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher and Lila said in unison, glancing at each other briefly. The waitress beamed at them before heading back inside the caf¨¦.

    They ordered separately via the QR code, Asher electing to get a bacon and eggs benedict, and Lila opting for an acai bowl, and both ordered a hot chocolate. They spoke about their plans for next term, with Asher noting that the first debating match for this term was against Mulberry Heights, until their food arrived. Sitting here, alone with Asher at a caf¨¦, wasn¡¯t as daunting as Lila had expected. She quietly finished off her acai bowl whilst maintaining a view of Marlene''s caf¨¦. It was bustling with patrons, with several waitstaff rushing to-and-fro between the inside and outside sections of the caf¨¦. Lila did not see Marlene among the staff running orders to guests.

    Eventually, once their bellies were full and their hot chocolates were drunk, they began talking about other topics, one of them being the upcoming sports seasons. Checking the time again, they saw that they had an hour to go before Marlene would be clocking off.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been meaning to ask,¡± Asher said, ordering another drink from the QR code. Lila was scrolling through the menu on her own phone.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked, selecting an orange juice.

    ¡°D-Do you have a partner for semi?¡±

    Asher was staring intently at his phone, though Lila could have sworn that his hands were trembling. Perhaps she was just getting tired.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied nonchalantly, putting her phone down and looking over at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ again. ¡°The whole rumour saga left a sour taste in my mouth. I don¡¯t think I could handle a part two to all that.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied quietly. ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    ¡°Besides, looks like Cecelia doesn¡¯t have a partner to semi either, so we¡¯ll just be hanging out together.¡±

    Asher wordlessly nodded, turning his attention to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ as well. They spoke on a few other topics while watching the caf¨¦, sipping slowly on their second drinks. Now that they were actively whittling the time away, it felt exceedingly painful.

    ¡°How do cops survive stakeouts?¡± Asher asked with a sigh, putting down his empty cup.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s no wonder that they sometimes let their targets escape.¡±

    Asher snorted derisively and they continued to sit in silence. Lila checked her phone again. They had managed to survive 55 minutes more at this caf¨¦, though the waitress frequently checked in on them. Only five minutes left to go¡­

    Those remaining five minutes felt longer than the whole time they had been in the shopping district. Lila began chewing on her fingernails in anticipation for Marlene to leave. Then, the moment they had been waiting for arrived.

    Marlene swung open the door of ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, this time with her hood lowered. She looked exhausted as she slipped her hands into her pockets and meandered down the street, her glasses still on. Lila and Asher exchanged a look of excitement. Finally, they could leave.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just wait a few seconds,¡± Lila said, stretching in preparation to get up. Her legs had started to get pins and needles from how long she¡¯d been sitting down. Asher nodded in agreement.

    Lila and Asher watched as a few more customers left ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. They seemed rather content, with a few wandering down the street and heading into other stores, or exiting the shopping district entirely.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila said quietly, getting up. Asher followed suit and they both trailed down the path Marlene had taken. They sped up slightly until they spotted Marlene a little ways ahead of them, and continued their routine from this morning. She seemed just as fast as she had been earlier that morning, which did not bode well for Lila¡¯s over-full stomach, but she pressed on regardless.

    Marlene still did not look behind her once, which Lila was grateful for. Now that it was the afternoon, there weren¡¯t many cars providing any kind of coverage on these back streets. Marlene led them back to Asher¡¯s house on exactly the same path that she had taken that morning. They slowed down as they turned onto Asher¡¯s street, however, to give Marlene time to head back to the cottage. They waited about five minutes before following the road to Asher¡¯s house.

    Asher whipped his phone out of his pocket, disabling the alarm quickly, before unlocking the front door.

    ¡°Gabriel, we¡¯re back,¡± he called as Lila took her shoes off.

    ¡°Goodness, you were away a while,¡± Gabriel replied from the kitchen. Asher and Lila made their way to the counter, considerably more weary than when they had left this morning.

    ¡°I trust you¡¯re not hungry?¡± Gabriel asked after taking a look at their faces. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Gabriel said pleasantly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not because you dislike my cooking, at least.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of,¡± Lila said suddenly. ¡°Gabriel, my Mum has been bugging me to get some cooking tips off of you. She¡¯s been wanting to make Mongolian beef stir fry ever since I told her how tender the beef was. Hers always comes out a bit tough. Can you text me some instructions on how to get it so nice?¡±

    Gabriel seemed honoured to have been asked as he smiled widely at Lila.

    ¡°Of course!¡± he said cheerily, wiping his hands on his apron. He pulled out his extravagantly bedazzled phone and they exchanged numbers.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just got to tidy up in here and I¡¯ll send you the instructions,¡± Gabriel said, beaming.

    ¡°Thank you very much,¡± Lila replied cheerfully.

    ¡°We¡¯ll just be upstairs, Gabriel,¡± Asher said with a smile.

    ¡°Will you be staying for dinner, Lila?¡± Gabriel asked, a twinkle in his eye. Lila exchanged a look with Asher, though she didn¡¯t glean anything from his expression.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not sure,¡± Lila replied hesitantly. ¡°I hadn¡¯t planned that far ahead.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Gabriel replied. ¡°I¡¯ll make enough, just in case.¡±

    ¡°Oh, you don¡¯t have to go out of your way for me,¡± Lila said quickly. Gabriel shook his head.

    ¡°For you, Lila, it¡¯s not out of my way. For anyone else, however¡­¡± Gabriel gave a hearty laugh and waved Asher and Lila away. Lila wondered privately whether Holly was included in Gabriel¡¯s ¡®anyone else¡¯ category but took it out of her mind. Surely Gabriel was just as courteous to Holly as he was to Lila.

    Once inside the rumpus room, Asher and Lila sat in their usual places on his couch and began debriefing about what they had seen.

    ¡°So¡­ Marlene works at a caf¨¦ as well as here,¡± Lila said, a finger to her chin. ¡°Does she not earn enough money? Does she pay rent at the cottage?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t actually know what Gabriel and Marlene get paid.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Whether or not Marlene needs the money doesn¡¯t really matter, I suppose. The fact remains that she¡¯s working at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. I wonder how long she¡¯s been working there for.¡±

    ¡°Are we following her again tomorrow?¡± Asher asked, looking at Lila intently. Lila considered this for a moment.

    ¡°I think we should,¡± she said, nodding. ¡°She didn¡¯t notice us today, so I reckon we could probably sit at the caf¨¦ and observe closer.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher asked, raising an eyebrow in apparent surprise. ¡°Surely that¡¯s too close.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it didn¡¯t look like she was running orders out,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°We¡¯d probably blend in like any other guests.¡±

    ¡°You might,¡± Asher said with a snort. ¡°She¡¯s only been my family¡¯s personal maid for almost a decade.¡±

    ¡°I reckon you¡¯d look generic enough if you sat with your back to her,¡± Lila said, her eyes roving over Asher¡¯s appearance. ¡°Maybe now would be a good time to break out Asher the Impeccable again. I bet Marlene wouldn¡¯t be expecting that.¡±

    Asher fell silent for a moment. ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± he murmured.

    ¡°Besides, I think we should do some actual research on the caf¨¦,¡± Lila continued on. ¡°But if we¡¯re going to be waiting there for the whole shift, we should probably bring our laptops or something to work on. Today almost killed me.¡±

    ¡°I have been curious about that series you and Holly were talking about the other day,¡± Asher said slowly. ¡°Could I borrow the first book for tomorrow?¡±

    Lila smiled brightly, slightly giddy that she was bringing another person into the fandom. ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°By the way, did you decide if you¡¯re staying for dinner?¡± Asher asked, turning the TV on.

    ¡°¡­ I may as well see the rest of Marlene¡¯s routine for the day,¡± Lila replied with a shrug.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Asher said softly, his eyes fixated on the screen. Lila couldn¡¯t figure out what his expression meant but decided against asking. The rest of the afternoon proceeded with a few more games and YouTube videos. The more time Lila spent in Asher¡¯s company, the more she found herself enjoying it. While Lila couldn¡¯t speak for how Asher viewed it, she definitely felt comfortable in his presence, without any pressure to ¡®be¡¯ anyone in particular.

    Perhaps it was because of what they had been through together that she felt this way. Though she was still embarrassed over her breakdown a few weeks ago, Lila felt glad that she had been with Asher when it happened. He¡¯d never made her feel any less for her display of weakness¡­

    ¡°It¡¯s 6,¡± Asher¡¯s voice cut through her reverie. ¡°Wanna take a peek at the landing with me?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied, blushing. She was again thankful that Asher couldn¡¯t read her mind. Asher¡¯s eyes lingered on her face for a moment, his lips twitching slightly. Lila didn¡¯t have the wherewithal to ask what he was thinking before he led the way to the door. They exchanged a brief look, his hand on the doorknob. With a deep breath, he swung it open. As expected, Marlene was standing on the landing, a full laundry basket in her arms. Her hair was tied in its usual bun now, and she was wearing her standard apron. She was also not wearing any glasses.

    ¡°Hello Lila,¡± Marlene said pleasantly, bowing her head. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realised you were here.¡±

    ¡°Hi Marlene,¡± Lila replied. Her heart began to race as the three of them stood, staring at each other.

    ¡°Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene suddenly said, hoisting the laundry basket higher in her arms. ¡°If you¡¯ve not planned much with Lila on the holidays, you should try taking her to some nice caf¨¦s in the area. Some fresh air will do you both some good before returning to school.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any suggestions?¡± Asher asked, a strained smile crossing his face.

    ¡°There¡¯s an absolutely wonderful caf¨¦ and bakery down the road, but I¡¯m forgetting its name. Perhaps you should check on Google Maps. I think it starts with an M?¡± Marlene cocked her head to the side.

    Asher¡¯s mouth flapped open, but Lila quickly interjected by saying, ¡°That sounds like a great idea Marlene! Thanks for the suggestion.¡±

    Marlene nodded deeply before turning around and going down the stairs, still carrying the basket.

    Asher swiftly turned on his heel and walked right back into the rumpus room, a hand on his chest. Lila followed, closing the door shut behind them.

    ¡°She knows,¡± Asher managed to choke out.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see how,¡± Lila replied comfortingly. ¡°I mean, she never looked back at us once when we followed her. Plus, she didn¡¯t know I was here.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure we should still follow her to her caf¨¦ tomorrow?¡± he asked, shaking slightly.

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s given us the perfect excuse to,¡± Lila said with a shrug. ¡°You could just say that you were following her suggestion.¡±

    The rest of the evening continued per schedule, with Lila observing that Marlene stuck to her routine almost robotically. Lila ensured to complement Gabriel for dinner, as usual (which today consisted of a homely bowl of stew and handmade bread and garlic butter, with apple pie for dessert), and texted her Dad to say she was ready to be picked up.

    Once her Dad arrived, Lila and Asher returned downstairs.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± Lila said with a small smile. Saying that sent soft tingles of anticipation down her spine. Asher returned her smile with his own as he unlocked the front doors.

    ¡°See you then.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Three

    Chapter Thirty-Three

    ¡°Again?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad sighed once she buckled herself into the car the next morning at around 7am. Lila nodded with a yawn, putting Asher¡¯s address in the Nav. She felt as though she had hardly slept, though this time she wasn¡¯t rudely awoken by an image of Asher as an Elizabethan aristocrat. She¡¯d been rifling through her bookshelf, trying to pick out books that might interest Asher. Although, that meant her messenger bag couldn¡¯t be closed due to the number of books she was taking, which her Dad eyed as they set off down the street.

    ¡°You guys starting a book club or something?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Sure, Dad,¡± Lila said listlessly, looking out the window.

    ¡°I guess books are pretty good protec-¡±

    ¡°Dad, the joke¡¯s old now,¡± Lila interrupted. ¡°Besides, I already told you, he¡¯s got a girlfriend. I¡¯m not into being a homewrecker.¡±

    ¡°I know you wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied, his tone quite serious. ¡°Just trying to lighten the mood. Plus, your face is so funny every time I joke about it.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes but didn¡¯t say anything. Her Dad seemed to have gotten the hint, however, as he didn¡¯t say anything else for the rest of the car ride. They arrived at Asher¡¯s house slightly earlier than yesterday ¨C 7.20am.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡± Lila said quietly, unbuckling her seatbelt. ¡°Love you.¡±

    ¡°Love you too, Lila,¡± her Dad replied just as quietly. ¡°Let me know if you need me to pick you up.¡±

    Lila gently shut the door and he drove off with a subdued wave. There seemed to be more joggers and dogwalkers about than there was yesterday. Lila texted Asher that she was outside and slowly made her way up to the front doors. She had barely reached the porch before the door opened, leaving an energetic Asher in its wake, unbridled excitement in his eyes. He was wearing a cream button-up linen shirt and dark grey shorts, but she barely had time to register that there was something odd about this fit before he urged her to step inside.

    ¡°Gabriel¡¯s just decluttering the kitchen,¡± Asher said as Lila removed her shoes. ¡°He¡¯s pretty into it right now, so if you come up quick, he won¡¯t notice you.¡±

    Sure enough, there was a good deal of clattering and banging coming from down the hall. Lila and Asher silently moved past the kitchen, glancing every so often in its direction. Gabriel didn¡¯t emerge from whatever he was doing, so they took the stairs up to Asher¡¯s rumpus room at a half-jog.

    ¡°Sorry, I wasn¡¯t done getting ready,¡± Asher said, closing the door as Lila flopped onto the couch. ¡°Let me just finish up.¡±

    Lila looked up at him as he crossed the rumpus room to his bedroom. He didn¡¯t close his bedroom door and Lila could hear him rustling about in there. Staring at the coffee table, she narrowed her eyes as she recalled the details of Asher¡¯s outfit. It looked like he¡¯d ironed the hell out of his clothes.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Asher¡¯s voice called from the depths of his bedroom.

    ¡°You good?¡± Lila asked, sitting up and peering towards that direction. She couldn¡¯t see anything.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher¡¯s shaky voice replied. ¡°Just cut myself shaving.¡±

    ¡°Do you need like a band-aid or something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, nah, I¡¯m good.¡±

    Lila fell silent. Was Asher taking on her ¡®Asher the Impeccable¡¯ suggestion from yesterday seriously? Not that she was unserious about it¡­

    ¡°Lila, can you actually keep an eye on the window?¡± Asher suddenly called after a few minutes of sustained silence.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila replied, tentatively getting up from the couch and walking into his bedroom. It was much the same as yesterday, though he had an ironing board and iron in here by the back wall today. One of the internal doors was ever so slightly ajar, with cool-white light highlighting a small section of the carpet in his bedroom. She could hear movement beyond this door but turned her attention to the blinds.

    She raised them slightly and couldn¡¯t see anyone outside. The atmosphere inside Asher¡¯s bedroom felt almost suffocating. Her heart felt like it was struggling to maintain a reliable rhythm, her eyes darting to various objects in Asher¡¯s pristine room. Why was she feeling like this? It wasn¡¯t as if she hadn¡¯t been in a guy¡¯s room before¡­ though did Daniel really count as a guy?

    Lila¡¯s eyes drifted to the desk and chair under the windowsill, and she slowly lowered herself into the chair. Lila rolled the blinds up even higher. She tried to focus on observing the goings-on of the outside world from this window, but aside from people who looked way too delighted to be out and about at this time, there was no movement by the house.

    Lila heard the door behind her open and she spun around in the desk chair. Asher appeared in the doorway, a waft of steam billowing out behind him. Lila was right ¨C it was a bathroom. He turned the light off in the bathroom. Sure enough, his face was smooth and freshly shaven. The sharp angularity of his undercut hairstyle was incredibly pronounced due to the artful, gelled arrangement of his hair. There was not a hair out of place, though he was lightly brushing the edge where his hair begun at the top of his head with his fingers. Lila couldn¡¯t place exactly why, but he seemed more mature with this hairstyle. Her heart seemed to skip several beats as her wide eyes met his golden-brown ones. There seemed to be an uncertainty, or perhaps insecurity, swimming in his irises. He grinned tentatively.

    ¡°Is it¡­ a bit much?¡± he asked, tugging at the collar of his button-up shirt.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said quickly, looking back out the window.

    ¡°Good,¡± he said, sounding relieved. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve put this much effort in, I¡¯d almost forgotten how.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise that your hair was cut in a particular style,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher said with a laugh. ¡°Yeah, I got this done a few weeks ago. I thought I¡¯d try something new, but it¡¯s a lot of work to style. I could feel my neat freak tendencies acting up, so I stopped trying to do something with it.¡±

    ¡°I-It looks good,¡± Lila murmured, still looking out the window. ¡°But you should probably unbutton your top button.¡±

    She could see in the window¡¯s reflection Asher obediently doing so and smoothing out his collar, before standing beside Lila. He checked the time on his phone.

    ¡°It¡¯s 8.10,¡± he said with a sigh. ¡°I was hoping to take even longer to get ready so we wouldn¡¯t have to wait around.¡±

    ¡°I brought some books,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I can grab them and you can see if you¡¯re interested in some.¡±

    ¡°Colour me intrigued,¡± Asher said, leaning on his desk with one arm, facing Lila with an enthusiastic gaze. She quickly spun around in the chair and dashed out of the room. He was way too close.

    She dug around for a few books in her bag before returning. Asher was still looking out the window. She gave brief summaries, ensuring that they were spoiler-free, of each book and he selected a couple that he wanted to read today.

    ¡°Are you taking a laptop?¡± he asked her.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said with a nod.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take mine then, too,¡± he said thoughtfully, placing the books he¡¯d selected on his desk. ¡°I might leave these here in that case. I don¡¯t want to mess them up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll sort out my bag since don¡¯t have much time left,¡± Lila said, carefully backing out of his bedroom. After Lila zipped up her bag, she still remained in the rumpus room, engaging in her deep breathing exercises. She had to focus on Marlene. They needed to know more information about her.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s leaving,¡± Asher said urgently, hurriedly walking out of his room, wearing a cross-body laptop bag. Lila lifted her own bag onto her shoulder and they proceeded downstairs. Gabriel was still deconstructing the kitchen and paid them no mind. Lila did try and look for him, but he was nowhere in sight. She could hear him humming to himself, though.

    After exiting the house, they saw Marlene turning down a side street to the right. Quickening their pace, they caught up just enough to be able to keep her in their line of sight. It didn¡¯t take long for Lila to realise that Marlene was following the exact same route as she had yesterday. Lila glanced at Asher, who looked intently back at her. Also just like yesterday, Marlene didn¡¯t seem to have noticed that Asher and Lila were just behind her.

    They slowed down upon entering the shopping area and Marlene entered ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ without a backwards look. Lila checked the time on her phone. It was 8.54am.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the plan, boss?¡± Asher asked, leaning sideways into Lila.

    ¡°We should sit outside again, though this time we can sit at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯,¡± Lila replied, tucking a few strands of hair behind her ear.

    ¡°Righto,¡± Asher nodded, strolling towards ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. They couldn¡¯t see Marlene yet. Lila supposed that Marlene would be in the back room, clocking on and otherwise getting ready.

    ¡°Table for two?¡± a waitress asked politely once they entered the caf¨¦. Unlike the poor waitress at ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s¡¯, the apron she was wearing was thankfully black, adorned only by the caf¨¦¡¯s logo. The barista section sat underneath a chalkboard menu. The caf¨¦ itself seemed to have nailed the rustic vintage look, with an appropriate amount of plants arranged around the caf¨¦. It was decidedly much more aesthetically pleasing than ¡®Mrs Glade¡¯s¡¯, at least.

    ¡®Probably why it¡¯s so popular,¡¯ Lila thought bleakly.

    ¡°Yes, please. Outside if you can,¡± Asher responded to the waitress. After leading them outside, Asher pointed to a spot under a large industrial umbrella and she set them up with menus. From here, they could look into the caf¨¦ towards the barista¡¯s section. It wasn¡¯t by any means a perfect way to look at what Marlene was doing, particularly since it seemed to be facing the back of the coffee station, but it was good enough. They could also see a couple of patrons enjoying their food and drinks from the inside of the caf¨¦ from this angle. There seemed to be enough patrons to provide them with sufficient cover, too.

    The waitress noted the QR code for ordering and the requirement to check out at the counter if they¡¯d already checked in. Lila and Asher thanked the waitress, who swiftly disappeared into the caf¨¦ again. Lila and Asher barely had time to open their laptops before the waitress returned with a jug of ice water. She poured glasses for Lila and Asher before departing again.

    Lila and Asher independently scanned the QR code and ordered their food and drinks. Today, Lila wanted to try the triple-stacked strawberry pancakes with a mango and kiwi fruit smoothie. Asher ordered the big breakfast option and an orange juice. As soon as he put his order through, however, Asher expressed his instant regret.

    ¡°I dunno if I¡¯ll be able to eat all that,¡± he said sadly, staring at his phone. A notification buzzed ¨C his order had been received by the kitchen.

    ¡°Too late now,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°If you¡¯re really struggling, I might be able to help, but no guarantees.¡±

    Asher laughed but shook his head. ¡°No need to worry, I¡¯ll be able to smash it,¡± he said confidently.

    ¡°If you say so,¡± she said in a sing-song voice. Lila managed to connect to the caf¨¦¡¯s Wi-Fi system on her laptop and began to watch some YouTube videos. Lila¡¯s eyes flickered every so often upwards to see where Marlene was located. Marlene didn¡¯t take long to get situated within the barista¡¯s section. Her hair was braided as it was yesterday, and she also wore the same glasses.

    Asher was facing away from Marlene just as Lila had suggested, so only Lila had a line of sight of Marlene. Asher and Lila got to talking about several different topics, as usual, laughing every so often at what the other had said. Before long, the food and drinks arrived and they dug in eagerly. Lila maintained an eye on Marlene, who seemed to have not yet noticed Lila or Asher. Though, from this angle, Lila didn¡¯t think Marlene would be able to see them from the barista¡¯s section anyway. After checking the time, Lila made sure to eat her breakfast particularly slowly.

    As she observed the interior section of the caf¨¦, Lila saw that most people dressed in active gear seemed to only be drinking small coffees and eating scones with jam and cream on them, or other light breakfasts. Due to the surrounding area, about 75% of the customers fit into this category. This resulted in a high turnover of caf¨¦ patrons, but the foot traffic only increased as the morning wore on. The waitstaff were flying through orders, ensuring no customer was left waiting too long. Looking around at the flurry of activity, Lila wasn¡¯t too sure whether they had been forgotten, or if the workers were wishing they¡¯d get up and leave. Lila pushed aside her plate of mostly finished food to the middle of the table to give her laptop more room. This effectively signalled to one worker that her plate needed to be collected. Asher was still bravely tackling his meal when the waitstaff took away Lila¡¯s plate.

    ¡°Lila, I need help,¡± he eventually groaned, pushing his plate towards her. He still had some sausages, one piece of bacon and half of the baked beans left on his plate.

    ¡°What would you do without me?¡± Lila chuckled, picking a clean fork from their cutlery caddy. The sausages themselves were delicious ¨C they seemed to be infused with some kind of herbs, adding to their magnificent flavour.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher said, clutching his stomach forlornly. ¡°Probably stare at this real sadly for the next few hours.¡±

    ¡°You might make it shy if you do that,¡± Lila chortled, spearing the last sausage with her fork. Her eyes flitted to Asher, who was looking beyond Lila¡¯s shoulder, seeming lost in thought. She wiggled the sausage in the air for a moment.

    ¡°Did you want this one?¡± she asked, pointing it at him. His eyes snapped to hers before he leaned back in his chair, patting his stomach.

    ¡°I think my stomach will unseam itself if I eat it,¡± he replied, shaking his head.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know your stomach had a seam,¡± Lila said conversationally, taking a bite of the sausage. Asher chuckled and they continued to watch the people around them.

    Now that an hour and a half had passed, Lila could confirm that all of the patrons around them had already been replaced several times. On average, it seemed that people spent about half an hour here, owing to the light breakfasts the majority of customers seemed to be enjoying. Those that had larger meals like Lila and Asher spent no longer than an hour here.

    Yet, despite the almost constantly rotating door of the caf¨¦, Lila could still see a man who had been seated inside before Lila and Asher had walked in. He was dressed casually in a light-weight zip-up hoodie, his back facing the window Lila was looking into. He seemed to be browsing through various forums on his laptop, though occasionally he would open and close what seemed to be Word documents. Lila was too far away to see what was on the documents themselves, but if she had to guess, he seemed like a Uni student. There was just something so hopeless in his demeanour that mirrored Clare¡¯s whenever assignments and exams were coming up. Lila briefly wondered if Clare might know him.

    The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Just beyond the man, Lila could see the back of Marlene bustling about the barista section. It still seemed that Marlene hadn¡¯t noticed Lila or Asher yet, which didn¡¯t surprise Lila. Marlene looked almost run off her feet, with the amount of orders she was pumping out. Lila watched as a waiter replaced the coffee cup next to the Uni student with a fresh one within two seconds of Marlene dinging a small silver bell.

    ¡°Y¡¯know, that guy has been here the whole time we¡¯ve been here,¡± Lila murmured to Asher. He began to look wildly about him before Lila grabbed his shirt sleeve.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing?¡± she hissed. ¡°If you¡¯re going to look, don¡¯t do it so frantically. You look like you¡¯re a drowning victim.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher muttered, looking back down at his now empty plate.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°But remember, out of the two of us, it¡¯s more important that you¡¯re unnoticed. Just play it cool. He¡¯s inside the caf¨¦, behind you and to the left.¡±

    Asher slowly turned his head around to glance into the caf¨¦ window before turning back to Lila.

    ¡°He¡¯s probably just studying,¡± Asher shrugged.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t the libraries at Unis usually better than a busy caf¨¦?¡± Lila asked, pushing Asher¡¯s plate to the middle of the table.

    ¡°Sometimes studying is just as much about the atmosphere as it is the environment,¡± Asher replied.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t those the same thing?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Well, kinda, but also not,¡± Asher said, bringing a finger to his lips and narrowing his eyes. ¡°I guess¡­ the environment is about the d¨¦cor, or use of the space. The atmosphere is the kind of mood that¡¯s brought about in that space by people. Kinda like how if you¡¯re having a good time with friends, the atmosphere feels airy and joyful. But then, when they leave and you stay, the atmosphere goes with them. The furniture and all that stays the same, but the vibes are all different. Depending on how you work, too, you might be able to drown out the noise of a caf¨¦ or you just need background noise in general.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, glancing at the Uni student. ¡°If it works for him, then I guess it works.¡±

    Asher smiled and pulled out a book from his bag. It was the first in the series Lila had recommended.

    ¡°I thought you were leaving it behind?¡± Lila asked, a playful spark in her eye.

    ¡°I brought it just in case,¡± Asher replied, opening the front cover. ¡°You looked kinda sad when I said I wasn¡¯t taking it.¡±

    ¡°Nah, that doesn¡¯t sound like me,¡± Lila said, looking down at her closed laptop. Asher smirked but diverted his attention to the book in his hands. Lila curiously observed Asher¡¯s face as he read. He was very expressive normally with Lila but reading definitely seemed to kick it up a notch. As a bonus, the expressions Asher was portraying were rather transparent ¨C there was no mystery as to what he was thinking as his hungry eyes fluttered down the pages. With each small twitch of his mouth, raised eyebrow, or shake of laughter, Lila was brought back to when she¡¯d first read the series. She smiled to herself before opening her laptop again.

    After about half an hour of sustained silence, Lila suggested ordering some drinks again. Asher didn¡¯t respond, so she lightly tapped his arm. He looked up, blinking rapidly.

    ¡°S-Sorry, what¡¯s up?¡± he asked, placing a clean napkin between the pages he¡¯d been reading.

    ¡°I was just thinking we should order something else, before we get kicked out,¡± Lila said, pulling out her phone.

    ¡°Oh, good idea,¡± Asher replied, pulling out his phone as well. Lila ordered another smoothie, which arrived pretty quickly. She sipped through the paper straw, observing the window again. The Uni student was still sitting inside the caf¨¦, though it looked like he¡¯d now put his laptop away and was working on some notebooks. Lila thought she could see the corner of a dense textbook to the right of him, but she couldn¡¯t be sure. Another waitress replaced his coffee cup as she watched.

    ¡°How many coffees does this guy drink?¡± Lila said rhetorically in a low voice. This seemed to catch Asher¡¯s attention as he looked up at Lila, his own coffee cup halfway to his lips.

    ¡°Are you still going on about that Uni student?¡± he asked, taking a careful sip.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I feel like he¡¯s had about six coffees in the two hours we¡¯ve been sitting here.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s getting tea?¡± Asher suggested, putting the cup down and turning to a new page in the book.

    ¡°If he is, he¡¯d still be jacked on caffeine,¡± Lila observed before taking a swig of her smoothie. Asher shrugged, his fingers smoothly tracing their way down the page he was reading. Lila and Asher sat like this for another hour and a half, ordering another drink in between.

    ¡°I think we should get ready to move quickly,¡± Lila said, readjusting her posture. Though the chair she was sitting on had originally been comfortable, she could feel metal components beginning to dig into her. Three and a half hours in these caf¨¦ chairs was just way too much. Asher looked up at Lila with an expression of sorrow, but he quickly looked over his items to make sure he had everything besides the book tucked in his bag.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to keep reading until you say it¡¯s time to head,¡± Asher said, shaking the book slightly in his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to stop you,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°Where are you up to, though?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re getting ready for their expedition to the Surface,¡± he said, his eyes lighting up. ¡°What the hell happened to Colten¡¯s eyes? Why are they all¡­ weird now?¡±

    Lila smirked. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know?¡±

    ¡°Ugh, you¡¯ve read the whole series, haven¡¯t you!¡± he cried in feigned disgust. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me any spoilers.¡±

    ¡°You literally just asked for one.¡±

    ¡°Must¡¯ve been the wind.¡±

    They shared another laugh before sitting in silence again. Lila shut down her laptop and checked her own belongings to make sure she had everything. She proceeded to play a couple of games on her phone, ensuring she checked Marlene was still busy in the caf¨¦ every so often. Eventually, Marlene disappeared from Lila¡¯s line of sight, and Lila urgently tapped Asher on the hand.

    ¡°She¡¯s on the move,¡± she whispered. ¡°She must be clocking off. She hasn¡¯t left just yet.¡±

    Asher gingerly placed the napkin in the book as a bookmark and put it back in his bag. No sooner had he done so did the caf¨¦ bell tingle, announcing the departure of Marlene. Lila and Asher looked at each other quickly before getting up and meandering out of the back of the caf¨¦ themselves. Lila glanced at the Uni student on their way out. Asher opened the door for Lila, and just before they exited, she heard a phone ringing. She quickly looked behind her ¨C it was the Uni student¡¯s phone, which he picked up with a long-suffering sigh.

    ¡°Dude, why is Chem so fucked,¡± he complained, packing away his things. ¡°I¡¯m on my way. I¡¯ll meet you on campus, yeah? I¡¯ll be, like, an hour.¡±

    Lila glanced meaningfully at Asher before exiting. The door shut behind them with a tingle, and they slowly wandered down the street. They could still see Marlene walking down the road at a brisk pace. They slowed their pace so that she was only just in view of them and followed her path. She was going in exactly the same way as yesterday, so they were less concerned with figuring out where she was going.

    Lila couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that they were being watched, however. Every so often, she looked behind her but saw no one who looked like they were watching them.

    ¡°Do you think someone¡¯s following us?¡± she muttered to Asher after a few minutes after the feeling still didn¡¯t dissipate.

    ¡°Sure do,¡± Asher replied nonchalantly. ¡°That¡¯s Martina, in the blue sports bra, and Doug, the guy next to her, a few hundred metres or so behind us. They live across the road.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said softly, feeling silly. ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    ¡°Their kid goes to Forestglade College too, but I think he¡¯d be about Daniel¡¯s age.¡±

    ¡°Why are they wandering around at this time of day?¡±

    ¡°Eh, they run a semi-successful business. Don¡¯t know what they sell, but I don¡¯t even think they do any real work for it anymore.¡±

    ¡°Do you know all your neighbours?¡± Lila asked curiously.

    ¡°Just about. Every once in a while, we have a neighbourhood barbecue, or another social event, but it¡¯s more a dick-measuring contest for the adults than a neighbourly hangout. I go just to be polite and eat the food.¡±

    Lila smirked, but then a thought occurred to her.

    ¡°Is it a problem that your neighbours have seen us?¡± she asked. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, they keep to themselves. Plus, they¡¯d obviously know it¡¯s school holidays. I don¡¯t even think they¡¯ve realised I¡¯m out here yet.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Lila replied softly. They continued following Marlene, again letting her enter Asher¡¯s street a minute or so before they did, as they had yesterday. In that time, Martina and Doug approached them.

    ¡°Asher!¡± Martina said with a bright smile. She looked like a stereotypical housewife for someone living in this area ¨C bleach-blonde, tall, tanned and clearly taking immense pride in her appearance. ¡°Who¡¯s your little friend?¡± she continued, slowing down as they came closer.

    ¡°This is Lila. She¡¯s a classmate of mine,¡± Asher said, gesturing to Lila who gave a polite little wave.

    ¡°A classmate or a girlfriend?¡± Martina cooed, clasping her hands together.

    ¡°Definitely not a girlfriend,¡± Lila cut in before Asher could reply, shaking her head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t embarrass them, honey,¡± chided Doug, grinning widely. He was also tall, with greying hair and an imposing stature. ¡°Let them enjoy their afternoon walk.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± giggled Martina, waving at Lila and Asher. They continued on their way up the street where Asher¡¯s house was.

    ¡°I see they¡¯re friendly,¡± Lila said in a slightly strained voice.

    ¡°They¡¯ve always tried to play matchmaker with me at those get-togethers,¡± Asher said with a sigh. ¡°Holly¡¯s been over a few times, but I don¡¯t think she¡¯s ever met them. Sorry if that was awkward.¡±

    Lila waved a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s fine. They didn¡¯t know, plus they didn¡¯t seem to have bad intentions.¡±

    Asher checked his phone and slipped it back into his pocket. ¡°Should be good to go, now,¡± he said. ¡°Shall we?¡±

    Upon entering his house, Lila caught a strong whiff of the scent of cookies. Lila and Asher took their shoes off before walking somewhat cautiously towards the kitchen. Evidently, Gabriel had finished doing whatever he was doing before they left and he looked up as they approached.

    ¡°Lila!¡± Gabriel said happily. ¡°Glad you could join us.¡±

    ¡°Glad to be here,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°Are those cookies I smell?¡±

    ¡°I was trying my hand at some red velvet cookies,¡± Gabriel replied with a wide smile. ¡°They¡¯re not quite done yet. I¡¯ll bring some up when they¡¯re ready, assuming you¡¯re heading upstairs?¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°Yeah. Thanks, Gabriel.¡±

    ¡°Asher!¡± Gabriel exclaimed, doing an exaggerated double-take. ¡°I see you look mighty put together. Anything special happening today?¡±

    Gabriel¡¯s eyes darted between Asher and Lila, who uncomfortably avoided his gaze.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher replied confidently. ¡°Just trying a new look. Decided I hate it.¡±

    ¡°No, no, don¡¯t hate it,¡± Gabriel said hastily. ¡°You look good.¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Thanks, but no thanks. I reckon my normal style suits me better.¡±

    Gabriel pouted at Asher, but then nodded, waving them away from the kitchen. Lila gave Gabriel a small wave as she and Asher headed upstairs.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get changed,¡± Asher said with a sigh after closing the door to the rumpus room.

    ¡°Do you actually hate this look?¡± Lila asked inquisitively.

    ¡°Nah, just pulling Gabriel¡¯s leg. He always gets so flustered when I shut his compliments down,¡± smirked Asher. ¡°Though, I probably wouldn¡¯t make this a regular look. Man, this shirt is itchy!¡±

    He disappeared into his bedroom again, and Lila began repacking her bag after sitting on the couch. He reappeared in a light grey singlet and matching grey tracksuit shorts, his hair a tousled mess again. He was carrying the book he¡¯d borrowed from Lila with an expression of glee and flopped onto the couch.

    ¡°Feel free to watch something, or play some games. You can also have a look at the books in my room if you wanna do a book swap,¡± he said casually, settling in to start reading again.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied. She wasn¡¯t going to go into his room again, so she began to browse his Switch games.

    ¡°You can also play on the PS5, too,¡± he said, eyeing her over the top of the book.

    ¡°I prefer Switch, generally,¡± Lila replied. ¡°But I¡¯ll take a look if I can¡¯t find anything.¡±

    They whiled the rest of the day away in each other¡¯s company without saying much. There was no air of awkwardness between them this afternoon. In fact, it felt incredibly comfortable, being here, watching Asher¡¯s TV whilst he sat beside her, reading a book Lila had brought for him. Eventually, Gabriel knocked on the rumpus room door, handed them cookies and checked whether Lila was staying for dinner. She accepted the invitation to Gabriel¡¯s delight, and Lila and Asher resumed their activities for the rest of the afternoon.

    About half an hour before Marlene was to begin working at Asher¡¯s, Lila turned to Asher.

    ¡°So, we didn¡¯t learn anything different about Marlene than we did yesterday,¡± she said, pausing her video. Asher jumped slightly, before laying the book face down on his chest.

    ¡°Sorry, fight scene,¡± he said sheepishly. ¡°It¡¯s the second time the Beast has come out.¡±

    ¡°Understandable,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Sorry for disturbing you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all good,¡± Asher said, stretching. ¡°Should probably take a break, actually. What¡¯s up about Marlene?¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve followed her again, but I feel like we haven¡¯t learnt much,¡± Lila said.

    ¡°I guess not,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°How about we visit tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, blinking blankly at Asher. ¡°But isn¡¯t she here all day tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Asher said, grinning. ¡°So, we can go sit right by the barista station. Maybe they¡¯ll talk about Marlene.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said slowly. She pulled out her phone and checked her calendar. ¡°I could probably come by, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll stay for the whole day¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Asher said, sitting up and reaching for a red velvet cookie. ¡°Kinda surprised you¡¯re still here, to be honest.¡±

    Lila blushed, grabbing her own red velvet cookie. ¡°¡¯Course I am. Were you planning on eating all of these by yourself?¡±

    Asher chuckled, shaking his head as he bit into his cookie. Crumbs fell onto Lila¡¯s book and he jumped up, brushing them off the pages.

    ¡°Sorry, Lila,¡± he said in a panicked voice, putting his half-eaten cookie down on a napkin that was sitting on the coffee table. He then began shaking the book vigorously.

    ¡°Eh, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila said lazily. ¡°There¡¯s probably crumbs of mine embedded in the pages somewhere.¡±

    Asher seemed to relax, sitting back down, his face pink. His phone started to buzz violently on the coffee table, and he placed a proper bookmark between the pages of the book as he put it down.

    ¡°It¡¯s Holly,¡± he said, his face lighting up. ¡°I¡¯ll be back in a few.¡±

    He started walking towards his room, picking up the call. ¡°Hey, babe,¡± he said jovially as he closed the bedroom door behind him.

    Lila had almost forgotten about Holly today. She looked down at the book and, ensuring she didn¡¯t lose Asher¡¯s place, began to leaf through its pages. He¡¯d gotten a fair way through today. Lila briefly wondered why he hadn¡¯t read it before, if Holly was into it, and placed it back down on the table. Maybe Holly hadn¡¯t spoken to Asher about the series.

    Asher continued to be on the phone for quite some time ¨C enough time, actually, for Marlene to have started her shift. Lila curiously opened the door to the landing and sure enough, there was Marlene, washing basket in her hands.

    ¡°Hello, Lila,¡± Marlene said, turning towards her. ¡°Where¡¯s Mr Wagner today?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s talking to Holly on the phone,¡± Lila said, unable to keep her voice from wavering.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Marlene replied, resting the washing basket on her hip, her expression instantly seeming to frost over. ¡°His girlfriend.¡±

    Lila nodded. She couldn¡¯t think of anything to say to Marlene. Marlene¡¯s lips pressed together tightly as her eyes seemed to pierce into Lila¡¯s soul. Lila couldn¡¯t begin to determine what Marlene could glean from her stare, but the awkwardness she was feeling only increased tenfold.

    ¡°Do you have plans for ANZAC Day?¡± Marlene asked suddenly. Lila looked at Marlene in surprise and shook her head.

    ¡°I heard from Mr Wagner that his girlfriend will be performing at a Memorial Service in the morning,¡± Marlene said. ¡°He hasn¡¯t been invited, as it¡¯s for veterans and their families, but he might be a bit lonely, sitting at home on a public holiday so early in the school term.¡±

    Lila scrunched her eyebrows in confusion. ¡°I think he¡¯ll be fine,¡± she said. Marlene shrugged.

    ¡°Perhaps. Anyway, I know that the rules about ANZAC Day can be a bit confusing, but while most shops are closed or can¡¯t open until after 1-1.30pm, caf¨¦s and restaurants are open. It¡¯s always nice to have a breakfast outing.¡±

    Marlene began to turn around and head back downstairs as Lila¡¯s heart beat furiously in her chest. Marlene¡¯s convenient references to caf¨¦s lately gave Lila pause. She wanted to ask Marlene if she knew Lila and Asher had been following her. Though¡­ Lila could concede that perhaps caf¨¦s were on Marlene¡¯s mind as she was working at one just a few hours ago.

    ¡°Um, Marlene,¡± Lila uttered. Marlene paused on the second-to-top step and turned to look at Lila.

    ¡°Yes, Lila?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh, wh-¡±

    The door to the rumpus room burst open as Asher just about barrelled into Lila.

    ¡°There you are!¡± he said, sucking in a deep breath. ¡°Thought something happened to you, you didn¡¯t say anything about leaving.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene said coolly from the stairs. ¡°I take it you¡¯ve finished your conversation with Ms Reid?¡±

    It took Lila a second to realise that Marlene was referring to Holly as Ms Reid. Asher looked shocked for a moment before replying through gritted teeth.

    ¡°Yes, I have. She¡¯s excited to come back and see me.¡±

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Marlene said, swiftly turning back around and walking down the stairs.

    ¡°What was all that about?¡± Asher asked Lila in a low voice. Lila shook her head to indicate she didn¡¯t want to say anything here, and returned to the rumpus room, Asher following behind.

    ¡°I went out to check if Marlene was there since you were still on the phone. Sorry for not saying something,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. It seemed like you were in a conversation, though,¡± Asher said, heading back over to the couch.

    ¡°Well, she suggested that we go to a caf¨¦ on ANZAC Day for a breakfast outing. I almost asked what she meant by all her references to caf¨¦s. Thanks for stopping me.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher replied, seeming surprised. ¡°Hm¡­ I hadn¡¯t considered what I wanted to do for ANZAC Day.¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± Lila said, stretching her shoulders as she joined him in her usual spot on the couch. ¡°What did you end up talking to Holly about?¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher blushed as he spoke. ¡°J-Just a couple things, y¡¯know. She said she¡¯s excited to see me again, and I told her I¡¯d started the series. She said to tell you ¡®Hi¡¯, too.¡±

    ¡°She knows I¡¯m here?¡± Lila asked, astonished.

    ¡°¡¯Course she does,¡± Asher said casually. ¡°I might not tell her everything, but not telling her when you come over is a breach of trust, in my eyes. She should know. Especially after the whole cheating rumours.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Lila replied, looking down at her lap. ¡°I¡¯m glad you tell her.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s pretty happy that I¡¯m reading this series, too,¡± he said, picking up the book again. ¡°She told me that it¡¯s my homework for the rest of the holidays.¡±

    Lila gave a half-hearted laugh and pressed ¡®Play¡¯ on the video she had been watching. The rest of the evening proceeded as usual and Lila observed that Marlene kept tightly to her schedule again. Lila requested that her Dad pick her up after dinner, which consisted of a chicken and prawn paella. Dessert was a small helping of handmade tiramisu that seemed to have just a little bit more alcohol in it than Lila was used to.

    ¡°Delicious again, Gabriel,¡± Lila beamed, standing up from the table. Asher followed suit, nodding.

    ¡°Thank you, Lila, I¡¯m so glad you enjoy my food,¡± Gabriel replied heartily.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever be able to not enjoy your food Gabriel, it¡¯s always wonderful,¡± Lila replied with a laugh. She headed upstairs with Asher, waiting for her Dad to come and pick her up.

    ¡°So¡­ tomorrow?¡± Asher asked quietly as he sat down, holding Lila¡¯s book close.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said with a nod. ¡°I¡¯ll come by again. Probably later, this time ¨C like, maybe 10? I¡¯ll get Clare to drop me off and I won¡¯t stay for long.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Asher replied, opening the book again. ¡°I¡¯m guessing we won¡¯t be at the caf¨¦ for long, either.¡±

    ¡°Probably not,¡± Lila said, pressing ¡®Play¡¯ on another video. ¡°Just long enough to scope out the place without Marlene there.¡±

    ¡°Gotcha.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Four

    Chapter Thirty-Four

    Asher, in his usual dishevelled splendour consisting of a casual t-shirt and wrinkled black shorts, met Lila at the bottom of the driveway the next morning, giving Clare a cordial wave as Lila got out of Clare¡¯s car. As soon as Clare laid eyes on Asher, her face seemed to harden, but she returned the wave before driving off.

    ¡°Your sister seems¡­ displeased,¡± he said, watching her go. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°She¡¯s not normally, but she¡¯s been a bit grouchy the last couple of times she¡¯s dropped me off and picked me up.¡±

    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s ¡®cause it¡¯s out of her way?¡± Asher suggested as they both began to walk down the road towards the shopping district again.

    ¡°Dunno what it is, actually. Maybe I¡¯ll ask her.¡±

    There seemed to be a lot more people walking around at this time in the morning, which Lila remarked to Asher.

    ¡°Probably ¡®cause it¡¯s a Saturday,¡± he posited. ¡°People sleep in more, so their morning routines are a bit delayed.¡±

    ¡°How far did you get in the book?¡± Lila asked after a brief pause in conversation. Asher quickly whipped his head around to face her and pointed at the bags under his eyes.

    ¡°Look what it did to my face!¡± he cried dramatically. ¡°Obviously, I finished the whole thing.¡±

    Lila laughed deeply, and they launched into an animated discussion about the book, with Lila keeping quiet on spoilers. They reached ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ in what felt like no time at all, despite the approximately half-an-hour walk, and the waitress who greeted them was the same who served them yesterday.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± she said with a bright and cheery grin, handing them each a menu. ¡°You two lovebirds here on another brunch date again?¡±

    Lila reflexively covered her face in her hands as Asher spluttered beside her.

    ¡°I-Inside, please,¡± he managed to stammer out.

    The waitress¡¯ smile seemed to grow even larger as she directed them inside next to the barista station. A young man was working behind the coffee machine today, and the waitress reminded them of the options to pay at the register or via the QR code. Neither Lila nor Asher could manage to say anything to her, and she promptly walked over to the kitchen to collect food for delivery.

    They ordered their meals and drinks, this time with Asher going lighter on the volume, in total silence, neither of them seeming able to look at the other. Lila looked around the caf¨¦, taking stock of the interior. Colourful paintings depicting nature scenes were hung tastefully on the walls within the caf¨¦, tying in with the fake vines wrapped around the exposed black ceiling frames. There was a board for Polaroid photos along the back, which seemed to have photos of guests who had birthdays at the caf¨¦.

    Several tables to Lila¡¯s right, she noticed the Uni student again, sitting with his laptop open. Now that she was a bit closer and facing him, she could see that he had a light beard on his face and thin, round glasses. He was still dressed rather casually, sporting the same hoodie as yesterday, and similarly seemed quite absorbed in his work.

    ¡°He seems like a regular,¡± Lila muttered to Asher, lowering her eyes to the table.

    ¡°P-Probably,¡± Asher said hesitantly. Lila wanted to ask why Asher hadn¡¯t denied that they were a couple, but, considering she hadn¡¯t either, decided to let it go. They sat in more silence, however, Lila tried to keep her ears receptive to the conversations around her. Most of the patrons were talking about work or their kids, but every so often Lila got a glimpse of a conversation regarding a new starter at the caf¨¦.

    ¡°¡­ see her? She¡¯s fast¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ name?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ Leigh?¡±

    ¡°Lena, dummy¡­ don¡¯t you check¡­ work chat?¡±

    Lila sat up straighter, listening even more intently. Was that the name Marlene was going by here? And that mention of a work chat¡­ perhaps that meant that Marlene did indeed have socials under the name ¡®Lena Mathieson¡¯. Lila looked down at the table, straining to hear what else the two staff members were saying.

    ¡°Sad¡­ won¡¯t get to meet her¡­¡±

    ¡°Yeah, weekday mornings only¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ long has she¡­ here?¡±

    ¡°Dunno¡­¡±

    A third staff member walked out of the kitchen, carrying a tray of food. She was stopped by the other two briefly, who asked how long ¡®Lena¡¯ had been working for.

    ¡°Three months, I think,¡± the waitress said, before moving on to some tables in the back. The two remaining staff members looked at each other for a moment before speaking again.

    ¡°That long?¡±

    ¡°¡­ after Christmas¡­¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡±

    The barista behind the coffee machine flashed a grin at his colleagues, suddenly joining the conversation.

    ¡°Saw her¡­ other day¡­ hot.¡±

    ¡°No chance¡­¡±

    ¡°Imma try¡­¡±

    ¡°Your funeral.¡±

    The three staff members burst into laughter before quickly returning to their normal duties.

    ¡°Did you hear that?¡± Lila asked, nudging Asher.

    ¡°Huh?¡± he asked, looking at her blankly.

    ¡°Never mind¡­¡± Lila sighed. Their waitress appeared next to Asher, holding a tray of drinks.

    ¡°Lovely selection, you guys,¡± she said in a bubbly voice. ¡°This smoothie is my favourite.¡±

    She slid the smoothie over to Lila and gently placed Asher¡¯s cappuccino before him.

    ¡°Enjoy,¡± she grinned, going back to the kitchen.

    They continued to sit in prolonged silence, with Asher seemingly glued to his phone. Eventually, more snippets of conversation from the staff made their way to Lila as she sipped her smoothie.

    ¡°¡­ so cute¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ couple?¡±

    ¡°Totes! Just look¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ look like babies¡­¡±

    ¡°I know¡­ makes it cuter¡­¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ¡°Young love!¡±

    Lila looked up at the staff members who were speaking, and they hurriedly turned away from each other and promptly walked in opposite directions. Lila¡¯s face began to heat up and she looked back down at the table. Were they talking about her and Asher?

    ¡°Sorry I didn¡¯t say anything before, Asher,¡± Lila said quietly after a few more moments of silence, swirling her straw in her drink.

    ¡°About what?¡± he asked, still not looking up at Lila.

    ¡°I mean, like, denying that we¡¯re on a date and stuff¡­ I think the staff have the wrong idea.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes fluttered to hers for a moment, before staring back down at his phone. ¡°That was my mistake to make, not yours. After all, I¡¯m the one in the relationship. You don¡¯t need to explain yourself.¡±

    He still seemed moody, so Lila didn¡¯t try to coax him into any kind of conversation. Their food arrived shortly after, and the waitress gave Lila a wink before leaving. They ate without speaking, with Lila not hearing anything of interest anymore. Eventually, they finished their food and pushed their plates together.

    ¡°Shall we go?¡± Lila asked, getting ready to stand up. Lila caught the Uni student¡¯s eyes flickering towards her as she said this, but he quickly looked away again.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°Seemed kinda fruitless today.¡±

    ¡°Dunno about that,¡± Lila said as they made their way to the exit. ¡°I think there was a bit of fruit.¡±

    Out in the open, Lila relayed what she had heard about ¡®Lena¡¯ to Asher, who nodded thoughtfully once she finished.

    ¡°She did seem a bit more tired than usual a few months ago, but I thought that was just due to the stress of Mum and all that. But since she seemed to get over it pretty quick, I didn¡¯t ask about it,¡± he said slowly, a hand on his chin.

    Lila again felt the strange sensation of someone following them, but still couldn¡¯t see anyone of note. Perhaps there were more neighbours of Asher¡¯s who were coincidentally walking this way.

    She didn¡¯t ask Asher about it since he seemed deep in thought all the way up to his house. Besides, she¡¯d just make herself look silly again if they were just neighbours. It was probably nothing.

    Once inside, Lila found her pair of slippers waiting for her in the hallway again. She¡¯d almost forgotten that today was Gabriel¡¯s day off.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner. Hello, Lila,¡± Marlene greeted them from behind the kitchen counter once they shuffled towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Morning, Marlene,¡± Asher said in a monotonous voice.

    ¡°Did you two enjoy your breakfast?¡± Marlene asked pleasantly, looking between the both of them.

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila said with a nod. ¡°The place we went to has great smoothies.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a nice place,¡± Marlene smiled tightly. It did not reach her eyes.

    ¡°A-Anyway, what time did you say you were leaving?¡± Asher asked, glancing at Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ll probably leave around 1pm,¡± Lila replied, checking her phone¡¯s clock. ¡°I¡¯ve got a couple of things I want to plan for semi. Plus, school starts in two days and I am so not ready to go back. Need some time to prepare.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll probably do the same when you go, to be honest.¡±

    Lila texted Clare, asking if she could come at around 1. Clare reacted to Lila¡¯s message with a ¡®thumbs up¡¯, so Lila confirmed this with Asher and Marlene. Marlene smiled again, this time with more warmth.

    ¡°See you when you come back down,¡± Marlene said curtly, turning around and heading into the butler¡¯s pantry.

    Lila and Asher traipsed upstairs. As Lila sat down on the couch, Asher retrieved her book and returned it to Lila.

    ¡°Hey, when we have English next, could you maybe let me borrow the second one?¡± he asked, somewhat bashfully.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila said, perking up as she put it in her bag. ¡°Though, no all-nighters, alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Asher said with an easy grin. Lila playfully rolled her eyes and Asher set up Mario Kart for them. They played a few rounds until the sound of Clare¡¯s horn called Lila downstairs.

    ¡°For the record, I won,¡± Lila said, sticking her tongue out at Asher.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± he said, waving a hand. ¡°And you¡¯ll never let me live it down, either.¡±

    Lila grinned at Asher before sobering up quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting hockey again, the day after semi,¡± she said. ¡°So, I don¡¯t know when we¡¯d be able to meet up again about this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m starting soccer again the day after semi, too,¡± he replied with a heavy sigh. ¡°We did get some info, so I think we can sit on it for now. I want to think a little bit more about what it all means.¡±

    Lila slowly stood up, stretching before saying, ¡°Okay. That makes sense to me. I think we¡¯ve got English on Monday morning,¡± she added, stifling a yawn.

    ¡°Sounds right to me,¡± Asher replied, walking to the door to the landing and opening it for Lila. They descended down the stairs, encountering Marlene who was about to enter the library, equipped with a vacuum. She dusted her hands and walked over to Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Leaving so soon, Lila?¡± she asked. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Unfortunately so,¡± Lila said.

    ¡°Will you be returning anytime soon?¡± Marlene asked, looking sharply at Asher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t know,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°We might take up your suggestion about ANZAC Day, at least.¡±

    ¡°I should think so,¡± Marlene said with a warm smile. ¡°I still think that it would be a delightful use of a public holiday that falls on a Tuesday.¡±

    Lila and Asher exchanged a look before Lila tentatively said goodbye to Marlene. Marlene returned the gesture and continued on her way to the library, vacuum in tow.

    Asher inputted the security code to the alarm system and opened the door for Lila, a distant look on his face.

    ¡°See you on Monday,¡± Lila said softly, hesitating to put her shoes on. He nodded solemnly, but eventually managed a small smile.

    ¡°I better see you on Monday,¡± he said. ¡°I need that second book.¡±

    <hr>

    Lila spent the rest of the weekend ensuring that her outfit for semi was ready and preparing to return to school. She packed her school bag on Sunday night after refamiliarizing herself with her timetable. She did, indeed, have English tomorrow morning. Lila carefully packed her copy of Romeo and Juliet alongside the second book for Asher in her school bag, before a knock sounded at her door.

    ¡°Lila?¡± It was Clare¡¯s voice.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila called, glancing behind her left shoulder. Clare gently opened Lila¡¯s door and slid into the room.

    ¡°I was just checking on you,¡± Clare said quietly.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila replied with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯m all good.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Clare said doubtfully, crossing her arms. ¡°I know that you probably don¡¯t care about my opinion on the topic, but don¡¯t you think seeing Asher, like, six times over the holidays was a bit excessive?¡±

    Lila turned her body towards Clare, her eyes narrowed in confusion.

    ¡°Where¡¯s this coming from?¡± Lila asked, folding her own arms across her chest.

    ¡°I¡¯m just saying that Asher has a girlfriend, and you¡¯re just torturing yourself by seeing him so often. Especially at his house. I¡¯m worried about you, you know.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be worried,¡± Lila said with an incredulous laugh. ¡°I¡¯m not just hanging out with him for fun.¡±

    Clare raised an eyebrow. ¡°So he¡¯s making you hang out with him? And here I thought my opinion of him couldn¡¯t get any lower.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not making me do anything,¡± Lila said with a frustrated sigh. ¡°I¡¯m just helping him with some stuff.¡±

    ¡°I found this in Daniel¡¯s room,¡± Clare said in a half-whisper, pulling out a stack of photos from her cross-body bag. ¡°Lila, you don¡¯t need to hide stuff from me.¡±

    A surge of anger filled Lila as she looked at the photos that had caused her so much grief only a few weeks ago. Lila thought she¡¯d gotten them all from Daniel¡­

    ¡°Is Asher making you do stuff with him because of this?¡± Clare asked, her voice growing more forceful with each word. ¡°When I dropped you off at Asher¡¯s the other day, I realised it was taken outside his place. Is he blackmailing you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said stiffly. ¡°Did you talk to Daniel about it?¡±

    ¡°No. I don¡¯t think he knows I took these.¡±

    Lila sat down on her bed, fuming.

    ¡°Tell me what happened with these,¡± Clare pleaded. ¡°I need to know.¡±

    ¡°¡­ some girl had a crush on Asher and spread this photo around school,¡± Lila said forcefully. She recounted some of the events of the past couple of months, including discovering that Piper was stalking Asher without his notice. She finished her explanation by saying, ¡°I was getting calls and messages from dumb guys ¡®cause of it all. But I dealt with it. She¡¯s been suspended.¡±

    Clare took a deep breath and put the photos back into her bag. She held her face in her hands for a few moments, clearly struggling to put her feelings into words. Finally, she looked up at Lila, her eyes flashing with anger.

    ¡°Obviously, while I care about how the rumours were impacting you, I¡¯m more interested in the fact that you¡¯re bending over backwards for this guy who doesn¡¯t seem to care about the damage he¡¯s doing to you. Lila, that¡¯s so messed up. He¡¯s clearly using you for whatever he needs help with. If he was a decent guy, he¡¯d leave you alone after all this.¡±

    Lila stood up again, anger ripping through her chest. Recounting the hell that they¡¯d been dragged through over the last term had only served to make Lila relive the emotions she had felt. What did Clare know? She had no idea of the agony Lila and Asher had shared. Clare had no idea that Asher had spent a lot of time pushing her away from helping him. But if she was just going to have a go at Asher, without a critical thought in her head, Lila wasn¡¯t about to participate anymore.

    ¡°Get out,¡± she spat, throwing her hand towards the door. Clare stepped back in surprise.

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not having this conversation with you,¡± Lila hissed. ¡°He does care and he is a decent guy. Get out of my room and out of my business.¡±

    Clare left without another word. Lila instantly regretted tossing Clare out, but was still too angry to call her back or apologise. She¡¯d get to it another day, once she cooled down. She knew Clare meant well, but this was also exactly why she never wanted to tell Clare about it all. She was far too meddlesome and nosy, with a talent for making Lila feel worse about herself with things like this. It wouldn¡¯t be long until Clare ran to their parents, to tell them some conspiracy about how Asher was treating Lila. She might even show them the photos...

    Lila closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. She couldn¡¯t dwell on all that. It was all in the past now. A new term was on the horizon, likely with its own secrets and discoveries to unravel...

 Chapter Thirty-Five

    Chapter Thirty-Five

    Lila could tell that no one was excited about returning to school on Monday morning. Her Design class, which was normally very quiet, was filled with grumbling students, complaining that the holidays were far too short. Lila was inclined to agree with them but tried to focus on her own work. There was no point arguing about it, after all.

    After Design was over, Lila dragged herself to English. At least Asher would be there, though now that she was almost outside the Language Block, she wasn¡¯t too sure whether they¡¯d be sitting together this term. It had been convenient to last term, given they were paired for the same project, but now¡­ would he even want to sit near her? She hadn¡¯t yet seen Piper around campus, though her suspension would have been lifted by now. Would they be risking a resurgence of the rumours if they sat next to each other?

    As Lila approached her English classroom, she could see Asher pacing in the distance outside. Had class not been let in yet?

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila said tentatively once she was within a reasonable distance of him. It seemed he was alone out here.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher replied, spinning around and ceasing his pacing. He seemed tired already.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you pacing like this?¡± Lila asked, digging around her bookbag for the book she¡¯d promised him.

    ¡°I can¡¯t stand still,¡± he confessed as he watched Lila struggle to find the book. ¡°I need to know what happens next. Plus, I¡¯m excited for Shakespeare.¡±

    Lila finally got a hold of the book without responding to Asher, and passed it to him. He lifted it into the air triumphantly with a grin.

    ¡°Amazing!¡± he cried. ¡°Now to binge this in one day!¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila warned. ¡°What did I say about all-nighters?¡±

    He pouted as he slipped the book into his own bookbag. Lila smiled at him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get seated, yeah?¡± Asher suggested, opening the classroom door and allowing Lila to pass through.

    It seemed that they were the last to arrive. Their seats from last term were conveniently free, but there was space in a few other pockets of desks. Lila glanced at Asher uncertainly. He strode to the seat he¡¯d sat in last term without a word. Lila pursed her lips before she followed Asher and settled into the seat next to him.

    Ms Shard briefly looked up from her laptop, though she didn¡¯t say anything for a couple moments. She opened a PowerPoint presentation, which looked like it was only to serve as a backdrop for their reading of Romeo and Juliet today.

    ¡°Alright, class, I think that¡¯s everyone,¡± Ms Shard said, straightening up and surveying the room. She picked up her copy of Romeo and Juliet that was beside her laptop.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have a go at reading this out loud,¡± Ms Shard explained, holding her book in the air so everyone could see what she was referring to. ¡°Every other lesson, we¡¯ll analyse what we¡¯ve read in the previous lesson. We¡¯ll try and go slow, as it can be difficult to understand, alright?¡±

    No one said anything in response and Ms Shard sighed, opening her copy of Romeo and Juliet.

    ¡°I¡¯ll start off then you can go, Liam,¡± she said, adjusting her glasses.

    ¡°Why me?¡± Liam whined, fussing with his school bag.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re having too much fun,¡± Ms Shard said loftily. She began to go through the prologue, Asher seemingly engrossed. Eventually, Asher was called to read some parts of Act 1, Scene 1, which he did with relish and without stumbling over any words. Lila admired Asher¡¯s reading, well aware that she would butcher every second word. Knowing that Asher was a Shakespeare fanatic who had read some plays beforehand did comfort Lila, though ¨C he was basically an expert, so his fluency with reading it out was to be expected and certainly wouldn¡¯t be the norm.

    ¡°Impressive,¡± Ms Shard said with a smile once Asher had finished. She requested that Lila read out further. As predicted, she struggled to get through it, though Asher¡¯s encouraging smiles and nods helped steel her nerves somewhat.

    Finally, English was over. They had only managed to read through Scene 1. Nevertheless, Ms Shard seemed satisfied with their progress. Asher and Lila walked towards the locker room, with Asher excitedly delving into the intricacies of the prologue and Scene 1. Though it may have been boring to some, Asher¡¯s passion stoked Lila¡¯s interest. They parted at the entrance of the locker room, Lila smiling to herself on her way to her locker.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you in a good mood?¡± yawned Elise, having already secured her morning tea.

    ¡°Nothing important,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. She pulled out her own morning tea and put her bookbag away as Grace approached them.

    ¡°Hey, guys,¡± she said. ¡°Anything exciting happen yet?¡±

    ¡°Nup,¡± replied Elise, popping the ¡®p¡¯. ¡°Though Lila seems to be the only student in this whole school who¡¯s in a good mood for nothing important, apparently.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes, locking her locker shut. Once Grace got herself situated, the trio wandered about the school, catching up on what they had done during their holidays when they were apart. Lila mentioned nothing at all regarding her visits to Asher. She didn¡¯t want a repeat of Clare¡¯s confrontation. Although¡­ perhaps she could ask for advice¡­

    ¡°Clare and I got in a bit of a fight yesterday, actually,¡± Lila said once the conversation had lulled into an easy silence. Grace gasped.

    ¡°About what?¡± Elise asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You guys are usually on the same side.¡±

    ¡°It was about Asher,¡± Lila sighed. Grace and Elise exchanged a meaningful look, but didn¡¯t interrupt Lila. ¡°I just wanted to know what you guys think I should do to make it up to her,¡± Lila added.

    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t need to talk about what happened with your fight?¡± Grace asked with another look directed at Elise.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°I just feel bad about throwing her out of my room yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Grace replied, placing a finger on her chin. ¡°Perhaps you could get her some chocolates?¡±

    ¡°Or just apologise properly,¡± Elise said, shrugging. ¡°Explaining yourself could be good, too, as long as it doesn¡¯t sound like an excuse.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can figure out.¡±

    Soon, they were joined on their morning tea route by Cecelia. She looked to be in high spirits this morning as she bit into a banana.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Cecelia asked everyone.

    ¡°Not much,¡± Lila breezily responded. ¡°Yourself?¡±

    ¡°Not much either, I suppose,¡± Cecelia shrugged. ¡°Now that semi is on Friday, though, it''s starting to feel real.¡±

    The girls started to discuss their intended hair and makeup styles for semi. They had originally toyed with the idea of getting their hair and makeup professionally done, however decided against it as it was only semi. Clare had offered to help Lila though, the realisation of which made Lila feel guilty all over again.

    The rest of the day passed with teachers desperately trying to regain the focus of the Grade 11s. It was a losing battle, with conversations almost always devolving into semi on Friday. Lila left school that day not feeling much more learned, and didn¡¯t have any real hope that this would change tomorrow.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Lila saw Clare¡¯s car outside the house as she walked up the driveway. She knew she had to say something to Clare, but at the same time would prefer disappearing instead. Taking a deep breath, she turned the handle.

    Clare was in the kitchen, washing a cup, when Lila walked in. Clare glanced back at Lila, but her eyes drifted back to the cup.

    ¡°Clare, can I talk to you?¡± Lila asked tentatively. Clare rinsed the cup, placed it onto the drying rack, and dried her hands.

    ¡°What about?¡± Clare asked, turning to face Lila, her tone noticeably frosty.

    ¡°I¡­ just wanted to say sorry. About yelling at you yesterday,¡± Lila said quietly, her eyes darting to Clare¡¯s face. Clare pursed her lips for a moment, but she stepped forward and pulled Lila into a hug.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she said softly into Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I pushed you too far.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not okay,¡± Lila said, pulling away slightly. ¡°You were only worried about me.¡±

    ¡°While that¡¯s true, I went in there with too many assumptions,¡± Clare replied seriously. ¡°You can talk to me about it when you¡¯re ready, Lila. But please do tell me about it, I don¡¯t want you bottling it up inside.¡±

    Lila stepped away from Clare, nodding. Her lips trembled slightly, but she held it together. Clare clearly noticed but didn¡¯t mention it.

    ¡°In other news, have you decided how you want your hair to be for semi?¡± Clare asked, quickly changing the topic. Relieved that they were no longer talking about yesterday, Lila described what she was thinking, and Clare suggested alternatives or accessories that could work well. They eventually moved on to other topics, Lila feeling far more light-hearted than she did when she entered the house. Though it was an easier resolution than she had expected, she figured that Clare had likely been mulling about it all day as well. They really were sisters.

    <hr>

    The next morning, Lila had English and Study with Asher before morning tea. Despite the excitement of semi on Friday emanating from the students in the classroom, Ms Shard managed to wrangle some work out of them. As promised, they analysed what they had read yesterday in great detail. Asher¡¯s own interpretations that he divulged quietly to Lila helped to enrich her understanding, and she wasn¡¯t sure how she would have survived if she wasn¡¯t sitting next to him.

    Once they moved on to Study, however, Asher¡¯s serious and intellectual side fell away, his footsteps bouncy.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯m only telling you this because I¡¯m gonna sit next to you again, but don¡¯t you dare disrupt me, alright?¡± he said, his eyes twinkling with elation as they entered the library. He pulled out the book Lila had given him yesterday and fanned the pages dramatically. ¡°I have a very serious mission today.¡±

    Lila laughed and they seated themselves in their usual booth once they signed in. Asher quickly fell silent as he began reading the book. It seemed that he was a quarter of the way through already and Lila left him to it. She opened her school laptop and began watching a YouTube video for a few moments. After those moments passed, she could no longer ignore the unnerving feeling of someone watching her.

    She looked up and her eyes met Piper¡¯s. Piper was sitting in her usual spot near Ayla and seemed very subdued despite Ayla¡¯s overt attempts at making conversation with her. Lila¡¯s palms grew sweaty, and her chest felt achy, probably owing to how violently her heart was beating. Piper swiftly started packing away her things.

    ¡°Asher, don¡¯t look now, but Piper¡¯s here,¡± Lila murmured, looking back down at her laptop.

    ¡°Mmm?¡± Asher looked up at Lila and placed his bookmark in the book, setting it aside.

    ¡°Yeah, I know,¡± he said, leaning back. It was only because Lila had seen him in this state before that she could recognise that anger was starting to brew within him. ¡°She was in Chem yesterday. I almost threw up.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s unexpectedly candid of you,¡± Lila said, looking up at him. He was grinding his teeth but seemed to relax his jaw slightly when their eyes met.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re about to throw up,¡± he said, his tone coloured by a bite of playfulness amongst suppressed rage.

    ¡°Probably accurate,¡± Lila sighed, looking back at her laptop. ¡°I can tell by your reaction that you¡¯re not happy about her return to school.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. But¡­¡± Asher exhaled deeply, looking up at the ceiling. ¡°As long as she stays the fuck away from us, I can learn to live with it.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, that¡¯s really impressive,¡± Lila whispered. Asher picked up the book again and began reading, though he gripped the edges of the book tightly as he did so.

    Bio was Lila¡¯s last class of the day, and she was bracing herself for Cecelia and Lucas¡¯ new ¡®norm¡¯, given what Lila had learned over the holidays. They were already seated by the time Lila had made her way from Modern History, but they weren¡¯t talking. Mr Johnson appeared to have already given up on any kind of formal instruction as he handed out worksheets half-heartedly.

    Everyone seemed to be talking about semi, which Lila could see was wearing down on Cecelia as time passed. Lucas still looked none the wiser as to the reasons for Cecelia¡¯s silence, but he appeared to be accepting it easier this term than he had at the end of last term. Cecelia and Lucas seemed to go so well together with their easy banter and casual jokes, but now that it had come to this, Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether they¡¯d ever get back to how they had been.

    <hr>

    The rest of the week passed by in a blur as Lila¡¯s anticipation for semi grew, though a few things of note had happened.

    Asher had returned Lila¡¯s book, so she supplied him with the last in the trilogy on Wednesday afternoon during their Study class. Neither Piper nor Ayla were sitting in their usual spot during that Study session, which relieved Lila greatly.

    On Thursday, Ms Wright had cornered Lila during PE after one last practice session for semi. Ms Wright sternly confirmed that Lila had to attend hockey practice at 7.30am on Saturday, no matter how tired she felt after semi, to which Lila begrudgingly agreed. During lunch that day, just as Cecelia had been doing for the rest of the week, Cecelia had joined Lila, Grace, and Elise on their usual grass patch for lunch. They were discussing the merits of hate-watching Netflix shows that flopped when Lucas approached.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, looking down at Elise. Elise quickly glanced at Cecelia, who was stabbing her pasta particularly viciously.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Elise responded with a sigh. ¡°Do we have to talk now?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll only take a minute,¡± Lucas said hurriedly, his eyes flickering to Cecelia, who was clearly ignoring his presence.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Elise replied dubiously, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve given me my tie yet,¡± he said, suddenly very fidgety.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Elise uttered, smacking a hand to her forehead. ¡°I keep forgetting to bring it, I¡¯m so sorry. I¡¯ll bring it tomorrow so you can take it home and put it on.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied awkwardly. He didn¡¯t seem to want to leave.

    ¡°Did you need something else?¡± Elise asked. He looked back at her, his eyes flickering to Cecelia for a second, before shaking his head.

    ¡°Nah. See you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Girl, he totally wants to talk to you,¡± Lila said, nudging Cecelia after Lucas wandered away. Cecelia glanced at Elise and sighed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to hear what he has to say,¡± she said with a shrug. ¡°He¡¯s made his choice.¡±

    Elise and Grace gave each other a meaningful look before Elise stood up, dusting herself off.

    ¡°I have to go to sickbay,¡± she announced, scrunching the plastic wrap that once held her sandwich.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with her,¡± Grace said swiftly, also standing up.

    ¡°We can all go,¡± Cecelia suggested, about to stand, but Grace shook her head.

    ¡°Nah, the nurse gets mad if we crowd around sickbay,¡± she said, smiling at Cecelia. ¡°Stay, enjoy your lunch.¡±

    Elise clutched her stomach and began groaning in pain, though Lila knew that she was just putting it on. Clearly, they were trying to give Cecelia and Lila space to talk. Elise and Grace began to walk in the direction of sickbay, with Grace rubbing Elise¡¯s back, evidently playing into the act. Cecelia looked solemnly down at her now mutilated pasta.

    ¡°Cecelia, I think you should talk to Lucas,¡± Lila said quietly, biting into her banana and swallowing.

    ¡°And say what?¡± Cecelia replied moodily. ¡°That I¡¯m upset that he didn¡¯t ask me to semi? That sounds stupid.¡±

    ¡°Sometimes vulnerability is good,¡± Lila said, thinking back to Asher¡¯s explanation of why he couldn¡¯t be vulnerable with Holly.

    ¡°But it¡¯s terrifying,¡± Cecelia said, snapping the lid of her barely-eaten pasta closed.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I¡¯m struggling with it myself, too.¡±

    A glimmer of excitement passed through Cecelia¡¯s eyes. It wasn¡¯t as vibrant as it had been in the past when Cecelia was intrigued by what Lila had said. Despite this, it comforted Lila somewhat that she could still pique Cecelia¡¯s interest.

    ¡°What are you struggling with?¡± Cecelia whispered.

    ¡°Everyone around me is telling me to stay away from¡­ someone. ¡®Cause I¡¯ll just end up hurting myself. He¡¯s in a relationship-¡±

    ¡°Lila, is it Asher?¡± Cecelia questioned, a small smirk creeping on her face. Lila immediately flushed.

    ¡°N-No,¡± she said, looking down at the grass they were sitting on.

    ¡°Sure, Jan,¡± Cecelia laughed. It was the first genuine laugh Lila had heard in a while from her.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Lila cleared her throat before continuing. ¡°I was about to say that I¡¯ve been struggling with figuring out what I want. He¡¯s a great friend, and his girlfriend is really good to him. They¡¯re actually couple goals. But every time I think about them together, I get this weird pain in my chest and I struggle to breathe. And it¡¯s not his fault, but I¡¯ve been thinking more and more that I need to get it off my chest and at least say something. I don¡¯t know what, but something. Otherwise I might just explode. I¡­ don¡¯t think it¡¯s a crush, but there¡¯s something there and it¡¯s pissing me off every time I catch myself feeling a certain way.¡±

    Cecelia¡¯s grin faded and her eyes looked downcast. ¡°That¡­ sounds familiar,¡± she finally admitted, still averting her gaze from Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also been thinking that it¡¯s time for me to just quietly let go and not address it at all,¡± Lila added, leaning back on her elbows. ¡°If I let go, it¡¯ll be easier for me to still be friends. And I think I could even be friends with his girlfriend. But it¡¯s so much easier said than done. I¡¯ve already given up on the idea of staying away from him, ¡®cause something always brings me back, one after the other. So I¡¯m just trying to sort out how to feel content with how things are now. But, with your situation, I think you should think about talking to Lucas about it.¡±

    Cecelia nodded, her eyes shining with tears. ¡°It¡¯s nice to know that you¡¯re going through something similar. I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯ll ever address it, with how I¡¯m feeling now, though,¡± Cecelia said in a low, quivering voice. Lila gave Cecelia a small smile.

    ¡°We¡¯ll survive,¡± Lila said confidently. ¡°This will all pass, one day. And then we¡¯ll look back and think about how silly it all was.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully,¡± Cecelia replied despondently. ¡°Though, right now, all I feel is pain.¡±

    ¡°Come on,¡± Lila said, standing up. She gave Cecelia a hand in standing up as well. ¡°Let¡¯s have a good time at semi tomorrow. Forget about everything that¡¯s going on and just live in the moment, y¡¯know?¡±

    Cecelia gave Lila a watery grin. ¡°Sounds good.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Six

    Chapter Thirty-Six

    Lila¡¯s Design teacher, Mr Dillon, took pity on her class five minutes before class was due to end on Friday afternoon.

    ¡°Thanks, sir!¡± Lila¡¯s classmates chorused in unison as they jostled each other out the door, rushing towards the locker room. The energy within the locker room was reaching a fever pitch, with nervous laughter ringing in every corner. Lila made sure to take everything she needed for the weekend before sprinting to the carpark. Clare had agreed to pick Lila up after school to make sure they had enough time to do Lila¡¯s hair and makeup but had warned Lila that she couldn¡¯t be late. Lila frantically looked around the waiting bay to see if Clare had arrived yet, her stomach tightening with each passing second.

    A few moments later, Clare¡¯s car zoomed around the corner, blasting an EDM song as she went. Relief swept over Lila as she threw her school bag in the back of Clare¡¯s car and dived into the front seat.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Clare cackled, driving away almost as quickly as she had arrived.

    Lila thought that Clare had broken at least three driving laws getting back home, but her excitement overtook her concern as she jumped out and took the stairs two at a time.

    ¡°Hi Lila,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum called up the stairs after her. ¡°I¡¯ve pressed your dress! It¡¯s on the bed.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mum!¡± Lila replied, opening her door forcefully. She quickly assembled her things and jumped into the shower. Upon getting out, Clare dragged Lila to Clare¡¯s room and threw her some clean pyjamas.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I get changed in the dress first?¡± Lila asked, obediently pulling on the pyjamas whilst Clare fussed about at her vanity.

    ¡°And get makeup all over it? Are you insane?¡± Clare snorted, pulling out her vanity chair and gesturing for Lila to sit facing away from the mirror. Clare played the current Spotify Pop Hits playlist on her speaker and set to work beautifying Lila.

    After an hour, Clare told Lila to look in the mirror.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila said upon looking at her reflection. She looked rather sculpted with the right amount of sparkle and glitter adorning her eyes and cheeks. Lila felt she also looked older than 16 and said as much to Clare.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not going to make you look two,¡± she said with a grin. ¡°But, if you don¡¯t like it, I can tone it down. Let me pop your falsies on first, though.¡±

    The false eyelashes pulled together Lila¡¯s whole look, and she felt giddy looking at herself in the mirror. Lila didn¡¯t normally wear much makeup, but she could tell that her sister had put a lot of effort into making Lila look glam enough for semi, but not overpoweringly so.

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotten really good at makeup,¡± Lila said, sitting up straight as Clare grabbed a hairdryer.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°I¡¯ve been getting a lot of practice in.¡±

    ¡°When you go out?¡± Lila asked, looking up at Clare¡¯s reflection. Clare turned the hairdryer on, drowning out any hope of more conversation. Lila¡¯s hair took about 45 minutes to style, given she wanted curls in a half-up style, but once she was done inhaling way too much hairspray, Clare helped Lila up.

    ¡°Time to put your dress on,¡± Clare squealed. They hurried into Lila¡¯s room, unable to contain their excited giggles, which summoned an irate Daniel.

    ¡°WILL YOU-¡± he yelled as he opened his bedroom door, cutting himself off when he saw Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°W-Whoa,¡± he said, still holding his door open. ¡°That¡¯s today. Right. Sorry. Carry on.¡±

    He slammed his door shut. Lila and Clare exchanged a look before bursting into laughter, tumbling into Lila¡¯s room. Clare carefully helped Lila into her vibrant red dress for semi and clasped Lila¡¯s simple but elegant necklace around her neck. Lila put her earrings in and slipped into her heels, turning to Clare once the full look was complete.

    ¡°You look amazing,¡± Clare squealed again, her hands covering her mouth. ¡°Do a spin.¡±

    Lila complied, unable to hide her smile.

    ¡°We need pictures, oh my God, I need my phone. I¡¯ll meet you downstairs,¡± Clare said, patting her body to find no phone available. She dashed out of Lila¡¯s room. Lila clipped a sparkling bracelet around her left wrist and grabbed her silver clutch handbag. She popped her lipstick and phone in her clutch before she began making her way downstairs.

    Lila¡¯s Mum gasped when Lila came down the stairs, tears sparkling in her eyes.

    ¡°Oh, my daughter is growing up!¡± she said softly, grabbing Lila¡¯s hand and gently leading her outside. ¡°Napaka ganda mo.¡±

    Lila knew enough Tagalog to know her Mum was calling her beautiful, and she nuzzled her Mum¡¯s cheek. ¡°Thanks Mum,¡± she beamed.

    Stepping outside, she saw Daniel, Clare and her Dad standing in the afternoon sun. Clare gestured for Lila and her Mum to stand in a particular spot with good lighting, and took a few photos. The family spent about half an hour taking photos, with Lila feeling more bashful with each one. They took one last good group photo before Clare¡¯s alarm on her phone rang.

    ¡°That¡¯s us, guys,¡± Clare said, nodding to their parents. ¡°Have to go.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum and Dad pulled her into a hug and wished her a fun night. Clare and Lila took off, blasting more music. They arrived back at the school without any traffic violations, and Clare took one last selfie in the car with Lila before releasing her for the night.

    ¡°10pm, yeah?¡± she called out as Lila was about to close the door.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Are you picking me up?¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°Nah, but Mum will. I¡¯ll just remind her of the time when I get home. We can talk about it all tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°I have hockey in the morning, but we can after I get home,¡± Lila smiled, somewhat disappointed that Clare wouldn¡¯t be the one to pick her up after. Clare waved and Lila shut the door.

    Taking a deep breath, Lila started to make her way to the gymnasium. She could see many of her cohort walking across the lawns, all dressed in wonderful, colourful dresses and immaculate suits. Lila could see that many were coupled up, walking towards the gymnasium with linked arms, but there were a good number of people without partners, too. She searched for Grace, Elise or Cecelia, but couldn¡¯t see them among the crowd standing at the doors to the gymnasium.

    A few people waved to Lila as she passed, with others complimenting her. She returned each wave and compliment with her own, but they eventually stopped the longer she waited outside. Now that she was standing here alone, she suddenly felt anxious. She¡¯d all but forgotten that she didn¡¯t have a partner, and although she knew others were in the same boat, she was starting to feel left out.

    ¡°Lila,¡± a feminine voice to her left called. She turned and saw it was Cecelia. She was in the silver-grey dress that Lila and her friends helped pick out, with silver metallic flowers clipped into her hair, which was loosely braided.

    ¡°You look stunning,¡± Lila smiled, giving Cecelia a hug. Cecelia returned the compliment, beaming, and looped her arm in Lila¡¯s. It wasn¡¯t long before Grace and Isaac found them in the crowd. Grace had settled on a knee-length satin emerald dress with extravagant beading along the bodice that gave a nice twinkling effect in the waning sunset. Isaac was dressed in a light grey suit, crisp white undershirt and tie that matched Grace¡¯s dress, with brown shoes and belt. He was clean-shaven and had clearly taken great lengths to get his hair styled just right.

    ¡°You guys look so good!¡± Lila grinned, pulling Grace into a hug.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look too bad yourself,¡± Isaac smirked as Lila gave him a hug as well. ¡°Asher will go insane,¡± he whispered in Lila¡¯s ear before letting go.

    ¡°W-What?¡± Lila stammered. Isaac winked at her, before excusing himself to meet his soccer teammates, who were being rowdy in the back left corner. Lila was glad for the amount of makeup she had on, though, with the heat radiating from her cheeks, she thought it might slip off.

    No sooner had Isaac left than Elise and Lucas arrived. Elise was wearing the body-hugging purple dress she had shown Lila, with sparkling silver jewellery, and Lucas was wearing a charcoal suit, his undershirt tinged with purple, and a tie matching Elise¡¯s dress.

    ¡°Dang, Elise,¡± Lila said, hugging Elise. ¡°You¡¯re gorgeous!¡±

    Elise laughed, returning the compliment with a squeeze. When they separated, Lila saw Lucas staring at Cecelia, who was pointedly looking away from him, craning her neck to see over the crowd.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to tell you,¡± breathed Elise, biting back a smile. ¡°Managed to corner him on the way here.¡±

    Lila gestured towards Lucas and Elise nodded. ¡°Later, later,¡± she giggled, waving a hand. Grace and Elise also exchanged compliments and a hug, and it wasn¡¯t long until the doors to the gymnasium opened.

    The crowd slowly moved through the doors, and the gymnasium¡¯s decorations of various stars and celestial planets, dark blues and spots of gold and silver glitter slowly revealed themselves. The theme for tonight was ¡®Dance the Night Away¡¯, with a clear emphasis on the night sky. Balloons were scattered across the dance floor, and smoke machines were casting a slight fog across the floor. Several tables were set up with cold finger food and drinks, and two photobooths were standing in opposite corners. There was a DJ located on the stage, playing soft entrance music. Three photographers were already snapping pictures of the students as they entered, and their PC teachers, plus a couple of others, lined the walls, dressed in black.

    Mr Morrison was standing on the stage next to the DJ, smiling in a parental sort of way at all the students. There were only a few places to sit, which they had been warned about, so the students just mingled, forming small standing groups and chatting excitedly with each other. Lila, Grace, Elise, Cecelia and Lucas stood in their own group, with Cecelia looking at the floor rather than anyone else. They engaged in small talk about their chances of succeeding in the dances they¡¯d practiced for this very night, and eventually Isaac returned next to Grace.

    ¡°Lila?¡± a familiar voice called behind her. She turned around and saw that it was Asher. He was dressed in a navy suit, a white undershirt, black shoes and black belt. Hanging from his neck was a deep red tie with satin dark blue flowers. His suit seemed immaculate, with not a wrinkle in sight and all necessary folds exceedingly sharp. His hair somehow looked even better than when he¡¯d styled it for their first breakfast at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, and his eyes were bright and shining. He seemed to be drinking in Lila¡¯s appearance, and she shifted slightly.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said quietly. ¡°You look nice.¡±

    ¡°U-Uh thanks. You look¡­¡± Asher quickly looked away, a hand on his face. ¡°¡­ beautiful,¡± he finished softly.

    Lila could hear Cecelia giggling behind her. Lila resisted the urge to kick her.

    If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°I see you don¡¯t have a date,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°Did you want to join our group?¡±

    Asher nodded wordlessly, and everyone shuffled to make room for him. Lila slotted next to him, clasping her hands in front of her. In this circle that they had formed, Lila was looking directly at Isaac, who gave her a small wave while clearly holding back another smirk.

    Mr Morrison retrieved a microphone and the DJ lowered the volume of the music. Mr Morrison went through the program of the evening, which involved the distribution of hot finger foods in an hour, and the choreographed dances half an hour after that. The choreographed dances were to be done in groups, which had been allocated to them in PE that week. The photobooths and photographers were also free to be used by students. Song requests could be provided to the DJ, however, they had to be appropriate for the College. Most importantly, students still had to behave per the College¡¯s expectations. At around 9.30pm, they would be taking a group photo with the whole cohort, and students could then leave with a sharp finish at 10pm.

    A few students cheered as he handed the microphone back to the DJ and the DJ raised the volume, smoothly adjusting to a dance-centric playlist. The friends began to chat, dance, and laugh amongst themselves, with Lila slowly edging away from Asher. As Lila joined in the festivities with her friends, she noticed that Lucas and Cecelia could hardly keep their eyes off each other, though at differing intervals. In fact, Lucas didn¡¯t seem to be paying any attention to Elise at all, which Elise didn¡¯t seem to mind. Eventually, the group moved to the photobooth, taking group photos in varying combinations. Lila briefly contemplated taking a photo with Asher, but decided against it.

    The food eventually made the rounds, and Isaac dropped some tomato sauce on his shoe, which made everyone laugh. At different times, they added and removed members of their circle as some of the hockey girls and soccer boys came by to discuss the new season commencing tomorrow.

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but sneak glances at Asher throughout the night, though each time she did, she instantly regretted it. Occasionally, she caught Asher looking at her, too. Did she look too weird? Considering how different from usual she looked, even when hanging out with Asher at his place, she probably would stare, too.

    When the time came for the choreographed dances, Lila and her friends discovered they were all in Group A. The group dances came first, with initially Lila standing in front of a classmate who also didn¡¯t have a partner. When she was passed over to Isaac, she could feel him shaking with laughter.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked sharply, looking at his face. He shook his head, laughter overcoming him. He twirled her into Lucas¡¯ waiting arms, and she looked back at Isaac who was now dancing with Cecelia, still bemused.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lucas smiled.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head and resolving to enjoy the group dance.

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that old mate keeps looking at you,¡± he said with a grin, jerking his head towards Asher, who was next to them dancing with Grace.

    ¡°Have you talked to Cecelia?¡± Lila asked sharply. Lucas took in an abrupt breath and stepped on her toes.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said hurriedly. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Probably should,¡± Lila said, raising an eyebrow. Lucas wordlessly twirled her to Asher, who caught her in time to the beat.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Asher said, smiling down at Lila. ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    ¡°Oh, you know,¡± Lila said loftily, ¡°just the dance we¡¯ve been practicing for a whole term.¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see,¡± Asher said, a chuckle escaping his lips. ¡°You seem in high spirits.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been a good night,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°Despite not having a partner?¡± Asher asked. He looked deeply into Lila¡¯s eyes for a few seconds before she cleared her throat and looked away.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. Don¡¯t need one. Nice tie, by the way.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher said, looking down at it. ¡°It just felt right to wear today.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    A flash appeared next to them. A photographer emerged from behind the camera, giving them a thumbs up before roaming around to another section of the dancefloor. Lila was again glad that she was wearing a full face of makeup. A few beats passed before Asher twirled her to the next person, and she looked back at Asher. He was now dancing with Cecelia, but he seemed subdued somehow.

    The night continued on, with the partner dances following immediately after the group dances wrapped up. Lila and Cecelia made their way to one of the drink tables, slightly puffed.

    ¡°Did you think that dance went on far longer than normal?¡± Cecelia asked, a hand on her side.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Lila said, pursing her lips. ¡°No, I think it went as it normally did.¡±

    ¡°Must¡¯ve imagined it, then,¡± Cecelia said, taking a swig of her cup. ¡°It¡¯s hot in here. I¡¯m just gonna step out for some fresh air.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila said, looking back at Elise and Grace. They were dancing close together with Lucas and Isaac, laughing. Lila couldn¡¯t see where Asher had gone. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you.¡±

    They walked through the doors into the cool night air, and they both sighed in relief. They travelled down the steps leading away from the gymnasium and stood on the path, looking around absently. There were a few couples milling about, talking in hushed, tender tones, but they were far enough away that no one was intruding on the other.

    ¡°Much better,¡± Cecelia said, stretching her shoulders and arms. She gave a short laugh and looked up at the starry sky. ¡°I thought about what you said yesterday,¡± she added after a beat passed, a slightly scornful smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯d decided that maybe I should just get over him. But, shit¡¯s cruel, Lila.¡±

    Lila turned her body towards Cecelia as tears tumbled down Cecelia¡¯s face. Lila immediately pulled Cecelia in towards her chest, wiping away her tears as they came. Though Cecelia didn¡¯t give any reasons as to why she thought that, Lila knew exactly what she meant. It was cruel.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said softly, swallowing her own tears that were threatening to fall. Cecelia took a few shuddering breaths before she broke away from Lila, a quivering smile on her lips.

    ¡°S-Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to cry.¡±

    ¡°No, you¡¯re all good,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t going to be you, it might¡¯ve been me.¡±

    Cecelia smiled again, sniffing slightly, and dabbed a finger under her eyelashes.

    ¡°Cee?¡± a small voice from behind Cecelia said. Lila glanced up and saw that it was Lucas, standing a few metres away, seeming incredibly nervous and out of breath. Cecelia immediately stiffened, her eyes looking akin to a deer stuck in the headlights. Lila gripped Cecelia¡¯s hand and nodded.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Cecelia asked, flicking away any remaining tear droplets before turning to Lucas. He shifted uncomfortably before taking a deep breath and walking closer to Cecelia.

    ¡°I¡­ wanted to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°Clearly,¡± Cecelia said, rolling her eyes. Lucas faltered for half a second before pressing on.

    ¡°About why I asked Elise to semi.¡±

    Cecelia went rigid again and she took a robotic step back, closer to Lila. Lila grabbed her hand again and squeezed it reassuringly. Lucas ran his fingers across the side of his head, avoiding where his hair was gelled up. Even from this distance, Lila could tell he was sweating despite the refreshing breeze.

    ¡°I already know why,¡± Cecelia said bluntly. ¡°She¡¯s hot. I get it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Lucas, you don¡¯t need to explain yourself,¡± Cecelia said softly, her shoulders relaxing. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re dating.¡±

    Lucas opened his mouth as if to speak but closed it again. Then, he shook his head and stepped closer to Cecelia.

    ¡°Cee, I do need to explain myself. I don¡¯t wanna lose you.¡±

    Lila was suddenly struck by the uncomfortable feeling of wanting to sink into the floor. Surely, they weren¡¯t going to have this conversation with her here¡­ right?

    But it seemed that Lila had been forgotten as Cecelia sharply inhaled, stepping closer to Lucas.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Cee, I¡­ the reason I didn¡¯t ask you to semi is ¡®cause I was scared. Scared of fucking everything up. That you¡¯d say no. That I¡¯d misread everything. You¡¯re just¡­ too important to me.¡±

    His voice cracked as the last sentence left his lips. Lila couldn¡¯t help but give Lucas major side eye as she started to slowly back away. He didn¡¯t seem to notice as he clenched his fists.

    ¡°Please say something,¡± he pleaded.

    ¡°Lucas, I¡­¡± Cecelia began, but her voice broke. She held her face in her hands.

    ¡°D-Did I read it wrong?¡± Lucas asked, his eyes seeming to glaze over as he bit his lip.

    ¡°Lucas, you big, stupid, dork,¡± Cecelia finally managed to choke out, rubbing her face. He seemed taken aback, his eyes darting between Cecelia and the doorway to the gymnasium. Cecelia threw her head back and gave a laugh that could only be described as cathartic.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be scared,¡± she finally said, looking at Lucas now. ¡°Though I can¡¯t talk. I?I¡¯ve been scared too. And¡­ I¡¯m scared now. B-But¡­ you¡¯re¡­ important to me, too. A-And the thought of you liking someone else¡­ well, it felt like my heart cracked in two. It feels like I haven¡¯t been able to breathe properly since you asked Elise to semi.¡±

    Cecelia began to cry in earnest now, and Lucas immediately stepped forward to grasp her shoulders. Lila took this as her cue to dash away into the gymnasium, her own heart pounding. Aside from the fact that the scene she had somewhat intruded on was adorable, she hoped this meant Cecelia and Lucas would be alright again. The doors creaked open as she slipped back inside. While Lila did want to stay and see what would happen next, she didn¡¯t think she would have another chance to leave without it being awkward.

    Lila took stock of what was happening inside the gymnasium. The ¡®Macarena¡¯ was playing, which had drawn a large crowd to the dance floor. Lila was pretty sure she could see Elise dancing her heart out over there, but Grace was absent. Lila looked around to the right and found a few of the teachers engaged in conversations with some students. Along the back wall, Lila could see Grace talking to the Music teacher. Asher was a few metres past Grace, talking to Ms Shard and a male teacher Lila was unfamiliar with. Lila glanced over at where Elise was dancing and then back over at Grace and Asher. She wasn¡¯t exactly fired up enough to dance at the moment, so she started to walk over to Grace and Asher.

    As she approached Grace, she could see that Grace was deeply engrossed in a conversation with the Music teacher, Ms Alexander. Both Grace and Ms Alexander laughed loudly before Ms Alexander began speaking again. Given Lila had never really interacted with Ms Alexander, she felt she couldn¡¯t impose on their conversation. Grace didn¡¯t seem to notice Lila in any capacity, anyway, so Lila shuffled along towards where Asher was standing.

    ¡°¡­ Wednesday,¡± Lila heard the male teacher say in a deep baritone voice.

    ¡°Yes, Mr Barsch. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Asher replied, nodding. His eyes moved past the male teacher¡¯s shoulder and rested on Lila. He perked up as she approached.

    ¡°Lila! I don¡¯t believe you¡¯d know Mr Barsch, right?¡± he said, waving her over. Lila curiously looked at Mr Barsch, who turned around to face her. He was an elderly teacher with a large, wiry, grey moustache and thick, rectangular glasses. Mr Barsch smiled at Lila.

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe so,¡± Mr Barsch confirmed. He had a slight accent that Lila couldn¡¯t place. ¡°I¡¯m the German teacher. I¡¯m also the debating coach.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Is being the debating coach interesting?¡±

    Both Ms Shard and Mr Barsch gave a hearty laugh.

    ¡°I would say so,¡± Mr Barsch chuckled, looking over at Asher fondly. ¡°Especially as Asher over here is our star speaker.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Asher responded bashfully. ¡°I¡¯ve just been doing it for a long time.¡±

    ¡°Since Grade 6, correct?¡± Mr Barsch noted. ¡°Experience such as that is pretty rare. I¡¯ve been thinking about putting you forward as the Debating Captain for next year, you know.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned bright red as he shook his head, ¡°No, no, I¡¯m definitely not cut out for that kind of responsibility.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Ms Shard cut in. ¡°You¡¯re the only one who should be the Captain.¡±

    Asher gave a humble sort of laugh, his face shining with pride, as Mr Barsch described the merits of Asher as the Debating Captain, until the distinct sounds of Tina Turner¡¯s ¡®Nutbush City Limits¡¯ started playing.

    ¡°Asher, let¡¯s go!¡± Lila said excitedly, reaching forward for the cuff of his suit. ¡°It¡¯s the Nutbush!¡±

    Lila heard Ms Shard and Mr Barsch chuckling behind them as she pulled Asher along to the dance floor. It looked like Isaac, Grace, and Elise were already in position to begin the Nutbush dance. Their faces instantly lit up as they saw Asher and Lila and beckoned them over. The beat dropped, and it seemed like all of the students in Grade 11 began dancing simultaneously. Lila couldn¡¯t help but giggle as the song continued. The group got about halfway through before they were falling over themselves in fits of laughter. The dancefloor descended into chaos.

    Once it was over, Lila and the others walked away from the dancefloor to a spare spot in the hall, catching their breaths. They were soon joined by Cecelia and Lucas, who both looked flushed and giddy.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said, shuffling aside to let them join their natural circle.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Cecelia said, not quite meeting Lila¡¯s eye, but smiling like crazy.

    ¡°Did you guys dance the Nutbush?¡± Lila asked. Cecelia and Lucas glanced at each other, before looking away, their faces reddening even further.

    ¡°I was getting a drink,¡± Lucas said, raising the cup he was holding. ¡°It¡¯d be a bit hard to do the Nutbush with a full cup.¡±

    ¡°Aw man, I¡¯d just scull it and throw the cup away!¡± Isaac interjected, patting Lucas on the shoulder. ¡°The Nutbush is quintessential to a good night!¡±

    Lucas seemed like he was about to respond before Mr Morrison made an announcement regarding the group photo. All the students gathered per his instructions, though there was a bit of pandemonium in getting all the students to fit. They were finally successful and Mr Morrison led the cohort into their school war cry before announcing that the photobooths would be shutting shop in half an hour.

    Lila saw Cecelia pull Lucas towards the photobooths and smiled to herself. ¡®Good for them,¡¯ she thought as she poured herself a drink.

    ¡°Lila,¡± a voice next to her suddenly said. ¡°I don¡¯t think we took photobooth pics together.¡±

    Lila looked up at the source of the voice. Asher gestured to Lila to follow him to the photobooths, his face once again unfathomable to Lila.

    ¡°I can hold that,¡± Elise said, pointing to the cup in Lila¡¯s hands.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila replied, hesitantly handing it over. Asher smiled, and they walked together to the photobooths. Lila fixed up her lipstick and they took some photos together, though they stood a metre or so apart. One of the photos was of them smiling, one had a silly pose reminiscent of a YouTube video they¡¯d watched and the last was the salute as described in the series Lila had let Asher read. The photobooth machine printed two copies of the photos. Lila smiled as she took her copy from Asher and popped it in her clutch. He put his copy on the inside of his jacket and they walked back to the others, laughing about the silly faces they¡¯d made.

    And then, it was all over. Mr Morrison dismissed all the students right as the clock struck 10pm, and the remaining students escaped into the night, laughing and clearly still energised from the event. Lila, Grace and Elise bade farewell to Cecelia, Lucas, Asher and Isaac at the top of the stairs to the gymnasium, before walking to the waiting bay of the carpark. Lila¡¯s Mum was already waiting for Lila inside her car, playing Candy Crush. Lila waved goodbye to Grace and Elise before getting into the car.

    Once Lila sat down, however, all the remaining energy that she had was instantly zapped out of her and she fell asleep as soon as her Mum started driving them home.

 Chapter Thirty-Seven

    Chapter Thirty-Seven

    ¡°Ladies, I hope you had a good break from hockey,¡± Ms Wright declared, bright and early on Saturday morning on the Jacobsen Oval, the second-largest grass field on campus known affectionately as ¡®Jacoval¡¯. Lila couldn¡¯t stop herself from yawning and she still had some traces of mascara from semi. Lila rested some of her weight on her hockey stick as she blearily looked at Ms Wright. Most of her teammates seemed to be feeling tired as well, as they expressed the occasional yawn and grumbling about being up so early. Ms Wright, by contrast, had a small, self-satisfied smile on her face as she looked at the hockey team before her with bright, energetic eyes.

    Looking to the left, Lila saw the Under 18s male soccer team already jumping into warm-ups. The soccer and hockey teams usually shared the field at this time, with the Under 14s male soccer and female hockey teams sharing the other two quadrants. Lila hadn¡¯t really had cause to pay much attention to the Under 18s soccer boys last year. But one scruffy-haired guy and his carefree friend caught her eye today as they reluctantly ran laps around their quadrant of Jacoval.

    ¡°Asherrr,¡± she heard Isaac yelling breathlessly. ¡°Wait uppp!¡±

    Lila chuckled before receiving a gentle nudge from Charlotte Jones, their team¡¯s usual right-wing player. ¡°Lila, stop staring at them,¡± she said playfully. ¡°Ms Wright will rip into you if you¡¯re not paying attention.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila whispered back, straightening up. Ms Wright started going through today¡¯s warm-ups before releasing them to do so. Most of the Grade 11s in the team couldn¡¯t shut up about semi to their teammates, which included Grade 10s and 12s. Lila was more than happy to listen to the gossip that some of her cohort had embroiled themselves into yesterday evening, including a story where Harrison had gotten absolutely decked by Charlotte after he dared to dance far too close to her without asking. Lila glanced back over at the Under 18s soccer team and saw that Harrison seemed to be in a sour mood as he despondently completed cone drills. ¡®Serves him right,¡¯ Lila thought with a wry smile, though she was disappointed that he hadn¡¯t learnt his lesson after she¡¯d rejected his advances last term.

    Her muscles felt stiff, but Lila was sure that with enough sustained practice, she would get back into the swing of things. They spent that morning running through basic drills. Everyone on the team had already played for at least one year by now, so they didn¡¯t require much instruction from Ms Wright.

    As practice was wrapping up for the day, Ms Wright assigned each team member their place for their first match against Sandy Lakes High School in June. To Lila¡¯s delight, she was given the same midfielder position that she had played most of the time last year.

    They were dismissed around the same time as the Under 18s soccer team. Some of the boys came over to chat with the girls, but most seemed to be leaving in a hurry. Lila was about to leave when a voice called out to her. She turned and saw Asher jogging towards her. Now that he was wearing gym shorts and knee-high socks that covered his shin pads, she could see how toned his thighs were.

    ¡°Mornin¡¯,¡± he breathed out once he reached her, hands on his knees. Lila smiled and returned the greeting. He tossed his sweaty hair out of his eyes as he looked up at Lila.

    ¡°Tuesday,¡± he said, sucking in a shallow breath.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila asked, ¡°What about it?¡±

    ¡°ANZAC Day?¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°Yeah. Do you think she¡¯ll be working at the caf¨¦ that morning?¡±

    Asher straightened up, bracing his right side. ¡°Yeah,¡± he said confidently. ¡°I asked if she¡¯d want to have breakfast with us and she said she had plans.¡±

    ¡°Well, she could have normal ANZAC Day plans,¡± Lila said thoughtfully.

    ¡°See you next week, Lila!¡± called Charlotte, waving at Lila as she passed with some of their teammates. Asher quickly stepped away from Lila, nodding wordlessly at his soccer counterparts as they also passed the two of them. After most of the stragglers departed, Lila and Asher slowly made their way off the field as well, meandering towards the carpark.

    ¡°She could have,¡± Asher conceded quietly. ¡°But we could follow her and find out.¡±

    Asher seemed to be waiting eagerly for a response from Lila, his eyes twinkling and hands on his hips. Lila looked down at her shoes briefly. Her mind flashed back to last night when she had danced with Asher ¨C though she couldn¡¯t think why it came to her now.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± she said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ll come by early again.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face split into a wide smile.

    ¡°See you then!¡± he called, suddenly setting off at a sprint towards the carpark. Lila chuckled and shook her head. With reactions like the ones Asher gave her after she confirmed plans with him, Lila wasn¡¯t sure she¡¯d ever be able to say no.

    <hr>

    Monday started with English again. It was another reading class, though Ms Shard didn¡¯t select either Lila or Asher to read this time. Lila didn¡¯t mind this, as it meant Asher had more time to talk about the content of Romeo and Juliet with her. At the end of English, Asher slipped Lila ¡®Monarchy of the Moon¡¯ into her unsuspecting hands.

    ¡°Thanks again for letting me read it,¡± he said with a cheesy grin as they proceeded to walk towards the STEM area of campus, given that Lila had Maths and Asher had Chemistry. ¡°I still can¡¯t get over how cool the final battle was over shadow and light.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t agree more, so they delved into a discussion about the intricacies of the battle, and the potential future outcomes for the world of the trilogy. It seemed that neither had realised they reached the STEM area of the campus until Isaac walked past them as they were deep in conversation.

    ¡°Yo,¡± Isaac said, smirking as he placed a hand on Asher¡¯s shoulder, making him jump almost a foot in the air. ¡°You guys seem to be talking about something important.¡±

    Asher turned to Isaac, his eyes lit up. ¡°Isaac, have you read the ¡®Secret Empyrean Kingdom¡¯ series?¡±

    Isaac looked at Asher blankly. ¡°Uh, no?¡±

    Asher desperately turned to Lila. ¡°Lila, you gotta let him borrow the first book!¡±

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Lila looked startled. ¡°I-I guess I could.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll love it!¡± Asher said energetically, looking between Isaac and Lila. He then pulled out his phone, checking the time. ¡°Dude, we¡¯re gonna be late! See you later, Lila!¡±

    Asher and Isaac hurried off, with Asher turning around briefly to give Lila a wave. Lila shook her head, smiling to herself as she, too, headed to class.

    <hr>

    Cecelia didn¡¯t join Lila, Elise, and Grace for morning tea that day. Lila, Elise, and Grace spent morning tea discussing semi, cackling about the Nutbush, and sharing pics of their photobooth shenanigans.

    PC was another free lesson, with Ms Wang supposing that no one would be able to concentrate on anything else for the week, anyway. Once Ms Wang turned her attention to her laptop, the class descended into fervent discussions, with students showing each other photos on their phones. Lila heard some discussions of a couple of afterparties but wasn¡¯t too interested in the nonsense of parties she didn¡¯t attend.

    As Lila looked towards Grace and Elise, who were giggling about how the group dances went, she remembered what Elise had mentioned just before semi started.

    ¡°Hey, Elise,¡± Lila said slowly, stopping her laughter instantly.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Elise asked, cocking her head to the side.

    ¡°You said that you had something to tell me? About Lucas, I think? Just before semi.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Elise looked at Lila before realisation struck. She brought her right fist to her palm. ¡°Right!¡±

    Elise leaned in, beckoning for Grace and Lila to do the same.

    ¡°When I was taking photos with Lucas at my parents¡¯, I asked him why he asked me to semi,¡± Elise said, a grin slowly creeping on her face.

    ¡°And?¡± Grace asked, her full attention on Elise.

    ¡°I got him to admit that he, like, is head over heels for Cecelia!¡± she said ardently. ¡°I told him he needed to talk to her but I dunno if he did.¡±

    ¡°Oh, he sure did,¡± Lila said, her own eyes gleaming. ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone else, but Cecelia and I stepped out while you guys were doing the partner dances. Lucas found us and he was actually really genuine with her. He said he didn¡¯t wanna lose her and that she was too important to him. And she admitted that she¡¯d been scared too and that he¡¯s important to her. And basically, he broke her heart.¡±

    Grace and Elise let out a shriek as Lila finished.

    ¡°Ladies,¡± Ms Wang said sharply from the teacher¡¯s desk. ¡°I¡¯ve got some pre-prepared maths questions that would thrill you into silence.¡±

    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am,¡± Lila, Grace, and Elise said in unison.

    ¡°How romantic!¡± Grace said, clasping her hands together.

    ¡°Well, it was a bit less romantic with me standing behind them, but I managed to escape with my eyes intact. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯re dating, but I have Bio with them last today.¡±

    ¡°You have to ask them,¡± Elise said, grinning. ¡°It¡¯s compulsory.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to tell me twice,¡± Lila grinned back. ¡°I¡¯ll get the tea, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    <hr>

    Cecelia still didn¡¯t join Lila, Grace, and Elise for lunch that afternoon, and Lila could hardly sit still in Design due to her anticipation for Bio. As soon as Mr Dillon dismissed them, Lila sped out of there, quick as a flash.

    She managed to sit down at her usual Bio table before either Cecelia or Lucas arrived. Lila could hardly contain her excitement, which travelled through her jittery legs, creating a rhythmic tapping sound. Eventually, Cecelia and Lucas arrived, their faces equally red and beaming like the Cheshire cat.

    ¡°Heyyy,¡± Lila said, drawing out the last vowel, a similar grin on her own face. ¡°What¡¯s up, you guys?¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas exchanged a glance before sitting down in their usual places. Lila couldn¡¯t help but notice that they seemed to be close enough to be touching slightly. Lila didn¡¯t think it was possible that she could widen her grin anymore, but somehow she managed it.

    ¡°I take it you guys worked it out?¡± she said, resting her head in her hand.

    ¡°I guess you could say that,¡± Lucas replied with a small chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. Cecelia shot him a quick look before leaning in towards Lila, placing her hands on the table.

    ¡°We¡¯re official,¡± she whispered, her blush deepening even further. Lila squealed, grabbing a hold of Cecelia¡¯s hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you guys!¡± Lila cried, looking between the both of them. ¡°You guys are so cute together. It was bound to happen.¡±

    ¡°Well, I was thinking it was never going to happen,¡± Cecelia said quietly, looking at Lucas again, who seemed bashful as he ran his fingers through his hair.

    Mr Johnson suddenly appeared next to Lila, a stern look on his face.

    ¡°My, you all seem very joyful,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Let me fix that.¡±

    He passed around worksheets to them before making his way around the classroom. Lila glanced at Cecelia and Lucas, who still looked incredibly giddy, despite Mr Johnson¡¯s admonishment.

    The trio worked through the worksheet, with Cecelia and Lucas returning to their normal banter, their smiles easy-going. Lila couldn¡¯t help but watch how their minor interactions had changed with great interest. They seemed more tender with each other, and there was a depth to their eyes when they looked at each other that Lila couldn¡¯t hope to traverse.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Cecelia said towards the end of the lesson, once the noise level had begun to slowly increase as students finished up the worksheet. ¡°Have you given thought to how you¡¯ll handle the Asher situation?¡±

    Lila looked up at Lucas, who seemed clueless as he turned to look at Cecelia.

    ¡°What Asher situation? Don¡¯t tell me there¡¯s another Asher situation. I don¡¯t think I can handle another one,¡± he said, whipping his head back and forth between Lila and Cecelia.

    ¡°Nothing like that,¡± Cecelia said, shaking her head. She looked over at Lila. ¡°Can I tell him?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ would rather you didn¡¯t here,¡± Lila said eventually. She didn¡¯t mind if Lucas knew, really, but she didn¡¯t want to hear an overview of what she¡¯d told Cecelia.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to know,¡± Lucas said hurriedly. ¡°If it would make you uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, nah, it¡¯s all good. It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t want to hear it,¡± Lila looked up at the ceiling as she said this. She saw Cecelia and Lucas exchange a look in her peripheral vision.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lucas eventually said. ¡°So¡­ do you have a plan for whatever it is that I don¡¯t know about but will in about an hour?¡±

    Cecelia snorted, but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything. Lila sighed, looking back at them.

    ¡°I¡¯m leaning towards just¡­ letting go,¡± she said, though her voice cracked at the word ¡®letting¡¯.

    ¡°We can set you up with someone,¡± Cecelia said immediately, leaning in again, her eyes sparkling. ¡°It wouldn¡¯t even be hard.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d be into that,¡± Lila said with a forlorn smile. ¡°But thanks for the offer. I might take you up on it at some point¡­ just¡­ not now.¡±

    Cecelia nodded, leaning back in her chair. Lila began packing away her materials, before stopping and looking at Cecelia and Lucas.

    ¡°Do you guys have any plans for ANZAC Day?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Cecelia said, her tone surprised. ¡°I honestly forgot about that. That¡¯s tomorrow, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said.

    ¡°You can come over, i-if you want,¡± Lucas stammered, blinking rapidly at Cecelia. Cecelia smiled at him, leaning into him briefly before returning to her original position.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Cecelia responded. Lucas¡¯ face broke into another wide grin, and Lila felt giddy for them. After Cecelia¡¯s devastation over the past couple of weeks, it felt almost like Lila herself was living in a dream.

    ¡°What about you?¡± Cecelia asked, turning to look at Lila again.

    ¡°Ah. Well, nothing much,¡± Lila lied. After she¡¯d just said she was going to try and let go of¡­ whatever the hell she was feeling, she wasn¡¯t about to tell Cecelia and Lucas that she was going to hang out with Asher tomorrow.

    ¡°Sometimes a break doing nothing at all is good,¡± Lucas said wisely.

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Lila replied breezily. Mr Johnson dismissed the class and Lila waved goodbye to Cecelia and Lucas as she left. They seemed to be lingering, but Lila wasn¡¯t interested in being a third-wheel at the moment.

    Once Lila got home and settled in the living room next to her parents, she asked her Dad whether he could take her to Asher¡¯s tomorrow morning at the same time he normally dropped her off. Her Dad narrowed his eyes at her.

    ¡°You know it¡¯s a public holiday, right?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s¡­ kinda why I¡¯m going.¡±

    Her Dad heaved a long-suffering sigh before shrugging. ¡°Alright. I doubt I¡¯d be able to sleep in, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡± Lila replied with a smile. They fell into silence as they watched Air Crash Investigations.

    ¡°I do want you to consider whether all this visiting business is excessive, though,¡± her Dad eventually said quietly. Lila pretended not to hear him. Having said that, her stomach twisted itself into knots. ¡®I¡¯m going to investigate Marlene,¡¯ Lila thought to herself firmly, turning her attention back to the TV show. ¡®I¡¯m not just going to hang out.¡¯

 Chapter Thirty-Eight

    Chapter Thirty-Eight

    Lila was glad that her family didn¡¯t have any particular traditions for ANZAC Day. Though they observed the day with respect, and ensured they remembered members of the army, past and present, none of Lila¡¯s family were directly connected to ANZAC Day. At least, not enough to require attending a Dawn Service, or the like.

    Lila roused her Dad at 7am on Tuesday morning, and he rolled out of bed with a groan and stumbled into casual home clothes before taking her to Asher¡¯s place. Her Dad noted that Lila didn¡¯t need to input Asher¡¯s address into the Nav once she buckled herself into the car. That fact gave Lila pause, and she remained lost in her thoughts until reaching his place. Had she been going over to his place excessively? Particularly with her Dad?

    ¡®Nah,¡¯ Lila¡¯s internal voice said. ¡®No such thing in these circumstances.¡¯

    Lila arrived at Asher¡¯s at 7.25am and texted him once she was standing on his porch. It didn¡¯t take him long to open the door for her, yawning. He was still in his pyjamas, his bed hair particularly untamed.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, stretching. He widened the door and let Lila through. She couldn¡¯t hear Gabriel as she took her shoes off, and she didn¡¯t see him as they made their way to Asher¡¯s rumpus room.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Gabriel?¡± she asked, sitting on Asher¡¯s couch.

    ¡°He¡¯s sleeping in,¡± Asher said with another yawn. ¡°We usually let him sleep in on public holidays. It¡¯s the least we can do, given he¡¯s here every weekday and occasionally on weekends.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, switching on Asher¡¯s TV. He patted the armrest of the couch before announcing that he needed to get ready for today¡¯s expedition. Lila nodded and he disappeared into his bedroom. She heard him turn the shower on, and it sparked a sudden urge to shut his bedroom door. She remained seated, however. If she got up now, there was no telling what she could be walking into by accident¡­

    Eventually, Asher appeared before her, dressed as Asher the Impeccable again. This time, he was wearing a navy Tommy Hilfiger polo and matching chinos. His hair was again gelled to perfection, and he smiled gently at Lila as he sat next to her on the couch, watching the video she had put on.

    ¡°You look classy,¡± Lila noted with a nod. Asher grinned widely.

    ¡°Funny you should notice,¡± he said proudly. ¡°I went on a shopping spree with Holly on Sunday. I got this and a few other things. I also got her a few things at Tommy Hilfiger and some other shops. She needed some new clothes, apparently.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, a small twinge of pain pinching at her heart. She fluttered her eyes closed and took a deep breath. She was being stupid if she allowed herself to feel any type of way about this. He was allowed to go shopping with Holly and buy her things, of course.

    Lila suddenly remembered the book Asher had asked her to bring for Isaac and began digging around her bag.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said, passing it to Asher without looking directly at him. ¡°I dunno when I¡¯ll see Isaac next, so you can give it to him.¡±

    ¡°Awesome,¡± Asher replied, immediately getting up and heading to his room. ¡°Just putting this on my desk.¡±

    She could hear him fuss about in his room briefly, before he opened the blinds in there as well.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s already at the end of the driveway,¡± he said urgently. ¡°Time to roll out.¡±

    Lila agreed and picked up her bag that contained her laptop and a new book series she was hoping to read. Asher strolled out of his room, his own bag slung across his shoulder.

    They hurried down the stairs, reaching the front door within a matter of seconds. Asher rapidly punched the code into the security system. They exited without hesitation this morning and began pounding the pavement after Marlene. She quickly came into view again, taking the same path she had done the last couple of times that they had followed her. She, again, never looked back at them.

    They made it to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ without incident. There were a few people milling about in formal military uniforms and a couple stores had Australian flags outside. There was otherwise no indication at the shops that today was a public holiday. Lila checked inside the caf¨¦ to see if Marlene was at the barista station and confirmed that she was not.

    ¡°Perfect time to get seated,¡± she said to Asher as he opened the door for her.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he acknowledged quietly.

    Their usual waitress seemed surprised to see them as she greeted them.

    ¡°You two lovebirds have been coming here a lot,¡± she said with a bright smile, handing them the menus. ¡°Inside or outside today?¡±

    ¡°Actually, we¡¯re n-¡± Lila began to say before Asher interrupted her.

    ¡°Outside, please. We liked the spot by the window, didn¡¯t we?¡± he said, smiling at Lila. There was something behind his tight smile that seemed to Lila that he was desperately asking her to go along with it.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she said, looking down at the menu. ¡°We did¡­¡±

    The waitress led them to a similar table that gave them the same line of sight as they¡¯d had the last time they were seated outside. She advised them that, as today was ANZAC Day, there was an extra 15% surcharge, which Asher confirmed was fine. Once the waitress filled their cups with water and left, Lila leaned in towards Asher.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you stop me from explaining?¡± Lila asked, miffed.

    ¡°I¡¯d been thinking about it over the past couple of days,¡± he said simply, looking through his copy of the menu. ¡°But it¡¯ll probably help our cover, right? If we act like a couple. Marlene knows we¡¯re not dating and that I¡¯m with Holly, so she wouldn¡¯t expect it.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but agree with Asher¡¯s reasoning. ¡°Okay,¡± she said in a half-whisper, looking through her own copy of the menu. Lila pulled out her phone and ordered the same as she had last time via the QR code, Asher doing the same.

    They both pulled out their laptops and began doing their own thing whilst waiting for food. Marlene didn¡¯t take long to appear in the barista section, her back still facing Lila. When Lila looked up to ascertain this, her eyes landed on the now-familiar Uni student.

    ¡°He¡¯s here again,¡± Lila murmured to Asher, casting her eyes back down at the table.

    ¡°The Uni student?¡± Asher asked, his own eyes not lifting from his laptop. ¡°I¡¯d almost say you should go on a date with him.¡±

    There seemed to be an edge to his words that Lila couldn¡¯t place, but she rolled her eyes and didn¡¯t say anything in response. The day proceeded as normal, or rather as normal as it could get when tailing a housemaid/barista. Lila and Asher ordered more drinks when appropriate, and finally the time they had remaining had decreased to five minutes. Lila shut her laptop, rubbing her eyes.

    ¡°Five minutes left,¡± she said in a low voice. ¡°I¡¯m gonna start packing up.¡±

    Asher nodded and followed suit. ¡°Anything unusual happen?¡±

    ¡°Not a single thing,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡¯m starting to think that following her might¡¯ve been a waste of time. She kinda just seems like an ordinary woman in her late twenties going about life.¡±

    ¡°You say that, but she¡¯s weird as hell,¡± Asher said in a low voice, zipping up his bag. ¡°Like, really weird.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°People are allowed to be weird, I guess,¡± she said simply. Her eyes flickered to the front door as Marlene exited, raising her hood, obscuring her face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila whispered. They both went through the interior of the caf¨¦ without a word. The Uni student seemed to be packing away his things, too, grumbling into the phone like he had last time. It seemed like his daily routine was pretty regular, with or without holidays.

    Asher and Lila followed Marlene per usual until something very unusual happened. For the first time, she wildly diverged from her normal path.

    ¡°Where is she going?¡± Lila muttered, ducking behind a parked car, craning her neck to see Marlene.

    ¡°Have no clue,¡± Asher replied, narrowing his eyes as he hid behind the same car. Marlene didn¡¯t look behind her, so they continued to follow her at the same pace they were currently going at.

    This walk seemed far longer than the walk back to Asher¡¯s house, and that walk was already just over three kilometres. Eventually, Marlene slowed to a stop outside a bus stop. She checked her watch, tapping her foot as she waited. Lila exchanged a look with Asher as they hid behind the bus stop¡¯s undercover seating. Lila didn¡¯t dare say anything as they watched.

    Several other people joined them at the bus stop, which had let Asher and Lila relax a little from their hiding spot, though they didn¡¯t come around to the front of the seating area. After five minutes, Marlene flagged down a specific bus. It was a double length bus headed straight for the city. Marlene entered from the front and Lila could see her silhouette sit in the very front section of the bus, facing the driver.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Are we-¡± Asher began to say before Lila pulled him by the wrist. Since COVID, buses had relaxed into letting patrons enter from the front or back of the bus, which Lila was immensely grateful for in this moment. They quickly hopped on in the second half of the bus. Lila was also appreciative of the fact that she kept her travel card in her phone wallet ¨C she would¡¯ve been in trouble otherwise.

    Asher and Lila found two spare seats next to each other in this section of the bus. It didn¡¯t seem like many people were wanting to head into the city at 1.45pm today, which was probably owing to the fact that it was ANZAC Day. Most people were probably coming back home from the city at this point.

    The double length bus wound its way through the Forestglade suburb before moving along to the highway, which was also fairly empty in the direction of the city at this time. Given Lila was shorter, Asher was the one keeping an eye on Marlene as he was able to see over all the seats in both halves of the bus. It took them about 45 minutes to finally reach the North-City Bus Station, at which point Asher tapped Lila on the arm. They exited from the door that they entered from and carefully observed the direction Marlene was walking in. Once Marlene had travelled enough distance, they once again began to follow her.

    It was hard to keep track of Marlene, actually, as she dipped and weaved through the immense foot traffic. If it had been Lila alone, she was sure that she would have lost Marlene within the first few minutes of being in the city. As time wore on, it even seemed that Marlene was quickening her pace and intentionally going through side streets. Even so, she still never looked back.

    Eventually, Marlene slipped into a flashy looking nightclub with a neon sign that said ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯. Lila and Asher squatted in the nearest alleyway that had line of sight of the nightclub, incredibly perplexed as the front door swung shut.

    ¡°Why is Marlene going into a nightclub at 3pm on a Tuesday?¡± Lila whispered to Asher.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Asher replied, also in a whisper. ¡°Is she working here too?¡±

    ¡°She probably could,¡± Lila said. ¡°Though, that would have to start after 10pm.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s doable,¡± Asher replied thoughtfully. ¡°Would be hard, but doable still.¡±

    ¡°What does she need all this money for?¡± Lila asked, narrowing her eyes as she brought a finger to her chin, thinking hard. ¡°Could she be on drugs?¡±

    Asher gave Lila a sharp look. ¡°Definitely not,¡± he said flatly, shaking his head. ¡°Dad works at one of the most esteemed hospitals. He¡¯d know straight away if she was on drugs and probably would¡¯ve thrown her out by now.¡±

    Lila fell silent as she tried to think of more reasons, but came up empty. After all, Marlene¡¯s board was taken care of. She didn¡¯t seem to have a personal life, given that she worked for Asher¡¯s family seven days a week, two days being full time and the rest being half-days. Taking into consideration Marlene¡¯s caf¨¦ job, she was running out of time to do anything else besides eat, sleep and shower.

    They continued to watch ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯ for some time. No one entered or left, though many rowdy people passed, laughing and carrying on about their plans for that evening.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s over 18s only?¡± Lila eventually asked.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher said absently, pulling out his phone. He rapidly tapped on it a few times before beckoning Lila to see his screen. He had opened the nightclub¡¯s official website.

    ¡°It says here that they¡¯re open seven days a week from 5pm to 2am. It seems like it is mainly 18-plus, but they sometimes hold nights for those aged 16-19. Those look to be planned well in advance and specify no alcohol to be served¡­¡± Asher trailed off as he continued reading the website. Lila pulled out her phone and conducted some Google searches of her own. She landed on the reviews page and flicked through them. Most of them seemed to be complimentary of the food, the owner or the dancers. One of the fan-favourite dancers at the moment went by the name ¡®Roxy Wurld¡¯. Was that Marlene¡¯s stage name as a dancer?

    One review stuck out to Lila, however. It was eloquently complaining about the fact that the bouncer only came at around 8pm. The reviewer thought that the bouncer should be arriving earlier to check IDs. The nightclub had responded ¨C ¡®Sorry for any disappointment that has been caused, and any concerns regarding a lack of security on the premises. We will be reviewing our current security protocols and identifying any need to adjust what we are currently able to offer patrons.¡¯. The response had been written only a day ago.

    Lila showed it to Asher, her eyes twinkling.

    ¡°We might be able to sneak in,¡± she said exuberantly. ¡°According to this, the club has two hours before bouncers start checking IDs.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to go in there today?¡± Asher asked slightly half-heartedly. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°We¡¯re hardly dressed for a club,¡± she laughed. ¡°I think we¡¯d get thrown out just ¡®cause we don¡¯t match the vibe. This nightclub seems to be relatively decent, at least.¡±

    ¡°If the club doesn¡¯t open until 5, how did Marlene get in?¡± Asher asked suddenly, realisation apparently hitting him like a bulldozer.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good question,¡± Lila said pensively. ¡°If she¡¯s an employee, maybe they let them in early to get ready for the night?¡±

    Asher fell silent as he apparently contemplated this suggestion.

    ¡°Perhaps¡­¡± he said, folding his arms and looking down at the ground.

    ¡°In any case,¡± Lila said in a low voice, ¡°maybe we can watch this place and see if Marlene comes out? Given it¡¯s so early before a shift would appear to start, maybe she just left something behind that she needs to grab, or something.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Asher nodded. They stood in the alleyway for quite some time - enough time, in fact, that the sun began to lower, and yet Marlene had not exited at all. Checking her phone, Lila saw that it was nearing 5pm.

    ¡°Alright,¡± she said. ¡°We can see what people do to get in.¡±

    The doors were propped open promptly at 5pm by an attractive young woman that was definitely not Marlene, dressed in a flashy rhinestone bralette, leather short-shorts and 8-inch silver heels. She returned to the inside of the nightclub without a second glance at the outside world. Lila and Asher waited for another few minutes before two men approached the door. They looked up at the vibrant neon sign, smirked at each other, and headed inside without any resistance.

    Lila and Asher looked at each other again, before he checked the time.

    ¡°It¡¯s 5.18. We should get going,¡± Asher murmured. ¡°Given it¡¯s a public holiday, the buses run on a weekend timetable. They¡¯ll start going hourly soon, and I don¡¯t have the patience for that right now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good with that,¡± Lila said, nodding. ¡°Let¡¯s bounce.¡±

    They retraced their steps to the North-City Bus Station without much difficulty, though the streets were certainly getting livelier as time passed. More nightclubs seemed to be opening, and restaurants and bars in the area were beginning to blast music, trying to attract customers. Many people were standing along the footpaths, smoking or vaping, before heading into an open establishment. Lila had never been to the red-light district before but, even though Clare tried to convince her that going out to these kinds of places was fun, she wasn¡¯t quite convinced that she would come running back.

    Eventually they made it to the stop that they needed to be able to get back to Asher¡¯s place. The bus arrived at 5.35pm, right on schedule. This time, it was a normal bus, and Lila noticed that most people on the bus were getting off at this stop. After the flood of people left, Lila and Asher were the only ones who hopped on. They didn¡¯t see Marlene on this bus, nor did they expect her to be, given that she hadn¡¯t left the nightclub in that whole time that they had been watching it.

    Lila didn¡¯t have the energy to say anything to Asher, who was also very quiet on the ride home. Asher whipped open the public transport app and showed Lila that this bus stopped fairly close to his house, which got Lila¡¯s mind thinking. Why had Marlene taken such a bizarre route to an out-of-the-way bus stop if she could have just walked towards Asher¡¯s house and taken a bus from one of the nearby stops? Surely the bus stop they were supposed to get off at was closer to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ than whatever bus stop Marlene had gone to that afternoon.

    Thanking the bus driver as they exited, Lila and Asher slowly made their way to his house on foot. Luckily, they were only a couple of minutes away, though Lila was dead tired after all that walking.

    ¡°Are you staying for dinner?¡± Asher asked as they reached his front doors. Lila checked the time on her phone and shrugged.

    ¡°I may as well, since it¡¯s 6.15 already. But if Gabriel hasn¡¯t made enough for me, I¡¯m happy to head home.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher said with a smile. He opened the front doors after deactivating the security system. Lila¡¯s heart stopped.

    A pair of slippers were waiting for her in the hallway.

    ¡°¡­ Gabriel doesn¡¯t normally put these out,¡± Lila said hesitantly, taking her shoes off. Asher seemed just as concerned, but didn¡¯t say anything. They shuffled down the hall after Lila put the slippers on.

    ¡°Gabriel?¡± Asher called. Gabriel came bustling out of the kitchen, holding a soup ladle.

    ¡°Yes? Oh! Lila! I thought you would¡¯ve gone home after brunch with Asher,¡± Gabriel said, beaming. ¡°I¡¯m making minestrone soup for dinner. There¡¯s enough if you¡¯d like some.¡±

    ¡°Oh, yes please,¡± Lila said happily, clasping her hands together. ¡°Sounds delicious.¡±

    ¡°Just wait until you taste it,¡± Gabriel winked. ¡°This version has bacon in it.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Lila cooed. Gabriel waved them away, and Lila and Asher made their way upstairs.

    ¡°I am so tired,¡± Asher yawned, climbing the stairs. He didn¡¯t get very far until he bumped into Marlene, going down the stairs with a washing basket in her arms.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene said pleasantly. ¡°Hello, Lila.¡±

    An icy chill ran straight through Lila¡¯s spine and she shivered at the sight of Marlene. How had she beaten them here if she never left the club? She certainly didn¡¯t look like she¡¯d just been running through the streets of the red-light district to get here.

    ¡°H-Hello,¡± stammered Asher as Marlene backed up the stairs to allow them to pass safely. Asher and Lila made it to the top of the landing, staring gobsmacked at Marlene, who looked back at them curiously.

    ¡°You both look as if you¡¯ve seen a ghost,¡± she said. ¡°I can assure you, I am very real.¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry, I wasn¡¯t expecting you home,¡± Asher replied, looking down at his feet.

    ¡°My shifts always start at 6pm,¡± Marlene said, cocking her head to the side in confusion. ¡°I have always been prompt.¡±

    ¡°I-I think he¡¯s just tired,¡± Lila said quickly, pushing Asher towards the rumpus room. ¡°We had a big day. Long walk.¡±

    ¡°Ahh,¡± Marlene breathed in apparent understanding. ¡°That¡¯s understandable. I will call you when dinner is ready.¡±

    Marlene headed back down the stairs with her washing basket. Asher continued to stare after her until Lila opened the door to the rumpus room and shoved him inside. She slammed the door shut behind her slightly too forcefully, but her mind was racing much too fast for her to manage an apology for it.

    ¡°Just when we were about to cross her off the list,¡± Lila finally managed to utter. ¡°There¡¯s weird and then there¡¯s weird.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Asher replied, shuddering. ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ watch something mind-numbing.¡±

    They watched a couple of YouTube videos before the intercom static began to signal that someone was about to talk to them. Marlene¡¯s voice came through.

    ¡°Mr Wagner, it is time for dinner,¡± she called. Asher glanced at Lila before standing up.

    ¡°The minestrone won¡¯t eat itself,¡± he said with a strained smile. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Marlene joined them for dinner tonight, delicately eating Gabriel¡¯s minestrone soup. About halfway through the meal, Lila slowly realised that there was something odd about Marlene, but she couldn¡¯t quite place it. Dessert was a decadent salted caramel brownie. Lila showered Gabriel with compliments as usual before Asher led her upstairs again. Lila texted her Dad to pick her up, which he responded with a ¡®thumbs down¡¯.

    Mum will get u, he replied, sending a laughing-crying emoji and a car emoji. Something came up with work. Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure that he knew how that was coming across, but reacted with a thumbs up all the same.

    Once in the safety of the rumpus room, Lila asked Asher if he¡¯d noticed anything odd about Marlene.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, nodding vehemently. ¡°Her hands.¡±

    ¡°Her hands?¡± Lila asked, trying to think back.

    ¡°They were all bruised and cut up,¡± he said, pressing his right index finger to his left hand¡¯s knuckles.

    ¡°Did she hurt herself at the caf¨¦?¡± Lila asked. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said. ¡°But it stood out to me.¡±

    With nothing else to add, Lila and Asher continued watching YouTube videos until Lila¡¯s Mum called to let her know she¡¯d arrived. Asher let Lila out as usual, though he seemed a bit nervous to do so.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ve got English in the morning. We¡¯re making good progress on Romeo and Juliet. We¡¯ll be getting to the famous balcony scene soon. Probably sometime next week. Hope you¡¯re excited for my review of it.¡±

    Lila smiled at Asher. ¡°¡¯Course I am. See you tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter Thirty-Nine

    Chapter Thirty-Nine

    Asher seemed giddier than usual during English that Wednesday morning. Today was another analysis day. Asher¡¯s supplementary explanations for Shakespeare¡¯s phrasing and theatrical direction were just as they usually were, but Lila was still curious about the increased energy he was emitting.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she asked in a low voice as Ms Shard wrote on the whiteboard. Lila took down notes as Asher leaned in towards her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got debating tonight. It¡¯s against Holly¡¯s school. It¡¯s actually the first time I¡¯ll be versing her since we started dating.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, pushing her pen slightly too hard into her notebook page and causing a tiny rip. ¡°I hope you won¡¯t let her win just ¡®cause you¡¯re dating.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course not,¡± Asher snorted, tapping his chest. ¡°Scout¡¯s honour.¡±

    Lila grinned at him and continued to take notes, adding Asher¡¯s own thoughts below Ms Shard¡¯s explanations.

    Bio was up next. In between taking down notes and drawing diagrams, Lila could see that Cecelia and Lucas were also giddy. Eventually, after five minutes of watching their odd behaviour, she asked what they got up to yesterday.

    ¡°Not much,¡± Cecelia said, shooting Lucas a look. He chortled into his hand, quickly sobering up. Lila gave them a slightly disgusted look as she wrinkled her nose.

    ¡°Your love is sickening,¡± Lila said, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ve decided I no longer wanna know what you guys got up to.¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas both turned bright red and stared at their notebooks for way too long. Lila bit back the smile that was threatening to appear. This was decidedly much better than a few weeks ago when Cecelia was moping. In fact, this might even be better than how they were before Lucas asked Elise to semi, what with their humourous reactions now.

    Study was the last lesson of the day. Asher was busy preparing for debating, so they didn¡¯t talk much. Lila still didn¡¯t see Ayla or Piper anywhere near them. By now, Lila had figured that they¡¯d found a new spot far away from Lila and Asher, which pleased Lila greatly.

    Finally, Study was over and Lila bid Asher goodbye.

    ¡°Hope debating goes well,¡± she said at the entrance of the locker room, clutching her books to her chest.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled brightly at Lila. ¡°See you tomorrow. We have English in the arvo.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila nodded, matching Asher¡¯s smile. ¡°You can tell me all about how you beat Mulberry Heights into the ground.¡±

    Asher chuckled, waving as he walked off to his locker. Lila took a deep breath before heading off to her locker. Truthfully, she was curious to see how Asher was in debating, especially since he was ¡®Debating Captain material¡¯. Perhaps she¡¯d go along when they had a home debating match¡­

    <hr>

    Lila stood in the tuckshop on Thursday afternoon, having survived witnessing a major flirting session between Cecelia and Lucas in Bio, weighing up the merits of a chocolate milk versus Sunshine Punch juice. As she did so, a few conversations flittered towards her.

    ¡°Cecelia and Lucas¡­ dating?¡±

    ¡°Not Facebook official but¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Banker¡­ dope¡­¡±

    ¡°Dude¡­ Grade 12s¡­¡±

    ¡°Banker¡­ bodyguards¡­¡±

    ¡°Wesley¡­ another girlfriend¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding!¡±

    ¡°Piper¡­ psychotic¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ should be expelled¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ think so too¡­¡±

    ¡°Poor Asher¡­¡±

    ¡°Lila too¡­¡±

    ¡°Soccer season¡­ hot boys to watch¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ prefer hockey girls¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ bets?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ crazy bets going on¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ we¡¯ll win¡­ first soccer match¡­¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re dreaming, mate¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ teacher¡­ close¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ saw that¡­ odd¡­¡±

    Though Lila had been featured in the latest bouts of gossip, she was glad that it was sympathetic to her plight, rather than against her. The news brought life to her steps as she bounced over to the cashier, clutching both the chocolate milk and the juice and a container of potato bake.

    She met with Elise and Grace and filled them in on the latest round of rumours that she''d heard. They both seemed incredibly relieved to hear this and confirmed that they hadn¡¯t heard much either.

    Once lunch was over, Lila¡¯s good mood carried her through to her English class. She didn¡¯t see Asher outside, so headed in.

    He was sitting in his usual seat, but the energy about him seemed odd, somehow. He looked dazed and teetering on the edge of being distraught. Did that mean they lost the debate last night?

    Lila gently placed her items down and slid into her seat. They had a couple of minutes before class was due to start, so Lila turned to Asher with a sympathetic smile.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said softly. He didn¡¯t seem to have heard her, so she gently tapped his arm. He hurriedly snatched it away before blinking rapidly. His eyes locked onto Lila¡¯s and he looked away just as quickly.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he said, clearing his throat.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you all jumpy?¡± Lila asked, her concern only growing.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± he said, still avoiding her gaze. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you know that I know you better than that,¡± Lila said pointedly. ¡°Did you guys lose debating?¡±

    ¡°Debating?¡± he asked, looking at her blankly. He then put his head in his hands, gripping his hair.

    ¡°Yep. We lost debating. Total wipeout.¡±

    There was something in Asher¡¯s tone that led Lila to believe that he wasn¡¯t being genuine, but Ms Shard stood up, announcing the beginning of class. Today was a day that involved reading the scenes out loud. Asher was uncharacteristically quiet today, hardly reacting to anything Ms Shard had said (she started off the readings) except to correct her pronunciation privately to Lila. Class passed in this odd state, Lila¡¯s concern swiftly growing like a bacterial infection inside her heart. Every time she tried to check in on Asher, he avoided the topic entirely. Perhaps the sting of the loss hurt more than Lila could comprehend. Maybe he was taking it particularly hard after learning he was in line for Debating Captain?

    Lila couldn¡¯t get Asher out of her mind for the rest of the day, and the rest of Friday either. Her last two classes for Friday were Study and English, so she hoped to corner Asher and get some answers out of him. The fact that he wasn¡¯t being forthright with what was going on ate away at Lila in anticipation as she waited for him to arrive at their usual booth.

    Surprisingly, however, Asher elected not to sit with Lila at Study. He was sitting where Piper and Ayla used to sit, given these seats were free now, his back facing Lila. ¡®Did I do something wrong?¡¯ Lila thought as she stared at his broad shoulders. Sighing, she got up from her table and wandered over to Asher.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she said gently, leaning on his table. He jumped at her voice. His face looked pale and almost gaunt. The bags under his eyes looked almost more like black eyes than bags. The buttons of his shirt weren¡¯t lining up, and his hair was sticking up in such a way that Lila could tell his hands had been almost permanently in it.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila said, softly reaching out to touch his hair. He slapped her hand away, turning his eyes away from her. The sting of her hand didn¡¯t hurt nearly as much as her heart did when she looked at him in this state.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry Lila,¡± he said, his voice shaking. ¡°I need some time to myself. Please.¡±

    It seemed a bit dramatic for taking the L at debating, but Lila nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m here when you need me.¡±

    She returned to her table, her heart heavy. ¡®Perhaps he¡¯ll perk up in English¡¯, she thought, looking down at her laptop.

    Lila soon realised that it turned out to be wishful thinking. Asher was stony-faced as he sat next to Lila, not reacting to anything Ms Shard said in today¡¯s analysis lesson. He didn¡¯t write down any notes, nor did he even open up his copy of Romeo and Juliet.

    ¡®Hopefully the weekend will set him right,¡¯ Lila thought as she snuck a peek at him. He gave her a sideways glance but otherwise didn¡¯t seem to realise she existed. This definitely felt far different to when he was ignoring her last term, but she couldn¡¯t exactly place where the difference lay.

    Regardless, she¡¯d be able to keep an eye on him during practice tomorrow morning on Jacoval. Plus, Isaac would be there, too. Surely he¡¯d noticed Asher¡¯s odd behaviour and would also be keeping an eye on him tomorrow morning.

    <hr>

    ¡°Ladies,¡± Ms Wright called, bright and early on Saturday morning. ¡°Today we¡¯ll go through the practice drills again. If it seems like you guys have got a good handle on that, we¡¯ll do some formation work.¡±

    An excited thrum of conversation burst from the girls on Lila¡¯s hockey team. Formation work was sometimes tedious, but at least they¡¯d be practicing skills for their positions, which was a whole lot more exciting than the basics.

    Lila¡¯s eyes kept drifting towards the soccer boys during the practice drills. From her observations, it seemed that Isaac was sticking close by to Asher. Lila passed the hockey ball to her partner, who intercepted it with ease and passed it back when the sound of shouting cut across their practice. All the hockey and Ms Wright stopped what they were doing and turned in the direction of the soccer boys.

    It was Asher, yelling at Isaac. Lila had never seen him yell at Isaac before.

    ¡°¡­ DONE!¡± she heard Asher scream, his face contorted with uncharacteristically unbridled fury.

    ¡°Asher-¡± Lila heard Isaac plead loudly.

    ¡°LEAVE. ME. ALONE!¡± Asher bellowed. The rest of his team had stopped to stare at the two of them as well. Asher stood there for a moment, heaving, before he sprinted off the oval. Everyone, including Lila, stared after Asher, mouths agape. Lila could hear their soccer coach spluttering for a moment. Isaac placed his hands on his hips, looking at the ground for a moment before sprinting after Asher. They both disappeared in the distance within seconds.

    Ms Wright turned to the hockey team, seeming uncertain before clapping her hands.

    ¡°Okay, ladies, back to drills. I¡¯m just going to talk to Mr Kovac. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    Lila slowly turned to her drills partner, who shrugged at her before lowering into the receiving position. Lila¡¯s heart wasn¡¯t in practice anymore, but she tried to be present enough to at least not be a hindrance. Ms Wright spoke with Mr Kovac for a good twenty minutes and when she returned, she gave Lila a meaningful look before announcing that they wouldn¡¯t be doing formation work that morning. The rest of the girls groaned, but Lila was secretly thankful. She definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to focus on formation work today. Neither Asher nor Isaac returned to practice for the soccer team for the rest of the practice session.

    After practice was over, Ms Wright pulled Lila aside, letting the rest of the girls go on ahead to the carpark.

    ¡°I¡¯m only mentioning this to you,¡± Ms Wright began with a sigh, ¡°because it¡¯s been pretty clear that you¡¯re on good terms with Asher.¡±

    Lila blinked at Ms Wright in surprise. She hadn¡¯t realised that the teachers would notice that kind of thing.

    ¡°Apparently he¡¯s not doing so well,¡± Ms Wright said delicately. ¡°No one knows why, but you might need to check in on him - if you¡¯re good friends, of course. I¡¯m surprised that he took his anger out on Isaac like that, though, so please treat this as a suggestion rather than a request.¡±

    Lila nodded solemnly and Ms Wright dismissed her. ¡®Check in on Asher, hey¡­¡¯ Lila thought as she left the oval and buckled herself in the driver¡¯s seat of her Mum¡¯s car, L-plates already adhered to the windshields.

    Once Lila and her Mum safely made it inside, hockey stick in tow, she contemplated sending a message to Asher. Though, he had asked her for space¡­

    Sighing, she flopped backwards onto her bed, staring at her phone. Should she message Isaac, maybe? Did he know what was going on with Asher?

    Lila thought back to earlier in the year when Asher described his difficulties with asking for help. ¡°I don¡¯t even say this kinda stuff to Isaac or Holly¡­¡± he¡¯d said. Pulling together how he¡¯d been acting over the past couple of days, it seemed pretty clear to Lila that Asher was asking for help¡­ But in saying that, he also hadn¡¯t asked Lila for help directly¡­

    Lila clicked open Insta and began scrolling through her feed, tapping her index finger along the edge of her phone rhythmically. A post from Holly that she¡¯d made a few days ago popped up in Lila¡¯s feed.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡®Shopping Spree by the Bay!¡¯ the caption read, a few heart emojis following it. The covering photo was of a few shopping bags sitting on a bed. The next photo was a picture of two hands intertwined with each other. Lila¡¯s stomach turned slightly as she recognised that the masculine hand belonged to Asher. It looked as though Holly had also had her nails freshly done. Lila double-tapped it by accident as she zoomed in to see further details. Heart jolting and eyes wide, Lila contemplated ¡®unliking¡¯ the photo but decided against it.

    Lila continued to scroll through Insta for a few more minutes before throwing her right hand to her side and staring up at the ceiling. Lila took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She could hear her heat beating steadily in her chest. After a couple moments, she exhaled in frustration, rubbing her eyes.

    ¡®Alright,¡¯ she thought. ¡®I¡¯ll just ask Isaac¡­ hopefully Asher¡¯s talked to him.¡¯

    Lila grabbed her phone and opened Snapchat. She flicked through a couple of Stories before opening her chat with Isaac. As expected, their previous conversation had disappeared.

    Hey, Lila sent. A minute passed, with each second increasing the anxiety stiffening her shoulders before Isaac replied.

    Hey back, it read.

    Asher seemed pretty upset, Lila sent, inhaling sharply, her phone trembling in her hands.

    Could say that, Isaac replied. He sent a shrugging emoji. About what, idk

    Lila sighed. Of course Asher hadn¡¯t said anything to Isaac.

    Ok, Lila replied. Thx

    U can message him, Isaac sent quickly. But idk if he¡¯d respond

    I might, Lila sent back. Did you end up reading the book?

    Duuuuuuuuude, Isaac sent instantly. I diiid. Can I bring it back to u on Mon?

    Dummy, Lila replied. Monday¡¯s a public holiday. Labour Day

    Ah, Isaac replied, a sad face following it. Tues then

    Ya, Lila sent. I¡¯ll bring the second one

    Isaac sent a Bitmoji of himself cheering. Lila chuckled and turned her phone screen off. She contemplated messaging Asher for a little while before biting her lower lip. She wasn¡¯t sure, exactly, why she was hesitating so much. If he didn¡¯t want to talk to her, he didn¡¯t have to. But if he did, would he be angry with her, like he was with Isaac?

    ¡°I¡¯m doing it,¡± she said to herself firmly, opening her phone again.

    Hey, she texted Asher. She saw that he opened it pretty quickly, but five minutes passed without a reply.

    You don¡¯t seem okay, Lila sent, biting her lower lip again. Can I help?

    Asher opened it again, but five more minutes passed without a reply. Lila jiggled her foot on the edge of the bed nervously as she waited for a response. After ten minutes, Lila turned her phone screen off. But, she turned it back on again and tried one last message.

    Do u have plans for Monday? Public holiday, she sent.

    No, Asher replied instantly. Don¡¯t want any

    ¡®Well, at least he¡¯s still alive,¡¯ Lila thought with a grimace.

    Okay, Lila replied. She could take a hint.

    <hr>

    Tuesday morning was baffling. She had English and Study with Asher in the morning, but he was even more morose and subdued than he had been at the end of last week. His eyes didn¡¯t even light up when Ms Shard went through an analysis of the latest reading. Ms Shard called on him, though, to answer her question regarding Mercutio and Benvolio¡¯s conversation in Act 2, Scene 1. He stood up, banging his legs on the desk. Lila blinked up at him in surprise. No one normally stood up in English to discuss anything.

    ¡°Lady Macbeth demonstrated that women can be as ambitious and cruel as men, and her manipulativeness showed how remarkably powerful the women in the shadows of their husbands could truly be in that time,¡± he said robotically. Ms Shard tilted her head, staring deeply at Asher before he sat back down, knocking his copy of Romeo and Juliet off the table. He didn¡¯t seem to have noticed as he thrust his hands in his hair, looking down at the desk.

    ¡°¡­ okay,¡± Ms Shard said, confusion heavily lacing her gravelly voice. ¡°Thank you, Asher. Would anyone else like to answer my question regarding Mercutio and Benvolio¡¯s actions within this scene?¡±

    A low rumble came from their classmates as they all looked at one another, perplexed, though no one dared to laugh.

    Once Ms Shard released them from English, Asher immediately walked in the opposite direction to the library for Study. Lila picked at her nailbeds as she tried to decide if she should follow Asher or head off without him. A few of their classmates stared at Lila as they passed, but no one said anything to her. Lila groaned and began to head off in the direction that Asher had gone. At the very least, if he was going to miss Study, Lila needed to know so she could tell the supervising teacher.

    Lila couldn¡¯t see Asher outside any of the Language Block classes, but a voice coming from an open window a few rooms ahead caught her attention.

    ¡°¡­ going on?¡± the voice said. It had a slight accent that seemed familiar to Lila, though she couldn¡¯t figure out why that was. She crept forward, ducking under the windows in an effort to hear more.

    ¡°Mr Barsch, I¡¯m quitting debating.¡±

    That was Asher¡¯s voice. Lila slightly lifted her head to see into the classroom. Asher was standing, his back facing Lila, in front of Mr Barsch, who was sitting on the edge of the teacher¡¯s desk. A PowerPoint regarding some German phrases was still shining on the white projector screen.

    ¡°You¡¯re not serious,¡± Mr Barsch¡¯s baritone voice projected through the empty classroom. He stood up now, staring at Asher with wide eyes, looking akin to a stunned mullet.

    ¡°My decision is final,¡± Asher said firmly. Lila could see him cross his arms, and she sunk back down to a squatting position, her eyebrows wrinkling in confusion.

    ¡°Asher, I can¡¯t see why you¡¯d want to quit. Please reconsider,¡± Mr Barsch¡¯s voice implored. ¡°We won last week against Mulberry Heights. You even won Speaker of the Night-¡±

    Asher cut Mr Barsch off. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but that¡¯s it from me. Good luck finding a new Debating Captain for next year.¡±

    Asher burst out of the door to the classroom and began stalking off towards the library without crossing paths with Lila. Lila wasn¡¯t sure that he knew she was even there. Lila lifted her head, peering into the window again. Mr Barsch had his glasses in his hands, the left arm resting on his lower lip as he eyed the carpet. Lila¡¯s eyes darted back to Asher¡¯s distant form as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Asher had been doing debating for so long, and he wanted to quit in the middle of the debating season?

    Lila sucked in a deep breath before getting up and following Asher. Lila tried to keep up with Asher as he just about tore up the path in his haste to get to the library for Study, but he remained far ahead of her. By the time she made it to the library, Asher had set his belongings away from Lila¡¯s booth. She didn¡¯t try talking to him again, though she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about what she¡¯d heard.

    ¡®What¡¯s going on?¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she absently flicked through her maths textbook, her eyes not registering what was on its pages. She looked up to where Asher was sitting ¨C he hadn¡¯t seemed to have moved a muscle from the time that he¡¯d sat down. She twirled her pen in her fingers as she continued to muse.

    Asher, quitting debating? She¡¯d never have guessed that he would be capable of quitting debating, given it was one of his longest-running co-curriculars. Though it burned her up inside, not knowing what was wrong, she also knew she couldn¡¯t rush him.

    <hr>

    Lila remained quiet throughout the rest of Tuesday and even into Wednesday as she continued to ponder what had happened that made Asher behave that way. Given Holly had recently made an Insta post featuring Asher, and it wasn¡¯t taken down, Lila was sure that they hadn¡¯t broken up¡­ Mr Barsch had said that they won their debating match against Mulberry Heights and Asher had even won Speaker of the Night¡­ Isaac didn¡¯t know why Asher was upset, so it was unlikely a fight between them¡­

    ¡®Could something have happened with his Mum?¡¯ Lila thought suddenly, dropping her pen in PC class that Wednesday morning. ¡®Maybe they found a body¡­¡¯

    Lila shook her head. That was something that Asher surely would have told her about. Right?

    ¡°Lila?¡± Grace gently nudged Lila¡¯s arm, bringing her back to reality.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila said, looking at Grace and Elise. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Well, nothing¡¯s wrong with us, but you¡¯ve been frowning and sighing up a storm,¡± Elise said in a low voice.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila said, putting her pen down on the desk with a heavy exhale. ¡°Have you noticed Asher being a bit¡­ odd lately?¡±

    ¡°Girl, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen Asher be normal this whole year,¡± Elise replied, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°He has been different, though,¡± Grace whispered, looking very seriously at Lila. ¡°I noticed it too. He pushed a pull door then nearly ripped it off its hinges. He only stopped ¡®cause Isaac was with him, but he didn¡¯t seem to be talking to Isaac either.¡±

    ¡°Okay, that is odd,¡± Elise conceded. Their conversation was cut short by the presence of Ms Wang over Lila¡¯s left shoulder.

    ¡°Lila, can I please speak with you?¡± Ms Wang asked gently. Lila looked over at Ms Wang before standing up quickly.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± she said, straightening her uniform.

    ¡°Elise, I¡¯ll leave you in charge,¡± Ms Wang said, smiling warmly at Elise, who flushed and nodded.

    Ms Wang led Lila away from the PC class, catching the attention of some of Lila¡¯s PC classmates, though they didn¡¯t say anything to either Ms Wang or Lila. Ms Wang walked down the hallway towards a spare meeting room a few doors down. Lila felt as though she was experiencing d¨¦j¨¤ vu as Ms Wang tapped her staff ID card on the receiver and opened the door for Lila, who anxiously walked in. It immediately took her back to when Ms Wang had confronted Lila about the photos Piper had put up around the boys¡¯ bathrooms.

    ¡°Please take a seat,¡± Ms Wang said, gesturing to the seat in front of Lila. She tentatively sat down, her eyes not leaving Ms Wang¡¯s face.

    ¡°The teachers have noticed that Asher has been¡­ unusual, lately,¡± Ms Wang said with a sigh. ¡°We believe it may be due to the fact that Piper was allowed back on campus.¡±

    Lila felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Out of all the possibilities for Asher acting like he had, she hadn¡¯t considered this as one of them.

    ¡°What we would like to do is conduct another surprise search of Piper¡¯s locker in the presence of yourself and Asher this afternoon,¡± Ms Wang continued, maintaining eye contact as she spoke. ¡°Hopefully, if Asher can see that Piper isn¡¯t continuing her activities, he will be more at ease.¡±

    Ms Wang broke eye contact from Lila briefly as she stared at the wall behind Lila.

    ¡°I know that it¡¯s a faux pas for teachers to admit that there are favourites, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯re well aware of the value Asher adds to the College. It¡¯s quite clear due to his standing as a long-running Dux, plus his achievements in debating and in soccer.¡±

    The seriousness of Ms Wang¡¯s words hung in the air between them. A lengthy pause passed before Lila cleared her throat.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said. ¡°If you think it might help Asher, I¡¯ll get him to come around to the lockers straight after school finishes again.¡±

    Ms Wang smiled warmly at Lila. ¡°That would be much appreciated.¡±

    ¡®The only problem is getting him to listen to me¡­¡¯ Lila thought bitterly as Ms Wang led her back to PC. At least they were finishing off the day with Study again, which would give Lila enough time to ask Asher to hang back after school for another search of Piper¡¯s locker.

    Lila couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything else for the rest of the afternoon and was jittery by the time she signed in for her Study class. Asher was again sitting away from Lila¡¯s usual spot, but she took a deep breath and marched up to him.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she said sternly. He seemed dazed, his appearance somehow even worse than last Friday, when she¡¯d last taken a proper look at him. He didn¡¯t respond, his eyes staring unblinkingly at his black laptop screen. Lila gently touched his shoulder and he almost fell backwards off his chair, his face reddening when his eyes flickered to meet hers.

    ¡°W-What?¡± he asked in a strained voice. He cleared his throat and looked at Lila expectantly. Lila looked around them, trying to see if Piper or Ayla were nearby. She couldn¡¯t see anyone within earshot, let alone Piper or Ayla, so she answered him.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been asked to attend a surprise inspection of Piper¡¯s locker after school today,¡± she whispered. Asher looked at her blankly, before recognition sparked in his eyes.

    ¡°I-Is that all?¡± he asked, looking down at his laptop. He entered his password incorrectly twice as Lila watched. Truthfully, it wasn¡¯t all Lila wanted to talk to him about, but decided to back off for now.

    ¡°Yeah, it is,¡± she said, starting to walk away.

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t even thought about it over this past week,¡± Asher said softly, still looking at his laptop. Lila turned to him in surprise.

    ¡°Not at all?¡± she asked, her disquiet increasing tenfold as she registered what he¡¯d said.

    ¡°Not even once. Thanks¡­ for telling me.¡±

    Lila took that as her cue to sit back down at her own desk, which she did, a million thoughts running in her mind. So, he wasn¡¯t acting this way because of Piper?

    Lila whiled away the time, disturbed and unsettled by this new information. Given the gravity of Asher¡¯s shift in behaviour, Lila had been sure it could only be due to something as serious as Piper¡¯s stalking¡­

    Lila packed away her things a few minutes before class ended and headed back over to Asher, her laptop bag and bookbag on her shoulders.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said quietly. Asher didn¡¯t move, so she tapped him on the shoulder again. As soon as he laid eyes on Lila, he nodded solemnly and obediently packed away his things.

    They walked in silence towards the locker room, which was again guarded by Ms Wang and Mr Johnson. Ms Wang greeted them, which Lila returned in kind. Asher looked ahead, past Mr Johnson and Ms Wang, his eyes glassy. Ms Wang and Mr Johnson exchanged a glance before Ms Wang led Lila and Asher into the locker room silently.

    As it had been the last time they had inspected Piper¡¯s locker, the locker room was devoid of any other students. Also just as it had been last time, Mr Morrison and Mr Lockwood were already waiting by Piper¡¯s locker. Piper was off to the side, looking incredibly pale and like she was about to faint any second now. Mr Morrison and Mr Lockwood smiled as they approached, though their smiles quickly faded upon taking in Asher¡¯s appearance. Mr Morrison and Mr Lockwood looked grimly at each other, before Mr Morrison cleared his throat.

    ¡°Piper, as discussed, please open your locker.¡±

    Piper began shaking from head to toe, silent tears streaming down her face. While this wasn¡¯t a new sight to Lila, her curiosity had definitely been piqued. It was an odd reaction for a girl who had nothing to hide.

    Without another word, tears still falling, Piper opened her locker before scuttling back, facing away from everyone. Stuck to the inside of the door were more pictures of Asher. They were all recent. One showed Asher smiling while talking to Holly at an unfamiliar school, and another showed Asher laughing heartily with Lila at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. Both of these photos seemed to have been taken from very far away. The view of ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ in particular struck Lila as being very familiar. A second passed before Lila recalled that this was exactly the same view as she had seen from the bookstore along the shopping street.

    There was another picture of Asher at soccer while he was dribbling around some cones, and another two pictures showed Asher looking away from the camera around campus. Lila¡¯s terrified eyes drifted up to the top shelf of Piper¡¯s locker and she saw the corner of soccer shorts slipping over the edge.

    ¡°What the fuck,¡± Asher said, in a voice that seemed to have given up all hope. ¡°Again?¡±

    With a bang, he slammed the door wide open before snatching the soccer shorts from the top shelf with his left hand. He simultaneously pulled down all the photos with his right hand. He slowly turned to Mr Morrison, Mr Lockwood, and Ms Wang, who all looked suitably pale and horrified as they took in the contents of Piper¡¯s locker. None of the three teachers dared to admonish Asher for his language, their startled eyes resting on his face, which seemed to have darkened with rage.

    ¡°I¡¯m out,¡± he growled, shoving as much of the shorts as he could into his pocket. ¡°If you need me, I¡¯ll be anywhere else.¡± He began to walk off, tearing up the photos he¡¯d collected. Not once had he looked at Lila. The teachers and Lila could only watch his departing figure in pure shock before they all turned to look at Piper. She had her face in her hands, her shoulders shaking while she whimpered. Mr Lockwood glanced at Lila, who was suddenly feeling nauseous, before looking down at Piper.

    ¡°Ms Baker,¡± he said quietly, his tone incredibly grave. ¡°You¡¯ll have to come with me, please.¡±

    ¡°S-Sir,¡± Lila cut in, stepping between him and Piper, tears welling in her eyes.

    ¡°Yes, Lila?¡± Mr Lockwood asked, blinking at her in surprise.

    ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t wanna be in a school, private or not, that can¡¯t keep its students safe,¡± Lila managed to say, a sudden burst of courage overpowering her desire to shirk away from the responsibility that she felt was weighing on her. In any other circumstance, Lila was sure she wouldn¡¯t have been able to say anything at all, but now that Asher had left, he couldn¡¯t speak up for himself.

    ¡°Neither would I, Lila. Please travel safe on your way home today,¡± Mr Lockwood said, looking down at Lila, a complicated emotion underlying his otherwise professional demeanour.

    Mr Lockwood and Mr Morrison headed off towards the Headmaster¡¯s Office. Ms Wang gingerly held Piper by the shoulders and steered her along the same path, casting a backwards look at Lila that seemed to convey a mixture of pride and anguish.

    Lila buried her face in her hands, pressing into her eye sockets lightly for what felt like half an hour, but couldn¡¯t have been longer than a minute. Piper¡¯s locker was still open, but Lila felt queasy even looking in its direction. She¡¯d followed them to Marlene¡¯s caf¨¦ and they hadn¡¯t noticed¡­

    She headed home for the day, waiting anxiously for another email from Mr Lockwood. That didn¡¯t arrive until nearly 10pm, just as Lila was getting ready to go to sleep. It read as follows:

    Dear Asher and Lila,

    Forestglade College takes the safety of all its students seriously. Piper Baker has now been expelled from Forestglade College. The College is considering its options in regards to increasing security on campus and any external legal avenues.

    Thank you for your assistance. I invite you to seek counselling with Mrs White. She may be able to assist you with coming to terms with this matter.

    I also invite you to consider whether any formal legal action or advice is required. I will be advising both of your parents at a private meeting in the near future. I will provide you each with a physical letter to be provided to your parents once the details of the meetings have been confirmed.

    As before, I request that you keep this private. I am aware that it may not be private for long, however disciplinary matters regarding students, past or present, are not for wider discussion.

    Kind regards

    Greg Lockwood

    Headmaster

    Forestglade College

    Lila plugged her phone back in to its charger, now far more restless than before. She hesitated for just a moment before sending a quick message to Asher.

    Piper¡¯s expelled, she sent. She saw that Asher opened her message, but after several minutes, Lila turned her phone screen off and fell into an uneasy sleep.

 Chapter Forty

    Chapter Forty

    Lila woke up exhausted on Thursday morning. She¡¯d somehow slept through a couple alarms, and Daniel even came in to rouse her.

    ¡°Oi, wake up,¡± he said loudly, his blurry face hovering over her half-asleep form. ¡°We¡¯ve got school.¡±

    She sat up slowly, wiping the sleep from her eyes.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± she said with a yawn.

    ¡°If you keep sleeping, you¡¯ll have to get on the bus with me, you know,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow at her and knotting his school tie as he spoke. ¡°And we all know how much you hate not being early.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at him and he left as she dressed for school. She felt lethargic, her muscles achy and like she was running on autopilot. The whiplash of the events of the past couple of days had clearly been taking its toll on her.

    Despite her late start, she managed to catch her usual bus. Lila glanced at the back of the bus, half-expecting Piper to be sitting there.

    ¡®Of course she¡¯s not,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, shaking her head. ¡®She¡¯s been expelled.¡¯

    The reminder of Piper¡¯s expulsion filled Lila with mixed emotions. She hadn¡¯t wanted Piper to be expelled, given how severe of a punishment that was. On the other hand, the fact that Piper had obviously not learnt her lesson during her suspension filled Lila with a level of wrath she hadn¡¯t known she could possess. Lila was also anxious about this upcoming meeting with her parents and the Headmaster, but at least from the email it seemed like a while away. She could at least think of a game plan to ensure they didn¡¯t freak out too hard and pull her out of school, or ban her from seeing Asher, or whatever method of control they had access to that they deemed necessary to exert.

    English was her first class of the day. Would Asher be there? Would he be okay? He still hadn¡¯t responded to her text advising him that Piper had been expelled. Upon arriving at the Language Block, she couldn¡¯t see Asher, or anyone actually, outside. Checking the time, she realised she was 15 minutes or so early.

    Lila entered the classroom hesitantly. Asher was the only other person inside, sitting straight in his seat, staring unblinkingly at the whiteboard. His complexion was deathly pale, his bags under his eyes a ghastly purple again. His stubble was particularly noticeable against his pale face. His tie wasn¡¯t done up all the way, and his hair looked like he¡¯d had a battle with a shredder and lost with how messy it was. His blazer was crumpled beyond belief. On his desk was a copy of Romeo and Juliet, but was otherwise empty ¨C not even a notebook or his laptop in sight.

    ¡°H-Hi,¡± Lila said tentatively, taking her usual seat next to him, careful to avoid the heavy-looking bookbag resting on the back leg of his chair. His eyes tracked her movements briefly, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about Piper anymore,¡± Lila said softly, pulling out her materials. He grunted in response, but otherwise still didn¡¯t move or react. Lila sighed. As today was a reading lesson, she thought he might cheer up after hearing everyone stumble through the play. Lila had run out of ways to connect with Asher and bring him back from whatever he was going through. ¡®He just needs time,¡¯ she tried to reassure herself. ¡®And it doesn¡¯t seem like it¡¯s a problem with me¡­¡¯

    Lila took a peek at her copy of Romeo and Juliet. Today they would be reading through Act 2, Scene 2. The famous balcony scene that Asher had mentioned. He¡¯d seemed excited to talk it through with Lila on ANZAC Day ¨C just the Tuesday before last. Hopefully, it¡¯d bring some life back to him.

    The rest of their class filtered in, and Ms Shard clapped her hands to grab their attention once the lesson began before announcing today''s agenda. ¡°Alright, everyone. Another reading class. Today, we¡¯ll be going through Act 2, Scene 2. This is one of the most famous parts of the play. Without further ado, let¡¯s dive in.¡±

    As had been par for the course of reading lessons, Ms Shard randomly selected students to read out loud. With each line that was read out, however, Lila sensed that Asher was growing more and more agitated. Now instead of a blank look on his face, he was scowling, the furrows of his brow deepening by the second.

    Eventually, it was Liam¡¯s turn again. He sighed heavily as he slowly turned to the correct page and cleared his throat. A couple of students next to him chuckled and nudged him, but he begrudgingly read out Romeo¡¯s lines without looking at them.

    ¡°With love¡¯s light wings did I o¡¯erperch these walls, for stony limits cannot hold love out; and what love can do, that dares love attempt. Therefore-¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Asher hissed through gritted teeth, getting up so violently and quickly that his chair clattered to the floor, halting Liam¡¯s reading. Lila blinked at Asher in surprise. Lila could have sworn that he was on the verge of tears. He stormed out of the classroom, his copy of Romeo and Juliet still unopened on his desk. Ms Shard spluttered in disbelief in his wake.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think Shakespeare would be so offensive,¡± she finally managed to squawk. A poorly suppressed giggle came from one of Lila¡¯s classmates, but the rest of the class was otherwise quiet.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Ms Shard sighed, cleaning her glasses on her blouse, ¡°please retrieve him.¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡± Lila asked apprehensively.

    ¡°Don¡¯t think he¡¯d listen to anyone else here,¡± Ms Shard replied testily, staring down at Lila. Lila didn¡¯t dare try and argue the point and stood up, Liam continuing with his reading as she left.

    Lila could still see Asher in the distance, speedwalking with an energy she didn¡¯t know he was capable of by how ill he looked.

    ¡°Asher! Wait!¡± she called behind him, beginning to jog to try and keep up now. He didn¡¯t look back at her and seemed to increase his speed. Lila continued to follow Asher, unsure of where he was headed. Eventually, he began to slow down. They were at the edge of the school now, facing a bus stop.

    ¡°Asher¡­ where are you going?¡± she asked, slowing down her pace too.

    ¡°Home,¡± he said, furiously wiping his face with the back of his hands. ¡°I can¡¯t stay here.¡±

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve been real off the past few days. Ever since debating,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Asher asked in an almost-shriek. ¡°I don¡¯t know Lila! What happened?¡±

    He choked on his words, looking away from Lila and towards the road.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s not because you lost debating,¡± Lila said softly, stepping closer to Asher. ¡°I know it¡¯s not because of Piper. Asher, you can trust me. Please, tell me.¡±

    Asher stepped away from Lila, his eyes wild ¨C almost like he was a wounded animal.

    ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t,¡± he said, his eyes turning red. ¡°¡¯Cause then it¡¯ll be real.¡±

    Lila stepped closer again. ¡°Have you talked to Isaac about it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Asher whispered, trembling from head to toe.

    ¡°What about Holly?¡± Lila asked softly, taking another step forward. At this, Asher let out a shuddering breath. He looked at Lila like she had personally stabbed him, a mixture of wrath and sorrow competing to be the dominant emotion across his face.

    ¡°I broke up with Holly,¡± he spat. Lila¡¯s eyes widened and she stopped in her tracks. It didn¡¯t feel like she¡¯d heard him properly.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    Lila felt as though the physics of the world had given away, her breath catching in her throat. Her vision became dazed, the sun suddenly too bright. Asher began to sink onto the ground, clutching his head in his hands. Lila immediately followed his trajectory, kneeling on the hard concrete. A pained howl escaped from his lips, and for the first time, though he¡¯d been plenty close, he began to weep before Lila. Lila reached out to touch him, but at that moment, the squeal of airbrakes cut through the air. Asher looked up, seeing a bus pulling forward nearby. He flung a hand up in the air, almost with violent force, and the bus came to an abrupt stop.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila called, a pleading note in her voice. He swiftly sprinted towards the bus, without taking a look back at Lila, and threw himself up the steps of the bus. She watched as the bus swallowed Asher and lurched forward down the street, the roar of the engine barely competing with the sound of blood rushing through her ears.

    ¡°¡­ wait,¡± Lila¡¯s voice broke, her plea to no one falling short. Her eyes began to swim with tears. She tried and failed to stand on her first attempt, her legs seemingly replaced with jelly. She struggled for a few more minutes, her tears falling onto her lap.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    Eventually, Lila inhaled deeply for ten seconds, though her mind was clouded. She didn¡¯t know what to do anymore. Lila reflexively pulled her phone out of her pocket and checked the time. Lila and Asher had only been gone for about five minutes, despite the fact that it felt more like twenty. Though¡­ Asher didn¡¯t look like he¡¯d be coming back anytime soon.

    Lila slowly trudged back to the English classroom, her feet feeling as though they were made of lead. Her head was spinning, but her current goal was at least clear now. She needed to tell Ms Shard that Asher had left.

    When Lila finally opened the door to the English classroom, all of her classmates turned to look in her direction. Lila was still beating back tears but took another deep breath.

    ¡°Alright, class, you can enjoy some quiet reading for a few minutes,¡± Ms Shard said, putting down her copy of Romeo and Juliet. She crossed the room towards Lila and gestured for Lila to step outside.

    ¡°Lila, where¡¯s Asher?¡± Ms Shard asked in a low voice, her motherly eyes full of concern as they peered at her over the rim of her glasses.

    ¡°¡­ Asher regrettably feels quite ill and is remorseful to have missed this reading of Shakespeare. He¡¯ll be heading home for the day. He is apologetic to have interrupted the class.¡±

    Ms Shard looked taken aback, blinking rapidly at Lila. ¡°Did Asher ask you to say that?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lila lied, looking down at her shoes. Ms Shard sighed, stepping aside to let Lila back into the classroom.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got about ten minutes left of class,¡± Ms Shard said softly. ¡°Thank you for letting me know. I¡¯ll need to advise the Administration.¡±

    Lila fell into her seat. For some reason, it felt as if she had cotton wool in her ears. Her eyes couldn¡¯t focus as if she was looking through frosted glass. The colours of the classroom, just previously so vibrant, seemed to be blending into each other. Her mind was reeling both far too fast and too slowly. In the blink of an eye, class was over but Lila couldn¡¯t will herself to move.

    ¡°Lila?¡± Ms Shard¡¯s voice said gently. Lila slowly turned her head to face Ms Shard, her wrinkled face sharply coming into focus.

    ¡°Class is finished, Lila,¡± Ms Shard said with a kind smile. ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    Ms Shard waited for Lila to finish packing up. Lila glanced at Asher¡¯s desk and robotically placed his still-unopened copy of Romeo and Juliet inside his bookbag, next to his Chem textbook. She placed his bookbag on her right shoulder next to hers before tucking his chair back in. Lila then walked with Ms Shard outside the classroom.

    ¡°Do you need to go to the Sickbay, Lila?¡± Ms Shard asked kindly.

    ¡°N-No, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila replied, blinking rapidly in the sudden sunlight. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Ms Shard sighed. ¡°I do hope Asher is okay.¡±

    Lila looked away from Ms Shard, inhaling deeply.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think he is,¡± she eventually whispered. Ms Shard simply nodded and said goodbye to Lila before heading off in the direction of her next class. The weight of Asher¡¯s bag cut into Lila¡¯s shoulder as she ambled towards Maths. Maths flashed by and Lila found herself sitting in PC, Grace and Elise looking at her in boundless concern. Lila could hardly remember how she¡¯d arrived here, her mind a mess of many different threads of thought that she couldn¡¯t unknot.

    ¡°Lila, where were you at morning tea?¡± Grace asked gently.

    ¡°I¡­ bathroom,¡± Lila replied, resting her head on her desk. She¡¯d hidden away in there to try and make sense of her thoughts, but it hadn¡¯t worked.

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Elise asked, rubbing Lila¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°¡­ Asher went home,¡± Lila said into the desk.

    ¡°Is he okay?¡± Grace asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°And I¡¯m guessing that you know why he¡¯s not okay,¡± Elise replied. Lila nodded, still not lifting her head.

    ¡°Is it to do with the fact that Piper¡¯s locker is completely empty and unlocked?¡± Elise asked.

    Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Maybe Lila needs some time to process,¡± Grace suggested gently. The pressure of Elise¡¯s hands on Lila¡¯s shoulder promptly disappeared. Lila could hear Grace and Elise murmuring amongst themselves, but it didn¡¯t seem to be about anything particularly noteworthy.

    Lila had PE next, and she somehow dragged herself to the gymnasium. It had no traces of semi left. As her last PE lesson had fallen on a public holiday, it was the first time Lila had stepped foot in the gymnasium since semi. Every time she closed her eyes whilst standing in the hall, she saw flashes of Asher, holding her as they danced, or making silly faces with her in the photo booth, intermingled with the face he¡¯d given her when she¡¯d mentioned Holly just this morning.

    Lila shuffled to her usual place while Ms Wright briefed the class on the agenda for today ¨C volleyball. Ms Wright picked a couple of students to assist in setting up the nets. Lila could feel a pair of eyes on her as she sat on the floor, waiting for class to start. Lila turned her head and saw that Ayla was staring at her, misty-eyed. The space where Piper would usually be sitting was noticeably empty ¨C just like where Asher normally sat. Lila couldn¡¯t tell from Ayla¡¯s expression whether she was angry with Lila but as the incessant staring hadn¡¯t stopped when Lila caught her, Lila figured that Ayla might just be shocked.

    ¡®Is that what I am?¡¯ Lila thought numbly, letting her legs stretch out before her. Ms Wright called everyone to play a few rounds of volleyball, though Lila didn¡¯t have any energy to participate with any modicum of enthusiasm. After Lila was subbed out, she walked to the edge of the court and sank to the floor. She held her knees to her chest, her classmates falling out of focus.

    ¡°Lila?¡± Ms Wright asked, kneeling next to Lila. Lila hadn¡¯t noticed her approach.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila replied glumly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that Asher isn¡¯t in class today,¡± Ms Wright said, her eyes not leaving Lila¡¯s face. Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to Ms Wright¡¯s for just a moment, before looking back at the bumps along her kneecaps.

    ¡°Did you check in with him?¡± Ms Wright asked gently.

    ¡°¡­ sure,¡± Lila shrugged, any strength in her voice that she normally possessed abandoning her.

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming he¡¯s not going so well,¡± Ms Wright said in a low voice. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ve also noticed that you don¡¯t seem yourself, Lila. Is there anything else?¡±

    ¡°A couple things,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you know about Piper.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ms Wright replied. ¡°Not the full story, but enough to know in rough terms why she¡¯s no longer in my class or on my roll.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°I hope to see you on Saturday, Lila,¡± Ms Wright said after a few moments. ¡°Some time outside will do you some good, I think.¡±

    ¡°Okay, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila replied listlessly, still not looking at Ms Wright. She felt Ms Wright stand up and head back towards the volleyball game. Eventually, class was dismissed for lunch and Lila continued to go through her classes in a haze. Grace and Elise tried to connect with her at lunch and during Modern History, but Lila may as well have been on a different planet altogether.

    Once she was home, Lila closed herself in her room, letting out a deep breath that seemed to be holding back the swirling mass of emotion that she¡¯d been storing in her chest.

    ¡®Asher broke up with Holly and she¡¯s pregnant,¡¯ Lila thought as she lowered herself into her bed, her brow furrowed. If Holly was pregnant, then that would mean that Asher had¡­

    Lila turned around on her bed, facing the wall and holding her pillow in a chokehold as she tried to think. The Asher that she thought she knew was the type of guy who was responsible to a fault. He¡¯d defended Lila and Holly against Piper without any regard for how he¡¯d look afterwards. He¡¯d set to work on tearing down rumours about Lila before she¡¯d even heard of them. He¡¯d taken it upon himself to look for his mother, alone, for over a month. He¡¯d been the long-running Dux, and eligible for Debating Captain. This was not a guy that she thought was even capable of abandoning his pregnant girlfriend¡­

    Lila ran her fingers through her hair in frustration. He cried. Despite everything he¡¯d gone through, everything that he¡¯d divulged to Lila over the past few months alone, he hadn¡¯t cried. Not in front of Lila, at least. Despite her own tears, even. The kind of pain that he would be in to drop his guard that low must be immense.

    But why? Sure, being a teen father would be overwhelming and terrifying. Lila could only imagine that being a teen mother might be even more so. But wouldn¡¯t that mean that he would want to stay by Holly¡¯s side even more? She was carrying his¡­

    Tears began to slide down Lila¡¯s face. She hadn¡¯t noticed that she started crying. Why was she crying? She¡¯d known that Asher and Holly were most likely having sex. He¡¯d basically said as much, the very first night she¡¯d gone to his place. But the concrete existence of his child was bringing this point to such a sharp focus that she couldn¡¯t catch her breath. She couldn¡¯t begin to articulate the reasons why this piece of news was affecting her so badly¡­

    She took a deep, shuddering breath as she tried to refocus her thoughts. Holly and Asher had been such a great match. He looked so happy with her. He even loved her enough to declare such in front of the whole cohort, just about. Even when Lila had met her, over a month ago, Asher had seemed unable to keep his hands off Holly. He¡¯d been so excited to compete against Holly in debating, and go to Mulberry Heights to see her. They¡¯d even seemed invincible after all the lengths Piper had gone to. From Lila¡¯s perspective, they were utterly devoted to each other. Surely her pregnancy wouldn¡¯t tear that apart? Wouldn¡¯t a pregnancy only bolster their feelings after getting over the initial shock of becoming parents?

    Lila could only imagine that Holly would be heartbroken, too. If Asher had gotten Lila pregnant and broken up with her, Lila knew she would be devastated.

    Her heart skipped a beat as she readdressed that thought. It wasn¡¯t as though Lila would ever be close to living that scenario. So why did it occur to her? Her heart drummed in her chest as more tears rolled down her cheeks. Lila brushed them away before wiping her hands down her face. Her trembling fingers halted when they reached her mouth.

    Her mouth was split in an unseemly smile. Lila clapped a hand over it, a ripple of unease crashing in her stomach. Why was she smiling?

    But, despite her questioning, there was no stopping the sudden rush of giddiness that overcame her. Asher had broken up with Holly. She didn¡¯t have to worry about Holly anymore. Asher¡­ no longer had a girlfriend.

    Lila quickly tried to come back to her senses, but her attempts were overridden by the exhilaration beating through her veins. She couldn¡¯t stop grinning, though a niggling feeling of self-hate began to ooze into her mind.

    ¡®You¡¯re disgusting,¡¯ Lila¡¯s inner thoughts whispered to her as she tried to wrestle control back from her emotions. Lila cocooned herself within her bed sheets, disorientated by the whiplash of her own thoughts. She laid like this for a few minutes, her breathing shallow and unmeasured.

    ¡®That¡¯s right,¡¯ Lila eventually admitted to herself, ¡®I am disgusting.¡¯

    Asher was clearly in agony. Yet, here Lila was, smiling. Here Lila was, happy. She truly was an awful person¡­ a monster, even.

    Lila was stuck in an endless loop of self-hatred, glee, and feeling utter sympathy for Asher for an hour or so before she clapped her hands to her cheeks. She needed to get her act together. Now that she had seen Asher¡¯s tears that morning, she knew for a fact that he needed help. Knowing what she knew about Asher, he wasn¡¯t about to ask anyone for help, either. It had been hard enough for him to ask Lila for help about his Mum, and he hadn¡¯t cried about that in front of her.

    Lila clenched her fists, gritting her teeth. She needed to get a grip. Lila engaged her breathing exercises again, trying to reconnect her mind and her body with each other. Her reaction to the news repulsed and alarmed her to her core, but she needed to forget about that for now. If Asher wasn¡¯t going to ask her for help, she needed to use her initiative. It wasn¡¯t about her.

 Chapter Forty-One

    Chapter Forty-One

    Despite Lila¡¯s inner turmoil, she woke up that Friday morning far more refreshed than she had been since the beginning of the school year. This realisation bewildered her as she brushed her teeth with a frown. Perhaps she¡¯d achieved some form of clarity in her subconscious whilst she was asleep, though she couldn¡¯t think of what that clarity would be now.

    Checking her schedule, Lila noted that she had English with Asher before lunch today. Lila hoped that he was feeling better after leaving early yesterday. With her newfound pep, Lila felt ready to help Asher. Whatever he was going through, enduring it alone was clearly not doing him any good.

    It wasn¡¯t to say that Lila had entirely unravelled her own emotions and thoughts about the issue, but she was confident that she was ready to put it aside to focus on Asher. It still wasn¡¯t about her.

    But by the time English was due to start, Lila hadn¡¯t seen Asher around campus at all. As the seconds ticked by with Lila sitting next to his empty seat, she began to feel a pit in her stomach forming. With a minute to spare before class commenced, Ms Shard quietly approached Lila and let her know that Asher was not joining class that day. Lila briefly wondered why Ms Shard told her this, but with a glance over at Asher¡¯s desk, she conceded that it may have been because she had brought Asher¡¯s bookbag and placed it on his desk in anticipation of his arrival.

    Lila couldn¡¯t remember a time when Asher had ever missed school. Being the Dux, Lila had observed him coming to school sick as a dog, if only to take home requisite homework. The dawning appreciation of this fact only tightened her chest further as Ms Shard began analysing the balcony scene.

    Throughout Ms Shard¡¯s analysis, Lila began to understand, with a pang in her heart, why the scene was so famous. Not only was the declaration of love between Romeo and Juliet beautiful, but it solidified the bond of love for both characters. Additionally, it was the scene where their secret marriage was organised. Knowing that Asher had broken up with Holly, there was no mystery to Lila about why Asher stormed out now.

    Upon being dismissed for lunch, Lila decided to try and hunt down Isaac. Even though Asher had said he hadn¡¯t told Isaac about the breakup yesterday, he may have since. ¡®Particularly as he left during the first class and still hasn¡¯t shown up to school¡­¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh.

    Trying to find Isaac manually would be difficult, though. Lila supposed that she could see if he was sitting outside the Home Ec building¡­

    ¡®I¡¯ll just Snap him,¡¯ Lila decided, pulling out her phone.

    Hey, can we meet up? Lila sent, slowly making her way to the locker room. Isaac opened it up immediately and she could see him start and stop typing.

    Sure, he eventually sent. Locker room? Isaac sent immediately after.

    Sounds good, Lila replied, slipping her phone back into her pocket.

    It didn¡¯t take Lila long to reach the locker room. Isaac was standing outside her locker, surreptitiously eating a banana as though he was worried someone would take it off him.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he smiled when she approached. ¡°You wanted to meet up?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed, tossing her bookbag into her locker along with Asher¡¯s. ¡°Just wondering if you knew where Asher was.¡±

    ¡°Honestly,¡± Isaac said, swallowing hard, ¡°beats me. I was actually gonna ask if I can hang out with you guys today.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila said, slowly closing her locker shut. ¡°Grace has a music lesson today, and Elise has a meeting with her German teacher about going on exchange to Germany at the end of the year.¡±

    ¡°So, looks like it¡¯s just us, then,¡± Isaac noted, shrugging. ¡°Welp, if that¡¯s cool with you, that¡¯s cool with me.¡±

    ¡°Consider it ¡®cool¡¯,¡± Lila said with a small smile. They began to head off towards the tuckshop. Lila asked Isaac how far he¡¯d gotten through the book she¡¯d lent him.

    ¡°I¡¯m almost done,¡± Isaac said conversationally, wiggling his empty banana peel into his soft plastic lunchbox. He pulled out a sandwich and unwrapped it promptly. ¡°I had to force myself to stop, otherwise I would¡¯ve been reading it until, like, 6am or something stupid.¡±

    They began discussing some of the plot points Isaac had encountered, stopping only for Lila to grab some food and rejoin Isaac outside. Isaac led Lila to the same patch of grass they¡¯d sat at, all the way in the beginning of last term after he¡¯d found her crying. This time, though, Lila felt far lighter than she did back then.

    ¡°Well,¡± Isaac began, eyeing Lila over his half-eaten sandwich. ¡°I¡¯m thinking that you want to talk about more than whether or not I know where Asher is.¡±

    ¡°You caught me,¡± Lila replied in a resigned tone, unwrapping her cheeseburger and taking a bite.

    ¡°Is it about your crush on Asher?¡± he asked, still looking at Lila. Lila immediately started choking on her cheeseburger, quickly washing it down with juice. Her face was red as she wiped her mouth on her blazer sleeve.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t have a crush on Asher,¡± she said, attempting to sound firm. It clearly didn¡¯t convince Isaac as he raised an eyebrow at her and started chewing his sandwich again.

    ¡°Righto,¡± he said, after swallowing again. ¡°I¡¯ll just forget I have eyes, then.¡±

    Lila began to splutter, but he silenced her with another raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I¡¯ll go along with your say-so that you don¡¯t have a crush on Asher,¡± he said, scrunching up the plastic wrap of his sandwich and leaning on his elbows. He looked up towards the tree they were sitting underneath, inhaling deeply. ¡°But if you¡¯d seen the way you were ogling him at semi, you¡¯d probably throw up,¡± he continued, cheekily grinning at her.

    Lila fell silent, her knees trembling slightly. Had she been ogling at Asher? Surely Isaac was just pulling her leg.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± he sighed, lying down on the grass now, using his hands as a pillow, ¡°what¡¯s up, then?¡±

    Lila looked at him for a moment before pulling her legs up to her chest and resting her head on her knees.

    ¡°I saw Asher yelling at you at soccer practice.¡±

    ¡°Ah. That again. Not one of our finer moments as a dynamic duo.¡±

    ¡°Do you know what¡¯s been going on with him lately?¡±

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    Isaac gave her a hard look, made only more severe by the glare of the sun in his eyes.

    ¡°Well, I know that he¡¯s not with Holly anymore.¡±

    ¡®So Asher did tell Isaac that, at least,¡¯ Lila thought before pressing on.

    ¡°Did he tell you why?¡± she asked, maintaining eye contact with Isaac.

    ¡°No,¡± Isaac sighed again, this time with a distinct note of frustration. ¡°He said it was messy and he didn¡¯t have it straight in his head yet.¡±

    Lila looked at her cheeseburger and slowly took another bite.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be ecstatic,¡± Isaac said with another cheeky grin.

    ¡°Why do you think he¡¯s not at school?¡± Lila asked quietly, pointedly not addressing Isaac¡¯s comment.

    ¡°I mean, I didn¡¯t think it would be related to Holly. Though, now that you¡¯ve mentioned it just now, he¡¯d been with Holly for, like, six months, maybe a little more. That¡¯s like eleven years in high school,¡± Isaac replied, shrugging in the grass. ¡°Probably a bit sad. Or sick.¡±

    ¡°But he never misses school for anything,¡± Lila said sullenly, tracing her fingers along a few blades of grass by her hip.

    ¡°You¡¯ve noticed that much, aye?¡± Isaac asked, glancing at her before shaking his head.

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Lila asked forcefully.

    ¡°Nothing, nothing,¡± Isaac replied lazily. ¡°Anyway, yeah, he¡¯s never missed school before, even when he had food poisoning. But after COVID and all that, I just reckoned he got the flu and was taking the whole ¡®stay at home if you¡¯re unwell¡¯ thing a bit more seriously.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t ask?¡±

    Isaac gave a long-suffering sigh, staring back up at the knotted and gnarled branches of the tree they were under.

    ¡°¡¯Course I asked. He just hasn¡¯t replied. I¡¯ve texted him about ten times this morning alone.¡±

    Lila watched Isaac¡¯s face for a couple of moments. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze, so she looked back down and ate some more of her cheeseburger.

    ¡°¡­ are you worried?¡± Lila finally asked.

    ¡°Trying not to be,¡± Isaac replied simply, closing his eyes. ¡°I know that Asher isn¡¯t telling me anything because he doesn¡¯t want me to worry. But, man, he still doesn¡¯t understand that he¡¯s making me worry anyway.¡±

    Lila sighed, taking one final bite of her cheeseburger before slipping the wrapper into her blazer pocket and dusting her hands.

    ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll go to soccer tomorrow?¡± Isaac asked abruptly.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you asking me?¡± Lila asked, blinking rapidly at Isaac in surprise.

    ¡°You¡¯re a bit dense, you know,¡± Isaac huffed, sitting back up. ¡°He¡¯s my best mate. Of course I¡¯m going to notice when he¡¯s hanging out with you a whole lot more. He blew me off a couple times over the holidays when I asked to hang out ¡®cause you were going over. You probably know as much as I do about him at this point now.¡±

    There was a hint of emotion in Isaac¡¯s voice as he spoke.

    ¡°Are you¡­ jealous?¡± Lila asked, her brow furrowed as she took in Isaac¡¯s face.

    ¡°No,¡± Isaac replied, looking off in the distance past Lila¡¯s left shoulder. ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s healthy. Well, I didn¡¯t when he was dating Holly. I guess now that that¡¯s busted, I don¡¯t know what I think anymore.¡±

    Isaac brushed the dirt off his hands. He seemed slightly restless, but Lila didn¡¯t comment on it.

    ¡°I hope he goes to soccer tomorrow,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°Same,¡± Isaac replied. ¡°You kinda need the goalie to play.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila trailed off, watching an ant assess how best to carry a crumb of her cheeseburger that had fallen into the grass.

    ¡°For the record,¡± Isaac said suddenly, looking up at the sky. ¡°I never really liked Holly.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked, shocked. ¡°Everyone likes Holly.¡±

    ¡°I guess it would be more accurate to say that I never really liked Holly for Asher.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s just something about her, when they¡¯re together. I went out with them a couple of times, but it just seemed like¡­ she wasn¡¯t looking at Asher like a boyfriend. More like a meal ticket.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t get that impression,¡± Lila said, sitting up straight, her interest definitely piqued.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ve just gotten really good at spotting the fakes,¡± Isaac sighed, rotating his ankles slowly. ¡°He¡¯s had a lot of fake people around him all the time. It¡­ well, that¡¯s another reason why I decided we shouldn¡¯t date anymore. It felt like I was being fake with him, after realising how much he liked you back then.¡±

    Lila remembered when Asher told her that he¡¯d never talked to Isaac about how he felt, about people taking advantage of Asher. ¡®Isaac is way too perceptive for his own good,¡¯ Lila thought wryly.

    ¡°If you thought Holly was fake, why didn¡¯t you say anything to Asher?¡± Lila enquired, observing Isaac intently. His eyes flickered to hers before he looked down at his knees.

    ¡°She¡¯s his first girlfriend. He looked so happy. I kinda convinced myself I was just being overprotective and seeing things that weren¡¯t there.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think they¡¯ve broken up?¡± Lila queried after a brief pause.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Isaac replied, exhaling slowly. ¡°But it clearly wasn¡¯t a good break-up. Maybe he figured out that Holly was using him.¡±

    ¡°Am I fake?¡± Lila eventually wondered, her shoulders tensing up for some reason. Isaac surveyed her with seriousness for a moment, before shaking his head.

    ¡°If you were, I wouldn¡¯t have tried to help you out with the rumours. Probably would¡¯ve spread more rumours about you, not spent my mornings before class taking down photos and yelling about how they were all lies in the locker room,¡± he said with a dry laugh. ¡°I also don¡¯t think a fake person would¡¯ve told me that he was having a hard time after the Piper fiasco. You could¡¯ve just left him to it, and I would¡¯ve been none the wiser until he talked to me about it a few days after.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond, though she brought her shoulders forward, as if to make herself smaller.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing if you have a crush on Asher,¡± Isaac eventually said. ¡°I know you probably don¡¯t want to, after the whole Piper thing. And ¡®cause he was in a relationship. But you can¡¯t help what you can¡¯t help.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have a crush on him,¡± Lila said faintly.

    ¡°I know. I¡¯ve stowed away my eyes, remember,¡± Isaac said, placing his hands over his eyes. ¡°Just saying it¡¯s not a bad thing if you do.¡± He flopped back down onto the grass with a small ¡®oof¡¯.

    Lila laced her fingers together, giving her palms a squeeze. She recalled her grin from yesterday, a disgusted shiver running through her spine. She couldn¡¯t help but think that she was fake, really. She¡¯d been happy at his devastation. She wasn¡¯t any better than someone who took advantage of Asher for their own gain. It felt like she¡¯d had ulterior motives this whole time, but¡­ had she?

    ¡°¡­ you kinda make it sound like you want me to have a crush on Asher,¡± Lila murmured. As soon as she¡¯d heard what she said, she hid her burning face with her hands. What a bizarre thing to say.

    ¡°It¡¯d be a lie if I said I didn¡¯t,¡± Isaac said slowly. Lila quickly looked down at Isaac, her eyes wide and searching for the reason for his response in his face. He gave nothing away as he gave her a lazy grin.

    ¡°This¡¯ll probably come off as really weird, since we dated, but I just think you guys would be really good together,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Asher¡­ needs someone like you, I think.¡±

    He looked away from Lila and gave another humourless laugh before saying, ¡°It¡¯s almost like I vetted you as a girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that does come off as really weird,¡± Lila replied with an awkward chuckle. They sat in silence for a few minutes before a new thought occurred to Lila.

    ¡°Do¡­ you have a crush on Asher?¡± she asked. Isaac immediately sat upright, staring at her incredulously. She simply stared back at him and he began to laugh so hard he was wheezing.

    ¡°Oh my God, you¡¯re serious,¡± he said eventually, clutching his sides.

    ¡°I mean, yeah,¡± Lila said monotonously. Isaac sobered up, wiping his eyes.

    ¡°Nah. Not at all,¡± he said confidently, looking right into Lila¡¯s eyes as he continued. ¡°Genuinely, I thought I did, maybe a few years ago. Before you and I started dating, anyway. But I eventually realised that it was admiration, not a crush. I did think for a hot minute that I might be bisexual, but I realised that I¡¯m very straight.¡±

    ¡°Did you ever tell him?¡±

    ¡°You think I¡¯m only this honest with you?¡± Isaac asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°¡¯Course I told him. We had a big laugh about it. He¡¯s straight, anyway, so it¡¯s not like anything would¡¯ve happened.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re disappointed,¡± Lila said with a playful smile.

    ¡°Trust me, I did go down that road until I found the answer that resonated with me,¡± Isaac said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m not ashamed of it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Lila replied softly, looking back down at her knees. ¡°We¡¯d be pretty close to a true love triangle if I had a crush on Asher. Which I don¡¯t.¡±

    Isaac snorted, lowering himself back onto the grass.

    ¡°The difference between me saying I don¡¯t have a crush on Asher, and you saying you don¡¯t have a crush on Asher, is that I can look you right in the eye as I say it,¡± Isaac eventually said. Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Her whole body felt rigid as she tried to argue, but couldn¡¯t move her mouth. Isaac gave her a sideways glance before smirking.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you ate your cheeseburger, though,¡± Isaac said, nodding. ¡°Better than the last time we had a chat here.¡±

    ¡°Figured you would keep staring at it if I didn¡¯t finish it,¡± Lila replied, her mood lightening slightly. He grinned widely at her, before looking back up at the sky.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell Asher we had this conversation, yeah?¡± he said, a gentle breeze rippling through his hair.

    ¡°¡­ yeah. Thanks.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Two

    Chapter Forty-Two

    Lila¡¯s hopes that Asher would be practising soccer with the Under 18s the next morning were dashed when she stepped onto Jacoval, bright and early. Isaac jogged over to her before she reached Ms Wright, looking anxious.

    ¡°He still hasn¡¯t been responding to my texts,¡± Isaac huffed, bracing his left side. ¡°He¡¯s usually the first one warming up, but he¡¯s not here.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart slowly sank towards her stomach as she registered what Isaac had said.

    ¡°M-Maybe he¡¯s coming later?¡± Lila suggested, trying to give Isaac a hopeful smile. Isaac kicked the top of his right shoe into the field for a couple seconds before shrugging listlessly.

    ¡°Doubt it,¡± he sighed.

    ¡°Fisher, get back here,¡± growled Mr Kovac, menacingly stomping over to Isaac and Lila. ¡°Stop flirting.¡±

    Isaac gave Lila a sheepish grin before sprinting back over to his quadrant of the oval.

    Lila tried to concentrate on the exercises that Ms Wright was giving her that morning, but it was admittedly hard to focus. She looked over at the boys¡¯ side of the oval every few minutes. Asher never showed.

    Ms Wright occasionally came by to talk Lila through specific manoeuvres and tactics. It seemed to Lila, though, that Ms Wright was actually checking in on Lila, but she didn¡¯t say anything of the sort. Lila tried her best to play off her worries by participating in the hockey drills, but she couldn¡¯t feign her usual level of enthusiasm that she had when training.

    As practice was wrapping up, Lila had made up her mind. The facts remained that Asher had missed two days of classes, soccer practice and was ignoring Isaac. She was going to go over to Asher¡¯s house and see him.

    Lila caught Isaac on his way off Jacoval, pulling him to the side before he could step off the field.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Isaac asked, raising an eyebrow, wiping sweat off his brow.

    ¡°I¡­ well, hypothetically, right,¡± Lila began, avoiding his gaze, ¡°if, for example, I went over to Asher¡¯s place¡­ um, but I wanted to bring snacks¡­ What would his favourite snacks be?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s jaw went slack for a moment as he looked at Lila before his face broke into a grin.

    ¡°Well, hypothetically, I would say that you can¡¯t go wrong with Double Coat TimTams. Or Kingstons,¡± Isaac said, tapping a finger to his chin. ¡°Or Snakes. But, this is all hypothetical, of course.¡±

    Isaac winked at Lila before starting to head off to the carpark.

    ¡°Thanks, Isaac,¡± Lila said to his retreating back. He raised a hand in the air, indicating that he¡¯d heard her, and didn¡¯t look back. Lila hurried to the changing room by the oval and picked up her phone. Looking at her text log with Asher, Lila could see that he still hadn¡¯t responded to her message about Piper¡¯s expulsion. Taking an expansive breath, Lila sent a message to Asher.

    Are you okay?

    Asher didn¡¯t seem to open it straight away. Sighing, Lila put her phone in her sports bag and speed-walked to the carpark. Clare was waiting in the short-term parking bay, blasting EDM songs as usual. Clare grinned at Lila as Lila threw her things into the back seat.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± Clare said loftily, turning down the music. ¡°Ready to go home?¡±

    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Lila buckled herself in tentatively. ¡°Can we stop by Woolies or something first?¡±

    ¡°Sure. Why though?¡± Clare asked conversationally, pulling away from the carpark. Lila bit her bottom lip as she contemplated what to say to Clare. Though Clare had backed off since their last discussion about Asher, Lila was fairly confident that she would still not be pleased that Lila was planning to go over again. At the same time, though, Lila¡¯s parents were out all day today so Clare was her only ride¡­

    ¡°I¡­ want to go to Asher¡¯s,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°And I want to bring over some snacks.¡±

    Clare swerved in the road slightly, before inhaling deeply. Lila could see Clare tighten and loosen her grip on the steering wheel a few times before Clare nodded.

    ¡°Okay. I still don¡¯t like it, but okay. Did you want to go home beforehand?¡±

    Lila looked down at her grassy uniform. ¡°Yes please.¡±

    Clare accompanied Lila inside a standalone Woolworths near their house. She wandered through the snack aisle, picking out her own snacks, while Lila took a packet of each of Isaac¡¯s suggestions into her arms.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said to Clare, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m ready to go.¡±

    They checked out their items at the self-serve register, Clare scanning her Woolworths Rewards barcode for each transaction.

    On the way home, Lila checked her phone. Asher had seen her text message yet he didn¡¯t respond. Lila sighed and sent a message to Gabriel.

    Hi Gabriel, I¡¯m coming over in about an hour or so, she sent with shaky hands. It was definitely presumptuous to invite herself over, but she was sure that Gabriel wouldn¡¯t mind. Though, it was his day off¡­ hopefully he¡¯d see her message and let Marlene know, at least.

    Lila didn¡¯t have to wait long for a response from Gabriel, however.

    Hi Lila. Good idea. I am here too.

    Lila frowned as she looked at Gabriel¡¯s message. It wasn¡¯t a special event, that she could tell, so he wasn¡¯t required to be at Asher¡¯s place.

    ¡®No matter,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she turned her phone screen off. She watched the world flash by the car window, which rattled in time to Clare¡¯s loud music. ¡®I suppose he can do what he wants on his days off.¡¯

    Once home, Lila rushed upstairs to shower. Her whole body ached, despite not having tried very hard at practice today. The hot shower relaxed her muscles and when she stepped out of the shower, she felt refreshed.

    Lila anticipated that her conversation with Asher would be a long one, so she might as well dress comfortably. Flicking through her closet, she finally settled on an outfit ¨C a casual t-shirt and long, elastic flare pants. She tied her hair up to get it out of her face and then knocked on Clare¡¯s bedroom door.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re ready,¡± Clare said, looking over her shoulder. On her desk was a skirt that Lila hadn¡¯t seen before, made of shimmery material.

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked curiously.

    ¡°I¡¯m repairing this for a friend,¡± Clare replied smoothly, getting up from her desk and walking out of her room, keys in her hand. Lila followed suit, ensuring she had her phone with her. They got back into Clare¡¯s car in relative silence, Lila¡¯s bag of snacks perched on her thighs.

    Every so often, Clare¡¯s facial expression would meld between one of fury and then into forced calm. It had gotten to the point that halfway through their drive to Asher¡¯s house, Lila couldn¡¯t take it anymore and had to ask Clare what was going on.

    She gave a heavy sigh and a sideways glance at Lila, before saying, ¡°I know you don¡¯t need to give me an explanation. But¡­ I am still worried about this whole situation you have with Asher. I mean, if I was his girlfriend, I would be pretty uncomfortable. Just saying.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend anymore,¡± Lila said quietly, staring into the bag of snacks. Clare immediately turned down her music.

    ¡°Did you just say he doesn¡¯t have a girlfriend anymore?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded solemnly.

    ¡°If you¡¯re intending on going over there and making a move on him, as your older sister who¡¯s done exactly that, I would advise against it.¡±

    Lila looked up sharply. ¡°I never heard about that.¡±

    Clare shrugged, turning around a roundabout with ease. ¡°Don¡¯t like to talk about it. Which is why I¡¯m always torn up about trying to force you to tell me what¡¯s going on, and leaving it alone.¡±

    Lila fell silent, contemplating what Clare said. ¡°I guess¡­ that makes sense. A-Anyway, I don¡¯t want to make a move on Asher. And, besides, I met his¡­ well, ex-girlfriend I guess¡­ before seeing him over the holidays and she said she was okay with it. Me going over, I mean.¡±

    Clare didn¡¯t respond for a while, seeming deep in thought. Lila¡¯s mind, however, was running through her mental history of Clare¡¯s past relationships that she knew about. None stood out as being similar to Lila¡¯s situation with Asher.

    Eventually, Clare parked her car outside Asher¡¯s place and turned to Lila, her face cryptic.

    ¡°Lila. I support you, I do. But I don¡¯t support you getting hurt. I want to protect you, but I know that it¡¯s your life. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. And that sucks. I just hope you¡¯re not making a mistake by getting so close to Asher. The character that shows through his weird actions is not one I¡¯d recommend getting close to. That¡¯s all,¡± Clare said, her voice choppy and strangled.

    ¡°I understand where you¡¯re coming from, Clare. But I disagree that his character is not one that I should stay away from. I¡­ was too mad to say this when we had our fight, but I guess I can tell you now. He, um, tried to push me away from helping him. It¡¯s¡­ me, really, that¡¯s forcing myself on him. And he¡¯s the type of guy who¡¯s too responsible for his own good. He protected me from Piper when it came down to it, and he spent every moment he could tearing down all those photos that you saw from the boys¡¯ bathrooms. He told everyone that the rumours about me were lies before I¡¯d even noticed that they existed, even though it ended up backfiring on us. He¡¯d sooner sacrifice himself than drag others into his messes. So that¡¯s exactly why I can¡¯t stand by and watch him destroy himself, sis.¡±

    A hard lump formed in Lila¡¯s throat as she finished talking. She quickly opened the car door and exited. She could have sworn that Clare¡¯s eyes were glistening, but when Clare blinked, the effect went away.

    ¡°I¡¯ll trust you for now,¡± Clare said finally, looking up at Lila. ¡°I haven¡¯t met the guy, so I can¡¯t judge for myself, I guess. Just¡­ keep an eye on yourself, please. If you need to talk to someone, I¡¯m here for you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Clare. I do appreciate it, and I appreciate you. Seriously,¡± Lila said earnestly. Clare smiled, her eyes seeming to glisten again, before Lila shut the car door. Clare waved at Lila as she drove away.

    Lila slowly turned towards Asher¡¯s house. She walked up the driveway, her hands weighed down with the snacks. Upon reaching the front doors, she took a deep breath and knocked.

    A minute later, both doors opened and revealed a confused-looking Marlene. When she spotted Lila, her confusion melted into a cheerful smile.

    ¡°Hello, Lila,¡± she said. ¡°This is a surprise. Mr Wagner didn¡¯t say you would be coming for a visit today.¡±

    ¡°Hi Marlene,¡± Lila replied, with a small smile. ¡°I haven¡¯t told Asher. Um¡­ he missed the last two days of school, actually. And he¡¯s been ignoring my texts, and Isaac¡¯s texts. And he didn¡¯t come to soccer practice this morning.¡±

    Marlene¡¯s calm and collected demeanour fell away in an instant as she gaped at Lila.

    ¡°Mr Wagner didn¡¯t attend school?¡± she asked weakly. Marlene glanced behind her, as if expecting Asher to be standing right there, before ushering Lila inside.

    ¡°Please wait a moment,¡± Marlene said quietly, her hands jumping to compulsively smooth the front of her apron. She hurried off to a side room before returning with Lila¡¯s slippers, kneeling to place them on the ground before her.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to,¡± Lila said quickly, waving her hands to illustrate her point.

    ¡°I insist,¡± Marlene replied, her voice oddly high-pitched as she stood up again. ¡°I noticed that Mr Wagner has not left his room, but I thought that he was just tired.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you normally take him to and from soccer practice on Saturdays?¡± Lila asked as Marlene began to lead her through the house.

    ¡°I do,¡± Marlene nodded, ¡°but he said it was cancelled today.¡±

    ¡°He lied to you, then,¡± Lila said softly, her stomach twisting itself into a ball. Marlene¡¯s eyes widened and her hand jerked to a pocket on her apron, but she didn¡¯t do anything with said pocket.

    ¡°I said to Gabriel that I would be here,¡± Lila said as they approached the kitchen. As if on cue, Gabriel came bustling out, his normal chef uniform replaced with a long-sleeved shirt and loose slacks.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said in a low whisper, smiling in a way that seemed forced.

    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Lila replied, mirroring his whisper. ¡°Why are you in?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried about Asher, of course,¡± he said in a low voice, glancing up towards the staircase. ¡°I¡¯ve been making a whole bunch of desserts for him to try and cheer him up, but he keeps telling me to leave it on the kitchenette counter. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s gotten up once.¡±

    ¡°Did he join you for dinner last night?¡± Lila asked, looking between Marlene and Gabriel. Gabriel shook his head.

    ¡°I delivered his food upstairs and Marlene brought it back down. It had barely been touched.¡±

    ¡°¡­ what has he mentioned?¡± Lila asked quietly, folding her arms in front of her chest.

    ¡°I¡¯ve asked what¡¯s wrong, but he¡¯s insisted that everything is fine,¡± Gabriel replied, glancing towards the stairs again.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get to work on continuing to make desserts,¡± Gabriel nodded, pushing his sleeves up. ¡°I¡¯ve got a beautiful lemon meringue pie coming along. Surely I¡¯ll be able to entice him with something as sour as his mood.¡±

    Marlene simply bowed at Lila, her eyes still unnaturally wide. Lila slowly made her way up the stairs and to Asher¡¯s rumpus room. She knocked on the door, but heard no response. She opened it slightly and saw that it was in complete disarray. The couch cushions were on the floor, juice bottles and at least four dessert trays were scattered about, and a blanket was messily lying on the back of the couch. Stepping inside, Lila noticed that the controllers for his consoles were haphazardly on the coffee table. The door to Asher¡¯s bedroom was closed.

    Lila gently placed the bag of snacks on a spare section of the coffee table. She drew in a long, slow breath before walking over to Asher¡¯s bedroom door. As Lila approached, she could hear the distinct sounds of someone sobbing. Clearly, Asher was crying again¡­

    Her heart breaking, Lila knocked on his door.

    ¡°Go away, Gabriel. I¡¯m not in the mood for any more desserts,¡± Asher¡¯s voice weakly called out.

    ¡°It¡¯s Lila,¡± Lila said. She couldn¡¯t hear any sounds in his room anymore. She waited a beat before announcing, ¡°I¡¯m coming in.¡±

    She turned the handle just as she heard Asher cry out, ¡°Wait, no!¡±

    It was too late. Lila swung the door open just as she recognised that he¡¯d said something. He was standing in front of his bed, shirtless, his hair wildly messy. Lila could see the lines of his lean, muscular torso. As soon as she registered what she was looking at, she threw her hands in front of her eyes and turned around, a small shriek escaping her lips, heart pounding in her ears. Asher shrieked simultaneously, moving to cover his toned chest.

    ¡°Why are you shirtless?¡± Lila asked in a shrill voice.

    ¡°I was pantsless a second ago! I¡¯d said wait!¡± he replied in an equally shrill voice. Lila promptly closed the door behind her and escaped to the couch. This was exactly why she¡¯d been anxious to get close to his room in the past¡­

    She¡¯d only just caught her breath back when Asher emerged from his room, a longline navy singlet now covering the top half of his body. He hadn¡¯t changed out of his grey tracksuit pants. He looked incredibly embarrassed but approached the couch all the same. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face was pale and exhausted.

    ¡°W-Why are you here?¡± he asked quietly, sitting rigidly in his usual spot on the couch. His eyes didn¡¯t meet hers as he waited for an answer.

    ¡°You weren¡¯t responding to my texts. And you missed school. And soccer practice. And you¡¯ve been ignoring Isaac. And, most importantly, I¡¯ve been worried about you,¡± Lila said, listing the reasons off her fingers.

    ¡°Worried? About me?¡± he asked, seeming baffled.

    ¡°Asher, you ran out of English during the balcony scene,¡± Lila said pointedly. ¡°You¡¯ve been acting odd even before that. You stopped talking about Shakespeare with me, and you answered a question about Romeo and Juliet with a synopsis of Lady Macbeth¡¯s character.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned red as he moved to hold it in his hands.

    ¡°Plus¡­ you¡­ started crying,¡± Lila finally said softly, picking at her fingernails in her lap. Asher¡¯s whole body winced at Lila¡¯s words, but he didn¡¯t look up at her.

    ¡°And¡­ I don¡¯t know if I want to ask¡­ but¡­ did you even get on the right bus home?¡± Lila asked, looking towards Asher.

    ¡°¡­ No,¡± he admitted into his palms. ¡°I was halfway to the city before I realised.¡±

    A hint of a smile flickered across Lila¡¯s face, but she didn¡¯t dare laugh.

    ¡°Asher¡­ I¡¯m here to help you,¡± Lila said gently, shuffling a little closer to him on the couch. ¡°I mean it when I say I want to help you.¡±

    It was as though those words were the magic words that released him. He began weeping into his hands, slowly sinking headfirst into his lap. Lila immediately reached out and began to rub his right arm comfortingly, which only served to make Asher cry harder. Each painful, shuddering breath he took pierced Lila¡¯s heart as she watched Asher crumple before her eyes. They sat like this for almost half an hour before Asher¡¯s sobs finally began to subside.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said, sniffling as he wiped his eyes and nose on his singlet. ¡°I-I don¡¯t know what came over me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila said, a small, empathetic smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯m just glad I don¡¯t have to princess carry you up here while you¡¯re crying.¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    Asher finally looked at her, confusion in his eyes before understanding her reference. He began to chuckle, but it quickly stopped.

    ¡°¡­ Do you want to talk about the elephant in the room?¡± Lila asked in a half-whisper. Asher rubbed his face for a moment, looking up at the ceiling now before he nodded.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he confirmed. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you mean the fact that H¡­ Holly¡¯s¡­ pregnant.¡±

    ¡°We can start there,¡± Lila said, nodding. Asher sighed, not speaking for a few moments before glancing at Lila.

    ¡°Well¡­ I went to debating on the 26<sup>th</sup> of April,¡± he began softly, looking down at his lap now. ¡°A-And we won, actually.¡± Asher shot Lila a sideways look before looking back down. ¡°Sorry I lied about that, by the way. I¡­ also got awarded ¡®Speaker of the Night¡¯. It was actually a very good debate¡­¡± He trailed off, staring intently at his hands before speaking again a minute later.

    ¡°So Holly¡­ took me to an empty classroom after. And I thought we were just going to hang out before her parents came to pick her up. And that¡¯s when she told me that she¡¯s¡­ pregnant.¡±

    Lila nodded encouragingly, not wishing to interrupt Asher¡¯s recollection.

    ¡°So I thought about it for a couple days. Went off the rails over it. Then I dumped her on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Asher, don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a dick move to dump your pregnant girlfriend?¡± Lila asked quickly. She needed to rip this band-aid off if they were ever going to get to the point. He looked at Lila, his face again unfathomable, before tears coated his eyes and began to flow. He wept into his hands again, and Lila resumed her comforting touch. Asher almost began hyperventilating, so she quickly got up and filled a glass of water before returning and offering it to him. He took it but didn¡¯t drink, owing to how hard his chest was heaving.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s n-not mine,¡± he finally managed to choke out between wheezes. ¡°I-Impossible.¡±

    As soon as he said that, everything clicked for Lila. He began sobbing even harder now, almost to the point of wailing. Lila continued to stay by his side, though her mind was running a mile a minute. It wasn¡¯t Asher¡¯s baby.

    As she reiterated this fact to herself, she felt another one of her sickening grins creep across her face. Truthfully, the news made her feel giddy again, but she quickly swallowed it down for now. She internally interrogated herself as to why the fact that Holly had apparently cheated on Asher was something to be happy about, but found no answers. His shoulders continued to wrack back and forth as he struggled to breathe, forcing Lila back into the present moment.

    ¡°A-Asher,¡± Lila tentatively said, gently rubbing the top of his back now. ¡°H-How do you know it¡¯s not yours?¡±

    Asher¡¯s sobs quickly stopped as he looked up at Lila incredulously, pain still eating away at his appearance.

    ¡°¡¯Cause I haven¡¯t had sex with Holly.¡±

    This new revelation made Lila¡¯s head spin. ¡°Y-You haven¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Asher said, looking at the cup of water in his hands, his body spasming involuntarily as he took in a deep breath. ¡°I¡­ wanted to wait a little bit longer. She¡¯s¡­ was¡­ I thought¡­ well¡­¡±

    He took another deep breath, closing his eyes this time before finishing his sentence.

    ¡°She was so perfect, at least I thought, that I didn¡¯t want to ruin her. I was scared and I¡­ wanted to be more secure in our relationship. I wanted to know that she¡­ definitely wanted me. And was definitely¡­ okay with my imperfectness.¡±

    ¡°Why did you think that she wouldn¡¯t be?¡± Lila whispered, her eyes not leaving his face now. He glanced at her before looking back at his balled-up left fist.

    ¡°Just¡­ well¡­ I¡¯d already told you that I couldn¡¯t emotionally open up to Holly. A-And I think that¡¯s where I went wrong¡­¡±

    Asher began to cry yet again, clutching at his chest. For a few more moments, Lila sat, unsure what to do, before Asher began to laugh. It was an empty, sarcastic laugh, more a reaction to pain than finding anything funny.

    ¡°She¡­ tried to tell me it was mine, at first. And I almost believed her. Cause the truth¡­ well¡­¡± He ran his left hand through his hair, looking forlornly at his cup of water, gripped tightly in his right, before placing it down on the coffee table. ¡°I-I¡¯d remember having sex with my first girlfriend. Especially¡­ y¡¯know, Holly. I eventually asked her who the father was and-¡±

    His voice broke as he wiped his eyes again with quivering fingers. ¡°She said she didn¡¯t know. I asked what that meant and she said¡­ it was between a couple of guys.¡±

    A slow burn began to mount in Lila¡¯s chest as she processed Asher¡¯s words. ¡®A couple of guys?¡¯ she repeated in her thoughts. Holly cheated on Asher with enough guys that she didn¡¯t know who the father of her baby was? Holly had Asher as a boyfriend and still sought others? Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether it was rage or hatred that was building inside her, but broke out of her thoughts when Asher looked at her again, grimacing.

    ¡°Lila¡­ why?¡± he whispered, his pain ringing through every syllable. ¡°Why wasn¡¯t I good enough? Why did she have to hurt me like this?¡±

    He began to dry retch, like he did when he was particularly overwhelmed. She¡¯d only seen it happen once before. He reached for his cup of water and downed it instantly.

    ¡°¡­ Holly is the only one who is at fault,¡± Lila said slowly, pushing down the burning sensation in her chest. ¡°She made a promise to you, and she broke it.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Cause I¡¯m a shitty, terrible person, clearly,¡± Asher replied hoarsely. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Asher, any girl would feel privileged to be your girlfriend,¡± she said softly, avoiding his gaze. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t think many high schoolers could say that they¡¯ve been stalked by an admirer to the point of expulsion.¡±

    Asher shuddered, but the fleeting image of a smile crossed his face. He wiped away the remaining tears from his face before leaning back on the couch, an arm resting over his eyes.

    ¡°You know what¡¯s almost as humiliating as finding all this out?¡± he asked drily.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°She told me she¡¯s almost four months pregnant. So that whole time we were panicking about the rumours about me cheating on her with you¡­ and the times that she stared at me, in my face, asking if I was cheating on her¡­ and the times she made me feel small as I scrambled to fix things¡­ she was already pregnant b-by someone else. I feel so stupid. It makes me wanna give back all my Dux awards. The Proxime Accessit can have ¡®em.¡±

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯re not stupid,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°It sounds stupid now, after realising all this, but that¡¯s just what Holly decided to do, on her own. In my opinion, there¡¯s no justification for cheating, so even if you were stupid, or even if you were emotionally closed off, or the worst boyfriend ever, she could¡¯ve left. She didn¡¯t need to lead you on.¡±

    ¡°I literally bought her a whole new wardrobe, smiling like a godamn dummy, not realising she¡¯s pregnant,¡± Asher groaned. ¡°Lila, she¡¯s hit me where it hurts on all fronts. I¡¯ve bought her so much stuff like jewellery, makeup, going on dates, everything. She¡¯s tricked me, she¡¯s taken advantage of me, she¡¯s cheated on me with multiple people, she¡¯s pregnant, after all I¡¯d done for her. I¡­ fell so hard that I saw myself setting up our futures together and¡­ she¡¯s just ripped my heart out and left me for dead. I feel like such an idiot ¡®cause she¡¯s been trying to g-get it on¡­ with me. And I just couldn¡¯t bring myself to do it. She¡¯s just too perfect. Was, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­¡± Lila said with a gentle sigh. He didn¡¯t look at her as he continued to speak.

    ¡°And then¡­ when I broke up with her¡­ she said she thought it was fine ¡®cause she thought I was cheating on her with you. But¡­ she¡¯d started cheating before we even got our English assignment. I¡­ don¡¯t understand and I hate not understanding things¡­ it makes me feel so useless¡­¡±

    He trailed off as he stared at the ceiling.

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll ever be okay after this,¡± he whispered. ¡°How did life even feel before I knew all this? I¡­ can¡¯t remember.¡±

    Lila thought back to what Isaac had said, about Holly looking at Asher like a meal ticket. She hated to admit that Isaac was right. Lila brought a hand to her forehead as she struggled to find something to say. There wasn¡¯t really anything she could say. Although she fretfully wished that she could magically fix everything, she couldn¡¯t.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know what I can do to help,¡± Lila finally admitted quietly. ¡°I desperately want to just make the pain you¡¯re feeling go away, but we both know that I can¡¯t. So¡­ what do you think would help you?¡±

    ¡°Ha,¡± Asher laughed mirthlessly. He shook his head as he continued grimly, ¡°I¡­ wish I knew myself. But¡­ the fact that you¡¯re here¡­ even though I didn¡¯t ask you to be. I-It makes me feel like you actually care. That you¡¯re not just¡­ hanging out with me because of the investigation. Which I dragged you into¡­¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila whispered, looking into his defeated, tired eyes with sincerity. ¡°You¡¯re my friend. Of course I care. I want to hang out with you, with or without an investigation. I know you¡¯re doubting a lot of things at the moment¡­ but please, don¡¯t doubt me.¡±

    His eyelids fluttered for just a second before he looked away. ¡°Friend¡­¡± he muttered, a half-smile appearing and fading just as quickly. Lila looked around the rumpus room at all of its chaos and stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s focus on things we can control,¡± she said, picking up a couch cushion off the floor and placing it in its usual position. ¡°I know you can¡¯t control your feelings, and you can¡¯t control what¡¯s happened, but we can at least fix up this room.¡±

    She twisted her ponytail into a bun, securing it with her hair tie, and began tidying up. Asher took a few moments, seemingly to process what was happening, before he jumped up, his face red.

    ¡°No!¡± he blurted out. Lila lowered the juice bottle that she was holding.

    ¡°Why?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I can¡¯t ask you to do that,¡± he mumbled, hurriedly picking up things that were out of place. ¡°It¡¯s my fault the room¡¯s like this.¡±

    ¡°Good thing you didn¡¯t ask, then,¡± Lila said, picking up the juice bottle and other items. He didn¡¯t respond and his redness didn¡¯t go away until they were finished.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he finally said as they sat back down on the couch. ¡°It¡¯s a bit embarrassing, having a girl come over and clean up the mess I¡¯ve created.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what Marlene gets paid to do, though?¡± Lila asked, grinning. ¡°You seem pretty used to it, to me. Besides, you did a fair amount too.¡±

    His eyes landed on the bag of snacks that were still perched on the coffee table.

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming that Gabriel didn¡¯t bring those,¡± he said, pointing. ¡°Considering he¡¯s been making all these desserts.¡± He gestured to the kitchenette counter, which barely had a square inch free owing to all the dessert platters they¡¯d relocated. It was Lila¡¯s turn to be embarrassed now.

    ¡°I brought them,¡± she said, nervously touching her elbow. Asher inspected the bag and pulled the snacks out.

    ¡°Yooo,¡± he said, holding the TimTams above his head. The delight he showed at the rest of his haul made Lila smile. He seemed better, if only just.

    ¡°Thanks, Lila,¡± he said, after putting the TimTams on the coffee table neatly.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve brought fruit, but I thought that snacks would be a better call. I didn¡¯t realise Gabriel was opening a bakery in your kitchen today, though,¡± Lila replied, attempting a light laugh.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said, sighing as he dropped back down onto the couch. ¡°He¡¯s been doing the most. But I haven¡¯t really been hungry.¡±

    ¡°Glad I¡¯m here, then,¡± Lila grinned again. ¡°It won¡¯t all go to waste.¡±

    Lila promptly brought over a particularly scrumptious-looking platter, gently placing it on the coffee table. Though he¡¯d been somewhat light-hearted a moment ago, Asher¡¯s eyes had fallen into lifelessness by the time she sat down again.

    ¡°Here,¡± Lila said softly, handing him a cupcake. ¡°It might make you feel a bit better, at least.¡±

    Asher robotically unwrapped the cupcake in silence, his expression darkening further. Lila bit into her brownie, her mind flicking through potential conversation topics. Clearly, Holly would be a no-go for now. Perhaps she should mention that Isaac was worried? But, then again, Asher didn¡¯t want to worry Isaac, hence why he didn¡¯t tell him too much¡­ Perhaps Marlene? Or the investigation in general-

    Realisation struck Lila like a train. After running through various bits of information regarding the investigation, she remembered something that they crucially had failed to do. She dropped half her brownie into her lap as she stared at Asher, unable to articulate what she¡¯d recalled.

    ¡°What¡¯s that look for?¡± he asked solemnly, frosting coating his lips. He licked them clean, which momentarily distracted Lila.

    ¡°Lila?¡± he said, looking at her with concern now.

    ¡°S-Sorry, I just realised something,¡± Lila said after tearing her eyes away from his lips, a blush blossoming across her face. ¡°About when we went into the study. Did you ever check the CCTV for the day your Mum disappeared?¡±

    Asher¡¯s pale complexion took on a green tinge as he stared back at Lila, slack-jawed and breathless.

    ¡°No. I didn¡¯t. How could I be so stupid?¡± he said, clutching at his hair, pulling his head down towards his knees. ¡°What an idiot!¡±

    ¡°Asher, I didn¡¯t pick it up, either,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t be so hard on yourself.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard not to be,¡± he said, looking up at her with a grimace. ¡°I¡¯m meant to be the smartest guy in our grade.¡±

    ¡°You put a lot of pressure on yourself,¡± Lila said matter-of-factly. ¡°Just ¡®cause you¡¯re the smartest, doesn¡¯t mean you¡¯re infallible. We were last in the study so long ago. There¡¯s nothing we can do to change the past. So, what are we going to do about it now?¡±

    Asher froze for a few moments before nodding. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ we can¡¯t go back to the past.¡±

    He looked away, his eyes shining again, but he held it together.

    ¡°When you were finding information about the rumours, I tried to get back into the study,¡± he eventually said. ¡°Marlene¡¯s locked it and the key is missing from the safe. I don¡¯t know whether Dad¡¯s gone back in and used the study, but he might have a key on his normal car keys or something anyway.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Lila hissed. ¡°So we can¡¯t get in now.¡±

    ¡°Not exactly¡­¡± Asher murmured, reaching for the Switch joy cons. He turned the Switch on and opened YouTube. Clicking on the search bar showed his recent search history, which Lila couldn¡¯t help but see. ¡®Can you forget your first time?¡¯ ¡®girlfriend pregnant¡¯ ¡®did I forget sex¡¯ ¡®how to get pregnant without sex¡¯ ¡®cheating warning signs¡¯ ¡®why girlfriend cheat¡¯ were among the searches that Lila observed. Asher rapidly began typing ¡®lockpicking¡¯, his face entirely red and posture unnaturally straight, though neither said anything about his search history.

    ¡®Poor Asher¡¯, Lila thought as he scrolled through the ¡®lockpicking¡¯ search results. ¡®He must¡¯ve tried to research if the baby could be his before breaking up with Holly¡­¡¯

    Asher selected a video, and they watched in silence, his posture still stiff. A man¡¯s voice began to go through the mechanisms of an average door lock, and how to pick said lock.

    ¡°Click on one¡­ click on two¡­ no click on three¡­ click on four¡­¡± the man¡¯s voice calmly said as he wiggled some instruments inside the locking mechanism. Lila and Asher continued to watch several more videos until an advertisement for the YouTuber¡¯s lockpicking kit popped up.

    ¡°Well, all I¡¯ve learned is that no lock is truly trustworthy,¡± Lila shuddered. ¡°No wonder it was so easy for Piper to figure out how to get into my locker.¡±

    ¡°She probably got into mine, too,¡± Asher said darkly as the YouTuber ran through a demonstration of the kit.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve debriefed properly on what the hell happened with her,¡± Lila commented, taking another dessert from the platter in front of her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we have,¡± Asher said absent-mindedly, also taking another dessert from the platter. ¡°She¡¯s been, like, the furthest thing from my mind.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said softly, taking a bite of the cookie in her hand. ¡°But she can take centre stage if you need a distraction.¡±

    Asher looked at Lila sharply, before sighing as he chewed on a cinnamon donut. ¡°I¡¯m going to need to process that at some point, aren¡¯t I?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lila said, nodding. ¡°You will.¡±

    Asher sighed again, lowering the volume of the TV. ¡°I guess if I have to anyway, it¡¯ll be a productive distraction.¡±

    Lila folded her legs underneath her as she shifted her whole body to face him. His body continued to face the TV, but his head was turned towards her.

    ¡°I¡­ It did occur to me that¡­ the photos she took¡­ she¡¯d clearly been following us when we went to follow Marlene,¡± he said slowly. ¡°I never noticed her.¡±

    ¡°Neither did I,¡± Lila said incredulously. ¡°I looked around a whole bunch, but couldn¡¯t pinpoint anyone specific who was following us. I thought I was going crazy.¡±

    ¡°She¡­ also took pictures of me and Holly talking after debating,¡± Asher said quietly. ¡°That¡¯s what made me tear them up. After I¡¯d thrown them away, I realised I should¡¯ve kept them as evidence. Especially the one of us at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯.¡±

    ¡°No need to be sorry,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯d have done the same if you hadn¡¯t already done so.¡±

    Asher gave her another humourless smile as he continued, his eyebrows furrowed. ¡°And¡­ she took my soccer pants. I said this before, but she¡¯s seriously horrifying. I don¡¯t even know where she took them from, but the last soccer practice I went to, I had to borrow pants from Isaac.¡±

    ¡°At least now that she¡¯s been expelled, she¡¯ll have less access to you,¡± Lila said slowly. ¡°She¡¯s freaky as hell, but now that we know that she didn¡¯t stop, we can keep a proper eye out for her. Have you given any thought about taking any legal action or anything?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher said, shaking his head emphatically. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to ruin her whole life. As long as she¡¯s learned her lesson, I don¡¯t need to. But three strikes, and she¡¯s out.¡±

    ¡°You have a lot more grace and patience than most people, I think,¡± Lila said kindly. ¡°I didn¡¯t like that she got expelled, but honestly, what else could be done?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t hate that she got expelled, but I hope she¡¯s able to get into a good school at this odd point in the year. It¡¯ll be hard for her to make new friends, but who cares,¡± Asher replied, his tone gravely serious. ¡°I believe everyone, no matter their past, deserves education, at least.¡±

    Lila smiled as she reached for something else from the platter. He still found the space and energy to be fair to his tormentor, amidst Asher¡¯s life upturning completely. ¡®What a Dux-like thing to say,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, biting down on her new dessert. ¡®Scratch that ¨C what an Asher thing to say.¡¯ Lila couldn¡¯t find it in her heart to disagree with Piper¡¯s need for an education when the victim was advocating seriously about it.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m going to buy this,¡± Asher said suddenly after the YouTuber¡¯s advertisement was over. ¡°We don¡¯t have a key, and I trust this guy to know what he¡¯s talking about.¡±

    ¡°It can¡¯t hurt,¡± Lila agreed. ¡°Though, try not to use it for anything nefarious, alright?¡±

    ¡°Scout¡¯s honour,¡± Asher said, tapping his chest. Unlike the other times he¡¯d said it, though, this seemed to lack any kind of energy. Asher got up from the couch and walked into his room, returning seconds later with his phone. He rapidly tapped on it a few times on his way back over before looking up at Lila.

    ¡°Got it,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯ll arrive in a week or two.¡±

    ¡°Are all the locks on the doors in this house the same?¡± Lila asked as Asher put his phone on the coffee table, securing another of Gabriel¡¯s desserts.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± he said, spraying a mouthful of walnuts across his lap. He swept them off nonchalantly as he continued. ¡°But we can at least practice on the doors inside the rumpus room.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila replied with a small smile. They continued to watch some more YouTube videos on the subject, Lila typing down notes on her phone as several points were brought up. Asher¡¯s mood was generally unpredictable as his expressions varied wildly while watching the videos, though Lila didn¡¯t mind. He wasn¡¯t aggressive, at least. He also hadn¡¯t cried again, which Lila considered a success given he¡¯d been crying when he thought he was alone. Not to mention he cried again when he started talking to Lila¡­

    Eventually, they moved on to other videos, of varying topics, none of which included relationships of any kind. Lila didn¡¯t suggest any videos for Asher and let him direct what they were watching today. None of them were comedy, either, though they were still entertaining. He seemed generally fidgety as they continued watching videos in relative silence.

    Asher suddenly turned towards Lila, inhaling sharply.

    ¡°Should I tell Isaac?¡±

    Lila met Asher¡¯s anxious eyes with her own curious ones. ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°¡­ the whole¡­ pregnancy part,¡± Asher said, looking down at his hands and flexing his fingers.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila uttered. ¡°It¡¯s up to you. You don¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°I know. But I don¡¯t think I can keep this in. I think Isaac should know, at least.¡±

    ¡°Then you should tell him.¡±

    ¡°C-Can you also be there when I do?¡± Asher asked, his voice wavering slightly. Lila smiled reassuringly at Asher.

    ¡°Of course,¡± she said. ¡°Do you plan on telling Gabriel?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Asher said with a heavy exhale. ¡°He¡­ would probably get crazy mad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to see that,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t think he had the ability to get mad.¡±

    ¡°Trust me, it takes a lot to get there. But this¡­ is a lot.¡±

    At that moment, a knock sounded on the rumpus room door and they both jumped.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice called from beyond the door. ¡°I made a lemon meringue.¡±

    Asher exchanged a pointed look with Lila, before inviting Gabriel in.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Gabriel said, blinking around the room in surprise, brandishing a lemon meringue in a decorative dish. ¡°You tidied up.¡±

    ¡°Lila insisted,¡± Asher said, glancing at Lila.

    ¡°We like productivity around here,¡± Lila said with a mischievous smile. ¡°Though, I do think that you¡¯re producing too much, Gabriel.¡± She gestured towards the kitchenette counter, and Gabriel¡¯s face fell slightly.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Gabriel said, ¡°I can see I got a bit over-zealous.¡±

    ¡°Deliciously so,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°Can¡¯t forget that bit.¡±

    Gabriel beamed at Lila, placing the lemon meringue down in the middle of the coffee table.

    ¡°Will you be staying for dinner?¡± he asked Lila. He seemed to be trying to communicate something with Lila via his eyes, which widened and narrowed as they darted over to Asher and back to Lila. ¡®He¡¯s a bit obvious, isn¡¯t he,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, her mouth involuntarily twitching.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll stay if you don¡¯t mind,¡± Lila replied, grinning at Gabriel. Gabriel clapped his hands together in joy, and he bowed out of the room.

    ¡°See you downstairs soon, then!¡± he called as the door shut behind him. Asher looked at Lila quickly before looking back at the TV. She noticed, though didn¡¯t say anything again.

    ¡°I¡¯m still curious about the nightclub,¡± Asher said after a few minutes, scrolling through some videos.

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila said, pulling out her phone and opening her calendar. ¡°Since we can¡¯t do anything with the study until the kit arrives, we can check out the nightclub. Do you want to check it out when Marlene should be on shift, if she works there? Or should we check it out at another time?¡±

    Asher put the joy cons on the coffee table, his brow furrowed. ¡°I don¡¯t reckon we¡¯d be able to get in when Marlene¡¯s supposed to be on shift. But¡­ remember what that review said? About the security issues?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°The bouncer only arrives after 8pm, so we¡¯d only be able to get in between 5 and 8.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Asher replied with a nod. ¡°So, we can only go there then.¡±

    ¡°You know, I think I can borrow my sister¡¯s ID, just in case. I¡¯m pretty aware that I don¡¯t look 18,¡± Lila said contemplatively.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m going to need to figure out a way to look older,¡± Asher said, tugging on his hair.

    ¡°If you do your hair like you did for semi, you¡¯d look older,¡± Lila said softly, her eyes flickering to his for just a moment before going back to her phone screen.

    ¡°You reckon?¡± Asher said, leaning back on the couch and folding his arms. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll need to see how far I can get away with not shaving during the week as well.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. She was somewhat curious about that, too.

    ¡°What do people even wear at a nightclub?¡± Asher asked, panic suddenly rising in his voice.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll be fine with, like, a button-up long-sleeved shirt and some chinos. But make sure the sleeves are rolled up. Oh, and nice enough shoes,¡± Lila said contemplatively, thinking back to pictures Clare had shown her of Clare at the clubs with some friends. ¡°I¡¯ll figure out something to wear.¡±

    ¡°When should we go?¡± Asher asked, twisting his hands in his lap. ¡°I¡¯m suddenly feeling like sneaking into an 18-plus nightclub isn¡¯t a good idea.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said, trying to sound confident. ¡°Besides, we¡¯re only trying to gather intel. It¡¯s not as if we¡¯re hoping to drink and party.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. You¡¯re right,¡± Asher conceded, picking up his own phone. Lila looked back down at her calendar.

    ¡°What about next Saturday night?¡± she suggested.

    ¡°13<sup>th</sup> of May?¡± Asher checked, zooming in on his own phone. ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯ll be okay.¡±

    ¡°We can try Sunday if Saturday doesn¡¯t work,¡± Lila said quickly, looking up at Asher.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± he said dismissively, putting his phone face-up on the coffee table. ¡°Just that a game releases on Friday, but¡­ I don¡¯t feel like playing games alone at the moment anyway.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, staring at her calendar. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you originally wanted to spend the day gaming? Daniel does that with new releases. I get it. We can try a different day.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Asher said firmly. ¡°It¡¯s a solo-player game. I¡­ think I¡¯d end up thinking too much. I want to feel productive, at least.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Okay,¡± Lila said, turning her phone screen off. ¡°Next Saturday it is, then. Did you want me to come here after practice and we go together, or meet up in the city?¡±

    ¡°You can come over,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°Up to you, though.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll probably be easier for me to get ready here,¡± Lila said, placing a finger on her chin. ¡°I can avoid questions about what I¡¯m wearing that way.¡±

    Asher shot her a look, filled with another unfathomable expression, but rapidly selected a new video to watch. Asher¡¯s phone screen lit up. It was a call, coming in from ¡®Holly¡¯. There was no ringtone or vibration, but the light drew Lila and Asher to both look at it, Lila¡¯s heart suddenly pounding. They glanced at each other before Asher flipped his phone so that its face was on the coffee table. He was shaking, his eyes wide in apparent fear.

    ¡°¡­ She¡¯s been texting and calling basically non-stop,¡± he finally said in a trembling whisper. He put his face into both of his hands again, breathing heavily.

    ¡°¡­ Have you thought about blocking her?¡± Lila asked gently, giving Asher her full attention.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he mumbled into his hands. ¡°B-But what if she says something important?¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°Like¡­ it was all a prank.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­¡± Lila sighed, leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s stupid,¡± he said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°But I keep waking up, hoping it was all a horrible dream or a sick joke.¡±

    ¡°It sounds unbelievable, Asher, but your pain is very real,¡± Lila said, her eyes still on Asher. Asher slowly lifted his head from his hands, his eyes red.

    ¡°I wish it wasn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s do something else,¡± Lila said, clapping her hands and standing up. ¡°Still got that tandem bike?¡±

 Chapter Forty-Three

    Chapter Forty-Three

    Sporting the blue and red helmets from last time, a late afternoon bike ride seemed to help bring life back to Asher. As Lila pedalled behind him, the wind whooshing through her ears, Asher didn¡¯t sit down ¨C instead preferring to pedal whilst standing. It took hardly any time at all to match each other¡¯s rhythm as Asher steered them through the suburb. Given it was Saturday afternoon, some neighbours were wandering around, however they didn¡¯t even take a second glance at Lila and Asher as they zoomed past despite how ridiculous they looked. Perhaps his parents really did take the tandem bike out often.

    It almost seemed as though he¡¯d forgotten Lila was even there by the time they entered the same park as before. Today, a few children and their parents were taking the liberty of the pleasant weather here in the dying afternoon sun rays.

    Lila climbed down off the bike, unclipping her helmet. Asher hopped off as well and wheeled the bike to the only empty gazebo in the park. They sat down, looking around at the surroundings as the wind lapped at their sweaty faces.

    ¡°Jack! Don¡¯t eat that!¡± yelled a mother in the distance, stumbling to reach her toddler who was gleefully fisting a handful of sand into his mouth. Lila chuckled, and to her surprise heard Asher chuckle as well.

    ¡°Do you feel better?¡± Lila asked as they watched Jack start crying, which was hampered by the sand in his mouth.

    ¡°Better than Jack, I¡¯d say,¡± Asher replied, a half-smile on his face. ¡°Thanks for suggesting a bike ride.¡±

    ¡°I just find that movement can help get you going when you¡¯re sad,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Not that it works every time. Kinda why I thought you¡¯d be at soccer this morning. I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d lie to Marlene to get out of it.¡±

    ¡°Did she tell you I lied?¡± Asher asked, looking alarmed.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied with a slight shake of her head, ¡°she thought it was cancelled ¡®cause you said so. But I¡¯d obviously know that¡¯s not true.¡±

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Asher said softly. They continued to people-watch for a time, the sun setting into streaks of gold, scarlet and violet before their eyes. Eventually, the streetlamps flickered on ¨C the universal sign for most children and families to start going home.

    ¡°Shall we head back?¡± Lila asked Asher quietly. He seemed to have zoned out, so Lila reached across the table and gently nudged him.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said, rubbing where she had nudged him. ¡°Y-Yeah, let¡¯s head back.¡±

    They clipped their helmets back on and Asher dipped and wove through the streets towards his house, taking an alternative path than the one she was familiar with. It felt to Lila as though he may have been procrastinating but was too busy pedalling for her life to comment.

    Upon arriving back at the house, the sun had truly set, and the stars were beginning to wink into existence as Asher parked the tandem bike in the garage.

    They tentatively entered the house. Lila put her slippers on, and Asher led the way towards the kitchen, as usual. Marlene looked to be making a start on washing up. She glanced up at them from the sink, seeming far more cold than usual.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± she said, nodding stiffly. ¡°Hello, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Marlene,¡± Lila said brightly. ¡°I see you¡¯re busily working away here.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Marlene confirmed. She said nothing further. Asher and Lila exchanged a glance.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Gabriel?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°In here!¡± Gabriel called from the depths of the butler¡¯s pantry. ¡°Just finishing up on dinner.¡±

    Asher gave an audible sniff, before his face broke into a grin. This grin seemed warmer than any of the others he¡¯d given Lila today.

    ¡°Is that¡­ butter chicken?¡± he asked loudly.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Gabriel laughed, still not emerging from the pantry. ¡°Be glad your father is in Sydney on another business trip now. I¡¯ll never hear the end of it, how it¡¯s not authentic enough. But this is your comfort food, not his.¡±

    Asher¡¯s cheeks flushed slightly at Gabriel¡¯s words.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got about ten more minutes,¡± Gabriel said, evidently more to Marlene than to Asher and Lila. ¡°If you wouldn¡¯t mind dishing it up, Marlene.¡±

    ¡°Should we just sit in the dining room, in that case?¡± Lila suggested to Asher. He nodded and they slowly walked to their normal spots. They chatted away until Marlene arrived about upcoming schoolwork, with Lila artfully neglecting to bring up English. The fragrant smell of the butter chicken wrapped around Lila and Asher, enticing them to eat when Marlene approached. Marlene also presented a mound of fluffy rice inside a silver rice serving dish and toasted garlic naan bread. Gabriel came bustling out not a moment after Marlene placed the food on the table.

    ¡°Alright, Marlene,¡± he said, adjusting his watch on his wrist. He was still dressed in the long-sleeved shirt and slacks, though his shirt sleeves were rolled up now. ¡°I¡¯ve got to hurry over to the cottage then out for the night. I¡¯ve tried to leave it as long as I can, but they need me now.¡±

    Marlene nodded obediently, dishing out plates for Asher and Lila.

    ¡°You¡¯re going?¡± Asher asked hurriedly, sounding slightly hurt as Gabriel began walking towards the front door. Gabriel froze for a moment before turning on his heel, his face overwhelmingly guilty.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Asher,¡± Gabriel said forlornly. ¡°These plans are non-negotiable. Though I did negotiate to come later.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Asher mumbled, spooning some butter chicken into his mouth. ¡°I guess it is Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Indeed it is, Asher,¡± Gabriel laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll see you on Monday, alright?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be here,¡± Asher sighed. Gabriel appeared very torn between staying and going, but he spun around again and walked down the hall.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s delicious as usual, Gabriel!¡± Lila called behind him, waving. Gabriel briefly looked behind him and returned the wave. He then input the security code by the front door and vanished into the night air.

    After dinner, Asher and Lila trudged upstairs. Lila suddenly felt rather exhausted, what with hockey practice in the morning, an emotional afternoon, a bike ride, and dinner. She texted her parents, asking one of them to pick her up. Her mum replied with a thumbs up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be going in about half an hour,¡± Lila said, popping her phone back into her bag.

    ¡°That¡¯s all good,¡± Asher said, taking a dessert from the platter on the coffee table as he sat down.

    ¡°Will you be okay tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, taking a dessert as well.

    ¡°¡­ I think so,¡± Asher said quietly, lowering his dessert towards his lap. ¡°I think after today, I should take some time alone to process.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila replied, nodding emphatically. ¡°If you need me, though, you can let me know and I¡¯ll be here.¡±

    ¡°I know. Thanks, Lila,¡± Asher said softly, attempting a small smile. Lila smiled back at Asher.

    ¡°I mean it,¡± she said seriously, leaning into the arm of the couch that was next to her. ¡°I may not be able to drive, but I can always find a way.¡±

    They fell into a comfortable silence as Asher selected a shorter video to watch. Lila¡¯s Mum arrived mere moments after the video wrapped up. Asher walked Lila to the front door, opening it as usual.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you on Monday,¡± he said as they still stood in the doorway.

    ¡°Sure will,¡± Lila replied, smiling brightly. It was refreshing to see Asher in a somewhat normal state. Lila was fairly confident that as soon as the doors shut though, he¡¯d retreat back into himself. But if he wanted to be alone, then he was allowed to be alone.

    ¡°Can¡­ we talk to Isaac about it on Monday?¡± Asher asked, his hands fidgety.

    ¡°Lunchtime should be good,¡± Lila confirmed. ¡°I normally get tuckshop, so you guys can wait for me there and we¡¯ll wander off together. I¡¯ll let Elise and Grace know that I won¡¯t be having lunch with them. By the way¡­ how much can I tell Elise and Grace?¡±

    Asher looked down at his shoes. ¡°J-Just that I broke up with Holly. I¡¯m not ready for more people than you and Isaac to know about¡­ the other stuff.¡±

    ¡°I respect that,¡± Lila replied, nodding. A car horn sounded outside, and Lila scooted past Asher after having put her shoes back on.

    ¡°¡­ Try not to beat yourself up about it, Asher,¡± Lila said gently, before walking off into the distance. She thought she saw him waving at her, but she didn¡¯t want to check. He was clearly still troubled and if she saw him looking so, she wouldn¡¯t want to leave.

    <hr>

    Asher didn¡¯t text Lila on Sunday, which worked out fine for Lila. She spent Sunday bugging her family with her incessant talking, mainly on the topic of lockpicking. It got to the point that even Clare pulled her aside and asked what was up with the sudden change.

    ¡°No change,¡± Lila said, shrugging as she sipped on her warm cup of tea in the kitchen.

    ¡°Did something happen with Asher yesterday?¡± Clare asked suspiciously, sipping on her own cup.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°Just getting out all this extra energy.¡±

    Clare frowned at Lila. ¡°I know we talked about this in the car, but I still advise against making a move on him now.¡±

    ¡°Sis,¡± Lila sighed, placing her cup on the kitchen counter and folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Why are you so weird about that?¡±

    Clare glanced at the entryway into the kitchen before placing her cup down.

    ¡°I¡­ had a crush on a guy for a long time,¡± she said slowly after a sigh. ¡°He was a really good friend of mine. But he had a girlfriend. And when they broke up, I was there to comfort him. And one thing led to another, and we had a kind of ¡®friends with benefits¡¯ arrangement for a while. But, eventually, he told me that he regretted everything and that I was just a rebound. Our friendship never recovered, and it broke my heart. So, I threw myself into doing other things, living the single life and all that.¡±

    ¡°When did that happen?¡± Lila asked, watching Clare¡¯s face intently. Something about Clare¡¯s expression spoke to Lila ¨C that she still hadn¡¯t truly gotten over it.

    ¡°It was years ago,¡± Clare said, waving a hand dismissively. She didn¡¯t meet Lila¡¯s gaze. ¡°I thought he was such a great guy at the time, and I¡¯d thought that it could turn into something. But he was just using me in the end¡­¡±

    Clare trailed off, before picking up her cup again. Lila wasn¡¯t sure what to say, but Clare suddenly no longer seemed like the elder sister. She seemed much smaller and subdued as she stared out the kitchen window. Lila edged her way towards Clare before giving her a hug.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re scared for me,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry that happened to you.¡±

    Clare delayed in returning Lila¡¯s hug, but when she did, she seemed resolute.

    ¡°We look so alike that looking at you feels like I¡¯m looking into a mirror of the past,¡± Clare laughed, shaking her head. ¡°It makes me uneasy when I see you falling into traps that I fell into. I think instead of passing my fears onto you, I should at least try and meet Asher. That way I can make my own assessment of him, rather than pulling one together through second-hand ones. If he¡¯s as you say, then perhaps¡­ you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Lila looked at Clare in shock. ¡°You want to meet him?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Clare said. ¡°I can¡¯t turn off my overprotectiveness, y¡¯know.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said, picking up her teacup. ¡°I can try and organise something, but I think it¡¯ll take some time before he¡¯s okay enough to meet new people. The breakup¡­ was really messy.¡±

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Clare said with a smile. ¡°I¡¯m in no rush.¡±

    <hr>

    Monday morning started with English. Lila carried Asher¡¯s bookbag with her along with her own. It still had his copy of Romeo and Juliet and his Chem textbook in it. Her shoulder ached by the time she entered the classroom. He was seated in his usual spot, staring at the whiteboard.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said quietly, passing him his bookbag. He took it blankly for a moment, before looking at her.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he said, pulling out Romeo and Juliet. ¡°I was wondering where this was.¡±

    ¡°I forgot to tell you that I had it,¡± she said sheepishly, pulling out her own copy of Romeo and Juliet.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll forgive you,¡± he said quietly. She was sure he was teasing her, but his voice was flat.

    ¡°How was yesterday?¡± she asked in a low voice. He gave her a sideways look before sighing, using his arms as a pillow on his desk.

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said morosely. ¡°Just fine.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t press him on it. Ms Shard strolled in shortly after, calling the class to attention. It was another reading class. Asher still didn¡¯t enlighten Lila any on the play, but he seemed to be reading along with the speaker. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure whether that could be called an improvement, but at least he wasn¡¯t storming out of class.

    Once class was over, Asher and Lila walked towards the STEM area of the campus in silence. As they approached the natural fork in their paths, they came across Isaac. He seemed to be pondering something, looking off towards the Chem Lab with a hand on his chin.

    ¡°Hey Isaac,¡± Lila said as she walked towards him. He turned towards them. As soon as his eyes took in Asher¡¯s appearance, Isaac paled before them.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he said, his tone somewhat cautious.

    ¡°Can we talk to you at lunch?¡± Asher asked in a low voice, glancing at Lila, his expression highlighting the need for Lila to be in attendance as well. She gave him a firm nod and looked back at Isaac. Isaac seemed puzzled but agreed to the request.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta get to Maths,¡± Lila said, waving at Isaac and Asher. They waved back and headed off in the direction of the Chem Lab.

    During morning tea, Lila, Grace and Elise wandered the campus, eating various pieces of fruit. Grace and Elise discussed what they got up to over the weekend, and their conversation gradually dried up. They both seemed hesitant to talk to Lila, who sighed as she binned her apple core.

    ¡°You guys don¡¯t need to be so wary,¡± she said softly after returning to Grace and Elise.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been pretty MIA,¡± Elise said, exchanging a look with Grace.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila said, guilt beginning to gnaw at her stomach. ¡°It¡¯s been¡­ a whole lot.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Grace asked gently. ¡°Is it still to do with Asher going home early last week?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°He broke up with Holly.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, WHAT?!¡± Elise exclaimed loudly, catching the attention of nearby students. Grace clamped a hand over Elise¡¯s mouth but seemed just as stunned.

    ¡°It¡­ wasn¡¯t a good breakup,¡± Lila continued timidly. ¡°But I can¡¯t say the details. He asked me not to.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t care about the details,¡± Elise said after wrestling her mouth free from Grace¡¯s grasp. ¡°I mean, now¡¯s your chance!¡±

    Lila shot Elise a withering look. ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend that I don¡¯t know what you mean,¡± she said coldly. ¡°Besides, he¡¯s¡­ utterly broken.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be a bad idea,¡± Grace cautioned Elise. ¡°Rebound relationships are never good ones.¡±

    Elise pouted before nodding in understanding.

    ¡°I get that you can¡¯t tell us the reason, but surely the ¡®dumper¡¯ is never as torn up about it as the ¡®dumpee¡¯,¡± Grace said matter-of-factly, turning towards Lila. Lila shrugged in response.

    They swiftly moved on to another subject, though Lila was gradually feeling more cheerful. Telling Elise and Grace that Asher and Holly had broken up had eased some amount of pressure on Lila to remain tight-lipped about everything else.

    ¡°By the way, I have to talk to Isaac at lunch,¡± Lila said as the trio made their way to their PC class.

    ¡°Why?¡± Elise asked curiously.

    ¡°Asher wants to tell him about the breakup, but he needs some backup,¡± Lila said simply, sliding into her usual seat.

    ¡°I feel like my theories are getting more and more wild the more you talk,¡± Elise laughed.

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯d land on the reason, even in your wildest theories,¡± Lila said darkly. Elise and Grace gave each other another glance, but they smoothly moved on to other topics.

    Lunch arrived with Lila feeling oddly anxious. She couldn¡¯t anticipate what Isaac¡¯s reaction would be, but she knew he would definitely not be happy. She didn¡¯t think that Isaac was an aggressive person, but with the bond he shared with Asher and his admitted protectiveness over him, anything could be possible.

    She walked to tuckshop with Grace and Elise in tow, but she couldn¡¯t focus on anything they were saying. Lila also couldn¡¯t figure out what to do with her hands, dropping them to her sides and bringing them up while tapping her fingers together constantly. The uncertainty of Isaac¡¯s reaction weighed every step that she took. When she saw Asher and Isaac standing at the exit of the tuckshop, she felt a strong urge to disappear. But, Isaac waved at her, and she automatically waved back.

    ¡°Lila, you look constipated,¡± Elise whispered in her ear as they continued to wait in line. ¡°Is it really that bad?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ hope I can tell you guys one day,¡± Lila replied, averting her eyes from Elise and Grace.

    ¡°My curiosity is going to kill me,¡± Elise said, stretching her arms above her head. Lila finally managed to get through to the tuckshop and picked up a juice and a chicken salad. She paid for her items and found herself face-to-face with Asher and Isaac within seconds.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you later,¡± Grace said to Lila, who hadn¡¯t even noticed Grace and Elise standing off to the side.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila said, waving at them. They began to walk towards their usual lunch spot. Lila looked up at Asher, who seemed very distant. Isaac seemed just as cheerless, and Lila suggested they head off.

    Asher led the way in total silence. Isaac was eating a banana without any of the relish he usually had, and once it was done, he didn¡¯t pull anything else out to eat. Asher slowed down once they were outside the Language Block and peered through the windows of some of the classrooms. He opened the door to one, and it was entirely empty. Isaac and Lila entered the classroom and stood towards the middle, neither one apparently wanting to sit down. Asher inhaled deeply before following suit, placing his lunchbox on the teacher¡¯s desk and leaning on the right side of it so that he was facing Isaac and Lila.

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Asher said in a grim voice. ¡°I want to talk to you.¡±

    ¡°It sounds like you want to end our friendship,¡± Isaac said, just as grimly. Asher looked shocked and Lila stepped in between Asher and Isaac.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila said defensively. ¡°It¡¯s about¡­ the breakup.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Isaac replied, looking perplexed. ¡°Is that all? Are you sure I need to hear it?¡±

    Asher¡¯s jaw tightened and he looked down at his shoes. Lila walked towards the teacher¡¯s desk, leaning on the left side now.

    ¡°I need you to know,¡± Asher said after a pause. ¡°I can¡¯t keep it in, and I know you want to support me. So¡­ here goes.¡±

    Despite saying ¡®here goes¡¯, Asher didn¡¯t speak. His eyes began to water again and he looked at Lila, shaking his head. Lila was pretty sure that meant he couldn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°What Asher wants to say is that¡­ well, he and Holly broke up because she¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    Isaac dropped his lunchbox on his shoe, though it didn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d noticed. He continued to stare at Lila with wide eyes, his mouth agape.

    ¡°A-And it¡¯s not his,¡± Lila continued, glancing at Asher, who held his head in his hands now, not looking at either of them.

    ¡°H-How do you know that?¡± Isaac asked, his eyes darting between Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Uh,¡± Lila uttered, looking uncertainly at Asher. She wasn¡¯t sure if she could tell Isaac that Asher and Holly hadn¡¯t had sex, but Asher solved this for her. He looked up from his hands at Isaac.

    ¡°Never had sex,¡± he said, his voice rattling with emotion. ¡°Can¡¯t be mine.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty good logic,¡± Isaac replied faintly. ¡°How long?¡±

    Asher put a trembling hand over his mouth, looking at Lila again.

    ¡°Um, about four months,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°And¡­ she doesn¡¯t know who the father is.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Isaac said, his face hardening. ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Isaac, are you-¡± Lila said before Isaac cut her off.

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯ll get through this,¡± Isaac said, picking up his lunchbox and putting it on the desk before walking over to Asher. He pulled Asher into a bear hug, clapping his shoulders once they were done. He looked earnestly into Asher¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Absolutely vile,¡± Isaac said firmly. ¡°But it¡¯s done now. Take all the time you need to process. I¡¯m here for you, mate.¡±

    Asher nodded, his face expressionless, though his eyes were still glittering. Isaac turned to Lila and attempted to smile, but he couldn¡¯t manage it. There was a fire brewing in his eyes that Lila could see. Isaac didn¡¯t say anything else. They all stood there relatively awkwardly until Lila suggested that they head back towards the locker room.

    They walked there in complete silence again, Isaac still not eating. Lila didn¡¯t feel like her salad or juice, either, given the sloshiness she was feeling in her stomach. When they arrived, Mr Morrison intercepted Asher.

    ¡°Asher,¡± he said with a warm smile. He nodded at Lila and Isaac, who returned his nod with their own. ¡°I need to borrow you for a moment, in my office please.¡±

    Asher looked up at Mr Morrison without a hint of emotion or curiosity. ¡°Okay,¡± he replied monotonously.

    ¡°It¡¯s about Ms Baker and your belongings,¡± Mr Morrison said in a low voice.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher said, his voice still monotonous. Mr Morrison led Asher away from Lila and Isaac, who glanced at each other.

    ¡°What happened to her, anyway?¡± Isaac asked, his eyebrows furrowed. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a whole number of stories, but Asher hasn¡¯t mentioned anything to me. I noticed she hasn¡¯t been in Chem since last week, and our Chem teacher didn¡¯t call her name in roll call.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he hasn¡¯t been thinking about Piper, to be honest,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°He¡¯ll get reminded every so often, but with the whole¡­ Holly thing¡­ he had other things to think about. So I¡¯m not surprised that he hasn¡¯t said anything to you about Piper.¡±

    Isaac glared sharply at Lila.

    ¡°Fuck Holly,¡± he spat, an overwhelming amount of rage suddenly overcoming him. Lila stepped back, alarmed. It was a good thing that his lunchbox was the soft kind, owing to the fact that he crushed it between his hands.

    ¡°Isaac, are you okay?¡± Lila asked, pulling him out of the walkway and to the side. The locker room was empty, but they didn¡¯t have long before students would start preparing for their afternoon classes.

    ¡°How can I be?¡± Isaac asked, his entire body trembling, his knuckles white. ¡°If I were a more violent guy, I¡¯d find her and hurt her.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you intentionally didn¡¯t react to Asher,¡± Lila said, pressing her lips together.

    ¡°¡¯Course I did. Did you see him? I¡¯m not about to dig up emotions even more by giving him a big reaction,¡± Isaac said hotly. ¡°But I¡¯m about to fucking lose it, Lila.¡±

    He started to exhale heavily, before closing his eyes tightly. Lila hadn¡¯t heard Isaac swear very much in front of her. The fact that he had sworn twice within a minute made Lila wonder if she should leave Isaac alone to his thoughts. He opened his lunchbox and pulled out a mercilessly mangled Vegemite sandwich.

    Sighing dejectedly, he looked up at Lila and said, ¡°I just need some time to process.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said, trying not to laugh at the state of the sandwich which he tightened his grip on.

    ¡°That,¡± he suddenly yelled before pelting the sandwich onto the floor, ¡°whore!¡±. It seemed to deflate in defeat on the floor. Lila watched on as Isaac began to pace in front of her, dropping his lunchbox on the ground and jamming his hands into his pockets.

    ¡°I fucking knew it! And I¡¯m a fucking idiot,¡± he growled, his pacing quickening with each word. ¡°And I didn¡¯t tell him.¡±

    Isaac began to vibrate in absolute rage, spit flying as he half-shouted. ¡°How dare she do this to Asher. He¡¯s way too good for her. She¡¯s nothing but a stupid, cheap whore. He gave his heart and everything to her and she just ripped it out. She didn¡¯t care what it would do to him! And I¡¯m the idiot that didn¡¯t even tell him. I saw the warning signs. I¡¯m his best mate. This is all my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have let them stay together. Should¡¯ve talked to him when I got the feeling she was bad news. This is so fucked.¡±

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Lila interjected.

    ¡°No,¡± Isaac hissed, looking at the floor. He¡¯d stopped his pacing, but his trembling continued. ¡°I could¡¯ve prevented this. If I¡¯d just talked to Asher, man-to-man, about my feelings about her. If only I¡¯d done more. But it¡¯s done now. And it¡¯s fucked up my best mate. He looks soulless. It¡¯s hard to even believe that it¡¯s the same person. The goofy, smart, lucky idiot that¡¯s my best friend. The guy who would give you the world just to see you smile. The guy who excitedly presents everything over his head like he¡¯s godamn Link from Zelda.¡±

    Isaac cut himself off, placing a hand on his forehead and inhaling harshly. ¡°No, no, I¡¯m okay. It¡¯s just going to take me some time.¡±

    Isaac then shot Lila a sudden look of realisation. ¡°Hang on, you said four months?¡±

    Lila nodded, unable to say anything. Isaac gave a sarcastic laugh before saying, ¡°Ha, that bitch only told him ¡®cause she was probably starting to show.¡±

    ¡°That was my theory too,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°It sounds like she was trying to pressure Asher to have sex with her. He mentioned as much. He also said she tried to convince him it was his.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± Isaac said sharply, before giving a low whistle. ¡°So, it was her plan from the start, then. She got pregnant, like, two months into their relationship. And tried to get him to have sex with her so she could leave him in the dark and make him believe it was his.¡±

    Isaac took a deep breath, and gripped at his hair, giving Lila a sideways glance. ¡°Can you believe that after everything we did to stave off the rumours, for that bitch¡¯s sake, she was cheating on him the whole time?¡±

    Isaac started to look angrier again as he kicked his lunchbox down the hall before he put his head in his hands.

    ¡°Shit, this isn¡¯t good,¡± he muttered. ¡°I really need some time. Especially before I talk to Asher again. Fuck Holly. What an absolutely disgusting example of a sub-par human. Wait, don¡¯t fuck her, she¡¯s got enough of that already.¡±

    Isaac inhaled deeply again, his shoulders shuddering for a few moments. Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether he was laughing, or crying, or both.

    ¡°To be clear, I¡¯m not mad at you,¡± he eventually said, raising his head from his hands to look at Lila with sincerity.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m mad, too.¡±

    ¡°You seem pretty calm,¡± Isaac said, clenching and unclenching his free hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had a bit more time than you to process,¡± Lila said simply, leaning backwards against the wall they were standing near. ¡°He told me on Thursday. Before he ran away from school.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why he wasn¡¯t here,¡± Isaac murmured, mirroring her actions by leaning against the wall too.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila uttered, pressing her lips together.

    ¡°It¡¯s insane,¡± Isaac said after a few moments of silence. ¡°How is Asher even still standing?¡±

    ¡°It was pretty bad over the weekend,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°I¡¯m kinda surprised that he showed up to school today.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Isaac sighed, bringing a closed fist to his forehead and tapping it in apparent frustration. He glanced at Lila before giving her a soft smile.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad that you were there for him,¡± he said. ¡°Did you bring the snacks over?¡±

    ¡°Sure did. He was especially pleased with the TimTams,¡± Lila said, smiling back at Isaac.

    ¡°Good, good¡­¡±

    They stood in silence for a few minutes, before Isaac looked at Lila again. His fury was still blazing behind his eyes, but he seemed to be reigning it in now.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he said. ¡°What can I do for him?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either, to be honest,¡± Lila said, rubbing her forehead. ¡°It was a mission trying to figure out how to distract him over the weekend.¡±

    Isaac shot her a suggestive look and she scowled at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t start thinking like an idiot,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t have a crush on him, so it¡¯s not like I¡¯d get up to anything like that.¡±

    Isaac gave her a cheeky half-grin. ¡°Didn¡¯t say nothin¡¯ of the sort,¡± he said loftily. ¡°But I guess I also see nothin¡¯.¡±

    Lila gave him a playful push and his grin grew wider.

    ¡°You¡¯re blushing!¡± he cried, pointing at her face. She hit him on the shoulder with her juice bottle and he pouted before bursting into laughter.

    ¡°I¡¯ll figure out what to do,¡± Isaac said after sobering up. ¡°Thanks for helping him to tell me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad I was there. Otherwise, you two would¡¯ve just stared at each other and you might¡¯ve thought he was ending your friendship.¡±

    ¡°That was just a half worry,¡± Isaac said, his light-heartedness fading from his expression. ¡°Though I guess it was still at the back of my mind.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you need to worry about that,¡± Lila said comfortingly. Isaac sheepishly ran his right hand through his hair. Students started to wander through the locker room, so Lila and Isaac said their goodbyes and went their separate ways. As she closed her locker door, her bookbag over her shoulder, Lila caught sight of Isaac almost leaving the locker room before jogging back and collecting his crushed lunchbox and sandwich. She shook her head with a chuckle before sighing. At least Isaac knew now¡­

 Chapter Forty-Four

    Chapter Forty-Four

    The rest of the week passed without much incident. During classes with Asher, he remained quiet, though he did reassure Lila that he wasn¡¯t upset with her at the beginning of each. Lila occasionally directed Grace and Elise towards the Home Ec building during morning tea or lunch during the week to see if Asher and Isaac were okay, but they were never in their usual spot.

    Piper¡¯s group of friends seemed to have slowly drifted apart, too. On visits to the Home Ec building, it seemed only Ayla and Belle were sitting together. Lila still hadn¡¯t said a word to Ayla, who seemed substantially subdued during their shared classes.

    Biology, however, helped to serve some brevity to Lila¡¯s complicated emotions. Cecelia and Lucas had gradually become more comfortable in their status as ¡®boyfriend and girlfriend¡¯ whilst managing to retain their usual bright banter and carefree chatter, which Lila was more than happy to join.

    Lila¡¯s last lesson on Friday was English, and the first time that Asher said anything in particular to Lila. As Ms Shard analysed the last scene they had read for Romeo and Juliet, Asher nudged Lila gently.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila whispered as she continued to write down notes.

    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°When are you coming over?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking about that. I can come right after practice, though I¡¯d really like to shower. So, I¡¯ll probably go home first.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to,¡± Asher whispered back. ¡°The guest bathroom has a shower you can use.¡±

    Lila dropped her pen, her face bright red. Shower? At Asher¡¯s place? That involved¡­ getting naked. Lila shifted in her seat so that her body was angled away from him before nodding. ¡°Okay. I¡¯m guessing Marlene¡¯s taking you home after practice.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll let her know you¡¯ll be coming with us,¡± Asher muttered. Lila glanced at him, but he seemed to be avoiding looking at her. She could have sworn that his ears were pink, but perhaps she was imagining it.

    Later that night during dinner, Lila let her family know that she didn¡¯t need to be picked up as she was heading off to Asher¡¯s after practice. The news seemed to relieve Clare, who usually picked Lila up from practice on Saturdays.

    Lila sat on her bed afterwards, biting her lip. Should she ask Clare to borrow her ID tomorrow morning? Or should she try and sneak it from Clare¡¯s room tonight? Lila knew that Clare had a spare ID from when her licence upgraded from Learners to Provisional. Clare¡¯s original ID should still be in date¡­

    Clare had already left for the night, so her room was freely available to be searched. If Lila wasn¡¯t able to find Clare¡¯s spare ID, then she would have no choice but to ask Clare for her current ID. Truthfully, she would rather not talk to Clare about the ID at all. No doubt she¡¯d ask Lila endless questions about why she needed it, and if she got wind that she needed it for something with Asher, her opinion of him would fall even further.

    ¡®And Clare was just thinking about giving him a chance¡­¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she tried to steel her nerves. The easiest option, of course, would be to forget about going to the nightclub altogether. Marlene was incredibly suspicious, sure, but what connection would a nightclub have to Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance? Though¡­ given they still had no idea as to why Asher¡¯s Mum went missing, any amount of information would help ¨C even if it was to rule Marlene in or out as a suspect.

    Lila shook her head. The second option was definitely the only option she could take in the circumstances. They needed to investigate the nightclub, even if the reasons for Malene going in there were innocuous. Trying to sneak into a nightclub with Asher in tow whilst carrying Clare¡¯s ID would ruin everything in that regard if Clare managed to wrangle that nugget of information out of Lila. It would probably compromise the investigation, too.

    ¡®And it¡¯s not like I haven¡¯t snuck into her room before,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she wiped her sweaty palms on her pants. ¡®And she¡¯s rummaged through mine for clothes.¡¯ Besides, Lila didn¡¯t have anything remotely close to nightclub attire either. Perhaps while Lila was in Clare¡¯s room, she¡¯d be able to find something to wear as well.

    Lila took a deep breath before slowly leaving her room, looking left and right furtively. The coast was clear. She quietly tiptoed her way down the hall. Clare¡¯s door creaked slightly as Lila opened it, but it didn¡¯t seem like anyone heard her, or cared enough to investigate.

    Clare¡¯s room, unlike Lila¡¯s, was a minefield of clothes, books, and things strewn about. Now that Lila was in here to find something specific, rather than to talk to Clare, she didn¡¯t know where to start. On Clare¡¯s desk was a haphazard assortment of stationery items, her laptop, and a modest nail polish collection. Clare¡¯s desk was fitted with a few drawers, so Lila tried to look through these in the first instance. She found a few items of interest, including love notes and a few bundles of cash, but nothing that resembled Clare¡¯s spare ID.

    Sighing, Lila raided Clare¡¯s walk-in closet as she tried to think about where else Clare might be hiding it. There were an awful lot of skimpy clothes, some of which were bejewelled or glittery. Lila couldn¡¯t even begin to think how to wear some of these, owing to the amount of straps or buckles present. It did occur to Lila, however, that she hadn¡¯t actually seen Clare wear many of these before. Though, considering Lila herself was going straight over to Asher¡¯s to hide her wearing of nightclub attire, Lila could guess that it was because their parents would throw a fit if they saw Clare wandering around wearing these.

    Lila found a few mini dresses that seemed to fit the vibe of a nightclub well. She picked a black mini dress with a sweetheart neckline and rouching. It looked more like a sock on the hanger, but, unlike the rest, Lila had seen Clare wear this one.

    Lila came across a few shoe boxes underneath the mini dresses. Lila opened the first one curiously and found 8-inch, fuchsia heels with a satin finish. They looked like overkill for the kind of look Lila was going for, so she put the lid back on and opened another box. This box contained black 8-inch heels with a peep-toe and studs along the heel. Frowning, Lila closed this one too, and opened the next. This shoebox contained a pair of strappy, black 4-inch heels. That seemed more like it. Lila took a picture of how these shoes were laying and in what box before taking them out so she knew how to put them back without Clare¡¯s notice.

    Now that she had an outfit ready, Lila could think about where Clare¡¯s spare ID would be. Lila cast her eyes over Clare¡¯s room again, before resting on the sleek, black tallboy that sat in the back corner. Lila rifled through the items in the tallboy before her hands rested on a small cardboard box with a magnetic clasp. Lila pulled it out curiously. It didn¡¯t appear to be extraordinary, though it may have once held a watch, and she opened it.

    ¡®Bingo,¡¯ Lila thought with a smirk. Inside the box were several IDs that Clare had over the years ¨C mostly school IDs. Sitting on top, however, was Clare¡¯s Learner¡¯s ID, expiring next January. Lila took a picture of this box and where it sat before closing up Clare¡¯s tallboy.

    Lila made sure she had the dress, heels, and ID in her hands before tiptoeing back out of Clare¡¯s room and into her own, her heart almost bursting out of her chest. She threw the things that she¡¯d grabbed from Clare¡¯s room into a backpack. She also put an assortment of silver jewellery into said backpack, a few pieces of makeup and makeup brushes, and whatever else she may need for tomorrow.

    Saturday morning came without much fuss, despite Lila¡¯s restlessness throughout the night. At the very least, it didn¡¯t seem as though Clare had noticed that Lila had been in her room, since she hadn¡¯t received any texts during the night about it.

    Lila¡¯s Mum dropped her off at Jacoval that morning after checking what time Lila was planning on heading home. Lila truthfully had no idea when they¡¯d be finishing up their investigation of the ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯, but said that 9pm would be ideal. Lila¡¯s Mum hadn¡¯t commented on Lila¡¯s hangouts with Asher thus far, but the look Lila¡¯s Mum gave her after she said ¡®9pm¡¯ seemed to convey that she wasn¡¯t exactly pleased with the arrangement.

    ¡°Bye, Mum,¡± Lila said as she grabbed her sports bag, backpack and hockey stick. ¡°Love you.¡±

    ¡°Love you too,¡± her Mum replied with a click of her tongue. She gave Lila a wave before driving out of the carpark. Lila started to feel nervous as she continued to hold the backpack filled with things she should not be carrying around her school on a Saturday morning.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Isaac said to Lila as he walked past her, jolting her out of her musings.

    ¡°H-Hi,¡± she replied, caught off-guard. ¡°How¡¯s things been going?¡±

    Isaac began walking backwards to catch up to Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯m still enraged,¡± he said matter-of-factly. ¡°But I¡¯ve just been existing with Asher during breaks the last week. I think he just needs some company, but also without other people around. We¡¯ve just been sitting in really secluded spots that we can find. It¡¯s helped both of us, I reckon. I haven¡¯t brought it up again, though.¡±

    Isaac suddenly waved at someone behind Lila and she turned to see Asher jogging towards them. He seemed to be in much higher spirits than she had seen him all week.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± he said, smiling. Isaac blinked at Asher before grinning back.

    ¡°Morning, Asher,¡± Isaac replied. ¡°You seem almost normal.¡±

    Asher¡¯s lips twitched, but he didn¡¯t respond to Isaac¡¯s comment.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said quietly. Asher¡¯s eyes flickered towards her bags before resting on her face.

    ¡°I told Marlene,¡± he confirmed. Isaac looked between Lila and Asher, bemused. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Good,¡± she said, readjusting her posture. ¡°I¡¯ll see you after practice, then.¡±

    Asher and Isaac walked towards their quadrant of the oval. It seemed like Isaac was trying to get some information out of Asher with the way he kept bumping Asher¡¯s shoulder with his own. Lila watched them for a few seconds before heading off to the changing room.

    Today was all about formation and tactics. Ms Wright split the girls up into two teams, and they played small games of hockey against each other, employing the requisite formations and tactics. It was pretty fun, though Lila¡¯s mind was still in the changing room. She hoped no one would come by to inspect her backpack.

    Once practice was over, Asher sprinted over to Lila like a bullet from a gun, his face flushed and hair sweaty.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he wheezed. ¡°Can¡¯t wait any longer.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to have to,¡± Lila said with a laugh. ¡°At least, for a few hours.¡±

    ¡°Not that,¡± Asher said breathlessly. ¡°I wanna go home. Isaac¡¯s been pestering me.¡±

    ¡°Let me just grab my stuff, then,¡± Lila chuckled. She quickly returned, both bags looking untampered with, and Asher led her towards the car Marlene was driving. Asher opened the door to the backseat and gestured for Lila to get in. She looked at him, confused for a moment, but he quickly left and made his way to the front passenger door.

    ¡°Hi, Marlene,¡± she said cheerily, putting her bags and hockey stick on the passenger seat in front of her.

    ¡°Hello, Lila,¡± Marlene said, her tone noticeably lighter than what it had been the last time Lila spoke to Marlene.

    Asher jumped into the front passenger seat and Marlene drove off. Lila was sure that some of their soccer and hockey mates would¡¯ve seen Lila climbing into the same car as Asher, but she didn¡¯t care as much as she would¡¯ve last term. Was that growth? Or was it just that she felt more freedom now that Piper was expelled? She didn¡¯t really have a reputation to uphold anymore now that Asher was single, either. Though, she hadn¡¯t caught wind of any rumours talking about the breakup.

    They entered the house via the garage today. Lila carried her shoes with her instead of leaving them in the garage. Her slippers were waiting for her just beyond the internal connecting door, and she smiled gratefully at Marlene. Marlene smiled back before heading off into the depths of the house. Lila popped her shoes by the front door so she wouldn¡¯t forget them.

    Asher gently took Lila¡¯s hockey stick and sports bag from her hands despite her protests.

    ¡°If you keep protesting, I¡¯ll take your backpack too,¡± he smirked before leading the way to his rumpus room. Lila pouted in silence. Lila was pleased to see that the rumpus room was in its usual clean state upon entering. Asher had clearly been taking care of the space again. All the desserts that Gabriel had made last week had disappeared, though she could see a cookie jar filled with handmade cookies sitting on the coffee table.

    ¡°This is the guest bathroom,¡± Asher said, opening the door to the guest bathroom inside the rumpus room. There was a modest shower in here. A travel-sized hairdryer was sitting next to the oval stone basin. The toilet lid was closed, and the bathroom design generally matched the bathroom she¡¯d seen in Asher¡¯s parents¡¯ room. A teal towel hung on the towel rack, waiting to be used. Panic flooded Lila as they both continued to stare at the bathroom.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± she squeaked. Asher looked at her, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. He then headed to the couch, placing Lila¡¯s hockey stick and sports bag next to it.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± he said somewhat awkwardly, sitting down on the couch and turning on a console. Lila immediately closed herself in the bathroom with her backpack. There was a lock on the door, which she hurriedly activated before turning back towards the bathroom.

    ¡®I didn¡¯t know I could get so red,¡¯ Lila thought as she uneasily inspected her reflection in the mirror. Her hair was an absolute mess and her face carried the sheen of a good workout.

    She pulled out her nightclub clothes, laying them out on the counter space by the basin, her heart racing a mile a minute. With shaking hands, she began to undress. She was incredibly aware of the fact that Asher was only a few metres away, just outside the bathroom. She hesitated to take everything off, her nerves preventing her hands from moving any further. As she stood there, staring at the shower, Lila was deeply regretting her choice of not showering at home.

    A knock sounded at the door, and she screamed, jumping into the shower defensively.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded concerned. ¡°Did something happen? Why are you screaming?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m screaming at you, dumbass,¡± Lila shouted.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he replied through the door. ¡°I just thought you might not know how to turn the shower on. You¡¯ve been taking a while.¡±

    Lila quickly looked at the shower faucet. It didn¡¯t seem overly complicated.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila called, her voice catching in her throat somewhat.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher replied after a couple seconds. ¡°Going back to the couch then.¡±

    Lila felt far more flustered now that Asher had asked her if she was okay. Would he come back? Was he far enough away now?

    ¡®He¡¯ll definitely come back if you don¡¯t get a move on,¡¯ Lila told herself sternly. She took a deep breath and stepped out of the shower. She turned it on and took everything off. It wasn¡¯t like Asher was in the bathroom watching her, after all. She¡­ just needed to get this over with. Though, as she stood there, waiting for the shower to warm up, she couldn¡¯t help but cross her arms in front of her chest, her cheeks burning. She had never felt so naked in her life.

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Lila hadn¡¯t realised how tense she was until she was under the hot water of the shower. She quickly finished her usual routine so that Asher wouldn¡¯t come back and ask if she was okay again. She could hardly see anything as she stepped out of the shower, owing to the humidity within the bathroom. As she reached for the towel, the overhead bathroom fan switched on with a roar, spooking her some. She doubted that Asher had turned it on, especially without saying anything, so she relaxed again. Was it automatic? Shaking her head, she seized the fluffy towel and wrapped it around herself. It felt warm against her body as she dried off. ¡®That¡¯s odd,¡¯ she thought, extending a hand to touch the towel rack. It was heated.

    The attention to detail in turning on the heated towel rack stirred odd feelings within Lila, but she figured it was Marlene¡¯s doing. It seemed like a Marlene thing to do, after all.

    She wrapped her hair in the towel as she looked in the mirror, having now cleared up most of the condensation after the fan did its job. She definitely looked freshly showered, though her face was still rosy from the warmth of the shower. As she squeezed the towel on her head to draw out any further moisture, she realised with a sinking sensation that she¡¯d left her hair straightener inside her sports bag as it was too big to fit into her backpack. The sports bag that was outside with Asher.

    Lila hurriedly looked through her backpack to see what else she¡¯d brought. A pair of shorts and a baggy t-shirt were bundled at the bottom and she breathed a sigh of relief. She could just wear this while she ducked out to grab the hair straightener.

    She slipped into her underwear and the casual outfit before stepping out of the bathroom. She saw Asher move forward on the couch, though he remained seated.

    ¡°I¡¯m just grabbing my hair straightener,¡± she said, uncertainty coating her voice. She approached the couch and Asher still remained seated, sitting oddly hunched. He didn¡¯t look at her, but he nodded in acknowledgement at least.

    ¡°¡­ Why are you sitting like that?¡± she asked as she rummaged through her sports bag.

    ¡°This is how I always sit,¡± Asher said, red patches blossoming over his face. Lila stared up at him with narrowed eyes. That was a lie if she¡¯d ever heard one.

    ¡°Are you going to shower?¡± she asked him, still scrutinising his posture.

    ¡°Yup,¡± he said in a strained voice. ¡°After you¡¯re done using the water. The water pressure goes a bit funny when two or more showers get used at once upstairs.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m all done,¡± Lila said, ¡°so you can go ahead now.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± he replied, glancing at her only briefly. He still didn¡¯t move, so Lila shrugged and pulled out the hair straightener. Upon returning to the bathroom and plugging it in next to the hair dryer, she pondered Asher¡¯s odd behaviour. She started blow-drying her hair, until a reason suddenly popped into her head. The hairdryer clattered in the basin as she grasped the sides of it, her face a deep crimson again. Did Asher get¡­?

    Lila shook her head firmly, picking up the hairdryer again. Improbable. No, impossible. No way. Lila went through the rest of her makeup and hair routine. She curled the ends of her hair with the hair straightener and applied a glittery, silver-grey smoky eye to her eyelids. She had been practicing a dramatic winged liquid eyeliner look the other day but chickened out at the last second and settled for just a modest wing with black eyeshadow. At least she knew how to put false eyelashes on after watching Clare do it for so many years. She clasped her silver necklace around her neck and put her silver hoops into her ears. She finished off her look with light brown lipstick and a sheer pink lip gloss.

    Looking into the mirror, Lila thought she looked a hell of a lot like Clare now. She did, at least, look a little bit older, but she still wasn¡¯t sure whether she could pass for an 18-year-old. She was certain, though, that she looked enough like Clare¡¯s ID photo that she¡¯d be able to easily pass a security check if it came down to it. Lila pulled on Clare¡¯s dress, which seemed to compress her in all the right places.

    Lila looked down at the mess she¡¯d created over the bathroom and began frantically washing down bits of makeup. Once it was passably clean, she packed all her remaining clothes and things back into the backpack (except for the shoes, which she¡¯d keep outside for easy access) and unplugged the hair straightener. Now that she was ready, she suddenly hoped that Asher wasn¡¯t still sitting on the couch. She emerged from the bathroom somewhat anxiously. She could hear water running from the direction of Asher¡¯s bedroom, and there was no Asher in the rumpus room. She sighed in relief and placed her backpack and shoes down next to her sports bag.

    Lila looked through Asher¡¯s YouTube suggestions and began watching another lockpicking video. For some reason, she couldn¡¯t relax her position on the couch, though the video itself was interesting.

    Asher took some time to leave his bedroom. When he did, Lila¡¯s eyes automatically locked onto him. He was wearing what Lila had suggested ¨C a white long-sleeved button-up shirt and tan chinos. He¡¯d rolled the sleeves up, exposing his toned forearms. He was also wearing a navy Smartwatch that Lila had never seen before. His hair was styled as he¡¯d done for semi, and Lila couldn¡¯t help but stare, her heart throbbing in her chest hard enough that her breathing was oddly restricted. She quickly looked down at her lap.

    ¡°Y-You, uh¡­ smell¡­ nice,¡± Asher said awkwardly, sitting down in his usual spot on the couch. His ears were definitely pink this time.

    ¡°T-Thank you? You¡­ smell nice too,¡± Lila replied, her eyebrows creasing in confusion. It wasn¡¯t a lie, though. They sat in silence for a few seconds before Lila pressed ¡®play¡¯ on the YouTube video she was watching. A few minutes passed before Lila suddenly turned to Asher, who looked at her in alarm.

    ¡°What¡¯d you tell Marlene we were doing today?¡± she asked urgently.

    ¡°U-Uh, that we¡¯re going out for dinner in the city,¡± he said, blinking at her.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°She asked if I wanted her to take us, but I said no.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied quietly.

    They continued to watch YouTube videos, though Lila was only half paying attention. Asher kept picking at his nails, which only made Lila pick at her own. Eventually, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed. It was 4.30pm. They were planning on arriving at the nightclub at around 6pm, just so that there were hopefully enough guests in the nightclub that could provide cover for them.

    ¡°Is it time to get going?¡± Asher asked, checking his Smartwatch.

    ¡°Almost,¡± Lila replied. They both stood up in unison before Lila remembered that Clare¡¯s ID was in the bottom of her backpack.

    ¡°I just need to grab something,¡± she told Asher, hoisting the backpack onto the couch. She dug through the backpack before pinching the card between her fingers. As she pulled it out, however, a bra fell out of the backpack and rolled across the couch. Lila snatched it back, her face feeling like it was made of fire. Asher instantly sat back down on the couch, facing away from Lila. He crossed his legs and started scrolling on his phone.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila mumbled, somehow feeling even more embarrassed after seeing his reaction. He was probably annoyed that she was taking up more time. Plus, he never crossed his legs. ¡°I got what I needed. I didn¡¯t mean to take up too much time. We can get going now.¡±

    ¡°Just give me a minute,¡± he said softly, his eyes glued to his phone. ¡°I just remembered I need to check something.¡±

    Lila nodded. She put the backpack onto the floor again and picked up Clare¡¯s heels, trying to figure out how to put them on amongst all the straps.

    Asher stood back up, stretching his arms. ¡°Okay, let¡¯s head downstairs.¡±

    Lila slipped Clare¡¯s ID into her phone wallet and followed Asher downstairs, still holding the heels. Marlene seemed to be waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, and she looked slightly stunned at their appearance.

    ¡°You both look very nice,¡± she said tentatively, overtly looking down at Lila¡¯s dress before looking back up at the both of them. ¡°Have a good night.¡±

    ¡°You too,¡± Lila said automatically. ¡°I mean, have a good night. Not that you don¡¯t look nice. Which you do-¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll miss the bus,¡± Asher said quickly, looking at Lila pointedly. ¡°We¡¯ll see you later, Marlene.¡±

    She nodded and strolled over to the kitchen. Lila blushed again but continued to make her way to the front door. She bent down to start putting her shoes on, almost losing her balance. Asher input the security code as usual before harshly inhaling.

    ¡°I just need to get my shoes,¡± he said, glancing at Lila. She gave him a thumbs up whilst fighting for her life. Why were these so strappy? He dashed off towards the garage and didn¡¯t return until after Lila put Clare¡¯s shoes on.

    They walked down to the bus stop near Asher¡¯s house, rather than the one Marlene had taken a couple weeks ago. They waited for ten minutes or so before the bus to the city groaned to a halt before them. They boarded the bus in absolute silence. Lila could see Asher was trembling from head to toe. The roar of the bus drowned out any potential for Lila and Asher to have a conversation anyway, so they just scrolled through their phones in silence. 45 minutes passed in this way until Asher nudged Lila. They were nearing the North-City Bus Station.

    Lila input ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯ into her maps and they both navigated the grimy streets at a casual pace. It seemed Asher had read Lila¡¯s mind in not trying to draw attention to themselves. Now that it was nearly 6pm on a Saturday, the streets were flooded with rowdy young adults. Lila was glad to see that neither she nor Asher looked out of place here. As they walked closer and closer to the ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯, Lila felt more confident that their infiltration would be successful. Most people they walked past didn¡¯t give them a second glance, and those that did seemed more like they were checking Lila or Asher out.

    ¡°Still nervous?¡± Lila asked Asher quietly. She could see the neon sign of ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯ glowing against the brickwork ahead of them.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher replied, his breathing noticeably heavy. ¡°I¡¯ve never done anything like this before.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said with a confident grin. ¡°Just fake it ¡®till you make it.¡±

    Asher swallowed before nodding at Lila. He pulled out his phone quickly. A text arrived on Lila¡¯s phone and she opened it up. It was a picture of Marlene wearing casual attire, sitting at Asher¡¯s dinner table. She looked as though she was listening to a conversation with a slight smile on her face.

    ¡°Where¡¯d you get this from?¡± Lila asked, zooming in. It seemed recent, at least.

    ¡°Every year on Marlene or Gabriel¡¯s last day before the Christmas break, we have a casual dinner. Order in, so neither Marlene nor Gabriel have to really work for it, and we take a couple photos of everyone. Kinda to symbolise that we¡¯ve survived another year together.¡±

    ¡°Cute,¡± Lila replied softly, turning her phone screen back off.

    ¡°I was thinking we could ask the workers if they know her,¡± Asher said, avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze. ¡°If someone knows her, we can go from there.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Let¡¯s also check out the nightclub generally. See what kind of vibe it is.¡±

    They approached the open doors of the club, Asher practically vibrating with anxious energy. No one was standing at the entrance, though EDM tracks were blasting through the doorway. Lila and Asher exchanged a look before Lila took a deep breath and strided through the doors.

    The inside of the nightclub was bathed in fast-moving rainbow lights. It had a large dancefloor with light-up tiles in the centre of the nightclub and there were twenty or so patrons, dressed very similarly to Lila and Asher, dancing to the beat of the music. Dark leather booths and other seating areas framed the edges except for the back and right-side walls. A disco ball was rotating above the dancefloor, casting reflective light across the whole room. A large stage with two poles was set up at the back, though no one was on the stage at the moment. A DJ with a hectic mullet was set up just below the stage, mixing through various EDM hits. A well-lit bar stretched the length of the right-side wall, with several bartenders busy fixing drinks for customers. The music felt intoxicating to Lila, who looked at Asher in excitement. He seemed frozen stiff in the face of what he was seeing, so she pulled him to a free seating area.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just sit here for a bit,¡± Lila said, leaning forward to Asher¡¯s ear. His eyes flashed down for not even half a millisecond before he closed them and nodded. Lila looked around the nightclub and saw a few waitresses wandering around in various revealing, low-cut costumes. They all seemed to have elf-ear prosthetics, which confused Lila. Was this a cosplay nightclub?

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher said loudly to Lila after yet another waitress passed them, wearing a princess-like mini dress. ¡°I think it¡¯s Zelda-themed.¡±

    ¡°Zelda?¡± Lila asked just as loudly. Asher nodded.

    ¡°The game that got released yesterday. Newest one in the series. Must be capitalising on that,¡± he responded in a half-shout.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied in a raised voice. The DJ began to announce the program for the stage dancers, lowering the volume of the music only slightly. He called a few names to various smatterings of polite applause. When he announced that ¡®Roxy Wurld¡¯ was also part of the lineup, starting after 7pm, loud cheers and whoops rang across the nightclub. She was clearly a fan-favourite. The name sounded familiar to Lila, though she couldn¡¯t think why at the moment. The DJ finally announced that the theme for tonight was ¡®The Legend of Zelda¡¯, and Lila¡¯s eyes met Asher¡¯s. He winked at her, his smirk showing that he was satisfied that he was right.

    A dancer by the name of ¡®Ebony Glow¡¯ took to the stage, dressed in a skimpy rhinestone bralette, tiny jean-shorts and 8-inch neon-chartreuse heels. Asher seemed mesmerised by the dance, and Lila left him to it for a few minutes. It did bother Lila somewhat, but Lila couldn¡¯t deny that Ebony was a good dancer, at least. Plus, she had no right to be bothered, anyway. Asher was just getting over a breakup. He was free to look at whoever doing whatever¡­

    ¡°Having fun?¡± Lila eventually asked Asher. He tore his eyes away from Ebony and looked back at Lila.

    ¡°N-Not at all,¡± he replied. Lila could see that, despite the rapidly changing colours of the lights overhead, his face was entirely red.

    ¡°Anyway, it seems that we¡¯re safe,¡± Lila said, glancing around the club. ¡°We can probably ask around about Marlene.¡±

    Asher nodded and they both stood. Lila caught the attention of a waitress who was wearing a light blue bralette and matching miniskirt, long golden hair falling to her waist.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila said, her voice wavering. The waitress leaned in towards Lila, smiling encouragingly and fixing her right ear prosthetic.

    ¡°We¡¯ve lost our friend. Have you seen this person?¡± Lila asked, showing her the picture of Marlene that Asher had sent her. The waitress looked at them curiously before shaking her head.

    ¡°Okay, thanks,¡± Lila said, waving at the waitress. She looked puzzled as she left and Lila turned to Asher.

    ¡°Well, that was a bust,¡± she said frustratedly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to the bar,¡± he said, pointing towards a bartender who didn¡¯t seem to be doing much at the moment.

    More and more customers began filling the nightclub. Each new addition raised the atmosphere of the nightclub, and it was now bustling with energy. Asher, due to his height and general stature, parted the crowds easily and Lila followed in his wake. Upon reaching the bar, Lila sat on a bar stool. Asher followed suit. The bartender that Asher had pointed towards glanced at them briefly, before doing a double take. The nametag on his shirt said ¡®Alex¡¯, and he didn¡¯t seem to be sporting the elf-ears that his other coworkers were wearing. He had several ear piercings running to the top of his left ear, and detailed sleeve tattoos across his muscular forearms. His black shirt, embroidered with ¡®Coolisimo Nightclub¡¯ seemed barely able to contain his bulging shoulders. His chin-length brown hair was done in a half-updo, with the top half in a messy bun. He looked absolutely terrifying, but his charming, easy-going grin put Lila at ease only a little. At least it was easier to talk here, as the speakers were much further away.

    ¡°What can I do for you?¡± Alex asked, wiping the counter. Lila glanced at Asher who seemed just as intimidated as Lila felt. Lila was about to take a deep breath and present the photo of Marlene to Alex when Asher beat her to it.

    ¡°Do you know this person?¡± he asked, his voice wavering only a little at the end. Alex pursed his lips and asked if he could take Asher¡¯s phone. Asher allowed him, and he zoomed in on the photo before shaking his head.

    ¡°Nope. Why? You guys look a bit young to be cops,¡± Alex laughed, handing Asher back his phone. Lila and Asher glanced at each other.

    ¡°B-Because she¡¯s our friend,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°We lost her in the crowd here.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Alex said, narrowing his eyes at Lila. He cocked his head to the side as his eyes roved down Lila¡¯s body. ¡°Are you guys even allowed in here?¡± he asked, leaning forward towards Lila¡¯s face. She could almost feel his breath against it and moved towards Asher slightly, whose fists were clenched.

    ¡°Sure am,¡± Lila said, her voice slightly higher pitched than normal.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need to see some IDs, then,¡± Alex said, raising an eyebrow. Lila gave Asher another look before assuredly whipping Clare¡¯s ID out of her phone wallet.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯m 19.¡±

    Alex¡¯s eyes almost popped out of his sockets before he threw his head back, laughing. Lila and Asher looked at each other in confusion before Alex shook his head, still laughing.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said, his shoulders shaking. He walked to the other end of the bar, opened an ¡®Employees Only¡¯ door, and bellowed, ¡°Oi, Roxy! We¡¯ve got a wild one!¡± through the entryway.

    ¡°Should we make a break for it?¡± Asher asked Lila desperately. Lila¡¯s feet were rooted to the spot, and she forgot how to speak. Roxy? Wild one? Before Asher or Lila could make a decision about leaving, an attractive young woman in a tight, glittery pink miniskirt and matching lacy bralette appeared before them. Her face was covered in sparkly, dramatic makeup, particularly emphasising the eyes and sharp nose that Lila herself shared. The woman wore the same elven ear prosthetics that the other female workers in the nightclub had, undeniably connecting her to the nightclub as an employee. Lila¡¯s eyes locked onto two delicate intertwining flowers on the woman¡¯s right ribcage, sparking her to action. Lila immediately stood up and threw her arm in front of Asher¡¯s eyes just as the woman before them began yelling.

    ¡°LILA! WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE?¡±

    Asher moved his head around Lila¡¯s arm, so she blocked his view with her body. ¡®Shit, shit, shit!¡¯ Lila¡¯s internal voice was screaming at her. She wished she¡¯d made a break for it when Asher had suggested it.

    ¡°Roxy,¡± Lila heard Alex say in a smooth voice. The woman spun around to face him as he continued. ¡°Keep your cool. Your set is starting soon and some fans are already here.¡±

    ¡°Clare, why is he calling you Roxy?¡± Lila stammered. Clare¡¯s eyes snapped to Lila, her mouth set in a hard line.

    ¡°You¡¯re dead,¡± she spat.

    ¡°Me?¡± Lila asked incredulously. ¡°What did I do?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re at an 18-plus nightclub! I bet you this piece of work brought you here!¡± Clare shouted over the music, aggressively gesturing towards Asher.

    ¡°N-No, I-¡± Asher began stammering before Clare cut him off.

    ¡°Wait. I know you. I¡¯ve seen you. Asher?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± Asher replied instinctively. He was squeezing his hands together in front of his chest, his fingers interlocking, frantically looking between Lila and Clare, who seemed to swell with rage.

    ¡°Of fucking course it is,¡± Clare snapped, her voice becoming even more shrill. ¡°That¡¯s it. I¡¯m telling Mum.¡±

    ¡°Tell Mum what?¡± Lila interjected hotly. ¡°That you¡¯re a stripper?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a stripper,¡± Clare fumed, slamming her hands on the countertop. ¡°I¡¯m a dancer. Major difference.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, sure,¡± Lila snorted, rolling her eyes. Alex looked between Lila and Clare before gently tapping Clare¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°Look, I know she¡¯s your sister, but we have to tell the boss. They¡¯re underage. We can get in a whole lotta trouble,¡± Alex said firmly. Clare stepped back, blanching at Alex¡¯s words. She then twisted towards Lila, her face scowling.

    ¡°I swear if this ruins my job,¡± Clare huffed. ¡°You¡¯re not going to hear the end of it.¡±

    Alex gestured towards Lila and Asher. Lila knew that now that Clare was glaring at them, they had no chance at escape. She glanced at Asher, who looked so pale he was almost transparent since any amount of colour he normally had on his face seemed to have drained from his body.

    Clare stomped down the alleyway before throwing open the ¡®Employees Only¡¯ door. Lila tugged on Asher¡¯s rolled-up sleeve and he robotically followed. Lila and Asher speechlessly followed Clare down the hallway. Lila looked behind her briefly and saw that Alex was following Asher, a smug smile on his face. Perhaps he was blocking the way out intentionally.

    Clare continued seething on her way up a flight of stairs, Lila dejectedly following behind. They arrived at an intensely ornate-looking office door, decorated with a gawdy, bedazzled ¡®G¡¯ along the top. Clare violently rapped on the door, shaking the ¡®G¡¯ with each knock.

    ¡°Boss, we got two wild ones,¡± she called, heavily sighing. She shot another poisonous glare at Lila before looking at the floor, her hands on her hips, tapping her right foot impatiently. Clare then looked behind Asher at Alex, her face much more relaxed.

    ¡°Thanks, Alex,¡± Clare said gently. ¡°You should probably get back to your shift.¡±

    Alex nodded and headed back downstairs obediently. Clare knocked on the door again.

    ¡°Come in,¡± came a voice. Clare thrust the door open and pushed Lila and Asher inside. Lila stared in utter disbelief at the person in a sequined, dazzling suit who slowly rose from behind the carved, wooden desk.

 Chapter Forty-Five

    Chapter Forty-Five

    ¡°Hello, wild ch-¡±

    The man in the suit stopped speaking in almost the exact same instant that Lila recognised who it was.

    ¡°Gabriel?¡± Lila asked faintly. Asher, who had been staring at the floor, looked up instantly.

    ¡°Gabriel?¡± Asher repeated, stepping forward. Gabriel¡¯s eyes flickered between them and Clare. Clare goggled at Lila as Asher began to splutter.

    ¡°Asher? Lila?¡± Gabriel gulped, readjusting his tie. ¡°W-What are you two doing here?¡±

    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Asher asked weakly.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Clare interjected, stepping forward as well. ¡°How do you all know each other?¡±

    Asher, Lila, and Gabriel gaped at Clare in unison. Gabriel rubbed his face with both hands, sighing deeply before gesturing for Asher and Lila to sit in the two chairs before his desk.

    ¡°Let me just get an extra chair for you, Roxy,¡± Gabriel said quietly, leaving the office. Lila couldn¡¯t look at anything else besides the floor after sinking into her chair. She could hear Clare trying to steady her breathing in the same way that Lila always did. Gabriel returned not a moment too soon, dragging another chair and placing it next to Lila.

    ¡°I knew you looked familiar, Lila,¡± Gabriel said, his usual cheery tone somewhat muted. ¡°To think that you look so much like our top performer, Roxy.¡±

    Lila glanced at Clare, who was pointedly looking away, her face bright red.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Gabriel said gently, ¡°out of everyone here, I owe you an explanation the most.¡±

    Asher looked up at Gabriel, seeming dazed. Gabriel sighed and started speaking.

    ¡°Clare, I¡¯m Asher¡¯s family¡¯s private chef. Have been for about, what, 13 years? 14 years? Perhaps even more-¡±

    ¡°Hold on, you¡¯re the private chef I¡¯ve been hearing about?¡± Clare asked, dumbfounded.

    ¡°You talk about me with your family, Lila?¡± Gabriel asked, his sunny smile returning.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila said, returning his smile with her own. ¡°Your cooking is beautiful. There¡¯s no way I wouldn¡¯t tell my family about it.¡±

    ¡°You flatter me too much, Lila,¡± Gabriel said cheerily, rubbing the back of his head. He cleared his throat before continuing with his explanation, his tone uncharacteristically severe. ¡°When I first started working for the Wagners, I was at a very low point in my life. Spending every day with little Asher and Tabitha gave me such a sense of family that I hadn¡¯t ever had before. They inspired me to grow and hone my skills after graduating from culinary school. I had little want for anything, actually, given I live at their house, and the pay has always been excellent. Then, after about four years, I found my feet and the Wagners gifted me with something incredible.¡±

    Gabriel looked up at his office fondly and patted his desk. ¡°They not only gave me a bonus that helped me to open this place, but they also became investors in this nightclub. But I couldn¡¯t leave the Wagners. Not after they¡¯d been so kind, but also because they¡¯re like my family. You¡¯re my family, Asher.¡±

    His eyes shimmered as he looked at Asher, who stared dumbly at him back.

    ¡°Honestly, I haven¡¯t needed to work for your family for about five years,¡± Gabriel said quietly. ¡°But, while I love running the nightclub, I can¡¯t shake my love for cooking. Particularly, the look you give me when I make something that you find really tasty. And now, I definitely can¡¯t leave.¡± Gabriel looked at Lila with a bright smile and winked at her. ¡°Not if Lila keeps coming over to eat my food, anyway.¡±

    ¡°So, Asher¡¯s the kid you always rave about,¡± Clare muttered. She stood up and gave a dry laugh, running her fingers through her fringe. Her eyes drifted to Lila before shaking her head.

    ¡°My set¡¯s about to start,¡± Clare said, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Lila, we¡¯ll talk when you get home.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Gabriel said affably, waving a hand. ¡°We can push your set back. This is an important meeting.¡±

    Gabriel pulled out a drawer under his table and retrieved a phone. He dialled a number and raised the phone to his ear. ¡°Hello. There¡¯s been some scheduling changes. Ebony can either continue her set, or Cherry can start earlier. I¡¯m in a meeting with Roxy¡­ no, no, Roxy will perform later. No need to worry about that.¡±

    Gabriel hung up the phone and looked up at Clare, who slowly sat back down.

    ¡°Clare, what about you? Why are you working here?¡± Lila asked, folding her arms as she watched Clare¡¯s every move. Clare suddenly looked mortified, biting her lower lip and holding her left arm with her right as if for comfort.

    ¡°I¡­ started working here pretty soon after starting Uni. I needed something to do after¡­ that guy,¡± Clare glanced at Asher before giving Lila a sideways look and sitting back in her chair. Lila knew exactly what Clare meant by ¡®that guy¡¯, but neither of the sisters elaborated further.

    ¡°I only started here ¡®cause I needed the distraction. I¡­ was super heartbroken. But I realised that I really enjoyed working here. Love all my girls, and Boss is such an amazing owner, too. He takes care of everyone here. It¡¯s also been good for my work-life balance with Uni, and I love dancing. Even though I dropped Cheer when I went into Uni, I still wanted to do something like that and it was perfect. Before I knew it, I built a fanbase here at Coolisimo¡­¡±

    Clare sighed heavily as she held her face in her hands. Gabriel smiled at Lila softly, and silence filled the room as everyone waited for Clare to continue speaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not necessarily ashamed,¡± she finally said tentatively. ¡°But I know Mum and Dad would get beyond upset. Kinda why I haven¡¯t told them about the whole ¡®pictures in the bathroom¡¯ fiasco that happened to you, Lila. And technically Asher, too, I suppose. Our parents¡­ don¡¯t like the idea of their kids having sexual identities.¡±

    Asher¡¯s shoulders instantly stiffened as he looked at Clare, openly horrified. Gabriel looked somewhat confused.

    ¡°She¡­ found some of the pictures,¡± Lila explained quietly to Asher.

    ¡°What pictures?¡± Gabriel asked.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Asher said, combing his hair with his fingers anxiously. ¡°It¡¯s nothing now.¡±

    Clare exhaled deeply as she leaned back into her chair, locking eyes with Lila. ¡°So, why are you guys here?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned red as she exchanged a look at Asher. They hadn¡¯t come up with a cover story yet.

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Um-¡±

    Lila and Asher cut each other off, both of them gesturing at the other to finish their sentence.

    ¡°It was my idea,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°We wanted to get some dinner after practice today. Asher¡¯s been having a hard time, so I thought about going somewhere fancy. And we kinda just wandered into this nightclub to get something to eat.¡±

    Clare¡¯s arched eyebrows told Lila that she bought exactly none of her story.

    ¡°You came to the North-City district, looking like that, wearing my clothes, carrying my ID, just for some dinner? And then magically happened to stumble into this nightclub?¡± Clare asked dubiously. ¡°I know we don¡¯t have a Bouncer at this time, but it¡¯s pretty damn obvious that you guys shouldn¡¯t be here.¡±

    ¡°Now, now,¡± Gabriel said smoothly. ¡°They¡¯re kids, Clare. They can do some dumb things once in a while.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the Dux,¡± Clare said sharply, looking at Gabriel with narrowed eyes. ¡°Plus, I¡¯m Roxy in here.¡±

    ¡°My mistake,¡± Gabriel said, laughing heartily. ¡°I know Asher¡¯s the Dux. Besides, Lila said it was her idea.¡±

    Lila felt awkward that Gabriel and Clare were bickering about her fake story but didn¡¯t interject. Asher, on the other hand, jumped in.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t think badly of Lila,¡± he said earnestly, looking into Clare¡¯s eyes. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ been entirely selfless. I¡¯ve¡­ been going through hell, and she noticed and has been doing everything in her power to help me. She helps me even without me needing to ask. If you want to think badly of anyone, please let it be me. I¡¯m the only reason why we¡¯re in here in the first place. A-And besides, Lila¡¯d even take the fall for me, despite knowing the outcome would be much worse for her than me. But I can¡¯t let her.¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes darted between Lila and Asher, before settling on Asher, who was breathing heavily now. Her somewhat fiery demeanour cooled in the face of Asher¡¯s passionate request. But, Lila still couldn¡¯t shake the feeling emanating from Clare that she was still less than thrilled with Asher by the way she crossed her arms. This was absolutely the worst first impression that Clare could have ever gotten of Asher ¨C almost irrevocably so. Lila needed to do something, say something. But what?

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you think badly of me, sis,¡± Lila interjected quickly, desperation suddenly driving her forward. ¡°J-Just please don¡¯t think badly about Asher. He¡¯s done nothing wrong. He even said that coming in here wasn¡¯t a good idea, but I convinced him otherwise. He¡¯s such a rule follower. It¡¯s me who corrupted him. It¡¯s me who stole your clothes and ID, he didn¡¯t ask me to do any of that. I suggested it and I went ahead with it.¡±

    Clare blinked rapidly at Lila before her face split into a wide smile.

    ¡°Lila-¡± Asher began to say, but Clare raised a hand to stop him.

    ¡°Lila,¡± she said softly, her smile not dropping. ¡°This wasn¡¯t exactly what I had in mind when I said I wanted to meet Asher, but I¡¯m glad that I have. It also helps to know that this Asher and the kid Boss talks about all the time are one and the same.¡±

    The look in Clare¡¯s eyes spoke to Lila far more than her words did. Was Clare¡­ approving of Asher?

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Clare said, looking at Lila with a piercing expression now. ¡°I won¡¯t tell Mum and Dad about your nightclub visit if you don¡¯t tell Mum and Dad that I work at said nightclub.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Lila said hurriedly.

    ¡°And I won¡¯t tell Marlene if you don¡¯t tell Marlene,¡± Gabriel said to Asher, a hint of a smile lifting the corners of his mouth. ¡°I think she¡¯ll kill us both.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯ll you do about this Boss?¡± Clare asked, somewhat dejectedly. ¡°They are wild ones. They did kinda break the law. A few times, actually. Don¡¯t you need to report this to the Police?¡±

    Gabriel pressed his fingertips together, resting his chin on them as he evidently contemplated Clare¡¯s question.

    ¡°This¡­ never happened,¡± Gabriel said finally. Asher and Lila looked at each other hopefully.

    ¡°You mean it?¡± Clare asked, her own face seeming giddy. ¡°Thank you, thank you, thank you! I¡¯m so relieved that Lila¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s selfish on my part too. Don¡¯t forget Asher is my charge in my other life,¡± Gabriel said gravely. ¡°But being the owner certainly has its perks.¡±

    Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.

    Gabriel slowly rose from his desk, looking seriously at Asher and Lila.

    ¡°We¡¯re going home,¡± he said sternly. Asher nodded emphatically.

    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Lila said hesitantly, looking back at Clare. Clare¡¯s face seemed at peace now.

    ¡°Tell Alex that he also saw nothing,¡± Gabriel said, pulling out a $50 note from his wallet. ¡°If he needs a hand with that, give him this bonus, please.¡±

    Clare took the note from Gabriel¡¯s hands and folded it neatly, placing it in her bra without batting an eyelid. Clare definitely seemed like a pro at that. Lila¡¯s mind flashed back to the rolls of cash she¡¯d found in Clare¡¯s room. That made sense now, too.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Gabriel said, gesturing for Lila and Asher to follow him. ¡°You can start your set whenever it seems like it¡¯s a good idea, Roxy. I trust you to make that decision. I¡¯ll be back in a couple hours or so ¨C just let Brian know, please.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Boss,¡± Clare replied, nodding. ¡°Will do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at home, I guess,¡± Lila said awkwardly to Clare.

    ¡°I hope you have a different set of clothes,¡± Clare replied, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila confirmed, nodding. ¡°I¡¯m not brave enough to saunter on in our house looking like this. Mum will remove one of my organs or something.¡±

    ¡°As long as you know that,¡± Clare replied with a small chuckle. The group began to head downstairs. Lila was impressed with how Clare was managing to do this so effortlessly in 8-inch heels whilst Lila was struggling in 4-inch ones.

    ¡°See you at home, Lila,¡± Clare said once they reached the bottom of the stairs. Lila waved goodbye at her sister, still staggering at the revelations they had uncovered in the past one-and-a-half hours. Her sister worked at a nightclub that Gabriel owned. All the instances of Clare going out late at night, her increased skills in makeup, and even the things she said about not going out on Sundays because she ¡®doesn¡¯t get asked¡¯ by her friends¡­ it had all fallen into place.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lila,¡± Asher murmured in her ear before gently steering her by her shoulders towards where Gabriel was walking. They walked through a different hallway now, which ended in a suspicious-looking elevator. Gabriel pushed the button to go down, and the doors opened a few seconds later with a ¡®ding¡¯. The elevator trundled downwards for a few seconds before opening to reveal a carpark underneath the nightclub. Most of the cars seemed to be luxury cars, though Lila wasn¡¯t sure of any of the models. She did recognise, however, that one car was her sister¡¯s. This detail made it feel more real, somehow - that it wasn¡¯t just an elaborate prank played on Lila that Clare was a dancer at a nightclub.

    ¡°These are some exy cars,¡± Asher said with a low whistle. ¡°Is that a freaking Aston Martin? And a 1973 Mustang?¡±

    ¡°Sure are,¡± Gabriel said pleasantly, strolling towards a humble Mazda 2 and unlocking it. ¡°They¡¯re mine.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher looked sharply at Gabriel. ¡°Since when?¡±

    ¡°Well, the ¡®73 Mustang has a bit of a story,¡± Gabriel said, opening the back passenger door next to Lila. He gestured for her to get in, and she did so whilst thanking him for opening the door. She shuffled over to the middle seat ¨C a habit she had, given she was the middle child. Asher hopped into the front passenger seat and they buckled their seatbelts without saying a word to each other. Gabriel got into the driver¡¯s seat after a few seconds and started the car. The music he was playing was reminiscent of Clare¡¯s EDM beats that she¡¯d been playing lately. Asher didn¡¯t say anything about Gabriel¡¯s music choice ¨C perhaps this was what he always played?

    ¡°What was I saying,¡± Gabriel muttered as he pulled out of the parking lot and into the blinking neon lights of the city. ¡°Ah, yes, that Mustang. I inherited it from my father, actually, when I first started culinary school. But I had to sell her to put myself through to the end. I tracked down the owner maybe five years ago now and bought it back. Buying that back was like buying a piece of my Dad back. I was very proud to be able to do that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a sweet story,¡± Lila said, just loud enough over the music. ¡°I¡¯m glad you were reunited.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I never knew,¡± Asher said, looking out his window. ¡°Any of this.¡±

    ¡°I kept it from you on purpose, Asher,¡± Gabriel replied, glancing at him as they idled at a traffic light. ¡°I didn¡¯t want you to know. It¡¯s not something I ever wanted you to find out. It¡¯s not exactly the most¡­ upstanding business.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s cool,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re able to have fun as well. I¡¯ve felt pretty guilty over the years. Like I¡¯ve stolen your youth or something. Since you¡¯ve always been there for us.¡±

    They fell into a comfortable silence for a few minutes as Gabriel continued to drive them out of the city.

    ¡°I¡¯d never think that, Asher,¡± Gabriel eventually said. ¡°It¡¯s truly been a privilege to work for your family.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t reply, though Lila was expecting one. Was this what it was like when Asher wasn¡¯t able to be open and honest about his true feelings with people?

    ¡°Does Marlene know?¡± Lila asked curiously, leaning forward in her seat.

    ¡°About the nightclub?¡± Gabriel asked. Lila made an affirmative noise, and he laughed.

    ¡°Of course she knows,¡± Gabriel replied nonchalantly. ¡°She helps out, too ¨C she¡¯s actually a talented seamstress. She makes a lot of the costumes, in fact ¨C the themed ones. And she repairs clothes for the girls if they get torn. Sometimes she¡¯ll pick things up for the club whilst I¡¯m busy cheffing during the day. But I don¡¯t ask her to do much, really.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, sitting back.

    ¡°Besides, it¡¯d be hard to keep that from her given we live in the same cottage,¡± Gabriel said with a hearty chuckle. ¡°A sequined suit such as this for a private chef is a bit excessive.¡±

    More silence followed. After a few minutes, Gabriel turned down the music and gave Asher a very serious look whilst they were waiting at another traffic light.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯re trapped here with me,¡± Gabriel said with a grin that, in the dim light, looked mildly terrifying, ¡°I want to know what happened to you, Asher. Last week.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t respond, but Lila saw him shift in his seat.

    ¡°Come on,¡± Gabriel coaxed. ¡°Please tell me. I¡¯m still very concerned.¡±

    Asher finally sighed before saying in a clipped tone, ¡°Broke up with Holly. She cheated. Is having a kid. Not mine.¡±

    From Lila¡¯s position in the middle seat, she could see Gabriel¡¯s hands clench over the steering wheel. He exhaled harshly before looking over at Asher again.

    ¡°I knew there was something wrong with her. Knew she wasn¡¯t right for you. She didn¡¯t like my cooking. Obviously, there was something wrong with her. Plus, she suddenly turned vegetarian a few months ago. Said she goes on and off being vegetarian. What¡¯s up with that?¡± Gabriel began to ramble before taking another heaving breath.

    ¡°Your cooking is amazing, Gabriel,¡± Lila interjected.

    ¡°I know,¡± Gabriel said, his knuckles turning white over the steering wheel. ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve gotta get a girl with tastebuds.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t respond to this either, and the energy in the car seemed to have decreased considerably.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry that happened, Asher,¡± Gabriel said softly after they entered Asher¡¯s suburb. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t wish what you¡¯re going through on my worst enemy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been real shit,¡± Asher finally said, still looking out his window. Gabriel nodded, and neither said anything for the rest of the car ride. Gabriel turned the music back up, but it didn¡¯t change the ambiance of the sudden mood shift in the car.

    The garage door clattered open once they approached and Gabriel slowly rolled the car in to an empty parking bay. Lila and Asher exited Gabriel¡¯s car and Asher opened the internal door to the house softly. Lila bent down to take off Clare¡¯s shoes, which was much easier than putting them on. Lila was surprised to see that her slippers were not in sight but didn¡¯t think much of it until she stood up again and bumped right into Asher¡¯s back.

    Marlene was standing in the hall, her expression frozen in rage.

    ¡°Gabriel,¡± she hissed through her teeth once Gabriel closed the door behind them. ¡°Why are you here? Why did you bring them home?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a funny story, actually,¡± Gabriel said hurriedly, stepping around Lila and Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure there¡¯s an excellent explanation as to why it looks like you all just came from your establishment, Gabriel,¡± Marlene said in a strangled tone. ¡°And I¡¯m sure it¡¯s not funny. They¡¯re underage.¡±

    ¡°Marlene, let¡¯s fix some dinner for these two in the kitchen,¡± Gabriel cut in, walking towards her, his shimmering sequined coat reflecting shards of light across the floor. ¡°They haven¡¯t eaten.¡±

    Marlene curtly turned on her heel and stomped towards the butler¡¯s pantry, Gabriel following closely behind. The door to the butler¡¯s pantry closed with force, and Lila could hear Marlene yelling almost immediately. Lila exchanged a look with Asher and they both scarpered upstairs.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been a weird night,¡± Asher said once they had reached the safety of his rumpus room.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Lila agreed. She was suddenly exhausted. Yawning, she reached for her backpack. ¡°I¡¯m going to get changed,¡± she said, hauling it with her to the guest bathroom again. She heard Asher retreat to his bedroom as she closed the door.

    Lila peeled off Clare¡¯s dress and washed off as much makeup as she could before changing into the baggy t-shirt and shorts again. She was actually feeling ready for bed, but if Gabriel and Marlene were making something for dinner, the least she could do was stay for that.

    She emerged from the bathroom to find Asher dressed in grey tracksuit shorts and a loose t-shirt, sitting on the couch and scrolling through his phone. His hair was messy again, though it looked like he¡¯d just combed most of the gel out, rather than washed his hair.

    Lila took her usual place on the couch and scrolled through her own phone. She was too tired to try and engage in any kind of conversation. It seemed that Asher felt the same as he yawned every so often, prompting Lila to yawn as well.

    ¡°Do you want to stay over?¡± Asher asked after about ten minutes. ¡°The spare room is made up. You seem really tired.¡±

    ¡°N-No, thanks. I¡¯m good. I think Clare would probably kill me if I didn¡¯t go home after all that,¡± Lila replied, blushing. Even though she didn¡¯t have to worry about how it would look to Holly, Lila had just barely survived a shower at Asher¡¯s that afternoon.

    ¡°You know, I¡¯m curious about the origin story of her stage name,¡± Asher smirked at Lila.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m definitely asking, don¡¯t worry,¡± Lila snickered.

    ¡°Did you ever think that she was, y¡¯know, a dancer?¡± Asher asked, his eyes quickly darting to Lila¡¯s face before returning to his phone screen.

    ¡°My sister has always been pretty and popular, so when she started staying out late, I just figured she was just enjoying the fact that she was a legal adult. I didn¡¯t think she was working or anything. Just partying a lot,¡± Lila replied, shrugging. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise she¡¯d been keeping such a big secret from me. But she probably thought I was too young or something to understand. She¡¯s pretty over-protective, but she¡¯s always been a bit rebellious too. Kinda hypocritical, to be honest, but she means well. It¡¯s like¡­ she¡¯s trying to make as many mistakes as she can so Daniel and I don¡¯t have to. If our parents find out about this, though, they¡¯re going to be really mad. Like, Clare would need to move to a new country kinda mad.¡±

    ¡°I noticed the tattoo,¡± Asher said quietly. ¡°Did you know about it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I saw it by accident. She told me not to tell our parents. Mum would probably kill her. Mum¡­ is semi-traditional. She doesn¡¯t necessarily try to put her traditions onto us, but her first reaction is to blow her top. It can be a little scary when she does.¡±

    ¡°She has your birthdate tattooed on you,¡± Asher noted. ¡°It¡¯s kinda cute.¡±

    ¡°You know my birthday?¡± Lila asked, her eyes fixed on his face. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze again.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said finally, turning his phone screen off. ¡°I helped the teachers make birthday charts in middle school. Just never forgot it, I guess.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t want to try and read too much into that fact, but her heart was suddenly beating faster. The intercom buzzed to life before she could try and think of a reasonable answer as to why Asher would still remember her birthday, despite the fact that it was always during the school holidays. She¡¯d never had a chance to celebrate it during school...

    ¡°Mr Wagner, Lila,¡± Marlene¡¯s frosty voice crackled through the intercom speaker. ¡°Dinner is ready.¡±

    ¡°I hope she¡¯s not mad still,¡± Lila muttered as they both got up to go downstairs.

    ¡°She¡¯s mad,¡± Asher sighed as they climbed down the stairs. ¡°She¡¯s, like, mega mad.¡±

    Lila and Asher arrived in the dining room, standing nervously next to their usual spots. Gabriel walked in with a few bowls of what seemed to be a rice soup.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you know what this is,¡± Gabriel said conversationally, placing a bowl in front of Lila. ¡°I used to make this a lot during culinary school when I didn¡¯t have time or money to get a lot of ingredients. Some cultures call it ¡®congee¡¯. This is a pork version of it.¡±

    ¡°I love congee,¡± Lila said eagerly, inspecting the congee. It had a healthy amount of pork mince with some coriander leaves and shallots on top. Marlene swiftly entered the dining room as well, carrying a small tray of some chilli sauce and soy sauce, with grated ginger and dried garlic on small dishes next to the sauces.

    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Gabriel beamed, sitting in his usual spot. Marlene solemnly sat down as well, her face expressionless. They dug in, the savoury flavours bursting in Lila¡¯s mouth, bringing a sense of comfort to Lila¡¯s fatigued body.

    ¡°This is amazing,¡± Lila sighed, reaching over to add some chilli sauce to her bowl.

    ¡°Thank you, Lila,¡± Gabriel replied with a grin. They ate in silence for a few minutes before Marlene suddenly sighed.

    ¡°Mr Wagner,¡± she said sternly. Asher nearly dropped his spoon into the congee.

    ¡°Y-Yes?¡± he asked tentatively, seeming terrified of Marlene¡¯s sternness.

    ¡°I¡¯m very sorry to hear about Ms Reid,¡± Marlene said stiffly. ¡°I¡¯m also displeased to know that you snuck into a nightclub underage, but I¡¯m glad that it happened to be Gabriel¡¯s nightclub, at least. It¡¯s good to know that the Police weren¡¯t called on you, either.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Marlene,¡± Asher replied monotonously, pushing around his coriander leaves with his spoon. ¡°Can we please stop talking about Holly?¡±

    Marlene and Gabriel glanced at each other before Gabriel began profusely apologising.

    ¡°Gabriel, it¡¯s fine. Let¡¯s just forget it ever happened. Well, forget that I ever dated her. Please,¡± Asher said, pain carrying through his words. His hand trembled as he reached for a glass of water. Lila looked down at her bowl of congee, suddenly no longer feeling as hungry as she once had. She pushed through, however, to not let Gabriel and Marlene¡¯s efforts go to waste.

    Dessert was a slice of a soft, delectable carrot cake, topped with cream. Lila paid her compliments to Gabriel in full and he grinned widely at her.

    ¡°My pleasure. I do regret to say, though, that I have to get back to the club,¡± Gabriel said, rising to his feet.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Asher said quickly. ¡°Thank you for taking us home, Gabriel. I didn¡¯t mean to mess up your night.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Gabriel said, waving a hand. ¡°Letting you two go home by the bus would¡¯ve played on my conscience.¡±

    Asher looked as though he was about to argue when Lila stood up.

    ¡°Thank you for everything, Gabriel, even if you think it was for your own selfish reasons,¡± she said, stacking her bowl on Asher¡¯s. ¡°Have a good night. And take care of my sister, too.¡±

    Gabriel smiled at Lila before waving at everyone and disappearing down the hall. They heard the door to the garage open and close before Marlene stood up and took their bowls to the kitchen. Lila¡¯s Mum arrived not too long after at 9pm on the dot without Lila requesting her to. Lila was glad that she was at Asher¡¯s at this time, rather than gallivanting in the city still, or detained by Police, or whatever the case would¡¯ve ordinarily been if they hadn¡¯t been wandering around Gabriel¡¯s nightclub.

    She grabbed her sports bag, hockey stick, and backpack before running back downstairs. She put her sports shoes on as Asher input the security code on the door for her.

    ¡°Thanks for coming with me tonight,¡± Asher said softly as he opened the front doors. ¡°I don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve survived, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Anytime,¡± Lila said, flashing a grin at him as she tied up her shoelaces. ¡°Though, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to go to a nightclub anytime soon.¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± said Asher, shuddering. ¡°That¡­ was nuts.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. I guess I¡¯ll see you at school, then,¡± Lila said, standing up to look at Asher.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded, a small smile on his face. ¡°See you then.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Six

    Chapter Forty-Six

    Lila had managed to avoid being alone with Clare on Sunday and Monday. She wasn¡¯t necessarily intending to avoid her completely, but, at the same time, Lila wasn¡¯t mentally prepared to talk to Clare. Seeing her as ¡®Roxy Wurld¡¯ on Saturday had sent Lila into a swirl of confusion that she needed to sort out before having any kind of discussion with Clare. Clare herself didn¡¯t go out of her way to interact with Lila, either. Lila figured that Clare was probably gathering her thoughts as well, which made it easier.

    Tuesday morning began with English. Asher¡¯s demeanour had still been rather moody on Monday, but today he seemed ecstatic as Lila sat down next to him.

    ¡°It arrived,¡± he whispered dramatically to Lila. She blinked at him blankly.

    ¡°What arrived?¡± she asked.

    ¡°The kit,¡± he whispered again, looking around the room as if to make sure no one was listening. Everyone else seemed rather involved in their own conversations before class began.

    ¡°The- oh,¡± Lila breathed, her eyes widening in understanding.

    ¡°I think we need to try and get in when Marlene¡¯s not home,¡± Asher said in a very serious and low tone. ¡°You¡¯d probably need to come over straight after school.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she usually home from her caf¨¦ job at, like, 1pm?¡± Lila asked, her voice mirroring his. ¡°So, she¡¯d always be home even if we got there as soon as school ended.¡±

    ¡°Marlene and Gabriel swap turns to get groceries,¡± Asher replied quietly. ¡°They go on Wednesdays for the Aldi specials. On Marlene¡¯s turn, she usually heads off at around 3 to make it back in time for her 6 o¡¯clock start. And guess who¡¯s turn it is tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have expected them to shop at Aldi,¡± Lila said with a small chuckle.

    ¡°How else do you think you stay rich,¡± Asher asked in a somewhat grave voice, though the corners of his mouth twitched. ¡°Gotta save whenever you can.¡±

    ¡°I never thought about it,¡± Lila said with a grin, before becoming serious again. ¡°But alright. I¡¯ll come over tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher nodded. Ms Shard began the lesson shortly after. They were finishing up Romeo and Juliet this week, so she took some time to explain their assessment that morning before heading into more reading.

    Study was next, however, given it was the start of week five, Asher didn¡¯t interact with Lila much. He encouraged Lila to start working on her assignments as well, but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to. She stared blankly at her laptop screen until it was time for morning tea. Asher departed with a soft ¡®goodbye¡¯, and Lila stretched her arms and shoulders before slowly packing up and wandering off to her locker. She had just opened her locker to put away her belongings when Elise accosted her and dragged her from her locker.

    ¡°Hey! I didn¡¯t close-¡± Lila began shouting before Elise put a hand over her mouth. Lila looked up at Elise, who was ghostly white, and glanced back at her locker. Lila hadn¡¯t noticed Grace was nearby until now. Grace looked sombre as she locked Lila¡¯s locker and followed both Lila and Elise to wherever Elise was taking Lila to. Lila tried to ask questions, but her speech was too muffled under Elise¡¯s strong grasp.

    The trio eventually reached a secluded hallway behind the locker room that housed a loud, rattling external air conditioner unit and Elise let go of Lila, who fell onto her knees from shock.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you kidnap me?¡± Lila asked through heavy panting.

    Elise was about to answer, her fists clenched, when Asher and Isaac rounded the corner, armed with lunchboxes.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Isaac said, stepping forward tentatively. ¡°This looks oddly horrifying.¡±

    ¡°Piss off,¡± Elise said sharply, her eyes flashing in apparent anger. She didn¡¯t need to tell them twice, and they skedaddled away in a flash. Grace stood a few metres away, towards the entrance to the hallway, her back facing Lila. She looked like she was standing guard, which, given her unintimidating frame, probably wouldn¡¯t be very effective.

    Elise took a deep breath, glancing towards Grace before saying, ¡°Holly¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    Lila stared at Elise with wide eyes before letting a nervous laugh escape from her mouth and slowly standing up. Elise took a step back, looking at Lila through narrowed eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ not the reaction I was expecting,¡± Elise said, crossing her arms.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila stammered, shrinking backwards so that she was flattened against the wall. ¡°T?That¡¯s terrible, brand-new news¡­¡±

    Elise snorted. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that that was why they broke up,¡± she continued, giving Lila a piercing look.

    ¡°W-Who¡¯s to say?¡± Lila replied with a poor attempt at a nonchalant shrug. She glanced towards where Grace was standing. If Lila timed it well, she could probably catch Grace off-guard and run past. However, she had PC with them next. Escape would only be a temporary solution. As Lila tried to think, she recalled that Asher had asked her not to say anything to anyone beyond Asher breaking up with Holly... but Elise had clearly found out via other means.

    ¡°Where did you hear that anyway?¡± Lila finally asked, looking at Elise¡¯s scrutinising face.

    ¡°Maccas,¡± Elise replied simply. ¡°Reilly told me.¡±

    ¡°Did Reilly tell you anything else?¡± Lila asked, tapping her finger against her hip anxiously.

    ¡°Just that she¡¯s really pissed that Asher dumped his pregnant girlfriend.¡±

    Lila inhaled shallowly. Was Holly telling people it was Asher¡¯s?

    ¡°Lila, I know you¡¯re all weird about whether you have a crush on Asher or not,¡± Elise said with a heavy sigh. ¡°But, as one of your best friends, I just want to give you my opinion. Don¡¯t get involved with a teen dad. That¡¯s way too much drama, and you¡¯d only get dragged down by it all. Plus, you¡¯re too young to be a step-mum. Let him work it out with Holly so they can be parents to their baby.¡±

    It took every ounce of effort Lila could muster to not blurt out the truth. She needed to get to Asher. Now.

    ¡°Noted,¡± Lila said, nodding as she continued to edge towards Grace. Elise looked like she was about to say something else, but Lila didn¡¯t stick around to hear what it was.

    She suddenly dashed around Grace, who yelped in surprise, and hurtled herself down the hallway.

    ¡°Lila!¡± Elise called in alarm behind her. Lila didn¡¯t look back as she barrelled down the pathway. Lila couldn¡¯t hear Grace or Elise following behind her, and eventually she slowed down to catch her breath in the shade of a nearby building.

    Lila unzipped her pocket and pulled out her phone. There were already texts from Elise and Grace asking Lila to come back, but she ignored those. She started calling Asher.

    ¡°Hello?¡± he said once he picked up.

    ¡°Where¡­ are¡­ you?¡± Lila asked, still huffing from her sprint.

    ¡°By the Art building, in that side alleyway by the hill. Why?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± Lila managed to say before hanging up. She made her way towards where Asher had said he would be. Sure enough, he was sitting whilst leaning against the brick wall under the awning of the Art building, Isaac by his side, his legs outstretched. There was no one else around them.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Asher asked when Lila approached. ¡°You look spooked.¡±

    ¡°Elise¡­ said that she¡¯d heard Holly was pregnant,¡± Lila said urgently. ¡°But she thinks it¡¯s yours.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face dropped, and he turned as white as paper. He opened and closed his mouth several times, but seemed to be teetering on the edge of crying again.

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s fine,¡± Isaac said reassuringly, turning to face him. ¡°We knew it was going to come out eventually.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too soon,¡± Asher whispered, putting his face in his hands. ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone to know how inadequate I am.¡±

    ¡°Asher, it looks far worse on her than it does you,¡± Lila said, slowly lowering herself to the ground in front of Asher and Isaac.

    ¡°But I don¡¯t want her to look bad, either,¡± Asher said into his hands. ¡°And I hate myself for it. Maybe if I was vindictive, I¡¯d feel better.¡±

    Lila and Isaac exchanged a brief look, as if trying to find the right thing to say from the other¡¯s expression.

    ¡°The consequences of her actions have to catch up to her at some point,¡± Isaac said gently. ¡°We don¡¯t have to tell everyone. But Elise looked real scary just now. I think Lila should tell Elise and Grace. At the very least that it¡¯s not yours.¡±

    Asher lifted his head slightly, staring at Isaac for a moment, before shifting his eyes to Lila.

    ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯s fine. Since Elise already knows,¡± Asher finally said. ¡°I¡¯d rather not, but it might just be asking for more trouble if you can¡¯t say anything. I doubt they¡¯d just drop it after that¡­ b-but can you at least ask them to keep it quiet for now?¡±

    Lila was about to agree when Asher¡¯s face appeared to pale even further. Both Asher and Isaac¡¯s eyes were fixed on the same spot in the distance, and Lila turned around to see Elise and Grace walking towards them, their arms looped.

    ¡°Aha,¡± Elise said triumphantly upon reaching them. ¡°Found you.¡±

    ¡°Elise, it¡¯s not a good time,¡± Lila sighed heavily. Asher began to tremble, his expression incredibly distraught. Elise and Grace both stared at Asher as he looked down at his knees.

    ¡°Come on, mate,¡± Isaac said encouragingly, pulling Asher up by his arms. ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk.¡±

    Elise and Grace shot Lila a quizzical look, but she waved them off whilst she waited for Isaac and Asher to leave. Asher¡¯s footsteps seemed to be faltering slightly. Elise, Grace, and Lila wordlessly watched them go.

    ¡°He didn¡¯t look so good,¡± Grace said softly once they were out of earshot. ¡°What were you guys talking about?¡±

    ¡°And why did you run away like a prison escapee?¡± Elise asked, crossing her arms.

    ¡°Asher¡­ asked me not to tell anyone about why he and Holly broke up,¡± Lila said quietly, looking down at her shoes. ¡°But¡­ since you already knew about Holly¡¯s pregnancy, I had to check what I could tell you guys. It¡¯s¡­ been really tough.¡±

    Elise and Grace exchanged a look before staring at Lila expectantly.

    ¡°It is true that Holly is pregnant, but it¡¯s not Asher¡¯s,¡± Lila said after a pause. ¡°She¡¯s about four months along. I know it looks bad that he broke up with his pregnant girlfriend, but she was cheating on him for most of their relationship.¡±

    Elise and Grace were speechless, their eyes wide in shock.

    ¡°F-Four months?¡± Elise managed to choke out after a pause. ¡°So while Piper was spreading stupid rumours about you sleeping with Asher and whoever, Holly was pregnant? By someone else?¡±

    ¡°How do you know it¡¯s not his?¡± Grace asked. Lila bit her bottom lip as she contemplated how best to answer that question. Surely Asher wasn¡¯t keen on everyone knowing he was still a virgin.

    ¡°She admitted that it was between a couple guys that weren¡¯t Asher,¡± Lila explained after a beat.

    ¡°Lila, I gotta ask,¡± Elise sighed heavily, running her fingers through her curls. ¡°Why do you know all this? I didn¡¯t think you were particularly close with Asher.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face immediately turned a bright scarlet and she avoided Elise¡¯s curious eyes.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we are close now,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°Lila, are you hanging out with him still?¡± Grace asked gently, shooting Elise a silencing glare.

    ¡°I guess you could say that,¡± Lila replied in a small voice.

    ¡°How often?¡± Grace questioned.

    ¡°Not that often really¡­ But¡­ I¡­ did go to his on Saturday,¡± Lila whispered. Suddenly, she was thrust into a flashback of her showering experience at his house, her face an even deeper shade of red than before. ¡°A-And the Saturday before that.¡±

    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°To do what?¡± Elise asked, clearly alarmed. ¡°Didn¡¯t Grace say that rebound relationships are a bad idea?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not in a rebound relationship, or any kind of relationship,¡± Lila retorted defiantly. ¡°He just needs help with some¡­ things.¡±

    ¡°Getting his rocks off?¡± Elise snorted.

    ¡°Private things,¡± Lila snapped.

    ¡°She didn¡¯t deny it,¡± Elise said, looking at Grace.

    ¡°You did just make it look worse,¡± Grace sighed.

    ¡°I know it looks bad, but it¡¯s not for that reason,¡± Lila huffed. ¡°But I just can¡¯t tell you guys.¡±

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m happy to believe you,¡± Grace said slowly. ¡°But with Holly¡¯s pregnancy and all that, it¡¯s gonna take some time to digest. I just¡­ still hope you know what you¡¯re doing. Like I¡¯ve been saying, I don¡¯t wanna see you get hurt.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°I am hearing all your concerns, guys. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    The trio moved on to other topics on their way back to PC, given Asher¡¯s want to keep Holly¡¯s pregnancy and infidelity a secret. They didn¡¯t discuss it in any detail in person, but there were many speculations about the father¡¯s identity in the Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us group chat that night. Elise vowed to try and get that information out of Reilly during her next shift.

    Lila contemplated telling Elise and Grace that she was going to Asher¡¯s tomorrow afternoon, but knew that they would just try and press the issue regarding what they were doing. What could she even say? That they were going to try and break into the locked study because Asher¡¯s very suspicious maid had hidden the key? To watch CCTV footage of the day his Mum went missing to find out what happened to her?

    Lila had Study with Asher last the next day. She hadn¡¯t seen him at all until that point. Lila figured that he would be excited like he had been yesterday morning when making the plans for that afternoon. Contrary to her expectations, however, he didn¡¯t even look at her as she sat down at their usual booth.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said, sliding her laptop out of its case and turning it on. He made a sound of acknowledgement, but otherwise didn¡¯t seem to notice her presence. Lila inspected his face over the edge of her laptop screen. He looked as though he hadn¡¯t slept at all last night. Still, he diligently worked through some Maths exercises, concentration furrowing his brow and tightening his lips.

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but watch the Dux in action, completing his Maths problems with only some slight difficulties. He loosened his tie as he worked, his eyes never lifting from his page. Every so often, he would sigh, parting his lips ever so slightly. They looked really soft¡­

    Lila wrenched her eyes away from Asher as soon as that observation popped into her head. Why did she notice that?

    Feeling perturbed, Lila tried to distract herself with some actual study today. It seemed to work, for a few minutes, before her eyes were drawn to Asher again. She slammed her laptop lid shut.

    ¡°I need some air,¡± she said stiffly, getting up and almost sprinting outside. She didn¡¯t look back to see if he had heard her, nor did it sound like he was following her. She burst out of the doors of the library, inhaling the fresh air outside the building as though she¡¯d never taken a breath before.

    She decided to walk around the library a couple times to clear her head. Today, she was going to be attempting to infiltrate the study at Asher¡¯s place to see what the CCTV showed about his Mum¡¯s disappearance. Perhaps it was the nerves for this afternoon¡¯s risky mission that was getting her so riled up? And she clearly kept focusing on Asher because of the daunting task. Yes¡­ that was why.

    Lila found herself glaring at a spotted gum tree upon reaching her conclusion. She couldn¡¯t go back to Asher yet, though. She needed a drink of water, at least.

    She wandered towards a nearby set of five bubblers and saw two boys mucking around nearby. Lila didn¡¯t want to interact with anyone at this point, so waited on the other side of the brick building for them to leave. They seemed to be throwing droplets of water at each other, laughing hysterically. Lila didn¡¯t recognise them, though. Perhaps they were in the grade below?

    ¡°Dude, I just got a loan from the Banker,¡± one of the boys laughed. ¡°It¡¯s so easy!¡±

    ¡°Far out, you already have a loan from the Banker, my guy,¡± the other one snorted. ¡°He¡¯s going to sic his goons on you. Those older boys sure are scary.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right,¡± the first said. ¡°They can¡¯t catch me. As a wise man once said, I am the gingerbread man.¡±

    She peeked around the corner, confused by the ¡®gingerbread man¡¯ comment. She saw one of the boys try to drink before the other one poked his side. He immediately spat the water back out before he rounded on his friend and chased him out of sight, calling him a ¡°Dickhead!¡± all the while. Lila could faintly hear the other one yelling, ¡°Hehe! Can¡¯t catch me ¡®cause I¡¯m the gingerbread man!¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose. She wasn¡¯t exactly keen on drinking from the same bubbler that had just been spat on, so selected the one furthest away. Lila felt sufficiently calm after some water, and so returned to her spot in the library without making a sound. It was the first time Asher glanced at her all afternoon (at least, that she had seen), though his eye contact was extremely brief.

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± he murmured, placing his left hand on the side of his head, tugging at a few strands of hair.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied automatically. She immediately wanted to facepalm but resisted the urge. Thanks? Ridiculous.

    Lila finally managed to find something that she could keenly work on in their remaining Study period. Once it was over, Asher stretched his shoulders and began packing away his things. Lila followed suit, minus the stretching, and once they were all packed up, Asher looked at her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°My taxi will be waiting for us.¡±

    ¡°Your taxi?¡± Lila asked, following Asher to the locker room. He seemed slightly bashful.

    ¡°Yeah, Dad made a deal with the local cab company to bring me home. He didn¡¯t want me going home by bus. I can sometimes get lost in my own world and miss my stop.¡±

    ¡®No kidding,¡¯ Lila thought, remembering back to Asher¡¯s confession that he hadn¡¯t realised he was on the wrong bus until he was halfway to the city.

    ¡°Do you take the taxi to school?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head. ¡°Dad trusts me enough to not miss my stop when it¡¯s the last one.¡±

    ¡°You know, I would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d be really on top of your travel routes,¡± Lila said with a small smile. ¡°You¡¯re normally very put together.¡±

    He raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°Me? Put together? You¡¯ve seen me. Though, I guess if I was, it would be with sticky tape. I can be pretty organised with public transport, but it gets a bit difficult when lots of assessment comes up. I end up thinking about what I¡¯m going to be writing down for those assessment pieces when I get home that I can sometimes miss the stop altogether.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a miracle that Piper found your house, then,¡± Lila said with a laugh. He looked grim but seemed to entertain the idea, at least.

    ¡°It only started maybe last year? Or the year before that. From what I saw, she¡¯d been following me around far before then.¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Lila said brusquely. ¡°What a weirdo.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Asher said darkly. They briefly separated to get to their own lockers before coming together again with their necessary belongings.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head off, then,¡± Asher said, leading the way. They didn¡¯t talk much on this journey, with Lila mostly trying to dodge students who were roughhousing in the pathway, and students seemingly sprinting like a bunch of headless chickens in their haste to get home. Thankfully, they reached the lone taxicab sitting in the taxi bay in the carpark in one piece.

    ¡°Hello, George,¡± Asher said as he opened the back passenger door next to Lila. He gestured for her to get in, which she did. This was the second time he¡¯d opened a car door for her, and she felt a little unnerved. Usually, she would be either fighting her siblings to see who could open the door first, or she¡¯d be alone with the driver. Opening car doors for women seemed entirely too old-fashioned, and she wasn¡¯t sure how to feel.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± the polite-looking, elderly taxi driver said enthusiastically as Asher sat down in the front passenger seat. ¡°I see we have a guest today. Is she just an acquaintance of yours?¡±

    ¡°Lila, this is George, my regular driver,¡± Asher explained, turning around in his seat to face her. ¡°George, this is Lila. She¡¯s a friend from school.¡±

    ¡°A friend, hey,¡± George said, turning the car engine on. Lila could hear the smile in his voice when he said that, but she didn¡¯t feel a need to interject. Asher and George engaged in some small talk, and neither seemed to include Lila in the conversation. Lila preferred this, actually, as she was still trying to decide how she felt about Asher opening the car door for her.

    They reached Asher¡¯s house without any difficulty. Lila hopped out immediately. She¡¯d decided that, though it was a sweet gesture, she was fine with opening her own car doors. It almost felt as if he was treating her like a child, though she figured it wasn¡¯t the case.

    ¡°Hey, Gabriel,¡± Asher called out once they entered, shoes off and laden with schoolbooks.

    ¡°Hello, Asher,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice echoed from the butler¡¯s pantry. He quickly bustled out, and his face erupted into a wide, cheerful grin upon seeing Lila.

    ¡°Hello, Lila!¡± he said happily.

    ¡°Hello, Gabriel,¡± Lila replied. His joy was infectious. It was easy to see why people at his nightclub would look up to him as a great boss if he was this friendly in that life too.

    ¡°We¡¯ve just got this thing we¡¯re working on,¡± Asher said vaguely. ¡°So, we¡¯ll just be in the rumpus room. What time were you thinking for dinner?¡±

    ¡°The usual 7pm,¡± Gabriel said, nodding. ¡°That way, Marlene can join us. Gosh, that woman sure is busy.¡±

    Lila and Asher exchanged a quick glance. Did Gabriel know that Marlene had a second job?

    ¡°B-Busy with what?¡± Asher stammered. Lila internally sighed. His delivery was not conducive to being discreet.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Gabriel said, looking up at them slowly. ¡°She has a fun job. You know, like how this is my fun job. It¡¯s at a local caf¨¦. You should definitely visit the establishment, it¡¯s very charming.¡±

    ¡°Charming, you say,¡± Asher said, briefly looking at Lila again. ¡°Do you have a name for it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Gabriel replied, shaking his head. ¡°Marlene took me there once when we both had the morning off a month or two ago, but I can¡¯t remember the name. It¡¯s just in the little shopping area a few streets away, though.¡±

    ¡°We should definitely check it out, then,¡± Lila said with a nod.

    ¡°You¡¯ve probably seen it,¡± Gabriel said dismissively, heading back into the butler¡¯s pantry. ¡°You guys went over that way for brunch or something over the school holidays. Heck, you might¡¯ve even eaten there.¡± Gabriel gave a hearty laugh before closing the door behind him. Lila smirked at Asher, who looked spooked again, before they headed upstairs to the rumpus room.

    ¡°Gabriel doesn¡¯t suspect anything, right?¡± Asher asked quietly once he shut the door behind them.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila said confidently. ¡°What¡¯s there to suspect, anyway? That his ¡®charge¡¯ is following the maid? For what?¡±

    ¡°Well, you know why,¡± Asher said, shivering in apparent anxiety. ¡°But I guess it probably wouldn¡¯t immediately jump to most people¡¯s minds.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± agreed Lila.

    ¡°Can you give me a minute?¡± Asher asked, walking towards his bedroom. ¡°I just want to get changed.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila said casually, slumping onto the couch. He disappeared into his bedroom, closing the door gently behind him. He emerged a minute later, looking less weary somehow in a pair of tracksuit shorts and a longline black tee. In his hands was a medium-sized cardboard box that didn¡¯t look to be all that heavy.

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed that you almost always change out of your uniform immediately,¡± Lila said curiously, sitting up.

    ¡°What? Oh,¡± Asher looked down at his outfit. ¡°Yeah. I guess I do. I didn¡¯t notice that I did that.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not a criticism,¡± Lila said hurriedly as he sat next to her on the couch. ¡°These uniforms aren¡¯t exactly the most comfortable.¡±

    ¡°Are you uncomfortable?¡± Asher asked, his eyes flickering to hers. ¡°I can give you a hoodie and some shorts or something if you¡¯d like to change.¡±

    ¡°I am beyond good,¡± Lila replied instantly, straightening her skirt across her lap. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. He always offered the weirdest things ¨C first, it was to stay over at his house, then showering at his, and now wearing his clothes? ¡®Maybe he doesn¡¯t realise how it¡¯s coming across,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she readjusted her blouse as well.

    ¡°You look like you want to get changed,¡± Asher said pointedly. He got up and rummaged around his room for a few seconds before returning with a grey hoodie and some loose black shorts neatly folded in his hands.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just leave them here,¡± he said, placing them on the kitchenette counter with a fond pat. ¡°Feel free to get changed. You don¡¯t have to, of course, but the option¡¯s there.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila responded, her face tinged with pink. She still couldn¡¯t look directly at Asher, but he returned, seeming satisfied with himself, and began opening the box. After all his unwrapping, he pulled out a small pouch with lockpicking tools. He held it up above his head victoriously.

    ¡°We got the goods!¡± he said excitedly. Lila laughed.

    ¡°I can see that. I¡¯m surprised you hadn¡¯t opened these already,¡± she observed. ¡°And did you discover whether the internal locks are the same?¡±

    ¡°Well, I wanted to open these with you,¡± Asher said, bashfully lowering the kit. ¡°I did check the locks though. These internal locks seem to be similar to the one on the study, at least.¡±

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll just have to practice, then,¡± Lila said, standing up to look at the doors inside the rumpus room. It seemed the guest bathroom and Asher¡¯s bedroom were lockable.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to practice on my door,¡± Asher said, getting up and cradling the kit in his arms. ¡°But we should be on opposite sides of the door. Just so one of us can lock it.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied. Asher glanced at her.

    ¡°If I¡¯m using the kit, that means you¡¯ll need to lock it from inside my room,¡± he said after a pause.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila breathed. ¡°T-That¡¯s fine if you¡¯re fine with it.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Righto, let¡¯s go.¡±

    While Asher worked on the lock on his bedroom door, Lila sat on his bed and waited. It was pristinely made, and she felt slightly guilty for wrinkling it. His desk was the only place in his room that showed any disarray, with schoolbooks and paper piled on top of it. It still felt as though she shouldn¡¯t be in here, but considering it wasn¡¯t the first time she was, she began to feel a bit more comfortable. She could hear the lockpicks wiggling in the lock, with the occasional swear word from Asher. It was actually kind of amusing, hearing him struggle. She hadn¡¯t ever really experienced him struggling per se. Even working through his Maths exercises this afternoon ¨C clearly, it had taken some amount of effort, but it hadn¡¯t seemed like an overt struggle by any means.

    ¡®Though, I¡¯ve seen him struggle emotionally plenty,¡¯ Lila thought to herself. She looked out at the window and watched the wind bend the nearby trees, tearing off leaves as it went. She began scrolling on her phone as she continued to wait, and fifteen minutes passed before she made her way to the door and sat slightly in front of it.

    ¡°Do¡­ you need a hand?¡± she asked. He yelped and she heard a thud on the other side of the door before Asher began groaning.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked, pressing herself against the door.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he eventually managed to say. Lila leant back on her hands and heard Asher trying the lock again.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to swap?¡± Lila asked after a few more minutes.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve almost got it,¡± Asher said slowly. Now that Lila was so close to the door, she could hear clicking within the lock. Then, one resounding click.

    ¡°Yes!¡± came Asher¡¯s voice. He suddenly pushed the door into Lila, who cried out in a mixture of pain and surprise.

    ¡°Oh my God, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Asher said, closing the door with a snap. Lila rubbed the side of her hip and tentatively stood up. She opened the door, a grimace on her face.

    ¡°Glad to see you could open it,¡± she said.

    ¡°Did I hurt you?¡± Asher asked, his eyes shimmering with concern.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied, still rubbing her sore spot.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem fine.¡±

    ¡°I was the idiot who sat right at the door. Of course you¡¯d want to open it,¡± Lila said, leaning on the doorframe now, her arms crossed. Asher fiddled with the lockpicking kit and they stood there for a moment.

    ¡°Do you think you¡¯ll be able to unlock the study?¡± she asked. Asher still looked guilty, but he nodded.

    ¡°Should be fine. Though it wouldn¡¯t hurt to practice again.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said, moving back into Asher¡¯s room and locking the door. She decided to sit on his bed for the entirety of Asher¡¯s lockpicking, which didn¡¯t take him longer than two minutes.

    ¡°Wow,¡± she said as he stood hesitantly in the doorway, having swung open the door incredibly slowly. ¡°That was really fast. You learn quick.¡±

    ¡°One of my talents,¡± he quipped, seeming relieved that she wasn¡¯t getting bashed by the door.

    ¡°Confident now?¡± she asked, rising to her feet.

    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go,¡± he said, gesturing for her to follow him.

    They crept across the landing, checking furtively to see if anyone was up there. It was only 4.15pm now, so at the very least Marlene would still be at the shops. The coast was clear.

    Lila¡¯s heart pounded with every step she took, seemingly unable to breathe fully. Her stomach was twisting into knots. What if they got caught? What if Asher couldn¡¯t open the door? What would they find on the CCTV footage?

    These questions looped in her mind as she stood in the hallway, standing guard in case Gabriel or Marlene showed up. Asher worked on the lock for the study in a deep squat, immersed entirely in his task. The rhythmic clicking was the only sound breaking their all-encompassing silence. Lila occasionally glanced over at Asher. His unending concentration was inspiring, really. Were his good grades only based on his intelligence? Or was his ability to be able to fully focus on the task at hand, to the point where he could forget to get off the bus, part of it too?

    Click.

    Asher¡¯s breathing seemed to halt and he slowly turned towards Lila. The expression on his face was unreadable, but Lila could tell that whatever he was feeling, it was incredibly intense.

    ¡°We¡¯re in.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Seven

    Chapter Forty-Seven

    Lila sat on Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s chair, looking up at the live CCTV playing on the two TV screens. Just like last time, it seemed that it was only Gabriel in the house. Also just like last time, Gabriel was dancing along to the beat of something he seemed to be singing. Now that Lila knew that he was a nightclub owner, the moves he was pulling seemed rather apt for that scene.

    ¡°Do you reckon that¡¯s why he wanted to own a nightclub?¡± Lila asked as Asher mashed several buttons on the RGB keyboard connected to his Mum¡¯s computer.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Asher asked, looking at Lila in confusion. She pointed up to the CCTV, which showed Gabriel breaking it down. Asher chuckled.

    ¡°He¡¯s always been grooving, for as long as I can remember,¡± he said, turning his attention back to his Mum¡¯s computer set-up. ¡°Honestly, it does make a lot of sense. Him owning a nightclub. Like, it was surprising, but also somehow not.¡±

    Lila nodded. She could relate to that feeling in regard to Gabriel¡¯s secret life. The house was otherwise still, the CCTV capturing no movement besides Gabriel¡¯s dance moves.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher murmured, clicking rapidly. ¡°Here¡¯s the CCTV holdings.¡±

    Lila watched as he pulled up the same main folder that he had the first time they were in the study.

    ¡°Last December¡­¡± Asher muttered, flicking through several folders. Finally, he stopped. His hand seemed to tremble as he clicked on one of the videos. It took a few seconds to open up, though when it did, it seemed to show a group of people fussing about the kitchen, bringing plates here and there. Lila didn¡¯t recognise many of them, though she saw Asher laughing with Gabriel as a blob of sauce dripped down from the serving dish Gabriel was handing to Asher onto Asher¡¯s pants. They both hurried to put the dish down on the counter, Asher seeming to laugh even harder as Gabriel upended the kitchen to find a paper towel to clean it up. In the bottom right corner, there was a timestamp ¨C 25<sup>th</sup> of December, last year, at 12.32pm.

    ¡°Looks like you had fun,¡± Lila said softly. Asher nodded, smiling to himself before he opened another video. This one seemed to show everyone stepping out of the frame at 12.34pm. There was no further activity.

    ¡°Let me go through these,¡± Asher said quietly. ¡°Just keep an eye on the surveillance, please.¡±

    ¡°Roger that,¡± Lila replied, turning her attention back to the TV screens. Asher continued clicking through videos until eventually he called Lila¡¯s attention back.

    ¡°This is the 27<sup>th</sup>,¡± he whispered. ¡°When Gabriel got sent away.¡±

    Lila rolled her chair towards his and watched with keen interest. A thin, middle-aged, blonde lady that Lila didn¡¯t recognise was standing off to the side of the kitchen counter, her arms folded. Gabriel stood behind the sink, washing a pan. They seemed to be engaged in a conversation, which rapidly became animated on both sides. Eventually, Gabriel left the pan in the sink and began gesturing wildly. The woman seemed to grow larger in height, her chest swelling in apparent anger. Suddenly, Asher¡¯s Dad appeared in the frame and tenderly wrapped his arms around the woman¡¯s shoulders. His gesturing seemed like he was wanting to diffuse the situation, and he stepped away from the woman, speaking in an apparently calm manner. The woman kept shaking her head. The video stopped and Asher opened the next one. It seemed to be a continuation of the argument, though this time Asher appeared at the other end of the counter, looking bewildered.

    ¡°That was when Mum kept telling Gabriel to go,¡± Asher said, his eyes flittering around the screen like he was trying to take in every detail that he could. The timestamps showed that the argument had taken place around 3pm on the 27<sup>th</sup>. The next video showed Gabriel, looking somewhat despondent, taking off his apron and heading into the butler¡¯s pantry. Asher¡¯s Dad seemed to be speaking with his Mum, and Asher was still looking gobsmacked at what he¡¯d witnessed. Gabriel then re-emerged, passing Asher¡¯s parents. They seemed to call him back, and Gabriel gave Asher¡¯s Mum a hug and a cordial handshake to his Dad. He then waved to Asher, who hesitantly waved back, before toddling off down the hallway, towards the front door. Asher opened a new folder, and they watched the CCTV footage connecting Gabriel¡¯s journey outside the house. He walked off towards the worker¡¯s cottage, seemingly distressed still, his hand tugging one of his ears.

    Footage of the kitchen showed Asher leaving towards the direction of the rumpus room, though his parents still stayed in the kitchen. Their conversation seemed to be passionate, though not argumentative.

    ¡°Alright, give me another minute,¡± Asher said, looking up at Lila. Lila nodded, looking back up at the TV screens. Asher suddenly snickered next to Lila, and she glanced over. He was still looking at footage from the 27<sup>th</sup>. This was footage from the garage and showed Gabriel in a different bedazzled suit to the one they¡¯d seen previously, jiving towards his Mazda 2.

    ¡°To think, he was always so close to me, wearing stuff like that,¡± Asher said with a resigned, but humorous sigh. ¡°Still feeling like a dummy. The number of times he¡¯s probably walked under my window towards the garage, dressed like that, and I never noticed.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s very stylish,¡± Lila replied with a chuckle. ¡°But he also seems to be pretty sneaky about it, too.¡± She pointed at the umbrella in Gabriel¡¯s left hand, which was now a makeshift microphone. ¡°He probably popped that open whenever he was near your window so you wouldn¡¯t see him.¡±

    ¡°Genius,¡± Asher murmured, closing the video and continuing to search through the rest. Lila¡¯s eyes wandered around the study. It seemed exactly as they had left it, though perhaps it was a smidge more dusty. Asher¡¯s Dad certainly hadn¡¯t been in the study since their last visit. Though, something did seem to be odd.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t there a textbook here?¡± Lila asked, pointing at the stack of books on the desk.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Asher replied with a shrug, his eyes glued to the computer screens. ¡°Why, do you think one¡¯s gone missing?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lila said absently, lifting the pages of the book in front of her. Then, she remembered ¨C there had been that weird note¡­ she¡¯d put it back in the textbook that was sitting on top of this pile.

    ¡®But, I took a picture,¡¯ Lila thought to herself with a smug smile. She opened up her phone, scrolled back through to February and looked. There was a picture of the weird note, and underneath the note was the corner of a book that was definitely not the book sitting here now.

    But everything else around the room looked the same. The wedding and engagement rings were still sitting where they had been, at least. Lila could recall that the books in this stack were related to marketing. Clearly, as Asher¡¯s Mum hadn¡¯t yet been found, she wouldn¡¯t have taken the book. So, who took the book and why? Why only that book? Was there something special about it? Lila opened the photo she¡¯d taken again, frustrated that she couldn¡¯t see the title of the book on it.

    ¡°Okay, it¡¯s the 28<sup>th</sup>, now,¡± Asher said softly, breaking Lila¡¯s concentration.

    She glanced up at the TV screens ¨C still nothing and no one of note appearing on them. Asher took a few more minutes running through the footage captured that day. The shaking of his hand was far more apparent now, with the cursor inaccurately opening videos he¡¯d already seen due to the tremors.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila said quietly, turning to face him. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Peachey,¡± he said in a strangled voice. He swallowed harshly but didn¡¯t look at Lila. He continued going through the videos. He drew her attention to one ¨C 1.48pm, 28<sup>th</sup> of December.

    ¡°There¡¯s Mum and Dad, coming into the house after dropping off Uncle Prakash and his family,¡± he said, pointing at the figures of his parents. His Dad seemed sullen, somehow.

    ¡°Do you know why your Dad looks so sad?¡± Lila asked curiously. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°Uncle Prakash and his family are, like, the life of the party,¡± he said. ¡°It¡¯s usually a bit sad when they go back home.¡±

    Asher continued tracking his parents¡¯ movements throughout the house. Eventually, his Dad split off towards the master bedroom and his Mum went off to the study. The camera for the study pointed directly at the door, but there was no camera inside the study itself. There was no more activity on CCTV footage until about 2.16pm, when Asher burst out of the rumpus room, taking the stairs down two at a time. Lila gave Asher a sideways glance, and his jaw hardened but he didn¡¯t say anything. Knowing what Lila knew now, that Holly had either started to cheat on Asher then - or was about to - made watching his excitement to go and see her so much more painful to watch.

    Asher quickly closed the video and opened the next one. It didn¡¯t show any activity. He clicked through more CCTV footage, the next one starting at 6.02pm. Asher¡¯s Dad poked his head out of the master bedroom before climbing downstairs. They watched Asher¡¯s Dad prepare dinner, given that Gabriel and Marlene were both on leave.

    Asher furrowed his brow and continued clicking through the CCTV footage.

    ¡°Uh, Lila,¡± he said nervously, locking his eyes onto hers. ¡°There¡¯s no footage of Mum leaving the study.¡±

    ¡°None?¡± Lila asked, scooting closer to Asher. He moved away to give her some room behind the desk. He clicked through each video for 28<sup>th</sup> of December, and sure enough, there was none of his Mum leaving the study.

    ¡°Did she leave on the 29<sup>th</sup>?¡± Lila asked. Asher looked through those, too, but there was hardly any activity in the house until 5.12pm, when Asher arrived home. Lila watched as his past self called out around the house for people, but no one emerged. He shrugged and went up to the rumpus room, emerging only when his Dad knocked on the door at 6.30pm. His Dad entered the rumpus room, and there was no activity for about an hour until his Dad left, misty-eyed.

    ¡°That¡­ was when Dad told me she was missing,¡± Asher whispered. He closed the video and rubbed a hand on his face.

    ¡°Did someone delete the CCTV footage?¡± Lila asked in a low voice. Asher glanced at her and placed his head in his hands.

    ¡°Must¡¯ve. Damn,¡± he said, his voice filled with hurt. Lila bit her bottom lip as she contemplated what to do. Asher sighed heavily, before lifting his head and clicking through all the videos again.

    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

    ¡°I might¡¯ve missed it,¡± he murmured as he swiftly opened and closed every video in each subfolder for December. Lila watched him for a couple seconds, but he seemed to grow exponentially more frustrated and emotional with each dud. She gently reached out and touched his left arm and he almost jumped out of his chair.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila said in a half-whisper. ¡°While we¡¯re here, we should think about other times that we should check out.¡±

    ¡°Other times?¡± Asher asked, looking at her with intrigue shining through the despair in his eyes.

    ¡°I mean, we still haven¡¯t figured out how Marlene got home before we did the day we followed her to Gabriel¡¯s nightclub,¡± Lila replied, looking up at the TV screens again. Still, there was no movement.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Asher said, realisation dawning on his face. He cracked his fingers and exited out of the current folder he was in. ¡°What day was that again?¡±

    ¡°ANZAC Day, I¡¯m pretty sure,¡± Lila replied, placing a finger on her chin. ¡°Yeah, definitely ANZAC Day. It was a Tuesday this year.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila continued to watch the TV screens, yawning.

    ¡°Oh, there you are,¡± Asher suddenly said after opening more CCTV footage. Seeing herself on CCTV footage made Lila¡¯s skin crawl - it was almost violating, though she knew logically that she¡¯d been captured on CCTV footage here and elsewhere. This clip, starting at 7.26am, showed Lila arriving at Asher¡¯s and standing on his porch. The next clip showed Asher sleepily descending the stairs, before opening the door for her, yawning. Asher continued to dive through CCTV clips of that day, before watching Lila, Asher and Marlene leaving the house at about 8.30am.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, nodding. ¡°Now to see how she got back¡­¡±

    The next few clips captured Gabriel, bustling around the kitchen and butler¡¯s pantry, eating breakfast alone, and washing dishes. It also captured a good few moments where he danced alone with wooden-spoons-turned-microphones. Then, Asher suddenly gripped Lila¡¯s arm tightly, his face drained of all colour, a shaky hand pointing to the screen. Lila turned her attention to what he was looking at.

    A familiar man that she¡¯d seen at the caf¨¦ was walking up the driveway, his hands in his pockets. It was 1.36pm.

    ¡°T-That¡¯s the Uni student,¡± Lila whispered, unable to contain the terror she was feeling as goosebumps ripped across her skin.

    ¡°What¡¯s he doing at my house?¡± Asher hissed. The footage looped again, so he changed to the next one. They watched in stunned silence as the Uni student crept around the side of the property. Asher checked on Gabriel, who had seemed entirely none the wiser that a strange person was mere metres from him outside.

    Asher flicked through all the available CCTV footage which showed the stranger inspecting the windows. It also showed him taking photos of the cameras, and even attempting to climb the side of the house where the garage was. He would regularly stop what he was doing and retreat into some shrubbery, before returning. Occasionally, he could also be seen talking into a phone.

    ¡°He¡¯s clearly not lost,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°It doesn¡¯t take you this long to realise you¡¯re at the wrong house.¡±

    Asher skipped ahead several clips. After an hour had passed in the CCTV footage, the man was still outside. Asher skipped ahead again. After another hour, he was still lurking. After another hour, however, he disappeared. Asher flicked through the clips until they could see the man again.

    The camera that captured footage of the man was outside, pointing down towards the side of the house near the library. The Uni student was leaning against the library windows, peering inside at about 3.40pm. The windows were curtained, and the man began running his hands along the window frames. He looked like he was ready to break in as he began tapping the structure. The hairs on the back of Lila¡¯s neck began to stand as she hunched her shoulders in anxiety, her breathing catching in her throat.

    Then, without warning, the window snapped open. The man began to be swallowed by the window, his legs flailing and kicking. Lila almost let out a scream but managed to hold it back by clamping her hands around her mouth.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Asher exclaimed, zooming into the footage and playing it back. It definitely looked as though the man was being dragged inside, resisting whatever force was taking him all the while.

    ¡°Is there footage in the library?¡± Lila asked urgently.

    ¡°Yeah, we keep first-edition books in there,¡± Asher said, diving into another folder. Lila¡¯s heart pounded in her chest as Asher opened the first video clip.

    The doors to the library violently burst open in this clip, also marked 3.40pm, 25<sup>th</sup> of April. Marlene, still dressed in her caf¨¦ uniform, rushed into the library like she was racing for a gold medal. The doors swung shut behind her as she quickly unlatched the window. She immediately thrust her hands underneath the curtains. With surprising strength, she yanked the man through the window, across the daybed and onto the floor. The man hardly had time to raise his hands in defence as she launched herself onto his abdomen, locking his legs with her own. The clip cut off here and Asher silently opened the next one.

    This clip was a continuation of the first. Marlene pummelled the man¡¯s face, again and again and again with her bare knuckles. Lila was glad there wasn¡¯t any sound. Each connection with his face sprayed small bits of blood across the floor, and his legs jolted each time a punch was landed. Somehow, it seemed as though each punch was precise, almost calculated. Regardless of any defence he attempted, Marlene swiftly dismantled it as she continued to beat him. Eventually, the man tried to extricate himself from Marlene¡¯s hold, but was immediately met with increasing brutality.

    ¡°I¡­ think I¡¯m going to be sick,¡± Lila finally said, clutching her stomach. Asher shakily moved on to the next video. The next few videos showed Marlene beating the man within an inch of his life, eventually moving on from using her fists. At one point, she rolled her hips backwards and began kicking underneath his jaw. After about ten minutes, the man¡¯s legs stopped moving in time to Marlene¡¯s attacks. Lila could see Marlene breathing heavily before standing up and removing her shirt, revealing a nude-coloured t-shirt bra underneath. She flipped it inside out, unwound her incredibly haphazard bun, and put the shirt back on back-to-front. As though nothing had happened, she stepped out of the library, closing the doors carefully behind her.

    Asher traced her footsteps across the CCTV footage, and it looked as though she was talking to Gabriel in the kitchen. She was laughing, as though he had said something incredibly funny. The disparity between the absolute violence Marlene had just displayed and her friendly demeanour with Gabriel sent shivers down Lila¡¯s spine. The next clip showed Gabriel passing Marlene a cold milkshake or frappe-like drink in a large glass. She took it thankfully and had a sip before laughing again. Gabriel then walked out of the kitchen, taking off his apron, and towards the garage. Asher followed Gabriel¡¯s movements as he got into his Mazda 2 and drove off, apparently none the wiser that a potentially dead man was laying in the library just metres away.

    Asher then switched back to follow Marlene¡¯s movements. She carried the drink with her to the library and pushed the doors open, seeming collected and not at all like she just attacked someone mercilessly. The man was lying motionless on the floor as she¡¯d left him. She stretched her back and shoulders, looking directly at the man. She placed the drink down and knelt before the man and pulled him up and around her shoulders so that she was holding him in a fireman¡¯s carry. Asher continued to follow Marlene¡¯s movements, whereby she jogged, still holding the man, towards the worker¡¯s cottage. She opened it and disappeared inside, still holding the man.

    ¡°Do you have CCTV footage of the cottage?¡± Lila asked as Asher deflated in his chair, unmoving. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°No, Marlene and Gabriel monitor their own CCTV footage from the cottage. Well, I don¡¯t know for sure whether they have CCTV, but I assume they do. We just have a little bit of the exterior at the front.¡±

    ¡°So, there¡¯s a blind spot in the back.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I guess you could say that.¡±

    Asher took a deep breath before pulling himself forward. He began to skip through the CCTV footage outside the cottage until Marlene emerged, about half an hour later. She was dressed in all black, not too dissimilar from her usual maid uniform. She crossed the field towards the main house again. They watched as she entered the library again, armed with cleaning supplies, and began scrubbing the floor, the daybed, the curtains and the window.

    Gabriel returned as she was cleaning out the bucket in the laundry, and she met him in the kitchen. He brandished what looked like Mint Slices at her, and she clapped her hands in delight.

    ¡°How did she get in the first time?¡± Lila asked quietly. Asher glanced at her before scrolling through the videos. It seemed as though she had emerged from the worker¡¯s cottage and into the back of the house, through the laundry.

    ¡°Does she normally come through the laundry?¡± Lila asked. Asher nodded.

    ¡°Yeah, she goes that way to get started on the laundry,¡± he said. They watched as she strolled calmly towards the kitchen, where Gabriel met her. She seemed to be asking Gabriel something, and he appeared excited before walking back into the butler¡¯s pantry. Watching further, it looked like Gabriel then prepared the drink that he later gave Marlene via the industrial-grade blender within the butler¡¯s pantry.

    ¡°I can¡¯t watch anymore,¡± Asher said, closing down the folders. He looked truly unwell now, and was quivering like a chihuahua.

    ¡°Well, we know now why her hands looked like that at dinner,¡± Lila said faintly. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we delete us coming in here this afternoon?¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Asher said, speedily diving back into the CCTV holdings. He deleted the footage of them emerging from the rumpus room, armed with the lockpicks, and of Asher breaking into the study.

    ¡°It¡¯s a shame we can¡¯t delete our exit,¡± Lila said softly once he was done.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said. ¡°But maybe it¡¯ll keep whoever¡¯s watching on their toes.¡±

    Asher pulled out his phone and blanched even further.

    ¡°It¡¯s 5.45,¡± he said, immediately standing up and closing down all the programs. ¡°We have to go.¡±

    Lila jumped up and pushed Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s chair back to its original position and looked up at the CCTV footage. A car was smoothly rolling in and she tapped Asher on the arm, pointing.

    ¡°That¡¯s Marlene,¡± he said, panic rising in his voice. ¡°We need to get outta here.¡±

    Once Asher shut down the computer, he grabbed the lockpicking kit and slipped it into his tracksuit shorts¡¯ pockets. Satisfied that she had everything as well, Lila followed Asher out of the study. She was bracing herself in case Marlene was standing outside again, but didn¡¯t need to. They had a clear shot to the rumpus room, which they took with extreme haste.

    Asher slammed the door shut behind them and leapt onto the couch, balling himself up. Lila cautiously made her way to the couch as well, glancing at him every so often. He didn¡¯t seem to be interested in talking.

    Lila warily reached for a set of joy cons. She wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk, either, but sitting in uncomfortable silence seemed just as terrible. He didn¡¯t react as she put on a video of a YouTuber playing old Harry Potter games. These types of videos, poking fun at absurd design, plot and dialogue choices of old games she¡¯d either played or watched her sister play in childhood, usually made her laugh so hard she felt like she developed abs. Perhaps they¡¯d be distracting enough for Asher, too.

    They reached about halfway through the hour-long video before she heard a chuckle from Asher. She glanced at him and saw that he had relaxed his position somewhat so he was lying on his side, his long legs outstretched. His feet were towards her hips, though there was enough space for another person to sit in between them.

    Eventually, Asher sighed and sat up, facing Lila and tucking his legs under himself.

    ¡°Lila, I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he said, rubbing his face with both hands. ¡°I¡­ Marlene is even more terrifying than we originally thought.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied, pausing the video. ¡°I think we should take some time to think about what we¡¯ve seen. Will you be okay here? With her, I mean. Especially on the weekend when Gabriel isn¡¯t here.¡±

    ¡°I should be fine,¡± Asher said unconvincingly. ¡°I think I have enough on my plate to distract myself with if I feel too anxious around her.¡±

    Lila wanted to reply with ¡°Seems like it,¡± but thought that may be insensitive. Instead, she nodded.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been a lot,¡± she said empathetically. ¡°Asher, are you sure you¡¯re not taking on too much? Especially after the whole¡­ well, you know.¡±

    ¡°I can handle it,¡± he said, this time with more conviction. ¡°I have to.¡±

    ¡°I can help,¡± Lila said earnestly.

    ¡°You are helping,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°I¡¯d probably be in a vegetative state or something if you weren¡¯t here with me.¡±

    Lila joined in his laughter but was struck by a thought as they trailed off.

    ¡°Asher, I think we need to get into the cottage,¡± she said. He sat up straighter.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you say that?¡± he asked, his eyes seemingly searching hers for clues.

    ¡°She took that guy there,¡± Lila said in a low voice. ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll find evidence of something. She¡¯s clearly got enough strength and anger to hurt someone badly. I¡­ she¡¯s still on my suspect list.¡±

    ¡°Could we maybe do that later, though?¡± Asher asked quietly, interlocking his fingers in his lap. ¡°After today¡­ I need a break. And¡­ I think we should also start trying to rule out Gabriel and my Dad if we¡¯re going to focus on Marlene as our prime suspect.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila said approvingly. ¡°We can take a break for however long you want. I honestly need one too. Not as much as you, of course. I can¡¯t imagine how your head hasn¡¯t exploded by now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s trying,¡± Asher said with a small, sarcastic chuckle. ¡°I just won¡¯t let it.¡±

 Chapter Forty-Eight

    Chapter Forty-Eight

    After having an abnormally tense dinner with Marlene and Gabriel, which consisted of a fresh, delicious ratatouille for dinner and some peanut brittle atop a slice of caramel mudcake for dessert, Lila went home. She was unable to properly rest, however. Waking up on Thursday morning was an absolute chore, but she made it to school at her usual time.

    Lila had English with Asher first up. She felt strangely nervous. Which version of Asher would she be interacting with this morning? With so many things happening all at once to him, she wasn¡¯t expecting any kind of meaningful interaction.

    As she sat down next to Asher, he smiled at her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, ¡°glad to see you made it.¡±

    ¡°And same to you,¡± Lila said, relieved that he was talking to her this morning. She returned his smile with her own as she pulled out her English materials. She glanced at him again, and saw him yawning into his hand.

    ¡°Did you get much sleep?¡± she asked, placing her bookbag down on the floor. He shrugged.

    ¡°As much as you, probably,¡± he said, his eyes lingering on her face for just a moment.

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯d rather be sleeping than here,¡± he said simply, looking down at his desk and thumbing the edge of his copy of Romeo and Juliet.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s true,¡± Lila laughed. She was surprised that he¡¯d noticed.

    ¡°Can we have lunch together?¡± Asher asked, his eyes still fixed on his desk.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila said, slightly surprised. ¡°Why?¡±

    His golden-brown eyes rested on hers for a moment before looking back down at his desk. ¡°Isaac¡¯s my best mate and great and everything, but he didn¡¯t witness¡­ what we did yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila breathed. ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know if I want to talk about it, but I kinda¡­ I don¡¯t even know,¡± he huffed and ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°I just¡­ want to exist in the same place as someone who experienced it, too.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like an alien abduction,¡± Lila said monotonously. He snorted.

    ¡°Feels like it. I¡¯ve been feeling like I¡¯m out of my mind and body over the past couple weeks.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Lila replied with a serious nod. ¡°You should try some counselling.¡±

    ¡°I would if I had the time,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°They take you out of class, but I¡­ clearly can¡¯t do that. And besides, what do I even say? I mean, I did look into it, and they have all these obligations to report certain things. And¡­ obviously, I can¡¯t go into some things without there being a mandatory report.¡±

    ¡°You could just go through the Holly situation,¡± Lila whispered as Ms Shard crossed the room and plugged her laptop into the projector. ¡°That would make anyone seek therapy.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher drawled. ¡°Glad to know that experience was worth therapy. Feels like I should get a card or certificate or something.¡±

    ¡°Trauma¡¯s like a certificate,¡± Lila said with a lopsided smile. ¡°Wahey, I¡¯m scarred for life.¡±

    ¡°Hope it¡¯s not for life,¡± Asher said softly. There was a certain emotion in his words, but Ms Shard commenced the lesson, sharply drawing their attention to her before Lila could question it further. Once class was over, Asher confirmed that he¡¯d have morning tea with Isaac before they split off to their next class.

    Lila felt a pit growing in her stomach as she realised that she would need to tell Elise and Grace that she wouldn¡¯t be having lunch with them, and instead be having lunch with Asher.

    Just as predicted, Elise¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her head after Lila explained her lunch plans while they were hanging around their usual spot during morning tea. Grace simply gave Lila a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Lila, have you ever had lunch with just him?¡± Elise asked, still gobsmacked. ¡°Won¡¯t it be awkward?¡±

    ¡°A couple times,¡± Lila said automatically. Elise and Grace stared at her like she¡¯d told them she¡¯d grown a third arm overnight. ¡°O-Outside of school, of course. And, besides, you guys know I¡¯ve been hanging out with him.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think adding ¡®outside of school¡¯ made it any better,¡± Grace said, shaking her head. Elise gave Lila a hard look, appraising Lila for a moment before making a clicking sound with her tongue.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Elise said, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m just going to drop it. Your¡­ whatever you¡¯ve got going on with Asher is weird, but you seem convinced that it¡¯s fine, and you won¡¯t get hurt. Keep doing what you¡¯re doing, but maybe try telling Grace and me a bit more about what you¡¯re doing or when you¡¯re with him? Just in case something happens.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Lila asked defensively.

    ¡°Lila, he just found out his girlfriend has been cheating on him for months and got pregnant by someone else. She doesn¡¯t even know who the father is. He just got his stalker expelled. He¡¯s still gunning for Dux. He¡¯s got a lot of stuff going on ¨C he¡¯s going to unravel. And we honestly don¡¯t know what that would look like when he finally does,¡± Grace said calmly, stepping between Elise and Lila before Elise could say anything else.

    Lila couldn¡¯t refute Grace¡¯s words. Asher was under a lot of pressure. While Lila had seen him cry his eyes out over Holly, she couldn¡¯t be sure how he¡¯d react if it all became too much. Lila recalled his words from that morning ¨C that he felt like he was feeling out of his mind and body over the past couple of weeks. Cracks were evidently starting to form.

    ¡°I do appreciate your concerns, guys,¡± Lila finally said. ¡°But at this point, Asher and I are friends. And, just like you guys want to support me and not see me get hurt, I feel the exact same way about him. But¡­ I guess I have been kinda keeping a lot of my hangouts with Asher a secret from you guys.¡± Lila added the last sentence in such a quiet whisper that Elise and Grace had to lean in to hear her properly.

    ¡°Look, some secrets can be good,¡± Grace said, straightening up. ¡°Or at least kept for good reasons.¡±

    ¡°That reminds me,¡± Elise said, whipping her head around to look at Grace. ¡°You still haven¡¯t told us your gi-¡­ partner¡¯s name, or anything about them. You¡¯re still in a relationship, right?¡±

    Grace immediately turned pink. ¡°Haha, yeah,¡± she said tentatively, breaking eye contact with Elise and leaning back slightly. ¡°My p-partner and I are all good. Just¡­ y¡¯know. Secrets for a good reason.¡±

    ¡°Well, that sounds sus,¡± Lila said, crossing her arms. ¡°It¡¯s been like, what, four? Maybe more? Months since you told us you were dating someone. Surely it¡¯s getting serious. I wanna meet them.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen them around,¡± Grace blurted out, before covering her mouth with both hands, her pink hue turning scarlet.

    ¡°We have?¡± Lila asked, exchanging a look with Elise. ¡°Do they go to our school?¡±

    Grace seemed frozen for a moment before she lowered her hands and nodded.

    ¡°B-But they¡¯re not, um¡­ they¡¯re not out yet,¡± Grace added in a small voice. ¡°So, no meetings for a while still, guys. Sorry. But, maybe one day.¡±

    ¡°I guess we can¡¯t force someone to come out if they don¡¯t want to,¡± Lila said, unfolding her arms. ¡°It can be hella dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Plus, a dick move,¡± Elise said, nodding. ¡°That¡¯s their private business. As long as you¡¯re happy, I guess I can drop that too.¡±

    ¡°What about your love life?¡± Lila asked, giving Elise a playful grin. ¡°Surely someone¡¯s caught your sight?¡±

    Elise shook her head ¡®no¡¯. ¡°Too busy for a love life,¡± she said lazily, stretching her arms above her head. ¡°What with school and work basically back-to-back, all day every day.¡±

    ¡°You sure are working a lot,¡± Grace observed, seeming relieved that the conversation had moved off her. ¡°Like, a lot. You sure you need to work that much?¡±

    ¡°I enjoy it,¡± Elise shrugged, though she was looking past Grace and Lila rather than at them. ¡°Plus, money is money.¡±

    ¡°Surely if you need money, your Dad can spot you?¡± Lila asked. Elise glanced at her. Lila could have sworn that there was something in the look she got from Elise, but couldn¡¯t place it.

    ¡°I prefer my independence,¡± Elise said casually. ¡°Plus, I¡¯m saving up for a car.¡±

    ¡°And a holiday?¡± Lila asked, recalling what Elise had told her a few weeks back.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Elise shrugged again. She seemed to be overtly averting Lila¡¯s gaze now, though. ¡°I¡¯d say those are some pretty good goals.¡±

    ¡°Meanwhile, my goal is to just survive school,¡± Grace said jokingly. ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Elise.¡±

    ¡°Why, thank you,¡± Elise replied, bending at the waist in gratitude. The girls laughed before starting to make their way back to their lockers to prepare for PC.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    Lila¡¯s class after PC was PE with Asher. Today, they were separated into two teams for basketball, with Asher on the opposing team. Given the class was comprised of mostly amateurs, it didn¡¯t take long for the basketball game to descend into absolute chaos. At one point, the basketball fell out of bounds and Connor, instead of using his hands to retrieve it, kicked it into the face of an unsuspecting Ayla. She collapsed to the ground like a bag of rocks upon contact, the thump ringing over the din. Play was suspended for a moment as Ayla was gently taken off the court and seen to by Ms Wright.

    Connor stuttered an apology profusely to Ayla, who seemed much too annoyed to respond to him. Ms Wright quickly determined that Ayla would be okay enough to sit in the court, rather than proceed to sickbay. Play then resumed with a short blast of Ms Wright¡¯s whistle.

    Admittedly, Lila wasn¡¯t very good at basketball. She felt much more comfortable extending her power through equipment, like her trusty hockey stick, rather than her own force. But that didn¡¯t mean she was going to take losing lying down.

    She moved across the court defensively and offensively with her team, though no one seemed to want to pass the ball to her. Then, she saw her chance.

    ¡°Asher!¡± she called. Asher instantly performed a chest pass and she received it perfectly with mischievous glee, immediately dribbling the ball and passing it to another player on her team. Extra teammates on the sidelines began cheering Lila and booing Asher, depending on the team they were a part of. Asher looked at Lila in shock, his face bright red, as one of his teammates began to berate him on their way to defend their basket. She winked at him and caught up to her team, one of whom subsequently scored her team three points after shooting the ball neatly into the basket. Lila¡¯s teammates high-fived her as they reset their positions, their exuberant cackles echoing across the court.

    Lila played for a few more minutes before being tapped out by one of her classmates, and she gratefully stepped off. Asher was shortly tapped out as well, and he made his way to her after grabbing his water bottle, an amused expression on his face.

    ¡°You play dirty,¡± he said, tutting and shaking his head. She grinned at him as he drank some water.

    ¡°Your head was obviously in the clouds if you were tricked that easily,¡± she said, shrugging innocently. ¡°Besides, did you really expect me to not be competitive?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to play a trick on me,¡± Asher pouted. They burst into simultaneous laughter and watched their teammates play some more. They weren¡¯t tapped back in, which suited Lila just fine. Lila¡¯s team ended up winning, which she proudly declared after getting changed and meeting up with Asher outside the gymnasium to his playful chagrin. It was lunchtime now, so they ambled towards the locker room. Neither of them were in a rush. Asher was still loudly disapproving of her tactic, but in a light-hearted kind of way.

    Asher retrieved his lunchbox and they shuffled off towards the tuckshop, chatting away about innocuous things, such as upcoming assessments. Neither of them seemed to want to touch the subject of what they had seen yesterday.

    This changed, however, once Lila bought her food and they sequestered themselves in an empty meeting room inside the library. Asher opened his lunchbox with a long-suffering sigh, retrieving a Tupperware container filled with a delightful assortment of side dishes next to a crumbed, sliced pork cutlet atop some rice.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t stop thinking about what we saw,¡± he said slowly, looking sadly down at his food.

    ¡°It¡¯d be hard to,¡± Lila replied, shaking her juice box. ¡°I mean, I can¡¯t stop thinking about it either.¡±

    ¡°At least we know not to cross Marlene,¡± Asher said solemnly, jabbing at a strip of pork.

    ¡°Not that I was planning to,¡± Lila said, shuddering. Asher gave her a grim smile before biting down on his food. They ate in silence for a while.

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve been wondering, though,¡± Lila said slowly, swallowing her pasta. ¡°Do you know why your Mum fought with Gabriel like that? I know you said she wanted him out of the house, but did you hear why?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Not at all. I was in the library, playing a board game with my cousins when I heard the commotion and went to check it out. I pretty much only heard what I said.¡±

    ¡°How would we find out about it?¡± Lila asked, drumming her fingers beside her food. ¡°I mean, would we ask Gabriel?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know if we should,¡± Asher said, furrowing his brow as he stabbed a new piece of pork. His eyes suddenly lit up as he dropped his fork.

    ¡°Maybe you could ask your sister?¡± he said eagerly. ¡°Was she working on the 27<sup>th</sup>?¡±

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied, shrugging. ¡°It was so long ago and pretty insignificant to me whether she was or wasn¡¯t. Plus, I didn¡¯t even know she had a job until we stumbled in on her, dolled up and ready to perform. But maybe she did? What, you think I could ask her?¡±

    ¡°At least whether or not Gabriel was acting strange in the lead-up to or after the 27<sup>th</sup> or 28<sup>th</sup>,¡± Asher confirmed, nodding. ¡°I know it was a Tuesday, but maybe he¡¯d started doing odd things before then.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila replied, pulling out her phone and jotting Asher¡¯s question down so she could ask her sister. She looked back up at Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯m still bothered by the book,¡± she said, frowning.

    ¡°That book that you think went missing?¡± Asher asked, bringing a finger to his chin in contemplation.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°You remember that weird note?¡±

    ¡°The one where I apparently need glasses or something?¡±

    ¡°That one, yeah. I put it back in the top book before we left the first time we got into the study. But when I looked at the photo I took of the note, I could see that the top book on our second visit was a completely different one. Plus, it didn¡¯t have the note.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, you did take a picture of the note. Have you tried deciphering it?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Lila said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Not smart enough for that.¡±

    Asher grinned. ¡°Challenge accepted. Can you send it to me?¡±

    Lila complied with Asher¡¯s request, and he peered at his phone once the picture arrived.

    ¡°This¡­ doesn¡¯t seem to follow any kind of logical pattern,¡± he said slowly. ¡°Do you reckon this could all be a play on words?¡±

    ¡°Beats me.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s a play on words, I don¡¯t know whether I can crack it,¡± Asher said doubtfully, bringing his phone closer to his eyes. ¡°But I can give it a go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve also been thinking,¡± Lila said quietly after a brief pause, ¡°about Marlene not showing up in the CCTV cameras that day she caught us outside the study. Do you think she did something to the cameras? Or did they coincidentally fail except for the one near the kitchen or something?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t watching them,¡± Asher replied, shaking his head. ¡°Do you think she did something to the cameras?¡±

    ¡°Well, I hadn¡¯t seen her at all, anywhere,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Gabriel was still dancing, though.¡±

    ¡°If she did something to live CCTV footage,¡± Asher said gradually, picking up his fork and staring down forlornly at the strip of pork. ¡°Then perhaps she did something to the footage showing my Mum going missing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a possibility,¡± Lila confirmed slowly. ¡°But, at the same time, Marlene¡­ could be a normal maid that just has a second job.¡±

    ¡°A normal maid who beats a guy to death or close to?¡±

    ¡°You could think of it as her defending the house.¡±

    Asher snorted before looking off in the corner of the room pensively. ¡°How did she know he was there? And why did she go through the city and to Gabriel¡¯s nightclub before taking a taxi home or something?¡±

    ¡°All good questions,¡± Lila sighed. They sat in silence for a minute or so, eating their food, before Asher began to speak.

    ¡°Do¡­ you think I¡¯m scarred for life?¡± he whispered, looking down at his lunchbox, which he gripped tightly in his hands. Lila studied his face carefully, unsure at first how to respond.

    ¡°Even if you are, that doesn¡¯t make you any less than who you were before all this,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Do you know the concept of kintsugi?¡±

    Asher shook his head, lifting his eyes to take in Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°It¡¯s the Japanese art of repairing broken, chipped and cracked pottery with gold,¡± Lila said, meeting his gaze. ¡°The fixed pieces end up being beautiful and resilient. Scars are something that we pick up through a life well lived ¨C but, depending on how you deal with things, your scars can shimmer like gold. I guess what I¡¯m trying to say is¡­ it¡¯s done. But you shouldn¡¯t be ashamed or scared of your scars. They make you¡­ sturdier. After you¡¯ve finished all your healing, I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll find that you¡¯re better off, having learned those lessons.¡±

    He blinked at her for a moment. ¡°I¡­ think I know what you¡¯re trying to say,¡± he said finally with a faint smile. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°If anyone thinks less of you because of what you¡¯ve gone through, that¡¯s on them,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°In case you were worried about that.¡±

    ¡°What would make you think that I¡¯d be worried about that?¡± Asher said sharply, his voice seeming defensive. Lila looked at him for a moment, before shaking her head with a small smile.

    ¡°No reason.¡±

    Asher frowned, seeming slightly perturbed. They continued to eat in a comfortable silence, the tension from trying to figure out Marlene¡¯s motives having evaporated. Lila took the time to reflect on what they had been through over the past term and a half. It was funny, really. That they were able to sit here together, without awkwardness. She felt like she could almost see their bond between them slowly weaving itself into a stronger and thicker rope with each passing conversation. Lila couldn¡¯t have predicted that they would be this close at the beginning of the year, what with Asher confiding in her so fully. It was a strange feeling, but not at all unwelcome.

    ¡°I keep relying on you,¡± Asher said suddenly, placing his emptied Tupperware container back into his lunchbox. ¡°For a lot. But I¡¯ve been feeling like you might be holding back on me.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, staring wide-eyed into his own scrutinising ones.

    ¡°I guess¡­ I feel like I¡¯ve been relying so much on you, but I don¡¯t feel like you rely on me much at all. It makes me feel guilty. Like I¡¯m using you.¡±

    Lila shook her head vehemently. ¡°No way,¡± she said firmly, ¡°if it wasn¡¯t for you, with the whole rumours thing, dealing with Piper, and even standing up for me with Clare, I think I¡¯d be a nervous wreck all the time. I mean, you saw me. When I collapsed at your house from the pressure¡­ Even just with the rumours, I didn¡¯t want to be seen talking with any guy, just in case it got worse. I even turned down a semi date ¡®cause of it all. But you helped me get through that, and here we are, eating lunch at school together.¡±

    ¡°You turned someone down?¡± Asher asked, his face a light shade of red. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Justin tried to ask me, but I said no,¡± Lila said. ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡±

    Lila could have sworn that his face turned a deeper shade of red as he turned his head away from her. ¡°I-Isaac was wondering if you turned anyone down.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise,¡± Lila said with a laugh. ¡°He asked me if Elise or Grace were free, and I said Grace didn¡¯t have anyone. He never asked me if I was available.¡±

    A small realisation crept into the back of her mind as her own face turned crimson, and she faced entirely away from Asher. Clearly, Isaac wasn¡¯t the one wondering. So, why would he lie about that?

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Asher said after a few seconds, ¡°we should start heading off.¡±

    They packed up and left the library, gently breaking into discussions regarding Asher¡¯s new Switch game. He ended up playing some of it over the week, and he enthusiastically said that Lila needed to watch him play. Laughing, she promised that she would sometime when Elise, Grace and Isaac suddenly called out to them near the entrance of the locker room. The three of them shared identical, smug grins, with Elise and Grace swiftly linking arms with Lila and escorting her towards her locker.

    ¡°See you later, Asher!¡± Lila called behind her as Isaac appeared to be steering Asher towards his own locker.

    ¡°You guys look far too pleased with yourselves,¡± Lila observed with narrowed eyes once she pulled out her materials for her last two classes for the day. The trio began walking towards Modern History, with Grace and Elise exchanging an amused look. They didn¡¯t respond to Lila¡¯s comment, so she decided on a different tactic.

    ¡°Did Isaac have lunch with you guys?¡± she asked. Elise burst into a fit of giggles, and Grace glanced at Lila.

    ¡°Yeah, he did,¡± Grace said, nodding. ¡°He was a bit put out that Asher ditched him, so found us.¡±

    ¡°What did you and Asher do at lunch?¡± Elise asked, smirking.

    ¡°Nothing weird,¡± Lila said with an annoyed look on her face. ¡°I thought you were going to drop it?¡±

    ¡°I thought you were going to tell us more,¡± Elise replied in a sing-song voice. Lila flushed slightly and sighed.

    ¡°We just talked,¡± she said. ¡°He got a new game last week and started playing it, so he was excited to tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°A game?¡± Grace queried.

    ¡°Yeah, the new Zelda one,¡± Lila said, stopping her sentence short suddenly. The image of Clare, wearing the elven ear prosthetics and her skimpy outfit as ¡®Roxy Wurld¡¯ flashed in Lila¡¯s mind¡¯s eye. There was no way she¡¯d tell Grace and Elise about their adventure in the nightclub, though the tale was burning to get out.

    ¡°Sounds thrilling,¡± Elise replied, semi-sarcastically.

    ¡°It sounds pretty fun,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Not that I¡¯ve seen it myself, though. But you guys are acting a bit weird. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all,¡± Grace said smoothly. ¡°Isaac was just pretty funny. But repeating the jokes would lose its effect.¡±

    Lila remained suspicious of Grace and Elise, but forgot all about it once Modern History started.

 Chapter Forty-Nine

    Chapter Forty-Nine

    A text message interrupted Lila¡¯s concentration as she was studying that night in her room. She rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms above her head, yawning. Asher¡¯s insistence that she study was certainly influencing her. She checked her phone ¨C it was a message from Asher. Smirking, she idly wondered if she had clairvoyance, given he¡¯d just popped into her head.

    Hi, he¡¯d sent. There was nothing else.

    Hey, Lila replied, slightly confused. He never really sent her a greeting when texting her. It was usually straight to the point.

    Isaac¡¯s being weird, Asher sent. Immediately afterwards, he sent another message. Can we have lunch tomorrow again?

    Sure, Lila replied instantly. What¡¯s he being weird about?

    Nothing, Asher sent.

    Then he¡¯s not being weird? Lila replied, chuckling aloud in bemusement.

    Uh he is. But it¡¯s nothing, Asher replied. Sorry, gtg. See you tomorrow

    See you tomorrow, Lila replied, shaking her head. Asher¡¯s evasiveness with telling her what was up was a bit unusual, but maybe he¡¯d go into it in person.

    It was surprising, then, when Isaac himself appeared by Lila¡¯s locker at the start of morning tea the next day. Elise and Grace were nowhere in sight, which wasn¡¯t exactly unusual. While they mostly had morning tea together, it was also common enough that they were caught up after class, or with other classmates and didn¡¯t have enough time to have morning tea as a trio. Though, after Elise and Grace¡¯s suspicious behaviour yesterday, and Asher¡¯s report that Isaac was being ¡®weird¡¯, Lila thought that perhaps there was a conspiracy brewing behind their absence.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Isaac asked with a lopsided grin, leaning against the locker next to Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Nothin¡¯ much,¡± Lila replied, her eyes narrowed. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you with Asher?¡±

    ¡°He got called into a meeting with Mr Barsch,¡± Isaac said with a shrug. ¡°So, I¡¯m all on my lonesome today.¡±

    ¡°Is it ¡®lonesome¡¯ or ¡®ownsome¡¯?¡± Lila asked, closing her locker door after retrieving some fruit.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Isaac replied simply. ¡°Clearly.¡±

    Lila snorted and turned to look at Isaac properly, crossing her arms. ¡°Righto. So why are you here?¡±

    ¡°Wanna chat with you,¡± Isaac said, a mischievous grin spreading across his face.

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s walk and talk,¡± Isaac said quickly, gesturing for Lila to follow him. She couldn¡¯t deny her curiosity and fell into step next to Isaac. They found their way to the Home Ec building, and Isaac led her towards the spot under the awning where he typically sat with Asher. He flopped down with a heavy sigh as if the weight of the world was pressing against his shoulders. Lila sat beside him, biting into her apple.

    ¡°So,¡± Isaac said after noisily opening a snack-sized packet of Shapes. ¡°Asher and I had a fight yesterday. Kinda.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡± Lila asked, lowering her apple in shock.

    ¡°Well,¡± Isaac drawled, giving her a sidelong look. ¡°I may or may not have confronted him about you.¡±

    ¡°What about me?¡± Lila asked, her heart feeling as though it had stopped beating altogether.

    ¡°I may have said something about you being into him, and something about him being into you since the dawn of time.¡±

    Lila began to splutter, teetering between being angry and bewildered. He grinned at her and continued.

    ¡°Told him he should go for it. He got all mad and defensive though. Flat out said no, especially not after Holly and he said you don¡¯t like him like that anyway, and he doesn¡¯t like you like that anymore. Said you guys are just friends, and he¡¯s content with keeping it that way.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she had a heart anymore as she dropped her head down, looking at her lap.

    ¡°Oh,¡± she said softly. She could feel Isaac¡¯s eyes evaluating her, but she couldn¡¯t find the strength to look at him anymore.

    ¡°He¡¯s right though,¡± Lila finally said with a deep sigh. ¡°We¡¯re just friends. And I don¡¯t like him like that. So, it¡¯s not like anything could happen anyway. Plus, he doesn¡¯t like me like that.¡±

    She glanced at Isaac, who looked frustrated for a split second before he realised she was looking at him.

    ¡°Why are you like this?¡± he sighed, rubbing his forehead.

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    The hush between them was incredibly awkward now as Isaac idly tapped his knees together. Lila was scrambling to figure out what Isaac had meant but came up empty.

    ¡°So¡­ got any plans for the weekend?¡± Isaac eventually asked, looking at Lila¡¯s face. She avoided his eyes as she answered.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Not even on Saturday?¡±

    Lila looked at Isaac sharply. ¡°Why are you asking?¡±

    ¡°Oh, just curious. Since you¡¯ve been hanging out with Asher on Saturdays recently.¡±

    Lila¡¯s suspicions that Elise, Grace, and Isaac had conspired about something only strengthened. She had mentioned that she¡¯d seen Asher the past couple of Saturdays to Elise and Grace the other day, and here was Isaac, bringing it up in a way that seemed forced.

    ¡°¡­ Has he been telling you that?¡± Lila asked. Isaac gave her another sideways glance.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he said unconvincingly. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what happened.¡±

    ¡°Somehow, I¡¯m doubting that.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m glad you don¡¯t have plans on the weekend. I need to hang out with Asher this weekend.¡±

    Lila was surprised by Isaac¡¯s phrasing. ¡°Need to?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Isaac said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯s been a hot minute.¡±

    They fell into another awkward silence, which lasted for an agonising ten minutes. It seemed as though Isaac was thinking deeply about something. As Lila was contemplating wandering off towards her PC class early, Asher jogged by, seeming out of breath. Both Isaac and Lila blinked at him in surprise.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher said, huffing slightly. ¡°Why are you here, Lila?¡±

    ¡°Isaac wanted to talk to me,¡± Lila replied. She could feel the heat rising from her cheeks, which could only mean that she was blushing furiously. Asher¡¯s face turned pale as he looked at Isaac, seeming nervous.

    ¡°What was it about?¡± Asher asked Isaac directly.

    ¡°Oh, you know. Stuff and things,¡± Isaac said offhandedly. Asher looked as though he wanted to interrogate Isaac further.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll just go,¡± Lila said, standing up. ¡°I¡¯ll see you at English, Asher.¡±

    Before either Isaac or Asher could call her back, Lila escaped to the locker room. English followed Assembly, which was a real drag, filled with award ceremonies for the rugby and dance teams in particular.

    Today, Asher provided commentary alongside Ms Shard¡¯s analysis of the final few scenes of Romeo and Juliet. Lila noted his observations down with a small grin. It had been a while since he gave her his insight, and she was delighted that he felt comfortable enough to do so. Class was let out with Ms Shard¡¯s reminder that their next lesson would be dedicated to working on their assessment.

    Asher and Lila strolled leisurely to the locker room, though today Asher seemed quieter than he had yesterday.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Lila asked once Asher grabbed his food from his locker. He held up two lunchboxes, inspecting them for a moment.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, thrusting one at Lila.

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Lila asked, taking it in surprise.

    ¡°A lunchbox.¡±

    ¡°Well, I can see that, but why are you giving it to me?¡±

    Asher sighed, averting his gaze from Lila. ¡°¡­ I told Gabriel that you always get lunch from tuckshop. He wanted to make you lunch so you could save some money.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, somewhat embarrassed. ¡°That¡¯s sweet of him. He didn¡¯t need to bother.¡±

    ¡°He insisted.¡±

    They headed into the library again. The meeting room they sat in yesterday was empty, and they cracked into their lunchboxes. It looked like Gabriel had prepared a chicken tortellini with pesto and broccoli for both of them. As expected, it was superb.

    ¡°I know I just said Gabriel didn¡¯t need to bother,¡± Lila said with a grin. ¡°But I¡¯m glad he did.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pass your message along,¡± Asher replied, smiling at Lila. They ate in silence, though Lila¡¯s mind was active. For some reason, now that she was sitting here with just Asher, Isaac¡¯s words kept replaying in her mind. ¡®Flat out said no, especially not after Holly and he said you don¡¯t like him like that anyway, and he doesn¡¯t like you like that anymore. Said you guys are just friends, and he¡¯s content with keeping it that way¡­¡¯

    Lila wanted to ask Asher about it, but fear was gripping her tongue. Though¡­ what was there really to ask? Isaac wouldn¡¯t lie to her about this. If Asher had said that he wanted to date Lila, she was sure that Isaac would have immediately told her, given his admission that he wanted Lila to have a crush on Asher. Asher surely would¡¯ve told Isaac the truth about his feelings, too. They were best friends after all. So, that was it then. Asher¡­ didn¡¯t like her in that way, and he was content with staying friends.

    Lila¡¯s eyes began to water, but she quickly rubbed them. The fleeting feeling of burgeoning tears disappeared, and she sighed. Asher looked up at her. He seemed ready to say something, but shook his head instead and continued eating.

    The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Have¡­ you played any more Zelda?¡± Lila asked after a couple minutes. Asher gleefully looked up and launched into a play-by-play recount of his latest adventures. It helped distract Lila from what Isaac had said that morning, and she found herself enjoying her lunch with him.

    ¡°Did you manage to talk to your sister yet?¡± Asher asked after a momentary lapse in the conversation.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ well, I guess ¡®avoiding me¡¯ is a bit harsh for what she¡¯s actually doing, but she¡¯s been hard to nail down at home anyway.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher replied, seeming surprised. ¡°I¡­ guess that makes sense. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s probably confusing for you to work out how you feel about it all.¡±

    ¡°You could say that again,¡± Lila laughed. She placed the empty Tupperware she¡¯d eaten from back into the lunchbox and zipped it up before glancing at Asher. ¡®He said he felt like I don¡¯t rely on him much at all¡­ Does that mean he wants me to confide in him more? So that it feels equal?¡¯ Lila thought, furrowing her eyebrows.

    ¡°A-Actually, I¡­ think I need help with that,¡± Lila said tentatively. Asher¡¯s eyes seemed to light up and he zipped up his lunchbox before pushing it aside. He seemed to be giving Lila his full attention. Lila took a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡­ guess there¡¯s a couple of things that I¡¯ve been struggling to come to terms with,¡± Lila began, her eyes flickering to his attentive ones. ¡°Clare¡¯s the eldest of us three. And¡­ she¡¯s a really great sister. She cares a lot about me and Daniel, but because she cares so much, she can be a bit¡­ well, into our business. She never really talks that much about herself and what she goes through, and I don¡¯t know whether that¡¯s because she doesn¡¯t want to worry us, or if she thinks we can¡¯t help her out. But, in general, she¡¯s pretty selfless. And she¡¯s always been pretty responsible, as the eldest. She¡¯s¡­ carried our burdens on her shoulders a lot. She used to fight our parents on our behalf without any regard for herself. I guess¡­ I look up to her a lot. Always have, and always will.¡± She exhaled heavily, glancing nervously at Asher. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m rambling.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°N-Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with being a dancer at a nightclub. On one hand, it¡¯s her life, and she doesn¡¯t owe anyone an explanation or anything. She can have fun, and do what she wants, as long as she¡¯s not being pressured. But it¡¯s still shocking. Mum¡¯s a Catholic Filipina and pretty conservative. She definitely wouldn¡¯t approve of tattoos or Clare acting, well, sexy for money. So, it makes sense that she wouldn¡¯t tell me about her job, so that I can¡¯t tell Mum, but it also kinda hurt. Knowing that she couldn¡¯t trust me fully. There¡¯s¡­ also the matter of you.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Asher asked, his eyes wide with surprise. ¡°What did I do?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you did anything,¡± Lila said hesitantly. ¡°But she¡­ didn¡¯t like you very much. She thought you were using me. She also didn¡¯t like the fact that I kept hanging out with you while you had a girlfriend. She thought¡­ I¡¯d get hurt.¡±

    ¡°Get hurt? What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila stammered, shifting uncomfortably in her seat. Truthfully, she only had half an idea of what Clare meant, especially after Clare briefly mentioned her own experience with a guy who¡¯d hurt her deeply. Though, why Lila herself would get hurt, she wasn¡¯t too sure. Had Clare been implying that she thought Lila had feelings for Asher? And that Asher had the power to hurt her somehow? In saying that, Lila briefly remembered her conversation with Clare, Grace and Elise back in the beginning of the year, when they all discussed the idea of Lila having a crush on Asher in her room. It wouldn¡¯t be so surprising, then, if Clare did think that Lila liked Asher in that way.

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°I mean, how do you feel about it overall?¡±

    ¡°I guess having the past few days to process has helped me settle my confusing emotions. But, being able to articulate it with you has helped even more. Thanks for listening, Asher,¡± Lila replied earnestly. Asher¡¯s face flushed slightly, and he scratched the back of his head.

    ¡°I¡­ well, thank you for telling me. I hope you¡¯re able to talk to Clare soon.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila said with a soft smile. She looked down at the desk separating herself and Asher briefly, contemplating whether she should ask about what Isaac had said. She ended up deciding against it. The rest of lunch passed by with more discussion of Asher¡¯s game, and some light discussion of tomorrow¡¯s sporting practice. Then, something occurred to Lila.

    ¡°Hey, what did Mr Barsch want?¡± she asked. Asher looked at her in bewilderment.

    ¡°How¡¯d you know about that?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Isaac said that¡¯s where you were during morning tea. That¡¯s why he hung out with me.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher replied, running his fingers through his hair. ¡°Well, Mr Barsch¡­ was checking on me. He wanted to know why I quit so suddenly a few weeks ago. He said¡­ I shouldn¡¯t give it up.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you should, either,¡± Lila noted lightly. Asher exhaled deeply, looking up at the ceiling behind Lila¡¯s head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± he finally admitted in a whisper. ¡°B-But I just can¡¯t face the idea of¡­ versing her school. A-And it just reminds me of her, now.¡±

    ¡°I know that it reminds you of her, but you¡¯ve had such a long run of it, I¡¯m sure you have way more memories without her in them. And, if your old memories are haunted by her, you can make new ones,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°¡­ You¡¯re right,¡± Asher said, his eyes flickering to hers for half a second.

    ¡°Plus, surely you could sub out for matches against her school,¡± Lila reasoned.

    ¡°I guess I could,¡± Asher said, looking down at his hands now. ¡°We do have enough people in our team.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d kinda been looking forward to watching you, one day. When we had a home match,¡± Lila murmured, intertwining her fingers in her lap. She wasn¡¯t quite sure where she¡¯d received the courage to say this to Asher, but she was grateful that she had when looking at Asher¡¯s delighted expression.

    ¡°Well, now I gotta get back on the team then, don¡¯t I?¡± Asher replied with a laugh. Lila grinned at him.

    ¡°Let me know when your next home debate is, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    <hr>

    On Saturday morning, Ms Wright stood before the hockey girls, her arms crossed.

    ¡°Ladies, the first match is on the 3<sup>rd</sup> of June,¡± she announced. A slight amount of chatter emanated from the group. Ms Wright silenced them with a frosty glare.

    ¡°So, as usual, we¡¯re going to change up our practice sessions. We¡¯ll still meet here on Saturday mornings, same time, to do some warmups if we have a home game. But we¡¯re going to need another session during the week. I expect you all to be here on Tuesday afternoons, starting on the 30<sup>th</sup>, as well as Saturday mornings when we don¡¯t have a game.¡±

    A resounding groan sounded from Lila¡¯s teammates, but she personally didn¡¯t care. A schedule change like this happened every year. She wasn¡¯t quite sure why anyone would be surprised.

    Lila¡¯s team launched into practice without much further discourse. As far as Lila could tell, it was going well. She didn¡¯t feel rusty anymore, at least, and the team seemed to have whipped up into shape, too. Passes were being received with ease, across longer and longer distances without issue.

    Once practice was over, Lila slowly made her way off the field. She¡¯d worked a bit harder today than she had last week, so she was feeling sufficiently tired.

    ¡°Yo,¡± Asher¡¯s voice called from behind her. He was grinning and incredibly sweaty.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied, smiling. ¡°Got any plans for the weekend?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Nah, just study.¡±

    ¡°Sounds boring.¡±

    ¡°Thrilling, actually,¡± Asher said playfully. It was at that moment that Isaac strolled up to Asher and clapped him on the shoulder.

    ¡°Mate, Lila¡¯s right. That¡¯s too boring. Can we hang out instead?¡± Isaac asked. He seemed flushed, though Lila figured that would be because of soccer practice. But there was something in his eyes that seemed nervous. Asher looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he said, his face breaking into another grin. ¡°Did you wanna come over now? We can play a couple games.¡±

    Isaac, for some reason that Lila couldn¡¯t figure out, glanced at Lila, his face incredibly guilty.

    ¡°Yeah, sounds good,¡± Isaac replied with a trembling smile.

    ¡°Awesome. I¡¯ll just tell Marlene.¡±

    Asher jogged over towards the carpark, though Isaac didn¡¯t follow him. He instead looked at Lila, his face contorted in pain.

    ¡°I¡¯m about to do something stupid,¡± Isaac said softly. ¡°I hate myself for it.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s stupid, then don¡¯t do it,¡± Lila said, giving Isaac a bemused look. She couldn¡¯t figure out what Isaac was trying to convey with his facial expressions, but Asher called for Isaac, hanging out the front passenger door of Marlene¡¯s car and waving excitedly. Isaac took a deep breath and walked away, hands in his pockets, leaving Lila perplexed. What did Isaac mean?

    Lila shook her head and grabbed her sports bag from the changing room. Today, Clare was waiting for her in the carpark. Lila figured now was as good a time as any to talk to Clare, given Clare had no escape.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said as she hopped into Clare¡¯s car and buckled her seatbelt.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Clare replied, turning up the music in her car and exiting the carpark. Lila pressed her lips together before she reached over and turned the music down.

    ¡°What-¡± Clare started to say before Lila cut her off.

    ¡°Can we talk?¡±

    Clare sighed heavily and turned down her music more. ¡°I was wondering when you¡¯d want to.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t know where to start, so sat there, awkwardly mute. Clare glanced at Lila via the rearview mirror before sighing again.

    ¡°Now that I¡¯ve had some time to think on it, I¡¯m still mad, but not as mad,¡± Clare admitted, gripping the steering wheel tightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Clare,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Sorry for taking your ID and your clothes. And sneaking into a nightclub.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry to me,¡± Clare huffed. ¡°Be sorry to yourself. I¡¯m disappointed that you¡¯d stoop so low. You have, like, one and a half years until you can just go into a nightclub legally. How could you be so reckless?¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila mumbled. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I just- never mind. How are you feeling about it all?¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ I was really confused at first. Then, I felt hurt. Like, realising you couldn¡¯t trust me enough to tell me. I mean, if I didn¡¯t happen to be at Gabriel¡¯s nightclub, I never would¡¯ve found out, would I? Like how I found out about your tattoo. That was an accident, too.¡±

    Clare remained silent for a few seconds, so Lila continued.

    ¡°I¡¯m not weirded out, or ashamed about your job or anything, if you were worried about that. You give your all to everything you do, so I¡¯m not surprised that you¡¯re the fan favourite of the nightclub. And¡­ I¡¯m glad that you¡¯re enjoying it. I was worried whether or not you were being pressured to do it, but when I found out Gabriel was the owner, it gave me such a sense of relief.¡±

    ¡°¡­ You don¡¯t tell me everything, either,¡± Clare countered softly. ¡°Sometimes, I feel like you can¡¯t trust me. Especially this year. You¡¯ve been really mysterious. Ever since you started hanging out with Asher. Which¡­ still doesn¡¯t make me feel confident that you should be hanging out with him.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have a rebuttal to that.

    ¡°But it¡¯s not my business. After meeting the kid, and knowing that he¡¯s the kid Gabriel goes on about, I¡¯m¡­ feeling a lot better about it all. Like I can probably trust him, I guess. Just¡­ stop making dumb, illegal decisions. Please?¡±

    Lila looked at Clare, though Clare¡¯s eyes were still fixed on the road. Lila remembered her suggestion to Asher to break into the cottage. That¡­ probably would fall into illegal activity. But, she wasn¡¯t about to tell Clare about that.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    ¡°Try?¡± Clare said, giving her a quick glare. ¡°Would rather that you ¡®do¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll stop,¡± Lila said with a resigned sigh, looking out the car window.

    ¡°He¡¯s pretty cute, though,¡± Clare said, giving Lila another sideways look. ¡°I can see why you want to hang out with him so much.¡±

    ¡°Clare, I¡¯m not hanging out with him because he¡¯s cute,¡± Lila said sharply, though she could feel her face burning. ¡°He¡¯s more than that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°Being the Dux and everything. I wouldn¡¯t be mad if he became my brother-in-law, but I still think you shouldn¡¯t try anything too soon.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ said he doesn¡¯t like me like that,¡± Lila whispered, almost too quietly for Clare to hear.

    ¡°Did he tell you that?¡± Clare queried, looking at Lila briefly before turning her attention to the road.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied sullenly.

    ¡°Then how do you know?¡±

    ¡°Isaac told me.¡±

    ¡°The guy you dated a couple years ago?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. They¡¯re best friends.¡±

    Clare gave a low whistle. ¡°Girl, that sounds messy.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°It was only a couple of months.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Clare replied. She paused before adding, ¡°But if you didn¡¯t hear it from Asher, then I¡¯m not sure whether you can take that as the truth.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond to Clare¡¯s statement. Asher had no reason to lie to Isaac about that, nor did Isaac have reason to lie to her about it. Lila didn¡¯t need to hear it from Asher directly. That would just sting even more.

    Clare drove for a few more minutes before Lila pulled out her phone and looked at her Notes app.

    ¡°Say, Clare¡­ were you working on the 27<sup>th</sup> of December?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s this coming from?¡± Clare questioned, clearly surprised.

    ¡°Just wondering. ¡®Cause Gabriel or Asher mentioned something about it, but I wondered what you knew.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense. Let¡¯s see¡­ well, that was the day of the break-in.¡±

    ¡°Break-in?¡± Lila stared at Clare, who glanced back at her in confusion.

    ¡°Yeah. Surely Gabriel said there was a break-in, if he mentioned the 27<sup>th</sup> of December. He had to go in before opening to sort it out. The Police were there and everything. Some idiots stole some audio equipment. Gabriel asked me to stay a bit later to get some more revenue for the club to replace it. I remember it clearly ¡®cause I got a lot of tips that day, especially since it was after Christmas.¡±

    ¡°Was Gabriel acting weird before or after the 27<sup>th</sup>?¡±

    ¡°I mean, he was a bit on edge after the 27<sup>th</sup>. He kept going back and forth with the Police and filling out insurance forms and all sorts of stuff. He was pretty stressed out. He usually has a dance or two on the dancefloor every couple days but he didn¡¯t even come dance until, like, mid-January or something like that.¡±

    Clare gave Lila a sharp look. ¡°Your questions are odd,¡± she said suspiciously. ¡°Why are you asking?¡±

    ¡°I was just wondering,¡± Lila insisted, shaking her head. ¡°Asher was a bit worried since Gabriel left early on the 27<sup>th</sup>, but didn¡¯t want to ask him directly in case it was super sensitive.¡±

    ¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± Clare murmured. She still seemed suspicious, but Lila swiftly changed the topic to something that had been playing on her mind over the past week.

    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s up with the name ¡®Roxy Wurld¡¯?¡± Lila grinned cheekily. Clare¡¯s face turned red and she seemed to be far more interested in the road than she had been before.

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s a play on words,¡± Clare said lamely. ¡°I didn¡¯t make it up. There was a list of available names, and Gabriel and Haylee ¨C uh, she manages us girls ¨C said a few out loud, to see what suited me. Roxy was the only one that stuck.¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes flickered to Lila, and she seemed displeased at the fact that Lila was overtly holding back a snicker.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she said despondently. ¡°You can laugh. It is a ridiculous name.¡±

    That was all Lila needed. She began laughing heartily, and eventually Clare joined in. Once they sobered up, Clare immediately began talking about a show they had been watching with the rest of the family. By the time they arrived home, Lila felt as though things had gotten back to normal between her and Clare.

 Chapter Fifty

    Chapter Fifty

    Week six of the term started with English in the morning. Asher was pacing outside the classroom before class started, seeming unsettled.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to wear a hole in the ground,¡± Lila said playfully. He stopped dead in his tracks before looking at Lila. He didn¡¯t seem like he¡¯d noticed her before now.

    ¡°Oh, hello,¡± he said stiffly, though his facial expression still carried the weight of someone still deep in thought.

    ¡°How did your hangout with Isaac on Saturday go?¡± she asked, gesturing for him to follow her into the classroom. He complied but didn¡¯t say anything. They sat down in their usual seats and Asher still didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°¡­ You all good?¡± Lila asked tentatively.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Asher replied evasively.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it,¡± Lila replied, raising an eyebrow at him. He met her eyes for a second before sighing.

    ¡°Can we have lunch again? Probably for the rest of the week,¡± he said, looking pointedly down at his desk.

    Lila stared blankly at him. ¡°For¡­ the rest of the week? The week¡¯s just started.¡±

    ¡°I said what I said,¡± Asher sighed, rubbing his face. ¡°The hangout with Isaac was fun, but I need some more time, I think.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I can get behind that.¡±

    As promised, their lesson today was devoted to the assessment piece that they needed to complete based on Romeo and Juliet. Time seemed to pass within a blink of an eye to the point that Lila found herself slamming her locker door shut at morning tea.

    ¡°Bit aggro,¡± Elise observed with a grin. ¡°Shall we go before you break it?¡±

    Lila sighed, and Grace gently looped her arm with Lila¡¯s. Lila couldn¡¯t be bothered going into the tuckshop today, so she¡¯d packed lunch, a rarity which Grace commented on as they made their way to their usual spot.

    ¡°Yeah, I reckon it¡¯s ¡®cause the weather¡¯s cooling down,¡± Lila said nonchalantly. ¡°I get so sluggish during winter.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Elise declared, pulling the neck of her navy school-issued jumper down. ¡°I¡¯m not keen for winter.¡±

    ¡°Hate to break it to you, but we¡¯ve been in winter for three weeks now,¡± Grace replied matter-of-factly, slurping on her juice box. ¡°Though, it¡¯s only really been cooling down in the last week.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind it so much,¡± Lila replied thoughtfully, unzipping her lunchbox. ¡°Just wish I wasn¡¯t so tired all the time.¡±

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s not a weather thing,¡± Grace said seriously. ¡°Are you drinking enough water? Eating enough veggies?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course I am,¡± Lila said defensively. ¡°I¡¯m a cocktail of peak nutrition.¡±

    ¡°Which is why you¡¯re holding a bag of mini-Pringles,¡± Elise said sarcastically.

    ¡°It¡¯s sour cream and onion chips! I¡¯ve got my calcium, my carbs and my veggies all in one. Peak nutrition,¡± Lila retorted, stubbornly throwing a Pringle into her mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re so dumb,¡± Elise laughed, pushing Lila playfully. They burst into giggles and Grace joined in.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Lila said once the giggles subsided. ¡°I¡¯m having lunch with Asher this week.¡±

    ¡°The whole week?¡± Elise asked, exchanging a look with Grace.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila responded with a sigh.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem happy about it,¡± Grace observed, biting into a carrot stick.

    ¡°I¡¯m not unhappy about it, I guess,¡± Lila said, though her eyebrows creased in frustration.

    ¡°You can say no,¡± Elise said, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°I like having lunch with him,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°But¡­ well, Isaac said that Asher was happy with us just being friends. And I am too, I¡¯m not bothered about that. But I just¡­ I dunno. I guess I¡¯ve been wondering why he didn¡¯t want to consider the idea of being more. So, I¡¯ve been feeling a bit awkward. Like there¡¯s something wrong with me. But I don¡¯t like Asher in that way, so I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m feeling pressed about it.¡±

    ¡°That idiot,¡± Elise said hotly, sharing another look with Grace. ¡°I¡¯m gonna pummel him.¡±

    ¡°Who?¡± Lila asked, taken aback by Elise¡¯s strong reaction.

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Elise replied through gritted teeth.

    ¡°It¡¯s not his fault if Asher doesn¡¯t like me like that,¡± Lila said firmly. Elise gave Lila a hard look before sighing.

    ¡°Of course I know that. He¡¯s still an idiot though,¡± Elise commented flatly.

    Lila looked at Elise in puzzlement, but Elise didn¡¯t meet her eyes. Grace moved on to another topic of conversation, and they didn¡¯t touch on Asher or Isaac again.

    Lila brought her lunchbox with her to Asher¡¯s locker once lunchtime rolled around that day. He hadn¡¯t yet arrived, and Lila could feel several eyes on her as she waited. She wanted to leave, but he rounded the corner, Isaac in tow. As soon as Asher saw her, his eyes lit up.

    ¡°Hey Lila!¡± he said excitedly, placing his bookbag into his locker and pulling out his lunchbox. ¡°I¡¯m glad you have lunch. I¡­ kinda decided last minute to have lunch with you. Gabriel didn¡¯t have time to pack you anything.¡±

    Lila turned a bright red. ¡°Like I said last time, he doesn¡¯t need to.¡±

    ¡°Lila, we all know that he loves cooking for you. He always says that no one seems to appreciate his cooking like you do. If it was up to him, he¡¯d probably make you lunch every day even if I wasn¡¯t around,¡± Asher said with an easy-going grin.

    Isaac smirked at Lila, before patting Asher on the arm.

    ¡°See you at Maths, Asher,¡± Isaac said before closing his locker and wandering off out of the locker room. Asher watched him go briefly, his expression both complicated and entirely unreadable.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said after a moment, shaking his head. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They wandered off towards their usual spot in the library, only to find it booked today. It made sense, given the hurtling speed towards the end of the term they were now facing, but it didn¡¯t seem like Asher had a Plan B. The chill was palpable on their way here, and Lila had neglected to wear a jumper underneath her blazer today, so she wasn¡¯t particularly keen on sitting outside.

    ¡°We could have a look and see if there¡¯re other free meeting rooms?¡± Lila suggested with a shrug. Asher looked back at the closed door of the meeting room and exhaled in defeat before agreeing. They climbed up the stairs in the library to the top floor and inspected the meeting rooms up there. Most seem occupied.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    Lila approached one and hesitated at the door. She could hear muffled shouting, and despite her straining to hear what was being said, she couldn¡¯t make out any words. There was a certain familiarity in the voices that she couldn¡¯t shake, though. Asher looked at her, clearly bemused by her hesitation. Curiosity gripped the doorknob and Lila found herself swinging open the door.

    The meeting room was occupied by Grace, Elise and Isaac, who immediately jumped up in shock. No one exchanged a word, but the faces of Grace, Elise and Isaac looked deeply guilty upon spotting Lila by the door. Lila still held onto the doorknob as Asher gently pulled her back by the neck of her blazer. The door snapped shut and she let go, blinking rapidly as she tried to process what she¡¯d seen.

    ¡°That¡¯s an odd bunch,¡± Lila said shakily. She could hear a shriek or two before more muffled, indistinct yelling, this time sounding louder than before.

    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re having a group study session,¡± Asher said apathetically, marching off to another meeting room.

    ¡°Suppose that could be it,¡± Lila murmured, though she couldn¡¯t shake the faces of her friends as being distinctly unsettling.

    ¡°This one¡¯s empty,¡± Asher announced, throwing open the door to a darkened meeting room on the opposite side of the floor. Upon entering, the lights flickered on. They sat down and began eating without much discussion.

    ¡°What do you reckon they¡¯re up to?¡± Lila asked after a few minutes of silence.

    ¡°Study,¡± Asher repeated with a shrug, drinking some water from his steel water bottle.

    ¡°They looked far too shifty for just study. And I didn¡¯t realise study involved shouting,¡± Lila replied with a shiver.

    ¡°Maybe they¡¯re hooking up,¡± Asher joked. Lila gave him a sideways glance.

    ¡°Elise doesn¡¯t exactly have a great opinion of Isaac, and Grace is dating someone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say, then, that Isaac is probably just hanging out with them ¡®cause I¡¯m with you,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°They were just surprised you opened the door.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°You¡¯re probably right. I¡¯m just overthinking it.¡±

    Asher, though, seemed distinctly bothered throughout lunch. Lila wondered if he was overthinking the strange meeting that had clandestine undertones like she was, but he didn¡¯t elaborate. They spoke about their studies again, and Lila mentioned that her training routine for hockey would be updating.

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Asher said, his eyes seeming distant. ¡°Mr Kovac mentioned that for soccer, too. Tuesday arvos as well.¡±

    ¡°They probably book the field altogether,¡± Lila said with a nod. ¡°The younger cohorts will probably be there, too.¡±

    Lila paused. Speaking of practice¡­

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m glad that you wanted to have lunch today. I talked to Clare after practice on Saturday but I didn¡¯t want to text you over the weekend since I wasn¡¯t sure if you were busy with Isaac, or if he¡¯d see your phone or whatever,¡± Lila divulged in a hushed whisper.

    Asher¡¯s eyes locked onto hers as she continued. ¡°It turns out that Coolisimo got broken into on the 27<sup>th</sup> of December.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher seemed taken aback. ¡°Broken into?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Clare said someone stole some audio equipment while it was closed. Gabriel had to go in before opening to sort it out with the Police. Clare had to work overtime. Apparently, Gabriel was pretty stressed about it all ¡®cause of the Police and insurance forms and whatever else you have to do when your nightclub gets robbed. Clare said that he didn¡¯t join the dancefloor until mid-January. Uh, apparently, he usually has a dance or two every couple of days.¡±

    Asher leaned back on his chair, seemingly absorbing the information.

    ¡°I¡­ guess that fits. He didn¡¯t want to go and sort it out ¡®cause he was spending time with us as a family. And it also makes sense that Mum said he needed to go. She¡¯s pretty efficient with those kinds of things. I wonder if he was thinking one of his workers could deal with it on his behalf, but Mum insisted he go on his leave early.¡±

    ¡°His leave wasn¡¯t supposed to start until the 30<sup>th</sup>, yeah?¡± Lila clarified. Asher nodded.

    ¡°Your Mum probably sent him off early so he could deal with all that, but also have more time to himself. It sounds pretty stressful,¡± Lila reasoned.

    Asher looked thoughtful again but didn¡¯t add anything else. Eventually, Lila asked more specifically what Asher and Isaac got up to. She didn¡¯t necessarily mean anything by it, but the question seemed to set Asher on edge.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you want to know?¡± he asked robotically, clenching his fists and staring at his lunchbox.

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t have to,¡± Lila said quickly, confusion knitting her brows together. ¡°I just¡­ was wondering. I mean, I know what we get up to when we hang out, but I guess I got curious about what you do with other people.¡±

    Asher remained silent for a second. ¡°We just¡­ talked about things. Played a few games on the Switch. He went home after dinner.¡±

    ¡°Do you guys hang out a lot?¡± Lila asked. ¡°Outside of school, I mean.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Asher said, glancing up at Lila, his fists relaxing. ¡°He¡¯s my best mate.¡±

    ¡°He mentioned to me that you rejected hangouts with him over the holidays since I was going over to yours,¡± Lila said quietly. She instantly regretted saying it upon seeing the hurt look on Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I haven¡¯t been seeing him as often as I used to,¡± Asher finally admitted. ¡°I hadn¡¯t actually considered that¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not bothered by it,¡± Lila said hastily.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve pointed it out, I¡¯m bothered by it,¡± Asher said glumly. ¡°Not that I really want to spend too much time with him at the moment.¡±

    ¡°Did something happen?¡± Lila asked conversationally, zipping up her empty lunchbox.

    ¡°No,¡± Asher said. ¡°Well. Yes. But no. I¡­ don¡¯t want to get into it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°You guys are still friends, though?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Asher said gruffly. ¡°It¡¯s nothing like that.¡±

    Lila thought that would probably be all she could draw out of Asher on the topic for now, so she changed it up. ¡°How¡¯s it been, otherwise? Processing the Marlene thing, and, well, everything else that¡¯s exploded in your face over the past month or so.¡±

    Asher gave a sarcastic laugh. ¡°It¡¯s been fabulous.¡±

    ¡°Is¡­ there anything I could do to help?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers. ¡°I guess my laugh was unfair. You¡¯ve been great. I don¡¯t think there is anything you can do beyond what you¡¯re already doing.¡±

    ¡°If you say so. I¡¯m open to doing more things,¡± Lila said, taking a drink from her water bottle. Asher¡¯s face turned pink, and she almost spat her water back out.

    ¡°T-T-Things that would, um, help your processing,¡± she stuttered, her own face turning red.

    ¡°I figured,¡± Asher replied, staring intently at his lunchbox again, his face still pink.

    ¡°D-Debating!¡± Lila squeaked. He looked at her, seeming surprised by her outburst.

    ¡°A-Are you joining up again?¡± she asked, desperately trying to change the topic even if she had to shoehorn it. Asher stared at her for a moment before rubbing his face.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, his tone sincere. ¡°They¡¯ll let me pass on Mulberry Heights, too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good!¡± Lila cried, far more enthusiastically than the situation warranted. ¡°I was sad that you quit debating.¡±

    ¡°Me too,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°Though I¡¯m more surprised that you felt that strongly about it.¡±

    ¡°I just feel strongly about it ¡®cause it was important to you,¡± Lila said softly, calming down from her outburst and lacing her fingers together on her lap. ¡°You stuck it out for so long, and you seemed really happy after Mr Barsch and Ms Shard said you should be the Debating Captain next year.¡±

    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t hide anything from you for very long, can I?¡± Asher laughed again. ¡°Debating is more or less my first love. Moreso than soccer. I only really joined soccer for Isaac¡¯s sake, back in primary school, but debating was the one thing that I had found on my own. It started off as a way to stop me from being so shy when doing public speaking, but I found myself enjoying the way my mind was working to counteract the other team¡¯s arguments.¡±

    ¡°I never would¡¯ve picked you as being shy when doing public speaking,¡± Lila said incredulously.

    ¡°Well, it didn¡¯t last long after starting debating,¡± he explained, scratching the side of his head. His face grew dark, however, and he exhaled heavily.

    ¡°It¡­ made it so much worse that Holly told me all that bs after our debating match. She tainted debating for me. Felt like she¡¯d ruined it forever. But¡­¡± he glanced at Lila with a warm smile. ¡°I feel like you may have undone some of the damage.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d I do?¡± Lila asked, taken aback.

    ¡°You just encouraged me to look beyond the Holly fiasco. That I could still have debating as my first love, with all the memories I¡¯d made doing it. You actually reminded me why I enjoyed it in the first place, last Friday. I can¡¯t believe I¡¯d forgotten.¡± Asher leaned back on his chair and stretched his arms towards the ceiling, before adding. ¡°And there I go again, relying on you.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you don¡¯t want to,¡± Lila joked. He looked offended by the suggestion.

    ¡°It¡¯s not really a matter of wanting to or not. But I do wish it¡¯d be a bit more even.¡±

    ¡°Feels plenty even to me.¡±

    Asher shook his head before bursting into hearty laughter. Lila joined in, and they moved on to other topics before packing up and heading back to the locker room. Just before they reached the entrance to the locker room, Asher gently touched her arm. She looked up at him questioningly, and his eyes were filled with immense seriousness.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you back,¡± he said in a determined voice that drowned out all other sounds surrounding them. ¡°For everything. I promise.¡±

    ¡°Asher, there¡¯s nothing to pay me back for,¡± Lila said, stepping away from him slightly. The closeness of his body and the intensity of his gaze was making her feel dizzy.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± he said, stepping closer to Lila. Her heart began to beat in her chest as if it was about to break out of her rib cage.

    ¡°F-Fine,¡± she managed to stammer, tearing her eyes away from his. For some reason, his current stature reminded her of the mafia bosses that she would see in movies her Dad watched when she was younger. It wasn¡¯t exactly threatening, but definitely imposing.

    ¡°Geez. You feel like a reverse mob boss. Am I supposed to have you swim with the fishies?¡± she said lamely, stepping away again and clutching her lunchbox to her chest as if she could squash her heart back inside her body.

    He snorted and stepped back, swinging his lunchbox on his arm happily. ¡°If that¡¯s your terms, I¡¯ll swim.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any terms,¡± Lila protested, but he had already begun walking away. He lifted a hand as a ¡®goodbye¡¯ gesture but didn¡¯t look back at her.

 Chapter Fifty-One

    Chapter Fifty-One

    The next morning began with PE, and Asher and Lila, along with two other students, were tasked with setting up the nets on the court today. They were the same nets as the ones used for volleyball but Ms Wright had brought with her an assortment of shuttlecocks and racquets with a mischievous grin.

    ¡°Today we¡¯ll be playing badminton,¡± Ms Wright declared in a booming voice over the fwump and clack of Asher and Lila pushing the poles for the nets too far upright and toppling them over. Ms Wright gave them a quick glance before continuing. The other two students looked as though they wanted to die of embarrassment and swiftly passed Lila and Asher with their own set of poles.

    ¡°I¡¯ll also allow you guys to play basketball while you wait your turn for badminton.¡±

    A chorus of excited whispers resounded through the gymnasium, and Lila raised an eyebrow at Asher as they fumbled about to carry the net to its required destination.

    ¡°Sounds dangerous,¡± she huffed in a low voice. Asher laughed.

    ¡°More like chaotic,¡± he said. ¡°What¡¯s the bet that someone will try to use the racquet to dribble the basketball?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d give you a singular dollarydoo,¡± Lila replied in a monotonous voice, causing Asher to laugh again, dropping his side of the net next to his shoe. He jumped away from it, though his reaction was a touch too late and he swore under his breath. The net slipped out of Lila¡¯s unsuspecting hands, clattering to the floor again.

    ¡°Lila, Asher, concentrate please,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s frustrated tone shot towards them. They both gave Ms Wright a sheepish grin before rushing over and setting up the net. The other pair of students had almost finished setting theirs up already and both rolled their eyes at Lila and Asher once they approached.

    Ms Wright assigned students to four teams, with two teams versing each other in basketball and badminton each. Whilst mostly even, some students would still sit along the sidelines. Lila was sure that Ms Wright would separate herself from Asher again as she waited by the nets for Ms Wright to assign their teams. She was surprised, then, when Ms Wright nonchalantly tossed them both overwhelmingly smelly neon pink gym vests.

    ¡°Looks like your dirty tricks won¡¯t work this lesson,¡± Asher grinned as he pulled the vest over his torso.

    ¡°Shame,¡± Lila sighed, pulling her vest on as well.

    ¡°Alright, orange and blue, basketball please. Pink and yellow, badminton please,¡± Ms Wright announced once everyone put their vests on. Lila grabbed two racquets and a shuttlecock before Asher had time to process where he was supposed to be and tossed him a racquet. They waited for their pink and yellow classmates to head over. Asher wrinkled his nose at the racquet.

    ¡°I¡¯m so not used to using my hands for sports,¡± he lamented, staring down at it for a moment.

    ¡°As the goalie, aren¡¯t you normally using your hands?¡± Lila asked casually, twirling her own racquet through her fingers.

    ¡°Sometimes, but never with appendages,¡± he replied, swinging the racquet dismally. He almost knocked Ayla over, who was wearing a yellow vest, with said appendage and Lila stifled a laugh. Ayla glared at him and Lila so intensely that a shiver ran through Lila¡¯s entire body, stopping her laugh immediately. With that kind of reaction, Lila hoped that Ayla would use the other net¡­ but, alas, Lila couldn¡¯t get everything she wanted.

    Ayla swung her own racquet on the other side of the net, next to an apprehensive-looking yellow-clad Connor, whom Ayla had also glared at about twice thus far. It seemed that Ayla hadn¡¯t forgiven him for slapping her in the face with a basketball last lesson. Though once Connor¡¯s eyes shifted towards Asher, his face looked as though he¡¯d rather feign sickness or even death than stand there, opposing Asher. Asher seemed to have noticed this, too.

    ¡°Poor guy,¡± he smirked, in a tone that didn¡¯t seem sympathetic to Connor¡¯s plight in the slightest. ¡°He¡¯s literally facing three sworn enemies.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a bit dramatic,¡± Lila said, testing the weight of her racquet in her hands.

    ¡°Not for him, it isn¡¯t,¡± Asher snickered. ¡°He¡¯s deserved it.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you be so mean to someone else,¡± Lila said, stretching her legs and walking towards the top right corner of their side of the net.

    Asher didn¡¯t respond as he tossed the shuttlecock into the air and smacked it towards Connor, who yelped and dodged it entirely. Ayla retrieved it, throwing another glare Connor¡¯s way, before serving the shuttle towards Lila. Lila batted the shuttle gently towards Connor, who hit it back towards Asher. Asher hit it with force towards Ayla, who returned it with ease towards Lila.

    The game proceeded this way for a few minutes, with neither side surprisingly losing. The hits between Ayla and Connor began to increase in power and confidence, and Lila responded in kind. Eventually, the sound of the shuttle ricocheted across the gymnasium, causing the other badminton teams to stop their game and stare at the foursome. Before long, however, Asher missed the shuttlecock to the groans of those in pink, including Lila. He bashfully retrieved it and they continued on with the game.

    After about ten minutes, Asher and Lila were tapped out by other pink players and they waited on the sidelines. Their game had ended in a draw, which slightly annoyed Lila, but at least the rallies had been entertaining enough.

    Once Asher caught his breath, he turned to Lila with a frown.

    ¡°You thought I was being mean to Connor?¡± he asked. Lila glanced at him, bemused.

    ¡°You¡¯re still thinking about that?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯s ever said to my face that I¡¯m ¡®mean¡¯. Just ¡®weird¡¯ or ¡®cringe¡¯ or ¡®up myself¡¯.¡±

    Lila blinked rapidly in an effort to stop herself from remarking on those choice descriptors.

    ¡°I mean, sure, he touched me but that was dealt with pretty quickly,¡± Lila shrugged after a brief pause. ¡°He hasn¡¯t done it since, so I¡¯m not really holding it against the guy.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Asher said, his tone entirely serious. ¡°Especially if you won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Why? I¡¯m fine with it now.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be,¡± Asher muttered, taking a drink of water from his steel bottle.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s not really your decision,¡± Lila replied, bewildered.

    ¡°Exactly. So, I¡¯ll hold it against him for you. I guess it¡¯s not surprising that you¡¯d be less sensitive to that kind of thing.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Lila asked hotly. Asher held his hands up in a ¡®surrender¡¯ gesture.

    ¡°Just¡­ from all the gross phone calls and stuff. You seem pretty resilient to sexual harassment now.¡±

    ¡°Looks like that¡¯s my trauma certification,¡± Lila said dryly, folding her arms and facing away from Asher now. He didn¡¯t say anything for a few seconds.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯m just¡­ I dunno, I can¡¯t help but feel a bit¡­¡± Asher faltered, ruffling his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t actually know what this feeling is.¡±

    Lila could feel someone¡¯s curious eyes on her back and she turned to see Ayla sitting along the edge of the gymnasium, staring at Lila. Lila hoped wryly that she hadn¡¯t attracted a new stalker.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said, releasing her pose and looking at Asher. ¡°I think I get it. So, thanks. I don¡¯t think I need it, your defense of me, but you can do what you want, I guess.¡±

    He looked at her for a moment before rubbing his forehead in apparent exasperation.

    ¡°When you say it like that, it feels like I¡¯m doing something wrong,¡± he said. Then, he suddenly stared at Lila.

    ¡°What was that other thing you said?¡± he asked.

    ¡°What other thing?¡±

    ¡°Something about me being mean or something to ¡®someone else¡¯. Do you think I¡¯m mean to you?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila blushed as she looked down at her shoes. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±

    ¡°It looks like you did.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ when we first got paired for the project, I just¡­ got the impression that you were a bit of a dick. I-I don¡¯t think that now,¡± Lila added hurriedly. He seemed shocked and just nodded silently. Lila felt awkward now and shuffled to a different place on the court. Asher didn¡¯t follow her and they were eventually called over to play basketball.

    Asher passed Lila the basketball a couple times during this game but she quickly handed it off to other players as if it was scalding her. It wasn¡¯t necessarily because Asher was passing to her, but more so because she was still not any good at basketball. The pink team won against the yellow team, much to Lila¡¯s delight, and she was pretty glad that she didn¡¯t hold onto the ball for any good amount of time. She may be competitive, but she knew when to quit while she was ahead to ensure her team¡¯s win. She didn¡¯t have to be the MVP.

    Ms Wright wisely chose classmates other than Lila and Asher to pack up the nets and dismissed class for the day. Lila slipped out of the gymnasium as soon as she could and seemed to have escaped Asher¡¯s notice.

    The niggling feeling that she¡¯d stuffed up the comfortability between herself and Asher followed her around all day. It got to the point that she wanted to skip having lunch with him today, and expressed as much to Elise and Grace as she swung her locker shut at the beginning of lunch.

    ¡°No,¡± Elise said, her voice strangely panicked. ¡°Go have lunch with Asher.¡±

    ¡°You seemed all for me saying ¡®no¡¯ yesterday,¡± Lila said, raising an eyebrow at Elise. ¡°Besides, doesn¡¯t Grace have a music lesson today? Surely you want some company, right?¡±

    Grace glanced over at Lila before shutting her own locker. ¡°I¡¯ve skipped my extra music lessons this week. Something important¡¯s come up.¡±

    ¡°Something important?¡± Lila asked blankly. ¡°During lunch?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡­ um, we were asked to do something by one of our teachers,¡± Elise said vaguely after shooting Grace a look that seemed more like a warning.

    ¡°Do you need help?¡± Lila asked, crossing her arms across her chest.

    ¡°Oh, hey Asher!¡± Grace suddenly said, waving enthusiastically at someone behind Lila. Lila turned around and sure enough, there was Asher, holding two lunchboxes.

    ¡°Lunch?¡± he said timidly, raising the lunchboxes in the air. Elise pushed Lila towards Asher before grabbing Grace¡¯s arm.

    ¡°See you in Modern History! Bye!¡± Elise called as she and Grace fled the locker room with speed. Asher watched them go, seeming baffled in their wake. Lila tentatively looked up at him and gratefully grabbed one of the lunchboxes out of his hands.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she mumbled, her face turning red. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They walked in silence towards the library. Lila grew anxious as the silence continued to be pervasive even as they sat down in a free meeting room. They didn¡¯t encounter Grace, Elise, or Isaac in the library today, but Lila almost wished she had even if it was just for a moment of brevity.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Lila said as she unzipped the lunchbox she¡¯d taken from Asher and pulled out a Tupperware container filled with a Thai basil chicken stir-fry with rice. A smaller Tupperware container held a modest-looking brownie and fresh, juicy-looking strawberries. Asher looked up at her, having already started eating.

    ¡°Do you always eat these lunches cold?¡± she asked awkwardly, opening up the stir fry. A delicious umami scent tinged with chilli and basil burst forth from the container. Asher swallowed before answering.

    ¡°I guess I can never be bothered finding a microwave.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Did you want this to be heated up?¡± he asked, standing up immediately and grabbing her Tupperware. She instinctively smacked his hands out of the way, much like she did with Daniel, and he looked at her, seeming offended. Lila was immediately thrown back to the awkwardness she¡¯d felt during PE.

    ¡°S-Sorry, it¡¯s a habit,¡± she said quickly. ¡°Daniel always tries to take my food.¡±

    ¡°Siblings sound rough,¡± Asher said, hesitantly sitting back down. ¡°That kinda fast response seemed more like it¡¯s a battle every time you eat with him.¡±

    ¡°More or less is,¡± Lila said, pulling her food towards her, her face burning a bright red. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t need this to be heated up, by the way. If you¡¯re having it cold, I¡¯ll have it cold too.¡±

    He seemed like he wanted to say something but shook his head and continued eating. The faint sounds of chewing only made Lila feel more on edge and she eventually slammed down her utensils and looked up at Asher.

    ¡°Sorry, about PE. I don¡¯t even know what that was,¡± she said, faltering at the end of her sentence. He looked deeply into her eyes before looking down at his lunch and gently covering his Tupperware with its lid. Sighing, he looked back up at Lila.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Asher said through pursed lips. ¡°I thought about it, and I was a bit of a dick earlier this year. For the record, I¡¯m still holding it against Connor. He should¡¯ve known better. We¡¯re not toddlers. Hands to ourselves and all that.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said softly. He still beheld her gaze for a few moments before sliding a hand into his pocket. He then slowly pushed a $1 gold coin towards her. She looked at it in surprise.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°Your dollarydoo. Seems like I need more faith in our classmates,¡± he said shortly, opening his Tupperware and eating again. Lila chuckled and pocketed the coin.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said. He nodded at her and they both continued to eat. The heavy pressure that had settled upon her shoulders seemed to be lifting and Lila began to feel more comfortable in his presence. Although, Lila couldn¡¯t help but think that Asher still seemed bothered by something. With a sigh, she sat forward and asked him directly.

    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°What gave it away?¡± he asked through a mouthful of brownie.

    ¡°You¡¯ve just been sighing continuously while eating,¡± she pointed out. ¡°And you¡¯ve been chewing pretty loudly.¡±

    ¡°Must¡¯ve been these crispy beans.¡±

    ¡°I would agree with you if I didn¡¯t have the beans myself. Plus, I didn¡¯t think eating a brownie could be that loud.¡±

    Asher tossed the rest of his brownie in his mouth and she waited for him to finish it off.

    ¡°I¡­ know that you¡¯ve noticed I¡¯ve been off,¡± he sighed, wiping his mouth with a serviette. ¡°Though, I¡¯ve felt off this whole year, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not unexpected, what with the shitshow of a year it¡¯s been for you,¡± Lila nodded. He gave her a sideways glance before chuckling.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t have picked a better term for it. You know how I said my head was trying to explode, but I just wouldn¡¯t let it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded again, picking up her own brownie and biting into it. Asher sighed again before thrusting his hand into his hair and gripping it slightly.

    ¡°Something else happened.¡±

    Lila dropped her brownie on the desk and began clearing away the crumbs. ¡°Like what?¡± she asked as she scooped the crumbs into her hands.

    ¡°Isaac happened.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart sank. Her mind raced towards what Isaac had said to her about their fight regarding Lila, and what Asher had said about wanting to stay friends with Lila. Was there something else to their fight?

    ¡°He¡­ asked to borrow some money.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, slightly relieved. ¡°Is that all?¡±

    Asher grimaced before letting go of his hair and leaning on his elbows. ¡°He asked for 3k.¡±

    ¡°T-Three thousand dollars?¡± Lila gasped, inhaling a bit of the brownie that was resting on her lips down the wrong pipe. Asher watched as she sculled some water down and cleared her throat. A shadow of a smile seemed to cross his face as she did so, but it disappeared just as quickly.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said once she calmed down. ¡°It¡¯s a lot of dollarydoos.¡±

    ¡°W-Why does he need that much?¡± she asked, her eyes wide with shock.

    ¡°He apparently owes some money to a girl. Or a guy. He¡¯s not sure.¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t know who he owes money to?¡± Lila asked incredulously.

    ¡°All he knows is that they¡¯re called ¡®the Banker¡¯. He got referred there ¡®cause he was involved in some stupid bets at school.¡±

    ¡°This is a whole lot more than some ¡®stupid bets¡¯,¡± Lila said faintly. ¡°Three thousand dollars in debt? You can get a semi-okay second-hand car for that price. I know ¡®cause I helped Clare find the car she¡¯s got now.¡±

    ¡°Some of that is the interest from the Banker,¡± Asher said with a heavy sigh. ¡°I just wish he¡¯d asked me for help earlier.¡±

    ¡°Has he stopped the bets?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Said he learned his lesson. But he doesn¡¯t have a job or anything and the Banker has apparently started to sic their goons on him.¡±

    ¡°Sic their goons?¡± Lila asked gingerly. That wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d heard that phrase, though she couldn¡¯t think where she¡¯d heard it. ¡°What is this, some kind of gang?¡±

    ¡°Seems like it¡¯s getting there,¡± Asher said darkly. ¡°Apparently the ¡®goons¡¯ are some brawny idiots from Grade 12.¡±

    ¡°This is insane, Asher.¡±

    ¡°I know. Like I said, I just wish he¡¯d asked for help earlier. I don¡¯t know why he waited until he was drowning like this.¡±

    Lila bit her lip as she recalled Isaac¡¯s words, about feeling like a ¡®fake friend¡¯ when he dated Lila. Perhaps, perceptive as Isaac was, he didn¡¯t ask for help because he didn¡¯t want to take advantage of Asher? If that was the case, then Isaac must¡¯ve reached his breaking point¡­

    ¡°Are you going to help him?¡± Lila queried softly.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher said fiercely. Lila blinked at him and he inhaled slowly.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said after exhaling. ¡°That came out a bit more aggro than I meant it to.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± Lila replied, waving her hands to indicate that it was okay. He gave her a small smile in acknowledgement.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to help him, but I¡­ wanted your help again,¡± Asher said, his words stilted. Lila pulled the coin out of her skirt and slid the dollar back towards Asher.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have much, but here¡¯s a contribution,¡± she said plainly. He looked down at the coin and pushed it back towards Lila.

    ¡°I can handle the money,¡± he said with a laugh. ¡°That¡¯s not what I wanted help on. Honestly, I didn¡¯t want to tell you anything about this. Since that¡¯d mean I¡¯d owe you my whole life at this point. But¡­ well, after all that you helped me find out about Marlene, it¡¯d be stupid for me to not get your help on this.¡±

    There was a darkness to Asher¡¯s statement regarding ¡®owe you my whole life¡¯ that halted Lila¡¯s breathing. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she was imagining it, but perhaps there was something hidden in those words. But he¡¯d brushed past it so quickly that Lila couldn¡¯t find an opportunity to go back to it. ¡®Besides, I¡¯m probably oversensitive¡¯, she reasoned to herself. ¡®Especially after Uncle Adrian¡¯s death.¡¯

    ¡°Help on what?¡± she asked after a beat.

    ¡°I want to find out who this Banker is and help me give them the ¡®what for¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve progressively been sounding like you¡¯re part of a gang yourself,¡± Lila joked. He snickered.

    ¡°If this keeps up, maybe I will join a gang,¡± he said, shaking his head. Lila tilted her head to the side as she contemplated Asher¡¯s request. An investigation into the Banker, he¡¯d said¡­

    ¡°Have you heard about the Banker?¡± Lila asked, leaning forwards on the desk slightly, interlocking her fingers to make a rest under her chin.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher said exasperatedly, leaning back in his chair. ¡°It¡¯s what stumped me enough to talk to you about it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing about the Banker all year,¡± Lila said quietly. He looked at her in surprise.

    ¡°You have?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, there¡¯s been a bit of gossip going around school about the Banker. It¡­ sounded like if people didn¡¯t have money, they¡¯d just go to them.¡±

    ¡°Well, that tracks.¡±

    ¡°What did Isaac tell you about his interaction with them?¡±

    ¡°He said that he found out from one of the soccer boys that there was someone called ¡®the Banker¡¯ lurking around the school. Apparently, their younger brother regularly visited the Banker last term. He found the classroom they operate from, but the Banker wasn¡¯t there. Instead, there was, like, some secretary there who made the deal. She wrote up a contract with the loan and interest amount, gave him some money, and sent him on his way. That was just before semi. He¡¯d only asked for like 1.5k, but then he had to make more withdrawals and now we¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°What kinda betting culture do we have that it puts students in debt by the thousands?¡± Lila whispered incredulously.

    ¡°I dunno. I never paid attention. Never needed to bet on anything. I just feel like an idiot for not noticing that Isaac was doing that.¡±

    ¡°Is it for sports or something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied shortly. ¡°Netball and basketball, but he was going to start on soccer, touch footy, and hockey when the new seasons started.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised he told you that much.¡±

    ¡°I had to drag it out of him. He just asked if he could borrow the 3k then told me to never mind, it was a stupid idea. Then he said he told you he was going to do something stupid, and you said not to, so I had to forget it ever happened. But he looked like he was in a lot of trouble, so ¡®course I couldn¡¯t leave it there.¡±

    ¡°I know you said you could handle the money, but that sure is a whole lot. Are you sure you¡¯ve got it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. My parents give me way too much money for me to do anything with when I win the Dux award.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re always gunning for it?¡± Lila asked with a sly smile. He playfully rolled his eyes at her.

    ¡°It happens to be intrinsic.¡±

    ¡°Intrinsic?¡±

    ¡°Ah. Like, my own internal motivation, for my own values. Not because of any external factors like money.¡±

    Lila briefly wondered what the internal motivation was, but he swiftly moved on.

    ¡°Anyway, I want to wipe the debt with the Banker face-to-face. The fact that they¡¯re giving loans of this amount to school kids is honestly disgusting. Maybe we can shut it down.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good to me,¡± Lila confirmed, nodding. ¡°I¡¯ll put my feelers out again.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a lifesaver,¡± Asher breathed a sigh of relief, his shoulders slumping. He held his head in his hands for a moment, as if nursing a headache.

    ¡°How¡¯s your head?¡± Lila asked, selecting a particularly shiny strawberry. He looked up at her in confusion, before he glanced at his hands.

    ¡°Probably would¡¯ve exploded if I didn¡¯t ask for your help.¡±

    ¡°Glad you did ask for help, then. Doubt an exploded head will do you any good,¡± Lila said with a gentle smile. ¡°You should probably eat your strawberries. They¡¯ll get cold if you leave them out for so long.¡±

    Asher snorted and tossed one into his mouth obediently.

    ¡°It goes without saying,¡± he said, grabbing a new one and squeezing it gently. ¡°But Isaac¡¯s part in this needs to be kept between us. I don¡¯t even think you should talk to Isaac about it.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Lila said confidently. ¡°I care about him too, you know.¡±

    ¡°Y-You do?¡± Asher asked, clearing his throat strangely.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Lila replied absently. ¡°He¡¯s been a bit odd at times, but he¡¯s really helped me out this year. I guess this¡¯ll be me paying him back.¡±

    Asher fell silent and Lila took the opportunity to finish off her strawberries. It seemed that Asher was thinking intently about something though Lila guessed it was about Isaac¡¯s troubles with the Banker. They spoke briefly about other topics, but it wasn¡¯t anything substantial. Asher still seemed distant ¨C as if he wasn¡¯t truly in command of his body ¨C up until lunch was over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, her voice somehow sounding unsure once they reached the locker room. She handed Asher the lunchbox that she¡¯d eaten from, and he took it with a nod.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, his energy suddenly returning. ¡°Tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I-I think we should get tuckshop tomorrow,¡± Lila said quickly. He looked at her in surprise.

    ¡°Was the cold lunch that bad?¡± he asked. Lila saw a few members of their cohort give them a curious glance as they passed and tried to pay them no mind as she answered him.

    ¡°It was delicious as always,¡± she said firmly. ¡°But there¡¯s a reason why we should go to tuckshop.¡±

    He looked at her suspiciously, holding both lunchboxes to his stomach as if to comfort them. ¡°What do I tell Gabriel?¡±

    Lila laughed ¨C she hadn¡¯t expected either of Asher¡¯s questions which, coupled with the absolute seriousness on his face, was too much to ask of Lila not to laugh.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± he said, a note of panic strumming through his voice.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied, laughing again. ¡°Sorry. Um, just tell Gabriel that I wanted to treat you to something from tuckshop or whatever.¡±

    Lila stepped closer to Asher and gestured for him to bend down so she could tell him something privately.

    ¡°There¡¯s a reason why I¡¯ve heard of the Banker and you haven¡¯t,¡± she whispered in his ear. His whole body shuddered and he jumped up and away from Lila, the tips of his ears pink.

    ¡°A-Alright,¡± he said, looking desperately towards his locker. ¡°I-I¡¯ll tell Gabriel. See you tomorrow, Lila.¡±

    ¡°See you then,¡± Lila responded with a wave. He waved back and quickly disappeared around the corner of the locker room. The speed at which he disappeared confused Lila briefly, but she had more pressing matters to attend to. Her last class of the day was Modern History. She was going to corner Grace and Elise and force them to tell her what was going on.

    Or at least, that¡¯s what she tried to do.

    They were analysing documentaries for Modern History today, and trying to ascertain what kind of biases the documentary makers may be holding. It was actually quite an intense class. Lila had no opportunity to talk to Grace or Elise in any meaningful way apart from asking for their opinions when the time came to consult their tables.

    Once the lesson was over, Elise immediately scuttled off to her McShift with a hasty ¡°See ya tomorrow!¡± to Grace and Lila. Lila watched her go with an uneasy feeling. Whilst Grace was the softest out of herself and Elise, she was definitely the most tight-lipped out of the two. That didn¡¯t mean that Lila couldn¡¯t try and get some information though.

    ¡°So, Grace,¡± Lila began, holding onto Grace¡¯s arm gently and falling into step as they made their way towards the locker room at a much more leisurely pace than Elise¡¯s near-Olympic level dash.

    ¡°Nuh uh,¡± Grace immediately rebuffed Lila, shaking her head. ¡°You¡¯re not getting anything from me.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon!¡± Lila pleaded, spinning around so she was walking backwards ahead of Grace. ¡°You can¡¯t just expect me to believe that lame-ass story Elise concocted.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t concern you,¡± Grace said simply, though her eyes didn¡¯t meet Lila¡¯s and she combed the ends of her hair with her fingers. Both of these together were a classic tell that she was hiding something. Grace may be the most tight-lipped out of the two, but she wasn¡¯t infallible.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it doesn¡¯t concern me,¡± Lila said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°You can tell me. I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to tell you,¡± Grace said flatly. ¡°Stop trying to get info out of me. You¡¯re being a pest.¡±

    ¡°Whoa, whoa,¡± came a relaxed voice from the right of Lila that she instantly recognised. Isaac was strolling across the lawn beside them. He waved once they both looked at him and Grace groaned. Lila¡¯s mind jumped to what Asher had said at lunch today. Isaac seemed relatively normal, not like a guy 3k in debt with ¡®goons¡¯ after him, though perhaps he was overcompensating with his easy cheeriness.

    ¡°What do you want, Fisher?¡± she asked, her tone suddenly severe. Lila looked at Grace, puzzled. She expected that kind of question and tone from Elise towards Isaac, rather than Grace. Did Isaac do something to Grace? They¡¯d seemed to get along really well at semi.

    ¡°Is that any way to talk to your partner in crime?¡± Isaac drawled, his tone teasing. Lila¡¯s curiosity burned the back of her throat. Isaac was a much easier nut to crack.

    ¡°Isaac, what were you doing with Grace and Elise in the library yesterday?¡± Lila asked immediately, her eyes narrowed. His green eyes flickered to hers for a moment before he instantaneously turned around and walked off in the direction he came.

    ¡°Hey! Isaac!¡± Lila called. Grace gripped Lila¡¯s wrist tightly, preventing her from chasing after Isaac.

    ¡°Let it go, Lila,¡± Grace said gently. Lila looked back at Grace and retrieved her hand with a pout.

    ¡°You guys are so mean,¡± she said petulantly. Grace rubbed Lila¡¯s left shoulder and linked their arms together.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace agreed. ¡°But it¡¯s for your own good. You¡¯d just ruin the surprise.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise?¡± Lila asked, perking up immediately. ¡°For who?¡±

    ¡°For¡­ Asher,¡± Grace said tentatively. ¡°You spend so much time with him, we can¡¯t risk you telling him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know that I¡¯m very good at keeping secrets,¡± Lila huffed.

    ¡°I know you are,¡± Grace sighed. ¡°But Elise and Isaac want to keep it under wraps. It¡¯s Isaac¡¯s plan, after all.¡±

    ¡®Could the surprise be Isaac¡¯s attempt to mend the guilt that he feels about asking for money from Asher?¡¯ Lila thought to herself. Grace glanced at Lila, but Lila remained silent as she pondered the question. Yes¡­ that was probably it. It sounded like something Isaac would do. But why he¡¯d enlisted Elise and Grace, Lila wasn¡¯t too sure. So, she asked.

    ¡°Isaac just wants our help from a female¡¯s perspective,¡± Grace explained. The two girls began to walk towards the locker room, their steps synchronised.

    ¡°Do you guys even know Asher at all?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I mean, surely, he could¡¯ve asked me if he needed help. Not only am I a girl, but I also know Asher.¡±

    Grace shook her head. ¡°We don¡¯t need to know Asher to help Isaac with this. And, like I said, Isaac wants to keep it as hush-hush as possible. Unfortunately, you spend so much time with Asher that it can¡¯t be guaranteed that you won¡¯t spill.¡±

    Lila wanted to protest, but kept her mouth shut. After all, only Asher and Grace really knew that she was good at keeping secrets at this point. If Isaac felt that way about it, then so be it. Convincing him would be difficult without telling him an example of a secret, and none of the secrets she was currently keeping were secrets she could tell him¡­

    Lila hugged Grace goodbye before heading off to the bus, her entirely overfull schoolbag digging into her shoulders. She was taking home a few extra books than she needed to try and motivate herself to study something ¨C anything. But, as she waited for the bus, she knew that with Isaac, Grace and Elise¡¯s tantalisingly secret plan on her mind, she wouldn¡¯t be able to concentrate on studying at all tonight. Plus, there was the matter of the Banker to look into.

    To her surprise, Daniel was already at home, drinking juice from a carton in the kitchen. As Lila watched Daniel inhale more juice while pouring a glass of water for herself, Lila recalled Asher¡¯s explanation that one of the soccer boys¡¯ younger siblings had dealings with the Banker. Perhaps Daniel knew something about it? At this time on a Tuesday, Lila knew her parents wouldn¡¯t be home, and Clare had a tutorial at Uni now. If she had any opportunity to ask Daniel something that he wouldn¡¯t want their parents or Clare to know, like being in debt, it was now or never.

    ¡°Hey, Daniel,¡± Lila began. Daniel looked over at her from the top of the carton and capped it with a sigh.

    ¡°I¡¯m finishing this now,¡± he said. ¡°There¡¯s no need to yell at me for putting it back in the fridge.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to say anything about the juice.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Daniel said, looking at the carton in surprise. He looked back up at Lila, narrowing his eyes. ¡°What, then?¡±

    There was something about Daniel¡¯s face that Lila couldn¡¯t exactly pinpoint. She hadn¡¯t really had a conversation with just the two of them for a while. Did he look incredibly tired? Or did he just look older? She couldn¡¯t tell, but it wasn¡¯t important.

    ¡°Have you¡­ potentially¡­ borrowed money?¡± she asked, attempting to seem nonchalant as she rested her back on the kitchen counter, still facing Daniel. He stiffened slightly.

    ¡°Might¡¯ve,¡± he said, avoiding her gaze. He started to edge towards the exit of the kitchen.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell Mum or Dad. Or Clare. Promise,¡± Lila said resolutely, folding her arms against her chest. ¡°If you¡¯re in trouble, you can tell me.¡±

    Daniel quickly looked into Lila¡¯s eyes, before looking away. ¡°Not in trouble,¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila said gently. Daniel paused, before glancing at Lila again.

    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡± he asked in a steely tone, still shifting towards the doorway.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just been hearing stuff at school,¡± Lila said with a shrug. ¡°Things like some kids are in debt to someone called the Banker. So, I got worried about you.¡±

    Daniel stopped his escape. ¡°I was in debt,¡± he said, his hands trembling. ¡°But I paid it off.¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Lila replied with a smile. Lila suddenly remembered Daniel¡¯s red headphones that Clare had interrogated him about ages ago. Had he bought those with money from the Banker?

    ¡°Hey, you remember when Clare was in your business about your new headphones?¡± Lila asked. Daniel rolled his eyes but nodded.

    ¡°Did you borrow money from the Banker to buy those? Is that why you didn¡¯t want to tell her about it? So she didn¡¯t know you were in debt?¡±

    Daniel seemed to hesitate for just a moment before he nodded again. ¡°Yeah. She¡¯s a bit of an ass, whoever she is. It¡¯s like she thinks they have a never-ending money pit, she just keeps lending out money like an idiot. And I was an idiot for asking for it. Besides, what would telling Clare do? Make her freak out even more?¡±

    ¡°She?¡± Lila queried, unfolding her arms in surprise. ¡°Do you know who the Banker is?¡±

    ¡°No idea,¡± Daniel said emphatically, shaking his head. ¡°When you ask for a loan, you talk to some girl. She could be the Banker, but she might not be. She at least handles all the transactions. And like I said, Clare couldn¡¯t do anything about it even if I told her about the Banker, since I don¡¯t even know who it is. I wanna know, though. They ripped me off.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead in frustration. ¡°Probably why they don¡¯t want people to know who they are. Do you know what grade they¡¯re in, at least?¡±

    Daniel shook his head again.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said with another sigh. She gestured towards the stairs. ¡°You can go play Fortnite or whatever.¡±

    He rushed towards the stairs, still holding the carton of juice, and thundered up them two at a time. At least Lila got some information. It seemed like the Banker was at least real, and ripping kids off. It also seemed like they might be a girl, or at least they had a girl conducting the transactions. Hopefully, Lila¡¯d be able to gather some more intel at tuckshop tomorrow with Asher¡­

 Chapter Fifty-Two

    Chapter Fifty-Two

    ¡°Gabriel was offended for, like, half a second,¡± Asher muttered once Lila took her usual spot next to him in English the next morning. ¡°Then he said it was high time you shouted me some food. I think he was joking though. I definitely heard crying in the butler¡¯s pantry as I headed out this morning.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Lila whispered back, feeling incredibly guilty. Asher laughed.

    ¡°He¡¯ll get over it. I think. I hope,¡± Asher added the last part in a low murmur.

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but imagine Gabriel¡¯s sad little face swimming before her mind¡¯s eye. Ms Shard called the roll and the imagery disappeared as Lila instead gave Ms Shard her full attention. Once everyone was accounted for, Ms Shard started the class off with some FAQs the English faculty had received about the assignment. Asher seemed entirely devoted to the assessment once Ms Shard allowed them free time to work on it, so Lila didn¡¯t bother him about anything else.

    Biology was up next, and similarly to English, Mr Johnson was allowing them some free time to work on their persuasive essays regarding reproductive health issues. This time, though, instead of finding concentrated silence from her seatmate, Cecelia was goofing off as usual.

    ¡°Cee,¡± Lucas sighed after the fourth joke she¡¯d cracked. ¡°Please take this somewhat seriously.¡±

    ¡°Oh, it¡¯s so serious,¡± Cecelia insisted, wiping a tear from her eye.

    ¡°I mean the assignment.¡±

    ¡°Aw,¡± Cecelia pouted. ¡°Why?¡±

    Lucas shot her a look. ¡°I¡¯m hoping you do well this term.¡±

    Cecelia sat up straighter. ¡°You are?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lucas replied. ¡°If you don¡¯t, then I guess I¡¯m not a good influence on you.¡±

    Cecelia fell silent before dragging her laptop towards herself. ¡°You are, though,¡± she said after a few seconds, her face ruby-red. Lila wanted to hurl, respectfully. Though, there was something incredibly sweet in the tender looks Cecelia and Lucas exchanged every so often, their bodies clearly angled so their knees or legs were touching each other under the table.

    ¡°You guys are vomit-inducingly cute,¡± Lila said with a chuckle. At least their happiness rubbed off on Lila, which made being in their presence bearable.

    ¡°Agreed, Lila,¡± Mr Johnson¡¯s voice called from behind her shoulder. Everyone at their table went rigid and Lila turned to face him. He looked less than impressed.

    ¡°Please get to work, you three. Otherwise, I¡¯ll separate all of you,¡± Mr Johnson said sternly, before walking away to another table. Lucas gave Cecelia a despairing look and she seemed to get the memo as she immediately began typing away on her laptop.

    After about 20 minutes of silent work, Lila could hear the noise levels of the classroom rise again. Mr Johnson seemed to be too engrossed in his own work to notice, so Lila decided to take a chance.

    ¡°Guys,¡± she whispered, leaning over her laptop screen. Lucas and Cecelia immediately leaned in, ear first. ¡°Have you heard about ¡®the Banker¡¯?¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas exchanged a look.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Cecelia whispered back. ¡°No one knows who it is, but my younger sister borrowed money from them. Said it was pretty shady. She got so spooked that she paid the money off much quicker than the terms requested and hasn¡¯t asked for money since.¡±

    ¡°What grade is she in?¡± Lila enquired, opening a blank Word doc on her computer.

    ¡°Nine,¡± Cecelia replied. Lila noted this down with pursed lips.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡± Cecelia asked, her eyes shimmering with excitement.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Lila lied. ¡°Just heard the name floating around.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lucas nodded sagely. ¡°Y¡¯know, I heard something else that the Banker does.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Cecelia said, looking at her boyfriend with keen interest. ¡°What else?¡±

    ¡°Well, they get Uber Eats and delivery services for people,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°My cousin in Grade 12 gets Uber Eats, like, every day ¡®cause of the Banker.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t people just get their own Uber Eats?¡± Lila asked, frowning.

    ¡°The Banker lets people run up a tab,¡± Lucas said with a shrug. ¡°Plus, a lot of people at school only have cash since that¡¯s how they can top up their tuckshop cards, which Uber Eats doesn¡¯t take. And it¡¯s generally frowned upon to get delivery at school. I think it¡¯s so students don¡¯t loiter around the carpark during lunch. Dangerous and all that if they get hit by a car.¡±

    ¡°Yo,¡± Cecelia said in a low voice, leaning in even further than she was before. ¡°I actually saw Ms Woodward picking up an Uber Eats bag at the carpark the other day. Do you reckon the teachers are in on it, too?¡±

    ¡°Surely not,¡± Lila said incredulously. ¡°Ms Woodward probably got it on her own.¡±

    ¡°It was a pretty big bag,¡± Cecelia replied doubtfully.

    ¡°Maybe all the teachers pitched in, or something. Why were you in the carpark, anyway?¡± Lila asked curiously.

    ¡°I had an orthodontist appointment,¡± Cecelia replied sadly. ¡°I was waiting for my Dad to take me. I¡¯m getting fitted for braces next month.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll still look cute with braces,¡± Lucas said quickly. Lila looked down at her laptop as Cecelia spluttered, her face red. Cecelia and Lucas seemed a centimetre away from kissing before Mr Johnson appeared at their table again.

    ¡°Can I have a look at your progress?¡± he asked Lila. It was definitely more of a demand than a request by the way Mr Johnson looked expectantly at Lila. Lila obliged and he nodded to himself as he scrolled through her assignment. Lucas and Cecelia, both blushing furiously, showed Mr Johnson their laptops as well and he seemed satisfied enough.

    ¡°Alright, carry on with your work. No kissing in my classroom, Greenwood and Walters,¡± he said gruffly before walking off. Lila let out a heavy exhale.

    ¡°He never calls anyone by their last names,¡± Lila said in a hushed voice once he was out of earshot. ¡°You guys need to be careful.¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas exchanged another look before Lucas turned an even redder shade and Cecelia burst into a fit of giggles. Lila sighed, opening her investigation notes again surreptitiously on her laptop. Was there anything else that she needed to know from Cecelia and Lucas?

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Cecelia said after her giggles subsided. ¡°How¡¯s you and Asher? I¡¯ve heard that people are seeing you guys going into empty meeting rooms in the library, like, every day.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to blush now.

    ¡°W-We¡¯re just having lunch together,¡± Lila said, looking down at her laptop screen. ¡°Nothing else.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Cecelia said, waggling her eyebrows teasingly. Lila glared at her, and she stopped.

    ¡°Nothing will happen between Asher and I,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°He¡­ doesn¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°That didn¡¯t sound like you don¡¯t want to,¡± Cecelia said quietly. Lucas seemed confused as he looked back and forth between Lila and Cecelia.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine being friends,¡± Lila said, her throat suddenly dry. She leaned over and picked up her water bottle before taking a long drink.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± Cecelia finally said with a shrug.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, avoiding Cecelia¡¯s piercing blue-grey eyes. Mr Johnson loomed menacingly over Lucas¡¯ shoulder for a moment and the trio hurriedly resumed their work for the rest of the lesson.

    <hr>

    Asher was already waiting next to Lila¡¯s locker as she approached at the beginning of lunch. His hands were empty. It seemed like he didn¡¯t know what to do with them as he kept putting them in and taking them out of his pockets.

    ¡°You look real shifty,¡± Lila laughed as she opened her locker and put her materials inside.

    ¡°Practicing for when I join a gang,¡± Asher joked. They headed off towards the tuckshop, updating each other on what they did after English today. Once they got in line for the tuckshop, however, Lila urged Asher to just listen.

    ¡°For what?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Rumours,¡± Lila replied dramatically. ¡°This is where I¡¯ve been hearing stuff all year. I¡¯ve got more to tell you, but it¡¯ll have to wait until we sit down.¡±

    ¡°Righto,¡± Asher sighed, sticking his hands in his pockets. He looked down at the ground and Lila looked off to the side. Looking at Asher would have been far too distracting for Lila to hear anything of importance. The line slowly crawlled forward, but nothing seemed to be catching her interest. More gossip about who was dating who, and students complaining about schoolwork until ¨C

    ¡°This line blows, man.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°Should we just hit up the Banker?¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°Food, dude. We can get Uber Eats. Plus, we don¡¯t have to pay up straight away.¡±

    ¡°What can you get?¡±

    ¡°All sorts. Sushi, Maccas, Subway. Anything you can imagine.¡±

    ¡°Fuck it, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila turned whilst placing her hands on her hips, as if she was trying to stretch her back. She saw two older boys that she didn¡¯t recognise leave the line, grumbling to themselves.

    ¡°Should we follow them?¡± Asher whispered, bending down to reach Lila¡¯s ear. His breath tickled the side of her neck and she instantly brought her shoulders up to hide it.

    ¡°:N-No,¡± she whispered back, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°We need more than that.¡±

    ¡°That seemed really interesting,¡± Asher said insistently, crossing his own arms.

    ¡°Yeah, but like I said, I have some info that I got this morning. Let¡¯s just stay here. Plus, I¡¯m hungry,¡± Lila shot back. Asher sighed and relaxed his stature. Lila listened out for more snippets of gossip as they moved through the line.

    ¡°¡­ exchange students¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ next week, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ homestay¡­ my place¡­¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Cool!¡±

    ¡°Cecelia and Lucas¡­ dating?¡±

    ¡°Bro¡­ old news¡­¡±

    ¡°Aw¡­¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­ Holly?¡±

    Lila heard Asher take a harsh breath but kept listening for other news.

    ¡°¡­ broke up, I think¡­¡±

    ¡°Where¡­ hear that?¡±

    ¡°Maccas¡­ she was crying¡­¡±

    ¡°I forgot¡­ work at¡­¡±

    ¡°Same sometimes¡­¡±

    ¡°Ugh¡­ so poor¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Banker?¡±

    ¡°Oh yeah! Should visit¡­ what classroom?¡±

    ¡°Changes¡­ maybe¡­ science?¡±

    ¡°¡­ so far!¡±

    ¡°Teachers would shut it down¡­¡±

    ¡°True¡­ Banker¡¯s a hero¡­¡±

    A hero? Lila exchanged a glance with Asher and he nodded, confirming that he¡¯d heard the same thing. They were finally admitted into the tuckshop by a stern-looking teacher who was eating a few fries from a Maccas packet. Lila nudged Asher and jerked her head towards the direction of the teacher as they entered through the automatic doors.

    ¡°Weird,¡± he noted, glancing at Lila. ¡°Can¡¯t get that on campus.¡±

    He then stopped in his tracks as he took in the large tuckshop with curious eyes.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± he said after a few seconds. ¡°This place is dope.¡±

    ¡°Have you never been in here?¡± Lila asked with a laugh, crossing the room towards the fridges. Asher followed her, his jaw agape.

    ¡°Nuh,¡± he said finally, opening the fridge next to the one Lila was standing at. ¡°At least, not since they built this one. I remember going to the dingy shed version once a week as a treat.¡±

    ¡°A treat?¡± Lila laughed again. ¡°Compared to Gabriel¡¯s cooking, I¡¯m sure it was a massive downgrade.¡±

    ¡°Try as he might, he still hasn¡¯t found a way to perfectly preserve an icy pole in my lunchbox,¡± Asher replied dryly. Lila picked up a bottle of chocolate milk and Asher picked out a soft drink. As they perused the rest of the tuckshop, more rumours floated towards Lila¡¯s ears.

    ¡°I think¡­ saw¡­ Ms¡­¡±

    ¡°Wesley¡­ kinda hot¡­¡±

    ¡°EW!¡±

    ¡°¡­ expelled for sure¡­¡±

    ¡°Kinda sad¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ bodyguard duty¡­ miss him.¡±

    ¡°Just be one¡­¡±

    ¡°Grade 12s only¡­ plus¡­ girl.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    ¡°¡­ guy or girl?¡±

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°The Banker, dummy.¡±

    ¡°¡­ surely secretary¡­ is¡­ Banker?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s¡­ super cute.¡±

    ¡°How much do you owe?¡±

    ¡°¡­ hundred bucks¡­¡±

    ¡°Bro, that¡¯s a lot¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine¡­ interest free for now¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ classroom?¡±

    ¡°Language Block¡­ I think¡­¡±

    ¡°No, no, STEM¡­¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Tuckshop sucks¡­ Uber Eats¡­¡±

    ¡°Careful¡­ teachers¡­ catch you¡­¡±

    ¡°Ha! Catch me? They do it too¡­¡±

    ¡°Cash¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ both. Cash and card¡­¡±

    ¡°Dude¡­ the Banker is insane¡­¡±

    ¡°Who even are they?¡±

    The conversations then devolved into complaining about upcoming assessments. Lila felt as though she¡¯d heard enough and cast a look at Asher who gave her a thumbs up. Asher then spotted the freezer and gleefully picked up a rainbow paddle pop. Lila half-expected him to hold it above his head, but he seemed to have restrained himself. Lila picked up a cup of chocolate ice cream and they moved along to the hot food. Asher blinked as he took in all the choices.

    ¡°How do you ever make it out of here alive?¡± he asked Lila in a low voice as they waited in line. ¡°There¡¯s just so much to choose from.¡±

    ¡°Just pick whatever jumps out at you,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°This how I live the plebian lifestyle here.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d consider this ¡®plebian¡¯,¡± Asher said, frowning. Lila asked for a serving of spaghetti bolognese along with a side of steamed veggies from the tuckshop lady. Asher clearly panic-requested a serving of fried rice and some sweet-chilli chicken tenders, seeming forlorn as they moved along to the cashier.

    ¡°¡­ Do you want my food?¡± Lila asked as they waited in yet another line.

    ¡°Nah,¡± he said, poking at the chicken tenders. ¡°I¡¯ll break this up into the fried rice.¡±

    Lila nodded and, once it was her turn to pay, snatched Asher¡¯s food so quickly that he barely had time to react.

    ¡°All together, please,¡± she said to the kindly middle-aged cashier. She smiled and scanned the items and Lila paid for it with her student ID.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher said, his tone disappointed, once they exited. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to pay for me.¡±

    ¡°Well, I figured I didn¡¯t want you to lie to Gabriel,¡± Lila said loftily. ¡°He said it was high time that I shouted food for you, so I decided to do just that.¡±

    ¡°When you said you¡¯d ¡®treat me¡¯, I thought you were just going to get me, like, an ice cream,¡± Asher replied as they began to make their way to the library. Lila shot him a look.

    ¡°Did you even have money to begin with?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course I did,¡± Asher replied hotly.

    ¡°On your student ID?¡±

    Asher immediately snapped his mouth shut.

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought,¡± Lila chuckled, opening the library door for Asher to go through. They found an empty meeting room again and dived right into their food. Asher seemed especially keen as he tore up one of his chicken tenders and tossed it into the fried rice, mixing it together with the bamboo disposable fork that he¡¯d received from the cashier. He kept glancing at his paddle pop, as if worried it would disappear.

    ¡°You know, we can eat the ice creams first,¡± Lila suggested. Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers and he then immediately tore into the paddle pop. She chuckled again and opened her own ice cream cup. Asher offered Lila a bit of his second chicken tender, which she graciously declined.

    ¡°Never had these before,¡± he said as he began tearing the other up into pieces and dropping it into his fried rice. ¡°They look weird.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re pretty good,¡± Lila said, mixing up her spaghetti. She eyed Asher as he bit into a piece of his chicken tenders and couldn¡¯t help but smile at the curious look on his face.

    ¡°This is¡­ interesting,¡± he said, taking another bite. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether I¡¯d call it ¡®good¡¯, but it¡¯s not bad.¡±

    ¡°I just think you¡¯ve been spoilt by Gabriel¡¯s cooking,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Asher shrugged. They continued to eat in silence for a while. Eventually, Lila looked up at Asher as he was drinking his soft drink. His eyes met hers and he spilt a little of his drink.

    ¡°W-What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

    ¡°I was just thinking about this whole Banker thing,¡± she said with a sigh. ¡°I feel like we got some good information, but I also don¡¯t know where to go from here.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± he said, capping his drink. ¡°Let¡¯s go over it, then.¡±

    ¡°Well, I talked to Daniel yesterday about it. He doesn¡¯t know who the Banker is, but he¡¯s borrowed money from them. He said that a girl does all the transactions, but she might not be the Banker. Said she was an ass and ripped him off. Isaac told you that he¡¯d been tipped off about the Banker¡¯s existence by one of the soccer boys¡¯ younger brother. Cecelia¡¯s younger sister borrowed money from the Banker, and she¡¯s in Grade 9. And¡­ the other day, when I got a drink of water, there were some younger guys talking about the Banker. There¡¯s just something about the fact that it¡¯s always ¡®younger¡¯ students having interactions with the Banker that makes me wonder if they¡¯re themselves in a younger grade.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Asher murmured, placing a finger on his chin. ¡°What about the bodyguards from Grade 12? How could a younger student convince some Grade 12s to act as bodyguards?¡±

    ¡°If the Banker is giving out loans for 3k, I reckon they have a substantial enough cash flow to legit ¡®employ¡¯ them,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°Though, the Banker could be in Grade 12 and they¡¯re just getting their friends to help them.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s weird, though,¡± Asher said, leaning back in his chair, frowning at the table between them. ¡°You said you started hearing things about the Banker last term, right? If it was coming from Grade 12s, surely more people in our grade would be using the Banker. We would¡¯ve heard about it from more firsthand accounts by now, rather than through younger siblings?¡±

    ¡°Maybe the reason why it¡¯s always younger students is because younger students can¡¯t work? I mean, Elise works at Maccas and probably wouldn¡¯t be interested in a loan. Maybe the younger grades are just the right target audience.¡±

    ¡°You can start working from Grade 9 if you¡¯re that keen and old enough, but you¡¯re right. Maybe the younger students just need money because they don¡¯t have other means.¡±

    ¡°Does Isaac work?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°No. So it¡¯s kinda stupid that he got a loan to begin with and I told him as much. Probably why he¡¯s in so much debt, he couldn¡¯t figure out how to pay the Banker back.¡±

    ¡°Or he just thought he¡¯d do well on some of his bets,¡± Lila reasoned. Asher let out another sigh. Then, he looked up at Lila, as though something new had just occurred to him.

    ¡°What do you reckon that thing about hitting up the Banker for food was?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°I completely forgot I didn¡¯t tell you,¡± Lila said immediately with a sheepish grin. ¡°According to Lucas, the Banker also lets people order Uber Eats under a tab and they take cash. His cousin in Grade 12 uses it all the time. Cecelia also seemed to think that maybe the teachers are in on the Uber Eats thing, too.¡±

    ¡°Seems like some of the rumours going around agree with her,¡± Asher nodded. He folded his arms again as he seemed to contemplate the information that they currently had.

    ¡°Well, I think we¡¯ve got enough to make a couple solid theories,¡± Lila said slowly. ¡°Then we just need to work towards solving both. Since only one can be confirmed, it¡¯ll become clear as we investigate.¡±

    Asher looked up at her as she pulled out her Notes app.

    ¡°Do you have a theory?¡± she asked. He shook his head before pausing.

    ¡°Actually, I might,¡± he said. ¡°I think we could follow the idea that the Banker is someone in Grade 12. They probably started by buying their mates Uber Eats, maybe ¡®cause they have a job that pays into their bank account. Then, they diversified ¨C probably by making them pay back with interest or something ¨C and went into the lower grades since they can¡¯t get jobs to get money, or at least the jobs that they can get pay terribly.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said, writing down the key points of Asher¡¯s theory. ¡°My theory is similar, but a bit different. I think it has to be someone in Grade 12 as well since to start this off you need money, right? I also think we would¡¯ve heard who it was by now if they were in our grade. I actually think they started this by loaning money first.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher said, clearly surprised. ¡°How¡¯d you figure that?¡±

    ¡°Couple of reasons. The name ¨C ¡®the Banker¡¯. If they started with Uber Eats, surely their moniker would be something food-related.¡±

    ¡°Moniker?¡± Asher asked, grinning.

    ¡°Sorry, nickname,¡± Lila clarified. ¡°I can sometimes get into a habit of speaking differently.¡±

    ¡°I know what ¡®moniker¡¯ means,¡± Asher said, his grin even wider now. ¡°Just didn¡¯t expect you to. It¡¯s¡­ kinda cute.¡±

    Lila flushed, avoiding his eyes. ¡°A-Anyway,¡± she said, attempting to move on so she could get back to her theory. ¡°Uh¡­ what was I saying¡­ right, ¡®the Banker¡¯.¡±

    It didn¡¯t work. She¡¯d lost her train of thought.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to interrupt you,¡± Asher said apologetically. ¡°You were saying there were a couple reasons why you thought the Banker got their start by loaning out money first.¡±

    ¡°R-Right. There¡¯s the moniker,¡± Lila glanced at Asher, who seemed to be listening intently. ¡°And there¡¯s the fact that I only heard about the Uber Eats stuff really recently. I¡¯d been hearing about the Banker loaning out money to students early last term. They¡¯re also pretty smart, by targeting the younger grades for loans and the older ones for food, so I¡¯d lean towards someone with a business mind. Maybe it¡¯s someone from Grade 12 who¡¯s finishing the Diploma in Business. Plus, I doubt running Uber Eats for Grade 12s and even teachers would give you the ability to lend out enough that Isaac would be 3k in debt on its own.¡±

    ¡°Those are all pretty good reasons,¡± Asher stated, nodding. ¡°Makes me feel like we shouldn¡¯t look into my theory at all.¡±

    ¡°No, no, we should. There¡¯s no reason why we should narrow our focus now,¡± Lila said as she typed down her points. ¡°Besides, it looks like we both agree that the Banker is among the Grade 12 students.¡±

    ¡°You really do talk differently sometimes,¡± Asher laughed. Lila flushed again, but tried to ignore the comment as she continued typing.

    ¡°Should we try and get Uber Eats tomorrow?¡± Lila asked after finishing up her notes.

    ¡°I think Gabriel would have a heart attack if we don¡¯t take his food two days in a row,¡± Asher said, his tone seeming somewhat serious.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s just try and find out how to get Uber Eats tomorrow and then order on Friday. Maybe we¡¯ll catch a glimpse of the Banker that way,¡± Lila said, typing out the plans on her phone again.

    ¡°Please forgive me, Gabriel,¡± Asher shivered. He gave Lila a thumbs up, and she smirked before putting her phone away.

    ¡°You¡¯re a brave soul, Asher.¡±

    <hr>

    The last class of the day was Study, and true to Asher¡¯s previous disposition, he remained entirely devoted to assessment. Lila briefly wondered whether this was part of his escapism, given everything that¡¯s happened, though figured it was actually more so just part of Asher¡¯s ¡®intrinsic motivation¡¯.

    She turned her mind to study and was relatively successful until the arrival of Mr Morrison. He looked grim as he knocked on the table between Asher and Lila, causing both to jump. They both removed their earphones and looked at Mr Morrison inquisitively.

    ¡°Hello, sir,¡± Asher said. ¡°Are you here to talk about Physics? I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d have the answers to the questions I asked so quickly.¡±

    Mr Morrison laughed. ¡°No, no. I see you¡¯re currently working on it now, though.¡±

    Asher immediately closed his laptop. ¡°My draft is coming along, sir.¡±

    Mr Morrison laughed again, though it seemed forced. He reached into his blazer¡¯s breast pocket and pulled out two thin, white envelopes ¨C one marked for Asher and one for Lila.

    ¡°Mr Lockwood asked me to provide you with these. Please give them to your parents. I understand that it¡¯s for a meeting on Monday afternoon. Only one parent is required.¡±

    ¡°Can I open it?¡± Asher asked, taking the one Mr Morrison offered him. Mr Morrison handed Lila the other one and she placed it on the desk in front of her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s written in them, but it has your name on it,¡± Mr Morrison said simply. ¡°All I was asked was to provide these to you and ensure you both knew that your meeting with Mr Lockwood is on Monday. I believe the times are written in the letters. I¡¯ll see you in class tomorrow morning, Asher. Have a great afternoon, you two.¡±

    Asher and Lila bid Mr Morrison ¡®goodbye¡¯ and watched him leave. As Lila looked at the envelope on the desk, her heart began pounding. She hadn¡¯t spoken to her parents at all about Piper, or anything that had been going on at school, and now she had to call one, or both, to a meeting with the Headmaster about it¡­

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Asher said quietly. Lila glanced at him.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t said anything to them,¡± she said.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll understand,¡± he replied with a sigh, pocketing his letter in his own blazer pocket. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯re in trouble.¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Lila sighed. Perhaps she could enlist the help of Clare in explaining the situation to her parents. Not that Clare had the full picture, anyway. But¡­ at least Clare didn¡¯t dislike Asher now. Surely if her parents found out what being around Asher had led to thus far, they wouldn¡¯t be so amenable to her hanging out with him all the time. And she needed to get into that cottage. She needed to figure out where Asher¡¯s Mum went. These were non-negotiable, now that she was this far into it.

    ¡®At least it wasn¡¯t as bad as what happened to Asher,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she held the envelope with trembling hands. She felt stupid now, though. She had forgotten to think of a game plan in the four weeks it had been since Piper was expelled, with everything else that happened. Piper seemed like such a distant memory now¡­

    ¡°Have you told your Dad?¡± Lila asked softly. Asher¡¯s eyes flitted towards her before looking back down at his laptop.

    ¡°Yes,¡± he said simply. ¡°Just enough to get the picture. He was furious, but since she¡¯s been expelled, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s anything more he can do.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila nodded. Hopefully, her parents would be fine with it too, once she explained that Piper was expelled.

    ¡°You can tell your family about my part in it,¡± Asher said, rapidly typing on his laptop. ¡°That she was fixated on me, at least. You just got caught in the crossfire.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they¡¯d react, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s been expelled. Getting angry about it won¡¯t do anything.¡±

    ¡°Tell that to my Asian Mum.¡±

    ¡°Fair. Good luck, then.¡±

 Chapter Fifty-Three

    Chapter Fifty-Three

    Lila decided that her best bet was to talk to her Dad privately. Whilst her Mum¡¯s English was fine, Lila wasn¡¯t quite confident that she could get all her points across without her Mum running away with a misunderstanding.

    After dinner, she asked whether she could talk to her Dad in the home office. Lila¡¯s Mum glanced at them, but seemed generally uninterested, given the kissing scene playing out before her eyes on the TV in the latest Filipino drama.

    ¡°Sounds excellent,¡± her Dad replied, heaving himself to his feet immediately as Lila¡¯s Mum squealed and pointed at the screen. Clare joined in the squealing, and it seemed like her Dad couldn¡¯t escape fast enough.

    Lila¡¯s Dad led her to the office, which was far more modest than Asher¡¯s parents¡¯ study. It was the first room near the front door, overlooking the copious amounts of banana trees Lila¡¯s Mum was currently cultivating in the front yard. In this office, there were two desks, like Asher¡¯s parents¡¯, but Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s desk was buried under an avalanche of obscure paperwork. The side that belonged to Lila¡¯s Mum was much tidier, with several accounting books and an abacus sitting before a desktop computer from roughly a decade ago.

    Lila¡¯s Dad closed the door behind them and gestured for her to sit at her Mum¡¯s desk.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked gently as he took his own seat.

    ¡°I¡­ um¡­ it¡¯s hard to explain,¡± Lila said quietly. Every time she tried to think of how to explain it to her Dad since receiving the letter from Mr Morrison, no words came to her. She was truly flying by the seat of her pants with this one.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied before waiting patiently for Lila to continue. She took a deep breath and pulled the letter out of her school blazer.

    ¡°I¡¯d been wondering why you were still wearing that thing,¡± her Dad laughed as he took the envelope. His eyebrow twitched as he saw the school insignia on the front, but opened it without comment. He was silent as he read the contents, though his face seemed to grow angrier with each passing line. He looked up once he finished, before pulling out his phone.

    ¡°Monday, 4pm. I can do that,¡± he muttered to himself as he tapped on his phone a couple times.

    ¡°W-What did the letter say?¡± Lila asked, nervously twiddling her thumbs. She couldn¡¯t look at her Dad properly.

    ¡°That a student had been bullying you severely,¡± he replied simply, folding the letter back up and handing it to Lila. ¡°You can read it if you want.¡±

    ¡°M-Maybe later,¡± Lila stammered, gingerly putting it back in her blazer as though it were an explosive.

    ¡°I won¡¯t tell your mother,¡± he said with a heavy sigh. ¡°But I¡¯d like to know from your perspective before I meet with your Headmaster. Otherwise, I might do something unsavoury.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied, taking a long, deep breath before continuing. ¡°There was a girl at school who had a crush on Asher-¡±

    ¡°Asher¡¯s the boy you¡¯ve been seeing, correct?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not seeing him in, like, a dating way,¡± Lila explained quickly, looking up at her Dad. He didn¡¯t seem to be taking the piss, so she clarified. ¡°But, yeah, he¡¯s the guy I¡¯ve been hanging out with recently. He¡­ had a girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°I remember that part,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad nodded.

    ¡°But, well, it turned out that the girl who liked Asher, um, her name¡¯s Piper¡­ she¡¯d been stalking him. Like, proper stalking him. Like, hanging outside his house and taking photos and taking things of his. So when I started hanging out with him more, I guess I got targeted. Piper tried to get Asher¡¯s girlfriend to break up with him because of rumours Piper was spreading about me. Things like I was trying to get with Asher. Which I wasn¡¯t. Anyway, um, she¡¯s expelled now. But the Headmaster said he needs to talk to our parents about it all.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad nodded again, pressing the tips of his fingers together before his lips.

    ¡°The letter mentioned a photo,¡± he said.

    Lila¡¯s stomach dropped. She¡¯d hoped they¡¯d be able to skip that part. Sighing, she pulled out her phone and opened the picture she¡¯d taken of the photo that Piper had put inside her locker.

    ¡°Piper had put this inside my locker as a kind of warning, I guess, before printing hundreds and putting them all over the boys¡¯ bathrooms to bully me,¡± Lila whispered as she handed the phone to her Dad. He scrambled around his desk for some reading glasses before putting them on and peering at her phone. He glanced up at Lila and turned off her phone¡¯s screen.

    ¡°That¡¯s not bullying, Lila,¡± he said, his voice wavering with anger. In fact, he seemed to be expanding with anger like a balloon, his face turning redder by the second. ¡°That¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    ¡°D-Daniel helped take down the photos,¡± Lila added swiftly. ¡°He¡­ helped a lot, actually.¡±

    ¡°Daniel saw this?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad questioned, his face turning white now. He began trembling with apparent rage. ¡°With your phone number, calling you that?¡±

    Lila could only nod and she looked down at her lap.

    ¡°A-At least Piper¡¯s been expelled,¡± Lila said faintly. ¡°So it can¡¯t happen again.¡±

    Her Dad suddenly stood up, his whole body turned away from Lila.

    ¡°Did anything happen to you?¡± he asked quietly.

    ¡°Not really-¡±

    ¡°Either something did or didn¡¯t happen. ¡®Not really¡¯ isn¡¯t an answer, Lila.¡±

    ¡°¡­ A lot of boys texted and called me basically non-stop. Then Asher yelled at Piper in front of our grade and she got suspended. And Daniel took down all the copies of the photos that were up in the bathrooms still, and the calls and texts eventually stopped.¡±

    ¡°No one physically did anything to you?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ someone tried, but I kneed him. And then he¡­ got dealt with by the soccer boys. Um, Asher¡¯s the goalie for soccer.¡±

    ¡°It sounds like Asher¡¯s done a lot, despite the fact he was the target,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said slowly. He turned around and Lila felt as though he¡¯d aged ten years. His eyes still flashed with anger, but it seemed much more measured now.

    ¡°Has the stalking stopped?¡± he queried, looking at Lila intently. Lila didn¡¯t know what to say.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t actually know,¡± she said, staring down at her shoes. ¡°I¡­ the reason she got expelled was ¡®cause they did a second check of her locker and she¡¯d been stalking Asher still, collecting trinkets and taking photos. I was in one of them, at least, and I hadn¡¯t noticed at the time it was taken.¡±

    Her Dad rubbed his face and sighed deeply. She wasn¡¯t sure what kind of reaction that was.

    ¡°You¡¯re not in trouble,¡± he eventually said calmly. ¡°And I respect Asher for trying to help you. He seems like a good kid. I¡¯m more interested to hear what excuses your school has to offer. I¡¯m of half a mind to pull you out.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Lila said defensively, standing up. ¡°She¡¯s been expelled, and I¡¯ve got all my friends there, and I¡¯ve been there basically all my life.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad looked at her for a few moments before nodding.

    ¡°I¡¯ll hear what the school has to say first. They want you in attendance, too.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad stepped forward and pulled her into a bear hug.

    ¡°It sounds like it¡¯s been rough,¡± he said into her ear before letting her go. ¡°You should¡¯ve told me or your Mum. We would¡¯ve gone straight to the Headmaster when it first started happening.¡±

    ¡°I needed to find out who it was first. Then, when I did, everything just happened so fast.¡±

    He pursed his lips before caressing the top of her head, like he did whenever she cried as a little kid. The comfort she felt passing through his fingertips almost made her cry now, but she held it together.

    ¡°Alright. Like I said, I won¡¯t tell your mother. At least, not until I speak to your Headmaster about this.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡± Lila said, relieved. ¡°Love you.¡±

    ¡°Love you too, Lila.¡±

    <hr>

    Asher was leaning against Lila¡¯s locker at the start of lunch the next day, sporting two lunchboxes and a grin.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he said, handing her one. She returned his smile as she put her things away into her locker.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she replied.

    ¡°How¡¯d your talk with your parents go?¡±

    ¡°I just told my Dad,¡± Lila said, wrapping a scarf around her neck. ¡°He¡­ was pretty angry. But he wants to hear the Headmaster out, at least.¡± Now that winter was settling in and here to stay, she needed the extra layer of the scarf to avoid freezing solid.

    ¡°Sounds like my Dad¡¯s reaction,¡± Asher replied with a sigh. They began to walk towards the library as usual, though Asher seemed just fine with a jumper underneath his blazer in comparison to Lila¡¯s half-crouch to stop the wind whistling through her uniform.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem too cold,¡± Lila commented. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°I don¡¯t get too bothered by the cold. I run a little hot,¡± he replied casually.

    ¡°I guess it helps when you¡¯ve got the option of long pants,¡± Lila said, pointing at his school-issued slacks.

    ¡°What, your stockings aren¡¯t enough?¡± Asher replied, his tone teasing.

    ¡°Definitely not. I¡¯m this close to breaking out my gloves,¡± Lila said, pinching her index finger and thumb together.

    ¡°If you¡¯re getting this cold already, you¡¯ll probably freeze into a popsicle next month.¡±

    ¡°If I do, I guess I won¡¯t have to do exams.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can take them for you.¡±

    ¡°Please do!¡±

    They shared a chuckle and Asher opened the door to the library for Lila. Finding an empty meeting room was much more of a mission than usual, though at least it was warm in here.

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ¡°Maybe we should start booking one,¡± Lila suggested as she sat down in the only meeting room they could find.

    ¡°We¡¯ll probably have to,¡± Asher lamented. ¡°Though¡­ I did say we¡¯d only be having lunch until the end of this week.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned red, and she brought her scarf slightly higher in an effort to hide it. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I wouldn¡¯t mind having lunch with you past this week,¡± Asher said quickly, unzipping his lunchbox. It looked like they were having chicken wraps, with one being teriyaki-based, and the other being a Caesar salad-style wrap. Also included were small cupcakes and a bunch of grapes.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Isaac would mind,¡± Lila replied with a smile.

    ¡°I mean, we¡¯ll need to until we find out who the Banker is,¡± Asher said pointedly. ¡°It¡¯s not like we could really investigate with Isaac around, especially since it involves him. It would just be messy.¡±

    ¡°I guess so. By the way, aren¡¯t we supposed to be looking at classrooms today?¡±

    ¡°I completely forgot. I can¡¯t believe I got distracted,¡± Asher cried, standing up and shoving his Tupperware container back inside his lunchbox. ¡°That¡¯s why I asked Gabriel to make something more handheld.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°I forgot too,¡± she said, zipping up her lunchbox. ¡°Let¡¯s go. From yesterday, it seemed like maybe they¡¯re based in a science classroom at the moment.¡±

    They quickly shuffled out of the library and made their way to the STEM area of campus. There weren¡¯t many students out in the open, unlike during the warmer months. The cluster of science labs was mostly empty, but one in particular seemed to be bustling with activity. Lila glanced at Asher as they silently approached.

    ¡°Thanks!¡± they heard a student call out as they exited the lab at the far end. He held tightly onto an Uber Eats bag and walked up the stairs and out of sight behind the lab.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve found it,¡± Asher nodded.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, suddenly feeling nervous. How was this all supposed to work, anyway?

    Asher began confidently striding forwards before Lila grabbed his wrist and pulled him back.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked as he stumbled into Lila. He was right. He did run hot. Lila blushed as she started to speak.

    ¡°What¡¯s the game plan?¡± she asked, her voice slightly higher-pitched than normal.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Just walk in there and find out, I guess.¡±

    Lila gaped at Asher. He normally liked plans.

    ¡°I have next to no information to plan with,¡± Asher said, as though reading her mind. He raised an eyebrow at her. ¡°It¡¯s simple debating rules.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Well, this year we only get an hour beforehand to plan out the points we need to debate,¡± he said. ¡°An hour to plan out a five-minute speech, mind you.¡±

    ¡°That sounds insane,¡± Lila said incredulously. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°Next year, it¡¯s still an hour for an eight-minute speech.¡±

    ¡°Jesus.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, the best asset to have in a situation like this is confidence,¡± he said with a grin. Lila noticed his trembling hands despite his grin. ¡°Just follow my lead.¡±

    ¡°If you say so,¡± Lila replied dubiously.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Asher said breezily. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila tentatively followed Asher as he headed into the lab, the door shutting behind them with a rusted clang. It was much warmer in here, but Lila kept her scarf up around her face. She didn¡¯t know how long they¡¯d be here for, after all. There were two beefy Grade 12 students standing beside the teacher¡¯s desk. Lila didn¡¯t know their names but recognised them as athletes ¨C one for rugby, the other for soccer. An attractive, slender Grade 12 girl sat behind the desk, her shiny brunette hair cut into a sleek bob. She had round glasses perched on her lightly freckled nose. Intelligent-looking hazel eyes darted between Lila and Asher as her face split into a perfect smile.

    ¡°Newbies,¡± she said in greeting, gesturing at them to come forward. Lila glanced around the room and saw several other students sitting around the lab tables. Lila didn¡¯t recognise any of them at first glance, but they all definitely seemed older.

    ¡°I¡¯m Olivia,¡± the girl behind the desk said. She clicked the top of a bright yellow pen and brought it down to a notebook in front of her on the desk. ¡°But you can call me Livi.¡±

    Asher glanced at the two ¡®bodyguards¡¯, and Livi quickly introduced them.

    ¡°That¡¯s Jake,¡± she said, pointing to the one on her right. His black hair was cut into a buzzcut, and he grunted in acknowledgement, seemingly entirely bored of the interaction.

    ¡°And that¡¯s Zack,¡± Livi continued, pointing to the one on her left. He had shockingly blond hair falling into messy curls but seemed much friendlier than Jake. He at least smiled at Asher in particular - most likely since they¡¯d be on the same soccer team.

    ¡°And we¡¯ve got Violet in the back corner. I call her Vi, but we¡¯ve been friends forever. Teachers call us Vivi-Livi,¡± Livi laughed in a bubbly sort of way as she indicated to a shy-looking, red-haired girl buried behind a novel Lila didn¡¯t recognise. ¡°And that¡¯s Jason, next to Vi.¡±

    Jason was someone that Lila did recognise. The Head Boy. He had a dazzling smile and a deep tan, owing to his incredibly successful tennis career at school, which he was also the Captain of. His blue eyes seemed curious as he appraised Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Then we¡¯ve got Theo and Harper,¡± Livi waved to the last two occupants of the room who sat alone at different tables. Theo was a thin, bespectacled Asian boy who seemed to be concentrating far more on his textbook and writing notes down than on Lila or Asher. Harper, however, was a prim-looking Asian girl delicately eating a sushi roll that Lila also recognised. She was the Head Girl and the Captain of the Dancettes.

    ¡°We¡¯re all from Grade 12. Anyway,¡± Livi said conversationally, ¡°what can I help ya with?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh,¡± Asher stuttered, staring about the room. Lila felt slightly starstruck, surrounded by a whole bunch of Grade 12s, some of whom were at the very top of the food chain. Speaking of food¡­

    ¡°We¡­ heard you guys can help organise Uber Eats?¡± Lila uttered. It sounded more like a question than the statement Lila had intended. Livi nodded, flipping her notebook upside down and opening it to a partially filled page.

    ¡°Sure thing,¡± Livi said, jotting something down. She then looked up at Asher and Lila and leaned in. ¡°Normally it¡¯s just me, Jake, Zack and Vi,¡± she whispered. ¡°Sorry you had to come in when there¡¯s so many people just sitting around. They were a bit cold today.¡±

    Asher and Lila glanced at each other, then looked back at Livi.

    ¡°So, uh, how does it work?¡± Asher asked hesitantly. Livi looked up at him.

    ¡°Ohhh,¡± she breathed. ¡°You guys haven¡¯t been referred here?¡±

    Asher shook his head. Lila instantly felt panicked ¨C was Livi going to kick them out without a referral?

    ¡°No worries,¡± Livi said chirpily. She began filling out another column. ¡°I can fill you in.¡±

    There was a knock at the door. Lila turned and her eyes landed on someone who looked significantly younger than everyone else. He was visibly panting, carrying two armfuls of Uber Eats bags.

    ¡°Hey Nate,¡± Livi called, waving at him. He entered and put the bags on the table nearest the exit. He opened up the bags and began separating out whatever was in them according to a sheet of paper he¡¯d pulled from his blazer.

    ¡°That¡¯s Nate,¡± Livi explained to Asher and Lila. ¡°He¡¯s in Grade 9. He¡¯s one of our Uber Eats runners.¡±

    Another knock sounded at the door, and a teacher Lila didn¡¯t recognise leant against the doorframe.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Singh,¡± Livi announced. ¡°You¡¯re just in time. Nate came back with your food, I believe.¡±

    Asher¡¯s jaw dropped open as Mr Singh walked over to Nate.

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab Mr Johnson¡¯s and Ms Woodward¡¯s, too,¡± Mr Singh said politely to Nate. Nate handed him three boxes of what looked like pasta and some cutlery sets.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Mr Singh nodded, carefully carrying the containers in his hands and out the lab.

    ¡°T-That¡¯s my Chem teacher,¡± Asher whispered to Lila.

    ¡°Mr Johnson¡¯s my Bio teacher,¡± Lila whispered back.

    ¡°Sorry for all the interruptions, guys,¡± Livi sighed. ¡°This has ended up becoming a much bigger operation than we thought.¡±

    ¡°It definitely seems pretty big,¡± Asher said, coughing slightly. ¡°Surely you guys have a leader, though, right?¡±

    Livi narrowed her eyes at Asher, and Jake stood up straighter. ¡°Who¡¯s to say I¡¯m not the leader?¡± Livi challenged, her previously chirpy demeanour cooling.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± Asher said quickly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, Livi,¡± Jason interrupted. ¡°Don¡¯t you know who that is?¡±

    Livi clicked her tongue. ¡°Nope. Am I supposed to?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s the Dux of Grade 11. Probably will be Head Boy next year, or at least Captain of something or other,¡± Jason said with a long-suffering sigh. ¡°And he¡¯s the son of the CEO of Forestglade Private Hospital.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Livi said lightly, tapping her pen on her notebook. She glanced at Jason, before looking back at Asher and Lila, her warm smile returning. ¡°Big paying customer, then?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher replied confidently. ¡°I¡¯ve got some cash.¡±

    ¡°We like that around here,¡± Livi laughed. ¡°Alright, an Uber Eats order you said? It¡¯s easier if you order ahead of time, but since you didn¡¯t know the rules, we can see about doing a priority ord-¡±

    ¡°Oh, we were looking for tomorrow,¡± Asher said, exchanging a look with Lila. ¡°Since we¡¯ve never done this before, we just wanted to do some research today.¡±

    ¡°Sounds very Dux-like of you,¡± Livi said approvingly. She turned the page of her notebook and looked up at Asher. ¡°You ordering for both of you, or will she be making her own order?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make my own order,¡± Lila said hurriedly. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Just put it under my name,¡± he said firmly, giving her a stern look. ¡°Um, her name is Lila, by the way.¡±

    ¡°You look very familiar,¡± Zack suddenly said, peering intently into Lila¡¯s face. She stepped back and hiked her scarf up higher. The realisation that all the boys in this room likely saw her photo plastered around the boys¡¯ bathrooms suddenly hit her with full force in the stomach. Did any of them contact her?

    ¡°She does hockey,¡± Asher said swiftly. ¡°You might¡¯ve seen her get an award or something for it.¡±

    Zack nodded. ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, tomorrow lunch, right?¡± Livi asked, her tone suddenly very businesslike. ¡°We¡¯ve already got an order in for sushi, one for Maccas, and another for KFC. You can hop on one of those orders, or pick from a list.¡±

    Asher looked at Lila and she shrugged. ¡°I¡¯m down for whatever.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯ll say that now, but she¡¯ll probably change her mind,¡± Jake laughed crudely. ¡°Girls do it all the time.¡±

    Asher seemed to ignore the comment as he perused the printed list Livi provided him.

    ¡°Indian curry?¡± he suggested.

    ¡°Sure. I¡¯m down for a butter chicken, or a lamb korma, or whatever,¡± Lila replied with a smile.

    ¡°Can we grab one of each? The ones with rice in them.¡± Asher asked Livi, handing her back the list. She nodded and jotted them down.

    ¡°You can pay now, pay on delivery, or open a tab,¡± Livi said, almost robotically. ¡°Which will it be?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the charges like?¡± Asher asked. She looked at him, her eyes wide with surprise. She quickly collected herself.

    ¡°Well, you pay for your food, plus services, delivery, and 10%,¡± Livi said slowly, ticking off her fingers as she spoke.

    ¡°What¡¯s the 10% for?¡± Asher asked. Livi blinked at him blankly, but he waited for a response.

    ¡°Uh, it¡¯s like a fee for us organising it. Our runners have to be pretty sneaky. While a lot of teachers are pretty cool with this, there¡¯re plenty of others who would shut us down in a heartbeat. So, we like to pay our runners well,¡± Livi said after a few moments.

    Asher nodded. ¡°Okay,¡± he said, pulling out a $50 note from his wallet and handing it to Livi. ¡°Just want to make sure what I¡¯m paying for is worth it.¡±

    ¡°We take the utmost care,¡± Livi said smoothly, giving him $3.05 change. ¡°Please let me know your phone number so we can text you when it arrives. And you¡¯ll need to sign here, and here.¡±

    Asher completed the necessary paperwork and he gestured at Lila to start leaving. Lila¡¯s eyes darted between Livi and the ¡®bodyguards¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you guys do loans, as well,¡± Lila said. ¡°What¡¯re the rules for that?¡±

    Livi looked far more pleased with this question than for Asher¡¯s Uber Eats query.

    ¡°That¡¯s our bread and butter,¡± Livi said with a charming smile. ¡°Pun absolutely intended.¡± Jake and Zack guffawed as if on cue.

    ¡°That¡¯s where it all started. Basically, you can get a loan for almost any amount. We don¡¯t charge interest for the first week, but after that, we do. I fit your loan into a schedule, and once you¡¯ve signed up to the agreement, I send the payment terms via text. We can do cash or bank transfers,¡± Livi continued, still in a businesslike tone.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said, nodding. ¡°What¡¯s your highest loan amount?¡±

    ¡°Well, I think we currently have one at 3k,¡± Livi said after perusing the other side of her notebook. ¡°But that¡¯ll jump up by $100 at the end of next week. The next one down from that is about 1k. Like I said, we can loan out almost any amount.¡±

    Asher stiffened, but Lila gently tapped his arm. Today was just to get information. He could wipe Isaac¡¯s debt another time.

    ¡°I¡¯m still curious about your leader,¡± Lila pressed. ¡°And how this all started up.¡±

    Livi smiled at Lila and shook her head. ¡°Trade secrets, sorry. If I told you that, then we¡¯d have to have these guys,¡± Livi jerked her thumbs at Jake and Zack, ¡°keep an eye on your every move. The leader could be me, or it could be anyone else in this room. Could be someone who¡¯s not even here. Could be a student, could be a teacher. Not knowing who it is ¨C well, that¡¯s how you keep something like this safe.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Lila said shortly, though she wanted to keep pressing further. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

    Livi beamed at Lila and Asher. ¡°See you then.¡±

    Asher and Lila left without saying another word. They walked back to the library, with Lila hoping that their meeting room was still unoccupied. To her surprise, it was, but it seemed like someone had been in there after they left. Maybe they just wanted to eat in peace.

    Lila flopped down into a chair and opened her lunchbox. She didn¡¯t feel too hungry now, but after all the effort Gabriel had gone through, she couldn¡¯t waste it. Asher ate in silence for a few minutes, before looking at Lila.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to eat that all right now, by the way. You can keep the lunchbox and give it back to me tomorrow. We don¡¯t have much of a lunchtime left, anyway,¡± Asher said.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied gratefully. ¡°I¡¯ll probably take you up on that offer. And thanks for paying for tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Asher replied, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°It probably comes out around the same as what you paid yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Not even close,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°But I¡¯ll pay you back one day.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I definitely will, then.¡±

    He smiled at her again before focusing on eating.

    ¡°So¡­ do you think Livi is the Banker?¡± Lila asked after a few minutes. Asher pursed his lips.

    ¡°She seems like she knows all the ins and outs like the back of her hand,¡± he said with a nod. ¡°If it¡¯s not her, though, it could be Jason or Harper, given they¡¯re the Head Boy and Girl and clearly know about it.¡±

    ¡°I suppose it would be easy to hide an operation like that if the Head Boy and Girl are the ones steering it. So, what now? Do you still want to find out who the leader is?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher said, looking up at Lila as though she personally attacked him. ¡°I need to settle the debt for Isaac, face to face.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s keep investigating, then.¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Asher grinned and checked the time on his phone. ¡°It¡¯s time for English,¡± he added, zipping up his lunchbox. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

 Chapter Fifty-Four

    Chapter Fifty-Four

    As Japanese was ending on Friday, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket. She pulled it out and saw it was a text from Asher.

    Food¡¯s on its way, it read. He then sent a second text. Let¡¯s meet up at the locker room

    Okay, see you soon, Lila replied.

    ¡°Just before you all go,¡± Ms Takahashi called over the sounds of the class packing up. ¡°Next week our exchange students from Shizuoka will be arriving. They¡¯ll be here for two weeks, so please make sure you get along with them.¡±

    Excited chatter filled the air as students began to leave. Lila briefly wondered what the exchange students would be like but put the thought out of her mind. She needed to go find Asher.

    To her surprise, he rounded the corner of the Language Block that she just exited. He beamed at her and waved off an Asian student he was walking with that Lila didn¡¯t know very well.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said cheerily once Lila reached him. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Who was that?¡± she asked conversationally as they began walking.

    ¡°That was just Gavin,¡± Asher said simply. ¡°He does Mandarin with me. He¡¯s from Shanghai, so he takes it super easy in Mandarin.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said, slightly surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you took Mandarin.¡±

    Asher flashed her a grin. ¡°Full of surprises, I am.¡±

    ¡°And a great Yoda impressionist, it seems,¡± Lila joked. He chortled before his phone chimed. He pulled it out of his pocket.

    ¡°Looks like our food is here,¡± he said, putting his phone back. ¡°Do you want to go there now, or still head over to the locker room?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not carrying much,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s just go there straight away.¡±

    They changed their route and Lila filled Asher in on the presence of Japanese exchange students. Asher lamented at the fact that the Mandarin class never had exchange students visit. As they walked and talked, the chill pressed in on Lila firmly, causing her to hide behind her scarf again.

    They quickly came upon the same Science lab that they had visited yesterday, which was now surrounded by students. Asher exchanged a glance with Lila.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t suspicious before, we¡¯re literally at the cusp of being caught,¡± he whispered. Lila couldn¡¯t help but agree. There had to be about a whole classroom¡¯s worth of students milling around out here.

    ¡°Helps if the teachers are in on it, though,¡± Lila whispered back. Asher sighed and began to carve a path through the crowd. Lila traversed the clearing Asher left in his wake, trying to see if there were any students that she recognised. Most of the students seemed to be Grade 12s, though there were a few Grade 11s and Grade 10s that she peripherally knew dotted here and there. Everyone seemed to be in their own worlds and paid them no mind, which relieved Lila. Though¡­ after last term, the almost complete absence of rumours about her was somewhat unsettling. She had faded into obscurity so quickly that Lila was confident that the rumours had purely been fuelled by Piper.

    ¡°What¡¯re you standing out there for?¡± Asher asked suddenly, turning around to look at her. He¡¯d taken a couple steps inside the lab and Lila had remained outside, staring blankly. She hurried inside.

    ¡°Welcome, welcome,¡± Livi¡¯s voice called to them. Lila surveyed the lab ¨C it seemed to just be Livi, Vi, Jake and Zack in here, despite the horde outside. Perhaps the students out there waited until the runners came by with food. Livi was in her usual spot, though today she had an emerald bow clipped in the side of her hair, exposing a small silver sleeper in her bottom-most ear piercing. It looked as though she had four or five running up her ear, but most were empty ¨C most likely owing to their school¡¯s strict piercing policy.

    ¡°Your timing is fantastic,¡± Livi said brightly. ¡°Nate just left to grab your food.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher said with a smile. Livi sat up straighter and returned his smile with one of her own.

    ¡°What¡¯s the deal with you two, anyway?¡± Livi asked, surveying them. Lila glanced at Asher.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°You two are pretty cute together,¡± Livi laughed. ¡°Just wondering if you¡¯re, y¡¯know, together.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re just friends,¡± Asher replied. There was an edge to his voice that Lila couldn¡¯t quite figure out, but his answer caused her to stare at the floor. She heightened the scarf around her face again, in an effort to hide her burning cheeks.

    ¡°I see,¡± Livi replied. She paused for a moment. ¡°Seems like you ought to reconsider the answer to that one, Asher.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Well, it seemed like one of my visitors from yesterday might¡¯ve taken a liking to Lila,¡± Livi said simply, as though it were obvious. Lila quickly looked up. Zack had changed his position so that he was facing out the back window, and Jake was looking past Lila. Livi grinned at Lila, who blushed once more.

    ¡°Won¡¯t tell you who,¡± Livi shrugged haughtily. ¡°That¡¯d ruin the fun.¡±

    Asher looked at Lila for a moment, though she didn¡¯t return his gaze. Surely Livi was just messing with them.

    ¡°Speak of the devils,¡± Livi said chirpily, waving at someone behind Lila. Lila turned and spotted Theo, Harper and Jason standing in the doorway. They filed into the classroom and took the same seats that they had yesterday without so much as a second glance at Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Just telling the newbies that one of you might¡¯ve taken a shine to Lila,¡± Livi called. Jason and Theo shot Livi a look, and she giggled in response. Lila took the opportunity to take a peek at Asher and was surprised to see him shaking, his teeth clenched.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila asked him quietly. His eyes flickered to meet hers and he relaxed his jaw.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± he said stiffly. Lila heard Livi snicker.

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t tease them,¡± Vi suddenly piped up. Lila saw Livi pout.

    ¡°But it¡¯s so fun,¡± Livi replied petulantly. ¡°These two are the liveliest guests we¡¯ve had for a while. They at least talk to us. Everyone usually just gets their order in and leaves, no questions asked.¡±

    ¡°Even so, you don¡¯t need to make up lies,¡± Vi said sharply. Lila watched Livi bristle for a moment.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a lie,¡± Livi said hotly.

    ¡°You say it to every girl who walks in here when there¡¯s more than just Jake and Zack,¡± Vi replied pointedly. ¡°Face it, you like playing with people¡¯s hearts.¡±

    ¡°Theo, if given the chance, you¡¯d date Lila, correct?¡± Livi called out. Theo¡¯s eyes flittered to Lila¡¯s for half a second before lowering back down to his textbook.

    ¡°Sure,¡± he said half-heartedly. ¡°Though, I don¡¯t normally go for white girls.¡±

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila said suddenly. Everyone stared at her. Theo tilted his head to the side.

    ¡°You¡¯re not?¡± he asked. Lila pulled her scarf down. She could have sworn a faint trace of a blush crossed Theo¡¯s face as he immediately flipped to a new page in his textbook.

    ¡°So it seems,¡± he said faintly, pushing his glasses up his face.

    ¡°You do seem very familiar,¡± Jason said, narrowing his eyes at Lila. She raised her scarf again and didn¡¯t dare say anything.

    ¡°Like I said yesterday, she does hockey,¡± Asher¡¯s exasperated voice cut through the strange atmosphere that was mounting within the classroom.

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Jason replied hastily, raising his hands in surrender. ¡°What did you do to him, Livi? He looks ready to punch me.¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Livi said innocently. ¡°By the way, Jason, if given the chance, you¡¯d date Lila too, right?¡±

    ¡°Are you branching out into matchmaking now? Haven¡¯t you diversified enough?¡± Jason asked incredulously.

    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer,¡± Livi replied in a sing-song voice.

    ¡°You know that I don¡¯t date,¡± Jason replied, crossing his arms.

    ¡°Ah, that¡¯s right,¡± Livi said, tapping her chin. ¡°You¡¯re the ¡®love ¡®em and leave ¡®em¡¯ type. Does Lila fit your type?¡±

    Jason looked Lila up and down, before turning to Livi. ¡°Probably, though it¡¯d be easier to tell if she was wearing less.¡±

    Asher made a strange, jerky motion towards Jason. To Lila, it looked as though he¡¯d stopped himself from lunging at Jason. Livi smirked in response. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure what she was witnessing. One thing that she was sure of, though, was that Livi seemed a lot more manipulative than Lila had given her credit for.

    ¡°Anyway, the person I was referring to is Zack, by the way,¡± Livi said with a shrug. Zack immediately turned around to face Livi, his face contorted with anger.

    ¡°I told you that as a secret,¡± he half-shouted. He quickly looked at Lila and fell silent.

    ¡°Oops,¡± Livi said in a childlike voice. She reached into her blazer¡¯s breast pocket and pulled out a wallet, which was lined with a large number of notes. ¡°Here¡¯s some compensation.¡±

    Zack begrudgingly shoved the $20 note Livi handed him into his own blazer¡¯s breast pocket.

    ¡°Anyway, Lila, seems like the choice is yours,¡± Livi said smoothly. ¡°It¡¯s not every day that you get to pick between the Head Boy, the Dux and the star soccer player.¡±

    ¡°The Dux?¡± Lila asked. Theo lifted his head.

    ¡°That¡¯s me,¡± he said drily, before writing down some more notes.

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Harper interjected, standing up and crossing the room, her arms folded across her chest. ¡°You¡¯re terrifying the poor girl, and Asher looks ready to have a conniption. Your jokes are in poor taste.¡±

    Livi pouted again. ¡°Alright, alright,¡± she acquiesced, throwing her hands up in defeat. ¡°I give up. Sorry, it was some light pre-lunch entertainment. Jason prefers older girls, Theo¡¯s gay and I owed Zack an extra $20 for his work yesterday.¡±

    ¡°For the last time, I¡¯m not gay,¡± Theo sighed. ¡°Bisexual, Livi.¡±

    ¡°For a bisexual, you sure seem to only date guys,¡± Livi countered.

    ¡°When the pickings are girls like you, it¡¯s hardly surprising,¡± Theo retorted. Livi gave a haughty laugh. Lila heard Asher exhale slowly and she glanced at him. His face was red and it seemed as though he didn¡¯t want to look at Lila.

    ¡°I was only teasing,¡± Livi said gently. ¡°It gets a bit dull in here, with such businesslike transactions. And the Banker doesn¡¯t appreciate it when I get bored.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re not the Banker?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow. She saw Asher give her a quick sideways look in her peripheral vision. Her heart began to drum loudly in her chest as she waited for a response, her hands shaking by her sides. Livi pursed her lips before breaking into a smile.

    ¡°If you haven¡¯t cottoned on by now, you shouldn¡¯t trust anything I say,¡± Livi said sweetly. ¡°Like I said yesterday, I could be the Banker, or I could not be. Perhaps by ¡®the Banker¡¯, I mean my good business sense side of me. Or perhaps by ¡®the Banker¡¯, I mean my boss. Oh, hello Nate. Just in time.¡±

    Nate appeared in the doorway again, his arms carrying a large Uber Eats package. Another younger, red-haired boy followed him closely, also laden with a large Uber Eats bag.

    ¡°Oh, and Will came back too,¡± Livi said with an approving nod. ¡°That¡¯s a record for you, Will. Welcome back.¡±

    Will looked up at Livi before his face flushed a bright red and she giggled. Nate pulled out a piece of paper from his blazer before opening his bag.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Asher? Sounds new,¡± Nate commented, looking over his shoulder at Livi. Livi gestured to Asher, and Nate turned to face him.

    ¡°Here ya go. Butter chicken and lamb korma. Here¡¯s your cutlery. Thanks for visiting,¡± he rattled off, already preparing the next order.

    ¡°Please come again soon!¡± Livi sang out, waving at Asher and Lila as they collected their food and began to leave.

    ¡°We will,¡± Asher promised, his voice severe.

    ¡°Livi,¡± Lila could hear Jason¡¯s exasperated voice say behind her. ¡°What did I tell you about pissing off customers?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t hear Livi¡¯s response as she tried to keep up with Asher¡¯s long strides out of the Science lab. He again parted the crowd, which was starting to swarm towards the entrance of the lab, and Lila scuttled behind him. He didn¡¯t say anything on the way to the library and remained silent until they found an empty meeting room.

    ¡°Which one did you want?¡± he asked gruffly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ll have whatever you want the least.¡±

    He looked down at the containers of food on the table between them and pulled the butter chicken close. Lila grabbed the lamb korma, and they began to eat in more silence. Every so often, Lila glanced up at Asher. His frown remained fixed on his face for some time before Lila sighed.

    ¡°Why do you seem so annoyed?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Asher replied tersely.

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Lila replied doubtfully. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why you¡¯re frowning at your butter chicken for existing.¡±

    His frown deepened but he didn¡¯t respond. Lila resigned herself to not hearing an answer. At least the lamb korma was good.

    ¡°Would you go for any of them?¡± Asher suddenly asked. Lila looked up at him, but his eyes remained glued to his food.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t even think about it,¡± Lila replied truthfully. ¡°Everything was happening so fast, I feel like I slipped into an alternate reality and got pulled back just as quickly. I still don¡¯t know whether any of that was real or not.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher said quietly.

    ¡°Livi is¡­ very complicated,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Or at least eccentric. I can¡¯t figure her out at all.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s the Queen of Misdirection,¡± Asher replied with a nod. ¡°I can¡¯t think of a better candidate for the Banker. She¡¯d probably be able to wriggle out of any questioning.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila agreed. ¡°And you can¡¯t tell what¡¯s true or not with her.¡±

    ¡°Though that¡¯s exactly what makes me nervous about concluding it¡¯s her,¡± Asher said exasperatedly, leaning back in his chair.

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed in her pocket and she checked it. It was a message from Elise to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us.

    R u free this wknd @Lila? it read.

    We miss u, Grace sent.

    Hockey prac tomorrow morning, then nothing, Lila replied. Elise instantly replied.

    Wanna catch a movie after?

    Sure, Lila replied. What time?

    Let¡¯s go 6pm, Elise sent with a thinking emoji. Most of the good movies start at 6.30 or 7pm on Saturdays

    Sounds good, Lila sent back. Are you coming Grace?

    Sure am, Grace replied with a grinning emoji. Lila turned her phone screen off.

    ¡°What¡¯s all that about?¡± Asher asked absently, scraping the last bits of his food into the corner of his takeaway container.

    ¡°Just plans over the weekend with Elise and Grace.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± Asher exhaled slowly before throwing his disposable cutlery inside his empty takeaway container.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t too bad,¡± he said approvingly.

    ¡°Shall we do it again?¡± Lila asked. He looked at Lila briefly.

    ¡°I think we could have one more go of it,¡± Asher said contemplatively. ¡°I think if we go again, Livi might end up slipping up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m still trying to think whether or not her Banker comment was a slip-up or not,¡± Lila said thoughtfully.

    ¡°If she has more comments like that, it should reveal something,¡± Asher reasoned. ¡°I can¡¯t work it out as it stands right now either.¡±

    Asher¡¯s phone chimed, and he opened it up. He smiled at it and tapped on it rapidly before shutting the phone screen.

    ¡°Anyone interesting?¡± Lila asked, finishing off her own food.

    ¡°Just Isaac. He wants to hang out tomorrow after practice.¡±

    ¡°Have you told him you¡¯d pay off his debt?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Not yet. I asked him to give me a week to think on it. Guess it¡¯ll be a week tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Lila replied seriously. ¡°He¡¯ll probably try and rescind everything, or say he¡¯s paid it off. But we know from Livi that the loan is still active and even going to grow soon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯m glad you got that info. That was a good line of questioning.¡±

    ¡°I try,¡± Lila said jovially. Asher chuckled. He seemed to be in a better mood now, at least. Lunch continued in a carefree way for a while until Lila checked the time.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve got Study next,¡± she said. ¡°Do you need to go to your locker?¡±

    ¡°Probably should,¡± Asher yawned, standing up. ¡°At least for my English stuff, since that¡¯s last.¡±

    They disposed of their empty takeaway containers on their way out of the library. Once Lila arrived at her locker, she pulled out her Maths textbook and the lunchbox Asher had loaned her. She¡¯d handwashed it after dinner yesterday, so it was ready to be returned to its rightful owner. He seemed surprised when she met him outside his locker, but gratefully put the lunchbox away.

    During Study, Asher was back to his usual routine, though he seemed distracted. He kept clicking the tip of his pen, and it was so constant that Lila finally had enough about twenty minutes in.

    ¡°Asher, please stop,¡± she sighed. He looked up at her with wide, round eyes.

    ¡°Stop what?¡± he queried, clicking his pen again.

    ¡°That,¡± Lila snapped, pointing at it. ¡°Driving me nuts.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said quickly, putting it down.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem as keen on studying as you normally do,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Asher asked, shifting in his seat slightly.

    ¡°You just seem off. Ever since we spoke to Livi.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head, though he didn¡¯t meet her eye. ¡°Just thinking about things.¡±

    ¡°I can give you a dollar for your thoughts,¡± Lila offered. He smirked though it seemed rather half-hearted.

    ¡°¡¯Fraid my thoughts aren¡¯t worth your dollar,¡± he said softly. Lila left it at that, though her curiosity didn¡¯t die down. He¡¯d probably tell her eventually. Right?

 Chapter Fifty-Five

    Chapter Fifty-Five

    Asher and Lila didn¡¯t interact much the rest of Friday, but he did wave at her whilst mid-stretch on Saturday morning as she arrived on Jacoval. Isaac jogged over to Lila, grinning.

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said cheerily. ¡°Got any plans for today?¡±

    ¡°Just practice then hanging out with Elise and Grace,¡± Lila replied conversationally. ¡°Heard you¡¯re hanging out with Asher again.¡±

    ¡°Yup,¡± Isaac replied airily, stretching his legs. ¡°Just me and him after practice.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you two talking about?¡± Asher asked as he approached Lila and Isaac.

    ¡°Nothin¡¯,¡± Isaac said. ¡°Boring small talk.¡±

    ¡°Fisher, Wagner, get over here,¡± growled Mr Kovac. Lila glanced over in the direction of the Under 18s soccer team and saw, to her surprise, Theo and Zack looking over at her. They seemed to notice Lila peering at them and they both grinned and waved at her. She tentatively waved back.

    From the corner of her eye, Lila saw Asher¡¯s mouth set in a hard line as he stalked back off towards his side of the oval. Isaac¡¯s eyes darted between Asher and Lila before Mr Kovac called for him again. He jogged off without a word to Lila.

    Hockey practice was intense. Ms Wright was running them through the wringer today. It was hardly surprising as their first match of the season was this time next Saturday. By the end of it, Lila wasn¡¯t too sure if she wanted to see a movie anymore due to her exhaustion.

    ¡°Now remember ladies, I¡¯ll be seeing you all next Tuesday afternoon,¡± Ms Wright announced during her debrief. ¡°Our first match is against Sandy Lakes next Saturday. Just because we defeated them last year doesn¡¯t mean we will this year, so don¡¯t get complacent. They have something to prove, after all.¡±

    Once Lila got home, she took a brief nap before getting ready for the movies. She opened her leather wallet to check that she still had her Cinema membership card. She confirmed its presence but noticed there was a conspicuous gap in her card section. Lila ran her finger over the pocket before she remembered. She¡¯d lent her $100 gift card to the movies to Daniel over the summer holidays and he still hadn¡¯t returned it.

    Lila knocked on Daniel¡¯s door, but there was no response. Clare stuck her head out of her own room next door.

    ¡°Daniel¡¯s gone out,¡± Clare informed her. ¡°Went to the mall with some friends.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to break in and rob the joint.¡±

    Clare looked at Lila disapprovingly.

    ¡°Daniel borrowed my gift card and I just need to check if it¡¯s in his room somewhere,¡± Lila explained. Clare sighed.

    ¡°Do you need a hand?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°His room is always a mess.¡±

    ¡°Give me a minute,¡± Clare said, disappearing into her room again. She emerged shortly after with her hair tied up and they both stood outside Daniel¡¯s room. Lila tried to open the door, but it seemed jammed.

    ¡°That¡¯s odd,¡± she murmured. She jiggled the handle and it didn¡¯t give any. Clare tried and didn¡¯t have any luck either. Lila squatted and looked closer at the handle. With all the videos she¡¯d seen with Asher regarding door handles and locks, Lila was pretty sure she could tell whether there was something wrong with it.

    Although, even without all that preexisting knowledge, Lila spotted the problem easily. ¡®Why¡¯s he got paper in the side here?¡¯ Lila wondered, poking a small, crumpled bit of paper within the door handle. It dislodged and fell to the ground. She tried the handle again and it opened without any resistance.

    ¡°Weird,¡± Lila said to Clare, who shrugged. Lila opened the door wider, and they both entered. Unlike the last time she¡¯d come in here, Daniel¡¯s room looked rather orderly. His collection of juice cartons seemed to have grown exponentially along the back wall, and his desk was entirely clear except for one stack of about five notebooks.

    ¡°This¡¯ll make finding the card easy, if it¡¯s here,¡± Clare said, seeming relieved.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila trailed off as she looked at the wall that his desk was set up against. A giant corkboard was high above it and at least forty school photos were pinned on it in various places. Some of the students she recognised ¨C in particular, pictures of Livi and Jason sat on one side, and she could name some of Grade 11 students scattered in between, including Isaac. It looked as though the school photos had marked numbers on them, but it didn¡¯t follow any sequential pattern that Lila could see. On Isaac¡¯s photo, there was the number ¡®10¡¯.

    ¡°What is this?¡± she asked in a low voice. Clare looked up, her expression immediately becoming slack-jawed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Clare said after a pause, peering closer at the board.

    ¡°Is he a hitman?¡± Lila asked half-jokingly, her mouth suddenly dry.

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s a stalker,¡± Clare said, looking around the room. ¡°Though, that¡¯s a lot of people to keep tabs on.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Maybe he¡¯s taking bets.¡±

    Clare glanced at Lila, her face now serious.

    ¡°If there¡¯s anything I¡¯ve learned from this past year, I¡¯m staying out of it,¡± Clare said firmly, crossing her arms.

    ¡°That¡¯s new,¡± Lila said, surprised. Clare brought a hand to her forehead and exhaled deeply in response.

    ¡°Look, after you found out where I work, I realised it wasn¡¯t fair to be all up in your business, or Daniel¡¯s, without letting you guys be all up in mine. Plus, that just breeds distrust between you guys and me. So, I¡¯m staying out of it,¡± she said simply.

    ¡°Is that¡­ growth?¡± Lila asked, a shadow of a smile twitching her lips. Clare nudged her playfully and Lila stumbled.

    ¡°I¡¯m still nosy, don¡¯t get me wrong, but there¡¯s no point being in your business if I can¡¯t do anything about it. So, if I can help in some way, I¡¯ll be there. But this¡­ this looks like something I can¡¯t help with.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Lila said softly. She stared up at the photo board again for a second. ¡°Let¡¯s just find the gift card and get out of here.¡±

    Lila and Clare rummaged around Daniel¡¯s desk and shelving for a few minutes before Lila spotted it sitting in his bottom drawer. She flipped it over and saw $64.50 marked on the back in permanent marker. Perhaps that was what was left.

    ¡°Got it,¡± Lila announced, waving it above her head. ¡°Thanks for helping, Clare.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Clare replied, waving a hand dismissively, ¡°I am kinda disappointed I didn¡¯t find it. I may as well have not been here.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°The company was great, at least.¡±

    ¡°To be clear,¡± Clare said reproachfully as they left Daniel¡¯s room, ¡°I still don¡¯t want you doing illegal things.¡±

    ¡°I heard you loud and clear last time,¡± Lila reminded Clare, shaking her head.

    ¡°As long as you know that,¡± Clare responded sternly. ¡°That¡¯s all I can hope for.¡±

    Lila returned to her room and made sure that she was ready to go, slipping the gift card into her phone wallet. Elise and her Dad arrived at Lila¡¯s house an hour or so later, and Lila climbed into the backseat.

    ¡°Hi, Mr Thorpe,¡± Lila said cheerily, putting her seatbelt on. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m well,¡± Mr Thorpe replied warmly.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Grace?¡± Lila asked Elise.

    ¡°She¡¯s already there,¡± Elise grinned. ¡°She went shopping with her Dad for groceries.¡±

    ¡°What movie are you seeing tonight, girls?¡± Mr Thorpe asked as he drove them towards the local shopping mall.

    ¡°The new superhero one,¡± Elise replied enthusiastically.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you liked those kinds of movies,¡± Mr Thorpe said, his tone surprised. ¡°You always tell me to turn them off when I put them on TV.¡±

    ¡°Only because you watch them on repeat, Dad,¡± Elise sighed, rolling her eyes. Mr Thorpe adamantly denied this. In no time at all, amongst awkward small talk, they arrived at the mall. Mr Thorpe smoothly parked at the drop-off point next to the cinema and Lila and Elise got out. Mr Thorpe rolled down his window and leaned over the passenger seat to talk to them.

    ¡°Do you need a lift home, Lila?¡± Mr Thorpe asked kindly. Lila glanced at Elise.

    ¡°Only if you¡¯re able to,¡± Lila said politely. ¡°Please don¡¯t go out of your way for me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble at all,¡± Mr Thorpe smiled reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila smiled back. He rolled the window up and waved as he drove off.

    ¡°Superhero movie, huh?¡± Lila asked, turning to face Elise. Elise beamed at Lila.

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± she cried, fist-pumping the air. ¡°Think of all the action!¡±

    Lila laughed. Whilst she wouldn¡¯t have picked a superhero movie herself, she wouldn¡¯t deny Elise the opportunity to watch one. She seemed raring to go, after all.

    Grace met them at the entrance of the cinema, grinning and hugging them both in greeting.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Grace said cheerily.

    ¡°Fancy seeing you here,¡± Elise replied, bumping Grace with the side of her hip.

    ¡°Almost like it was planned,¡± Grace giggled, handing movie tickets to Elise and Lila.

    "Thanks,¡± Lila said appreciatively. ¡°It wasn¡¯t any more than what I sent yesterday, yeah?¡±

    Grace gave her a thumbs up, indicating that all was well, and Lila looked down at her ticket. It looked like the movie would be starting in half an hour.

    The automatic doors let the trio through, an overpowering smell of old carpet and fresh popcorn mingling with the blare of various movie ads and the crinkling of lolly packets held by patrons. Towards the back wall were drink fountains, commercial popcorn machines, and shelves filled with various lollies and chocolates. A few self-serve ticket machines sat to the left side of the manned cash registers, behind which were young cashiers dressed in 50s style, candy-cane fit-and-flare dresses or suits.

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab some popcorn and drinks,¡± Lila declared, moving towards the confectionery line.

    ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll come with you,¡± Elise said, linking her arm with Lila¡¯s. Grace stayed some ways behind on a peeling, red pleather armchair in the lobby of the cinemas. Lila and Elise debated the merits of particular movie snacks while they waited. Lila picked out a medium buttered popcorn combo with a cola and a packet of Mars Pods and was glad to be able to pay for it with the gift card, given the exorbitant price tag. As she walked back towards Grace, clutching her purchases as though they were worth millions, she could see Grace talking on her phone to someone. Grace smiled and hung up as Lila approached.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want any snacks?¡± Lila asked, offering her some popcorn. Grace took a small handful and shook her head.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m pretty full from lunch, actually.¡±

    ¡°Still? It¡¯s, like, 6 o¡¯clock.¡±

    Grace shrugged. Elise soon joined them, her arms full of her snacks, and checked her watch.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down, yeah?¡± she said, inhaling a handful of her own popcorn. There wasn¡¯t anyone checking tickets, but as they had the cinema number printed on their tickets, they knew where to go. Lila led the way to Cinema 4 and checked her seat allocation. Seemed like it was in the middle of the third row from the back. The expansive screen was blank, the lights a pale, warm yellow.

    ¡°Great seats,¡± Lila complimented Grace as they shuffled along the empty row. Only one couple was in the theatre already, giggling amongst themselves. Lila shivered as the aircon whooshed over them.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve brought a jacket,¡± she lamented, holding the warm popcorn close to her stomach as she sat down in the correct, plush red seat. The fact that the cold was affecting her was surprising, given there was not even a centimetre of bare skin exposed, aside from her face and hands, what with her ribbed navy turtleneck, long flare jeans with a puckered seam running down vertically in the middle of her legs, and black high tops.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Elise said regretfully as she sank into the seat to the right of Lila. ¡°I don¡¯t have a spare jacket, sorry.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied breezily. ¡°I wasn¡¯t asking for a jacket.¡±

    Grace sat on Elise¡¯s other side and seemed distracted as she tapped on her phone.

    ¡°Texting your partner?¡± Lila asked idly, tossing a popcorn kernel into her mouth.

    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace replied, switching her phone screen off and putting it in her pocket. ¡°She was wondering what movie I¡¯m seeing.¡±

    ¡°Do you guys watch movies often?¡± Lila asked. Elise sat forward, seeming interested in the conversation. Grace blushed.

    ¡°Sometimes, but mostly at her place. We don¡¯t normally go out, just in case,¡± Grace replied somewhat evasively.

    ¡°Boo,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°I know she¡¯s not out and everything, but I¡¯m hoping you guys can go out more often soon.¡±

    ¡°We have plenty of fun at hers,¡± Grace said, her voice cracking slightly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to hear that part,¡± Lila laughed, taking a sip of her cola. Elise nudged Lila.

    ¡°Prude,¡± Elise teased. ¡°I¡¯m sure Grace can¡¯t wait to fill us in with the details of her sexploits.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a guaranteed ¡®no¡¯,¡± Grace said quickly, her blush deepening. Elise laughed and the girls descended into chuckles and gossip as they waited for the ads to begin.

    The theatre filled slowly. It seemed that the audience today were teens around their age and young adults. Suddenly, the screen burst to life and the lights dimmed slightly. Lila absently flicked through her Snapchat stories and saw one from Isaac. He¡¯d posted a couple hours ago a picture of the results of a game of Mario Kart on a very familiar TV. A blurry figure that looked suspiciously like Asher seemed to be falling before the screen in anguish. The caption read, ¡®Rekt this loser at his own house¡¯ with kissing face and peace sign emojis following it. Lila snorted. At least Asher was looking lively.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Elise asked, peering over Lila¡¯s phone. Lila held a finger to the Story so it didn¡¯t move on and showed Elise, who evidently didn¡¯t find it as funny as Lila did.

    ¡°Isaac was at Asher¡¯s place. It looks like he took the loss very well,¡± Lila explained, pointing at Asher¡¯s figure with her free hand.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Elise said, still unamused. Elise¡¯s own phone buzzed and she patted her pockets before pulling it out. She glanced at it for a few seconds before sucking on her own drink. The tell-tale sound of it being empty rang out embarrassingly loud across the theatre. It didn¡¯t seem like anyone else took notice though.

    ¡°I can¡¯t watch a, like, two-hour movie without a drink,¡± Elise complained, getting up.

    ¡°I¡¯m starting to get hungry,¡± Grace said, also getting up. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you for a refill and get my own snacks.¡±

    ¡°We can share,¡± Lila insisted, but Grace shook her head.

    ¡°You¡¯re so far away,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°Plus, I want caramel popcorn. Ooh, and maybe an ice cream. Stay here and save our seats, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila acquiesced, slumping in her seat. Elise and Grace began to collect their belongings.

    ¡°I can keep an eye on those,¡± Lila said, gently grabbing the hem of Elise¡¯s cardigan so she didn¡¯t escape too quickly.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Elise replied, waving her box of popcorn at Lila. ¡°If I don¡¯t hold this when I go up to the counter, I¡¯ll forget I have it and buy more. Then I¡¯ll have way too much popcorn to eat.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Lila said, letting go of the cardigan. She watched them shuffle awkwardly out of the still-empty row and walk down the stairs, chatting amongst themselves. Five minutes passed with one painfully unfunny comedy movie trailer and a retirement village advertisement with no re-emergence of her friends. Lila¡¯s popcorn supply was about a quarter of the way through, so she tried to pace herself better.

    As she contemplated cracking into her Pods, two males approached the left side of Lila¡¯s row. She sat up straighter in case they needed to move past her, but the male closest to her stopped in his tracks. The light of the next ad shone across his face and her mouth fell open.

    ¡°Asher?¡± she asked in disbelief. The male behind him craned his neck and Lila saw it was Isaac.

    ¡°Yo! Didn¡¯t know you were seeing this too,¡± Isaac said happily, waving at Lila. Asher remained immovable, his arms full of snacks.

    ¡°You gonna sit down or what?¡± Isaac asked, gently pushing him forward. Asher turned and looked at Isaac.

    ¡°What seats are we in?¡± he asked, his voice slightly high-pitched. Isaac pulled out two tickets and peered at them.

    ¡°20G and 20H,¡± Isaac finally said.

    ¡°I¡¯m 20F,¡± Lila stated. ¡°Elise and Grace are sitting on the other side of me, but they went to grab some snacks.¡±

    Asher slowly sat down next to Lila and placed his food gingerly in his lap. Isaac sat down on Asher¡¯s other side with a heavy sigh and placed a drink cup in the cupholder on Asher¡¯s left. He then placed another drink in the nearest cupholder.

    ¡°You got my M&Ms?¡± Isaac asked. Asher nodded and handed him a packet, the M&Ms clattering loudly within.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila said tentatively to Asher once he settled in his seat. She was pretty sure that this was the closest she¡¯d ever sat to Asher, as their desks in English were a decent size and Asher always sat a cushion or so away from her on his couch in the rumpus room. With the warmth radiating from Asher, Lila no longer felt like she needed a jacket.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he replied, though his eyes were narrowed. He whipped his head around to Isaac, who was mucking about on his phone, snickering to himself.

    ¡°Did you plan this?¡± Asher asked suspiciously.

    ¡°How could I plan this?¡± Isaac retorted, chucking an M&M in his mouth. ¡°We only just decided to come here after I destroyed you at Mario Kart.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t destroy me,¡± Asher said quickly, glancing at Lila.

    ¡°I saw the evidence,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°Sick photo, huh,¡± Isaac chortled, shoving a few more M&Ms in his mouth. The cinema darkened, and the opening theme began to play.

    ¡°Ah shit,¡± Isaac whispered after turning his phone off. ¡°I gotta go to the bathroom. Save my seat, yeah?¡±

    Before Asher could reply, Isaac shuffled out of the row, holding his bag of M&Ms and drink close to his chest.

    ¡°Comfort snacks for the bathroom, I see,¡± Lila murmured. Asher snorted and they proceeded to watch the title sequence in silence. The absence of Elise and Grace worried her, now that the ads were over. Where were they? Did something bad happen to them? She opened her phone to send them a message, but a disgruntled person from behind her asked loudly that she turn it off. She reluctantly did, chewing on some popcorn with more force than necessary.

    Quickly, though, the movie thrust them into action, and Lila found herself absorbed in the punchy narrative and the glamour of the special effects. Some ways into the movie, Asher tapped her shoulder, waggling an open bag of Maltesers in her direction. She gratefully took a few and offered her bag of Pods to him, and he took a few as well.

    During a lull in the action, Lila leaned in towards Asher¡¯s ear and whispered, ¡°Did you talk to Isaac about the loan?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he whispered back. ¡°He reacted as you said he would, but I was firm. He said he wanted to at least pay me back, and that he¡¯d go into betting again, but I shut him down. Told him he needs a job, so he¡¯ll probably mope about that for a bit. But at least I have his permission to pay off the loan. Let¡¯s go visit on Monday.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila smiled, returning to her original position. About halfway through the movie, Isaac still hadn¡¯t reappeared, and Asher seemed to be concerned.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just check on him,¡± he whispered, putting his snacks in his seat as he stood up.

    ¡°Can you check for Elise and Grace too?¡± Lila asked softly. He nodded and left. After a few minutes, Asher came back, shaking his head.

    ¡°The dummy got trapped in the wrong theatre,¡± he muttered to Lila as he sat back down, careful to avoid the snacks. ¡°Looks like Elise and Grace also got trapped there. The doors got closed, but they¡¯re too invested to come back to this movie, apparently.¡±

    ¡°How does that even happen?¡± Lila asked, bewildered. ¡°Surely they got the hint when they walked in and we weren¡¯t there.¡±

    Asher shrugged, and Lila recapped the few minutes he¡¯d missed. She began to shiver as she turned her attention back to the screen, and Asher looked over at her.

    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied with an apologetic smile. ¡°Just a bit cold.¡±

    Asher began taking off his brown suede-like jacket.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡± Lila asked, but he shushed her.

    ¡°Just take it,¡± he said, pulling at his shirt so it fell on him properly. She gingerly took his jacket and put it on. Wearing it felt almost like she was receiving a constant hug from Asher ¨C it was really warm and smelled like his deodorant. The thought of hugging Asher made Lila glad that the theatre was so dark. She was sure that her face was bright red and she didn¡¯t need Asher to see that.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked after a couple minutes.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said quietly, tightly pulling the oversized jacket around herself. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Finally, the movie wrapped up and the lights brightened slowly. Asher made to leave, but Lila pulled at his shirt.

    ¡°There¡¯s usually a scene after the credits,¡± she said, looking away from his face. ¡°S-So you don¡¯t need to leave yet.¡±

    He slowly sat back down and sure enough, there was a humorous after-credits scene with a hook to the next potential storyline. A few people in the theatre clapped and everyone that was still sitting down began to leave.

    Lila had finished her drink and popcorn, but there were still a few Pods left. She followed Asher outside the theatre, grasping her bag of Pods after disposing of her rubbish. They discussed their enjoyment of the movie and scenes that they found particularly entertaining, laughing occasionally. They didn¡¯t walk far before they saw Isaac, Elise and Grace leaning against a wall along the hallway to the lobby.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Isaac said bashfully. ¡°We got lost.¡±

    ¡°Big time,¡± Lila replied shortly. Elise poked at the jacket she was still wearing.

    ¡°Where¡¯d you get that?¡± she asked. Lila blushed again and quickly took it off.

    ¡°T-Thanks, Asher,¡± Lila said as she returned it, avoiding eye contact with him. Asher looked down at her in surprise but nodded and put it back on.

    ¡°No worries,¡± he said, a faint smile across his face. ¡°Glad it kept you warm.¡±

    Elise and Grace glanced at each other, and Isaac smirked. No one spoke for a few seconds, before Isaac asked if they had dinner plans.

    ¡°No,¡± Grace said swiftly. ¡°We could get burgers?¡±

    ¡°Burgers sound great,¡± Isaac said triumphantly, leading the way out of the theatre. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The apparent awkwardness between Asher and Lila¡¯s friends made Lila incredibly aware that this was the first time besides semi that they had all hung out together as a group. The five of them picked a booth, with the girls sitting on one side, Lila against the wall, and the boys sitting on the other, Asher directly in front of Lila. They ordered and sat in strained silence for a few minutes before Isaac sighed.

    ¡°I need a job,¡± he lamented. ¡°Anyone working anywhere that has openings?¡±

    Elise perked up. ¡°As a matter of fact, the Maccas I work at does. I can see if they¡¯d hire you.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Isaac said, seeming taken aback at Elise¡¯s readiness to help him.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise replied with a nod. ¡°It¡¯d help me, really. A couple people quit, so I¡¯ve been busting my ass picking up all these extra shifts. They almost cried when I rostered tonight off.¡±

    ¡°Isaac¡¯s allergic to hard work,¡± Asher interjected, his tone only half-serious. Elise and Grace stared at him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± Isaac admonished Asher. ¡°That¡¯s only slightly true.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to recommend that he works in the back then,¡± Elise said drily.

    ¡°Sounds great,¡± Isaac cooed, his eyes sparkling in admiration.

    ¡°The back is far harder than the front or drive-thru.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    They all burst into laughter. Food arrived only a few moments later and they all dug in.

    ¡°How was your movie?¡± Isaac asked after a few bites of his burger. Asher looked at him suspiciously once again but seemed to resign himself to answering.

    ¡°It was pretty good,¡± Asher said, wiping his face with a napkin. ¡°I won¡¯t watch it a second time, though.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Isaac sighed despondently. ¡°I¡¯m sad I missed it.¡±

    ¡°What did you guys end up watching?¡± Lila asked, glancing at Elise and Grace from the corner of her eye.

    ¡°Oh, the new Pixar movie,¡± Grace said swiftly. ¡°It was pretty mid.¡±

    ¡°Mid?¡± Elise and Isaac asked in unison. They exchanged a look before both falling silent. Lila blinked, her eyes darting between Elise and Isaac.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace continued, seeming not to notice Elise and Isaac¡¯s reaction. ¡°Too many weird songs at odd places.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s just a musical,¡± Asher laughed.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve thought that you¡¯d like musical numbers,¡± Lila pondered.

    ¡°I do when they make narrative sense. But half of those came out of nowhere,¡± Grace sighed.

    ¡°It was pretty funny though,¡± Isaac cut in.

    ¡°Eh,¡± Grace shrugged. ¡°Maybe?¡±

    ¡°Nah, nah,¡± Elise said, shaking her head. ¡°I heard you laughing.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t me,¡± Grace replied with a confused expression. ¡°Must¡¯ve been Isaac.¡±

    ¡°It was pretty high-pitched,¡± Elise insisted.

    ¡°Sounds like Isaac,¡± Asher and Lila said at once. Asher met Lila¡¯s eyes, and she looked down at her plate. Lila thought she caught sight of Isaac face-palming, but when she looked up again, he seemed to be concentrating on his food.

    ¡°Are you stealing Lila away for lunch this week again?¡± Grace asked Asher suddenly. Lila glanced up at Asher, and his face seemed pink.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± he finally said, swallowing roughly and avoiding Lila¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been having lunch together pretty often,¡± Elise said loftily. ¡°You guys doing anything in particular during lunch?¡±

    ¡°J-Just eating,¡± Asher replied, though he didn¡¯t seem confident in that answer. With Isaac sitting right against him, it was no wonder that Asher couldn¡¯t elaborate that they were also investigating the Banker. Though, their lunches had actually started as a way for Asher to come to terms with his thoughts and feelings after their latest discoveries ¨C particularly the CCTV footage of Marlene that they had seen. They definitely couldn¡¯t divulge that nugget of information, either.

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Elise replied with a smirk. ¡°Eating food, I take it?¡±

    Asher and Lila simultaneously reddened. Asher cleared his throat and Lila took a drink of water as if it was a shot.

    ¡°We talk as well,¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡°Wander around sometimes.¡±

    ¡°You guys seem really close,¡± Grace observed, daintily dipping a chip in sauce.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Asher replied as though it was obvious, his voice suddenly firm. ¡°Lila¡¯s my closest friend, besides Isaac.¡±

    The silence befalling the group was palpable, and Lila wanted to sink into the floor, never to rise again. She hadn¡¯t expected to ever hear that from Asher, but now that he¡¯d said it, she didn¡¯t know how to feel. It¡­ didn¡¯t seem like he was lying, though.

    And, as Lila thought about it, she realised that Asher was one of her closest friends at this point, too. In fact, he might even overtake Elise and Grace if they kept hanging out as closely as they had been this year. Especially given the secrets Lila and Asher shared that Lila would never be able to tell Elise and Grace. Including entering a nightclub illegally and stalking Asher¡¯s maid.

    Lila felt strangely faint as she picked at the remains of her burger, her eyes fixed on her plate. She was sure her face was matching the red brickwork in the restaurant. Her mind raced as she tried to reconcile what Asher had said and what she should respond with.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher murmured. ¡°I don¡¯t know where that came from.¡±

    Lila stared up at Asher and saw him covering his face with his hands. Did he think she was rejecting his statement regarding their friendship?

    ¡°You¡¯re one of my closest friends too, Asher,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t need to be embarrassed.¡±

    Asher whipped his head up, his eyes piercing into her own. It seemed, yet again, like he was searching within the depths of hers to find a lie hidden within. But there was no lie to be found.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Elise announced, standing up suddenly. ¡°I¡¯m busting. I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Grace said hastily, also standing up. They exited the restaurant as if they were escaping a fire. Lila watched them go, unable to beat back the growing wariness she was feeling. They¡¯d been acting so odd lately.

    Isaac looked between Lila and Asher for a moment before getting up.

    ¡°Ah shit,¡± he said, looking towards where Grace and Elise had disappeared to. ¡°I got nothing,¡± Lila heard him murmur under his breath before he dashed out of the restaurant, following Grace and Elise.

    Lila finished eating her food without looking at Asher. After about fifteen minutes of surprisingly awkward silence between Asher and Lila, Elise, Isaac and Grace returned, all grinning like a squad of Cheshire cats.

    ¡°Why are you guys acting so weird?¡± Lila asked once they sat down.

    ¡°Weird?¡± Isaac repeated. ¡°This is how I normally am.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re batty at best,¡± Lila stated playfully, her mind flashing back to last term when Isaac slid down the hill, waggling his banana, and trying to comfort Lila whilst attempting to swipe her food simultaneously. The group broke into laughter, though Lila noted that no one answered her question properly.

    Eventually, the group began to discuss upcoming assessments, the first matches of soccer and hockey on Saturday, and Grace¡¯s upcoming music competitions. After another half an hour, everyone had finished their food and they rose as one, walking towards the drop-off point near the cinema.

    ¡°Do you need a lift home, Grace?¡± Elise queried as the wind rushed past the group. Lila huddled close to Elise, regretting giving Asher back his jacket.

    Grace nodded. ¡°Yes please, if your Dad doesn¡¯t mind.¡±

    Elise gently separated from Lila as she stepped away and called her Dad. Lila slinked over to Grace, holding onto her arm softly. Grace responded by rubbing Lila¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°You¡¯re freezing!¡± Grace gasped, pulling Lila close. Isaac and Asher glanced at each other for a moment before Isaac nudged Asher. Asher looked back at Isaac in apparent confusion then unzipped his jacket and held it out for Lila to take again.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, looking towards the ground.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m okay,¡± Lila replied, her teeth chattering. Asher stared at her with a raised eyebrow and Grace stepped away from Lila. He wordlessly draped his jacket across her shoulders. It warmed Lila instantly and she pushed her arms inside the sleeves.

    ¡°You can give it back to me next time you¡¯re over, or whenever. I¡¯ve got a few jackets,¡± he said, placing a hand on his opposing shoulder hesitantly. Isaac tapped Asher on the arm and pointed at an approaching grey car.

    ¡°That¡¯s our ride,¡± Isaac noted, waving at Grace and Lila. It wasn¡¯t a car that Lila recognised, so she supposed that it must belong to someone related to Isaac.

    ¡°See you on Monday,¡± Asher said directly to Lila.

    ¡°See you then,¡± Lila replied with a small wave. ¡°And thanks, again.¡± Asher smiled at her before following Isaac¡¯s lead. They both climbed into the car Isaac had pointed out and it slowly departed. Elise returned not even a second later, her brow furrowed in puzzlement at the state of the situation.

    ¡°Where¡¯d the boys go?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Their ride came and picked them up,¡± Grace replied simply. ¡°Asher kindly donated his jacket to Lila yet again. He¡¯s never getting that back.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so embarrassed,¡± Lila bemoaned, holding her head in her hands. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I didn¡¯t bring a jacket. Asher probably thinks I¡¯m irresponsible.¡±

    ¡°I highly doubt that,¡± Elise responded plainly. ¡°He¡¯s probably just glad you won¡¯t freeze to death.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace agreed. ¡°You don¡¯t need to be embarrassed. You guys are close friends. I¡¯m sure you¡¯d gladly lend him a jacket if he was cold.¡±

    Lila fell silent as she drew Asher¡¯s jacket closer around her body. ¡°I suppose so,¡± Lila admitted with a sigh. Elise¡¯s Dad arrived after about ten minutes, and the trio climbed into the car, greeting him. Lila regaled him about the latest movie, without spoilers, though this car ride was quieter than the way in. It seemed that everyone was exhausted.

 Chapter Fifty-Six

    Chapter Fifty-Six

    Lila contemplated bringing Asher¡¯s jacket on Monday morning but decided against it. If Asher invited her over again, she¡¯d bring it then. Plus¡­ she enjoyed the sight of it hanging off her desk chair.

    Before Lila left for school that morning, her Dad popped his head into her room. He was already dressed for work, though it seemed as though his suit was of a nicer calibre than usual.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home today,¡± he announced.

    Lila blinked at him blankly for a moment before realisation hit. ¡°I forgot that was today.¡±

    ¡°Thought you might,¡± he grinned. ¡°4pm, Headmaster¡¯s Office. Have a good day.¡±

    ¡°You too, Dad,¡± Lila waved as he shut her door. Today was going to be busy.

    English was her second class of the day, and she slid into the seat next to Asher with not a moment to spare. Design had run slightly over that morning, what with Mr Dillon fielding questions left and right about their Design assignment.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Asher said jovially as Lila pulled out her laptop.

    ¡°Morning to you too,¡± Lila replied smoothly, typing her password in.

    ¡°Lunch again?¡± he asked in a low voice as Ms Shard began to go through today¡¯s agenda.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila responded shortly, looking at him in confusion. ¡°Weren¡¯t you going to settle the loan today?¡±

    Asher sighed. ¡°I want to. Well, I need to. But I just get this¡­ eerie feeling from Livi that I can¡¯t wrap my head around.¡±

    ¡°I get what you mean, but it¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯ll be there as your witness.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled. They didn¡¯t have any more opportunities to talk as they dove straight into working on their English assessment.

    Lunch rolled around and Lila had just finished putting her Maths textbook and laptop away when Asher arrived, two lunchboxes in hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s a part two to the wraps,¡± he said simply. ¡°Since we didn¡¯t really eat them when we talked to Livi last time.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the heads up,¡± Lila grinned, pulling out a wrap from the depths of the lunchbox. It looked like a teriyaki chicken wrap encased in cling wrap. Asher followed suit and they both took off at a leisurely pace towards the STEM area of campus, eating and walking. They spoke about the movie again, with Asher sharing a couple theories that he¡¯d clearly ruminated on over the weekend. One of them was truly wacky, and Lila felt like she¡¯d almost died choking on her wrap due to the laughter that had overcome her.

    They arrived at the usual lab that Livi and her squad sat in and found a similar amount of students as last time hanging around outside. It seemed as though the runners hadn¡¯t come back with food just yet - everyone was empty-handed, at least. Lila noted that a few students were giving them suspicious glances and figured it was probably because they¡¯d brought lunchboxes.

    Asher took a deep breath once they stopped outside the lab¡¯s glass door. His hands were shaking as he reached over to open it but Lila stopped him.

    ¡°You seem really nervous,¡± she stated sympathetically. ¡°Take another deep breath. Count to ten. I¡¯ll do it with you.¡±

    They both inhaled deeply for ten seconds before exhaling slowly. Asher seemed to be trembling less and he smiled at Lila.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said appreciatively. ¡°We make a good team.¡±

    ¡°Sure do. Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila said, returning his smile.

    Asher pushed the door open, and Livi called out to them.

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± she said cheerily. ¡°Here for more entertainment? Or for business?¡±

    It seemed like all the usual people were in here, though it wasn¡¯t just Theo concentrating on schoolwork today. Harper and Jason seemed to be pouring over notebooks as well, typing every so often. Vi was reading a new book, and Zack and Jake stood at their regular posts next to Livi at the teacher¡¯s desk. Lila¡¯s eyes met Zack¡¯s and he quickly looked away, shifting slightly.

    ¡°Hey Lila,¡± Theo said monotonously from his table, waving at Lila.

    ¡°Hi Theo,¡± Lila replied, curious as to why he was greeting her today. Jason glanced up at them and smiled, but otherwise didn¡¯t have much of a greeting.

    ¡°Business today,¡± Asher said, ignoring everyone else and marching straight up to Livi. Zack and Jake stiffened and Livi blinked at Asher in surprise, before beaming.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± she said, nodding. Lila also stepped forward and just managed to catch Asher leaning in towards Livi¡¯s ear and whispering, ¡°I¡¯m paying a loan for someone else.¡±

    ¡°Oho,¡± Livi replied, sitting back, her eyes sparkling. She flipped her notebook over and flicked to a partially filled page. ¡°Got a name or amount?¡±

    ¡°Isaac Fisher,¡± Asher replied in a low voice. Lila heard a pen drop from one of the occupied tables and looked over to see that everyone, including Zack and Jake, was staring at Asher.

    ¡°I-Isaac?¡± Livi repeated hesitantly.

    ¡°Yes. I believe he owes somewhere in the vicinity of 3k,¡± Asher responded stoutly.

    ¡°He does,¡± Livi affirmed, looking down at her notebook. ¡°Are you looking for a payment plan?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°No, I can get the cash today.¡±

    ¡°C-Cash?¡± Livi gaped at Asher as though he¡¯d grown two extra heads. She exchanged a look with Zack before sliding out from behind the desk.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just need to make a couple of phone calls,¡± Livi said gingerly. ¡°I won¡¯t be long. Zack, please keep a close eye on Asher.¡±

    Zack nodded and Livi left the room. The silence was pressing in on Lila¡¯s eardrums. At least everyone besides Zack had stopped staring at them.

    ¡°Do you think she¡¯s calling the real Banker?¡± Lila whispered to Asher. He shrugged, though it seemed his nerves were getting to him again by the way his teeth were clenched. No one spoke until Livi returned about five minutes later.

    ¡°Alright,¡± she said, seeming breathless. ¡°You won¡¯t be able to clear it today, sorry. As you can appreciate, it¡¯s a very large amount. We need to get a few things in order, including a secure drop-off point. I¡¯ll have to schedule a proper meeting for this, too.¡±

    She pulled out another book, which appeared to be a diary. She flicked through a couple of pages before jotting down some notes.

    ¡°I¡¯ll text you the meeting point and time 24 hours in advance,¡± Livi stated, glancing up at Asher. ¡°And we¡¯ll suspend the upcoming interest charge since you can pay for it right now and it¡¯s our fault for not accepting it today.¡±

    She scrawled another note down before putting the diary away. She then pulled out a piece of paper. It looked like a templated statement of payment.

    ¡°Please fill this out, and note that it¡¯s on behalf of Isaac, and sign here and here. Oh, and Lila, if you could sign here as a witness, given the amount, that would be great too.¡±

    They filled in the paperwork together and returned it to Livi, who looked at it with satisfaction.

    ¡°Great,¡± she smiled, nodding. ¡°At the moment, the drop-off will be about a week away.¡±

    ¡°Will it be with the Banker?¡± Asher asked suddenly. Livi paused and narrowed her eyes at him.

    ¡°Yes,¡± she answered bluntly, nodding again. ¡°You¡¯ll be dealing directly with the Banker. The Banker will have several bodyguards during the drop-off, so don¡¯t try anything funny.¡±

    ¡°Are we not dealing directly with the Banker now?¡± Lila interjected. Livi sighed.

    ¡°You two probably think you¡¯re very slick, but I¡¯ve got your number. I know you¡¯re snooping for information. Why? I don¡¯t know and I don¡¯t care. My answer doesn¡¯t change. I could be. I could not be. For all you know, Jake could be the Banker. But you¡¯re not going to know now. I do note that since you¡¯re paying off the highest loan we¡¯ve had on record, you¡¯ll need to deal directly with the Banker, whoever they are, when they¡¯re prepared and ready. Alright?¡± Livi finished her speech by crossing her arms and glaring at Asher and Lila.

    ¡°So why can¡¯t we know now since we¡¯re going to know eventually?¡± Lila pressed.

    ¡°So you can¡¯t try anything between now and your meeting. I don¡¯t know how well you understand how seriously we take this, but I¡¯m telling you right now, the identity of the Banker is kept very secret for the safety of the Banker. Which could be me or could not be. Point is, I¡¯m not budging on that.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied, holding her hands up in a ¡®surrender¡¯ position. Livi dropped her glare and instead smiled mischievously, the twinkle in her eyes verging on malice.

    ¡°Theo, you should ask Lila out now,¡± Livi called. ¡°He hasn¡¯t stopped talking about you, Lila. You might even be his first girlfriend.¡±

    Asher whipped his head to Theo, who looked distinctly bored with Livi¡¯s antics.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to do that here,¡± Theo said lazily, adjusting his glasses. ¡°My succeeder will probably try and knock me out if I do something like that in front of him. We¡¯ve got soccer training tomorrow and I¡¯d rather not be nursing an injury before our first match on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be dramatic,¡± Livi pouted. ¡°Asher¡¯s not even interested, otherwise they¡¯d be dating right now. Wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Livi smiled broadly, her eyes fixed on Lila and Asher¡¯s faces.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher said to Lila, his voice tense with urgency.

    ¡°So soon?¡± Livi asked, her smile transforming into something less jovial as she cocked her head to the side. It was definitely off-putting. ¡°And without an answer. Tsk, tsk. I¡¯m sure you¡¯re burning to know, Theo. Zack, too.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher said, his face pale and voice taking on a desperate edge now, ¡°we¡¯re going.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t need to be told a third time. She spun around and followed Asher as he strode across to the exit.

    ¡°Bye-bye,¡± Livi called chirpily as Lila and Asher promptly left, the glass door banging shut behind them. Lila glanced back and saw through the door that Livi¡¯s smile had dropped completely as she rubbed her forehead.

    Try as she might, though, Lila couldn¡¯t get Livi¡¯s question out of her head. It was as if Livi had plucked out what had been plaguing Lila recently ¨C that Asher had told Isaac he didn¡¯t want to date her and didn¡¯t like her in that way ¨C like she¡¯d seen the inside of Lila¡¯s brain itself. But¡­ seeing Asher¡¯s reaction to the question¡­ it seemed that Livi was right. He wasn¡¯t interested, and the suggestion that he would be had made him angry.

    ¡®You should ask him, though,¡¯ a voice within Lila said.

    ¡®No, I shouldn¡¯t,¡¯ Lila internally replied to the voice firmly. ¡®¡¯Cause if the answer is what I think it is, then what was the point?¡¯

    ¡®And what if the answer isn¡¯t what you think it is?¡¯

    Lila shook her head, dispelling the thought. She wasn¡¯t interested in getting hurt today. Asher was marching ahead of her, quickly disappearing through the crowd that swarmed a harried-looking Nate. Lila pushed through the students, almost jogging to keep up with Asher. Once they left the STEM area and began walking along the pavement towards the library, he slowed his pace. Lila huffed as she reached him, only seeing now that he was visibly shaking.

    ¡°Y-You okay?¡± Lila wheezed, clutching her side. He gave her a sideways glance and continued towards the library, slowing his pace even further.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he uttered. Lila doubted this, but Asher didn¡¯t elaborate. They shut themselves into an empty meeting room again. Asher slapped his lunchbox down onto the table, unzipping it with slightly more force than necessary. He unearthed a small Tupperware container of crystalised pineapple and apricot pieces and shoved a few in his mouth, breathing heavily.

    ¡®He¡¯s more than mad,¡¯ Lila thought, her heart sinking. She cautiously unzipped her lunchbox and pulled out her remaining lunch. She picked at her own pieces of crystalised fruit, pushing them around her container with her finger. Eventually, Asher¡¯s breathing sounded more stable, though Lila didn¡¯t want to look at him, for fear of meeting furious eyes.

    ¡°I want to dig into Livi,¡± Asher finally announced. ¡°And the others, too. They¡¯re hiding something.¡±

    ¡°Besides the fact that one of them is the Banker?¡± Lila questioned, still looking at her fruit pieces.

    ¡°Definitely.¡±

    ¡°How do you figure that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a feeling I have.¡±

    ¡°A hunch?¡±

    ¡°Could call it that.¡±

    Lila leaned back in her chair. There were a couple of Grade 12 girls in her hockey team that she could probably talk to tomorrow afternoon.

    ¡°I can try and get some intel from my teammates tomorrow,¡± Lila said, her eyes flickering to Asher¡¯s face. His jaw was clenched tight, and for a split second their eyes met. Lila couldn¡¯t figure out the emotion hiding behind his irises before he looked away again.

    ¡°Good idea. I¡¯ll see if I can corner someone from my team that knows them well. It¡¯ll be hard since Theo and Zack play soccer too.¡±

    Asher¡¯s statement lingered in the air between them. There was a viciousness behind the names ¡®Theo¡¯ and ¡®Zack¡¯ that struck Lila. As far as she could tell, neither of them had done anything to Asher.

    ¡°Do you dislike Theo and Zack?¡± Lila asked quietly, watching her hands knot themselves together in her lap.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher replied stiffly. Lila wasn¡¯t convinced by his response but didn¡¯t push it. Instead, she finished off her lunch and snapped her Tupperware closed.

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°What do you reckon Mr Lockwood will say to our parents?¡± Lila queried. Asher stared at her quizzically for a moment before his eyes widened. He stood up, panic alight on his face.

    ¡°I forgot about that,¡± he despaired.

    ¡°What time is your meeting?¡±

    ¡°4.30,¡± Asher responded shortly as he clutched his head. He flopped back down into his seat, seeming defeated before the battle had even begun.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°Like you said, she¡¯s been expelled. And you already told your Dad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not worried about my Dad¡¯s response,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°I¡¯m worried about the level of detail Mr Lockwood will go into. To be honest¡­ I¡¯ve had nightmares about it.¡±

    Lila sat up bolt upright. ¡°You have?¡±

    He grimaced. ¡°Yeah. I can¡¯t shake the feeling of revulsion and just¡­ the idea that she invaded my privacy that much and followed me around, to my house, stole my things¡­ it¡¯s¡­¡± Asher couldn¡¯t continue his sentence and instead looked down at the desk. Suddenly, he seemed much smaller and riddled with nerves as he laced his fingers together. Lila reached out to touch his arm comfortingly but clenched her fist instead.

    ¡°I can¡¯t take the feeling away,¡± she whispered. ¡°But I¡¯m here for you. I¡­ whatever you need, just let me know, alright?¡±

    Asher nodded solemnly before running his hands through his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I need,¡± he confessed. ¡°But I think you being here with me could be part of what I need.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat and she felt the beginning stages of a blush creeping across her cheeks. As Lila tried to think what Asher could mean by that, he looked up at her, flashes of pain and anger vying for dominance across his face.

    ¡°And what makes it worse is every time I start to feel sorry for myself, I just remember your phone going off nonstop and the photos plastered all over the boys¡¯ bathrooms. It makes me furious, that she did that to you. For just existing as my English partner. It¡¯s¡­ a rollercoaster in my mind, whenever I¡¯m reminded of all of this,¡± he explained quietly, though Lila could sense the simmering fury beneath his words.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to get angry on my account,¡± Lila insisted softly. ¡°What Piper did to you was far worse.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I can¡¯t even tell if it was or not,¡± Asher said exasperatedly. ¡°She didn¡¯t directly attack me, at least. Sure, she was a major creep and spread a whole bunch of rumours over the years, but I was never in real danger.¡±

    ¡°She probably would¡¯ve escalated, Asher,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°I don¡¯t think you could discount that you were in danger.¡±

    He shrugged. ¡°Nothing like that happened, though. But you¡­ she was absolutely horrible to you. Not only did she slander you, but actively encouraged the whole school pretty much to sexually harass you. If there were more Harrisons, or if it went on for much longer, you could¡¯ve been seconds away from¡­¡± Asher cut himself off, his voice breaking. Lila knew what he meant, though. She smiled forlornly at him.

    ¡°Asher, like how you say nothing happened to you, nothing like that happened to me, either. So it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°For the last time Lila, stop saying it¡¯s fine,¡± Asher snapped, glaring at her. She was taken aback and he seemed to notice. His glare fell away and he rubbed his face.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he mumbled. ¡°My frustration got the best of me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s-¡± Lila stopped herself from saying ¡®fine¡¯ and instead tried a different statement. ¡°I understand.¡±

    Asher seemed deep in thought for the rest of lunch. By the time they returned to their lockers, they had barely said a few words to each other. Lila returned the empty lunchbox with a ¡°Thanks¡±, and Asher nodded in acknowledgement, still seeming embedded within his mind.

    Next up was Japanese, which entailed the arrival of ten Japanese students from a co-ed private school in Shizuoka. They wore their Japanese school uniforms, which the class immediately cooed over. As there were twenty students in the class, Lila was paired with her classmate, April Huntley. Ayaka Matsudo joined them at their table, hiding a smile behind her hand. She bowed upon approaching them, and Lila and April immediately began speaking in Japanese with Ayaka.

    Ms Takahashi roamed around the classroom, ensuring that all the students were getting along. Once she was satisfied, she stood with the teacher who had come with the Japanese exchange students and spoke in rapid Japanese with her.

    Towards the end of the class, Ayaka produced two small packets of stationery and provided one each to Lila and April, expressing her gratitude. They tried to politely refuse the gifts, but Ayaka insisted. Lila felt that the language exchange had been generally successful, with any confusion quickly cleared up with the intervention of Google Translate. It turned out that Ayaka was very interested in anime, which delighted both Lila and April.

    ¡°Alright class,¡± Ms Takahashi called five minutes before the lesson ended. ¡°The exchange student that you¡¯ve been assigned will be following one of you this week, and the other next week. You can discuss amongst yourselves who will go first, and where to meet your student. You can have lunches with your student, or you can arrange for them to have lunch with their own classmates. I trust you can work that out amongst yourselves. At the end of the day, the exchange students will need to congregate on the lawns by the main carpark, so please don¡¯t forget to return there before going home. They¡¯ll also be there in the mornings, so please don¡¯t forget to pick them up from there too.¡±

    Ms Takahashi repeated her instructions in Japanese, and Ayaka turned expectantly to Lila and April. Lila¡¯s stomach dropped as she realised that Ayaka would be following her around whilst Lila was doing, admittedly, shady stuff.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind when,¡± April said to Lila. Lila looked between April and Ayaka anxiously. Next week she was scheduled to attend the drop of $3k in cash at an unspecified time and location. Would Ayaka be in attendance? There was no way to make that not look suspicious. Then there was the fact that Lila would be digging into Livi and the other Grade 12s this week. Although, if Lila released Ayaka for lunch with Ayaka¡¯s classmates, perhaps that would be fine¡­

    ¡°Oh, actually,¡± April said hurriedly as she looked through her school diary. ¡°I can¡¯t do this week. I have a couple of things on Thursday and Friday that I¡¯m out of school for.¡±

    Lila glanced at April, wondering briefly what things would necessitate April to be pulled out of school ¨C but it wasn¡¯t her business. Besides, she didn¡¯t know April at all.

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila said, though she had many worries. ¡°I can look after Ayaka this week.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± April smiled. ¡°Sorry, I know I just said I didn¡¯t mind when.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°I forget stuff all the time.¡±

    Ayaka suggested swapping contact information, which Lila accepted. She already had LINE, as she used that to communicate with previous Japanese exchange students, so it was pretty easy. Ayaka followed Lila to Modern History and they spoke in a mishmash of English and Japanese about their high school experiences along the way.

    Lila¡¯s Modern History teacher had already gotten the memo that two Japanese exchange students would be joining them over the next two weeks, and so didn¡¯t bat an eyelid when Lila pulled up a chair for Ayaka. Grace and Elise were delighted to get to know Ayaka, though admittedly communication was rough. They were quickly silenced once class began, and Ayaka seemed curious about what they were learning. Lila tried her best to explain, but her language skills were sorely lacking for that.

    Lila hung around the lawn with Ayaka by the main carpark until her homestay family came to collect her after school ended. Lila introduced herself politely, and mentioned that tomorrow afternoon she had hockey practice and invited Ayaka to watch. She had discovered that Ayaka¡¯s school didn¡¯t have hockey as a sport on the way here, and the homestay family agreed.

    With all that politeness and smiling, Lila felt almost entirely drained by the time she made it back to her locker. To her surprise, Asher was pacing in front of her locker, looking concerned.

    ¡°Where were you?¡± he asked as soon as he laid eyes on her.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you¡¯d be waiting for me, sorry,¡± Lila responded sheepishly.

    ¡°I guess I didn¡¯t say I would be,¡± Asher replied with a sigh, ceasing his pacing.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been assigned a Japanese buddy for the week,¡± Lila explained, putting her things away. ¡°She¡¯ll be coming with me to class and she can either have lunch with me or go have lunch with her Japanese classmates.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes widened ¨C he looked almost fearful.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s going to be following you around all week?¡± he croaked.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Lila replied, slightly perplexed by the intensity of his reaction. ¡°It was either going to be this week or next week, but April had a couple things come up.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher sighed again, rubbing his face. ¡°I¡¯ll tell Gabriel to prepare a third lunch for tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure Ayaka will have her own lunch,¡± Lila said quickly.

    ¡°Probably, but I think we should be hospitable, yeah?¡±

    The determined look on Asher¡¯s face gave Lila pause. She opened her phone and sent a message to Ayaka, stating that she didn¡¯t need to bring food for tomorrow. Ayaka replied, indicating she understood this.

    ¡°Are we going back to Livi tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, slipping her phone back into her pocket. ¡°Perhaps we¡¯d be able to gather some leads for our investigation into their group if we see them again.¡±

    ¡°We can,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°That way we can show Ayaka around, too.¡±

    ¡°¡­ it¡¯s a bit shady, though,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°Are you sure it wouldn¡¯t give the wrong impression?¡±

    ¡°We could tell her it¡¯s some sort of club,¡± Asher said as he checked the time on his phone. ¡°Let¡¯s start heading to the Headmaster¡¯s Office.¡±

    They meandered over towards the Headmaster¡¯s Office within the sleek, white and modern Administration Building, which was next to the old, brick Office Hub which lacked any kind of TLC on its exterior. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure why the Administration Building and Office Hub were separated like this, though she supposed they served different functions.

    They rounded the corner towards the almost clinically tidy waiting room outside the Headmaster¡¯s Office and saw Lila¡¯s Dad already sitting down on a plush armchair, leafing through some papers.

    ¡°Hi Dad,¡± Lila greeted him with a nervous smile. The time was awfully close to their 4pm appointment, and her heart rate seemed to be going as fast as her mind as she tried to anticipate what Mr Lockwood would say.

    ¡°Who¡¯s this?¡± her Dad asked, slowly standing up and abandoning his papers. He reached out to shake Asher¡¯s hand.

    ¡°I¡¯m Asher,¡± Asher said assuredly. Her Dad¡¯s eyes sparkled with a playfulness that made Lila feel even more nervous as Asher firmly shook his hand.

    ¡°So you¡¯re Asher,¡± her Dad grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a lot about you. I don¡¯t believe we¡¯ve ever really met, though.¡±

    Asher quickly shot Lila a look and she instead inspected the armchair her Dad had been sitting in, her face burning.

    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t met,¡± Asher confirmed. Lila glanced up and saw him straighten his tie and smooth down his hair with trembling hands.

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard you¡¯re the Dux of Grade 11,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said smoothly. ¡°I hope you¡¯ve been teaching my daughter some tricks of the trade.¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡± Lila groaned. Asher gave a small chuckle.

    ¡°I have, actually. I haven¡¯t heard back whether my tricks have been useful or not, though.¡±

    Lila blushed again. ¡°They¡¯ve helped,¡± she admitted. Asher seemed thrilled with this and looked as though he was about to say something in excitement when the door to Mr Lockwood¡¯s Office opened. From this vantage point, Lila couldn¡¯t see who opened it.

    ¡°I guess we¡¯re going in,¡± Lila said to Asher, her anxiety spiking in her voice.

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Asher replied, his eyes seeming downcast. Lila attempted to smile reassuringly at him, though she wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d managed it. Lila¡¯s Dad packed up the papers he¡¯d been looking at into his laptop bag and slung it over his shoulder.

    ¡°Time to go,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said gently. They both made their way into the Headmaster¡¯s Office, passing Mr Lockwood as they did so.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± Mr Lockwood said, closing the door behind them. His office was relatively bare, with a couple of monstera plants dotted around the office. A portrait of Mr Lockwood and his wife and children sat in full view on the shelves lining the left-hand side of the room. His desk looked to be a heavy, impressive-looking, L-shaped wooden desk. A desktop computer and two monitors sat along the smallest part of the L, facing the right-hand side of the room. Two chairs with metal framing sat before his desk, clearly inviting Lila and her Dad to sit on them. Her Dad shook Mr Lockwood¡¯s hand and Mr Lockwood gestured for them to sit down before sitting down himself.

    He poured two glasses of water for them from a carafe sitting on his desk before inhaling deeply and adjusting his rectangular glasses upon his nose. He looked directly at Lila¡¯s Dad.

    ¡°I understand that you received my letter,¡± Mr Lockwood began. ¡°This is a very serious matter, Mr Moloney.¡±

    ¡°Please, call me Rob,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad interjected. Mr Lockwood nodded in acknowledgement before continuing.

    ¡°Rob, I am sorry to advise that Lila was the victim of truly unsettling behaviour from one of our former students. Upon being advised that there was an issue, the school launched an investigation into the behaviour and suspended the student.¡±

    Mr Lockwood reached into a drawer and pulled out the photo of Lila that had been plastered across the boys¡¯ bathrooms. Lila¡¯s Dad picked up the photo and his eyes bulged in obvious fury though he remained silent. Mr Lockwood spoke again.

    ¡°Our investigation found that a female student was entering most of the boys¡¯ bathrooms early in the mornings with a stack of these photos. Inspections revealed that these were put up on the doors, walls and mirrors within the bathrooms. She would then enter these bathrooms throughout the day with more photos. It seemed that some students would take them down, but they would be replaced rather quickly. I understand that this led to Lila being contacted by calls and texts.¡±

    ¡°Have you looked into who contacted Lila?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked solemnly.

    ¡°We determined that an investigation into who contacted Lila would be an unproductive use of resources. Nothing ended up arising from the contact that we¡¯re aware of ¨C¡± Mr Lockwood glanced at Lila, who nodded. ¡°¨C so it was deemed unnecessary.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied with a heavy sigh but the emergence of a vein popping on his neck hinted to Lila that he was distinctly unhappy with that turn of events. ¡°What is the name of the student?¡±

    Mr Lockwood seemed to hesitate, but eventually answered, ¡°Piper Baker.¡±

    ¡°Are you able to provide me with the contact information for her parents?¡±

    Mr Lockwood appeared to consider this request before nodding. ¡°I shall email you what we have in our records. Piper was expelled earlier in the term, so these details may have changed.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I would like to advise you, Lila, that if you and Asher continue to be a couple, you should be cautious outside of school grounds. Whilst Piper has been expelled, we cannot guarantee that her behaviour has stopped.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face immediately turned crimson as she spluttered. ¡°W-We¡¯re not- Asher and I-¡±

    Mr Lockwood and Lila¡¯s Dad seemed to not take notice of Lila¡¯s incomplete protests.

    ¡°I have encouraged Lila to seek counselling from our school psychologist,¡± Mr Lockwood carried on. ¡°I have also advised our security personnel of Piper¡¯s description and that she may not, under any circumstances, set foot on our campus. Security is also aware of who Lila is, in the very unlikely event that she needs assistance. We will also check in on Lila every so often, to ensure that she is safe and any concerns can be addressed.¡±

    Mr Lockwood finished speaking, his face severe. Lila¡¯s Dad glanced at Lila before asking for further details regarding Piper¡¯s actions. Mr Lockwood ran through those that pertained to Lila until Lila¡¯s Dad was satisfied. Lila noticed that Mr Lockwood avoided saying much about Asher¡¯s involvement in all of this, but her Dad didn¡¯t press for details regarding it.

    ¡°It was a consideration, as to whether Lila should remain in this school,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said finally. ¡°But, taking into account the seriousness with which this has been treated, I don¡¯t think removing Lila is entirely necessary. However, if anything further does arise, we will be looking at what options are available to us.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s words hung in the air for a few moments. To Lila, it sounded like a veiled threat, but Mr Lockwood didn¡¯t comment on whether he shared that impression.

    ¡°I understand entirely,¡± Mr Lockwood replied diplomatically. ¡°This is a very serious matter. Of course, it was a surprise when Lila told me point-blank that she didn¡¯t want to be in a school, private or not, that couldn¡¯t keep its students safe. I¡¯ll be very candid. That has still stuck with me and guided every action the College has taken afterwards.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad seemed oddly proud as he looked at Lila after Mr Lockwood said this.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad that Lila felt safe enough to say that to you,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad responded. ¡°That is a good sign.¡±

    They wrapped up the meeting with some pleasantries and another handshake. Upon exiting, Lila¡¯s Dad exhaled heavily.

    ¡°Kiddo, I¡¯m so sorry this happened to you,¡± he said, pulling Lila into a hug. ¡°If there¡¯s any more trouble, even if it¡¯s unrelated to this, you have to tell me straight away, alright?¡±

    Did trouble include trouble Lila was throwing herself into? She wasn¡¯t about to tell her Dad about her attendance at a 3k drop off to the mysterious Banker, or her plans to break into Asher¡¯s workers¡¯ cottage, or her investigation into Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance. But, she promised her Dad that she would tell him straight away about any upcoming trouble. He beamed at her, and they began to walk through the waiting room before Lila¡¯s Dad stopped suddenly.

    ¡°Hello, Ivaan,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said pleasantly, his face breaking into a wide smile. Lila looked up and saw Asher¡¯s Dad standing a few metres away next to Asher, who looked like he wanted to throw up. Lila stared at her Dad in confusion as he approached Ivaan and shook his hand with gusto.

    ¡°Hello, Rob,¡± Ivaan replied, his own tone equally as pleasant. ¡°I had no idea that you were Lila¡¯s father.¡±

    ¡°And I had no idea that you were Asher¡¯s,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad laughed. ¡°What a coincidence!¡±

    ¡°A coincidence indeed,¡± Ivaan smiled. He then turned to Lila. ¡°Hello, Lila. Are you keeping well?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± Lila replied hesitantly, still reeling from the fact that her Dad knew Asher¡¯s Dad. How did they know each other? She met Asher¡¯s eyes, and he seemed just as shocked.

    ¡°Wonderful,¡± Ivaan responded warmly. ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Gabriel has been preparing lunch for you lately. I take it that it¡¯s been enjoyable?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad now stared at Lila as she replied that it was much appreciated and very delicious. The door to the Headmaster¡¯s Office swung open again, and Ivaan took his leave. Asher trailed behind, exchanging a look with Lila briefly. She waved at him and he grimaced back before closing the door behind him.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, gesturing for Lila to follow him. Lila remained silent as she contemplated what Mr Lockwood had said, along with the fact that Lila¡¯s Dad knew Ivaan. She felt comforted by the fact that Mr Lockwood had taken this all very seriously. All in all, it wasn¡¯t as terrible of a conversation as she had convinced herself it would be.

    ¡°While I¡¯m unhappy that this all happened to begin with, I am quite pleased that the school has taken some serious action,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said to her as he drove them through the suburbs back towards home. There was a significant amount of traffic at this time of day, though they had not come to a complete standstill just yet.

    ¡°I am too,¡± Lila replied quietly, staring out the window. The silence between them grew as Lila¡¯s Dad concentrated on driving home before Lila couldn¡¯t beat back her curiosity any more.

    ¡°How do you know Ivaan?¡± she asked, folding her arms to her chest. She saw her Dad give her a surprised look out of the corner of her eye.

    ¡°He¡¯s a client,¡± her Dad said simply. ¡°For my PI work. I can¡¯t say anything though, due to confidentiality provisions, but I¡¯ve been working with him for a couple of months now.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart seemed to stop in her chest. Her Dad was investigating something for Ivaan. Did that mean he was investigating Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance? If so, then¡­ did that mean Lila could be relieved of that task?

    ¡®He¡¯s not going to say, though,¡¯ an intrusive voice inside her head sang. ¡®If you¡¯re wrong and you give up the goose, it¡¯s all over.¡¯

    ¡®I know,¡¯ Lila told the voice, pressing her lips together. ¡®Plus, I want to know myself now. It¡¯s not like Dad could tell me anything about the investigation anyway, including what he finds. And that¡¯s not going to satisfy Asher. Besides, if Asher¡¯s Dad hired my Dad to investigate Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance, surely Asher would¡¯ve told me if he knew?¡¯

    ¡®Who knows?¡¯ the voice replied.

    ¡®No, Asher would for sure tell me,¡¯ Lila thought confidently. ¡®He¡¯d definitely tell me.¡¯

    ¡®If you say so. Unless he wants to keep using you and he¡¯s hiding it so you stick around.¡¯

    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ Lila firmly told the voice. Intrusive thoughts were seriously no joke, but this one wasn¡¯t going to win. Lila wouldn¡¯t doubt Asher.

 Chapter Fifty-Seven

    Chapter Fifty-Seven

    Lila almost forgot to bring her hockey uniform and stick on Tuesday morning. She¡¯d been so focused on ensuring she wouldn¡¯t forget Ayaka on the lawn that it was only when she fell over the stick that she remembered. Cursing, she tossed everything she needed into her gym bag and ran out the front door, making it to the bus stop with only seconds to spare.

    Ayaka seemed very excited to follow Lila to class. Lila was surprised by how outgoing Ayaka actually was, now that the first nervous introductions were behind them. Lila showed Ayaka several classrooms that they passed on their way to English, and she commented that they seemed very spacious. She also seemed interested in the fact that a lot of their classrooms were in different buildings, rather than having one main building for school.

    Asher was standing outside their English classroom with his hands in his pockets, staring off into the distance. Ayaka stood slightly behind Lila, clutching the sleeve of her jumper. Lila asked what was up, and Ayaka replied, gesturing towards Asher, that he was an ¡®ikemen¡¯. Lila glanced at Ayaka in surprise. She knew enough Japanese to know that ¡®ikemen¡¯ meant, colloquially, that Ayaka thought Asher was attractive and/or looked cool, depending on the translation. Lila tried to think if anyone she knew had ever described Asher in that way before, but, despite coming up empty, she couldn¡¯t disagree with Ayaka¡¯s word choice.

    As Ayaka dissolved into a fit of giggles behind Lila¡¯s shoulder, Asher looked over at them. He beamed and strolled over, his hands still in his pockets. Ayaka buried her face in Lila¡¯s shoulder as she seemed to panic at the fact that Asher was approaching them.

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said to Lila, looking curiously over at Ayaka.

    ¡°Morning to you, too,¡± Lila replied tentatively, unsure how to introduce Ayaka if she was currently pressed up against her. She gently held onto Ayaka¡¯s arm and glanced at Asher.

    ¡°This is Ayaka,¡± Lila said, holding back a laugh as Ayaka seemed to struggle against Lila¡¯s grip. Upon hearing her name, however, Ayaka stopped and popped her head around Lila¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°H-Hello,¡± Ayaka said feebly, staring at Asher.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he replied, smiling at her. She immediately hid behind Lila again. Lila turned her head to Ayaka and explained that Asher was a friend of Lila¡¯s. At that point, Ayaka gasped.

    ¡°Boyfriend?¡± she asked. Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she spun around, shaking her head violently, her face heating up.

    ¡°No!¡± Lila half-shouted. Asher took a step back as he watched Lila try to explain in broken Japanese again. Eventually, Ayaka seemed to get it. Lila breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head in,¡± Asher suggested, poorly hiding a grin behind his hand. Asher sourced a chair for Ayaka to sit on next to Lila¡¯s desk, and they sat in semi-awkward silence whilst waiting for the classroom to fill with their classmates. A few looked at Ayaka in surprise, but Ms Shard didn¡¯t appear to notice Ayaka at all until finishing the roll call.

    After explaining the objectives of today (i.e. getting to work on their assignment, as it was due next week), Ms Shard walked over to Lila, Ayaka, and Asher.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Ms Shard said to Ayaka, who bowed in response. Ms Shard peered at Lila.

    ¡°Does, um, sorry-¡±

    ¡°Ayaka,¡± Lila interjected.

    ¡°Yes, Ayaka, sorry. Does Ayaka have something to do during class today?¡± Ms Shard finished asking, her eyes darting between Lila and Ayaka. Lila asked and Ayaka vehemently nodded, pulling out her homework from her own school. Lila was surprised to see that the papers Ayaka held were a brownish colour, rather than the crisp white she was used to, and seemed to be very thin. Ms Shard seemed satisfied with this and walked over to the teacher¡¯s desk.

    Once English was over, Lila, Ayaka, and Asher wandered over to the library at a leisurely pace, as they had Study next. Asher asked Ayaka what her homework was, and she seemed confused. Lila asked again in broken Japanese and Ayaka pulled out her phone. She showed it to Lila, and it seemed that Ayaka had translated ¡®Physics¡¯ from Japanese to English. Asher lit up, and through gesturing indicated that he took Physics too.

    For once, sitting at their usual booth with Ayaka next to Lila, Asher didn¡¯t seem too interested in studying. He continued the conversation with Ayaka, who pulled out her homework. Asher looked over it in fascination. Then, his brow furrowed as he looked up at Lila.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think they use calculators for this,¡± he said slowly. Lila stared at Asher curiously.

    ¡°What do you mean? How do you know?¡± she asked, picking up Ayaka¡¯s homework. A lot of it was in kanji, but there were some equations and numbers written numerically.

    ¡°I mean, I can easily solve these in my head,¡± he said, cocking his head to the side. He gave Lila a sideways glance before curiously taking the pages from Lila. Ayaka seemed anxious, so Lila explained what they were discussing. Ayaka nodded and confirmed that she didn¡¯t use calculators in school, even for maths. The topic enthralled Asher, and the three of them spent much of Study communicating through Google Translate and Lila about a variety of differences between their schools.

    Eventually, their conversation reached a natural break and Lila turned to Asher.

    ¡°How¡¯d your talk with Mr Lockwood go?¡± she asked. Ayaka looked between them curiously. Asher¡¯s eyes briefly landed on Ayaka before making eye contact with Lila.

    ¡°It went a lot better than I thought it would. He said that they launched an investigation into Piper. They found video footage from the CCTV cameras around school of Piper actively stalking me, which was extremely unsettling. Mr Lockwood thought it was necessary to show me, which¡­ I¡¯m honestly not sure if that was a good call or not. Some of the clips also showed her taking a few things from my bag, or just generally being weird. But they said that Security have been checking the live footage and then again throughout the afternoon to see if Piper comes onto campus, and she hasn¡¯t since she was expelled. Which is a relief.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied, leaning back into the booth chair. She turned her head to Ayaka and just explained that they were talking about a problem at school. Ayaka didn¡¯t ask any follow-up questions and instead seemed to be absorbing the conversation from a linguistic standpoint.

    ¡°Something¡¯s been bothering me, though,¡± Asher added with a sigh. ¡°Why do our Dads know each other?¡±

    Lila filled Asher in regarding what her Dad told her in the car. Asher sat up and leaned forward, his eyes wide.

    ¡°A client?¡± he breathed before bringing a clenched fist to the side of his forehead. He seemed contemplative, staring down at the desk with glassy eyes.

    ¡°Do you think he¡¯s investigating my Mum¡¯s disappearance?¡± he finally whispered, looking up at Lila.

    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s possible. I thought if he was, though, you¡¯d know for sure,¡± she replied. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°No one¡¯s told me anything and that¡¯s really, really weird,¡± Asher said, holding his head in his hands. ¡°Usually, they tell me everything about the goings-on of our house, since I¡¯m an only child. But I haven¡¯t heard anything at all since my Dad told me she was missing. I would¡¯ve told you if I had.¡±

    Lila felt her stomach swoop at these words ¨C she was right. He would¡¯ve told her. ¡®Suck on that, intrusive thoughts,¡¯ she triumphantly thought.

    ¡°Looks like we have to keep digging,¡± Asher said, bringing Lila back to reality.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, nodding. ¡°Not that I think I would¡¯ve been capable of stopping, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s investigating Marlene?¡± Asher suggested suddenly.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Either way, it¡¯s not like my Dad is going to give me the results of his investigation.¡±

    Asher gave a frustrated sigh before turning to look at Ayaka, who jumped at the sudden attention.

    ¡°Today, we¡¯re having lunch together,¡± he said with a warm smile. Ayaka slowly looked at Lila, who grinned and translated. Ayaka clapped, evidently excited at the prospect.

    ¡°Do you have stuff for morning tea?¡± Asher asked, looking at Lila. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°I almost killed myself on my hockey equipment this morning. I completely forgot about food,¡± she lamented. Asher snorted.

    ¡°Gabriel lovingly packed extra today, since Ayaka was joining us. If you come to my locker, I can hand over your lunchboxes early.¡±

    ¡°Are you still going to have morning tea with Isaac?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, stretching his arms. ¡°He wants to chat about soccer practice today. He reckons he¡¯s figured out some brand-new strategy that he wants me to try as the goalie. Honestly though, considering I¡¯m trapped by the goals, I didn¡¯t think I could even have strategies to begin with.¡±

    ¡°How boring,¡± Lila joked. Asher rolled his eyes in jest.

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to tell me about what this new strategy is, though,¡± Lila said after a pause. ¡°I thought being the goalie just came down to not letting the ball into the net.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°But since we both have practice, maybe I could just show you what the strategy is. Unless it¡¯s dumb.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to keep my eyes on you then,¡± Lila laughed. Asher quickly looked down at the desk, fiddling with his laptop case, before making an affirmative sound. Lila was probably imagining the splash of red slowly appearing on Asher¡¯s face. Surely Asher hadn¡¯t gotten shy. Ayaka looked between Lila and Asher before giggling to herself. Lila glanced at her, and she shook her head, indicating that she didn¡¯t want to say anything now.

    Study finished up a few minutes later, and Lila, Ayaka and Asher headed off to Asher¡¯s locker. He produced two lunchboxes and presented them to Lila and Ayaka with a flourish. They both gratefully took them off his hands, and he pulled out his own lunchbox before waving goodbye.

    Ayaka watched him go in apparent confusion, and Lila explained that the first break would be with her friends. Ayaka seemed to understand this and looked inside her lunchbox curiously before hurrying after Lila.

    ¡°So, Lila,¡± Elise said once the four of them sat down in the sunshine, wrapping her black scarf tightly around her neck. ¡°Have you given Asher his jacket back?¡±

    Lila immediately began choking on her apple, and everyone looked at her in alarm. She took a long drink of water, which cleared her system.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila finally said, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. Grace and Elise exchanged a look.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to keep it forever, aren¡¯t you?¡± Grace smirked.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila retorted, her face flushing immediately.

    ¡°So you¡¯re just holding out hope that he¡¯s going to ask you to hang out at his place, then?¡± Elise interjected, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°He will,¡± Lila replied, taking a vicious bite out of her apple.

    ¡°You sound pretty confident of that,¡± Grace observed, giving Lila a sideways glance.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got to do something at his,¡± Lila said, biting her tongue to keep from letting more details escape.

    ¡°Like what?¡± Elise asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

    ¡°S-Something,¡± Lila said faintly, avoiding eye contact with everyone.

    ¡°Boyfriend?¡± Ayaka piped up, looking between Elise and Grace. They stared back at Ayaka in confusion, and she tried again.

    ¡°A-Asher¡­ is Lila¡¯s boyfriend?¡±

    Lila buried her face in her hands and she heard Elise and Grace burst into laughter. They quickly cleared up Ayaka¡¯s confusion. Lila looked up at Ayaka, who seemed frustrated.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Ayaka asked, frowning.

    ¡°She doesn¡¯t like him,¡± Grace said slowly, a smile creeping onto her face. ¡°So she says.¡±

    Ayaka pondered this for a moment, and Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she understood Grace¡¯s statement until Ayaka said it was a lie in Japanese. Lila begrudgingly translated this for Grace and Elise.

    ¡°Damn Lila, even the girl who¡¯s known you for a day and a half thinks you have a crush on Asher,¡± Elise said mischievously. Lila groaned.

    ¡°You¡¯re all just seeing something that¡¯s not there,¡± Lila insisted, shaking her head. ¡°Like Asher said on the weekend, we¡¯re just close friends.¡±

    ¡°Close friends who give each other googly eyes,¡± Elise snorted into her salad. Grace shot Elise a look and she sobered up immediately. Lila made to argue, but Grace raised a hand to stop her.

    ¡°Look, at the end of the day, at least they¡¯ve admitted that they¡¯re close friends,¡± Grace said, more to Elise than to Lila. ¡°That¡¯s a win.¡±

    Lila frowned. ¡°A win?¡±

    ¡°Lila, you seem terrified of admitting you have any kind of friendship or relationship with Asher,¡± Grace stated plainly. The words struck a chord within Lila.

    ¡°Am not,¡± Lila muttered. Although¡­ perhaps Grace was right. And if she was right, why was she right?

    The rest of lunch proceeded with Grace and Elise talking mostly to Ayaka through Google Translate. Lila didn¡¯t participate much ¨C she felt dazed as she tried to reach into the crevices of her mind for an answer.

    This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

    Lila¡¯s next classes flashed by her until it was lunchtime. She was still pondering what Grace said when she bumped into Asher¡¯s shoulder as he was hanging around outside her locker. Asher instinctively grabbed her shoulders before she fell onto the floor, and Lila looked up at him, stepping backwards. Both Asher and Ayaka immediately asked if Lila was okay.

    ¡°Sorry, Asher,¡± Lila squeaked, unable to look into his face anymore. She hid her face in her hands, which felt almost ready to burst into embers.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Asher said tentatively, rubbing his shoulder. ¡°I was spaced out in front of your locker. I didn¡¯t even know you were here.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t looking,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°The fault¡¯s mine.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say we¡¯re even,¡± Asher grinned. ¡°Otherwise we¡¯ll be here all day.¡±

    Lila nodded wordlessly, opening her locker and retrieving her lunchbox along with Ayaka¡¯s.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said simply. ¡°What¡¯s the plan for lunch today?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Asher cleared his throat. ¡°Let¡¯s get Uber Eats for tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Solid plan,¡± Lila smiled.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher said as he mock-bowed. ¡°Will Ayaka join us for lunch?¡±

    Lila turned to Ayaka and asked about lunch tomorrow, and she said she didn¡¯t mind. After translating this to Asher, he shrugged.

    ¡°Maybe she could have lunch with her classmates,¡± he suggested. Lila brought the idea to Ayaka, who indicated this was okay through a hand gesture.

    ¡°Well, let¡¯s make our order, I guess,¡± Asher announced. They set off towards the STEM area, with Lila and Asher giving Ayaka a grand tour of this section of campus. Once they reached the usual science lab, Ayaka uttered a blunt, ¡°Wow.¡±

    The students hanging around outside the science lab today seemed to have increased slightly in number, though Lila couldn¡¯t be sure. Lila gripped Ayaka¡¯s arm as she followed Asher¡¯s path through the crowd to ensure Ayaka didn¡¯t get lost.

    Now that they were standing outside the door to the science lab, however, Asher hesitated, his hand on the door handle. He glanced back at Lila before taking a deep breath and opening the door.

    ¡°Oho,¡± Livi¡¯s voice called out happily. ¡°Back again? I haven¡¯t sorted out the finer details, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher said stiffly, holding the door for Lila and Ayaka. Livi sat up straighter. Lila saw the usual bunch of Grade 12s in the room today, though this time only Theo was studying. Jason was rocking back on his chair as he scrolled through his phone and Vi was reading through yet another book. Zack and Jake were in their usual bodyguard positions. Harper was watching videos of dance competitions on her school laptop, her back facing the doorway.

    ¡°Hey Lila,¡± Theo called out to Lila, waving. Zack also waved to Lila. Jason looked up from his phone and gave Lila a lazy grin. Harper and Vi greeted them briefly in unison without looking up. Lila returned the greetings, and Asher looked stoic once more.

    ¡°What can I do for you guys today?¡± Livi asked, before narrowing her eyes. ¡°Is that an exchange student?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said, quickly introducing Ayaka and pointing out who was who to her. Ayaka seemed starstruck and didn¡¯t say anything more than a shy hello.

    ¡°Can we order some lunch for tomorrow?¡± Asher asked once introductions were finally over.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Livi asked nonchalantly, flipping open her notebook. They followed the same process that they had last time, though today Asher suggested Mexican food. Lila didn¡¯t mind. She chose chicken nachos, and Asher chose a chicken burrito. Asher paid in cash again and signed the necessary paperwork. Livi grinned at them once they were done, a cold sparkle in her eyes.

    ¡°So,¡± she said smoothly, resting her chin on her hands. ¡°You guys dating yet, or what?¡±

    Asher sighed heavily. ¡°No, we¡¯re not. We¡¯re just friends.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re just friends, then Theo can certainly date Lila, right?¡± Livi said, her tone sounding innocent belying her calculating expression.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher snapped. ¡°I don¡¯t own Lila.¡±

    ¡°Didya hear that, Theo?¡± Livi called in a sing-song voice. ¡°Asher gives his blessing.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Theo said drily, not looking up from his textbook. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°You might have an in too, Zack,¡± Livi said, tapping Zack on the shoulder. From the corner of Lila¡¯s eye, she could see Asher clench and unclench his fists repeatedly.

    ¡°Livi, don¡¯t go too hard on Asher,¡± Theo said, finally closing his textbook. He adjusted his glasses on his nose and glared at Livi. ¡°Like I said, I have practice today and those fists look menacing.¡±

    ¡°For someone who says he¡¯s fine with Theo dating Lila, you certainly seem very angry,¡± Livi laughed, tossing her head back.

    ¡°Theo, you seem far too relaxed about being essentially whored out,¡± Harper said, taking her headphones out. ¡°Are you seriously considering dating Lila?¡±

    Theo looked over Lila for a split second before opening his textbook again.

    ¡°I-¡± he began to say before Jason jumped up.

    ¡°Whore!¡± Jason cried, pointing at Lila. Lila shrank back from his pointing, bewildered at the sudden declaration. Asher immediately stood between Lila and Jason, shielding her from view.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Jason said sheepishly, running his hand through his hair. ¡°I just remembered why Lila is so familiar. She¡¯s the girl from the pictures in the bathrooms.¡±

    The overpowering aura of fury emanating from Asher made Lila step back further. Even Ayaka seemed to notice as she pulled on Lila¡¯s blazer gently.

    ¡°That,¡± Asher spat, ¡°was a pack of lies.¡±

    ¡°Whoa buddy,¡± Jason chuckled, raising his hands in a ¡®surrender¡¯ position. ¡°¡¯Course it was. She never replied.¡±

    Lila instantly grabbed hold of the back of Asher¡¯s blazer as he jerked forward. He didn¡¯t get very far.

    ¡°You contacted her?¡± Asher hissed, his usual composure failing him.

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Jason smirked. ¡°Though, if a deal seems too good to be true, it usually is. She never replied to anyone, so it was obvious that it was fake. No need to worry your pretty little head, Asher. No one¡¯s going to try anything that Lila doesn¡¯t want.¡±

    Silence fell upon the room, though Lila herself was starting to feel a bit irritated by Jason¡¯s attitude and distinctly punchable face.

    ¡°Well, that was dramatic,¡± Livi said, giving a low whistle. ¡°I dunno what photos you¡¯re talking about, but they sound hectic. Anyway, you didn¡¯t answer the question, Theo.¡±

    ¡°Now that I know that Lila¡¯s the girl from the photos, I suppose you could say my interest has jumped up quite a bit,¡± Theo replied casually. The tips of his ears seemed to redden, but he looked over at Asher coolly. ¡°You¡¯re setting her up for failure, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher replied, his anger seemingly fizzling into perplexion, confusion marring his voice.

    ¡°If you¡¯re going to chase away any guy that likes her, then she¡¯s never going to date, is she? How is that fair on Lila, if you¡¯re not going to take the chance?¡± Theo responded, his voice and eyes both ice-cold. ¡°I¡¯d say that¡¯s pretty unbecoming of the standards Duxes should hold themselves to.¡±

    Theo looked over at Lila with a smirk that seemed distinctly joyless. ¡°I¡¯d even go so far as to say that I¡¯m the better Dux in this scenario. Do with that information what you will.¡±

    Theo flipped to the next page in his textbook and didn¡¯t seem interested in talking any further. Asher turned on his heel and walked out so quickly that Lila didn¡¯t register that he¡¯d left for a second.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± Livi said merrily, waving at Lila. Lila didn¡¯t respond as she tried to catch up to Asher, pulling Ayaka along.

    Asher remained a few metres ahead of them all the way to the library, though he slowed down enough to open the door for Lila and Ayaka. He silently found an empty meeting room and threw himself into a chair, breathing heavily. Lila did a double take upon looking at his face. He seemed like he was about to cry.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila said gently, reaching out to touch his arm before flattening her palm on the table. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher said, averting his gaze. He pulled out his Tupperware container. It looked as though Gabriel had a crack at trying a traditional Japanese obento. There were side dishes of potato salad, small sausages shaped like octopi, shredded cabbage, tamagoyaki, rice, and chicken katsu. He pulled out a small bottle of sauce and poured it over the chicken katsu without a word. Ayaka ecstatically opened her own lunchbox and found the same meal. She thanked Asher profusely before taking several photos of it. Lila began eating her lunch, though without her usual gusto.

    As Lila ate, she couldn¡¯t help but look over at Asher. He didn¡¯t seem any better, though he evidently enjoyed the food.

    ¡°Asher, clearly something¡¯s wrong,¡± Lila tried again.

    ¡°Friday was one month since Holly and I broke up,¡± he said, his voice cracking. He clutched his chopsticks as he inhaled deeply. His eyes shone for a brief moment before he shut them tightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Asher,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡­ that must be very hard for you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pissed off that it is,¡± Asher said simply, loudly expelling all the breath in his lungs before inhaling again. ¡°It feels like it¡¯s been long enough. The topic of relationships in general still sets me the fuck off.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Lila replied, though for some reason the weighty feeling of disappointment was settling in her chest. Had she been hoping that Asher¡¯s anger was because¡­ he wanted to be with Lila? Clearly, that wasn¡¯t the case. He was just touchy about relationships, which was more than fair, given everything Holly had put Asher through.

    ¡®How delusional,¡¯ Lila admonished herself. Now that Asher had said that, though, his mood seemed considerably lighter. He asked Ayaka how the food was, and she replied that it was perfect. The three of them spoke about a variety of things as best they could and lunch passed by without any further incident.

    After her last class of the day, Lila grabbed her hockey equipment and walked with Ayaka to Jacoval. Lila showed her around this side of campus, and Ayaka seemed mind-blown at the size of the College, comparing it to a University. Lila was surprised at Ayaka¡¯s keen interest in the school, and Ayaka began taking several photos of the surrounding area as Lila entered the changing room.

    Upon entering, Lila saw that two of her Grade 12 teammates, Alice Henry and Willow Goldberg, were already in there, with no one else in sight. It looked as though they¡¯d only just started changing. Lila glanced around surreptitiously ¨C she¡¯d almost forgotten that she was supposed to gather intel. Lila, Alice, and Willow had been teammates for the past few years, and though they were close, the difference in cohorts had made it difficult to be true friends. Despite this, Lila was confident that they wouldn¡¯t have any qualms filling her in on the Grade 12s. After all, half the time they¡¯d spent in hockey was spent gossiping.

    She moved towards them and they greeted Lila happily. It was now or never. Surely, she¡¯d get good information about Livi, and the rest of the Grade 12s who were clearly in on the Banker¡¯s schemes.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Lila greeted, putting her bag down. ¡°This is a really random question, but do you guys know Olivia? I think she goes by Livi, though. She¡¯s in your grade.¡±

    Alice and Willow exchanged a look that seemed to say a thousand words. Alice tossed her coarse, curly red hair into a bun and raised her eyebrows at Willow, who sighed.

    ¡°Yeah, we know her,¡± Willow eventually said, tugging at her long, brunette braids as if to check if they were loose. ¡°She¡¯s¡­ something.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± Lila asked, retying her own hair.

    ¡°It means,¡± Alice said through a bobby-pin between her teeth, ¡°she¡¯s got a reputation.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°For¡­ well, being a bit¡­ loose? Promiscuous? Slutty? All of the above?¡± Willow explained, seeming unsure of herself. Alice nodded gravely.

    ¡°I¡¯ve known Livi since preschool,¡± Alice continued. ¡°Not that I¡¯ve ever liked her. She¡¯s always gotten her way with people, through whatever means necessary. She¡¯s pretty smart and quick-witted too. She¡¯s always got a plan, and knows exactly what to say and do to bring out someone¡¯s emotions. I mean, she swings both ways apparently, but I¡¯m not convinced that she¡¯s ever actually liked anyone she¡¯s gotten with. As soon as she gets what she wants out of them, they get dropped like that.¡± Alice clicked her fingers for emphasis.

    ¡°But somehow she¡¯s got this insane power to, like, draw people to her,¡± Willow shrugged. ¡°Everyone knows her reputation, but people go back to her for more. It¡¯s kinda silly, really.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Lila said shortly. She pulled on her hockey shorts as she tried to think who else she should ask about.

    ¡°What about¡­ Theo?¡± Lila asked, unearthing her shinpads from her bag.

    ¡°Theo?¡± Alice snorted. ¡°He¡¯s the Dux, but totally deadpan. I don¡¯t know if the kid even has emotions.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s definitely too smart for his own good,¡± Willow added. ¡°But he also has this uncaring attitude about him? He cares enough to do well in school, but not enough to actually enjoy it. I don¡¯t get him at all.¡±

    ¡°What about Zack?¡± Lila asked, putting her shin pads on.

    ¡°Zack? You mean the Zack who hangs around Livi, I''m guessing. Hmm¡­ he¡¯s alright, I guess. Follows Livi like a lost puppy. Bit dim, I think, but hey, he¡¯s made it to Grade 12 so he mustn¡¯t be that dumb,¡± Alice said slowly.

    ¡°What about Jason?¡±

    ¡°Jason¡¯s a bit of a player,¡± Willow replied, rolling her eyes. ¡°He knows he¡¯s hot and uses it to his full advantage. But, he¡¯s also pretty smart and good at sports. Some people truly get handed a good card in life. He¡¯s got insane charisma too, when he wants to use it. I guess you could say that he¡¯s like the male version of Livi.¡±

    ¡°Harper?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s pretty chill. Leader of the Dancettes, but she¡¯s not too bitchy,¡± Alice shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t know her too well, so not much to say.¡±

    ¡°Violet?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Willow asked, glancing at Alice. Alice sighed.

    ¡°Vi is Livi¡¯s best friend. Total bookworm. Kinda the opposite of Livi. Not sure how they work as a pair, but sometimes I think it¡¯s totally Vi pulling the strings. There¡¯s just something¡­ calculating about her.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up with all the questions?¡± Willow asked, tying up her shoes. Lila decided to take a risk.

    ¡°Every time I get Uber Eats, I get interrogated by all of them,¡± Lila shrugged, keeping her eye on Alice and Willow¡¯s reactions. They looked at each other apprehensively for just a moment before Alice sighed again.

    ¡°Ever since that stuff started up, they¡¯ve been hanging out a whole lot more,¡± Alice noted, looking at Lila pitifully. ¡°They¡¯re kinda like the wolf pack if Livi¡¯s in charge. She loves teasing the younger grades.¡±

    Lila tied up her hockey boots, pondering what she¡¯d learned. She¡¯d have to tell Asher about it tomorrow after they grabbed their Uber Eats. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure how much stock she¡¯d place in the rumours Alice and Willow had divulged after her own experience with rumours last term, but perhaps in this instance where there was smoke, there was fire. Lila thanked Willow and Alice and headed off, hockey stick in hand. Ayaka was clearly delighted by Lila¡¯s uniform by the way she marveled over it when she emerged.

    Lila led Ayaka to the spectator seating. To Lila¡¯s surprise, it wasn¡¯t empty. As she looked up against the glare of the sun, it felt as though a bucket of icy water was thrown over her. Livi was lounging towards the middle of the seating. Livi noticed Lila looking at her and waved.

    ¡°Fancy seeing you here,¡± she called down to Lila. Lila simply waved back before jogging off to the oval, unsettled by the interaction. Livi didn¡¯t do hockey, and neither did Harper or Vi. Why was she here? Was she keeping tabs on Lila? Or Asher? Why? And, perhaps most importantly, did she know that Lila was just talking about her?

    ¡°Yo,¡± a voice to her left pulled Lila from her thoughts. She looked over and saw Isaac grinning at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, her voice trembling slightly.

    ¡°Not much,¡± Isaac replied breezily. ¡°Asher¡¯s running late and I don¡¯t want to do laps without him. Otherwise, I¡¯ll get much fitter than him and we can¡¯t have that.¡±

    Lila laughed a deep belly laugh ¨C she hadn¡¯t expected that answer from Isaac.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Isaac said once Lila sobered up. ¡°Do you have any plans for morning tea on Thursday?¡±

    Lila tilted her head in confusion. ¡°Why?¡±

    Isaac shrugged. ¡°I need some help with grabbing something from Manufacturing. Mr Dillon said I need to bring someone who knows the Applied Tech building, so that¡¯s where you come in. Since you do Design there.¡±

    ¡°Why not Elise?¡± Lila queried. ¡°She actually does Manufacturing, you know.¡±

    ¡°Between you and me,¡± Isaac said in a low voice, causing Lila to lean in. ¡°She kinda scares me. Plus, she¡¯s already doing me a favour by trying to get me in at Maccas.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll help you. What do you need to get?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a few bits and bobs from storage,¡± Isaac said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°It¡¯d be easier to explain on Thursday. We¡¯ll need to hunt around for it.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila nodded. At that moment, Asher jogged up to them, his face seeming less than impressed.

    ¡°Asher!¡± Isaac cried, throwing his arms over Asher dramatically. ¡°I thought you died.¡±

    ¡°Clearly not,¡± Asher said brusquely, seeming unamused by Isaac¡¯s antics. ¡°I got caught up with my Maths teacher. I just needed some clarification about the assignment. What¡¯re you guys talking about?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I need Lila¡¯s help on Thursday during morning tea,¡± Isaac said simply, stepping back from Asher.

    ¡°That¡¯s oddly specific,¡± Asher responded, narrowing his eyes.

    ¡°You can give me a hand, too,¡± Isaac said quickly. ¡°Thursday is the only day that Mr Dillon will have the storage cupboards open in the Applied Tech building. He said that the Manufacturing class¡¯s assignment is due tomorrow, so they can¡¯t be opened until after then in case someone tries to plagiarise or steal someone¡¯s old project to hand in.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher said carefully. He gave Lila a sideways glance before gesturing at Isaac.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, Mr Kovac¡¯s glaring at us,¡± Asher urged quietly. The boys then skipped jovially towards their teammates, waving at Lila as they went. Lila hurried off to her side of the oval and gave her all to practice. The fact that the first match of the season was on Saturday pushed her whole team further than she thought possible. Then, about halfway through practice, Lila allowed herself to look over at the Under 18s soccer team.

    Her eyes met Theo¡¯s as he idled on the oval. He waved and she returned it. Then, without warning, a soccer ball came flying from the direction of the goal. It was a straight shot towards Theo¡¯s knees, which were unprotected by the shinpads he was wearing. Upon contact, a horrific slap echoed across the oval. He crumpled to the ground in an instant. Both the Under 18s soccer team and Lila¡¯s hockey team stopped dead in their tracks. Mr Kovac was nowhere in sight ¨C had he gone off to the bathroom?

    Lila looked over at the soccer goal and saw Isaac and Asher gesturing wildly. Was this part of Isaac¡¯s grand new strategy?

    ¡°I got you, man,¡± Lila heard Zack¡¯s voice shout over the oval. He sprinted towards a bag resting on the sidelines and then ran back to Theo, who was writhing in pain now. Lila could see that he was holding something, but what it was exactly, she wasn¡¯t sure. It looked like Zack brought something to Theo¡¯s skin and he groaned, relaxing back down on the grass. Zack stayed by his side for a few seconds before rushing back to the bag and putting whatever it was away.

    Asher and Isaac arrived on the scene a few moments later, and Lila could hear Asher apologise to Theo. Theo motioned for him to stop, saying something about it being an accident.

    ¡°Alright ladies, this isn¡¯t a zoo,¡± Ms Wright said sharply, calling the hockey team back into focus. ¡°Charlotte, you¡¯re in charge. I can¡¯t see Mr Kovac, so I¡¯m going to check on Theo.¡±

    Ms Wright returned a few minutes later. She didn¡¯t elaborate to the hockey team as to Theo¡¯s condition, but Mr Kovac had also returned and was quietly appraised of the situation by Ms Wright. Theo was back in play, seeming more energised than before the ball hit him.

    Hockey practice finished up without any accidents or incidents on their part, which was quite a success, given the real game was only a few days away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t forget the match on Saturday,¡± Ms Wright said sternly during the debrief. ¡°It¡¯s a home game, so business as usual in terms of arrival. Rest up ¨C we need you all to be on your top form.¡±

 Chapter Fifty-Eight

    Chapter Fifty-Eight

    Lunchtime on Wednesday afternoon began with Lila promising to collect Ayaka from outside their Japanese class, which they had just finished. Ayaka waved goodbye and turned back to her classmates, speaking in rapid-fire Japanese. Lila considered going to the Mandarin classroom around the corner but had yet to take a step when Asher motioned to her over in the distance. Gavin trailed behind Asher for a few moments, looking at Lila curiously, before shaking his head and heading off in the opposite direction.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get our food,¡± Asher beamed at Lila. Lila was relieved to see that Asher was in higher spirits. He remained so as they talked and joked on their way to the science lab. Lila didn¡¯t even mind the crowd jostling her as they waded through to the glass door. Asher glanced at her and, unlike the previous times, confidently strode in.

    ¡°Hello again,¡± Livi smiled as Asher and Lila stood before the teacher¡¯s desk. It seemed like the usual Grade 12 crew was in here today, and they all acknowledged Lila and Asher in various ways. Theo waved as usual but didn¡¯t meet Lila¡¯s eyes today.

    ¡°Your food hasn¡¯t arrived just yet,¡± Livi said pleasantly. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to wait in here for it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher said shortly. Livi¡¯s grin grew even wider and she leaned forward on the desk, tilting her head to the side.

    ¡°You know, I can see why Lila is desperate to help you help Isaac,¡± Livi said, her eyes seemingly locked on Asher¡¯s. ¡°They have some serious chemistry. Saw it for myself yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Yesterday?¡± Asher asked, his body seemingly tensing up. Lila briefly looked at him from the corner of her eye. His face seemed strangely devoid of any emotion.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Livi drawled, her eyes sparkling. ¡°They seem like a great match.¡±

    ¡°No thank you,¡± Lila said bluntly. ¡°He¡¯s my ex.¡±

    As soon as the words left her mouth, Lila realised it had been a mistake to admit that.

    ¡°So you dated Asher¡¯s best friend?¡± Livi clarified slowly, her eyes lingering on Asher¡¯s face as she spoke. ¡°Clearly, you already chose who you prefer. Seems rough on you, Asher ¨C to know that your best friend came first. Probably in more ways than one. I¡¯ll bet it stings, remembering that.¡±

    ¡°Livi,¡± Vi¡¯s harsh warning tone cut through the air like a knife. She had placed the book she was reading on the table and stood, glaring at Livi with a look that edged on murderous. ¡°If you keep pressing, they won¡¯t come back. Don¡¯t you need that 3k?¡±

    Livi pouted, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°But it¡¯s fun. You should see the looks on their faces.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not toys, Livi,¡± Vi snapped. ¡°You¡¯ve been treating them like toys this whole time. Same with Theo and Zack.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Vi,¡± Livi mumbled. Vi continued to glare at Livi, who seemed to wither before it, for a few more seconds, before sitting back down and opening up her book again.

    ¡°Should we wait outside?¡± Lila whispered to Asher. He was as still as a statue and didn¡¯t seem to register her question. Lila gently tugged on his blazer sleeve and he recoiled from her touch. Lila could hear Livi give a small snicker, but Lila didn¡¯t dare look at her.

    ¡°Running away?¡± Livi cajoled, inspecting her nails. ¡°You know, you did a number on Theo yesterday, Asher. Any reason for that?¡±

    Theo sighed, closing his textbook.

    ¡°For the last time, Livi, it¡¯s fine. It didn¡¯t hurt that much,¡± he insisted.

    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± Livi said disbelievingly. ¡°You were so close to crying. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen that happen since you told me how cute you thought Lila was.¡±

    Theo rolled his eyes. Jason¡¯s head whipped around to look at Theo and Livi.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Jason queried. Asher¡¯s face suddenly twisted into an expression of guilt, and he looked down at the floor.

    ¡°Isaac and Asher were testing out a new strat for the game on Saturday,¡± Theo sighed, rubbing his forehead. ¡°I just got hit in the crossfire right on my knee. And not the part that my kneecap covers.¡±

    ¡°Zack helped him out,¡± Livi interjected, her expression seeming to convey more than what she was telling. Jason stared at her before rounding on Zack, who held his hands up in surrender.

    ¡°What did you do?¡± Jason asked, his voice taking on a shrill note.

    ¡°I just used a bit,¡± Zack replied defensively.

    Livi snorted. ¡°You only had a bit,¡± she said. Jason closed his eyes, his whole body shaking in apparent fury. Then, he took a deep breath and looked at Theo.

    ¡°You alright?¡± Jason grunted, seeming much calmer than he had a second ago.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Theo replied with a cheeky grin. ¡°It¡¯ll take more than that to take me out.¡±

    Livi smirked and Jason sighed before turning his attention back to his phone.

    ¡°Anyway, Lila, how far did you get with Isaac?¡± Livi quizzed, her amusement clear on her face. Lila heard Asher take in a sharp breath, and she took a peek at him. He was looking at the desk Livi was sitting at as though it was the most well-made desk he¡¯d ever seen.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to answer that,¡± Lila replied stiffly. This, too, seemed to be the wrong answer. Livi practically jumped up with glee.

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    ¡°You went all the way?¡± she cried. Lila¡¯s face immediately turned a deep red colour. She could feel several pairs of eyes on her, including Asher¡¯s, but she tried to stand her ground and made eye contact with Livi.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°Nothing like that at all.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Livi said sagely. ¡°So just hand and mouth stuff.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lila shouted. Everyone unblinkingly stared at her. ¡°Just kissed. A couple times.¡±

    ¡°How boring,¡± Livi pouted. ¡°And here I¡¯d picked you as being a bit more adventurous than that. Though¡­ you don¡¯t have to be in a relationship to step it up. You still a virgin?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Vi half-yelled as she slapped her book onto the table. ¡°Stop it, Livi.¡±

    ¡°Yeesh, she can get so scawy,¡± Livi sniffed, her voice suddenly child-like, dramatically wiping imaginary tears from her eyes.

    The door behind Asher and Lila swung open and they spun around. It was Nate and Will, both juggling way too many Uber Eats bags.

    ¡°Your timing is impeccable,¡± Livi called out to them sweetly. Both boys blushed as they hurriedly put the bags down on a free table and began sorting out orders. Nate recognised Asher from last week and handed over their food with a smile worthy of a customer-service award. Asher and Lila departed as soon as the food landed in Asher¡¯s hand.

    ¡°See ya later!¡± Livi¡¯s joyful voice rang out as the door slammed shut behind them.

    Once they reached the library, Asher burst into an empty meeting room, clearly irate. He heaved himself into a chair and entirely avoided looking at Lila as he began to demolish his burrito. Lila pursed her lips, unsure what to do or say. Given the fact that relationships in general were still ticking Asher off, it wasn¡¯t a surprise that he was annoyed at the mention of Lila and Isaac¡¯s previous relationship.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how she does it,¡± Asher suddenly said, his tone menacing. ¡°But it¡¯s like she¡¯s a parasite in my brain. She seems to know exactly what would set me off and goes ahead and says it. She enjoys it, too. Sadistic as hell.¡±

    ¡°I definitely get the same feeling,¡± Lila nodded, loading up a nacho and shoving it in her mouth. The spices mingling with avocado seemed heaven-sent, though would probably taste better if she wasn¡¯t so off-put from the interaction with Livi.

    ¡°You do?¡± Asher asked, seeming surprised. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realised she said anything that would upset you, too.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if upset is the right word,¡± Lila replied after swallowing. ¡°But the way she operates is uncanny.¡±

    Asher stared down his burrito for a moment before looking up at Lila again. He seemed like he wanted to say something, but instead took a bite of his food. Lila glanced down at her own food before sighing. She relayed what she¡¯d discovered from her conversation with Alice and Willow, hardly pausing for breath. Asher took in everything she said silently and, once she was done, he nodded.

    ¡°That all tracks, from what I¡¯ve seen,¡± Asher responded. ¡°They¡¯re an odd bunch, especially when thinking that they¡¯re a group.¡±

    ¡°You could say that, but is it really odd for the Head Boy and Head Girl to be hanging out with the Dux? I don¡¯t know about the rest of them, but that trio seems reasonable to me,¡± Lila shrugged. Asher snorted.

    ¡°Do you envision me hanging out with the Head Boy and Head Girl of our year?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I envisioned you being the Head Boy, to be honest,¡± Lila said lightly, picking up another loaded nacho and tipping it into her mouth.

    ¡°It¡¯s a marvel, watching you eat that,¡± Asher said suddenly with a chuckle. Lila frowned at him, a faint embarrassed flush coating her cheeks.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± she admonished him. ¡°I¡¯m just trying my best here. I didn¡¯t get any cutlery.¡±

    ¡°I have spares in my locker. We can grab a fork or something, if you want,¡± Asher offered quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m good if you don¡¯t point out my eating technique,¡± Lila replied, frowning again.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher quipped. She smiled, and they continued to eat in silence. Once Asher was done, he rolled up his alfoil burrito covering into a ball and sat back in his chair.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen and what you said to me, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Vi was the Banker,¡± he said contemplatively, tossing the ball high into the air and catching it with ease. ¡°She has this odd authority over Livi, somehow, despite how unruly Livi is. I can definitely see her running the show behind the scenes, and Livi¡¯s just the accounts manager or face of the Banker or something.¡±

    ¡°I can see that,¡± Lila agreed. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll find out next week.¡±

    Though she knew they couldn¡¯t do anything about the impending drop-off, the wait was still grating on her. Why couldn¡¯t they just know who the Banker was now? The curiosity was gnawing and clawing its way out of the depths of her stomach, but she kept a lid on it. At least one thing was clear, Livi¡¯s stonewalling regarding that point was very effective.

    Something lit up in Lila¡¯s mind as she turned over her memories of their conversations with Livi. What was the purpose behind Livi¡¯s jabs at Asher and Lila? Was Livi just bored? Or was there a hidden meaning behind it all?

    ¡°She¡¯s always got a plan,¡± April¡¯s voice floated into Lila¡¯s consciousness.

    ¡°Why do you reckon she says all that extra stuff?¡± Lila asked Asher, glancing at him. He met her gaze and rapped his knuckles along the edge of the desk.

    ¡°Beats me,¡± he shrugged. ¡°I know a lot about schoolwork, but hardly anything about girls, clearly.¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lila encouraged. ¡°Throw out a theory.¡±

    Asher stopped slouching as he eyed Lila suspiciously. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m at a loss myself, but maybe we could figure it out together,¡± Lila replied earnestly.

    He seemed to consider this as he placed a finger to his chin. ¡°It¡¯s hard to tell, but I think she began to dig in deep once you started asking questions¡­ It could be a diversion tactic? To put us off the trail?¡±

    Lila tapped the desk as she thought through Asher¡¯s suggestion. ¡°I reckon you¡¯re right on the money,¡± she said finally. ¡°They¡¯re hiding something big. And somehow I think it¡¯s much more than the identity of the Banker or their leader.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes grew as wide as saucers and he leaned in closer to Lila. ¡°I didn¡¯t think of that,¡± he whispered, ¡°but it makes so much sense.¡±

    ¡°And just makes me want to dig in even more,¡± Lila sighed in frustration. ¡°But I have no idea where we could start. My teammates were helpful, but they don¡¯t seem to like Livi at least.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised anyone does, to be honest,¡± Asher said darkly.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s trying to be likeable to us,¡± Lila said, continuing to tap on the desk. It seemed to help move her thoughts along. ¡°And I think that¡¯s because we started off snooping more than the average student. She even said as much - that no one talks to them outside of the business transactions¡­¡±

    ¡°But why would she want to be unlikeable?¡± Asher queried with a heavy intake of breath.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just trying to get a rise out of us, so we¡¯d get so fed up with them that we don¡¯t go back. She could feel threatened since she doesn¡¯t know you, besides the fact that you¡¯re the Dux of our cohort. She could think you¡¯re a total goody-two-shoes and ready to tell a teacher at any moment and blow the whole operation apart.¡±

    Asher laughed heartily, clutching his stomach. The force of his laughter surprised Lila. She hadn¡¯t said anything particularly funny.

    ¡°Once upon a time,¡± he eventually said, wiping a small tear from his eye, ¡°I was a total goody-two-shoes. But this year I¡¯ve been bending the rules so much, I don¡¯t even recognise the guy I used to be.¡±

    ¡°Not just rules,¡± Lila grinned cheekily. ¡°Laws, too.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re just fancy rules,¡± Asher joked. ¡°Enforced by guys in wigs and all that.¡±

    ¡°Wigs?¡± Lila asked, bemused.

    ¡°Yeah, sometimes the Judges and counsel wear wigs in court,¡± Asher explained. ¡°Kinda funny that we still do that.¡±

    ¡°Good to know,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°In case I¡¯m ever in a position to wear a wig in court.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, though,¡± Asher said seriously. ¡°Breaking into places at this point feels as natural to me as if the doors were open the whole time.¡±

    ¡°Probably shouldn¡¯t admit that,¡± Lila teased. ¡°Though, as your accomplice, the feeling is mutual.¡±

    The rest of lunch passed by without more discussion of Livi and her group. Lila at least wanted to think on it some more... what were they hiding?

 Chapter Fifty-Nine

    Chapter Fifty-Nine

    As Lila¡¯s Maths class drew to a close on Thursday morning, she was reminded of the fact that she had promised to help Isaac when he sent a blurred Snapchat of his eyeball to her with the caption ¡°Eye¡¯ll be waiting at the Applied Tech building¡±. Lila dropped Ayaka off at the congregation of exchange students before hurrying her way towards the Applied Tech building.

    To her surprise, Elise and Grace were standing outside the building, looking up at its impressive sail-like architecture.

    ¡°What¡¯re you guys doing here?¡± Lila asked, grinning.

    ¡°Isaac asked us to help him with something,¡± Elise sighed exasperatedly. ¡°I got him an interview at Maccas and as soon as he got the email about it, he asked for more help. Bastard.¡±

    ¡°He asked me, too,¡± Grace said quietly, biting into a carrot stick. ¡°Something about many lights make handiwork, or whatever.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s ¡®many hands make light work¡¯,¡± Lila chortled. ¡°Are Isaac and Asher here yet?¡±

    ¡°Behind ya,¡± a voice said. Lila spun around and saw a beaming Isaac. Asher smiled gently at Lila in greeting.

    ¡°So what¡¯re we looking for?¡± Lila enquired, following Isaac as he led the way through the Applied Tech building. They passed the Manufacturing workshop, which smelt of wood shavings and rusted tools, the laser cutter and 3D printer utility room, and the empty Design classrooms as Isaac listed off a few hand tools and specific lengths of wood.

    ¡°Why do you need all that?¡± Asher asked, surprised.

    ¡°For Art, dude,¡± Isaac replied, as though it were obvious. ¡°The topic is ¡®found objects¡¯. Luckily Mr Dillon doesn¡¯t care. And technically, we¡¯ll have found these objects within the school.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve thought that¡¯d be more like second-hand, ¡®lost and found¡¯ stuff rather than just ¡®finding¡¯ a brand-new piece of wood,¡± Elise snickered derisively.

    ¡°Believe it or not, I did run it by Ms Thornton and she didn¡¯t mind,¡± Isaac said proudly.

    ¡°Really?¡± Grace asked enthusiastically. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll have to grab some too.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t go stealing my ideas,¡± Isaac huffed. ¡°You¡¯re my competition, you know.¡±

    ¡°Then why am I here?¡± Grace queried, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Thought you¡¯d be lonely if Elise and Lila were wasting their break here with me. Plus, you have a good eye. You might find something good.¡±

    ¡°Aha! So now the truth comes out!¡± Grace cried triumphantly. ¡°You¡¯re just using me!¡±

    ¡°Technically, he¡¯s using everyone,¡± Asher smirked.

    Grace and Isaac began to bicker amongst themselves about his scheming ways. The group eventually reached the end of the exceptionally long hallway, which opened up into what looked like an expansive junkyard of old Applied Tech projects. Lila knew that several storage rooms split off from this one, having had a grand tour of the Applied Tech building at the start of the year, but the room they were standing in was by far the biggest.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Isaac said, giving a low whistle. ¡°This is gonna take a while.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing we¡¯re not allowed to take projects as part of your ¡®found object¡¯ theme?¡± Lila asked, casting a look around the room.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Isaac replied shortly. ¡°Mr Dillon holds out hope that the students who made them will come back for them.¡±

    ¡°Righto,¡± Elise sighed, taking her blazer off and hanging it up on a hook next to the doorway. ¡°Let¡¯s go hunting.¡±

    Lila placed her blazer next to Elise¡¯s and retied her scarf around her neck. Looking for abandoned pieces of wood inside a woodworking workshop was much harder than Lila had anticipated. It was no wonder that Isaac had pulled out all the stops and enlisted the help of Elise and Grace as well. Grace still seemed miffed about it, but Lila could see she was looking around in earnest.

    A rumbling sound preceded the tell-tale clack of wooden objects collapsing to the ground. Lila turned to the source of the noise and saw Elise holding a very small, three-legged stool. Isaac was next to her, holding a tiny shelf. In between them laid a pile of assorted projects that had clearly toppled over.

    ¡°Oops,¡± Isaac said sheepishly. Elise rolled her eyes and began stacking the projects again. Isaac bent down to help and Lila shook her head. She was curious about the other storage rooms. Asher was inspecting one on the right-hand side, so she walked over to one on the left-hand side. It looked like the door was lockable from the outside, but she turned the handle easily.

    Opening it provided a waft of musty wood, and she stepped inside, blinking in the darkness. It was a small, cool and dark room with an assortment of shapes along the floor and sides. The light switch was outside the room, so she turned on the light and stepped inside. She saw a few pieces of wood that looked like offcuts. ¡®They look about right,¡¯ Lila thought, tapping the end of one with her foot. She poked her head out the doorway.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve found something Isaac,¡± she called.

    ¡°For real?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice sounded as though he didn¡¯t dare believe it. He immediately walked over to the storage room, craning his neck to see inside. Asher appeared behind Isaac¡¯s left shoulder and Lila moved aside so they could come in. The room wasn¡¯t really built to fit more than two people, so she flattened herself against the wall. Isaac knelt down and turned over some of the wood pieces before handing some to Asher.

    ¡°Could you hold these for a sec? I just need to check something,¡± Isaac said quickly. Asher nodded in acknowledgement, and Isaac left. Lila and Asher looked at each other awkwardly for a moment.

    ¡°Lunch today?¡± Lila asked, beginning to sidle towards the room¡¯s exit.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s find a microwave.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, hot food!¡± Lila said excitedly. She had almost made it to the door when Isaac reappeared.

    ¡°Nope,¡± he said with a mischievous smirk. He then slammed the door shut. She could hear him guffawing on the other side. Rolling her eyes, she jiggled the doorknob. It felt like Isaac was preventing it from turning on the older side.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Lila shouted, banging on the door. ¡°Isaac, you dick, let me out!¡±

    The wood Asher was holding fell to the floor with a thunk.

    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked, moving closer to the door. He was awfully close now, his eyes seeming concerned.

    ¡°Isaac¡¯s holding the door closed,¡± Lila explained, tearing her eyes away from Asher. It felt like her stomach flipped over. Was that from panic? She took a deep breath, willing her heart to calm down but it wasn¡¯t listening. At least Asher smelt good, considering how close he was. Did she smell good? She couldn¡¯t check in this cramped space. The room had felt cool just a moment ago, but Lila felt close to overheating with her body so close to Asher¡¯s.

    Asher¡¯s golden-brown eyes lingered on her eyes for just a moment before he began twisting the handle.

    ¡°Isaac, it¡¯s not funny,¡± Asher said sternly. Isaac¡¯s guffawing only grew louder. Suddenly, the light in the room turned off.

    ¡°Isaac, let us out,¡± Asher tried again, his voice firm. Lila could almost hear Isaac pout.

    ¡°You guys are no fun,¡± Isaac said. Then, the door handle wiggled, but the door didn¡¯t open. There was a franticness with the way Isaac continued to rattle the doorknob that bled into Lila¡¯s own state.

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± she said, her voice strangled with panic. ¡°You locked us in here?¡±

    ¡°I-It was an accident,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice stammered. Lila heard some scuffling through the door.

    ¡°Lila, Asher, you guys okay?¡± It was Elise. She sounded worried.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re fine,¡± Lila replied, slightly relieved that Elise was still there.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go grab a teacher,¡± Grace¡¯s voice said, her voice calm and composed.

    ¡°Isaac, you idiot,¡± Elise reprimanded. ¡°Why did you lock them in there?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t lock them in there,¡± Isaac protested. ¡°I just closed it and now it¡¯s stuck.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s grab a teacher, Elise,¡± Grace said, her voice sounding far more distant. ¡°Isaac, you can stay here and think about what you¡¯ve done.¡±

    ¡°Sheesh, I¡¯m never gonna catch a break, am I?¡± Isaac replied sulkily.

    ¡°Can you at least turn the light on?¡± Asher asked, leaning against the door. Lila could see his hand in his blazer¡¯s breast pocket.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Isaac said. They heard the flick of a switch, but the light didn¡¯t turn on.

    ¡°Try that one again,¡± Asher called, his frustration evident in his voice now. They heard the switch flick twice, but still, the light stubbornly remained off.

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher said sarcastically. ¡°Now the light¡¯s decided to quit on us too.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes had adjusted fully now, and she saw Asher¡¯s eyes shift from the door to her. He pulled his hand out of his blazer pocket and waved something familiar in the air.

    ¡°Can you give me a hand?¡± he asked, his smile evident through the dark. Lila¡¯s eyes lit up as she recognised what it was. It was the lockpicking kit.

    ¡°You keep that on you?¡± she asked, giving a shocked laugh.

    ¡°Can¡¯t very well keep it just out in the house,¡± Asher said simply. ¡°People will see it and ask questions. We¡¯ll need a light so I can see what I¡¯m doing. Need to be accurate with this.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to do this in front of Isaac?¡± Lila asked in a low voice. ¡°Surely it¡¯ll be hard to explain.¡±

    ¡°Guys,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice sounded apprehensive. ¡°You know I can hear you right? What are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Trying to concentrate, Isaac,¡± Asher replied, squatting now in front of the door handle. He put the lockpicking set on the floor next to him as Lila turned her phone¡¯s torch on.

    ¡°Lila, you¡¯ll need to get closer,¡± Asher said, frowning.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila replied, moving closer to Asher¡¯s left shoulder. He selected a pick and tension wrench.

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    ¡°A little more to the left,¡± Asher said, guiding her phone to the right spot. ¡°I need to see as much as I can of the inside.¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice called, sounding slightly panicked now. ¡°Seriously, what are you guys doing?¡±

    ¡°Busy, dude,¡± Asher replied with a huff. He began to peer into the lock.

    ¡°Actually, I think I might need your help getting it in,¡± Asher said after a second, gesturing with the pick. ¡°I can¡¯t really see from this angle. Once it¡¯s in, I can take it from there.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Let me just get a feel for it first¡­¡±

    Lila gently touched the lock and slotted the pick into the right spot.

    ¡°That¡¯s all I need,¡± Asher said gratefully. ¡°You can back up a bit, I need a bit of space to move.¡±

    Lila moved back, holding the torch above her head. He fiddled with the lock for a couple seconds, before sighing.

    ¡°Can you change positions a little bit, Lila?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said, clearing her throat. Her arm was beginning to ache, and she switched up how she was holding her phone.

    ¡°Ooh, yup ¨C nope, too far. Yes, that¡¯s good,¡± Asher muttered, as he began to work the tools within the lock. ¡°Just hold it there.¡±

    He rotated the pick, listening intently to the sounds it was making.

    ¡°Actually, Lila, can you put some pressure here?¡± Asher asked, moving his right hand towards the door, near the lock. Lila blushed ¨C that would involve leaning her chest over Asher as he worked. This was getting way, way too close. Lila followed his instruction, though the position he was asking of her meant that her hand fell heavily on the door. The heat from Asher¡¯s body was starting to make her sweat now. She loosened her scarf a bit as Asher continued to adjust his tools.

    ¡°Wait, can you hold onto this?¡± Asher asked, still looking at the lock. He let go of the pick and waved the set of lockpicks up in the air.

    ¡°With what hands?¡± Lila replied.

    ¡°Just put it in your mouth or something,¡± Asher asserted. ¡°Depending on how this goes, I may need another one quickly. It¡¯ll be easier to get if it¡¯s on you.¡± Lila reluctantly bent over and took the set from Asher¡¯s hands between her teeth.

    ¡°Guys?¡± Isaac asked tentatively.

    ¡°Whaaat?¡± Lila replied, her voice heavily muffled by virtue of the picks.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher warned. ¡°You¡¯ll drop the evidence. We need to take it with us so the teachers don¡¯t find out about this.¡±

    ¡°Let me just slip it back into your pocket then,¡± Lila said after taking her hand from the door and relieving her mouth of the lockpicks, her tone slightly frustrated.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Asher shrugged, his shoulders grazing the door.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need you to stop moving for a sec,¡± Lila said pointedly. Asher stopped moving the picks and waited as she lifted his blazer slightly and dropped the set down into his breast pocket. She repositioned her hand on the door with a grunt, having fallen slightly against it.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna need a break,¡± Lila groaned to Asher after a few seconds. He looked up at her, almost bumping her chest with his head. He immediately looked back down again and nodded. She stood up, the door flexing back to its natural state.

    ¡°You¡¯re just so warm,¡± Lila said, fanning her face. ¡°I¡¯m getting all sweaty even though it¡¯s winter.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher replied, still not looking at her. He adjusted the door handle, but it still didn¡¯t give. ¡°You ready?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, placing her hand back on the door and holding the phone in just the right place.

    ¡°Can you give it less pressure?¡± Asher asked, adding his own weight to the door. Lila did so and he made a sound of displeasure.

    ¡°Actually, a bit more please,¡± he requested. Lila complied. A few seconds passed and Asher adjusted his weight on the door a couple more times.

    ¡°Oh, I think it¡¯s coming,¡± Asher said excitedly. Lila heard several tell-tale clicks.

    ¡°Thank God,¡± she said, sighing in relief. ¡°I¡¯m gonna cramp up here if you keep this up.¡±

    ¡°No seriously, I¡¯m losing my godamn mind out here,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice said urgently. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°Godammit Isaac, you¡¯re ruining it,¡± Asher half-shouted. Isaac fell silent and a second or two passed before Asher hit his head against the door. ¡°Fuck,¡± he hissed. ¡°Lost it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied. ¡°We can keep going. You¡¯ve got this. How many times have you done it now?¡±

    ¡°A few,¡± Asher responded absently. She could hear the grin in his voice though. A few more seconds passed, and with one final click, Asher paused.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve done it,¡± he said. ¡°It was a bit different this time, since we¡¯re in a new place and I could hardly see, but I managed it.¡±

    ¡°Can I move?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Sorry, yeah,¡± Asher said quickly. Lila straightened up and Asher stood. He turned the door handle and burst out of the storage room. The sudden rush of light stung Lila¡¯s eyes and she hid her face.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± Isaac¡¯s stunned voice asked. ¡°How- what? I thought you guys were¡­¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, seeming smug. Lila lowered her hands and saw him collect the tools he¡¯d used and swiftly place them in his blazer with the rest. Isaac¡¯s eyes bulged as he stared at the door in disbelief. Isaac turned his head to look at Lila, clearly baffled.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± he asked. Lila readjusted her scarf and stared back at Isaac. His face seemed red, but she couldn¡¯t figure out why.

    ¡°Asher just worked his magic,¡± Lila replied, glancing at Asher. ¡°I guess you could say he¡¯s good with his hands.¡± She¡¯d leave it up to Asher to explain if he wanted to. Lockpicking was a pretty suspicious hobby to get into, after all.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t help me understand at all,¡± Isaac replied, turning to look at Asher now. ¡°You guys sounded like you were getting up to something.¡±

    Asher looked at Isaac in apparent confusion before his face turned a bright scarlet. He aggressively cleared his throat before grabbing a hold of Isaac¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t like that!¡± Asher hissed.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t look like it!¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was sharp, sounding anxiety-riddled. Then, he deepened his tone and changed his posture to mirror Asher¡¯s usual stance. ¡°Lila, I need your help getting it in. I need to see the inside.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s eyes flashed over to Lila. Then he raised his pitch and began swaying like a coy schoolgirl, twirling imaginary hair strands by his shoulder. ¡°Oh, Asher, we can keep going. You¡¯re so warm! I¡¯m so sweaty! Oh, no, you need to stop moving! Oh, I¡¯m going to cram-!¡±

    Asher slapped a hand over Isaac¡¯s mouth, breathing heavily. Lila watched on in bemusement, trying to think why Isaac repeated what she and Asher had said when picking the lock.

    ¡°Asher, what¡¯s Isaac talking about?¡± Lila asked, frowning. ¡°Tell me.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Asher shook his head vehemently.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Lila pressed.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t get it, I¡¯m not about to tell you,¡± Asher replied stubbornly, his face a brilliant shade of red, his hand still firmly clamped around Isaac¡¯s mouth as he fought to keep him still. ¡°You can keep your innocence.¡±

    ¡°My innocence?¡± Lila furrowed her brow. ¡°What if I don¡¯t want it?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers. ¡°You don¡¯t need to know,¡± he said quietly. ¡°Isaac was just overreacting.¡±

    ¡°Overreacting?¡± Lila looked at Isaac, who continued to struggle against Asher¡¯s grip. Asher didn¡¯t answer. She pursed her lips as she tried to piece together what Isaac and Asher had been getting at. Then, the answer sucker-punched her in her stomach. She jolted, her face aflame, looking at Asher in horror, a scream escaping her lips. He looked at her in alarm and instantly let go of Isaac, who looked equally alarmed.

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, half-yelling.

    ¡°I-I,¡± Lila stuttered, trying to force words to come to her.

    ¡°You¡­ figured it out?¡± Asher asked, his expression sitting somewhere between terrified and amused. Lila nodded briskly.

    ¡°I t-think,¡± she added, her heart almost leaping out of her chest. Isaac immediately began laughing, hiding his face behind his hands.

    ¡°That¡¯s not exactly the reaction a guy hopes for,¡± Asher replied with a grimace. ¡°You seem absolutely terrified.¡±

    Lila immediately turned away from Asher, trying to compose herself. Isaac¡¯s laughter only grew louder. It was reminiscent of a hyena as it echoed across the storage room.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not terrified,¡± Lila managed to get out, turning back to Asher. ¡°Just surprised.¡±

    ¡°Also, not what a guy hopes for,¡± Asher lamented. ¡°Can you shut up, Isaac?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not objecting-¡± Lila insisted, before catching herself. Asher stared at her, his eyes as wide as an owl¡¯s. Isaac¡¯s laughter ceased. Lila¡¯s blush deepened even further and she hid her face in her hands.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean-¡± she started to say before Asher cut her off.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he said softly. ¡°People get things twisted when they¡¯re flustered. I know that¡¯s not what you meant.¡±

    Isaac sighed heavily. ¡°You two are absolutely dense,¡± he said, his tone distinctly disappointed. ¡°Seriously.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Lila asked hotly, glaring up at Isaac. He shook his head, bringing a hand to his forehead as if he was going through a divorce and struggling to make ends meet.

    ¡°What were you two doing if it wasn¡¯t having se-¡± Isaac began to ask before Asher grabbed his shoulders again, forcing Isaac to look at him.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell anyone,¡± Asher insisted desperately. Isaac nodded fretfully, staring at Asher with wide eyes.

    ¡°I picked the lock,¡± Asher said, letting go of Isaac and pulling out the kit from his blazer pocket. He briefly opened it and Isaac gave a low whistle. Asher put it away again and looked expectantly at Isaac, who began cackling. He cackled so hard he almost retched.

    ¡°Damn, dude,¡± Isaac said after quietening down. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were that badass.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d hardly call it badass,¡± Asher replied stiffly. ¡°Just mildly shifty.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not the Asher of last year,¡± Isaac laughed, clapping Asher on the shoulder. ¡°Where did my straight-laced, pride of the College, Mr Dux go?¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila before shrugging. ¡°Still here,¡± he said. ¡°Definitely still a rule-follower.¡±

    ¡°You busted out of that door like a master thief, my guy,¡± Isaac laughed again, shaking his head. Then, he looked at Lila and asked, ¡°Also, why do you know about it, Lila?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh, we were¡­ practising at Asher¡¯s,¡± Lila stammered.

    ¡°Practising for what?¡± Isaac asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°For the day you¡¯d lock us in a storage room like an idiot, clearly,¡± Asher said drily.

    ¡°You guys still okay in there?¡± a voice, sounding identical to Grace¡¯s, from behind them called. Elise and Grace entered the room, a thoroughly disgruntled-looking Mr Dillon in tow.

    ¡°Wait, why are you guys out of the storage room?¡± Elise asked, stopping short. Mr Dillon exhaled heavily before immediately spinning on his heel and heading back down the hallway.

    ¡°Sorry sir!¡± Grace called behind him before whipping around to look at Asher, Lila and Isaac.

    ¡°How¡¯d you guys get out?¡± Elise demanded.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t as locked as we thought,¡± Isaac said hurriedly, giving Asher and Lila a meaningful look. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Coulda told us,¡± Elise huffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Mr Dillon was real grumpy. He didn¡¯t want to come rescue you guys until we said it was super jammed.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like him,¡± Lila replied with a half-smile.

    ¡°They only just got out before you guys came back,¡± Isaac explained.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Elise said simply. ¡°So, we could¡¯ve just waited.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you would¡¯ve wanted to do that,¡± Isaac replied, laughing again.

    ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡± Grace asked curiously.

    ¡°Almost lost my mind,¡± Isaac managed to say between breaths, shaking his head. ¡°Thought something wildly different was going on.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Elise pressed.

    ¡°It ended up being nothing,¡± Isaac said, wiping two tears of laughter from his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Elise and Grace exchanged a look before shrugging in unison.

    ¡°Let¡¯s grab what we need and get outta here,¡± Isaac declared. ¡°And no closing doors. For the love of God and the sake of my eardrums.¡±

    Lila frowned but returned to the task at hand.

    ¡°Wait, what do you mean, the sake of your eardrums?¡± Elise asked curiously.

    ¡°D-Don¡¯t mind him,¡± Lila almost shrieked, grabbing Elise¡¯s wrist and pulling her forward. ¡°Let¡¯s look over here!¡±

    <hr>

    Now that it was lunchtime, Lila couldn¡¯t erase the memory of Isaac¡¯s accusation. The awkwardness she was feeling seemed to be felt by Asher as well, as he¡¯d hardly looked at her as they walked to the library for lunch. They heated up their containers of spaghetti bolognese with a Thai-inspired chilli twist and sat down in an empty meeting room in silence.

    She opened her Tupperware container, and an explosive fusion of various spices and flavours hit her nose, making her mouth water. She began to wrap her food around her fork, and still no one had said anything.

    Lila looked up at Asher. She saw that his eyes were glazed over as he looked down at his spaghetti, his fork slack in his hand. She wanted to know what he was thinking. But was she brave enough to ask? He¡¯d been entirely open with her in the past, so she had no reason to believe that he wouldn¡¯t be now¡­ What was she so afraid of?

    The numerous times people had warned her to not get close to Asher because she would get hurt flooded her mind all at once. Preserving their friendship, keeping things the way that it was now¡­ that didn¡¯t hurt. There were certain vulnerabilities that she needed to keep close to her chest. She couldn¡¯t risk irreversibly damaging their friendship. She¡¯d grown fond of how it had grown and the memories they¡¯d shared. Opening the door to the unknown¡­ a future possibility where Asher was no longer in her life¡­ now that was worth screaming in terror about.

    She¡¯d forgotten how her life had been without him in it. It seemed duller, somehow. The distant echoes of days spent passing him in the halls without a second glance, without his gentle smile and cheery wave¡­ what were they like again?

    ¡°¡­ Lila?¡±

    Asher was surveying her intently. She¡¯d zoned out.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila apologised, looking back down at her food. It was getting a lot colder with each passing second. She began to shovel it into her mouth with gusto.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you heard me,¡± Asher said quietly, putting his now-empty Tupperware container back into his lunchbox. ¡°But¡­ my next debate. It¡¯s next Friday. A home match.¡±

    Lila blinked up at Asher. ¡°So soon?¡± she asked. He nodded.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I only just joined back up properly last week and I¡¯ve been easing back into it. My teammates forgot to tell me when it was until this morning. Not like we really have to prepare for it, since we don¡¯t know the topic until the day. I just didn¡¯t have an opportunity to tell you about it, except now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there,¡± Lila said firmly. Asher¡¯s posture relaxed slightly after she said that.

    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± he smiled. ¡°I hope you enjoy all the snacks the school puts out for it.¡±

    ¡°Colour me intrigued,¡± she smiled back. She checked her phone before packing away her empty Tupperware container and pulling out the frosted chocolate muffin within another container.

    ¡°Got about ten minutes before I have to get Ayaka,¡± Lila said, biting into it.

    ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s your last day with her, yeah?¡± Asher asked. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Invite her to have lunch with us,¡± Asher said simply. ¡°I¡¯ll get Gabriel to pull out all the stops.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied, opening up her LINE app and requesting lunch with Ayaka tomorrow. Ayaka responded affirmatively within seconds. Lila relayed this to Asher, who beamed.

    ¡°Awesome,¡± he replied, seeming pumped. ¡°Hope she likes it.¡±

    ¡°Of course she will,¡± Lila replied easily. ¡°Gabriel¡¯s making it, impossible not to like.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s been people who haven¡¯t liked his food, you know,¡± Asher responded bluntly.

    ¡°Bet they¡¯re all untrustworthy,¡± Lila replied, her nostrils flaring. He laughed.

    ¡°Actually, yeah. All of them,¡± he finally replied.

    ¡°There you go,¡± Lila said proudly. ¡°If you ever need to test how trustworthy someone is, you should have Gabriel make them some food. It¡¯s foolproof!¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes lingered on Lila¡¯s for a moment before his face broke into a wide grin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let him know he has to vet everyone that way. He¡¯ll be delighted,¡± Asher chuckled.

 Chapter Sixty

    Chapter Sixty

    Lila spent last night after school running around Woolies, much to her sister¡¯s chagrin, buying a couple Australian snacks for Ayaka to take with her, as a thank-you for the stationery. When she pulled it out on Friday morning in Japanese, Ayaka kept shaking her head in refusal. Lila insisted and Ayaka brought the humble package to her lap.

    Ayaka dutifully followed Lila to her classes and seemed delighted to see Asher in English. He greeted them both warmly, though his face had a tinge of pink when he met Lila¡¯s eyes. As their English assignment was due next Wednesday, the class was silent like the dead. Lila had almost completed her assignment, actually, which was surprising to her. In fact, she¡¯d been on top of most of her schoolwork this term. Perhaps it was because of Asher¡¯s not-so-subliminal messaging about studying. Or was it because she had spent less time at Asher¡¯s place lately, which allowed her to focus at home?

    Lunch consisted of a delightful slow-roasted salmon with fennel, citrus and chillies, served on a bed of white rice. The acidity of the blood orange and lemon mixed with the fresh spiciness of the chillies elevated the salty salmon to a flavour sensation Lila hadn¡¯t experienced before. Ayaka couldn¡¯t contain her compliments, which Asher bashfully received on behalf of Gabriel.

    After lunch, Lila, Ayaka and Asher walked towards the STEM area. They reached the usual fork in the path, with Asher set to head off to the Chem Lab whilst Lila and Ayaka continued onwards to Maths. However, they were waylaid by a chortling Isaac. They watched in stunned silence as he clutched his stomach, wheezing between each chuckle. Every time he tried to stop and stand up straight, he would make the mistake of laying eyes on either Lila or Asher and restart his cycle of laughter.

    ¡°Maybe you should go,¡± Asher said tentatively to Lila.

    ¡°Well, now that I¡¯m here, I feel compelled to ask why he¡¯s laughing,¡± Lila replied with a frown, placing her hands impatiently on her hips. Isaac doubled over again, his high-pitched peals of laughter drawing the attention of passersby.

    ¡°You can¡¯t think of the reason?¡± Asher queried, raising an eyebrow. The pink was returning to his face. He jammed his hands into his pockets and looked down at Isaac¡¯s shaking form in apparent disapproval. Lila pursed her lips.

    ¡°Yesterday, most likely,¡± she reluctantly sighed.

    ¡°Bingo,¡± Asher said drily. He tapped his foot on the concrete floor momentarily before grabbing hold of Isaac¡¯s left arm.

    ¡°Keep it together, man,¡± Asher huffed. ¡°You¡¯re embarrassing yourself.¡±

    ¡°I-I can¡¯t believe I thought-¡± Isaac choked on his words as he raised his right arm to his eyes.

    ¡°Yes, yes, we know,¡± Asher snapped. ¡°Come on, you¡¯ll start some new rumours.¡±

    Isaac snickered before gradually standing.

    ¡°I mean,¡± Isaac continued, wiping his eyes and looking towards the Chem Lab, ¡°why did I think you guys would start getting it on in a storage room at school within a minute when you knew a teacher was coming to rescue you?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher replied, bopping Isaac on the head with the side of his hand. ¡°¡¯Cause you¡¯re an idiot?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve gotta admit, that was sus. Why¡¯d you even ask Lila to hold it in her mouth? You made it sound like it was a condo-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m tapping out,¡± Lila interrupted Isaac hurriedly. ¡°Bye!¡±

    She pulled Ayaka away by her sleeve, her face cherry-red. Ayaka seemed confused by the whole exchange but didn¡¯t ask any questions.

    Once Maths and Design were over, Lila walked Ayaka to her meeting point on the lawn. As they approached the gaggle of Japanese exchange students, Ayaka looked up at Lila, her eyes narrowed in determination.

    ¡°Date him,¡± Ayaka said resolutely.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Lila replied, her eyes bulging out of their sockets.

    ¡°Asher. Boyfriend,¡± Ayaka replied, gesturing wildly. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°No, no,¡± Lila laughed, waving her hands up in a ¡®stop¡¯ motion. ¡°Friends.¡±

    Ayaka pressed her lips together before whipping out her phone and typing rapidly on it. She showed her screen to Lila. ¡®Asher is kind and smart. You would make a good couple,¡¯ read the translation from Japanese to English. Lila could only muster a squeak as she shook her head.

    ¡°Why?¡± Ayaka asked, crossing her arms.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like me,¡± Lila replied. ¡°And¡­ we¡¯re better as friends.¡±

    It was Ayaka¡¯s turn to shake her head. She typed rapidly on her phone again and showed Lila the results of her translation. ¡®Asher likes you. I can see it in his eyes.¡¯

    For some reason, Ayaka¡¯s observation made tears well up in Lila¡¯s eyes. ¡®Please stop teasing me,¡¯ she thought as she buried her face in her hands. She suddenly couldn¡¯t find her voice. Her face was again a deep scarlet and she tried to get her breathing under control to no avail.

    ¡°Ayaka,¡± a voice called. ¡°Let¡¯s go home!¡±

    ¡°Bye-bye!¡± Ayaka said cheerily to Lila. Lila looked up and waved Ayaka off whilst she hurried to her host parents. She wouldn¡¯t see Ayaka again until Lila¡¯s next Japanese lesson on Tuesday. Her brows knitted together as she watched Ayaka go. Lila contemplated asking Ayaka to hang out for lunch next week. However, Ms Takahashi¡¯s warning rang loud and clear in her mind. The exchange students were to strictly stick by their assigned buddies for the week, or their own exchange classmates, to prevent them from getting lost.

    With a heavy sigh, Lila trudged off to the bus station and headed home.

    <hr>

    Lila slipped her mouthguard into her mouth with a loud sucking sound. It promptly snapped tightly to her teeth and gums. Lila tapped it to make sure it was securely placed before throwing her mouthguard case back into her bag. Today was the big day ¨C the real start of the hockey season.

    She double-checked her laces were tied and her lugs were free from grass before heading out of the changing room, hockey stick firmly in hand.

    Half her team was warming up, with Lila having left the other half behind in the changing room. Lila joined in the warm-up exercises, her stomach aflutter with nerves. Sandy Lakes High School had a good team last year. How would they play today?

    Lila glanced over towards the Under 18s soccer boys and saw Asher in his full goalie get up, pacing inside one of the nets. Isaac was slightly ahead of Asher, jogging on the spot. Theo and Zack were stretching dynamically, talking amongst themselves. They stopped upon noticing Lila before both straightening up and waving at her. She waved back before feeling someone¡¯s eyes on her.

    Turning, she saw that Asher had stopped pacing and was looking at her, his gloved hands on his hips. As soon as their eyes met, he looked away, resuming his pacing with more vigour.

    Ayaka¡¯s translation from yesterday appeared in her mind¡¯s eye. ¡®Asher likes you. I can see it in his eyes.¡¯

    To Lila, Asher seemed to look at her like he always had. What was in his eyes that made Ayaka sure that he liked Lila? Given what Isaac had told Lila about Asher¡¯s ¡®flat out no¡¯ to the idea of them dating, surely Ayaka was just misinterpreting what she¡¯d seen?

    Ms Wright called the team into a huddle after everyone had warmed up sufficiently. She gave her usual pep talk about having fun, even if they didn¡¯t win. However, she did add that Sandy Lakes was probably a beatable opponent. Ms Wright also announced that she had half-time oranges for everyone, and a few of Lila¡¯s teammates cheered.

    In the blink of an eye, Lila¡¯s match started. Energy burned through her legs like lightning as she intercepted, passed, dodged, and weaved. Her mind and vision were clear, her teeth gritting against her mouthguard. The speed of her attacks allowed her to break away quickly. Her mind was a constant roulette of strategies, flipping between attack and defence as needed. She kept the pressure on the players from Sandy Lakes, virtually breathing down their necks when they came within her midfield vicinity and had possession. Lila knew when to back off to avoid a foul though, which sometimes meant Sandy Lakes progressed a little further towards the goal than she would¡¯ve liked.

    As the match wore on, Sandy Lakes had encroached further into Lila¡¯s zone. Lila finally wrangled possession from an opponent and directed Charlotte to a wide gap. Lila swung with restrained might, and Charlotte intercepted the pass with grace, charging up the field. She scored the first goal of the match to the cheers of Forestglade College spectators. Lila grinned, wiping her brow. She cast a glance at the spectator bench while they set up the center pass. Her eyes landed on Livi, Jason, Harper, Jake, and Vi sitting in a tight group directly in the middle of the bench. They seemed focused on the soccer game, which made sense considering Theo and Zack were playing.

    Play continued until half-time was called. Lila breathed a sigh of relief as Ms Wright popped open a container of orange slices. Lila unstuck her mouth guard and immediately began biting into the cool flesh of her orange slice. It was certainly refreshing. They were in the lead, but only just. Ms Wright seemed happy enough with this turn of events but reminded everyone to keep their guard up. Lila disposed of her finished orange slice just as the half-time for soccer was called.

    Lila looked over at Asher and Isaac. Both were rather sweaty but appeared in high spirits. It seemed like their game was going well, too. Isaac¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s and he grinned for a second before bursting into laughter again. Asher swiftly kicked Isaac¡¯s left shinpad and looked over at Lila apologetically, shaking his head.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Lila chuckled before jogging off towards the other side of the hockey field. Half-time was nearly over and she had to get accustomed to the new side of the field that they would be playing from.

    After just over half an hour, various fouls, and near misses, the hockey match was over ¨C Forestglade College had won by two points. Lila¡¯s body was aching now as she removed her mouthguard for the last time today. Most of her teammates seemed exhausted and, after a celebratory cheer, began to leave without much fanfare.

    The soccer game was still going but looked to be wrapping up. Lila stopped herself from leaving to watch a little of the match. She saw Theo attempt a slide tackle, which was easily dodged by the Sandy Lakes opponent, who continued onwards towards an awaiting Asher. The Sandy Lakes opponent passed the ball to another Sandy Lakes player. They tore down the field with a determination that quickened Lila¡¯s heartbeat. Would Asher be able to stop the ball?

    Isaac successfully intercepted the ball for a split second, before the opposition intercepted it back. Lila could see the frustration emanating from Isaac in waves. The opposition¡¯s striker had the ball now. They were rushing towards Asher in a slight zig-zag. Asher braced himself by bending at the knees, his hands ready for whatever direction the ball would go.

    Lila¡¯s stomach dropped. The striker kicked with obvious power. The cheers and screams from the crowd and soccer players echoed across the field. Lila¡¯s eyes darted between Asher and the ball. It seemed like Asher reacted too late.

    But he hadn¡¯t. In fact, Asher¡¯s seemingly delayed reaction wasn¡¯t delayed at all ¨C he was just reacting to something Lila hadn¡¯t noticed from this distance. The spin on the ball forced it to go at an unpredictable ¨C to Lila ¨C angle. Asher deftly batted it away with his hands. The short, sharp blows of the whistle from the ref indicated the game was over. Forestglade College had won here, too ¨C 2-1.

    Lila whooped from her current position, which caused Asher to look around wildly. Lila gave him a thumbs up and he beamed at her. The soccer team began swarming Asher, yelling about his save. Lila smiled to herself and headed off to the changing room to grab her bag and go home.

    <hr>

    4pm on Sunday afternoon was announced with a buzz on Lila¡¯s phone. Lila stretched her arms behind her head, yawning. She¡¯d been studying all day and was grateful for any excuse to take a break.

    She flipped her phone over so she could see its screen. A notification flashed ¨C the buzz had been a message from Asher. Lila immediately unplugged her phone and swiped to her texts.

    Livi texted, Asher¡¯s message read. He hadn¡¯t sent anything else.

    Yeah? Lila responded.

    Tomorrow, 4pm. Behind the auditorium, Asher¡¯s subsequent text read.

    Okay, Lila replied. Nice save yesterday btw

    Lila expected a rapid response to this message. There was none forthcoming. Then, just as Lila was about to send a question mark, Asher sent a message.

    Thanks, it read. I noticed you lurking

    I do not lurk, Lila sent with a chuckle.

    Fine, Asher replied. Looming, then

    Not tall enough to loom, Lila shot back.

    True, was Asher¡¯s only response. Lila grinned again and was about to turn off her phone when another message came through.

    I¡¯ll bring the 3k in cash tomorrow morning, it said. Time to unmask the Banker, Asher¡¯s follow-up message read.

    Finally, Lila responded. Can¡¯t wait.

    Lunch again? Asher sent.

    Yes please, Lila replied with an excited emoji. He sent a simple ¡®thumbs up¡¯ in reply.

    <hr>

    Neither Lila nor Asher could sit still during English on Monday morning. He¡¯d whispered to Lila once she sat down that the money was hiding in his locker. The admission, though, seemed to plague him as his leg tapped incessantly on the floor. Lila ordinarily would¡¯ve asked him to stop if she wasn¡¯t doing it herself, too. She couldn¡¯t stop fidgeting with her hands either. She was glad, though, that her English assignment was virtually done. All she needed to do was edit it - if she could focus her eyes on her work.

    Lunch with Asher today consisted of a hearty beef stew, which they warmed up in one of the microwaves. Asher flashed Lila a nervous smile as he dug into the stew. Lila returned the smile with the same amount of nervousness. Today was the day that they¡¯d be able to wipe Isaac¡¯s debt with the Banker. Today was the day that they would find out who the Banker was.

    Suddenly, Lila was unsure how trustworthy Livi and her group were. There was always the potential that they could betray Asher, take the money, and run. 3k was certainly a lot for high school students¡­

    ¡°Are you worried?¡± Asher asked, looking up at Lila. She blinked in surprise.

    ¡°I-I guess I¡¯m nervous,¡± she grimaced. ¡°Are you?¡±

    ¡°You could say that,¡± Asher replied tentatively. ¡°I¡¯m more nervous to know what this will mean for Isaac.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said, spooning some stew into her mouth. They ate in silence for a few minutes before Lila asked the question that had been bothering her for a while.

    ¡°What are you gonna do when you find out who it is?¡±

    Asher averted his eyes from her own expectant ones and instead looked at his food.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s morally wrong for someone to be loaning students so much money,¡± Asher replied carefully. ¡°It makes me think that it¡¯s not a student, and someone more dangerous. Like an actual gangster.¡±

    Lila gave a short, incredulous laugh. A gangster? Asher¡¯s face flushed as he stabbed at his food with his fork.

    ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯s probably unrealistic,¡± he conceded in a mumble.

    ¡°I mean, it isn¡¯t necessarily impossible,¡± Lila replied hurriedly. ¡°I was just surprised.¡±

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Asher stammered. ¡°I want to get to the bottom of this and see if it can be stopped. Thinking about more people like Isaac who are stuck in an impossible situation with a massive loan hanging over their heads¡­ it¡¯s not right. I mean, think about the younger kids. If any of them get mixed up in this... I don¡¯t even know how they¡¯d be able to resolve it.¡±

    Lila smiled at Asher. ¡°Once we know who it is, we can figure out a plan of attack,¡± she said. He nodded, and they finished their lunch, talking about their sports matches from Saturday.

    3.20pm rolled around in a flash. Lila waved ¡®goodbye¡¯ cheerily at Cecelia and Lucas as they left Bio, holding hands without Mr Johnson¡¯s overt notice. Now that Lila was alone, however, her stomach twisted and turned. The drop-off was in less than an hour. Would it go smoothly? Surely, they weren¡¯t in any danger of being mugged or something by whoever the Banker was¡­ or their lackeys.

    Asher was staring at Lila¡¯s locker as she approached, his school bag slung over his shoulder.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said gently, rousing him from his thoughts. He glanced at her and moved aside so she could do what she needed with her locker.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he replied. He pursed his lips and shoved a hand through his hair.

    ¡°Have you told Isaac about what¡¯s happening?¡± Lila asked in a low voice, putting her textbooks and laptop away.

    ¡°No,¡± Asher sighed, looking down at his shoes. ¡°I wanted to get through this first. That way he can¡¯t try to stop me, or otherwise interfere.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Has he had his interview with Maccas yet?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied distantly. ¡°Yesterday. He hasn¡¯t heard back yet, though.¡±

    Lila locked her locker and turned towards Asher, her arms folded against her chest.

    ¡°What do you want to do while we wait?¡± she asked.

    ¡°I¡­ wanna go for a walk. My head¡¯s just running through way too many worst-case scenarios at the moment,¡± Asher said sheepishly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to come with me if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m down for a walk,¡± Lila replied instantly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They wandered around campus, making small talk. She hoped that distracting Asher enough would help settle his nerves. The Banker, at the very least, seemed shrewd. Intelligent. If Asher had any hope of shutting down the operation, they¡¯d both need to be on top of their game so they could extract enough information to formulate a plan.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Asher said suddenly, stopping in the middle of the pathway they were strolling along. Lila looked up at his face, which seemed amused.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila asked inquisitively.

    ¡°You still have my jacket, yeah?¡±

    Lila immediately looked away from Asher and continued walking down the path.

    ¡°Of course,¡± she said stiffly. Her face started to turn pink, but she readjusted her scarf so it obscured part of her face.

    ¡°I was just curious,¡± Asher explained, catching up to her quickly. ¡°I don¡¯t need it back anytime soon.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit bulky for my school bag,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°Sorry for keeping it for so long. Thanks again for lending it.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Asher replied with a small smile. ¡°I¡¯d do it again without a second thought.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila¡¯s voice cracked and she coughed, hoping to cover it up

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Asher whispered. Lila faced him, puzzled. His eyes slid to hers before looking back at the road. ¡°Never mind,¡± he said, shaking his head.

    ¡°You can¡¯t just throw something out there and say never mind,¡± Lila teased.

    ¡°Sorry. I-It really isn¡¯t anything important.¡±

    ¡°Let me hear it, then. It¡¯s not like we aren¡¯t trying to kill time.¡±

    Asher exhaled harshly, rubbing his stubbled chin.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about when we saw the movie together. W-Would that count as a date?¡±

    Lila¡¯s breathing caught in her throat, her feet firmly rooting her to the ground.

    ¡°W-What?¡± she asked, her eyes wide. Her scarf felt far too hot across her face, but she didn¡¯t want to pull it down.

    ¡°Like I said, never mind,¡± Asher swiftly said, looking ahead, down the path they were taking. ¡°It¡¯s something Isaac brought up. It¡¯s not like we¡¯d planned it or anything. If Isaac and Grace and Elise didn¡¯t get lost, it would¡¯ve been a normal cinema hangout with friends.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, beginning to walk again. ¡°You¡¯re right. It was just a cinema hangout. U-Unless¡­¡±

    ¡°Unless?¡±

    ¡°Never mind.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you can¡¯t just throw something out there and say never mind,¡± Asher smirked.

    ¡°U-Unless you w-wanted it to be a date,¡± Lila faltered, pointedly looking away from Asher. He paused.

    ¡°Like you said, it was just a cinema hangout. Between friends,¡± he said eventually.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila nodded, still not looking at Asher.

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ head to the meeting point,¡± Asher said after a few moments. They changed their current course and began walking to the auditorium. Lila felt stupid for asking Asher if he wanted to consider the movie as a date. Why¡¯d she even say that? It wasn¡¯t as if she wanted to go on a date with him¡­ Lila hoped she hadn¡¯t made it awkward now. Though, it was Asher who¡¯d brought it up¡­

    The sun hung low in the sky, lengthening the shadows across the walkway behind the auditorium that they were now passing through. The eerie atmosphere hadn¡¯t improved from the last time Lila had been here. In fact, it felt much worse given this area was the stage for the drop-off.

    It was devoid of anyone else. Lila checked the time on her phone. They had two minutes before 4pm.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see anyone around while we were walking here, yeah?¡± Asher asked after inspecting his own phone.

    ¡°No one at all,¡± Lila confirmed. She was relieved to hear that Asher sounded normal.

    ¡°Are you¡­ all good?¡± Lila asked after a moment.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied confidently. ¡°That walk helped a lot.¡±

    Lila smiled, though the end of the walk hadn¡¯t helped her much at all. In fact, it only added to her woes. She knew that she¡¯d be bothered about her comment about the cinema hangout for a long time.

    Lila bit her lip as she cast her eyes towards each end of the walkway. She had reached the middle of the walkway with Asher now and they both slowed to a stop. Asher also surveyed the surroundings, swivelling his head like a security camera.

    Then, the sound of several pairs of feet sounded to the left. Lila and Asher instantly turned towards the source of the noise.

    It turned out to be a group of tall, male Grade 12 students, none of whom Lila recognised. Lila estimated that there were about six people in this group. They seemed to be walking in a particular formation ¨C perhaps a circle?

    ¡°Hello,¡± a voice behind Lila and Asher called. Lila jumped and spun around. It was Livi, waving. She was flanked on either side by Zack and Jake. None of the other members of her crew were with her.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Asher replied, standing as straight as a lamp post.

    ¡°Glad to see you made it,¡± Livi smiled, though her eyes felt cold. Perhaps Lila only felt this way due to her nerves, but the glint from Livi¡¯s glasses seemed distinctly menacing. She was holding a notebook and pen in one hand. It was odd that Livi hadn¡¯t addressed the other group of Grade 12s that had now reached Lila and Asher. But, judging by the fact that Livi didn¡¯t send the group away, Lila could guess that they belonged here.

    ¡°So you are the Banker,¡± Lila said, shifting the weight between her legs. The smile instantaneously fell from Livi¡¯s face.

    ¡°I wish,¡± she said with a humourless laugh. ¡°It was so simple but so clever to set this all up. It irks me to no end that I wasn¡¯t the one who started it.¡±

    ¡°Then who is?¡± Asher asked, pulling his school bag to the front of his body.

    ¡°He is,¡± Livi replied simply, pointing to the group of unknown students. Both Lila and Asher turned. The group of students to the left parted. Lila¡¯s whole body tensed in horror as she recognised instantly who it was, a gasp escaping her lips.

 Chapter Sixty-One

    Chapter Sixty-One

    ¡°You¡¯re kidding,¡± Lila said in disbelief. The Banker looked up at Lila and immediately stumbled back, treading on the toes of one of the bodyguards. Lila strode up towards the Banker until they were about three metres apart. Instantly, two of the bodyguards sprang to the front. Asher gave a low whistle before he smothered a laugh with his hands. Lila whirled around towards Livi.

    ¡°You¡¯re playing games,¡± Lila said, her tone far more accusatory than she¡¯d intended. Livi lifted her hands in a surrender gesture.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting this reaction,¡± Livi said haughtily. ¡°I can assure you I¡¯m not playing games. That is the Banker you¡¯ve been wanting to see, in the flesh.¡±

    ¡°Explain,¡± Lila said coldly. Livi¡¯s smug smile immediately dropped as she shifted the position of her body.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ confused,¡± Livi admitted, furrowing her brow. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to explain.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking to you,¡± Lila snapped, stepping closer to the bodyguards protecting the Banker.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s alright, guys,¡± a feeble voice behind the bodyguards said. ¡°Let me talk to my sister.¡±

    ¡°Sister?¡± Livi¡¯s mouth fell open. The bodyguards obediently relaxed their stance and stepped away, exposing the student behind them again. Daniel emerged, looking both mortified and scared. Lila bristled as she looked at Daniel in his entirety.

    ¡°Daniel, you better be fucking clowning me,¡± Lila hissed. He avoided her eyes and instead looked towards Asher.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were doing the drop, Asher,¡± Daniel said, shock wavering his voice. He then looked at Livi.

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me that Asher and Lila were going to be here?¡± he asked impatiently. Livi¡¯s mouth was still agape, but she hurried to answer Daniel.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was important, Boss,¡± Livi responded meekly.

    ¡°That¡¯s a mistake I¡¯ll ask you not to repeat,¡± Daniel said sternly. Livi nodded and remained silent. To see Livi so subservient disturbed Lila to no end, but she couldn¡¯t focus on that now. Lila stepped up to Daniel.

    Slap.

    Lila¡¯s hand connected with Daniel¡¯s face so quickly that neither of his bodyguards had time to react. The slap was so loud it caused a couple birds in the trees lining the walkway to take flight, squawking. Daniel¡¯s hand leapt to where Lila had slapped him, and he glared at her. Under Lila¡¯s own fierce gaze, however, his glare melted away into a shameful grimace.

    ¡°What the fuck, Daniel,¡± Lila managed to spit out. It was at this moment that Asher grabbed Lila by the arm and pulled her away from Daniel.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher whispered into her ear. ¡°Calm down.¡±

    She shook off Asher¡¯s hand and took in a deep breath. Asher opened up his bag and pulled out a tote bag.

    ¡°Here,¡± Asher said, stepping around Lila and thrusting it at Daniel. Lila watched on in stunned silence. She almost wanted to snatch the bag out of Asher¡¯s hands. This was way too much money for her little brother to be handling. Daniel¡¯s expression hardened into an emotionless, professional one as he accepted it.

    ¡°Livi, the notebook please,¡± Daniel requested, holding his other hand out. Livi complied immediately and provided him with the notebook and pen that she¡¯d been holding. He slipped both into the tote bag before pulling out several wads of cash, bundled together in rubber bands.

    ¡°I assume there¡¯s ten notes per band?¡± Daniel asked Asher coolly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Asher replied firmly. Daniel looked into the depths of the tote bag before nodding.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need to confirm this back in the classroom, but you¡¯re free to go,¡± Daniel said, his tone entirely businesslike. ¡°If I have any problems with the amount you¡¯ve given me, I will need to reconsider the progress of Isaac¡¯s debt. Now, I¡¯ve got some important stuff I¡¯ve got to do far away from you both. Goodbye, Asher.¡±

    Daniel immediately turned on his heel and swiftly marched away, his crew in tow.

    ¡°We¡¯re not done!¡± Lila shouted, hurrying behind before Asher caught her by the sleeve of her blazer.

    ¡°Yeah, we are,¡± Lila heard his dismissive reply from the middle of the crowd of Grade 12 students. ¡°See you at dinner.¡±

    Lila inhaled deeply, pressing her hand to her forehead. Daniel was the Banker? How? Why? When? It¡¯d gotten to the point that he needed to be guarded. He¡¯d also managed to enlist the assistance of several Grade 12 students¡­ This was certainly a big operation ¨C and one that was being handled literally right under her nose. He was still shorter than her, after all.

    ¡°Well, that was interesting,¡± Livi clicked her tongue before swaying on the spot for just a moment. Then, she clasped her hands together before adding, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll leave you two lovebirds alone.¡±

    Livi, Zack and Jake immediately departed towards the direction that Daniel had fled. Neither Lila nor Asher refuted Livi¡¯s comment. Lila had far more important matters to consider than Livi¡¯s provocations.

    ¡°So¡­ it seems all the Moloney siblings are hiding something,¡± Asher said grimly after they were truly alone as far as the eye could see. Lila looked at him sharply.

    ¡°It¡¯s not funny,¡± she huffed.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t trying to be.¡±

    Lila scuffed her shoes along the ground as she tried to organise the thoughts swarming in her mind.

    ¡°He¡¯s only thirteen,¡± Lila said softly, putting her head in both her hands.

    ¡°It¡¯s incredible, actually,¡± Asher replied with a chuckle. This didn¡¯t amuse Lila, either, but a question came to her.

    ¡°What are you going to do about this?¡± Lila asked, slowly raising her head.

    ¡°Me?¡± Asher asked, clearly taken aback.

    ¡°Well, you wanted to take down the operation,¡± Lila replied, crossing her arms. ¡°I agree that it¡¯s not morally right for him to be giving out loans and all that, but¡­ I don¡¯t even know if he knows what he¡¯s doing. Or, at least, the consequences of it all.¡±

    ¡°You should talk to him,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°At the very least, you could probably find out what the ins and outs of this whole thing is. If you do, we might be able to see if it needs to be shut down then, or if he could adjust it so it¡¯s not to this level.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want him to get into trouble,¡± Lila said, closing her eyes tight.

    ¡°Neither,¡± Asher said gently. ¡°Kinda owe the kid.¡±

    Lila glanced at him, confused. ¡°Owe him what? Did you have a debt to the Banker?¡±

    Asher laughed. ¡°He gave me your number, remember?¡±

    ¡°You could¡¯ve asked me for that,¡± Lila replied shortly.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t bring myself to,¡± Asher said seriously.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t bring yourself to?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ got pretty nervous,¡± Asher responded vaguely. Lila squinted as she contemplated this. It was no use ¨C she couldn¡¯t figure out why he would¡¯ve been nervous.

    ¡°Nervous about what?¡± she queried impatiently. ¡°You seemed pretty confident inviting me over to your house.¡±

    ¡°It was just how I felt at the time. I was supposed to ask you for your number before class ended, but chickened out. Dunno why, really.¡±

    Lila gazed intently at Asher¡¯s face. He was overtly avoiding her eyes, looking instead at the scenery around them. There was something in the way that his jaw was clenched and his eyes darted elsewhere that gave Lila the distinct impression that he had a fair idea of the ¡®why¡¯. The pounding of her heart rumbled through her ears as she considered pressing the point. Her lips trembled, the question stuck on her tongue.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher sighed, staring up at a slanting tree along the walkway. ¡°I¡¯ll need to sleep on this. I¡¯m relieved that Isaac¡¯s part in all this is over, but now that I know that Daniel¡¯s the Banker, I¡¯ll need to think about what to do next.¡±

    ¡°I suddenly don¡¯t want to go home,¡± Lila replied sullenly. ¡°I can¡¯t just ignore this ¨C I have to deal with it. Especially since I¡¯m not about to tell Clare. She usually knows what to do about any problem that we have, but she¡¯d berate him first and then tell our parents. Which won¡¯t help in the slightest. And I¡¯ve been thinking that there¡¯s something¡­ off about all this. Daniel seemed terrified that I found out. The Daniel I know would¡¯ve laughed his ass off or been proud that he had some cronies or at least acted real tough.¡±

    ¡°You can always come to mine,¡± Asher suggested, reaching out to slap the trunk of the tree. ¡°Gabriel would love to see you. Plus, the spare room-¡±

    ¡°-is made up, I know,¡± Lila interjected with a smile. ¡°Thanks for the offer, but I should definitely go home. If Daniel¡¯s as scared as I think he is, knowing that I know what he¡¯s been up to, it¡¯d be cruel not to go home. So even if I don¡¯t wanna, I have to.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher replied, his voice tinged with dejection. Lila shook her head. No, that wasn¡¯t dejection¡­ surely.

    ¡°Anyway... I should probably go catch the bus,¡± Lila said awkwardly, edging towards the direction of the locker room.

    ¡°I can take you home,¡± Asher suggested simply, turning to face her after patting the tree once more.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied quickly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go out of your way for me.¡±

    ¡°It won¡¯t be an issue,¡± Asher responded with a grin. ¡°George loves going to new places.¡±

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll get home before Daniel does that way,¡± Lila trailed off. Asher¡¯s grin split into a dazzling beam.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give George a ring,¡± he said excitedly.

    They began walking back to the locker room as Asher called George and explained that Lila needed a ride home. He confirmed it was fine with another grin. Once they were ready to go home, Asher led them towards the awaiting taxi. He opened the passenger side door for Lila, and she jumped in, greeting George cheerily. He turned to look at Lila, his heavily-lined face pulling into a kind smile.

    ¡°Hello again, Lila,¡± George greeted as Asher hopped into the front passenger seat and buckled himself in.

    ¡°What¡¯s your address, Lila?¡± Asher asked, his hand poised over the GPS in the taxi. He input what Lila told him and they took off.

    ¡°You were a bit late today, Mr Wagner,¡± George said, though he didn¡¯t seem displeased. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher replied politely. ¡°Sorry for the wait. We just had to ask our teacher a few things for our assessment.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± George noted with a nod. ¡°I trust you¡¯re doing well in your schoolwork, as usual.¡±

    Asher and George continued with their small talk as they drove through the suburbs. Eventually, they fell quiet a few streets before reaching Lila¡¯s house. The radio blared, covering the silence. Upon turning into Lila¡¯s street, George lowered the volume and Lila pointed out the correct house.

    ¡°Thank you for taking me home, George. See you in PE tomorrow, Asher,¡± Lila said as she got out of the car.

    ¡°My pleasure,¡± George replied with another polite smile.

    ¡°See you then,¡± Asher said, waving enthusiastically. Lila shut the door and hurried inside her house.

    Clare was sitting at the kitchen counter, scrolling through her phone when Lila passed.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Clare called, making Lila skid to a halt just past the dining room. Lila trudged back towards Clare.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila asked impatiently.

    ¡°Couple things. Mum and Dad aren¡¯t here, they decided to go on a date night, and Gabriel called me in to work. Oh, and Daniel¡¯s upstairs. He told me to tell you that but didn¡¯t tell me why,¡± Clare replied lazily, not looking up from her phone.

    ¡°Gabriel called you in?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow. Clare sighed and turned her phone screen off.

    ¡°Yeah. Not for dancing, though. Apparently, they¡¯re short-staffed at the bar.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you worked at the bar, too,¡± Lila replied, genuinely intrigued.

    ¡°¡¯Course I do,¡± Clare snorted. ¡°I¡¯m your multi-talented older sister, after all. But when I¡¯m at the bar, I¡¯m Clare.¡±

    ¡°Does anyone recognise you as Roxy?¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°Not as often as you¡¯d think,¡± Clare shrugged. ¡°I dress pretty plain when I¡¯m at the bar. ¡®Roxy¡¯ embodies everything Clare is not. At least, not in my day-to-day life.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go that far,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°It was Clare who decided to start working as a dancer, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    ¡°Sure was,¡± Clare winked. ¡°But, man, I already had a couple shifts lined up this week.¡±

    ¡°How do you even get enough sleep to go to Uni?¡± Lila asked incredulously.

    ¡°Simple. I don¡¯t,¡± Clare laughed, stretching her shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s Uni, though, not school. So, the time commitment is far less. I¡¯ll survive.¡±

    ¡°I hope so,¡± Lila said gravely. ¡°Especially if you don¡¯t want Mum and Dad to find out.¡±

    Clare exhaled deeply before stretching the rest of her body. ¡°Yeah. Definitely don¡¯t want that to happen. Hence why I¡¯ve been smashing Uni with only 6s and 7s.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll pretend to know what that is,¡± Lila quipped.

    ¡°7 is the best score you can get for a subject, 6 is just less. I¡¯d say a 7 is like an A, A+. A 6 is an A-, B+. 5 is a B to B-, then a 4 is just the whole C range.¡±

    ¡°Good to know,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Going to forget that immediately.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll remember when you get to Uni,¡± Clare replied, waving a hand dismissively. She turned her phone back on. ¡°I¡¯m gonna order pizza for dinner. Same as usual?¡±

    ¡°Yes please,¡± Lila smiled, giving Clare a short hug. ¡°When¡¯re you going?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get out of here at about 7,¡± Clare responded, squeezing Lila¡¯s arm as they separated. ¡°Pizza will be here around 5.30, so I¡¯ll have enough time to eat and go.¡±

    ¡°Cool.¡±

    Lila began making her way upstairs, curious as to how Daniel was already home. She put her school stuff away and changed into some house clothes. She clipped up her hair and took a deep breath. She was far too deep to pretend nothing happened. Asher was right ¨C the fact that all the Moloney kids had secrets was not lost on Lila. It also wasn¡¯t lost on Lila that she had somehow become the secret keeper for her siblings. Plus, there was no way she could avoid this conversation with Daniel if she wanted to get some sleep tonight.

    Lila tapped her forehead, thinking hard about how to approach this. Clare staying out of everyone¡¯s business was definitely a good thing, for the moment. It meant that she probably would go easy on the probing questions during dinner tonight. But, no matter how well-meaning Clare was, with her new approach to not being nosy, Lila couldn¡¯t risk the chance that Clare would slip back into her old ways.

    Lila bit her thumbnail as she continued to go through today¡¯s events in her mind. Though Lila wasn¡¯t exactly the politest to Daniel, nor was it out of the ordinary for them to be whacking each other, she felt increasingly guilty about this afternoon¡¯s slap. Especially since Lila herself had slapped Daniel in front of his¡­ coworkers? Lackeys? Employees? Friends? Daniel hadn¡¯t even said a word before she let her emotions get the best of her. It wasn¡¯t exactly the best example of an older sister that she could give him. Clare would¡¯ve kept her cool¡­

    Lila sighed as she fell back onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. If she was Clare, she would know what to say ¨C though, of course, Clare would then immediately tell their parents, and also scold Daniel. Despite the fact that Lila had no idea what to say, she at least knew that neither of those options would be fair to Daniel. Not at the outset, anyway. He was still her baby brother¡­ and it didn¡¯t seem like he was exuding the confidence of a successful kingpin. She still had the unsettling feeling that there was something wrong with the whole situation, aside from the fact that a thirteen-year-old was loaning out way too much money and organising a food delivery syndicate.

    With a niggling feeling in the back of her head, Lila recalled how Daniel had acted when he gave Lila the pile of photos he¡¯d secured, with his mischievous jokes about ¡®cleaning up the streets¡¯ and putting the photos back up so he could be suspended too. Lila was sure that if he was proud of being the Banker, he would¡¯ve owned it this afternoon once she found out.

    Lila checked the time on her phone. It was nearing 5.30. Stretching, Lila popped her head out of her doorway and looked down the hallway. It also bothered her that Daniel had arrived home before she did. Did he get one of his Grade 12 cronies to drive him home? Why? He¡¯d said that he needed to confirm the cash Asher gave him in ¡®the classroom¡¯. Was that a ruse?

    ¡°Lila, Daniel!¡± Clare¡¯s voice shouted from the first floor. ¡°Pizza¡¯s here!¡±

    Lila swiftly headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Clare had already dished herself some pizza and garlic bread and was metres away from her usual seat in the dining room when Lila appeared.

    ¡°It¡¯s just on the counter,¡± Clare explained, gesturing with her lips towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Thanks, sis,¡± Lila smiled before serving her own dinner. Daniel, still dressed in his school uniform, entered a few moments after Lila was satisfied with her helpings. Lila glanced at him, but he was looking very intently at his plate. His hands shook as he selected a couple slices of pizza.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna eat in my room,¡± Daniel mumbled to Lila.

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± Lila replied lightly, taking her plate and cup of soft drink to the dining room and sitting next to Clare.

    Lila scrolled through her phone whilst she took a bite of a pizza slice when Clare suddenly spoke.

    ¡°Uh, uh, uh,¡± she uttered, shaking her head. ¡°Get your butt back here, Daniel.¡±

    Daniel retreated from the direction of the stairs and reluctantly sat in his usual spot.

    ¡°Clare, it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°Let him go to his room.¡±

    ¡°But I wanna know what¡¯s the latest,¡± Clare pouted. ¡°Since Mum and Dad aren¡¯t having dinner here. We can talk about stuff we don¡¯t want them to know.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d just tell them anyway,¡± Daniel said scornfully, taking an aggressive bite of his garlic bread. Clare looked offended.

    ¡°Okay, look, you¡¯ve got me there¡­ is what I would¡¯ve said last year. I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯ve turned a new leaf,¡± Clare declared proudly, sharing a knowing look with Lila.

    ¡°That¡¯s kinda true,¡± Lila conceded. ¡°Yet to be tested is Mum and Dad coming to talk to me about something I¡¯ve told you about.¡±

    ¡°Case in point!¡± Clare announced, raising a finger. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell Mum and Dad about the photo.¡±

    ¡°What photo?¡± Lila asked, taking another bite of her pizza.

    ¡°The photo, Lila. Of you,¡± Clare said pointedly, taking a sip of her glass of cola. Daniel almost choked on his pizza.

    ¡°How do you know about that?¡± he asked, his face pale. Lila narrowed her eyes at him. Ordinarily, he should¡¯ve assumed that Lila told Clare¡­ but his reaction seemed incredibly guilty. Clare gave him a sideways look.

    ¡°Nicked a stack of photos from your room. Confronted Lila about it. Kept my mouth shut since,¡± Clare replied briskly.

    ¡°You went into my room?¡± Daniel¡¯s face turned red now, his voice distinctly panicky.

    ¡°You stole my charger, dummy,¡± Clare replied, rolling her eyes. ¡°Of course I was going to go into your room.¡±

    Daniel fell silent as he picked at his food. Lila glanced at Clare, curiosity settling in her mind. What did Clare know about Daniel after going into his room on her own?

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Clare said, flipping her hair to the side as she broke apart her piece of garlic bread. ¡°What¡¯ve you two been up to? How¡¯s school?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t dare look at Daniel as she replied carefully, ¡°School¡¯s fine. Exams are coming up and things are starting to be due. Otherwise, our team won the hockey match on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Nice,¡± Clare nodded with a grin. ¡°¡¯Course you smashed ¡®em.¡± Clare then turned to look at Daniel expectantly.

    ¡°Nothing to report,¡± Daniel said glumly.

    ¡°What about dating lives?¡± Clare asked in a hushed voice. ¡°Surely there¡¯s something happening there.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Daniel sighed. ¡°Don¡¯t have time.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re working that hard at school?¡± Clare looked surprised.

    ¡°Sure am,¡± Daniel replied simply, his eyes flickering to Lila for a split second, before staring down at his plate.

    ¡°Well, what about you, Lila?¡± Clare turned to Lila, her eyes sparkling with interest. ¡°Any progress with Asher?¡±

    Lila immediately spat out some of her pizza as she spluttered to answer Clare¡¯s question, her face as red as the tomato sauce under her toppings. She instantly grasped her cup of soft drink and drank deeply.

    ¡°I¡¯d say they¡¯re going well,¡± Daniel said, perking up slightly. Lila immediately slammed down her cup.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing going on, well or otherwise,¡± she half-shouted, her face still red.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Daniel replied simply. ¡°I thought you guys were dating.¡±

    ¡°We are not,¡± Lila¡¯s voice continued to rise in pitch as she became more flustered.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Daniel said defensively. ¡°You just looked really close this afterno-¡±

    Daniel instantly cut himself off, reached for his own cup and took a swig.

    ¡°This afternoon?¡± Clare asked, looking between Daniel and Lila. ¡°Were you guys hanging out or something? If so, that¡¯s a bit odd.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes met Daniel¡¯s. He was still preoccupied with his drink.

    ¡°You could say that we were hanging out, in a manner of speaking,¡± Lila replied vaguely. Clare looked at her suspiciously before shrugging.

    ¡°Righto.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Clare?¡± Daniel asked, wiping his mouth and putting his drink down.

    ¡°Oh, same as usual. Going to Uni. Going out with friends. Crashing at home,¡± Clare replied, her tone clipped. The two sisters¡¯ eyes briefly connected, and they both looked away just as quickly.

    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± Lila announced, getting up from the table before the rising tension in the dining room¡¯s atmosphere could suffocate her. She picked up her empty plate, swigged the last of her soft drink and put both the cup and plate in the dishwasher in the kitchen. When she passed the dining room, both Clare and Daniel were getting up.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll head off earlier,¡± Clare whispered to Lila as they crossed paths. They watched Daniel pass them both and go into the kitchen. ¡°Something¡¯s weird about Daniel¡¯s energy tonight, but I don¡¯t think he¡¯ll talk to me. He might just yell at me again. So, I¡¯ll leave that with you, as his other big sister.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila nodded. She wasn¡¯t about to tell Clare that she knew exactly why Daniel was being weird, though she did appreciate that Clare was perceptive enough to pick up on Daniel¡¯s behaviour. ¡°Thanks for not digging too hard,¡± Lila added.

    ¡°I¡¯m screaming internally, don¡¯t worry,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°If my hair wasn¡¯t an asset, I¡¯d be tearing it out. But, like I said, your guys¡¯ business is your business, just like how I have my own things I want to keep private.¡±

    It seemed that Daniel had already deposited his plates in the kitchen and gone upstairs by the time Clare and Lila finished their conversation. Clare gave Lila a reassuring nod before bustling into the kitchen.

    Lila decided to wait until Clare left before trying to talk to Daniel. Eventually, Lila heard Clare call out that she was leaving before the garage door slammed shut. It was now or never. A small pit formed in Lila¡¯s stomach, which grew with every ambling step she took to Daniel¡¯s room. She took a deep breath and counted to ten to calm herself once she reached his closed door.

    ¡°Daniel?¡± Lila called, knocking on his bedroom door. She heard violent rustling before Daniel responded, indicating Lila could come in.

    She sidled in awkwardly, shutting the door behind her. In the short time that it had been since dinner, his hair looked wild, and he was half dressed in pyjamas, half still in his school uniform. His expression looked reminiscent of a particularly watery-eyed chihuahua.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said softly after a moment of staring at each other. Daniel¡¯s eyes flickered down to the desk he was sitting at. He pointed at the tote bag lying behind him on the bed.

    ¡°It¡¯s all there. You can tell Isaac the debt¡¯s cleared.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied affirmatively. Daniel looked at her anticipatingly. Lila rubbed her eyes for a second or two before she crossed Daniel¡¯s room and sat on his bed. He spun around in his desk chair so that he remained facing her.

    ¡°You cleaned up in here,¡± Lila said simply. It was the same level of cleanliness as it had been when Lila forced her way in with Clare, but she wasn¡¯t about to admit that she¡¯d already seen it in this state.

    ¡°You came in here to judge my d¨¦cor?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila scoffed. ¡°I¡­ was curious. About a few things.¡±

    Daniel¡¯s shoulders slumped as he nodded in response. Lila picked at her nails, trying to pluck the most innocuous approach to this conversation from her head.

    ¡°How did you get home before me?¡±

    He stared blankly at Lila. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I¡­ took a taxi home,¡± Lila explained, shifting uncomfortably. ¡°And you said you were going to look at stuff in a classroom.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Daniel uttered, his perplexed expression turning into one of indifference. ¡°Zack took me home.¡±

    ¡°Zack did? I didn¡¯t know he could drive.¡±

    Daniel smirked at Lila, his usual personality peeking through. ¡°He was pretty stunned to know that we¡¯re related.¡±

    Lila stared at Daniel, wondering briefly if he was privy to Livi¡¯s likely false insinuations that Zack liked Lila. He looked sullen again now as he looked at the wall behind Lila and fumbled with the armrests on his chair. Lila sighed heavily before speaking. ¡°Sorry for slapping you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Daniel mumbled, glancing down at his fidgeting hands. ¡°I get it.¡±

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have lost my cool.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve preferred that. But it is what it is.¡±

    Lila looked up at the corkboard above Daniel¡¯s desk. Some of the pictures had been shuffled, with new ones added. Isaac was still there, with the number ¡®10¡¯ marked on his photo. Knowing that Daniel was the Banker, it was pretty clear that this corkboard was the culmination of people who owed the Banker money. Now looking at it further, Lila supposed that the marked numbers probably represented to what degree the individual owed money, or an ID number. Not that she cared enough to ask what the numbers meant at this point.

    ¡°You sure you can sleep at night, with all those people looking at you?¡± Lila tried her hand at a joke as she gestured to the corkboard. Daniel half-smirked in response to her efforts.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± he replied, his voice strangely hoarse.

    ¡°Daniel, how did this even happen?¡± Lila finally asked, giving Daniel a piercing look. His lips trembled.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mean for it to get like this,¡± he said quietly. He got up and crossed the room to his collection of juice cartons. He pulled the top, which had been crudely cut to create a makeshift lid, off one and passed it to Lila, who took it curiously. It was filled with cash, top to bottom. She stared at him with wide eyes, quickly trying to count the amount of juice cartons that he had along the wall. She got to twenty before she gave up.

    ¡°Is that why you drink so much juice?¡± Lila whispered. Daniel snorted.

    ¡°I genuinely like juice,¡± he replied, before eyeing his collection again. ¡°Though, it is part of the reason. I just don¡¯t know where else to put it all.¡±

    Then, to Lila¡¯s surprise, Daniel began to cry, though it wasn¡¯t accompanied by any loud sobs. She quickly got up and pulled him into a hug, which he didn¡¯t resist. Though he normally refused any kind of affection from his sisters since becoming a teenager, Lila could tell he needed this. He seemed much younger than thirteen as he gripped Lila¡¯s shirt tightly, refusing to let go.

    ¡°Daniel,¡± Lila said softly after a few minutes, caressing the top of his head. ¡°Have you talked to anyone about this?¡±

    Daniel sniffled as he shook his head ¡®no¡¯. His crying had slowed down enough to where he could look at Lila now. Every now and then, he¡¯d have a massive, shuddering breath, but he seemed much calmer otherwise.

    ¡°If it¡¯s affecting you this badly, why don¡¯t you stop?¡± Lila asked kindly, directing him to sit next to her on the bed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve tried,¡± Daniel croaked. He wiped at his face in frustration. ¡°I¡¯ve tried everything to stop this, but nothing¡¯s worked. I¡¯ve got too many investors. Even some of the teachers are investors. And, now that I went into Uber Eats, it got even harder to leave. Too many people use the Banker. Believe me, I want to stop. I¡¯m always in debt to someone.¡±

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila said, putting a hand on Daniel¡¯s arm to stop him from saying anything more. ¡°Back up. Investors? You¡¯re in debt? What¡¯s that all about?¡±

    ¡°It started with me borrowing money from one of my crazy-rich friends. He¡¯s never asked me for interest, or given me a deadline, so when another friend asked me for money, I got a great idea. Well, great at the time. I gave them a couple weeks to give me back the money, plus a little bit of interest. I gave my friend his money back, and I kept the interest.¡±

    Lila held back her tongue as she waited patiently for Daniel to continue. He stared blankly at his hands before continuing.

    ¡°It¡¯s spiralled out of control,¡± he whispered. ¡°I¡¯m continuously running in a cycle of needing to pay creditors and investors, and running to get loans out. That 3k from Isaac¡­ well, Asher. Whoever. That really saved me, for now. But even though all these juice cartons are full of cash, the money gets rotated in and out so quickly that it¡¯s like they¡¯re not even here to begin with. And to think, this all really started ¡®cause I wanted some money to impress a girl.¡±

    ¡°A girl?¡± Lila straightened up. She hadn¡¯t heard Daniel mention any girls in his life. She genuinely thought he didn¡¯t have any interest for now, given Clare had asked earlier. Lila was definitely intrigued.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Daniel grimaced, tugging at his hair.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    Daniel shot her a nervous look. ¡°Livi.¡±

    ¡°A Grade 12 student?¡± Lila was gobsmacked.

    ¡°I know I¡¯m stupid,¡± Daniel groaned, facepalming. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell me that I am.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t about to,¡± Lila replied, though this was only a half-truth. She had definitely contemplated telling him he was stupid until he asked her not to.

    His voice took on a desperate note. ¡°Sis, I¡¯m doing accounting, all day, every day, trying to balance these books. I don¡¯t know how to do accounting. I¡¯ve even got employees that I need to pay. I had to quit touch footy. I didn¡¯t even attempt to sign up for soccer this term. Every day I¡¯m just sitting in an empty classroom running calculations and crosschecking and just¡­ I¡¯m drowning.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± Lila sighed heavily, glancing at the juice cartons again. ¡°You know, Mum would definitely be able to help but I don¡¯t think we should tell her.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Daniel said timidly, throwing his face in his hands again. He started crying silently, and Lila rubbed his back.

    ¡°Let it out,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°You¡¯ve held it in for too long.¡±

    As though Lila¡¯s permission unblocked what was holding Daniel back, he began sobbing openly, his volume unrestrained both in sound and tears. Lila patiently sat with him, her heart breaking in her chest even further with each passing minute. Eventually, he quietened down and flopped backwards onto his bed, an arm over his eyes.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do, sis. I¡¯m scared,¡± he admitted. Lila nodded, though Daniel couldn¡¯t see her.

    ¡°Well¡­ I reckon I know someone who could help,¡± Lila said slowly. Daniel removed his arm from his face.

    ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°He¡¯s the Dux of my grade, after all. Smartest person I know. And¡­ I reckon he¡¯d want to help you.¡±

    Daniel didn¡¯t say anything for a few moments before inhaling ¨C seemingly to his full lung capacity.

    ¡°Okay,¡± he eventually said. ¡°These are all my books for the past¡­ however long,¡± he pointed at the stack of notebooks neatly piled on his desk. The pile had seemed to have grown significantly since Lila dug around his room for the cinema gift card. ¡°I think he¡¯ll need to see them. But I don¡¯t want to bring them to school, in case they get lost.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila responded firmly. ¡°We have practice for sports tomorrow arvo, but maybe he could come over on Wednesday. I¡¯ll just have to check with Mum, of course. Maybe¡­ we¡¯ll say he¡¯s tutoring you.¡±

    ¡°I guess that won¡¯t be a lie,¡± Daniel gave Lila a half-smile. ¡°Thanks sis. For being here. And for trying to help me.¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Lila wrinkled her nose in jest. ¡°Affection from you? I¡¯ll burst into flames.¡±

    He laughed weakly. Lila counted it as a win in terms of bringing some life back to him. Hopefully knowing that Asher would be coming to help this week would lift Daniel¡¯s spirits. She asked if Daniel wanted to talk about anything else for now and he shook his head. Lila bid him goodnight, reminding him that she was just across the hall, before leaving, gently closing his door behind her.

 Chapter Sixty-Two

    Chapter Sixty-Two

    Today for PE, Asher and Lila were in completely separate rotations. She¡¯d already cleared the idea of Asher coming over with her parents that morning, who seemed delighted that Asher was personally tutoring Daniel. The only chance Lila had to talk to him was before or after class though, neither of which was appealing enough for her to attempt to ask Asher to come over. At the very least, Asher had managed to ask whether Lila was up for having lunch again today once PE was over, which she obviously wasn¡¯t about to turn down. They quickly parted, with Asher needing to head to his next class in a rush to ask his teacher a question regarding the assignment he was working on.

    Lila couldn¡¯t sit still through the rest of her classes as she waited for lunch to come around. Her anxiety regarding Daniel was pumping through the roof, which only increased as she heard students whispering about using the Banker¡¯s services between classes and during morning tea.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher said, offering her a lunchbox outside her locker once lunch finally arrived. She took it absently and was about to walk towards the library before Asher questioned whether she wanted to put her stuff away.

    ¡°Oh, yeah,¡± Lila replied distractedly.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher asked after Lila slammed her locker shut and locked it. Lila gave Asher a sideways glance before taking a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just worried about Daniel.¡±

    Asher cast a furtive look down the hallway before gesturing for Lila to follow him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it here,¡± he said quietly. Lila kept her mouth shut as they walked to the library. She hadn¡¯t realised just how much talk there was about the Banker among the student body until today. Had she always been surrounded by it?

    ¡°I feel sick,¡± Lila whispered once they sat down in an empty meeting room. Asher stopped unzipping his lunchbox and looked up at her, concern plain on his face.

    ¡°Was it that bad?¡± he asked, his eyes not leaving hers.

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to explain,¡± Lila replied despondently. She unearthed today¡¯s lunch ¨C strips of grilled chicken coated in lemon and herb marinade alongside mango salsa and spiced tomato rice ¨C and contemplated whether she should try to eat first or ask Asher to come over.

    Now that the question was in her head, though, she suddenly realised that she¡¯d never asked a boy to come over to her place before. The thought of Asher walking through her family¡¯s house riddled her with a strange, overwhelming feeling of panic. She hadn¡¯t considered how private her home was to her until now. It was starkly crystal clear that Elise and Grace coming over ¨C that was much different.

    ¡®Did Asher feel this way too?¡¯ Lila asked herself, placing a hand on her chest to try and suppress her breathing before it went into overdrive. ¡®Only about Holly, probably,¡¯ came the reply inside her thoughts. Unlike previous intrusive thoughts butting into her consciousness, Lila couldn¡¯t disagree with this one. He¡¯d been so confident, asking her to go over to his place, in February. Though, in saying that, he¡¯d chickened out in asking for her phone number at the end of class beforehand¡­

    ¡°You look really red,¡± Asher noted, inspecting her face closely. ¡°Do you need to go to Sickbay?¡±

    Before Lila could protest, he reached over and gently placed a hand on her forehead. Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat and lodged itself in her throat as he smiled at her before removing his hand.

    ¡°It doesn''t seem like you have a fever, at least. Do you want me to walk you over?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head, her face only more vibrant in colour now, a tingling sensation trickling across her forehead from where he touched her. ¡°I... was just thinking.¡± She looked lamely at her food for a second.

    ¡°About what?¡± Asher asked, unmoving.

    ¡°W-Well... c-can you maybe come?¡± She¡¯d run out of steam by the end of her sentence and now felt she¡¯d rather die than continue.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± Asher blinked at her, his own face turning a slight shade of pink.

    ¡°Myhouse,¡± Lila¡¯s words had mashed together and launched out of her mouth like a jet of water. ¡®Just bury me,¡¯ she thought to herself as she stared rigidly down at her food. ¡®I''ve lived a full life.¡¯

    ¡°Huh?¡± Asher repeated, his pink deepening to a rich red. Lila took a deep breath. She obviously needed to be clearer.

    Instead, Lila popped open her Tupperware container and began shovelling her lunch into her mouth. She was eating at such a pace that Asher simply sat there, evidently stunned into silence. He cautiously looked at her for a few more seconds before opening his own lunch and eating quietly.

    Lila didn¡¯t take long to finish her food. Now that she had nothing else to distract her, she took a few deep breaths. ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila finally said quietly.

    Asher glanced up at her, a piece of chicken between his teeth. He shook his head before biting through and swallowing. ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he replied, tapping his chest with a closed fist as if to dislodge something.

    ¡°I, um, wanted to ask if you could come over to my house tomorrow. I would ask about today, but we have practice.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be there,¡± Asher said instantly with a nod. ¡°But... why?¡±

    Lila despaired internally as she realised that she hadn''t mentioned anything about Daniel yet. ¡®Well, that¡¯s embarrassing,¡¯ she thought. Did he think she was trying to proposition him? Before Lila could dwell any more on it, she cleared her throat.

    ¡°It¡¯s for Daniel,¡± she clarified, averting her gaze from Asher. She felt so mortified at her blundering that she wasn¡¯t sure that facing him head-on would be a good idea for her own sanity.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher chuckled. He sounded relieved. ¡°Of course. Daniel lives with you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s news to me,¡± Lila replied sarcastically. Asher chuckled again and she chanced a peek at him. He had a hand over his eyes, a grin sitting just below. He then wiped his hand down his face and their eyes met. Asher¡¯s expression changed to one of seriousness.

    ¡°What does he need help with?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know,¡± Lila replied with a sigh. She launched into a retelling of Daniel¡¯s strife as the Banker. When she was done, Asher looked rather contemplative.

    ¡°Quitting touch footy and soccer to spend all his time doing financials? Something¡¯s not adding up. Pun absolutely intended,¡± he winked at her before furrowing his brow again. ¡°I¡¯ll have a look at what¡¯s going on with his system. Maybe I can make it more efficient somehow. I mean, it definitely doesn¡¯t sound like he planned for it to get like this, so he¡¯s probably done this all a bit haphazardly.¡±

    ¡°He can be rather haphazard,¡± Lila confirmed.

    Asher chuckled before pressing his lips together, his eyes sparkling with mirth. ¡°Isaac got the job, by the way,¡± he said, grinning.

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Lila said excitedly, standing up. ¡°We need to do something to celebrate!¡±

    ¡°Celebrate?¡± Asher blinked at Lila blankly.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila huffed. ¡°It¡¯s his first job, isn¡¯t it? Besides, you cleared his debt too. I think that¡¯s more than enough to celebrate.¡±

    ¡°Did you celebrate when Elise got her job?¡± Asher asked, looking bemused.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila huffed again, ¡°we had dinner at her Maccas.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Asher paused, before his eyes lit up. ¡°While it¡¯s not the worst idea to do that again, why don¡¯t we have lunch tomorrow with Isaac at school? Elise and Grace can come too.¡±

    ¡°Ooh!¡± Lila nodded excitedly. Then, her posture fell and she promptly sat back down. ¡°What would we eat?¡±

    ¡°We could get Uber Eats,¡± Asher said casually. ¡°I have some cash on me.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°You sure?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I thought you¡¯d rather be done with them.¡±

    Asher sighed. ¡°It¡¯s the only way I can get something more interesting with cash. May as well go all out if we¡¯re celebrating a new job and clearing a debt.¡±

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go order something, then,¡± Lila suggested, zipping her lunchbox closed. Asher followed suit, and Lila asked what kind of food they¡¯d be getting as they began to leave the library.

    ¡°Isaac is a fiend for Japanese food,¡± Asher smirked. ¡°He loves a Japanese chicken katsu curry.¡±

    ¡°Can never go wrong with one of those,¡± Lila nodded. She messaged Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us, letting Elise and Grace know of the plan to celebrate Isaac¡¯s new job tomorrow at lunch. Both Elise and Grace immediately responded, seeming happy to be involved. Lila took note of their lunch orders and told them to Asher.

    ¡°All good choices,¡± Asher smiled. His smile fell slightly, however, once the lab housing Livi and her crew came into view. Most of the students usually surrounding the lab had long gone by now. There were a few stragglers here and there, eating in small groups outside on the lawn surrounding it. Asher slowed his pace to a stop and looked back at Lila.

    ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, his voice wavering slightly.

    Lila tilted her head quizzically. ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied, ¡°are you?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher said, pushing the door to the lab open. They entered quietly, though the door announced their arrival with a clang.

    ¡°Welcome!¡± called Livi from her usual place behind the teacher¡¯s desk. ¡°Oh. It¡¯s you guys.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted about the room for a few moments. It looked like the whole gang was assembled again.

    ¡°Hey Lila,¡± Theo said, looking over the top of his laptop at her. ¡°How are you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks,¡± Lila replied curiously. He¡¯d never asked how she was before. ¡°How are you, Theo?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m great,¡± came Theo¡¯s monotonous reply. His eyes flicked back to his screen and he began typing away.

    Vi, Jason, Harper, Zack and Jake greeted Lila and Asher with waves and hellos, which Lila and Asher returned.

    ¡°What can I help you with?¡± Livi said once the pleasantries were over, her tone measured and polite.

    ¡°Uber Eats, please,¡± Asher said, his tone matching Livi¡¯s. She nodded, pulling open her notebook. They went through the usual motions and ordered food for the celebration tomorrow from a Japanese restaurant before Livi closed up her notebook and put it away. The room was silent, save for the flicker of turning pages and tapping of keyboards.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Asher trailed off. Livi looked at him blankly for a moment, before realisation crossed her face. Livi wordlessly rummaged around behind the desk before pulling out a document and handing it to Asher.

    ¡°This is a document confirming Isaac¡¯s debt has been cleared,¡± Livi said plainly. She opened the back page and pointed at the signature at the bottom. It was signed by Daniel sometime today, though it only said, ¡®the Banker¡¯ underneath the signature. ¡°He thought you might come back around here,¡± Livi continued. ¡°But if you didn¡¯t, he¡¯d just take it home at the end of the day.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher said, looking through the document himself. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila tapped the tips of her fingers together as silence resettled itself over the room. She¡¯d been expecting Livi to make some kind of remark, but it seemed that their business, and discussion, had concluded.

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll take our leave,¡± Asher said awkwardly, though he seemed relieved. Livi sat up straighter. Lila could have sworn a ripple of excitement shone in Livi¡¯s eyes. Lila noticed Asher immediately tense up, and she briefly wondered what he was anticipating.

    ¡°Actually,¡± Livi said, with a mischievous smirk. ¡°There was something that I wanted to ask you, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Lila queried, slightly taken aback.

    ¡°Well, what¡¯s it like being the sister of the Banker?¡± Livi probed loftily, her eyes glinting. Theo, Harper, and Jason whipped their heads around to stare at Lila.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking,¡± Jason laughed, his eyes resting on Livi. She shook her head with an innocent-looking smile. Jason¡¯s expression faded as Livi spoke.

    ¡°For once in my life, I¡¯m deadly serious,¡± Livi said firmly. She beamed at Lila. ¡°Right, Lila?¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Yeah, my brother¡¯s the Banker.¡±

    Theo closed the lid of his laptop and Vi put down her book.

    ¡°That¡¯s hilarious,¡± Theo chuckled, an uncharacteristic amount of life in his voice. ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes. ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t know. Why else would I try and get the identity of the Banker out of you guys when I live with him? Bit of an overkill, to have a shady-ass money drop like yesterday when I could just walk next door and give it to him.¡±

    ¡°Sassy,¡± Theo smirked, his voice lower than usual. ¡°I like it.¡±

    Livi looked at Theo, her mouth almost comically flapping open in apparent shock. She quickly replaced her shock with a look of amused curiosity. Lila couldn¡¯t help but think Livi was scheming, unease resting along the bottom of her stomach as she waited for Livi to say something.

    ¡°Never heard you compliment someone like that before, Theo,¡± Livi predictably drawled. ¡°I really think you guys should date. It¡¯ll be super cute. Plus, you clearly have a thing for soccer players, Lila, but Asher doesn¡¯t want to do anything about it.¡±

    ¡°Livi,¡± sighed Theo. ¡°If you keep going on about it, you might lose an eye.¡±

    ¡°I mean, the only person I¡¯ve dated was a soccer player so I can¡¯t deny that I have a thing for them,¡± Lila said suddenly, shaking her head. Asher immediately turned to stare at her, his eyes as round as golf balls. Lila avoided looking at Asher and instead made eye contact with Theo, who leaned forward on his table. He adjusted his glasses, and his face had a hint of rosiness.

    ¡°She admits it!¡± Livi remarked incredulously.

    Lila rolled her eyes. ¡°Anyway,¡± she said swiftly. ¡°To answer your question. Being the sister of the Banker is the same as being the sister of anyone else, I suppose. Was that all you wanted to know?¡±

    Livi¡¯s eyes flickered to Theo for a moment, before grinning widely. ¡°Got what I wanted and more,¡± Livi said lightly.

    ¡°Fantastic,¡± Asher interjected, pulling at the sleeve of Lila¡¯s blazer. ¡°We¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± Livi sang, waving at Lila and Asher as they exited. Lila and Asher walked towards the locker room, though for some reason Asher looked antsy.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila questioned, hurrying alongside him so she wouldn¡¯t fall behind. He glanced at her.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he replied, shaking his head. Lila thought Asher¡¯s body language was odd ¨C incongruous, perhaps.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it,¡± Lila pressed. Asher exhaled deeply, slowing his pace.

    ¡°Livi just gets on my nerves. Like I said before. I thought she¡¯d lay off a bit, since you¡¯re Daniel¡¯s sister, but¡­ she still managed to do my head in.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯m curious,¡± Lila said, sweat pooling in her palms. She cleared her throat and tightened the scarf around her neck. She wasn¡¯t sure why she was feeling quite so nervous. Asher looked at her, his expression strange ¨C unfathomable again, but Lila was struck by the certainty that fear was held in that expression.

    ¡°About what?¡± he asked, his voice clipped.

    ¡°A-About what you mean. What did Livi say that did your head in?¡±

    Asher fell silent as he continued walking.

    ¡°Asher?¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher shook his head again. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t explain it.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t? Or won¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher said sharply, looking at her with a cold intensity. ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied simply.

    Asher sighed heavily and looked up at the sky. ¡°Look, if¡­ I knew how to explain it, I would. You know I would,¡± he said quietly. There was a peculiarity behind Asher¡¯s words ¨C was it his tone? ¨C that gave Lila pause.

    ¡®If he can¡¯t, then he can¡¯t,¡¯ Lila told herself as she rubbed her forearms. They continued on their journey to the locker room in silence until they were a few metres away from the entrance. Asher slowed to a halt, and Lila stopped as well.

    ¡°D-Do you¡­ actually have a thing for soccer players?¡± he asked, looking down at his shoes as if they would give him the answer. Lila¡¯s face turned scarlet as she looked away from Asher and towards the lockers.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t say no,¡± Lila replied carefully. Something about this response was causing her stomach to flip upside down, her heart drumming against her ribcage. She looked back at Asher intently. He was still looking elsewhere but nodded a few seconds after Lila¡¯s reply.

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher replied, thrusting a hand into his hair. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ probably see you at practice.¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila said softly. He marched on towards his locker. Something inside Lila¡¯s stomach was stirring. As she tried to figure out what Asher had meant, she felt the wings of anticipation fluttering against the walls of her stomach. Was he¡­ jealous?

    ¡®No,¡¯ Lila thought firmly. ¡®Impossible. He¡¯s still not over Holly. He must still be bothered at the thought of relationships¡­ like the mention of my past relationship with Isaac.¡¯

    From the information that Lila had, that was the most likely reason. He probably didn¡¯t want to elaborate on that point with Lila since it involved Isaac, his best friend. Yes¡­ that must be it.

    Once classes ended for the day, Lila changed in the changing rooms on Jacoval. The cold was settling in hard and fast, now that they were in June, and she was not keen on practice today because of it. She knew she¡¯d warm up once she got into the swing of things, but the interim between now and then was akin to cruel and unusual punishment.

    Ms Wright started them off with a warm-up routine and drills. Nothing else of note really happened during practice, except for the fact that Lila felt more eyes than usual on her. Every time she turned, however, she could never find the source. Livi and her friends weren¡¯t sitting on the spectator stands today, so it wasn¡¯t them. Asher seemed entirely focused on his goalie drills, and Isaac was busy passing the ball between himself and Harrison. Lila saw Zack and Theo in the back, running through cone manoeuvres.

    ¡®Odd,¡¯ Lila thought to herself with a shrug. She was about to rotate from her position when she felt her body grow rigid. Was the feeling coming from¡­ Piper? Lila rapidly took stock of the oval, looking at those on the field and into the trees surrounding it. She couldn¡¯t see Piper at all ¨C but that wasn¡¯t necessarily new.

    ¡°Lila, are you okay?¡± Charlotte asked as she passed on her way to attempt a new routine.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied unconvincingly. She shook her head. ¡°Absolutely fine.¡±

    ¡°If you need a break, I¡¯m sure Ms Wright would be fine with it,¡± Charlotte replied, concern now folding her eyebrows. ¡°Do you want me to ask her?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lila cried. Charlotte took a small step back, her hazel eyes wide in confusion.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila added hastily. ¡°I¡¯m really fine. Just anxious about our next match.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not for a couple weeks,¡± Charlotte replied doubtfully. She shrugged and moved along to complete the drill she¡¯d been going towards. Lila took another sweeping look around her, the hairs on the back of her neck standing up. There was nothing - she was probably oversensitive.

    ¡°Dude, what the fuck?!¡± yelled a familiar voice from the Under 18s soccer team. Lila glanced over and saw Asher getting up from the grass, wincing. Asher, Theo, Zack, and Isaac were actually quite close to where Lila was standing ¨C over the boundary between the soccer field and the hockey field, anyway. Lila could see Harrison had moved on to the back of the oval. Lila shuffled sideways to try and hear what was going on better.

    ¡°Sorry, Theo,¡± Lila heard Asher reply. ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to slide tackle you.¡±

    ¡°Sure looked like you did,¡± Theo replied hotly, curled up on the oval and rubbing his ankle.

    ¡°Do you need some of the¡­ thing?¡± Zack asked Theo, who shook his head.

    ¡°Save it,¡± Theo replied firmly. ¡°This is nothing, thankfully. What¡¯s the goalie doing slide-tackling me anyway? I wasn¡¯t even shooting.¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Asher said again, his face pink. Lila could see Theo look at Asher for a few seconds before looking away.

    ¡°You can¡¯t change anything if you don¡¯t act,¡± Lila thought she heard Theo say, but she couldn¡¯t be sure as the wind was picking up around them.

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher replied clearly. ¡°It¡¯s impossible, though.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you feel,¡± Lila heard Theo reply. Lila watched Isaac help Asher from the floor, and Zack did the same for Theo. They went their separate ways, and Lila couldn¡¯t hear anything more.

    ¡°Lila, stop daydreaming,¡± Ms Wright called. Lila returned to her training, though she couldn¡¯t help but think about that exchange. What were they talking about?

 Chapter Sixty-Three

    Chapter Sixty-Three

    Lila nuzzled her Mum¡¯s cheek on Wednesday morning, after reminding her that Asher would be coming over that night. Her Mum confirmed this without any hint of enthusiasm. She called Lila back as she tried to leave, and Lila reluctantly returned, her stomach twisting in knots as she anticipated what would follow.

    ¡°I heard a few things from Clare,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said through pursed lips. ¡°Earlier in the year, that Asher isn¡¯t good for you.¡±

    Lila grimaced. ¡°How long ago was that?¡± she asked.

    ¡°A couple months,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum nodded. She narrowed her eyes at Lila. ¡°You¡¯re not dating him.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a question.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m not,¡± Lila replied, affronted.

    ¡°Good. He doesn¡¯t sound like a good boy.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Mum, he¡¯s not bad. Clare¡­ just didn¡¯t like him then. She was protective.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum pursed her lips again, clearly unconvinced by Lila¡¯s statement. ¡°Did something change?¡±

    ¡°You might want to ask Clare what her opinion of him is now,¡± Lila said hurriedly after checking the time. ¡°I¡¯ve got to go. He¡¯s tutoring Daniel, anyway, so whether he¡¯s good for me or not doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°See you at dinner,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum called as Lila rushed out the front door.

    ¡®Hopefully Mum likes him after meeting him,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as her school bus dragged along through the streets. She quickly arrived at English to see Asher pacing outside. He grinned when he saw Lila.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher said, not dropping his grin. ¡°Big day.¡±

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Got a nice lunch planned, assignments due, plus a tutoring session with my brother after school. You¡¯re a busy man.¡±

    Asher snorted. ¡°Couldn¡¯t do it without you. You¡¯re just as busy, you know. I mean, almost literally ¨C you¡¯re doing most of that with me.¡±

    Lila laughed before becoming serious. ¡°Here,¡± she said, pulling out a $50 note from her wallet and handing it to Asher. ¡°Since you keep paying for my Uber Eats.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna take this,¡± Asher shook his head, taking a step back from Lila. ¡°I paid ¡®cause I could and ¡®cause I wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Please take it,¡± Lila pleaded. ¡°I did take out money for things that you said you wanted to pay for, in the beginning. So, don¡¯t feel guilty. I want to pay you back.¡±

    Asher tentatively reached for it, before looking into Lila¡¯s eyes with a hint of uncertainty.

    ¡°You¡¯re serious,¡± he said softly. Lila nodded firmly.

    ¡°Take it. Please. Thank you for paying up until now, but I can¡¯t take advantage of your kindness or your cash.¡±

    Asher gently took the note and put it away in his wallet. ¡°Thanks,¡± he mumbled.

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Lila said earnestly. ¡°Let¡¯s go to class.¡±

    During English today, Lila checked and rechecked her assignment before submitting it. Asher had already submitted his and was going through his Maths textbook quietly. Lila yawned, stretching. There were about ten minutes left of class, which she used to plan her study schedule.

    ¡°Looks good,¡± Asher muttered. Lila looked at him sharply. She hadn¡¯t realised he was looking over at her laptop.

    ¡°How do you even know what this is for?¡± Lila asked, tilting her screen down.

    ¡°Says ¡®Study Schedule¡¯ at the top,¡± Asher said simply, turning the page of his textbook.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Asher chuckled, and they didn¡¯t speak until the lesson was over.

    ¡°See you at lunch,¡± Lila smiled as they parted ways by the STEM area of campus. Asher beamed eagerly at her.

    ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready for Japanese food.¡±

    ¡°Always.¡±

    It felt like lunch couldn¡¯t arrive fast enough. Lila locked her locker shut at the beginning of lunch, a desperate growl sounding from her stomach. Elise and Grace were waiting for her, seeming just as hungry.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Elise said eagerly. The trio began to walk towards the designated meeting point ¨C the corner of the STEM area that Lila always split off from Asher before his Chem class and her Maths class.

    ¡°I know you mentioned that we¡¯d be getting Uber Eats,¡± Grace said, her voice low as they passed several younger students. ¡°But¡­ how? I thought we weren¡¯t allowed to get delivery on campus.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard of the Banker, right?¡± Lila asked. Elise and Grace both nodded hesitantly.

    ¡°Haven¡¯t heard much about them,¡± Grace added. ¡°Besides that they loan out money.¡±

    ¡°They also let you buy Uber Eats with cash, or on a tab,¡± Lila replied. Having reached their destination, Lila scanned the surrounding area to see if Isaac and Asher were nearby. Her eyes snapped onto a very familiar student walking towards them - Daniel. He had his hands in his pockets, and a Grade 12 boy shadowing him, clearly as a bodyguard. The bodyguard was overtly checking out the three girls with a smarmy look across his face.

    ¡°Dude, that¡¯s my sister,¡± Lila heard Daniel say disapprovingly once he was within earshot.

    ¡°So?¡± the bodyguard shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s not bad.¡±

    ¡°Lay off, dude. That¡¯s an order,¡± Daniel said sternly. The bodyguard threw his hands up in the air and remained a few metres away from Lila, her friends, and Daniel. Elise and Grace gaped at Daniel as he started talking to Lila.

    ¡°Are you sure Asher is coming tonight?¡± Daniel asked, looking off to the side of Lila.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Daniel took a deep breath and nodded. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll head home straight after class, then.¡±

    ¡°Was that it?¡± Lila asked, blinking rapidly at Daniel. ¡°Bro, you could¡¯ve just texted me. It¡¯s not like you lost my number.¡±

    ¡°I just happened to see you. You hardly check your texts anyway,¡± Daniel pointed out.

    ¡°Guess you¡¯re right. Your texts are so boring, though.¡±

    Daniel rolled his eyes. Lila grinned at him to show she was joking. He returned the grin with a tight, anxious-looking smile before walking off in the direction that he came, unscrewing the cap of a juice carton that had been in his blazer pocket. Seeing the look on Daniel¡¯s face troubled Lila, but she didn¡¯t call him back.

    ¡°Hold up,¡± Elise said, waving her hands at Lila in disbelief. ¡°What was that? Why¡¯s Daniel hanging out with Lachlan?¡±

    ¡°Is that his name?¡± Lila asked absently, still staring after Daniel and his bodyguard.

    ¡°W-Well, I think it is,¡± Elise faltered before soldiering on. ¡°Anyway! What¡¯s going on with Daniel?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s getting tutored,¡± Lila replied faintly, turning her attention to Elise and Grace.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think Lachlan was that smart,¡± Elise frowned. ¡°But he¡¯s good at touch. Daniel still does touch footy, yeah?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh, yup,¡± Lila said, unable to hide the panic in her voice.

    ¡°You don¡¯t sound confident about that,¡± Grace observed shrewdly.

    ¡°He definitely still does touch,¡± Lila said firmly, not looking at either Grace or Elise.

    ¡°Moving on from that,¡± Elise said dramatically. ¡°What¡¯s this about Asher going to your place? Don¡¯t you normally go to his? And why would Daniel care?¡±

    Instead of responding, Lila suddenly waved, flagging down Isaac and Asher as they rounded the corner. Asher beamed at Lila again, his pace quickening.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he breathed upon stopping short of Lila. She couldn¡¯t help but grin back.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± she asked, her eyes not leaving his face.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Asher said, nodding vehemently.

    ¡°Earth to Asher and Lila,¡± Isaac said, snapping his fingers. ¡°We¡¯re still here, you know.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to Isaac. ¡°Hey Isaac,¡± she said excitedly. ¡°Congrats on the job!¡±

    ¡°Why, thank you!¡± Isaac bowed. ¡°McSaac, at your service. Y¡¯know. Like a BigMac.¡±

    ¡°You haven¡¯t finished your training yet,¡± Elise snorted. ¡°Right now you¡¯re just a McTrainee. Slow your roll, mate. Plus, that one was dumb.¡±

    Isaac pouted. ¡°Way to dull my shine,¡± he whined.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Grace said softly, placing her hand on Isaac and Elise¡¯s shoulders. She looked back at Lila and Asher. ¡°Uh, where are we going?¡±

    Asher smirked and led the way to the lab. Unlike yesterday, it was packed outside the lab. Asher, being the tallest out of the group, pushed through the crowd, making a path for everyone else to follow. They survived the ordeal, Lila feeling as though she was a freshly squeezed toothpaste tube by the end, and Asher opened the door to the lab.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± Livi¡¯s chirpy voice floated out of the open doorway. Asher and Lila entered first, with Isaac, Elise, and Grace trailing behind.

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve brought friends,¡± Livi said politely, her eyes darting between Isaac, Elise, and Grace before resting on Asher and Lila. ¡°I¡¯d been wondering why your order was so large.¡±

    Her eyes quickly flicked back to Isaac before her face split into a sly smile. ¡°Hello, Isaac,¡± she said, her tone sickly-sweet.

    ¡°Hello, Olivia,¡± Isaac replied unenthusiastically. Livi¡¯s eyes narrowed considerably.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Theo called, waving from his desk. His voice seemed warmer than usual today. Lila waved back. Zack, Jake, Jason, Vi and Harper greeted Asher and Lila as they normally did, with Zack and Theo acknowledging Isaac as well. Lila introduced Elise and Grace, both of whom tentatively nodded.

    ¡°You know the drill,¡± Livi said loftily. ¡°You¡¯re welcome to stay in here and wait for your food, or head outside with the rest of them.¡±

    ¡°It was a battle just to come in here,¡± Lila said, drawing her shoulders closer to herself. ¡°I¡¯m good to stay here.¡±

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Livi said happily. ¡°That way Theo can gaze for as long as he wants at you.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes and caught Elise, Grace, and Isaac staring at her in unison.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her,¡± Lila whispered to them. ¡°She¡­ likes to tease people.¡±

    ¡°What was it like dating Lila, Isaac?¡± Livi¡¯s voice sliced through the air, severing the threads of the questions brewing on Lila¡¯s friend¡¯s faces. Isaac¡¯s face immediately turned red and he began spluttering, his eyes desperately looking about the room. Lila caught sight of Asher¡¯s body becoming reminiscent of a marble statue and he seemed to be fixated entirely on the back left corner of the lab. Livi¡¯s grin grew even wider.

    ¡°You¡¯re really cute,¡± Livi said to Isaac, amusement lifting her tone. ¡°When you¡¯re flustered.¡±

    This seemed to only fluster Isaac even more, his hands flailing. It was unbearable to watch. Lila cast her eyes across the room instead. Theo seemed to be the most invested of the Grade 12s, besides Livi, having closed his laptop. He was gazing at Isaac intently. Jason was smirking but quickly turned his attention to his phone. Vi had lowered her book onto the desk, bookmark at the ready though she was still clearly reading. Harper hadn¡¯t moved a muscle since greeting Lila and her friends. Zack and Jake were staring blankly ahead, as usual.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Go on,¡± Livi goaded, leaning across the desk towards Isaac. ¡°Rate Lila as a girlfriend. This is a rare opportunity! Isn¡¯t that right, Theo? I¡¯m sure there¡¯s interested parties in here that would love a review.¡±

    Lila expected Theo to shut Livi down as he usually did, but he remained quiet. Lila saw Asher¡¯s eyes rest on Theo.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not going to rate Lila,¡± Isaac finally managed to get out. ¡°She¡¯s a friend.¡±

    ¡°Ex-girlfriend, you mean,¡± Livi replied, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Admirable that you consider her a friend, though. I¡¯ll give you that one.¡±

    ¡°How far away is the food?¡± Asher interrupted the conversation, his voice uncharacteristically commanding. Livi immediately pulled out her phone and began to scroll through it.

    ¡°About five minutes to get to school,¡± Livi responded thoughtfully. ¡°Then it takes the runners about five minutes to get here.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher said shortly. ¡°I¡¯m going outside.¡±

    The room was oppressively silent as Asher left, the door clanging shut behind him.

    ¡°Now you¡¯ve done it,¡± Vi said stiffly, closing her book after bookmarking where she was. ¡°You¡¯ve chased away a high roller. The Banker won¡¯t be happy.¡±

    Livi pouted. ¡°I didn¡¯t know he was so sensitive.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to be a genius to know that that¡¯s a lie,¡± came Vi¡¯s stern reply. She glared at Livi as she continued. ¡°Of course you knew.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Livi said, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Asher and Lila are a complete set. I haven¡¯t driven away a high roller. Especially not one as kind, selfless, and giving as Asher.¡± Livi made direct eye contact with Isaac, who immediately looked down at the floor with a grimace. Livi glanced at Lila before smiling serenely. ¡°Right, Lila?¡±

    Isaac took this as his cue to stumble after Asher, his face bright red. Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether he was angry or upset from where she was, but he burst out of the lab all the same, the door wobbling on its hinges before shutting with a dramatic, metallic bang. Elise and Grace looked at Lila with wide, confused eyes, their jaws agape.

    ¡°Besides,¡± continued Livi, narrowing her eyes, ¡°the Banker wouldn¡¯t be unhappy with me, would he, Lila?¡±

    ¡°How would I know?¡± Lila replied truthfully. She cast a furtive look at Elise and Grace to see if they had any particular reaction to Livi¡¯s last statement. They didn¡¯t.

    ¡°L-Let¡¯s go outside,¡± Grace urged quietly, tugging on Lila¡¯s blazer.

    ¡°Before you go,¡± Livi said, her face dropping its mischief. ¡°Tell Asher I¡¯m sorry. Truly.¡±

    Lila considered this request briefly, assessing Livi¡¯s sincerity. Asher probably wouldn¡¯t accept it, though there wasn¡¯t any compelling reason to keep it from him, either. Lila wanted to say that she didn¡¯t think Livi was apologetic in any sense but stopped herself. Despite all of Livi¡¯s jabs and provocation, Daniel would be lost without her, given he was spending all his time purely on the books. The crowd outside was more than enough to show Lila that Daniel was right ¨C he didn¡¯t have a way out. If he just shut up shop because Livi stopped helping him, it wouldn¡¯t end well.

    So, Lila held her tongue and turned on her heel. As soon as her hand touched the door handle, Livi sang out, ¡°See you soon!¡±, her voice chipper. Lila didn¡¯t look back.

    Grace and Elise scurried outside after Lila. Lila tried to find Asher or Isaac but couldn¡¯t spot either due to the sheer size of the crowd. The icy wind buffeted against Lila and she huddled closer to Elise and Grace. She was regretting leaving the lab, but she wasn¡¯t about to double down and go back.

    ¡°What the hell is her deal?¡± Elise asked impatiently, blowing air into her cupped hands in an effort to warm them. ¡°Why¡¯d she ask Isaac to rate you?¡±

    Lila sighed heavily. ¡°Like I said, Livi likes to mess with people.¡±

    ¡°Does Asher usually storm off like that?¡± Grace asked curiously.

    Lila shook her head. ¡°That was the first time he¡¯s done something like that. Asher¡­ is a bit sensitive about relationships, after the whole Holly thing, so that¡¯s probably why he left.¡±

    Elise and Grace exchanged a look before looking back at Lila.

    ¡°Lila, that¡¯s dumb,¡± Elise huffed.

    ¡°You can¡¯t just say it like that!¡± Grace chided.

    ¡°Fine. Lila, your reasoning is way off,¡± Elise said sternly.

    ¡°Asher told me that,¡± Lila replied defensively. ¡°I have no reason to believe he¡¯s lying.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably not lying,¡± Grace said slowly. ¡°But he¡¯s probably not telling you the whole truth, either.¡±

    ¡°Which would be?¡± Lila asked, pulling her blazer tightly across her body. Elise and Grace glanced at each other again. Grace shook her head before popping the collar of her blazer up, protecting her neck from the wind.

    ¡°I can¡¯t speak for Asher,¡± Grace said after a few moments.

    ¡°Why would you be?¡± Lila asked, fluffing up her scarf.

    ¡°Look, while it seems obvious what¡¯s going on here, we just think it needs to come from him,¡± Elise explained, though she didn¡¯t meet Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°What does?¡± Lila pressed. A rush of warmth was bubbling down her body as she waited for an answer.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you guys leave?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice destroyed any hope that Lila had of getting answers to her questions. That much was clear in the grateful smiles both Elise and Grace gave him. He emerged fully from the crowd, pushing aside two gossiping younger students, looking harried and flushed.

    ¡°Livi was still being a menace,¡± Lila said glumly, the warmth she¡¯d been feeling quickly freezing over. Isaac nodded in understanding.

    ¡°She does that. She was like that when I went,¡± Isaac said sagely.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been here before?¡± Elise asked abruptly.

    ¡°U-Uh, w-with a friend,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice cracked as he answered Elise¡¯s question.

    ¡°A friend?¡± Elise raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°Yup. Definitely with a friend. Definitely not alone. Definitely not for me,¡± Isaac vigorously nodded. It was a miracle that Lila could hold in her impending snort, and settled for exhaling sharply. He glanced at her uncertainly. It suddenly occurred to Lila that she wasn¡¯t exactly sure whether Asher had told Isaac that she knew about his debt. ¡®Not like I can ask now,¡¯ Lila thought to herself.

    ¡°Where¡¯d Asher go?¡± Grace asked curiously.

    ¡°Oh. He got a bit claustrophobic in the crowd. He went to see if he could intercept the runners early by going more towards the carpark,¡± Isaac said, glancing at Lila again. She couldn''t figure out if he was trying to communicate something with his look, but the conversation swiftly moved on.

    ¡°He¡¯s in the carpark?¡± Elise asked, bemused.

    ¡°No,¡± Isaac chuckled. ¡°He¡¯s just over at the end there.¡± Isaac vaguely gestured towards the direction they had come from. Not even half a second later, he abruptly pulled out his phone. ¡°Looks like he managed it,¡± Isaac grinned. ¡°What a legend. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Some parts of the crowd appeared to swarm towards where Isaac said Asher had gone. Most of the crowd stayed stubbornly put, and now that Asher wasn¡¯t here to provide a path, Lila felt like she had to claw her way out.

    Eventually, Lila passed Nate, who was holding an insulated bag that was presumably full of food. He didn¡¯t seem to notice her as students around him erupted into applause, shouting ¡°The Man!¡±

    Finally, Lila saw Asher in the distance. He was clutching a large paper bag, looking slightly melancholic. He idly scuffed the top of his black leather school shoes into the speckled stone pathway he was standing on. It didn¡¯t seem like the cold was affecting him in the slightest, at least.

    ¡°Oi, Asher,¡± Isaac shouted. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the library, yeah?¡±

    Asher¡¯s head snapped up and he nodded.

    The group traipsed to the library, Asher far in front. It felt almost like he was the mother duck, leading his charge of bumbling, hapless ducklings, with Elise and Isaac chattering away about their McManagers. Lila and Grace trailed behind, listening on in amused silence. It seemed that Isaac¡¯s first training shift would be on Friday afternoon.

    ¡°Do you reckon I¡¯d look good in red?¡± Isaac asked, patting down his school shirt as if it would turn red. Elise snorted.

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯re worried about?¡± she smirked.

    ¡°Of course. How else am I meant to pick up my future girlfriend at work?¡±

    ¡°Nah, dude,¡± Elise snickered. ¡°Not happening.¡±

    ¡°Why not? I¡¯ve got luscious green eyes.¡±

    ¡°Is that all you¡¯ve got to offer?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got... hands. Two of them.¡±

    ¡°Sounds ableist but go off, King,¡± Elise cackled. Isaac frowned, his face tinged with pink.

    ¡°Well, what about you then?¡± he asked.

    ¡°What about me?¡± Elise asked, sobering up.

    ¡°No McBoyfriends? Or McGirlfriends?¡±

    Elise rolled her eyes. ¡°Not looking for any. I¡¯m at work to work. Get in and out, hopefully without anyone noticing.¡±

    ¡°Sounds boring,¡± Isaac teased.

    ¡°Once you meet the team, you¡¯ll find that there¡¯s very slim pickings anyway.¡±

    Elise and Isaac continued their discussion regarding their coworkers, with Elise remarking that some were way too old to be working at Maccas (at the ripe age of 22). The group finally settled inside an empty meeting room and cracked into their Japanese food. Asher was still quiet but appeared to be listening intently to everyone¡¯s conversations.

    ¡°This is nice,¡± Lila smiled after drinking some of her peach iced tea. ¡°I think we should hang out as a group more often.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad,¡± Isaac replied, gulping down his food. ¡°Maybe I should get more jobs so we can celebrate me more.¡±

    ¡°Probably should, aye,¡± Asher piped up with a cheeky grin. Isaac wrinkled his nose at Asher, tossing his empty drink bottle at his shoulder. Asher laughed as it missed.

    ¡°I agree,¡± Grace said, snapping her empty takeaway box closed. ¡°We may as well. We¡¯ve been missing you at lunch, Lila.¡±

    Elise and Isaac exchanged a look, though Lila couldn¡¯t discern the meaning, if any, behind it.

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Elise said promptly.

    Isaac nodded. ¡°Alright with you, Asher?¡± he asked, his eyes lingering on Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°U-Uh,¡± Asher faltered, looking down at the table they were sitting around. ¡°I guess if Lila wants to.¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡± Lila asked, surprised. Asher¡¯s face reddened as he looked up at her.

    ¡°I mean, we¡¯ve been having lunch with just us two for a while. I guess¡­ I never thought about an end to that after all.¡±

    Elise audibly gasped before clapping a hand around her mouth.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Asher said hurriedly, shaking his head, his face still red. ¡°Forget I said anything.¡±

    ¡°That settles it, then,¡± Isaac interjected before Lila could respond to Asher. ¡°Glad to be hanging out with you guys at lunch from now on.¡±

    ¡°Ew, it sounds so formal,¡± Elise remarked, pursing her lips. ¡°Got a contract at the ready?¡±

    At the mention of the word ¡®contract¡¯, Isaac and Asher both immediately looked dour. Elise evidently sensed the shift in mood.

    ¡°I was kidding,¡± Elise said awkwardly. Isaac and Asher exchanged a quick glance before bursting into laughter.

    ¡°Well, it wasn¡¯t that funny,¡± Elise said, bewildered.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Isaac replied, wiping a non-existent tear from his eye. ¡°Just some light trauma.¡±

    ¡°Trauma?¡± Elise uttered, tilting her head.

    ¡°Yup. Looks like lawyering isn¡¯t in my future,¡± Isaac sighed, shrugging in defeat. ¡°Can¡¯t believe my dream¡¯s been shot down before it ever began.¡±

    Asher gave a sharp, sarcastic laugh. ¡°I don¡¯t think it ever was in your future, mate. Engineer, definitely.¡±

    ¡°An engineer?¡± Lila glanced at Isaac, who looked bashful as he scratched the back of his head.

    ¡°Yeah, thinking about becoming a chemical engineer,¡± he admitted, a shy smile stretching across his face.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ unexpected. Seems like you need to be pretty smart for that,¡± Elise replied, looking impressed.

    ¡°I already take Engineering, you know. Do you think I¡¯m a dummy or something?¡± Isaac lamented. ¡°Actually, don¡¯t answer that.¡±

    The group descended into more laughter, and the rest of lunch passed with idle chatter and jokes. Asher seemed much more at ease as he threw out his own jokes. Seeing him so carefree ¨C that was a sight Lila couldn¡¯t get tired of¡­

    Lila was still thinking about it fondly when Asher sidled into his side of the booth at the beginning of Study, their last class of the day.

    ¡°What¡¯re you smiling about?¡± Asher asked, a smile on his own face.

    ¡°Lunch was pretty fun, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Lila replied, turning on her laptop.

    Asher¡¯s smile flickered for a moment. ¡°Aside from Livi, yeah,¡± he concurred.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never walked out before,¡± Lila said lightly, opening up an assignment that was due shortly.

    ¡°I think I¡¯d rather never walk back in,¡± Asher shuddered. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ had quite enough, I reckon.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Lila responded. ¡°We won¡¯t go there again.¡±

    ¡°We can if you want Uber Eats,¡± Asher mumbled, typing slowly on his own laptop.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila¡¯s eyes travelled down her laptop screen, though she wasn¡¯t fully comprehending what she was reading. ¡°I¡¯ve survived thus far on tuckshop and lunches from home. I get uncomfortable being there, too.¡±

    ¡°Is it just because of Livi?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyebrows twitched at Asher¡¯s question. ¡°Well, yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°No one else?¡±

    Lila contemplated Asher¡¯s follow-up question. No one else had really talked to them, and if they had it was usually in defence of Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Nah, the rest are alright,¡± Lila replied, her gaze flitting upwards. Asher looked intently at his laptop. He muttered something under his breath that she didn¡¯t catch.

    ¡°Did you say something?¡± she asked, peering at him inquisitively.

    He shook his head, his eyes not lifting from his laptop. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. ¡°Righto,¡± she said quietly. They worked throughout the rest of Study in silence, though Lila glanced at Asher occasionally. He was absorbed entirely in his work, frowning and sighing deeply every so often.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila asked after the fifth sigh.

    ¡°I¡¯m deeply disappointed in my Chem write-up, but I don¡¯t know how to fix it,¡± Asher replied, his tone flat.

    ¡°Can I have a look?¡± Lila suggested, stretching a hand towards his laptop.

    ¡°You don¡¯t do Chem,¡± Asher responded, blinking in disbelief.

    ¡°If you¡¯re having trouble figuring out what sounds off, maybe it¡¯s because your language is too complex,¡± Lila said simply, hand still outstretched. ¡°It¡¯s probably better off that someone who doesn¡¯t do Chem reads it. That way you can be sure you¡¯re clear and concise, without overwhelming the reader.¡±

    Asher stared at Lila openly for a few seconds.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila queried impatiently, checking behind her in case Asher was actually looking beyond her.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Asher responded, sliding his laptop towards Lila. ¡°I was just surprised. I didn¡¯t expect that from you.¡±

    ¡°Sick,¡± Lila replied, grabbing his laptop.

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t mean to be rude,¡± Lila interrupted Asher, a small smile across her face. ¡°I¡¯m teasing. I¡¯m well aware that I¡¯m not as smart as you in any capacity. But sometimes us mediocre people can get things right, too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not mediocre,¡± Asher said softly, turning his attention to his Chem textbook.

    ¡°Nothing wrong with being mediocre,¡± Lila said plainly, scrolling to the top of Asher¡¯s assignment. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve had my fill of being exceptional enough to make enemies and have rumours about me flying around school.¡±

    Asher gave Lila a chuckle as he turned to another page of his textbook. ¡°You may see yourself that way, but that¡¯s not how I see you.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat as she tentatively looked at Asher. His brow was scrunched in concentration as he read a passage from the textbook. Lila wasn¡¯t sure what to say. She knew, though, that she didn¡¯t want to disrupt his reading.

    She began to read Asher¡¯s assignment and quickly became lost in his terminology. She highlighted various sections and added comments to this effect, pointing out wordiness and convoluted descriptions. By the time she finished, they only had ten minutes left of Study.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said, passing Asher¡¯s laptop back to him. ¡°I just made a few comments. As I thought, it was a bit confusing. Of course, some of it is just confusing ¡®cause I know squat about Chem. But maybe you can figure out if you need to clarify, or whatever.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled, his eyes meeting hers with sincerity before he cast them back down towards his laptop. Lila watched him read through the comments, nervous energy thrumming through her hands. Were her comments too much? Too little? Were they not helpful after all?

    Asher looked up at Lila, his eyes gleaming with an enthusiasm she hadn¡¯t seen in a while.

    ¡°Thanks!¡± he repeated, this time much more brightly. ¡°That really helps. I think I know what to do now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Lila grinned, packing away her things. ¡°I thought for a moment that it wouldn¡¯t do you any good.¡±

    ¡°If I do well on this assignment, maybe you can put that on your resume,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°¡®Helped Dux get head out of his arse for Chem assignment¡¯. Has a ring to it.¡±

    ¡°Not sure what kinda bells you¡¯re ringing, but maybe you should pick different ones,¡± Lila chortled, hoisting her book bag and laptop bag on her shoulders. She waited for Asher to finish packing up and they set off to the locker room.

    ¡°We¡¯re taking the bus to yours, yeah?¡± Asher asked before they split off.

    ¡°I¡¯d assumed so,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Unless George is already here.¡±

    ¡°I may have assumed so as well,¡± Asher said sheepishly. ¡°I told him he had the arvo off.¡±

    ¡°Then why ask?¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Point taken.¡±

    They arrived at the bus station promptly afterwards, hats firmly on their heads, school bags bulging. Lila was glad for the cold ¨C the walk here had made her incredibly warm. Asher seemed to have spotted Daniel waiting a few metres ahead of them, talking with some boys his age. He looked like he was about to walk over to Daniel before Lila grabbed his school bag. He glanced back at her, and she shook her head.

    ¡°He¡¯s with his friends,¡± Lila said, gesturing towards Daniel with her head. ¡°Let¡¯s leave him be. We are going to be with him all afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

 Chapter Sixty-Four

    Chapter Sixty-Four

    The bus trundled to a stop outside Lila¡¯s usual bus stop and she tapped Asher¡¯s arm. He followed Lila off the bus, Daniel close behind. None of them spoke as Lila led the way to the Moloney home, her keys jangling as she unlocked the house. She opened the front door for the boys and Daniel entered, his eyes seeming downcast. Asher hesitated.

    ¡°Do I just go in?¡± he asked tentatively.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila affirmed. ¡°We¡¯re a shoes-off household, too. Just pop them in the entryway. You¡¯ll see a billion shoes there.¡±

    Asher passed through the doorway and Lila followed, closing the door behind her. Daniel was nowhere in sight. Asher straightened up his shoes perfectly, before staring at them for a second and kicking them slightly so they were skewed. Lila privately thought this was amusing, but didn¡¯t draw any attention to it.

    ¡°We¡¯ll give Daniel a minute to sort himself out,¡± Lila suggested, gesturing for Asher to follow her. He looked nervously about the house, his eyes resting on one particular picture of Jesus.

    ¡°You¡­ have a lot of Jesus pictures,¡± he said quietly. Lila also found this comment quite amusing.

    ¡°Sure do,¡± she chuckled. ¡°No sinning in this house, please.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t planning on it,¡± Asher replied, his face turning a strange shade of pink. He averted his gaze, looking instead down the hall.

    ¡°There¡¯s the kitchen,¡± Lila said, gesturing for Asher to head in, which he obliged with a hint of curiosity playing across his face.

    ¡°Hello, Asher,¡± came Clare¡¯s excessively polite voice. ¡°Fancy seeing you here under these circumstances.¡±

    Lila groaned. She hadn¡¯t realised that Clare would be home now.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing here, Clare?¡± Lila asked, passing through the doorway. Clare was perched on a chair at the kitchen counter, looking towards Asher with great interest.

    ¡°It¡¯s exam time,¡± Clare said simply.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So, I don¡¯t have class. Surprise.¡±

    Asher was standing awkwardly in the middle of the kitchen, looking back and forth between Lila and Clare.

    ¡°Do you want a juice or a soft drink?¡± Lila asked, opening the fridge.

    ¡°A juice would be great,¡± Asher said, his voice wavering slightly. Lila smirked as she pulled out a carton of juice. He definitely seemed intimidated by Clare.

    ¡°I don¡¯t bite, you know,¡± frowned Clare, sitting back in her chair.

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher said quickly as Lila poured three cups of juice. She handed one to Asher and Clare. Both thanked Lila before Clare sighed deeply.

    ¡°I guess I was pretty angry, the first time I met you,¡± Clare said softly, tracing the edge of her cup. ¡°Sorry about that.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Asher remarked emphatically. ¡°We were in the wrong.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t disagree,¡± Clare laughed, taking a sip of her drink. ¡°But it¡¯s okay. You can relax here. Clare isn¡¯t as uptight as Roxy.¡±

    Lila snorted before quickly taking a sip of juice as well, avoiding eye contact with Clare.

    ¡°What¡¯re you tutoring Daniel in?¡± Clare asked, clearly choosing to ignore Lila.

    ¡°Maths,¡± Asher replied instantly.

    ¡°Really? I thought he was pretty good at Maths.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s having trouble wording the assignment,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°You remember the weird wordiness of Maths assignments.¡±

    ¡°That I do,¡± Clare nodded sagely. ¡°Hated those things. I¡¯ll let Mum and Dad know you¡¯re here. They should be home in an hour or two. You guys better head upstairs.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled, taking her cup with her. Asher seemed grateful to be dismissed.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Clare called, just as Lila was about to round the corner.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila replied, not wanting to double back.

    ¡°Keep your bedroom door open.¡±

    ¡°Mine? Why?¡±

    ¡°Dad told me to tell you. Said it was a rule when a boy¡¯s over or something.¡±

    ¡°Not like I¡¯m going to be in my room,¡± Lila retorted, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m just telling you how it is. It¡¯s either that, or I sit in on the thrilling study session.¡±

    Lila paused. Clare sitting in would be the worst scenario in the circumstances. ¡°Okay, okay, jeez,¡± Lila called back. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Asher.¡±

    As requested, Lila opened her door. She glanced at Asher, who seemed more interested in the ceiling than her room, his hands firmly in his pockets. She could¡¯ve sworn that his face was reddening, though she couldn¡¯t quite see from this angle. What she could see, though, was the strap of his school bag digging into his left shoulder.

    ¡°Do¡­ you want to put your stuff in my room?¡± Lila asked, placing her cup on her desk to keep her hands free.

    ¡°Is that okay?¡± Asher questioned, still looking elsewhere.

    ¡°¡®Course,¡± Lila replied. Her heart began to drum rapidly in her chest as she gingerly placed her school bag and laptop inside her room beside her desk. Asher didn¡¯t move a muscle.

    ¡°You can come in,¡± Lila said, uncertainty as to why he was still standing there evident in her tone. She took stock of the state of her room, which was pretty tidy. Of course, nothing would match the exceptional neatness of Asher¡¯s room, but she wasn¡¯t ashamed of hers by any means.

    Asher warily entered, looking like he was holding his breath.

    ¡°I can see why you had a problem going into my room, now,¡± Asher said stiffly, putting his cup down and taking his bag off his shoulder.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied lamely, watching him put it down next to hers. ¡°Let¡¯s get outta here.¡±

    They picked up their glasses of juice from Lila¡¯s desk and Lila knocked on Daniel¡¯s door. She could hear rustling from inside. A few seconds later, he opened the door, his face flushed.

    ¡°Come in,¡± he said quietly, opening the door fully to let them through.

    Lila crossed Daniel¡¯s room, sitting immediately on his bed. Asher carefully walked in, and Daniel gestured to his desk.

    ¡°You can sit at my desk,¡± he said, closing the door.

    ¡°Clare said I have to keep my door open,¡± Lila said promptly.

    ¡°Yeah, your door,¡± Daniel countered. ¡°She said nothing about mine.¡±

    ¡°Whatever,¡± Lila sighed, leaning back on her elbows. ¡°If Clare comes a knocking, irate, I¡¯ll tell her you said that.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Daniel retorted sharply. Asher glanced up at the corkboard above Daniel¡¯s desk before sitting down in his chair.

    ¡°That¡¯s people who owe larger amounts of money,¡± Daniel explained, his voice sounding somewhat pained. ¡°I needed to keep track.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher acknowledged. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you had a bunch of pictures of people for decoration. More importantly, show me what you¡¯ve been doing.¡±

    Daniel leaned over Asher¡¯s shoulder, taking the top notebook from the same stack Lila had previously seen and opening it up.

    ¡°Livi gives me a notebook at the end of morning tea, one at the end of lunch, and one after school. They¡¯re colour-coded so we know which is which. Anyway, I work through the morning tea notebook at lunch, the lunch notebook after school, and the after-school notebook at morning tea. I swap her for one I¡¯ve finished with when she gives me the one she was working on. Originally, we just used one notebook, but then we got a huge rush of people who figured out about the loans and needed this system. Otherwise, there¡¯d be no way for me to keep up.¡±

    Asher remained silent, though Lila could hear him turning through the pages of the notebook.

    ¡°Where do you do your calculations?¡±

    ¡°In this one,¡± Daniel said, pulling a thick, red accounting book from his school bag. ¡°All done by hand, but I check each figure three times.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher murmured, taking the accounting book from Daniel¡¯s hands. He turned more pages before looking back at Daniel.

    ¡°Your system sucks,¡± Asher said simply. ¡°But I reckon I know where I can fix it. At least, some of it.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Daniel asked, his voice sounding hopeful.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied gravely. ¡°Only problem is, I¡¯ll need a week or so to go through what you¡¯ve already done to make sure everything¡¯s adding up before porting it all to a new way of doing things, judging by this stack next to me. Why haven¡¯t you used a computer for all this?¡±

    ¡°I know I need to,¡± Daniel uttered reluctantly, rubbing the back of his neck anxiously. ¡°But I¡¯ve been doing it by hand for so long, and that system works even if it sucks. Plus, it¡¯s harder to delete records from paper than on a computer.¡±

    ¡°Delete records?¡± Lila questioned, sitting up straight with interest. ¡°That¡¯s a strange thing to say.¡±

    ¡°¡­ well¡­ I¡¯ve had a feeling that something odd has been happening,¡± Daniel said lightly. ¡°I can¡¯t put my finger on it though. The numbers add up, but there¡¯s something about them that¡¯s been bothering me.¡±

    ¡°I can look at that too,¡± Asher offered, ¡°as long as you guide me to what feels off.¡±

    Lila only half-listened as Daniel explained his process further to Asher and the amounts he was working with. Once Daniel finished, Asher gave a low whistle.

    ¡°Dude, this is insane,¡± Asher said weakly. ¡°That¡­ those numbers are ridiculous.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Daniel responded, his voice between exasperation and despair. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Asher replied confidently, drumming the desk briefly. ¡°You can leave it to me, for now. Once it¡¯s tidied up, I¡¯ll tell you what the new process is. By my rough estimate, I reckon you¡¯ll get your lunches back and some time for touch footy or soccer, whichever you want.¡±

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    ¡°Really?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice perked up considerably before he paused. ¡°But¡­ the seasons for both have already started.¡±

    ¡°You might be benched for a couple games, but I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll have you on board, especially since you played last year.¡±

    ¡°¡­ the touch footy coach did ask me to come back a couple days ago, but I said my schoolwork was keeping me way too busy,¡± Daniel murmured.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good sign!¡± Lila said excitedly, leaning towards Daniel with a genuine smile. ¡°They obviously want you.¡±

    ¡°If you want to do touch footy, set it up with your coach now,¡± Asher muttered, his head low to Daniel¡¯s desk, as though peering closely at the books upon it. ¡°So they can prepare.¡±

    Daniel looked back at Lila, a grin flashing across his face. She nodded encouragingly at him, beaming.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daniel said, sounding incredibly relieved. ¡°That¡¯s the best news I¡¯ve heard for a while.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sweat it,¡± Asher replied distractedly. The room fell silent as Asher continued to read through the books Daniel gave him.

    ¡°Daniel,¡± Lila piped up after a couple minutes. ¡°What was up with the weird-ass drop-off?¡±

    Daniel gave Lila a sideways glance before turning red. ¡°Well, drug drop-offs are always done in secret. 3k is a bit much to be flashing around school. I¡¯ve, uh, been watching a lot of CSI when doing accounting.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I can tell,¡± Asher uttered grimly. ¡°Why is there long division here? Are you sure you¡¯ve been using a calculator?¡±

    Daniel spluttered as he whipped his head back to his desk, explaining his reasoning. Asher nodded a couple times.

    ¡°Righto,¡± Asher stated briskly. ¡°I¡¯m assuming I can¡¯t take these home, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d rather they didn¡¯t leave this room,¡± Daniel whispered, shifting his weight awkwardly.

    ¡°No, no, that¡¯s okay,¡± Asher assured. ¡°Just thinking about what the next week will look like for me.¡±

    ¡°Well, we have practice on Tuesday and you have a debate on Friday,¡± Lila said contemplatively.

    ¡°That I do,¡± Asher confirmed. ¡°But even if I don¡¯t come over this Friday and next Tuesday, I reckon I¡¯ll be able to finish it up in a week. It might mean I have to come over on the weekend.¡±

    ¡°That should be fine,¡± Daniel expressed, a determined edge to his voice. ¡°I can ask Mum and Dad. They¡¯ll say yes.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re pretty confident about that,¡± Lila observed.

    ¡°They¡­ sat me down the other day,¡± Daniel recalled. ¡°They said they noticed I was off. I said it was because of schoolwork. They suggested a tutor, so I¡­ kinda put Asher up for it.¡±

    ¡°Glad to be of service,¡± Asher quipped. ¡°As long as I¡¯m not overstepping.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about time you¡¯re hanging out at mine, rather than me going to yours,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Lila, it really sounds like you guys are dating,¡± Daniel said flatly. Asher dropped his pen onto the floor.

    ¡°W-We¡¯re not dating,¡± Lila stammered. ¡°Not even close to dating.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Daniel replied loftily. ¡°Sure, sure.¡±

    Silence fell over the room again while Asher picked up the pen and continued pouring over the books. As Lila kept observing Asher and Daniel, she realised that the prospect of Asher coming over to Lila¡¯s more often was stirring something within her. She couldn¡¯t articulate what this feeling was, though. Was it excitement? Anticipation? Nervousness? Why?

    Asher asked for two clean notebooks, which Daniel supplied eagerly. They continued to work, and Lila thought about going back into her room. They didn¡¯t need her here, surely.

    A knock sounded at the door just as Lila thought about getting up.

    ¡°Mum and Dad are home,¡± Clare¡¯s muffled voice stated. ¡°Dinner will be ready in about half an hour. We¡¯re having pumpkin soup.¡±

    ¡°I hope you like pumpkins,¡± Daniel said to Asher.

    ¡°Love ¡®em,¡± Asher replied, though his voice sounded like he was thinking about something else entirely.

    ¡°I might just go into my room, guys,¡± Lila suggested, starting to get up.

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Daniel shot her down. ¡°I¡¯m on the verge of a breakdown. I need you here, sis.¡±

    Asher immediately put his pen down and swivelled in his chair to look at Daniel.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked softly. Daniel looked down before gripping onto his hair.

    ¡°I¡­ feel like a failure.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Thank you for being honest.¡± Asher picked up the accounting book and walked over to Lila.

    ¡°Lila, flick through this and tell me what you think,¡± Asher proposed, thrusting the book into her hands.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about accounting,¡± Lila protested, though she took the book.

    ¡°Don¡¯t need to know much about accounting for this exercise,¡± Asher said pointedly. He glanced back at Daniel, who looked awfully sullen now. ¡°Luckily, Daniel is pretty organised with his notes.¡±

    Lila did as Asher asked. He was right ¨C these numbers were ridiculously high. She could see the fees being paid, including what Daniel was keeping and blanched.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± she whispered, trembling slightly. ¡°You make that much?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m basically an investor, too,¡± Daniel said gloomily. ¡°Backed myself into a corner with that move.¡±

    ¡°Daniel, you could probably buy a car right now. Not that you could drive it yet, but damn,¡± Lila gasped, running her finger down a particular column.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Asher smirked, taking the book gently from Lila¡¯s hands. ¡°Daniel, you¡¯ve done incredibly well so far. You should be proud. You¡¯re not a failure. I can see by these numbers and how many orders Livi¡¯s been taking ¨C you¡¯re just inundated. All that means is that you need to adjust for that. You don¡¯t need to know everything, especially since this is the first time you¡¯re doing something like this. Besides, everyone feels inadequate once in a while, if not more. But, with the right support, you¡¯ll realise that you¡¯re perfectly adequate as you are. You¡¯re doing nothing wrong and you really should be proud of what you¡¯ve achieved just on your own already.¡±

    ¡°Y-You think so?¡± Daniel asked tentatively, looking at Asher with shining eyes. He gave Daniel a soft smile as he sat back down.

    ¡°Of course. Unlike humans, numbers can¡¯t lie. You¡¯ve got it in black and white, right here. Your idea to do Uber Eats was genius. Sure, it made things incredibly complicated, but it¡¯s paid off in dividends. Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ll work it out together, alright? We¡¯ve got a plan now, anyway.¡±

    Daniel sniffled and Lila instantly crossed the room. She pulled him into a hug, which he didn¡¯t resist again. She felt his shoulders shake and her right shoulder began to feel wet with tears.

    ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Asher asked fretfully.

    ¡°No,¡± Daniel replied, his voice quivering. He wiped at his face and stepped away from Lila. ¡°It¡­ actually feels like I finally have some hope. I just got a bit overwhelmed. Thanks, Asher. Really.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face relaxed into a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d leave Lila¡¯s brother in the lurch.¡±

    Daniel looked at Lila. ¡°Don¡¯t break up with Asher. He¡¯s a keeper.¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Lila said, slapping Daniel¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Are you purposefully being dumb?¡±

    Daniel laughed, and Lila felt relieved. If he was teasing her, it definitely meant he was starting to feel better. Asher immediately swivelled back to work, though Lila could have sworn his face was close to cherry-red in colour.

    Lila and Daniel continued to hang out in Daniel¡¯s room as Asher worked, discussing all manner of things. They were starting to delve into the merits of a certain anime series when another knock sounded on the door.

    ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready,¡± Clare¡¯s voice called. ¡°Come on.¡±

    Asher put his pen down with a slap and stretched. ¡°I¡¯m starved,¡± he declared.

    ¡°Same,¡± Daniel concurred.

    ¡°Ditto,¡± Lila added. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad, Mum, and Clare were already sitting around the table, bowls of soup already dished out and waiting to be eaten. Asher shook Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s hand in a firm handshake again, and politely greeted Lila¡¯s Mum. Lila saw her Mum purse her lips for a moment before she looked at him warmly.

    ¡°I hope Daniel hasn¡¯t been giving you much trouble,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said as everyone began to tuck into their soups.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Asher replied with a knowing smile. ¡°Nothing I can¡¯t help him with.¡±

    ¡°How many years have you been the Dux for?¡± Clare asked curiously, dipping her piece of buttered bread into her soup.

    ¡°Since they started counting it,¡± Asher responded, blowing onto his spoonful of soup. ¡°So, Grade Seven, I think.¡±

    ¡°Crazy,¡± Clare breathed. ¡°And you¡¯re hanging out with my sister?¡±

    ¡°Oi,¡± Lila retorted. ¡°Your sister is right here.¡±

    Everyone shared a chuckle, including Lila.

    ¡°What are your career aspirations, Asher?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked, carefully wiping his mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t really settled on that yet, truthfully,¡± Asher replied bashfully. ¡°I know it¡¯s a bit late to be floundering, but knowing I¡¯m spoilt for choice is giving me decision paralysis.¡±

    ¡°I know that one,¡± Clare said eagerly. ¡°Pretty sucky phenomenon. Studied it last semester.¡±

    ¡°Anything you¡¯re particularly leaning towards?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad queried, swiftly moving on from Clare¡¯s topic before she could go into a rambling speech about it.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t go wrong with being a doctor or a lawyer,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°But I¡¯ve been thinking about investigative work lately.¡±

    Lila dropped her spoon into her soup, splashing a bit onto the table. No one seemed to have noticed. She wiped it away with a napkin, refusing to look at anyone for fear of giving something away.

    ¡°Interesting choice,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad boomed. ¡°I¡¯m a PI, myself.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t say,¡± Asher feigned ignorance, sharing a look with Lila. Lila¡¯s Dad immediately launched into details of his work and the types of cases he specialised in, including missing persons. Lila saw Asher grip his spoon tightly, but he otherwise didn¡¯t react with anything besides honest interest and curiosity. Lila did notice, however, that her Dad mentioned nothing of his working with Asher¡¯s Dad.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Daniel interjected after Lila¡¯s Dad ran out of steam. ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll need a lot of help for a week or so. Is it okay if Asher comes over after school until then? And maybe on the weekend, too.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad beamed. ¡°He¡¯ll probably be a good influence on you.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but meet Clare¡¯s eyes, which sparkled with amusement at these words. Clare winked at Lila and she bit back a grin.

    Dinner continued with small talk discussions, with some focus given to Asher¡¯s playstyle as a goalie, given Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s keen interest in soccer. Once dinner was over, Asher helped clear away the table. Lila thought that it was unusual, given the fact that Marlene and Gabriel usually did that for him. Lila could see that he was shaking slightly as he moved towards the kitchen, holding several plates. Were they too heavy for him?

    Lila, Asher, and Daniel headed back upstairs once dinner was over, with Asher checking over the notes he¡¯d made. It wasn¡¯t long before a car horn sounded outside Lila¡¯s house.

    ¡°That¡¯ll be Marlene,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°Can I leave this here?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Daniel said quickly. ¡°¡®Course. You¡¯re coming back tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure am,¡± Asher grinned, standing up with a stretch. ¡°Got more to do.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daniel replied, matching Asher¡¯s grin. ¡°Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be. I love this kinda stuff.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you be an accountant, then?¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°Let me rephrase that. I love this kinda stuff as a hobby. Doing it every day for 50-plus years sounds like a nightmare.¡±

    ¡°Noted,¡± Lila chuckled. She led Asher to her room again, her eyes resting on his jacket that was still hung over her chair. A sudden feeling of guilt came over her as she looked back at Asher. It had been a while since he¡¯d let her borrow it.

    ¡°Do you want this back?¡± she asked, pointing at it.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher looked at it for a moment and shrugged. ¡°May as well, since I¡¯m here.¡±

    He folded it over his arm and picked up his school and laptop bags. ¡°Guess I¡¯ll be seeing you tomorrow,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°Not like we don¡¯t see each other basically every day,¡± Lila said with another chuckle.

    ¡°I suppose that¡¯s true. We do have English tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    As Lila and Asher passed Daniel¡¯s room again, he stuck his head out.

    ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± he called, waving at Asher. Asher waved back and Daniel retreated again. Asher said goodbye to Lila¡¯s Dad and Mum as he passed the living room. It seemed like Clare had already left for work, under the guise of a study group session at her friend¡¯s place.

    Lila stepped outside with Asher, crossing her arms underneath her chest.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said sincerely. ¡°I mean it. You¡¯re doing me a huge favour.¡±

    ¡°I meant what I said,¡± Asher replied firmly. ¡°I wasn¡¯t about to leave Daniel in the lurch. It wouldn¡¯t play well on my conscience. You¡¯re really doing me a favour by letting me help him.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous,¡± Lila said, the corner of her mouth lifting into a small smile. He winked at her.

    ¡°One of my charm points, I¡¯m sure. Goodnight, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡±

    Asher headed off towards Marlene¡¯s waiting car and quickly disappeared from view with a wave. Lila slowly headed back upstairs, her face strangely flushed, a funny feeling in her stomach. She hoped she wasn¡¯t getting sick¡­ Perhaps lying down would help her feel better.

    She laid down in her bed, her heart beating erratically in her chest. She didn¡¯t feel right. Lila turned to face the wall, her eyes wide open. It wasn¡¯t necessarily unpleasant, but what was it?

    Lila closed her eyes as she tried to think. For whatever reason, her mind kept drifting back to Asher. She couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how he helped talk Daniel through his feelings and reassured him. ¡®That¡­ was really nice of him,¡¯ Lila reflected as she hugged a cushion close to her chest. Not to mention the fact that Asher would be helping Daniel get everything under control and get Daniel his life back to some degree. Of all the people in the world that she could¡¯ve recruited for the job, she was glad that she chose Asher¡­

    Her heart continued to beat harshly in her chest, its pulse reaching up to her throat. Tingles ran through her body, starting from her feet. It felt as though she was housing a particularly obnoxious bird in her stomach, and her breathing felt restricted as she tried to think of something else. But no matter how hard she fought against it, her mind always went back to Asher. Now, she was thinking about how happy he¡¯d looked at lunch once everything settled down. Would he look that happy again tomorrow when they had lunch with Isaac, Grace, and Elise? Lila hoped so.

    As she continued to lay there in bed, a niggling feeling made its way inside her brain. There was something about all this, and everything that she¡¯d been through with Asher, that made her feel giddy and nervous all at once. Was this¡­ a crush?

    Everything seemed to click into place within her heart. Now that she¡¯d considered that it was a possibility, there was no going back. This couldn¡¯t be anything else but a crush.

    ¡®I¡­ like Asher¡­ like¡­ seriously like Asher. Why did it take me so long to see it?¡¯ Lila thought as she hugged the cushion even tighter. Thinking back, though, perhaps she had seen it. She¡¯d ignored it, unable or unwilling to face the unshakeable truth¡­ For a while now, too. Her mind began to race as she recalled all the moments that, perhaps, she¡¯d brushed aside for fear of¡­ what exactly?

    She pooled together the tapestry of memories she¡¯d created with Asher in her mind¡¯s eye, with every glance, smile, and laugh shared filling the gaps in between. Undoubtedly, he meant a lot to Lila. He was more than a crush.

    ¡°He¡¯s my best friend,¡± Lila whispered to herself. Suddenly, fear tightened its cold grip on her heart. He was, without a doubt, her best friend. She couldn¡¯t risk destroying their friendship. If Asher didn¡¯t like her like she liked him, as Isaac had said, then¡­ what was the point in having this crush?

    Lila shook her head furiously. She needed to feel all her feelings first. What Asher did or didn¡¯t want was irrelevant to how she felt about him now. Though if he didn¡¯t want to date her, she¡¯d obviously need to move on¡­ but she didn¡¯t need to, or want to, move on just yet. These feelings¡­ were nice. Warm. Hopeful. She didn¡¯t need to cut them down just yet.

 Chapter Sixty-Five

    Chapter Sixty-Five

    ¡°Earth to Lila,¡± Elise''s voice called at morning tea the next day. Elise, Grace, and Lila were sitting in their usual spot on the grass, bundled up considerably. Lila snapped out of her reverie and looked at Elise, somewhat confused.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, bringing her apple to her mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been staring at that apple for a few minutes, smiling like it¡¯s your full-time job. Honestly, forget about Drapple, Lilapple is where it¡¯s at.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at Elise, sinking her teeth into her apple pointedly. Jokes about shipping Draco Malfoy and green apples aside, had she really zoned out for that long?

    ¡°Did something good happen yesterday?¡± Grace questioned, biting delicately into a piece of cucumber, hiding her mouth with her other hand.

    ¡°Not... really,¡± Lila replied as she swallowed her bit of apple.

    ¡°Then what¡¯s up with all the smiling? Sounds very mysterious,¡± Grace grinned, her tone taking on a teasing, conspiratorial edge.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t Asher go over to tutor Daniel yesterday?¡± Elise placed a finger on her chin, emphasising the question.

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Lila responded shortly, taking another bite of her apple. "He¡¯s coming over again tonight and maybe the weekend.¡±

    ¡°Just how screwed is your brother?¡± Elise asked, raising an eyebrow and surveying Lila closely.

    ¡°Pretty screwed,¡± Lila laughed. It wasn¡¯t a lie.

    ¡°Sounds like it,¡± Grace nodded. She shared a look with Elise and smirked. ¡°Also sounds like you¡¯re pretty excited for Asher to go to your place after school,¡± Grace added.

    Lila sighed, putting her finished apple core into her empty sandwich bag. She was blushing slightly while her stomach swooped at the thought of Asher¡¯s imminent arrival at her house, but she hoped to play it off.

    ¡°I figured something out after Asher helped Daniel, actually,¡± Lila said gradually, a giddy smile brightening her face. Her realisation regarding her feelings for Asher was something she wanted to tell Grace and Elise. She¡¯d been swept up in her feelings all day and wanted to share it with someone she could trust, even if it was just to giggle about it. Grace and Elise leaned in, their eyes twinkling identically in anticipation.

    ¡°Figured what out?¡± Isaac¡¯s curious voice made the girls almost leap out of their skins.

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Elise hissed exasperatedly. ¡°You just killed the mood. Read the room, dude. Or the outside, I guess.¡±

    ¡°What mood?¡± Asher asked, casually flopping onto the ground beside Lila.

    ¡°Oh, come ON! I thought we¡¯d settled on lunch, not morning tea too,¡± huffed Elise. ¡°Morning tea¡¯s almost over, anyway. Why are you guys here?¡±

    ¡°We wanted to stop by,¡± pouted Isaac, dramatically wiping away non-existent tears. ¡°You¡¯re being so mean.¡±

    ¡°To check that we were still having lunch today,¡± Asher clarified, glancing uncertainly at Lila. A wave of tingles crashed over her, and her blush deepened. She looked down at the remnants of her morning tea with great interest, suddenly unable to find her voice.

    ¡°Yes, yes, lunch is still on. Now go away and don''t come back,¡± Elise snapped. ¡°Lila was about to tell us something important.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Isaac cooed, wedging himself between Grace and Elise forcefully. Neither seemed happy about this. ¡°I like important stuff.¡±

    Asher propped himself up on his elbows, looking at Lila expectantly. She refused to meet his gaze.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s not really important,¡± Lila finally said quietly. She was hyper-aware of her breathing and heartbeat as she shifted her position so she was angled away from Asher.

    ¡°Righto,¡± Elise said promptly, waving her hands at Asher and Isaac as if to shoo them like pesky house flies. ¡°Begone, fools.¡±

    Asher looked crestfallen as he made to stand up.

    Isaac glanced between Asher and Lila before protesting. ¡°Nah, nah, you can¡¯t leave us hanging like that.¡±

    Asher promptly fell back into his previous position.

    ¡°You guys butted in,¡± Elise retorted. ¡°It¡¯s probably girl talk or something.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re part of the girls,¡± Isaac insisted, flipping imaginary hair over his shoulder. ¡°Come on¡­¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t want to say what she¡¯d actually been thinking of saying in the presence of Isaac and Asher under any circumstances. Besides, she was still trying to work out what she wanted to do with her feelings. But, as Isaac¡¯s eyes gleamed with keen interest and Asher¡¯s curious stare bore into her, Lila knew she had to say something.

    ¡°I-I was just about to say,¡± Lila stumbled through her words but continued, looking at a nearby eucalyptus tree. ¡°That I figured out that Asher¡¯s really smart.¡±

    The silence falling over the group was almost comically dramatic. Elise, Grace, and Isaac sighed heavily in unison.

    ¡°I hope I¡¯m smart,¡± Asher replied with a half-smile and a light brush of pink on his cheeks.

    ¡°Look, not to put you down or anything, but¡­ we been knew,¡± Isaac said, placing a hand onto his forehead.

    ¡°I¡¯d hate to think that Asher keeps winning Dux as a fluke,¡± Elise concurred. ¡°If only I could be so lucky.¡±

    ¡°It took you this long to notice?¡± Grace asked, seemingly holding back a laugh.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have said anything,¡± Lila lamented, sighing as she looked at the grey sky. It was doing a decent job of reflecting her current mood.

    ¡°Probably not, aye,¡± Isaac teased, also looking up at the sky. He clapped his hands onto his thighs and stood up. ¡°Let¡¯s go to PC, mate.¡±

    The two boys left, waving at the girls who returned the wave.

    ¡°Lila, you¡¯re a terrible liar,¡± sighed Grace once Isaac and Asher were well out of earshot.

    ¡°I can lie pretty well,¡± Lila countered, her face burning bright.

    ¡°What was that, then?¡± Elise snickered.

    ¡°I can lie when I have notice,¡± Lila mumbled.

    ¡°What were you actually going to say?¡± Grace asked, her azure eyes peering directly into Lila¡¯s soul. Lila sighed.

    ¡°Nothing, now,¡± she said abruptly. ¡°The moment¡¯s gone. Passed us by. Never to return.¡±

    ¡°How dramatic. Let¡¯s go, then,¡± Elise suggested, dusting herself off and getting up.

    Lila was glad that they didn¡¯t press the point in PC either. Now that the moment had passed, she was suddenly feeling anxious about telling Grace and Elise. Especially around their PC classmates, some of whom she¡¯d been classmates with since the beginning of her school life at Forestglade College. Besides¡­ after the rumours from the beginning of the year, the thought of starting something up again before she was ready to do something with her feelings made her physically ill.

    Bio with Cecelia and Lucas ended without much fuss, though Cecelia couldn¡¯t stop giggling about something that Lila didn¡¯t want to know about. Lila was surprised, though, to see Asher standing at her locker, holding two lunchboxes once lunchtime came around.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila said softly, taking one of them. ¡°Thanks. I¡¯d thought that was for when it was just us. I¡¯d actually brought lunch for today.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to eat this, then,¡± Asher said quickly, but Lila brought the lunchbox to her chest and out of his reach.

    ¡°My sandwiches can¡¯t compete with anything Gabriel makes.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to inconvenience you,¡± Asher murmured. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re conveniencing me rather well,¡± Lila smiled.

    ¡°I should¡¯ve mentioned something.¡±

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s all good. Don¡¯t stress about a lunchbox,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°Where¡¯s Isaac?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s still at his locker. What about Elise and Grace?¡±

    ¡°They shouldn¡¯t be far off.¡±

    Everyone assembled together fairly quickly after this, and they made their way to a spare meeting room in the library. It seemed that Lila¡¯s attempted confession to Grace and Elise earlier this morning was virtually forgotten by all parties. They talked and laughed as a group, talking about the progress of their assignments and study, Isaac¡¯s first shift tomorrow afternoon and Asher¡¯s home debate. No one mentioned anything about Daniel, or Livi and her group of friends ¨C which Lila was more than happy to do without for the moment. Asher appeared to be in high spirits, and Lila snuck several glances at him as he joked with Isaac, Elise, and Grace. Looking at him even more carefully, he seemed healthy and well rested. This change from the beginning of the year hit Lila hard, her stomach flipping as she compared the various states of Asher that she¡¯d been privileged to see ¨C

    ¡°You¡¯ve just been staring at me today. Are you good?¡± Asher asked, tilting his head to the side with a small, uncertain smile. Lila jolted out of her thoughts. Lila instantly recalled where she¡¯d heard these words before ¨C that had been one of the first things Asher had said to her this year. Though instead of looking at her with thinly veiled annoyance, his face was full of gentle concern and perhaps a hint of self-consciousness.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied, looking down at her empty lunchbox. ¡°Just thinking.¡±

    The background chatter of Elise, Grace and Isaac bickering about the merits of Disney Plus over Stan as a streaming service fell away as now everyone stared at Lila.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to make you uncomfortable,¡± Lila added uneasily. Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make me uncomfortable,¡± he grinned. ¡°You can stare at me all you want, as long as you¡¯re not upset at me. You¡¯re not, right?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila replied, matching his grin with her own. They maintained eye contact for slightly longer than necessary, and Isaac and Elise went back to their critical analysis of each streaming service, Grace piping up every so often with her own observations.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher suddenly said in a low voice, leaning close to her face. She stared at him in response, the tips of her ears turning pink. He was really far too close to her ¨C it was hard to breathe. ¡°Can you come with me for a moment?¡± he asked, sincerity deep within his eyes.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila said tentatively, standing up.

    ¡°Just need to talk to Lila real quick,¡± Asher said into the void, given Isaac and Elise¡¯s conversation was becoming far more heated. Grace nodded, seemingly only half-paying attention as she looked much more absorbed in Isaac and Elise¡¯s debate.

    Lila followed Asher outside the meeting room and out of the library entirely. He didn¡¯t look back at her, nor did he say anything. They eventually reached a secluded walkway alongside the library and nearby art rooms and he turned to Lila, hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Lila asked, her stomach clenching. He seemed awfully serious. Had¡­ he noticed something different about Lila? He wasn¡¯t reading her mind, surely ¨C that was impossible. But¡­ maybe he thought she liked him and he was about to just reject her outright.

    ¡°I want to bring something for dinner. Maybe not tonight, and not tomorrow since I¡¯ve got debating until late, but Saturday or Sunday. What does your family like?¡±

    ¡°You¡­ took me all the way out here¡­ to ask me that?¡± Lila blinked in confusion at him.

    ¡°Well, the next opportunity I had was in English class, but we¡¯re practicing for our exam. And then it¡¯d be on the bus, but I¡¯m just conscious of¡­ y¡¯know. The rumours still. I don¡¯t want to start something up again, even though Piper¡¯s gone. Then the next opportunity would be with Daniel there, but I kinda want it to be a surprise for him, too. Since he¡¯s worked so hard up until now.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lila trailed off, though it still seemed odd that he wanted to speak with her privately like this. Surely this was something they could¡¯ve brainstormed as a group, or even a conversation they could have had whilst Isaac and Elise were squaring up.

    ¡°I¡¯d been thinking about something traditional, like adobo or tapsilog, but I don¡¯t know whether that¡¯s too weird or overstepping, then I was thinking something like a lasagna or a quiche, or maybe a dessert instead of dinner, or maybe both-¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila interrupted him as he began to pace, his rambling increasing in speed. He looked back at her with wide eyes, one hand entangled in his hair and the other in his blazer pocket.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking. We occasionally eat traditional things, but we¡¯re a white family too. You don¡¯t have to bring food over, but if you want to, literally anything will be fine. Except for something with macadamia nuts, Daniel is mildly allergic to those.¡±

    ¡°Just macadamias?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. The doctors did a full test for him, and it¡¯s literally just macadamias. I always tell him its nuts.¡±

    Asher snorted and Lila beamed at him, pulling her shoulders up in pride for that one.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± a familiar, lazy voice called out from behind Lila. She wildly looked around and saw Theo walking past them. He stopped a couple metres short of them, a calculating smile creasing his face.

    ¡°You guys aren¡¯t making out here, are you?¡± he asked, clearly amused.

    ¡°N-¡± Lila attempted to refute this, but Asher stepped between Lila and Theo, glowering.

    ¡°And if we were?¡± Asher asked, drawing himself to his full height, arms crossed. Theo seemed shocked as his eyes flickered between Asher¡¯s face and Lila¡¯s. Then, he smirked.

    ¡°Forgive me for not believing you,¡± Theo replied with a carefree shrug. ¡°Lila¡¯s face tells me all I need to know, though.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing here?¡± Asher¡¯s voice took on an interrogatory tone, as though he¡¯d caught Theo doing something he shouldn¡¯t have been.

    ¡°You might want to settle down, mate,¡± Theo laughed, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m just taking a wander. Nothing illegal about that. Besides, after all the injuries you¡¯ve given me this term alone, I¡¯d think twice about being so accusatory. I am a Prefect and your senior in many ways.¡±

    Asher seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he instead gripped Lila¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he murmured.

    ¡°W-Why?¡± Lila hesitated, not moving.

    ¡°Did you want to stay?¡± Asher asked, raising an eyebrow. Lila could see over Asher¡¯s shoulder that Theo was still looking at them, seeming puzzled.

    ¡°Not necessarily, but-¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher said bluntly, pushing her away from Theo as he tightened his grasp on her arm. Lila glanced behind Asher¡¯s shoulder to see Theo looking pensive. He met her gaze with a smile.

    ¡°Looking forward to seeing you on Saturday,¡± Theo winked, seemingly speaking only to Lila. He turned on his heel and rapidly walked away.

    ¡°You really don¡¯t seem to like Theo,¡± Lila said quietly, as she let herself be pulled in the direction that Asher had guided her towards. Her mind was reeling in confusion. What just happened?

    ¡°I don¡¯t dislike him,¡± Asher responded through gritted teeth. He let go of her arm and didn¡¯t elaborate.

    ¡°It¡­ doesn¡¯t seem like it,¡± Lila replied, thoroughly unconvinced. ¡°You can keep your secrets, though.¡±

    ¡°It¡­ feels like he¡¯s signed me up to a competition that I don¡¯t want to compete in,¡± Asher admitted quietly after a few moments of silent walking.

    ¡°What would that be?¡± Lila asked, her lips pursed. Was it a weird Dux thing? She glanced at Asher. He¡¯d brought a hand to his face, which seemed bright red. He looked like he was struggling to answer before his eyes met hers.

    ¡°Nothing important. At least, nothing important for you to know about.¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t you want to compete against Theo?¡± Lila pressed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen you. You¡¯re pretty competitive. Though, I guess you¡¯d have to be, to beat out literally everyone in our year for top spot in grades.¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ hard to explain.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°I can pick things up pretty quickly.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt that.¡± Asher sighed heavily. He stopped walking, tugging at his hair for a moment, his eyes distant ¨C looking beyond Lila at something unseen. He began walking again before continuing to speak.

    ¡°I guess¡­ I prefer competing in things that I know I have a fair shot at winning.¡±

    ¡°To know you have a fair shot at winning Dux is impressive. Where do you get the confidence from?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen our cohort. Everyone cares far more about Cheer and Rugby than grades.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¦. So, what¡¯s different about this?¡±

    Asher inhaled sharply, actively refusing to meet her curious eyes. ¡°It¡¯s simple. I know I¡¯d lose against Theo. But¡­ losing against Theo is one of my biggest fears. Well, losing against anyone, Theo or not, about this is one of my biggest fears, at least.¡±

    Truthfully, it was all sounding rather vague to Lila, but she nodded, trying to understand.

    ¡°How can you be so sure you¡¯d lose, though?¡± she asked as they approached the library.

    ¡°He¡¯s just better than me in every way,¡± Asher replied, shrugging. ¡°I¡¯m like the cheap, inferior copy.¡±

    Lila frowned. ¡°That¡¯s not true. I¡¯d say that you¡¯re the upgrade.¡±

    His face turned a deep scarlet and he swiftly looked away from Lila, mumbling something under his breath that she couldn¡¯t quite catch. She was about to ask before Asher shook his head.

    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s my issue, not yours,¡± Asher said quickly, opening the door to the library for Lila. She frowned but didn¡¯t push the issue. If it wasn¡¯t her business, then it wasn¡¯t her business.

    ¡°You guys took a while,¡± Grace said, rising from her chair as Lila and Asher returned to the meeting room. Isaac and Elise were shooting daggers at each other on opposite sides of the room, their arms crossed.

    ¡°What happened to them?¡± Lila asked, gesturing as she sat down.

    ¡°Their debate ended in a draw,¡± Grace smirked. ¡°Neither of them want to admit defeat. They kept coming up in a draw at scissors, paper, rock, too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s rare,¡± Lila replied, ¡°Elise always wins those. We¡¯ve banned her from playing anymore.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Grace whispered, her face fixed in genuine surprise. ¡°It was really weird.¡±

    Asher checked his phone. ¡°It¡¯s time for us to go, guys,¡± he announced, looking particularly intensely at Isaac. Isaac flashed him a grin and relaxed his pose.

    ¡°I was worried you wouldn¡¯t come back for me,¡± Isaac said dramatically. ¡°Getting left behind with girls like these ended up being much worse than I¡¯d hoped.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve hung out with them just fine on your own before,¡± Lila pointed out, lifting an eyebrow in disbelief.

    ¡°That was when we had a common goal,¡± Isaac said loftily.

    ¡°What goal?¡± Lila queried, tilting her head slightly. Elise immediately stood up, glaring at Isaac.

    ¡°Well, I-I needed help with my art project from Grace,¡± Isaac responded awkwardly. ¡°A-And Elise just happened to be there at the time.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could get help with your art project,¡± Asher responded with interest. ¡°Isn¡¯t that against the rules or something?¡±

    ¡°It was just for some references,¡± Grace interjected, clearing her throat. ¡°He can¡¯t draw female hands very well.¡±

    ¡°Hands are just the worst,¡± Isaac huffed. ¡°I feel like an AI every time I try drawing ¡®em.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough,¡± Asher said, looking none the wiser as to Isaac¡¯s plight.

    The group promptly dispersed from the library and to their lockers. Elise took the opportunity by the lockers to question Lila. Grace had already fled towards her Music class, and there weren¡¯t many people around them at this time.

    ¡°Where¡¯d you go with Asher?¡± Elise demanded, fiddling with her lunchbox in agitation.

    ¡°Just by the library,¡± Lila replied with a shrug.

    ¡°What¡¯d you talk about?¡±

    ¡°He wanted to know what to bring for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Elise looked at Lila in bewilderment.

    ¡°He¡¯s tutoring Daniel, remember? He wanted to bring something for dinner at some point.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is that all? He couldn¡¯t ask when we were all in the library?¡±

    ¡°No, I couldn¡¯t,¡± Asher replied stiffly, standing behind Elise with a slightly imposing aura. She immediately squeaked and scuttled away to her locker.

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila asked, locking her locker and slinging her bookbag over her shoulder. Asher seemed uncomfortable, his eyes darting around the space behind Lila.

    ¡°Just¡­ felt a bit claustrophobic in there,¡± Asher finally said, the tips of his ears turning a slight pink shade. ¡°I got a bit used to it just being us two at lunch.¡±

    Lila could feel Elise¡¯s eyes burning a hole in the back of her head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± Asher said hurriedly, not meeting Lila¡¯s eyes. ¡°It was fun being with everyone at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mean anything by it?¡± Lila asked quietly, her heart seemingly lowering in her chest. She heard an audible slap behind her and turned to see Elise with a hand on her forehead.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked, reaching to gently pull Elise¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me,¡± Elise shrugged Lila off. ¡°Just suffering from immeasurable disappointment.¡±

    ¡°Disappointment?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, just remembered that I accepted a shift for tomorrow. Means I¡¯ll be working with Isaac.¡±

    ¡°Is that a bad thing?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°Sure is. Don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll get any work done if he¡¯s as ridiculous at work as he is at school. Anyway ¨C I¡¯ve gotta run. Bye!¡±

    And with that, Elise bolted out of the locker room, bag swinging on her shoulder.

    Lila blinked after Elise, before shaking her head.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to English, yeah?¡± Asher suggested, shrugging.

    <hr>

    Lila let Asher go ahead of her, armed with her house keys, and into her house as she collected the mail. Daniel hadn¡¯t been on the bus with them today. Lila severely doubted that Daniel would be home before them even if a Grade 12 student drove him home, given the mayhem in the suburbs surrounding Forestglade College that afternoon.

    Though Lila should have expected this situation to arise, she hadn¡¯t anticipated having Asher in her house, relatively alone. Sure, Clare would be there, but what would Lila even do with Asher while they waited for Daniel? At best, he wouldn¡¯t be arriving for another half an hour.

    ¡°You coming?¡± Asher had turned around and poked his head out the front door.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied, hiking her scarf up higher around her face and clutching the bits of mail in her left hand tightly. He didn¡¯t need to see her blushing at being caught spacing out. He disappeared back inside the house and she followed.

    Lila kicked her shoes off in the entryway. Asher was nowhere in sight now. Where had he gone?

    ¡°Can¡¯t keep you away, can we?¡± Clare¡¯s voice floated from the kitchen. Lila almost groaned, but held it in as she edged towards the kitchen. Lila was about to enter, but instead flattened herself against the wall just outside the kitchen.

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher laughed, his voice sounding rather jovial despite his previous interactions with Clare. ¡°Daniel needs a bit of extra help until the exam period is over.¡±

    ¡°Is that all that¡¯s keeping you here?¡± Clare¡¯s voice had taken on a mischievous edge. Lila¡¯s breath hitched as she strained to hear Asher¡¯s response.

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m sure you know the answer to that one.¡±

    ¡°Enlighten me.¡±

    ¡®And me,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, pressing against the wall even more.

    ¡°Lila¡¯s basically my best friend. Of course Daniel¡¯s not the only reason I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Best friend, you say,¡± Clare murmured. Lila couldn¡¯t tell, given she couldn¡¯t see Clare¡¯s face, whether Clare was satisfied with that answer. Lila, though, felt an overwhelming amount of pressure on her lungs, coupled with dismay flooding her heart. Had he friend-zoned Lila?

    Lila peeled herself off the wall and made her way inside the kitchen. Clare was sipping a cup at the counter, scrolling through her phone. Asher was staring outside the kitchen window.

    ¡°Do you guys want juice?¡± Lila asked cheerily. At the very least, she wanted to pretend she¡¯d heard nothing for now. It wasn¡¯t the first time she¡¯d heard Asher address Lila as such. Though, this time, the fact that he¡¯d felt strongly enough to tell Clare he felt that way caused flitters of energy to bounce through her stomach.

    Both Clare and Asher accepted Lila¡¯s offerings of juice, and she gave Clare the bundle of mail she¡¯d collected before pouring juice for everyone and divvying them out.

    ¡°Hope there¡¯s nothing for me,¡± Clare sighed as she looked through the pieces of mail. ¡°Ah, shit, spoke too soon.¡±

    She tore into an enveloped marked with the State Government¡¯s insignia. ¡°A fine. Great.¡±

    ¡°What were you in such a hurry to get to?¡± Lila smirked, sipping her juice. Clare rolled her eyes at Lila before casting her eyes back to the fine.

    ¡°Like I¡¯m supposed to remember that, I drive ever- oh. It was for a last-minute shift. Do you reckon I could get Gabriel to pay it for me?¡±

    Clare looked at Asher, extending her lower lip in an exaggerated, pleading pout.

    ¡°I dunno. Maybe?¡± he said uncertainly, collecting the fine from Clare¡¯s hands. ¡°I guess it¡¯s not the biggest fine you could get. Maybe he could have it as a tax write-off or something.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know fines worked as tax write-offs,¡± Lila said incredulously.

    ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m just spitballing,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°But I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t mind if Roxy asked him.¡±

    Lila snorted and Clare shot her a disapproving look.

    ¡°Thanks anyway,¡± Clare said, smiling at Asher. He looked back down at the fine and hesitated.

    ¡°I can ask Gabriel,¡± Asher said after a moment.

    ¡°I was only joking,¡± Clare said instantly, reaching over to take it from Asher¡¯s hands.

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t hurt to ask, at least,¡± Asher insisted, pocketing it inside his breast blazer pocket.

    ¡°Well, I guess I¡¯m not about to grab it out of your blazer,¡± Clare replied frankly. ¡°Thanks for going out of your way.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡±

    ¡°I have a few,¡± Clare joked, swigging her juice. ¡°Speaking of, where¡¯s Daniel?¡±

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t on the bus with us, but that¡¯s not unusual,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Probably got caught up talking to friends. I doubt he¡¯s far away.¡±

    ¡°Do you mind pizza?¡± Clare asked, glancing at Asher. He pointed to his chest.

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you. Mum and Dad are doing something in the office until late tonight, so they gave me money for dinner. I can get pizza, Chinese food, fish and chips, whatever. But I have a hankering for pizza.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t go against a hankering,¡± grinned Asher. ¡°Pizza sounds great.¡±

    ¡°Mum and Dad have been staying later in the office recently,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°Do you know why?¡±

    ¡°Not a clue or a care, to be honest,¡± Clare replied nonchalantly. ¡°It makes moonlighting as Roxy far easier.¡±

    ¡°Are you ever going to tell your parents?¡± Asher asked, taking a drink out of his cup.

    ¡°Maybe when I¡¯m sixty,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°They don¡¯t need to know.¡±

    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Lila said suddenly. ¡°What if Dad has an investigation at Gabriel¡¯s club or something?¡±

    ¡°Why would he do that?¡± Clare asked, panic rising in her voice. Lila glanced at Asher before looking down at the counter.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Lila replied swiftly.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t make me panic for no reason,¡± Clare complained.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila responded softly. They sat in silence for a minute or so before Lila topped everyone¡¯s cups of juice up again.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to put my stuff away,¡± she announced after replacing the juice in the fridge. ¡°Did you want to put your bags in my room?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh, sure,¡± Asher replied, picking up his bags from the floor.

    ¡°Remember, Lila, your door has to be open,¡± Clare sang as they departed. Lila rolled her eyes and stomped upstairs, Asher trailing behind. They put their bags down in Lila¡¯s room as Lila contemplated what to do while they waited. Asher looked around her room with keen interest today. She had a few photos of her family, Elise, Grace, and other friends throughout the years up on her wall, with fairy lights encircling it, that Asher paid close attention to. He reached out a hand, gently touching the photos from semi-formal with a soft smile. Lila realised too late that she¡¯d stuck the strip of photos of her and Asher from the photobooth on this wall as well. She hoped he wouldn¡¯t point it out¡­

    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s me,¡± he said suddenly, pointing at one of Elise, Grace, and Lila in sports uniforms, their arms over each other¡¯s shoulders and beaming. It was taken when they were in Grade Seven at their first middle school sports carnival.

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila asked, coming over to have a look.

    ¡°Yeah!¡± Asher said enthusiastically, pointing to a boy with slicked back hair and an incredibly neat sports uniform. His shirt was tucked into his shorts, and he wasn¡¯t looking at the camera. Next to him was a much younger looking, round faced Isaac, who was turned towards Asher, grinning.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you could pick yourself out, just by the back of you, in this tiny ass photo,¡± Lila said incredulously. Asher¡¯s face flushed in response.

    ¡°I remember this photo being taken,¡± he said simply, shifting his attention to her cushion collection on her bed. ¡°Plus, it¡¯s not hard to single out the excessively tidy kid at a sports carnival.¡±

    ¡°How can you remember this photo being taken?¡± Lila asked curiously. ¡°You¡¯re not even looking at the camera.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d heard Ms Ricci telling you guys to pose as she took the photo,¡± he said lightly, inspecting a fuzzy teal cushion. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to ruin the photo, though.¡±

    ¡°I kinda wish I had a photo of baby-faced Asher,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°Should¡¯ve looked at the camera.¡±

    ¡°I might¡¯ve if I would¡¯ve known you¡¯d put it on your wall,¡± Asher responded in jest. ¡°Maybe you could ask Piper if she¡¯s got any spares of younger me.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose. ¡°I¡¯d rather not see her again in this lifetime, or any others proceeding this.¡±

    ¡°That would be great, wouldn¡¯t it,¡± Asher sighed as he squished a sequined cushion.

    ¡°I wonder what school she goes to now,¡± Lila pondered as she adjusted the books on her bookshelf underneath the photo wall.

    ¡°Wonder no more,¡± Asher said darkly. ¡°Mulberry Heights. I now have twice the reason to avoid that school.¡±

    Lila gasped, swiveling to face him. He¡¯d moved along to her desk, bending low to observe the trinkets on it. ¡°What? How do you know?¡±

    ¡°Mr Morrison told me a week or two back after Physics. Thought it was in my best interest to know.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon she¡¯s stalking Holly now?¡±

    ¡°If Holly¡¯s even still going to school,¡± Asher replied grimly. His voice sounded taut with emotion. He paused before poking at Lila¡¯s plastic pink pen caddy. Lila sighed. She hadn¡¯t meant to bring Holly up, but her curiosity got the better of her.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± she murmured, continuing to reorder her books.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Asher said shortly. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think it is,¡± Lila replied lightly.

    ¡°Truthfully¡­ over the past few days¡­ and especially after lunches with just us two, I¡¯ve been feeling a lot better about it all.¡±

    Lila dropped a book onto her foot, but held her immediate pain reaction in. She held onto the edges of the bookshelf, bowing her head towards it as the pain flooded up her leg. Despite her best efforts, Asher seemingly noticed.

    ¡°You all good?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Y-Yup,¡± Lila¡¯s voice was embarrassingly shaky. She twirled her foot to loosen it up. ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re feeling better about it.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m over it, though,¡± Asher added. ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know how anyone would get over their first girlfriend cheating on them within the first couple of months of dating to the point of getting pregnant without knowing who the father is. Especially when you¡¯re definitely not one of the options. It¡¯s made me pretty nervous to date again.¡±

    Upon hearing Asher¡¯s words, Lila¡¯s stomach began to twist itself into knots. Envisioning Asher dating someone else¡­ that wasn¡¯t something she was sure she could handle. She swallowed heavily, picking up the book that had attacked her. She suddenly felt a presence behind her left shoulder and she turned to see Asher peering at her bookshelf. She jolted, dropping the book on her other foot. She couldn¡¯t hold back her exclamation this time and swore. She dropped down to the floor, moaning in pain and rubbing where the book had hit her.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± Asher said emphatically, picking up the offending book and resting it on the shelf. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to startle you.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Lila replied weakly, still rubbing her foot. ¡°I didn¡¯t hear you come up behind me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said again, kneeling down next to her. ¡°How¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Sore,¡± Lila breathed. ¡°It¡¯s fine, though.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you guys mumbling about over there?¡± Clare¡¯s voice floated from the doorway. Lila looked up at Clare, who had her arms folded and her eyes narrowed in suspicion.

    ¡°Just dropped a book on my feet,¡± Lila said, standing up tenderly. Asher also rose from the floor and gently held her arm.

    ¡°Here, sit on the bed,¡± he said softly, leading her there. She didn¡¯t protest. Once she was sat on the bed, she saw Clare¡¯s expression had changed to a knowing smirk.

    ¡°I¡¯d say carry on, but I don¡¯t think dropping books on your feet is a good pastime to have,¡± Clare snickered. ¡°Glad to know your moaning isn¡¯t for anything Jesus wouldn¡¯t approve of.¡±

    ¡°Get out!¡± Lila shouted, throwing a cushion at Clare, who gleefully cackled as she artfully dodged it. Clare disappeared from the doorframe entirely, and Lila heard Clare skip towards her own room and close the door.

    ¡°Sorry, she¡¯s so embarrassing,¡± Lila grumbled, her face flushed. Her eyes travelled to Asher¡¯s own bright pink face. He nodded in acknowledgement, but otherwise didn¡¯t look at Lila or say anything. He instead walked back over to her bookshelf and examined the offerings here.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a good fantasy collection,¡± he said after a while, clearing his throat. The stinging in her feet had subsided considerably and she shuffled over.

    ¡°Any you haven¡¯t read?¡± she asked.

    He gingerly picked up a couple. ¡°There¡¯s a few more, but these seem the most interesting.¡±

    ¡°Go for your life,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve read those. That one¡¯s a bit gory, and the other one has really cool worldbuilding. I think that one started as a webnovel, too.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher grinned before looking down to read the blurbs of both books. Lila checked the time. If Daniel was on his usual bus, he should be home right about now.

    ¡°I¡¯m just going downstairs to check if Daniel¡¯s nearby,¡± Lila said to Asher as she stood up. ¡°I won¡¯t be long. If there¡¯s anything else you want to borrow, go for it.¡±

    Asher nodded again, though this time it seemed more absent. Lila smiled to herself as she made her way downstairs, the pain in her feet having receded entirely. She had almost reached the front door when it was wrenched open from the outside. Daniel blinked at her in surprise, his chest heaving like he¡¯d sprinted here.

    ¡°Sorry¡­ I¡¯m late,¡± he puffed, hurrying inside and kicking his shoes off. ¡°I was talking to my coach.¡±

    ¡°Good news, I hope?¡± Lila asked as she changed course to pour Daniel a juice in the kitchen. He followed her and received his cup gratefully, downing it in one continuous gulp. She poured him another one, and this time he didn¡¯t drink any of it. Instead, he beamed at her.

    ¡°I¡¯m back on the team!¡±

    ¡°Amazing! We gotta tell Asher.¡±

    The siblings climbed the stairs, with Daniel diving into an ecstatic breakdown of the current state of his team. Daniel seemed to be glowing with excitement, a far cry from his gloomy disposition yesterday. Lila¡¯s heart felt warm as she remembered how Asher had encouraged Daniel. If Asher hadn¡¯t helped Daniel, Lila was convinced that Daniel would¡¯ve sunk lower and lower in his despair at trying to keep up with the books.

    ¡®I¡¯ll have to thank Asher properly, once this is all over,¡¯ Lila thought to herself whilst she popped her head into her room. Asher was seated on the ground now, reading the book Lila had pointed out as gory, a small pile of books stacked next to him.

    ¡°Daniel¡¯s home,¡± Lila said, knocking on the door. She hoped it would gently break Asher¡¯s concentration. He slowly looked up at her before his eyes shone with realisation.

    ¡°Oh, yeah, that¡¯s why I¡¯m here,¡± he said sheepishly, standing up and stretching.

    ¡°Just how absorbed in that book were you?¡± Lila chortled. He chuckled.

    ¡°A bit.¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Lila said simply, handing Asher a bookmark that was sitting atop her bookshelf. ¡°So you don¡¯t lose your place.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    After Asher marked his place and put the book down, they crossed the hallway, armed with their cups of juice, and into Daniel¡¯s room.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± Daniel greeted joyfully after Lila closed the door behind them. ¡°Guess what, Asher.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, matching Daniel¡¯s energy.

    ¡°I¡¯m back on the touch team!¡±

    ¡°Woo!¡± Asher crowed, fist-pumping. ¡°I knew you could.¡±

    ¡°All thanks to you,¡± Daniel replied, a bashful grin on his face. Asher vehemently shook his head.

    ¡°Thanks for the compliment, but I¡¯m honestly shockingly terrible at touch. It wasn¡¯t me who made the team. Take credit for your own merit,¡± Asher replied, winking at Daniel. Daniel didn¡¯t reply, but his grin grew wider. To Lila, it even seemed more confident.

    Asher sank into the chair at Daniel¡¯s desk, perusing the still-open notebooks from yesterday.

    ¡°Do you need to study, by the way?¡± Asher asked, glancing over his shoulder at both Lila and Daniel. ¡°We are in week eight, after all. Only two and a half weeks left before we¡¯re on school holidays again.¡±

    ¡°What about you?¡± Lila asked, sipping from her cup and sitting on the edge of Daniel¡¯s bed.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Asher replied, dismissively waving a hand. ¡°I¡¯ve adjusted my study schedule to account for this.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course you would,¡± Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Honestly, I could use some time to study.¡±

    ¡°Knock yourself out. Actually, don¡¯t, that would be counterproductive. Anyway, it¡¯s exam week next week for us, at least,¡± Asher said, his head bent low to the desk.

    ¡°I guess I could use some study time too,¡± Daniel sighed. ¡°Are you going to study in your room, Lila?¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t need me here, I don¡¯t see why not,¡± Lila responded, eyeing Daniel. He seemed deflated, but Lila thought that was more because of the thought of studying, rather than her leaving or the Banker situation.

    ¡°I reckon it¡¯ll be fine,¡± Daniel said affirmatively. ¡°I feel so much more relieved about this whole thing, now that Asher¡¯s on the case.¡±

    ¡°I aim to please,¡± Asher said with a short laugh, spinning around in Daniel¡¯s chair, looking between Daniel and Lila.

    ¡°Righto, well, I¡¯ll leave you guys to it then,¡± Lila smiled, standing up. ¡°If you need anything, let me know.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take Lila long to become engrossed with her revision, which she had thankfully kept on top of this term thanks to Asher¡¯s study tips. She was definitely feeling far more at ease with her studies this term than she had in a long time, at least. ¡®Yet another thing to thank Asher for¡­¡¯ she thought to herself as she chewed the end of her pen whilst working through a math problem. A knock sounded by her open door.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Lila called without turning around.

    ¡°Pizza¡¯s here,¡± Clare¡¯s voice announced. Lila stretched in response. It was time for a break, anyway.

    She met the boys in the hallway between her room and Daniel¡¯s and they all clambered downstairs without much discussion.

    ¡°You all seem very serious,¡± Clare observed with a twinkle in her eye once everyone assembled in the dining room with plates of pizza. ¡°I hope you all get good grades. Well, I know you will, Asher. Daniel and Lila definitely need more than one prayer, though.¡±

    ¡°Rude,¡± Lila snorted, taking her usual seat.

    ¡°Not untrue for you, though,¡± Daniel added, smirking cheekily at Lila. She rolled her eyes playfully at them before grinning herself.

    Clare initiated most of the small talk during dinner today, though whenever she asked questions about what Asher was helping Daniel with, he kept his answers very guarded. Clare didn¡¯t seem to notice ¨C or perhaps she was still sticking behind her no-nosiness rule ¨C as she didn¡¯t press for more details other than the brief ones Asher mentioned.

    Once dinner was over, everyone went back upstairs.

    ¡°Are you going out tonight?¡± Lila asked Clare as Daniel and Asher shut themselves in Daniel¡¯s room. Clare shook her head.

    ¡°Nah, Gabriel didn¡¯t need me today since it¡¯s a Thursday during study block at Uni. A huge bulk of our guests are Uni students, or at least Uni-aged,¡± Clare explained. ¡°I¡¯ll just be in my room, though.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lila resumed her study with great fervour now. She was so absorbed that she hadn¡¯t realised the time until Asher gently tapped her shoulder. She almost toppled out of her chair, her heart racing so fast she couldn¡¯t breathe for a second.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said apologetically. ¡°Marlene¡¯s here to take me home.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I¡¯ll walk you out.¡±

    Asher collected his belongings and the books he was borrowing from Lila and they traipsed downstairs.

    ¡°Find anything interesting in Daniel¡¯s work?¡± Lila asked casually whilst Asher put his shoes back on, holding his things as he did so.

    ¡°Not concretely, no.¡±

    ¡°How boring.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve only scratched the surface yet. Just double checking his maths, mainly,¡± Asher responded, a hint of defensiveness in his voice.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯m not hoping that you¡¯ll find something interesting,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°But surely looking at all this is dull, right?¡±

    ¡°Nah, not for me,¡± Asher smiled, collecting his stuff back from Lila¡¯s hands. ¡°See you tomorrow. Don¡¯t forget, we have a home debate tomorrow afternoon.¡±

    ¡°Of course I wouldn¡¯t forget. It¡¯s in my calendar.¡±

    ¡°Good. Have a good night, Lila. See you tomorrow.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She almost wished that Asher would say that again. ¡°You too, Asher.¡±

 Chapter Sixty-Six

    Chapter Sixty-Six

    ¡°Alright, out with it,¡± Elise demanded, biting aggressively into her banana at morning tea the next day. The trio were sitting in their usual spot, though the wind seemed to be cutting them harshly today. Lila was beginning to regret remaining out here when the sun was truly hiding from them behind thick, grey clouds.

    ¡°Out with what?¡± Lila asked, blinking rapidly in bemusement.

    ¡°With what you were going to tell us yesterday,¡± Grace explained patiently, dipping her carrot stick in hummus.

    ¡°Since when do you have hummus with your morning tea?¡± Lila questioned.

    ¡°Since today. New regime. You¡¯re avoiding the topic,¡± Grace replied pointedly.

    ¡°I¡­ just don¡¯t want Asher and Isaac to overhear,¡± Lila said in a low voice.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± Elise smiled mischievously. ¡°I may have told Isaac to keep Asher away during morning tea today for this reason. Said I wouldn¡¯t help him tonight at Maccas if he didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re not going to tell him what I have to say,¡± Lila frowned.

    ¡°¡¯Course not,¡± Elise said, almost suspiciously quickly. ¡°Your secret is safe with us.¡±

    Lila inhaled deeply, closing her eyes.

    ¡°Alright. Here goes¡­¡± she said before faltering to a stop, glancing between both of them.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Grace said encouragingly, leaning in. Elise followed suit.

    ¡°I¡­ figured out that I¡­ have a crush on Asher,¡± Lila admitted, her last sentence a very faint whisper. Elise and Grace paused as they registered what Lila had said before they both wore identical beams on their faces.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve finally said it!¡± Elise squealed, grasping Lila¡¯s shoulders and shaking her, Elise¡¯s banana skin flapping unceremoniously on Lila¡¯s blazer. Lila¡¯s face turned a bright scarlet, but she didn¡¯t hide it. Not that she really could, with how tight Elise was holding her.

    ¡°I¡¯m really happy that you¡¯re not denying it to yourself anymore,¡± Grace nodded, her voice brimming with glee.

    ¡°It did take a while, didn¡¯t it?¡± Lila asked with a sheepish laugh.

    ¡°Sure did, ma¡¯am,¡± Elise laughed. ¡°You were very stubborn about it.¡±

    ¡°Actually, what changed?¡± Grace asked curiously, sipping her juice box.

    ¡°Ooh, good one,¡± complimented Elise.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t really know for sure,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I guess seeing Asher help Daniel really touched me. He didn¡¯t have to. I¡¯m pretty sure Daniel¡¯s not even paying him. And¡­ Daniel¡¯s really taken to Asher, I think. Asher helped him feel better about everything and encouraged him¡­ he¡¯s really kind.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Elise nodded sagely, finally letting go of Lila. ¡°But why¡¯d you deny it for so long? Literally everyone could see that you had a thing for him.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s embarrassing,¡± Lila replied, hiding her face now. ¡°But¡­ I guess I¡¯ve just been scared.¡±

    ¡°Scared? Of what?¡± Grace asked gently.

    ¡°Of¡­ being rejected. Of what it would mean. Of what to do about it,¡± Lila replied sullenly, her voice muffled by her hands.

    ¡°Are you not scared now?¡± Elise asked, her voice sounding hopeful for some reason. Lila looked up.

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m scared. Have been for ages. Last holidays, I talked to Cecelia since her troubles with Lucas were pretty similar. I¡­ had trouble figuring out what I wanted, especially since Asher was dating Holly and I thought they were couple goals. Obviously, I know that was wrong. But every time I thought about them together, I got this weird pain in my chest and I struggled to breathe. And even back then, I was thinking more and more that I needed to get it off my chest and at least say something. Or that it was time for me to just quietly let go and not address it at all since I wanted to stay friends with Asher. The thought of not being friends with Asher anymore has terrified me for months now. And he¡¯s been giving me these signs that he¡¯d rather be friends. But I think¡­ maybe my feelings now outweigh my fear and uncertainty, y¡¯know? I just¡­ couldn¡¯t hide from it anymore.¡±

    Elise and Grace glanced at each other, their faces still giddy.

    ¡°That¡¯s a whole lotta feelings,¡± Elise confirmed. ¡°This definitely doesn¡¯t sound like how it was with Isaac, either.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila mumbled. ¡°I¡­ know Asher deeply, now, I think. And I still like him all the same. He¡¯s not just a cute guy to me. He¡¯s my best guy friend. And I don¡¯t wanna mess that up, either.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯d mess it up,¡± Grace said softly. ¡°You should tell him how you feel.¡±

    Lila immediately sat up straight, her face flushed and heart pumping loudly in her ears. ¡°No way,¡± Lila stressed. ¡°Never.¡±

    ¡°You just said that you were thinking about saying something,¡± Elise pointed out.

    ¡°I¡­ nothing¡¯s going to come from me saying something,¡± Lila said quietly, looking down at her lap. ¡°The second option of not addressing it all is much more appealing.¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure that nothing¡¯ll come from you saying something?¡± Grace queried.

    ¡°¡­ I overheard him talking to Clare yesterday. She asked if he was just coming over for Daniel, and he said that it wasn¡¯t just for Daniel and that I was his best friend. I¡¯ve been totally friend-zoned,¡± Lila bemoaned the last part into her hands again.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t talked to him. You need to hear these kinds of things from his mouth, rather than guessing based on his convos with other people,¡± Elise implored.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ terrifying,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be rejected, and I don¡¯t want to make things awkward or ruin things ¡®cause he knows I like him.¡±

    ¡°Being vulnerable is how you get anywhere with these kinds of things,¡± Grace said wisely.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not like I haven¡¯t been vulnerable with him before,¡± Lila divulged. ¡°But this is¡­ a whole ¡®nother level.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯ve just realised you like the guy, there¡¯s nothing wrong with sitting with those feelings for now,¡± Elise said, reaching out to touch Lila¡¯s arm. ¡°It might be too soon for you to try and do something about it.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of too soon, he¡¯s still upset over Holly,¡± Lila added despondently.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he is,¡± Grace responded with a firm nod. ¡°You can wait until he¡¯s no longer upset.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll probably be thirty by the time that happens,¡± Lila replied glumly, bringing her knees to her chest and resting her chin on them.

    ¡°You could help him work through it, too,¡± Elise said simply. ¡°It¡¯s not like you¡¯d do anything like that in the slightest.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but I don¡¯t want to be a rebound, either. I want it to be a genuine relationship, if he decides he wants one,¡± Lila murmured, tracing circles into the dead grass patch she was sitting next to.

    ¡°Alright, so, plan of action, then, should be to wait it out for a bit,¡± Elise declared. ¡°Feel the excitement of a crush without any expectations while you sus out when he¡¯s feeling better about the whole Holly situation, or if you can help him.¡±

    Lila absorbed Elise¡¯s suggestion for a moment before looking back up at both her friends. ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Lila smiled.

    ¡°I can see why you didn¡¯t want Isaac or Asher around for this conversation,¡± Grace smiled back. ¡°Want a carrot stick with hummus?¡±

    <hr>

    Lunch with Isaac, Asher, Elise, and Grace was another carefree event. Asher didn¡¯t ask to speak with Lila alone this time, though every time their eyes connected, Lila felt like she¡¯d lost the capacity to speak anyway. Telling Grace and Elise about her crush on Asher seemed to have confirmed her feelings even more, and it was messing with her bodily functions during lunch. Isaac and Elise drove most of the conversations today, with Isaac¡¯s nerves about his first shift finally fully surfacing. Surprisingly, Elise was pretty comforting towards Isaac, though there were a few jokes in between that Isaac would probably fall over during his shift. Apparently, the floors in the back area of Maccas were incredibly slippery.

    Unfortunately for Lila, she had Study and then English with Asher before watching him for his debate. She almost wished she hadn¡¯t said a thing to Grace and Elise, so her body would cooperate with her wishes but it was too late for that now.

    ¡°You seem really quiet today,¡± Asher suddenly said midway through Study, scrutinising Lila over his laptop screen. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila managed to get out. She suddenly wished that he would stop looking at her. ¡°J-Just nervous.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± he smiled at her. ¡°You¡¯ll ace your exams. I know it.¡±

    Lila took a deep breath before nodding. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Though, I¡¯m pretty nervous too,¡± Asher admitted, stretching. He flashed her another grin. ¡°I feel a bit rusty with debating, after all.¡±

    ¡®God, he¡¯s attractive,¡¯ Lila caught herself thinking before shaking her head furiously. If she focused on that, she wouldn¡¯t be able to survive Study or English.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be cheering you on,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to a debate before, so even if you bomb, you¡¯ll do great in my eyes.¡±

    Asher stared at her for a moment, his ears slightly pink.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he mumbled. He turned his attention back to his laptop. Lila attempted and only half-succeeded at studying.

    English was devoted to preparing for their exam next week, which Lila was thankful for. Though she was sitting next to Asher, she at least wasn¡¯t forced to look at him. His proximity, though, made her heart beat furiously in her chest, as though angry she wasn¡¯t even closer to him-

    ¡°Good luck with your exams next week,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s voice cut through Lila¡¯s line of thought, making her jump. ¡°Have a good weekend.¡±

    Their classmates filed out of the classroom, mostly complaining about impending exams.

    ¡°When¡¯s your debate?¡± Lila asked Asher as they packed up, carefully averting her gaze from him.

    ¡°It starts at 6 tonight. Well, we get our topics at 4.45, 5 o''clock. It gives time for St Peters College to arrive. We can hang out in the library until about quarter past 4, then I¡¯ll have to help set up the classroom and talk strats with my teammates.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Lila said, her stomach knotting itself at the thought of sitting with Asher for another hour. She hoped that Asher would want to study ¨C at least then she¡¯d have an excuse to not look at him.

    To her chagrin, as soon as they sat down, Asher launched into an analysis of the book he¡¯d been reading in Lila¡¯s room. It seemed like he was almost finished with it already. Lila briefly wondered when he¡¯d had the time to sleep before finding herself quite engaged in this conversation. The questions Asher was asking were rather thoughtful and intriguing. Being lost in the conversation, rather than Asher¡¯s eyes, helped calm her down, at least.

    They continued as they were for some time, and Lila¡¯s cheeks began to ache from smiling so much. Peeking into Asher¡¯s mind was enthralling, particularly with his infectious enthusiasm as he spoke about the book, his eyes alight with passion. Eventually, their conversation drifted into other topics, with Asher checking in on her study progress for exams with marked interest. Whenever his attention turned to Lila specifically, the butterflies in her stomach emerged, their wings beating forcefully within. She forced herself to remember that, though Asher was her crush, he was also her best friend, which seemed to abate the feelings somewhat so she wasn¡¯t overwhelmed.

    At about 4pm, Asher¡¯s body language changed. He was distinctly jittery, standing up and leaning against the headrest of their booth for a couple of seconds before sitting back down again. He repeated the process several times, though he didn¡¯t break his side of the conversation to account for this behaviour.

    ¡°Forget ¡®pretty nervous¡¯. You seem extremely nervous,¡± Lila said gently after the fifth instance of this routine. He looked at her sharply.

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    Lila looked at him doubtfully and he sighed.

    ¡°Fine. I am. My team haven¡¯t asked me why I quit, but¡­ they know I broke up with Holly. I missed the last few team meetings, actually, even after I came back. I get the feeling that they¡¯re not happy with me.¡±

    ¡°Just try and concentrate on what you enjoy about debating. It might be awkward with your team for now, but you¡¯ll get into the flow quickly,¡± Lila said, trying to sound comforting. Asher exhaled heavily, before checking the time. He leapt up.

    ¡°Shit, I¡¯ve gotta go. We¡¯re in the classroom at the end. You can come by whenever, but people will start sitting down at about 5.45-ish. Snacks are on the first floor,¡± Asher said quickly, pointing at ¡®the classroom at the end¡¯ before leaning in towards Lila. She leaned back to compensate for his sudden closeness, her breath caught in her throat. She blinked up at him and his entire face immediately turned bright red. He hesitated for a second before spinning around and jogging off.

    ¡®What was that about?¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she watched him go. He was shaking his head fiercely before he turned the corner and disappeared. Was there something on her face?

    Lila didn¡¯t want to remain here, twiddling her thumbs, so she ducked off to the bathroom and inspected herself in the mirror. There didn¡¯t seem to be anything wrong with her appearance ¨C well, nothing out of the ordinary, at least. She wandered down to the first floor and saw a few students from Grades 10, 11, and 12 swarming the snack tables, chatting idly. A few more students in Grades 7, 8, and 9 clung to the edges of the room, gripping palm cards with pale, nervous expressions. A few seemed to be desperately reciting whatever was written on their palm cards. The Grade 11 students that Lila could see weren¡¯t people she felt comfortable talking to, so she kept to herself as she observed what was laid out on the snack tables.

    A large collection of individually wrapped muffins and slices was sitting on the end of the biggest table. A few sandwich trays were also here, clearly catered for by Subway. Lila wondered whether Lucas had made these tonight as she selected a chicken sandwich. There were more snacks, including TimTams, but none stood out to Lila. She turned back around, trying not to look at anyone directly. Then, she heard a voice next to her.

    ¡°Hey, Lila.¡±

    She almost threw her sandwich to the ground in reaction to the voice as she jumped, staring wildly to see who was speaking. It was Vi.

    ¡°Oh. Hey, Vi,¡± Lila said after collecting herself. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you did debating.¡±

    ¡°Sure do,¡± Vi nodded. ¡°But I¡¯m just here as the Chairperson today.¡± An awkward silence weighed between the two. Though Vi wasn¡¯t unfriendly to Lila, the fact that they¡¯d hardly said a word to each other before now was painfully obvious.

    ¡°Livi¡¯s setting the room up,¡± Vi said quietly, taking a bite of her apple and cinnamon muffin and being careful not to spill any crumbs on her fiction novel.

    ¡°Livi does debating too?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course she does,¡± Vi replied lightly. ¡°You couldn¡¯t tell? She¡¯s very good at picking up on things people say at short notice. She¡¯s our usual third speaker.¡±

    Lila recalled what Asher had said about the third speaker in debating ¨C that they usually drew the short end of the stick. She wasn¡¯t quite sure what it meant, but she was curious to see how Livi would go in a debate.

    ¡°It¡¯s kinda cute that you guys take the same co-curricular,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you setting up the room?¡±

    ¡°Livi shooed me away,¡± Vi sighed. ¡°She managed to rope in Micah and Frankie to help her, so they didn¡¯t need me. Plus, I can¡¯t be in there while they¡¯re writing their speeches. Anyway, why are you here?¡±

    Lila blushed, wondering what she should say to Vi. If she said she was here to support Asher, surely Vi would tell Livi and Livi wouldn¡¯t let Lila hear the end of it if they saw each other again.

    ¡°Are you here to support Asher?¡± Vi asked after Lila didn¡¯t say anything in response to her question. There was no escaping her fate, it seemed.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied plainly. ¡°He invited me to see a home match. He also said there were snacks.¡±

    Vi laughed, tossing her head back as she did so. Lila couldn¡¯t remember ever seeing Vi laugh, or, if she had, it hadn¡¯t been as genuine as this. Vi pulled herself together and gave Lila a shrewd look.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for Livi¡¯s comments, by the way. The ones she usually makes when you visit us. I know it bothers Asher a whole lot, but you seem to take them like a champ.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologise on behalf of Livi,¡± Lila shook her head to emphasise the point. ¡°I¡¯m not going to deny that it bothers me, but you always try to put a stop to it. Thanks.¡±

    Vi stared at Lila for a moment before stepping closer to her.

    ¡°I can¡¯t say that I¡¯m not curious,¡± Vi said in a low voice, ¡°but, girl to girl, why aren¡¯t you and Asher dating?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like me,¡± Lila replied before biting aggressively into her chicken sandwich. Vi looked at her, clearly astonished.

    ¡°Did he tell you that?¡± Vi asked, her eyes wide.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then how do you know?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ isn¡¯t over his last girlfriend. And he kinda friend-zoned me.¡± Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure why she was telling Vi all this. Was it to get it off her chest?

    Vi pursed her lips. ¡°Do you like him?¡±

    Lila looked around, trying to see if anyone was listening to their conversation. It seemed that no one was even looking in their direction, much less listening in. She noted that the younger grades had disappeared entirely, too.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila whispered, staring down at her sandwich.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, you should go for it.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to push it. It was¡­ a really shitty breakup. Plus, I don¡¯t want to ruin our friendship, either.¡±

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°I see,¡± Vi nodded wisely, tapping the spine of her book. ¡°Have you thought about getting over him by dating someone else? Surely pining after a guy who doesn¡¯t want you is painful. It¡¯s not an unusual tactic and can be pretty successful sometimes.¡±

    Lila snapped her head up, her eyes meeting Vi¡¯s pondering ones.

    ¡°I¡­ kinda did a while ago. But I don¡¯t even know anyone who¡¯d want to date me.¡±

    Vi simply smiled at Lila, though there was an all-knowing air behind that smile. Vi took another bite of her muffin before she swallowed and said, ¡°I¡¯ve gotta go. Thanks for the chat.¡±

    ¡°I hope you guys win the debate,¡± Lila replied hollowly.

    ¡®Date someone else¡­¡¯ Without warning, Livi¡¯s words from when Asher first tried to pay Isaac¡¯s debt shot through her ¨C ¡°Asher¡¯s not even interested, otherwise they¡¯d be dating right now. Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    She didn¡¯t want to consider that Livi might¡¯ve been right, but¡­ perhaps she was. If Asher wanted to, he would¡¯ve asked Lila out by now, right? Plus, with what he said to Isaac, and how he¡¯d spoken to Clare about Lila, and the fact that he was still struggling with Holly¡­

    ¡®And¡­ he¡¯s the Dux. There¡¯s no way in hell that someone like me measures up. Holly was way more in his league,¡¯ Lila thought to herself gloomily. They were compatible as friends, but nothing more. He probably didn¡¯t want to date Lila because he knew that he could get better. Besides, with how the Holly situation went down, surely his standards would be much higher?

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed, jolting her out of her thoughts. She pulled it out ¨C it was an alarm for 5.40 that she¡¯d set after Asher had left her to set up. Had she been standing out here, spacing out for that long? She turned the alarm off and slipped her phone back into her pocket.

    ¡®May as well sit down¡­¡¯

    She walked towards the ¡®classroom at the end¡¯ and found a paper stuck to the glass door marked ¡®Year 11 Debating - Group A¡¯. The classroom next to it was marked ¡®Year 11 Debating - Group B¡¯. Asher had neglected to tell her which group he was in.

    Panic flooded through Lila as she looked through the door of the Group A classroom. There were students from a different school ¨C St Peters, judging by the red and grey uniforms. They were rapidly writing on small pieces of paper, deep in concentration. In the Group B classroom, she saw some people from her cohort, also deep in concentration, but no Asher. Was he in Group A, then?

    Asher had said that she could sit in the classroom at this time. But the occupants of both looked far too busy to be disturbed. It was probably against the rules to sit in while they were working before the debate, especially if even Vi hadn¡¯t been allowed to be with her team despite being part of debating. Lila recalled that Asher said they were only given an hour before the debate to actually write the thing. Was that what they were doing now?

    ¡°Oh, Lila,¡± a voice that carried a strong European accent sounded behind her. Before turning around to check, she had a strong suspicion that it was Mr Barsch.

    She was evidently correct. He was holding a steaming paper cup and a biscuit as he looked at her inquisitively.

    ¡°Hello Mr Barsch,¡± Lila said in relief. Maybe he¡¯d know what group Asher was in.

    ¡°Piqued your interest, have we?¡± he smiled in a parental kind of way before sipping his cup.

    ¡°I¡¯m here to watch Asher,¡± Lila replied, knowing full well it didn¡¯t answer the question. Truthfully, she still didn¡¯t know what debating was, beyond involving public speaking.

    ¡°So, it¡¯s Asher who¡¯s piqued your interest,¡± Mr Barsch¡¯s eyes were glittering with mirth as he watched her squirm slightly. ¡°He¡¯s in Group A. Normally you¡¯d be able to sit in the classroom about now, but St Peters College arrived a bit later than usual. We¡¯re slightly delayed.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for letting me know,¡± Lila said gratefully. She turned around and started heading off to the Group A classroom before Mr Barsch stopped her.

    ¡°I¡¯m not one for idle gossip. But, working in a school such as this means that gossip inevitably floats to my ears,¡± he said with a long-suffering sigh. What kind of gossip was he talking about?

    ¡°I know you and Asher are very close,¡± he added, his smile still on his face. He took another sip before continuing. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a couple things that... well, Asher swore when the topic was given to him. I thought he¡¯d quit again, and we have dead on seven. We already have to borrow someone from the younger grades to be the Chairperson, but I would¡¯ve had to borrow a Grade 12 student for the debate itself if he did that. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°What a vague riddle,¡± Lila responded softly. He gave a short, bark-like laugh before downing the rest of his drink.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re here to support him. His reaction tells me he needs all the support he can get. If even I have heard things, and especially the contents of what I heard, I¡¯m sure his teammates are grilling him now - for a number of reasons. And I''m not convinced that they¡¯re very supportive of him at the moment.¡±

    More riddles. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure of Mr Barsch¡¯s intent in telling her all this, but before she could ask, he checked his watch and crushed his cup.

    ¡°If you¡¯ll excuse me. I¡¯m adjudicating the Grade 10 debate and they¡¯ll be starting in a minute or two. The Grade 11s have about fifteen more minutes.¡±

    Mr Barsch smiled warmly at her again before toddling off in the opposite direction.

    Lila watched him go for a moment before turning towards Group A¡¯s classroom. If they had fifteen minutes to go, then she wouldn¡¯t be able to get inside. She sunk to the floor beside the door, pondering what Mr Barsch had said. ¡®What kind of topic gets that reaction?¡¯ Lila wondered, looking dejectedly at the remainder of her sandwich. She¡¯d figure it out soon enough, at least.

    She nibbled at her sandwich and scrolled through Insta on her phone absently. As she brought her last bite to her mouth, a picture flashed by her eyes. It was posted by Holly.

    Lila held her breath as she desperately scrolled up, hoping her page wouldn¡¯t refresh ¨C it didn¡¯t.

    ¡®Is that¡­ an ultrasound picture?¡¯ Lila thought as she narrowed her eyes, zooming in. It certainly looked like an ultrasound picture, and that was definitely a baby. Along the top left corner was a name ¨C REID, HOLLY L. The caption underneath read, ¡®Can¡¯t wait to meet my baby boy¡¯ with a blue heart next to it. It had 213 likes. That was a whole lot more likes than Lila could even add up in total from her own pictures. Not that she posted much.

    Lila put her phone closer to her face, trying to discern other details from the picture. She could see a whole bunch of numbers and codes that she couldn¡¯t understand, so she opened the comments. There were a lot of love hearts in various colours (mainly blue), a few congratulations in various ways, and a few ¡°Can''t wait to meet him!¡± and ¡°He¡¯s going to be the cutest little man!¡±. But two comments stood out starkly to Lila. One read ¡°How can ur ex not love this baby bean¡± and the other read ¡°Your ex is a coward for leaving his family! But you got this mama. We love and support you.¡±

    ¡®Ex? Are they talking about Asher?¡¯ Lila clicked on the profiles belonging to those comments, but both were private. One clearly belonged to a girl named ¡°R Little¡±, and the other didn¡¯t have any personal details at all. Aside from the cringy nature of the comments, Lila could feel the pettiness within. Was Asher following Holly on social media?

    ¡°You can come in, you know,¡± a clear voice high above Lila said. Lila¡¯s hands slipped and she smacked her nose with her phone. Looking up, she saw Sofia Turner snickering at her. Lila turned red, scrambling to stand up. Sofia sailed into the Group A room with a confidence Lila had never seen Sofia possess, her thick, curly red hair swinging in its ponytail. While Lila didn¡¯t have much to do with Sofia, since they never shared classes, she¡¯d always assumed that Sofia was meek, and definitely not forward in any way. She never saw Sofia outside of the library, at least.

    ¡®Guess I¡¯ll see her in action,¡¯ Lila mused as she made to enter. The St Peters students sat on the left-hand side of the room. Six tables were set up in groups of three, with a single table and chair set up in the wide gap between the sets of three tables. The sets of three tables were slanted slightly so that the tables closest to the middle were also closest to the whiteboard. The chairs were set up so that the six occupants would be facing the audience. A few metres in front of the gap, facing the whiteboard and six tables, was one lonely table. On the whiteboard read the words ¡°TOPIC: THAT ALL PARENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHOOSE THE SEX OF THEIR CHILD¡±.

    Underneath this, towards the left-hand side read ¡°St Peters College ¨C Affirmative¡±, with a list of names beside ¡°First¡±, ¡°Second¡± and ¡°Third¡±. Sofia was writing on the right-hand side of the whiteboard in blue, underneath ¡°Forestglade College ¨C Negative¡± ¨C ¡°First: Sofia Turner¡±, ¡°Second: Abdul Hadley¡± and ¡°Third: Asher Wagner¡±.

    ¡°Sorry, can I get past?¡± someone behind Lila said. She sidled out of the doorway and watched as Abdul, a tall, brown-haired and acne-ridden boy in Lila¡¯s Design class passed her without a second glance. He was always very serious, even when the rest of Design was goofing off, so this behaviour didn¡¯t stand out to Lila. She knew that he was mixed and had felt a kinship on that basis, but that was all she knew about him.

    What did stand out, however, was the overwhelming feeling of anger emanating from Asher as he entered the classroom, his eyes flashing and jaw visibly grinding. With a sinking feeling in her stomach, she knew exactly why he looked that way. His eyes landed on Lila and he closed his eyes, exhaling forcefully.

    ¡°Enjoy,¡± he said tersely before walking off to the free table closest to the gap. Abdul was sitting in the middle of this row, with Sofia at the end. Lila tentatively found a seat in the second row of the audience. Parents and students began to file in, sitting patiently in relative quiet. It wasn¡¯t long before a middle-aged, brunette teacher she didn¡¯t recognise with a short bob sauntered in and sat at the lonely desk facing the two debating teams. She began fussing about with some papers, a stopwatch, and a bell.

    ¡°Who¡¯ll be the timekeeper tonight?¡± the teacher asked, looking towards the St Peters College students. They shrugged, glancing over at the Forestglade College team.

    ¡°Have the Year Nines finished their debate?¡± the teacher asked, checking her watch.

    ¡°My sister Alissa will be here in a minute. We¡¯ve already organised for her to be the Chairperson and Timekeeper,¡± Sofia said politely.

    ¡°Thanks, Sofia,¡± the teacher smiled. She continued to flick through her papers, and eventually an out-of-breath young girl came to the door, accompanied by two other students. The group walked in and Sofia caught the young girl.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ve set a chair and table over here. You have your Chairperson script?¡± she said sweetly, walking with her to the teacher.

    Alissa nodded, still huffing, and collected the bell and stopwatch before sitting down at the table in the middle of the sets of three.

    Lila turned her attention back to Asher, who had his eyes closed again whilst taking several deep breaths. She could see Sofia and Abdul both look at Asher, their faces seeming concerned, but they quickly looked at the teacher in the middle. The teacher stood and introduced herself as both the adjudicator for the debate and as Ms Harris. Ms Harris then indicated for Alissa to start her Chairperson duties. After some housekeeping arrangements, including laying out the expectations of the debaters, and introducing the topic and speakers, she declared that the debate would begin.

    A student named Tom Groves from St Peters started the debate, defining the topic, and artfully ignoring the furious scribbling of Asher¡¯s team. Asher¡¯s face showed that he was listening intently, his previously furious disposition seemingly melting in the face of the debate. Truthfully, Lila was quite interested in what Tom had to say ¨C he was a strong, compelling speaker. Though, at times, he did appear to mix up his thoughts. Occasionally, the bell rang out with declarations of his remaining time, which disrupted his speech for only a second.

    Once he was finished, Alissa announced the next speech was to begin. Sofia stood, and refuted Tom¡¯s definition of the topic at hand. Her voice was clear, like it had been with Lila, and projected very well over the audience. She seemed very self-assured, smiling whenever her point was made. Her rebuttals were ruthless, and her points seemed far more thought out than Tom¡¯s. The bell rang out twice, signalling that Sofia¡¯s time was up, and she graciously stepped back to her chair. The debate carried on in this fashion, with the Chairperson signposting each speech and its timings. Lila watched as the second speakers on both sides rebutted the other team¡¯s points and provided their own.

    Then, the third speaker of St Peters stood. The already-silent atmosphere carried a hint of tenseness as the third speaker, Elijah Brinley, made himself at home with a smirk. He seemed to ooze confidence as he nodded when Ms Harris indicated he could begin.

    His voice commanded the attention of everyone in the room as if it were an order, and his conviction carried though every sentence. If Lila didn¡¯t know that he had only gotten the topic an hour beforehand, and rebuttals just now, she would¡¯ve assumed that this was a topic he¡¯d deeply researched and a speech he¡¯d rigorously rehearsed. He¡¯d also managed to inject wit into his rebuttals, causing a couple of parents to chuckle. She was starting to understand why Asher was so passionate about debating, her mind tossing up between the arguments made by the St Peters and Forestglade teams. She couldn¡¯t decide where she sat, between negative and affirmative sides, though Elijah was very persuasive. All the while, Asher was scribbling rapidly on several notes and swiping those passed along to him by Sofia and Abdul, reading these with intense concentration.

    The bell dinged, indicating it was time for Elijah to wrap up. He did so smoothly, finishing with thanks to the opposing team and a cocky smile. He sat back down at his table, seeming very pleased with himself. Asher frowned as he scrawled something new on a piece of paper before abruptly standing and rifling through his palm cards. His face still seemed tense with anger, though Lila was no longer sure whether that was due to the topic at hand. Lila tried to catch his eye, and he smiled at her. The tenseness appeared to lift from his body and he stretched his shoulders as he waited for Ms Harris to stop writing notes.

    Ms Harris nodded at him to commence, and he did with thanks to the adjudicator, the Chairperson, St Peters, and the audience, just as everyone had before starting their speeches. He paused, looking around the room before giving Lila a quick wink. She wasn¡¯t sure whether it was an intentional wink or an eye twitch, but either way, the knot in her stomach that she¡¯d felt all afternoon tightened even further. Then, Asher tore into the arguments made by the opposition, his voice stable and earnest. Where Elijah was self-assuredly confident, Asher was ruthlessly so ¨C his confidence seemed to come from the strength of his counterarguments, rather than his speaking ability, which built even further as he delved more into his arguments.

    Eventually, though, Asher faltered to a complete halt, gripping his palm cards tightly. Lila sat up, puzzled. He took a shaky breath, before continuing.

    ¡°Though the opposition contests that all parents should be able to choose the sex of their child, this is undeniably an issue that would continue to snowball. The definition accepted by this debate appears to indicate that the decision should be made jointly. What, then, in scenarios whereby one parent is absent for this decision then later appears in court to contest this? If parents, by virtue of the word being plural, are both able to choose the sex, what happens when they disagree? If the decision falls in favour of the p-pregnant¡­ mother. Um. Sorry, I lost my place.¡±

    Asher blinked a few times as he shuffled his palm cards. He glanced at Lila, who smiled at him encouragingly.

    ¡°¡­ Right. What happens when the father disagrees? Or what happens if the decision doesn¡¯t work? Not every medical procedure is guaranteed to work every time. Who bears the cost of court proceedings in relation to this practice ¨C the State, or the parent who disagreed? Court procedures are already lengthy enough, particularly in family court matters.

    ¡°Now, onto my next point. The opposition also stated that in choosing the sex of the child, parents who may carry genes that come alive in certain sexes, due to the DNA carried over by each chromosome, healthier children could be almost guaranteed. The pressure on the medical systems could potentially be reduced immensely. This is a bald claim. In choosing the sex of the child, there is no true way to determine which genes have been passed onto which copy of the sex chromosomes, except in rare circumstances where a parent carries both copies on each of their sex chromosomes. As defined by this debate, this is limited only to choosing the sex of the child. A discriminatory practice that violates the Human Rights this country has worked so hard to establish within each of its States, before the child is even born¡­¡±

    Asher continued on, a small grin on his face as his composure remained intact now. His eyes flickered to Lila every so often, and she was entirely absorbed into his speech. In fact, she could hardly remember that there were other people in the room. He then summarised his team¡¯s main points and closed off with another thank you, just as the bell indicating his time was up dinged.

    ¡°Brilliant work everyone,¡± Ms Harris said approvingly. ¡°Please give me about ten minutes.¡±

    Asher sat back down, seeming relieved that his part was over. Lila saw Sofia and Abdul whisper compliments to Asher, who bashfully accepted with a nod and slight smile. St Peters seemed awfully relaxed as they waited for Ms Harris to finish up what she was doing.

    Once time was up, Ms Harris stood, holding a bundle of papers. She stood in the gap made by the six desks and began to provide general feedback about the debate. Then, she gave out scores to each participant. She took a somewhat dramatic pause before reading out Asher¡¯s score.

    ¡°And, finally, Asher. You did well, as did everyone. Your matter for tonight was a 31, your manner was a 29 and your method was 14. So, all that being said, the Best Speaker for tonight goes to Elijah.¡±

    A smattering of applause sounded from the audience as Elijah stood up and collected his ¡®Best Speaker¡¯ certificate with a smarmy grin.

    ¡°Thank you, Ms Harris,¡± he said smoothly. She nodded at him and he sat back down.

    ¡°The overall winner for tonight¡¯s debate, though it was very close by one point, is St Peters. Well done,¡± Ms Harris announced. Another smattering of applause, this time with more enthusiasm from the St Peters side. Asher held his head in his hands briefly after applauding St Peters.

    ¡°And with that, I declare this debate closed,¡± Alissa announced proudly. Another round of applause later and each speaker stood. They shook hands in a line with each other, like other sportsmanship handshakes in other sports, before the audience began to file out.

    The St Peters team disappeared rather quickly, with everyone else following behind at a moderate pace, with parents discussing the debate with mild interest. Eventually, only Asher, Sofia, Abdul, and Lila remained. Lila watched Sofia and Abdul speak to Asher in hushed whispers as he looked rather deflated and cold, not reacting much to what they said. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she should interrupt, until Sofia looked up, exasperation plain on her face. She gestured for Lila to come forward.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila said hesitantly upon reaching the row of desks Abdul, Sofia, and Asher were still sitting at.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Sofia replied bluntly. ¡°Please talk some sense into him.¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡± Lila queried. Sofia surveyed Lila briefly before sighing.

    ¡°After everything that happened in Term One, you thought no one would notice you and Asher being buddy-buddy in Term Two? Everyone¡¯s kept an eye on you. Even me and I don¡¯t get out much.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Abdul shrugged. ¡°Even me.¡±

    ¡°You do know that I am right here,¡± Asher said curtly, gesturing to himself. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°You are not,¡± Abdul said emphatically as he shook his head.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe what Holly did to you, Asher. I¡¯m so sorry that this was our topic, and your first one after being back on deck,¡± Sofia added softly.

    ¡°You told them?¡± Lila asked, looking down at Asher in surprise. He held his head in his hands again as he nodded.

    ¡°That¡­ was my fault,¡± Sofia said sheepishly. ¡°I let him have it and he got really mad and left, which pretty much meant he had to be third speaker. When he came back ten minutes later, he told us.¡±

    The room fell painfully silent. No one looked at each other, electing instead to inspect various pieces of furniture or languishing palm cards.

    ¡°A-Anyway, now that Lila¡¯s here, hopefully you¡¯ll feel better. Losing a debate isn¡¯t all that bad,¡± Sofia continued, her voice quivering. This was the meek Sofia that Lila had been expecting prior to watching the debate. Seeing the debating side of Sofia was definitely eye-opening.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for messing it up, guys,¡± Asher responded in a bleak whisper, his eyes trained on the palm cards in front of him. ¡°It¡¯s ¡®cause I stumbled.¡±

    ¡°We all stumble, Asher. Plus, you¡¯re just a bit rusty and that was... just not the right topic for you. Next round we¡¯ll crush St Peters,¡± Sofia said empathetically. She glanced at Abdul and Lila before rocking on her feet. ¡°I¡­ wanna check out the snacks before they chuck them away. We¡¯ll see you at the next debating meeting on Thursday morning, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah...¡± Asher nodded, still not looking up. Both Abdul and Sofia simultaneously took their leave with a backwards glance at Lila.

    When the door swung shut, Asher pressed his face and chest down onto the desk with a heavy exhale. Neither Lila nor Asher spoke for a minute or so.

    ¡°I can see why you like debating so much,¡± Lila said simply. Asher made a muffled sound, remaining face-down.

    ¡°Like Sofia said, losing isn¡¯t so bad,¡± Lila tried to say comfortingly. He didn¡¯t react.

    ¡°D-Do you want a snack? Surely, you¡¯re hungry after that,¡± Lila offered. He began to shake his head before stopping. He looked up at her sadly.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. But... I need a couple minutes.¡±

    ¡°Do... you wanna talk about it?¡± Lila asked gently.

    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t really talk about it with Daniel over at yours tomorrow,¡± Asher gave a resigned sigh. ¡°He doesn¡¯t know, does he?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I have no idea what he knows. Before finding out that he¡¯s the Banker, I kinda thought he knew nothing at all about anything, really.¡±

    Asher snorted. Lila grinned at him, pleased that the joke landed. He pressed his lips together before leaning forward on his elbows.

    ¡°You can sit down, you know,¡± he said lightly. Lila promptly dragged a chair from the audience and popped it in front of his desk so they were facing each other.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said once she sat down. He avoided her eyes as he rubbed his slightly stubbled chin. ¡°That¡­ was not a great topic for me. Like Sofia said, I kinda lost my temper and walked off. I actually thought about quitting again, but¡­ then I thought about the fact that you were waiting for me. So¡­ I stayed. And messed it all up.¡±

    Asher groaned into his hands, the frustration he was feeling flowing off him in waves. ¡°You probably know exactly how I¡¯m feeling by now, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°I have a good idea,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Look, it¡¯s clear that neither Sofia nor Abdul blame you. You don¡¯t need to beat yourself up over it. It was a hard topic. Plus¡­ your mind would¡¯ve been preoccupied, at least just a little.¡±

    ¡°You could say that,¡± Asher said glumly, looking at the table now. ¡°I just wish I¡­ wasn¡¯t me. Wasn¡¯t like this. Wasn¡¯t so stupid. I¡¯m not good enough, especially not now. Not where it matters, anyway. I can be the Dux, the goalie, or whatever, but that doesn¡¯t change the shitty person I am. Otherwise, people wouldn¡¯t hurt me like this.¡±

    Lila blinked as she tried to process what Asher was saying.

    ¡°Asher, what-¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s enough of me talking for one day,¡± Asher announced, standing up abruptly. ¡°Let¡¯s grab some food.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Lila insisted, ¡°sit down.¡±

    Asher looked distinctly uncomfortable as he sank back into his chair, avoiding her gaze entirely. His attempt at an escape did not go unnoticed. Usually, he was relatively happy to sit there and talk things through with Lila. Why did he want to run away now?

    ¡°It might sound like I¡¯m obligated to say this, but¡­ what I have to say is something I¡¯d say with my whole chest, in front of anyone who asks,¡± Lila said carefully. ¡°You¡¯re not stupid, and you¡¯re not shitty. People who don¡¯t see your value, or rather don¡¯t see beyond your grades, money, and sporting ability ¨C they¡¯re the ones that are lacking and shitty. I don¡¯t care who they are and what standing they have. I know the Holly situation still stings, and with a topic like this it¡¯s no wonder she¡¯s on your mind. But Holly was awful. She attached herself to you because she thought she could get something out of you ¨C not because she saw your value as a person. I¡¯m not trying to tell you what to do, or how to feel, but¡­ I think you don¡¯t need to dwell on it so much. Thinking about the whys and connecting it to who you are ¨C that¡¯s not helpful as it¡¯s not actually a reflection on you. You¡¯re shaking your head, but I¡¯m being serious.¡±

    Lila sighed deeply before continuing in a strangely shaky voice. ¡°I have no regrets about hanging out with you because you¡¯re great. I¡¯m always amazed when I find out something new about you. Like how quick-thinking you are in debating, and how confident you are despite not having any real time for preparation. Or how, if a book takes your interest, you can¡¯t help yourself from devouring it. And not to mention how kind you are, in helping Daniel even though you found the whole Banker thing morally reprehensible.¡±

    Her nerves were acting up again as she tried to sound normal, rather than like her Dad. She flushed with embarrassment and looked down at her nails as she picked at them, hoping that Asher would say something. When a few seconds passed with nothing, Lila finally looked up at him. He had buried his face in his hands, his ears red. Was he crying?

    ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere, either,¡± Lila added softly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. You¡¯ve well and truly wormed your way into being my best guy friend. I don¡¯t know how that happened, but there¡¯s no reason for me to leave. I, at least, won¡¯t hurt you. I¡­¡±

    Lila faltered. Asher had whipped his head up, his eyes searching hers deeply. Suddenly, the vulnerability in what she¡¯d said to him was hitting her all at once. She tore her eyes away and leaned back in her chair, clearing her throat. She chewed on her lower lip, her heartbeat rushing through her ears so loudly that she wasn¡¯t sure she could hear Asher¡¯s response.

    ¡°I trust you,¡± Asher said in a low voice. ¡°I¡¯ve told you before that I trust you. So, I trust what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    Lila looked up at Asher, locking eyes with him again. The warmth in his eyes, now having said that, set the butterflies in her stomach off as though that gaze alone had lifted the cage holding them back. If the wings were any stronger, she¡¯d probably fly away.

    ¡°I trust you, too,¡± Lila found herself replying quietly. He gaped at her.

    ¡°You do?¡± his voice cracked, and he coughed, as if to try and cover it up.

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Lila said assertively, steadily meeting his gaze. ¡°I told you before that I do.¡±

    Asher laughed. ¡°I thought that was just for our assignment. Obviously, anyone would trust the Dux on a school project. But¡­ I didn¡¯t know that it extended out of that context.¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± Lila nodded firmly. ¡°Has for a long time now.¡±

    The corners of Asher¡¯s lips twitched into a smile. ¡°Thanks Lila. I feel a lot better.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Lila smiled brightly, standing up. ¡°Let¡¯s go raid the snacks.¡±

 Chapter Sixty-Seven

    Chapter Sixty-Seven

    Upon coming home from the debate, armed with several muffins and packets of Smiths chips, Lila noticed a text message from Asher.

    Thanks Lila. I feel a lot better, but I think I need to let it all out still. Dunno how, but thanks, it read.

    You¡¯re welcome, Lila replied. She sent a second message that read, I just told you the truth, though

    I know, Asher replied instantaneously. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight

    Goodnight

    Sure enough, Saturday morning practice seemed to be a very effective outlet for Asher to let off his residual steam. He jogged over upon spotting her in her hockey uniform and wielding her hockey stick on Jacoval.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he grinned, bouncing on his feet as he stood before her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila returned his grin with her own. ¡°I see you¡¯re in high spirits.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s amazing what physical exercise can do,¡± Asher confirmed, still bouncing. ¡°I¡¯ve run a couple laps this morning already.¡±

    ¡°Did you get here early?¡±

    ¡°I always get here early,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°Got nothing else to do in the morning.¡±

    Mr Kovac barked at Asher to get back to his side of the oval and he seemed reluctant to do so. Before he left, he asked whether he¡¯d be going to Lila¡¯s straight after practice.

    ¡°I¡¯d assumed so,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°But if you want to, you can go home first.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head. ¡°I need all the time I can get.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila smiled.

    ¡°Wagner,¡± growled Mr Kovac, beginning to stomp towards Asher.

    ¡°See ya later!¡± Asher called as he sprinted back to his section of the oval, rushing past Mr Kovac like the lashing wind.

    Today, practice was focused on fixing up form and mistakes made in the last match. Their second match would be next week - an away game over at Sandy Lakes. Having beaten Sandy Lakes last game, Lila was cautious to be too optimistic about their chances next week. Sandy Lakes was sure to want revenge, after all.

    Lila was about to trudge off the oval at the end of her gruelling practice when a sweaty, pink Theo called out to her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, a barely perceptible smile on his face. He caught up to her, panting slightly.

    ¡°Hi Theo,¡± Lila replied curiously.

    ¡°How was practice?¡±

    ¡°It was good,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Looks like you worked hard.¡±

    ¡°I work hard all the time,¡± Theo laughed. ¡°Got any plans for the weekend?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, pretty busy since it¡¯s exam week. You?¡±

    Theo glanced at his hands before shoving them in his pockets. ¡°Studying, mainly. But I was wonder-¡±

    ¡°Hey Lila, you ready to go?¡± Asher interrupted their conversation, his eyes narrowed. Lila hadn¡¯t noticed his approach, which unsettled her slightly. Asher stood a metre or so back from Theo, his hands on his hips, his prior good mood suddenly vanishing into a serious expression.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, turning towards the carpark. ¡°Clare¡¯s already here. See you later, Theo.¡±

    Theo gave her a half-hearted wave. ¡°See you on Tuesday.¡±

    ¡°What was Theo talking to you about?¡± Asher asked stiffly once they had walked out of earshot of Theo. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°Seemed like small talk.¡±

    ¡°Small talk¡­¡±

    Without another word, they bundled themselves into Clare¡¯s car, greeting her as they did.

    ¡°Back again, Asher,¡± Clare grinned, adjusting the volume of her music. ¡°Maybe you should date Daniel.¡±

    Lila choked, and Asher began laughing heartily in the backseat. ¡°Yeah, been thinking about it,¡± he replied through chuckles. Lila¡¯s heart dropped for a second ¨C was he serious?

    Clare didn¡¯t seem to think so as she cackled, pulling out of the carpark.

    ¡°Unfortunately though,¡± Asher added, ¡°I am very straight.¡±

    ¡®Yeah, dummy,¡¯ Lila admonished herself, shaking her head. ¡®Isaac told you that.¡¯

    Lila saw Clare give her a sideways glance before smirking and turning the music back up. It wasn''t long before they arrived home, partially owing to Clare¡¯s refusal to slow down around corners.

    ¡°Mum and Dad are just doing some shopping,¡± Clare announced as she put the car into park. ¡°Bedroom door open, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know. Not like anything would happen anyway,¡± Lila grumbled, forcefully dislodging her hockey stick from where it got caught under her seat. She¡¯d almost whacked Asher in the stomach with it, had he not dodged out of the way in time.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila said sheepishly. He shook his head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said, his voice strangely tight. They took their shoes off outside as they were full of grass. Asher made a beeline for the stairs. Clare watched him go, shaking her head.

    ¡°Lila, you dummy,¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ll pour you some juice.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d I do?¡± Lila asked, taken aback.

    ¡°Shot down your chance before it could even happen.¡±

    ¡°Chance for what?¡± Lila snapped as she followed Clare into the kitchen. Clare just shook her head again.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna meddle. I¡¯ve been on a no-meddling streak for ages now. I¡¯m not about to break it for something you could easily figure out. Careful you don¡¯t spill these.¡±

    Lila swapped her hockey stick for three cups of juice and slowly ascended the stairs. She knocked on Daniel¡¯s door with her knee and he opened it.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯ve been dragged through a field,¡± he observed drily, accepting two cups of juice.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila rolled her eyes. ¡°Do you need me today?¡± She looked behind Daniel¡¯s right shoulder and saw Asher already deep in concentration at his desk.

    ¡°Nah. Go have a shower, you stink,¡± Daniel ordered, scrunching his nose in disgust. Lila heard Asher snort and quickly turned on her heel.

    ¡°Okay, hygiene police. Damn,¡± Lila huffed, shutting Daniel¡¯s door swiftly. A shower didn''t sound half-bad, though...

    Lila rummaged through her closet to find something to wear, settling on a baggy t-shirt and tracksuit pants. She made sure to bring these with her to the bathroom. There was no way she was going to walk from the shower to her room in just a towel or get changed in her room with the door open while Asher was here.

    The bathroom was closest to Daniel¡¯s room, so she kept as quiet as she could to not disturb Asher. The hot water soaked into her skin and she sighed in relief. It helped to reset her focus, and upon stepping outside the shower, she almost felt excited to get stuck into her study. She dressed in her t-shirt and tracksuit pants and left the steaming bathroom, humming lightly to herself. The cold air within the house lapped at her face and she thought she heard voices behind Daniel¡¯s door. Asher was probably talking him through his calculations.

    The rest of the day passed in generally uninterrupted study ¨C though her Mum did come in to deliver a humble lunch of fried rice with spam for lunch. Eventually, Asher appeared in her doorway.

    ¡°Boo,¡± he said with a knock. It pulled her out of her concentration, and she spun around in her chair.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she smiled. ¡°Are you done for the day?¡±

    Asher sighed. ¡°For the day, yeah. I can¡¯t look at another number anymore. But I¡¯m actually here to tell you it¡¯s time for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, stretching. She followed Asher out of the room and downstairs. Her Mum, Dad, Clare, and Daniel were already seated, dishing out some lasagna.

    ¡°Smells delicious,¡± Asher said as he took a seat. Lila¡¯s Mum beamed at him.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she replied. Dinner finished in a flash, with polite small talk about studies and the winter chill accompanying the lasagna. The siblings and Asher climbed up the stairs once it was over, though Asher pulled Clare and Lila aside before either could go into their rooms again.

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    ¡°Can you just wait here a second?¡± he asked in a low voice. Clare and Lila exchanged a bemused look whilst Asher disappeared into the depths of Daniel¡¯s room. He returned quickly, brandishing an envelope.

    ¡°Gabriel said it was fine,¡± he whispered, pressing the envelope into Clare¡¯s hand. ¡°He¡¯s already paid for it. This is for your records, ¡®cause of the demerit points.¡±

    ¡°Oh my God, thank you!¡± Clare exclaimed, punching Asher on the arm in excitement.

    ¡°Ow,¡± he winced, though his face was alight in a playful grin. ¡°Don¡¯t thank me, though. Gabriel paid it.¡±

    ¡°You asked for me, though,¡± Clare said, tapping his head with the envelope. ¡°You¡¯re not half-bad, kid.¡± Clare then turned to Lila and winked. ¡°You can make more friends like Asher.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a weird way to say you accept him,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°Besides, he¡¯s one-of-a-kind. Don¡¯t think there¡¯s other friends out there who are your bosses¡¯ kinda-family. Asher doesn¡¯t even have siblings.¡±

    ¡°How lonely,¡± Clare sighed, though there was an air of dreaminess about this statement that made Lila narrow her eyes. ¡°Anyway, thanks again, Asher. I¡¯ve gotta get ready for work.¡±

    ¡°You work?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice carried over to the trio, his head poking out of his doorway. Clare closed her eyes, as if trying to pull herself together.

    ¡°Sure do,¡± she said tersely, giving Daniel a stern look. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Mum and Dad. They don¡¯t need to know that I¡¯m working.¡±

    Daniel met Lila¡¯s eyes before smirking. ¡°My lips are sealed.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Clare grinned at Daniel before closing herself in her room.

    Lila glanced at Asher. ¡°When¡¯re you leaving?¡± she asked quietly.

    ¡°About twenty minutes or so. Marlene¡¯s about to come get me,¡± Asher replied, checking his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow, though. Well, if you¡¯ll have me.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Have you gotten far with it?¡±

    ¡°Could you guys, like, move along somewhere?¡± Daniel interrupted them with a sense of urgency in his tone. ¡°Mum and Dad might come upstairs.¡±

    ¡°Right, sorry,¡± Lila said, backing into her room. Asher pressed his lips together for a split second before looking at Daniel.

    ¡°I-¡± Asher began before Daniel shook his head.

    ¡°Twenty minutes won¡¯t get me much, I know that already,¡± Daniel said plainly. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just don¡¯t shout about it.¡±

    Daniel snapped the door to his room shut.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we can talk in my room,¡± Lila said after a moment. They both entered her room and Lila sat on the edge of her bed. Asher sank into Lila¡¯s desk chair, the backrest on his chest.

    ¡°Back to the question,¡± Asher said, frowning at the floor. ¡°I haven¡¯t finished going through his maths and it¡¯s all checked out so far¡­ but¡­¡±

    ¡°But?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s something off about it. I just can¡¯t put my finger on it. I¡¯ll need to finish going through the numbers then rip it apart and start from the ground up.¡±

    ¡°Will that take long?¡±

    Asher looked at her briefly before grinning widely, his eyes sparkling with confidence. ¡°Not with me doing it. I¡¯m still on track to getting this done by Wednesday.¡±

    ¡°Even with your exams?¡±

    Asher stretched his arms high above his head. ¡°¡¯Course.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t sacrifice your grades for this,¡± Lila chastised. He stared at her for a moment before smiling, resting his chin on his right hand.

    ¡°Concerned for me?¡± he asked playfully.

    ¡°Well, if you¡¯re going to spend your whole weekend here instead of studying, I guess I am,¡± Lila replied, crossing her arms.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry,¡± Asher shook his head. ¡°I study throughout the term. Plus, I¡¯ve already done a couple practice exams for each of my subjects and prepared my flashcards.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really diligent, aren¡¯t you,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°Have to be,¡± Asher shrugged.

    ¡°What time are you coming over? Tomorrow, I mean.¡±

    ¡°I was thinking ten. Is that too early?¡±

    ¡°Might be early for Daniel, but I¡¯ll be awake.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring some study materials then, since you¡¯re fretting so much,¡± Asher gave her a cheeky grin and she tossed a cushion at him, which he dodged. It landed neatly on her desk and they both chuckled.

    ¡°How are you feeling, by the way?¡± Lila asked seriously, leaning backwards on her bed, propped up by her hands. ¡°After yesterday.¡±

    Asher sighed, shuffling his feet along the floor briefly. ¡°A lot better, but¡­ I¡¯m still annoyed at myself.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re feeling better,¡± Lila said simply. ¡°I would¡¯ve been more surprised if you said you weren¡¯t annoyed at yourself anymore.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, I guess,¡± Asher chuckled. Then, he looked at Lila intently. ¡°It¡­ I¡¯m mainly frustrated at myself that I¡¯m still not over the Holly situation. I¡¯ve lost debates before, and while I¡¯d hoped to knock it out of the park with you watching, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯re putting too much pressure on yourself to get over the Holly situation,¡± Lila said sharply, sitting up properly. ¡°Just let it happen. You¡¯re allowed to grieve a relationship, you know. Sure, she was shitty in the end, and a cheater, but you still seemed¡­ in l-love.¡±

    Lila looked away from Asher, tears suddenly welling in her eyes and a severe stinging sensation in her chest. She closed her eyes to stem the tears, but the pain within her chest only grew. Was Asher still in love with Holly, even after everything? Or was he just trying to come to terms with what she¡¯d done to him?

    ¡°I¡­ wish I didn¡¯t have to,¡± Asher whispered. ¡°I still sometimes think it¡¯s a bad dream, or that we broke up because we were better off as friends or something. I¡¯ve never been so humiliated in my life. Sometimes, the pain feels worse than losing Mum, and if I catch myself thinking that, I hate myself even more.¡±

    Lila suddenly stood in front of Asher before her mind could catch up with what she was doing. She placed her hands on his shoulders, and his eyes jumped to hers.

    ¡°Don¡¯t beat yourself up about that,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°Both of those things that you¡¯re going through, with all the painful feelings that go with it, can each have their own space. They both deserve to be worked through and felt, alright? They¡¯re big things, and if one feels worse than the other, it doesn¡¯t mean either are less important to you. Talking it through can help, though.¡±

    His face turned a bright red colour, but he didn¡¯t look away from her eyes. Lila felt that perhaps he was seeking permission from them ¨C that if he felt she was earnest enough, he didn¡¯t need to feel as guilty anymore. He seemed to be leaning closer to Lila¡¯s face ¨C was that to get a better gauge? Lila¡¯s breathing felt strangely heavy-

    ¡°Oi, you better not be kissing,¡± Clare¡¯s voice made Lila leap away from Asher, her face a brilliant shade of scarlet. Her hands flew up to her face to hide it, and she turned towards the doorway.

    ¡°W-We wouldn¡¯t do anything like that,¡± Lila finally managed to say, looking at Clare from behind her hands.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Clare replied shortly. She was dressed in a plain black t-shirt and jeans, a bulging tote bag on her shoulder. The only hint that Clare was about to go out was her makeup, which was reminiscent of an ice queen by the silver and blue glittery eyeshadow. Was it another themed night? ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m off. See you tomorrow, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Bye,¡± Asher replied, a hint of an emotion Lila couldn¡¯t quite identify within his farewell. Was he disappointed Clare was leaving?

    ¡°Mum and Dad will be up soon,¡± Clare added, giving Lila a serious look. ¡°You guys better leave space for Jesus.¡±

    ¡°Like I said,¡± Lila dropped her hands, her voice hot with anger. ¡°We-¡±

    ¡°You should probably stop saying things,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°Remember what I said downstairs when we got home?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything?¡±

    Clare rolled her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re denser than a brick wall. Anyway, can¡¯t be late. Bye!¡±

    Clare rushed out of the doorway, and Lila heard her scurrying down the stairs, keys jangling.

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Lila mumbled, flopping back onto her bed in a seated position. ¡°She¡¯s so embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t think anything would happen?¡± Asher asked quietly. Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat. She didn¡¯t want to look at Asher, so fell backwards onto her bed, staring instead at the cornices on her ceiling. Truthfully, there was nothing more that Lila wanted than for something to happen. But, with how Asher was still struggling with Holly, it was unlikely that anything could happen. Lila needed to be realistic to avoid disappointment, at least. ¡®Besides, he¡¯d need to like me enough to want to do something,¡¯ Lila thought to herself. ¡®As if he would.¡¯

    ¡°I-¡± Lila began to say, her voice shaky.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Asher cut her off quickly. ¡°Forget I asked.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together, tears prickling her eyes again. A yearning ache filled the spot where the sharp stinging had once been, her breathing weighing down her chest. She placed an arm over her eyes, pressing into them to stop her tears from forming, which worked. The silence between them stretched on for a minute or so, but Lila couldn¡¯t think of anything to say or do to break it.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m bringing lunch tomorrow, and a dessert for after dinner,¡± Asher eventually said.

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila asked, still not removing her arm from her eyes. ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll find out. Don¡¯t worry, though, I¡¯m not making it just by myself.¡±

    Lila rose from the bed, looking excitedly at Asher. ¡°You¡¯re cooking?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied bashfully, his face pink whilst he scratched at his chin. ¡°I wanted to give it a go.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait,¡± Lila beamed at him, her worries disappearing in the face of food prepared by Asher. What would it taste like? Lila threw out various guesses, like pasta, or sandwiches, or stir fry, but Asher shot them all down.

    ¡°You¡¯ll never guess,¡± he said with a nod. ¡°You¡¯ll just have to wait until tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°No fair,¡± Lila pouted. He smirked at her.

    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise. Just make sure to tell your parents, in case they were planning on making lunch.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you can tell them yourself,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°You¡¯re going to pass them on the way out.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face faded entirely from its pink colour to a pale one. ¡°I-I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°My parents aren¡¯t that scary. Plus, you¡¯re the one bringing it over,¡± Lila insisted.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m suddenly terrified of the eventuality that they¡¯ll hate it.¡±

    ¡°What, are ya trying to impress them?¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯d be more accurate to say that I¡¯m trying to not unimpress them.¡±

    Asher¡¯s suddenly hand darted to his pocket, and he pulled out his phone. Sighing, he stood up from Lila¡¯s chair. ¡°Marlene¡¯s here.¡±

    Lila stood as well and led Asher outside her room. She knocked on Daniel¡¯s door and he popped his head out again.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Asher!¡± he said happily. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I told you.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d you tell him?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher interjected, steering Lila away from Daniel by her shoulders. ¡°See you tomorrow, Daniel.¡±

    Lila heard Daniel snicker before shutting his door. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t ¡®nothing¡¯. She made a mental note to bully the information from Daniel later. Asher let go of Lila¡¯s shoulders and they both descended the staircase.

    ¡°Going already?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked from the living room once they made it to the first floor. Asher¡¯s body stiffened as Lila¡¯s parents approached.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Asher stammered, looking at Lila with desperate eyes. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll be back tomorrow,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°Said he¡¯ll bring some lunch and dessert for dinner.¡±

    Lila heard Asher breathe a heavy sigh of relief. Lila¡¯s parents exchanged a look before beaming at Asher.

    ¡°Sounds great,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, clapping Asher on the shoulder. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°I-I wanted to, since you¡¯ve been feeding me,¡± Asher replied, shaking his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m excited to see what it is,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum smiled, before gesturing to Asher¡¯s soccer boots by the entryway. It seemed that Lila¡¯s Mum had cleaned both Lila¡¯s and Asher¡¯s sets of sports shoes. Asher¡¯s eyes grew wide and he graciously thanked Lila¡¯s Mum, stumbling over his words.

    ¡°Y-You didn¡¯t have to clean these for me,¡± he managed to say, slipping them on. ¡°T-Thank you, they¡¯re perfect.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum smiled at him again. ¡°It¡¯d be a shame for me to send you home with so much mud and grass on your shoes. Besides, your family have been taking care of this one for a while,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum ruffled Lila¡¯s hair and pinched her cheek as she said this. ¡°Say hello to Tabitha, for me.¡±

    Asher fell over the pile of shoes in the entryway. Lila immediately rushed to him, offering a hand which he didn¡¯t seem to notice. His face was a ghostly white, and he tentatively stood, trembling.

    ¡°I-I will,¡± he said hoarsely, looking towards the front door rather than Lila¡¯s parents. They seemed satisfied with this and retreated to the living room. Asher distractedly put his shoes back on, attempting to put his right foot in his left shoe twice. Once he was finally ready, Lila swiftly unlocked the door and stepped outside with him. He was still obviously quivering. Lila could hear Marlene¡¯s car idling in the driveway, but there was otherwise no noise whatsoever outside. Her mind filled with many thoughts (mainly featuring concern about Asher, and her Mum¡¯s reference to Tabitha) which complemented the silence as she shut the door behind them and turned to Asher.

    ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, catching his eyes within her own.

    ¡°Y-Yup, peachy,¡± he said distractedly, glancing at Marlene¡¯s car. ¡°Once¡­ the holidays start. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila gritted her teeth. She knew exactly what that meant. It was time to break into the cottage.

    ¡°Let¡¯s. See you tomorrow, Asher.¡±

    He nodded, clenching his jaw briefly. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter Sixty-Eight

    Chapter Sixty-Eight

    Lila was eating a bowl of milo cereal, half-awake, in the kitchen when a firm knock on the front door interrupted her. She glanced at the plastic clock hanging up on the wall ¨C 10 o¡¯clock, on the dot. Sighing, Lila stretched before crossing the hallway to open the door.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Asher said brightly. He held a large, white baking dish covered with alfoil, and a smaller baking dish also covered with alfoil. A backpack was slung over his shoulder, and he looked rather relaxed in his casual t-shirt and shorts.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold?¡± Lila asked, standing aside to let him in. He handed her the dishes, which felt much heavier than she¡¯d expected, and took off his shoes.

    ¡°Nah,¡± he said nonchalantly. ¡°But I do have a jumper in my bag in case I need it.¡±

    Lila curiously carried the dishes to the kitchen and put them on the counter.

    ¡°They can both go in the fridge,¡± Asher said, opening said fridge for her. ¡°I¡¯ll need to come down a little bit before lunch to put that one in the oven, though. I also have rice in my backpack.¡±

    ¡°Sounds very mysterious,¡± Lila said playfully, extracting the containers of rice from his backpack. ¡°Care to enlighten me?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to get your hopes up and tell you what it is now. I made it myself, remember? Well, Gabriel supervised me. But it was mainly me.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine,¡± Lila relented after packing everything away. She grabbed her bowl of cereal and spooned some in her mouth.

    ¡°Did I interrupt your breakfast?¡±

    ¡°A bit, yeah. But Daniel¡¯s still out cold. Same with Clare. Mum and Dad are probably up, but just hanging out in their room.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I see.¡±

    ¡°You can sit down,¡± Lila gestured to a chair. He did so as she inhaled the rest of her milo and milk. She rinsed her bowl, and leant back on the sink, appraising Asher. He seemed cheery, but there was something about the darkness of his undereye circles that hinted that he was putting on airs.

    ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡± Lila asked carefully, turning to the cupboard housing the cups and pulling out two for juice.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Asher mumbled. Lila nodded, not believing him in the slightest. If she had to guess, it was likely due to her Mum¡¯s innocent comment about Tabitha.

    ¡°Do you wanna go upstairs?¡± she suggested quietly, packing away the juice.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Armed with their cups of juice, they trod up the stairs as softly as they could. No one opened their doors to see what was going on, so Lila thought it was pretty successful. She let Asher enter her room before her and hesitated, her heart pounding like a taiko drum in her chest. Should¡­ she close the door?

    ¡°I finished this book, by the way,¡± Asher said conversationally, pulling out one of Lila¡¯s books from his bag. She decided to partially close it ¨C enough so that their voices wouldn¡¯t carry as far, but also so passersby could easily see inside. It was a bit annoying to have such a rule, especially since it wasn¡¯t as though Lila and Asher were dating, but there was no sense in breaking it. Daniel still needed help, and considering that Lila didn¡¯t have to abide by many rules, not rocking the boat was the least she could do.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila warmly replied, taking it from Asher¡¯s hands and replacing it on her bookshelf. ¡°Enjoyed the ending?¡±

    ¡°Nuh,¡± Asher snorted. ¡°But that¡¯s only because of the stupid cliffhanger. You don¡¯t happen to have the sequel, do you?¡±

    Lila squatted before her bookshelf and selected the sequel, waving it above her so he could take it. ¡°Here.¡±

    ¡°Sick¡­¡± Asher said approvingly. He sat on Lila¡¯s desk chair again, reading the blurb. Lila sat down on her bed, folding her legs underneath her. His eyes were moving so quickly down its back, Lila was convinced he would¡¯ve absorbed nothing.

    ¡°You read really quick,¡± Lila commented.

    ¡°Huh? Oh, yeah. They took a group of us that seemed to have a good aptitude for speed reading classes in, like, Grade 5? 6 maybe? They taught us how to speed read, at least, and ever since then, I read a bit faster than most. I don¡¯t actively try and speed read, though,¡± Asher said absently, turning the book over and looking at its cover.

    ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    ¡°I could teach you.¡±

    Lila met Asher¡¯s eyes, which appeared to be gazing at her apprehensively.

    ¡°It does sound like an interesting skill to have,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Maybe after exams.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Asher grinned, turning his attention back to the book. ¡°Thanks for this.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡±

    Lila pressed her hands together in her lap as he continued to look at the book in his hands.

    ¡°Do you need your desk, by the way?¡± he asked suddenly, glancing at her.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good for now,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head to illustrate the point. She bit her bottom lip, her mind flying to Holly¡¯s recent post on Instagram. She had been thinking about it on and off over the weekend. Had Asher seen it? If he hadn¡¯t seen it, should she tell him about it?

    Lila pulled out her phone, flicking to Insta and searching for Holly¡¯s profile. The ultrasound photo was still up. She opened all the comments under the post, and the two comments regarding the ¡®ex¡¯ were there as well. Both had received around 10 likes or so. If there was something that Lila had learned from Piper¡¯s gossiping last term, a good portion of Forestglade College students knew Holly ¨C and even more knew about Holly now.

    ¡®Even if Asher hasn¡¯t seen this yet¡­ he¡¯ll hear about it next week,¡¯ Lila thought with a deep sigh. If the commenters were talking about Asher, then Holly was clearly purporting that Asher was the father and had dumped her after getting her pregnant. Lila had heard a few comments here and there about Asher breaking up with Holly, but she wasn¡¯t too sure whether it was well-known throughout their cohort that it had happened. The expression on Asher¡¯s face when Lila had said that Elise and Grace found out Holly was pregnant was not easily forgotten, either. It would inevitably be ten times worse if the whole grade found out and thought it was Asher¡¯s¡­

    ¡°I¡­¡± Lila started to say before finding that her throat was very dry. Asher looked up at her curiously.

    ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ was wondering,¡± Lila whispered after taking a sip of her juice. Asher placed the book on Lila¡¯s desk and rolled the chair closer to Lila.

    ¡°Wondering what?¡± he asked, concern furrowing his brow. Lila gulped, her heart dipping in her chest as she realised how close he was to her. She looked away, hoping her blush wasn¡¯t obvious.

    ¡°A-Are you¡­ on Instagram?¡± she asked finally, taking a deep breath.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t opened it for a while. Why?¡± Asher asked, pulling out his phone.

    ¡°I saw something before the debate,¡± Lila said in a low voice, looking up at Asher. ¡°Something Holly posted.¡±

    His face immediately paled. ¡°What did you see?¡±

    ¡°I-It was an ultrasound picture. B-But that wasn¡¯t all that I saw¡­ it seems like¡­ she¡¯s been telling people it¡¯s yours.¡±

    Asher stood up, knocking the chair over. ¡°What?¡± he spat, his eyes flashing. Lila wordlessly showed him her phone, which he forcefully took. A scowl etched itself onto his face and he gave the phone back to Lila, exhaling loudly. Lila was almost convinced that steam would come out of his ears.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure if I should tell you,¡± Lila added in a small voice as Asher began to pace, his breathing growing heavier with each step. ¡°But I figured¡­ after the whole Piper thing¡­ basically everyone at school knows who Holly is. It¡¯d¡­ come back to you eventually.¡±

    Asher stopped pacing, squeezing his eyelids shut tightly. ¡°¡­ Thanks for telling me,¡± he managed to say before pressing into his eyes with his hands.

    ¡°W-What¡¯re you going to do?¡±

    ¡°Ignore them,¡± Asher said defiantly, throwing his right hand into his hair. ¡°If I ignore them, they¡¯ll go away.¡±

    ¡°We tried that.¡±

    ¡°I know. But Piper¡¯s not at school anymore. So, they¡¯ll go away now.¡±

    ¡°And if they don¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re you guys talkin¡¯ about in here?¡± Daniel¡¯s sleepy voice drifted through the open doorway as he shuffled in, rubbing his eyes.

    ¡°Nothing you need to know about,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°Did we wake you?¡±

    Daniel nodded. ¡°Yeah. But it¡¯s alright. Lemme just shower.¡±

    Daniel shuffled away again, closing his door with a snap. Asher reset Lila¡¯s chair and sat back down, a hand on his forehead.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± he mumbled. ¡°I¡¯m a pro at ignoring rumours.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily a good thing,¡± Lila pointed out.

    ¡°It¡¯s a fortunate side effect,¡± Asher said humourlessly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Besides, with exams, hardly anyone is going to be in the mood to gossip.¡±

    Lila held back from refuting this. Gossiping was almost exactly the favoured pastime of students during exam block to blow off steam. But if this was what Asher wanted to do¡­ then Lila couldn¡¯t argue.

    ¡°Sorry for bringing it up,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I know it¡¯s still painful.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather you tell me than me getting thrown into it at school without warning,¡± Asher responded seriously. ¡°Thanks. I hate it. But thanks.¡±

    Asher picked up the book again and began leafing through the first couple of pages. He gripped the edges with trembling hands, but Lila decided to leave him alone for now. He needed time to process. Eventually, Daniel arrived to take Asher away and he put down the book, checking the time on his phone.

    ¡°I¡¯ll come grab you at lunchtime,¡± he said softly to Lila.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled, moving over to her desk. ¡°Can¡¯t wait.¡±

    He chuckled in response before leaving. Lila pulled out her study materials and was absorbed until Asher reappeared behind her a couple hours later. Lila¡¯s mouth began to water as she realised that a familiar scent was emanating from the kitchen. She spun around in her chair to face him, her head tilted in confusion.

    ¡°Is that¡­ adobo?¡±

    He looked chuffed with himself as he grinned widely at her. ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s amazing!¡± Lila couldn¡¯t hide her excitement as she bounded downstairs behind Asher.

    ¡°I had help from Gabriel, of course,¡± Asher laughed as they entered the kitchen. Lila¡¯s Mum was busy dishing out the adobo into plates of steaming rice.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to-¡± Asher said hurriedly, his voice on the verge of panic. Lila¡¯s Mum shook her head.

    ¡°Everyone helps each other out,¡± she said simply, taking a deep sniff. ¡°Besides, this smells too good to leave alone.¡±

    Asher and Lila helped bring the plates to the dining room where Daniel, Clare and Lila¡¯s Dad were eagerly waiting.

    ¡°You made this?¡± Clare asked incredulously as she poked at a sticky piece of chicken with her fork.

    ¡°I had help,¡± Asher said bashfully. ¡°Please, dig in. And if it¡¯s bad, you can blame Gabriel.¡±

    Clare snorted especially loudly before shovelling some food into her mouth. Almost at once, everyone began complimenting Asher for the food. It had the right amount of tang balancing against sweet and savoury flavours.

    ¡°Mum doesn¡¯t make adobo chicken often,¡± Clare said conversationally before turning to look at her Mum. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°I prefer making tocino,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said plainly. ¡°But maybe I should make this more. It¡¯s delicious.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s tocino?¡± Asher asked, swallowing. Lila and Clare gasped in horror.

    ¡°It¡¯s Lila¡¯s favourite,¡± Clare explained, whilst Lila tutted, shaking her head in disappointment at Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to make it for dinner,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum smiled. ¡°It¡¯s pork.¡±

    ¡°Mum makes it with pineapple juice,¡± Lila said enthusiastically, nearly bouncing out of her seat. ¡°You¡¯ll love it!¡±

    Once lunch was over, Daniel led the way upstairs with Asher and Lila trailing behind.

    ¡°That was really good,¡± Daniel muttered once they reached the landing. ¡°Thanks, Asher.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you all liked it,¡± Asher replied with a grin. ¡°I was kinda worried I¡¯d messed it up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you even knew what it was. Filipino food isn¡¯t that widely available,¡± Daniel replied, opening the door to his room. Asher¡¯s face turned pink as he glanced at Lila.

    ¡°I did some research,¡± he said, coughing slightly. ¡°Anyway, back to the books.¡±

    Daniel shut the door behind them and Lila retreated to her room. The fact that Asher had researched Filipino food and even made some for her family really touched her. If she didn¡¯t have a crush on him before, she definitely would¡¯ve after that. Lila was also certain that his efforts touched her Mum and Dad, too.

    ¡®He¡¯s such a great guy,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she settled back into her desk. ¡®I don¡¯t know why Holly threw him away like that¡­¡¯ Without meaning to, Lila briefly wondered how much effort Asher would put in if they were to date, given the amount of effort he¡¯d put in already with her family¡­

    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

    Heart beating furiously in her chest, Lila threw herself into her work as a distraction. Fantasizing about something that wouldn¡¯t happen would just get her hopes up.

    As promised, dinner consisted of tocino, which Asher gobbled up with fervour.

    ¡°This is so good,¡± his eyes glittered with delight as he looked at Lila¡¯s Mum. ¡°Like, I think this is my new favourite.¡±

    ¡°Where did you find this boy, Lila?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said playfully, a hand to her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re very kind.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m very serious,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°This is really good, Mrs Moloney.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m curious what¡¯s for dessert,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum countered, looking at Asher with a warm smile.

    ¡°I made some leche flan,¡± Asher replied, taking a sip of water. ¡°I hope you like it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s my favourite,¡± Daniel declared incredulously, his fork dropping to his plate. ¡°Did you know that?¡±

    ¡°I do now,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°Hope it lives up to your expectations.¡±

    After dinner, Lila went into the kitchen with her Mum to dish out pieces of leche flan to everyone.

    ¡°Lila, that boy is something else,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said in a low voice. ¡°He¡¯d make a great son-in-law.¡±

    ¡°Mum,¡± Lila groaned. ¡°Nothing like that is happening, or will happen.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum pouted. ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to,¡± Lila said quietly, watching a piece of flan jiggle on a dessert plate. Lila¡¯s Mum tutted.

    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum smiled affectionately at her. ¡°The way he looks at you tells me he does.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. ¡°We¡¯re best friends,¡± she finally forced out, collecting enough spoons for everyone. ¡°That¡¯s what you¡¯re seeing.¡±

    She didn¡¯t wait for her Mum to answer as she carried plates of flan out to her family and Asher. Lila¡¯s Mum soon followed, a cheeky smile on her face. The caramel flavour combined with the silkiness of the flan delighted everyone at the table, who complimented Asher again. He accepted the praise with a sheepish grin and helped bring the plates into the kitchen once everyone was finished. Lila spent some time washing the dishes Asher had brought, though he did try to push her out of the way so he could clean them to no avail, owing to her many years of practice at staying put when Daniel tried to push her.

    ¡°Are you finished with Daniel yet?¡± Lila queried after stacking the dishes on the drying rack.

    ¡°For today, yeah. Been a solid few hours,¡± Asher yawned, covering his mouth with his left hand.

    ¡°Are you sure you should come over tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, setting aside the dishtowel she was using to dry her hands.

    ¡°Have to,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes narrowed at Lila, his hand falling limp at his side. ¡°Found something.¡±

    ¡°You did?¡±

    Asher nodded, glancing behind him. Lila could still hear the chatter of her parents and siblings in the dining room, though they would probably disperse soon.

    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it tomorrow. I¡¯ll go into Daniel¡¯s room,¡± Lila whispered. Asher agreed with another nod and they left the kitchen, climbing the stairs to the bedrooms. It seemed that Daniel had already beat them to as his door was closed.

    ¡°When¡¯s Marlene coming?¡± Lila asked curiously once they reached her bedroom.

    ¡°In a little bit,¡± Asher sighed, looking down at his phone. He shut it off and rubbed his face with both hands. He seemed to have aged several years by that touch alone but turned his face to Lila, hands still clasped on either side of his face, and smiled.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for this to be over,¡± he said simply. ¡°I¡¯ve been itching to go rummaging.¡±

    ¡°What do you reckon we¡¯ll find?¡±

    ¡°Beats me,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since Marlene put that guy in there.¡±

    ¡°Do¡­ you think she¡¯s figured out that we broke into the study again?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she knows, but she doesn¡¯t know what we saw. If she knew we saw¡­ that¡­ she probably would¡¯ve tried to talk to me about it. Or tried to make me think it wasn¡¯t real, at least. Well, that¡¯s what I would do. Or I¡¯d just murder the person snooping around. She¡¯s clearly not above that.¡±

    Asher paused. The hallway outside Lila¡¯s door creaked faintly. Lila immediately stuck her head out to check if someone was outside. Indeed, someone was ¨C Clare. She¡¯d almost opened the door to her room before she looked up at Lila.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said tentatively. Had Clare heard? Clare¡¯s warning to Lila that Lila shouldn¡¯t do anything illegal reverberated through her mind as she waited for Clare to respond. Clare took out her earbuds, narrowing her eyes at Lila.

    ¡°What?¡± Clare asked, somewhat aggressively.

    ¡°Just saying ¡®hey¡¯,¡± Lila replied defensively.

    ¡°Oh. Hey. I¡¯m just about to start getting ready for work. Do you actually need something, or are you hanging around waiting for me to show up just to say nothing at all?¡±

    ¡°Nah, just wanted to say ¡®hey¡¯. Don¡¯t need anything,¡± Lila smiled reassuringly at Clare before retreating into her room.

    ¡°She had her earphones in,¡± Lila explained to a tense Asher. His muscles instantly relaxed.

    ¡°Righto. I kinda wish you could close this door,¡± he lamented. ¡°Then we wouldn¡¯t have to worry about eavesdroppers.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila responded with a twinge of disappointment. Of course, Asher would only want the door to be closed to prevent eavesdropping. He gave her a sideways glance before clearing his throat.

    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve noticed that you¡¯ve been a bit¡­ different over the past few days,¡± he finally said, his voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila lied, looking down at her twisting hands. Realising she had a crush on the guy mere metres from her would obviously count as ¡®something happening¡¯, but she wasn¡¯t about to tell him that. ¡°Just stressed about exams.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher¡¯s lips tightened into a grimace. ¡°Understandable. Sorry if I¡¯ve been disturbing your study.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Nah, I¡¯ve been keeping on top of it pretty well this term.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    They hung out in Lila¡¯s room, speaking occasionally about videos they saw on their feeds, or theories as to what would be on their shared exams next week, taking care not to mention anything related to the Banker. It was comfortable ¨C cosy. A companionship that didn¡¯t require them to be constantly doing something or talking. Asher went home shortly after, with Lila opening the door for him again with a sunny smile.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Asher,¡± Lila said, giving him a wave as he dragged his feet towards Marlene¡¯s car. He turned around to reciprocate the wave before disappearing into the depths of the car.

    <hr>

    Lunchtime after exams the next morning couldn¡¯t come soon enough. Grace, Elise, Isaac, and Asher were waiting for Lila as she put her Japanese materials into her locker.

    ¡°Why are language exams so hard?¡± Elise whined once Lila was ready to go. Asher silently handed Lila a lunchbox, which she gratefully accepted. They all made their way to the library complaining about exam questions that they¡¯d encountered that day.

    But, though the exams were the biggest topic around by far, Lila heard snippets here and there of people mentioning ¡®Asher¡¯ and ¡®Holly¡¯. She could never catch enough detail until, at one point, Lila stopped walking with the group to sidle towards some voices. One of them had said ¡°Asher¡± before the group descended into giggles. The owners of said voices were hidden behind a free-standing screen within the library¡¯s top floor, which had been segregated into various blocks for exam week.

    Lila glanced at the backs of her friends who had seemingly found an empty meeting room and continued to listen.

    ¡°¡­ apparently, Holly is seeing another guy.¡±

    ¡°What? No way!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she needs a father for her baby after Asher left her.¡±

    ¡°Crazy. I can¡¯t believe the Dux just dropped his pregnant girlfriend like that.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, that¡¯s the worst kinda guy. After that whole love confession in the locker room for Holly?¡±

    ¡°He should step up and be a dad. After all, it¡¯s his fault that Holly¡¯s dropped out of Cheer.¡±

    ¡°Get some integrity.¡±

    The voices, which Lila thought belonged to a group of girls, burst into cackles.

    ¡°I felt bad for him, with the whole Piper thing,¡± one of the voices continued. ¡°But after what he did to Holly? He should¡¯ve been expelled, not Piper.¡±

    ¡°Poor Holly. She¡¯s so nice. I met her after Nationals last year and she even said I did such a good job with my stunts. She told me which one she liked the most, too, but I¡¯ve forgotten what that was now.¡±

    ¡°Lila? You coming?¡± Elise¡¯s concerned voice broke Lila¡¯s concentration, and she turned to Elise with a carefree smile.

    ¡°Yeah, just thought I dropped something. Coming.¡±

    <hr>

    Daniel sat with Asher and Lila that afternoon, unlike the previous bus rides home. Well, he sat behind them, his crossed arms leaning on the top edge of the backrest, head between theirs.

    ¡°How¡¯d your exams go?¡± Asher asked him, half-turned in his seat. The bus pulled away from the bus station as Daniel sighed.

    ¡°About as good as I could get,¡± he said, an edge of hopelessness to his voice. ¡°With the extra stuff I¡¯ve been doing, I hadn¡¯t really been able to keep up with schoolwork. The past few days have been good, but I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll get me over the line.¡±

    ¡°Shit, sorry I couldn¡¯t get this done quick-¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know,¡± Daniel cut Asher off firmly, nudging him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. I¡¯ll get my act together for next term.¡±

    ¡°Right,¡± Asher mumbled, turning to face the front of the bus. Lila could see from her sideways glance at him that he had his brow furrowed. Daniel sat back in his chair in time for the bus to launch the students backwards over a particularly bumpy hill. They didn¡¯t speak for the rest of the bus ride, with Daniel leading the way home this time.

    ¡°Apparently, I¡¯m joining you guys today,¡± Lila said conversationally once they were inside, setting her shoes by the rest.

    ¡°God, do you have to?¡± Daniel replied dramatically. Lila bumped him with her hip and headed into the kitchen to sort out juice for everyone. Clare was eating a cereal bar absentmindedly in the kitchen when Lila walked in.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, spacey?¡± Lila asked cheerfully, pouring Clare a glass as well. She swallowed roughly.

    ¡°Just thinking about whether or not I have to repeat one of my classes,¡± Clare replied, accepting the cup of juice.

    ¡°Is it a bad thing if you do? I mean, besides the obvious.¡±

    ¡°Means I have to pay for it twice, but I¡¯m blessed with HECS.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Uh, kinda like a loan we get since we¡¯re citizens. We only need to pay for our degrees when we start earning over a certain amount.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said thoughtfully, closing the fridge. ¡°Y¡¯know, I¡¯d never given it any thought. How you¡¯ve been paying for your degree, I mean.¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°We¡¯re lucky here, that we don¡¯t have to think about it.¡±

    ¡°Would you rather pay for it upfront?¡±

    ¡°Even with all the bills in my bra, I don¡¯t think I could,¡± Clare joked, taking a sip of her juice.

    ¡°Careful, Daniel¡¯s home,¡± Lila pointed out quietly.

    Clare sighed. ¡°Thanks. He¡¯s too young to know.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. Anyway, I¡¯m going upstairs. Are you heading out tonight?¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°Mondays are pretty dead, especially during exam week. Gabriel said I¡¯m pretty close to drawing a crowd based on my name alone, but I¡¯m not there yet. Plus, even though I¡¯m thinking that I might have to repeat a class, I¡¯d rather not forego study and throw it in the bin altogether.¡±

    ¡°I believe in you, sis,¡± Lila smiled comfortingly, grabbing all three glasses. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. I hope your exams are going well, too.¡±

    ¡°Eh, more or less,¡± Lila grinned widely at Clare before leaving the kitchen and gingerly heading upstairs. She knocked on Daniel¡¯s door with her knee and this time Asher opened it, taking the cups from Lila¡¯s hands and setting them down on the desk.

    ¡°I was just about to check where you were,¡± Asher said gently, sitting down in Daniel¡¯s chair. Daniel was standing next to the desk and scowling at a notebook clutched tightly in his hands.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you in a bad mood?¡± Lila asked as she sat on Daniel¡¯s neatly made bed. It was the only ¡®neat¡¯ part of his room today.

    ¡°Asher prewarned me that something¡¯s not right,¡± Daniel seethed, slapping the notebook back down on his desk.

    ¡°Bit of an intense reaction for something small, surely,¡± Lila said curiously, leaning backwards on her hands.

    ¡°If you reckon 2.5k going missing from the rotation regularly is something small, sure,¡± Daniel said through gritted teeth, bringing a hand to his forehead. ¡°Asher, explain please.¡±

    Asher looked incredibly grave as he spun around in Daniel¡¯s chair to face Lila.

    ¡°Look, your maths is right. Always has been, surprisingly ¨C even with all the hand calculations. You¡¯re very thorough. But¡­ every now and then, the numbers commencing for that week don¡¯t match the previous week¡¯s numbers, and therefore don¡¯t add up to what they¡¯re supposed to when you look at everything as a whole. Then, the money randomly comes back so the books balance out. Whatever¡¯s going on, it¡¯s being cleverly hidden. If we go by the last two weeks alone, there¡¯s about 1k outstanding. But, like Daniel said, usually 2.5k appears to go missing regularly.¡±

    ¡°Where does it go?¡± Lila asked in a small voice, her eyes fixated on Asher.

    ¡°Well, my best guess is that it seems to be siphoned out through employee wages, and Uber Eats service fees. It looks like whoever¡¯s doing it is also taking advantage of rounding by a whole bunch. It also seems like it¡¯s been going on since the beginning of these notebooks.¡±

    ¡°It must be Livi,¡± Daniel groaned into his hands. ¡°I was so stupid to trust her.¡±

    ¡°Well, hang on,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°We need a bit more information. Sure, something fishy is going on, and she usually does the books, but this is hardly a secure method where changes can be tracked. Someone else could be getting a hold of the notebooks.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re overexplaining,¡± Asher said grimly. ¡°Going by the law of parsimony, it has to be Livi.¡±

    ¡°At the very least,¡± Lila said firmly, glancing at Daniel, who still had his face in his hands, ¡°it means that someone in Livi¡¯s group is dodgy. And quite literally everyone is dodgy, frankly.¡±

    ¡°Livi¡¯s the dodgiest,¡± Asher countered, a flash of anger crossing his face.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila conceded. ¡°But ¨C and this is a big but ¨C she might not be working alone. I know you don¡¯t like her, but we really don¡¯t have enough information to conclude anything.¡±

    Asher breathed heavily, closing his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he admitted. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve figured it out, though, I might need to work on this for a bit longer. At least, until Sunday at this point. I might even need more time, but I hope to be out of your hair sooner rather than later.¡±

    ¡°Go for your life,¡± Daniel sighed, flopping down next to Lila.

    ¡°Has anything changed? With Livi and her group, I mean,¡± Lila asked, looking at Daniel. He shrugged.

    ¡°Asher told me to keep going as I have been, so I¡¯m still holed up doing hand calculations during lunch, though I don¡¯t have to do so much after school. I don¡¯t really have time to chat with them.¡±

    ¡°How did they even get involved in this?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    ¡°I¡­ had a crush on Livi,¡± Daniel whispered, his face suddenly bright pink. ¡°A-And when this started, she came to me for a loan. I think it was like $150. And when she paid it back, she offered to work for me to do the books. She thought it would take off, and I was excited to spend more time with her. I said yes instantly. Pretty quick, though, she was surrounded by her Grade 12 buddies at lunch, and we got way too busy to talk about anything other than the Banker stuff.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. It definitely smelled like Livi had an ulterior motive from the beginning. Particularly since Livi was in Grade 12 and Daniel was in Grade 9. That age gap alone made Lila uncomfortable.

    Asher caught Lila¡¯s eye, and she motioned for him to speak.

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to investigate the whole group,¡± Asher announced. ¡°I¡¯d already done some digging, and I think you did too, Lila, but now we have a direction to investigate in.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Daniel, you don¡¯t need to do anything for that. Just act like everything is fine and normal and dandy. Try not to make them suspicious. At least, I want to find out why this has been happening. It just feels way too off to just be plain embezzlement, especially since the money comes back.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s bothered me the most about all this,¡± Asher added thoughtfully. ¡°The money coming back. So it¡¯s a temporary loan? But why not ask for a proper loan? And why is the amount so large?¡±

    They sat in silence for a few seconds before Asher checked his phone.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta get cracking on this,¡± Asher said, swivelling back around to Daniel¡¯s desk. ¡°If I want this to be done in a reasonable timeframe.¡±

    ¡°I mean, why don¡¯t you stop until exams are over?¡± Lila suggested, getting up.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Daniel piped up. ¡°You¡¯ve done a lot already. Surely you can give it a rest. It¡¯s not like it¡¯s very urgent anyway. It can wait a bit.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to come over tomorrow,¡± Asher said, his head low to the desk. ¡°And, like I said, I¡¯m more than fine for exams. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila said pointedly, touching his shoulder. It was quite warm and more muscular than she¡¯d expected. He jumped, staring up at her. ¡°Please don¡¯t be obsessive over this. You¡¯re prone to doing that.¡±

    ¡°Am not,¡± Asher said petulantly, turning his attention back to the notebooks. ¡°I just¡­ gotta solve this.¡±

    ¡°You can take a break,¡± Lila urged. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll forget what I¡¯m doing if it¡¯s too long,¡± Asher murmured in response. ¡°Please, I¡¯m fine. I can handle this. I¡¯m the Dux, after all. You can count on me.¡±

    Lila simply sighed, exchanging a look with Daniel, who shrugged again.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°But any sign of trouble and I¡¯m not inviting you over until you¡¯ve calmed down.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Asher muttered absently, leaning in even closer to the notebooks. Lila retreated to her room, and the remainder of Monday passed as it had been the last few times Asher was over, with a hearty family dinner and a few minutes of hanging out with Asher in her room afterwards.

    Though she¡¯d admonished Asher for not taking a break, Lila couldn¡¯t help but feel grateful that he was still coming over. It was nice, seeing him outside of school. The feeling of her stomach fluttering and heart soaring due to Asher¡¯s even simple actions in private, such as asking her about her book collection, was rapidly becoming addictive.

    A fleeting thought crossed her mind, though, as Asher replaced yet another book he¡¯d borrowed onto her shelf. The rumours she¡¯d heard, about Asher dusting his hands of his girlfriend and baby ¨C should she tell him?

    She carefully watched as he rapidly became absorbed in another book, his eyes darting down this book¡¯s blurb. With exams and his work on the Banker¡¯s books, Asher had way too much on his plate to be entertaining rumours. If he hadn¡¯t heard them, then perhaps she better leave well enough alone. He needed all the focus he could muster to get through this week.

    ¡°Staring at me again?¡± Asher smirked, lowering the book to his lap. ¡°Am I that handsome?¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila averted her gaze, a blush rising on her neck and cheeks. ¡°I was just thinking.¡±

    ¡°Thinking? That¡¯s dangerous,¡± Asher said playfully, before narrowing his eyes. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question, though.¡±

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just teasing,¡± Asher interrupted Lila hurriedly, his own cheeks tinged with pink. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna know.¡±

    Lila bit her lip, a million things she wanted to say fighting with her consciousness to be let out ¨C some of them including a confession, right then and there.

    ¡®Not happening,¡¯ she chastised herself, her blush deepening to a rich red. ¡®Definitely not happening ever.¡¯

    Asher¡¯s phone buzzed and he took it out of his pocket.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s here,¡± he said somewhat dejectedly, getting up from her bedroom floor. ¡°I can take this one, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Huh? O-Oh. Yeah,¡± Lila said distractedly, standing up slowly as well. ¡°Knock yourself out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll put that on my to-do list,¡± Asher grinned at her. ¡°Knock¡­ myself¡­ out. Maybe I¡¯ll finally get some rest.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not resting?¡± Lila asked sharply, crossing her arms. Asher looked guilty, his mouth pressed together tightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ resting,¡± Asher said eventually, scratching his chin and looking at his non-existent wristwatch. ¡°Look at the time, gotta go!¡±

    Asher picked up his school bags and left Lila¡¯s room, knocking on Daniel and Clare¡¯s doors to say goodbye before Lila could blink. He hurried down the stairs, two at a time, and called out a quick ¡°Goodbye, Mr and Mrs Moloney!¡±.

    Lila followed after him, bounding down the stairs as well, and caught him just as he was fiddling with the lock on the door, his shoes on already.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to run away from me,¡± Lila admonished quietly, unlocking the door with ease. ¡°But I am disappointed if you¡¯re not getting the rest you need for this exam period. I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t want your grades to drop.¡±

    ¡°They won¡¯t drop,¡± Asher said, seeming resigned to his fate in having this conversation. ¡°My assignments have taken me far beyond the Proxime Accessit already for this term. Part of the reason why I¡¯m so confident in taking on Daniel¡¯s stuff.¡±

    Lila paused her movements, looking into Asher¡¯s eyes. They seemed earnest enough, but now that they were so close to each other in the doorway, Lila could see the circles under them had darkened from the last time she¡¯d inspected them.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said in a low voice. ¡°I trust you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher beamed at her, hoisting his school bags higher on his shoulder. ¡°See you tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°See you then.¡±

 Chapter Sixty-Nine

    Chapter Sixty-Nine

    ¡°Lila, I need to blow off some steam,¡± Elise lamented at morning tea on Tuesday. ¡°Can I watch you practice for hockey?¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Grace interjected, wiping her mouth. ¡°I wanna watch too!¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Not sure how that¡¯ll help you blow off some steam, though. Surely it¡¯d be better actually doing it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯ll take you for Maccas after. As a reward,¡± Elise said proudly, puffing her chest out. ¡°Plus, exercise sucks.¡±

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t say no to that,¡± Lila laughed.

    Elise joined her laughter, before whispering, ¡°And Isaac¡¯s working tonight. I wanna see him in action.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s an odd request for you,¡± Grace frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t you guys work together too?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah, but I¡¯m busy working then,¡± Elise huffed. ¡°What do you take me for? Lazy?¡±

    ¡°I see heaps of Maccas workers standing around and chatting constantly all the time,¡± Lila pointed out. ¡°Besides, you just said exercise sucks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Elise waved a dismissive hand. ¡°Well, I was paired as his buddy for a couple of shifts and I wanna see how my hard work has paid off as a customer.¡±

    ¡°Is he doing front counter stuff?¡± Lila asked, surprised. ¡°I thought you¡¯d recommended him for the back.¡±

    Elise shrugged. ¡°I asked one of my managers about that, and they said they were training him for both. Apparently, he¡¯s too charismatic to just be in the back.¡±

    ¡°Isaac? Charismatic?¡± Lila snorted. ¡°Never thought that would be paired with him as a descriptor.¡±

    ¡°Says the ex-girlfriend,¡± Grace smirked. Lila blushed, and Elise and Grace burst into laughter.

    After more exams, lunch with Grace, Elise, Isaac, and Asher (during which Isaac lamented that he was far too precious to have soccer practice and a Maccas shift back-to-back), and more exams, Lila was standing on Jacoval, breathing the cold afternoon air deeply into her lungs. She¡¯d already changed and was about to make her way to her quadrant when Theo threw his arm out before her, stopping her progress. He was also already dressed for practice, and there was a sparkling intensity in his eyes that she¡¯d never seen before.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said quickly, glancing behind him to his quadrant of the oval. ¡°Can I talk to you?¡±

    ¡°You are now,¡± Lila replied, blinking at him in confusion.

    ¡°Sorry. I meant after practice. Uh, after¡­ Asher¡¯s gone home,¡± Theo added in a whisper. Lila felt even more bewildered by that qualifier.

    ¡°Why after Asher-¡±

    ¡°See you after practice,¡± Theo said bluntly after looking behind her shoulder for a second. He then jogged off in the direction of soccer practice.

    ¡°What were you talking to Theo about?¡± Isaac asked nonchalantly from behind Lila. She spun around to face him. He frowned in the direction of Theo, rather than looking at Lila. Lila got the sense that Isaac was rather displeased, though she couldn¡¯t think why that would be.

    ¡°Dunno, to be honest,¡± Lila responded, thinking hard. What did Theo of all people want to talk to her about? Isaac looked at her for a moment before shaking his head.

    ¡°Hope that whatever it is, it¡¯s for something good,¡± he murmured before following Theo to that side of the oval. Though Lila was pretty sure Asher disliked Theo, did Isaac not like Theo either?

    Lila slowly made her way to her side of the oval, making sure to wave at Grace and Elise, who were both bundled up in scarves and gloves and sitting on the spectator stands. Practice continued as normal, with particular attention paid to strategies that would bypass the defences shown by Sandy Lakes at their last game. Lila felt fairly prepared to face them on Saturday, and left the oval with a satisfied grin.

    She quickly changed in the change room, and climbed the spectator stands to where Grace and Elise were still waiting.

    ¡°Great work,¡± Grace smiled, rubbing her gloved hands together.

    ¡°I dunno what I saw, but I assume it went well,¡± Elise added, also smiling at Lila. ¡°You ready to go?¡±

    ¡°Not just yet,¡± Lila replied, thrusting her sports bag and hockey stick at Elise and Grace. ¡°Apparently Theo wants to chat with me about something.¡±

    ¡°Theo?¡± Elise and Grace said in unison, exchanging a look of alarm with one another.

    ¡°W-What would he want with you?¡± Grace asked uneasily, pulling her blazer tightly around her shoulders.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Lila sighed, looking behind her to see where he was. Asher was just walking off his quadrant of Jacoval when he looked up at Lila curiously. He walked over to the three girls with a grin.

    ¡°Came to watch me practice?¡± he asked Grace and Elise. They both scoffed simultaneously.

    ¡°Like we could see you from this spectator stand,¡± Elise said drily. ¡°Besides, watching Lila practice hockey is far more entertaining.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely right about it being more entertaining,¡± Asher said playfully. Lila chuckled in response, though her stomach twinged as she tried to search the oval for Theo. What did he want to talk to her about?

    Asher glanced at Lila. ¡°Not going home yet?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Not yet,¡± Lila replied, still searching. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Theo emerging from the direction of the changing room, dressed in his usual school uniform and a school bag on his shoulder.

    ¡°Say ¡®hi¡¯ to Daniel for me,¡± Asher said casually. ¡°Tell him I missed him today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to pass along your tender message,¡± Lila smirked. Asher playfully winked at her, before turning to head off towards the change rooms. He stopped dead in his tracks when his eyes fell on Theo, who was gradually drawing near the spectator stands.

    ¡°Why¡¯s he coming this way?¡± Asher asked, his eyes flickering to Lila. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°Beats me. I¡¯ll tell you if he says something interesting,¡± Lila said nonchalantly.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Asher trailed off before shaking his head. His eyes seemed troubled, a small crease in his brow only adding to this impression.

    ¡°You?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Asher responded quietly. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta get some study in.¡±

    ¡°Finally!¡± Lila cried. ¡°Been worried about that.¡±

    ¡°Uh, why?¡± Elise asked, having been watching the exchange between Lila and Asher like a tennis rally. ¡°He¡¯s the Dux. I think he¡¯s got that all covered and some.¡±

    ¡°I guess it¡¯s been hard to study when I¡¯ve been constantly over at Lila¡¯s place. Her room¡¯s not big enough for both of us to study,¡± Asher said, his voice strangely louder than usual. Elise and Grace stared at Asher, seeming gobsmacked by this new information. Lila blinked at Asher in confusion and was about to ask why he¡¯d said that when she was distracted by the sight of Theo halting in his steps, an oddly solemn expression crossing his face. Asher ruffled his hair for a moment before glancing at Lila again.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said simply before hurrying off to the changing rooms. He didn¡¯t seem to acknowledge Theo at all as he passed. Theo watched him go, readjusting his bag on his shoulder, before turning back to Lila with a smile.

    ¡°Care for a walk?" he asked once he was within a reasonable distance of Lila. He glanced uneasily at Grace and Elise, who still seemed shocked by Asher¡¯s declaration.

    ¡°U-Uh, sure,¡± Lila replied, scrambling to stand. ¡°I¡¯ll be back, guys.¡±

    Elise waved her off, her face tightening to one of apprehension. Grace similarly looked grim.

    Theo put his bags down on one of the spectator seats and began walking with Lila along the edge of the oval, away from both the changing rooms and spectator stands. This silence was definitely awkward as Lila tried running through all the possible things that Theo wanted to talk to her about. Considering he was the Dux for Grade 12, it wouldn¡¯t be anything related to schoolwork. Perhaps he wanted to apologise for Livi¡¯s behaviour, like Vi had? But... did he really need to do that like this?

    Theo shoved his hands in his pants pockets, his breath rising before him like a fog with secrets to hide. He threw a look behind them, towards where Lila¡¯s friends were still patiently watching after them. Lila couldn¡¯t quite figure out why she felt this way, but he seemed distinctly nervous. Perhaps it was because of the constant, flickering sideways glances at her, and the frequent opening and closing of his mouth. Suddenly, walking alone with a Grade 12 boy she hardly knew in the semi-dark seemed like an awful idea, especially one so fidgety as Theo.

    Without warning, he turned to Lila, inhaling deeply. She stopped walking, her curiosity rooting her legs into the cold, grassy field.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ve been meaning to ask,¡± Theo stammered, adjusting his glasses with force. ¡°A-After exams. Godammit, Theo. Keep it together.¡± He¡¯d mumbled the last part so quietly that it was only an estimation on Lila¡¯s part that he¡¯d said that. He tugged on his ear, looking past Lila¡¯s shoulder. His face was cast in shadow, so she couldn¡¯t make out the intricacies of his expression. The silence stretched on between them, and Lila felt the beginning stages of her metamorphosis into a tree taking hold in her legs ¨C or perhaps it was hypothermia. He took a couple more moments to nod to himself before looking fiercely into Lila¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°After exams. This weekend. I was wondering if you¡¯d like to go to the aquarium. With me,¡± he finally said robotically.

    ¡°A-An aquarium?¡± Lila stuttered, reeling from Theo¡¯s question. She definitely hadn¡¯t expected a question about an aquarium.

    ¡°We can also grab dinner after,¡± Theo added, his voice cracking and posture seemingly deflating before her eyes. ¡°If you¡¯re up for it.¡±

    ¡°D-Do you mean as like a d-date?¡± Lila¡¯s teeth began to chatter, despite her face feeling very warm.

    ¡°Yeah. I guess I do,¡± Theo stated. His usual lazy confidence had entirely vanished in the face of this statement.

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about going to an aquarium before,¡± Lila replied, realising slightly too late that that was wholly irrelevant to Theo¡¯s question.

    ¡°We can go together,¡± Theo said, his voice sounding abnormally small now. ¡°How does Sunday sound?¡±

    ¡°Sounds great,¡± Lila responded automatically, before her mind could catch up to what her mouth was saying. She closed her eyes, instantly regretting her words. There was no way to take that other than a yes. A date? With Theo? This bit Livi had started with Theo dating Lila was dragging on far too long... surely, he wasn''t serious? But, by his immediate reaction, Lila had a foreboding feeling in her stomach that he was very serious.

    ¡°Oh, thank God,¡± Theo exhaled, breathing heavily into his hands and rubbing them together. He grinned at her, the widest and brightest that she¡¯d ever seen from him. ¡°I¡¯ll walk you back. Are you cold?¡±

    Lila shook her head. Her whole body felt entirely warm now as they walked back towards Theo¡¯s bag. Lila couldn¡¯t muster the courage to say anything on this journey back, and Theo filled the quiet air with a light hum that she didn¡¯t recognise.

    Elise and Grace were huddled together on the spectator stands, eyeing Theo with overt suspicion. He smiled at them as he picked up his bag, and Elise shivered in response.

    ¡°See you on Saturday, Lila,¡± he said softly, looking at her briefly. Under the harsh light by the spectator stands, Lila could now see that his cheeks were entirely red.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t mention this, but I got my license a few weeks back. I¡¯ll pick you up,¡± he added in a low voice, avoiding her gaze.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied absently. He grinned at her again.

    ¡°Gotta go!¡± he said, cheerily waving at Lila before sprinting off in the direction of the carpark, his school bags thumping against his back.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± Elise immediately demanded, standing up and pointing at Lila in an accusatory way.

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    ¡°I¡­ he¡­ Theo¡­ asked me out on a date,¡± Lila said faintly, finding it harder than usual to string together words.

    ¡°WHAT?!¡± Elise shrieked.

    ¡°And you said no, of course,¡± Grace said in more of a question than a statement. Lila held her still-burning face in her hands.

    ¡°I said yes,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°WHAT!¡± Elise shrieked again. Lila thought she heard Grace hit Elise and looked up. Elise was rubbing her stomach and scowling. She picked up Lila¡¯s hockey stick and bag and started stomping down the stairs, Grace following close behind.

    ¡°What about your crush?¡± Grace whispered upon reaching Lila, looping their arms together. Lila looked down at the ground as they walked towards the bus station. The Maccas was a few stops away by bus, but they could walk if they needed to.

    ¡°I panicked,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°And then Theo seemed so excited¡­ I couldn¡¯t take it back. Besides¡­ maybe I should think about trying to get over my crush on Asher.¡±

    ¡°Why would you want to do that?¡± Elise asked, walking backwards ahead of Grace and Lila, swinging Lila¡¯s hockey stick haphazardly. Lila looked at Elise in confusion.

    ¡°You guys were the first to suggest it,¡± Lila pointed out.

    ¡°Well, he had a girlfriend then,¡± Grace piped up. ¡°He¡¯s single now.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s still not over her,¡± Lila sighed. A tear was threatening to escape and she used her free hand to wipe at her eyes. ¡°He probably won¡¯t ever be, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°I doubt that,¡± Elise said, smiling comfortingly at Lila.

    Lila pressed her lips together. ¡°I dunno, but¡­ it¡¯s not just you guys who suggested dating someone else. Vi did, at debating a while ago.¡±

    ¡°Vi?¡± Elise narrowed her eyes. ¡°You¡¯re listening to her?¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s not Livi. She actually¡­ was kinda comforting. She also apologised for Livi¡¯s behaviour.¡±

    ¡°Look,¡± Grace said gently, unhooking her arm from Lila¡¯s. ¡°Like before, we¡¯re not going to try and force you, but are you sure you want to give up on Asher?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Lila admitted quietly. ¡°But I can¡¯t have a crush on him forever when he¡¯s already kinda shot the idea of us down.¡±

    ¡°Lila, you keep saying that but have you actually asked the guy?¡± Elise said sternly, throwing her arm up to flag down an oncoming bus.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to,¡± Lila replied despondently. ¡°Besides, if I do, and it¡¯s true, then¡­ I don¡¯t know how I¡¯d handle that.¡±

    The bus squealed to a stop and the trio boarded. It was virtually empty, but they didn¡¯t sit down, electing instead to stand near the front. They swayed with the bus as it took them down several streets in relative silence before exiting right outside the Maccas.

    ¡°I said this before, Lila, but being vulnerable is how you get anywhere with things,¡± Grace said softly once the bus departed with a roar. ¡°Maybe you should try asking before you move on with Theo.¡±

    The smell of fries and oil hit them as they passed through the automatic doors. It was chockers with couples, families, and kids in school uniforms, which was unsurprising, given it was already 6pm. The ringing of multiple fryers reverberated around the store, along with the hurried footsteps of several workers alongside the whirring of blenders. The cacophony was almost overwhelming until Lila adjusted to the sounds ¨C rush hour was definitely not pleasant.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Elise smiled broadly, taking in a deep sniff. ¡°Chaos.¡±

    ¡°Chaos that you don¡¯t have to fix,¡± Lila added, craning her neck. ¡°I can¡¯t see Isaac from here.¡±

    ¡°Can barely see anything besides customers,¡± Grace said pointedly. ¡°Are we ordering at a kiosk?¡±

    ¡°I can put the order through a kiosk but I¡¯ll need to pay at the counter for my sweet, sweet discount anyway,¡± Elise lamented with a shrug.

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯ll be a battle royale to get to the counter,¡± Lila quipped. Elise snorted in response.

    ¡°Guess we can at least order what we want while we wait for the crowd to die down,¡± Grace sighed. Elise and Lila murmured their agreement to this plan. Lila scrolled through the offerings on the touchscreen kiosk nearest her.

    ¡°You know, I go through literally everything on this menu every time I go in, but I always end up getting nuggets,¡± Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Be more adventurous then, I dunno what to tell ya,¡± Elise drawled, watching Lila continue going through the menu.

    ¡°I feel like I''m hungry enough to eat the whole place, but I¡¯ll probably just get a cheeseburger meal,¡± Grace commented idly. Lila selected her tried-and-true 10 McNugget meal with an orange juice. She stepped aside to let Grace investigate the offerings herself. By the time Elise started her order, the crowd had dispersed significantly.

    Elise picked the ¡®pay at counter¡¯ option and the girls shuffled forward to the currently unmanned counter. Elise showed a surprising amount of patience while she held the receipt with her order number, waiting for someone to go to the POS system.

    ¡°Sorry for the wait, what can I- why are you three here?¡± Isaac¡¯s displeased voice arrived before he did, in all his red-uniformed glory. Lila managed to stifle a snicker.

    ¡°Gotta reward this one for her hockey efforts, but after what happened after practice, I¡¯m not sure she deserves it,¡± Elise said lazily, leaning across the counter. ¡°Where¡¯s your Crew Trainer or buddy?¡±

    ¡°I think they saw you before I did and didn¡¯t bother coming over,¡± Isaac shrugged. He looked at Elise expectantly, his hands on either side of the POS system. Elise looked down at it, though it must¡¯ve been upside down at that angle.

    ¡°You remember how to put one of these through?¡± she asked Isaac, waving the receipt in her hand. He scoffed.

    ¡°Not only did you show up on your day off, but you¡¯re also training me on your day off. Woman, you might as well just call it a day and get behind here,¡± he grumbled, pressing various buttons on the screen.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you all grouchy?¡± Lila smirked. ¡°Is it cause we caught you in the act of contributing to society at large?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly right Lila, I, in my stupid hat and red-ass uniform, am working to pay TAXES like a good citizen under the watchful eye of you layabouts,¡± he huffed.

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯ll be earning enough to pay taxes,¡± Lila snorted disbelievingly.

    ¡°I¡¯m working my ass off here. Let me do my civil duty,¡± Isaac protested. ¡°It¡¯s hard work for me to be diligent, you know.¡±

    ¡°But seriously,¡± Lila said sternly, swallowing her impending laugh. ¡°What¡¯s got you all antsy?¡±

    ¡°Bro, I¡¯m just tired,¡± Isaac sighed. ¡°I¡¯m the dummy that decided a shift straight after practice was a wise move.¡±

    ¡°Aww, is the poor widdle McBaby suffering from success?¡± Elise chortled. Isaac bristled.

    ¡°McMaybe I am. Gimme the number,¡± he said, reaching for the receipt still clutched in Elise¡¯s hand. Elise obliged and they watched as he frowned, hesitating as he looked at the POS system. He looked up at Elise, as if to ask for help, before gritting his teeth and tapping the screen.

    ¡°Aaaand ya fucked it,¡± Elise said, leaning her head over and pointing at the screen. ¡°Grab Andy, will ya? Need him anyway for his code.¡±

    ¡°And I was doing so well, too,¡± Isaac replied despondently as he shuffled off towards the back of the Maccas. He reappeared shortly after with a male, worn-looking, 20-something McManager in a grey shirt. He had tattoos trailing up both arms of various video game and anime characters and several piercings in his ears, which his brown, chin-length hair did a poor job of covering up.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, Elise,¡± the manager said tonelessly, rapidly tapping on the screen. ¡°Can¡¯t leave this place alone?¡±

    ¡°Clearly, Andy,¡± Elise laughed, tapping her card on the EFTPOS reader.

    ¡°Can you take on an extra shift tomorrow? 6-10pm,¡± Andy asked, giving Elise the receipt. Elise¡¯s body went rigid for a moment before she gave him an easy-going smile.

    ¡°¡¯Course. Who am I covering this time?¡±

    ¡°This one,¡± Andy jerked a thumb over at Isaac, who threw up a peace sign at Elise.

    ¡°You got two shifts back-to-back as a trainee?¡± Elise asked with a low whistle. ¡°Mr Popular. Why¡¯re you giving this one up?¡±

    ¡°Figured out that my Engineering exam is going to knock me flat on my ass,¡± Isaac replied simply, turning around to the Automatic Beverage Dispenser and passing over Lila¡¯s juice, Grace¡¯s Coke and Elise¡¯s Sprite to their eagerly awaiting hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have to study?¡± Lila asked Elise curiously. Elise shrugged.

    ¡°Probably. But I¡¯m in McNeed, and where I¡¯m McWanted, I¡¯ll McGo,¡± Elise responded brightly. Andy rolled his eyes at Elise and walked back towards the direction he¡¯d come from.

    ¡°Somehow I get the feeling that your McPuns are not so warmly received by your coworkers,¡± Lila observed.

    ¡°You¡¯re McRight,¡± Isaac confirmed with a nod. ¡°But it¡¯s part of Elise¡¯s McCharm.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know I had any,¡± Elise said drily, sipping on her drink. Isaac laughed slightly too hard as he retreated to the back of the restaurant, presumably to get the rest of their order ready. It didn¡¯t take long for Isaac to return, laden with bags of food. He gave them theirs with a grin after double-checking their order. After securing their bags, Elise led Lila and Grace to an empty booth in the dining area of the Maccas.

    ¡°So, Lila,¡± Elise said conversationally after grabbing her food and popping open a burger box. ¡°Grace and I¡¯ve got a couple questions for you.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Lila asked warily, half-drowning a nugget in sweet and sour sauce.

    ¡°I thought Asher was tutoring Daniel,¡± Grace interjected, shoving a couple of fries into her mouth. ¡°Why¡¯s he hanging out in your room?¡±

    ¡°He is tutoring Daniel,¡± Lila sighed as her nugget slipped out of her fingers and into the rest of the sauce tub. She fished it out and threw it into her mouth. ¡°But he comes into my room after dinner while waiting to get picked up. It¡¯s hard for him to get back into it when he¡¯s only got, like, twenty minutes after dinner.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Elise asked loftily, biting into her burger.

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s been raiding my bookshelf.¡±

    ¡°Raiding your bookshelf?¡± Elise snickered.

    ¡°That sounds like a euphemism if I¡¯ve ever heard one,¡± Grace added with a giggle.

    ¡°Guys,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°You already know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    ¡°No plundering the literature?¡± Elise waggled her eyebrows.

    ¡°Or pillaging the volumes?¡± Grace cackled.

    ¡°There¡¯s absolutely no ravaging of the tomes, thank you very much,¡± Lila countered, her frown twitching into a grin. They descended into laughter and resumed their dinner in silence for a couple of minutes before Elise piped up again.

    ¡°Are you still going to go on the date with Theo?¡± she asked, wiping her mouth on a napkin.

    ¡°I can¡¯t really think of a reason why I shouldn¡¯t,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°I mean, sure I like Asher, but it¡¯s not like Theo asked me to be his girlfriend. Maybe I¡¯ll end up losing my crush on Asher and then being around him won¡¯t hurt as much anymore.¡±

    ¡°Why does it hurt?¡± Grace asked softly.

    ¡°It¡­ I guess it hurts because I wish it¡¯d be different. And I can¡¯t tell him that I like him. Even though I want him to know, I don¡¯t want to know what he thinks because I have a good idea that it won¡¯t end well for me. It¡¯s a lot harder than I thought, having a crush on one of your best friends. Especially when it won¡¯t work out.¡±

    Elise and Grace exchanged a glance before simultaneously sighing.

    ¡°Right, well, let¡¯s just focus on the date for now,¡± Grace said calmly. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±

    ¡°Well, he asked me to go to an aquarium with him,¡± Lila replied, feeling lighter now that the conversation had moved away from her feelings about Asher. ¡°Then we¡¯d get dinner after.¡±

    ¡°An aquarium, huh,¡± Elise said thoughtfully. ¡°Have you ever wanted to see the wet zoo?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never thought about zoos, wet or not,¡± Lila responded honestly. ¡°It should be nice.¡±

    ¡°Do you think Theo is cute, at least?¡± Grace asked curiously. ¡°I really have no frame of reference. He¡¯s too¡­ male for me.¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Lila frowned for a moment, trying to conjure a picture of Theo in her mind¡¯s eye. ¡°He¡¯s decent enough. I mean, he does soccer.¡±

    ¡°You really like soccer boys, don¡¯t ya,¡± Elise teased, sucking on her drink. Lila rolled her eyes playfully at Elise.

    ¡°Are you gonna tell Asher about it?¡± Elise asked after a couple moments. Lila shook her head vehemently.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t need to know. Besides, I already know he doesn¡¯t like Theo. I doubt he¡¯d be supportive of me going on a date with the guy.¡±

    ¡°A-And what would the reason for that be?¡± Grace interjected hesitantly, picking at her remaining fries.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lila shot her a suspicious look. Grace gestured for Lila to answer the question.

    ¡°The reason? Dunno. Asher doesn¡¯t like competition and even though Theo is in the grade above us, he¡¯s technically competition,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t see why Asher¡¯s dislike of Theo is important.¡±

    ¡°Have you considered that Asher could be jealous of Theo?¡± Elise asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied, somewhat defensively. ¡°He¡¯s kinda told me that he thinks Theo is better than him in every aspect. I¡¯ve already told Asher that that¡¯s not true, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean,¡± Elise shook her head. ¡°What if Asher dislikes Theo because Asher likes you and he thinks Theo is going to take you away from him?¡±

    Lila looked at Elise incredulously before she began to laugh. ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡± Lila finally managed to say. ¡°If that was true, Asher wouldn¡¯t be giving me signs that he doesn¡¯t want to be with me, surely.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m with Elise on this one,¡± Grace uttered quietly.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t get my hopes up,¡± Lila whispered, suddenly unable to look at either of her friends. Lila could see their postures stiffen from her peripheral vision. No one spoke for a minute or so.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Grace mumbled.

    ¡°I just¡­¡± Elise muttered simultaneously.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just talk about something else,¡± Lila sighed, staring up towards the front counter. Not many people were waiting for food inside anymore. She saw Isaac flag down a couple and pass over a bag and some drinks with a beaming smile.

    ¡°Is Isaac doing well?¡± Grace asked Elise hurriedly.

    ¡°Wh- Oh. Yeah, he¡¯s a natural at customer service. Not so natural with the POS system, but he¡¯ll get better. Just wish he wouldn¡¯t muck around so much in the storage area.¡±

    ¡°Waddya mean?¡± Lila blinked as she looked at Elise. Elise gave a long-suffering sigh.

    ¡°I sent him to refill the sauces the other day, and he was gone for like five minutes. I went looking for him and he was just¡­ I dunno how to describe it. He was just there squishing all the ketchup packets with this really weird grin on his face. Kinda like he was a mad scientist cooking up a plot to take over the world. Asked him what he was doing and he just handed me a really warm ketchup packet and said ¡°They were cold¡± before grabbing the filled sauce tubs and leaving.¡±

    Lila burst into laughter. ¡°What the heck?¡±

    ¡°I think you just walked in on a really disturbing part of his psyche,¡± Grace said solemnly before also bursting into laughter.

    ¡°What¡¯d you do with the ketchup packet?¡± Lila asked after sobering up. Elise pulled one out of her skirt pocket and plopped it onto the table. It looked rather beat up, like someone had been pressing on it continuously.

    ¡°EW!¡± Grace leaped up, moving away from Elise. ¡°Why do you keep that on you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know what to do with it,¡± Elise started laughing with an edge of hopelessness into her hands. ¡°But it¡¯s really squishy.¡±

    ¡°So you keep it in your school uniform?¡± Lila couldn¡¯t hold back the giggle fighting its way out her mouth as she said that. ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve tortured the poor thing.¡±

    ¡°You and Isaac are just as bad as each other,¡± Grace declared, still looking horrified.

    ¡°I think this is what happens when you get two slime kids to work together at Maccas,¡± Lila replied, her breathing now under control. Grace wrinkled her nose.

    ¡°Could never get behind slime,¡± she said disdainfully. She relaxed next to Elise, staring down at the forlorn ketchup packet.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look very McHappy, Grace,¡± Isaac observed loudly as he approached their booth, dragging a dustpan and brush. His eyes fell on the packet and he gasped.

    ¡°What did you do to Jerry?!¡± he cried, daintily lifting it from the table. ¡°He¡¯s hardly red anymore!¡±

    ¡°Well if you¡¯re going to name your sauce collection, don¡¯t give me custody,¡± Elise snorted derisively. ¡°Also, how do you even know that that¡¯s ¡®Jerry¡¯?¡±

    Isaac looked at her and sniffed dramatically. ¡°A father always knows his children. You monster.¡±

    ¡°Get cleaning, idiot,¡± Elise retorted. He spun away from her and started sweeping the dining area, giving exaggerated sighs every so often.

    ¡°Righto, well, I¡¯m done if we wanna leave Moaning Myrtle alone to clean up,¡± Elise proposed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see if Clare can pick me up,¡± Lila said, grabbing her phone. Clare replied instantly.

    ¡°She literally just left the drive-thru,¡± Lila laughed incredulously, shaking her head. ¡°Do you guys need a lift?¡±

    <hr>

    Lila laid awake in her bed that night, despite it being past midnight. Her body was exhausted, but her mind was racing her heart as if competing to see which was faster. Did Theo actually like her? He¡¯d never said that, but he definitely seemed like he did. Or was he just continuing with Livi¡¯s games?

    Then, of course, there was the overwhelming feeling of guilt and regret burning in her chest. She liked Asher, so why was she even going on a date with Theo? If Theo actually did like her, then wasn¡¯t she just leading him on? But then, if she went on the date and ended up moving on from Asher, wouldn¡¯t that be better?

    Lila could hardly keep up with her whirlwind of emotions. She checked her phone. It was 12.33am. She had her Bio exam in a few hours. Cursing silently to herself, she contemplated trying to cram some more for it when a message flashed on her screen.

    Curious, Lila opened it. It was from Asher.

    Did you tell Daniel I missed him?

    ¡®Why¡¯s he asking me that just after midnight?¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head.

    Yeah. He missed you too, Lila replied.

    Good. Can¡¯t sleep? Asher instantly sent back.

    No. Got my Bio exam today, Lila responded. She couldn¡¯t tell him the real reason.

    You¡¯ll smash it

    I hope so. Why aren¡¯t you sleeping?

    A minute passed. Lila sighed. Perhaps he ended up falling asleep.

    Just can¡¯t. What did Theo end up wanting?

    Lila¡¯s heart stopped for just a second. She hadn¡¯t thought of a cover story, and she didn¡¯t want to tell him about the date.

    He just asked a question. About hockey.

    Another pause.

    I see. I¡¯m going to try and sleep. Night.

    Goodnight, Asher

    Lila plugged her phone in and turned to face the wall. She may as well try sleeping, too.

 Chapter Seventy

    Chapter Seventy

    Sleep had done nothing to ease her conflicted emotions, but when she boarded the bus on Wednesday morning, a thought came to her. Going on a date with Theo was actually perfect. If Lila asked the right questions, he might be willing to tell her what he knew about the disappearing and reappearing money. He seemed to be a part of Livi¡¯s group, but not an integral part of Daniel¡¯s operation, at least, so it would probably be safe to ask him. Surely he knew something¡­

    After a day of gruelling exams, Lila hadn¡¯t felt more excited for lunch than she did today. Isaac and Asher were already waiting for her outside her locker when she arrived at the locker room. They seemed to be talking about something in hushed voices, but stopped immediately upon noticing her.

    ¡°Hey. Elise and Grace not here yet?¡± Lila asked, shoving her pencil case into her locker. She looked through her exam timetable with a furrowed brow.

    ¡°No. The terror of all sauce packets hasn¡¯t arrived yet,¡± Isaac replied grimly.

    ¡°Boo!¡± Elise shouted behind Isaac. He jumped, emitting a high-pitched scream. Elise almost fell over herself laughing.

    ¡°Terror of all sauce packets and Isaac, reporting for duty,¡± Elise grinned, straightening up. She packed away her things and Grace showed up shortly after. Asher handed Lila her customary lunchbox and the group set off towards the library.

    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Lila beamed at Asher. He gave her a sideways glance and nodded. There was something off behind his expression, besides his strangely lifeless eyes, but Lila couldn¡¯t pinpoint it. Was he burnt out, perhaps? Or something else?

    Isaac began berating Elise again about destroying Jerry, with Grace joining in, as they passed numerous empty classrooms. Lila caught sight of her reflection in the windows and hiked up her scarf. The Asher in the window seemed incredibly broody, though Lila suddenly felt too nervous to look at the Asher walking next to her. Did he do badly in his exams?

    ¡°How¡¯d your Bio exam go?¡± Asher eventually asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lila replied, her voice higher than usual. ¡°How did your exams go?¡±

    ¡°They went pretty well,¡± Asher replied. She chanced a glance at him. He was looking at her intently and she looked back down at the ground.

    ¡°Lila!¡± a voice some ways next to her called. She turned towards the sound and saw Theo running to catch up to her. It seemed that he¡¯d come from the direction of the science lab. Lila and Asher stopped walking. Elise, Grace, and Isaac turned around and slowed to a halt, expressions of puzzlement on each of their faces.

    Lila watched as Theo struggled to catch his breath, his hands on his knees. After a few seconds, he took a deep breath and straightened up.

    ¡°H-Hey,¡± he said shakily, his face pink.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied, her body tense. Was Theo going to talk about the date? With everyone looking at them? Especially with Asher here?

    ¡°I completely forgot to get your number yesterday,¡± he said simply, pulling out his phone. ¡°I¡¯ll need it. Can I grab it off you?¡±

    ¡°Why do you need her number?¡± Asher asked stiffly, his eyes narrowed. Theo looked up at Asher for a moment, before turning his gaze to Lila.

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know?¡± Theo smirked. He adjusted his glasses and passed his phone to Lila, who took it tentatively. She could feel everyone staring at her as she entered her number into Theo¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Theo smiled at her once she returned it. ¡°See you later!¡±

    He took off again in the direction he came.

    ¡°Well, that was weird,¡± Isaac said bluntly. ¡°Ow, why¡¯d you hit me?¡±

    Elise glared at Isaac as she rubbed her fist. He gave her a look of understanding not even a second later and resumed the journey to the library, everyone else following behind.

    Asher remained silent throughout lunch, and Lila didn¡¯t feel like talking much either. She received a text from Theo towards the end of lunch and was relieved to see that he hadn¡¯t contacted her when her number was plastered all over the school.

    Hey, it¡¯s Theo, it read.

    Hey, Lila replied.

    You all good for me to pick you up on Sunday? I¡¯m thinking around 11, Theo replied.

    Sounds good, Lila sent back. She gave him her address and turned her phone screen off with a sigh. She saw Asher glance at her and quickly look away again. Lunch was almost over, so Lila started packing up ¨C she was not excited for her next exam, but she was excited to leave the oppressively tense atmosphere between her and Asher.

    <hr>

    Upon getting home that night with Asher and Daniel in tow, Lila sensed that Asher¡¯s mood was worsening by the minute. As Daniel scurried upstairs, Lila pulled Asher aside in the entryway, almost causing him to tumble over the piles of shoes.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila asked, uneasily adjusting her school bag on her shoulder.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher replied lightly, straightening up his shoes. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    ¡°It seems like something¡¯s wrong. You¡¯ve been all grumpy.¡±

    ¡°Grumpy? Me? I¡¯m a picture of happiness,¡± Asher mumbled, making to move past her. She folded her arms and stayed put.

    ¡°I know sarcasm when I see it.¡±

    Asher closed his eyes, pressing his lips together briefly. ¡°I¡¯m just worried about what¡¯s happening. You know,¡± he cast his eyes upwards, towards where Daniel¡¯s room was.

    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°Positive.¡±

    Lila narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously before letting him pass. ¡°Alright. Hope your exams went well.¡±

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Asher replied loftily, slowly heading up the stairs.

    The feeling that something was wrong persisted during Lila¡¯s study that night, and even throughout dinner. Though Asher remained polite with her family as usual, he didn¡¯t seem to meet her eye, even when she spoke.

    After dinner, Asher did sit in her room but was absorbed in his reading. She could hear him grinding his jaw as he read, so she left him alone.

    When Marlene arrived, Asher looked up at Lila, an unfathomable expression in his eyes. It was clear that he was still unhappy, but there was something else. It reminded her of the expression he¡¯d had when he approached her and Isaac on the hill at the beginning of the year when Isaac was trying to comfort her ¨C but with a different kind of intensity within his golden-brown eyes.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you give Theo your number?¡± his tone was emotionless, and he broke eye contact as he stood up from her desk.

    ¡°He needed it,¡± Lila replied quietly, removing her school laptop from her lap.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°So we could talk.¡±

    ¡°What about?¡±

    ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±

    Lila¡¯s palms were growing sweaty, her heart trembling in her chest. He stared at her for a moment before turning around and grabbing his school bags. His expression seemed colder somehow.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he murmured before leaving her room. She scrambled to stand and followed him downstairs.

    ¡°You¡¯re being very evasive, Asher,¡± Lila admonished him as he put his shoes on.

    ¡°That¡¯s me. An evasive picture of happiness,¡± he muttered sarcastically, standing up. He unlocked the front door without much resistance today. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Asher, did I do something wrong?¡± Lila questioned, a pleading note in her voice. His hand rested on the doorknob as he turned to look at her. He smiled, though his eyes didn¡¯t match the smile. Was there sadness hidden within his irises?

    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t do anything wrong, Lila. It¡¯s¡­ more a problem with me that I need to work out. You don¡¯t need to worry. Goodnight.¡±

    He left without waiting for a response, the door solidly clicking shut behind him. ¡®Even so, why can¡¯t he tell me what the problem is?¡¯ Lila thought impatiently. ¡®I could help.¡¯

    But she¡¯d asked in several different ways already. If he wasn¡¯t going to answer her, then what could she do?

    <hr>

    Thursday passed as the rest of the week had been ¨C with Asher still coming over, sequestering himself in Daniel¡¯s room, and then sitting at Lila¡¯s desk after dinner. If anything, Asher was definitely a creature of habit. He still seemed off, but Lila decided not to push him any further. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t going to be forthcoming with what was bothering him.

    Friday, however, ended slightly differently. Asher rocked back on Lila¡¯s desk chair, seeming more relieved than he had been in days, another one of Lila¡¯s books in his hands.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing this weekend?¡± he asked casually, turning the page. Lila¡¯s heart plummeted into her stomach. She¡¯d been so busy with her final exams on Thursday and Friday that she¡¯d almost forgotten about her date with Theo.

    ¡°W-Well, I¡¯m going to Sandy Lakes tomorrow morning for hockey. Are you going there too?¡± she asked tentatively, unsteadily slowing her breathing so she wouldn¡¯t hyperventilate.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re going there too,¡± Asher replied, glancing at her before looking back down at the book. ¡°Hope we win again. And you guys too, of course.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila smiled, though her stomach was still twisting in anticipation. ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Asher began, closing the book gently and turning the chair to face Lila. ¡°I reckon I ended up making pretty good progress on it all. After the game tomorrow, I might end up being finished with the reworked version of the Banker¡¯s books. So, I was wondering if we could celebrate on Sunday? Especially since exams are over.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat. She wished she was free on Sunday. Of all the Sundays in the world, why was this Sunday, the Sunday that Asher asked to celebrate, the one that she had a date with Theo?

    ¡°I-I¡¯m busy,¡± Lila replied, closing her eyes. It was so stupid, how life had worked out this way. It¡¯d been going so well, her not telling Asher about the date. But she couldn¡¯t see a real way out of this one besides telling him the truth. Unless, of course, he left it at that.

    ¡®Nice try. No way he¡¯s leaving it at this,¡¯ Lila thought solemnly.

    As if on cue, Asher asked, ¡°Oh? What¡¯re you busy with?¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Going¡­ to the aquarium.¡±

    ¡°Nice,¡± Asher said excitedly. ¡°Can I come?¡±

    ¡°I doubt you¡¯d want to.¡±

    ¡°I love learning about animals,¡± Asher replied, sounding slightly offended. ¡°Of course I¡¯d want to.¡±

    Lila shifted uncomfortably on her bed, weighing up the options between diving under the covers and pretending he wasn¡¯t here, and just telling him she was going on a date.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m going there for a date.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face paled, his eyes wide. ¡°A what?¡±

    ¡°A date,¡± Lila repeated in a whisper, unable to look at him anymore. She instead looked at her lap.

    ¡°With who?¡± Asher¡¯s question was slow like he was having trouble pulling it out of his mouth even though it was only two words. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Please tell me,¡± Asher asked again, this time quicker, his voice quivering. Lila remained silent for a few moments.

    ¡°Theo,¡± she finally said quietly. Lila could see in her peripheral vision that Asher¡¯s whole body had tensed up. It stayed that way for almost a minute, with Lila¡¯s breathing unable to fully expand her lungs.

    ¡°T-Theo?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded distant and wavered as if he was underwater. Lila nodded.

    ¡°When did he ask you?¡±

    ¡°Tuesday. After practice.¡±

    ¡°And you didn¡¯t want to tell me?¡±

    ¡°¡­ I know you don¡¯t like him.¡±

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°And it shouldn¡¯t affect you,¡± Lila interrupted him, staring at her hands as she picked at her nails.

    Asher took in a deep breath before replying, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t affect me?¡±

    Lila glanced at him. His whole body seemed to be trembling, his face still pale, and jaw clenched tightly. It¡­ was an odd reaction to the news.

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not like you¡¯re going on the date with him.¡±

    Neither of them spoke for a moment. The pause felt weighty, crushing Lila¡¯s lungs. Why did she say that?

    ¡°Do you like him?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded strained, as though he was struggling for breath. Was he affected by the atmosphere in here too?

    ¡°No,¡± Lila responded emphatically. ¡°Not in that way.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure,¡± Lila said exasperatedly. ¡°The reason I¡¯m going is to gather info from him about whatever¡¯s going on with Livi and the books.¡±

    Asher turned back to Lila¡¯s desk and reopened the book. ¡°Sure. That¡¯s the reason you¡¯re going,¡± he said disbelievingly, his eyes scanning the page. Lila crossed her arms defensively, heat rising from her cheeks.

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s tru-¡±

    ¡°Sorry, Lila, but I¡¯d like to read this.¡±

    He turned another page of the book without looking at her. She watched him for a moment before standing up.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to get a drink. Do you want one?¡± she asked, her voice harsher than she¡¯d intended.

    ¡°No thank you,¡± Asher replied politely, still not looking at her. ¡°Thanks for the offer.¡±

    Lila left through the open door and stomped downstairs. Asher¡¯s reaction to her going on the date, even though she was going to gather intel, was¡­ well, she didn¡¯t know how to describe it. Lila decided not to think about it too hard for now. She needed to calm down.

    Her parents were watching a talent show in the living room, but she didn¡¯t feel like joining them. She passed them without a word and went into the kitchen.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look happy,¡± Clare commented idly from the kitchen counter, spooning some single-serve tiramisu into her mouth.

    Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

    ¡°Funny that,¡± Lila replied tersely. She opened the fridge and pulled out a bottle of water.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? I thought you¡¯d be over the moon that Asher was in your room again,¡± Clare said, putting down her dessert. Lila sighed heavily and joined Clare at the counter.

    ¡°Did you guys have a fight?¡± Clare asked, eyeing Lila curiously.

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Not¡­ exactly. But I guess you could say we did? I don¡¯t even know.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°He wanted to hang out on Sunday.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing¡­ right?¡±

    ¡°It is if you¡¯re not already on a date.¡±

    Clare began to splutter, the whole spectrum of emotions physically possible contorting her face in a matter of seconds.

    ¡°With who? What? When did this happen?¡± Clare managed to say after collecting herself.

    ¡°I dunno if you¡¯d know him. His name is Theo. He¡¯s in Grade 12.¡±

    ¡°I know of him,¡± Clare nodded. ¡°Asian guy, right? The Dux of that cohort? Plays soccer?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s him,¡± Lila sighed again. ¡°Thing is¡­ Asher doesn¡¯t like Theo.¡±

    ¡°Well, why does that matter?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess it doesn¡¯t. But¡­¡±

    ¡°Let me guess. You still have a crush on Asher?¡± Clare looked at Lila shrewdly, her eyes glimmering.

    ¡°Not so loud!¡± Lila cried, her face bright red. Clare began to laugh before settling down again.

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, what¡¯s up with this Theo guy, then? You couldn¡¯t say no or something?¡±

    ¡°I accidentally said yes, before I realised what I was saying,¡± Lila said, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

    Clare took in a sharp breath. ¡°Yikes. I¡¯ve done that before,¡± she said sympathetically.

    ¡°And Theo seemed so excited, so I couldn¡¯t take it back.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve gone on a few pity dates myself, Lila, you don¡¯t need to justify it to me. But, man, you really seem to be surrounded by Duxes. Wish I was that lucky. Shooting for the stars, are ya?¡±

    Lila shot her a withering look and Clare laughed again, shaking her head. ¡°So, what¡¯s the problem?¡± Clare asked, touching Lila¡¯s cheek affectionately. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to go on dates with people. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re dating Asher.¡±

    ¡°It feels like I¡¯ve done something wrong, though,¡± Lila admitted quietly. ¡°And I also feel like I¡¯d be stringing Theo along, too. If he actually likes me.¡±

    Clare looked at Lila seriously. ¡°I still think it¡¯s too soon for you to try anything with Asher.¡±

    ¡°I know. But like I said before, he doesn¡¯t like me like that.¡±

    Clare narrowed her eyes at Lila. ¡°Lila, did you find out from Asher whether that¡¯s what he actually feels?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m scared to.¡±

    Clare turned her whole body to face Lila now. ¡°I don¡¯t think you need to be,¡± she said, taking Lila¡¯s hands in her own. ¡°The way he is with you ¨C it seems he wants more, too.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re giving me mixed advice here,¡± Lila replied tonelessly.

    ¡°You can tell someone you like them without doing anything with it, you know,¡± Clare chuckled. ¡°Even if the feeling is mutual, it doesn¡¯t mean you need to be girlfriend and boyfriend or whatever. You can hold those feelings for each other until you¡¯re both ready to commit.¡±

    It had never occurred to Lila that that was an option. Her heart began to race as she thought it over. Did she really need to wait for him to be over Holly to tell him how she felt?

    ¡°Of course, there¡¯s also the idea that maybe Theo will take you by surprise,¡± Clare winked. ¡°Having options isn¡¯t a bad thing. I know you feel guilty, but you could end up falling for him. You can also have a crush on more than one person. But if you get into a relationship with Theo and it takes off, then, of course, the whole Asher thing won¡¯t matter so much anymore. The world¡¯s your pearl or whatever. Sometimes that¡¯s the fun part of being single. Or is it oyster? Clam? Something like that. Well, whatever, the world¡¯s your chicken nugget, just order a box of 20 and enjoy life.¡±

    Lila snickered as she took her hands back and folded her arms. She didn¡¯t want to get involved with Theo, really. He seemed too different from Lila. Unapproachable, almost. They¡¯d hardly had a conversation before and now they were going to go to an aquarium and dinner on Sunday. But¡­ if she shut the idea down completely without giving it a chance, that would be disrespecting his feelings and, frankly, courage in asking her out¡­

    A knock by the kitchen entryway startled Lila and she turned to face the knocker. It was Asher. He seemed out of breath and his face was pink. Had he run down the stairs?

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s here,¡± Asher said after taking a few breaths. A sinking feeling weighed Lila¡¯s stomach down. Had he heard what they were talking about? Lila glanced at Clare who smirked at her.

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta get ready,¡± Clare announced, standing up. ¡°See you tomorrow, right?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡¯ll be back tomorrow. After the game,¡± Asher replied, watching Clare walk by him.

    ¡°Are you both competing at Sandy Lakes tomorrow?¡± Clare asked, lingering at the edge of the doorway.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila responded quietly.

    ¡°I can pick you up after your game then, Asher,¡± Clare offered.

    ¡°That¡¯d be great,¡± Asher smiled at Clare, which she returned before disappearing.

    Lila tentatively stood and met Asher in the doorway. He looked down at her for a moment before turning on his heel and heading towards the pile of shoes.

    ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± Lila asked him in a low voice as she unlocked the front door for him.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher replied shortly, a bite of frustration in his voice. ¡°You can stop asking.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop asking when it feels like you aren¡¯t hiding things from me,¡± Lila responded, throwing open the front door. He stopped moving and stared at her with wide eyes, his left shoe half-on.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± he eventually asked, adjusting the back of the shoe at a snail¡¯s pace.

    ¡°Exactly what I said,¡± Lila replied, avoiding his gaze.

    He rubbed his face before readjusting his school bags. ¡°You¡¯re hiding things from me, too,¡± he mumbled.

    Lila¡¯s heart pounded in her chest, the palpitations reaching her throat. He¡¯d noticed. He¡¯d picked up on her acting differently before, but she¡¯d thought that she had managed to deflect him by saying she was worried about exams. Evidently, he¡¯d seen through that.

    Lila bit her bottom lip as she tossed up between admitting that she was hiding things from Asher, and saying nothing at all about it. She still wasn¡¯t ready to tell him what she was hiding. Despite what Clare had told her a few minutes ago, now that he was standing here mere metres from her, she couldn¡¯t tell him about her feelings anytime soon. Any shred of courage that she might¡¯ve had after talking to her sister had vanished along with Clare.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll see you tomorrow, Asher.¡±

    ¡°See you then.¡±

    He left without a backwards glance and Lila closed the door. She stood there for what felt like hours, but couldn¡¯t have been more than a few minutes. It wouldn¡¯t be fair to expect Asher to reveal what he was hiding if he knew she was hiding something. It seemed that they were in a stalemate.

    <hr>

    Sandy Lakes High School was smaller than Forestglade College, though their oval was the same size. Many of its buildings were double-story and made of brick, with several wooden ramps winding between them. Despite the name ¡®Sandy Lakes¡¯, neither sand nor lakes were featured amongst the empty classrooms and outdoor landscaping that Lila had seen during her visits. After being dropped off in the carpark by the oval, Lila shambled across the field to her teammates and Ms Wright with a yawn.

    She hadn¡¯t slept very well the night before ¨C her last conversation with Asher being the main culprit for this, though Clare¡¯s words had featured in her anxious musings too. She hadn¡¯t managed to reach a conclusion on how to handle the stalemate she found herself in with Asher that didn¡¯t involve coming clean about her crush, and it bothered her greatly.

    Lila wanted to wait a little bit longer, to see how Asher was feeling about his breakup with Holly before throwing that information on him. Given he still seemed sensitive about relationships, knowing Lila liked him would force Asher to consider a relationship, or not, with Lila¡­ and if he was still sensitive, then the reaction she was picturing was anything but positive.

    ¡®Now¡¯s not the time to be thinking about that,¡¯ she admonished herself as she half-listened to Ms Wright¡¯s pep talk. ¡®Get your act together.¡¯

    Once Ms Wright had finished, Lila followed some of the recommended warmups that Ms Wright was now demonstrating. She¡¯d gotten about halfway through the routine when a voice called out to her.

    Turning, she saw Theo jogging up to her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said breathlessly, brushing the hair out of his eyes. ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±

    ¡°Same as usual,¡± Lila replied vaguely. There was no sense in telling Theo about what was actually going on with her - especially not in front of her other teammates. ¡°What about you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Same. I¡¯m looking forward to tomorrow, though.¡± Theo¡¯s face broke into a cheeky grin and Lila couldn¡¯t help but smile back.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow if I don¡¯t see you later. Good luck with the game,¡± Lila said earnestly, her smile still on her face. Lila could hear a couple gasps proceeded by whispering from her teammates. Theo¡¯s eyes slid from her face to the crowd behind Lila and he smirked.

    ¡°See you. I¡¯m cheering you on.¡±

    He jogged off again, past Lila and towards the Forestglade College Under 18s soccer team.

    ¡°What was that about?¡± Willow asked Lila, shuffling over and finishing the warmup routine next to her.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied, looking determinedly at the grass. She could feel the blood rushing to her face.

    ¡°Seeing Theo on a Sunday doesn¡¯t seem like nothing,¡± Alice, who had also shuffled over to Lila¡¯s other side, laughed. ¡°What happened with Asher?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, glancing at Alice as she lowered herself into a lunge.

    ¡°I thought you guys totally had a thing for each other,¡± Alice explained mid-stretch.

    ¡°Nah, not for each other,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. She saw both Willow and Alice¡¯s eyes sparkle, and Lila turned to face a different direction. She didn¡¯t want to get into it with them, and especially not here. The direction she¡¯d turned to, however, was the wrong choice. Asher was standing exactly where she was looking, having not yet crossed the oval to his soccer team. His face looked entirely displeased. Had he noticed Theo talking to Lila just now?

    Their eyes met and Lila hurriedly turned back to Willow and Alice. Getting into it with them was a better alternative than looking at Asher right now.

    ¡°Not for each other, aye?¡± Willow crooned, jabbing Lila with her elbow suggestively. ¡°Did you friendzone him?¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°No, not me.¡±

    Alice gasped. ¡°He friendzoned you?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Lila frowned, finishing up her routine with some shoulder stretches.

    ¡°Then¡­ how don¡¯t you guys have a thing for each other?¡± Willow queried, her brow furrowed.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve been seeing Asher get into the car with you after practice the past couple of times,¡± Alice added, looking intently at Lila.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated,¡± Lila replied, closing her eyes. This¡­ was exactly what she hadn¡¯t wanted.

    ¡°Sure sounds it,¡± snorted Alice. ¡°So, what¡¯s happening with Theo?¡±

    ¡°He asked me to go on a date with him for tomorrow,¡± Lila said nonchalantly, sticking her mouthguard to her teeth. Willow and Alice followed suit, both looking thoughtful.

    ¡°You know, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard any rumours or anything about Theo asking anyone out,¡± Alice said thoughtfully. Willow nodded.

    ¡°Must be pretty special, Lila,¡± Willow grinned, her words muffled by her mouthguard. She checked her watch before looking intently at both Lila and Alice, her tone shifting to one of resolute seriousness. ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to beat Sandy Lakes. Let¡¯s go, team.¡±

    The rest of Lila¡¯s hockey team had begun assembling into a pre-match huddle, during which Erika Lang, the hockey captain, had her own pep-talk.

    ¡°Alright girls, we¡¯ve won against them before and we can do it again,¡± Erika said seriously, her voice authoritative. ¡°We¡¯re on their home turf, but we will win today. I just know it. Let¡¯s go, Forestglade.¡±

    The team performed a rally cry before splitting off to their sections of the field. Sandy Lakes had just finished up their own rally cry before each girl settled confidently into their requisite positions on the other side of the field.

    Lila flexed her arms as she held onto her hockey stick, waiting in anticipation for the game to begin.

    The sound of sticks rushing through the grass before their sprinting wielders sprung Lila into action. Sandy Lakes were playing far more aggressively than their last match, having reached Lila¡¯s zone within only a few minutes. Lila switched gears into defensive mode until she managed to intercept the ball. Charging down the field to the screams of her teammates, Lila passed it off to Charlotte, who continued their trajectory towards the goal.

    It was an intense first half, with Lila constantly on the move. Defensive strategies were definitely most employed in this match. Working alongside the defenders, Lila had managed to thwart every attempt by Sandy Lakes to score a goal until halftime was called.

    ¡°God, what the heck is up with them today?¡± bemoaned Anette Simmers, taking her goalie helmet off aggressively. Ms Wright sympathetically opened a container of orange slices, offering them to Lila and her teammates.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing well, girls. They haven¡¯t scored a goal just yet,¡± Ms Wright said comfortingly, closing up the container.

    ¡°We haven¡¯t scored, either,¡± Charlotte replied despondently before biting into her orange slice.

    ¡°I believe in you, Char,¡± Alice grinned.

    ¡°You need to pull your weight, too,¡± Charlotte retorted. Alice chuckled. Lila took a deep drink of water, her eyes straying to the Under 18s soccer game still in active play.

    ¡°Watching your boyfriend play?¡± Willow smirked, throwing an arm over Lila¡¯s shoulder. Lila rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have one,¡± Lila reminded her, finishing off her orange slice. They both watched as the Sandy Lakes team dribbled down the field. Lila¡¯s heart began to beat harder in her chest as she watched with keen interest. Surely Asher would save it. Sandy Lakes drew closer, both teams yelling. Asher bent his knees, seeming ready for their advance ¨C

    But he missed entirely.

    Cheers erupted from the Sandy Lakes side, whilst Forestglade College groaned in disappointment. Halftime for soccer was called shortly after, and Lila watched as Isaac jogged up to Asher, who¡¯d sunk to the floor.

    ¡°Looks like the boys aren¡¯t going so well,¡± commented Charlotte idly. ¡°Good,¡± she added after a brief pause.

    Lila snorted. ¡°Good?¡±

    ¡°They can¡¯t do better than us,¡± Charlotte said gravely. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t be fair.¡±

    They shared a snicker before heading off to the other side of the hockey field. The game resumed, and this time, Lila¡¯s team had managed to push forward, scoring a couple of goals before Sandy Lakes could manage to encroach on Lila¡¯s defence. Sandy Lakes did also manage to score a couple of goals, much to Lila¡¯s chagrin. As the game ticked closer to finishing, Lila buckled down to bolster their defence further.

    However, by the time the sharp bursts of the referee¡¯s whistle called the game to an end, it seemed that Lila hadn¡¯t needed to. Forestglade College had won again, this time by only one point. Lila and her team shook the hands of the Sandy Lakes team, collectively acknowledging how close the game was. Lila¡¯s team then banded together for a celebratory cheer before collecting their things.

    With a worn-out grin, Lila removed her mouthguard and drank some more water, absently watching the soccer match as her exhausted teammates departed the field. Given Lila had to wait for Asher to finish up anyway, she stood there for a moment, leaning on her hockey stick.

    ¡°Maybe you should go sit on the stands, Lila,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s voice said on Lila¡¯s left. Lila jumped, dropping her hockey stick in the process. Ms Wright laughed, and Lila scrambled to pick it up.

    ¡°See you next week,¡± Ms Wright said as she checked her container was firmly closed. ¡°You played well today.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled brightly. ¡°See you then, coach.¡±

    Ms Wright waved Lila off and Lila took her advice in sitting in the spectator stands. Lila wasn¡¯t sure how much longer the match would go on, but it seemed to be in full force when she sat down. From this position, she could see Asher at the far end of the field, though she was too far to see any particular expression he may have had on his face.

    As she watched, Lila had the distinct feeling that Asher wasn¡¯t concentrating entirely on where the soccer ball was. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether he¡¯d noticed her sitting in the stands owing to the fact that his attention seemed to be focused on Theo, even though the ball was nowhere near him.

    ¡®Odd,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she watched Theo idle in his spot for a moment before launching into action, tackling the Sandy Lakes player with possession of the ball. Lila continued to watch as the Forestglade College team advanced towards the goal. Theo passed the ball to Harrison, who darted forward and kicked the ball straight into the goal. Forestglade College spectators cheered and whistled as Harrison fist-pumped the air. Lila politely clapped. She still wasn¡¯t keen on Harrison¡¯s behaviour outside of soccer, though she was pleased that a point was scored for her school.

    The referee called game before the soccer teams could reassemble after the goal, and the Sandy Lakes team began whooping and celebrating on the field. It seemed that, despite Harrison¡¯s goal, Sandy Lakes had won.

    The soccer teams wrapped up on the field after their own sportsmanship handshakes. Lila remained seated as she watched Asher still on the field, engaged in a conversation with Mr Kovac.

    Theo was about to pass her by when he doubled back, smiling up at her. ¡°You watched us play?¡± he asked, adjusting his glasses. Lila smiled back.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said, standing up and stepping down from the stands. ¡°Nice pass at the end there.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Theo replied. ¡°Shame we didn¡¯t end up winning.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked curiously, leaning on her hockey stick again.

    ¡°Our goalie was off with the fairies,¡± Theo sighed. ¡°Let a couple too many goals pass.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila said shortly. Lila glanced over Theo¡¯s shoulder and saw both Asher and Isaac approaching them, their faces looking equally ticked off. As if sensing the ominous presence behind him, Theo¡¯s body stiffened, his face pale. He began to jog away from Lila, towards the carpark. ¡°See you tomorrow, Lila. I¡¯ll pick you up at 11,¡± he called with a wave, quickly glancing over his shoulder. Lila waved back.

    Isaac and Asher both stopped short of Lila. Now that she saw them up close, it seemed that Asher was far angrier than Isaac. Which wasn¡¯t quite so surprising, given it was generally a feat to make Isaac mad.

    ¡°What¡¯s that about seeing you tomorrow?¡± Isaac asked Lila casually, briefly glancing at a scowling Asher. Isaac¡¯s tone, though, made Lila think that Isaac already knew something. Plus, the terrible acting Isaac was employing in attempting to look both surprised and simultaneously unbothered made Lila suspicious of this fact. He just ended up looking constipated.

    ¡°None of your business,¡± Lila replied shortly. Isaac raised an eyebrow at her but didn¡¯t press the point. Asher pressed his lips together before rubbing his face with a forced sigh.

    ¡°Is your sister here yet?¡± Asher finally asked Lila monotonously.

    ¡°Should be,¡± Lila replied, not meeting his eyes. He seemed cold again today, which didn¡¯t bode well for their time together at Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Let me grab my bag, then,¡± Asher said, heading off to the changing rooms without waiting for a response. Isaac caught Lila¡¯s eye and folded his arms. Once Asher was out of earshot, he began to speak.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing?¡± he asked Lila sternly.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila replied uneasily.

    ¡°With Theo.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, none of your business.¡±

    ¡°What happened to your crush on Asher? Now you¡¯re going on dates with other guys?¡± Isaac sounded accusatory. And, as Lila had suspected, Isaac knew about the date.

    ¡°Whoa, whoa, I never s-¡±

    ¡°Cut the bullshit, Lila,¡± Isaac said exasperatedly. ¡°We¡¯re not playing that game anymore. I¡¯d put it aside, your attempts at saying you didn¡¯t have a crush on him, but we both know differently.¡±

    Lila blinked at Isaac, trying to process what he¡¯d said. He¡¯d never spoken to her so harshly before. Before she could ask why, Isaac sighed heavily, staring at his foot as he drove it into the ground.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he mumbled. ¡°That came out a lot meaner than I¡¯d intended.¡±

    ¡°¡­ did something happen? With Asher?¡± Lila asked quietly. Though it was hard to make Isaac mad in most cases, Lila knew by now that things regarding Asher would be a surefire way to tick Isaac off.

    ¡°No,¡± Isaac replied, though his voice cracked. He winced before sighing again, placing his hands on his hips. ¡°Fuck. Fine. Yes.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila pressed, her voice laden with concern. The fact that Isaac swore hadn¡¯t escaped her notice. Isaac looked at her through narrowed eyes before sighing in apparent resignation.

    ¡°Spent all night talking to him, after he left yours,¡± Isaac said slowly, folding his arms across his chest again. ¡°All he could talk about was your date with Theo tomorrow. I don¡¯t think we ended the call until, like, 2am.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart stopped for a moment in her chest, her lungs suddenly breathless. A new feeling began to take hold, spreading from her fingertips to the rest of her body. Was it¡­ hope? Just as quickly as the feeling arrived, however, it was washed away by a new one ¨C overwhelming guilt. Asher had been up before a soccer game¡­ because of Lila.

    But then, another emotion interrupted this one, too. A broiling anger, steaming her from the inside. Looking at Isaac¡¯s stupid face, as he looked at her with clear frustration, did nothing but stoke the flames.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila asked, her voice low and surprisingly steady. ¡°Why¡¯d you tell me that? Why should he care? You¡¯re the one who told me that nothing was going to happen, that he just wanted to be friends. He¡¯s not allowed to care about who I go on dates with.¡±

    Isaac stepped closer to Lila, his eyes scrutinising hers carefully. ¡°You¡¯re so stupid. Both of you. It¡¯s like you¡¯re refusing to open your damn eyes.¡±

    ¡°W-What does tha-¡± Lila tried to say before Isaac cut her off.

    ¡°Not my place to tell. I¡¯ve said too much already. Asher¡¯s coming up behind you. See you next week,¡± Isaac said in a low, urgent voice. He then rushed off, towards the changing room as well, clapping Asher on the shoulder as he passed.

    ¡°See you next week,¡± Lila heard Isaac say. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the game, man.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hear Asher¡¯s response and began to walk towards him. She was still seething from her conversation with Isaac, but laying her gaze on Asher¡¯s tired, emotionless face cooled it down almost immediately. His eyes flickered to her face before he turned on his heel, striding towards the carpark.

    ¡°Time to finish off this accounting fiasco,¡± he said tonelessly. ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll be out of your hair.¡±

    ¡°Not that you were in my hair,¡± Lila replied, attempting a joke. It seemed to land, as the corners of Asher¡¯s mouth lifted slightly, though he didn¡¯t say anything else.

    ¡°Besides, we have an investigation to do, don¡¯t we?¡± Lila added softly, the sound of gravel crunching under their feet almost drowning her voice. He glanced at her, before scanning the carpark.

    ¡°Yeah. Guess we do.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-One

    Chapter Seventy-One

    It didn¡¯t take long to spot Clare¡¯s car in the half-empty carpark. Her Club music was blaring loud enough through the car speakers that Lila could hear it from a few metres away.

    After climbing into Clare¡¯s car and greeting her as usual, Asher fell entirely silent. Clare must have sensed his off vibe immediately as she didn¡¯t try to engage him in any further conversation, instead preferring to turn up her music even more.

    Now that Term 2 was swiftly coming to an end, Lila spent the car ride home thinking about alternative things she could do in her room whilst Asher finished up on her brother¡¯s accounting. Perhaps she¡¯d continue the new book series that she¡¯d started before exams kicked up? Or maybe she should take the family Switch for the afternoon?

    Lila still considered her options as she hopped into the shower, her home clothes securely sitting on the bathroom counter. The world was her chicken nugget, after all.

    Without reaching a plan of attack to stymie her impending boredom, her mind quickly drifted to her conversation with Isaac. She stared at the tiles coating the shower wall as the water gently warmed her body. The fact that he¡¯d spoken to her so harshly, coupled with the fact that Asher had been up until 2am that morning with him, worried Lila. Despite Asher¡¯s evasive reassurances that she hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, the nexus between his performance at soccer today and Lila¡¯s date with Theo tomorrow was clear. Though, she still stuck by her stance that Asher really had no business being bothered ¨C at least, to this extent ¨C by her going on a date with Theo, no matter how much he disliked the guy.

    ¡®If he doesn¡¯t want me, then what¡¯s the point in getting so upset by this?¡¯ Lila thought as she rinsed her hair. She shut off the shower and began to towel herself dry when a knock sounded on the bathroom door.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila called.

    ¡°It¡¯s Asher,¡± a voice responded through the bathroom door. Lila quickly wrapped her towel around her body, panic drumming through her veins, tightening her muscles to the point that it was on the cusp of being painful. He wasn¡¯t going to try and come in here while she was naked, surely. She stared at the doorknob for a few moments, but it didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Asher asked, his voice sounding as though he was leaning right up against the door.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila queried, her voice suddenly shrill.

    ¡°I need to borrow some coloured pens but Daniel doesn¡¯t have any. He said you might. Can I have a look in your room?¡±

    Lila¡¯s body relaxed. ¡°S-Sure,¡± she responded, ¡°I have some in my desk drawer, I think.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila paused for a few seconds, waiting to see if he¡¯d say anything else. He didn¡¯t, so she got dressed and hung up her towel. She blow-dried her hair so that it wasn¡¯t sopping wet before leaving the bathroom in a cloud of steam.

    Lila could see Asher sitting at her desk through her open bedroom door and immediately felt very nervous to approach him, the pit of her stomach tingling. He seemed to be concentrating on something ¨C had he taken one of Daniel¡¯s notebooks into her room to use the coloured pens on?

    Taking a deep breath, Lila approached her bookshelf, looking for the book she¡¯d been reading the week before. She found it and clutched it to her chest, hesitantly crossing the room to her bed. She kept her eyes lowered as she sat down and opened the book to where she¡¯d left off.

    Ordinarily, she would¡¯ve appreciated his silence while she read, but given what Isaac had mentioned, she couldn¡¯t help but overthink about what his silence meant. After rereading the same paragraph three times, she snapped her book shut and looked up at him. To her surprise, he was grinning at an oddly familiar piece of paper in his hands.

    In an instant, she rushed to him, slapping it away from his hands. It fluttered to the ground next to her desk and he jumped at her sudden appearance, his face slightly pink. He glanced at her before descending into fits of laughter.

    ¡°Why were you reading that?¡± Lila squeaked, her heart racing. How much had he read?

    ¡°It was in your drawer, covering the pens,¡± Asher managed to wheeze, wiping away barely perceptible tears. ¡°When did you write that?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face felt as though it would melt off as she glanced to where the paper lay lamely on the floor, its writing face-up. From this angle, the first words she saw were ¡®con¡­ I have no idea what I¡¯m doing¡­ pro¡­ neither does Asher¡­¡¯

    She hid her face in her hands. Why hadn¡¯t she thrown away her stupid pros and cons list?

    ¡°¡­ I think it was the day before Piper took that photo of us. The one she put in the bathrooms,¡± Lila eventually mumbled, her embarrassment now making her want to pack her bags and run away from home, effective immediately.

    Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°February, huh?¡±

    With all the force she could muster, Lila nodded stiffly.

    ¡°Did you find the pens?¡± Lila asked, finally lowering her hands.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, somewhat awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ve got all that I need.¡±

    ¡°Great. Please leave.¡±

    Asher stood instantly, holding a bunch of pens in his right hand. Lila began to push him towards the open door and was about to slam it shut before remembering the ridiculous rule her parents had imposed on her about it.

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s fine ¨C you don¡¯t need to be embarrassed by it. I found it endearing-¡±

    ¡°Oh shut up, will you?!¡± Lila cried, scuttling around Asher and wrenching open Daniel¡¯s door. She just about threw him into Daniel¡¯s room, though it was clear that Asher wasn¡¯t resisting. She slammed the door behind him and hurried back into her room, diving under the covers of her bed.

    The pros and cons list that she¡¯d written so long ago, though representative of a time when she barely knew Asher, felt like a window to her inner thoughts that she¡¯d never wanted Asher to see. He didn¡¯t need to know the things she¡¯d considered when deciding to help him with investigating his Mum¡¯s disappearance. Her whole body cringed, tightening her blanket around her as she remembered what else she¡¯d written down¡­ ¡®con¡­ he¡¯s got a girlfriend¡­ pro¡­ he¡¯s got a girlfriend, so won¡¯t be creepy¡­ pro¡­ I¡¯ll be useful? I think¡­ con¡­ I have to keep it a secret¡­ pro¡­ we share a secret¡­¡¯

    Within a matter of seconds, Clare arrived in Lila¡¯s room, gently tugging the covers around Lila¡¯s face down. Lila stubbornly pulled them back up.

    ¡°Lila, what¡¯s wrong? Why¡¯re you shouting and slamming doors?¡± Clare asked gently, evidently giving up on revealing Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Lila responded vaguely, sniffling.

    ¡°Sounded like plenty of reason to me.¡±

    ¡°Please leave, sis.¡±

    Clare patted Lila¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll be in my room if you need me.¡±

    Lila heard her sister leave as she continued to will herself to disappear. The list she¡¯d written just looked psychotic now. She¡¯d spent so long evaluating the whole situation from so many angles that it must¡¯ve looked absolutely obsessive at best. There was no way that she¡¯d be able to confess her feelings to Asher without looking like a nutjob now. He¡¯d probably just laugh in her face and reject her outright, having seen all that. He¡¯d already laughed at her once over the list that contained her innermost feelings about his request for help all those months ago, after all. It definitely wouldn¡¯t be beyond him to laugh at her confessing her feelings in that case¡­

    Lila tugged at her hair before running her hands through it all in frustration. She threw the covers off and stomped over to her wardrobe. This was a problem that she wouldn¡¯t be able to resolve right now, with Asher diligently working just a few metres away. At the very least, a problem she could resolve now was what she¡¯d wear tomorrow.

    If she thought about her date with Theo as an information-gathering exercise, perhaps she should wear something that showed her off, like what undercover women in TV shows did to get suspects to talk. Or should she dress casually, since they¡¯d be walking around an aquarium all day? And after the emotional rollercoaster she¡¯d been on since admitting her crush on Asher, was she going to give the date with Theo a legitimate chance?

    ¡®What made him want to ask me out anyway?¡¯ Lila thought absently as she perused her outfit offerings. They¡¯d hardly had a full conversation together, and most of the time that she¡¯d seen him, Livi was pestering Lila and Asher. She remembered Theo¡¯s statement, that he normally didn¡¯t go for white girls, when Livi asked if Theo would date Lila. Was he interested because she was part Asian? Should she ask him?

    She spied a grey knit sweater dress in her closet and pulled it out. It was form-fitting and sufficiently warm for the late-June weather that was rapidly growing colder with each passing day. She scrutinised the stitchwork for a moment before draping it across the end of her bed. It would do.

    Now that that had been decided, though, she was still feeling incredibly anxious. If she was this wound up on her date with Theo, she wouldn¡¯t be able to ask him anything¡­

    She reached for the book she¡¯d attempted to read that afternoon and found an easier time of it now. It didn¡¯t take long until her mind¡¯s eye began building the world crafted by the author¡¯s words, taking her through the cobblestoned streets of the main character¡¯s story. As she tumbled, deeper and deeper, into the world constructed for her, she pulled her blankets around her for comforting insulation. Her eyes flew across the page as she continued to read in earnest.

    Another knock sounded sometime later, collapsing her vivid imagery in an instant. She blinked at the person standing in the doorway and quickly realised, with a sinking feeling, that it was Asher. In contrast to how she¡¯d seen him before and after the game today, though, he seemed to have some life back in his face. He leant on the doorframe, folding his arms as he appraised her.

    ¡°You kinda look like a goblin over there,¡± he said quietly, a shadow of a smirk across his face. She threw the duvet that she¡¯d cloaked herself in off her shoulders and onto the ground, exposing her knees which were folded to her chest. Undeniably, she probably did look like a goblin, obsessively eyeing its horde of treasure, but she wasn¡¯t going to accept that lying down.

    ¡°That¡¯s rude,¡± she huffed, straightening out her legs. ¡°You kinda look like¡­ a¡­ um¡­ the stupidest smart-aleck around.¡±

    ¡°Probably true,¡± he snorted. ¡°Should¡¯ve added that one to your cons. Or is that a pro?¡±

    Lila hoisted a cushion resting behind her back and launched it towards Asher¡¯s face. He dodged with an easy laugh before retrieving it and tossing it back at her, her face bright red.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t come here to get things thrown at me,¡± he said, standing up straighter. ¡°I wanna show you what I¡¯ve done.¡±

    Lila eyed him suspiciously. ¡°Sounds¡­ ominous.¡±

    ¡°Eh, probably for Livi. Not so much for Daniel,¡± Asher shrugged, beckoning Lila towards Daniel¡¯s room. She relented with a sigh, ensuring her place was bookmarked before she crossed the threshold into Daniel¡¯s room.

    Daniel¡¯s eyes lit up as soon as she closed the door behind her, excitement clearly bubbling through him.

    ¡°Lila! Asher¡¯s done!¡± he said enthusiastically, pulling her towards his desk by her arm. Asher sat down, frowning slightly.

    ¡°Well, mostly,¡± Asher cautioned. ¡°I¡¯ve got to do a couple other small things, but this is operational as of now. Daniel can start using this system from Tuesday or Wednesday, I reckon.¡±

    ¡°What system?¡± Lila asked, her curiosity evaporating her nervousness at being so close to Asher for the moment.

    ¡°This one,¡± Asher beamed proudly, opening the laptop that Lila recognised as Daniel¡¯s personal one and handing it over to her. Her stomach fluttered for a moment, her cheeks blushing as she received the laptop. It seemed her nerves hadn¡¯t evaporated as much as she¡¯d thought.

    A webpage was open titled ¡®Square¡¯. It looked like a business e-commerce website, with various graphs and a myriad of other things at her fingertips.

    ¡°What¡­ am I looking at?¡± Lila queried as she scrolled through the menu options.

    ¡°We¡¯ve moved online,¡± Daniel announced, puffing out his chest like a pelican. ¡°It¡¯s the way of the future.¡±

    ¡°Feel like it¡¯s the way of the present, actually. What you were doing was positively ancient,¡± Lila snickered, clicking on more things. ¡°It seems like a whole lot of data was put in here, from the start of the year. How¡¯d you do that?¡±

    ¡°I transferred what was in the notebooks into an Excel spreadsheet,¡± Asher replied casually, cracking his knuckles. ¡°Though, I then had to triple-check the spreadsheet, to make sure it was compatible with Square.¡±

    Asher then explained how the new system would work, including the fact that electronic transfers and payments would be far easier. It was actually quite impressive, particularly since he was on the free tier of Square¡¯s membership. One particular bonus, however, was that it would take money right out of Livi¡¯s hands, due to the automated nature of the site.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to be so pissed,¡± Lila whispered after Asher expanded on that point. Asher looked grim.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. Please report it.

    ¡°Most likely, yeah. I¡¯ll need to coach her through the new system, too. I¡¯ve written up a guide, but I don¡¯t want her messing up all my hard work, either ¨C whether that¡¯s on purpose, or by accident,¡± he sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to do that by yourself, are you?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow as she waited for his response. He glanced at her, seeming surprised.

    ¡°It¡¯d be pretty boring for anyone else to come with me.¡±

    ¡°You hate her.¡±

    ¡°Hate is a very strong word. I don¡¯t think I¡¯m capable of ¡®hate¡¯.¡±

    Lila scoffed derisively. ¡°Fine, dislike enough to not want to be within 10 metres of her.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Daniel was looking back and forth between them as they spoke before cutting in.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Livi? I mean, I know you don¡¯t like her, and you probably shouldn¡¯t after everything, but what has she done to you guys?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Asher murmured, the shine disappearing from his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll just ignore her and get it over with.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Lila insisted.

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯ll be there,¡± Daniel said, looking bemused. ¡°You don¡¯t need to. Like Asher said, it¡¯d be pretty boring.¡±

    ¡°You can come with us,¡± Asher said quietly, retrieving the laptop from Lila¡¯s hands. ¡°I¡¯m just waiting on something else before we can see her. That¡¯s why I said Tuesday or Wednesday.¡±

    ¡°Just let me know when and I¡¯ll be there,¡± Lila nodded firmly. Asher¡¯s eyes briefly met hers before he nodded as well.

    ¡°There¡¯s something for you to think about, though,¡± Asher said, turning to face Daniel.

    ¡°Me?¡± Daniel looked surprised.

    ¡°Yeah. Since all the proceeds are going to be loaded into a bank account, you need to figure out a way to not make this look suspicious to your parents. Since you don¡¯t work. This is a lot of money, and a lot of turnover, too.¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Daniel uttered, biting his nails. ¡°This does look suspicious.¡±

    ¡°Do you even have a bank account?¡± Asher asked, opening up Google on the laptop.

    ¡°I do, but Mum and Dad monitor it. Well, mostly Mum. Shit.¡±

    ¡°And you can¡¯t open one on your own,¡± Asher surmised.

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to get one at a different bank, so Mum can¡¯t find out,¡± Lila said thoughtfully. ¡°And I doubt they¡¯d let me help you open one as your guardian, since I¡¯m not 18 yet. But¡­ there¡¯s someone we know who would be able to go as your guardian.¡±

    Daniel paled. ¡°Anyone but Clare. Seriously.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Has to be Clare. She¡¯s related to you.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s going to rake me over the coals. I¡¯d rather Mum and Dad just find out right now.¡±

    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Lila said, crossing her arms. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been talking to her about a few things. She¡¯s stopped being so nosy. She¡¯ll be chill.¡±

    Daniel looked at Lila doubtfully. ¡°Clare? Chill? With my business? Unheard of.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s noticed you acting odd this year,¡± Lila pointed out. ¡°Has she asked you about it?¡±

    Daniel fell silent.

    ¡°Thought so,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Let me grab her.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait, she can¡¯t know about all this,¡± Daniel said desperately, grabbing Lila¡¯s wrist before she could open the door.

    ¡°She¡¯s just going to open a bank account with you,¡± Lila replied, taking her wrist back gently. ¡°That¡¯s all we¡¯ll tell her.¡±

    ¡°Can you come with us? To the bank,¡± Daniel asked quietly.

    ¡°Like I was going to just let you run around with Clare undefended while doing something weird like this,¡± Lila scoffed. ¡°I was always going to go with you. Even though she¡¯s on her ¡®no nosiness¡¯ streak, it can¡¯t last forever.¡±

    A look of relief washed over Daniel, and Lila took this as her cue to grab Clare. She tentatively knocked on Clare¡¯s door.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Clare replied, her voice slightly muffled. Lila popped her head in.

    ¡°Can I borrow you for a sec?¡± she asked. Clare was sitting behind her vanity and peered up at Lila, her makeup brush halfway to her face.

    ¡°Is it about why you¡¯re upset?¡± Clare queried, standing up from her vanity and meeting Lila at the door.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s for Daniel.¡±

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s rare,¡± Clare quipped, though she had a small smile on her face.

    They promptly piled into Daniel¡¯s room, which was quite crowded now.

    ¡°Cosy,¡± Clare commented as she crossed Daniel¡¯s room and sat on his bed. Lila sat beside her, and the two sisters looked at Daniel expectantly. He opened his mouth as if to say something before tightly pressing his lips together. He started shaking, his demeanour perfectly matching that of a particularly nervous whippet. It was painful to watch, but Lila waited with bated breath.

    ¡°C-Clare,¡± Daniel eventually managed to say, ¡°I¡­¡±

    He trailed off, swallowing hard. It was no use. Lila had to intervene.

    ¡°Clare, we need you,¡± Lila said quickly. Daniel looked at Lila as she spoke, relief flooding his eyes. ¡°Well, Daniel needs you. He needs a new bank account.¡±

    Clare blinked slowly. ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°H-He needs a new bank account but he¡¯s too young to open one himself,¡± Lila explained, her nerves flaring as she tried to ensure she wouldn¡¯t give too much away.

    ¡°He¡¯s got one though,¡± Clare frowned, crossing her arms.

    ¡°He needs one from a new bank,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°I¡¯d go, but I¡¯m not old enough.¡±

    Clare turned to Lila, suspicion colouring her expression. She opened her mouth, as if to say something, before Asher interjected.

    ¡°He¡¯s doing some work for me, but since he¡¯s too young to work, we need to keep it on the downlow. He¡¯s been interested in doing some accounting, and I needed help managing my financial situation. I don¡¯t work, but my parents give me money for my grades and they also put some away in investments.¡±

    Clare gaped at Asher for a few moments, her eyes darting between Asher and Daniel.

    ¡°You want Daniel to help you?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s great with numbers,¡± Asher replied genuinely, ¡°but he¡¯d benefit greatly from more practical examples. Tutoring theory only gets you so far.¡±

    Clare narrowed her eyes at Asher. ¡°Something¡¯s fishy about this.¡±

    ¡°Clare-¡± Lila¡¯s attempt to dissuade Clare from prying further died in her throat when Clare raised a hand in a ¡®stop¡¯ motion.

    ¡°But I¡¯ll give you the benefit of the doubt. Plus, I don¡¯t want to get all up in your business. This year with Lila has shown me more than enough that it¡¯s a bad idea to force it. It can backfire terribly,¡± Clare said seriously. Daniel¡¯s eyes were wide with shock and Lila looked at him smugly.

    ¡°Told ya,¡± Lila nodded at Daniel. ¡°She¡¯s new and improved.¡±

    Clare glared at Lila. ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck. It¡¯s taking everything I¡¯ve got to not try and dig into the both of you. And you¡¯re suspicious as heck too, Asher.¡±

    Lila saw both Daniel and Asher pale and stood up. ¡°Says you,¡± she said lightly.

    ¡°Yeah. Says me,¡± Clare chuckled, sharing a meaningful look with Lila before sighing heavily. ¡°Damn. You can tell we¡¯re related.¡±

    Clare walked towards Daniel¡¯s door, resting her hand on the doorknob. She looked at Daniel over her shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯ll set up an appointment for Monday. You want a different bank than the one Mum and Dad set you up with, right?¡±

    Daniel nodded silently, and Clare smiled gently at him.

    ¡°I know of one. Buck up, kid. You¡¯ll be right,¡± she said comfortingly. ¡°No need to look so scared of me.¡±

    With that, she disappeared through Daniel¡¯s door, shutting it softly behind her. Lila blew all the air out of her cheeks before flopping back down onto Daniel¡¯s bed.

    ¡°Thank God she said yes,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Daniel said earnestly, looking between Lila and Asher again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Asher replied, looking back down at Daniel¡¯s laptop. ¡°Once we knock that, and the other thing I¡¯m waiting on, out the way, I can finalise everything and we can move forward with the new system. You might need to iron out some kinks, but feel free to customise anything in whatever way you want after you test it out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m impressed,¡± Lila suddenly said, ¡°about your lie.¡±

    Asher turned in his chair to face Lila. ¡°It wasn¡¯t all a lie. If you¡¯re going to try and lie about something, adding some truth helps. Makes it more convincing. Besides, I reckon Daniel could be a real whiz at all this. I¡¯m in two minds if I should invest in the Banker at this point, looking over the books like I have. Clearly got a good gig going. Either way, I probably would hire him to help me manage my finances in the future.¡±

    Daniel blushed before pushing Asher¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t say corny shit like that, man,¡± Daniel bemoaned. ¡°You¡¯ll make me fall in love.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the goal,¡± Asher grinned cheekily at Daniel. ¡°Trying to be indispensable here.¡±

    ¡°So that Lila can¡¯t get rid of you?¡± Daniel asked, raising an eyebrow at Asher. A tinge of pink across Asher¡¯s face didn¡¯t go unnoticed as he turned back towards Daniel¡¯s laptop. Lila¡¯s heart began to race as she waited for Asher¡¯s response. Would¡­ he say yes?

    But just as her hopes began to build, they were dashed upon his reply. ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher said in a low voice, peering closely at the screen. ¡°I just like being needed.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart twinged with disappointment. If he had said yes¡­ perhaps she would¡¯ve been able to confess her feelings¡­

    Lila abruptly stood up again, getting ready to go back to her room. Daniel hurriedly blocked her path.

    ¡°While you¡¯re here,¡± Daniel said breathlessly, glancing at Asher. ¡°What¡¯s up with tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡± Lila asked blankly.

    Daniel rolled his eyes at her before responding. ¡°Heard that you¡¯re going somewhere with Theo.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied bluntly, sidestepping Daniel. ¡°I¡¯ll be out all day. Might be home late. At least, I¡¯m having dinner with him.¡±

    Lila heard Asher take a sharp intake of breath and looked over at him. He seemed to be shaking minutely, though his eyes were still fixated upon Daniel¡¯s laptop screen. ¡®Again with the weird reactions,¡¯ Lila thought with a frown. But she guessed, given Asher¡¯s response to Daniel¡¯s question, that this reaction was due to Asher¡¯s feelings on relationships.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you going?¡± Daniel asked, placing his hands on his hips.

    ¡°None of your business, dude,¡± Lila responded shortly.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯re supposed to go on dates with people you like,¡± Daniel added, his voice sullen.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the 20 questions?¡± Lila countered sharply, glancing uneasily at Asher. To her relief, he was still looking at Daniel¡¯s laptop. She was sure her face was a deep scarlet, both with anger and embarrassment at being interrogated about her date with Theo with Asher right there.

    ¡°Just making conversation,¡± Daniel shrugged. ¡°Aren¡¯t I allowed to ask questions?¡±

    ¡°You are, but you¡¯re going to turn into the old Clare if you keep going,¡± Lila said pointedly. ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room.¡±

    Daniel didn¡¯t resist and she left, finally collapsing into her own bed. Why was Daniel asking her about that? Especially with Asher in the room. Did Daniel not know that Asher disliked Theo?

    Lila shook her head, picking her book up again. Either way, Daniel obviously didn¡¯t know how to read the room.

    It was an hour or so before Lila was called down to dinner, which was an incredibly quiet one. After Asher told her parents that he¡¯d lost his soccer match, much of the conversation had centred around Clare and her progress in her studies. Lila hadn¡¯t felt much in the mood to contribute today, instead preferring to push her vegetables across her plate absentmindedly.

    ¡°Are you joining us again tomorrow?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked Asher as everyone began scraping their plates and piling them together.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Asher replied politely. ¡°Now that exams are over, Daniel will have to see if his upcoming topics are something that he needs tutoring in.¡±

    The rest of the table looked at Daniel in unison and he threw up his hands defensively.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you all looking at me?¡± he asked nervously.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a pleasure having you around,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, smiling warmly at Asher and ignoring Daniel¡¯s question entirely. ¡°We¡¯ve all enjoyed your company. Please don¡¯t be a stranger.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face reddened as he awkwardly stood, collecting a stack of plates. ¡°I¡¯ll try not to.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s the way,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad grinned, picking up his own stack of plates.

    After packing up from dinner, Asher joined Lila in her room, though he seemed cold again. Lila felt almost as though she was getting whiplash from the number of times that Asher¡¯s mood changed, especially lately.

    ¡°I hope you enjoy your date tomorrow,¡± Asher suddenly said, his eyes not lifting from the book he was reading.

    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise,¡± Lila replied softly, turning the page of her own book. The words began to swim before her, and she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to read any more if Asher was going to keep talking to her.

    ¡°A surprise?¡± Asher queried, looking up at her. ¡°Why would that be surprising?¡±

    Lila bookmarked where she was up to and closed her book, setting it beside her with a sigh.

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve been off ever since I told you about the date. I thought you¡¯d rather the date go poorly, since I¡¯m going with Theo.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­¡± Asher trailed off, turning back to his book. ¡°That¡¯s not it at all. I want you to have fun.¡±

    Lila¡¯s pulse began to beat in her throat. A question was fighting its way out her mouth, but she still didn¡¯t know whether she should ask. If the answer wasn¡¯t what she was hoping for¡­ then that would spell the end of the idea of confessing to Asher at all.

    But if she didn¡¯t ask, then she¡¯d be left wondering. And if she was left wondering, then she¡¯d be left hoping. And if she was left hoping, then she¡¯d go stir-crazy.

    ¡°A-Are you¡­ je-¡± Lila¡¯s question was halted by the ringing of Asher¡¯s phone. He pulled it out of his pants, his brow furrowed in apparent confusion.

    ¡°It¡¯s Isaac,¡± he said simply, staring at the caller ID flashing on his screen. ¡°He doesn¡¯t normally call outta the blue. I think I should take it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, go for it,¡± Lila replied, her posture deflating.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Asher asked, putting his phone to his ear. Lila couldn¡¯t hear Isaac¡¯s reply, but Asher sighed heavily.

    ¡°I¡¯m still at Lila¡¯s, dude. Can this seriously not wait?¡±

    After a pause, Asher unexpectedly stood, glancing at Lila apologetically. His face was white again, and she could tell that it was serious.

    ¡°Just give me a minute,¡± he said before leaving her room. She heard him rush downstairs, but nothing further of his conversation with Isaac.

    Lila buried her face in her hands. She¡¯d been so close to asking if he was jealous¡­ but she¡¯d been getting so many mixed signals from Asher that it was probably better to not ask at all. She¡¯d make herself look stupid if he said he wasn¡¯t, and after him reading her pros and cons list, she didn¡¯t want to make herself look even more stupid today. Lila shook her head before cracking open her book again, seeing as Asher hadn¡¯t come back just yet.

    When Asher did return after a few minutes, his eyes seemed wary.

    ¡°What happened with Isaac?¡± Lila asked, sitting up straighter. He crossed over to her desk, his body language rigid as though his joints were in dire need of oil.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher responded as he opened the book again. Lila could see his face growing redder by the second.

    ¡°If it¡¯s nothing, then why do you seem off again?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but worry about it.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡± As the question left his mouth, he looked up at Lila, his eyebrow arched. It was almost as though he was testing her ¨C as if¡­ he was trying to goad her into saying something.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, then I¡¯m not going to explain,¡± Lila said brusquely, turning her attention back to her book. ¡®Get the hint¡­¡¯ Lila thought desperately to herself. Despite her bravado, her heartbeat pulsated all the way through to her fingertips as she held the edges of her book.

    ¡°Do¡­ you like Isaac again?¡± Asher questioned in a whisper, his voice wavering like the flicker of a candle.

    ¡°The fuck?¡± Lila¡¯s words slipped out before she could restrain her immediate reaction. She stared at Asher now, his eyes staring back into hers. Lila began to laugh at the ludicrous suggestion.

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± she eventually asked as he patiently continued to watch her. ¡°Me? Like Isaac?¡±

    ¡°It happened before.¡±

    ¡°Before I knew him, yeah,¡± Lila responded, putting her book down. ¡°Then I realised he was a bona fide idiot. Great guy and funny, sure, but¡­ I prefer someone a bit more intellectual. Or at least, with a zest for learning things.¡±

    ¡°Someone like Theo, then?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was ice-cold, his expression even colder. It was as though he¡¯d entirely frosted over as Lila struggled to find a response. In theory, Theo would tick that box, sure¡­ but surely¡­ Asher would realise she was talking about him.

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s here,¡± Asher interjected before Lila could continue. He started packing up with more force than necessary, throwing the book he¡¯d been reading into the depths of his bag and zipping it up. He hoisted his bag over his shoulder with a thump and left Lila¡¯s room without a backwards glance. Lila¡¯s eyebrow twitched ¨C how did he know Marlene was here? He hadn¡¯t checked his phone.

    ¡°See ya, Daniel, see ya, Clare,¡± Asher called as he went downstairs, his footfalls heavy.

    Lila followed him down the stairs, almost losing her balance. Her legs seemed like jelly ¨C useless at holding the rest of her up. He was quick, though, and had already said his goodbyes to Lila¡¯s parents and almost had his shoes on when Lila joined him at the front door. He jumped back and she stepped between him and the door to unlock it.

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Have a good time tomorrow. I don¡¯t need to hear about it. See you at school.¡±

    Asher¡¯s words sounded more like a command than a friendly suggestion. He pushed past Lila and was outside before she could think of something to call him back. Taking a deep breath, Lila shoved her feet into thongs and chased after him into the inky darkness that shrouded her front yard.

    ¡°Is there anything I should ask him?¡± she wheezed, grabbing onto his bag. He stopped walking and looked over his shoulder at her, his face contorted in disgust. She instantly let go.

    ¡°About what?¡± Asher spat.

    ¡°Daniel¡¯s stuff,¡± Lila replied, shrinking back from him towards her house. Asher blinked at her before his face relaxed into one of neutrality.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you can figure it out,¡± he said simply. ¡°We don¡¯t have a starting point yet, so you can¡¯t go wrong.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila nodded.

    ¡°Bye.¡± Asher turned swiftly on his heel and continued his journey towards Marlene¡¯s car. Lila was half-surprised that she was here ¨C she hadn¡¯t noticed as the car lights were off. Marlene waved at Lila whilst Asher got in, slamming the door behind him. Lila waved as well, though Asher didn¡¯t seem to have noticed.

    Lila watched them drive away, her swirling mix of emotions rooting her to the spot for a moment. She exhaled deeply, watching her breath rise in the freezing night air. If she stayed here until hypothermia took over, then she¡¯d be able to avoid the date with Theo tomorrow¡­

    ¡®Or he¡¯d show up and think you¡¯re going to the aquarium in house clothes,¡¯ Lila thought cynically. She headed back inside the warmth of her house, any joy that she¡¯d had from spending the afternoon with Asher having vanished completely.

    Lila holed herself up in her room for the rest of the evening, trying to think of the kinds of questions she could ask Theo about his involvement, or knowledge, of the disappearing money. Her efforts were constantly impeded, however, by the re-emergence of Asher¡¯s reactions that afternoon in her mind¡¯s eye.

    Lila couldn¡¯t make sense of him at all. On one hand, he wanted her to have fun and a good time with Theo, and on the other, he seemed bothered by the whole idea. Was it really his aversion to relationships and dating that was driving his behaviour? Or was it his dislike of Theo? Or was it something else?

    ¡®What aren¡¯t I seeing?¡¯

 Chapter Seventy-Two

    Chapter Seventy-Two

    Lila woke up far earlier than she had intended to on Sunday morning. She went through her usual routine, doing a fine job of emulating a tortoise¡¯s pace though her eyes kept drifting to her phone¡¯s clock. Even the addition of makeup didn¡¯t speed up time fast enough.

    At least she could say for certain that she looked cute. Perhaps disarmingly so. Hopefully enough that Theo would entertain her questions, at least.

    With nothing else to do, Lila even began curling the ends of her hair. That, in itself, took about an hour, owing to the fact that her thick hair fought back against holding a curl in most circumstances. Eventually, she managed to make it behave and returned to her room.

    She¡¯d already tidied her bed twice this morning, so she started fussing with her accessories again, adding a couple sparkly hair clips, silver necklace, and matching earrings to her look. She found a small black cross-body bag and slipped her phone and wallet into it. It paired well with the sweater dress and matched the black of her stockings, at least, and was functional enough.

    As she contemplated the addition of a jacket or not, her phone¡¯s alarm rang. It was now 10.30am.

    Relieved, Lila headed downstairs, playing phone games on the couch as she waited for Theo to arrive.

    After some time, Clare¡¯s voice brought her out of her puzzle. ¡°You look nice.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, looking back down at her phone.

    ¡°Giving Theo a chance, I see,¡± Clare continued, sitting next to Lila on the couch. Lila sighed and shut her phone screen off.

    ¡°I suppose it¡¯d be rude not to,¡± Lila replied with a shrug.

    ¡°Well, I hope you have fun. Either way, you deserve to have a good time out now that the term is basically over. I was surprised at how much you studied, to be honest.¡±

    ¡°Not sure how to feel about that,¡± Lila said drily. Clare laughed.

    ¡°Your grades will speak for themselves, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    The sisters fell into a comfortable silence for a few moments before Daniel shuffled past, rubbing his belly and yawning. He stopped short of them and took in Lila¡¯s appearance.

    ¡°Disgusting,¡± he said disapprovingly, moving on to the kitchen. Lila rolled her eyes and Clare scoffed.

    ¡°Hey, she looks nice!¡± Clare yelled hotly.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t say she didn¡¯t,¡± Daniel called loftily.

    ¡°Leave it,¡± Lila said warningly to Clare, placing a hand on her arm. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    Clare simply shook her head and turned her attention to her own phone. Lila heard Daniel clattering around in the kitchen, most likely assembling some breakfast. He returned to the living room, holding a plate of toast and a cup of juice. He placed both on the coffee table and settled himself into his usual seat on the couch.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you going on a date with Theo?¡± Daniel asked, looking shrewdly at Lila.

    ¡°You¡¯re asking this again?¡± Lila questioned in frustration. ¡°It¡¯s literally none of your business.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to answer you, either today or yesterday, dude. Why¡¯re you so pressed about knowing?¡±

    ¡°Just curious,¡± Daniel responded as he reached over for his toast.

    ¡°You¡¯re so invested in my dating life for curiosity? I can see that being nosy runs in the family,¡± Lila frowned, folding her arms.

    ¡°Oi,¡± Clare pouted. Daniel looked at Lila meaningfully before biting into his toast.

    ¡°I feel like most younger brothers probably don¡¯t want to hear anything about their older sister¡¯s dating life,¡± Clare piped up, looking at Daniel with suspicion. Daniel shrugged.

    ¡°Maybe. I feel like most younger brothers aren¡¯t tutored by their older sister¡¯s friend, either,¡± he said, swallowing his toast. ¡°I learnt a lot this week. Maybe even too much.¡±

    ¡°That seems irrelevant,¡± Clare laughed. Suddenly, her laughter stopped, and she looked at Daniel with wide, sparkling eyes. ¡°Wait, do you mean-¡±

    Daniel shrugged again. ¡°Dunno what I mean.¡±

    Lila was about to interrogate Daniel when her phone rang. It was Theo.

    ¡°H-Hey,¡± Lila said hesitantly into the phone after picking up the call.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Theo¡¯s voice replied. ¡°I think I¡¯m outside.¡±

    ¡°You think?¡± Lila asked with a laugh.

    ¡°I mean, I hope so,¡± Theo chuckled.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll come out now.¡±

    Lila hung up her phone and looked briefly between Clare, who looked fit to burst with curiosity, and Daniel, who was biting into his toast as though he¡¯d never eaten in his life, before speaking. ¡°I¡¯ll see you guys later. I¡¯ll be out for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Have fun!¡± Clare called as Lila left to put her shoes on.

    ¡°Not too much fun,¡± Daniel also called behind Lila, his tone far less cheerful than Clare¡¯s.

    Lila made sure that her door keys were in her bag before leaving. The air was just as chilly as she¡¯d predicted, and she was regretting foregoing a jacket. A scuffed black Suzuki Swift was idling in the driveway, a pair of white fluffy dice swinging from the rearview mirror. Theo looked up at her from behind the wheel as she approached. She could see that his hair was parted and styled in a way that was reminiscent of popular K-Pop idols, unlike his usual hairstyle at school. Lila also noticed that he¡¯d switched out his usual glasses, ordinarily thick-framed and rectangular, for lighter, thinner round ones.

    He jumped out the driver¡¯s side door and hurried off to the passenger side before she could reach his car. She saw that he had a leather jacket over a lightweight cream jumper. Looking down, she noticed he also had charcoal-grey, denim slim-fit shorts with classic Vans on.

    ¡°Hi,¡± he said as he opened the passenger door for her. She looked up at him in surprise.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to do that,¡± she smiled, walking over and sitting inside. He closed the door gently behind her. Looking around, Lila could see that the interior of the car looked much older ¨C perhaps a 2010 or so model. Along the back window sat an array of plushies ¨C some relating to Genshin Impact and Naruto, though she wasn¡¯t sure of the others given the quickness of her glance.

    He hopped into the driver¡¯s side and started the car. It rumbled to life with a small, tinny whine that quickly disappeared. He grimaced and ran his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°Sorry ¡®bout that,¡± he said in a low voice, a faint blush across his cheeks. ¡°She¡¯s a bit old.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila replied comfortingly. ¡°I barely noticed.¡±

    Theo¡¯s blush seemed to deepen and he clipped his phone onto a phone mount on the right-hand side of his dashboard. It looked like he¡¯d already put the directions to the aquarium into his navigation system.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be about a half an hour drive,¡± he said as he backed the car out of her driveway.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied awkwardly, pulling her knees together as she shifted in her seat. She¡¯d been mostly worried about how the aquarium part of the date would go that she hadn¡¯t considered the drive there and back. Theo glanced at her and turned up the music.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just got one of the basic playlists on,¡± he explained. ¡°I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d want to hear what I¡¯m into.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Lila asked, looking over at his phone. She couldn¡¯t see much from this angle.

    ¡°W-Well, I¡¯m a bit of a weeb,¡± he replied hesitantly. ¡°Kinda embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°I did get that vibe,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I like your Zhongli plushie.¡±

    The car braked hard for a second, causing Lila to jolt forwards.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Theo said apologetically. ¡°You just surprised me.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I just didn¡¯t think you played Genshin.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t for a while,¡± Lila confessed, readjusting her seatbelt. ¡°But it¡¯s really fun. I¡¯m glad it¡¯s on mobile, but man it chugs through my battery. Does no one else you know play Genshin? I wouldn¡¯t have thought it was that surprising.¡±

    Theo shook his head, keeping his eyes on the road. ¡°At least, none of the guys from the group you see me with do.¡±

    ¡°Oh. You should try converting them.¡±

    Theo gave a sharp laugh. ¡°I don¡¯t think they¡¯d be keen.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard not to love Genshin,¡± Lila replied jovially.

    ¡°They¡¯re not really into games or anime,¡± Theo sighed. ¡°Probably wouldn¡¯t get it.¡±

    They fell into an awkward silence. Lila stared out the window as Theo drove them along the highway.

    ¡°So¡­ when¡¯d you get your licence?¡± Lila asked curiously, looking back at Theo, who was humming along to the song that was playing. He gripped his steering wheel for a second before releasing the tension in his hands.

    ¡°Last month. I took a bit of time getting it. My Dad was real annoyed, since I¡¯ve been eighteen for a couple months now.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re eighteen?¡± Lila blinked in astonishment. ¡°I thought you were only seventeen.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Theo shook his head. ¡°When my parents moved over from Guangzhou, I was already in the Grade 1 equivalent but for some reason, Forestglade College put me back a year. My younger brother¡¯s also a year older than most of his cohort.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you grew up in China.¡±

    Theo gave her an easy-going smile. ¡°Doesn¡¯t feature that much in my day-to-day life. Been here in Australia far longer than I was ever over there.¡±

    They were silent for another minute or so before Theo piped up.

    ¡°What about you? You¡¯re half-Asian, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied warmly. ¡°Mum¡¯s Filipina. Dad¡¯s Irish-ish.¡±

    ¡°Irish-ish?¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°Yeah, his side¡¯s from Ireland, but that was yonks ago. They¡¯ve been in Australia for generations.¡±

    ¡°Did they come from the First Fleet or something?¡±

    ¡°Not sure. Somewhere along the line, maybe.¡±

    ¡°¡­ is it hard? Growing up half-Asian?¡±

    Lila glanced at Theo uncertainly. She hadn¡¯t been asked that question before, and it was difficult to put into words.

    ¡°I¡­ think it would¡¯ve been harder if I didn¡¯t have my older sister. There have been times when I felt really lonely, I guess. Most Asian people don¡¯t treat me like I¡¯m Asian, and most white people don¡¯t treat me like I¡¯m white. I kinda fall into a black hole where I don¡¯t belong anywhere, if that makes sense.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Theo replied softly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not the same, but I guess I kinda relate. Some of the International kids who¡¯ve come essentially straight from China treat me like an outsider, too. They reckon I¡¯m too ¡®Westernised¡¯, even though I speak Canto and Mandarin at home with my grandparents and parents, and I can read it mostly. Sometimes it feels like they think I¡¯m a traitor or something. But I mean, most of them are cool with it. It¡¯s just a small percentage that¡¯re weird about it.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila uttered. ¡°That does sound a little bit familiar.¡±

    The conversation died there as Lila kept thinking about Theo¡¯s experience. She¡¯d never considered that migrants would be discriminated against like that ¨C for assimilating too well. The quietness between the two of them started to get to her after a few more minutes, though.

    ¡°What made you decide to go to the aquarium?¡± Lila queried, fiddling with the zip of her bag in her lap.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good question. I just thought it¡¯d be a bit less awkward than a movie, or just dinner. There¡¯re so many sea creatures in this world that I thought you¡¯d at least like to see one or two. Plus, the one we¡¯re going to has fairy penguins. Never heard of anyone saying they hate fairy penguins.¡±

    ¡°Those are the really little ones, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure are.¡±

    Lila took a deep breath. There was one question that had been on her mind ever since Theo had asked her out on a date, and she wanted to get it out of the way, lest she brood on it throughout the whole date.

    ¡°W-Why¡¯d you ask me?¡± she asked, stumbling over her words. She blushed in embarrassment and looked out the window again. Theo didn¡¯t respond for a few moments.

    ¡°I¡­ guess you¡¯re just the first girl that¡¯s caught my attention,¡± he eventually responded. Lila turned her head to face him. His jaw was clenched, and his fingers tapped the steering wheel. He seemed to be staring out the windshield with more intensity than before.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    He gave a heavy sigh before responding. ¡°¡­ yeah. You seem cool, at least. I¡¯ve never seen someone handle Livi like you do. Most people just don¡¯t engage or get real upset. I¡¯ve seen her make a few people cry. Plus, watching you play hockey is like a breath of fresh air. And¡­ you¡¯re pretty.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart jumped in her chest at his words. She hadn¡¯t been directly told that she was pretty by a guy before. Of course, Asher had called her beautiful at semi, and Isaac had called her cute a couple of times, but pretty had its own flair to it.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Lila replied nervously, twirling the ends of her hair with her fingers. ¡°U-Uh, you mentioned that I¡¯m the first girl¡­ have you been on dates before?¡±

    Theo looked at her briefly, his face a reddish colour. ¡°Plenty of them. Just with guys, though.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is it different, being with a guy?¡±

    Theo tensed up his shoulders. ¡°Well, I feel nervous as heck right now.¡±

    ¡°Is¡­ that different?¡±

    ¡°Usually, I¡¯m the one that gets asked out. I¡¯ve realised now that it¡¯s a whole different ball game, being the one that makes the first move.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila¡¯s utterance was gentle. Isaac had been the one to make the first move, all those years ago, so she¡¯d never given it any thought. It probably would be nerve-wracking. Though¡­ that was precisely why she couldn¡¯t bring herself to confess to Asher. So perhaps she could relate, after all.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to answer this, but do your parents know? About you dating guys?¡± Lila cringed as the words left her mouth. That was way too personal a question to ask on the first date.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Theo responded, exiting off the highway with ease. ¡°They¡¯d probably kill me, to be honest. Though being bisexual makes it easier. I¡¯ll probably end up with a woman anyway, so they don¡¯t have to know.¡±

    ¡°Even if you fall in love with a man?¡±

    Theo shrugged. ¡°Don¡¯t really know what ¡®love¡¯ is, in that sense. It¡¯s a bridge I¡¯ll cross if I get to it. For now, I¡¯m just having fun.¡±

    They approached the aquarium¡¯s carpark, which wasn¡¯t too busy to Lila¡¯s surprise. Though, maybe people were just waiting for school holidays to visit the aquarium.

    ¡°To be clear,¡± Theo said softly as he circled the carpark, looking for an empty spot close to the doors. ¡°I¡¯m not expecting anything out of this. I just want to get to know you a bit more. Though, if you wanted to hook up, I wouldn¡¯t say no.¡±

    Lila felt a burst of goosebumps erupt along her arms. Hook up? Was he insinuating something more than kissing?

    Theo took one look at her face as he pulled the handbrake of his car up, having slotted neatly into a park, before laughing. ¡°Damn, I retract that one immediately. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°You know, you¡¯re pretty different, outside of school,¡± Lila managed to say, unbuckling her seatbelt. She was about to exit the car when Theo virtually sprinted to her side and opened the door for her.

    ¡°What do ya mean?¡± he asked, closing the door behind Lila.

    ¡°I¡­ well. You seem pretty closed off at school. Aloof.¡±

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°I guess I am,¡± Theo admitted with a chuckle. ¡°People have told me I¡¯m unapproachable. At the same time though, I¡¯m fine with not being approached. There aren¡¯t many interesting people at school that I¡¯d want to be approached by. It¡¯s a bit different with the soccer boys, though. It¡¯s the only co-curricular that I chose for myself, so I¡¯m not so ¡®aloof¡¯, as you say, with them. Since I chose to be there.¡±

    His eyes lingered on her face for a split second before he turned around. ¡°Let¡¯s go see the fishies.¡±

    Lila smirked. Fishies? Theo seemed far more excited to see the ¡®fishies¡¯ than to be embarrassed by calling them that as he floated towards the ticket booths. They purchased separate tickets and went through the turnstiles into the main aquarium.

    Lila picked up a map at the edge of the information centre that was just inside and opened it up. There were quite a few exhibits around, and it would take them a good few hours to explore everything. It was undercover mostly, with only a couple exhibits out in the open air. Most of the shows were cancelled though as it was too cold for performances.

    ¡°Anywhere you want to go first?¡± Theo asked, looking over her shoulder. She turned her head and realised that he was far too close for comfort. She sidled away awkwardly before narrowing her eyes and looking at him again.

    ¡°Do you have a tongue piercing?¡± she asked, holding the map over her own mouth. He winked at her and stuck out his tongue. Sure enough, there was a midline, titanium barbell piercing through his tongue.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila said incredulously. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that.¡±

    Theo smirked. ¡°No one ever does. Comes in handy if you¡¯re dating guys, though.¡±

    Lila paused, before blushing deeply upon registering what he meant. She quickly changed the topic. ¡°Do you wear it at school?¡±

    ¡°Nah. But knowing that I have one makes being Dux even more exhilarating. The Headmaster would probably have a hernia. Well, not just over my tongue piercing.¡±

    He walked a couple paces before her and pointed at the back of his right calf. She gasped as she saw a black-lined tattoo unmistakably embedded into his skin. It looked like a spiral split into uneven quadrants, with two opposing quadrants containing pictures of nature ¨C one being detailed tree branches, and the other being a tidal wave.

    ¡°You have a tattoo as well?¡±

    ¡°Sure do. This is the only one I¡¯ve got at the moment, though. It¡¯s the Fibonacci spiral with some pictures of nature. It¡¯s¡­ a long story, but to cut it short, the Fibonacci numbers are used in nature all the time, and the spiral is the graph that¡¯s used to convey the pattern of Fibonacci numbers. The numbers go on exponentially and indefinitely, just like nature¡­¡± he trailed off, glancing at Lila¡¯s face before stretching his arms. ¡°I¡¯ve booked a couple more in for after graduation, but I couldn¡¯t resist getting one as soon as I turned eighteen.¡±

    ¡°And your parents-¡±

    ¡°Grounded me for months. But I¡¯m free now,¡± he chuckled, gently taking the map from her slack hands. ¡°If you don¡¯t have a spot you wanna go to first, why don¡¯t we just walk the recommended pathway? Starting at the tidal touch pool?¡±

    Without any different suggestions, Lila agreed and they strolled through the exhibits. Being with this Theo, the one who wasn¡¯t so bored with everything around him, was far more pleasant than Lila had expected. She¡¯d never thought that he was a bad guy, but he was certainly surprisingly endearing as he pointed out his favourite fish, spitting out facts, including how tasty they were when prepared properly. She took a few pictures here and there of the sea creatures, and he even took a picture of Lila standing by the jellyfish.

    She contemplated taking a selfie or two with Theo as they approached the aquarium caf¨¦. Her stomach rumbled, but it didn¡¯t seem like he heard it from the anxiety-riddled peek she took at him. They decided to grab a quick bite to eat, which for Lila consisted of a ham and cheese toasted sandwich and a bottle of water, and for Theo consisted of a chicken wrap and a cappuccino. As they ate, Theo grumbled at the cost of the unimpressive meal.

    Continuing their journey through the exhibits, Theo suggested taking a selfie with the fairy penguins. Lila took a few videos of the fairy penguins waddling around before following Theo back along the path. They took some more selfies, photos, and videos in the ocean tunnel exhibit, and after a couple hours, had a rest stop by the shark tanks. There were several tiered rows of seats here, with many families and couples sitting in the audience.

    Lila sat towards the middle in the second row. Theo ducked off to the bathroom and Lila watched the sharks float around, seeming so unconcerned with life in their tank. If only she could be so unbothered¡­

    Despite the fact that hanging out with Theo was turning out to be better than expected, she still couldn¡¯t get Asher out of her head. Particularly, his flip-flopping over the past few days regarding the date with Theo. She was still kicking herself for being unable to ask if Asher was jealous. She¡¯d been right ¨C she was going stir-crazy about it.

    Theo returned a few minutes later, sitting beside Lila and looking up at the sharks.

    ¡°They look so peaceful,¡± he said quietly, leaning back in his chair.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila murmured, her eyes fixated on the journey of a nurse shark swimming towards the top of the tank.

    ¡°I made a reservation at Vapianos, by the way,¡± Theo said casually, still looking at the sharks. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°I love Italian,¡± Lila smiled at Theo. He returned the smile with a sigh of relief.

    ¡°Thank God. It¡¯s at the shopping centre just across the road from here.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t want to go far, I take it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that. I lost my appetite a while ago, so I would¡¯ve been all out of ideas for where to eat.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to have dinner if you¡¯re not hungry,¡± Lila said quickly, though she was silently praying that he would insist. She hadn¡¯t managed to ask him a single question about Livi and her involvement with the Banker¡¯s functions during their exploration of the aquarium as they¡¯d been constantly surrounded by people.

    Thankfully, Theo shook his head.

    ¡°It¡¯ll come back. Probably. I just¡­ got a bit nervous again. Are you enjoying yourself?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I am. I¡¯ve never been to the aquarium before, and it¡¯s a lot nicer than I¡¯d imagined.¡±

    ¡°What were you imagining?¡±

    ¡°A few fish, here and there,¡± Lila grinned at Theo, who laughed in response.

    ¡°Easy to please, then.¡±

    ¡°Could say that,¡± Lila responded, stretching. It was nearing 4pm, and they had a third of the aquarium to go.

    ¡°Ready to go?¡± Theo asked, standing. He reached a hand out to Lila, though she didn¡¯t take it.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s go see if the seals are out and about.¡±

    Exiting from the insulated shark exhibit was a mistake. The wind seemed to rush right through Lila, down to her bones. She folded her arms, shuddering as she continued down the path. Theo looked at her in concern.

    ¡°Are you cold?¡± he asked, stopping in the pathway.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila replied, her teeth chattering as she said this. He shrugged off his jacket and held it out for her.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, looking down at the floor. ¡°I don¡¯t need it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila responded, shaking her head. ¡°Seriously.¡±

    He looked uncertain for a moment before stepping towards her. She stepped backwards, raising her hands defensively.

    ¡°We won¡¯t be here long,¡± she said, taking stock of what was around. This outside area seemed purely dedicated to the seals, with the other end being connected to another building. He paused, before reluctantly putting his jacket back on.

    ¡°If you say so,¡± he said lightly, walking towards the seals. ¡°There¡¯s a few swimming around, come take a look.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure why she refused his jacket as she took pictures of the seals with shaking hands. But¡­ it wouldn¡¯t have felt right to take it. Borrowing Asher¡¯s jacket had felt comfortable, tender ¨C as though he was meant to give it to her. With Theo¡­ it seemed obligatory. Plus, the idea of wearing Theo¡¯s jacket just struck her as odd. Wrong. Unnecessary. He didn¡¯t need to pay for her stupidity in forgetting a jacket.

    They moved on from the seal exhibit to the deep ocean exhibit after a minute or so. Lila warmed up quickly in here and took some more photos with less shaky hands. Theo suggested more selfies, to which she obliged. They had a small debate as to which was the freakiest fish in this exhibit before shuffling along to the shipwreck exhibit, which showcased small model replicas of famous shipwrecks and the kinds of ocean life found living within them.

    They finally reached the gift shop, which signalled the end of their tour of the aquarium. Lila perused the offerings and picked up a small keychain with a translucent grey jellyfish dangling off it. ¡®Asher would probably like this one,¡¯ she thought, smiling at it. They¡¯d watched a couple of videos on jellyfish when Lila was last at his house, and she remembered that Asher was particularly fascinated with the idea of the immortal jellyfish-

    ¡°You like that one?¡± Theo asked over her right shoulder. Lila jumped, almost dropping the keychain.

    ¡°U-Uh, maybe,¡± she replied, her voice taking on a squeaky note.

    ¡°It¡¯s cute,¡± Theo nodded. ¡°But I reckon the seals are cuter.¡±

    Lila watched as he picked up a seal keychain and held it up to the fluorescent lighting. Lila clutched the jellyfish keychain tightly in her hand before looking back down at it. Buying another guy a souvenir from a date with someone else was probably a bad idea¡­ Though she didn¡¯t want to part with it, either.

    For a moment, she wished that Elise or Grace were here, so she could ask for their opinion on getting it for Asher. Surely it was poor form, and probably disrespectful towards Theo, right? But at the same time, she wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d come back to the aquarium ¨C at least, not anytime soon.

    ¡°It¡¯s not going to buy itself,¡± Theo chuckled, having put back the seal keychain. ¡°I¡¯ll even get it for you.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lila cried, pulling it to her chest. He tilted his head slightly in confusion and she took a deep breath. ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m still thinking about it.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± Theo replied, putting his hands in his pockets. ¡°I¡¯m gonna have a look at the reference books.¡±

    He trotted off towards the books and Lila continued to look at the jellyfish. Such a simple decision to be agonising over¡­

    Lila looked through the other jellyfish keychains and found a purple one. If she got both¡­ and her friends said it was a shit idea to give Asher one¡­ she could give them to Elise and Grace. And if they thought she should give it to Asher, then she could keep the purple one. Yes, that was a better idea.

    She made her way to the counter and purchased them both. The clerk put them in a themed plastic bag with a copy of the aquarium map. Theo caught up with her, holding a small book on seals. He purchased it and they went on their way back to his car.

    ¡°Did you get the jellyfish one?¡± he asked conversationally, opening the passenger side door for Lila again. She nodded as she sat down. He popped into the driver¡¯s seat, placing his book on the back seat.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± he asked, turning the car on and blasting the heater.

    ¡°Starting to be.¡±

    ¡°Say no more. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    After parking at the shopping centre, they meandered through the mall. It seemed that their reservation was 30 minutes from now, so they took a look at some shops. One that stood out in particular for both of them was an anime-themed store, filled to the brim with Pop! Vinyls, English-translated manga, and merch from various shows. Along the back wall was a variety of dakimakura covers, which Theo seemed interested in.

    Neither purchased anything but looking through all the shelves had killed enough time to head over to Vapianos.

    They were promptly seated inside on the top floor at a table for two and ordered separately, though Theo attempted to insist that he pay for Lila¡¯s food, via the QR code on their table.

    After finalising her order, Lila opened up her Photo gallery to take a look at the photos she¡¯d taken that day. A few of them were nice, including the one Theo had taken of her at the jellyfish exhibit, but one selfie in the ocean tunnel caught her attention.

    Lila and Theo had taken a couple in this area with the idea of catching some of the ceiling, where fish could freely swim through. But one caught more of the background than the rest ¨C and in the background was Elise, Grace, and Isaac, huddled in the back corner, staring at the camera.

    ¡°Those sneaky gremlins,¡± Lila hissed under her breath.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± Theo looked wildly up at Lila from his own phone, having started up Genshin Impact.

    ¡°Sorry. That wasn¡¯t aimed at you.¡±

    ¡°Alrighty then.¡±

    Theo returned to his game and Lila zoomed in to the background of other photos, trying to spot the three idiots in the back. There were a few, actually ¨C it seemed that they¡¯d followed Lila and Theo through the whole aquarium, and she hadn¡¯t noticed.

    Breathing heavily, Lila picked the one that contained the three of them the clearest in the background and sent it to Twisted Bitches¡®r¡¯Us without an accompanying message.

    You look cute! Elise replied instantly.

    Nice hair, Grace sent.

    You guys look cute, too, Lila replied.

    Ah fuck, Elise sent.

    She caught us, Grace responded with a sad face.

    Are u guys still following me? Lila asked.

    Not at all, Elise replied instantly.

    Maybe, Grace¡¯s reply arrived at the same time as Elise¡¯s.

    Grace what the fuck, Elise sent with an angry emoji.

    Lila rolled her eyes and turned off her phone screen. She looked around, trying to spot Elise, Grace, or Isaac, but couldn¡¯t see any of them around from where she was seated.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Theo asked absently, not looking up from his screen.

    ¡°Yeah. Peachy,¡± Lila sighed, taking a sip of table water.

    At that moment, a waitress appeared at their table with complementary bread.

    ¡°Your pastas will be along shortly,¡± the waitress said pleasantly before disappearing just as quickly. Lila reached for a piece of bread and began to chew it as she appraised Theo. He was still absorbed in his game, but when he noticed her looking, he exited and flipped his phone upside down.

    ¡°Find any good photos?¡± he asked, grabbing his own piece of bread.

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila replied grimly. ¡°I¡¯ll send you them later.¡±

    His face broke into a grin. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila took a deep breath and set down her piece of half-eaten bread.

    ¡°Theo, I have a couple questions.¡±

    He swallowed harshly before setting down his bread. ¡°Sounds serious. Is it about schoolwork? I¡¯m not a bad tutor.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Not¡­ exactly. It¡¯s¡­ about Daniel.¡±

    Theo paused before leaning back in his chair. ¡°The Banker, you mean?¡± he queried.

    ¡°Yeah. The Banker.¡±

    ¡°What about him? I thought you¡¯d know everything there is to know about him, since he¡¯s your brother.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s more about the business. I was helping him with a couple things before I saw something¡­ concerning.¡±

    Theo¡¯s eyes appeared to flash in recognition as he sat up straighter. ¡°Like what?¡± he asked, his voice seeming unsteady. Lila pressed her lips together tightly. She couldn¡¯t misstep here.

    ¡°About the money side of things. That¡¯s a whole bunch of money,¡± she said vaguely, tracing the edge of her cup of water. Theo nodded.

    ¡°Sure is. I¡¯m not really involved in it all. I don¡¯t even get paid for it, even though I¡¯m with Livi every day.¡±

    ¡°Why are you there every day?¡± Lila asked innocently, still looking at her cup.

    ¡°Well¡­ I said before that there aren¡¯t many people at school that I find interesting. And while that¡¯s still true, there are a couple of interesting people in that group. I¡¯m invested in the chaos.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Theo eyed her over his cup of water, took a sip, and sighed. ¡°I assume that you¡¯re being the protective older sister, right? As an older brother myself, I can relate.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered back up to his, and he ran his hands through his hair.

    ¡°I don¡¯t like what¡¯s happening, with your brother and Livi¡¯s involvement,¡± he said softly. ¡°But at the same time, I¡¯m not in a position where I could control anything. So, I just sit back and reap the rewards.¡±

    ¡°Rewards?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ when you said money, I knew already that you know about the missing cash that comes back once in a while.¡±

    Lila placed her elbows on the table and leaned in slightly, her attention entirely devoted to Theo. He blushed, clearing his throat, though he didn¡¯t move back.

    ¡°¡­ Livi and a couple others are running a side gig, using the Banker¡¯s money to fund it,¡± Theo finally said, taking another sip of water. ¡°It¡¯s been working pretty well.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the side gig?¡±

    Theo looked uncomfortable for a moment before looking deeply into Lila¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ supplying drugs, to whoever wants them. Mostly to the sports teams.¡±

    ¡°D-Drugs?¡± Lila¡¯s mouth fell open in shock, her eyes not leaving Theo¡¯s. He nodded.

    ¡°Nothing specifically illicit, like cocaine or anything like that. Um, not sure if you¡¯ve heard of it, but it¡¯s morphine. Pain reliever that they use in hospitals.¡±

    ¡°Morphine?¡± Lila repeated faintly, falling back towards the backrest of her chair. Lila¡¯s mind flashed to Theo on the soccer field, groaning in pain, before Zack brought something over to him a few weeks back.

    ¡°Do you take it as well?¡± she asked. Theo shifted in his seat, looking down at his long-forgotten bread.

    ¡°Sometimes. But I¡¯m not addicted to it.¡±

    ¡°Are there people addicted to it?¡±

    ¡°Probably. Pain relievers have that effect on people.¡±

    ¡°Where do they get it from?¡±

    Theo shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know any more than what I just told you, except that they once said they¡¯re part of a network, rather than being the epicentre of one.¡±

    ¡°Anyone else a part of the operation?¡±

    Theo shrugged. ¡°Probably a fair few. Not just in Grade 12. If I were to say what my part in all this is¡­ it¡¯d be as a really close consumer. I¡¯m just not interested enough to get involved with all that. Plus, I have my studies to focus on and piano recitals coming up, too. They asked me if I wanted to be a part of it at the start of the year, but I refused. One of the key things about being a successful Dux is to know when to stop so you don¡¯t overextend yourself. They haven¡¯t asked since.¡±

    Lila gave a low whistle, her mind reeling from Theo¡¯s information. Her mind quickly flashed to Asher, working diligently on Daniel¡¯s bookkeeping in the midst of exams, plus the investigation into his mother¡¯s disappearance with everything else that was going on. Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure whether Asher would ever be capable of not overextending himself. Perhaps he should take Theo¡¯s advice¡­

    Lila firmly put it out of her mind. Asher was the least of her worries amongst what Theo had said. She definitely hadn¡¯t put ¡®drug running¡¯ on her list of predictions for what Livi was doing with the money¡­

    ¡°You¡¯re certain that Livi is a part of it?¡± Lila whispered uneasily.

    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s a part of it. But I don¡¯t know who¡¯s actually running it if that makes sense. Since Livi¡¯s spending all day doing the Banker stuff, balancing books, and taking orders, I¡¯d be surprised if she was running that, too.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s more likely she¡¯s the financier,¡± Lila murmured. She looked back up at Theo. ¡°You keep referring to ¡®they¡¯ ¨C are you sure you don¡¯t know who else is a part of it?¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Theo said tightly, looking down at his phone. ¡°You¡¯re great and all, but for my own sanity, I can¡¯t say any more.¡±

    Lila was about to press for more details when their waitress reappeared, divvying out their food. The smell reignited her hunger, and she began to dig into her chicken alfredo, glancing over at Theo. ¡®Pushing it any further now would be a bad idea,¡¯ she reasoned. She¡¯d gotten a lot of information from Theo anyway. There was no need to draw out more right now, especially if the result of that would be pushing him away.

    They ate in silence until their plates were basically empty. Theo patted his stomach with a small smile.

    ¡°That was delicious,¡± he remarked.

    ¡°Yeah. Thanks for bringing us here,¡± Lila graciously smiled at him. He seemed chuffed for a moment before his face fell.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡­ but what is going on between you and Asher?¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all,¡± Lila responded quickly.

    ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Completely sure.¡±

    Theo looked at her suspiciously before seeming satisfied with her response. ¡°Good. I¡¯d feel bad if I stole his girl.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not anyone¡¯s girl,¡± Lila insisted.

    ¡°Glad to hear it,¡± Theo grinned. ¡°Did you want dessert, or are we outta here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so full,¡± Lila responded, patting her stomach. ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, I think I should go home.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, then.¡±

    The car ride home was much quieter than the car ride out to the aquarium. For Lila, she was suddenly feeling exhausted ¨C probably due to the fact that her belly was full of food and she¡¯d been walking around all day. Theo similarly looked tired, and they instead enjoyed the music playing through the speakers. Occasionally, Theo would sing along, and Lila would join in quietly on some songs that she knew.

    Before long, he parked in her driveway and turned to face her, his expression entirely serious.

    ¡°I had a good time,¡± he said softly, his eyes darting down to her lips and back to her eyes. ¡°Any chance for a second date?¡±

    A jolt of electricity shot through Lila as she met Theo¡¯s eyes. He really wasn¡¯t a bad guy, but as she looked back down at her bag of souvenirs containing the jellyfish keychains, a strange feeling pulled the breath out of her lungs. Theo seemed to read Lila¡¯s response from her body language as he leaned back in his seat, seeming disappointed.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay if you say no, you know. And you don¡¯t have to answer now.¡±

    ¡°Theo, I-¡±

    Theo suddenly leaned in close to Lila¡¯s face, their lips mere centimetres from touching. Lila¡¯s eyes widened in shock as she dodged out of the way, bumping his face with her shoulder.

    ¡°Well, that hurt,¡± Theo said simply, rubbing his chin.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± Lila squeaked, hiding her face in her hands. ¡°I-It was a reaction.¡±

    ¡°Well, that hurts even more,¡± Theo replied, the sadness unmistakable in his voice. Guilt began to gnaw at Lila¡¯s stomach as her eyes flickered to Theo¡¯s face. He was still looking at her, though his eyes seemed to be sparkling in the reflection of his headlights.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t,¡± Lila admitted, looking down at her lap again.

    ¡°It¡¯s because of Asher, isn¡¯t it?¡± Theo asked plainly. Lila¡¯s breath halted, her face paling.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Lila¡¯s voice shook as she tried to deny it. Theo smiled at Lila, though his expression was filled with disappointment.

    ¡°Another reason why I asked you out on a date,¡± he said slowly, ¡°was because I could see Asher wasn¡¯t taking his chance. Plus, it seemed like perhaps I¡¯d have a chance, too, with all of Livi¡¯s teasing. But I¡¯d also thought if we went on a date, and if you liked Asher, it might spring him into action. Kinda like a push from his senior, y¡¯know. I just didn¡¯t realise I¡¯d hurt myself like this in the process. Or maybe I¡¯d been kidding myself from the beginning, thinking I could detach myself rationally.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure how to respond, so remained seated in case Theo had anything further to say.

    ¡°But¡­ I guess¡­ losing to Asher isn¡¯t all that bad,¡± Theo added, rubbing his face. ¡°If there¡¯s anyone at Forestglade College that I¡¯d want to lose to, it¡¯s him. I¡¯ve kept my eye on him for a long while. He¡¯s a good guy¡­ when he¡¯s not busy injuring me on the field.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lila whispered, clenching her fists. ¡°You¡¯re a great guy. Anyone would be lucky to have you. But¡­ you¡¯re right. I¡­ like Asher.¡±

    ¡°Have you told him?¡±

    Lila shook her head.

    Theo sighed. ¡°It feels weird to be saying this after being totally rejected, but you should just go for it. He gets so mad whenever he sees me at soccer nowadays, especially after asking you out, that there¡¯s no way he¡¯d say no to you.¡±

    ¡°There is,¡± Lila¡¯s voice trembled as she tried to hold back tears. ¡°His ex¡­ was awful to him. He¡¯s still recovering.¡±

    Theo paused. ¡°I think, regardless of his ex, you should still say something. You miss all the shots you never take, you know.¡±

    Lila glanced back at Theo with a watery smile. ¡°Thanks, Theo. I¡¯m sorry again. In another scenario, I would¡¯ve loved to go on a second date with you. I really did enjoy getting to know you. But I can¡¯t lead you on. It¡¯s not right.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate that,¡± Theo said earnestly. ¡°Nip it in the bud, and all that. Kill my hope before it takes hold. Thanks for giving it a chance, though.¡±

    ¡°There... is something else that¡¯s bothering me, though,¡± Lila added with a slight frown. ¡°You said you didn¡¯t mind ¡®losing¡¯ to Asher. I¡¯m not something to be won, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Theo said, gazing out the windshield towards Lila¡¯s house. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean that dating you is any less of a prize. Plus, no matter who you date, there¡¯s always someone who wanted the chance that ends up losing out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what to say,¡± Lila admitted in a whisper. Theo grinned broadly at her.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to say anything at all.¡±

    Lila smiled back and made to exit the car when Theo jumped out, opening her door for her again.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said, making sure she grabbed her souvenirs.

    ¡°No worries. I¡¯ll see you around school. And, look, no matter how this ended, I still had a great time. The fairy penguins were adorable, and I won¡¯t forget how hard you laughed at the manta ray¡¯s face in the ocean tunnel. Oh¡­ and it goes without saying, but please don¡¯t tell the teachers about my piercing and tattoo. I don¡¯t care if you tell people in your grade, unless they¡¯re snitches. Might help me score.¡±

    Lila grinned mischievously at Theo. ¡°It turns out that I¡¯m a pretty good secret keeper. You don¡¯t have to worry about that. I had a great time, too. Thanks for taking me out. See you at school.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-Three

    Chapter Seventy-Three

    Lila was too tired to fill Elise and Grace in on the rest of the date after climbing into bed, having spent half an hour or so taking off her makeup along with the rest of her normal bedtime routine.

    Waking up on the last Monday of Term 2 was a slog, especially as Lila wasn¡¯t excited by the prospect of seeing Asher first thing in English. She hoped he wouldn¡¯t be acting weird still, but by the fact that he¡¯d said he ¡®didn¡¯t want to hear about it¡¯ before he left her place on Saturday, the odds were likely that he¡¯d still be¡­ whatever he was.

    When Lila arrived at her English classroom, she saw Asher pacing back and forth outside, his hands jammed in his pockets. He seemed to be muttering to himself, and Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether it would be a good idea to approach him. Before she could turn back around, however, he caught sight of her. He quickly marched up to her before she could escape.

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said harshly, though his eyes seemed devoid of life.

    ¡°Hi Asher,¡± Lila replied, shrinking back slightly. ¡°How¡¯s things?¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± he said shortly. He took a deep breath, closing his eyes for a second before looking at her again. ¡°Sorry, that was sarcasm.¡±

    ¡°I figured.¡±

    ¡°Well, now you know.¡±

    They stood there, not saying anything, for a few seconds before Lila sighed.

    ¡°Look, I know you said you didn¡¯t need to hear about it, but I thought you should know that there¡¯s not going to be a second date.¡±

    Asher blinked at her, seeming surprised. ¡°Why not?¡±

    Lila blushed, turning around abruptly so he couldn¡¯t see her face. ¡°It¡¯s just what we decided.¡±

    ¡°Was the date that bad?¡± Asher¡¯s tone sounded almost hopeful. Lila spun around to face him, and he quickly dropped the grin that was on his lips.

    ¡°It was actually a pretty good date, all things considered.¡±

    ¡°All things considered?¡±

    ¡°I mean, the tongue piercing freaked me out, but I got used to it.¡±

    ¡°T-Tongue piercing?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Did you guys k-kiss or something?¡±

    ¡°God no,¡± Lila shuddered. ¡°Definitely not. Why¡¯d you ask that?¡±

    ¡°Why else would a tongue piercing come up at all?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded panic-stricken, and he avoided her gaze entirely, splotches of red colouring his cheeks.

    Lila stared at him for a moment before she realised what he meant and laughed. ¡°Sorry, it just stuck out in my mind. I saw it briefly as we were talking and asked about it, so he showed me. Said it was like a bonus if you¡¯re dating a guy or something.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    It was as though the warmth of the sun peeking through the wintry grey sky was transferred directly into Asher¡¯s soul. His face relaxed fully, at least, for the first time since Lila mentioned the date on Friday.

    Ms Shard opened the door to the English room and all their classmates filed inside, grumbling about the injustice of attending school on the last Monday of the term yet again. After Ms Shard commanded the class to settle down, she advised that the agenda for today¡¯s class was viewing another end-of-term movie after marks were handed out.

    For the first time, her overall mark for English was sitting squarely on an A. Lila couldn¡¯t contain her beam, excitedly showing Asher her marks.

    ¡°Look!¡± she exclaimed, thrusting the paper under his nose. His eyes darted to hers for a moment and he grinned.

    ¡°Well done.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ¡®cause of all the tips you gave me,¡± Lila said energetically over the babble of her classmates. Liam, who was walking past them in the direction of Ms Shard, spluttered for a second before tripping, falling face-first next to Asher¡¯s chair.

    ¡°You gave her what?¡± Liam asked from the floor. Asher glared at him as he extended a hand over the side of his desk, helping to pull Liam up.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. I told Lila some study tips to improve her grades,¡± Asher said impatiently. Liam raised both hands in surrender before narrowing his eyes at Asher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t blame me. Heard you hand out all sorts of tips before running when the going gets tough.¡±

    Asher paled as he immediately stood up, towering over Liam, who¡¯d taken a step back.

    ¡°What-¡±

    ¡°Boys, sit down,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s stern voice called, clearly directed at Asher and Liam. Liam turned on his heel and walked over to Ms Shard.

    ¡°I just had a question about the exam¡­¡± Lila heard him say before the noise of the classroom overtook Liam¡¯s words.

    Lila shifted her weight uncomfortably in her seat, looking at Asher from her peripheral vision. He still looked pale, though his eyes were shifting wildly, as if following a complicated train of thought.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher eventually whispered to her, ¡°do you know what Liam meant?¡±

    Lila sighed. She¡¯d hoped to talk to Asher about the fact that Holly¡¯s pregnancy was making the rounds at school sometime this week but hadn¡¯t anticipated that it would be happening now.

    ¡°I¡­ have an inkling,¡± Lila said in a low voice.

    ¡°How long have you had this inkling for?¡± His words were slow, measured ¨C as though he was trying not to spill over into the emotions flitting across his face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should talk about it her-¡±

    ¡°I have to know,¡± Asher¡¯s voice shook as he looked sincerely into her eyes. ¡°Please.¡±

    The movie, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, began playing on the projector. Ms Shard had managed to set it so that the volume was almost at its maximum, though no one seemed to mind, with most of their classmates preferring to chat amongst themselves anyway.

    ¡°¡­ people at school found out. About Holly being¡­ you know. And they think it¡¯s yours. I heard rumours about it on Monday, and I thought it¡¯d disappeared with exams being on since I hadn¡¯t heard any more¡­ but I think Liam¡¯s alluding to that,¡± Lila¡¯s words virtually toppled out of her mouth, her hands twisting and twirling under the desk. She didn¡¯t want to see what kind of face Asher was making, but she couldn¡¯t help herself from peeking.

    As she¡¯d suspected, a variety of emotions were dancing across his face, all of them in the vicinity of fear, anger, disgust, and sadness. Then, his face hardened. He clamped his mouth shut, the muscles flexing as he took a deep breath.

    ¡°And¡­ you didn¡¯t tell me, why?¡± he asked, his voice poorly disguising his fury.

    ¡°I was just looking for the right time. You were busy concentrating on schoolwork and Daniel''s stuff. I figured¡­ if you didn''t hear about it, it wouldn''t harm that. A-And you didn''t end up hearing about it,¡± Lila finished her defence in a defeated voice.

    ¡°¡­ Okay.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to send you over the edge.¡±

    ¡°Uh-huh.¡±

    He was looking stoically ahead, towards the movie though Lila noticed his eyes were glassy.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t want people to find out,¡± Asher said after about ten minutes, his voice almost blending in with the soundtrack.

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s awful that they have¡­ what do you want to do about it? I can help.¡±

    ¡°I guess all I can do is ignore it.¡±

    ¡°You could tell people the truth, though. That it¡¯s not your kid, and she cheated on you,¡± Lila suggested, leaning in to whisper this to Asher. He looked incredibly uncomfortable at the prospect and leaned away from her, his face stained red.

    ¡°I-I guess I could, but¡­ I¡¯d look like a failure. That I wasn¡¯t good enough for her.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s worse? Looking like a coward who¡¯s abandoned his girlfriend and unborn child, or like the victim of a selfish cheater?¡±

    Lila winced as she finished saying this. It was harsh, but it needed to be said. Asher gaped at her for a second before withdrawing into himself, hugging his stomach, and placing his head on the desk.

    ¡°They¡­ both seem equally bad,¡± he muttered into the desk.

    ¡°Asher¡­¡± Lila trailed off before scooting closer to him. ¡°It wasn¡¯t your fault. There¡¯s literally nothing that you could¡¯ve done that warrants cheating under any circumstances.¡±

    ¡°Being too shitty of a boyfriend would.¡±

    ¡°No. She had the option of leaving ¨C she always had that option. Why she didn¡¯t, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll ever know. But that¡¯s irrelevant. It looks so much worse on her than it does on you.¡±

    Asher remained silent and unmoving. Lila left him be for now, though her worries deepened even further. It definitely wouldn¡¯t be close to the appropriate time to confess to him¡­ but if she didn¡¯t soon, she¡¯d probably explode.

    Sighing, she rested her head on her desk too.

    <hr>

    Morning tea with Elise and Grace was just what she needed to reset from her conversation with Asher. After all, she could interrogate them about their tailing her yesterday, which would at least help to distract her somewhat.

    ¡°So¡­ how¡¯d the date go?¡± Elise asked after the girls had settled in their usual spot, bundled up in scarves and jumpers to stave off the blisteringly cold wind surrounding them.

    Lila snorted. ¡°You tell me. You guys were basically on the date with me.¡±

    Grace looked somewhat guilty as she lowered her juice box, her lips pressed tightly together.

    ¡°It was Isaac¡¯s idea,¡± Elise said hurriedly, peeling her banana with speed.

    ¡°Why would he want to follow me?¡± Lila asked, perplexed. Elise and Grace exchanged a look, the meaning behind it remaining elusive to Lila.

    ¡°He just wanted to make sure nothing nefarious was going on,¡± Grace replied loftily. ¡°Theo is a Grade 12 boy, after all. Most of them are sex-crazed, apparently.¡± She shuddered before sipping the rest of her juice. Lila¡¯s eyes bulged slightly in response before she caught herself ¨C Theo had actually suggested hooking up¡­

    ¡°Did anything nefarious go on?¡± Elise queried, tilting her head.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°He did try to kiss me though. I think.¡±

    ¡°You think?¡± Grace asked, her full attention snapping to Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°I freaked out and hit him on the chin with my shoulder. Not that I wanted to kiss him, anyway,¡± Lila lamented.

    ¡°That¡¯s cold,¡± Elise laughed. ¡°Poor Theo. Pretty bold move, though.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ figured out pretty quick that I¡¯m into Asher,¡± Lila explained. ¡°So, he was fine with it in the end. And the fact that there won¡¯t be a second date.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a better guy than I¡¯d thought. Though, it¡¯s not rocket science that you¡¯re into Asher. It¡¯s painfully obvious to literally everyone on this planet except him,¡± Elise chortled.

    Lila blushed. She wasn¡¯t quite sure how to respond to that but instead of dwelling further, she pulled out the two jellyfish keychains from her skirt pocket.

    ¡°I¡­ bought the grey one for Asher,¡± Lila said quietly. Elise tentatively held it up in the sunlight and glanced back at Lila.

    ¡°Dude, that¡¯s kinda cooked, don¡¯t you think?¡± she asked, returning it to Lila.

    ¡°So you do think it was a bad idea to get him something,¡± Lila said morosely, looking at both keychains forlornly. ¡°I bought one for me, too. But if you reckon I shouldn¡¯t give it to Asher, you guys can have them.¡±

    Elise looked expectantly at Grace, who seemed to be contemplating the idea.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a bit odd, to get a gift for a guy when you¡¯re on a date with a different one,¡± Grace confirmed. ¡°But¡­ since you bought it for him, you may as well give it to him. If he doesn¡¯t want it, then I guess I¡¯ll have it.¡±

    ¡°It might show him that you were thinking of him,¡± Elise added, poking the purple jellyfish. ¡°I dunno how he¡¯d interpret it, but maybe he could get the hint.¡±

    Lila pocketed them both again with a sigh. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll give it to him.¡±

    Elise nodded approvingly before her eyes lit up as if struck by a thought. ¡°By the way, Lila, but did you notice that Theo has a tattoo?¡±

    ¡°He sure does,¡± Lila concurred, her voice somewhat lacklustre. ¡°He¡¯s got a tongue piercing, too.¡±

    ¡°The Dux of Grade 12, who does bloody piano, has a tongue piercing and a tattoo?¡± Elise asked incredulously. Grace gave a low whistle.

    ¡°Seems like he¡¯s a bit more of a bad boy than expected. Is that your thing?¡± Grace followed up, biting into a carrot stick with a satisfying crunch. Lila chucked, remembering the plushies lining the back windshield of his car.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that he¡¯s a bad boy. But he¡¯s certainly a lot more interesting than I gave him credit for.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you wouldn¡¯t mind dating him,¡± Elise teased, gently bumping Lila¡¯s shoulder with her own. Lila rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Look, he¡¯s a great guy, and he¡¯s cute, but definitely not my type. My type¡­ is¡­¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Grace and Elise sang in unison before bursting into a fit of giggles. Lila blushed, glowering at the two of them.

    ¡°Seriously, though, Theo made the first move, plus he¡¯s the Dux of Grade 12 and he plays soccer. He¡¯s basically Asher, but older,¡± Grace commented idly after sobering up. ¡°What makes Asher different enough that you¡¯d throw away your chance with Theo?¡±

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    ¡°He¡­ well, I feel like we work really well together, for one thing. He¡¯s kind and caring. He¡¯ll help anyone out of a bind, to the point of overextending himself. He¡¯s also really smart, but he doesn¡¯t hold it against anyone. He listens to the points I make, at least, even though he¡¯s clearly smarter than me. I kinda got the feeling that Theo was a bit¡­ condescending to people that didn¡¯t catch his interest. And Asher makes me laugh. He¡¯s the right amount of goofy. And he¡¯s really attractive. A-At least, to me-¡±

    ¡°Careful, you¡¯ll start drooling,¡± Elise chuckled, nudging Lila again. Lila¡¯s blush deepened even further, and she put her face in her hands.

    ¡°¡­ but¡­ I¡¯ve been unsure lately,¡± Lila mumbled. ¡°It feels like¡­ he¡¯s hiding something from me.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡± Grace asked gently.

    ¡°I dunno. It¡¯s just the vibe I get. And he¡¯s really honest and open with me about everything, almost. But he¡¯s been acting super odd lately. And I want to ask him what¡¯s up, but it just never ends up happening. I can never get the words out.¡±

    Neither of Lila¡¯s friends said anything for a couple moments before Elise sighed, rubbing Lila¡¯s back.

    ¡°I think he likes you, Lila. You probably already know that I think that,¡± Elise finally said softly. ¡°And I think he thinks you don¡¯t like him. So, he¡¯s protecting himself, but can¡¯t help slipping up. I don¡¯t know how anyone would get over what happened with Holly, let alone the guy who lived through it and was dating her. It makes sense that he¡¯s just clammed up on that front.¡±

    ¡°I agree with Elise,¡± Grace piped up with a warm smile.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think he likes me like that,¡± Lila muttered. To her surprise, a tear escaped her eye and trailed its way down her face. She hurriedly wiped it away before looking at Grace and Elise. They both appeared incredibly sincere.

    ¡°What makes you think that?¡± Grace questioned with a frown.

    ¡°Well, the other day, Daniel asked if Asher was trying to become indispensable so I couldn¡¯t get rid of him, and he said no,¡± Lila relayed, an ache in her chest subtly forming.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m missing context here, but it doesn¡¯t seem like you can conclude he doesn¡¯t like you based on that,¡± Grace replied thoughtfully.

    Lila looked up at her. ¡°How¡¯d you and your partner get together?¡± she asked in a slightly dispirited voice.

    ¡°Ooh, yeah, Grace, how¡¯d that happen?¡± Elise leaned forward eagerly. Grace blushed deeply and looked at her lap, fiddling with the edge of her Tupperware container.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s not a very interesting story,¡± Grace finally said quietly. ¡°She made the first move. I-It started with a kiss-¡±

    ¡°¡®How did it end up like this?¡¯¡¯ Elise and Lila sang in unison. Grace¡¯s glare shut them up before they could sing any more.

    ¡°A-Anyway, I¡¯d had a crush on her for ages, and I asked her if she was into girls and she kissed me and said, ¡®Girls like you, yeah¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Damnnn, that would make me swoon too,¡± Elise said wisely. ¡°What a flirt.¡±

    ¡°P-Point is,¡± Grace pushed on, looking absolutely flustered. ¡°I think it¡¯s quite different, having a hetero relationship. Since society is generally heteronormative.¡±

    ¡°That was definitely a word, I think,¡± Elise commented, looking entirely lost. Grace sighed.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit harder for gay people to find other gay people since a lot of us are closeted and the ¡®default¡¯ is to assume someone¡¯s straight, I guess. Plus, girls can naturally be a lot closer and more comfortable with other girls, like by hand holding and hugs, which sends mixed signals if they¡¯re not gay.¡±

    ¡°Yikes,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Sounds tough out there.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad,¡± Grace shrugged. ¡°Probably better nowadays than it¡¯s ever been but being a baby gay sucked.¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lila said suddenly, sitting up straight. ¡°Did I give you mixed signals?¡±

    ¡°Ah shit, did I?¡± Elise asked, looking over at Grace.

    ¡°I can¡¯t remember. Maybe once upon a time, but I¡¯ve known that you two prefer guys since forever. The number of times you¡¯d gush over Diggie from Liv and Maddie was crazy. Dove Cameron is crazy gorgeous though. Anyway ¨C childhood celebrity crushes aside, one of you has to make the first move,¡± Grace said seriously, waggling a cucumber stick at Lila.

    ¡°Grace, I¡¯m gonna go out on a limb here, but I think you actually made the first move. Sure, she kissed you, but you opened the door,¡± Elise said plainly.

    ¡°Oh. You know what, that makes sense. Lila, just try that. Open the door to it,¡± Grace said encouragingly.

    ¡°I tried that,¡± Lila huffed.

    ¡°You did?!¡± Elise exclaimed, grabbing Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°What? When?¡±

    ¡°Isaac called him when he was over at mine on Saturday night,¡± Lila said petulantly, pulling her knees to her chest. ¡°And when he came back, I asked him what Isaac wanted, and he said ¡®Nothing¡¯. But he was being all weird again, so I asked him why he was off if it was nothing. And then he told me not to worry about it, so I said, ¡®I can¡¯t help but worry about it¡¯, and he asked what that meant, and I told him that I wasn¡¯t going to explain if he didn¡¯t get it-¡±

    ¡°God I¡¯m lost here,¡± Elise muttered. Lila ignored her and continued.

    ¡°- and then he asked if I liked Isaac again.¡±

    At this, both Elise and Grace simultaneously facepalmed. Elise started cackling immediately afterwards and Grace gestured for Lila to keep going.

    ¡°And I was like ¡®The fuck?¡¯ and I started laughing and asked if he was insane. He said it happened before, and I was all ¡®Yeah, before I knew him, then I realised he was an idiot and I prefer someone a bit more intellectual.¡¯. Then he said, ¡®Someone like Theo?¡¯ and I just¡­ I was about to say something but then he had to go home.¡±

    Lila finished her story by falling back on the grass, her gloved hands over her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s so stupid it makes me want to laugh and cry at the same time. Like, dude, you¡¯re a Dux too.¡±

    ¡°For someone so smart, he sure can get it twisted,¡± Grace said sympathetically after a few moments of silence.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get discouraged,¡± Elise added, rubbing Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You just need to try again. Or be more direct.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get rejected so hard,¡± Lila whined, pressing her hands into her eyes. ¡°What if he laughs at me?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t laugh at you,¡± Grace said reassuringly, gently removing Lila¡¯s hands from her face. ¡°Impossible. Why would he? Regardless of anything else, he¡¯s your friend, isn¡¯t he? He wouldn¡¯t laugh at a friend for something like that.¡±

    Lila sighed, looking up at the cloudy sky. If he did laugh at her, she would probably book same-day plane tickets to a different country and live out the rest of her life there. She recalled her conversation with Isaac, about his potential crush on Asher ages ago, and how they¡¯d had ¡®a big laugh¡¯ about it all. Lila didn¡¯t think it was her place to mention it to Elise and Grace, but she currently had more evidence in favour of Asher laughing at a confession from a friend than not. Though¡­ perhaps they¡¯d shared a laugh after Isaac realised it wasn¡¯t a crush and instead just admiration? She was a bit fuzzy on the details, but¡­ perhaps Grace was right.

    The trio eventually started making their way back to the locker room, talking idly about their holiday plans (Grace was heading over to Adelaide to see family, and Elise¡¯s schedule was apparently fully booked, given her plans to go to Germany on exchange at the end of the year). Lila¡¯s attention, however, was diverted by the chatter of her cohort filling the locker room.

    ¡°¡­ pregnant.¡±

    ¡°The worst¡­ step up¡­¡±

    ¡°Asher¡¯s such a deadbeat¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ take responsibility.¡±

    ¡°Someone should tell Lila¡­ teen dad.¡±

    ¡°True! ¡­ probably hiding¡­¡±

    Lila, Grace, and Elise looked at one another uneasily. It seemed that the barrier keeping back the rumours about Holly¡¯s pregnancy had broken, now that exams were over. A part of Lila did feel guilty about not telling Asher about them sooner, but there hadn¡¯t been any opportunity to, especially with his weird behaviour after he found out about her date with Theo. He¡¯d hardly been receptive to even a partial conversation with Lila for the past few days¡­

    ¡°Has he heard about these?¡± Elise whispered to Lila as they unlocked their lockers and started getting ready for PC.

    ¡°I told him that people were talking this morning. I don¡¯t know if he¡¯s heard anything himself,¡± Lila replied, shutting her locker with force. ¡°I doubt he¡¯s taking it well if he has.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t imagine the whole school accusing me of something so terrible,¡± Grace shivered, closing her own locker. ¡°Oh, but of course, the rumours about you were also terrible, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Gee, thanks,¡± Lila quipped, though she did wink at Grace to indicate she wasn¡¯t upset by her comment.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t think you had the facilities to get someone pregnant,¡± Elise teased as the three set off towards their PC class.

    Grace rolled her eyes at Elise. ¡°Empathy knows no gender or sex characteristics, you know.¡±

    Elise bumped Grace with her hip, and they began squabbling playfully until Elise collided with Isaac, who was strangely alone.

    ¡°Wanna be close to me that much?¡± he asked as Elise leaped away from him. She took one look at his face and shrieked in dramatic horror.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s a no,¡± he chuckled, putting his hands in his pockets. ¡°See you guys at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Isaac, wait, where¡¯s Asher?¡± Lila asked quickly before he passed them. His eyes met Lila¡¯s before he looked towards the direction of his PC class. ¡°Just¡­ needing some time alone. He¡¯ll have lunch with us, though.¡±

    ¡°Did¡­ he hear something?¡± Lila¡¯s quivering question dropped to a whisper. Isaac sharply looked at her before placing a hand on his forehead and exhaling heavily.

    ¡°Chem¡­ was rough,¡± he said tonelessly. ¡°Even the walk out of Chem was rough.¡±

    ¡°Shit,¡± Lila uttered softly. Isaac simply nodded and carried on his way to class.

    ¡°Welp, what¡¯re you gonna do?¡± Elise asked Lila, looping their arms together and continuing their own journey to class.

    ¡°Me? Am I supposed to do something?¡± Lila queried. Despite this, the question had, of course, been playing on her mind.

    ¡°Your man¡¯s upset,¡± Elise responded cheekily. ¡°Of course you¡¯re going to do something.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not my man,¡± Lila replied quietly, pressing her lips together in disapproval.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Elise waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Got any ideas?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lila admitted with a sigh. Ms Wang unlocked the door for their PC class and Lila, Grace, and Elise joined the throng jostling their way inside. The girls sat in their usual spots as Ms Wang sternly requested that the class keep their noise to an acceptable level.

    ¡°I mean, firstly, I think it¡¯s unfair for everyone to think the baby¡¯s his,¡± Grace said in a hushed tone, lowering her head towards the desk. Elise and Lila followed suit.

    ¡°I don¡¯t either,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°He just wants to ignore it.¡±

    ¡°But Holly¡¯s the one who should be suffering,¡± Elise murmured. ¡°Why isn¡¯t her reputation in the mud?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°I doubt she¡¯s telling people that it¡¯s not his. Comments from other people on her Insta posts imply that people think Asher¡¯s a horrible ¡®father¡¯.¡±

    ¡°You have her on Insta?¡± Grace asked loudly.

    ¡°Grace,¡± Ms Wang¡¯s voice warned. ¡°Keep it down.¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± Grace called, her face scarlet. She leaned in close to Elise and Lila again.

    Lila pulled out her phone and opened up Holly¡¯s Instagram page. There hadn¡¯t been any new posts aside from the ultrasound that she¡¯d shown Asher. Lila scrolled through the comments on that post and found the two disparaging ones that she¡¯d noticed earlier.

    ¡°Here,¡± Lila pushed her phone towards Elise and Grace. They both stared at her screen for a few moments.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re right,¡± Grace said grimly.

    ¡°Clearly she knows it looks bad if she tells people it¡¯s not her ex¡¯s baby since they broke up when she was like four or five months pregnant,¡± Elise added, glancing up at Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just have to see how he is at lunch,¡± Lila mumbled, putting her phone away. ¡°But I don¡¯t know what I could actually do.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you could try shouting about it in the locker rooms,¡± Elise smirked.

    ¡°Asher doesn¡¯t want anyone knowing his business,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°If he didn¡¯t care, I probably would be.¡±

    ¡°Alright, well, we can all have a think, at least,¡± Grace suggested, sitting up straight. ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll be over it after his alone time today.¡±

    ¡°I highly doubt it,¡± Lila responded in a defeated tone. ¡°But that¡¯d be a good outcome, if he was.¡±

    <hr>

    Predictably, Asher was in a sour mood when the group of five met up inside the locker room. He passed a lunchbox to Lila stiffly, unable, or unwilling, to meet her eyes.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said brightly. Hopefully, by not matching his energy, she could pull him towards something slightly cheerful by the end of lunch.

    Plonking themselves in an empty meeting room in the library, Isaac, Elise, and Grace immediately started talking about the lazy end-of-term activities their teachers were subjecting them to. Lila joined in, albeit a bit half-heartedly.

    Halfway through lunch, Asher checked his phone. He glanced at Lila for the first time since sitting down.

    ¡°Can I borrow you for a sec?¡± he asked, his facial expression unreadable. Was she in trouble with him again?

    ¡°As long as you return me,¡± Lila¡¯s attempt at a joke found some merit as a smirk quickly flashed across his face. Isaac, Elise, and Grace¡¯s conversation lulled to a halt as Asher and Lila got up.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be back soon,¡± Asher said softly, holding the door for Lila to pass through. Asher led them out of the library and towards the same secluded alleyway that they¡¯d been in when he asked about what food to bring over to hers. Asher then turned to face Lila, his arms crossed. He looked exhausted.

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t like your stance,¡± Lila said lightly. He looked down at his arms and quickly unfolded them.

    ¡°Sorry. Not having a good time at the moment."

    ¡°I figured. So... why¡¯d you drag me out here?¡±

    ¡°Can I come over tomorrow?¡±

    Lila blinked in surprise. ¡°After practice?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It won¡¯t take long. But I need to set something up so we can talk to Livi about the changes.¡±

    ¡°I see. I guess it¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Since it¡¯ll be late, I won¡¯t have dinner with you guys.¡±

    Lila shook her head firmly. ¡°You¡¯re more than welcome to have dinner with us.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ vastly overstayed my welcome.¡±

    ¡°Nah. I bet my parents will be wondering where you are tonight,¡± Lila smiled warmly. ¡°They like you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad, but I¡¯ll still only pop in.¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s fine. I need to prepare myself mentally for Livi anyway.¡±

    Lila exhaled slowly. ¡°No changing your mind, I see.¡±

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am. Anyway, that¡¯s all I wanted to say.¡±

    He turned around and was about to walk back towards the library when Lila caught his blazer sleeve.

    ¡°There¡¯s... a couple things I wanted to talk about.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± he uttered, turning back to face her. ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°A-Are you mad at me? For not telling you about what I¡¯d heard.¡± Lila figured she¡¯d start here in an attempt to work up the courage to give him the keychain in her pocket that she was hyperaware of.

    Asher broke eye contact with her and placed his thumbs in his belt loops, looking pensively at the concrete floor.

    ¡°¡­ No,¡± he said eventually. ¡°I kinda was at first, but it makes sense why you didn¡¯t. And I believe you when you say you were going to say something. I mean, you showed me the post she put on Insta, which you could¡¯ve kept to yourself.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila breathed, relief relaxing her surprisingly tense muscles.

    ¡°Was that all?¡±

    ¡°N-No. Um. Uh¡­¡± Lila faltered as she fumbled around in her pocket. He watched as she pulled out the two jellyfish keychains with shaking hands.

    ¡°I¡­ got this one for you,¡± Lila said uncertainly, passing the grey one to him. He took it and stared at it for a good few moments before looking back at her, clearly confused.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face immediately burned up, and she took a deep breath. ¡°It just reminded me of you.¡±

    His puzzled expression turned into one of disbelief. ¡°You think I¡¯m a jellyfish?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lila cried, about one second away from actually crying in embarrassment. ¡°I-It reminded me of the jellyfish videos we watched. You really liked them, especially the immortal jellyfish.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Asher jiggled it around, as if to test its robustness, before holding it above his head in triumph. It looked comically small in his masculine hands, swinging above his head despondently, as though he was holding it hostage. ¡°Approved!¡±

    Lila¡¯s face burst into a grin, the anxiety releasing in an instant. He liked it...

    ¡°Who¡¯s that one for?¡± he asked, after lowering his keychain and pointing at the purple one.

    ¡°U-Uh, um¡­ I¡­ got me a matching one,¡± Lila managed to say, her face back to bright red. She quickly pocketed it, as if he didn¡¯t have any object permanence and would forget about it. To her surprise, his own face turned a fiery red colour before fading back to normal in an instant. His eyes flicked back down to his keychain, and he smiled at it fondly.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said cheerily, stowing it away into his blazer. ¡°I¡¯ll treasure this little buddy of mine forever. Hope he lasts as long as an immortal jellyfish.¡±

    ¡°Y-You don¡¯t have to. You can chuck it if you don¡¯t want it,¡± Lila said hurriedly. He looked at her as though she¡¯d personally slighted him.

    ¡°Excuse you, he¡¯s great. Don¡¯t listen to her, lil Henry,¡± he said dramatically, patting the pocket the keychain was in.

    ¡°Henry?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He looks like a Henry.¡±

    They both burst into laughter, with Lila laughing slightly harder than necessary. ¡®God, that was nerve-wracking,¡¯ she thought after it was over. Asher¡¯s eyes seemed to sparkle as he looked at her again with a grin.

    ¡°Shall we head back?¡± he asked jovially, seeming suddenly revitalised. Lila smiled.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    <hr>

    Clare was already waiting for Lila and Daniel by the time they arrived at the carpark after school ended for the day. Lila hopped into the front passenger side of the car and Daniel sat in the back. Clare started the engine and sped off.

    ¡°I managed to get an appointment for 3.45. Can¡¯t be late,¡± she said as they rounded the corner outside the school.

    ¡°Did you grab all your ID docs? And Daniel¡¯s?¡± Lila asked, grabbing onto the handle that was attached to the car¡¯s ceiling.

    ¡°Yeah, in the glovebox,¡± Clare confirmed. Lila popped it open and pulled everything out, double-checking they had what they needed.

    ¡°Mum and Dad asked why I¡¯m picking you guys up from school, by the way,¡± Clare said after a few minutes of haphazard driving. ¡°Told them I decided to take you guys out for dinner to celebrate the end of exams. Hope you don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯ve picked something good,¡± Lila smirked, leaning back into her seat.

    ¡°¡®Course I did. Chinese good enough for ya?¡±

    Lila and Daniel made approving noises and Clare turned up her music. It wasn¡¯t long before they flew into a carpark at the requisite shopping centre and tumbled out.

    ¡°Got two minutes to spare. Have to book it,¡± Clare huffed, grabbing her keys and wallet. Lila held onto the identifying documents and they all hurried towards the shopping centre. It was flooded mainly with school students and the elderly, all milling about without any kind of hurry.

    Clare moved them along towards a particular bank, and checked in for their appointment, leaving Lila and Daniel to stand awkwardly in the waiting area. Lila chanced a glance at Daniel, and he looked ready to pass out.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila whispered to him, ¡°we¡¯re just opening a bank account. Clare¡¯ll probably do most of the talking, anyway.¡±

    He puffed his cheeks out and nodded solemnly. Lila patted him on the shoulder and Clare reappeared with a bank clerk in tow. The name badge read ¡®Jennifer¡¯, and the trio followed Jennifer to an office within the bank.

    Going through the motions of opening a new bank account made even Lila feel anxious. As expected though, Jennifer deferred most of the conversation to Clare. Occasionally, Daniel answered some questions and signed some documents before the lady left to scan some things.

    ¡°See?¡± Clare said gently to Daniel, ruffling his hair. ¡°Nothing to worry about.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, pulling away from Clare. ¡°It¡¯s not this part that I¡¯m worried about.¡±

    ¡°What are you worried about?¡± Clare asked sincerely. Daniel cautiously looked at Lila before fiddling with a notepad that Jennifer had left on her desk.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± he said with a sigh. Clare glanced at Lila, who shrugged. Lila had a pretty fair idea of what Daniel was nervous about. She wasn¡¯t about to explain to Clare that they were going to take away monetary control from a drug-running, incessantly meddling, and calculating Grade 12 student who would probably react negatively, though.

    ¡°Won¡¯t be long after this,¡± Clare said with a sigh. Daniel seemed surprised.

    ¡°No follow-ups?¡±

    ¡°No follow-ups,¡± Clare smiled at Daniel. ¡°Unless you want me to.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m good,¡± Daniel said quickly, folding a corner of the top sheet of the notepad. Clare¡¯s eyes flashed to Lila before she leaned back in her armchair.

    ¡°So, how¡¯d your date go?¡± Clare asked, her eyes glinting mischievously under the pale-yellow lights of the office.

    ¡°It was fine,¡± Lila replied shortly. ¡°No second date, though.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Daniel exclaimed. ¡°Wait, did I do that out loud?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s got you all excited?¡± Lila asked, narrowing her eyes at Daniel. His face was reminiscent of a lobster in colour, and he somehow looked even more uncomfortable than he had all afternoon.

    ¡°Just¡­ excited that you¡¯re unwanted,¡± Daniel muttered. Clare and Lila both shot him disapproving looks.

    ¡°I was the rejecter, not rejectee,¡± Lila said drily.

    ¡°Daniel, maybe you should stop talking. Sounds like your prefrontal cortex still has a bit more growing to do if you¡¯re going to try and play subterfuge,¡± Clare suggested, bonking him on the head with the side of her hand. He rubbed where Clare had hit him, but otherwise followed her advice in not talking.

    Jennifer re-emerged not a second later and finalised the arrangements. She gave Daniel a packet of information and sent the siblings on their way. They immediately flocked to the Chinese restaurant in the shopping centre and had dinner ¨C during which, thankfully, there were no further questions about Lila¡¯s date with Theo.

 Chapter Seventy-Four

    Chapter Seventy-Four

    The rumours that Lila had managed to catch between classes on Tuesday were much the same as the previous ¨C more ruminating on Asher¡¯s suitability as a father, more pity shown for Holly, and more butchering of Asher¡¯s entire character. It had even crossed over to disbelief that Asher was the Dux of their cohort, with a messy personal life like the one he apparently had. To her surprise though, when Lila saw him at lunch, he smiled broadly, swinging his set of keys in front of her.

    ¡°Look at lil Henry,¡± he said proudly, pointing at the jellyfish dangling between his keys.

    ¡°He¡¯s very cute,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Wonder where you got him.¡±

    ¡°Found him on the ground. Very tragic.¡±

    ¡°Oi,¡± Lila uttered playfully, pushing Asher who chuckled. Lila caught sight of Isaac, Elise, and Grace smirking at them in unison before they each abruptly engaged in three different conversations with each other. Their attempt at disguising the fact that they were watching Lila and Asher was poorly coordinated, but Lila strangely didn¡¯t mind. Perhaps she¡¯d been desensitised to the idea that people were watching her at this point.

    Sitting down in the library, however, showed Lila that Asher was still very much bothered by something or other.

    ¡°Dollar for your thoughts?¡± Lila queried as she opened today¡¯s lunch.

    ¡°Sorry, my bank account¡¯s full,¡± Asher replied listlessly.

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Lila commented, smirking.

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ talk to you about it after school,¡± he relented with a sigh.

    ¡°Alrighty then,¡± Lila confirmed, though she wanted to press him further. The slightly obnoxious, high-pitched laughter of Isaac rudely reminded her that this was perhaps not the best place to get into whatever Asher was thinking about. Instead, Lila joined in the antics of her friends, sneaking peeks at Asher every so often. He didn¡¯t participate, but she saw his lips occasionally curl into a smile in response to some particularly stupid jokes.

    Once classes ended and Lila was back on Jacoval, she was sorely wishing that practice had been cancelled. Though they wouldn¡¯t have any practice sessions on Saturday, or over the holidays, Lila felt very strongly that it was too damn cold to be running around after school.

    She braced herself, ready to step onto the oval before a voice stopped her.

    ¡°Hey, Lila. Glad to see you again.¡±

    Lila turned and saw it was Theo. Her anxiety suddenly spiked and her breathing stopped for just a moment ¨C was he upset with her? But, by the bright smile he gave her, it seemed not. She relaxed her shoulders, returning the smile with her own.

    ¡°Hey, Theo. How¡¯ve you been?¡±

    ¡°Ah, here and there,¡± he said dismissively. He then winked at her. ¡°Had a good weekend, though.¡±

    ¡°Same here. Funny that. I can see you¡¯ve got your normal glasses on.¡±

    ¡°What can I say? I can only break out the round bad boys for special occasions.¡± He quickly looked behind him, as though sensing something before looking back at Lila. ¡°Gotta go, Isaac¡¯s giving me a death stare,¡± Theo said hurriedly before jogging off towards his soccer team. Isaac promptly replaced him, standing just in front of Lila with a frown etched onto his otherwise stony face.

    ¡°Are you flirting with Theo?¡± Isaac asked reproachfully. Lila rolled her eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry, though I¡¯m not sure why you have been. There won¡¯t be a second date.¡±

    ¡°Still don¡¯t know why you went on a first date with him,¡± Isaac sighed, shaking his head.

    ¡°Not like I¡¯m getting many other offers,¡± Lila replied drily. Isaac met her gaze with his own before nodding.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s true. Loser.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    Isaac sprinted off, cackling. Lila rolled her eyes again, though she couldn¡¯t really be mad at his goofy antics. She tried to head over to her hockey team again when someone tapped her on the shoulder.

    ¡°What?¡± she asked sharply, spinning around. It was Asher.

    ¡°W-What were you talking with Theo about?¡± he stammered through chattering teeth. Was he cold? ¡®But¡­ he¡¯s never cold,¡¯ Lila thought privately before answering.

    ¡°Nothing. Just saying that it was good to see each other again.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes widened for a split second before he took in a harsh breath. ¡°Righto. See you after practice.¡±

    He wordlessly hurried off to his side of the oval and Lila finally made it to her own side. Willow and Alice both raised their eyebrows at Lila before giggling.

    ¡°Popular with the boys, are we?¡± Alice asked with a snicker.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Lila replied shortly. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see them all run away from me?¡±

    Willow snorted. ¡°Saw them run to you first.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just very approachable then quickly very scary.¡±

    ¡°Ladies,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s tone commanded their immediate attention. All three girls instantly shut up and listened to Ms Wright¡¯s instructions for today. It was more drills, but decidedly rather lax, given their next match wasn¡¯t until the second week back.

    As Lila had surmised, neither Alice nor Willow would let her slip by without filling them in on her date with Theo. She told them the gist of it ¨C that they went to the aquarium, had some dinner, took some selfies, and he dropped her off ¨C and when she told them there wouldn¡¯t be a second date, Alice gasped.

    ¡°Why not? It sounded like it went well!¡± Alice queried as she passed the ball to Willow, who took it through some cone drills.

    ¡°He¡¯s just not for me,¡± Lila replied, receiving the ball from Willow and going through her own rendition of the drill. She passed it over to Alice, breathing heavily. Alice missed and chased after it towards another group of three.

    ¡°No hard feelings, though,¡± Lila wheezed, leaning on her hockey stick as she waited for Alice to come back.

    ¡°That¡¯s good at least,¡± Willow acknowledged. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯d kinda thought Theo was asexual. Hadn¡¯t seen him take any interest in anyone at school.¡±

    Lila stopped herself from saying that perhaps that was because he¡¯d only been on dates with guys. She wasn¡¯t sure how ¡®out¡¯ he was about that, so she said nothing at all.

    Alice returned, wrinkling her nose and resting the ball on the inside of her hockey stick. ¡°He¡¯s definitely not asexual. I¡¯ve heard him around the changing rooms before and after practice. That guy is definitely horned up and raring to go.¡±

    ¡°Ew!¡± Willow exclaimed, covering her ears, and letting her hockey stick fall to the grass. ¡°Don¡¯t ever say ¡®horned up and raring to go¡¯ in my presence again. Didn¡¯t need that imagery.¡±

    Alice shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s cute. I¡¯d hook up with him.¡±

    Before Willow could respond, Alice went through her cone manoeuvre. They moved on to other topics between drills, and before Lila knew it, practice was over and she was gathering her things in the changing room.

    Hoisting her bag over her shoulder, she heard the echoes of a conversation emanating from the boys¡¯ side of the changing rooms floating down the hallway. She carefully approached, listening in. ¡®God I¡¯m nosy,¡¯ she thought to herself, though she didn¡¯t make any attempt to leave.

    ¡°¡­ kiss her¡­ shoulder barged me¡­¡±

    The voice sounded like Theo¡¯s, though it didn¡¯t say anything else as the boys¡¯ changing room exploded into raucous laughter. She stood frozen for a moment ¨C was he telling the boys about their date?

    Hardly a second later, Theo exited the changing room with some of the soccer boys, who were joking around and playfully shoving each other down the hallway. When he saw Lila was standing just ahead, though, his smirk changed into a grin. A hush fell over the group as he began to speak.

    ¡°Just telling the boys how you avoided my attempt at a kiss,¡± he said candidly. ¡°They thought it was pretty funny.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, good going, Moloney. Put him in his place!¡± one of the boys at the back of the group called. The rest crowed in agreement, with some shouting that Theo was too cocky, before laughing again. They then dispersed, leaving only Theo behind.

    ¡°Why would you tell them that?¡± Lila asked now that they were alone in the hallway, incredibly perplexed by the notion.

    ¡°That way I can laugh about it,¡± Theo replied seriously. ¡°Better I tell people than people hear about it through the grapevine, or speculate.¡± He stepped closer to Lila and quickly whispered in her ear. ¡°Plus, Asher¡¯s in the changing room. He¡¯d have heard me.¡±

    ¡°I still don¡¯t get it,¡± Lila responded, crossing her arms. Asher would definitely not throw his business out to the wolves so quickly, if at all. It was bizarre at best.

    ¡°Somehow, word got out about our date anyway and the boys were annoying me about it. So, I thought if I told people that you snubbed me, Asher¡¯d probably feel better about it. Besides, if I admit to it, I¡¯m the one controlling the narrative. Not that I¡¯m lying. It¡¯s just big brain strats,¡± Theo replied, tapping the side of his forehead with his index finger. ¡°I like you enough to give you a helping hand. That¡¯s pretty rare, y¡¯know. ¡®Specially free of charge. See ya around!¡±

    Theo strolled away, whistling a tune that Lila had heard him sing in the car. He seemed pleased with himself, at least. Lila watched him go for a moment before exiting herself.

    Lila looked around the carpark to see if Clare had arrived yet. She hadn¡¯t, but Lila figured she¡¯d only be a couple minutes. She began to shiver now that she wasn¡¯t exercising and hoped that the ¡®couple minutes¡¯ would turn into a ¡®couple seconds¡¯, otherwise she¡¯d turn into a popsicle.

    ¡°Clare not here yet?¡± Asher¡¯s voice called from behind her. She turned her head and saw Asher and Isaac walking towards her. They were both beaming like idiots.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Lila replied with a shudder, rubbing her arms to generate some warmth. ¡°Should be here soon, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait with you guys,¡± Isaac declared.

    ¡°But your Mum¡¯s right the-¡±

    ¡°Shh,¡± Isaac cut Asher off with a finger to his lips. ¡°Lemme wait with you guys. She¡¯ll be fine. The heater¡¯s probably on.¡±

    They waited in silence for a few beats before Lila turned to them suspiciously. They still looked objectively goofy, with Asher shaking his shoulders every so often in silent laughter.

    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!

    ¡°Why¡¯re you two in such a good mood?¡± Lila enquired impatiently.

    ¡°Heard something hilarious in the changing room,¡± Asher chortled. ¡°I think it¡¯s probably fixed my mood for the rest of the week.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only Tuesday,¡± Lila replied doubtfully. ¡°Not to rain on your parade, but we¡¯ve got more than half a week to go.¡±

    ¡°That definitely rained on my parade,¡± Asher pouted. Lila chuckled and both Asher and Isaac joined in. Mere seconds later, Clare pulled into the carpark. Lila and Asher bid farewell to Isaac, who promptly marched off towards his Mum¡¯s car.

    ¡°Thank God! I was gonna freeze my nuts off!¡± Lila heard him exclaim before he threw open the passenger side door and jumped in.

    The car ride to Lila¡¯s was quiet, conversation-wise, though Lila could see in the rearview mirror that Asher was still smirking to himself. Had Theo¡¯s admission really made him happy? And why would it make him this happy? Or was it something else?

    The beginning stages of hope began to rise within Lila again, but she pushed it back down before it could get too far. Knowing her luck, something was just around the corner that would cause it to tumble down anyway.

    ¡°We¡¯re grabbing pizza for dinner, by the way,¡± Clare said as she pulled the handbrake of her car up, having reached home in one piece. ¡°Hope you don¡¯t mind Asher.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to get any for me,¡± Asher responded as he got out of the car. ¡°I¡¯m not staying for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Aww,¡± Clare whined. ¡°We all missed you terribly yesterday.¡±

    Lila could see out the corner of her eye that Asher was blushing, and she smiled to herself.

    ¡°I¡­ might be able to stay. No promises,¡± he said in a strained voice, ruffling his hair bashfully.

    ¡°That¡¯s the way,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s already en route.¡±

    ¡°Should probably lead with that next time!¡± Asher exclaimed. They all laughed and piled inside, the warmth of the house inviting them in.

    Lila contemplated taking a shower as she and Asher headed upstairs but was prevented from doing so when Asher asked for her to come with him into Daniel¡¯s room.

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila asked curiously. In response, Asher wordlessly knocked on Daniel¡¯s door. Daniel opened it with a flourish and exuberant grin before seeing that Lila was standing there too.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here,¡± Daniel said simply, standing aside to let them in.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been requested,¡± Lila shrugged.

    ¡°It¡¯s just in case something goes wrong. I can¡¯t be here all the time, so if Daniel needs a hand, you might have to help,¡± Asher explained, kneeling down on one knee next to his school bag. Daniel and Lila both watched as he began rummaging through it, identically bemused expressions on their faces. With an ¡°Aha!¡±, Asher pulled out a small parcel.

    ¡°Here,¡± Asher said, holding it up for Daniel to take.

    Daniel gasped dramatically, both hands over his mouth. ¡°Asher, you shouldn¡¯t have! I can¡¯t say yes. You should give it to my sister. She¡¯s desperate.¡±

    Asher blinked at him before his face turned red. He instantly stood up, still holding the box. ¡°No, you dumbass,¡± he said, bopping Daniel on the head with it.

    ¡°It¡¯s like none of you realise that my head is precious cargo,¡± Daniel muttered, grabbing the box and rubbing where Asher had hit him. Lila snorted but didn¡¯t say anything as he opened it up. Inside was a small Square reader.

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯ve seen these thingies before,¡± Daniel stated, picking it up and inspecting it. ¡°It¡¯s so people can pay with card, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Asher confirmed, taking his seat at Daniel¡¯s desk. ¡°Just need to get it all connected. Lila, if you could watch me do it, please, in case you need to help Daniel later on.¡±

    Lila and Daniel both watched as Asher set up the reader to connect with Daniel¡¯s phone and Daniel¡¯s Square account. Asher also linked up Daniel¡¯s new bank account as they had those details written down in the packet of information he¡¯d received from the bank yesterday. Finally, Asher conducted a couple of test runs, tapping his card to the Square reader and checking the website, before a knock sounded on the door. Asher slammed Daniel¡¯s laptop lid shut whilst Daniel simultaneously threw a jacket within arm¡¯s reach of him over the reader.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Daniel called once everything was sufficiently hidden, leaning nonchalantly across his desk. The attempt failed miserably as he tripped over himself and grabbed the edge of the desk, his limbs flailing with the grace of a bull in a china shop.

    ¡°Pizza¡¯s here,¡± came Clare¡¯s voice. She didn¡¯t try to come in. ¡°Hurry up or you¡¯ll miss out.¡±

    ¡°Who am I competing with?¡± Daniel queried loudly, catching his breath. It was a miracle that neither Lila nor Asher laughed. Upon receiving no response, Daniel rolled his eyes.

    ¡°You heard her. Everything done?¡± Daniel asked, looking over at Asher, his face only slightly pink.

    ¡°I reckon so,¡± Asher replied with a nod. He opened the laptop again and double-checked everything. ¡°Should be fine. Did you catch everything that I did, Lila?¡±

    ¡°Sure did. Caught it like Daniel caught himself just now. Not that there was anything else for me to do,¡± Lila deadpanned.

    ¡°Oi,¡± Daniel objected reproachfully.

    Asher smirked and stretched before standing up. ¡°Time for pizza,¡± he said cheerily.

    Once dinner was done, Asher and Lila sat in her room as usual. This time, though, Asher wasn¡¯t reading. He sat backwards on Lila¡¯s desk chair as he looked at her. After a few seconds of this, Lila began to blush.

    ¡°W-Why¡¯re you looking at me?¡± she asked tentatively. He broke eye contact with her and spun her chair around once while he was still seated. When he was back in his original position, he looked down at the floor.

    ¡°No reason,¡± he said simply.

    ¡°Then can you stop?¡±

    ¡°Sorry. Did I make you uncomfortable?¡±

    ¡°Not¡­ exactly.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    They fell silent for a moment before Lila looked up at him. ¡°I talked to Theo about what Livi¡¯s been doing, by the way.¡±

    Asher rolled the chair closer to Lila. ¡°Oh?¡± he asked with bated breath.

    Lila launched into an explanation of the morphine ring that was going around school, and how Livi was connected to it as the financier. And that it technically meant Daniel was connected, too.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to tell Daniel without running it by you first,¡± Lila said in closing. Asher, who had seemed both shocked and tight-lipped throughout her explanation, looked pensive, a hand on his chin.

    ¡°That¡­ is a lot more serious than I¡¯d ever imagined,¡± he said softly. ¡°That stuff can get people killed. You know morphine is an opioid, right?¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t given it that much thought, actually,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°But yeah, it¡¯s serious.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ think we need more info before we tell Daniel,¡± Asher said after some thought. ¡°Just so we can give him as many facts as we can. I don¡¯t think he¡¯d be able to do anything about it anyway, so he¡¯d be better off not knowing for now.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Just not sure how to get more facts.¡±

    ¡°Good point¡­¡± Asher hesitantly looked at the open doorway of Lila¡¯s room before dropping his voice. ¡°So, for now, we should plan our attack for the worker¡¯s cottage. Especially since school holidays are in a couple days. I doubt we¡¯d be able to get much information in these next few days about the ring anyway, considering we¡¯re about to turn Livi¡¯s world upside down.¡±

    ¡°Plus, depending on how it goes, more people might want to talk,¡± Lila added. Asher stared at her for a moment before smiling.

    ¡°Yeah. I like the way you think.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Did it on my own.¡±

    Asher snickered and they fell into another silence, this time more comfortable. Asher was definitely in a much better mood than Lila had seen him in for almost a week. It comforted her to know that he could be in a better mood. For a second, she¡¯d been worried that he wouldn¡¯t be able to be so joyful again.

    ¡°There¡¯s something else,¡± Asher suddenly said, his tone gravely serious. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to find ways to get this all sanctioned by the school.¡±

    ¡°The Banker stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ve been approaching some teachers during morning tea with Isaac about whether there¡¯s a way to do that. Perhaps by paying rent or fees or something to the school. That will also help take power out of Livi¡¯s hands. Right now, if she wanted to, she could run to the Headmaster and Daniel would be in some seriously deep shit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a great idea. How far¡¯d you get with that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll have to be finalised next term. I¡¯ve almost got all the backing I need from the teachers, but I want to get a few more than necessary just in case.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t hard. Daniel and Livi had the names of all the teachers already involved written down in their notebooks. I targeted them first since they clearly know about it and also would probably care if it got shut down.¡±

    ¡°Does Isaac know that Daniel¡¯s the Banker?¡±

    ¡°No one knows who the Banker is, remember? Apart from us and Livi¡¯s group. But he knows that I know who the Banker is. The teachers seemed to think that I was the Banker when I talked to them, but I said I was asking on behalf of the Banker. I also said that if I was the Banker, I would¡¯ve had it sanctioned within the first few weeks of the year, which convinced them enough. Though, I¡¯m not sure how I feel about the fact that they thought I was the ringleader.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said earnestly. ¡°I hadn¡¯t even thought of getting it approved by the school as a potential solution.¡±

    ¡°Dux Asher Wagner, at your service,¡± he said in a mock-British voice, inclining his head towards her. Lila shifted her seated position in her bed slightly before glancing at Asher. He still seemed to be in a good mood as he scrolled through his phone. Was now a good time¡­ for¡­ that? Lila¡¯s heart began to race as her lips trembled. She parted them, about to speak¨C

    ¡°Oh, I almost forgot,¡± Asher piped up, shutting his phone screen off and putting it on Lila¡¯s desk. ¡°I promised I¡¯d talk about it after school.¡±

    His eyes met hers, and he looked at her quizzically. ¡°What¡¯s up? You look like something¡¯s on your mind.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips tightly together and shook her head, gesturing for him to speak. In an instant, his previous good mood had dissipated entirely. He looked at her warily before inhaling deeply.

    ¡°I¡­ heard some things,¡± he said, his voice wavering with emotion. ¡°And I didn¡¯t like it.¡±

    ¡°Was it about¡­ Holly?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It pissed me off but it also¡­ I don¡¯t know how to explain it, but it¡¯s just been fucking with my head. Like what if I am the Dad, and I am a deadbeat that abandoned her?¡±

    ¡°You said that you never¡­ well¡­¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s true. At least, true from what I remember. What if I did something in my sleep? Or I just forgot about it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m no expert, but that kinda thing seems purposeful. Like it¡¯s a whole¡­ event.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m no expert either. So, it might be possible that I just¡­ wasn¡¯t aware or something.¡±

    ¡°Surely you guys would¡¯ve talked about it afterwards? Even a ¡®how was it?¡¯ or ¡®thanks¡¯ or whatever people say after. I mean, was she a virgin before you guys got together?¡±

    ¡°She¡­ told me she was. But now I can¡¯t trust anything she¡¯s ever told me. Not even that she l?loved me.¡±

    A couple of tears fell from Asher¡¯s eyes and he aggressively wiped them away. He then placed a hand over his eyes and sat like that for a few moments, his shoulders shuddering every so often. Lila could tell that he was struggling to beat back his emotions, so moved closer to him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to bottle them up, you know,¡± she said, gently touching his arm. He jolted, looking over his hand at her. His eyes were sparkling with tears and she comfortingly rubbed his arm.

    As if she granted him permission to feel, the tears flowed freely down his face. He didn¡¯t exactly openly sob, but he wasn¡¯t silent either. Lila continued to pat his arm, concern resting heavily upon her face.

    After a minute or so, Daniel appeared in the doorway, looking in at them in confusion.

    ¡°You okay Asher?¡± he asked, not daring to come any closer. Asher looked mortified as he held his head up in his hands to see Daniel. Asher remained silent and then hung his head low again.

    ¡°What¡¯d you do to him?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice sounded accusatory. ¡°Did you reject him?¡±

    Lila immediately crossed the room and began pushing Daniel into his own, her face red with both fury and embarrassment.

    ¡°Read the fucking room, dude,¡± she hissed before slamming his bedroom door shut.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± came Daniel¡¯s muffled response. As she rested her back on his door, it occurred to Lila that perhaps Daniel didn¡¯t know about Holly at all. He was a couple of years younger than Lila and Asher ¨C perhaps it hadn¡¯t reached the Grade 9s. She remembered telling her Mum, Dad, and Clare that Asher had a girlfriend this year¡­ but had she ever told Daniel? The photos of Lila in the boys¡¯ bathrooms hadn¡¯t mentioned anything about the rumour that Lila was trying to be a ¡®homewrecker¡¯¡­

    Lila looked through her own doorway and saw Asher, still seated where she¡¯d left him, with his face in his hands. Telling Daniel about the whole ex-girlfriend thing, and that being the reason why Asher was upset¡­ well, that could wait.

    Lila almost made it to her bed to sit down again when Asher grabbed her arm. She looked down at him in surprise. His eyes remained fixated on the floor.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I keep bringing everything down. And that I keep feeling so upset about it.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be sorry. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re doing anything wrong. You¡¯re allowed to grieve a relationship, even if it ended badly.¡±

    ¡°¡­ This¡­ kinda thing¡­ is something I¡¯d talk to my Mum about. Even though I¡¯m much taller and bigger than her now, she¡¯d still pull me into her arms no matter my woes and comfort me. Talk me through them. Guide me on what I¡¯m feeling and how to process it. And I¡¯ve tried to do what she told me to do and it¡¯s not working. I can¡¯t do this without her. And because of that, I feel like I¡¯ve failed her, too,¡± Asher¡¯s voice broke as he let go of Lila¡¯s arm. ¡°And it¡¯s not your burden to bear but I keep putting this on you. Surely you resent me for it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never,¡± Lila replied firmly. She took a deep breath, the beating of her heart strengthening with each second and blood rushing to her face. Was she brave enough? ¡°Asher, I-¡±

    Asher jumped slightly as his phone rattled on her desk. Wiping his face with the back of his hand, he picked it up. ¡°Marlene¡¯s here,¡± he stated monotonously. ¡°I should go.¡±

    Lila watched as he stood and collected his things. ¡®It¡¯s fine,¡¯ she told herself morosely, her heart strangely heavy. ¡®He was literally just crying about Holly. It wasn¡¯t the right moment.¡¯

    He turned to Lila with a downcast smile. ¡°Thanks for listening. It helps more than you know.¡±

    ¡°Just know,¡± Lila said quietly, facing the doorway rather than Asher, ¡°you¡¯re my best friend. Helping a friend shoulder their burdens¡­ that¡¯s just what we do. That¡¯s why you¡¯ve been putting your all into helping Daniel, despite exams and everything else that was going on. So it follows that I can¡¯t stand by and watch you drown. I¡¯d never resent you.¡±

    ¡°But Lila, you can only have so much capacity. I¡¯m putting too much on you-¡±

    ¡°Asher, it¡¯s fine. Don¡¯t worry about it. It¡¯s only preventing you from working through things.¡±

    He grimaced at her before nodding. ¡°You¡¯re right. Like usual.¡±

    They headed downstairs without any more conversation, though Asher said goodbye to Lila¡¯s family members. She unlocked the door for him and he stepped out, looking back at her over his shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to see Livi tomorrow, by the way,¡± he murmured after checking that no one was nearby. ¡°I texted Daniel when I got the package, but I think I forgot to tell you. He¡¯s shut down the operations for tomorrow, except for people collecting what they¡¯ve paid for but that¡¯ll be done outside.¡±

    ¡°How did Livi react?¡±

    ¡°Not sure, but I doubt it¡¯s good. She might know something¡¯s coming so¡­ be prepared,¡± Asher said in a strained voice. It gave Lila the impression that he was trying to encourage himself rather than her.

    ¡°Alright. I will. See you tomorrow,¡± Lila smiled at Asher. His face softened and he returned the smile with a genuine one of his own.

    ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-Five

    Chapter Seventy-Five

    The next morning started off with PE, the activity for which deviated from the norm. Once all the students assembled and the roll was marked, Ms Wright announced that they would be going on a walk.

    ¡°A walk?¡± Lila heard Connor grumble behind her. ¡°In winter? This sounds like condoned torture.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s either a walk, or we all play dodgeball,¡± Ms Wright said sternly from next to Connor. Lila heard him squeak in reaction to Ms Wright¡¯s words. Connor notoriously hated dodgeball, given his proclivity to be targeted mercilessly.

    ¡°Shame. I love dodgeball,¡± sighed Lila, glancing over at Ms Wright. Ms Wright turned to her and nodded.

    ¡°We¡¯ll put it on the agenda for next term,¡± Ms Wright replied, smiling kindly down at Lila. ¡°I thought a walk would help get these tired brains flowing for the last stretch of Term 2. Besides, that was an empty threat. I don¡¯t have the energy to deal with dodgeball today.¡±

    The class congregated into one conglomerate, with Asher standing beside Lila. They set off, with Ms Wright stating that they¡¯d walk to the nearby koala sanctuary. If they had time, they¡¯d also be let loose on the nearby playground.

    Asher and Lila walked at a moderate pace, with Lila wordlessly enjoying Asher¡¯s company. Despite how upset he¡¯d been yesterday at Lila¡¯s, he seemed relatively okay this morning. Perhaps the walk was doing him some good.

    Eventually though, once the class approached the koala sanctuary (which was more or less a forest of eucalyptus trees with the occasional koala sitting in them, and park benches and other amenities dotted around close to the entrance), Asher¡¯s mood began to turn.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been stressing,¡± he admitted to Lila in a low voice as they stood some ways away from the rest of their class, who were resting after the walk. Lila peered up at him before searching the trees for a glimpse of a koala.

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± she said softly, shielding her eyes from the needlessly bright winter sun. ¡°I''ve been anxious about it too. I hope it goes okay.¡±

    Asher nodded grimly. ¡°I think I might be overthinking. Psyching myself out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s understandable. We haven¡¯t seen Livi upset, really. I hope Vi¡¯s there, at least. She seems to be able to rein Livi in.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t hope that Theo¡¯s there?¡± he was inspecting a cautionary sign showing a koala and what not to do when encountering one with great interest as he asked this.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ apathetic about whether he¡¯s there or not.¡±

    ¡°Apathetic, aye¡­ he seemed pretty cut up about you,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes glinted as he glanced at her, a grin creeping up on his face.

    ¡°Doubt it,¡± Lila replied bluntly. ¡°It was never going to go anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Then why¡¯d you go on a date with him?¡±

    ¡°I told you why, and I told you the info I got out of it. I¡¯m not going to change my answer.¡±

    Asher fell silent before placing his hands on the top of his head. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought you two would be a great match.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°He¡¯s a lot different than he is at school. It took me by surprise. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a bad different. But he¡¯s not for me.¡± A blush started to rise on her cheeks and she turned to face the entrance of the sanctuary to hide it from him.

    ¡°Do¡­ you have a crush on someone?¡± Asher asked softly. Lila whipped around to face him. His face was entirely serious. Lila suddenly felt the urge to take Asher by the shoulders and shake the daylights out of him. But she restrained herself. He opened the proverbial door. It was her turn to follow through.

    ¡°I¡­ do,¡± she eventually said, her eyes fluttering down to an assortment of fallen leaves by her feet. Her knees were shaking as she wiped her sweaty hands on the side of her PE shorts. She tried to muster the courage to say the simple, one-syllable word to get it over with, but her breath had been knocked out of her. She struggled to catch it as Asher looked at her intently.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    His attempt at speaking was cut down by three sharp claps. They both looked around to find the source.

    ¡°Looks like we have time to go to the park if we go right now,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s voice called over the hushed rustling of hundreds of eucalyptus trees. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila¡¯s class grouped up again and they marched briskly to the playground between the sanctuary and Forestglade College. Asher didn¡¯t say a word to Lila again, and she had lost any and all momentum she once had in carrying on a conversation with him.

    Upon reaching the playground, Ms Wright gestured at it vaguely.

    ¡°Go play,¡± she said dismissively, waving her hands towards the equipment. It was a rather large playground, with several sets of swings, a couple of child-sized diggers, some slides, a massive climbing net, and a myriad of other things. Lila¡¯s class silently looked at each other before all hell broke loose. The class scrambled to get to their preferred playground equipment, shouting and carrying on, with Justin and Connor already fighting over one particular digger, sand flying everywhere.

    ¡°Race ya to the swings!¡± Asher announced excitedly to Lila, already sprinting.

    ¡°H-Hey!¡± Lila yelled after him before breaking into a sprint of her own. Lila had no hope of catching up, given his head start, so settled for trying to push him off the swing that he¡¯d jumped on. He held on tightly, cackling, and all her pushing served to do was boost his swinging potential.

    Giving up, she took a step back as he soared through the air, delight plastered across his face. She smiled to herself as she watched. His joy was infectious. As he sailed back down to the ground, he let out a childlike, ¡°Wheeee!¡± and she chuckled. It turned out that she didn¡¯t need to be on the swing to enjoy herself.

    After a few moments, he leaped off mid-swing, landing with his feet firmly planted on the ground. It was rather impressive, actually.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said, breathing heavily and standing. ¡°I can¡¯t steal all the fun.¡±

    He grabbed onto the swing, which was still moving due to having left it abruptly, and held it out for her.

    ¡°N-No, it¡¯s fine. You were having fun,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. Her face began to turn red as he continued to hold it for her.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he cajoled with a cheeky grin. ¡°I¡¯m an only child, we don¡¯t like sharing. I¡¯m one second away from hogging this all day.¡±

    Lila relented and sat down. He pushed her a couple times before she took over. Asher stepped back and watched while she continued to swing, trying to get as high as she could go. The wind rushing past her ears, the force of her body flying through the air, and the rhythmic whine of the swing were all she could concentrate on for now. It was freeing, really, clearing her head like this.

    Eventually, they swapped again before Ms Wright instructed everyone to start heading back to campus. All of their classmates seemed to be in much higher spirits as they chattered and giggled along the way back.

    Well, all except Asher.

    Lila snuck a peek at Asher while they walked in silence yet again. His flushed face was the only hint of the exhilaration he¡¯d just experienced on the playground as he furrowed his brow. His eyes met hers and he gave her a half-smile.

    ¡°That was fun,¡± he said, though she could tell anxiety was beginning to brew within him again as he looked back down at the concrete pathway towards the school. ¡°But now all I can think about is lunch.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll pass just like PE did,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°Then we can look forward to the holidays.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°You¡¯re going back again? Asher too?¡± Grace¡¯s mouth dropped open during morning tea after Lila¡¯s apology about missing lunch with the group in favour of going to see Livi.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you see how fast he booked it out of there when we all went? When Livi asked Isaac to rate you?¡± Elise asked incredulously. ¡°It was like his ass was on fire.¡±

    Lila shrugged nonchalantly, though her hands were trembling in her lap. ¡°It¡¯s probably the last time we¡¯ll be going. We¡¯ll survive.¡±

    Grace and Elise looked at her dubiously.

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know what¡¯s up with this Livi chick, but she says some real crazy shit,¡± Elise remarked after an agonising sigh.

    ¡°Water off a duck¡¯s back,¡± Lila quipped. ¡°We¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you might be. But it¡¯s really obvious that Asher is not having a good time at the moment,¡± Grace interjected quietly. ¡°Can you just go by yourself?¡±

    ¡°Asher has to be there,¡± Lila lamented. ¡°Non-negotiable.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯re you even going?¡± Elise pressed, emptying her yoghurt cup into her mouth.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ for Daniel.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s Daniel doing with the Banker?¡± Grace asked, alarm clear in the way her eyebrows flew up her forehead. ¡°He¡¯s too young to be getting involved in all that.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly the point. He got in some trouble, so we¡¯re sorting it out. Well, Asher¡¯s better at maths than I am, so he figured out a payment plan of sorts,¡± Lila replied quickly, silently praising herself for thinking on her feet like that. Elise pursed her lips.

    ¡°Alright. Well. If that¡¯s how it¡¯s gotta be, then I guess we¡¯ll be here for the fallout,¡± she said flatly.

    ¡°Thanks guys. I don¡¯t want to, but I have to for Daniel.¡±

    ¡°Just big sister things,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°Sacrifices you have to make.¡±

    ¡°It really is a sacrifice,¡± Lila responded morosely.

    The girls began discussing other things whilst they ate their morning tea. Elise was deep into some McGossip when Isaac dramatically flopped onto the ground next to her, causing her to flinch.

    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Elise grumbled, shuffling over to widen the circle to admit Isaac.

    ¡°Asher chased me off,¡± Isaac sighed. ¡°He went to do something, and he had the gall to say he¡¯s ditching me for lunch.¡±

    ¡°This one¡¯s ditching us, too,¡± Elise stated, jerking a thumb at Lila. ¡°They¡¯re like two peas in a pod.¡±

    Lila frowned before a thought crossed her mind. Now that all three of them were here without Asher, she could interrogate them. Smirking, she cast a look at each of them and straightened up.

    ¡°I heard it was your idea to follow me at the aquarium, by the way,¡± Lila said lightly, surveying Isaac closely. He choked on his banana and beat his chest with a closed fist.

    ¡°D-Did you guys throw me under the bus?¡± he spluttered after taking a drink from his water bottle.

    ¡°Mayhaps,¡± Elise replied loftily, shrugging with her hands palm-up.

    ¡°Well, thanks for the heads up,¡± Isaac said sarcastically.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter to me who suggested it,¡± Lila cut in, ¡°but I want to know why. I know you said it was to see that nothing ¡®nefarious¡¯ was going on, but I know that that¡¯s not the only reason.¡±

    Elise, Grace, and Isaac all looked similarly uncomfortable.

    ¡°Oh no,¡± Isaac said lamely, looking at his watch-less wrist. ¡°Is that the time? Looks like I have to go to class¡­¡±

    His attempt at escape was thwarted by Elise, who grabbed the hem of his blazer before he could fully stand and pulled him back to the ground.

    ¡°She¡¯ll hunt you down,¡± Grace explained warily. ¡°You may as well just stay.¡±

    Lila huffed and crossed her arms, impatiently waiting for an explanation.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Isaac relented, throwing his hands up in the air. ¡°We wanted to see if you liked Theo. Or were falling for him, I guess. If you were, we were going to tackle him.¡±

    ¡°We were going to tackle him? I think only you signed up for that,¡± snorted Elise.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you want to do that?¡± Lila queried, relaxing her arms.

    ¡°¡¯Cause if you were going to fall for Theo, we wanted to stop it,¡± sighed Grace. ¡°We¡¯ve literally been trying to get you and Asher together for, like, the whole term, and Theo just rolled up and trampled on all our hard work.¡±

    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

    Lila felt the blood rushing to her cheeks. ¡°Y-You have?¡±

    ¡°Did you really think we were dumb enough to get lost in the cinemas? We¡¯d bought the tickets for the other movie online. Only you got a ticket for the superhero movie,¡± Elise clarified, tapping her toes together with apparent satisfaction.

    ¡°If the door to the storage room in the Applied Tech building didn¡¯t have a lock on the ouside, I was just going to stand against it to close you guys in,¡± Isaac added casually. ¡°But then it locked for real and we freaked out.¡±

    ¡°Besides, do you really think us three running conversations alongside you and Asher at lunch is an accident? I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve actually said anything directly to Asher in weeks,¡± Grace revealed. ¡°There¡¯s only so many McHot Takes a girl can listen to, you know.¡±

    ¡°Oi, I thought you enjoyed those,¡± pouted Elise.

    ¡°Girl, I probably know as much about working at Maccas, at your store specifically, as Isaac does at this point. May as well give me a uniform,¡± Grace teased.

    ¡°And that¡¯s why you were so annoyed seeing me talk to Theo,¡± Lila nodded at Isaac.

    ¡°Yuppers. Annoyed and panicked,¡± he uttered, popping the ¡®p¡¯s and lying down in the grass on his back. ¡°I mean, on paper, Theo and Asher are pretty similar. Imagine if, after all our hard work, you got with Theo instead?¡±

    ¡°Why do you guys even want Asher and me together that bad?¡± Lila asked softly, looking down at her skirt and picking at fraying threads along the hem.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve been shipping you two since we broke up,¡± Isaac said lazily, stretching a hand up to the sky.

    ¡°I feel like what you just said was illegal,¡± Elise gasped.

    ¡°I already told you this at one of our secret meetings, why are you gasping again?¡± Isaac lifted himself up by his arms to furrow his brow at Elise.

    ¡°Personally, when Asher asked you to go over to his place in Term 1 just after we were talking about him, I thought your face was super hilarious. Then, when I saw how you two were at semi together, I couldn¡¯t take it anymore,¡± Elise said, ignoring Isaac. He fell back down to the ground with a ¡®hmph¡¯.

    ¡°When I heard you fought with Clare about Asher, I knew for sure that you liked him,¡± Grace remarked casually. ¡°You and Clare are almost always on the same side.¡±

    ¡°I also wanted my eyes back,¡± Isaac joked. ¡°Not having them these past few weeks made studying real difficult.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Elise asked, looking at Isaac in apparent concern. Lila laughed.

    ¡°Just¡­ something Isaac said a while ago,¡± Lila explained lamely.

    ¡°Righto,¡± Elise shrugged. ¡°Thought he was just being weird again.¡±

    ¡°Oi!¡± Isaac protested.

    ¡°You are pretty weird,¡± Lila replied shortly. He pouted and the quartet lounged in silence for a few minutes.

    ¡°We pretty were concerned about how Theo would be with you on the date, though,¡± Grace added softly. ¡°He¡¯s got a¡­ reputation.¡±

    ¡°Reputation?¡± Lila asked, lifting an eyebrow. ¡°I know one of the girls in his Grade thought he was asexual.¡±

    ¡°HA!¡± Isaac exclaimed. ¡°That¡¯s a godamn lie. Sex is all the guy talks about in the changing room.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what the other Grade 12 girl said. He never mentioned it to me, though. Well, he asked about hooking up but quickly retracted it after he saw my reaction,¡± Lila said thoughtfully.

    ¡°Huh, maybe he¡¯s actually quite gentlemanly with potential partners,¡± Grace mused. Isaac looked at Lila darkly.

    ¡°If you had said yes to hooking up, he probably would¡¯ve just parked the car and done something there and then. Or gone into, like, the bathrooms or a quiet corner in the aquarium,¡± Isaac said disapprovingly. ¡°He¡¯s done those kinds of things before, apparently.¡±

    ¡°Well, if we had, that would¡¯ve been my choice,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°Not that I would¡¯ve wanted to do that in those places, even if I was interested in him.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d hope, but that¡¯s why we kept an eye on you,¡± Isaac replied cautiously.

    ¡°Squad¡¯s got your back,¡± Elise grinned.

    ¡°Thanks ¡®squad¡¯,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Not that I needed you guys to.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why people pay for insurance,¡± Isaac commented idly. ¡°Just in case.¡±

    The group fell silent once more, though it certainly seemed comfortable. Lila smiled when she remembered Isaac¡¯s intrusion on their lunch around Valentine¡¯s Day. She hadn¡¯t predicted that it would be a much more regular and even welcomed occurrence this year. After a few minutes, Isaac checked his phone.

    ¡°Uh, guys,¡± he said, sitting bolt upright. ¡°We¡¯re late for class.¡±

    <hr>

    Ms Wang¡¯s stern warning to Lila, Elise, and Grace about being at class on time did nothing to quell the anxiety still within Lila. As time ticked closer and closer to lunch, she couldn¡¯t help but wish for it to slow down.

    But as Ms Takahashi paused the Studio Ghibli movie, Kiki¡¯s Delivery Service, promising to continue it the next lesson, Lila couldn¡¯t get her wish. She could hardly stand but powered through, being the last to leave, and stumbled outside into Asher.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± she stuttered. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you were outside.¡±

    ¡°You took a little bit longer than usual to leave, so I wanted to check if you were okay,¡± Asher replied, his eyes seeming nervous. They stood there for a moment before Lila sighed.

    ¡°Nothing else for it,¡± she said, shaking her head. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Unlike their previous visits, the area surrounding the science lab was rather empty. A few groups of students were waiting, shivering against the cold, but they were not nearly as numerous as usual. Zack was standing nearby, bundled in a scarf and jumper, shooing students who wanted to do business with the Banker. He nodded at them as they approached.

    ¡°Door¡¯s open,¡± Zack said simply. ¡°I¡¯ll lock it after you get in.¡±

    Asher glanced warily at Lila.

    ¡°You okay?¡± she asked him gently.

    ¡°Should be. Probably won¡¯t go as badly as I¡¯m anticipating,¡± he said unconvincingly. He opened the door regardless and they entered.

    The atmosphere here was incredibly tense. Livi¡¯s usual group was all accounted for, though Livi looked distinctly unimpressed with their arrival. Daniel glanced over his shoulder at Lila and Asher, his conversation with Theo, Jason, and Harper halting. Daniel seemed rather collected as he turned around and smiled at Asher. As promised, Zack locked the door behind them.

    Theo waved at Lila, and she smiled back, unwilling to take her hands out of her pockets. The rest of the Grade 12s nodded at Lila and Asher in acknowledgement. Once they were done greeting each other, Livi folded her arms across her chest.

    ¡°So,¡± Livi said contemptuously. ¡°Our boss over there says you¡¯re bringing about some changes.¡±

    ¡°Sure am,¡± Asher said coldly. Daniel gestured at Asher to join him by Livi¡¯s desk, his face incredibly serious. They began discussing the new process, with Livi scowling the entire time. To Lila¡¯s surprise, she didn¡¯t interrupt once.

    Theo stood up from his table and wandered over to Lila, who was standing awkwardly just behind Asher and Daniel.

    ¡°Here for emotional support, I¡¯m guessing?¡± he asked with a grin.

    ¡°Suppose I am. But they¡¯re talking business for now. Seems to be going well,¡± Lila replied tentatively.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be so sure,¡± Theo whispered. ¡°She¡¯s been pissed all day.¡±

    Lila felt a sinking feeling in her stomach as she looked over at Daniel, Asher, and Livi again. She appeared to be well-behaved, but perhaps she was just waiting for the right moment.

    Lila saw Asher nod at Daniel before stepping back, closer to Lila and Theo.

    ¡°Daniel¡¯s just taking her through the Square reader,¡± Asher explained, glancing back at Lila. He did a double take and turned to face Theo. ¡°Why¡¯re you here?¡± Asher asked combatively. Theo raised his hands in surrender.

    ¡°Don¡¯t hit me,¡± Theo said, his eyes twinkling with mischief. ¡°Just having a chat with Lila. She was lonely over here.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to Lila before he turned back to face Daniel and Livi, his arms crossed. ¡°I see. Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

    Theo winked at Lila, his shoulders quivering with suppressed laughter. They didn¡¯t say anything else, but he remained by her side as they continued to watch Daniel and Livi. With a satisfying ¡®beep¡¯ from the reader, Lila knew the demonstration was over. They¡¯d survived. Livi hadn¡¯t done or said anything in particular that would give rise to concern. Maybe they were safe. Lila noticed that Asher¡¯s whole body seemed to relax ¨C perhaps he was thinking the same thing.

    Just as Daniel walked away from Livi¡¯s desk though, she began to speak, a malevolent grin scrunching her typically pretty face.

    ¡°So, Asher,¡± Livi said sweetly, holding her head in her hands. ¡°How does it feel, knowing that Theo asked Lila on a date and she said yes?¡±

    Asher took in a deep breath, his fists clenched tightly, before shrugging. ¡°Am I meant to feel something?¡± he asked defiantly.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Livi said softly, her voice almost melodic. ¡°Denying things to yourself today, are we?¡±

    Her eyes flickered over to Theo and Lila. ¡°Did you enjoy your date? Share any food? Take any selfies? Kiss? Hook up?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know why it matters to you,¡± Lila replied shortly.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter to me,¡± Livi replied loftily. ¡°I can guarantee that it matters a whole lot to father of the year, over there.¡±

    The atmosphere deepened immediately from intensity to oppression, as if the word ¡°father¡± had flicked a switch. All eyes were wide, staring directly at Asher, who had turned a sickly pale colour. Daniel looked at Livi, then at Asher, and finally at Lila.

    ¡°Father? What?¡± he asked, his eyes narrowed in confusion.

    Livi laughed incredulously. ¡°What, you didn¡¯t know? Your buddy Asher, Dux of Grade 11, is a few short months away from becoming a teen dad.¡±

    Daniel¡¯s eyes bulged as he stared at Lila. ¡°Huh? With who? Not you, right?¡±

    ¡°His ex-girlfriend that he dumped mercilessly after finding out she was pregnant, of course,¡± Livi explained loftily. ¡°Cares only about himself. He¡¯s a deadbeat dad, if I¡¯ve ever seen one. Ran away when the going got tough.¡±

    Even Theo seemed shocked by the news as he looked between Asher and Lila.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem very shocked, though, Lila,¡± Livi mused. ¡°Heard it all before? And you¡¯re still clinging onto him like a lost puppy. Dunno if you need a wake-up call or what, but he doesn¡¯t want you. He doesn¡¯t even want his kid. I¡¯d run for the hills. Who¡¯d want to be stuck being a step-mummy at 16?¡±

    Asher was trembling now, his eyes shining. That only seemed to amuse Livi even further.

    ¡°Wait, I¡¯ve got it. The reason why you¡¯re still around is because Asher¡¯s lied to you. He¡¯s said he¡¯s not the father, and you believe him. So na?ve.¡±

    For a moment, Lila¡¯s head began to spin. She¡¯d never considered that Asher may have lied to her. But, just as quickly as the doubt appeared, she dismissed it. The pain, shame, and guilt that Asher had been through, that he¡¯d shown her ¨C that was real.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher¡¯s voice croaked, desperation in his eyes as he turned to her. His face was still pale, and she could see that tears were about to roll down his face.

    ¡°Guys lie all the time,¡± Livi shrugged. ¡°Maybe his grand plan is to try and spread his seed as far as it can go. He¡¯s done with his ex, and now he¡¯ll move on to you. Theo¡¯s trying to do you a favour, to save you from the fate of Asher¡¯s irresponsibility.¡±

    Livi stared straight into Asher¡¯s face as she continued. ¡°How dare you leave your pregnant girlfriend in the lurch as she¡¯s carrying your child and lie to poor, innocent Lila? I wonder how your parents feel, that they raised such an irresponsible coward. But I bet you haven¡¯t even told them about your failings as a decent human being. All that money and smarts put into you, and you¡¯re probably going to drop out to earn money for child support. I bet your Mum would cr-¡±

    Slap.

    At the speed of a lightning strike, Lila darted forward and slapped Livi across the face with as much force as she could muster. The sound rang out like a clap of thunder, mingled with the gasps of Vi and Harper.

    Lila found herself shouting without any restraint, ¡°WHAT THE FUCK IS YOUR PROBLEM?!¡±

    Livi held the spot on her face where Lila had hit her, tears welling in her eyes. At once, the room filled with the sounds of scraping chairs across the linoleum floor as everyone who was seated stood. Theo pulled Lila back behind him, taking her away from smacking distance of Livi. Lila breathed heavily as she glowered at Livi over Theo¡¯s shoulder. From where she was standing, she could also see that Daniel¡¯s face was as white as a sheet, and Jake and Zack looked incredibly dumbfounded.

    ¡°It¡¯s not his kid,¡± Lila spat. ¡°So shut up.¡±

    ¡°Whoa, what?¡± Theo turned to look at Asher, who was still standing where he had been, frozen. Theo quickly glanced at Lila. ¡°Are you sure? I mean, Livi says a lot of bs, but that bit about lying could be true.¡±

    Lila moved away from Theo, anger marring her face. ¡°Asher would never lie to me. Never. I trust him. With everything I¡¯ve got.¡±

    Silence blanketed the occupants of the room for a second before Asher marched forward, towering over Livi. Lila saw that his face was red as he passed her. His expression, though, was entirely resolute yet there was something undecipherable beneath it.

    ¡°Sucks to tell a bitch like you, but I¡¯ve never had sex,¡± he hissed, slamming his hands on the desk between them. Livi jumped, slack-jawed with shock. ¡°Can¡¯t father a baby if you don¡¯t do that.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s embarrassing,¡± Jason drawled. Asher shot him a withering look and Jason swiftly looked down at the table he was standing beside, a smirk twitching on his face.

    No one else responded. Livi still held her face tenderly, but her expression, instead of showing anger or even humiliation like Lila expected, looked entirely ashamed. A beat passed before Asher inclined his head towards Zack. ¡°Let us out,¡± he commanded.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Zack replied instantly, fumbling around for the keys. Asher turned on his heel and gently grabbed Lila¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said quietly. She nodded and followed his lead.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re done here,¡± Daniel said, picking up the Square reader.

    ¡°Just a few more things, Banker,¡± Vi piped up. ¡°Just a bit longer.¡±

    Daniel paused before sighing. ¡°Alright. If it can¡¯t be avoided.¡±

    Zack opened the door for Lila and Asher and they exited into the freezing winter air. Asher let go of Lila and she wrapped her scarf more tightly around her neck. Now that they had left, and her temper had (literally) cooled down, she had absolutely no idea what to do or say. Had she just messed everything up for Daniel? Was Asher okay? He ended up telling the last people he probably wanted to know that he was a virgin¡­ And Jason had reaffirmed exactly why Asher would be reluctant to do so. There was only so much embarrassment he could take¡­ And did Asher feel embarrassed by Lila slapping Livi like that? She¡¯d tried to control herself, but as soon as Livi had mentioned Asher¡¯s Mum, she¡¯d lost any hope of impulse control.

    Asher started walking wordlessly down the pathway out of the STEM area and Lila followed, with nothing else to do. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look directly at him. Not now, anyway. They continued their stroll at a moderate pace before Asher began to slow down near the locker room.

    ¡°That¡­ went a bit shit,¡± Asher finally said.

    ¡°Uh-huh¡­ sorry,¡± Lila replied in a small voice.

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    Lila looked up at Asher and was surprised to see him grinning at her.

    ¡°I wish I could replay that moment over and over again,¡± he said, his voice teeming with joy. ¡°She deserved it. Has done since the first time we met her.¡±

    In the face of Asher¡¯s reaction, Lila wasn¡¯t sure what to say in response. Usually, Asher would leave Livi¡¯s group upset and broody for quite some time. But¡­ for some reason, he seemed elated. Was it really just because she slapped Livi? With the questions swirling in her mind, she followed Asher to his locker. He opened it, passing her a lunchbox.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± he asked.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t actually know,¡± she replied, unzipping it slightly to see its contents. It looked like a stir fry of some kind.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have that much time left, so let¡¯s quickly eat,¡± Asher said urgently, shutting his locker. They made their way to a secluded spot in the alleyway between the locker room and the next building.

    Asher seemed ravenous as he dived into his food, shoving as much as he could fit into his mouth. The fervour with which he ate was vastly unusual ¨C had he been starving himself? Lila ate at a more reasonable pace and was still eating when Asher finished with a long drink of water.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said seriously, replacing the cap on his bottle and resting it beside him. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°For?¡± she asked, another bite of stir fry centimetres from her mouth.

    ¡°¡­ for trusting me. I¡­ thought for a second that you¡¯d believe Livi. And¡­ I know why you slapped her when you did. ¡®Cause she brought up Mum. It¡­ yeah. I noticed. Thank you.¡±

    Lila lowered her fork and looked at him with a tight smile.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said. ¡°For helping Daniel, and even going back to be subjected to all that clownery. I know you hate going there, but you¡¯ve pushed yourself so many times on my, or others¡¯, behalf. Besides¡­ I already told you I trust you. Why would I believe her over you?¡±

    Asher¡¯s face reddened as he looked back down at his lunchbox. ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    He remained silent as Lila finished her food. When she was done, he stood up.

    ¡°Class is about to start,¡± he said simply, holding a hand out for her. She stared at it for a moment before taking it. He pulled her up and they started walking back to the locker room.

    ¡°What you did back there was awesome,¡± he said softly as they passed a gaggle of girls who looked at Asher before bursting into a fit of derisive laughter. It was easy to figure out that they had likely heard the newest batch of rumours about Asher¡¯s alleged status as a teen dad. He steadfastly ignored them as he continued to speak. ¡°But I can¡¯t get what Livi said out of my head at the moment. Just like usual, she got me where it fucking stings.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s to be expected,¡± Lila replied gently. ¡°I was pretty surprised with how¡­ upbeat you seem.¡±

    He gave her a cocky grin. ¡°I¡¯m just drowning out what she said in my mind with my recollection of the sound of your slap.¡±

    Lila blushed, gripping the sides of her lunchbox tightly. Now that she¡¯d been out of the situation for a little bit, the shame of letting her emotions get the best of her was flooding in. Though, a niggling thought tickled the back of her mind. Seeing as she was the Banker¡¯s sister, how was he handling what just happened? Firstly, he had to manage the new system change, but, secondly, he also had to manage a likely irate Livi who¡¯d just been slapped by her boss¡¯ sister. Plus, the look on his face when Livi divulged the latest rumours¡­ he clearly had heard nothing about them. She¡¯d definitely need to check in with him after school today¡­

    ¡°By the way,¡± Asher said candidly, interrupting her train of thought. ¡°Do you wanna come over to mine? On the weekend? Uh, Saturday maybe?¡±

    ¡°Sure. For what though?¡± Lila responded, hugging her lunchbox close to her chest.

    ¡°Planning,¡± he said simply, giving her a meaningful look. She smiled and passed the lunchbox back to him, having reached the point where their paths diverged.

    ¡°Sounds like a plan. Pun intended.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Of course it was. See you later.¡±

    ¡°Bye.¡±

 Chapter Seventy-Six

    Chapter Seventy-Six

    ¡°Daniel?¡± Lila called, knocking on his bedroom door. He¡¯d come home about half an hour after she did and closed himself in his room immediately. While Daniel being shut up in his room was not exactly unusual, he at least would normally wander around the house, grab some juice, maybe chat with someone at home, and watch a little bit of TV before doing so.

    He didn¡¯t respond, so she knocked again.

    ¡°What?¡± he snapped through the door.

    ¡°Can I come in?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ want to talk to you. Check in.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m coming in.¡±

    He didn¡¯t protest, so she opened his door and entered his room. It looked much the same as yesterday, though the assortment of juice boxes seemed to be decreasing. He was sitting at his desk, the Square reader set beside his laptop. She could see that he had the Square website open. A notebook was also splayed on his desk.

    ¡°Doing some admin?¡± she asked lightly, crossing the room and sitting down on his bed. He shrugged noncommittally. He turned back around towards his laptop and began typing.

    ¡°¡­ What happened?¡± Lila asked softly. He stopped typing for a second before resuming.

    ¡°Livi left just after you did. She couldn¡¯t handle being in the room for the rest of the day. It was a good thing I shut it down for the whole day, otherwise, I would¡¯ve needed to do the reception work. That¡¯s¡­ not exactly ideal.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila breathed, picking at her nails. Daniel certainly seemed withdrawn towards her this afternoon.

    ¡°Aside from me slapping her¡­ was there anything else that I did wrong?¡±

    Daniel sighed heavily, spinning in his chair to face her.

    ¡°I¡¯m pissed,¡± he said plainly. ¡°Not necessarily at you, sis.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise. I somehow always manage to piss you off.¡±

    Daniel snickered. ¡°Pretty sure that¡¯s your right as my sister. Just as it¡¯s my right as your brother to piss you off.¡±

    Lila smiled at Daniel. ¡°True.¡±

    Daniel pursed his lips for a second before continuing. ¡°I¡¯m pissed at Livi. But I also feel bad for her. Your slaps hurt, dude. Then¡­ of course¡­ I don¡¯t know how to feel about Asher anymore.¡±

    Lila straightened up, squinting at him in confusion. ¡°Okay, I feel like I can get the first two points¡­ but what do you mean about Asher?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know he had a girlfriend,¡± Daniel said quietly. ¡°Emphasis on had, I guess.¡±

    He suddenly looked uncomfortable as he squirmed in his seat. ¡°I¡­ well¡­ working with Asher these past few days¡­ I guess he kinda turned into my role model. Kinda like the big brother I wish I had. Not that you and Clare aren¡¯t¡­ mediocre enough sisters,¡± he smirked as he said that and Lila rolled her eyes at him.

    ¡°So what¡¯s changed?¡± she asked, crossing her arms.

    ¡°Sis, are you dead certain that he¡¯s been telling you the truth?¡±

    ¡°I feel like there¡¯s more to unpack than just that. If he has been lying, so what?¡±

    ¡°If he¡¯s been lying, then I can¡¯t support you dating him.¡±

    Lila blinked at him, bewildered. ¡°That came outta left field. And I¡¯m not dating him.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ may have been trying to encourage him to go for it,¡± Daniel said hesitantly.

    Lila felt the heat rising in her cheeks. ¡°W-Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s so obvious that you like him,¡± Daniel said sharply. ¡°Makes me wanna vomit.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like a good thing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a figure of speech or whatever. Besides¡­ you seem to really enjoy his company. And he¡¯s given me a load of advice, not just about¡­ this,¡± Daniel gestured flippantly at his set up on his desk. ¡°You¡¯ve done a lot for me, even though I wanna punt you down the stairs half the time when you take forever in the bathroom.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila interjected drily.

    ¡°Despite everything, I do actually want to see you happy. And I thought Asher could do that. But¡­ after this¡­ I¡¯m not convinced.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not lying,¡± Lila said firmly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong. Asher¡¯s a good dude. But¡­ trouble seems to be following him,¡± Daniel said disapprovingly. ¡°I know that it was him in the photos that were spread around. And the only reason why you were stalked by that psycho was because you were getting close to him. And I know that you¡¯ve been going over to his place a lot, and I¡¯ve seen you come back shell-shocked and depressed, or extremely happy - kinda like he¡¯s got this insane sway over your emotions. But now this? If he is the father, you¡¯re going to have to deal with his baby¡¯s mother, and even I know that¡¯s a lot. And if he did dump his pregnant girlfriend, and mother of his child, over the fact that she got pregnant, then I¡¯m sorry but he¡¯s a horrible person. There¡¯s no two ways about it. Livi¡¯s right. He could be lying.¡±

    Lila stared at Daniel. ¡°You¡¯ve¡­ put a lot of thought into this. You sound really mature.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had to be,¡± Daniel shrugged. ¡°When you¡¯ve got several employees working under you, a business to run, and schoolwork to do, you¡¯ve gotta get your shit together. Besides, I¡¯ve been thinking about you and Asher getting together for a while now. Not just over this past week.¡±

    Lila turned an interesting shade of scarlet. ¡®Has everyone been trying to get us together?¡¯ she thought to herself, pulling her arms in close to her body. After a beat, she reluctantly sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯m still serious,¡± she said, pulling her knees to her chest. ¡°He¡¯s not lying.¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure, though?¡± Daniel asked seriously. ¡°It¡¯s not like you were watching his every move between him and his ex.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ he¡¯s really honest with me,¡± Lila offered lamely. ¡°It¡¯s not just that, though. He was so brokenhearted over it. I could hardly hold the pieces of him together as he cried. His chef was panic-baking before he even knew what happened to Asher. And the struggle and pain that he¡¯s told me about¡­ his hurt is real. Genuine. If he was just a deadbeat dad, wanting to have nothing to do with his baby, then he¡¯d hardly feel anything, let alone be crying over it even now.¡±

    Lila paused, glancing at Daniel who was giving her his undivided attention. ¡°And¡­ this would probably be embarrassing for him to know that I told you, but I saw his search history immediately after it happened when I went over unannounced. He¡­ obviously seemed to be embarrassed that I saw, but neither of us mentioned it. He¡¯d looked up stuff like ¡®can you forget your first time?¡¯ ¡®did I forget sex¡¯ and ¡®how to get pregnant without sex¡¯. He also looked at stuff about cheating girlfriends. He blames himself all the time, and even asked me a couple times why he wasn¡¯t good enough for Holly that she had to cheat on him.¡±

    Daniel fell silent as he considered Lila¡¯s information.

    ¡°Is¡­ that what he was crying about yesterday?¡± Daniel eventually asked. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Daniel gave Lila a pitiful look, shaking his head. ¡°Poor guy.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll believe you for now. It¡¯s pretty compelling, especially after adding in the search history that you saw accidentally when he didn¡¯t know you were coming over.¡±

    Daniel leaned back in his chair as he looked at the ceiling contemplatively. ¡°I guess it¡¯s a good thing that I got to see the flaws in my idol like this,¡± he lamented. ¡°It makes him feel even more real. Definitely more relatable, at least.¡±

    He then looked down at Lila. ¡°Just to be clear. You do like him, right?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila confirmed, holding her face in her hands. ¡°I¡­ really do.¡±

    ¡°I could tell,¡± Daniel chuckled. ¡°That defence of Asher against Livi today could only come from you liking him. Why aren¡¯t you guys together?¡±

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t like me in that way,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°Isaac told me.¡±

    ¡°When was that?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Last month or something. Maybe longer. I didn¡¯t write it down.¡±

    Daniel snorted. ¡°Well, it¡¯s bull. He obviously likes you.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t get my hopes up. I¡¯ve been trying to confess to him all week, but something keeps happening and I lose my courage. I¡­ don¡¯t want to be convinced that he likes me only for him to burst out laughing or throw up or something. It¡¯d hurt a hell of a lot more.¡±

    Daniel pressed his lips together before nodding slowly. ¡°If that¡¯s what you want.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Lila added with a harsh exhale, ¡°with his whole ex thing, and the rumours going around school about him being a teen dad, I already know nothing¡¯s going to happen.¡±

    ¡°So why confess?¡±

    Lila averted her gaze from Daniel as tears began to fall from her eyes. He seemed alarmed as he fussed around his desk for some unused tissues and passed them to her. She gratefully took them and dabbed her eyes, trying to hold herself together so she didn¡¯t just fall apart in here.

    ¡°E-Even though I know nothing will happen,¡± she said through shaky breaths. ¡°I can¡¯t help but hope with my whole heart. T-That¡¯s why I don¡¯t want you to give me any more of it. I¡¯ll break if he says he doesn¡¯t want me. But if I don¡¯t tell him¡­ then I definitely will break. I¡¯m suffering, keeping it inside. He¡¯s my best friend, and I¡¯m terrified of ruining it and losing him. But I can¡¯t keep going on like this. Especially since we¡¯re so close.¡±

    Daniel seemed to have absorbed all this information before his face turned grim. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll support whatever the outcome is. But, just know, I don¡¯t reckon you need to be as afraid as I think you are.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°But I need to protect myself, too.¡±

    Daniel sighed. ¡°Can¡¯t argue against that I guess.¡±

    Lila made to leave, but Daniel spoke again.

    ¡°¡­ I see why Asher wanted to avoid Livi. Is she always like that?¡±

    Lila lowered herself back onto Daniel¡¯s bed, her lips pursed. Considering Livi was technically Daniel¡¯s employee, would telling him what Livi was up to with their guests impact the business?

    ¡°She¡­ definitely likes to mess with Asher and I, at least,¡± she finally said carefully. ¡°Somehow, she manages to say the right things to rile us up.¡±

    Daniel tapped his chin briefly before looking at Lila again.

    ¡°Got any examples?¡±

    Lila shifted uncomfortably before standing up. ¡°N-None that come to mind.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie if I¡¯ve ever heard one,¡± Daniel said dubiously. ¡°C¡¯mon. I¡¯m just curious. I won¡¯t do anything with it.¡±

    ¡°¡­ well, when we went to get food with Isaac, Grace, and Elise there as well, Livi asked Isaac to rate me as a girlfriend. Despite all the other stuff she¡¯d been saying, that was what made Asher leave.¡±

    Daniel frowned. ¡°What do you mean, rate you as a girlfriend?¡±

    With a horrible sinking feeling, Lila realised that she hadn¡¯t told Daniel that she¡¯d dated Isaac. And now she had to explain that as well. She buried her face in her hands.

    ¡°A couple years ago, Isaac and I dated.¡±

    ¡°And¡­ judging by the fact that Asher came to his rescue¡­ Isaac is one of his good friends?¡±

    ¡°Best friend, actually.¡±

    Daniel gave a low whistle. ¡°Way to give a man insecurity.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lila looked up in confusion at Daniel, lowering her hands. He rolled his eyes at her.

    ¡°I know you¡¯ve got a brain in there,¡± he said impatiently. ¡°If Asher likes you, he¡¯ll probably keep wondering why you chose Isaac instead of him.¡±

    ¡°That was years ago,¡± Lila replied defensively. ¡°It¡¯s not like I like Isaac now, nor will I in the future.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Daniel nodded. ¡°But it¡¯s not as though insecurities are rational. You¡¯ll probably need to address that at some point after you confess. Even if Asher doesn¡¯t return your feelings, it¡¯s probably on his mind. It¡¯d be on mine if I was in his situation, at least.¡±

    Lila rubbed her face, a frustrated yell halfway to her lips. She stopped herself and instead stood up.

    ¡°Thanks for the chat,¡± she said abruptly. ¡°I¡¯m just going to go to my room.¡±

    Daniel opened his mouth briefly, as if to say something else. He shook his head and swung his chair around to face his desk again.

    ¡°Alright. Just don¡¯t start crying or something. I¡¯m trying to concentrate. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯m figuring this out without Asher here.¡±

    Lila left without another word, though she could tell from the tone in his voice that he wasn¡¯t entirely serious. Though he was still the annoying little brother that she¡¯d always had, there was something distinctly different about him. Daniel really was growing up¡­

    <hr>

    ¡°How¡¯d yesterday go?¡± Grace asked at morning tea the next day, dipping a small celery stalk into her hummus dip.

    ¡°Did what we needed to,¡± Lila replied noncommittally, though the embarrassment at having slapped Livi flashed across her face in the form of a grimace.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± Elise smiled. ¡°I¡¯m guessing Livi accepted the payment plan Asher suggested?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila blinked momentarily before realising that was part of the cover story she¡¯d concocted. ¡°Oh, yeah. Said it was fine.¡±

    ¡°That must¡¯ve been a relief,¡± Elise grinned. ¡°Did Livi say anything weird?¡±

    ¡°She¡­ kinda taunted Asher about being a teen dad.¡±

    Grace wrinkled her nose in displeasure. ¡°That¡¯s a low blow.¡±

    ¡°Damn. What¡¯d he say to that?¡± Elise enquired, her full attention on Lila. Lila inhaled deeply, her embarrassment only festering even more within the pit of her stomach.

    ¡°Well¡­ he didn¡¯t actually get to say anything ¡®cause I ended up slapping her.¡±

    Neither Grace nor Elise said anything for a moment. Then, Elise started howling with laughter.

    ¡°You slapped her?¡± Grace asked incredulously, her face pale. ¡°Are you gonna get in trouble?¡±

    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Lila responded feebly. ¡°At least, Livi didn¡¯t fight me back.¡±

    ¡°If she tried, you might¡¯ve done worse than slap her,¡± Elise wheezed, wiping away tears of laughter from her eyes. ¡°God, she deserved it.¡±

    ¡°Probably knows it, too. That¡¯s why she didn¡¯t fight back,¡± Grace added wisely.

    ¡°I was half-expecting her to get super mad, but she just seemed more shocked than anything else,¡± Lila admitted quietly.

    ¡°How¡¯d Asher react?¡± Grace queried, leaning forward with keen interest.

    ¡°He¡­ also said she deserved it,¡± Lila stated hesitantly. She wasn¡¯t going to go into the fact that he¡¯d told the Grade 12s that he never had sex with Holly, hence why he couldn¡¯t be the father.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    ¡°Must¡¯ve been a ride for Daniel,¡± laughed Elise. ¡°Bro just wanted to sort out his debt.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I did end up talking to him about it. But, man, that was embarrassing,¡± Lila lamented, picking at her nails. ¡°Livi¡¯s whole group was there. Plus, I lost my cool in front of Asher.¡±

    ¡°I doubt he minded,¡± Grace said comfortingly. ¡°Though, with all those witnesses, I¡¯m still a bit worried that a teacher might come and talk to you.¡±

    ¡°I mean, if someone did want to report Lila, surely they¡¯d need to talk about why she did it, and what they were doing in the science lab,¡± Elise suggested pensively.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, it¡¯s a pretty sophisticated operation,¡± Lila added. ¡°But it¡¯s still not approved by the school. So I doubt they¡¯d want to put it in danger like that.¡±

    ¡®Plus,¡¯ Lila thought to herself grimly. ¡®They would want to tread carefully since I¡¯m Daniel¡¯s sister¡­ and they¡¯ve got their side gig to look after, too.¡¯

    The girls sat in silence for a few moments, all seeming deep in thought. Lila bit into her apple with a crisp crunch, watching the grey clouds lazily drift across the sky.

    ¡°Wonder what Isaac¡¯s up to,¡± Elise commented idly, unfurling her legs and stretching them out before her.

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila asked, taken aback.

    ¡°No reason,¡± Elise replied awkwardly, looking up at the sky. Lila looked at her intently, watching as a faint blush rose on her cheeks.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t like him, do you?¡±

    Elise whipped her head around to stare at Lila, her eyes as wide as golf balls. ¡°N-No.¡±

    Grace raised an eyebrow at Elise. ¡°If you don¡¯t like Isaac, then my name¡¯s not Grace.¡±

    Elise¡¯s blush deepened even further. ¡°I-It¡¯s not like that. He¡¯s just¡­ fun to be around. A bit weird, sure. But he makes me laugh.¡±

    ¡°So you¡¯re wondering what he¡¯s up to because we¡¯re not entertaining enough?¡± Lila teased.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Elise replied petulantly. ¡°Crack more jokes, guys.¡±

    Lila chuckled. She wasn¡¯t necessarily surprised by the revelation, given how close Elise, Isaac, and Grace had become recently. Though¡­ what Isaac thought about Elise¡­ that¡¯d be an interesting question.

    ¡°Do you want me to ask Asher what Isaac thinks of you?¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°No,¡± Elise answered instantly. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna know. At least, not now.¡±

    ¡°Surprised that you¡¯re not dying of curiosity,¡± Lila responded lightly.

    ¡°You¡¯re one to fucking talk,¡± Elise snapped. Lila stared at her in astonishment.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise said quickly, looking down at her legs, her face much more reminiscent of a tomato. ¡°I¡­ sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not as though I¡¯m going to deny it,¡± Lila sighed after a brief pause. ¡°¡­ I¡¯m going to do it.¡±

    ¡°Do what?¡± Grace asked, tucking a lock of hair behind her ear. Lila blushed deeply, her face matching Elise¡¯s almost perfectly.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯m going to tell him that I like him,¡± Lila explained quietly. ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to all week, but I¡¯m going over to his place on the weekend. And I¡¯m gonna tell him.¡±

    Grace and Elise both gasped, leaning forward towards Lila.

    ¡°Finally!¡± Grace cried.

    ¡°I¡¯m so excited for you,¡± Elise nodded vehemently. Lila chewed on her bottom lip nervously.

    ¡°I¡¯m terrified, though,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°He¡¯s gonna laugh at me.¡±

    ¡°You keep saying that,¡± Grace said softly, patting Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I really doubt that¡¯ll happen.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to like him,¡± Lila replied, hugging her legs to her chest and hiding her face behind her knees. ¡°I was never supposed to. He¡¯s out of my league, what with how smart he is, and I¡¯m just me. That¡¯s why he¡¯ll laugh. ¡®Cause he knows it too. He can get so much better.¡±

    ¡°I doubt there¡¯s anyone on this planet that¡¯s better for Asher than you,¡± Elise said seriously. ¡°I don¡¯t like that you¡¯re talking down about yourself like this.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond as she hugged her legs tighter.

    ¡°You¡¯re you, and that¡¯s exactly who¡¯s great for him,¡± Grace added with a soft smile. ¡°If you guys like each other, then that¡¯s all that matters. All this ¡®league¡¯ business. People who pay attention to barriers like that ¨C well, that¡¯s just sad. Who¡¯d want to be blocked from potential love over something so trivial?¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know you were that much of a romantic, Grace,¡± Elise chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re right, though.¡±

    Lila sighed again, though she did feel a little bit better. For now, her immediate problem was sucking up the courage to tell him on the weekend. Hopefully, given they would be at Asher¡¯s place, there would be far fewer interruptions.

    ¡°Either way, good luck,¡± Elise said after another pause. ¡°If you¡¯ve been trying all week and it hasn¡¯t been working, then you¡¯ll definitely need it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied tonelessly. She did appreciate it, though the reminder that she¡¯d been failing only heightened her anxiety about trying again on Saturday.

    Grace pursed her lips before patting Lila on the head gently. ¡°Even if it doesn¡¯t go in your favour, we¡¯ll be here for you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied again, this time with a bit more warmth. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to tell you guys what happens, anyway.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to reply as soon as I can,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°But I¡¯m not sure how packed my schedule is in Adelaide. Maybe we should do a group call or something after?¡±

    Elise grimaced. ¡°My schedule is hectic,¡± she said softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d be able to do a call. I have to get, like, my passport sorted, and I¡¯m preparing for Germany by doing lots of winter clothes shopping and I¡¯m working a ton to save up.¡±

    ¡°Either way, we¡¯ll be there¡­ instantly or not,¡± Grace said, somewhat unconvincingly. Lila laughed, shaking her head.

    ¡°Whatever happens, I¡¯ll probably need some time to process. You guys are more than fine to keep up with your regularly scheduled program. You two deserve a good break from school,¡± Lila insisted. Grace and Elise shared a solemn glance.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look too guilty over there,¡± Lila frowned, crossing her arms. ¡°Once I¡¯ve done my bit, I¡¯m expecting you to start coming up with a plan of what you want to do about Isaac, Elise.¡±

    Elise immediately turned red again and she gently pushed Lila. ¡°No fair. You need to give me at least, what, five months?¡±

    ¡°Why five months?¡± Lila asked, pushing Elise back playfully.

    ¡°¡¯Cause that¡¯s how long it¡¯s been since Grace and I started watching you fall for Asher, you dummy.¡±

    Lila¡¯s own face flushed as she considered this. Had it truly been that long?

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing with Asher on the weekend, then?¡± Grace asked curiously. ¡°Besides¡­ that.¡±

    ¡°Just hanging out,¡± Lila replied hastily. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Must be nice,¡± Elise chuckled. ¡°Being close enough to your crush already to hang out with him on weekends.¡±

    ¡°Well, you work with yours. That¡¯s like hanging out. Just with a bunch of other people,¡± Lila pointed out.

    ¡°Asher makes you work?¡± Elise raised an eyebrow. Lila bit back her almost automatic response ¨C technically, yes, they were putting in work. Hanging out was more or less the consequence of researching, tailing, and investigating what was happening with Marlene and Asher¡¯s Mum, rather than being the purpose of meeting up.

    ¡°Well, sometimes we do, like, schoolwork and¡­ whatnot.¡±

    Elise snorted. ¡°Whatnot? Sounds like a euph-¡±

    ¡°Looks like class is going to start soon,¡± Lila said swiftly, standing up. ¡°Only a day and a half left before the holidays.¡±

    Lila¡¯s conversation with Elise and Grace regarding her intent to confess to Asher kept playing on her mind throughout the next couple of classes. It was so vivid that she could hardly concentrate on the words Asher said to her as he handed her a lunchbox once lunchtime rolled around. She knew that he¡¯d probably ask her what was up if she was silent, so she settled for idly making noises of agreement or disagreement depending on the context she could grasp on their way to the library.

    On the other hand, Asher seemed much livelier during lunch today than he had been for a long time. Within minutes of sitting down, he shovelled food into his mouth with zeal, before jumping into the conversation between Isaac, Elise, and Grace about exotic pets they¡¯d like to have. They seemed as surprised as Lila felt about this, but the surprise quickly melted into warmth as they exchanged banter with Asher, his laughter pulling Lila¡¯s attention from her thoughts each time. When Asher announced that he¡¯d like an immortal jellyfish, Lila couldn¡¯t help but grin.

    ¡°That¡¯s a lame-ass pet,¡± Isaac frowned. ¡°Why not something like, I dunno, a giraffe?¡±

    ¡°Where would I put a giraffe?¡± Asher countered with a smirk. ¡°Doesn¡¯t exactly fit in my room.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re planning on keeping a jellyfish in your bedroom?¡± Elise asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Just how big is your room?¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila before answering. ¡°Well, I don¡¯t just have a bedroom. I¡¯d put him by the TV. I¡¯d probably need power for the tank anyway. And it¡¯s not just a jellyfish. It¡¯s an immortal one. Maybe I¡¯d be able to see it go into polyp form occasionally.¡±

    ¡°So, out of all the exotic animals in the world that you could choose to keep, you pick a jellyfish?¡± Elise stated incredulously. ¡°Based on practicality? I mean, sure, it¡¯s immortal, but it doesn¡¯t even do anything.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling a real fondness for ¡®em lately,¡± Asher answered with a shrug, though Lila noticed a blush forming on his cheeks. ¡°I¡¯d love to watch it bob around. Plus, I¡¯d have to actually be serious about touching it for it to hurt me.¡±

    ¡°Laaaaaame,¡± drawled Elise. She turned her head to Lila with a lopsided grin. ¡°What about you, Lila? What would you choose?¡±

    ¡°Me? I¡­ I guess I¡¯d go for¡­¡± Lila trailed off, thinking. If she wanted to choose an exotic pet for practicality reasons, a jellyfish was a solid choice. But, if there were no restrictions¡­

    ¡°I¡¯d probably get a fennec fox,¡± Lila declared. ¡°They¡¯re really cute, with their massive ears. They also seem pretty soft.¡±

    ¡°I mean, cute,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°But that¡¯s just like¡­ a pseudo dog. It¡¯s not even big or impressive.¡±

    ¡°I like small animals, what can I say,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Besides, it¡¯d probably feel at home with the heat here.¡±

    ¡°Again with the practicality,¡± huffed Isaac. ¡°God, you both are as boring as each other.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s rude,¡± frowned Lila. ¡°For the record, I think you¡¯d have a really hard time looking after a snow leopard in Australia. You¡¯d make it suffer, plus it¡¯d probably murder you.¡±

    ¡°But, hear me out, they keep their tails in their mouths. And have you seen baby snow leopard paws? They¡¯re like a billion times too big, they look like they¡¯re wearing clown shoes. It¡¯s absolutely adorable,¡± Isaac countered proudly. ¡°Like I said before, I¡¯d die happy if something so cute and fluffy was the one with Death¡¯s scythe.¡±

    Grace shuddered. ¡°You¡¯re all insane. Why not something like a superb lyrebird?¡±

    ¡°Superb?¡± chuckled Isaac. ¡°Why not a subpar one?¡±

    Grace shot him a poisonous look. ¡°That¡¯s the name, idiot. They¡¯re an Australian bird, actually, and they¡¯re really good at mimicry. We¡¯d be able to sing together. Plus, their tails are beautiful.¡±

    ¡°You know what, that fits you incredibly well,¡± murmured Lila. ¡°I¡¯d like to see you singing with a lyrebird. What about you, Elise?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like a ring-tailed lemur,¡± Elise announced. ¡°Mostly ¡®cause of Madagascar. I want a lil King Julian buddy.¡±

    ¡°You know they don¡¯t actually talk, right?¡± Grace laughed.

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Elise crossed her arms, furrowing her brow at Grace. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t give him a crown and pretend he¡¯s talking.¡±

    ¡°¡®How long is this going to TAKE?!¡¯¡± Isaac shouted, his impression of King Julian surprisingly rather accurate. Elise blinked at him before laughing heartily.

    ¡°That was too good,¡± she giggled, her face slightly pink.

    ¡°Who needs a ring-tailed lemur when you can just have Isaac as an exotic pet?¡± Lila said playfully, winking at Elise. Elise started spluttering as if trying to think of a comeback to this but failing miserably. Luckily, Isaac rescued her from her plight in refuting Lila¡¯s suggestion.

    ¡°Oi!¡± Isaac protested. ¡°I¡¯d hardly fulfil the requirements of being a pet. And I¡¯m very much not exotic.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s requirements?¡± Asher questioned.

    ¡°¡¯Course there are,¡± Isaac replied enthusiastically. ¡°Firstly, you need to be adorable. I know I¡¯m cute, but adorable? Nah. Not me. Secondly, you¡¯d need to be fine with being by yourself at home all day. That ain¡¯t for me. I need some company or else I go ¡®round the bend. Thirdly, I don¡¯t wanna be microchipped.¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that all?¡± Asher smirked. ¡°Good news, I¡¯ve already microchipped you. You¡¯re a third of the way there.¡±

    ¡°Say it ain¡¯t so!¡± Isaac gasped dramatically. The room burst into laughter, and Asher caught Lila¡¯s eye. He smiled at her, and she found herself distracted enough from her stress-inducing plan for Saturday to genuinely smile at him back.

    At the end of lunch, Lila returned her lunchbox to Asher in the locker room and considered what she would need to bring for English and Maths. They were still watching The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas for English, but Ms Wang might expect them to try and learn something in Maths¡­

    She dumped her Maths stuff into her bookbag and closed her locker only to find Asher leaning against the locker next to hers.

    ¡°Boo,¡± he said with an exuberant smile. She jumped ¨C not because she¡¯d actually been scared by him saying ¡®boo¡¯, but because she was instantly reminded of her mission on Saturday. Her heart leaped to her throat and she turned away from him, taking a couple deep breaths to try and steady herself. If she was going to react to him like this constantly, would she be able to confess?

    ¡°Did I scare you that much?¡± Asher asked, the smile clear in his voice.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila replied shortly. ¡°So scary.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher laughed, the clear, joyous sound sending a pleasant wave of chills down her spine. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Despite the chilly cold front surrounding them on their journey to their English classroom, Lila felt incredibly hot. She pulled her scarf down slightly in an effort to cool herself down, but it didn¡¯t work. Asher was jabbering on about a new Switch game coming out that he seemed to think she might like, but she couldn¡¯t focus on any of the details. Ordinarily, his enthusiasm would suck her in, and she¡¯d be hooked on listening to his passionate explanations and stories.

    Today, however, she would zone in and out periodically, her brain instead full of knots and half-baked plans on when, where, and how she¡¯d confess on Saturday. Gabriel wouldn¡¯t be home that day, and Marlene would be pottering around the house doing her usual weekend chores. Would it be a linen day? If it was, Marlene would be more occupied than usual, and far away from Asher¡¯s rumpus roo-

    ¡°Lila?¡±

    Asher gently tapped her shoulder and she snapped back to reality, her eyes meeting his with the force of a magnetic pull.

    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked, breaking the eye contact with difficulty.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been really spacey today,¡± he said, concern evident in the tone of his voice. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila replied, readjusting her bookbag on her shoulder. ¡°Is the classroom open yet?¡±

    Asher cast a look behind him, towards the open door of their English classroom.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not closed,¡± he stated, his expression bemused. ¡°You¡¯re looking at the doorway, though.¡±

    ¡°Right. Let¡¯s go in.¡±

    She attempted to move past him but he blocked her way.

    ¡°Lila, something¡¯s not right. You can tell me. You¡¯ve been a bit weird this past week,¡± he said softly. She was about to speak when he continued bashfully. ¡°Not that I want to push you if you don¡¯t want to tell me. Just that you can. If you want.¡±

    Lila was nowhere near ready to divulge what had been playing on her mind, so instead nodded.

    ¡°I-I know,¡± she said quietly. ¡°M-Maybe one day.¡±

    She sidestepped him before he could question her any further and scurried to her desk, sitting down and hiding her face in her hands. She heard him sit beside her and was grateful that they had the excuse of the movie to avoid talking to Asher.

    Friday proceeded much the same way as Thursday had, though there were far fewer students around campus. At lunch, Asher had enthusiastically joined in the latest debate arising between Isaac, Elise, and Grace ¨C this time, it was about what foods they would happily eat forever.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got too many,¡± Asher lamented. ¡°My private chef, as you can imagine, makes such good food.¡±

    ¡°Hold up,¡± Elise sat up straight, staring at Asher. ¡°You have a private chef?¡±

    ¡°No wonder Lila¡¯s constantly going over to your place,¡± Grace observed. ¡°That¡¯s insane.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t tell them?¡± Asher asked, turning to Lila.

    ¡°I-It slipped my mind,¡± Lila replied honestly.

    ¡°Slipped your mind?¡± Elise queried theatrically. ¡°So, what, it¡¯s not Asher making your lunch every day?¡±

    Both Asher and Lila turned an interesting shade of red.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila eventually said quietly. ¡°But he is a good cook.¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡± Asher seemed surprised. Lila nodded, her heart almost leaping out of her chest. Of course her friends noticed that Asher was giving her lunch every day. As she squeezed her hands together, she tried to think why she felt like this when it was brought up.

    There was a brief pause before Isaac cut in. ¡°Well, anyway, narrow it down, Asher. C¡¯mon. Gabriel¡¯s food is really good, but now I have to know what your favourites are.¡±

    ¡°I mean, butter chicken is my comfort food,¡± Asher said, tapping his chin, his usual colour returning to his face. ¡°Pretty basic, I know. Oh, and Gabriel makes this slow-cooked lamb shoulder with ginger-mango chutney and sriracha sauce on pita bread.¡± Asher looked over at Lila in horror as he said this. ¡°Wait, has he made that when you¡¯ve been over?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Not that I can tell.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get him to make it, then. I¡¯ll let you know when, but it¡¯ll definitely be over the holidays. Then you can come over and have some.¡±

    Lila saw Isaac, Grace, and Elise all look wildly at each other, but Asher didn¡¯t seem to notice.

    ¡°Alright. I-If you¡¯ll want me over by then,¡± she said tentatively, rosiness returning to her face. He tilted his head, looking distinctly puzzled.

    ¡°If I¡¯ll want you over by then? ¡®Course I will. Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± he questioned.

    ¡°N-No reason,¡± Lila stammered, looking down at her empty lunchbox. ¡°Just¡­ y¡¯know. You might get sick of me.¡±

    ¡°Impossible,¡± Asher emphatically shook his head. ¡°Don¡¯t be silly. Besides, if Gabriel¡¯s making that, he¡¯ll demand to see you. You¡¯re his favourite customer.¡±

    Lila could see over Asher¡¯s shoulder that Grace was hiding a smile behind her hands, and Isaac and Elise were high-fiving in slow-mo from a distance in order to not produce sound. Clearly, they weren¡¯t bothered about hiding their enthusiasm after telling Lila the other day about their term-long plot.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher said pensively, looking down at his empty lunchbox. ¡°There¡¯s those two, but I¡¯ve also been constantly thinking about Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s tocino.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve had it?¡± Elise gasped. ¡°That¡¯s, like, a rite of passage in their household. She doesn¡¯t make it for just anyone, you know.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher seemed incredibly surprised by this notion.

    ¡°You¡¯re being overdramatic,¡± Lila interjected, though the mortification was twisting her stomach. ¡°It¡¯s not a rite of passage. It¡¯s just¡­ food.¡±

    ¡°It basically is,¡± Grace disagreed sagely. ¡°She doesn¡¯t usually make Filipino food until she trusts you. If you¡¯re not Filipino, of course. I guess it¡¯s ¡®cause Filipino food isn¡¯t too common here, so people might reject her food for being ¡®different¡¯.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ never noticed,¡± Lila said truthfully.

    ¡°¡¯Course you wouldn¡¯t,¡± snorted Elise. ¡°You¡¯re her daughter. It¡¯d be weird if she gatekept Filipino food from you ¡®cause she didn¡¯t trust you.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I¡¯ve never had it,¡± piped up Isaac. Everyone stared at him for a moment. ¡°What?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Have you been to Lila¡¯s before?¡± Elise asked faintly. Isaac glanced at Elise.

    ¡°Nah. Why?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Cause how is she going to make tocino for you if you¡¯re not at Lila¡¯s?¡± Elise queried impatiently, standing up.

    ¡°I mean, Asher¡¯s been giving Lila lunch, like, all term. Obviously, Gabriel makes it for her even though she¡¯s not eating it at Asher¡¯s,¡± Isaac replied defensively. Elise and Isaac began squabbling amongst themselves, effectively ending the conversation about favourite foods. Lila was slightly grateful for this turn of events ¨C that way she didn¡¯t have to force herself to join in again.

    ¡°They¡¯re like an old married couple,¡± Asher snickered, casting a brief look at Lila. ¡°It¡¯s kinda refreshing to watch.¡±

    Lila tried to keep her face neutral as she looked over at Elise and Isaac. Elise, at least, looked as though she was having fun, despite her angry tone. There was a sparkle in her eyes as Isaac served his own banter that Lila couldn¡¯t help but smile at. Asher looked between Lila and Elise curiously for a moment before closing his lunchbox.

    ¡°We should get ready for Study,¡± he announced, shattering the conversation between Elise and Isaac instantly. ¡°Let¡¯s go, Lila.¡±

    Lila¡¯s stomach twisted again as she realised that they¡¯d be sitting relatively alone together during Study. And they wouldn¡¯t have any real studying to do.

    Study, though, wasn¡¯t as bad as she¡¯d expected. They¡¯d signed in, laptops booted up and at the ready, when Asher suggested something he hadn¡¯t before.

    ¡°Well, now that there¡¯s nothing else to do, do you wanna play Minecraft?¡±

    His eyes were fixated on his laptop screen, as though he wasn¡¯t expecting Lila to have heard what he said.

    ¡°I guess we could,¡± Lila replied, her tone quivering despite her attempt at sounding nonchalant. Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers and he beamed, readjusting his sitting position with glee.

    ¡°Heck yeah!¡± he exclaimed, rapidly clicking away on his laptop. ¡°I¡¯ll set up a server.¡±

    Lila grinned to herself ¨C his usual enthusiasm whenever she agreed with one of his plans was comforting in the wake of the potential that she¡¯d destroy it all tomorrow. They spent the rest of their Study block playing Minecraft, which mainly consisted of them messing with the Villagers, beating up cows, and hitting bedrock. Though, at one point, Asher suggested they build a house somewhere in the nearby giant spruce taiga biome.

    ¡°Just one?¡± Lila asked, her fingers trembling on the mouse as she spun around to look at the patch of land they were standing on.

    ¡°Well, yeah. More economical that way,¡± Asher replied, squinting at his screen. ¡°Don¡¯t need as many blocks. Over there looks good.¡±

    They both built the treehouse, with Lila in charge of the external fixtures and Asher in charge of the internal ones. Once Lila was happy with the outside, she popped in and took a look at what Asher was doing.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your bed?¡± Lila asked curiously as her character trotted around the house.

    ¡°Over there,¡± Asher indicated. Lila brought her character over towards his, a blush rising on her cheeks as she stood next to his bed. She glanced at Asher over the top of her laptop lid and placed her bed down next to his. She saw his eyes flicker up at her before looking back at his screen. She could have sworn that his face was pink, but it was vastly obscured by his laptop.

    They continued playing some more until English was due to start. With a stretch, Asher closed down his laptop.

    ¡°Last class of the term, and then we¡¯re free,¡± he said breezily as Lila packed up.

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Lila replied lightly.

    ¡°What time do you want to come over tomorrow?¡± Asher asked as they started walking to English.

    Lila glanced at him. ¡°I dunno. Whenever you want me to.¡±

    He pursed his lips, looking at her from the side of his eye, before looking ahead again. ¡°9 sound good?¡±

    ¡°Sure does,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll be able to bully Clare into taking me, I think.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to say hi to her,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°It¡¯s much better now that she¡¯s not glaring at me.¡±

    Lila chuckled. It definitely was better. ¡°I¡¯ll have to tell her that,¡± she smirked.

    Asher paled. ¡°Please don¡¯t. She might go back to glaring at me. It¡¯s scary.¡±

    They both laughed together, and the remainder of their last day of school passed by with the conclusion of The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. Truthfully, there was a little bit left of the movie, but Ms Shard gave the class the option of staying to finish it or leaving immediately once class time ended. Lila took the latter option ¨C sitting still, so close to Asher, even though they didn¡¯t speak, was unbearable. Asher seemed surprised that she was leaving, but remained behind with a small wave goodbye.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said softly as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder.

    ¡°See you then,¡± Lila replied, unable to meet his eye.

 Chapter Seventy-Seven

    Chapter Seventy-Seven

    Now that it was Saturday morning, Lila couldn¡¯t figure out what to wear. Should she try and look good? Or should she just go as she usually did in her casual clothes? Should she do her hair? Maybe some makeup?

    ¡®But¡­ if he rejects you¡­ wouldn¡¯t putting so much effort in feel like a slap in the face?¡¯ she thought to herself as she pulled out a black fit-and-flare dress with lace cutouts at the waist. She put it back with a sigh. It probably would make her feel worse if she was all dolled up and he rejected her confession. But, what if putting effort in was what she needed for him to accept her confession? Then again, if Asher liked her, as her friends and family seemed convinced that he did, surely he liked her as she usually was?

    ¡°You look constipated,¡± Clare¡¯s voice broke Lila out of her thoughts and she spun around to face her sister. Clare smirked from the doorway and walked to where Lila was standing by her closet.

    ¡°I was just checking to see if you were getting ready to go to Asher¡¯s,¡± Clare explained, rifling through Lila¡¯s clothes absently. ¡°But you¡¯re still just standing here in house clothes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had a shower,¡± Lila said feebly. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ as far as I got.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the holdup?¡± Clare asked, pausing when she got to the Minecraft shirt. ¡°The fuck is this?¡±

    ¡°A Christmas present from Aunt Bernice a few years ago,¡± Lila said listlessly, pushing the shirt aside. ¡°Don¡¯t be rude.¡±

    Clare snorted, flipping through a few more clothes with interest. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to make him wait, you gotta- whoa, whoa, what¡¯s up?¡±

    Clare had taken a look at Lila¡¯s face before turning around entirely. ¡°You don¡¯t look so good,¡± she added.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied softly, pushing some of her hair out of her eyes. Truthfully, her anxiety was causing her to feel nauseous. Perhaps it was reflected in her face.

    ¡°Sit down,¡± Clare said, pulling Lila towards her bed. ¡°Talk to me.¡±

    Lila was surprised to see her hands shaking as she sat down on her bed. Clare wheeled Lila¡¯s desk chair towards Lila and sat down, looking at her very seriously. Lila sighed, staring down at her lap.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been trying to confess to Asher all week,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°But it hasn¡¯t worked out.¡±

    ¡°He rejected you?¡± Clare asked. Lila winced.

    ¡°No¡­ that¡¯s what I¡¯m afraid of, though. B-But I told myself that I¡¯m definitely going to do it today. I can¡¯t keep it in anymore. E-Especially since we¡¯re planning to hang out over the holidays.¡±

    That part was sort of a lie ¨C she hadn¡¯t actually made any real plans with Asher for the holidays but assumed that she would be going over again to break into the worker¡¯s cottage, and try the lamb dish.

    Clare didn¡¯t say anything for a moment before reaching out to tenderly caress the top of Lila¡¯s head. ¡°While I have some predictions for how it might go today, I can¡¯t tell you for sure what¡¯ll happen,¡± Clare eventually said gently. ¡°I think you should go for it, though. Especially if you can¡¯t hold it in anymore.¡±

    ¡°I have to,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°I keep chickening out. I have to do it today¡­ so, at least I know where I stand. Otherwise, I¡¯ll be stuck wondering for the rest of the holidays.¡±

    ¡°And we all know that you wondering is a bad idea,¡± Clare teased. Lila gave her a half-smile in acknowledgement. Clare slapped her hands onto her thighs and stood up.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make you look cute, at least,¡± she declared. ¡°Not that it¡¯s hard to do. You look like me, after all.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond to Clare¡¯s comment and watched as Clare went back to rifling through her closet. Clare¡¯s hands grazed the black dress Lila had looked at earlier and she held it up, spinning it so she could see the back as well.

    ¡°Put this on,¡± Clare demanded, taking it off the hanger and tossing it at Lila. ¡°I¡¯ll keep looking, but you may as well try that one.¡±

    Lila complied with Clare¡¯s request, taking a look at her appearance in the mirror. The dress hugged the small of her waist well and otherwise clung to her form, stopping halfway up her thighs. It had a sweetheart neckline, dipping low but not obscenely so.

    ¡°Bit short,¡± Clare noted, pursing her lips as she looked at Lila. ¡°Perfect.¡±

    Lila tried to pull it down lower to no avail. Clare moved on to look at stockings and accessories.

    ¡°Here,¡± Clare chucked a pair of sheer stockings at Lila. ¡°So you don¡¯t freeze.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be inside mostly,¡± Lila replied, though she did pull them on anyway. Clare collected a few hair accessories and held them up to Lila¡¯s hair before selecting a white satin bow. She pulled Lila¡¯s hair into a half-up hairstyle, clipping the bow just above the hair tie.

    ¡°We¡¯ll just do some light makeup,¡± Clare said approvingly, taking a step back and surveying Lila. ¡°Small winged eyeliner, tame those brows, and add a nice lip colour.¡±

    Clare did just that and selected a small silver bag and necklace before making Lila twirl around.

    ¡°Cute,¡± Clare grinned. ¡°Love my handiwork. There¡¯s no way he¡¯d reject you now.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get my hopes up too high,¡± Lila replied, though she smiled back at Clare. ¡°Thanks, Clare.¡±

    Clare waved a hand dismissively before checking the time. ¡°Gotta go,¡± she said hurriedly. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±

    The car ride to Asher¡¯s was rather quiet, though Lila did check herself out a couple of times. She was glad that Clare had taken over and helped her dress up. She¡¯d probably still be staring at her closet, unable to make any kind of decision about what to wear otherwise.

    Clare parked outside Asher¡¯s house, turning to Lila to give her another once-over.

    ¡°You look great,¡± Clare said reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m on shift tonight, but if you come home early enough, we can talk about how it went. Do you have any plans for what you¡¯re actually going to say?¡±

    Lila shifted uncomfortably in her seat, shaking her head. ¡°I get too anxious thinking about the actual moment. I have to survive the leadup, first.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Clare replied, rubbing Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. I¡¯d suggest doing it at the end of your visit, rather than the beginning. If he does end up reacting unfavourably, it¡¯d just make the whole day awkward. Speak of the devil, looks like he¡¯s coming down the driveway now.¡±

    Lila snapped her head to look out the window. She hadn¡¯t messaged Asher to let him know she was here. Despite this, there was Asher, dressed in blue-grey chino shorts and a crinkled speckled-grey, v-neck shirt, having emerged from his house. He ruffled his untidy hair as he walked over to Clare¡¯s car. He was still a fair while away as Lila looked back at Clare, suddenly wishing to go home.

    ¡°Does he always have to look so sloppy?¡± Clare asked, raising an eyebrow at his appearance.

    ¡°He does,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°It¡­ it¡¯s a long story. But he still looks good to me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he does,¡± Clare responded seriously. ¡°Go, have fun. No matter what happens, at least make some good memories.¡±

    There was a hint of emotion behind Clare¡¯s last point that Lila was at the cusp of understanding. She was about to reply to Clare when Asher knocked on the car door and opened it gently.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he said cheerily to Clare and Lila. ¡°Fancy seeing yo- whoa.¡±

    He blinked rapidly as he took in Lila¡¯s appearance, a faint blush rising on his cheeks. Lila¡¯s own cheeks were flushed as she scrambled to stand, checking to make sure she hadn¡¯t forgotten anything. Clare was smirking smugly at the two of them.

    ¡°Y-You look nice,¡± Asher stammered. ¡°Is¡­ there a special occasion?¡±

    ¡®Yes,¡¯ Lila thought. ¡°Not really,¡± she said aloud, glancing at Clare. ¡°Just¡­ thought I¡¯d mix up my style.¡±

    Clare leaned over the passenger side and called out, ¡°She looks cute, right? I helped! My sister¡¯s so pretty.¡±

    ¡°Clare!¡± Lila exclaimed, hiding her face in her hands. She could hear Clare chortling as she returned to the driver¡¯s side. Lila also thought she could hear Asher spluttering, but she didn¡¯t want to check.

    ¡°It¡¯s great,¡± Asher said feebly after clearing his throat slightly. ¡°I mean, you look great. It- you¡¯re¡­ not an it. S-Sorry.¡±

    Clare snorted before Lila slammed the door shut. Clare waved at the two of them before driving off. Asher continued to look at Lila for a moment, seeming mesmerised. Then, he quickly turned on his heel, throwing a hand into his hair, and the other into his pants pocket. Each step he took towards the front doors seemed deliberate - somehow both too fast and too slow, though perhaps that was just how Lila perceived it due to her own nerves.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s in. She¡¯s just prepping for lunch,¡± he said as he opened the front doors. ¡°She¡¯ll be busy for a while, it seems like.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila noted, ensuring she didn¡¯t fall too far behind him. As per usual for the weekend, a pair of slippers sat waiting for Lila in the entranceway. She took off her shoes and placed them in their usual spot, put the slippers on, and continued to follow Asher towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Marlene,¡± he called, cupping his hands around his mouth. ¡°Lila¡¯s here.¡±

    Marlene bustled out of the butler¡¯s pantry almost instantly, wiping her hands on a tea towel that she kept in her apron.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± Marlene smiled, her eyes flickering down her outfit before resting on her face. It seemed that Marlene¡¯s smile widened even further. ¡°You look nice.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Marlene,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. Now that people were commenting on her appearance, she felt as though she should¡¯ve just worn her casual clothes.

    Marlene simply smiled again before taking a bow and returning to the butler¡¯s pantry. Lila cast her eyes around the kitchen, touching her necklace¡¯s pendant for comfort. Looking at Asher¡¯s face would make her more nervous than she already was.

    ¡°Uh, let¡¯s head up to my room. The rumpus room. That one,¡± Asher said hesitantly after a few moments of silence. Lila wordlessly followed Asher up the stairs and into the rumpus room, sitting down in her usual spot on the couch. Asher softly closed the door behind her, which flooded Lila with a sense of panic. After being firmly told to leave her bedroom door open whenever Asher was over, being enclosed with just him was nerve-wracking.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Asher asked gently, crossing the room towards the kitchenette. She could hear him pouring drinks and she clasped her hands together, trying her usual breathing exercise in an effort to calm down. She only reached ¡®three¡¯ before her concentration failed her.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied quietly. He joined her on the couch, passing her a cup of juice. She took a sip, still avoiding his gaze.

    Unauthorized duplication: this narrative has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    ¡°You seem spooked,¡± Asher noted lightly, taking a sip of his own cup. ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    ¡°Not¡­ exactly.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to talk about it?¡±

    ¡°Not right now, please.¡± There was a certain squeaky quality to Lila¡¯s words and she put her cup down on the coffee table. Asher set his down as well and leaned over, grabbing two sets of joy cons.

    ¡°How about a game of Mario Kart?¡± he suggested, holding them out to Lila. She took them with a smile. Playing a game sounded perfect, actually.

    ¡°I¡¯ll destroy you,¡± she remarked, turning on the joy cons.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, we¡¯ll see about that,¡± Asher chuckled, leaning back into the couch and relaxing his posture. ¡°I may have been working on my techniques.¡±

    ¡°How dastardly of you,¡± Lila quipped, altering her accent to sound ¡®posh¡¯. He grinned at her.

    ¡°Sometimes you have to employ some underhanded tricks so you stop getting embarrassed in your own home,¡± he joked. Their eyes met. Lila felt a spark jolt within her, a rush of goosebumps bursting across her forearms before she quickly looked away, her face rapidly reddening.

    They played a few rounds, with Lila absolutely smashing Asher into the ground every time. It seemed suspiciously successful, as though he wasn¡¯t putting up much of a fight. She turned to him with a frown and was surprised to see him smiling.

    ¡°Are you letting me win?¡± she asked with a huff. His eyes darted to her face before he turned his head back to the TV.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± he responded earnestly. ¡°Just¡­ can¡¯t seem to get my act together. Hey, I just got a new one. We can play up to four players, but two is just as good. Wanna try?¡±

    His eyes sparkled as he said this, and Lila made the mistake of again catching his eyes within hers. She tore her eyes away and cleared her throat, leaning slightly further away from him on the couch.

    ¡°We can give it a go,¡± she said after a brief pause. ¡°Is there PvP?¡±

    ¡°I can check the settings,¡± Asher said hastily, quitting Mario Kart and opening up the new game.

    It turned out that there was PvP, which Lila insisted they keep on. This game was a rogue-lite dungeon crawler, which served as an incredibly chaotic experience. Lila was having so much fun, her sides hurting from laughter, that she¡¯d basically forgotten all about the anxiety that she¡¯d started the day with.

    Eventually, Marlene called them down for lunch, which was tenderised pork schnitzels served with a side of mushroom sauce and mashed potatoes. It was surprising, actually, that Marlene had made something like this, given she wasn¡¯t a dedicated cook. As Marlene passed over a glass dish of lemon slices, Lila complimented the food.

    ¡°Oh, this?¡± Marlene gestured to the schnitzels with a soft smile. ¡°It¡¯s a comfort food for me. A family recipe.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher asked with keen interest, shovelling a large piece into his mouth. ¡°It¡¯s really good. I didn¡¯t know it was a family recipe.¡±

    ¡°What can I say, I¡¯m full of surprises,¡± Marlene said a small giggle. It was adorable, yet entirely unsettling. Lila exchanged a look with Asher before proceeding to quickly eat her food, too.

    Once they were done, they headed back upstairs. It was about 1pm, and Lila was struck by the sudden feeling that they had forgotten something.

    ¡°What the heck was that?¡± Asher asked after closing the door behind Lila again. ¡°It took every bit of concentration I had to not jump outta my chair.¡±

    ¡°What, with the giggling?¡± Lila smirked. ¡°It was a bit off-putting, I¡¯ll give you that.¡±

    ¡°I feel like she¡¯s probably toying with us,¡± Asher frowned, refilling their drinks. Lila sat back down in her usual spot, contemplating Asher¡¯s statement. Perhaps Marlene was¡­

    Lila gasped, clapping a hand to her forehead.

    ¡°Asher! We¡¯re here to plan.¡±

    ¡°Oh shit,¡± Asher replied, hurriedly placing his juice down and dashing into his bedroom. ¡°I completely forgot.¡±

    He returned a second later with his personal laptop in his right hand, charger swinging from his left. He sat down and opened up their investigation document, scrolling through what they had written down so far before reaching the end.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said softly, glancing at Lila. ¡°Where to begin?¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ we have to pick a day,¡± she said thoughtfully. ¡°Do you know if Marlene is still working at the caf¨¦?¡±

    ¡°As far as I know, she is,¡± Asher nodded, writing the point down as a bullet point. ¡°So, you¡¯re thinking a weekday?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, looking through her calendar absently. Given that Grace and Elise were both generally down for the count these school holidays, she didn¡¯t have any plans at all.

    ¡°What about¡­ Wednesday?¡± she asked hesitantly. It felt both too far and too close. Asher¡¯s eyes met hers.

    ¡°Wednesday should be okay.¡±

    They fell into silence for a few moments, Lila still flicking through her phone absently. Then, she looked up at Asher. ¡°How long does that lamb thing take to make?¡±

    ¡°Lamb thing?¡± Asher looked at her quizzically before his eyes lit up. ¡°Oh, like what I said Gabriel should make? Uh, maybe a couple hours, but then afterwards it¡¯s in the slow cooker.¡±

    ¡°Considering Gabriel lives there too, we¡¯ll need to make sure that he¡¯s too busy to go back to his room,¡± Lila noted, leaning over Asher¡¯s right arm slightly to peer at the screen. She heard him audibly inhale and quickly sat back, her heart beating furiously in her chest. Her investment into the planning stages of their operation had made her momentarily forget that being so close to him might send her into a panic.

    ¡°W-What tools will we need?¡± Lila asked tentatively as Asher slowly typed ¡®Lamb?¡¯ onto the document.

    ¡°I reckon my lockpicking kit would be fine,¡± Asher replied, his eyes fixated on the screen. ¡°But if all else fails, we could see where Gabriel keeps his set of keys.¡±

    ¡°Risky,¡± Lila said teasingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had a look at where the external security cameras are,¡± Asher added confidently. ¡°I¡¯ve also done some more research into door locks. Hopefully, the locks on the cottage don¡¯t vary too much from the examples I saw.¡±

    ¡°How else could we guarantee that Gabriel is in the kitchen?¡± Lila pondered, tapping her thigh absently. She thought she saw Asher look at her hand, but he¡¯d looked back at his laptop so quickly that she might¡¯ve imagined it.

    ¡°Perhaps a complex pastry,¡± Asher suggested after a pause. ¡°He loves pastries, and he also loves when I give him suggestions.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Lila muttered, taking out her phone and conducting a quick Google search for difficult pastries to make. She perused the list before highlighting one with her finger.

    ¡°What about a baklava?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Asher murmured, writing that down as well. ¡°Dessert lasagna. I like it.¡±

    Lila snorted, and he grinned at her. Lila had a brilliant spark of inspiration and sat up straight.

    ¡°Hey, what about a disposable camera?¡± she said quickly. He looked at her in alarm.

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°For pictures that we can¡¯t keep on our phones.¡±

    Asher gaped at her, his typing stopping completely. ¡°P-Pardon?¡±

    Lila huffed. ¡°In case someone¡¯s looking at our phones, of course. We can hide the evidence after we get the film developed.¡±

    ¡°Again, what?¡± Asher asked, a blush rising on his cheeks. ¡°What are you hoping to take pictures of?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lila replied, placing a finger on her chin. ¡°The room, probably. Whatever we find in there. Remember how I said ages ago that you can¡¯t be too careful with phones?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Asher uttered softly. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll write that down.¡±

    ¡°Do you know the floor plan of the cottage?¡± Lila queried. He nodded.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s kinda like a duplex. They have their own separate wings of the cottage, essentially, but there is a connecting door in the middle of their living rooms. She¡¯s on the right side.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll need to make sure she¡¯s still working at the caf¨¦,¡± Lila said contemplatively. ¡°So we might need to follow her again for a day or two. Unless you¡¯ve got a reliable schedule for her?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see what I can figure out,¡± Asher suggested. ¡°She might tell me her plans during the week.¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s never told you that she works at a caf¨¦, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but she tells me when she¡¯s not at the cottage, in case I need her,¡± Asher shrugged.

    They continued to plan the intricacies of their infiltration, such as escape routes in case Marlene returned, attire (with an emphasis on wearing gloves), other potential equipment, among other things. It took them the better part of a few hours, given their additional research into other lock types, how to process a scene, and anything else that caught their attention. Eventually, Lila¡¯s brain began to feel like a dried-out sponge and she turned her phone screen off with a sigh, leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m done,¡± she said softly. ¡°My head¡¯s spinning.¡±

    Asher made a noise in agreement, closing his laptop and placing it on the coffee table. ¡°Are you staying for dinner?¡± he asked, turning the TV on.

    ¡°May as well,¡± Lila said lightly. They watched a few things on YouTube together before diving back to the game that they were playing earlier that day. The rest of the afternoon slipped by into the evening, and the crackle of the intercom brought them back to reality in an instant.

    It was, of course, Marlene requesting their presence for dinner. Reluctantly, they paused their game and headed downstairs. The smell of freshly cracked pepper over a cheesy, creamy pasta guided them into the dining room, their plates having already been set up.

    ¡°Chicken carbonara,¡± Marlene declared, gesturing to the salt and pepper on the table. ¡°If you need more, feel free to add it on.¡±

    They dug into their pasta quietly. It was certainly far tastier than Lila had experienced a carbonara to be, given her previous experiences were generally made from the sauce bottles her Mum bought from the grocery store. Perhaps this sauce was homemade.

    Asher was wolfing down his food, as though he couldn¡¯t eat fast enough. He¡¯d been doing that a lot lately¡­ should she ask why?

    ¡®Probably not here,¡¯ she thought to herself, her eyes flitting over to Marlene over her pasta-filled fork. Once they finished their dinner, Marlene brought over an assortment of cupcakes that Gabriel had apparently made yesterday. The chocolate cupcake with mint frosting was particularly delicious, with the cupcake itself the right amount of springy.

    They headed back upstairs, Lila feeling far more exhausted than she thought she was. Plopping onto the couch, she sent a message to Clare to see if she was still available to pick Lila up. Clare¡¯s response was just a sad face, so Lila tried her Mum. Her Mum confirmed that she¡¯d leave shortly, and Lila turned her phone screen off with a sigh.

    It was now or never.

    Asher passed over the joy cons that Lila had been using, but instead of connecting them, she let them sit in her lap.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher asked, looking at her with concern in his golden-brown eyes. Her heart jumped in her chest as she looked away from him. She stood up, placing the joy cons on the coffee table. Her tiredness that she¡¯d felt only a second ago had virtually vanished, and now she had too much energy in her legs. The urge to pace was strong, but she remained still as she looked down at Asher.

    ¡°Uh¡­ why¡¯d you stand up?¡± he asked feebly. Lila¡¯s breathing became irregular as she twisted her hands in front of her stomach, which she tried to unclench to no avail. She tried to say something, but the words couldn¡¯t come out.

    Asher tentatively stood as well, his height overshadowing her by about a good several centimetres at least.

    ¡°Take a deep breath,¡± he said gently, ¡°you seem like you need it.¡±

    Lila took his suggestion and took a deep breath, inhaling to the count of ten before exhaling to the count of ten. ¡®You¡¯ve got this,¡¯ she told herself firmly.

    ¡°A-Asher, I¡¯ve got something important to say,¡± she finally stammered, looking down at her slipper-clad feet. ¡°A-And I hope you¡¯ll listen.¡±

    His face dropped into one of complete seriousness. ¡°I will,¡± he promised, looking at Lila intensely. Now that she had said that, there was no going back. The sound of her heartbeat quickening virtually drowned out anything else, her face flushed, and legs about to give way from under her. Her stomach swooped as she tried to force the words out of her mouth.

    ¡°I-Is it about what¡¯s been on your mind lately?¡± Asher questioned hesitantly. Lila nodded. She felt tears welling up behind her eyes ¨C tears that were forming in frustration at her inability to just say it.

    ¡°A-Asher,¡± Lila said, her voice quivering. She closed her eyes so she wouldn¡¯t have to see him, which seemed to help significantly. ¡°I¡­ It¡¯s been on my mind a lot. For a while, now. Specifically, you¡¯ve been on my mind.¡±

    She opened her eyes again and saw that he was looking back at her, his own as wide as they could go. He seemed entirely rapt with attention. Lila sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯re my best friend. And so¡­ telling you this¡­ is terrifying,¡± Lila¡¯s voice cracked but she ignored it, trying to power through. ¡°And I¡¯ve been told that being vulnerable in these kinds of things can be good. It can¡­ help.¡±

    He didn¡¯t say anything as she paused to try and collect herself, but she was shaking from head to foot. There would be no ¡®collecting herself¡¯ for the moment.

    ¡°You¡­ mentioned before that you thought I was hiding something from you,¡± she continued, her voice dropping to a whisper now. ¡°And I have been.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied softly, his eyes never moving from her face. ¡°I figured.¡±

    ¡°T-The thing is,¡± Lila said, surprised that he spoke, ¡°it¡¯s a pretty big thing that I¡¯ve been hiding. And I need to let it out.¡±

    She clapped her hands to her cheeks, which felt red-hot, twice in an effort to move herself along. She was rambling, dancing around the point. Only a few seconds ago, she was struggling to say anything at all, but now she was saying too much ¨C despite there being nothing of substance at all to her words. Though, she was doing marginally better than she¡¯d expected, realistically.

    ¡®Here goes¡­¡¯ she thought to herself as she took another deep breath.

    ¡°Asher, what I¡¯m trying to say is that¡­ I like you.¡±

    She¡¯d said it. Her stomach lurched as the force of a thousand butterflies began to beat their wings within it, her face feeling hotter than she¡¯d ever felt before, and her knees quivered. Her eyes locked onto Asher¡¯s. She could almost see his mind processing the information before his face settled into looking dumbfounded.

    ¡°What?¡± he croaked.

    ¡°I¡­ I like you,¡± Lila repeated, this time in an almost undetectable whisper.

    ¡°Like¡­ as a friend?¡± his voice was squeaky, though not quite shrill. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°No¡­ well, yes. But no. I like you. Like like, even.¡± She cringed at herself for saying that but forced herself to continue to look at him.

    ¡°F-For how long?¡± he breathed, his hands curling into fists.

    ¡°For¡­ a while. I can¡¯t pick out the ¡®when¡¯, and I¡¯d been denying it to myself for a while before then¡­ but a few months, at least.¡±

    He swayed on his feet for a moment.

    Then, the worst sound that Lila could have ever asked for at this moment escaped his lips. A sound that she was so intimately familiar with, a miraculous one that always, in any other context, initiated joy deep within her.

    He started laughing. A full, hearty belly laugh ¨C one that seemed to come from the depths of his soul. He placed a hand over his eyes, the other on his stomach, as the shudders of laughter rolled his shoulders.

    The wind within Lila¡¯s lungs was instantly replaced with lead. The tears that had been threatening to overflow a few moments ago returned, this time trailing down her face. He was laughing. It was the worst possible outcome. The fears she¡¯d held tightly to her chest, expressed to her friends and family, had come to fruition, shattering her heart with it.

    The butterflies within her stomach instantly fell, melding together into a soup of nausea that crashed inside with each heaving breath Asher took. If there was a self-destruct button at her disposal, she would have slammed it with the full force of her body.

    The dress that her sister had picked out for her now felt far too short, far too exposing, and far too ridiculous to be wearing. Why had Clare convinced her to wear this?

    As she attempted to pull it down, his laughter grew with rising intensity, almost reaching a cackle.

    ¡®Of course it would end like this. It was stupid to even try.¡¯

 Chapter Seventy-Eight

    Chapter Seventy-Eight

    It felt like a bad dream, the sight of Asher almost doubling over with laughter in the face of the confession she¡¯d tried so hard to get out over the past week. She couldn¡¯t even see him now, the tears in her eyes overtaking her vision entirely.

    She spun around, about to reach over and grab her bag when Asher seized her arm.

    He was still laughing. She turned to face him again, anger flaring ¨C what was he playing at? Why was he even touching her? Clearly, she was disgusting ¨C not suitable to be a partner in any sense of the word, never mind romantically. She had to leave ¨C cut all ties with him, the investigation, and everything that they¡¯d had to protect herself from further harm.

    But as her eyes travelled up to his face, blinking back her tears, she caught sight of tears falling down Asher¡¯s own face. The laughter that she thought she¡¯d heard just now ¨C was that¡­ sobbing? Had he been sobbing from the start? Why would he be sobbing? Was the idea of Lila confessing to him that depressing?

    ¡°Even¡­ when my wildest dreams are answered, and everything that I¡¯ve ever wanted is right in front of me,¡± he whispered, his entire body trembling. ¡°I still can¡¯t have it.¡±

    His grip on her arm tightened, before gently releasing the pressure entirely. She abandoned her original plan of escape for the moment as she stood there, transfixed and waiting for him to continue. The cogs of her mind were turning slowly, unable (or unwilling) to speculate what he meant. The fact that he was crying¡­ whatever he was feeling must¡¯ve been intense ¨C that, at least, was apparent.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Asher finally said, wiping away his tears. ¡°I¡­ sorry. This¡­ is fucked.¡±

    It was as though his words were armed with knives, digging deep into her chest, cutting her heart and her soul. Fucked? What? Her confession? Should she take it back? Pretend it never happened? What did he mean, wildest dreams? He still can¡¯t have it?

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m so confused,¡± Lila uttered quietly. Asher gave her a watery smile and gestured for her to sit down. She did, though she was still in half a mind to leave and start walking home. He sat down as well and took a big, gulping breath.

    ¡°Lila, I like you too,¡± he admitted after a pause, his voice quivering with each syllable. ¡°In that way. Not just as my best friend. I have done since about Grade 7 or 8. Even when I was with Holly¡­ I thought I¡¯d finally shaken it, that I¡¯d given up on the idea of us together. Then we got paired for English. That¡­ was the happiest I¡¯d felt since, well¡­ since Mum went missing. And when you noticed that I¡¯d¡­ changed a bit¡­ that was the second happiest I¡¯d felt since Mum went missing. But then I felt so guilty. Guilty about having a crush on you while being with Holly. So I tried to push it down. It didn¡¯t work.¡±

    He looked back at Lila, pain contorting his strikingly handsome face. ¡°She¡¯s ruined me, Lila. Even though we¡¯re done, she¡¯s still fucking haunting me. She¡¯s ruined me, and now she¡¯s ruined the one thing that I thought would never happen. And I can¡¯t do that to you. I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t give myself to you when I¡¯m this broken. And I¡¯m so fucking angry with myself¡­¡±

    He gave a short, sarcastic laugh before continuing. ¡°She asked me out, and I thought that she was pretty and smart and good at debating, so why not give it a go? If I¡¯d only known that you¡¯d finally start to like me back, I would¡¯ve turned her down.¡±

    As soon as the words left his lips, he crumpled, his head almost falling into his lap as he began to openly sob. Lila tried to comprehend what Asher had said to her. He¡­ liked her? For years? Even while dating Holly?

    The dying embers of hope that she¡¯d been snuffing out over the past week or so flickered to life within her. Though¡­ the imagery of Lila smiling the afternoon she found out Asher had dumped Holly flashed in her mind¡¯s eye, its sudden appearance nearly blowing them out completely. Aside from feeling utterly disgusted with herself, the thought that Holly was no longer in the way after Asher dumped her was evidently entirely wrong. Somehow, she was still in the way¡­

    ¡°P-Please say something,¡± Asher¡¯s voice came out in a whimper, his breathing slowing back down to normal as he held his head in his hands.

    ¡°¡­ Asher¡­ I¡­ I¡¯ve been pretty convinced that you didn¡¯t like me in that way,¡± Lila said softly. He jerked his head up, looking at her intently.

    ¡°Why?¡± he queried, tilting his head in confusion. ¡°It¡¯s not like I told you that. And¡­ I¡¯ve been told that it¡¯s blindingly obvious.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila readjusted her seated position uneasily. She briefly thought about not throwing Isaac under the bus, but the intensity of Asher¡¯s curious gaze was forcing her hand. ¡°I-Isaac told me. A little while back. He said that you said that you didn¡¯t like me like that anymore. You guys got into a fight about it, kinda.¡±

    Asher blinked slowly at her before his face turned red. ¡°I guess that did happen.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Asher gave a heavy sigh before a contemptuous smile settled on his face, his eyes drifting towards the ceiling. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to tell Isaac that I liked you.¡± He gave her a sideways look before continuing. ¡°It didn¡¯t feel right. Like I said, I¡¯d been feeling guilty. Then after I broke up with her, it still felt like I couldn¡¯t, or shouldn¡¯t, keep liking you. I just¡­ didn¡¯t want him to think badly of me.¡±

    Lila nodded, though she didn¡¯t entirely understand. She began picking at her nails as she tried to think of what else to say.

    ¡°I¡­ also thought you were out of my league,¡± she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Since¡­ you¡¯re you. Smart, good at soccer¡­ among other things¡­ and I¡¯m just me. You¡¯re¡­ you could get so much better. I didn¡¯t have a shot.¡±

    Asher looked at her fiercely, grabbing her lightly by the shoulders. ¡°Lila, I¡¯d thought the same about you. That you were too good for me. That you¡¯d get with someone better¡­ someone like Theo. Or Isaac.¡±

    Lila shook her head emphatically. She was struck by her brother¡¯s words, about Lila¡¯s past with Isaac giving Asher insecurity¡­

    ¡°If Isaac hadn¡¯t broken up with me, I would¡¯ve broken up with him around the same time,¡± Lila explained, avoiding Asher¡¯s gaze. He let go of her shoulders in apparent shock.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ he¡¯s a great guy, but he¡¯s just not for me. We¡¯re better off as friends. It felt awkward and unnatural to be close to him. There wasn¡¯t really any romantic attraction there in the end.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you guys kiss, though?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to go there?¡± Lila asked incredulously. His face was clearly nervous as he gave her a sharp nod. Lila shifted awkwardly, readjusting the hem of her dress.

    ¡°We did end up kissing a couple of times. And by couple, I mean literally. The first¡­ wasn¡¯t great, so we tried again and it was somehow worse. I definitely didn¡¯t want to do that again. A few days later, we broke up. He¡¯d asked me out, and I said yes ¡®cause I thought he was cute. We didn¡¯t really know each other well at the time. I guess¡­ you could say that I didn¡¯t ever really have a ¡®crush¡¯ on Isaac. At least¡­ not one that feels like this.¡± Lila could feel that her face was turning scarlet, but she continued to look at Asher, waiting for his reaction.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he uttered softly. He then started grinning before placing a hand over his face, hiding it entirely. ¡°Sorry,¡± he said. ¡°I just¡­ I kinda thought that you really liked Isaac, at least back then.¡±

    They sat in silence for a few moments. It wasn¡¯t necessarily awkward¡­ but there was something different in the air now. It was as though all pretence had melted away. She snuck another peek at Asher, who seemed to be going through the full spectrum of emotions ¨C and, for once, none of them were mystifying.

    ¡°You seem¡­ really conflicted,¡± Lila observed quietly, looking back at her half-finished cup of juice. She picked it up and drank the rest as she waited for Asher to speak.

    ¡°I¡­ want nothing more,¡± he whispered, staring at his hands, ¡°than to ask you to be mine right now. But¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all I need,¡± Lila interjected, her heart fluttering in her chest. ¡°I¡­ knew that¡­ you¡¯d still be healing from the Holly situation. I wanted to wait, but I couldn¡¯t keep it in anymore. Especially since we¡¯re doing all this investigation work. Um¡­ all I wanted was to let you know. Well¡­ that¡¯s a lie. Obviously, I¡¯d want to actually, y¡¯know, date and all that, but¡­ it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Despite saying that it was fine, a small tear slid down her face. It was fine. But she couldn¡¯t deny that she wished there was a different outcome. She wiped it away with a sharp inhale before looking back at her hands.

    ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t have to wait for me,¡± Asher replied, his voice sounding strained.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Lila asked, whipping her head around to Asher, her brow furrowed in confusion.

    ¡°¡¯Cause I just¡­ don¡¯t know when or if I¡¯d be able to. I don¡¯t want to be unfair to you. I¡­ know this is technically a rejection, and it hurts me that I have to do this. So¡­ feel free to forget about me in that way. Theo¡­ seems like he genuinely likes you. At least, from what he said after soccer practice.¡±

    His eyes were shining with unshed tears as he said this, and Lila stood up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for as long as it takes,¡± she said firmly. ¡°Honestly, just hanging out with you is enough for me. And knowing that you like me too¡­ that¡¯s all I need.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    Lila took a deep breath before looking directly into his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure¡­¡± he trailed off indistinctly before also standing up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m actually¡­ kinda glad that you¡¯re thinking about this seriously. I know you¡¯re responsible, almost to a fault. And¡­ I¡¯ve told you plenty of times that I trust you.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re only kinda glad?¡± Asher rubbed his face before smiling softly at her. ¡°Of course I¡¯ve been thinking about this. For a very long time. I couldn¡¯t escape it with both Isaac and Daniel breathing down my neck about it. I¡¯m glad you think I¡¯m responsible, though. The way those two were going on about it, I¡¯d almost second-guessed myself.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what? Daniel?¡±

    ¡°Didya think we were just sitting there quietly while I was redoing the books?¡± he asked, though not unkindly. ¡°He confronted me about it almost constantly after I let slip that I like you. He got into my head about you liking me back¡­ then you went on a date with Theo. And I got really confused. Then you said that you like someone more intellectual, when I asked if you liked Isaac again, so I stopped hoping that you liked me back.¡±

    ¡°Asher, for someone so smart, you can be such a dummy,¡± Lila laughed, all the tension she¡¯d been holding on to seemingly leaving with her laughter. ¡°I was talking about you.¡±

    His face turned a bright red ¨C almost glowing ¨C as he hid behind his hands again. ¡°Oh,¡± he rasped. ¡°I feel so stupid.¡±

    He paused for a moment before letting out a visceral, ¡°FUCK!¡± and slapping the sides of his face. ¡°I¡¯ve been such a dick,¡± he said, chuckling humourlessly. ¡°For ages. To you. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied plainly. ¡°You can only do the best you can with the information you have. I¡­ kept denying my feelings for a while. Then, when I figured my shit out, I freaked out for a bit. I¡­ was scared.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s relatable,¡± he smiled at her tenderly, before speaking again, his voice cracking slightly. ¡°I¡¯ve been scared, too.¡±

    Before Lila could say anything else, her phone buzzed on the coffee table and they both jumped. She picked it up ¨C her Mum was outside.

    ¡°I¡­ have to go,¡± she said reluctantly, gathering her things.

    ¡°W-What¡¯re you doing tomorrow?¡± Asher asked hurriedly, walking with her to the door of the rumpus room. Lila bit her bottom lip contemplatively. She sighed, avoiding his gaze, though she could feel his excited energy from where she stood.

    ¡°Nothing but¡­ I think I¡¯ll need to process this,¡± she said uncertainly. ¡°It¡­ well¡­ we¡¯re in a bit of a weird spot, I guess. And I want to¡­ reconcile all that in my head.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Asher replied slowly, his disappointment apparent in his tone.

    They made their way downstairs in silence, except for when they passed the kitchen. Asher called out to Marlene again to let her know Lila was leaving. Marlene exited the butler¡¯s pantry, wiping her soapy hands on her tea towel.

    ¡°I¡¯m sad to see you go,¡± Marlene said sweetly to Lila. ¡°And judging by Mr Wagner¡¯s expression, he is also sad to see you go. Surely you would want to stay the night? Since it¡¯s school holidays.¡±

    The way that Marlene said this, with a knowing smile, made Lila think for a brief moment that Marlene had overheard her conversation with Asher just now. But, that was impossible. They¡¯d been far away from the door. With a shake of her head, Lila put it down to her overthinking. Marlene seemed to take this as an answer to her question as she nodded in response. Lila glanced at Asher ¨C his face was a brilliant, deep shade of crimson, and he stiffly moved along without another word to Marlene.

    Punching the numbers into the security system, he turned to Lila with a deep sigh.

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I¡¯ll be seeing you on Wednesday?¡± It was less of a statement than it was a question. He slowly opened the door for her as he waited for her response.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯ll have to let me know if we need to establish a pattern,¡± Lila smiled as she put her shoes back on. He looked at her, puzzled, for a moment before checking behind him and nodding.

    ¡°Right¡­ I mean¡­ we could just go anyway,¡± he said hesitantly. The expression he had on his face, incredibly familiar but previously indecipherable, seemed to Lila like longing. As soon as she placed the feeling, a stinging sensation in her chest caught her off guard and she cast her eyes to the floor.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good idea, if we¡¯re¡­ how we are. Without a goal in mind,¡± she said softly. She could hear him inhale harshly before he spoke.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said. ¡°I get that you¡¯re trying to be responsible too. I¡­ I¡¯m sorry. Again.¡±

    He moved his arms strangely, stretching towards her for a moment as if wanting to pull her into a hug and she took a step back. It was too soon for anything like that, if they weren¡¯t going to take it further for now. He seemed to have noticed her soft refusal in the way his face became crestfallen.

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll message each other,¡± he said quietly.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Lila replied just as quietly. Neither of them seemed to want to move from the doorway.

    ¡°W-Well, let me walk you to the car, at least,¡± Asher suggested, grabbing a pair of slip-on shoes. Lila didn¡¯t disagree, at least, and they walked silently to Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s idling car. The L-plates were on the windshields, and her Mum was already in the passenger seat, playing Candy Crush. Lila opened the passenger side door and passed her bag to her Mum, who looked up.

    ¡°Oh, hello, Asher,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum beamed. ¡°It¡¯s nice to see you again. We¡¯ve missed you at the house. Did you two have a good day?¡±

    ¡°It¡­ was a day,¡± Lila replied before gently closing the door. She saw Asher wince out of the corner of her eye and she turned around to face him.

    ¡°See you later,¡± she said simply.

    His face looked incredibly guilty as he mumbled, ¡°See you.¡±

    It was probably best that she left now, before the negativity from her confession, and the aftermath, took hold. Swallowing hard, she headed to the driver¡¯s side and hopped in, taking one last look at Asher before driving off into the night.

    <hr>

    Lila was still struggling to come to terms with what happened by the time the sun rose on Sunday morning. She hadn¡¯t been able to sleep a wink, her mind going through giddiness at having told him the truth, joy that he felt the same, dejection at having been rejected in a technical sense due to Holly, and absolute anxiety at having to face him again. She had even heard Clare come back in at about 3am, stumbling up the stairs and yawning profusely.

    So, when 9.30am rolled around, and she was still awake, she thought about heading over to Clare¡¯s room to talk about what had happened. Just as she mustered the strength to sit up and shuffle over that way, Clare kicked open the door to her room with a ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    ¡°Get in the car, loser, we¡¯re getting Maccas,¡± Clare announced, still in her pyjamas and her hands on her hips. Lila blinked up at her in surprise.

    ¡°You seem happy,¡± Lila said warily. ¡°What did you do?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Clare asked, bemused. ¡°I just want the goss, sis. Let¡¯s go, let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯ve spent a hot minute being deprived of your nosiness, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lila asked with a small smile, sitting up and stretching.

    ¡°I am shocked and appalled that you are absolutely right, so quickly in the morning,¡± Clare replied dramatically before leaving Lila¡¯s room and banging on Daniel¡¯s door.

    ¡°Oi, we¡¯re going to Maccas, want anything?¡± she called loudly through his door. Lila could hear indistinct grumbling before Clare opened Daniel¡¯s door and stuck her head in the room. As they talked, Lila pulled on a hoodie over her pyjamas and put on some mismatched socks.

    ¡°¡­ can¡¯t I go?¡± Lila heard Daniel whine as she shambled out of her room, yawning.

    ¡°It¡¯s a sisterly thing,¡± Clare retorted. ¡°You should feel privileged that I¡¯m even offering to get you something.¡±

    Lila could almost hear Daniel rolling his eyes as she tapped Clare on the shoulder and gestured that she was heading downstairs. Clare joined her soon after, having wrangled Daniel¡¯s order out of his half-asleep brain, and they jumped into the car.

    ¡°Sooo,¡± Clare said serenely, peering over at Lila as they headed down the street. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Honestly? I don¡¯t actually know,¡± Lila replied despondently, sliding down her seat so she could only just see over the dashboard. ¡°I managed to tell him I liked him.¡±

    ¡°And then?!¡± Clare demanded, zooming around a corner. Lila slammed against the door with the force of some unfortunate physics and an ¡°Ow!¡±. She sat up straighter, leaning her head against the window.

    ¡°And¡­ he said he likes me too.¡±

    ¡°I knew it!¡± Clare squealed. ¡°So, are you dating?¡±

    Lila paused, her face falling. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± The delight Clare had possessed only a second ago vanished in an instant. ¡°That¡¯s anticlimactic. In more ways than one, I suppose.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to pretend I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    They drove on for a minute or so before Clare sighed. ¡°He¡¯s still hung up about his ex, then?¡±

    ¡°It¡­ well¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been, like, what, two months? Ish? More? Less? Surely a high school relationship doesn¡¯t devastate a guy that much. Not when the next in line is someone like you,¡± Clare reached over and pinched Lila¡¯s nose as she continued to drive. Lila smacked Clare¡¯s hand away with another sigh.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t tell you what happened with that, did I?¡±

    ¡°What d¡¯ya mean?¡±

    ¡°I just told you they broke up. Well¡­ Asher dumped her.¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Clare encouraged, her eyes on the road.

    ¡°¡­ she¡¯s pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit, dammit!¡± Clare swerved slightly, startling a relaxing pigeon that was sitting on the road into flight. ¡°Dude, WHAT? He¡¯s going to be a teen dad?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied, swallowing hard. ¡°It¡¯s not his. She was cheating on him.¡±

    Clare groaned. ¡°Poor kid. Damn. Wait¡­ how does he know that it¡¯s not his?¡±

    Lila glanced at Clare, who glanced back at her curiously. ¡®I mean¡­ Asher did tell the Grade 12s about him not having sex with Holly¡­ and I told Daniel¡­ it should be okay to tell Clare,¡¯ Lila pondered to herself.

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell Asher you know,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡­ well, it¡¯s a sore point for him. I think he¡¯s embarrassed.¡±

    ¡°If anything that you¡¯re about to say is even remotely related to his performance in bed, I¡¯m out,¡± Clare said flatly. Lila briefly looked at Clare before staring out the window again.

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Clare said hurriedly after the silence persisted for a couple moments. ¡°No, no, no, I need an explanation now.¡±

    ¡°They never had sex,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°So, can¡¯t be his baby. Plus, she admitted it to him. Said it was between a couple of guys.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ twisted as hell,¡± Clare replied candidly, clearly stunned. ¡°And she even told him it was between a couple guys? Way to kick a man when he¡¯s down. Jesus.¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    Clare tapped her fingers along the steering wheel absently as they waited for the traffic light ahead of them to turn green. ¡°I don¡¯t know how you¡¯re going to get out of that one,¡± she finally remarked.

    ¡°I told him I¡¯d wait for as long as it takes,¡± Lila said in a small voice, curling into herself and bringing a leg up onto the seat. ¡°He said I didn¡¯t have to, though.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really down bad for him, huh,¡± Clare smiled. ¡°I mean, from what I can tell, good pick. But, man, I was about to throw hands before you told me the baby wasn¡¯t his. Well, I was about to throw hands when you told me you weren¡¯t dating. But I respect the fact that he¡¯s not trying to drag you into his mess. Seems like he knows himself well enough to not try dating before he¡¯s ready. Wish the same could be said for more guys out there.¡±

    ¡°You never really told me your story, sis,¡± Lila noted.

    ¡°I know,¡± Clare replied, her smile dropping slightly. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t really want to talk about it. And after knowing more about Asher and your situation and everything with him, it¡¯s pretty different. I¡¯m glad.¡±

    Clare turned into one of two drive-thru lanes at the Maccas before looking at Lila again. ¡°If he hurts you, though, I know where he lives. Plus¡­ I¡¯m sure Gabriel wouldn¡¯t be pleased, either. That boy better keep on his toes.¡±

    ¡°I do think you¡¯ve intimidated him,¡± Lila snickered. ¡°But if I do get hurt, I¡¯m sure I¡¯d have done something to deserve it. He¡¯s¡­ a really good guy. I trust him with everything. Even my heart.¡±

    ¡°Awww, that¡¯s so corny and gross,¡± Clare cooed, rolling the car forward towards the speaker. ¡°Don¡¯t say that again in my presence.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Only joking. What did you want?¡±

    They ordered their breakfast (and Daniel¡¯s too) and Clare paid for their food before slowly inching the car down to the presenter¡¯s window.

    ¡°Sorry ¡®bout the wait,¡± a cheery, male voice called. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t be too lo- hold on, Lila?¡±

    Lila peered over her sister and saw Isaac, waving at Lila, clad in his red McUniform. She hid her face in her hands as Clare looked between Lila and Isaac.

    ¡°And you are?¡± Clare queried.

    ¡°Isaac. Nice to meet ya. Clare, right?¡±

    Clare furrowed her brow for a second before slapping Lila on the shoulder. ¡°This guy¡¯s your ex?¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s a bit of a jump to conclusions, just ¡®cause his name is Isaac,¡± Lila replied moodily. ¡°Though¡­ yes. Meet my ex. And Asher¡¯s best friend.¡±

    Isaac waved again with a smirk. ¡°I see you two just rolled outta bed and made your way here.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a bit rude. I can see why he¡¯s your ex,¡± Clare commented drily. ¡°Don¡¯t you know you¡¯re not supposed to say stuff like that to ladies?¡±

    ¡°Sorry ma¡¯am,¡± Isaac said, bowing his head. He then leaned out of the window, hand outstretched. ¡°Here¡¯s a ketchup packet for your woes.¡±

    ¡°Dude, this guy¡¯s weird as hell,¡± Clare said, taking the ketchup packet and passing it to Lila in apparent disgust. It was warm.

    ¡°Isaac, have you been playing with the sauce again?¡± Lila asked with a grin.

    ¡°Maaaybe. Oh, here comes your coffee,¡± Isaac replied before ducking back into the store. He passed along Clare¡¯s coffee and Lila¡¯s hot chocolate.

    ¡°Righto, looks like you¡¯ll need to park for your food. Sorry guys ¨C it¡¯s been a big rush,¡± he said apologetically, gesturing towards the waiting bay. With a long-suffering sigh, Clare pulled into it. The two sisters sipped on their drinks in silence and it wasn¡¯t long before Isaac approached with their bag of food.

    ¡°By the way,¡± he said as he passed it along to Clare. ¡°I heard from a little birdy that you had big plans yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Fuck off, Isaac,¡± Lila replied hotly. ¡°Not gonna talk about it right now with you.¡±

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll have to go to other sources,¡± Isaac replied with a dramatic sigh. He glanced over at Lila before speaking again. ¡°Not that I¡¯ve spoken to Asher. But¡­ I hope you¡¯re okay. Sounded a bit aggressive from someone who should be happy, if it went as I thought it would.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila muttered, her face flushed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ complicated.¡±

    Isaac sighed. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m gonna have to do some work, then. See ya around, Lila. Nice to meet ya, Clare.¡± He toddled off back into the store and Clare rolled her window back up.

    ¡°For an ex, he¡¯s really civil,¡± Clare mentioned as they exited the Maccas carpark. ¡°And he seemed like he actually cared.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ been trying to get me and Asher together,¡± Lila responded softly. ¡°Him, Daniel, Elise, and Grace.¡±

    Clare laughed. ¡°You¡¯ve got a whole entourage.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ they¡¯ve been scheming, at least. I should probably say that Isaac and I ended things as friends. Was never going to really go anywhere, us dating,¡± Lila explained, taking another sip of her hot chocolate. ¡°But¡­ he¡¯s been pretty helpful. He¡¯s good to talk to, when he¡¯s not being ridiculous.¡± She glanced down at the ketchup packet and gave it a squeeze, smiling. The cool squishiness brought a spark of joy to her otherwise complicated mind. Now it made sense why Isaac was like that with the sauces.

    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s your plan for the holidays?¡± Clare asked tentatively as they continued their journey home. ¡°Are you gonna see Asher again?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ did make plans to see him on Wednesday,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t really know how it¡¯s going to go, seeing him again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bet,¡± Clare said sympathetically. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine, though. Especially since you guys were already close. And it¡¯s not like your feelings aren¡¯t returned. He¡¯s just not ready for a relationship. Which, admittedly, does sound shady as heck, but if you trust him, then I guess that¡¯s all that matters.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, staring down at the bag of food. ¡°It¡¯s just an awkward state of limbo, I guess. Like¡­ I don¡¯t want to push him, and I don¡¯t want to, I dunno¡­ I don¡¯t want to confuse the point, in my head. Like, if we¡¯re not dating, we¡¯re not dating. And I definitely don¡¯t want to be ¡®friends with benefits¡¯.¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°Been there, done that. It¡¯s not all that it¡¯s cracked up to be, especially if you start with feelings already. Sometimes relationships die as ¡®friends with benefits¡¯ because the other person doesn¡¯t see a need to progress it to an actual relationship, since they¡¯re getting a good deal anyway. Didn¡¯t know high schoolers would be contemplating getting up to those kinds of things, though.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow at Clare. ¡°You¡­ do realise you¡¯re only three years older, right? You sound like a middle-aged woman, out of touch with the youths.¡±

    Clare smirked at Lila. ¡°You¡¯re right. My cohort just couldn¡¯t get off each other by the time we were in Grade 9 or 10.¡±

    ¡°Ew.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably happening in yours, too. You¡¯re just not observant.¡±

    ¡°Not that I¡¯d want to be observing those kinds of things.¡±

    ¡°Not your kink, then?¡±

    ¡°Clare, what the fuck.¡±

    They both descended into cackles. After sobering up, a new topic emerged in Lila¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Clare¡­ I feel like since finding out about your job, you¡¯ve been a lot more relaxed with me. Especially about that kinda stuff.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re trying to say that I was uptight,¡± Clare said lightly, a kind smile on her face.

    ¡°Well¡­ you definitely weren¡¯t as loose as you are now.¡±

    Clare wrinkled her nose. ¡°Are you trying to tell me that I¡¯m not your esteemed older sister anymore? That¡¯s depressing.¡±

    ¡°I esteem you, but I guess the image of my studious, smart, and responsible older sister did change a little bit after meeting Roxy.¡±

    ¡°And the image of my trustworthy, tame, and intelligent younger sister changed a little bit after catching you sneaking into a club dressed like, well, a respectable skank.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to snort, and she gently pushed Clare¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Sure, but it was your clothes.¡±

    Clare simply pushed her back and they giggled.

    ¡°I¡¯m proud of you, though,¡± Clare said after a few moments. ¡°For telling him how you felt. I wasn¡¯t able to do that. Probably why it ended the way it did.¡±

    ¡°Really? How¡¯d you even get into¡­ whatever you were doing if you didn¡¯t say anything?¡±

    ¡°Well,¡± Clare¡¯s face suddenly turned red, and she gripped her steering wheel tightly, ¡°it was¡­ pretty much all physical. We kinda stopped talking and hanging out as friends once we started. We weren¡¯t ever official, and then he told me one day that I was just a rebound. We never spoke after that.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ sounds harsh,¡± Lila replied hesitantly.

    ¡°It did break my heart. And I wished I would¡¯ve cleared up the fact that I liked him before we started doing things, and checked whether he actually liked me before we started doing things. But he was so torn up about his ex that I just let him guide what was happening.¡±

    ¡°Damn.¡±

    ¡°So, don¡¯t be like me. If you feel like you need to wait for him to get over his ex, then do that. If you feel like you shouldn¡¯t do anything physical, then do that. The fact that he likes you is a good sign, but I guess you need to sus out whether he¡¯s just lonely and attributing that to you, versus liking you legitimately.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ told me he¡¯s liked me since Grade 7 or 8,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°So¡­ while I¡¯m not 100% sure that it¡¯s not a rebound, I guess¡­ I feel like it¡¯s probably unlikely.¡±

    ¡°Grade 7 or 8, huh? That¡¯s cute,¡± Clare snickered. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then I agree. Seems unlikely.¡±

    Clare began pulling up the driveway when Lila¡¯s phone buzzed. It was Elise, sending a message to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us.

    Soooo¡­ heard from Isaac that it didn¡¯t seem like it went well, Elise¡¯s message said, followed by a couple sad face emojis.

    How¡¯d u hear that from Isaac, Lila replied with a heavy sigh. Clare glanced at Lila before parking.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°I still haven¡¯t told Elise and Grace,¡± Lila murmured, unclipping her seatbelt. ¡°But somehow Isaac¡¯s told Elise something.¡±

    ¡°So not only is the kid weird, but he runs around telling everyone your business.¡±

    Lila sighed again. ¡°I give it a pass ¡®cause he¡¯s been plotting with Grace and Elise all term about Asher and I getting together. You know how I went to the movies a while ago with Elise and Grace?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and you came home with a dude¡¯s jacket. Wait. Was that Asher¡¯s jacket?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s else did you think it was?¡±

    ¡°Thought you were just buying guy clothes. I dunno man, I don¡¯t judge fashion preferences.¡±

    ¡°You seemed to judge my Minecraft shirt pretty harshly.¡±

    ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t judge fashion preferences if they¡¯re not butt-ugly.¡±

    They shared another chuckle.

    ¡°So? Then what?¡± Clare asked, sipping her coffee.

    ¡°Well, Isaac and Asher showed up as well, then Elise, Grace, and Isaac ditched us and went to another movie. They basically set me up on a date with Asher. It was a whole thing that they planned. They even got tickets for the other movie in advance.¡±

    Clare gave a low whistle before laughing. ¡°Crafty. And I¡¯m guessing you believed some lame excuse like they got lost, or locked out of the movie or something?¡±

    Lila put her head in her hands. ¡°¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I can safely say that¡¯s the dumbest thing I¡¯ve ever heard. Can see why Isaac seemed like he was gearing up to go to war again,¡± Clare chortled and they both got out of the car. Fighting against Clare¡¯s assertion would be futile, plus Lila didn¡¯t want to give Clare the satisfaction of agreeing with her, so she said nothing as she carried in the food. Clare carried in the drinks, making sure not to spill anything on the way. Daniel was waiting for them in the kitchen, looking ravenous.

    ¡°Finally!¡± he said, digging through the Maccas bag for his food. He picked up his orange juice from the cup tray. ¡°Thanks, guys.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Clare smiled, ruffling his hair. He turned around and went upstairs without another word. Lila and Clare sat down in the dining room, eating in silence as they both scrolled on their phones. Lila filled in the Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us group chat though Elise had stopped replying. She was probably on shift if she¡¯d spoken to Isaac so quickly after Lila and Clare had left the Maccas.

    Lila finally fell asleep after breakfast, her mind running entirely out of steam. Whatever was happening with her and Asher, she wouldn¡¯t be able to resolve that now anyway.

 Chapter Seventy-Nine

    Chapter Seventy-Nine

    Grace and Elise, through their responses to Lila¡¯s messages, were suitably impressed and annoyed at the outcome of Lila¡¯s confession to Asher. They both lamented that they weren¡¯t able to spend time with Lila to cheer her up, though Lila wasn¡¯t entirely sure if she needed ¡®cheering up¡¯ as much as she needed clarity. Though they weren¡¯t dating, could they really say they were just friends? What were they? She definitely didn¡¯t want to fall into a ¡®friends with benefits¡¯ trap with Asher.

    But, in saying that, the curiosity about that prospect, the feeling of his body against hers, was absolutely haunting her thoughts. The rest of her Sunday, after waking up in the evening and reading her friends¡¯ reactions to the news, was spent attempting to read a new book series. After the fourth read of page two, though, she had to retire it with a sigh.

    She pulled a cushion to her chest as she stared at her bed covers, her eyes misty and unfocused. The potential of a relationship, of any kind, above and beyond being friends with Asher was tantalisingly close ¨C but¡­ she wanted something genuine. A full relationship. One like¡­ Cecelia and Lucas were in.

    It was funny, reflecting on Cecelia¡¯s moping and her fears before semi. They had been pretty similar to Lila¡¯s own about Asher. But it seemed like both Cecelia and Lucas had been immediately ready for a relationship. There hadn¡¯t been anything stopping them, at least, besides Lila hovering behind them awkwardly as they talked it out.

    And, again, there was Asher, being responsible. Making sure that he wouldn¡¯t rush into something with Lila before he was ready. As much as it frustrated Lila, she saw it as a reflection of how genuine his feelings for her were. She also wondered how he was shouldering that particular burden. He¡¯d seemed so upset with himself yesterday¡­ saying things like how he wanted nothing more than to be with Lila, that his wildest dreams were within reach and he still couldn¡¯t have it¡­ he¡¯d probably be feeling awful, if that was the case.

    She pulled out her phone and scrolled through her recent messages. Asher hadn¡¯t messaged her ¨C so, should she? Given that he¡¯d rejected her, it sounded very much on par for Asher to wait for Lila to reach out first so he couldn¡¯t pressure her.

    She wanted to see him again, as soon as possible. At the very least, she had so many more questions. Questions that needed to be answered before their infiltration on Wednesday. Otherwise, she had no hope of focusing on the task at hand. But would Lila be pressuring Asher if she asked to see him before Wednesday?

    ¡®Don¡¯t be silly,¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head. ¡®He asked what I was doing today. So¡­ he probably wants to see me.¡¯

    Try as she might, she couldn¡¯t figure out what to say to Asher. She had their conversation open and tried to write something but even ¡®hey¡¯ was too much to type, let alone send. She stared at the blinking cursor, trying to think of what to do next. Since it was a Sunday, Clare was probably home. Maybe she could help Lila craft a message that wasn¡¯t too desperate, nor too pushy, nor too¡­ well¡­ lame.

    Lila heaved herself to her feet and shuffled out of her room towards Clare¡¯s.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Clare¡¯s voice called after Lila knocked twice.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Lila replied through the door. ¡°Can I come in?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Lila tentatively opened the door to find Clare sitting on her bed, watching something on her laptop. She closed the lid as Lila approached.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Clare asked with a curious smile, gesturing for Lila to sit on the bed. Lila did so with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°I need help,¡± Lila admitted, her phone sitting limply in her hands. ¡°I¡­ wanna see Asher again.¡±

    Clare surveyed Lila for a moment. ¡°Aren¡¯t you seeing him on Wednesday?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but I wanna see him sooner than that,¡± Lila explained quietly. ¡°We¡¯re doing something on Wednesday that I need full concentration for.¡±

    ¡°Sounds suspicious,¡± Clare said, her tone light-hearted. ¡°Or like a sick art project. Alright. So, when are you hoping to see him?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lila said despondently. ¡°Tomorrow? Or Tuesday?¡±

    ¡°Righto,¡± Clare replied, snatching Lila¡¯s phone from her hands. She flipped the phone so it saw Lila¡¯s face and allowed her access as Lila tried to process what was happening.

    ¡°God, you guys don¡¯t talk about anything interesting over text,¡± Clare commented, shaking her head. ¡°Nary a nude, either.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be child porn, sis. I doubt you¡¯d want to see that, anyway. And why do you sound like a pirate?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see that, yes. But literally every teenager with a phone sends those,¡± Clare said dismissively, tapping away. ¡°It¡¯s like the dumbest rite of passage, but a rite nonetheless. What¡¯s being a teenager without some crime, hey? Plus, pirates are hot.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes, but uneasily counted the number of crimes she¡¯d technically committed, and was about to commit, in her head.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not about to send nudes to Asher,¡± Lila said shortly. ¡°We¡¯re not doing anything like that.¡±

    ¡°Yet,¡± Clare replied loftily. ¡°Anyway, sent.¡±

    ¡°Give!¡± Lila dived for her phone. Clare dangled it in the air above her head, using her other hand to deftly push Lila away and onto the floor.

    ¡°I need to hold onto this,¡± Clare frowned. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t be able to reply, especially if you were coming in here for help. Ooh, I think we got a reply. Damn, that¡¯s quick as fuck. No one ever replies to me that quick.¡±

    Clare brought the phone to her lap and scrolled through it with a nod.

    ¡°Looks like tomorrow is good,¡± Clare noted to Lila. ¡°I can drop you off.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face flushed as she scrambled to her feet and tried to grab her phone again. Clare tutted, shaking her head.

    ¡°No, ma¡¯am. You can read it after. Anyway, what to reply with¡­ ¡®Oh Asher, I am so hot and bothered. I am so excited to come. And visit you¡¯.¡±

    Lila shrieked, slapping the phone out of Clare¡¯s hands as Clare burst into a fit of laughter.

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ need¡­ to be¡­ so vicious,¡± Clare wheezed, her laughter breathy.

    Lila gingerly grabbed her phone from the floor, looking at her messages, her heart thundering in her chest.

    Heyy, I¡¯ve been thinking that I want to see you before Wednesday, was all that Clare had sent.

    You can come over tomorrow if you¡¯re keen? Asher had almost instantly replied. Had he been staring at their messages, waiting for Lila to say something? It was with an almost freakish speed that he had sent it¡­

    11 sounds good, was currently in draft. Lila sighed. These were messages that she would¡¯ve been able to send¡­ in any other circumstance. Clare reached a finger over Lila¡¯s phone and hit ¡®send¡¯ without a word.

    ¡°See?¡± Clare said triumphantly, a cheeky grin on her face. ¡°Nothing unsavoury here. All sweet.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes. ¡°Thanks, Clare. I¡­ would¡¯ve been able to send those. Though, 11 seems a bit late.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re standing here in my room, shaking like a leaf,¡± Clare replied dubiously. ¡°You don¡¯t need to pretend you¡¯re an independent woman, you know. We all need a lil bit of help at times. Even me. Plus, I don¡¯t want to be up at the crack of dawn, taking you over to Asher¡¯s. Bit of a lie-in would be good, thanks.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s still terrifying,¡± Lila said quietly, pointedly ignoring Clare¡¯s lie-in comment. ¡°I know he likes me, and I like him, but this state of limbo¡­ what if it just doesn¡¯t work out? I feel like¡­ since we¡¯re not dating¡­ I¡¯ve probably ruined our friendship. How it was before.¡±

    Clare took the phone out of Lila¡¯s hands and threw it onto her bed before pulling Lila into a hug.

    ¡°It¡¯s a big step,¡± Clare said softly, smoothing Lila¡¯s hair comfortingly. ¡°But if you hadn¡¯t said anything, then you wouldn¡¯t have known that he liked you too. Plus, two best friends with feelings for each other? Either you would¡¯ve eventually had to go through this exact scenario at some point, or one of you would¡¯ve started dating someone else and been wondering ¡®what if¡¯ the whole time. See him again ¨C you¡¯ll probably end up going back to normal soon enough. The best relationships are ones where you are each other¡¯s best friend anyway.¡±

    Lila nodded before stepping away from Clare, inhaling deeply. ¡°Thanks¡­ you sure have a lot of advice for someone who¡¯s never brought a boyfriend around.¡±

    Clare shrugged. ¡°I¡¯ve dated, if you¡¯re implying I haven¡¯t. Just not seriously enough to bring them around. And, besides, the kinda people I¡¯m into at the moment¡­ are people you find loitering at a nightclub. Mum and Dad would have a fit if they met even half the people I¡¯ve ¡®dated¡¯. You kinda did it backwards, bringing Asher around before dating him. Mum and Dad really like him, so I don¡¯t think they¡¯d judge him harshly if you guys do start dating.¡± She glanced at Lila before correcting herself. ¡°When you guys start dating. It¡¯s inevitable, at this point.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°Are you seeing anyone at the moment?¡±

    ¡°Not seriously, no. But you know that guy at the club? Alex. The bartender that caught you guys. We¡¯ve gone on a couple dates.¡±

    Lila shuddered, her mind flashing both to Alex¡¯s intimidating appearance, complete with a large array of tattoos down his arms and piercings in his ears, and her parents¡¯ likely reactions to seeing Alex on their doorstep. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Lila said forlornly. ¡°Mum and Dad would probably cry.¡±

    Clare laughed. ¡°Sure would. I¡¯d need to be super serious about someone before bringing them over, especially if they¡¯re from that life.¡±

    ¡°Why not anyone from Uni? Surely you know some smart, respectable Uni students that you¡¯d date.¡±

    Clare laughed even harder than she did before. ¡°Have you met any Psych students? So many of them are so up themselves, talking about ¡®saving¡¯ people but they¡¯re too fucked up to realise they needa be saved first.¡±

    ¡°Damn, that¡¯s a bleak outlook. Why are you doing it, then?¡±

    Clare shrugged again. ¡°Was smart enough to get in, but realistically, I don¡¯t know what I wanna do with it. Maybe I¡¯ll be a school counsellor. You¡¯re in school, and you seem to like my advice.¡±

    Lila snorted before sighing and shaking her head. ¡°I hope you figure it out soon, sis.¡±

    Clare waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I¡¯ve got a pretty good gig at the moment. Uni¡¯s my backup plan.¡±

    ¡°Feels like that¡¯s a bit backwards.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll understand when you¡¯re older. It always seemed like adults know what they¡¯re doing, but really, no one knows what they¡¯re doing. They just make it up as they go along with paper-thin confidence. One of the first things I learned after working at Coolisimo. I tried my hand at doing bottle service in the beginning, talking to all the sad-ass middle-aged businessmen about their jobs, wives and lives. Hated it, so stuck to dancing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s depressing. And, again, I¡¯m only three years younger than you.¡±

    ¡°Yup. I know. Look forward to that.¡±

    ¡°I think surviving Monday probably comes first.¡±

    Clare grinned at Lila, ruffling her hair. ¡°You anxious worrywart. Just go with the flow. Be like an adult ¨C make it up as you go.¡±

    Lila took that as her cue to leave. She lingered at the door for a moment before glancing back at Clare. ¡°You know, Clare, you¡¯re really not bolstering this ¡®esteemed older sister¡¯ image, with some of the things you tell me.¡±

    Clare glared at Lila. ¡°You wanna be dropped off tomorrow morning, or what? You can walk, you know.¡±

    Lila simply smirked as she exited, softly closing Clare¡¯s door behind her.

    <hr>

    ¡°Need any help finding an outfit today?¡± Clare asked, poking her head in Lila¡¯s room the next morning at about 10am. Lila was standing in front of her mirror, dressed in a simple, striped knit jumper and white-washed jeans.

    ¡°I think this is fine,¡± Lila replied, looking back at Clare. Clare sighed.

    ¡°Yeah, if you wanna be boring. Or the Hamburglar.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila frowned, turning back towards the mirror and tugging on the hem of her jumper.

    ¡°You should at least tie your hair up high,¡± Clare suggested, still half-in Lila¡¯s room.

    ¡°Righto,¡± sighed Lila, doing just that.

    ¡°Are you sure you want to look so casual? I mean, what are you even planning on doing today?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really have plans,¡± Lila replied despondently. ¡°I was just going to, I dunno, sit around his house. He¡¯s got a couple gaming consoles, some books.¡±

    ¡°Sounds absolutely thrilling,¡± Clare snorted. ¡°Exactly not like the set-up that gets people pregnant, ¡®cause they¡¯re too bored.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at Clare, who immediately looked guilty.

    ¡°Shit, that was a bad joke. Too soon?¡± she asked, fully stepping inside Lila¡¯s room now.

    ¡°Look, it really doesn¡¯t bother me nearly as much as it bothers Asher,¡± Lila replied loftily, looking at the mirror again. ¡°I¡¯m more¡­ confused, I guess. Like, she had Asher. What else did she need?¡±

    ¡°Sex, clearly,¡± Clare replied derisively. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m thinking you need to look a bit cuter, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I thought I was always cute, according to you. Since we look so alike,¡± Lila replied flatly, watching Clare stomp across Lila¡¯s room and rifle through her wardrobe via the mirror¡¯s reflection.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, you do, but you can always look even cuter,¡± Clare insisted, her voice slightly muffled. She pulled out the sweater dress that Lila had worn on her date with Theo.

    ¡°You could wear this little number,¡± Clare said haughtily, waving it around by its coat hanger.

    ¡°No dice,¡± Lila said immediately, folding her arms. ¡°I wore that on my date with Theo. I wouldn¡¯t be able to think about anything else.¡±

    ¡°It was that memorable, was it?¡± Clare asked, raising an eyebrow. Lila instantly blushed and turned away from Clare.

    This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

    ¡°Just¡­ think I should wear other things if I¡¯m hanging out with Asher. It¡¯d be like, I dunno, like I was betraying him by wearing the same stuff that I wore with Theo.¡±

    ¡°Dude, it¡¯s just a dress,¡± Clare laughed incredulously. ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve got a whole lot to unpack there. Besides, you can always make new memories in old clothes. Not like you¡¯re bringing Theo along to Asher¡¯s. Might be good for you to attribute it to something else. Besides, your wardrobe is crying out for an update. Can¡¯t find anything in here that tells Asher ¡®Please date me, I¡¯m too cute to be left alone¡¯.¡±

    Clare said the last part as she dramatically clasped her hands together and moved from side to side like an over-exaggerated, coy schoolgirl.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t do that again,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Surely that¡¯s not good for your last remaining shreds of dignity.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right,¡± Clare chuckled. ¡°Alright, what about this skirt?¡±

    She pulled out a short, black circle skirt made of a thick, elastic-rich material. ¡°And get out of that ugly jumper. This one¡¯s better.¡±

    Clare held up a cropped, fluffy, cream-coloured jumper before tossing both items of clothing at Lila. Lila relented, and when she was changed, Clare nodded approvingly.

    ¡°Much better. Now you look dateable. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila glanced around her room before picking up her messenger bag containing a couple books and her personal laptop.

    ¡°Uh, put that down,¡± Clare said, doubling back and narrowing her eyes at the offending bag. ¡°If you¡¯re taking that ¡®cause you wanna bring stuff, put it in a tote bag or something.¡±

    Lila sighed, finding a plain black tote bag and placing her laptop, books and wallet in it. ¡°Happy now?¡±

    ¡°Much,¡± Clare grinned. ¡°Now I¡¯ll actually let you in my car.¡±

    They didn¡¯t talk much on the car ride to Asher¡¯s as each passing metre set Lila¡¯s nerves on edge. What would Asher be like? Would he want to hang out with her? Would he want to rescind his confession? Would they go back to being normal with each other?

    ¡°Stop stressing,¡± Clare said soothingly once she parked outside Asher¡¯s house. ¡°Relax. If it does all go downhill, just text me and I¡¯ll come right back, alright? I¡¯m not working tonight.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Lila stammered, her face pale. Clare¡¯s expression changed to one of pity.

    ¡°We can go home, tell Asher you¡¯re sick?¡±

    Lila vehemently shook her head. ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I need to do this. I can¡¯t make time stop, and I can¡¯t go back and change it. I just hope it goes in a good direction.¡±

    ¡°Of course it will,¡± Clare said comfortingly. ¡°Like I said, he likes you too. There¡¯s no way that Asher, of all people, would let it just fall apart right there ¨C and especially not after liking you for literal years. He¡¯s just sorting himself out, and he knows you¡¯re waiting for him. But, man, you must really like him, if you¡¯re this stressed about it. If you were a mouse, you¡¯d be long dead of a heart attack.¡±

    Lila gave an exasperated sigh before nodding. ¡°Good thing I¡¯m not a mouse, then. I¡¯ve never felt this way about anyone else, at least.¡±

    ¡°Adorable,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°Double adorable, here he comes.¡±

    Lila whipped her head around to look out her window. Sure enough, there was Asher, his hands in the pockets of his navy shorts, and grey, V-neck shirt surprisingly crease-free. His hair seemed to be neatly done, too ¨C at least, done enough to showcase the style of his haircut, yet not like it was at semi. His face looked incredibly nervous ¨C just as nervous as Lila felt.

    That fact eased Lila slightly. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t just her that was so anxious about the state of things¡­

    ¡°Have fun,¡± Clare said cheerfully. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you up. Just let me know what time.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Clare,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°Eh, just big sister things,¡± Clare managed to say before Asher opened Lila¡¯s door.

    ¡°H-H-Hey,¡± he said through chattering teeth. ¡°W-Welcome.¡±

    Lila heard Clare inhale sharply and she glanced at her. Clare¡¯s face was puffed up, as though suppressing a laugh.

    ¡°You should¡¯ve worn a jacket,¡± Lila said, clambering out of Clare¡¯s car. ¡°You must be freezing.¡±

    ¡°Not cold at all,¡± Asher managed to say, his face turning bright red. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ wow, that was embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°Hi, Asher,¡± Clare called from the driver¡¯s seat, leaning over. ¡°Hope you treat Lila nicely today.¡±

    Asher looked incredibly guilty after Clare¡¯s request and before he could say anything, Lila firmly closed the car door. Clare waved at them and drove away.

    ¡°I really need to get my licence,¡± Lila lamented. ¡°She means well, but¡­ sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you said some things to her?¡±

    ¡°A couple,¡± Lila admitted, averting her gaze from Asher. ¡°I¡¯d told her about my plan before she dropped me off the other day¡­ I was kinda panicking.¡±

    ¡°Panicking, huh,¡± Asher repeated softly. He folded his arms before turning to walk back towards his house. ¡°You¡¯ll freeze out here. Let¡¯s go inside. Um, you look nice today, though.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila blushed, the heat of her cheeks warming the rest of her. ¡°You look a bit more ¡®shevelled than usual.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you noticed,¡± Asher replied with an almost imperceptible smile.

    ¡°Was I not supposed to?¡±

    ¡°¡­ I didn¡¯t have any expectations.¡±

    Lila took her shoes off in the entryway as usual and followed Asher towards the kitchen. Gabriel was washing his hands in the sink and beamed at Lila as she approached.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± he said happily. ¡°I hope you¡¯re hungry today.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m getting there,¡± Lila responded with a smile. ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a good mood.¡±

    ¡°Well, with school holidays on, I¡¯m just expecting you around more often,¡± he explained jovially. ¡°Means there¡¯s more people to enjoy my cooking.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering,¡± Lila said contemplatively. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you the cook at your nightclub?¡±

    Gabriel shuddered. ¡°Work in an actual restaurant? No, my dear. That¡¯s a nightmare waiting to happen. I can¡¯t handle it when people yell at me while I¡¯m already under pressure.¡±

    ¡°Surely they wouldn¡¯t yell at you if you¡¯re the owner, too,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°That¡¯s a recipe for disaster.¡±

    ¡°In the kitchen, anything goes,¡± Gabriel said darkly. He smiled warmly again at Lila. ¡°I¡¯m perfectly content with cooking for this small audience here. Remember, I¡¯m here because I want to be, not because I have to be. Anyway, I¡¯ll call you both down in a little bit.¡±

    Lila and Asher wordlessly went up to the rumpus room. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether Asher had said anything to Gabriel about Saturday, but she also didn¡¯t want to ask. In fact, she didn¡¯t want to say anything at all, now that she was alone in Asher¡¯s presence.

    She sat in her usual spot, resting the tote bag on the side of the couch, as Asher poured them drinks. She glanced at him as he gave her a cup and saw that his face was red again. He sat down, his back entirely straight, staring at the cup of juice in his hands. They sat like this, in total silence, for a few moments. Then, the moments stretched towards minutes.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Asher eventually said, his voice shaking slightly. He didn¡¯t look at Lila as he continued. ¡°You came back.¡±

    ¡°Did you think I wasn¡¯t going to?¡± Lila asked quietly, looking down at her own cup.

    ¡°Kinda, yeah,¡± he admitted, taking a sip. ¡°I¡­ if that happened to me, I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d come back until I had to.¡±

    Lila nodded, taking a sip as well. ¡°I¡­ wanted to see you again. I guess that¡¯s what happens when you like someone.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. I wanted to see you, too.¡±

    ¡°Despite everything?¡± Lila questioned, looking at him sharply. His eyes met hers before sliding back to his cup, a grimace slowly forming.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°You keep saying that,¡± Lila observed. ¡°Like I said. Don¡¯t be. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°But every time you say it, your lips tremble like you¡¯re gonna cry,¡± Asher said gently, a sad smile on his face. Was that true? Lila¡¯s hands leapt to her lips, touching them briefly. He was right.

    ¡°I ended up crying,¡± Asher continued matter-of-factly, putting his cup down. ¡°Like a little bitch. After you left. Then Isaac called me yesterday. He sounded kinda mad to start off with, said he saw you and Clare in the drive-thru and that you looked devastated. A-And then I cried some more on the phone with him. So embarrassing¡­¡± he paused, wincing. Then, he took a deep breath and continued.

    ¡°I guess what I¡¯m trying to say is, if you wanna cry¡­ feel free to. After I told Isaac that I¡­ laughed¡­ he got super pissed. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard him that mad, to be honest. Said if he could drive, he¡¯d come to my house and beat me up, but he didn¡¯t want to force his parents to take him just for that. He also said he wouldn¡¯t be shocked if you didn¡¯t want to see me for ages.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s surprisingly honest,¡± Lila commented, placing her cup down on the coffee table. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought you wouldn¡¯t want to tell me all that.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I can¡¯t shut up around you,¡± Asher said, his eyes shining. ¡°I mean it. I can¡¯t help myself. It¡¯s¡­ been a mission and a half, to not tell you that I like you, all year.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you want to tell me?¡± Lila queried, sitting up straight. Asher placed a hand over his eyes before responding.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t want to scare you away. I¡¯ve heard that when some girls realise their guy friends like them, they don¡¯t want to be friends with them anymore. A-And I thought it¡¯d never be reciprocated. So, I kept it inside.¡±

    ¡°You said all year¡­ so, even when you were with Holly?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher replied candidly, rubbing his face. ¡°I told you before, that I felt super guilty about liking you when I was with Holly. That didn¡¯t mean my feelings went away. I thought they had until I found myself asking if you were dating someone the first time you came over. I wanted to kick myself for asking, and then kick myself again when I had to tell you I was dating Holly. My head¡¯s been a whole mess, while I was with Holly. She cheated on me, but I guess sometimes I wonder if I was emotionally cheating on her¡­ especially when I told you about Mum, and not her.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you realised she was disingenuous,¡± Lila suggested lightly. ¡°So you weren¡¯t able to give yourself completely to her.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Asher sighed, hanging his head low. ¡°Or maybe she realised I was disingenuous, so she cheated.¡±

    ¡°Timing-wise, she was cheating before we became English partners, and you thought the feelings went away before our first meeting here. She could¡¯ve just broken up with you.¡±

    ¡°And I, her, when I figured out I still liked you.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have a rebuttal to that.

    ¡°But¡­ I can¡¯t change the past,¡± Asher whispered, clenching his fists. ¡°Just¡­ have to deal with the bullshit that¡¯s left in its wake.¡±

    ¡°I can help, you know,¡± Lila offered. ¡°Help you get over her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to describe, what I¡¯m feeling about what happened with Holly,¡± Asher said slowly. ¡°I¡¯m over her as a human, and as my ex - at least, I¡¯m 90% sure of that. I did love her, or at least what I thought at the time was love. But when her fa?ade shattered, so did my love for her. What¡­ I¡¯m struggling with¡­ is trusting my heart to someone else again. I trust you, Lila, with everything. But I¡¯m scared to get into a relationship again. I¡­ don¡¯t think you¡¯d cheat on me, but, fuck, that¡¯s a big fear that I¡¯d never had before Holly. And¡­ I¡¯m struggling with my feelings of inadequacy and stupidity. And how I¡¯d never noticed.¡±

    He glanced at her before smirking, though it seemed more sarcastic than light-hearted. ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯d noticed, but¡­ I¡¯m pretty insecure on my own. This¡­ has just jacked that up so much more. And I need to figure it out, by myself, without pulling you into it. I¡­ don¡¯t want to hurt you with my hurt. Right now¡­ I can¡¯t trust myself to do that. And that kills me to say.¡±

    ¡°I respect it,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°I wish I could do something to help, but, I mean, there¡¯s kinda an ulterior motive to that, too.¡±

    Asher laughed, his face pink. ¡°Hearing you say stuff like that¡­ it¡¯s like I¡¯m living in a dream. And one day, I¡¯m gonna wake up. Realise it was all in my head.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not in your head,¡± Lila responded firmly. ¡°I like you, have done for months.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Why¡­ didn¡¯t you tell me earlier?¡± He was looking away from her now and towards his hands, which were twisting in his lap.

    ¡°I¡¯d denied my feelings. For a really long time. Then¡­ when I saw you helping Daniel¡­ it just clicked. And I wanted to feel my feelings first, and then¡­ I tried to tell you. But things kept getting in the way. Looking back, though¡­ I was really bothered about you having a girlfriend at the start of the year. I was just too stubborn to see it. It got even worse when my friends started challenging me, saying it was a crush. But, of course, they were right. They usually are.¡±

    ¡°No wonder you got me a souvenir from your date with Theo,¡± Asher murmured.

    ¡°I¡­ thought you¡¯d like it,¡± Lila replied, avoiding his gaze. ¡°I ran it by Elise and Grace¡­ after I bought it. If it was a good idea or not. Elise said it was cooked, to get a guy something when I was on a date with a different guy. I kinda hoped you wouldn¡¯t notice that it was from the aquarium.¡±

    Asher smirked, this time with his eyes sparkling with amusement. ¡°I may be dumb, but I can read. It¡¯s got a little tag that says the aquarium on the keychain.¡±

    Lila buried her face in her hands. She could feel Asher shake with laughter, though he didn¡¯t make any sound ¨C probably to spare her feelings. A new thought occurred to her and she quickly looked up at him.

    ¡°Did you know that I liked you?¡±

    He blinked at her before shaking his head. ¡°Not at all. And especially not for that long. Isaac and Daniel mentioned that you might, but it was pretty unbelievable. Then you went on a date with Theo and I knew¨C well, thought I knew ¨Cthat you didn¡¯t like me.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ said yes to him in a panic,¡± Lila admitted softly. ¡°I mean, I didn¡¯t even say ¡®yes¡¯, just ¡®sounds great¡¯. He seemed so nervous and it just came out before I could think. Then, I realised that I¡¯d be able to ask him questions. And¡­ I thought that maybe going on the date would help me get over you. Since I didn¡¯t think it¡¯d end well for me, if I told you how I felt, considering Holly and all that. And I guess I wasn¡¯t entirely wrong there.¡±

    Asher blanched, his eyes as wide as they could go.

    ¡°N-Not trying to make you feel guilty,¡± Lila added hastily. ¡°It just hurt, being around you and having these feelings. S-So I had to tell you, even though I thought it would be a bad idea. But I feel better now. And the date with Theo showed me how different you two are, and I guess¡­ reaffirmed my feelings for you. I ended up telling him that I liked you. After he tried to kiss me.¡±

    ¡°Damn, way to do this boy dirty,¡± Asher chuckled, a grin creeping on his face. ¡°Would you call it a pity date?¡±

    Lila blushed again, embarrassed that he¡¯d pointed that out so quickly. ¡°I¡­ yeah. That¡¯s what Clare said.¡±

    They sat in silence for a few more moments, before Lila snuck a peek at Asher. He still had a slight smile on his face as he looked back down at his hands, which he slowly flexed.

    ¡°It¡­ seems like you¡¯ve thought about this a lot,¡± Lila noted quietly.

    ¡°You could say that,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve been introspecting a ton. About this. I¡­ haven¡¯t been able to sleep properly, so you could say I¡¯ve had a lot of time on my hands. Especially after you told me you were going on a date with Theo. And figuring out what¡¯s going on with me, and what I¡¯m doing and what I want to do¡­ that¡¯s really important to me. I- well. This chance, that¡¯s appeared before me. I don¡¯t want to screw it up, and I don¡¯t want to screw you up, either.¡±

    Something stirred in Lila¡¯s mind ¨C that sounded familiar, somehow. She pursed her lips as she tried to think where she¡¯d heard him say that before. He seemed to have noticed and looked somewhat awkward.

    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s different, from how I felt with Holly. She was, well then, at least, too perfect. Like an idol I shouldn¡¯t sully. That if I got too close to her, I¡¯d drag her down ¨C and I¡¯d never be good enough. With you¡­ I¡­ dunno what it is, but it¡¯s different.¡±

    He frowned, seeming bothered by the fact that he didn¡¯t know what he was feeling.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll be thinking about that one for weeks,¡± he said, sounding resigned. He smiled at her. ¡°So? You seem like you¡¯ve thought about things,¡± he said, gesturing for her to speak.

    ¡°Kinda. I just¡­ I don¡¯t know. I know I like you, but that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got so far. I was really scared, coming here today, ¡®cause I thought you might take it all back. And this¡­ whatever we¡¯re in¡­ it¡¯s confusing. What are we?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Asher admitted. ¡°Special friends?¡±

    Lila shot him a glare.

    ¡°Totally not-special friends,¡± Asher said quickly, evidently perplexed by her reaction. Lila exhaled, leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°I guess¡­ it¡¯s complicated,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°Sure is,¡± Asher agreed just as softly. ¡°¡­ sorry.¡±

    ¡°Stop that.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Lila shook her head before tugging at the hem of her skirt. ¡°Have you told Gabriel? Or Marlene?¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°About¡­ us.¡±

    ¡°That we¡¯re totally not-special friends?¡±

    Lila grabbed a decorative cushion that was next to her and lightly smacked him on the arm with it. He chuckled before gently taking it from her and placing it on his lap.

    ¡°No. What would I even say? I didn¡¯t even wanna tell Isaac, ¡®cause we¡¯re back to me being the square root of all issues. That we¡¯re not dating because of me. And even he was super mad at me. I don¡¯t think Gabriel would be supportive of that fact either. And I¡¯m not telling Marlene shit, ever.¡±

    ¡°I see. I¡­ think you should talk to Gabriel, at least.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, looking bewildered.

    ¡°Well¡­ I got a lot of help from Clare. I just reckon that maybe talking to someone older, with more experience, could help.¡±

    ¡°I dunno if Gabriel is experienced in relationships,¡± Asher furrowed his brow as he said this. ¡°But¡­ I guess¡­ it couldn¡¯t hurt. Maybe. Maybe he¡¯d hurt me.¡±

    ¡°Never,¡± Lila replied confidently. ¡°The most he¡¯d do is downgrade your lunches to boring-ass sandwiches.¡±

    Asher chuckled again. ¡°I¡¯ll think about it, I guess.¡±

    They sat in more silence before Asher reached over the coffee table and pulled out a set of joy cons.

    ¡°Wanna play a game?¡±

    Lila laughed ¨C it was a bit absurd, that they were having a deep and meaningful conversation about their feelings for each other and how they weren¡¯t going to do anything about it for now before immediately playing a game together. Though¡­ would she really have it any other way? Whether or not they were dating, whiling away their school holidays, together on Asher¡¯s couch with a game or two, sounded perfect.

    They played a few rounds before Gabriel called them down for lunch. It was a rich and creamy potato and leek soup, with a healthy amount of garlic throughout. It was paired with fresh sourdough bread, which Lila eagerly dipped into the soup.

    ¡°This is fantastic, Gabriel,¡± Lila beamed. ¡°I didn¡¯t know I¡¯d like something like this.¡±

    ¡°Of course you would,¡± Gabriel said playfully, his eyes twinkling. ¡°I made it, after all.¡±

    Asher heartily dug into his soup, with the same increased zest that Lila had noticed recently.

    Once they finished their lunch, Gabriel asked what they were up to for the rest of the day. Asher moved slightly in his seat, glancing at Lila shiftily.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t really have plans,¡± he said, looking back at Gabriel. Gabriel raised his eyebrows suspiciously at Asher as he collected their plates.

    ¡°I hope you sort something out,¡± he said sternly. ¡°Bored teenagers are a recipe for disaster.¡±

    Asher blushed, standing abruptly. ¡°L-Let¡¯s go upstairs,¡± he said to Lila hastily. ¡°We can keep playing that new game. The one on the Switch.¡±

    Lila followed Asher upstairs without a word to Gabriel, who seemed satisfied with their speedy disappearance. Asher relaxed on the couch as soon as they arrived, passing Lila a set of joy cons. The rest of the day passed in this cosy, comfortable way, eventually taking a break from gaming as Asher had made Lila laugh so hard with his antics that she couldn¡¯t continue playing. So, they switched over to watching videos instead ¨C mostly of animal facts today.

    If they had been dating¡­ perhaps it would¡¯ve been a great opportunity for Lila to cuddle in close to Asher, listening to the rhythm of his heart beating against his ribcage, his warmth ensuring the winter chill wouldn¡¯t freeze her over. But, alas, Lila sat far enough away from him to avoid such temptations.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Asher said quietly, as dinner drew close. ¡°Are you busy tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied, a little too quickly for her liking. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    He sat up and turned his head towards her, a nervous smile twitching the corners of his mouth. ¡°Do you wanna go to the shopping centre tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°With you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, with me. We¡¯ve got some things to buy, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    There was something Lila seemed to be forgetting¡­ a reason they needed to go to the shops¡­ that much was apparent in the expression Asher was conveying. But what? All she could think about was their conversation from earlier today.

    ¡°I-I guess we do,¡± Lila responded tentatively, looking away from his face. It truly was a guess at this point.

    ¡°Did you wanna meet there?¡± Asher asked, scrolling through some video offerings. ¡°I mean, you¡¯d have to take the bus with me there if you came here anyway.¡±

    ¡°I can meet you there,¡± Lila confirmed softly. ¡°Clare¡¯ll probably drop me off. Well, actually, I think your house is in the direction of the shopping centre. We can pick you up on the way?¡±

    Asher seemed to ponder this for a moment, pausing his scrolling. ¡°Yeah. Sounds good. If she wants to.¡±

    Gabriel called them down for dinner soon after, and in what felt like an instant, Lila was at home, having been picked up by Clare, and drifting off to sleep blissfully. A comforting warmth sat within her torso as her breathing slowed, relief having overcome her as soon as her head touched the pillow. After all the pent-up worry and anxiety she¡¯d been experiencing, sleep felt like a sweet reward.

 Chapter Eighty

    Chapter Eighty

    Before Clare had even managed to get her head through Lila¡¯s door the next morning, Lila insisted that she was fine choosing an outfit for herself.

    ¡°Aw,¡± pouted Clare, opening the door fully and letting herself in. ¡°But I love playing dress-up with you.¡±

    ¡°I feel like that¡¯s not something you should be saying as a 19-year-old,¡± Lila frowned, adjusting the straps of her maroon tartan pinafore. ¡°Sounds¡­ disturbing.¡±

    Clare huffed dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve been dressing you up since you were an infant, no way am I gonna wanna break that now. But¡­ I suppose you don¡¯t look hideous today.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, rolling her eyes. Clare grinned.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got about ten minutes before we go pick up your boyfriend,¡± she declared in a sing-song voice. Lila whipped around to face Clare, her cheeks flushed with both embarrassment and anger.

    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend,¡± Lila insisted, though she felt a twinge in her heart as the words left her lips.

    ¡°He may as well be,¡± Clare replied airily, taking her leave and closing the door before Lila had the chance to dispute this.

    ¡°I wish,¡± Lila muttered to herself before turning back to her mirror. She peered into her reflection before tying her hair up into a high ponytail, and readjusted her thin black knit top underneath her pinafore. She fussed around for a bit longer, ensuring she was ready to go before leaving and knocking on Clare¡¯s door.

    ¡°We can leave now,¡± Lila called before heading downstairs. Clare left soon after, her excessive number of keychains jangling as she went.

    The drive to Asher¡¯s was filled generally with the sound of Clare¡¯s EDM tracks, though the looks Clare kept sneaking at Lila made Lila feel wary ¨C like Clare was up to something.

    Asher was already waiting outside, wearing a pair of black chinos and a nicely pressed button-up shirt. His hair was styled again, and he looked nervous, taking a deep breath before opening the passenger door.

    ¡°Gooood morning,¡± Clare sung as he sat down and buckled himself in. ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±

    ¡°Good, and yourself?¡± Asher replied automatically.

    ¡°Fabulous,¡± Clare replied, smirking and starting to drive towards the shopping centre. ¡°Just talking to Lila about you.¡±

    ¡°You were not,¡± Lila retorted flatly. ¡°Don¡¯t lie.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Clare sighed. ¡°Was talking to Lila at home about how you¡¯re her ¡®not boyfriend¡¯.¡±

    Lila heard Asher take a sharp breath.

    ¡°Clare, you¡¯re being annoying,¡± Lila said, swatting her sister¡¯s hand.

    ¡°It¡¯s what I¡¯m supposed to be. Can¡¯t be a hot dancer all the time. My charm meter only goes so far,¡± Clare chuckled. ¡°Anyway, are you guys going to watch a movie? Or just wander around?¡±

    ¡°We were going to buy a few things,¡± Lila said tentatively. She still couldn¡¯t remember what they needed.

    ¡°Lame,¡± Clare drawled. ¡°Oh well, as long as you¡¯re not doing anything nefarious, I guess I¡¯ll condone it.¡±

    ¡°N-Nothing nefarious at all, whatsoever,¡± Asher interjected from the back, though his lack of confidence had Lila internally face-palming.

    ¡°Sounds shady,¡± Clare said, glancing at Asher through the rearview mirror. ¡°You better not be doing anything nefarious, or I¡¯ll tell Gabriel and ask him nicely to give you hell.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s incapable of that,¡± Asher replied, this time far more confident. ¡°I think.¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°Clearly haven¡¯t seen him at the club much.¡±

    ¡°No, you basically made it so they threw us out,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°Of course I did,¡± Clare said seriously, frowning. ¡°I feel like you don¡¯t understand how reckless it was that you guys were in there in the first place.¡±

    ¡°If it was that serious, then maybe you guys should invest in tighter security,¡± Lila shrugged, her voice lofty.

    ¡°Are you giving me sass?¡± Clare questioned.

    ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    Clare exhaled heavily. ¡°Well, either way, we did look into that. It took a while to find suitable bouncers. I¡¯d thought that they¡¯d be stoked to have more hours, but, for some reason, our usual ones weren¡¯t too keen on the idea.¡±

    ¡°Might have other jobs,¡± Asher suggested.

    ¡°Probably. With the cost of living, it¡¯s almost a given to have a second job. I¡¯m just lucky enough to be living at home and not needing to pay rent,¡± Clare said darkly. ¡°Most of my friends who were living by themselves had to move back in with their parents. I hope it gets easier once you guys graduate, but it¡¯s not looking likely.¡±

    ¡°Way to turn it existential, sis,¡± Lila said, staring out the window.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°You guys want to enjoy your holidays. I¡¯ll shut up.¡±

    Clare kept to her word, electing to turn up her music. Luckily, it was only a few minutes before Clare rolled into the drop-off zone for the shopping centre. Lila and Asher exited the car, with Lila turning around to say ¡®bye¡¯ to her sister.

    ¡°Am I picking you up?¡± Clare asked through the open door. Lila glanced at Asher, who shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Just to make it easier, I might just go home by bus.¡±

    ¡°You can come over to mine after,¡± Asher offered. A flash of a smirk crossed Clare¡¯s face and Lila¡¯s face turned pink.

    ¡°Or I could get Gabriel to drop you off,¡± Asher immediately added. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether he¡¯d seen Clare¡¯s expression, but she wasn¡¯t about to turn around and check.

    ¡°Any of those options sound fine,¡± Clare replied, no longer smirking. ¡°I don¡¯t have any plans for today, but I¡¯m also happy enough to just stay at home. I tell ya what, it¡¯s going to be so nice when you get your license in January, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Lila rolled her eyes at Clare. ¡°That¡¯s if I pass.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course you¡¯ll pass. Anyway, see ya later,¡± Clare waved, and Lila closed the door. Both Lila and Asher watched as Clare sped away, back towards home.

    Lila slowly turned towards Asher, nerves fluttering in her chest. They were alone in the outside world, far from the safety of either of their houses ¨C what now?

    To Lila¡¯s surprise, Asher looked just as anxious, a tentative smile twitching on his lips.

    ¡°L-Let¡¯s go,¡± he stuttered, shoving his hands into his pockets. ¡°You¡¯ll be cold if we stand here forever.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila concurred, though she didn¡¯t feel cold in the slightest. They fell into step with each other as they crossed the threshold into the bustling shopping centre. It was the same shopping centre as the one that Lila and her siblings had visited to get a new bank account for Daniel, and she idly remarked this to Asher.

    ¡°Oh yeah, I almost forgot about that,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Feels like an age has passed.¡±

    ¡°Really? It wasn¡¯t that long ago.¡±

    ¡°A¡­ few things have been on my mind since then,¡± Asher said softly, avoiding her gaze. ¡°Hey, let¡¯s check out the Daiso. They¡¯ve always got some heckin¡¯ good doo-dads.¡±

    Lila followed his lead, smirking and electing to not comment on Asher¡¯s statement, though it was tempting. A few things had been on her mind since then, too.

    They explored a few of the shops, showing each other a range of items that they thought the other would like. At one point, they engaged in a small pillow fight with dog-shaped cushions before being chastised by an employee and promptly leaving that particular store. They proceeded to the next, which had a myriad of board games. Lila inspected the offerings with interest ¨C perhaps there was something here that she could play with Asher¡­ or her family, if he hated the idea.

    ¡°This one looks interesting,¡± Asher¡¯s voice said on the other side of the shelf she was looking at. She pulled out a couple of board games and reached her hand through the gap that remained. Asher made a strange sound, as though muffling a scream. She waved her hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be shy. Hand it over,¡± she said, balancing the board games she¡¯d pulled out on her hip. He placed it in her hand and she pulled it back, replacing the ones she¡¯d taken into their original spots.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± she said after reading the blurb. ¡°A card game. Seems like it¡¯d be pretty rapid-fire. Could be fun.¡±

    ¡°Did you find any interesting ones?¡± he asked, still on the other side of the shelf.

    ¡°A couple. You have so many board games though, you might already have them.¡±

    ¡°Nah, mine are pretty old, at least. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve gotten a new board game for, like, five years or something.¡±

    Lila turned to a different shelf, perusing the options here. It seemed to contain a plethora of mystery board games. She pulled one out, her eyes almost popping out of her skull after checking the price.

    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± she muttered incredulously, putting it back as though it scalded her.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher queried from behind her. She nearly jumped out of her skin as she whirled around to face him, her face flushed with embarrassment.

    ¡°J-Just the price,¡± she said in a strangled voice. ¡°Board games are so expensive.¡±

    ¡°You reckon?¡± Asher pulled out one of the board games on this shelf before nodding his head. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not that bad. But I guess it¡¯s a lot to spend all at once. Though, I think it¡¯s pretty fair. Considering the replayability and the effort that goes into these, among everything else. Like, if you play this one for an hour, what, five times? That¡¯s only $20 an hour. Then, if you play more than that, it decreases even more.¡±

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Lila replied, watching as Asher picked up the game she¡¯d looked at.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± he whispered. ¡°This one is expensive.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°That¡¯s the one I looked at.¡±

    He glanced at her before looking back at the blurb. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s a hefty board game. Looks fun. Did you wanna play it?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Nah, it¡¯s crazy expensive. It¡¯s a neat concept, but I¡¯ll happily live my life without the experience.¡±

    Asher looked at it for a couple more seconds. ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Dead sure,¡± Lila replied stoutly. ¡°Of course, if you want to play it, I wouldn¡¯t say no. But that¡¯s your decision.¡±

    He rapped his knuckles along the back of the box. ¡°Can¡¯t resist a good mystery,¡± he said forlornly. ¡°Plus, we can replay this one.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been pretty bad at resisting mysteries so far,¡± Lila confirmed with a chuckle. ¡°We¡¯ve been living in Side Quest Township for a while now.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers before tucking the board game under his arm. ¡°Guess we have been. Not that the Main Quest City is easy to live in. You almost need to go to Side Quest Township to survive Main Quest City.¡±

    Lila was surprised that he¡¯d picked up on her analogy so easily, though, of course, she was talking to the Dux. He gingerly took the card game that she was still holding out of her hands.

    ¡°Ready to go?¡± he asked, sliding the card game on top of the board game.

    ¡°Sure, but¡­ why are you menacingly holding onto those?¡±

    ¡°Menacingly? Not the look I was going for,¡± he laughed before giving her a serious look. ¡°I¡¯m gonna buy them. Then, I¡¯m gonna make you play them with me.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s the menace.¡±

    ¡°Huh, guess you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard worse threats, though,¡± Lila teased with a smile.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Asher stopped dead in his tracks for half a second before continuing towards the counter. ¡°G?Guess you have,¡± he said as he passed the games over to the bored-looking, pimpled male cashier who placed the games in a bag almost robotically. They left once everything was paid for, Asher seeming in a much brighter mood as the bag swung freely from his hand. They walked a few paces before he pointed at a video game store.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he grinned at Lila, heading over that way. It was covered almost bottom to top in sale banners and marketing.

    ¡°Do you reckon they have a sale?¡± Lila questioned playfully.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head vehemently. ¡°Fake news. Definitely full price here.¡±

    Lila drifted towards the plushies and t-shirts as Asher flicked through games. She looked through a nearby Pok¨¦mon bin with idle curiosity. To her delight, a Squirtle in corduroy fabric was in there and she held it up.

    ¡°Squirtle, huh?¡± Asher asked from behind her shoulder. She almost dropped it. ¡°Didn¡¯t realise you were a fan of Pok¨¦mon.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila said after catching her breath. ¡°He¡¯s really cute. I love this fabric, too. Plus, of course I¡¯m a fan. It¡¯s almost compulsory, with two siblings and being part-Asian.¡±

    Asher smirked before looking through the bin himself and holding up a corduroy Charmander. ¡°I¡¯m more of a Charmander boy, myself.¡±

    ¡°Looks like I win again,¡± Lila grinned, bopping his Charmander with her Squirtle. ¡°Water beats fire, after all.¡±

    ¡°I mean, sure,¡± Asher replied playfully. ¡°But Charmander becomes a freaking dragon.¡±

    ¡°Not a dragon-type though.¡±

    ¡°An oversight, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Lila laughed and put down the Squirtle, inspecting the t-shirt designs, which featured many pop-culture references and artwork. They remained in the store for about ten more minutes before Lila¡¯s stomach rumbled. She looked around for Asher, putting down the t-shirt she¡¯d been looking at. He was at the counter, taking a paper bag full of things from the sales attendant. She joined him and he looked at her in surprise, his face oddly pink.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, his voice higher pitched than usual, as they started walking to the exit. ¡°Finished looking around?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila confirmed, rubbing her stomach. ¡°I¡¯m actually getting a bit hungry now. What¡¯d you get?¡±

    Asher seemed bashful as he pulled out a couple games and the corduroy Squirtle. Lila clapped in delight as she pointed at it.

    ¡°See,¡± she said proudly. ¡°Couldn¡¯t resist the allure of the superior starter.¡±

    Asher passed it to Lila. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s for you.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°You looked really happy when you held him,¡± he said simply, avoiding her eyes. ¡°Let¡¯s go grab some food.¡±

    ¡°W-Wait,¡± Lila said, grabbing his wrist. He looked back at her, seeming surprised.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re trying to brush past this so quick,¡± Lila said, her tone accusatory. She dropped his wrist and he ruffled his hair.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I am,¡± he admitted, his tone sounding shy. ¡°I thought you¡¯d like it, but it¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila replied firmly, bringing the Squirtle to her chest. ¡°I love it. Thank you for getting it for me. You didn¡¯t have to, and you can take it back if you need the money.¡±

    Asher shook his head, a relaxed smile easing onto his face, though the blush remained. ¡°Nah. It¡¯s a gift. No take-backsies over here.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°No worries. Let¡¯s get some food.¡±

    Lila remained in a good mood as they ate their kebabs for lunch. The Squirtle really was adorable, though the fact that Asher had gotten it for her was causing the butterflies in her stomach to get so hyperactive that her whole body was jittery. She felt tingling in her palms as she bit into her kebab with relish. She¡¯d have to think of a way to pay him back¡­

    ¡°If I¡¯d known you¡¯d be that happy about a Squirtle, I would¡¯ve bought you more,¡± Asher said in a low voice, his eyes crinkled in mirth as he appraised her. Lila blushed, immediately hiding her face behind the kebab. He laughed before gently pulling her hands away from her face.

    ¡°No need to hide,¡± he said softly, his eyes strangely hypnotic, the warmth from his hands enveloping her own. ¡°Your smile¡¯s cute. I¡¯m glad it¡¯s made you happy. Would rather that than you being depressed that I got you something.¡±

    ¡°H-Has anyone ever been depressed that you got them something?¡± Lila asked curiously, pulling away from him and tearing her eyes from his to inspect the limp lettuce leaves poking out from her kebab. If her kebab got cold, she could probably heat it up just with the warmth of her face. He was way, way too close.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ no,¡± Asher admitted. ¡°But that¡¯s not necessarily the antithesis of happiness.¡±

    Lila paused, thinking hard about what Clare had told her last year about depression ¨C that it was, really, mostly a lack of motivation, rather than feeling sadness. ¡°Guess you¡¯re right,¡± she said with a begrudging sigh.

    ¡°I usually am. Comes with the title and prestige of being the Dux.¡±

    ¡°You really hold onto that, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    His eyes were twinkling, so Lila supposed he was still in a playful mood.

    ¡°Guess I would, too,¡± Lila chuckled. She fell silent for a moment. ¡°What¡¯s your plans? After graduation? I know my Dad asked about career paths for you a while ago, but have you settled on something?¡±

    He looked surprised that she¡¯d asked. ¡°Still don¡¯t really have any,¡± he confessed.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila was floored. ¡°Surely you have a reason to keep going for Dux each year?¡±

    ¡°I do, but that¡¯s mainly ¡®cause I can, and I enjoy the challenge. Not really because I¡¯m hoping to be anything in particular.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even have an inkling?¡±

    ¡°Do you?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have a response to that. He grinned at her before continuing.

    ¡°I know for a fact that choosing what I want to do for the rest of my life at 16 is a bad idea. I¡¯m smart enough to know that, at least. But¡­ I¡¯ll probably end up falling into medicine. Probably become a specialised surgeon or something. My parents are more or less expecting me to, at least, and I may as well, what with my grades. Whether that¡¯s my true calling or what I actually want to do ¨C beats me.¡±

    ¡°Seems like you¡¯ve put a lot of thought into that.¡±

    He snorted. ¡°If I put even a modicum of thought into it, I might find my answer.¡±

    ¡°I meant by the fact that you know that you don¡¯t know,¡± Lila clarified. ¡°Perhaps ¡®thought¡¯ was the wrong word. I guess you just know yourself well enough to know where your gaps are. Most people just say they don¡¯t know, without any particular reason as to why they don¡¯t know. Seems like your reason is ¡®cause you know you¡¯re young, and you¡¯re not adverse to following the path your parents expect of you. Which, as far as expectations go, it at least doesn¡¯t sound like they¡¯re pressuring you all too much.¡±

    He looked thoughtful for a second before another smile grew on his face. ¡°I feel honoured that you actually listen. My parents don¡¯t actively pressure me, but I guess their expectations that I¡¯ll be someone important subconsciously pressures me. Not enough to figure out what my future¡¯ll look like, though. So, what about you, then? You seem like you don¡¯t know, but maybe there¡¯s an answer somewhere.¡±

    Lila contemplated this for a moment before shrugging. ¡°Dunno. It¡¯s daunting, and I think just trying to survive school is hard enough as it is. It¡¯s been a heck of a year. I¡­ can¡¯t even see the near future, at this point. For anything, really.¡±

    She looked down at her food again, the specificity for behind ¡®for anything¡¯ at the tip of her tongue, fighting to get out. It seemed silly, that she was far more concerned about the status of her¡­ whatever it was¡­ with Asher than her whole future. But, if this took off, perhaps he would be her whole fut-

    ¡°Maybe we should take a gap year,¡± Asher¡¯s voice broke her thoughts in half, and she stared at him.

    ¡°W-We?¡±

    ¡°N-Not necessarily together,¡± he stumbled over his words in his hurry to reply, his face pink. ¡°B-But if you¡¯re stuck¡­ I mean, I¡¯m stuck at least ¨C then maybe a gap year will help? Live abroad, maybe? I know a lot of people go to, like, the UK or something since we¡¯re part of the Commonwealth.¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought about a gap year,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°It¡¯s a good thought.¡±

    Asher seemed relieved as he continued to eat his food. They were silent for a while, Lila¡¯s heart drumming in her chest as her mind swirled around the idea of taking a gap year with Asher ¨C coincidentally, of course. Asher finished his food quicker than Lila did and perused the back of the card game box whilst he waited for Lila.

    ¡°All done?¡± he asked once she scrunched up her kebab wrappings.

    ¡°Yeah. What else did you wanna do?¡±

    He looked at her with complete seriousness. ¡°We¡¯ve got lots to do,¡± he said. ¡°For tomorrow.¡±

    All at once, the fact that tomorrow was set to be the day they were breaking into the cottage opened the floodgates to panic in Lila¡¯s mind. Of course ¨C tomorrow. And of course they were here, not just to eat kebabs and have a grand old time wandering around the shops aimlessly ¨C they needed to buy all sorts of gear for tomorrow.

    She felt like an idiot as she stood up, picking up her rubbish along with Asher¡¯s. He tried to grab it out of her hands but she dodged him, dumping their rubbish in the nearest bin.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said upon returning, grabbing her bag. ¡°Otherwise the shops will close.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t relax her jaw, which she clamped shut the whole way through their excursion to stores to collect their relevant, albeit shady, purchases. Asher didn¡¯t seem to be in a chatty mood, either, his own face set into one of hard determination.

    Aside from deciding to split the payments in half, or else Asher would never hear the end of it, they remained quiet until completing their last purchase of gloves, two disposable cameras, and associated film. Asher refused to let Lila carry anything, and he was quite laden with purchases now.

    ¡°So¡­ what next?¡± Lila asked awkwardly as they shuffled over to a seating area so Asher could rearrange the bags he was carrying.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll have to head home,¡± he said, looking down at the bags thoughtfully. ¡°Did you want to come along?¡±

    Lila checked the time on her phone. It was starting to get late, now that it was approaching 4pm.

    ¡°I¡­ dunno,¡± Lila replied reluctantly. On one hand, she was exhausted but on the other, she yearned to spend more time with Asher. But¡­ she wasn¡¯t too sure if she could take spending too much more time with him today. Underlying her interactions with him at the shops was the distinct aching whine of longing ¨C that she wanted to be closer to him ¨C intermingled with the sting of rejection. The fact that he bought her a gift today was¡­ confusing the issue in her mind.

    He liked her for a while before this, and she liked him for a while before this, too. They both knew this ¨C but they weren¡¯t together. She couldn¡¯t find a solution to her predicament, to resolving the mass of emotions stirring within, besides dating Asher ¨C or an outright rejection, where there was no possibility of being together. So¡­ amongst all that, was she making a mistake?

    ¡°You seem tired,¡± Asher said gently, taking his phone out of his pocket. ¡°I¡¯ll get Gabriel to drop you off at home.¡±

    ¡°¡­ thanks,¡± Lila replied lamely. With the way her stomach was clenching, going home was probably the best option in the circumstances. Besides, it wasn¡¯t as though she was never going to see Asher again. She¡¯d be going over tomorrow.

    They moved along towards the exit of the shopping centre that Gabriel would be picking them up from. Asher still didn¡¯t seem talkative in the slightest. Now that they were holding the things they needed to break in to the worker¡¯s cottage ¨C which was, naturally, Gabriel¡¯s home, too ¨C Lila supposed it was starting to feel real to Asher. Sneaking around his own house¡­ that was one thing. And even though his family did own the cottage, from what Lila could tell, they didn¡¯t really visit it. This was a whole different ballgame, filled with so many unknowns.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said quietly, glancing at him. His eyes rested on hers for a moment before he tightened his jaw. He looked back at the bulging shopping bags and nodded stiffly.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be fine,¡± he agreed, though it sounded more as though he was trying to reassure himself than anything else. ¡°After all, Marlene won¡¯t be there.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be hard for her to randomly leave a shift at the caf¨¦, I think,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°So, if we time it right, we shouldn¡¯t get caught.¡±

    ¡°What if Gabriel decides to go to the cottage?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we having an intensive lamb dish for lunch?¡± Lila responded, raising an eyebrow at him. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that.¡±

    ¡°I feel like we should worry about that,¡± Asher mumbled, poking one of the bags. ¡°It¡¯s one thing, getting caught in his nightclub and him letting it slide. But breaking into his house?¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we just going into Marlene¡¯s side of the duplex?¡±

    Asher paused, placing his hands on his hips. ¡°Guess so¡­ if their central divider is closed, then¡­ even if he does come back¡­ he may not even realise that we¡¯re there.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lila smiled, feeling comforted by Asher¡¯s consideration. ¡°We¡¯ll be right as rain.¡±

    Asher inclined his head to indicate that he heard Lila, but, with the pondering look on his face, Lila knew better than to continue disturbing him. If she could hazard a guess as to what he was thinking about, he was probably trying to reconcile what he had to do tomorrow. Or perhaps he was trying to prepare for whatever was lurking within the depths of the cottage.

    Marlene was still quite the mystery ¨C a professional young maid and barista, who managed to take down a man much bigger than herself efficiently and without Gabriel¡¯s notice. Beyond her jobs and the politeness she exhibited towards Lila every time she visited, Lila had absolutely no idea who Marlene was behind all that. Was the image she held during her duties a mask behind which was something more sinister? The proficient punches she pulled without hesitation ¨C perhaps that was the mask slipping. She could really be dangerous¡­ and she lived with Asher¡­ if she was dangerous, and she knew that they broke into her cottage and saw her actions on CCTV ¨C perhaps she¡¯d be in a mood to silence Asher, and even Lila, like Tabitha was silenced¡­

    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ Lila admonished herself with a revolted shiver. ¡®You don¡¯t have any evidence to conclude that. Tabitha¡­ might be fine.¡¯

    As Lila stared at the tiles by the exit, she couldn¡¯t help but think that ¡®might be¡¯ wasn¡¯t a good enough answer. It was definitely not a good enough answer for Asher, anyway.

    Suddenly, Asher gripped Lila¡¯s arm tightly, snapping her out of her thoughts.

    ¡°We gotta go,¡± he murmured, his eyes wild. Was that fear she could detect? Without question, Lila scooped up a few bags and followed Asher outside.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked in a low voice once they rested their shopping on a free bench just outside the shopping centre. He pinched the ridge of his nose, audibly taking a deep breath.

    ¡°Piper¡¯s wrong. She¡¯s fucking standing in the shopping centre, staring at us.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila¡¯s voice rose to a panic and she frantically looked behind her, trying to spot Piper through the glass of the shopping centre doors.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling like someone was following us as we were grabbing this stuff,¡± he gestured rigidly towards their break-in gear, ¡°but every time I looked back, there was no one. Then, I caught her in the reflection of the stupid bin next to us.¡±

    Lila gaped at him. In the reflection? But the reflective finish along the sides of the bin was hardly large enough to mirror much.

    ¡°Are you sure it was her?¡± Lila asked tentatively, shivering both from the cold and the disturbing implications of Asher¡¯s observation.

    ¡°Dead sure,¡± he said, starting to bite the fingernail on his left thumb. ¡°She¡¯s burned into my brain now. Wish she wasn¡¯t, but here we are.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t muster up a response to that as she tried again to find Piper through the doors.

    ¡°Gabriel can¡¯t get here fast enough,¡± Asher muttered under his breath. Lila drew her arms close to her chest as she bit her lower lip, anxiety prickling the back of her neck like a deadly spider. They stood, their postures tense, for several minutes in complete silence, both staring breathlessly at the doors. Many customers came and went, but none fit Piper¡¯s description. Maybe she¡¯d fled after realising she¡¯d been caught by Asher¡­

    The sound of a car horn made both Asher and Lila jump, and they spun around in unison. Gabriel waved at them as he passed before pulling into the adjacent pick-up zone. Lila carried a few bags to the car and Asher carried the rest, his face stony.

    ¡°Hi Gabriel,¡± Lila greeted without her usual enthusiasm. He seemed to notice this as he turned in his seat to look at her in the back.

    ¡°Hello Lila,¡± Gabriel said warmly, concern folding his brow slightly. ¡°Everything alright?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila said smoothly. ¡°Just¡­ tired.¡±

    ¡°Understandable,¡± Gabriel laughed. ¡°Judging by all the bags, you guys must¡¯ve run the length of the shopping centre at least once.¡±

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Lila confirmed. Asher closed the door to the front passenger seat with far more force than necessary, brusquely clipping his seatbelt. Lila could see Gabriel¡¯s jaw twitch, but it seemed that he was reigning whatever he¡¯d been about to say in. The car ride to Lila¡¯s wasn¡¯t filled with much chatter, though Gabriel did try a couple times only to receive monotonous one-liners from Asher for his efforts. When he asked about what was in the bags, however, Lila saw Asher¡¯s body language instantly become agitated and Gabriel dropped the topic immediately.

    They arrived at Lila¡¯s soon after that failed conversation starter, and she speedily exited the car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you both in the morning,¡± Lila said softly. Asher turned in his seat to look at her, his eyes seemingly filled with panic. He blinked and the effect was gone. Had she imagined it?

    ¡°See you then,¡± he said just as softly.

    ¡°I better be seeing you,¡± Gabriel admonished. ¡°I¡¯m putting my heart and soul into the ginger mango and sriracha lamb shoulder. I¡¯ll be very disappointed if you¡¯re a no-show.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world,¡± Lila replied, smiling genuinely for the first time since Asher had mentioned Piper¡¯s appearance at the shopping centre. ¡°I won¡¯t forgive you if it¡¯s not good.¡±

    ¡°Have you known me to make something not good?¡± Gabriel asked playfully, chortling. Lila joined in his chortling before gently closing the car door. She made sure she had the Squirtle in her hands as she stepped back, waving. She caught sight of both Asher and Gabriel waving back before they sped off down the road.

    Just a few hours apart¡­ then¡­ she¡¯d be back with Asher. Then¡­ they¡¯d make their move. The scent of secrets lurking behind the locked doors of the worker¡¯s cottage was unmistakably alluring. Would they find the answers they were hoping to find?

    ¡®Hopefully we don¡¯t find the Uni student there¡­ corpse or otherwise,¡¯ Lila thought with a shudder, opening the front door to her house. ¡®Please let it either be a normal, humble home, or chockful of answers about Tabitha. And¡­ I hope to heck that Piper doesn¡¯t watch.¡¯

 Chapter Eighty-One

    Chapter Eighty-One

    Opening her bleary eyes, Lila caught sight of the cheerful face of the Squirtle sitting on her desk the next morning. For a moment, she was confused about its origin, before swiftly remembering that Asher had bought it for her yesterday.

    With a yawn, she sat up, her eyes now falling upon the clothes she¡¯d laid out last night. They¡¯d settled on wearing all black for today¡¯s mission. After showering and getting her usual morning routine out of the way, she pulled on her clingy, black long-sleeved turtleneck and her stretchy black pants. Dolefully looking in the mirror, she instantly likened her appearance to the Rock wearing a black turtleneck and chain, particularly as her hair was pulled back into a low bun.

    ¡°Respectfully,¡± Clare¡¯s voice called from Lila¡¯s doorway, ¡°you look like you¡¯re about to rob a joint.¡±

    Lila rigidly turned to Clare, her face stuck in a wobbling half-smile. ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Lila replied, her nerves poking through her words. ¡°Love that for me.¡±

    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to change?¡± Clare asked, smirking.

    Lila shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s comfortable. I¡¯m just hanging out at Asher¡¯s today, anyway.¡±

    Clare wrinkled her nose disdainfully before sighing in defeat. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go if you¡¯re ready, then.¡±

    They arrived at Asher¡¯s at around 8.15am, with Clare quickly zooming away without looking back at Lila after she stumbled out of the car. Though slightly unusual, Clare had mentioned that she would be out today with Alex, so she was probably eager to get ready for that.

    ¡®Sorry, sis,¡¯ Lila thought to herself as she watched Clare go. ¡®Hope I didn¡¯t make you late¡­ and I¡¯m sorry for what I¡¯m about to do today.¡¯

    Of course, Lila would never tell Clare about today¡¯s activities, but somehow saying sorry in her mind helped relieve some of the guilt she¡¯d been harbouring. She turned back towards Asher¡¯s driveway and almost jumped out of her skin at the appearance of Asher standing behind her, also dressed in all back, his face pulling into a nervous grimace.

    ¡°Jesus, you scared me,¡± Lila said faintly, pressing a hand to her chest.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, dropping the grimace entirely. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you didn¡¯t hear me.¡±

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve practiced sneaking around well,¡± Lila tried to sound joking but wasn¡¯t sure it landed. He gave a heavy sigh before turning towards the house.

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t left for her shift yet,¡± he said simply as they traversed the pathway. ¡°So, we just sit and wait upstairs, I guess.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d you tell Gabriel that we were doing today?¡±

    ¡°Going for a walk to the shopping district. He¡¯d mentioned it a while ago, that that was where Marlene was working, remember? So, he was pretty happy with that.¡±

    Lila carefully took her shoes off and placed them in their usual spot, her palms sweaty despite the winter chill. Gabriel was bustling about in the kitchen, as he normally did, and looked up with a beam as they approached.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± Gabriel gleefully chirped. ¡°I¡¯m glad you made it. I¡¯ll be starting the lamb shortly.¡±

    ¡°Sounds great,¡± Lila smiled back. ¡°Can¡¯t wait to eat it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to,¡± Gabriel chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t rush slow-cooked perfection. Lunch will be at about 2 today.¡±

    He waved both Asher and Lila away, gesturing towards the stairs before turning back around and heading into the butler¡¯s pantry. Asher opened the door to the rumpus room for Lila and she stepped inside. The lingering effects of their last conversation spiked Lila¡¯s heart rate for just a moment ¨C she didn¡¯t let her anxiety creep in, however, and strolled towards her usual spot on the couch, putting her tote bag down with a small thump.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna check if Marlene¡¯s started to make her way out,¡± Asher said as he crossed the room to his bedroom. She heard him fiddle with the blinds and he quickly returned, checking his phone.

    ¡°It might be better if we hang around in my room,¡± he said lightly, his face extraordinarily pale. ¡°Don¡¯t have to worry about missing her departure that way.¡±

    ¡°Do you think we should wait to go in after she¡¯s definitely clocked on?¡± Lila queried, slowly standing up.

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Asher replied simply, scratching at his left wrist. ¡°We¡¯ll figure it out once she goes, I think.¡±

    Lila could hardly comprehend his response as she stared through the open doorway to his room. The thought of being in there again, now that they had confessed their feelings for each other, was pressing down on her, causing her heart to beat with a fervour she hadn¡¯t felt before.

    ¡®Whoa,¡¯ she thought to herself, taking a deep breath. ¡®Nothing¡¯s going to happen. And you don¡¯t want anything to happen anyway. Not while we¡¯re like this.¡¯

    The reminder seemed to work well enough to steady her as she followed Asher into his room. He hadn¡¯t seemed to have noticed her plight as he fiddled with the blinds again, peering out his window. Lila stood awkwardly in his room, unsure of what to do, where to sit, or what she could look at.

    ¡°You can sit at my desk, you know,¡± Asher said softly, turning his head to look at her. ¡°I don¡¯t bite.¡±

    ¡°I know you don¡¯t,¡± Lila replied, taking his suggestion. ¡°Just¡­ a little nervous.¡±

    He looked at her for a moment before giving her a small smile. ¡°Same.¡±

    Lila had the distinct impression that their nervousness was about entirely different things, but turned her attention to the window instead of commenting. Asher began to pace, his hands on his hips. He muttered under his breath to himself, and, from the snippets that Lila could catch, it sounded as though he was running through the list of supplies.

    They remained like this for a few minutes, Asher¡¯s muttering increasing in intensity.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila finally said gently. ¡°Have you told Gabriel?¡±

    He immediately stopped his pacing and stared at Lila.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± he asked, before his eyes widened in apparent understanding. ¡°Oh. About us? Not yet. I¡­ wanted to get today out of the way first.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°You should probably think about talking to him at some point though. If you¡¯re needing to, that is.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher replied through gritted teeth. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Take your time.¡±

    ¡°Now that makes me feel guilty.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t mean to.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    He exhaled heavily, and Lila could see his hands trembling. He seemed to have noticed that she saw this as he crossed his arms, tucking his hands away.

    ¡°You okay?¡± she asked, tilting her head quizzically.

    ¡°Peachy,¡± he said bluntly, his eyes narrowed and looking at the edge of his desk instead of at her.

    ¡°You¡¯re a bad liar,¡± Lila responded shortly.

    ¡°I know. But¡­ if I talk about it now, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be productive today.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I trust your judgement.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Lila sighed again before pressing her lips together firmly. If she continued admonishing him, they¡¯d get stuck in an apology spiral.

    She checked her phone ¨C it was 8.25am now. Waiting for Marlene to leave was certainly grating on her, with the next five minutes feeling more like five hours. Asher still seemed rather agitated, checking his phone almost constantly, but at least he wasn¡¯t pacing or talking to himself anymore.

    He peeped through the blinds after their five minutes was up and gestured at Lila to take a look. Sure enough, there was Marlene, her hoodie obscuring her face and hands in her pockets.

    ¡°Glad she¡¯s on shift,¡± Lila said absently as they continued to watch her walk down the driveway and towards the shopping district.

    ¡°It would¡¯ve put a dent in our plans if she wasn¡¯t,¡± Asher agreed before stepping back and sitting on his bed.

    ¡°When are we going down?¡± Lila asked, the nerves bubbling up within her stomach again. Now that Marlene was gone, the chance was upon them. But were they ready?

    Asher¡¯s eyes met hers, a faint blush colouring his cheeks. He looked down at his lap before answering. ¡°Earlier the better, I think. We don¡¯t know how long we¡¯ll be in there, at least. If we get in.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t think we¡¯ll get in?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Healthy scepticism. Haven¡¯t tried these doors.¡±

    ¡°Well, you haven¡¯t yet met a door you couldn¡¯t open. Three outta three is 100%, after all.¡±

    Asher chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t argue with stellar maths like that.¡±

    ¡°I try,¡± Lila grinned, her nerves settling with the sound of his amusement. The fact that she could even make him laugh in the circumstances¡­ that was encouraging, at least.

    ¡°Let me set up our kit,¡± he said after a brief pause. ¡°Then we can go.¡±

    ¡°Do you need a hand?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head before moving across to a duffel bag sitting in the back corner of his room. ¡°I¡¯ll be right.¡±

    Lila watched as he pulled out bundles of rope, disposable cameras, film, gloves, magnifying glasses, flashlights, duct tape, a pair of scissors, a screwdriver, microfibre cloths, and wet wipes. He repacked the bag twice, looking satisfied as he counted everything in the bag. The look of satisfaction wore away, however, as it apparently dawned on him that he now needed to use these things. Or, at least, that¡¯s what Lila assumed, as the realisation had entered her own consciousness and her face took a serious appearance.

    ¡°Lockpicks?¡± Lila queried as he zipped up the bag with shaking hands.

    ¡°In my pocket,¡± he replied, taking a gulping breath. He pulled them out and put them away again just as quickly.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said in a low voice. ¡°If¡­ that¡¯s everything, then let¡¯s go.¡±

    Neither of them moved.

    ¡°¡­ we can do this, right?¡± Asher whispered, his eyes as round and large as golf balls, his face draining of all colour. ¡°And we won¡¯t get caught, right? And¡­ we¡¯ll be closer to finding my Mum, right?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes fluttered shut for a moment as she racked her brain to find an appropriate answer. Truthfully, she didn¡¯t have a shred of certainty regarding any of his questions ¨C not even whether they¡¯d be closer to finding Tabitha. With an exhale, she opened her eyes again and said, ¡°We won¡¯t know until we try.¡±

    He slung the bag over his shoulder, gripping the strap tightly in his hands. ¡°We won¡¯t,¡± he repeated, his brow furrowed.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Lila said lightly, a rueful smile gracing her lips, ¡°it¡¯s not the first illegal thing we¡¯ve done together.¡±

    He looked at her sharply, his eyes suddenly intense ¨C as though he¡¯d broken through some kind of fog and was really seeing her before him. ¡°You¡¯re right. We¡¯re doing this together. You¡¯ve been with me this whole time.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied assertively. ¡°You¡¯re not alone, Asher. Let¡¯s go, for real this time.¡±

    Swallowing audibly, Asher nodded and left his room, Lila following close behind. She closed the door and they exited the rumpus room, looking instinctively towards where Marlene would usually be, washing basket in hand. Of course, she wasn¡¯t there now, and Lila could breathe a little easier.

    The scent of cooking, a mingling of indeterminate spices and lamb, wafted to their noses as they descended the stairs as silently as they could. Gabriel wasn¡¯t in sight, and Lila could hear humming floating through the tiny gap in the butler¡¯s pantry door.

    ¡°Do we at least tell him we¡¯re leaving?¡± Lila whispered uncertainly to Asher, glancing at him. He appeared to ponder this for a second before calling out to Gabriel. The humming immediately stopped and Gabriel burst out of the butler¡¯s pantry.

    ¡°Have fun, you two,¡± Gabriel said genially, a smile brightening his face. ¡°Lunch will be on at 2, so I expect you both back here by then.¡±

    Lila and Asher exchanged a look before Asher quickly assured Gabriel that they¡¯d be back by then. So¡­ they had a time limit now. Though, of course, how Gabriel would have them adhere to that return time, Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure. Would he go looking for them? Or just be endlessly disappointed if they didn¡¯t come back in time?

    Asher nudged Lila gently and gestured towards the front door.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you there,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°I¡¯ll just grab my shoes from the garage.¡±

    Lila put her shoes back on by the front doors, ensuring she had everything she needed. By the time Asher reappeared, she was ready to go. He punched the security code into the system and they stepped out into the crisp winter air. A shiver passed right through Lila¡¯s spine and she hugged herself tightly, bracing herself from the wind¡¯s cold touch.

    ¡°Do you need a jumper?¡± Asher asked, leading the way towards the worker¡¯s cottage.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila replied stoutly. ¡°It¡¯s just this wind. Once I¡¯m inside, I probably won¡¯t even notice that it¡¯s winter.¡±

    Asher glanced at her, doubt clearly shining through his eyes. ¡°Alright,¡± he finally acquiesced. ¡°Just say the word and I can run and grab a jumper for you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the offer. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯m starting to hate the word ¡®fine¡¯ when it comes from you.¡±

    Lila stopped dead in her tracks, staring at Asher, her mouth falling open in shock. ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher murmured, opening the side gate for Lila. ¡°Hate¡¯s a strong word. I¡­ just¡­ dislike it, a lot. You said I¡¯m a bad liar. Well¡­ you are too. When it comes to trying to conceal that you¡¯re bothered by something, or that something is actively not-fine, I guess.¡±

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°¡­ sorry,¡± Lila said despondently.

    Asher clipped the wooden, white-washed side gate closed and brushed past Lila, his warmth lingering across her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to make you feel bad,¡± Asher clarified. ¡°I just¡­ would like it if you were a smidge more honest. But¡­ I don¡¯t want to force you, either.¡±

    She cringed as she remembered Grace calling her out on exactly this, back when the rumours had spiked after Connor and Asher had the rather one-sided standoff in PE in Term One.

    Thinking back on it, Lila supposed that it was a habit that she¡¯d picked up, being the amenable middle child, but¡­ of course, Asher was completely correct. Lila silently continued to process Asher¡¯s words as they approached the quaint cottage in the back of Asher¡¯s expansive yard. The cottage itself was single-storey and incredibly wide ¨C evidently to accommodate two workers with separate living quarters. With sloping roofs and a mock chimney, it looked straight from a fairytale, albeit clearly modernised with its crisp paint job and TV antennas. By itself, surrounded by green lawns, it looked picturesque, but was distinctly out of place when compared to the modern mansion which housed Asher and his family in the distance.

    Lila cast a look around the rest of the yard and saw a pool that currently had a cover on it, beautifully sculpted gardens, a gazebo, and an entertainment area complete with a fire pit embedded into the ground. Running parallel to the worker¡¯s cottage looked to be a secluded cobblestone road. It was connected to the cottage via walkways that Lila could see.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± Lila whispered in awe as she soaked in the layout of the area. ¡°Is that a second road?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, seeming surprised by the question. ¡°It¡¯s actually kinda like we¡¯re on an island. It¡¯s the old farmhouse road. I don¡¯t actually know where it leads to since it¡¯s not used very much. Probably wouldn¡¯t know it was there if you knew it existed.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Lila remarked. ¡°Quaint. Seems like a good place for a walk. Maybe after this whole ordeal is over ¨C then we can find out where it leads. Do you guys share those?¡± She gestured vaguely at the entertainment area, gazebo, and pool. Asher nodded.

    ¡°Yeah. When we wanna use them, we take precedence, of course, but they¡¯re more than welcome to use it when no one else is,¡± he said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°Now I wanna work here,¡± Lila joked.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t make you work here,¡± Asher replied automatically. ¡°You could just live here.¡±

    A beat passed before Asher¡¯s face shone bright red and he immediately looked flustered. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± he said desperately, waving his hands wildly.

    ¡°Forgotten about immediately,¡± Lila said feebly, though, of course, it was a lie. Now that he¡¯d said that, that was all she could think about for the moment. Live¡­ with Asher?

    ¡°We¡¯re getting close now,¡± Asher said pointedly, clearing his throat. He opened the duffle bag and pulled out the duct tape and scissors. ¡°I know where the cameras out here are, at least, so give me a minute.¡±

    He passed the bag to Lila and snipped pieces of the duct tape off, placing a strip on each of his fingers. Lila watched as he crept around the outside of the cottage, delicately sticking the duct tape here and there ¨C presumably on remarkably hidden cameras, to block out what could be seen. He returned a minute or so later, slightly out of breath.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he whispered, stowing away the duct tape and scissors. ¡°No turning back now.¡±

    ¡°No turning back now,¡± Lila agreed.

    ¡°Is that too heavy for you?¡± he asked, pointing at the duffle bag. She looked down at it and shook her head.

    ¡°Nah. All good.¡±

    ¡°Righto. You can put it down near the door if you need a break. Follow me.¡±

    They quietly snuck around the right side of the cottage. From Lila¡¯s recollection, this was Marlene¡¯s side.

    ¡°It looks a bit out of place, next to your house,¡± Lila said quietly as Asher crouched in front of the door handle, armed with his lockpicks.

    ¡°It was the original dwelling. That¡¯s why we¡¯ve got that janky road,¡± Asher explained absently, selecting his tools and looking intently at the lock. ¡°This¡­ is definitely going to be complex,¡± he muttered after a few seconds, adjusting his posture. ¡°It¡¯s a much older lock than what I¡¯ve researched.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense, if this was the original dwelling,¡± Lila replied, inspecting the lock herself. It certainly didn¡¯t look as modern as the ones they¡¯d been practicing on.

    ¡°Should¡­ be fine, though,¡± Asher said uncertainly, inserting his pick and tension wrench into it. Lila looked around to ensure no one was watching them, including via any of the CCTV cameras. All of the cameras she could spot in the vicinity were seemingly covered by duct tape, however, so she presumed they¡¯d be safe for now.

    ¡°Good thing about door locks,¡± Asher said through gritted teeth after a few moments of concentrated, deliberate movements, ¡°is that they haven¡¯t really changed all too much over the years.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s good,¡± Lila replied optimistically. ¡°Hopefully you¡¯ll get it open, then.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Asher responded confidently, a grin creeping on his face now. ¡°I can feel it.¡±

    The return of Asher¡¯s confidence allayed Lila¡¯s concerns, and she watched as he pressed his ear to the door before coming back and turning his instruments. Then, he beamed up at Lila.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila heard a small click and he swung the door open with a heavy-handed push. It was dark in here, with vague shapes of furniture coming through the gloom.

    ¡°You¡¯re getting a bit too good at that,¡± Lila joked before peering into the darkness. ¡°Bit creepy,¡± she added quietly.

    Asher didn¡¯t say anything and instead took out his torch, flicked it on, and cast it about the entranceway. From what Lila could tell, it was at least very orderly in here.

    ¡°You¡¯ve never been in here?¡± Lila questioned as Asher continued to inspect the cottage. For what, Lila wasn¡¯t too sure.

    ¡°Never,¡± Asher confirmed, clicking his torch off. ¡°There¡¯s a couple cameras in here. We¡¯ll need some more duct tape.¡±

    Immediately, Lila pulled the tape and scissors out of the duffle bag, stretching out a length for Asher to cut. He cut some pieces off, sticking them to his left hand.

    ¡°Might be better if you wait out here,¡± he whispered to Lila. ¡°Keep an eye out.¡±

    Lila made an affirmative noise and Asher tentatively entered, torch now on again. The door gently closed behind him and Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat. She was now out here, alone, dressed in all black, with a duffle bag of very suspicious items. She tried to think of a plausible explanation for all this, but her brain short-circuited ¨C she could only think of how many pieces of tape Asher had, and how she¡¯d get in if the door had locked automatically.

    In a matter of minutes, though, Asher returned, a satisfied smirk across his face, his body blocking the door from closing fully.

    ¡°Reckon I got ¡®em all,¡± he said proudly, gesturing for Lila to come through. ¡°Would you like to check?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll check,¡± Lila replied automatically. ¡°Uh¡­ what am I checking?¡±

    ¡°Shine the torch around,¡± Asher explained patiently. ¡°You¡¯ll be able to see if there¡¯s cameras. They¡¯ll have a reflection in most cases, and if not, it should be big enough for you to see.¡±

    Asher opened the door for her and she tentatively crept through, shining her torch high and low. Asher also did so, and neither seemed to find any unobscured cameras.

    ¡°Good job,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Can we turn on the lights now?¡±

    Asher flicked them on, the sudden brightness causing Lila to wince.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said sheepishly, blinking rapidly. ¡°Didn¡¯t realise it¡¯d be so bright.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± Lila replied, wiping her watering eyes on her sleeve. Her eyes adjusted to the brightness quickly, and she found herself in a small living space that included a modest kitchen, an average-sized TV, and a couch set. Along the headrest of the couch was a flowery throw blanket.

    The wallpaper plastered along the walls was an explosion of vintage flowers, with hooped embroidery hanging here and there. A heavy-set chest of drawers sat along one wall, upon which were a variety of interesting knick-knacks, including a Galileo thermometer, an old bronze mantel clock, and an assortment of ceramic cows and ducks.

    Upon the hardwood coffee table looked to be a set up for flower pressing and a half-finished embroidery project propped up on a stand. A desktop magnifier lamp was poised in exactly the perfect position for someone to look through and work on the embroidery simultaneously.

    ¡°¡­ is¡­ she 84?¡± Lila asked in a low voice as she continued to inspect the living area.

    ¡°Feels like it,¡± Asher murmured, crossing to the left-most wall. It looked to be collapsible at a moment¡¯s notice like an accordion. He pressed a hand against it for a moment, as though to test the sturdiness.

    ¡°Seems like they¡¯ve locked it properly,¡± he observed after a moment. ¡°Probably unlikely that Gabriel would try and come in here while we¡¯re searching.¡±

    Lila was about to agree with Asher when she remembered the disposable cameras.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take some pictures,¡± she suggested, pulling them out of the bag still on her shoulder.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t look very suspicious here, though,¡± Asher said doubtfully. ¡°I mean¡­ it seems like we¡¯re invading her privacy enough just by being here.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just in case,¡± Lila insisted, waving a camera at Asher. ¡°I know we were able to get in here once, but I¡¯m highly doubting a repeat success, considering Marlene locked the study after we were in there the first time.¡±

    Asher begrudgingly took the camera from Lila¡¯s hand. ¡°Any ideas what we¡¯re taking pictures of, then?¡± he asked, looking through the lens.

    ¡°None,¡± Lila confessed. ¡°Just¡­ everything, I guess. Maybe it¡¯ll become relevant later.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ but all I¡¯m seeing is a woman who really likes ducks¡­¡± Asher trailed off, casting a glance around the room. Lila followed his eyes and saw even more statues of ducks sitting in the kitchen in various spots.

    ¡°At least they¡¯re cute ducks,¡± Lila replied, taking a picture of the coffee table. Aside from the questionable hobbies of a 30-year-old woman, this area seemed incredibly tidy ¨C almost eerily so. Though Lila herself preferred a tidy living space, she couldn¡¯t even see dust gathering on Marlene¡¯s furniture. Even the flower press and embroidery upon the coffee table were laid precisely ¨C as though they were more for decoration than actual use. In fact, Lila couldn¡¯t even see any needles, threads, or books alongside these items.

    ¡®Odd¡­¡¯ Lila thought absently, taking another photo from a different angle, then a close-up of the press and the half-finished embroidery. It looked like a flower of some sort, though Lila couldn¡¯t tell what type.

    ¡°Even her books are old,¡± Asher said from the back corner, crouching before a half-sized bookshelf, seemingly built of similar wood to the coffee table. ¡°Like¡­ fraying, faded hardcover-kinda old. And all about romance. But like¡­ old romance. There¡¯s some by the Bront? sisters, some Jane Austen, few others. Classics.¡±

    ¡°I would say I¡¯m surprised you know those authors, and that they¡¯re classics based on the titles alone, but that¡¯d be a lie,¡± Lila responded, taking a photo of the kitchen. She took a close-up of one particularly cute duck sculpture, more for herself than for the investigation. Asher snorted, taking pictures of the bookshelf. They continued doing this in silence before Asher turned to Lila, seeming satisfied.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve taken as many pictures as I could,¡± he announced, stretching his arms. ¡°According to the floorplan, there¡¯s a bathroom and two rooms down this hallway here.¡±

    ¡°Guess we should look, then.¡±

    Lila began to go down the hallway behind Asher before doubling back.

    ¡°I¡­ know not everyone likes gaming,¡± Lila said tentatively, looking back at the TV set. ¡°But I feel like it¡¯s weird that someone born in the 90s doesn¡¯t even have an entertainment console or, like, a casting device like Apple TV or something. Like, what does she use to watch things?¡±

    Asher shrugged, continuing down the hallway. ¡°Must be a Smart TV if she doesn¡¯t have a console. Like you said, not everyone likes gaming.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips together briefly before following Asher. He glanced behind him, smiling at her, before opening the first door.

    ¡°Bathroom,¡± he declared, taking a quick peek. ¡°Ducks! Again!¡±

    Lila peeked in herself. The bathroom looked to have a combination bath and shower set up along the back wall, hidden behind a pale blue shower curtain. A large mirror was along the left wall, underneath which were old-style drawers and cupboards. Right by the sink were yet even more duck statues ¨C about four or five. The style of the sink¡¯s brass tapware seemed like it hadn¡¯t been renovated from the first iteration of this house. The walls were covered in small, light-pink tiles and the grouting seemed to be missing in some areas. Fluffy white towels were hung on the right side, above which sat yet more framed needlework ¨C this time of a farm which must¡¯ve taken ages to complete. A plastic, rectangular container sat near the towels ¨C Lila guessed it stored more linen. Again, this room looked otherwise immaculate when one discounted the duck statues. A small door was on the right wall, and Asher poked his head in.

    ¡°Toilet. With more ducks sitting on top,¡± he smirked. ¡°Do you want a picture?¡±

    ¡°May as well,¡± Lila sighed, taking a picture of the bathroom.

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s a sheep, too,¡± Asher commented, the telltale sound of the shutter echoing from the toilet. ¡°Feels like I should be saying a shoop, or something. Sheep just sounds inherently plural.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re thinking of geese,¡± Lila laughed, taking a more detailed photo of the counter space near the sink. She briefly wondered if Marlene wore makeup ¨C and if so, why was it hidden away? The counter was entirely clear besides the ducks, hand soap, and a porcelain caddy with a toothbrush and toothpaste tube in it. Frowning, Lila took another picture as she tried to remember whether she had seen Marlene wearing makeup. Though, at the same time, would she need to while working somewhat laborious jobs such as being a maid and barista?

    They moved on to the next room, which looked to be a bedroom. This was, once more, insanely neat. Of course, a variety of animal statues were scattered artfully on assorted shelves, the windowsill, and a small wooden dresser. The single-sized bed was made up with bedcovers featuring yet more flowers, and there was a crystal vase of fresh geraniums sitting on a side table. On the other side table was a traditional-looking alarm clock and a phone charger. Asher looked intently through the shelves, taking pictures as he went, and Lila headed over to the closet.

    Opening it up revealed an array of various clothes, including many pairs of black tops and pants, a couple of hoodies, and some brightly coloured dresses that Lila had never seen Marlene wear. Flicking through these, it seemed that Marlene had nice taste in clothing, at least, though Lila had been tentatively expecting a milkmaid outfit, given the country vibes of the rest of the cottage.

    One dress slipped off the hanger and fell to the floor. Lila bent to pick it up and paused. Something was poking out of the bottom of the closet, underneath some shoe boxes. It looked like some kind of cloth.

    She tugged on it, and the shoe boxes toppled over immediately.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher called over his shoulder. Lila glanced at him and saw him holding a pig statue aloft.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila replied, turning her attention back to the cloth. She pulled it even more, given the shoe boxes had already fallen over, and dropped it immediately.

    ¡°A-Actually,¡± Lila gulped, shuffling back. ¡°N-No longer good. At all.¡±

    Asher was instantly by her side, his eyes falling onto what she had pulled out.

    ¡°Jesus,¡± he whispered, taking his camera out. He snapped a picture before gingerly picking it up. ¡°This t-shirt has been through the wringer,¡± he said, inspecting it closely. The t-shirt had clearly originally been white but was now soiled almost entirely in stains that looked remarkably like dried blood.

    ¡°Is that the Uni student¡¯s?¡± Lila whispered, her voice trembling. Her breathing quickened ¨C hyperventilation impending.

    ¡°Might be,¡± Asher replied, lowering it back down to the floor.

    ¡°Well don¡¯t keep touching it!¡± Lila¡¯s voice came out in a strangled whisper.

    He took a deep breath before looking down at Lila. ¡°Let¡¯s just¡­ put it back.¡±

    Lila complied with shaking hands, arranging the shoe boxes as best as she could remember. Given she was virtually a pro at doing this, what with her borrowing of Clare¡¯s shoes and clothes over the years, she was pretty sure Marlene wouldn¡¯t notice.

    Lila tried not to think about the shirt as she looked through Marlene¡¯s closet again, replacing the dress that had fallen off onto an empty hanger. There was nothing else of interest, which relieved Lila. If there were more bloodstained clothes in here, she would probably throw up.

    Spinning around, she saw Asher fussing about the dresser.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila asked, hoping he wouldn¡¯t mention the shirt.

    ¡°There¡¯s a lock on this,¡± he said exasperatedly. ¡°Trying to see if I can just jostle it open, but it¡¯s not working. Looks like I¡¯ll have to pick it open.¡±

    ¡°Need a hand?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Can you just hold it in place? One of the legs is funny. Wants to keep falling over.¡±

    Lila did just that as Asher selected his lockpicking tools and started to get to work. It didn¡¯t take longer than two minutes for a satisfying click to ring out.

    ¡°Reckon that¡¯s it,¡± he beamed. Lila let go and Asher pulled out the top drawer. With a victory whoop, he began rifling through the dresser. From this angle, he looked slightly frazzled despite his victory. Lila figured he was probably trying to do what Lila was doing ¨C forgetting about the shirt for now.

    ¡°Anything interesting?¡± Lila asked absently, crossing the room to the closest side table. She took more pictures whilst waiting for Asher¡¯s response.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± he sighed. ¡°Top drawer is literally just bills. Second drawer is¡­ a drawer I closed immediately.¡±

    Lila shot him a look and his face was pink with clear embarrassment. ¡°Underwear?¡±

    ¡°¡­ and other things,¡± Asher replied with a cough. Lila didn¡¯t want him to elaborate as she shuddered, opening the side table. Inside was a Better Homes and Gardens magazine, along with a Coles catalogue and an Aldi catalogue. They seemed to be in date.

    Lila moved around the bed to open the other side drawer and almost stumbled over something. She caught herself by gripping the edge of the bed and looked down. She immediately jumped back.

    ¡°A¡­ bowl of cat food?¡± she wondered aloud.

    ¡°A bowl of what?¡± Asher asked, ceasing his rifling immediately.

    ¡°Cat food,¡± Lila replied, just as perplexed. Repeating it didn¡¯t give her any more answers. Though, the container in the bathroom made more sense now ¨C it was probably a litterbox.

    ¡°How do you know that it¡¯s cat food?¡± he asked, looking at her curiously.

    ¡°I thought it was dog food at first, but this bowl is really too small for that,¡± Lila explained. ¡°Plus, the bowl has ¡®Cat¡¯ in big letters on it.¡±

    ¡°She¡­ could have that sense of humour. You know, like when they call tall guys ¡®Tiny¡¯. After all, Marlene doesn¡¯t have a cat,¡± Asher said dismissively, coming over to see what Lila was seeing. ¡°That¡¯s something they would¡¯ve told me. Besides, she told me she was allergic to cats.¡±

    He stopped dead in his tracks, gazing down at the bowl. ¡°I say that¡­ but that¡¯s definitely pet food at least,¡± Asher admitted faintly.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s cat-sitting?¡± Lila offered as they both continued to stare at the bowl. That seemed to stir Asher¡¯s mind as he blinked at Lila.

    ¡°Wh- Oh. Yeah. That¡¯s probably it.¡±

    Lila snapped a picture of the bowl and the side table, and Asher took this as his cue to sidle out towards the shelves again.

    ¡°Hang on,¡± he muttered, squatting down. ¡°This wasn¡¯t here before.¡±

    Lila uneasily turned to face Asher as he reached towards the shelf. Then, he shrieked, falling back onto his butt. A blur of tortoiseshell-coloured fur darted out of the open door, too fast for Lila to register what it actually was.

    ¡°The bastard scratched me!¡±

    Lila hurried over to Asher, looking over him in concern. He seemed to be nursing his left hand.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Lila queried, kneeling next to him. She gently took his left hand in hers. There were three raised scratch marks running down the back of his hand. None of them looked to be bleeding at least.

    ¡°I thought it was a statue,¡± he replied, frowning. ¡°But I didn¡¯t remember seeing it when I looked at the shelf before. So I tried to pick it up and it scratched me and ran away.¡±

    Lila tutted as she gingerly pressed on the marks. Asher flinched slightly but didn¡¯t otherwise object.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ll need a Band-Aid or anything like that,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°Did you want to sanitize it at least?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯ll be right,¡± Asher replied simply. His fingers twitched slightly in her grasp. A beat passed before he added, ¡°¡­ uh, your hands are¡­ really soft.¡±

    Lila instantly dropped his hand, her face bright red. ¡°S-Sorry. I just grabbed it without asking.¡±

    Asher shook his head, though Lila saw that his face was also red. ¡°You¡¯re good. The¡­¡± he coughed slightly, his face showing that he was focused on finding the right words. ¡°The fact you kinda did that automatically¡­ um¡­ I don¡¯t know what I¡¯m trying to say. But¡­ thanks.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t meet his eyes, instead electing to stand up again. ¡°I-I¡¯m glad you¡¯re okay,¡± she said quietly before moving to the window along the back wall. She pushed aside the blinds and saw that the window looked into the pool. She took a picture of the view, her face still burning.

    She thought she heard him sigh heavily behind her, but didn¡¯t want to check. There was nothing else of note in the room, which also struck Lila as odd. Just how simply did Marlene live? If Lila hadn¡¯t been feeling unsettled before, she certainly was now.

    ¡°Is that everything?¡± Lila enquired, checking out the room one last time before looking at Asher.

    ¡°I think so,¡± he said absently. ¡°Only one room that we haven¡¯t seen yet.¡±

    They left the bedroom, with Lila closing the door behind her. The cat was nowhere in sight, but Lila had only half-heartedly looked for it.

    The lack of lighting down the hallway was incredibly apparent by the time they reached the door at the end of the hall. Asher exchanged an apprehensive look with Lila ¨C as though, perhaps, he didn¡¯t want to open said door ¨C before twisting the doorknob.

 Chapter Eighty-Two

    Chapter Eighty-Two

    It didn¡¯t give.

    Asher twisted the doorknob again, pushing against the door with his shoulder.

    ¡°Is it locked?¡± Lila queried, craning her neck to try and see if there was a keyhole in the doorknob.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think the interior doors had locks,¡± Asher replied swiftly before crouching down and peering at it. ¡°Although¡­ this one seems to.¡±

    With a reluctant sigh, he pulled out his lockpicking kit.

    ¡°I really am getting too used to this,¡± Asher said quietly, tension wrench and pick in hand. ¡°Breaking and entering into places with you wasn¡¯t on my bingo cards for this year.¡±

    ¡°Glad you qualified that one as being ¡®with me¡¯ specifically,¡± Lila teased as she watched him insert the tools into the keyhole.

    ¡°What can I say,¡± Asher replied with an easy-going grin, ¡°with Mum going missing last year, my bingo cards only had room for solo tasks.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ really weren¡¯t going to tell anyone, were you?¡± Lila questioned quietly. He stopped moving his tools and looked up at her with a sigh.

    ¡°Not if I could help it, no. Maybe I would¡¯ve broken down and told Isaac, but definitely not as early as February.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you told me.¡±

    ¡°Even though it¡¯s been crazy as hell since then?¡± He paused, giving Lila a brief sideways glance before mumbling, ¡°Even though it meant hanging out with me?¡±

    Lila crossed her arms, frowning so deeply that she wasn¡¯t sure her face would reset. ¡°I don¡¯t regret a single second with you. Even before I figured out I liked you in that way, and even when I got rejected-¡± he winced but she continued, not even stopping for breath, ¡°-if I got the option to do this year over and have a different English partner, I¡¯d pick ¡®no¡¯ every time. Heck, even Piper¡¯s stalking and bullying me isn¡¯t something I¡¯d erase because it¡­ brought us closer together. At least, it strengthened my resolve anyway. It would¡¯ve been easy for me to just back out of the investigation, rescind my assistance, and all that. But I chose to keep going, against some batshit psycho girl who tried everything to get me to back off. And because of that, I got to know a side of you I¡¯d never seen before. Well, a few sides. A-And I f-fell for all of them¡­¡± Lila trailed off, suddenly aware that she¡¯d spoken far too long, and said far too much. She wanted to snatch her words out of the air and shove them back in her mouth, but it was too late, of course.

    Asher stared at her, his mouth agape, for a few moments. Then, the tension wrench fell out of the keyhole and onto his leg, startling him. His face turned pink again as he clumsily picked it up.

    ¡°Wow,¡± he said simply, inserting it back into the keyhole. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know what to say to that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I could handle another rejection.¡±

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°Only joking. It¡¯s a shit joke. Sorry. I just suddenly feel very awkward now.¡±

    They both fell silent. Asher began to work on the lock before he sighed heavily and stopped again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t regret it, either. Even though it gave me very confusing feelings when I was with my ex. I¡­ I¡¯m glad you don¡¯t regret it. I have a few regrets from this year. But telling you is not one of them. I¡¯m glad I did, even if it was kinda an accident. It¡¯s been a rollercoaster of a year and the fact that you¡¯re riding it with me¡­ is something I¡¯d never thought possible, and I don¡¯t want to let it go.¡±

    He stared into the lock, inhaling deeply for a second. Lila could see that the tips of his ears were scarlet.

    ¡°One of my biggest regrets, of my entire life, is that I¡­¡± Asher whispered, bowing his head towards the door. ¡°I got fucked over by¡­ her. I¡¯m trying my best, but¡­¡± his voice cracked, as though he was about to burst into tears. Instead of that, he took a shaky breath and gripped his tools tightly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s break into this bitch,¡± he uttered, gritting his teeth and shuffling backwards just a touch. He tilted his head and looked at the lock from a different angle.

    Lila was glad that Asher changed the conversation topic from them to the task at hand. She was still incredibly embarrassed from her oversharing, and the fact that it wasn¡¯t going to lead to anything made her vulnerability even more painful. Though, the fact that Asher had said ¡®let¡¯s break into this bitch¡¯ was amusing enough to lightly lift the corners of her mouth.

    Surprisingly, Asher seemed to be battling incredibly with this lock. He wiped his brow before sitting fully on the floor. Ten minutes passed with no success and increased frustration on Asher¡¯s part.

    ¡°What do you think¡¯s up with it?¡± Lila asked, sitting down next to him. He shrugged.

    ¡°Beats me,¡± he said, his eyes narrowing sharply. ¡°I¡¯m gonna try another pick.¡±

    He did so and didn¡¯t seem to have any further luck with it. He swore under his breath as he selected yet another different pick.

    ¡°You swear a surprising amount,¡± Lila commented, realising only too late that she¡¯d said it out loud. He dropped his pick and looked at her with round, surprised eyes.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I just noticed it,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Not that it¡¯s a bad thing. Well, I dunno if it¡¯s a ¡®good¡¯ thing either.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s pretty Australian to swear a lot,¡± Asher countered, trying the lock again. ¡°But I guess I have been swearing more this year.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯ve got reason to,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I dunno, it just surprised me a little when I first heard you swear. Y¡¯know, being the good boy Dux and all that. Plus, Isaac doesn¡¯t swear much.¡±

    Asher turned his head and gazed at her face intently for a moment ¨C just long enough to make her blush again.

    ¡°Guess he doesn¡¯t. Didn¡¯t really notice, since we¡¯ve been friends forever. Maybe I should ask him about that,¡± he finally said simply, turning his attention yet again to the lock. ¡°I¡¯ll have to ask after I get this fucker open.¡±

    ¡°Feel like you just said that to be funny,¡± Lila chuckled. He winked at her, a half-smirk on his face.

    ¡°Caught me.¡±

    Lila gingerly picked up the lockpicking kit, almost as though it was an explosive. Asher¡¯s eyes tracked the kit¡¯s movements briefly before refocusing on the task at hand. Lila opened the kit and looked through the rest of the tools. None of them really struck her as being particularly useful (or useless) in the circumstances, but she figured that she may as well attempt to be helpful ¨C even if it was just to pass a new one over.

    After several more minutes, Asher sighed, cracking his neck.

    ¡°Time to get serious,¡± he muttered, changing his seated position so that he was as close as possible to the lock.

    ¡°¡­ if you want, I could give it a go,¡± Lila suggested quietly. He glanced at her before nodding.

    ¡°Let me just try for a little bit longer,¡± he said lightly. ¡°If I still can¡¯t get it, then it¡¯ll be all yours.¡±

    A great, echoing bang startled both Asher and Lila into standing immediately. Her heart leapt into her throat, strangling her and leaving her gasping. They both stared down the hallway, the ticking of the various clocks crawling down her spine. What was that?

    Then, a hum floated through the dividers. It was Gabriel.

    ¡°By the sounds of it, Gabriel¡¯s in his side,¡± Lila whispered to Asher, her body relaxing considerably.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher agreed, seeming relieved as his shoulders loosened up. ¡°That freaked me out.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila breathed, lowering herself back down to where she¡¯d been sitting. Asher followed suit, though he seemed unable to concentrate. It wasn¡¯t hard to imagine why ¨C Gabriel¡¯s humming had graduated into a belting wail as he clanged about on the other side of the divider. Just what the heck was he doing?

    As soon as Lila pondered the question, any sound from Gabriel¡¯s side of the house ceased. Lila shot Asher an uneasy look. Though the quiet was far more welcoming, what caused it?

    A beat passed. Then-

    ¡°Found ya!¡± Gabriel gleefully cried. ¡°Fantastic.¡±

    For a split second, Lila had the horrifying thought that Gabriel was talking about finding herself and Asher. But, as Gabriel still didn¡¯t appear in Marlene¡¯s side of the cottage, she reasoned that he must¡¯ve been looking for something that wasn¡¯t available in Asher¡¯s house.

    Gabriel began humming again, the sound becoming softer and softer before another bang shook the dividers.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably the front door,¡± Asher surmised in a whisper. ¡°But we should still be quiet. Just in case.¡±

    Lila nodded in agreement. She couldn¡¯t hear Gabriel anymore, but that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t hear them.

    With trembling hands, Asher continued his attempt to open the lock. Gabriel¡¯s interruption had seemingly flustered him, his hands remaining unsteady over the next couple of minutes. Gabriel¡¯s side of the worker¡¯s cottage remained silent the entire time. Finally, with a long-suffering sigh he removed the tools and passed them to Lila.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said shortly, scooting over so she had easy access to the troublesome lock in question. ¡°I can¡¯t figure out why I¡¯m having this much difficulty.¡±

    ¡°My current guess is that it¡¯s rusted,¡± Lila reasoned, shuffling towards it. ¡°Or you¡¯re just not doing a very good job.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Asher objected playfully. ¡°Of course I¡¯m doing a very good job. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t be in here, having this conversation.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¦,¡± Lila smirked, rolling up her sleeves. ¡°Let¡¯s see if an amateur like me can get it open.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve absorbed so much knowledge by now, I¡¯d hardly say you¡¯re an amateur.¡±

    ¡°Why thank you.¡±

    ¡°Anytime.¡±

    They both shared a chuckle as Lila put the tools inside the lock. Truthfully, she had no idea what to do except to try and mimic a key. She wiggled the tension wrench before settling on a particular angle. Lila visualised as best she could before giving up after half a minute.

    ¡°Oh, come on,¡± Asher teased. ¡°Where¡¯s your tenacity?¡±

    She gave him a flippant eye-roll before trying again.

    ¡°Watch me get this open,¡± she said jokingly.

    Perhaps her joking tone had been too soon ¨C there was a satisfying click within the mechanism. Lila and Asher stared at the lock before looking at each other and back again.

    ¡°Looks like I was doing a shit job,¡± Asher said hoarsely. Lila suppressed her snort and twisted the handle. It opened with a rusty creak, echoing through the hallway.

    ¡°What¡¯d you do that I didn¡¯t?¡± Asher asked anxiously, his eyes flickering towards the darkness beyond the doorway.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied earnestly. ¡°Seriously. I just waggled it.¡±

    ¡°You waggled it?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ waggled¡­ it? Is that not-¡±

    Asher burst into hearty laughter, interrupting her question.

    ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± he said through shallow breaths, a ripple of laughter carrying through. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t describe it as waggling. I would describe it more as a jiggle.¡±

    ¡°Welllll, I waggled it,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°That was probably what you were doing wrong.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, righto,¡± Asher smirked. They both laughed together for a moment before their attention turned back to the ajar door. The change back into seriousness nearly gave Lila whiplash as they exchanged a look.

    ¡°Ready?¡± she whispered tentatively. Asher grimly nodded before pushing the door open even further. He entered with another apprehensive look at Lila, the door groaning as it admitted him. Lila followed close behind.

    ¡°It¡¯s so dark in here,¡± Asher said in a low voice. ¡°Is it not daytime?¡±

    In response, Lila fumbled for her torch and it flickered on, shining a bright stream of light onto a desk. The whirring hum of a computer system only served to add to the unwelcome eeriness crawling across Lila¡¯s skin. Asher turned his torch on as well, casting it along the walls of the room. Lila watched him touch a switch, and the room was suddenly bathed in harsh, artificial light.

    Blinking rapidly, Lila¡¯s eyes adjusted quickly, the full contents of this room swimming into view.

    ¡°A¡­ study?¡± The words left Lila¡¯s lips as she processed what she was seeing.

    Along the back wall was a desk, not too dissimilar to the ones in Asher¡¯s study, atop which was a surprisingly modern desktop computer with two slim monitors. Both were black, but as Lila looked up above them, she saw three additional screens winking to life. It felt almost as though they were synced with the lights.

    With a sinking feeling, she saw herself and Asher appear on one of the screens. Each screen seemed to be split into nine rectangles, some of which looked hazy or were completely black. One of the rectangles showed a clear view of the kitchen in Marlene¡¯s side of the cottage, featuring a porcelain duck that Lila remembered inspecting closely. Other rectangles displayed various angles of the rooms they had already visited. Lila tried to think of where cameras could have been placed that would have escaped her notice¡­ but the feasibility of cameras being placed in the requisite spots was doubtful at best for some of them. She uneasily tapped Asher on the shoulder.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked, spinning around to see where she was pointing. His jaw dropped. ¡°But we covered everything,¡± he insisted meekly. ¡°What even is that angle?¡± He indicated to one in particular that showed a view of the coffee table and its contents. ¡°Like, are her projects that important to her?¡±

    ¡°I think we need to deal with the more immediate problem of her knowing that we¡¯ve been in her house,¡± Lila said feebly. ¡°Should we try and find those cameras?¡±

    ¡°And, what? Cover them up?¡± Asher asked, though not unkindly. He brought a finger to his chin contemplatively. ¡°I think that wouldn¡¯t change anything. We can try and delete footage, but I don¡¯t know if we¡¯d be able to get rid of everything.¡±

    ¡°Shit.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Lila fell silent, her mind racing. What could they do?

    ¡°We¡¯re here now,¡± she finally said, bringing Asher¡¯s attention back to her. ¡°We just have to gather as much as we can. Hope she doesn¡¯t say anything, but plan for her to.¡±

    Asher clenched his jaw, audibly inhaling. His expression looked resolute.

    ¡°Can¡¯t do anything else but that,¡± he said simply. ¡°Let¡¯s get to it.¡±

    The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.

    Lila wheeled around and began looking directly opposite the computer setup. To her surprise, she was confronted by an array of figurines from video games within two glass display cabinets. At least, that¡¯s what Lila thought ¨C they didn¡¯t look anime-esque, at least. There was also one shelf entirely dedicated to especially detailed or otherwise precious-looking animal statues ¨C mostly ducks, of course. Above the cabinets looked to be some artwork depicting fantasy landscapes, with fairy lights intermingled throughout.

    ¡°What¡¯re these?¡± Lila asked, gesturing to the human figurines. Asher looked around wildly before looking incredibly perplexed.

    ¡°Feel like some of those may be from WoW.¡±

    ¡°WoW?¡±

    ¡°World of Warcraft. I¡¯m not that familiar with it, but that¡¯s at least Sylvanas.¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d been wondering what she does with all her money,¡± Asher said drily, turning back to the computer. He began typing before adding, ¡°Turns out buying cat-ear headphones, figurines worth over $500, a wicked computer set up, and duck statues was the answer.¡±

    Lila stifled a giggle as her eyes looked over at the wall on the left beside the cabinets. There was a very large frame that looked to be housing a corkboard with a seam running through the middle. It was littered with photographs of various things ¨C at a glance, Lila could see plenty of ducks in lakes, a photo of Marlene with Asher, Gabriel, Asher¡¯s Dad, and a woman that Lila recognised as Tabitha and a few of a tortoiseshell-coloured cat lounging in various poses. Underneath one photo of the cat wearing a cable knit jumper was the words ¡®Mr Snugglebutt the Third in all his glory¡¯ scrawled on a note in purple marker. Smiling, Lila stepped forward to inspect the other photos.

    One looked very recent ¨C a Polaroid of Marlene at Beans & Biscuits with a couple coworkers, all grinning by the barista station. Written in permanent marker underneath was the writing ¡®Welcome Lena!¡¯. There were a couple more of Marlene with Asher¡¯s parents, Gabriel and Asher. One picture showed Marlene with just Tabitha, looking over at whoever took the photo with very serious expressions. It looked like someone drew wizard hats on both Marlene and Tabitha in permanent marker, though, so it mustn¡¯t have been that serious.

    There was a photo of a much younger, early-teens Marlene standing with a blonde lady, whose face was mostly hidden by massive sunglasses. Was this Marlene¡¯s Mum?

    There was something distinctly odd about the corkboard frame, now that Lila had absorbed the photos pinned to it. Sticking out of the bottom of the board looked to be two handles. As she reached for it, the room was alight with a bright pink colour.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher instantly apologised, and the light turned off. ¡°Looks like she¡¯s got some strip LED lights along the ceiling. Turned it on by accident.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± Lila replied automatically, turning back to the board. She tugged at the handles and it revealed an even more expansive board covered with pictures. Pictures of¡­ Piper?

    ¡°U-Uh,¡± Lila uttered hesitantly. ¡°W-Why¡¯s Piper-¡±

    Quick as a flash, Asher was already behind Lila¡¯s shoulder, staring wide-eyed at the board. It was absolutely littered with pictures and handwritten notes. One showed Piper unclipping a sock from a washing line, another showed Piper lurking outside Asher¡¯s house in a Forestglade College uniform, and yet another showed Piper standing casually across Asher¡¯s driveway in a Mulberry Heights uniform. One detailed Piper in a hoodie at the shopping centre, crouched around the corner of the board game store, tying her shoelaces, and yet another showed Piper walking behind a girl who looked distinctly like Holly.

    Lila¡¯s eyes just about fell out of her head as she touched one specific photo ¨C one where Piper was sitting at the bus stop right outside Lila¡¯s house. The next photo showed Piper looking up towards Lila¡¯s driveway, dressed in all black.

    ¡°What¡¯s Marlene doing with all these?¡± Asher whispered hoarsely, his eyes roving the entirety of the board. There was a note pinned underneath a school photo of Piper ¨C ¡®Piper Leigh Baker, b. 15 March 2007. Parents Kerry and Nigel Baker. No siblings.¡¯

    ¡°No idea,¡± Lila replied in a hushed voice. ¡°This¡­ is bizarre.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t look anymore,¡± Asher added with a shudder. ¡°I¡¯ll just be¡­ over here. By the computer.¡±

    He shuffled off in that direction and Lila glanced back at the photo wall. She began to close it when one last photo caught her eye. It was a photo showing the inside of a window of an unfamiliar house. She peered intently at it. It appeared that it featured a corkboard similar to this one on the wall, dotted with photos of someone who looked exactly like Asher.

    A rush of tingles overcame Lila¡¯s body and she slammed the corkboard shut. The photos on the front of the board fluttered, though none fell off. She hoped that it wasn¡¯t a picture of Piper¡¯s house, but given the context¡­

    Lila shot Asher a brief look, but he was otherwise occupied. He didn¡¯t seem to realise her gaze was fixed on him, at least. She was able to turn to look elsewhere but realised with sudden urgency that she should probably take a couple photos of the corkboard. She took some of the front and of the inside, chastising herself for almost forgetting to do the one thing that they were there to do.

    Almost as though it had just occurred to Asher as well, she saw him unearth his own camera and take a couple photos of the computer setup. Hoping it hadn¡¯t just been her who had forgotten, Lila turned to the right-hand wall adjacent to the door.

    Upon this wall stood a large, freestanding wooden wardrobe stained a rich, chocolatey brown. Lila frowned as she touched it. There was definitely a split in the front of the wardrobe, but no identifiable way to open it. She called for Asher to come over again.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, staring down at the wardrobe. ¡°Oh. That¡­ is probably a push door?¡±

    ¡°A what?¡±

    Asher reached over and pressed on the middle of the split. Nothing happened. Frowning, he tried again and it still remained steadfastly closed.

    ¡°Odd,¡± he murmured, looking around both sides of the wardrobe. ¡°You ever seen those doors that don¡¯t have handles? In kitchens and stuff. Most of the doors in my kitchen are like that. You press on a certain point and it pops open. Probably has a proper name, but I dunno it.¡± He frowned as he looked back at the wardrobe. ¡°But¡­ this doesn¡¯t seem to work that way. I can¡¯t see any other doors or openings, so Marlene must be able to get into it somehow.¡±

    ¡°Unless it¡¯s a joke. Having an imposing, unopenable wardrobe to trick would-be robbers,¡± Lila suggested playfully.

    ¡°Don¡¯t reckon she¡¯d have that kind of humour, what with the fact that it was a mission to get in here in the first place,¡± Asher replied truthfully, his expression serious as he crouched down and felt the bottom of the wardrobe. Nothing happened and he sighed.

    ¡°I seriously can¡¯t see a keyhole to even attempt breaking in,¡± he said, reaching for the pocket that was hiding his lockpicks.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s that, then,¡± Lila responded, crossing her arms and narrowing her eyes at it, as though she¡¯d be able to see better that way. ¡°She can keep her secrets about this wardrobe.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Asher stood up again and Lila snapped a picture of the wardrobe on each side she could see before turning her attention to the computer setup. The CCTV was still rolling, and definitely still showing Lila and Asher snooping around this room, but there was no one else nearby that they could see. Lila pursed her lips and trained her eye on the wall next to the CCTV cameras.

    ¡°A Bachelor of Security Studies?¡± Lila¡¯s statement ended up sounding much more like a query and Asher turned to her, holding two duck statues.

    ¡°A what?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what it says,¡± Lila responded simply, pointing to a framed degree on the wall. ¡°Bachelor of Security Studies.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Asher uttered, setting down the two statues and standing next to Lila. ¡°What University is it from?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Lila frowned, tilting her head. ¡°It looks weird, don¡¯t you think? Is it fake, maybe? I can¡¯t see her name on it.¡±

    Asher peered closely at it, attempting to take it off the wall. It didn¡¯t budge even slightly and he relinquished his hold on the edges.

    ¡°It looks like there¡¯s some frosting on the frame,¡± he said, standing back and tilting his head as well.

    ¡°Like¡­ chocolate?¡±

    Asher looked at her with disappointment in his expression before evidently realising that she was joking by her cheeky grin.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± he swiftly moved on, though she could see the slight smile on his lips, ¡°it looks like she¡¯s got a thin pane of frosted glass or something in there with her degree. You can only see what it was for, and everything else is obscured.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point in putting it on the wall, then?¡±

    Asher brought his hand contemplatively to his chin. ¡°Honestly, looking at how neat and orderly she is generally, I just think she didn¡¯t want it to be creased. Or maybe to prevent it from fading.¡±

    Lila held back a laugh as she thought about how serious Asher¡¯s answer was. It evidently wasn¡¯t a very good attempt, as Asher immediately questioned what she was laughing at.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila responded, a giggle escaping her mouth. ¡°I just¡­ thought it was kinda funny that you¡¯re both neat freaks-¡± Asher made a sound of disapproval but Lila carried on, ¡°-so you being able to get into her head about that was startlingly expected. You two are probably far more similar than you realise.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t know her that well, beyond being my family¡¯s maid. She¡¯s never really told me about her life. But I know her general proclivities, at least.¡±

    ¡°From how fast you closed that drawer before, I reckon you know a bit more now,¡± Lila quipped. He stared at her for a moment before his face turned a bright, ruby red.

    ¡°Says the one who couldn¡¯t figure out what Isaac was going on about in the Applied Tech building,¡± he retorted.

    ¡°I was innocent then. Then you guys just had to ruin that for me.¡±

    Asher pressed his lips together before rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°Ruining your innocence.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back this snort. ¡°Didn¡¯t need it anyway,¡± she said, her eyes twinkling with mirth. ¡°Rather it be taken away from me by you than anyone else.¡± She paused, her own face turning red. ¡°That sounded¡­ entirely not what I intended.¡±

    ¡°I get it. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Asher turned around and began rifling through the drawers underneath Marlene¡¯s computer setup. The atmosphere felt stiflingly awkward now, and Lila wanted to kick herself. ¡®Why do I keep doing that?¡¯ she thought angrily. Shaking her head, she now took in Marlene¡¯s desk. Hopefully, if they continued their searching, the awkwardness would just melt away.

    Her eyes fell upon the stack of books lying on the left-hand side of the desk. Most were innocuous fiction novels, but one stood out amongst the rest. With trembling hands, she pulled the textbook out from the stack.

    Without a doubt, as she flicked through the pages, this was the one that had disappeared from Asher¡¯s parents¡¯ study ¨C the one that she¡¯d shoved the note to Robin in. Was the note still in here?

    She flipped through the pages with far more fervour. She couldn¡¯t see anything out of the ordinary pop up out of the textbook. Frowning, she pulled out her phone and searched for the photo she¡¯d taken back in Asher¡¯s parents¡¯ study. Undeniably, it was the same one ¨C or at least, on the same topic of social media marketing in the new age.

    ¡°Marlene wouldn¡¯t need this, right?¡± Lila asked, turning the pages from the beginning again.

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, brandishing a miniscule, bedazzled duck. He swiftly put it down upon seeing the look on Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°This textbook,¡± Lila clarified, holding it up. ¡°I mean, surely she doesn¡¯t have time to do anything else, what with her caf¨¦ job and her maidly duties.¡±

    ¡°Maidly duties?¡± Asher smirked, collecting the textbook from Lila¡¯s hands. He flipped through it briefly before knitting his brows together. ¡°That is a weird one for her to have.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also the one that went missing from your parents¡¯ study.¡±

    ¡°The one you were obsessed with?¡±

    Lila lightly pushed his shoulder and he snickered, passing it back to her. ¡°Wasn¡¯t obsessed with it. The fact that it went missing was just weird,¡± Lila explained.

    ¡°Did you take a picture of it just now?¡±

    Lila swore, shoving the textbook back to where she could remember it was sitting, and snapped a photo on the disposable camera. Then, a strange sound caught her attention. It seemed that Asher was trying to get into one of the drawers in Marlene¡¯s desk.

    ¡°You might ruin her whole setup if you pull it like that,¡± Lila said disapprovingly, moving closer to see what he was doing.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher agreed, whipping out his lockpicking set. ¡°I was trying to see if there was a keyhole, and there is. It¡¯s under the drawer.¡±

    ¡°Weird,¡± Lila murmured as she watched Asher lie beneath the desk, looking akin to a mechanic.

    ¡°Do you reckon,¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded muffled as he worked on the lock, ¡°that she¡¯s got an excessive amount of locks?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Lila replied, now looking closely at the desk. ¡°You saw the dividers. It¡¯d probably be pretty easy for Gabriel to get in here if he wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Guess so.¡±

    With a minute or so of concentrated silence, Asher hummed a chest-opening song that Lila recognised as being from the Legend of Zelda due to the playthrough videos she¡¯d watched with Asher.

    ¡°Dun, dun-dun dun-duuuun,¡± she sang, her mouth twitching into an amused smile. Immediately, Lila heard a loud bump underneath the desk, rattling everything upon it for a moment.

    ¡°Ow¡­¡± Asher groaned, sliding out from under the desk with a wince.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila knelt next to Asher, her eyes roving over his appearance. He gingerly rubbed the top of his head before nodding.

    ¡°Yeah, I just hit my head,¡± he explained grumpily. ¡°I was surprised that you knew the end to that.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course I knew,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°We¡¯ve only watched, like, a hundred episodes of let¡¯s play videos on Zelda games.¡±

    ¡°When you say it like that, it sounds a bit much,¡± Asher quipped, slowly spinning towards the drawer. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I like it,¡± Lila stated plainly. ¡°Nothing to be sorry for. They¡¯re always a good watch.¡±

    ¡°You actually like it?¡±

    ¡°You would¡¯ve heard me complain if I didn¡¯t,¡± Lila assured, crouching next to him, peering intently at the drawer. ¡°What do ya reckon is in here?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find out in a second,¡± Asher responded as he pulled the bottom drawer open. It was full of several scraps of paper and plastic tubes. Some of the scraps of paper had writing on it, but it didn¡¯t look comprehensible in the slightest. Was it a different language?

    Asher snapped a couple pictures of what was in there before rifling through the contents. There was also a pair of scissors and some pens, but otherwise nothing else of significance.

    ¡°Weird,¡± Lila muttered. Asher glanced at her before making a sound of agreement.

    ¡°Let¡¯s at least pull out the stuff with writing on it,¡± he suggested, moving aside slightly so Lila could help. They plucked out pieces of paper with any markings on it and laid them out on the floor. Lila took photos of the paper, despite still being unable to make sense of any of it.

    ¡°What do you reckon the bottles are for?¡± Asher asked after a few moments of clear consideration.

    ¡°No idea,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Wish we could take one.¡±

    Asher took a photo of a couple of the bottles and they both shoved the paper back into the drawer. He then tried to open the second drawer.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± he murmured to himself as he pulled at the handle again. The desk slightly shuffled forward and he let go. ¡°I unlocked it though,¡± he added, more to himself than Lila.

    ¡°Here, let me help,¡± Lila offered, ¡°it might be jammed or something.¡±

    Her help only served to pull the desk forward slightly. They both immediately let go, Asher sighing heavily.

    ¡°Damn,¡± he uttered. He rattled the first drawer and it similarly didn¡¯t open.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s that,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°We¡¯ve gotten a good look around, at least.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher agreed, standing up straight. ¡°But¡­ it makes me hella curious to know what¡¯s in the places that won¡¯t open.¡±

    ¡°Same, but what can we do?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you¡¯re right. Of course.¡±

    Lila caressed the top of a pink, glittery A4 notebook that sat just below the keyboard. It looked fairly innocuous, and she asked if Asher had looked in it.

    ¡°Nah. Been looking more at the computer and the figurines,¡± he said, pointing to a blocky Creeper and Minecraft fox. ¡°Looks like we¡¯re not the only ones into Minecraft.¡±

    ¡°Honestly, it¡¯d probably be rarer to find someone who¡¯s not into Minecraft, or at least doesn¡¯t know about it,¡± Lila replied distractedly as she opened the cover of the notebook.

    ¡°The heck?¡± she muttered as her eyes took in what she was seeing. Pictures were strewn across the first few pages, seemingly glued on. Pictures of Asher¡¯s Dad outside the private hospital he ran. Pictures of Lila¡¯s Dad talking to Asher¡¯s Dad in the hospital. Several headshots, clearly of employees at said hospital. Some pictures were circled in permanent marker, and others were crossed out, also in permanent marker. Lila took pictures of what she saw, but there was no writing accompanying these photographs. Where did Marlene get these from? And why did she have them?

    ¡°That¡¯s so weird,¡± Asher commented, his body shuddering. ¡°Why¡¯s that in that notebook?¡±

    ¡°Probably trying to hide in plain sight, or she was working on it recently,¡± Lila suggested, closing the cover. Looking at its contents was starting to make her head spin. Actually, remaining here, with everything she¡¯d discovered with Asher already, was making her head spin. Information overload was certainly an understatement.

    ¡°Oi!¡± Asher suddenly barked, bending low to the ground. He reached out his hands, as if trying to catch something, before stumbling. ¡°That cat¡¯s back. And it¡¯s got something around its neck.¡±

    ¡°You saw something that quickly?¡± Lila queried, whipping around to face the cat. All she saw was its tail brushing the doorframe. Lila glanced at Asher and they wordlessly followed at a brisk pace.

    Now that Lila could see the cat properly, she saw that he indeed had a bright red collar ¨C one that she couldn¡¯t recall seeing when it scratched Asher earlier. Something seemed to be attached to it ¨C something that looked similar to the plastic bottles in Marlene¡¯s desk. The cat didn¡¯t look back at them, meandering down the hallway in a way that suggested to Lila that this was part of its daily routine.

    Asher was a couple paces ahead of Lila, his arms still outstretched like a particularly lame zombie. He swatted the air but was unsuccessful in catching the cat yet again. The cat didn¡¯t seem to be in a hurry, though. To Lila, it looked like it was playing games with them.

    Eventually, it led them out of the hallway and back into the living space. Asher and Lila exchanged another look and separated, silently having formed a plan to surround the cat.

    It looked up at Asher before hissing and sprinting around the room, towards Lila. She tried to grab it, but it slipped past her fingertips, leaping up onto the kitchen counter. Lila clumsily stumbled after it, almost knocking a duck statue onto the tiles. She caught it just in time and replaced it immediately where she assumed it had been sitting before looking for the cat again.

    She found it grooming itself atop the fridge only a second later. Now that it wasn¡¯t walking around, Lila could see that not only was there a bottle attached to its collar, but a rolled-up scrap of paper within it. Her curiosity was burning brightly within her mind now. What was on that note? And had it been on the cat before? Or¡­ had someone been watching them and tied the note to the cat just now?

    Asher hurried into the kitchen, trying to grab the cat from the top of the fridge. It hissed again before jumping off and curling itself around Lila¡¯s legs. She immediately attempted to seize it, but it dashed away again, back out into the living room and along the top of the couch.

    ¡°That fucking bastard,¡± Asher huffed before chasing after it. Lila followed suit and the cat looked at both Lila and Asher with its amber eyes, as though challenging them both to catch it.

    ¡°We¡¯re gonna have to dive for it,¡± Asher said in a low voice, not taking his eyes off the cat for even a split second. He slowly encircled the couch so that he was directly opposite Lila, who bent her knees slightly so she could leap forward.

    ¡°On three,¡± Asher whispered, bending his own knees. ¡°One¡­ two¡­ three!¡±

    They both jumped forward in unison, Lila grabbing hold of its fluffy tail, and Asher gripping its shoulders. It began to yowl, its voice horridly screechy and intermingled with more hisses. Lila let go of its tail as Asher continued to hold it.

    ¡°Quick, help me get this off!¡± he cried. The cat¡¯s back legs flailed and kicked as it continued to shriek and Lila rushed forward. Its complaints were upgrading to a scream as she fumbled with the collar, unable to see where she could take the note or bottle off without taking its collar too.

    ¡°Ow!¡± Asher yelped, though he kept his steady grip on the cat. It had managed to scratch his hands even more deeply now. Panic was injecting itself into Lila¡¯s veins as she fumbled with the latch.

    ¡°Mr Snugglebutt?¡±

    Lila and Asher both stopped moving, though the cat kept hissing, its arms slicing through the air with fury. They stared at each other with fear-stricken eyes. That was Gabriel¡¯s voice.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong buddy?¡± Gabriel continued, his voice coming closer to the divider. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Asher breathed. ¡°C¡¯mon, we gotta go!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m trying!¡± Lila breathed back, instantly struggling with the latch again. ¡°If he¡¯d just stop mo-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m coming in,¡± Gabriel announced sweetly, ¡°I¡¯ve got some duck pat¨¦ with your name all over it, Mr Snugglebutt. You just can¡¯t tell Mum. She¡¯d probably murder me.¡±

    The collar came free, and Lila clutched it just as Asher lightly threw the cat onto the couch. Her mind whirled as she checked she had the bag on her shoulder still, shoving the collar and its bottle into the depths.

    Rattle.

    ¡°That¡¯s the fucking divider,¡± Asher¡¯s whisper was drenched with panic. He gripped her wrist and pulled her towards the front door. ¡°Go, go, go!¡±

    Lila was struck by the horrid feeling that they might¡¯ve left something behind. Did she have her camera at least?

    Asher wasn¡¯t letting her run through her mental checklist of where she¡¯d put things as he continued dragging her to the door, the cat continuing to meow loudly. The rattling only became more intense, serving as a rhythmic backing track to Gabriel¡¯s musical rendition of ¡°Here, kitty, kitty! Uncle Gabriel is coming to rescue you!¡±

    Lila¡¯s hand grazed the disposable camera within the bag just as Asher opened the front door. They both tumbled out, with Lila feeling thankful that Gabriel¡¯s singing and the sound of the dividers would drown out their escape. Asher gently closed the door behind them, just as Lila heard Gabriel exclaim, ¡°Mr Snugglebutt! Did you turn all the lights on again?¡±

    Without a destination in mind, they both sprinted away from the cottage, the sudden icy air pummelling Lila¡¯s face, adrenaline pumping through her ears and legs.

 Chapter Eighty-Three

    Chapter Eighty-Three

    If Lila had a stopwatch timing her, she was sure that she would¡¯ve broken her personal best in sprinting. Asher was a little bit ahead of her, given the length of his strides far surpassed hers, though it seemed that he had no destination in mind.

    After half a minute or so of sustained running, Asher slowed his pace. Lila quickly caught up, pressing a hand to her side, as if to mend the searing stitch that had stolen her remaining breath.

    Asher¡¯s expression looked entirely shell-shocked, and she could almost see the thoughts reeling through his mind via the jitteriness of his eyes. He closed them and sank to the ground, clutching his head.

    ¡°That¡­ was so fucking scary,¡± he mumbled after a beat. Lila crouched next to him, tenderly touching his shoulder. His arm twitched underneath her hand but swiftly relaxed.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila agreed quietly. She hadn¡¯t taken stock of their surroundings just yet, but now that they had a moment to spare, she cast her eyes around. They were near the entrance to the secondary road that she¡¯d observed earlier.

    ¡°How¡¯d Gabriel get in without us noticing?¡± Asher whispered. ¡°Did he show up on the CCTV?¡±

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lila replied gravely. ¡°I wasn¡¯t paying attention. The cat¡­ kinda distracted me.¡±

    ¡°And me,¡± Asher sighed. He curled his hands into fists, briefly knocking them onto his skull before looking at Lila.

    ¡°You look spooked,¡± he observed.

    ¡°Funny that,¡± Lila responded tonelessly, ¡°I am pretty spooked.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯s it,¡± Asher said after another pause. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to get back into Marlene¡¯s cottage anytime soon. Or ever.¡±

    ¡°I think we were pretty thorough,¡± Lila noted earnestly. ¡°And we took pictures along the way. I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll be able to find more details once we get these bad boys printed.¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    They fell silent again, with Lila trying to clear the mess in her mind. She glanced behind her, back towards the cottage, in case Gabriel emerged. It didn¡¯t seem like he had, but he might¡¯ve whilst they were running over here.

    ¡°I need to take a walk,¡± Asher admitted, his eyes resting on Lila¡¯s face. ¡°If you want, you can go back and hang out in the rumpus room.¡±

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Lila replied shortly, shaking her head. ¡°I need one too. My head¡¯s in shambles.¡±

    ¡°Glad I¡¯m not the only one.¡±

    With a long-suffering exhale, Asher stood up, offering his hand to Lila. Her heart jolted for a moment as she stared at it, forgetting for just a second the situation she was in.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± she stammered, accepting his warm hand in her own ice-cold one, defrosting it in an instant. He pulled her up, a faint rosiness on his cheeks, before letting go just as quickly. He looked away, down the cobblestoned path, clearing his throat.

    ¡°We, uh, can take that walk down here. Like you¡¯d mentioned,¡± he suggested, gesturing vaguely towards the road.

    ¡°Let¡¯s,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Maybe we¡¯ll find out where it leads.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m also pretty happy to not find out more things,¡± Asher replied, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. ¡°Dunno if my head has enough memory storage for that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll put an order in for an upgrade,¡± Lila remarked. Asher snorted and they set off down the path, the crisp winter air beginning to feel refreshing, rather than punishing.

    The barren, gnarled trees lining the road would certainly be picturesque in any other season besides winter. The satisfying clack of their footfalls against the rounded and weathered cobblestones transported Lila not just away from the worker¡¯s cottage, but the modern-day altogether. She could almost see herself, dressed in a finely embroidered, floor-length afternoon dress, parasol swinging on one arm, with a hand pressing down an extravagant, feathered hat to prevent the wind from tossing it behind her. Of course, in that scenario, her hands would be adorned with frilly white glo-

    Lila stopped walking entirely, horror overtaking her entire being. Forget a sinking stomach ¨C her insides were plummeting straight down to the Earth¡¯s core, boiling up during its descent with embarrassment, shame, and, most importantly, fear.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher¡¯s voice snapped her own back into her throat and she stared up at him, her eyes brimming with tears.

    ¡°Y-You didn¡¯t, by any chance, happen to wear gloves?¡± Her whisper was more reminiscent of a tremor. ¡°At all?¡±

    Lila¡¯s question was answered by the sudden, sickly pale colour of Asher¡¯s face and the unsteadiness of his balance as he pressed a distinctly ungloved hand on his mouth. He shook his head, his eyes seeming dazed.

    ¡°How many more ways can we bungle this whole operation?¡± Lila bemoaned as her body lowered into a deep squat, head in her hands.

    ¡°I-It was never going to be perfect,¡± Asher¡¯s reply was strained, laced with palpable mortification.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila conceded, ¡°but what was all that planning for?¡±

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Asher bent down to match her height, gently removing her hands from her face. His face was still pale though his expression had changed to one of concern. ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Lila stubbornly replied, resting her forehead on her knees. ¡°What the hell do we say to Marlene?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Asher responded seriously.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have any ideas?¡± Lila bit her lower lip, trying but failing to steady her breathing. She¡¯d messed everything up ¨C they¡¯d gotten so much closer to figuring out Marlene, and now they were as good as caught, done, and busted. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t either.¡±

    ¡°We can think about it together,¡± Asher said quietly. She glanced at him and saw his hands were trembling. If Asher had no ideas, what could she think up? How were they going to get out of this?

    Lila closed her eyes, trying to envision a plausible scenario for why they would have broken into Marlene¡¯s living quarters. The fact that she was coming up empty was starting to quicken her heartbeat. There was nothing. She raised her head to the sky, as though the heavens would give her an answer. The only thing up there, it seemed, was a particularly grey and gloomy cloud lazily drifting across the sky, shielding them from the sun¡¯s harsh winter rays.

    Sympathy softened Asher¡¯s golden-brown eyes as he continued to look at her. ¡°It¡¯s unusual for you to seem so¡­ hopeless,¡± he observed in an undertone.

    A shudder ran through Lila¡¯s spine as she processed Asher¡¯s words. Was it so unusual?

    ¡°Seems like I suck at this whole comforting thing,¡± Asher added gently. ¡°Since usually it¡¯s me freaking out. You¡¯re always¡­ so level-headed. O-Or at least you ground me. And the fact that you¡¯re¡­ well¡­ you seem¡­ I dunno¡­¡± he trailed off awkwardly.

    Lila slowly took in Asher¡¯s sheepish face. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s just¡­ um¡­ never mind.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m minding.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes twinkled for a moment, as though fighting back the urge to laugh or otherwise respond to Lila¡¯s comment.

    ¡°Seriously. Maybe I misspoke. I dunno. I feel silly now,¡± he settled on saying instead.

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve freaked out before and you managed to comfort me very well.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I could repeat that same success so easily,¡± Asher said simply. ¡°It¡¯s just not within my skill set. A-Anyway, me messing up trying to make you feel better aside, we can¡¯t change the past. Wish we could, but we can¡¯t. So¡­ yeah. We fucked up. But we fucked up as a team, at least. So, team, what now?¡±

    Lila blinked at Asher in astonishment. Somehow, his reaction seemed rather out of character ¨C was it his attempt to push past his usual morose response in circumstances like this?

    He seemed to deflate before her. ¡°¡­ please say something.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila quickly cleared her throat. If she started talking¡­ maybe something would come to her. ¡°I-I guess¡­ Marlene will have to talk to us about breaking in. It¡¯s not like we deleted footage, or found all the cameras. And now our fingerprints are everywhere they shouldn¡¯t be.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Asher replied seriously. ¡°I touched a lot of ducks.¡±

    Lila glanced at him, a small smile tugging at her lips. ¡°Yeah, same. There were a shit ton of ducks. Speaking of, we didn¡¯t get rid of any of the duct tape. And¡­ I doubt we made our presence not known in her place. I tried my best to reset everything properly, but¡­ knowing how neat she is¡­ it¡¯d probably be impossible to get it perfectly right.¡±

    ¡°I sadly agree with all that,¡± Asher noted glumly.

    ¡°So¡­ I guess¡­ we could tell her the truth.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes almost fell out of his head and he stood in shock. ¡°Not happening.¡±

    Lila raised her hands in surrender. ¡°It was only a suggestion. We don¡¯t have to. But what would be convincing enough?¡±

    ¡°An earthquake,¡± Asher replied flatly. ¡°An earthquake shook everything and we went in to check whether anything was broken.¡±

    ¡°And she¡¯d instantly ask Gabriel if his side was affected by the earthquake. Besides, do we get them in Australia?¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t respond as he rubbed his face with both palms. ¡°We¡­ thought she was home. So we let ourselves in-¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s obviously going to know it was locked.¡±

    ¡°Fuck.¡±

    Asher began to pace before Lila and she narrowed her eyes as she continued to contemplate a reasonable explanation for their presence in Marlene¡¯s cottage.

    ¡°¡­ Mr Snugglebutt,¡± Lila said quietly. Asher stopped pacing, staring at her like she¡¯d gone mad.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s right, you wouldn¡¯t have seen it. That¡¯s the cat¡¯s name. Well, I think it is ¨C it was written on a photo or two of him on the photo wall, plus that¡¯s what Gabriel said just now¡­¡± she bit her lip as she continued to consider the cat¡¯s relevance to their predicament. ¡°We¡­ could say that we saw him wandering around the property and wanted to see where he went. Then, we got concerned about him ¡®cause he was crying inside the cottage.¡±

    ¡°And we went through every room ¡®cause we didn¡¯t know where he was?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And then if she asks Gabriel about it, he can verify that Mr Snugglebutt seemed distressed today.¡±

    ¡°Well, that was our doing.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel doesn¡¯t know that.¡±

    The whistling wind was the only sound for a few moments as Lila watched Asher ruminate over this idea.

    ¡°¡­ it¡¯s¡­ not the worst explanation,¡± he finally said with a heavy sigh. ¡°At least, it¡¯s better than an earthquake. I don¡¯t think we¡¯d be able to think of anything better, to be honest. Not between now and when she comes home, anyway. I¡¯m not telling her that we¡¯re investigating her involvement, if any, in my Mum¡¯s disappearance. No way. That¡¯s a sure-fire way for me to be a target, if she¡­¡±

    Asher swallowed roughly, unable to finish his sentence. Lila could guess what the rest would have been and decided to continue fleshing out their current plan if confronted by Marlene.

    The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°If she asks why we were clearly not looking for a cat in CCTV footage, we could just say that we were admiring her ducks and got distracted,¡± she offered tentatively. Asher nodded.

    ¡°She¡¯s got so many ducks, I think she¡¯d be ecstatic to know that they were admired by us to the point of distraction,¡± he said.

    ¡°Is that your assessment of her, due to your similarities?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not similar.¡±

    ¡°Only joking,¡± Lila half-lied. He looked at her doubtfully before pursing his lips and saying no more on the topic.

    ¡°¡­ you okay?¡± he asked after a few moments.

    She nodded. ¡°I think so.¡± Then, she shook her head.

    ¡°Actually, no,¡± she admitted. ¡°I¡­ well¡­ I can¡¯t believe we managed to screw it up that badly. And I keep thinking it¡¯s my fault. I didn¡¯t remind you to wear gloves, and I wasn¡¯t paying attention to where things were placed, and then I didn¡¯t see Gabriel come bac-¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher interrupted her firmly. ¡°I¡¯m just as at fault as you are.¡±

    ¡°But you rely on me to think about this stuff, for the investigation.¡±

    ¡°I do. That doesn¡¯t mean that I can¡¯t think about wearing gloves, or looking at CCTV, or figuring out where things belong. Or anything else that we messed up. Seriously ¨C we¡¯ll get through this. We¡¯ve got a plan about what to say to her if she asks us about it all. And we¡¯ve got some follow-up things that we have to do. So, we can¡¯t lose hope yet.¡±

    ¡°Follow-up things?¡±

    Asher smiled at Lila, helping her to her feet again. ¡°Gotta get the cameras off to a camera store, don¡¯t we?¡±

    Lila returned his smile, feeling a lot more at ease. He was right. They had a plan, and they had things to do. If they were going to get to the bottom of this, they¡¯d just have to take the losses with the wins. As far as she was concerned, this was the closest they¡¯d gotten to figuring anything out about Marlene and the secrets she was keeping.

    ¡°For now,¡± he said quietly, turning towards the path they had yet to traverse. ¡°Let¡¯s find out where this goes. Calm down a bit.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a good idea. You are good at this comforting thing,¡± Lila grinned, stretching her shoulders. He glanced at her before sighing in relief.

    ¡°If you think so, then that¡¯s all that matters,¡± he replied, placing his hands in his pockets. Lila hoisted the bag onto her shoulder and they both continued along the path.

    The road stretched far before them, with nothing of real interest that they could see from the beginning of their journey. The road began to wind around the property, the still, quiet air only adding to Lila¡¯s perception that this was a rather disused road. Through the sparse tree branches, she could glimpse the workers¡¯ cottage and Asher¡¯s house.

    ¡°Where does this lead?¡± Lila queried, the breath rising before her in a small cloud.

    ¡°No idea,¡± Asher replied, frowning as though it bothered him.

    ¡°Does it connect to any main roads?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Again, I¡¯ve never gone down this way. I expect that for it to be functional, it would.¡±

    ¡°It seems pretty well maintained, at least,¡± Lila observed, looking towards her feet. ¡°I mean, despite it being ol-¡±

    As though the cobblestones had been listening to her and were particularly vicious, Lila found herself falling head-first onto the road. She squeezed her eyes shut, thrusting her hands out to brace herself. But her body didn¡¯t connect with the floor.

    ¡°Easy there,¡± Asher¡¯s voice whispered in her ear, his sturdy arms wrapping around her waist. ¡°You¡¯ll hurt yourself.¡±

    Instantly, her face turned bright red, the warmth of his arm nowhere near as warm as her face. Tingles shot through her sides, emanating from where he was still touching her, goosebumps shooting up her neck. She shuddered for a moment and he let go. She stepped away from him, her eyes nervously darting to his face, holding her left arm with her right.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, his own face flushed. ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she faltered. ¡°T-Thanks. I would¡¯ve fallen.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome,¡± he replied, jamming his hands into his pockets again with slightly more force than necessary. ¡°I, uh, didn¡¯t mean to touch you without your consent.¡±

    ¡°You were helping,¡± she insisted, praying that this conversation would be over, lest she forget the rush his hands gave her. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ¡®fine¡¯ or fine?¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    She smiled at him, though her stomach felt as though it was auditioning for Cirque du Soleil. He seemed incredibly unsure of himself, though he strode forwards down the road without another word. Lila followed, a tiny part of her wishing that he hadn¡¯t let go.

    ¡°I-¡± Asher began, but Lila cut him off.

    ¡°If you¡¯re about to try and apologise again, please don¡¯t. Then I¡¯ll actually think it¡¯s harassment.¡±

    Asher fell silent, and Lila tried a laugh to indicate that she was joking ¨C but it was far more of a strangled gasp than a laugh. He seemed to understand, though, as he smiled at her.

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    They leisurely continued down the road, this time Lila being far more wary of any wayward stones that were going to cause her embarrassment.

    Asher filled the silence with some light banter regarding their studies and their sporting matches, among other things, which Lila joined in with relish. She was grateful for his swift change to topics other than his touching of her. Though the feeling of his touch was fading, her body begged for more.

    Eventually, the conversation lulled, and Asher began humming to himself. She couldn¡¯t tear her eyes away from him, a blush forming on her cheeks as she considered the fact that this road, with its cobblestones and secluded nature, was rather romantic. It¡¯d probably be a nice road to walk down whilst holding hands¡­

    ¡®Calm down,¡¯ she willed to herself, clasping her hands tightly together to prevent their wandering to Asher¡¯s, both of which swung gently by his side. ¡®Time to talk about something else.¡¯

    ¡°Did you end up finishing that book I lent you?¡± Lila asked softly, preferring to look at the road than at him for now. Asher enthusiastically replied, diving into the intricacies of the plot points that he found most intriguing. His zest was infectious, and Lila felt relaxed discussing the book further with him, now wanting to look nowhere else but at his beaming face. At one point, she engaged in a debate with Asher about the way he interpreted the motives of the main character and the impact of such on the plot as a whole.

    They ended up walking quite far along the path as it curved around long-forgotten property lines and structures. Now that they were both physically and conversationally distant from the Marlene situation, she felt suitably distracted enough to fully enjoy the stroll with Asher. She stretched her arms above her head as Asher tutted, disagreeing further with a point she¡¯d made.

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re wrong,¡± Asher said hurriedly after seeing the look she gave him. ¡°I just don¡¯t think you¡¯re reading into it with all the facts.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°I think you¡¯re reading into it without thinking about the human condition.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with anything?¡±

    ¡°Clearly, the story is about the human condition,¡± Lila replied shortly, giving him a disbelieving look. ¡°You need that lens when looking at the actions and reactions of people around Sven. He¡¯s morally grey, and the driving force behind that is what makes his actions so much more compelling.¡±

    ¡°Sure, I guess I¡¯ll give that to you. But I still reckon- just how long is this damn road?¡± Asher impatiently placed his hands on his hips, glaring at the far end of the road as though it had personally slighted him for existing. ¡°I feel like we¡¯ve been walking along here forever.¡±

    ¡°Well, we don¡¯t know where it leads,¡± Lila reasoned. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see where it ends?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess,¡± Asher replied doubtfully. ¡°We¡¯ve been gone for a while, though. Gabriel will be wondering where we are if we take much longer.¡±

    Lila checked the clock on her phone. It was nearing 10.30am now ¨C where had the time gone?

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe we¡¯ve been out here for so long,¡± Lila remarked, pocketing her phone again. ¡°I could¡¯ve sworn checking out Marlene¡¯s place was only, like, ten or twenty minutes.¡±

    ¡°Might¡¯ve been,¡± Asher observed simply. ¡°But we did a few more things than just check out her place.¡±

    ¡°Guess so¡­¡±

    Lila looked down the end of the road, which seemed to curve to the right this time and go downhill. ¡°Sure we can¡¯t keep going? I¡¯m super curious.¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila, a small smile forming on his face. ¡°Well, when you seem that disappointed, we can go a little bit further, I suppose.¡±

    Now that Lila was hyper-aware of the time, though, her anxiety started to seep back into her consciousness. Asher was right ¨C Gabriel would be wondering where they were. Asher had only said they would be going for a walk to the shopping district, which both wasn¡¯t far and wasn¡¯t full of too many things to see and do.

    ¡°Are¡­ we going to tell Gabriel anything?¡± Lila questioned, gripping the shoulder strap of her bag tightly, following Asher down the road which still revealed nothing but swaying, bowed trees.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°¡­ About what we¡¯ve been doing. About the investigation.¡±

    Asher stopped in his tracks completely, staring at Lila for a moment. ¡°I¡­ hadn¡¯t been planning on it. Why, do you think he can be ruled out?¡±

    Lila sighed, relaxing the tension in her hand. ¡°Well, he¡¯s probably as ruled out as any of our suspects can get. Plus, he might know things, if you ask.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face seemed to darken as he shook his head. ¡°Of course I asked. He said absolutely nothing useful. When I asked, he said he thought she went on a business trip. But like I said, Mum always tells me that kinda thing. And a business trip that¡¯s taken this long? She would¡¯ve had to prepare for that for a while, surely. Plus, all her stuff¡¯s here. And she hasn¡¯t contacted me at all¡­¡±

    ¡°I see. Don¡¯t you think we should get some adults involved, though?¡±

    ¡°The fact that no one¡¯s been honest with me, about where she¡¯s gone or what she¡¯s doing, makes me nervous that they¡¯re all in on it,¡± Asher responded seriously. ¡°I¡¯d love to, but they¡¯re all hiding things from me. Even Gabriel. I¡¯m sure he knows more than he¡¯s letting on. And besides, he lives with Marlene. Sure, there¡¯s the divider, but you saw how easy it was for him to just get into Marlene¡¯s side. What if she catches wind that Gabriel¡¯s sniffing around to help us? We already know she¡¯s dangerous.¡±

    The implication that Marlene might do something to Gabriel made Lila¡¯s blood run colder than the frigid air. ¡°¡­ That¡¯s a good point. I should¡¯ve known you¡¯d thought about all this.¡±

    Asher grimaced, running his hands through his hair. ¡°I don¡¯t mean to put you down, for your ideas.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t know your thoughts if I don¡¯t hear them,¡± Lila smiled comfortingly. ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Asher, if you say sorry one more time, I think I¡¯ll smack you.¡±

    He looked shocked for a moment before giving her a cheeky grin. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll like it.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned scarlet, and she started spluttering, trying to process normal thoughts amongst the others now flooding her mind. ¡®This is dangerous,¡¯ she thought, looking elsewhere. Saying things like that, coupled with his touch that was still vividly in her memory¡­ it was starting to make her feel a different type of woozy. The effect he was having on her ¨C no one person should be able to do that, especially not so easily. It wasn¡¯t fair.

    ¡°You went all quiet on me,¡± Asher¡¯s voice startled her, and she spun her head to look at him. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Fantastic,¡± Lila replied, her voice strained. She cleared her throat and stared down at the road. ¡°J-Just thinking about some things.¡±

    ¡°Dollarydoo for your thoughts?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not worth a cent, sorry,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°Not now, anyway.¡±

    Asher fell silent, rubbing the back of his neck awkwardly. ¡°Shall we keep going, or head back?¡±

    ¡°We could keep going for a little bit longer,¡± Lila suggested, the curiosity not quieting down any. Being distracted by this walk, the purpose of which was clear, was helping her mind focus. Then, a thought occurred to her ¨C this one far less frivolous than the previous.

    ¡°While we¡¯re out here in the middle of nowhere,¡± Lila said, diving her hand into her bag, ¡°we could do something else.¡±

    ¡°S-Something else?¡±

    Not a second later, Lila victoriously held up Mr Snugglebutt¡¯s collar, its bottle still attached. ¡°Let¡¯s see what it says.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Asher replied, his posture softening significantly. He tugged at his shirt, pulling the neck down, as he waited for her to open the bottle.

    It was finnicky, its size being hardly larger than a travel-sized toothpaste tube, but she managed to untwist the lid. Eyes sparkling with interest, she tipped the open side onto her palm. The furled scrap of paper resisted her efforts for a moment before shooting out. Lila almost dropped it in surprise but clenched her fist tightly around the bundle. Gingerly, she opened it again and plucked out the paper, passing it to Asher.

    As she twisted the lid back on and dropped the collar back into the bag, Asher read the note, his brows furrowed.

    ¡°What the heck is this?¡± he asked, turning the piece of paper in his hands. ¡°It¡¯s just a whole bunch of random letters.¡±

    ¡°Lemme see,¡± Lila stretched out her hand for the note and he gave it to her, peering at her curiously as she read.

    Olssv, tf uhtl pz Wlyjf. Tf Tbt sprlz av jhss tl Ty Zubnnslibaa aol Aopyk. P dvukly pm fvb¡¯ss il hisl av jhajo tl, Hzoly huk Spsh.

    ¡°Is it a different language, maybe?¡± she asked in a low voice, glancing uneasily at Asher.

    ¡°Not one that I¡¯m familiar with, at least,¡± he responded with a contemplative look, his eyes darting down the page and back to Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°Let me guess, not only are you the Dux, a star goalie, and generally brilliant, you know, like, 15 languages?¡±

    ¡°Not 15,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°Maybe one day.¡±

    ¡°Go on, what¡¯re they?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily fluent in anything other than English,¡± he said cautiously, ¡°but I know a bit of Tamil, some French, Italian, German, Swedish, Arabic, Mandarin and minute amounts of Latin. I was starting to learn Russian with Mum before¡­ well, yeah.¡±

    ¡°Was she teaching you Russian?¡± Lila inquired incredulously. He shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, we were doing Duolingo together, and she also bought access to a language course that she was gonna share with me. Like I said though, I¡¯m not fluent in any of those languages besides English, so don¡¯t get too excited.¡±

    ¡°Well, I wasn¡¯t about to,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°Still, that¡¯s a much longer list than mine. I¡¯m impressed.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your extra languages? Tagalog and Japanese?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and the smallest amount of Bisaya.¡±

    ¡°Bisaya, huh. That¡¯s pretty neat. Maybe together we could take on the whole world.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart thumped. ¡°Y-Yeah, maybe we could.¡±

    He beamed at her before inspecting the note again. ¡°I honestly don¡¯t even know what syntax this is following. Is it English? What¡¯s up with the random capital letters?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a picture for now,¡± Lila suggested, passing him the note again. ¡°We might lose this since it¡¯s so tiny.¡±

    ¡°Good thinking.¡±

    She pulled out her disposable camera and snapped a couple of pictures.

    ¡°Should we¡­ put it back into the bottle again?¡± Asher asked, beginning to roll it up.

    ¡°May as well,¡± Lila replied, swapping her camera for the collar. It took them a couple of tries to slide it back into the bottle, but they eventually managed.

    ¡°I¡¯m dying to know what it says,¡± Asher huffed, crossing his arms ¨C almost like a petulant toddler. ¡°I¡¯ll be thinking about this for weeks.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon it matches the other scraps of paper in Marlene¡¯s drawer?¡± Lila tapped her chin as she tried to recall. Asher slowly shook his head.

    ¡°Some of them were more like pictographs, or actually in a different language with, like, Georgian script or something. I could be misremembering though ¨C we¡¯ll see when the pictures are developed.¡±

    Their continued walk along the road was much quieter now, with Asher undoubtedly mulling over the message in his mind, just as Lila was.

    ¡°¡­ you think I¡¯m brilliant?¡± Asher¡¯s question after several minutes of sustained silence pulled Lila from her consideration of the code. Was that what he¡¯d been thinking about?

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said, her voice suddenly coy. ¡°¡¯Course I do.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Asher uttered, folding his arms across his chest as their steps emitted synchronised patters. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought that you¡¯d think I was a bit of an idiot.¡±

    ¡°You have your moments.¡±

    ¡°Ouch.¡±

    ¡°Few and far between, though.¡±

    ¡°Well, shucks, I guess.¡±

    They both laughed before falling back into a comfortable silence yet again. Lila continued to firmly press her hands together, suddenly unsure of what to do with them.

    ¡°You are brilliant,¡± Lila repeated in a low murmur. ¡°That¡¯s not just me saying it ¡®cause I like you. I¡¯ve always thought you were brilliant, even back in middle school. Probably earlier, too. But, almost too brilliant ¨C like a shining star I couldn¡¯t reach, I guess.¡±

    There was a pause, and Lila peeked at Asher. His face was bright red again, though he covered most of it with his right hand. He quickly dropped it and nodded.

    ¡°Thanks. For telling me. And thinking of me that way, I guess,¡± he finally said. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you had that perception of me ¨C especially back then.¡±

    ¡°It probably helped that Isaac¡¯s your best friend,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°Not that he¡¯s dumb, but you definitely stand out next to him.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher seemed genuinely surprised. ¡°Despite everything?¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure what ¡®everything¡¯ was in this context ¨C was he talking about the fact that she¡¯d dated Isaac? Or was he talking about the rumours that had been around him for years, due to Piper¡¯s meddling?

    But just as the search for clarification was on her lips, both Lila and Asher simultaneously halted.

    Finally, it seemed, they were at the end of the road.

    And, contrary to the path to get here, it wasn¡¯t pretty.

 Chapter Eighty-Four

    Chapter Eighty-Four

    Asher and Lila stared, dumbfounded, at what lay before them. From its shoddy appearance, Lila guessed that it used to be a farmhouse of some kind ¨C perhaps the true ¡®original dwelling¡¯, rather than the workers¡¯ cottage.

    The structure seemed ready to fall apart at any moment. If a strong breeze carried through here, Lila was sure it¡¯d blow the whole thing over. The farmhouse, as Lila was calling it, was moderately sized, and quintessentially Australian with its rusted tin roof and weathered wood cladding. The paint, a pale colour that was yellowed either with age, or because that was its original colour, flaked off the fa?ade.

    The windows facing Asher and Lila were covered in raggedy, dirty curtains. They weren¡¯t necessarily sheer, but seemed thin ¨C almost to the point of disintegration. From what Lila could see, there were no lights on inside ¨C nor was there any sign of life.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila breathed, taking in the garden (or, rather, lack thereof) surrounding the dilapidated front steps, which looked more apt to give people splinters than support their weight. The grass was wild and brittle, reaching about calf height, and there were plenty of bindis and other weeds dotting the lawn.

    ¡°Wonder when it was abandoned,¡± Asher commented idly, inspecting the surrounds and, in particular, the decaying remains of a clearly once-handsome wagon that sat forlornly by the right-hand side of the farmhouse.

    ¡°Judging by the age of the workers¡¯ cottage, the road, and this wagon, I¡¯d say if not before the 1900s, then very early 1900s,¡± Lila approximated carefully.

    ¡°Are you a history buff?¡± Asher asked with a small smirk, reaching out to touch the bent wheel closest to him.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Lila confessed. ¡°Just know enough to pretend I am.¡±

    Asher snorted, the squeakiness of the wheel he was resting his hand on serving as an amusing backing track. Lila couldn¡¯t stifle the giggle bubbling up within as he continued to squeak the wheel whilst imitating a DJ. She turned away from him, instead inspecting the wilted, dead plants hanging in pots along the front edge of the farmhouse. Neither still dared to step too close to the building for now.

    ¡°This might make a cool picture,¡± Lila murmured, more to herself than to Asher. She pulled out the disposable camera and snapped a picture of as much of the building as she could. Asher jumped into the frame, with a double peace sign and a cheesy, wide grin. Lila grinned back as she snapped a picture of this, too.

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to get that one developed,¡± Lila laughed, putting the camera away.

    ¡°Got any room on your wall for it?¡± Asher smirked, turning his head towards the front steps. She gave another laugh in response, watching as he inspected the steps more closely. He hesitated, glancing back at Lila, before moving towards them.

    ¡°Shame that it¡¯s not been looked after,¡± Lila observed softly. ¡°In its heyday, it was probably quite nice.¡±

    ¡°I reckon these stairs still would¡¯ve been a death trap even back then,¡± Asher snickered, placing a hand on one of the steps as if to test the weight it could handle. He then stood back, checking his hand before rubbing his chin.

    ¡°Thinking anything useful?¡± Lila asked playfully, stepping closer to Asher and peering at the stairs herself. Definitely rife with splinters.

    ¡°Probably not,¡± Asher said quietly, his face reddening for just a moment. ¡°Actually, nothing useful at all right now. Did you wanna go inside?¡±

    ¡°Inside the death trap?¡± Lila blanched. ¡°I¡¯m good having a look here from a safe distance. The early 1900s is, like, the perfect time period for ghosts.¡±

    ¡°Ghosts?¡± Asher looked taken aback for a second before laughing heartily. ¡°I didn¡¯t take you for being superstitious.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I¡¯m superstitious,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°Just a little ¡®stitious¡¯. I mean, you can¡¯t be too careful, right?¡±

    Asher shook his head, grinning still. ¡°I guess not. I¡¯m not really a believer, myself.¡±

    ¡°I think I get it from my Mum,¡± Lila said thoughtfully. ¡°Though in reality, I could take or leave ghosts, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Sure they¡¯d be happy to hear you say that,¡± Asher chortled. ¡°Maybe one¡¯ll follow you home.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Lila shuddered. ¡°I¡¯d definitely prefer to leave ¡®em. If they exist.¡±

    Asher chuckled some more before his playful energy disappeared entirely. His face drained of all colour and he took a step back, bumping gently into Lila¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta go,¡± he whispered, his voice strangled with apparent fear.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Now,¡± he insisted, his voice quivering. ¡°Right now.¡±

    He turned on his heel, dragging Lila by the shoulder of her turtleneck.

    ¡°But why?¡± she asked, not resisting too much. She looked back towards the house and caught it in the corner of her eye.

    A hulking silhouette was just barely perceptible through the worn curtains. It originally stood stock still and appeared to be watching them intently. Once her eyes fully met its formidable shape, however, it scuttled away and out of sight ¨C disappearing, presumably, into the depths of the farmhouse. Instantly, Lila felt her muscles tense and her breathing quicken. It even seemed that her eyesight was sharper ¨C but, along with these disconcerting feelings, came the overbearing and terrifyingly distinct feeling that she and Asher were prey.

    She didn¡¯t need to be told twice.

    They took off, with Lila hardly taking a breath ¨C as if taking a breath would be inviting a predator to bear down on her.

    Thundering down the road at almost breakneck speed was a much easier task this time around, versus their messy escape from Marlene¡¯s cottage. Lila had no time to ponder as to why that may be ¨C all she needed to do was get the hell out of there. Preferably inside the comfort of Asher¡¯s house, where there were no ghosts, predators, or unknown figures lying in wait for her.

    Eventually, they ran out of steam along the road. It certainly was one that stretched on for far too long.

    Huffing, Asher slowed his pace down to a moderate walk, and Lila followed suit, struggling to catch her breath.

    ¡°W-What¡­ was¡­ that?¡± Asher asked between gasping breaths. ¡°Or who?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ dunno,¡± Lila replied, gulping for air as though her lungs were punctured. ¡°Should we go back and check it out?¡±

    Asher stared at her like she was insane. ¡°Fuck no. I don¡¯t want to be kidnapped by some witch of the gallows.¡±

    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t superstitious.¡±

    ¡°After that, maybe I¡¯m a bit ¡®stitious¡¯ as well.¡±

    The sound of their heaving breaths melded with the whoosh of the wind behind them, and Lila could almost feel Asher¡¯s mind ticking away as they rested from their sprint.

    ¡°P-Perhaps it¡¯s a squatter,¡± he finally suggested in a mutter. ¡°No one would live there if they had the choice.¡±

    ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s the owner of the house. It¡¯s connected to your property, kind of, but is it yours?¡± Lila added after a few beats. Her voice was thankfully clear.

    Asher shrugged, placing a hand on his chest as if to steady himself. ¡°Not that I know, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Would we get in trouble for trespassing?¡± Lila questioned, praying that the answer would be ¡®no¡¯.

    ¡°Doubt it. Whoever they are ¨C they¡¯re probably trespassing as much as we were.¡±

    ¡°Did you see any other ways someone could get to that place?¡±

    ¡°Nah. That doesn¡¯t mean there isn¡¯t, though. The road might¡¯ve continued on past the building for all we know. Perhaps they had a car parked on the other side ¡®cause that¡¯s where the owner preferred it.¡±

    ¡°We should¡¯ve just turned around when you first asked,¡± Lila shivered. It felt almost as though tiny, cold hands were running along her spine as she recalled the looming shadow in the window.

    Asher looked solemn. ¡°Maybe. But¡­ then we wouldn¡¯t have seen it. Not that I¡¯d ever want to go back, though. Again, not interested in becoming a statistic.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess I would¡¯ve died of curiosity,¡± Lila conceded with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m too nosy for my own good.¡±

    ¡°You and the rest of your family,¡± Asher noted, though his tone was teasing. His comment broke the tension in the air just enough for Lila to respond in kind.

    ¡°It¡¯s in the Moloney genes. Can¡¯t escape it.¡±

    They didn¡¯t speak for a few seconds before Asher checked the time on his phone.

    ¡°If we thought Gabriel would be wondering where we were before, he definitely would be now. Let¡¯s head back inside the house,¡± he said, slipping his phone back into his pocket. Lila made a sound of agreement.

    They¡¯d made decent headway on the road already, so it didn¡¯t take them too much longer to return to the grounds surrounding Asher¡¯s house. Seeing the modern, pristine mansion, though mammoth in size and intimidating by nature, was an incredible comfort to Lila after their encounter by the farmhouse.

    They crossed the backyard, crept through the side alley to ensure they wouldn¡¯t be spotted by Gabriel, and returned to the two, large front doors. After all that walking, Lila was starting to feel a bit sweaty. She kept this information to herself as Asher unlocked the front doors with his set of keys ¨C a novelty, now that Lila had seen him break out his lockpicking set so many times.

    ¡°We¡¯re back,¡± he called as he swung open the doors. They both entered, Lila ensuring her shoes were neatly in their usual place, and Gabriel bustled towards them, beaming.

    ¡°I was starting to get worried!¡± he cried before gesturing towards the kitchen. ¡°Come, have a taste.¡±

    ¡°Surely it¡¯s not ready yet,¡± Asher said incredulously. They followed Gabriel through to the kitchen, the smells of sriracha, ginger, mango, and lamb all making Lila¡¯s mouth water.

    ¡°Not perfectly so, no,¡± Gabriel laughed breezily. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean you can¡¯t try a little taste.¡±

    He disappeared into the butler¡¯s pantry, the chinking of plates echoing throughout the house. Lila and Asher exchanged a look. For Lila, her mind was still reeling from the shadowy figure inside the abandoned ¨C or at least, thought to be abandoned ¨C farmhouse. Was it actually a part of Asher¡¯s property? Should they ask Gabriel? Would he even know? And if it was a part of the property, who was that? Or what? How did they get there? Was it even a person, or was it a piece of furniture creating the appearance of a person?

    ¡°Alrighty, you two,¡± Gabriel gleefully called, brandishing two small plates with shreds of lamb placed on top. Lila hadn¡¯t even realised he¡¯d left the butler¡¯s pantry as she automatically received her plate. Gabriel then whipped out two forks and gently handed them to Asher and Lila, his face seeming anticipatory.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Gabriel said, looking specifically at Lila. ¡°It¡¯s one of my favourite dishes.¡±

    ¡°One of your favourites?¡± Lila repeated in surprise. ¡°Must be good then.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Asher confirmed, scooping some into his mouth. ¡°Shit! That¡¯s hot.¡±

    Gabriel lovingly gestured for Lila to take a bite as well. She was now rather uncertain about doing so, given Asher¡¯s reaction, but he also gestured at her with his shoulders before coughing and fanning his mouth.

    Once she placed it atop her tongue, she was instantly transported to a flavour sensation she hadn¡¯t expected. The lamb, though it wasn¡¯t quite done yet, was quite tender and the chutney had done a fantastic job of permeating its sweet flavour throughout the meat. Asher was right though ¨C it was piping hot.

    ¡°D-Delicious,¡± Lila stammered, huffing to circulate air in her mouth. ¡°So good.¡±

    Gabriel chuckled, winking at Lila before saying, ¡°Of course it is. I¡¯ll call you when it¡¯s ready.¡±

    With that, he collected their plates, placed them in the sink, and disappeared into the butler¡¯s pantry, softly closing the door behind him.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a bemused glance.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we go upstairs?¡± Lila asked. Asher nodded, and they did so without another word.

    Once Asher let Lila into the rumpus room, however, he immediately began speaking ¨C as though he¡¯d been holding it in.

    ¡°Alright, we have a list of things to do and think about. Cameras ¨C they should go to the camera store for printing as soon as possible. Are you free tomorrow? Great. Did you want to meet at mine or go straight there?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Maybe we should go together then.¡±

    Lila noticed the beginning stages of a blush forming on Asher¡¯s face. He swiftly changed the topic and his complexion reverted.

    ¡°A-Anyway, we also have this code thingy. Did you want me to have a go at solving it?¡±

    ¡°I probably won¡¯t be any good. Was never a fan of them.¡±

    ¡°Rightio. Leave it with me, then.¡±

    Asher crossed his arms, looking intently at the floor. Lila slowly inched her way to the couch as he continued to think, hoping not to disturb him.

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna get mad if you sit down,¡± he said after she was about halfway to her destination. ¡°I should¡¯ve invited you to sit. You want a juice or something?¡±

    ¡°Yes please,¡± Lila replied, hurrying off to her usual spot on the couch. She could have sworn that she heard him chuckle, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    He swiftly returned with two cups of juice, handing Lila one before sitting down next to her. Perhaps it was because she was incredibly aware of where he was at any given time now, but she felt as though he was sitting slightly closer to her than usual.

    ¡°Did you wanna discuss theories?¡± he asked after taking a sip of his juice.

    ¡°I think my brain¡¯s fried, sorry,¡± Lila said quietly, taking her own sip. He remained silent for a few moments before swapping his cup for two sets of joy cons.

    ¡°Was kinda hoping you¡¯d say that. Let¡¯s play.¡±

    The next couple of hours flew by without any more discussion or thought about Marlene, the cottage, or the farmhouse. Lila had almost forgotten that even Gabriel was here, she was enjoying herself that much. So, when Gabriel buzzed the intercom to announce that lunch was ready, Lila reluctantly put her joy cons down.

    ¡°I know that what I¡¯m about to eat is incredible,¡± she sighed, ¡°but I was having fun. Thought we¡¯d at least get to this dungeon¡¯s boss before we had to head down.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Asher yawned, stretching his arms high above his head. ¡°Ah well.¡±

    They lazily descended the stairs, the smell of their lunch enticingly wafting towards them.

    ¡°Can¡¯t believe you threw me off the cliff like that,¡± Lila tutted as she stepped onto the tiled floor. Asher chortled.

    ¡°I told you it was an accident! I pressed the wrong button.¡±

    ¡°Glad to know the ¡®launch teammate¡¯ button is really close to whatever you apparently wanted to do.¡±

    ¡°I got my just desserts in the end,¡± Asher reminded her with a smirk. ¡°That miniboss came outta nowhere and smacked me to death in, like, half a second.¡±

    They both laughed, entering the dining room and taking their usual places.

    Gabriel entered, holding a large, exquisite serving dish upon which was a mound of steaming, slow-cooked lamb. He beamed at them, noting that he would be back in a minute, and departed with a pep in his step. Lila smiled in his wake. His love of cooking was certainly a joy to see.

    Her smile froze on her face, however, when Marlene next entered, carrying a small bowl of a yoghurt and chutney sauce and a plate of toasted garlic naan breads. She looked to be wearing what she usually wore to her caf¨¦ job, though Lila wasn¡¯t too sure. She was sure, however, that she heard Asher¡¯s breathing halt altogether, but she didn¡¯t dare look at him.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Marlene greeted them serenely, placing the items on the table. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind my joining you all for lunch. Gabriel invited me to enjoy the lamb. It¡¯s one of my favourites.¡±

    ¡°And,¡± Gabriel sung behind her, holding plates and sets of cutlery, ¡°I¡¯ve made so much, we¡¯ll be eating it for days. May as well have Marlene join us!¡±

    ¡°G-Great,¡± Asher stuttered. ¡°More the merrier.¡±

    Of course, Asher sounded completely unmerry as he said this. Lila checked the time on her phone as Gabriel placed her plate and cutlery set before her. It was 2.05pm. From what Lila could remember, Marlene generally returned home at 1.30pm¡­

    It felt as though Lila¡¯s stomach disappeared entirely, replaced only by a sickening whirlpool of nausea. Had Marlene already gone home?

    But Marlene seemed normal ¨C cheery, even. Not at all like the victim of a slap-dash break-and-enter who returned home to a distressed cat and unlocked doors. It had felt violating enough for Piper to have placed a photo on the inside of Lila¡¯s locker door. Lila couldn¡¯t even imagine how violating it would feel to have her house broken into like that¡­

    Suddenly, the fact that they had broken into the house of someone who, for all intents and purposes, was a good employee of Asher¡¯s family, and had been around for quite some time, began to weigh on Lila as though a car was sitting on her shoulders. She watched as Marlene disappeared once again, towards the kitchen.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher whispered in her ear, his eyes full of concern. ¡°Let¡¯s just eat, okay?¡±

    She nodded, looking down at her bare plate. Gabriel returned with a colourful salad and Marlene sailed in close behind with a pitcher of iced tea. They assembled their plates of food in relative silence, except for murmurs of appreciation towards Gabriel.

    Though the food was mouth-wateringly delicious, as expected, Lila couldn¡¯t help but worry about what Marlene was thinking. Of course, it would be an easy task for Marlene to check her CCTV holdings and see them both, but¡­ had she done that yet? And had she noticed a third party¡¯s presence in her cottage?

    ¡°So,¡± Marlene said, tilting her head to the side after taking a sip of iced tea. ¡°What did you two get up to today?¡±

    Lila pretended not to hear Marlene as she took a bite of food. What could she say? ¡®Broke into your house and assaulted your cat, what about you?¡¯

    ¡°We took a walk down to the shopping district,¡± Asher replied, his tone steely. Lila glanced up at him, but he didn¡¯t look at her.

    ¡°That must¡¯ve been lovely,¡± Marlene replied, a genuine-looking smile on her face. ¡°Go into any of the shops?¡±

    ¡°The bookshop,¡± Asher responded shortly, shovelling some food into his mouth.

    ¡°Any interesting books?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would be so interested in what Asher and Lila got up to,¡± Gabriel laughed, piling more food onto his plate. ¡°Now I¡¯m curious!¡±

    ¡®Please don¡¯t be,¡¯ Lila privately begged.

    ¡°There were a few, but I¡¯m mulling over what I¡¯d like to buy,¡± Asher answered, ignoring Gabriel¡¯s comment. Lila was impressed at the speed at which Asher was flying by the seat of his pants.

    ¡°Why not get them all? You¡¯re on holiday,¡± Marlene suggested politely.

    ¡°That¡¯s an option, I suppose,¡± Asher replied, giving her an empty laugh. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about getting some collector¡¯s editions of the Bront? sisters¡¯ works.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t say,¡± Marlene sounded stunned, though her eyes gleamed with excitement.

    ¡°I¡¯m hoping to get a head start. For our English assignments next term. Apparently, we¡¯ll be reading something from that era, but the writing can be a little hard to understand. I just need to get reacquainted with the style, since it¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve read them. Did you want me to help you with that, by the way, Lila?¡±

    Lila choked on a piece of the lamb, tapping her chest to dislodge it. Thankfully, it easily did so.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila rasped. ¡°I¡¯ve never read them.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to buy your own copies?¡± Marlene enquired, scraping the remains of her food onto her fork. ¡°The ones you have in the library will do you just fine.¡±

    It seemed that Marlene¡¯s challenge of Asher¡¯s intention shocked him as he took a moment to respond.

    ¡°Quite sure. Those versions are quite dated and frail now. Unless you may have some copies hidden away somewhere?¡±

    Marlene smiled. ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    Lunch passed without any further conversation, which Lila tentatively considered a success. At the very least, it provided far less opportunity to slip up regarding today¡¯s true activities.

    ¡°A very important question, Lila,¡± Gabriel said sweetly upon getting up from his chair. ¡°I have been very hard at work making baklava for today¡¯s dessert. Are you staying for dinner?¡±

    Lila cast a nervous look at Asher. Really, given the oppressive uncertainty she felt regarding Marlene, and her impending reaction to finding out that they had broken into her house, she would rather go home immediately.

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lila found herself saying as soon as Asher¡¯s round, pleading eyes returned her gaze.

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Gabriel¡¯s brilliant smile captivated Lila ¨C there was no way she could go home without dinner now.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go for a walk,¡± Asher said abruptly, suddenly standing up. Lila knew not to question him now, particularly given Marlene¡¯s curiosity-laden expression.

    ¡°Where to?¡± Gabriel asked, beginning to collect their dishes.

    ¡°The park,¡± Asher instantly replied, extending a hand towards Lila. She took it, her heart skipping a beat as she did so, and he helped her up. She quickly let go and he placed his hand in his pocket.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need any help, Gabriel?¡± Marlene asked, also standing up from her seat.

    ¡°I can¡¯t have you work on your time off,¡± Gabriel insisted, shaking his head. ¡°Having you help bring the dishes out was already a selfish ask. If you try and do any more, I¡¯ll feel terrible. See you when you start your shift.¡±

    Marlene gave him an easy-going smile before nodding at Asher and Lila.

    ¡°I shall see you two later on this evening,¡± she said pleasantly before taking her leave and disappearing towards the front doors.

    ¡°Should we head off, then?¡± Lila suggested awkwardly.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, his face seeming less than enthusiastic about the prospect of ¡®this evening¡¯.

    ¡°Enjoy your walk, you two,¡± Gabriel chirped, leaving them behind in the dining room with a grin.

    Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure if they would enjoy their walk but said nothing of the sort to Asher as they slipped on their shoes and departed into the brisk, chilly afternoon breeze.

    Marlene was nowhere in sight, which seemed to allow Asher to relax. His gait, at least, wasn¡¯t so rigid and uptight.

    ¡°She hasn¡¯t asked us about whether we were in her cottage,¡± Asher observed through gritted teeth. Lila made a sound in agreement but otherwise simply followed wherever Asher was taking them. She wasn¡¯t quite sure that he had a destination in mind though, after a few minutes of silent walking, Lila began to recognise the surrounds as being near the park.

    ¡°Maybe she doesn¡¯t know that we were in her cottage,¡± Asher mumbled, looking down at the road. He stopped walking altogether, his face twisted with anxiety. Lila stood next to him, trying to think of what to say. But there was no comfort in lying.

    ¡°I¡­ think it¡¯d be pretty obvious,¡± Lila replied in a whisper. ¡°If not just due to the fact that she¡¯s got duct tape on some of the cameras.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher sighed despondently. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot to take the tape off.¡±

    Asher kicked his toes into the ground, his arms folded across his chest. He seemed by his posture alone like a man who¡¯d given up all hope.

    ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not like we could go in there and delete the footage of us putting the duct tape on or us entering her house. I tried to log into that computer, but the password was not something I had any hope of knowing,¡± he finally said reluctantly.

    ¡°Do you reckon she¡¯s gonna confront us?¡± Lila twisted her fingers together as she said this.

    ¡°She¡¯ll have to,¡± Asher responded grimly. ¡°I mean, even if she¡¯s not mad, though I''m not sure why she wouldn''t be, she''d have to tell us to stop or something.¡±

    ¡°At least we have our photos,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I doubt we¡¯d be able to go in again, but we don¡¯t have to since we¡¯ve got the photos.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be interesting to see what we missed,¡± Asher conceded with a nod. He looked down the pavement towards the direction of the park for half a second before grinning devilishly at her.

    ¡°Race ya to the park.¡±

    Just as the words left his mouth, he burst into a run like a bullet from a gun.

    ¡°You bitch!¡± Lila shouted behind him in surprise before chasing him. He simply cackled, his long stride leaving her in the dust.

    It was just what she needed - a light-hearted race, without any fear. It was certainly far better than the other sprints she had earlier that day.

    Instead of sitting on a bench, as was their usual practice at this park, Asher kept going towards the swings before belly-flopping onto one. He groaned in pain as Lila stopped short of him.

    ¡°You idiot,¡± Lila smirked before laughter overcame her. He looked up at her, his expression offended, before he started laughing as well, slipping off the seat of the swing and onto the bark below it.

    They probably both looked as though they were crazy or hopped up on something, as neither of them stopped laughing for a good few minutes. Perhaps it was due to catharsis, or Asher really was that amusing. Luckily, they didn¡¯t have to worry about freaking out other park patrons - no one was out and about, likely because it was far too cold.

    Lila sank down onto the bark next to Asher, rubbing her stomach gently to soothe her aching muscles. It wasn¡¯t a comfortable seating arrangement, due to the shape of the bark, but the faint woody smell she was inhaling eased her.

    ¡°What a day,¡± Asher remarked, looking up at the overcast sky.

    ¡°Could say that again.¡±

    ¡°What a day.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes as she pushed his shoulder with her own, and he snickered. Neither exchanged a word for several minutes.

    ¡°¡­ you¡¯re surprisingly good at lying to Marlene on the spot,¡± Lila commented idly. She glanced at him and saw that he was grimacing, as though her words had physically hurt him. He pulled his knees up to his chest and hugged them before responding.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna be,¡± he admitted quietly, looking down at his knees. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t exactly know how to put this, but¡­ lying, breaking and entering, stalking, entering nightclubs illegally¡­ even swearing up a storm¡­ skipping class and soccer practice¡­ heck, even wearing crumpled clothes every day. I can¡¯t even recognise myself anymore. Feels like the only thing that stayed the same was my grades. Can¡¯t even say that my friendship with Isaac is the same, after all the debt stuff.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯s it different?¡± Asher¡¯s admission to his friendship with Isaac being different alarmed Lila somewhat as she sat up straight, shielding her eyes so she could look at Asher comfortably. He shrugged.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad different,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Just¡­ different. I guess he feels like he owes me, but in more than money. It¡¯s kinda like he¡¯s trying too hard, y¡¯know. Maybe he¡¯s just overcompensating ¡®cause he feels bad for me bailing him out like that. He¡¯s still the goofball I know and love, but¡­ he doesn¡¯t need to go so far out of his way. If anything, I owe him.¡±

    He gave her an uneasy sideways glance before looking back down at his knees. ¡°I owe him a lot, actually.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    He placed his head on his knees. ¡°Can¡¯t say.¡±

    ¡°Why not?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°Not like I haven¡¯t embarrassed myself in front of you plenty.¡±

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to agree.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a joke. And what did I say about apologising.¡±

    ¡°S-¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s better.¡±

    Lila smiled at Asher to reassure him that she wasn¡¯t being too serious. He returned the smile before sighing heavily, as though he had way too much air in his lungs that was fighting to get out.

    ¡°Fine. I guess¡­ here goes. Since¡­ you were brave.¡± He paused, and she watched with bated breath as he seemed to be choosing his next words carefully. ¡°I know Isaac broke up with you because of me. I was too jealous and hurt, I suppose. Upset that he¡¯d asked you first, and upset that you said yes, then upset that I couldn¡¯t even pretend to be happy for him. He never told me that I was the reason why, but¡­ I knew. I also knew that he really liked you at the time. It was a decision he agonised over. And he chose to be selfless for me. I¡¯ve never felt like I¡¯ve repaid him for that. And this year, he¡¯s been trying to get us together. Even though I can¡¯t¡­¡±

    Pain seeped into his voice in such a way that it almost strangled his words entirely, but he soldiered on, Lila¡¯s eyes glued to him. ¡°He¡¯s known all this time how much you¡­ well, how much I¡¯ve liked you over the years, and he¡¯s been trying his damnedest this year. I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever be able to repay him, even if we never end up dating.¡±

    Asher¡¯s last sentence stung Lila, interrupting her heartbeat for a second. The possibility that they never ended up dating was something that she knew, but it had been entirely unexpected that he would bring it up so candidly. Did¡­ that mean he wasn¡¯t thinking it¡¯d happen?

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Asher coughed slightly as he continued to speak. ¡°Every second I¡¯ve been with you¡­ has felt like a dream. Mostly because I didn¡¯t think it¡¯d ever happen, that we¡¯d be so close. But¡­ Isaac¡¯s encouraged me ¨C to keep hanging out with you and stuff ¨C the whole way. Even while I was with Holly, when I tried to play off that I didn¡¯t like you. I think he knew for sure.¡±

    Lila held her face in her hands, to hide the furious blush flooding her cheeks. Again, with the effect he had on her¡­

    ¡°He¡­ said that you couldn¡¯t shut up about me,¡± Lila¡¯s voice was muffled, as she was still burying her face in her hands. ¡°Back in Term One. And that he felt sorry for Holly if you were talking about me with her.¡±

    ¡°What? When?¡±

    ¡°When you saw us on the hill at lunch. When I first heard about the rumours Piper was spreading.¡±

    ¡°Ah. I see.¡±

    Asher looked nervous as he turned his eyes towards the sky again, given his visibly trembling knees. She considered that this reaction was likely due to the fact that he was being so open about his feelings about her and Isaac. Possibly for the first time ever.

    ¡°Thanks¡­ for telling me,¡± she said earnestly. ¡°Sometimes I think that the fact you like me back is a lie, since, well, we¡¯re like this, but when you say things like that¡­ it¡¯s very reassuring. I think¡­ if I were to tell others about this situation, they¡¯d say that you¡¯re stringing me along, or saying what I wanna hear to try a friends with benefits arrangement or something.¡±

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Asher uttered incredulously. ¡°You reckon?¡±

    Lila nodded emphatically. ¡°Yeah. It¡­ kinda seems that way. I guess a lot of people wouldn¡¯t get it, why we¡¯re not together if we like each other.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned from one of intrigue to guilt as he picked at his nails. ¡°I¡¯d never¡­ just do that with you. U-Unless you wanted to, of course. But since I¡¯ve liked you for so long¡­ I think I¡¯d be disappointed in myself if I didn¡¯t try for a full relationship with you. Friends with benefits works for some, but you¡¯re not just¡­ you¡¯re worth more than that. Worth someone cherishing you, at least.¡±

    Did¡­ that mean he was thinking they¡¯d end up dating? Lila couldn¡¯t disentangle his intentions anymore, they changed so rapidly with the wind. Though, judging by his fidgety appearance and the lack of confidence he had just now, Lila was sure he didn¡¯t know either. He would definitely need to talk to Gabriel, or someone suitably qualified. Of course, if the outcome of Asher¡¯s conversation with someone like that was that he wouldn¡¯t date Lila at all, then¡­ she supposed it¡¯d be fine. She¡¯d probably cry about it for a month or a year, depending on how it all went down, but¡­ he was his own person. She couldn¡¯t control him.

    ¡°Wanna swing?¡± Asher suggested, breaking Lila out of her frankly depressing thoughts. She blinked rapidly at him as she registered his words.

    ¡°Oh. This one?¡± she pointed at the swing Asher had hurt himself on and he nodded, standing up.

    They ended up hanging out on the playground, talking about nothing in particular besides the weather, the books they were reading, and releases of things that they were excited about in the near future. They also swung around for a bit before moving on to the slides, the ¡®gym¡¯ equipment, and the other facilities around the park.

    The sun began to set, signalling that it was time to go home. It was only five o¡¯clock when Lila reluctantly climbed down from the big net in the centre of the park. Asher unenthusiastically stopped his own climbing activity and met her at the bottom before they took off at a leisurely pace towards Asher¡¯s house.

    ¡°You mentioned before that you could hardly recognise yourself,¡± Lila noted as she pulled her arms across her body. The cold was starting to freeze her insides, now that the sun had set.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied. ¡°I can¡¯t. I still don¡¯t know whether it¡¯s good or bad, but¡­ I mean, that list I just pulled outta my head is a real troublesome resume for a goody-two-shoes like me. Well, like I used to be.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s giving bad boy,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°You¡¯ve had good reason to do everything you listed, though. It¡¯s not like you¡¯re doing it for fun, or because you¡¯re bored. So, I don¡¯t think you should beat yourself up about it.¡±

    ¡°Dunno, crime¡¯s a slippery slope,¡± Asher said seriously. ¡°What if, after the prowess I¡¯ve shown in opening locks, I decide to rob people? Then I¡¯d get arrested and then I wouldn¡¯t be able to finish this year¡¯s assessments and I¡¯d have no shot at being a doctor, or in the medical field at the very least, like my parents want.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back her snort. Of course he¡¯d be worried about his grades. He glanced at her before laughing himself.

    ¡°It¡­ sounds a bit ridiculous, doesn¡¯t it?¡± he queried, running his hands through his hair. ¡°To be worried about grades more than jail as a 16-year-old.¡±

    ¡°Do 16-year-olds even go to jail?¡± Lila pondered.

    ¡°Probably. Wanna test it?¡±

    ¡°No thanks.¡±

    They both laughed together again. Asher¡¯s suggestion to take a walk to the park and hang out there ¨C that had been a very good one in the end.

 Chapter Eighty-Five

    Chapter Eighty-Five

    Immediately upon their return, Gabriel shooed them both, his flapping hands directing them to head upstairs, and they did so without a detailed look at the kitchen. Whatever he was doing seemed to require his utmost concentration.

    After they both flopped onto the couch, with Lila feeling significantly worn out, Asher put on a YouTube Let¡¯s Play video. It served as some good light-hearted entertainment while they waited for Gabriel to call them down for dinner.

    So, when a knock sounded on the rumpus room door several hours later, rather than the crackle of the intercom, Lila noted that it was slightly odd but otherwise didn¡¯t think much of it as Asher crossed the room to open it.

    ¡°G-Good to see you, Marlene,¡± Asher stuttered, widening the door and allowing her entry. Marlene, dressed in her usual maid outfit, strolled in, a plate of cookies and a steaming, ornate teapot upon a silver tray in her hands.

    ¡°Good to see you too, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene replied politely. Her voice had a tinge of frost within ¡®Mr Wagner¡¯ that made Lila stand up. Marlene nodded at Lila before placing the tray down on the kitchenette counter. The silence in the room was entirely awkward and cumbersome ¨C as though Marlene had brought a heavy cloud of it in here with her.

    ¡°Would you like some green tea?¡± Marlene asked, pulling two cups from the shelf. Lila glanced at Asher, whose face was reminiscent of tofu ¨C both because it was white, and because he was sweating slightly.

    ¡°Yes please,¡± Lila responded. ¡°For both of us.¡±

    Marlene obediently poured out drinks for them.

    ¡°Dinner will be ready in about half an hour,¡± Marlene stated simply, carrying the cups towards Asher, who was still by the door. He reluctantly took one and Marlene walked to Lila and passed her the other cup.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said graciously. ¡°Looks nice and cosy.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Marlene acknowledged, wiping her hands on her apron. ¡°Very.¡±

    As Lila was about to bring the cup to her lips, she caught sight of Asher¡¯s panic behind Marlene¡¯s figure. He was shaking his head animatedly at Lila and her eyes flickered down to the tea. It¡­ was probably a bad idea to accept anything from Marlene ¨C especially since they were unsure of her reaction to their rifling in her home.

    But there was something else that caught Lila¡¯s attention, besides Asher¡¯s warning. Something that she wasn¡¯t sure was there before Marlene entered.

    Two torches that looked oddly familiar were sitting neatly on the kitchenette counter, standing up as though they were soldiers being marked for attendance. Lila hadn¡¯t put them there¡­ and she had been watching Marlene the entire time she¡¯d entered ¨C she wouldn¡¯t have been able to put those there¡­ so where had they come from?

    With a queasy feeling rushing through her head, Lila remembered exactly why they were familiar. They were the torches she and Asher had brought to their break-and-enter. The realisation made her remember that she¡¯d left hers, at least, right beside the suspicious textbook on Marlene¡¯s desk that she¡¯d flipped through. Did Marlene put these here? Why? Was it a threat? To show that she knew?

    But Marlene didn¡¯t address the torches at all. Instead, she mentioned that Lila looked a bit unwell and suggested that Lila sit down. She did so ¨C mostly because refusal would elicit follow-up questions.

    ¡°I¡¯ve had an interesting afternoon,¡± Marlene unexpectedly spoke, jolting Lila into standing again. ¡°But I digress. I have a present for you, Mr Wagner.¡±

    He immediately stepped back, closer to the exit. ¡°A what?¡±

    ¡°A present,¡± Marlene repeated. She plunged a hand into her apron¡¯s front pocket and retrieved a minuscule, bedazzled duck statue. She looked down at it fondly before thrusting it at Asher.

    ¡°W-Why?¡± Asher asked tentatively, his arms remaining by his sides.

    ¡°Look at him,¡± Marlene insisted. ¡°Isn¡¯t he delightful?¡±

    ¡°I-I guess.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Marlene said seriously, her voice low. ¡°You seemed very fond of it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen that in my life,¡± Asher replied swiftly. Marlene¡¯s eyes narrowed.

    ¡°Sure you have,¡± she said, tilting her head to the side. ¡°You were enamoured by it.¡±

    Lila saw that Asher looked increasingly uncomfortable. He shook his head. ¡°Must be mistaken.¡±

    ¡®Wouldn¡¯t it be better to admit that we were there?¡¯ Lila thought, nervously looking between the two. They both stared at each other for a moment, neither moving a muscle, before Asher shifted his weight between his feet. His eyes darted down to the duck, then back up to Marlene. Marlene¡¯s face relaxed into a smile as he took the duck from her hands.

    ¡°Perhaps,¡± Marlene said smoothly, passing Asher and opening the door. Then, she closed it without stepping outside. Lila¡¯s palms began to sweat, her face twitching with anxiety ¨C why did Marlene close the door?

    ¡°Just a word of advice,¡± Marlene said softly, turning around to look specifically at Asher. ¡°You should remember to lock doors. Especially those you¡¯ve unlocked. See you at dinner, Mr Wagner. Lila.¡±

    Marlene inclined her head, smiling again at both Asher and Lila before disappearing through the doorway, closing the door gently behind her.

    Without skipping a beat, Asher instantly began to pace, his hand firmly clamped onto his chin, the other still gripping the duck. ¡°What was that?¡± he asked hoarsely, still pacing.

    ¡°I honestly have no idea,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°She didn¡¯t¡­ specifically address anything about the break-in.¡±

    ¡°Do¡­ you think we got away with it?¡± his voice sounded incredibly hopeful ¨C pleading, almost.

    Lila shook her head, pointing at the duck. ¡°How else would she have known about you liking that duck?¡±

    Asher looked down at it before placing it artfully on the coffee table. ¡°Who doesn¡¯t like duck statues?¡±

    Lila sighed. He was right ¨C who didn¡¯t like duck statues? But, of course, that wasn¡¯t the answer that Lila was confident about. Marlene had obviously looked through the footage and saw Asher looking at this particular one a lot. From what Lila could remember, it had been in the computer room.

    ¡°The fact that she¡¯s not saying anything directly about the break-in is getting on my nerves,¡± Asher said, pacing again. Lila couldn¡¯t agree more. It didn¡¯t seem likely that Marlene had not noticed, especially since she returned their torches, provided Asher with one of her ducks, and talked about unlocking doors¡­

    ¡°I can¡¯t help but think her comment about locking doors is a threat,¡± Asher finally admitted in a quiver. Lila stared at him for a moment, the wind knocked out of her, an overwhelming sense of horror taking its place.

    ¡°S-Surely not,¡± Lila replied weakly, trying and failing to sound reassuring. Asher returned her gaze with a grim one of his own.

    ¡°What else am I supposed to think?¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ she¡¯s trying to give you a tip.¡±

    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°What, so we can break into her house again?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like she told us not to.¡±

    Asher gave her a doubtful expression.

    ¡°She¡­ might just be concerned about your safety,¡± Lila suggested in a small voice. His expression stayed the same, though his right eyebrow twitched.

    ¡°If she was concerned about my safety, she¡¯d tell me what she knows about my Mum¡¯s disappearance.¡±

    The accusation laced within his words hung in the air between them, almost tangible enough for Lila to clutch. Was that it, now? Were they landing on Marlene as the likely perpetrator of Tabitha¡¯s disappearance?

    Asher sighed, rubbing his face with his hands.

    ¡°That¡­ sounded a lot more pointed than I intended. She¡¯s freaky as fuck, but so far I can¡¯t see anything that links her to Mum specifically.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. At least, for now.¡±

    ¡°For now,¡± Asher confirmed softly. ¡°Man, I¡¯m drained.¡±

    ¡°No kidding. Same here,¡± Lila smiled. She gestured to the couch. ¡°If we¡¯ve got half an hour to kill, you may as well sit down.¡±

    Asher sheepishly walked over and sat down. He grabbed a decorative cushion and hugged it to his body, as if for comfort.

    ¡°¡­ Can you stay over tonight?¡± he asked, his voice almost inaudible. He was looking down at his legs, rather than at Lila. For a moment, Lila almost said ¡®yes¡¯. But¡­ her worries about what that would mean for their... whatever this was halted her. And, besides, she didn¡¯t bring anything for that.

    ¡°I-¡± Lila began before Asher cut her off.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Sorry. It was a stupid question to ask. I just got a bit in my head about Marlene. I¡¯ll just lock my door.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a stupid question,¡± Lila replied, a blush forming on her face. ¡°I would, but I don¡¯t have anything with me to stay over. And, since we¡¯re going to the shops tomorrow, I don¡¯t think I should wear my Rock cosplay again.¡±

    ¡°Rock cosplay?¡±

    Lila¡¯s blush deepened. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a dumb joke. You know that photo of the Rock in a black turtleneck and chain? That¡¯s what this outfit reminded me of.¡±

    Asher snorted with a lopsided smirk. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve said that, yeah. You two could be twins.¡±

    Lila leaned over and playfully smacked him on the arm.

    ¡°No WWE moves?¡± he asked with a laugh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t test me,¡± Lila teased back. ¡°Daniel¡¯ll tell you that I¡¯m not above slamming people to the ground.¡±

    ¡°Noted,¡± Asher grinned. He leaned back into the couch and sighed, squeezing the cushion on his lap gently. ¡°You probably wouldn¡¯t want to stay over anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know if you¡¯d get much sleep.¡± He gave her a sideways glance before sitting up, spluttering. ¡°O-Only because I talk in my sleep.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila said, her thumping heart being the only sound she could hear for a few moments. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not like I¡¯d be staying in your room with you, though.¡±

    ¡°I can be pretty loud,¡± Asher replied. There was something in the way that he avoided her gaze that made her feel as though he was being evasive. Was he embarrassed?

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to be embarrassed,¡± Lila said comfortingly. ¡°I live with two siblings. It can be pretty rowdy at all hours.¡±

    Asher simply nodded, a grimace flashing so quickly across his face that Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d imagined it or not.

    ¡°Anyway, I could possibly stay over one day, if you¡¯re that worried about Marlene. I¡¯d just need some notice,¡± Lila offered. ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯d have to ask my parents first.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes met hers and he stretched his hands high above his head. ¡°What about tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°T-Tomorrow? Like, after we get the photos developed?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I think¡­ well, tomorrow¡¯s Thursday, right? Unless¡­ you¡¯re doing something on Friday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you a couple times that I¡¯ve got no plans over the holidays. Elise and Grace ditched me, after all.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ uh¡­ speaking of ditching, maybe I should talk to Isaac.¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Hanging out. I¡¯ve neglected him a bit.¡±

    ¡°Well, considering what you said before, maybe you should,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I dunno what guys get up to, but perhaps you should have a rematch over your miserable defeat at Mario Kart.¡±

    ¡°Rude.¡±

    They both laughed before turning on another YouTube video or two. Eventually, Gabriel called them down for dinner via the intercom and Lila was pleased to see that he had repurposed the lamb into some tasty wraps with all manner of complementary fillings. Lila managed to ignore Marlene, mostly, who kept to herself this time, rather than asking them questions.

    Once dinner was over, Lila could hardly keep her eyes open. She asked Clare if she could pick Lila up, and Clare agreed with the caveat of an offering of baklava (apparently, Gabriel had told her about his dessert misadventures with it). Gabriel packaged it up with a brilliant, excited beam and waved them away after placing it in Lila¡¯s hands.

    They both climbed the stairs at a lethargic pace and Lila began making sure she had all her belongings whilst Asher crawled onto the couch, yawning. She mirrored his yawn, suddenly wishing that she¡¯d accepted his offer of staying over tonight despite her lack of clothes, toiletries, and whatever else she would need. As she continued to pack, they watched a video or two on some more animals.

    ¡°You know,¡± Asher said lazily, scrolling through his YouTube home page after the video on echidnas ended, ¡°I think I¡¯m gonna need a good few hours to recover from all this.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, zipping up her bag and sitting down in her usual spot. ¡°Same here. Did you wanna go to the shops at, like, 12 or something?¡±

    Asher shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°Probably as convenient a time as any.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to let Clare know,¡± Lila replied, typing a note on her phone to remind her. Knowing her luck, with how spent her mind, body, and emotions felt, she¡¯d forget as soon as she sat inside Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°For everything. Today, being here with me. My literal partner in crime. I¡­ I¡¯m so confused, with Marlene and everything that¡¯s happened, but since you¡¯re here¡­ I feel comforted in knowing I¡¯m not alone. And that you¡¯ve agreed to go on this crazy ride with me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had minor doubts, here and there, about whether any of this was a good idea,¡± Lila replied truthfully. ¡°But¡­ since the whole Piper stuff blew over, and especially after everything with your ex¡­ I wouldn¡¯t have it any other way. We¡¯re in this together, and I¡¯ll see all this through ¡®till the end with you.¡±

    He cracked a genuine smile at her before his eyes flashed downwards to her lips. His own seemed incredibly soft and warm, and they seemed to be getting close-

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed loudly on the coffee table, making both Asher and Lila jump. Flustered, Lila quickly picked it up. It was Clare, saying she was outside.

    ¡®Thank God,¡¯ Lila thought with a twinge of disappointment yet also approval. ¡®If she was any later, I might¡¯ve done something I¡¯d regret.¡¯

    Not that kissing Asher in and of itself would be something she¡¯d regret ¨C but the lines between friendship and dating were becoming so blurred that she needed glasses. The one thing she was sure of, however, was that she wanted to be his girlfriend ¨C and be sure that they were each other¡¯s one and only. And, most especially, that he wasn¡¯t hung up on Holly still.

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you out,¡± Asher said, standing up. His face was slightly pink, but he didn¡¯t speak as they trod the stairs. They didn¡¯t encounter Marlene or Gabriel upon arriving at the front doors, which Lila was grateful for.

    Asher punched the security code in and opened the doors for Lila. She could hear the distant rumbling of Clare¡¯s car with the tell-tale doofs of her music choices. She slipped her shoes on and they both exited into the freezing outdoors.

    ¡°Should¡¯ve worn a jacket,¡± Lila mumbled forlornly, pulling her arms closer to herself. Asher¡¯s arms moved oddly for a moment before he rested them stoically by his sides.

    ¡°I don¡¯t reckon you¡¯ll need one for tomorrow, if we¡¯re going to the shops mainly. But it wouldn¡¯t hurt to bring one,¡± he suggested stiffly. Lila almost asked why he was talking like that when Clare¡¯s voice obnoxiously hollered from the depths of her car.

    ¡°Hurry up, dude! You¡¯re going to turn into a popsicle!¡±

    ¡°I better go,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°See you tomorrow. 12?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. If that¡¯s alright with Clare.¡±

    ¡°What?!¡± Clare shouted. ¡°You guys are mumbling!¡±

    Rolling her eyes, Lila opened the car door and sat inside, telling Clare of their plans to go to the shops tomorrow at midday.

    ¡°Oh thank the high heavens,¡± Clare shuddered. ¡°You two usually get up far too early. It¡¯s been messing up my beauty sleep. I found a pimple on my forehead today! Me! A pimple!¡±

    Lila waved at Asher, who returned the wave with a grin. Clare beeped the car horn, interrogating Lila immediately about her offering of baklava, before driving off into the night, the rising fog dancing in the beam of her headlights.

    <hr>

    ¡°You want to sleep over at Asher¡¯s?¡±

    Lila cringed as she registered the tone her Mum was using that Thursday morning. Distinctly unhappy and severe. ¡®Probably a no, then¡­¡¯ Lila thought wistfully, splishing her cereal hopelessly.

    ¡°It should be fine,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said carefully, placing a hand on Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s arm.

    ¡°You¡¯re approving this?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum looked incredulously at him. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°You know Asher,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied simply. ¡°You¡¯ve been raving about how he¡¯s such a good and smart boy and would be perfect for Lila.¡±

    ¡°When she¡¯s thirty, maybe.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad sighed, giving Lila a peck on the cheek. ¡°I tried, kiddo.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Have a good day at work.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum looked between the two of them before placing her hands on her hips.

    ¡°¡­ Only because it¡¯s school holidays and because it¡¯s Asher,¡± she relented, though her lips were pursed in displeasure. ¡°No funny business.¡±

    ¡°Nothing funny about business,¡± Lila quipped. Her Mum gave her a death glare and she went back to splishing her cereal, though a brilliant smile was blossoming on her face. A sleepover with Asher, huh¡­

    ¡°I expect to see you back here at a reasonable time on Friday, too,¡± her Mum added sternly. ¡°You may be on holidays and 16, but if I¡¯m letting you do this, you must follow my rules.¡±

    Lila jumped up, pulling her Mum into a tight hug. ¡°Thank you!¡±

    Her Mum softly patted Lila¡¯s head before pinching her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re lucky that you¡¯re a good kid.¡±

    ¡®The goodest,¡¯ Lila thought, biting back an awkward laugh. Her Mum would probably pick up on that energy if she let it out.

    ¡°Alright, well, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. At a reasonable time,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said, stepping back from Lila and walking towards the garage with Lila¡¯s Dad in tow.

    ¡°Love you guys!¡± Lila called behind them. They both responded in kind before disappearing through the adjoining door.

    Lila glanced up at the clock hanging up in the kitchen. It was almost 8am. If she was going to get all her stuff together, have a shower, and get dressed in time for a noon arrival at Asher¡¯s, she needed to go. Now.

 Chapter Eighty-Six

    Chapter Eighty-Six

    ¡°Damn, Lila, did you leave the kitchen sink behind or is that in one of your bags?¡± Clare commented as she buckled up.

    ¡°Kitchen sink¡¯s in the backpack,¡± Lila said sarcastically, buckling herself in as well. Clare chortled before starting the car. Lila had managed to get everything done with ten minutes to spare, so relaxed in her seat a little as Clare drove off towards Asher¡¯s.

    ¡°But, seriously, why are you taking so much crap?¡± Clare asked, glancing suspiciously at the three bulging bags Lila had crammed by her feet.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m staying over at Asher¡¯s tonight.¡±

    ¡°WHAT!¡± Clare screeched, slamming on the car brakes slightly too hard. Lila unhappily rubbed her chest, which had connected unceremoniously with the dashboard.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila confirmed as Clare set off again. ¡°I¡¯ll be back tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You sure you guys aren¡¯t friends with benefits?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure. I already told you, I don¡¯t want that. Asher said he didn¡¯t want that, either.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Clare said dubiously with raised eyebrows. ¡°Maybe you should look at getting on the Pill.¡±

    ¡°Clare!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a reasonable suggestion,¡± Clare shot back. ¡°Besides, it can help regulate your periods, reduce period pain, and whatever.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face started to feel hot, so she turned the heater down slightly. She wasn¡¯t going to be having sex with Asher ¨C at least, not anytime soon. She didn¡¯t need the Pill¡­

    ¡°As your older sister, I feel obligated to recommend it to you anyway,¡± Clare added seriously. ¡°I¡¯d like to just stay as an older sister, rather than an Auntie, please and thank you.¡±

    Lila huffed, beginning to pick at her nails.

    ¡°Plus, it needs time before it starts working properly.¡±

    ¡°Are you being paid by Big Pharma or something?¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°Girl, I work with a whole bunch of hot girls. Contraception is something we talk about, like, every day. I just picked up a lot of things.¡±

    Lila remained silent for the rest of the car ride, turning Clare¡¯s suggestion in her mind slowly. She still wasn¡¯t anticipating anything like that happening with Asher, but¡­ perhaps reducing her period pain would be useful¡­

    ¡°Alright,¡± Clare announced once she parked outside Asher¡¯s house. ¡°We¡¯re here. Did you want to offload your bags?¡±

    ¡°I probably should,¡± Lila replied, unclipping her seatbelt.

    She exited the car, hoisting all three bags on one shoulder, and after slogging her way to the front doors, knocked politely. She didn¡¯t have to wait long before they opened.

    ¡°Hey- whoa, that¡¯s a whole bunch of stuff,¡± Asher smiled, taking the bags from her. ¡°I was just chatting to Gabriel. I¡¯ll put these down and finish up my conversation if you wanna head back to the car.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied, relieved that she didn¡¯t have to take off her high-top Converse shoes only to put them back on within seconds. He gave her another smile before disappearing into the depths of the house.

    Lila and Clare waited for about ten minutes with no sign of Asher at all.

    ¡°What the heck is he doing?¡± Clare asked, tapping her steering wheel. Her eyes flickered to Lila before turning her attention back to the house. ¡°You¡¯re so lucky I don¡¯t have plans today. Probably should¡¯ve turned the car off if I knew we were going to be waiting this long, though.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for your patience, Clare,¡± Lila responded earnestly. The fact that Asher was making them wait for so long seemed unusual. Should she call him?

    Just as Lila was scrolling through her phone to find his number, Clare sat up straight.

    ¡°Uh, why¡¯s he running full pelt at the car?¡±

    Lila immediately looked up. Asher¡¯s face was terrified as he sprinted towards the car, bag frantically swinging on his shoulder.

    ¡°I-¡± Lila tried to offer an explanation but before she could posit one to Clare, Asher wrenched open the passenger side door and dived in, looking harried, his face a ghostly pale colour.

    ¡°I thought Marlene was going to kill me,¡± he announced in between heavy breaths. ¡°But it looks like Gabriel¡¯s gonna.¡±

    ¡°What? Gabriel?¡± Lila turned in her seat so she could look at Asher, her brows furrowed in confusion and concern. Clare began to swiftly drive away towards the shopping centre as Asher ran his hands over his face. The silence in the car was punctuated by Clare¡¯s music, which she turned down while they waited for an explanation.

    ¡°I¡­ talked to him,¡± Asher finally mumbled vaguely.

    ¡°About?¡± Lila questioned.

    Asher glanced up at Lila¡¯s curious face before his eyes slid over to Clare. ¡°Some stuff.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind me,¡± Clare said loftily. ¡°I forgot my ears at home.¡±

    Asher looked uncertain. ¡°Just¡­ y¡¯know. Guy things.¡±

    ¡°Guy things?¡± Clare wrinkled her nose.

    Lila shot her a glare. ¡°Thought you forgot your ears.¡±

    ¡°What? I can¡¯t hear you.¡±

    Lila gave a long-suffering sigh before turning to face the front again. With Clare slipping into her nosy ways, she was sure Asher wouldn¡¯t want to go into whatever it was that he was discussing with Gabriel. Though, she had an inkling that it was likely to do with their relationship - or lack thereof.

    ¡®But what did Asher say that made Gabriel so mad?¡¯ Lila couldn¡¯t help but wonder as she watched the world flash by in a swirl of greys and browns, the lack of vibrancy highlighted against the inclement weather.

    Clare seemed to take the hint as she turned up the music without engaging in further conversation. Eventually, she rolled to a stop in the drop-off zone.

    ¡°Righto, guys,¡± Clare declared, ¡°go have fun. Not too much fun, though.¡±

    Lila gave Clare a disapproving look as she exited the car. Asher followed suit, fiddling with the strap of his bag as he gently closed the passenger door.

    ¡°Thanks for the ride, Clare. No thanks for the heavy innuendo,¡± Lila said. Clare simply smirked, giving her sister a wink before driving off.

    Now that they were alone again, Lila started to feel nervous. Would she lose all sense again and¡­ try and get close to Asher?

    The mere thought of the potential of his skin brushing against hers in any kind of way caused a rush of tingles of anticipation to run through her like a zap of electricity. He met her gaze and she immediately clasped her hands together, preferring to look elsewhere, the beginning stages of a blush scattered across her cheeks.

    ¡°Where shall we go first?¡± Asher queried, placing his hands in his pockets. Was he securing them away for the same reason she was?

    ¡°U-Uh¡­ we could check out the camera store?¡±

    ¡°Camera store it is.¡±

    They quietly strolled towards the Camera House, Asher continuously clenching and unclenching the strap of his bag. Lila kept her hands close to herself, though she occasionally smoothed down her hair that she¡¯d tied into a half-updo. Lots of teenagers were milling about the shopping centre, seeming carefree and as though they had no particular plans. If only Lila and Asher could be so lucky¡­

    Suddenly, Lila¡¯s breathing stopped and she whipped around behind her. She thought she¡¯d felt a pair of eyes on her, but found nothing. Was Piper following them again?

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Asher asked. Lila nodded before stopping herself.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m being watched,¡± she admitted. Asher crossed his arms, casting a quick look at the customers surrounding them.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone,¡± he concluded. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean that you¡¯re not being watched, though.¡±

    Lila shuddered. ¡°Thanks for the reassurance.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye out for Piper,¡± Asher murmured. ¡°So you don¡¯t need to worry. Just focus on the moment ¨C I¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to keep your head on a swivel,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye out too.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want to do,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°I just¡­ wish she wasn¡¯t around. Move on, y¡¯know. Like, she¡¯s been told so many times to stop. Surely she knows by now that nothing is gonna happen between her and me.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know if it¡¯s about that anymore,¡± Lila stated. ¡°I think maybe it¡¯s just an ingrained part of her routine.¡±

    Asher winced. ¡°That¡­ the fact that she has a routine that involves stalking me is just insane.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just keep going with what we¡¯re doing,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°Even if she¡¯s stalking us, we can¡¯t let her get in the way of our plans.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    They arrived at the Camera House within a minute or so. It wasn¡¯t particularly busy, though there were a couple of employees wandering around assisting customers. Each wall was lined with various camera models, accessories, and film. This certainly looked like the place that could help them. Lila and Asher exchanged a glance and simultaneously walked to the counter, both cameras in Asher¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila started confidently, though it quickly left her as she tried to think of what else she needed to say. ¡°I believe you can print photos here?¡±

    The cashier at the counter glanced at Lila over his shoulder before turning towards her, his pale, freckled face showcasing a charismatic smile. He looked to be in his early twenties with a few large piercings in his ears. His brunette hair was spiked up in such a way that it was reminiscent of the Sydney Opera House. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure whether that was intentional, but it certainly was a talent. Around his neck hung a colourful lanyard with a variety of pins.

    ¡°Hey,¡± said the cashier. ¡°Name¡¯s Max. How can I help?¡±

    Lila relayed that they needed the pictures on their disposable cameras to be printed.

    Max gingerly took said disposable cameras, giving them both a cursory glance.

    ¡°Look, we do have a few orders going at the moment,¡± Max said simply. ¡°We can process what you¡¯re giving us, but it might take a bit longer than usual.¡±

    ¡°How much longer?¡± Asher inquired.

    ¡°Should be ready for pickup at about 3 o¡¯clock or so. If you give me your phone number, I can send a text when they¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°That good with you?¡± Asher looked down at Lila expectantly.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. For now,¡± Lila replied. She started to give her number to Max when Asher slid in between her and the counter. He rattled off his number so quickly that Lila wasn¡¯t sure Max got it, but all seemed well, and they left the store.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve got three hours to kill,¡± Asher said, stretching his arms. He seemed much more relaxed now that he was no longer in possession of the cameras.

    ¡°You hungry?¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Could eat, I guess.¡± Asher patted his stomach as if trying to determine how hungry he was.

    ¡°In that case, maybe we should take a look at some shops first.¡±

    ¡°Got any in mind?¡±

    Lila directed Asher to a dollar store full of strange and wonderful knick-knacks. He picked up a small duck statue, looking down at it for a moment. He turned it over, evidently saw the price and hurriedly put it back.

    ¡°Jesus,¡± he murmured to Lila, who was looking at a statue of a gnome holding an umbrella. ¡°Just how expensive is Marlene¡¯s hobby?¡±

    ¡°I mean, she¡¯s got to do something with her money,¡± Lila responded, bending down and looking at the bunny statues on the lower shelves. ¡°This store¡¯s just a dollar store, though.¡±

    ¡°That was certainly not one dollar.¡±

    Lila snorted, standing back up. ¡°I reckon one day, a long time ago, all of these stores sold things for only a dollar. But things got more expensive.¡±

    ¡°No kidding.¡±

    ¡°Have you never been in one of these before?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Nah. Never felt the need to.¡±

    ¡°My Mum loves these stores. She always buys the most random stuff from here. One time she came home with an easel. She doesn¡¯t paint or anything, so after she expressed buyer¡¯s regret for a few days, she put a picture of Jesus on it. He joined us at the dinner table for months until Dad cracked the shits and packed Him away.¡±

    Asher laughed so hard, doubling over and nearly knocking over a stand of porcelain figurines, that an attendant asked him to leave. He gave Lila an apologetic look and she waved, continuing her browsing of the wares. Now that Asher wasn¡¯t with her, she felt rather lonely in this store, despite being usually filled with so much wonder whenever she visited one.

    She entered the aisle usually reserved for knock-off toys and found a small bin filled with absolutely feral-looking fake Pok¨¦mon plushies. She picked up a particularly munted Charmander, inspecting its goofy-looking eyes. While not as nice as an official Squirtle from GameFreak, Lila was sure that Asher would cackle when he saw it.

    She purchased it with a smirk and joined Asher outside. He was looking off towards a clothing store, his hands firmly in his pockets again.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said, trying to maintain a neutral facial expression.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Found everything you could ever want?¡±

    ¡°Maybe not,¡± Lila replied, ¡°but I bought you something.¡±

    He looked surprised, his cheeks slowly turning pink. ¡°You did?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not anything impressive,¡± Lila said, passing him the paper bag with the plushie.

    He curiously widened the mouth of the bag and took the Charmander out. He inhaled sharply as he took in its face before starting to indeed cackle.

    ¡°What¡¯d they do to my boy?¡± he asked, his voice perfectly between despair and amusement, turning it over to look at the back. ¡°Why are his flames green?¡±

    Lila watched with a wide grin as he squished it between his hands before lifting it above his head. ¡°Approved!¡±

    They both burst into raucous laughter before sobering up. He put it back into the paper bag and beamed at Lila. ¡°Thanks. He¡¯s a good laugh. I¡¯ll be sure to put him in my room where he can watch over me and the door simultaneously, one eye on each.¡±

    ¡°Probably¡¯ll give you nightmares,¡± Lila teased.

    ¡°Not that that¡¯s anything new,¡± Asher replied plainly.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Lila asked, her eyes glued to his. He looked slightly awkward now as he tore his eyes away.

    ¡°Just making a silly joke,¡± he said, his smile fading. He patted the top of the Charmander in his bag. ¡°Where to next?¡±

    They continued to wander throughout the shopping centre, stopping at various stores and showing each other all sorts of weird and wacky items. Eventually, they found themselves inside the bustling Kmart. Kmart was always an overwhelming experience, what with its immense variety and generally cheap prices. They spent some time looking at the homewares, which featured some interestingly bulbous lamps, before deciding to get some food.

    ¡°Anywhere you wanna go?¡± Asher queried, walking backwards ahead of her.

    ¡°Not particularly,¡± Lila mused.

    ¡°In that case, let¡¯s go to a place that makes everything you could ever want,¡± Asher grinned down at her, his eyes filled with excitement at the prospect. ¡°I know the perfect spot.¡±

    As the words left his lips, he froze in place, looking behind Lila¡¯s shoulder. His face looked stuck in surprise. Dread filling her heart, she thought he¡¯d found Piper stalking them.

    But, once she whirled around, she saw it was someone much worse than Piper.

    Holly. She was unmistakable ¨C her flaxen hair cascaded down her shoulders in loose, perfectly formed curls, her beautiful face rosy with elation and perhaps something else, with her belly beginning to show the secret that had destroyed Asher only months prior. She was holding hands with someone entirely unfamiliar to Lila. At a guess, he looked more like a Grade 12 boy, or perhaps even slightly older, and was as tall as Asher, if not taller, with curly black hair, a strong, square jaw, and rectangular glasses. His face looked both kind and entirely enraptured by Holly¡¯s beauty. Neither seemed to have noticed Asher or Lila standing just metres from them.

    As soon as Lila registered what she was looking at, she immediately turned back towards Asher. He still looked like a deer in the headlights and Lila, with no other alternative immediately available to her, looped her arm in his.

    ¡°S-Sushi!¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡°I feel like sushi.¡±

    She dragged him to the side and he stumbled for a moment before finding his footing. ¡®Everything was going so well,¡¯ Lila thought, tears welling up behind her eyes. ¡®Of course she had to show up and ruin everything again.¡¯

    Asher let himself be led to the nearest sushi store without a word of complaint or agreement. In fact, Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether he was all there anymore. Had his soul been left behind where Holly was with her new boyfriend? Or was he perhaps an old boyfriend? The father of her baby?

    Lila¡¯s mind was reeling as they walked on, the once-noisy shopping centre suddenly seeming devoid of any sound at all. Was Asher okay? He was quiet, but at least he was falling into step with her¡­

    She steadied her breathing, surveying the sushi rolls sitting neatly in the display. There was no use getting into a tizzy over this. It wouldn¡¯t be helpful to Asher, who clearly needed time to process. So, for now, she should focus on what was within her means ¨C food.

    She gently let go of his arm and queued up for sushi. After a minute or so, Lila placed her order and grabbed the cardboard box containing her food, looking around to see where Asher had gone. It seemed that he was grabbing sushi too, though his box was far bigger than hers.

    They wordlessly found a table in the packed food court and ate in total silence. Lila chanced a peek at him now and then, and his frown never faded. ¡®So¡­ he was bugged by her,¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh after closing up her empty container. ¡®Figures.¡¯

    There was no way she was going to ask Asher how he felt upon seeing Holly, or what he was thinking now. That would be a recipe for disaster ¨C and she wasn¡¯t too sure how she¡¯d feel about his answers. Because¡­ if he was still as cut up about it as he seemed, then the prospect of them dating slipped further and further away¡­

    Feeling fidgety, she unearthed the dodgy-looking Charmander from the paper bag. Asher gave her a sideways glance but didn¡¯t say anything as she continued to peer at it. It really did look too goofy to keep to themselves¡­

    With another snicker, she took a picture of it and posted it to her Instagram story with the caption ¡®A goofy boi for a goofy boi¡¯ and a laughing emoji. She tagged the store where she had purchased it, looking with keen interest through the other recent posts with that tag. It seemed that a lot of people found strange knock-offs at that store and posted pictures for a laugh.

    The distraction did well to keep her hands busy, though once she was done looking through those posts, her mind almost immediately went back to being troubled. Asher finished his fourth sushi roll soon after. He wiped his mouth with a napkin, looking ready to speak before jolting in his seat. Lila blinked at him as he pulled out his phone. He looked down at it and back up at Lila, his eyes seeming wary.

    ¡°Photos are ready,¡± he said quietly. ¡°You ready to go?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila confirmed, standing up and collecting their rubbish. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Whatever Asher might have been about to say, he didn¡¯t enlighten her with it as they walked to the camera store far more subdued than on their first visit.

    ¡°Hey, hey,¡± Max¡¯s voice called out to them as soon as they crossed the threshold. He seemed entirely pleased to see them, grinning from ear to ear. ¡°Your photos are done!¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher replied with a tentative smile. Max¡¯s energy appeared far beyond the usual customer service afforded to patrons as he bounded over to the back room.

    They hung around the counter for not even a second when he returned, his exuberance still carrying through his steps.

    ¡°So,¡± he said as he placed the packet of photos on the counter, ¡°you guys fans of QQ?¡±

    ¡°QQ?¡± Lila repeated blankly, glancing at Asher.

    ¡°You guys are Quacklings, right?¡± Max pressed, looking between them both.

    ¡°U-Uh, yep. We¡¯re Quacklings,¡± Asher said clumsily. Max beamed, pointing at a pin on his lanyard. It looked like a red, plush crown with a yellow, fluffy duck sitting on the top, holding a sceptre that was tipped with what looked like a tiny gaming mouse.

    ¡°I got this bad boy the other day,¡± Max gushed, ¡°I¡¯m so glad Quack Queen¡¯s doing merch now!¡±

    ¡°Gotta hand it to QQ,¡± Asher replied quickly, standing up straight. ¡°I wanted to get some but I was on the fence since I didn¡¯t know if I wanted to blow my savings on it.¡±

    ¡°Duuuude,¡± Max crowed, slapping both of his hands onto the counter. ¡°You gotta, man! It¡¯s all so cute and really high quality too. But I¡¯m surprised, I thought you guys were super fans. Your photos looked like a perfect recreation of her streaming setup. The dedication to detail¡¯s incredible.¡±

    Streaming setup? They didn¡¯t take any photos of a streaming setup¡­ right?

    Just as Lila was pondering this, Max flipped open the photo envelope. He pulled out the top photo and she was surprised to see that it wasn¡¯t a photo at all ¨C rather a list of the photos showcased in small squares on the left-hand side, and various numbers on the right. Max explained that this was essentially a receipt certifying all the photos that they printed.

    ¡°You guys are lucky,¡± Max commented, after Asher paid for the photos despite Lila¡¯s attempt to thwart this using her own card, ¡°sometimes the quality of the film in disposable cameras means that we can¡¯t print everything. But none of them were write-offs.¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t considered the possibility that they wouldn¡¯t be able to get everything printed. The news that all was well with the prints relieved her ¨C she wasn¡¯t quite sure what they would¡¯ve done if there were failures.

    ¡°See ya later, Quacklings,¡± Max said cheerily, waving as they departed. ¡°Quackers!¡±

    ¡°Q-Quackers,¡± Asher responded hesitantly, seeming embarrassed.

    They quickly shuffled out of the store, Asher tucking the envelope in the bag with his Charmander.

    ¡°That¡­ was weird,¡± Lila mumbled to Asher. He nodded, his expression thoughtful.

    ¡°Is Marlene a streamer?¡± he wondered aloud to Lila.

    ¡°Surely not,¡± Lila replied. However, thinking about Max¡¯s insistence that they were ¡®super fans¡¯ of the ¡®Quack Queen¡¯ made her consider the possibility. But when would Marlene even have the time?

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to do some research,¡± Asher stated, scratching his chin. ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s a super fan, rather than QQ herself.¡±

    They stood in the middle of the walkway for a few moments, Lila still considering the prospect of Marlene being a streamer within the recesses of her mind, before Asher spoke again.

    ¡°¡­ Did you wanna do something else here, or head home?¡±

    ¡°I think heading back would be a good idea,¡± Lila said. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve printed the photos, we should think about how we want to go through them.¡±

    ¡°Good idea. Let¡¯s see if Gabriel can pick us up,¡± Asher suggested, taking out his phone. He stared at it for a moment before sighing heavily. ¡°Here goes¡­¡±

    He started pacing as he held his phone to his ear. In a low whisper, he asked whether Gabriel could pick them up and it seemed as though Gabriel agreed because Asher shoved his phone back into his pocket only a few seconds later.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be here soon,¡± Asher said, looking tense at the idea.

    ¡°So, what happened with Gabriel this morning anyway?¡± Lila queried, her eyes fixated on Asher¡¯s face, which twisted into a guilty look.

    ¡°I¡­ talked to him, like you suggested. About us. Uh, he got really mad.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯d he get mad?¡±

    Asher paused. ¡°He¡­ well¡­ I told him that you confessed. And that I laughed at you. And before I could get to the ¡®why¡¯, he started yelling at me about having poor manners, and asking why I¡¯d turn you down like that since you¡¯re great and I¡¯ve liked you for ages. Eventually, I managed to explain all that, and he still seemed mad but gave me some advice. Then¡­ I told him that you¡¯re staying over, and then he got super angry at me. Chased me out the house.¡±

    ¡°I still can¡¯t imagine Gabriel yelling,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°Sorry you had to be subjected to that. Did it help?¡±

    ¡°Surprisingly, being yelled at did help,¡± Asher replied, avoiding her eyes. ¡°I just need some time to go through what he ended up saying¡­ when he wasn¡¯t yelling at me. People don¡¯t really yell at me, so it took me by surprise. Might¡¯ve been just what I needed.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Of course, though Lila was hopeful from Asher¡¯s comments, the fact that they saw Holly today still didn¡¯t bode well¡­

    They strolled towards the correct exit, pointing out various things here and there to one another, including spots to check out next time. They had a spare minute or two, so they both elected to get Boost smoothies for the ride home. It was a perfect addition to their trip to the shopping centre.

    As Lila sucked on her mango smoothie, looking over at a clothing store, Asher flung an arm out in front of her, stopping her in her tracks.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    Lila¡¯s attempted question was quickly cut off by the appearance of Piper emerging from a crowd of teenagers, looking directly at Asher. Whilst Piper¡¯s mere presence was disturbing enough, her general appearance was even more so. Her straggly brown hair was tangled with various tiny leaves and twigs and her face was flushed and sweaty. She looked much like she had the last time the three of them had PE together ¨C worse for wear, and entirely like her existence was a struggle. Her clothes were covered in dirt ¨C specifically concentrated on her stomach, and her laces were undone. Her eyes were wild and bulging, which Lila instantly likened to how they looked during their confrontation in the locker room in front of their cohort.

    ¡°Asher!¡± Piper shouted, clutching at her side. She raised an arm out as she staggered towards them. Had she been running?

    As soon as Piper¡¯s words reached their ears, Asher grabbed Lila by the wrist. He dragged her towards the exit almost at a run. Lila glanced behind them and saw that Piper¡¯s expression looked crestfallen. She hadn¡¯t spoken to either of them in many weeks, though if she had been hanging around the shops the last time Asher and Lila had been there, her stalking evidently hadn¡¯t stopped. Why try and talk to them now?

    ¡°Asher, wait!¡± Piper¡¯s voice broke as she tried to catch up to them, but Asher was faster ¨C they swiftly exited out into the biting cold. Lila¡¯s breath rose in a cloud before her as she tried to get her bearings. Would Piper keep following them?

    Lila luckily didn¡¯t have a chance to find out. As though it were an act of divine intervention itself, Gabriel¡¯s car slowly rolled over the pedestrian crossing. Asher promptly let go of Lila¡¯s wrist and flagged Gabriel down before he could go any further.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher urged, half-sprinting to Gabriel¡¯s car. Lila followed at a similar pace and they both dived into it. A car behind them beeped behind them impatiently as they struggled to get their seatbelts on.

    ¡°Hel-¡± Gabriel attempted to greet them.

    ¡°Gabriel, that crazy bitch¡¯s after us, please go,¡± Asher interrupted, his voice, though measured, still hinted at the panic he must¡¯ve been feeling. Gabriel obliged, speeding off. Lila twisted around in the backseat, trying to see if Piper had followed them outside. Her breathing halted as she saw Piper running and waving after Gabriel¡¯s car. Though she was curious about Piper¡¯s motives in approaching them for once, she couldn¡¯t blame Asher for wanting to get the hell out of there, what with how deranged Piper looked right now.

    ¡®And especially after just seeing Holly¡­ he probably doesn¡¯t ever want to go back to the shops after all that,¡¯ Lila thought, picking at her nails. Plus, he¡¯d hardly wanted to talk to Lila after seeing Holly ¨C there was no way he¡¯d be interested in whatever Piper wanted to say.

    With a heavy sigh, Lila settled back into the backseat of the car. While Gabriel and Asher would normally talk at least a little, usually with some mention of the next upcoming meal, this journey was deathly silent. Was Gabriel still mad at Asher? Should she say something? She was surprised that Gabriel hadn¡¯t asked who ¡®that crazy bitch¡¯ was. Had Asher told him about Piper?

    Squirming in her seat at the prospect of saying anything at this moment, Lila decided to instead ruminate on today¡¯s encounters with Holly and Piper. She was glad that Holly hadn¡¯t seen them ¨C or, at least, didn¡¯t seem to have seen them. She glanced uneasily at Asher in the front seat despite not being able to see much of him. Was he thinking about Holly now? Did seeing her set him back? He¡¯d been incredibly quiet after seeing her, and the unbearable atmosphere in this car made Lila think that was very likely. After all, even though seeing Piper was freaky, especially because of her appearance and actions, he¡¯d entirely forgotten about Piper back when he found out Holly had cheated on him¡­

 Chapter Eighty-Seven

    Chapter Eighty-Seven

    By the time Gabriel parked in the garage, Lila¡¯s nerves were on edge again. Perhaps it was better for her to go home and give Asher some time and space to think. Besides, since the photos from the disposable cameras had successfully been printed, they didn¡¯t necessarily have to go through them right now. They had all the time in the world to do that.

    ¡°Are you coming, Lila?¡±

    Lila started, looking around to see where the voice was coming from. It was Asher. He¡¯d somehow opened the car door for her without her noticing.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she said hurriedly, unbuckling herself. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°No need to say sorry,¡± Asher replied simply. His eyes seemed filled with disconcertment, but as soon as hers met his, his expression melted into one of unexpected tenderness. It was hypnotic. She managed to stumble out of the car, her stomach flipping as though it was on a rollercoaster the rest of her wasn¡¯t privy to.

    Though she wanted to keep peeking at Asher¡¯s face in the hopes he¡¯d look at her like that again, she didn¡¯t want to look weird so instead went about getting ready to head inside. Asher seemed to be wordlessly following her lead, the bag containing the mangled Charmander and printed photos swinging from his hand.

    Gabriel caught Lila by the doorway as she was taking her shoes off, catching her off guard.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said gently, his eyes darting over to Asher and back to Lila, ¡°can I have a word with you, please?¡±

    The question immediately made her feel as though she was in trouble. Had she done something to offend Gabriel? Was it because they didn¡¯t exchange a greeting or otherwise talk on the way back?

    ¡°Gabriel-¡± Asher began to say before Gabriel shushed him.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to speak with Lila, Asher,¡± Gabriel said sternly. ¡°I won¡¯t keep her for long. Hurry on upstairs.¡±

    Asher looked between them both, his mouth set in a hard line. It didn¡¯t look like he¡¯d listen to Gabriel for a moment, but he obediently turned and headed towards the stairs. Gabriel shook his head in Asher¡¯s wake with a sigh.

    ¡°That boy must be doing your head in,¡± Gabriel said softly. ¡°Here, let me make you some hot chocolate.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine, thank you,¡± Lila said tentatively.

    ¡°I insist,¡± Gabriel replied, a warm smile tugging the corners of his mouth. ¡°I¡¯ve got a stellar recipe.¡±

    ¡°Well, when you put it like that,¡± Lila responded, mirroring his smile. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m keen to try it.¡±

    ¡°Glad to hear it.¡±

    Lila pulled out a bar stool at the kitchen¡¯s island counter whilst Gabriel bustled into the butler¡¯s pantry. She heard, amongst the rumble of a kettle, the whirr of a blender, and the banging of various utensils. Just what did this hot chocolate entail?

    Finally, Gabriel emerged from the butler¡¯s pantry, two mugs in his hands. He looked rather chuffed with himself as he slid one across the kitchen counter towards Lila and gingerly placed the other down just in front of him. He leaned across the island directly across from Lila, propping himself up by his forearms.

    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to sit?¡± Lila queried, gesturing to one of the bar stools.

    ¡°No thank you,¡± Gabriel responded, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m rather used to standing all day.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thank you, for the hot chocolate,¡± Lila added, cupping her warm, porcelain mug. It seemed there was a whipped, fluffy cloud floating on the top, covered in chocolate flakes. She poked it idly and heard Gabriel chuckle.

    ¡°It¡¯s a whipped marshmallow,¡± he explained, taking a sip of his drink. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Ivaan or Asher, but mine¡¯s got a dash of Baileys.¡±

    ¡°Baileys?¡±

    Gabriel¡¯s eyes twinkled. ¡°I¡¯ll have to give you some when you¡¯re 18.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    The implication that Baileys was a type of alcohol was evident, and she looked back down at her own drink. The marshmallow seemed to be evaporating along with the steam being emitted from the top, so she took a cautious sip. It was decadent and rich, the warmth sending tingles from her mouth to her fingertips. It felt as though it danced through her tastebuds, coaxing her to drink more.

    ¡°This is amazing, Gabriel,¡± Lila beamed, her shoulders relaxing. Gabriel smiled, inclining his head to the side.

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Does this have Nutella in it?¡±

    ¡°And some cream. Unfortunately, though, I didn¡¯t have time to make my own chocolate for this, so it¡¯s just a slightly dressed-up Cadbury hot chocolate powder.¡±

    ¡°If this was any better, I think I¡¯d die.¡±

    Gabriel burst into hearty laughter. ¡°We can¡¯t have that, Lila.¡±

    The pair fell silent as both continued to sip their drinks. Lila wasn¡¯t exaggerating, though. It really was that good. She glanced towards the stairs. Had Asher closed the door to the rumpus room?

    This was swiftly answered by a tell-tale creak and firm thud ringing from upstairs. With a satisfied smile, Gabriel put down his cup.

    ¡°So, Lila,¡± he said kindly. ¡°I hear that you¡¯ve confessed your feelings for Asher.¡±

    Immediately, Lila spluttered on her hot chocolate. He was starting there?

    He gave her a knowing smile as he continued. ¡°I also heard Asher was incredibly callous.¡±

    Was¡­ that how Asher had described it? That was certainly unexpected.

    ¡°I¡­ wouldn¡¯t say he was callous,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to defend him, Lila,¡± Gabriel replied plainly. ¡°Laughing at your face after you¡¯d just confessed your feelings? Then telling you he likes you but won¡¯t date you? That he¡¯s still not over that witch of an ex-girlfriend? And, despite all that, you¡¯re hanging out with him all week and even staying over tonight. None of that looks good for your poor heart, Lila. Not very gentlemanly at all. I thought I¡¯d raised him better.¡±

    Lila bit her lower lip, holding her mug tightly. She couldn¡¯t disagree ¨C it did look bad. But¡­ it wasn¡¯t as though it was affecting her terribly. After all, he¡¯d¡­ said¡­ well, he said that he wanted her to be his¡­ but he¡¯d also said he wasn¡¯t sure when or if he¡¯d be ready for a relationship¡­

    She hung her head low, staring deeply into her mug. The marshmallow had all but disintegrated completely. She took another sip, but the joy she¡¯d previously felt had diminished significantly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to make you feel terrible, Lila,¡± Gabriel said in a low voice, setting aside his drink entirely and giving her his full attention. ¡°I just wanted to check on you and see if you were okay. From what Asher has told me, you tend to put on a brave face. While I¡¯m disappointed in him, I can see that he, at least, is concerned about you. I wouldn¡¯t have let him go today if I didn¡¯t think he was sincere, so you don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±

    Lila sighed, pushing her mug away. How was she feeling about it all? Was she okay?

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m okay,¡± she said hesitantly, avoiding Gabriel¡¯s gaze. Despite this, she could tell that he was looking at her dubiously.

    ¡°If you want to talk to someone about it, I¡¯m here,¡± Gabriel said comfortingly. ¡°There may be some things that you don¡¯t want to talk to Asher about, or your friends, or family. God knows there¡¯s probably a lot of things you don¡¯t want to tell Roxy. I mean Clare.¡±

    Lila laughed hollowly ¨C he¡¯d hit the nail on the head about Clare, of course, but she wasn¡¯t going to admit to that.

    ¡°I guess¡­ I¡¯m just scared about what happens if we don¡¯t end up dating. I want to respect his decision, of course, but this limbo¡­ it hurts,¡± Lila finally whispered, her voice cracking slightly. A lone tear fell pitifully down her face and she wiped it away before reaching for her hot chocolate. She gulped most of it down. After she set her cup back on the counter, Gabriel nodded.

    ¡°That all sounds like reasonable feelings,¡± he said sagely. ¡°It must be a very confusing time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila admitted, her voice sounding more like a whimper. She cleared her throat awkwardly.

    ¡°I can¡¯t make things happen in the way you or I would want it to,¡± Gabriel added forlornly. ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s up to Asher, who, it appears, has his head so far up his ass he doesn¡¯t know what time it is.¡±

    The unexpected frankness of Gabriel¡¯s statement made Lila choke, a laugh fighting but failing to escape properly. She downed the rest of her drink and gave Gabriel a shaky smile.

    ¡°I can¡¯t disagree with his reasons,¡± she noted. ¡°After all, I¡¯ve never been cheated on. Nor has my ex been pregnant or gotten someone else pregnant while I was dating them.¡±

    ¡°Your ex being Isaac, correct?¡±

    Lila exhaled slowly, holding her head in her hands. ¡°Yeah. Not that we dated for long, or anytime recently.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I guess after what my brother said, I¡¯m also worried about how Asher¡¯s processing the fact that I dated Isaac. It was ages ago, but my brother said that it probably made Asher insecure.¡±

    ¡°If he was going to be insecure about it, he probably should¡¯ve acted sooner,¡± Gabriel said sternly. ¡°He¡¯ll get over it if he hasn¡¯t already.¡±

    ¡°How can you be so sure?¡±

    ¡°Because, my dear Lila, love finds a way. Especially if you work together. And, from what I can see, you two work together very well.¡±

    ¡°L-Love?¡±

    Gabriel gave her a sympathetic look. ¡°I forget how young and na?ve you two are. Perhaps ¡®love¡¯ is too big a feeling for what you¡¯re going through. But I¡¯m sure you understand what I mean.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I guess so.¡±

    ¡°Would you like another hot chocolate?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to her empty cup. Whilst it was certainly the best hot chocolate she¡¯d had in her life, it was rather rich on her stomach. She shook her head.

    ¡°No thank you, Gabriel. It was very good, though.¡±

    ¡°I better let you go before Asher stomps downstairs like the grumpy little gremlin he¡¯s been over the past few days. If you need to chat, or just want another, I¡¯ll be right here.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been grumpy?¡±

    ¡°Very much so. I ripped into him, but I think he¡¯s far angrier with himself than I could ever be at him. Still doesn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t have gone about this in a far better way.¡±

    ¡°I think it was fine.¡±

    ¡°Lila, if it had been me, I would have never laughed at you,¡± Gabriel said gravely, his expression impressing upon her the seriousness of his perspective. ¡°He told me why, but that¡¯s no excuse. He could¡¯ve, instead, taken some more time to process rather than impulsively laughing. If it was me, I also wouldn¡¯t have you stay over under any circumstances ¨C until I¡¯ve figured everything out, at least. Confuses the issue. Crosses a boundary.¡±

    ¡°Should I go home then?¡±

    ¡°No, no. That¡¯s not what I mean. By virtue of him offering it to you, he¡¯s already buggered it. If you¡¯re not being pressured to stay, and you¡¯d like to stay, then by all means ¨C the onus isn¡¯t on you.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t too sure if she understood the point Gabriel was trying to make, but went along with it anyway.

    ¡°Most importantly, I¡¯d give both of us space to reflect and think on things ¨C at least a week, if not more. He¡¯s being too wishy-washy. It¡¯s not helpful to anyone, including him. That way, I could come back with a clearer head and idea of what I want and how to achieve it whilst respecting your tender feelings. I know what he thinks he wants but he¡¯s not thinking about the respect part ¨C and that¡¯s a big one. He¡¯s so giddy about the fact that you return his feelings that he¡¯s completely forgotten about the fact that you deserve and need some time. I don¡¯t blame you at all for visiting again, of course, but he should take a step back. One misstep, and you¡¯re hurting ¨C then there might not be any relationship at all. You might even resent him in the end, and I don¡¯t think either of you want that.¡±

    Gabriel paused, surveying her carefully before continuing. ¡°Case in point, I could tell in the car that something was off with you, Lila ¨C you were frowning up a storm though your eyes were practically glued to him, and you didn¡¯t say anything to me. Something¡¯s on your mind about this all, and he¡¯s not letting you have your time.¡±

    Whilst Gabriel wasn¡¯t exactly wrong about that part (given Lila had been spinning in circles at the fact that they saw Holly), Lila couldn¡¯t very well explain that their hanging out was completely necessary. A necessity that couldn¡¯t be dependent on how their relationship (or lack of one) was going ¨C it was far too important. Though, perhaps staying over wasn¡¯t as necessary¡­

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    Gabriel straightened up, grabbing both of their cups. ¡°Go on up. I¡¯ll call you once dinner¡¯s ready. Oh ¨C but before I forget, for breakfast, are you a sweet or savoury person?¡±

    ¡°Generally savoury,¡± Lila smiled, standing up and tucking the bar stool under the counter. ¡°Not like I won¡¯t eat something sweet if it¡¯s in front of me, though.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gabriel chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll have a think on the menu for tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m sure anything you make will be perfect.¡±

    ¡°You flatter me too much,¡± Gabriel gushed, waving a hand bashfully. Lila giggled, feeling better now that their conversation had ended on a positive note. He disappeared into the butler¡¯s pantry and Lila took that as her cue to head upstairs.

    When she opened the door to the rumpus room, she found Asher just before it, mid-pace, his face looking incredibly anxious.

    ¡°¡­ Hi,¡± Lila said lamely, scooting inside and closing the door behind her.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Asher replied, his body tense and stock-still.

    ¡°¡­ Everything okay?¡± she asked, avoiding his eyes by looking at the couch.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher stated. ¡°Everything okay with you?¡±

    Lila sighed heavily. ¡°I guess so¡­ Gabriel just gave me a lot to think about.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Like what?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t exactly want to tell him, but before she could think up something vague enough, he shook his head.

    ¡°Actually, don¡¯t tell me,¡± he insisted, stepping aside and gesturing to the couch. ¡°I can guess. Probably similar to what Gabriel yelled at me about this morning.¡±

    Lila simply nodded before sitting down cross-legged in her usual spot.

    ¡°Juice?¡± Asher queried, walking over to the kitchenette.

    ¡°Maybe just a water, please,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Gabriel gave me some hot chocolate.¡±

    ¡°With the whipped marshmallow?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s awesome, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Asher fell silent as he poured some drinks into cups. She hadn¡¯t necessarily wanted to give him one-word answers, but she couldn¡¯t muster the energy to rave on about it as she usually would have. She was actually rather tired.

    He set down the drinks on the coffee table, next to the paper bag containing today¡¯s purchases without a word, settling into his own usual place on the couch. He pressed his lips together, seeming awkward.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bit of time before Marlene gets home,¡± he said after a few moments of utter silence.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d¡­ probably be a good time to look through the photos, at least.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, the photos.¡±

    Asher gave her a sideways glance before pulling out the envelope from the paper bag.

    ¡°Wanna go halves?¡± he offered.

    ¡°Probably more efficient that way.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I was thinking.¡±

    He quietly passed her half the stack of photos and she began to flick through them. It looked like the ones she was holding were from the latter half of their exploration.

    Besides the inordinate amount of ducks, nothing stuck out to Lila beyond what had already stuck out to her. She stopped her flipping when she reached the photos of the farmhouse. Just looking at these photos ¨C the one of the farmhouse without Asher and then the one with Asher looking silly just in front of it ¨C made her feel as though bugs were crawling under her skin. She flipped them so she didn¡¯t have to see them for now. Creepy farmhouse aside, it probably wasn¡¯t relevant to Marlene anyway.

    She flipped through her stack again before pausing at the picture of the Bachelor of Security Studies.

    ¡°Hey, Asher,¡± Lila said, an idea forming in her mind. ¡°This Bachelor of Security Studies¡­ do you reckon Marlene¡¯s just hired security? Well, not ¡®just¡¯. But that her main role is kinda like a live-in security guard?¡±

    Asher looked up at Lila, his face puzzled. ¡°What do ya mean?¡±

    ¡°Well, think about it. What normal maid can just¡­ drag a man through a window and punch him to unconsciousness? Especially as calmly as she looked. I don¡¯t think I saw her scared for a second.¡±

    He lowered the photo he was inspecting, realisation crossing his face. ¡°Wait, that actually makes sense.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Asher snorted. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to sound condescending.¡±

    ¡°Never said that.¡±

    He playfully rolled his eyes at her before looking pensive. ¡°I dunno if you remember this, but¡­ at the beginning of the year, before we broke into the study the first time. I said that we¡¯d had a few attempted break-ins over the past few years. Do you think she¡¯s here to prevent those?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Is your family housing some sort of secret treasure?¡±

    ¡°Not as far as I know,¡± Asher replied, pursing his lips. ¡°¡­ But¡­ I guess you could say my Dad¡¯s pretty important.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. CEO of the only Private Hospital for yonks.¡±

    He glanced at her, a flicker of a smirk coming and going so quickly she might¡¯ve imagined it. ¡°It¡¯s actually the hospital my great-great-grandfather helped set up or something like that. We¡¯ve got a long lineage of that kind of work, at least.¡±

    ¡°I see. So, perhaps the treasure is really your Dad?¡±

    ¡°Maybe?¡±

    Lila stared at the photo of the Bachelor of Security Studies once more. Why had Marlene framed it in such a way that they couldn¡¯t see who it was awarded to, when it was awarded, and where she¡¯d studied? Though, perhaps the best way to be a security guard for a residential house was to be secretive about it. That way any would-be intruders would be caught off-guard and quickly dismantled.

    ¡°Do¡­ you reckon she¡¯s¡­ I dunno, defended the house like that before?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    ¡°I honestly have no idea. She seemed really efficient with it. The fact that I¡¯d been in the library since the attack and watching it unfold on CCTV and hadn¡¯t noticed anything amiss? Maybe she¡¯s done it a whole bunch of times.¡± Asher replied thoughtfully. ¡°Either way, if she is hired security, she does a bloody good job of it, whether that was her first time or her 50<sup>th</sup>.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lila murmured, turning her attention back to the pile of photos before her. They sifted through their respective photos for a time, neither speaking though both seemed to be sorting them into piles. Lila, at least, was sorting her piles out into categories that ranked how important or interesting the photos were so she could narrow down what to focus on. For example, the picture of two duck statues sitting as though they were having a chinwag on the desk in the spare room didn¡¯t remotely fall into any important or interesting categories.

    Without warning, Asher¡¯s phone buzzed aggressively on the coffee table, making both of them almost jump off the couch. Asher gingerly picked it up, but before he could do anything with it, it slipped out of his grasp and onto the floor. With a sigh, he bent down to grab it.

    ¡°Ah shit, I accidentally pressed speaker,¡± Asher sheepishly muttered, looking warily at Lila.

    ¡°Duuuuude,¡± a voice Lila distinctly recognised as belonging to Isaac called out not a second later. ¡°I can¡¯t freaking keep up with this chick!¡±

    ¡°Yo-¡± Asher attempted to speak before Isaac cut him off.

    ¡°Seriously! I¡¯ve been trying to get as many shifts as I can with Elise, but damn, she¡¯s going to put me in an early grave or something. I¡¯ll have to go to hospital for being overworked.¡±

    ¡°Isaa-¡±

    ¡°And, get this, not only is she working almost 24/7, but she¡¯s training up to be a Manager, bro. Has she forgotten that we¡¯re still in school? She works so hard and is lowkey an inspiration. But, like, how do I get her to take a break?¡±

    Lila blinked rapidly as she tried to process what Isaac was saying. Elise was working hard? That wasn¡¯t necessarily outside of the realm of what Lila knew about Elise. Ever since she started working at Maccas at the end of last year, she¡¯d really buckled down and put in a lot of work there. So why was Isaac complaining? And why was he trying to get shifts with her?

    ¡°Hold u-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going crazy, man. This week she¡¯s rostered on for sixty hours. That¡¯s not healthy ¨C she¡¯s gonna collapse. I¡¯m really worried. Plus, she told me that I can¡¯t tell Lila-¡±

    ¡°Isaac, you¡¯re on speaker.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to tell you this whole time. Lila¡¯s here.¡±

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila called out, exchanging a bemused glance with Asher.

    ¡°Uh oh. Elise¡¯s gonna kill me.¡±

    Isaac instantly hung up. Asher took one look at Lila¡¯s face before dialling him back. Asher pressed his ear to his phone, waiting for Isaac to pick up.

    ¡°It¡¯s too late,¡± Asher said into his phone, amusement in his voice. ¡°You may as well keep telling us.¡±

    Asher paused, nodding in response to whatever Isaac was saying. Lila wondered briefly whether Asher knew Isaac couldn¡¯t see him nodding, but thought just as quickly that that would be stupid if he didn¡¯t.

    ¡°You do know that Lila would probably smack the both of us if we didn¡¯t let her into the conversation, right?¡± Asher continued. He pointedly avoided making eye contact with Lila, a grin spreading across his face. She nodded vehemently in agreement and she thought she saw his grin widen further.

    Asher nodded again, before saying a quick, ¡°Thanks, dude,¡± and turning the speaker back on.

    ¡°Hullo, Lila,¡± Isaac¡¯s glum voice sounded from the speaker. ¡°It¡¯s me again.¡±

    ¡°Heya, Isaac,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°What¡¯s this about Elise?¡±

    Isaac sighed so heavily into the phone that Lila wasn¡¯t convinced that he had any air left in his lungs. ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to tell you.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you already did,¡± Lila replied, her curiosity certainly piquing.

    ¡°I¡­ definitely did,¡± Isaac admitted. Asher snickered, but it didn¡¯t seem like Isaac picked up on it.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s wrong? Why¡¯re you trying to get shifts with her?¡± Lila asked, biting back a smile. She hadn¡¯t told Asher about Elise¡¯s crush on Isaac, but¡­ the only explanation Lila had was that Isaac liked Elise, too.

    ¡°She¡¯s, like, one of the best workers and she¡¯s really good at showing me the ropes,¡± Isaac responded plainly. Then, he paused. ¡°And¡­ she¡¯s cute.¡±

    Lila grinned. ¡°Cute, hey?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t tell her I said that.¡±

    ¡°Wasn¡¯t going to,¡± Lila said haughtily.

    ¡°I might,¡± Asher teased.

    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± Isaac begged. Lila could almost feel Isaac¡¯s blush from where she was sitting.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Lila queried. If Elise knew Isaac had said that, she¡¯d probably go insane.

    ¡°I¡­ just can¡¯t have her know,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice had dropped to a low whisper. ¡°A-Anyway, that¡¯s not what the point of this conversation is.¡±

    ¡°What, then?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m being serious when I say that she¡¯s working ridiculous hours. She¡¯s also clearly not taking care of herself. I saw her almost fall into a vat of oil ¡®cause her eyes were blurry from lack of sleep. That¡¯s why I have to be on the same shift. No one else is noticing all this, and when I bring it up, our Managers say I¡¯m obsessed with her or something. They¡¯re not doing anything about it, they¡¯re not reducing her hours and they¡¯re hit and miss with letting her take her full 30-minute break.¡±

    ¡°She told me she¡¯s going to Germany on exchange,¡± Lila said matter-of-factly. ¡°Europe is so expensive. I just reckon she¡¯s working as much as she can to save up for it.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I don¡¯t know if you know this, but the German sister school isn¡¯t sending anyone over this year. That means we don¡¯t have an exchange with them this year,¡± Asher said, looking at her through narrowed eyes. ¡°Something got buggered up on their end and it was too late for the students to sign up.¡±

    ¡°The year¡¯s not even half over,¡± Lila noted in surprise. ¡°Why would that matter?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re supposed to attend our school, if it all went to plan, in, like, August? Well, next term, anyway. But because they¡¯re not coming through, the College allowed the reciprocal exchange to be skipped. For the Grade 12s, if they wanted to go, they¡¯re going in around June next year, even though they¡¯d have graduated. Just to make it fair,¡± Asher finished his explanation with a satisfied tap of his chin.

    ¡°How do you know all that?¡± Lila tilted her head as she waited for an explanation. Asher gave her a sideways look, before rubbing the back of his neck.

    ¡°I¡¯d been planning to go this year, actually,¡± he said, seeming embarrassed by the idea. ¡°I went to the preliminary meeting last year and they said they¡¯d let me know in the new year if I¡¯d be suitable to go. Since I don¡¯t take German, they had to negotiate with the school and it looked like it was going ahead until something happened. Visas, maybe? Or maybe no one wanted to come? Dunno. But when school started again, I¡­ didn¡¯t want to go anyway.¡±

    Asher gave Lila a meaningful look before adding, ¡°Actually, I didn¡¯t see Elise at the preliminary meeting.¡± Then, he stopped speaking, his face draining of all colour. ¡°I saw Piper there, though. Ayla too.¡±

    Lila shuddered. What would¡¯ve happened if Piper had gone to Germany with Asher? Though, if Piper had gotten her way, perhaps they¡¯d be dating and all would be well. The thought made her stomach turn and she refocused her attention on Asher¡¯s phone. There was no point thinking about the ¡°what ifs¡±. The trip wasn¡¯t happening this year, and even if it was, Piper was expelled.

    ¡°¡­ trying to ask her what she needs the money for,¡± Isaac was saying exasperatedly as Lila zoned back in. ¡°She won¡¯t tell me. Just that it¡¯s super serious.¡±

    Lila furrowed her brow. She¡¯d heard absolutely nothing like that from her conversations with Elise over the past year. As far as she knew, there wasn¡¯t even anything minutely bothering Elise besides how to deal with her crush on Isaac. All that had changed about her was that she was working a whole lot more¡­ but now that the Germany exchange trip she¡¯d been talking about all year was busted¡­ what was she working for?

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing by your silence, Lila, that you either know exactly why, or you know nothing at all,¡± Isaac sighed.

    ¡°Unfortunately, it¡¯s the latter,¡± Lila replied gravely. ¡°I really have no idea. She tells me everything¡­ so I thought.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s and she swiftly looked away, shame rising in her throat. The fact that she was sitting here, hovering over his phone amongst a plethora of pictures of Marlene¡¯s house wasn¡¯t lost on Lila. It would be entirely hypocritical if she were to get upset at the fact that Elise was hiding things from her. In saying that, despite her rational brain telling her so, Lila couldn¡¯t help but feel dejected that Elise was hiding something to the point of struggling this much.

    ¡°Should I talk to her?¡± Lila asked quietly after a few moments of silence between the three of them.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Isaac said flatly. ¡°You¡¯re not supposed to know something¡¯s wrong. Maybe I can¡­ I dunno. Work it out with her. I¡­¡±

    He sounded lost in thought as he trailed off before adding in a whisper. ¡°She¡¯s my friend, too.¡±

    ¡°When did that happen?¡± Asher inquired, raising an eyebrow at Lila. ¡°Thought you couldn¡¯t stand her.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Isaac replied dismissively. ¡°That¡¯s all just banter. A-Anyway ¨C Lila, how can I get her to stop overworking herself?¡±

    Lila mused on this point before exhaling heavily. ¡°This is Elise we¡¯re talking about. She¡¯s a stubborn one. Probably why she doesn¡¯t want to tell anyone anything. She doesn¡¯t ask for help, even when she needs it.¡±

    ¡°Sounds familiar,¡± Asher interjected seriously. Lila shot him a reproachful look as she continued to think.

    ¡°Honestly¡­ the only thing we could do is figure out what it is she¡¯s struggling with and help her without telling her we¡¯re helping her,¡± Lila eventually proposed.

    ¡°What, give her money?¡± Asher blinked at Lila in surprise. She shook her head.

    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t accept a cent. We can help in other ways, though. Making sure she eats, for one. And, if we can figure out what¡¯s going on, maybe there¡¯re non-money related things we could do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m really worried about her health,¡± Isaac added. ¡°You guys haven¡¯t seen her these holidays, but she looks like a ghost.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure I shouldn¡¯t talk to her?¡± Lila¡¯s voice began to rise in a panic ¨C it really didn¡¯t sound good at all.

    ¡°No ma¡¯am,¡± Isaac refused politely.

    ¡°How about,¡± Asher piped up, his eyes darting to Lila and back to his phone, ¡°we go visit the Maccas?¡±

    ¡°You guys?¡± Isaac clarified. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be out of the ordinary for Lila to see how Elise is doing if she looks that bad, and then interrogate her.¡±

    ¡°Hey, I don¡¯t interrogate,¡± Lila pouted. ¡°Just question calmly.¡±

    ¡°I think that¡¯s the same thing,¡± Isaac replied monotonously.

    Lila fell silent before Isaac began to speak again. ¡°She¡¯s on tomorrow night. You guys could have dinner there or something.¡±

    ¡°Are you on tomorrow?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Yeah, 4 ¡®till 9 tomorrow night. Why?¡±

    ¡°Might be better if Lila tries to talk to Elise on her own, without me sitting there.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Isaac relented with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not working long enough for a break, but I¡¯ll come entertain you occasionally.¡±

    ¡°Sounds terrifying,¡± Asher joked.

    ¡°You bet it will be, mate,¡± Isaac quipped. They chuckled before Isaac sighed again.

    ¡°¡­ What if something bad happens to her and I¡¯m not on shift?¡± he asked quietly.

    ¡°What would you do if you were on shift and something happened?¡± Asher countered.

    ¡°Dunno. Freak out, probably.¡±

    ¡°Then you may as well freak out at home,¡± Asher said simply, folding his arms. ¡°You can¡¯t help what you can¡¯t help. Elise is very capable, and it¡¯s not like she¡¯s working completely alone.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Isaac said gloomily. He sighed again. ¡°Alright, I better let you guys¡­ get back to smooching or whatever, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not doing anything like that,¡± Asher said firmly, his face bright red. ¡°Talk to ya later, dude. Don¡¯t worry so much ¨C you won¡¯t be able to help her if you¡¯re so anxious.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. Thanks for listening guys.¡±

    Isaac hung up the phone and Asher sat back, his face looking contemplative. Lila readjusted her jumper awkwardly, her face flushed. Of course Isaac had to throw that line in there¡­

    ¡°Any ideas on what Elise is up to?¡± Asher¡¯s voice snapped Lila¡¯s attention back to him.

    ¡°None,¡± Lila shook her head earnestly. ¡°And that worries me.¡±

    ¡°Odd. Would Grace know?¡±

    ¡°I dunno why she¡¯d tell Grace and not me. Although¡­ I guess it¡¯s not outside the realm of possibility¡­ but I¡¯ll ask Elise tomorrow. If I ask Grace and she doesn¡¯t know, she might freak out and decide to go to Elise. It just¡­ really bothers me. She¡¯s always so happy to talk about herself and her life. Not in a bad way, of course. But I¡¯d never considered the idea that she was even capable of keeping something from me.¡±

    Asher nodded slowly. ¡°Alright. Well¡­ it feels a bit weird to ask this, but should we go back to looking through the photos? The Elise problem we can look into tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s keep going.¡±

    They flipped through the photos again in silence, Lila trying to take in every detail. Marlene was certainly enigmatic. As Lila¡¯s concentration refocused on Marlene, her worries about Elise slipped to the back of her mind. They¡¯d get to the bottom of that issue tomorrow¡­

    ¡°Alright, well,¡± Asher yawned after about half an hour of silent viewing. ¡°Let¡¯s take inventory of the photos. Maybe write down what each photo is, what we think about it, that kinda thing. Did you bring your laptop?¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila confirmed, rubbing her eyes. ¡°What¡¯s the time?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ oh shit, it¡¯s almost 6,¡± Asher said, jumping up. ¡°Gotta put these away.¡±

    Lila instantly followed suit, scooping up the photos she¡¯d been looking through and handing them to Asher. He seemed anxious as he looked wildly about the rumpus room, looking for a spot to put them.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you put them in the spare room?¡± Lila suggested. He stared at her blankly before the idea seemed to register in his mind.

    ¡°She probably wouldn¡¯t go in there, since you¡¯re staying over,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°Plus, it¡¯s an odd place to hide something. Righto, I¡¯ll do that.¡±

    He disappeared into the spare room. Lila didn¡¯t join him. She heard the banging of various drawers before he emerged a few seconds later.

    ¡°Found a good spot,¡± he said, sounding pleased with himself. ¡°Even if she pops in, she won¡¯t see it unless she goes digging.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Asher rocked on his feet for a moment, glancing around the room. ¡°So¡­ wanna play?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course I do. How¡¯s that even a question?¡±

 Chapter Eighty-Eight

    Chapter Eighty-Eight

    When Gabriel called Asher and Lila down for dinner, Lila was in much higher spirits. It had definitely been a weird rollercoaster of a day, but spending time with Asher in the comfort of the rumpus room always seemed to lift her.

    She was still smiling when Gabriel placed a bowl of sizzling lamb curry with rice before her. It smelt heavenly, and she let Gabriel know as such. He smiled at her and placed an empty bowl before Asher, who looked up at Gabriel in puzzlement.

    ¡°Just a moment,¡± Gabriel said pleasantly to Asher, disappearing back towards the kitchen. Marlene entered soon after, a jug of juice and some cups sitting on an ornate tray in her hands. She wordlessly poured drinks for the four of them before tucking herself into her usual spot.

    Gabriel returned, one slice of cheese in each of his rubber-gloved hands. Lila and Asher stared at him as he slapped both of them down onto Asher¡¯s bowl.

    ¡°There you are,¡± Gabriel said sweetly. ¡°Dinner is served.¡±

    Asher tore his eyes away from Gabriel and looked down at his cheese, as though he was half-expecting it to walk off his plate.

    ¡°Uh-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all you¡¯ll be getting until you learn how to be a true gentleman,¡± Gabriel asserted before whipping around and hurrying back to the kitchen. Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to Marlene, who looked uncharacteristically ready to burst into laughter. When she noticed Lila looking at her, she hid her mouth with her hands.

    ¡°If you¡¯ll just excuse me, Mr Wagner and Lila,¡± Marlene said stiffly, getting up from her seat. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll be joining you for dinner tonight.¡±

    Lila was certain she heard a cackle as Marlene departed, though it was quickly snuffed out. To be fair, watching Asher gawk at his slices of cheese almost made Lila want to leave so she could laugh as well.

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Asher said moodily, poking at the top slice. ¡°Laugh.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t about to,¡± Lila lied, taking a sip of her juice.

    ¡°At least I have juice,¡± Asher sighed, sipping his as well.

    ¡°Oh, where¡¯s Marlene?¡± Gabriel asked, carrying two plates of curry into the dining room.

    ¡°She¡­ had to excuse herself,¡± Lila responded, fighting to hold back her impending chortling.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Gabriel replied sagely. ¡°Sensible woman.¡±

    He placed one plate down where he usually sat and carried the other plate back out, Marlene¡¯s cup of juice in his other hand.

    ¡°I take it Gabriel¡¯s still mad at me,¡± Asher said softly. He bit into his cheese. ¡°At least this is good quality cheese.¡±

    ¡°It¡­ looks tasty,¡± Lila tried to sound reassuring. ¡°We can share my dinner if you want.¡±

    ¡°None of that, Lila,¡± Gabriel said sternly, having returned empty-handed. He settled himself into his usual seat, looking rather pleased. ¡°Eat up.¡±

    Asher obediently did so without complaints. Lila glanced between them both and met Gabriel¡¯s narrowed eyes. She started eating immediately.

    Once she was about halfway through her curry, and Asher¡¯s cheese slices were long gone, Lila clutched at her stomach.

    ¡°Oh¡­ my goodness,¡± she said, attempting to not look suspicious. ¡°That was so delicious Gabriel! I can¡¯t eat another bite. Asher will have to finish it for me.¡±

    She chanced a peek at Gabriel who looked thoroughly unimpressed.

    ¡°Lila, that¡¯s not the point of punishment,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow at her. ¡°Asher won¡¯t learn if you just give up the punishment. Plus, you¡¯re not a Union. No negotiating.¡±

    ¡°Just look at him, Gabriel,¡± Lila pleaded, pointing to a pouty Asher. ¡°He¡¯s miserable!¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Gabriel said shortly, though his eyes did seem troubled. A beat passed before he threw his hands up in the air. ¡°Alright. Fine. Feel free to give him your leftovers. I suppose the punishment can be a cold, reduced portion. And no dessert.¡±

    ¡°Fine by me,¡± Asher said eagerly, pulling Lila¡¯s bowl towards him. Gabriel pursed his lips and Asher began acting like it was a chore to be eating Lila¡¯s food. That seemed to satisfy Gabriel, who continued eating his dinner. Asher wolfed it down as though he hadn¡¯t eaten in years even though Lila witnessed him inhale four sushi rolls earlier today.

    ¡°Thanks for dinner, Gabriel,¡± Asher said appreciatively once he was done, wiping his mouth on a napkin and standing up. ¡°I¡¯ll head on up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Lila said automatically, also getting up.

    ¡°You don¡¯t want dessert, Lila?¡± Gabriel asked, a tinge of sadness in his question. She made the mistake of glancing at him in response. He looked ready to cry. She sat down.

    ¡°I¡¯ll meet you upstairs,¡± Asher replied with a smirk. ¡°Enjoy.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t say anything to Asher as Gabriel collected their bowls. Both Asher and Gabriel departed without another word. Once Gabriel returned, she saw that he had prepared a slice of sponge cake that was soaked in an orange-infused syrup and chocolate mousse in the middle. Lila was glad that Asher hadn¡¯t stuck around to see her shoving her face with it. It was probably very unsightly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll only treat him like this for another meal or two,¡± Gabriel said softly as Lila was nearly finished with her cake. ¡°He¡¯ll live.¡±

    ¡°Why do you feel the need to punish him?¡± Lila gave him a piercing look as she said this before wiping her mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have you know, I¡¯ve been a very big fan of you two getting together for a long time. Before I met you, even, since he kept going on about you. Then, of course, I saw that you both seemed to glow in each other¡¯s presence. I suppose it¡¯s difficult to explain, but once you started working together on that project and got comfortable, the energy about you two changed for the better. It¡¯s something he never had with Holly and something I¡¯ve seen very rarely in my thirty-odd years on this planet.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I suppose you could say that I¡¯m very protective of Asher,¡± Gabriel laughed. ¡°Probably doesn¡¯t seem like it, since I¡¯m starving him, but his future is very bright. I only want what¡¯s best for him, and¡­ what¡¯s best for him is you.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    Gabriel nodded. ¡°If you were to see you two from an outsider¡¯s perspective, you¡¯d say the same. You chose each other, above and beyond being project partners, and I hope you continue to choose each other. Once he gets his head out of his ass, of course. So, to help him do that, he¡¯s getting slices of cheese.¡±

    A glimmer of a smile crossed Lila¡¯s face. She finished her cake, thanking Gabriel for both his food and his counsel.

    ¡°Anytime, my dear,¡± Gabriel responded, his eyes gleaming with unbridled joy. ¡°Truly. I¡¯ll see you in the morning.¡±

    Lila smiled at him before taking herself back upstairs. Out of habit, she reached for her phone to ask one of her family members to pick her up. She caught herself before she could do so, though.

    This was it. Her first time sleeping over at a boy¡¯s house. She gripped the handrail for a moment, almost losing her footing as soon as the realisation hit her. She¡­ wasn¡¯t going home tonight.

    She gradually made it through the door to the rumpus room, the nerves replacing her legs with jelly. Asher looked up from where he was on the couch with an easy smile.

    ¡°You made it,¡± he said gently as she closed the door. ¡°Welcome back.¡±

    ¡°H-Hi,¡± she stammered, unable to inch forward even slightly.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    ¡°U-Uh huh.¡±

    ¡°That was thoroughly unconvincing.¡±

    Lila stared down at her feet. ¡°I¡­ just realised that I¡¯ve never stayed over at a boy¡¯s house before.¡±

    ¡°You only just realised this?¡± Asher¡¯s face started to turn pink and he looked back down at the coffee table.

    Lila nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Well, I hope it lives up to your expectations,¡± Asher replied, an anxious smile spreading across his face.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I have any.¡±

    ¡°Even better.¡±

    She still hovered awkwardly by the door.

    ¡°You can sit down, you know,¡± Asher said slowly.

    ¡°I know.¡±

    She remained by the door, fiddling with her nails.

    ¡°¡­ I guess you could stay there if you wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily. ¡°Want a drink?¡±

    ¡°Yes please.¡±

    He made his way to the kitchenette counter. Lila took this as an opportunity to scurry to her usual spot, grabbing a cushion along the way and hugging it tightly. She heard Asher chuckle, but she refused to look at him.

    He passed her a cup shortly after and she relinquished her hold on the cushion, which wheezed as she let go. She hadn¡¯t realised she¡¯d been holding it that tightly.

    ¡°Did you wanna go through the photos again?¡± he asked lightly, his lips twitching as though he was holding back the urge to laugh.

    ¡°When does Marlene finish up?¡±

    ¡°10 tonight. Well, that¡¯s when she finishes every night. Could be different today.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s probably best if we leave it until after 10. That way she can¡¯t barge in on us.¡±

    ¡°Noted. Good idea.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve run out of good ideas now.¡±

    ¡°I reckon I could try and conjure up enough good ideas for the both of us,¡± Asher grinned at Lila. His grin relaxed her shoulders somewhat.

    ¡°What now, though?¡± he queried, setting his cup down on the coffee table.

    ¡°W-What do you usually do if someone¡¯s staying over?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Whatever.¡±

    ¡°Helpful.¡±

    ¡°Never said it would be.¡±

    They shared a small chuckle before both staring at the blank TV screen. Lila tapped the rim of her cup with her index finger. She then sighed, placing it next to Asher¡¯s on the coffee table.

    ¡°I¡­ well. You don¡¯t have to answer this question,¡± Lila began hesitantly. ¡°But¡­ I think it¡¯s going to drive me crazy and I won¡¯t sleep a wink if I don¡¯t ask.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher replied, bringing a hand to his chin as he waited for her to continue.

    ¡°Uh¡­ we saw Holly at the shops today.¡±

    ¡°Sure did.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t discern whether there was any particular unspoken emotion within those two words. His eyes were still fixed on the TV screen.

    ¡°¡­ you seemed bothered by it.¡±

    ¡°I was,¡± Asher confirmed, finally turning to face her. She followed suit, her eyes searching his as if they¡¯d reveal more of what he was talking about.

    Lila¡¯s shoulders drooped, her previous good mood vaporised in an instant. She tried not to look crestfallen, but wasn¡¯t convinced in the slightest that it fooled him.

    ¡°However, it¡¯s not in the way you¡¯re probably thinking,¡± Asher added after looking contemplative for a few moments. ¡°I was right, before. About not having feelings for Holly. But¡­ when I saw her¡­ I just¡­ didn¡¯t care. Not as much as I thought I would, anyway.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Lila¡¯s heart began to flutter as she hung onto every word he was saying now.

    ¡°What I mean is¡­ well, when I saw her, she was just another person. She might as well have been a stranger. And that was what bothered me. I¡¯d thought that I would still be affected by her. That seeing her would remind me about what she did to me - breaking my heart like that - and bring up all those feelings again. But¡­ all I felt was gratitude. Gratitude that it ended. Otherwise¡­¡± his eyes flicked to Lila¡¯s, his cheeks turning red. ¡°Otherwise I probably wouldn¡¯t have known that you feel that way about me too.¡±

    Would she have told Asher how she felt if he was still dating Holly? Lila wasn¡¯t too sure. Maybe it¡¯d have come tumbling out of her mouth one day. What she was sure of, however, was that if that happened, she¡¯d definitely run away and become a social recluse. Would he have broken up with Holly after he knew in that scenario?

    ¡°I also stopped feeling so guilty, actually. Guilty about my feelings for you when I was with her. Not sure why, but I¡¯ll find the answer one day. Maybe it was because I saw her with the Debating Captain of Mulberry Heights. Wonder if he¡¯s the father.¡± Asher paused before shrugging. ¡°Eh, not my problem.¡±

    His eyes slid back to her face before staring up at the ceiling. ¡°I¡¯m glad we saw her, actually. Probably wouldn¡¯t have said that a couple weeks ago. Might¡¯ve even been a nervous wreck.¡±

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    Did¡­ that mean that maybe they¡¯d get into a relationship? Lila was too afraid to ask ¨C too afraid to push the point just now. If he were only just feeling that way about Holly, then he would probably need some more time.

    As if he was reading her thoughts, he started speaking again. ¡°I¡¯m still not ready, though. I need to ponder a bit more.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t ask what he meant. Instead, she picked up her set of joy cons, unable to contain the smile on her face, the thrum of hope stirring her heart into a quickening rhythm.

    ¡°You can ponder while I destroy you,¡± she challenged playfully. He grinned at her, grabbing his own set.

    ¡°You¡¯re on.¡±

    The next couple of hours passed in a blur, though the ache of her abdominal muscles from laughing so hard served as a reminder of the passage of time. Eventually, as they giggled about how Lila cheesed the game to solve a puzzle in a way that was definitely not intended by the game developers, a knock sounded at the rumpus room door.

    They exchanged a glance before Asher heaved himself to his feet and opened the door. Lila peered curiously over in that direction. Gabriel would¡¯ve long retired to bed or headed to the club by now, so the only person it could be was Marlene. What did she want? In a panic, she cast a look around the room. They thankfully hadn¡¯t taken the photos out after dinner, so she didn¡¯t need to hide them.

    ¡°Oh, hi Dad,¡± Asher said, stepping aside to admit Ivaan into their domain. Ivaan looked weary, rubbing his face before halting altogether. His face morphed into a falsely cheery and lively expression as soon as his eyes rested on Lila.

    ¡°Evening, Lila,¡± he said pleasantly, his dark under-eyes a stark display of his exhaustion. He was still in his business attire, though Lila knew it was nearing 10pm. Had he only just come home?

    ¡°Good evening, Ivaan,¡± Lila replied, swiftly standing up. He motioned for her to sit back down before pausing and then checking his watch.

    ¡°It¡¯s getting late, Lila. Do you need a lift home?¡± he asked, looking back at her, concern furrowing his brow.

    ¡°Lila¡¯s staying over tonight,¡± Asher interjected, backing up so he was closer to the couch than the door. ¡°I told you yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Ah, of course,¡± Ivaan replied, rubbing his forehead. ¡°Sorry, bud. Work¡¯s been¡­ delightful as of late.¡± Of course, his tone conveyed that work was not delightful in the slightest. ¡°What time are you heading home tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t have any particular time in mind,¡± Lila said truthfully. Her Mum¡¯s words ¨C ¡°A reasonable time!¡± ¨C echoed in her mind, but Lila supposed that just after dinner probably fell under ¡®a reasonable time¡¯. Besides, she needed to see Elise, and if it was as serious as Isaac had made it out to be, she definitely needed some moral support from Asher even if it was from afar.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Ivaan responded genially. ¡°I¡¯ll let you two get back to it. Goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Night, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Ivaan.¡±

    Ivaan gave them both a tight-lipped smile before closing the rumpus room door behind him.

    ¡°That¡­ was odd,¡± Lila commented, her eyes on Asher as he sat back down. He shrugged.

    ¡°Even though I don¡¯t normally see my Dad, like, ever, he always makes it a point to say goodnight to me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s sweet,¡± Lila smiled. Asher looked bashful, fluffing the back of his hair.

    ¡°Yeah. Even though he can¡¯t always make time for me, it¡¯s the little things that remind me he still cares, y¡¯know?¡±

    Lila felt a pang of sadness in her chest at these words. With a sentence like that, Lila could only imagine how Asher would¡¯ve felt as a kid in order to reach that conclusion now. Being an only child and having to navigate a relatively absent father must¡¯ve been tough¡­

    ¡°Anyway, another rou-¡± Asher¡¯s suggestion fell short when another knock sounded at the door. He looked disgusted as he stood up again.

    ¡°If it¡¯s Dad, I¡¯m gonna tell him that two check-ins in a row is excessive,¡± he murmured grumpily as he stomped towards the door.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene¡¯s voice floated through the now-open doorway. ¡°Hello, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, come in, everyone else is,¡± Asher huffed, gesturing for her to enter. Lila could have sworn that a hint of a smile turned the corners of Marlene¡¯s lips, but whatever she saw vanished a second after she spotted it. Marlene was carrying a tray containing two steaming mugs, which she rested on the kitchenette counter.

    ¡°Hot chocolates,¡± she announced. ¡°Per Master Wagner¡¯s request.¡±

    Master? Marlene usually called Asher ¡®Mr Wagner¡¯, and Lila didn¡¯t see or hear him make any requests for hot chocolates.

    ¡°Thanks, Marlene,¡± Asher said politely. ¡°If you see Dad, can you thank him for me too?¡±

    Marlene simply bowed before bidding them both ¡®goodnight¡¯, which they returned in kind. After the door gently closed behind her, Asher looked warily at Lila, who had curiously made her way to the counter.

    ¡°Do you trust it?¡± he asked, gesturing at the mugs.

    ¡°I mean, your Dad¡¯s home¡­ surely it¡¯d be hard to dispose of two people whilst your employer¡¯s just floating about,¡± Lila said dubiously. Asher nodded.

    ¡°At least my Dad¡¯s got life insurance on me,¡± he said nonchalantly as he took a large swig of one of the hot chocolates. He then carefully placed the mug on the counter before immediately mimicking being poisoned, complete with theatrical sound effects, whilst leaning against the edge of the counter. Lila pushed him and he collapsed onto the floor dramatically, poking his tongue out like a deceased cartoon character.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid,¡± Lila snickered. ¡°Is it actually okay?¡±

    ¡°Look, if it¡¯s poisoned, it¡¯s a tasty type,¡± Asher grinned, sitting up. ¡°Did you want me to check yours?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re far more precious than me,¡± Lila laughed, taking a sip. Whilst it wasn¡¯t anywhere near as good as Gabriel¡¯s hot chocolate, it was still tasty and gently warmed her. She waited a few seconds before taking another sip. Seemed safe.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯ll be clocking off in about ten minutes,¡± Asher noted, picking up his drink and walking back to the couch.

    ¡°Guess it¡¯ll be time to go back through the photos then,¡± Lila observed, taking her mug with her to her usual spot.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher replied with an easy smile. He took another sip before a frown deepened his brow.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila asked, putting her mug down.

    ¡°I just remembered what that guy said. What was his name? Marcus? Max? Whatever. About Quack Queen. What is it about the photos we took that looks similar to whatever the heck ¡®Quack Queen¡¯ is?¡±

    ¡°We could do some research while we¡¯re waiting for Marlene to go,¡± Lila suggested, taking her phone out. Asher murmured his agreement and started looking through his phone too. It didn¡¯t take long for a result to appear on her screen. Without skipping a beat, she let out a horrified gasp.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± Asher uttered softly, tapping on his phone several times.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s a streamer?¡± Lila questioned, staring at Asher. His bewildered eyes met hers.

    ¡°Guess so.¡±

    ¡°Where does she get the time?¡± Lila whispered, clicking on the Google Images results for ¡®Quack Queen¡¯. Sure enough, there was Marlene, cat-ear headphones on, dramatic winged eyeliner, and a low-cut top, smiling. She looked surprisingly like a normal young woman, without the pretence of being a professional, respectful maid. It was absolutely jarring. Even more so when Lila recalled the attack on the would-be intruder with an involuntary shudder.

    ¡°Looks like she¡¯s got some VODs on YouTube,¡± Asher murmured.

    ¡°Some what?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ videos on demand, I think is the full term. Basically a past stream that¡¯s been saved that people can watch without needing to be there live. Lots of people cross-post to YouTube after their stream is done. Some of the people we watch on YouTube have just edited their VODs down to, like, thirty minutes to an hour to make it more palatable for YouTube.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila trailed off thoughtfully. They exchanged a glance before simultaneously saying, ¡°Let¡¯s watch one.¡±

    Asher leaned over and grabbed his joy cons, rapidly searching for ¡®Quack Queen¡¯. He clicked on the first YouTube channel that popped up.

    ¡°Bingo,¡± he said with a lopsided smirk.

    ¡°She¡¯s got 10k subscribers on YouTube,¡± Lila observed as he scrolled through the page.

    ¡°A decent amount. Figures that most of this is WoW related,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°But there¡¯s some Minecraft. Valorant? Wow, okay. Oh, Stardew Valley¡­ interesting variety.¡±

    Another knock sounded at the door and Asher panic-mashed the home button.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± he called out as he chucked the controllers onto the couch and opened the door just a crack. He double-checked the Switch was still on the home page before opening the door fully.

    ¡°I¡¯ve brought some cookies. Also by request of Master Wagner. He hopes you continue to have an enjoyable break from school, Lila,¡± came Marlene¡¯s usual, politely measured voice.

    ¡°No hopes for my break, I see,¡± Asher quipped. Marlene didn¡¯t respond to his comment as she carried in the tray, placed it next to the previous one, and patted down her apron. ¡°Are you finished with your hot chocolates?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bring the cups down in the morning. You don¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Asher said. The only hint that he was freaking out was his marginally stilted breathing. Marlene simply nodded.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m leaving for the night now. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Mr Wagner. Goodnight, Lila,¡± Marlene said sweetly. They both bid her ¡®goodnight¡¯ as well and she swung the door shut behind her.

    Lila squirmed in her seat slightly. Now that Marlene had truly left for the night, she was hyperaware of the fact that they were now rather alone together. Technically, Ivaan was most likely on this floor in the master wing of the house, but did that really count? The master wing was certainly far enough away from the rumpus room that he probably wouldn¡¯t be able to hear anything¡­

    ¡®Wait, hear anything? What am I going on about?¡¯ Lila thought to herself, placing a hand on her chest in an effort to calm her furiously beating heart.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna get changed,¡± Asher announced, stretching his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll double-check that she¡¯s going to the cottage while I¡¯m changing.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. I might get changed, too,¡± Lila said hesitantly.

    ¡°If you wanna grab the photos, they¡¯re just in the closet, folded in between the second towel in the bottom drawer,¡± Asher suggested, heading off to his room. Lila nodded, though she wasn¡¯t sure whether he¡¯d seen that.

    Her bags were sitting neatly on the round, blue Persian-inspired rug before the queen-sized bed in the spare room. The bedspread looked to be a dark grey, luxurious fabric ¨C was it real silk? Lila bent down to inspect it, but she had no idea what she was looking for to determine that. A small, teal feature cushion sat neatly by the pillows, perfectly matching the knit teal throw blanket folded along the bottom edge.

    The rest of the room¡¯s decor was tastefully minimal, with baroque-style lamps sitting upon carved wooden side tables, and an extravagantly framed landscape painting of some rolling hills and trees softly swaying in a fictional breeze. The closet was hidden behind two standard mirror sliding doors. She slid one open to see a few empty coat hangers and a small pop-up ironing board and iron. The other side contained a white drawer set, which was mostly empty except for the bottom drawer which contained several fluffy white towels.

    Lila reached into this drawer, unearthing the bundle of photos from the recesses of the towels. She placed it on the bed before getting changed into her colourful-print pyjama shorts and matching long-sleeved shirt. For a brief second, she contemplated taking off her bra but instantly refuted the idea. Perhaps when she was sleeping, she might take it off.

    Glancing in the mirror, she nervously smoothed down her hair. Nothing was going to happen so she didn¡¯t need to get so worked up. She reminded herself of this fact several times whilst breathing deeply. Surprisingly, it worked to calm her down. Taking one last deep breath, she grabbed the photos and returned to the couch.

    Asher was already sitting in his usual spot, looking through the ¡®Quack Queen¡¯ YouTube channel again. He was wearing long plaid pyjama pants and a loose white t-shirt, looking effortlessly comfy. His eyes darted to her before looking back at the TV, clearing his throat slightly.

    ¡°I was just thinking about putting on one of the VODs as we go through the photos,¡± he said somewhat abashedly. ¡°If you want to watch something else, or think we shouldn¡¯t watch anything at all, we can do that too.¡±

    ¡°No, that sounds good. Two birds with one stone and all that. I just have to grab my laptop,¡± Lila said, jumping up and doing so.

    Asher selected the latest VOD and opened his own laptop. The VOD started with a message about the stream starting soon, so they started itemising their stacks of photos. Every so often, Lila would check to see whether the stream actually started, but nothing happened for about fifteen minutes of concentrated silence.

    Lila just finished setting up her table of evidence and had begun putting further details of the photos in when the stream suddenly started.

    ¡°Hellooo my Quacklings!¡± Marlene¡¯s voice startled Lila into looking up at the TV. Marlene was wearing a skin-tight top, a smoky eyeshadow, and an assortment of stackable necklaces. Her hair was in loose curls, and she was resetting her headphones on her head.

    Behind Marlene was, in fact, the exact display case featuring assorted figurines, as well as the fantasy landscape and fairy lights, that Lila recalled from their digging around in her cottage. There was a soft pink glow coming from above, which Lila supposed was from the LED strip lights that Asher had accidentally turned on.

    ¡°Everyone, say hi to Mr Snugglebutt,¡± Marlene purred, picking up her cat and waving his paws at the camera. Lila saw a flurry of comments flash up on the left side of the screen. Most of them were saying ¡®Hi kitty!¡¯ or some variation of that.

    ¡°Quacklings, I¡¯ve added to my duck collection,¡± Marlene announced, holding up a simple wooden duck. ¡°This one was from an antique shop. They¡¯ve dated this little guy to sometime back in the 70s! Crazy.¡±

    She leaned forward, peering at her screen. ¡°Yeah, Mr Snugglebutt is feeling a lot better after his vet appointment, thanks for asking. Aw, thanks for the subs guys! Good to see you all tonight. Hm¡­ what¡¯s my day job?¡±

    Marlene leaned back, setting down the wooden duck somewhere off-screen. She flashed a charismatic grin at the camera. ¡°I work as a barista. I¡¯m not gonna dox myself, but if you happen to see me, feel free to say hi! I look pretty different, though, so you might¡¯ve already seen me.¡± Marlene giggled before opening up WoW.

    Lila exchanged a look with Asher. This was a side of Marlene that she¡¯d certainly never seen before, and Asher looked like he¡¯d seen a ghost.

    ¡°Who is that?¡± he asked, blanching.

    ¡°QQ, apparently,¡± Lila replied simply. ¡°She seems quite bubbly on stream.¡±

    Lila watched Marlene set up her game before returning to her inventory of photos. This version of Marlene was surprisingly pleasant to listen to, her voice blending into the background seamlessly.

    Half an hour passed before Lila noticed something was slightly odd with her pile of photos.

    ¡°Hey, Asher,¡± Lila said, her voice puzzled. ¡°Do you have the farmhouse pictures?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh. Those. I didn¡¯t see them in my stuff, but let me check.¡±

    He rifled through his pile before shaking his head. ¡°Definitely not with me.¡±

    Lila frowned, flicking through her pile. It didn¡¯t seem like she had them, either.

    ¡°You don¡¯t see them anywhere at all?¡± she queried, craning her neck to check whether they had fallen somewhere around the coffee table.

    ¡°No¡­ are you sure they were even printed?¡±

    ¡°Dead sure. Besides, Max said everything from the cameras was able to be printed. And I definitely saw them when we were looking at them before. I turned them around ¡®cause they gave me the creeps.¡±

    Asher stood up, pausing the video. ¡°I¡¯ll look under the coffee table,¡± he said, lowering himself to his hands and knees to take a look. Lila rummaged through what was on top of the coffee table, but just like before, she couldn¡¯t find the farmhouse photos.

    ¡°That¡¯s so weird,¡± Lila observed quietly.

    ¡°I mean, are they important to the pics we took of Marlene¡¯s place?¡± Asher asked, sitting back down on the couch.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so, but¡­ now that they¡¯re missing, that¡¯s gonna bother me for ages¡­¡± Lila trailed off as she picked up the list of printed photos. Everything was as it was when Max showed them this receipt ¨C except¡­

    Lila brought it close to her face, inspecting it with laser-sharp focus. The last page of the receipt seemed odd. The receipt itself had a lot of white space, yes, but¡­ there were several raised sections of white here.

    Lila touched one of the sections. It felt like white-out.

    ¡°What the heck?¡± she muttered, running her finger along the rest of the raised sections. Looking at it in its entirety, the white-out sections lined up perfectly with where the listed details for the three other photos on this portion of the receipt sat.

    A shiver ran down her spine as she dropped the receipt onto the coffee table, her stomach twisting in knots.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she whispered, catching his attention immediately. ¡°Asher, someone¡¯s tampered with this.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± he questioned, his eyes as round as plates.

    Lila shakily pointed at the offending receipt and he picked it up, alarm raising his eyebrows almost to the point of disappearing into his hairline.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking,¡± he murmured, running his fingers along the receipt. ¡°Why?¡±

    He tried to scrape the white-out off with his fingernails, but it didn¡¯t budge.

    ¡°Was it like this when we picked up the photos from the shop?¡± he asked, looking through the other pieces of the receipt.

    ¡°No idea. I feel like I would¡¯ve noticed, but I didn¡¯t look at the receipts in depth.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Did Marlene take the farmhouse photos and do this to the receipt?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was hushed as if hardly daring to believe the suggestion.

    ¡°Why would she? Well, why would she take the farmhouse photos and not any of the photos of the literal inside of her house?¡± Lila countered. Asher pursed his lips, looking pensive.

    ¡°If you didn¡¯t do it, and I didn¡¯t do it, and we had the photos when we came back from the shops, then it must¡¯ve been Marlene. I doubt Gabriel would care about photos of Marlene¡¯s side of the cottage - he wouldn¡¯t get past the first couple,¡± he eventually said. His eyes drifted to the TV screen, which showed Marlene laughing a shrill, kookaburra-like laugh. ¡°But you¡¯re right¡­ why would she let us keep the rest?¡±

    ¡°I wish I¡¯d had a closer look at those pictures now,¡± Lila lamented. ¡°Maybe there was something super important in those. Something she needed to hide.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Something to do with the¡­ thing¡­ we saw in the farmhouse?¡± Asher proposed in a whisper. Lila met his gaze, a grim expression on her face.

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    They both fell into a thoughtful silence.

    ¡°¡­ Let¡¯s check it out in the morning,¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°No,¡± Asher said flatly. ¡°Not happening.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t suggest it if we had the photos. But the fact that Marlene, or whoever, selected only those photos to remove? And tried to erase them from the receipt? It has to be significant somehow. What if it¡¯s related to your Mum?¡±

    Asher inhaled sharply before burying his face in his hands. He sat like that for a few moments before slapping the sides of his face and looking back at Lila.

    ¡°Fine. You win. We¡¯ll go back to the creepy ghost-infested farmhouse. Tomorrow morning, so we can come back in time for lunch.¡±

    Lila tried to not look excited at the idea. While she was mildly terrified of the farmhouse and its resident (or residents), she would be lying if she said she wasn¡¯t curious about it.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we should keep looking through these,¡± Asher said after another pause.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila¡¯s eyes fluttered down to her pile of photos. They both continued for a time before a wave of exhaustion took hold. She could hardly keep her eyelids open and she began to yawn almost continuously. Asher closed his laptop lid, looking at her with a soft smile.

    ¡°We can go to bed,¡± he said gently. ¡°It¡¯s been a massive day.¡±

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Lila yawned again before shaking her head as if to toss the fatigue out of her brain.

    ¡°In a manner of speaking,¡± Asher said quietly. He yawned into his hand and stretched his arms. ¡°What time do you think you¡¯ll wake up?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°It¡¯s a bit hit and miss, being in a different house and all. But I do want to go to that farmhouse.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°If you¡¯re not up by, say, 9, did you want me to wake you up?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face flushed. What would waking her up entail?

    ¡°S-Sure. I should be up by then, though.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Asher smiled again, standing up. ¡°Well¡­ goodnight, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher. See you tomorrow.¡±

    He grinned broadly this time, his eyes twinkling. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter Eighty-Nine

    Chapter Eighty-Nine

    The silky-soft bedsheets wrapping around Lila felt like a soothing caress, lulling her into sleep almost as soon as her head hit the pillow after finishing her night-time routine.

    She fell into a kaleidoscope of colours, faces, and memories, her mind producing a whirling performance of oddities. At one point, her dreams brought her to the board game shop, Asher inspecting several offerings in a clown suit, his face thankfully unmarred by clown makeup.

    ¡°Lila, this one¡¯s about ants,¡± Dream-Asher said in a monotonous voice. ¡°I love ants.¡±

    As Lila was about to respond, Dream-Asher began to scream, the sound chilling her blood and shaking her to her core. It wrenched her out of her dream and she sat up, her mind swirling and trying to adjust to her unfamiliar surroundings.

    Her racing heart began to slow down as she took a deep breath, the air branching from her lungs to the tips of her fingers.

    ¡®Weird,¡¯ she thought, ¡®what kinda dream was that?¡¯

    A bewildered laugh was halfway to her lips when she heard it.

    Another scream, ripping through Asher¡¯s wing of the house. Lila immediately stood up, goosebumps bursting along her skin. It was a haunting scream ¨C one that was accompanied by a whimper. Was Asher okay?

    Without a second thought, Lila stumbled out of the spare room, phone in hand to light her way. Surely he wasn¡¯t being attacked, right?

    She twisted the doorknob to his room, but it remained steadfastly closed. She tried again, another scream emanating from Asher¡¯s room. Locked.

    Lila didn¡¯t know what to do. What could she do? She didn¡¯t know where the lockpicks were, but she supposed they would be in his room¡­ which was locked.

    Just as she was contemplating breaking the door, the scream turned into a weak sob. Then, it clicked.

    A night terror.

    Lila herself only had them when she was a young child, but she always had Clare or her parents help her through them. Then, when Daniel was old enough, she, in turn, helped him. But Asher was all alone.

    ¡®He¡¯d probably be really embarrassed if I broke in there,¡¯ Lila thought forlornly, biting her lower lip. At least it seemed that he was at the tail end of it. He might even be awake. Should she knock?

    Her heart pounded in her chest as she reached a fist out, ready to knock. Before her knuckles could touch the door, she was interrupted by another whimper then a frustrated groan.

    ¡°So fucking embarrassing,¡± she heard Asher say, his voice pained. ¡°Fucking get it together.¡±

    She lowered her fist, taking a long and slow breath. She stood there for a couple more seconds, contemplating her next move. With a resigned grimace, Lila decided to retire to her room to spare his feelings.

    She sank uneasily into bed, holding a pillow close to her for comfort. Should she ask him about it in the morning? She heard him speak, but had he been awake enough to remember?

    For the next few minutes, she trained her ears, trying to hear any more sounds from Asher¡¯s room. Eventually, with nothing further, her thoughts slowed and she fell into a restless sleep.

    <hr>

    Lila¡¯s alarm blared in her ear, waking her with a start. She rubbed her eyes, the feeling of luxurious bedsheets confusing her for a moment. Where was she?

    She blinked, focusing her eyes on the room around her. It took her a moment to realise that she was in the spare room of Asher¡¯s house. With a lazy stretch, she checked the time on her phone ¨C 8.01am.

    Sitting up, the memory of Asher¡¯s night terrors suddenly inundated her mind. Was he awake now? Was he okay?

    Opening the door to the rumpus room with a creak, she couldn¡¯t see or hear Asher. Perhaps he was still asleep.

    She figured it was as good a time as any to get showered and dressed for the day. Grabbing her things, she tiptoed to the spare bathroom. It was eerily quiet ¨C something she wasn¡¯t used to, living in a family of five. By now, her parents were probably rushing to get out the door to go to work, banging and clanging in the kitchen with their empty breakfast plates and squabbling over her Dad¡¯s choice of tie or something.

    When she exited the bathroom in a cloud of steam and the smell of strawberry body wash, she could see the top of Asher¡¯s head by the couch. Judging by his hair, it seemed as though he was also freshly showered. Had she disturbed him?

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila said softly, crossing the rumpus room with the intent to place her belongings back into the spare room.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher replied gently. Something in his tone halted her steps and she turned around to look at him. He looked exhausted as he gave her a small smile.

    ¡°Sleep alright?¡± he asked, his eyes looking past her shoulder rather than at her face.

    ¡°More or less,¡± Lila responded vaguely. She glanced down at the things she was clutching, and quickly hid them behind her back. For some reason, she didn¡¯t want him to see her personal items. He seemed to get the hint and swiftly diverted his attention to the TV.

    She placed her belongings into the spare room and returned to the rumpus room, her face slightly flushed. It seemed that Asher had set up the stream they had been watching last night, though it wasn¡¯t playing just yet.

    ¡°Did you want me to bring the photos?¡± Lila asked, already doubling back.

    ¡°Nah. You wanted to go check out the farmhouse, didn¡¯t you? I was thinking we could take a walk that way after breakfast and then come back and keep going through them before lunch,¡± Asher said with a yawn. ¡°I¡¯ve already checked what time Gabriel was thinking of preparing breakfast. Do you have any specific time requirements?¡±

    Lila blinked. There was still something that seemed off about Asher, but she couldn¡¯t place it. Was he feeling awkward about last night?

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± she found herself questioning.

    ¡°Me?¡± he looked surprised that she asked. ¡°Yeah. Just¡­ a bit tired.¡± He still didn¡¯t meet her gaze.

    ¡°How¡­ did you sleep?¡± Lila asked, her eyes not lifting from his face. His eyes flickered to hers, his mouth setting in a hard line.

    ¡°Like shit,¡± he confessed. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you knew that, though.¡±

    She sighed, sitting down on the couch with her arms folded under her chest for comfort.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. I did.¡±

    Asher winced, turning his head away from her. ¡°¡­ Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I-Is that what you meant? When you said you can be pretty loud when you sleep?¡±

    ¡°You remember that?¡± he rubbed his stubbled chin before exhaling deeply, looking down at his lap. ¡°Yeah. It happens once or twice a week. Since Mum disappeared. Then it got worse after the whole Piper thing, then after Holly, it was every night for a long time. Nightmares though¡­ that¡¯s almost every night since Mum¡¯s been gone. I¡­ hate going to sleep. I¡¯d rather do anything else than close my eyes and wait for the nightmares to start.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you get so evasive when I ask if you¡¯ve been sleeping?¡±

    ¡°Part of it, yeah. I¡¯d¡­ hoped I wouldn¡¯t embarrass myself like that in front of you. That last night would be one of the safe nights.¡±

    ¡°You locked your door.¡±

    He looked at her sharply. ¡°How did you-¡±

    ¡°I tried to help,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I was about to knock¡­ but I figured you¡¯d be embarrassed. So, I went back to bed. I¡¯m sorry I couldn¡¯t help.¡±

    Asher shook his head, still looking at his lap rather than at her. ¡°Please don¡¯t blame yourself. I¡¯m sorry I woke you.¡±

    She had never seen him so ashamed. He hung his head low, placing his hands over his eyes.

    ¡°I¡­ was pretty stoked that you were going to stay over,¡± he mumbled. ¡°Then I remembered that it was a bad idea. But¡­ you seemed really happy about it. Sorry I ruined it.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t ruin anything, Asher,¡± Lila said comfortingly. ¡°I mean, now I know. So maybe next time, keep your door unlocked? Only if you want, of course.¡±

    ¡°N-Next time?¡± Asher stammered, raising his flushed face. ¡°You¡­ want to stay over again?¡±

    Lila grinned at him. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I? You¡¯re my best friend. Means you¡¯re stuck with me now."

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say that,¡± Asher replied, a nervous twitch in his smile, ¡°I¡¯d say you¡¯re stuck with me.¡±

    ¡°No one better to be stuck with,¡± Lila beamed, patting her rumbling stomach. ¡°I¡¯m starving, when¡¯s breakfast?¡±

    Asher laughed, seeming far more relaxed now. ¡°I¡¯ll check with Gabriel.¡±

    He did so via the intercom. It turned out that they had about 15 minutes before Gabriel was done with the finishing touches of breakfast, so Asher pressed ¡®play¡¯ on the livestream.

    ¡°It¡¯s still crazy to me how different Marlene is on stream,¡± Lila stated simply as Marlene¡¯s wheezing laughter echoed through the rumpus room.

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Asher replied, ¡°and here I was, thinking she was a grandma in disguise with her embroidery and whatever.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Turns out she¡¯s pretty good at PC games. At least, from what I can tell.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely right about that. Though¡­ your question before, about when she has the time to do all the things she does. I honestly don¡¯t know either. It¡¯s like she can¡¯t sit still.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like Elise.¡±

    Asher shot Lila a look of concern. ¡°We¡¯ll get to the bottom of Elise¡¯s problems. We have to, for both Elise and Isaac¡¯s sakes.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila couldn¡¯t hide the smirk on her face. Asher tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at her.

    ¡°You know something, don¡¯t you?¡± he said, his tone light in accusation but heavy in scrutiny.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila replied, turning her head away from him and looking instead at the corner of the rumpus room.

    ¡°You know, you¡¯re not very good at the whole ¡®not being suspicious¡¯ thing sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Who, me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you. There¡¯s no one else here, silly.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips, spinning around to face Asher again. Elise hadn¡¯t necessarily told Lila point-blank not to tell Asher, but she surveyed him all the same as she contemplated spilling the beans.

    ¡°I feel like I can guess what you¡¯re hiding,¡± Asher said playfully, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. ¡°Elise likes Isaac, doesn¡¯t she?¡±

    Lila threw her hands up in the air. ¡°Well, what¡¯s the point in asking if I know something, then?¡± she protested.

    ¡°I just figured this way, if Elise asks, you can say I guessed,¡± Asher winked at Lila, a wide smile on his face. ¡°You know how I said I couldn¡¯t pay Isaac back?¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Feel like I might¡¯ve found a way.¡±

    Lila chuckled before looking intently at Asher. ¡°What, does Isaac like Elise?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes darted to Lila¡¯s expectant ones before he placed both hands on his head. ¡°It¡¯s probably surprising to some, but Isaac never really talks about people in terms of their appearance. It¡¯s pretty rare for him to compliment a girl at all. He hasn¡¯t told me specifically whether he likes Elise or not, but, to me, that was as good as a confession.¡±

    ¡°So, next time we go to Side Quest City, are we taking a drive by Mission Cupid?¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be payback,¡± Asher grinned.

    ¡°Sounds like a deal.¡±

    The crackle of the intercom dissolved their conversation and Asher left to answer it. Of course, it was Gabriel calling them down for breakfast.

    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    ¡°Hope I don¡¯t just get cheese again,¡± Asher lamented as they lazily descended the stairs.

    ¡°I think you might,¡± Lila said gravely.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad we¡¯re getting Maccas for dinner, then. That way I can get something of substance.¡±

    ¡°Feels like substance and Maccas don¡¯t belong together.¡±

    ¡°Probably right about that.¡±

    They shuffled into the dining room, Lila sniffing the air. An umami scent was floating from the kitchen, hinting at a savoury breakfast. A jug of juice, complete with slices of oranges, ice cubes, and sprigs of mint, already sat on the table.

    Gabriel waltzed in just as Lila tucked herself into her chair, and he gave her an exuberant beam.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± Gabriel greeted affably. ¡°I hope you¡¯re hungry.¡±

    ¡°Sure am, Gabriel,¡± Lila replied with a smile.

    ¡°Fantastic,¡± Gabriel nodded, placing a plate in front of her. ¡°May I introduce a salmon, spinach, and cheese omelette?¡±

    ¡°Of course you may,¡± Lila responded, looking at the fluffy omelette resting on the plate before her. ¡°Looks delicious.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, my dear. And for you, Asher,¡± Gabriel said politely, passing Asher a small plate with a single slice of cheese and a fried egg. ¡°Some protein with your dairy.¡±

    ¡°I suppose it¡¯s close to an omelette,¡± Asher quipped, though he seemed deflated as he looked at his breakfast.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re choosing optimism this morning,¡± Gabriel observed.

    ¡°And you, violence,¡± Asher retorted. Gabriel began to slide the plate away from Asher before he desperately said, ¡°Thanks for breakfast, Gabriel. Looks amazing. Please.¡±

    Gabriel beamed. ¡°Flattery will get you nowhere for now, Asher.¡±

    ¡°By the way,¡± Asher piped up just as Gabriel was about to disappear into the kitchen again. Gabriel instead turned on his heel and looked at Asher questioningly.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°Lila and I are having dinner at Maccas tonight.¡±

    Gabriel tutted before sighing deeply. ¡°If you must.¡±

    ¡°We must,¡± Asher affirmed seriously. Gabriel said nothing else as he continued on with his tasks.

    ¡°Eat,¡± Asher said to Lila gently as she patiently waited for Gabriel¡¯s return. ¡°It¡¯ll get cold otherwise.¡±

    Lila begrudgingly did so. Well, it was begrudging until her first bite. Somehow, though the omelette was simple in nature, Gabriel had managed to pack it full of flavour. Asher silently poured them both juice, seeming determined to not look at her eating.

    Gabriel returned with his own plate of omelette and began digging in. It didn¡¯t take long for Asher to finish his food, and he sat extraordinarily straight in his chair, staring ahead at the wall before him. At this point, Lila was about halfway through her food and was starting to truly battle with it now. She hadn¡¯t expected something so simple to be weighing on her stomach this much. She started to edge her plate towards Asher under the disapproving eye of Gabriel.

    Asher took her food without question, shovelling the remainder into his mouth, Gabriel¡¯s occasionally heavy sighs serving as a rather unpleasant backdrop to breakfast.

    Once all the plates were empty, Gabriel asked what their plan for the rest of the day was.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to take a walk,¡± Asher said vaguely. Gabriel eyed them suspiciously.

    ¡°I hope that you¡¯re taking my advice in being a gentleman very seriously,¡± Gabriel warned. ¡°No funny business, no confusing the point.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face flushed a deep red and he stood up. ¡°Of course I am, Gabriel. I heard you loud and clear when you were yelling at me.¡±

    ¡°Just making sure,¡± Gabriel said lightly, giving Lila a wink. ¡°Enjoy your walk, you two.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. See you at lunch, Gabriel,¡± Asher replied, his face still showcasing a pinkish hue. They exited into the chilly morning air, Lila wrapping her oversized knit jumper closer to her body.

    ¡°Is that warm enough?¡± Asher asked, the sincere concern evident in his voice. She nodded. Once they started walking, she¡¯d warm up nicely, even if she was freezing now.

    Asher opened the side gate, gesturing for Lila to go through when Marlene briskly walked out.

    ¡°Oh, what a pleasant surprise,¡± Marlene said, her tone breezy. She smiled before checking her watch. There was something different about her expression that Lila couldn¡¯t place. Her best approximation was that Marlene looked tense for whatever reason.

    ¡°I would stay and chat, but I have places to be,¡± she said, speedwalking away. ¡°See you later, Mr Wagner. You too, Lila.¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Asher called behind Marlene. She didn¡¯t look back, but she waved a hand in the air in acknowledgement. Lila exchanged a glance with Asher.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t she a bit late?¡± Lila observed, pulling out her phone. It was 8.45am. Usually, Marlene would have been long gone by now.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher agreed, looking bothered by this circumstance. ¡°She¡¯s very prompt. Almost eerily so. So¡­ why is she late?¡±

    They pondered in silence for a few moments, neither offering any ideas.

    ¡°Well¡­ I guess we¡¯ll keep on keeping on,¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°I guess it doesn¡¯t really matter. Probably better for us that we saw her leave, to be honest.¡±

    Lila made a sound of agreement and they continued on their journey through Asher¡¯s yard. They passed by the worker¡¯s cottage, which seemed exactly like it had the last time Lila laid eyes on it. She wondered briefly if perhaps Marlene had beefed up security in there. If she had, Lila wasn¡¯t about to find out though.

    They stepped onto the cobblestoned road, still without speaking. Asher slowed his pace to more of a stroll, which Lila matched without really thinking about it. The road seemed just as long as it had on their first visit, but the colours seemed more vibrant somehow. Perhaps it was because they hadn¡¯t run for their lives to get here that made Lila feel much more at peace. She was definitely still missing a parasol, though.

    Asher kept his hands in his pockets, humming a tune that Lila didn¡¯t recognise. Maybe he was making it up? She gave him a sideways glance, taking in his appearance. The gentle morning sunrays seemed to gild his chestnut-coloured hair, lighten his golden-brown eyes and even warm his skin tone. He looked almost ethereal amongst the background of the knotted and gnarled trees twisting and curling beside the road.

    His eyes met hers and crinkled in response to the gentle, genuine smile on his face.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked, his eyes glittering with curiosity.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied, feeling her face heating up. She pulled her jumper around herself again, though she wasn¡¯t feeling anywhere near as cold as she had been when they started their walk.

    She could still feel his eyes on her, but she suddenly felt too nervous, too jittery, to meet them.

    ¡°¡­ So¡­ after today,¡± Asher said slowly, his voice wavering slightly. ¡°What¡¯s your plans?¡±

    ¡°After today?¡± Lila blinked before her eyes began to focus on an interesting, incoming crack in the cobblestones. ¡°You mean for the holidays?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah.¡± He sounded sheepish now. ¡°Today¡¯s Friday. We¡¯ve got two weekends and one week left before we have to go back to school.¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t thought about it. Why, do you reckon you¡¯ve cracked the case? You don¡¯t need me to come over again?¡± She tried to sound teasing, but a sudden burst of cold air ran right through her, causing her teeth to chatter.

    ¡°No,¡± Asher replied firmly. ¡°But¡­ I mean¡­ I was thinking we could enjoy the holidays a little. Do something else, y¡¯know. Take a break.¡±

    Finally, Lila looked up at him. His expression seemed anxious and expectant ¨C as if he was waiting for her to shoot the suggestion down.

    ¡°Like what?¡± Lila queried, looking back down at her white, shaky hands.

    ¡°Well¡­ after I woke up last night, I couldn¡¯t go back to sleep for a bit,¡± Asher confessed, pulling out his phone. ¡°So, I was doing some research about things we could do. On Sunday, there¡¯s an event at the coast. A show, with some rides and some fireworks. I mean, technically it¡¯s on tomorrow, too, but I think it¡¯ll be way too crowded to be enjoyable. It looks like we can take the train there ¨C it¡¯s not too far from the station.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila uttered simply, her face reddening as a thought floated through her mind. Was this a date? It sounded like a date.

    ¡°¡­ Oh? We¡­ don¡¯t have to. Do anything. I mean, don¡¯t mind me. You can spend your Sunday how you want. I-I only saw it in passing. It¡¯s probably expensive. The tickets. And show food and all that is always expensive, so-¡±

    ¡°Sounds like fun. Can¡¯t wait,¡± she interrupted his rambling with a smile. Their eyes connected for a split second before Asher pointedly looked elsewhere beyond Lila. He rubbed his chin with his hand, noticeably taking a deep breath.

    ¡°Neither,¡± he said after a beat passed.

    ¡°What about tomorrow?¡± Lila questioned, attempting to sound nonchalant.

    ¡°Tomorrow? Hmm¡­ you¡¯re welcome to come over,¡± Asher replied, pursing his lips. ¡°If you want, we can watch one of Marlene¡¯s streams again. Or we could just hang out. Maybe play a few games, watch something. U-Unless you think it¡¯s lame.¡±

    Lila shook her head ¡®no¡¯ forcefully. ¡°Definitely not lame.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to stay over again tonight?¡± Asher¡¯s question sounded strained as though trying to rein in his hopeful feelings.

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°Mum wants me back home tonight at a reasonable time.¡±

    ¡°What time is ¡®reasonable¡¯?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°I think just after dinner, probably, if not earlier. I reckon if she sees that I¡¯m back home in one piece and that I listened to her request, she might be okay with me staying over another night. But I¡¯ll have to actually do the listening part first, unfortunately.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ makes sense.¡± Asher¡¯s expression didn¡¯t seem pleased, but he at least didn¡¯t object to Lila¡¯s statement.

    ¡°What about the rest of the week?¡± Lila picked at one of her nails as she waited for a response.

    ¡°The¡­ rest?¡± Asher looked bewildered before his face started to turn pink. ¡°I had a couple ideas, but I thought we¡­ well¡­ after everything. Since we¡¯re not together, it might be a bit much. Gabriel will probably actually murder me with cheese. And I thought you might not want to¡­ y¡¯know, so you can take a break and everything. Some time to yourself.¡±

    ¡°Time to myself?¡± Lila repeated, now looking bewildered as well. A small smirk crept across her face. ¡°Why would I ever want that?¡±

    His eyes seemed uncertain until, it appeared, he could see that she was being playful again. He exhaled loudly, placing his hands on his hips. She wasn¡¯t quite sure what reaction that was, but when he smiled at her, she at least supposed it wasn¡¯t negative.

    ¡°Well, I also saw that on Wednesday night, there¡¯s a movie in the park nearby. Y¡¯know, the one we normally go to. They¡¯re setting up a whole bunch of beanbags and putting up a projector.¡±

    ¡°What movie?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Surprise one. Probably kid-friendly, since it¡¯s in the park and all that. Maybe a Disney movie?¡±

    ¡°Sounds mysteriously delightful,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Just how much research did you do?¡±

    ¡°A bit.¡±

    The idea that Asher had researched things for the two of them to do together, for some reason, made Lila feel flustered and giddy all at once. Truthfully, though, she had some ideas of her own.

    ¡°There¡¯s a bookstore in the city that I¡¯ve been thinking about going to,¡± she said softly. Her eyes flickered to his face, and he looked back seeming rapt with attention. ¡°¡­ With you,¡± she added in a whisper.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. Um, it sells antique books and rare books, as well as y¡¯know, ordinary books. I went once a few years ago, and it¡¯s floor to ceiling packed with hidden gems.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sold,¡± Asher replied, his tone incredibly serious. ¡°We can go whenever you want.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I think in the city, they usually have late-night shopping on Fridays. We could go on Friday and not have as much time pressure to visit all the shops that we want to.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯ve thought about it.¡±

    ¡°Briefly.¡±

    ¡°Anywhere else you wanna go?¡± Asher queried. Their eyes met and he tripped, catching himself just before he could fall completely. Lila pressed her lips together to prevent herself from laughing at his near-miss. A beat passed and it felt safe for her to answer his question.

    ¡°Someone told me a while ago about a place called Bounce, I think. It¡¯s essentially just filled with trampolines. I¡­ thought it might be fun. If you wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Never heard of it,¡± Asher said, tapping his chin, his cheeks tinged with a reddish hue. ¡°Sounds perfect.¡±

    ¡°I saw that they do reduced prices on Tuesdays.¡±

    ¡°Even better,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise that you¡¯d thought about things to do, either.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just places that I¡¯ve wanted to go to,¡± Lila said sheepishly. ¡°But¡­ since it seems like you wanna hang out still, I reckon they¡¯d be good places for us to go to together.¡±

    Asher was silent for a few moments. For a horrible second, Lila was convinced that she had misread his intentions. Did he actually want to hang out?

    ¡°The¡­ other days,¡± he eventually said, ¡°we could just hang out at mine? O-Or yours. If you wanted me to hang out at yours. I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    ¡°I think your place is better than mine,¡± Lila laughed, relief easing her mind. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s a bit squashy, I think.¡±

    Asher nodded. Then he sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

    ¡°I suppose we don¡¯t know when we¡¯d be done looking through the photos, and deciding where to go from here,¡± he added softly. ¡°So, it¡¯d be good to have a couple days spare. In case we have to do some more investigating. It gets a bit complicated when school¡¯s on.¡±

    Lila murmured her agreement. They were silent for a minute or so, with Lila firmly keeping her arms crossed underneath her chest. Now that she was sure that Asher did still want to hang out with her, her hands felt the urge to go wandering. She was starting to feel far too comfortable in Asher¡¯s presence, even in the quiet. Eventually, she¡¯d do something she couldn¡¯t take back. Keeping herself in check was getting harder with each passing second. Would she even survive the rest of the holidays if they kept hanging out?

    ¡®But¡­ if we keep hanging out,¡¯ Lila thought as they followed the winding path, ¡®maybe he¡¯d feel ready to date¡­¡¯

    She shook her head, dispelling the thought. ¡®That¡¯s not what¡¯s important right now,¡¯ she admonished herself. The farmhouse was slowly coming into view, after all.

    It looked just as desolate and decrepit as their last visit. A wintry gust of wind rattled the windows, as though trumpeting their arrival. The icy cold hand of fear began to tighten its grip on Lila¡¯s stomach as her wide eyes took in every detail. She wondered, after all her curiosity and bravado vanished in the face of the creaking farmhouse, why she was here after all.

    Asher stepped forward, craning his neck as he inspected the windows. He was still a couple of metres from the splintering stairs when he looked back at Lila, his face pale.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see anyone,¡± he said in a low whisper, his eyes darting around behind her. She turned in case there was something there, but saw nothing.

    ¡°¡­ I know we don¡¯t have the disposable cameras anymore, but¡­ should we take pictures on our phones?¡± Lila suggested, hunching her shoulders in an effort to discourage the goosebumps trailing down her neck.

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Asher replied grimly, taking his phone out. They both snapped pictures of the surrounding area. With each succeeding picture, Lila¡¯s grip on her phone weakened. Would the person, or thing, reappear? What was that?

    Most importantly, though ¨C assuming it was Marlene, why did she take the pictures of the farmhouse and try to remove traces of the existence of said pictures?

    Clearly, they needed to investigate. Was it relevant to Asher¡¯s Mum? Or¡­ was it relevant to a secret Marlene was hiding?

    Despite this need, though, Lila¡¯s feet were firmly rooted to the ground. She couldn¡¯t will herself to move closer.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Asher¡¯s voice pushed through the fog clouding her mind. She looked up, meeting his warm, concerned eyes with her fear-filled ones.

    ¡°Ye-¡± Lila stopped herself, taking a deep breath before shaking her head. ¡°No. I¡¯m¡­ terrified.¡±

    Asher nodded, reaching an arm out to her.

    ¡°If you need to, you can hold on,¡± he offered quietly, looking down at the ground rather than at Lila. Her heart skipped a beat, her fear transferring from the depths of the eerie farmhouse to taking a step like this with Asher. But, as her knees shook, nearly buckling underneath her, she found she had no choice if she was going to find answers.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Lila¡¯s voice trembled, her hands even more so, as she accepted his arm. He nodded again, his cheeks rosy. A rush of tingles ran through the arm holding his, zapping her with sudden energy. She began to feel hot underneath her jumper from both his warmth and the heat from her cheeks, desperately trying to think about something else other than the fact that they were touching.

    He wordlessly moved forward and, under his guidance, Lila found the strength to follow. He led her towards the steps, testing the first one with his foot.

    ¡°Should¡­ be okay,¡± he said tentatively, glancing at her. ¡°You ready?¡±

    Lila took a deep, bracing breath before giving Asher a hesitant smile. ¡°As I¡¯ll ever be.¡±

    Evidently taking this as a ¡®yes¡¯, Asher carried on up the stairs, gently helping Lila with the arm she was still holding.

    Once they reached the landing, Lila let go of Asher¡¯s arm.

    ¡°You can keep holding on,¡± he said, seeming surprised that she let go.

    ¡°Nah, should be okay now. I just¡­ couldn¡¯t get myself to move back there. But now that we¡¯re both here, I feel a bit braver.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher replied, ¡°if you need me, I¡¯ll be here.¡±

    ¡°I know. I trust you, remember. I know I can count on you. Thank you.¡±

    ¡°¡­ You¡¯re welcome. A-And I, you.¡±

    They exchanged a small smile before turning their attention to the peeling, discoloured front door. Asher straightened his posture before reaching for the doorknob.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lila interrupted him just as he was about to grasp it. ¡°What¡¯s your plan?¡±

    ¡°My plan?¡± he blinked blankly at her. ¡°For what?¡±

    ¡°What if whoever, or whatever, that was is still here?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± Asher lowered his hand, looking thoughtful. ¡°Slap ¡®em?¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to blink blankly at him. ¡°¡­ Sorry?¡±

    He shifted his weight between his feet, his expression embarrassed. ¡°¡­ Don¡¯t slap ¡®em?¡±

    Lila exhaled heavily, banishing the impending snort in an effort to remain serious. ¡°Look, if you want to slap them, go ham, I guess. I was hoping for something a bit more planned out than that though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m panicked outta my mind, Lila, I¡¯m probably more likely to kick them and then run screaming,¡± Asher said frankly, placing his hands on his hips.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem panicked,¡± Lila observed.

    ¡°Trying not to be,¡± Asher replied briskly. ¡°Don¡¯t wanna psych myself out too hard. Then I¡¯ll be unproductive. Fake it ¡®till you make it and all that.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough, I guess.¡±

    Asher sighed, seemingly more to himself than in response to Lila, before finally gripping the doorknob. With a low groan, the door swung open, allowing small amounts of sunlight to softly shine into the entryway.

 Chapter Ninety

    Chapter Ninety

    The sun¡¯s rays were far too weak to be of much use after only a metre or so. Instinctively, Lila turned on her phone¡¯s torch. Asher again led the way, his torch casting beams of light across the walls of the narrow hallway they found themselves in. With another groan, the door shut behind Lila, panic settling in her chest as the darkness appeared to swallow them whole.

    After a moment, she saw Asher¡¯s torchlight settle on an old-style light switch.

    ¡°What¡¯s the bet it still works?¡± he whispered, stretching a hand out to touch it.

    ¡°If someone¡¯s been living here, I reckon it works,¡± Lila replied, also in a whisper. Asher seemed to accept this before stopping himself from inching closer to the switch.

    ¡°Hang on, who pays the electricity bill?¡±

    ¡°A resourceful homeless person?¡±

    Asher still seemed bothered by the idea, but didn¡¯t say anything further. He flicked the switch, flooding the dark hallway with an amber glow. Lila could see a number of closed connecting doors, all in various states of disrepair. The walls were filthy, the carpeted floor even more so. The end of the hallway seemed to open up into a larger room, but from this distance, Lila couldn¡¯t see what was in that room. A couple of framed paintings were haphazardly hung here and there, with one having collapsed entirely onto the ground, bursting out of its wooden frame.

    The lightbulbs, it seemed, were hardly brighter than their phone torches. Asher disdainfully looked up at the nearest one, which dimmed and brightened every few seconds.

    ¡°I¡¯m impressed they work,¡± he hissed quietly. ¡°But they may as well not work.¡±

    ¡°At least we¡¯ve got semi-consistent light,¡± Lila replied in an optimistic whisper.

    ¡°¡­ Well, you¡¯re not wrong there.¡±

    ¡°I try not to be,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Doesn¡¯t work all the time, though.¡±

    ¡°When hasn¡¯t it?¡± Asher asked conversationally, his voice still hushed as he looked around the hallway.

    ¡°When I thought you didn¡¯t like me back.¡±

    He froze before turning his head towards her. ¡°Y-Yeah. Guess you were wrong about that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t normally like being wrong, but I¡¯m glad I was.¡±

    Asher mumbled something under his breath that she didn¡¯t quite catch. Tilting her head, she asked him to repeat himself.

    ¡°¡­ Just¡­ trying to process,¡± he said eventually, lightly moving through the hallway to the closest door. ¡°When you say stuff like that, it feels like my brain short circuits.¡± He cleared his throat before adding in a stifled voice, ¡°The effect you have on me¡­ it¡¯s unfair.¡±

    Lila bit back the smile threatening to spread across her face. Hearing him say that set the dormant butterflies in her stomach into flight.

    ¡°At least¡­ we¡¯re even,¡± Lila managed to say softly. The butterflies were leaving her breathless, but she kept her eyes on Asher.

    His eyes were as wide and round as golf balls as he faced her, his hand missing the doorknob he was trying to turn. ¡°E-Even?¡± he stammered.

    ¡°Yeah. Even.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t find words beyond the two she expressed. Under the horrid glow of the lights above, Lila could see that Asher¡¯s face was at least somewhat flushed. She heard him gulp audibly and his hand finally connected with the doorknob.

    This one opened with a rusty squeak. With a backwards glance at Lila, he raised his phone, casting his torchlight around this room before entering. Lila followed with bated breath, her own torchlight lighting her way.

    It was anticlimactic, standing in this particular room. It was almost entirely bare, save for a broken chair in the middle and a large chest of shoddy wooden drawers. Asher pressed the light switch and a single lightbulb flickered to life.

    ¡°Weird,¡± he murmured, looking around the room with narrowed eyes. Lila privately agreed, but chose to say nothing as she tentatively crept across the room towards the curtains. The fact that it was so dark in here made her curious, so she pulled them aside. There were more curtains than she¡¯d expected ¨C a thick blackout curtain having hidden the disintegrating curtains hanging just behind the window.

    This room looked right out to the front yard of the farmhouse. It also seemed that this was the room that the¡­ person¡­ had been in. Clearly, there wasn¡¯t anyone else in this room now, but Lila still felt the hairs on the back of her neck rise as though someone was watching her.

    ¡°Hey, Asher,¡± Lila said in a low voice, pivoting slowly towards him. He simply looked back at her.

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°I think this is the room that whatever it was we saw was in.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I think so too,¡± Asher replied, touching the drawers. ¡°These aren¡¯t dusty.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila came over to inspect the chest of drawers as well. Asher was right ¨C though everything about this house should, in theory, be dusty, the top of this chest was certainly not. Had it been wiped? Why?

    ¡°That is weird,¡± Lila commented, jiggling open the drawers. Each was empty, save for a few dead bugs.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re going to get much out of this room,¡± Asher observed with a sigh. ¡°Ready to move on?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They crept out of the first room and into the next. It looked much the same, with bits of decaying furniture, including a double mattress on the floor, stained with various brownish colours.

    ¡°Do you reckon something¡¯s in here?¡± Asher asked quietly, opening the freestanding wardrobe. It creaked in response and he wrinkled his nose. ¡°Empty, except for this rat skeleton.¡±

    ¡°Delightful,¡± Lila replied just as quietly, discreetly touching the remains of another chair with her foot.

    ¡°Onto the next, I guess,¡± Asher said with a sigh, closing the wardrobe doors. Lila nodded, and the next room turned out to be the bathroom.

    It didn¡¯t look like even a single tile had been spared from chipping and damage. There was light filtering in through a frosted window along the back wall, but there was otherwise nothing of note to see. Both the sink and combination bath and shower were devoid of any hygiene products, and the mirror was stained and scratched. Asher turned the sink on, and it took a second or two for water to come rushing out.

    ¡°At least the water runs,¡± Lila observed as he shut it off again. He begrudgingly wiped his hands on his pants.

    ¡°Yeah, but that tap is all sorts of busted,¡± he lamented.

    They departed, with Lila feeling more confident that they were alone in this farmhouse. One thing that she¡¯d noted, at least, was that there seemed to be no sign of anyone currently living there.

    The next room seemed to be another bedroom, with faded, ratty wallpaper and a broken bedframe. The light in this room didn¡¯t seem to work and, after taking a peek from the doorway, Asher seemed about to close the door when Lila stopped him.

    ¡°What¡¯s¡­ that?¡± she asked in a whisper, pointing.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    He swivelled his head to see where she was pointing before inching closer, his torch falling upon a dark spot in the carpet. He looked back at her, his eyes aghast.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± he whispered back, his face clearly disturbed. ¡°It¡­ looks like blood.¡±

    Lila felt a chill rush down her spine and found herself crouched beside it in an instant.

    ¡°What¡­ are you doing?¡± he asked quietly, horror evident in each quavering syllable.

    ¡°Checking.¡±

    ¡°C-Checking?¡±

    She gently pressed her fingers in the stain. It felt dry, at least, but whatever it was had left a crusty residue on top of the carpet. She used her light to inspect the colour better.

    ¡°I think you might be right. I¡¯ve seen a few true crime docos and they show some crime scene photos. This looks like old blood.¡±

    ¡°No chance it¡¯s cordial?¡±

    She looked back at him, about to laugh when she saw the seriousness of his expression. ¡°I mean, it could be,¡± she acquiesced, turning to look at it again. ¡°Hard doubt, though.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get outta here,¡± Asher insisted, crossing the room. He almost made it to the door when he tripped on something that gave an echoing metallic clink. He bent down to inspect the object his foot had connected with before leaping back.

    ¡°The fuck is that?¡± he asked, pointing at it with a shaky finger. Lila stood, meeting him where he was.

    ¡°Looks like chains,¡± she observed, trying to sound candid but failing entirely. They looked to be rather thick and sturdy, curled into a heap just by the door. ¡°Don¡¯t touch them.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s too late for that,¡± he hissed, shuffling away to the door. ¡°We¡¯re definitely going to be haunted.¡±

    ¡°If we¡¯re already going to be haunted, we may as well keep exploring,¡± Lila replied, snapping pictures of the chains and the mysterious stain.

    ¡°Eurgh,¡± Asher uttered distastefully. ¡°Though¡­ I guess you make a good point. Can¡¯t get more haunted if you¡¯re already haunted.¡±

    ¡°Not that I want to stay any longer in this room,¡± Lila noted, gesturing for Asher to leave. ¡°I don¡¯t like the look of that stain, blood or not.¡±

    ¡°You seemed to like it enough to touch it,¡± Asher grimaced, taking the lead down the hallway again. Now that they had explored all of the closed doors, there was only one room left. Considering they¡¯d found the bathroom and what Lila presumed to be bedrooms, Lila estimated that the room at the back would have a kitchen and dining area.

    As they slowly made their way towards it, however, Lila realised that this was most likely the last room of the house. If someone was lurking in the old farmhouse, that was the only place they could be.

    She clutched the back of Asher¡¯s shirt and he gave a small yelp.

    ¡°What, what?¡± he squeaked, looking back at her.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila mumbled, ¡°I just realised that if there¡¯s someone in here, they¡¯d be in that room.¡±

    ¡°Well, thanks for pointing it out,¡± Asher replied in a tense whisper. ¡°Time for me to get my slap hands ready.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together, her fear preventing her from snorting in response. He glanced at her before his expression hardened.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said softly, moving forward. Lila still grabbed hold of his shirt, and they cautiously approached the beckoning darkness of the only open room. The grotty carpet stopped as soon as the entryway opened up into the larger room, and from what Lila could tell the rest of the flooring was wooden. She hoped that the flooring would be stable, at least.

    Shards of light bounced here and there from Asher¡¯s phone onto various surfaces ¨C mainly kitchen appliances, as Lila had suspected. They continued through the entryway, the floorboards creaking and groaning underneath their feet until two pinpricks of light reflected back at Asher¡¯s torch.

    Lila felt him stiffen as he stepped backwards, his hand outstretched to the side as if to shield her. No one, and nothing, moved. Lila didn¡¯t even breathe ¨C and she wasn¡¯t quite sure that Asher did either.

    Shink. Shink. Shink.

    What kind of sound was that? She tightened her grip on his shirt. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she wanted to find out after all. Marlene could keep her secrets about this farmhouse.

    Asher inhaled deeply, before whispering so quietly Lila had to strain her ears to hear his words properly, ¡°I¡¯ll go. I¡¯ll come back ¨C just let go of my shirt, please.¡±

    ¡°Are you insane?¡± Lila whispered back, clenching her fists around his shirt. ¡°What if you get stabbed?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re worried about a stabbing?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Well, what else could that sound be?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure a stabbing sound doesn¡¯t sound like that.¡±

    ¡°No, of course it doesn¡¯t. But sharpening a knife does.¡±

    They halted their bickering, the insinuation behind Lila¡¯s words ringing loud and clear. Then, Asher spoke again.

    ¡°Look¡­ if someone can sharpen a knife in the darkness like this without chopping their fingers off, they can stab me all they want. That¡¯s impressive.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t make jokes like that,¡± Lila said quietly. Although, Asher¡¯s rational observation of the situation did make her feel slightly better.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sor- you know what, I¡¯ll just go in.¡±

    Despite Asher¡¯s bravado in his tone, she could see his phone light shake as he cast it along the walls and floor. He carefully tiptoed further into the kitchen as Lila watched tensely. He looked around for a minute, which felt like an hour, before turning back around to face her.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think anyo- OW!¡±

    A loud spluttering hiss echoed from the darkness, and Lila saw Asher¡¯s phone fall to the ground.

    ¡°FUCK!¡± he yelled, the rest of him following suit. Lila rushed in without question, trying desperately to find him in the room before something brushed past her legs. Her whole body quivered in fear but she spun around to face whatever it was that had touched her.

    What she saw, instead of a hulking, horrifying person like she¡¯d assumed based on their previous visit, was Mr Snugglebutt the Third ¨C or, rather, who she assumed to be Mr Snugglebutt the Third. The tortoise-shell fur seemed to match what she could remember of Marlene¡¯s cat, at least.

    It trotted down the hallway, its tail high in the air. Lila contemplated chasing after it but instead returned to try and find Asher. She did, crouching down next to him and touching his shoulder gently.

    ¡°You all good?¡± she asked gently.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he muttered. ¡°Thanks for checking. I dropped my phone on my foot though, and it really canes.¡±

    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°¡­ You didn¡¯t happen to catch the bastard, did you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila sighed, looking back down the hallway. He had long disappeared, it seemed.

    ¡°That¡¯s fine. Uh, do you reckon you could find the light? I might be down here for a bit.¡±

    Lila instantly stood, pulling her phone out for a torch. ¡°Yeah, ¡®course.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    She found the light switch by the door and was about to turn it on when she realised that might be a bad idea to do without warning.

    ¡°I¡¯m about to turn it on,¡± she announced.

    ¡°Yeah, go ahead.¡±

    The light overhead flashed a couple times before becoming stable, casting a yellowish glow across the room. It seemed that Asher was only a metre or so in front of a wooden square dining room table, clutching his foot.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked again, concern etched onto her face. He nodded.

    ¡°Just stupid,¡± he said. Lila snorted.

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re not supposed to laugh,¡± Asher objected with a pout, though he also laughed. He gingerly stood up, dusting himself off with a disgusted wince. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna know why that floor is sticky.¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Lila grimaced.

    He shuffled towards the table and used it as leverage. He seemed okay enough, aside from the mental scarring from lying on a sticky floor, so Lila turned her attention to the rest of the room. In the back left corner was an old, decaying kitchen, complete with fallen doors and an open, turned-off fridge. In the middle sat the square wooden table that Asher was now leaning against. Four matching chairs surrounded it, though it was what was on top of the table that really caught Lila¡¯s attention.

    ¡°What the hell?¡± she questioned, pointing at the shredded remains of what looked to be some A4 pieces of paper. Asher glanced at her before looking down at the table.

    ¡°That¡­ is hella weird,¡± he confirmed, picking up what looked to be a folder of some kind.

    ¡°Wait,¡± Lila said hurriedly, pulling out her phone again. ¡°We need some pictures first.¡±

    ¡°Oh, right. Sorry,¡± Asher said sheepishly, putting the folder down whilst Lila took some pictures. When she was done, Asher picked it up again, gingerly touching the front page.

    ¡°Was the cat just tearing these up?¡± Lila asked, moving closer to see what else was on the table.

    ¡°Probably. I saw its eyes at about the right height of this table, and it obviously jumped at me when I was nearby.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know cats liked tearing paper.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Depends on the cat, I think. Evidently, this cat is no stranger to doing that.¡±

    Lila continued to inspect the table which held chunks of paper that looked to be from the folder when something stuck out at her ¨C ¡®Forestglade Private Hospital¡¯.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she said warily, turning to look at him. ¡°This mentions the hospital your Dad works at.¡±

    ¡°Owns, too.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what? I thought he was only the CEO.¡±

    ¡°Well, he jointly owns it,¡± Asher clarified, tilting his head to see what she was looking at. He knitted his brows together in apparent confusion as he looked up at her from the folder.

    ¡°The heck is a blueprint of the hospital doing here?¡± he queried, passing the folder to Lila.

    ¡°A blueprint?¡±

    Sure enough, when combining the bits of paper on the table and in the folder, it looked to reassemble into some kind of blueprint. Lila lifted the top sheet and underneath saw more scratched-up pages ¨C but this time it looked to be a list of employees at the corporate level operating within the hospital. At the top was Asher¡¯s Dad, of course. Just underneath, though, was a name that sounded slightly familiar. Evelyn Whitley?

    ¡°Who¡¯s Evelyn?¡± Lila asked, her eyes lifting from the page to look at Asher.

    ¡°Uh, I think she¡¯s the Vice?¡±

    ¡°Vice CEO?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That one.¡±

    ¡°Why does the name Whitley sound familiar?¡±

    Asher blinked at her before shrugging. ¡°Beats the absolute shit outta me.¡±

    Lila gave him a disapproving look and he chuckled.

    ¡°For realsies, though, I have no idea. Do you know the Whitley family somehow?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s gonna bother me now.¡±

    ¡°Well, what else is in the folder?¡±

    Lila peeled apart the next few pages ¨C more lists of names ¨C before a new document appeared. It looked like receipts or money orders of some kind.

    ¡°Why¡¯s this just sitting here, though?¡± Lila queried, casting her eyes around the kitchen again. It looked rather unassuming, except for the fact that a cat had been clawing up the legs of the table, which looked to be wrapped in jute.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°But I think we should just take these papers and go.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    His face morphed into one of absolute bewilderment. ¡°Because there¡¯s ghosts living here?¡±

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve become a true believer now.¡±

    ¡°Look, if I wanted to spend my holidays being haunted, I¡¯d just move in here.¡±

    Lila snickered. ¡°I doubt you¡¯d survive past the first night.¡±

    ¡°Eh, you¡¯re probably right. I¡¯d either get murdered or tetanus.¡±

    ¡°That aside, I guess we should head back. This lighting¡¯s too crappy for us to read these properly. Plus, while I¡¯m glad we didn¡¯t come across anyone else, I¡¯m not keen on the idea of them coming back if they¡¯d left to get something or whatever.¡±

    Asher shuddered before they both began to scoop up the pieces of paper strewn about the dining table into the folder. Lila took another look around the kitchen but saw nothing of particular interest ¨C just old-looking kitchen equipment.

    They turned off any lights that they had left on as they departed, each double-checking that there wasn¡¯t anything else.

    Exiting into the winter air felt like a mistake. Lila¡¯s teeth began to chatter so forcefully that she thought they might break.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher asked, holding the folder horizontally so that the shreds would be sitting along the edge.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. Just surprised by the cold.¡±

    ¡°For being such an old farmhouse, it sure kept a bunch of the cold out. Uh, it¡¯s not much, but you could probably use the folder to give you a little bit of cover.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Knowing me, it¡¯ll fly open in my hands and everything will just disappear. I trust your hands more than mine, Mr Goalie.¡±

    ¡°If you say so¡­ but¡­ wow, it¡¯s so warm. Ooh, it¡¯s like a space heater,¡± he added dramatically, giving her a sideways glance.

    ¡°I¡¯m not a toddler. You can¡¯t trick me. Wait, you¡¯re just trying to get out of holding it, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head with a smirk. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t dream of it. I happen to like holding things.¡±

    ¡°Glad that your grippers are made for gripping, then.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    They chuckled, journeying to Asher¡¯s house with some light conversations peppered here and there of nothing in particular. Lila thought that it would probably be better for them to discuss what they¡¯d found, and anything else surrounding why Marlene would¡¯ve tried to hide the existence of the pictures (or perhaps the existence of the farmhouse in its entirety) in the rumpus room. It seemed that Asher felt the same, given his avoidance of such topics.

    They made it back, folder and themselves in one piece, with Asher passing her the folder so he could unlock the house.

    ¡°Hope Gabriel¡¯s in the pantry,¡± Asher said in a low voice as he opened the doors. Lila nodded in agreement ¨C she didn¡¯t have a plausible excuse as to why they suddenly returned from their walk with a suspicious-looking folder. Though, Gabriel hadn¡¯t necessarily seen them leave¡­

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± Gabriel¡¯s warm, cheery voice disrupted her musings. He turned and headed back into the pantry without another word. Had he not noticed the folder? Or did he just not care about it?

    Taking it as a small blessing, though, Asher and Lila dashed towards the stairs after returning Gabriel¡¯s greeting, taking two at a time.

    Bursting into the rumpus room, Lila immediately set the folder down on the coffee table as though it scalded her. She sat down on the couch, rubbing her eyes briefly.

    ¡°I was so scared he was going to say something about the folder,¡± Asher confessed, flopping onto the couch next to her.

    ¡°I was probably going to say it was homework,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Though, I¡¯m only thinking of that now.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily, placing a hand on his forehead. ¡°I don¡¯t feel like doing anything anymore.¡±

    ¡°That sounds tempting,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°We have plenty of time to kill before dinner with Elise.¡±

    Asher sat up, looking intently at Lila. ¡°You holding up okay?¡±

    ¡°Me? About what?¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯d be pretty stressed about Elise.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before nodding. ¡°I am a bit,¡± she confirmed. ¡°It just isn¡¯t like her to keep something from me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure she¡¯s not in serious trouble,¡± Asher said comfortingly. ¡°She¡¯d tell you about that if she was, surely.¡±

    ¡°Almost falling into a vat of oil sounds pretty serious, though.¡±

    ¡°From what Isaac¡¯s told me, that¡¯s a pretty common occurrence. The floors are super slippery, apparently, even though they wash them frequently. He described working there as like being part acrobat, part McCustomer Service Man.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°Of course he¡¯d say something stupid like that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s part of his charm,¡± Asher grinned. It faded into a slight frown with his next sentence. ¡°Though¡­ the fact that he¡¯s worried about Elise makes me feel worried too.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    They sat in a pondering sort of silence for a few moments before Asher turned to Lila.

    ¡°If we¡¯ve got time to kill, surely we can play a game or two?¡± he asked, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

    ¡°¡¯Course.¡±

    They spent the next couple of hours gaming away, before moving on to some videos, when Gabriel requested their presence for lunch.

    ¡°What¡¯s the bet that it¡¯s cheese again?¡± Asher asked despondently, placing his set of controllers down atop the folder.

    ¡°I reckon it¡¯s pretty likely. I wonder if he¡¯ll sub one of them out for another egg again.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I get the point he¡¯s trying to make, but a man can only eat so much cheese.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take them long to discover what was on the menu for lunch ¨C for Lila, a freshly baked baguette filled with various high-quality delicatessen meat, cheese and salad. For Asher¡­

    ¡°A grilled cheese sandwich,¡± Gabriel declared proudly, placing it before Asher. The bread seemed to be average supermarket bread, and he looked down at it forlornly.

    ¡°Thanks, Gabriel,¡± Asher mumbled, taking a bite. ¡°It¡¯s delicious.¡±

    Of course, his lacklustre tone conveyed that he was less than impressed with his food. Today, though, Gabriel had decided not to join them for lunch. So, once Lila was about halfway done with her sandwich, she was able to pass it along to Asher without fearing the ire of Gabriel.

    ¡°Wonder why Gabriel didn¡¯t join us for lunch,¡± Lila said absently once they finished up. Asher shrugged.

    ¡°Lunchtime during the holidays can be a bit hit or miss as to whether Gabriel joins me or not. I think it¡¯s ¡®cause the lunches he tends to make are a bit on the lighter side. When it only takes me about ten minutes to eat lunch, I guess there¡¯s not much point for him to stick around.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense, I guess,¡± Lila shrugged.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pop the plates into the kitchen,¡± Asher said, already standing and poised to do so. ¡°I¡¯ll meet you upstairs.¡±

    Lila headed up and settled herself in her usual spot on the couch. Being here alone felt odd ¨C as though she was intruding on Asher¡¯s space, rather than having been invited. She was fairly sure that if she would express that feeling to Asher, though, he would deny that she should feel that way.

    She started to peruse the folder again, trying to piece together some of the fragments. She still couldn¡¯t make sense of why these documents would be important enough to keep together ¨C yet somehow unimportant enough to leave behind in an empty, abandoned building.

    Once five minutes had passed, Lila could no longer concentrate on her task. Where was Asher? Surely it wouldn¡¯t take that long to leave two plates in the kitchen¡­

    She opened the door to the rumpus room to find Asher, breathless and hand outstretched for the doorknob.

    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± Lila said automatically, moving to the side to let him through.

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± he replied. ¡°Sorry I took so long. Gabriel grilled me again. He¡¯s¡­ not so happy about our holiday plans.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to give them a miss, then?¡± Lila¡¯s question was almost inaudible, her inability to disguise her disappointment making her cringe slightly.

    ¡°Definitely not. Wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was defiant as if daring her to object to his affirmation. He closed the door behind him and crossed the room, making a beeline for the couch.

    ¡°On that note,¡± he added once he plopped down, turning his head to face her. ¡°We should probably get tickets for the show on Sunday.¡±

    ¡°Tickets?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, entry tickets. I think they come with free access to one ride, but we can buy additional ride tickets there.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    He pursed his lips. ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll get your ticket.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Nah, I can get it.¡±

    ¡°I want to,¡± Asher replied, his voice sounding slightly awkward. ¡°¡­ Since I invited you.¡±

    It definitely was starting to sound much more like a date now. Should she¡­ let it happen? Or was it confusing the point again? She wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡°As long as I can buy your entry ticket to Bounce,¡± Lila asserted with a nod. ¡°A compromise. Since I invited you.¡±

    Asher looked contemplative before sighing in defeat. ¡°I don¡¯t suppose you¡¯d let me pay for you for Bounce anyway.¡±

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± he said, his tone resigned.

    ¡°I¡¯ll get our tickets now before I forget,¡± Lila insisted, taking out her phone as she sat back down on the couch. They were both silent as they both paid for their respective activities, swapping the ticket details for each. Feeling much more accomplished, Lila stretched, yawning.

    ¡°Thanks for the ticket,¡± Asher said quietly, pocketing his phone.

    ¡°Thanks back,¡± she grinned.

    ¡°I see you were looking at the folder,¡± Asher inclined his head towards it.

    ¡°Yeah. I couldn¡¯t make any sense of it, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to think about what it all means, too,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°Coming up empty myself.¡±

    ¡°I think we should at least piece everything together and take clean photos of them, maybe,¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    They did just that, taking inventory of the pieces of paper. As they¡¯d seen previously, it looked as though the folder contained blueprints, employee names, and money orders.

    ¡°Why¡­ was this so important?¡± Lila questioned, her frustration creasing her brow.

    ¡°Dunno. But, if we assume that it is important, we could think about the why.¡±

    They sat in a pondering silence for a few minutes at least, but from the look on Asher¡¯s face, he was no closer to figuring it out ¨C just like Lila was.

    ¡°Maybe we should move on to the photos of Marlene¡¯s place,¡± Lila proposed. ¡°Perhaps the link is in there. I mean, Mr Snugglebutt was at the house.¡±

    ¡°Cats explore, though,¡± Asher countered. ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab the photos.¡±

    They continued their cataloguing and inspection of the photos as they had previously, though Lila again didn¡¯t glean anything new. Or, at least, she thought she didn¡¯t ¨C until she came across the photos of Marlene¡¯s notebook.

    ¡°These photos,¡± she said slowly, ¡°they¡¯re definitely connected to the hospital.¡±

    ¡°What photos?¡±

    Lila silently passed the photos of Marlene¡¯s notebook to Asher.

    ¡°Oh, yeah. These ones. I mean, that person there, that¡¯s Evelyn,¡± Asher said, pointing to a minuscule image of a severe-looking, middle-aged woman with brunette hair that looked to be tied back, with not even a single hair out of place. Her photo didn¡¯t have any markings on it, unlike some of the others. What was most striking about her was her blue eyes. They seemed incredibly intelligent and piercing ¨C as though Evelyn herself was looking straight through Lila. Lila made a mental note of Evelyn¡¯s appearance, given she was the second in charge at the hospital.

    ¡°What¡¯s my Dad investigating, though?¡± Lila whispered, gesturing to another of the photos that Asher held. That photo showed the pictures of Lila¡¯s Dad talking with Ivaan at the hospital.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Asher confessed. ¡°Actually, having no idea about any of this is making my head hurt. I dunno where to even start to get an idea.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ it¡¯s time for me to break into some things.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°My Dad¡¯s home office. He might have something at home in his filing cabinets about what his investigation is about.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to do that? I don¡¯t want to ask you to do that.¡±

    Lila frowned at him, folding her arms. ¡°You¡¯re not asking me to do anything,¡± she noted. ¡°I¡¯m nosy, remember?¡±

    Asher chuckled. ¡°Yeah, I remember. Probably the only reason you¡¯re still here.¡±

    ¡°Um, rude.¡±

    They shared a laugh before simultaneously leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a go,¡± Lila confirmed, nerves bubbling up within her stomach as she said this. Usually, Asher did the breaking in ¨C but there was no way that she was going to get him to come over to break into her Dad¡¯s filing cabinets. If he got caught, all trust in Asher would evaporate in her parents¡¯ eyes ¨C that much Lila was certain about. So¡­ she¡¯d need to do it alone.

    Asher gave her a sideways glance before sitting up, his full attention directly on her. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± he said comfortingly. ¡°You managed to get into Marlene¡¯s computer room just fine. Even I wasn¡¯t able to do that.¡±

    ¡°I feel like that was a fluke,¡± Lila lamented.

    ¡°No need to sell yourself short,¡± Asher said sternly. ¡°Confidence is key.¡±

    ¡°Confidence, huh¡­¡±

    Asher nodded eagerly. ¡°You¡¯ve got this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ try and get some info on Monday, maybe. Before I come over ¨C since we¡¯re just hanging out here that day.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±

    Lila glanced back down at all the documents and photos strewn about the coffee table. ¡°Hopefully I can get some information that¡¯ll get us closer to some answers. It¡¯s surely connected to your Mum somehow.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ hopefully,¡± Asher¡¯s face changed to one of determination. ¡°Has to be. Surely. If¡­ only in that it shows my Dad is a suspect.¡±

    Lila paused for a moment. Despite their focus being on Marlene, it didn¡¯t mean that Asher¡¯s Dad could be ruled out at all. On one hand, she hoped that her Dad was investigating Asher¡¯s Mum¡¯s disappearance. But on the other, Lila thought that was unlikely.

    She recalled her Mum¡¯s comment to Asher ¨C about saying hello to Tabitha ¨C when they¡¯d been at Lila¡¯s house after their various sporting matches. Though Lila¡¯s Mum wasn¡¯t necessarily an investigator, or part of the business in that way, if Lila¡¯s Dad was investigating Tabitha¡¯s disappearance, her Mum would have to know Tabitha couldn¡¯t receive a hello. Right?

    ¡®Or is Dad keeping that from her? And if so, why?¡¯ Lila wondered briefly. Then, of course, there was the idea that Marlene was hired security. If that were the case, then doing away with her employer, whom she was meant to protect, would be unlikely¡­ right?

    Asher¡¯s heavy sigh broke through Lila¡¯s thoughts and she turned her gaze to him. He looked troubled ¨C just like she was.

    ¡°Perhaps we should take a break,¡± Lila said quietly. He returned her gaze before giving her a faint smile.

    ¡°That¡­ would probably be for the best. I reckon we should pack all this up, too.¡±

    They did so, neatly ordering what they could and ensuring nothing was left behind. Now came the question ¨C where should they hide it all?

    ¡°Considering Marlene, or whoever, found the photos in the spare room and took the farmhouse pictures,¡± Asher said pensively, a finger on his chin, ¡°I think the spare room is probably a no-go.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You got a place in your room for it?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ I mean, it¡¯s a lame answer, but probably my desk drawer. I don¡¯t have anything lockable but¡­ if I make it so that it looks like schoolwork, it¡¯d hide in plain sight and no one would be any the wiser.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the best option we¡¯ve got,¡± Lila replied grimly.

    ¡°I think so. If I hide it, can you check and see if you can find it?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Asher bundled up all the requisite packages and took them into the depths of his room, carefully closing the door behind him. He poked his head out a minute or so later, a satisfied look on his face.

    ¡°Try your hardest,¡± he challenged, beckoning her to join him. Lila smirked, ready to take it on.

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a head start since you already know to look in the drawer,¡± Asher stated, hovering beside it with a menacing edge to his posture, as she began to rifle through it.

    ¡°Huh,¡± Lila uttered after a minute or so. ¡°It really does blend in.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it? I reckon it¡¯ll be safe here for now. Besides, people don¡¯t really go into my room.¡±

    They both returned to the rumpus room, taking the opportunity to hang out as they usually did ¨C comfortably and with lots of laughter. Lila had almost forgotten about their plan to go to Maccas by the time 5pm rolled around. It was signalled by the crackle of the intercom and the sad voice of Gabriel, double-checking that they weren¡¯t going to be having dinner with him tonight.

    Asher and Lila exchanged a guilty glance.

    ¡°I think we should probably head over now. Before Gabriel guilts us into staying,¡± Asher recommended.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila agreed, making sure she had her phone with her. She briefly considered whether she should dig out her full-sized wallet. In the end, after checking whether her bank card was in her phone wallet, she decided she didn¡¯t need it. Asher clarified with Gabriel that they would be on their way now, to which Gabriel reluctantly farewelled them via the intercom. Lila was convinced she heard a sniff at the end of his goodbye but Asher didn¡¯t comment on this.

    When they made their way downstairs, Gabriel was nowhere to be seen ¨C which was better for them, really. Their bus journey took about 15 minutes, dropping them off right next to the Maccas in question.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Asher asked as they stepped off the bus with thanks to the driver.

    Now that Lila¡¯s attention had moved on from the mysteries encircling Asher¡¯s family, she was beginning to feel nervous. Why was Elise hiding things from her? Why was Isaac so worried? And, most importantly, what could Lila do to ease Elise¡¯s burdens?

    ¡°Not¡­ really,¡± Lila mumbled as they slowly inched closer to the automatic doors. Asher looked concerned, opening his mouth as if to say something when Lila continued. ¡°But I have to be. For Elise.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure everything will be okay,¡± Asher said reassuringly. Lila nodded tentatively, her stomach bubbling and twirling. They stepped through the automatic doors, the scent of freshly cooked fries and the shrill beeping of the fryers punctuating the air. Lila shook out her tense hands and shoulders, looking ahead to the front counter. Now, to track down Elise¡­

 Chapter Ninety-One

    Chapter Ninety-One

    ¡°Welcome to McDonald¡¯s- oh. Hiya, Lila. Asher,¡± a chirpy voice sailed from the left of them. Lila jumped, her eyes snapping to the source of the voice. Elise was manhandling a bundle of trash from the rubbish bins, her face extraordinarily pale and even gaunt.

    Lila hadn¡¯t been prepared for Elise to be right there. She hadn¡¯t even prepared what she wanted to say to Elise.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Asher said smoothly, shuffling towards Elise. ¡°Is Isaac on?¡±

    She stood up, tying the top of the garbage bag with a double knot. ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s working front counter today, but we¡¯ve been flooded with drive-thru orders, so he¡¯s helping present mainly. I can let him know you¡¯re here.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled warmly at Elise and she smiled back. It didn¡¯t reach her eyes, under which were horrendous-looking dark circles. Elise fluffed out a new garbage bag and put it in the rubbish bin.

    ¡°I feel like it¡¯s rare to see you guys here,¡± Elise commented idly, taking out the recycling bin¡¯s rubbish. ¡°Is your private chef off tonight or something?¡±

    Lila and Asher exchanged a glance. He inclined his head encouragingly and Lila inhaled deeply.

    ¡°A-Actually, I wanted to see you,¡± Lila said, fiddling with her hands. ¡°Since we wouldn¡¯t be hanging out these holidays. I figured if you were working so much, I¡¯d just come to you, you know.¡±

    Elise looked touched, a genuine smile taking place of the old one. ¡°Aw, that¡¯s so sweet! Well, I was thinking of taking my break in ten minutes or so anyway. We can eat together. You too, Asher.¡±

    Asher shook his head politely. ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll let you guys have some time to yourselves. Since, like Lila said, it¡¯s not like you¡¯ll be hanging out over these holidays. I don¡¯t mind eating alone, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Elise asked, tying the top of this rubbish bag too.

    ¡°Completely.¡±

    ¡°Alright, well, if I tell Isaac you¡¯re here, he might come and say hi,¡± Elise said, dusting her hands. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯d love to see you. Hasn¡¯t stopped complaining about the fact that you¡¯ve ditched him.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned an interesting shade of red, his expression entirely remorseful. ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯ll have to make it up to him somehow,¡± Asher responded, looking down towards the floor.

    ¡°Eh, don¡¯t worry too hard ¡®bout it,¡± Elise replied, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°He¡¯s been taking on a whole bunch of hours. Any casual shift that comes up, he grabs ¡®em. He¡¯s working like a machine. I doubt he¡¯d have much time for you at the moment either.¡±

    Elise finished up with the bins, collecting both full garbage bags into her hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna run this rubbish to the back, then I¡¯ll see if there¡¯s anything I need to do before checking in with my Manager and clocking off,¡± Elise rattled, already moving towards the counter. ¡°I¡¯ll come find you, Lila!¡±

    ¡°Okay, see you then,¡± Lila called out. She wasn¡¯t sure whether Elise heard her, but it didn¡¯t really matter all that much if she did or didn¡¯t.

    ¡°I¡¯ll sit with you while you wait,¡± Asher said, looking over at Lila.

    ¡°Are you sure? I don¡¯t want to make you move once you get settled.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t worry me,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Besides, we can talk more.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned slightly pink as Asher led her towards a booth in the back of the Maccas.

    ¡°Do you reckon Elise knows why Isaac is working so much?¡± Asher queried as he flumped into the seat opposite Lila.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila chuckled, sliding into her own seat. ¡°She probably just reckons he¡¯s doing that ¡®cause you¡¯ve ditched him.¡±

    ¡°Man, every time someone says I¡¯ve ditched Isaac, I just feel more and more guilty.¡±

    ¡°I think he doesn¡¯t mind so much this time around. Not when he gets to work with Elise,¡± Lila smirked.

    A strange squeaking sound came from the righthand side, and they both whipped around to see Isaac slipping his way over to them in a hurry.

    ¡°Hey guys!¡± he exclaimed breathlessly, slamming his hands onto the table between them. ¡°I hoped you¡¯d show up.¡±

    ¡°Of course we would,¡± Lila narrowed her eyes at Isaac. He looked slightly flustered as he struggled to reply to Lila.

    ¡°What I meant to say was that I hoped you¡¯d show up when Elise was about to go on break. I knew you¡¯d be coming, but it¡¯d be harder to have a conversation with her when she¡¯s still working,¡± Isaac explained, scooting in beside Asher.

    ¡°Are you on break?¡± Asher asked, moving aside to give Isaac more room.

    ¡°Nah. Not working long enough for that.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ why are you sitting here with us?¡± Asher questioned, looking rather puzzled.

    ¡°It¡¯s either that or hide in the freezer and scream,¡± Isaac replied casually.

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Lila queried, sharing a bemused look with Asher.

    ¡°Means that sometimes I like to hide. Get a couple minutes to myself,¡± Isaac sighed, readjusting his hat. ¡°Seriously, I¡¯m gonna go insane. I don¡¯t know how Elise does it.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just driven,¡± Asher suggested. ¡°I know you¡¯re happy enough to just sit around, but some people need to keep busy ¡®cause they can¡¯t sit still.¡±

    Isaac looked at Asher darkly. ¡°I know that you can¡¯t sit still without something to occupy your mind at the very least, but she¡¯s overworking herself to death. Didn¡¯t you see her when you came in?¡±

    ¡°I thought she seemed cheerful enough,¡± Asher replied simply.

    ¡°Cheerful isn¡¯t the same as not being overworked. She¡¯s, like, stuck in customer service mode, that¡¯s how much she works. She hasn¡¯t even insulted me or egged me on once in the past few days.¡±

    ¡°You say that like you miss her doing those things,¡± Asher teased. Isaac¡¯s face turned pink.

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ what we do,¡± he said quietly. ¡°She makes me laugh.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hide the grin that had overtaken her face. Isaac looked at her in alarm.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you looking at me like that?¡± he asked, twisting his hands together on top of the table.

    ¡°You have a crush on her, don¡¯t you?¡± Lila said shrewdly, her eyes crinkling with amusement.

    Isaac began spluttering, his eyes widening in apparent panic. ¡°N-No, I just think she¡¯s neat.¡±

    ¡°Neat?¡± Asher blinked at Isaac in surprise. ¡°Like¡­ a nifty gadget?¡±

    ¡°E-Exactly. Like a nifty gadget. She¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Sorry I took so long,¡± Elise¡¯s voice interrupted Isaac, who yelped once he saw her. She stopped short of the table as Asher and Lila started giggling.

    ¡°What¡¯re you guys talking about?¡± Elise asked, a confused smile on her face as her eyes darted between the three of them.

    ¡°Isaac was just telling us how you¡¯re like a nifty gadget,¡± Lila laughed, wiping her eyes.

    Isaac¡¯s expression immediately turned to one of mortification as he instantly stood up.

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Elise queried, swiveling her head towards him. He immediately emitted a squeak in response before dashing off back towards the counter. They all watched him go, Asher chuckling in his wake.

    Elise shook her head. ¡°He¡¯s so weird,¡± she said fondly, a small smile on her face.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher agreed with a lopsided grin. ¡°The weird guy we all know and love.¡±

    Elise¡¯s face flushed, and she turned around, facing the counter. ¡°U-Uh, let¡¯s grab some food. My shout. F-For my discount. We can order at the kiosk ¨C I just have to pay at the counter.¡±

    Elise set off with speed and began placing her order at the kiosk. Lila and Asher exchanged a knowing look, with Lila still struggling to hide her grin. Isaac was nowhere to be seen at the front counter, and Andy the McManager ran their finished order through the till with a sigh.

    ¡°Man, I wanna quit,¡± he said, handing Elise the receipt after she paid.

    ¡°I know you do, Andy,¡± Elise laughed jovially. ¡°You and everyone else.¡±

    He shook his head, his face entirely serious. ¡°Besides you and Isaac. You guys are just gunning for every shift possible these holidays. It¡¯s like you wanna live here.¡±

    Elise shot Lila an uneasy look, which Lila pretended not to notice, before saying, ¡°Just¡­ making use of my spare time.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. You¡¯re lucky you¡¯re dependable. Everyone knows many schoolkids aren¡¯t. You¡¯ve already outlasted about ten of ¡®em since the beginning of the year. Anyway, see you in half an hour.¡±

    Andy turned on his heel and immediately began barking orders to the employees on the burger line, who had previously been exchanging banter. It didn¡¯t take long for their food to be assembled and they returned to their booth. Elise and Lila slid into opposing sides as Asher divvied up the food.

    ¡°Righto, I¡¯ll go sit over there,¡± he said, pointing to a lone table on the other side of the dining area.

    ¡°Nah, you can sit with us,¡± Elise replied, biting down on a chip.

    ¡°Nah, I don¡¯t wanna intrude,¡± Asher said pleasantly. ¡°You guys hang out. Not like you have much time on your break anyway.¡±

    Elise looked uncertainly at Lila.

    ¡°He won¡¯t die eating alone over there,¡± Lila smiled reassuringly.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Elise sighed.

    ¡°See ya later,¡± Asher said to Lila, collecting his food. Lila saw him settle into the seat that he¡¯d pointed out. They could still see each other, which eased Lila slightly. He gave her a thumbs-up and a cheesy grin and she smiled back, though with less enthusiasm. Now that she was sitting across from Elise, who began digging into her food, Lila was at a loss for a strategy to get Elise to talk. Elise never needed to be prompted to talk about what was going on. Plus, Lila needed to hide the fact that Isaac had brought it up¡­

    Well, she could start there.

    ¡°So, how¡¯s it been, working with Isaac over the holidays?¡± Lila asked before taking a bite of a nugget.

    Elise immediately turned a bright red shade, choking on her Chicken McSpicy burger. She began downing her large strawberry shake.

    ¡°W-Where¡¯s that coming from?¡± Elise finally said, coughing profusely. ¡°Now? With him working here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you haven¡¯t gotten any closer to confessing your feelings for him,¡± Lila said casually, her eyes glinting mischievously.

    ¡°Girl, you¡¯ve got a lot of talk for someone who took so long to confess to Asher,¡± Elise laughed, shaking her head incredulously. ¡°What¡¯s up with you two anyway after all that? Last I heard, you guys aren¡¯t dating, but you seem really close. Like, from what Isaac said, you guys have been hanging out like every day these holidays. You guys¡­ aren¡¯t, like, friends with benefits right? What do you even do all day?¡±

    ¡®Break into places, figure out people¡¯s secrets, visit abandoned houses, wrangle cats, stalk people¡­ list goes on,¡¯ Lila thought briefly. She cleared her throat before answering.

    ¡°We hang out. Play video games, watch stuff, talk. Read a bit.¡±

    Elise leaned back in her seat. ¡°And you guys just do that¡­ all day?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And night, I guess. I, uh, stayed over at Asher¡¯s last night, actually.¡±

    Elise immediately started choking again, this time much more aggressively. She calmed down after a second or two, her face pink. ¡°Y-You stayed over? And you¡¯re not friends with benefits?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being 100% honest with you ¨C we¡¯re not,¡± Lila said emphatically. ¡°¡­ It¡¯s getting harder for me to stop myself from acting up, though.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Elise replied sagely, taking another sip of her drink. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re just hanging around and waiting for him to say he¡¯s ready for a relationship?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied forlornly.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise sighed heavily. ¡°That looks really bad.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Are you doing okay? Surely it¡¯s just a whole bunch of mixed signals.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s said that he likes me. He¡¯s just not sure about dating me. But at least he also said he doesn¡¯t want to do anything physical. He¡­ said he didn¡¯t want to get into that kinda stuff with me unless I wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Wow,¡± Elise sounded impressed. ¡°Guess that¡¯s not totally unexpected from Asher. Although¡­ I would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d go berserk for the chance to get at you.¡±

    ¡°What, why?¡±

    ¡°Why? Lila, the way he looks at you is insane. Plus, he¡¯s liked you since forever. Now that he knows you like him too, it¡¯s probably killing him. He¡¯s a guy, after all. I bet it¡¯s on his mind all the time.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Lila halted all movement as she processed Elise¡¯s words. The prospect that Asher was thinking about it all the time¡­ perhaps it should make her feel grossed out. Instead, though, her heart was pounding ¨C as if it excited her.

    Elise smirked, taking a couple fries and dipping them in ketchup. ¡°Looks as if it¡¯s on your mind all the time too.¡±

    Lila shook her head furiously. ¡°Not at all,¡± she said hotly. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    ¡°Sure, Jan,¡± Elise giggled. She stretched, leaning on her left arm as she appraised Lila. ¡°God, I miss hanging out with you guys.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Was this an opening?

    ¡°I see you¡¯ve been super busy,¡± Lila said, looking down at her food. ¡°And, while I¡¯m glad you¡¯re keeping busy¡­¡± Lila trailed off, taking in Elise¡¯s appearance yet again. She looked absolutely worn ragged, her eyes tired and skin pallid. She even looked thinner, her cheeks incredibly sunken. Now that they were sitting together, too, Elise also smelt awful ¨C like she hadn¡¯t been taking care of her personal hygiene as much as usual.

    Lila took a deep breath. Elise wasn¡¯t stupid. She¡¯d know that Lila would be able to tell from a mile away that something was wrong.

    ¡°Truthfully, you look absolutely awful,¡± Lila said bluntly. Elise sighed heavily, leaning against the table. She looked sullen, now that Lila had pointed it out.

    ¡°¡­ Another reason why I haven¡¯t made plans with you guys, besides the fact that I¡¯m working a lot, is ¡®cause I was afraid of this,¡± Elise said after a few moments of silence. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you, Lila, but I also wish I hadn¡¯t.¡±

    Lila felt as though the wind had been knocked out of her, pain searing in her chest. Elise wished she hadn¡¯t seen Lila?

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t love you, Lila,¡± Elise clarified. ¡°But¡­ I didn¡¯t want you guys to worry about me. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Now that the tables had turned and someone she cared about was clearly lying about being fine¡­ well¡­ Lila now understood how Asher felt when he confronted her about her use of the word.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me,¡± Elise added, a soft smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s nothing new to me. I¡¯d worry more about Isaac. He¡¯s still a rookie, and he¡¯s taking shifts like there¡¯s no tomorrow. I¡¯ve told him he needs to rest, but he said that¡­ well¡­¡± Elise shifted in her seat, her face suddenly looking torn. She gave a resigned sigh, shaking her head.

    ¡°You probably already know, since you¡¯re so close with Asher. And all you guys do when you hang out is talk, play games, watch videos, and read, apparently. But Isaac¡¯s working really hard to pay Asher back. He apparently got in some trouble with the Banker, actually. Asher helped him out, so he¡¯s trying to pay him back as quickly as possible. I already told him that Asher wouldn¡¯t want him overextending himself to pay him back, but he won¡¯t listen to me. He¡¯s¡­ such a dummy.¡±

    Lila gave Elise a sympathetic look. It probably wasn¡¯t necessarily a lie, that Isaac was trying to pay Asher back as quickly as possible. But the whole truth¡­ was something she couldn¡¯t interfere with ¨C not now, at least. It wasn¡¯t the right time to start trying to play matchmaker.

    ¡°Though¡­ seeing him so often during the holidays¡­ I can¡¯t complain. He¡­ well, the fact that he¡¯s with me more often than not is the only thing keeping me sane,¡± Elise admitted in a whisper. Lila reached out and grasped Elise¡¯s hands in hers. She was surprised to feel how cut up they were but decided not to comment on that.

    ¡°Elise¡­¡± Lila said gently, ¡°Elise, why are you working so much? I¡­ heard from Asher that the exchange trip to Germany isn¡¯t going ahead this year. Is everything okay? I can¡¯t help but be worried, seeing you like this. I want to help, even if it¡¯s just to lend an ear, alright?¡±

    Elise¡¯s eyes began to water as she returned Lila¡¯s gaze. She bit her trembling lower lip before giving a shuddering breath.

    ¡°Mum¡¯s¡­ really sick,¡± Elise finally said, her shoulders shaking. ¡°Like¡­ really sick. She got diagnosed with a really rare blood-related disease. She¡­ needs a bone marrow transplant, but because the disease is so rare, it¡¯s not covered by our private health insurance. I don¡¯t know what the disease is called off the top of my head, but¡­¡± A lone tear trailed down her cheek and she wiped it away with her shoulder, seeming to prefer keeping her hands within Lila¡¯s. ¡°The surgery is super expensive, and Mum¡¯s in so much pain every day that she had to stop work. So, at the start of this year, Dad said that¡­ I needed to drop out of Forestglade College. Go to a state school for years eleven and twelve. So that we could afford the bills and the medical treatments for Mum, as well pay for the house and all that.¡±

    Elise¡¯s eyes seemed distant as she paused for a moment. ¡°She¡­ has a lot of checkups at the hospital, and since Medicare and our private health insurance doesn¡¯t cover for the amount of checkups that she has, it¡¯s just been draining money. B-But¡­ I didn¡¯t want to leave you guys. And I want a good education to get into a good Uni, find a good job. I mean, we don¡¯t know when the transplant will be, so I need a good job to keep helping Dad¡­ I fought with him about it. For weeks, during the summer holidays. Eventually¡­ he said he could probably make it work if I pay for at least half of my school fees.¡±

    At this point, more tears began to fall down Elise¡¯s cheeks. Lila immediately searched for some nearby napkins. In her haste to find them, she noticed that Asher wasn¡¯t sitting where she¡¯d last seen him, but was far more focused on getting back to finish their conversation. She returned, passing them along to Elise who gave her an appreciative, watery smile.

    ¡°Thanks, Lila¡­¡± she whispered, dabbing her eyes with a napkin. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been really tough, this year. I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t tell you and Grace, and I¡¯m sorry that I lied to you about going to Germany, but¡­ there¡¯s nothing you guys can do. I just thought it¡¯d worry you and it wouldn¡¯t be helpful for anyone. But¡­ I definitely feel a bit better.¡±

    Lila smiled at Elise in response, rubbing Elise¡¯s arm lightly. ¡°Thank you for telling me, Elise. I¡¯m so, so sorry you¡¯re going through that. You must be so scared and exhausted. How is it going, money-wise at least? Are you able to afford relaxing a little bit?¡±

    Elise sighed, clutching her used napkin tightly in her left hand. ¡°We¡¯re net-positive, technically speaking. We¡¯re saving money for the operation, at least, and I was able to pay my half of the school fees for the last two terms. But it¡¯s getting harder each day for Mum. She needs more and more checkups and things, so I¡¯m just trying to work as much as I can during the holidays. That way, when I can¡¯t work as much during the term, we should have a good buffer.¡±

    Lila nodded before getting up again, sidling into Elise¡¯s side of the booth. She gave Elise a hug, patting her head gently. It seemed to give Elise some kind of emotional release, as she began to cry in earnest. They remained like that for a few minutes, with Lila ensuring she didn¡¯t let go. Eventually, Elise pulled away, drying her eyes with a napkin again.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Elise said shakily, taking a deep sniff. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ well, I haven¡¯t been able to talk to anyone about it, really. Dad¡¯s been so stressed about it, and I don¡¯t want to bother Mum with my feelings about it all. And I didn¡¯t want to make you guys worry about something you can¡¯t fix. I¡¯ve¡­ been kinda stuck. Mum¡¯s in so much pain since getting diagnosed that I haven¡¯t even hugged her for months.¡±

    Lila felt her heart breaking in two as she rubbed Elise¡¯s back. In a way, Elise was right ¨C this wasn¡¯t something that Lila, Grace, Isaac, or even Asher could fix. Although¡­

    ¡°Where¡¯s your Mum getting treated?¡± Lila queried, handing Elise a fresh napkin. Elise blew her nose before answering.

    ¡°Uh, Forestglade Private Hospital. Her main doctor is Dr Chin. Why?¡±

    ¡°I mean, Asher¡¯s Dad is the CEO of the Forestglade Private Hospital, and he owns it. Maybe he could do something about the bills¡­¡±

    Elise shook her head almost violently. ¡°No way,¡± she said seriously. ¡°That¡¯d be wrong. Besides, I can¡¯t ask that of Asher¡¯s family. I don¡¯t even think he could do anything about it as the CEO ¨C it¡¯s not like he¡¯s the doctor or involved in any way.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Alright,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°That makes sense, at least.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ hadn¡¯t realised how much just having you listen would help me,¡± Elise said in a small voice. ¡°I kinda feel like an idiot now. I probably would¡¯ve been able to let off some steam about it ages ago. Maybe I wouldn¡¯t have felt so burdened or alone about it then.¡±

    ¡°All that matters now is that you¡¯ve told me,¡± Lila replied firmly. ¡°There¡¯s no use thinking about the past and what you could¡¯ve or should¡¯ve done. I can talk to Grace if you want, but I think you should. Especially if talking to me has helped you feel better.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯ll tell Grace when she¡¯s back from Adelaide.¡±

    ¡°Just¡­ promise me,¡± Lila said tentatively. ¡°Promise me you¡¯ll try and take care of yourself at least. Get some rest. Maybe pass on a couple of shifts for the rest of the week so you can take a breather. I know you need the money, but you can¡¯t earn money if you seriously hurt yourself. You really don¡¯t look well.¡±

    Elise froze for a moment before holding her head in her hands. ¡°¡­ You¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯ll try.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all I¡¯m asking for,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Just trying will help by tenfold, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Elise returned Lila¡¯s smile before wiping her face again. She then checked the time on her phone. ¡°I don¡¯t have too much time left,¡± she said apologetically, shoving more fries into her mouth with surprising vigour.

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Thanks for taking your break with me.¡±

    ¡°No, no. Thank you for listening. I really appreciate it. More than you know.¡±

    They shared another smile before shovelling the rest of their food in their mouths. Elise did look to be in somewhat higher spirits as she demolished the rest of her drink. They began talking about a Netflix series that they¡¯d been watching independently before Isaac awkwardly appeared at their table.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± he said, his eyes darting between them both. ¡°Uh, Andy¡¯s asking for you, Elise.¡±

    Elise grimaced. ¡°Of course he is. Thanks, Isaac. Did you tell him that he¡¯s the McManager, not me?¡±

    Isaac blinked before grinning widely. ¡°¡¯Course not. Can¡¯t take the pleasure away from you, Elise.¡±

    She smirked, scrunching her empty food packets. ¡°Thanks for thinking of me.¡± She looked back at Lila, a genuine smile brightening her face. ¡°Work¡¯s calling me. Thanks for stopping by and listening. I¡¯ll see you later. Message the group chat when you¡¯re home, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila beamed. Elise slid out from the booth, giving Lila a wave, before hurrying back to the front counter, her steps seeming energised somehow.

    Isaac remained, clearing away Lila¡¯s table in an obvious effort to look busy. ¡°I take it she told you what¡¯s up?¡± he asked in a low voice.

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s¡­ been a hard year for Elise. She¡¯s got her reasons as to why she¡¯s working so hard, but she said she¡¯d try and take a breather.¡±

    ¡°She¡­ got a bit of her sass back,¡± Isaac observed quietly. ¡°She seems a little bit more like her usual self, at least.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re really worried, huh?¡± Lila said, her tone light and airy. Isaac turned around, clutching the rubbish tightly to his chest as if affronted by her words.

    ¡°You¡¯ve seen her. It¡¯s hard not to be worried,¡± he said stiffly. ¡°I have to get back to work, too. See ya around, Lila. Take care of my buddy for me, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila promised.

    ¡°I¡¯m still trying to work on him, you know. About why he¡¯s not dating you. I¡­ think he¡¯s getting closer to making a decision about a relationship.¡±

    Before Lila could respond, Isaac briskly marched off, raising his hand in a half-wave. Lila didn¡¯t want to get too hopeful after Isaac¡¯s statement, but it was hard to keep a lid on it. Giddiness couldn¡¯t even begin to describe what she was feeling inside ¨C if Isaac, Asher¡¯s best friend, thought Asher was getting closer to making a decision, then surely¡­ it wouldn¡¯t be long now. Right?

    Lila looked around the dining area, trying to see where Asher was. His food seemed finished with, at least, given the scrunched-up balls of wrapping where he had been sitting not too long ago. Did he go for a walk?

    Lila pressed her lips together as she craned her neck to see outside the windows. She spotted him pacing outside, his demeanour distinctly agitated. Lila swiftly exited to meet him out there.

    Asher seemed surprised to see her, stopping his pacing immediately.

    ¡°Done already?¡± he asked, his eyes looking uneasy.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila confirmed. ¡°We can talk about it when we get back to yours.¡±

    ¡°About that¡­¡± Asher said, grimacing. ¡°You can¡¯t come back.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped. ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Uh, well, you can¡¯t come back today. I didn¡¯t¡­ I made it sound like you¡¯re not welcome back ever. That¡¯s not what I meant.¡± He clenched his fists, his face unexpectedly twisting with anger. ¡°Dad¡¯s picking me up. He¡¯s taking me to the airport.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Asher crossed his arms, his frown so severe that she wasn¡¯t sure his face would reset. ¡°He said we¡¯re going on a holiday. To Vanuatu. Tonight. Marlene¡¯s packed my stuff apparently. There won¡¯t be any internet or anything. We¡¯re staying for a week.¡±

    His words sounded robotic. Lila¡¯s heart disappeared altogether, her face feeling incredibly hot. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I fought with him about it over the phone,¡± Asher admitted with a scowl. ¡°Said I didn¡¯t wanna go. That I had plans for this week. He said it was non-negotiable. Plane tickets and hotel have already been paid for, he¡¯s booked the leave off¡­ then he guilted me, saying that it¡¯s been a while since we¡¯ve spent any time together. It¡­ It¡¯s not like I don¡¯t want to spend time with my Dad but¡­¡± Asher ran his fingers through his hair. ¡°I was hoping to spend the rest of the holidays with you. I¡­ was super excited for the show, and for Bounce, and for the bookstore, and everything else.¡±

    His voice cracked with emotion as he spoke and he began kicking at the ground in frustration. ¡°They¡¯re already on their way. Apparently, Marlene¡¯s coming too. I asked him why he¡¯s only telling me this now, and he said that it was all at a good price and he could only get time off exactly now as the CEO. I¡­ don¡¯t know if I buy that, though. He never takes leave¡­¡±

    He sighed heavily, his eyes deeply troubled. ¡°They¡¯re bringing your stuff, by the way. So, maybe give Clare or someone a call. I don¡¯t think we can take you home since it¡¯s in the opposite direction to the airport.¡±

    Lila was still dumbfounded, trying to process what was happening. It was so sudden ¨C they¡¯d literally just bought tickets to the show and Bounce a couple of hours ago. And now Asher was going to Vanuatu? For a week? They only had a week left of holidays¡­

    She felt the beginning stages of tears prick her eyes, but she wiped them before they could truly form.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see if I can wait with you for someone to pick you up,¡± Asher said gently, his anger transforming into concern now. Lila nodded, clumsily grabbing at her phone. Clare was unavailable to take Lila home since it was Friday night, so Lila called her Mum, who seemed satisfied that it was a ¡®reasonable time¡¯ for Lila to come home.

    ¡®At least there¡¯s that,¡¯ Lila thought bitterly, pocketing her phone. Not that it mattered now anyway, whether or not she followed her Mum¡¯s instructions, since there was no chance of any further sleepovers with Asher over the holidays.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher whispered after a few moments. Lila wrapped her jumper closer to her body before shaking her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I know you would¡¯ve tried.¡± Despite this though, she couldn¡¯t find the strength to look at him.

    ¡°I wish I could stay. But¡­ Dad got a bit scary at the end. Told me that I needed to listen to him, as his son. That¡­ that Mum would want me to listen.¡±

    An icy chill ran right through Lila from her head to her toes. Clearly, Asher¡¯s Dad had said that to manipulate Asher, and it worked. But¡­ surely his Dad would know that that would be a sore point. Wasn¡¯t that a bit cruel to say to Asher?

    Lila didn¡¯t have any further opportunity to dissect this comment ¨C the rubbery squeal of tires drew her attention. It had come from a car that Lila recognised as the one Marlene usually drove when picking Asher up from sporting matches. Marlene was behind the wheel, looking very serious. Ivaan was in the passenger seat, his own face also serious, and Marlene threw the car into a nearby carpark. She jumped out, the boot already having been popped open.

    ¡°Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene called as she rummaged in the boot, ¡°please get in.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t we wait for Lila¡¯s Mum to come and get her?¡± Asher pleaded, looking desperately back at Lila.

    ¡°Unfortunately not, Mr Wagner,¡± came Marlene¡¯s curt reply. ¡°We¡¯re already late.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t move.

    ¡°I¡¯m not leaving,¡± he said defiantly. Marlene halted, seeming like she was contemplating how to respond when Ivaan opened the car door. Lila had never seen someone so frightening in their aura as he marched over to Asher. His body seemed entirely alight with anger, from the strands of his hair right down to the placement of his feet. Lila immediately took a step back.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Ivaan growled, ¡°enough is enough. We are leaving now. Say goodbye to Lila ¨C that¡¯s all I¡¯ll allow.¡±

    Asher clenched his jaw tightly, the muscles visibly twitching. He didn¡¯t say anything else to his Dad, who seemed satisfied enough with the lack of response to return to the car.

    Marlene made her way to the two of them, laden with Lila¡¯s bags.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had to pack away your things,¡± she said calmly, passing them to Lila. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m also sorry that this is happening so suddenly.¡±

    There was something in Marlene¡¯s voice that Lila couldn¡¯t place. Was it¡­ compassion? Pity? Neither?

    Asher turned to Lila, his eyes incredibly downcast.

    ¡°I¡­ wish I could stay,¡± he murmured again. ¡°B-But it¡¯s only a week. I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll try and get in contact-¡±

    ¡°Unfortunately, Mr Wagner, there will be no reception where we¡¯re going,¡± Marlene cut in. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t make that promise.¡±

    Asher shot Marlene a glare and she fell silent, instead opting to pivot on her heel and also return to the car.

    ¡°¡­ Whatever Marlene says, I¡¯ll try my hardest,¡± Asher said, his voice defiant again. ¡°I think, though, the next time I¡¯ll see you is at school. If I have time beforehand, I¡¯ll try and get in contact a-and see if you¡¯re available. Um, I¡¯ll give you my ticket details for the show on Sunday. Please take someone else. Don¡¯t¡­ let it go to waste. And¡­ take care. Enjoy yourself. I¡­ won¡¯t forgive myself if you¡¯re miserable.¡±

    ¡°Asher, there¡¯s nothing for you to forgive,¡± Lila responded hurriedly. ¡°I know it¡¯s not your doing.¡±

    Asher seemed ready to say something else when Marlene called out again. ¡°Mr Wagner, we need to depart immediately.¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± he muttered under his breath, looking back at the car then back at Lila. ¡°¡­ Bye.¡±

    ¡°Bye, Asher. Have fun. Enjoy your time with your Dad. You said before that it¡¯s rare ¨C so¡­ take the opportunity. Try not to be too mad.¡±

    He met her gaze before nodding hesitantly. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ try. See you next week.¡±

    ¡°See you then.¡±

    Asher seemed reluctant to leave, before suddenly shoving a hand in his pocket.

    ¡°Here,¡± he whispered close to Lila¡¯s ear, sending shivers down her spine. He pressed something into her hand. ¡°The lockpicks. For your Dad¡¯s office.¡±

    Lila looked down at her hand before staring back up at Asher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you need these?¡± she asked cautiously. He shook his head, smiling slightly.

    ¡°Just in case. Take care of them, okay?¡±

    Lila nodded and, with a long-suffering sigh, he finally hopped into the car. Marlene promptly sped off, and Lila saw Asher looking out the window towards her. She gave him a wave which she saw him return before the three of them disappeared into the night.

    Her knees felt weak now that Asher had left. She sank to the ground, holding them to her chest. She was trying to keep herself together, but it was proving more difficult with each passing second.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you out here?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice sparked Lila¡¯s attention and she looked up at him, seeing his hands full of bulging paper bags.

    ¡°¡­ Asher got taken to Vanuatu,¡± Lila mumbled despondently.

    ¡°T-Taken? What, like kidnapped?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Not¡­ really. Well, I don¡¯t think so. He¡¯s going with his Dad and Marlene. He only found out just now.¡±

    Isaac looked incredibly confused before glancing down at the orders he was holding.

    ¡°Just a sec, lemme do this,¡± he said. Lila waved him off and he returned from the car waiting bay, wiping his hands on his apron.

    ¡°How long is he going for?¡± Isaac questioned, his expression worried.

    ¡°A week.¡±

    Isaac opened his mouth, clearly ready to say something, when an annoyed-looking Andy came outside.

    ¡°Isaac, we¡¯re getting flogged in there. Cut the chat, please. Come on,¡± Andy grumbled, gesturing for Isaac to return.

    ¡°Sorry, Lila. I¡¯ll message you or something,¡± Isaac said hastily, following Andy back inside the Maccas. Lila sighed, feeling far more alone than she¡¯d ever felt. She wasn¡¯t sure how long she¡¯d been sitting there by the time her Mum arrived, but it had felt like hours. She packed away her things into her Mum¡¯s car without so much as a greeting and drove off, sorely wishing that she was instead driving off with Asher.

 Chapter Ninety-Two

    Chapter Ninety-Two

    As promised to Elise, Lila sent a message to Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us, letting her know that she¡¯d made it home okay. Though, truthfully, while she was physically okay, mentally she was spiralling.

    She immediately went upstairs, still having not said a word to her parents. She didn¡¯t have any capacity to think of anything to say to them at the moment. She didn¡¯t even unpack her bags, instead preferring to lie in bed with the covers up to her neck. She also sent a message to Asher, wishing him a safe flight, and he opened it but hadn¡¯t responded by the time sleep overcame her.

    It wasn¡¯t a restful sleep by any means. In fact, Lila felt as though she¡¯d been suspended in a half-asleep state for the whole eight hours that she remained in bed. Her mind had been ticking and whirring, alive with questions she had no hope of knowing the answers to. Why had they left so suddenly? Why was Marlene going? Why didn¡¯t they tell Asher until they were leaving for the airport? Why for a week? Why Vanuatu? She knew nothing about Vanuatu. Was it even a safe place to go to? Marlene had said that there wouldn¡¯t be any reception ¨C so he wouldn¡¯t be able to send her any messages or call her. What happened to Gabriel? Was he staying behind? She hadn¡¯t seen him in the car¡­

    Then, of course, there was the palpable, all-encompassing feeling of disappointment and, frankly, sadness at the fact that they weren¡¯t able to do the things that they had planned to do together. A tiny piece of her (well, maybe it was mid-sized) had hoped that if they kept hanging out¡­ Asher would make up his mind. That maybe they¡¯d be able to start the new term as boyfriend and girlfriend.

    Lila finally opened her eyes just as she internally chastised herself for sounding like a sappy idiot. But, as tears sparkled in them, she couldn¡¯t really fault herself for feeling that way. She was a sappy idiot.

    ¡°Knock, knock,¡± a gentle voice called through the door. It was Clare.

    ¡°Come in,¡± Lila replied unenthusiastically. Clare cracked open the door, taking a peek into the room.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d be bouncing all over the walls,¡± Clare commented, scuffling in.

    ¡°I had been,¡± Lila said glumly. ¡°Until Asher¡¯s Dad took him on a surprise trip to Vanuatu.¡±

    ¡°Lucky,¡± Clare replied enviously, sitting heavily next to Lila on the bed.

    ¡°Maybe for some, but Asher was really pissed.¡±

    ¡°Why? I¡¯d love to go to Vanuatu.¡±

    ¡°They only told him as they were picking him up to go to the airport. We¡­ made plans for the rest of the holidays. Bought tickets for stuff, even. But his Dad told him he had to go. His Dad was¡­ kinda scary, actually.¡±

    Thinking back on it, had that version of Ivaan been the version that had met with Tabitha the night she disappeared?

    ¡®Stop it,¡¯ Lila reprimanded herself, pulling the blankets tightly around her shoulders. ¡®You have no evidence for anything like that. He was just mad that Asher was fighting not to go.¡¯

    ¡°That kinda is a dick move, to be honest,¡± Clare nodded sagely. ¡°I mean, they couldn¡¯t even tell him at least a day in advance? Rude.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°Guess that means you have a bunch of free time now,¡± Clare grinned, turning to face Lila. When she caught Lila¡¯s expression, however, her grin faded.

    ¡°Damn, you¡¯re really upset about this.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Lila admitted quietly. ¡°I¡¯m happy he¡¯s having a holiday with his Dad, but¡­ I can¡¯t help but be miserable about the¡­ things we were supposed to do.¡±

    ¡°Things?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila¡¯s face grew red, her eyes lowering to the floor. ¡°They were kinda dates.¡±

    ¡°Kinda?¡±

    ¡°We weren¡¯t calling them dates but¡­ we bought tickets for a show at the coast on Sunday. You know, like the carnival-type shows. And for Bounce on Tuesday. There was also a movie in the park on Wednesday night that we wanted to see. Then we were gonna go to the city, look at a rare bookstore on Friday. A-And for the other days, we were gonna hang out at his.¡±

    Clare gave a low whistle. ¡°What a busy schedule. And you say you¡¯re not dating? You guys are crazy.¡±

    Lila paused. Those plans were pretty hectic for people who weren¡¯t dating. She looked up at Clare ¨C what would she think about Gabriel¡¯s strong reaction to their situation? Would she disapprove of it too? ¡°¡­ Uh¡­ Remember when Asher ran to the car the other day? Gabriel got mad at him for¡­ I guess sending mixed signals. Said it wasn¡¯t gentlemanly or whatever. Unfair on me, since he¡¯s the one not wanting to get into a relationship at the moment ¡®cause of the whole ex thing. I guess¡­ I wanted to see what you reckon, about all that.¡±

    Clare looked at Lila sympathetically. ¡°Look, Gabriel¡¯s not wrong. Perhaps it¡¯s a good thing that you guys¡¯re taking a break.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together for a moment. ¡°Maybe¡­ but I wish we weren¡¯t.¡±

    Clare rubbed Lila¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. ¡°I know.¡±

    They sat in silence for a minute or so, with Clare still rubbing Lila¡¯s shoulder, before Lila sighed deeply.

    ¡°Asher said¡­ that I should take someone else to the show and Bounce. But Elise and Grace are busy for the whole holidays. Do you wanna go with me?¡±

    ¡°What time¡¯s the show?¡±

    ¡°Sunday, starts at 5pm.¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got a rare Sunday shift, sorry sis. Daniel might be free, though.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose. Go with Daniel? But¡­ with the absence of any other options¡­ she may as well.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check with him later,¡± Lila said morosely.

    ¡°Bounce I could probably go with you, though,¡± Clare nodded. ¡°That¡¯s only open during the day, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I got the cheaper tickets. 10am ¡®till 12pm or something.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Clare whipped out her phone, tapping rapidly on it. ¡°I¡¯ve put it in my calendar.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said half-heartedly. She was glad that Clare was taking time out of her Uni holidays to hang out with Lila, but¡­ she really would¡¯ve preferred going with Asher.

    ¡°You gonna mope around all day?¡± Clare asked after a few moments of silence.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied in a small voice. Clare exhaled heavily.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you alone for today, then. But after today, try not to mope as much. I¡¯m sure he wouldn¡¯t want you to waste away your break being upset. You guys can make time to do some of the things you wanted to do during the term, after all.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we could go to the show or watch the movie in the park during term,¡± Lila replied stubbornly.

    ¡°True¡­ but there may be other events on that are only available during the term,¡± Clare responded, raising an eyebrow at Lila. Clare¡¯s sensibility was grating on Lila, but she reluctantly considered that she was just irritable generally.

    ¡°Annnnyway,¡± Clare drawled. ¡°I actually wanted to check how your sleepover went. You managed to stave off temptation?¡±

    Clare waggled her eyebrows suggestively at Lila. She rolled her eyes at Clare.

    ¡°Of course I did. Although¡­¡± Lila started fiddling with the edge of her blanket, her face slightly pink. ¡°It¡¯s getting harder for me to try and keep my hands to myself.¡±

    Clare stared at her for a moment. ¡°Well, that tracks with you being a teenager and all that. Would you like to get on the Pill?¡± she finally asked, her expression no longer playful.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know if it¡¯s necessary,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I mean, we¡¯re not anywhere near needing contraceptives in general.¡±

    ¡°Look, I was only half joking when I brought it up to you before,¡± Clare said grimly. ¡°But now I think you should seriously consider it.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face turned red, and she averted her eyes from Clare¡¯s intense gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it for my periods, I guess.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the official reason we¡¯ll give Mum if she asks. Since you have some more free time now, would you like me to take you to the doctor to get a prescription?¡±

    Lila felt a tightness in her chest as she considered Clare¡¯s offer. It almost felt as though, by accepting it, she would be setting herself up for a certain expectation with Asher ¨C one that she still wasn¡¯t sure would ever be fulfilled. Would he think badly of her if she got onto it? Like¡­ she was trying to use him?

    ¡°Since you¡¯re still in school, the appointment should be bulk-billed. You¡¯ll get a prescription, but we¡¯d need to go to a chemist to fill it anyway,¡± Clare said gently. ¡°I guess it sounds like I¡¯m trying to push you into a certain direction, but you know me. I worry about you and Daniel a ton. I just think it¡¯s a good idea, just in case. Plus, the fact that you said it¡¯s getting harder to keep your hands to yourself makes me think it¡¯s high time to think about what your plans are for all that. Like I said, I don¡¯t wanna be an Aunty anytime soon. And, look, it might be good to start it even if you and Asher don¡¯t do anything and don¡¯t get into a relationship. There¡¯s plenty of guys out there, after all.¡±

    Lila contemplated Clare¡¯s statement carefully in her mind. Just in case¡­

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila acquiesced. ¡°I can at least try it.¡±

    Clare¡¯s posture relaxed, as though she¡¯d been tense the entire time she¡¯d been sitting next to Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ll book an appointment ¨C Monday work for you?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Guess so¡­¡± As she trailed off, she recalled her previous plan for Monday ¨C breaking into her Dad¡¯s filing cabinets, and anything else in his office that might hold information about his investigation. Would she even be feeling up for it on Monday? She didn¡¯t particularly feel inclined to at the moment¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you the deets when I get them,¡± Clare smiled.

    ¡°Thanks, Clare,¡± Lila said weakly. Clare promptly stood up, patting Lila fondly on the head before departing.

    Once Clare closed the door behind her, Lila turned to face the wall. Would taking the Pill be¡­ scary? She¡¯d never taken medication regularly before. What would it do to her, besides help prevent pregnancy and regulate periods?

    Lila reached for her phone, checking first whether Asher had responded. He hadn¡¯t. With a dejected exhale, Lila began to research the Pill. It looked like some of the reported side effects were terrifying ¨C particularly blood clots and excessive bleeding ¨C but she reminded herself that Clare had recommended it. Clare wouldn¡¯t recommend something that would seriously harm Lila¡­

    Closing her searches, Lila began scrolling through her various apps. There was nothing in particular going on, though she did spy a picture of Cecelia and Lucas having a dinner date at the local shopping centre. Lila hollowly double-tapped it. She was happy for Cecelia and Lucas, that they were still together and clearly enjoying themselves¡­ but¡­ she couldn¡¯t lie to herself. The twinge of jealousy stung, and her face was beginning to feel hot. She scrolled past it, stumbling across a new post from Holly. It was a progress picture of her pregnancy, celebrating six months.

    ¡®Six months?¡¯ Lila stared at the picture for a minute or so. Holly looked graceful, beautiful, and, most importantly, happy. Was she excited to be a teen mother?

    ¡®The Pill is definitely a good idea,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, opening the comments. Like before, many were congratulating Holly on her milestone. She couldn¡¯t see anything disparaging about an ex this time ¨C but she did see a couple mention how they were excited for Holly and Dylan to become parents. Was that the guy Lila had seen with Holly at the shops?

    After some digging, which involved going through most of the profiles belonging to the 254 ¡®likes¡¯ on Holly¡¯s post, Lila found it ¨C Dylan¡¯s profile. It was public. Lila eagerly scrolled to the bottom of his posts and worked her way up.

    He was indeed the person Lila had seen at the shops. He had a post from the beginning of the year with a picture of him being awarded the Debating Captain badge at Mulberry Heights, which seemed to match Asher¡¯s observation. The latest post, however, showed Dylan hugging a pregnant Holly from behind at the movies. From the comments, it seemed evident that they were dating publicly.

    The feeling gnawing away at the pit of Lila¡¯s stomach was odd. She wasn¡¯t necessarily angry with Holly anymore, but seeing Holly happy with someone else definitely worsened the irritation that she had started the day with. Was he the father of Holly¡¯s baby? Had Holly told him that he was, whether he was or wasn¡¯t? Or was he another guy, totally unrelated to Holly¡¯s list of potential fathers of her child, who was taking up the reins of ¡®father¡¯ as Holly¡¯s new boyfriend? Lila wished she knew someone who would know, but the only person coming to mind was Piper, given that Mulberry Heights was her new school.

    ¡®Absolutely not going anywhere near her, even if I¡¯m curious as all hell,¡¯ Lila thought to herself with an exasperated huff. ¡®Plus, it¡¯s not like she¡¯d tell me anyway.¡¯

    In saying that, though, Lila¡¯s train of thought arrived at the platform concerning Piper¡¯s attempt at talking to Asher the day before yesterday. Why had Piper looked like that? The only explanation that Lila could think of was that Piper had been stalking Asher in a bush again, perhaps lying down to not be seen. She knew nothing else of Piper¡¯s hobbies. Maybe she played touch footy?

    ¡®Pretty unlikely,¡¯ Lila thought with a smirk. She was about to scroll through her apps some more when her stomach rumbled. Lila sat up, stretching. She wondered briefly what Asher was eating right now. Had he arrived in Vanuatu yet?

    Shuffling out of her room, Lila knocked on Daniel¡¯s door. He would surely be up now, and if she wanted to make sure he could go with her to the show tomorrow night, the earlier she invited him the better.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°What?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice was groggy and distinctly annoyed.

    ¡°Wanna go to a show tomorrow?¡± Lila asked as she opened the door. He yanked his covers up to his chin, looking bewildered.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you could come in,¡± he frowned.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila replied, backing out.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s too late now,¡± Daniel said begrudgingly, lowering his blanket. ¡°What¡¯s this about a show?¡±

    Lila sat down on his desk chair, swivelling around to face him. ¡°Asher was supposed to go with me to a show at the coast. I say show ¨C you know the ones, like a carnival.¡±

    ¡°And? Why¡¯s he not going?¡± Daniel questioned, rubbing his eyes and yawning. ¡°Did he dump you?¡±

    Lila glared at him. ¡°We¡¯re not dating ¨C never have. So, no, he didn¡¯t dump me. He went to Vanuatu instead.¡±

    ¡°I mean, when faced with the option of a shitty, overpriced pop-up carnival in the middle of winter at the coast versus a holiday at an island destination, I¡¯d say see ya later too,¡± Daniel said matter-of-factly.

    ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing since you don¡¯t have the option of a holiday at an island destination, you¡¯ll go with me?¡±

    ¡°I mean, if you don¡¯t want to go in general, why don¡¯t you just skip it?¡±

    ¡°Asher bought the tickets already.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well. You know me. I don¡¯t like to waste money,¡± Daniel smirked, gesturing to his wall of juice boxes. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go with you. I¡¯ll shout you a potato swirl or whatever. As thanks for helping me out.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t do anything,¡± Lila replied, standing up to leave.

    ¡°Sure you did,¡± Daniel said softly. ¡°You got Asher to help me, and you¡¯ve kept it all from Clare and Mum and Dad. Plus, a couple of other things here and there.¡±

    ¡°Siblings are meant to help each other out. Don¡¯t get all lame and gross on me.¡±

    Daniel scoffed. ¡°Potato swirl rescinded.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°That¡¯s fine. As long as I¡¯m not going alone, I don¡¯t need a potato swirl.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯re we getting there?¡±

    ¡°We need to get to the train station, then take the train in. We¡¯d leave here at about 3.30 tomorrow arvo.¡±

    Daniel yawned, stretching again. ¡°Cool, cool.¡±

    Lila turned, her hand on the doorknob before Daniel spoke again. ¡°Cheer up, sis. You don¡¯t need to look so sad that Asher¡¯s gone.¡±

    Lila winced. Was everyone in her family going to tell her that she looked sad? She was pretty aware¡­

    ¡°See you later, Daniel,¡± Lila said plainly, leaving without a second glance.

    The rest of Lila¡¯s Saturday was spent in her room, mainly, which prompted her Mum to come in just before dinner time.

    ¡°How was your sleepover?¡± she asked brightly, placing a laundry basket on Lila¡¯s desk. She began folding some shirts before glancing over at Lila expectantly.

    ¡°It was good,¡± Lila replied, raising the book she was reading higher so her Mum couldn¡¯t see her face.

    ¡°Did you behave?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mum.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    She continued folding clothes, none of which belonged to Lila, for a minute or so, sighing every so often. Eventually, Lila put the book down and looked up at her Mum.

    ¡°Is¡­ everything okay?¡± Lila questioned, a slight crease in her brow.

    ¡°Yes, my dear, with me,¡± her Mum replied, happily squishing her pile of folded shirts.

    ¡°That¡¯s good.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I know that Asher is a good boy, but you keep coming back from visiting him extremely sad.¡± Her Mum stopped folding, facing Lila with her hands on her hips. ¡°I¡¯m not sure you should see him again.¡±

    ¡°Not like I will for a while,¡± Lila mumbled, her eyes falling upon the photo booth photos she¡¯d taken with Asher at semi. That felt like an age ago. She tore her gaze away and focused instead on her hands, which gently fluttered the edge of her book. Her Mum sighed heavily, flapping a business shirt open with force.

    ¡°Did something happen again?¡±

    ¡°He went to Vanuatu yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum fell silent, briskly folding a set of pants.

    ¡°He¡¯ll be gone for a week.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you¡¯re sitting in your room all day, looking like a kicked puppy?¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to sigh heavily. She¡¯d been right ¨C all her family members were going to point out that she looked sad.

    ¡°Yes, Mum,¡± Lila said morosely, picking up her book again. She couldn¡¯t remember where she¡¯d been up to on this page, and the continued presence of her Mum wasn¡¯t helping that.

    ¡°You should make plans for this week. Go outside.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to the show on the coast with Daniel tomorrow,¡± Lila replied absently, narrowing her eyes as though that would help trigger her memory.

    ¡°A show?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum sounded excited and she looked up again. All the clothes in the laundry basket were now folded, and her Mum patted the top, emitting a satisfying fwomp.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Well, why don¡¯t we all go?¡±

    Lila closed her book again, setting it aside. It probably wouldn¡¯t be a bad idea, really. In fact, it sounded a lot better for her parents to come with, rather than aimlessly bumming around with just Daniel.

    ¡°Daniel and I already have tickets-¡±

    ¡°Send me the link and I¡¯ll buy tickets for your father, Clare, and me,¡± her Mum insisted loudly, resting the basket on her hip. ¡°We¡¯ll drive down tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila smiled genuinely. It¡¯d been a while since she¡¯d had a family outing. ¡°But Clare¡¯s already busy, so it¡¯ll just be us four.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum beamed, her voice light with excitement. ¡°Dinner will be ready in half an hour. Special fried rice.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mum.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°Lila, move your damn ass, dude,¡± Daniel grumbled, shoving her aside.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you move your ass, idiot?¡± Lila snapped back, buckling herself into her seat.

    ¡°Kids, why don¡¯t the both of you give each other room and shut up?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked sternly from the driver¡¯s seat. Despite his severe demeanour, Lila could detect an undertone of amusement in his voice. Daniel continued to mutter under his breath, shoving his red headphones onto his head. Lila didn¡¯t bother to ask him to repeat himself. She already knew it was rude anyway.

    Her Mum climbed into the car soon after, holding several sandwich bags of apple slices. She gave one each to Lila and Daniel, and they set off on their journey to the show.

    Lila munched on the apple slices, staring out the window for the majority of the ride. It was about an hour-long journey on an ordinary day, however it seemed there was plenty of traffic heading down. Lila¡¯s parents spoke in soft voices, obscured by the volume of the radio, but Lila¡¯s mind was still too busy with her own thoughts to even attempt to join in their conversation.

    She¡¯d holed herself up in her room for most of Sunday, too, constantly refreshing her chat log with Asher in case he managed to send her something. Of course, there was nothing, but it still didn¡¯t dampen her hopes that he would. She hadn¡¯t realised quite how much she would miss Asher and his company. She still hadn¡¯t yet unpacked her bags from his place ¨C as though the act of unpacking them would solidify that he was truly gone for the week and that she wouldn¡¯t be back at his for a while.

    The longer he didn¡¯t communicate with her, the hollower she felt ¨C his wit, the way he understood her, their banter, his intelligence, his goofiness, and the laughter they shared¡­ his warmth, his kind eyes, his delightful smile, and the details he remembered about her¡­

    It wasn¡¯t fair, that their plans together had been ruined. He¡¯d seemed so angry when he was leaving for the airport¡­ She did hope that he wasn¡¯t mad anymore and instead enjoying himself. Given what he¡¯d said about his Dad, that he didn¡¯t really see him except when they said goodnight, Lila reckoned it was a good opportunity for them to bond¡­ as long as Asher wasn¡¯t focusing on the potential that his Dad was a suspect in his Mum¡¯s disappearance. Maybe, now that they were trapped together in a hotel room, Asher might even get answers out of his Dad or even Marlene.

    With a heavy heart, she also hoped, as she traced a squiggle absently on the car window, that Asher wasn¡¯t having night terrors whilst he was away. Though, if he did, perhaps his Dad would be able to help¡­

    The only solace she had, amongst all the worry, was that with each passing day, his return drew closer. She didn¡¯t know what day he¡¯d return, but hopefully, they¡¯d have enough time to see each other before school started.

    ¡°You¡¯re sighing up a storm, Lila,¡± her Dad¡¯s voice pulled her from the depths of her thoughts and she glanced up at him. She could see his eyes in the rearview mirror looking at her and she gave a tense smile.

    ¡°Just¡­ thinking, Dad,¡± she replied stiffly.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t think too hard,¡± he replied with a chuckle. ¡°Otherwise, your brain might explode.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Love ya, kiddo.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like it.¡±

    He chuckled again, turning up the radio. Lila leaned forward and saw that they had about five minutes to go before arriving at the showgrounds. Daniel was watching something on his phone and seemed none the wiser about anything going on in or out of the car.

    Lila reluctantly pulled out her phone again. She hadn¡¯t received a message from Isaac, but she might as well let him know that Asher wasn¡¯t just ignoring him if he¡¯d been trying to talk to him since his departure for the airport.

    She opened up her messages with Isaac. It seemed like their last conversation via these messages was him asking Lila to bring a particular book to school.

    Hey, she sent, hoping that he would respond soon.

    Hi, he replied instantly. Sorry I didn¡¯t msg before

    You¡¯re good, Lila responded. I¡¯m assuming you¡¯re busy with work

    Yeah. Elise ignored a shift, finally

    That¡¯s good! I¡¯m glad she¡¯s taking a break

    Yeah ¨C she said she was just going to take a massive nap that day

    I¡¯m glad

    Lila paused, wondering how to phrase what Asher had told her about the trip to Vanuatu.

    By the way, she began, pressing her lips together. Apparently they have no reception in Vanuatu

    Ah, that¡¯d be why he wasn¡¯t replying to me, Isaac replied with a sad face emoji. I¡¯m surprised he didn¡¯t tell me about the Vanuatu trip, tho

    That¡¯d be because he only found out when they picked him up from the Maccas, remember

    Well that¡¯s insane

    Exactly what I thought

    How are u feeling about it??

    Lila considered how to respond ¨C how was she feeling about it? Devastated? Frustrated? Worried? Upset that their plans were messed up?

    Not great, Lila finally sent after a minute or so.

    Fair enough, Isaac replied with another sad face emoji. I¡¯ll let u know if I hear anything from him

    Thanks. Same here

    ¡°And we¡¯re here,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad announced. She sent a quick message to Isaac to let him know that she had to go and unbuckled her seatbelt.

    The noise from the show was instantaneously overwhelming, along with the battering wind. She could hear the screams of patrons on rides, and the flashing lights of the various contraptions and stalls were almost painfully bright. Normally, Lila would feel miserable in these circumstances but the distraction from her ruminations about Asher was welcome.

    Whilst there was a crowd moving through the show, it wasn¡¯t as though they were packed in like sardines, which Lila was grateful for. They had their tickets checked, hands stamped, and schedules provided to them prior to entry. Lila and her family members all spun around after crossing the entry gates, taking in the sights with keen interest.

    ¡°Alright, well, we get one ride for free,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, looking down at his pamphlet. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s a monster truck show at 7, along with some BMX tricks at 7.30, in case that interests you, Daniel. At 8, there¡¯ll be a performance and then fireworks at 8.15. The showgrounds pack up at about 9.¡±

    He glanced up at Lila¡¯s Mum before stating, ¡°Happy for the kids to explore for a bit, and then we meet up at 6.30?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum nodded, pulling out her wallet. ¡°Here,¡± she said pleasantly, handing both Lila and Daniel $50 notes. ¡°Spending money.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mum,¡± Lila smiled. Daniel pocketed the cash, and Lila saw a flash of a guilty expression on his face. From what Lila recalled of his business, he didn¡¯t need the money at all, but refusing it would be suspicious. Speaking of spending money, Lila pulled out her phone to check how much she had in her bank account, in case she needed any more.

    She blinked in surprise as she saw the balance in her account ¨C there was a bit more than she¡¯d been expecting. She scrolled through her transactions and saw an entry for some money being sent to her yesterday ¨C from Ivaan Wagner. Curiously, she opened it up further. He¡¯d left a message ¨C ¡®Tickets for Bounce¡¯.

    Evidently, Asher told him about their plans for the week, and also told him her bank account details. The fact that his Dad had essentially refunded her the money for Bounce puzzled her. Was that his way of apologising for taking Asher away? Or did Asher make him send the money over so that he¡¯d go along without complaint? Both scenarios seemed equally likely¡­

    ¡°Lila,¡± her Dad¡¯s voice snapped her out of her thoughts. ¡°Lila, I need your confirmation that you¡¯ll stick with Daniel.¡±

    ¡°What? O-Oh, yeah. Of course, I will. We¡¯ll call you at 6.30 and meet up,¡± Lila confirmed, pocketing her phone. Daniel seemed displeased at these arrangements but didn¡¯t verbally object. With a nod, they split off into pairs.

    ¡°Where do you wanna go first?¡± Lila asked, looking over at Daniel. His eyes met hers and she frowned, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Hang on, are you getting taller?¡±

    Daniel snorted. ¡°Nah, sis, you¡¯re getting shorter. Let¡¯s go get some potato swirls.¡±

    Surprisingly, hanging out with Daniel at the show wasn¡¯t as lame as she¡¯d thought. They played a few carnival games, with Daniel winning a stuffed dinosaur at one, and Lila winning a stuffed duck at another. She carried it under her arm, already planning to gift it to Asher once he returned. Hopefully, he¡¯d be amused at her choice¡­

    They stood in line for some showbags, with Daniel picking one filled with Wizz Fizz lollies, and Lila picking a generic chocolate one. Afterwards, they used their free ride to menace each other with bumper cars.

    Exiting this ride, Daniel insisted they get some fairy floss and then check out some of the stalls for gadgets and other knickknacks. Lila trailed behind, looking around to see if their parents were in the vicinity. Checking her phone, she saw that it was about 6pm at this point. She contemplated calling them early as Daniel ogled at the infinity cubes and popper toys.

    ¡°Boo,¡± a woman¡¯s voice in her ear said, jolting her. She spun around and saw her parents, grinning at her and both holding dagwood dogs.

    ¡°Having fun?¡± her Dad asked, offering her his dagwood dog. She refused his offer but affirmed that she was having a good time. Daniel gleefully purchased some items, and they grouped together by the seating area. There weren¡¯t many people around them here, as one of the show¡¯s events had drawn a large crowd, given the amount of people in the stands.

    ¡°Have you two had food yet?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked, wiping her mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°A bit,¡± Lila said, rubbing her stomach. ¡°But maybe we should eat something more substantial.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± Daniel said, collapsing his infinity cube with a flourish. Lila looked around to see the food offerings. As she pondered which stall to go to, she saw a woman dressed in business attire underneath a large puffer jacket approach them.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she said politely, smiling at them. A man with a large camera on his shoulder trailed behind her.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied, just as politely.

    ¡°We¡¯re from Channel 10,¡± the lady gestured to herself and the cameraman, ¡°and we were doing a piece on the show. We were hoping to interview a family or two about their experience tonight ¨C would you be interested?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad opened his mouth but her Mum cut in before he could speak.

    ¡°Very,¡± she smiled, huddling Lila and Daniel together. ¡°The kids have been having so much fun.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant,¡± the woman beamed, turning around to the cameraman. ¡°Just bear with me a second.¡±

    She stepped to the side and began discussing something with the cameraman. Lila¡¯s Dad looked grumpy as he turned to Lila¡¯s Mum.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you say yes, Edith?¡± he asked in a low voice. Lila¡¯s Mum was looking in a mirror compact, preening herself, and didn¡¯t respond for a moment. ¡°Edith?¡±

    She snapped her compact shut, glancing at Lila¡¯s Dad, before advancing on Daniel with a napkin.

    ¡°Why not?¡± she asked cheerily, rubbing at Daniel¡¯s face. ¡°Once in a lifetime opportunity to be on the news. Plus, then I get to tell my girlfriends that my kids were on the news.¡±

    ¡°For a show,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad frowned. ¡°We just happened to be here.¡±

    ¡°They don¡¯t need to know,¡± Edith replied pleasantly. ¡°They¡¯ll be so jealous.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad sighed, shaking his head, before smoothing down his shirt. Lila checked her reflection in her selfie camera before her Mum passed along the compact. The news lady returned with consent forms, which they signed, and prepped them on the questions she would ask, and where to look when the camera started rolling.

    Before Lila knew it, the interview commenced.

    ¡°I¡¯m here live at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds,¡± the news lady declared, having shed her puffer jacket and fixed up her appearance. ¡°After the effects of COVID, this year is set to be the biggest and best year for the show. I¡¯m here with the Moloney family, who have specially come here to visit the show. How are you finding it?¡± She pointed the microphone to Daniel, who turned red. For a moment, Lila thought that he wouldn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°It¡¯s been brilliant!¡± Daniel said excitedly, presenting his dinosaur plushie. ¡°I won this guy!¡±

    ¡°Would you recommend this as a great activity for the school holidays?¡± This time, the news lady pointed the microphone at Lila. She took a deep breath before responding.

    ¡°I definitely would. We¡¯ve come down from Forestglade, and we have no regrets. The rides are great and the food¡¯s delicious.¡±

    The news lady smiled at the both of them, before moving on to their parents. After a few more questions about how they were finding it, and whether they recommended it to parents, the news lady wrapped up the segment with a shot of Daniel at a test of strength stall. He managed to get pretty far, and it finally ended as everyone clapped for Daniel¡¯s efforts.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± the news lady smiled. ¡°Enjoy the rest of the show.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the opportunity,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied with a nod. The news lady and cameraman disappeared into the crowd and Lila¡¯s Mum gave a sunny smile.

    ¡°That was fun,¡± she said, looping her arm with Lila¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s get some food.¡±

    The four of them stayed together for the rest of their time at the show, with Lila and Daniel getting on a couple more rides, before wrapping up their time on them with a ride on the Ferris wheel as a family.

    Somehow, Lila acquired more trinkets and showbags, and was exhausted by the time her Mum passed her and Daniel cups of Dippin¡¯ Dots ice cream.

    ¡°Looks like the fireworks will be on in ten minutes,¡± her Dad noted, checking his watch. They promptly moved through the crowd towards the stands to try and find a good spot to see the fireworks. They managed to squeeze into a somewhat decent spot and Lila absently finished her ice cream whilst waiting for them to start. The performers, who were singing a funky mashup of some current popular songs, finished their set and hurriedly disappeared from the grounds, signalling the commencement of the next event.

    The showgrounds darkened, and Lila¡¯s Mum accepted her empty cup as Lila pulled out her phone. She filmed the fireworks display so she could at least show Asher when he came back. The fireworks delighted her, with its impressive array of colours and dazzling choreography. Her favourite part, besides the stream of sparklers, was, of course, the end, when it seemed that all the types of fireworks in the world went off, setting the sky alight against the twinkling stars.

    The crowd applauded and whooped once it was over and she turned off her video, wrinkling her nose as though to prevent the acrid smell of smoke from getting into her lungs. She was mildly successful, but the same couldn¡¯t be said for her eyes, which stung slightly from the smoke.

    ¡°Time to go, kiddos,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said gently, placing his hands on Daniel¡¯s shoulders and steering him towards the exit. Lila¡¯s Mum looped her arm in Lila¡¯s again, and they walked out together, talking about how pretty the fireworks had been.

    Collapsing into bed, Lila was happy that she ended up going to the show with her family. While she would¡¯ve loved to have milled around with Asher tonight, she supposed her family weren¡¯t a bad second choice, even though Daniel seemed grumpy on the way down. Plus, getting on the news ¨C that was a unique side activity. She¡¯d have to find the clip online and send it to her friends.

 Chapter Ninety-Three

    Chapter Ninety-Three

    Clare had managed to snag a 10am appointment for Lila to see the doctor, though Lila wished she had more time to sleep after pressing ¡®snooze¡¯ on her alarm. The excitement from the show had exhausted her far more than she realised.

    She went through her usual routine at a snail¡¯s pace. She just finished getting dressed when Clare popped her head into her room.

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯re awake. Good. Just make sure you bring your Medicare card, alright?¡±

    ¡°Ah, thanks,¡± Lila replied, yawning. ¡°Just gotta find it then I¡¯ll head down.¡±

    ¡°Perf.¡±

    Clare disappeared with a snap of the door. Lila turned her attention to the bags she¡¯d taken to Asher¡¯s. She couldn¡¯t remember which bag had her wallet, but she was positive that it was in one of them.

    The first bag didn¡¯t, so she zipped it back up and started going through the second bag. Something¡­ was off about it, though.

    ¡®What¡¯s this doing in here?¡¯ Lila thought, pulling out the envelope of photos of Marlene¡¯s place. She was certain, without a doubt, that this had been left at Asher¡¯s ¨C along with the folder they¡¯d taken from the farmhouse. She would¡¯ve remembered packing it¡­

    With a frown, she looked through the back pocket that held her laptop and her heart stopped.

    The folder was neatly sandwiched between her laptop and the protective cushioning in her bag. She definitely remembered last seeing it in Asher¡¯s drawer, hidden amongst his school stuff. How did it end up here?

    Her breathing quickened as she shakily pulled it out. One of the scraps of paper fluttered onto the floor and she placed the folder on her desk, collecting any other wayward bits of paper. Looking down at the pieces in her hand, it was undeniable. This was absolutely the folder they¡¯d found ¨C she had the end corners of the blueprints right in her hands.

    Trembling, she stood up, looking down at the folder. She was almost too scared to open it but did anyway. It¡­ seemed the same as when she¡¯d last seen it.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I had to pack away your things,¡± Lila recalled Marlene saying to her as she passed along her bags at the Maccas. Marlene¡­ found the photos and the folder and put them in her bag? Why?

    ¡°Did you find your card?¡±

    Lila slammed the pieces of paper she had in her hands back into the folder and closed it again.

    ¡°N-Not yet,¡± Lila stammered, cautiously turning her head towards Clare.

    ¡°Do you need a hand?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Lila said with a bit more force than necessary. Clare looked bemused.

    ¡°Alllll righty then,¡± she drawled, closing Lila¡¯s door again. Lila turned back to the folder. She needed to hide it, in case someone went into her room, so she piled a couple of textbooks onto it. Hopefully, the stack was boring and unrelatable enough to anyone who came in that they wouldn¡¯t want to inspect it.

    She almost stepped on the envelope of photos, which she shoved under one of her pencil cases in her top drawer. She didn¡¯t have time for this.

    She hurriedly shoved her hand in the next bag, grasping her wallet with relief. She checked that her Medicare card was in it before bounding down the stairs, two at a time.

    Clare joined her at the landing and they both headed to Clare¡¯s car without a word. Lila¡¯s mind was spinning, her previous exhaustion replaced entirely with anxiety.

    ¡°How was the show?¡± Clare asked as Lila sat down in the passenger seat. Lila closed her eyes for a moment, willing herself to calm down.

    ¡°¡­ It was good,¡± Lila finally replied steadily.

    ¡°Heard you guys got on the news,¡± Clare tutted, slowly exiting the driveway. ¡°And here I was, breaking my back, earning some cash, whilst you guys were flouncing around, having a jolly old time.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Not my fault you were working. You could¡¯ve come with us.¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°No, ma¡¯am. Special request of Gabriel. The usual Sunday girl came down with a cold. Plus, Sunday rates.¡±

    ¡°Speaking of Gabriel,¡± Lila said gradually, glancing at Clare. ¡°Is he still here?¡±

    Clare gave Lila a confused look. ¡°Yeah. ¡®Course he is.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡±

    ¡°Well, Asher¡¯s maid went with them on holiday, so I was wondering if Gabriel also went.¡±

    ¡°I see. Nah, he was tearing it up on the dancefloor last night. Thought he¡¯d break his pants again, but they stayed together somehow.¡±

    Lila fell silent, turning over this new information in her mind. Why did they leave behind Gabriel, if Marlene went?

    A shudder ran right through Lila. Was¡­ Marlene in a relationship with Asher¡¯s Dad?

    ¡®Surely not, right? He¡¯d be too old for her¡­¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head. She began to bite her nails. ¡®In saying that, though¡­ people do murder for love. Did they do away with Tabitha so they could continue their relationship?¡¯

    Lila didn¡¯t have any evidence that pointed to this, of course, but it was something she¡¯d never considered before. Although¡­ if they were in a relationship, why would Marlene give Lila the folder full of stuff about the hospital he owned? What was its relevance to anything?

    ¡°Nervous?¡± Clare asked as she rounded the corner of a side street.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lila blinked blankly at Clare. Clare repeated herself and Lila sighed.

    ¡°A bit,¡± Lila said quietly, dispelling the thoughts regarding the folder and Marlene for now. ¡°Does¡­ taking the Pill hurt?¡±

    Clare laughed. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t. It¡¯s a tiny little pill. You¡¯ll hardly even notice it going down. As for side effects, I just had a bit of spotting when I started, but that stopped pretty quickly. Nothing else for me.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Clare gave her a sideways glance. ¡°Try it for a little bit. If you don¡¯t like it, we can think about other options for you. Of course, there¡¯s the tried-and-true condoms. While they¡¯re fairly accurate, it¡¯s dependent on how well you put them on. Plus, they can be a mood killer.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of mood that is.¡±

    ¡°You will. One day. I¡¯d say when you¡¯re 30, but I¡¯m pretty sure it¡¯ll be a lot sooner than that, with the way you¡¯re going.¡±

    Lila sighed again. ¡°Actually, with the way I¡¯m going, I probably will be 30.¡±

    Clare chuckled. ¡°No way.¡±

    They didn¡¯t speak for the rest of the drive to the clinic, with Clare electing to turn up her music to such a volume that any attempts at speaking would¡¯ve been drowned out anyway. It also prevented Lila from thinking about the folder and photos, which was somewhat helpful as she couldn¡¯t settle on any answers in Clare¡¯s car anyway ¨C she¡¯d need to look at them again for that. Eventually, Clare rolled the car into an empty parking spot at the clinic and smiled encouragingly at Lila.

    ¡°Did you want me to go into the doctor¡¯s office with you?¡± Clare asked kindly.

    ¡°Yes please,¡± Lila replied instantly. Clare nodded and they left the car.

    Once inside, Clare helped Lila sign in and link her details to this visit. The receptionist pointed to a nearby set of armchairs in the waiting room. Now that they were here, waiting for a doctor to prescribe Lila the Pill, she was feeling incredibly tense about it all. For now, with the folder and photos situation in the back of her mind, she attempted to calm herself down about the appointment through her breathing exercises. It seemed to work after a couple of minutes, which she was grateful for. She probably would¡¯ve run out if her nerves had continued to punch her in the stomach as hard as they had been whilst signing in.

    ¡°Lila Moloney?¡±

    Lila looked up to find a middle-aged, female doctor with blonde hair glancing about the waiting room, clipboard in hand. Lila tentatively stood up, checking to see if Clare was doing the same. Clare gestured for Lila to move forward before following her.

    ¡°I¡¯m Dr Cornwall,¡± the doctor said politely, directing both Lila and Clare to a particular office. Lila settled into the patient¡¯s chair, with Clare settling into the armchair opposite Lila. Dr Cornwall quietly closed the door behind them before taking her seat behind the computer. She placed the clipboard down and swivelled to face Lila, giving her full attention to her with a comforting smile.

    ¡°So, what can I help you with?¡± Dr Cornwall asked warmly.

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted to Clare before returning to Dr Cornwall¡¯s face. ¡°U-Uh, I¡­ um. I think I need the Pill?¡±

    Dr Cornwall nodded, leaning back into her chair. ¡°Alright. Are you sexually active?¡±

    ¡°N-Not yet.¡±

    ¡°How are your periods?¡±

    ¡°Pretty painful, I guess. Um, they¡¯re also pretty heavy.¡±

    Dr Cornwall turned to the wall next to her, pulling out a general pamphlet of information on the Pill. She went through it with Lila, ensuring she understood the benefits and side effects of the Pill. She also went through the different types and the additional effects some may have, including assisting with acne and mood swings. Lila felt a lot more comforted after her discussion with Dr Cornwall, the relief easing her tight shoulders.

    Brrrr. Brrrr. Brrrr.

    Lila jumped, halting Dr Cornwall¡¯s sentence entirely. Who was calling her?

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry, can I please check this?¡± Lila asked. ¡°I won¡¯t answer, but I just need to see who¡¯s calling.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get started on your prescription,¡± Dr Cornwall said genially.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled, pulling out her phone.

    ¡®What does Isaac want?¡¯ Lila thought, her brow creasing. She selected the quick message ¡®I¡¯ll call you back¡¯ before pocketing her phone again.

    ¡°Sorr-¡± Lila¡¯s apology was interrupted by her phone buzzing again. She sighed, taking it out. Isaac was calling again. Didn¡¯t he read her message? She declined the call but kept her phone in her lap.

    ¡°No worries at all. Alrighty, here¡¯s your prescription. I¡¯ve given you a three-month prescription, though I would like to see you in a month if you can since you haven¡¯t been on this medication before. By the end of the three months, you¡¯ll definitely need to come back for a refill ¨C so please make sure you at least book that appointment. You can keep this pamphlet. Did you have any other questions?¡±

    Lila glanced at Clare, who shrugged. ¡°Not at the moment,¡± Lila responded, accepting the prescription and pamphlet. Dr Cornwall smiled broadly.

    ¡°Great. Please just set up your additional appointments at the front desk before you leave.¡±

    They all stood up and Dr Cornwall opened the door for Lila and Clare, giving them a polite ¡®goodbye¡¯, which they returned.

    ¡°See,¡± Clare said in a low voice, nudging Lila. ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for taking me, Clare,¡± Lila replied genuinely. ¡°I don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve gotten it myself if you hadn¡¯t taken me.¡±

    ¡°No worries, Lila. I wouldn¡¯t have been able to hold myself back and come along anyway if you had set up an appointment.¡±

    Lila chuckled. Her phone started buzzing again and she declined it once more with a sigh. God, Isaac was persistent today.

    Lila set up the additional one and three-month appointments at the front desk before slipping into the adjoining pharmacy with Clare. She handed the prescription over to the pharmacist before turning to her sister.

    ¡°Can I call Isaac back? He keeps calling.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Clare replied, waving her off. ¡°If need be, I¡¯ll pick up the medication once it¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila stepped outside onto the concrete pathway outside the clinic, opening her phone screen. Not only had Isaac called her a bunch, but a lot of messages were flooding the Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us group chat. Before she could open the chat, however, Isaac called again. With a sigh, she accepted it.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Oh, thank God,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice came through the phone, sounding like he was out of breath. ¡°Lila, have you seen the news?¡±

    Lila¡¯s stomach dropped. He¡­ wanted to talk about the news? Her appearance with her family at the show was hardly anything to write home about¡­ so¡­ did something happen in Vanuatu?

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said shakily.

    ¡°I¡¯m sending you a link, hold up,¡± his voice sounded frantic and distant.

    Lila waited for a couple seconds before a text from Isaac came through. It looked to be a link to an article from an independent news outlet ¨C the Forestglade Press. She clicked on the link.

    ¡®BODY OF TEENAGED FEMALE FOUND IN LOCAL PARK¡¯ read the headline. Lila¡¯s heart began to race, her mind flashing through all the female teens she knew.

    ¡®At 5.55 this morning, the reporter, Julie Matthews, came across the body of an unidentified female at Flora Park alongside Honeysuckle Boulevard, posed in a sitting position on a park bench.

    ¡®Her general description, from what the reporter could identify, was that the deceased was a white female of approximately high-school age. She was approximately 150-160cms tall, looked to be 45-50kgs, with long brown hair. She was dressed in a light-grey t-shirt, black hoodie, jeans and lace-up Vans.

    ¡®Of particular note, the teenaged female was heavily mutilated. Her eyes were removed, along with her ears and fingertips. Her mouth was additionally sewn shut, with severe bruising across her face.

    ¡®Immediately upon discovery, police were notified. The park has been sealed for crime scene investigation and is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.

    ¡®As of writing, she has not been identified. Police will be releasing an illustrated approximation of the victim later this afternoon. Should you suspect you know the victim based on the above description, do not hesitate to contact the Forestglade Police Station¡­¡¯

    The rest of the article included details of how to contact the police, including where the station was, and warnings against using the emergency hotline.

    Lila placed the phone to her ear, her heart pounding in her chest. Did it match anyone she knew? Why did Isaac seem so panicked? Sure, it was terrifying to know that someone around her age had been murdered and left in a local park, but there was something about Isaac¡¯s franticness that gave Lila pause. Did he know who it was?

    ¡°Alright, I read the article,¡± Lila said into the phone, hugging her stomach with her free hand. ¡°What about it?¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­ did you see the update?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s an update?¡±

    ¡°At the bottom. Scroll down. Past all the phone numbers.¡±

    Lila did so, and her blood ran cold.

    ¡®UPDATE: 10.10am. Victim has been identified as Mulberry Heights High student Piper Baker, aged 16 years old. Any details on her whereabouts for the past several days must be reported to the police on the above contact details. Ms Baker was reported missing from her family home on the night of Thursday, 29<sup>th</sup> June. She was last seen in the early morning hours of Thursday, 29<sup>th</sup> June.¡¯

    Underneath this was a school photo of Piper, wearing a Forestglade College uniform. Perhaps she hadn¡¯t been able to get a new school photo yet. She looked¡­ happy, grinning from ear to ear ¨C a grin that had been sewn shut forever.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila whispered, placing the phone back to her ear. She lowered herself to the ground, not trusting her legs to support her weight anymore. She felt odd ¨C as though the bones in her body were replaced with lead, and her stomach was churning.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Isaac responded, his voice sounding troubled. ¡°What an awful way to go.¡±

    Lila¡¯s hands began to tremble, her face draining of all colour. ¡°P-Piper¡­ she¡¯s¡­ dead.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I sent the article to Asher, but he hasn¡¯t responded or seen it.¡±

    Thursday¡­ that was the day Piper tried to talk to them. She¡¯d looked incredibly alive then.

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    ¡°Why are there so many details?¡± Lila asked in a quavering voice. ¡°Usually the news doesn¡¯t report this much.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s because this is an independent,¡± Isaac posited. ¡°It sounds like this Julie whatever discovered the body, too. Guess the police couldn¡¯t keep a lid on it. Probably the worst person to find a body. The police might get it taken down. It¡¯s only been up for an hour or two.¡±

    Lila¡¯s mind felt as though it was turning to mush. Not only was Piper, Asher¡¯s stalker, dead, but¡­ she¡¯d seen Piper. The afternoon she went missing. Plus, the state her body was in sounded horrendous.

    ¡°What sick monster does that to someone?¡± Lila questioned. Her stomach heaved ¨C she felt ready to throw up.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Isaac replied softly. ¡°Honestly¡­ I was kinda scared when you didn¡¯t pick up at first. I hadn¡¯t seen the update yet, and the description sounded like you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a bit taller than that¡­ plus, I¡¯m not white.¡±

    ¡°You might look it if you were dead since you¡¯re half.¡±

    ¡°Glad to know you think about that sort of thing.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t twist my words,¡± Isaac said, his tone incredibly serious. ¡°I¡¯m not feeling in a jokey mood. I¡­ I¡¯d told Asher that I wished that Piper would die after he told me that he saw her at the shops earlier last week. Tuesday or something. She kept stalking him, you know. Despite everything.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila¡¯s voice cracked, tears threatening to overflow. ¡°We saw her. Thursday afternoon, at the shopping centre. She¡­ tried to talk to him.¡±

    ¡°You what?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice sounded pitchy, as though he was teetering on the edge of a panic attack. ¡°Wait, wait, wait. Lila. You guys¡­ didn¡¯t do anything to her. Right?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila replied sharply. ¡°Why would you even say that?¡±

    ¡°Lila, it looks bad. She stalked Asher, and you got caught up in it. She bullied you so hard this year, Asher was so scared you might hurt yourself. I told him you were a bit more resilient than that, but he was terrified, even though he was dating Holly.¡±

    ¡°Isaac, no matter what she did, there¡¯s no reason to murder her,¡± Lila said, her voice wavering. ¡°Seriously.¡±

    ¡°Look, out of everyone I know, you guys have the most reason to kill her. I¡¯m not saying that you did, but¡­ be careful. Alright?¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°Thanks for letting me know, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Stay safe. Please. If some sicko is out there murdering high school girls¡­ just¡­ I don¡¯t want to tell Asher that you¡¯ve been murdered.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t get murdered,¡± Lila responded, though fear was beginning to build in her throat. She wasn¡¯t going to be murdered. Isaac was being dramatic.

    ¡°Good. Take care. See you at school.¡±

    ¡°See you. A-And take care, too. I don¡¯t want to explain to Elise that you¡¯ve been murdered, either.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Elise?¡±

    Lila winced. What a time to slip up¡­ ¡°Yeah, she¡­ she wouldn¡¯t want the guy who works all those shifts with her to disappear. Then who will she boss around?¡±

    Isaac was silent for a few moments. ¡°¡­ Guess you¡¯re right. She can be a bit bossy.¡±

    Had she saved it? She wasn¡¯t sure ¨C but whether she had or hadn¡¯t seemed so minor in the face of the news. Isaac said goodbye again, which she returned, before hanging up. She stared at her phone until the screen turned off.

    Lila had no idea what to do. It felt like some kind of awful joke. It wasn¡¯t real. It couldn¡¯t be real. Piper¡­ murdered? Left for dead on a park bench?

    Eyes gouged out, mouth sewn shut, fingertips and ears cut off?

    Who even thinks to do that? That kind of stuff only happened on TV shows.

    But¡­ it had to be real. Isaac had no way to upload an article like that onto the Forestglade Press. Plus, he was almost too honest to try and pull something like this. He also had nothing to gain if he was trying to deceive her.

    Lila bit her thumbnail, grinding the tip with her teeth. Did the news reach Asher in Vanuatu? Isaac sent him the article, but Asher hadn¡¯t opened it. How would Lila break the news to him? How would he even feel? Would¡­ he feel relieved? Piper¡¯s torment of him had finally ended¡­ but at what cost?

    ¡°Heya spacey, ready to go?¡± Clare¡¯s bright, peppy voice felt wrong ¨C incongruous with the heaviness weighing on Lila. She looked up, the effort required to do so feeling insurmountable.

    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t need to start these today if you want to take some time to think about it,¡± Clare¡¯s eyes were full of concern as she squatted down next to Lila, placing a manicured hand on Lila¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°¡­ That girl. The one who bullied me. She¡¯s¡­ dead,¡± Lila whispered, her eyes fluttering shut. Her stomach was spinning like a washing machine, her heart crashing against her ribs almost to the point of bruising.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s been murdered.¡±

    ¡°M-Murdered?¡±

    Lila¡¯s lips began to tremble and Clare pulled her into a hug. Lila could hear Clare¡¯s breathing was shallow, as though she couldn¡¯t take in enough air.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just get home,¡± Clare whispered, squeezing Lila¡¯s shoulders. ¡°We can talk about it there.¡±

    Lila nodded and Clare helped her up, refusing to let go of her hand until they reached her car. For once, Clare¡¯s music didn¡¯t contain any EDM. This playlist was almost entirely dedicated to Taylor Swift. Clare hummed along to a couple of songs though her voice sounded fractured somehow.

    Lila stared blankly out the window the whole way home, half-expecting to see Piper along the road, hiding in a bush, or creeping around. Of course, that eventuality would never happen ¨C ever again. Piper was gone.

    Suddenly, the drama surrounding the events of Term One felt miniscule. To realise that the same Piper who had stuck photos of Lila up in the boys¡¯ bathrooms would be dead only months later¡­ she couldn¡¯t fathom it.

    Even more so, to realise that Piper had disappeared the day she chased after Asher and Lila ¨C only four full days ago ¨C was disturbing Lila far more than she thought it would. What had Piper wanted to say? Did¡­ did she know she was going to be murdered? What did she know? Or rather¡­ what had she known?

    Then¡­ there was Isaac¡¯s accusation. Lila knew that it had been an offhanded remark, given how quickly he backpedalled, but it did look bad. It looked even worse that they¡¯d seen Piper the day she went missing ¨C after she was reportedly last seen. Would¡­ would the police be after her and Asher? Was she going to be arrested for a crime she didn¡¯t commit?

    Clare brushed her hand against Lila¡¯s shoulder, causing Lila to almost leap out of her seat.

    ¡°We¡¯re home,¡± Clare said in a low voice, her eyes seeming unsettled ¨C wary, perhaps.

    ¡°O-Okay.¡±

    Lila left the car and immediately headed upstairs to her room, diving under the bedcovers. Clare entered LIla¡¯s room a couple of seconds later, placing the medication from the pharmacy on top of Lila¡¯s stack of textbooks.

    ¡°So¡­ what happened?¡± Clare questioned lightly, wheeling herself close to Lila¡¯s bed via the desk chair. Lila emerged slightly to look at Clare.

    ¡°Someone found her in a park this morning. She¡­ her¡­¡± Lila couldn¡¯t finish the sentence, her words catching in her throat. The details were far too horrible to repeat.

    ¡°How do you know all this?¡± Clare asked, her voice serious but not unkind. Lila wordlessly opened the article on her phone and passed it to her sister.

    Clare¡¯s eyes widened with shock as they flew down the article. When she was finished, she looked up at Lila, her face almost completely devoid of colour.

    ¡°Who even does that to a high school kid?¡± she whispered, returning Lila¡¯s phone.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied uneasily. ¡°I seriously don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t go out alone, alright? This isn¡¯t a suggestion. It¡¯s not safe out there.¡±

    ¡°Surely it¡¯s more unsafe for you, with your job in the city.¡±

    Clare took a deep breath before meeting Lila¡¯s worried gaze with a steady one of her own. ¡°I¡¯m an adult, Lila. Plus, there¡¯re so many eyes on me, not to mention cameras. I drive there and back. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together, drawing her knees to her chest. ¡°Should I go to the police?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to Clare¡¯s. Should she mention the fact that she saw Piper the day she went missing? Or¡­ would that firmly place her as being a suspect? The prospect of talking to the police was terrifying. Would they accuse her of being the murderer? Wrongful convictions weren¡¯t impossible.

    ¡°I¡­ knew her,¡± Lila finally said. ¡°They might want to talk to me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll find you if they think you might have something relevant to say,¡± Clare replied, her tone logical. ¡°You need some time to process at least ¨C don¡¯t stress about going to the police for now.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    Clare sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead. ¡°I can¡¯t believe it. That¡¯s an insane way to be murdered. I¡¯m glad they didn¡¯t have any photos, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to sleep tonight.¡±

    ¡°Neither¡­¡±

    Clare gave Lila a hard look. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t blame you at all if you don¡¯t feel any sympathy for her.¡±

    Lila stared at Clare in bemusement. ¡°Where¡¯d that come from?¡±

    ¡°She bullied you,¡± Clare said plainly. ¡°I¡¯m not saying you don¡¯t feel any sympathy ¨C just that, if you didn¡¯t, you don¡¯t need to feel guilty about it. Besides, it¡¯s not like you killed her.¡±

    ¡°Ah¡­¡± Lila stared down towards her hands. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been looking over my shoulder a lot more since finding out P-Piper had been stalking Asher and me¡­ it¡¯s strange, knowing that¡­ she can¡¯t anymore.¡±

    Clare reached over and smoothly patted the top of Lila¡¯s head. ¡°I bet it is. I think you should rest for the day. It¡¯s a lot of information to take in.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thanks, Clare. For today.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡±

    Clare had almost made it to Lila¡¯s door before she turned around. ¡°This¡­ sounds a bit silly, considering what we were just talking about, but¡­ are you going to start the Pill?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted to the packet on top of her desk. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll take the first one today.¡±

    ¡°Alright. The best way to ensure it¡¯s at its maximum effectiveness is to take it at exactly the same time every day. Put a daily alarm, or at least a reminder, on. Probably better to take it at night or in the morning, y¡¯know, basically before or after school. But you can figure that out, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for the tip.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Uh, I¡¯ll just¡­ briefly chat to Daniel. Tell him not to bother you today. And I¡¯ll let Mum and Dad know when they come home.¡±

    Lila swallowed hard, her mouth feeling as though her tongue had been replaced with sandpaper. ¡°Y-Yeah. Thanks again.¡±

    Clare gave Lila a compassionate smile before leaving. Lila remained in her bed, not moving a muscle, for what felt like hours ¨C almost as if paralysis had taken hold of her limbs.

    Now that she was alone, she began to contemplate a question that she¡¯d felt too terrified to even dare think about before. Who could have done this to Piper? Why? What had she done to deserve being murdered, let alone

    mutilated

    like that?

    One possible answer she could come up with was that Piper had a new stalking victim. One that didn¡¯t take too kindly to being stalked in the slightest. But¡­ that seemed unlikely, given her attempt to talk to Asher on Thursday.

    Even more petrifying was the possibility that it was a random attack ¨C one by a psychopath, or someone deranged. If that was the case, and Piper was an unfortunate victim of opportunity, then Lila couldn¡¯t be sure of her safety. Had Piper been snatched at the shops?

    Shuddering, Lila wrapped herself tightly in her blankets, almost to the point of suffocation. Strangely, it comforted her as she continued to mull over Piper and her murder. She wasn¡¯t making any headway with any answers about it, her mind descending into a spiral of fear and pity. No matter what Piper had done to her and even Asher, she didn¡¯t deser-

    A new thought smashed through her mind, shattering her musings like a hammer to glass.

    Did¡­ Marlene do something?

    The sudden disappearance of Asher, his Dad, and Marlene seemed to be timed conveniently well. Of course, there weren¡¯t any details as to the time of death, or how long she had been in the park before being found, but¡­ if Marlene was hired security¡­ and Asher had been stalked by Piper¡­

    Lila flew out of bed, tossing aside the textbooks. She opened the envelope containing the photos of Marlene¡¯s place. She¡¯d taken photos of the corkboard.

    She rapidly flicked through the stack of photos before finding several of the corkboard in question. She gently removed them, sitting down in her chair.

    The first was of the front of the board, with pictures of Mr Snugglebutt, Asher¡¯s family, Marlene¡¯s barista colleagues, and whoever else. Lila flipped this one over, taking in the next one. This was a close-up of one side of the front of the corkboard, and the next was of the other side.

    Thump. Thump. Thump.

    The beat of her heart rattled her ribcage like a church bell, tolling the arrival of a potential, blood-curdling answer to a sinister question. Did Marlene stalk, kidnap, and murder Piper?

    With a quivering hand, Lila unearthed the next photo. It was a wide shot of the majority of the inside of the board ¨C all covered in photos of Piper. A shot of electricity went right through Lila as she absorbed every detail she could see. The photo wasn¡¯t the best quality, but it did well to fill in Lila¡¯s memory of what she¡¯d seen in person.

    The next couple of photos were detailed shots of the interior of the board. Lila placed all of them on her desk so she could see them at once. She could faintly see some of the Post-it notes, listing Piper¡¯s details. Why did Marlene have all these photos of Piper? Lila shuddered as her eyes landed on the small photo of Piper outside Lila¡¯s house, a wave of repulsion threatening to overcome her. Piper had been wearing all black in that photo ¨C what¡­ had she been doing that day that she was standing outside Lila¡¯s driveway?

    ¡®Even though she¡¯d been expelled¡­ she still kept up her stalking¡­ even¡­ when Asher told her she had no chance,¡¯ Lila thought with a heavy sigh. Why? Why had Piper continued to go to such lengths, after being suspended, then expelled and placed in a new school? Was she that obsessed with Asher and felt threatened by Lila still? Or was she just mad that technically Lila had gotten her expelled, and had been plotting something outside her house?

    ¡®She expelled herself,¡¯ Lila thought firmly. If Piper hadn¡¯t done any of the things that she had in Term One, she¡¯d probably still be at Forestglade College.

    ¡®Would she still be alive?¡¯

    This question lingered in Lila¡¯s mind as she continued to peruse the network of photos on Marlene¡¯s corkboard. If¡­ Piper had stopped stalking Asher, as she should have, at the outset ¨C when she¡¯d first been caught ¨C then would Marlene have needed to intervene? Looking at the sheer amount of photos, and photos of Piper in a Mulberry Heights uniform, Lila wasn¡¯t confident that anything could¡¯ve been done besides¡­ well¡­

    She peered closely at some of the notes on the board. One stuck out to Lila ¨C ¡®OBSESSED¡¯. Immediately under this was another word ¨C ¡®Why?¡¯, which was underlined several times.

    Lila crossed her arms under her chest, contemplating hard. Given that she herself had a crush on Asher, it wasn¡¯t hard to pick reasons why people would fall for him. Even if one ignored his personality, interests, looks, and who he was as a person entirely, being the only child of the CEO (and part-owner) of the only private hospital for a fair distance was sure to be attractive to some.

    ¡°So this year, I started getting my grades up ¨C if I become second in line, or even third in line for Dux, there¡¯s no way he wouldn¡¯t know who I am. Then, we¡¯d get to talking and then dating and then he¡¯d propose and we¡¯d get married and I¡¯d have it made!¡±

    The echoes of Piper¡¯s screeching, from that day forever ago, intruded on Lila¡¯s pondering. ¡®Have it made¡¯? Piper had spoken of nothing about who Asher was as a person. But wanted him badly enough to want to get married to him. Was¡­ it just about money? A cushy life? It wasn¡¯t as though Asher was stupid or would forget about what Piper had done to him for years. Had she been delusional enough to believe she could worm her way back into his good books and eventually get married ¨C despite everything? What about her own ambitions for her life? Didn¡¯t she have anything that she wanted to do or achieve for herself?

    Lila really didn¡¯t know Piper at all, besides the ugly sides of her. But Piper had friends at Forestglade College. Quite a few, actually. There must¡¯ve been good sides to her, too. Ayla, at least, had seemed rather fond of Piper, and Ayla wasn¡¯t a bad person¡­

    Frowning, Lila wondered how that group would be taking the news. It would surely spread like wildfire ¨C after all, Isaac had come across it somehow¡­

    Then, ultimately, Lila¡¯s mind drifted to Piper¡¯s parents. From the notes on Marlene¡¯s board, her parents were Kerry and Nigel Baker, and she was an only child. Lila supposed that her parents would have to know why Piper had been expelled. How had they taken that news at the time? How were they taking this news now? To know that their only child had been brutally murdered and that the lurid details of the crime were freely accessible on the internet¡­

    Lila turned her attention back to the board. The quality of the photos meant that she couldn¡¯t see the specific details of the photo through the window ¨C the one that showed a corkboard full of photos of Asher ¨C but she did remember, in rough terms, thinking that it had been taken at Piper¡¯s house. How had Marlene found out where Piper lived?

    Lila shook her head. Surely she was being biased against Marlene, due to Marlene¡¯s odd behaviour. She wouldn¡¯t kill Piper¡­ after all, it wasn¡¯t like Piper was dangerous. Especially not to Asher.

    In saying that, Lila vividly recalled Piper¡¯s words ¨C ¡°There¡¯s no way I¡¯m going to stop until I bury you in the ground.¡± ¨C with a shiver. Did Marlene think, after following Piper around for what seemed to be a considerable amount of time, that Piper was dangerous after all? That she needed to be¡­ eliminated?

    Lila tapped her desk absently as she continued to ruminate. Hired security services wouldn¡¯t have orders to assassinate people ¨C right? That seemed a step too far, especially for the family of the CEO and part-owner of a private hospital. It wasn¡¯t as though they were high up in the government or high society or doing something shady that required such high-level protection.

    Or¡­ was that what the documents from the farmhouse were trying to point to?

    Lila looked down at her desk, carefully setting aside the photos she¡¯d laid out and pulling the folder closer to her. She paused, the memory of what she and Asher had found in the farmhouse, aside from the folder, crawling to the forefront of her mind.

    Blood. The room with the blood, or something, on the carpet ¨C the same room that had chains in it. Was the reason why Marlene took the photos of the farmhouse, if it had been Marlene, to conceal the fact that she had kidnapped Piper and was holding her there? Was the blood Piper¡¯s blood? Had Asher and Lila just missed Piper¡¯s torture when they visited again on Friday morning?

    Timing-wise, it was possible that Piper could have been kidnapped after they saw her on Thursday. Then, the photos were taken from the envelope after Lila and Asher had returned to his place¡­ the murder then could have happened in the farmhouse after which the body was moved elsewhere. Finally, when Lila and Asher investigated on Friday morning, they would have been none the wiser. Had¡­ that been why Marlene was late to get to her barista job? She was busy disposing of evidence and lost sense of the time?

    If the mysterious patch was blood, it had been dry, with a crusty residue on top¡­ Just how fast did blood dry?

    Lila was about to Google the question on her phone when she narrowed her eyes at the folder. Its existence was inherently confusing, in the above scenario. Why bring a folder of evidence related to the hospital her employer owns to a murder scene? It¡¯s not like Marlene didn¡¯t live literally just up the road ¨C she could have kept it all inside her house. But¡­ if she needed to bring it to a murder scene, and she was in a hurry to leave to get to work, then it made sense for the folder to be left behind ¨C Marlene had just forgotten it.

    Lila stretched a hand out, lightly brushing the cover. It was obviously important ¨C but for what? There were so many questions, so many possible theories. Lila didn¡¯t feel intelligent enough to string any of them together with the evidence she had at her disposal. But¡­ with Asher gone, and their plans disappearing with him, Lila had some time to look through the folder. Perhaps¡­ she¡¯d glean something¡­

    Just as she was about to open the cover, her phone buzzed.

    ¡®That¡¯s right¡­ the group chat was going off,¡¯ Lila thought as she diverted her attention to her phone.

    Opening her notifications, it looked like just the group chat had new messages. Scrolling through them, Lila could see that Elise and Grace were discussing the murder ¨C in general, freaking out about it. The latest message was from Elise, who mentioned that her parents were considering making her relinquish her shifts for the rest of the holidays so she could stay safe at home.

    Did you tell them that Isaac is working with you mostly? Lila sent.

    LILA! Finally you responded. Everything okay??? came Elise¡¯s immediate reply.

    Yeah. Just¡­ processing, Lila replied.

    It¡¯s terrifying, Grace sent.

    Clare told me I had to stay home, basically, Lila sent.

    My parents said the same, Grace replied. Something stirred in Lila¡¯s mind. Wasn¡¯t Grace in Adelaide? Perhaps she meant when she returned to Forestglade.

    I mean, did you have many plans for the rest of the holidays Lila? Elise asked.

    I did originally. With Asher. But he went to Vanuatu, Lila replied with a heavy sigh. She hadn¡¯t told Grace and Elise that tidbit, though she¡¯d assumed that Isaac would mention it to Elise.

    Lucky, Grace sent. Lila wasn¡¯t in too much of a mood to relay the whole dramatic events that had surrounded his departure via message right now, so settled on saying nothing in response. They exchanged a few more messages about how Piper¡¯s murder was horrible and how no one deserved that, though there wasn¡¯t any more of significance. Lila hesitated to tell them that she had seen Piper the day she disappeared. She wasn¡¯t exactly ready for more accusations to be levied against her and Asher.

    Eventually, the group conversation abruptly ended when both Elise and Grace had to go, which left Lila back to her thoughts. Where was she¡­?

    ¡®Ah, the folder,¡¯ Lila nodded to herself, opening the cover gently. Her first step, she supposed, would be to repair the pages as best she could. She opened up the images on her phone of the jigsaw job she and Asher had completed the other day and began taping everything together with a roll of clear tape.

    Surprisingly, as she was trying to be incredibly careful, this took a few hours. At about 5pm, a knock sounded on her door and she yawned, closing the cover on her current progress.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked, bringing down some textbooks to cover the rest of her desk.

    ¡°It¡¯s me again,¡± Clare said, opening the door. ¡°Can see you¡¯re working hard with your schoolwork on your break.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila shrugged noncommittally. ¡°Not like I¡¯ve got much else to do. It¡¯s¡­ a good distraction.¡±

    Clare gave her a sympathetic smile, stepping in but remaining close to the door. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that Mum and Dad are home. Mum¡¯s freaking out and Dad¡¯s trying to calm her down. She¡¯s saying things like she¡¯ll put both you and Daniel in homeschooling, but I¡¯m pretty sure she¡¯s just saying that ¡®cause she¡¯s all riled up. I said you needed some time to yourself, so they said they¡¯ll just get takeaway and you can eat in your room if you need.¡±

    Lila half-heartedly smiled. ¡°Thanks, Clare. That sounds good to me.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll let them know, and I¡¯ll text you what we¡¯re getting and you can send me what you want.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, sis.¡±

    ¡°Another thing,¡± Clare said, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s Tuesday.¡±

    ¡°Sure is.¡±

    Ordinarily, Clare would¡¯ve rolled her eyes or otherwise responded to Lila¡¯s comment, but she soldiered on. ¡°We¡¯re still going to Bounce tomorrow, yeah?¡±

    Lila blinked at Clare. ¡°Thought you said I shouldn¡¯t go out anywhere.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, alone. But you¡¯ll be with me. We¡¯ll drive there and back, and we¡¯ll stick together. I¡­ had thought about giving it a miss, but since you¡¯ve paid for it already, we may as well go. Plus, it¡¯ll be a good breather, I think.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Asher¡¯s Dad sent me money for the tickets, so we can give it a miss, I guess. I won¡¯t lose money.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s up to you. I just thought you might end up having fun and forgetting about everything for the moment. Might give you some clarity, too.¡±

    Clarity, huh¡­ that sounded tempting.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila¡¯s smile was a bit brighter than her previous attempt. ¡°We¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Clare grinned at Lila. ¡°Maybe I can even show you a couple cheer tricks if I¡¯ve still got ¡®em.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know cheer tricks involved trampolines.¡±

    ¡°Not like you¡¯re gonna toss me in the air.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¦.¡±

    Clare smirked. ¡°See ya later, sis.¡±

    ¡°See ya.¡±

    Clare closed the door behind her. Lila rubbed her eyes, slowly spinning back towards her desk. She hadn¡¯t really been taking in any details of the pages she had been working on, mostly because she was concentrating on lining them all up. But what she had absorbed just made her far more curious about her Dad¡¯s investigation of the hospital. Were these documents relevant to his investigation? Or was Marlene, or whoever previously owned them, working on their own separate investigation? What was it all about? Why were so many people interested in the hospital?

    She¡¯d have to go into her Dad¡¯s study, it seemed. Maybe, now that she had Asher¡¯s lockpicks, she¡¯d be able to find something out.

    For now, though, Lila¡¯s mind felt far too crowded to work properly. Giving it a rest for the day ¨C or at least, for the next few hours ¨C sounded like a great idea.

 Chapter Ninety-Four

    Chapter Ninety-Four

    Lila¡¯s sleep had not been restful in the slightest. Her dreams seemed to be filled with imagery of Piper, and the way she¡¯d been murdered, alongside Asher being swept away by a tidal wave at the beach with Marlene maliciously laughing nearby. Normally, her dreams were hectic in the strange department, but this seemed easy to interpret. Her anxiety surrounding Piper, Asher, and Marlene had coherently leaked into her dreams.

    She opened her groggy eyes, looking immediately for her phone to see if Asher had sent her a message, or opened any of hers. As expected, he hadn¡¯t.

    Looking at the time, it seemed that Lila had managed to miss her parents after having not seen them the night before since Clare delivered her dinner to her. She wondered as she rubbed the sleep from her eyes if they wanted to say something to her regarding Piper. If they did, it would have to wait until they got home this afternoon.

    Clare was eating something in the kitchen when Lila shuffled her way into it, yawning.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Clare said, her voice cheery. ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re awake. I was about to come up and wake you.¡±

    ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re awake too, Clare.¡±

    Clare grinned before turning her attention to her phone. ¡°You might want to eat something light if you¡¯re hungry. Jumping around all morning until noon will do a number on your stomach.¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯re you eating then?¡±

    ¡°Just some apple slices and a coffee,¡± Clare replied, glancing up at Lila and wiggling a slice in the air. ¡°We¡¯ll grab something fun for lunch on the way back, so you¡¯ll starve if you don¡¯t have breakfast but not for too long at least.¡±

    ¡°Something fun?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, something different. Usually, when we¡¯re too lazy to cook, we go for the tried-and-true Maccas, or KFC, or Red Rooster, or something. Let¡¯s try something new.¡±

    Lila nodded with another yawn. ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    She selected an apple from the fruit basket sitting just in front of Clare, pulling out a suitable knife amongst the myriad of dented, mismatched kitchenware to cut it up with. She placed the apple on the board, raising the knife into the prime position for a decent slice when the imagery of Piper¡¯s murder reappeared in her mind¡¯s eye. She dropped the knife onto the kitchen counter with a clatter, narrowly missing her hand and dry retching.

    ¡°You okay?¡±

    Clare was beside her in a flash, already rubbing Lila¡¯s back by the time she recognised her sister¡¯s presence. Clare gingerly moved the knife away with her free hand, her eyes jittery with concern as they took in Lila¡¯s pale face.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila leaned over the counter, inhaling deeply. She hadn¡¯t expected that at all. Somehow, her face felt wet with tears.

    ¡°Here, sit down,¡± Clare gently guided Lila to the chair opposite hers. ¡°I¡¯ll cut it up.¡±

    The only sound in the kitchen, as Lila wiped at her eyes with the sleeve of her shirt, was the chop of the knife passing through the apple before connecting with the bamboo board underneath. Clare rinsed the knife before arranging the slices onto a small plate in the shape of a crude flower and placing it neatly before Lila.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said weakly, staring at the plate.

    Clare eyed Lila carefully as she sat down opposite her, holding her coffee cup with both hands. Lila avoided Clare¡¯s critical gaze as she took her time choosing a slice. She¡¯d never been close to Piper, and instead would have preferred for Piper to not have ever made herself known to Lila ¨C so why was she feeling this way? Was it to do with the visceral violence of her death?

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯re taking this awfully hard, Lila,¡± Clare observed quietly, taking a sip of her cup. Lila crunched an apple slice between her teeth before sighing.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why,¡± Lila confessed, choosing her next slice through blurred vision. Again with the tears.

    ¡°Even if you didn¡¯t like her,¡± Clare said softly, placing her cup down and appraising Lila carefully, ¡°you still knew her. Plus, the details were so awful. I¡­ don¡¯t want to freak you out, but perhaps you¡¯re grappling with the idea that it could¡¯ve been you. Since you¡¯re both the same age, went to the same school, liked the same guy ¨C all of that.¡±

    Those words resonated deeply within Lila. All of that sounded right. And¡­ she felt sorry for Piper, her friends, and her family. It was hard not to. Piper had been robbed of the opportunity to even finish high school, whilst Lila was gearing up to return¡­ perhaps, after some time, Piper might¡¯ve given up on Asher and gone on a different path. Perhaps she might¡¯ve made something of herself. But¡­ Lila would never know. No one would.

    Lila wiped away more tears as she nodded, biting down on another apple slice. ¡°I-It¡¯s just¡­ so horrible. Terrifying, even. Who could¡¯ve done this? How¡­ do we protect ourselves?¡±

    Clare didn¡¯t respond for a few moments, her face looking contemplative.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have any answers,¡± she finally confessed, tossing an apple slice in her mouth. ¡°Besides not being by yourself, staying vigilant, and even just not going out. Obviously, you¡¯ll need to go to school, but¡­ the police might have some answers by then.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila muttered, squeezing a piece of her apple so tightly that it slipped out of her hands and pitifully landed skin-up on the table.

    ¡°But I still think we should go to Bounce,¡± Clare asserted, her eyes having followed the trajectory of the apple before returning to Lila¡¯s face. She didn¡¯t even crack a hint of a smile, her face entirely stoic. ¡°Get some of this scared, nervous energy out. Maybe even exhaust you so you just sleep it off.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They didn¡¯t exchange any further words as they finished their plates of fruit. Lila returned upstairs, finishing up for Bounce. She supposed she¡¯d get by in some athleticwear since it was filled with trampolines.

    Tying her hair up in a high ponytail, Lila traipsed back downstairs, phone shoved in her pants pocket. Clare was also dressed in athleticwear and nodded approvingly at Lila.

    ¡°You look ready to do some flips,¡± she smiled, though the smile didn¡¯t meet her eyes.

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Lila replied with a shiver. ¡°I¡¯ll just quietly bounce in a corner by myself.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s no fun,¡± Clare pouted, spinning her car keys on her finger. ¡°Anyway, get your shoes on. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Again, Clare didn¡¯t have her usual playlist on, opting instead for more Taylor Swift. Lila hadn¡¯t realised that Clare was this much of a Swiftie. She presumed that perhaps this choice was because Taylor Swift was far less intense than her usual EDM. It was probably for Lila¡¯s benefit, though Clare did know a suspicious amount of the lyrics to most of the songs, it seemed.

    They didn¡¯t speak on the way to Bounce, with Lila trying to focus on the scenery rather than any intrusive thoughts threatening to take hold.

    Upon arriving, they checked in with the tickets Lila had bought and acquired the requisite grippy socks. Clare wrinkled her nose as they exchanged their runners for said socks, placing them together in one cubby hole.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Clare smiled brightly, ¡°let¡¯s bounce.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have the strength to muster even an eye roll for Clare¡¯s pun as they moved towards a free spot. The entire establishment was broken up into several parts ¨C one containing a foam pit, the main area which was essentially covered wall-to-floor in large trampolines, and an obstacle course featuring trampolines on the other end. There were mainly school-aged kids bouncing around, but it wasn¡¯t as busy as Lila had thought it might be. Had the murder scared off potential patrons as well, or was it just because it was a Tuesday?

    Clare glanced over her shoulder before grabbing hold of Lila¡¯s arm.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, spacey. Jump with me,¡± Clare said bubbily. There was something in Clare¡¯s eyes that didn¡¯t sit well with Lila, but she didn¡¯t ask or argue with her sister. They bounced in the centre of the nearest empty trampoline of the main area, the thrill of doing so quickening Lila¡¯s heartbeat. Once Clare acclimatised to the setup and the strength required to get to a certain height, she began to twirl and flip in the air, her movements akin to a flag in the breeze. Some of the kids around them stopped their movements to watch, including Lila.

    She stared in amazement as Clare kept tossing herself higher into the air until a staff member waved her down. Lila overheard the staff member requesting that Clare restrain herself for safety reasons before returning to the front desk.

    ¡°No fun,¡± Clare pouted, flopping backwards onto the trampoline. Lila joined her and they continued to lay there for a while. Lila was glad that she¡¯d chosen the two-hour tickets ¨C she wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d have enough enthusiasm for longer than that. Not that she had much now anyway.

    Clare slowly sat up, casting a look around the establishment. ¡°Let¡¯s shuffle along that way,¡± she said, pointing to an empty trampoline. Lila followed Clare¡¯s lead. Though¡­ the way Clare was looking around, her eyes wide and glassy¡­ began to make Lila feel nervous.

    ¡°Is everything okay?¡± Lila asked, peering around to see if she could spot what was making Clare act this way.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Clare replied instantly, her tone unconvincing. Lila raised an eyebrow at her but Clare remained tight-lipped.

    ¡°Let¡¯s bounce, Lila. Stop worrying,¡± Clare insisted, using her legs to propel herself in the air. She cartwheeled, landing on her hands which she used to bounce once before landing on her belly.

    ¡°Ow¡­¡± Clare grumbled, rolling onto her back. Lila smirked, the first one she¡¯d managed all day, kneeling next to Clare.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s what you get for being a show-off,¡± Lila said, helping Clare up.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Clare rolled her eyes, bumping Lila with her hip. ¡°Where¡¯s your moves?¡±

    ¡°Got none. Not a cheerleader, remember?¡±

    ¡°Eh, pish-posh,¡± Clare huffed, flapping a hand dismissively. ¡°Come on, get going.¡±

    Clare set about teaching Lila a trick or two before they both engaged in a competition to see who could bounce the other the highest. It seemed like Lila was winning until the same employee came over again and gave them a stern talking-to.

    After the employee left, Clare and Lila shared a look before bursting into giggles. Clare had been right ¨C gradually, as Lila engaged her muscles and exerted force, her nervous energy began to leave her. It was a welcome distraction, after all.

    Until, of course, Clare told Lila to move to another trampoline yet again.

    ¡°Clare, what¡¯s going on?¡± Lila asked, frowning.

    ¡°I think someone¡¯s following us,¡± Clare whispered, gesturing to the general crowd to their right. Lila whipped around, trying to see who it could be. For a heart-stopping moment, she thought she¡¯d see Piper. But¡­ of course, she wouldn¡¯t.

    Now that the possibility that Lila had a new stalker was on the table, though, she had the unsettling feeling of shivers scuttling beneath the surface of her skin. Surely Clare was imagining things¡­

    But¡­ perhaps she wasn¡¯t. Perhaps Lila had attracted the attention of someone who wished to harm her. Clearly, there was someone running around who was capable and now experienced in doing that. Were they really safe, even if they were together?

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Clare mumbled, grabbing Lila¡¯s hand and pulling her to the side. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to ruin it. It¡¯s probably nothing.¡±

    ¡°But it could be something,¡± Lila replied quietly, her breath catching in her throat. ¡°It¡­ could be.¡±

    Clare looked around again before grasping Lila¡¯s shoulders. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I¡¯m just being paranoid,¡± she said firmly, meeting Lila¡¯s eyes with a serious gaze. ¡°Let¡¯s enjoy ourselves.¡±

    Lila tried as best she could to follow Clare¡¯s suggestion. It proved difficult, with each jump into the air leaving Lila more self-conscious than the last. Surely if she drew attention to herself, and there was someone looking for their next victim here, she¡¯d be targeted.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

    Their allotted time drew to a close with Lila feeling much more subdued than when she came in. They put their shoes back on, confirming with the staff that they were allowed to keep the grippy socks for next time, and hurried into Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°That was fun,¡± Clare said, her false attempt at sounding cheery sending goosebumps up Lila¡¯s neck.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila replied, turning her attention to the scenery outside the window again.

    ¡°What exotic thing would you like for lunch?¡± Clare asked even though she¡¯d already started exiting the carpark.

    ¡°Seems like you have something in mind,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°Ramen?¡±

    Lila turned to look at Clare before turning back to the window. Despite the fact that she¡¯d only eaten an apple today, Lila wasn¡¯t feeling hungry.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°If it¡¯s that bad of an option, we don¡¯t have to go.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m just not that hungry.¡±

    ¡°Ah. I think this place can do a half-serve of noodles, if that¡¯ll help. You should eat something, Lila. You used a whole bunch of energy today.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila acquiesced. ¡°Ramen sounds good.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Clare wordlessly drove them to their next destination ¨C a ramen store nestled within the Asian centre of the neighbourhood around Forestglade. Lila hadn¡¯t been here before, the smell of the store upon entering wafting enticingly through Lila¡¯s nose. It was decorated with black and white canvas prints of Japanese streets, red paper lanterns, and several red banners. The bar table was a deep, rich brown colour, though Lila and Clare opted for a table and chairs towards the centre. They were exuberantly greeted and seated without even a second of lingering.

    Clare guided Lila through the ordering process, which included a heavy amount of customisation, including saltiness, chilli powder, and richness. Seeing the option to add an egg to her ramen, Lila took it. She smiled lightly, remembering Asher¡¯s face upon laying eyes on his egg and cheese the other day.

    ¡®God, I miss him,¡¯ Lila thought, shaking her head. She had no business missing him this terribly, since they weren¡¯t dating. But¡­ despite that, she couldn¡¯t help herself. Maybe if he were here, she wouldn¡¯t feel so paranoid¡­

    Was it paranoia, though? Or was it a healthy amount of fear in these conditions? Lila peeked at Clare, who was still concentrating on her own order. Clare hadn¡¯t acted oddly since arriving, but they also went straight into ordering. Lila looked around the store, double-checking to see if someone at Bounce had followed them here. She didn¡¯t recognise anyone, but her skin still felt tingly with apprehension.

    Clare submitted the order and poured them both cups of water.

    ¡°Hope you¡¯ll enjoy it,¡± Clare smiled. ¡°Best place in town, I reckon.¡±

    ¡°Glad to try it, then,¡± Lila replied automatically. She stared down at her cup of water before taking a sip. She took another, suddenly incredibly thirsty.

    ¡°Sorry for ruining Bounce,¡± Clare said in a low voice. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Stop saying that. You didn¡¯t ruin anything. Although, if you keep going, you might.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Clare bit her lower lip, her eyes still seeming troubled. Lila sighed, taking hold of Clare¡¯s hands within her own. She was surprised to feel how cold they were.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila said emphatically. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Clare gave a hollow laugh. ¡°That¡¯s shit I say when we all know it¡¯s fake news.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t disagree.

    Clare reached out and tucked a lock of hair that had escaped Lila¡¯s ponytail behind Lila¡¯s ear. ¡°We¡¯re fine,¡± Clare uttered. Her eyes quickly darted to one side before she shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m just freaked out since you¡¯re my baby sister. I can¡¯t have anything happen to you, you know. It¡¯d kill me, and our parents. Daniel too, I suppose. My head¡¯s on a swivel so I can take out any threats.¡±

    Lila managed to laugh, though it was just as empty as Clare¡¯s. ¡°I get it. I¡¯m worried about you too, dummy. It¡¯s¡­ hard to enjoy myself and feel safe out in the open, though. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll go out for the rest of the holidays at least.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a good idea,¡± Clare said in a measured tone. ¡°A very good idea.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, sometimes I pull ¡®em outta my ass.¡±

    Clare squeezed Lila¡¯s hands in acknowledgement before letting go ¨C their gyoza had arrived.

    The rest of the food followed soon after, and Lila was suitably impressed. The egg yolk was the perfect amount of runny to incorporate with the noodles, and the broth was deliciously umami in flavour. The pork chashu melted in Lila¡¯s mouth as she ate. She was glad that she¡¯d only gotten a half-serve, though ¨C her appetite still hadn¡¯t returned to normal, despite having calmed down some due to the cosy atmosphere of the shop.

    Once they were done, they piled into Clare¡¯s car. Neither spoke, with Clare turning up the volume to Taylor Swift again.

    ¡®Damn, Taylor¡¯s got a shitton of songs,¡¯ Lila thought as she pulled out her phone and began scrolling absently. Her Instagram was surprisingly filled with very little updates. Had¡­ everyone decided not to post because of Piper?

    Just as she contemplated this, a notification flashed on her screen. It was a message from Asher.

    Lila sat up so suddenly that Clare swerved.

    ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡± Clare questioned shrilly, taking control of the car again.

    ¡°J-Just got a message from Asher,¡± Lila replied, opening it up.

    ¡°Is it¡­ a nude?¡± Clare queried in a hushed voice.

    ¡°Stop being weird.¡±

    Clare fell silent which allowed Lila to absorb the message.

    L ¨C

    I heard the news. Hope you¡¯re well. Vanuatu is great. Reception is terrible. See you when I get back.

    A

    Lila blinked in confusion. Was¡­ that even written by Asher? Sure, he¡¯d sent stuff that sounded similar, way in the beginning of the year, but their recent texts had been far more familiar than that. Surely he would¡¯ve said something about the news about Piper ¨C like that it was horrific. Maybe add some detail about Vanuatu. Maybe even send a plan for his return. Plus, he never referred to her as ¡®L¡¯ or himself as ¡®A¡¯. It sounded more like a stock-standard postcard from a souvenir shop than a message from Asher.

    Truthfully, she was a little crestfallen. It didn¡¯t sound personal at all. Had¡­ she been hoping that he would say he missed her?

    As she tried to think of what to respond with, her phone buzzed again.

    Marlene says hi. Miss you.

    A deep blush formed on her face, bringing with it a genuine, bright smile. Lila saw Clare glance over in her peripheral vision but kept her eyes glued onto her phone in case he sent something else.

    ¡°Seems like a nude,¡± Clare said, her tone teasing.

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Lila replied, her tone mirroring Clare¡¯s. Clare snorted but complied.

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed again.

    Please respond. I don¡¯t have much time.

    That¡­ sounded ominous. Much time? Though, if the reception was as bad as it seemed, perhaps he was in a particularly good spot that he couldn¡¯t stay in for some reason.

    I miss you too. It¡¯s crazy here. Please come back safe. Let me know what day.

    Lila reread her message over and over again before sending it. She didn¡¯t want to send multiple texts in a row, and she was very wary of his deliberate inclusion of Marlene in his limited messages. Why was it only Marlene and not Asher¡¯s Dad that said ¡®hi¡¯? Was he trying to tell her that Marlene was reading over his shoulder?

    Truthfully, she wanted to spill everything ¨C how the show on the coast went, how her family made it onto the news, how Bounce went¡­ how much she missed him ¨C his company, and the safety she felt with him. How there wasn¡¯t as much laughter anymore without him. Not to mention his warmth in these plummeting temperatures ¨C both in his interactions with her, and his actual body heat. And how she was terrified of every movement she made outside her house, how freaked out everyone was, as well as her theories about all the mysteries they had yet to solve ¨C even her slip-up with Isaac about Elise.

    Saturday morning. I¡¯ll text you when I¡¯m in the airport. Have to go.

    The message flashed in her hands as she looked down at it. Saturday, huh¡­ that meant¡­ she only had a few days to bring some theories, paths to go down, and evidence to Asher.

    Stay safe, Lila messaged back. He didn¡¯t respond, nor did it seem like he opened it.

    As the car ride continued, Lila wondered whether Isaac had received a message from Asher. So, she asked.

    Yeah, Isaac replied after a few minutes. Just responded to the article. Said ¡®Crazy¡¯ then ¡®Gotta go¡¯. I don¡¯t even know if he saw the update, that it was Piper. Super weird response.

    Even Isaac thought Asher¡¯s texts were odd¡­

    Are u at work, Lila sent. A minute passed before she received a response.

    Yup. Fave place. Freezer. Screaming.

    Lila smirked as she imagined Isaac doing exactly that. Enjoy, she replied before locking her phone screen.

    The fact that Asher had sent that he missed her sent flutters through her body. She folded her arms underneath her chest as if to contain them, the sensation making her smile. It also sounded like he sent her more messages than he sent to Isaac. Did he actually miss her? Did he miss her like how she missed him?

    Her smile slowly faded as she recalled the rest of his messages. Had Marlene been looking at what he was sending her? If that was the case, why? Was she trying to control what he sent with his limited reception and time? What would he send if Marlene wasn¡¯t there?

    She opened the messages and read them once again. He¡¯d¡­ found a spot specifically to talk to her, and tell her he missed her ¨C despite Marlene being there, if she had been reading his messages to Lila. That realisation alone was leaving her breathless and scatterbrained.

    Lila remained in a decidedly good mood all the way home. Clare parked the car, her face entirely puzzled.

    ¡°Wow, I can¡¯t imagine the volume of dick pics girls would end up receiving if we all reacted like that,¡± Clare said, raising an eyebrow. Lila glared at her.

    ¡°For the last time, there are no nudes,¡± she huffed. ¡°Asher just¡­ sent me a text saying he missed me.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s made you look like that?¡± Clare¡¯s suspicious expression melted into one of awe. ¡°That¡¯s so fucking adorable.¡±

    Clare reached over to pinch Lila¡¯s cheek but she slapped her sister¡¯s hand away.

    ¡°Sometimes, I forget how innocent you are,¡± Clare said, patting her slapped hand. ¡°It¡¯s making me feel old.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you are old, since you keep saying stuff like that,¡± Lila replied playfully before dashing out of the car and into the house before Clare could catch up.

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back from looking at Asher¡¯s message for the rest of the day. There was just something so sweet about it that she almost wished she could pull it out of her phone and keep it on her desk, or somewhere close by. Instead, she settled on gazing upon it with a goofy smile on her face every so often, amongst watching various videos on her laptop.

    She wondered, briefly, whether these feelings would be more or less intense if they were actually dating. She shouldn¡¯t really be feeling like this ¨C it was bordering on obsessive. She had no right to those feelings¡­ but¡­ though her logical brain was pumping the brakes, the rest of her brain was turning into mush. Given Asher¡¯s absence, it was the next best thing to having him there with her. She¡¯d take what she could get.

    A sturdy knock sounded on Lila¡¯s door, interrupting her video on YouTube drama, and she invited the knocker to enter. It was her Dad, who warily stepped in, casting an uncertain look about her room. For a moment, Lila thought the folder containing information about the Forestglade Private Hospital was splayed out on her desk ¨C but she remembered with a tiny sigh of relief that she¡¯d covered it with her textbooks after her haphazard jigsaw puzzling.

    ¡°You¡­ seem to be in a good mood,¡± her Dad observed, sitting heavily down on her desk chair.

    ¡°A bit,¡± Lila replied, turning her phone screen off.

    ¡°Good, good¡­¡± her Dad trailed off, glancing at her desk. ¡°Preparing for an educational battle, I see.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said simply, shifting slightly on her bed. She hoped he wouldn¡¯t look too hard at it¡­

    After a moment, he rubbed his face, seeming tired beyond belief. Lila lowered her laptop lid, looking over at him curiously. Evidently, he wasn¡¯t here to peruse her textbooks.

    ¡°I just wanted to check in on you,¡± he said after a weighty pause. ¡°After Clare told your Mum and me about that girl ¨C Piper.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dad.¡±

    He pursed his lips, looking at her shrewdly like he knew she was lying. She sighed before moving her laptop next to her and fiddling with her fingers in her lap.

    ¡°I¡¯m not fine,¡± she admitted quietly.

    ¡°I thought so,¡± her Dad replied, nodding. ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ not really much to talk about.¡±

    ¡°Sure there is.¡±

    Lila squeezed her hands together. It wasn¡¯t as though her Dad could magically fix the worries that Piper¡¯s death had imparted on Lila.

    ¡°Look, Lila,¡± he said gently, rolling towards her on the desk chair. ¡°For peace of mind¡¯s sake, I think you shouldn¡¯t go out in the meantime.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to.¡±

    ¡°Good. I hope the police have some answers soon. Preferably an arrest, of course.¡±

    ¡°Same here, Dad. Especially¡­ why. And who could¡¯ve done this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d expect nothing less,¡± her Dad replied, a tinge of exasperation in his heavy sigh.

    Lila stared at the outline of her hands, which swam in front of her unfocused, blurry eyes. The police¡­ Should¡­ she tell her Dad that she saw Piper after her last known whereabouts?

    Her Dad stood up, drawing her attention back up to his face. He looked fatigued out of his mind ¨C as though just sitting here with Lila had sapped all the energy out of him. If she asked about going to the police, her Dad would, without a doubt, look even worse. She didn¡¯t need to stress him out like that. She¡¯d make her decision in her own time¡­

    ¡°How¡¯s work?¡± Lila asked, the sudden query surprising even herself. He blinked down at her.

    ¡°Same as usual,¡± he said, though he avoided her gaze. ¡°Hard at work finding answers.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed Mum¡¯s been going in with you a lot more lately,¡± Lila continued. She didn¡¯t know what she was hoping to achieve with this line of questioning, but now that the thought had occurred to her, she couldn¡¯t back down.

    ¡°She has been,¡± her Dad confirmed. ¡°We had a very busy financial year last year. She¡¯s had to process a lot more than usual, and now she¡¯s in almost every day to help finalise the books. We have a bit of time to do that, but it¡¯s already the first week of July.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila uttered softly. She didn¡¯t really know what any of that meant, but it sounded important. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Plus, with you kids in high school and Uni, she gets a bit bored.¡±

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t she start working again?¡±

    Her Dad shrugged. ¡°Doesn¡¯t need to. But, knowing her, she probably will once you graduate. She might be able to stick it out until Daniel graduates, but she¡¯ll be back in the workforce professionally soon, I¡¯m sure. Besides, I think she enjoys spending time with me during the day.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense, I guess,¡± Lila smiled, privately thinking that his bashful expression was precious.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with the twenty questions?¡±

    ¡°Just curious.¡±

    Her Dad gave her a piercing look, one that went straight through her soul, sending shivers down her spine. ¡°That curiosity of ours isn¡¯t always a good thing, Lila. I want to encourage you to follow your nose, but some things are better left alone.¡±

    Did¡­ her Dad know something about her activities? The look he was still giving her made her feel nervous. It almost felt like he was scanning her mind, uncovering all of the secrets and knowledge she held behind her fastened lips.

    He released the hold his eyes had on her, travelling mere centimetres from her door, when he turned around again.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t told your mother about Piper,¡± he said frankly. ¡°Specifically about why we had the meeting with the Headmaster. I only told her that there was an issue and that I¡¯d resolve it with the school.¡±

    Why was he telling her this? Lila¡¯s eyebrows twitched, but she didn¡¯t dare ask lest she be reprimanded for her curiosity again.

    ¡°That look you¡¯re giving me tells me that you want to know why I just said that,¡± her Dad surmised. ¡°It¡¯s a roundabout way of saying to not tell her. She¡¯s already frantic, worried out of her mind about you and Daniel. I think if it wasn¡¯t the first week of July, she¡¯d be glued to you both, not wanting to leave either of you unsupervised for a second. If she knew that you not only had a personal connection to Piper but that she had bullied you to that extent before turning up murdered months later, she¡¯d go into overdrive.¡±

    Lila nodded, suddenly having lost her voice. Her Dad was keeping something from her Mum. Something that she perhaps ought to know, being Lila¡¯s mother. But he¡¯d still decided to keep it a secret.

    ¡°Damn. You can tell we¡¯re related.¡± Clare¡¯s voice from ages ago, when Lila had asked Clare to go with her and Daniel to the bank, forced its way to the surface of her mind. She could hardly keep up with all the secrets her family members were keeping from each other ¨C it was becoming a sticky, tangled web.

    ¡°You understand, right?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked, resting his hand on the doorknob. He looked grave, his tired appearance becoming even more exaggerated.

    ¡°I understand, Dad. I wasn¡¯t planning on telling her anyway. I know she¡¯d fret over something she couldn¡¯t solve.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. If she happens to finish her work with the agency as she plans to tomorrow, she might end up staying home with you guys the rest of the week.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad carefully appraised her before nodding, seeming satisfied with their conversation. ¡°See you at dinner, kiddo.¡±

    ¡°See you then. Uh, thanks¡­ for checking on me.¡±

    Her Dad¡¯s face broke into a warm smile. ¡°Anytime, Lila.¡±

 Chapter Ninety-Five

    Chapter Ninety-Five

    The euphoria Lila felt from Asher¡¯s message had well and truly worn off by the time Lila awoke on Wednesday morning. He hadn¡¯t opened her last message, but she had expected that much. Only today, tomorrow, then the day after left¡­

    Yawning, she made her way downstairs, ready to demolish some cereal, and encountered her parents speaking in hushed whispers over cups of steaming coffee.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila smiled, giving another yawn.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± her Mum returned her smile, blowing on her cup before taking a sip.

    ¡°What¡¯re you guys talking about?¡± Lila asked idly, moving past them both to open the fridge and retrieve the milk.

    ¡°Just plans for the day,¡± her Dad replied with an edge to his voice that halted Lila¡¯s movements. She glanced back at him, but he was staring down at his cup as though it interested him deeply. Pursing her lips, Lila continued her morning routine. Did she dare ask? Eyeing her Dad again, she could see him pointedly looking away from her.

    ¡°Is it¡­ about how to keep me at home?¡± Lila asked after a pregnant pause. She saw her parents exchange a look before her Dad placed his cup on the counter with a sigh.

    ¡°I was just telling Mum that you¡¯re my daughter, through and through,¡± he said, though his tone wasn¡¯t exactly pleased with this revelation. ¡°You¡¯ve got things to occupy you at home, yes?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, Dad. I¡¯m not interested in going anywhere,¡± Lila responded earnestly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum tutted before sighing as well.

    ¡°I¡¯ll finish what I need to today,¡± her Mum said, her eyes flickering to Lila¡¯s Dad for a moment, ¡°then I¡¯ll stay home with you for the rest of the week.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine by myself,¡± Lila insisted. Her parents both looked at her dubiously.

    ¡°Lila, the one thing that we do not want is for you to start looking into Piper¡¯s death. This isn¡¯t child¡¯s play. I know your curiosity is growing ¨C I saw it start yesterday. Like I said, some things are better left alone. The police can handle it,¡± her Dad warned.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to,¡± Lila responded defensively. It was the truth ¨C she had other avenues of interest to explore anyway. Today, actually, once her parents left for work. Not that she was going to divulge that to them. It was lucky, in a way, that everything she needed to continue her inquiries was with her at home. It would keep her occupied, just like her parents wanted.

    Besides, it wasn¡¯t as though Piper¡¯s death was relevant to Asher¡¯s Mum. Except¡­ maybe it was relevant to Marlene. She still hadn¡¯t found anything for or against that.

    ¡°¡­ Alright,¡± her Dad acquiesced, raising his hands as if in defeat. ¡°I¡¯ll trust you for now.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Dad. Glad to know I¡¯m on thin ice.¡±

    He gave her a sharp look before shaking his head. ¡°You sure are, when you say it like that.¡±

    Lila laughed, pouring her cereal. Her parents seemed content as they finished their coffee over discussions of the weather, and the news that their interview at the show had been uploaded to the internet. Lila made a mental note to check that out later as her parents rinsed their cups and disappeared to finish getting ready to leave.

    Sitting down at the kitchen table, Lila lifted one leg onto her chair and looked through the Facebook page for Channel 10. Sure enough, she saw herself and Daniel three posts down, their faces taut with nervousness.

    ¡®Not the most flattering angle,¡¯ Lila thought, pressing ¡®Play¡¯ on the video. It proceeded as she remembered, though she cringed at the sound of her voice. It really didn¡¯t match with what she thought she sounded like.

    ¡°Ah, you found the video,¡± her Mum observed, jolting Lila.

    ¡°Sheesh, you scared me!¡±

    ¡°Sorry, dear,¡± her Mum laughed before nuzzling Lila¡¯s cheek with her nose. ¡°See you later.¡±

    ¡°Bye Mum, have a good day at work! Love you.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum smiled before departing the kitchen and walking towards the garage.

    ¡°And what about me?¡± her Dad asked, passing through the kitchen not a moment later.

    ¡°Of course you should have a good day at work, too. Love you.¡±

    ¡°Love you too, kiddo,¡± her Dad replied fondly, ruffling her hair. He also left the kitchen, and Lila turned her attention back to the video. She kept an ear out, awaiting the rumble of her Dad¡¯s car. Lila had already figured that the best time to go searching would be as soon as her parents left. It would be far less likely that either Daniel or Clare would be up at that point, so she didn¡¯t need to fear being caught by them. Although, even if she was caught by either of them, she did have some hectic blackmail at her disposal¡­

    The video ended with Daniel¡¯s attempt at the test of strength. As if on cue, she heard her parents drive away, the garage door closing with a note of finality. Lila drank the rest of her milk before rinsing her bowl and heading back upstairs to retrieve Asher¡¯s lockpicks.

    Once she descended the stairs again, Asher¡¯s lockpicks firmly within one of her pyjama pockets, Lila¡¯s confidence in opening her Dad¡¯s filing cabinets without Asher waned. How was she supposed to do this?

    She stopped in front of the study, picking at her nails. Since she was alone this time¡­ she figured she might as well video what was going on. Just in case Asher noticed something that she didn¡¯t. Plus, it might help her not feel so lonely in this endeavour.

    ¡°The time is 8.13am, on the 5<sup>th</sup> of July, 2023,¡± Lila said after pressing ¡®record¡¯ on her phone¡¯s camera. She placed her phone into her pyjama¡¯s breast pocket after ensuring that the lens was where it should be.

    ¡°I¡¯m recording this just in case. Uh. Hi, Asher from the future.¡±

    Lila winced ¨C why was she so lame?

    ¡°I¡¯m about to open the study in my house. It should be unlocked, so bear with me¡­¡±

    Lila twisted the door handle and opened the door without any resistance. It was dark in here, so she turned the light on.

    ¡°Alright, the method to my madness is¡­ looking through what¡¯s available without breaking out the lockpicks. There might be something freely available that could help.¡±

    She felt silly, talking to herself, but also a bit braver. Everything in here seemed as it usually was ¨C it still overlooked the copious amounts of banana trees Lila¡¯s Mum was cultivating in the front yard. The two desks remained much the same too, with Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s desk being buried under an avalanche of obscure paperwork, and the desk that belonged to Lila¡¯s Mum being much tidier, upon which were several accounting books, an abacus, and an older model desktop computer.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just flip through what my Dad has on his desk¡­¡±

    Lila did so, but nothing seemed relevant to the Forestglade Private Hospital. In fact, most of the papers on here, overflowing his in-tray, were invoices from and to various companies ¨C with at least one side being her Dad¡¯s PI agency. Lila wondered why they weren¡¯t sitting on her Mum¡¯s desk, but figured it may have once lived there before her Mum pushed it off in frustration. That sounded like her Mum, anyway.

    The other papers pertained to old cases ¨C dated back to 2021 or even further back. Many seemed to be about cheating husbands or wives, from the looks of these documents. Was her Dad in the middle of archiving these? Or were these cases still ongoing? It seemed unlikely that they would be though, given the age. She left them as they were for now ¨C she didn¡¯t see Ivaan or Tabitha¡¯s names in them, either way.

    She briefly looked at his computer. It was a newer model than what her Mum had, but she didn¡¯t know his password. All the kids were able to use the computers in here, but under the ¡®Family¡¯ login. She narrated as such to the empty room before moving on to his unlocked desk drawers.

    Rifling through the first, Lila only spied reference material, like what she¡¯d found regarding open-source searches from a while ago. There wasn¡¯t anything in here that interested Lila today ¨C except, perhaps, a document outlining a method to organise one¡¯s theories about a matter. That was interesting.

    She showed the camera and read through it aloud so she could put it back before moving on to the next drawer. This was full of stationery ¨C bull clips, empty cardboard folders and appropriate tube clips, plastic sleeves, pens, sticky note pads, and other assorted items. Closing this one and opening the last, Lila saw that this contained several folders labelled with various reference numbers, hanging in suspension files. These also looked old. She glanced over at the papers on his desk. At least some, if not all, file reference numbers matched with the documents she¡¯d just looked at.

    ¡®Shouldn¡¯t these really be locked away?¡¯ Lila thought, closing this one with a dejected sigh. Then, she realised why they were all from around the same time period. These would¡¯ve been generated around the time of COVID lockdown orders. He probably just hadn¡¯t brought them back into his PI office since the cases were completed whilst the world had shut down.

    She posited this theory aloud, to keep a record of it, before spinning around.

    Behind her were three imposing-looking filing cabinets ¨C all of them locked. She knew them to be so from her past frolicking in his office while he was away.

    ¡°Guess¡­ it¡¯s show time,¡± Lila muttered nervously. With a quivering hand, she pulled out the lockpicking set. How many times had Asher practiced without her? A whole bunch? None at all? Now that the camera was rolling on her investigative actions, she felt like she really should¡¯ve practiced before coming in here.

    ¡°Sorry. Haven¡¯t practiced. This might be really frustrating to watch for a pro like you.¡±

    Opening the kit, Lila looked down at it. What were the tools he mainly used, again? For some reason, all she could remember was the shape of his hands and the deftness of his fingers as he worked.

    ¡®Pull yourself together,¡¯ she reprimanded herself desperately. Now wasn¡¯t the time to lose her head.

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    She selected a pick and the tension wrench ¨C or, at least, what she thought was the tension wrench. It looked the most different out of all the others, anyway ¨C so it must be important.

    Now that she held them, she wasn¡¯t exactly sure what to do with them.

    ¡®This is¡­ so embarrassing,¡¯ she thought to herself before inserting the tools into the first filing cabinet. Her hands were clumsy, the feeling entirely foreign to her. How was she supposed to know when and where she was supposed to move these instruments?

    She tried to remember when she had opened Marlene¡¯s computer room. What did she do? She¡¯d¡­ waggled it, but Asher had described it more as a jiggle.

    Frowning, Lila continued her attempt at unlocking the filing cabinet. It didn¡¯t give. She really should¡¯ve practiced.

    ¡°I¡¯m so terrible. Sorry. Uh, skip ahead, I guess,¡± Lila said awkwardly as she flexed her fingers. She couldn¡¯t give up, even though it was very tempting. They had no hint as to why her Dad was hired by Asher¡¯s Dad. For all they knew, it was incredibly pertinent to Tabitha. For all they knew, the secret behind her disappearance was hidden within these filing cabinets. At the very least¡­ maybe she¡¯d figure out why that folder from the farmhouse was so important ¨C and its relevance, if any, to the mysteries falling before her feet.

    With renewed determination, she rolled her shoulders. She¡¯d get in. She had to. She was the only one who could do this. She couldn¡¯t rely on Asher, even if he was in the country. It was too risky for him to try.

    This time, her struggle to get it open didn¡¯t bother her. It was like her new perspective had turned it from an obstacle she couldn¡¯t overcome to a puzzle within her means to crack.

    And, after ten minutes, it opened.

    This filing cabinet was filled to the brim with various folders labelled with reference numbers and names, like the ones in the suspension files.

    ¡°Oh God, I don¡¯t even know where to start,¡± Lila muttered, bringing a hand to her forehead. She had no idea how the reference numbers worked ¨C were these organised by year? Names transposed into numbers? Were they random?

    The best she could do at the moment was look through the names that she could see. With a resigned sigh, she set about flicking through the folders.

    After about ten more minutes of mind-numbing searching, Lila was satisfied that there was nothing in here that was relevant to Ivaan. In fact, it looked like the documentation that she was searching through was somewhat alphabetised. Her Dad was nothing if not organised¡­

    ¡°Looks like the last folders have the last name starting with ¡®G¡¯,¡± Lila observed, closing this filing cabinet. She paused.

    ¡°Should¡­ probably take Marlene¡¯s advice and lock it,¡± Lila added begrudgingly. ¡°But¡­ how?¡±

    She narrowed her eyes and began tapping her fingers along the top of the filing cabinet, the rhythm churning her thoughts in her mind. Keys¡­ turned one way to unlock. So¡­ in theory, turning the other way should lock it, right?

    Lila inserted the tension wrench and the pick into the lock, rotating in the opposite direction. It took a few minutes of concentration, but, with a click, Lila was sure it had worked. She removed the tools and wiggled the cabinet, trying to open the drawers. It seemed locked ¨C or, at least, locked enough that her Dad shouldn¡¯t notice the difference.

    A small smile grew on her face as she moved on to the next cabinet. Opening it took far less time than the previous and she pulled out the top drawer with a metallic jangle, peering at the folders here. None of these stood out, either.

    ¡°Looks like the last folders are for the letter ¡®O¡¯,¡± Lila noted, closing the bottom drawer with a sigh. Surely¡­ if there was something in here, it¡¯d be in the last cabinet. She locked this one, too, before turning her attention to the final one. Her heart began to pound loudly in her chest, the anticipation building within. Just what was her Dad investigating for Asher¡¯s Dad?

    This lock gave her more trouble than the others. For a moment, she thought that perhaps it was broken. But, just as she was contemplating this, the lock gave a satisfying click.

    ¡°Hope¡­ you¡¯re ready,¡± Lila whispered, more for herself than for the benefit of the recording. She skimmed the folders in this cabinet, which was more sparse than the other two. If her guess was right, Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s matter, if it was here, would be at ¡®W¡¯.

    Her hand rested on the tab for ¡®W¡¯. What if she was wrong? Or, if she was right, what if there was nothing? Then¡­ all her efforts would be for nought, and she¡¯d have to explain that to Asher. The frustration at constantly remaining at square one for the biggest, most important mystery that had been served upon them ¨C it had been eating away at her. Why couldn¡¯t they find anything about his Mum?

    ¡®Concentrate, Lila,¡¯ she reminded herself, taking a deep breath. ¡®Otherwise, you won¡¯t find anything.¡¯

    ¡°W¡­ Looks like WADE comes first,¡± Lila narrated in a quiet voice, pushing aside the WADE file with her index finger. She froze.

    WAGNER.

    But¡­ there were two Wagner files. Which one was the right one? Or were both of them wrong?

    She pulled out the first one. WAGNER ¨C CMS 2122046. There was an A4 sheet of paper stuck to the front of this one with general details listed.

    ¡°Wagner, Helen. Missing husband¡­ suspected infidelity¡­ services requested May 2022,¡± Lila read aloud. She slipped this file back where it had been sitting and picked up the next one. WAGNER ¨C CMS 2223007.

    She almost didn¡¯t want to read it. They were so close to answers, but now that they were in the palm of her hands, she was overrun with anxiety. What would she do with the answers? What should she do while Asher wasn¡¯t here? It didn¡¯t feel right to go full steam ahead without him.

    She inhaled deeply, engaging her breathing exercises to prevent hyperventilating. Freaking out wasn¡¯t helpful. Looking at the damn thing would be, though.

    ¡°W-Wagner, Ivaan. On behalf of Forestglade Private Hospital¡­ trace suspected misuse of funds¡­ trace missing analgesics¡­ services requested August 2022.¡±

    Hold on¡­ August last year? Asher¡¯s Mum was certainly still around in August last year. So¡­ the investigation her Dad was working on was entirely irrelevant.

    ¡°Sorry, Asher, but¡­ it doesn¡¯t look related to your Mum at all,¡± Lila sighed, her voice heavy with disappointment. She almost put it back before stopping herself.

    ¡°¡­ But it might be related to the folder from the farmhouse.¡±

    She hoped the file would be a treasure trove of information ¨C maybe even containing the same information she had upstairs. But, when she opened it, she found only two documents. The first was a list of corporate roles, with a small description of their functions. There weren¡¯t any names that she could see, but the first role was CEO.

    ¡°Chief executive officer¡­ oversees the operations of the entire facility. Involves planning, staffing, budgeting and creating and implementing policies¡­¡±

    Lila took her phone out of her breast pocket, opening her camera. The video was still rolling, so she slowly moved it down the page and through the rest of the document. She placed it back into her pocket before picking up the second one.

    It was a fact sheet for¡­ analgesic opioids.

    ¡°According to this, analgesics are medications that relieve pain,¡± Lila said after a moment. ¡°Though, you probably already knew that.¡±

    It listed several examples with short explanations of each ¨C codeine, fentanyl, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone. She saw several markings surrounding the explanations, but these seemed to be for her Dad¡¯s thinking process, rather than proper notes. She couldn¡¯t glean anything from them, anyway, though she did notice that codeine was crossed out, whereas both fentanyl and morphine were highlighted in yellow.

    She again took her phone out and filmed these pages at a decently slow pace before placing it back into her pocket.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing else¡­ so I¡¯ll put it back and double check the ¡®W¡¯ section,¡± Lila stated, doing just that. No other WAGNER files were lurking in this filing cabinet. She reluctantly closed and locked it before lowering herself into her Dad¡¯s desk chair. So, her Dad was investigating two things ¨C the misuse of hospital funds, and missing analgesics. It also seemed like her Dad was narrowing down what specific analgesics, or at least figuring out what the missing ones did.

    The recesses of her mind stirred as she continued to mull it over. Those types of allegations seemed to be more relevant to hospital staff. It would be hard for a patient to commit money fraud, though stealing analgesics might be possible¡­ however, if a patient was stealing from the hospital, it would probably be pretty easy to trace ¨C especially if they were still a patient. It wasn¡¯t as though they could go far.

    But wouldn¡¯t a hospital go through those kinds of medications quite quickly? A few missing here and there would probably be a write-off in most cases ¨C that they had been given to patients and not recorded properly, or they were duds, or something similar. So¡­ it would need to be significant enough to become a concern requiring a PI¡­ What would that threshold even be?

    Lila sighed again. She didn¡¯t feel smart enough for this. Asher would be. He might even have insider information as to the operations of the hospital and know what the threshold would be. Thinking on it, though, perhaps the question of missing analgesics was a side note and the main concern was missing hospital funds. An avenue provided to her Dad as a ¡®while you¡¯re already investigating something¡¯ kind of task¡­ or vice versa.

    She pensively folded her arms across her chest, which caused her phone to pop out of her breast pocket and land squarely on her thighs.

    ¡°Shit, sorry,¡± Lila said hurriedly, picking it back up. It had managed to turn off the video, which was fine given her phone felt like it was on fire. She checked the time ¨C it was almost 9am. Clare and Daniel might wake up soon for breakfast.

    She cast a quick glance around the office, trying to see if there was something else she could look at. She pulled the built-in closet door aside ¨C but it was entirely empty. So, with nothing else to do or poke at, she tiptoed out of the office.

    Lila softly closed the door behind her, straining her ears to try and hear whether her siblings were up and about. She heard nothing so continued on nonchalantly.

    ¡°Oh, morning,¡± Clare¡¯s voice stopped Lila in her tracks entirely. Lila slowly turned to the direction of the voice, her breathing halting. Clare was in the kitchen, a bowl of cereal in front of her.

    ¡°H-Hey, Clare,¡± Lila stammered, stepping backwards. Clare tilted her head in confusion.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with these weird ass vibes you¡¯re giving me?¡± she queried.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Lila insisted with another stutter. ¡°Just¡­ tired.¡±

    ¡°You look it. Have you had breakfast yet? Did you want me to fix you something?¡±

    Lila shook her head emphatically. ¡°I had breakfast a little while ago, when Mum and Dad were still at home.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I didn¡¯t see you in the living room ¨C were you lurking somewhere else down here?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­ I was just checking on my shoes. By the front door.¡±

    ¡°Checking on them?¡± Clare raised an eyebrow at Lila. ¡°What, in case they walked off?¡±

    ¡°No. I was just¡­ thinking about getting new shoes.¡±

    ¡°If you do, they¡¯ve gotta be online only for a couple days, at least,¡± Clare replied sternly. ¡°You have to stay at home, remember?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I remember.¡±

    ¡°Are you gonna hang around downstairs or go back to your room?¡± Clare asked, spooning some cereal into her mouth with a loud slurp.

    ¡°Uh, I was gonna go back to my room,¡± Lila responded robotically. Clare continued to look at her suspiciously before nodding.

    ¡°Alright. If you want to talk, about Piper or anything else, I¡¯m here.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Clare.¡±

    Lila turned on her heel and tried to look casual as she walked towards the stairs. She wasn¡¯t sure that she managed it, but Clare didn¡¯t call her back for more grilling.

    Lila closed herself in her room with a relieved exhale. That¡­ could¡¯ve gone worse. She was glad that Clare was still practicing her reduced nosiness ¨C Lila wasn¡¯t confident that she¡¯d come up with a convincing enough lie about why she needed to use the office. After all, she had her own laptop that she could use rather than the shared computer.

    She gradually sat down in her desk chair, eyeing her pile of textbooks. What did it all mean? Now that Lila knew that her Dad¡¯s investigation for Ivaan wasn¡¯t related to Tabitha, a new question emerged. Did her Dad not know anything about Tabitha¡¯s disappearance after all?

    There were so many threads in Lila¡¯s mind ¨C she needed to organise them somehow.

    Lila tapped the edge of her laptop as it booted up. She¡¯d make a new document, listing everything and see what she could figure out.

    But where to begin?

    She gently teased the folder out from under her textbooks. Forestglade Private Hospital blueprints, list of employee names at the corporate level, and some money orders. Then, her Dad had a list of roles at the corporate level explaining their functions, and a document listing out analgesic drugs. He was investigating missing funds and missing medications¡­ did all of these documents tie in together?

    Lila spent some time writing down these points and her discoveries before the beginning stages of a throbbing headache interrupted her. She really wasn¡¯t cut out for this on her own. Especially when it related to Asher¡¯s Dad¡¯s hospital. She could theorise why her Dad had those particular documents ¨C that the roles, from what she could see, had specific abilities and those abilities might help in committing fraud or stealing medications, and to know what the medications did and perhaps understand why they were taken. She could also theorise that most of the documentation surrounding his investigation was either on his case management system, hence CMS, or otherwise kept on his person.

    But beyond that, she was at a loss. Perhaps the next thing she could try and figure out was why the folder and the photos had ended up in her belongings. Clearly, Marlene wanted her to have them. But why? What was Marlene trying to tell her? If it had been Lila, she would have destroyed the photos at the very least ¨C they¡¯d taken so many, of almost every inch of Marlene¡¯s personal living space.

    So¡­ why find them again and give them to Lila? Plus, Marlene must have known enough about the folder to also know to give it to Lila¡­ out of everything else in Asher¡¯s drawer, amongst his school belongings. Had Marlene been the one to place the folder inside the abandoned farmhouse after all? Was that why she¡¯d taken the photos of the farmhouse out of their stack? To lure them there? Why?

    Lila clutched her forehead as a searing sting of pain shot through her. The headache was coming in full force now. It¡¯d¡­ be better to pack everything away for now. Before someone else came in here to ask her why she looked so miserable again.

 Chapter Ninety-Six

    Chapter Ninety-Six

    Lila decided not to touch her findings until Asher returned. While she would have been excited to bring some answers to him on Saturday, she was finding it difficult to work through the pieces of information she had in any tangible way.

    ¡®Besides,¡¯ she thought as she sat beside her Mum on Thursday morning, sharing a packet of sunflower seeds whilst watching a new Filipino drama, ¡®I think I should enjoy my holidays with my Mum¡­¡¯

    Truthfully, the more that Lila thought about Tabitha¡¯s disappearance and how it affected Asher, right down to the night terrors, Lila¡¯s appreciation that both of her parents were still with her grew. Experiencing the little moments with her family, even if her Mum was pressed up against her as though Lila herself was the couch, filled Lila¡¯s heart with warmth.

    It would be a lie to say that Piper¡¯s death didn¡¯t solidify Lila¡¯s feelings in this regard. All of these experiences, memories and feelings ¨C these were things that Piper would never get to have again. There would be nothing new for her.

    Lila grew quiet as she chewed on a sunflower seed, looking down at her lap and trying not to let tears form in her eyes. Her Mum glanced at her before lowering the volume on the TV.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Anak?¡±

    Lila sighed, avoiding her Mum¡¯s eyes. ¡°Nothing, Nay.¡±

    ¡°Ah, Lila, you hardly ever call me Nay,¡± her Mum said fondly, scooting even closer and pulling Lila into her chest. ¡°Something¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ¡®cause you called me Anak, Nay,¡± Lila mumbled. She felt her Mum smooth her hair and she leant into her. She never really spent many moments like this with her Mum growing up. It was hard, given she was the middle child, to get any attention from her parents. Probably why she usually kept her head down and did her own thing¡­ though, of course, if her parents knew what she¡¯d been up to this year, they¡¯d most likely flip regardless.

    ¡°Is it about that girl? Was she a friend of yours?¡±

    Lila shook her head. Her Dad¡¯s warning, to not tell her Mum any details about her connection to Piper, rang in her mind. She bit her lip as if it would prevent her from spilling the beans.

    ¡°It was an awful way to die,¡± her Mum whispered, squeezing her shoulders now. ¡°I feel so sorry for her parents.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°Lila, please stay safe,¡± her Mum¡¯s voice was incredibly serious, and Lila looked up into her Mum¡¯s eyes. They were a darker brown than Lila¡¯s, homely, warm and also filled with a wariness Lila hadn¡¯t seen from her Mum in a long time.

    ¡°I will, Mum.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Her Mum didn¡¯t let go of her grasp on Lila, instead preferring to hold her even closer. ¡°When is Asher getting back?¡±

    ¡°Saturday morning. Why?¡±

    Her Mum paused for a moment before sighing. ¡°Because I feel like you will want to see him.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. I want to.¡±

    Another sigh. ¡°As long as you stay inside his house, you can go see him,¡± her Mum relented. Lila sat up, their eyes meeting again.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Lila. If you¡¯re with a boy, you¡¯ll be less likely to be attacked.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess so. Thanks, Mum.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m scared that you¡¯re growing up, Lila,¡± her Mum said quietly, turning her eyes towards the TV screen. ¡°You probably want to date, and do all sorts of things that teenagers do. But¡­ I think it¡¯d be better if you waited.¡±

    ¡°Waited?¡±

    Her Mum pursed her lips before giving another sigh. ¡°Waited to do those things.¡±

    ¡°Until?¡±

    Her Mum shrugged. ¡°Until you¡¯re 30.¡±

    Lila began to pick at her nails before hearing her Mum continue.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s unrealistic. And¡­ I do think Asher is a good boy. But¡­ your Mum is worried that he¡¯ll use you for sex and break your heart.¡±

    That¡­ was entirely unexpected. Lila stared at her Mum, who returned her stare with a soft gaze of her own.

    ¡°A mother¡¯s fear, I¡¯m sure. Every time I see you come home, looking upset after visiting Asher, I just want to ban him altogether,¡± her Mum said gently.

    A trickle of panic started to make its way down Lila¡¯s spine as she kept looking at her Mum. She definitely didn¡¯t want to be banned from Asher.

    ¡°But¡­ I want you to be independent. That means¡­ not making decisions like that for you. It means¡­ watching you make mistakes.¡±

    Her Mum thought Lila being with Asher was a mistake?

    ¡°So, I¡¯ve decided I¡¯ll stop worrying about you and him,¡± her Mum frowned, as though disbelieving what she was saying.

    ¡°That looks like a lie,¡± Lila said pointedly.

    ¡°It¡¯s not a lie,¡± her Mum insisted. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ hard.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Oh, Lila,¡± her Mum brushed aside a couple strands of Lila¡¯s hair behind her ear. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not as great as it seems. You should do it with someone you can trust. And I¡¯m not convinced you can trust someone who changes your emotions so quickly.¡±

    Lila blinked in astonishment.

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re not even going to say I should be married first?¡±

    Her Mum gave her a hard look. ¡°Ideally, yes. If I had it my way, yes. But neither of those things are reality. I already know you¡¯re on the Pill.¡±

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid. I know what that medication is, and what it¡¯s for,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum gestured to the packet poking out of the top of Lila¡¯s breast pocket.

    Lila fell silent, feeling rather uncomfortable and awkward now. It seemed futile to state that she was on the Pill for period management, as Clare had said would be the official reason if their Mum asked. Besides, she was still reeling from her conversation with her Mum. She¡¯d never expected this perspective. Her Mum was, as far as Lila¡¯s impression had been, a devout Catholic Filipina lady. She was completely sure that her Mum would insist that she¡¯d need to be married before having sex, or wait until she was far older¡­ Had her impression of her Mum been wrong all these years?

    ¡°I¡­ I have a question, Mum,¡± Lila uttered quietly, moving slightly away and looking at her knees. ¡°Um¡­ if¡­ if I did get p-pregnant, during school¡­ what would you do?¡±

    It was her Mum¡¯s turn to look astonished. ¡°You¡¯re not, are you?¡±

    ¡°No. I still haven¡¯t done anything near that in the slightest. Promise.¡±

    Her Mum muted the TV, her expression thoughtful. ¡°It¡¯s up to you, what you want to do. If you wanted to keep it, I would support you as best as I can. If you didn¡¯t want to keep it, we would see the options ¨C adoption, or whatever else. If we needed to go to a doctor for an abortion, I¡¯d take you.¡±

    ¡°Even if that means¡­ going against¡­¡±

    ¡°Religion? Culture?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah¡­¡±

    Her Mum clasped Lila¡¯s right hand within both of hers. ¡°Once upon a time, I would have said that you must be married before having sex and that you must keep any children that you¡¯re blessed with. That¡­ was before I realised why people do the things they do.¡±

    That sounded awfully vague. Lila didn¡¯t respond, instead keeping her eyes on her Mum¡¯s.

    ¡°When I was a na?ve little girl in the Philippines, living how my parents taught me, I mean. But I grew up. Faster than I would have liked. That¡¯s all.¡±

    The way her Mum¡¯s voice strained at the end ¨C it¡­ sounded like there was far more to it. Lila contemplated probing further, however, before she could reach a decision, her Mum unmuted the TV and turned up the volume.

    ¡°Besides, if I keep saying no, you¡¯ll be like Clare and run and do it anyway,¡± her Mum chuckled.

    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.

    ¡°¡­ Probably,¡± Lila replied sheepishly. Her Mum patted her knee, turning her attention to the show playing before them.

    The rest of the day passed with Lila and her Mum keeping each other company in the living room. Occasionally, Daniel and Clare joined them at varying intervals before disappearing back up into their rooms. Eventually, as dinner approached, her Mum stood up.

    ¡°I have to start cooking,¡± she announced, looking down at Lila. ¡°I was thinking fried rice.¡±

    ¡°That sounds yum, thanks.¡±

    Her Mum gave her a small smile before heading off to the kitchen. Lila watched her go for a moment before hurriedly following behind.

    ¡°Oh?¡± her Mum sounded surprised after glancing behind her at Lila. ¡°Here to help?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°I¡­ also wanted to learn.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve made fried rice before, and you¡¯ve helped me a couple of times.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­ but¡­ you make it so well. A-And¡­ I want to learn properly.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum paused for a moment before her face split into a brilliant beam. ¡°Let me teach you.¡±

    Cooking with her Mum was something that Lila had done in the past, as part of her chores. This time felt different, though. Perhaps it was because Lila had volunteered her services, or because she actually wanted to learn, or because she wanted to spend some more time with her Mum. All scenarios sounded likely.

    Surprisingly, the atmosphere whilst they cooked together was rather relaxed. Lila¡¯s previous memories of helping her Mum in the kitchen involved being yelled at, being run out, or feeling incredibly frustrated. But this¡­ this was nice.

    Lila was designated the chopper for bits of chicken and vegetables, whilst her Mum set about heating up leftover rice, making scrambled eggs and otherwise assembling various spices and sauces.

    At one point, Lila arranged the vegetables on the cutting board to look like her Dad, complete with oval-shaped glasses made of many shallowly cut shallots, which made her Mum laugh so hard she almost tipped over the reheated rice onto the floor.

    Learning the recipe ¨C in particular, the ratio of spices, meat and vegetables to rice ¨C was also less painful than Lila had imagined. Maybe one day she¡¯d ask about tocino. She wanted to try her hand at making some for Asher since he¡¯d enjoyed it so much. Plus, it was only fair after he¡¯d made the adobo chicken. If she made enough, she¡¯d offer some to Gabriel too¡­

    ¡°Lila, stir, stir,¡± her Mum urged, gesturing at the wok. Lila came back to her senses and heeded her Mum¡¯s instructions. She¡¯d forgotten that they¡¯d changed tasks now so that Lila was the one at the wok most of the time.

    ¡°And¡­ we¡¯re done,¡± her Mum declared, grinning at Lila. ¡°Good job.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Mum. Thanks for teaching me.¡±

    Her Mum seemed bashful as she waved Lila off, exiting the kitchen and calling down the rest of the family for dinner.

    Friday passed in much the same way ¨C with Lila and her Mum sitting together, watching TV. That was until Clare flopped onto the couch just after lunch with a long-suffering exhale.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, glancing at Clare over her phone game.

    ¡°Nothin¡¯,¡± Clare replied with yet another long-suffering sigh. Her eyes met Lila¡¯s and she raised an eyebrow coupled with a knowing expression. If that wasn¡¯t an invitation to talk about it later, Lila didn¡¯t know what was.

    Their Mum gave them both a disapproving look. ¡°You two girls are just making me sad,¡± she said through pursed lips.

    ¡°Sorry, Mum,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°Sorry, Mum,¡± Clare repeated, also in a murmur.

    ¡°Well, now you both look even more sad,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum huffed, sitting up straight. ¡°Right, that¡¯s it.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡± Clare asked warily, sharing a look with Lila.

    ¡°Get up, come on,¡± her Mum insisted, gesturing. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Go where?¡± inquired Lila.

    ¡°Let¡¯s paint our nails,¡± her Mum said shortly. ¡°Come, come.¡±

    Groaning, both Clare and Lila stretched almost identically before following their Mum. Lila shuffled her feet somewhat unenthusiastically. She wasn¡¯t exactly in the mood to paint her nails.

    But as her Mum gleefully pulled out her nail polish collection in the spare room, choosing colours and placing them against Lila¡¯s hand, she slowly warmed up to the idea.

    ¡°But Mum, I get my nails done professionally,¡± Clare complained, though she still dug through the containers of polish, inspecting each one.

    ¡°I can see you don¡¯t get your toenails done,¡± her Mum retorted, passing a deep maroon to Clare. ¡°They¡¯re crying out to be painted.¡±

    ¡°They just chip so easily,¡± Clare replied, her eyes intentionally flickering to Lila¡¯s. Lila suppressed the grin threatening to spread across her face, and instead picked up two shades of pink, evaluating both.

    ¡°What are you even doing that chips your toenails like that? It¡¯s those ridiculous heels you have, isn¡¯t it?¡± their Mum questioned, picking up a navy colour. ¡°You need to stop wearing those. They¡¯ll ruin your ankles.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine, Mum,¡± Clare said gently. ¡°I¡¯m young.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s exactly because you¡¯re young that you should stop. You haven¡¯t stopped growing, you know.¡±

    ¡°Stop fretting,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°I think this colour matches my nails. What do you reckon, Lila?¡±

    They spent the rest of the afternoon painting their nails and watching a romantic comedy, with Lila choosing a deep plum colour for her nails and toenails. Her Mum insisted she put a coat of sparkly silver glitter over them, which she did. It ended up looking better than she¡¯d thought. Her Mum went with the navy, and Clare had put a coat of blush pink on her toenails.

    They ended up talking about a few things, including lamenting the start of their respective new schooling periods and giggling over their ratings of the attractiveness of the male actors in the movie.

    Eventually, the conversation turned to Clare and her love life after their Mum asked when Clare would be bringing a boy home.

    ¡°Never, Mum,¡± Clare replied idly, shaking her head whilst fanning her toenails.

    ¡°Are you planning on being alone for the rest of your life?¡± their Mum queried, blowing on her fingernails.

    ¡°Jesus, Mum, that¡¯s rude,¡± Clare responded, her expression affronted.

    ¡°I¡¯m just asking,¡± her Mum replied, her expression innocently curious. ¡°Man, woman, I don¡¯t care. I just want to see you married and have kids.¡±

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Clare pretended to throw up dramatically. ¡°Not anytime soon.¡±

    Her Mum pouted. ¡°You¡¯re going to leave it up to Lila and Daniel?¡±

    ¡°Mum, if you want little kids running around, you should have more,¡± Clare said stiffly.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± their Mum¡¯s eyes twinkled mischievously. ¡°Don¡¯t blame me if I do.¡±

    ¡°Yikes,¡± Lila piped up, laughing. Clare and Lila¡¯s Mum joined in on her laughter, and their conversation instead morphed into a critical assessment of the main lead¡¯s failings in the love department.

    Both Lila and Clare helped their Mum prepare dinner, which consisted of salmon, rice and avocado topped with Kewpie mayonnaise and teriyaki sauce. Lila again asked her Mum for more details regarding the recipe, though this one wasn¡¯t quite so complicated. She did try and commit her Mum¡¯s tips for crispy salmon skin to memory, though.

    Once dinner was over and their bellies were full, Lila and Clare trudged up the stairs. It seemed like Daniel was content with spending time with their parents, finally ¨C or he hadn¡¯t realised dinner was over as he remained behind.

    To Lila¡¯s surprise, though, Clare followed her into her room.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, sitting heavily on her bed. Clare sat down on Lila¡¯s desk chair, her expression rather serious.

    ¡°Mum said Asher¡¯s coming back tomorrow. Do you need a lift or something to see him?¡±

    Lila blinked. ¡°Probably, why?¡±

    ¡°I need an excuse.¡±

    ¡°An excuse?¡±

    ¡°To escape plans with Alex.¡±

    Lila gave her a bemused look. ¡°Uh¡­ why?¡±

    Clare sighed. ¡°He¡¯s started to get real clingy. Wants to see me all the time, but I just need a break. This was meant to be casual.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s stopping you from getting serious?¡±

    Clare ran her fingers through her hair. ¡°I guess¡­ I¡¯m just not ready for anything like that. I like having fun.¡±

    ¡°You could say no,¡± Lila replied sensibly.

    ¡°I could¡­ but¡­ I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°That makes no sense.¡±

    ¡°I know. It annoys me.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you might like him a bit more than casually.¡±

    Clare spun around in Lila¡¯s chair once, making a noise of discontent. ¡°But¡­ he¡¯s from the club. I can¡¯t bring him around.¡±

    ¡°Did Mum¡¯s question get to you?¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°Maybe a little.¡±

    ¡°I mean, he can wear long sleeves and take his piercings out,¡± Lila reasoned. ¡°He¡¯d look more respectable that way.¡±

    Clare was silent for a moment before she began messing up her hair in frustration. ¡°I know, I know. But¡­ he¡¯s¡­ from the club. He¡¯d tell Mum I work with him. Our parents don¡¯t know that I¡¯m working, period.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to bring him over, either. If you want to keep it casual, or end it because he¡¯s being too clingy, that¡¯s up to you.¡±

    Clare bit her lower lip, her eyes clearly troubled. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know what I want.¡±

    ¡°You came in here saying he was too clingy, and you wanted to keep it casual,¡± Lila reminded Clare, though not unkindly. ¡°Obviously there¡¯s something holding you back.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ it¡¯s the fact that I work at the club as a dancer. I mean¡­ no guy wants someone who earns their money flaunting their body for men,¡± Clare said in a small voice. ¡°I¡¯m tainted. Not suitable for anything serious. I mean¡­ there¡¯s the problem of me bringing him home, but¡­ he can¡¯t bring me home, either.¡±

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila uttered, sitting up straight. ¡°That¡¯s not true. I mean, you may be tainted in my eyes, but that¡¯s just ¡®cause you¡¯re my older sister. He already knows you work at the club, and if he still wants to date you, obviously it¡¯s not stopping him. Has he said that he wants you to stop working there?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    ¡°What do you want? Never mind what he or anyone else thinks.¡±

    Clare paused before hanging her head. ¡°I hadn¡¯t got that far.¡±

    Lila nodded, remaining quiet for a few moments before smirking at Clare again. ¡°It¡¯s interesting, that it seems like you¡¯re looking for advice from me. It¡¯s not like I¡¯ve got anything good to say, what with my history.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve got a better head on your shoulders than Daniel, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Clare responded derisively. ¡°Even if you haven¡¯t had experience, just talking about it can help me enough.¡±

    Lila recalled her conversation with Elise ¨C that Elise had felt better after simply talking to Lila about her issues. Perhaps that was what Clare was looking for.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you have other friends who could give you better advice?¡± Lila questioned.

    ¡°¡­ Not really. I haven¡¯t told any of the girls at the club that I¡¯ve been seeing Alex, since it wasn¡¯t serious, and my Uni friends don¡¯t know I¡¯m working at the club either. So¡­ while I could tell them my predicament about being casual with someone, it¡¯s not like they could understand the nuances to it all.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Clare sighed again, rubbing her forehead. ¡°Looks like¡­ I need to think on it some more. But I¡¯ll try and get some distance first. That might help me figure it out.¡±

    ¡°Well, you told me that some distance with Asher might be good. Perhaps you should take your own advice.¡±

    Clare pursed her lips, seeming unhappy with Lila pointing that out. ¡°I did say that, but I didn¡¯t say that for me, you know.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°I know, but you¡¯re the one who has the best advice out of all of us.¡±

    ¡°Eh, don¡¯t sell yourself short,¡± Clare said, standing up. ¡°My advice includes hiding tattoos and secretly working at a club, remember?¡±

    ¡°I mean, knowing our parents, keeping both a secret is good advice,¡± Lila grinned. Clare rolled her eyes playfully before moving to the door.

    ¡°Like I said, I¡¯ll cancel with Alex tomorrow. Let me know what your plans are.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t have any right now, and he doesn¡¯t have reception in Vanuatu¡­ so I¡¯ll only know in the morning. Is that too short notice?¡±

    Clare furrowed her brow. ¡°No reception in Vanuatu? That¡¯s¡­ odd.¡±

    ¡°Odd?¡±

    ¡°Well, some of my friends have gone over there and they could contact me just fine. Sent me photos and called and everything.¡±

    ¡°¡­ That¡­ is odd¡­¡± Lila furrowed her own brow. What did it mean? Marlene had told Asher that there wouldn¡¯t be reception in Vanuatu¡­ but why?

    ¡°Anyway, since I don¡¯t have work tonight and I won¡¯t have plans in about five minutes, you can let me know in the morning. That¡¯s fine,¡± Clare smiled. Then, her face turned sombre. ¡°Remember, Lila, you shouldn¡¯t jump his bones without a condom for at least a month after starting the Pill.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to,¡± Lila replied, throwing a cushion at Clare, who punched it right back at Lila. ¡°Get out.¡±

    Clare poked her tongue out at Lila before cheekily grinning. ¡°Just trying to give you some of that good advice that you reckon I have.¡±

    ¡°Well, thanks,¡± Lila responded sarcastically. Clare snorted before departing.

    ¡®Of course she just had to throw that in there,¡¯ Lila thought to herself with a shake of her head. Lila checked the time on her phone. If she went to bed now¡­ then¡­ Asher would be back sooner.

    If she could go to bed now. Her excitement about his return was building in the form of a crescendo in her chest and flittering in her stomach. Perhaps some light reading would take the edge off¡­

 Chapter Ninety-Seven

    Chapter Ninety-Seven

    Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered open. Her room was bathed in darkness, the distant sound of cawing birds the only indication that morning was on the horizon.

    With a groan, Lila turned, pulling her blanket with her for comfort. If the sun wasn¡¯t up, she didn¡¯t need to be either.

    Except¡­

    Lila jolted upright ¨C Asher was coming back. She scrambled to grab her phone ¨C had he messaged her yet?

    It was 6.02am. He had sent a message, a couple hours ago ¨C

    Hope I don¡¯t wake you. We¡¯re boarding now ¨C will be back in Aus at 7.15am.

    Lila immediately flew into action ¨C stumbling to grab clothes and throw herself into the shower. She emerged in record time, knocking loudly on Clare¡¯s door before hurrying in.

    ¡°Clare, Clare, can you take me to Asher¡¯s?¡± Lila shook a sleeping Clare by the shoulders.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡± Clare mumbled, frowning deeply. Her hair was a complete fuzzy mess as she sat up. ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Asher¡¯s coming back at 7.15,¡± Lila said urgently. ¡°Can you take me?¡±

    Clare blinked before rubbing her eyes and stretching. ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°6.30.¡±

    ¡°Girl, are you sure you need to go this early?¡± Clare sighed. Her eyes lingered on Lila¡¯s face before she threw her hands into the air. ¡°Alright, alright. I¡¯m up. Let me just wash my face.¡±

    Lila bustled back into her room, packing all manner of things into her bag ¨C the photos and folder being packed first. Clare gently knocked on Lila¡¯s door a couple of minutes later, popping her head in.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Clare asked, glancing around Lila¡¯s room.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    They jumped into Clare¡¯s car with Clare yawning several times. Lila felt wide awake, her mind alive with anticipation. Did Asher have a good trip? Did he bond with his Dad? Had¡­ he actually missed her?

    ¡°Jesus, Lila, it¡¯s freezing,¡± Clare grumbled, blasting the heater. Lila murmured her agreement before sending a message to Asher ¨C

    On my way to yours

    ¡°Got time for Maccas?¡± Clare asked, rolling out of the driveway.

    ¡°I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Lila replied, glancing out the window. ¡°But by all means, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯ll go after I drop you off, then. No fun just getting something for me when someone else is in the car.¡±

    ¡°Up to you.¡±

    Lila began biting her fingernails, her nerves twisting her stomach uncomfortably. It wasn¡¯t necessarily that she wasn¡¯t hungry ¨C but she definitely couldn¡¯t trust herself to keep anything down.

    ¡°You know you have met this guy before, right?¡± Clare laughed after glancing at Lila¡¯s expression. ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so anxious.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a lie.¡±

    Lila sighed, hugging her stomach. ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Clare¡¯s tone was probing, but not necessarily intrusive.

    ¡°I guess¡­ I just¡­ I was hoping maybe we¡¯d end up dating. But I¡¯m nervous that the distance has made him realise that maybe it was a bad idea. Or that he doesn¡¯t actually like me after all. Like I was a rebound after his ex, Holly.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Clare uttered sympathetically. ¡°We already know that he liked you before Holly, and he¡¯s said he likes you now. Maybe now¡¯s a good time to ask where he¡¯s leaning towards all that, since you had a break.¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­¡± Lila sighed again.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure once you see him again, you¡¯ll forget all about your nervousness. You¡¯ll end up just being excited to be with him again.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re probably right, as usual.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Clare grinned. ¡°Pep up, you¡¯ll be right.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever heard you say ¡®pep up¡¯ before.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ picked that up from Alex.¡±

    ¡°I take it your cancellation went well?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He seemed disappointed, but¡­ I¡¯m still confused. Heh, I¡¯m kinda like the Asher in this scenario.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose in distaste. ¡°Don¡¯t say that again.¡±

    Clare snorted with slightly too much force. ¡°Noted.¡± Then, she exhaled loudly. ¡°¡­ But I guess how you¡¯re feeling would be how Alex is feeling, more or less.¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡±

    Both sisters fell silent, with Lila unsure about what to add to that. She couldn¡¯t figure this out for Clare, after all. It was a decision she needed to reach on her own.

    The rest of the trip went by without a word. Despite what Clare had said, Lila couldn¡¯t shake her nerves. After all, not only was she nervous about how Asher would act with her upon his return, but she was also nervous about bringing her theories to him ¨C in particular, her theory that Marlene might have killed Piper.

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re here,¡± Clare announced, putting her car in park. ¡°I have a shift tonight, so you¡¯ll have to get Mum or Dad to pick you up.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Thanks.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t move. Instead, she kept her seatbelt on, staring towards the incredibly familiar, once-imposing double front doors.

    ¡°Well, you¡¯re not gonna see him if you¡¯re just in my car,¡± Clare chuckled. A buzzing in Lila¡¯s lap startled her and she opened her phone. It was a message from Asher.

    Wait ¨C I¡¯m not home

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped into her stomach. She couldn¡¯t remember the last time she¡¯d felt this embarrassed. She buried her burning face into her hands.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m an idiot,¡± Lila whispered.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m an idiot, Clare.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t denying that, but why?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not home yet.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡± Clare laughed incredulously. ¡°That¡¯s fine. When will he get here?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m too embarrassed to ask.¡±

    ¡°Give it here then.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Clare huffed, leaning over and slapping the phone out of Lila¡¯s hands before plucking it from her lap. She flashed the screen to Lila¡¯s face, gaining access.

    ¡°You¡¯re too good at that,¡± Lila said morosely, lifting her eyes to see what Clare was doing with it.

    ¡°How else do you get into drunk people¡¯s phones when they need to organise a lift home?¡±

    ¡°Weird flex, but okay.¡±

    Clare snorted again, turning her attention to Lila¡¯s phone. ¡°How¡­ long? ¡­ I¡­ am¡­ waiting¡­¡±

    ¡°Clare, that sounds horrifying.¡±

    ¡°True. Alrighty. ¡®I fucked up and I¡¯m already here¡¯. That better?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°Can¡¯t please you at all, huh. Uh¡­ ¡®That¡¯s alright, how long do you think you¡¯ll be?¡¯¡±

    ¡°Sure¡­¡±

    ¡°Sent. Oh, damn, he¡¯s already replied. Um, 30 minutes. Ew.¡±

    ¡°What should we do?¡±

    ¡°Think about our life choices while listening to T-Swift?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Do you wanna go to Maccas? I¡¯ll have a hot choccy.¡±

    ¡°Say no more.¡±

    With a squeal of rubber tires, Clare sped off towards the nearest Maccas, tossing Lila¡¯s shoulder against the window.

    ¡°Just how hungry are you?¡± Lila commented, rubbing her shoulder.

    ¡°Starving.¡±

    As they waited to proceed to the presenter¡¯s window, Lila thought she heard a shrill, hyena-like laugh. One that sounded far too recognisable for comfort.

    ¡°Sounds like they¡¯re having a ball,¡± Clare observed, tapping her index finger on the steering wheel. An impending sense of doom came over Lila as Clare inched the car forward before finally stopping by the presenter¡¯s window.

    ¡°Why, hello, Lila, Lila¡¯s sister,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice greeted them pleasantly. ¡°To what do I owe the pleasure?¡±

    ¡°Uh, our order is on your screen,¡± Clare replied drily. ¡°I can see it. It¡¯s that one.¡±

    ¡°Too true,¡± he nodded vigorously. ¡°I¡¯ll be a moment, lemme check what¡¯s going on with it.¡±

    He disappeared from the window.

    Clare shook her head. ¡°You sure he¡¯s got brains in there?¡± she asked with a smirk.

    ¡°I was at one point¡­¡±

    ¡°Aaaand I¡¯m back,¡± Isaac announced with a flourish. ¡°To tell you bad news. You¡¯ll have to park in the waiting bay, sorry. One of the fryers chucked a hissy fit this morning so hashbrowns are taking their time.¡±

    Clare moved along to the waiting bay that Isaac pointed out, pulling the handbrake up.

    ¡°¡­ He could¡¯ve at least given us our drinks like last time,¡± Clare pouted, leaning her head against her window. Lila murmured her agreement, leaning her head against her window too. They sat in silence for a few moments before a far-too-energetic Isaac bounded over, his red uniform glaringly bright against the morning sun that had begun to stretch through the cover of clouds.

    ¡°Your food and coffee,¡± he said chirpily, brandishing a cup tray and a paper bag at Clare.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Clare said, passing along the items to Lila. Isaac continued to stand there, seeming unsure of himself.

    ¡°¡­ Was there something else?¡± Clare asked, glancing at Lila.

    ¡°Well¡­ I thought maybe you¡¯d know if Asher¡¯s back yet. It¡¯s been a week,¡± Isaac said somewhat awkwardly.

    ¡°He hasn¡¯t messaged you?¡± Lila queried, sitting up and almost tipping her drink over. She righted it as Isaac shook his head.

    ¡°Not since I called you.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s coming back today,¡± Lila explained softly. She began to twirl the ends of her hair in her free hand. She saw Isaac and Clare exchange a smirk out of her peripheral vision.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s keen to see you,¡± Isaac replied, leaning against the car¡¯s window frame with a cheeky grin. ¡°Could you spare a moment between make-out sessions to tell him to, I dunno, update me?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face shone a bright red. ¡°W-We¡¯re not going to-¡± she began to splutter before Isaac raised a hand to stop her.

    ¡°Only teasing. Looks like you want to, though. See ya later,¡± he said before pivoting to the door behind him. He disappeared back into the Maccas, leaving Lila exasperated and entirely mortified.

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°You¡¯re so fun to tease,¡± Clare laughed as she set off again, back towards Asher¡¯s. Lila chose not to respond, instead petulantly sipping on her hot chocolate. Clare¡¯s eyes glimmered with mirth as she turned up the volume of her music.

    The scenery whipping past Lila¡¯s window seemed crisper, somehow, than their journey to Asher¡¯s earlier that morning. The lazy morning sunrays cast a gentle glow, brightening the hues within the landscape they zipped through. The vibrancy seemed to be sharpening with each passing metre. Was this just due to the sunrise running its course, or something else?

    As Lila pondered this question, the buzzing of her phone alerted her attention back to her lap. It was another message from Asher ¨C

    Home now. Sorry

    Based on the street they were currently driving through, it¡¯d be a few minutes until they returned to the front of Asher¡¯s mansion. Lila put her phone back onto her lap, pressing her fingertips together idly. There wasn¡¯t any way to speed up time, was there?

    Clare hadn¡¯t yet put the car into park before Lila began unbuckling her seatbelt, having seen the driveway blossom into being just ahead.

    ¡°Well, by all means, go ahead and break the law in my car, I don¡¯t mind,¡± Clare said sarcastically, finally pulling the handbrake up again.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not being serious, silly. Have fun. Not too much fun. An appropriate amount of fun. Remember, no unprotected bone jumping. Like I said before, I¡¯ve got work tonight, so just organise with Mum or Dad about when you want to be picked up,¡± Clare rattled off as Lila exited the car, slinging her bag over her shoulder. The biting cold whooshed through her and she readjusted her jumper so it could provide her the most amount of coverage.

    ¡°Thanks, Clare,¡± Lila replied genuinely, choosing to keep her peace by not addressing the ¡®bone jumping¡¯ dig. She took one last sip of her hot chocolate. ¡°This is done, can I leave it in the car?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, whatever I guess.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t realised how much she was shaking until she failed to put the cup into Clare¡¯s cup holder again. Clare watched on, eyebrow raised, before Lila finally managed to drop it in. Lila took in a deep, calming breath, bracing herself on the car door. It took a few moments for her heart to slow back down to its normal pace. She¡¯d been to Asher¡¯s so many times before ¨C this wasn¡¯t new. Why was she freaking out so much?

    ¡°You hadn¡¯t anticipated being apart from him for so long, huh,¡± Clare smiled. Lila stared at her for a second before shaking her head.

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    ¡°Go on,¡± Clare encouraged tenderly. ¡°You¡¯ll see you had nothing to worry about.¡±

    Lila gave Clare a tentative smile before gently closing the car door, the sound ringing with finality. Clare remained where she was, waving enthusiastically at Lila.

    ¡®She¡¯s gonna wait until I get inside, isn¡¯t she?¡¯ Lila thought with a reluctant sigh. Turning to face the house, Lila rolled her shoulders. She was overthinking. This was just the side effect of overthinking so much. She¡¯d go up there, knock on the door, and everything would be the same as it always was on a Saturday at Asher¡¯s. They¡¯d go upstairs, hang out, catch up, and go through the investigation notes Lila had stowed away on the laptop weighing down her right shoulder.

    Everything¡­ would¡­ be the same.

    She wanted that. Right?

    ¡®Of course I do¡­ but¡­¡¯

    Lila didn¡¯t allow herself to finish the thought. Dwelling on it, as she had been since being rejected by Asher, wouldn¡¯t help. She didn¡¯t want to bring those negative vibes with her, either. He was obviously feeling enough pressure as it was, what with Gabriel¡¯s cheese hell, and his own internal thoughts that he would sometimes express to Lila about it all. Plus¡­ there were those comments that Lila found herself making despite her best intentions to keep a lid on it.

    ¡®Alright. It¡¯s time for me to exercise patience. The ball¡¯s in his court. We agreed on that already.¡¯

    Lila firmly nodded to herself. Besides, being best friends wasn¡¯t so bad after all. Even if she wanted more, this was perfectly enough.

    Lila glanced behind her, towards Clare¡¯s car. She could see Clare giving her a thumbs-up while drinking her coffee. One part of Lila wished Clare would go home, but another felt grateful that her sister was supporting her from a distance. It imbued her with a sense of courage that she¡¯d lacked since realising she¡¯d hurried here far too early.

    ¡®No time like the present¡­¡¯ Lila thought, stepping up to the front doors. She had another steadying inhale, bringing with it the scent of morning dew and a fresh, wintry edge.

    She raised her arm to grasp the brass door-knocker. Before she could get close, the doors swung open, revealing an out-of-breath Asher, his hair a tousled mess, clothes even more so.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he whispered hoarsely, his eyes burning intensely with so many flashing feelings that Lila couldn¡¯t discern which one was the most prevailing. Then, before she could even blink, she found herself wrapped in a tight, sturdy embrace.

    The broadness of his shoulders and the firm grasp he had on her waist prevented her from melting into a puddle before his feet. Suddenly, time had no hold over her anymore ¨C as though everything had suspended in this moment with Asher¡¯s body pressed against hers. She inhaled his scent ¨C his usual deodorant, smelling of roasted nuts and homeliness, coupled with him ¨C and gave a surprised gasp.

    The longer he held her, the more alive her skin felt with tingles as if their touch generated a special kind of electricity ¨C one that erased all sense and logic that had once driven her brain. His warmth banished all traces of cold that had been biting at her only mere seconds ago, soothing her soul. She hadn¡¯t realised the utter depth of how wounded it had felt in his absence until their reunion.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Asher¡¯s voice, rich with tender emotion, sent shivers down her spine. Hearing his voice again ¨C she was struck with the feeling that she didn¡¯t want him to ever stop talking.

    He let go, stepping back into his house, his face glowing with a deep blush. ¡°I¡­ sorry.¡±

    In the instant that he¡¯d left her, Lila craved his touch once more with a voraciousness that she¡¯d never experienced in her life. It left her dizzy and breathless, unable to respond to his apologies. If a mere hug did this to her, what would more of his touch do? Her curiosity was beginning to stir¡­

    ¡°Shit, you¡¯re mad, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯m so sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to hug you without asking first ¨C I just¡­ I got excited to see you. Sorry-¡±

    Lila raised a hand, finding her voice at the last second. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I liked it.¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t been sure whether Asher¡¯s face could turn a deeper shade of red until now, after her words apparently registered in his mind. He brought a hand to his mouth, tearing his eyes away from her.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad. Welcome back.¡±

    ¡°I should be saying that to you. Welcome home, Asher.¡±

    He dropped his hand, revealing a broad beam across his face. He shuffled to the side, admitting her into the house. As usual, there was a pair of slippers waiting for her in the entryway.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Marlene¡¯s voice, though pleasantly breezy, set Lila on edge, causing her shoulders to tense up. Marlene approached from the kitchen, her face seeming well-rested, a tea towel lying across her shoulder. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you.¡±

    ¡°G-Good to see you too,¡± Lila stammered, stumbling to shove her feet into the slippers.

    ¡°I hope your week went well,¡± Marlene continued politely, a sweet smile curling the corners of her mouth.

    ¡°It did. I hope Vanuatu was nice.¡±

    ¡°It was beautiful. Right, Mr Wagner?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to Marlene before returning to Lila¡¯s face. ¡°Yeah. I should take you there one day, Lila.¡±

    Lila¡¯s stomach swooped at his words, the idea of going to Vanuatu with Asher halting all thoughts in her brain. He avoided her gaze as he walked further into the house, evidently choosing not to address his comment. Lila could have sworn that she glimpsed Marlene¡¯s smile widen before Marlene curtly turned around and marched back to the kitchen.

    ¡°Gabriel will be joining us for lunch, by the way,¡± Marlene called behind her. ¡°Did you want breakfast, Lila?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m not hungry,¡± Lila called back. Asher turned to face her, slowing his pace as he walked backwards in the direction of the kitchen.

    ¡°You sure?¡± His voice sounded rife with concern.

    ¡°Positive. I had a hot chocolate on the way here.¡±

    He looked at her dubiously, cocking his head to the side. ¡°That¡¯s not enough for breakfast.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good, really. Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡®Besides,¡¯ she thought, looking over at Marlene as they approached to avoid prolonging her eye contact with Asher, ¡®I don¡¯t think I¡¯d have any room with these butterflies anyway.¡¯

    ¡°Alright. Uh, I¡¯m not hungry either, Marlene,¡± Asher said, also looking over at Marlene. She nodded serenely before retreating into the butler¡¯s pantry.

    ¡°Don¡¯t starve on my account,¡± Lila stated hurriedly. He shook his head with a slight smile.

    ¡°We had some ham and cheese croissants in the airport. Dad was insistent. You can¡¯t keep him away from those things ¨C he goes almost feral. It was¡­ a mistake to walk past the caf¨¦.¡±

    Lila laughed, the imagery of an almost rabid Ivaan hunting down ham and cheese croissants intrusively flooding her mind. Asher grinned at her before gesturing towards the stairs.

    ¡°Rumpus room?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    He walked a couple paces ahead of her before giving her a sideways glance. ¡°Your bag looks heavy. Do you need a hand?¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m all good.¡±

    They reached the landing, with Lila having almost forgotten how to breathe amongst the rushing feeling of fluttering wings within her, when they were met with a significantly tanned Ivaan. He seemed surprised to see Lila but beamed at her anyway.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila. I see you¡¯re here, bright and early. I¡¯ve hardly put my bags down.¡±

    ¡°I- uh. Yeah. Good morning, Ivaan,¡± Lila said hesitantly. She wasn¡¯t exactly sure how to address Ivaan¡¯s comment, so didn¡¯t. The three of them stood there awkwardly for a moment before Ivaan turned to Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯m off to the Hospital now. I¡¯ll see you later ¨C after dinner, most likely.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s the weekend,¡± Asher replied with an almost imperceptible frown.

    ¡°I need to touch base with my second-in-command, so I¡¯m apprised of any issues before Monday.¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°Alright. See you then.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Ivaan added, his eyes crinkling with a humour Lila hadn¡¯t known him to possess, ¡°you don¡¯t want me hovering around.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned pink before he responded, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Ivaan chuckled before playfully winking at Lila and passing them both. He strolled down the stairs, which seemed to signal to Asher to head into the rumpus room.

    ¡°Juice?¡± Asher asked immediately upon crossing the threshold. Lila followed behind, closing the door gently.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    She carefully placed her bag next to the couch before sitting down in her usual place. Just being here, comfortably on his couch, put her at ease. It was fine. She was just being silly.

    But, as he passed her a cup of juice and took his own usual place beside her, Lila found her mind wandering back to the hug.

    ¡°¡­ wanna do?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lila blinked at Asher. He evidently asked her a question, but she hadn¡¯t registered it.

    ¡°I asked what you wanted to do,¡± Asher replied, blinking back at her.

    ¡°O-Oh. Uh¡­ w-whatever, I guess. Um, how was your trip?¡±

    Asher stretched, yawning. ¡°It was fine. Never been before, but it¡¯s such a tiny place that I felt like we could¡¯ve just spent, like, two days there, rather than a full week.¡±

    He took a sip of his juice before pulling something out from under the coffee table.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said quietly, ¡°I¡­ got you something.¡±

    He was holding a small, brightly coloured, cotton drawstring bag. She smiled, taking it from him.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t have to. Thank you, though.¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t help myself,¡± he replied, coughing slightly. His face was turning redder by the second. Lila fondly looked down at it. It seemed to be sturdy enough, and the pattern was stunningly intricate. Perhaps she could use it to hold some coins or something.

    ¡°¡­ Are you gonna open it?¡± he asked after a moment.

    ¡°O-Open it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher chuckled, ¡°did you think I was just giving you a little bag?¡±

    Lila¡¯s face matched the redness of his as she hurriedly untied the strings. ¡°¡­ Not at all.¡±

    ¡°Sounds suspiciously like you had.¡±

    Lila glanced at him before looking back down at the bag. ¡°¡­ I did.¡±

    Asher laughed, the hearty sound bringing another smile to her face, despite her embarrassment at having been called out.

    Finally, her floundering bore results ¨C the bag was open. Her fingertips brushed a delicate chain. Curious, Lila tipped the contents into her hand.

    A silver necklace adorned with a circular silver pendant tumbled out. She lifted it, seeing small pearls interspersed along the chain itself.

    ¡°Wow,¡± Lila whispered, holding it up higher. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±

    ¡°The pendant is mimicking a curled boar tusk. It¡¯s kinda like their national symbol, I guess. The tusks were traditionally used as a form of currency,¡± Asher responded gently. She could feel his gaze upon her and she lowered her hand, turning so her back faced him.

    ¡°Can you help me put it on?¡± she asked, moving her hair aside so her neck was exposed.

    ¡°U-Uh, of course,¡± Asher stammered from behind her. She placed the pendant on her chest, passing him the ends of the necklace over her shoulders. She heard him fumbling with the clasp several times before he uttered a sound of satisfaction. His hands grazed the back of her neck and her body responded in kind with a burst of goosebumps flowing right down to her arms. She was glad that she was facing away from him, for her face was red once more.

    ¡°There,¡± Asher said in a low voice. ¡°It¡¯s on.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila replied, moving back to her original position and touching the pendant lightly. ¡°I love it.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ thought silver would look good on you,¡± Asher mumbled, his eyes shifting away from her and looking instead at the TV. Lila beamed at him, looking down at it again. It matched her black knit jumper surprisingly well.

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll wear this forever,¡± Lila said happily, leaning back into the couch.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ glad you like it so much. Please don¡¯t wear it forever, though,¡± he said, reaching over to grab two sets of joy cons.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Lila pouted, receiving the set he passed along to her and instantly connecting it to the Switch.

    ¡°¡¯Cause¡­ if you never take it off, how am I meant to get you more?¡±

    Lila instantly whipped her head to face him, but he seemed to be focusing intently on the TV. Had she misheard him?

    ¡°¡­ I can layer,¡± Lila said playfully, trying to test that he had actually said that. His face turned a vibrant scarlet colour as he bopped his forehead with one of his controllers.

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll need to find ones that match, then,¡± he murmured, so quietly that Lila almost didn¡¯t catch it.

    Neither moved for a moment or two before Asher¡¯s phone buzzed on the coffee table, startling both.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said hurriedly, picking it up. ¡°Oh, it¡¯s Isaac.¡±

    ¡°He must be in the freezer again.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I saw him working at the drive-thru this morning,¡± Lila explained. ¡°I doubt he¡¯d be finished with his shift just yet.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ oh, he said he¡¯s hiding in the freezer. He wanted to check that I made it back okay.¡±

    Asher tapped on his phone for a few seconds before looking up at Lila. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve replied. We should be good now. So¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking about some new strategies that we could use in this game¡­¡±

    They dived into playing for an hour or so before Asher yawned, placing his controllers down.

    ¡°Man, I didn¡¯t realise how tired I¡¯d be,¡± he said, somewhat sadly.

    ¡°That¡¯s alright. We could¡­ maybe watch something. Or just chat, I guess.¡±

    Asher opened YouTube, browsing the offerings for a moment before Lila¡¯s memory sparked.

    ¡°I got on the news, actually. While you were away.¡±

    ¡°Wait, seriously?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded excited, his eyes round with keen interest.

    ¡°Yeah. Well, with my family. When we went to the show.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s so cool! Is it on YouTube?¡±

    ¡°It might be? It¡¯s definitely on Channel 10¡¯s Facebook page.¡±

    Asher swiftly searched for the Channel 10 YouTube channel and eagerly opened it up. He scrolled through the latest uploads before landing on the right video.

    As soon as it started, Lila sunk further into the couch. She hadn¡¯t realised how embarrassing the video was until her past self started speaking. She picked up a cushion and held it over her face for the duration of the video, as though Asher lacked object permanence and would forget she was there.

    The video ended with polite applause for Daniel¡¯s efforts. Then, there was silence. Lila kept the cushion over her face, but after almost a minute, she slowly lowered it. Had he fallen asleep?

    Upon removing it, her eyes immediately locked on to Asher¡¯s. He was looking at her with a goofy smile on his face, which remained even when their eyes met.

    ¡°You¡¯re adorable,¡± he said softly, ¡°I¡¯m gonna save that video.¡±

    Lila blushed, her words having escaped her. Luckily, though he was incredibly close, her sense remained. She cleared her throat, readjusting her posture. ¡°I¡­ guess that¡¯s fine. As long as I don¡¯t have to see it again.¡±

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    He began scrolling through more YouTube videos, before halting altogether.

    ¡°You¡­ didn¡¯t say anything about me calling you adorable.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Lila smirked as Asher chuckled, continuing on with his scrolling. Eventually, he sighed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think there¡¯s anything I wanna watch on YouTube. Is there something you wanna watch?¡± he asked with another yawn.

    ¡°We could watch a movie,¡± Lila suggested. A movie would probably be for the best, considering how tired he seemed.

    ¡°Any recommendations?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got access to.¡±

    He turned on his PlayStation, lazily selecting Netflix. They pointed out a couple of options, but nothing really spoke to them ¨C except¡­

    ¡°Why not the Sherlock Holmes movie?¡± Lila asked enthusiastically, folding her legs underneath her. ¡°It¡¯s a bit older, being from 2009 and all that. I watched it ages ago but can¡¯t really remember it.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher smiled, pressing ¡®Play¡¯. ¡°Want a blanket?¡±

    ¡°Yes please.¡±

    Asher sourced a couple of blankets for them both before lying down on the couch. Lila was fairly confident that he¡¯d fall asleep soon, so instead turned her attention entirely to the movie.

    About a quarter of the way through, Lila heard, amongst the hustle and bustle of action, a small snore. She glanced over at Asher, who gave another snore. He looked pretty peaceful, nestled in a fluffy blanket, clearly asleep. She¡¯d never seen him sleeping before.

    He looked so cosy and warm¡­

    Pressing her lips together, Lila slowly shuffled closer to him. There was a perfectly Lila-sized space next to him that she could slot into.

    ¡®Don¡¯t be weird,¡¯ she admonished herself. He couldn¡¯t tell her whether she was welcome there. Instead, she settled for sitting as close as she could to feel his warmth, but without intruding on his personal space.

    She continued watching the movie, but the sound of his soft snores began to lull her into sleep as well. Rather than fight it, she let her eyelids grow heavy before closing altogether¡­

 Chapter Ninety-Eight

    Chapter Ninety-Eight

    When Lila next opened her eyes, she felt confused by the feeling of warmth enveloping her. The last she could recall, she was watching a movie at Asher¡¯s¡­

    At almost that exact instant, Lila¡¯s eyes fell upon Asher¡¯s arms, having made their way across her torso. He still looked to be sleeping¡­ had he cuddled her in his sleep? Or had she, him?

    The movie seemed to be at its tail end ¨C not yet reaching the credits ¨C and Lila didn¡¯t feel like extracting herself from him just yet. It was comforting, after all.

    Just as she accepted that this was her life now, though, Asher began to stir. His arms pressed against her chest for a moment before his eyes blinked open. He smiled at her, though his eyes looked foggy. Then ¨C

    ¡°Shit, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± he said, instantly sitting up. His cheeks were rosy, his eyes wide with alarm.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila replied gently. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s fine?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. You weren¡¯t bothering me.¡±

    He fell silent for a second, then rubbed his face, sighing exasperatedly.

    ¡°I¡­ just keep wanting to be close to you,¡± he whispered. ¡°But I know I shouldn¡¯t. It¡¯s rude and entirely selfish, especially given how we are. I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s fine. I¡¯m¡­ not confused.¡±

    Of course, her sentence sounded half-hearted, but he didn¡¯t seem to pick up on it. Instead, he fell back onto the couch, shaking his head. His facial expression seemed displeased, but it looked to Lila as though this displeasure was more for himself, rather than anything regarding her.

    They watched the end of the movie without speaking a word, Asher yawning once in a while.

    ¡°I ended up telling my Dad,¡± Asher piped up as the trailer for the sequel started playing.

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°About¡­ how much I like you. And that you like me too. He asked why we weren¡¯t dating, but I couldn¡¯t put it into words. Then, Marlene told him about Holly and he got super mad and jumped into the ocean.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Is that a normal reaction for your Dad?¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°To jump in the ocean when he gets mad.¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re not normally near the ocean, so I guess not.¡±

    ¡°You know, I never would¡¯ve guessed that your Dad could be so¡­ I don¡¯t know what the word is¡­¡±

    ¡°Embarrassing?¡±

    ¡°Were you embarrassed?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t until he started hollering and howling about how cold the water was. He came back pretty quick, then told me to go in.¡±

    Lila tilted her head, searching for the right words to match her thoughts, with an amused smile. ¡°I think¡­ the word I¡¯m looking for is lively. He¡¯s always so serious and quiet, I guess, every time I see him here.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher paused, sitting up. ¡°He¡¯s not usually so lively, that¡¯s true. Except when Mum¡¯s around and he¡¯s got a spare moment for a breather. I think the pressure of being so serious and important at work can get to him. I reckon he needed the holiday the most¡­ he¡¯s been a lot quicker to anger lately.¡±

    He trailed off, looking towards the TV before adding, ¡°I think he was overcompensating, too. Since Mum¡¯s always the lively one. But¡­ she wasn¡¯t there with us.¡±

    ¡°Did you guys talk? About your Mum?¡± Lila questioned in a low, soothing voice. His eyes flickered to hers before he leaned back, stretching his arms above his head.

    ¡°¡¯Course. He cornered himself, by taking me away on an unexpected vacation. Especially since I couldn¡¯t use my phone. But¡­¡±

    ¡°But?¡±

    He sighed heavily, drawing the blanket up higher, almost to his neck. ¡°But I didn¡¯t get anything out of him.¡±

    ¡°That makes it sound like you think he¡¯s got something to hide.¡±

    Asher furrowed his brow, his mouth twitching as though he was struggling to articulate his words. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to think he did something to Mum or is hiding something. But he basically said the same stuff he¡¯s been saying. I even really pressed him on it.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d he say?¡±

    Asher brought a fist to his forehead, tapping it gently. ¡°That¡­ he misses Mum, too. He said he didn¡¯t have any answers for me, and¡­ he wished she wasn¡¯t gone. Then he told me to not worry about the police or anything. Well, just to not go to them.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ sounds odd. What did he say when you pressed him?¡±

    ¡°Just that he didn¡¯t know anything, besides knowing how I feel. ¡®Cause he misses Mum too. And that it¡¯s been a tough year.¡±

    ¡°Did you ask why he said not to go to the police?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course I did. But he just said that they¡¯re not helpful.¡±

    ¡°So has he gone to the police then?¡±

    ¡°I asked that, too, but he wouldn¡¯t say.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­ that just sounds so suspicious.¡±

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s not like I can force him to give me answers, though.¡±

    ¡°Did you ask Marlene?¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned pale as he shook his head. ¡°Not going near that lady with anything about Mum at all. She¡­ was acting hella weird, during our vacation.¡±

    ¡°Besides the fact that your maid went on vacation with you?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. I mean, she did all the maidly things, I guess, but she basically had my phone the whole time.¡±

    ¡°Had your phone?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. She took it from me, told me that reception didn¡¯t work anyway so there was no point having it.¡±

    ¡°Is that why all your messages to me seemed so weird?¡±

    Asher flashed a grin at her, one that made her heart thump in her throat. ¡°Glad you picked up on it.¡±

    ¡°O-Of course I did. They were too different.¡±

    ¡°I meant it, though.¡±

    ¡°Sorry?¡±

    Asher sat forward, leaning towards her, and gazed into her eyes intently. Lila¡¯s breathing stilted, her attention entirely focused on his face. He seemed gravely serious all of a sudden.

    ¡°I missed you,¡± he finally said, his eyes still trained on hers. ¡°Not being able to talk to you nearly killed me.¡±

    ¡®Is this it? Is he going to ask me to be his girlfriend?¡¯ Lila couldn¡¯t help thinking, her face blushing deeply under the intensity and sincerity of his expression.

    ¡°I-I missed you, too. Like crazy.¡±

    He smiled brightly. ¡°I¡¯m glad it wasn¡¯t just me.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯re my best friend. Of course I¡¯d miss you.¡±

    Something in his eyes shifted ¨C was it a glimmer of disappointment? He ruffled his hair before crossing his arms across his chest.

    ¡°I did end up fighting with Marlene, though,¡± he said, his tone suddenly bashful. ¡°Dad got a call while we were in town, so I kinda demanded that Marlene let me message you, at least.¡±

    ¡°Is that why you said ¡®Marlene says hi¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she was over my shoulder the whole time, telling me to hurry it up. She¡¯d just gotten a taxi for us.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    ¡°When I saw the article Isaac sent, the one about the murder, I freaked out. For a moment, when I saw the title, I thought it was you. Especially since you hadn¡¯t responded yet.¡±

    A quiver ran through Lila, reverberating right down to her very bones. In a parallel universe, would it have been her? The fact that both Isaac and Asher thought it was her initially made her feel very uneasy¡­

    ¡°So¡­ you did end up reading that it was Piper, huh.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied simply. ¡°It¡¯s a gnarly way to go.¡±

    ¡°How do you feel about it?¡± Lila looked at him sharply, assessing his reaction.

    ¡°Honestly? Fucking terrified,¡± he gave a laugh that was devoid of any particular emotion. Gritting his teeth, he continued. ¡°It¡¯s made me worried about your safety, actually.¡±

    ¡°Mine?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Some maniac is running around murdering teen girls? I don¡¯t know if you know this, but you¡¯re a teen girl.¡±

    ¡°Wait, I¡¯m a what now?¡±

    Asher cracked a small smile, before placing his head in both hands. ¡°And¡­ I¡­ feel like a terrible person.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡± Lila leaned in, hanging onto every word he said.

    ¡°¡­ The fact that she¡¯s dead¡­ it makes me feel so relieved. Like I can finally live my life without worrying about when she¡¯s going to pop up next. A-And she can¡¯t fuck with me anymore. Or you. It¡¯s¡­ freeing.¡±

    Lila watched on as he clenched his fists on either side of his forehead. ¡°But¡­ feeling relieved that Piper got murdered feels like I may as well have killed her myself.¡±

    The weight of his words was almost unbearable, crushing any air left in her lungs. They stayed suspended in a pause for a few moments before he gave her a sideways glance. Unclenching his fists, he groaned in exasperation. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t have said that. Makes me sound insane.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I¡­ understand where you¡¯re coming from. I don¡¯t think anyone would blame you for feeling like that. She¡­ well, I guess it¡¯s not as though our lives are any worse off now that she¡¯s gone. Except¡­ that now I¡¯m scared outta my mind about whether or not I¡¯m next. And regardless, it was such an awful way to die.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. About any of that, I think. Well, maybe some would blame me. They might even say that I should¡¯ve given her a chance. But¡­ there was no way that was gonna happen, even if I didn¡¯t find out about her stalking and spreading rumours about me.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think that?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I mean, I had an actual girlfriend and kept thinking about you. Which I still don¡¯t feel guilty about, after seeing Holly at the shops. I¡­ don¡¯t think Piper would¡¯ve ever had a chance.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure what to say in response. Luckily, he quickly moved on.

    ¡°What about you? How are you feeling about it all?¡± he asked sincerely.

    ¡°Pretty much as you are. But¡­ I definitely don¡¯t want to go out anywhere anytime soon. And¡­ there¡¯s something else. I¡­¡± Lila clasped her hands together tightly. There wasn¡¯t any other opportunity except for now to bring it up.

    ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I kinda landed on a potential theory that freaked me out.¡±

    ¡°Theory about Piper¡¯s murder?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Well. I don¡¯t know how to really put this delicately, but¡­ I looked through the photos again while you were away. And¡­ it¡¯s possible that Marlene killed her.¡±

    Asher stared blankly at Lila. ¡°Come again?¡±

    His question instantly made Lila flustered, her face rosy with self-consciousness, as she unzipped her bag and pulled out the photos.

    ¡°I had another look at her board of Piper photos,¡± Lila said hesitantly, pulling out the pictures of the corkboard in Marlene¡¯s house. ¡°And, I mean, it just occurred to me that, well, if Marlene is hired security¡­ and she thought you were in danger of Piper¡­ she might¡¯ve¡­ eliminated the threat. We¡¯ve seen that she¡¯s capable of violence. Then there¡¯s the blood in the farmhouse ¨C well, what looks like blood, anyway. Plus, she¡¯s most likely the person who tried to erase the existence of the farmhouse pictures.¡±

    He wordlessly took the photos from Lila with trembling fingers. His eyes searched every centimetre of each picture, darting with such a speed that Lila wasn¡¯t sure he was comprehending any of it. After he looked at the last picture, his eyes met hers, fear deep within them.

    ¡°You¡­ could be right,¡± he uttered hoarsely. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think that you are, but this looks insane. If she didn¡¯t kill Piper, what was she doing with all these photos? There¡¯s, like, thirty of them or something. In Marlene¡¯s house.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I feel sick,¡± he murmured, virtually all colour having vanished from his face. Asher returned the photos to Lila before closing his eyes and placing his right arm over them. ¡°Jesus Christ.¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ she took your phone to prevent you from seeing the news of Piper¡¯s death.¡±

    ¡°No wonder you acted so skittish with her this morning,¡± Asher mumbled.

    ¡°The timing of you guys going on vacation, and the fact that you didn¡¯t know until, like, the last second also makes me think that¡­ maybe she was running,¡± Lila added carefully.

    He lowered his arm, looking aghast.¡°We came back, though.¡±

    ¡°Maybe she disposed of evidence in Vanuatu, then, rather than running away entirely.¡±

    Asher¡¯s expression morphed into one of pure horror. ¡°Am I living with a murderer? A serial killer, even? The way Piper was mutilated ¨C that¡¯s not a first-time thing.¡±

    ¡°I really hope not¡­ but¡­ why else was she stalking Piper?¡±

    ¡°I have no idea. It¡­ what day did she disappear, again?¡±

    ¡°Thursday before last.¡±

    Asher¡¯s pale tinge intermingled with a sickly green. ¡°That¡¯s when she tried to talk to me at the shops.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I just thought she was going to try and have a go at us, or say something stupid again. I wasn¡¯t interested in what she wanted¡­ but¡­ what was it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been trying to think of an answer, but I¡¯m drawing blanks. She seemed desperate to say something, though.¡±

    Asher nodded in agreement, his eyes seeming far away, deep within his thoughts.

    ¡°She was discovered on Monday, though,¡± Asher said after a slight pause.

    ¡°Who knows how long she was there for.¡±

    ¡°I suppose¡­ although, Flora Park is one of the more popular parks.¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°Well, Marlene definitely went with us on the Friday night to Vanuatu, and she didn¡¯t leave my side pretty much the whole time. It was kinda suffocating, actually. It¡¯s a three or four hour flight, a half an hour drive back home, and a half an hour drive from the airport to where we were staying¡­ Even if she did a round trip, during which she dumped a body, my Dad or I would¡¯ve noticed that she was gone.¡±

    ¡°What about in the dead of the night?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a light sleeper. Well, I have been since¡­ yeah. A-Anyway, even if everything lined up perfectly, she would¡¯ve been gone for, like, ten hours. At most, I sleep for nine, but usually it¡¯s more like seven.¡±

    Lila turned over Asher¡¯s consideration in her mind. ¡°And you definitely don¡¯t remember sleeping suspiciously long?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. My bed was right next to a window, so I always woke up with the sun at about 6. Kinda pissed me off, now that I think about it.¡±

    Lila smirked, envisioning a grumpy and disorientated Asher rueing the sun¡¯s appearance at the crack of dawn. Her smirk faded, however, when she pondered his information further.

    Should she posit the idea that Marlene and his Dad were in a relationship? Lila gave him a sideways glance. He looked extremely unsettled just based on the idea that Marlene had murdered Piper alone.

    ¡®Besides, I have no evidence for that¡­ at least for the murder, we¡¯ve got pictures of Marlene¡¯s corkboard¡­¡¯

    Yes, it¡¯d be best to not bring it up. It would only potentially ruin Asher¡¯s image of his Dad based on idle speculation. If evidence turned up, she¡¯d raise it then.

    However¡­ there was one possibility that could be explored as it was.

    ¡°What about an accomplice?¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°An accomplice?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Someone who was still here that could¡¯ve moved Piper¡¯s body and all that while Marlene was in Vanuatu. Maybe even someone who participated in killing her.¡±

    ¡°But who would even want to do that?¡±

    ¡°I mean, evidently someone did, whether they did it on their own or not.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ Who could be convinced to help Marlene, though?¡±

    One possibility shook Lila to her core ¨C one that they¡¯d discounted early on in their investigation.

    ¡°Gabriel might. Or someone Gabriel knows from the club,¡± she said in a quivering whisper.

    Asher stood up. It seemed like an involuntary reaction, but he remained standing as he shook his head. ¡°No,¡± he said firmly.

    Lila also stood, her knees trembling yet still sturdy enough to support her. ¡°I-It¡¯s just something that occurred to me. I don¡¯t think he ever would. In saying that, though, he cares a lot about you¡­ if Marlene saw danger with Piper, maybe she went to him for some help.¡±

    ¡°Lila. I appreciate it, really. You¡¯ve put a lot of thought into all of this, but I think¡­ I think we need to cool it down. Not get ahead of ourselves. I¡¯m getting freaked out,¡± his tone was short, sharp. He sounded upset, even.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lila replied, shame across her face in the form of a grimace. ¡°I¡­ of course. Besides, we don¡¯t have evidence for any of that. It¡¯s just a theory based on not much. I¡¯m probably just being biased. Marlene probably didn¡¯t do anything. Like you said, she was in Vanuatu with you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ sorry to cut you off like that.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. I mean, it¡¯s not like I see Marlene and Gabriel all the time or live with them. I get it. Sorry. I got carried away.¡±

    Asher bit his lower lip, his eyes downcast, before nodding. He sat down with a heavy sigh, Lila following suit in total silence. She was definitely glad that she didn¡¯t mention the theory about his Dad and Marlene being in a relationship. Even if she did get evidence of that, she probably wouldn¡¯t bring it up unless he did. It was beginning to dawn on her how tactless she¡¯d been. These were people Asher considered as part of his family, after all. That much was clear from his reaction.

    Before either of them spoke a word, the intercom crackled to life. Asher sighed again, standing up with a disgruntled groan.

    It was Marlene, who pleasantly requested their presence for lunch. Lila avoided looking at Asher entirely ¨C to keep both her peace and his. It had been a bit much, essentially accusing Marlene and Gabriel of a gruesome murder and disposing of said murder victim ¨C let alone accusing them mere minutes before having lunch with both.

    From what Lila could glimpse from her peripheral vision, Asher didn¡¯t even attempt to catch her eye as they robotically made their way to the dining room. Had she ruined everything?

    ¡°Asher! Lila! How wonderful to see you!¡± Gabriel¡¯s joyous voice boomed upon their entry into the dining room. He was sitting in his customary place, dressed rather casually today in a striped sweater and long pants.

    Normally, seeing Gabriel put Lila at ease ¨C but her inkling regarding his possible involvement in Piper¡¯s death was still resounding in her mind. She smiled tentatively, nodding her head.

    ¡°Is everything alright?¡± Gabriel asked, narrowing his eyes at Asher. Evidently, he had drawn the erroneous conclusion that Asher had done or said something to Lila that had taken away her usual enthusiasm when seeing Gabriel.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, Gabriel,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°Just¡­ a bit tired.¡±

    Instead of removing suspicion that Asher had done something wrong, Lila realised slightly too late that her statement had only increased it dramatically. He rounded on Asher, who looked utterly confused by this turn of events, before Lila swiftly interjected, ¡°I got up way too early by accident.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Gabriel replied calmly with a sage nod. ¡°Yes, I do hate when that happens.¡±

    Lila had never felt so glad to see Marlene sailing into the dining room, two plates filled with something that smelled incredible in her hands.

    ¡°A basic dish, today,¡± Marlene said, placing one in front of Asher and the other in front of Lila. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t judge me too harshly, Gabriel.¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± he responded genially, leaning in closer to see their plates. ¡°Looks to me like¡­ a sundried tomato and chicken pasta.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d be correct,¡± Marlene smiled. She retreated, returning with two more plates that she placed in front of herself and Gabriel. A jug of juice was already in the middle of the table, and they began eating in quiet unison.

    Lila had eaten about half of her dish when Gabriel started up a conversation.

    ¡°So, how was Vanuatu?¡± he asked, taking a sip of some juice.

    ¡°It was very nice,¡± Marlene replied. ¡°Great weather. Interesting wares and traditional food and items.¡±

    ¡°Did you relax, at least?¡± Gabriel questioned.

    ¡°I suppose I did,¡± Marlene said breezily. To Lila, though, she thought she heard a strain in her voice.

    ¡°What about you, Asher? Did you enjoy your time over there?¡± Gabriel shovelled some pasta into his mouth, looking intently at Asher.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Asher responded stiffly. Lila glanced at him ¨C he looked stressed out of his mind. In an instant, she regretted everything she¡¯d said to him that afternoon about Marlene and Gabriel. She should¡¯ve kept her mouth shut.

    ¡°Did you at least enjoy spending time with your Dad?¡± Gabriel pressed, wiping his mouth delicately on a napkin, both his pinkie fingers raised.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher said genuinely. His eyes lit up as he told Gabriel about how his Dad fell off their small paddleboat, how his Dad continuously got lost in the markets because he kept getting distracted by the wares, and how both got dunked by a massive wave whilst at the beach, resulting in father and son being unceremoniously pushed back onto the sand. Gabriel seemed pleased with these stories, and Lila listened on with great interest as Asher delved into more ¨C about the food they ate, the things they saw, and the places they visited. It seemed to perk Asher up quite a bit.

    Eventually, the conversation turned to Lila¡¯s activities during the week, so she spoke about the show, getting on the news, and hanging out at Bounce with Clare.

    ¡°Was that all?¡± Gabriel asked, though not impolitely. He pushed his empty plate slightly in front of him to indicate that he was done, his full attention on Lila.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ basically. Hung out at home with Mum for a bit, sometimes with my siblings when they wanted to sit downstairs with me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame! You should¡¯ve done more than sit around at home,¡± Gabriel said forlornly. ¡°Gone outside for a bit, seen the world.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ uh. The world¡¯s a scary place, Gabriel,¡± Lila replied quietly, turning her eyes to her plate.

    ¡°Nonsense,¡± Gabriel laughed, waving a hand. ¡°For a young person like you, the world is full of wonder and opportunity.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Marlene suddenly interrupted, standing up from her place. ¡°Can I please have a hand taking these back into the kitchen?¡±

    Gabriel looked surprised at Marlene¡¯s request but complied all the same. They left the dining room, laden with plates, which left Lila feeling incredibly awkward. While she¡¯d been talking, Asher was eerily silent, and he remained so after Marlene and Gabriel left. She¡¯d really done it, hadn¡¯t she?

    ¡°I¡¯m not upset,¡± Asher finally said after a minute of painful silence. ¡°In case you¡¯re worried about that.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila stared down at her hands which she interlocked gently. She wanted to go back upstairs, though it felt rude to just go without Asher ¨C or, at least, being invited to go by him-

    ¡°I am so sorry!¡± Gabriel¡¯s emotionally charged cry hit Lila with the force of a cricket bat to her ear. He hurried in, his face twisted with sorrow and anxiety, wringing his hands together almost to the point of them going red. ¡°I had absolutely no idea that girl got murdered, and so close too! Did you know her?¡±

    Lila exchanged a look with Asher, who looked back down at the dining table.

    ¡°Uh¡­ in a manner of speaking,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°She used to be in our PE class.¡±

    ¡°¡®Our¡¯?¡± Gabriel turned his wide eyes to Asher. ¡°You knew her too?¡±

    ¡°She¡­ bullied me, I guess,¡± Asher mumbled.

    Gabriel whipped his head back and forth between Lila and Asher. Then, he said in an incredibly grave voice, ¡°You¡¯re right, Lila. The world is a scary place. You best stay indoors. No going out.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila trailed off, feeling much like a deflated balloon. At the same time though ¨C Gabriel¡¯s reaction to the news certainly didn¡¯t seem to be of someone who knew beforehand, nor was it one that she¡¯d expect from the killer or an accomplice. Did that mean he was in the clear?

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Gabriel repeated, his tone sincere.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Gabriel. Don¡¯t fret,¡± Lila replied. ¡°You didn¡¯t know.¡±

    Asher looked up, his eyes shining with realisation. Had he caught on to the same thing Lila had?

    Gabriel rubbed his now-shiny forehead before sighing deeply. ¡°It¡¯s a depressing state, this world we¡¯re in. What kind of monster would do that to a young girl?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Asher said, his chair scraping against the floor as he stood up. ¡°I think I¡¯ll go upstairs. You coming, Lila?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila was shocked that he¡¯d addressed her. She clumsily stood up before nodding at Asher.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry I brought down the mood,¡± Gabriel said, wringing his hands again. ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you with what I make for dinner on Monday, Asher.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Asher responded firmly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. Like Lila said, you didn¡¯t know. There¡¯s nothing to apologise over. Though¡­ I am partial to something that¡¯s not just a cheese slice.¡±

    Gabriel glanced at Lila before beaming. ¡°I can work with that.¡±

    Asher gave him a tight smile before leaving the dining room, his hands in his pockets. Lila¡¯s eyes darted to Gabriel, who inclined his head towards where Asher had disappeared. She hurried along behind him, curious about what he meant by not being upset¡­

 Chapter Ninety-Nine

    Chapter Ninety-Nine

    Asher said nothing on their journey to the rumpus room, though he slowed his pace to match Lila¡¯s. He opened the door for her, inviting her inside with a hand gesture. She scurried in, taking her usual place with an unusually prim posture. He closed the door with a sigh before sitting down on the couch.

    Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure what to say, and the silence between them lingered for an inordinate amount of time. Then, Asher made a popping sound with his mouth.

    ¡°¡­ So¡­ you¡¯re probably wondering why I¡¯m not upset,¡± he said reluctantly, his eyes lifting to her face. She nodded vigorously.

    ¡°After taking a minute to think¡­ I¡­ well. It¡¯s just¡­ thanks.¡±

    ¡°Thanks? For what?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve said before that I like the way you think. The way your mind works is different to mine. And¡­ it opens me up to potential possibilities that I¡¯d never consider. I still think it¡¯s unlikely that Gabriel and even Marlene, I suppose, killed Piper but¡­ you made some good points. Hard to hear, but there¡¯s value in considering all different types of views, rather than being stuck in my own head. I mean¡­ what if it ends up being true?¡±

    He ruffled his hair, tugging at it briefly before letting his hand fall to his side with a thump. ¡°And¡­ it¡¯s downright a disturbing possibility. But one that I need to keep in mind. Prepare for. If I keep my mind closed and my eyes blind, then I¡¯ve failed in using my brain to its fullest.¡±

    His eyes nervously met hers. ¡°Does that make sense?¡±

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re not mad because I gave you a bogus theory?¡±

    He laughed ¨C this one hearty, full of both life and relief. ¡°Kinda. I¡¯m more mad at myself for wanting to dismiss something that¡¯s just as valid as any other theory ¨C after all, they¡¯re just theories. Even if I don¡¯t wanna hear them, or think that they¡¯re true ¨C sometimes you just have to face the music. Give it a fair chance. I still don¡¯t think it¡¯s true, though.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t either.¡±

    He scrutinised her through sharp, narrow eyes. ¡°Is that because I shut you down straight away? Well, about Gabriel, at least.¡±

    Lila shook her head earnestly. ¡°Not at all. Gabriel¡¯s just a cinnamon roll disguised as a man.¡±

    Asher gave an almost violent laugh, wiping at his eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that ¨C and I didn¡¯t expect it to be so accurate, either.¡±

    Lila chuckled before continuing her analysis. ¡°His reaction to me staying at home during the week seemed completely sincere ¨C and his apology afterwards too, for that matter. Then, there¡¯s the fact that Marlene was on Vanuatu with you when Piper¡¯s body was found, and probably dumped. So Marlene couldn¡¯t have done that, if she was dumped on Monday.¡±

    Asher folded his arms across his chest, evaluating her statement with a furrowed brow. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll believe you for now.¡±

    Lila¡¯s posture relaxed entirely. Asher seemed to notice this as he shifted his own posture, his face pulled into one of discomfort.

    ¡°Sorry. I made you stress out, didn¡¯t I? I¡­ should get better at communicating,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I understand. I¡¯m sorry that I sprung that on you. Of course you wouldn¡¯t be happy.¡±

    Asher roughed up his hair with both hands, making a sound of frustration. Then, he suddenly clapped them together once, as if a thought struck him.

    ¡°Did you manage to find stuff about your Dad¡¯s investigation?¡± he queried, his eyes glimmering with hope.

    ¡°Actually, I did,¡± Lila replied, reaching over to her bag. Then, she stopped. ¡°Something weird happened, actually.¡±

    ¡°What, something else? It¡¯s been a weird week.¡±

    ¡°No kidding¡­ well¡­ when I went to grab my wallet the other day-¡± Lila cut herself off as she remembered why she had to grab her wallet. There was no way she was going to tell Asher she needed it to get the Pill. Blushing, she carried on, Asher¡¯s expression seeming none the wiser as to the fact that she paused.

    ¡°-and, uh, I¡­ um.¡±

    There was no use. She was completely flustered now.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Asher asked, his eyes not leaving her face. Lila inhaled deeply, trying again.

    ¡°S-So I was looking for my wallet in the bags I took to yours. And I found the folder we took from the farmhouse and the stack of photos of Marlene¡¯s place in one of them.¡±

    Asher blanched, alarm etched into his face. ¡°B-But we put those away in my room.¡±

    ¡°I know. Before you left for the airport, Marlene told me she had to pack my bags ¨C so, she probably put them there.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Asher placed a hand on his chin, clearly perturbed by this new information. ¡°If it were me, I¡¯d throw away all the photos of my place. And if she didn¡¯t know about the folder, she wouldn¡¯t have known to give it to you. It was with all my school stuff, like even under a few things. So¡­ it was entirely intentional.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯d thought as much too.¡±

    ¡°Weird.¡± Asher combed through his hair with his right hand before resting it flat on his head. ¡°Even if¡­ she didn¡¯t murder Piper, I still can¡¯t figure out what she¡¯s doing or why she¡¯s doing it.¡±

    ¡°Neither¡­ but¡­ let¡¯s park all that for now,¡± Lila suggested, pulling both the folder and the envelope of photos out of the bag. ¡°I recorded a video of me going through my Dad¡¯s office. Here, I¡¯ll pull it up on my phone. I tried to think about how this folder and the photos tie into my Dad¡¯s investigation-¡±

    ¡°Hold up, they do?¡±

    Lila took her phone out, opened the video and passed it to him, accepting that it would just be much easier to show him what happened rather than stumble over herself and confuse him further. He gingerly took it, his unsure eyes meeting her encouraging ones, and began watching with the volume turned up. Lila cringed once more at the sound of her voice. Asher glanced at her, but it didn¡¯t seem as though he really ¡®saw¡¯ her as he stared back down at her phone.

    Lila began to flick through the photos and the folder again, spreading them across the coffee table, as her past self went through trying to figure out how to unlock her Dad¡¯s filing cabinets. She heard a snicker from Asher just after her past self complained about not practicing, but tried to pay him no mind.

    She still didn¡¯t feel smart enough to figure out anything new. Frowning, she poured over the documents in the folder again. Evelyn Whitley¡­ that name still bothered her to no end. But why?

    Eventually, Asher passed her back her phone, his face oddly flushed.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled. He seemed to be avoiding her gaze as he sat forward, his attention instead on the folder.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± she questioned, pushing it closer to him. His blush seemed to deepen further as he nodded.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. Just¡­ thinking.¡±

    ¡°Ah, about the investigation on the Hospital?¡±

    ¡°Not¡­ exactly.¡±

    ¡°What, then?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry about it. Uh, so, analgesics and missing funds, right?¡±

    Lila cast a sceptical look at him. He picked up the folder in its entirety, bringing it to his lap. She quickly stopped looking, her own blush forming on her cheeks. What was up with this weird energy in here? Why did she suddenly feel so hot?

    With a jolt, she remembered how her recording had ended ¨C with her phone falling straight to her thighs. Was¡­ that what was bothering him? What was he thinking about, if it wasn¡¯t about the Hospital?

    ¡­ Was it what she was starting to think about?

    With a gulp, Lila readjusted her sweater, trying to inconspicuously cool herself down. Her fingers brushed against the cold metal of the necklace Asher had helped put on her, and her blush grew more vibrant.

    ¡°¡­ seem connected.¡±

    ¡°H-Huh?¡±

    She blinked rapidly, zoning back into the conversation. Her eyes drifted to his face, which had returned to its normal colour.

    ¡°I, uh, said that they do seem connected. This folder and your Dad¡¯s investigation. But the how¡­ I¡¯m just not sure.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh. Yeah. Um, well, I also typed up a couple things on my laptop. Give me a sec.¡±

    She took out her laptop from her bag, swiftly opened the document and presented it to Asher. He took it carefully, his eyes darting down the page. Was he doing his speed-reading thing again?

    ¡°Hmm,¡± he finally said thoughtfully, returning her laptop to her hands. ¡°So, from your notes, I guess your main thoughts are that your Dad knows nothing about my Mum¡¯s disappearance, that the investigation he¡¯s working on for my Dad, which started in August last year, is about missing funds and analgesics, that it¡¯s unlikely that either of those things were perpetrated by patients, that the amount of missing drugs had to be significant enough to capture the attention of my Dad (or other Hospital staff). Then, you added that your Dad had a list of roles at the corporate level and a document listing analgesics. You also reckoned that the role descriptions were to know what abilities certain employees had that could help with committing fraud and theft, and that he had the list of analgesics to help pinpoint which analgesics or figure out why certain ones were taken. I basically just read from your notes but is that about right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think so.¡±

    Asher placed his hand on his chin, squinting at her laptop. ¡°Your writing about all this was pretty formal. Extravagant even. It¡¯s¡­ cute.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face reddened as she opened the lid. Could she hide behind it? If she tried now, she¡¯d look super weird¡­

    ¡°Sorry. I know you don¡¯t like being called cute.¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s¡­ fine.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± his tone was cautionary, but she raised a hand to stop him from speaking further.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious. It¡¯s fine. A-As long as it¡¯s from you.¡±

    She trained her eyes directly onto the screen, which swam before her. She couldn¡¯t read anything on it, for her mind was swirling in time to the tornado of butterflies that had awakened within. He didn¡¯t speak for several seconds. Then ¨C

    ¡°Alright. Lila, you¡¯re really cute. Adorable. Pretty. All of those things, and so much more. Thought I¡¯d just mention that.¡±

    ¡®Oh God,¡¯ Lila thought as her heart beat strongly in her chest. Was her heart about to burst out of it? What was happening? Why¡¯d he say that? And why couldn¡¯t she stop smiling?

    ¡°Sorry. You seem freaked out. I didn¡¯t mean to freak you out. It was a bit much. But¡­ I couldn¡¯t resist. Sorry.¡±

    She was no longer in command of her body. She wanted to look at him, but her eyes didn¡¯t want to obey. She sat, frozen, her mind processing what he said ¨C syllable by syllable.

    ¡°Ah, shit. Alright, um, well, b-back to the investigation,¡± he said hastily. ¡°S-So, I think you¡¯re right ¨C where it has to reach a certain point of concern to bring in someone like your Dad to investigate. But¡­ as for where that point is, I¡¯m not sure.¡±

    Lila stiffly nodded in acknowledgement, but couldn¡¯t do much else still.

    ¡°As for the connection between these documents, I reckon¡­ that the blueprint is to show different avenues of how someone could smuggle the drugs out of the Hospital. Then, the list of employees ¨C well, that¡¯s so whoever¡¯s running the investigation can match up the people to the roles. Find potential witnesses, maybe. And, finally, the money orders¡­ I know a little about finances, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯d know enough to figure out if these money orders are meant to be the fraudulent ones, or if it¡¯s payment for drugs or anything like that.¡±

    Lila felt a bit more in control of herself as she finally looked up at him. ¡°I don¡¯t think we need to finish this investigation. My Dad¡¯s more than capable. I¡¯m just more interested as to why whoever left the folder behind did so.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I guess that¡¯s true. The investigation will run its course.¡±

    Asher touched the document outlining the analgesics. He frowned, tapping the list.

    ¡°¡­ Something¡¯s¡­ there¡¯s something that sounds familiar about all of this.¡±

    ¡°Besides Evelyn Whitley?¡±

    He looked at her in confusion. ¡°I still dunno about her, but there¡¯s something else. What is it?¡±

    Lila bit her bottom lip. What was Asher seeing that she didn¡¯t?

    Shuffling closer so that she could see the list as well, Lila tried to think. Now that he pointed it out¡­ it was bothering her too. It niggled at her, itching to escape. What was it?

    An inkling was beginning to take hold in her mind. What¡­ was¡­ it?

    ¡°May I?¡± Lila asked, pointing at the list.

    ¡°Go for it,¡± Asher responded, handing it over.

    Lila scanned the list again. Codeine¡­ Fentanyl¡­ Morphine¡­

    ¡°Why does codeine sound so familiar?¡± Lila asked, her eyes flickering to Asher¡¯s face. He looked momentarily puzzled before he clicked his fingers.

    ¡°It¡¯s been a while, but in 2018, codeine was basically outlawed from being available over-the-counter. Nowadays if you need codeine for, uh, I think that list says it¡¯s commonly used for pain relief and treatment of cold and flu symptoms, you need a prescription. It¡¯s much more regulated now.¡±

    ¡°That must be why Dad crossed it off the list,¡± Lila murmured, running her finger along the line her Dad had drawn through ¡®codeine¡¯. She looked up at Asher with a small smile on her face.

    ¡°Thanks, Mr Dux. I knew I could count on you for the answer,¡± she said playfully. He gave an exaggerated bow.

    ¡°All in a day¡¯s work. Being a Dux means knowing things, you know.¡±

    Lila laughed ¨C but it was cut short.

    Dux.

    ¡°¡­ Livi and a couple others are running a side gig, using the Banker¡¯s money to fund it. It¡¯s been working pretty well.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the side gig?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ supplying drugs, to whoever wants them. Mostly to the sports teams.¡±

    ¡°D-Drugs?¡±

    ¡°Nothing specifically illicit, like cocaine or anything like that. Um, not sure if you¡¯ve heard of it, but it¡¯s morphine. Pain reliever that they use in hospitals.¡±

    Lila stared at Asher. She wasn¡¯t sure how to articulate what she¡¯d remembered ¨C but she was dead certain. That¡¯s why it was familiar.

    ¡°T-Theo,¡± Lila uttered quietly. A flash of hurt crossed through Asher¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m Asher, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I know that,¡± Lila replied swiftly, panicking now that he¡¯d gotten the wrong idea. ¡°I just remembered what Theo told me.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d you remember?¡±

    ¡°Livi, and that group ¨C they¡¯re supplying morphine to the sports teams, and whoever wants them at school.¡±

    Asher¡¯s jaw fell open. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot too.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes darted from the left and right sides of the coffee table, his face completely sombre.

    ¡°Lila ¨C do you reckon Livi¡¯s group is getting it from my Dad¡¯s hospital?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I have no idea,¡± Lila replied truthfully. ¡°Maybe?¡±

    Asher shot up into a standing position. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna grab something real quick ¨C be right back.¡±

    He virtually sprinted away from the couch and into his room, reappearing almost as quickly with a book in his hands.

    ¡°Let¡¯s write down the people from Grade 12 that we know are involved in Livi¡¯s group and then Grade 12s that are potentially involved. People like Theo, or maybe peripheral friends or something. Maybe we could figure out the network ¨C see where it¡¯s spreading.¡± His voice sounded desperate as he heavily sat back down on the couch, flipping open the book. Now that he was closer, Lila could see that it was a copy of this year¡¯s yearbook for Forestglade College.

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    She created a new page in her document with a large table separated into two columns ¨C ¡®Involved¡¯ and ¡®Associated¡¯ ¨C as Asher continued flickering through the yearbook, his concentration emanating from him like a thick fog.

    Then ¨C

    ¡°Oh, there you are,¡± Asher chuckled, pointing at Lila amongst the sea of her Grade 11 PC classmates.

    ¡°Thought you were looking for Grade 12s,¡± Lila laughed, taking a peek.

    ¡°I mean, yeah, but Grade 11 comes first,¡± Asher replied abashedly. He turned the page ¨C landing on the Grade 12s.

    ¡°Damn, what¡¯s Livi¡¯s class?¡± he questioned, glancing up at Lila. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°Honestly, didn¡¯t even know she existed until last term. Couldn¡¯t tell you anything about her, even her last name.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯d be in here as Olivia,¡± Asher noted, turning his eyes back down to the yearbook. ¡°I think you¡¯ll need to help me find ¡®em.¡±

    He angled the yearbook so that she could see it clearly from where she was sitting. Lila skimmed both of the pages that she could see, trying to see any familiar students. Now that she thought about it, none of the Grade 12s had given their last names when they introduced themselves, nor did she know any of their classes. Not even Theo¡¯s.

    With a sigh, she moved her laptop away, using her finger to help with combing through the faces within the class photos on the page closest to her.

    ¡°Ah, there¡¯s Theo. Uh, Theo Liang,¡± Asher said after a few moments, pointing. Lila turned to her laptop, noting down Theo¡¯s name and class ¨C 12B ¨C in the ¡®Associated¡¯ column.

    Lila continued her own search, landing on Zack. ¡°There¡¯s Zack. Zack Anderson, 12E.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t quite sure how involved Zack was but recalled his efforts in helping Theo during soccer practice. She had a strong suspicion that it had been morphine that he gave to Theo, knowing what she knew now¡­ She put him in the ¡®Involved¡¯ column.

    ¡°Uh, looks like Harper¡¯s in 12A. Harper Tran,¡± Asher pointed at Harper amongst the 12A class. Lila noted her in the ¡®Associated¡¯ column. She didn¡¯t have any information as to whether Harper was directly involved in the morphine ring¡­ but¡­ in saying that, she was the Captain of the Dancettes. If morphine was being supplied to sports teams, the Dancettes may be connected¡­

    Lila scratched her head before moving Harper to ¡®Involved¡¯. As long as she was on the list¡­

    ¡°There¡¯s Jake, um Jake Taylor. 12C,¡± Asher observed. Lila placed him in the ¡®Associated¡¯ column before pausing.

    ¡°Does Jake do a sport?¡± she asked, frowning at her table.

    ¡°Rugby,¡± Asher confirmed, peering even more closely at the yearbook photos. With a sigh, Lila moved Jake to ¡®Involved¡¯. As far as she was concerned, anyone who was connected to a sport may as well be ¡®Involved¡¯ for now. She focused on the page closest to her again, inspecting classes D, E and F.

    ¡°Can¡¯t see anyone else on my page,¡± Lila said tentatively.

    ¡°Neither,¡± Asher replied. ¡°I think there¡¯s another page.¡±

    Lila turned it, revealing classes G, H and I.

    ¡°There¡¯s Vivian. Vivan Macleod, 12G. And right next to her is Olivia Malouf. Huh¡­¡± Asher trailed off, seeming surprised. ¡°Didn¡¯t realise Olivia had an Arabic last name.¡±

    ¡°Malouf is Arabic?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Uh, when I was younger, I was tutored by a University student ¨C his name was Joseph Malouf. He was Lebanese, actually. I wonder if they¡¯re related¡­¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Lila put both Vivian and Olivia into the ¡®Involved¡¯ column. She had just saved the document when Asher inhaled abruptly.

    ¡°What?¡± Lila whipped her head to face him.

    ¡°You¡¯ll never guess,¡± Asher said, his voice trembling slightly.

    ¡°Guess what?¡±

    Asher wordlessly pointed to Jason ¨C sitting proudly with his 12H classmates ¨C and Lila cast her eyes down to the list of names. Her heart stopped.

    Jason Whitley.

    ¡°I-Is that why Evelyn Whitley sounds familiar?¡± Lila asked breathlessly. ¡°Since Jason¡¯s virtually everywhere as the Head Boy.¡±

    ¡°Probably. I didn¡¯t realise that was Jason¡¯s last name.¡±

    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you remember his last name?¡± Lila questioned curiously. ¡°I thought you would since you¡¯re in the upper echelons of the College.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not in any of the circles I travel. Besides, I¡¯m too busy trying to get Isaac to shut up and sit still in Assembly to pay attention to anything that goes on there. I may be the Dux, but I don¡¯t care too much about what other people are achieving. It¡¯s hard enough to stay in my own lane.¡±

    ¡°Well, that tracks, I guess,¡± Lila muttered, adding Jason¡¯s name to the ¡®Involved¡¯ column. Were Evelyn and Jason related?

    ¡°You know, something has bothered me since we first met the Grade 12s,¡± Asher piped up, tapping on Jason¡¯s face in the yearbook. ¡°He told Livi that I was the Dux of Grade 11, and ¡®the son of the CEO of Forestglade Private Hospital¡¯. I thought that was weird at the time since I¡¯ve never really talked about it at school. But¡­ if he¡¯s related to Evelyn, then¡­ it¡¯s kind of a given that he¡¯d know who I am since she¡¯s the Vice. I imagine that it would¡¯ve come up once or twice ¨C that the CEO¡¯s son also goes to Forestglade College. At least, that kinda stuff is what I imagine old people talk about, besides work.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    They sat in a contemplative silence. What did it mean? If Jason was involved in the morphine ring at school¡­ then was his relative, Evelyn Whitley, supplying it from the Hospital? That didn¡¯t make sense ¨C she was second in command over there. Why would she jeopardise it like that ¨C just for a bunch of high school athletes?

    Lila tapped the edge of her laptop. This would be the perfect time to do some open-source searches on Jason and Evelyn. At the very least, they should establish whether they were related. Surely there were lots of Whitleys floating around.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m gonna do some research on them,¡± Lila said determinedly. ¡°I hardly know anyone in Grade 12, except my hockey girls and I haven¡¯t noticed anything related to drugs or morphine with them. Out of us two, I reckon you might have a better shot at thinking about who else might be connected.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±

    Lila swiftly opened up Facebook, searching for Jason Whitley. She found him pretty quickly, given they had 58 mutual friends, and it looked like his profile was open.

    He didn¡¯t have any family members listed, but he had a few posts of moments he was tagged in, like when he received his title of Head Boy at the end of last year, and Christmas celebrations with family. These posts originated from a Morris Whitley. Was that his Dad?

    Morris¡¯ profile had far less information than Jason¡¯s. She could see that he was listed as ¡®Married¡¯ but not to whom. With a sigh, Lila returned to the posts Morris had made. Perhaps he¡¯d tagged Evelyn¡­

    That again bore no results ¨C there was no one else tagged besides Jason. Scrolling through the rest of his posts, Lila saw a few birthday messages. A lot of them seemed to come from Forestglade College students. A few others were clearly from family members.

    ¡°Bingo,¡± Lila murmured to herself. There was one, posted by an Eve Dupont, that read:

    To my not-so-baby boy, happy sweet 16<sup>th</sup>! To think you would grow into the fine boy that you have. I am so proud. Love Mum.

    PS I hope you enjoy taking your new car for a spin ¨C on your Ls, of course, which you passed today!

    A few love heart, smiley face and present emojis were intermingled throughout the message. Eve could be Evelyn. Was Dupont her maiden name? Or had she remarried? The current profile picture on Eve¡¯s Facebook page was of a frangipani flower ¨C so Lila clicked on her profile. Perhaps she¡¯d been tagged in something that showed her face¡­

    Eve¡¯s profile was sparse. It didn¡¯t take long for Lila to find something.

    It was a photo that Eve shared from the Forestglade Private Hospital¡¯s Facebook page to her own personal one ¨C a headshot from 2015, announcing the appointment of Evelyn Whitley to the Vice CEO position. This photo matched the photo of Evelyn that Lila had seen amongst the photos in Marlene¡¯s notebook.

    Although¡­ perhaps Eve was just sharing it for fun. She needed something else.

    She left Eve¡¯s page as a separate tab for now. Looking back through Jason¡¯s profile, she scrolled back further. There was a post from three years ago by a different person ¨C John Dupont ¨C featuring a photo of people sitting around a roast on a dining room table:

    Happy family times at the Whitleys! Delicious lunch with my sister Eve Whitley, nephew Jason Whitley and brother-in-law Morris Whitley.

    The names were underlined in the post, indicating that they were tags. Clicking on ¡®Eve Whitley¡¯ redirected to ¡®Eve Dupont¡¯.

    Goosebumps trailed their way down Lila¡¯s neck and arms. She¡¯d been right.

    ¡°Asher, Evelyn Whitley is Jason¡¯s Mum.¡±

    He looked up, seeming stunned by the revelation. ¡°Wait, seriously? His Mum?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, showing him her laptop and going through what she¡¯d found.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°That¡¯s why he walks around like he¡¯s the best thing since sliced bread.¡±

    ¡°I mean, he is the Head Boy and popular,¡± Lila stated, inclining her head. ¡°That¡¯d be enough to give anyone a big head.¡±

    Asher looked thoughtful for a moment before suggesting a few more names for Lila to add to the ¡®Associated¡¯ column. Lila didn¡¯t recognise any of them but dutifully noted them down.

    Lila placed the laptop on the coffee table before them both. Was the supply of morphine at school coming from Jason? Which, in turn, was coming from his Mum, the second-in-command of the Hospital?

    ¡°What should we do with this info?¡± Asher asked quietly, resting his head in his left hand.

    ¡°I¡­ dunno,¡± Lila replied truthfully. ¡°Should¡­ should we tell my Dad?¡±

    ¡°Your Dad?¡±

    ¡°Well, it seems like his investigation is still ongoing. If he hasn¡¯t found out the ¡®who¡¯ just yet, maybe pointing out the connection to Evelyn would be helpful. It¡¯d help your Dad, too.¡±

    ¡°It would¡­ but how would we even go about it? The only reason why we know he¡¯s investigating missing analgesics is because you broke into his filing cabinets and rifled through his folders.¡±

    ¡°True¡­¡± Lila sighed heavily, the beginning stages of exhaustion starting to take hold. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to think on that one.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I do think we need to tell him. But we just need to be careful, I think. Especially since the morphine ring is connected to Daniel.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, as usual.¡±

    ¡°I like the sound of that.¡±

    Lila glanced at him to see him grinning playfully at her.

    ¡°You¡¯ve heard it plenty before, I¡¯m sure,¡± she chuckled.

    ¡°I suppose I have,¡± Asher replied, eyeing her carefully. ¡°But it sounds the best coming from your lips.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡®Why does he keep saying stuff like that to me?¡¯ she thought, battling the blush spreading across her face. ¡®Doesn¡¯t he realise what it¡¯s doing to me?¡¯

    ¡°¡­ Asher¡­ I¡­ I don¡¯t know how to put this¡­ but¡­ I think it¡¯d be best if you stopped saying things like that,¡± Lila said quietly, staring directly at her knees. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ well, it¡¯s¡­ frustrating. Since¡­ I want-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Asher interjected, his complexion a brilliant scarlet. ¡°I understand. It¡¯s my fault entirely.¡±

    On one hand, Lila wanted to hear Asher say those things to her until the end of time ¨C but on the other, her heart ached. She yearned to be his, and him hers, but if he wasn¡¯t ready¡­ or was he? It was confusing.

    She knew that he didn¡¯t want to hurt her, but¡­ there was no escaping the undeniable truth that it was hurting her. At the same time, she didn¡¯t want to hurt him by shutting him down, either. Twisting her hands in her lap, she wanted to at least explain that part. How would she do that in a way that he understood where she was coming from?

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°No, no. You¡¯re absolutely within your rights to ask me to stop.¡± He looked incredibly guilty, averting his eyes from her entirely. ¡°I sometimes forget myself. But it¡¯s not fair on you, and I¡¯ve been told time and time again. I just can¡¯t seem to fucking get it together.¡±

    Lila tried to think of a response but before she could, Asher clapped his face with his hands.

    ¡°I think we should take a break,¡± he suggested.

    A break? Did¡­ he want to take a break from Lila altogether? Again?

    ¡°Wanna play a game?¡± he asked, already grabbing a set of joy cons. His suggestion was without his usual enthusiasm ¨C sounding more as though he was forcing himself to move on.

    Lila breathed a small sigh of relief. He probably meant a break from their investigation.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. But maybe we should pack away all this stuff first.¡±

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    They packed away the contents of the envelope and folder before something occurred to Lila.

    ¡°Should I take these home with me?¡± she asked, patting the folder.

    Asher paused before lowering the envelope of photos next to her hand. ¡°Well, it¡¯s not as though Marlene hasn¡¯t already seen them,¡± he said slowly.

    ¡°She has tampered with them once before, though.¡±

    Asher scratched the side of his jaw, clearly deep in rumination.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. But wouldn¡¯t it be bad if your Mum or Dad found that stuff?¡± he eventually inquired.

    ¡°Probably¡­ but they also don¡¯t suspect anything. Sometimes Mum comes into my room, but usually my room is tidy enough that she doesn¡¯t look through anything. I don¡¯t think anyone would be motivated to look through my stuff. Clare rifles around for clothes and things every so often and Daniel sneaks in to borrow my highlighters but, I mean, I¡¯ve got some hefty blackmail on both of them if they wanted to tell Mum and Dad.¡±

    ¡°You seem like you enjoy that fact,¡± Asher chuckled. Shaking his head, he gave a small sigh. ¡°Alright, your points are solid. While my Dad and Gabriel don¡¯t generally come into my room, Marlene has already found all this stuff at least once ¨C and it was most likely her who took the farmhouse photos and tried to erase them from the receipt. She could compromise it further, and it would probably give me some peace of mind if it¡¯s not here.¡±

    Lila wordlessly packed them both back into her bag. The rest of the afternoon up until being called down to dinner was spent as many an afternoon had with Asher ¨C playing games, watching videos, laughing and talking. It was almost a shame to come back downstairs for dinner, but when the smell of a homely quiche with ham, cheese and spinach, hit Lila, she couldn¡¯t resist. Whilst simple, it did well to fill Lila¡¯s growling stomach. Marlene hadn¡¯t joined them for dinner, instead preferring to remain in the butler¡¯s pantry, which suited Lila just fine.

    Her theory regarding Marlene¡¯s involvement in Piper¡¯s murder still played in the back of Lila¡¯s mind, though she reminded herself often that she didn¡¯t have evidence pointing to Marlene. It was hard to believe that Marlene would be capable of such vicious cruelty. Especially when thinking back to Marlene being the Quack Queen. Actually¡­

    ¡°Hey, Asher,¡± Lila said quietly, scooping a bit of the quiche onto her spoon.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± he replied, glancing at her curiously before shoving some quiche into his mouth.

    ¡°Do you know if QQ posted anything on her streaming channel about the vacation?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t check,¡± Asher responded, pulling his phone out of his pocket and tapping rapidly on it. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Just curious,¡± Lila shrugged nonchalantly. ¡°I mean, the trip didn¡¯t feel planned, but maybe it was. I¡¯m guessing she didn¡¯t stream while away.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. Besides, the reception was bad, remember?¡±

    ¡°Clare told me that reception is just fine in Vanuatu,¡± Lila said in a low whisper. ¡°Maybe what Marlene told you was a lie?¡±

    Asher fell silent, scooping another bit of quiche into his mouth slightly aggressively now. He looked down at his phone and pushed it over to Lila. She picked it up, reading through the most recent post ¨C made at about 4am that morning.

    Hiya Quacklings

    Sorry for my unexpected break! I¡¯m back and ready to stream. See you all on Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10.30pm to 2am AEST as usual! Monday¡¯s stream will be Stardew Valley ¨C can¡¯t wait to see you all back on Quacklevania!

    Quackers!

    Love always, Quack Queen

    Lila scrolled down to the post before it ¨C posted on Thursday night, 10.15pm.

    My loyal Quacklings

    I¡¯m taking a week off from streaming! Sorry for the late notice, but I won¡¯t be streaming tomorrow, or next week. Something unexpected has come up and I¡¯m so, so sorry to disappoint you guys. To make up for it, I¡¯ll be hosting a giveaway after I come back for all sorts of merch and Steam gift cards. I hope you can forgive me!

    Quackers!

    Love always, Quack Queen

    ¡°Are you two wanting dessert?¡±

    Marlene¡¯s voice scared the living daylights out of Lila, who dropped Asher¡¯s phone onto the tile before it bounced onto her foot. She clutched it, moaning in pain, as both Marlene and Asher immediately flocked to her.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher asked, his eyes full of concern. They travelled down towards her foot and then over at Marlene.

    ¡°Do you think we need some ice?¡± he questioned, his voice wavering with a hint of panic.

    Marlene pressed her lips together, as though assessing the situation before responding. ¡°I can prepare something ¨C do you need some ice, Lila?¡±

    ¡°No, no, I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila mumbled, her face flushed with embarrassment. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about your phone, Asher.¡±

    He bent down and picked it up, wiping the screen on his shirt. ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± he smiled. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Good. Sorry I dropped it.¡±

    Asher and Marlene exchanged a look.

    ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re alright, though?¡± Asher pressed, pocketing his phone with a slight frown.

    ¡°Really, I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila insisted. The throbbing ache had dulled anyway, since it was only the corner of Asher¡¯s phone that had struck her.

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Marlene nodded. ¡°Shall I bring some dessert?¡±

    ¡°I think so,¡± Asher replied, turning to Marlene. ¡°Dessert makes everything better.¡±

    ¡°I agree,¡± Marlene smiled before exiting to the kitchen. Asher hesitantly sat down, his forehead still creased with worry.

    ¡°You seem overly sensitive,¡± Lila said after a few moments of him pressing his hands together, the anxiety flowing off him in waves. ¡°I¡¯m much tougher than that.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± he murmured. ¡°Sorry. I guess¡­ I¡¯m just¡­ I mean, today¡¯s the first day we¡¯ve hung out again. I didn¡¯t want you to leave here hurt, in any kind of way. But I¡¯ve messed that up already. A few times.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Lila said incredulously. ¡°I just got spooked and dropped your phone. It didn¡¯t even land directly on my foot, just bounced onto it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, avoiding her gaze. ¡°I know. But¡­ yeah. Never mind.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind, Asher?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ well. It¡¯s just my own stuff that I need to sort out in my head.¡±

    ¡°I can help, if you want-¡±

    ¡°Slice of sponge cake with some chopped berries and custard,¡± Marlene announced pleasantly from the doorway. She carried in two small bowls filled with dessert before taking their dinner plates and returning to the kitchen.

    Lila and Asher ate their desserts in silence. Lila felt incredibly awkward with the amount of attention and concern Asher and Marlene showed her. It gave her an odd suspicion ¨C one that made her feel as though there was something else behind their reactions. Something besides a usual level of concern when someone expressed pain.

    Once they were finished, Asher invited Lila to head back upstairs.

    ¡°What time are you leaving?¡± he asked softly upon closing the door to the rumpus room.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see if my Mum or Dad can pick me up now,¡± Lila replied, unearthing her phone. She caught sight of Asher¡¯s expression ¨C he seemed disappointed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not doing anything tomorrow,¡± Lila noted with a small smile. ¡°If you¡¯re not doing anything, then I can come back.¡±

    His eyes lit up as he nodded enthusiastically. ¡°Not a single plan for me.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Lila grinned, continuing her usual message to her Mum, asking for her to be picked up. Her Mum replied with a ¡®thumbs up¡¯ and Lila pocketed her phone. ¡°Mum¡¯ll be here in, like, twenty minutes or something.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Um. I¡­¡± Asher¡¯s voice waned as he lingered by the door still, seeming incredibly unsure of himself.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila queried, taking her usual seat, her eyes trained on his expression.

    ¡°Uh, well, I know you asked me to kinda¡­ stop¡­¡± his eyes flashed in clear frustration as he crossed his arms, looking intently at a particular spot in his carpet.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah?¡±

    ¡°S-Stop giving you mixed signals, I guess. At least, that¡¯s what Gabriel yelled at me about. And I see where I was going wrong with all that¡­ but¡­ there¡¯s something else.¡±

    Something else? Was¡­ was he going to ask her to be his girlfriend now?

    He glanced up at her, his lips pursed. Then, he sighed heavily. ¡°I¡¯m an idiot, and I don¡¯t want to keep fucking this up, but¡­ the necklace wasn¡¯t the only thing I got for you.¡±

    Lila blinked before looking down at it. Her eyes flickered back up to his face, which was beet red.

    ¡°Lemme just¡­ I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said, passing her at almost a jog. He burst into his room and she could hear him stumbling around in there before he emerged a couple seconds later. In his hands was a colourful woven bag that looked to be in a traditional style. It looked fairly sturdy from where she was sitting, and generally good quality.

    Instead of sitting down next to her, he gently handed her the bag. Accepting it gratefully, Lila was surprised at how heavy it felt. Opening it, she saw a myriad of other things ¨C a woven fan, a carved turtle necklace, a small wallet, a vibrant purple woven headband and an illustrated book of traditional myths and legends originating from Vanuatu.

    Puzzled, Lila looked up at Asher, surprised to see him hiding his face behind his hands. Was he¡­ ashamed?

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said warmly, looking back down at her spoils. ¡°These look amazing.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ got you something for every day that I missed you,¡± he said in a muffled voice.

    ¡°O-Oh.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Uh. I just wanted to say that. As like the last thing that I¡¯ll say of that nature for a while. It felt important to let you know. Sorry I didn¡¯t give it to you earlier ¨C I was kinda anxious to know if you liked the necklace, since that¡¯s the nicest of all of the things I got you.¡±

    Lila lightly held the pendant on her chest, a smile growing on her face. She could live with this violation of her request. A tingly feeling in her heart was spreading throughout her body, carrying with it a light warmth. There was a certain sweet charm to this ¨C especially with Asher¡¯s nervousness.

    ¡°Thank you. You didn¡¯t have to. I appreciate everything you got me. I¡¯ll let you know my favourite myth, once I read through this bad boy,¡± Lila beamed, tapping the spine of the book. Asher breathed a sigh of relief.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad. I¡¯ll stop confusing you from here on out. Promise.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Asher¡¯s energy returned as he challenged her to another game whilst waiting for her Mum to come by. All too soon, a text message buzzed on Lila¡¯s phone, announcing her Mum¡¯s arrival. Reluctantly, Lila stood up, collecting her bag of stuff and the souvenirs from Asher.

    ¡°Looks like I have to go now,¡± she noted, unable to contain the sadness in her voice.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, his own tone despondent. ¡°But I¡¯ll be seeing you tomorrow, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just have to double check with Mum, but I don¡¯t see there being a reason why not.¡±

    Asher nodded and they left the rumpus room. They passed Marlene in the kitchen and she farewelled Lila with a polite smile. Lila returned the gesture, coupled with a wave. Asher turned the security alarm off as Lila took off her slippers, and, in an instant, they had stepped out in the chilly outside world.

    Opening her Mum¡¯s car, Lila could feel a rush of warm air hug her body in welcome.

    ¡°Hi, Lila. Hi, Asher,¡± her Mum said from the front passenger seat, a sunny smile on her face. ¡°Did you have a good time today?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Mum,¡± Lila nodded, passing her Mum her bags. ¡°Actually, I was wondering if I can come back tomorrow?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum looked over at Asher, who was shifting his weight between his feet, his hands in his pockets as he waited for an answer. Lila¡¯s Mum turned her head to Lila, her face thoughtful.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum stated simply. Lila¡¯s shoulders slumped as she looked at Asher apologetically, before recognising that her Mum was still speaking.

    ¡°I think Asher should pay us a visit instead,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum added, her grin widening. ¡°Come have dinner with us tomorrow night, Asher.¡±

    His face turned an interesting shade of pink. ¡°Are you sure? I don¡¯t want to overstep.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure. You can tell us all about your trip. Tell you what, you can come over at whatever time suits you. But I¡¯ll make sure to make enough tocino for dinner, as well as some extra for you to take home,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asserted.

    Asher met Lila¡¯s eye, a broad smile having replaced his anxious expression. ¡°I¡¯d love to, Mrs Moloney. I¡¯ll see you both tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum replied, a note of enthusiasm in her voice. ¡°I¡¯m sure Daniel will be delighted to see you too.¡±

    ¡°Hope so,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°If not, I¡¯ll have to rethink my tutoring skills.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum also chuckled before turning her attention to Lila. ¡°Lila, come get in the car. You¡¯ll freeze into a popsicle out here.¡±

    ¡°R-Right,¡± Lila responded, her teeth already beginning to chatter. ¡°See you tomorrow, Asher.¡±

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Lila,¡± Asher smiled, waving. Lila returned the wave before jumping into the driver¡¯s side. She set off, a feeling of relief washing over her. She was surprised that her Mum invited Asher over tomorrow, but, mostly, she was relieved that she¡¯d be able to see him again, one last time, before their school life started up again on Monday.

 Chapter One Hundred

    Chapter One Hundred

    Once Lila arrived home, she checked with Asher about what time he was thinking of coming over. When he said ¡®11¡¯, Lila was filled with a sense of panic. Now that Asher wasn¡¯t helping Daniel with the Banker¡¯s finances, that meant he would be spending all that time until dinner with Lila¡­ What could they even do?

    Her room, in comparison to his wing of the mansion, was tiny. Her family did have a Switch, but none of the games that Lila usually played with Asher. At this point, too, he¡¯d almost read her whole book collection.

    Lila assumed that she¡¯d need to have the door open again, which unfortunately meant they wouldn¡¯t really be able to talk about the investigation.

    She hoped that sleep could provide her with an answer. Tucking herself into bed, she caught sight of the bag Asher had given her sitting on her desk. She hadn¡¯t yet unpacked anything, but perhaps she could have a quick read of the book he¡¯d gifted her to lull her into sleep.

    Waking up several hours later to the sound of birdsong outside her window, Lila realised that she¡¯d fallen asleep reading. Luckily, the book wasn¡¯t damaged, and she gently closed it and placed it beside her bed.

    It was 8am, so Lila went about her morning routine as usual without any idea of what they could do today. Just hanging out together was looking more and more like the only option, especially as she still wasn¡¯t too keen on leaving the house.

    As she finished tidying her room at about 10.30am, a new suggestion occurred to Lila. They had some board games that they could play ¨C maybe even rope Daniel and Clare, or her parents, into playing with them.

    Lila skipped down the stairs, narrowly avoiding stacking it as she rounded the corner towards the living room. The board games were kept under the TV mainly ¨C not that they had too many to choose from.

    Humming, Lila opened the cabinet door, taking stock of what they had.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a good mood,¡± grumbled Clare, clad in pyjamas and a messy bun atop her head. She promptly sat with a huff on the couch. She turned on the TV, which began blasting whatever had been on last. She quickly muted it with a wince.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a bad mood,¡± countered Lila, pulling out two card games, and reading the back of one to see if it¡¯d be suitable.

    ¡°Could say that,¡± Clare muttered.

    ¡°What happened?¡±

    Clare gently kicked her feet against the base of the couch before sighing heavily.

    ¡°I asked¡­ that guy for a break, and he agreed. I thought he¡¯d at least ask why, or resist a little. Instead, he said he was thinking about having one too.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Then I took, like, ten shots at the bar and my head is pounding. I¡¯m lucky Gabriel took pity on me and sent me home in a cab, but that was kinda embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like the consequences of your actions.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Clare groaned, covering her eyes with both hands. ¡°So stupid. Who even thought up that idea?¡±

    ¡°What, that your actions have consequences? Mum would probably say Jesus.¡±

    Clare shot Lila a withering look. ¡°That was a rhetorical question, smart ass.¡±

    Lila poked her tongue out at Clare before turning back to the cabinet and continuing her rummaging.

    ¡°So? What¡¯s up with your insufferable perkiness?¡± Clare asked, her tone disapproving beyond measure.

    ¡°Oh, right, you were already at work when I came home. Asher¡¯s coming over at 11.¡±

    Clare leapt up. ¡°Jesus, Lila, you should lead with that! I¡¯m just in my pyjamas ¨C not to mention braless.¡±

    ¡°Honestly? Didn¡¯t even occur to me that you¡¯d want to change,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°Besides, you¡¯re the one that started complaining about your not-boyfriend almost immediately.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re an asshole!¡± Clare called as she scrambled out of the living room to head up the stairs. Lila smirked to herself as she continued browsing.

    Eventually, she picked a few games and stacked them on the dining room table, satisfied with her collection. Checking the time, she¡¯d have about five-

    Knock knock.

    Or¡­ no minutes.

    Lila headed over to the front door and unlocked it. She could see an Asher-shaped silhouette through the frosted glass of the front door and nervously smoothed down her hair.

    Twisting the doorknob with a tentative smile, she was confronted by a tense-looking Asher, dressed far more neatly than she had seen in a while.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said simply. His face split into a beam, and, without her consciously deciding to do so, she opened her arms as an offer for a hug. His beam grew wider as he stepped forward, pulling her into his warm, sturdy chest. Pleasant bursts of tingles shot down her body as she pressed her face closer to him ¨C inhaling as much as she could, as quietly as she could, of his familiar, comforting scent. It had the strange effect of calming her down considerably whilst revving her heartrate up simultaneously.

    This hug was much shorter than yesterday¡¯s, which suited Lila just fine ¨C any longer and her head would burst into flames, due to how hot her face felt.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he finally said, his kind eyes filled with unbridled happiness. ¡°It¡¯s been a while since I¡¯ve been here.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila said lamely, stepping aside to allow him entry. ¡°Nothing¡¯s changed about this place.¡±

    He chuckled, taking off his shoes as Lila locked the front door. He looked around the hallway before pointing at a framed picture of Jesus along the left side wall.

    ¡°That one¡¯s new,¡± he grinned.

    ¡°Shit, is it?¡± Lila asked, genuinely surprised.

    ¡°At least, I don¡¯t remember it,¡± Asher responded. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m misremembering.¡±

    ¡°I thought you were infallible.¡±

    Asher snorted. ¡°That¡¯s a lie, and you know it. I¡¯ve made plenty of mistakes.¡±

    ¡°Dunno about plenty,¡± Lila said loftily, leading him towards the stairs. ¡°Unless you count being here one of them.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Asher flashed her a cheeky grin. It felt as though his grin had knocked her heart out of rhythm for just a moment before he added, ¡°Going upstairs?¡±

    ¡°You might wanna put your stuff down in my room, at least,¡± Lila replied, coughing slightly and looking up at the staircase.

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±

    Lila led the way up to her room, ensuring her door remained open. Her parents, it seemed, were having a lazy morning, for Lila hadn¡¯t seen either of them all day. That didn¡¯t mean, though, that neither would pop in and assess whether Lila and Asher were behaving appropriately.

    Asher placed his bag down next to Lila¡¯s bookcase before sitting down cross-legged in front of it, perusing her offerings.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t really gotten anything new,¡± Lila said, sitting down on her desk chair.

    ¡°There was one that I was really curious about last time I visited,¡± Asher replied, peering closer. ¡°This one.¡±

    He pulled out a fantasy book and cracked it open, his eyes flicking down the page with incredible speed. He nodded once he was finished with the first page, seeming satisfied.

    ¡°Can I take this one with me?¡± he asked, holding it up in the air.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila responded with a nonplussed shrug. ¡°Go hard.¡±

    He smirked, placing it into his bag, before leaning back on his hands and looking up at her. ¡°What¡¯s on the agenda for today, boss?¡±

    ¡°Boss? I like the sound of that one.¡±

    ¡°What can I say? You¡¯re one of two masterminds.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to her open doorway. She hadn¡¯t heard anyone creeping around, nor did she see anyone now, but his comment made her nervous. In a house like this, even the walls had ears.

    ¡°Shit, sorry,¡± Asher said hurriedly. ¡°I¡¯m an idiot.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re just used to operating in the privacy of your rumpus room,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I get it. It¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°Anyway, this house is far less entertaining than yours. Plus, it¡¯s squashy as all hell. So, I set up some board games downstairs. We might even tempt Clare and Daniel to join us,¡± Lila announced, jumping to her feet. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t seem pleased that Lila had cut him off, but he didn¡¯t press the point. They had just passed Daniel¡¯s room when he poked his head out.

    ¡°Lila, why do you sound like an elephant?¡± he asked grumpily. Asher turned around, having descended the first step downstairs.

    ¡°Sorry, should get on a diet, aye?¡± Asher joked. Daniel¡¯s eyes bulged.

    ¡°Asher?!¡±

    ¡°In the flesh. You seem happy to see me.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Daniel replied, straightening up. ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering when you¡¯d show your face ¡®round here again. Lila¡¯s been moping for the past week, it¡¯s been sickening.¡±

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°Has she?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s and she immediately looked away.

    ¡°Sure has,¡± Daniel snorted. ¡°Do you have a minute?¡±

    ¡°Do I need to be involved in this minute?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Daniel replied. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m not gonna do anything to Asher. He¡¯ll leave in one piece¡­ I think.¡±

    ¡°Sounds ominous,¡± Asher nodded, walking back over to Daniel¡¯s room. ¡°I suppose it¡¯s about the thing?¡±

    ¡°Yup. That thing.¡±

    They disappeared into Daniel¡¯s room and Lila sighed heavily. She may as well set up one of the board games, at least.

    By the time she finished, Asher appeared in the archway of the dining room, a proud smile on his face.

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming that Daniel wanted to show you how he was going?¡± Lila questioned, sitting cross-legged in her usual chair whilst shuffling the deck they were going to be drawing their hand from.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Asher confirmed, taking a seat opposite Lila. ¡°He¡¯s doing a lot better than I¡¯d thought he¡¯d be. Not that I thought he¡¯d be doing terribly ¨C but he¡¯s actually just that good now. It¡¯s awesome. How do we play this one?¡±

    They played a couple of different board games, their rowdiness eventually attracting the attention of Clare and Daniel, who both decided to complain first before demanding their own Meeples and set of cards.

    ¡°My, I haven¡¯t heard you guys be this boisterous for an age and a half,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad laughed at about 12.30pm, approaching them with curiosity. ¡°Oh, you¡¯re playing that one? Who¡¯s winning?¡±

    ¡°Who do you think, Dad?¡± pouted Clare. ¡°The cheater, clearly.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad raised an eyebrow at Clare before glancing at the rest of the table. ¡°And¡­ who¡¯s that this time?¡±

    ¡°Me,¡± cackled Daniel, throwing down a card and doing a victory jig in his seat. ¡°Suck on that, losers!¡±

    ¡°Aha! You admit you¡¯re cheating!¡± Clare cried, pointing at Daniel. He stuck his tongue out at her.

    ¡°Never said that. I¡¯m just the winner,¡± he replied smugly.

    ¡°Actually,¡± Asher interjected, throwing down one of his cards. ¡°I¡¯m countering that one.¡±

    ¡°I trusted you!¡± shrieked Daniel, frantically looking through his remaining cards. Lila¡¯s Dad chuckled before moving along to the kitchen.

    Asher gave his best imitation of an evil laugh, cracking up the rest of the table. Lila was glad to see that Asher was getting along with her siblings. It was surprising, in a way, since he didn¡¯t have his own siblings. Despite that, he fit in so well that it felt that they¡¯d all been friends for years ¨C rather than the short few months that Asher had interacted with Clare and Daniel.

    ¡°Lila, hurry up,¡± Clare¡¯s impatient voice snapped Lila out of her thoughts. She was so distracted that she¡¯d forgotten the strategy she was going with ¨C until Daniel countered something Lila wanted to do.

    Eventually, Lila¡¯s parents reappeared in the archway.

    ¡°Lunchtime, kiddos,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad announced, gesturing to the kitchen. ¡°Something light, since we¡¯re having tocino for dinner, apparently.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. Hope you like sandwiches, Asher,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum added kindly.

    ¡°Sandwiches are man¡¯s best friend, that¡¯s what I say,¡± Asher replied with a grin. ¡°I¡¯m sure they¡¯re very tasty like everything else you¡¯ve made, Mrs Moloney.¡±

    ¡°Oh, stop it, you,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said bashfully, holding her right hand to her face. ¡°If you keep it up, we¡¯ll just keep you here forever.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes darted to Lila for a moment before he smiled again. ¡°Not a bad idea.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad coughed abruptly before gesturing again to the kitchen. ¡°Well, go grab some before I eat them all.¡±

    Asher placed a card down before dusting his hands and standing up. ¡°Sounds great. I win, by the way.¡±

    Immediately, Clare and Daniel began decrying Asher¡¯s win, picking up his card between the two of them and glaring at it. Lila smirked, standing up to follow Asher into the kitchen.

    There were a variety of different types of sandwiches with various salads, meats and cheeses, all cut up into quarters. It was reminiscent of Lila¡¯s first visit to Asher¡¯s house, actually-

    ¡°Get out the way, dummy,¡± Daniel huffed from behind Lila. ¡°Stop spacing out. Or, if you¡¯re gonna space out, do it outside.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at Daniel, bumping him with her hip. ¡°You¡¯re so rude.¡±

    ¡°Take after my big sis.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Lila and Clare simultaneously objected. Asher chortled, instantly stopping when both Moloney sisters rounded on him.

    ¡°Look, I can¡¯t help ya when both of you react,¡± Daniel snickered. ¡°You guys just outed yourselves.¡±

    ¡°Shut it, or I¡¯ll dunk you in the sink,¡± Clare retorted. Daniel snickered again but otherwise heeded Clare¡¯s instruction.

    Everyone had lunch in the dining room, including Lila¡¯s parents. They mostly talked about the board game, including Asher¡¯s suspiciously impressive win, and their plans for Monday. It seemed everyone had a busy schedule.

    After lunch, Asher suggested hanging around in Lila¡¯s room for a bit ¨C mostly so he could lie down on the floor.

    ¡°You do know that we have a couch in the living room, right?¡± Lila chuckled, placing both their plates into the dishwasher. ¡°Surely that¡¯s more comfortable.¡±

    ¡°It probably is,¡± Asher replied with a nod, ¡°but¡­ I¡­ never mind.¡±

    Lila glanced at him in surprise. ¡°What do you mean, never mind? Now I¡¯m minding.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m trying to be careful with my words here. Since¡­ yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Now I¡¯m definitely curious. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Are you two flirting in here?¡± Clare asked, pushing past them into the kitchen to put her own plate away. ¡°This atmosphere feels rife with it.¡±

    ¡°Oh, go away,¡± Lila frowned, crossing her arms across her chest. ¡°You¡¯re giving me so many mixed signals.¡±

    ¡°All I¡¯m saying is, get a room.¡±

    ¡°This is a room.¡±

    ¡°Get one without me in it!¡±

    ¡°You came in here!¡±

    ¡°Are you guys fighting?¡± Asher questioned, his eyes looking wary. Both sisters turned to him with identically amused expressions.

    ¡°Nah,¡± said Clare.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± added Lila.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you ever think that?¡±

    Asher¡¯s face wrinkled in confusion. Lila glanced at Clare who smirked back. It looked as though Clare wanted to say something else, but Lila wasn¡¯t in the mood to hear it. She was still curious about what Asher was going to say¡­

    ¡°We¡¯re heading up,¡± Lila announced, more to Asher than to Clare. ¡°See ya later.¡±

    ¡°Door open, Lila,¡± Clare replied in a sing-song voice. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯ll bust in there and you¡¯ll have to pay for a new door.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, not like you could ¡®bust¡¯ anything.¡±

    ¡°Busted a few things in my time. Nuts, for example.¡±

    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Daniel hollered, having just entered the kitchen, armed with his own plate. ¡°Did not need to hear that.¡±

    Lila took this as an opportunity to escape, dashing out of the kitchen with Asher in tow.

    Lila almost closed the door as Asher flopped down in front of her bookcase, lying on his back and staring up at the ceiling. With a sigh, Lila widened it further before looking down at Asher.

    His eyes slid over to her face, a serene smile twitching the corners of his mouth.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked, his tone playful.

    ¡°Just thinking about where I should sit.¡±

    He patted the space next to him. ¡°Here¡¯s a spot I prepared earlier.¡±

    She laughed before settling cross-legged into the requisite spot. ¡°I was also wondering what you meant, about me ¡®never minding¡¯ what you were about to say.¡±

    Asher looked back up at the ceiling, exhaling loudly. ¡°Thought you would¡¯ve forgotten.¡±

    ¡°Me? Never.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Suppose not.¡±

    He remained silent for a few moments before exhaling loudly again ¨C this time with a touch of defeat.

    ¡°If you wanna know so bad¡­ then I guess I¡¯ll say it. What I was going to say was that¡­ while your family is really fun, and I love hanging out with them, I came here to be with you. So¡­ I guess I wanted to steal you away for a bit. Even just to hang around and do nothing.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila uttered softly. She hadn¡¯t realised that he would feel that way ¨C perhaps because he seemed to be enjoying himself thoroughly while playing board games. It did make her heart flutter in her chest though ¨C that he was choosing her, above everyone else, to personally spend time with.

    ¡°¡­ Sorry,¡± Asher added, placing a hand over his eyes. ¡°I know you said that I shouldn¡¯t say things like that.¡±

    ¡°I did ask for this, though,¡± Lila replied, her face turning progressively pinker. ¡°S-So don¡¯t feel bad.¡±

    Asher dropped his hand to the side, a sound of frustration escaping his lips. ¡°It¡¯s my fault.¡±

    ¡°Asher, we¡¯ll get trapped in an apology loop.¡±

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡±

    They remained still for a few moments before Lila suddenly jolted up.

    ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± Asher asked, his tone entirely bewildered.

    ¡°I remembered I got you something,¡± Lila replied absently, beginning to rifle through her closet. ¡°I put it in here for safekeeping, but I completely missed bringing it yesterday.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t respond as Lila continued to look through her belongings. Where had she put it?

    ¡°Aha!¡± she cried, victoriously reemerging from her closet. Asher sat up, eyeing her curiously as she approached, her hands behind her back.

    ¡°Guess what it is,¡± Lila said cheerfully.

    ¡°Uh¡­ a book?¡±

    Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Um¡­ a game?¡±

    Lila shook her head again.

    ¡°A snack?¡±

    ¡°Three strikes,¡± she declared, pulling the stuffed duck that she¡¯d won at the show out from behind her. ¡°I won this little guy at the show.¡±

    ¡°You won this?¡± Asher looked floored as she passed it along to him. ¡°I suck at carnival games.¡±

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Lila grinned, sitting back down next to him. He fondly patted the duck¡¯s fluffy head before lifting it up over his own.

    ¡°Approved!¡± he beamed, bringing it back down to his lap. ¡°He¡¯s really cute. I¡¯ll have to hide him, though.¡±

    ¡°Hide him? Why?¡±

    Asher gave her a very serious look. ¡°Not only is he really cute, but he¡¯s also a duck. Marlene might try to swipe him.¡±

    Lila laughed. Just as she expected, he picked up on her pointed choice of animal and his concern for his new fluffy companion was endearing.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, stealing him is pretty tempting,¡± she conceded with a grin.

    ¡°You reckon she¡¯d steer clear if he¡¯s next to Mr Munty the Charmander?¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°You named him Mr Munty?¡±

    ¡°You gotta admit, it¡¯s pretty apt for that goofy face.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. I mean, he is a bit terrifying, but so is Marlene. I reckon your odds are fifty-fifty whether it would make her want to steal him even more.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so right,¡± Asher sighed, looking forlornly at the duck. ¡°I mean, if she steals it, it¡¯s not like I don¡¯t know where she lives and how to get in.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s probably changed the locks, you know.¡±

    ¡°With a lockpicking kit like mine, new locks aren¡¯t a hindrance. By the way, where are those bad boys?¡±

    Lila heaved herself to her feet again, this time poking around in her desk drawers. She pulled them out just as an out-of-breath Clare skidded to a halt before her open doorway.

    ¡°Guys, guys, it¡¯s bad,¡± she puffed, drawing their attention to her immediately. Lila tried to nonchalantly hide the lockpicks behind her back, but it didn¡¯t seem like Clare was looking at her hands at all.

    ¡°What¡¯s bad?¡± Lila queried tentatively, inching closer to the desk again.

    ¡°The police are here.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, the what?¡± Asher instantly stood as well, alarm permeating his expression.

    ¡°The police,¡± Clare replied impatiently. ¡°They¡¯re here for you.¡± She pointed at both Lila and Asher, who exchanged a glance.

    ¡°F-For us?¡± Lila gulped audibly, clenching her fingers tightly around the lockpicks, which somehow felt five kilos heavier than they had a moment ago.

    ¡°Yes. Hang on, I¡¯ve gotta get Mum and Dad. The police¡¯re waiting for you downstairs. Go, go, go!¡±

    Mirroring Clare¡¯s urgency in their footsteps, Lila and Asher legged it down the stairs. It was only once they reached the bottom that Lila realised she was still clutching the very suspicious lockpicks. Why were the police here? Had Marlene raised a police report about their breaking and entering into her house after all? Were they about to get arrested? Lila would¡¯ve liked to say that she hadn¡¯t done anything worth being arrested for ¨C but she couldn¡¯t deny that she¡¯d committed a couple of crimes in the past few months.

    ¡°Here, let me take those,¡± Asher said softly, removing the lockpicks from her fist.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Lila stammered. She didn¡¯t want to move from the landing, now that they were both here¡­ though hiding from the police would surely look terrible.

    ¡°¡­ Should we greet them?¡± Asher questioned, his face pale and sweaty, the nervousness rolling off him like a tsunami.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s what Clare implied,¡± Lila whispered, though she still didn¡¯t attempt to walk. They stood there for a few seconds before Asher nodded.

    ¡°Righto, let¡¯s get it over with,¡± he said, his tone clearly a false bravado. She knew him well enough by now that he was scared witless. Getting in trouble with teachers or parents was one thing¡­ but¡­ the police? That was a whole different level.

    Lila engaged in her breathing exercise, counting backwards from 10. She managed to get through the whole sequence, which helped her physiologically calm down. Psychologically, she was still a mess. But a determined one, nonetheless.

    Lila passed Asher without a word. She could hear him following behind her, his footsteps muffled by his socks. The hallway, though she was sure it measured the same as it always had, felt about twenty times longer ¨C each step forward felt as though she¡¯d also taken a half-step backwards.

    Once she was close enough, she could see two silhouettes in the frosted glass pane. The two silhouettes looked significantly intimidating ¨C was it due to how bulky they appeared, or because of her fear? She also thought she could hear hushed whispers, though the contents of which remained indecipherable.

    Lila rested her hand on the doorknob, straining her ears to try and hear both the conversation occurring outside the front door, and any footsteps or movement from upstairs indicating her parents were coming down. With no luck on either front, Lila took one more deep breath, glancing behind her shoulder at Asher.

    He looked stoic, his arms defiantly crossed in front of his chest, jaw tightly clenched.

    ¡°Relax,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°We¡¯ll see what they want. There¡¯s probably no need to be so on edge.¡±

    Asher¡¯s jaw twitched before he nodded, taking his own deep breath. He shoved his hands in his pockets before gesturing towards the front door with his head. He was ready for her to open it.

    But was she?

    Looking back at the doorknob, it felt strangely foreign in her hand. Had it always been shaped like this?

    She shook her head. What, had someone come and replaced it in the few hours it¡¯d been since Asher arrived?

    ¡®Don¡¯t be an idiot,¡¯ she admonished herself. ¡®Let¡¯s get this over with.¡¯

    With one more shaky breath, Lila twisted the doorknob, swinging the front door open, her mind not quite prepared to see who stood on the other side.

 Chapter One Hundred and One

    Chapter One Hundred and One

    ¡°Lila Moloney?¡±

    Lila blinked, looking up at the two distinctly imposing adults standing outside. One was a blond male, who clearly worked out quite a lot, given how his muscles stretched his business-like suit, and the other was a brunette female, dressed smartly in a black blazer over the top of a blue button-up shirt and matching suit pants.

    It was the man who had spoken. He squinted at her for a second before nodding in apparent satisfaction. ¡°And I assume you¡¯re Asher Wagner?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes, sir,¡± Asher replied, his voice quivering with anxiety. He stepped forward, extending his hand to grasp the male¡¯s hand. They shook hands, and the female offered her own. Lila also shook hands with the officers. Once the pleasantries were over, the male spoke again.

    ¡°I¡¯m Detective Sergeant Nick Collins, and this is Detective Sergeant Belinda Lee-Shaw.¡±

    Both Detective Sergeants displayed their official-looking police badges before stowing them away in their blazers.

    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Lila uttered.

    ¡°Do you know why we¡¯re here?¡± Belinda¡¯s voice was soothing, unlike the gruff, grating voice of her coworker. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°We¡¯d like to speak with you both separately about an incident that¡¯s occurred recently,¡± Nick interjected vaguely.

    ¡°Specifically,¡± Belinda added, shooting Nick a sharp look, ¡°regarding Piper Baker. Is that name familiar to you at all?¡±

    ¡°Ye-¡± Lila¡¯s reply was interrupted by the severe voice of her Dad from behind her.

    ¡°Excuse me, who are you?¡±

    The Detective Sergeants reintroduced themselves, complete with another display of their badges.

    ¡°May I speak with you two alone, please?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s tone indicated that this was not a request but rather a demand.

    ¡°Of course. Mr Moloney, I presume?¡± replied Belinda. The sound of their continued conversation was cut off as Lila¡¯s Dad closed the front door, sequestering himself outside with the Detective Sergeants.

    Lila turned to Asher, her face a ghostly pale.

    ¡°What just happened?¡± she whispered, horror reverberating in her question.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Asher replied, rubbing his face ¨C seemingly as a self-soothing gesture.

    ¡°Lila,¡± her Mum¡¯s voice made her jump, and Lila stiffly turned to face her. Her Mum looked distinctly unimpressed, and simultaneously terrified.

    ¡°Mum,¡± Lila said plainly, casting an uncertain look at Asher.

    ¡°Lila, come with me. Asher, please stay by the door. Let us know if they want her back,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum instructed, her tone steely.

    Lila obeyed her mother without question. There was something about her Mum¡¯s current demeanour that made Lila nervous over and above the fact the police wanted to talk to her about Piper.

    Lila¡¯s Mum lead them into the kitchen, where both Clare and Daniel were sitting. They jerkily readjusted their postures into prim, upright ones ¨C which, to Lila, meant that they were absolutely eavesdropping.

    ¡°Shoo,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said, waving them both away. ¡°Upstairs with you two, before I ask the police to arrest you both.¡±

    They didn¡¯t need to be told twice, instantly rushing to make themselves scarce. Lila¡¯s Mum pursed her lips, not saying a word until the sound of two doors slamming filtered downstairs.

    ¡®Alright¡­ scratch what I said before about being in trouble with the police being a whole ¡®nother level. I¡¯d rather that than what¡¯s about to happen with Mum right now,¡¯ Lila thought as her Mum pulled out a chair at the small kitchen table and threw herself into it.

    ¡°Lila, what is happening?¡± her Mum¡¯s voice was low ¨C with a dangerous undertone. One that required Lila to choose her words extremely carefully.

    ¡°The¡­ police want to talk to me. And Asher.¡±

    ¡°Why? What did you do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, Mum.¡±

    ¡°What did he do?¡±

    ¡°Nothing!¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum sighed in exasperation. ¡°Just when I was starting to be okay with you and this boy. Lila, the police knocking on my front door is not a good look. I thought you were a good girl.¡±

    ¡°I-I am,¡± Lila replied unconvincingly, looking towards her feet.

    ¡°I need an answer. Now. Why are the police here? Why are they looking for both of you?¡±

    ¡°They want to talk to us about Piper.¡±

    Her Mum¡¯s eyes flashed as soon as Lila¡¯s statement registered in her mind. ¡°Piper? That girl who was murdered? I thought you said she wasn¡¯t a friend of yours.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not. Well, she wasn¡¯t, I guess. She went to school with me, though. Before she got expelled.¡±

    Her Mum continued to look at Lila expectantly. Lila sighed.

    ¡°She stalked Asher for years. A-And I got caught up in it. So the police probably found something about that and that¡¯s why they want to talk to us.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum blinked, her expression completely perplexed. ¡°Stalked?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Uh, she kept taking photos of him secretly, taking his things, following him around¡­¡± Lila trailed off, recalling with a shiver the photo of Piper in her driveway. She¡­ wasn¡¯t going to tell her Mum that tidbit.

    ¡°Lila-¡± her Mum stopped herself, pivoting around on the chair so she was facing away from Lila. ¡°I can¡¯t believe all this is happening.¡±

    ¡°It¡­ we just need to sort it out,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about me, but it¡¯s fine. Asher¡¯s a good guy.¡±

    ¡°You keep saying that, but it gets harder and harder to believe every day.¡±

    ¡°Mum-¡± Lila¡¯s voice was a despairing whine, but Lila¡¯s Mum cut her off by raising her hand.

    ¡°This better be the last,¡± her Mum said tersely, turning back and giving Lila a fierce look. ¡°He¡¯s showing himself to be more trouble than he¡¯s worth.¡±

    ¡°Mum, you liked him.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum sighed heavily, folding her arms in front of her. ¡°He is fine. He is lovely. The trouble that¡¯s following him is not.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together to prevent herself from adding anything to that. Particularly, that trouble was following her siblings, too. Technically, they were all embroiled in what would be ¡®trouble¡¯ in her Mum¡¯s eyes ¨C so was Asher any different?

    Her Mum brought a hand to her forehead, as though nursing a headache. She glanced at Lila, who must¡¯ve looked distraught to some level because her Mum sighed again.

    ¡°You can stop looking at me like that, Lila. Your Mum is just worried about you. I already told you that I¡¯d stop worrying and let you make mistakes. It¡¯s just¡­ stressful when the police come knocking on my door, asking for my daughter and her boyfriend-¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not?¡± Her Mum looked incredibly surprised. ¡°I thought he was.¡±

    ¡°I want him to be, but he¡¯s not quite there yet.¡±

    Her Mum pursed her lips, her eyes narrowed. Lila could predict that her Mum disapproved of that fact, too, but instead of speaking, her Mum shook her head.

    ¡°Lord help me and my crazy children,¡± she muttered before glancing at Lila again. ¡°Alri-¡±

    ¡°Lila, we have to go,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s voice was urgent ¨C desperate, even. She turned to face him in the doorway of the kitchen and was struck by how wild his eyes looked. She¡¯d never seen him quite so unnerved.

    ¡°Go? Where?¡±

    ¡°Come get in the car. Asher¡¯s already waiting.¡±

    Lila looked back towards her Mum, who looked distinctly unhappy.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back later, Edith,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, his tone gentler than before. ¡°Stay with Daniel and Clare, alright? Don¡¯t leave until I come back, just in case.¡±

    ¡°In case of what?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum replied impatiently, her mouth taut with irritation. Lila¡¯s Dad simply turned around, exiting the kitchen with a jangle of his car keys. Lila hurried behind him, anxiety gripping her stomach. Where were they going?

    She couldn¡¯t figure out how to get her mouth to work so she could ask. Her Dad looked very unapproachable right now, what with his stiff posture, and the aura of uneasiness rolling off him in waves.

    Asher was sitting in the backseat of her Dad¡¯s car, his face looking drained of all blood. He didn¡¯t seem to register that Lila and her Dad had climbed into the front of the car until Lila turned around to face him. He gave her a tense, cheerless smile, but didn¡¯t offer any words of explanation as to where they were going.

    Lila¡¯s Dad began to drive out of the garage and Lila craned her neck to see whether the Detective Sergeants were still around. She couldn¡¯t see them, nor any unfamiliar vehicles. Once they were on the road, Lila¡¯s Dad browsed his phone contacts on the car¡¯s touchscreen display. Lila¡¯s breath hitched as Lila¡¯s Dad selected ¡®Ivaan Wagner¡¯.

    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    The sound of a dial tone filled the awkward silence within the car. After about half a minute, the phone call rang out to the message bank.

    ¡°Ivaan, it¡¯s Rob. Please call me back right away ¨C I¡¯m heading to the police station with Asher and Lila.¡±

    Police station? Why? Were they¡­ going to be arrested?

    ¡®Surely not,¡¯ Lila thought, twisting her hands together in her lap. She caught her Dad looking at her in her peripheral vision before he called Ivaan again. It rang out once more, and her Dad sighed after recording a similar message.

    ¡°Asher, is there any other adult that you know that could come to the police station? Someone you can trust? You¡¯ll need someone to sit in with you and they seemed pretty insistent that both you and Lila need to be interviewed at the exact same time.¡±

    ¡°G-Gabriel, probably,¡± Asher replied, his voice shaky. ¡°Uh, I¡¯ll call him now. Which station are we going to?¡±

    ¡°The Forestglade one.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila tried not to listen to Asher¡¯s whispered phone call with Gabriel. She could almost hear Gabriel panicking through Asher¡¯s phone. It quickly finished up and Asher sat back in his seat with a sigh.

    ¡°Dad, what¡¯s going on?¡± she asked, now that there was silence in the car again.

    ¡°The police just want to ask you guys a few questions. It was easier to go to the station and have one of Asher¡¯s guardians or relatives meet him there.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not going to be arrested, right?¡± Lila¡¯s question sounded incredibly undignified as it tumbled out of her mouth in a heap.

    ¡°Did you do something that deserves being arrested for?¡± her Dad¡¯s question, though said in a playful tone, was a similar trap to the ones that he¡¯d laid many times before when asking who broke what and who slapped who in the Moloney household.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila muttered, turning to look out the window so he couldn¡¯t see her face.

    ¡°Then you won¡¯t be arrested,¡± her Dad replied straightforwardly. She snuck a peek at him out the corner of her eye and saw that his knuckles were white over the steering wheel. What had they told her Dad that spooked him so much?

    No one spoke for the rest of the car ride, the anxiety churning her stomach like a washing machine. Eventually, her Dad pulled into the carpark of the Forestglade Police Station. The station itself was a single-storey, square brick building. A large, metallic sign sat just above a set of automatic doors and read ¡®FORESTGLADE POLICE STATION¡¯. An Australian flag flapped in the breeze atop the slanted, white roof. A small variety of pristinely trimmed hedges lined the outside of the station. In its entirety, it looked rather unassuming, if Lila ignored the several police cars parked near the doors.

    ¡°Alright, kiddos,¡± her Dad said, his voice falsely bright, as if they¡¯d just stopped off at the store for some ice cream. ¡°We¡¯re here.¡±

    Neither Lila nor Asher moved a muscle.

    ¡°Come, now,¡± her Dad said, his tone mellowing out into a kind, paternal one. ¡°It¡¯s just a chat. They¡¯ve apparently identified you two as witnesses. Your information will help catch who murdered Piper.¡±

    That much was appealing, at least. But, if it was ¡®just a chat¡¯ as her Dad asserted, why did he look so sickly?

    Lila reluctantly unbuckled herself and left the car, her Dad and Asher following suit. She couldn¡¯t see Gabriel, though he¡¯d probably be a few minutes away still.

    Lila¡¯s Dad turned to Asher, his expression entirely serious. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know this already, Asher, but you¡¯ll need to be honest with the police. They have ways of finding out if you¡¯ve lied to them.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to lie about?¡± Asher questioned, his expression betraying the stress bubbling beneath his otherwise cool, calm and collected posture.

    ¡°Hopefully nothing,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied sternly. ¡°You are able to refuse to answer questions, of course, but I¡¯m talking specifically about the questions you choose to answer.¡±

    ¡°I understand. Thank you, Mr Moloney.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad smiled at Asher, clapping him on the shoulder. ¡°You¡¯ll be right. How far away is Gabriel?¡±

    Asher checked his phone before pocketing it again swiftly. ¡°Should be a couple minutes.¡±

    ¡°Alright. We can wait here for him,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad sounded distracted as he looked at his own phone, which had started buzzing in his hand. ¡°It¡¯s Mum,¡± he explained to Lila before bringing it to his ear and strolling a couple paces away.

    ¡°W-What do you think they¡¯re going to ask?¡± Asher whispered, his eyes wide. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°They probably found photos of us all in her stuff¡­¡± she trailed off before sighing, running her hands through her hair. ¡°When Isaac sent me the article, he¡­ he kinda implied that we¡¯d have the most amount of motive. ¡®Cause of the stalking stuff.¡±

    Asher closed his eyes, slumping his shoulders forward in defeat. ¡°It looks bad, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ well, we didn¡¯t do anything to her, so once that¡¯s all cleared up, it should be fine,¡± Lila tried to sound reassuring, but wasn¡¯t convinced that she¡¯d met her mark.

    ¡°Lila, false convictions happen all the time.¡±

    Definitely didn¡¯t meet her mark.

    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­ but Gabriel will be with you. He¡¯s dealt with the police before¡­ probably has had to be a witness for something at his nightclub once or twice.¡±

    ¡°Wish Dad was with me¡­ better yet, Mum.¡±

    Lila let his statement hang in the air for a second or so. She opened her mouth to say something else when Asher snapped his eyes open, an idea sparkling beneath them.

    ¡°Dad¡¯s not here,¡± he said excitedly. ¡°Dad¡¯s not here, but I am.¡±

    ¡°I-uh yeah. You are.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s file a missing person report.¡±

    ¡°But your Dad said-¡±

    ¡°I know he told me not to go to the police¡­ but they kinda came to me. It¡¯s been far too long to not do anything, Lila. At least¡­ by filing it¡­ someone¡¯ll have a look for her. Someone with more resources than us combined.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t say no to his round, pleading, and somehow mesmerising, eyes. Besides¡­ he was right. It¡¯d been far too long.

    ¡°Alright. After the interviews, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he breathed, seeming much more at peace now. ¡°I need to, I think. For my own sake, at this point. If Dad¡¯s refusing to¡­ then¡­ I¡¯ll just do it.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense to me,¡± Lila nodded. She glanced over at the carpark, checking to see whether Gabriel had arrived yet, when the rubbery screech of tires drew her eyes to the source. A humble-looking car skidded into a nearby empty parking space. A second of pure silence followed before Gabriel emerged, looking entirely frazzled, dressed in business-casual attire, a blazer swinging from his right hand.

    As soon as Gabriel¡¯s eyes met theirs, he speedwalked over to them, hurriedly shoving his arms into his blazer sleeves.

    ¡°Asher! Lila!¡± he called, waving. Much like her Dad, he seemed to be conveying a false sense of cheer.

    ¡°Hi again, Gabriel,¡± Lila said, trying to hide her quivering lips with a smile.

    ¡°Hello, hello,¡± Gabriel smiled, his eyes bouncing around to the scenery behind them ¨C lingering particularly long on the ¡®FORESTGLADE POLICE STATION¡¯ sign adorning the top of the automatic front doors.

    ¡°Thanks for coming, Gabriel,¡± Asher said, his tone both sincere and morose.

    ¡°Not a problem at all,¡± Gabriel replied with a warm smile.

    ¡°Gabriel, I assume?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad strode towards Gabriel, hand outstretched. ¡°I¡¯m Rob, Lila¡¯s Dad.¡±

    Gabriel stiffened for a second before accepting Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s hand and shaking it. For a tense moment, Lila thought that perhaps Gabriel would reveal his connection to Clare ¨C but Gabriel remained tight-lipped.

    ¡°Alright, well, if we¡¯re all here, we can go in,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said, clapping his hands together. ¡°I¡¯m starting to freeze out here.¡±

    Lila took her Dad¡¯s word for it ¨C she, by contrast, was feeling hot underneath her jumper.

    The electronic ding-dong announcing their entry paled in comparison to the cacophony of phones shrilly ringing throughout the police station. Lila couldn¡¯t see where the ringing was coming from, as it seemed most of the police station was hidden behind a long counter that was protected by a large piece of Plexiglass. The counter itself sat three chairs, and only one of these had a uniformed police officer. He was speaking into the phone, though Lila could still distinctly hear ringing coming from somewhere.

    Alongside the wall closest to the doors they had walked through was a long row of chairs, all of which were empty.

    ¡®Talk about a lazy Sunday,¡¯ Lila thought, peering around to see the rest of the furnishings. Aside from a collection of flags, including the Australian Aboriginal flag alongside the Torres Strait Islander flag, some blue and white chequered banners, and a wall of brochures advertising legal assistance among other resources, the police station was quite bare in appearance.

    The police officer behind the counter slammed the phone down with an exasperated sigh. He wheeled himself over to a different portion of the counter, writing something down in a notebook. Once he was done, he looked up and gestured for the group to come forward.

    Lila¡¯s Dad took the lead, explaining that they had an appointment with Detective Sergeants Collins and Lee-Shaw. The police officer behind the desk nodded, dialling a number on the phone he¡¯d just put down moments earlier.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be long. Please take a seat,¡± he said after putting the phone back down. The four of them wordlessly took seats along the back wall. It appeared no one was daring to speak, with each person contentedly looking through social media apps. Well, except for Lila, who strangely had no appetite for her phone. She¡¯d rather have a chat with someone here, but it was quite echoey. Not the best place for a conversation she¡¯d want to have in private.

    So, she settled for twiddling her thumbs for a couple minutes. Her mind was alive with worry ¨C this seemed far too serious, and yet her Dad was trying to reassure her that it was just a chat. Couldn¡¯t they have chatted back at home?

    ¡®¡­ Probably didn¡¯t want Daniel, Clare or Mum to overhear and get the wrong idea¡­¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh. It was probably the right decision, but still ¨C it was very unfriendly here.

    The phones were still ringing constantly, serving as an anxiety-inducing soundtrack to Lila¡¯s musings. As far as Lila knew, their area wasn¡¯t really filled with crime. So¡­ what would all these phone calls be about? Lila pressed her hands together, turning the question over in her mind.

    ¡®Tips about Piper¡¯s murder?¡¯ Lila considered that to be the most likely reason for all the phone calls. It was the most sensational thing that the police requested information on recently. Since the article on Piper¡¯s murder, Lila had checked the Forestglade Press almost daily for anything more on it, or anything else odd happening around the area, and came up empty every time. It seemed that the police were successful in keeping a lid on any press releases from the independent news outlet, though the original article was still up. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t worth pursuing as it had already been released to the public?

    ¡°Good to see you again,¡± the pleasant voice of Belinda caused Lila to look up. Both Belinda and Nick were standing in front of the group, looking friendlier than when they¡¯d been standing on the doorstep.

    ¡°Come with us, please. Are you Asher¡¯s Dad?¡± Nick asked, his voice still just as grating.

    ¡°No, a guardian,¡± Gabriel corrected hurriedly, jumping to his feet. Everyone else seemed to take this as their cue to stand. Belinda led the way to a side door to the left of the counter, tapping some kind of card against a reader. It flashed green and she opened it, gesturing for the rest of the group to file in.

    Lila noted that Nick stuck to the back of the group and was reminded of when Alex did the same whilst Lila and Asher were being marched to Gabriel¡¯s office. Was it for the same reason? To prevent someone from breaking ranks and running off?

    Not that Lila felt much like running. It was all she could muster ¨C forcing her feet to move, one in front of the other.

    They passed a conglomerate of desks in an open-plan office space. The phones were much louder here, almost deafening. Lila scrunched her face, as though it would lessen the noise. Many of the people sitting at desks here were in plain clothes, but there were a few uniformed officers here and there.

    They continued on, passing a kitchenette, before approaching a much quieter section of the station. It almost seemed as though all of the noise from the office space had vanished altogether. A couple chairs were sitting along the back wall, and Lila could see a few closed doors here ¨C securely locked by the card readers, which flashed red.

    ¡°We¡¯ll pop Dad and Lila in this room,¡± Belinda said kindly, pressing the same card to one of the readers. It flashed green and she opened the door, gesturing for Lila and her Dad to head inside. Lila paused, looking back towards Asher, Gabriel and Nick. Asher met her gaze and gave her a small wave. His face was still pale, but he seemed to be trying to look encouraging.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Belinda smiled. ¡°They¡¯ll just be in the next room.¡±

    Lila nodded in acknowledgement and entered, her Dad following close behind.

    To Lila¡¯s surprise, an adult male, also in plain clothes, was already sitting at the lone table in the middle of the room. Upon the table were two notebooks, a collection of papers laying blank side up, two voice recorders and a jug of water with four cups sitting in the centre. Lila glanced at the left-side wall, which appeared, from Lila¡¯s extensive watching of crime dramas, to be a two-way mirror.

    ¡°Hello, Lila and Rob, I¡¯m Detective Constable Grant Hayes,¡± said the male, standing up to shake their hands. Lila¡¯s palms were sweaty, but Grant didn¡¯t seem to react to that. Belinda closed the door behind her and sat beside Grant.

    ¡°Would you two like some water?¡± Belinda asked, leaning forward to grab the water jug sitting in the middle of the table.

    ¡°Y-Yes, please,¡± Lila stuttered, accepting the glass cup Belinda filled for her. Belinda poured one for everyone else in the room before sharing a look with Grant. With a nod, they reached for their voice recorders, turning them on with a small beep.

    Though the beep itself was unintimidating, the sudden change from friendly to professional demeanours between Belinda, Grant and her Dad sent shivers down Lila¡¯s spine. Her heart pounded in her chest as the anticipation of what they would be talking about began to build. Belinda glanced at her watch before drawing in a shallow breath ¨C one that somehow managed to tighten Lila¡¯s throat.

    ¡°We shall now commence the interview,¡± Belinda announced, looking directly at Lila.

 Chapter One Hundred and Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Two

    ¡°The time now is 2.53pm, Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> of July 2023. I am Detective Sergeant Belinda Lee-Shaw, and with me is Detective Constable Grant Hayes in the Forestglade Police Station Interview Room 1. We will be interviewing Lila Moloney, who has her father Robert Moloney as her support person. For the recording, can you all please spell out your last names? I¡¯ll go first¡­¡±

    Once complete, Belinda shuffled the papers before her, clicking her pen once. She looked back up at Lila and smiled again.

    ¡°Alright, Lila, before we start, I¡¯ve just got to let you know a couple of things,¡± Belinda said, her tone adjusting to something more professional. Belinda ran through privacy obligations, the purpose of the recording, and how the information and interview today would be stored and shared. Lila nodded at each appropriate point, her mind unable to take in the full legalese that Belinda was speaking. She supposed it was correct, as her Dad didn¡¯t jump in at any point.

    ¡°Okay, so, my right-hand man for this interview is Grant. I¡¯ve just got him here as a second ¨C not to gang up on you, but in case there¡¯s anything that I¡¯ve missed. Essentially as my second pair of ears. We don¡¯t want to keep bringing you back here if we don¡¯t need to, so he¡¯s basically my insurance policy. We will both take a couple of notes here and there, but the recording is our master copy of today¡¯s discussion. You okay with all of that?¡±

    Lila nodded again.

    ¡°Alright. Now, Dad, we¡¯ve got a couple of points for you too¡­¡±

    Belinda ran through the role of Lila¡¯s support person, including what her Dad could or could not do ¨C in particular, he couldn¡¯t answer questions on behalf of Lila.

    ¡°Now that all the boring stuff is out of the way, we can commence the interview. As I mentioned before, you¡¯re just here as a witness as we believe you may have some information for us. Do you know why we would think that?¡± Belinda asked, her deep brown eyes intense and penetrating.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied meekly. ¡°Besides¡­ you saying you wanted to talk to me about Piper Baker.¡±

    ¡°Yes, Piper Baker. Did you know her?¡±

    ¡°Not¡­ really.¡±

    Belinda looked down at her notebook, scrawling a note, before sharing a look with Grant.

    ¡°Did you, or didn¡¯t you?¡± Grant asked firmly, his pen poised above his notebook. Lila glanced at her Dad, who nodded encouragingly. It seemed that his expression now exuded a sense of calm, rather than the panic she¡¯d sensed on the way here. It had the welcome effect of allowing Lila to feel far more at ease. She could do this ¨C answer their questions, then help Asher fill out a missing person report, then¡­ go back home. Eat some tocino.

    ¡°We went to school together. Forestglade College. She was in my PE and Study class. But we were never friends. I didn¡¯t even really know who she was until this year.¡±

    ¡°Tell us a little bit more about that. You say that you didn¡¯t ¡®really know¡¯ who she was until this year. What changed?¡± Belinda probed, her tone measured and expectant.

    Lila took a deep breath. ¡°S-She¡­ she bullied me. In Term One, mainly. I¡­ uh¡­ ahem,¡± Lila¡¯s throat felt dry, as though she¡¯d just inhaled some sand. Talking about this with police officers was going to be so awkward. What could she even say?

    ¡°Take your time,¡± Grant said quickly, topping up Lila¡¯s water. She gratefully gulped some down.

    ¡°T-Thanks. Uh¡­ well, I¡­ got paired with Asher-¡±

    ¡°Asher Wagner, correct?¡± Belinda interjected. Lila nodded.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just need you to confirm verbally for the recording, please,¡± Grant asked, his tone polite.

    ¡°S-Sorry. Yes, Asher Wagner. We¡¯re in the same PE and Study class, as well as English. We got paired together for an English assignment at the start of the year. End of January or something. And then I heard a whole bunch of rumours about me. Things like¡­ I was trying to get with Asher, or that I was a slut, or whatever. And at first I thought they were just, y¡¯know, usual rumours. But they were pretty persistent. So¡­ I tried to find the source.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Why?¡± Belinda queried, tapping her pen gently against her notebook.

    ¡°Why what?¡± Lila blinked.

    ¡°Well, why did you try to find the source? Rumours are hard to trace. Surely it would¡¯ve been easier to just forget about it,¡± Belinda explained, shifting her weight in her chair.

    ¡°U-Uh¡­¡± Lila swiftly looked at her Dad, who nodded encouragingly again. ¡°W-Well, Asher was¡­ dating someone at the time. And he was really worried that the rumours were not only affecting me, but would end up reaching his, um, now-ex. He¡­ kinda implied that we shouldn¡¯t be friends or hang out together or whatever after the project. B-But then I suggested stopping the rumours at the source¡­ and yeah. I just¡­ we were good friends at that point, I think. I didn¡¯t want to stop being friends over silly, unfounded rumours¡­¡±

    Lila felt her face reddening deeply as she trailed off. Of course, knowing what she knew now, she was pretty sure that she¡¯d already developed a crush on Asher by that point. Plus¡­ she¡¯d also been concerned about their investigation into his Mum¡¯s disappearance ¨C and what he¡¯d do if he was left alone again.

    ¡°Alright. So, you tried to find the source. Then what happened?¡± Belinda questioned.

    ¡°I figured out that it was coming from Piper. A-And then I figured out that she¡­ knew where Asher lived. Then¡­ I think it was the next day, but I opened my locker and she¡¯d somehow stuck a picture of me and Asher inside my locker door with my phone number written on it. It said something like ¡®WHORE FOR HIRE¡¯ on it, too.¡±

    ¡°Sorry to interrupt again,¡± Grant said, raising a hand in a ¡®stop¡¯ motion, ¡°but you said that she stuck the picture there. How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ she admitted it to me. A-After I saw that photo, it turned out that someone kept putting copies in the boys¡¯ bathrooms. I started getting heaps of calls and messages. And basically enough was enough. I talked to her at her locker. And¡­ she opened it and there was just some shrine to Asher. Photos of him and even a couple that I was in, along with stuff of his. She said she loved him ¨C wanted to marry him and ¡®have it made¡¯. She sounded completely unhinged. I was¡­ horrified. I ran off and told Asher about it¡­¡± Lila contemplated telling the police that Asher had yelled at Piper¡­ but she didn¡¯t think it was necessary.

    She swallowed hard before adding, ¡°So we went to one of the teachers and I guess they told the Headmaster. He asked her to open her locker and she did and everyone saw what was in there.¡±

    ¡°Everyone?¡± Belinda uttered.

    ¡°Um, my PC teacher, Ms Wang, then the Headmaster, Mr Lockwood, our Head of Year, Mr Morrison and then Asher saw it. I was there, too, along with Piper, obviously.¡±

    ¡°Then what happened?¡± Grant asked, glancing at Belinda who was still writing.

    ¡°Well, Piper got suspended. For the rest of term. Then we came back for the next term and everything was alright for a bit until the teacher¡¯s decided that they should do another surprise check of Piper¡¯s locker. Even though she was told to stop it, she just¡­ didn¡¯t. She¡¯d made a new shrine, basically. New photos. I was in a couple, I think. Asher¡­ wasn¡¯t happy. He tore down the photos and walked off. A-And I told the Headmaster that¡­ I didn¡¯t wanna be in a school that couldn¡¯t keep its students safe. Then¡­ I got an email saying she was expelled soon after.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let me just compile my notes for a second,¡± Belinda requested, looking down at her notebook. Lila¡¯s heartbeat pounded in her chest, almost thunderingly so, as the silence continued to stretch on. She didn¡¯t want to look at her Dad, in case he¡¯d be angry at the reminder of the photos. Plus¡­ if she did look at him, she might end up crying.

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± Belinda smiled again at Lila. But this time, something was off. Her eyes didn¡¯t seem so warm anymore.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied, looking down at her hands to avoid meeting that cold stare again.

    ¡°After Piper was expelled, was that the last time you saw her?¡± Belinda asked, her voice commanding an answer. Lila stiffened. It hadn¡¯t been. But¡­ she hadn¡¯t gone to the police about her encounter with Piper on that fateful Thursday. Was she going to be in trouble? Was that why Belinda wasn¡¯t so friendly anymore? Was she going to be arrested?

    ¡°Lila,¡± her Dad¡¯s voice pulled her from her spiralling thoughts. He gently rubbed her shoulder. ¡°Lila, if you¡¯d like to stop now, we can. You don¡¯t have to answer questions that you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Lila was tempted ¨C very tempted ¨C to end the interview there and go hide in her blankets at home. But¡­ the vivid imagery of the condition of Piper¡¯s body, alongside the fact that Piper¡¯s parents, friends and family were likely devastated by her death¡­ she had to help. And if she could help put whoever did that to Piper away¡­ then her sister could feel safe again. Lila¡¯s friends could feel safe again. Lila could feel safe again. Then, her Mum wouldn¡¯t be so worried anymore either¡­

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, Dad. Really,¡± Lila finally said, smiling at him. Her voice shook, but he seemed to take her word for it. He didn¡¯t remove his hand as he nodded again, inviting her to speak.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t the last time I saw her, no,¡± Lila looked up at Belinda as she spoke. She thought she caught an air of surprise within Belinda¡¯s eyes, but it had disappeared so quickly that she wasn¡¯t certain. Grant leaned forward in his chair, seeming far more captivated by the conversation than he had been for the entire time Lila had been here.

    ¡°Tell me a little more about that,¡± Belinda nodded, taking a sip of her water.

    Lila sighed, hugging her torso for comfort. ¡°The¡­ last time I saw her was Thursday, on the first week of holidays.¡±

    ¡°What happened?¡± Belinda pressed.

    ¡°I was hanging out with Asher that day. Just at the shops-¡±

    ¡°Sorry to jump in there, but just to clarify the nature of your relationship with Asher. Are you two dating?¡± Grant asked, looking up from his notebook. Belinda looked affronted by the question, but didn¡¯t rescind it. Lila took a deep breath, taking a quick peek at her Dad. His expression remained neutral, so Lila decided to answer.

    ¡°N-No. We¡¯re not,¡± she said quietly, her face reddening considerably. ¡°We¡¯re just¡­ good friends. Um. But. W-We do like each other.¡±

    Grant nodded, scrawling something on his notebook.

    ¡°Sorry about that. Back to you hanging out with Asher at the shops?¡± Belinda gestured for Lila to continue.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ Uh, as we were leaving, she called out to us. Well, Asher specifically. But¡­ I guess you could understand why he didn¡¯t want a bar of it. He kinda pulled me along towards the carpark and told me we had to go, get out of there basically.¡±

    ¡°Did you see anyone else that may have stood out ¨C perhaps someone who was watching the entire interaction, or a car that might have been driving a touch too slowly ¨C anything or anyone at all during your encounter with Piper?¡± Belinda questioned, her tone now urgent. Lila racked her brain, teasing out the memory of her encounter with Piper that Thursday afternoon. There wasn¡¯t anything that stood out. Except¡­

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    ¡°Actually, Piper looked really bizarre.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®bizarre¡¯?¡± Belinda leaned forward, taking in every word Lila was saying.

    ¡°Like she¡¯d been rolling around in dirt or something. Really messy and frazzled. It didn¡¯t help her look more approachable for a conversation. B-But¡­ as far as anyone else, there was no one that I can think of that stood out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Belinda replied soothingly, though her eyebrows were knitted together. It seemed as though Belinda had been hoping that Lila had seen someone ¨C but despite how hard Lila was thinking about it, nothing was coming to mind. Belinda paused, jotting something down in her notebook, before sighing.

    ¡°Back to the interaction with Piper. So you didn¡¯t speak with her at all?¡± Belinda asked, sharing a look with Grant.

    ¡°No. I¡­ well¡­ knowing what I know now, I really, really wish we had,¡± Lila¡¯s voice cracked at the end of her statement, tears threatening to overflow. ¡°I think¡­ that¡¯s going to stick with me forever.¡±

    The room fell into silence for a few moments before Belinda gently offered Lila a tissue. ¡°Would you like a break?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be okay,¡± Lila replied with a watery smile, graciously accepting the tissue. She dotted her eyes before taking another deep breath. This one helped to stem the tears entirely, and she looked expectantly at both Belinda and Grant.

    ¡°I have a few photos to show you, Lila,¡± Belinda said softly, turning her papers around so they were laying face-up now. ¡°We call them exhibits.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay,¡± Lila nodded, looking down curiously at the papers.

    Belinda carefully slid an A4 sheet of paper towards Lila and stated, ¡°For the recording, I have just provided Lila with Exhibit 1. Lila, can you please confirm what this is?¡±

    Lila¡¯s breathing halted in her throat as she drew it even closer to herself. ¡°I-It¡¯s a¡­ photo. It looks like from CCTV. Um, I can see myself standing with Asher at the shops ¨C near the exit.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Belinda placed another A4 paper on top of the previous. ¡°I have now provided Lila with Exhibit 2. Lila, can you please confirm what this is?¡±

    ¡°It¡­ it looks like another still from the CCTV footage. We¡¯re looking behind us. I think I see Piper in the top left corner.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I have now provided Lila with Exhibit 3. Lila, can you please confirm what this is?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ again another still from CCTV footage. Piper is now hurrying towards us, but it doesn¡¯t seem like we¡¯ve noticed her yet.¡±

    They continued in this manner for a few more minutes, with the rest of the exhibits displaying the interaction between Lila, Asher and Piper ¨C up to Lila and Asher disappearing towards the road outside the shopping centre, captured by a different camera. Belinda seemed satisfied as she took the photos back, placing them neatly underneath the pile of papers beside her.

    ¡°Thank you for confirming all of that for me, Lila. Does this match your recollection of your interaction with Piper as described to us a few minutes ago?¡± Belinda queried, picking up her pen again and pressing it to her lips.

    ¡°Yes, I believe so,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. She hadn¡¯t expected them to have CCTV footage of their escape from Piper that day.

    More silence succeeded Lila¡¯s response, filled only with the sounds of both Belinda and Grant¡¯s pens against their notebooks. Lila wished she could read what they were writing, but the notebooks were angled in such a way that it was difficult for Lila to even see ¨C let alone read upside down.

    ¡°We have a couple more exhibits,¡± Belinda stated plainly, looking back up at Lila after she¡¯d finished writing her notes. ¡°These aren¡¯t related to the CCTV footage that I just showed you.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila uttered softly.

    ¡°For the recording, I have now presented Lila with Exhibit 10,¡± Belinda announced, passing over yet another A4 piece of paper. Lila drew in a breath so sharply that her head spun. It was a picture of a corkboard. One that Lila hadn¡¯t personally seen herself ¨C but one that looked awfully like the corkboard that Marlene had taken a picture of through the window of an unfamiliar house. One that looked almost entirely devoted to Asher, with his Grade 11 school photo pinned front and centre.

    Running her eye across the picture, Lila spotted several photos of herself upon the corkboard ¨C some with Asher, some without. Some of these photos ¨C they were taken right outside Asher¡¯s house, despite Lila¡¯s checking for any lurkers nearby. There was a couple of Lila¡¯s driveway, one of Lila driving off with Clare somewhere, and another of Lila in the garden at home that was clearly taken through the fence. Lila¡¯s Dad sat up stick-straight, peering down at the photo in thinly-veiled disgust.

    Looking at all these pictures, and even the pictures of Asher going about his daily life, playing soccer, and a picture of them eating together at the shops, caused an overwhelming feeling of repulsion to come over Lila.

    She didn¡¯t need to be told that this corkboard had been Piper¡¯s ¨C it was obvious by miles. It was all she could do to keep her stomach from upturning her lunch. Lila¡¯s shaky eyes landed on some Post-It notes dotted here and there about the corkboard ¨C some listed Lila¡¯s address, her phone number, her habits, and where she liked to frequent. There were even details about Elise, Grace and Isaac, and she could faintly see that some of the pictures of Lila had her eyes crossed out. Other pictures of Lila had the word ¡®bitch¡¯ or ¡®slut¡¯ underneath, written in fancy calligraphy ¨C an absurd incongruity between this flowery, feminine and innocent-looking handwriting and the context with which it was used.

    It wasn¡¯t necessarily unexpected, given Piper¡¯s insistence on keeping shrines to Asher in her locker at Forestglade College, but to be confronted with the level of depth that Piper had gone to¡­ Her body began to shake as she continued to take it all in ¨C the mind of a deranged person like Piper was something she¡¯d never be able to comprehend. This was all too much ¨C there wasn¡¯t a word in the dictionary that would feel apt for this frightening level of alarm, disgust and violation she was feeling all at once.

    ¡°Can you please describe this exhibit for the recording?¡± Belinda asked politely, snapping Lila from her thoughts. Her stomach heaved in response but she swallowed hard, looking back down at the photo.

    ¡°I-It looks like a corkboard¡­ with pictures of me and pictures of Asher, too,¡± Lila whispered.

    ¡°This is a wide angled shot of the corkboard,¡± Belinda explained, pulling out another picture. ¡°I have now presented Exhibit 11 to Lila. Lila, can you please describe this one?¡±

    Lila closed her eyes for a second in an effort to keep a lid on her nausea. Opening them again, she answered, ¡°This looks to be a close-up picture of one side of the corkboard.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. Last one, Exhibit 12, has now been provided to Lila. Lila, can you please describe this one?¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart leapt to her throat, almost entirely preventing speech and even air from passing through. It was a picture of the other side of the corkboard.

    But why¡­

    Why was the farmhouse here?

    How. Did. Piper. Find. It? Why did she find it? Why did she keep it on her corkboard shrine to Asher? What had Piper known?

    ¡°Lila?¡± Belinda¡¯s voice alerted Lila to the fact that she was still in an interview with the police.

    ¡°S-Sorry. Um, this one is a close up of the other side of the corkboard.¡±

    ¡°Thank you. Normally, I wouldn¡¯t want to show you this ¨C however, given the circumstances of Piper¡¯s death, we wanted to check whether there was anything at all that stood out here. Something that may be relevant to the investigation, or something that sparks your memory.¡±

    Lila shook her head. She was tempted to point out the farmhouse. But¡­ her instincts were screaming at her to keep it in for now, causing goosebumps to rush down her spine. It was jarring ¨C alarming almost to the point of getting up and leaving the interview altogether. Belinda narrowed her eyes at Lila before shaking her head.

    ¡°I understand that seeing this is confronting. I just want to impress upon you again the importance of telling us as much as you can. That will really help this investigation.¡±

    Lila nodded, avoiding Belinda¡¯s intense gaze for now. Belinda clarified for the recording that Lila had nodded before more silence made its way into the interview. Belinda stayed put as she was for a few moments before running her fingers along the edge of her notebook and speaking again.

    ¡°Alright. If there¡¯s nothing for you to add, then we¡¯ll move on. We have one last major question before we can start wrapping up this interview, Lila. Please describe your whereabouts on the night of Sunday, the 2<sup>nd</sup> of July 2023.¡±

    ¡°So, last Sunday?¡± Lila clarified, adjusting her posture. She was beginning to feel dizzy. Was that when Piper-

    ¡°Yes,¡± Grant responded shortly.

    ¡°U-Uh¡­ well¡­ I went to the show at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds with my family.¡±

    ¡°What time was that?¡± Belinda asked, clicking her pen.

    ¡°I think we left¡­ just before 4pm,¡± Lila replied, glancing at her Dad.

    ¡°I can¡¯t answer for you,¡± he said, shrugging.

    ¡°R-Right. Um¡­ so, we were there until after the fireworks.¡±

    ¡°Can you verify this information?¡± Belinda queried, writing down a sentence or two in her notebook.

    ¡°Yeah. We actually got on the news. I have a link to the video clip somewhere. That was at about, I dunno, 6 to 6.30pm or so. And I recorded the fireworks on my phone, which should be date stamped. Otherwise, I mean, I went with Dad, Mum and my brother Daniel.¡±

    Belinda nodded at Lila before writing down yet more notes.

    ¡°What time did you get home?¡± Belinda asked after a few moments of silence.

    ¡°Probably¡­ like, 9.30? 10 at the latest?¡±

    ¡°Pm?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°If it isn¡¯t too much trouble to ask, can you please send me your recording of the fireworks and the link to the News video,¡± Belinda requested politely.

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila replied, pulling her phone out already. Belinda spelt out her direct email address to Lila, who promptly sent her the recording and link.

    ¡°One last question,¡± Grant suddenly piped up, leaning forward across the table. ¡°You can¡¯t drive, can you?¡±

    Belinda looked at Grant in apparent surprise before gesturing towards Lila to answer.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have my license, no, but I¡¯ve got about, what, 50 hours of practise?¡± Lila glanced at her Dad, who unhelpfully shrugged. Grant appeared to note that down before looking towards Belinda and nodding.

    ¡°Okay, Lila, that''s about all the questions we have for today. Thank you for your assistance. Now, did you have any questions for us?¡±

    Lila pondered this for a moment. Aside from whether or not they thought it was safe to go wandering around outside again, or if they knew who killed Piper, she didn¡¯t have any. At least, not any that she wanted to ask with her Dad sitting right next to her.

    ¡®Besides, do homicide detectives look for missing people?¡¯ Lila thought, pursing her lips.

    ¡°I do have a couple. Um, is it s-safe? To go outside again?¡± Lila couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at Belinda or Grant, instead focusing her eyes on her fingers, which she gently pressed together on her lap.

    ¡°That¡¯s a tough question,¡± Belinda replied, her tone dropping its previous businesslike edge. ¡°We would hope that it is, but protecting yourself is never a bad thing. If you don¡¯t think it¡¯s safe to go outside, trust your instincts. Of course, if you¡¯re involved in an emergency, there¡¯s always Triple Zero, or you can call the non-emergency line regarding suspicious people and the like. I¡¯ll also give you my card, just in case. And if you remember anything at all that you want to tell me, feel free to give me a ring.¡±

    Though not the answer Lila was hoping for, it at least provided some reassurance that Belinda understood her fears.

    ¡°My¡­ other question. Um, you probably can¡¯t answer it, but I want to ask anyway. Do you have any ideas about who did this? Or even why? It¡¯s terrifying.¡±

    Belinda gave Lila a gentle smile that somehow seemed to say ¡®no¡¯.

    ¡°Unfortunately, as you thought, I can¡¯t give out that information at this stage.¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Lila replied morosely.

    ¡°Your information has been a great help, though,¡± Belinda asserted reassuringly. ¡°I¡¯m sure we¡¯re one step closer to answers.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ hope so,¡± Lila mumbled.

    ¡°Did you have any questions, Rob?¡± Belinda asked, looking over at Lila¡¯s Dad.

    ¡°None at this time,¡± he smiled. ¡°At least, not for this.¡±

    ¡°With that, we can turn the recording off. The time is 3.45pm, Sunday 9<sup>th</sup> of July 2023,¡± Belinda announced before pressing ¡®stop¡¯ on her voice recorder. Grant did the same.

    ¡°You¡¯re free to go now,¡± Belinda said warmly. ¡°You did great, Lila. Here¡¯s my card, if there¡¯s anything else at all that you¡¯d like to add or talk about in relation to this matter.¡±

    Lila grasped the card Belinda offered with both hands before clumsily standing up. Belinda crossed the room and opened the door for Lila and Lila¡¯s Dad. She reminded them where to go to leave the police station and they thanked her before exiting the room. Lila felt strangely awkward, now that the door behind them had closed. Her Dad glanced at her before giving her an apologetic look.

    ¡°Lila, since I¡¯m already at the station, I may as well grab some information and details for cases I¡¯ve got going at the moment. I shouldn¡¯t be more than half an hour or so ¨C will you be alright?¡±

    Actually, this was perfect ¨C though Lila didn¡¯t want to seem too pleased by the fact that her Dad was going to be leaving her. He¡¯d probably be suspicious if she didn¡¯t at least seem a little annoyed.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lila drawled. ¡°I¡¯ll see if Asher and Gabriel are floating around.¡±

    ¡°Brilliant. Thanks, kiddo. Sorry for this, but it¡¯ll save me a bit of time on Monday,¡± her Dad said hurriedly, already walking off towards the open plan office arrangement.

    Lila whipped her head around, trying to see if Asher and Gabriel were nearby. Were they still in their interview?

    Just as Lila was about to send Asher a message to check where he was, the door to the interview room that she had been in opened again. Belinda and Grant emerged, bundles of paper under their arms.

    ¡°Oh, hello again,¡± Belinda said genially. ¡°Are you lost?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I¡¯m waiting for my Dad. And Asher, I guess. You wouldn¡¯t happen to know how much longer his interview would be, or if he¡¯s done yet?¡±

    Belinda shook her head. ¡°Sorry, we can only really give estimations. It shouldn¡¯t be too much longer, if he hasn¡¯t been released already though.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thanks.¡±

    Belinda inclined her head towards Lila before she and Grant headed towards the open plan office. They talked in close whispers, but, for once in her life, Lila wasn¡¯t too interested in finding out what they were saying. Now that her interview was over, and she was certain that she wasn¡¯t about to be arrested, all she could think about was where Asher was. Was his interview going okay?

    Lila began to pace, as though emulating Asher¡¯s typical behaviour would summon him. What felt like hours ticked by. Had he already left?

    Lila pulled out her phone, checking the time. Her head was beginning to pound, so she stopped her pacing. It had only been about five minutes since her own interview ended. Perhaps she should give it five more¡­ then she¡¯d send a text.

    With a sigh, Lila leaned against the sliver of wall between both interview rooms. She couldn¡¯t hear anything at all, besides the steady rhythm of her heartbeat. It was rather surreal, actually ¨C could it be due to sound proofing in the area? Not that she could see any¡­

    Click.

    Lila¡¯s eyes fluttered to the door of the interview room Asher had been placed in. It sounded as though someone was about to leave. But there was no movement.

    Then, Lila heard something through the door. Was it¡­ muffled yelling? It sounded like it was getting closer to the door but even with her ear pressed against it, she couldn¡¯t make out anything distinct.

    A prickle of foreboding trailed its way down her neck as she strained her ears even more. Nothing again.

    Then, suddenly, further yelling ¨C this time accompanied by a much more abrupt and loud click ¨C almost too fast for Lila to register.

 Chapter One Hundred and Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Three

    The door to the interview room burst open with such a strong force that Lila jumped away from it out of instinct. Asher marched out of it, a subdued-looking Gabriel in tow, his face contorted with anger. That didn¡¯t seem good.

    His eyes met Lila¡¯s and in a flash, his expression relaxed. He still seemed, at the very least, annoyed, but his eyes were filled with an ocean of relief, rather than the flickering embers of rage.

    ¡°Lila, how¡¯d it go?¡± he asked, his tone sincere.

    ¡°My interview was fine,¡± Lila replied, her eyes darting over his left shoulder. Nick and another man departed quietly, as though trying not to draw attention to themselves.

    ¡°Good, good,¡± Asher sighed, running his hands through his hair. ¡°Mine¡­ might as well have not been an interview.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯m not too sure whether you should discuss this here,¡± Gabriel warned, pulling one of their arms each with him as he made his way towards the door to the front desk. ¡°Let¡¯s leave.¡±

    Asher remained silent, letting Gabriel drag him away without any resistance. Lila followed behind as well, with Gabriel having dropped her arm gently.

    Gabriel opened the door for them, which gave a singular beep. The phones seemed to have at least calmed down for the moment ¨C a welcome happenstance that gave Lila space to think. Lila couldn¡¯t see her Dad anywhere, though the same uniformed police officer sat behind the counter, looking somewhat bored.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your Dad?¡± Asher questioned in a low voice.

    ¡°He¡¯s off getting some info from the police,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°He said at most he¡¯d be half an hour, but I¡¯m banking on it being more like one hour.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Asher replied. Then, he turned to her, energy suddenly flowing through him, his eyes alight with excitement. ¡°That¡¯s perfect!¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila smiled, ¡°let¡¯s do the thing.¡±

    ¡°What thing?¡± Gabriel asked, looking between them both. Asher suddenly looked rather shifty as he averted his eyes from Gabriel.

    ¡°I¡­ have to make a report,¡± Asher finally murmured. ¡°About Mum.¡±

    ¡°About Tabitha?¡± Gabriel looked incredibly confused, his eyes resting on Lila as though she would have the answers. Lila squirmed slightly, preferring instead to look towards her shoes.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied before sighing. ¡°Please don¡¯t tell Dad.¡±

    ¡°Tell him what?¡± Gabriel pressed, swivelling his head between them both.

    ¡°That I¡¯m going to the police about Mum?¡± Asher¡¯s voice rose in pitch, conveying his apparent perplexion by Gabriel¡¯s reaction which, admittedly, confused Lila too.

    ¡°Can I help you at all?¡± the voice of the officer behind the desk floated towards them, slightly warbled by the presence of the Plexiglass. Asher immediately looked at Lila, who nodded comfortingly.

    ¡°Y-Yeah, actually,¡± Asher responded, his voice carrying a note of panic. ¡°Uh, I want to file a missing person report?¡±

    Lila caught Gabriel looking absolutely gobsmacked by Asher¡¯s request.

    ¡°Sorry, mate, you¡¯ll have to come closer,¡± the officer requested, gesturing for the trio to do so.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said meekly once they were at the counter. The sudden blare of several phone calls going off simultaneously within the station forced Asher to speak up even louder. ¡°I said I wanted to file a missing person report.¡±

    Now that Lila was close enough to the officer, she saw that his name badge read Constable Brad Henderson. He appeared to scrutinise Asher for a moment before nodding. Lila was amazed that he could tone out the noise as if it didn¡¯t exist and carry on regardless.

    ¡°Alright, mate. I can do that for you. So, who¡¯s this missing person?¡± Brad¡¯s voice was kind ¨C almost paternal, though he couldn¡¯t have been older than his early twenties.

    ¡°M-My mother. Tabitha Wagner. Um, middle name Augustine.¡±

    Brad pulled a notebook closer to him, flipping it open and jotting down those details.

    ¡°Okay. When did she go missing?¡±

    ¡°28<sup>th</sup> of December.¡±

    Brad nodded before staring up at Asher, his glacial-blue eyes almost bulging out of his head.

    ¡°Sorry, December?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded, biting his lower lip. Lila stepped closer to him ¨C close enough that they were almost touching. He glanced at her and his posture seemed to relax. She was tempted to grasp the hand that was by his side, but he moved it to anxiously rub his chin before she could give in.

    Brad tapped his fingers along the counter before sliding over to a computer. He rapidly typed into it, his eyes darting across the screen. Everyone was silent for a few moments before Brad wheeled himself back to where he¡¯d been previously.

    ¡°I just need to confirm a couple of things with my coworkers in the back. Do you know your Mum¡¯s date of birth?¡±

    ¡°Uh, I think¡­ it¡¯s the 6<sup>th</sup> of September, 1979.¡±

    ¡°And what¡¯s your home address?¡±

    Asher listed his home address, along with what he¡¯d last seen her wearing, and confirmed that he last saw her at home. Brad thanked him before swiftly moving to an unseen door to the right of the counter. The phones were still ringing, their piercing shrill tones pulsating in Lila¡¯s head before dulling slightly once the door closed again.

    Asher let out a long exhale, placing his hands on the bit of exposed counter in front of him. Lila tentatively reached out a hand, unsure if she should try and comfort him ¨C but after Asher began to shake, she grasped his shoulder. He looked up at her, his eyes swimming with tears.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m so freaked out,¡± he whispered, raising a hand to touch hers. Sparks ran down her arm as he brushed his fingers across her knuckles. Then, just as quickly, as though remembering something, he dropped his hand back to the counter.

    ¡°Asher, what¡¯s going on?¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice shook. Lila had almost forgotten that Gabriel was here, given how far back he was standing. Lila and Asher both turned to look at him.

    His face was hauntingly pale. Any trace of joy or exuberance that Gabriel usually carried was so far gone that Lila could hardly recall what it looked like. He, himself, looked on the verge of tears ¨C beyond broken.

    It wasn¡¯t a reaction that Lila expected in the slightest. Was¡­ he going to run off to Asher¡¯s Dad to tell him that Asher spoke to the police?

    Asher seemed just as surprised as Lila felt. ¡°What do you mean, Gabriel? Mum¡¯s missing. She has been since December.¡±

    ¡°Missing?¡± Gabriel repeated, his voice cracking. ¡°Asher, what are you talking about? She¡¯s on a work trip?¡±

    Asher crossed his arms, staring back at Gabriel with a wrinkled brow. ¡°No¡­ Dad told me she was missing, way back on the 29<sup>th</sup>, I think. Her wallet, clothes, everything ¨C it¡¯s all at home. Even her wedding ring. She tells me whenever she¡¯s going on a work trip at least a week in advance, more if she can help it. But she told me nothing. She hasn¡¯t sent me anything, hasn¡¯t called. She¡­ there¡¯s no other explanation-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Gabriel shook his head vehemently, his eyes wide. ¡°No, no, you must be mistaken. Ivaan said that she¡¯s on a work trip ¨C a long project away from home. He¡­ he tells me all the time how she¡¯s going, that she misses you and my cooking. W-Why-¡±

    ¡°Sorry about that, mate,¡± Brad¡¯s voice cut through Gabriel¡¯s denial so suddenly that everyone jumped. ¡°Did I scare you?¡± Brad laughed, taking a seat.

    ¡°A little,¡± Asher replied honestly.

    ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t mean to,¡± Brad chuckled. His face changed from one of amusement to one of complete seriousness.

    ¡°Bud, good news is, you don¡¯t need to file a missing person report-¡±

    ¡°But she¡¯s missing,¡± Asher interrupted, his tone rising with a flash of frustration.

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying you¡¯re lying,¡± Brad replied gently. ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say is that a report¡¯s already been filed.¡±

    Asher blinked rapidly, his cheeks turning pink. ¡°H-Huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I thought one would¡¯ve been, since it¡¯s been just over six months,¡± Brad said. ¡°Means you¡¯re not trapped doing paperwork here. All the details you gave me matched, so I¡¯ll just add a note to the file that you came by, but otherwise it¡¯ll keep churning on-¡±

    ¡°W-Who?¡±

    ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°W-Who filed it?¡± Asher gulped audibly. Lila placed her hand back onto his shoulder soothingly. He closed his eyes as they waited for Brad to respond.

    ¡°It was someone named Ivaan Wagner. On the 29<sup>th</sup> of December,¡± Brad explained softly. ¡°All I can tell you is that it¡¯s still ongoing. Once a resolution is found, we¡¯ll be in touch with Ivaan. Is he related to you?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. That¡¯s my Dad.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Hopefully he¡¯ll give you the outcome, but as it stands now, I can¡¯t tell you anything else, I¡¯m afraid. I did try, but no dice.¡±

    Asher opened his eyes, glancing at Lila from the side before nodding.

    ¡°Thanks for trying,¡± Asher said with a genuine smile. ¡°I appreciate it.¡±

    ¡°No worries, mate. I, uh, I hope we find her soon. The guys taking on the case, they¡¯re some of the hardest working guys I know,¡± Brad responded reassuringly. ¡°Was there anything else you needed?¡±

    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Asher replied hoarsely.

    ¡°Did you want some water?¡± Brad offered, standing up.

    ¡°No, I¡¯m good. Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Anyone else?¡± Brad asked, looking beyond Asher and towards Lila and Gabriel. Both declined politely.

    ¡°Alright, well, have a good rest of the day,¡± Brad said with a curt nod.

    ¡°You too,¡± Asher replied automatically before swiftly turning around and marching towards the chairs lining the back walls. Lila and Gabriel hurried behind him.

    They all took a seat, with Lila next to Asher and Gabriel sitting two seats away from Asher on his other side. Lila thought that it was odd that he wasn¡¯t sitting right next to Asher, but decided not to question it. When were these phone calls going to let up again? It seemed that there were even more calls coming through than before. Working in this kind of environment seemed hellish.

    Asher held his head in his hands, his breathing becoming laboured.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked after a second or so.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied after a pause, looking up at Lila. ¡°I¡­ I just¡­ I didn¡¯t realise Dad already went to the police.¡±

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why he told you not to go,¡± Lila suggested gently. ¡°Maybe so you didn¡¯t confuse the investigation?¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve confused it?¡± Asher asked, his voice strangled. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila cut him off with a firm shake of her head. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t have. I¡¯m just saying that maybe that¡¯s what your Dad was worried about. I mean¡­ your Mum¡¯s his wife. I¡¯m sure¡­ he¡¯s just anxious about it.¡±

    Asher fell silent, seeming deep in thought. Lila¡¯s eyes drifted to Gabriel, who still looked shell-shocked.

    ¡°Gabriel, are you okay?¡± Lila queried softly.

    ¡°M-Me?¡± Gabriel¡¯s shock transferred through his response as he pointed at his chest. ¡°I-I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t look fine,¡± Lila said doubtfully. He waved a hand dismissively, trying a smile. It was only a shadow of the smile Lila was used to seeing upon his face, which did nothing to allay her concerns.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Gabriel?¡± Asher asked, turning to him. A flash of guilt crossed Gabriel¡¯s face as he met Asher¡¯s gaze, though it swiftly returned to one of shock and unease.

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong with me,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice wavered unconvincingly. ¡°Just worry about yourself, alright? It¡¯s been an intense day. I¡¯m more worried about you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Asher replied quickly, sitting up straight. ¡°Gabriel, you¡¯re acting weird-¡±

    ¡°Sorry for the wait,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s voice called out, the slam of the door to the back-office jolting Lila. ¡°We can go now.¡±

    Instantly, Lila, Asher and Gabriel stood. Lila¡¯s Dad stopped short of them, his eyebrows creasing in confusion.

    ¡°You all look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost. I promise you that I¡¯m Irish, not dead,¡± he laughed. Lila snorted, and he winked at her.

    ¡°Are you coming home, Asher?¡± Gabriel asked stiffly. Asher looked at Lila¡¯s Dad, who shrugged.

    ¡°The invitation was for dinner, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked, his eyes meeting Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila confirmed with a nod.

    ¡°Then, you¡¯re welcome back,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad smiled. ¡°But if you want to go home, I won¡¯t blame you. Lila might-¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    ¡°-but we¡¯d love to have you join us for tocino.¡±

    Asher returned Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s smile with a broad one of his own. ¡°I¡¯d love that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave then,¡± Gabriel said, his voice disconcerting to Lila, though she couldn¡¯t think why. It sounded relatively normal, after all. He hurried out of the station without another word ¨C not even a wave goodbye. Asher, Lila and Lila¡¯s Dad watched him go in stunned silence.

    ¡°He¡¯s very¡­ abrupt, isn¡¯t he?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said after the automatic doors closed.

    ¡°He¡¯s not usually,¡± Lila said in a small voice.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± agreed Asher, his face looking perturbed by this turn of events. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ a bit odd.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad cast a glance around the interior of the station before shrugging again. ¡°Some people get weird about police stations. It¡¯s been a bit of a day ¨C I don¡¯t blame him for wanting to get out of here. Speaking of, let¡¯s head home.¡±

    No one spoke on the way home, with Lila feeling suddenly exhausted. Lila¡¯s Dad seemed to take the hint, having turned up the radio.

    Once they were a few minutes away from home, however, their peace was interrupted by a phone call ringing on Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s Android Auto. Lila looked over before sitting up, her back straight with tension. The caller was Ivaan.

    ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ll just quickly take this,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said apologetically, clicking the green ¡®accept¡¯ button.

    ¡°Hello, Rob,¡± Ivaan¡¯s voice blasted through the speakers. Lila¡¯s Dad turned down the volume before responding.

    ¡°Hello, Ivaan. Look, I¡¯d love to chat, but I think it¡¯d be more appropriate if I do that once I get home. Is that alright with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Ivaan replied shortly. He paused before adding, ¡°Is my son still with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s in the car. I¡¯ll at least say that he¡¯s alright.¡±

    ¡°Good, good. Talk to you later, Rob.¡±

    ¡°Talk soon.¡±

    They hung up. Lila¡¯s shoulders relaxed and she breathed a small sigh of relief. She didn¡¯t necessarily want to sit through a conversation where her Dad relayed what happened. She¡¯d lived through it once already.

    They arrived home not long after and, in stark contrast with the last time they were in the car, both Lila and Asher immediately unbuckled themselves and got out.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t be too excited,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad laughed briefly, following behind at a much more reasonable pace.

    Lila kicked her shoes off, ready to march back upstairs and hide under her bedcovers, before remembering that she couldn¡¯t really do that if Asher was over.

    ¡°Wanna head upstairs?¡± she asked as he stumbled over his feet to take his shoes off.

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    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, his voice indicating to Lila that he was somewhat disturbed by something. They exchanged a meaningful look and had almost made it to the stairs when they were waylaid by an incessantly curious Clare and Daniel.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Clare asked breathlessly.

    ¡°Where did you go?¡± Daniel followed up immediately, not allowing even a second to pass.

    ¡°Why were the police here?¡±

    ¡°Did you do something illegal?¡±

    ¡°Again?¡±

    ¡°Again?!¡± Daniel whipped his head to Lila in alarm, then back at Clare, who looked like a child that had been caught doing something they shouldn¡¯t have been.

    ¡°We¡¯re not telling you shit right now,¡± Lila replied gruffly, annoyed that she¡¯d immediately been peppered by the questions she herself would definitely ask her siblings if their Sunday had been interrupted like this. ¡°Need a minute to process. And no, haven¡¯t done anything illegal.¡± She followed up the last statement with a glare at Clare, who looked back at her apologetically.

    ¡°So grouchy,¡± Daniel pouted. Clare jabbed him in the side with her elbow and he yelped.

    ¡°We¡¯ll call you down for dinner,¡± Clare said with a sunny smile, using her arm to push Daniel arm-length away from her. It was effective, but only just ¨C he was growing pretty fast now. It didn¡¯t stop him from attempting to swat at her, though.

    Lila rolled her eyes at her siblings¡¯ antics before gesturing for Asher to follow her upstairs. They quietly entered her room and she left the door open ¨C though slightly less wide now, as if the centimetres of coverage she gained would prevent their conversation from floating out to stickybeaks.

    With a sigh, Asher sat so that his back rested on her bookshelf. Lila sat opposite him, resting her back on one of her desk¡¯s legs before deciding it was rather uncomfortable and fishing for cushions for them both.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher said, sounding distant ¨C as though his mind was elsewhere. Instead of using the cushion for the purpose she¡¯d intended, he laid it across his knees.

    ¡°Gabriel was weird, wasn¡¯t he?¡± Asher finally questioned after a few moments of contemplative silence shared between them. ¡°I wasn¡¯t just imagining that, was I?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°I felt it too.¡±

    ¡°What do you think it means?¡±

    Lila craned her neck to see if there was anyone lurking outside her room.

    ¡°I¡­ I think it means your Dad lied to him. Or even you,¡± Lila proposed in a whisper. The following silence was heavy, as though loaded with a possibility too large for either of them to bear. If Asher¡¯s Dad lied to Gabriel¡­ what did that mean? Did it mean he couldn¡¯t trust Gabriel? Or¡­ did Asher¡¯s Dad suspect Gabriel after all?

    Asher dropped his head, seeming deflated by the revelation.

    ¡°My mind is too fried to try and figure it out,¡± he confessed in a low murmur, flexing his fingers in his lap. ¡°But I couldn¡¯t fight back this overwhelming feeling of pity, when I saw the look on Gabriel¡¯s face after I told him Mum was missing. Then¡­ it was even more intense when that police officer confirmed there was a missing person report.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila agreed, leaning her head back against the desk and looking up at the ceiling, as if the cracks would line up to some words of wisdom. Of course, all it told Lila was that she needed a new paint job.

    A knock on the ajar door startled Lila, and she looked over at the offending knocker.

    ¡°Oh, hey Dad,¡± Lila said lamely as he sidled in. He raised an eyebrow as he looked at both Asher and Lila sitting on the floor.

    ¡°Not a fan of furniture?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Too cold for fans,¡± Asher quipped, surprising both Lila and her Dad into laughter.

    ¡°Well, looks like the visit to the station didn¡¯t kill your wit, at least,¡± Lila''s Dad chuckled. ¡°I just wanted to tell you that I¡¯ve thrown Clare and Daniel out the house.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila asked, sitting up so quickly that she forgot to mind her head. It connected with the underside of her desk and she clutched it with a moan.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher shuffled forward to his knees, coming closer to inspect where she¡¯d hurt herself.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Lila mumbled, rubbing her sore spot. Asher looked at her doubtfully, but slowly made his way back to the bookshelf.

    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve never known you to be so clumsy,¡± Lila''s Dad observed from the doorway.

    Lila paused. Actually, her Dad was right. She never had been so clumsy ¨C especially not to the level that she¡¯d been experiencing lately in the presence of-

    The realisation hit her in the same instant that her face burst into a brilliant shade of red. Was she losing control of herself because¡­ Asher was nearby?

    She refused to look at Asher, instead preferring to look over at her Dad¡¯s slipper-clad feet. She could feel him smirking from where she sat, but didn¡¯t want to give him the satisfaction of meeting his gaze, either.

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher piped up after a beat passed. ¡°I¡¯ve seen Lila be plenty clumsy. The other day, she dropped-¡±

    ¡°Asher!¡± Lila whisper-yelled, mortification plain on her face, which she swiftly hid behind her hands.

    ¡°W-What?¡± he blinked at her, evidently surprised by her reaction. ¡°I¡¯m just sayi-¡±

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad interrupted them both, his tone bright with amusement. ¡°I threw Clare and Daniel out the house for a jaunt because they kept trying to creep up here and listen in to your conversation. I assumed you two would want to debrief. I understand that it was a stressful experience for you both.¡±

    ¡°Dad, isn¡¯t it dangerous for Clare and Daniel to be wandering around out there?¡± Lila queried, her voice shaky with alarm.

    ¡°They¡¯ll be fine,¡± her Dad grinned, ¡°I sent them to the nearby Woolies for some snacks.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lila figured that Clare would be driving ¨C the Woolies was too far to walk to, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯ll leave you to it,¡± her Dad said with a smile. ¡°By to it, I mean debriefing. About the interview, specifically. If you need me or your Mum, we¡¯ll be downstairs watching TV.¡±

    He left the door ajar as he departed, his footsteps heavy on the stairs down to the living room. Eventually, Lila couldn¡¯t hear anything anymore and she sighed, rubbing her head again.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with being clumsy?¡± Asher inquired lazily, watching her intently with his head tilted to one side.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Lila replied, averting her eyes from him again. A faint blush rose on her cheeks as she was reminded of her particular reasoning as to why she was clumsy all of a sudden. Had Asher¡¯s presence weakened her usual equilibrium somehow? That¡­ was a problem. While it was true that being around him made her heart flutter and stomach take flight ¨C surely none of that should affect how her two feet were planted on the ground.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t like seeing you hurt, though,¡± Asher added quietly. ¡°You should keep an eye out on your surroundings, things like that. Make sure you¡¯re holding things properly.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re being condescending.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mean to be. Sorry. I¡­ I¡¯ll stop talking.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I¡¯m the idiot that can¡¯t get her bearings.¡±

    ¡°We all have our moments of clumsiness. Nothing to do with being an idiot or not.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure what to say to that, so remained silent, looking down at her interlocking hands in her lap.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we shouldn¡¯t waste the opportunity your Dad¡¯s given us,¡± Asher said after a few seconds of awkward silence. Lila¡¯s heart leapt to her throat as she looked up at Asher. He looked rather concerned, his brows knitted together again.

    ¡°U-Uh, f-for what?¡± Lila questioned, clearing her throat to beat back her heart into its rightful place.

    ¡°To debrief?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes met hers, confusion evident in the way his head tilted again. Then, without warning, his face turned a bright red and he tore his eyes away from Lila. ¡°Y-Yeah. Debrief,¡± he added in a low voice.

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila replied, exhaling deeply. Was she¡­ hoping he¡¯d make a move?

    ¡®Don¡¯t be stupid,¡¯ Lila reprimanded herself. ¡®He¡¯s not going to. At your parents¡¯ house or otherwise. Stop wishing for something that¡¯s not gonna happen.¡¯

    ¡°What happened in your interview?¡± Asher asked, tapping his toes together idly, leaning his head back against the bookshelf. Lila relayed as much as she could remember of her interview ¨C lingering for a moment on the photo of the farmhouse.

    That seemed to pique Asher¡¯s interest as he straightened up his posture, bringing a hand to his chin.

    ¡°This bloody farmhouse,¡± he muttered once Lila had finished her recounting.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said, shaking her head. ¡°I don¡¯t know what the deal is with that building, but it keeps popping up. It makes me want to look at it again.¡±

    Asher pursed his lips before meeting Lila¡¯s gaze. ¡°What¡¯re you doing next weekend?¡±

    ¡°M-Me?¡±

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t see anyone else here.¡±

    Lila blushed again, suddenly feeling stupid for having said anything at all.

    ¡°Sorry, that was rude,¡± Asher quickly said, dropping his hand from his face. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Ask stupid questions, get stupid answers,¡± Lila responded with a half-hearted chuckle. ¡°Anyway, um, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve got anything on except for practice on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Asher replied. Lila could have sworn a glimmer of excitement flashed across his face ¨C but his expression had returned to neutrality so rapidly that she might¡¯ve attributed her own excitement as being his. ¡°Come over, if you can. If you want to. Uh, after practice, if you want. B-But I get it if you¡¯d be tired. Sunday¡¯s fine too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll see,¡± Lila said. ¡°Who knows, maybe I¡¯ll come over both days.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be fine, too. I don¡¯t have any plans.¡±

    Lila smiled at him before a new thought occurred to her. ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡±

    ¡°About whether you¡¯re free?¡± Asher gave a sharp, nervous laugh. ¡°¡®Cause we have reason to go back to that creepy-ass farmhouse again.¡±

    Lila tried to not look ecstatic at the prospect. Perhaps there were more clues waiting for them ¨C something they¡¯d missed the last time they visited, due to the excitement of Mr Snugglebutt and the folder of information. Maybe¡­ they¡¯d figure out its connection to Piper, now that they knew that she had known about it.

    ¡°Alright. Sounds like a plan.¡±

    Asher grimaced. ¡°I was afraid you¡¯d say that.¡±

    ¡°Why offer it as an option if you¡¯re afraid?¡± Lila laughed incredulously.

    Asher ruffled his hair abashedly. ¡°I know you wouldn¡¯t be able to stop thinking about it if we didn¡¯t go check it out again.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re completely right.¡±

    Asher chuckled and they fell into a comfortable silence ¨C one that could stretch on forever without feeling awkward. Though, as time ticked on by, more questions floated to the surface of Lila¡¯s mind.

    ¡°How¡¯d your interview go?¡± she asked, readjusting her cushion behind her so that it protected her back from her desk.

    Asher looked at her darkly. ¡°Like I said before, it may as well have not been an interview.¡±

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡±

    ¡°They seemed disinterested in the interview altogether. They kept talking about sports, school, whether I had a¡­ girlfriend.¡± He grimaced, but carried on, his face splotchy with red. ¡°It got to the point where I asked why I was even there.¡±

    ¡°Did Gabriel say anything?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ suggested that maybe they were setting up some kind of rapport. But all it did was piss me off. That Nick guy was such a dick.¡±

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°He was just¡­ condescending. Not just to me, but to his second. His second tried to move the conversation to Piper, and Nick said, ¡®Whoa there, are you sure you want to talk about that?¡¯ with this smarmy look. Eventually, I just ignored Nick. I told his second that I saw Piper the Thursday before she died, and then Nick jumped in again, all like ¡®Are you sure you want to put that on record, buddy?¡¯ Made my skin crawl. Like, yes, I want to put that on record, so you can do your job and follow up? Man, Belinda sounds far more competent, at least.¡±

    ¡°Did you manage to tell them anything else?¡±

    ¡°Just that she tried to talk to me and I didn¡¯t want to hear it. When I talked about the stalking, that¡¯s when Nick finally looked serious. His second looked horrified when I told them about my PE shorts being in her locker. Then the second asked if I hated her. I said I sure did, after what she did to you ¨C then they asked me to explain that. They seemed appalled, then I said that I was happy that she¡¯d been expelled. That I¡¯d never want to go within a few metres of her, let alone close enough to kill her. Then-¡± Asher gave a heavy sigh. ¡°-Nick jumped back in. He was all, ¡®Whoa, buddy, we¡¯re not trying to say you killed her¡¯. I asked why. That¡¯s¡­ when Nick went even weirder.¡±

    ¡°Even weirder?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He seemed like he hadn¡¯t expected that question. He was all flustered. I challenged him again, and that¡¯s when the second jumped in. Asked me where I was on Sunday night. I said I¡¯d been away since Friday night in Vanuatu, and only got back yesterday. After I said that, their attitude changed completely. Nick gave this really off-putting laugh and said, ¡®See? You couldn¡¯t have done it. She was murdered on Sunday night¡¯.¡±

    Asher smirked before adding, ¡°The second looked panicked that Nick said that. I feel like he wasn¡¯t supposed to tell me that.¡±

    ¡°She was murdered on Sunday night, huh¡­¡± Lila tapped her thigh as she pondered this new information. ¡°I did get that vibe, after Belinda asked where I was on Sunday night. But to have that confirmed¡­ makes me wonder what happened to Piper between Thursday, when we saw her, and when she died on Sunday.¡±

    Asher shivered. ¡°I don¡¯t want to think about it, to be honest.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°Neither. Doesn¡¯t mean my brain won¡¯t be mulling it over for the next few weeks though.¡±

    Asher gently rested the back of his head on the bookshelf again. They were quiet for a few seconds before Lila met his gaze. What was he thinking about, behind those intelligent, golden-brown eyes?

    ¡°I think I heard you yelling at the end there,¡± Lila murmured, looking at her photo wall.

    ¡°Ah. Yeah. I was. Essentially, after he told me that she died on Sunday, I started laying into them. Asking what they were doing to make this place safe again. Nick looked surprised that I was so mad, but I just couldn¡¯t keep looking at his face anymore without feeling angry. The interview had been such a waste of time up until that point. At least, until they actually asked for my alibi ¨C which I basically forced them to ask about. I just felt like they were making a big show of giving a shit. Honestly, I was pretty disgusted. Kinda thought my Dad was right by the end ¨C that going to the police was a mistake.¡±

    Asher scowled, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°I told them they gave me zero confidence that it was safe out there, and if that was the case, what¡¯s the point of the police. They just sat there and took it, which made me even more mad. Like at least try and deny it, y¡¯know? Maybe come up with something that they¡¯re doing. If they told me they¡¯d increased patrols at night, or anything like that, I wouldn¡¯t have been so mad, y¡¯know. Even Gabriel looked shocked that I was so riled up. But¡­ why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡±

    His eyes rested on Lila¡¯s face before he looked down at his knees. ¡°Some psycho¡¯s killing teenaged girls in horrific ways. I¡­ I can¡¯t¡­ I don¡¯t want that to happen to you.¡±

    As the words left his lips, Lila felt a strange warmth flood her veins, bringing with it a swooping sensation in her stomach. He¡­ didn¡¯t want that to happen to Lila?

    Though she tried to tell herself that this was to be expected, since she didn¡¯t want it to happen to anyone ever ¨C even Piper, she couldn¡¯t help but feel giddy by the confirmation¡­ and the look in his eyes ¨C protective and worried all at once. It strangely attractive.

    Lila took a deep breath, tilting her head away so she wasn¡¯t tempted to look at him again. ¡°¡­ Thanks. For being concerned for me. I¡­ I¡¯ll try not to get killed.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no trying about it, Lila. Don¡¯t get killed. Please,¡± Asher¡¯s voice broke and he buried his face in his hands. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been adding to my nightmares, since coming back. Instead of seeing Piper¡¯s body, mutilated like that, I see yours.¡±

    ¡°I promise I won¡¯t get killed,¡± Lila said softly, picking at her nails in her lap. ¡°Besides, I¡¯ve got school to worry about. How am I meant to get good grades if I¡¯m busy being murdered?¡±

    Asher stared at her for a moment, his expression teetering between aghast and amused. It seemed that amusement won as he started to laugh ¨C a sound that reverberated throughout her tiny room. It looked cathartic as he clutched his stomach. Lila smirked before joining in.

    ¡°I¡­ wow, that¡¯s something insane that I would say,¡± Asher finally said after sobering up.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad my dumb joke made you laugh so much,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Just trying to lighten the mood.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think we need it,¡± Asher replied, wiping his face and revealing his own grin. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s play some more board games.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t too much longer when Daniel and Clare returned, armed with all kinds of snacks.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know what you liked,¡± Daniel said, tipping his bundle onto the dining room table next to their board game. ¡°So we kinda got one of everything.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m very basic,¡± Asher stated, selecting a packet of TimTams to open up and share.

    ¡°Thank God, ¡®cause these raspberry licorice twists are mine,¡± Clare declared, opening up the packet with glee and sitting next to Lila. Lila wrinkled her nose.

    ¡°Go hard,¡± Lila said plainly, taking a TimTam and biting into it. ¡°I don¡¯t think anyone¡¯ll fight you for it.¡±

    ¡°Eh, I won¡¯t, but Gabriel probably would,¡± Asher smirked, meeting Clare¡¯s gaze. Both Lila and Clare stifled a giggle after exchanging a look.

    ¡°Who¡¯s Gabriel?¡± Daniel asked conversationally, biting the head off an orange snake. ¡°Also, who the hell did that? That looks like the dumbest move ever.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± Lila huffed, tossing a TimTam at his forehead. He tried to catch it with his mouth and instead headbutted it onto the table, cracking it into two.

    ¡°That was sick,¡± Daniel laughed, throwing one part into his mouth. The Moloney siblings and Asher played a round or two of board games, their rowdiness kicking up a notch, before Lila¡¯s Mum requested assistance in setting up for dinner.

    Tonight¡¯s dinner of tocino and accompaniments was delicious as expected. Though all of Lila¡¯s family members looked suspiciously at Lila and Asher every so often, no one dared to ask about their visit to the police station. It did help that Lila¡¯s Dad would steer conversations that got a little too close into a different direction.

    They packed away the dishes into the dishwasher as a group before Lila and Asher headed back upstairs, the door open as usual.

    ¡°So¡­ I guess¡­ it¡¯s time for me to go soon,¡± Asher murmured reluctantly, leaning against the bookshelf again.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Lila replied just as reluctantly, taking her place opposite him. ¡°But¡­ at least I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    Asher gave her a soft, tender smile. ¡°At least there¡¯s that.¡±

    They continued to look at each other contentedly for a moment before Lila realised what she was doing and averted her eyes. She thought she heard Asher sigh, but he didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°Are we going to be eating lunch as a group again this term?¡± Lila eventually asked, her tone somehow shy. It would be nice to just eat with Asher¡­ but she¡¯d missed Elise and Grace these holidays. Especially now that Lila knew what was up with Elise ¨C she definitely needed to spend some time with her. ¡°And having morning tea separately?¡±

    ¡°We can,¡± Asher replied, his expression guilty. ¡°I¡¯ve neglected Isaac these whole holidays. I think I need to hang out with him for a bit.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think so too,¡± Lila smiled, remembering Isaac¡¯s request for Asher to message him when he got back. ¡°Have you messaged him since coming back home?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we had a chat last night. He was happy to hear from me, but he demanded morning tea with me tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°He probably has quite a few McStories for you,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to ¡®grill¡¯ him about how it¡¯s going with Elise,¡± Asher smirked. Lila pushed his leg with her foot for his terrible pun and he chortled.

    ¡°Anyway, we need to figure out a time next week for something important,¡± Asher suddenly added, sitting up straight.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°For Daniel.¡±

    ¡°For¡­ Daniel?¡±

    ¡°Actually, lemme find him real quick,¡± Asher insisted, standing up.

    ¡°He might¡¯ve gone to his room?¡± Lila suggested, also standing.

    Asher stepped out of Lila¡¯s room and knocked on Daniel¡¯s door.

    ¡°Whaaaat?¡± Daniel called out, his voice irritated.

    ¡°Can we come in for a sec?¡± Asher asked, glancing back at Lila.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Daniel replied. ¡°By we, I¡¯m assuming you and Lila?¡±

    ¡°In the flesh,¡± Asher responded, swinging open the door. Daniel spun on his chair to face them as they both filed in. Lila curiously crossed the room to Daniel¡¯s bed, sitting on it cross-legged, as Asher folded his arms against his chest and leaned against his desk.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Daniel asked, offering Asher a bag of snakes. Asher shook his head politely before speaking.

    ¡°New term¡¯s tomorrow. I¡¯ve been trying to get the Banker stuff sanctioned by the school, and I¡¯ve got to get some more backing from a couple more teachers, but essentially you¡¯ll need to reveal who you are.¡±

    Daniel¡¯s face paled. ¡°W-What?¡±

    ¡°At least, I¡¯m hoping it doesn¡¯t come to that, but for the school to accept it as a legitimate business activity, and something that could therefore be protected by the school, you¡¯ll need to tell them that you¡¯re the Banker.¡±

    ¡°W-What if I don¡¯t want that to happen?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes travelled to Lila¡¯s. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ a couple of things going on behind the scenes with those Grade 12s. I think if you don¡¯t get this backed by the school, they could do some serious damage to you, your reputation and your business.¡±

    Lila¡¯s skin began to crawl as she started to catch Asher¡¯s hidden meaning behind his words. If¡­ Daniel didn¡¯t do this, could he get caught up in the drug scandal? They were going to tell her Dad about it eventually ¨C which likely meant busting the whole morphine ring. The ring that was technically financed by Daniel up until recently ¨C if the embezzling had stopped since implementing the Square system.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯m scared,¡± Daniel eventually admitted after a pause. ¡°What if I get in trouble?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what sanctioning it is for,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°That way, the school¡¯s accepted that it¡¯s happening and you won¡¯t get in trouble for it. It probably means you¡¯ll need to pay them rent or a cut or something, but it¡¯ll also mean that your business will be advertised more freely. I see it as a win-win. We can see what to do about keeping your identity hidden from the customers, but to sanction it, you¡¯ll need to reveal who you are.¡±

    ¡°Will Mum and Dad need to be involved?¡±

    Lila looked nervously at Asher, who sighed heavily.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯ve been campaigning mostly by myself,¡± Asher revealed. ¡°If the Dux of Grade 11 is recommending it to be sanctioned, I don¡¯t think they¡¯ll need to go that far and tell your parents.¡±

    Daniel exhaled deeply, bringing a hand to his forehead. ¡°I¡­ I guess even if they do tell Mum and Dad¡­¡± he sighed again, biting his lower lip. ¡°It needs to come out at some point, right? I mean, these juice boxes look more and more suspicious by the minute.¡±

    ¡°Look, sometimes you have to keep secrets from your parents, but sometimes you need to let them in on what you¡¯re doing. It can be safer that way, instead of taking it all on by yourself,¡± Asher said sagely. Lila pressed her lips together to prevent herself from expressing that perhaps it was hypocritical for Asher to offer such advice. Of course, her saying that to him would also be hypocritical.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Daniel relented. ¡°Can you give me some time, though? I¡­ need to prepare. I really didn¡¯t mean for it to get this big.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll still need some time to get all the teachers lined up anyway.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Asher. For thinking about all of this. I was just gonna keep it underground. But¡­ I guess that means that anyone could just betray me and turn me in to the school.¡± Daniel winced, rubbing his arm in a self-soothing gesture. ¡°That¡¯d definitely turn out worse for me than if the school accepts it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It would,¡± Asher agreed. His phone began to buzz and he pulled it out of his pocket.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s here,¡± he said forlornly, looking over at Lila. ¡°Time for me to go.¡±

    Lila slowly stood up, unable to hide her own sadness from her face.

    ¡°See you around at school,¡± Daniel said, waving as they exited.

    ¡°See ya,¡± Asher replied, softly closing the door. They went back into Lila¡¯s room, with Asher picking up his bag and the gift from the show.

    ¡°I¡¯ll send you a pic of where I end up putting this one,¡± Asher said, squeezing the stuffed duck.

    ¡°I¡¯ll critique its location,¡± Lila promised with a smile. Asher grinned at her and they traipsed downstairs, with Asher saying goodbye to Lila¡¯s parents and Clare on his way to collect his shoes.

    ¡°I made extra tocino for you to take home. Share with your family,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said, bustling over to the kitchen and interrupting him from putting his shoes on. She took a loaded takeaway container from the fridge and placed it into Asher¡¯s free hand with a smile.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher beamed. ¡°I¡¯ll be sure to share it. It¡¯s really delicious, Mrs Moloney.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re too kind,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum replied warmly. ¡°Take care.¡±

    ¡°You too,¡± Asher responded politely. Lila¡¯s Mum nodded before returning to the living room. Lila unlocked the front door after shoving her feet into slippers.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to walk out with me,¡± Asher said, shaking his head.

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Therefore, I will.¡±

    Asher smirked in response and off they set into the darkness, towards the headlights of Marlene¡¯s car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Asher said after he and Lila greeted Marlene.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°We¡¯ve got English before morning tea.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Asher grinned, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Can¡¯t wait.¡±

    ¡°Neither,¡± Lila uttered softly, stepping back from the car. Asher slid into the passenger seat, closing his door. Marlene then slowly drove off, both of them waving at Lila, before disappearing altogether into the inky blackness of the night.

    Now that he was gone, Lila felt exhausted. It had been an incredibly long day. Crawling into bed sounded like a perfect idea.

 Chapter One Hundred and Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Four

    Lila wasn¡¯t enthusiastic about attending school in the rain that Monday morning. It was that cold, dreadful kind of rain that seemed to reach her from all sides, despite her umbrella.

    Starting the term with Design with the sound of raindrops battering the Applied Tech building windows didn¡¯t help to wake Lila up at all either. Though she¡¯d been able to sleep after Asher left last night, it had been fraught with worry.

    It seemed that Mr Dillon was also still in holiday mode, however, as their lesson that morning was quite tame, despite the fact that it was now Term 3.

    By the time she was released, though, Lila was wide awake. She had English now with Asher. If she was this tired, was he okay?

    Today, she was surprised to see him wearing a jumper over his uniform. He stood outside the English classroom, his face looking rather serious, an umbrella shielding him from the rain. Having not seen him in uniform for two weeks, Lila was struck by how well it clung to his frame ¨C though, of course, he still wore his uniform in a tasteful disarray.

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped as his eyes lifted to meet hers, his brilliant smile brightening his otherwise tired face.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said happily. ¡°I¡¯m really glad to see you.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Been a while.¡±

    He winked at her in response before gesturing to their English classroom, causing her stomach to flutter. ¡°A few people are inside already, but Ms Shard hasn¡¯t arrived yet.¡±

    Lila nodded, trying to ignore how weak her knees were feeling, and reached out a hand to open the door, the other struggling to keep her umbrella open. Asher gently pushed both her hands away, raising his umbrella high above them both.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°Close your umbrella. I¡¯ll keep the rain off while you get in.¡±

    It took all of Lila¡¯s brainpower to not let out a squeak in response. He had stepped close to her, the heat from his body transferring to her cheeks. She gave him a nervous smile, doing just as he suggested.

    A clear hush settled over the room as Lila entered. Asher followed close behind, a few drops dusting his blazer. Lila felt unnerved by the silence of her classmates, who had clearly been talking only a second ago. She glanced at Asher, who smiled serenely at her. It seemed like he hadn¡¯t noticed their classmates¡¯ sudden hush. Lila smiled tentatively at him before crossing over to their desks that they¡¯d sat in for the past couple of terms.

    Once they sat down, Lila could hear indistinct whispers from their classmates. Were they talking about her and Asher? It certainly felt that way.

    ¡°So, excited for the new term?¡± Asher asked as he scooted his chair forward.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Lila sighed, feeling many pairs of eyes burning a hole in the back of her head.

    ¡°Why not?¡± Asher replied, seeming shocked. ¡°We¡¯ve got our school camp this term.¡±

    Lila had completely forgotten that was even a thing. ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°Beginning of August, I think. This year is the really out-in-the-bush one. Where we have to do canoeing, bike riding, hiking, all that.¡±

    Lila groaned. ¡°Sounds like such a slog.¡±

    ¡°Probably will be,¡± Asher glanced at her before looking back down at his desk. ¡°I can help carry your stuff if you need me to.¡±

    Lila sat up straight, shaking her head immediately. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Thanks for the offer.¡±

    Asher pursed his lips before sighing. ¡°If you say so.¡±

    Before Lila could say anything else, Ms Shard strolled through the door, clad in a red raincoat with a matching hat perched on her head.

    ¡°Welcome back, everyone,¡± she said, hurrying over to the projector. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late. We¡¯ll get started immediately, shall we?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have another opportunity to talk to Asher throughout their English lesson. Lila was surprised to find that Asher¡¯s white lie to Marlene, about his interest in the Bront? sisters¡¯ works being due to wanting a head start on their English assignment, wasn¡¯t as much of a lie after all. They were supposed to analyse a collection of poems from different eras, with some of the Bront? sisters¡¯ poems being part of the selection they could choose from. The end result was to produce a persuasive essay regarding both the evolution of influential poems and their techniques, as well as what has remained the same throughout the years.

    Lila wasn¡¯t confident at all about this assignment this time around ¨C poems just didn¡¯t speak to her as much as long-form books did.

    ¡°A challenge,¡± Asher muttered as Ms Shard was wrapping up the lesson. Lila gave him a sideways glance before murmuring her agreement.

    ¡°Wanna study at mine so we can help each other out?¡± Asher suggested in a close whisper, his breath tickling her ear. She suppressed her shudder, but only just.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. At some point. It¡¯s probably a bit early now,¡± she whispered back.

    ¡°You¡¯re now dismissed for morning tea,¡± Ms Shard announced over the premature clatter of students standing and packing up. Lila and Asher joined the throng of students pushing out the door. Luckily, it had stopped raining, so Lila didn¡¯t need to fuss around with her umbrella. Asher tucked one of his hands in his pocket, the other grasping his dripping, closed umbrella as they strolled towards the locker room.

    ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡± Lila asked after a couple paces of contented silence.

    ¡°Like shit,¡± Asher replied candidly. ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°It¡­ wasn¡¯t the best. Wasn¡¯t the worst, though.¡±

    ¡°Well, mid-tier sleep is better than no sleep, I suppose,¡± Asher laughed.

    Lila was about to add to that when the sound of wet, running footsteps slapping the concrete behind them caught her attention. She turned towards the source only to witness a blur running straight into Asher, who stumbled forward with an ¡®ack!¡¯.

    ¡°ASHER!¡± cried the figure clutching tightly onto Asher. Lila stepped back, shielding her eyes from the sun to see who it was ¨C though she had a pretty good guess.

    ¡°I-Isaac,¡± Asher choked. ¡°J-Jesus, you¡¯re gonna kill me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Isaac let go of Asher, who wheezed in response.

    ¡°Good to see you too, mate,¡± Asher eventually said after regaining his breath, batting him gently on the shoulder with his umbrella.

    ¡°Man, you are a sight for sore eyes,¡± Isaac sniffed, wiping at the wet patch on his shoulder. Then, he turned to look at Lila. ¡°Oh, hey Lila.¡±

    ¡°Hi Isaac,¡± Lila snickered. ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re in high spirits.¡±

    ¡°¡®Course I am. I¡¯m reunited with my buddy after you stole him.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a heavy accusation,¡± Lila laughed, holding up a hand in surrender. ¡°I didn¡¯t steal him.¡±

    ¡°Wench!¡± Isaac cried dramatically. Asher clapped him on the back, causing Isaac to descend into a coughing fit.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, dummy,¡± Asher smirked, pulling Isaac along with him. The trio continued on their journey towards the locker room, with Isaac launching into tales of his McExploits, as Lila had predicted. Then, just before they crossed the threshold, Isaac¡¯s light-hearted expression waned into something serious.

    ¡°Lila, I just wanted to say thanks,¡± he said sincerely. ¡°For talking to Elise. She ended up taking on far less day shifts. She still worked most nights for the extra pay, but she stopped going so hard, at least.¡±

    Lila looked at him in surprise. ¡°I¡¯m glad to hear it, but I¡¯m not sure why you¡¯re thanking me. It¡¯s something that I¡¯d do whether or not you asked ¨C she¡¯s my friend too, you know.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face turned a strange shade of pink. ¡°I-It just¡­ felt right. That¡¯s all. Anyway, I¡¯m starving.¡± He briskly marched off into the locker room, leaving Lila and Asher to share a bemused look.

    ¡°Somehow, I think he likes her even more than I thought,¡± Asher observed. ¡°We¡¯ll need to figure out how to bring them together.¡±

    ¡°We can brainstorm another time,¡± Lila nodded, glancing behind her. ¡°I can sense Elise looming behind me.¡±

    ¡°Good call,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Here she looms. See you at lunch.¡±

    ¡°See ya,¡± Lila replied, giving him a small wave. He beamed at her before disappearing into the locker room. He¡¯d hardly been gone a second when a pair of hands hovered over Lila¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Gueeeeess who?¡± the unmistakable voice of Elise called from behind Lila.

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Clare?¡± Lila teased.

    ¡°How dare you!¡± Elise replied dramatically. ¡°Have another guess.¡±

    ¡°Of course I know it¡¯s you, Elise,¡± Lila laughed, spinning around to give her a hug. Lila noticed that her frame was still thinner than usual, but her face looked healthier than when Lila saw her last.

    ¡°Has Grace arrived yet?¡± Elise asked, looping her arm in Lila¡¯s. They entered the bustling and raucous locker room at a casual pace.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Lila responded with a shrug. ¡°She might already be waiting for us.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t see Grace as she packed away her things and brought out her morning tea, but once she closed her locker, Grace appeared, out of breath.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Grace said, inhaling shallowly. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late.¡±

    ¡°Eh, you¡¯re not late,¡± Elise replied reassuringly. ¡°Come, let¡¯s go find somewhere to sit.¡±

    They found a spot near the locker room that was insulated enough from the cold to be comfortable.

    ¡°So, what¡¯d you get up to?¡± Lila queried, looking at both of her friends over her tub of yoghurt.

    ¡°Went to Adelaide,¡± Grace replied nonchalantly. ¡°It was fun. Caught up with some family, hung out a bit. Ended up being really busy sightseeing and shopping, though. Got back on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Sounds nice,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Did you get up to anything else besides work, Elise?¡±

    ¡°M-Me?¡± Elise spluttered, spilling a few cookie crumbs onto her dress. She brushed them away hurriedly.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila furrowed her brow in confusion. ¡°Was it an unexpected question?¡±

    ¡°N-No,¡± Elise responded, shaking her head. ¡°I just thought Grace would say more.¡±

    ¡°Sorry to disappoint, but I really don¡¯t have much more to say,¡± Grace shrugged, dipping a carrot stick in hummus. ¡°Most of the stories I¡¯ve got don¡¯t make sense unless you¡¯re family. I do have some pictures of food I ate, but they¡¯re also on Insta.¡±

    ¡°Well, Elise, anything to add?¡± Lila questioned playfully.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Elise said, ¡°if I wasn¡¯t working, I was at home resting. Pretty boring.¡±

    ¡°Fair,¡± Lila nodded.

    ¡°What about you, Lila? What¡¯d you get up to?¡± Elise swiftly inquired, placing another cookie in her mouth.

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Lila tried to recall what she had gotten up to. Her memory was rather blank after the interview with the police ¨C almost as if they¡¯d wiped it. ¡°Uh, I guess I hung out with Asher for a bit, then he went to Vanuatu¡­ I went to Bounce with Clare, and then the Mudgeeraba Show with Daniel, Mum, and Dad. When Asher came back, I went over again, then he went over to mine yesterday. We played some board games with Clare and Daniel. Had some tocino.¡±

    ¡®Broke into a house¡­ investigated a creepy-ass farmhouse¡­ went to the police station¡­ tried to file a missing person report¡­¡¯ Lila added internally.

    ¡°Are you guys dating yet?¡± Grace asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

    ¡°No¡­ we¡¯re not,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°You¡¯d definitely know if we were. He¡¯s¡­ been kinda confusing me, actually. But¡­¡± Lila lifted the chain she¡¯d hidden under her school uniform, exposing the pendant of the necklace Asher had given her. ¡°He got me this while he was away.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Elise and Grace cooed in unison, leaning forward for a better look.

    ¡°That¡¯s kinda romantic, don¡¯t you think?¡± Grace suggested, waggling her eyebrows at Lila. Lila¡¯s face turned crimson as she tucked it back under her uniform.

    ¡°M-Maybe? I mean, people get souvenirs for friends, too,¡± Lila said awkwardly. Romantic, huh¡­

    ¡°Sure, but that¡¯s usually, like, a keychain. Maybe a snack. Not a beautiful silver necklace,¡± Elise replied plainly.

    Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°Well, he did get me a few other things, too. A fan, a book, a bag, some other stuff. He said¡­¡± Lila stopped herself from saying anything more. Her friends would probably freak out and misunderstand if she told them what Asher had said when he gave her the rest of her souvenirs.

    ¡°He said¡­?¡± Elise pressed, her expression expectant.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied, her face deepening in colour. ¡°He said¡­ nothing.¡±

    ¡°I think all three of us know that¡¯s bull,¡± Elise said shrewdly, tilting her head. ¡°C¡¯mon¡­ what¡¯d he say?¡±

    Lila sighed, relenting. ¡°He said he bought me a gift for every day that he missed me.¡±

    ¡°He WHAT!¡± Elise squealed. ¡°Lila, that¡¯s the cutest shit I¡¯ve heard all day.¡±

    Lila buried her face in her hands as Grace joined in on the squealing. Despite the fact that it was embarrassing, how big a deal her friends were making it out to be, it reassured Lila that she¡¯d been right. It was a big deal ¨C worth all the time she¡¯d spent thinking about what he¡¯d said after coming home on Saturday night.

    ¡°Okay, okay, but what¡¯s his deal?¡± Elise finally huffed after sobering up. ¡°Like, how can he say and do all that but not ask you to be his?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila whined through her hands. ¡°I¡¯m too scared to ask what he¡¯s waiting for now.¡± She abruptly looked up at them, suddenly remembering their encounter with Holly at the shops. ¡°Especially ¡®cause we saw his ex at the shops in the first week of holidays and he said he felt nothing towards her. I thought¡­ now that he wasn¡¯t hung up on her, we¡¯d surely start dating. That¡¯s logical, right?¡±

    ¡°Sounds logical to me,¡± Grace said soothingly. ¡°Do you want one of us to ask what he¡¯s waiting for?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied firmly, dropping her hands. ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    Grace and Elise exchanged a look.

    ¡°If you say so,¡± Grace said doubtfully. ¡°You look like you want to know, though.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯ll¡­ he¡¯ll talk to me about it, I¡¯m sure. I just don¡¯t want to pressure him,¡± Lila said in a small voice, absently playing with the hem of her dress.

    ¡°Now that you say that, it¡¯s probably a good idea,¡± Grace replied wisely. ¡°Pressuring him would probably get you the opposite result, what with how anxious that guy is.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve noticed he¡¯s anxious?¡± Lila was surprised by this revelation. Grace never really took notice of guys in general.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Grace responded through pursed lips. ¡°If the dictionary had pictures, his face would be right next to the word for anxiety. At least, that¡¯s how it¡¯s been when we have lunch with him and you guys aren¡¯t interacting, for whatever reason. Poor guy¡¯s most likely overworking himself, both in school and with figuring out what he wants to do about the fact you guys like each other.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Elise added. ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯ll work it out sometime soon.¡±

    Lila sighed despondently. While she¡¯d said that she¡¯d wait for Asher, for however long it would take, she hadn¡¯t realised it would take longer than this. Not that she wouldn¡¯t wait ¨C but it would¡¯ve been helpful to prepare her hopeful heart from being broken at every opportunity that passed them by.

    A few beats passed in silence before Lila¡¯s friends changed the conversation to a TV show they were mutually watching, eventually moving on to other normal topics. It definitely helped lessen some of Lila¡¯s disheartened feelings, at least.

    They wrapped up their morning tea with some McGossip from Elise ¨C mostly about how Isaac fumbled with the fries dispenser, known affectionately as Frankie, resulting in everyone having to measure basketfuls of fries per hand for a couple days ¨C and entered PC with high spirits.

    The mood turned dour, however, when Ms Wang sombrely greeted the class.

    ¡°I hope everyone had a¡­ pleasant break, for the most part,¡± she began, folding her arms across her chest and leaning against her desk. There was not a sound emitted from any of the students, with each person staring intently at Ms Wang. Though she wasn¡¯t ordinarily the most cheerful teacher, this was an entirely different level of severity than they¡¯d experienced thus far during the several years they¡¯d spent under her care.

    ¡°You might be aware that one of your cohort, Piper Baker, was expelled last term. While she is¡­ was¡­ no longer a student of Forestglade College, it would be remiss to not inform you all that she has unfortunately passed away-¡±

    Immediately, the class burst into a flurry of whispers. Lila cast her eyes around at her classmates ¨C most seemed to have been aware of the news, but a couple of students here and there looked as though Ms Wang had grown a second head in front of them.

    ¡°Students, please,¡± Ms Wang called, gesturing for her students to settle down. They did so, mostly with overt reluctance.

    ¡°As I was about to say, there will be an assembly later in the week formally announcing this, however the faculty wished to inform you all before the assembly, to prevent it from being a horrible surprise to this cohort. Our school counsellors have been advised and are prepared to meet any extra demand that may be required during this time. You are all encouraged to add to the memorial wall inside the Counselling Services building, and there will be a group therapy session running during lunch breaks for the next two weeks at this stage.¡±

    Ms Wang peered around the room before a glimmer of disgust crossed her face.

    ¡°I strongly advise against any research into her death. It is not for the faint-hearted, and absolutely disgraceful that a news outlet publicised those details. If you already have and you are disturbed by the contents of what you have found, the counsellors are available for extra support.¡±

    It felt as though a vacuum had sucked all of the sound out of the room. Everyone was incredibly still, as though simultaneously daring not to breathe. After a few painful seconds, Ms Wang spoke again.

    ¡°Additionally, if I hear any of you speaking disrespectfully, or otherwise not treating this situation with the utmost respect that this deserves, I will not hesitate to give you detention. This is not a light matter. Even if you weren¡¯t friends with Piper, or knew her, you need to be mindful that many students and teachers here did. That is all. The rest of this class is dedicated to free time ¨C but remember to keep the noise to a minimum.¡±

    Ms Wang seated herself behind her desk, looking through her laptop with narrow, focused eyes.

    Lila¡¯s classmates remained quiet for a minute or so before chatter began to slowly fill the room. Lila pulled her blazer closer to herself, the nausea she¡¯d felt in the police station resurfacing with a vengeance. Each day that passed made Piper¡¯s death feel more real ¨C and it hadn¡¯t felt quite so real as it had at this moment. Was it because she was surrounded by people that had known Piper? People that had vastly different opinions of Piper than she did? People that would need grief counselling to deal with her death?

    ¡°You okay?¡± Grace asked Lila in a low voice.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied unconvincingly. ¡°Just¡­ it¡¯s all horrible.¡±

    Both Grace and Elise shuddered.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± agreed Elise. ¡°I hope the police are close to catching whoever did this.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila concurred in a murmur. She hoped that the information she gave to the police was helpful, at least. Although, she wasn¡¯t sure how it could be ¨C she hadn¡¯t seen anyone who might¡¯ve been following Piper, and they had the CCTV of Piper at the shops. It wasn¡¯t as though she¡¯d really told them anything new¡­

    Glancing nervously at Elise and Grace, Lila wondered if she should tell them about her interview with the police. She should keep it confidential, right? They didn¡¯t really need to know¡­

    Deciding against it, Lila instead listened to Grace and Elise¡¯s theories about the killer. They had remained more or less the same as the theories they¡¯d put into the Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us group chat, and Lila didn¡¯t have any new ones to add.

    Class eventually wrapped up, with Lila heading off to Maths on her lonesome ¨C then it was lunchtime. With a yawn, Lila packed up, ready to take a brain break from the increasingly difficult math problems she was facing.

    Already choosing to meander leisurely to the locker room, she was surprised to find Asher and Isaac waiting for her just outside her classroom.

    ¡®Looks like there¡¯s no ¡®leisurely¡¯ about this journey,¡¯ Lila thought with a smile. She could be in worse company, after all.

    ¡°Hello again,¡± Isaac said smoothly. ¡°Fancy meeting you here.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound like it was a coincidence that you two were just standing outside here,¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°Definitely a coincidence,¡± Asher replied with a wink. Lila¡¯s cheeks immediately began to turn pink, and she promptly looked away from Asher. She could hear Isaac stifling a chuckle but didn¡¯t want to look at him, either.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Lila insisted, her voice clearly flustered.

    ¡°Yeah, we better,¡± Isaac responded. ¡°My stomach¡¯s gonna eat itself.¡±

    They set off towards the locker room, with Asher and Isaac debating the latest development in a book they were reading. As their debate became increasingly heated, the book sounded more and more intriguing ¨C perhaps Lila would ask to borrow it once Asher was done with it.

    Lila shoved her textbook into her locker and rounded up Elise and Grace for their customary group lunch. They met Asher and Isaac at the exit, with Asher bashfully handing Lila a lunchbox. She smiled at him in thanks, and the group headed off to the library whilst bemoaning the cold weather.

    ¡°How did your other classes go?¡± Asher asked conversationally, easily falling into step with Lila.

    ¡°Honestly, I feel a bit lost already,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°It seems like I¡¯m really going to have to knuckle down this term.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Anything I can help with?¡±

    ¡°P-Probably,¡± Lila stammered, fiddling with the zip on her lunchbox. ¡°B-But you don¡¯t have to. I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? Studying alone can be really discouraging,¡± Asher replied, his eyes softened with kindness.

    ¡°For now, yeah,¡± Lila said, a blush spreading slowly across her face. In no time at all, the group settled into an empty meeting room in the library, assuming their usual seating arrangements.

    Lila opened her lunchbox, exposing several chicken Caesar pitas, alongside an assortment of brownies and mini cupcakes.

    ¡°Seems like Gabriel spent a lot of time with these,¡± Lila observed, picking up a pita.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ he¡­ really locked himself away this morning. Didn¡¯t even see him, just the two lunchboxes sitting on the kitchen counter. I called out to him, but he didn¡¯t say anything,¡± Asher sighed, also picking up a pita.

    ¡°Do you think it¡¯s because of¡­ yesterday?¡± Lila asked in a low whisper. His eyes flickered to hers before looking back down at his lunch.

    ¡°Probably. I wanna talk to him about it, but I think I should give him some space for now. Uh¡­ have you given any more thought about whether you¡¯re coming over on Saturday and Sunday?¡±

    The sudden unrelated question gave Lila pause.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to come over both days,¡± Lila finally said. ¡°But I¡¯d probably want to shower after practice on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°I mean, same,¡± Asher replied quickly. She met his gaze before he began to splutter, his face a bright pink. ¡°A-As in, showering after practice. I-I¡¯d need to. By myself.¡±

    ¡°Dude, what the heck are you talking about?¡± Isaac suddenly called out to them, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re making it hard to think over here with your blundering.¡±

    Asher shot Isaac with a glare before taking a savage bite of his pita, effectively ending his ¡®blundering¡¯. Lila bit back a grin that Asher definitely noticed, and hurriedly started eating.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Isaac said conversationally, ¡°you said you were in Adelaide? Does that mean you didn¡¯t see your boyfriend over the holidays?¡±

    ¡°B-Boyfriend?¡± stammered Grace. Lila whipped her head around to look over at Grace, who seemed to relax after a second.

    ¡°Ah, yeah. Nah, we¡­ weren¡¯t able to see each other,¡± Grace said casually.

    ¡°That¡¯s a shame,¡± Isaac replied. Lila watched as his eyes flittered to Elise before looking down at his banana. Now that Asher had pointed it out this morning, Isaac¡¯s apparent crush on Elise was getting more and more obvious.

    ¡°How¡¯s your scheduling going, Elise?¡± Lila piped up, giving Asher a meaningful look.

    ¡°Mine? Pretty busy,¡± Elise shrugged. ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°I was just thinking that we should hang out as a group sometime again,¡± Lila said swiftly. Of course, she hadn¡¯t been, but perhaps a group outing would provide an opportunity for ¡®Mission Cupid¡¯.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Elise bit into her sandwich, seeming contemplative. ¡°I could see about scheduling some time off from Maccas¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s find a day,¡± Lila insisted, pulling out her phone. Everyone else followed suit, nominating several days before settling on a Sunday, several weekends from now.

    ¡°What should we do?¡± Elise queried, putting her phone away.

    ¡°You know, there¡¯s an interesting exhibit over at the museum,¡± Asher suggested.

    ¡°What about?¡± Lila inquired.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s a new dinosaur one. But they have other stuff going on too. Best part is, entry is free,¡± Asher explained. ¡°The gelato shop¡¯s nearby too, plus a few nice restaurants.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Elise declared. ¡°You had me at ¡®free¡¯.¡±

    All too soon, lunch was over. Lila hauled herself to Japanese, feeling far more tired than she¡¯d expected. By the time Modern History arrived, Lila could hardly concentrate on anything anyone was saying. Luckily, today¡¯s session was just devoted to going through the assignment ¨C something that Lila didn¡¯t need to actively think about just yet.

    Then, the first day of the term was over. Leaving Modern History with Grace and Elise in tow, Lila was ready to fall asleep at the first possible opportunity.

    ¡°I don¡¯t need to go to the locker room, so I¡¯m just going to head home from here,¡± Grace said, waving at Elise and Lila.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± Lila replied. Elise followed up with her own goodbye and Grace shuffled off with a smile.

    Lila linked arms with Elise, leading her towards the locker room.

    ¡°Bit odd that Grace is just leaving like that,¡± Elise murmured after a couple metres.

    ¡°It is a bit,¡± Lila concurred. ¡°I just chalk it up to being the first day. She probably doesn¡¯t need to take home any homework or anything like that.¡±

    ¡°I suppose,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°You know, she¡¯s been with her partner for a while, but still hasn¡¯t introduced them to us. Do you reckon she doesn¡¯t trust us?¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think it¡¯s because she doesn¡¯t trust us. I mean¡­ we all have some things that we want to keep private. Like how you kept quiet about why you were working so much. It¡¯s probably because it¡¯s not just her secret, but a secret she¡¯s sharing with someone else. I mean, she said her partner wasn¡¯t out yet. Some people take decades to do that.¡±

    Elise frowned. ¡°I¡­ guess. Sometimes¡­ it¡¯s better to keep things private. For the sake of other people.¡±

    Lila glanced at Elise. Of course, Lila was only guessing Grace¡¯s motivations, but if she was right ¨C well, who better to relate to that than Lila? Aside from the coming out thing. Elise looked somewhat withdrawn as they walked in silence to the locker room. Was it still bothering Elise that Grace was hiding the identity of her partner?

    Not that it didn¡¯t bother Lila, what with her nosiness, but¡­ there was something different about Elise¡¯s silence. Some kind of deeper meaning that Lila couldn¡¯t quite grasp, but was tangible enough to feel.

    ¡°Did you end up telling Grace?¡± Lila asked gently.

    ¡°W-What?¡± Elise stared at Lila with wide eyes. Lila could feel her tense up in Lila¡¯s grasp.

    ¡°About your Mum?¡±

    ¡°Oh. I haven¡¯t managed to get her alone just yet. I was hoping to ask if she was free this afternoon, but she hurried off so fast.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila replied, tilting her head so it briefly rested on Elise¡¯s shoulder. ¡°How are you going, with everything? You look a lot better. Isaac said you stopped taking on as many shifts.¡±

    At the mention of Isaac, Lila noticed Elise¡¯s cheeks redden.

    ¡°He did, did he?¡± Elise muttered. She pressed her lips together briefly before sighing. ¡°While Mum hasn¡¯t gotten any better, I had a look at my savings and it looks like we¡¯ll make it through. I was just so anxious to get as much money as possible but¡­ after talking with you, it made me realise that I was overdoing it. That¡­ I can¡¯t earn money if I get hurt. I¡¯ve felt a lot happier over the past week than I have this whole year-¡±

    ¡°Hey Elise,¡± a voice behind them said cheerily. Both Lila and Elise stiffened, turning only to come face-to-face with Isaac. ¡°I think we¡¯ve got a shift together tonight.¡±

    Elise looked flustered, her face a deep scarlet colour. ¡°H-How long were you standing there for?¡± she stuttered.

    ¡°Uh¡­ a few seconds,¡± Isaac replied warily. Lila could have sworn a flicker of a smile crossed his face. Elise exchanged a wide-eyed look with Lila, who blinked back at her in return. It was an odd reaction for Elise, but Lila supposed that she probably didn¡¯t want to get into her Mum¡¯s medical history and her money struggles with Isaac. How much had he heard?

    A beat passed and Elise cleared her throat, tilting her head in apparent confusion. ¡°Do we have a shift though?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Did you forget?¡± he mimicked her head movement, looking just as confused. She continued to stare at him for a moment before her face turned an even deeper shade of red. She tucked her hair behind her ear with a shaking hand, suddenly looking incredibly nervous.

    ¡°T-That¡¯s right, we do. A-Are you going by bus?¡± Elise stammered, glancing at Lila.

    ¡°Uh, yep. I- uh, thought you¡¯d want to come with me.¡±

    Lila looked between them both, a small smile creeping across her face. As an outsider, it was so obvious that they liked each other. But, now that neither of them were meeting the other¡¯s eye, Lila wasn¡¯t convinced that they noticed that fact.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be easier if I, um, get changed on campus,¡± Elise said, looking down at her shoes. ¡°You can go on ahead without me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll get changed here as well,¡± Isaac replied quickly. ¡°It¡­ well, I don¡¯t think you should go alone. Not when they haven¡¯t caught the psycho.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good idea,¡± Lila piped up. ¡°You guys should go together. It¡¯s dangerous, Elise.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. I guess so,¡± Elise murmured, her expression somehow even more nervous than before.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Lila encouraged. ¡°You¡¯ll be fine as long as you¡¯re together.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go,¡± Elise said, nodding at Isaac. He returned her nod before strolling off into the locker room. Elise and Lila followed suit, heading to their section of the locker room.

    ¡°How¡¯s your progress with Isaac?¡± Lila asked Elise in a low voice as they pulled out their school bags. Elise stopped moving for a second before slinging her bag over her shoulder.

    ¡°¡­ Haven¡¯t made any,¡± Elise sighed, avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze. ¡°I¡¯m still¡­ adjusting. To not overworking.¡±

    ¡°Maybe now¡¯s your chance,¡± Lila grinned playfully. Elise vehemently shook her head, her face a bright pink.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± she squeaked. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Ready to go?¡± Isaac asked from behind Lila, making her jump.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise replied, clasping her hands together in front of her. Isaac ruffled his hair, looking somewhat bashful.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Lila,¡± Isaac said softly, placing his hands in his pockets. He started walking towards the door without a backwards glance.

    ¡°B-Bye,¡± Elise said hastily, hurrying after him.

    ¡°See ya!¡± Lila called behind them. They didn¡¯t look back at her. She watched them go with a grin. It looked like they were talking about something, but Lila couldn¡¯t hear anything from this distance. Isaac opened the door for Elise and they disappeared, walking off in the direction of the nearest changing rooms.

    ¡®They¡¯d be so cute together,¡¯ Lila thought to herself with a sigh. She definitely needed to start thinking about how to help them with that¡­

 Chapter One Hundred and Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Five

    Out of her 10-day timetable schedule, ¡®Day 2¡¯ was one of Lila¡¯s favourites. It started off with English and then Study ¨C both of which, of course, featured Asher.

    She was still rather giggly after watching Elise and Isaac head off for their Maccas shift together yesterday afternoon, and couldn¡¯t wait to brainstorm with Asher once they had a chance.

    He definitely caught on to her cheerful mood that morning in English as she took her place next to him, grinning from ear to ear. He mirrored her grin, though with a hint of confusion in his eyes.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you so chipper this morning?¡± he asked, inclining his head curiously.

    ¡°I saw Elise and Isaac head off for their Maccas shift together yesterday afternoon and they were so cute,¡± Lila whispered fervently, her eyes sparkling. ¡°It¡¯s getting more and more obvious that they like each other. We¡¯ve gotta make this happen, somehow.¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯re going to the museum as a group,¡± Asher said thoughtfully. ¡°We could probably slip away, you and me. Probably Grace, too. Watch them from a distance. You know, what they¡¯ve been doing all year.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°That sounds like a plan. The more they hang out, just the two of them, the more likely they¡¯ll want to date, right?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes darted to hers before returning to his desk just as quickly. ¡°¡­ Probably.¡±

    Suddenly, the question of when Asher would ask Lila to be his girlfriend burned the back of her throat. While envisioning Elise and Isaac getting together helped to forget her woes, it was moments like these ¨C where Asher seemed to be thinking of something entirely different to the context they were in ¨C that reminded her of the predicament she was in. After all, they¡¯d hung out, just the two of them, for many weeks ¨C months, even ¨C now. And yet¡­

    Lila shook her head fiercely. She needed to exercise some patience. Besides, she had lots to focus on now. Perhaps it was a good thing that they weren¡¯t together yet¡­

    Once English was over, Lila and Asher strolled towards the library for their Study class. It wasn¡¯t raining today, but it was still cold enough for Lila to tremble despite her layers.

    ¡°Did you want my blazer?¡± Asher asked, looking down at Lila in concern.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll be fine. Thanks, though,¡± Lila replied meekly, holding her bookbag to her chest.

    Asher sighed, and she glanced at him. He seemed bothered by something, with the subtle way his brow was creased and his hands appeared clenched in his pockets.

    ¡°¡­ Everything okay?¡± Lila queried, pulling at her scarf to give her more coverage ¨C not that it did much, due to the wind.

    ¡°Yeah. Why?¡± Asher responded, blinking at her in surprise.

    ¡°You just¡­ seem bothered by something.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher sighed again. ¡°Guess so. But it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°How can something bothering you be fine?¡±

    ¡°I mean, you¡¯d be the expert in that field, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± he countered, though not unkindly. It did still sting a little, though.

    He must have sensed this as he immediately swore under his breath, roughly running his hands through his hair. Then he let out a groan of frustration, stopping entirely in his tracks. Lila halted as well, looking curiously at him.

    ¡°Sorry. Fuck. I don¡¯t know what to do,¡± he confessed.

    ¡°No need to be sorry,¡± Lila replied, avoiding his intense eyes. ¡°It¡¯s true, after all.¡±

    He folded his arms across his chest before shaking his head. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll tell you what¡¯s bothering me. But¡­ it¡¯s really my own fault. Nothing for you to be concerned about.¡±

    This piqued Lila¡¯s interest. She swiftly looked at him, and his eyes briefly met hers. His cheeks had a pinkish hue and he looked ahead at the path that stretched before them. With an almost undetectable exhale, he began walking and Lila followed suit.

    ¡°I¡­ I want to do things for you,¡± he said softly after a few seconds of silence. ¡°Things like¡­ give you my blazer when you¡¯re cold, carry your stuff for you at camp, buy you things that I think would make you smile¡­ a whole bunch of things. And I know you¡¯re independent, and you don¡¯t need me to take care of you¡­ but¡­ there¡¯s just¡­ this desire that I feel. To do all that for you. To have you rely on me as a guy, I guess.¡±

    ¡°As a guy?¡± Lila repeated quietly. His cheeks reddened even further.

    ¡°I-It sounds¡­ sexist or something, I know. Egotistical, maybe. Kinda like using those actions in order to feel adequate in¡­ I dunno, my masculinity. It¡­ yeah. But I know I have no right to any of that, or asking that of you. So that¡¯s why I kept quiet. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t realise you felt that way,¡± Lila murmured after taking a moment to process what he said. ¡°You¡¯re right, though. You have no right to any of that. But¡­ I think I get where you¡¯re coming from, at least.¡±

    She heard Asher take a short, sharp breath, as though what she¡¯d said physically winded him, so she continued.

    ¡°It would be nice, though. O-On occasion. To rely on you like that. I¡­ didn¡¯t want to take advantage of you and your kindness by having you help me with things that I¡¯m more than capable of doing myself. Or even borrowing your blazer when I¡¯m cold. Things like that.¡±

    Asher was still for a second before chuckling harshly.

    ¡°Well, look at that,¡± he muttered. ¡°Seems like we¡¯re both trying to be considerate of each other.¡±

    Lila uttered her agreement, suddenly feeling awkward. What¡­ now?

    ¡°What do you want to do?¡± Asher queried after further silent walking. ¡°About¡­ me doing things for you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°It¡­ really sounds¡­ like¡­¡± Lila couldn¡¯t finish her sentence, embarrassment capturing her vocal cords.

    ¡°It does, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Asher stated plainly. Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered in puzzlement. Were they on the same wavelength? She¡¯d wanted to say that it sounded like boyfriend behaviour ¨C something to be reserved between people in a relationship ¨C but couldn¡¯t find the words. Did he think the same?

    ¡®Yeah, dummy. That¡¯s why he said he had no right to do those kinds of things for me.¡¯ Lila promptly thought to herself. She was a bit slow on the uptake today. Perhaps it was the cold. Her precious neurons were freezing together¡­

    It wasn¡¯t long before they reached the doors to the library. Asher exchanged a glance with Lila before opening the door for her. That much was out of politeness, at least ¨C rather than dedicated boyfriend behaviour¡­ so she supposed it was okay.

    ¡®This is so confusing,¡¯ Lila internally lamented. He wanted to act like her boyfriend, to the point of being bothered when she refused to give in, but¡­ still, here they were, not dating. They liked each other, they hung out all the time, he¡¯d basically showered her in gifts upon his return from Vanuatu. It was all she wanted, really ¨C to be his. To be able to give herself to him in that way ¨C to freely give her heart, her soul¡­ possibly her body-

    ¡°Lila, the booth¡¯s this way,¡± Asher¡¯s voice roused her from her rumination. She was still standing next to their supervising teacher for Study. The teacher didn¡¯t even cast a look in her direction, but she was still mortified ¨C not only by her stupid, sappy thoughts, but because she hadn¡¯t realised where she was or what she was doing to the point of needing Asher to call her out for it.

    She scurried after him, face aflame with crimson. She definitely didn¡¯t need his blazer now.

    They silently set up their study stations, though Lila wasn¡¯t keen to study despite the fact that she was sharing her table with the Dux.

    By contrast, it seemed that Asher thrust himself immediately into studying, his focus being entirely on his laptop. Lila attempted to look through the poems they could choose from for English but the words were all swimming before her, melding together into an incoherent word soup.

    With a dejected grimace, she looked up, towards where Ayla and Piper had usually sat in Study. Of course, Piper wasn¡¯t there¡­ but neither was Ayla. Lila seemed to recall that, even after Piper¡¯s expulsion, Ayla had mainly remained in the same spot ¨C most likely out of habit than for any other reason. Was Ayla away today? Or had she sequestered herself somewhere far away from others?

    Lila wouldn¡¯t blame her if the latter was the case. Ayla and Piper had seemed really close, after all.

    ¡°What¡¯re you thinking about?¡± Asher¡¯s question jolted Lila. She thought he¡¯d been entirely absorbed in his studies ¨C enough that he wouldn¡¯t notice what Lila was doing.

    ¡°I¡­ was just wondering where Ayla was,¡± Lila admitted, looking down at her laptop, which had fallen asleep long ago.

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Beats me. Is she a friend of yours?¡±

    Had¡­ Lila not told Asher about Ayla at all? She couldn¡¯t remember.

    ¡°No, not a friend of mine¡­ but she was a friend of Piper¡¯s.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher breathed. ¡°Right. She¡­ might be in counselling or something, then.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right¡­ there¡¯s all that counselling stuff going on. Now might be the time for you to start, you know. It sounds like they¡¯re pouring all these resources into it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not grieving,¡± Asher said pointedly. ¡°It¡¯d be a waste for me to take away the resources for students who actually need it.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­¡± Lila pursed her lips before closing her laptop lid with a sigh. ¡°I¡¯m not going to focus on any work right now.¡±

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯re in the same boat,¡± Asher nodded. Lila stared at him, shocked by the admission.

    ¡°But you look so studious,¡± she said, baffled.

    ¡°Well, I am. But not about school. It¡¯d be easier if you come over here.¡±

    Lila sidled out of her side of the booth and sat next to Asher, ensuring there was sufficient space between them to allow her heart to beat properly.

    ¡°Well, you can be closer, you know. You won¡¯t be able to see my laptop from there,¡± Asher observed. He was right ¨C she was perched on the opposite end, almost to the point of falling off. She scooted closer, but only just. Asher slid towards her, seeming careful to not get too close.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said gently, opening an Excel spreadsheet. ¡°What do you see?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted around the spreadsheet, trying to take it all in. It looked like a variety of letters in different rows ¨C though none of them looked to be in any particular order that she could recognise.

    ¡°Uh¡­ a whole bunch of letters,¡± Lila replied, her voice trailing off, her confusion painfully apparent.

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Lila narrowed her eyes, looking again at the string of letters. It seemed familiar to her somehow, but she couldn¡¯t pick where.

    ¡°I¡­ dunno,¡± she revealed with a tilt of her head. ¡°It seems familiar.¡±

    Asher reached into his laptop bag, fumbling around for a few seconds before pulling out a small bottle. One with a roll of paper in it.

    Lila¡¯s eyes glimmered with recognition and hope as he tipped out the paper and unfurled it. She peered at it, taking in what was written upon it ¨C

    Olssv, tf uhtl pz Wlyjf. Tf Tbt sprlz av jhss tl Ty Zubnnslibaa aol Aopyk. P dvukly pm fvb¡¯ss il hisl av jhajo tl, Hzoly huk Spsh.

    ¡°Mr Snugglebutt,¡± Lila whispered in realisation. ¡°This was tied on Mr Snugglebutt.¡± Then, her tone heightened to one of enthusiasm. ¡°Did you crack the code?¡±

    Asher gave her a knowing, cheeky grin. ¡°Maybe. Click the other tab.¡±

    Lila did so, opening up a different sheet. The message from the bottle as written was transcribed along the top. Underneath¡­

    ¡°Hello, my name is Percy. My Mum likes to call me Mr Snugglebutt the Third. I wonder if you¡¯ll be able to catch me, Asher and Lila,¡± Lila read in a low voice. Her eyes flickered to Asher¡¯s before looking back down at the spreadsheet.

    ¡°How¡¯d you figure this out?¡± Lila enquired in wonderment, gently passing Asher¡¯s laptop back to him.

    ¡°It was a relatively easy cipher. I just didn¡¯t have time to try and work it out until now-¡±

    ¡°Wait, you cracked it literally just now?¡± Lila¡¯s jaw dropped open. He looked bashful.

    ¡°Well, I set up this spreadsheet ages ago, but only really concentrated on it today,¡± he explained. ¡°I looked mostly at the sentence structure. The random capital letters seemed important, at least ¨C so it must have been a language that utilises capital letters without translation. That rules out most of the Asian languages, as far as I know, and so the focus was more on Euro-centric languages. Then, I thought I was probably overthinking things, as usual. I decided to go on the assumption that it was definitely English. With that, the punctuation made sense, too. Then I thought about how letters or notes are usually written ¨C it usually either starts with a greeting, or the receiver¡¯s name. So, with ¡®Olssv¡¯, I thought I found a pattern- am I boring you?¡±

    Lila shook her head vehemently. ¡°Absolutely not. I love hearing about your thought process.¡±

    ¡°L-Love, you say?¡± Asher murmured this question so quietly that Lila almost didn¡¯t catch it. He swiftly moved on, his face slightly pinker than before.

    ¡°A-Anyway, um, ¡®Olssv¡¯ ¨C yes. So, if we break it down to the likelihood that it¡¯s a greeting, what¡¯s a common five-letter greeting?¡±

    Lila considered the options ¨C there was only one that fit that bill.

    ¡°Hello?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes lit up with excitement now, his whole body shifting so that he was stick-straight. His gestures began to open up and become more animated as he continued to speak. ¡°So, if ¡®o¡¯ is h, ¡®l¡¯ is e, ¡®s¡¯ is l and ¡®v¡¯ is o, then the rest should follow. I picked out all repeat letters and basically did a game of hangman. Except there were no men hanged at the end. I figured out, basically, that the letters were transposed about seven down the line. Uh, by that, I mean if you string out the alphabet and assigned each letter a number ¨C so ¡®h¡¯ is usually eight, then ¡®o¡¯ is fifteen ¨C so seven numbers ahead. Does that make sense?¡±

    ¡°Perfectly,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I¡¯m impressed.¡±

    ¡°As I said, it wasn¡¯t very complicated. I just needed some time and space to think on it.¡±

    ¡°Still, I don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve figured it out,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°Take credit. C¡¯mon.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher grinned. ¡°Yes, I managed to figure it out. You¡¯re allowed to be impressed.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m taking that to heart.¡±

    They shared another grin before Lila grew serious. ¡°So, it said ¡®Hello, my name is Percy. My Mum likes to call me Mr Snugglebutt the Third. I wonder if you¡¯ll be able to catch me, Asher and Lila¡¯. By ¡®Mum¡¯, I¡¯m going to assume that means Marlene. I mean, Gabriel said he was going to feed the cat duck pate and told the cat not to tell ¡®Mum¡¯. Only person who might need that little fact hidden from them is Marlene, given her love of ducks. So¡­ then Mr Snugglebutt¡¯s ¡®real¡¯ name is Percy ¨C probably what they call him at the vet or whatever.¡± Lila lifted a finger to her chin as she thought some more about the message.

    ¡°The fact that it directly references us by name must mean that the note was put there with the express purpose of us finding it. Additionally, they had to have had access to both the cat and the cottage at the time. I don¡¯t recall seeing the collar on the cat the first time we saw it ¨C and the collar¡¯s bright red, so would be noticeable. So¡­ someone had to have been watching us. Lying in wait to not only write down the coded message but give it to the cat to give to us.¡±

    ¡°Well, Marlene could¡¯ve done all that if she was home. But that was a weekday ¨C she would¡¯ve been at the caf¨¦, doing her barista stuff,¡± Asher said thoughtfully.

    ¡°That¡¯s true¡­ if she was at the caf¨¦. We saw her leave, but maybe she doubled back? Called in sick or something?¡± Lila suggested.

    Asher scrunched his eyebrows together, his eyes deeply contemplative and fixed upon a crack in the desk between them. Lila took a few seconds to think as well before looking back up at Asher.

    ¡°Also¡­ it¡¯s not relevant to anything¡­ but I wanna know about what happened to Mr Snugglebutt the First and Mr Snugglebutt the Second,¡± she said.

    Asher chortled. At first, it was a low, rumbling kind of chortle before turning into outright guffawing.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that funny,¡± Lila said, bemused. Asher wiped at his eyes, though Lila wasn¡¯t sure she saw any tears.

    ¡°It¡­ just made me think ¨C did I miss two more fucking cats? She¡¯s been living with us for so long,¡± Asher said, shaking his head. ¡°If I did, how dense am I? I just hope that maybe she just picked ¡®the Third¡¯ as a random nickname.¡±

    ¡°I mean, she calls herself the Quack Queen, and I don¡¯t think she¡¯s actually royalty,¡± Lila noted with another smile. ¡°Don¡¯t feel too bad if you did miss the existence of two cats previously. Marlene¡­ is a master in remaining mysterious.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, casting a look at the ceiling before meeting Lila¡¯s gaze again. ¡°She sure is.¡±

    It was starting to feel really hot in the library, what with the outdated heaters blasting as much heated air as they could handle. Lila reluctantly unwrapped the scarf around her neck, neatly folding it into her bookbag. Asher glanced at her as she did so before doing a double-take.

    ¡°Are you wearing the necklace?¡± he asked, the surprise clear in his tone. Lila¡¯s face flushed as she smoothly tucked the exposed chain under her uniform to conceal it.

    ¡°N-No,¡± she lied timidly before her brain caught up to what her mouth was doing. ¡®Why did I just say that?¡¯ Lila chastised herself, her blush flowing down her neck. It was as though she thought, in the back of her mind, that she shouldn¡¯t be wearing it.

    ¡°You definitely are,¡± Asher asserted firmly, his own face taking on a salmon hue. ¡°I- wow. That¡¯s unexpected.¡±

    ¡°Why? It¡¯s nice. A-And you bought it for me,¡± Lila lost her bravery by the end of her sentence and took to fiddling with the strap of her bookbag to avoid looking at Asher.

    ¡°I¡­ just didn¡¯t think you¡¯d wear it at school. Especially since you can¡¯t really have it out.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Lila admitted reluctantly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to part with it, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll definitely need to look at necklaces that complement that one, then,¡± Asher murmured, looking back at his laptop with glassy, distant eyes.

    ¡°You don¡¯t,¡± Lila managed to whisper, loud enough that he definitely heard her.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t. So, therefore I will,¡± he said with a smirk. ¡°If you don¡¯t like them, you can sell them.¡±

    Lila gingerly touched where the pendant was hidden under her blouse. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever dislike anything you pick out for me.¡±

    ¡°Anything?¡±

    Lila nodded, meeting his inquisitive eyes with her own steady ones. ¡°Just the fact that you thought about me, and what I¡¯d like, makes it that much more precious.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll keep that in mind,¡± he stammered, flickering his eyes down to the desk. He cleared his throat, inhaling deeply.

    ¡°A-Anyway. Uh, I think we should start studying now. W-While thinking about the message is good and all, I don¡¯t think we should keep talking about it at school,¡± he said, his voice oddly squeaky.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied half-heartedly. Back to the poems, then¡­

    It felt as though Lila had just opened up her laptop again when Asher alerted her that it was time for morning tea ¨C and, therefore, time to be separated again.

    Lila unenthusiastically packed away her things before walking with Asher to the locker room, clutching her bookbag tightly against her body.

    ¡°You look cold again,¡± he observed quietly. ¡°Would you like my blazer now?¡±

    Lila shook her head, a tender smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯m not cold. Just¡­ yeah. Not cold.¡±

    ¡°It feels like there¡¯s more to that sentence.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t want to finish the sentence she¡¯d been thinking ¨C that she was feeling downhearted at the fact that they¡¯d be apart for morning tea.

    She didn¡¯t have to, however, as Isaac jumped out from behind the corner of a nearby building, just in front of the locker room. Lila and Asher stopped in their tracks, neither of them apparently giving him the reaction he¡¯d been hoping for. Isaac frowned, before his eyes sparkled, as though an idea had struck him.

    ¡°Boo,¡± Isaac whispered, raising his hands into claw-like shapes.

    ¡°Why did you whisper that?¡± Lila whispered back.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it more terrifying that way?¡± Isaac queried, still in a whisper.

    ¡°What¡¯s terrifying is that I feel like you¡¯ve lost a few brain cells over the break,¡± Asher said, not in a whisper ¨C though his tone was rather unserious.

    ¡°I¡¯m shocked, appalled, offended, and, of course, affronted that you would say that,¡± Isaac replied dramatically. ¡°I¡¯ve been holding tightly onto the few I have.¡±

    The trio chuckled in unison before continuing on their journey to the locker room. Isaac took it upon himself to rattle on about his Engineering assignment, before his eyes settled on Elise, who was slightly ahead of them, making her way to her locker.

    ¡°¡­ You like Elise, don¡¯t you?¡± Asher stated plainly, turning to look at Isaac.

    ¡°W-What?¡± Isaac shook his head, though it seemed automatic. ¡°N-No. She¡¯s just a friend.¡±

    ¡°A friend whose mere presence makes you stop talking mid-sentence?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow, giving Isaac a rather astute look.

    ¡°What of it?¡± Isaac retorted, though his eyes were clearly nervous. ¡°I think my food¡¯s calling out for me ¨C gotta go.¡±

    He dashed off into the depths of the locker room, pushing through the swarming crowd of Grade 11s that had already arrived.

    Asher sighed, pushing his hair back for a moment. ¡°I¡¯ll do what I can about Isaac. You okay with Elise?¡±

    ¡°Peachy,¡± Lila replied with a curt nod. ¡°Unlike Isaac, she¡¯s actually told me about her crush.¡±

    ¡°That makes it a bit easier, then,¡± Asher commented. ¡°Alright, well, I¡¯m going to take him for another grand tour of the school ¨C hitting up those teachers that I need along the way. Has Daniel told you where he¡¯s at with it all? I¡¯m assuming that he¡¯s just to continue plodding along as he has been, but I don¡¯t want to interfere with his thoughts. It¡¯s a big step.¡±

    ¡°He locked himself into his room last night after dinner and had locked it before dinner, too. I actually haven¡¯t seen him for a bit.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright ¨C for now. He¡¯ll have to face the idea of getting this resolved someday ¨C even if he decides to shut down the whole operation. Besides¡­ it¡¯s a liability for him, at this point, with those Grade 12s.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Thanks again, for helping him.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a worry for me,¡± Asher responded with a smile. ¡°Actually, it helps me worry less ¨C that I can be productive in helping him still, and that, if he follows our recommendations, everything will be running just fine.¡±

    ¡°Are you guys going to just stand here?¡± the sharp, impatient voice of Harrison asked. It seemed that Lila and Asher had progressively stepped closer together, leading to a pile-up outside the locker room. Lila rolled her eyes upon hearing Harrison speak ¨C she still hadn¡¯t forgotten what he¡¯d tried to do to her in Term One.

    ¡°Was thinking about it, actually,¡± Asher replied coolly. It seemed that he wasn¡¯t pleased with Harrison, either, despite the fact that they were soccer teammates. Asher did take a step back, opening up the hallway so others could get past.

    With the rush of students brushing past them both, Lila knew they wouldn¡¯t be able to carry on a conversation. So, she settled on catching Asher¡¯s attention and waving at him. He gave her a half-wave, seeming slightly downcast at this turn of events, before heading off to his section of the locker room.

    ¡°Gee, you took your time,¡± Elise commented once Lila managed to reach her locker.

    ¡°Yeah, I was just talking to Asher about something. You ready to go?¡± Lila asked conversationally, plucking out her morning tea and shoving her other belongings inside her locker before closing it.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise replied, her voice muffled due to the cookie she¡¯d already started eating. ¡°Grace¡¯s got a music lesson, so it¡¯s just us.¡±

    They leisurely set off to an empty spot under an awning, before both decided that it was far too cold to sit down. They continued their walk, chatting about a variety of things before finding themselves by the Counselling Services building.

    ¡°I¡¯m not gonna lie, I¡¯m kinda curious about this memorial wall thing for Piper,¡± Elise said softly, looking towards the building apprehensively. From where Lila was, she could see a few students standing in a huddle inside the lobby. Were they crying?

    ¡°I¡¯m curious, too, but¡­ I don¡¯t think I should take a look,¡± Lila replied just as softly, looking back towards the road.

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not like I was friends with her. I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that we were enemies, but¡­ well, you know what happened.¡±

    Elise nodded. ¡°Yeah. It was super messed up.¡±

    ¡°I guess it feels like I don¡¯t deserve to be there. It¡¯s a place to respect and mourn her. It would be wrong of me to stand there with her friends when I have such negative memories about her,¡± Lila said, her tone grave. Elise simply nodded again, and they strolled down the path in relative silence.

    Once the Counselling Services building was far out of sight, Lila chanced a peek at Elise. Elise seemed deep in thought about something before her hazel eyes lifted to meet Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Elise queried, a small smile on her face. Lila returned her smile with a mischievous one of her own.

    ¡°So, make any moves on Isaac yesterday?¡±

    Elise turned bright red, spluttering for a few seconds. ¡°N-Not at all,¡± she finally managed to say.

    ¡°You guys seemed close yesterday afternoon,¡± Lila replied, bumping Elise gently with her hip. ¡°You should make a move, you know.¡±

    ¡°Y-You reckon?¡± Elise sounded uncharacteristically timid, her usual fire seeming depleted.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied enthusiastically, bounding before Elise and walking backwards. ¡°Seriously. I reckon you¡¯d be in with a good chance, at least.¡±

    ¡°A¡­ chance,¡± Elise mumbled, her face fire-engine red. ¡°I dunno. M-Maybe not.¡±

    ¡°Aw, why not?¡± Lila pouted. ¡°Haven¡¯t you thought about it?¡±

    ¡°I-I guess¡­ I just¡­ think that maybe I¡¯m not ready for a relationship,¡± Elise replied, avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze entirely. ¡°Uh, what with Mum and all that. I¡¯m so busy, y¡¯know. A-And Maccas doesn¡¯t like it when their employees date each other.¡±

    ¡°Surely that¡¯s only, like, when a manager and an employee¡¯s dating each other, right?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow. Elise still didn¡¯t meet Lila¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°No, just in general. They say it¡¯s, um, distracting.¡±

    ¡°Boo. I mean, you don¡¯t have to tell them, right?¡±

    ¡°I-I guess not,¡± a grimace flashed across Elise¡¯s face so quickly as she said this that Lila thought perhaps it was an involuntary spasm. Then, Elise looked up at Lila.

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you make a move on Asher?¡± she asked, her expression seeming smug. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure what kind of reaction this was ¨C just that it was odd. Was Elise just trying to get Lila off her back about Isaac?

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve already told you that I don¡¯t want to pressure him,¡± Lila reluctantly said, turning around and waiting for Elise to catch up. They walked in unison, looping their arms together, down the path towards the tuckshop.

    ¡°Well, that was not wanting to pressure him into telling you what he¡¯s waiting for,¡± Elise stated matter-of-factly. ¡°You could totally make a move.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face felt as though she was next to an open oven. ¡°I- well. I g-guess I could, but¡­ h-he might reject me again. Say he¡¯s not ready.¡±

    Elise brought her head to Lila¡¯s, soothingly patting her arm. ¡°It really hurt when he rejected you, huh?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. I¡¯m glad it wasn¡¯t a full rejection ¨C y¡¯know, where he said he didn¡¯t like me back ¨C but¡­ it still was one. And then he¡¯s been confusing me ever since.¡±

    ¡°Sounds rough,¡± Elise said sagely. ¡°Are you sure you want to still stick around for him? So far he¡¯s making you false promises.¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply ¨C it seemed to come from her very soul. ¡°Look, realistically, I only told him, what, just over two weeks ago? It¡¯s not that long.¡±

    ¡°Sure it¡¯s not ¨C but it¡¯s also far too long for him to leave you hanging, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    ¡°Holly really hurt him. I don¡¯t blame him for wanting to take his time before rushing into things.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t either, but the guy¡¯s liked you since forever. I thought for sure by now you¡¯d be banging.¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s way too soon for that!¡± Lila insisted, her face burning.

    It was Elise¡¯s turn to flash Lila a mischievous smile. ¡°Is it? How long would you be planning to wait?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ haven¡¯t thought about it.¡±

    ¡°About banging him, or about how long you¡¯d wait to bang him?¡± Elise waggled her eyebrows suggestively.

    Lila¡¯s stomach dropped as she considered the question, her heart making itself known ¨C loudly ¨C within her chest. She knew that her poker face had given way, what with the Cheshire cat-like grin on Elise¡¯s face. Lila started fumbling for a response, searching for words within the stones embedded in the pavement-

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    Lila turned to her left, seeing, to her horror, Asher and Isaac rapidly approaching. She squeaked, hiding behind Elise as her first instinct. Elise¡¯s questions ran through her mind, over and over again ¨C along with the answer her body was desperate to say.

    But it was an answer that she didn¡¯t want to tell with Asher standing right there.

    ¡°I¡¯m not that scary, am I?¡± Asher chuckled, stopping just short of Lila and Elise. Elise snorted.

    ¡°Not scary at all, according to Lila. In fact, she-¡±

    ¡°Shut up!¡± Lila cried, beginning to drag a chortling Elise back the way they came ¨C towards PC. To Lila¡¯s relief, Elise didn¡¯t ask again, or push the point¡­ though, with the diabolical way she continued to grin, Lila was pretty sure that Elise had come to her own conclusion ¨C whether it was true or not.

    Today¡¯s PC class was yet another free time period. Now that Lila had calmed down from Elise¡¯s interrogation, she had begun to wonder¡­ how long were people waiting to start having sex?

    So, naturally, Lila turned to Grace, who was scrolling on her phone whilst humming softly ¨C presumably what she was practicing in her vocal lessons.

    ¡°Grace, how long did you wait before you started having sex with your partner?¡± Lila asked in a low voice. Grace¡¯s eyes almost bulged out of her head, her expression flustered and flushed.

    ¡°W-What?¡± Grace managed to choke. Elise¡¯s eyes darted to Lila before she eagerly huddled close to Grace.

    ¡°Well, I was just curious. How long was it before you and your partner started having sex?¡± Lila whispered, leaning in towards Grace as well.

    ¡°W-Who¡¯s to say we are?¡± Grace¡¯s voice was distinctly shrill, though not loud enough to attract the attention of Ms Wang. Elise and Lila just looked expectantly at Grace, who sighed in defeat.

    ¡°I mean, each relationship is different. You don¡¯t need to abide by any timeline,¡± Grace explained. Elise and Lila continued to stare at Grace. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair.

    ¡°It¡­ was a couple of months.¡±

    ¡°A couple of months?¡± Lila repeated, blinking in surprise. ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem that long.¡±

    ¡°What, you think that¡¯s a short amount of time?¡± Elise queried, whipping her head to face Lila.

    ¡°Well, I dunno,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°It just¡­ sounds short.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, every relationship is different,¡± Grace said reasonably. ¡°I mean, some people have sex on the first date, others have one-night stands, and some people are virgins until they get married. Why¡¯d you ask?¡±

    Lila glanced at Elise before looking back at Grace. ¡°No reason. Just curious.¡±

    ¡°Could you warn me next time you¡¯re going to ask me something like that?¡± Grace requested, her expression sincere. ¡°I¡¯m not ready to die of a heart attack just yet.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila replied sheepishly. ¡°It just came to mind.¡±

    Grace smiled, showing that she wasn¡¯t angry with Lila, before switching the topic to Modern History.

    The rest of the day passed without much incident, including lunchtime as a group. As usual, Asher delivered a delicious lunch to Lila¡¯s awaiting hands, courtesy of Gabriel, and they sat together whilst Grace, Elise, and Isaac sat slightly away from them. As a group, they engaged in some light banter and jokes, though Lila couldn¡¯t quite disentangle the idea that there was an unusual atmosphere in the room today. Perhaps it was because Asher seemed more interested in joining the group conversation than usual. He¡¯d hardly met her eyes all lunch.

    Though¡­ Lila was also avoiding his gaze as much as she could ¨C otherwise, she¡¯d lose her composure. Elise¡¯s questions still plagued the back of her mind, after all...

    Or was it because of the way Elise and Isaac seemed to sneak peeks at each other, accompanied by a light blush, in between bits of fierce banter and even playful insults? It felt as though they were sharing a different type of energy upon returning to school. Was it because they¡¯d been working so much together at Maccas over the holidays?

    By the time they packed up, Lila still hadn¡¯t settled on a reason for the noticeable shift in the atmosphere. It still bothered her throughout Modern History, but, once she was released for Biology, Lila had a different concern.

    Cecelia and Lucas were already inside at their usual table, sitting almost on top of each other. They were giggling and whispering about something that Lila didn¡¯t want to be privy to, for fear of throwing up.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Lila said cheerily, placing her bag down on the seat next to her. ¡°How were your holidays?¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas exchanged a meaningful look before looking back at Lila.

    ¡°Pretty good,¡± Cecelia giggled. Lila watched as Lucas tried to stifle his giddy expression, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose.

    ¡°I had a question, actually,¡± Lila said candidly, taking her laptop out of its case.

    ¡°Shoot,¡± Cecelia nodded, smiling brightly.

    ¡°Have you guys had sex yet?¡±

    ¡°Jesus Christ,¡± Lucas¡¯ face was as red as a cherry tomato before being overcome by a hacking coughing fit. Cecelia rubbed his back, her expression concerned, passing over her water bottle to Lucas with her free hand.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila said meekly. ¡°I¡¯ve been getting that kinda reaction all day, but I haven¡¯t learned.¡±

    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± Cecelia asked once she was satisfied Lucas had drunk some water.

    ¡°Just¡­ curious.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a random thing to be curious about,¡± Lucas replied, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. ¡°I mean, I¡­ I don¡¯t mind talking about it i-if Cee¡¯s fine with it.¡±

    Cecelia glanced at Lucas before turning back to Lila with a nod.

    ¡°I mean, since it¡¯s you, Lila, I don¡¯t mind-¡±

    ¡°Sorry I¡¯m late, class,¡± Mr Johnson¡¯s gravelly voice travelled through the room before he did, the door to the Bio lab slamming shut behind him. ¡°We¡¯ve got a video today to start off, then we¡¯ll be going through some worksheets.¡±

    The class seemed to buzz with excitement at today¡¯s agenda. Lila was also rather enthused by this turn of events ¨C it meant that she could talk to Cecelia and Lucas without Mr Johnson breathing down their necks. Well, if they managed to keep their conversation to a minimal volume.

    The trio sat in silence as Mr Johnson fiddled around with the projector. He finally started up a video about viral infections ¨C this one being focused on the COVID-19 pandemic ¨C and sat back, watching it as well.

    Cecelia gestured to Lila to move a bit closer. She complied, her curious eyes taking in her friends¡¯ blushing faces with interest.

    ¡°S-So, you wanted to know when?¡± Cecelia clarified, her voice just barely loud enough to hear with the video in the background. Lila nodded. Cecelia and Lucas exchanged another glance before Lucas spoke.

    ¡°It happened the night of Semi, actually,¡± he confessed, his face deepening in colour. Lila¡¯s eyelids flew open, her expression frozen in stunned amazement at the revelation. Cecelia shifted in her seat coyly, tucking a wisp of hair behind her ear.

    ¡°That- wow. I didn¡¯t realise it was so soon,¡± Lila managed to whisper after a few seconds.

    ¡°We¡­ uh¡­ couldn¡¯t get our hands off each other,¡± Cecelia explained, her voice taking on an embarrassed note. ¡°I¡­ well, I at least had a crush on Lucas for so long that¡­ once we became official, I couldn¡¯t hold back.¡±

    ¡°It was the same here, don¡¯t worry,¡± Lucas smiled at Cecelia. They looked tenderly into each other¡¯s eyes before seemingly remembering that Lila existed.

    ¡°Why¡¯d you ask?¡± Lucas questioned, his face slowly returning to its usual colour. ¡°I know you said you¡¯re curious, but something¡¯s made you curious, right?¡±

    ¡°Wait,¡± Cecelia interjected, sitting up straight, her eyes sparkling. ¡°Are you and Asher dating?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila sighed despondently. ¡°Nothing like that.¡±

    ¡°Friends with benefits?¡± Cecelia guessed.

    ¡°Definitely not. I¡­ wanted to be in a relationship first.¡±

    ¡°Whoa, hold on,¡± Cecelia breathed, leaning in even closer. ¡°You guys talked about it? Wait, wait, wait! That¡¯s progress!¡±

    ¡°We¡­ did talk about it, yeah. I told him I liked him, and then he told me he did too-¡±

    Cecelia emitted the beginning of a squeal before Lucas expertly placed a hand over her mouth, effectively silencing her. Lila didn¡¯t want to ask how much practice he¡¯d gotten in at doing that and instead continued on.

    ¡°-but he said he couldn¡¯t date me.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Cecelia pressed, batting away Lucas¡¯ hand. ¡°That makes no sense.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he was pretty hurt by his last relationship¡­¡± Lila trailed off with a sigh.

    ¡°With Holly?¡± Lucas clarified, tilting his head while he waited for an answer.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed again, placing her head in her hands.

    ¡°I thought I heard he got her pregnant,¡± Cecelia said, her tone scandalised. Lucas shot her a stern look and she gave Lila an apologetic smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ kinda what messed him up. It¡¯s not his,¡± Lila explained.

    Lucas again stifled Cecelia¡¯s attempted shriek in reaction to Lila¡¯s statement. Lila met Lucas¡¯ eyes and he nodded, encouraging her to continue.

    ¡°A-Anyway, I mean, that¡¯s a hard thing to get over, right? So¡­ I¡¯ve let him be. But one of my friends asked if we were banging, or if I¡¯d given any thought as to how long I¡¯d wait before doing that with Asher. I mean, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re close to that at all, so I honestly hadn¡¯t thought about a timeframe. That¡¯s why I asked.¡± Lila finished up with yet another sigh.

    ¡°I see,¡± Lucas replied, removing his hand from Cecelia¡¯s mouth. ¡°Look, I don¡¯t think you should compare what we did to what you want to do. Like Cee said, we¡¯d liked each other for a while, so it just¡­ kinda made sense. Not that¡­ I really had any sense in my head at the time.¡±

    Would Lila be like that? If they were to start dating? It¡­ was admittedly harder to control herself. But, at the same time, Asher would probably want to wait. After all, Holly had tried for their whole relationship to get Asher to sleep with her and he didn¡¯t¡­ Would he be the same with Lila?

    ¡°The main thing is,¡± Cecelia cut in, her words forcing Lila to look at her, ¡°that you shouldn¡¯t feel pressured. If it feels right to you guys to wait, then wait. If you¡¯d prefer to not wait, then don¡¯t. I mean, it¡¯ll happen eventually, right? Especially since you guys like each other and he¡¯s not a virgin.¡±

    Lila had to stop herself from correcting Cecelia on that front by firmly pressing her lips together.

    ¡°I¡­ guess,¡± Lila reluctantly said after a few moments of silence. ¡°Thanks for the intel, guys. Sorry for asking such a personal question.¡±

    Cecelia smiled kindly at Lila. ¡°Lila, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll ever forget how you helped me before Semi. And technically during Semi, since you were standing there as we got together. I hadn¡¯t told literally anyone about my feelings up until that point¡­ and to hear that you were going through something similar gave me courage. Of course I don¡¯t mind giving you that kind of info ¨C well, with Lucas¡¯ ¡®okay¡¯. Since it¡¯s also about him.¡±

    Lucas also smiled at Lila. ¡°Happy to be of assistance.¡±

    Lila returned their smiles with one of her own. She was particularly touched that Cecelia had felt that way about their talks earlier in the year. The feeling was pretty mutual, after all ¨C after knowing that Cecelia was going through something similar, Lila¡¯s own feelings had become more manageable to deal with since she wasn¡¯t as alone as she¡¯d thought.

    The rest of their lesson plodded along, with Cecelia and Lucas making light-hearted jokes here and there about what they were learning. Lila didn¡¯t join in, though she did occasionally laugh. Her mind was elsewhere, mulling over what she¡¯d learned.

    She was still thinking about it while changing into her hockey uniform that afternoon. She couldn¡¯t understand why she seemed to feel so anxious about it all, or why she couldn¡¯t get it out of her head. It had gotten to the point that even Willow and Alice noticed after Lila huffed in irritation, taking her shorts off and putting them back on the right away.

    ¡°Girl, what¡¯s going on?¡± Willow asked, sharing a look with Alice, who was retying her curly red hair into a high ponytail.

    ¡°Just thinking about stuff,¡± Lila replied, undoing her hair so she could tie it up securely.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t think so hard,¡± Alice chuckled. ¡°The hockey season is finishing up soon. Gotta keep some brain power for tactics.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila uttered lamely. She wasn¡¯t quite convinced she could make any space in her brain for tactics. She supposed it was lucky that it was only practice, rather than an actual match.

    ¡°Talking about stuff can help,¡± Willow said sincerely. ¡°I reckon we¡¯ve got a minute or two before Ms Wright¡¯ll start trying to find us.¡±

    Lila gave a long, low exhale. ¡°I¡¯ve just¡­ been wondering when people have started having sex.¡±

    Willow laughed, clearly surprised. ¡°That¡¯s what¡¯s occupying your mind? Maybe you should date Theo. Get it over with.¡±

    Alice shot Willow a reproachful look before speaking to Lila. ¡°I used to worry about that all the time ¨C whether I should keep my virginity and wait for the right guy, or if I should just go for it, and if I just went for it, would I want to be dating them and if so, how long¡­ it felt like everyone around me was having sex left and right. I¡­ ended up getting a bit of FOMO.¡±

    Willow gasped, staring at Alice in surprise. ¡°Wait, since when? Who?¡±

    Alice blushed, her face matching her hair. ¡°Last term. It was just a one-time thing. Jason.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila whispered. She¡¯d almost forgotten about Jason entirely, what with how busy she was thinking about other things this term. But, now that she¡¯d been reminded, she was struck by her other mission ¨C finding out more about the morphine ring, and telling her Dad about the potential that Jason was getting supplies from his Mum¡­ the second-in-charge of the Forestglade Private Hospital.

    ¡°You right? You went really pale all of a sudden.¡± Willow said, staring wide-eyed at Lila.

    ¡°I-I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied with a weak smile. How could she be so stupid?

    ¡°Do you like Jason?¡± Alice questioned, suddenly looking very guilty. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry-¡±

    ¡°Definitely don¡¯t like Jason,¡± Lila interjected earnestly. ¡°I like Asher.¡±

    Both Willow and Alice gasped dramatically.

    ¡°No, we¡¯re not dating,¡± Lila added glumly.

    ¡°Friends with benefits?¡± Alice giggled, nudging Lila. ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re asking about sex, right?¡±

    The heat from Lila¡¯s cheeks forced her to fan herself with her shirt as she looked away from both Alice and Willow. ¡°Nothing like that. I¡­ was just curious.¡±

    ¡°Well, tell her your story, Willow,¡± Alice insisted waving her hand at Willow as an invitation to speak. Willow looked hesitant before shrugging her shoulders.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been dating Damian since Grade 9,¡± Willow¡¯s eyes lit up as she spoke, a soft, tender smile on her face. Lila knew Damian to be another Grade 12 student, though not much else about him. Perhaps he did tennis?

    ¡°I think it was about a year until we started having sex,¡± Willow continued, tapping her chin thoughtfully.

    ¡°A year?¡± Lila repeated incredulously. Now Asher¡¯s six-month refusal with Holly didn¡¯t sound quite so out of the ordinary. Would Asher want to wait a year?

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Willow dropped her hand. ¡°I was really nervous about it. I thought we were too young, even at 15 when we started. I think I just psyched myself out, really. He¡¯s¡­ a really good guy, so once we started I kinda wondered why we hadn¡¯t been doing it earlier. Though, I had just gotten a lecture about teen pregnancy from my parents when Damian and I started dating and I think that scared the bejesus outta me.¡±

    ¡°Girls, practice started five minutes ago. Come on, hurry up,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s exasperated voice rang through the changing room. It seemed that she¡¯d only poked her head in to yell at them as the door swiftly closed and Ms Wright didn¡¯t appear before them. Immediately, the trio scrambled to grab their hockey sticks and water bottles before rushing out onto the oval.

    Practice went on as many had, though Ms Wright was distinctly peeved at Lila, Willow, and Alice. This annoyance wore away quickly, with Ms Wright reminding everyone that their next match was coming up shortly. From there, their easy-going lifestyle at one match every couple of weeks or so would ramp up to one every week for the following five weeks.

    After that, they¡¯d see if they were in the semi-finals and finals¡­ though Lila wasn¡¯t trying to get her hopes up that they¡¯d make it to the finals. After all, the next school they were versing was St Peters College¡­ They were always toe-to-toe with St Peters until the very end when they would typically lose by one or two points.

    Lila briefly wondered if any of the people she saw from Asher¡¯s debating match, since they had versed St Peters back then as well, would also be playing hockey, or even soccer.

    Finally, practice was over, with Ms Wright appearing satisfied with their progress by her wry grin.

    ¡°See you on Saturday, ladies,¡± she called as Lila¡¯s team shuffled off the field, dragging their hockey sticks behind them.

    Lila cast her eyes over to where the soccer boys were wrapping up their practice. It seemed that Asher and Isaac were in a playful sort of mood, given they kept trying to trip each other up before breaking off into a sprint and chasing each other.

    Both stopped, however, when they noticed Lila looking over at them. The rest of the soccer boys started filing off the oval and Isaac and Asher approached Lila.

    ¡°You guys look like you¡¯re having fun,¡± Lila observed with a grin. Isaac glanced at Asher before giving Lila a dazzling grin of his own.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Isaac agreed, his tone light. ¡°Like I said before, being reunited with my buddy¡¯s the best ¨C especially when he-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve gotta go,¡± Asher interjected hurriedly, his face looking strangely panic-stricken. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

    He jogged off the oval without another word. Lila and Isaac watched him go, both with identically bemused expressions. Then, Isaac¡¯s grin returned in full force again, his eyes alight with definite mischief.

    ¡°Sorry, Lila, I¡¯ve gotta run, too,¡± Isaac stated abruptly, ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Bye, I guess,¡± Lila replied, her hand raised in a half-wave. Isaac ran towards the changing room and Lila heard, once he was within five metres of the entrance, Isaac bellow, ¡°ASHER!¡±

    It was certainly odd, that neither Isaac nor Asher stuck around for even a small conversation with Lila, but perhaps she was reading too much into it. She was incredibly tired anyway ¨C perhaps they were just as keen as her to go home for the day.

 Chapter One Hundred and Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Six

    Wednesday was a day that Lila didn¡¯t see much of Asher for class. This suited Lila just fine, even though she did want to see him. After her talks with Grace, Cecelia, Lucas, Willow and Alice yesterday, Lila felt that she needed time to process. She still wasn¡¯t convinced that she¡¯d be having sex with Asher anytime soon, but it was good to know that each relationship was different.

    Of course, whilst it was logical that each relationship was different, hearing about the different timelines comforted Lila somewhat. Elise¡¯s questions had nettled Lila ¨C as though Lila needed a timeline. Finding out that she didn¡¯t seemed to take a load off Lila¡¯s shoulders.

    Whilst Lila ate her lunch with Asher that day as planned, her mind wondered if he was thinking about it as much as Lila was. Had it even occurred to him that perhaps Lila was interested in having sex with him? Was he even interested in having sex with her?

    ¡®Slow down,¡¯ Lila reminded herself as she spooned some sticky pineapple stir fry in her mouth. ¡®Let¡¯s see if he¡¯s interested in a relationship first, before all of that.¡¯

    Lila took a quick peek at Asher, who seemed to be concentrating on his lunch. A slight frown wrinkled her brow as she looked down at her food again. There was still something different about Asher ¨C something she couldn¡¯t identify but felt all the same. Was it just because it was the first week back? Or maybe it was because of the semi-constant reminders in PC class about Piper¡¯s death and the resources available to assist students with coping? Was Gabriel still being weird? Or was he still pressed about his police interview?

    Ultimately, it was no matter for the moment. If she was brave enough, she might ask about it during Study, without the presence of Elise, Grace and Isaac chattering away¡­

    The rest of Lila¡¯s classes went by, with Lila concentrating as much as she could. There was definitely a tangible increase in difficulty for these assignments that she¡¯d need to pay attention to, lest she fail.

    So, once Study rolled around, Lila was actually grateful. She¡¯d ask Asher about why he seemed off towards the end of their Study lesson ¨C for now, she¡¯d actually focus on her upcoming assignments.

    This dedication seemed to surprise Asher, as she could feel him glance at her every so often over the edge of his laptop screen. Eventually, after about ten minutes of this, Lila lowered her laptop screen, looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°You¡¯ve just been staring at me all day. Are you good?¡± she asked expectantly. His eyes flickered back to his laptop, the tips of his ears steadily turning pink.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he said unconvincingly, his tone somewhat stiff. Lila waited a few moments to see if he would add to that. After he didn¡¯t, his eyes unnaturally fixated on one particular spot on his laptop, she sighed and closed her lid.

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask¡­ something seems off,¡± she said gently. His eyes darted to hers before back to his laptop. He swallowed hard but didn¡¯t offer anything else ¨C not even a question as to what she meant.

    Lila continued to blink at him, waiting for a response. Eventually, he sighed, closing his laptop as well. He pressed his lips together in a hard, thin line before running his fingers through his hair roughly.

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s off,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just trying to readjust to school life,¡± he asserted, though he didn¡¯t meet her gaze. ¡°Especially after all the police stuff. It¡¯s¡­ been a lot.¡±

    He shifted his eyes to his hands, which were twisting together in a way that suggested to Lila that he was incredibly nervous.

    ¡°Asher, you know you can talk to me about anything,¡± Lila said softly, her voice taking on a pleading note. ¡°You don¡¯t have to sit there, suffering on your own.¡±

    He winced, clenching his fists tightly for a moment before relaxing them. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ I¡¯ll¡­ tell you¡­ one day¡­¡± He sounded almost like a short-circuiting robot as he stammered, seeming to teeter on the edge of saying something substantial. He finally shook his head, looking up at the ceiling.

    ¡°¡­ It¡­ It¡¯s¡­ not ready,¡± he murmured, his whole body shaking. He definitely looked like a malfunctioning robot now.

    ¡°For what?¡± Lila asked gently.

    ¡°Just¡­¡± he gulped audibly before his eyes flashed to Lila¡¯s, as though he had realised something. ¡°Well¡­ I just¡­ home¡¯s not going so great.¡±

    Lila leaned forward, instantly hooked onto every word he uttered. His cheeks turned pink as he shuffled backwards slightly, his breathing stilted.

    ¡°U-Uh, yeah. Well¡­ Gabriel¡­ this morning. He, um, started yelling at my Dad in the kitchen all of a sudden,¡± Asher finally said, meeting Lila¡¯s eyes. He quickly averted his gaze again, looking incredibly uncomfortable. ¡°It kinda all blew up at once. Dad was working from home today, so he had breakfast with me. Gabriel walked in and saw him and just¡­ asked him to come into the kitchen for a chat. I mean, you know how far conversations carry in my house. He just ripped into my Dad, yelling about why he didn¡¯t tell Gabriel that Mum¡¯s missing, yelling about why he had to hear about it from me six months after, yelling about why he hasn¡¯t helped me, yelling about why he doesn¡¯t trust Gabriel¡­ from what I gathered, Gabriel felt really betrayed. Disrespected, even, since he¡¯s been with us for so long. He even said that if it wasn¡¯t for me, he¡¯d probably quit right then and there. It¡­ just got really unbearable so I left and got on the bus.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Lila whispered, covering her mouth with her hand. ¡°That¡¯s so intense.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I kinda don¡¯t wanna go home.¡±

    ¡°I could see if my parents would have you over for dinner?¡± Lila offered, already reaching for her phone.

    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine. Thanks for the offer,¡± Asher instantly shut her down with a firm shake of his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go home, but I need to. I¡¯ve¡­ got some things I need to do.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said forlornly, returning her hands to their original position.

    ¡°Sorry. Maybe I can come over another time,¡± Asher mumbled.

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡± Lila trailed off with a sigh. Now that the atmosphere had changed to something far more awkward than it previously had been, Lila promptly opened her laptop. She couldn¡¯t concentrate on her schoolwork like she had been before Asher kept staring at her, but refused to abandon her efforts. Eventually, Asher abruptly stood up.

    ¡°I just need to take a walk,¡± he announced. Before Lila could even offer to come with him, he turned on his heel and strode away from her. Though she was tempted, she didn¡¯t follow him. If he wanted her to go along with him, he¡¯d ask.

    After Asher completely disappeared from view, Lila lowered her laptop screen, glancing around the library. Ayla still wasn¡¯t within her line of sight. Had she found a new spot to study in? One that didn¡¯t remind her of Piper?

    Lila picked at her nails, biting her lower lip contemplatively. What did Asher mean by ¡°it¡¯s not ready yet¡±? What wasn¡¯t ready? She turned these questions over and over again in her mind, but came up empty. Was he a mad scientist building a rocket or something? She wasn¡¯t aware of any projects that he was undertaking, at least.

    It didn¡¯t take long for Asher to return from his walk, his expression seeming much brighter ¨C far more approachable. Should she ask?

    But, as he threw himself into his seat, wiping stray hairs from his eyes, Lila had the distinct impression that she should leave it alone.

    ¡°Came back,¡± he grinned, dragging his laptop closer to him. ¡°Sorry, just needed to get some air.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re all good,¡± Lila replied, opening her laptop lid again. ¡°Glad it helped.¡±

    For the rest of their time in Study, Asher dedicated himself to typing rapidly away on his laptop with a renewed fervour. Lila couldn¡¯t help but feel slightly envious ¨C his enigmatic statement, Gabriel¡¯s blow-up with Ivaan, and the questions about sex she¡¯d been tossing her schoolmates recently were all jumbling together in her mind, causing a headache and unproductivity combined.

    She couldn¡¯t tell whether or not Asher was still off by the way he said, ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± with a cheery wave outside the locker room once it was time to go home. Perhaps he was feeling much better after telling her what happened with Gabriel this morning? She hoped that was the case.

    Though it would¡¯ve been nice to have dinner with Asher and her family tonight, she remembered when she was reluctant to go home after discovering that Daniel was the Banker ¨C sometimes, duty called. Sometimes, no matter how much one wanted, avoidance couldn¡¯t be achieved. Now that she¡¯d thought about it, Lila presumed that Asher was working on a school project, or similar ¨C it was crunch time, now that they were in the latter half of the school year and he was the Dux, after all.

    Lila hauled herself to the bus stop, chewing her lower lip as she continued to think about Asher. Even if she tried to think about something else, somehow her mind would always link it back to Asher. It was frustrating, really, that her mind seemed constantly occupied by him. Was it due to his reluctance to start dating? Or¡­ was there something else behind this?

    ¡°Get on the bus already, sis,¡± Daniel¡¯s voice commanded behind her. He pushed her forward gently and she stumbled, grasping the rail of the bus door just in time to avoid stacking it on the stairs. She whipped her head around, glaring at him, before seeing the impressively long line of students craning their necks to see what the holdup was. Without another word, she tapped her travel card on the reader and sat in her usual spot.

    Daniel rolled his eyes at her as he passed, taking a seat towards the back, and she sullenly looked out the window for the rest of the ride home. It wasn¡¯t exactly normal for Daniel to be taking this bus home with her, but she¡¯d ask him about it later if she remembered. At the very least he was talking to her¡­ which was a step in the right direction, given his hermit-like behaviour over the past few days ¨C even if it was rude.

    Luckily, Lila managed to get Asher out of her head enough to realise when the bus arrived at her stop. She exited, thanking the driver, and began meandering with a yawn to her house. She heard Daniel clomping along behind her and after about five minutes, Lila turned around to face him.

    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said, attempting to go for a friendly, approachable tone. He grunted in response, avoiding her gaze by instead looking at the road.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she tried again, pausing so that he walked closer to her.

    ¡°Nothin¡¯,¡± Daniel huffed, quickly overtaking her and hurrying down the path.

    ¡°Did you wanna talk about it?¡± Lila asked, matching his pace with ease.

    ¡°No,¡± Daniel replied shortly, speeding up.

    ¡°You sure?¡± Lila queried, also speeding up.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Daniel responded, breaking out into a jog now.

    ¡°C¡¯mon!¡± Lila cajoled, chasing after him.

    ¡°Lila, dammit, stop acting like Clare!¡± Daniel yelled, running even faster towards the house now. Lila stopped for a second before sprinting after him.

    ¡°Sorry!¡± she called. He didn¡¯t respond, slamming against the front door and fumbling with his keys. Lila caught up to him, clapping her hand on his shoulder. He froze under her hand before hanging his head in defeat. She patted his shoulder comfortingly.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± she repeated, sucking in a heaving breath. ¡°I¡¯ll stop. You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll be here if you need me.¡±

    Daniel sighed, turning his key into the keyhole. ¡°Thanks. By the way, you¡¯re terrifying when you¡¯re chasing me.¡±

    ¡°Years of practice. Not as effective if I¡¯m not terrifying,¡± she smirked, letting go of Daniel. He entered first, kicking off his shoes, before immediately heading upstairs and closing his door with a slam.

    By contrast, Lila slowly took her shoes off and shuffled into the kitchen, grabbing a cup of juice with a sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯d you do to him?¡± Clare¡¯s voice asked after a few seconds. Lila turned to face her sister, who was leaning against the archway to the kitchen with her arms folded.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied honestly. ¡°Want a juice?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Clare watched in silence as Lila poured her a cup and passed it to her. They clinked their cups together before each taking a sip.

    ¡°He¡¯s been real moody lately,¡± Clare commented idly, setting down her cup on the counter. ¡°What do you reckon¡¯s wrong with him?¡±

    Lila glanced at the ceiling, towards where Daniel¡¯s room was, before shrugging. ¡°Beats me,¡± she lied, twirling the ends of her hair with her fingers. ¡°Puberty?¡±

    Clare snorted before looking horrified. ¡°Shit, you¡¯re so right. I keep forgetting he¡¯s a teen now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s crazy,¡± Lila agreed, taking another sip. The two sisters stood there comfortably before Clare exhaled heavily with a vexed frown.

    ¡°Sounds like you¡¯re real moody,¡± Lila observed, the corners of her mouth twitching playfully. She managed to keep her impending smile from showing as she waited for her sister to speak.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Clare said begrudgingly. ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Alex,¡± Clare murmured contemptuously, leaning her lower back onto the edge of the counter, her arms folded against her chest again.

    ¡°What¡¯d he do?¡± Lila asked, taking another drink of her juice.

    ¡°Nothing. Absolutely nothing,¡± Clare huffed. ¡°He¡¯s not texted, called, anything.¡±

    ¡°Weren¡¯t you guys on a break?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow inquisitively. Clare threw her hands up into the air.

    ¡°Yeah! We are!¡± Clare¡¯s voice was almost a shriek. She took a deep breath before clenching her fists with another huff and staring at the ground by her feet.

    ¡°¡­ Is¡­ he supposed to text or call you while you¡¯re on a break?¡± Lila tilted her head curiously.

    ¡°No,¡± Clare stated brusquely, placing a hand on her forehead. ¡°But why?¡±

    ¡°¡®Cause that¡¯s what you asked for?¡±

    Clare slowly descended into a chair at the small kitchen table, pursing her lips. ¡°¡­ Yeah,¡± she admitted in a small voice, looking down at her hands. With a sympathetic smile, Lila brought both their drinks and sat down in the chair opposite Clare.

    ¡°What¡¯s really going on?¡± Lila asked gently. ¡°It feels like something deeper is bothering you.¡±

    ¡°Maybe I should get a fringe,¡± Clare stated softly, tugging at her hair. Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered in confusion.

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    Clare gave her a humourless smile. ¡°Change things up. Maybe I¡¯d feel better. I¡¯d probably look hot with a fringe.¡±

    ¡°Well, you look good in anything,¡± Lila concurred with a slight frown. ¡°I feel like you¡¯re avoiding the topic, though.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Clare reluctantly sighed again. ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    Clare groaned in frustration, rubbing her forehead as if nursing a headache. ¡°¡­ It¡¯s¡­ I dunno. This is new territory for me, and I¡¯m¡­ anxious? Nervous? I dunno.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s new territory for you?¡± Lila inquired, pushing Clare¡¯s cup closer to her. Clare gratefully took another sip before setting it down again.

    ¡°I think I really like this guy,¡± she admitted. ¡°Like¡­ more than I¡¯ve liked anyone. Even that guy I told you about.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­¡± Lila nodded, encouraging Clare to continue.

    ¡°I think I freaked out too soon and pushed him away,¡± Clare mumbled, her expression sulky. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s gonna come back.¡±

    ¡°Have you talked to him since agreeing on a break?¡±

    ¡°¡­ No.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should start there.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ but what if he says he doesn¡¯t want to get back together? Not that we were really together. Fuck. This was meant to be casual.¡±

    ¡°Have you had any serious relationships before?¡± Lila eyed Clare carefully. Clare shook her head.

    ¡°I¡¯d really thought that other guy would be ¡®the One¡¯. I mean, that¡¯s why I agreed to be friends with benefits way back then. Since I thought it¡¯d lead into something serious.¡±

    ¡°Clare¡­ did you lose your virginity to that guy?¡± Lila looked at Clare shrewdly, carefully analysing her reaction. As expected, Clare looked shocked at Lila¡¯s question. Then, her cheeks began to turn pink.

    ¡°I¡­ yeah,¡± she admitted quietly. ¡°I thought¡­ after doing that¡­ that he¡¯d stay.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Lila replied just as quietly. ¡°Do you think that¡¯s why you¡¯re still hung up on it?¡±

    Clare took a sharp breath of surprise before gritting her teeth. ¡°You¡­ think I¡¯m still hung up on it?¡±

    ¡°Look, I don¡¯t know for sure. But from what you¡¯ve been telling me over the past couple of months, it feels like there¡¯s something from that time that¡¯s holding you back. I¡¯m no psychologist,¡± she flashed Clare a knowing, cheeky grin, to which Clare responded with a half-hearted one of her own, ¡°but perhaps what you¡¯re mostly scared of is being hurt again.¡±

    Clare appeared to absorb Lila¡¯s words for a few moments before nodding. ¡°I think you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°Besides, wasn¡¯t it a couple years ago already?¡± Lila continued. ¡°Not to judge you or anything, but¡­ surely you should¡¯ve healed from that?¡±

    Clare buried her face in her hands. ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she whispered. ¡°Damn, Lila. Calling me out like this.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen a therapist about this? Or a counsellor or whatever?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m studying psychology myself. How lame would that be, me needing to see one?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ I mean¡­ I feel like everyone could probably benefit from some help,¡± Lila replied tentatively. ¡°Like, even psychologists probably get help from other psychologists. Plus, it¡¯d be like doing some practical study. You¡¯d find out how it works being a patient and apply it to your studies.¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°Sounds like a pyramid scheme.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s right, either,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°Fine. Sounds like something someone who cares about study would say.¡±

    ¡°Do you not care about study?¡±

    Clare sighed again, revealing her face but keeping her head in her hands. ¡°I do¡­ but I don¡¯t have to really work hard to get good grades for psychology. Maybe it¡¯s complacency? Either way¡­ maybe I should take up your suggestion.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°You¡¯ll have to be honest with them though.¡±

    ¡°Nope, nope, nope,¡± Clare said hurriedly, burying her face again. ¡°Never mind that. Miss me with that shit.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to sigh. ¡°It¡¯s your prerogative. At the very least, you should be honest with him.¡±

    Clare wiped her face with a deep, long exhale. ¡°If I didn¡¯t know that you were honest with Asher about your feelings, I¡¯d say something really snarky right now. Guess your older sister has to get her butt into gear, huh.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°You¡¯re setting a bad example.¡±

    Clare rolled her eyes before looking downcast. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Lila sipped her juice, looking out the kitchen window. Clare didn¡¯t say anything for a minute or two before finally saying, ¡°Do you think I should pick up cooking?¡±

    Lila stared at her in bemusement. ¡°Come again?¡±

    ¡°M-Maybe he doesn¡¯t like me enough to come back on his own because I¡¯m not¡­ I dunno, girlfriend material,¡± Clare muttered, also looking towards the kitchen window.

    ¡°I mean¡­ you can pick up cooking for yourself,¡± Lila replied frankly. ¡°But I doubt that¡¯s the reason. I mean, if it was casual, he wouldn¡¯t even know you don¡¯t know how to cook.¡±

    Clare pressed her lips in a hard line. ¡°I¡¯m just being stupid,¡± she admitted. ¡°You must really think badly of me, huh.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila said, shaking her head. ¡°It¡¯s endearing. It makes you feel more human, actually. Someone I can actually go to and not feel judged for my silly problems. I¡¯d kinda put you on a pedestal for all these years ¨C so much so that you were like this idol that I couldn¡¯t be totally honest with, in case you¡¯d judge me as, I dunno, inferior or stupid or something.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Clare looked at Lila in shock before chuckling. ¡°Guess making mistakes like I have has its perks.¡±

    ¡°We all make mistakes. That¡¯s something I¡¯ve learned over this year,¡± Lila replied, giving Clare a wry smile. ¡°It¡¯s how we navigate them that matters.¡±

    ¡°Huh. Profound,¡± Clare commented, tapping her chin. ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll talk to Alex. I¡¯ll see where he¡¯s at¡­ and¡­ I¡¯ll tell him that¡­ if he wants to, I wouldn¡¯t mind being official. Committed and all that.¡±

    ¡°Good luck,¡± Lila beamed. ¡°I hope it goes well. And, if it doesn¡¯t, then¡­ at least you tried. And figured out what you want. You said before that you weren¡¯t ready for a relationship, but maybe you are now.¡±

    Clare smiled softly at Lila. ¡°You know, I¡¯m so glad you¡¯ve grown up a bit. Now I can bounce things off of you and get a half-decent response.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Lila whined. ¡°That¡¯s rude.¡±

    Clare leaned over and pinched Lila¡¯s cheek affectionately. ¡°Yeah. But at least you¡¯ve got a good head on your shoulders. Must be all that time you¡¯re spending with Asher.¡±

    Lila could feel the blood rushing to her face in response, causing her to stand up. ¡°I¡¯m gonna head upstairs,¡± she announced, taking her cup to the kitchen counter and refilling it with juice. ¡°See you at dinner.¡±

    ¡°See you then. And thanks. Really,¡± Clare said sincerely. ¡°You¡¯ve eased my mind a bit. Like I said before, I didn¡¯t really have anyone to talk to about all this.¡±

    ¡°You can talk to me anytime,¡± Lila responded earnestly. ¡°Let me know how it goes with Alex.¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    After heading up to her room, Lila unceremoniously flopped onto her bed. As tempting as getting a head start on some of her more difficult assignments was (that is, not at all), a nap was pulling her eyelids closed, winning the battle of productivity versus unproductivity with ease.

    She¡¯d just barely drifted off when a knock sounded on her door. Was it time for dinner already?

    ¡°Y-Yeah?¡± she called out groggily, rubbing at her sleepy eyes. Daniel swam into view, awkwardly shambling into her room.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said hesitantly, standing by the door still.

    ¡°You can come in,¡± Lila replied, gesturing to her desk chair. He closed the door behind him and sat down on her chair, swivelling to face her on the bed.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she asked, sitting up with a yawn.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± he said uneasily.

    ¡°Sounds dangerous,¡± Lila nodded. He shot her a glare that quickly fell away.

    ¡°Maybe it is,¡± his tone was reluctant as he trailed off. He shook his head, looking up at Lila with a glimmer of determination in his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m gonna tell Mum and Dad.¡±

    Lila blinked at him in confusion. ¡°¡­ About?¡±

    ¡°About being the Banker.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila whispered, scooting closer to him. ¡°Are you sure about that?¡±

    ¡°Dead sure. It¡­ bothered me, going to the school and getting it sanctioned without telling them. Like, they¡¯d probably find out, right? But they¡¯d be less mad if I told them about it, versus them finding out from the school or something.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Lila nodded again, swinging her legs over the edge of her bed. ¡°So, when do you wanna tell them?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Daniel confessed, looking down at his knees. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to but¡­ I feel like I have to.¡±

    ¡°I can respect that,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I think Asher¡¯s wrapping up getting support from the teachers pretty soon, but I can check with him about what he thinks.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I think I¡¯ll need a week, to be honest. Uh, what¡¯re you doing next weekend?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°This weekend I¡¯m going over to Asher¡¯s, Saturday and Sunday. As for the next, I don¡¯t have any plans yet.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Uh¡­ c-can you be there? When I tell Mum and Dad?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila affirmed. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t miss it for the world.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daniel¡¯s anxious face melted into one of relief. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll need to figure out how best to put it.¡±

    ¡°Do you want Asher there too?¡± Lila suggested.

    ¡°I don¡¯t wanna bother him,¡± Daniel shook his head. Then, he grimaced. ¡°But at the same time¡­ I¡¯m so lost.¡±

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want him there for the conversation, then perhaps he could at least give you pointers. Maybe you should message him.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll only do that closer to the time,¡± Daniel said hurriedly, standing up. ¡°It¡¯s too soon. I just¡­ wanted to check with you first.¡±

    ¡°I support you taking your time,¡± Lila replied matter-of-factly. ¡°I¡¯m honestly surprised that you want to tell Mum and Dad first. I thought you would¡¯ve tried to see whether the school would keep it under wraps and not tell them.¡±

    ¡°I thought about doing that,¡± Daniel sighed, crossing Lila¡¯s room before stopping short of the door. He turned to face her, rubbing his left bicep with his right arm comfortingly. ¡°I just think it¡¯s too risky, to hedge my bets on that. Plus¡­ if the whole operation is gonna get bigger, like it seems that it will after being sanctioned, I really gotta tell them. While I¡¯m glad that I told Mum I needed the juice boxes for a school project, the year¡¯s just going by. I can only have the same school project for so long.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Thanks for the update. If you need ideas on what to do or how to say it and all that, you can talk to me.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, sis,¡± Daniel smiled at Lila. ¡°You know, you¡¯re not too bad when you stop being Clare¡¯s mini-me.¡±

    ¡°Alright, you can get the fuck out,¡± Lila responded with a dramatic huff, chucking a cushion his way. He chortled before smoothly exiting, having bumped the cushion back towards her with his head.

    Lila waited a few seconds to see if he¡¯d return for something else. When he didn¡¯t, she tucked herself back into bed, now even more keen for that nap she¡¯d started.

 Chapter One Hundred and Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Seven

    Thursday was yet another dreary winter¡¯s day. Lila didn¡¯t bother opening her umbrella on her way to English first thing that morning, despite being drizzled on.

    Asher, on the other hand, was pacing outside their classroom underneath his umbrella, which bopped in time to his footsteps. It didn¡¯t even seem like he noticed her presence, what with how absorbed in his own thoughts he appeared.

    She stood there, a few metres away, her heart thumping in her chest. After her conversations with Clare and Daniel, she¡¯d managed to put Asher and his weird behaviour, plus her recent odd, overwhelming and borderline obsession with sex, out of her mind. But seeing him just ahead of her, his face scrunched in clear rumination, and uniform sitting untidily on his frame in all the right places, made it all come flooding back with force. She was tempted to turn around and call in sick to Sickbay, but before she could do so, his eyes locked onto hers.

    ¡®Uh oh,¡¯ she thought as he drew closer to her, a handsome, joyful smile on his face. ¡®I¡¯m in trouble now.¡¯

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said happily, extending his umbrella so it shielded her from the light rain.

    ¡®Oh my God, he¡¯s close,¡¯ Lila observed internally, trying to will herself not to panic, or at least blush.

    ¡°M-Morning,¡± she stammered, pulling her blazer around herself for comfort.

    ¡°Are you cold?¡± he immediately asked, stepping even closer to her. She took a small step back, but not before inhaling his scent. She closed her eyes, her heart kicking it up a notch and running a mile a minute.

    ¡°You look cold,¡± he said softly. ¡°Should we go inside?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah. If it¡¯s open.¡±

    Asher again lifted the umbrella high above them both and gestured for Lila to head inside. She swiftly entered, scuttling along to her usual desk and sitting down, already placing her requisite materials on her desk by the time Asher joined her.

    ¡°Eager?¡± he smirked, pulling out his own materials.

    ¡°Could say that,¡± Lila replied vaguely, turning her head so he couldn¡¯t really see her cherry-red face. Somehow, her thoughts had increased in intensity, her curiosity having ramped up tenfold by the prospect of doing things that she¡¯d never done before with her body. What would it feel like? Would it be painful? From her research, it would seem that it felt ¡°good¡±, but what did that even mean?

    She definitely didn¡¯t want to expose her search history to Asher, by mistake or otherwise. Once she¡¯d woken up from her nap last night, she¡¯d been sucked into a rabbit hole of articles, advice and anecdotes regarding losing one¡¯s virginity ¨C and whether or not that was an outdated misnomer, or even something to value in this day and age.

    She¡¯d hoped, evidently erroneously so, that doing some light research would satiate her wondering mind enough to be at ease next to Asher. But all it seemed to have done was alight the fire of desire within her. Desire to explore the answers she was seeking ¨C with him. His sturdy, capable-looking hands would probably caress her quite nicely, his long, slender fingers brushing against her from her neck down-

    ¡°Lila?¡±

    Lila jolted, coughing slightly. Asher¡¯s golden-brown eyes were wide with concern, looking intently into her own.

    ¡°Y-Yes?¡± she squeaked, readjusting herself in her chair so she was angled away from him.

    ¡°I was wondering whether you¡¯d chosen your poems yet,¡± he replied, batting his eyelids in bemusement. ¡°Is everything okay? You went really red all of a sudden.¡±

    ¡°D-Did I?¡± Lila pressed her lips together, looking down at her hands. She¡¯d need to Google how to stop thinking intrusive, sexually-charged thoughts about her best friend when she had a spare moment.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said reflexively. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to point it out.¡±

    ¡°I-It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied, pulling her hair to the side as if to insulate her from his intense gaze. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ just got a lot on my mind.¡±

    ¡°Anything I can help with?¡±

    ¡®God, yes.¡¯ ¡°No, not really. Just¡­ trying to wrap my head around all these new assignments. They seem so much harder this term.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I noticed that too. I think it¡¯s probably because they¡¯re building on content from earlier on in the year that we¡¯re rusty on. You can bring your stuff over sometime and we can study together.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed. It probably would be the only thing she¡¯d get up to at Asher¡¯s place, besides gaming and watching videos. Her visit may as well be productive. ¡°I¡¯ll bring some stuff this weekend.¡±

    ¡°W-Well, you don¡¯t need to this weekend,¡± Asher said, shifting his posture and swallowing audibly. ¡°It¡¯s a bit soon for study.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯ve never said that in your life,¡± Lila replied, cracking a smile. He looked uncertainly at her before mirroring her smile.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± he confessed. ¡°I typically study as soon as possible once I know what to study for. But¡­ I don¡¯t mind taking it slowly this term. Especially if we¡¯re going to study together. Two heads are better than one, and all that.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lila trailed off. It made sense, in theory, but¡­ there was still something a bit off about Asher. He seemed rather fidgety ¨C more so than usual. Was he anxious about something?

    ¡°How was going back home?¡± Lila asked in a low murmur, her eyes following Ms Shard¡¯s entry into the classroom. Ms Shard set herself up at the projector as Asher crossed his arms across his chest.

    ¡°It was¡­ fine,¡± he finally said as Ms Shard victoriously clapped at the appearance of her PowerPoint upon the white projector screen. ¡°I think Gabriel and Dad figured out what it was that needed to be figured out. At least, Gabriel didn¡¯t seem so mad anymore. And he seemed to be getting back to his cheery self. I mean, he smiled at me, at least. Hadn¡¯t done that all week.¡±

    ¡°It, at least, sounds better. I¡­ was thinking about Gabriel¡¯s point, though. The one about why your Dad hasn¡¯t helped you. I¡¯m guessing your Dad hasn¡¯t spoken to you?¡±

    Asher shook his head, a glimmer of a contemptuous smile passing through his lips. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t add to that as Ms Shard commenced the lesson with an excited, flamboyant trill. It seemed that poems were Ms Shard¡¯s area of interest as she started to break down what a poem was and could be with vigour.

    It was a lesson that Lila sorely needed ¨C and, thankfully, this need beat her other thoughts back enough that she could concentrate. Every now and then, she would glimpse Asher smiling at her, but he would look away as soon as he realised she was looking at him. Yet again, his odd behaviour crept into the back of her mind ¨C but she couldn¡¯t begin to dissect it, lest she miss something important from Ms Shard.

    With a pounding head and burning, cramping hands, Lila was grateful for the class to be over. She¡¯d written so many notes, even though they were on her laptop, that she thought her wrists were alarmingly close to falling off.

    Asher walked with Lila to the STEM block with barely a peep, even about their English assignment. Strangely, though, Lila didn¡¯t mind ¨C she was more focused on how to click her wrists in the best way to minimise the pain she was feeling. Maths was next, after all. She¡¯d definitely need to be functional to work through the new concepts Ms Wang was introducing.

    They slowed down around the usual spot where Isaac would meet them, but it looked like he hadn¡¯t arrived yet. Asher checked his phone before slipping it back into his pocket. Lila idly rotated her hands, wincing from the dull ache.

    ¡°Are your wrists bothering you?¡± he asked, his tone softened with worry.

    ¡°Kinda,¡± Lila lamented, looking down at them in distaste. ¡°Dunno how I¡¯m going to do my Maths exercises next.¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Asher said quietly, reaching out his hand. Lila stared at it for a moment, unsure what he was wanting. It seemed like he was asking her to give him something. Then, with a rush of heat emanating from her head to her toes, Lila thought she knew what he was asking for.

    She tentatively extended her hands out to his, and he grasped them both. She¡¯d been right ¨C his hands were sturdy. He firmly pressed down onto her palms before moving up to her wrists, gently rotating them. His eyes were entirely focussed on this task, and Lila felt, aside from the relief from his massage, tingles dancing underneath her skin, trailing from where he¡¯d touched her.

    She¡¯d forgotten how to breathe as he continued to work, moving up to her fingers. His warmth, despite the incredibly cold air enveloping them, relaxed her hands even further. Her fingers twitched involuntarily, and she caught a smirk flash upon his face before it was overtaken by an expression of concentration.

    ¡°Hey guy- whoa, what¡¯s going on here?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice caused both Asher and Lila to jump away from each other. Her face was burning red-hot, and she raised her hands to her cheeks. Asher¡¯s face was a deep crimson as well, his expression looking as though he¡¯d been caught doing something he shouldn¡¯t have been.

    ¡°A-Asher was helping me,¡± Lila offered after a second of awkward silence. Isaac¡¯s confused eyes met hers and he snickered.

    ¡°He was, was he?¡± Isaac asked suggestively.

    ¡°M-My wrists were sore,¡± Lila continued. Isaac turned to Asher, horror mixed with intrigue across his face.

    ¡°Took a lot of notes in English,¡± Asher replied bluntly, elbowing Isaac in the side. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get to Chem, dumbass.¡±

    ¡°T-Thank you,¡± Lila said hurriedly as the boys began to walk away. Asher turned to face her, a satisfied smile on his face.

    ¡°No worries,¡± he replied. ¡°Sometimes it feels better when someone else massages you. See you at lunch.¡±

    ¡°See you then,¡± Lila responded, returning Isaac¡¯s wave goodbye, before a goofy smile appeared on her face. She looked down at her hands, the fingertips pink with the residual warmth from Asher. He was definitely right. That felt¡­ really nice. She briefly wondered how it would feel to interlock their fingers together as she flexed her hands.

    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ she chastised herself, pulling her bookbag on her shoulder. ¡®Get to class, idiot.¡¯

    <hr>

    Morning tea was again without Grace, and again spent meandering around the school campus with Elise, linking arms and complaining about assignments.

    Eventually, though, as they passed through the Performing Arts area of their campus, Lila became grave.

    ¡°Elise, I have a bone to pick with you,¡± she confessed, unlinking her arm from Elise¡¯s.

    ¡°Oh?¡± Elise replied, looking both incredibly clueless and guilty. ¡°What¡¯d I do?¡±

    ¡°You,¡± Lila began before dropping her voice down to a whisper, ¡°incited something.¡±

    ¡°¡­ In¡­cited something?¡± Elise frowned, halting in her steps as she evidently tried to process what Lila had said. ¡°¡­ Violence?¡±

    ¡°Not violence,¡± Lila huffed. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t stop thinking.¡±

    ¡°About?¡±

    Lila shifted awkwardly, suddenly feeling rather hot by her chest and face. ¡°¡­ Asher.¡±

    ¡°How did I incite that?¡± Elise laughed incredulously. ¡°Feels like you did that perfectly on your own.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied in exasperation. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s different.¡±

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯m gonna need more clues than what you¡¯re putting down,¡± Elise raised an eyebrow, her stance commanding a response.

    ¡°¡­ Hey, shouldn¡¯t Grace be around here?¡± Lila swiftly said, casting her eyes around, having suddenly decided that the thoughts she was having about Asher were far too embarrassing to express to Elise.

    ¡°Don¡¯t change the topic. You can¡¯t say you have a bone to pick with me and then back down,¡± Elise asserted.

    ¡®Knew it wouldn¡¯t work,¡¯ Lila thought ruefully.

    ¡°Ever since you asked about¡­ whether I¡¯ve thought about banging Asher, or how long I¡¯d wait to bang him, it¡¯s all I can think about. I want my life back. Why¡¯d you do that to me? How do I make it stop?¡±

    Elise stared at Lila for a moment before breaking down into hearty, gasping laughter, clutching the sides of her stomach. Lila watched on in dismay, her hope for an answer rapidly dwindling with each rattling breath Elise took.

    Eventually, Elise calmed down enough to stand up straight, the wide smile on her face the only remaining hint of her fit.

    ¡°Gee, Lila, I didn¡¯t realise I¡¯d started something,¡± Elise said breathlessly, wiping at her eyes. ¡°Is it really that bad?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lila bemoaned. ¡°He keeps trying to talk to me but I can¡¯t even hear what he¡¯s saying, I¡¯m too into what¡¯s going on up here.¡± She tapped her head for emphasis. ¡°I can¡¯t keep going on like this, especially since we¡¯re not dating.¡±

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Elise blinked. ¡°You¡¯re, like, really upset about this.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯s my best friend. How am I meant to just hang out with him when I¡¯m like this? He¡¯s driving me insane by literally just existing,¡± Lila threw her hands up in the air in defeat before making a sound of utter discontent at her plight.

    ¡°¡­ Honestly, if you figure out a way, let me know,¡± Elise sighed after a moment of silence. ¡°I can¡¯t stop thinking about Isaac in that way, either.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you mentioned it,¡± Lila glared at Elise, before quickly dispelling her harsh expression.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise said sheepishly. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to cause you grief like this.¡±

    ¡°Look, I know it¡¯s not your fault. You can¡¯t control my thoughts. My main gripe, I guess, is that I can¡¯t do anything about it,¡± Lila confessed. ¡°Maybe¡­ if I could get it out of my system, it¡¯d go away.¡±

    Elise gave her a tight smile, seeming about to say something before shrugging, looking towards the auditorium. ¡°Maybe. I wouldn¡¯t know. Well, there¡¯s one way you could probably ¡®get it out of your system¡¯, but that¡¯s incredibly temporary.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t need any further explanation than that. She brought a hand to her forehead, as if the pressure would relieve the burgeoning headache she was feeling.

    ¡°Best I can offer is that you distract yourself,¡± Elise suggested. ¡°If it¡¯s really too much, you should probably avoid him.¡±

    ¡°I have PE with him after PC,¡± Lila pouted. ¡°Can¡¯t really avoid him.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you could get on a different team to him or sit out or something.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll try at least one of those options.¡±

    She folded her arms across her chest, thinking further about what to do. No ideas were coming to mind, though¡­ of course, consent was a two-way street. Even if she wanted to do those things with Asher, he probably wouldn¡¯t want to. Especially after he¡¯d rejected Holly for six months¡­ maybe he¡¯d remain celibate for the rest of his life?

    Lila shook her head. That much was probably dramatic. Her eyes met Elise¡¯s and Elise gave her a pitying smile.

    ¡°Let¡¯s distract you. We¡¯re right here, so maybe we can find Grace. She might be able to help ¨C even if we just sit in the audience for her vocal lesson.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have any other ideas.¡±

    ¡°Perfect.¡±

    They took a peek into the auditorium, finding it absolutely empty ¨C which wasn¡¯t unexpected. It was morning tea, after all.

    Outside the auditorium itself was an undercover square space with a squishy, protective rubbery centre. Dotted alongside the square were a variety of classrooms and the entrance to an office building, within which were private vocal rooms and the offices of the Performing Arts teachers. Elise and Lila shuffled along to each of the classrooms, peering through every window they could find. Again, these were empty.

    ¡°Well, only option we¡¯ve got left is the office building,¡± Lila mumbled.

    ¡°Should be open,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s have a look.¡±

    They tentatively opened the squeaky glass door to the building. There wasn¡¯t anyone wandering around the main lobby ¨C at least they could take a look without getting in trouble, for now.

    ¡°Do you even know who her vocal coach is?¡± Lila whispered to Elise.

    Elise shook her head. ¡°Negatory.¡±

    ¡°Well, this¡¯ll be finding a needle in a haystack.¡±

    The offices themselves had a small window towards the top of the doors but it was mainly frosted. Only a small, two-centimetre gap of clear glass was around each of the window frames, below which was a small plaque indicating the teacher assigned to that particular office.

    A few teachers were sitting at their desks, eating or looking through their school-issued computers. One had a male student sitting with them, seemingly deep in conversation. Lila and Elise wordlessly continued down the hallway, checking each office as best they could through the frosted glass but there was no Grace.

    ¡°Is she in any of the practice rooms?¡± Elise proposed, a slight, worried frown creasing her face.

    ¡°We can check,¡± Lila nodded. They carried on, deeper through the hallway, before turning the corner to find the four practice rooms. These doors didn¡¯t have a window, but there was a small light above the doors indicating whether it was open or not. Each of the rooms¡¯ light was green ¨C which, to Lila, meant that they were all empty.

    Wordlessly, Lila and Elise split up to inspect two rooms each. These doors were remarkably heavy ¨C most likely due to the intense soundproofing that the school had installed for each of these practice rooms. As Lila predicted, the ones she checked were empty.

    ¡°Empty,¡± declared Elise, closing one room¡¯s door with a disappointed sigh. ¡°Man, I thought we¡¯d get to hear some dope singing.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila turned to Elise, pressing her lips together as she considered the fact that these rooms were empty.

    ¡°You definitely didn¡¯t see Grace anywhere, right?¡± Elise asked, also seeming to be considering this new information with a decent amount of thought.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila replied frankly. ¡°But with the frosted glass or whatever for the offices, maybe she was somewhere out of sight. Or she might¡¯ve gone for a bathroom break.¡±

    ¡°Well, guess there¡¯s nothing else for us to do than to turn back and head to PC,¡± Elise shrugged. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They exited the building without much noise, successfully attracting exactly no attention to themselves. The path back to the locker room was much quieter, though Elise peppered Lila with questions here and there about upcoming assessments. It was obvious to Lila that Elise was trying to avoid talking about Asher as best she could, which Lila appreciated. In saying that, though, this wasn¡¯t quite a distracting enough walk to rule out the impending return of her wild, untamed thoughts.

    Upon entering PC, Lila and Elise heavily sat down at their customary table, waiting for Grace¡¯s arrival. When she did, she appeared rather out of breath, which made sense considering how far the Performing Arts area of the school was.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Grace breathed, taking her usual seat.

    ¡°Hey,¡± smiled Lila, only half-listening to Ms Wang take the roll.

    ¡°How was your vocal lesson?¡± Elise asked with a smile of her own.

    ¡°Yeah, it was great,¡± Grace grinned, sucking in another heaving breath.

    ¡°We tried to find you,¡± Lila said matter-of-factly. ¡°Must¡¯ve missed you.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Grace faltered for a second, her face turning extraordinarily pale. ¡°You did, did you?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Elise concurred, the slightest of frowns creasing her brow. ¡°You don¡¯t look very well. Are you sick?¡±

    ¡°Must be,¡± Grace responded hurriedly, looking down at the desk. ¡°I, um, had to go to the bathroom during my lesson. Tummy issues.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, tummy issues are the worst,¡± Lila groaned. ¡°Do you need to go to sickbay?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ should be okay, if I sit down for a bit,¡± Grace murmured, rubbing her stomach and leaning back in her chair. ¡°If I do, can I ask you guys to come with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Elise nodded firmly. ¡°Just let us know.¡±

    Grace remained quiet for the rest of PC, though the colour did slowly seep back into her face. Lila and Elise spent much of the lesson concocting theories about the next episode of the TV show they were watching, with some light mention of other students in their lives. It was distracting enough that Lila didn¡¯t think about Asher more than four times ¨C a success, given her previous track record of constantly thinking about him.

    That all changed, of course, once she was sitting on the basketball court in the gymnasium, clad in her PE gear. With a long-suffering sigh, Asher plopped down next to her, his scent wafting over to her more intensely than usual.

    ¡°What do you reckon it¡¯s gonna be this time?¡± he asked in a low murmur, leaning back on his hands and looking directly at her face.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Lila replied, uneasily looking away, her heartbeat steadily increasing in speed and strength.

    ¡°Hope it¡¯s dodgeball,¡± Asher grinned, flopping backwards onto the court, using his hands as a pillow.

    ¡°Good news, Asher,¡± Ms Wright called as she stepped over his prone form, a bundle of vests in her arms. ¡°Your wish is my command.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± he breathed, sitting up with keen interest in his sparkling eyes.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you were a fan of dodgeball,¡± Lila said, carefully watching Ms Wright make her way to the front of the class. If she just kept her eyes elsewhere, her thoughts surely wouldn¡¯t escalate.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t until I realised that if we get out super early, we can just bum around for the rest of class,¡± he replied, his broad smile immediately attracting her attention. Her eyelids fluttered for a second before she tore her eyes away from him, opting instead to look at her knees.

    ¡®Looks like I¡¯m gonna have to be the last one standing,¡¯ Lila thought dejectedly. While she loved dodgeball, being part of the last few remaining students was always needlessly awkward and people would eventually tap themselves out, instead of being taken out in the spirit of the game.

    At the very least, from Lila¡¯s previous knowledge of Asher and dodgeball, he seemed to be taken out relatively early. With the flurry of dodgeballs zooming past her, and his absence, she¡¯d probably survive PE without those troubling intrusive thoughts.

    That was what Lila had supposed before being smacked in the face with a dodgeball, tossed right from Asher¡¯s hands as part of the opposing team, within the first five minutes of the game.

    ¡°Asher, what¡¯d I say about the face?¡± Ms Wright shouted, blowing sharply on her whistle. Ms Wright looked like she wanted to approach Lila, but Lila waved her off. A smattering of chuckles and ¡®Ooohs¡¯ echoed around Lila as she walked off the court, somewhat in shock, and sat down along the ¡®out¡¯ side.

    Asher jogged over to Lila, after clearly annoying Ms Wright about it.

    He began to apologise profusely, his face as white as the markings along the basketball court, before Lila halted him with a raised hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± she mumbled, refusing to look any further at him. ¡°Go enjoy the match.¡±

    ¡°I-I know you really enjoy dodgeball, though,¡± he added, a desperate edge to his voice. ¡°Sorry I ruined it for you. I was actually trying to aim for Connor.¡±

    Lila smirked half-heartedly. ¡°You and everyone else.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s a slippery bitch, that one,¡± Asher said playfully. ¡°Manages to stay in for ages.¡±

    ¡°Go,¡± Lila said softly, waving him off. ¡°I better not see you until you get out legitimately. And don¡¯t throw yourself into a ball to get out quicker.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher replied seriously, turning back towards the game.

    Now that she was ¡®out¡¯ and Asher had returned, Lila looked up, watching the match intently. She hugged her knees close to her chest as her eyes followed Asher¡¯s movements. He looked to be enjoying himself as he dodged and weaved through the onslaught of balls being tossed his way. Without meaning to, Lila felt her mouth curve into a smile. She loved seeing him enjoy himself-

    ¡®Love?¡¯

    Lila straightened her posture as she considered this. Was ¡®love¡¯ too strong a word in this scenario?

    ¡®You can love many things¡­ like chocolate,¡¯ she reassured herself, relaxing her shoulders. She was being silly. She liked Asher, sure, but love? That was a step way down the line ¨C for after they started dating.

    She was still perturbed by how easily the word came to her when concerning Asher, but tried to pay it no mind. She trained her eyes back onto the game, looking to see who was left. A few more people had joined her on the ¡®out¡¯ side, with some chatting breezily amongst themselves, and others sulkily clutching where they¡¯d been hit.

    As she looked between the people around her and those left on the field, however, Lila noticed that someone was absent ¨C Ayla. Had Ayla been called for during roll call? Lila couldn¡¯t remember ¨C she¡¯d been too focused on trying to remember how to breathe with Asher sitting so close to her.

    Had Ayla changed schools, perhaps? This was the third lesson that Lila was supposed to have shared with Ayla and she hadn¡¯t seen Ayla in any of them.

    Lila couldn¡¯t recall hearing any particular rumours of interest over the past few days regarding Ayla ¨C or anyone else, for that matter. Of course, with Ayla not being around (if that was the case), this lack of rumours was rather expected.

    Lila wasn¡¯t able to ponder any further than that as, with a loud, meaty slap, Asher was struck on his left thigh. He seemed winded as he awkwardly stumbled towards where Lila was sitting, though his face was brightened with a jovial smile on his face.

    ¡°Finally,¡± he said, sitting down next to Lila whilst still rubbing his thigh. ¡°Did you see? I put effort in. Didn¡¯t get out straight away.¡±

    ¡°I did see,¡± Lila confirmed with a sage nod. ¡°I¡¯m proud.¡±

    He beamed at her. ¡°Glad to hear it.¡±

    They sat in a comfortable silence as they continued to watch the match. It wore on for quite some time at this stable number of participants, with no one getting out for the next five minutes.

    Then ¨C

    ¡°So¡­ excited about Saturday?¡± Asher asked idly, looking up towards the roof of the gymnasium.

    ¡°Not really,¡± Lila confessed with a sigh. ¡°Practice is going to suck. St Peters always manages to win against us, so Ms Wright usually trains us hard.¡±

    ¡°Tell me about it,¡± Asher replied. ¡°This year it¡¯ll be different, though.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°The new intake of boys into our team ¨C they¡¯re mini soccer monsters. It¡¯s actually insane. So, I reckon we¡¯re in for a very good match next Saturday ¨C entertaining, if nothing else.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt the prowess of my teammates, but St Peters is just¡­ better,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Must be something in their water.¡±

    Asher laughed. ¡°What, like they¡¯re drinking performance enhancing drugs?¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes before falling silent at what he said. He glanced uneasily at her.

    ¡°You don¡¯t actually think-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head firmly. ¡°I¡­ just remembered the Grade 12s again. What¡¯re we gonna do about them?¡±

    Asher sighed deeply. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he stated. ¡°I feel like they¡¯d slip up when the Banker gets sanctioned.¡±

    ¡°So, you wanna wait until then to do some more digging?¡±

    Asher met her eyes with an intense gaze ¨C one that she couldn¡¯t decipher. It¡¯d been a while since she¡¯d encountered one of those. Her breath hitched in her throat. She tried to look elsewhere, but his magnetic eyes commanded her attention. Was there¡­ longing in that look, or was it her own reflecting in his eyes?

    ¡°I¡­ think that¡¯s for the best,¡± he finally muttered, releasing his gaze and looking towards his knees, his cheeks reddening.

    ¡®What was that?¡¯ Lila thought, clutching the front of her PE shirt, casting her eyes towards the game. She couldn¡¯t concentrate on any of it, the beating of her heart rippling throughout her body like the echoes of a gong and drowning out any observations she could have made.

    After a moment, she pulled her knees to her chest for comfort again before nodding. ¡°¡­ Okay.¡±

    They sat in silence, the sounds of their classmates yelling and shouting amongst the chaos of squeaking shoes filling the lull in conversation between them.

    The longer they sat there, however, the more aware of Asher¡¯s warmth, his scent and his presence Lila felt. She tried to think about something ¨C anything else ¨C but this was interrupted by Asher himself.

    ¡°So¡­ I, uh, know you have plans for this weekend,¡± his tone was somewhat awkward, ¡°but what about next weekend? After the game.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t really have plans for next weekend,¡± Lila replied, stubbornly looking at the floor. ¡°But Daniel wanted some help.¡±

    ¡°Daniel? With what?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s planning to tell Mum and Dad¡­ y¡¯know. About the thing.¡±

    Asher gave a low, incredulous whistle.

    ¡°Brave kid,¡± he nodded, a seemingly proud smile on his face. ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing he wants you to be in on the conversation too, huh?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. Uh, I did see whether he wanted you to be there too, but I think he was unsure. He did say that he might need pointers from you, though.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not as though I¡¯ve done anything like what he¡¯s done ¨C or done anything that I need to particularly confess to my parents about¡­ ah¡­ actually, maybe scratch that one. I¡¯ve done a lot this year that might fall under that category. Not that I¡¯m planning on confessing anything to my Dad.¡±

    Lila chanced a peek at him. He looked thoughtful before his eyes flickered to hers and he gave her a lazy, charming grin ¨C one that made her heart thump.

    ¡°I reckon I could whip something up for Daniel, though,¡± he said confidently. ¡°I¡¯ll have a think.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled, looking back at the floor. ¡°It¡¯ll put his mind at ease.¡±

    ¡°Then I definitely need to think of something.¡±

    Lila smiled again, though it was far fainter this time.

    ¡°¡­ Everything okay?¡± he asked gently.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila responded half-heartedly. ¡°Just¡­ thinking. I¡¯m kinda worried about how our parents are going to react, when he tells them.¡±

    ¡°Did you want me to be there too?¡± his voice sounded hopeful ¨C but surely Lila was imagining it.

    ¡°It¡¯s up to Daniel,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°And¡­ I don¡¯t want them to think badly of you.¡±

    ¡°Badly of me?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ while I¡¯m not sure what Daniel¡¯s actually going to say to them, the fact that you were helping him with it all is most likely going to come up. They¡­ I dunno. They might think you were encouraging him or something.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    A short, sharp whistle blasted from the direction of the court, causing everyone to stare at the source. From what Lila could tell, Ms Wright was annoyed about another foul, so Lila rediverted her attention back to the floor.

    ¡°By the way¡­ if you¡¯re coming over on Saturday and Sunday, would you be staying the night?¡± Asher piped up once the squabbling on the court was stemmed.

    ¡°I¡­ hadn¡¯t thought about it,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Do you think I should?¡±

    ¡°W-Well, I j-just thought it¡¯d be easier,¡± Asher stuttered, his face a delicate rosy colour. ¡°I mean, the sp-¡±

    ¡°Spare room¡¯s made up,¡± Lila smirked. He returned her smirk with a nod.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see,¡± Lila said. ¡°No promises though.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to pressure you, or anything, but¡­ well, you¡¯ve already stayed over. It¡¯d¡­ almost be a waste of time for you to go home only to come back the next day.¡±

    ¡°You drive a hard bargain,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°Why, are you planning something?¡±

    Asher froze. Then, his posture relaxed entirely as he shook his head. ¡°No plans. Just¡­ well. I thought we could take a stroll to the farmhouse this time. No rushing, all that.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Asher hurriedly added, sitting up straight, ¡°we¡¯re so close to finishing that game. I wanna see the ending ¨C otherwise I¡¯ll be thinking about it all term, and I won¡¯t be productive.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t have you thinking about irrelevant things, Mr Dux.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    The lightness of their conversation helped Lila feel more at ease, settling in next to Asher and commentating on the tail end of the dodgeball match. Somehow, Connor was still in, even though he was the main target. One of the guys stacked it spectacularly in an effort to toss a ball at his chest, causing a burst of applause and whooping from around the court.

    ¡°You know, I think we¡¯re just contributing to Connor¡¯s villain arc,¡± Lila commented idly, a half-smile on her face.

    ¡°Really seems like we¡¯re just helping him get better, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Asher agreed with a laugh. ¡°If he wins this thing, even I could give him some credit for that.¡±

    ¡°I even think the fact that he¡¯s made it this far deserves some credit on its own.¡± Lila paused, a horrifying epiphany crossing her mind. ¡°Do you reckon this is bullying?¡±

    Asher seemed to ponder this question for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°If it was, Ms Wright would put a stop to it. Besides, do you see the insane smile he¡¯s got going on?¡±

    Asher¡¯s observation was true ¨C Connor looked to be having an incredibly good time, with the broadness of his smile and the determination in his eyes. Justin was cheering him on from the sidelines, which seemed to only strengthen Connor¡¯s apparent resolve.

    They watched on intently as the game continued, with some impressive dodges and dives being employed from all the remaining students. Lila was convinced that the game would just bleed into lunch, with there being no winners in the end.

    Luckily, Lila didn¡¯t have to see this eventuality ¨C with mere minutes to spare, one of her classmates deftly decked the remaining students, resulting in a 1v1 standoff between themselves and Connor.

    ¡°Go Noah!¡± one of the girls called from the sidelines. Lila tried to see who had yelled, but couldn¡¯t from this vantage point. From what Lila knew of ¡®Noah¡¯, he was decently popular ¨C certainly a far cry from Connor.

    Eventually, though, Connor mistakenly dodged right instead of left. With the unmistakable doof of the ball hitting his shoulder, the match was over. Several of Lila¡¯s classmates cheered and carried on, with the rest slowly standing up and getting ready to head off to lunch. Ms Wright ended up waving them all off, dismissing them without missing a beat.

    Lila had survived PE with Asher with her sanity mostly intact. As she promptly headed off to the changing room, she felt rather relieved. She could be normal with Asher. She¡¯d been overthinking ¨C stressing over nothing. Before class with him, she¡¯d been most worried about blurting out her thoughts to him¡­ that¡¯d be a recipe for disaster.

    If he was still intent on remaining a virgin for some time, he¡¯d surely be repulsed by the suggestion that Lila was thinking those kinds of thoughts about him. Keeping a lid on it was the best course of action for now.

    Slinging her sports bag over her shoulder, having changed in record time, she happily exited, checking left and right to see if Asher had emerged from the boys¡¯ side of the change rooms. She didn¡¯t have to wait long for this as he stepped out, stretching his shoulders. His¡­ rather broad shoulders-

    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ Lila warned herself, taking a deep breath. She¡¯d been doing so well.

    ¡°Fancy meeting you here,¡± Asher smiled playfully at her, having evidently noticed her hovering around almost instantly.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s a big coincidence,¡± Lila replied, her voice brisker than she would¡¯ve liked. He didn¡¯t seem to notice as he gestured for Lila to walk with him along the road back to the locker room. They discussed the dodgeball match, both sounding in high spirits. Of course, Lila had to mention the fact that Asher had whacked her in the face so quickly in the beginning of the match ¨C his reaction, a spluttering, apologetic mess, was hilarious, after all.

    With a pep in her step, Lila corralled the rest of her friends (namely Elise and Grace) and they headed off to the library, three or four conversations running alongside each other at once. Apparently, everyone was excited to catch up with one another.

    Upon seating themselves and unearthing today¡¯s lunch, which consisted of Asian-inspired wraps alongside a healthy salad and a brownie for dessert, Lila launched into her tale of being a victim of Asher¡¯s impressive chest passes to the face. Immediately, everyone playfully tore into Asher, who seemed incredibly embarrassed by this turn of events.

    ¡°Hey, in my defence,¡± he said, swallowing harshly, ¡°Lila was in the way. If she wasn¡¯t just standing around spacing out, I would¡¯ve surely missed her.¡±

    ¡°It was going so fast, I couldn¡¯t even see it until it hit me in the face,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°It really feels like your excuse about trying to hit Connor was something you made up afterwards.¡±

    ¡°Nuh uh, not me.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yes you.¡±

    ¡°You really think I wanted to hurt you?¡± Asher seemed offended by this potential notion, savagely taking a bite of his wrap. Isaac, Grace and Elise were watching their conversation unfold as though it were a tennis rally, which slightly distracted Lila.

    ¡°Who knows, maybe I liked it?¡± Lila replied, the words having fallen out of her mouth before she could stop herself. As soon as she recognised what she said, and given the overwhelming silence in the meeting room that they¡¯d hijacked for lunch, Lila felt the heat emanating from her face. It honestly felt warm enough to heat up the wrap that had hardly made it to its final destination.

    ¡°If you did, then you would¡¯ve told me earlier,¡± Asher replied with a satisfied nod. ¡°Since you tell me basically everything.¡±

    ¡®Not true, on both counts,¡¯ Lila thought, her blush deepening.

    ¡°Well, kinks aside,¡± Isaac interrupted loudly, taking a large bite of his banana, ¡°anywun got weeken¡¯ planz?¡±

    Elise wrinkled her nose at Isaac in distaste as he chewed with his mouth open. ¡°Just work.¡±

    Isaac nodded at her, swallowing roughly. ¡°Well, I knew that. Tell me when you¡¯re doing something interesting, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I never do anything interesting on weekends,¡± Elise replied, her face looking as though it was suppressing a smile. ¡°Nothing at all.¡±

    ¡°How boring,¡± Isaac swiftly said, his face strangely pink. He looked at Grace, gesturing at her to speak.

    ¡°Uh, just¡­ seeing my partner,¡± Grace said after clearing her throat. ¡°We¡¯re watching a movie. That romcom that just came out.¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that out already?¡± Elise asked, sitting forward in her chair. ¡°Man, I wanna watch it. The trailers look hilarious. Let me know if it¡¯s worth it, alright? I might see if I can work around my shifts to watch it.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Grace smiled, taking a tiny bite of her carrot stick. Isaac looked thoughtful after Elise¡¯s remark. From where Lila was sitting, it was a perfect opportunity to set up a date with Elise to watch that movie. Isaac opened his mouth just as Lila finished her thought, and Lila looked at him with bated breath. Then ¨C

    ¡°Those trailers looked boring,¡± Isaac replied candidly. ¡°I thought you were into action movies?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°But a girl¡¯s gotta watch a romcom every once in a while.¡±

    It was painful, sitting there and watching Elise drop the biggest hint imaginable.

    ¡®C¡¯mon, Isaac,¡¯ Lila thought, resting her head in one of her hands. ¡®Offer to go with her already¡­¡¯

    ¡°Did you wanna watch it?¡± Asher asked, looking over at Lila. ¡°You look like you do. Maybe you should watch it with her, Lila.¡±

    ¡®Idiot!¡¯ Lila cried internally. She was so close to face palming.

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty busy,¡± Lila responded, her tone measured yet pointed. She widened her eyes at Asher, hoping to convey the idea that Isaac should go with Elise instead via her expression. Asher just blinked at her in puzzlement.

    ¡°Surely you could spare-¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t,¡± Lila replied firmly. ¡°So busy.¡±

    ¡°Surely-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m happy enough watching a movie on my own,¡± Elise interjected breezily. ¡°Since my schedule¡¯s hectic, I¡¯ve done it once or twice.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡± Lila asked, narrowing her eyes at Isaac, who returned her gaze with one of utter perplexion.

    ¡°Yeah. Besides, I wanna keep saving my money,¡± Elise shrugged. ¡°S-So I might end up picking up more shifts.¡±

    Lila watched on as Elise began to twirl a few curls that had escaped her messy ponytail. There was something distinctly coy about Elise, now that she had mentioned extra shifts. Isaac gave a long-suffering sigh before turning to Lila.

    ¡°Out with it,¡± he demanded, chucking the rest of his banana in his mouth. ¡°Woffs yer planz?¡±

    ¡°Bro, just chew with your mouth closed,¡± Lila frowned at him. He instantly shut his mouth. She glanced at Asher, unsure, suddenly, if she should mention their plans, sans farmhouse, for this weekend¡­ not that they were very fancy. Literally just hanging out, as they normally did.

    ¡°Lila¡¯s coming over to mine,¡± Asher said assertively, taking a swig of his water bottle. Elise and Grace both gasped. Lila shot them both disapproving looks.

    ¡°You guys¡¯re acting like I¡¯ve never been over before,¡± Lila grumbled.

    ¡°Just never heard Asher admit to these plans,¡± Elise said in a singsong voice.

    ¡°Not that you¡¯ve ever asked me,¡± Asher countered sensibly.

    ¡°So, you got any particular plans together?¡± Grace asked, her expression shrewd.

    ¡°Well, actually,¡± Isaac began before Asher shot him down with a single glare.

    ¡°Just hanging out,¡± Asher replied firmly, the tips of his ears reddening. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°You know, that sounds super suspicious,¡± Elise raised an eyebrow at him. ¡°You sure that¡¯s all?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± Asher said, his tone unconvincing. An expression of distaste crossed Grace¡¯s face.

    ¡°I suddenly don¡¯t want to know any more,¡± she insisted, taking a much bigger bite of her carrot stick.

    Asher began to splutter before pinching the bridge of his nose, the redness transferring from his ears to his cheeks. ¡°We¡¯re seriously doing nothing nefarious.¡±

    ¡°That, in and of itself, sounds bloody nefarious,¡± Elise cackled. ¡°You¡¯re not doing yourself any favours.¡±

    Asher turned to face Lila, his eyes pleading for her to intervene and dispel the mess he¡¯d gotten himself into. As tempted as Lila was to leave him to it, owing to how entertaining his reactions were, she supposed that she should step in.

    ¡°I feel like you guys have run off with an assumption that is definitely not going to happen,¡± Lila said brusquely. ¡°We¡¯re literally just going to hang out. Nothing more, nothing less.¡±

    Lila heard Asher cough uncomfortably, but she didn¡¯t want to look at him. Saying that, out loud, had actually taken the breath out of her lungs, leaving behind a pang in her chest. If she did look at him, she wasn¡¯t sure whether she¡¯d be able to keep it together and not cry from frustration. She wanted more ¨C that much was painfully evident. But¡­ it wasn¡¯t just about her.

    Elise, Grace and Isaac all shared a look before shrugging in unison, smoothly moving the conversation topic to Grace and Isaac¡¯s bizarre Art prompt for their next assignment ¨C ¡®growth¡¯. It was so abstract that their teacher simply smiled when students asked follow up questions, insisting that they would come to an answer that resonated with them in time.

    ¡°As much as I love Art, sometimes I just can¡¯t with Mrs Bukowski,¡± Grace sighed.

    ¡°Same,¡± Isaac lamented.

    ¡°Maybe she wants you to grow a house plant?¡± Elise offered, her tone light-hearted.

    ¡°Dunno what she wants,¡± Isaac huffed.

    ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°C¡¯mon, chuck us some ideas.¡±

    ¡°Well, I was thinking of documenting the stages of something that can grow,¡± Grace said slowly. ¡°But¡­ that sounds super boring.¡±

    ¡°I was thinking of mixing some of my old old artwork with new artwork,¡± Isaac suggested lamely. ¡°Y¡¯know, growth of me as an artist.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s actually dope,¡± Elise said excitedly. ¡°Even if you don¡¯t do that for your project, I¡¯d love to see something like that.¡±

    ¡°R-Really?¡± Isaac looked taken aback by Elise¡¯s request before his face broke into a wide, dazzling beam. ¡°I¡¯ll have to show you one day, then.¡±

    Elise looked delighted, matching his beam with one of her own.

    ¡®Ask her to the movies, dammit,¡¯ Lila thought desperately, looking between them both. It was so obvious that they should start pursuing something together, what with the warm, tender expressions they held.

    But the moment quickly faded, with Isaac still not inviting Elise to the movies ¨C or vice versa, for that matter. With a despondent sigh, Lila began to pack her lunchbox in preparation to head back to the lockers.

    A few minutes later, the group began to actually toddle along to the lockers, occupied by their conversations regarding Grace¡¯s observations of bunnies in Adelaide, complete with a presentation of photos of said bunnies from her phone.

    Then, it was time to part from Asher again. Lila reluctantly handed him her lunchbox and he smiled curiously at her as they stood just outside the locker room doors.

    ¡°You seem annoyed about something,¡± he observed as Elise, Grace and Isaac bid their farewells and retreated to their respective corners of the locker room.

    Lila waited until Elise and Isaac were well out of earshot before folding her arms impatiently. ¡°There were so many opportunities for Isaac to ask Elise out on a date and he took none of them,¡± Lila complained. ¡°Give him a talking to, will ya?¡±

    ¡°Opportunities?¡± Asher stared at Lila in confusion. ¡°What opportunities?¡±

    ¡°When she was talking about the movie she wanted to see,¡± Lila insisted.

    ¡°Wh- oh. Right. I¡¯ll chat to him,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Any other requests?¡±

    ¡°None for the moment,¡± Lila smiled, feeling far more relaxed now that Asher was onto it with Isaac.

    ¡°Roger that,¡± he grinned. ¡°See you later, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ see you later.¡±

    He began to walk off to his section of the locker room before turning around and giving her an overhead wave. She chuckled, returning it with a much more subtle one. He enthusiastically beamed before retreating further into the depths of the locker room. At least his sunshine was infectious ¨C she carried his warmth with her for the rest of her lessons that day, despite being away from him.

 Chapter One Hundred and Eight

    Chapter One Hundred and Eight

    ¡°Students, please,¡± Ms Wang called over the bustle of 11E, ¡°settle down. Please take a ribbon and sit down.¡±

    As Lila¡¯s classmates filed past Ms Wang in the gymnasium towards their marked ''11E'' seats, which were set up for their usual fortnightly assembly, she handed each student a small, black ribbon with a safety pin holding it together. From what Lila assumed, it was to serve as a ribbon of remembrance for Piper.

    Ms Wang seemed to hesitate before handing Lila a ribbon with a gentle smile.

    ¡°We just need to wear these for the assembly,¡± Ms Wang confirmed in a low voice.

    ¡°Thanks, Ms Wang,¡± Lila replied, shuffling along the row of chairs and securing the ribbon to the right side of her blazer. Elise and Grace followed behind her and they eventually sat down.

    Usually, Lila zoned out during assembly, clapping automatically at appropriate points. Today, black banners tumbled from the ceiling next to the onstage screen, demonstrating the heaviness of today¡¯s main event. The screen showed a large school photo of Piper, smiling brightly and seemingly taken at the beginning of this year ¨C none the wiser to her demise in just a few short months. Lila involuntarily gulped ¨C she¡¯d forgotten that Piper¡¯s death was to be announced formally. It looked like zoning out wouldn¡¯t be an option.

    The usual procession began, with Jason and Harper taking their places next to Mr Lockwood, alongside the Vice Captains of the Senior School, Middle School and Primary School. The heads of year for the Middle and Senior Schools, which comprised Years 7 to 12, also sat onstage, alongside the Deputy Headmaster and the Chaplain.

    Once the formalities were over, Mr Lockwood stood at the lectern, looking incredibly grim.

    ¡°Good morning, students,¡± Mr Lockwood began, clearing his throat. ¡°Today¡¯s assembly is a rather serious one.¡±

    He paused, peering over his glasses at the crowd of rapt students. ¡°Today, we are gathered to remember Ms Piper Baker. She was a student at Forestglade College from Grade 1 until the beginning of last term.¡± He paused again, his face twisting with a complicated emotion. Was he still thinking about her final moments at the College, where he expelled her? Did he feel guilty?

    ¡°Unfortunately, over the school holidays, she passed away. Whilst she was no longer a student at the time of her death, her time at Forestglade College led to her making many memories and friends, and her loss is felt by a vast number of people. We ask that you please respect her family at this time. There are extra support resources available at the Counselling Services building, and the details of her memorial are on the screen behind me.¡±

    He turned, facing the screen which had changed to display the details for a memorial over at a local crematorium. He then requested a minute of silence, before displaying a collage of images of Piper during her time at Forestglade College. Lila could hear a few students around her begin to sniffle, but there was no outright sobbing. She didn¡¯t dare look to find the sources of the crying students and instead looked ahead at Mr Lockwood, who stood awkwardly on stage as gentle music played beneath a new photo collage of Piper. Her own eyes were beginning to prickle as the sniffles grew in volume and number. Lila wondered what Asher was making of all of this. Would he be affected by it?

    Whilst she again felt more relief than sadness at Piper¡¯s death, the fact that Piper had far more friends than Lila had realised ¨C friends that now had a void that Piper¡¯s absence now left ¨C was tugging at Lila¡¯s heartstrings. She couldn¡¯t imagine how she¡¯d be able to function if¡­ well, if Asher passed away. Elise, Grace or even Isaac, too. Would she even want to go to school again? Was¡­ that why Ayla wasn¡¯t around?

    Mr Lockwood introduced a choir performance, which sang ¡®Wind Beneath Your Wings¡¯ (a song that, due to its haunting emotion, caused a tear or two to roll down Lila¡¯s face), before moving on to other items on today¡¯s agenda. The feeling of heaviness, however, never faded from the atmosphere. This probably wasn¡¯t helped by the fact that the school¡¯s administration apparently decided not to present any awards today.

    Wrapping up today¡¯s assembly was a speech from a male Grade 12 student that Lila didn¡¯t recognise. Lila couldn¡¯t quite focus on the words that he was saying as she fidgeted in her chair, but he spoke about surviving loss, as his mother passed away several years ago, and ways to excel that weren¡¯t necessarily typical. That, some days, getting up and eating could be a marker of success.

    There was not a dry eye in the room, even from Lila, by the time he finished with a sorrowful smile. The choirmaster led the school into a rendition of the school song before it was announced that the Grade 10s would be packing away the chairs today.

    As the assembly hadn¡¯t run overtime, their schedule went on as usual ¨C meaning that, once dismissed, students and teachers would scatter across campus to their respective classrooms. For Lila, this meant heading off to English.

    She hung around the back exit of the gymnasium, hoping to spot Asher in the crowd so they could walk over together. It didn¡¯t take long to see him, given he was relatively tall. He seemed rather morose, not really responding to Isaac¡¯s chatter.

    But, once his eyes met Lila¡¯s, his expression changed to one of excitement, his eyes twinkling. Isaac seemed to notice this as he stopped talking, instead choosing to smirk at Lila.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher grinned once they were in Lila¡¯s vicinity.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied, unable to stop herself from grinning in response.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna head,¡± Isaac said, clapping Asher on the shoulder. He waved goodbye at them both before strolling away, both hands in his pockets. If this was a cartoon, Lila was convinced that he would start whistling.

    ¡°Do you wanna go the fast way or the slow way to English?¡± Asher asked, looking down at Lila as they began their own journey to class.

    ¡°There¡¯s a slow way?¡± Lila queried, her lips twitching into a curious smile.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded, his expression looking bashful. ¡°We go around the STEM area, rather than past the library.¡±

    Lila glanced around, trying to see if there were any of their English classmates around.

    ¡°I¡­ wouldn¡¯t mind a decent walk,¡± she said faintly.

    ¡°Follow my lead,¡± he beamed.

    They meandered down the chosen path in a comfortable silence, with Lila looking towards the overcast sky. She was curious about Asher¡¯s thoughts on Piper¡¯s remembrance, having noticed that he still had the ribbon pinned to his blazer, but wasn¡¯t sure whether it was an appropriate time to bring it up.

    Asher seemed deep in thought for a majority of the way to English, which further added to Lila¡¯s assumption that it wasn¡¯t a good time. So, instead, she took in the fresh air and pleasant landscaping dotting their way. For being the ¡®slow way¡¯, it didn¡¯t seem that much slower to Lila at all, but it was a decidedly more scenic route.

    ¡°So,¡± Asher finally spoke up once they¡¯d passed the bustling STEM area. ¡°Intense assembly, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila concurred in a small voice. ¡°What¡¯d you think about it?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d I think?¡± Asher seemed surprised by the question before frowning ever so slightly. ¡°Probably appropriate in the circumstances. I mean, she wasn¡¯t a student anymore, but given the way she died and that she¡¯d been away from our school for, what, eight weeks or so before she died¡­ the fanfare made sense.¡±

    ¡°I wondered if Mr Lockwood felt a certain type of way about it all,¡± Lila noted with a sigh. ¡°Since he¡¯d basically just expelled her.¡±

    ¡°I reckon he feels complicated about it. She¡¯d been here since Grade 1, and he¡¯s been the Headmaster that whole time. Sure, she was a psycho stalker who didn¡¯t learn her lesson, but she was still one of his charges for a very long time. Seemed like she was relatively popular, and she participated in a few school performances, too.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila pursed her lips. ¡°¡­ Did you feel sad about it?¡±

    ¡°About the assembly?¡±

    ¡°Well, there were a few people from our cohort that were crying.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I heard them, too. Personally, it¡¯s more sad that she left people behind to mourn her. I hadn¡¯t expected that, to be honest. Given she was so¡­ yeah. I¡­ kinda think she must¡¯ve had like two personalities or something. One that was friendly enough that people wanted to stay friends with her, and one that she kept secret. For good reason, and I wish it¡¯d been kept a secret forever ¨C or better yet, never existed.¡± He paused, slipping his hands into his pockets, his eyes trained on the road. Then, he added, ¡°I kinda wonder what her friends know about her expulsion and everything that happened.¡±

    ¡°Same. I doubt she would¡¯ve told them everything. Maybe she said she decided to change schools.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like the school¡¯s very public about expulsions. It¡¯s kinda shameful.¡±

    ¡°What, taking out students that don¡¯t fit the morals and standards expected of the College? Students that break the rules?¡±

    Asher met her gaze before winking at her. ¡°Sounds like we should be expelled, too.¡±

    Lila flushed, both in embarrassment at the truth in his statement, and at the fact that he¡¯d winked at her so easily. ¡°W-Well, I just mean-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s shameful that the College had those students in the first place,¡± Asher explained. ¡°Not necessarily that they¡¯ve had to take action ¨C more so that they let them in to begin with.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡±

    Within the blink of an eye, they¡¯d arrived at their English classroom. A few students were standing around outside, talking in hushed voices about the assembly and theorising wildly about Piper¡¯s death. No one seemed to take notice of Lila or Asher, which Lila was grateful for. Until something caught her attention ¨C

    ¡°They totally did it,¡± whispered a voice that she recognised as belonging to Callum Bennett, one of Lila¡¯s English classmates that she didn¡¯t interact much with.

    ¡°What, what?¡± a voice that Lila recognised as belonging to Liam, who was good friends with Callum, whispered back.

    ¡°They totally murdered her. Asher and Lila,¡± Callum¡¯s whisper sounded satisfied at his conclusion.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking. Why?¡± Liam asked, his voice sounding louder with each syllable.

    ¡°Shut up, dude. Why? ¡®Cause they got her expelled. Obviously wasn¡¯t enough.¡±

    Lila heard Asher huff and she glanced at him. He was gritting his teeth, his eyes flashing with rage. Would he tell them off?

    Lila clutched at his blazer, catching his attention. She subtly shook her head and his jaw tightened further before relaxing entirely.

    ¡°They¡¯re just idiots spitballing,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°We¡¯ve been cleared by the police.¡±

    ¡°I feel like telling people that will make it look worse for us,¡± Asher muttered, crossing his arms against his chest in agitation.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Lila replied frankly. ¡°But all that matters is that we know we¡¯re innocent.¡±

    Asher sighed before nodding. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Ms Shard arrived not a moment later, her hair looking rather harried.

    ¡°Sorry, everyone,¡± she called out as she pushed open the door to the classroom. ¡°Had to assist the Grade 10s with the chairs. I hope you¡¯re all far more reasonable when it¡¯s your turn.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila heard a few classmates say drily in unison as they filed into the classroom behind Ms Shard.

    Ms Shard remained frazzled for the rest of the lesson, which meant that her tolerance for any kind of chatter was at an all-time low. Lila sullenly took yet more notes, though this time it wasn¡¯t as much of a flurry of information as the last lesson. Unfortunately, though, it meant her wrists weren¡¯t sore¡­ and that meant that she wouldn¡¯t have an excuse to feel Asher¡¯s touch again.

    Once class was over, Lila and Asher quietly ambled their way to the locker room. Asher seemed to be thinking about something, his lips carefully pursed. Actually, now that Lila was looking intently at him, he seemed anxious, or worried perhaps. Had the comments from their classmates affected him more than he was letting on?

    This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Lila asked as they rounded the corner to the locker room. He glanced at her before quickly averting his eyes again.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he replied quickly, opening the door for her. She passed him and he swiftly closed the door behind them.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna grab our food,¡± he said awkwardly, sidling away to his locker.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied, a slight frown on her face. He disappeared around the corner, almost at a jog.

    She placed her things in her locker before gathering Elise and Grace.

    ¡°Asher¡¯s acting¡­ odd,¡± Lila sighed as Elise locked her locker. Elise and Grace shared a look before they both turned to Lila.

    ¡°How so?¡± Grace asked, inspecting her lunch offerings before closing her locker too.

    ¡°It¡­ it¡¯s just a feeling I¡¯m getting,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ making me worried.¡±

    ¡°It is the first week of Term 3,¡± Grace reasoned. ¡°Maintaining being the Dux is hard work all year ¡®round. He¡¯s probably just stressing about his new assignments.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ but something¡¯s telling me that it¡¯s not about that,¡± Lila trailed off, seeing Asher and Isaac turn the corner and wave at them. As a group, they all took their usual path towards the library, though it seemed that no one was in much of a speaking mood.

    Sitting down in the meeting room apparently lifted the lid on everyone¡¯s conversations, however. Elise and Grace immediately began to comment on the assembly, with Isaac listening attentively.

    ¡°That was really intense,¡± Elise sighed, peeling her mandarin.

    ¡°Sure was,¡± Grace nodded, ¡°I almost cried myself.¡±

    Elise wrinkled her nose. ¡°Crying over Piper? After what happened to Lila and Asher?¡±

    ¡°It was more because everyone else was sad,¡± Grace replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Besides, there¡¯s no getting around the fact that her murder was insane.¡±

    Lila glanced uneasily at Asher, who was unearthing his lunch at half the speed and enthusiasm he normally did. Lila decided not to respond to Grace¡¯s comment and opened her own lunchbox, looking down at her chickpea curry and rice meal.

    ¡°Did you want it warmed?¡± Asher asked in a low murmur. Lila met his gaze and shook her head.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t need to be. If you¡¯re going to warm yours up, you may as well, but I don¡¯t specifically need it warmed.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said, staring down at his curry. Then he stood up, grabbing both of their containers.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be back,¡± he announced, crossing the room so rapidly that Lila couldn¡¯t even stand up in time to follow him.

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    The door swung shut behind him with a note of finality.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Elise said through a mouthful of mandarin, ¡°he is being weird.¡±

    ¡°Let the man warm his food,¡± Isaac suddenly piped up, his eyes sparkling knowingly. ¡°He¡¯s got a lot on his mind.¡±

    ¡°Wish he¡¯d tell me,¡± Lila grumbled, inspecting her lunchbox again. Today, it looked like dessert was some decadent red velvet cookies with cream cheese frosting.

    ¡°He probably will,¡± Isaac said loftily.

    ¡°Isaac, you know something don¡¯t you?¡± Elise accused.

    ¡°Me?¡± Isaac blinked before looking down at his banana. ¡°I just know when my buddy¡¯s working through some stuff.¡±

    ¡°But what stuff?¡± Elise pressed, leaning in close to Isaac. His eyes lifted to meet hers before he peeled his banana and shoved it into his mouth.

    ¡°You¡¯re avoiding the topic,¡± Elise pouted, scooting forward even closer. Isaac¡¯s face flushed as he chewed even more slowly, shuffling away from her.

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna tell me,¡± Elise huffed, crossing her arms. ¡°Out with it.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing,¡± Isaac snapped, his eyes darting to Lila before resting on Elise. ¡°Stop asking.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Elise cajoled, leaning forward even more now.

    ¡°Stop it,¡± Isaac insisted, waving his banana peel at her. ¡°Or else I¡¯ll put you into time out.¡±

    Elise pouted again before falling back into her chair. ¡°Whatever.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together, unable to keep herself from wondering what was up with Asher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Grace said gently. ¡°I know you can¡¯t help it, but¡­ if it was something to worry about, he would¡¯ve told you since you guys are close.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯m worrying,¡± Lila muttered, biting down on one of the cookies. It was heavenly and momentarily distracting for a few seconds. She took another bite, avoiding the gaze of everyone in the room.

    ¡°Came back,¡± Asher called as he pushed the door open, the scent of the curries wafting through the room.

    ¡°Smells delicious,¡± Isaac grinned. ¡°Where¡¯s mine?¡±

    ¡°You can try some of mine,¡± Asher offered it for Isaac to take from him.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Isaac shook his head. ¡°Just teasing.¡±

    Asher shrugged before passing Lila her container and sitting across from her. No one spoke as Asher and Lila began to eat, which made Lila feel incredibly anxious.

    ¡°Asher-¡± Lila began, blowing on a spoonful of curry.

    ¡°Y-Yes?¡± he responded, dropping his spoon into his curry and splashing some onto his hand. ¡°Shit,¡± he uttered, licking at the spot his food had fallen onto. Lila couldn¡¯t help but stare, watching his tongue run along his hand and wondering how it would feel-

    ¡°W-What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, hurriedly wiping the back of his hand with a napkin, his face red with apparent embarrassment. Lila clenched her jaw, forcing her eyes to look at her spoon again. Instead of answering, she shovelled a few bites into her mouth at once, chewing in time to her furious heartbeat.

    ¡°Lila?¡± he tried again after a couple moments, looking concerned now. She sighed; her heart having returned to its normal pace.

    ¡°Just¡­ never mind,¡± she said reluctantly.

    ¡°I¡¯m minding,¡± he replied simply.

    ¡°I just wondered how long you microwaved it for,¡± she lied, focusing her eyes back on the curry.

    ¡°Only a couple minutes,¡± Asher replied, his tone sprinkled with confusion. ¡°Feels like that wasn¡¯t what you wanted to talk to me about.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face flushed a deep crimson; her mind having fallen completely blank. Wasn¡¯t it about his odd behaviour? But she could hardly talk, what with the¡­ unsavoury thoughts running through her mind.

    ¡°You excited for practice tomorrow, Asher?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice called out, compelling Asher to look at him.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied noncommittally, taking a drink from his water bottle. Lila gave Isaac a grateful smile, and he gave her a slight nod in response before switching the topic to their strategy for their match against St Peters next week.

    Lila continued to eat her lunch, though every so often she¡¯d catch Asher¡¯s eye. Strangely, though, he would always immediately look elsewhere. Sustaining eye contact was proving to be a mission, but one that Lila was slightly thankful for. Her mind would probably start acting up again otherwise.

    Finally, her torment ended with the customary stretch and pack up five minutes before class was to start. She integrated herself between Grace and Elise on their walk back to the locker room, and they seemed to get the hint, engaging her in a conversation about the newest Snapchat filter that everyone and their mother seemed to be using. She could feel Asher¡¯s eyes rest on her every so often, but resisted the temptation to meet them, throwing herself deeper into her conversation with Elise and Grace.

    Once they arrived at the entrance to the locker room, Lila handed Asher her lunchbox before saying goodbye. She was about to dash off to her locker when he gripped the sleeve of her blazer, preventing her speedy escape.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, right?¡± he asked, unwavering in his eye contact. He looked incredibly serious, his face somewhat seeming more pale than usual.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila smiled tentatively, gently removing herself from his grasp. ¡°See you then.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± he replied, sounding relieved. He smiled at her before turning around and heading off to his locker, his gait seeming stiffer than usual. What was up with him today?

    ¡°You coming to your locker?¡± Grace asked from Lila¡¯s right side, the sudden question making Lila jump.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila uttered, following Grace. ¡°Sorry. Was I blocking the way?¡±

    ¡°A bit,¡± Elise chuckled from Lila¡¯s left side. ¡°C¡¯mon, spacey.¡±

    The rest of Lila¡¯s day continued relatively normally, given her classes didn¡¯t involve Asher at all. She was able to get him out of her mind, actually, which she considered a success as she heaved herself into her seat on the bus home. Today, there was no Daniel ¨C but, from what she could recall, he was most likely at touch footy practice.

    Once inside her house, she poured herself a cup of juice, contemplating how best to ask her parents if she could stay over at Asher¡¯s tomorrow. As she pondered this, she realised, with a sinking feeling, that¡­ if she stayed over, with those thoughts ruling her mind, she¡¯d probably go insane. It was a terrible idea, now that she considered it.

    In saying that, though, she¡¯d more or less said that she would¡­ and it wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t want to. She just needed to get better at preventing her intrusive thoughts from infiltrating her consciousness. That¡­ probably needed practice.

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Clare¡¯s voice startled Lila, though she caught herself in time, safely stowing the juice box onto the counter before it could smash onto the tiles. She turned to face her sister, considering whether she should ask Clare what to do about all of this, before gasping.

    ¡°Clare!¡± Lila cried, astonished. ¡°Clare, you got a fringe!¡±

    Clare¡¯s face split into a wide beam as she tugged at her new fringe. ¡°Sure did. Couple hours ago. How do ya like it?¡±

    ¡°It looks great,¡± Lila replied earnestly, turning back to the counter to pour her sister a cup of juice. ¡°How much did you spend?¡±

    ¡°Ugh,¡± Clare¡¯s voice was filled with disgust as she answered Lila¡¯s question. ¡°$65.¡±

    ¡°Disgusting,¡± Lila said sympathetically, passing the cup over to Clare, who thanked her.

    ¡°Yeah, but it had been a hot minute since I went to the hairdresser. They freshened up my layers, at least, and I think they did a good job with these curtain bangs.¡±

    ¡°They sure did,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Now I wanna get them.¡±

    Clare grinned back at Lila. ¡°Maybe you should. You can always trust your test dummy sis.¡±

    Lila laughed before taking a sip of juice. A new question brewed in her mind as she eyed her sister who used her selfie camera to inspect her new fringe.

    ¡°Did you end up talking to Alex?¡±

    Clare froze, staring wide-eyed at Lila. ¡°N-Not really,¡± she confessed, putting her phone down.

    Lila nodded shrewdly. ¡°Thought so. Getting a fringe to avoid talking to him sounds up your alley.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡± Clare protested before sighing heavily. ¡°¡­ You¡¯re right, though.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen him at work since we last talked?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡­ I asked if we could talk and¡­ he kinda brushed me off. Said ¡®about what?¡¯ and I was all like ¡®about us?¡¯ and he went all quiet and said he was busy this week. Busy with what?¡± Clare sullenly drank some juice before staring down into her cup. ¡°Busy banging other girls, probably.¡±

    ¡°Clare,¡± Lila sighed, putting her cup down. ¡°You¡¯re on a break¡­ so is it really reasonable to be upset about that?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Clare admitted in a small voice. ¡°But I don¡¯t wanna be on a break. I¡­ wanna do this thing for real.¡±

    ¡°You probably spooked him,¡± Lila said. ¡°Saying ¡®about us¡¯ is so vague. He probably wants to, I dunno, mentally prepare for the worst or something.¡±

    ¡°What if the worst for him is that I want to be serious?¡± Clare responded, her voice even quieter than before. ¡°Then what?¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ I guess you have to move on¡­ enjoy being single again.¡±

    Clare groaned in frustration before downing the rest of her juice and slamming her empty cup onto the counter. ¡°Well, that fucking sucks.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°It does. But what else can you do?¡±

    ¡°Run away from it forever and not date anyone ever?¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want,¡± Lila shrugged, raising an eyebrow at Clare. ¡°But¡­ I think you should try. Maybe see if he¡¯s free this weekend sometime.¡±

    Clare closed her eyes with a grimace before exhaling deeply. ¡°Alright. Maybe he¡¯ll like me more with my fringe.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure he¡¯ll like you with and without a fringe. You look good. Don¡¯t worry about that, at least.¡±

    Clare pressed her lips together before hanging her head. ¡°Alright, alright. You win. I¡¯ll try harder. Even if it doesn¡¯t work¡­ then at least I tried.¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°That¡¯s all you can ask for.¡±

    Clare tapped the edge of her cup before looking intently at Lila.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± she asked, tilting her head to the side. ¡°Can¡¯t have all our conversations be about my woes.¡±

    ¡°A-Ah¡­ well¡­¡± Lila coughed awkwardly, sipping more of her juice. ¡°Um¡­ I have been having some troubles¡­¡±

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°About¡­ keeping¡­ my thoughts in check.¡±

    ¡°Your thoughts in check?¡± Clare looked entirely bewildered as she poured herself some more juice. ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    Lila turned around, suddenly far too embarrassed to look at Clare as she spoke. ¡°¡­ I¡¯ve been¡­ having stupid thoughts about Asher. You know, those types. When I¡¯m with him, and when I¡¯m without him. I can¡¯t even enjoy the moment ¡®cause I¡¯m too worried about¡­ I dunno, acting on them. Since we¡¯re not dating, and¡­ I don¡¯t even know if he¡¯d be interested in all that. There¡¯s something wrong with me for sure.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Clare responded incredulously. ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong with you. Seriously. I mean¡­ we¡¯ve all been there. My advice would¡¯ve been just to go for it, but your whole situation is so complicated. I don¡¯t really know what you should do. Have you tried telling him?¡±

    Lila whirled around, her face feeling as though she¡¯d been set on fire. ¡°No, no, no! Never. I¡¯m never telling him that. How embarrassing.¡±

    Clare smiled at Lila, a playful twinkle in her eye. ¡°Lila, I can almost guarantee that whatever you¡¯re thinking about, he¡¯s thinking about too. Like¡­ teenage boys are something else.¡±

    ¡°I doubt it,¡± Lila shook her head to emphasise her point. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ always so studious. He¡¯d never compromise on that by thinking such¡­ stupid things.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not stupid,¡± Clare replied shortly. ¡°It¡¯s literally the most normal thing at your age. Heck, even mine, too. What do you think I¡¯ve been thinking about while I¡¯ve been moping around at home?¡±

    Lila fell silent, unsure what to say. Though¡­ Clare¡¯s reassurance did help her feel a little better. Perhaps she wasn¡¯t as out of line as she thought she was.

    ¡°Look, you¡¯ll get better at restraining your thoughts,¡± Clare said gently. ¡°You¡¯re just¡­ well, I hope it¡¯s relatively recent. It¡¯s just taking you by surprise, that¡¯s all. It doesn¡¯t help that you feel like you can¡¯t act on these thoughts, though I¡¯m sure if you talked to him, he wouldn¡¯t mind helping you out.¡±

    Lila bit her bottom lip, her face still feeling hot. ¡°You really think nothing¡¯s wrong with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Clare replied seriously. ¡°Don¡¯t stress about it.¡±

    Lila hesitated before smiling at Clare. ¡°Thanks, Clare. You¡¯ve helped me feel a bit better about it all. I¡­ don¡¯t know how I¡¯ll cope, but¡­ at least knowing I¡¯m not this weird anomaly helps.¡±

    ¡°No worries. When do you see him next anyway?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Tomorrow¡­ and I¡¯m gonna ask Mum if I can stay over tomorrow night.¡±

    ¡°Oh God,¡± Clare looked horrified. ¡°You sure you¡¯ll survive if it¡¯s that bad?¡±

    ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know. But¡­ I don¡¯t want to not stay over, just because my brain is¡­ how it is. Besides¡­ I really like him. I don¡¯t want to¡­ I dunno. I¡­¡±

    Lila¡¯s words failed her as she tried to think hard about what she was feeling.

    ¡°I get it,¡± Clare said gently. ¡°Since you¡¯ve already stayed over once, I don¡¯t think Mum¡¯ll say no. She¡¯s already opened the door to it. Plus, our parents do actually like him.¡±

    ¡°They do?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯m sure if he didn¡¯t have parents, they¡¯d want to adopt him,¡± Clare joked. ¡°I think they¡¯ll just settle on him being a son-in-law.¡±

    Lila laughed nervously in response. Son-in-law?

    ¡°I¡¯m only joking,¡± Clare clarified. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. They do like him, though. You¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    They briefly chatted some more about other things that were going on ¨C including Lila¡¯s hopes for getting Elise and Isaac together ¨C before Lila finally headed upstairs. Her parents arrived home soon after, and Lila tentatively asked to speak with her Mum in the kitchen, since Daniel, Clare and her Dad were all hanging out in the living room with Lila¡¯s Mum. She didn¡¯t want everyone to hear her plans for tomorrow, just in case her Mum declined.

    Lila¡¯s Mum took the opportunity to cut up some apples to share with the family, looking encouragingly at Lila.

    ¡°Yes, Lila?¡± she asked, offering Lila a slice.

    ¡°Can I stay over at Asher¡¯s tomorrow?¡± Lila asked, accepting the slice but looking instead at her feet than her Mum.

    Lila¡¯s Mum paused her cutting before sighing. ¡°Lila¡­¡±

    ¡°I know you still don¡¯t like him-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said firmly. ¡°You can stay over. I already said yes to you before. But¡­ please stay at his home.¡±

    Lila blinked at her Mum in confusion. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Lila, a murderer is out there,¡± her Mum replied, her face turning paler by the second. ¡°I want to say no because I know you¡¯re safe here with me at home. But¡­ I trust that you¡¯ll be just as safe with Asher. You just have to promise me that you¡¯ll stay at his place as much as you can.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Alright,¡± Lila promised. ¡°I wasn¡¯t planning to go anywhere. But¡­ when will it be safe enough for me to go out?¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum pressed her lips together before shaking her head. ¡°Probably never.¡±

    Lila tried not to look disappointed as she picked up another apple slice.

    ¡°So¡­ let me think about it, okay?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said, patting Lila¡¯s head gently. ¡°Just not now.¡±

    ¡°Okay, Mum. Thanks. I¡­ I know you¡¯re just looking out for me.¡±

    ¡°As long as you know that. Now, take these to your father and siblings,¡± her Mum smiled, thrusting several bowls of fruit at Lila. Lila returned her smile before heading into the living room and serving out the bowls as requested.

    They spent the rest of the night almost entirely in the living room, eating pizza rather than cooking. It was a nice change, actually, and Lila went to bed feeling the warmth of her family bonds soothe her to sleep, her worries about staying with Asher tomorrow having all but faded away.

 Chapter One Hundred and Nine

    Chapter One Hundred and Nine

    Lila woke far earlier than she intended to, shivering intensely under her blankets. It was a disgusting 10 degrees Celsius in her room, and therefore a massive slog to get herself sorted for sport. While she knew, logically, that hockey practice would help defrost her, her main concern was actually doing the practice whilst feeling so cold.

    As she begrudgingly hauled herself to the shower, she could hear the wind lashing against the windows of her house. So, not only was it cold, but it was also windy. A match made in hell for someone living in Forestglade.

    Quivering in her sports uniform after having left behind a cloud of hot steam in the bathroom, Lila flicked on the ducted heater for the top floor of the house. She hoped that she¡¯d be able to feel the heat by the time she had to go, but it was awfully slow going despite the loudness of the yawning fan of the system.

    With nothing else to do, Lila packed her overnight bag with trepidation. She¡¯d confirmed with Asher last night that she would be staying, and he¡¯d responded happily enough¡­ but was he actually happy that she¡¯d be staying over? He¡¯d suggested it, but it seemed to be more out of convenience than anything else.

    It still seemed as though it would just be a casual hang out over the weekend, so she packed with that in mind. A book or two, some comfortable pyjamas, and casual clothes, along with toiletries¡­

    She glanced at her desk before remembering, with a rush of embarrassment, that she¡¯d need to pack the Pill as well ¨C something that she hadn¡¯t needed to last time. She pulled her current packet out from her desk drawer and slipped it into her toiletry bag as though someone was watching her do something nefarious. Of course, she was entirely alone, but it still felt as though¡­ well, as if it confirmed what was on her shameful mind over this past week.

    She¡¯d have to take it when Asher wasn¡¯t looking, in case he thought she was expecting something to happen. Which, she wasn¡¯t. Expecting and wanting were two very different concepts, after all.

    With a sigh, Lila continued to rummage through her belongings, triple checking that she was packed and ready for the weekend as well as hockey. With half an hour to spare, she brought her bags and hockey stick down, mentally running through her manoeuvres and skills that she¡¯d been learning, along with tactics that she¡¯d need to employ against St Peters.

    There was only so much thinking that she could do about hockey, however. As time ticked closer and closer to when she needed to leave for practice, it also meant that time ticked closer to staying over at Asher¡¯s place. Heart throbbing in her chest, she desperately tried to run through her list of things that she could do with Asher that didn¡¯t involve looking too closely at him, or just giving in to the idea of being friends with benefits. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t as bad of an idea as she¡¯d thought, despite her sister¡¯s warning. Maybe it¡¯d help her stop from going insane from having to suppress all these desires.

    Lila clapped her face with both of her hands, dispelling the thought. She would stand firm. She¡¯d never felt this way about anyone else ¨C emotionally, romantically or sexually. It was of utmost importance for her to do things right ¨C to give it the best chance at succeeding. After all¡­ if they tried to start dating and it didn¡¯t work out, Lila had no idea what she would do. Would it ruin their friendship? She couldn¡¯t have that outcome, either. So, she needed to be strong ¨C not give in to what she was feeling, no matter enticing the idea of acting out her thoughts was.

    She wondered if perhaps that was why Asher was lingering on the idea of dating, too. Was he just as concerned as she was about it all?

    ¡°You¡¯re going to get so many wrinkles,¡± Clare¡¯s voice drifted to Lila, breaking her out of her thoughts. Bemused by the comment, she turned to Clare, who was still dressed in her pyjamas and stretching her arms by the entrance to the living room.

    ¡°You¡¯re frowning up a storm,¡± Clare explained with a yawn. ¡°Ready to go?¡±

    ¡°I thought Mum or Dad was taking me,¡± Lila replied, obediently picking up her bags. Clare shrugged.

    ¡°They were, but I asked to drop you off.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say, with the look on your face when I walked in here, I¡¯m glad I took the burden off our parents,¡± Clare smirked, swinging her keys on her index finger. ¡°Do you need a hand?¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m good.¡±

    Climbing into Clare¡¯s car was a mission, owing to the number of bags Lila had, as well as her hockey stick.

    ¡°Looks like you¡¯re running away for a week,¡± Clare snorted, helping Lila place her bags in the back from the driver¡¯s seat.

    ¡°I¡¯m just preparing,¡± Lila replied sulkily.

    ¡°For what? War?¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Clare laughed, clipping her seatbelt on. ¡°Have you reached your limbo limit? If he doesn¡¯t ask you out, you¡¯re gonna fight him or something?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡± Lila sighed, clipping her seatbelt on too, watching the scenery slowly change as Clare backed out of the driveway. ¡°But¡­ it would¡¯ve been helpful to have an estimate as to how long he¡¯d take to decide whether or not he¡¯d want to date me.¡±

    ¡°Hearing you say that kinda stuff makes me feel worse about the Alex situation,¡± Clare mumbled as they turned around a roundabout. ¡°I never told him how long I wanted our break to be.¡±

    ¡°Did you find out if he¡¯s available this weekend?¡±

    Clare tightened her grip on the steering wheel, looking intently at the road. ¡°Chickened out.¡±

    ¡°Clare¡­¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. I said I¡¯d try¡­ but it¡¯s terrifying. Honestly, the fact that he agreed so easily to a break scared the shit outta me. Like I was being rejected already.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t know until you ask,¡± Lila replied sensibly. ¡°Working up the courage to tell Asher I liked him was really scary, then he laughed at me. But¡­ I guess it¡¯s been fine in the end. So far. Well, besides the fact that he¡¯s been confusing me.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not really selling this whole being brave thing.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Clare sighed deeply, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m just being silly, I know. I¡¯ll ask if he¡¯s free once I drop you off.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Their silence was punctuated by Clare¡¯s EDM beats for a minute or so before Clare spoke again.

    ¡°Have any luck with beating back your thoughts?¡± she asked, a small smile tugging at her lips.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila said sullenly. ¡°I actually think it¡¯s gotten worse.¡±

    ¡°What, you¡¯re thinking even dirtier thoughts?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ my anxiety about this whole weird situation I¡¯m in with Asher. I briefly considered just going for a friends with benefits thing, to stop from going crazy over here. But¡­ I don¡¯t want to ruin the potential of our possible relationship. Like¡­ if I give it up too easily, without dating properly, what¡¯s the point in dating for real? Then, of course, what if our relationship, if we do start dating, ends up failing? Do I lose my best friend then?¡±

    ¡°I know it sounds hypocritical of me, but I think you need to just take this all one step at a time. You¡¯re worrying about a future that¡¯s not even an option right now, ¡®cause you¡¯d have to date him first for it to fail. Not that I think it will fail.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t think it will?¡± Lila¡¯s voice was small and hopeful as she cradled her phone in her lap, thumbing the side for comfort.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Clare smiled confidently. ¡°He¡¯s liked you for too long, and you two work so well together despite this weird situationship you¡¯re in. I can only imagine how it¡¯ll go once you get over this hurdle. You just have to make sure you communicate as best you can. Otherwise, you¡¯ll be like your hapless older sister.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not hapless. Just silly.¡±

    ¡°Haplessly silly. Either way, do as I say, not as I do, alright? That goes for most things, including being a dancer at a club.¡±

    Lila half-heartedly smiled. ¡°Alright, sis.¡±

    ¡°Good, good.¡±

    They spent the rest of the drive talking about Lila¡¯s upcoming game and avoiding the topic of Asher entirely. Lila suspected that this was intentional on Clare¡¯s part, so didn¡¯t try to bring him up.

    Then, Lila was suddenly at Jacoval, laden with her bags and hockey stick, about to say goodbye to an encouraging Clare.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Clare said out the window with a firm nod. ¡°Thoughts are just thoughts, after all. You¡¯re not any worse for having them, even if they¡¯re frustrating you. If you keep worrying about it, their power over you will just increase.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Clare,¡± Lila sighed, hoisting her bags on her shoulder. ¡°I¡¯ll try and keep that in mind.¡±

    ¡°If you need rescuing, I¡¯m sure Mum or Dad will come get you. Unfortunately, I¡¯m working tonight.¡±

    ¡°You better follow through on your promise to try,¡± Lila said, narrowing her eyes at Clare. Clare bashfully smiled at Lila.

    ¡°How about I text you what he says when I ask if he¡¯s free so that you can see that I did try,¡± Clare suggested. Lila nodded enthusiastically and Clare chuckled before saying, ¡°See you on Sunday.¡±

    ¡°See you then, sis.¡±

    They both waved at each other before Clare slowly rolled out of the carpark. With a deep breath, Lila turned towards the changing room and dumped her bags inside, before leaving with a water bottle and hockey stick in her hands.

    Stepping onto the field, Lila was incredibly upset by the fact that she was so cold, so early in the morning. She placed her water bottle in the grass by the collection that was already there and immediately launched into some dynamic stretches, including jogging on the spot, in an effort to keep warm.

    As she stretched into a deep lunge, her hands on her hips, she looked over towards the soccer team, wondering if Asher had arrived yet.

    With a skip in her heartbeat, her eyes landed squarely on him, laughing with Isaac as they stretched. She smiled, glad to see that he was in high spirits this morning. Suddenly, they both looked in Lila¡¯s direction before they both glanced at Mr Kovac, who seemed to be busy on the phone. They quickly sprinted towards her, with identical grins.

    ¡°Morning!¡± Isaac called.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Asher added, stopping short of her, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.

    ¡°Morning, Asher. Morning, Isaac,¡± Lila grinned, standing up from her lunge. ¡°You two seem happy this morning.¡±

    ¡°You know,¡± Isaac began before Asher swung a leg out, connecting with his shinpad.

    ¡°I know what?¡± Lila asked, looking between them both with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Asher said quickly, avoiding her eyes, instead looking up at the sky. ¡°Just glad that the soccer season¡¯s heating up again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad too,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Though, I¡¯m not keen to face off against St Peters.¡±

    ¡°Eugh,¡± Isaac shuddered. ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°A-Anyway, we should head back,¡± Asher interjected, looking towards Mr Kovac, who was still on the phone. ¡°See you after practice.¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila replied softly, watching them jog back towards their side of the oval. She saw Asher lightly bop Isaac on the head before they returned to their stretching routines.

    Despite the gruelling practice, Lila could hardly keep her eyes off Asher. There was something about him today, with the way he carried himself, that constantly drew her attention. He seemed so full of life this morning, his dazzling beam and laughter without fail acting as a magnet for Lila¡¯s eyes. He even seemed to be joking around with Theo and Zack, which surprised Lila to no end.

    Then, of course, as the morning wore on, and his face turned pinker, the sweat catching in his chestnut-brown hair, Lila found herself wildly attracted to his appearance. Her mind began to race as it wondered in what other scenarios he could look like this-

    ¡°OW!¡± Lila cried as a slap rang out from her left thigh, dropping her hockey stick and herself to the floor. A bashful Willow jogged over to her, apologising profusely, ignoring the hockey ball that had flown off in the distance from the impact.

    ¡°I thought you¡¯d get out the way,¡± Willow gasped, sucking in the air as though she¡¯d lost all her breath. She extended her hand out to Lila to help her stand whilst saying yet again, ¡°I¡¯m so sorry!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry,¡± Lila winced as she accepted Willow¡¯s hand, gingerly applying some weight to her left leg. ¡°I was the idiot who¡¯s not paying attention.¡±

    ¡°Still lost in your thoughts?¡± Willow asked with a small, sympathetic smile. ¡°As much as I want to encourage you figuring it out, perhaps you should try and focus on practice instead.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila mumbled, her face burning a bright red. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Willow winked, walking over to the hockey ball. ¡°Let¡¯s practice.¡±

    Willow roped Alice into completing a few drills with Lila as well, which helped Lila refocus her mind on hockey for now. It did also help that every time her eyes strayed towards the soccer field, Willow or Alice admonished her ¨C even if it was embarrassing.

    Finally, practice was over with a final pep talk from Ms Wright in preparation of their match against St Peters next Saturday. Lila trudged off Jacoval, feeling no more inspired than before Ms Wright¡¯s speech, the anticipation of hanging out with Asher eating away at her stomach. Should she say she was sick and go home?

    Before she could get very far in this half-baked plan, the sound of wet footsteps rushing through the grass towards her caught her attention.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher said breathlessly, his chest heaving against the water bottle he¡¯d brought with him, stopping a metre or so in front of her. He was still sweaty, his face glowing from a good workout, a fact that Lila tried to miss but was too irresistible to ignore. ¡°How was practice?¡±

    ¡°P-Practice?¡± For a moment, Lila¡¯s mind was blank as to which practice he was talking about before settling on hockey, rather than practice at keeping her thoughts in check. Which she was sorely failing at. ¡°Uh, it¡­ was alright.¡±

    ¡°Saw you got clobbered by a hockey ball,¡± Asher observed, his breathing more regular. He looked down at her legs before quickly looking away, his right hand jumping to the back of his neck. ¡°You alright?¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lila replied automatically. She awkwardly cleared her throat and added, ¡°I mean, yeah it hurt for a minute, maybe, but it¡¯s okay now.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher trailed off, looking towards where the rest of the soccer boys were meandering. ¡°Uh, I didn¡¯t bring anything with me besides this water bottle. I¡¯m guessing you brought some stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded, glancing at the changing rooms. ¡°I¡¯ll go grab it.¡±

    She began to walk away, hockey stick in tow, before Asher grabbed the back of her hockey stick. ¡°Let me take this and your bottle,¡± he insisted.

    She let the hockey stick slip from her grasp and handed him her water bottle, now suddenly unsure about what to do with her hands. She settled for holding them together, swiftly spinning around and marching towards the changing room.

    Lila didn¡¯t even peek at who else was in the changing room, scooping up all her bags as quickly as she could and hurrying back out immediately. She almost bumped directly into Asher, who had evidently followed her to the hallway outside.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± he chuckled, taking stock of all her bags. ¡°Here, give me one.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°I know you are,¡± he said seriously, ¡°so am I. C¡¯mon.¡±

    Lila reluctantly allowed him to take the top bag, pulling the other two onto her shoulders. With a satisfied nod, Asher gestured for Lila to head towards the carpark.

    Isaac emerged from behind the external corner of the changing room, grinning from ear to ear.

    ¡°Excited for the weekend?¡± he asked, walking backwards ahead of them both. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± she said, looking behind Isaac¡¯s shoulder rather than at his devilishly mischievous face.

    ¡°Probably should-¡±

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Asher sighed, his tone in between resignation and admonishment. ¡°We¡¯ll see you next week.¡±

    Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

    Isaac threw his hands up in the air, feigning a look of absolute innocence. ¡°Yeah, yeah. Alright, I¡¯ll piss off.¡±

    Isaac gave Lila another grin before spinning around and sprinting away, both arms splayed beside him like bird wings, his shoes tossing up blades of grass in his wake. Lila could have sworn she heard him make a plane sound but tried not to think too hard about it.

    Asher shook his head, sighing deeply.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, glancing at his face. His eyes seemed strangely guarded as they flickered elsewhere ahead of them.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Damn, what¡¯d you pack in this bag?¡±

    ¡°A couple textbooks.¡±

    ¡°Jesus, Lila,¡± Asher laughed incredulously. ¡°I thought we weren¡¯t studying this weekend.¡±

    ¡°I just¡­ brought them along, just in case.¡±

    ¡°In case of what? Emergency maths problems that you have to solve?¡± his voice was light ¨C teasing. His eyes crinkled in mirth as he looked at her, and she nudged him.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be rude,¡± she said playfully. ¡°I thought we could be productive for a change.¡±

    ¡°Productive, huh¡­¡± Asher¡¯s face turned a slight pink shade as he led Lila towards the carpark. Lila wondered what he was thinking about that would turn his face that colour ¨C surely the idea of studying wasn¡¯t blush-worthy, even for the Dux.

    After a few seconds of silent walking, Asher spoke again. ¡°By the way, Gabriel¡¯s cooking at home today.¡±

    ¡°Oh, why?¡± Lila asked, trying not to sound too excited. She was starting to get rather hungry, now that her body had cooled down from exercising.

    Asher shrugged, surveying the carpark carefully. ¡°Beats me. Sometimes he does that. Maybe he¡¯s taken leave from the club?¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Asher glanced at her, his eyes twinkling. ¡°I can see you¡¯re really pleased about that fact.¡±

    ¡°What can I say? His cooking¡¯s brilliant and I¡¯m starving.¡±

    ¡°Starving, you say?¡± Asher repeated, looking thoughtful. ¡°I mean, I can ask if he can get lunch ready by the time we get there, but I really want to shower and get changed.¡±

    Lila looked down at her uniform, which was decidedly rather gross after she¡¯d gotten her head back into practice. ¡°That sounds like a good idea.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher murmured. Then, he pointed out Marlene¡¯s car. ¡°Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    As usual, Marlene pleasantly greeted Lila and Asher, waiting for them to get settled into the car before setting off in silence towards Asher¡¯s house. Lila stared out the window at the surroundings as they flashed past, her mind wandering to what they¡¯d be doing for the rest of the day. Well, besides¡­ showering.

    She¡¯d showered at his place before, but that was without the insistence of her intrusive thoughts. Now that she¡¯d had some time to sit with them, she begrudgingly allowed herself to call them what they were rather than dancing around the issue ¨C unequivocally lewd. Awful, shameful and embarrassing to confront that side of her, but¡­ there was no use pretending otherwise.

    The revelation of such, of course, coupled with the idea that she¡¯d be naked in his house, made her feel incredibly awkward. Clare¡¯s assertion that it was normal at her age was the only thing that allowed her to keep going ¨C otherwise, she would¡¯ve either died of embarrassment inside this car or requested to go home.

    Then¡­ there was Clare¡¯s other assertion¡­ one that made Lila¡¯s heart flip with a heavy thump. The one where¡­ perhaps¡­ Asher was thinking similar things. If that was the case, then she¡¯d be okay to keep having these thoughts, daydreams and desires ¨C they weren¡¯t unpleasant by any means by themselves, after all.

    But what if he wasn¡¯t? Then she was the weird one.

    She folded her arms across her chest, sighing in abject frustration.

    ¡°Everything alright back there?¡± Asher asked, turning around in his seat to look at her. She squeaked in response, huddling close to the window so he couldn¡¯t see much of her.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she stammered. ¡°All good.¡±

    He looked doubtful but didn¡¯t add anything else, instead returning to his original position. Lila¡¯s heart raced ¨C that had been a close one. If he was a mind reader that could specifically read her mind when her guard was down, her life would be over.

    Now looking at the scenery, Lila could tell that they were very close to his house now. Though it was still ridiculously cold outside, Lila contemplated taking a cold shower ¨C one that would knock the thoughts right out of her from shock.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s head upstairs,¡± Asher suggested as he unbuckled himself. Lila wordlessly followed suit, bringing her belongings with her.

    Lila placed her feet in the slippers left aside for her by Marlene and shuffled her way to the stairs connecting to the rumpus room, her legs suddenly feeling weighed down, as if her blood had been replaced with lead.

    ¡°Lila!¡± Gabriel¡¯s cheery voice called out to her as she approached the kitchen. She turned to face him with a smile. He was dressed in his usual cheffing attire, his face adorned with the widest beam that she¡¯d ever seen from him.

    ¡°You look to be in a good mood, Gabriel,¡± Lila smiled, the lead slowly draining from her legs.

    ¡°I¡¯m in a wonderful mood, Lila. Best mood I¡¯ve had for a very long time,¡± Gabriel confirmed, his beam still as wide as before. ¡°In fact, I think this is the best mood anyone¡¯s ever had in the history of ever.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°Really? Why¡¯s that? You¡¯re here on your day off, you know.¡±

    Gabriel waved a hand jovially. ¡°When you¡¯re a private chef and run a night club, you never have a day off. No, today I¡¯ve made a special appearance because I enjoy cooking and I heard you were coming for a visit.¡±

    Lila grinned at Gabriel. ¡°I feel honoured.¡±

    ¡°As you should,¡± he nodded, his eyes resting on Asher for just a moment. ¡°Alright, I shan¡¯t keep you. I¡¯ve gotta get to work.¡±

    Lila waved as he disappeared into the butler¡¯s pantry, Marlene following closely behind him.

    ¡°He seems really happy,¡± Lila observed with a smile as she and Asher continued on their path to his rumpus room.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Asher muttered. ¡°Sure does.¡±

    ¡°Anything good happen to him?¡±

    ¡°Beats me,¡± Asher shrugged noncommittally. ¡°I¡¯ve hardly seen him all week, remember.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips as they ascended the stairs, trying to think of a plausible reason for Gabriel¡¯s mood. Perhaps whatever Asher¡¯s Dad had said to him, after Gabriel yelled, was good news. Except¡­ the only good news that Lila could think of, in relation to Gabriel essentially being lied to as to the status of Asher¡¯s Mum, was that Asher¡¯s Dad said she was alive and okay¡­ but that seemed very unlikely, over six months since her disappearance. Plus, Asher would¡¯ve surely been the first to know that information, yet he hadn¡¯t said anything of the sort.

    Asher opened the door for Lila and she headed inside the rumpus room, crossing it immediately to the spare room and placing her things down next to the bed. Those textbooks certainly weren¡¯t light.

    Asher appeared in the doorway just as she placed the bag containing her clothes and toiletries on the bed, his expression oddly anxious.

    ¡°You can have a shower first,¡± he said, staring at a spot on the wall behind Lila rather than meeting her eyes.

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied, her voice incredibly soft.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll be in my room,¡± Asher added, still avoiding eye contact. He began to fidget with his hands before shoving them in his pockets. ¡°I¡¯ll, uh, hear when you¡¯ve finished up. So don¡¯t worry about telling me you¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They stood there for a few moments, not even looking at each other, before Asher nodded, turning curtly on his heel and disappearing into the rumpus room. Lila waited for the sound of his bedroom door to close before rummaging through her bag and pulling out what she wanted to wear. A nice, maroon turtleneck and some loose jeans looked to be the ¡®fit for the arvo.

    She brought her outfit and toiletries to the bathroom, setting them down with a sigh. She slowly undressed, facing the shower. Thankfully, Asher was in his room rather than just a couple metres outside on the couch. It helped to ease Lila into her shower routine with far less nervousness than she¡¯d expected.

    ¡®Just go through the motions. Get in, get out. If you¡¯re quick, you won¡¯t have time to dwell,¡¯ she thought firmly to herself as she opened the tap for the shower.

    She immediately decided against having a cold shower as the initial blast of water almost froze her hand off. The warmth of the shower she did end up having worked hard to soothe her aching muscles, and she felt much better overall. It also had the welcome side effect of erasing all thoughts from her mind ¨C well, besides how the water felt against her skin.

    She almost didn¡¯t want to get out, but reluctantly did so once she was finished with her routine. Towelling herself dry, she set up the blow drier and dried her hair, the loud fan also having the welcome side effect of erasing all thoughts from her mind.

    When she finally left the bathroom, a cloud of steam following her departure, Lila couldn¡¯t see Asher anywhere, though she did hear his shower running. She scurried across to the spare room, placing her dirty clothes in a separate bag that she¡¯d prepared earlier and squishing said bag deeply into her duffle so it wasn¡¯t sitting on top. She wasn¡¯t exactly sure why she did this, since it wasn¡¯t as though Asher would go through her things, but it made her feel less anxious about him accidentally seeing things she didn¡¯t want him to see.

    Checking her reflection in the mirror, she supposed she was decent enough to hang out with him on the couch and trudged outside with a yawn. She still didn¡¯t see him, but the distant sound of running water had halted. With a sigh, she selected a set of joycons and curled up in her usual spot on the couch, browsing absentmindedly through YouTube on the Switch.

    Nothing was particularly piquing her interest, so she deferred to the list of games, considering which ones to try out after they finished the one they¡¯d been playing. Once she was done with that, she checked out the News section to see what was coming out soon.

    Just as she started up the trailer for Pikmin 4, set to be released next week, she heard Asher¡¯s door open.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said as she looked up, before halting altogether. Instead of something casual, like tracksuit pants and a t-shirt that she¡¯d been expecting Asher to wear, he was in a carefully pressed white polo shirt and similarly neat, tan chino pants. His hair was also styled and he looked clean-shaven.

    ¡°You look fancy,¡± Lila managed to say lightly, clearing her throat and adjusting herself on the couch to ensure he had room.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied in a low voice, sitting extraordinarily straight in his usual spot. ¡°Pikmin, huh?¡±

    ¡°Wh- oh, yeah,¡± Lila could feel the heat rising in her cheeks as she looked back at the screen. ¡°Uh, it¡­ comes out next week. It looks like fun.¡±

    Asher nodded, reaching for a set of joycons. ¡°Should we get it?¡±

    ¡°We?¡±

    He glanced at her before looking back at the trailer, which was still paused. ¡°I-I mean, I wouldn¡¯t be playing it by myself.¡±

    ¡°I guess that makes sense,¡± Lila trailed off, pressing ¡®play¡¯. They watched the trailer in silence, Lila¡¯s heart beating strangely in her chest. There was something weird in the atmosphere again ¨C something that she couldn¡¯t quite articulate. Or was she just overthinking, after her obsession about what had been running through her mind recently? She must be overly sensitive.

    ¡°You look comfy,¡± he said after the trailer ended. ¡°Did you want a blanket or something?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Thanks, though.¡±

    ¡°Is it alright if I have a look?¡± Asher asked awkwardly, pointing at the screen.

    ¡°Go for it.¡±

    He flicked through the same things that she had, seeming uninterested in anything on YouTube, before turning to her with a grin. ¡°Righto, let¡¯s finish this game, yeah?¡±

    Despite his enthusiasm for playing, something still seemed off. His aim was shaky at best, which lead to a few more deaths than necessary in their rogue-lite.

    Asher tutted as his character died yet again and waited for Lila¡¯s character to run to his and revive him.

    ¡°Asher, if you¡¯re tired, we don¡¯t have to play,¡± Lila said, her character idling nearby but still too far to revive him.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not tired,¡± Asher said softly, staring at the TV. ¡°But maybe we should stop playing.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lila placed her joycons onto the coffee table, watching as Asher saved their game and looked through YouTube again. He seemed to have difficulty picking a video to watch, flicking between many different options before refreshing the page a couple of times.

    He¡¯d hardly clicked on one that seemed relatively interesting when the crackle of the intercom interrupted him. Marlene¡¯s voice trickled through, inviting them down for lunch. Asher immediately jumped up, tossing his joycons onto the couch and crossing the room, thanking Marlene and confirming they¡¯d be coming down.

    ¡°Were you that hungry?¡± Lila chuckled, meeting him at the door.

    ¡°Starving,¡± Asher replied, though he didn¡¯t sound quite as playful as she¡¯d expected. They headed to the dining room, with Lila trying to sneak peeks at him every so often. He avoided her gaze every time, though it felt as though his cheeks were incrementally growing pinker each time she looked at him.

    They sat down in their usual spots, with Gabriel bustling in shortly thereafter, brandishing bowls of what appeared to be pumpkin soup. Marlene sailed in close behind, a board of cut bread and dish of homemade butter in her hands.

    ¡°Pumpkin soup with chili,¡± Gabriel announced gleefully, placing a bowl before Lila and Asher each.

    ¡°Looks delicious,¡± Lila smiled, looking down at the swirl of cream atop her soup. ¡°Thanks, Gabriel.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure,¡± he grinned, hurrying away again only to return with more bowls. Marlene also left before coming back laden with a tray of a pinkish juice.

    ¡°Pomegranate juice,¡± Marlene explained, pouring them each a cup.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila replied, taking a sip. It was quite delicious, the sweetness intermingling nicely with the lemonade it was mixed with. ¡°I¡¯ve never had pomegranate juice before.¡±

    Marlene smiled, inclining her head politely before smoothing down her apron and taking her place at the table.

    The pumpkin soup warmed Lila from the inside, the dash of chili enhancing the flavour of the soup by tenfold. She dipped some buttered bread into the soup, making it a delightful combination perfect for this winter¡¯s day.

    Everyone ate in silence for a time, until Gabriel spoke up, his face brilliant with shiny exuberance.

    ¡°So, plans for this weekend?¡± he asked, his eyes twinkling.

    ¡°Might study,¡± Lila said with a shrug, dipping some more bread into her soup. ¡°This is beautiful, by the way.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you¡¯re enjoying it,¡± Gabriel winked. ¡°I decided to make a lighter lunch today.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t make it any less tasty. Though, now I¡¯m definitely wondering how you¡¯re going to follow this up for dinner.¡±

    Gabriel glanced at Asher before simply smiling at Lila. ¡°I have a few ideas ¨C I¡¯m certain you¡¯ll enjoy what¡¯s coming up.¡±

    ¡°How could I not?¡± Lila laughed. Then, a thought struck her, and she whipped her head to face Asher.

    ¡°W-What?¡± he asked, his eyes wide with confusion.

    ¡°Did you share the tocino that Mum packed for you?¡± she asked.

    ¡°O-Oh. Yeah, didn¡¯t you try some, Gabriel? Marlene, too?¡± Asher enquired, his posture relaxing considerably, as though he¡¯d been anxious that she¡¯d ask him something else.

    ¡°I did,¡± Gabriel smiled widely. ¡°It was very inspiring, Lila. I¡¯ve never had it before, but I think I might have to add it to my repertoire.¡±

    ¡°It was very nice,¡± Marlene concurred with a delicate bow of her head. ¡°Please send thanks to your mother for sharing.¡±

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila beamed. ¡°I¡¯m glad you guys liked it.¡±

    They continued to discuss tocino, whereby Gabriel asked what it was normally served with, until everyone¡¯s plates were clean.

    ¡°Guess it¡¯s time to head back up,¡± Asher¡¯s statement sounded much more like a question as he looked over at Lila.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Lila nodded, patting her stomach. ¡°Thanks for lunch, Gabriel. Very nice to see you on a Saturday.¡±

    Gabriel simply grinned at Lila, clearing the plates from the table with Marlene¡¯s help. Lila followed Asher back up to the rumpus room, flopping on the couch with a yawn.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± he asked softly, closing the door.

    ¡°A bit,¡± Lila admitted.

    ¡°Did you want to take a nap?¡±

    ¡°Nah. I¡­ I want to spend time with you,¡± Lila murmured. Asher stopped in his tracks for a second before rediverting his path to the kitchenette instead of the couch.

    ¡°I-In that case¡­ would you like some juice?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    Upon passing her a cup of juice, he sat down in his usual spot, looking down at his own cup for a few moments.

    ¡°Uh, what would you like to do?¡± he queried, rubbing his index finger around the rim of his cup. Lila¡¯s eyes focused on this movement for far too long, her cheeks slowly reddening as her mind began to imagine other things his slender fingers could be doing.

    ¡°N-Nothing in particular,¡± she managed to choke, coughing slightly. She sipped her juice, forcing her eyes to stare at the TV.

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    He set his cup down and passed her a set of joycons and retrieved his own from where he¡¯d left them on the couch. ¡°How about some Mario Kart?¡±

    ¡°Feeling ready to be destroyed, I¡¯m guessing?¡± Lila replied playfully, connecting her controllers.

    ¡°Always,¡± he smiled, their eyes meeting for what felt like the first time in a while. He quickly looked away again, and Lila wished that he¡¯d allowed it to linger for just a moment more. She¡¯d missed the way his eyes drew her in, as though they were only for her.

    Without missing a beat, though, Lila¡¯s attention changed to Mario Kart. Whatever weirdness was in the atmosphere rapidly melded into one of laughter as both Lila and Asher evidently fell into their normal, comfortable selves. They played a few rounds, with Lila pointing out that Asher had markedly improved.

    ¡°Have to give you a challenge every once in a while,¡± he responded with a smile, sipping on some juice as his character victoriously posed next to the gold cup. ¡°Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have so much fun, right?¡±

    Lila paused, the insinuation that Asher was trying to ensure that she still had fun playing on her mind for a moment. It was a sweet gesture, if he wasn¡¯t just joking.

    ¡°I reckon I¡¯d have fun no matter what,¡± Lila settled on saying, hitting the ¡®next¡¯ button. ¡°Since I¡¯m with you.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see,¡± he responded lightly. Lila glanced at him and he swiftly looked away, pulling out his phone and checking the time.

    ¡°It¡¯s about¡­ 3pm,¡± he observed. ¡°Wanna watch something for a bit?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila stretched her arms over her head before placing her joycons on the coffee table. ¡°Actually, I¡¯m thinking a blanket sounds great right about now.¡±

    ¡°Why, so you can fall asleep?¡± Asher quipped, instantly getting up to source one.

    ¡°Well, if you¡¯ve got a scratchy one, I don¡¯t think I¡¯d fall asleep,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°Unfortunately, no scratchy ones,¡± he said, passing her a fuzzy grey blanket. She unfurled it over herself, curling into a ball for comfort.

    ¡°Then I can¡¯t guarantee that I won¡¯t pass out,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°This one is pretty comfy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡± His reply sounded genuine as he fell back onto the couch, fluffing his shirt so that it sat nicely on his torso.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering,¡± Lila piped up while Asher flicked through YouTube, ¡°about why you¡¯re wearing that.¡±

    ¡°This?¡± He looked down at his outfit, as though he was seeing it for the first time. ¡°I¡­ just thought it¡¯d look nice.¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± Lila asserted with a firm nod. ¡°But¡­ we¡¯re just hanging out at home. Surely that¡¯s more a ¡®going out¡¯ outfit.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded slightly strangled. ¡°I can change-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°Just something I noticed, that¡¯s all.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    Asher resumed his browsing, landing on a video by a YouTuber they both liked. As they watched, Lila concluded that her hang out with Asher was quite a success. She¡¯d managed to keep her hands to herself, and her thoughts relatively in check. She could be normal with him and simply enjoy his company and their banter.

    They commented every so often on the video, laughing along, until it finished about an hour later.

    ¡°One more,¡± Asher smiled, selecting the next video ¨C a challenge run that was only half an hour this time. Lila watched on, curious about the outcome of this challenge run, before her eyelids began to feel heavy.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher murmured, jostling her slightly. ¡°I know I joked about you falling asleep, but I thought you wanted to spend time with me.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyelids flew open, resting on his face which was mere inches from hers. He looked slightly nervous and he instantly sat back.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, ¡°I was a bit close.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re okay,¡± Lila replied, sitting up. ¡°You¡¯re right, though. Sorry.¡±

    He continued the video, Lila now wide awake and slightly embarrassed at having been called out like that. She¡¯d almost hoped that he would¡¯ve forgotten her comment, but, clearly, that wasn¡¯t the case.

    The video ended not long after, and Asher sighed, turning the Switch off.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila queried, drawing the blanket tightly around her. ¡°No longer feeling the Switch?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ wanna take a walk,¡± he said, his eyes darting to her before looking back towards the TV. He turned it off with the remote before glancing at Lila again. ¡°Care to join me?¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. She was rather comfy, wrapped up in the blanket on his couch, but at the same time¡­ if he was asking her to join him on a walk, who was she to refuse? Staying here while he went on a walk sounded incredibly lonely, anyway.

    ¡°Of course,¡± she smiled, extricating herself from the blanket and placing it neatly over her spot on the couch. He returned her smile before turning around, opening the door to the rest of the house.

    Marlene was standing on the landing, her customary washing basket on her hip. Lila thought that perhaps it was a bit early for Marlene to be doing the washing, but she couldn¡¯t remember Marlene¡¯s weekend schedule at the moment. After spending the afternoon immersed in various games, Lila thought, with an amused smile, that Marlene was rather similar to an NPC, what with her eerily precise timings and convenient placement around the house.

    ¡°Ah, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene said upon noticing their entrance onto the landing. ¡°Lila. Hello again.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Marlene,¡± Lila replied, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

    ¡°Hi, Marlene. Just taking a walk,¡± Asher stated smoothly. Marlene nodded, a knowing sparkle in her eye.

    ¡°Perfect time to take a walk,¡± Marlene responded, bowing her head. ¡°Any particular route?¡±

    ¡°I was thinking that going into the outside world would be a bit dangerous,¡± Asher stated, moving past Marlene with a slight frown.

    ¡°Yes, you would be correct,¡± Marlene said sagely. ¡°Might I recommend the backyard, then?¡±

    Asher looked back at Marlene before nodding. ¡°Yeah. Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Have fun,¡± Marlene called behind them as they began to descend the stairs.

    ¡°That¡­ was a bit odd,¡± Lila noted once Marlene was out of earshot. ¡°Don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Asher shrugged casually. ¡°Seemed fine to me.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together as she tried to place why their interaction with Marlene felt odd. Perhaps it was because Marlene didn¡¯t seem quite so interested in what they were doing most of the time. Though, every so often, Marlene would provide suggestions ¨C including suggesting going to a caf¨¦ for a breakfast outing on ANZAC Day. With a sigh, Lila conceded that maybe it was part of the norm for Marlene to be like this.

    They slipped their shoes on, having passed the empty kitchen, and Asher unlocked the front door, gesturing for Lila to go ahead.

    Now that it was rather late in the afternoon, the chill had returned with a bite. Lila folded her arms across herself, attempting to retain some body heat.

    ¡°Cold?¡± Asher questioned, looking concerned.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila replied, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Especially if our walk is brisk.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s brisk away, then.¡±

    Lila chuckled, following behind Asher as he walked over to the side gate, opening it for Lila to pass through. She thanked him for his courtesy, her footsteps crunching along the stones strewn across the side alley.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s up with the walk?¡± Lila queried as they continued along, looking through windows that she passed with mild interest ¨C not that she saw anything she hadn¡¯t already seen before.

    ¡°Just¡­ felt like it,¡± Asher replied evasively. ¡°Thought a nice sunset walk would round out the day.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila¡¯s heart thumped in her throat. A sunset walk? That sounded¡­ oddly romantic.

    ¡®Calm down,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, crossing her arms even more firmly in front of her torso. ¡®You¡¯ve gone on plenty of walks with Asher before. This is no different.¡¯

    Then, a new thought occurred to Lila and she turned to Asher, who stopped walking altogether once she did so.

    ¡°Are we going to see the farmhouse now?¡± she asked, unable to quell the excitement in her voice. Asher blinked at her.

    ¡°N-No,¡± he finally uttered, his face paling. ¡°I thought we were doing that tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I thought so too,¡± Lila replied, turning back around. ¡°Just figured you were mixing things up.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ have been known to mix things up from time to time,¡± Asher said plainly. ¡°I do prefer a solid plan most times, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Lila commented. ¡°Plans are good, too. Though spontaneity- what¡¯s that?¡±

    She couldn¡¯t quite recognise what she was looking at for a moment, the surprise tossing any semblance of thoughts out of her mind.

 Chapter One Hundred and Ten

    Chapter One Hundred and Ten

    They had emerged on the other side of Asher¡¯s house, overlooking the backyard. As it had been the last time Lila was here, there was the pool, beautifully sculpted gardens, a gazebo, and an entertainment area with a fire pit across the expansive yard. But unlike the last time she was here, there was, undeniably, a well-decorated and well-cushioned picnic set in between the pool and fire pit.

    She instantly turned to Asher, shock etched on her face.

    ¡°Surprise,¡± he smiled, though his hands looked rather shaky. ¡°I thought¡­ we could go for a walk¡­ to a picnic.¡±

    ¡°A picnic?¡± Lila repeated, spinning around to face the picnic. Her heart drummed in her chest as she continued to stare in that direction.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher stated. ¡°There¡¯s a heater out there, so you don¡¯t need to worry about being cold.¡±

    ¡®That¡¯s¡­ not what I¡¯m concerned about at all,¡¯ Lila thought as she started to walk towards it. ¡®A sunset walk and now a picnic?¡¯

    ¡°Mixing it up,¡± Asher added bashfully. ¡°We have been staring at the TV for a while.¡±

    ¡°I-I guess,¡± Lila replied, wringing her hands nervously together. Her mind was jumping to all sorts of conclusions. But¡­ surely, two friends could enjoy a picnic together? Platonically, right?

    Lila approached the setup, taking in the classic red gingham picnic blanket, various arrays of camellias, cyclamens with soft pink roses in tasteful jars, soft-looking pink and cream cushions, and two small space heaters on opposite sides of the blanket. A wicker basket stood towards the left, and it appeared that a charcuterie board, complete with cheeses, fruits, and deli meats, was already sitting in the middle of the blanket, waiting patiently to be eaten. A steaming pot of tea sat to the right, near one of the heaters, and small lanterns were dotted here and there, though none of them were on at the moment.

    ¡°Wow,¡± she uttered, taking another sweeping look at it all.

    ¡°Do¡­ you like it?¡± Asher asked, his voice sounding oddly breathless. She lifted her eyes to meet his and was struck by how red his face was.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she responded automatically, carefully taking off her shoes. ¡°Now that I¡¯m looking at it all, I feel hungry.¡±

    Asher¡¯s entire body seemed to relax as he laughed, taking off his own shoes. He looked rather relieved as he settled into a spot near the teapot. Lila sat next to the other space heater, eyeing the charcuterie board.

    ¡°I love prosciutto,¡± she grinned, rolling up a small amount and popping it into her mouth. Asher immediately poured her a cup of tea, which she gratefully accepted. The space heater was doing an excellent job of ensuring she wasn¡¯t too cold, but the tea warmed her much more efficiently as she took a sip.

    ¡°So, Mr Planner,¡± Lila said after a few seconds of contented silence. ¡°This looks rather impressive. Any particular reason?¡±

    Of course, Lila was angling as much as she could to see what Asher thought of the picnic ¨C whether it was simply platonic¡­ or something more.

    ¡°There¡¯s a reason,¡± Asher replied candidly. He paused, sighing deeply before opening the wicker basket. ¡°Sandwich?¡±

    ¡°The¡­ reason is sandwich?¡±

    Asher hung his head, a laugh escaping his lips. ¡°Yes, Lila. The reason is sandwich,¡± he finally managed to say, smiling widely at her. She could tell that he was joking around and returned his smile with a similar one of her own.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat the charcuterie board stuff first,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°Those grapes are looking mighty tasty.¡±

    Asher closed the basket again, heeding her suggestion and reaching for a slice of cheese and a cracker. They proceeded to demolish said charcuterie board, though Asher¡¯s unsatisfying answer to her question played heavily on her mind. What was the reason?

    ¡°Is¡­ it your birthday?¡± she asked suddenly. He stared at her, his mouth slightly falling open.

    ¡°Not even close,¡± he eventually said with a chuckle. ¡°More tea?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m good, thanks.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Lila sipped her tea once more, surveying Asher carefully. Should she ask again? He was certainly deftly avoiding her probing questions.

    ¡°Have you thought more about what we should do about Elise and Isaac?¡± Asher queried, avoiding her eyes as he plucked a couple of grapes from the mostly empty bunch.

    ¡°Sort of,¡± Lila answered, looking down at her slice of cheese atop her cracker. She shoved it in her mouth and chewed thoughtfully. She swallowed, meeting his eyes. ¡°I think it¡¯s mostly down to Isaac at this point.¡±

    ¡°You reckon Isaac should make the first move?¡±

    ¡°Well, not that Elise is incapable of making the first move, but she¡¯s giving him signs that he¡¯s just missing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°Did you talk to him about offering to go to watch that romcom with her?¡±

    ¡°Sure did. He said that he considered it at the time but thought that asking her with all of us there was a bit awkward. Especially if she said no.¡±

    ¡°Not that she¡¯d say no,¡± Lila sighed, drinking the rest of her tea. Asher dangled the teapot towards her and she extended her cup out for him to top it up. He placed the teapot off the picnic blanket this time.

    ¡°Just worried about knocking it over,¡± he explained, evidently following her questioning eyes which had focused on the teapot¡¯s new location.

    ¡°Fair.¡±

    ¡°Any other ideas?¡±

    ¡°Besides the museum date idea? I mean¡­ we could see how they interact at Maccas and see if it¡¯s possible to set them up on shift.¡±

    ¡°Feel like that¡¯s hard to achieve as a customer.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Lila sighed despondently. ¡°Do you have any ideas?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been thinking about other things,¡± Asher confessed, opening the wicker basket again. ¡°Sandwich?¡±

    ¡°Clearly you¡¯ve been thinking about sandwiches,¡± Lila laughed, holding a hand out. ¡°Chuck us one.¡±

    Asher peered into the basket before carefully selecting one and passing it to Lila. It was a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich, which she delightedly bit into. He watched her for a moment, a small smile on his face, before picking up a sandwich for himself.

    ¡°You¡¯re not cold, are you?¡± he asked, swallowing harshly.

    ¡°Very toasty,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡±

    After a while of eating, chatting, and joking about all manner of things ¨C the game they were playing, the videos they¡¯d been watching, assignments they¡¯d been given, and everything in between ¨C Asher grew serious.

    ¡°So¡­¡± he gulped audibly before glancing up at the sky, which had begun to be streaked in strips of violet, pink, red, and orange against the greyish blue that still dominated most of it. ¡°So¡­ I bet you¡¯re still wondering¡­¡±

    ¡°Wondering?¡± Lila sipped her last remaining drop of tea before setting her cup aside, her attention otherwise utterly devoted to Asher.

    ¡°The reason,¡± he said plainly.

    ¡°For the picnic?¡±

    Asher nodded. Lila looked at him expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

    ¡°I¡­ well. I was wondering¡­ if¡­ ah, shit, this is scary,¡± he muttered, wiping his hands on a napkin, his body language jittery. Lila didn¡¯t interrupt him, though her heart was racing. He sighed, shaking his head.

    ¡°Alright. I was wondering if¡­ if you¡¯d do me the honour of¡­ being my girlfriend?¡± he asked earnestly, his eyes resting on hers for half a second before looking upwards again, his face matching the reds that now ruled the sky. He took a deep, shaky breath, wincing as though bracing himself for something unpleasant.

    The question he posed knocked the air out of her lungs. She couldn¡¯t believe her ears. Surely, she¡¯d misheard.

    But the pounding of her heart, the heat of her face, and the swooping of her stomach convinced her otherwise. She hadn¡¯t misheard. He¡¯d¡­ actually asked. He wanted her to be his girlfriend.

    Words failed her, ecstatic joy overriding all control of her body as she sat there, giddiness burning through her veins.

    ¡°Please¡­ say something,¡± he whispered, still avoiding her gaze. ¡°I mean, you can say no if you want¡­ was I¡­ too late?¡±

    His voice broke at the end of his sentence and, though he was looking elsewhere, she could tell his anxiety was flowing off him, shrouding him like a thick cloud. He looked smaller, somehow, as he fidgeted with his hands. As though noticing this was the trigger, her body suddenly lurched forward, her hands instantly gripping onto his shirt.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    His question was cut off by her lips pressing onto his and he fell backwards, taking her with him. Lila closed her eyes, the feeling of his mouth against hers being something to relish. It felt so natural, as though their lips were made for the express purpose of fitting together. His lips were incredibly soft ¨C divine, even ¨C and this feeling¡­ if she wasn¡¯t careful, she¡¯d become addicted.

    His left hand leapt to the small of her waist, as if by instinct, whilst he returned her kiss, his mouth moving against hers like a dance that she knew the choreography to. His right hand made its way to the back of her head, wrapping his fingers in her silky strands, pulling her even closer to him.

    She broke away, breathing heavily, her face hotter than the space heater next to Asher, using her arms to prop herself up on his chest. He immediately brought his right arm across his eyes, a grin wider than any she¡¯d ever received from him previously sitting just below his arm. His chest was also heaving, as though struggling to catch his breath again.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila stammered, letting go of his shirt and patting where her nails had dug into it. ¡°I- sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to just-¡±

    Asher lifted the arm that covered his eyes, using that hand to caress her jaw, sending electric sparks down her neck and dispersing throughout her body, his eye contact intense and magnetic. ¡°Is that a yes?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes began to water, the realisation that, in this moment, her longing dream had finally come to fruition, hit her hard. ¡°Yes,¡± she whispered, the power in that simple word dizzying her mind. ¡°Yes, a million times yes. I¡¯ll be your girlfriend.¡±

    He curled his hands around her waist again, pulling her down into a hug. ¡°Yes,¡± he repeated, the relief and sheer happiness ringing like a victory trumpet in his voice. Lila melted against his chest, his sturdy arms wrapping around her even more tightly. Though she wasn¡¯t against his heart, the strength and absolute speed of his heartbeat had made its way to where her ear connected with his body. Was this a dream? Wishful thinking turned into an impressively realistic hallucination?

    They laid like that for a while, before Lila realised that her tears had overflowed onto his polo. She sat up again, his hands drifting down her body as she did so.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± she stammered again, pointing ashamedly at the wet spots she¡¯d left. As though pointing it out entirely lifted the lid on her tears, even more fell, taking her by total surprise.

    Asher bolted upright, concern overtaking any other emotion on his face. ¡°Everything okay?¡± he asked in a low voice, reaching for an unused napkin and handing it to her. She gave him a weak, watery smile, dotting her eyes with the napkin.

    ¡°Everything¡¯s perfect,¡± she whispered, her shoulders shaking in stark contrast to her words.

    ¡°¡­ I feel like crying isn¡¯t usually a part of the whole¡­ getting into a relationship thing,¡± he said gently, his tone conveying the confusion he was obviously feeling.

    ¡®It¡¯s happy tears,¡± Lila insisted, squeezing her eyes shut before opening them again. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d almost thought-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d never happen? I¡­ thought that¡¯d be the case,¡± Asher grimaced as Lila nodded, confirming this statement. ¡°I- sorry. I just¡­ really wanted to do right by you. Make it something special. To¡­ make up for laughing at you.¡±

    Lila stared at him before smiling again. ¡°Consider yourself wildly successful.¡±

    He glanced at Lila, his face breaking into a similar smile. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m glad. I¡¯ve been a bit stressed, thinking about how best to do this. I thought about going to a nice restaurant, but I thought¡­ it might mean more if I did the ¡®do over¡¯ at mine. Since¡­ this is where you told me the best thing I¡¯d ever heard.¡±

    ¡°Best thing?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded sincerely. ¡°That you liked me.¡±

    Lila smiled once more. ¡°This was perfect, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Hearing you say that¡­ blows my mind, to be honest,¡± he chuckled. ¡°I kinda thought I¡¯d missed the boat and waited too long.¡±

    ¡°I told you that I¡¯d wait for as long as it took.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know¡­ but¡­ I realised the other day when I said I wanted to do things for you¡­ that even though I¡¯d decided that I was going to ask you to be mine, you didn¡¯t know that. And I was probably being a dick again, playing with your heart.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t deny this. ¡°I mean¡­ kinda.¡±

    ¡°I knew it,¡± he sighed. ¡°I¡¯m really sorry.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve more than made up for it,¡± Lila said firmly.

    He grinned at her before looking around the picnic set up. ¡°Still hungry?¡± he asked, rifling through the wicker basket.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m good.¡±

    ¡°Alright. It¡¯s getting a bit dark, so if you want, we can¡­ go back?¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila replied, getting to her feet. ¡°Are we bringing this in?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher said, sounding slightly awkward. ¡°Marlene insisted that she¡¯d clean it up. Said she¡¯d tell my Dad I didn¡¯t let her do her job if I didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Marlene? So, she knew you were going to ask?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher chuckled, getting to his feet as well. ¡°Her and Gabriel. That¡¯s why Gabriel¡¯s here. They¡¯ve been absolutely instrumental in all of this. I mean, did you see me sneak out here to set up the picnic?¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°Of course not. I¡¯ll have to thank them.¡±

    She dusted herself off and put her shoes on. As she did so, lights automatically flooded the backyard.

    ¡°Motion detected,¡± Asher explained as she shielded her eyes. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re handy when I¡¯m expecting it,¡± Lila said, lowering her hand now that her eyes had adjusted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Asher stood next to her, seeming suddenly unsure of himself. Lila glanced at him before her eyes trailed down to his hands¡­ the hands that she¡¯d been desperate to hold for weeks now. Surely¡­ it¡¯d be okay to hold his hand?

    As if he¡¯d been thinking the exact same thing, he tentatively held out his hand to her, clearly inviting her to do so. She beamed, eagerly placing her hand in his. It was warm and significantly bigger than hers, his skin feeling soft against hers. She interlocked her fingers between his, the feeling sending more sparks through her body. She¡­ was holding Asher¡¯s hand. As his girlfriend. Finally, she was able to touch him without fearing that she was weird or overstepping. That alone felt glorious.

    They set off towards the house, falling easily into step with one another. As they crossed the lawn, an incredibly important question rose in Lila¡¯s mind ¨C one that needed to be answered as soon as possible, or else she¡¯d go crazy.

    ¡°¡­ So¡­ uh, are we¡­ gonna keep it a secret?¡± Lila¡¯s hand twitched in his grasp as she said this, a twinge of disappointment gripping her heart. He¡¯d hidden Holly¡­ and only revealed it because he was forced to. So¡­ would he want to do the same with Lila? She wanted to tell the world ¨C share this miracle of happiness that she¡¯d found herself in, with the boy she¡¯d liked more than anyone else. After so much yearning and heartache¡­ how could she keep it a secret?

    He stopped in his tracks, his hand still tenderly wrapped around hers. He gently pulled her towards him, though she continued to avoid looking at his face for fear of betraying her true feelings on the matter. He chuckled, using his free hand to lightly lift her chin. Their eyes met, and Lila¡¯s breath hitched in her throat. His eyes looked to be brimming with tears, his unrestrained elation manifesting in a look so blazing and earnest that she wasn¡¯t so sure anymore that she wasn¡¯t dreaming.

    ¡°A secret?¡± he whispered, his eyes flickering to her lips. ¡°Lila, if I could tell every star in this universe, I would. If I keep it a secret, how can I be sure that it¡¯s real?¡±

    His thumb trailed along her jaw, a rush of tingles bursting along her skin. He seemed to hesitate before leaning down, capturing her lips in his. Lila was again struck by how soft his lips were, her left hand gently touching the hand still clutching her face. Then, all too quickly, just as Lila¡¯s knees began to buckle and head started to spin, he broke away, his face fire-engine red.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he murmured breathlessly. ¡°I- hoo. This is¡­¡±

    Lila stumbled, holding his shoulders to steady herself, her face akin to a red-hot flame, the butterflies in her stomach stealing any remaining breath in her lungs. It felt as though she¡¯d forgotten English entirely, her mind racing with the lingering sparks of pleasure from their kiss. She hid her face behind her hands, shyness suddenly taking control. It seemed that words failed Asher, too, as he remained still as a statue whilst Lila regained her bearings. After a painful few seconds, she nodded.

    ¡°¡­ Fast,¡± she finally whispered. ¡°I-It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t want to pressure you.¡±

    Of course, she wanted to feel his lips against hers again and again and again. But¡­ if he wasn¡¯t comfortable with that, then she was happy to hold onto the memories of the two kisses she¡¯d already shared with him that night.

    ¡°Not necessarily fast,¡± he murmured, picking up her hand again and intertwining his fingers with hers. He used his thumb to gently rub the back of her hand, as though it helped him think. ¡°But¡­ we can call it that.¡±

    Lila looked at him curiously, only to find that his face was cherry-red, his eyes darting away from hers the instant they met. He took a deep breath before reluctantly letting go of her hand.

    ¡°Just give me a minute,¡± he said softly. ¡°This back door can be tricky sometimes.¡±

    He led her to a set of large sliding doors, which connected a tiled patio directly to the house near the stairs leading up to Asher¡¯s wing. Lila had never gone through this way even though it felt more natural to head into the backyard from here. As he unlocked the doors, the thought bothered her. He slid open the door with a grin and he gestured for her to head inside.

    ¡°Why¡¯d we go out the front doors?¡± she asked, the sudden question dropping his smile for just a second. It returned, accompanied by a light laugh.

    ¡°If we went out the back, you¡¯d have seen the picnic right away. I was kinda freaking out and needed the walk to keep my cool,¡± he explained, taking his shoes off and placing them neatly inside. She did the same, and he collected her hand once more, rubbing his thumb along hers.

    She couldn¡¯t stop her smiling, even as they walked through his house, still holding hands. In fact, her cheeks were starting to hurt but she didn¡¯t mind. In that way, she knew for certain that this was real.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner, Lila,¡± Marlene¡¯s voice called from the kitchen and they both headed towards her. She wiped her hands on her tea towel before adding, ¡°A pleasant walk and picnic, I take it?¡±

    ¡°Very,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Thank you for helping to set it up.¡± She felt Asher squeeze her hand for a moment, as if in approval.

    ¡°Excellent,¡± Marlene beamed, her eyes clearly flashing towards their joined hands. ¡°You¡¯re most welcome, Lila. Gabriel has departed for the evening, but he¡¯ll return for breakfast. I trust that you¡¯re not particularly hungry now, but we do have extra pumpkin soup and bread if you¡¯d like. Let me know and I can warm it up for you.¡±

    With another smile, Marlene left the kitchen, passing them serenely and continuing towards the back of the house and through the doors they just entered from. Lila let him lead her by the hand and they entered the rumpus room with a simultaneous sigh. Lila could only guess what his meant but, for her, hers was one of pure relief and delight.

    ¡°Well¡­ i-if you¡¯re staying the night¡­¡± Asher spoke up, his face turning redder by the second. ¡°Uh, I mean, you don¡¯t have to, but I kinda wanna get out of these clothes. T-To put on pyjamas. Be, um, comfortable.¡±

    Lila tried to contain her smile, though it didn¡¯t work. She hadn¡¯t expected what Asher would be like as her boyfriend, but his flustered stumbling was endearing. Not that she wasn¡¯t still prone to that herself.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll get changed too,¡± Lila nodded, gently letting go of his hand and turning to the spare room.

    As she changed, neatly folding her clothes back into her bag, a possibility that she¡¯d never considered occurred to her. Now that they were official¡­ was he expecting that she¡¯d share his bed tonight?

    ¡®Oof, calm down,¡¯ Lila urged herself, spinning away from the mirror so she couldn¡¯t catch her startled reflection within it. ¡®He wanted to slow it down a bit¡­ so, surely not.¡¯

    She finished pulling on her pyjamas, ensuring her bra was still clipped on. She was eager to, as a start, just see him again. Sleeping arrangements could come later, and it wasn¡¯t as though the spare room was uncomfortable. She slipped out of the spare room and found him already sitting on the couch, his hair messy once again, wearing a thin t-shirt and snug-looking plaid pyjama pants.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said once she sat down in her usual spot. ¡°Comfy?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she grinned. He hesitated for a second before scooting slightly closer.

    ¡°I think I¡¯m ready to finish that game,¡± he said playfully, leaning forward to pass her a set of joycons. ¡°Ready to see the end?¡±

    ¡°Only if you¡¯d stop dying so much,¡± Lila replied just as playfully.

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    On one hand, it felt as though nothing had changed at all as they flew through the game¡¯s last dungeon. It was just as it normally was. Except, somehow, without meaning to, they drew closer and closer together until their thighs were touching. Asher was really warm, as usual, and the feeling of his body against hers ¨C even just the smidge that this was ¨C was pleasantly sending her heart rate up. It granted her a rush that was definitely far better than the ending of this game.

    Once it was over, they switched back over to YouTube, watching a video or two of a deep dive into the lore of the game they just finished. Neither commented on the fact that they were subtly touching, though every time she took a peek at Asher, his face looked just as rosy as hers felt.

    Eventually, three sharp knocks sounded on the door and Asher heaved himself to his feet, shuffling over that way.

    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.

    ¡°Hello again, Mr Wagner. You got here quick,¡± Marlene¡¯s saccharine voice floated through the open doorway. Asher evidently didn¡¯t want to respond to that comment as he silently stood aside to let her in.

    In Marlene¡¯s hands was a quaint collection of brownies, cupcakes, chocolates, and other varieties of dessert upon a silver tray. She placed it on the kitchenette counter before almost making her way to the door.

    ¡°Just some evening desserts, in case you were feeling peckish. Goodnight, Mr Wagner and Lila. I hope you have a¡­ good evening,¡± she said sweetly, bowing herself out of the doorway, the door swinging shut behind her.

    Asher and Lila both stared at the door for a moment, as if worried she would return. When she didn¡¯t, Asher relaxed his posture, inviting Lila to take a look at the tray.

    She selected a few goodies and Asher carefully placed them on a plate for her. They returned to the couch, but both stood somewhat awkwardly instead of taking a seat.

    ¡°Um, did you¡­ wanna watch a movie?¡± Asher suggested, taking a bite of his brownie.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied softly, still standing. He tentatively sat down, and she took her place right beside him a little too quickly. She felt him shake as if in laughter, though he didn¡¯t produce a sound ¨C possibly because he¡¯d inhale his brownie and choke on it if he did.

    They browsed the movie selections until mutually choosing an action comedy. Truthfully, Lila didn¡¯t care what they watched. Revelling in his company was all she needed.

    Slowly, as the movie played, Asher seemingly melted into the couch, becoming horizontal. Lila looked down at where his head was now touching her outer thigh and was suddenly tempted to nestle herself right against his chest. Was that¡­ too much? Too soon?

    He looked up at her, a nervous smile on his face.

    ¡°If¡­ you want, you can lie down, too,¡± he offered meekly. Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    ¡°There?¡± she asked, pointing at the pocket of space next to his torso.

    ¡°U-U-Uh, o-only if you want,¡± he stammered, his face bright red once more. He immediately squished himself further into the couch cushions to give her more space.

    Now that she¡¯d asked¡­ well, she couldn¡¯t back down, even though her mind was running through the various ways she could backpedal.

    ¡®No,¡¯ she told herself firmly, ¡®don¡¯t wimp out.¡¯

    With a tentative smile, she stood up, moving so that she could lie down next to him. It felt as though her breathing had stopped altogether, and she wasn¡¯t quite convinced that he was breathing either. Then, as she settled in, leaving as much of a gap as she could so as to not make him uncomfortable, she heard him release one long and low breath, tickling her ear. She felt him reach over and pull the blanket she¡¯d used earlier that day towards them.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said softly, sitting up slightly so he could fluff it over the both of them. ¡°In case you get cold.¡±

    There was no way that Lila was feeling cold under these circumstances. But it was certainly rather comfy, sharing a blanket whilst being so close to Asher. She could tell, though, that her face was burning up, her heart pumping furiously in her chest - as if it were raging that she wasn¡¯t even closer.

    The movie continued, with neither moving except to laugh or otherwise react to what was happening. That was until Lila felt an arm gently creeping over her shoulder.

    She stiffened in suspense ¨C what was he planning to do?

    In any event, she was glad that her face was away from Asher ¨C she wasn¡¯t quite ready to reveal how giddy she was about the circumstances that she''d found herself in.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he murmured, retracting his arm. ¡°I just¡­ feel this overwhelming urge to hold you.¡±

    Was this what heaven felt like? Nothing could¡¯ve prepared her for the idea that he wanted to touch her too. Sure, she was aware that he liked her¡­ but this was different, somehow.

    ¡°Hold me,¡± she whispered, curling the blanket under her chin. ¡°If you want.¡±

    There was no movement for a second before Lila felt his arm return, holding her securely across her shoulders. Being cocooned against Asher like this¡­ well, she wasn¡¯t quite prepared to say she could die happy, but perhaps tiptoeing the veil between life and death in a state of bliss. Besides, if she did die, she wouldn¡¯t be able to experience more of his touch.

    She felt incredibly safe in his arms, his warmth inviting her to close her eyes and enjoy this tender moment. It¡¯d be okay to just rest them, right?

    <hr>

    Lila slowly opened her eyes, noticing, with a jump, that her head had just been buried in Asher¡¯s chest. She¡¯d evidently turned around at some point in her sleep, no longer caring about keeping a gap between them.

    Though slightly embarrassed at the fact that she did that, she hoped that he was still asleep and wouldn¡¯t have realised this.

    As if on cue, she heard a low, breathy chuckle just above her head, his chest rumbling in response.

    ¡°You¡¯re awake,¡± Asher whispered, bringing a hand to the top of her head, smoothing down her hair. It sent a rush of goosebumps over her, as though showering her in gentle kindness.

    ¡°I-I guess so,¡± Lila replied, also in a whisper, her face almost glowing with both shyness and mortification. ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°Dunno. Morning, sometime. I¡­ didn¡¯t want to move to check.¡±

    His hand moved from the top of her head down to her cheek, caressing it. It felt almost as though his hand was a cloud with how careful and soft his touch was.

    ¡°Were you awake for long?¡± Lila asked, not daring to move in case he¡¯d stop.

    ¡°No,¡± he responded sincerely. ¡°Though I did wake up during the night briefly. Thought I was hallucinating until I squeezed you and you snorted.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure what to make of that but felt that it was sweet enough to earn a giggle in return.

    ¡°Yeah, like that,¡± he said teasingly. ¡°After that, though, I fell asleep again¡­ Easily the best sleep of my life.¡±

    She hadn¡¯t realised how much his saying that would relieve her. Truthfully, she¡¯d been worried, day after day, about how he was sleeping after finding out about his recurring night terrors. Though, surely this sleeping arrangement wasn¡¯t comfortable¡­

    ¡°You should¡¯ve woken me up and gone to bed,¡± Lila said, her tone concerned. ¡°Sleeping like this must¡¯ve been uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Asher insisted. ¡°It¡¯s like I¡¯ve been floating among the clouds all night. Besides¡­ I didn¡¯t know whether you¡¯d, uh, be¡­ well, I didn¡¯t know whether you¡¯d want to join me in my bed, or sleep in the spare room¡­ so I guess I wanted to take advantage of the fact that you were sleeping here with me. In case you weren¡¯t comfortable going to bed with me. T-To sleep. Nothing else. Nothing funny, and especially nothing without consent-¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila laughed, reaching a hand up to touch his face, though she couldn''t see it very well from this angle. ¡°I was worried about the exact same thing.¡±

    ¡°A-As in you didn¡¯t want to sleep with me? I-In my bed. Like, to sleep?¡±

    Lila shook her head, her subsequent laughter even louder than before. ¡°No. I was worried you wouldn¡¯t be comfortable with me sleeping in your bed.¡±

    ¡°You managed to articulate that so much better than me,¡± Asher stated morosely, looking incredibly embarrassed. ¡°I keep stumbling.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila asserted. ¡°You can stumble. I stumble too.¡±

    Asher sighed. Then, he brought a hand to the back of her head, cradling it gently. Unlike yesterday, her ear was pressed right up against his chest and she could hear his heartbeat loud and clear. Even though his actions felt calm, his heartbeat betrayed him ¨C it was incredibly fast, and she could almost feel it thumping against his ribcage.

    Lila smiled, feeling far more comforted that he wasn¡¯t quite so cool and collected as he was portraying ¨C even if he was candid about his stumbling.

    ¡°I guess¡­ what the takeaway should be,¡± she murmured into his chest, ¡°is that I¡¯m happy¡­ to share your bed, next time I stay over. I-If you want me to.¡±

    Asher pulled her even closer to him by her waist. ¡°You sure?¡±

    She nodded, squeezing her eyes tightly, allowing her senses to fully feel his body against hers.

    A second or two passed, just like this, before he kissed the top of her head. ¡°Alright. If¡­ if you¡¯re sure.¡±

    Lila was about to say something in return when the intercom burst into life, causing both Lila and Asher to jump.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice cooed into the intercom. ¡°If you¡¯re awake, I¡¯d like to know if you¡¯d like breakfast.¡±

    Lila reluctantly sat up to give Asher room to stand and respond to Gabriel via the intercom.

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re awake,¡± Asher said as he pressed the ¡®talk¡¯ button. ¡°Breakfast sounds great. Thanks, Gabriel.¡±

    ¡°My pleasure.¡±

    Asher returned to Lila on the couch, seeming uncertain about where or how he should sit. She patted the space next to her and he smiled, sitting down. Their legs were again touching and Asher reached forward for a set of joycons, scrolling through YouTube for a video to watch while they waited for breakfast to be ready.

    ¡°I¡­ had a question,¡± Lila piped up, twirling her hair through her fingers absentmindedly.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Asher replied, resting the controllers on his lap and giving her his full attention.

    ¡°Well¡­ just¡­ why did you decide to ask me now? Why not later? Or¡­ earlier?¡±

    Asher rubbed his face, exhaling loudly. ¡°I¡­ figured this would come up.¡±

    ¡°Sorry¡­ you don¡¯t have to answer if you don¡¯t want to,¡± Lila said hurriedly, looking fixedly at her knees.

    ¡°I want to answer. It¡¯s just¡­ complicated, I guess. When you told me you liked me and I turned you down for a relationship, I kicked myself over and over again about it. I wasn¡¯t with Holly anymore, and I liked you a hell of a lot then. Still do, of course. Probably even more now, if that was ever possible... It seemed like it would be obvious that we should get together. But I still had to process what Holly did to me. I¡¯d been processing it in the background, but I didn¡¯t have any real reason to actually confront it properly. Until¡­ until you were brave. Much braver than I¡¯d been ¨C I liked you for years and years, but never told you. Never even thought I should try¡­¡± he trailed off, taking the joycons off his lap entirely and turning his whole body to face her.

    ¡°Then, we saw Holly at the shops. I felt nothing when I saw her ¨C like she could¡¯ve been literally any random stranger on the street, not my first girlfriend who cheated on me and broke me. It confused me for a while until it started to excite me ¨C that my mind was telling me that I was ready. But¡­ it terrified me too. What if I was just kidding myself? What if I was rushing, because I didn¡¯t want to disappoint you? Or, worse still, that I¡¯d treat you like a rebound and then decide it wasn¡¯t for me. Then¡­ I got taken to Vanuatu. I wasn¡¯t kidding when I said that I got you a gift for every day that I missed you. Being apart from you¡­ made me realise that I never wanted to be apart from you again. And when I got the news about Piper¡­ I was terrified. Terrified that, just when this chance that I¡¯d never thought would happen in a million years was in front of me, you¡¯d get taken from me forever. A-And-¡±

    At this point, Asher¡¯s voice broke, his head falling limp as he stared at his hands, which clenched and unclenched. His shoulders shuddered for a moment before he inhaled deeply.

    ¡°And I realised that¡­ there wasn¡¯t any point in waiting anymore. Except¡­ I wanted to make it special. I wanted to make sure that, even if you said no, you¡¯d at least have a good time. I¡¯d basically already decided on the plane back that I¡¯d ask you out. Kinda assumed, too, that you¡¯d say yes. Until yesterday¡­ when you didn¡¯t say anything, that scared the hell out of me.¡±

    He looked up at her, a smile on his face below his shimmering eyes. ¡°Then¡­ when you kissed me¡­ I couldn¡¯t even think anymore. I¡¯d almost forgotten the question I even asked. It felt¡­ too unreal. Too good to be true.¡±

    Lila grasped his hands in hers, her own eyes sparkling. ¡°It was perfect. Seriously. I¡¯m¡­ so glad that you asked. I¡­ was wishing and hoping this whole time that you¡¯d ask me.¡±

    He grinned at her before his eyes widened in realisation.

    ¡°Let¡¯s make it Facebook official,¡± he said, grabbing his phone from the coffee table.

    ¡°R-Really?¡± Lila was taken aback as she watched him rapidly tap on his phone¡¯s screen.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied matter-of-factly. ¡°I wasn¡¯t lying when I said I wanted everyone to know.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ Facebook¡¯s a bit outdated, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lila responded, grabbing her phone too.

    ¡°I mean, I have most of the grade on here, plus people from other grades,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°Plus, who says we have to stop there?¡±

    ¡°Should¡­ we tell our friends first?¡± Lila asked, resting a hand on his. He met her gaze before sheepishly smiling at her.

    ¡°I kinda told Isaac on Wednesday that I¡¯d be asking you.¡±

    ¡°Is that why he was being so weird?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah¡­ He¡¯s been really excited. I could tell that he was so close to mentioning something all the time. Never regretted telling him something more in my life.¡±

    Lila chuckled, before opening her phone for the first time since yesterday afternoon. There was a text from Clare that she sent last night and a few messages from Twisted Bitches¡¯r¡¯Us.

    ¡°Can I tell Clare, Elise, and Grace first? I¡­ feel like they might be miffed if they see it pop up on Facebook and stuff without me telling them first.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Asher nodded, placing his phone down. ¡°Not like we¡¯re not just waiting around anyway.¡±

    Lila opened up Clare¡¯s message first ¨C

    Seeing Alex tomorrow morning for brunch, was all Clare had said.

    Good, Lila replied, sending a smiley face emoji, Asher asked me to be his girlfriend yesterday and I said yes

    FINALLY, Clare responded instantly, several emojis of varying stages of emotion following immediately afterwards. Tell him he¡¯s a dickhead for waiting for so long

    Nah, I¡¯m good, Lila responded, a goofy smile on her face.

    Clare sent through a flurry of questions, but Lila simply replied that she¡¯d tell her about it when she saw her next.

    Then, she moved on to her group chat. It seemed that Grace and Elise were just chatting idly about some TikTok last night. Lila repeated her news, waiting for only a second before receiving a voice note from Elise. Pressing ¡®play¡¯ allowed a five-second clip of Elise whisper-yelling in clear excitement to sound from her phone. It ended with a voice that sounded awfully like Andy the Manager over the beeping of a fryer, asking Elise why she was yelling.

    Grace, instead, congratulated Lila through a message, an emoji of two small love hearts following it. Then, after a second, an eloquent demand to be told everything on Monday. Lila grinned as she replied with a ¡®yes ma¡¯am¡¯ before looking up at Asher.

    He looked back at her with a warm smile. ¡°Seems like they took it well.¡±

    ¡°Extremely. I can¡¯t wait anymore, let¡¯s update everything.¡±

    He laughed, looking back at his phone. Lila couldn¡¯t contain her smile as Asher zipped through various apps, either adding her as his girlfriend as of yesterday publicly or adding her to his bio. She did the same.

    Notifications started flooding in, but Lila, once she was satisfied she was done, switched her phone to silent and placed it on the coffee table. Asher continued to look at his phone for a moment before following suit.

    Suddenly, though, he looked nervous.

    ¡°I¡­ know you said yes and everything, and we¡¯ve just put it everywhere, but¡­ I mean¡­ I just wanted to make sure, you know. Now that you¡¯ve slept on it. That you¡¯re sure. Like, you can take it back if you want. Is there a cooling off period with these things?¡± he asked, looking away from her and towards the TV, fidgeting with his hands.

    Lila blinked at him before breaking into a wide grin. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry. I¡¯m sure, and I¡¯ve been sure for ages now. I¡¯m not just gonna disappear or take it back or something. We¡¯re really together. You¡¯re my boyfriend, whether you like it or not, Asher.¡±

    His nervousness turned into relief as he wiped his face. ¡°And you¡¯re my girlfriend, whether you like it or not, Lila.¡±

    They smiled at each other, with Lila¡¯s eyes being drawn to his lips again. Was it okay to kiss him now?

    Just as Lila pondered this, the intercom sounded again, with Marlene stating that breakfast was ready.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher smiled, standing up and extending his hand for her to take. She did so, and they descended the stairs before arriving in the dining room, hand-in-hand.

    Gabriel was fussing about the table with a vase of flowers from the picnic, plates of French toast topped with syrup, ice cream, and chocolate sauce with cut fruit already set in their places before Asher and Lila¡¯s usual spots.

    ¡°Good morning, good morning,¡± he chirped upon seeing them enter. His eyes sparkled as he evidently registered the fact that they were holding hands. ¡°Sleep well?¡± Gabriel added with a smile, stepping back and observing how the flowers were sitting.

    Lila and Asher shared a look before Asher grinned. ¡°Very,¡± he said, gesturing for Lila to take a seat. She did so, and he tucked her chair in slightly.

    ¡°Oh my heart,¡± Gabriel cried, placing a hand dramatically on his chest. ¡°You two are going to make me sick. With joy, of course.¡±

    He exited, Marlene taking his place, holding a pitcher of pinkish juice. ¡°Pomegranate juice,¡± Marlene explained cordially as she poured some for both Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Eat, eat!¡± Gabriel shouted from the kitchen. ¡°We won¡¯t be joining you.¡±

    Lila and Asher heeded his command, eating without much discussion. Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure why they were so silent, but perhaps it was because out of the corner of her eye, she saw Marlene and Gabriel float past the open doorway, clearly peering in to check on them every so often. At times when Asher also noticed them, he would frown and mimic ¡®shooing¡¯ them away, which they did with speed.

    With Lila¡¯s final swig of her juice, she was finished. Asher downed his own cup before putting it down on the coaster with an excited grin.

    ¡°Alright, Lila, since you humoured me in what I wanted to do last night-¡± Lila could have sworn she heard a gasp from the shadows of the open doorway into the kitchen, but he ignored it and swiftly continued, ¡°-I want to humour you. Ready for a walk?¡±

    Lila locked eyes with Asher and he gave her a subtle, knowing nod. There was no doubt about his intention ¨C they were going on a walk to check out the farmhouse and hopefully find answers as to why Piper had a photo of it on her stalkery corkboard.

    Lila stood up immediately. ¡°Yes. A walk sounds perfect.¡±

    She started to head towards the back doors when Asher chuckled, grabbing her arm. ¡°Hold on, we should probably get changed. Wandering around outside in our pyjamas in this temperature sounds awful, even for me.¡±

    Lila¡¯s cheeks felt hot as she let Asher guide her back upstairs, unwilling to say a word. They broke off to their separate rooms, with Lila pulling her jeans back on and a fresh, cream-coloured knit sweater. She untucked the necklace Asher had given her from underneath her jumper, brushing against it lightly with her fingers. Now that they were dating, it didn¡¯t make sense to hide it away outside of school.

    Opening the door, she found him pacing, now dressed in casual long pants and a light grey hoodie. He ceased his pacing immediately once she emerged.

    ¡°You look nice,¡± he said, a tentative smile tugging at his lips. ¡°I like your necklace.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she smiled brightly at him, slipping her hand into his. ¡°My boyfriend got it for me.¡±

    He made a strange sound, halfway between a squeak and a laugh, before clearing his throat, his face reddening. ¡°You should introduce me to him. Sounds like a great guy.¡±

    Lila leaned her head against his shoulder, her smile still on her face. ¡°Yes, he is. You might like him.¡±

    He squeezed her hand, clearly biting back his own grin. They stood there for a moment, with Lila cherishing the fact that she could be so close to him.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he said softly, squeezing her hand once more. ¡°Let¡¯s go see this creepy ass farmhouse again.¡±

    She¡¯d almost forgotten that was their current mission. They travelled down the stairs and towards the back doors, where they¡¯d left their shoes.

    ¡°Going for a walk,¡± Asher called behind him as he slid open the doors. They heard vague sounds of acknowledgement from Marlene and Gabriel before he shut the doors behind them.

    The air this morning was rather brisk, though the freshness helped keep it pleasant. It was still morning, with not even the final dregs of a cloud in the sky. The dew from the grass clung to the bottom of her jeans as they strolled through the backyard, but she hardly noticed as her attention was far more focused on the fact that Asher was still holding her hand as if it were the most nonchalant and normal thing in the world.

    Lila surveyed the backyard with interest. There was no trace of the picnic remaining, except for small compressions in the grass where the picnic blanket had been weighed down. Marlene was certainly an efficient cleaner.

    Lila didn¡¯t feel the need to fill the silence they shared on their journey towards the disused road at the back of Asher¡¯s property. It seemed that Asher was on a similar wavelength. It was almost as though the absence of conversation allowed Lila to fully savour this new day ¨C the first morning as Asher¡¯s girlfriend.

    They reached the cobblestone road shortly after, the clacking of their footsteps against the stones being the only sound to grace the air. Lila¡¯s previous impression of this road was absolutely correct ¨C it was definitely a romantic pathway, with its secluded nature, and a perfect one to walk down whilst holding Asher¡¯s hand.

    Lila gazed up at the trees, still as knotted and gnarled as the last time she¡¯d been here. Asher seemed to follow her gaze before finally speaking.

    ¡°So¡­ school¡¯s tomorrow,¡± he said, his tone sounding as though there was much more to this observation.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, looking up at him.

    ¡°I guess¡­ well¡­ I know we normally have lunch with Isaac, Elise, and Grace¡­ but¡­ I kinda want to spend some time with just you. Y¡¯know. Enjoy the time we have together.¡±

    ¡°I see. It¡¯d be a lie if I said I didn¡¯t feel the same.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I still need to spend my morning teas recruiting those last few teachers. And¡­ well, while I take Isaac, I mainly try to advocate on my own. He usually stands around kicking rocks or whatever while I¡¯m talking to a teacher. I think it looks better, given my standing and all that, that it¡¯s just me. I probably only need one more week and I¡¯ll be all done.¡±

    ¡°So, morning tea with Elise and Grace this week then lunch¡­ just us?¡±

    ¡°O-Only if you want. I don¡¯t want to make decisions for you.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t had lunch with just us,¡± Lila stated matter-of-factly. ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about how Elise and Grace might feel if I¡¯m ditching them.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s kinda a good opportunity for Elise and Isaac to get closer if we¡¯re not there,¡± Asher noted. ¡°I know Grace would still be there¡­ but I¡¯m sure if we rope her in, she might make herself scarce on some occasions.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Two birds, one stone.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. And, if it goes well, I don¡¯t reckon Elise would even think you¡¯re ditching her. Grace, on the other hand, may have different feelings.¡±

    ¡°If we get her in on the plan, I¡¯m sure she¡¯d be pleased about it. Elise¡­ well, she¡¯s never really mentioned liking anyone before. Grace is just as eager as we are about matchmaking ¨C so she¡¯d be stoked, I reckon.¡±

    ¡°Great,¡± Asher grinned. ¡°Then I can pay Isaac back.¡±

    Lila playfully rolled her eyes. ¡°You both are constantly repaying each other; I don¡¯t think either of you even know who owes what.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Asher laughed, tossing his hair out of his eyes. ¡°But I¡¯ve been ditching him so often this year¡­ I¡¯d feel bad leaving him all on his own without a girlfriend at lunch, too. Especially since he clearly likes Elise.¡±

    ¡°Now I feel bad about leaving Grace without her girlfriend at lunch, too.¡±

    ¡°Girlfriend?¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart stopped, the warmth she¡¯d been feeling from her walk with Asher suddenly draining, like the plug of a bath had been removed. ¡°I-I meant boyfriend. Your mention of girlfriend¡­ mixed me up.¡±

    Asher eyed her carefully before shrugging. ¡°It happens.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t quite convinced that she¡¯d saved it, but he didn¡¯t mention it as they continued their leisurely walk.

    ¡°S-So,¡± Lila piped up, hurriedly trying to steer the conversation in a different direction. ¡°Why do you reckon Piper was at the farmhouse?¡±

    He pursed his lips, a slight frown creasing his brow. ¡°I¡¯ve honestly been trying to figure that out ever since you told me you saw a photo of it at the police station. But nothing¡¯s coming to mind at all.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡±

    ¡°Do you have any ideas?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°None. But¡­ you know that creepy figure we saw? I¡­ what if they killed her?¡±

    Asher glanced at her pale face and soothingly rubbed the back of her hand. ¡°Well, she managed to take a picture of it and stick it to her corkboard, so she wasn¡¯t dead then. She was found at the park, not at the farmhouse, too, so¡­ it¡¯s probably safe. Probably.¡±

    Lila grew quiet, unease settling in her stomach. His choice of the word ¡®probably¡¯ didn¡¯t imbue her with any kind of confidence. Not that it wasn¡¯t an apt word in the circumstances¡­

    She could feel her eyes on him and he sighed deeply.

    ¡°When I woke up the first time,¡± he said in a hushed tone, ¡°I immediately wanted to tell Mum. She¡­ she¡¯s known about you for a while.¡± He scratched at his chin, seeming suddenly bashful. ¡°Since¡­ since I first laid eyes on you, actually. I¡­¡±

    He shook his head, almost violently. Lila stopped in her tracks, her hand still in his, which prevented him from walking any further.

    ¡°Where¡¯s all this coming from?¡± Lila asked, though not unkindly. It was quite an unexpected change from their previous topic. Plus, Asher generally avoided talking about his Mum ¨C except in vulnerable moments, or specifically during their investigation into her disappearance.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Asher insisted, shaking his head again. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be scared if you want to tell me something. I¡¯m here to listen.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­ I know you¡¯re here to listen. But¡­ I¡¯m kinda worried you¡¯ll laugh at me.¡±

    Laugh at him? Now she was more curious.

    ¡°Won¡¯t know until you try,¡± she replied, trying to sound encouraging. He lifted his eyes to meet hers before sighing in defeat.

    ¡°When you look at me like that¡­ with your eyes all sparkling with curiosity¡­ I can¡¯t ever say no. Your joy in uncovering things¡­ and the way you think¡­ I just want to see it more and more. It¡­ utterly fascinates me. Though I¡¯m smart, sure, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been curious about learning. I learn because I¡¯m good at it, and I like being right. It¡¯s very seldom that I¡¯m legitimately interested¡­ but you seem to have this thirst, once something piques your interest.¡±

    He paused before throwing his free hand up into the air. ¡°You win. That wasn¡¯t what I was going to say, by the way. But¡­ I just had to tell you that.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him, the words he said slowly sinking in, a small smile creeping over her face. He looked thoughtful for a moment before taking a deep breath. ¡°I¡­ I was going to say¡­ that when we first met¡­ and I vividly remember this¡­ but I came home, really excited. We were in Grade 2, and I remember almost being strangled by those hats with the stopper things, but I didn¡¯t care. I jumped in the car and I told Mum¡­ that I met my future girlfriend.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart melted in her chest, the overwhelming sweetness of this memory he was sharing with her completely taking over. ¡°That¡¯s adorable, Asher.¡±

    He chuckled, though it seemed to be more of a nervous reaction than in humour. ¡°Yeah¡­ well, she laughed as she clipped me into the seat and told me she¡¯d be thrilled to meet you, once you were my girlfriend. Kinda not really serious about it, which is fair, I guess. Kids say that stuff all the time and then forget who they were talking about as soon as the topic changes. But¡­ with you¡­ I just¡­ I told Mum about you then, and throughout the years since, and, I mean, at first, it was just some kinda kid-like admiration. Almost like a running joke with my Mum, until I realised in Grade 7 or 8 that it really wasn¡¯t a joke. And, now that it¡¯s finally happened¡­ it¡¯s killing me that I can¡¯t tell her. That I can¡¯t introduce you to her as my girlfriend. I¡­ want to find her, and I hope she¡¯s safe, for so many godamn reasons¡­ but now another one¡¯s been added to my list.¡±

    He paused before adding, ¡°I knew she didn¡¯t like Holly. She¡¯s¡­ brutally honest when she doesn¡¯t like something. Almost to a fault. But she said to me that she¡¯d accept it if Holly made me happy. Then¡­ she disappeared. I was¡­ this sounds so shitty and selfish, but I was kinda glad that she wasn¡¯t around to see me crying over Holly. Not that I think she¡¯d say, ¡®told you so¡¯, but I¡¯d definitely feel it. But, with you, I¡­ I think she¡¯d really like you. So¡­¡±

    He clenched his free hand tightly as he continued, ¡°So, when we find her, ¡®cause we will, promise me you¡¯ll meet her and even hang out with her? She¡¯s really important to me, and I just want two of the most important people in my life to meet, especially ¡®cause I think you¡¯d like her too.¡±

    Lila blinked. That was a whole lot of information at once. Luckily, it didn¡¯t take her long to absorb what seemed to be plaguing him the most out of all of that.

    ¡°Of course. I¡¯d love to meet your Mum. She sounds amazing. Besides, you¡¯ve met my whole family. Why would I ever say no?¡±

    Asher immediately beamed at her, as though her agreement gave him life again. ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I had this fear that you would. Don¡¯t mind me¡­ I¡¯m a bit stupid sometimes.¡±

    ¡°Aren¡¯t we all?¡± Lila laughed, now hugging his arm rather than simply holding his hand. His breathing seemed to catch in his throat, but he didn¡¯t object.

    ¡°Where¡¯d that even come from, anyway?¡± Lila asked idly, glancing up at him again. He met her gaze before shrugging.

    ¡°Honestly? I thought what I¡¯d said about Piper¡¯s death was freaky and took a hard left to change the topic.¡±

    Lila burst into surprised laughter and Asher swiftly joined in, gently brushing his hand against the one that was still curled around his arm as if to ensure it really was there.

    They weren¡¯t far from the farmhouse now, with Lila¡¯s mind still running through what he¡¯d said. So¡­ he¡¯d noticed her all the way in Grade 2 ¨C and even told his Mum about it, almost preordaining that he would want her to be his girlfriend. She hadn¡¯t been sure if he could get even more endearing to her heart until knowing that tidbit of information. There was absolutely no way that she¡¯d regret being his ¨C especially after he showed his vulnerabilities to her like that. Like he had been, since the start of this year. And¡­ he even said that she was one of the most important people to him¡­

    She had never felt the need to pretend to be someone or something else in his presence ¨C and, it seemed, neither did he. Being so authentically liked like this ¨C falling for him never felt so easy, either, as though she was skydiving right by his side, the rush leaving her breathless.

    ¡°Sorry, by the way,¡± Asher murmured, his cheeks flushed with apparent embarrassment. ¡°I¡­ keep bringing up Holly.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Lila replied earnestly. ¡°¡­ Since¡­ you¡¯ve been vulnerable with me, can I be vulnerable with you?¡±

    He halted, looking at her with wide, round eyes. ¡°Of course.¡±

    She looked at the ground, her courage suddenly disappearing. She swallowed hard in an effort to bring it back, but it remained elusive. She¡¯d just have to go for it, even if she messed up.

    ¡°I¡­ well, there¡¯s two things. I¡¯d felt pretty insecure, like I¡¯d never match up to Holly, since she was such a bombshell. She was so gorgeous, and fit, and seemed to, on paper, match you well. And she seemed so nice at the time. Like there was no way I could hate her. So¡­ even though I know what she did to you, hearing you say those kinds of things¡­ kinda like¡­ I dunno, like where Holly had failed to measure up¡­ it makes me happy in some kinda twisted way.¡±

    Lila took a peek at Asher, who seemed stunned by this revelation. Lila didn¡¯t say anything more for a few seconds, returning her gaze back down to the floor.

    ¡°¡­ I- wow. I¡­ I guess it¡¯s similar to how I felt, when you told me that you weren¡¯t going to go on a second date with Theo. Hearing that he wasn¡¯t for you¡­ it really made me happy, even though I thought we wouldn¡¯t ever get together at the time,¡± he eventually said, his tone sounding floored.

    Lila nodded. The silence hung in the air between them before Asher spoke again.

    ¡°And the second thing is?¡±

    Lila winced. She¡¯d said two things, sure, but now she wasn¡¯t quite so willing to tell him the second thing. But¡­ if she was going to be vulnerable, like he had been, then she had to keep going.

    ¡°When¡­ when you told me that you broke up with Holly, you just said she was pregnant. So, I¡¯d originally thought the baby was yours, as I guess most would. I figured she would¡¯ve been devastated that her boyfriend dumped her after getting her pregnant, and even though you¡¯d cried in front of me that day¡­ I¡­ I couldn¡¯t stop smiling. It made me sick, actually, that I was so happy about it all. I mean, I hadn¡¯t yet figured out that I liked you, but it made me so happy when you broke up with her. I had to keep fighting from showing that as I tried to help you feel better. And¡­ it made me feel disgusting. Like I was a monster, almost. I felt so guilty ¨C especially when I saw how you were, that Saturday.¡±

    Asher remained silent ¨C long enough that Lila began to feel really nervous. Finally, she looked up ¨C only to see him smiling.

    ¡°Hearing you say that,¡± he said as he held her gaze with his tender eyes, ¡°makes me happy. I hadn¡¯t realised that you¡¯d liked me all the way back then ¨C and¡­ fuck, I don¡¯t even know how to describe what I¡¯m feeling. It¡­ it¡¯s really like something was trying to draw us together. I don¡¯t know if I believe in fate but¡­ after all that¡¯s happened¡­ maybe I¡¯m starting to.¡±

    Lila returned his smile, feeling relief wash over her. He didn¡¯t think she was weird, or cruel. He¡­ was happy that that had been her reaction. She couldn¡¯t contain her own happiness that she was feeling, hearing that he felt that way about something that she¡¯d felt so guilty about.

    Asher started walking again, bringing Lila seamlessly along with him. The energy between them seemed different now ¨C as though sharing those vulnerabilities with each other had lifted something. Bonded them closer together emotionally, at the very least. Especially since neither had reacted negatively to the other¡¯s confessions.

    Then, all too quickly, the road ended.

    And Lila¡¯s stomach plummeted to her icy-cold feet, her eyes shakily taking in what she was seeing. She couldn¡¯t figure out how to work her lungs properly and she gripped even more tightly onto Asher in fear and confusion.

    The farmhouse that she¡¯d been so anxious to see ¨C the one that might¡¯ve held clues about what happened to Piper ¨C was no more.

    Instead, what lay in its place was its charred, blackened remains ¨C burnt all the way down to its foundations with very few structural supports, bits of wood, scorched furniture, and glassless window frames remaining. From what she could see, the rusted tin roof had collapsed in some parts, and the cladding that had once adorned the exterior walls had given away, looking much more reminiscent of blackened charcoal.

    ¡°What¡­ the fuck?¡± she heard Asher murmur incredulously, slipping gently out of her grasp as he stepped forward.

 Chapter One Hundred and Eleven

    Chapter One Hundred and Eleven

    Asher continued to approach the foundation, before bending low to where the front steps had once been. Lila cast a quick, anxious look around the rest of the property. Everything else was exactly how they¡¯d last seen it ¨C including the once-handsome wagon next to the farmhouse¡¯s remains that had somehow escaped the flames unscathed.

    There didn¡¯t seem to be anyone around, so Lila hurried to join Asher, crouching next to him, her hands on her knees.

    ¡°See anything?¡± she asked in a hushed whisper.

    ¡°Not sure,¡± Asher replied, his voice shaky. ¡°What happened? When? Why?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ it doesn¡¯t feel hot,¡± Lila said matter-of-factly, reaching out a hand to confirm this. ¡°So, it¡¯s not like it just happened. I didn¡¯t smell any smoke outside last night when we had our picnic, either. So, it must¡¯ve been before then. As to the what and why¡­ I¡¯m not sure, from this angle, but¡­ we turned everything off when we left last time. Unless someone came back in and did something to the wiring or whatever, I would say that it wouldn¡¯t have been just an electrical fault. And¡­ if it wasn¡¯t an electrical fault gone wrong¡­ then it¡¯s pretty likely that it was set on fire on purpose.¡±

    Asher stared at her like she¡¯d just performed a Shakespearean soliloquy in French.

    ¡°You think¡­ someone committed arson here?¡±

    She paused, unsure what she thought anymore.

    ¡°Well¡­ maybe we¡¯ll find some clues if we keep looking around,¡± she finally said, standing up and surveying the area again.

    Asher sighed, seeming reluctant to still be here, but began looking around all the same.

    The rubble and ash left behind from the fire told Lila nothing of importance as she peered over at the foundation, seeing where the collapsed roof lay. Luckily for Lila, the front of the house seemed mostly intact ¨C which meant she could take a look around there without fearing being crushed by the roof. Now that the stairs were entirely busted, it looked like it might be a bit of a jump to get up to the entryway but still doable. She began preparing to do so when she felt Asher¡¯s firm hand on her shoulder.

    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked, looking down at her with a mixture of curiosity and worry.

    ¡°I was gonna jump up there,¡± she replied, pointing. He blinked, glancing at the foundation and back at her.

    ¡°Jumping sounds like an excellent way to get hurt, especially when you don¡¯t fully know what¡¯s up there. Here.¡±

    Lila almost objected before he held onto her waist with both hands. Her argument quickly fell away as her heart started to race. She really liked the feeling¡­ and, besides, she had said she¡¯d let Asher do more things for her before they even started dating¡­

    In the same instant that she finished her thought, he swiftly raised her up, swinging her slightly so she could lift her legs and stand on the porch. She was surprised by the ease at which he did this ¨C almost to the point of missing her landing.

    She stumbled as her feet connected to the floor before standing fully. She turned to Asher, giving him an enthusiastic thumbs up. He chuckled, beginning to climb up himself. She knelt down, reaching out a hand to help him. He looked unsure but gripped it all the same.

    It wasn¡¯t all that difficult to pull him up, and as soon as he was atop the porch, she smiled at him, standing once more.

    Now that she had a clearer picture of the farmhouse remains, it was incredible, really, just how much destruction had occurred. It was also rather terrifying, but she tried not to think too hard about that. At the very least, it had looked relatively abandoned before the fire ¨C so she was unlikely to find any bodies¡­ she hoped. Being up here, she found that it was a battle to keep her eyes from watering. The acrid smell of ash was pungent and eerily similar to charcoal, and she took care not to breathe in more than necessary. She didn¡¯t think that inhaling the ash would be tasty either.

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Asher muttered, his eyes wide and darting from side to side as if trying to absorb as much of the wreckage as he could.

    ¡°Could say that again,¡± Lila murmured, beginning to walk through the remnants of the hallway. If she¡¯d been worried about splinters the first time she¡¯d visited, it was definitely a certainty that she¡¯d fall victim to some if she wasn¡¯t careful. She tried to remember how the house was mapped, but it had all been a blur, her head whirling as she tried to process the fact that it had been burnt to a crisp so soon after their last visit.

    ¡°Not even the bathroom was safe,¡± Asher said forlornly, nodding towards where it had been. The door to it was scorched, like everything else here, but it had somehow been relieved of its hinges and instead was lying in the hallway. It was just beyond the bathroom where the roof had caved in ¨C so, if Lila was careful enough, she might be able to see what Asher meant.

    ¡°Are bathrooms meant to be safe in a fire?¡± Lila asked, inching closer to it. Her feet kicked up small clouds of soot that now covered the flooring, the smell coating her lungs. She cleared her throat, which seemed to help.

    ¡°Well, in comparison to the rest of the house, it was all tiled, wasn¡¯t it?¡± Asher reasoned, following behind her with careful, deliberate footsteps.

    ¡°Sure¡­¡± Lila trailed off, poking her head into the open doorway of the front room. It seemed that most of the furniture, not that there had been much to begin with, had succumbed to the flames, leaving behind small ashen traces or bits of unidentifiable wood.

    As Lila pulled out her phone to use as a torch, a creeping sensation began to gather upon the back of her neck. The air around her was incredibly still and silent ¨C as though the gravity of the fire had leeched into the surrounding environment. She gave an involuntary shudder, casting another glance around the property. She didn¡¯t catch sight of any pairs of eyes looking back at her ¨C but the lingering feeling that, perhaps, there was something (or someone) watching them didn¡¯t abate.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    Lila whipped her head around to face Asher, stumbling over her feet slightly. Seemingly out of instinct, he reached out to help steady her and she gave him a shaky, appreciative smile.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she said, stretching a hand up to gingerly touch his which still grasped her shoulder. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡± His face was pulled into one of genuine concern. ¡°We don¡¯t have to stay here.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together as she considered the suggestion. She looked behind her once more before peering into the darkness beneath the collapsed roof.

    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ not much left to look at,¡± she said slowly. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯d still like to look at what I can. It¡¯s¡­ really weird that this whole place is burnt down. Especially since no one was living here ¨C at least, when we were here last. Houses generally don¡¯t just¡­ burn down on their own. And I can¡¯t help thinking that it¡¯s just¡­ too convenient. Piper was murdered and had a printed picture of the farmhouse? We don¡¯t even have one of those anymore ¨C and it¡¯s connected to your house through that back road. Did someone know she visited and murdered her for it? Are we-¡±

    Lila cut herself off, unwilling to finish the thought aloud. Were they next? Was the catalyst for Piper¡¯s murder seeing this farmhouse? And¡­ here they were, standing here at the hollowed husk of the place that may have led to Piper¡¯s demise¡­

    She felt Asher lightly squeeze her shoulder. ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he murmured in her ear. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going until you¡¯re satisfied. You¡¯ll drive yourself crazy if you don¡¯t take a proper look.¡±

    Lila looked up at Asher, suddenly struck by how pale his face was. Should she give up? He didn¡¯t look so good¡­

    ¡°If you wanna go back, we can,¡± Lila said softly, looking back down at the splintering floorboards beneath her feet. ¡°You don¡¯t look like you want to be here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. I don¡¯t. But¡­ you raise very good questions¡­ questions that make me wonder¡­ did Mum find this place and¡­ and end up like Piper somewhere because she saw this¡­¡±

    Lila felt his grip tighten on her shoulder and she turned to face him properly. He kept his eyes away from hers, but from his quivering lower lip and the redness of his cheeks, Lila could tell he was trying not to give in to his emotions.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila finally uttered, fighting back the urge to kiss him. It¡­ wasn¡¯t the right time, what with how upset he looked. ¡°Let¡¯s just take a quick look around.¡±

    He nodded, letting go of her shoulder. Lila hesitated for a moment before slipping her hand into his. He met her gaze for just a second before looking away, his cheeks deepening in colour.

    ¡°T-The next room is just there,¡± he said in a strangled voice, pointing at said room. This door was wide open, displaying the same amount of destruction and rubble as the previous room. They continued onwards in silence, steadily approaching the bathroom that Asher had pointed out earlier. The floorboards groaned and whined underneath their feet, serving only to contribute to the unsettling feeling that gripped Lila¡¯s throat like a vice. The looming darkness was close now, the smell overpowering, now that they had reached the bathroom and the sharp tin roof that pierced the wooden floor below.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we should move the door,¡± Asher said in a low voice, startling Lila.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila agreed, placing her free hand on her chest, her heartbeat pounding against it with alarming ferocity. She hadn¡¯t realised quite how on edge she was feeling.

    They simultaneously peered into the bathroom, which was markedly far less scorched than the rest of the rooms. Besides that observation, Lila couldn¡¯t see anything else of interest.

    She turned to look at where the roof was lying across the hallway, pulling out her phone again. She shared a look with Asher and he silently nodded. She let go of his hand, bending low to the ground. She wasn¡¯t about to stick her head underneath the roof¡­ but there seemed to be a sizeable gap here. Perhaps¡­ she¡¯d see something.

    With a deep breath in which she took care not to inhale any soot, she cast her torch through the gap. It felt as though the burned remains of the farmhouse were sucking up all the light her phone had to offer ¨C she wasn¡¯t able to see anything in particular here either.

    Disappointed, she pointed her phone downwards to the floor before her heart stopped altogether. These marks¡­ looked like drag marks ¨C as though fingernails had dug through the floorboards.

    ¡°A-Asher¡­ w-what does this look like to you?¡± she stammered, pointing to her findings. He crouched next to her, following her line of sight.

    ¡°That¡¯s probably where the fire burned the hottest,¡± he said candidly. ¡°Why, what are you seeing?¡±

    Lila exhaled with relief. She was clearly looking too deeply into the shape left behind by the flames.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Lila shook her head, slowly standing up again. ¡°Just¡­ thought I saw something that wasn¡¯t there.¡±

    He was silent for a second before also standing. ¡°It looks like hands,¡± he eventually said quietly. ¡°But I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that. The origin of the fire is likely down that way, but it¡¯s far too dangerous to try and get in, what with the roof already being like this.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I wasn¡¯t planning on trying.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad.¡±

    Lila looked around once more, flashing her torchlight around to see if there was anything she hadn¡¯t noticed. With nothing left of note, she turned to Asher, a small, satisfied smile on her face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get outta here,¡± she said, coughing slightly. ¡°This soot¡¯s gonna suffocate me.¡±

    ¡°Say no more,¡± Asher grinned, his eyes shining with apparent relief. ¡°Though¡­ you didn¡¯t want to take photos?¡±

    She brought a hand to her chin as she contemplated this. She really ought to, but¡­ her consideration of the connection of having a photo of this place to Piper¡¯s murder still plagued her mind.

    ¡°We¡¯re¡­ probably not coming back, are we?¡± Lila asked in a low whisper.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing really left here,¡± Asher replied sensibly, waving a hand around at the surroundings to illustrate his point. ¡°So, probably not.¡±

    Lila sighed dejectedly. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ I¡¯ll take some pictures.¡±

    After taking a few from her current vantage point, including one or two of the drag-like markings, Lila gestured for Asher to start moving out. She took more pictures along the way of the various rooms and the hallway before Asher helped her down from the porch. Biting her lower lip, she took one final picture of the exterior of the farmhouse. If she didn¡¯t print these¡­ then she¡¯d probably be safe. Or, at least, that¡¯s what she was telling herself.

    Asher glanced at her, a knowing expression on his face.

    ¡°You look freaked out,¡± he observed. She didn¡¯t want to admit that but¡­ well, there wasn¡¯t any point in lying, either.

    ¡°I am,¡± she confessed, slipping her phone back into her pocket. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m glad we looked around. Even though we didn¡¯t get any answers. It¡¯s weird but the fact that we didn¡¯t get answers is kinda an answer, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Asher looked at her blankly for a second before chuckling. ¡°You could look at it like that,¡± he conceded, ¡°though it¡¯s deeply unsatisfying.¡±

    ¡°I never said it was satisfying. Just that¡­ I feel like the absence of real clues is a clue in itself. Like¡­ if it was burnt down on purpose, it was obviously to hide something. The what¡­ I don¡¯t know¡­¡± she trailed off, losing herself in her thoughts. Something was niggling at her ¨C something that seemed so close, yet also so far from her conscious understanding. Was she even close to the right answer?

    As she pondered this, an involuntary shiver ran through her body. The pressing feeling of something, or someone, watching them had returned. Lila whipped around, casting her eyes wildly around the scenery, spotting absolutely nothing of the sort. Her breathing increased in speed and heaviness as she strained her eyes ¨C surely her instincts weren¡¯t deceiving her. Right?

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher softly whispered in her ear, placing one of her hands in his with a light squeeze. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±

    It was strange, how quickly Asher¡¯s touch seemed to calm Lila down. His touch tended to spike her heart rate and stop her breathing, but now¡­ it felt as though she was always meant to be holding his hand. That his energy ¨C not quite calm, yet stoically refusing to give in to the panic Lila was teetering on the edge of ¨C was being transferred from his hand into hers and travelling through her veins. Was this how it should be? It felt right, at least. The only sense of ¡®right¡¯ in this bizarre, unsettling scene.

    She followed Asher¡¯s lead back down the path towards the mansion. Neither spoke for quite a while. Lila felt her tension fade with each step in his presence, which she decided to focus on rather than the eeriness of the farmhouse. Every so often, she would sneak a peek at Asher, though he would catch her looking immediately. Or was she catching him looking at her? Either way, Lila would feel her cheeks turning pink with each charming grin he gave her in return for her gaze.

    Finally, they crossed the lawn covering Asher¡¯s backyard and entered the house through the sliding doors that they¡¯d exited from.

    They didn¡¯t need to exchange a word to know that heading up to the rumpus room was immediately next on the agenda. Lila didn¡¯t see Marlene or Gabriel anywhere, nor did she hear them pottering around. She supposed that Gabriel might have headed home, given it was a Sunday, and that Marlene was running through her usual Sunday tasks elsewhere in the house.

    Strangely, this lack of supervision, though incredibly usual and expected, had an entirely different weight than it had previously. Asher let her head into the rumpus room ahead of him, and she almost asked him to keep the door open. But, with a deep and surprisingly shaky sigh, she didn¡¯t.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher asked as he crossed the room, sourcing some cups and drinks to pour in them.

    ¡°Grand,¡± Lila quipped before sighing again. ¡°Well, maybe not so grand.¡±

    ¡°Still thinking about the farmhouse?¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied, staring at her knees rather than at the cup that he passed to her. It seemed that he knew her well enough to know her drink preference without asking, judging by the sweet, fruity scent emanating from it. He seemed to sense that she wasn¡¯t being totally honest as he sat next to her ¨C close enough for their thighs to touch.

    ¡°Sounds like there¡¯s more than that,¡± he said shrewdly, taking a sip of his drink. Lila¡¯s cheeks burned a bright, flaming red as she continued to refuse to look at him.

    It hadn¡¯t even been 24 hours since they started dating. There was no way she was going to tell him that she was¡­ hyperaware of the fact that they really weren¡¯t supervised at his place. That this lack of supervision meant they didn¡¯t have to worry about getting caught¡­

    She shook her head vehemently ¨C more to shake her current thoughts (and where they were leading to) out of her mind than as an answer to Asher¡¯s statement.

    ¡°You can tell me anything, you know,¡± he said seriously. Lila made the mistake of meeting his eyes with hers and she immediately set her cup onto the coffee table before nervously smoothing out her jeans.

    ¡°I¡­ know,¡± she finally replied with more than a hint of reluctance. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m still trying to figure things out in my own head first.¡±

    ¡°I can respect that,¡± Asher nodded, setting his own cup down with a clink. ¡°Truthfully, my head¡¯s a bit of a mess after seeing it all burnt down like that.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    They sat in silence for a few moments, punctuated only by the sound of Lila¡¯s heartbeat. She hoped he didn¡¯t hear how loud and harsh it was, despite being so close to her. She wasn¡¯t quite interested in being embarrassed by physiological responses she couldn¡¯t control, after all.

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    ¡°¡­ and I¡¯ve been thinking about other things,¡± Asher eventually added. Lila glanced at him and was surprised to see his cheeks so pink.

    ¡°Other things?¡± Lila tried not to sound hopeful ¨C that if he admitted that he was¡­ thinking about those kinds of things, then perhaps she could give in to the thrum of desire that was harmonising with her heartbeat.

    ¡°Things like¡­ the fact that you¡¯re my girlfriend,¡± he explained in an incredulous whisper. ¡°I kinda thought you¡¯d run away from the idea by now.¡±

    ¡°Did you do something that deserves that?¡±

    ¡°Not that I can remember. But¡­ I can¡¯t seem to get that fear out of my brain. That maybe you¡¯re an unwilling participant, trapped because you can¡¯t say no or something.¡±

    Lila snaked her hand around his, pulling him closer to her shoulder. ¡°I don¡¯t know what I can do to convince you, except hope that it goes away with time. It¡¯s hardly been a day, after all. But¡­ I¡¯m being entirely truthful here when I say that I¡¯ve been wanting this for months, at the very least. There¡¯s no way that I¡¯d be an unwilling participant. You could almost say that I¡¯m too willing a participant.¡±

    Of course, Lila was again brought back to her more unsavoury thoughts but dispelled them quickly as she strained her ears to hear Asher¡¯s response. She heard him swallow hard, as though there was something lodged in his throat, before feeling his soft lips press gently on the top of her head.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered, his voice shaky with an emotion that Lila could only guess was genuinely appreciative and perhaps a little dumbfounded. ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind.¡±

    ¡°You better,¡± Lila asserted, squeezing his hand. ¡°But I¡¯ll keep reminding you for as long as it takes.¡±

    He gave a low, breathy chuckle before squeezing her hand in return. ¡°When you say it like that, I don¡¯t think I could doubt you.¡±

    Her heart thumped even more loudly than before, to the point that she could feel it in her ears. They must have been red-hot, though she pressed her left one against his shoulder, nestling herself there comfortably. He didn¡¯t complain about the heat, or her move to be closer to him. The fact that she could get away with this was gratifying in a way that she hadn¡¯t anticipated. Actually, she was beginning to settle in so much that her eyelids felt heavy, with each blink taking longer and longer to open her eyes.

    ¡°Should we do some research?¡±

    Asher¡¯s question hung in the air for a beat too long. She felt him shift, and it occurred to her that, yes, he had said something. Opening her eyes, she glanced up at him, meeting his soft, kind ones with mild confusion.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± he asked, tenderly brushing away some of her hair that was resting on her forehead. ¡°You can nap, if you want.¡±

    She shook her head half-heartedly. Now that he¡¯d asked about research, she knew she wouldn¡¯t be able to fall asleep without finding out what he¡¯d meant.

    ¡°Research what?¡± she asked, stifling a yawn behind her hand. He chuckled again.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you heard me. Don¡¯t worry about it. Sleep.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t be able to now,¡± Lila pouted, sitting up so she could see him better. ¡°What did you want to research?¡±

    ¡°Well, a fire that was that destructive might¡¯ve caught someone¡¯s attention,¡± he said, whipping out his phone. ¡°Perhaps it was on one of the local pages, or local news or something.¡±

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Lila nodded, taking her phone out too. ¡°I¡¯ll check the news if you check Facebook.¡± She was wide awake now and immediately launched into searches across Google and even the Forestglade Press.

    After several minutes, she shook her head. ¡°Nothing. Any luck on your end?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Asher replied, popping the ¡®p¡¯ with a disappointed sigh. ¡°For neighbours as nosy as mine, they don¡¯t seem to be observant of raging fires.¡±

    ¡°Or,¡± Lila said slowly, tapping the side of her phone as she considered this absence of information, ¡°the fire was set while people were at work.¡±

    ¡°It would¡¯ve been during school holidays though,¡± Asher frowned. ¡°Students would¡¯ve seen it.¡±

    ¡°If they¡¯re at home, maybe. But it was school holidays. Even if they were at home, they were probably busy inside gaming or whatever.¡±

    Asher fell silent, appearing to deeply consider this.

    ¡°Are we overthinking all this? It sounds like it was really calculated, if what you say is true,¡± he asked finally, running his hand through his hair in apparent frustration.

    ¡°¡­ Should we ask Marlene?¡±

    Lila¡¯s suggestion was soft, almost inaudible. Asher stared at her; his mouth slightly open in shock.

    ¡°You want to talk to Marlene?¡± he finally spluttered.

    ¡°We¡¯ve been assuming that it happened during the school holidays,¡± Lila replied frankly. ¡°But if it was during the day, it could¡¯ve been last week during school hours. That way there¡¯d be even fewer witnesses. But Marlene generally comes back from her shifts at the caf¨¦ in the middle of the day ¨C she could¡¯ve seen or smelled the fire. We¡¯d be able to pinpoint a time and date, at least, and that might give us a clue.¡±

    Asher looked at her doubtfully. ¡°What if she started the fire?¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°I was thinking of asking Gabriel, too. He¡¯s usually around during the day, and he was still here when you travelled to Vanuatu. If he says he noticed something during the day last week and Marlene says she didn¡¯t even though she realistically should¡¯ve ¨C then¡­ we¡¯ve got a good idea of a culprit, too.¡±

    Asher continued to look at her for a moment before hanging his head. ¡°I can¡¯t fault your logic there. But¡­ what if she did do it? Then what? Do¡­ we go to the police?¡±

    Lila bit her lower lip as she pondered this. She rested on an answer that didn¡¯t feel exactly right but she didn¡¯t have an alternative immediately available to her either.

    ¡°No,¡± she said hesitantly, shaking her head as if to reinforce her point to herself. ¡°Technically, we would¡¯ve been trespassing. It¡¯d also be circumstantial if we thought Marlene was lying, and probably hard to prove. It was abandoned, too, so it¡¯s not as though anyone¡¯s missing it either. The risks outweigh the benefits here, I think.¡±

    Asher flashed her a quick grin. ¡°Again, I can¡¯t fault your logic. The goody-two-shoes in me is screaming, though.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t know you still had one,¡± Lila laughed. He laughed along with her before ending it with another sigh. He stretched his arms above his head and gave her a sideways glance.

    ¡°Well¡­ we¡¯ve got some time before lunch. What do you wanna do?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything in mind,¡± Lila replied swiftly, looking towards the Switch controllers. ¡°The usual, I guess?¡±

    He smirked at her, reaching forward for the right amount of controllers. ¡°Usual sounds perfect.¡±

    The rest of the morning flew by in each other¡¯s company, rotating through their usual games and then over to watching videos. Of course, there was an unusual amount of closeness between them, as though there was a magnetic force pulling them together. Even when Lila tried to shift her position so she could sit comfortably, she found herself right back against Asher, soaking in his radiating warmth.

    Eventually, Marlene called them down for lunch. The smell of cheese, tomatoes and aromatic herbs hinted to Lila that lunch was a humble pasta. As she sat in her seat in the dining room, she saw that she was indeed correct.

    ¡°Gabriel¡¯s gone home for the day,¡± Marlene explained with a small smile, pouring juice for both Lila and Asher. ¡°Therefore, today¡¯s lunch is rather simple. I hope you enjoy it.¡±

    ¡°It smells delicious,¡± Lila replied, meeting Marlene¡¯s gaze. For some reason, Lila had the distinct feeling that Marlene¡¯s eyes were reflecting some kind of nervous energy. Was there something bothering Marlene? Or was Lila just misinterpreting Marlene¡¯s expression?

    She¡¯d barely asked herself those questions when Marlene returned to the kitchen.

    ¡°Marlene¡­ seems different,¡± Lila murmured to Asher, taking a sip of her juice.

    ¡°Does she?¡± Asher¡¯s tone conveyed surprise as he looked towards the kitchen.

    Lila shrugged, now far more unsure of herself. If Asher hadn¡¯t noticed, then perhaps she was misinterpreting something.

    Marlene returned with small, warmed pieces of bread and homemade butter before giving them both a tight-lipped smile.

    ¡°Marlene,¡± Lila said before she could tell her brain to shut up.

    ¡°Yes, Lila?¡± Marlene¡¯s voice was curious, and she wiped her hands on her tea towel. To Lila, it looked more like she was wringing her hands, as though anxious about something.

    She hadn¡¯t thought of a way to ask about the burnt farmhouse without looking suspicious. With a deep breath, she decided to just run with the first thing that popped into her head.

    ¡°So¡­ I heard from one of my school friends who lives in the area that there was a fire around here recently. Uh, s-she heard about it from her cousin o-or something. So I was wondering if you knew anything about it?¡±

    Asher¡¯s mouth flapped open, as though he was unable to believe what he was hearing. Marlene paused, her eyes flashing an emotion that was too quick for Lila to read.

    ¡°A fire?¡± Marlene tilted her head, her eyes flickering to the right. She was silent for a second as Lila waited for her answer with bated breath. Eventually, Marlene shook her head.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I don¡¯t know anything about it,¡± she said gently with a bow. ¡°I¡¯ll be in the kitchen if you need me.¡±

    Marlene departed without another word and Asher turned to Lila, his expression clearly flabbergasted.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he whispered, ¡°why¡¯d you just-¡±

    ¡°I honestly don¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied in a low voice, spooning some pasta into her mouth. Then, she lowered her spoon with a sigh. ¡°I¡­ feel like most people would have follow-up questions, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°I dunno. Maybe like ¡®when was the fire?¡¯ or ¡®where abouts was it?¡¯ or something like that. But she just flat out said she didn¡¯t know anything about it.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Maybe? I mean, if it doesn¡¯t sound familiar to her, she didn¡¯t need any follow-up questions.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before taking another bite of her pasta. Perhaps Asher was right. Not everyone was as curious as she was, after all.

    Despite Asher¡¯s presumption, he seemed deep in thought for the rest of lunch. Lila herself couldn¡¯t quite shake the feeling that Marlene¡¯s answer was dissatisfying to her somehow and pondered the reason as to why as she finished off her meal.

    With a final swig of juice, she caught Asher¡¯s eye and he smiled at her.

    ¡°Ready?¡± he asked, putting his cup down.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila returned his smile and stood, stretching.

    They returned upstairs, with Asher closing the door behind them as usual. Again, the closure of this door made Lila¡¯s heart give a heavy, breathtaking thud before she firmly reminded herself that Asher normally closed it. It didn¡¯t mean anything in particular.

    Though¡­ now that he closed it¡­ they could probably get a little bit closer than they had thus far.

    She glanced at him, considering the idea before a hard lump formed in her throat. Seeing his face in the daylight ¨C though it was a face she was intimately familiar with ¨C made the idea of kissing him incredibly impossible. She wasn¡¯t exactly sure why she felt that way, but as her hands trembled by her sides, she was losing any hope of fighting against it. It¡­ was too much, too soon, after spending so long as just friends. She was definitely much braver in the semi-darkness.

    He seemed none the wiser to her inner plight as he gave her another warm smile, ruffling the back of his hair.

    ¡°Well, I guess there¡¯s no time to waste,¡± he said, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

    ¡°S-Sorry?¡± Lila stammered, her eyes wide.

    He blinked, lowering his hand. ¡°Did you not want to play?¡±

    Lila let out a long, slow breath. She was losing her mind.

    ¡°Let¡¯s play,¡± she confirmed, sinking onto the couch.

    Asher grinned, handing her a set of joy cons before setting up one of the games they¡¯d been recently playing. Soon, her worries melted away in the face of spending time with Asher, her focus changing to his smile, laugh and silly jokes as they wiled away the rest of the day.

    Neither touched on the farmhouse again for now, though it lingered in the back of her mind. She¡¯d talk to him about it sometime during the week, perhaps. For now, she just wanted to soak up the rest of her first day as his girlfriend.

    All too quickly, dinner ¨C consisting of a basic yet tasty tuna bake ¨C came and went. As it had been the other times that they¡¯d sat together on his couch, they had slowly managed to get closer and closer together. She¡¯d hoped that perhaps Asher would make a move on her, but instead, he¡¯d simply held her hand as they watched YouTube videos after dinner.

    Just as she started to move to nestle herself closer into his shoulder, a message from Clare announced that she¡¯d arrived to pick Lila up.

    Reluctantly, Lila stood, collecting her bags. Asher paused the YouTube video that they¡¯d been watching, his expression incredibly solemn.

    ¡°It¡­ sounds stupid,¡± he murmured as she reached the door to the rumpus room. She turned to him, wondering what he was referring to.

    ¡°What sounds stupid?¡±

    He grimaced before folding his arms against his chest. ¡°It¡­ sounds stupid that I wish you could stay over tonight. I know that we¡¯ve got school tomorrow, but¡­ I kinda wish we could skip it. Just spend tomorrow here again.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered for a moment before she smiled at Asher. Asher never missed school if he could help it ¨C but here he was, suggesting that they should skip it together.

    ¡°I wish I could stay too,¡± she responded truthfully. She looked towards the rumpus room door before sighing deeply. ¡°But¡­ I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher replied, running his hands through his hair, seeming frustrated with himself. ¡°That¡¯s why it¡¯s stupid. I don¡¯t even know why I said that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you said it,¡± Lila said, readjusting her bags. ¡°Knowing you want me around¡­ makes me feel happy.¡±

    She felt her face heating up and curtly turned around, opening the door. Asher hurried after her, scooping her bags out of her hands.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± she insisted before looking at his determined face.

    ¡°I know you do,¡± he simply said, gently teasing the straps from her hands. ¡°But¡­ now that I¡¯m your boyfriend¡­ I can do all the things that I wanted to do for you, can¡¯t I?¡±

    Lila paused, a rush of butterflies beating their wings within her stomach. Then, she smiled.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she murmured, watching as he pulled her bags onto his shoulders. He shot her a dazzling beam and her heart drummed in her chest, serving as the soundtrack for her descent down the stairs. He looked so pleased with himself ¨C as though¡­ nothing made him happier than to carry her bags. She¡¯d never expected that he¡¯d be so delighted to simply hold them for her.

    Biting back her own beam, she passed the kitchen, calling out a cheery ¡°Bye Marlene!¡± as she did so. Marlene quickly exited the butler¡¯s pantry, smiling serenely at Lila.

    ¡°See you next time,¡± she said pleasantly. ¡°Take care.¡±

    ¡°You too, Marlene,¡± Lila replied breezily. Her suspicion of Marlene hadn¡¯t left her mind, but there was no point in addressing it now. Marlene inclined her head before returning to the pantry.

    ¡°What¡¯s even in there?¡± Lila asked curiously as they continued to the front doors.

    ¡°In where?¡± Asher queried, punching in the security code.

    ¡°The butler¡¯s pantry. I mean, I understand why Gabriel¡¯s in there all the time, but why Marlene? Surely she¡¯d only need to use the kitchen.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well, there¡¯s a small washing machine and dryer in there for tea towels and the like. Most of the kitchen tools she uses are in there, too, so once she finishes washing them, she puts them back where they belong. I also think she resets the pantry and replenishes anything that she¡¯s used for Gabriel and cleans it all up.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ it sounds massive.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Perhaps? I mean, it¡¯s bigger than your kitchen, sure. But I dunno about ¡®massive¡¯.¡±

    Lila chuckled, putting her shoes on. ¡°Looks like I¡¯d have to take a look for myself.¡±

    ¡°If you want. But I assure you, it¡¯s not very thrilling.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a washing machine and dryer in your kitchen! That¡¯s thrilling.¡±

    Asher snorted and Lila laughed, indicating that she was speaking in jest. They exited the front doors, making their way to Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°Ah, here¡¯s the happy couple,¡± Clare called after rolling down the passenger side window. ¡°I hope you two haven¡¯t gotten carried away.¡±

    ¡°Clare, stop it,¡± Lila replied shortly, opening the back passenger door. Asher placed her bags inside, seemingly ignoring Clare¡¯s comment.

    Clare pouted. ¡°You¡¯re no fun,¡± she whined before smiling brightly at Asher. ¡°Good job, though, for finally getting it together and asking,¡± she said, directly meeting his eyes. ¡°Whoa, you look like a lobster. What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°N-Nothing¡¯s wrong,¡± Asher stuttered, stepping away from Clare¡¯s car. Lila looked at him, before finding that his face was indeed as red as a lobster. What was he thinking about?

    ¡°Wha-¡± she tried to say before Asher quickly pulled her into a hug, completely tossing the question she¡¯d been about to ask out of her mind.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he whispered in her ear, causing a shiver to roll through her body. He didn¡¯t seem to notice as he gave her a gentle squeeze.

    ¡°S-See you tomorrow,¡± Lila squeaked, breaking away from the hug and just about diving into Clare¡¯s car. Clare remained tight-lipped as Lila clipped her seatbelt across her chest. Once buckled in, Clare sweetly called ¡°Bye!¡± before rolling the window up again.

    Lila waved at Asher as Clare slowly pulled away from his mansion. Asher returned her wave, his face once again solemn ¨C though still looking slightly pink.

    ¡°Lobster boy seems a bit defensive,¡± Clare chuckled as she rounded the corner. ¡°You sure you didn¡¯t get carried away?¡±

    ¡°Of course we didn¡¯t,¡± Lila replied, looking towards her knees. ¡°We kissed last night but I got too scared to kiss him again today.¡±

    ¡°Aww,¡± Clare cooed, glancing over at Lila with an adoring smile. ¡°C¡¯mon, tell me all about it.¡±

    Lila launched into a retelling of the picnic set up, how he¡¯d asked her to be his girlfriend, and the two kisses they¡¯d shared. When she told Clare about Asher not wanting to keep it a secret, Clare squealed.

    ¡°He¡¯s such a romantic! I never would¡¯ve picked it,¡± she heartily laughed. ¡°Good line, too. Surprised you could keep your hands to yourself.¡±

    ¡°Clare-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad, though,¡± Clare said seriously, cutting off Lila¡¯s attempted admonishment. ¡°I was worrying that you¡¯d give in a bit too early. Like I said, I¡¯m not ready to be an aunt.¡±

    Lila sighed, deciding it was better not to respond. She wasn¡¯t exactly wanting to run off and become a teen mum, either. There was silence in the car for a little while before Lila spoke.

    ¡°Well, did you have brunch with Alex?¡±

    Clare nodded, seeming unable or unwilling to elaborate for a moment. Then, she gave a slow exhale and turned down her music entirely.

    ¡°We¡­ talked. About us. I hope you¡¯re proud of me, Lila. I was honest with him.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t sound happy, though,¡± Lila replied gently. ¡°Did¡­ something bad happen?¡±

    ¡°No. But¡­ I feel guilty as all hell.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re gonna need to give me more context, sis.¡±

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s¡­ just¡­ well, I hate to say that you were right.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s rude.¡±

    Clare snorted before sighing. ¡°He thought I was trying to end it. That¡¯s why he was trying to avoid me. ¡®Cause he didn¡¯t want to hear me say it.¡±

    ¡°That sounds encouraging.¡±

    ¡°He¡­ he said that me asking for a break almost tore his heart out. He¡¯d¡­ actually been planning to ask to be official, and then I asked for a break. So, he was really hurt, but since it wasn¡¯t a ¡®break up¡¯, he was still hopeful¡­ when he said he was thinking about one too¡­ that had been a panic response from him, apparently. He didn¡¯t want to push me, so he gave me space¡­ and when I said I wanted to talk to him about us at the club, he said he was busy even though he wasn¡¯t¡­ ¡®cause I spooked him. Like you said.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡±

    Clare flashed Lila a pained expression before looking back at the road. ¡°I feel like such an idiot. I ran away from my feelings when¡­ I wanted to run to them.¡±

    ¡°Did it work out, though? Are you guys together now?¡±

    Clare nodded, though her eyes brimmed with tears. ¡°I¡­ asked if he wanted to be official, b?before he told me all that stuff about how he was feeling. I kinda just¡­ showed up there, we sat down, he asked if I wanted something to drink and I just¡­ came out with it. He was so shocked he dropped the menu in his table water.¡±

    Clare paused before continuing. ¡°He asked me why. And I said that I really wanted to be exclusive with him. That¡­ I¡¯d been thinking about it all and I really liked him. Then¡­ he gave me the saddest little smile and said, y¡¯know, the stuff I mentioned. I thought he was gearing up to say no, but he must¡¯ve seen that I looked worried ¡®cause he said he¡¯d been hoping that one day I¡¯d be his. He¡¯d actually spent all of last year, when I started working there, working up the courage to ask me out and when I¡¯d made it clear that I was only looking for something casual in April, he went along with it¡­ kinda reminded me of me, from way back when.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ what¡¯s there to feel guilty about?¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­ why was I so stupid? I hurt him. I didn¡¯t realise how bad it was until I saw him this morning. He looked really shaken, and trying to seem normal when we met up before we got to talking.¡±

    ¡°Did he understand why, at least?¡±

    Clare pressed her lips together before giving a reluctant shrug. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Maybe?¡±

    ¡°I get why you feel guilty. But all you can do is make it up to him, really. I thought you¡¯d be ecstatic that you¡¯re together.¡±

    ¡°I am¡­ but there¡¯s this dark cloud looming over me. That maybe he doesn¡¯t actually like me as much as it seems.¡±

    ¡°Is there a reason for that?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Clare whispered. ¡°This whole being vulnerable shit sucks. What if I misread something?¡±

    ¡°From what it sounds like, I reckon he thinks, or at least thought, the exact same thing.¡±

    Clare looked over at Lila, her brow wrinkled in a classic tell that Clare was truly affected by something. ¡°How do you figure?¡±

    ¡°He clearly thought your brunch was a breakup brunch,¡± Lila replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Being vulnerable does suck, and I¡¯m not perfect at it by miles but¡­ I think you should probably have another chat with him about it. Iron out all the worries and fears.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be so much easier to just have sex with him and be done with it,¡± Clare pouted. ¡°It¡¯s worked before, anyway.¡±

    Lila gave a heavy sigh. ¡°Not that I know what that¡¯s like, but that sounds more like slapping a band-aid on a third-degree burn and calling it a day. Sure, it might look like it¡¯s doing something, but you¡¯re really avoiding treating the issue.¡±

    ¡°Dammit, Lila,¡± Clare whined. ¡°Can¡¯t you just¡­ pretend I¡¯m right?¡±

    ¡°I could, but then you¡¯d come back and complain.¡±

    ¡°I hate it when you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Clare fell silent, clearly deep in thought. She hadn¡¯t turned the music back up, which meant that Lila had diverted her attention to her phone. She¡¯d almost been too scared to look at her notifications and reactions to the news that she was dating Asher¡­ but in the absence of anything else to do on the way home, she might as well.

    Their post regarding their relationship status on Facebook had 182 reactions ¨C far more than Lila had ever received in her life. Did she even have that many friends on Facebook? Or were they Asher¡¯s? It was public ¨C so perhaps others from school came across it, even if they weren¡¯t connected to Lila or Asher.

    There were far fewer comments to go through ¨C most said congratulations, or some variant of it. A few ¡®Finally!¡¯ comments were peppered here and there, two being from Elise and Grace. Isaac lamented that he¡¯d have to let go of his buddy, but if it was for the pursuit of happiness, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. Asher had already replied to that one, calling Isaac dramatic with an eye-rolling emoji followed by a laughing one.

    Lila reacted to all the comments she came across, including a particularly enthusiastic and emoji-filled one from Cecelia.

    One comment gave Lila pause. It was from Theo and simply said ¡®Cute¡¯. She ¡®liked¡¯ it but chose not to respond. She felt a bit awkward ¨C not only because she¡¯d gone on a date with Theo a couple of months ago, but also because seeing his name viscerally reminded her of the morphine ring encircling the Grade 12s he was associated with.

    Once she¡¯d finished looking through the comments, she looked through who was part of the now 183 people who had reacted. As she¡¯d suspected, most were people from school and family. But, to her surprise, the post had been love-hearted by Holly, of all people.

    Holly hadn¡¯t left a comment, and she wasn¡¯t friends with Lila on Facebook ¨C just Instagram. Was she still Facebook friends with Asher?

    Lila clicked on Holly¡¯s account. It was locked ¨C meaning she couldn¡¯t see anything at all. She went back and opened Asher¡¯s Facebook profile. He had 42 friends on there ¨C and Holly wasn¡¯t any of them. Maybe¡­ considering Holly had a lot of mutuals with Forestglade College students, it had popped up on her feed?

    Lila contemplated locking down the relationship post to friends-only. It felt somewhat violating, in a way, that Holly had both seen and reacted to it despite not being friends with either Lila or Asher.

    At the same time though¡­ it was satisfying, knowing that Holly had seen it. It showed, at least, that Asher had moved on after she¡¯d destroyed him. Lila briefly wondered if it hurt Holly, to see him moving on, but considered that Holly probably didn¡¯t have the capacity to feel hurt over Asher. After all, she evidently hadn¡¯t actually given a damn about him.

    Though, considering he¡¯d hidden his relationship with Holly for months, perhaps it did sting a little that Asher had announced his relationship with Lila so quickly.

    ¡®Good,¡¯ Lila thought with an edge of vindictiveness. Lila couldn¡¯t hide that she hoped it hurt Holly, even though it wouldn¡¯t be close to matching the hurt Holly had inflicted on Asher.

    ¡°Well, looks like we¡¯re home,¡± Clare announced, parking the car. ¡°Thanks, by the way.¡±

    ¡°For what?¡± Lila asked, returning to reality and unbuckling herself.

    ¡°For¡­ well, helping me with Alex. At the very least, thanks for listening.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s only fair,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°You helped me with Asher, after all.¡±

    Clare returned Lila¡¯s grin with one of her own. ¡°Guess I did. Let¡¯s get inside before we freeze out here.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Twelve

    Chapter One Hundred and Twelve

    English was up first on Monday morning, which meant that Lila would be spending her first lesson with Asher.

    She thought it was odd, as she trudged her way to the classroom against the blistering, cutting wind, that she was now feeling unsure of herself. Sure, they were dating, but¡­ how was she supposed to act with him at school? Like they normally did? Or¡­ was he expecting something else?

    She hadn¡¯t paid attention to how couples acted during and between classes. What should she be doing? And what were the rules at school, anyway? Were they allowed to hold hands? Was kissing allowed?

    She strained to remember how she¡¯d acted with Isaac when they were dating. They¡¯d kissed twice, but she couldn¡¯t remember holding his hand or otherwise being very close to him. They¡¯d had lunch together¡­ and he¡¯d held her school bag¡­ but that was it, from what she could recall. They¡¯d talked a bit, but a lot of it was awkward silence since she hadn¡¯t really known him then. Now, of course, she felt like she knew a bit too much¡­

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    She looked up, seeing a beaming Asher standing outside their English classroom. He was wearing a jumper today, which was certainly a good idea given they were now in the coldest part of winter.

    But just as she¡¯d registered this fact, she came face-to-face with his jumper-clad torso. In the same instant, she felt her feet lifting from the ground. His arms were wrapped firmly around her, pulling her into a hug and he began to spin them both. She melted in his grasp, allowing herself to be spun without complaint. His overt happiness at seeing her warmed her from the inside out, spreading to her freezing fingertips.

    ¡°I missed you,¡± he finally said after completing a rotation or two, his face flushed and breathing heavy. Lila laughed, her worries about how to act having completely departed from her mind.

    ¡°I missed you too, Asher,¡± she smiled. He continued to look into her eyes, which seemed to get closer by the second. Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered shut-

    ¡°Good morning, Asher and Lila,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s voice caused them to spring apart from each other, Lila¡¯s face burning hot. Had they been about to kiss?

    ¡°G-Good morning, Ms Shard,¡± Asher stammered, coughing slightly and readjusting his tie.

    ¡°I can see that you¡¯re both rather happy this morning,¡± Ms Shard commented. ¡°But you are also in the way of my door, and I¡¯d rather not see kissing students so bright and early in the morning in general, let alone those who are also blocking my way.¡±

    ¡°W-We weren¡¯t-¡± Asher spluttered before Ms Shard gave him a doubtful look.

    ¡°It¡¯s cold outside. Come on, let¡¯s get cracking on those poems,¡± Ms Shard said firmly, holding the door open for Asher and Lila, who filed in somewhat awkwardly.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to see your hands on your desks too, please,¡± Ms Shard instructed as the door shut behind them. Lila didn¡¯t dare protest. She noticed several of her classmates nodding at them as they continued towards their desks ¨C something that indicated to Lila that they had heard the news of their relationship. Gossip sure did get around fast here¡­

    ¡°As if we¡¯re going to do anything in her classroom,¡± Asher whispered petulantly after they took their usual seats. Lila glanced at him, seeing that his face was bright pink.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± she replied, looking back at her desk. She wordlessly set up her laptop and other materials, waiting for Ms Shard to commence the lesson. It felt a bit uncomfortable, that Ms Shard had specifically singled them out for that, but Lila supposed that Ms Shard would¡¯ve seen quite a few couples in her time. She was close to retirement age, after all. Perhaps she was just overly cautious of any of those kinds of hijinks in her classroom.

    Ms Shard started the lesson, talking about various techniques typically utilised in poetry writing. Lila once again wrote so many notes that her wrists creaked, a fact that seemed to draw Asher¡¯s attention.

    ¡°You okay?¡± he murmured as Ms Shard turned towards the board, writing something on it.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila whispered unconvincingly. ¡°Just¡­ hate poems. I have to write as many notes as possible.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯re you going with the assignment?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t looked at it.¡±

    ¡°Do you want me to help-¡±

    ¡°Asher, Lila, please be quiet,¡± Ms Shard said impatiently, turning towards them with her hands on her hips. ¡°I¡¯m trying to teach here.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila and Asher replied in unison, ceasing their previous conversation altogether.

    They remained quiet for the rest of the lesson, though Lila¡¯s wrists were still giving her trouble. Once class was dismissed, Asher immediately took her hands in his.

    ¡°Let me massage them,¡± he said earnestly, inspecting them both.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Lila nodded, her face flushing slightly, ¡°but maybe we should get out of here first.¡±

    ¡°Good point.¡±

    They swiftly packed up and exited with the rest of their classmates, some of whom were clearly discussing Lila and Asher. For once, though, Lila didn¡¯t mind. In fact, it gave her a strange sense of satisfaction ¨C as if it made her relationship with Asher more legitimate, somehow.

    As soon as they were back in the open air, Asher took Lila¡¯s right hand in his left.

    ¡°We¡¯ll go to the STEM block, yeah?¡± he suggested, looking fondly down at her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she smiled.

    They set off at a leisurely pace, with Asher taking the opportunity to squeeze her hand on occasion. They didn¡¯t speak on the way to the STEM area of campus, with Lila spending the time relishing the fact that he was holding her hand at school without a care about who saw them.

    She saw a couple of students do a double take upon seeing them pass, but no one approached them. Occasionally, she¡¯d look up at Asher and he¡¯d smile down at her. She wondered briefly why he wasn¡¯t speaking, but figured that perhaps¡­ if she wasn¡¯t misreading the entire situation¡­ he was feeling just as she was.

    They approached their usual spot where they¡¯d break away to their classes and Asher took both her hands in his again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to teach you some stretches for your wrists,¡± he murmured, pressing down on her hands and beginning to massage them.

    ¡°Or,¡± Lila replied, a mischievous smirk across her face, ¡°I could keep going as I am and you¡¯d feel compelled to massage me.¡±

    Asher looked up at her, his confusion apparent, until it seemed he registered that she was being playful. He lightly tapped her left hand in admonishment.

    ¡°I¡¯ll massage you all you want, but you need to take care of your joints and your muscles too,¡± he said sternly. Lila¡¯s face flushed again and, to her surprise, his face grew pink too. She paused, looking down at their hands.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ll do those stretches. You¡¯ll just have to let me know what they are. But you¡¯ll have to keep your end of the deal, too,¡± she replied, a small smile gracing her face.

    ¡°The massages?¡±

    She nodded, her eyes still fixed upon their hands. She suddenly felt an overwhelming tidal wave of shyness come over her, and it was taking all of her willpower to stay still.

    ¡°Of course,¡± he chuckled, squeezing her hands. ¡°Sounds like a deal.¡±

    ¡°Morning Asher, morning Asher¡¯s girlfriend,¡± the cheeky, teasing voice of Isaac floated over to them. Lila turned to face him, and, unlike the last time they were stood here and Asher was massaging her, her hands remained in Asher¡¯s grasp.

    ¡°Lila has a name, you know,¡± Asher said disapprovingly.

    ¡°Oh, I know. But look how chuffed she looks now that I¡¯ve said that,¡± Isaac smirked, clapping Asher on the shoulder. Lila pointedly looked away from them both, her heart racing in her chest. Was Isaac right? She certainly felt a rush of happiness flood through her when she¡¯d realised Isaac was talking about her being Asher¡¯s girlfriend¡­

    ¡®Embarrassing,¡¯ she thought to herself with a twinge of disappointment. Why couldn¡¯t she keep her cool? Asher seemed to be keeping his cool quite well¡­ as if they¡¯d always meant to be dating. Like it wasn¡¯t anything new. Was it¡­ from his experience with Holly? They¡¯d been together for about half a year ¨C a lifetime for high school relationships¡­

    ¡°While I¡¯d love to stand here like a creep and watch you two do¡­ whatever the heck you¡¯re doing, I¡¯d appreciate my Chem partner to, y¡¯know, be at Chem,¡± Isaac said, nudging Asher¡¯s shoulder. Asher sighed, giving Lila¡¯s hands one final, reluctant squeeze.

    ¡°See you at lunch, yeah?¡± he asked gently, placing his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°See you then,¡± Lila replied just as gently, hoping her wistful edge didn¡¯t carry through.

    ¡°Alright, alright, doe-eyes, let¡¯s go,¡± Isaac said firmly, pushing against Asher¡¯s back so he¡¯d start moving towards the Chem lab. Asher looked back at Lila, who gave him a small wave, before elbowing Isaac playfully in the side. Isaac gave chase and they disappeared in a flash around the corner.

    ¡®Why am I so lame?¡¯ Lila lamented to herself as she trudged the last few steps to Maths. Was she being too clingy? Would she drive Asher away?

    Luckily, Maths provided ample distraction ¨C enough so that class ended in what felt like a matter of minutes. Now that it was morning tea, Lila braced herself for a flurry of questions from Elise and Grace.

    Strangely, she couldn¡¯t see either of them in the locker room. She clicked the lock on her locker after securing her morning fruit and water bottle and still didn¡¯t see them. It was Monday¡­ so surely Grace wouldn¡¯t be at a music lesson. As for Elise, she wasn¡¯t normally delayed heading off to the locker room given how ravenously hungry she always seemed.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Elise and Grace?¡± a voice from behind Lila made her jump out of her skin. She stiffly turned, coming face-to-face with a puzzled-looking Asher.

    ¡°Beats me,¡± Lila attempted to shrug nonchalantly, but she could tell that it wasn¡¯t as smooth as she¡¯d been hoping owing to how Asher¡¯s expression shifted to worry.

    ¡°Did you want to have morning tea with me?¡± he asked, glancing at the time on his phone before pocketing it.

    ¡°I-¡±

    Lila¡¯s reply was cut off by the appearance of a clearly harried Elise and a rather relaxed Isaac rounding the corner.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Elise breathed, hurrying past Lila to her locker. ¡°I just had some questions about my English assignment.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re all good,¡± Lila replied, waving a hand dismissively. ¡°Just got worried something happened to you.¡±

    ¡°Me? Never,¡± Elise called back.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you here?¡± Lila heard Isaac ask Asher.

    ¡°I was waiting for you,¡± Asher replied rigidly. ¡°You were taking forever at your locker, smiling like an idiot at your phone.¡±

    ¡°Not my fault I found some dope ass memes,¡± Isaac replied innocently.

    ¡°Sharing¡¯s caring, you know,¡± Asher replied drily.

    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s besides the point,¡± Isaac said quickly with a shake of his head. ¡°Aren¡¯t you meant to be harassing some teachers or whatever? Instead of your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not harassing Lila,¡± Asher asserted with a dramatic flair in his tone. ¡°Just saying hi.¡±

    ¡°Well, say hi with less drool next time. Come on,¡± Isaac winked at Lila before once again pushing Asher away. ¡°See ya later!¡±

    ¡°Gosh, Isaac can be such an ass, can¡¯t he?¡± Elise said disdainfully, watching them go whilst armed with a yoghurt cup and a peach.

    ¡°I mean, sure, but you like the guy,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°You¡¯d have to deal with it if you guys start dating.¡±

    ¡°At least he¡¯s cute. Makes up for it.¡±

    Lila was about to respond when she felt a tap on her shoulder. It was Grace, sucking in a deep breath.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila greeted her, standing back to let her pass easily down the aisle. ¡°Where were you?¡±

    ¡°Left my bag in the Music room,¡± Grace replied breezily, placing said bag into her locker. ¡°I¡¯m starving. Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    The trio set off towards their usual haunt against the frosty atmosphere, bemoaning the cold and upcoming assessments. No one touched on the topic of Lila and Asher until they settled into their usual seated positions, digging in to their various snacks.

    ¡°Sooo, Lila¡­¡± drawled Elise, a devilish smile across her face. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Tell us everything!¡± Grace insisted, readjusting her posture so that she was stick-straight.

    With an uncontainable smile, Lila retold the events of their picnic. Much like Clare, both Elise and Grace squealed and delighted at appropriate points ¨C with dramatic gasps littered here and there.

    Once Lila was done, including her recollection of their two kisses, Elise waggled her eyebrows suggestively. ¡°I¡¯m assuming, once you guys headed back upstairs, there was some¡­ action?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head for emphasis. ¡°We¡¯ve only kissed twice¡­ honestly, I¡¯d kinda thought kissing wasn¡¯t for me until I kissed Asher, since my first kiss was so bad.¡±

    Elise raised an eyebrow and Lila quickly amended her statement.

    ¡°What I mean is that¡­ well, it seems like it depends on, uh, how you feel about the guy, and all that. Or girl-¡± she shot a quick look at Grace, who nodded approvingly, ¡°-I¡¯m sure, if you ever get to that point with Isaac, you¡¯d be fine.¡±

    Elise blinked rapidly at Lila before looking back down at her yoghurt. ¡°I-uh¡­ yeah¡­ maybe. I?If I do.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you will,¡± Grace said encouragingly, rubbing Elise¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. ¡°Any progress on that front? You can¡¯t have Lila and Asher hogging all the relationship spotlight.¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Elise replied abruptly, emptying the tub into her mouth. ¡°Haven¡¯t thought ¡®bout it.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila tilted her head curiously. ¡°I mean, you kinda implied that you were thinking¡­ y¡¯know, sexu-¡±

    ¡°Shhh,¡± Elise hissed, her face immediately aflame with red. ¡°Don¡¯t say that out loud!¡±

    ¡°What, what?¡± Grace asked, looking between them both like a particularly observant periscope.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Elise shook her head almost violently. ¡°J-Just¡­ something we were talking about when we tried to find you at your music lesson.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Grace looked slightly wounded at the fact that Elise wasn¡¯t forthcoming with what the issue was. With a heavy sigh, Elise finally relented. She gestured for Grace and Lila to huddle forward.

    ¡°Lila and I were talking about having sexual thoughts about our guys,¡± Elise whispered, ¡°and how to stop it. Came to the conclusion that it¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ I didn¡¯t take you to be so prudish,¡± Grace laughed, biting into a carrot stick. ¡°Any reason for that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ just¡­ well, they¡¯re wandering around campus all morning tea aren¡¯t they?¡± Elise explained, waving a hand at the ¡®campus¡¯ surrounding around them. ¡°They could just pop up out of nowhere. It¡¯d be a disaster if¡­ well, if Isaac knew what I was thinking. Since¡­ we¡­ haven¡¯t, well¡­¡±

    ¡°I get it, I get it,¡± Grace nodded sympathetically. ¡°They do have a habit of popping up out of nowhere, don¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Sure do,¡± Lila murmured, taking a look around to see if they were nearby. They weren¡¯t, so she shuffled forward into the huddle. ¡°Anyway, no, we didn¡¯t do anything else besides kissing. I¡­ kinda keep chickening out from kissing him again.¡±

    ¡°What, why?¡± Elise looked bewildered, taking a long, slow sip of her juice box.

    ¡°It¡­ well¡­ we¡¯ve been really close friends for so long¡­ and I really want to, but¡­ maybe it¡¯s moving too fast or something. I dunno what it is. I wish I did, so I could sort it out. But he hasn¡¯t tried either,¡± Lila finished her explanation with a sigh.

    ¡°It can be hard to adjust to a new relationship in the beginning,¡± Grace said sagely. ¡°I know exactly what you mean. It was like that with my relationship. Like, the fact that now you¡¯re dating brings a whole different level to everything. Something deeper. Something that can be intimidating. It¡¯s only, what, day two? You¡¯ll get used to it in time.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Grace,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°That¡¯s kinda comforting.¡±

    They relaxed back out of the huddle, remaining in a comfortable silence for a few moments before Lila sat up in alarm.

    If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

    ¡°I almost forgot,¡± she said breathlessly. ¡°Asher kinda suggested that he and I should just have lunch together¡­ at least, for this week.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m kinda surprised that you¡¯re not having morning tea with him, too,¡± Elise responded lazily. ¡°What is he even doing during morning tea?¡±

    ¡°All will be revealed in due course,¡± a voice stated somewhat ominously, drifting from high overhead the girls. They looked up in unison to see Asher grinning down at Lila, with an unimpressed-looking Isaac to his left.

    ¡°He¡¯s been literally saying that ever since he started dragging me around school to harass the teachers,¡± Isaac said gloomily, folding his arms. ¡°Sometimes I dunno why I¡¯m even there.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to keep me company?¡± Asher looked affronted.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s fine,¡± Isaac nodded, ¡°but my brain is only so big, you know. I can¡¯t keep thinking of theories as to what you¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°Are you really not involved?¡± Lila asked, glancing between Asher and Isaac. Isaac¡¯s expression turned grim.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± he shook his head with a long-suffering sigh. ¡°It¡¯s not all bad, though. Probably better than hanging out with you three and leaving him on his lonesome.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you go with Asher to do whatever mysterious things he¡¯s doing?¡± Elise queried. Lila surveyed her carefully. Elise¡¯s cheeks were certainly rather rosy in Isaac¡¯s presence ¨C though it seemed as though he hadn¡¯t noticed this fact.

    ¡°Can¡¯t, I¡¯m guessing,¡± Lila stated, looking up at Asher for confirmation.

    ¡°I wish you could,¡± Asher said earnestly. ¡°But¡­ it¡¯s kinda a conflict of interest¡­¡± he trailed off with a meaningful look towards Lila. From what she could tell, it seemed as though the sister of the Banker campaigning for his operation to be sanctioned would have far less impact than the Dux of one of the senior school cohorts. That much, at least, sounded fair enough. Though¡­ it would be nice to wander around with Asher¡­

    ¡°Anyway, is it alright if I whisk Lila away for lunch?¡± Asher questioned, looking more at Grace than Elise.

    ¡°Whisk away,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°Who am I to come between a brand-new couple?¡±

    ¡°Well-¡± Isaac seemed about to say something before falling short immediately.

    ¡°Well?¡± Lila blinked at him.

    ¡°Uh, well, I mean, lunch w-was for the group of us, and all that,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice carried a rather flustered air alongside his reddening face. ¡°S-So, it¡¯s kinda sad, that we¡¯re apart and all that.¡±

    ¡°Oh man,¡± Asher¡¯s face looked conflicted as his eyes flickered towards Lila and back to Isaac. ¡°We don¡¯t have to, if that makes you feel better-¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Isaac cried dramatically, placing the back of his hand on his forehead. ¡°You¡¯ve already broken my heart. I¡¯ll just have to find solace with these wenches.¡±

    ¡°Hey! I¡¯m not a wench, doofus,¡± Elise protested, swinging a leg towards his shin. He jumped out of the way, looking somewhat like a cartoonish rendition of a burglar running away with a sack of goods.

    ¡°Could¡¯ve fooled me,¡± Isaac cackled, sticking his tongue out at Elise. ¡°Or are you an old maid in disguise?¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re both thinking of different definitions of ¡®wench¡¯,¡± Grace observed carefully, biting into her last carrot stick. ¡°Should probably clarify before you lose your shins, Isaac.¡±

    ¡°Good point,¡± Isaac huffed as he deftly jumped over another attempted kick from Elise. ¡°I mean the girl version of wench. Dunno why you¡¯d jump to the other definition-¡±

    His sentence was halted by an echoing donk from Elise¡¯s empty yoghurt tub connecting with his shoulder. Elise was fire-engine red, her breathing sounding decidedly chaotic. She collected the tub and stood up, dusting herself off as everyone watched in stunned silence.

    ¡°As fun as this was,¡± Elise cleared her throat before continuing, ¡°I think it¡¯s time for class. Coming, Lila and Grace?¡±

    Both Lila and Grace scrambled to collect their empty containers and wrappers before standing up.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila stammered, the awkward atmosphere of Elise¡¯s rubbish toss constraining her lungs. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The fact that Isaac had remained quiet after Elise had tossed her tub at him perturbed Lila as they walked back to the locker rooms in utter silence. Neither Asher nor Isaac followed them to the locker room, though when Lila looked back at them before they disappeared entirely, it seemed that Asher was talking to Isaac. Was he checking on Isaac? Isaac hadn¡¯t seemed upset¡­ but at the same time, he hadn¡¯t cracked a joke as he normally would, either.

    As they grabbed their materials for their subsequent classes, Lila finally decided to say something.

    ¡°Hey, Elise? What was that?¡± Lila asked as she closed her locker shut.

    ¡°What was what?¡± Elise responded, an air of nervousness in her shaky tone.

    ¡°The yoghurt toss,¡± Grace interjected, hoisting her bag over her shoulder.

    ¡°I just¡­ wanted to chuck it at him,¡± Elise replied quietly, locking her locker.

    ¡°I dunno what kind of reaction he had, but that was a bit awkward,¡± Lila noted.

    Elise groaned in frustration. ¡°I thought he¡¯d laugh.¡±

    ¡°The Isaac I know would¡¯ve,¡± Lila concurred. ¡°Wonder why he didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Do you think I¡¯ve stuffed it now?¡± Elise¡¯s eyes shimmered for just a moment before she blinked, the effect disappearing instantly.

    ¡°Doubt it,¡± Grace replied soothingly. ¡°You¡¯ll probably have to sort it out with him at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Now I¡¯m curious to see that unfold,¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°Maybe you should just bury me instead,¡± Elise huffed.

    ¡°No chance,¡± Grace shook her head. ¡°Be vulnerable, or else you¡¯ll just miss your chance with him altogether.¡±

    ¡°Miss it, huh¡­¡± Elise trailed off, her expression thoughtful.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go to PC,¡± Lila suggested, inclining her head towards their classroom.

    It was yet another free time class, with Ms Wang typing rapidly on her laptop. Of course, her usual requirement for having low noise was made loud and clear.

    Just as the girls settled in, with Lila opening a YouTube video on her laptop, the familiar yet unexpected sound of someone drawing up a seat next to her caught her attention.

    It was Liam ¨C her PC classmate who also happened to share her English class. He wasn¡¯t particularly known for being the brightest by any means. She remembered the time that he said that Asher would ¡°hand out all sorts of tips before running when the going gets tough¡±, insinuating that Asher was the kind of guy who would get someone pregnant and flake out on the responsibility of raising a child¡­ what did he want?

    ¡°Uh, why are you here?¡± Elise asked at the exact same time that Lila opened her mouth to ask the same question.

    Liam waved a hand at Elise as if to shush her. ¡°Talking to Lila,¡± he said dismissively with a strange glint in his eyes.

    ¡°Why?¡± Grace asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°I don¡¯t think you¡¯ve spoken to her in your life.¡±

    ¡°Your guard dogs are something else,¡± Liam said reproachfully as he continued to look at Lila.

    ¡°They¡¯re my friends, not guard dogs. Not that you¡¯d know what friends are,¡± Lila retorted, the statement burning in her throat. How many people could he offend in one conversation?

    ¡°Chill, chill,¡± Liam replied in a condescending tone that evoked rage rather than ¡®chill¡¯, holding up his hands in surrender. ¡°I¡¯m just here to check that those dating rumours are true.¡±

    ¡°What dating rumours?¡± Lila asked impatiently.

    ¡°About you and Asher.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not a rumour,¡± Lila crossed her arms over her chest, narrowing her eyes at Liam defiantly. ¡°It¡¯s not your business either.¡±

    Liam shrugged. ¡°Maybe, maybe. I¡¯m just curious, y¡¯know. I heard Ms Shard tell you two to keep your hands on your desks, and after what happened to Holly¡­ well, are you pregnant?¡±

    Before Lila could respond, Elise slammed her hands on the table, standing up with her face twisted in rage.

    ¡°Elise,¡± Ms Wang warned, eyeing the four of them over her laptop. ¡°You look eager for some maths questions.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s bothering us, ma¡¯am,¡± Grace called out, pointing at Liam.

    Ms Wang sighed, gesturing for Liam to come closer. He gave the girls a sulky look before shuffling over to Ms Wang. They spoke for a few moments in hushed voices before she sent Liam on his way. He didn¡¯t come back to Lila¡¯s table.

    The rest of PC passed by without incident, though Lila was still fuming. Who the hell did Liam think he was?

    Elise and Grace seemed to agree with Lila¡¯s question as they angrily discussed his transgression on the way to Modern History. Lila wasn¡¯t quite so in the mood to join in, but it was amusing hearing Elise refer to Liam as a dim-witted mosquito that she couldn¡¯t wait to swat.

    They seemed to tire themselves out of the insults and outrage by the time Modern History started, and remained otherwise silent as their teacher went through the next assignment ¨C apparently meant to test their critical analysis of primary and secondary sources in the context of various women¡¯s movements throughout recent history.

    Finally, it was lunch. Lila, Elise, and Grace hurried on to the locker room amidst the spitting rain splattering against their clothes.

    ¡°You¡¯re still having lunch with Asher, right?¡± Grace asked as Lila shoved all her things into her locker.

    ¡°As far as I know,¡± Lila replied, a nervous smile breaking across her face. She wasn¡¯t sure why she was feeling nervous ¨C it wasn¡¯t as though she¡¯d never had lunch alone with Asher before. But¡­ perhaps this lunch had far more meaning than all the others combined.

    ¡°You¡¯re still gonna talk to Isaac, right?¡± Grace queried, looking over at Elise. Elise paused her frantic pushing of her towering schoolbooks, hat, multiple jumpers, and whatever else she was storing in her locker.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah,¡± Elise sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. ¡°I probably should at least apologise for chucking things at him. I hope he¡¯s not mad at me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice interjected behind Lila. Elise pressed against her locker with a small shriek. Lila looked at her sympathetically ¨C Isaac had an uncanny ability to appear at the exact moment that Elise was talking about him.

    Isaac blinked at Elise, his lips twitching in unveiled amusement. Lila looked back at Elise, who was still squished against her locker, as if to pretend that Isaac wasn¡¯t there. As Lila felt a smile cross her lips, a singular strong, sturdy arm reached around her from behind, pulling her gently into a broad chest. She didn¡¯t have to guess who it was as she brought a hand to his arm.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Asher murmured in her ear, squeezing her gently. She squeezed the arm she was holding in return, her smile turning into a wide grin.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she said back, swaying slightly before turning to face him. As she did so, she caught sight of Grace looking as though she was about to burst from happiness, her smile being so bright and full.

    ¡°Hungry?¡± he asked, raising the two lunchboxes in his left hand after letting go of her. She nodded before turning back to Elise, Grace, and Isaac, who had sidled past Lila and Asher.

    ¡°You guys having lunch together?¡± Lila queried, gesturing at all three of them.

    ¡°I gue-¡± Elise began before Isaac shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯m having lunch with the soccer boys. Haven¡¯t for a while and I wanna talk about this weekend¡¯s game,¡± he said casually. There was something strange in the way that he said this ¨C an odd reluctance that Lila couldn¡¯t place. Was it more of a pre-planned meeting?

    Asher looked just as surprised as everyone else, almost perfectly matching how taken aback Elise looked.

    ¡°Do I need to be there?¡± Asher inquired, tilting his head.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Isaac waved a hand dismissively. ¡°I just wanted to hang out with them today. See ya later.¡±

    He immediately moved past Asher and Lila again without a backwards glance. Elise¡¯s eyebrows were knitted together, her eyes shining with both apparent worry and sadness.

    ¡°He said he wasn¡¯t mad,¡± Lila said soothingly. ¡°Next match is against St Peters. They¡¯re always really tough.¡±

    Elise pressed her lips together before looking down at her lunchbox. ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes darted between Elise and Lila before looking at where Isaac had disappeared to.

    ¡°Are you worried about the yoghurt toss at morning tea? He really doesn¡¯t care¡­ at least, I thought so,¡± Asher trailed off, narrowing his eyes as he continued to think.

    ¡°You¡¯re not great at this whole comforting thing, are you?¡± Elise replied sullenly. Asher winced, looking back at Lila with round, fretful eyes ¨C eyes that asked her to help him out of this bind.

    ¡°If he is a bit upset over it, perhaps some space would do some good,¡± Lila said quickly. ¡°Might need to clear his head or something.¡±

    Elise brought a fist to her forehead, tapping it gently. ¡°¡­ Alright. Let¡¯s go sit somewhere, Grace.¡±

    ¡°I-If you want, we can have lunch with you too,¡± Asher suggested.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to intrude on you guys having lunch,¡± Elise smiled at him forlornly. ¡°Since you guys just got together, and all. Plus¡­ don¡¯t you want some privacy?¡±

    Asher¡¯s face immediately turned pink, and he seemed to struggle to find an appropriate response to Elise¡¯s statement. She left the locker room with Grace in tow, leaving Asher and Lila rather alone.

    ¡°¡­ I didn¡¯t upset her more, did I?¡± Asher questioned uneasily.

    ¡°I think she was already upset,¡± Lila responded quietly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll all blow over.¡±

    Asher sighed before passing her a lunchbox. ¡°I¡¯ll believe you for now¡­ plus, eating sounds far more enjoyable than worrying.¡±

    Lila snorted and he grinned at her, offering his arm for her to take. She wrapped her free hand around his arm and they set off at a leisurely pace, Lila letting him lead the way. The fresh petrichor intermingling with the cold air pleasantly reminded her that it had just rained, though it had abated for now.

    ¡°How were your classes?¡± Asher asked as he looked down at Lila with a small smile. She returned it with an easy-going one of her own.

    ¡°They were okay. Well, except¡­¡± she stopped herself before shaking her head. He didn¡¯t need to know what Liam said.

    ¡°Except?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±

    ¡°You can tell me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to,¡± Lila clarified with a slight shake of her head. ¡°But¡­ you don¡¯t need to know.¡±

    ¡°Well, that sounds suspicious,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°C¡¯mon, try me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d just make you mad.¡±

    ¡°Me? Mad?¡± his eyes sparkled with mirth, his tone light and teasing. ¡°Never.¡±

    ¡°I mean¡­ you don¡¯t need to know,¡± Lila repeated, though she sounded far less convincing than previously.

    ¡°Maybe, but you¡¯re being way too shady for me to just let it go,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°Surely it¡¯s not so bad that you can¡¯t tell your b-boyfriend.¡±

    He stopped in his tracks, the pink returning to his face again. ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he mumbled after a brief pause. ¡°Just¡­ got really¡­ I dunno. Ha, wow.¡±

    He bashfully brought a hand to the back of his head, ruffling his hair. ¡°You don¡¯t have to tell me, i-if you don¡¯t want to.¡±

    Lila carefully surveyed him, which seemed to deepen the flush gracing his cheeks. ¡°Are¡­ you shy?¡± she asked in a whisper, her eyes searching his.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Asher looked away from Lila, his face almost glowing with clear embarrassment. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    They stood in the pathway connecting to the Home Ec building for a few moments, with Lila¡¯s heart beating rapidly in her chest. Not only was Asher clearly lying about being shy, he looked¡­ almost too adorable to bear. It was stirring her own feelings of shyness ¨C of grappling with the fact that this time last week, they were just friends ¨C and, before her brain could let her know what her body was doing, she reached up on the tips of her toes and softly kissed him on his cheek.

    His face radiated a heat that transferred to her cheeks as she let herself back down onto the ground. Their eyes met and he gave her a trembling smile.

    ¡°Y-You win. Fuck, I¡¯m shy,¡± he admitted swiftly ¨C almost too quick to catch ¨C before tearing his eyes away and grabbing her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s sit down.¡±

    He pulled her towards the spot he usually sat at with Isaac under the roofed area near the Home Ec building.

    ¡°Not the library today?¡± Lila asked, trying to keep her composure after his confession to being shy. If she kept thinking about it, she¡¯d be overwhelmed with shyness too.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher said candidly, unzipping his lunchbox. ¡°I thought it¡¯d be a good change of pace to sit outside.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit cold, though,¡± Lila observed as she unzipped her lunchbox.

    ¡°Is it? We can go to the library,¡± Asher immediately started getting up before she grabbed the bottom of his blazer.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re pretty insulated here. The fresh air is nice.¡±

    He lowered himself back down to the ground. ¡°If you say so.¡±

    They started digging in to today¡¯s rendition of wraps in silence. As it had been over the weekend, somehow, they subconsciously shuffled close together, their legs touching slightly. Her eyes drifted over to the grassy area in front of the Home Ec building, and she recognised the group in the middle as being Piper¡¯s friendship group. They looked morose, with a distinct lack of laughter in comparison to the last time Lila encountered them here. She glanced down at her food with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Asher asked, swallowing his food roughly. ¡°Do you not like the food?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not that. Just¡­ well, Piper¡¯s friends are over there,¡± Lila gestured vaguely towards them.

    ¡°Ah¡­ I didn¡¯t realise¡­¡± his eyes looked distant as he looked down at his own food. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should really talk about it here. Since¡­ well, my experience with Piper definitely wasn¡¯t positive.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Lila nodded, taking another bite. She couldn¡¯t help but look at the group again ¨C noticing now that Ayla was distinctly missing. Was she still not at school?

    ¡°What were you going to say before?¡± Asher piped up after a minute or so of silence. ¡°That you thought would make me mad.¡±

    ¡°Before you got shy?¡± Lila smiled at him, her tone playful. ¡°I guess I can tell you, as long as you don¡¯t get mad. I¡¯m surprised you remembered.¡±

    ¡°Of course I remembered,¡± Asher bristled, seeming offended that she thought he¡¯d forget. ¡°Your curious nature is starting to infect me.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°I didn¡¯t think it was contagious. Should you see a doctor?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ only about certain things,¡± Asher said evasively, his eyes trained on his lunchbox. ¡°Things concerning you, mainly.¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Lila straightened up, wanting to immediately know more. ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°Things you say. Your reactions to what I say. Uh¡­ that¡¯s a-about it.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like a lie,¡± Lila leaned forward, closing the gap between them. ¡°What else?¡±

    His eyes flitted to hers and he gulped audibly, shuffling backwards. ¡°I-I-¡±

    Lila sat back, shaking her head. He looked far too uncomfortable. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t want to push you.¡±

    He breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you one day¡­ hopefully.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for that day,¡± Lila smiled before becoming serious once again. ¡°A-Anyway¡­ uh, so what I was going to say before¡­¡±

    She summarised her strange interaction with Liam in PC, complete with what he had asked about her being pregnant, and saw, with little surprise, that Asher¡¯s face was contorted with anger.

    ¡°What the fuck?¡± he managed to utter once she was done, as though his words were poison seeping through his teeth.

    ¡°I told you you¡¯d get mad.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m mad. Who even just asks that? Especially when you¡¯re not friends. Heck, even if you were friends ¨C that¡¯s just so¡­ I don¡¯t even have the words.¡±

    ¡°I know. I¡¯m sure it¡¯s just a moment that¡¯s passed¡­ but it reminded me that, I guess, we haven¡¯t really cleared up that it¡¯s not your kid.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, sounding much more like a hiss than a sigh. ¡°We haven¡¯t, no. I thought people would forget about it.¡±

    ¡°They probably have. I think¡­ Liam just remembered ¡®cause of what he said last term, and also since he¡¯s in my PC class.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t think he had much capacity to remember anything, let alone something that happened last term.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°I can¡¯t decipher what¡¯s in his mind. I¡¯ve never wanted to, and I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll start now. I¡¯m curious about a lot ¨C but Liam? Definitely not, especially after today.¡±

    Asher gritted his teeth before shoving the rest of his wrap into his mouth. After he swallowed, he met Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Should I talk to him?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila insisted, shaking her head almost violently. ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯d achieve anything. The moment¡¯s long gone.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ well, if he says anything else, let me know. I¡¯ll let it go for now ¨C unless he starts shit again.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°I will.¡±

    Asher¡¯s body relaxed considerably after Lila¡¯s promise, and he started a new conversation about something they were watching together. Lila eagerly responded, glad that his anger seemed quelled and for this light-hearted turn in their conversation.

    In the blink of an eye, lunch was over, with Lila and Asher parting ways in the locker room.

    ¡°U-Uh, before I go,¡± Asher said, doubling back to face Lila. ¡°W-What do you reckon about hanging out? After school? At mine. O-Or wherever.¡±

    ¡°Today?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily. But, like, during the week. We could study, if you want. I know English is giving you trouble at the moment.¡±

    Lila pondered this for a moment before smiling at Asher. ¡°I¡¯ll check with my parents. I reckon today¡¯s a bit soon, and we have practice tomorrow after school¡­ so, Wednesday?¡±

    ¡°Wednesday sounds perfect,¡± Asher replied breathlessly, the excitement reaching all parts of his face. ¡°I gotta get to class. See you later!¡±

    He disappeared around the corner not a second later, and Lila smiled in his wake. Her worries about being too clingy seemed to have been unnecessary. He seemed just as pleased as she was about the fact that they were dating.

    The remainder of the school day passed without much incident. Her last class was Biology, but today Cecelia was away sick. Lucas sat at their usual table, but was undoubtedly subdued. Lila checked that he was okay, and that Cecelia was okay, and he¡¯d responded yes to both without much elaboration. She decided to leave him alone otherwise, though she did note that he seemed almost glued to his phone ¨C behaviour that she hardly saw from him, in class especially.

    The bell rang and Lucas sped off without much of a goodbye to Lila, his face marred with concern. If what Lila knew of Lucas was anything to go by, he was most certainly hurrying off to visit Cecelia, or otherwise check in on her in a more meaningful way than through texts.

    Lila meandered over to the locker room, ready to go home for the day. School today was actually far more tiring than she¡¯d anticipated, now that it was over.

    As she sorted out her school bags, ensuring she took home her Maths homework lest she fall behind, Elise passed by without greeting Lila. In fact, Lila hardly noticed until she looked over and saw Elise robotically sorting out her own school bags.

    Lila clicked her lock shut and swung her bag over her shoulder before slinking over to Elise.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila said gently once she was within speaking distance. Elise jolted slightly, evidently having been spooked by Lila¡¯s approach.

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Elise replied, her face oddly tight with forced neutrality. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°You managed to slip past me without saying anything,¡± Lila observed.

    ¡°Did I? Sorry. Bit distracted.¡±

    ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    Elise sighed, closing her locker and facing Lila. ¡°¡­ In theory, everything is. But¡­ I can¡¯t help but worry that Isaac¡¯s mad at me.¡±

    ¡°Oh, Elise,¡± Lila responded sympathetically, stepping closer to give her a hug for comfort. ¡°I¡¯m sure you don¡¯t need to worry about that at all.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± Elise despaired, quivering in Lila¡¯s arms. ¡°I mean, we work together too. I just¡­ don¡¯t want this weird energy when we work together again. I don¡¯t know why, but he¡¯s somehow always on shift with me. And if it¡¯s going to stay like this forever¡­ I don¡¯t know if I could cope.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together tightly to avoid telling Elise the reason ¨C that Isaac was worried about Elise working at Maccas without him around, and that he, without a doubt, had a massive crush on her. Lila wasn¡¯t quite ready to betray Isaac¡¯s trust like that ¨C not until she was sure that Isaac and Elise were organically getting closer to dating. So, instead, she just simply held Elise tighter.

    ¡°There you are.¡±

    Once again, Isaac¡¯s uncanny ability to appear right when Elise probably didn¡¯t want him around was in full working order. Lila turned to face him, and he had his school bag slung casually over his shoulder. Elise looked like she¡¯d rather avoid him than stand here, but she nodded and stayed put, opting to respond to his statement.

    ¡°Here I am,¡± she stated plainly, picking up her school bag. ¡°Why are you here?¡±

    Isaac leaned against a nearby locker, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°Seeing if you¡¯re ready.¡±

    ¡°For¡­ what?¡± Elise looked at Lila as though she would have a clue. Lila shrugged ¨C she really had no inkling either, especially if Elise didn¡¯t know.

    ¡°For our shift tonight? Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve forgotten again.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes snapped to Isaac. There was something off about the way he was speaking to Elise and the way his eyes were ever-so-slightly narrowed. Was he actually mad? Should Elise even work a shift with Isaac if he was mad at her? Should Lila say something?

    ¡°O-Our shift?¡± Elise frantically searched her blazer pockets for her phone. She found it and rapidly tapped on it. She looked up at Isaac, her face pale with obvious nervousness. ¡°I-I didn¡¯t realise you picked up Sam¡¯s shift. Guess we do have one.¡±

    ¡°The life of a plebian casual,¡± Isaac¡¯s facial expression melted into a soft smile, his usual warmth returning. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    He nodded at Lila before turning on his heel and walking towards the exit.

    ¡°B-Bye,¡± Elise quickly waved, her face cherry-red, before dashing after him, her bag swinging wildly on her shoulder.

    Lila watched them go, seeing Elise meet him at the door. Elise¡¯s body language seemed incredibly awkward, as though she really didn¡¯t want to go with Isaac. She was really concerned about how he felt about the incident at morning tea ¨C that much was painfully apparent.

    ¡®Hopefully they¡¯ll work it out,¡¯ Lila thought before hoisting her own bag higher on her shoulder. ¡®I¡¯m sure she hasn¡¯t blown her chance with him.¡¯

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirteen

    Lila didn¡¯t hear anything from Elise during the afternoon or night about how it went, working with Isaac after the awkwardness of Monday¡¯s morning tea. She didn¡¯t see any messages on Tuesday morning either as she headed to school.

    She put it out of her mind for now as she grabbed her PE and Design things. Morning tea would come soon enough, and she¡¯d be able to ask Elise then.

    Lila scurried off to the Gymnasium and changed her clothes at record speed, shivering against the cold. Clutching her stomach for a sliver of warmth, she emerged into the hallway, poking her head through the door to see into the court.

    There weren¡¯t too many of Lila¡¯s classmates sitting around just yet. But, her most important classmate was jogging on the spot just next to the doorway, close enough for her to need to avoid bumping into him.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila smiled, slipping through the doorway. Asher beamed at her.

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said brightly. ¡°Ready for PE?¡±

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Lila replied as they made their way towards the stage. ¡°It feels too cold to do any sports.¡±

    ¡°Agreed. I was just warming up when you got here.¡±

    ¡°I noticed. Almost hit you with the door.¡±

    ¡°A bit of risk gets the heart pumping, you know,¡± Asher winked at her before flopping down into a seated position on the basketball court.

    ¡°Not like I could disagree with that,¡± Lila responded, sitting beside him. He chuckled, lying down and using his hands as pillows.

    ¡°Did you ask your parents about Wednesday?¡± Asher glanced up at her, a hopeful expression flashing briefly across his face before looking towards the ceiling.

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Lila replied with a cheeky grin that he couldn¡¯t see. ¡°They said no.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Asher shot up, panic in his eyes. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±

    Lila laughed, patting him gently on the shoulder. ¡°I was kidding ¨C you should see your face!¡±

    He pouted, lying back down. ¡°Giving me a heart attack, Lila. I thought I saw the light.¡±

    Lila playfully nudged his leg with hers. ¡°Sorry, but it was pretty funny.¡±

    ¡°Ha ha. Guessing it was a yes?¡±

    ¡°Of course it was. They like you, you know.¡±

    ¡°You say that¡­ but they liked me before we started dating. Maybe they don¡¯t like me now.¡±

    ¡°They kinda thought that we were already dating ages ago¡­ I did correct them, but it seemed like they kept forgetting or something. I dunno.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher¡¯s utterance was soft ¨C almost inaudible. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°For?¡±

    ¡°Giving them that impression before it actually happened¡­ it must¡¯ve been awkward for you.¡±

    ¡°Families are awkward regardless,¡± Lila sighed, lying down beside him. ¡°God, this ceiling is filthy.¡±

    ¡°No kidding. To both. I think I¡¯m seeing faces in the dust up there.¡±

    ¡°Anyone interesting?¡±

    ¡°Nah. Best face is the one right next to me.¡±

    Lila lost the capacity to speak, her mouth instead opting for a splutter. He turned his head slightly, their eyes meeting for a split second before he swiftly looked away.

    ¡°T-That one looks like Isaac though,¡± he stuttered, pointing up at a spot slightly to the left. His face was bright red, and it seemed that he¡¯d fallen back into the same shyness she¡¯d seen yesterday. Which, after saying a line like that, was almost unbelievable.

    Lila took a slow, deep breath ¨C one that helped her organise her thoughts.

    ¡°I guess it does,¡± she finally said, tilting her head. ¡°If he had a moustache.¡±

    Asher burst into a hearty fit of laughter. As Lila listened, it lit up her soul, brightening her morning immediately. She joined in with a small giggle.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think a moustache suits him,¡± Asher said after sobering up.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila snorted, the imagery imprinting itself in her mind¡¯s eye. Though¡­ speaking of Isaac¡­

    ¡°Have you heard from Isaac?¡± Lila asked, stretching her hands up to the ceiling before letting them fall limp by her sides.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°About whether he¡¯s upset at Elise.¡±

    ¡°For the yoghurt thing?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°I mean¡­ I talked to him right after and he just shook his head when I asked if he was mad. He did have this weird energy in PC, but I think he was just surprised. Like I said before, Isaac¡¯s never really expressed that much interest in girls. Well, besides you a few years ago, I guess. So, I think he was a bit taken aback that the girl he likes could act like that with him. We¡¯ve never really had female friends before this year either, so I dunno what his impression of girls was before. Besides, you know him. Hard for him to get mad.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Lila murmured, her thoughts flashing back to when Isaac squeezed the life out of his Vegemite sandwich after finding out about Holly cheating on Asher. She¡¯d never seen him mad like that before or since ¨C not even close.

    ¡°Alright, class,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s booming voice startled both Lila and Asher upright and they wildly looked around to see where she was stationed. ¡°Time to play netball.¡±

    Asher and Lila were separated once more, which disappointed Lila somewhat. She still gave it her all, despite netball decidedly not being her sport of choice. Asher seemed to be throwing himself into the sport too, though he would forget the pivoting rule with the ball more often than not.

    Finally, class was over, with Lila¡¯s team winning by a hair. It wasn¡¯t really owing to Lila¡¯s participation at all, but more because three of the players on her team took netball as their cocurricular of choice.

    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Asher puffed once they were dismissed, stepping into stride with Lila and wiping the sweat off his brow. ¡°You played well.¡±

    ¡°You did far better than me,¡± Lila insisted with a smile. He shook his head.

    ¡°I thought I was gonna get beat up by my teammates after my third foul,¡± he said darkly. Then, he stopped in the hallway leading to the changing rooms.

    ¡°You have Design, right?¡± he asked quietly, looking to his left at their classmates who filed past them with curious expressions on their faces.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ why?¡±

    ¡°I can walk you there.¡±

    ¡°What class do you have next?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    ¡°Sounds suspicious ¨C like it¡¯s on the other side of the school in comparison to Design.¡±

    He gave her a bashful grimace. ¡°You caught me. How do you know me so well?¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ it¡¯d have to be because you¡¯re my best friend,¡± Lila grinned, her heart fluttering in her chest.

    ¡°Is that all?¡± His eyes looked expectant, waiting patiently for her answer. She reached out for the hand closest to her, interlocking her fingers between his.

    ¡°¡¯Course not,¡± she replied, her eyes flickering to his lips. Would this be a good opportunity to feel his lips against hers again?

    ¡°Off you go, you two,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s stern voice shattered the moment completely. Lila instinctively stepped away from Asher, the hand that had held his jumping to her opposing elbow.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila murmured, glancing at Asher once more. ¡°I¡¯ll see you later.¡±

    ¡°You better,¡± he said lightly, before meeting Ms Wright¡¯s gaze. He instantly skedaddled away to the boys¡¯ changing room without so much of a peep more. Lila began to walk down the hallway towards the girls¡¯ changing room when Ms Wright called her back.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡± Lila queried, turning around to face Ms Wright.

    ¡°I saw that, you know.¡±

    ¡°Saw¡­ what?¡±

    Ms Wright raised an eyebrow, her doubt about Lila¡¯s apparent cluelessness abundantly clear. ¡°You holding hands with Asher, of course. I hope you¡¯re not planning on being distracted for the match on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila replied, her tone subdued. Ms Wright gave her a tight smile before nodding.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need your full attention against St Peters. You can be a lovebird afterwards.¡±

    Before Lila could respond, Ms Wright turned on her heel and headed off in the direction of her office within the upper level of the Gymnasium. Lila scrambled to get changed before Ms Wright wanted to add anything else to her mild admonishment.

    <hr>

    ¡°You¡¯re in a good mood,¡± Lila noted to a humming Elise as they leisurely walked through campus during morning tea.

    ¡°You think so?¡± Elise seemed bewildered, ceasing her humming entirely.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Lila nodded, gesturing vaguely at Elise. ¡°You¡¯ve been humming up a storm. You do realise that Grace is the musically inclined one, yeah?¡±

    Elise snorted. ¡°Yeah, yeah, I know. Sorry, was it bothering you?¡±

    ¡°Not at all. Much better than yesterday afternoon, after all.¡±

    Elise didn¡¯t respond, preferring instead to survey the road they were walking across. Grace was once again at her usual vocal lesson, so it was just Elise and Lila for today¡¯s morning tea. It was cold enough that sitting down outside sounded incredibly undesirable, but walking to the library for warmth sounded equally undesirable.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing, since you¡¯re not moping around, that your shift with Isaac went well yesterday?¡± Lila carefully appraised Elise, who stopped in her tracks.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Elise finally uttered after an awkwardly long pause. ¡°You could say that.¡± She began walking again, though she pointedly avoided Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I could say that? What does that even mean?¡±

    ¡°We¡­ talked about the yoghurt thing on the way to Maccas,¡± Elise explained quietly. ¡°He said he wasn¡¯t mad. Just processing. He wasn¡¯t aware that I was into slapstick comedy.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to snort. ¡°Says him. He¡¯s pretty slapsticky.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what I thought. But¡­ I guess he wasn¡¯t expecting it.¡±

    ¡°Well, that tracks with what Asher reckons,¡± Lila replied, though her eyebrows knitted themselves together. Despite all that, it was still just¡­ odd. He needed several hours to process a two-second interaction?

    ¡°Are you sure that was all? I mean, I¡¯m glad that it¡¯s all worked out, but it all just feels really odd.¡±

    Elise shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s all he said to me. After that, he went back to normal.¡±

    ¡°Does normal entail squishing the ketchup packets?¡±

    Elise choked on the water she was sipping before breaking into a fit of laughter. Lila joined in for a few moments.

    ¡°Do you still have that ketchup packet he gave you?¡± Lila giggled. Elise smirked at Lila before pulling out said mangled ketchup packet from her skirt pocket.

    ¡°I¡¯ve decided to see how long this thing will last,¡± Elise stated, flicking the packet with her right hand for emphasis.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re way past that,¡± Lila deadpanned, staring directly at the poor, tortured packet.

    ¡°Who knows? Maybe it¡¯ll explode.¡±

    ¡°And you want that to happen in your skirt?¡±

    ¡°Huh¡­ you¡¯re right. Maybe I should put it in a sandwich bag.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re missing the point,¡± Lila laughed incredulously, shaking her head. ¡°Maybe Isaac¡¯s rubbing off on you a bit too much.¡±

    Elise had taken another poorly timed sip of her water, choking yet again. She hit her chest a couple of times before looking at Lila in clear discomfort.

    ¡°Lila, don¡¯t say that kind of stuff,¡± Elise whined, clutching her head with her free hand. Her cheeks were rather rosy, which confused Lila significantly.

    ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you get it?¡± Elise looked up at Lila, her own confusion etched clearly across her face. Lila continued to stare at her blankly. ¡°Isaac¡­ rubbing off on me?¡±

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila felt her own face getting hot, remembering quite forcefully Elise¡¯s admission that she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about Isaac sexually. ¡°Sorry!¡±

    ¡°If I had a yoghurt tub right now, you¡¯d be my next victim,¡± Elise said reproachfully. Then, she smirked at Lila. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just¡­ watch your words, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±

    They continued their meandering stroll, cycling through other topics of conversation. Eventually, it seemed that they were both sufficiently warm enough to sit under the tuckshop¡¯s sails at an empty set of table and chairs for the remainder of morning tea. Once there were ten minutes left to spare before PC, Lila and Elise reluctantly collected their empty wrappers and bits of fruit skins and headed back, disposing of their rubbish along the way.

    They chatted and gossiped about various things, including Ayla¡¯s continued absence. Truthfully, Lila was beginning to get worried. It was now the second day of week two, yet Ayla had definitely not been at PE that morning. Was she still away?

    ¡°Don¡¯t fret so much,¡± Elise said kindly as they approached the locker room. ¡°If something bad happened to her, the school would tell us. Like how they told us about Piper.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess so,¡± Lila sighed, pressing her hands together. Even if Elise was right, it did nothing to quell her burgeoning curiosity about the reason why Ayla wasn¡¯t showing up to school anymore.

    ¡°Damn, it¡¯s hot in here,¡± Elise complained, tugging the sleeves of her jumper up. ¡°I¡¯m tempted to take this off.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you can come back after PC to get your jumper,¡± Lila reasoned.

    ¡°True,¡± Elise inclined her head towards Lila in acknowledgement. She then took her jumper off before laying it across her arm.

    Lila¡¯s heart stopped. She grabbed Elise¡¯s sleeve before she could disappear towards her locker. Was she hallucinating?

    ¡°E-Elise, what¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s what?¡±

    Lila wordlessly pointed at the unmistakable purplish bruises around Elise¡¯s wrists ¨C bruises that were faint, but undeniably there. Elise jerked out of Lila¡¯s grasp, her demeanour shifting into one of tenseness, her easy-going attitude vanishing instantly. Elise brought her hands behind her back, poorly attempting to hide them.

    ¡°U-Uh, i-it¡¯s nothing,¡± Elise stammered, stepping backwards. ¡°I just bumped them on a table.¡±

    ¡°Elise, those look like finger marks.¡±

    ¡°Crazy how similar my table looks to a hand.¡±

    ¡°Elise,¡± Lila¡¯s tone was firm ¨C almost a warning.

    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Lila turned to face the questioner. Isaac and Asher were standing just behind her, both looking perplexed by the situation they¡¯d stumbled into. It was Asher who had spoken. Before Lila could answer, Isaac opened his mouth.

    ¡°Looks almost violent,¡± he said, his eyes darting between Lila and Elise, who had defensively pressed her back against a locker.

    ¡°I¡¯m not being violent,¡± Lila snapped, affronted by Isaac¡¯s suggestion. He raised his hands in surrender.

    ¡°Alright, alright, geez. What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked, now exchanging a look with Asher.

    Lila glanced at Elise, who looked even more panicked than she had a second ago. It seemed like she was begging Lila not to say anything, but¡­ surely Isaac would be just as concerned if he saw the bruises. Given Elise¡¯s feelings for Isaac, perhaps he¡¯d be able to draw out the information Lila needed so she could figure out who hurt Elise, and what she¡¯d need to do to make sure it didn¡¯t happen again.

    ¡°Elise got hurt,¡± Lila said, touching her own wrists. ¡°She¡¯s got bruises here.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyebrows almost flew into his hairline as he stared at Elise, seemingly in shock. Isaac, by contrast, brushed past Lila and stood before Elise, hoisting his lunchbox so that it hung from his left wrist. He held out his hands as if in a silent demand to be shown her bruises. She reluctantly placed her wrists in his hands and he carefully inspected them.

    ¡°Jesus,¡± he murmured, almost too quietly for Lila to hear. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Elise replied softly. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it. It doesn¡¯t hurt. At least, if you don¡¯t touch the bruises.¡±

    Isaac nodded before gently lowering her hands out of his grasp and shoving his hands in his pockets. He took a deep breath and then turned to face Lila.

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault,¡± he said, his expression looking incredibly guilty. He stood in such a way that Elise was almost entirely shielded by his body. ¡°She slipped at Maccas yesterday and I grabbed her before she could fall.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila uttered, looking behind his shoulder towards Elise. ¡°Why¡¯d you say that you hit them on a finger-shaped table, Elise?¡±

    ¡°Sorry¡­ I¡­ didn¡¯t want Isaac to look like a bad guy,¡± Elise mumbled, her voice barely audible from behind his shoulders. ¡°If I said he grabbed me, you might have thought something bad happened. Especially since I threw my yoghurt tub at him yesterday, and, I dunno, I said to you that I thought he was mad at me.¡±

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    Isaac whipped his head around to look at Elise before looking back at Lila. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t need to worry about that,¡± Lila interrupted Isaac. He immediately fell quiet as she continued. ¡°I know Isaac¡¯s not the kind of guy to just be aggressive or whatever. I told you yesterday that I doubted he was mad.¡±

    No one spoke, Lila¡¯s statement lingering in the air for slightly too long. Then, Isaac brought a hand to the back of his head.

    ¡°Aw, shucks, Lila. It¡¯s nice to know that you think so highly of me,¡± he said, a strange, breathy laugh escaping his lips at the end of his sentence.

    ¡°I mean, you just said you saved one of my closest friends from an accident at work,¡± Lila replied matter-of-factly. ¡°I feel like I know you well enough to believe you. Plus, you¡¯re almost too honest for your own good.¡±

    He lowered his hand, meeting her eyes for a brief second before nodding again. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°His reflexes were kinda insane, actually,¡± Elise piped up. ¡°Thanks again, Isaac. You really helped me out.¡±

    He smiled at her in response. Then, he checked the time on his phone.

    ¡°Oh man, we¡¯re gonna be late,¡± Isaac announced, rapidly walking away from them. He looped his arm in Asher¡¯s and began to pull him around to their side of the locker room. ¡°See you guys later!¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila responded, though she wasn¡¯t quite sure either of them heard her, given the speed at which they rounded the corner. She turned back towards Elise, who was shoving her jumper back over her torso.

    ¡°Here,¡± Lila said, pulling it down properly.

    ¡°Thanks. Uh¡­ I really am sorry for lying,¡± Elise replied, her tone rather awkward. ¡°I just¡­ panicked, I guess. I mean, Isaac¡¯s such a great guy, so I wanted to protect him.¡±

    Lila inwardly melted at the sweetness of Elise¡¯s statement.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila said sincerely. ¡°With a reason like that, I¡¯m not upset that you lied. It¡¯s so you to protect him like that. It seemed almost instinctual.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Elise smiled tentatively at Lila. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna grab my stuff.¡±

    ¡°Good idea. C¡¯mon, before Ms Wang tells us off for being late.¡±

    <hr>

    ¡°What¡¯s on the menu today?¡± Lila questioned, collecting the lunchbox that Asher offered her with both hands.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s some kind of rice paper roll thing,¡± Asher replied, offering her his free arm again. ¡°Shall we go somewhere to find out?¡±

    ¡°I just wanna make sure Elise and Grace are having lunch together. What¡¯s your plan, Isaac?¡±

    ¡°Lunch with the wenches, of course,¡± Isaac replied lazily, leaning against a nearby locker.

    ¡°Careful, you¡¯ll get another yoghurt tub thrown at you,¡± Asher teased.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy with that as long as it¡¯s not blueberry flavoured,¡± Isaac shuddered with such force that the lock on the locker rattled slightly. He stepped away from it, giving it a once over as though he¡¯d broken it.

    ¡°Luckily it¡¯s mango today,¡± Elise declared, appearing next to Lila and brandishing said mango yoghurt towards him. He shrank away from her, causing Elise to giggle before advancing once more with it.

    Lila cast a look around the bustling locker room. Grace wasn¡¯t in sight anywhere, but now that Elise and Isaac were here, perhaps Lila could wander off with Asher. She looked back at Elise, pressing her lips together in contemplation.

    ¡°Go on,¡± Elise gently pushed Lila towards Asher. ¡°We¡¯ll wait for Grace. You don¡¯t need to worry.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    Elise nodded. ¡°Enjoy your lunch.¡±

    ¡°Alright. You guys enjoy your lunch too,¡± Lila replied, giving Elise and Isaac a small wave goodbye.

    Lila and Asher exited the locker room, with Lila shivering considerably.

    ¡°Where¡¯s your scarf?¡± Asher asked, looking down at her. ¡°Do you want my jumper?¡±

    ¡°I left it in my locker,¡± Lila lamented. ¡°Maybe I should go back for it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait here. Pass me your lunchbox.¡±

    Lila did so before hurrying back inside. She could see Elise and Isaac standing exactly where she left them. They looked to be talking about something.

    Lila was about to complain about her idiocy at having forgotten her scarf when something Isaac said stopped her movements altogether. It was fragmented but laden with pain.

    ¡°¡­ killing me.¡±

    ¡°Isaac¡­¡± Elise sighed in response, moving to touch his shoulder. It didn¡¯t seem like she noticed Lila hovering just nearby. ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s okay.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± he replied, holding his head in his hands. ¡°It¡¯s really not. I don¡¯t want to hurt my friends.¡±

    Lila tiptoed closer, but it seemed that was a mistake. Elise¡¯s eyes flickered to Lila and she took a step back from Isaac.

    ¡°Back again?¡± Elise¡¯s voice sounded falsely cheery.

    ¡°Yeah. Forgot my scarf. Everything okay?¡± Lila looked directly at Isaac, who visibly avoided her gaze.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said, clearing his throat. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine.¡±

    Lila nodded, though her doubts lingered. She grabbed her scarf out of her locker and threw it around her neck, all the while feeling the uncomfortable, prickling sensation of both Elise and Isaac¡¯s eyes on her.

    ¡°See you guys later,¡± Lila smiled once she was done, giving them another wave goodbye. They returned it without saying a word and Lila took that as her cue to depart as quickly as possible.

    ¡°I think you need to talk to Isaac,¡± Lila said breathlessly to Asher upon reaching him.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± he queried, passing her lunchbox back to her.

    ¡°I think he feels really guilty about grabbing Elise like that,¡± Lila explained, continuing their journey down the path away from the locker room.

    ¡°I see¡­ not sure what I could do about that, though.¡±

    Lila frowned. That was true enough, but¡­

    ¡°Maybe just talk it through with him, at least,¡± Lila suggested. ¡°Help alleviate the guilt by being logical.¡±

    ¡°I mean, logically speaking, perhaps he should feel guilty for grabbing her so hard,¡± Asher replied with a playful twinkle in his eye. She nudged him lightly before he spoke again.

    ¡°I see what you mean, though. I mean, it sounded like just a freak accident almost ¨C it¡¯s pretty unlikely that it¡¯d happen again, and Elise said it was fine. He¡¯d feel even worse if he just watched her fall on her face or something.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Well, I just¡­ I¡¯d feel bad, letting him wallow like that, but I don¡¯t think I¡¯m close enough to him to have that conversation. He seemed really sincere, at least.¡±

    Asher paused before smiling at Lila. ¡°Thanks for thinking of him.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s hard not to, when I¡¯m trying to set him up with Elise. I¡¯m glad she¡¯s okay, but if he keeps feeling so guilty, he may end up pushing her away.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a very serious outcome,¡± Asher said gravely before pointing to where they¡¯d sat yesterday. ¡°Here again?¡±

    Lila nodded, following him through the lawn and sitting down under the roofed area. She passed Piper¡¯s circle of friends yet again, which was still missing Ayla. They seemed to hardly notice Lila and Asher, evidently focusing more on their food than their surroundings.

    Today¡¯s lunch consisted of handmade rice paper rolls with soft slices of pork, various vegetables, and a peanut butter dipping sauce. It was delightfully fresh and flavourful.

    Eventually, as Lila¡¯s stomach grew full, her mind turned to something else that had been bothering her. Or, rather, was concerning her somewhat. They¡¯d kissed twice on Saturday, but it didn¡¯t seem as though Asher wanted to kiss her again. Did she do something wrong? Did he¡­ not enjoy it like she had?

    She fiddled with the hem of her skirt, biting gently on her lower lip. Should she just go for it? But what if he didn¡¯t want to? If she pushed him, would he think she was just like Holly, who pressured him for sex-

    ¡°Lila?¡±

    Her eyes snapped to Asher¡¯s searching ones, his brow slightly creased. It looked as though his face was mere centimetres from hers.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila turned her eyes to her skirt again, feeling her cheeks heat up. ¡°Did you say something?¡±

    ¡°Said a few things¡­ everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Just¡­ deep in thought.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a dollar and your bank details.¡±

    A slight smile flickered the corner of her mouth. ¡°My thoughts aren¡¯t worth your dollar.¡±

    ¡°Sure they are. In fact, I can give you ten, at least.¡±

    Lila laughed, finally resting her eyes on his face. He looked relieved as he smiled at her.

    ¡°Attempted bribery aside, you can tell me anything, you know.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart thumped in her chest. Anything? Even if he ended up rejecting her desire? Her fingers twitched involuntarily, her mind tossing a coin to help her decide. This dance that they were doing, between holding back what was on their minds and being open and honest with each other ¨C even over the past couple of days ¨C was giving her a headache.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to pressure you, though,¡± he added, his face incredibly serious.

    She swallowed, her bravery cracking into two. Her coin toss had failed to give her any insight. ¡°I appreciate it, Asher.¡±

    A glimmer of disappointment rippled through his eyes as he leaned back, though he didn¡¯t say anything in return.

    Would she ever get over this? They¡¯d finally progressed to being a couple, but she still couldn¡¯t see through the cloud of doubt descending upon her heart.

    He gave a small sigh before shuffling closer to Lila. ¡°How was the food?¡±

    ¡°The¡­ food?¡±

    ¡°Well, I know you¡¯re never bothered by Gabriel¡¯s cooking, so perhaps a change in topic would help stop you from frowning so much.¡±

    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t realise I was frowning.¡±

    ¡°She says with a frown,¡± he chuckled. He reached a hand over to her face, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear, the slight brush against her skin quickening her heartbeat once more.

    ¡°S-Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re the one in an apology loop.¡±

    ¡°S¡­ you¡¯re right. I¡¯ll stop frowning.¡±

    ¡°You can frown really hard for good measure if you need to,¡± he laughed as she readjusted her posture.

    She frowned at him and he laughed again. She joined in with her own laughter before they sobered up and fell into a comfortable silence.

    ¡°You said that you¡¯d said a few things before, when I was spacing out,¡± Lila noted after a few moments. ¡°What were you saying?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, I was just updating you about the whole Daniel thing.¡±

    ¡°Wait, what update?¡± She straightened up entirely, her eyes wide and searching his for a clue about the update.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing big,¡± he insisted casually. ¡°Just that I¡¯m almost done getting all the teachers we need on board. Surprisingly far more teachers were in on the whole Banker thing-¡± he cast a furtive look around as he whispered ¡®Banker thing¡¯ before continuing at his normal volume, ¡°-than I realised. Like, almost the school¡¯s whole list of teachers.¡±

    Lila sighed forcefully. Having a brother like Daniel¡­ was also certainly headache-inducing.

    ¡°I haven¡¯t checked in on him, about whether or not he wants you there when we tell our parents about it,¡± Lila said after a brief pause. ¡°Or¡­ generally, really.¡±

    ¡°You should probably do that,¡± Asher recommended with a nod. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ well, if I were him, at thirteen, I¡¯d be terrified.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I¡¯ll check in on him tonight.¡±

    ¡°Good, good¡­¡± Asher trailed off, checking the time on his phone. ¡°I think it¡¯s time we headed back to class.¡±

    After packing up and heading back to the locker room, hand in hand, they stood just inside the door, neither one seemingly wanting to move any further.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I¡¯ll see you later, at practice,¡± Asher said reluctantly, giving her hand a squeeze before slipping out of her grasp.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied softly, bringing both hands together in front of her chest. ¡°See you then.¡±

    Luckily for Lila, it felt as though she blinked and she was already on Jacoval, geared up for hockey and ready to go through the drills Ms Wright set in preparation for their match on Saturday.

    Lila snuck a look over at the soccer side of the oval every so often when she had the chance between drills, managing to avoid Ms Wright¡¯s ire at being distracted by Asher. It seemed that all the hockey girls were entirely focused on today¡¯s practice, with not even a hint of unrelated discussion or gossip passing through anyone¡¯s mouths.

    Ms Wright seemed relatively pleased by this turn of events, releasing everyone on time after giving an encouraging pep talk. Lila wasn¡¯t too convinced that they¡¯d beat St Peters on Saturday, but she was definitely motivated to try by the time she trudged off the oval.

    She hung around the edge of the oval, waiting for Asher¡¯s soccer team to wrap up for the afternoon. It looked like Mr Kovac was regaling them with his own pep talk, at least, so she settled for leaning against her hockey stick for support while she waited.

    After a minute or so, the boys were dismissed and began wandering off the oval. Asher and Isaac were hanging around behind the rest of the group, looking as though they were talking seriously about something. Lila was curious to know what the topic of conversation was, but perhaps Asher would tell her if it was anything important.

    ¡°Congrats, Lila.¡±

    A voice she hadn¡¯t heard in a while startled her. She turned her head to face the speaker. Theo was smiling at her ¨C a relaxed, genuine one she hadn¡¯t seen since their date at the aquarium.

    ¡°Me?¡± she asked, pointing to herself. He gave a hearty chuckle, placing his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t see any other Lila¡¯s around,¡± he replied in his trademark drawl.

    ¡°Oh. For what?¡±

    ¡°For locking down Asher, of course.¡± He looked at her now like she was missing a few marbles.

    ¡°Oh. It¡­ feels odd that you¡¯d congratulate me about that,¡± Lila responded honestly, standing up straight, her eyes trained on his face. He had an odd half-smile as he explained himself.

    ¡°Maybe it is. But after I tried to kiss you and you said you liked Asher, I really didn¡¯t mind the idea of you two getting together. Then, you slapped Livi and defended him against her¡­ well, bitchy ways. After that, I was rooting for you guys a whole lot. He looks so much more relaxed than I think I¡¯ve ever seen him at practice. Not wound up at all.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ well, it¡¯d probably be more painful if you got with someone who wasn¡¯t Asher, or close to his kind of calibre as a person,¡± Theo added thoughtfully. ¡°Like I said before, I didn¡¯t mind losing to Asher.¡±

    ¡°I think I get it,¡± Lila replied slowly. ¡°Thanks, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s all I wanted-¡±

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    Lila looked past Theo¡¯s shoulder to find Asher jogging up to her. Instead of stopping short of Theo, as he had previously when he came across them in conversation, he brushed past Theo and scooped her into his arms, lifting her off her feet and spinning her briefly in greeting.

    ¡°Hello,¡± she giggled once he set her down, her face flushed.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher grinned. He turned to Theo, his left hand intertwining with Lila¡¯s right. ¡°What¡¯s up, Theo?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much,¡± Theo said casually, nodding at the two of them. ¡°I was just finished talking to Lila. See you on Saturday.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure whether his facial expression could be categorised as ¡®happy¡¯ or ¡®pleased¡¯ in any way, but he at least didn¡¯t look upset at Asher¡¯s display of affection. They watched Theo go, his hands still in his pockets. Once he was far enough away, Asher glanced at Lila.

    ¡°What was Theo talking to you about?¡± he asked, a hint of hostility in his voice at the name ¡®Theo¡¯.

    ¡°He was just congratulating me,¡± Lila replied soothingly, rubbing the back of Asher¡¯s hand with her thumb. ¡°Well, technically us, I suppose. For us getting together.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher¡¯s expression turned from one of suspicion to utter surprise. ¡°That¡¯s good of him, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila agreed, taking a look around behind Asher. ¡°Where¡¯s Isaac?¡±

    ¡°Here,¡± Isaac announced with a flourish from beside Lila, making her jump. ¡°I was here the whole time, actually. Well, since Asher treated you like a rag doll. Sickening.¡±

    Lila snorted, though she was glad to see that Isaac seemed to be back to his normal self.

    ¡°Hey, you wanted this,¡± she pointed out with a short laugh.

    ¡°Well, I thought I did until I witnessed whatever that was,¡± Isaac winked playfully at Asher. ¡°Seems like having lunch to yourselves is a good idea. I don¡¯t think I could handle 35 minutes straight of this,¡± he made a hand gesture as if he was sprinkling water at them to emphasize his point. ¡°Way to make us singles feel bad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not so intense at lunch,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. She felt Asher¡¯s hand twitch in her grasp in response.

    ¡°Sure, Jan,¡± Isaac looked at her doubtfully before giving them both a cheeky grin. ¡°Anyway, see you tomorrow!¡±

    He jogged off the oval, seeming in high spirits following their conversation.

    ¡°He seems happy,¡± Lila noted once he was out of earshot.

    ¡°He does, doesn¡¯t he,¡± Asher murmured. Then, he looked at Lila intently. ¡°It sounded like you weren¡¯t quite so happy with us not being so intense at lunch.¡±

    Did it? Lila¡¯s cheeks began to feel hot and she cleared her throat uneasily. She hadn¡¯t meant to sound that way.

    ¡°I¡¯m not unhappy,¡± Lila found herself saying with a shake of her head. ¡°Being close to you¡­ is good enough. Truly.¡±

    ¡°You say that so sadly,¡± Asher frowned. ¡°Is there something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong,¡± Lila shook her head again. ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ adjusting.¡±

    ¡°Adjusting?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila swayed on the spot, the feeling of uncomfortableness weighing upon her stomach like cement. ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a change. Going from best friends to dating. I guess I¡¯m just unsure of myself.¡±

    ¡°Unsure of yourself?¡± He repeated this in a whisper, his eyes glued to hers.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you two have homes to go to?¡± Ms Wright¡¯s voice interrupted their conversation abruptly, her sports bag full of hockey balls, cones, and other training paraphernalia slung across her chest. ¡°Preferably separate ones.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. We¡¯ll move along now.¡±

    ¡°Yes, yes, please do. I have to wait here in the cold to ensure all the students leave the oval safely, you know. You¡¯re still my charge even though practice is over.¡±

    ¡°Mr Kovac¡¯s gone, though,¡± Lila observed, giving the oval a quick once-over to confirm this.

    ¡°Don¡¯t get me started with Mr Kovac. However, we take it in turns to supervise the stragglers. Go on, your parents must be wondering where you are.¡±

    She gestured towards the carpark. Lila and Asher simultaneously said their goodbyes to Ms Wright before plodding up to said carpark. Ms Wright hung far behind them, meandering at a much slower pace.

    ¡°You know, I feel like Ms Wright is pretty against the idea of us dating,¡± Asher mentioned in a low whisper to Lila as they cleared the top of the hill.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s against it, per se,¡± Lila pressed her lips together as she considered her interactions with Ms Wright that day. ¡°I think she¡¯s more concerned that I¡¯ve got my head in the game for Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Well, that tracks, I guess. Ah, Clare¡¯s giving me a death stare. Looks like that¡¯s my cue to go.¡±

    Lila smiled at Asher as he met her gaze. He looked hesitant for a moment before pulling her into another hug. His heartbeat was both stable and strong ¨C utterly soothing to Lila¡¯s senses.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he whispered softly. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you¡¯re coming to mine after Study.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never forget,¡± Lila replied truthfully into his chest. She¡¯d been counting down the hours before she¡¯d be able to hang out with Asher in the privacy of his house again, though she wouldn¡¯t tell him that. Not now, anyway.

    ¡°Good. Get home safe.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    He let go of her and readjusted the school bag on his shoulder. He gave her a small wave goodbye before walking across the carpark to Marlene¡¯s awaiting car. Lila sighed once more before shuffling over to Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°Damn, Lila, I was worried I was gonna turn 40 while I waited for you,¡± Clare said in greeting as Lila climbed in.

    ¡°Very funny,¡± Lila replied sarcastically.

    ¡°I¡¯d say I try, but it always comes so naturally,¡± Clare responded loftily. Lila rolled her eyes playfully.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a good mood, sis,¡± Lila commented as Clare smoothly drove away.

    ¡°Me? Well, Asher hugging you like that was pretty cute,¡± Clare smirked. ¡°Seeing you happy is always gonna make me happy. Unless it¡¯s because you¡¯ve done something to make me miserable.¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°And I just came back from seeing Alex.¡±

    ¡°Probably should¡¯ve led with that,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°I take it that you still think dating him officially is a good idea?¡±

    ¡°Lila, you wouldn¡¯t believe how good of an idea it is,¡± Clare said bashfully. ¡°Though I don¡¯t think I should give you the details.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m beyond good, thanks,¡± Lila replied instantly. ¡°Spare me, please.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    Lila leaned her head against the car window, her mind replaying Asher¡¯s touches throughout the day. The more she thought about each one, the more joy she felt ¨C manifesting in happy swaying in her seat. Once or twice, Clare glanced at her but seemed to wisely decide that not addressing her giddiness was the best option.

    Upon arriving home, though, Lila wearily took off her shoes and stumbled her way upstairs. She had said to Asher that she¡¯d talk to Daniel¡­ but she was starting to feel the effect of practice upon her body.

    She opened the door to her room and dumped her belongings inside before pressing a hand to her forehead. She didn¡¯t want to leave her brother in the lurch if he was feeling as Asher had suggested. She also didn¡¯t want to disappoint Asher by avoiding this conversation with Daniel.

    With a little more resolve than she had before, Lila crossed the hallway and knocked on Daniel¡¯s door.

    ¡°What?¡± he called disapprovingly.

    ¡°Can we talk?¡±

    There was a pause. ¡°I guess so.¡±

    Lila let herself in to Daniel¡¯s room, taking in the surroundings. It looked much the same but had a distinct lack of paperwork in comparison to before Asher provided Daniel with the Square solution.

    He wrinkled his nose as he took in her appearance. ¡°You want to talk to me before taking a shower?¡± he queried, spinning in his chair to face her properly.

    ¡°Yeah. Otherwise, I¡¯d just go to bed and fall asleep,¡± Lila folded her arms across her chest before lowering them by her sides. She didn¡¯t want to look combative for this conversation.

    ¡°I guess I¡¯ll let you sit on my bed,¡± he gestured towards it and she promptly sat down.

    ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡± Lila asked once she settled herself in.

    ¡°Eh,¡± Daniel shrugged. Then he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you mean the Banker stuff, rather than me.¡±

    ¡°Well, you are the Banker. So, both.¡±

    Daniel ran his hands through his hair before sighing. ¡°¡¯Salright.¡±

    ¡°Marginally better than ¡®eh¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Well, the Square system is great, but working with Livi¡­ is a shit show.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Eh?¡±

    He rolled his eyes at her before elaborating. ¡°She¡¯s been real pissy. I¡¯ve been getting fed complaints from customers about her attitude, some from her own group too, and I don¡¯t want to sit down and talk to her about it. Especially since we¡¯re still in a grey spot with this whole sanction stuff. If I rock the boat with her too much, she might get to the Headmaster before we do¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got a backup plan,¡± Lila smiled slightly at Daniel. She still didn¡¯t want to give him details about the morphine ring that was being run with his money, but¡­ if all else failed¡­ she could resort to that. A morphine ring was decidedly much worse than operating as the Banker.

    ¡®Though Livi could counter it by saying that Daniel was funding it all and therefore knew about it¡­ she might even say it was under his orders, as his employee¡­¡¯ Lila shut her eyes upon registering this thought. It was a valid counter argument, one that technically had receipts, and, with how crafty Livi seemed, entirely within the realm of possibility. The more she thought about this whole arrangement and how it intertwined with Daniel, the more complex this game of chess became. Especially if throwing Daniel under the bus roped in their Dad due to the ring¡¯s possible connection to his investigation into the hospital for Asher¡¯s Dad.

    Her head was beginning to throb, but she decided to park all of those thoughts in the back of her mind. She wasn¡¯t here to worry herself to death about scenarios that weren¡¯t immediately happening, after all.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you don¡¯t want to let me in to this backup plan of yours,¡± Daniel finally said after a few moments of silence. She opened her eyes and saw that he looked strangely tense. ¡°I was expecting you to continue on, but you kinda just¡­ powered down. You sure you should be talking to me? Maybe you should go to bed.¡±

    Lila clapped her hands to the sides of her face, effectively waking her up. ¡°Nah. I need to make sure you¡¯re okay.¡±

    He looked surprised. ¡°Why?¡±

    Lila let out a frustrated sigh, lowering her hands onto her lap. ¡°Because sanctioning it is a big step, and telling our parents is an even bigger step.¡±

    Daniel audibly gulped before reaching for a carton of juice on his desk. He drank straight out of it before offering it to Lila.

    ¡°Ew,¡± she blinked at him in response.

    ¡°Your loss,¡± he said before chugging the rest of it. ¡°You¡¯re right though. I¡¯ve been pretty stressed about both of those things. I think I¡¯m balding prematurely over it.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°You¡¯ve got enough hair that you can afford to lose a few strands.¡±

    Daniel smirked at her before exhaling loudly, capping his carton and placing it back with slow, deliberate movements. ¡°I don¡¯t wanna do it.¡±

    ¡°Do what?¡±

    ¡°Tell Mum and Dad. Get this whole mess sanctioned. Be the Banker.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not surprised about any of that,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°But what are you going to do about cancelling those things?¡±

    ¡°I should rephrase. I don¡¯t want to do any of those things¡­ but I know I have to. Well, I guess the whole Banker thing is optional but¡­ I can¡¯t say I haven¡¯t had some amount of joy doing it. Besides the bonkers cash flow, it¡¯s¡­¡± he frowned, seemingly searching the recesses of his mind for the right words. ¡°It¡¯s been fulfilling, in a way. I was out of my depth, but now that Asher¡¯s set me right, it¡¯s made me realise how much I¡¯ve been doing. And¡­ after he said I should be proud, especially when looking at what I¡¯ve achieved, I¡¯ve really been feeling it.¡±

    He paused before looking at Lila seriously. ¡°You guys dating yet?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t see on Facebook?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got you limited on my Feed.¡±

    ¡°Well, that sounds like a supportive little brother.¡±

    ¡°Not like you post anything that needs to be supported.¡±

    ¡°Rude.¡±

    He chuckled before staring at Lila in realisation. ¡°Wait¡­ that means you are, right? Like, if I check, I¡¯ll see that you guys are?¡±

    Lila nodded and Daniel gave a low whistle.

    ¡°Finally,¡± he said heartily, a relieved grin on his face. It quickly rolled into a cheeky one as he added, ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll remove the limitation.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes before smiling at him. ¡°I know you said before that you were kinda pushing him towards the idea. So, thanks.¡±

    He waved his hand dismissively. ¡°Probably would¡¯ve happened on his own at some point.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. He¡­ he kinda said he liked me for years but didn¡¯t make a move or tell me. I think he would¡¯ve left it alone if I hadn¡¯t told him I liked him.¡±

    ¡°But you did,¡± Daniel reminded her. ¡°Oh, wait, I encouraged that too. Huh, maybe I am the catalyst for your relationship. You should pay me.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ve got enough money.¡±

    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t disagree with you¡­ but I won¡¯t agree with you either.¡±

    Lila snorted again and he grinned at her once more.

    ¡°So, have you thought about whether you want Asher in on our conversation with our parents?¡± Lila queried, leaning back and rolling her ankles.

    ¡°I have¡­ and I¡¯m kinda conflicted still.¡±

    ¡°What if I invite him over anyway, and if you want him there, he can come with us. Otherwise, I¡¯m sure he can entertain himself while we¡¯re gone.¡±

    ¡°You make him sound like a dog or something.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s an only child. He¡¯s got ways to pass the time.¡±

    Daniel fell silent for a few moments, drumming his fingers along the armrests of his chair. ¡°Alright. Do that, I think. That way if I need him, he¡¯s right there.¡±

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    ¡°What day?¡±

    ¡°Dunno. What day works better for you?¡±

    Daniel tapped his chin. ¡°You¡¯ve got a game on Saturday, right?¡±

    ¡°Sure do.¡±

    ¡°Is Saturday afternoon or night too soon?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°This conversation¡¯s for you. Don¡¯t look at me to decide your schedule. I¡¯ll just make myself available when I can.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Saturday it is, then. I¡­ think I¡¯ll need Sunday to emotionally recover.¡±

    Lila looked at him sympathetically. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve said that, that¡¯s a good point. I¡¯ll let Asher know.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Lila stood, stretching her arms above her head. ¡°Anything else you want to talk about?¡± she asked, swallowing back a yawn.

    ¡°Nah. Go have a nap or something.¡±

    ¡°You sure have become bossier since becoming the Banker.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie and you know it, egghead.¡±

    Lila nudged him on her way past to display her discontent with being called an ¡®egghead¡¯ and he snickered.

    ¡°Better an egghead than a dickhead,¡± she teased before stepping out into the hallway. ¡°See ya later.¡±

    ¡°Bye, sis.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Fourteen

    ¡°Is it just me,¡± Asher whispered in Lila¡¯s ear as they watched Ms Shard clean the whiteboard on Wednesday morning, ¡°or is Ms Shard watching us both like a hawk?¡±

    ¡°Not just you,¡± Lila replied, also in a whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t know why, nor would I dare ask.¡±

    ¡°Good idea.¡±

    Ms Shard gave them both a sharp look and they resettled into their chairs, ensuring there was adequate distance between them.

    Lila scrawled her notes down, though this time it was less intensive, which allowed her mind to wander. A thought occurred to her, following her conversation with Daniel, and she tore a small scrap of paper from her notebook.

    ¡®Is Ms Shard a backer?¡¯ she wrote before passing the scrap over to Asher. He glanced at her before tucking it into his hand and reading it.

    ¡®Oh yeah. Big one. Apparently she¡¯s a fiend for Indian. They call Thursdays ¡°Ms Shard day¡± because she won¡¯t have a bar of anything else besides Indian¡¯ was the return reply, written across both sides of the paper. There was no space to add anything else, so she crumpled it up and slipped it into her book bag.

    They otherwise didn¡¯t interact during the rest of class, though after class they walked to the STEM area of campus together, hand-in-hand.

    ¡°How¡¯d you find out about Ms Shard¡¯s preference for Indian food?¡± Lila asked with a grin after a while.

    ¡°Literally almost every teacher complains about it,¡± he laughed in response. ¡°I¡¯ve yet to talk to her personally. I was going to do that today.¡±

    ¡°Surely some routine would be fine,¡± Lila replied, ¡°I dunno if I¡¯d complain about it to a student.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s very stubborn apparently. Has it by herself a couple times a week, too. But on Thursdays, she runs the order for Indian for most of the teachers.¡±

    Lila shook her head incredulously. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t have picked it.¡±

    ¡°Neither. But I guess it makes sense. Commercialised Indian is made for white people¡¯s taste.¡±

    They had reached the point where they normally split off, though Lila next had Biology and Asher had Maths. With no Isaac to hurry them along, Lila reluctantly supposed they would have to depart on their own accord.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I¡¯ll see you at lunch?¡± her statement sounded far more like a question.

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°If not earlier. Have fun in class.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes glittered with mirth. ¡°I¡¯ll try very hard.¡±

    He headed off in the direction of the Maths classrooms, and Lila sullenly made her way to the Biology Lab. Her mood improved somewhat upon seeing a beaming, healthy-looking Cecelia sitting next to Lucas at their usual table.

    ¡°Lila!¡± Cecelia called, waving her over.

    ¡°Hey Cecelia,¡± Lila greeted, taking out her materials. ¡°You look alive.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, tell me about it,¡± Cecelia shuddered. ¡°I¡¯ve been out for the count since Saturday.¡±

    ¡°It is that time of year,¡± Lila noted. ¡°At least you don¡¯t seem sick anymore.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to come back yesterday, but my Mum made me stay home. Something about making sure I was really fine before coming back and making everyone else sick. I guess I¡¯ll agree, since she¡¯s a Registered Nurse and everything.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t get me sick,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Only person I¡¯m getting sick is this one,¡± Cecelia giggled, pointing at Lucas. ¡°He kept showing up outside my house.¡±

    ¡°I was worried!¡± Lucas whispered, his face cherry red from clear embarrassment. ¡°Not like you let me in anyway.¡±

    ¡°I wanted to, but Mum-¡±

    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Lucas replied, a gentle smile on his face, deepening the shade of red. ¡°No need to defend yourself.¡±

    They exchanged a glance amongst themselves ¨C a tender one that seemed to convey far more than Lila would ever be privy to ¨C before Cecelia turned her attention back to Lila, her eyes sparkling.

    ¡°So,¡± Cecelia began, her voice breathy with anticipation. ¡°I saw your posts!¡±

    ¡°Class, settle down,¡± commanded the no-nonsense voice of Mr Johnson, who slapped down a stack of papers onto his desk. ¡°Worksheets again today, but it¡¯s to prepare you all for an experiment-¡± excited murmurs flew through the air before Mr Johnson silenced the speakers with a well-practiced glare, ¡°-that we will be conducting tomorrow. Please ensure you fill out the worksheet, as we¡¯ll be marking them as a class at the end of the lesson so I can check that you¡¯re prepared.¡±

    He began handing out the aforementioned worksheets in small piles to each table before returning to his desk. Despite his ¡®settle down¡¯ command, there was an unmistakeable undercurrent of fervent chatter reverberating throughout the room. Every so often, Mr Johnson would look around the Lab with a frown, however it appeared that the volume remained at an acceptable enough level to avoid intervention.

    Lila quietly filled in several questions on the worksheet before Cecelia caught her eye.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Cecelia whispered, putting down her pen. ¡°Tell us everything.¡±

    Lila gave Cecelia and Lucas an abridged version of their picnic date, and a brief mention of their kisses, which Cecelia seemed ready to squeal about until Lucas covered her mouth with his hand. Lila could feel Cecelia¡¯s pout from where she was sitting, despite being unable to see it.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad that you guys worked everything out,¡± Lucas said with a nod, glancing at Cecelia. He slowly lowered his hand from her mouth.

    ¡°It sounds like he put some thought into it,¡± Cecelia noted. ¡°It sounded really sweet, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila smiled down at her worksheet, her dormant butterflies coming back to life within seconds as she recalled every moment of their picnic.

    ¡°Did you guys do it?¡± Cecelia asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively at Lila.

    ¡°Definitely not. We¡­ actually haven¡¯t kissed or anything, besides holding hands, since that night.¡±

    Lucas gave a low, incredulous whistle. ¡°Seriously? Any reason?¡±

    Lila shrugged, trying to keep a lid on her despondence. ¡°Knowing Asher, there¡¯s probably a reason¡­ but I don¡¯t know it.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you try and make a move again?¡± Cecelia questioned, taking a sip of her water bottle.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila squeaked, her cheeks aflame with embarrassment. ¡°He might reject me.¡±

    Lucas and Cecelia exchanged a look before simultaneously looking at her with apparent puzzlement.

    ¡°Can you let us in on that logic?¡± Lucas requested, glancing once more at Cecelia, who nodded in agreement.

    Lila brought the back of her hand to her mouth, finding comfort in resting her lips upon it as she tried to untangle said logic.

    ¡°I¡­ guess¡­ well, with his last girlfriend, he kinda implied that he didn¡¯t want to do those kinds of things with her,¡± she finally said,

    ¡°¡¯Cause she wasn¡¯t you,¡± Cecelia interjected sagely.

    ¡°No¡­ well¡­ I guess I don¡¯t really know. It¡¯s been a real sore point, so I haven¡¯t asked.¡±

    ¡°I do remember you saying that the baby wasn¡¯t his,¡± Lucas added.

    ¡°Yeah. So I just¡­ I haven¡¯t asked why he didn¡¯t want to do things with her, or if he wants to do things with me, or just¡­ anything really. A part of me is kinda scared that if I open the door to those questions, he¡¯ll say something like he didn¡¯t like our kisses, or that he¡¯s just not into that. N-Not that I need that, like, I¡¯m happy enough to just be his girlfriend.¡±

    Cecelia gave Lila a sympathetic look but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything for a while. Eventually, Cecelia sighed, stretching her arms before placing her head in her hands and leaning across the table on her elbows.

    ¡°I think you should mention something,¡± Cecelia said quietly. ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯re just going to drive yourself crazy, wondering what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°Personally,¡± Lucas piped up, readjusting his glasses upon his face. ¡°I think that he¡¯s probably thinking the exact same things as you are.¡±

    Both Cecelia and Lila looked at Lucas in surprise.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Cecelia queried.

    ¡°¡¯Cause¡­ that¡¯s just what I reckon.¡±

    ¡°Lame answer,¡± Cecelia snorted.

    ¡°Fine. It is a lame answer, but the real answer is even worse, since I know exactly diddly-squat about Asher and this is all an assumption,¡± Lucas relented. ¡°The reason why I reckon that is ¡®cause that¡¯s how it was with us, about telling each other our feelings. We were both scared. And I just see a lot of parallels between Asher and Lila and you and me, from what I¡¯ve heard at least.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right, that is even worse,¡± Cecelia replied drily. He nudged her playfully with his shoulder.

    ¡°I mean, he could be exactly right,¡± Cecelia conceded. ¡°Or absolutely incorrect. You won¡¯t know until you talk about it.¡±

    Lila groaned, flopping down onto her worksheet with a sniffle. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s a good idea.¡±

    Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    ¡°Of course it¡¯s a good idea,¡± Lucas replied sensibly. ¡°How else are you going to find the answers?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll just ignore it,¡± Lila insisted meekly into her worksheet.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like the Lila who took down a stalker,¡± Cecelia said pointedly.

    ¡°Cee, I don¡¯t think you should mention that,¡± Lucas whispered urgently. ¡°She died, you know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Cecelia replied with a hint of frostiness. ¡°Doesn¡¯t change that she was a stalker.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t take her down,¡± Lila interjected lamely, her face still connected to the table. ¡°That was Asher.¡±

    ¡°Well, he may have had some words with her, but I¡¯m pretty sure you were running around and narrowing her down from a list of people. Doesn¡¯t take a Dux to figure out that you told him what you found out. And it sounds like you were absolutely right, given what I¡¯ve heard people say was in her locker,¡± Cecelia stated matter-of-factly.

    Lila simply huffed.

    ¡°You¡¯ll get there,¡± Lucas said comfortingly. ¡°It¡¯s hard at first, but¡­ well, when you¡¯re in a relationship and you want to make it work, there¡¯s no point starting it off hiding stuff or lying.¡±

    Lila felt her stomach sink as she took in Lucas¡¯ words. She was sure if she looked to the floor, it might be sitting under her chair.

    What he was saying made devastating amounts of sense. By not being truthful with Asher, she was starting things off on the wrong foot. But at the same time¡­ it was mortifying. What would she even say? That she was worried he didn¡¯t want to kiss her again? That she wanted to kiss him? It sounded awfully ridiculous to even say those things aloud. Then¡­ once she managed to say something¡­ what if he laughed at her again?

    She sighed, hugging her torso for comfort before raising her head, and meeting the anxious eyes of both Cecelia and Lucas.

    ¡°He might laugh at me,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°And if he does, he¡¯s a dick,¡± Cecelia replied hotly. Lucas gestured for Cecelia to cool it down before adding his own thoughts.

    ¡°If he does, then you¡¯ve figured out that he¡¯s not into that. Then, you can decide what to do about it. It doesn¡¯t feel good wallowing around, does it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila mumbled petulantly.

    ¡°Not that I¡¯m one to talk,¡± Lucas clarified. ¡°I wallowed for a few months.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Cecelia piped up. ¡°Then you took the step to actually talking about us, and what you wanted, and here we are.¡±

    They exchanged a tender smile before looking back at Lila.

    ¡°You¡¯re already dating,¡± Cecelia reminded her gently. ¡°It might feel like you¡¯ve got a lot to lose, but if you work on it together, I don¡¯t think you need to worry about messing anything up, or that he¡¯ll think badly of you.¡±

    ¡°One of the things about a relationship,¡± Lucas said, exchanging a look with Cecelia before continuing, ¡°is that there¡¯s two of you now. So, while you do need to consider each other¡¯s feelings, you¡¯ve also got two heads working at solving issues and all that. Plus, you managed to get Asher. He¡¯s no dummy.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯d probably bend over backwards to make it work,¡± Cecelia smiled encouragingly at Lila. ¡°Well, I say probably because I don¡¯t actually know. But he always seems so dedicated to whatever he¡¯s doing, I can¡¯t imagine that he¡¯d just let you flop around like a fish on land if he knew you were unhappy about something.¡±

    ¡°Not quite sure if I get that last bit, but¡­ thanks guys,¡± Lila finally said, giving them both a timid smile. ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ think about it.¡±

    Cecelia tilted her head as she raised an eyebrow at Lila expectantly. Lila sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Cecelia nodded approvingly. ¡°Let us know how it goes.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully,¡± Lucas grinned, his voice picking up in volume and excitement, ¡°she won¡¯t have to. We¡¯ll probably just see them making out at the lockers or even-¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem related to this topic, Greenwood,¡± Mr Johnson said sternly, tapping the table between Lucas and Cecelia, which caused them to shift apart slightly. ¡°Should I have you read a section of the textbook in silence instead?¡±

    Lila watched as Lucas¡¯ face blossomed into a bright red. ¡°No, sir.¡±

    ¡°Good. You¡¯re almost done with the worksheet. I can¡¯t approve you to participate in the experiment if you don¡¯t finish it,¡± this time Mr Johnson looked over at Lila and Cecelia too, ensuring they were listening to him as well. ¡°Carry on. With your work. Not whatever gossip you¡¯re on about, you¡¯re almost shouting over here.¡±

    They watched Mr Johnson go in silence until he was clear out of earshot. Lucas turned to Lila and Cecelia, his face aghast as a very small, breathy screech escaped his lips.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he whispered once he took another breath. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise I was being loud.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila murmured, picking up her pen and twirling it in her fingers. ¡°Let¡¯s just get through the worksheet, yeah?¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas indicated their agreement with this plan, and they worked silently for the rest of the lesson. Well, silent for the most part, if one could ignore the occasional giggles and decidedly flirty looks Cecelia and Lucas shared.

    Lila tried not to count down the minutes leading up to lunch, but it was difficult not to. Now that she¡¯d received a pep talk from Lucas and Cecelia, she needed to act on it before losing her nerve entirely.

    Morning tea proceeded in much the same way as it usually did ¨C with Lila, Elise, and Grace chatting away merrily, joking and otherwise enjoying themselves. Lila did ask whether Elise¡¯s bruises were still giving her trouble, but they had already substantially faded.

    Though her mind still raced with the idea of addressing something so embarrassing with Asher, she didn¡¯t want to discuss it with Grace or Elise, almost as if doing so would doom her to fail. Surprisingly, neither Asher nor Isaac swung by to visit them during morning tea, and the trio hurried off to PC without a mention of this fact.

    Finally, it was lunchtime. Heart pounding with anticipation, Lila slowly closed her locker. She¡¯d do it for sure. She¡¯d talk to him¡­ and whatever the result was, she¡¯d just have to deal with it. If he laughed at her, so be it. If he didn¡¯t want to kiss her, then that was that.

    ¡°Deep in thought again?¡±

    She wasn¡¯t ready to see Asher, but there he was, his face centimetres from hers. She stepped back out of instinct, bumping into a departing Grace as she did so.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Grace laughed, gently grabbing Lila¡¯s shoulders. ¡°Careful.¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila replied, shuffling towards the lockers, the heat from her face trickling down to her chest. ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Grace smiled, looking around briefly. ¡°Ah, there¡¯s Elise. Isaac too. You guys can head off.¡±

    Asher dangled a lunchbox before Lila, a wide grin on his face. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila nodded, pressing her lips together. She took the lunchbox and waved goodbye to Grace, and again at Elise and Isaac once they passed them.

    ¡°Same spot?¡± Asher asked, opening the locker room door for Lila and gesturing for her to go through.

    ¡°U-Uh, I¡­ was wondering¡­ if we could sit somewhere else,¡± Lila stammered, tightly clutching her lunchbox.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher looked surprised as he scratched his chin. He looked thoughtful for a moment before glancing at her. ¡°Where?¡±

    Lila faltered. She hadn¡¯t thought about that. All she knew was that she didn¡¯t want to have her conversation with Asher whilst looking at Piper¡¯s friends, or just generally in the open air ¨C where anyone could be listening.

    ¡°¡­ The library?¡± Lila suggested after a brief pause. Lila thought she saw a flash of nervousness flicker through his eyes. Was she mistaken?

    ¡°Yeah, okay,¡± Asher responded swiftly. ¡°Hopefully there¡¯s a spare meeting room.¡±

    He began leading the way to the library before looking back at Lila and holding out his free hand for her to take. She did so, her heart fluttering. The weight of what she wanted to talk about slowed her footsteps, but Asher kept pace.

    They meandered through the library until finding an empty meeting room, much like they had before they started dating. They sat across from each other, opening their lunchboxes of balsamic chicken pasta salad and digging in. Every so often, she would look up at Asher, her mouth ready to speak, but no words left her lips.

    He seemed unusually quiet, though he would smile when their eyes met.

    ¡®I¡¯ve gotta ask him,¡¯ Lila urged herself, failing to stop her fork from trembling. ¡®I¡­ I have to tell him.¡¯

    ¡°Ash-¡±

    ¡°I was thinking,¡± Asher¡¯s words cut Lila off and he immediately stopped, his face a slight shade of pink. ¡°Sorry, did I interrupt you?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Go on.¡±

    His expression was unsure, but he put his fork down. ¡°I was thinking that, after school, we could work on the English assignment. Since it¡¯s been giving you trouble.¡±

    She let out a small sigh, disappointed that he was talking about schoolwork. ¡°Yeah. That sounds good.¡±

    ¡°It¡­ doesn¡¯t seem good,¡± Asher blinked. ¡°We could just hang out, I don¡¯t mind. It is only week two.¡±

    ¡°How about I bring my things for English, and we can figure it out when we get to yours?¡± she suggested, her fingertips quivering against her fork. They felt light, somehow, though the rest of her arms felt as heavy as lead.

    ¡°Sounds reasonable,¡± Asher grinned.

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but grin back. He picked up his fork and continued eating, his body language seeming far more relaxed now that they had exchanged some words. Should she interrupt his peace now? He looked really content, as he polished off the last of his pasta salad, taking a swig of his juice.

    ¡°A-Asher¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡± his eyes met hers with sincerity. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡± she inhaled deeply, the breath in her lungs reaching down into her stomach, soothing the butterflies within. ¡°I¡­¡±

    He closed his Tupperware, pushing it away from him and giving her his full attention. ¡°You?¡±

    Her lips shook, her inability to control them painfully apparent. ¡°I¡­¡±

    He reached across the table, his warm hands enveloping her cold ones, his eyes searching hers. ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    This was far more terrifying than she imagined. Did other couples ever have these kinds of discussions? Or were they just in sync with what they wanted?

    ¡°I¡­ want¡­¡± ¡®to kiss you,¡¯ she continued internally, unable to use her vocal cords. It was starting to get way too hot in here ¨C did someone turn the heating up?

    He didn¡¯t utter a word, his attention entirely devoted to her. He didn¡¯t even look like he was breathing whilst he waited for her to continue.

    She cleared her throat, hoping that the issue was something of that nature, rather than just her weakness.

    ¡°I want¡­¡± It was no use. She sounded like a broken record. Maybe she should ease into the topic using a different conversation point. They¡¯d hardly spoken all lunch, so perhaps that was the issue.

    ¡°I want to know what you¡¯re hiding from me,¡± the words tumbled out of her lips before her brain could catch up. Once it did, she cringed, taking her hands back from his.

    ¡°Sorry?¡± he stared at her, though the nervousness in his eyes she¡¯d seen earlier returned with much more intensity.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been feeling like you haven¡¯t been honest with me,¡± she said after slightly too long of a pause.

    ¡°A-About?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted faintly. ¡°But¡­ I keep thinking about what else you¡¯re curious about. With me, I mean. You said you¡¯d tell me one day, but I don¡¯t know if I can wait that long.¡±

    He continued to stare at her for a few moments, before running his fingers through his hair, his eyes now staring at the table between them.

    ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t want to tell you now,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t want you to think badly of me.¡±

    ¡°Why would I think badly of you?¡±

    He shook his head, closing his eyes altogether. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡®Well, that couldn¡¯t have gone worse,¡¯ she thought forlornly, pressing her lips together. The atmosphere was now ruined entirely. ¡®I¡¯ll try again after school,¡¯ she promised herself. ¡®Now¡¯s not the time.¡¯

    Lila slowly finished off the rest of her lunch, ensuring that she didn¡¯t look at Asher as she did so. She hoped he wasn¡¯t mad that she¡¯d pushed the point, but she didn¡¯t want to check his expression to find out, either.

    ¡°¡­ So, uh, did you manage to check in with Daniel?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was timid, sounding like he was forcing himself to speak.

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila confirmed quietly, placing her Tupperware and fork into the lunchbox and zipping it up. ¡°He asked if you could come over on Saturday after practice. Mostly just in case he needs you while we talk to Mum and Dad. He¡¯s still unsure, but at least if you¡¯re there, he can get you if he needs you.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher stated simply. ¡°Okay.¡±

    She¡¯d expected him to say something with more substance, but supposed it would do. They sat in more silence, Lila¡¯s insides twisting with the overwhelming feeling that she¡¯d done something wrong. Evidently, trying to push Asher towards something he didn¡¯t want to do was the wrong way to go about this whole relationship thing.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lila finally said after a few more minutes passed them by.

    ¡°For?¡±

    ¡°Pushing you, when you said you didn¡¯t want to tell me.¡±

    He gave a long, heavy sigh, shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s fine, Lila. Truly.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    She tried hard to keep her expression neutral, fighting back the urge to look disappointed. He checked the time on his phone before looking back up at Lila.

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s time to head back,¡± he said softly. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They walked back without a peep. He still offered her his hand, which she¡¯d taken, but otherwise, she still didn¡¯t feel any relief from the shame she carried.

    ¡°I¡¯m not upset with you,¡± Asher said once they entered the locker room, his voice almost drowned out by the chaos of their cohort slamming doors shut, shrieking with laughter, and chattering a mile a minute. It seemed again like he was reading her mind ¨C but, if he had, then he would¡¯ve known that she wanted to, at the very least. kiss him again. Though, if he did know¡­ and he didn¡¯t want to¡­ then perhaps his reactions made sense.

    ¡®You¡¯re being paranoid,¡¯ she told herself firmly, forcing herself to look at him.

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll believe you,¡± she said with a slight nod.

    ¡°Are¡­ you upset with me?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila shook her head, a slight smile on her face. ¡°More upset with myself.¡±

    He gave another heavy sigh, grasping her hand in his, and bringing it to his chest. ¡°Lila, please don¡¯t be.¡±

    He kissed the top of her knuckles, keeping his eyes on hers. Her stomach released its knots immediately, swooping like a swing. If he was touching and kissing her hand like this, full of affection, then¡­ she could let it go, since it was evident that he wasn¡¯t mad at her.

    Her smile was far more genuine now as she moved her hand to interlock their fingers together. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll stop,¡± she promised. He looked incredibly relieved, gently letting go of her hand and collecting her lunchbox.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at Study,¡± he said, the slightest hint of excitement colouring his tone. ¡°Then, we¡¯ll go home.¡±

    Lila chuckled, glad that he sounded like seeing her again was something he couldn¡¯t wait for. It eased her worries even further, and she attended Design with a much lighter heart than before.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifteen

    Lila met Asher after her Design class ended just outside the library door, which he opened for her with a serious expression.

    ¡°Physics nearly killed me,¡± he said darkly. ¡°I¡¯m going to have to work on it in Study.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Lila smiled, ¡°I¡¯ve got some stuff to do for Japanese. I¡¯m struggling a bit with the new grammar structure we were introduced to.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t help with that,¡± he replied forlornly. ¡°My knowledge only extends so far.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be convenient if it extended to this stupid grammar structure,¡± Lila mumbled. He chuckled, closing the door behind them. They signed in, with Lila casting her usual look around. Again, there was no Ayla. She was starting to believe that perhaps Ayla had been a hallucination, what with how long her absence had been, and the utter lack of discussion about her in the hallways.

    Asher laid out his Physics textbook, notebook, and laptop on the table in their usual booth. He seemed to hesitate as he reached for his earphones.

    ¡°Is it okay if I listen to music?¡± he asked, meeting her eyes.

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Lila replied, suppressing a grin. ¡°I¡¯m not a teacher, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher responded, opening his earphone case and plucking them out. ¡°I was just checking ¡®cause it¡¯s a bit rude. Especially if you wanted to chat.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Thanks for checking. I¡¯ll probably listen to my own music while working through these exercises.¡±

    He gave her an appreciative smile before popping his earphones in and inspecting his textbook. She watched him for a few moments, struck by how quickly he became focused on his study. His lips were slightly parted as he read through his textbook with alarming speed, his brow slightly wrinkled, and she couldn¡¯t help but consider how effortlessly attractive he was.

    His eyes flickered to hers though he immediately looked back down at his textbook. She wasn¡¯t sure that he¡¯d actually registered that she was looking at him but decided a better use of her time would be to start trying to absorb her new Japanese concepts rather than staring at Asher.

    She¡¯d made a good amount of progress by the time Study wrapped up and she started packing up, feeling rather pleased that her brain did, in fact, work. It seemed that Asher hadn¡¯t noticed class was over as his hand flew down the page of his notebook, rapidly completing formulas that Lila had no hope of understanding. He finally slowed to a stop, stretching his fingers whilst perusing what he¡¯d written.

    Lila didn¡¯t want to disrupt his train of thought, given how intense it seemed, so opted to scroll on her phone for a while. Eventually, she heard a low, unintelligible murmur escape him and his finger tapped his notebook in satisfaction, causing her to look up at him. He was smiling to himself, turning to a previous page in his notebook before his eyes drifted to hers. Then, they locked onto a point behind her before he instantly stood up, tearing his earphones out of his ears.

    ¡°Shit, I¡¯m sorry,¡± he expressed, throwing his books and laptop haphazardly in their bags and zipping up his pencil case. ¡°Class finished five minutes ago.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Lila replied, stretching and collecting her packed belongings. ¡°You seemed really into it. I didn¡¯t want to disturb you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks¡­ but I would have preferred to get out of here,¡± he said hurriedly, double-checking that he hadn¡¯t left anything behind. ¡°I don¡¯t want George to keep waiting for us.¡±

    Lila had almost forgotten about the taxi driver. She instantly hastened to follow Asher out of the library. They half-jogged back to the locker room, splitting off without a word to their lockers. She put away the things that she didn¡¯t need, ensuring to pack her Japanese and English materials before locking her locker at almost record speed.

    ¡°Where¡¯s the fire?¡± Elise laughed, tapping Lila on her shoulder. Lila frantically turned to Elise before taking a deep breath.

    ¡°Going to Asher¡¯s now,¡± Lila explained, putting her bags on her shoulders. ¡°We¡¯re a bit late, apparently.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Elise nodded sagely, placing her hat on her head. Then, she winked at Lila mischievously. ¡°That excited to get busy, I¡¯m guessing?¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at Elise, her cheeks betraying her true feelings on the matter. ¡°Stop it. At this rate, nothing¡¯s going to happen for months. And that¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Elise nodded again. ¡°Bit sad, though. Considering everything you¡¯ve been thinking about.¡±

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t bother me,¡± Lila lied. Elise raised an eyebrow, before evidently deciding not to press the matter.

    ¡°Anyway, why are you here still?¡± Lila asked, tilting her head. ¡°You¡¯re usually gone by now.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Elise affirmed. ¡°But I¡¯m waiting around ¡®cause I¡¯ve got another shift with Isaac. He¡¯s probably fumbling around in his locker as usual. He forgot his apron the other day in his locker and Andy, our manager, gave him a half-hearted tongue-lashing over it. I think it had more impact since it was half-hearted, really. Kinda like when your parents say they¡¯re not mad, just disappointed.¡±

    Lila snorted before looking behind her to see whether Asher had finished grabbing his things. She couldn¡¯t see him, so she turned back to Elise.

    ¡°Have you thought about how you¡¯d progress with Isaac?¡± Lila asked in a hushed voice. Elise¡¯s eyes widened for a split second before she shook her head.

    ¡°Not at all,¡± she sighed. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been a bit busy, with other things.¡±

    Lila gave Elise a sympathetic look. Despite telling Lila that she¡¯d work less at Maccas during the term, it sure sounded like she was still taking on heaps of shifts for the sake of her Mum. It would definitely kill Lila¡¯s romantic mood too, if she had such important responsibilities at home, coupled with Elise¡¯s ambition to get into Uni to get a good job to support her family.

    She was about to respond when the sound of running feet dashing towards her caught her attention.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher puffed, stopping just short of Lila. ¡°Briefly lost my mind.¡±

    Isaac was similarly puffed behind him, and he raised a hand in greeting, his other hand gripping a McApron.

    Lila laughed. ¡°Glad you found it again. Also glad you remembered your apron, Isaac.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Isaac wheezed, gesturing at Elise and the exit. ¡°C¡¯mon, before I get fired.¡±

    ¡°How about you catch your breath first?¡± Elise replied plainly, shaking her head. ¡°Besides, they¡¯d sooner size you up to be a Crew Trainer than an ex-employee.¡±

    Isaac wrinkled his nose in obvious distaste. ¡°Ew.¡±

    ¡°You get a bit extra when you¡¯re doing a training shift.¡±

    ¡°¡­ like, how much extra?¡±

    ¡°Dunno, about 50 cents an hour or something.¡±

    ¡°My God, half a soft serve,¡± Isaac replied dramatically, straightening up and brandishing the McApron like a victory flag. ¡°How could I refuse?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s also only for training shifts. Otherwise, you¡¯re just an ordinary employee.¡±

    ¡°Even better!¡± Isaac cried sarcastically, earning a derisive snort from both Lila and Elise.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t, by the way,¡± Asher suddenly said, taking Lila¡¯s hand.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t what?¡± Lila replied, looking at him curiously.

    ¡°Find my mind,¡± he murmured, the muscles in his jaw flexing for a moment. Lila tilted her head, trying to figure out what he meant, taking as many clues as she could from his body language.

    He had a fierce glint in his eyes now, which darted to Elise and Isaac before, without warning, he bent down and captured her lips in his. All the residual sound inside the locker room faded, replaced only with the heaviness of her breath, the shakiness of his, and her pounding, racing heartbeat. The feeling of his tender kiss energised her, zapping her to life, commanding her body without any conscious direction in response to his movements. She brought a hand to the back of Asher¡¯s head, brushing her fingers through his hair. He pressed himself even closer to her, running a thumb along her chin, gently tilting her head further. Her mind was blank except for one question ¨C was she dreaming?

    ¡°Whoa,¡± the distant, shocked voice of Elise tickled Lila¡¯s ears, reminding her that, actually, they were in a locker room full of their cohort. Lila broke away, blinking rapidly in time to the shortness of her breath.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher murmured, his cheeks pink. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve just been wanting to do that all week. Couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.¡±

    ¡°Damn, dude, maybe you should,¡± Isaac said pointedly. ¡°I just felt like I watched something I need Incognito mode for.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go before you say something even more stupid than that,¡± Elise interjected, pushing Isaac towards the exit with a giggle. ¡°Bye, guys!¡±

    They disappeared quickly into the crowd pushing through the locker room exit, and Lila continued to stand in place, shock overcoming her. So¡­ he¡¯d wanted to kiss her all week?

    ¡°We¡¯ve gotta go, too,¡± Asher said, his voice strangely tight. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±

    He pulled her towards the exit and she readjusted the bags on her shoulders, wishing that they were instead back in that slice of time, kissing without a care inside the locker room.

    Neither of them said anything on their way to the taxi bay. There was only one taxi waiting patiently, which rumbled to life upon seeing Asher and Lila approach.

    ¡°Sorry, George,¡± Asher called out sincerely once he opened the back passenger door for Lila. She sat down and smiled apologetically at George.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± she said quietly, buckling herself in. Asher then climbed into the front beside George, buckling himself in too.

    ¡°I was just about to call you, Mr Wagner,¡± George replied genially. ¡°I thought something terrible had happened to you. I¡¯m glad to see that wasn¡¯t the case.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher repeated. ¡°I got carried away with my assignment.¡±

    ¡°Understandable,¡± George responded, smoothly pulling out of the carpark.

    Asher and George engaged in their usual polite smattering of small talk, with Lila once again left to her own devices in the back. She couldn¡¯t keep her mind from the rush she still felt from their kiss, along with the realisation that her desire for more wasn¡¯t as one-sided as she¡¯d thought.

    Finally, they approached Asher¡¯s house, with George parking close to the front doors.

    ¡°Thank you, George,¡± Asher smiled, swiftly getting up.

    ¡°Yes, thank you,¡± Lila added hurriedly, also getting up from her seat.

    ¡°My pleasure,¡± George replied automatically. Asher and Lila both closed their doors and he slowly drove away, giving them both a wave goodbye, which they returned.

    Asher robotically opened the front doors, and Lila shuffled inside after placing her shoes in their normal spot. He seemed hesitant to look at her, instead looking fixedly ahead into the entranceway. He headed further into the house, and she followed at a similar pace.

    Lila could hear Gabriel humming away in the kitchen as they approached.

    ¡°Hi Gabriel,¡± Asher said, a second before Lila saw Gabriel. Gabriel¡¯s face split into his trademark, gleaming smile.

    ¡°Hello, you two,¡± he said pleasantly, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Had a good day at school?¡±

    Asher¡¯s hands twitched by his sides as he nodded. ¡°Yup. Uh, we¡¯re just going to be upstairs.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Gabriel nodded, waving him away. ¡°I¡¯ll call you down once dinner is ready.¡±

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    They made their way upstairs without another word, Lila suddenly feeling rather awkward. She wasn¡¯t sure what this silence meant, or why Asher was giving off such odd vibes. Was he¡­ regretting their kiss?

    Once inside the rumpus room, Lila sat in her usual place on the couch, bringing a hand to her lips. The feeling of their kiss had long faded, but she tried to recall it as Asher poured drinks for them both.

    He silently passed her a cup before sitting in his own usual spot ¨C though, unlike how it had been on the weekend, he seemed to be angling himself away from her to prevent them from touching.

    She took a sullen sip of her drink before placing it on the coffee table. She twisted her hands in her lap, the awkwardness only increasing in intensity as the silence stretched on.

    Then, just as Lila was about to break the silence, Asher gave a long-winded sigh, putting his cup down beside hers.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said, averting his eyes from her and instead looking towards the TV. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to just¡­ do that, without asking you.¡±

    Lila paused, trying to fish out the right words. ¡°I didn¡¯t mind,¡± she finally settled on saying, pressing her hands tightly together. ¡°In fact¡­ I thought I was dreaming. I¡¯ve been wanting to kiss you all week, too. Actually¡­ I¡¯ve been trying to find the right way to talk to you about it. I¡¯d¡­ kinda thought that you didn¡¯t want to, since we hadn¡¯t since Saturday.¡±

    A beat passed and she glanced at him, only to find that he was holding his face in his hands.

    ¡°Asher?¡±

    He looked up, his eyes appearing uncertain for a moment. He lowered his hands entirely, revealing a deep blush across his face. ¡°Really?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°That¡¯s what I¡¯ve been hiding, I guess you could say.¡±

    She could almost see his mind rapidly thinking after taking in what she said, a variety of emotions flashing through his oddly bright, golden-brown eyes ¨C almost to the point of having their own shine. Then, they grew resolute, as though having decided on something.

    ¡°Then¡­ let¡¯s have another, without interruptions,¡± he said, his voice low and measured. Her heart skipped a beat as he leaned forwards, bringing a hand to the side of her head. She also leaned forwards, placing both of her hands on his chest before their lips brushed against each other.

    What started as soft, tentative, and slow quickly turned into something else, a fire burning through her veins as the passionate pleasure from their kiss grew. Without knowing how it happened, Lila found herself lying on the couch, running her hands underneath Asher¡¯s shirt, feeling the lines of his muscles and the smoothness of his skin tingle her fingertips. The heat from his body hovering above her urged her to remove her jumper ¨C and maybe more ¨C and, just as she thought that, their lips still connected, Asher began to tug at it as if proposing that she do just that.

    They broke off, their breathing simultaneously laboured, and she pulled her jumper over her head. He took it from her hands, tossing it over the back of the couch and swiftly meeting her lips, as if not wanting to waste a second more. Her heart felt fit to burst, with how fast and loud it was beating, the fire of desire only increasing in response. They moved their lips in a rhythm that was uniquely theirs, their pace quickening. She felt herself surrendering to her body, her mind no longer aware of anything else besides the feeling of Asher¡¯s hand trailing down her neck, the lingering goosebumps that decorated her skin, and the shared desperation behind the way their lips locked together. The addictiveness of his kiss was dizzyingly intoxicating, and she ran her hands over his chest once more, wanting to feel every fibre of his being with almost reckless abandon.

    She gripped his tie, pulling him even closer to her before she felt something connect with her thigh. Something she¡¯d never felt before ¨C something that momentarily confused her. She rubbed her thigh against it, before hearing the slightest moan from Asher. The sound demanded her hands to start roving down to the source with a fervour she didn¡¯t know she was capable of. She wanted to hear that sound again and again, to the point that the timbre was etched into her brain. She wondered, briefly, how she could make that happen.

    Her fingers grazed the bulge in his pants, and she instantly recognised what it was. The thought of Asher being so incredibly hard because of her made her hands shake in anticipation as she began to fiddle with his zip. Then, as if she¡¯d hurt him, he instantly stood up, turning away from her entirely. He brought a hand over his mouth, and she could see how deeply he was breathing, what with the heaving of his shoulders.

    She pushed herself up into a seated position, staring at him in utter bewilderment.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°Just¡­ don¡¯t want to get carried away.¡±

    Her lips twitched in disappointment. ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± she said softly. ¡°We can stop.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to,¡± he admitted, bringing his other hand to his chest. ¡°But I think it¡¯s best if we did, for now.¡±

    He stood before her for another moment. Then, he plucked out two sets of joy cons, bringing his TV to life. She bit her lower lip, her mind struggling to come up with any possible way to calm down. Her own chest was still heaving, though she tried to cover it up by bringing a cushion to cover herself, squeezing it gently in an attempt to get her residual energy out. She reluctantly collected the pair of controllers he gave her, and he still avoided looking at her as he sat down. With each look she cast his way, a rolling tidal wave crashed within her stomach, bringing with it a thrumming manifestation of both decidedly unfinished business and utter yearning.

    How could he seem so calm after that, with how casually he handed her the controllers? He certainly didn¡¯t look to be struggling like she was to suppress the impulses clawing at her heart.

    ¡°I just need to go to the bathroom,¡± Lila said quietly, setting aside the controllers atop the cushion and speedwalking to the spare bathroom. She closed the door behind her, resting her back against it for a second. She wanted to scream, but considered it would probably send Asher the wrong message. She was at a loss ¨C what could she do? He¡¯d asked to stop¡­ which was fine ¨C except now she was filled to the brim with an unyielding sense of frustration. Did she need to go on a walk?

    Her eyes landed on the sink and she slowly approached it, taking in her wild-looking reflection in the mirror, what with how messed up her hair was, the splotchy redness of her cheeks, and the wrinkles in her school uniform that hadn¡¯t been there before. With a heavy sigh, she fixed what she could of her appearance before turning the sink on and splashing her face with ice-cold water. It worked well to calm her down as it cooled her face considerably.

    She washed her hands, the sound and feeling of running water slipping through her fingers calming her even further, her heartbeat finally stable. Now that her mind had cleared, she reminded herself that Asher had said that he didn¡¯t want to stop ¨C but that he thought it was best that they did, for now. It gave her some amount of hope to cling on to in the meantime, anyway.

    She grasped the doorknob before another thought occurred to her. Perhaps she should ask him, why he thought it was better to stop. If she was going to implement Cecelia and Lucas¡¯ advice about being honest and communicative in a relationship¡­ then¡­ asking would surely be part of that. Right? Or was she just being selfish and kidding herself that it was for the sake of their relationship?

    However¡­ if she was going to ask, then she needed to offer some vulnerability too. After their kiss in the locker room, she¡¯d considered not bringing up her want to kiss him ¨C since it¡¯d been fulfilled. And she¡¯d let him know to some degree already. But, if he was putting a stopper on it for the foreseeable future, then she should at least have a deeper conversation about it. Right?

    She pressed her lips together, unsure what was right anymore. Notwithstanding her holding back from being honest with Asher, and the consequences of doing so, she still didn¡¯t want to be rejected by him again. Was protecting herself more important? Couldn¡¯t she get someone else to decide for her? She hadn¡¯t expected how difficult being in a relationship could be before now, especially now that she was part of a two-person team. She could hardly make decisions on her own to begin with, let alone take responsibility for making a decision, that being talking it through with him or not, which would ultimately alter the course of their relationship entirely ¨C whether that be for better or for worse.

    She hadn¡¯t reached a decision by any means but knew that remaining in here any longer would worry Asher. So, she thought to instead think about it whilst they hung out. She¡¯d already given up on the idea of studying today, despite the fact that she¡¯d brought her Japanese and English materials, so at least she could afford to spend some time figuring it out.

    With a deep breath, Lila twisted open the doorknob, only to find Asher pacing next to the couch. Her eyes locked on to her jumper, which he¡¯d folded with precise neatness and laid on the headrest of the couch. She didn¡¯t need to ask him to know that he had likely stress-folded it.

    He looked up at her as she exited the bathroom, his facial expression incredibly guilty and determined.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± he said immediately, crossing over to her, his hands shoved inside his pants pockets.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Lila replied soothingly. ¡°I don¡¯t want to make you feel uncomfortable. I¡¯m sorry for not keeping my hands to myself.¡±

    Asher shook his head vehemently, taking another step forward. ¡°I can¡¯t just keep giving you these weird signals, Lila. Now that we¡¯re dating¡­ I need to be honest with you.¡±

    Had he been dishonest? Lila tried to keep her expression neutral, though her worries were anything but.

    ¡°Lila, I¡­ think we should sit down,¡± he said softly, gesturing to the couch. She obediently followed his suggestion, sitting back down in her usual spot, though she was turned so she could face him easily. His eyes seemed guarded, his hands wringing together with obvious strife.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.

    ¡°A lot, actually. With me. My stupidity, mainly.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Okay,¡± Lila nodded encouragingly, opting to let him speak instead of denying that he was stupid.

    ¡°Here goes,¡± he murmured, taking a deep breath. ¡°Lila, I¡¯m not in control of myself.¡±

    She simply looked at him and he sighed.

    ¡°What I mean is¡­ I haven¡¯t been in control of myself all year. From someone who controlled as much as I could, from the neatness of my clothes, the grades I achieved, the perfect daily routine, including the rigidly scheduled interactions with my parents, and having a girlfriend who seemed nice at the time¡­ after Mum went missing, it all went to shit. And I let go of the control I thought I¡¯d had, since¡­ even as I tried to get it back, it didn¡¯t do anything. Riding around on my bike all day and all night didn¡¯t get my Mum back. My nightmares didn¡¯t stop. I didn¡¯t get any answers at all ¨C and I couldn¡¯t do a fucking thing about it.¡±

    He gave another sigh before continuing. ¡°But I still held onto some hope of controlling some things ¨C including how I felt about you, since I was dating Holly at the time. Then, you started coming around here and it¡¯d hardly been an hour when I lost it ¨C asked whether you were dating anyone. I was brutally reminded that I couldn¡¯t even control my feelings and emotions when it came to you, even when I was dating Holly. Then, of course, I found out she cheated on me. And so, I was at the mercy of my emotions again. But just as I started to find myself again, keep a lid on everything, I watched you slip out of my grasp and go on a date with Theo. Well, I didn¡¯t actively watch you ¨C but¡­ when you said you were going on a date with him, it killed me. And I again remembered that I actually wasn¡¯t in control, even though I thought that maybe it was my chance.¡±

    He paused for breath; his eyes focused on his hands rather than her. She remained silent, unsure exactly where he was going with all of this. Though he hadn¡¯t confessed this to her before, it matched up with their previous conversations.

    ¡°I¡¯m rambling, sorry,¡± he gave her an apologetic smile, before looking back at his hands. ¡°Anyway, essentially¡­ with so many things having escaped my control this year, in quick succession, I¡­ can¡¯t handle any more.¡±

    He stopped speaking, the intensity behind his last statement affecting the very air around them ¨C almost suffocatingly so.

    She thought that she was beginning to understand what he meant, but just as she was about to clarify, he spoke again.

    ¡°What I¡¯m trying to say¡­ and it¡¯s really embarrassing, and I hope you don¡¯t hate me for it¡­ but when we kiss, and you start touching me in places you¡¯ve never touched before, my self-control hangs on by a thread. I¡¯m terrified of what I¡¯ll do, if we keep going, and you keep touching me like you do. I don¡¯t want to take advantage of you, and I don¡¯t want to go too far since we¡¯ve only just started dating. I can¡¯t¡­ I can¡¯t trust myself, basically. And the realisation makes me feel sick.¡±

    He said the final part in a whisper, hanging his head low.

    ¡°I¡­ said before once, that you¡¯re normally put together, and you kinda rejected that idea,¡± Lila said quietly, staring intently at her knees as she spoke. ¡°But¡­ what I meant was more about who you are as a person. Just with how you think, go through problems and reach a resolution. How, even when you¡¯re trembling with rage, you still manage to be so articulate when taking someone down. Even if there are aspects you can¡¯t control, you always seem to have some kind of plan ¨C even if the plan is to ask if I have a plan. You dedicate yourself to every task you¡¯re involved in with almost unshakeable focus ¨C even if it¡¯s not schoolwork, and instead helping Daniel out, just as one example. You¡¯re also quick to help someone out generally, even if it hinders you, like readily handing over three thousand dollars to the Banker to settle Isaac¡¯s debt. Even if you think you¡¯re not in control, somehow you just are. Even if it¡¯s just with being sure of your ability to do something, like be the Dux for years and years.¡±

    She paused, lifting her eyes to steadily gaze into his wide ones. ¡°I¡¯ve said it before, and I¡¯ll say it again until I run out of breath. I trust you, Asher. I don¡¯t want to push you into something you don¡¯t want to do, and if it terrifies you, then definitely don¡¯t do it. But¡­ I don¡¯t want you to think that you¡¯re taking advantage of me. Even before we started dating, I was falling over myself, thinking endlessly about how it would feel to kiss you a-and¡­¡± she swallowed, wanting to stop right there. But in the spirit of such an open and honest discussion that Asher had started, she didn¡¯t have any good reason to hide it. ¡°¡­ And more.¡±

    ¡°More?¡± His question had a husky quality to it ¨C one that she¡¯d never heard before ¨C which sent a shiver through her body.

    Lila¡¯s face instantly felt hot, and she tore her eyes away from his, squirming slightly. ¡°Y-Yeah. More.¡±

    She saw him shift his position in her peripheral vision, but she still didn¡¯t want to look directly at him.

    ¡°I¡­ didn¡¯t realise,¡± he muttered. She gave him a sideways glance, seeing that he looked quite deep in thought, his face a light shade of pink. ¡°I thought¡­ well, I thought I was the only one.¡±

    She snapped her head up to look at him properly. He gave her a slight smile in response. Then, he grimaced, bringing a fist to his mouth and hiding it altogether.

    ¡°Thank you, for telling me,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll need some time to think about it. As it stands now, though¡­ I¡¯m still¡­ I don¡¯t¡­ Well, I do, but¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied, a relieved smile on her face. ¡°I¡¯m glad we talked about it. I was really nervous that you¡¯d think that I was trying to take advantage of you. But it doesn¡¯t seem to be the case.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not the case,¡± Asher affirmed, his expression thoughtful again. ¡°I¡­ think it¡¯s too soon for doing anything more. As in, besides kissing, if you want to keep kissing, I mean. You don¡¯t have to-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t take kissing away from me,¡± Lila interjected, her tone playful, though her expression was gravely serious. He opened his mouth briefly before closing it shut tightly and nodding, his face deepening in colour.

    Then, he reached for her face, gently bringing it close to his. This time, their kiss was far more subdued, but she relished it all the same, especially as he lightly caressed her face. He finally broke away, bringing his forehead to hers for just a moment before moving back into his usual position on the couch.

    ¡°Did you want to play?¡± he asked, reaching for the controllers.

    ¡°¡¯Course.¡±

    They didn¡¯t touch on what they¡¯d spoken about for the rest of the night, even after dinner wrapped up for the evening. She was glad, though, that kissing was still on the table. She¡¯d need to keep an eye on herself so as to not freak him out again, but that was a small price to pay to get even a little dose of Asher.

    She was sure that she¡¯d eventually figure out where his boundaries lie when kissing him, but for now, even small pecks felt like a victory.

    ¡°When do you wanna come over again?¡± Asher asked as Lila stood, ensuring everything had been packed away, including her discarded jumper, before heading downstairs to meet Clare.

    ¡°I dunno,¡± Lila replied truthfully, turning to face him. ¡°I mean, Saturday you¡¯re coming to mine. I don¡¯t think my parents would let you stay overnight until Sunday, so¡­ maybe I could come by then?¡±

    He smiled, picking up her bags with one hand. ¡°Alright. Let me know what they say about that.¡±

    They headed downstairs, with Lila saying her goodbyes to Marlene and Gabriel. Asher unlocked the security system and the front doors for her as usual before following her into the chilly winter night.

    ¡°Ah, the lovebirds,¡± Clare cooed as soon as Lila opened the back passenger door. Asher wordlessly placed Lila¡¯s bags in the back.

    ¡°Hi, Clare,¡± Lila replied, stepping back from the car. Asher pulled her into his chest, hugging her tightly, before looking directly into her eyes. His seemed unsure, somehow, though the effect went away after he gave her one last short and sweet kiss goodnight.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said in a low voice, holding the front passenger door open for Lila to sit inside Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°See you then,¡± she smiled, closing the door herself. She rolled the window down and said, ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixteen

    Today was a day where Lila didn¡¯t see Asher until lunch. He hadn¡¯t swung by to see Lila, Elise, and Grace at morning tea, but Lila figured that, now that he was going over to Lila¡¯s place in case he needed to help Daniel explain to their parents the Banker situation, he was either figuring out what to prepare or taking even more time with the remaining teachers to ensure their full support.

    While she¡¯d started the day in a decidedly good mood, which continued into today¡¯s petri dish experiment regarding viral infections in Biology, now that it was lunchtime, doubt started to set in. With an overthinker like Asher, he might have changed his mind about kissing her¡­

    Sighing, she softly closed her locker door. Since none of her friends or Asher had arrived just yet, she was finally left utterly alone with her thoughts. It wasn¡¯t lost on her that she, too, was an overthinker ¨C so being alone wasn¡¯t necessarily a good thing.

    Truthfully, going to sleep last night had been a battle ¨C one that she¡¯d very nearly lost. Her mind and heart had been racing in tandem, as though competing to see which was faster, as her senses were flooded with the feeling of their intense, passionate kiss on his couch. She was grateful for having been able to experience something like that with him, but she couldn¡¯t hide her disappointment at Asher¡¯s request to cut it short.

    She grazed her lips with her finger absently, the touch bringing her memories into sharper focus. Yes¡­ she wanted more, as much as he could give her. And, along with it, she wanted to explore his body in its entirety, particularly what she¡¯d felt hiding away in his pants¡­

    As she recognised exactly where her thoughts had led, she brought her face into both of her palms, the heat from her cheeks almost searing them, her breath unsteady once more. Did she need to splash water on her face again? She hadn¡¯t imagined a scenario where her wild, lewd thoughts could get worse, but here she was, panicking as she tried to fight them off ¨C whilst simultaneously wishing she didn¡¯t feel the need to.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡±

    Lila jumped, her instinctive shriek dying in her throat as she caught sight of Asher¡¯s concerned expression. She brought her trembling hands to her ponytail, pulling it to the side, and starting to comb through the ends, trying to find the words to articulate what was happening inside her mind.

    ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to spook you,¡± Asher said earnestly, shuffling backwards slightly.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied softly, her eyes wandering to the slight bulge in his pants. It was definitely smaller than what she¡¯d felt yesterday, and the realisation began to set off her curiosity once again. She coughed slightly as she also realised that staring at it would surely be both obvious and exceedingly uncomfortable, given their conversation yesterday, and she forced herself to look down at the ground between them.

    ¡°Anyone else here yet?¡± Asher asked. Lila shook her head ¡®no¡¯ in response.

    ¡°Do you reckon they¡¯d wait around for us all lunch if we just headed off now?¡± he queried. Lila attempted to shrug but was interrupted by the loud, confident voice of Isaac.

    ¡°Hell yeah we would,¡± Isaac said, causing Lila to look up at him. He was puffing out his chest in what seemed to be for comedic effect, and she gave him a pity laugh for his efforts.

    ¡°Would what?¡± came the inquisitive voice of Elise, who stepped past the trio with a singular backwards glance.

    ¡°Wait for Asher and Lila all lunch if they just went off and did their own thing before we showed up,¡± Isaac clarified.

    ¡°Ah. Well, I¡¯d probably just message Lila or get the hint after a few minutes and leave,¡± Elise stated plainly as she shoved her bags into her locker and selected her lunch.

    ¡°Lame,¡± Isaac replied loftily.

    ¡°I distinctly feel as though waiting around for half an hour or more for people who weren¡¯t going to show up is even more lame,¡± Elise called, slamming her locker shut.

    Lila chuckled as Isaac and Elise began to squabble amongst themselves about what was actually lame in this scenario. Asher smiled down at her.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s head off,¡± he said in a low voice, handing her a lunchbox.

    She nodded, waving goodbye to Elise and Isaac before holding Asher¡¯s hand with her free one. They slowly walked away from the locker room, heading in the direction of their usual lunch spot when Asher paused. They had reached a fork in their path ¨C one side leading to the library, the other to the Home Ec building. A tiny part of her hoped he¡¯d decide on the library for more seclusion, but she figured that he¡¯d pick the Home Ec building after yesterday.

    Instead, he continued to stand there, looking left and right like he was watching a tennis rally. Was he having trouble making up his mind?

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Lila asked, giving his hand a gentle squeeze. He glanced at her before squeezing her hand in return. As he did so, she noticed how slick with sweat his hand was. She didn¡¯t mention it and instead took it as an indication that he was definitely nervous about something. Plus, the lack of a concrete answer didn¡¯t exactly inspire confidence in Lila that everything was okay.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit by the Home Ec building,¡± she suggested, gesturing down that path. He exhaled deeply before nodding.

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± he said softly, beginning to lead her that way without another second passing. They silently journeyed through the grassed area in front of the Home Ec building, finally settling in their usual spots under the awning.

    Unzipping the lunchbox he¡¯d given her revealed a variety of sushi rolls today and she eagerly took a bite of a tuna, cucumber, and mayonnaise one.

    As she continued to make her way through her lunch, she kept thinking about Asher¡¯s strange behaviour in getting here. Should she ask?

    She gave him an uneasy sideways look, only to find his eyes meeting hers. He gave a heavy sigh, putting down his half-eaten sushi roll.

    ¡°Lila, I can tell that you¡¯re bothered,¡± he said gently, looking down at his forlorn sushi roll.

    ¡°Me? About what?¡± Of course, as she said this, a few things came to mind.

    ¡°You want to know why I stopped walking,¡± he replied simply. There was nothing in his tone or face to suggest that there was any question behind his statement. He just knew.

    She lowered her food to her lunchbox too. ¡°Yeah. I was thinking about asking you.¡±

    ¡°I knew it,¡± he affirmed, propping a knee up and placing his arm across it. ¡°¡­ I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. ¡°¡­ A-About¡­ what?¡±

    The tips of his ears grew pink before the rest of his face followed with a much deeper hue. ¡°Do I have to say it?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together as she contemplated his question. He didn¡¯t have to say it, but¡­ she wanted to know what he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about ¨C before she couldn¡¯t stop thinking about it, either.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said quickly, shaking his head. ¡°That was a dumb question.¡±

    He poked his mangled sushi roll absently before he looked out towards the lawn, upon which Piper¡¯s circle of friends were assembled ¨C sans Ayla. But Lila didn¡¯t concern herself with Ayla¡¯s absence ¨C that didn¡¯t matter now.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t stop thinking about how kissing you feels,¡± he finally uttered. If Lila hadn¡¯t been hanging on to every word he was saying, she wouldn¡¯t have heard him, with how quietly he said it. A strange pulse thumped within Lila ¨C something more powerful than her stuttering heartbeat. An involuntary shudder flooded down her neck and she stared down at her hands, her mind whirling. What was she feeling?

    ¡°Especially¡­ the one where¡­ well, I think you know which kiss I¡¯m talking about,¡± Asher added, his mouth twitching as if wanting to reenact it.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t either,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it all day. Specifically¡­¡± she paused, wondering if she should really add more detail than that before deciding to continue, ¡°about wanting to do it again.¡±

    She heard Asher¡¯s breath catch in his throat but considered that if she looked at him, she¡¯d try and throw herself into a reenactment. As much as Asher was battling with the fact that he was teetering on the edge of losing control, Lila was not any better ¨C a fact that should¡¯ve made her nervous, just as Asher was, but instead excited her. What would giving in entirely feel like?

    The strange pulse returned, bringing with it a lightness to her fingertips and a blush to her cheeks. Was her breathing getting heavy? She hoped not ¨C otherwise, Asher would hear it¡­ and that would be beyond embarrassing.

    Just as she finished her thought, her eyes locked onto Asher¡¯s hand, which he raised to tenderly caress her face.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ really glad that you feel that way. I hate doing this to you all the time, but¡­ I still think we can¡¯t get into it too much. It¡¯s so new and I don¡¯t want to mess it up by going too fast,¡± he whispered. Her eyes flickered to his. The depth of his sincerity seemed to tinge his eyes with a deeper shade ¨C one that she could get lost in as it suspended her in this moment for far longer than reality allowed.

    He broke eye contact with her for just a moment, his eyes instead focusing on her lips. He hadn¡¯t said that he didn¡¯t want to kiss her anymore, so it was surely okay to feel his lips against hers again¡­

    As if he¡¯d reached the same conclusion, Asher closed the distance between them, brushing against her lips as though asking for permission. She responded by pressing her lips to his, and he seemed to accept this as the permission he was seeking.

    They broke off for a millisecond before returning just as quickly, somehow simultaneously shuffling even closer to each other. It was as though the rest of the world fell away from beneath Lila, both her stomach and her sense disappearing with it. It was nowhere near as feverish as the kiss she¡¯d been playing on a loop in her mind¡¯s eye, but it was still enjoyable. It seemed to satisfy some measure of her desire, the longer they kept kissing, moving in near-perfect harmony in reaction to the other¡¯s slightest movements.

    This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    At least, that was the case, until she felt Asher¡¯s tongue run along her lower lip, causing a small moan from Lila. He cupped her face, teasing her again and again with his tongue until she relented ¨C allowing it to dance with hers. The desire that she thought had been satisfied reared again within her, stirring a feeling of desperation that needed to break out, and she could feel his own beginning to rise as he deepened the kiss even further.

    Just as she was starting to fall into her body taking the reins entirely, he suddenly pulled away from her, his face nearing the shade of vermillion.

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± he whispered, his voice trembling with poorly hidden longing. ¡°Besides¡­ we¡¯re at school.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted over to where Piper¡¯s friends were sitting. She saw a couple return her gaze, and others whispering amongst themselves whilst gesturing towards Asher and Lila. They were most likely talking about how Lila and Asher were kissing so out in the open.

    A feeling of shame burst her bubble of happiness at having kissed Asher yet again and she wiped her mouth with the back of her hand.

    ¡°You¡­ didn¡¯t like it?¡± he queried in a low voice, the anxiety clear in the way that his eyebrows were crinkled.

    ¡°I liked it almost too much,¡± Lila clarified, also in a low voice. ¡°But¡­ well, I think Piper¡¯s friends are gossiping about us now.¡±

    Asher looked relieved as he smiled widely at her. ¡°Let them talk.¡±

    Asher¡¯s unexpected openness to having gossip floating around about them thrilled Lila somehow, as though he was personally encouraging the news that they were dating ¨C and kissing, Lila supposed ¨C to spread, which Lila wholeheartedly agreed with.

    There was a distinct air of happiness enveloping Asher as he plucked out his sushi roll and began stuffing his face with the remainder of his lunch, as though their kissing had starved him considerably. Lila smiled as she finished off her lunch as well, now holding tightly onto the feeling of today¡¯s kiss along with yesterday¡¯s.

    Once they finished their respective lunches, Asher grew serious ¨C which slightly worried Lila.

    ¡°Besides¡­ uh, what I wanted to tell you before,¡± he began, clearing his throat somewhat awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ve got another update.¡±

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Daniel.¡±

    Lila sat up straight, her attention even more devoted to Asher than before, if that was even possible. His cheeks seemed to turn a faint pink colour, but perhaps she was imagining that.

    ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯m organising a meeting with the Headmaster for some time next week. Hopefully Monday, so we can get it out of the way.¡±

    Lila swallowed harshly as the implication behind his words sank in. ¡°So, it¡¯s at that stage, is it?¡±

    He nodded solemnly. ¡°Sure is. I¡¯ve already told Daniel, so he knows it¡¯s coming up soon. He asked me if I was coming over on Saturday, and I said yeah. Otherwise, he didn¡¯t say anything else.¡±

    Lila sighed, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°He¡¯s nervous.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be too. In fact, I probably wouldn¡¯t tell my parents at all, if I were Daniel, ¡®cause I¡¯d be too freaked out.¡±

    Lila gave Asher a small smile in return. ¡°He may be an ass that loves exploiting loopholes, but he¡¯s still a good kid overall.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I reckon so too,¡± Asher chuckled, looking out over the lawn again. He seemed to catch the eye of a couple people and he tutted.

    ¡°Alright, I think we might¡¯ve upset more than a few people with our kissing,¡± he observed, glancing back at Lila before staring down at his lunchbox. ¡°Let¡¯s escape before they start throwing stones at us or something.¡±

    Lila snorted but heeded his suggestion all the same. Thinking back, now with a clearer head, it was probably a bit too intense of a kiss to be showing people around school.

    English immediately followed lunch, though neither Lila nor Asher had time to communicate with one another during it. It seemed as though the English faculty had received a few too many complaints about this term¡¯s poem assignment, and Ms Shard was frantically attempting to rectify it through enhanced examples.

    Class ended after a flurry of notes and begrudging participation, and Lila finally exited with Asher in tow.

    ¡°Got a STEM class again?¡± he asked, already taking her hand in his and beginning to massage it.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she replied with a sigh. ¡°Maths again.¡±

    ¡°Perfect. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They spoke about their English lesson along the way, hand-in-hand, before moving on to other school-related topics. It helped to distract her from any other thoughts floating around in her mind, and they eventually slowed to a stop by their usual break-off point with no Isaac in sight. Asher took the time to massage her hands, chatting away about a movie he wanted to see with Lila.

    It actually reminded her that they had a few plans for the week that Asher was away in Vanuatu that they still hadn¡¯t revisited.

    ¡°¡­ the story, at least, seems really compelling-¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila interrupted him, looking up into his beaming face. It fell away slightly as he tilted his head in puzzlement at her.

    ¡°Lila?¡±

    She suddenly felt bashful, looking back down at the hand still in his grasp. ¡°I¡­ I just remembered that we didn¡¯t end up doing a few things.¡±

    He blinked rapidly at her. ¡°S-Sorry?¡±

    ¡°Over the holidays. We planned to do a few things, but then you went to Vanuatu.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± he replied with a breathy chuckle. ¡°We did.¡±

    ¡°I was thinking¡­ we should probably end up doing them. I mean, I know we can¡¯t necessarily watch the movie in the park, or go to the show, but we could still go to that bookstore or Bounce.¡±

    ¡°They both sound like good choices,¡± he smiled. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve got anything going on next weekend unless you wanted to do something else?¡±

    She wrapped both her arms around his left, hugging it close and halting his massaging altogether. He laughed as he brought his free hand to the top of her head, stroking it tenderly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take it as a yes,¡± he said, his voice light. ¡°Oh, hey Isaac.¡±

    ¡°Hey Asher and Asher¡¯s girlfriend,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice caused Lila to lift her head to look at him.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite the frown,¡± Isaac snickered. ¡°Sorry for interrupting whatever you¡¯re doing, but I do have to take him to class.¡±

    Lila sighed, reluctantly releasing Asher. He glanced back at her, his mouth twitching in what seemed to be an attempt to hide an impending smile. He bent down, giving her a quick peck on the lips, which elicited a low whistle from Isaac.

    ¡°Y¡¯know, I did hear something in class just now,¡± Isaac said, looping his arm with Asher¡¯s and beginning to tug him in the direction of the Chem lab.

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, glancing back at Lila before looking at Isaac.

    ¡°That you two¡¯ve been giving people a show,¡± Isaac smirked. ¡°Should probably cut that down a bit. At least go somewhere private, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Like where?¡± Asher frowned. Isaac paused for half a moment before shrugging.

    ¡°Beats me. But I¡¯m sure there¡¯s spots no one goes to. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s get going before we get yelled at for being late,¡± Isaac insisted, pulling Asher with more force. Asher waved goodbye at Lila, which she returned with a slight grin on her face.

    ¡®Somewhere private, huh¡­¡¯ Lila thought as she headed to Maths. She hadn¡¯t really ever tried to find somewhere private to go to at lunch, besides the library. They could just keep having lunch in a meeting room¡­ though, maybe it was too private.

    Today¡¯s Maths lesson was far too theory-heavy for Lila to continue thinking about spots around school she could go to with Asher, which relieved her slightly. Her head could only spin for so long, after all.

    Finally, school was over. With a weary sigh, Lila packed her bags and closed her locker. She briefly wondered if Asher had gone home just yet when the answer appeared before her.

    ¡°Going home?¡± he asked, pulling his bag higher on his shoulder.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila smiled, glad to see that he¡¯d apparently thought about her, too.

    ¡°Did you want me to walk you to the bus?¡±

    Lila shook her head before stopping herself when she saw how disappointed he looked.

    ¡°Actually, that¡¯d be nice. Are you sure you should keep George waiting though?¡±

    Asher grinned at her, seeming touched by her question, and subtly shook his head. ¡°He¡¯s chill, as long as I¡¯m not taking forever. I¡¯ll jog back. Need to keep my fitness up for Saturday, anyway.¡±

    Lila laughed and his eyes appeared to twinkle in response. He held out a hand, and she tried to place hers in it when he dodged her attempt.

    ¡°Bags first,¡± he said politely before adding, ¡°please.¡±

    ¡°You sure? They¡¯re a bit heavy.¡±

    He nodded and she passed them over. He smiled brightly at her, now taking her hand in his. She chuckled.

    ¡°You know, it¡¯s a bit unexpected that someone who¡¯s got a maid, personal chef, and driver would want to hold my bags like an indentured servant.¡±

    He seemed to consider this as they began to walk over to the bus station, before settling on an answer.

    ¡°Probably is, but at the same time, I can¡¯t help myself. Not to say you¡¯re weak, or anything like that, but I just like feeling important, I suppose. I mean, if you need something from your bags, you¡¯d come to me, right? Plus, I happen to like being gentlemanly.¡±

    Lila paused. Then, she laid her head on his shoulder for a moment. ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve been important to me far before you started holding my bags. You don¡¯t need to feel as though you have to, even if you like being gentlemanly. It¡¯s fine. I promise.¡±

    He was silent for a few seconds before he shook his head. ¡°I just like to see you unburdened, and I keep burdening you with a whole bunch of other things. So, it¡¯s the least I could do.¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°When are you going to stop being fixated on the idea that you¡¯re burdening me? Even before we started dating, your problems never bothered me. And I¡¯ve placed a lot of problems on your shoulders, too. It¡¯s just how it works, being a team. I¡¯m there for you, just as you¡¯re here for me.¡±

    He looked at her in surprise, before looking at the road they were still traversing. ¡°You¡¯re right¡­ but I just hate the idea that I¡¯ve put something on you that you never asked for.¡±

    ¡°If I ask for it now, would that change things?¡±

    ¡°¡­ no, I¡¯d still feel just as guilty.¡±

    ¡°Then that¡¯s that, I guess.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°If nothing I say or do would change your mind or ease your guilt, then you just have to live with it, or change your perspective on it. Either way, I¡¯ll still be here, ready to support you, burden or no burden. Just as I hope you¡¯re here for me, too. And Daniel, I guess.¡±

    Asher snorted before pulling her in to a tight hug ¨C one that constricted her ribs. She gasped for air and he immediately let her go.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°I just¡­ never thought, I guess, that there¡¯d be someone who wants to help and support me like you do. There¡¯s Isaac, sure, but¡­ I know letting him in on everything would end up breaking him. And it just feels like I¡¯ve been taking advantage of you, and your willingness to help me, this whole time ¨C not considering whether you¡¯d break, too.¡±

    ¡°If I break, it¡¯s your job to fix me where you can,¡± Lila winked, intertwining their fingers. ¡°Deal?¡±

    He sighed deeply before giving her a tentative smile. ¡°It¡¯s the least I could do, I suppose.¡±

    ¡°To be clear¡­ I¡¯m not asking you to fix me as like a therapist or anything like that,¡± Lila added seriously. ¡°More so¡­ being a shoulder to lean on. Turns out your shoulders are very good for that. I¡¯ve learned more than a few times this year that sometimes all you need is someone to listen and support you. The healing¡­ well, that¡¯s more internal, in most cases. Not that I can¡¯t help you along the way, but that¡¯s something only you can act on to change. And¡­ I guess that¡¯s all I¡¯m really asking for from you. Support where you can so I can stand, and I¡¯ll do the same for you.¡±

    He was eerily silent now, his face a carousel of emotions flashing by far too quickly for Lila to catch. Then, his grip on her hand tightened, and he cast a furtive look around them.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he murmured, his tone sounding almost desperate. ¡°Lila, why did you decide to say that at school?¡±

    ¡°Sorry?¡± She looked deeply into his eyes, confusion plain across her face.

    ¡°I just¡­ feel an overwhelming urge to kiss you again. But¡­ like I really mean it¡­ except¡­ well, Mr Morrison¡¯s just over there, checking hats for the buses.¡±

    Lila glanced over his shoulder and saw that Mr Morrison was indeed standing by the bus station, telling off hatless students, or approving those who were appropriately hatted. Lila felt her face heat up as she contemplated just kissing Asher anyway, despite the presence of their Head of Year mere metres away. But, with the grimness of Asher¡¯s expression, she decided not to push it. Besides¡­ just being told that he wanted to kiss her again, like he really meant it, was almost just as satisfying.

    They continued, keeping their eyes on Mr Morrison in case he set their sights on them and wanted to tell them off like all their other teachers had thus far. He hardly seemed to have noticed them, likely owing to the fact that their hats were firmly atop their heads, and Asher finally slowed to a halt outside Lila¡¯s usual bus stop.

    ¡°Well¡­ I guess I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Asher said, reluctantly passing her bags back to her.

    ¡°Sure will,¡± Lila smiled, adjusting herself so her bags sat comfortably on her shoulders. His eyes darted behind her towards Mr Morrison before flickering down to her lips.

    ¡°Just a quick one won¡¯t hurt,¡± he whispered, before swiftly kissing her on the lips, tucking some flyaway pieces of hair behind her ear. She returned the kiss, longing for just a second more but he pulled away just as quickly. He gave her a dejected smile, squeezing her shoulder gently.

    ¡°Alright, well, get home safe,¡± he said, backing away so that his eyes remained on her.

    ¡°You too, Asher,¡± Lila smiled, hoping that hers was at least a little more cheerful so that he would at go home even slightly happier. It seemed to work as his smile brightened and he gave her a small wave goodbye before turning and jogging away, ensuring his hand was on his hat so it wouldn¡¯t fly away.

 Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen

    Chapter One Hundred and Seventeen

    Friday seemed to fly by despite Lila¡¯s mind still being occupied in the background with the feeling of Asher¡¯s kisses. She robotically took her notes and completed her exercises, earning confused looks from Grace and Elise in Modern History when she didn¡¯t engage in their chatter, and approving looks from her various teachers. If those teachers knew what she was truly thinking about, they probably wouldn¡¯t be so pleased.

    Asher seemed fit to burst with alarming amounts of energy as he waited by her locker at lunchtime, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Lila chuckled, placing her things into her locker. ¡°You seem excited about something.¡±

    He immediately stopped his movements. ¡°Excited¡­ isn¡¯t exactly the right word. More¡­ like¡­ I¡¯ve got this whole bunch of anxious energy.¡±

    ¡°Anxious?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± he said seriously, surveying the locker room briefly. ¡°I spoke to the Headmaster,¡± he whispered close to her ear, sending a rush of goosebumps down her neck.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± Lila uttered, stepping back slightly and bringing a hand to her neck in an effort to calm her down. ¡°Right. That was supposed to happen today.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. We need to talk about it, but¡­ not here in the locker room.¡±

    Lila nodded, accepting the lunchbox he gave her. ¡°Well, let¡¯s not hang around here, then.¡±

    He grabbed her free hand and they started to take their leave when they passed Elise and Isaac, who looked deep in conversation and definitely hadn¡¯t noticed either of them. Lila smirked at Asher, gesturing to them, and he smiled back. It seemed that their lunches without Lila and Asher were having the desired effect.

    ¡°See you guys later,¡± Lila called, startling them both. They looked back at her with wide, almost panicked eyes and identical blushes gracing their faces.

    ¡°Bye,¡± Elise replied, glancing at Isaac before giving Lila and Asher a wave. They both waved back before departing through the locker room doors.

    ¡°They¡¯re getting along well, aren¡¯t they?¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Maybe we don¡¯t need to do anything at all.¡±

    Asher laughed. ¡°Maybe¡­ but it wouldn¡¯t hurt to try.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. We can make certain that they¡¯re on the right track, at least.¡±

    They reached the same path that stumped Asher yesterday, though today he confidently strode towards the library, with Lila struggling to catch up.

    ¡°Library today?¡± she queried. He looked back down at her, his cheeks turning slightly pink.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he nodded. ¡°Can¡¯t really talk out in the open.¡±

    Lila nodded in response, though she did feel slightly disappointed. It sounded like they wouldn¡¯t be taking the opportunity to take advantage of the private space, given Asher¡¯s comment about not being able to ¡®talk¡¯ out in the open.

    They managed to find an empty meeting room, though Lila did notice that they were beginning to fill up far more quickly than usual. Her mind drifted back to Isaac¡¯s insistence that they find a private place¡­ If they needed a private spot for more private conversations, where else could they even go?

    ¡°Did you want it warmed up?¡±

    Asher¡¯s voice abruptly stopped her musings. She looked over at what he was holding, seeing that it was a Thai chicken basil stir fry.

    ¡°Only if you¡¯re warming yours up,¡± she replied. ¡°It¡¯s okay if not, though.¡±

    He stood up immediately, grabbing both their containers. ¡°I¡¯ll be right back,¡± he said softly, leaving without wasting any time.

    Left to her own devices, Lila sat extraordinarily straight, her hands twisting in her lap. Obviously, talking about the plan for the Banker situation was of utmost importance¡­ so she needed to keep herself in check. Yes, they were in a private space, but that didn¡¯t mean she needed to kiss him. They had plenty of other things to do and talk about ¨C including how they were going to alert her Dad to the potential link between the morphine ring at school and the missing analgesics from the hospital.

    It was also still an assumption that it was Jason, and conversely his mother, bringing the drugs through the school. Yes, he was certainly connected to the ring, but would the Head Boy really put his standing with Forestglade College in jeopardy like that? Not that Lila knew either way how important his standing was to him, but he certainly wandered around the school acting like a bigshot. Which¡­ of all the students, he certainly was, if only in title alone.

    What they needed was some evidence¡­ but what kind of evidence would be enough to bring to her Dad? Just throwing out the idea that Jason was bringing morphine into Forestglade College, and therefore his Mum was supplying it to him from the hospital, would pique his interest but¡­ from where Lila stood, he¡¯d need an inside person to prove it anyway ¨C at least, regarding the connection to the school. Given how long the investigation had taken already, and there was no news of any arrests, Lila still wasn¡¯t quite sure whether her Dad had narrowed down his culprit. Although, now that Asher was aware of her Dad¡¯s investigation, he¡¯d surely tell her if there were changes to the second-in-command-

    ¡°Sorry I took a while. Line was a bit long,¡± Asher¡¯s voice brought her from her thoughts and she smiled up at him.

    ¡°No worries. Thanks for warming it.¡±

    He passed her steaming stir fry to her and she scooped some onto her fork, blowing on it to cool it down. Asher glanced at her before looking sheepish.

    ¡°It¡¯s probably still too hot,¡± he said, having not touched his own food. ¡°I blasted the hell out of it.¡±

    Lila laughed, placing her helping into her mouth. He was right ¨C it was too hot. She frantically brought some air into her mouth before swallowing it down.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Better warmed thoroughly than half-cold at the bottom,¡± Lila replied, pushing her container slightly away from her.

    ¡°I suppose so.¡±

    Asher stretched his arms in front of him before leaning his head in his right hand, his elbow connected to the desk. They looked at each other for a moment, a small smile creeping on both of their faces.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked lightly.

    ¡°Just¡­ relishing the moment,¡± he replied candidly. ¡°Looking at my girlfriend¡­ makes me happy.¡±

    Lila felt her cheeks flush and her smile widen. ¡°Luckily¡­ looking at my boyfriend makes me happy, too.¡±

    He chuckled, reaching a hand out for hers. She gave it to him and he brought it to his lips, kissing her knuckles before gently letting it go again.

    ¡°Alright, well, I guess since we¡¯re still waiting for our food to cool down, it¡¯s time to get serious,¡± he sighed. He met her gaze and nodded, though it looked to be more for himself than her.

    ¡°So¡­ like I said, I talked to the Headmaster,¡± he began with a grim expression. ¡°I gave him a brief run down of the Banker situation. Just that there¡¯s an entrepreneurial kid at school who¡¯s activities have been supported by a huge variety of teachers. I kinda thought that he¡¯d already know, but he seemed caught off guard, especially after I mentioned that multiple teachers knew about it. Because of that, he seemed more willing to talk in more depth about it. I made it clear that I wasn¡¯t the Banker, and he said that he¡¯d need to talk to the Banker in order to reach a final decision. So, we set up a meeting for Monday afternoon. It feels a bit up in the air, actually. I was feeling pretty confident before I walked in, but the more I think about his reaction, the more I feel like it could go either way.¡±

    He took a sip of his water bottle and Lila smiled appreciatively at him.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Lila said sincerely. ¡°Seriously. It must¡¯ve been nerve-wracking, talking to the teachers, and then the Headmaster. Especially by yourself.¡±

    ¡°I had Isaac for moral support,¡± Asher said bashfully. ¡°But¡­ it was scary, especially talking to some teachers. Some were really put out that I knew they were customers of the Banker, and others tried to flat out deny it. I kinda had to basically threaten that, if they didn¡¯t go through with this, the Banker would need to shut down his operation. They signed pretty quick after that.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re amazing,¡± Lila replied genuinely. ¡°I would¡¯ve lost my nerve at the first sign of resistance, even though it¡¯s for Daniel.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned pink and he pulled his food closer to him. ¡°T-Thanks,¡± he stammered. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that amazing though.¡±

    Lila grabbed both his hands, forcing him to look at her. ¡°Asher, I¡¯m serious.¡±

    He looked uncertainly at her until their eyes met. He must¡¯ve seen how resolute she looked as he hung his head briefly before nodding.

    ¡°I¡¯ve just¡­ kinda felt inadequate, with a lot of things. Especially this year,¡± he murmured before meeting her stare once more. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m glad you think that. Better than the alternative.¡±

    Lila stood up, responding to her overwhelming urge to kiss him. She climbed over the table just enough to reach him whilst avoiding their food, giving him a short but passionate kiss which he eagerly returned. She broke away, settling back into her chair with a satisfied grin.

    ¡°I reckon the food¡¯s fine now,¡± she said, picking her fork back up.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Asher blinked, seeming dazed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s eat, before it gets cold,¡± Lila replied, pushing his container towards him. He looked down at his food before obediently picking up his fork and digging in.

    They ate in relative silence, before touching on other topics of conversation, none of which were related to the Banker, or themselves, really. Lila was still turning over her thoughts regarding the investigation into the morphine ring in the background of their idle chatter, though she did want to bring it up with Asher before lunch ended.

    Although it was the Friday before they were formally proposing for Daniel¡¯s business, if one could call it that, to be sanctioned activity within the school, diving too deep into the Grade 12s could prove to be dangerous. She would need to see how the Banker situation changed ¨C and, in particular, the Grade 12s movements following the final decision by the Headmaster¡­ Though, given what Daniel had said previously, if it wasn¡¯t sanctioned, she could see him closing it down altogether. He had more than enough money to last him until some time after graduation after all, so he didn¡¯t really need to keep it open.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with all the sighing?¡± Asher asked curiously, scooping his last bite into his mouth.

    ¡°Was I sighing?¡±

    ¡°As though you were waiting for your husband to return from war.¡±

    Lila snorted and caught sight of his cheeky grin. She sighed again, spearing a piece of chicken with her fork and waving it around gently, as though it would help organise her thoughts.

    ¡°I¡­ still haven¡¯t told Daniel about the morphine ring,¡± she said quietly, biting into her chicken.

    ¡°That¡¯s a good thing, isn¡¯t it? The less he knows, the better.¡±

    ¡°I agree, but¡­ well, if the Banker gets sanctioned, then we have to start investigating the Grade 12s again.¡±

    Asher looked surprised. ¡°Why do you figure that?¡±

    ¡°Well, we¡¯ve assumed that Jason and his Mum are the source of the morphine at school. But, truthfully, there¡¯s probably more than a few kids connected to high-ranking people on the hospital¡¯s payroll ¨C people that you may not know about. It could be any number of them. We¡¯ve just landed on Jason because it¡¯s convenient. We don¡¯t have any evidence ¨C not any that could help my Dad with his investigation, anyway. And he¡¯d really need an inside person to get that evidence tying the morphine to the hospital, and then connecting it to the person behind it all anyway. So¡­ we need to start digging deeper, I think. Focus on their movements after it¡¯s sanctioned or dismantled, whichever way it all goes down next week. I honestly doubt they¡¯d stop once they¡¯re cut off from Daniel¡¯s funds altogether, if it¡¯s profitable enough on its own, so we should be able to find something.¡±

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    Asher slowly closed his lunchbox, his expression thoughtful. ¡°I honestly forgot about all of that.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to look surprised. ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. My head¡¯s been full of other things.¡± He cleared his throat, his face a slight pinkish hue, before continuing on. ¡°What you¡¯ve said sounds reasonable, but I haven¡¯t given it any thought. What sticks out to me, though, is that we haven¡¯t really seen what they¡¯re doing now, since the Square system¡¯s been in operation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡± Lila sighed once more. She wasn¡¯t keen at all to get close to Livi and her group again, but¡­ it wasn¡¯t just for Daniel¡¯s sake anymore, even though he was still in the firing line. It was also for the sake of her Dad, and Asher¡¯s Dad. Plus, if morphine was as addictive as Theo mentioned, and potentially dangerous as Asher mentioned, way back when they first heard of it, then¡­ there were probably many victims laying in its wake. Sure, there was morphine at Forestglade College, potentially supplied by the hospital ¨C but were there other rings? Where?

    Lila shook her head, trying to stop herself from tying herself into knots over this. She could only focus on what was immediately available to her now ¨C which was figuring out the deal here, at school, and finding compelling enough evidence that her Dad could follow and perhaps use to take it down.

    ¡°So,¡± Asher said sharply, tapping his fingers on the table, ¡°looks like we¡¯re getting Uber Eats on Monday.¡±

    Lila dropped her fork into her now empty container. ¡°We don¡¯t have to,¡± she said hurriedly. ¡°We can do other things to figure out how it¡¯s been-¡±

    ¡°No better way than being a customer.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ you hate going there.¡±

    Asher grinned at her, his eyes crinkling with mischievous happiness. ¡°I did¡­ before we started dating.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s us dating got to do with it?¡±

    Asher ruffled his hair, leaning back on his chair as he seemed to consider his response. ¡°Livi¡­ did my head in, to be frank. But¡­ that was because she seemed to pick up far too quickly that I liked you, a whole lot. I didn¡¯t want to tell you at the time, since I thought you weren¡¯t interested in me¡­ plus I¡¯d just broken up with Holly. I also didn¡¯t want you to know in case it¡¯d put you off from staying friends, and, y¡¯know, investigating and all that with me. It was like she¡¯d crawled into my brain and plunged a knife into it, twisting it with each insinuation. The way she¡¯d bring other guys into it, and when she asked Isaac to rate you, among other things ¨C she put me on edge. But now¡­ there¡¯s nothing she can say that¡¯ll put me off. Since we¡¯re together. There¡¯s nothing you don¡¯t know that she can dig into.¡±

    He certainly looked far more optimistic, though Lila still had her doubts. Truthfully, Livi got on her nerves too¡­ was there something that Livi could draw out and weaponise against her? Nothing was coming to mind¡­ except¡­ well, the depths and extent of her unsavoury desires regarding Asher. Sure, she¡¯d mentioned that she wanted to do more than just kiss Asher, and he¡¯d confessed the same to her, they hadn¡¯t actually talked about what that ¡®more¡¯ was. But that kind of information wouldn¡¯t be obvious enough for Livi to pick at, right?

    ¡°Besides,¡± Asher added, adjusting his jumper so it wasn¡¯t so bunched up on his torso, ¡°she might be like how she was last time, before you slapped her.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow. ¡°Like, immediately before?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ more like when I was showing her what to do. Silent, scowling, and subdued. She might be like that again next time we visit.¡±

    ¡°Daniel said that she¡¯s been difficult since the changeover to Square, and he¡¯s been fielding complaints about her. So, I wouldn¡¯t hold your breath for a ¡®silent, scowling, and subdued¡¯ Livi.¡±

    ¡°I know. But one can hope.¡±

    Lila smiled at him and began packing away her things. Study was next up and with lunch finishing soon, they¡¯d need to head off in the next few minutes. Asher seemed to catch on to what she was doing and started packing up too.

    ¡°It¡¯d be a bit late to put an order in now, but if we go during morning tea on Monday, we should secure something for lunch,¡± Asher noted, tucking his chair in. ¡°What do you reckon you¡¯d feel like?¡±

    ¡°Honestly? Gabriel¡¯s cooking.¡±

    Asher laughed, gently taking her hand in his. ¡°Unfortunately, he¡¯s not connected to Uber Eats. We don¡¯t have to decide now, though.¡±

    She followed him out of the library, switching the topic to something inane, given the heavy presence of other students surging towards the locker room at this time. They split off as usual, with Lila trying to figure out what she wanted to study today.

    Just as she settled on her plan, she bumped into Isaac, who seemed to be in a hurry to leave this particular aisle.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila stated, stepping aside. ¡°Hey Isaac. How was lunch?¡±

    ¡°Lunch? Great. Gotta go,¡± he called, hastily walking out of the aisle and towards where his locker was located.

    Lila frowned. Isaac was usually one to chat, and it wasn¡¯t as though they were running late for class. Did something happen between him and Elise?

    Lila cast a glance around to see where Elise was. She was standing blankly in front of her locker, as though suffering from decision paralysis. Lila pressed her lips together, deciding to give Elise a minute to collect herself. She pulled out her laptop and other materials, making sure to also bring along her English things, before closing her locker and crossing over to Elise.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila smiled, jolting Elise.

    ¡°H-Hey,¡± Elise stammered, hurriedly grabbing a few things out of her locker before shutting it tightly. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much¡­ but Isaac sure ran out of here like his ass was on fire. Did something happen at lunch?¡±

    Elise sighed, shaking her head. ¡°Not really¡­ but, well, Grace didn¡¯t join us. So it was just me and him¡­ it made me really nervous. We hardly spoke a word. You know me, I have to be talking almost constantly¡­ but today, nothing.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lila mused, placing a hand on her hip contemplatively. ¡°Sometimes it can be like that. You¡¯re just not used to being entirely alone with him, since when you¡¯re working, you¡¯re with a whole bunch of people, and at lunch you¡¯re usually with Grace, too.¡±

    Elise¡¯s eyes flickered to Lila before looking down at the books in her arms. ¡°Guess not. A?Anyway, I gotta go. See you later.¡±

    ¡°Bye,¡± Lila waved, watching Elise leave the locker room. She tried not to think too deeply about it, since she¡¯d had times like that with Asher before they were dating. Though, in comparison to both Elise and Isaac, Lila and Asher were generally quieter people to begin with.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you all the way down here?¡± Asher asked from behind Lila, causing her to jump slightly. She turned towards him, her heart beating a mile a minute. With a hand on her chest, she exhaled deeply before shaking her head.

    ¡°Sounds like there¡¯s trouble in paradise for Mission Cupid,¡± Lila said reluctantly, starting on their journey back to the library.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I bumped into Isaac coming in here, but he was practically running away. Then, Elise seemed really distracted and she told me that she had lunch with just Isaac today. They didn¡¯t speak a word, apparently, and I think that bothered her since she likes to talk.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s strange,¡± Asher pursed his lips, slipping his hand into hers. ¡°Isaac seemed really upbeat and relaxed when I saw him just now. His usual goofy self. Not at all like someone who was in a rush.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he felt better after leaving the awkwardness behind with Elise. At least he took her to her locker, though. Gentlemanly of him.¡±

    Asher grinned. ¡°That¡¯s Isaac for you. Gentleman at heart.¡±

    Lila chuckled before noticing that Isaac had brushed past them without saying a word. By the time she registered this, he was already quite a few metres away ¨C too far to talk to him, at least.

    ¡°Did Isaac say hi to you just now?¡± Lila asked, gesturing towards where Isaac¡¯s retreating back was disappearing to in the distance.

    Asher shook his head, looking rather perplexed. ¡°Maybe he didn¡¯t notice us. Thinking about other things, probably? I know he¡¯s got Engineering now, which I dunno how intensive that is. He complains about it a lot though, so maybe he¡¯s concerned about his latest assignment?¡±

    Lila narrowed her eyes. Asher knew Isaac best, so his judgement was probably correct. It just felt rather odd that he would¡¯ve missed an opportunity to tease them ¨C or rather Lila specifically, by calling Lila ¡®Asher¡¯s girlfriend¡¯ ¨C or at the very least say hi.

    She put it out of her mind for now. Lila suspected that it was most likely nothing for her to be concerned about, anyway. He truly could have missed them by being deep in his own thoughts. Lila could relate to that pretty heavily, at least.

    They signed in to their Study lesson before setting themselves up in their usual booth. Again, there was no Ayla. Should she talk to Asher about it again? It wasn¡¯t as though Ayla would be in counselling for two weeks straight¡­ right?

    She wasn¡¯t exactly sure why it was bothering her so much¡­ though perhaps a small part of her still felt guilty. Guilty about the fact that she was one of the last people to see Piper alive ¨C and seen that something was incredibly wrong about her appearance ¨C and hadn¡¯t done anything to stop her from being murdered. Which, if Ayla was away from school because her close friend had been murdered, then¡­ Lila was partially to blame.

    Of course, it was a silly notion. Logically, Lila knew that. She had no way of knowing Piper would be murdered shortly after, so it wasn¡¯t as though she just abandoned Piper to her killer¡­ but a small part of her wondered if she hadn¡¯t run off with Asher into Gabriel¡¯s car that day, would Piper be alive now? And conversely, would Ayla be attending school, enjoying her high school life with her friends, like Lila was?

    ¡°Something on your mind again?¡± Asher queried, looking over his laptop at her.

    Lila gave a heavy sigh, gently closing the lid of her laptop. ¡°You could say that¡­ it¡¯s silly, but¡­ I can¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡±

    Asher gave her a quizzical look, though a faint blush gradually coloured his cheeks. Lila herself felt a flush rising on her face ¨C after all, those words last accompanied Asher¡¯s confession that he couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how kissing Lila felt ¨C but pressed on.

    ¡°A-About why Ayla¡¯s still not at school.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher lowered his laptop lid, a flash of what looked to be disappointment crossing through his eyes. ¡°Still?¡±

    Lila sighed again, bringing her head into her hands and leaning her elbows atop the desk. ¡°I feel responsible, in a way, if she¡¯s away because Piper died.¡±

    Asher blinked rapidly, as though trying to process what she¡¯d said in time to his blinking. ¡°Go on,¡± he eventually said.

    ¡°Asher¡­ don¡¯t you feel a bit guilty, too?¡± she whispered, staring directly at her laptop. He was silent for a few moments before he pushed aside both their laptops. He caressed her hands and she lowered them onto the table, allowing him to hold them.

    ¡°I do,¡± he said in a low voice. ¡°I wasn¡¯t interested in what she wanted to say at the time. But I¡¯d be lying if I said that I hadn¡¯t considered a few ¡®what ifs¡¯ since her death. No matter what she was doing to me, she didn¡¯t deserve to be murdered like that at all. And¡­ if we¡¯d talked to her, maybe whoever killed her would¡¯ve missed her at the shops, or she would¡¯ve told us something important ¨C maybe even that she was going to be murdered. If she¡¯d said something like that, we could¡¯ve called the police or something. But¡­ it didn¡¯t go like that. It¡¯s hard not to feel guilty, when we were the last people to see her alive ¨C besides her killer. Not that I liked her in any capacity, she was freaky as all hell. Like I said before though, she didn¡¯t deserve to die like that.¡±

    Lila nodded, tears welling in her eyes. It definitely lined up with what she was thinking. Suddenly, the oppressive weight of the feeling that she was alone in all of her complicated emotions arising from Piper¡¯s murder was lifted from her shoulders.

    ¡°The biggest thing that I¡¯ve learned from my Mum¡¯s disappearance is that the ¡®what ifs¡¯ aren¡¯t helpful. It¡¯s hard when I¡¯m forever falling into that trap, but gradually, as time goes on, I¡¯ve realised that it¡¯s useless. I know that you¡¯re worried about Ayla, but it¡¯s not as though you can do anything about it now, and you couldn¡¯t have done anything about it in the past. All you can do is hope that she¡¯s okay, and, if you¡¯re feeling up for it, checking in on her when she comes back ¨C which I¡¯m sure she will. We would¡¯ve heard that she wasn¡¯t coming back by now, after all,¡± he smiled encouragingly at Lila. ¡°It¡¯s easier said than done, I know. I¡¯m not perfect at it, and you can always come and talk to me, to help ease your mind. I¡¯ll support you.¡±

    Lila gave him a small smile. ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m glad I talked to you about it. Especially since¡­ I don¡¯t think anyone else would really get it.¡±

    He rubbed the back of her hands tenderly. ¡°I¡¯m glad you talked to me, too.¡±

    They looked at each other for just a moment longer before he checked the time on his phone.

    ¡°Did you want to talk about anything else?¡± His voice was kind, though she could tell, with his furtive glance at his laptop, that he wanted to get back to studying. She shook her head.

    ¡°No,¡± she smiled, taking her hands back and pulling her laptop towards her. ¡°Happy to continue studying.¡±

    He looked sheepish as he pulled his laptop towards himself. ¡°You noticed that I wanted to study, huh? We don¡¯t have to, really.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°I don¡¯t have anything else, honestly.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They worked in total silence for the rest of Study, and English commanded their undivided attention, too. Finally, the day was over and Asher suggested walking Lila to the bus station again once they neared the locker room.

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± she smiled, leaning her head against his arm. ¡°I do feel like you shouldn¡¯t keep George waiting, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ may have told him yesterday that we¡¯re dating,¡± he replied, his tone somewhat bashful. ¡°He was pretty happy about it. Told me that he expected me to walk you to the bus station after school from now on.¡±

    Lila chuckled. ¡°What a gentleman.¡±

    ¡°George is a bit like that,¡± Asher grinned. ¡°I¡¯ll just grab my stuff.¡±

    By the time Lila had closed her locker, Asher was standing beside her, his posture rather carefree and relaxed.

    ¡°Ready for the game tomorrow?¡± he asked as they walked together to the bus station, hand-in-hand again.

    ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be against St Peters,¡± Lila replied with a shudder. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll win, but I¡¯ll certainly try.¡±

    ¡°I wish I could cheer you on,¡± Asher lamented, swinging her arm slightly.

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Give ¡®em hell for me, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Not like I can do much as the Goalie,¡± he laughed. ¡°But I¡¯ll pass the message on.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    They idled their way to the bus station, chatting away about nothing in particular. Today, it was Mr Singh on hat duty, and he gave them both a stern nod as they passed.

    ¡°Do all the teachers know about us or something?¡± Lila queried once they were a fair distance away from Mr Singh.

    ¡°Not sure. Do you think teachers gossip about their students?¡±

    ¡°I probably would. What else is even going on for people who practically live at school?¡±

    Asher snorted, the timing of which made it seem as though he¡¯d summoned her bus. As it groaned to a halt, he looked disappointed by this turn of events.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± he said softly, letting go of her hand. Lila glanced behind his shoulder at Mr Singh, who was busy writing up a notice for a hatless student Lila didn¡¯t recognise. Heart pounding in her chest, Lila clutched his blazer, pulling him forward enough for her to kiss him goodbye.

    He held her shoulders as he returned the kiss, but broke away quickly.

    ¡°You¡¯re getting bold,¡± he muttered, the surprise plain in his expression.

    ¡°I can¡¯t help it,¡± Lila replied truthfully. He bent his head towards hers again when Daniel¡¯s voice just about bellowed towards them.

    ¡°Oi! Get on the damn bus, it¡¯s leaving!¡±

    They both jumped. It seemed neither of them had noticed that Daniel was at the bus station. Lila looked wildly towards the source of his voice and saw him hanging out of the front doors of the bus, grinning mischievously at them.

    ¡°He¡¯s an ass,¡± Lila grumbled, reluctantly letting go of Asher, who swiftly passed her bags to her. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Get home safe,¡± Asher replied, a goofy-looking smile on his face.

    ¡°You to-¡±

    ¡°Come on, dude! The bus is literally driving away!¡± Daniel urged, his volume loud enough to startle some nesting birds in the trees lining the station. He dramatically gestured at Lila to hurry it up.

    ¡°Alright, alright, damn,¡± she called back.

    Of course, the bus was absolutely stationary as Lila hopped on, glancing at Asher one last time. Daniel looked incredibly smug at having had the opportunity to embarrass her as he toddled off to his snickering friends towards the back of the bus. But, instead of feeling embarrassed, Lila felt the budding warmth of happiness spreading from her heart to the tips of her fingers, her own goofy-looking smile on her face. She could hardly wait to see Asher again tomorrow.

 Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Eighteen

    The Forestglade College hockey girls were incredibly solemn on Saturday morning as they warmed up in total silence. Lila didn¡¯t dare break the ice, though she thought that being quite so tense would spell doom for their performance today.

    It was a home game, which made Lila feel slightly positive. But, as she cast her eyes across to the St Peters team who were also warming up, with their strong practice swings and limber stretches, Lila couldn¡¯t dispel the doubt entirely.

    The soccer boys seemed to be far more relaxed, on both sides, and she saw Asher joking around with Isaac, a fresh, beaming smile on his face as they kicked a soccer ball between themselves.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Alice whispered from beside Lila, nudging her gently with her hockey stick. ¡°Stop staring at them.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila whispered back, throwing herself into a lunge per her warmup routine.

    ¡°I know you guys are dating,¡± Willow added quietly, stretching her arms to her toes with surprising agility, ¡°which, finally, but also I think Ms Wright will have a fit if you¡¯re distracted for today¡¯s game. Last pep talk was¡­ intense.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Lila sighed, switching to her other leg. ¡°Can¡¯t help it.¡±

    ¡°Try, yeah?¡± Alice said, her tone somewhere between stern and kind.

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila promised, slipping her mouthguard case out of her pocket. She popped her mouthguard in, with Alice and Willow following suit, before placing her case down beside her water bottle along the sidelines.

    Ms Wright placed her container of orange slices down on her foldable chair, checking her watch briefly before heading over to the Forestglade College hockey girls. They wordlessly bundled together in a misshapen huddle.

    ¡°Alright, girls,¡± Ms Wright began, her voice grave, ¡°today¡¯s the day. We¡¯re rapidly approaching the end of the season. Everything we¡¯ve worked for this year is coming very quickly, and I hope you¡¯re ready to give it your all.¡±

    The rest of Lila¡¯s team seemed just as serious as Ms Wright as she continued through her usual pep talk, before ending it by deferring to the team to sound off an abridged school war cry.

    Lila settled herself in her usual hockey position, stretching her legs ever so slightly as she braced herself for the match to begin. She barely registered the opening crack of the hockey ball connecting with one of the St Peters¡¯ team members¡¯ hockey sticks as they barrelled down the field towards her.

    She immediately changed her position into a defensive one as she blocked the oncoming attack, passing it fluidly over to Charlotte who charged down the field to the excited cheers of the Forestglade College supporters. Lila had hardly time to register what was going on as her body threw itself into the perfect strategies to deal with the oncoming St Peters team, her adrenaline working overtime to stall, thwart, and otherwise defend the goal from any scoring from the opposition.

    Unfortunately, due to the aggressiveness of the opposing team, Lila didn¡¯t have any chance to switch to attacking for any of the first half. To her relief, half-time was called with one goal scored for Forestglade College and nil for St Peters.

    The St Peters team seemed ticked off as they marched off towards their coach and belongings, whereas Lila¡¯s team was smiling and laughing for the first time that day. Ms Wright proudly bestowed them all with orange slices, which Lila gratefully accepted after unsticking her mouthguard. As she ate the cool, refreshing flesh, she cast her eyes towards the soccer game that was still ongoing. Asher seemed to be concentrating on his form, his knees bent and hands at the ready as the St Peters team swiftly approached the goal. Lila leaned on her hockey stick, watching with bated breath to see the outcome.

    To her delight, Asher deftly defended the goal as he grabbed the ball with both hands. He wiped the sweat from his brow as he grinned, giving a thumbs-up to a nearby teammate. He was about to get into position to restart play when the referee called for half-time.

    Lila caught his eye and his grin grew even wider as he jogged over towards her side of the oval, his eyes sparkling and cheeks red from the physical exertion.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he breathed, his hands on his hips as he stood a couple of metres from her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she replied, placing her empty orange peel in the rubbish bag Ms Wright had organised. ¡°How¡¯s the game?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s going well,¡± he said confidently. ¡°We¡¯re in the lead.¡±

    ¡°Nice save at the end there.¡±

    ¡°You were watching?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    He seemed bashful as he rubbed his chin. Then, he asked how her game was going.

    ¡°We¡¯re in the lead too. Only just, though. But with St Peters, it¡¯s still anyone¡¯s game,¡± Lila sighed. He looked sympathetic, his mouth opening to say something else when Lila narrowed her eyes, having picked out a familiar face behind Asher.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, looking behind him.

    ¡°That¡¯s Elise, in the stands there,¡± she said incredulously. ¡°Except, she¡¯s in your stands, rather than mine.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s no wonder,¡± Asher replied, his tone teasing, ¡°since soccer¡¯s far more interesting than hockey.¡±

    ¡°You wanna say that again when I¡¯ve got a hefty weapon in my hands?¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Touch¨¦.¡±

    She grinned at him before looking again at Elise. She was dressed in casual clothes, a toasty-looking burnt-orange scarf wrapped around her neck. There wasn¡¯t anyone else near her that Lila recognised ¨C except, it seemed, Isaac, who had trudged up the steps and was standing beside Elise, engaging her in conversation.

    ¡°Do you reckon he invited her to watch?¡± Lila asked, a hopeful edge to her voice.

    ¡°He probably would¡¯ve told me if that was the case,¡± Asher responded, pressing his lips together in contemplation. ¡°Maybe she invited herself. Got curious, since we¡¯ve been talking about it all week.¡±

    ¡°True¡­ man, I wish they¡¯d get together already,¡± Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Look how happy they look, just talking over there.¡±

    Asher smiled at Lila. ¡°Hopefully they get together soon. It took us a while, though, so it might take them a while.¡±

    ¡°You had a girlfriend, though,¡± Lila said pointedly. A strange expression crossed his face before he placed a hand on his forehead.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t believe I actually forgot,¡± he said after a moment. He looked back at Lila, his smile blinding in its joy. ¡°Like, legit, I was confused for a moment when you said that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila was floored, a budding sense of elation inflating her lungs as she stared at Asher.

    ¡°Really,¡± he nodded. He glanced around before easily crossing the distance between them, kissing her with an intensity that conveyed far more than the implication behind his reaction to the fact that he¡¯d forgotten, however briefly, that he¡¯d dated someone else. Was there something deeper going on in his mind? The question fell away as she returned the kiss, hoping to share the same amount of intensity with him.

    ¡°Alright, alright, you two,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s sharp voice startled them both as they jolted away from each other. She looked rather unimpressed as she pointed towards where Asher¡¯s teammates were congregating. ¡°Off you go, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± he said automatically, beginning to jog away. Then, after he was a few metres away, he turned around, waving energetically at Lila before turning back and sprinting the rest of the distance to his teammates. Lila watched as a couple nudged him with their shoulders, a raucous cacophony of laughter and whooping just reaching her ears.

    ¡°You can stop ogling him now,¡± Ms Wright said reproachfully. ¡°We¡¯re one point ahead, but we know that doesn¡¯t mean anything. Come on, play¡¯s going to resume soon.¡±

    Lila sighed as she reluctantly followed Ms Wright¡¯s lead towards her team, which had already moved to the other side of the oval.

    ¡°Bit bold of you to be kissing at half-time on the sidelines,¡± Alice said once Lila was within talking range of their team.

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re focused on the game,¡± Charlotte added, sticking her mouthguard to her teeth. ¡°I need you to give me some good passes so I can take it from there.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know,¡± Lila replied unenthusiastically. It was starting to irk her, how everyone¡¯s focus was entirely on the game. Other things were important, too.

    Willow glanced at Lila and the other girls before piping up, ¡°You have been playing well so far, though.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Willow,¡± Lila smiled, though it was with far less gusto than was probably being implicitly asked of her. She sighed again, returning to her mouthguard case and pressing her mouthguard to her teeth in anticipation of starting the game again.

    Ms Wright engaged in one last pep talk before heading back to the sidelines, sucking on a piece of orange as she did so.

    Gameplay resumed again soon after, with St Peters playing as though Forestglade College had majorly pissed them off with their singular goal. The aggression was far more intense, leaving absolutely no room in Lila¡¯s brain to even think of Asher¡¯s name as she intercepted, passed, and weaved through her zone. Finally, St Peters scored a goal against Forestglade College, which only seemed to intensify their aggressive playstyle rather than relax it.

    From there, both teams were matched in their fervour to win the game, with Lila doing as much as she possibly could to pass the ball along where it needed to go. Given the aggression displayed by St Peters, Lila fell back in her midfielder position far more than she usually would, so as to not get in the way of her team¡¯s forwards and inners, who were playing just as aggressively.

    With only a minute or so to spare, Lila puffed, leaning against her hockey stick for support as she strained her eyes to see where Charlotte and Alice were battling against the opposition at their goal. It looked neck-in-neck, and Lila and Willow exchanged a nervous expression.

    ¡°They¡¯ll get it,¡± Rosa Lang said through her Goalie mask, clapping her hands together.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Christa Nguyen, one of the Defenders, said confidently.

    Lila brought her thumbnail to her lips, nearly ready to chew it off in anticipation of the outcome. Then ¨C

    ¡°Shit,¡± Willow sighed, shaking her head.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Rosa agreed, exhaling loudly.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Lila murmured, tapping her hockey stick on the ground. The St Peters spectators were far too loud and boisterous for Forestglade College to have come out on top in the final battle for a goal. This was confirmed by the referee, declaring that St Peters had won ¨C 2 to 1 ¨C which elicited more cheers and high fives from the St Peters team members. Once they settled down, they showed their sportsmanship, shaking hands as they departed Jacoval in high spirits.

    ¡°Sorry guys,¡± Alice¡¯s meek voice carried through to where the Defenders and Midfielders were standing. She sounded close to tears.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila said as she and Willow hurried towards Alice. They held onto one of her arms each as she dejectedly continued to make her way.

    ¡°I missed the goal,¡± Alice¡¯s voice cracked. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°We would¡¯ve tied, then we probably would¡¯ve lost the tiebreaker anyway,¡± Lila responded smoothly.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Willow frowned.

    ¡°It¡¯s St Peters. When have we won against them over the past three years?¡± Rosa interjected sensibly. ¡°It¡¯s our last year for hockey, but that doesn¡¯t mean that St Peters will automatically play nicer.¡±

    Alice bit her trembling lower lip, the guilt clearly weighing on her. Lila desperately looked around to see where the rest of the team was. She saw that Charlotte was on all fours, seeming just as distraught as Alice, with a couple of other teammates surrounding her.

    ¡°Ladies,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s voice, much softer and kinder than usual, forced them all to look at her. ¡°You did well.¡±

    Alice shook her head and Ms Wright immediately crossed her arms in front of her chest. ¡°Alice, I know you feel terrible for missing back there, but it could¡¯ve happened to anyone. Everyone misses once in a while. That doesn¡¯t mean that you didn¡¯t play as well as you did. I can see the improvement in your form that you¡¯ve made over the years. Go on, go grab some Maccas or something on the way home. Next match we¡¯ll get them. It¡¯s an Away game, but I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll play brilliantly.¡±

    Alice stiffened for a moment before she nodded, releasing herself from Willow and Lila¡¯s grasp. ¡°We¡¯ll get them next time, ma¡¯am.¡±

    ¡°Atta girl. Righto, hurry along now. I¡¯ll see you all next Tuesday arvo,¡± Ms Wright smiled, gesturing towards the carpark.

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila¡¯s teammates chorused as they scattered across the oval, collecting their belongings and despondently shuffling towards the carpark. Lila noticed Ms Wright turn to Charlotte, squatting next to her and speaking in a hushed whisper. It seemed intrusive for Lila to look any further, so she spied where her belongings were and collected them with a sigh.

    She then looked over towards the soccer game as she approached the stands where Elise was still sitting.

    It seemed the boys had a few minutes to spare, so Lila wearily climbed the stairs. Elise looked over in her direction before her expression changed from one of keen interest in the soccer game at play to one of nervousness.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila smiled slightly, stretching her legs as best she could once she was seated.

    ¡°Hi, Lila,¡± Elise replied quickly, bringing her scarf up higher, obscuring her face. ¡°Fancy meeting you here. I¡­ was watching your game. Congratulations on winning.¡±

    ¡°From this distance?¡± Lila grinned. ¡°You don¡¯t have to lie to me. You¡¯re here for Isaac, right? Besides, we lost.¡±

    Elise sighed, hugging her torso as if for comfort. ¡°¡­ Sorry. Yeah, I am. You guys kept going on about the St Peters match, so I asked Isaac if I could come watch. He didn¡¯t seem keen at first¡­ but now it seems okay.¡±

    Lila smiled again. Knowing that the calibre of the St Peters soccer team was also of a high standard, she could understand that Isaac didn¡¯t want Elise to watch him lose.

    ¡°No morning shift today?¡± Lila asked, her eyes drifting back to the soccer match.

    ¡°Nope. Afternoon shift.¡±

    ¡°Isaac working with you?¡±

    Elise glanced at Lila, the faintest trace of a blush peeking out over the top of her scarf. ¡°No, he decided to cancel his shift, apparently. He told me yesterday that he expects to lose.¡±

    ¡°Probably a conservative estimate. The boys looked really relaxed this morning.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good sign,¡± Elise murmured. Not a moment later, Lila watched as Isaac tackled the ball from the opposition, deftly passing it to Harrison with an impassioned yell. The Forestglade College supporters in the stands stood in unison, each person craning to see whether the top goal scorer for their side could do it again.

    Lila held her breath, her eyes taking in the St Peters Goalie bracing his knees, hands at the ready.

    Harrison raised his foot, ready to strike with a powerful kick when a Defender from the St Peters team slide-tackled him, the force pulling Harrison to the ground.

    ¡°Foul!¡± bellowed a parent a couple of rows below them. Lila guessed that they were probably one of Harrison¡¯s parents. More supporters grumbled in agreement, sitting back down in disappointment, and it appeared the referee agreed with it too. Lila smirked, glad to see Harrison with his face to the grass, but continued to watch as play resumed, with Isaac having helped Harrison to his feet. It seemed they still had some time left ¨C which, in Lila¡¯s opinion, meant that anything could happen.

    Surprisingly, the match was concentrated purely on the goal defended by St Peters as Harrison sprinted towards it, calling for the ball from Isaac. But, this time, St Peters was ready, almost swarming Harrison immediately. Isaac joined the fray, rescuing the ball and kicking it to Zack.

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted to Asher, who was pacing inside his goal at the far end of the oval. She couldn¡¯t see his expression, but she could tell he was anxious by his body language alone ¨C much like she had been in the final minute before her game was called.

    Watching a sporting game was entirely different from being in one. Lila was at the edge of her seat, her attention back to Harrison, Zack, and Isaac and tensely observing their push forward. Elise gripped Lila¡¯s arm as they watched Isaac shoot straight for the goal ¨C

    And the St Peters Goalie missed.

    The force of the roar that erupted from the Forestglade College spectators nearly bowled Lila over.

    ¡°What, what, did we win?¡± Lila asked, looking wildly at Elise.

    ¡°Yes!¡± she cheered, jumping up. She pulled Lila back to her feet, her face aglow with an exhilarated beam. ¡°He kicked the winning goal!¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back her exuberant grin as Elise hugged her tightly, swaying them both. Her excitement was infectious.

    Finally, Elise let her go, and Lila cast her eyes over at the oval. It looked as though the Forestglade College team had piled on top of Isaac and she watched with another smile as Asher sprinted to join them, jumping in where he could fit. She heard them bellow the school war cry, with the St Peters team attempting to quietly make their exit. Mr Kovac intercepted them though, and they finished the match with reluctant sportsmanship handshakes with the Forestglade College team, who were still clearly buzzing from the win.

    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

    The spectators began to file out from the stands, and Lila gestured to Elise to exit with her.

    Most of the boys had started to make their way off the oval, still hollering about their success. Lila¡¯s legs felt like jelly from her match, so she hung back as Elise ventured onto the oval, clearly looking for Isaac. As more of the soccer boys departed, Lila spotted Asher, who had his arms slung around Isaac¡¯s shoulders, ruffling his hair as they stumbled towards more open space on the oval.

    It was almost like slow motion, as Lila saw Isaac break away from Asher¡¯s grasp and jog to Elise, scooping her into a hug. Lila could hear Elise¡¯s musical-like giggle from where she was standing, accompanied by Isaac¡¯s trademark hyena-like laugh. Lila¡¯s eyes almost popped out of their sockets, and she locked eyes with Asher, who seemed just as surprised and pleased with this, his right eyebrow raised. She quickly made her way closer, giddiness at the idea that, perhaps, maybe, they were closing in on getting together moving her forward.

    But, just as quickly, Elise and Isaac stepped away from each other, their faces identical in their reddish hue, and body language immediately closed off and awkward.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Asher asked, looking between them both. Elise glanced at Asher before throwing her arms around him, leaving him evidently bewildered as he lightly patted her back.

    ¡°Congrats on winning!¡± Elise squeaked into his shoulder before stepping back. ¡°Good game!¡±

    Isaac crossed to Lila and wrapped his arms around her in a decidedly much more awkward hug than any Lila had ever received in her life. ¡°G-Good to see you.¡±

    Lila paused, unsure whether she should try Asher¡¯s question again, or instead move the subject on to something else. Elise looked incredibly mortified, almost as though she wanted the ground to swallow her whole, so Lila decided on a cheery ¡°Congratulations! Impressive goal, Isaac.¡±

    Isaac stepped away, his left hand cautiously rubbing the back of his neck, with a rather bashful expression. ¡°I just did what I had to. A-Anyway, I¡¯ve gotta get home. Don¡¯t you have a shift soon, Elise?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I should go home too,¡± Elise said quietly.

    ¡°Do you have a ride?¡± Lila asked, looking over at Elise with concern.

    ¡°I, uh, didn¡¯t think about that part,¡± Elise replied, her cheeks turning a deep red.

    ¡°I¡¯ll check with Clare, but we should be able to drop you off,¡± Lila offered warmly. ¡°The buses run at awful times on the weekends.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Elise smiled appreciatively, her eyes flickering to Isaac for a split second. ¡°I guess I¡¯ll see you at work tomorrow.¡±

    His posture relaxed as he smiled down at her, nodding. ¡°See you McThen.¡±

    She snorted and he chuckled, giving both Lila and Asher a short wave before climbing the hill towards the carpark. Elise sighed, holding her head in her hands once he¡¯d disappeared.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila queried, gently touching Elise¡¯s arm. Elise shook her head.

    ¡°Nothing¡­ just¡­ I can¡¯t believe he hugged me,¡± she said quietly, a fleeting trace of a smile crossing her face.

    ¡°Elise, I think¡­¡± Lila exchanged a look with Asher, who subtly shook his head. Lila pursed her lips before exhaling deeply. She¡¯d almost said that she thought Isaac had a crush on Elise. ¡°I think¡­ you guys would be good together.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Elise looked hopeful as she looked between them both. Asher nodded, confirming the same with a smile. Elise¡¯s hopeful expression waned and she looked down at her shoes.

    ¡°I mean¡­ that¡¯s nice of you guys to say, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s going to happen anytime soon¡­ I¡¯m too¡­ nervous,¡± she muttered before tightening the scarf around her neck. ¡°It¡¯s freezing, is Clare here yet?¡±

    The trio slogged their way up the hill after Asher grabbed his backpack, avoiding any further discussion of Isaac, or Elise and Isaac getting together. Given Elise¡¯s reaction to Isaac hugging her today, Lila wasn¡¯t too convinced that pushing the point would get them anywhere good for now.

    Clare was indeed waiting for them in the carpark, and seemed pleasantly surprised to see Elise. Lila explained the situation briefly through the front passenger window and Clare agreed to drop Elise off. Lila was about to open the door when Asher blocked her with his hand.

    ¡°I¡¯ll sit in the front,¡± Asher suggested hurriedly. ¡°It might be uncomfortable if I¡¯m in the back with you, Elise.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Elise replied genuinely. Lila shuffled back to the back passenger door, sitting next to Elise and buckling herself in.

    ¡°So,¡± Clare grinned as she pulled out of the carpark. ¡°How¡¯d it go?¡±

    ¡°Lost,¡± Lila stated shortly. ¡°But Asher¡¯s team won.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Clare looked shocked as she glanced at Asher. ¡°Against St Peters? They were tough when I went to Forestglade College. Are they easier now?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher responded with a shrug. ¡°I was just in my goal, waiting to see what happened towards the end. I did nothing.¡±

    ¡°Not nothing, I¡¯m sure,¡± Clare said kindly, turning around the roundabout. ¡°I can see you came to support Lila, Elise. That¡¯s good of you.¡±

    ¡°Well, actually,¡± Lila interjected, mischievously grinning at Elise, who stared back with obvious panic in her eyes, ¡°Elise was here to cheer on Isaac.¡±

    ¡°Isaac?¡± Clare snorted. ¡°The weirdo who gave us a ketchup packet? Your ex, Isaac?¡±

    ¡°One and the same,¡± Lila confirmed. ¡°And Asher¡¯s best friend.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Clare replied. Lila could see Clare¡¯s head briefly turn towards Asher. ¡°You talk about my life being messy. This just sounds messier each time you remind me.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Asher¡¯s question sounded entirely perplexed.

    ¡°For all your brains, I would¡¯ve thought you could see it,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°It¡¯s fortunate that no one has hard feelings about the fact that you¡¯re dating your best mate¡¯s ex. In most cases, it¡¯d result in a punch-up. Personally, I¡¯d never go there. Too messy.¡±

    Lila caught sight of Elise fidgeting with her hands next to Lila. She would need to tread carefully in responding to Clare, it seemed. ¡°Clare, it¡¯s not like me dating Isaac meant anything, really. Like, there¡¯s nothing to get into a punch-up about. He kinda just asked me out, and it was really awkward since I didn¡¯t like him beforehand. Then we broke up after, like, two months.¡±

    ¡°That was my fault,¡± Asher stated stubbornly.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila replied firmly. ¡°I was about to break up with him when he broke up with me. Either way, it¡¯s old news, and Isaac was trying to get us together anyway. He obviously doesn¡¯t care. But that¡¯s beside the point. Elise was here to cheer Isaac on, yes.¡±

    Elise remained silent, though her fidgeting continued.

    Clare chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re sure full of pep still. Sure you don¡¯t need to run around some more so you can go to sleep?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not toddlers or dogs,¡± Lila retorted. ¡°So, no.¡±

    ¡°Just a suggestion,¡± Clare laughed. It wasn¡¯t much further before they slowed to a stop outside Elise¡¯s house.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Elise called as she jumped out, her expression seeming muddled, somehow. ¡°See you next week.¡±

    ¡°See ya!¡± Lila sang as the door shut. Everyone in the car waved at Elise, who returned the wave, before she hurried up to her front door, keys at the ready. Clare remained parked until Elise opened the door and stepped inside without another look towards them.

    ¡°Is Elise dating Isaac?¡± Clare asked as she smoothly reversed down the driveway, resuming the journey towards Lila¡¯s family home.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°We¡¯re trying to get them together, though.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Clare breathed. ¡°Hope it goes well.¡±

    ¡°It will,¡± Asher piped up. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure it does.¡±

    There was a certain intensity behind his words that Lila mentally noted with a smile.

    ¡°What, it¡¯s your turn to try and get Isaac a girlfriend?¡± Clare teased.

    ¡°Well, when you say it like that,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°Except¡­ he¡¯s never really been interested in dating, besides Lila. So, she¡¯s gotta be real special to him for his attention to be on Elise in that way.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Clare seemed thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°Man, you make it sound so easy, getting together with the person you like in high school.¡±

    ¡°Easy?¡± Asher sounded incredulous. ¡°I wish. Took me a billion years.¡±

    Clare snickered before asking why. Lila felt her cheeks turn pink. She was glad that she was still hiding away in the back. She recalled that he¡¯d previously mentioned that he thought he wasn¡¯t good enough, and that Lila would be better off, more or less, with someone like Theo or Isaac¡­ but was there something else?

    Asher was quiet for a few moments and Lila almost shifted in her seat so she could look at him from the back when he spoke.

    ¡°I just never thought she¡¯d like me back.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even want to try?¡± Clare¡¯s voice was bemused. ¡°Like, not even a little?¡±

    ¡°Nah. I¡¯d thought about it, a lot. But¡­ after Lila and Isaac got together, I figured that she was into someone like him. Which I¡¯m not. He¡¯s¡­ well, absurdly confident about most things. Sure of himself, I guess. I don¡¯t even know who I am when I think back to the Asher of last year.¡±

    ¡°Wow,¡± Clare gave a low whistle. ¡°That¡¯s heavy.¡±

    ¡°Shit, sorry. Was that too much?¡±

    ¡°No, no. I just never expected you to be so candid about that kind of thing.¡±

    ¡°May as well,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°I¡¯m hoping to stick around for a while, anyway. No point in being dishonest with you, since you¡¯re Lila¡¯s older sister.¡±

    Clare suddenly turned to look at Lila, who was still feeling rather flustered. ¡°Keep this one, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll try,¡± Lila stammered, the whiplash of emotions running through her leaving her frazzled. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t approve of him when you first met, though.¡±

    Clare turned back to the road in a huff. ¡°Water under the bridge. I was dressed as a dancer, you looked like a hooker, and Asher looked like he was pimping you out. I don¡¯t think anyone could call that a happy first meeting.¡±

    ¡°You thought he was pimping me out?¡± Lila¡¯s pitch was almost a shriek.

    ¡°He was way too awkward to be your boyfriend!¡± Clare replied defensively.

    ¡°I think he was awkward because Alex had figured us out so quickly,¡± Lila responded frankly.

    ¡°I was awkward because everyone around us was half-naked,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°And I could hardly look at you, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Because I looked like a hooker? That¡¯s harsh.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Asher sounded panicked, twisting in his seat to look imploringly at Lila. ¡°No¡­ You looked-¡±

    ¡°Wow, look at that, we¡¯re home,¡± Clare cut Asher off, zooming up the driveway and parking the car. ¡°Thank God, I didn¡¯t want to hear about anything you horny teenagers are saying about how each other looks.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re no-¡± Lila¡¯s heated response was cut off by Clare jumping out of the car and slamming the door behind her.

    Lila sighed, grabbing her belongings before exiting the car at a much more reasonable pace. She was surprised to find that Asher hadn¡¯t moved yet.

    She opened the passenger door for him, finding that his face was a deep red.

    ¡°Whoa, everything okay?¡± she asked, stepping back so he could stand.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± he replied, avoiding her gaze entirely. He awkwardly climbed out, the colour on his face subsiding.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t seem okay,¡± Lila smiled tentatively. ¡°Was Clare being too much? I can tell her off.¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Asher shook his head, following Lila into the house. ¡°Just¡­ not used to being called out about¡­ that.¡±

    ¡°Being a pimp?¡±

    He glanced at her before smirking, having cottoned on to the fact that she was joking. She was pretty confident that he was talking about Clare¡¯s comment about being ¡®horny teenagers¡¯, given how embarrassed he looked. The lack of denial from Asher, when Clare had said that, was something that Lila was trying not to read too much into, but her heart betrayed her attempt to do so with how heavy it was pounding.

    She knew, of course, that he wanted to do more things with her, but he seemed quite content to just keep it to kissing for now. Her curiosity was starting to set in ¨C what did a horny Asher look like? How would he act? Would she get to see it? She felt as though she¡¯d only glimpsed it on Wednesday, before he cut their kissing short. It wasn¡¯t enough to satisfy her questions in any sense ¨C but instead made her curiosity burn even brighter.

    ¡°You seem really tired,¡± he said softly as they took their shoes off in the entryway. ¡°Did you want to rest for a bit?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila replied, glad once more that he couldn¡¯t read her mind. ¡°Let¡¯s head up.¡±

    They made their way through the house before stopping to say hello to Lila¡¯s Mum who was watching TV in the living room.

    ¡°Hello Asher,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said warmly. ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good to see you again too, Mrs Moloney,¡± he said just as warmly.

    ¡°You look like you had a good game,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum observed. ¡°Would you like to have a shower?¡±

    Asher paused, looking uncertainly at Lila, who shrugged.

    ¡°I-If that¡¯s alright with you,¡± Asher replied hesitantly. ¡°A shower would be great.¡±

    ¡°Let me get you a towel. Do you have spare clothes?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked, immediately standing.

    ¡°I do, actually,¡± Asher said somewhat bashfully. ¡°I wasn¡¯t keen on staying in these sweaty ones.¡±

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum called as she disappeared into the laundry. She emerged a moment later, a fluffy grey towel in her hands.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher smiled, taking it gently from her. Lila¡¯s Mum smiled in return before she returned to the living room.

    ¡°You can go first,¡± Lila said as they climbed the stairs to her room.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Asher shook his head, placing his towel on her desk. He turned back to her, running a shaking hand through his hair. ¡°You go.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Lila queried with a slight frown. ¡°You seem cold.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m not cold,¡± he said quietly, lowering his hand. ¡°Just nervous.¡±

    ¡°Nervous? About what?¡±

    Asher gave a strange cough before shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Beats me.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips for a moment before turning to her wardrobe. ¡°Alright.¡±

    She heard him sink to the floor near her bookshelf as she dug through her clothes, picking out a jumper and some comfortable pants. She paused as she opened her drawers to search for some underwear, suddenly very aware of how close Asher was to her.

    She finally found some and shoved it between the rest of her clothes, bundling it all together to her chest. He seemed to be resolutely looking at his knees as she passed him and scurried out of the open door.

    She hurried into the bathroom, slamming the door shut and turning the shower on. She still felt anxious, the fact that Asher was just so close still playing on her mind. With a shake of her head, she sighed and hopped into the steaming shower. Would she ever get over this feeling? It wasn¡¯t as though he was in the shower with her.

    As she worked her shampoo into her hair, a new thought occurred to her. ¡®Was¡­ he shaking because he¡¯ll be having a shower at my place?¡¯ If so¡­ then¡­ they weren¡¯t so different in that regard.

    She finished up as quickly as she could, drying her hair with a towel. She threw her clothes into the laundry basket and checked to make sure she hadn¡¯t left anything embarrassing in there. She seemed to be in the clear and returned to her room with a smile.

    ¡°Shower¡¯s free,¡± she said, looking down at Asher, who was still sitting on the floor. He¡¯d pulled out a book, which was splayed on his lap.

    ¡°O-Oh,¡± he hurriedly stood, carefully placing the book upon her bookshelf. ¡°I won¡¯t be long.¡±

    ¡°The shower¡¯s got two taps, so it¡¯s just turning them both to whatever temperature you like,¡± Lila explained, settling herself onto her bed.

    ¡°Got it,¡± he nodded, taking his backpack and towel with him into the hallway. She heard him close the bathroom door and she fell backwards onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling.

    She hoped that his shower would be comfortable, at least. Had he figured out the right levels? Would the body wash and shampoo be agreeable to him? Actually, was he allergic to anything?

    Lila placed her hands over her eyes with a heavy exhale. She was freaking out over nothing. He¡¯d be fine¡­ it was just a shower.

    Though, a shower meant that he was naked¡­ Would she ever get to see him like that?

    ¡®Shut up,¡¯ she commanded of her mind, throwing a pillow over her face. ¡®Stop thinking about that stuff. He¡¯s here to help with Daniel¡­ besides, the door¡¯s wide open. Nothing¡¯s going to happen.¡¯

    Lying in bed wasn¡¯t helping her in the slightest, though. She reluctantly sat up. Perhaps she should check in with Daniel and see what the plan was¡­

    Just as she was about to, he passed her doorway before doubling back.

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Daniel said casually. ¡°I thought you were in the shower.¡±

    ¡°Nah, Asher is though.¡±

    Daniel nodded, his expression suddenly looking grim. ¡°When he¡¯s out, can we talk?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I was actually going to talk to you now, but I can wait.¡±

    Daniel looked conflicted for just a moment, but he nodded once more. ¡°I¡¯d rather wait for Asher, in case he¡¯s got any ideas.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. It seemed like she couldn¡¯t use Daniel as a way to stop her ridiculous thoughts about Asher.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll just be in my room,¡± Daniel said awkwardly before sidling away. She heard the door to his room close behind him, and she pressed her hands together, contemplating what to do in the meantime.

    Luckily, she didn¡¯t have to wait long ¨C Asher reappeared in her doorway, dressed casually, his backpack hanging loosely on his shoulder and towel slung over his arm.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± she asked with a welcoming smile.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± he replied, stretching his shoulders. ¡°I was planning on just getting changed, but I¡¯m glad your Mum suggested a shower. A shower after a match is always great. Where should I put this towel, though?¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila crossed her room and collected it from his hands. ¡°I might just put it in the laundry basket.¡±

    He placed his backpack down next to her shelf and made to sit down when she explained that Daniel wanted to chat in his room. They left together, Lila ducking into the bathroom and chucking his towel into the laundry basket.

    Lila knocked on Daniel¡¯s door once she was done, and he opened it for them with a grimace.

    ¡°Welcome, I guess,¡± he said, gesturing to the inside of his room. It looked much the same as the last time Lila was here, and she immediately sat on his bed. Asher glanced at Daniel, and he offered his desk chair.

    ¡°I¡¯ll stand. I¡¯ve been sitting all day, and now that you¡¯re here, I¡¯ve got all this nervous energy,¡± Daniel explained. He leaned against his desk, looking between them both.

    ¡°Today¡¯s the day,¡± he said with a pained expression. ¡°I¡¯m gonna tell Mum and Dad about being the Banker.¡±

    ¡°You ready?¡± Lila asked, leaning back slightly. She surveyed him carefully as he seemed to be trying to find the right words to answer her.

    ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± he finally said, hanging his head. ¡°I don¡¯t want to do it though.¡±

    ¡°Do you need me there?¡± Asher queried earnestly.

    ¡°¡­ I¡¯ve been going back and forth between having you there or not,¡± Daniel confessed. ¡°I think¡­ I think it¡¯d be better if you were.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Asher smiled reassuringly at Daniel.

    ¡°I know I can¡¯t have either of you speak on my behalf,¡± Daniel added, crossing his arms over his chest. ¡°It¡¯s my secret, after all. My business, literally and figuratively.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Knowing our parents, I think they¡¯ll have lots of questions that only you can answer, anyway,¡± Lila said.

    ¡°I know,¡± Daniel sighed. He pointed to the small pile of notebooks on his desk. ¡°I¡¯ll be bringing those along to show them.¡±

    ¡°When are you talking to them?¡± Asher questioned.

    ¡°Honestly? I haven¡¯t made a time or anything, so¡­ I was thinking about just talking to them now,¡± Daniel said hesitantly.

    ¡°Now?¡± Lila couldn¡¯t hide the alarm in her tone.

    ¡°No point in waiting,¡± Daniel shrugged. ¡°Besides, if it goes badly, I¡¯d need more time to process.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Asher replied approvingly. ¡°You know, I mentioned this to you a while ago, but even I wouldn¡¯t tell my parents if I was doing something like this.¡±

    ¡°Part of it is because¡­ it¡¯s been hard keeping this in. Every time Mum asks if I need money, I have to say yes when I really don¡¯t need it at all. Plus¡­ if the school¡¯s going to sanction it, I can¡¯t guarantee that they won¡¯t want to talk to my parents. I¡¯d rather they hear about it from me than the school,¡± Daniel responded.

    ¡°You sound really mature,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°It¡¯s actually kinda weird.¡±

    Daniel rolled his eyes at her. ¡°I¡¯ve had to be, you know. Though, sometimes I wish I could¡¯ve just¡­ lived my life as a normal teenager.¡±

    ¡°Relatable,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Relatable? How?¡± Daniel blinked. Lila glanced at Asher, who looked suitably horrified. She suddenly realised that perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have said anything. Unfortunately, nosiness was something all the Moloney siblings shared, after all.

    ¡°U-Uh, well, you saw the insane bullying,¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡°Like, that¡¯s surely not a part of normal teenage life. A-And helping you with the Banker stuff. N-Nothing else.¡±

    Daniel looked incredibly doubtful.

    ¡°It feels like there¡¯s something else,¡± he said, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Are you guys doing weird sex stuff or something?¡±

    Lila flushed a vibrant red, chucking a pillow at Daniel. It landed squarely on his face and he stumbled.

    ¡°Geez,¡± Daniel muttered reproachfully, tossing his pillow back at Lila. ¡°I was kidding, dude. No matter how curious I am, I don¡¯t need to know about any of that- whoa, why¡¯re you so red, Asher? Was I actually right?¡±

    Lila whipped her head to look at Asher, seeing that he was indeed beet-red.

    ¡°N-No,¡± Asher stuttered. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Daniel wrinkled his nose. ¡°Ew.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious,¡± Lila grumbled. ¡°Nothing like that is going on. Stop thinking about weird shit, Daniel.¡±

    He laughed, his face finally relaxing properly for the first time that she¡¯d seen that day. ¡°Alright, alright. Anyway, I guess it¡¯s time. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila stood with a stretch as Daniel collected the notebooks he¡¯d pointed out. Asher sighed, standing as well.

    ¡°Do you need anything else? Your laptop?¡± Asher asked, looking around Daniel¡¯s desk.

    ¡°Nah. I¡¯ll just show them the Square stuff on my phone if it gets to that point,¡± Daniel replied, opening the door. ¡°I think Dad¡¯s in his room, so I¡¯ll just grab him. Could you get Mum for me? We¡¯ll talk in the study.¡±

    ¡°Roger that,¡± Lila saluted, earning a snort from Daniel before they parted ways in the hallway.

    ¡°You reckon it¡¯ll go alright?¡± Asher murmured as they traipsed down the stairs.

    ¡°If you¡¯re there, I think it will,¡± Lila murmured back.

    ¡°How do you figure?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ besides the fact that it¡¯s you, it¡¯ll be harder for Mum and Dad to totally lose their shit in front of someone from outside the family.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    They entered the living room, in which Lila¡¯s Mum was still watching TV.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum beamed. ¡°How was your shower? Was everything okay?¡±

    ¡°It was just what I needed, Mrs Moloney,¡± Asher responded genially. ¡°Thank you for letting me use it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay. Are you two hungry? Or were you going to play board games again?¡±

    Asher looked at Lila who shook her head.

    ¡°Actually, Nay¡­ uh¡­ can you come with us? To the study?¡±

    ¡°The study?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum turned down the volume of the TV, giving them both her full attention. ¡°Why?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t know what to say. What would Daniel want her to say? She hadn¡¯t asked.

    ¡°A-Actually, um¡­ Daniel wants to talk to you and Dad.¡±

    ¡°Daniel?¡± Her Mum looked startled. ¡°Is everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯ll explain,¡± Lila replied evasively. ¡°B-But it¡¯s not like he¡¯s hurt, or anything.¡±

    Her Mum slowly stood up, looking incredibly confused. ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll be there too,¡± Lila added awkwardly.

    Her Mum¡¯s expression changed from confusion to suspicion. ¡°I don¡¯t like the sound of this.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Does Clare need to be there?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked.

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Clare doesn¡¯t know about it.¡±

    ¡°Then shouldn¡¯t she be there?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ didn¡¯t ask for her,¡± Lila said after a couple of seconds.

    Lila¡¯s Mum clicked her tongue before sighing. ¡°I still don¡¯t like this, but I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Mum. It¡¯s¡­ really important.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not making it sound any better,¡± her Mum shook her head before heading towards the hallway to the study. ¡°Is Daniel getting your Dad or something?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Okay. I¡¯ll make some tea. You two can go to the study first.¡±

    Lila silently led Asher towards the study, remembering vividly the last time she had been in it. Neither of her parents had confronted her about her breaking into the locked filing cabinets, but now that they were going to be hanging around in there together, would they realise?

    ¡®Ridiculous,¡¯ Lila insisted to herself, gripping the doorknob. ¡®It¡¯s been weeks. They would¡¯ve said something much earlier if they¡¯d noticed.¡¯

    She swung the door open, gesturing for Asher to head inside before her.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled before pausing. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°Of course I am.¡±

    He met her gaze and held it for a couple of seconds. ¡°I can see why you seem nervous.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ last time you were in here, it was to dig for information,¡± he whispered. ¡°Since you never said anything, your parents didn¡¯t notice, right?¡±

    ¡°They didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Then you don¡¯t need to worry. They¡¯re going to be so focused on Daniel, even if you started opening the filing cabinets now, I doubt they¡¯d notice.¡±

    Lila gave a breathy laugh before gesturing again for Asher to head inside. He did and she followed, leaving the door open so her Mum could get in with the tea.

    They stood in the study for a few moments in silence, with Asher surveying the space.

    ¡°Looks the same as your video,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°It was the right call, having you go in by yourself. There¡¯s no way I would¡¯ve been able to help you without looking suspicious as heck.¡±

    Lila was about to respond when she heard approaching footsteps. It seemed that their meeting was about to commence.

 Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen

    Chapter One Hundred and Nineteen

    ¡°Where¡¯s Mum?¡± Daniel asked immediately upon entering.

    ¡°Getting some tea,¡± Lila replied, watching her Dad take a seat in his desk chair with a heavy sigh.

    ¡°Tea sounds excellent,¡± her Dad said warmly. ¡°Especially since this sounds incredibly serious.¡±

    As though his words summoned Lila¡¯s Mum, she appeared with a tray full of cups, a pitcher of milk and a teapot. Asher instantly crossed the room to her, collecting the tray from her hands.

    ¡°Oh, thank you,¡± she smiled, though her tone was incredibly surprised. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°This is pretty heavy,¡± Asher replied, setting it down on an empty space on Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s desk. ¡°Thank you for preparing it.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re most welcome,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum beamed pleasantly. There was silence, except for the clattering of teacups and liquid being poured before Lila¡¯s Mum took a seat. There weren¡¯t any more chairs in the study, but Lila didn¡¯t mind standing. She placed her teacup on one of the filing cabinets before turning her attention to Daniel. Everyone else also started looking expectantly at Daniel.

    The shakiness of his hands almost forced some tea out of his teacup, and he placed it on top of the filing cabinet as well, wiping his hands anxiously on his pants.

    ¡°Uh, hi,¡± he said, his face looking extraordinarily pallid.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad stated with a nod. The corners of Lila¡¯s mouth twitched, but she managed to suppress her impending snort.

    ¡°I¡­ uh¡­ have something to tell you,¡± Daniel continued, glancing at Lila. She smiled encouragingly at him and he took a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been running a business.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad blinked, setting down his teacup. ¡°What kind of business?¡±

    Daniel placed his hands over his eyes for a moment before answering. ¡°It¡­ started really small¡­ where I was lending money to a friend. Then, it got a lot bigger, after I realised a lot of people wanted to borrow money too. I also went into, um, delivery services. Like, for lunch, my employees-¡± Lila¡¯s Dad spluttered, but Daniel soldiered on, ¡°-they take orders for Uber Eats and bring the deliveries back and hand them out.¡±

    The room was unsettlingly quiet as Daniel¡¯s words seemed to hang unnecessarily long in the air.

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re a loan shark?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad finally murmured. Daniel lowered his hands and nodded.

    ¡°At school?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s question was sharp and wavering with poorly hidden anger.

    ¡°¡­ Yes.¡±

    ¡°Do they know?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s eyes were narrowed, as though she already knew the answer.

    ¡°No¡­ not yet. Kinda. It¡¯s, um, underground,¡± Daniel replied, twisting his hands together. Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s eyes flashed, and she made to stand before Lila¡¯s Dad spoke.

    ¡°Now, Edith,¡± his voice was a measured warning. ¡°Let¡¯s hear him out before we get too hasty. Son, how much money are we talking?¡±

    Daniel looked uneasily at Lila and Asher, who both nodded. He inhaled slowly before passing over the notebooks to his Dad.

    ¡°Here,¡± he said quietly. ¡°This¡­ was my last notebook before-¡± he cut himself off, pressing his lips together tightly.

    ¡°Before?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad looked up at Daniel over the rim of his glasses, the books still unopened.

    Daniel shot Asher another uneasy look.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Daniel,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about you? Did you put him up to all of this?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum¡¯s voice was verging on shrill, prompting Lila¡¯s Dad to raise a hand.

    ¡°Edith, I¡¯ll kick you out if you¡¯re not going to listen to the full explanation.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum crossed her arms, her face a silent pout, though she rolled her chair closer to Lila¡¯s Dad.

    ¡°Alright Daniel, before what?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad asked again, his voice firm yet not unkind.

    ¡°Before¡­ I got Asher to help me.¡±

    ¡°Help you with what, exactly?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad probed. Daniel gestured to the notebooks, and Lila¡¯s Dad finally opened them. Lila¡¯s Mum peered over his shoulder, taking in what was written with wide, shocked eyes.

    ¡°Daniel,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad whispered. ¡°This isn¡¯t a business. This is a whole operation.¡±

    ¡°It got too big¡­ I was drowning. Lila and Asher found out about it, and they helped me to make it more manageable. Here¡¯s where it¡¯s at now,¡± Daniel pulled out his phone, tapping on it for a couple seconds before handing it over to his Dad. His Dad blanched as soon as he registered what he was looking at.

    ¡°How long has it been running for?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad eventually asked after returning Daniel¡¯s phone.

    ¡°Since the start of this year¡­ I had to hire some people for security and to run the daily operations after a couple months. Now basically all the teachers use my services too.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum looked like she wanted to say something else, but remained silent.

    ¡°The teachers?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad looked thoughtful as he pressed the tips of his fingers together. Lila¡¯s Mum gave a long, disappointed sigh before shaking her head.

    ¡°Daniel,¡± she said sternly. ¡°Daniel, you say you¡¯re a loan shark. I know that means people are in debt to you. That¡¯s not a good line of work to be in. It¡¯s¡­ not for a kind boy. It¡¯s greedy. It¡¯s dangerous. Daniel, it¡¯s illegal in my home country ¨C your other home country. That¡¯s not how I raised you.¡±

    A flash of guilt passed through Daniel¡¯s face as he swallowed, his fingers starting to pull at his fingernails. He shifted his weight as if on the brink of bolting out of there. Lila had no idea what she could say in Daniel¡¯s defence ¨C or whether she should say anything at all.

    Lila¡¯s Dad passed Lila¡¯s Mum the notebooks. ¡°Look at his work, Edith.¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum insisted.

    ¡°Look properly.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum opened the notebooks with a click of her tongue, before falling entirely silent. It was a few moments before she looked over at Daniel, incredulity in her eyes.

    ¡°You¡­ did all this?¡± she asked, glancing at Lila and Asher. ¡°By yourself?¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Daniel confirmed. ¡°Well, Asher checked my work before transferring me to Square.¡±

    ¡°There wasn¡¯t anything wrong with his work,¡± Asher confirmed after clearing his throat. ¡°He¡¯s been very diligent, since the beginning.¡±

    ¡°I made a lot of mistakes at the start, but I did some research how to do accounting and I double checked it every night,¡± Daniel added.

    ¡°He had to quit sports, Mum,¡± Lila piped up. ¡°Because he was spending all his time balancing the books and getting everything right.¡±

    ¡°You sacrificed your sports for this?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad queried, looking very seriously at Daniel.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ but after Asher helped me, I had some time given back to me. I¡¯m doing touch footy again, at least.¡±

    ¡°Not soccer?¡± Lila¡¯s Mum asked, lowering the notebooks into her lap.

    ¡°Nah. I prefer touch anyway,¡± Daniel replied with a shrug.

    Lila¡¯s Mum fiddled with the top corner of one of the notebooks. Lila¡¯s Dad gave his wife a sideways glance before shaking his head.

    ¡°Daniel, why¡¯d you hide this from us?¡± he asked, gingerly pinching the bridge of his nose.

    ¡°I¡­ I knew it was bad. I was taking advantage of people who needed money. I took the interest that they paid for as my own money, or to pay my employees. I was ashamed, but by the time I realised it wasn¡¯t the best¡­ it was too late. Then¡­ Lila found out and promised she wouldn¡¯t tell you guys and that she¡¯d help. But, well¡­ some of the employees were doing some things behind my back and so Asher started campaigning for the school to sanction the business¡­ and he¡¯s set up a meeting with the Headmaster for Monday¡­ they¡¯ll probably want to talk to you guys about it. Hopefully it won¡¯t be underground anymore.¡±

    Lila¡¯s parents both exchanged a look before shaking their heads, seeming more astounded than anything else.

    ¡°I know your Mum will probably yell at me later,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad began, a mischievous glint in his eyes, ¡°but, son, I¡¯m proud.¡±

    ¡°Rob-¡± Lila¡¯s Mum attempted to interject.

    ¡°I¡¯m proud because I can see how hard you¡¯ve worked at this. The dedication, attention to detail, and even the idea ¨C at thirteen, no less. You also prioritised it, even though you were in over your head, for your customers. Touch footy and soccer ¨C you love both of those, but you sacrificed them for your business. Not to mention dealing with that much money and not falling apart entirely. That takes mettle, kid.¡± He finished speaking with a proud, fatherly beam which relaxed all of the tension from Lila¡¯s shoulders that she didn¡¯t know she¡¯d been holding onto. She gulped down her tea, placing the empty cup back onto the filing cabinet as she waited for her Mum to speak.

    Her Mum looked flabbergasted for a moment before sighing.

    ¡°I¡¯m very disappointed. It¡¯s still not how I raised you¡­ but I also raised you to be a smart boy, and I can see you take after me with your accounting. You¡¯ll go far ¨C but please let it be honest work,¡± she eventually said, her voice breaking slightly at the end. ¡°People can get very desperate.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ noticed,¡± Daniel murmured, earning a suspicious look from Lila. Was someone giving him trouble that she didn¡¯t know about?

    ¡°If it gets sanctioned, will it be honest work?¡± Lila found herself asking. She wished she hadn¡¯t, with the wince her Mum gave.

    ¡°Tell them, Edith,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said gently, reaching over to grab her hand. Lila¡¯s Mum bit her lower lip before, to Lila¡¯s surprise, a small tear slid down her Mum¡¯s face. She looked as though she¡¯d aged a decade from just this conversation alone as she met Lila¡¯s eyes, then Daniel¡¯s.

    ¡°¡­ I told you that I had five siblings, though one has passed away,¡± her Mum began quietly, squeezing her Dad¡¯s hand. ¡°That was true¡­ recently.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat, her mind jumping through many different conclusions and scenarios stemming purely from the word ¡®recently¡¯.

    ¡°You know about Uncle Adrian, who¡­ committed suicide a few years ago,¡± her Mum stopped speaking for a moment as another tear tumbled down her face. She shakily wiped it away before continuing. ¡°Then, there¡¯s Aunt Christine and Uncle James, who live in Australia, and Uncle Andres, and Aunt Lillian, who are both still in the Philippines. But¡­ I¡¯ve never told you about Uncle Danilo. We¡­ mainly called him Daniel. You were actually named after his memory.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped into her stomach. Uncle Danilo? She cast a look at her brother Daniel, who¡¯s face looked to be drained of colour. It seemed as though he had no idea about the existence of another Uncle ¨C let alone one that shared his name, even if it was a nickname. Lila¡¯s Mum gave them both a watery smile.

    ¡°He was a loan shark,¡± she explained softly. ¡°He was five years older than me. I was always the second oldest ¨C meant to be, from beginning to end. Until he was murdered at 24. He was supposed to be married the next month, but he got greedy. Increased the pesos for the interest¡­ and paid with his life. I¡­ I saw it happen, in the street outside our home. Suddenly, I was the eldest. I couldn¡¯t grieve Daniel. I had to settle the wedding funds, and figure out how to send our siblings to school. As you know, the next youngest is Christine, but she¡¯s four years younger than me. It was her last year of school, and she almost had to drop out to work until I found a way to keep us going. It¡­¡± Lila¡¯s Mum stopped speaking, the flow of her tears requiring both her hands to wipe them away.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Edith. You don¡¯t need to say more,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad whispered, digging around his desk for some tissues. She gratefully accepted them, nodding as she dabbed at her eyes.

    Lila felt Asher¡¯s hand brush against hers and she held it tightly, her knees suddenly feeling weak. He followed her lead in sinking to the floor, not letting go of her hand even once. Daniel was already kneeling on the carpet, his head in his hands. Their Mum¡­ had seen her brother be murdered, for the crime of being a loan shark? She¡¯d never spoken about him ¨C and neither had her siblings or grandparents, whenever they visited family.

    It was incredibly eerie, finding out that Daniel shared both his namesake and business with an Uncle they¡¯d never known about. Suddenly, Lila felt as though, perhaps, he¡¯d end up sharing the same fate ¨C murdered.

    ¡°I never imagined that my son, who¡¯s name easily came to me, would follow in his Uncle¡¯s footsteps,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum muttered, blowing her nose into a tissue. ¡°But¡­ we¡¯re not in the Philippines. S-So¡­ maybe it¡¯s safe.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I can see about stopping it,¡± Daniel said stiffly from behind his hands. ¡°I don¡¯t need to be the Banker.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila responded quickly. Everyone looked at her in varying states of surprise.

    ¡°¡­ Why?¡± Daniel looked up from his hands, his eyebrows wrinkled in confusion. ¡°You were all for me cancelling it before.¡±

    ¡®Shit,¡¯ Lila thought, her eyes darting to her parents and back to Daniel. ¡®It¡¯s still too early to say anything about the morphine ring.¡¯

    Now that the presence of danger lurked overhead, what with their Uncle¡¯s untimely death for the exact same business Daniel was in, the stakes had exponentially increased. Rocking the boat¡­ wasn¡¯t something she was willing to risk, for Daniel¡¯s sake ¨C before knowing all of this, and certainly not after. But it was getting harder to protect him from a threat he knew nothing about ¨C especially when an apparent, tangible one had just been disclosed.

    ¡°We¡¯re already at the finish line,¡± Asher said, squeezing Lila¡¯s hand. ¡°The Headmaster hasn¡¯t agreed that it will be sanctioned. But if it does, then your safety is almost guaranteed.¡±

    ¡°My safety¡­¡± Daniel trailed off, his face now taking on a sickly green undertone. He looked ready to throw up.

    ¡°Cutting it cold turkey does sound like an excellent way to get into trouble with your clients and employees,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad said sagely. Lila¡¯s Mum choked back a sob as she wiped at her eyes again.

    ¡°You can¡¯t undo what¡¯s already been done, especially since it¡¯s been, what, six months of running the business,¡± Asher added. Lila glanced down at Asher¡¯s hands to find them trembling. Her eyes travelled up to his face, which looked stoic ¨C but his eyes betrayed the fear that had clearly rattled him. It was a look she was unfortunately far too familiar with.

    Lila¡¯s Dad passed her Mum more tissues before leaning back in his desk chair, his own expression incredibly pensive. Lila could almost see him considering multiple possibilities as his eyes moved between both of his children. Finally, they rested on Asher, producing a grim expression across her Dad¡¯s face. He leaned forward, looking now at Daniel over the rim of his glasses.

    ¡°It appears that you¡¯ve backed yourself into a corner, my boy,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad uttered slowly. ¡°One that¡­ you can get out of, with a lot of difficulty. The easiest way to stop it is to rescind all the debts that are owed to you and quietly change schools.¡±

    If it was even possible, Daniel looked more pale, his eyes wide and fixated on his Dad.

    ¡°Or¡­ we go along with this¡­ business, with you as the ¡®Banker¡¯, or whatever you said just now. We finish out the school year, and see what we can do about stopping it then, or whether you want to continue until you graduate. Truthfully, it¡¯s rather shady, but your business sense is ticking away in that mind of yours. As much as I¡¯m reluctant to go along with it, I can¡¯t deny that it¡¯s invaluable experience. If it¡¯s sanctioned, it will also be somewhat controlled for at school¡­ but, for your poor mother¡¯s heart, this will have to stay at school. Once you graduate, no more. We can invest the money you¡¯ve made into a proper, legitimate business after graduation, or whatever you decide to do with it.¡±

    Daniel rubbed his eyes, more so as a habit he¡¯d had since he was young when he was trying to make his mind up, rather than because he was tired.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad continued. ¡°You can think on it. When¡¯s your meeting with the Headmaster?¡± He looked right back at Asher, who seemed bewildered that he was being addressed directly.

    ¡°Monday. After school. He just wants to talk to Daniel, and get as much information about it to make a decision,¡± Asher responded.

    Lila¡¯s Dad rubbed his forehead for a second. ¡°I assume he wouldn¡¯t make a decision instantly. I do think you¡¯re right, though ¨C he¡¯ll want to talk to me and Mum first, especially since it seems you¡¯ve built quite the following so far. He would be pretty aware of that fact ¨C either already or soon.¡±

    The atmosphere remained tense, though Lila¡¯s Mum seemed to have calmed down now.

    ¡°Thank you for telling us,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad finally said, smiling at Daniel. ¡°That also took mettle, Daniel. While I wish it would¡¯ve been earlier, it¡¯s better late than never.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Daniel stammered in response, pulling his knees to his chest. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum stretched her arms out, in a wordless request for a hug from Daniel. He stumbled to his feet, wrapping his arms around her. They remained like that for a few moments, with Daniel sniffling every so often, before she gently pushed him out of the hug. Lila¡¯s Mum reached for Daniel¡¯s face, gently taking both sides and rubbing her nose against his affectionately.

    ¡°Mum¡¯s not angry with you,¡± she whispered. ¡°Just¡­ scared.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Daniel¡¯s voice cracked, his shoulders slumping in defeat.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum said, brushing the hair out of his eyes. ¡°You¡¯re young. Mistakes are how you learn.¡±

    Daniel grimaced, and Lila¡¯s Mum smiled at him. ¡°Go on. Go play some games, or relax. I¡¯ll call you when dinner¡¯s ready.¡±

    Daniel looked hesitantly at Lila and Asher, who were still on the floor.

    ¡°You¡¯ve earned it,¡± Lila said lightly. ¡°You did well.¡±

    He pressed his lips together before nodding. ¡°Okay. See you guys later.¡±

    Daniel slipped out of the doorway, softly closing the door behind him. There was total silence in the study as everyone seemed to collect their thoughts following their conversation. Then ¨C

    ¡°How long have you known for?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad sounded tired as he wiped his glasses with a lens cleaner.

    ¡°Early June, I think,¡± Lila replied reluctantly, glancing at Asher.

    ¡°It was just over a month ago,¡± Asher clarified. Lila¡¯s Dad paused his cleaning to peer at them both.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing,¡± he said slowly, raising an eyebrow at Asher, ¡°that your ¡®tutoring¡¯ was not for schoolwork.¡±

    ¡°You caught me, Mr Moloney,¡± Asher responded with a small grin. Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s eyes flickered to hers, though he looked away again as he finished cleaning his glasses.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been running circles around us,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad stated plainly.

    ¡°Not¡­ necessarily,¡± Lila said tentatively. ¡°Asher was tutoring Daniel¡­ just in how to do the books better, and use Square.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad snorted. Then, he placed his glasses on his face with a weary expression.

    ¡°Is there anything else that we need to know in relation to this situation?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad¡¯s voice was incredibly stern. Lila hesitated. There was¡­ but she really needed far more proof, especially since it related to his investigation that she should know absolutely nothing about.

    Unauthorized usage: this tale is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    She bit her lower lip as she tried to think of a noncommittal response.

    ¡°¡­ Not¡­ for this,¡± Lila replied tentatively, bracing herself for further questions. It wasn¡¯t necessarily a lie ¨C since Daniel wasn¡¯t a part of the morphine ring, despite his money being siphoned out by the Grade 12s, it was just far enough removed.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad looked dead straight in her eyes. ¡°What else is there?¡±

    She looked away, fiddling instead with the folds of her pants. ¡°Nothing you need to know for this matter.¡±

    ¡°Is there something I need to know generally?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Not that I know of.¡± This was, of course, far more of a lie. But, to be able to get into it with him, she¡¯d need to know more about it. At least, that¡¯s how she rationalised away the sticky, murky feeling of distaste settling within her stomach as she added a nod, sealing her lie.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make it known that I don¡¯t believe that,¡± her Dad said after a pause. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ll believe that you have your reasons. We did raise you to have a good head on your shoulders. I just hope you tell me some day.¡±

    Lila looked up at her Dad, who gave her a comforting smile.

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila promised. He surveyed her carefully before heaving himself to his feet.

    ¡°Thank you, you two,¡± her Dad said fondly, reaching a hand out to help Lila¡¯s Mum stand. ¡°For helping Daniel with his business. Though we would have preferred to have known earlier, at least you two were there for him. And it seems as though updating to Square was a good idea, Asher.¡±

    ¡°T-Thanks, Mr Moloney,¡± Asher replied, slowly rising to his feet. He helped Lila up as well and she smiled appreciatively at him.

    Her Dad collected the empty teacups, placing them on the tray. Lila¡¯s Mum opened the door, gesturing for Lila¡¯s Dad to go through. He did so before turning on his heel and looking back at Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Congratulations, by the way,¡± her Dad said warmly. ¡°I¡¯m glad to see you two are finally together.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher seemed perplexed by this revelation.

    ¡°Of course,¡± her Dad smiled. ¡°It was painful, watching my daughter mope around all the time because she was waiting around for you.¡±

    ¡°Dad!¡±

    He winked at her before chortling his way down the hallway. Lila¡¯s Mum chuckled as well, smiling at them both and gesturing for them to leave, which they did so promptly.

    Lila heard her Mum close the door behind them. They immediately headed towards her room when her Dad called Lila back into the kitchen. Asher looked curiously at Lila, who gestured for him to head up without her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, Dad?¡± Lila asked, stepping just inside the kitchen. He turned around, the teapot in his hands already soapy.

    ¡°Door open, Lila.¡±

    Lila felt her face redden. ¡°I know, Dad.¡±

    ¡°Just reminding you,¡± he shrugged, turning back to the sink. ¡°You mentioned last night that you¡¯re going over to Asher¡¯s tomorrow. Do you keep the door open there, too?¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± Lila replied unconvincingly, stepping backwards out of the kitchen.

    ¡°Lila.¡±

    ¡°¡­ No. Never have, even before we were dating. His house is very echoey, I guess. We didn¡¯t want the whole house to hear our English presentation for hours on end.¡±

    ¡®Plus, we want to keep at least some kind of barrier between our investigation activities and Marlene¡¯s nosy ways,¡¯ Lila added privately. She recalled with a shudder Asher¡¯s text to Lila about Marlene hovering outside the library door the second time she visited.

    Her Dad stopped moving for a moment. ¡°Alright. Well, when you¡¯re here, you have to follow our rules. Door open, please. For now.¡±

    ¡°Okay Dad.¡±

    ¡°Good. Go on.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have to be told twice. She dashed off to her room, bounding up the staircase at two stairs at a time.

    Asher was sitting on her floor again, the same book he¡¯d been reading in his hands once more. She sucked in a deep breath, the sudden exercise after this morning¡¯s brutal hockey match leaving her winded.

    ¡°You made it,¡± he smiled up at her. ¡°What¡¯d your Dad say?¡±

    ¡°To keep the door open,¡± Lila replied breathlessly, sitting down across from him, resting her back against her desk.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes flicked back down to the book, his cheeks growing rosier by the second. ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    He continued to read, but he seemed to be going at a much slower pace than normal. Lila observed him for a moment before crawling towards him, a mischievous grin across her face. His eyes darted to hers, his expression bewildered.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    Lila cut off his attempted question with a kiss. He made a small sound of surprise and she felt him drop his book onto his lap. He placed one of his hands on the small of her back, pulling her closer to him. She held back from doing anything more with this kiss, breaking away to look past his shoulder at her bookshelf. She plucked a book out and began to back away again when he gently held her arm.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± he whispered, his eyes focused on her lips. ¡°Come back here.¡±

    She smiled at him, obliging his request with one more kiss, the book in her hands slipping out of her grasp.

    ¡°Whoa guys, do I need to petition with Mum and Dad to let you close this door?¡±

    It was Clare¡¯s voice. Lila unwillingly pulled away from Asher, looking up at her sister in the doorway.

    ¡°What do you want?¡± Lila asked shortly, shuffling backwards towards the desk again.

    ¡°Wanna know why you guys held a family meeting without me,¡± Clare replied, folding her arms across her chest, her expression incredibly displeased. Lila sighed, placing a hand on her forehead.

    ¡°Ask Daniel.¡±

    ¡°I did. He told me to ask you.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. He was probably still processing, but Clare didn¡¯t look as though she¡¯d be budging anytime soon.

    ¡°Fine. But he needs to be there,¡± Lila relented, wearily standing up. Asher closed his book and stood as well, clearly preferring to look at the ground rather than at Clare.

    The trio left without another word. Lila raised her hand to Daniel¡¯s door, ready to knock, when he swung it open.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he blinked. ¡°Hello¡­ everyone.¡±

    ¡°Can we come in?¡± Lila asked. Daniel looked behind her, towards Clare, before he stood back, giving them room to head inside.

    ¡°I was about to get some juice,¡± Daniel explained once everyone entered, with Lila and Clare settling on his bed, and Asher sinking into his desk chair. ¡°You guys want some?¡±

    ¡°Yes please,¡± Lila smiled. Asher and Clare also indicated their acceptance of his offer and he left, clomping down the stairs.

    ¡°Were you listening in at the study door?¡± Lila asked, looking towards the board of students still hanging above Daniel¡¯s desk.

    ¡°No. I have more class than that,¡± Clare replied haughtily. Lila turned to her with a doubtful look and Clare sighed.

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t hear anything.¡±

    ¡°Bingo.¡±

    ¡°What were you guys talking about?¡± Clare pressed.

    ¡°It¡¯s not my secret to tell, Clare,¡± Lila said firmly. Clare sighed, folding her arms across her chest again, a thoughtful expression on her face.

    ¡°¡­ Should I tell him about my job?¡± she asked in a low voice, looking towards her knees. Lila and Asher exchanged a look.

    ¡°That¡¯s up to you, sis,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I¡­ think he¡¯s too young still, but he is surprisingly mature.¡±

    Clare nodded, unfolding her arms. ¡°You¡¯re right. He¡¯s only thirteen. Hopefully when he comes of age, I won¡¯t be doing it anymore.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully? Are you not enjoying it?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not that. But, I guess, it¡¯s shameful, to have a sister that does that for a job.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Lila smiled, reaching out a hand to touch Clare¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I haven¡¯t noticed.¡±

    Clare gave her a half-hearted smile, opening her mouth to say something else when Daniel reappeared in the doorway, a tray holding cups and a juice box in his hands.

    They watched in silence as Daniel poured a cup for each of them and passed it along.

    ¡°Thanks, Daniel,¡± Lila said once he picked up his own cup. He inclined his head towards her before taking a sip and setting it down on his desk.

    ¡°So, why are you all in here?¡± Daniel asked expectantly, though he looked as though he knew the answer.

    ¡°Clare wouldn¡¯t leave us alone,¡± Lila replied.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Clare confirmed. ¡°You can¡¯t just have family meetings without me.¡±

    Daniel rubbed his forehead, a pained expression across his face. ¡°It¡­ doesn¡¯t concern you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m very concerned,¡± Clare retorted, sitting up straight. ¡°Like, very.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, sis, but¡­ it was a really intense conversation,¡± Daniel said quietly. ¡°I¡¯m not prepared to talk about it.¡±

    Lila shot Daniel a sympathetic look, though Clare still appeared stubborn as she continued to sit on his bed expectantly.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to tell Clare about what Mum said,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Let¡¯s just tell her about the Banker.¡±

    ¡°The what now?¡± Clare whipped her head to look at Lila.

    Daniel rubbed his left eyebrow before sighing in defeat.

    ¡°The short of it is that I¡¯ve been running an underground loan shark business at school, that also went into food delivery services for students,¡± Daniel said monotonously. He gestured to the board of students. ¡°Those are clients who are the most in debt.¡±

    ¡°I remember that weird board,¡± Clare shared a look with Lila. ¡°Wasn¡¯t Isaac on that board?¡±

    ¡°You remember that?¡± Lila looked incredulously back at Clare.

    ¡°I never forget a face,¡± Clare replied simply. ¡°It¡¯s very handy at my¡­¡± she faltered, taking a sip of juice.

    ¡°At your what?¡± Daniel queried, placing a hand on his hip.

    ¡°My¡­ Uni,¡± Clare finally said, placing her cup in her lap. ¡°Easy to find study partners when I know who¡¯s in my classes.¡±

    Daniel seemed to consider this for a moment before continuing on with his explanation. ¡°Basically, I had to tell Mum and Dad before they found out through the school. It got to the point where we had to get it sanctioned or shut down.¡±

    Clare continued to look at him expectantly. He sighed again.

    ¡°Here,¡± he opened up his phone and passed it over to Clare. Her eyes bulged as she saw what was on it.

    ¡°Hold up, that¡¯s your revenue?¡± Clare was astounded, passing back his phone. ¡°This is why you needed a new bank account?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, to both. Though, some of the money goes to my employees.¡±

    ¡°E-Employees?¡±

    ¡°Mostly Grade 12s. I have someone who¡¯s the face of the operation, then some muscle. Oh, and a few runners for deliveries.¡±

    Clare eyed Asher, who was still sitting at Daniel¡¯s desk and looking utterly innocent.

    ¡°Asher, why do you know about this?¡± she questioned, arching her eyebrow.

    ¡°U-Uh, well, we found out about it,¡± Asher replied vaguely, his eyes darting to Lila.

    Daniel sighed again. ¡°He went to pay off a 3k loan, but because it was so high, I had to collect it personally.¡±

    ¡°You were in 3k of debt?¡± Clare looked surprised.

    Asher shook his head. ¡°It was for a friend.¡±

    ¡°After Lila and Asher found out, they helped me redo my system and now we use Square instead of just using cash or the occasional bank transfer.¡±

    ¡°¡­ So how¡¯d the conversation with our parents go, then?¡± Clare asked.

    ¡°It¡­ was fine, I guess. It looks like if the school sanctions it, I¡¯ll be stuck doing it for a little bit, though.¡±

    ¡°Do you not want to do it?¡±

    Daniel paused, his eyes conflicted. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not that. I like being the Banker, most of the time. I feel really accomplished, and the money¡¯s hectic. But¡­ it¡¯s a lot of responsibility. And¡­ I guess it can be dangerous.¡±

    Clare pressed her lips together. ¡°Yeah. It can be. Plus, a lot of people would want to use you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. At the moment, hardly anyone knows I¡¯m the boss of the whole thing. But that might change, depending on what the school wants to do about it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, well¡­ thanks for telling me,¡± Clare said with a tone of finality. Then, she looked at Lila through narrowed eyes. ¡°Lila, you sure are a secret keeper.¡±

    Lila tried to keep her facial expression neutral as she casually shrugged. ¡°I suppose so.¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s keeping your secrets?¡± Clare raised both eyebrows suspiciously at Lila who shrugged again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have any.¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes flickered to Asher, who drank some of his juice. Lila could see the subtle way his hands were quivering, but hoped that Clare wouldn¡¯t notice.

    Clare shook her head, clapping her hands onto her thighs before standing.

    ¡°That¡¯s that, I guess,¡± Clare announced. ¡°I¡¯ve got to get ready. I¡¯m going out for lunch, then going out tonight.¡±

    She gave Lila a meaningful look and Lila guessed that Clare¡¯s lunch was probably with Alex, and that her ¡®going out tonight¡¯ was for work, given it was a Saturday.

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila said pleasantly. The boys said their goodbyes and Clare left, closing the door gently behind her.

    ¡°Clare¡¯s¡­ reaction was a bit different to what I was expecting,¡± Daniel muttered, looking at where Clare had departed.

    ¡°Well¡­ she is trying to stay out of everyone¡¯s business this year,¡± Lila replied with a shrug. ¡°The old Clare would¡¯ve freaked out, but I¡¯ve found that she¡¯s a bit more reasonable recently.¡±

    Daniel exhaled loudly, running his hands through his hair.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Lila asked softly. He shook his head.

    ¡°How am I supposed to be okay? It¡­ it feels like I¡¯m playing with fire here. What if I end up like Uncle Daniel?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± Lila said firmly, looking towards Asher who nodded. ¡°That¡¯s what sanctioning it at school is for. It protects you with some regulation, at least.¡±

    ¡°But what if they tell everyone who I am?¡± Daniel bemoaned, sitting heavily on his bed next to Lila. ¡°I¡¯m so screwed. See that guy there? He owes me 1.5k. And that one there? $900. All the others are at least hundreds in debt, with admittedly no hope of paying.¡±

    ¡°Have you been checking whether these people you¡¯re giving loans to are able to pay before giving them the loan?¡± Lila inquired, furrowing her brow.

    ¡°I do, when I take the loans. But¡­ like I said, Livi¡¯s gone off the rails. I think she enjoys getting people in trouble, me included. So, even if she does check and it doesn¡¯t look good, I think she just goes ahead with it.¡±

    ¡°Is there any way to forgive the loans?¡± Asher asked, leaning forward on his chair.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got too many investors. I mean, maybe? But it¡¯d take a lot of work and money out of my funds, which I need to have stock of to give out more loans.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Asher said, leaning back again. ¡°We¡¯ll need to add that as part of the conditions of running this still.¡±

    ¡°Conditions?¡± Daniel looked perplexed.

    ¡°Yeah. You¡¯ll need to propose a few things, including how this whole thing is going to run from here on out after it gets sanctioned. I¡¯ve already written up a list which I have in my bag, but we¡¯ll need to add that checks will need to be done regarding serviceability.¡±

    ¡°Service-a-what?¡± Daniel glanced at Lila, who shrugged.

    ¡°Just whether can people pay it back or not,¡± Asher clarified. ¡°I¡¯ll go grab it, hang on.¡±

    He left without giving anyone the chance to deny him.

    ¡°You¡¯re keeping him, right?¡± Daniel asked in a low voice. Lila gave him a sideways glance.

    ¡°Planning on it,¡± she replied. ¡°As much as he¡¯s useful to you, he¡¯s¡­ everything to me.¡±

    Daniel gave her a shrewd look before wrinkling his nose. ¡°Ew. No need to get sappy, it was just a simple question.¡±

    She grabbed one of his pillows and bonked him on the head with it.

    ¡°Hey! Oi! Precious cargo!¡± Daniel whined before grabbing another pillow and hitting her back.

    Lila grabbed his pillow and threw it onto the ground, immediately placing him into a headlock and ruffling his hair wildly. He struggled against her for a moment before the door opened again and Asher entered.

    ¡°Uh, did I miss something?¡± he asked cautiously, remaining in the doorway. Lila instantly let Daniel go.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Daniel grinned after getting his breath back. ¡°She¡¯s just sappy.¡±

    Lila glared at him and he laughed.

    ¡°Sappy?¡± Asher inquired, approaching them with a spiralbound notebook in his hands.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Daniel smirked. ¡°See, I can protect your secrets too, sis.¡±

    She rolled her eyes at Daniel, though she did appreciate it deep down. She¡­ wasn¡¯t quite ready to admit what she said to Asher¡¯s face, after all. Asher still looked curious, but shook his head and rolled the desk chair towards Daniel¡¯s bed. He passed the notebook to Daniel before sitting down.

    ¡°I added the serviceability thing just now,¡± Asher said. ¡°The list is in the front.¡±

    Daniel nodded, opening the cover. Lila leaned over his shoulder, taking in the list. A lot of it was procedural, and involved some colour coding that noted whether it was a negotiable condition or not.

    ¡°Thanks, Asher,¡± Daniel said after he finished reading through it. ¡°Makes sense to me.¡±

    ¡°You can chop or change it, but I did gather some intel from the teachers about how to make it more agreeable to the Headmaster. Think on it, and don¡¯t forget to take it on Monday.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Daniel repeated, closing it. ¡°Are you coming to the meeting on Monday, Lila?¡±

    Lila glanced at Asher, who shook his head. ¡°You can be nearby, but the condition of the meeting was that it was basically between the Banker and the Headmaster. I¡¯ll be there as a conduit, but Daniel¡¯ll have to do all the talking.¡±

    Daniel closed his eyes, his face paling once more.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said comfortingly. ¡°You did most of the talking with Mum and Dad.¡±

    Daniel looked unconvinced. ¡°I¡¯ll definitely need tomorrow to prepare,¡± he said after a few moments.

    ¡°If you need anything, you can let me know,¡± Asher added. ¡°Like Lila said, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Daniel exhaled heavily, tapping the cover of the notebook. ¡°Okay.¡±

    Lila stood up. ¡°I guess we¡¯ll get out of your hair,¡± she said, meeting Asher¡¯s eyes. He stood as well and they crossed Daniel¡¯s room towards his door. She paused, turning back to Daniel. ¡°You did well. That was a big discussion.¡±

    He smiled weakly at Lila. ¡°Thanks, sis. See you later.¡±

    Lila and Asher left him to his thoughts, treading quietly to her room.

    ¡°Well, that went well, all things considered,¡± Asher yawned, stretching his arms. ¡°What should we do?¡±

    Lila shrugged, her mind quite consciously aware of the open door policy. ¡°I was hoping to read that book I grabbed before.¡±

    Asher glanced down at it before bending down and picking it up. ¡°Reading sounds good,¡± he said, passing it to her. She grabbed some cushions for both of them before settling down onto the floor, facing Asher. He smiled at her as he cushioned his back against her bookshelf and opened his book.

    They read in silence for a while before Lila felt Asher move. She looked up and saw that he had made his way over to her, his face extremely serious.

    ¡°You¡¯re looking really cute over here,¡± he whispered, hovering just above her. ¡°I can¡¯t resist anymore.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart jumped to her throat. Resist¡­ what, exactly?

    Just as she thought that, he leant down, gently grazing his lips against hers. She reciprocated his kiss, which immediately picked up in intensity. Her breathing grew heavy, and he grasped one of her hands, the intimacy of this subtle touch sending shivers down her spine. The feeling of dizzying intoxication returned, and she felt his fingers twitch around her hand. Sparks of electricity rushed through her in tandem with each heart beat, and she felt as though she was beginning to melt in his hands.

    He halted for a moment, as if contemplating something, and broke their kiss entirely. She pouted at him and he grinned at her, his face flushed with red. Then, before she could react, he lightly brushed her neck with his lips.

    She¡¯d never felt this sensation before, her body shuddering involuntarily with pleasure. It left her breathless and she gripped his shirt, pulling him closer in a silent demand for him to keep going. He did, and she felt goosebumps trailing down her neck, which he followed with more kisses.

    Her breath returned in the form of a gasp as the feeling gathered in potency. The sound seemed to excite him somehow, his own breathing sounding heavier with each passing second. He slightly pulled her shirt down, exposing more of her skin that he quickly continued to explore with his lips. A moan that she didn¡¯t expect escaped her mouth, as though the tingles she was feeling had taken control of her vocal cords.

    Asher chuckled, the sound reverberating through her neck and producing yet more pleasure. Lila wasn¡¯t sure whether she even had a brain anymore as it was entirely blank, giving in to the feelings he was imparting on her.

    Then, the telltale sound of someone coming up the stairs shocked her brain right back into its rightful place and she pushed him off her in a panic, her strength surprising even herself.

    He landed next to her with a small ¡°Oof!¡±, and she almost threw his book at him before opening her own to a random page, trying to calm her breathing as best she could so that whoever it was wouldn¡¯t suspect that anything had happened between her and Asher just now.

    She chanced a peek at Asher, who seemed to be similarly attempting to calm down, having brought his knees up to his chest and hidden his face behind his book.

    ¡°Lunch is ready,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum called, poking her head into Lila¡¯s room. ¡°Ah, reading, I see.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yup,¡± Lila stuttered, promptly closing her book. ¡°We¡¯ll come down now.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum smiled before advancing towards Daniel¡¯s room, knocking politely before telling him the same thing. Lila strained her ears to hear further activity, but she didn¡¯t need to. Clare burst out of her room with a ¡°Bye guys!¡±, rushing down the stairs as though escaping a fire.

    ¡°That girl,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum tutted. Then, Lila heard footsteps returning to the stairs and make their way down it. As Daniel hadn¡¯t left his room just yet, Lila assumed that her Mum had headed back downstairs.

    She turned to Asher to find him smirking at her. She felt her face immediately turn red and she set her book aside.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she whispered desperately, ¡°I thought you just wanted to keep to kissing.¡±

    ¡°I was,¡± he whispered back, his tone conveying an air of innocence. ¡°Seeing you tremble like that was starting to drive me crazy, though. If you hadn¡¯t pushed me off, I think we would¡¯ve been caught red handed.¡±

    Lila¡¯s blush deepened even further, suddenly feeling very embarrassed by his observation. He swiftly kissed her forehead before getting to his feet.

    ¡°Let¡¯s not keep your family waiting,¡± he said softly, reaching down to help her up. She accepted his assistance and they left, meeting Daniel in the hallway.

    Lila couldn¡¯t concentrate on her lunch, which consisted of thin slices of barbecued meat in a bed of seasoned rice, in the slightest. Luckily, Asher took the reins in regaling her family with a summary of his win against St Peters, which suitably impressed Lila¡¯s Dad and Daniel. No one dared broach the topic of the Banker situation, even though Clare had already left for the day.

    Lila otherwise tried to act as casually as she could, her attempts at dispelling her intrusive memories of how Asher kissed her neck just moments earlier failing miserably. Worse still, her thoughts would loop back to what Asher had said ¨C ¡°Seeing you tremble like that was starting to drive me crazy¡±.

    ¡°Is everything okay, Lila?¡± her Dad finally asked, having exhausted all points of discussion about Asher¡¯s soccer match.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila replied, staring intently at her half-eaten food. ¡°Just¡­ tired, after hockey.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± her Dad nodded in understanding. ¡°I bet.¡±

    He moved on to another conversation topic, which Lila zoned out entirely, deciding to instead focus on eating the rest of her food so that she could go back upstairs. It didn¡¯t take long for her to accomplish her goal, and it seemed that everyone else had finished around the same time. She picked up her bowl, quickly placing it in the sink, and hurried up the stairs.

    She sank down onto her bed, nervously touching the pendant of the necklace Asher had gifted her as she waited for him to join her. She didn¡¯t have to wait long, and he entered her room with a sheepish grin.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said quietly, taking his place by her bookshelf.

    ¡°For?¡± Lila asked as she slid off her bed and to her spot by her desk. He held her gaze for a moment before looking down at their books.

    ¡°I lost myself for a moment. It¡­ was a bit much.¡± He leaned forward, collecting both the books and passing hers over. She placed her hand over his, shaking her head.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t,¡± she murmured. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t think here¡¯s the best place.¡±

    He nodded solemnly, tenderly caressing her hand before retreating to his book. This time, they read for quite a while longer, though Lila couldn¡¯t comprehend what she was reading. Her mind was still swimming through her growing bank of tantalising kisses, touches and words of desire, overriding whatever her eyes were seeing.

    It was strange how, at some points, he seemed so shy ¨C but at others, like just before, he exuded a confidence that drew her in, linking with her body in a way that somehow severed her connection with her mind.

    She tightly gripped the edges of her book before slamming it shut, done with pretending to read. He looked up at her and lowered his book.

    ¡°Yes?¡± he questioned, tilting his head slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m bored,¡± she sighed. ¡°Can we do something else?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Like what?¡± Asher seemed tentative, a hint of rosiness decorating his cheeks.

    ¡°Dunno. Maybe some board games.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± a glimmer of disappointment crossed through his eyes. ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s play that one from before ¨C Catan, I think it was?¡±

    They set aside their books and climbed downstairs. Her parents were watching TV in the living room, and Lila carefully moved across it to the board games stash. Asher hung around by the couch, his eyes lingering on the Filipino drama playing at full blast with interest.

    Lila rifled through their collection, pulling out Catan and a couple others that were suited to two players. She quickly moved across the TV again, gesturing for Asher to follow her to the dining room table.

    They wordlessly set up Catan, settling themselves opposite each other. A board game was definitely a good move, as it suitably distracted Lila. They played a couple games, only pausing for a brief moment when Lila¡¯s Dad appeared beside her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up, kiddos,¡± he said affectionately, looking down at their game. ¡°Looks like Lila snagged the good port.¡±

    ¡°She did,¡± Asher nodded, ¡°until you look at how many cities I have alongside sheep, and my sheep port.¡±

    ¡°Good work,¡± her Dad laughed. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not here to critique your game. How do you feel about fish and chips for dinner?¡±

    ¡°Yes please!¡± Lila grinned, looking up from her cards. ¡°Not cooking tonight?¡±

    ¡°After today¡¯s conversation? Nah. I¡¯ll place the order now. Are you a crumbed fish man, or a battered fish man, Asher?¡±

    ¡°Crumbed for me, thank you Mr Moloney.¡±

    ¡°Much healthier. And yes, I¡¯ll ask for extra chicken salt and lemon, Lila, don¡¯t fret.¡±

    She beamed at her Dad. ¡°You know me so well. Almost like you raised me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d hope so,¡± her Dad chuckled, leaving them to it.

    They continued playing until her parents returned, the savoury smell of fish and chips immediately making Lila¡¯s stomach rumble. As her family and Asher ate dinner, they discussed a myriad of things, such as the coldness of this year¡¯s winter, and upcoming school activities. It turned out that Daniel was gearing up for his touch footy season to start, proudly boasting about how easily he¡¯d caught up to his other teammates besides his break. Though it teetered on the edge of what they¡¯d discussed in the study, no one dared open that door.

    Once dinner was finished, Lila and Asher got stuck into another board game ¨C one that enticed Daniel to hang back and play as well. Unfortunately, it was only a matter of time before Asher forlornly announced the arrival of Marlene mid-game.

    ¡°Running away, are we?¡± Daniel teased as he moved his Meeple forward on the board. ¡°Scared of losing?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be an idiot,¡± Lila replied, poking him in the head. ¡°You¡¯re fifty points behind. You¡¯d never catch up.¡±

    ¡°Rude,¡± Daniel huffed. ¡°I so would.¡±

    She rolled her eyes at him and he stuck his tongue out at her before he started packing away the board game. Lila followed Asher upstairs, double checking that he hadn¡¯t left anything in her room.

    ¡°What time should I come over tomorrow?¡± she asked softly once he pulled his backpack onto his shoulder.

    ¡°Whenever you want,¡± he responded casually. ¡°It¡¯s not like I have any other plans, besides seeing you.¡±

    ¡°What were we going to do?¡± she queried as they went back downstairs. He made sure to say goodbye to her family as they passed before answering.

    ¡°I was thinking of planning.¡±

    ¡°For?¡±

    He glanced behind him, as if expecting one of her family members to be there. They were quite alone. He shoved his feet into his soccer boots.

    ¡°Well¡­ there¡¯s unfinished business still,¡± he said, giving her a meaningful look.

    ¡°That could mean anything,¡± she replied with a laugh.

    ¡°That¡¯s why we need to plan,¡± he grinned. She opened the door for him and he shuffled out.

    ¡°Shit, it¡¯s cold out here,¡± he grumbled, hoisting his backpack in front of his stomach. ¡°You should stay inside. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll come wi-¡±

    He turned around, kissing her lips softly. She faltered, her heart beginning to race inside her chest. He pulled away, smirking as he gently pushed her back inside her house and promptly closed the front door.

    ¡°See you tomorrow!¡± he called. She heard him dash down the driveway, complaining once more about the cold. A car door slammed, and the lights shining through the frosted glass dimmed by the time she regained control of her limbs.

    ¡®Unfair,¡¯ she thought petulantly, locking the front door. ¡®I wanted to say that too.¡¯

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty

    ¡°Morning,¡± Asher beamed as he opened the front doors to his house. Lila glanced behind her, seeing Clare give her a small wave which she returned, before smiling at Asher.

    ¡°Good morning.¡±

    He waved at Clare, who waved back before she began to drive away. He grabbed Lila¡¯s hand and gently pulled her inside.

    ¡°Bag looks heavy,¡± he observed, taking it off her shoulder.

    ¡°I brought the books we were reading yesterday and some study stuff. I thought a bit of variety could work.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough. Hungry?¡±

    Lila paused for a moment. She¡¯d just had breakfast before coming over, but it seemed he was expecting her to say yes.

    ¡°I¡­ could eat just a little,¡± she said carefully. He smiled, shaking his head.

    ¡°If you¡¯re not hungry, that¡¯s okay. I just asked because Marlene¡¯s about to start cleaning up.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ yeah, I¡¯m not at the moment. Thanks for the offer though.¡±

    She took her shoes off, placing her feet into the slippers set aside for her by the front doors, and shuffled further inside his house.

    ¡°Good morning, Lila,¡± Marlene chirped from behind the kitchen sink, her hands scrubbing at a soapy pan. ¡°Are you hungry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m okay, thank you,¡± Lila replied.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you later,¡± Asher said, taking hold of Lila¡¯s hand again. They headed upstairs to Asher¡¯s rumpus room, the comfortable familiarity setting Lila at ease. He closed the door behind them, a fact that Lila tried to ignore, and set her bag down beside the couch.

    Without asking if she wanted one, she heard Asher put two cups down on his counter, pouring drinks for them both. She gratefully accepted the cup once he passed it to her.

    ¡°So¡­¡± he trailed off, his expression looking slightly timid. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped. That didn¡¯t sound good. Was he about to break up with her?

    ¡°I really lost it yesterday. I¡¯m sorry for doing that to you.¡±

    ¡°You should be,¡± Lila stated, putting her cup on the coffee table. Her fingers were beginning to shake, so she clasped her hands together in an effort to disguise this. He winced, his expression changing to mortification, so she quickly clarified.

    ¡°Rather, you should be sorry for doing that to me and stopping it short.¡±

    He pressed his lips together, his eyes looking conflicted. ¡°Lila, what I¡¯m trying to say is¡­ it was really intense¡­ and I¡¯m not ready. I know it¡¯s my fault, again, for starting something and then giving you mixed signals. But after your Mum came up and almost caught us, I realised what I was doing and¡­ that I¡¯d lost control of myself.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°I know we talked about it. But it was too easy for me to slip into a part of me that just¡­ terrified me, after I realised what I did ¨C and your reaction to us almost getting caught by your Mum doesn¡¯t help that. There¡¯s¡­ just something about you that tempts me in a way I¡¯d never been tempted before, and before I know it, I lose my impulse control like it¡¯s nothing.¡±

    She reached a hand out to his, taking it gently whilst trying to ignore her racing heart. ¡°We can go slow.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s my fault for¡­ speeding it up.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve already told you that I want more. You don¡¯t need to worry about me. If you¡¯re uncomfortable with it, then that¡¯s where the line¡¯s drawn. But¡­ it felt amazing, at least.¡± She couldn¡¯t look at him as she admitted this.

    ¡°Dammit, Lila,¡± he muttered. ¡°I¡¯m trying to do the right thing here.¡±

    ¡°And? What¡¯s that?¡±

    He sighed, thrusting a hand into his hair in apparent frustration. ¡°You¡¯re precious to me. I want to spend time with you, as my girlfriend, without¡­ well, without getting lost in the physical side of things. I feel like I know you really well, but I hardly know you as my girlfriend. It¡¯s only just been a full week.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Had it only been a week? It felt as though they¡¯d been together for much longer. Were they moving too fast? And¡­ now that she considered it, he was right. She hardly knew him as her boyfriend, either. They¡¯d been best friends before they started dating, but even in this short week alone, she¡¯d noticed subtle yet undeniable differences in him ¨C aside from the fact that they¡¯d been kissing and touching in ways they¡¯d never done before. Differences that she might appreciate more if she wasn¡¯t so distracted by her sexual wants.

    Hearing Asher¡¯s perspective on the matter felt like a bucket of ice water had been poured over Lila. Sure, Cecelia and Lucas didn¡¯t seem to have had a problem with having sex on their first day of being a couple ¨C but they¡¯d also been close friends for years, since at least Grade 8, from what Lila had noticed. Far longer than Asher and Lila.

    Of course, there was Willow and her boyfriend, Damian. They¡¯d waited for about a year.

    Then, there was Grace who took a couple of months to start having sex with her girlfriend. Though Lila still had no idea who Grace was dating, how they met, or anything of the sort, because she hadn¡¯t seen Grace spend a lot of time with anyone else besides Elise and Lila, she assumed that Grace mustn¡¯t have known her girlfriend for too long prior to getting together.

    And Lila couldn¡¯t forget that Asher and Holly dated for six months without having sex.

    But did they do other things?

    The way that Asher kissed, held, and touched Lila suggested that perhaps they had. But¡­ if she asked, and got an answer she didn¡¯t want, then what? It wasn¡¯t as though she owned him ¨C not now, and definitely not back then. Despite that, the sting of the potential that Asher had done things with Holly ¨C more than he¡¯d done with Lila ¨C was starting to burn a hole in her heart like a poison-tipped arrow. Maybe it was better not to ask.

    Although, if she didn¡¯t ask, then she would probably always feel as though she were living in Holly¡¯s shadow ¨C the girl he had claimed to love in front of Lila ¨C and forever trying to measure up to whatever Holly had done with Asher. And now that the thought entered her mind, she was beginning to question who he preferred kissing. After all, Holly apparently had plenty of experience ¨C and all of Lila¡¯s experience before Asher amounted to two awful kisses with Isaac, the occasional handholding, and hugging.

    Lila brought her arms around her stomach, suddenly overcome with cold as a new question occurred to her. Was she just touch-starved or maybe feeling a general desire, or was she specifically wanting to do these things with Asher? He meant a lot to her, and she trusted him, but even if they didn¡¯t work out¡­ that meant that she wouldn¡¯t have any ¡®firsts¡¯ with anyone else, depending on how far they went. Was that something she was willing to give to him?

    She hadn¡¯t really sat down and thought about whether this was the path she wanted to take for herself ¨C instead, she was letting her body take the reins. Would she regret it if she didn¡¯t figure that out, and they went further than she truly wanted, deep down? They¡¯d only become closer since February, even though they¡¯d done a whole lot of things that others would call crazy. It was July now, and they¡¯d been together a week¡­ was that really enough time for her to be sure about all of this?

    She felt a soft blanket wrap around her shoulders and she looked up. Asher¡¯s expression seemed concerned as he sat next to her again.

    ¡°Did¡­ I break you?¡± he asked quietly, his hands fidgeting in his lap. ¡°You just¡­ went really quiet for a while.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila whispered, nestling herself deeper into the blanket. ¡°I got lost in my thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d ask to exchange a dollar for them, but¡­ suddenly I don¡¯t know if I should try and bribe you,¡± he murmured, almost too softly for Lila to hear. He cleared his throat, lifting his eyes to meet hers. They seemed to be shining, but not of happiness.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lila. I can try and get over whatever it is that¡¯s going on with me, but¡­ it won¡¯t be anytime soon, I don¡¯t think. I-If that¡¯s a deal breaker, then¡­¡± his voice cracked and he grabbed his cup, drinking from it in big, audible gulps.

    Lila¡¯s mind flashed back to her fear that he was breaking up with her not even ten minutes ago. She emphatically shook her head.

    ¡°Asher, I wouldn¡¯t break up with you over something like that,¡± she said earnestly.

    ¡°¡­ you wouldn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila scooted closer to him and he put his cup down. His cheeks were pink, his chest rising and falling far more rapidly than usual.

    ¡°We¡¯re a team,¡± Lila continued, her voice gentle and comforting. ¡°And¡­ you made a really good point.¡±

    ¡°I did?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I mean, Asher my boyfriend and Asher my best friend are both the same person ¨C but I¡¯ve noticed the differences between them over this past week alone. It¡¯d be nice to get to know this new stage of our relationship properly. I mean, we haven¡¯t even gone out on a date in the outside world yet. Considering all that¡­ really changed my perspective. I want to enjoy this fully ¨C and doing those kinds of things can wait. We don¡¯t need to do more right away. We¡¯re not in a rush.¡±

    Asher¡¯s shoulders slackened; his face pulled into a meek smile. ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure. Your views are important to me, and they happen to make a lot of sense.¡±

    He closed his eyes for a brief moment before pulling her into a hug, the blanket slipping off her shoulders. She pressed her face to his chest, deeply breathing in the hug. Yes¡­ it was moments like these that she was thinking about. She felt him gently caress the top of her head before giving it a tender kiss.

    She would have melted if that act alone hadn¡¯t reminded her that, well, she probably wasn¡¯t the first girl he did that to. She pulled away, surveying his warm smile with distinct nervousness. Should she ask?

    ¡°What¡¯s with the frown?¡± he asked with a breathy laugh, gently running a finger along her eyebrows, which relaxed under his touch.

    To her surprise, she felt tears welling up in her eyes. She wiped at them, shaking her head. Why was it bothering her so much anyway? What he did with people before her ¨C was that really her business?

    He instantly pulled her into his chest again. ¡°Hey, hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡± he questioned, an undercurrent of alarm in his otherwise stable voice.

    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Lila sniffled.

    ¡°That convinced no one,¡± Asher replied, an edge of panic to his tone. ¡°You can tell me if you were lying about being okay with going slow. I-I¡¯ll figure something out-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Lila subtly shook her head in his chest, lightly gripping his crinkled t-shirt. She couldn¡¯t find the words to articulate what the problem actually was, without sounding insecure. But insecure she was ¨C desperately so. She hoped that Asher hadn¡¯t done anything with Holly, but knew it was unlikely, given Holly¡¯s persistence in trying to get Asher to sleep with her. Had they almost gone all the way in the end? Here? Or maybe in his bedroom?

    She shuddered, trying to throw her thoughts out of her mind but nothing worked ¨C not even willing herself to think of cute puppies.

    ¡°Seriously, what is it?¡± He tilted her head up, frantically searching her eyes with his. She forced her head back down, wiping her teary eyes on his shirt.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± It was no use. She couldn¡¯t find the words. He cradled her head with one hand, the other resting on her shoulder blades.

    ¡°Did¡­ I do something?¡± he queried. She could tell from his voice alone that he was becoming anxious, the longer she stayed like this. A flash of anger shot through her ¨C anger at herself, for being so ridiculous.

    ¡°I¡­ I want to know if you did,¡± she finally forced out, her head still hiding away in his chest. She felt another tear escape and she wiped it away with his shirt.

    ¡°Did what?¡±

    ¡°Something¡­ with Holly.¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡± He gently took her shoulders and moved her away from his chest, looking down at her with a bemused expression. She squirmed under his scrutinising gaze before sighing in defeat.

    ¡°I¡­ want to know how far you went with Holly.¡±

    She felt his grip on her shoulders tighten as he stiffened, no longer meeting her eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯d ask why you want to know, but that¡¯d be hypocritical of me,¡± he finally said after a few moments of absolute silence. ¡°Since I asked about you and Isaac.¡±

    He pulled back from her entirely, his body language and facial expression the most apprehensive she¡¯d ever seen from him. He picked at his nails, the struggle to find what to say apparent in the way that he softly sighed. She felt another tear trail down her face and she wiped it away before looking back at him.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to be completely honest with you,¡± he eventually said. ¡°We didn¡¯t get far¡­ but we did get a little bit further than you and I have, in some aspects.¡±

    The confirmation that Lila had feared stole the breath from her lungs. His eyes darted to hers before returning to his hands.

    ¡°We made out a fair bit. And¡­ uh, touched each other¡­ over clothes and only with our hands. I did touch her boobs a couple times, and she¡­ well, touched my dick here and there. We never saw each other naked or exposed in any way though. But¡­ it doesn¡¯t compare at all to what I feel when you kiss and touch me. That¡¯s part of the reason why I¡¯m so freaked out. My body just¡­ moves on its own when you¡¯re involved. It¡¯s like my mind shuts off, and I happen to rely on that a lot¡­¡± He gave her a humourless smile before continuing. ¡°With her, it was all very conscious ¨C and I felt in control of myself every step of the way. She tried to do more, but it was easy for me to stop her and feel basically nothing about it.¡±

    Lila felt herself quivering and she hoisted the blanket back over herself, her mind going a mile a minute as she processed what he said.

    ¡°I never kissed her anywhere else besides her face and the top of her head,¡± he added, his face glowing bright with red. ¡°I told you a while ago that I didn¡¯t want to have sex with her because I wanted to wait a bit longer and see that she definitely wanted me as I am, and because I thought she was perfect ¨C to the point that if I did have sex with her, I¡¯d ruin her. Well, that¡¯s not exactly untrue ¨C but there was something else. When I look back at each time I said no, and each time I stopped her from undressing me and herself¡­ I just wasn¡¯t excited. Aside from feeling terrified and anxious that I¡¯d ruin her, there wasn¡¯t this burning desire that I feel with you.¡±

    He met her eyes, his face incredibly serious. ¡°Lila, even if I had fucked her, I don¡¯t think the feeling would compare to even just kissing you.¡±

    She blinked, the sudden crassness of his statement jolting her. The meaning behind his statement also hit her like a freight truck, her mind suffering from whiplash so quickly that she barely had time to catch her breath before he started speaking again.

    ¡°Sorry, that was¡­ a bit vulgar,¡± he sighed, running his hands through his hair. ¡°Just thinking about her again makes me sick. A-Anyway¡­ from the beginning, when you and I started working together, we just clicked in a way I can¡¯t explain. And that¡¯s carried over to us being physical ¨C dangerously so.¡±

    ¡°You think it¡¯s dangerous?¡± Lila whispered, sinking further into the couch. He glanced at her, a soft, forlorn smile on his face.

    ¡°Unfortunately, I do. For now. I¡­ well, you¡¯ve made me feel wanted and accepted for who I am ¨C something I never really got from Holly, and something that I¡¯d been waiting for before I would¡¯ve had sex with her. I don¡¯t know if that¡¯s what¡¯s different, besides the fact that I¡¯ve liked you for years and years. But, because of that, I feel like if I open the door to us doing anything more than kissing, I¡¯m not going to want to do anything else-¡± he cut himself off, suddenly looking deeply embarrassed. ¡°Shit, I didn¡¯t mean to say that.¡±

    ¡°Is that a lie, then?¡±

    ¡°No, not a lie. But I just don¡¯t want you to think¡­¡± he ran his hands through his hair again with a touch more aggression. ¡°I don¡¯t want you to think that I just want you for your body. A-And I want to prove that to you, by going slow. If you were to ever resent me because it felt like I was using you for your body, I think I¡¯d just pass away.¡± He gave a dry chuckle, though somehow Lila didn¡¯t think he was joking in the slightest.

    Lila felt a rush of butterflies fluttering within her stomach and her cheeks heating up as what he said sank in. In an instant, she recalled her Mum¡¯s words, when she confessed her fear to Lila that Asher would use her for sex and break her heart before Asher returned from Vanuatu. Not that she¡¯d ever tell her Mum in a million years about this conversation with Asher, Lila felt even more confident that Asher had her Mum¡¯s stamp of approval as Lila¡¯s boyfriend. Which, for some reason, seemed to speak to her soul. Perhaps¡­ he was the right person for Lila to give everything to.

    After all, the depths at which he¡¯d considered this, and the fact that he was trying so hard to restrain himself brought some relief to Lila. His want to go slow wasn¡¯t because she was worse than Holly at kissing, or because he just didn¡¯t want to have sex with Lila. From Lila¡¯s understanding, it was so they could grow their relationship first. She considered that if they did that, then they¡¯d have a solid foundation upon which they could finally give in to the full extent of their desires. It¡­ made a lot of sense. With a careful plan like that in mind, she couldn¡¯t imagine a scenario where she¡¯d regret every first she could give Asher.

    The tale has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    Neither spoke for a couple of seconds before Lila spoke, her voice shaky. ¡°Asher¡­ I¡¯m curious. How often have you thought about having sex with me?¡±

    He looked at her as though she¡¯d shot him. ¡°You want to know that?¡±

    She gave him a sharp nod. He exhaled through gritted teeth, seeming conflicted.

    ¡°¡­ Please don¡¯t hate me,¡± he implored.

    ¡°Why would I?¡±

    ¡°Just¡­ you might, after you hear the answer,¡± he replied, placing his head in his hands in painfully apparent shame.

    ¡°What, is it once a day?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Worse.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Once a week?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s worse?¡± He stared at her in confusion. She blushed, simply nodding in response. His eyes slid to his hands, a slight frown gracing his face.

    ¡°At a conservative estimate¡­ I¡¯d say at least once every hour,¡± he murmured. Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat.

    ¡°S-Since when?¡±

    His eyes flickered to hers before returning to his hands, which he clasped on his lap. ¡°Since before I started dating Holly. Then, when I started dating her, it kinda fell to the background. I tried to concentrate on my girlfriend more. I say tried ¨C it wasn¡¯t as if it went away entirely but I told myself it was just thoughts, not actions.¡±

    This news, instead of repulsing her as Asher seemed to expect, relieved Lila considerably. She couldn¡¯t imagine a scenario where someone was thinking about sex more than she was, but it seemed that she was wrong. And¡­ knowing Asher desired her so much did something odd to her, deep within. The strange pulse that she¡¯d felt recently returned, hovering in her abdomen. She started smiling, which seemed to startle Asher.

    ¡°Why the smile?¡± he queried, straightening up.

    ¡°I¡­ well, a couple reasons. But if you¡¯re thinking about it at least once an hour, how do you manage to maintain your Dux status?¡±

    ¡°Sometimes¡­ it serves as a driving force,¡± he said, his voice sounding slightly strained. ¡°And besides, I¡¯m used to it now.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± Lila paused before smiling at Asher again. ¡°You¡¯re not alone, actually. I¡¯ve been thinking about it a lot, since before we started dating. Probably not once an hour, but at least a couple times a day. Since we started kissing, though, it¡¯s been more frequent.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± He seemed stunned, his jaw slack.

    ¡°Yeah. I was really anxious, trying to keep my thoughts to myself, especially when we weren¡¯t dating. But¡­ knowing that you want me like that too, as often as you do, makes me feel like I don¡¯t need to be so anxious. I thought that you might think I was trying to use you for sex, like Holly had, if I told you what was really going on in my mind.¡±

    He bit his lower lip, his eyes shifting slightly from side to side as though he was working through something in his mind.

    ¡°Waiting¡­ sounds a bit stupid, after hearing that,¡± he uttered. ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m sticking by what I said. I want to show you that I¡¯m not using you for your body, and I want to get to know you as my girlfriend before giving in to those impulses.¡±

    ¡°Is kissing off the table then?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°No. Except I¡¯ll be more specific. Kissing your face is the extent that I¡¯m willing to go. Any more than that, any lower than that, especially knowing you¡¯re thinking about it often as well, is way too risky. I learned that the hard way yesterday.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Alright? That¡¯s it?¡±

    Lila nodded again. ¡°Well, yeah. I feel a lot better after our conversation, and you make really valid points. Plus, it¡¯s not as if you¡¯re rejecting me. In fact, it¡¯s more like¡­ you¡¯re wanting to get to know and accept as much of me as you can, before we get carried away.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly it,¡± Asher said, his face brightening with evident relief. ¡°Sorry I had to bring everything down and stop going further, even though we both clearly want it. It¡¯s oxymoronic. Or maybe just moronic.¡±

    A smile flickered across her face before she spoke. ¡°It makes me feel better to know that you are restraining yourself, actually. It shows that you actually care about me as a person ¨C putting the needs of the relationship before your own like that.¡±

    ¡®Somehow, it was actually possible for Asher to be even more attractive than he was before,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, shifting slightly in her seat. She¡¯d never turned her mind as to what emotional intimacy looked like, but¡­ this conversation felt as though they were building it together, piece by piece.

    ¡°And, now that I know how important it is to you to go about it this way, I¡¯m more equipped to help stop us from going further,¡± Lila added softly.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Asher smiled. The rest of his face looked exhausted. ¡°I was really nervous about asking you to slow it down, especially after my lack of control, but it seems like you¡¯re getting what I¡¯m putting down.¡±

    ¡°No need to worry about that,¡± Lila chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m glad we talked about it, and everything else, too. I think¡­ my head¡¯s clear, now. Now that I know the answers to what I was so worried about, I feel like going slow is the right thing to do for the moment. Especially since it seems like you¡¯ve put a lot of thought into it, for the sake of us.¡±

    Asher bowed his head. ¡°I¡¯m an overthinker, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± she smirked. ¡°Same here.¡±

    ¡°Say it ain¡¯t so.¡±

    She nudged him with her shoulder and he nudged her back. Then, he moved closer to Lila altogether, lightly touching the side of her face. She turned to look at him and he kissed her with a tenderness that seemed far more amplified than what she was used to. It confirmed to Lila that he had been just as worried about it all ¨C and for a while, too.

    It wasn¡¯t as though her desire had disappeared in the slightest, but now there was a new layer to their kissing that somehow added so much more meaning. They pulled away, her eyes magnetically drawn to his. She felt as though she finally understood Asher in a much different light, as her boyfriend, and the realisation alone made resisting anything more much easier. It wasn¡¯t just for his sake ¨C it was for the benefit of both of them and if deepening their connection in other ways made her feel like this already ¨C well, she was starting to get both curious and excited for this new state.

    Cecelia and Lucas were right ¨C talking it through with Asher and working together on this, under a mutual understanding, was a good call. What had once been a problem plaguing Lila, by the simple act of being honest and communicative about something so vulnerable, it had transformed into something manageable. She was starting to forget exactly why it was such an issue. Cheesy as it was, communication really was key.

    ¡°I do have to say,¡± he added in a low voice, bringing her closer to him, ¡°that knowing you¡¯re not so innocent¡­ makes me feel a whole lot of things. Better, mainly.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± she smiled. ¡°I kinda thought you were so studious and dedicated that anything of that nature was the furthest thing from your mind.¡±

    He chucked. ¡°Sometimes being so studious and dedicated is the only way to stop it, even just for a little bit. Besides, I am still a guy.¡±

    He leaned in for another kiss and she met him halfway, softly placing both her hands on his chest. She could feel his heartbeat through her fingertips and found that it quite matched her own ¨C heavy, yet quick.

    ¡°Alright, well, perhaps we should do something else,¡± he said gently once they stopped for a moment. He tucked some flyaway hairs behind her ear before holding her gaze once again. ¡°Not to say I couldn¡¯t do this forever.¡±

    She smiled at him before pulling herself closer to his chest, resting her head there for just a second. ¡°Okay.¡±

    He reached over to the coffee table, reaching for some joy-con controllers. ¡°I don¡¯t think I have space in my head for planning right now,¡± he said as he passed a set to her. ¡°Wanna play?¡±

    She sat up with a grin. ¡°Of course.¡±

    ¡°Alright, well¡­ give me some blanket, will ya?¡±

    She unravelled herself enough to cover him and they began looking through his games. Her hands twitched for a moment as she gave him a sideways glance ¨C one that he caught.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, opening up the most recent game they played together.

    ¡°Nothing¡­ but¡­¡± she trailed off before breaking into a small, giddy giggle.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like nothing,¡± he replied, smiling fondly at her.

    ¡°I¡­ just wanted to know¡­ if you¡¯re thinking about it now,¡± she said, the corners of her mouth trembling in a poor attempt at concealing the smile that threatened to burst across her face.

    His eyes widened, his face instantly a deep crimson.

    ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have told you,¡± he groaned, hiding his face behind his hands. ¡°You¡¯re just going to keep teasing me.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you can¡¯t tease me back,¡± Lila laughed, placing her head on his shoulder. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer the question, though.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yes.¡±

    Lila tilted her head up to his and he slowly lowered his hands, his eyes wary ¨C as though waiting for her to be offended or disgusted with him. A fleeting, reassuring smile crossed her face.

    ¡°Same here,¡± she whispered. She heard him take a sharp, shallow breath and she gently pressed her lips against his, the feeling sending a pulsating zap straight to her heart. He kissed back, grazing her neck with his hand which then travelled upwards until it met her jaw, the sensation causing goosebumps to tingle across her arms. He seemed to hesitate before shuffling back, sitting so he was looking at the TV.

    ¡°It almost happened again,¡± he said faintly. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Just need practice,¡± Lila replied, taking his hand and squeezing it. ¡°Sorry for teasing you. Let¡¯s play.¡±

    Falling into their usual routine felt different, somehow. It was as though they¡¯d closed some kind of unobservable but keenly felt gap between them, which led to a much more carefree and comfortable time than she¡¯d ever felt with him. Had she been battling against an invisible pretence this whole time?

    Eventually, Marlene called them down for lunch, which was a simple chicken and vegetable soup. She didn¡¯t join them ¨C though when they did cross paths with her, Lila had the distinct impression that she was watching them far more intently than usual. As Lila slurped her soup, her eyes lingered on the doorway leading to the kitchen, as though expecting to see Marlene just beyond it. She didn¡¯t, but the feeling remained.

    Asher seemed none the wiser as he contentedly ate his soup, occasionally looking up to smile at Lila. As she returned each smile, she wondered if any of his was hiding thoughts that she was dying to hear him say ¨C thoughts about what he¡¯d like to do to her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, taking a sip of his water. She shook her head, spooning some soup into her mouth. One of the upsides to their conversation was that Lila felt that she didn¡¯t need to fear that she wouldn¡¯t know them one day. So, she didn¡¯t need to know right now.

    Once lunch was over, they meandered back upstairs and simultaneously flopped onto Asher¡¯s couch after he closed the door behind them.

    ¡°Well, I feel like I can start focusing again,¡± he said pleasantly. ¡°You ready to plan?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied, drawing the blanket over herself. ¡°You were a little bit mysterious when you mentioned planning. What did you have in mind?¡±

    ¡°The morphine ring,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was grim as he sat up to look at her. ¡°I¡¯d been thinking about what you said, how we really need to dig in to these Grade 12s. But I¡¯m stuck. What kind of evidence do you think we need?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. Photos of a deal might work¡­ but how do they even organise their deals? Unlike the Banker, she¡¯d heard nothing about it when she listened out for rumours. Were their deals even more underground? It would make sense since it was actually illegal.

    ¡°Zack,¡± Lila murmured, tapping her chin.

    ¡°What about him?¡±

    ¡°Well, when you kicked the ball at Theo so hard he fell to the ground, Zack ran over and gave him something that¡­ well, could only be morphine,¡± Lila recalled. ¡°Then, of course, Jason was mad that Zack used some on Theo. Livi said something like Zack only had a bit ¨C so maybe she manages stock?¡±

    Asher crossed his arms, his brow wrinkled in apparent concentration. Then, he smirked. ¡°Theo kinda looked funny, flailing on the ground like that.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, sorry. I¡­ guess I kinda resent the guy a little. He took you to the aquarium. I would¡¯ve liked to have taken you there.¡±

    Lila blinked rapidly in surprise. Asher had never mentioned that before.

    ¡°You still can,¡± she eventually said. He shook his head.

    ¡°Nah. Not special anymore.¡±

    ¡°I disagree. I think going with you would be special.¡±

    His eyes briefly met hers before he turned his attention to his hands, which had fallen to his lap. ¡°Maybe one day. If you¡¯re sure you¡¯d want to see it again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be your tour guide,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°The tidal touch pool was really cool.¡±

    He gave her a half-smile before he grew serious again. ¡°A-Anyway¡­ I haven¡¯t heard anything in the locker room or at practice about morphine.¡±

    ¡°Is there anything weird that gets talked about? Like a code name or something?¡±

    ¡°A code name?¡± Asher seemed to ponder this, narrowing his eyes at the coffee table as if it held the answers. ¡°Not¡­ anything in particular.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d have to be innocuous,¡± Lila pressed. ¡°Something that sounds pretty ordinary, if you don¡¯t think about what¡¯s actually being said.¡±

    Asher rubbed his forehead. Then, he looked up at her, a dawning realisation stretching across his face.

    ¡°The Grade 12s always talk about grabbing juice after practice.¡±

    ¡°Well, that sounds a bit too normal.¡±

    ¡°It does¡­ until you think about the fact that Tuesday arvo finishes after most juice shops close.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to go to a specific juice shop to get juice.¡±

    Asher fell quiet, nodding slowly. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good start, though,¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡°We can start there. Keep an ear out on Tuesday.¡±

    ¡°Do you hear about anything from the hockey girls?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Nothing of the sort. Maybe the morphine ring targets guy sports more?¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ I¡¯d ask Isaac, but I think we should keep this on the down low for the moment. I can¡¯t think of a way to ask him if he remembers the guys talking about juice, and whether it stuck out to him or not, with a reasonable enough explanation.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That sounds like a good idea. Can¡¯t believe everything leads back to juice, though.¡±

    ¡°If it does,¡± Asher added. ¡°I could be wrong, or just too suspicious.¡±

    ¡°No such thing as being too suspicious this early on,¡± Lila stated, imitating a noir-type detective¡¯s voice. He snorted.

    ¡°Never do that again.¡±

    ¡°Aw, come on, sonny,¡± Lila nudged him, exaggerating her voice even further and tipping an imaginary hat.

    ¡°Somehow I feel like you¡¯ve never actually watched any of those movies.¡±

    ¡°Why don¡¯t you quit cryin¡¯ and get me some bourbon?¡±

    He laughed. ¡°On the house,¡± he replied, his eyes twinkling. He grabbed both their empty cups and topped them up again in his kitchenette.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s on the menu for tomorrow?¡± he asked after he returned, passing her cup. She took a small sip before setting it down on the coffee table.

    ¡°I was thinking that Mexican could be nice again,¡± she said.

    ¡°That place was good, wasn¡¯t it? Let¡¯s lock it in.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to go see them?¡±

    ¡°You got my mind to start ticking about the morphine ring again. Even if Livi manages to find something, the information we¡¯ll be gathering on her will be far more valuable. Put it this way, if everything is operating as it had before the Square system, then that¡¯s just suspicious. The main feature of using Square was the efficiency with it all. Plus, not having bundles of cash just sitting with her all morning tea and lunch. But, if they¡¯ve changed up their routine, then that might tell us how they¡¯ve reorganised themselves after the changeover ¨C which might give us a clue as to the structure of the ring.¡±

    His face was aglow with passion as he spoke, and Lila felt herself being drawn in to what he was saying.

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Maybe now that we¡¯re not so stressed about the whole thing, we could observe a bit more of the others. I still think Theo¡¯s in the clear-¡± Asher tutted, but she continued on, ¡°-since he was forthcoming about it all.¡±

    ¡°Because you seduced him.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve seduced no one, thank you very much,¡± Lila retorted. He raised an eyebrow at her.

    ¡°Uh huh. That¡¯s why you¡¯re sitting here, letting me hold your hand.¡±

    She looked down ¨C her hand was indeed intertwined with his. She hadn¡¯t noticed, what with how comfortable and normal it was starting to feel. Almost as though their hands belonged together. She blushed, suddenly flustered. She¡¯d lost her train of thought back at the station. Seemed like she¡¯d need to fire her conductor.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, ¡°we had that list of prospective members of the ring, remember?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s on my laptop, I think. I did bring it, hold on.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab it.¡±

    Asher poked through her bag, victoriously picking up her laptop. ¡°Send it to me. I reckon it might be handy if we¡¯re going all out on this investigation.¡±

    ¡°We have to,¡± Lila said gravely. ¡°Leaving it alone sounds like a terrible idea.¡±

    He tapped the lid of her laptop before passing it to her. ¡°Somehow¡­ this is starting to get really interesting.¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t interesting before?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not that. But it just feels more legit. Since it¡¯s connected to an actual investigation that your Dad is actually working on ¨C and one that my Dad hired your Dad for.¡±

    ¡°Not that either of them should know we¡¯re looking into anything related to it at all for now.¡±

    ¡°I know. I mean, what could we even say?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to think of something when we bring it to my Dad.¡±

    ¡°Hopefully it organically comes to us,¡± Asher murmured. Lila nodded, opening up the document that they¡¯d worked on just after Asher returned from Vanuatu. After seeing the work they¡¯d put into it, she was kicking herself for letting this investigation fall out of her focus.

    ¡°What¡¯s your email address?¡± she asked, opening up Gmail. He recited it to her and she sent the document through. His phone buzzed on the coffee table and he checked it briefly before putting it back.

    ¡°¡­ Should we ask Daniel if he¡¯s noticed anything with the Grade 12s?¡± Asher queried, glancing at her.

    ¡°He would¡¯ve told us when you were going through his books. As much as he¡¯s in the prime position to gather intel, I really don¡¯t want to toss him to the wolves like that. He¡¯s¡­ he¡¯s really in a precarious situation, and he doesn¡¯t know the half of it. If he knows even a word more, it would only be a matter of time before one of the ring members throws him under the bus.¡±

    ¡°Shit,¡± Asher muttered, biting his thumbnail. ¡°It looks like we won¡¯t be able to plan much more until we see what happens tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Which is fine. We¡¯re working with not much info ¨C and it seems to be by complete design. What I find interesting is that you don¡¯t know much about it, since you¡¯re a soccer boy.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t normally stick around after practice. Got work to do at home. Plus, when you have a private chef, you don¡¯t need to care so much about smashing juice with the boys. Gabriel¡¯s drinks are far better than anything you can buy.¡±

    ¡°I see. And definitely agree, with the whole Gabriel¡¯s drinks are better thing. Although, now that I think of it, do you know how far your goody-two-shoes reputation extends?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ odd question.¡±

    ¡°Well, I wonder if sending you in as a mole would work against us.¡±

    ¡°How do you figure?¡±

    ¡°If they all think that you¡¯ll just run off to a teacher, then of course they¡¯re keeping a tight lid on it when you¡¯re around. But only if they think that¡¯s who you are. If they think that maybe you¡¯re a rule bender, they might see dollar signs when you come into the picture.¡±

    Asher placed his chin atop his right hand, looking reminiscent of The Thinker. ¡°I¡­ honestly don¡¯t know what my reputation is,¡± he said after a few seconds. ¡°I was a goody-two-shoes, before this year. Now I guess you could call me a criminal, not that anyone else besides you knows that.¡±

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I¡¯m not a criminal either. Since we¡¯ve been doing criminal activities together.¡±

    ¡°Bonnie and Clyde,¡± he smirked. ¡°Hopefully with less murder, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be nice,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°I think I¡¯ll personally stick to break-and-enter and stalking. Being underage in a nightclub wasn¡¯t too bad, either.¡±

    ¡°Who knows, maybe Alex won¡¯t throw us out if we get in again since you¡¯re Clare¡¯s sister, and my family¡¯s Gabriel¡¯s employer,¡± Asher chuckled.

    ¡°Jokes aside,¡± Lila smirked before becoming serious again, ¡°how would we get intel to know what your reputation¡¯s like?¡±

    Asher pursed his lips. ¡°I mean, does the reputation that precedes me matter? If I just say that I¡¯ve turned a new leaf, y¡¯know. They know I¡¯m loaded. It¡¯d be hard to turn me down if I¡¯m convincing enough.¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°Let¡¯s park that idea for now. I think¡­ maybe we¡¯d send you in as a last resort.¡±

    Asher sighed. ¡°It¡¯s a curse, not only being loaded but also the son of the CEO of Forestglade Private Hospital, if that¡¯s where the morphine¡¯s coming from.¡±

    ¡°If they even know that¡¯s where it¡¯s coming from, if it is coming from there.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s too many questions,¡± Asher grumbled.

    ¡°For now,¡± Lila replied confidently. ¡°If we dig a little, I¡¯m sure we¡¯ll find the answers we¡¯re looking for.¡±

    He exhaled heavily, leaning back into the couch. ¡°Well, we¡¯re at a dead end right now.¡±

    ¡°At least we¡¯ve thought about it together,¡± Lila said, closing the lid of her laptop. ¡°Once we get more information, we¡¯ll be able to start building our case, I reckon.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    They sat in a comfortable silence for a little while before Asher glanced at Lila.

    ¡°Do you wanna watch something? Or¡­ maybe we could study?¡± he suggested.

    Lila wrinkled her nose. ¡°Studying sounds soul-sucking.¡±

    Asher gave a short, sharp laugh. ¡°Great alliteration. Reckon you¡¯re ready to destroy that English assignment.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t traumatise me further.¡±

    He laughed again. ¡°Alright, alright. Watching something, it is.¡±

    They spent the rest of the afternoon into the evening hanging out, watching videos together, laughing and chatting. Every so often, Lila¡¯s thoughts would wander towards what they¡¯d discussed that morning, but she didn¡¯t mind it occupying space in her mind.

    After an uninspiring though hearty dinner of a chicken casserole, Lila found herself in Asher¡¯s arms, her back pressed against his chest, waiting for Clare to pick her up. A YouTube video was playing in the background, though Lila wasn¡¯t paying much attention to it.

    ¡°Are you sure you have to go?¡± Asher suddenly said quietly, squeezing her gently.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied forlornly. ¡°But it¡¯s not so bad. We have English second tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I mean¡­ English is great and all, but it¡¯s not like we can do this during it,¡± he squeezed her gently again before kissing the top of her head.

    ¡°We could try,¡± Lila replied light-heartedly.

    ¡°I think Ms Shard would skin us alive.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s not so strict, I don¡¯t think,¡± Lila said absently. ¡°Besides, once she figures out my brother¡¯s supplying her Indian fix, I reckon she¡¯ll turn a blind eye to a few things.¡±

    ¡°Sounds corrupt-y.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°If she¡¯s as much a fiend for Indian as you say, I think she¡¯d do anything to not upset the balance.¡±

    He lightly caressed her cheek. ¡°You¡¯re probably right. As usual.¡±

    She chuckled again, closing her eyes. It enhanced her ability to feel Asher¡¯s touch against her face and if he kept going, she would probably fall asleep. But an almost violent buzzing of a phone against the coffee table rudely startled her awake. She reluctantly sat up, reaching for her phone. It was a message from Clare ¨C she was outside.

    ¡°Have to go,¡± she said feebly. Asher sighed, getting to his feet and helping her stand. He grabbed her bag and she made sure to take her laptop as well.

    They headed down the stairs, with Lila saying goodbye to Marlene as she bustled about in the kitchen. Marlene returned the goodbye and Asher punched the security code into the alarm system.

    They shuffled out of his house and to Clare¡¯s car, both seeming rather deflated by this turn of events.

    ¡°Hello, lovebirds,¡± Clare said cheerily as Asher opened the door for Lila. She grabbed her bag on the way and tried to close the door when Asher stopped her.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said sincerely before swiftly kissing her lips. She returned the kiss, a small smile left on her face as he stepped back.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± she replied, buckling herself in. He smiled, though it didn¡¯t seem quite so happy. He closed the door and stepped further back, his arms folded against his chest.

    ¡°He seems really sad,¡± Clare commented as she reversed down the driveway. ¡°What¡¯d you do to him?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila answered honestly. ¡°I guess it¡¯s just what happens when you date someone you care about.¡±

    ¡°Fair,¡± Clare laughed. Then, she narrowed her eyes at Lila. ¡°You haven¡¯t finished a pack of your Pill, right?¡±

    ¡°No, not yet. Don¡¯t worry, I haven¡¯t forgotten that it hasn¡¯t been a month yet.¡±

    ¡°Good, good.¡± Clare eyed her suspiciously as she waited for her turn to cross a roundabout. ¡°Have you told him you¡¯re on the Pill?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila felt her face flush momentarily. ¡°It¡­ hasn¡¯t come up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d keep it to myself until the first pack¡¯s done,¡± Clare said sagely. ¡°If he knows what the Pill is, which he should since the sex-ed at Forestglade College isn¡¯t the worst I¡¯ve heard, he might get funny ideas too quickly.¡±

    ¡®He¡¯s already got plenty of those,¡¯ Lila thought, lightly touching the pendant he¡¯d given her. ¡®At least once an hour, at a conservative estimate¡­¡¯

    She smiled to herself, leaning her head against the window. All in all, it¡¯d been a good day.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-One

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-One

    Knock knock.

    Lila opened her bleary eyes, blinking away as much sleep as she could.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she yawned, sitting up and stretching her arms above her head.

    Daniel sidled in, folding his school tie around his neck. ¡°Morning.¡±

    His voice had a croaky quality to it ¨C but Lila could tell that it wasn¡¯t because it was early in the morning.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila said warily, rubbing her eyes to clear them. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s a school day.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. I know that. But my alarms haven¡¯t even gone off. You¡¯re up way too early.¡±

    He sighed, undoing his tie. ¡°I know. I¡¯m nervous.¡±

    ¡°About the meeting with the Headmaster, I¡¯m guessing.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I read all my notes, Asher¡¯s notes, suggestions, business plans, I even tried to look at Fair Trading legislation, but my brain¡¯s too small for that.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyelids fluttered in surprise. ¡°I didn¡¯t even know you knew what Fair Trading was.¡±

    ¡°Googled it. Didn¡¯t get very far, though.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a good thought,¡± Lila yawned. ¡°At least, I¡¯d assume so. But I highly doubt you need any of that. This would just be more of a school activity, rather than a full business.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Daniel murmured, smacking himself in the face with the end of his tie. He pressed his lips together in frustration, undoing it yet again. ¡°Just¡­ want to be prepared.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine. I know I can¡¯t go in there with you, but I¡¯ll sit just outside his office, yeah?¡±

    He gave her a meek smile. ¡°Thanks, sis.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome. Now get out.¡±

    He snorted, promptly leaving and closing the door behind him.

    They sat on the bus together that morning, though Daniel looked paler than usual. She did ask if he was sick, but he insisted otherwise. From what Lila could recall, Daniel hadn¡¯t ever met the Headmaster before, let alone in circumstances that could toe the line of being expelled or heavily punished. She didn¡¯t need to wonder why he was so spooked.

    They parted ways at the bus station, Lila watching him go for a few moments before heading to her locker. She wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she got caught up worrying about him all day, though she knew it wouldn¡¯t be helpful if she did that.

    Though she¡¯d fallen asleep relatively easily yesterday, her mind had been whirling, swept up with all facets of her discussions with Asher yesterday ¨C about them, and about the morphine ring. These thoughts returned with a vengeance as she impatiently waited for Design to be over, the usual calm and quiet atmosphere now getting on her nerves.

    Mr Dillon finally released them and she shot up, throwing her bag over her shoulder. She burst out of the classroom, her eyes already looking towards the direction of her English class. It seemed, though, that she should¡¯ve taken more care to look elsewhere as she stumbled into a male student.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± she mumbled before looking up into very familiar, delighted eyes.

    ¡°Someone¡¯s in a rush,¡± Asher chuckled, lifting her bag from her shoulder.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing here?¡± Lila asked, her heart racing from both the shock and the visceral reminder of what they¡¯d talked about yesterday morning.

    ¡°I wanted to walk to class with you,¡± he said simply, offering his arm for her to take. Lila smiled, curling her arm around his.

    ¡°Is that all?¡±

    He gave her a sideways glance as they set off towards English. ¡°I¡¯m sure you know the answer to that.¡±

    She gently squeezed his arm, a cheeky grin brightening her face. ¡°I¡¯d rather hear you say it.¡±

    He held her gaze for a moment before bringing his face close to her ear, his voice low and breathy. ¡°Of course that¡¯s not all. But from the look you¡¯re giving me, I feel like I¡¯m not the only one.¡±

    She gave a startled gasp, her face immediately burning a bright red. ¡°H-How-¡±

    ¡°After what you told me yesterday, I finally figured out why your eyes sometimes look at me like they¡¯re hungry for something that¡¯s not food,¡± he snickered, his tone carrying a distinctly flirtatious air. ¡°Why do you think I keep giving you lunch?¡±

    She swatted his arm and he let out a deep belly laugh in response. ¡°Only kidding,¡± he said, his eyes twinkling. ¡°About the lunch thing.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so embarrassed,¡± she whispered, hiding her shameful expression with her free hand.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Asher¡¯s tone switched to one of complete and utter seriousness. ¡°It¡¯s really attractive.¡±

    Lila felt as though she¡¯d forgotten the English language in its entirety, her mind stuttering like a broken record. He glanced at her again and she settled for leaning her head on his arm as her response to his statement.

    It wasn¡¯t much further until they reached the English classroom. He stopped short of the door, turning his head to look at her.

    ¡°This teasing thing is kinda fun,¡± he winked at her playfully before opening the door and gesturing for her to head inside. She took her usual seat, pressing her cold hands to her blazing hot face. Was she really so obvious? Or was he just much better at teasing than she was?

    She heard him chortle as he took his seat next to her and passed her bag along. She tried to ignore him as she pulled out her English materials, feeling once again she wasn¡¯t going to survive English with Asher. But¡­ it was for an entirely different reason than it had originally been, back in February.

    As she felt his leg lightly touch hers under the desk, she remembered with a smile the first day that they had been paired as English partners. If Lila could tell her past self that they¡¯d be dating, her past self would probably laugh. He¡¯d seemed so unapproachable ¨C severe, even ¨C back then. Not at all as warm and playful as she now knew him to be.

    Then, she realised with a hitch in her breath, that if he¡¯d been battling against sexual thoughts about her for as long as he¡¯d said¡­ then had he thought about it when they were first paired up? He hadn¡¯t seemed excited or happy at all to be working with her back then. If she recalled correctly, he¡¯d said something along the lines of just getting it over and done with.

    He caught her eye with a wide, gleaming smile as Ms Shard connected her laptop to the projector screen.

    ¡°What¡¯s the smile for?¡± Lila whispered, smiling back at him. He shook his head.

    ¡°Just¡­ feeling happy,¡± he replied, also in a whisper. ¡°Am I not supposed to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s giving me an ominous feeling, given what we¡¯re doing at morning tea.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be sad then,¡± he grinned before morphing his face into an exaggerated frown.

    ¡°Asher, are you paying attention? I can hardly concentrate with the faces you¡¯re pulling,¡± Ms Shard called, peering over at them over the rim of her glasses. Lila stifled the giggle in her throat as he jumped, looking incredibly guilty.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m paying attention,¡± he responded glumly.

    ¡°I¡¯m not above separating you two,¡± Ms Shard noted, though her expression seemed rather amused. She continued on with her lecture, and Lila didn¡¯t dare look at Asher again, let alone talk to him.

    Finally, class was over and Asher stood with a yawn.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get this over with, yeah?¡± he said, offering her his hand. Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled that that had been the first thing he said to her this year. How strange it was, that things could be so circular. She took his hand with a smile and he retrieved her bag before they exited the classroom.

    ¡°Do you think they¡¯re in the same spot?¡± Lila asked quietly as they traipsed towards the usual lab that hosted the Banker¡¯s dealings.

    ¡°I never thought that they wouldn¡¯t be,¡± Asher replied as if the notion that they¡¯d be elsewhere disturbed him.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like we don¡¯t have a source that should know where they are,¡± Lila laughed, lightly patting him on the arm. ¡°You don¡¯t need to panic.¡±

    ¡°Me? Panic? Never.¡±

    She laughed again and he joined in. Then, she decided to just go for it. The small realisation that asking him something like this would¡¯ve usually elicited a period of um-ing and ah-ing, but did not so much as phase her now, gave her a slight smile as she spoke. Was she getting braver?

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯m curious.¡±

    ¡°Uh oh. That¡¯s not good.¡±

    She rolled her eyes playfully upon registering the cheeky grin on his face.

    ¡°A-Anyway, I was just thinking, y¡¯know. About the fact that, well, we weren¡¯t close at the start of this year. But, after what you said yesterday¡­ what did you think, when we got paired for English? Especially with your, uh, thoughts about me.

    He was silent for a few moments. He gave her a sideways glance before sighing heavily.

    ¡°That¡¯s a question I¡¯d never anticipated,¡± he said simply. ¡°I mean, I already told you that I was really happy when we got paired up.¡±

    ¡°I know you said that, but you really didn¡¯t seem like it in the beginning. So¡­ what was going on in your mind?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± he trailed off, slowing his pace. He looked pensive as he lightly ran his thumb along the back of her hand. ¡°I¡­ well at first, I thought it was my chance¡­ so I started thinking about a couple of things ¨C like whether I should go for it, until I remembered I had a girlfriend. Then because I had a girlfriend, I figured I needed to keep you at arm¡¯s length. ¡®Cause, like I said before, I thought that my crush was over until we starting working together. Then I sat next to you, and¡­¡± he turned a bright red, averting his eyes from her. ¡°And you smelt really nice¡­ but then you kept staring at me. I thought you disliked me or something since you kept frowning.¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, holding back a chuckle. She kept frowning, huh¡­

    He shook her hand and she looked at him in surprise.

    ¡°What?¡± she queried.

    ¡°Well¡­ what about you?¡±

    ¡°What about me what?¡±

    ¡°What did you think about when we got paired?¡±

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about you,¡± she responded after a brief pause. ¡°Mostly why you looked and seemed so¡­ different.¡±

    He nodded slowly, a grin creeping onto his face. ¡°Intrigued you, did it?¡±

    ¡°Why do you think I asked you about it?¡± Lila replied bashfully.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you did,¡± he murmured, kissing the back of her hand. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t¡­ perhaps we wouldn¡¯t be together now.¡±

    The suggestion caused a lump to rise in her throat, which she managed to swallow down. The idea that perhaps she wouldn¡¯t have ended up being his girlfriend was one that she tried not to think about. It¡¯d been such a journey to get to this point¡­

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s a bit quiet,¡± Asher observed in a low voice, bringing Lila¡¯s attention back to the task at hand. He was right ¨C there weren¡¯t many students milling around outside the lab. Lila presumed that most of the customers would prefer to order delivery for lunch, since it was a touch longer than morning tea. Although¡­ given Daniel¡¯s information that he¡¯d been receiving a lot of complaints¡­ perhaps Livi had driven plenty of the customers away.

    They continued towards the door to the lab that usually held Livi and her friends. Asher reached for it with his free hand before hesitating for a split second.

    ¡°You sure you¡¯re okay with this?¡± Lila asked gently. He turned, looking down at their intertwined hands before moving his eyes to her face.

    ¡°¡¯Course. After all, our burritos are waiting to be purchased.¡± He smiled at her, opening the door.

    They stepped inside the threshold, with Lila relishing the insulated warmth the lab was providing. It seemed like everyone was here, doing what they usually did. Jake and Zack flanked either side of Livi, who was absently scrolling on her phone. Theo was behind a mountain of textbooks, seeming deep in concentration, and Harper and Jason were typing away on their laptops. Vi glanced up at them before returning to her book, leaving Lila with the impression that Vi hadn¡¯t actually seen them.

    ¡°Get out,¡± Livi¡¯s sharp voice snarled, startling Lila.

    ¡°Livi,¡± warned Vi, looking up from her book. ¡°Are you sure you want to send Asher and Lila away?¡±

    Livi scowled, setting down her phone. ¡°What do you want?¡± she asked, her tone even frostier than the outside air.

    ¡°Lunch,¡± Asher replied simply. ¡°For today.¡±

    Livi rolled her eyes, pulling out a notebook. ¡°Put the details in there.¡± She pointed to a blank row, placing a pen next to said notebook.

    Asher gently slipped out of Lila¡¯s grasp, stepping forward to the desk Livi continued to sit behind. He started writing, the lab entirely devoid of any other sounds aside from the pen connecting to paper. Lila hung back where he¡¯d left her, not willing to get any closer to Livi.

    Livi tapped her right index finger against the desk, seeming impatient for Asher to finish up. When it was apparent that he was taking his time, Livi opened her mouth, staring directly at Lila.

    ¡°See you guys are dating,¡± Livi said, without even a shred of joy in her tone. ¡°Surprised you¡¯ve lasted this long.¡±

    ¡°Keep being surprised then,¡± Asher replied flatly, placing the pen down and looking straight at Livi. ¡°I happen to want to make this work for as long as possible.¡±

    ¡°Sappy,¡± Livi snorted. Then, her eyes sparkled with malice, her mouth cocked in a devilish half-smile. ¡°Guessing that means you¡¯re getting some. No one¡¯s ever serious about their boyfriend or girlfriend in high school without being pussy-whipped.¡±

    Lila saw Asher¡¯s body tense up for a second. What would he say?

    ¡°You sound too concerned about whether I¡¯m having sex or not. What, do you have a crush on me?¡± His tone sounded amused, as though he knew this wasn¡¯t correct but was trying it on anyway. Jason howled with laughter, the sudden sound jolting everyone else in the room.

    ¡°Good one, mate,¡± Jason chuckled, wiping at his eyes. ¡°How about it Livi? You got a crush on him?¡±

    She narrowed her eyes at Asher, her mouth pressed into a thin, white line. ¡°You wish,¡± she eventually retorted, pulling the notebook towards her.

    ¡°I¡¯d really rather not,¡± Asher snorted. ¡°You don¡¯t compare to Lila in the slightest.¡±

    The silence following his statement felt laden with a tense energy. Despite this, Lila did manage to contain her smile.

    ¡°He¡¯s right, you know,¡± Theo piped up, shuffling his textbooks around which cleared his line of sight of both Lila and Asher. ¡°You don¡¯t.¡±

    Livi¡¯s face turned an interesting shade of pink as she bristled behind her desk. ¡°Cash or card?¡±

    ¡°Card, thanks,¡± Asher replied automatically, pulling out his wallet. Livi sighed, but otherwise rolled through the procedure to pay without another irrelevant word. She pulled out the Square reader, which Lila craned her neck to see.

    ¡°How¡¯s the system working?¡± Asher asked idly as he tapped his card onto the reader. It beeped and Livi promptly put it away again.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Livi stated, her voice entirely displeased. ¡°For Daniel, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Why not for you?¡±

    She rolled her eyes at Asher, pulling out her phone again. ¡°Preferred handwritten notes. Is that everything?¡±

    ¡°For now. We¡¯ll be back,¡± Asher replied, turning around. He was stopped mid-step by Livi¡¯s voice.

    ¡°From your reaction, it seems like you two are virgins,¡± Livi tutted. ¡°How long is going to last? Until marriage, like lameos?¡±

    His eyes met Lila¡¯s and she felt a blush forming in her cheeks. He stiffly turned back around, his arms crossed.

    ¡°I feel like you¡¯re trying to get a rise out of me, but you¡¯re just not aware that it¡¯s not going to work,¡± he said coolly. ¡°It¡¯s sad, really.¡±

    A few snickers floated around the lab, mostly from Zack, Theo, and Jason. Livi clicked her tongue disapprovingly.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find something,¡± Livi eventually said sweetly. ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready for lunch.¡±

    ¡°Doubt it,¡± Asher retorted shortly. He swiftly turned back to Lila and placed her hand within his.

    ¡°Hope this one doesn¡¯t cheat on you since you¡¯re so frigid,¡± Livi called, her voice carrying on with that sickly sweet tone. Asher didn¡¯t respond and instead gently pulled Lila towards the exit. They stumbled out and Asher stopped walking altogether.

    ¡°She found it,¡± he said softly, his eyes bright with emotion. He shuddered, quickly wrapping his arms around himself.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Lila said quietly, grabbing hold of his arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere quiet.¡±

    He obediently followed her lead, his face growing stonier with each step. Eventually, they came across an alleyway between two classrooms on the way to the locker room. There were bits of discarded plastic wrappers littered about, which suggested that it had some amount of traffic, but it was empty for now. Lila pulled Asher deeper into the alleyway, almost to the other side, before turning to him, her eyes full of concern.

    He sank to the ground with a pained groan, his hands over his eyes and knees to his chest. ¡°I thought she had nothing on us. Fuck.¡±

    Lila slowly sat down, facing him still. He shuddered again, but it didn¡¯t seem like it was from the cold in the slightest.

    She reached out to touch his leg and he jumped, looking up from his hands. His posture relaxed, though his face remained taut with distress.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she whispered, shuffling closer to him. ¡°Asher, I wouldn¡¯t cheat on you.¡±

    He grimaced, hanging his head. ¡°I¡­ I feel like I know that, but¡­ I can¡¯t see the future.¡±

    ¡°Do you trust me?¡±

    He lifted his head just a touch, meeting her gaze. ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    She reached out to touch his cheek and he placed a hand over hers, closing his eyes.

    ¡°Asher, I would never cheat on you. Firstly, that would involve finding someone I¡¯d want to have sex with¡­ and I¡¯m hopelessly thinking only of you. Secondly, I can¡¯t imagine a scenario where I¡¯d ever hurt you like that. After seeing how you were when you found out about Holly¡­ my heart broke. I never want you to feel that kind of suffering again. Ever.¡±

    He opened his eyes, and she was shocked to find how red they were. His face looked worn ragged, as though he¡¯d somehow aged thirty years between the walk from the lab to here.

    ¡°I¡­ hope so,¡± he whispered, his voice cracking. ¡°If¡­ you did cheat on me¡­ I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever recover.¡±

    If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    ¡°Asher¡­¡±

    They sat in silence, Asher¡¯s eyes focused on his hands, which had fallen to his lap. Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure what she could do or say to allay his fears, but she had one idea.

    ¡°Here,¡± she murmured, pulling out her phone. ¡°Here¡¯s my passcode.¡±

    His eyes widened and he pushed her phone away. ¡°N-No, I don¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Asher, there¡¯s nothing on here that I want to hide from you. You can even look through my texts with Theo, or whoever. I trust you, but I know that what Holly did will still haunt you for a little while, at the very least. I feel that you trust me, with a lot of things, including your heart. And I want to protect that trust. So, here¡¯s my passcode.¡±

    He remained silent, though she could see that he was mentally noting down what it was. She passed her phone to him and he took it with trembling fingers.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to look,¡± he eventually said as he stared down at her phone. ¡°Not because I think there¡¯s anything on there that I¡¯m scared to find¡­ but because I do trust you, Lila. And I want to respect your privacy.¡±

    ¡°Privacy? When your tongue has been in my mouth?¡±

    His own mouth fell open and his cheeks turned a bright, glowing red. He didn¡¯t speak and eventually looked back down at her phone. He looked back up at her, his eyes glistening with nervousness.

    ¡°I-Is it okay if I try it?¡± he whispered.

    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯d prefer it if you did.¡±

    He appeared to be on the verge of backing out of this idea but instead went through with entering her passcode. As expected, it opened. Just as quickly as he got in, though, he pressed the side button, turning the screen off.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said tentatively.

    ¡°No wo-¡±

    ¡°Here¡¯s my passcode,¡± he cut her off, though it seemed as if he hadn¡¯t realised she¡¯d spoken.

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Lila insisted. He shook his head.

    ¡°It¡¯s only fair. Besides¡­ i-it¡¯s not as if¡­ you couldn¡¯t be scared that I¡¯d cheat on you, either.¡±

    She fidgeted with her hands, unable to refute this statement though she wanted to. She¡¯d never, until this moment, considered Asher cheating on her as a possibility. She still didn¡¯t think it was likely, but¡­ fear could be a powerful emotion if unchecked.

    He showed her his passcode before handing her his phone. She paused, unsure if she wanted to try it or not, but he gave her an encouraging nod. It opened up, as expected, and she also turned the screen off before passing it back to him.

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad that we had that talk yesterday morning,¡± he mumbled after a few moments of silence. ¡°Especially since Livi seemed to think that I¡¯m frigid, and that would be why you¡¯d cheat on me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad too,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°You¡¯re nowhere near frigid¡­ with me, at least.¡±

    He gently touched the side of her face. ¡°Definitely not,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Trying not to take your clothes off is a daily battle.¡±

    She swallowed, the statement lingering in her mind. If he kept saying things like that¡­ she wasn¡¯t sure she could resist as they¡¯d planned.

    ¡°Asher¡­ if we¡¯re going to do that thing you suggested¡­ where we just spend time together as a couple, without the physical stuff carrying us away¡­ then please don¡¯t tempt me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he said genuinely. ¡°I¡­ understand what you mean completely.¡±

    ¡°As long as you understand.¡±

    He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand before leaning forwards and bending his head towards her. She immediately met his lips with hers and was surprised by how gentle this kiss seemed. It was more tender ¨C reassuring, perhaps ¨C rather than one filled to the brim with passion. She was glad, though. It toned her down from her thoughts that had begun to gradually build in the background.

    He pulled away, his expression looking far calmer than a few moments ago. ¡°I think it¡¯s time for class,¡± he said despondently. ¡°I¡¯d like to hide away here with you forever¡­ but I think Isaac would murder me for missing PC with him.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Can¡¯t have that, can we?¡±

    ¡°No ma¡¯am.¡±

    They both reluctantly stood before Asher interlaced their hands together. They started meandering towards the locker room until Asher turned to Lila once more.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said sincerely, clearing his throat. ¡°Thank you. I feel a lot better about it all now.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the aim,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Seriously, though, if you feel worried about anything at all, we can talk about it.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± he smiled. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ exactly the type of relationship I¡¯ve always wanted.¡±

    ¡°I feel like it¡¯s a pretty basic requirement of one. Especially now that we¡¯ve started talking more and more about things, I see that it¡¯s pretty critical.¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°You¡¯d be surprised. Despite being with Holly for six months, I still never found the courage to tell her about my Mum, even though I was really upset about it all. Still am, but it¡¯s not as raw.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ it¡¯s a basic requirement of this one,¡± Lila said with a nod. He smiled, squeezing her hand.

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    They ruefully separated as usual in the locker room with confirmation that they¡¯d meet outside the lab once lunch rolled around, as they would both be in the STEM area.

    It felt as though she blinked and she was standing at their meeting point, nervously shifting her weight between her feet. She thought that Asher¡¯s fears about Lila cheating on him were soothed, but she was beginning to worry that he¡¯d start overthinking again.

    For her, at least, putting her faith in Asher was the only option that felt right. She couldn¡¯t see him cheating on her at all, what with how long he liked her and how affectionate and devoted he seemed. But, at the same time, it was terrifying. She thought she was ready to give him her heart in its entirety, but now that Livi had crawled into her mind, she wanted, in some respects, to clutch it tighter.

    ¡°Hey, Asher¡¯s girlfriend,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice floated over to her. She looked up, seeing them both grinning at her. Asher¡¯s joyful expression upon seeing her eased her worries about him overthinking and she grinned back at them.

    ¡°Hi, Isaac. Hi, my boyfriend.¡±

    Asher¡¯s grin widened, his eyes lighting up as though seeing the sunrise for the first time. He closed the distance between them and tilted her head up to his with his index finger. They kissed, with Isaac making exaggerated gagging sounds in the background. Lila giggled, standing on her tiptoes and placing her arms around his neck, pressing her lips even more into his. His hand trailed down to the small of her waist, applying just the right amount of pressure for Lila to feel herself start to swoon.

    ¡°Alright, alright, Jesus Christ,¡± Isaac said sharply. ¡°Guys, find a private spot will ya?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the dummy standing here,¡± Lila complained breathlessly, lowering herself back to the ground. Isaac sighed.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. I¡¯m not wrong, either. The teachers will start targeting you.¡±

    Asher slipped his hand into Lila¡¯s, his face a light pink. ¡°I know. Thanks for being concerned, Isaac.¡±

    Isaac shook his head before clapping Asher on the shoulder. ¡°Mate, I know you¡¯d die if you got detention.¡±

    Asher squeezed Lila¡¯s hand. ¡°I¡¯d survive.¡±

    Isaac looked gobsmacked. Then, he started smirking. ¡°That¡¯s not the Asher I know.¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯ve always been like this.¡±

    Isaac laughed heartily. ¡°Don¡¯t quit your day job to go into comedy.¡±

    Asher swung out a leg, lightly tapping Isaac¡¯s shin. Isaac snickered, readjusting the bag on his shoulder.

    ¡°Alright, well, I¡¯ll see you guys later,¡± Isaac said, giving them a wave goodbye. They waved back and watched him head off towards the locker room, shaking his head again.

    ¡°Shall we?¡± Asher asked pleasantly. She glanced up at him, seeing that his expression was rather carefree.

    ¡°If you¡¯re ready,¡± Lila smiled. He paused before shrugging.

    ¡°Well, we won¡¯t be able to grab our lunch if we keep standing here,¡± he responded. ¡°I¡¯m hungry.¡±

    ¡°Same.¡±

    They wandered off in the right direction, neither saying much. There were far more students outside the lab now, standing around and chatting whilst they waited for the runners.

    ¡°We could probably stay out here and wait for our food?¡± Lila suggested. Asher seemed to contemplate this before he shook his head.

    ¡°The food is just a consequence of what we¡¯re aiming to do,¡± he said carefully. ¡°We still need to watch what they do in there.¡±

    Lila sighed. He was right, of course, but she wasn¡¯t keen on seeing if Livi had figured out something else to push their buttons on.

    They weaved their way through the ambling students, stopping only when they reached the door. Asher hesitated for just a moment before swinging it open.

    ¡°Back again,¡± Livi¡¯s smile was dripping with malice, her eyes flashing with a type of glee that made Lila want to turn around and walk out.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Asher nodded. Lila surveyed the room, finding it almost exactly as it had been that morning tea, with everyone in their places. It was almost as though they were actually acting in a play ¨C with all the players lined up on the stage, waiting for their next line. Theo¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s and he nodded in greeting before returning to whatever task he was doing behind his pile of textbooks.

    ¡°You know, I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Livi said, leaning forwards on her desk. ¡°There¡¯s no reason why you wouldn¡¯t cheat on Asher, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Livi-¡± Vi¡¯s warning was cut short as Livi spoke over the top of her.

    ¡°He¡¯s just such a goody-two-shoes. Boring, even. At least with Theo over there, he¡¯s got piercings and tattoos. And he¡¯s always talking about sex. With Frigid Asher over here, the only spice you¡¯ll be having is if you do cheat, Lila. No wonder his girlfriend got pregnant by someone else.¡±

    She finished her statement with a satisfied smile. Lila nervously peeked at Asher, only to find that he seemed rather collected.

    ¡°You done?¡± Asher asked impatiently. Livi blinked.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the imagery of Lila getting fu-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not above slapping you again,¡± Lila interrupted Livi with a glare.

    A badly suppressed snicker sounded from the direction of Jake and Zack, though Lila couldn¡¯t pick who exactly it came from.

    Lila thought she could detect a hint of fear in Livi¡¯s eyes as she fell silent.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher sighed, checking his phone. ¡°What¡¯s the ETA on our food?¡±

    Livi scowled, checking her own phone. ¡°A few minutes.¡±

    Asher nodded, gently taking Lila¡¯s hand. ¡°Good.¡±

    The room was filled with an awkward, quiet energy. It seemed as though Livi had given up testing Asher¡¯s patience, though she kept her eyes on them. Lila took the opportunity to observe the others as surreptitiously as she could.

    When Lila compared the setup to the last time she was here, it looked much the same. At least, Jake, Zack, and Livi looked much the same. The main difference was a far smaller collection of notebooks and a far less entertained Livi. Clearly, they were using the Square system as implemented ¨C but had still retained some of the old procedures. To Lila, this made sense as Daniel seemed to be avoiding addressing any management-type issues with Livi ¨C so perhaps he hadn¡¯t tried to change what she was doing too much to avoid a blow-up.

    But¡­ looking over at the table at which Theo, Jason, Vi, and Harper sat, though they looked to be calmly enjoying their lunch break through various innocuous activities, they seemed different somehow. Was it the energy? Normally, they didn¡¯t pay much attention to Lila and Asher, except to intervene with Livi on occasion. However, today, it seemed as though their eyes were resting on Lila and Asher far more often than usual. Was she imagining that?

    Asher crossed his arms, seeming just as intent on watching the activities of everyone else as she was. Yet the silence still persisted. Was this because they were watching them just as carefully?

    Then, the silence was broken.

    ¡°Hello?¡± Jason spoke into his phone, standing up immediately. ¡°Yeah. Now?¡±

    He cast a meaningful look at Livi before walking out of the lab, his hand in his blazer pocket and the door softly closing behind him. Was that a deal in action? Or something innocent? Lila was tempted to follow him, but that would definitely be far too suspicious. Harper and Vi glanced at Lila before reengaging in their various tasks ¨C Vi seeming far more lively than a couple of moments ago. If it was a deal, was she setting something up for it now?

    Livi sighed, putting her phone down. She seemed to have tensed up for a moment, but then rested her head in one of her hands, looking at both Asher and Lila directly.

    ¡°I hate silence,¡± Livi said casually. ¡°You two really haven¡¯t had sex yet?¡±

    ¡°Why are you so obsessed about that?¡± Asher sounded on the verge of frustration. ¡°Do you want to watch or something?¡±

    More snickers echoed around the room ¨C all from the boys. Lila was sure that if Jason was here, he¡¯d make another comment ¨C but he hadn¡¯t yet returned.

    ¡°No,¡± Livi replied with a shake of her head. ¡°I just feel as though I¡¯ve watched you two get together. It¡¯s been cute. So now I¡¯m just curious.¡±

    ¡°You can die curious,¡± Asher said shortly. Livi laughed ¨C one that was far more earnest than any Lila had heard from her before. It sounded brash ¨C something that conflicted with Livi¡¯s appearance, but one that matched her true personality perfectly.

    ¡°I probably will,¡± Livi responded. Her eyes sparkled with an imp-like mischief as she observed them both. ¡°You should probably figure out what you¡¯d do if Lila gets pregnant.¡±

    Asher rolled his eyes, but Lila could see a subtle shift in his posture at the word ¡®pregnant¡¯. Perhaps Livi had grazed another nerve.

    ¡°Though, for such a high roller like you, I¡¯m sure you could afford a few abortions,¡± Livi commented idly, inspecting her nails. ¡°They give them out like candy now.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like you¡¯ve got personal experience with that,¡± Asher responded.

    Livi held his gaze for a moment before shrugging. ¡°Who knows? But, it seems as though pregnancy is a touchy subject for you. It¡¯s no wonder, considering what happened to the last girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°If you know that, then why are you trying?¡± Asher¡¯s question was accompanied by a bemused sigh, as though he couldn¡¯t believe Livi was still going on. ¡°I knew you weren¡¯t nice, but man you don¡¯t make it a secret, either.¡±

    Livi narrowed her eyes at them before throwing her hands up in the air. ¡°Fine, you win. The first to win for a while.¡±

    ¡°Win¡­ what, exactly?¡± Lila asked suspiciously.

    ¡°You¡¯ve become way too boring for me to take any interest in,¡± Livi replied nonchalantly. ¡°Congratulations.¡±

    Asher squeezed Lila¡¯s hand, though she tried not to react. Livi admitting defeat sounded too good to be true. Before anyone could speak, the door swung open with a clang.

    It was Jason, pocketing his phone with a smirk. ¡°Jake, Zack, you two are up.¡±

    ¡°Where to this time?¡± Jake asked, rolling his shoulders.

    ¡°Usual place,¡± Jason confirmed with a nod. ¡°Five minutes.¡±

    ¡°Righto,¡± Zack responded. He leaned over behind Livi¡¯s desk for a moment and Lila caught sight of a small bumbag in his hands. He clipped it around his waist before nodding at Jake. They made their way to the exit, bumping into Jason who nodded in acknowledgement again.

    ¡®Weird,¡¯ Lila thought, watching as they left. ¡®That¡¯s not part of their usual routine. They don¡¯t usually leave Livi alone like this.¡¯ The door had just closed before opening widely yet again, looking as though it had been pushed open by a school-shoe-clad foot. Nate, one of the runners, popped his head into the room before entering, his arms laden with plenty of paper bags.

    ¡°I¡¯ve returned,¡± Nate called proudly, waddling over to a nearby empty table and depositing all the bags at once. He rubbed his arms for a moment, seeming incredibly unaware of the strange atmosphere. He whipped out a piece of paper from his pocket and began sorting through the bags.

    ¡°They¡¯re like seagulls out there,¡± he commented with a chuckle. No one responded, but he seemed used to this.

    ¡°Did you guys order food?¡± Nate asked, looking towards Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Yeah, under Asher,¡± Asher said quickly, stepping forward. ¡°Mexican today.¡±

    ¡°Nice,¡± Nate replied, though it sounded far more like a customer service response than any particular opinion he held. ¡°Just picked that one up. Here you go.¡±

    He passed over their bag and Asher accepted it with thanks.

    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Livi called out. ¡°I doubt I¡¯ll see you two again.¡±

    Was there more meaning to this than the fact that it was obvious Asher disliked Livi? Or had she figured out that they were checking in on the operation and had no further use of them? Lila wordlessly followed Asher¡¯s lead out of the lab without a backwards glance at anyone.

    ¡°What do you think they went to do?¡± Asher asked Lila in a low voice once the door was firmly shut behind them. They began walking towards the library, with Asher digging around in the bag of food. He pulled out a burrito and passed it over to Lila, who unwrapped it thoughtfully.

    ¡°My bias is telling me that they went to seal a deal,¡± she sighed. ¡°Not that we have any proof of that. It was kind of a waste, checking in on them.¡±

    ¡°Maybe. But now we have a secondary baseline at the very least,¡± Asher replied reasonably. ¡°Once the Headmaster decides what to do about the business, we¡¯ll need to visit again. But, by Livi¡¯s reaction, I doubt she¡¯ll talk much ¨C if at all. Which¡­ would be good. At the same time though, if we could somehow steer the conversation a certain way, maybe she¡¯d slip up.¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°You¡¯re a goody-two-shoes in her eyes, remember? She definitely wouldn¡¯t slip up with you. Plus, I¡¯m his sister. I doubt they know that we know money went missing, but even so, I don¡¯t think they¡¯d want to risk letting it slip.¡±

    ¡°So is sending me in as a mole a bust, then?¡±

    ¡°Last resort,¡± Lila corrected him. ¡°Although¡­ perhaps we could follow them the next time they do something like that.¡±

    ¡°Next time?¡± Asher blinked, slowly unwrapping his burrito.

    ¡°By ¡®usual place¡¯, that means they¡¯ve been wherever they were going more than once,¡± Lila said reasonably.

    ¡°Makes sense. Guess it¡¯s time to break out those stalking techniques again,¡± he chuckled, taking a bite of his burrito.

    She smiled at him, taking a bite of hers. Then, she sighed, relishing the flavours. ¡°Man, I love coriander.¡±

    ¡°Not many people I know do,¡± Asher said conversationally, taking another bite of his burrito. ¡°They say it tastes like soap.¡±

    ¡°Heathens.¡±

    Asher snorted before tapping his chest as if to dislodge something. He swallowed harshly and shook his head. ¡°Agreed,¡± he finally said. ¡°Heathens.¡±

    They reached the library and stepped inside, looking for an empty meeting room. However, to their surprise, not a single one was left unoccupied.

    ¡°Seems like people are getting serious about studying,¡± Asher observed, shoving the rest of his burrito into his mouth.

    ¡°Guess so¡­¡± Lila trailed off, looking down at the remains of her burrito. ¡°Where will we go tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila cleared her throat, looking up at the skylights along the top floor of the library. ¡°Maybe we should start looking for somewhere else to go. Isaac seems pretty insistent, at least.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned pink as he nodded. ¡°I mean¡­ w-we could. Not that¡­ well, I mean, would that not be inviting trouble?¡±

    Lila glanced at him and he seemed to avoid her eyes. ¡°Maybe. But we¡¯d want to talk about the whole¡­ well, what you¡¯re going to be doing this afternoon, right?¡± she said, looking back at her food. She took a bite as she waited for a response.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll hear about it from Daniel.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to push for answers right away. He¡¯s been freaked out over the weekend, and now with this¡­ I think I should give him time to process.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Good point.¡± Asher ran his hands through his hair before bringing a finger to his lips. A small smile crept across his face before it faded again. ¡°Any places in mind?¡±

    Lila thought back to her wanderings around the school in the past at morning tea and lunch. She usually went where there was traffic ¨C down the road to tuckshop, the library, around the locker room¡­ but¡­

    ¡°The Performing Arts area seems pretty quiet if we avoid where the staff rooms are,¡± Lila murmured, tapping her chin. ¡°I¡¯m sure we can find a corner somewhere to sit and talk.¡±

    He held eye contact with her for a moment before smirking. ¡°Talk, huh? Your eyes say otherwise.¡±

    She whacked him on the shoulder and he laughed. ¡°Well, don¡¯t just admit it!¡±

    She promptly buried her face in her hands and he gently pulled them away, interlocking one of her hands with his.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± he whispered. ¡°You can admit it.¡±

    She whacked him again and he snickered before letting her go and jogging to the exit of the library. She followed him with speed and they hurried off into the distance, laughing once Lila caught up and pounced on him. He spun her before setting her down on her feet.

    With that, they leisurely walked hand in hand towards the locker room, talking idly about nothing in particular. Then, with only a minute to spare before they had to go to class, they stood outside her locker, her back pressed to it, with Asher looking quite serious again.

    ¡°So¡­ the meeting is for 3.45,¡± he said quietly, his hands in his pockets. ¡°It might be more efficient if you head straight to the Headmaster¡¯s Office once class is over.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied just as quietly. ¡°I¡¯m guessing Daniel will just go there straight after class too.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I texted him this morning.¡±

    ¡°What time?¡±

    ¡°About 6am. Why?¡±

    Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°No wonder he was so freaked out so early in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Oh, sorry. Is he normally not up at 6?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. But¡­ I think he would¡¯ve been up anyway,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°These are the consequences of his actions, but I still feel bad for him. It definitely went a bit far.¡±

    ¡°A bit?¡± Asher smirked. ¡°You could say that, but at the same time, it¡¯s gone far enough.¡±

    ¡°How do you figure?¡±

    ¡°If Daniel plays his cards right with the Headmaster this afternoon, there¡¯s no way he could refuse the business proposal.¡±

    ¡°You sound more confident than you were before.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve always been confident,¡± Asher chuckled, shifting his position so that he was leaning on her locker door, his arm raised just above her head. ¡°About things I could win.¡±

    ¡°Surprisingly, that list is quite small,¡± Lila replied, her tone playful.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he murmured, leaning in close to her ear. ¡°Careful now. There¡¯s something on that list that interests you quite a bit.¡±

    She felt her face flush, both with the closeness of his face and the implication behind his words. She placed her hands on his chest and he touched his lips to hers.

    ¡°Oi,¡± Elise¡¯s voice called as she rattled the locker next to them. ¡°Cut that out, will ya?¡±

    Lila looked over Asher¡¯s shoulder at Elise, who was smiling mischievously. Asher sighed, pushing himself off Lila¡¯s locker.

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t happen to know a private place, do ya?¡± he asked Elise, shoving his hands in his pants pockets again. She tilted her head, seeming confused by his question until her eyes widened in apparent understanding. Her face turned slightly pink.

    ¡°No,¡± she shook her head, ¡°but, damn, you¡¯re forward.¡±

    ¡°Isaac¡¯s been pestering us,¡± Asher replied simply.

    ¡°Pestering? Just giving you friendly advice,¡± Isaac interjected, throwing an arm over Asher¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Like I said, the teachers will start targeting you.¡±

    ¡°And you know this how?¡± Lila replied, raising an eyebrow. Isaac gave her a sideways glance before smirking.

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear about what happened to Cecelia and Lucas?¡± he asked.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head, now very intrigued. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Apparently, they were making out in the locker room after school, and maybe getting a bit too handsy. Teachers dragged them out, gave them an earful, and detention for two weeks,¡± Isaac laughed. ¡°Can¡¯t believe you didn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°When was this?¡± Lila asked, slightly miffed.

    ¡°Last term. Lucas was complaining about it in Engineering. Said his life was over. He¡¯d never had detention before.¡±

    Lila snorted. That sounded like Lucas. She¡¯d have to ask about it next time she had Bio.

    ¡°Anyway, looks like you¡¯re going to have to find it on your own,¡± Isaac said loftily. ¡°Class is starting soon. See ya later.¡±

    He waved, heading towards the exit. Asher squeezed Lila¡¯s hand.

    ¡°See you after school,¡± he said, gently letting go.

    ¡°See you.¡±

    The next couple of classes flew by as Lila¡¯s anxiety about her brother¡¯s meeting with the Headmaster grew. She knew she couldn¡¯t be involved in the meeting, and the fact that Asher would be there gave her some solace, but she still couldn¡¯t help it. Elise and Grace seemed to pick up on this during Modern History, her last class of the day, and asked if she was okay. She¡¯d given them some excuse that she couldn¡¯t remember now as she walked along the path to the Headmaster¡¯s Office, keeping an eye out to see if Daniel was nearby.

    The sound of rushing feet behind her drew her attention and she turned, seeing Asher looking flushed but calm.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he said, immediately pulling her bookbag off her shoulder. ¡°Fancy meeting you here.¡±

    ¡°You as well,¡± she replied with a smile. ¡°Still confident?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course. Plus¡­ meeting with the Headmaster as much as I have over this past year alone has made it not quite so daunting anymore.¡±

    ¡°Lucky you,¡± Daniel grumbled, having caught up to them both. His face was pale, but he looked rather determined.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Asher said soothingly. ¡°Today¡¯s all business. He¡¯s not going to talk to you like you¡¯re in trouble. I think.¡±

    ¡°So comforting,¡± Daniel shivered, hoisting his bookbag higher. ¡°Wanna carry mine, too?¡±

    Asher smirked but obliged Daniel nonetheless. Daniel opened the door to the Administration Building and Lila and Asher filed in.

    ¡°Where do we go from here?¡± Daniel asked, looking between Asher and Lila.

    ¡°There¡¯s a waiting room here, but I¡¯ll have to tell the admin lady that we¡¯re here for our meeting,¡± Asher said, pointing towards the waiting room. ¡°You can take Daniel there, Lila.¡±

    They split off and Lila settled into a chair. Daniel nervously looked around before taking his own seat. Asher reappeared not even a second later, sitting down next to Lila.

    ¡°Ready?¡± Asher asked Daniel in a low voice.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Daniel murmured. ¡°What if he doesn¡¯t sanction it?¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯re free,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°I already worked out with him that any punishment for this, if it¡¯s not sanctioned, would be mild.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good of you,¡± Daniel muttered, though it seemed to set him more on edge.

    They were silent for a few moments and the door to the Headmaster¡¯s Office swung open.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Mr Lockwood said, looking incredibly surprised to find Lila and Daniel. ¡°I hadn¡¯t realised I would be seeing you so soon again, Lila. I presume one of you is the person of the hour?¡±

    Daniel heaved himself to his feet, his face set into a hard expression. ¡°Yes, sir.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lila, but you¡¯ll need to wait here,¡± Mr Lockwood inclined her head towards her and she smiled.

    ¡°No worries, sir. Asher already told me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good of him,¡± Mr Lockwood returned her smile before standing back and gesturing for Asher and Daniel to enter. They did so, leaving Lila quite alone.

    She looked up at the clock, seeing that it was 3.45pm on the dot. She hoped the meeting wouldn¡¯t take long, but her hope began to dwindle after half an hour passed of her leafing through her Japanese homework with no indication that they would be emerging.

    With a sigh, she pulled out her phone, absently scrolling through her social media apps and then moving on to some phone games. This seemed to do the trick in both settling her mind and passing the time. She heard voices close to the door and looked up at the clock. 5pm.

    ¡°¡­ As I mentioned, I will let you know of my decision by Thursday,¡± Mr Lockwood¡¯s voice said as the door opened.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr Lockwood,¡± Daniel replied, his face having some colour in it.

    ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± Asher nodded.

    ¡°Get home safely,¡± Mr Lockwood said, remaining by the door. They thanked him and he swiftly closed the door behind him.

    ¡°That was awful,¡± Daniel bemoaned, shuffling over to Lila. ¡°Let¡¯s go home. I need to sleep for a hundred years.¡±

    ¡°You did great, Daniel,¡± Asher said, patting him on the back. ¡°How are you guys getting home?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing the buses aren¡¯t running now,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Someone should be home. I¡¯ll call Clare.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I¡¯ll get George to take you home,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Just meet us at the carpark Daniel.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Daniel responded. They walked some of the way back to the locker room before Daniel split off, heading towards the Grade 9 locker room.

    ¡°Did it actually go well?¡± Lila asked once Daniel was out of earshot.

    ¡°Brilliantly,¡± Asher confirmed. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have anything to worry about.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a relief,¡± Lila grinned. It really had lifted a weight off her shoulders, and they grabbed their things and waited for Daniel in the carpark without any further discussion, as many students were milling around after their co-curriculars had ended for the day. Asher explained the situation to George who seemed happy enough to drop Lila and Daniel off.

    Daniel wearily walked up the hill towards them, his face still anxious.

    ¡°I thought I was gonna die,¡± he said once he was within a couple of metres of them.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t, though,¡± Lila said, leading him to the taxi.

    The ride home was relatively quiet and as soon as they arrived home, Daniel departed with a hurried thanks to George.

    ¡°Don¡¯t mind him,¡± Lila said to George as she started to climb out. ¡°He¡¯s had a big day.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll bet,¡± George chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll see you another time.¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila said politely. ¡°Thanks for the ride.¡±

    ¡°Anytime.¡±

    Lila said goodbye to Asher, who mournfully said the same.

    It seemed that Daniel had already scurried into his room by the time Lila entered. As she¡¯d said to Asher earlier, she decided to leave him be for now. Even if the meeting had gone as well as Asher had said, she could empathise with the fact that he would still need to process what had happened.

    She had a brief word to her parents, who were sitting in the living room, to the same effect ¨C that Daniel would probably need some time to himself. They seemed concerned but agreed to give him space.

    After that, though, Lila was feeling rather exhausted herself. It had been quite the day for her, too.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Two

    Under the watchful eye of Ms Shard, neither Asher nor Lila so much as attempted to speak. For Lila, this was mostly due to the threat of being separated. Despite not speaking, however, Lila found herself drifting close to Asher in subtle ways. Brushes against his arm, small glances, touching knees ¨C as if to subconsciously reassure each other that they were still there.

    Once English was over, they started on their slow-paced wander to the library for Study. The sun was just peeking through the clouds today, highlighting patches of path here and there though definitely not warm enough for Lila to feel it. Instead, she relied on Asher¡¯s hand, body heat, and light-hearted conversation to defrost from the wintry air enveloping them.

    Settling into their usual spot in the library didn¡¯t take much time, and it seemed as though Asher was rather conflicted. He looked up at Lila over his laptop screen and back down at his keyboard a number of times before sighing.

    ¡°Yes?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°I want to talk to you,¡± he said quietly. ¡°But¡­ well, my first draft-¡±

    Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°Go for your life. We do have morning tea after this.¡±

    He looked a bit guilty, but she nodded encouragingly at him.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said, looking back down at his work. He hesitated but started typing away, the speed increasing with each second. Again, his focus was unparalleled, and she found herself staring at him far more often than her Bio assignment.

    Eventually, it appeared her staring had caught his attention.

    ¡°Did¡­ you want to talk?¡± he asked, lowering his laptop lid. She shook her head.

    ¡°No, sorry. Just¡­ distracted.¡±

    ¡°Is there something on my face?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila felt the tips of her ears grow hot. ¡°Except¡­ I really like how you look when you start focusing. It¡¯s somehow really attractive.¡±

    ¡°It is?¡± Asher looked totally surprised. ¡°I didn¡¯t know you felt that way.¡±

    Lila squirmed slightly, now that his attention was devoted to her. ¡°W-Well, like, I guess all I can say is that I like looking at you¡­ but when you¡¯re focused, it makes me want to know what you¡¯re thinking. Y¡¯know, what¡¯s going on in there, and why it¡¯s so important, that kinda thing.¡±

    She watched as his cheeks slowly turned pink. ¡°U-Uh, well, at the moment, it¡¯s all fluff,¡± he murmured, his eyes flickering down to his laptop. ¡°But, uh, I was thinking about the best way to justify this point I¡¯ve made in my argument.¡±

    Lila straightened up, her curiosity sparkling. ¡°Tell me about it.¡±

    ¡°A-Are you sure? It¡¯s¡­ quite boring.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind. You have a way of explaining things that makes even dry content interesting.¡±

    He still looked unsure before he turned his laptop to face her.

    ¡°Well, this is the central topic¡­¡±

    Asher was right ¨C it was rather boring. But, Lila was also right ¨C the way his eyes glittered and his voice grew passionate when he started going through his ideas, and the ways he was going to meet the criteria, thrilled Lila. She happily kept her eyes on him as he read out some excerpts to her, to illustrate his point, and she even managed to ask a question or two about his assignment that sparked even more excitement in him.

    The noise in the library began to gather and she took a look around. All their Study classmates had disappeared, replaced with pockets of students from all grades, laughing and chatting without a laptop or notebook in sight.

    Asher checked the time on his phone before immediately starting to pack up.

    ¡°Shit, I was talking for so long,¡± he said hurriedly, throwing one of his books into his bag. ¡°Morning tea¡¯s already started.¡±

    Lila packed up as well and they speed-walked to the locker room, re-emerging with their various morning tea snacks and starting on a leisurely walk towards the Performing Arts block. Lila hadn¡¯t noticed Elise, Grace or Isaac in the mostly-empty locker room and supposed that they were already having morning tea somewhere.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Asher trailed off, peeling apart his mandarin.

    ¡°So?¡±

    ¡°So, we¡¯re going off to find a private place,¡± Asher said, fumbling with the peel but catching it before it could fall to the floor.

    ¡°I guess we are,¡± Lila replied, her voice suddenly coy. She looked down at her banana before looking up just as quickly.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a lot to chat about,¡± he continued. ¡°You sure the Performing Arts area is private enough? Considering the, uh, shadiness of the topics.¡±

    Lila shrugged, placing her banana in her pocket so she couldn¡¯t see it anymore. ¡°I hope so. Last time I was here with Elise, it was almost like a ghost town except the staff building.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind exploring,¡± Asher said contentedly, popping a piece of mandarin in his mouth.

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila replied, taking a sip of her water bottle. ¡°Especially when it¡¯s with you. Whether it be creepy farmhouses, the shops, your employee¡¯s house¡­ nightclubs, wherever.¡±

    He choked on his fruit, looking wildly around. Lila had already checked that no one was close enough to hear her and smirked as he swallowed hard.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he whispered, taking her hand. ¡°You¡¯re getting too risky.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just in a risky mood,¡± Lila responded matter-of-factly. She squeezed his hand before lightly bringing her head to his shoulder. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I checked beforehand.¡±

    He sighed, patting the top of her head. ¡°Giving me a heart attack.¡±

    ¡°You looked really funny, though.¡±

    ¡°Oi,¡± he said playfully, leaning close to her ear. ¡°I can make you look really funny in a minute ¨C starting from your lips.¡±

    She shivered, a myriad of different scenarios exploding in her mind¡¯s eye. Would she ever win against him in their implied battle to tease each other?

    ¡®Figures he¡¯s so good at this,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, bringing her hands up to her face to cool it down. ¡®He is a very good debater.¡¯

    She smiled to herself though, taking his hand once more. He smirked at her, seeming very pleased that he won for the moment.

    ¡°You¡¯ve been really confident lately,¡± she commented as they walked up the road near the Performing Arts area. ¡°Particularly¡­ when it comes to teasing me.¡±

    He met her eyes before he chuckled. ¡°It¡¯d be harder not to be confident, especially after you clued me in to the extent that you want me. All I¡¯m doing is telling you what I¡¯ve always been thinking ¨C or, rather, hoping. Since I¡¯ve basically got a goblin in there, running the show.¡± He tapped the side of his head and she laughed.

    They finally arrived at the square within the centre of the Performing Arts area, casting a quick glance around each side.

    ¡°No one again,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°That¡¯s promising.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡±

    ¡°Well, last time when there was no one, there were a couple of empty classrooms. They¡¯d be private enough.¡±

    ¡°You sure a classroom wouldn¡¯t be too¡­ echoey? Or that people wouldn¡¯t try to come in?¡±

    ¡°As long as we get out of there, like, five minutes before class starts, which we should anyway, it¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila said with a shrug.

    ¡°I suppose that could be fine,¡± Asher replied, taking another look around. ¡°I guess it¡¯s just busier after school around here than now.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯d say so. I mean, there¡¯s vocal and music lessons going on all the time, but from what I could tell, they¡¯re usually taken in the office building.¡± Lila pointed in the direction of said office building and he looked thoughtful.

    ¡°Alright, we can take a look at the classrooms,¡± he said, looping her arm in his.

    Most of the classrooms looked to have black cardboard placed over the windows. It intrigued Lila somewhat and she pointed it out to Asher in a low voice.

    ¡°Yeah, I noticed that too,¡± he said, peering closely at one covered window. ¡°I reckon they might be controlling for light, for whatever reason. Film class, maybe? Or maybe they¡¯ve got expensive instruments or something laid out¡­ isn¡¯t the musical going to start running soon?¡±

    ¡°God, I¡¯m glad you pay attention,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°I would¡¯ve been wondering forever about this.¡±

    ¡°I might not be right,¡± Asher chuckled.

    ¡°You sound right.¡±

    ¡°Comes with the territory of being the best bullshitter in the Grade,¡± he said playfully.

    ¡°Bullshitter?¡±

    ¡°Lila, I work very hard at my assignments, I really do¡­ but sometimes I think the teachers don¡¯t even know what they¡¯re looking for. Most assignments call for at least a little bit of something pulled out of my ass.¡±

    Lila snorted.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not too keen on disturbing the peace of whatever is inside those classrooms,¡± Asher said, waving a hand dismissively at the cardboard clad ones. ¡°I see some stairs by the auditorium. I think there¡¯s a little alleyway there? Or maybe another classroom or two.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They continued past the classrooms, though Lila curiously peered into the gaps between the cardboard in case she could spot the reason for this change.

    The classroom on the end, however, looked to have been covered a touch more shoddily than the rest. The glass of the door was rather exposed, with only half the cardboard concealing the room within. Lila eagerly peered inside. Was there a really expensive violin in there? From her limited knowledge of musical instruments, she knew that violins could fetch a fair price.

    There was limited light, though enough to make out a familiar face. It was Grace, sitting atop a desk. She was facing the doorway at a slight angle, though she looked to be talking to someone just outside of Lila¡¯s view. Grace smiled, her face almost radiant with joy before she giggled, clearly in response to something someone said.

    ¡°Hey, look, there¡¯s Grace,¡± Lila whispered, pulling Asher close to her. ¡°She usually has her vocal lesson now. Maybe we¡¯ll hear her sing?¡±

    ¡°Is she a good singer?¡± Asher replied, also in a whisper.

    ¡°Very,¡± Lila murmured proudly.

    They both inched closer to the door, with Lila straining her ears to try and hear Grace sing. But, instead of singing, Grace reached out a hand. For a moment, Lila thought Grace had spotted them and was waving ¨C perhaps inviting them in ¨C but that moment was shattered by what she saw next.

    A female approached Grace and they wrapped their arms around each other. In an instant, they began kissing, and Lila watched as Grace¡¯s hand drifted to the female¡¯s hips. The female pushed Grace slightly further back onto the desk, widening Grace¡¯s legs-

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Lila heard Asher mutter under his breath, the panic evident despite the lowered volume. He grabbed Lila¡¯s hand and began dragging her towards the stairs he¡¯d pointed out before. She stumbled, her mind reeling.

    The female¡­ wasn¡¯t wearing a school uniform.

    ¡°A-Asher,¡± Lila gasped, attempting to stop him from continuing down the stairs.

    ¡°Lila, we¡¯ve gotta get the fuck out of here,¡± he said urgently, tugging her arm. He looked extraordinarily pale, his eyes wild with anxiety. She pressed her lips together, deciding to follow his lead for now.

    They hurried down the flight of stairs, reaching the bottom with a huff. It spat them out by the Aquatic Centre, the water in the pool lightly lapping the edges with the force of the wind cutting against Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°W-Where to?¡± Lila asked, taking a gulp of air.

    ¡°I-I don¡¯t know,¡± Asher sounded on the verge of hyperventilating. ¡°Lila, that was a teacher.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t want to believe what he said ¨C and she might not have, if she hadn¡¯t seen it for herself, and if she didn¡¯t trust Asher as much as she did. Without a doubt, that had been a teacher. The figure looked far more developed than anyone she knew at school, and she had been wearing office-like wear. Given the absence of anyone else in the Performing Arts area, Lila also found it hard to believe that it was someone who¡¯d just come back from a dress rehearsal, or was just heading to one.

    And, aside from the clothes, Lila had a sickeningly sinking feeling that she knew exactly who it was.

    ¡°Ms Alexander,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°The Music teacher.¡±

    ¡°This is bad,¡± Asher murmured, his hands gripping his hair. ¡°Like, really, really bad. We need to tell someone.¡±

    Lila bit her lower lip. On one hand, a teacher and a student being together like that surely wasn¡¯t allowed ¨C right? Lila knew that, for the younger grades at least, that was the case. But Grace was 16¡­ the age of consent¡­

    Plus, Grace looked so happy just now ¨C the happiest Lila had ever seen Grace. Even happier than when Grace won the leading role in last year¡¯s musical, beating out the Grade 11s and 12s.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know,¡± she whispered, taking a look around. There wasn¡¯t anyone nearby just yet, but there were a couple of groups of students moseying down the road. ¡°Let¡¯s keep trying to find a spot,¡± she said, pulling Asher towards the pool.

    Since it was lunchtime and also winter, the pool itself was devoid of any students. From this angle, she could see that alongside the back of the pool was a small, secluded alleyway.

    ¡°There,¡± Lila pointed towards it and Asher nodded, still looking shaken. They headed over that way and poked their heads in towards the alley, finding it both empty and also rather secluded. It ran the length of the pool, but was far too narrow to house anything useful for watching any races, despite the fact that it was raised so high in comparison to the pool. The other side of the alley was an ordinary fence, beyond which seemed to be an abandoned property. All in all, unless someone was standing directly at the entrance to the alley, it didn¡¯t seem like anyone would notice that there were students in it. Additionally, given there was no reason to be around here, it seemed to be exactly the spot they were looking for ¨C at least for now.

    Asher took a few steps in before collapsing into a seated position, putting his face in his hands. She sank next to him, pulling her knees to her chest as she tried to think properly.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said after a couple moments of silence. ¡°That¡¯s illegal as heck.¡±

    ¡°Is it? What are the rules, with the whole age of consent thing?¡±

    Asher was silent, seeming to deeply contemplate Lila¡¯s question. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t actually know.¡±

    ¡°Besides,¡± Lila paused, wondering if saying this was actually a good move, ¡°it¡¯s not the first illegal thing we¡¯ve seen and kept quiet about.¡±

    ¡°Dammit, Lila,¡± Asher growled, slamming a fist onto the paved floor beside him. ¡°This is different.¡±

    ¡°Is it?¡± Lila kept her gaze steady as she waited for him to respond.

    ¡°It is,¡± he replied defiantly. ¡°That teacher¡¯s obviously taking advantage of Grace.¡±

    ¡°To me¡­ Grace looked really happy,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°Plus, she looked like she invited Ms Alexander over to her.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°So is break and enter, trespassing, lockpicking, stalking, and whatever else we¡¯ve done in the last few months.¡±

    His eyes flashed with anger before he looked down at his knees.

    ¡°The goody-two-shoes in me is screaming,¡± he muttered. He clenched his jaw, tapping his leg as if it would help him decide what to do.

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila responded quietly. ¡°But picking and choosing like this leaves a bad taste in my mouth, too.¡±

    He whipped his head up to meet her sincere gaze. He wordlessly hung his head and she continued.

    ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t want to ruin Grace¡¯s life, or her girlfriend¡¯s life, if Ms Alexander is her girlfriend, without talking to Grace about it first. It¡¯s not our secret to tell. Besides, it¡¯s not like we¡¯ve told literally anyone about ours. It feels hypocritical.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so uncomfortable with this,¡± Asher whispered.

    ¡°¡­ I know, but¡­ but it¡¯s also not your business. It doesn¡¯t affect you, realistically. It¡¯s not even like you take Music.¡±

    ¡°But Lila, don¡¯t you want to protect Grace, too?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together, putting her head in her hands. The whole thing was making her head hurt.

    ¡°I do¡­ but it didn¡¯t look like she needed protecting. And from what I know about Grace¡¯s relationship¡­ they¡¯ve been together since February, which is a while.¡±

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    He remained quiet for a second before looking back at Lila. ¡°Did you know Grace was into girls? You don¡¯t seem so surprised that Grace is with a female, at least.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Yeah, I knew that much.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ when Isaac and I have been referring to her boyfriend, you were holding your tongue about Grace¡¯s partner being female?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course.¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°It¡¯s scary, how quiet Grace has been with her secrets¡­¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together again. She hadn¡¯t considered that, but now that he pointed it out, it actually was rather scary. What else could Grace be hiding?

    Lila shook her head, more for herself than for Asher. ¡°Look, I think¡­ we just need to focus on one thing at a time.¡±

    ¡°One thing at a time?¡±

    Lila sighed, bringing a finger to her lips. ¡°As much as¡­ I want to sit down and talk to Grace about it¡­ and then decide if we should tell someone else¡­ I think, in terms of ranking illegal activity, the morphine ring takes precedence.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, closing his eyes and resting the back of his head against the wall. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s not just because Grace is your friend?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not the only reason,¡± Lila said plainly. ¡°It¡¯s a reason, sure. But¡­ there¡¯s just so much going on all at once¡­ and she does seem happy. I¡¯ve never heard her bring up any concerns about her partner, either. So¡­ I think¡­ all things considered, it can be parked for now.¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not thrilled about this, Asher,¡± Lila said sharply, shocking him into silence. ¡°I don¡¯t know enough about it, either. Meddling in someone else¡¯s relationship¡­ well, that¡¯s what Piper tried to do, with you and Holly.¡±

    Asher gently tapped the wall with the back of his head, his expression entirely irresolute. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll need some time to process this anyway, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Same here.¡±

    He gave her a sideways look before sighing. ¡°Are you okay?¡±

    ¡°¡­ I don¡¯t know.¡±

    He reached over, pulling her into a hug. She felt the tension leave her body as she returned the hug, her mind still busy with trying to comprehend what she¡¯d seen. It felt as though she understood, to some degree, what had happened. But another part of her just refused to believe it, even though she saw it with her own eyes.

    ¡°I wish I could talk about it with Elise,¡± Lila said despondently.

    ¡°Isaac might have an idea, too,¡± Asher mumbled. ¡°I don¡¯t think we should tell them, though.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know.¡±

    They sat like this for a while before a vibration buzzed in Asher¡¯s pants pocket. He pulled out his phone, checked it briefly, and put it back.

    ¡°Isaac¡¯s wondering why I¡¯m not at the locker room, getting ready for PC.¡±

    Lila winced. PC¡­ with Grace. It sounded like hell, what with how she was still feeling about it all. As much as she was trying to convince Asher to stand down, Lila couldn¡¯t entirely discount the idea that he was right. They probably should tell someone¡­

    ¡®After you talk to Grace,¡¯ Lila thought firmly. ¡®Get her opinion first¡­¡¯

    Lila couldn¡¯t see a world where, if Grace was as happy as she looked just now, Grace would want Ms Alexander to be reported¡­ but if there were compelling enough red flags, perhaps protecting Grace by telling a teacher was the best option.

    Asher helped Lila up and they began the journey back to the locker room, both extremely quiet. They held hands, but it seemed to be out of habit now, rather than a conscious decision.

    ¡°There you are!¡± Isaac sounded relieved once he spotted them in the aisle where Lila, Elise and Grace¡¯s lockers were. ¡°Thought I was gonna have to send out a search party.¡±

    Lila gave him a half-smile before moving past him, and opening her locker. She still hadn¡¯t eaten her banana, but she¡¯d entirely lost her appetite now.

    ¡°Whoa, what¡¯d you do to Lila?¡± Isaac asked, spinning to face Asher.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Asher replied slightly too defensively.

    ¡°Did you find a private place?¡± Isaac questioned.

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Asher responded unenthusiastically.

    ¡°Yikes, sounds like you guys did something and you didn¡¯t like it,¡± Isaac said, his voice sounding rather worried.

    ¡°Could say that. Need to grab my stuff. See you at lunch, Lila,¡± Asher said hurriedly, escaping from this aisle without waiting for Lila to respond.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Elise whispered once Isaac left to catch up to Asher.

    ¡°Yup. Fabulous.¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­ that doesn¡¯t sound okay.¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course it doesn¡¯t. I just said I¡¯m fabulous.¡±

    Elise sighed heavily, rubbing her forehead. ¡°You make shitty jokes like that when you¡¯re bothered.¡±

    Lila finished pulling out her Design materials, slamming her locker door shut. ¡°The short of it is¡­ Asher and I kinda got into a disagreement.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t a lie, at least, and hopefully one that would make Elise back off.

    ¡°What about?¡±

    Of course it didn¡¯t. Lila bit her lip. Anything related to Grace would have to be off-limits.

    ¡°¡­ He didn¡¯t like the spot I found.¡±

    ¡°So you guys got into a disagreement? Sounds like overkill,¡± Elise said doubtfully, her eyebrow raised.

    Lila closed her eyes, running through a list of disagreements that she¡¯d had with Asher recently. She couldn¡¯t think of anything beyond the Grace situation and their mild disagreement about waiting to have sex. She didn¡¯t want to talk about either, but her brain wasn¡¯t working well enough to think of something completely on the fly. ¡°Fine¡­ we got into a disagreement about sex.¡±

    Elise was silent and Lila opened her eyes to see that she looked gobsmacked.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise squeaked, hiding her face behind the notebook in her hands. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to pry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied. ¡°We¡¯ve resolved it now. But¡­ it still didn¡¯t make either of us feel great.¡±

    ¡°I get it,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°Even if you reach an agreement, just the fact that you fought can still feel yucky.¡±

    Lila stared at Elise for a second. ¡°That¡¯s exactly it.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Elise said chirpily, looping her arm with Lila¡¯s. ¡°Let¡¯s get to PC. Maybe Grace has some ideas on how to feel better, being the most experienced out of all of us.¡±

    ¡®No kidding,¡¯ Lila thought grimly, allowing herself to be taken to PC.

    It was yet another free time class, and Grace was yet again late, her face flushed and sweaty.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± she whispered, taking her usual seat at their table. ¡°My vocal lesson ran over time.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Elise smiled at Grace.

    Lila couldn¡¯t look Grace in the eyes at all, the realisation of which made her feel sick to her stomach. Would she ever look at Grace the same again?

    Lila decided to at least try and busy herself during PC, so as to not look suspicious to Elise and Grace. It seemed to work for a time until Elise nudged Lila.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, tell Grace about it,¡± Elise murmured. ¡°She¡¯ll probably have some advice.¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m good-¡±

    ¡°Tell me what?¡±

    Lila met Grace¡¯s gaze for the first time today. It suddenly occurred to Lila that she was entirely unsure as to whether or not Grace knew that Asher and Lila had spotted her.

    ¡°U-Uh¡­ um, well¡­ A-Asher and I got into a fight at morning tea,¡± Lila began, looking nervously down at her laptop. ¡°About¡­ sex.¡±

    ¡°What about it?¡± Grace asked kindly, her attention seemingly devoted to Lila.

    ¡°Well¡­ I, um, want to have sex as soon as possible,¡± Lila whispered, her face feeling hotter than a preheated oven. ¡°And he wants to wait.¡±

    ¡°Wait?¡± Elise looked entirely surprised. ¡°If he had a smidge less control of himself, I would swear to you that he¡¯d drool just by looking at you.¡±

    ¡®That¡¯s kinda why we fought,¡± Lila said. ¡°¡¯Cause we both really want to¡­ but he wanted us to grow our relationship first. Which, in the end, makes sense to me.¡±

    Grace nodded sagely. ¡°Yeah, I recommend doing that for sure. For me and my partner, at least, having a good, solid foundation really helped. We¡¯ve had a few rough patches, here and there, but because we built that relationship first, we¡¯ve gotten through.¡±

    ¡®I¡¯ll bet¡­¡¯ Lila thought cynically.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said with a half-hearted smile. ¡°I¡¯m glad to know you¡¯ve overcome things together.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace replied with a soft smile on her face. ¡°We¡¯re in a really good place at the moment. I¡­ I¡¯ve actually told her that I love her.¡±

    Lila felt as though a knife had twisted in her stomach. Love? There was no way Lila could just go to a teacher now.

    ¡°That¡¯s so cute!¡± Elise whisper-yelled excitedly. ¡°I¡¯m so happy for you!¡±

    Grace blushed, playing with the ends of her hair. ¡°She¡¯s said it back to me, too.¡±

    ¡°Ahhhh,¡± Elise continued to whisper-yell as if she were at a very quiet stadium. ¡°When are we going to meet her?¡±

    Grace stiffened, her eyes darting between Elise and Lila.

    ¡°W-Well, she¡¯s still not out¡­ so¡­¡± Grace trailed off, closing her eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not my secret to tell.¡±

    The answer, Lila now knew, was ¡°never¡±.

    She knew she had to be delicate about this. Talking to Grace about it in front of Elise was just not going to happen, and if she went about it too early then she might not even be coherent.

    Lila fidgeted with her fingers for a moment before pulling her laptop closer to her. Elise and Grace seemed to take this as a sign that the conversation was over, which relieved Lila somewhat.

    Despite her subsequent attempt to look busy, Lila couldn¡¯t actually busy herself. The rest of PC passed painfully slowly and she was glad for it to be done when Ms Wang finally dismissed them.

    Design also crawled by, but at least Lila had some interest in the design work she was doing. Looking through vibrant colours on her laptop ended up soothing her far more than she thought.

    Then, it was lunch. Would Asher still be upset? She hoped not¡­ but it wasn¡¯t as though she was fine.

    Lila hardly recalled how she arrived at her locker when she did, owing entirely to how muddled she felt. Closing her locker with a sigh, she felt someone lightly touch her shoulder.

    It was Asher, holding their lunchboxes with a falsely cheery smile.

    ¡°Lunchtime,¡± he announced, thrusting one into her hands. She took it with another sigh.

    ¡°If we hurry, we might find an empty meeting room,¡± Asher added. She nodded and they set off, waving to Elise and then to Isaac when they passed by. But, when Grace appeared on the path before them, Lila felt an overwhelming feeling of apprehension. Grace smiled at them both, giving Lila a subtle thumbs up ¨C her way of encouraging Lila given their conversation during PC, evidently.

    Asher tightened his grip on Lila¡¯s hand. Even if Lila wanted to wave at Grace, she had no free hand to do so. She settled for a smile and Grace walked by without a word.

    ¡°I hope you looked friendly,¡± Lila murmured to Asher, who glanced down at her.

    ¡°I think I looked more scared than anything else.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Then the thumbs up was for you.¡±

    He squeezed her hand, seeming to relax slightly. They carried on, arriving at the library without any further interruptions. The first room they checked was empty and Lila gratefully sat down, opening her lunchbox.

    It was a colourful chicken salad, loaded with some beetroots and feta cheese, and Lila took a bite, concentrating on the flavours rather than the elephant in the room. Asher didn¡¯t speak as he also started eating.

    Lila couldn¡¯t remain mute forever, though.

    ¡°¡­ What do you think about it now?¡± she asked gently, lowering her fork.

    He sighed heavily, closing his empty Tupperware container. ¡°I¡¯m still uncomfortable about it. I¡¯d rather tell a teacher and have them do something.¡±

    ¡°Asher, Grace said that she told her girlfriend that she loves her.¡±

    A grimace flashed through his face as he hung his head. ¡°Love, huh?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    ¡°From¡­ my experience, I thought I knew what it was until I opened my eyes to what was really happening.¡±

    For a moment, Lila¡¯s heart stopped. Did that mean Asher hadn¡¯t loved Holly in the end? Or was his perception of his experience with Holly tainting the love that he had felt, when he had it? She wanted to ask, but given the heaviness of the topic of Grace dating a teacher, Lila decided to ask another time. She took a moment to think before speaking again.

    ¡°But¡­ this is Grace¡¯s experience,¡± she whispered. ¡°Can we really take it away from her like that? And besides¡­ her girlfriend said she loves Grace too, apparently.¡±

    ¡°Has it occurred to you that Grace has been groomed?¡± His eyes were piercing as he waited for an answer.

    Lila uncomfortably shifted her position in her chair. ¡°Maybe she has¡­ or maybe she hasn¡¯t, and it¡¯s true love.¡±

    Asher looked like he wanted to laugh but he kept it in. Instead, he opted to say, ¡°Sounds like a fairytale. But the thing about fairytales is that they¡¯re made up.¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply. ¡°I know¡­ but we also don¡¯t know how Grace feels about it all ¨C so we can¡¯t say it¡¯s just a fairytale, either. I can¡¯t just¡­ go behind her back like this.¡±

    He looked into her eyes for a moment before running his hands through his hair.

    ¡°We¡¯ll¡­ do it your way, for now. From what it sounds like, she¡¯s not in distress or anything like that. As you said before, this morphine ring is a bit more critical. And it¡¯s our last week to observe them before the school either sanctions or dismantles the Banker¡¯s operations.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Their routines will probably go out of whack once that all goes down.¡±

    ¡°Or they¡¯ll rigidly shoehorn it so that it remains exactly the same.¡±

    Lila sighed again. She wished that time could both go faster and slower ¨C though she supposed they cancelled each other out that way.

    ¡°I¡¯ll keep an ear out at practice,¡± Asher said, lightly touching her arm. ¡°Should I try and get in on juice with the boys?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila rested her elbows on the table, looking intently at the empty space between them. ¡°Livi¡¯s reaction to you yesterday was interesting. She pretty much called you out for being a goody-two-shoes, which I suppose is fine, but I think that you might be on a ¡®do not approach¡¯ list for something like this. Especially since the soccer boys have known you for years. Never mind the fact that your Dad¡¯s the CEO of the Hospital.¡±

    ¡°Alright, but I¡¯m curious. I wanna see how these deals go down, if that¡¯s what they¡¯re doing.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to stake out the lab tomorrow? See if someone leaves again?¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°After what you said, at this point, it¡¯s the only way.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll go at morning tea and lunch,¡± Lila tapped her fingers against the table. ¡°More chances to see something.¡±

    ¡°You reckon we should bring trench coats and fedoras?¡±

    She looked up to see him smirking cheekily at her.

    ¡°Sure, if that¡¯s what gets you off.¡±

    He snorted. ¡°Never considered whether that would or wouldn¡¯t. Wanna wear them for me?¡±

    She flicked his wrist and he rubbed it with a snicker. She rubbed where she¡¯d hit him too and his face softened into a smile.

    ¡°Jokes aside, it looks like we¡¯ll need to do some more stalking. Do you reckon they¡¯ll notice?¡± Asher questioned, brushing her hand with his and interlocking their fingers together.

    ¡°If it¡¯s Jake and Zack again, I highly doubt it. Vi or Livi would probably notice. Jason¡­ might be a wild card. Kinda like how Piper had no idea I was following her¡­ he might be so confident in his plans that he wouldn¡¯t think being followed is a possibility. Or he could have his head on a swivel, trying to make sure he¡¯s not caught at all,¡± Lila finished her theories with a small, satisfied nod.

    ¡°Makes sense to me,¡± Asher squeezed her hand gently. ¡°Now that that¡¯s out of the way¡­ did you want to hear about Daniel?¡±

    Lila straightened up, taking in his expression. He seemed pleased, and he¡¯d said it went well yesterday, so she didn¡¯t feel the need to brace herself for anything particularly terrible.

    ¡°Daniel was really nervous at the beginning. If I hadn¡¯t prepped Mr Lockwood on the fact that the Banker was a Grade 9 kid, I don¡¯t think he would¡¯ve taken Daniel seriously at first. But when Daniel started talking, I could tell that he¡¯d done a lot of research and thinking about it all. I¡¯m surprised that he went as deep into it as he did, but I reckon this whole Banker operation meant a ton more than he thought once he sat down about it. I didn¡¯t really talk much. I ended up watching Mr Lockwood more than anything else. I think he was low-key impressed for the same reason,¡± Asher finished off his explanation with a smile. ¡°Daniel went through a list of pros and cons to having it sanctioned. He was very thorough. It, uh, reminded me of your list that you had on your desk.¡±

    She started spluttering, her cheeks burning. Why¡¯d he have to bring that up?

    He grinned at her before adding, ¡°You should be proud of him, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± she replied, briefly touching her cheeks before resting her hands in her lap. ¡°He was pretty much a recluse last night, though.¡±

    ¡°I can imagine. Even though he did a really good job, he would¡¯ve exhausted himself just on the stress of talking to Mr Lockwood alone, not to mention the fact that he was also trying to remember all the stuff he wanted to say.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°For everything. You worked hard, too.¡±

    He waved a hand dismissively. ¡°Not really. Daniel¡¯s worked harder.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t diminish your efforts.¡±

    He paused before grinning at her. ¡°Thanks, Lila.¡±

    They fell quiet for a moment before Lila checked the time. Packing up sounded like a good idea.

    They did so and headed back to the locker room at a relaxed pace. She remembered for a brief, horrifying second that her next class was Modern History with Elise and Grace as they neared her locker.

    ¡°I-I just remembered¡­ I have class with Grace now,¡± Lila stammered, halting in her footsteps. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can face her properly.¡±

    Asher looked sympathetically at her, stroking the top of her head gently. ¡°You¡¯ll adjust. Besides, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re never going to talk to her about it. It won¡¯t happen now, but it will. Then we can decide what to do.¡±

    Lila solemnly nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep it in mind.¡±

    ¡°Easier said than done, I¡¯m sure,¡± Asher murmured, kissing the top of her head. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta head over to Advanced Maths. I¡¯ll see you on Jacoval?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied with a fleeting smile. He made to turn around when she gripped his blazer, forcefully pulling him towards her. She kissed him, which seemed to have summoned the disapproving fog-horn-reminiscent Isaac.

    ¡°Are you purposefully ignoring my advice?¡± Isaac complained behind Asher.

    ¡°We¡¯re not,¡± Lila said, letting go of him and patting where her fingers had creased his blazer. ¡°Is it a crime to have a goodbye kiss?¡±

    ¡°Out in the open, probably,¡± Isaac replied shortly.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Asher said, taking hold of Isaac¡¯s arm, ¡°time for Advanced Maths.¡±

    Isaac protested for half a second before shaking his head. ¡°Yeah, you¡¯ve got me there.¡±

    They disappeared to their usual side of the locker room and Lila smiled in their wake.

    Modern History wasn¡¯t as terrible as Lila had been expecting. Their teacher had them working on their assignments today, which gave Lila the perfect excuse to put her headphones on and ignore Grace and Elise. They seemed similarly engrossed in their assignments and once class was over, they split off without much fuss.

    Sitting at her usual table that she shared with Cecelia and Lucas, however, distinctly reminded Lila of Isaac¡¯s assertion that they¡¯d gotten into some trouble last term. The thought of their expressions when she would ask about it perked her up as she waited impatiently for them to arrive and settle in.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Cecelia greeted a minute later, Lucas in tow.

    ¡°Hey, Cecelia. Hey, Lucas,¡± Lila grinned.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you in a good mood?¡± Lucas asked conversationally, pulling out his Bio materials.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila tried not to look quite so excited to question them about it but wasn¡¯t convinced that she¡¯d achieved it. ¡°I heard a rumour.¡±

    ¡°A rumour?¡± Cecelia¡¯s eyes sparkled as she sat down. ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°You two.¡±

    Cecelia and Lucas looked startled.

    ¡°What about us?¡± Cecelia asked, casting a look towards the teacher¡¯s desk. Mr Johnson hadn¡¯t yet arrived, as usual.

    ¡°Heard you two got caught being a bit handsy in the locker ro-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me,¡± Lucas groaned, slowly lying down on the table. He gave a shudder. ¡°We got detention.¡±

    Lila held back her laugh as Cecelia absently patted his shoulder.

    ¡°I was wondering if you¡¯d heard about it,¡± Cecelia said softly.

    ¡°Only heard about it yesterday,¡± Lila explained.

    ¡°Why? It happened ages ago,¡± Lucas asked, looking up at her through his askew glasses.

    ¡°Isaac keeps telling Asher and me to find a private place around school,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°Good idea,¡± Cecelia confirmed. ¡°I think Asher would be upset if his record was blemished by a detention ¡®cause you guys were kissing.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Perhaps.¡±

    ¡°Not perhaps,¡± Lucas emphatically shook his head. ¡°The Dux? Getting detention for making out with his girlfriend at school? After not getting detention once in 11 years, or however long he¡¯s been here for? Of course he¡¯d be upset. I¡¯m still upset and I¡¯m nowhere near that level of prestige.¡±

    Cecelia continued patting him on the back comfortingly as Mr Johnson burst into the room.

    ¡°Greenwood, sit up,¡± he said briskly, settling himself behind the teacher¡¯s desk. Lucas obeyed immediately. Lila bit back her snicker, which quickly fell away in the face of today¡¯s agenda ¨C working on their assignments in total silence.

    It seemed none of her classmates were pleased with the ¡®total silence¡¯ condition, but complied without incident. Here and there, as Lila worked, she could hear some whispers and giggles, but Mr Johnson didn¡¯t seem to notice.

    With Bio wrapping up and Lila having actually made some headway in her assignment, she headed off to grab her things for hockey practice. Truthfully, she wasn¡¯t sure she could muster the requisite energy for practice given everything that had happened today. She already knew that it would be intense, as they¡¯d started their round-robin tournament in earnest ¨C which meant that Saturday featured part two to their St Peters face-off, and this time at the opposition¡¯s school.

    Half an hour later, she ruefully waited for Willow to retrieve the hockey ball that she¡¯d missed during their drill. She should¡¯ve skipped out on practice and pretended she was sick¡­

    ¡°You¡¯ve been sighing far more than you¡¯ve been paying attention,¡± Alice observed, getting into position to complete the next stage of the drill.

    ¡°I have been,¡± Lila admitted, whacking the hockey ball Willow passed her towards Alice.

    ¡°Any reason?¡± Willow asked, receiving the ball from Alice again.

    ¡°I¡­¡± Lila pressed her lips together. She could ask for advice¡­ but she¡¯d have to do it in such a way that didn¡¯t reveal Grace¡¯s identity, or the fact that a teacher was dating a student.

    ¡°You missed that,¡± Alice said, pointing to the ball that whizzed by Lila. She dejectedly chased after it. She hit it towards Alice once she reached it and watched as it sailed through Alice¡¯s legs. With a groan, Alice hurried after the ball. She returned a moment later, looking at Lila with pursed lips.

    ¡°You were saying?¡± Alice questioned, not touching the ball as she waited for a response.

    ¡°I guess I could use some advice. Pass it, come on,¡± Lila said, lowering herself into position. She received it and passed it on to Willow.

    ¡°Advice?¡± Willow queried, passing the ball to Alice who let it rest against the inside of her hockey stick, her eyes not leaving Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ well, just¡­ if you had a friend, who¡­ was in a relationship with someone you didn¡¯t approve of¡­ what would you do?¡±

    Willow and Alice exchanged a look.

    ¡°Say my piece once then never again,¡± Willow shrugged, tapping her stick on the ground in a wordless demand for the ball. Alice passed it over, her face thoughtful.

    ¡°I guess it depends on why you disapprove. If the other person was hurting your friend in some way, I¡¯d see what I could do to help them see the red flags. The main issue is that you can¡¯t make anyone do something, especially your friends. You can guide them through advice and whatever, but they have to decide to take it and do something about it,¡± Alice eventually said, her eyes following the pass from Willow to Lila. Lila whacked the ball over to Alice, who caught it just as Ms Wright clapped.

    ¡°Alright, ladies. Time for a mock game,¡± Ms Wright called, pointing at various people and assigning them to separate teams.

    There wasn¡¯t nearly enough players for a full game, which meant that Lila had to work twice as hard. She had no capacity to think about anything else besides surviving practice and almost collapsed when Ms Wright wrapped up practice with a grin.

    ¡°St Peters again on Saturday,¡± she reminded them with another clap. ¡°We¡¯re nearly there. You¡¯ll smash it. See you Saturday morning.¡±

    She dismissed them with a flourish of her hands and Lila trudged over to the change room to collect her things. She exited into the cold air, seeing, to her surprise, that the soccer side of the oval was already rather empty. Asher was still on the field, his hands on his hips, looking towards the change rooms. He immediately started jogging over to Lila as soon as he apparently registered that she¡¯d emerged.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he smiled once he was within a few metres of her.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she smiled back. ¡°No stuff? Also, where¡¯s Isaac?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s already run off for a shift. I was gonna grab my stuff now, but¡­ I just wanted to mention that the boys left to grab juice.¡±

    Lila raised her right eyebrow. ¡°Which boys?¡±

    ¡°Only the Grade 12s,¡± Asher said. ¡°I only heard it when they passed me just now and they all left in a group together up to the carpark.¡±

    ¡°The carpark that we can¡¯t see into unless we¡¯re at the top.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. That one. Y¡¯know, also the only one.¡±

    She rolled her eyes playfully at him and he grinned at her.

    ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s my intel. We don¡¯t have class together in the morning, so I¡¯ll see you at morning tea,¡± he said, stepping closer to her.

    ¡°See you then,¡± she replied softly, taking one step towards Asher. He bent his head towards hers, his eyes beginning to close when the sharp bark of Mr Kovac caused them to spring apart.

    ¡°Wagner, not on, mate. Do that elsewhere, please. Better yet, go home. Separately.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Asher responded gloomily. He gave Lila a small wave before jogging towards the change room. Lila chanced a glance at Mr Kovac who looked sternly down at her.

    She immediately started to speedwalk to the carpark when Mr Kovac called her back. She reluctantly turned around.

    ¡°I can see that you¡¯ve improved his mood considerably,¡± Mr Kovac said, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°Good on you. But we can¡¯t just allow all sorts of funny business on campus, alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Lila mumbled.

    ¡°Good. Off you go.¡±

    She didn¡¯t need to be told twice, scurrying up the hill without another word. Asher hadn¡¯t yet left the boys¡¯ change room, but seeing as they¡¯d already said their goodbyes, Lila dived into her sister¡¯s awaiting car, longing for bed.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Three

    Modern History was first up that Wednesday morning, a fact that Lila dreaded as she trudged towards her classroom. She¡¯d never imagined a scenario where she wanted to actively avoid Grace ¨C even when they¡¯d fought over the years ¨C and, with a feeling so completely foreign, Lila didn¡¯t know what to do. Grace had always been the most sensible of the three ¨C patient, too, and she always had good advice. Advice that would probably be very useful now, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that the advice was about her illegal relationship.

    After talking to Asher about it yesterday, Lila was still standing by her decision to wait, at the very least, until they talked to Grace about the situation before deciding whether or not they should report it. But that, by no means, was an easy decision. The more she thought about it, especially in conjunction with Asher¡¯s comments that Grace was likely groomed and that Lila would want to protect her, the more Lila was beginning to doubt this chosen path.

    Lila took her seat at the table she shared with Grace and Elise, murmuring a ¡®hello¡¯ to them both as she pulled out her materials for class. Knowing what she knew now, it was no wonder that Grace wasn¡¯t forthcoming about anything regarding her girlfriend¡­

    As she tuned out the Modern History teacher¡¯s lecture, Lila began to pick up the puzzle pieces that had been in the back of her mind regarding the identity of Grace¡¯s girlfriend. They began dating in early February, so essentially once school resumed¡­ Then, for Valentine¡¯s Day, Grace was worried about whether she¡¯d be seen by Forestglade College students ¨C under the guise that she didn¡¯t want people from their school to find out her partner was a female.

    And¡­ after that¡­ Lila had seen them together. At semi formal. Grace had been talking to Ms Alexander, though Lila couldn¡¯t remember if she¡¯d heard any of their conversation or not. At the time, it seemed innocent. But, now knowing that at that point, they¡¯d been dating for a couple of months¡­ it brought an eeriness over Lila that she couldn¡¯t shake. Had they enjoyed flaunting their secret relationship like that in front of all those teachers and students? Lila hadn¡¯t noticed anything amiss with how Grace had been behaving back then. But, at the same time, she never would have suspected a secret relationship between Grace, her close friend, and a teacher.

    The increased weight and pressure of all these secrets Lila was carrying started to worry her, too. Would she end up cracking?

    She was glad, at least, that Asher somehow managed to be there with her for most, if not all, of them. None of the secrets she was still tightly holding on to were any that she could divulge to anyone else ¨C but she¡¯d be able to talk to Asher if she needed to. It would probably be worse if she were totally alone with these burdens.

    ¡°Lila, your pen clicking is driving me insane,¡± Elise whispered in Lila¡¯s ear. She jolted, instantly being thrust back into the present moment. She looked down at her hand and let go of her pen.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Elise looked slightly sheepish in her reply but Lila shook her head.

    ¡°My fault, sorry.¡±

    ¡°Is something on your mind?¡± Grace asked, her voice low. Lila glanced at her.

    ¡°No.¡±

    This complete and utter lie, said to the earnest, concerned faces of her two closest friends, besides Asher, made Lila feel physically ill, her stomach twisting and twirling. Out of all the secrets she was protecting, this one was suffocating ¨C crushing her from the inside out.

    Secrets like Clare¡¯s job, Daniel¡¯s school activities, the morphine ring, entering an abandoned farmhouse, witnessing Marlene beat a man inside Asher¡¯s family¡¯s library, among all the others, were troublesome if she let them out. But, to Lila, the consequences of letting those out didn¡¯t seem quite as dire as breaking Grace¡¯s heart and throwing Ms Alexander under the bus. Could it be because it was so new? Or because the circumstances of finding it out were so shocking? Or was it actually just that terrible a secret?

    She was regretting ever having seen it ¨C heck, even ever going to the Performing Arts area. She¡¯d never wanted her curiosity about Grace¡¯s partner to be answered like this, nor had she wanted this to be the answer.

    What was the moral thing to do? Probably tell someone about it. But was that right? That option also left a bad taste in her mouth.

    ¡°Seriously, Lila, are you unwell or something? Do you need to go to sickbay?¡± Grace¡¯s gentle voice, previously a reliable source of comfort and reassurance, felt like daggers were being driven into Lila¡¯s ears.

    ¡°Just¡­ my period,¡± Lila murmured, clutching her stomach.

    ¡°I have some Naprogesic, hold on,¡± Grace said, rifling through her bag. Lila pressed her lips together. It wasn¡¯t totally a lie ¨C she¡¯d started the sugar pills, but her period hadn¡¯t quite yet made an appearance. Would taking pain medication be safe if she didn¡¯t need it exactly now?

    ¡°Here,¡± Grace said triumphantly, passing her two, small blue pills. ¡°It won¡¯t work right away, but once it kicks in, you¡¯ll be good.¡±

    Well, there was no way to take back the lie. She accepted them with a mumbled ¡®thanks¡¯, drinking them down with water.

    ¡°Just let us know if you need to go to Sickbay,¡± Grace smiled. Elise enthusiastically nodded. Lila gave them a feeble smile in return.

    Now that Lila knew Grace¡¯s secret, each action that had always been par for the course for Grace now seemed to be designed to cause Lila to feel horrendously guilty about even entertaining the idea of reporting Ms Alexander. Of course, that was a ridiculous notion ¨C considering Grace didn¡¯t seem to be aware that Lila had seen something ¨C but not one she could entirely shake.

    Moden History finally wrapped up and Lila sprinted out of there like she was being chased.

    ¡°Li-¡±

    Elise¡¯s attempt at calling Lila back fell on deaf ears as the door between them closed.

    Bio flashed by in an instant. Mr Johnson gave her class absolutely no opportunity to talk today, with a mock exam given to them to complete. Their mid-term exam was rapidly approaching and Lila felt nowhere near prepared. Which, she supposed, was the point of the mock exam.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Lucas said to Cecelia and Lila as they packed up once Mr Johnson dismissed them.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna fail,¡± Cecelia sighed. ¡°How many times can I get held back before they kick me out?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lucas replied gravely, his glare halting Cecelia entirely. ¡°You¡¯re graduating with us.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ what if I really do fail?¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t,¡± Lucas smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll help you study.¡±

    Cecelia looked surprised. ¡°Where has this option been hiding?¡±

    Lucas laughed. ¡°It¡¯s always been available. You¡¯re just not studious.¡±

    Cecelia pouted. Lila snickered, looking up as she hoisted her bag over her shoulder. To her surprise, she could see Asher lurking just beyond the doorway.

    ¡°See you guys later,¡± Lila said to Cecelia and Lucas, who had started bickering about the need to study.

    ¡°Bye!¡± Cecelia waved cheerily at Lila before reengaging in her argument with Lucas once again.

    ¡°I thought you would¡¯ve headed straight to the locker room,¡± Lila said with a smile upon approaching Asher, who had his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Why would I? I had Maths just now,¡± Asher replied, gesturing vaguely to the direction of the Maths classrooms.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t always see you outside my classes,¡± Lila said, taking his hand and beginning to walk to the locker room together.

    ¡°You know you haven¡¯t given me your timetable, right?¡± Asher laughed. ¡°I¡¯ve just been guessing where you were this whole time, except for the classes we share.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Well, you haven¡¯t given me yours either.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Here, I¡¯ll send it to you.¡±

    They exchanged pictures of their timetables, with Lila looking at his with keen interest. He had Mandarin after PC, then Physics before Study today.

    ¡°You spend most of your life over in the STEM area of campus,¡± Lila commented, pocketing her phone.

    ¡°Well, it was a toss-up, whether I¡¯d do the full Suicide Six, or ditch Bio.¡±

    ¡°Suicide Six?¡±

    ¡°English, Maths, Advanced Maths, Bio, Chem and Physics,¡± Asher said, counting each one on his fingers. ¡°Doing all those gets you into the most amount of Uni courses. I¡¯m pretty glad I ditched Bio and kept Mandarin, though. That way I can stretch my legs and go over to the Language Block from time to time.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t want to do a specialist class, like Engineering with Isaac?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Asher shook his head. ¡°I still don¡¯t know what I want to do with my life, but Mandarin sounded more useful to me than Bio, what with how the world¡¯s going.¡±

    ¡°I suppose there are a lot of Mandarin speakers,¡± Lila chuckled. His eyes twinkled.

    ¡°Exactly. What about you, though? You¡¯re doing Design, Jap, Modern History and Bio, along with Maths and English. That¡¯s quite a mix.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do with my life, either, but instead of being smart about it and choosing subjects that would get me into most Uni courses like you, I picked what I was interested in.¡±

    Asher nodded in apparent understanding. ¡°That sounds smarter than my boring choice. At least you¡¯re getting some interest out of them. Getting good grades in them, at least?¡±

    Lila flushed, suddenly reminded that Asher was the undefeated Dux of their cohort. Her meagre B+ average would hardly impress him.

    ¡°I-I guess,¡± she settled on saying.

    ¡°Are you self-conscious about your grades?¡±

    ¡°W-What? Me? No.¡±

    He gave her a doubtful look and she sighed.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯m not an A+, or even an A student,¡± Lila relented. ¡°Sometimes when I think about it, I wonder why you wanted to be with me. Since I¡¯m a dummy in comparison to you.¡±

    He stopped in his tracks and pulled her to him.

    ¡°Lila, I care about my grades,¡± he murmured, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. ¡°I also care about who you are, not how well you can answer convoluted criteria sheets that arbitrarily measure a specific type of intelligence.¡±

    Lila was silent, processing his response. He really didn¡¯t care about her grades?

    ¡°But we don¡¯t match up-¡±

    ¡°We do, though,¡± he said, gently extricating himself and looking into her eyes. ¡°We match up in other things. And, if we don¡¯t match, we supplement. Have you forgotten that we click so well it¡¯s dangerous in some aspects?¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath hitched. She shook her head, staring down at the floor between them.

    ¡°Good,¡± he replied firmly. ¡°You¡¯re my partner, for more than just dating. So, like the word suggests, we¡¯re two parts to one whole.¡±

    Her heart felt warm as she brought her hands to her chest. ¡°You¡¯re right. We are.¡±

    He kissed her forehead, seemingly prompting the sound of a hissing snake to make its way to their ears. They turned around to the source, spotting Isaac who was continuing to hiss, his fingers crossed like a crucifix and legs crouched slightly. He continued his slow, hissing approach as they watched on in amusement until he was within reach of them both.

    ¡°Idiot,¡± Asher smirked, bopping Isaac on the head. He only hissed louder.

    It was at that point that Elise came across the trio, her face bemused.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you acting like you¡¯ve seen the Devil?¡± she asked Isaac. He cleared his throat, straightening up his stance.

    ¡°They¡¯re not leaving space for Jesus,¡± Isaac declared, pointing at Lila and Asher. Elise inhaled sharply before turning around, her face pink. It sounded like she was stifling a laugh.

    ¡°You¡¯re ridiculous,¡± she muttered, her response quivering with humour.

    For some reason, Isaac¡¯s face also turned pink and he cleared his throat again.

    ¡°A-Anyway, I¡¯m just trying to protect them from teachers,¡± Isaac added defensively.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled. ¡°So far so good.¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯m the one catching you two being lovey-dovey,¡± Isaac responded shortly. ¡°I swear, it¡¯s like I¡¯ve got a magnet for it or something.¡±

    ¡°It must be your concern for your buddy,¡± Lila smiled, giving Isaac a quick nod.

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m just that noble,¡± Isaac responded, a cheeky grin on his face.

    The four of them filed in to the locker room, automatically walking towards Lila, Elise and Grace¡¯s aisle, casually chatting away about their classes.

    For once, Grace was already in the locker room, having already secured her morning tea.

    ¡°You guys took ages,¡± she commented with a breezy smile. ¡°Having fun without me?¡±

    ¡°Asher and Lila, maybe,¡± Isaac snorted. Asher bopped him on the head again, but Lila noticed the undeniable shakiness that accompanied Asher¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Are you guys excited for Sunday?¡± Grace asked, taking a sip of her water.

    ¡°Sunday?¡± Asher asked blankly.

    Elise immediately perked up. ¡°Heck yeah I am! I¡¯ve been researching the current museum exhibits, and they all seem very interesting.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart plummeted. She¡¯d completely forgotten. They¡¯d planned to go to the museum as a group ¨C mostly to try and get Elise and Isaac together, but Grace was also going. Brief lessons at school was hard enough ¨C but spending time together on the weekend?

    ¡°Is your partner coming?¡± Elise asked Grace with a smile. Lila saw Asher¡¯s face drop out of the corner of her eye, but fought to keep her face neutral.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Grace replied, her tone sounding rather calm and collected. ¡°She¡¯s busy then.¡±

    ¡°Aw,¡± Elise pouted. ¡°But you knew about this for ages! Surely she could¡¯ve figured it out?¡±

    Grace paused, her eyes flickering past Elise¡¯s shoulder as though searching for the right excuse. ¡°It¡¯s a birthday thing for her family.¡±

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you be there then?¡± Elise queried.

    ¡°Hold on,¡± Isaac said, folding his arms. ¡°She? Her?¡±

    Grace and Elise both stared at Isaac with wide, round eyes.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Elise whispered.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Grace said quickly, patting Elise on the shoulder. ¡°I slipped up.¡±

    Grace then sighed, readjusting her posture so that it was stick-straight. ¡°Yes, my partner¡¯s a she.¡±

    ¡°Aw man,¡± Isaac placed a hand on his hip, the other in his hair. ¡°I kinda thought Asher and I finally wouldn¡¯t be outnumbered, when we do end up hanging out as a big group.¡±

    ¡°You were thinking about that?¡± Lila blinked in surprise.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Isaac shrugged. ¡°It gets tiring, being outnumbered all the time. At least if it¡¯s even, we can leave you guys to whatever witchy gossip you¡¯ve got going on.¡± He waggled his fingers as though he was casting a spell for emphasis. Elise and Lila snorted.

    ¡°Now that you¡¯ve brought it up, I¡¯m glad you guys are outnumbered,¡± Elise snickered.

    ¡°Hey, I didn¡¯t know anything about Grace¡¯s partner! At least with guys, we can bond about anything guy-related without there being this big hullabaloo about it.¡±

    ¡°Hullabalo? I didn¡¯t know you were possessed by an old-timey soul,¡± Lila chortled.

    ¡°Maybe I am. All those deaths around the world over the years, someone¡¯s gotta be haunted,¡± Isaac huffed. ¡°I¡¯m just a delicious victim.¡±

    ¡°Enticement for ghosts aside, we¡¯ve gotta go,¡± Asher interjected, looking intently at Lila. She nodded, immediately ceasing the conversation. Everyone else exchanged a look before scattering, except for Grace who continued to hang around where they¡¯d left her. Lila shoved her things in her locker and retrieved her morning tea before heading to where Grace was. Lila inhaled deeply, hoping the act alone would suffice to assist her in acting normally.

    ¡°Did the Naprogesic work?¡± Grace asked upon Lila¡¯s return.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila said, hoping her tone would convince Grace enough to not ask any follow ups.

    ¡°You need to drink more water,¡± Grace¡¯s tone, as always, was warm ¨C encouraging.

    ¡°I will,¡± Lila replied, pressing her lips together. Was Asher done with putting his stuff away yet?

    Grace eyed Lila with a sigh. ¡°Lila, something feels really off with you. Are you sure it¡¯s just your period? You¡¯re acting¡­ odd.¡±

    Lila cringed. Pretending to be normal with Grace was so much harder than she¡¯d anticipated.

    ¡°Like I said, Asher and I got into a fight.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re still worried about that? Have you told him it¡¯s still weighing on you?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila mumbled. Of course she hadn¡¯t ¨C because she wasn¡¯t worried about it. Even if she had been before seeing Grace and Ms Alexander yesterday, it was nothing compared to the worries she now had.

    ¡°You really should tell Asher-¡±

    ¡°Tell me what?¡±

    Lila¡¯s relief at seeing Asher, his hands full of morning tea, was immeasurable. She immediately went to his side, holding on to his arm.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± she smiled. ¡°See you later, Grace!¡±

    ¡°Lila, you really-¡±

    ¡°Bye!¡±

    She started pushing Asher towards the exit and he stumbled that way, saying goodbye to Grace as well.

    Once they passed through the doors, Asher turned to Lila, confusion plain across his face.

    ¡°What do you need to tell me?¡±

    Lila sighed, gesturing for Asher to head down the path towards the STEM area. They began walking that way as Lila tried to formulate her response.

    ¡°I¡­ ended up lying to Grace and Elise yesterday. About why I was acting weird in class. I said that you and I got into a disagreement and even though we resolved it, I was still bothered about the fact that we¡¯d disagreed.¡±

    ¡°Good excuse, but¡­ well, I know that shit wouldn¡¯t fly with Isaac if I said something like that. He¡¯d hound me about it. Not that I can¡¯t fend him off, mind you. He kept telling me to tell you that I like you, and then when Theo asked you out on a date, it steadily got worse. But anyway, Grace is a close friend. It¡¯s no wonder Grace is concerned about you talking to me about it.¡±

    ¡°I know, but what else could I even say? I mean, today I said I had period pain and she gave me medicine. I haven¡¯t gotten it just yet, so it¡¯s going to be awkward when I do and I need medicine.¡±

    An awkward expression flitted across Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Lila queried.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just¡­ well, not really used to, uh, period talk.¡±

    Lila stopped herself from asking why. Considering how soon into their relationship Holly got pregnant, she probably hardly mentioned anything about them to Asher.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila uttered, now feeling very awkward as well. Had that been too personal to tell him? She¡¯d gotten used to the idea that they could tell each other anything. Were periods off limits?

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Asher replied. ¡°I mean¡­ it¡¯s something that happens to you.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess so.¡±

    ¡°Plus, uh, I did say we could talk to each other about anything. That fits under ¡®anything¡¯.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t know how to respond, besides by giving Asher a nod. The uncomfortable silence between them continued until it was interrupted by their arrival at the lab. Like Monday, it was relatively quiet this morning tea.

    ¡°So, looks like we wait,¡± Asher sighed, pointing out a spare grassy patch just in front of the door to the lab. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Over here¡¯s better,¡± she said, pointing to an alternative diagonally across from the door, with a group or two of lounging students in between. ¡°We have to watch first.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not going to follow them straight away?¡± His voice was low, his eyes darting to either side of him.

    The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°No. And even if we were, sitting basically right outside the door is too obvious. From this angle, we can see the door, and where they go, plus we¡¯ve got coverage in between us,¡± Lila replied, her voice also quiet. He nodded, leading the way to the spot she identified.

    They both sat across from each other, with Lila ensuring she could keep an eye on the door from her peripheral vision. From Asher¡¯s vantage point, Lila assumed that he¡¯d be able to see down the walkway past the labs and back to the main nexus of the STEM area, along with the break in the buildings towards the carpark.

    She pulled her banana out from her pocket and immediately began peeling it.

    ¡°So¡­ how long are going to keep coming back here?¡± Asher asked, peeling his mandarin.

    ¡°How ever long it takes,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°At the very least, expect us to be here for the rest of this week. We still haven¡¯t established a pattern ¨C though we did establish that they could break the pattern that we thought they had before, and that Jake and Zack had previously done so.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, shaking his head. ¡°It makes sense, but I wish it wasn¡¯t such a waiting game.¡±

    ¡°Hey, cops do stakeouts for hours on end. At least here, morning tea and lunch is about half an hour each.¡±

    Asher opened his mouth, as if to reply, when the door to the lab opened. Lila and Asher both craned their necks so they could see what was happening.

    Again, it was Jason who had stepped out. There would be no way for them to hear what he was saying on the phone that was pressed to his ear, so Lila didn¡¯t attempt to even shuffle closer. For now, they just needed to see if he would go somewhere, or call his lackeys to do something for him.

    He casually walked down the walkway, towards the opening where the food runners came through after their jaunt to the carpark.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a glance.

    ¡°It¡¯ll look suspicious if I keep looking behind me,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got it,¡± Asher replied with a smile. ¡°Not my first rodeo.¡±

    Lila bit back a laugh at the imagery of Asher in cowboy attire on the back of a horse.

    She began to bite into her banana, attempting to pull up her mental map of what was down that way. Between this block of labs and the next was the opening connected to the lawns, which connected to the carpark. Was there a secluded area around there?

    As she pondered this, Asher sat up.

    ¡°He¡¯s back,¡± he whispered. ¡°Looking very chuffed.¡±

    She looked towards the door of the lab, waiting for Jason to naturally come into her view again. Asher was right. He looked pretty chuffed, with the confident way he strode into the lab.

    ¡°Wonder if someone will leave,¡± Lila muttered.

    They continued to sit, picking at their food, for several minutes. There wasn¡¯t any movement, which made Lila feel slightly nervous. Had Jason just taken a personal call?

    ¡°Nothing?¡± Asher queried, taking a sip of water.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°We might see something at lunch,¡± Asher said, his tone measured. ¡°We¡¯ve both got LOTE classes before lunch, so I¡¯ll take our lunches with me there. That way we can just come straight here.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a good idea.¡±

    ¡°I try to have a couple every now and then.¡±

    She laughed and he grinned at her, his eyes twinkling.

    ¡°We should start heading back,¡± Asher said after a few moments. Lila reluctantly stood and they made their way back at a snail¡¯s pace. She couldn¡¯t help but feel as though the moment they left, a deal was probably going to go down.

    But¡­ they were only trying to establish a pattern for the moment. Even if a deal was going on, she wouldn¡¯t be able to follow them and check. Trying to slow down was more difficult than she¡¯d expected, it seemed.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s one visit down,¡± Lila muttered, stretching her arms above her head.

    ¡°And another to go¡­¡± Asher trailed off, looking thoughtful. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to send me in and get it over and done with?¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°And what, I¡¯m supposed to send photos of you to my Dad?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t know it¡¯s me if you take it from the back.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I don¡¯t know if you know how PIs work, but they¡¯re generally pretty observant. I would presume he committed you to memory the moment you first visited my house.¡±

    ¡°You reckon?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he''s always tried to teach me how to observe people. Says it¡¯s safer that way, in case someone wants to harm me or something.¡±

    ¡°That sounds serious. Are you secretly a spy?¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°A spy? Asher, I didn¡¯t notice Piper taking photos of me outside your house. If I was a spy, I should be fired.¡±

    Asher gave her a hearty laugh, pulling her closer.

    ¡°Good advice from your Dad, though,¡± Asher added approvingly. ¡°But I guess I¡¯ll reluctantly agree that getting pictures of me would be bad. Even if being a mole sounds cool.¡±

    She chuckled and they fell into step with each other, his arm slung around her shoulder. To think, he was already so comfortable with light touches such as these¡­ as much as she wanted to lean into him, her eyes spotted something she couldn¡¯t ignore.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Lila looked up at him and he smiled down at her.

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    ¡°I see a rather angry Isaac crouching behind the bin over there.¡±

    Asher turned, looking at said bin, which jolted Isaac into standing.

    ¡°What, I can¡¯t put my arm around Lila like this?¡± Asher asked as Isaac sheepishly made his way towards them.

    ¡°Should be fine,¡± Isaac reluctantly grumbled.

    ¡°I told you she¡¯d spot you,¡± Elise sighed, emerging from an alleyway just behind Lila and Asher, making them both jump. ¡°You''re too obvious.¡±

    Isaac hung his head low and Elise giggled. Lila was glad to see that they were getting along. Her hopes that they¡¯d get together were certainly rising.

    They walked in to the locker room together, with Elise wrapping her arm around Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Grace?¡± Lila asked once they reached the aisle with Lila, Grace, and Elise¡¯s lockers.

    Elise shrugged. ¡°She said she¡¯s been a bit busier with rehearsals for the musical that¡¯s coming up.¡±

    Lila¡¯s blood ran cold. She tried to keep her face neutral. ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°See you guys later,¡± Elise said, turning around to wave at Isaac and Asher. They returned the wave and headed off to their lockers.

    Lila assembled herself for her next classes with a small sigh. Maybe Grace actually was rehearsing¡­ she didn¡¯t need to be quite so suspicious of Grace. But, despite that, Lila couldn''t help but think otherwise.

    Lila and Elise slowly walked to PC, both rather subdued now that the boys had left.

    ¡°How was morning tea with Isaac, then?¡± Lila asked after they reached their classroom.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Elise murmured.

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound fine,¡± Lila replied, glancing at Elise. ¡°You were giggling with him just now.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s easy to,¡± Elise said quietly.

    ¡°What¡¯s your progress with him?¡± Lila queried seriously, opening the door for Elise. Ms Wang and a couple other classmates were already inside, though no one paid attention to them as they sat down.

    Elise blushed, her hands twisting together atop the table. ¡°Same as before.¡±

    Lila sighed, nudging her gently. ¡°What¡¯s stopping you?¡±

    Elise averted her gaze, looking down at her hands. ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t think he likes me like that.¡±

    ¡°What makes you think that? Have you asked him?¡±

    ¡°No¡­¡±

    ¡°So, what then?¡±

    ¡°He¡­ uh, just gives me vibes.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow. ¡°Vibes?¡±

    Elise looked increasingly uncomfortable. ¡°I¡­ just don¡¯t think he likes me,¡± she repeated.

    Lila reached out a hand to Elise¡¯s which were still clasped together. ¡°Elise, being scared is fine. I was scared for a while. But you don¡¯t know until you know, you know?¡±

    Elise¡¯s response was interrupted by the presence of a panting, sweaty Grace who threw her bag down on the table.

    ¡°Gee, Grace, do rehearsals include a marathon?¡± Elise blinked, moving aside slightly to give Grace more room.

    ¡°Almost,¡± Grace replied, gulping in more air.

    Lila¡¯s encouragement of Elise to tell Isaac her feelings immediately died in her throat. She pulled her Japanese materials to her, looking at her latest list of kanji to remember in an effort to seem busy.

    ¡°Did you talk to Asher?¡± Grace whispered after the roll was taken and free time was announced.

    ¡°Yup,¡± Lila replied shortly.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like it went well,¡± Grace pressed.

    ¡°They were fine just before,¡± Elise interjected with a slight frown. ¡°Lovey-dovey on the way to the locker room.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Then-¡±

    ¡°I have a mock exam next for Jap, sorry,¡± Lila cut Grace off with an apologetic smile.

    Grace fell silent, her face downcast. Lila caught sight of Elise looking between them both, her confusion evident, but Elise didn¡¯t say anything.

    The remainder of PC was soured by Lila¡¯s shutdown of Grace, but she tried to push through. Her oppressive worry about Grace ¨C especially after Asher¡¯s comment about her being groomed ¨C was making it hard to think. She couldn¡¯t get into it with Grace, with this looming persistent anxiety overhead.

    Lila knew, reluctantly, that her behaviour was something that Grace undoubtedly noticed ¨C and was likely hurt by. But Lila couldn¡¯t even think of an excuse that would take Grace¡¯s hurt away while she tried to adjust to her new knowledge.

    Once class was over, Lila packed up as quickly as possible and left with a grimace. She could only hope that Grace would understand one day ¨C once Lila was brave enough and able to talk to her about it.

    Japanese passed without a mock exam, but instead preparation for one in the following lesson. It distracted Lila enough from her guilt momentarily, but once it was over it came back in full force.

    Asher was standing outside her classroom, their lunch in his hands and a smile on his face. For some reason, she felt as though she wanted to cry, even though seeing him ordinarily made her happy.

    ¡°Ready for lunch?¡± he asked, his voice warm and gentle. She collected his lunchbox with a nod and quivering lip.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem okay. What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher¡¯s smile dropped and he gently held her by the shoulders. She shook her head. Talking about it would definitely make her tears overflow.

    He stood there for a moment, seeming unsure about what to do. Then, he took her free hand and began walking towards the labs.

    ¡°Let¡¯s sit down,¡± he murmured. She nodded, though she wasn¡¯t sure he saw it.

    She was glad that they had headed straight to the lab, rather than stopping by the locker room first, as the spot they had sat in that morning was free again. As they sat down, Lila could see the flow of students starting to increase, though none seemed willing to enter the lab itself.

    She opened her lunchbox in silence, finding a chicken wrap, salad and pieces of fruit within. She could see from her peripheral vision that Asher would look at her every now and then as they wordlessly ate, his concern glaringly obvious.

    Lila tried to concentrate on monitoring the lab, which led to her eating twice as slowly. There weren¡¯t many movements, aside from the occasional appearance of the food runners, or a student here and there ¨C likely picking up an order or placing one. None of the key players left, at least, by the time she finally finished her lunch.

    Asher was staring off in the distance, looking towards the road to the carpark, when Lila zipped up her lunchbox. He gave her a sideways glance before sitting up with a slight smile.

    ¡°How was the food?¡±

    ¡°Great, as usual,¡± Lila replied, looking back down at her closed lunchbox.

    ¡°I¡¯ll pass the compliment along to the chef.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila uttered with a half-smile. Asher sighed. He reached over and gently tilted her head up with a finger so that she was forced to look at him.

    ¡°Lila, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    His eyes were like liquid gold with the way the sun was falling across them. The tears she¡¯d been holding back began to form once again.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ really hard, facing Grace,¡± she whispered, breaking eye contact and looking past his shoulder towards the lab.

    ¡°Ah,¡± he breathed, leaning back on his hands. ¡°I understand.¡±

    A tear slid down her face, which she hurriedly wiped away. ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s really concerned about me. I just don¡¯t know what to say to her anymore. I feel like¡­ if I open my mouth, it¡¯ll just come tumbling out. I won¡¯t be able to stop myself. And¡­ it¡¯s just not the right time. It¡¯s so new, and shocking, and¡­ I don¡¯t want to hurt her, but I know I am.¡±

    ¡°I know it¡¯s not the same thing,¡± Asher said quietly, ¡°but it was hard for me when Isaac told me about his betting debt. It¡¯s not as though I thought any less of him, but it was just hard to reconcile and wrap my head around. Part of it was because I thought he should¡¯ve told me much earlier. Another part of it was because I realised that was hypocritical of me. And¡­ the final part was feeling like I was a dumbass for not noticing. I don¡¯t really know if any of that applies here, but¡­ it was much easier, knowing you were there for me. Even though I didn¡¯t tell you right away, as soon as I did, a weight got lifted from my shoulders. Much more than I thought I had to begin with.¡±

    Lila nodded slowly. ¡°It¡¯s kinda similar, in some parts. But this¡­ this is big. Not to say 3k of debt isn¡¯t big.¡±

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s hard for me to grasp, especially since Grace has always seemed so¡­ I don¡¯t know if level-headed is the right word, but she¡¯s at least seemed really reasonable. But I can¡¯t imagine what it¡¯s like for you, as she¡¯s one of your closest friends. As a consequence of that, though, of course she¡¯s picking up on the fact that your attitude to her has changed.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want it to,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°I don¡¯t know what to do, though.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher repeated. ¡°I¡¯d be surprised if you did. It¡¯s not really like this has happened to you before.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not that I know of.¡±

    Asher paused before he frowned and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you could say or do about Grace in the meantime¡­ unless you want to make up more fights between us?¡±

    Another half-smile flashed across her face. ¡°No thanks. I don¡¯t want her to hate you forever.¡±

    ¡°That does seem like a bad idea,¡± he conceded, his expression thoughtful. He turned to look behind him, towards the lab door, before looking back at Lila. ¡°No movements?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡¯m starting to think that maybe we¡¯re just making this whole thing up.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not,¡± Asher replied firmly. ¡°Maybe they just don¡¯t do deals every day.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together before sighing again. ¡°That would make sense.¡±

    He checked the time on his phone. ¡°Definitely seems like they don¡¯t do deals every day. It¡¯s time to start heading back.¡±

    Lila pouted but stood all the same. ¡°Feels like a waste.¡±

    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s true that they don¡¯t do deals every day, then perhaps that¡¯s something valuable we¡¯ve learned,¡± Asher said reasonably, standing as well.

    They made their way back to the locker room, with Lila still pondering this turn of events. If they didn¡¯t do deals every day, then was it on a schedule? And if it was on a schedule, would that not be risky? What was Jason¡¯s phone call this morning about? Why did it make him so chuffed, if it wasn¡¯t related to the drugs?

    ¡°Do you feel better, at least?¡± Asher eventually asked, slowing their approach to the locker room doors. Lila shrugged.

    ¡°I think the only thing that will make me feel better entirely is if I get it over with, or let time pass,¡± she said quietly, leaning her head on his shoulder.

    ¡°Alright. Well, we have Study this afternoon. If you want, we can talk some more then. Hopefully, we can come up with something.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d appreciate that.¡±

    He smiled down at her before opening the door. Lila cast a quick glance around and was glad to see that Grace wasn¡¯t here just yet. Neither, it seemed, was Elise or Isaac, which suited Lila just as well. While Lila was avoiding Grace, rather than Elise, Elise would surely pick up on it soon, if she hadn¡¯t already.

    She parted ways with Asher, already wishing that they were together again. Aside from being invested in finding out the secrets of the morphine ring, she really did enjoy his company.

    Design was more of the same, though drafts were starting to be due. The stress that Term 3 always brought was beginning to pile on, far earlier than usual. It was the last term that really counted for things like ranks for awards and the like ¨C which normally didn¡¯t bother Lila, since her marks were never close for an award. But¡­ surely Asher was starting to feel the pressure?

    Should she scale back his involvement in the investigation? Whilst it was helpful, she could probably do most of it on her own ¨C since all they were doing was watching and waiting, anyway.

    She was still teetering on the edge of asking Asher for his thoughts on the matter as she left Design, her feet already taking her to the library.

    ¡°Leaving without me?¡±

    Lila blinked, looking for the source of the question. Asher was just ahead of her, his face bright with a cheeky grin.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Lila replied sheepishly.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve thought you¡¯d be looking out for me wherever you went,¡± his tone was playful as he held out an arm for her to take.

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila said, clutching at his blazer. ¡°Normally.¡±

    ¡°So, what¡¯s abnormal now?¡±

    ¡°The fact that you¡¯re here when you shouldn¡¯t be.¡±

    He laughed. ¡°I guess that¡¯s true, but you did give me your timetable.¡±

    ¡°I know, but your Physics class is so much closer to the library than Design.¡±

    ¡°True, but getting to see you sooner makes it hard to notice things like distance.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat, her face feeling warm against the cold battering against it. Would she ever get used to him saying things like that?

    She glanced up at him, surprised to find that his face was rather pink, his eyes avoiding her gaze entirely. Was he shy again? She gently squeezed his arm and he looked back down at her.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he queried, his voice slightly strained.

    She smiled. ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡±

    ¡°Me? Nothing.¡±

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re shy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±

    She raised an eyebrow at him and he sighed.

    ¡°Fine. You caught me. I¡­ just can¡¯t seem to get used to the fact that I can just¡­ say what¡¯s on my mind like that. I guess I just get a bit worried that you¡¯ll tell me off again.¡±

    ¡°Tell you off again?¡±

    He fell silent for a moment before bashfully rubbing the back of his neck. ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯d say a bit too much, and you¡¯d ask me to stop¡­ playing with your heart, essentially. Before we started dating.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breath caught in her throat and she shook his arm, causing him to stop. ¡°T-That was then, this is now. I lo- like hearing you say those things.¡±

    He stared at her. ¡°Sorry?¡±

    Had he caught what she was about to say? It had almost slipped out ¨C that she loved hearing him say those things. It wasn¡¯t a lie ¨C but¡­ perhaps it was too early to toss around the word ¡®love¡¯ like that. At least, she really really liked Asher, but love? As in¡­ being in love? It was a scary word ¨C one that Lila had heard him say, when he was with Holly and about Holly. But he¡¯d recently taken that back¡­ right?

    She took a deep breath. ¡°I like hearing you say those things. Always have, even before we started dating. But it made me feel too hopeful ¨C which¡­ wasn¡¯t good for me, since you didn¡¯t want to date back then. But now we are, so¡­ say what you want.¡±

    His face turned a deeper shade of red as he nodded stiffly. ¡°Alright. I will.¡±

    ¡°Within reason.¡±

    He blinked at her and she gave him a meaningful look back. If his head could swell to the size of a balloon and fly off, she imagined that it would be in this moment.

    ¡°Y-Yeah, I¡­ I¡¯ll keep it reasonable,¡± he managed to get out after clearing his throat.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    They continued along their journey to the library and signed in as usual. Lila cast her usual glance in the direction that Ayla tended to sit, and saw, once more, that Ayla was absent. Had she changed schools without telling anyone?

    ¡°Uh, I¡­ kinda have to actually study for a bit,¡± Asher said awkwardly as they set up their various materials. ¡°O-Only for a bit. I know I promised we¡¯d talk about what to do with the whole Grace situation.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s okay,¡± Lila smiled reassuringly. ¡°I did have a question, though.¡±

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I know that schoolwork is getting more intense. And I know that you¡¯re still studious¡­ so I was wondering if you wanted me to just do the investigation on my own. So you can concentrate.¡±

    He stared at her, jaw agape, like she¡¯d just confessed she was actually a cat in disguise as a human.

    ¡°Huh?¡± he uttered.

    ¡°W-Well, I just¡­ don¡¯t want to distract you more than necessary. Since I know you¡­ well, you kinda want to keep gunning for Dux. For your Mum, and yourself.¡±

    He slowly closed his eyes, pressing his fingers against his temples. ¡°Lila, I¡¯ve told you before that I only go for things I have a fair shot of winning.¡±

    ¡°I know, but you also overwork yourself.¡±

    His eyelids flew open, meeting her eyes for just a split second before looking back down at his laptop. ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°And I don¡¯t want to overwork you if I could just do it myself-¡±

    ¡°Lila, I don¡¯t know whether or not you¡¯re thinking this suggestion through,¡± he said, his voice grave.

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do I- Lila, this is a bunch of Grade 12s we¡¯re talking about. Jocks, mainly, plus the Head Boy. If they find out that you¡¯re sniffing around, and I¡¯m not there to protect you, who knows what would happen?¡±

    ¡°What, you think they¡¯d be violent?¡±

    He held her gaze with a grim expression. ¡°Who knows?¡±

    Lila shivered, folding her arms against her chest. ¡°Surely not.¡±

    ¡°Drugs are funny, Lila. If you threaten something someone¡¯s addicted to, you don¡¯t know how they¡¯ll react. Maybe it would be fine, but maybe it wouldn¡¯t. If you want to stop the investigation on my account, that¡¯s fine, I guess, but don¡¯t do it on your own. Please.¡±

    He paused before shaking his head. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s not fine. We¡¯ve already started. We need to keep going, especially since the school¡¯s probably going to sanction the Banker, and everything¡¯s going to change. Plus, this involves our Dads, the Hospital, and countless people ¨C victims, really.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t disagree,¡± Lila sighed reluctantly. ¡°I just¡­ don¡¯t want you to sacrifice your grades. Since it¡¯s important to you, and you work really hard.¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Asher replied, ¡°but even with the craziness of this whole year, my grades haven¡¯t slipped at all. Part of that comes from me knowing when I need to actually study¡­ which¡­¡± he gave her an apologetic look and she waved at him to go ahead.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said bashfully, placing his earphones in his ears. Lila got stuck into her own schoolwork for once, looking up every so often to take in Asher¡¯s focused expression, for about half an hour. Then, with a long-suffering sigh, Asher took his earphones out and closed his laptop. He gave her a weary smile.

    ¡°I just wanted to tidy up my draft,¡± he explained. ¡°I¡¯ve sent it in now.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you did great.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see what happens when Mr Singh gets back to me.¡± He gave her another smile. ¡°So, Grace.¡±

    Lila closed her laptop, suddenly unsure if she wanted to continue their conversation about Grace.

    ¡°You can blame me,¡± Asher said simply.

    She wrinkled her brow in confusion. ¡°For?¡±

    ¡°Well, if she asks why you¡¯re avoiding her, you can say that you¡¯re not. You¡¯re just trying to focus on schoolwork since I¡¯m forcing you to. Which means you can¡¯t really spend your time chatting.¡±

    ¡°You are?¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°No. I¡¯m not. I told you before that I care about my grades, but yours doesn¡¯t matter to me. At least, it matters to me that you¡¯re happy with your grades and efforts, and I¡¯ll help you where I can, but otherwise, it doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±

    ¡°Do you really think that¡¯ll work?¡±

    ¡°Probably not in the long term,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Short term, it should.¡±

    Lila shifted awkwardly. ¡°I¡¯ve never been so studious. I think she¡¯ll clock on that it¡¯s bullshit.¡±

    ¡°The drawback to this method is that you¡¯ll have to actually be studious around her, yes. But you¡¯ve never dated me before. And no one at this school has, either. Who knows, maybe I¡¯m just a hard-ass that needs his girlfriend to be on par with him grades-wise?¡± His eyes twinkled as he said this, clearly amused by the idea.

    ¡°I guess I can try it,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°It won¡¯t feel good, to lie to her like that, but¡­ there¡¯s nothing else I can do for now.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Lila continued to mull over this for a few moments before sighing in defeat. It was the best plan that they had so far, and she couldn¡¯t think of any others.

    ¡°If you think of something better, by all means,¡± Asher added seriously. ¡°I won¡¯t be offended if you don¡¯t end up doing that.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have anything better at the moment. Thanks for the suggestion.¡±

    He inclined his head with another smile. As she smiled back, her mind intrusively reminded her of what she¡¯d wanted to ask about yesterday. Was¡­ now the right time?

    She¡¯d been so brave recently, ever since that vulnerable conversation over the weekend, but now that the moment that her question came up in had long passed, she wasn¡¯t sure whether she should ask.

    ¡°You seem bothered by something,¡± Asher observed, placing his head in his right hand, his elbow against the table. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ve been thinking, about what you said yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I said a lot of things,¡± Asher said with a nod. ¡°What in particular?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Uh, it¡¯s about what you said. Um, about love.¡±

    ¡°Love?¡± He sat back, his expression surprised. ¡°I don¡¯t remember-¡±

    ¡°When I said that Grace and her partner said they love each other, you said something like¡­ you thought you knew what it was, until you opened your eyes.¡±

    He slowly looked at Lila before rubbing his forehead. ¡°Guess I did.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ I-I was just curious. What did you mean by that?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know if I want to get into it, to be honest,¡± he said quietly, putting both of his hands in his hair and staring directly at the desk.

    ¡°Oh. It¡¯s fine-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not because I don¡¯t want to answer your question. But¡­ I guess I haven¡¯t figured it out myself. So I don¡¯t want to misspeak.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    They both remained silent for a few seconds before Asher roughed up his hair and sat up, his eye contact with her now rather intense. She wanted to shrink away from it, but at the same time, her curiosity kept her pinned in this state of limbo as he continued to say nothing.

    Then, he spoke. ¡°You were there, when I said I loved Holly in the locker room,¡± he said, his face scrunched in disdain. ¡°When I was telling Piper off.¡±

    ¡°I was.¡±

    He closed his eyes, now rubbing his eyebrows. ¡°I had thought, back then, that I did love Holly. That I was in love with her, in fact. But I was kidding myself.¡±

    ¡°What does that mean?¡±

    ¡°It means¡­¡± he looked frustrated now, his eyes fixated again on the desk. ¡°Essentially, I was trying to force it.¡±

    ¡°Force it?¡±

    He grimaced. ¡°I¡¯ve told you a few times that I still liked you when I was dating Holly. I was in denial about it, for a long time ¨C especially then. Essentially, if I told myself that I loved her, then one day it would be true and I¡¯d forget about you in that way. But before that ever happened, I found out she¡¯d been cheating on me.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°And¡­ I dunno, I think¡­ if you think you¡¯re gonna be in love with someone or love them, then you should feel comfortable telling them anything and everything. Maybe that¡¯s just me, but I definitely don¡¯t think I ever loved Holly. If I did, then I would¡¯ve told her about my Mum.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyebrow twitched. Did that mean he loved Lila?

    As if he¡¯d caught on in the same instant, his face turned red and he immediately spoke again. ¡°B?But there¡¯s more that goes into it, I¡¯m sure. It¡­ not that I don¡¯t like you¡­ but it¡¯s a bit early, i-if you think it is. I mean, we just started dating, so it¡¯s not like-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. You don¡¯t need to get twisted up into knots. I know what you mean.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ do?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It is a bit early. I¡­ don¡¯t know if I know what love is just yet, and I don¡¯t want to freak you out by¡­ getting into it too early. I really like you, though. Have for a while. Beyond friends. I¡¯m not taking that back or anything.¡±

    He seemed relieved. Lila tried not to interpret that negatively. He reached out and tenderly squeezed her right hand.

    ¡°I really like you too, Lila.¡±

    They shared another smile before Asher checked the time on his phone.

    ¡°Study¡¯ll be over soon. We should probably start packing up,¡± he said with an air of disappointment.

    They did so, spending the remainder of Study afterwards talking about their upcoming assessments. Once time had ticked over to the end of the day, they immediately began their journey to the locker room.

    Now a usual activity, Asher reappeared beside her, hat on his head and bags slung over his shoulders, waiting for her to grab her things. She did so and they strolled to the bus station, with Lila still thinking about their conversation. He¡¯d seemed so convinced at one point that he loved Holly ¨C so to hear that he now thought that was fake made Lila nervous. Would he one day think the same about her?

    ¡®Don¡¯t be an idiot. He doesn¡¯t love you just yet, so it¡¯s not like you need to worry about that,¡¯ she told herself firmly.

    ¡°Dollar for your thoughts?¡± he queried as the bus station came into view.

    ¡°Don¡¯t have any,¡± Lila replied quickly. Though she was comfortable telling Asher most things, ¡®love¡¯ and its intense meaning seemed¡­ just a touch too vulnerable for now. Besides, there wasn¡¯t anything wrong with being careful with her heart. She still hardly knew him as her boyfriend, after all.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got several dollars if you¡¯d like to share,¡± he offered with a light-hearted grin, ¡°since you look very tense over there.¡±

    ¡°I do?¡±

    He inclined his head with a smile. ¡°A lot¡¯s been going on today, so it¡¯s to be expected- why¡¯s Daniel marching over here?¡±

    Lila looked up and saw that Daniel was, indeed, marching towards them, his face incredibly anxious.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, her eyes drifting to an unfamiliar teacher conducting the hat checks.

    ¡°The Headmaster¡¯s called a meeting tomorrow afternoon with Mum and Dad and me,¡± Daniel said, his tone wavering with nerves.

    ¡°You¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila replied automatically. ¡°What¡¯s another meeting when you¡¯ve already had one?¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ but he also said that that¡¯s when he¡¯d tell me what his decision is.¡±

    ¡°Heavy meeting,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Like Lila said though, you¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s good that you told your parents on the weekend ¨C it¡¯s not like it¡¯ll be sprung on them, either.¡±

    Daniel sighed, shoving his hands in his pockets. ¡°I¡­ guess.¡±

    ¡°Something had to give,¡± Lila said sensibly. ¡°I know it¡¯s a bit nerve-wracking now, but this will pass.¡±

    Daniel sighed again, this time more forcefully. ¡°I know¡­ thanks for the reminder, sis.¡±

    ¡°If you wanna talk some more when we get home, just let me know,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°The bus is almost here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be right. Just¡­ want to be alone for a bit.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s what you want.¡±

    Daniel turned on his heel and walked back to the bus stop, his hands still in his pockets. Asher gave a low whistle, shaking his head.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, something had to give. But you really gotta feel for the kid,¡± he said in a low voice.

    ¡°It¡¯s not an enviable position,¡± Lila concurred. ¡°I¡¯m kinda glad, though. After all this, I doubt you could say that he doesn¡¯t know the meaning of responsibility.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    They continued on, past the teacher, to the bus stop at the end of the station. It suddenly occurred to Lila, as they waited for the bus, that they hadn¡¯t kissed today. She¡¯d been so distracted by other things and now that the day was at an end, she felt slightly aggrieved.

    Just when she thought this, she felt Asher lightly touch the small of her back. She looked up at him, seeing that his face was pink.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t feel right to say goodbye without a kiss,¡± he said in a tentative voice.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t,¡± Lila agreed, a smile brightening her face. ¡°Not anymore, anyway.¡±

    He chuckled, reaching down to touch her face. She placed a hand on his, and they shared a short, sweet kiss before they heard the sound of dry retching. Lila turned around and saw Daniel, his hands on his knees and making exaggerated gagging sounds to the amusement of his snickering friends.

    ¡°Not the most romantic background music,¡± Asher smirked, squeezing her hand. She returned the squeeze, tempted to go for another kiss, when her bus screeched to a halt beside them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± she said despondently.

    ¡°See you then. English first up,¡± he responded, squeezing her hand again. He slipped out of her grasp and took a couple steps back, avoiding the crowd that was starting to climb the bus steps.

    ¡°Bye,¡± she said softly, waving before turning towards the bus and boarding it. She made her way to her usual seat, keeping her eyes on Asher through the window. He remained there until the bus began to move away, his expression looking downcast. She wished that he wouldn¡¯t look so sad when they parted at the end of the day. But, as she caught her expression in the window, she realised that she looked the exact same.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Four

    Just like he had been on Monday, Daniel was rather unsettled again on Thursday morning. Lila¡¯s parents hadn¡¯t said anything to her about their meeting with Mr Lockwood this afternoon, but she didn¡¯t ask, either. Given Asher¡¯s confidence that Daniel would be sanctioned, she didn¡¯t think he necessarily had anything to worry about. Well, except to worry about continuing the business on.

    ¡°You still want to go ahead with it all?¡± Lila asked as they walked to the bus stop near their house.

    Daniel shrugged, pulling his blazer closed against the wind. ¡°If it ends up being cancelled, then I¡¯d have a lot more free time. It¡¯s not like I need the money at the moment, either. But¡­ I¡¯d be sad to see it go.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°Besides, it¡¯d be a relief to stop working with Livi.¡±

    ¡°She still causing problems?¡±

    ¡°Endlessly.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    Daniel sighed heavily, kicking at a tuft of grass along the sidewalk. ¡°If someone wants to use Square, she gets all bitchy, apparently. Says this is a cash-preferred business.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s weird.¡±

    ¡°I just think she¡¯s trying to rebel against it, since we changed it up on her.¡±

    ¡®Or the drug deals are cash-only,¡¯ Lila thought, privately making a mental note to tell Asher this tidbit.

    ¡°There¡¯s a whole bunch of other stuff too, like she¡¯s just rude to people, even teachers. I dunno, sometimes I think she¡¯s trying to get it shut down on its own.¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ is there anyone who¡¯s not put off by her?¡±

    Daniel looked up at the overcast sky for a moment, his face thoughtful. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed a lot of sports people coming through for loans, and haven¡¯t really heard any complaints from them. Even about serviceability. It¡¯s mainly the Grade 10s and under that have a bigger problem, I think.¡±

    ¡°Where are you hearing these complaints from?¡±

    ¡°People like to talk to Nate. He knows I¡¯m the Banker ¨C he¡¯s been there since the start of the Uber Eats thing. He¡¯s a mate of mine and was one of my first customers but he couldn¡¯t pay off the loan¡­ so I said he could work it off. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s realised that he¡¯s more than paid it back.¡±

    Lila gave Daniel a disapproving look.

    ¡°I do pay him!¡±

    She snorted and they clambered onto the school bus that had just arrived. He seemed a bit more relaxed after talking to Lila, which she thought was a pretty good sign.

    They stepped off the bus, stretching and yawning, upon arriving at school.

    ¡°I¡¯ll probably just go home,¡± Lila said with another yawn. ¡°Since I¡¯ve got keys. You¡¯ll be fine with Mum and Dad there, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Daniel murmured. ¡°Mr Lockwood said it was just between our parents, me and him. I did ask.¡±

    ¡°All good,¡± Lila smiled. She reached over to lightly punch his arm. ¡°You¡¯ll be right.¡±

    He nodded. ¡°I will. Thanks, sis.¡±

    ¡°See ya later.¡±

    They split off, Lila heading to her locker room. Daniel would be fine, since their parents would be there. She didn¡¯t need to worry about it¡­ though she knew she would.

    Asher was already waiting for her, his expression lighting up upon seeing her. She grinned at him, and he enveloped her in a warm, comforting hug before stepping back.

    ¡°Morning,¡± he said happily.

    ¡°Morning,¡± she smiled, setting up her materials for her morning classes. ¡°You seem like you¡¯re in a good mood.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m always in a good mood.¡±

    Lila glanced at him with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m always in a good mood when I see you.¡±

    She laughed. ¡°That¡¯s only been true very recently, you know.¡±

    He looked offended. ¡°Since when have been in a bad mood when I saw you?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ when you were dating Holly, at least. There was a time where we avoided each other at school, you know.¡±

    He frowned, pulling her into another hug. ¡°Impossible.¡±

    She laughed. ¡°It did happen.¡±

    ¡°I know, but my brain¡¯s not allowing me to remember.¡±

    ¡°Asher and Lila, please step away from each other,¡± Ms Shard¡¯s stern voice interrupted them, and they obediently stepped apart. ¡°Any more of that and I will be forced to move your seats.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± they simultaneously mumbled.

    ¡°Good. I hope your drafts are coming along,¡± Ms Shard eyed them both over her glasses before unlocking the door. Neither answered, though Lila¡¯s stomach dropped. She¡¯d been completely avoiding her English assignment, and was now rudely reminded that her draft was supposed to be handed in next week.

    ¡°I¡¯m so screwed,¡± she said softly, stepping inside the classroom. Asher looked at her in alarm.

    ¡°Have you not been working on it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila despaired, plopping down into her seat. ¡°I¡¯ve been busy with other things.¡±

    He sat down next to her, running a hand through his hair. ¡°Looks like you¡¯re coming to mine after the game on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°Am I?¡±

    He nodded. ¡°This is due in a week, Lila. Serious business.¡±

    She hung her head. ¡°I know¡­ but I just hate poems.¡±

    ¡°Gotta do it. I¡¯ll help,¡± he added the second part in a whisper, glancing at Ms Shard.

    ¡°I can do it on my own-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not doubting you. But you¡¯d like help, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡± He gave her a sideways look before adding, ¡°It might make sense if you could stay overnight.¡±

    Her heart skipped a beat and she started absently coming through the end of her ponytail. ¡°W?Well, I, uh, could see about that¡­ but¡­ why?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± he blinked at her in confusion. ¡°Since we¡¯re going to the museum on Sunday.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t believe that she¡¯d forgotten about the trip to the museum for the second time that week. ¡°Right.¡±

    ¡°If you want to go home after dinner on Saturday, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±

    Lila paused. She really didn¡¯t, but¡­ at the same time, after their conversation last weekend, perhaps it was better off if she did. Staying over would be inviting trouble¡­ wouldn¡¯t it?

    ¡°Either way, the spare room-¡±

    ¡°Spare room?¡±

    He held her gaze for a moment before nodding. ¡°Yeah. Spare room.¡±

    She tried not to look disappointed. She thought that they¡¯d spoken about her staying in his room next¡­ but¡­ well, it made sense to park that idea for now.

    Ms Shard commenced the lesson before Lila could respond to Asher¡¯s comment, and, given the fervour with which the class was seeming to buzz with since their draft was due next week, Ms Shard didn¡¯t spend too long on her introduction before letting the class work on their assignments in silence.

    She stared at the beginning stages of her assignment ¨C which, at this point, was only a rough outline with bullet points ¨C and caught Asher peering over her shoulder every so often. It was unnerving, in a way, but at the same time she felt rather hopeless with all of this. Despite her copious notes, perusing of the criteria sheet, and various research, she couldn¡¯t wrap her head around what the main point of all of this was.

    Lila felt Asher¡¯s leg drift to hers and she looked over at him. He seemed to be focusing on his assignment ¨C which he was flying through, it looked like. She turned her mind back to her assignment with a reluctant sigh. Asher was right. She had to do it.

    She hadn¡¯t progressed much more by the time English was over, a fact that displeased her, and she shut off her laptop with a sigh.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Asher said quietly as he packed away his things. ¡°We¡¯ll work on it over the weekend.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she replied, unable to stop herself from sounding so deflated. ¡°I don¡¯t know why I¡¯m hesitating so much with this one.¡±

    ¡°Happens to the best of us, trust me,¡± he said reassuringly. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s head over to the STEM area.¡±

    Asher seemed to tactfully avoid talking about their English assignment, instead preferring to talk about their museum trip on Sunday. He seemed really excited, with the way his eyes lit up as he talked about the various dinosaur exhibits he was most intrigued by. Truthfully, Lila hadn¡¯t done any research on the museum, or its exhibits, as she wanted to be pleasantly surprised with what was on display.

    ¡°¡­ the stegosaurus was always a favourite of mine, growing up-¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± Isaac interrupted Asher¡¯s gushing, halting both Lila and Asher in their footsteps. They¡¯d made it to their usual split-off point without noticing.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Lila replied, narrowing her eyes at Isaac. He seemed to not be in the best mood, which was a rare occurrence.

    ¡°You seem pissed,¡± Asher observed. ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Isaac said stiffly. ¡°Ready for Chem?¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ but you really-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Isaac snapped. He closed his eyes, exhaling deeply. ¡°¡­ Nothing for you to worry about, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Well that just makes me worry more,¡± Asher countered. ¡°You don¡¯t normally lose your temper like this.¡±

    Isaac paused, looking at both Lila and Asher for a moment. ¡°I don¡¯t, but work¡¯s been busting my ass. Slipped up yesterday and they want to talk to me for a ¡®review¡¯. Probably going to be fired. What¡¯s my progress on the debt? Like 1k? Not enough by any means.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you not to stress about paying me back-¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t help it. C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go.¡±

    Isaac practically dragged Asher, who gave an apologetic look to Lila, away to the Chem lab. Lila pressed her lips together as she walked to Maths, her mind curious about Isaac¡¯s poor mood. It really wasn¡¯t like Isaac. Not that Lila really felt as though she knew Isaac deeply, but either way, he was never quite so aggressive in his speech, or so forceful with Asher.

    Though, if he was stressed about losing his job, Lila could sympathise. Losing his job at Maccas would mean that he wouldn¡¯t get to see Elise as much ¨C which, given Asher¡¯s assertion that Isaac liked her, would probably make him antsy. Especially since they weren¡¯t dating ¨C and, even if they were, it wasn¡¯t as though Elise had a bunch of spare time to dedicate to dates or the like.

    Perhaps Elise could do something about Isaac¡¯s impending review, or at least encourage him somewhat. From what Elise mentioned before, about them sizing Isaac up to be a Crew Trainer, Lila couldn¡¯t see them firing him for a ¡®slip up¡¯. How badly had he slipped up?

    Revision in Maths took up the rest of Lila¡¯s brain space, so she wasn¡¯t able to try and untangle the mysteries of Isaac¡¯s mood for the moment. She was, however, able to feel a lot more confident about her Maths than English. Perhaps she¡¯d let Asher know¡­

    Speaking of Asher, Lila could see him standing just outside her classroom as her class was being dismissed. She thought for a moment that he might¡¯ve dragged some insight out of Isaac, but when she emerged, she realised she couldn¡¯t ask about that quite yet.

    ¡°Hey Asher, hi Isaac,¡± Lila greeted, pulling her bag on her shoulder. Asher tutted, taking it off immediately.

    ¡°Hi,¡± Asher said, placing it on his own shoulder. ¡°Ready for morning tea?¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila smiled, casting her eyes towards the lab in which the Banker¡¯s operations sat.

    ¡°Can I join you guys?¡± Isaac asked suddenly, his appearance suddenly looking rather nervous.

    Lila froze. Ordinarily, she would say yes¡­ but¡­ they were meant to be keeping an eye out on the morphine ring. Asher¡¯s eyes flickered to hers before he cleared his throat.

    ¡°You can, but you¡¯d just be watching us make out,¡± he said confidently. Lila felt as though she was about to have a heart attack, what with how easily he¡¯d said something like that. She felt her cheeks heating up ¨C almost to the point of being able to cook an egg on them.

    Isaac wrinkled his nose. ¡°Definitely not, then.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher shrugged. He reached for Lila¡¯s hand and interlocked their fingers together. ¡°Just thought I¡¯d tell you how it is.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, thanks, didn¡¯t need that imagery,¡± Isaac shuddered. ¡°Ah well, I¡¯ll just find a spot somewhere.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t want to have morning tea with Elise?¡± Lila inquired as they moved towards the locker room.

    Isaac was quiet for a few moments. ¡°No,¡± he eventually said, shaking his head. ¡°She¡­ saw what happened yesterday. Can¡¯t really face her right now. She¡¯d tell me off again.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d you even do?¡± Asher queried. ¡°Sounds really serious.¡±

    Isaac looked distinctly uneasy. ¡°I¡­ just kept making a lot of mistakes. Then, to top it all off, I broke the shake machine. Put ice cream mix in the wrong side. They had to call out maintenance to flush it all out, but we have a soft serve special at the moment, so the managers weren¡¯t happy that we couldn¡¯t sell any.¡±

    ¡°Sounds rough,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Surely you wouldn¡¯t get fired, though. They might just try to remind you of the procedures or something.¡±

    Isaac sighed. ¡°If they feel invested, maybe. But I¡¯m just a casual, and realistically haven¡¯t been there for long.¡±

    They filed in to the locker room in silence, with Lila pondering Isaac¡¯s plight. It did sound bad, but not as bad as she¡¯d been thinking. Was it really enough to upset him so much?

    The answer, it seemed, was waiting for them in the aisle where Lila, Grace and Elise¡¯s lockers were.

    Isaac paled upon seeing Elise, who was standing in the aisle, a tub of yoghurt in one hand and a bag of grapes in the other.

    ¡°Isaac-¡±

    He immediately turned around, heading towards his aisle and completely ignoring Elise¡¯s attempt at talking to him. Elise sighed heavily in response.

    ¡°He told us what happened,¡± Lila said gravely. ¡°Sounds like he¡¯s scared that he¡¯s gonna get fired.¡±

    Elise blinked rapidly at Lila before she seemed to understand what she was saying. ¡°Ah. Because of yesterday. Nah, he wouldn¡¯t get fired over that. Especially since he¡¯s actually a good worker. I¡¯ve told him that, but he still seems upset.¡±

    ¡°While I¡¯m not glad he¡¯s upset, I¡¯m glad that it seems to be over nothing,¡± Asher replied, seeming genuinely relieved by this.

    Elise nodded before asking, ¡°Could I have morning tea with you guys?¡± She popped a grape in her mouth as she waited for a response.

    Asher exchanged a look with Lila before speaking. ¡°Well, if you did, you¡¯d just be watching us-¡±

    ¡°Forget I asked,¡± Elise said shortly. She winked at Lila though. ¡°I¡¯ll find my own place to sit.¡±

    ¡°Elise, I think you should talk to Isaac,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°At least help ease his worries.¡±

    Elise shook her head. ¡°Tried that. I think he needs some time alone.¡±

    Asher paused. ¡°That is sometimes the best thing for him.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, I don¡¯t want to keep you guys from¡­ whatever plans you have,¡± Elise said, gesturing at them both. ¡°I¡¯ll see you in PC, Lila.¡±

    Lila watched Elise wander off before looking up at Asher. ¡°I hope Isaac feels better soon,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Otherwise Mission Cupid might be in danger.¡±

    Asher chuckled. ¡°Look, it¡¯s work related. I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll all blow over by his next shift, and he¡¯ll be right as rain again. I¡¯ll be back in a sec.¡±

    He headed off towards his locker after passing her bag back to her and she put it away before taking out her bits of morning tea.

    Once he reappeared with his own morning tea, they set off towards the lab again, Lila still thinking about Isaac.

    ¡°You reckon it is just about work?¡± Lila asked carefully, taking a sip of her water.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be?¡± Asher seemed surprised as he looked at her. ¡°You know how honest Isaac is.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I know. But he seems far too upset by it.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°All I know is that work has become really important to him over the past however long it¡¯s been. It¡¯s actually really refreshing to see. He was never a fan of working hard before.¡± He stopped for a second, looking thoughtful, before continuing. ¡°I think a lot of that is to do with Elise. I know if we were working together at Maccas, and something I did threatened that, I¡¯d be really upset too. Mostly at myself, and especially so if I hadn¡¯t told you how I felt yet.¡±

    Lila remained quiet for a few moments. It did seem to line up, at least.

    ¡°He¡¯ll cool down soon enough,¡± Asher asserted. ¡°Definitely by the time we go to the museum, anyway.¡±

    Lila supposed that would be true, especially if Asher thought so. So, she put it out of her mind for now, instead surveying the lawn next to the Banker¡¯s lab.

    It was as empty as it had been the previous few visits, but at least there was still coverage if Lila and Asher sat in the same spot. They wordlessly settled into the same spot, with Lila casting a quick look at the door. No one was leaving or entering just yet.

    ¡°Another day,¡± Asher sighed, poking at his apple. ¡°Reckon something will happen?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. ¡°I think so. I also reckon we could probably follow them, if someone besides Jason leaves.¡±

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Asher perked up, taking a bite out of his apple. ¡°Exciting.¡±

    Lila leaned close to Asher as she whispered, ¡°Well, I think if it goes as we think it should, the Banker would be sanctioned at Assembly tomorrow, which is just after morning tea and before lunch. Everything will probably be in chaos, for the Grade 12s at least.¡±

    ¡°All good points,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Let¡¯s hope it works out.¡±

    Lila lounged for the moment, eating her morning tea casually whilst keeping an eye trained on the lab door. Then, it swung open.

    ¡°Jason again,¡± Lila murmured. Asher seemed like he was going to turn around, but restrained himself.

    Jason was once more on his phone, seeming rather animated today. He went through the same path that he did yesterday, a fact that Lila noted. Then, she remembered what Daniel had told her.

    ¡°By the way,¡± she said quietly as Asher took over the role of watching. ¡°Daniel mentioned something interesting.¡±

    ¡°He tends to,¡± Asher replied, his eyes flashing to hers before returning to where Jason had disappeared.

    ¡°Right, well¡­ he said that some of the complaints he¡¯s been hearing are about Livi pushing people away from using the Square system.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t surprise me. She seemed real mad about it when I took her through how to use it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but he also said that she said that it was a ¡®cash-preferred business¡¯.¡±

    Asher held her gaze more intently before resuming his watch. ¡°Well, that¡¯s bullshit.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    He gave a disdainful tut. ¡°Must want cash for something specific.¡±

    ¡°I reckon it¡¯s all cash-based. Harder to trace, too.¡±

    ¡°Sure is. Oh, he¡¯s coming back. Chuffed again.¡±

    Once Jason was naturally within her line of sight, Lila kept a close eye on him. He did seem chuffed, just as he had yesterday. Was he finally sending out someone?

    But, just like yesterday, despite his return to the lab, there was no further movement.

    ¡°What do you even think he¡¯s doing in there?¡± Lila whispered after a minute or so passed.

    ¡°Dunno. Maybe making sure a deal¡¯s on a spreadsheet or something.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°A spreadsheet?¡±

    ¡°Where do you think the ¡®organised¡¯ part of ¡®organised crime¡¯ comes from? There¡¯s gotta be some order,¡± Asher grinned at her. ¡°Plus, it also serves as a list of blackmail targets.¡±

    ¡°I suppose so¡­ with a business like that, it¡¯s probably the one thing that keeps it going, rather than people reporting them.¡±

    ¡°Eh, those people have their own ulterior motives. If they report it, how else are they going to get their fix?¡±

    Lila shivered, though not from the cold. ¡°It¡¯s all just¡­ so insidious. It¡­ well, it¡¯s hard to believe that a Grade 12 student, or group of them, is running this all without some kind of adult help.¡±

    Asher looked at her darkly. ¡°It¡¯s exactly this kind of behaviour that makes me think his Mum is involved. Not that we have proof of that, but¡­ as you say, it is rather insidious. Maybe even to the point that someone with a lot of experience is teaching him the ropes. I doubt he would¡¯ve thought about all of this on his own.¡±

    ¡°Especially with how to not get caught,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°That¡¯s a big one.¡±

    ¡°Unless it¡¯s like the Banker situation and all the teachers are in on it too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not think about teachers doing more illegal activity, thanks.¡±

    Asher met her eyes before nodding. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°I was only half-serious.¡±

    ¡°Still, though.¡±

    They fell silent, with Lila keeping a keen eye on the door. It was starting to bother her, that she didn¡¯t know anything about their pattern. She was starting to suspect that there wasn¡¯t a pattern, to avoid detection. Which was working quite well, given they couldn¡¯t detect a single deal.

    Unless there was someone roaming around the school doing the deals and that¡¯s who Jason was calling. It hadn¡¯t occurred to her before ¨C that this could be the case. If it was, how the hell were they supposed to catch one going down?

    ¡°Well, since we¡¯re just waiting again, how are you feeling about the Grace thing?¡± Asher asked carefully. Lila sighed.

    ¡°Same as yesterday. But I think your plan might work.¡±

    ¡°I mean, if you keep falling behind in English, it¡¯ll become a reality,¡± he said playfully. ¡°What¡¯s stumping you with that one, anyway?¡±

    Lila groaned. ¡°Please let¡¯s not talk about it now. You¡¯re giving me war flashbacks.¡±

    He snorted. ¡°Glad to know you survived a war.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s school if not war?¡±

    He snorted again, shaking his head. ¡°Sometimes feels like it.¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    They chatted some more, with Asher deftly avoiding the topic of English. Instead, they mainly centred around the game on Saturday ¨C all the while with Lila¡¯s eyes on the door over Asher¡¯s shoulder.

    Thinking about the game similarly exhausted Lila as thinking about English, since she wasn¡¯t exactly confident with their chances, but Asher was in high spirits after his team¡¯s win last weekend.

    After some time, he checked his phone.

    ¡°Well, I hope PE ends early,¡± he said reluctantly. ¡°That way we can get our spot again. I was surprised by how quickly it got crowded yesterday.¡±

    You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    ¡°Did you want to come straight here?¡± Lila asked, standing up and dusting herself off. He did so as well, pausing slightly before answering.

    ¡°May as well, unless you wanted to put your gym stuff in your locker.¡±

    Lila hesitated. ¡°That¡­ may be a better idea.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡±

    They made their way back to the locker room, with Lila taking one last look at the door to the lab. There was still no movement, though again she left with the suspicion that as soon as they moved on, a deal would go on. It frustrated her to no end, but she held out hope that they¡¯d see something at lunch.

    There was no Isaac waiting in the aisle where Lila, Elise and Grace¡¯s lockers were, though Elise was hanging around, looking rather lost. Lila immediately began to feel guilty for not spending morning tea with Elise, but she brightened upon seeing them approach.

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Elise chirped. ¡°Had a good time¡­ doing whatever it was you were doing?¡±

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Asher smirked, ¡°we can recreate-¡±

    ¡°Wow, look at the time, Lila we should get to class!¡± Elise squeaked, pulling Lila to her locker.

    ¡°Asher¡¯s just joking,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± he called out, waving at them both. ¡°See you in PE.¡±

    Lila felt her face turning red as she returned his wave. It seemed that he was having too much fun with this excuse he¡¯d made up to get Elise and Isaac to stay away from them at break.

    ¡°What did you do to him, Lila?¡± Elsie queried in a low voice once Asher departed. ¡°He¡¯s like¡­ so forward and confident now.¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied shortly, opening up her locker. ¡°I¡¯ve noticed it too, but I think¡­ he¡¯s just happy that we¡¯re finally dating.¡±

    ¡°I mean same, but damn girl. I kinda thought he¡¯d be ultra submissive, since he¡¯s been pining after you for so long.¡±

    Lila flushed again. Submissive? Asher? She wasn¡¯t quite sure that fit him, especially after their conversation on the weekend.

    Elise left Lila to go to her own locker and get ready for class. Lila pulled out her gym bag and almost closed her locker when she remembered Asher¡¯s excuse for Grace ¨C that Lila was meant to be studious because he was forcing her to be, which meant less time for social interaction.

    She reluctantly pulled out her laptop bag as well before closing her locker with a sigh.

    ¡°Ready for class?¡± Elise asked, clutching her books to her chest a few moments later.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila shrugged. They set off, with Lila giving Elise a sideways glance. Elise seemed to catch on to this.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she asked with a small smile.

    ¡°Did you end up talking to Isaac?¡±

    Elise¡¯s smile dropped. ¡°No. We didn¡¯t have morning tea together today.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­ do you reckon he¡¯ll be fine by the time we go to the museum?¡±

    Elies shrugged. ¡°I couldn¡¯t tell you. I like him, but it¡¯s not like I can read his mind. I hope so, otherwise it¡¯ll be really awkward.¡±

    ¡°No kidding.¡±

    Speaking of really awkward, Grace was already set up inside the PC classroom for once. Her eyes looked red and weary, her face slightly puffy. Had she been crying?

    Concern fluttered within Lila. Had Ms Alexander seen them? Was she breaking up with Grace because of it? Or did they have a fight about something else? Even if Lila was doubting whether Grace should be dating Ms Alexander, she still saw that Grace was happy¡­ was being the operative word at the moment.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Elise murmured, sitting down immediately. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°Nothing¡­ well, not nothing. I got into a fight with my¡­ partner,¡± Grace replied, her voice strained. ¡°I¡­ asked if she could go to the museum with us and she freaked out.¡±

    ¡®Grace actually asked? That¡¯s brave¡­¡¯ Lila thought as she reached out to touch Grace¡¯s shoulder comfortingly. Grace went rigid for a moment, staring at Lila with wide eyes, before tears began to flow.

    ¡°I thought you were mad at me,¡± Grace sniffled, wiping at her eyes with the wrists of her jumper.

    ¡°I¡¯m not mad at you,¡± Lila said softly. It was the truth, after all. But¡­ even so¡­ the lingering imagery of Ms Alexander and Grace in the spare Performing Arts classroom coloured her tone.

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Grace¡¯s voice was small and trembling. Lila was starting to panic. What was she supposed to do? Asher would know¡­ surely.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila replied, avoiding Grace¡¯s beseeching eyes. ¡°Just¡­ been a bit more involved with study. Since Asher¡¯s forcing me.¡±

    ¡°Forcing you?¡± Elise looked worried now.

    ¡°I guess that¡¯s a strong word. Um¡­ basically, he¡¯s just¡­ concerned that my grades are a bit low¡­ for him. So¡­ I can¡¯t really be so social at the moment.¡±

    Elise¡¯s face immediately changed to one of anger. Grace lightly touched Elise¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Elise, it¡¯s not the worst thing in the world,¡± Grace said quietly. ¡°Getting better grades hurt no one, and it¡¯s to be expected. He¡¯s the Dux, after all.¡±

    Lila breathed a sigh of relief. She¡¯d bought it.

    ¡°Even so, that¡¯s a bit much, don¡¯t you think? Controlling, even?¡± Elise pressed.

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with it,¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡°Like Grace said, getting better grades hurt no one.¡±

    Elise looked doubtful, but dropped the topic. Lila pulled out her laptop to play the part of a studious student. She may as well lean into it, if she was going all this way to make a point.

    Neither Elise or Grace bothered Lila for the rest of PC, though Lila looked up every now and then. It seemed that Grace was happier, now that Lila had said she wasn¡¯t mad at Grace. It was a fact that made the guilt still hiding within Lila grow, but there wasn¡¯t anything she could do about it for now.

    Once they were released from class, Lila booked it to the Gymnasium, hardly saying goodbye to either Grace or Elise. She didn¡¯t get very far until she bumped into Asher, also on his way to the Gymnasium.

    ¡°I¡¯d ask if you wanted to walk together, but you look like you¡¯d rather run,¡± Asher chuckled.

    ¡°I-It¡¯s not that,¡± Lila huffed. ¡°I¡­ just can¡¯t stay in PC for longer than necessary.¡±

    Asher gave her a sympathetic smile before taking her gym bag and laptop off her shoulders. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go.¡±

    They split off once they reached the Gymnasium to get changed and met once again inside the basketball court. It was freezing in here, but Lila combated this by doing some dynamic stretches. Asher followed suit, an amused expression on his face.

    ¡°This your routine for hockey?¡± he asked, following her lead in trying to touch his toes.

    ¡°Kinda? I don¡¯t really follow a routine. I just do what everyone else does. Why, what¡¯s yours?¡±

    ¡°Involves a lot of running and leg kicks,¡± he replied, raising his hands above his head. ¡°Pretty funny to watch. Not so funny to do.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t like stretching?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m ambivalent, but there¡¯s only so many times you can hear Mr Kovac barking about ¡®sexy circles¡¯ and ¡®kicking your bum¡¯ before it gets a bit weird.¡±

    ¡°I think my limit¡¯s once, thanks,¡± Lila shuddered. He laughed.

    ¡°Good lunge, Asher,¡± Ms Wright said approvingly as she briskly marched past them both. ¡°Hope you¡¯re ready for the match against St Peters, you two.¡±

    ¡°As ready as I¡¯ll ever be,¡± Lila sighed, standing up straight and pulling her arm across her chest.

    ¡°I¡¯d say that¡¯s the spirit, but it doesn¡¯t sound as confident as I¡¯d like,¡± Ms Wright replied. ¡°Do we need another training session to get that confidence?¡±

    ¡°No ma¡¯am. I¡¯m super confident. The most confident.¡±

    Ms Wright shook her head disapprovingly before moving to the front of the class. It seemed like the sport on today¡¯s agenda was basketball again. Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure whether Ms Wright ever had lesson plans for these things, or just showed up and picked whatever she thought sounded like a good idea at the time. Not that she¡¯d ever ask Ms Wright¡­

    Asher was in the opposing team again, though Lila was on the sidelines for the first round. She was starting to feel the beginning stages of her period, so was grateful for the reprieve for the moment. She was also grateful that it was starting now, rather than the day of the match.

    Again, there was no Ayla today, which was gradually becoming the norm. Lila sat a few metres away from a pair of girls in her class ¨C Isla Douglas and Rylee Lawrence. They tended to keep to themselves, this pair. In fact, Lila would¡¯ve hardly noticed them if she wasn¡¯t sitting just nearby.

    From what she knew of both of them, they weren¡¯t exactly popular, nor unpopular. Sort of in the middle, which Lila supposed was where she sat too.

    ¡°¡­ Ayla¡­¡±

    That caught Lila¡¯s attention. She wasn¡¯t sure which of the two girls were talking about Ayla, but she strained to catch the rest of the conversation.

    ¡°¡­ Hospital ¨C poor thing¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Why?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Not supposed to say¡­ Mum¡¯ll kill me¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just me¡­¡±

    ¡°Guess¡­ fine¡­ attempted¡­¡±

    Isla gasped incredibly loudly, her hands over her mouth in apparent shock. It jarred Lila, a reaction that big, and she tried to pretend she wasn¡¯t actively eavesdropping as Rylee looked around.

    ¡°¡­ Dummy¡­ quiet¡­¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry¡­ shocking¡­¡±

    Did Rylee¡¯s Mum work at a hospital? Actually, was Rylee¡¯s Mum supposed to be telling her daughter the status of patients? Lila shook her head ¨C clearly that was something she didn¡¯t need to think too hard about since it didn¡¯t seem relevant to the information she¡¯d received.

    She brought a hand to her chin as she contemplated what Rylee had said. Attempted what, exactly? Was it Ayla that had attempted something? The only thing Lila could think of was suicide ¨C but why? Ayla hadn¡¯t ever seemed gloomy¡­

    Though, from her experience with her Uncle Adrian, gloominess wasn¡¯t a prerequisite for that kind of thing. Did something trigger it? Something¡­ like Piper¡¯s murder?

    Or had Ayla tried to do something that ended up being dangerous? Lila couldn¡¯t exactly think of anything that would fit that, besides maybe a risky U-turn while learning how to drive or something like that. Maybe she tried to do a stunt while practicing for Dance that went wrong?

    ¡°Lila,¡± Asher¡¯s voice drew her out of her thoughts and she blinked up at him. His hand was extended to her and she instinctively took it. He helped her stand.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± she asked, looking around at the court. Her question was virtually answered for her as Isla and Rylee were on the court, readying themselves for a match.

    ¡°They¡¯re subbing me out,¡± Asher explained. ¡°Your team called for you, but you seem really deep in thought. Something wrong?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll explain after class.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait to hear it.¡±

    He sat down where she¡¯d been sitting, giving her an encouraging wave. She trudged over to her disapproving teammates who gave her the run down of the points at the moment before separating into their various roles. Again, basketball was not her sport of choice, but she tried her best to work with her team.

    Class ended with Asher¡¯s team winning today, which he seemed chuffed about ¨C despite the fact that he stayed on the sidelines far longer than he¡¯d been in the match.

    They split off again to grab their things before meeting up to go to the locker room.

    ¡°Ready to dash?¡± he asked with a grin.

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to, won¡¯t we?¡± Lila asked with a touch of despondence. She was starting to feel exhausted with life in general now.

    ¡°If we want our spot, probably.¡±

    Lila and Asher hurried off to the locker room, their speed discouraging any form of conversation. She shoved her things into her locker and Asher appeared beside her, huffing with their customary lunchboxes.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she smiled, taking hers from his hands. They raced to the lab, past Elise, Isaac and Grace without greeting either of them.

    It was fortunate that they had made getting here such a desperate priority. The grassy area outside the lab was almost full already, but there was some room where they had been sitting over the past couple of days.

    They weaved through the groups of lounging students, settling in to their usual seating arrangement. Lila looked towards the door of the lab, noting that there wasn¡¯t any movement.

    ¡°Finally,¡± Asher said faintly as he unzipped his lunchbox. ¡°Could hardly catch my breath.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for hurrying.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just as invested as you are, Lila. ¡®Course I hurried.¡±

    She laughed, opening her lunchbox as well. A sticky honey-soy chicken stir fry today ¨C one that certainly lived up to the word ¡®delicious¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯d ask if you want this to be heated up, but I reckon you¡¯d sooner beat me up for compromising our activities,¡± Asher teased, glancing over his shoulder quickly. ¡°No movement?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lila confirmed, taking a sip of her water. ¡°I was thinking that maybe someone from the outside is doing the drops. Y¡¯know, someone who¡¯s always roaming around, rather than the people who are cooped up in that lab.¡±

    ¡°Could be. If the network is of any decent size, probably. But I reckon there¡¯d be more than one person doing it ¨C even just as a method to avoid getting caught. It gets suspicious if it¡¯s the same shady person doing shady things each time. Much less so if it¡¯s a bunch of shady people occasionally doing something shady.¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    They fell silent, with Lila still keeping watch of the door. She slowly ate her food, still watching.

    ¡°You look really tense,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°Relax. Even if you miss them, I¡¯ll see them.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t help it,¡± Lila responded. ¡°I just¡­ want to get the evidence. To help our Dads and stop what¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°Whether you¡¯re tense or relaxed about it, it¡¯ll happen. Come, let¡¯s switch gears for a bit. What were you going to say in PE?¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± Lila leaned forward, her enthusiasm in telling Asher what she¡¯d heard completely relieving all the tension in her shoulders. ¡°I think I know where Ayla is.¡±

    ¡°Ayla?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I heard Isla and Rylee talking about her in PE.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ who?¡±

    Lila gave him a heavy, exasperated sigh. ¡°Isla Douglas and Rylee Lawrence. They¡¯ve only been in our class for, what, the whole year at this point? Heck, you probably danced with them for semi practice.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Wait, Rylee Lawrence?¡± He frowned as he placed a finger to his forehead. ¡°Lawrence¡­¡±

    ¡°Is the name familiar?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ there¡¯s an Agnes Lawrence who retired a few years ago as Head Nurse of the Mental Health Ward at my Dad¡¯s hospital.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised you remember that.¡±

    He glanced at her. ¡°Dad holds these galas at the end of the year for hospital staff. Says it¡¯s a morale booster. They give awards at the end. He¡¯s been taking Mum and I for years. She was the longest serving staff member before she retired. Got an award for it and everything.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. Agnes Lawrence sounded a bit old to be Rylee¡¯s Mum, plus Ayla¡¯s potential hospitalisation would have only been recent ¨C over the holidays at the earliest.

    ¡°But¡­ Agnes¡¯ daughter-in-law was making her way up the ranks, I thought,¡± Asher said carefully. ¡°Dunno her name, but she certainly carried some kind of prestige amongst the others ¡®cause of Agnes. Agnes was really well liked. If I visited Dad at the hospital as a kid and she saw me, she¡¯d give me a lollipop and show me the books they keep for the patients. They were mainly at a child¡¯s reading level, with heaps of pictures and colours, even though it was for the Mental Health Ward rather than the Children¡¯s section.¡±

    ¡°She sounds really sweet.¡±

    ¡°She was,¡± Asher had a fond smile for a moment before he continued on. ¡°Anyway, so, Isla and Rylee were talking about Ayla in PE?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Well, Rylee said something about her Mum killing her, since she wasn¡¯t supposed to tell. And, look, the info I got was really fragmented, but basically Rylee said something about Ayla, ¡®hospital¡¯ and ¡®attempted¡¯.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Was that all you got?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sat back, suddenly deflated. It really wasn¡¯t a lot to go off of.

    ¡°Rylee¡¯s Mum actually would kill her,¡± Asher said after a slight pause. ¡°Patient confidentiality and all that. She¡¯s not supposed to saying anything to Rylee at all.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that more Rylee¡¯s Mum¡¯s fault?¡±

    ¡°Yes. But not many people believe in accountability, I find.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°It¡¯s not enough to get excited over.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s more info than you¡¯ve gotten these past few weeks,¡± Asher said sensibly. ¡°I know you¡¯re still worried about her. Or curious, whichever.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say a bit of both,¡± Lila murmured. Then, she sat up straight.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she whispered, her eyes not moving from her targets. ¡°Jake and Zack. They¡¯re on the move.¡±

    ¡°Shit, really? Something¡¯s happening?¡± Asher¡¯s face looked nervous and he made to look behind him when Lila grabbed the lapel of his blazer.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look back. Let¡¯s just¡­ get up for now. Slowly,¡± she said quietly, swiftly letting go.

    He nodded and they did so, zipping up their half-finished lunches. Jake and Zack seemed to be following the same path that Jason usually took. Her eyes had drifted to the bumbag around Zack¡¯s waist again and she watched as he buttoned up his blazer, concealing it as they passed her line of sight.

    ¡°They¡¯ve just gone down that path to the carpark. Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher said in a low voice, grabbing her hand and gently pulling her towards said path.

    Lila tried to soften her footsteps as they walked down that way, her mind spinning. Finally, after two days of nothing, they were on the move. Would they see something today?

    Lila and Asher rounded the corner, spotting Jake and Zack just ahead, climbing some stairs at the end of the aisle, behind the lab that wasn¡¯t used by Livi¡¯s group. Asher and Lila exchanged a quick glance before wordlessly following behind. Jake and Zack seemed to be deep in conversation, laughing about something or other. Were they openly discussing a deal, or just hanging out?

    Though¡­ seeing that Jake and Zack operated as Livi¡¯s main bodyguards, Lila found it hard to believe that they¡¯d leave their posts to simply hang out. Technically, they hung out all the time in the lab, after all.

    Jake and Zack cleared the top of the stairs, immediately turning right. From Lila¡¯s mental map, right would take them towards the Counselling Services building. Was one, or both, of them scheduled for counselling now? Lila felt slightly awkward, if that was the case. It seemed almost intrusive.

    She didn¡¯t mention anything to Asher as they also cleared the top of the stairs, trailing behind Jake and Zack. It really didn¡¯t seem as though they¡¯d caught on to the fact that they were being followed, which Lila was privately grateful for. It seemed that most people were that way inclined ¨C something for her to keep in mind if she needed to follow anyone again.

    Lila kept a close eye on Jake and Zack as they walked along the road to the Counselling Services building. But, instead of heading down into the building, Jake and Zack carried on, bumping shoulders and guffawing about something Lila couldn¡¯t quite catch from this distance. Not that she really wanted to, either. There was something unnerving about it.

    Sickbay was just next to the Counselling Services building along the same road. Did they need to see the School Nurse?

    The answer, it appeared, was no, as both Jake and Zack continued past the Sickbay as well. Where were they going? With how carefree and unhurried Jake and Zack seemed, perhaps they weren¡¯t going to a deal after all¡­

    The stairs down to the Tuckshop came into view and Lila expected Jake and Zack to pass these, too. But, as they guffawed once more, they descended these stairs at a leisurely pace. Were they just getting lunch, or maybe some post-lunch desserts?

    ¡°Hey, you¡¯re frowning up a storm,¡± Asher murmured, shaking Lila¡¯s hand. She glanced at Asher, who smiled at her. ¡°Relax,¡± he reminded her. ¡°Want an ice cream?¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°Too cold for ice cream.¡±

    ¡°Never too cold for ice cream.¡±

    She shook her head, her mood lightening up considerably. Asher was right. Feeling relaxed whilst tailing Jake and Zack was much better than being so tense the entire time.

    Lila and Asher paused at the top of the stairs, watching as Jake and Zack carried on through the eating area next to the Tuckshop. Yet again, neither Jake nor Zack looked behind them, or even up, to see Lila and Asher.

    They exchanged a glance before heading down as well, keeping a safe distance from Jake and Zack.

    ¡°The boyyyyys!¡± a loud, booming voice met their ears before Lila and Asher entered the shaded food court.

    A group of five Grade 12 boys were sitting around a large table, a deck of cards dispersed between them all.

    ¡°Hell yeah!¡± Jake replied, roughly pulling up a chair into the circle, sitting backwards on it. He exchanged a handshake with the two guys next to him. ¡°How far you guys in this one?¡±

    ¡°Not far,¡± the owner of the booming voice said, leaning over to grab a pile of the cards. ¡°Want in?¡±

    Zack also pulled up a chair, and Lila and Asher passed by them. They again took the diagonal approach, making sure to not be within either Zack or Jake¡¯s line of sight, as they sat at an empty table that was slightly higher up than the one Zack and Jake were sitting at. They arranged themselves so they could both see the large group of boys, who were starting to get rowdy as they progressed their card game, and from this angle, they had a decent view of the table, too.

    ¡°Just looks like they¡¯re playing cards,¡± Asher muttered, tapping his fingers along his lunchbox that he rested on their table.

    ¡°I guess you can¡¯t bodyguard that well if you¡¯re playing cards,¡± Lila whispered. ¡°They probably can¡¯t really do that in the lab.¡±

    ¡°Guess not.¡±

    Was a drop part of the card game? It really didn¡¯t seem that the boys were talking about much besides the game they were playing, not that Lila could truthfully hear much with any clarity due to both the distance and the excited banter they were throwing around in reaction to each other¡¯s moves.

    Asher unzipped his lunchbox, pulling out the rest of his stir fry. Lila looked at him apprehensively and he shrugged.

    ¡°Sitting outside Tuckshop with no food? That¡¯s more suspicious than the rugby boys playing card games.¡±

    ¡°They play rugby?¡±

    ¡°Most of them. There¡¯s a couple of tennis players in there too, and I think one does rugby and touch footy, but they¡¯re all in Grade 12 at least.¡±

    ¡°Anyone who doesn¡¯t do a sport?¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes drifted over to the group before he cocked his head to the side. ¡°Actually¡­ no.¡±

    Was this a clue?

    Lila followed Asher¡¯s lead in eating the rest of her lunch as she waited to see if they would do something different. Lunch continued to pass them by, to the point that both Asher and Lila finished their food. Asher glanced at his phone.

    ¡°There¡¯s five minutes left,¡± he said quietly. ¡°We have to head back to the locker room.¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    ¡°I know. But it really just looks like they¡¯re just hanging out. Today¡¯s a bust, too.¡±

    Lila pouted, but obediently began to zip up her lunchbox. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw something strange.

    The card game seemed to have wrapped up, and Zack and Jake were both helping to collect the cards ¨C until Lila saw that, in fact, neither of them had cards in their hands. She tapped Asher on the shoulder, jerking her head towards the group.

    Two small glass bottles were in Zack¡¯s hands and accepted by two of the boys directly opposite him. Jake stood, making as if to reach couple of the cards at the other end of the table before Lila saw that he had instead picked up an envelope. It was so swift that if Lila had blinked, she would have missed it. In fact, by the time she realised what she had just seen, it was far too late to take any pictures. Her heart dropped as this sunk in, and she wished she could rewind time.

    ¡°Good game, boys,¡± Lila heard Jake say. The envelope swiftly disappeared from his hands and he started genuinely helping to pack up the card game. Zack followed suit, passing along cards to the same booming-voiced student.

    ¡°Shit,¡± Asher whispered, standing up abruptly. None of the students who had played the card game looked in his direction. ¡°We missed it.¡±

    ¡°Well, not really,¡± Lila replied in a hushed voice. ¡°We saw something ¨C but we didn¡¯t get proof of it.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go before they see us here. Plus, I can¡¯t miss the start of Advanced Maths ¨C I have a couple questions for the teacher.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t need to be told again. They departed without another look at the Grade 12s, hurrying up the stairs two at a time. They speed-walked down the road to the locker room, neither saying a thing. Lila was still pondering what she¡¯d seen and how it operated. If they weren¡¯t already paying careful attention to that group, they wouldn¡¯t have seen anything at all. Nothing was amiss. Nothing was even addressed ¨C just a bunch of guys, playing card games. An activity that plenty of students all around campus did during break times. Heck, even during PC.

    ¡®How many exchanges have I walked past and not noticed?¡¯

    For some reason, this question was even more chilling than she expected. She¡¯d expected a shady, underhanded deal in a secluded spot, with only one witness, besides the dealers, to the whole event. But that group ¨C there was at least five, before Zack and Jake joined. And no one said a single thing about the exchange. How many times had they all received these drugs before? Or¡­ were some of the boys just now unaware that an illegal exchange happened right under their noses?

    Lila wanted to skip class so she could talk to Asher about the whole thing, beginning to end, but she was running late for her Modern History class too. They parted ways in the locker room, with Asher seeming apologetic at the idea that he would have to run off right away, rather than say a proper goodbye.

    Once Lila was seated in Modern History at her usual table with Elise and Grace, she could hardly keep still. Her mind was throwing around all sorts of theories and concerns regarding what she¡¯d seen. At least it served as a nice distraction from her woes with Grace for the moment, though.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise whispered after ten minutes, ¡°everything okay?¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Lila replied, also in a whisper. ¡°Just¡­ antsy.¡±

    ¡°For?¡± Grace asked quietly.

    ¡°¡­ The weekend.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s still a little bit away,¡± Elise noted, her voice low. ¡°You¡¯re really that excited?¡±

    ¡°Yup. Studying so much has made everything else feel so much more exciting.¡± This lie fell out of Lila¡¯s lips far quicker than her mind registered what she was saying. Elise raised an eyebrow at Lila.

    ¡°Lila, I think you need to say something to Asher, about this rule or whatever it is-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Lila cut Elise off, finally stopping her legs from shaking underneath the table. ¡°Seriously.¡±

    ¡°Elise, I know you¡¯re worried, but you might be getting close to meddling in their relationship,¡± Grace whispered. ¡°No one likes meddlers, even if you think there¡¯s something wrong with the relationship. From what I can see, this is harmless.¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, her mind being split into two facets now ¨C one which was still thinking about the morphine ring, and the other now thinking about Grace¡¯s relationship with Ms Alexander.

    ¡®No one likes meddlers, huh¡­¡¯ Lila thought with a sigh. ¡®God-fucking-dammit.¡¯

    If she was lost on what to do about Grace before, she was now entirely blind on any resolution. Speaking to Grace would be a difficult conversation to begin with, but if Lila was seen as meddling? She might lose Grace as a friend entirely. But then, if she kept being so weird with Grace ¨C something she still couldn¡¯t help, even though it was somewhat better today ¨C then she might lose Grace anyway.

    ¡°Lila, you¡¯re really pale all of a sudden. Do you need to go to Sickbay?¡± Grace queried, her voice warm and soothing.

    ¡°Actually, yeah,¡± Lila said, standing up. Their Modern History teacher, Mrs Popovic, looked over at Lila in alarm from her desk. At the very least, today was meant to be spent working on their assignment, so Lila wasn¡¯t interrupting a lecture.

    ¡°Ma¡¯am, I don¡¯t feel well,¡± Lila murmured, clutching her stomach. ¡°Can I please go to the Sickbay?¡±

    ¡°By all means, Lila. You don¡¯t look well,¡± Mrs Popovic fumbled around her desk for a notepad. She wrote down a crude note, confirming that Lila was allowed to be in Sickbay, and passed it along to Lila. ¡°Do you need someone to go with you?¡±

    ¡°I-I should be fine¡­¡±

    ¡°I think Elise and Grace would disagree,¡± Mrs Popovic said kindly, looking over at Lila¡¯s friends. ¡°You can take them both.¡±

    Lila really didn¡¯t want to take either, but if she was going down this route anyway, she may as well heed Mrs Popovic¡¯s suggestion.

    Elise and Grace had already packed away Lila¡¯s things, their faces anxious.

    ¡°Mrs Popovic said you can both take me,¡± Lila reluctantly said. Elise and Grace both stood, with Elise slinging Lila¡¯s laptop on her shoulder and Grace holding Lila¡¯s bookbag.

    They departed as a trio, with no one speaking. Lila did notice Elise and Grace sneaking peeks at her every so often, but didn¡¯t feel up to talking. Her head was too full of what she¡¯d seen at lunch, and what to do about Grace. Plus¡­ she was really starting to cramp.

    ¡°Hello,¡± the school nurse, a matronly kind of woman known affectionately as ¡®Debbie¡¯, greeted upon the trio¡¯s entry. ¡°Who am I seeing today?¡±

    ¡°Lila, ma¡¯am,¡± Elise quickly said, pointing at Lila. ¡°She¡¯s not well.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, ladies,¡± Debbie smiled. ¡°I can take it from here. Lila, do you have a note?¡±

    ¡°I-I do,¡± Lila said, stepping forward and passing Debbie the note from Mrs Popovic. Elise and Grace shot Lila a tentative look.

    ¡°We¡¯ll see you later,¡± Grace said, opening the door. ¡°If not this afternoon, then tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila weakly agreed.

    ¡°Keep us updated,¡± Elise added, holding the door to let Grace out. ¡°Feel better soon.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, guys.¡±

    Elise and Grace both left, the door swinging shut behind them.

    ¡°Alright, Lila, what seems to be the matter?¡± Debbie asked, gesturing for Lila to come forward.

    ¡°I¡­ have bad period cramps,¡± Lila murmured. She cast her eye around the Sickbay, seeing that all the beds bar one child-sized bed were empty.

    ¡°Oh dear,¡± Debbie said sympathetically. ¡°Have you taken Naprogesic before?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Any allergies?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Debbie rummaged around the medicine cabinet behind her, pulling out a packet of Naprogesic. She deposited two of the pills into Lila¡¯s awaiting hand. ¡°Water¡¯s just over there. Take two, and have a lie down. The day¡¯s almost over, so if you¡¯d like to stay here until then, I won¡¯t tell anyone, besides your next teacher. Unless you¡¯d like me to call a parent or guardian to pick you up?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ should be fine, after these start working,¡± Lila said tentatively.

    Debbie smiled warmly at her. ¡°Any bed will do. You can pop your bags next to it. I¡¯ll just register your attendance.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lila took the medicine as instructed and placed her bags at the bed on the far end. She took her shoes off and pulled the thin blanket over herself as she rested on the plasticky mattress. It wasn¡¯t the most pleasant of experiences, but better than being cooped up in class.

    With nothing else to do, Lila started to drift off despite her mind being so hazy. Even though she¡¯d just said that it was wasn¡¯t the most pleasant of experiences, something about just existing in Sickbay always made her so sleepy. Did Debbie put something in the water?

    Lila chuckled absently to herself from the thought, her senses dulling as she fell into a deeper sleep. Surely that¡¯d be illegal¡­

    Not that legalities stopped a lot of people, apparently. Herself included¡­

    Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure how long it had been since she started sleeping when she awoke to the sound of a commotion by the door. She opened her bleary eyes and found that she was facing the wall.

    ¡°Y-Young man!¡± spluttered Debbie. ¡°For the last time, what are you doing here?¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Lila?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to know who you are first-¡±

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    Lila turned around on the bed, an effort that was surely far more tiresome than normal, to find Asher looking over Debbie¡¯s head and towards her. She¡¯d never seen him so worried about anything in particular ¨C let alone her. Debbie, by contrast, seemed to be fuming even from the back of her, her arms outstretched in an attempt to block Asher from stepping any closer. It was comical, really, given Debbie was probably at most 5¡¯2¡±, but Lila sat up, trying to figure out what was going on so she could defuse it.

    ¡°Debbie, that¡¯s Asher ¨C my boyfriend,¡± Lila said feebly. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ probably checking on me.¡±

    Debbie looked back at Lila before turning back to Asher, her body language rather irate.

    ¡°Since you are not ill, I will only give you a couple of minutes,¡± Debbie said sternly, lowering her arms. ¡°Next time, answer my questions first before waking up the whole Sickbay.¡±

    Lila glanced around. She was actually all alone now, but supposed that, for the moment, she was ¡®the whole Sickbay¡¯.

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher responded, immediately brushing past Debbie and crossing over to Lila. Debbie sighed before toddling back over to her desk, shaking her head.

    ¡°Asher, what are you doing here?¡± Lila asked as soon as he approached. He grasped her hands in his, his eyes glistening with concern.

    ¡°Elise and Grace told me you left Modern History to go to the Sickbay,¡± he replied, squeezing her hands. ¡°Your hands are freezing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just how it is in here,¡± Lila responded, though her cheeks were beginning to feel warm now that he was here. ¡°What time is it?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s about 2.20,¡± Asher said, his eyes flickering to the clock beside her. ¡°I couldn¡¯t come earlier.¡±

    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have come at all. I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°People who are fine don¡¯t ditch class and go to Sickbay, Lila. What happened? You seemed okay at lunch.¡±

    ¡°I was thinking too hard,¡± Lila chanced a playful grin, but it didn¡¯t seem to land. He continued to look at her expectantly and she sighed. ¡°Plus¡­ I started cramping.¡±

    ¡°Cramping?¡±

    Lila squirmed slightly. ¡°Yeah. My period.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± His eyes darted down her body for a moment before he nodded. ¡°Does it normally hurt this much?¡±

    ¡°Normally¡­ I just take a whole bunch of medicine. But¡­¡± She paused. Was now the time to tell him that she was on the Pill, and that this first period on the Pill was unpredictable?

    ¡°Alright, Asher, time to go to class,¡± Debbie called from behind her desk.

    ¡°But?¡± Asher asked quickly.

    ¡°But¡­ I didn¡¯t have any on me. It took me by surprise.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Makes sense. Um, will you be okay?¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Just a moment, please,¡± he whipped around to face Debbie who sighed again. She gestured at him to go on.

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am. Uh, anyway, you¡¯ll be okay? O-Or do you need me to make up an illness?¡± He added the last part in a whisper and Lila smiled, shaking her head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. Just need some rest. Thank you for checking on me.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to go to class?¡±

    ¡°Probably not.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll come straight here.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to-¡±

    ¡°No, I do,¡± he kissed her hands gently, squeezing them again. ¡°I won¡¯t be able to forgive myself otherwise.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila smiled at him once more and he let go of her hands.

    ¡°Rest well, okay?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    He walked back to the door, seeming to hesitate for a moment. He turned around.

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ll see you later.¡±

    Lila nodded, not trusting her voice to carry that far to him.

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am,¡± he said politely to Debbie with a nod, slipping out of the door. Debbie sighed again, bustling over to the water station. She poured a cup of water and passed it along to Lila, briefly placing a hand on Lila¡¯s forehead.

    ¡°Not the politest fellow, but he seems sweet enough,¡± Debbie said with a chuckle. ¡°Cares about you a lot. Now, how are you feeling?¡±

    ¡°Still sore,¡± Lila responded, taking a sip of water.

    ¡°Drink that all then rest some more, okay?¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Debbie.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t even think he knew my name,¡± Debbie commented as she started to walk away.

    ¡°Probably not,¡± Lila said. ¡°He never takes off sick. He¡¯s, um, really dedicated to schoolwork.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Debbie seemed rather miffed by this statement but settled back behind her desk.

    Lila drank the rest of her water before lying back down. She couldn¡¯t stop the smile that was forming on her face. She hadn¡¯t expected Asher to check on her, and it made her happier than she dared to think that he had.

    She was woken once more, this time by Debbie¡¯s gentle voice.

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s time,¡± Debbie said, stepping back. ¡°School¡¯s over and that boyfriend of yours is here again. I¡¯ve made him wait outside this time. I don¡¯t think he¡¯s happy.¡±

    Lila gave a small laugh. ¡°Probably not.¡±

    She slowly stretched before getting out of the bed, putting her shoes on and collecting her things. She thanked Debbie, who pleasantly smiled at her in response, and found Asher standing just outside, his arms crossed in displeasure.

    ¡°I wanted to wake you up,¡± he said once she closed the door behind her. ¡°That nurse told me I had to stay outside.¡±

    Lila smiled again, taking one of his hands in hers. ¡°Her name is Debbie. She seemed upset that you didn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°How am I supposed to know?¡± Asher huffed, taking her bags off her with his free hand. ¡°I¡¯ve never been to Sickbay. Got lost on the way there.¡±

    Lila giggled. ¡°I know you haven¡¯t been. I told her that.¡± She paused for a moment before stretching up on her tiptoes. She gave him a tender kiss on the cheek, and his annoyance seemed to instantly melt away.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said sincerely. ¡°For checking on me.¡±

    ¡°Of course I did,¡± Asher replied, seeming bashful now. ¡°I¡¯m not a monster.¡±

    She giggled again, leaning into his arm. ¡°I know.¡±

    They set off towards the locker room, with Asher talking about the reaction to him being late for Mandarin class. It seemed to be a big deal, given the fact that he was hardly ever late, and his description of the gasps and looks of suspicion he¡¯d received made her laugh.

    Once they grabbed their things, Asher walked her to the bus stop as usual, his demeanour far more relaxed now. Lila thought that this reaction was probably because he could see that she was okay ¨C which she was. The medicine had worked wonderfully, and a nap helped stave off some of her exhaustion.

    ¡°Alright, well, I¡¯ll see you tomorrow,¡± Asher said once they stopped at her bus stop. Lila eyed the teacher on hat duty ¨C Mr Morrison again.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you then. We¡­ we have a lot to do and talk about,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°We do,¡± Asher confirmed. His eyes darted to her lips before meeting her gaze again. ¡°Especially since Daniel¡¯s having his meeting this afternoon with your parents.¡±

    ¡°I almost forgot. I¡¯ll have to see how it went when they get home,¡± Lila said, her own eyes drifting to his lips. Just¡­ one kiss goodbye couldn¡¯t hurt¡­

    Her bus screeched to a halt beside her, and she sighed. It seemed like their ¡®kiss¡¯ could only be a peck today. He passed along her things before speaking.

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila. Rest up, okay?¡± Asher said, pulling her into a hug. She hugged him back with a small nod.

    ¡°I will. You too.¡±

    He laughed, rubbing the top of her back. ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    She narrowed her eyes at him, about to admonish him, when he leaned down, capturing her lips into his, his thumb brushing her cheek. He broke away with a smile, continuing to caress her cheek for a moment.

    ¡°See you tomorrow, Lila.¡±

    She sighed, preferring to leave today behind with a kiss as sweet as that one, rather than her telling him off for his sleeping ¨C or rather, not-sleeping ¨C habits. ¡°See you then, Asher.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Five

    ¡°We got Maccas,¡± Daniel¡¯s voice called through Lila¡¯s door later that night. She sighed, rolling off her bed and bringing her heat pack with her. She shuffled down the stairs and found her parents separating meals out for everyone in the dining room. They were extraordinarily quiet, but both smiled at Lila as she walked in to the dining room.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila said as she received her plate of food ¨C a double cheeseburger and some fries. Her Mum passed her a chocolate thickshake and continued fussing about with the other plates.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Lila¡¯s Dad replied with a grim smile.

    ¡°How was the meeting?¡± Lila asked tentatively. Both of Lila¡¯s parents halted for a moment.

    ¡°Does Clare know?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad queried, his eyes drifting upwards, towards where Clare¡¯s bedroom was.

    ¡°Yeah. We told her after our meeting in the office. You know she wouldn¡¯t have left us alone, after she noticed literally everyone was in a meeting without her.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad nodded. ¡°In that case, Daniel can fill you in over dinner.¡±

    ¡°That sounds serious,¡± Lila said as she bit into a chip.

    ¡°It is,¡± Lila¡¯s Mum interjected, setting out the plates for Daniel and Clare at their usual spots. ¡°But not terrible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good-¡± Lila¡¯s response was interrupted by the elephant-like clomping of Daniel¡¯s feet, followed by Clare¡¯s much lighter ones, down the stairs. They both filed in to the dining room and took their places. Their parents took their places as well and everyone sat in total silence for a few moments.

    ¡°Uh¡­ the atmosphere is pretty tense, guys,¡± Clare said nervously. ¡°What¡¯s¡­ going on?¡±

    Daniel glanced at their parents before sighing, rubbing his forehead. ¡°So¡­ you know how we told you about the¡­ business I was running at school?¡±

    ¡°Ya,¡± Clare replied candidly, tossing a couple chips in her mouth.

    ¡°So¡­ I had a meeting with the Headmaster, and Mum and Dad were there too.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Clare nodded, noisily unwrapping her burger.

    ¡°The school¡¯s sanctioning it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Lila said, brightening immediately.

    ¡°In a way,¡± Daniel sighed again. ¡°Just the Uber Eats side of things. Not the loans.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is that bad?¡± Lila queried, tilting her head.

    ¡°No¡­ but it means I¡¯ll have to let go some of my staff, since we¡¯re downsizing in a way,¡± Daniel grimaced. ¡°School¡¯s taking a 30% cut of the profits, which is fine. I would¡¯ve been happy with 50/50, but Asher talked the Headmaster down on Monday. Mr Lockwood also said that the loans I¡¯ve currently got can keep going, but I need to individually assess each one and see if they can pay it back in a couple months. If not, then I can¡¯t charge interest. Which works for me.¡±

    ¡°Well, that doesn¡¯t sound so bad,¡± Lila said, exchanging a look with Clare.

    ¡°They¡¯ve giving me a new spot to sit in, something more suitable, and I have to pay rent. Uh, oh and a teacher has to supervise the operation each morning tea and lunch.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. That¡­ would put a damper on Livi¡¯s group.

    ¡°The Headmaster is going to announce it tomorrow. He agreed to keep my name out of it, thank God. Essentially, they¡¯re going to say that the Banker was a trial for the school and now they¡¯re implementing it properly. But¡­ essentially, I have to keep it running until I graduate.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila was perplexed by this decision.

    ¡°They¡¯re thinking of making it more into a co-curricular-type activity, which means¡­ it¡¯s now running for the foreseeable future. If I find someone who can take it over for me, then they¡¯ll allow that, but that also means my cut goes. Which I¡¯m not necessarily attached to, but I¡¯d like to see it through ¡®till the end. I¡¯ll find someone in Grade 12 and train them up.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well¡­ some good, some bad, I guess,¡± Lila commented, biting into her burger.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take what I can get,¡± Daniel smirked. He stretched his arms above his head before unboxing his Big Mac.

    Lila wondered for just a moment if Elise or Isaac had a hand in this McOrder, but kept this thought to herself as she ate her dinner.

    ¡°By the way, um, can I stay over at Asher¡¯s from Saturday to Sunday?¡± Lila piped up after a few minutes of silent eating.

    Lila¡¯s Mum narrowed her eyes at Lila before sighing. ¡°That¡¯s fine. Can¡¯t say no now, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Thanks Mum,¡± Lila beamed, eating with more fervour than before. She caught sight of both Daniel and Clare smirking at her, but she didn¡¯t want to engage with either of them on the topic.

    Once dinner was over and Lila reheated her heat pack, she trudged upstairs. She contemplated going to bed straight away, but instead knocked on Daniel¡¯s door.

    ¡°What?¡± he called, sounding rather annoyed at having been interrupted.

    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±

    She heard a heavy exhale before he said, ¡°Fine. Come in.¡±

    Lila did so, seeing him lounging at his desk, a YouTube video on his screen.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, swivelling to face her.

    ¡°Just¡­ wanted to check on you.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± he shrugged. ¡°It went down a whole lot better than expected, but as you could see, Mum and Dad weren¡¯t so thrilled with the outcome. I think they were hoping the school would just shut it down.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair. I¡­ also wanted to say¡­ I mean, this is it.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s it?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re no longer doing underground activity,¡± she smirked, leaning against his door. ¡°You¡¯ve made it. You gonna go with a new name now? The Banker doesn¡¯t really fit with the whole Uber Eats thing.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ you¡¯re right, it doesn¡¯t¡­¡± Daniel trailed off for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°Nah, I like the Banker. Sounds mysterious.¡±

    ¡°Well, it won¡¯t be mysterious from tomorrow.¡±

    He waved a hand dismissively. ¡°My identity will still be hidden.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll see about that.¡±

    ¡°Why, you gonna rat me out to the rest of the school?¡±

    ¡°Nah. Just¡­ well, things have a way of coming out more often than not.¡±

    ¡°I suppose I¡¯ve had good luck in keeping it hidden for the past several months,¡± Daniel relented. ¡°At least with Uber Eats, though, it¡¯s not as though I¡¯m doing anything worth fighting over. Loans¡­ are a bit more dangerous.¡±

    Lila shivered. ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°I still think about Uncle Daniel,¡± Daniel murmured. ¡°I wonder¡­ what he was thinking, in the end. If he thought he¡¯d got his just desserts. And¡­ I wonder if he saw Mum, watching him die.¡±

    Lila placed her heat pack on Daniel¡¯s desk and pulled him into a hug whilst he was still seated on his chair. ¡°Those are some big thoughts,¡± she whispered. He was rigid for a moment before he sighed, awkwardly patting her on the back.

    ¡°Trying to be a big man,¡± Daniel said meekly as she broke away, a half-smile on his face.

    ¡°You can slow your roll on that one,¡± Lila replied, grabbing her heat pack again and stepping back. ¡°When¡¯s your birthday again?¡±

    Daniel rolled his eyes. ¡°I¡¯m offended and disappointed that you don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, there¡¯s so many of us. My brain¡¯s only little.¡±

    He snorted. ¡°23<sup>rd</sup> of September. As it has been the last 13 years.¡±

    ¡°Good to know.¡±

    ¡°Again.¡±

    ¡°Again,¡± she snickered, and he rolled his eyes again.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± he said, his eyes flickering to his desktop. ¡°Was that all?¡±

    ¡°For now. Oh¡­ and I¡¯m proud of you. You¡¯ve done a lot this year. And I¡¯m glad that it¡¯s turned out like this ¨C with the school sanctioning it. Hopefully it¡¯ll feel like you can breathe again.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Daniel looked contemplative. ¡°It never occurred to me that it felt like I couldn¡¯t¡­ but now that you¡¯ve said that¡­ that¡¯s exactly what it¡¯s felt like.¡±

    She gave him a small smile. ¡°It¡¯s a relatable feeling.¡±

    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°How so?¡±

    She shrugged. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you like to know?¡±

    ¡°I would. If only to help you, too,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°Aww,¡± Lila cooed. ¡°Ew.¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Daniel tutted, chucking a stress ball that he had on his desk at her. ¡°Don¡¯t accept my help.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good enough to know that you offered,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Daniel muttered, his face pink. ¡°Get out.¡±

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    ***

    That Friday morning, Lila didn¡¯t share any classes with Asher. So, by the time she was released for morning tea, she felt a rush of giddiness when she saw him outside her Bio classroom, his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°See you guys next week,¡± Lila said to Cecelia and Lucas, who were bantering about something yet again. They bid her goodbye and she exited the doors and right into Asher¡¯s arms.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he murmured, his arms wrapping around her in a comforting cocoon. She nestled herself in his chest for a moment before stepping back, a bright smile on her face.

    ¡°Hey to you, too.¡±

    ¡°You seem much better,¡± he observed, taking one of her hands in his. ¡°I¡¯m assuming you rested well?¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± she confirmed with a nod. ¡°Especially after the news Daniel came home with.¡±

    ¡°Ooh. That sounds promising.¡±

    ¡°It is. A bit of good, a bit of not so great, but overall not terrible.¡±

    ¡°A lukewarm review. My favourite.¡±

    She giggled, which attracted the attention of Elise and Grace, who were just ahead of the both of them. They turned around, theirs faces equally relieved.

    ¡°Lila! We were so worried,¡± Grace beamed.

    ¡°I¡¯m alive,¡± Lila said. ¡°Thanks for taking me to Sickbay yesterday, you two.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Elise replied, waving a hand. ¡°Just glad to see you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila repeated with a smile. They all headed to the locker room as a group, though Asher remained rather quiet. Lila did check on him every so often with a curious glance, and he simply squeezed her hand in response.

    After securing her morning tea and laptop in preparation for English, Lila turned to see Asher, standing there with his own morning tea and laptop, plus a serious expression on his face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said, gesturing to the exit. Lila nodded, saying goodbye to both Grace and Elise.

    Once out of the locker room, Asher gave a long, heavy sigh.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how you¡¯ve been managing to be around Grace,¡± he said solemnly.

    ¡°Is that why you were so quiet?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Biting my tongue the entire time.¡±

    Lila gave him a sympathetic look. ¡°I just used that excuse you gave me, about studying. But¡­ truthfully, when I said I was thinking too much, it was the truth. Grace¡­ said something about people not liking meddlers. Like, friends who want to intervene in relationships. Uh, Elise feels very strongly about you ¡®forcing¡¯ me to study, which is why it was brought up.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Asher breathed. ¡°So you started applying that to the idea that we need to talk to Grace about her relationship?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    Asher was silent for a few moments. ¡°Well¡­ I think meddling applies a bit differently when there¡¯s the law.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ but¡­¡±

    ¡°I mean, the law¡¯s the law.¡±

    ¡°I know, but it¡¯s not as though you obey every single one of them.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face turned pink and he looked straight ahead, avoiding her gaze. ¡°True¡­ but you don¡¯t need to be so harsh with it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like I obey them, either,¡± Lila reminded him gently. ¡°We¡¯re in the same boat.¡±

    Asher sighed again, running his fingers through his hair. ¡°I know that. Anyway, it¡¯s D-Day for another illegal operation,¡± he said meaningfully, nodding towards the lab that they were steadily approaching. It all seemed the same as it had been, with a smattering of students here and there, and no movement from the lab itself. Lila wondered whether Daniel had given Livi¡¯s group any notice yet as she settled into her usual spot on the lawn. Asher sat down in his, absently taking a bite of his apple.

    ¡°Reckon anything¡¯s going to happen today?¡± he asked quietly, gesturing towards the lab with his shoulder.

    ¡°Maybe not at morning tea¡­ but their whole world is about to be rocked at Assembly, that¡¯s for sure.¡±

    ¡°Right, right. You didn¡¯t actually say what happened with Daniel yesterday.¡±

    Lila filled Asher in quietly, and he nodded at appropriate points.

    ¡°That all makes sense to me,¡± Asher finally said. ¡°Pretty much lines up with what I thought would happen. I kinda knew that the loans were a no-go, based on the Headmaster¡¯s reaction on Monday, but otherwise the Uber Eats stuff is lucrative enough that it should be fine. Over the past couple of weeks, the Uber Eats profits have overtaken the loan profits ¨C only because more people are using Uber Eats than loans. So, it¡¯ll be a hit in the beginning, but Daniel won¡¯t notice it after a while.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila murmured, casting a glance over at the door. It swung open, and out came Jason once again, strolling down the walkway with his phone to his ear.

    ¡°Did Daniel say whether he told Livi and her group about any of the changes?¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t, but I don¡¯t think he would¡¯ve just yet. He seemed a bit tense with the idea of firing some of his employees. I reckon he¡¯s still thinking about who and how to do it.¡±

    ¡°Instantly get rid of Livi,¡± Asher said shortly. Lila snorted.

    ¡°Were we gonna follow Jason today?¡± Asher asked after a second or two passed. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Nah. Jake and Zack seem to be the ones doing the deals. Even if we follow Jason, I just think he does the phone calls or whatever to organise drops. It¡¯s not as if we¡¯d be able to listen in and understand what¡¯s going on.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Asher replied, looking up at the sky. Then, he smirked. ¡°I would love to be a fly on the wall when Daniel fires Livi.¡±

    ¡°I still don¡¯t know if he would,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°She¡¯s an ass, and making things difficult, but she might just leave on her own after the sanction gets announced.¡±

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s true.¡±

    As soon as the words left his mouth, Asher sat up straight, pointing towards the walkway behind Lila. She turned and spied Daniel making his way to the lab. He didn¡¯t have his own bodyguard today, which Lila found interesting. Had he already fired him? If Lila recalled correctly, his name was Lachlan¡­

    ¡°You reckon we¡¯re gonna hear some screaming?¡± Asher chortled.

    ¡°If we do, I¡¯m gonna bust in there and slap everyone involved.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t doubt it.¡±

    Lila leaned back on her hands, watching as Daniel took a deep breath before entering the lab. She hoped he¡¯d be okay.

    ¡°If you want, we can go in too. Maybe get Uber Eats for next week?¡± Asher suggested. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Being conveniently there would be suspicious, don¡¯t you think? Daniel can handle it on his own.¡±

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    ¡°I have faith.¡±

    Lila continued her watch on the lab door, eating her morning tea as she did so. Then, after a few minutes passed, the door slammed open and a clearly agitated Livi stormed out. The rest of the Grade 12s filed out behind her like a swarm of cockroaches. All except for Theo.

    ¡°Did someone murder Theo?¡± Asher sounded hopeful. Lila pushed him with her leg.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be silly.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I can be, though. I hOpE soMeOnE mUrDerEd thEO,¡± Asher said the last part as though he was an underwater clown.

    ¡°Horrifying,¡± Lila quipped. He gave an exaggerated clown-like laugh and she nudged him with her leg again. His laugh returned to normal and she let one slip, grinning at him.

    The answer to Asher¡¯s hope came in the form of Theo slinking out of the lab with a smirk. Daniel followed closely behind Theo, looking rather unhappy.

    ¡°What do you reckon Theo stayed behind for?¡± Lila asked Asher idly.

    ¡°What do I reckon? Do you not see the absolute mountain of textbooks in his arms? Bro probably stayed behind to take inventory first before hauling them out of there.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Guess so.¡±

    ¡°Either that or Daniel talked to him about something. The what, I have absolutely no idea. But, if you¡¯re that invested, I¡¯m sure you could ask him about it.¡±

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    ¡°Nah. I don¡¯t really care. Was just curious for, like, half a second.¡±

    Asher appraised her for a moment before looking away, a small smile on his face. ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°Are you still jealous of Theo?¡± Lila asked after a brief pause.

    ¡°J-Jealous? Me? Never,¡± Asher replied awkwardly. He cleared his throat. Lila gave him a doubtful look.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I can¡¯t pretend, huh. I did already tell you that I was upset that you went on a date with him¡­¡± Asher trailed off, looking towards the walkway. ¡°Well¡­ sometimes, when I remember, I get a bit mad, I guess. I dunno if jealous is the right word, since¡­ well, he tried to kiss you and you rejected him. But¡­ for me¡­ well, we¡¯ve kissed a whole lot.¡± His voice dropped as he looked into her eyes. ¡°So, I don¡¯t think jealous would be the right word. Since you chose me.¡±

    ¡°I did,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I¡¯m glad that you know that.¡±

    He sighed, breaking eye contact with her. ¡°I think I¡¯ll always be mad at him, though.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re self-aware,¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°What do you mean? I¡¯m always self-aware.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow.

    ¡°¡­ After I have a good think about it.¡±

    She chuckled and he joined in. They continued to sit there in silence, with Lila only half-monitoring the door. She didn¡¯t think there would be anyone else in there anyway, especially since Daniel left, so she didn¡¯t need to keep such a close eye on it.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Asher smiled, ¡°having a sworn enemy is kinda fun, don¡¯t you think?¡±

    Lila smirked. ¡°Sworn enemy?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Enemy of the state. State being you and me, of course.¡±

    She playfully rolled her eyes at him, and he nudged her with his leg. They started speaking about other things ¨C innocuous things ¨C before Asher checked the time with a frown.

    ¡°Jason hasn¡¯t come back yet.¡±

    ¡°Maybe someone¡¯s told him they¡¯ve all scattered?¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ or maybe he¡¯s doing his own deals.¡±

    ¡°An interesting prospect. Hold on ¨C he¡¯s the Head Boy. Assembly¡¯s next.¡±

    ¡°Ah, good point. He¡¯s probably doing something prestigious and totally not befitting him.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the time?¡±

    ¡°Time to start dawdling that way.¡±

    Lila reluctantly stood, and Asher followed suit, taking his rubbish with him. They immediately headed towards the Gymnasium instead of the locker room, since they didn¡¯t need anything besides themselves for Assembly.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Lila said casually as they walked, ¡°did you talk to Isaac?¡±

    ¡°Isaac? About what?¡±

    ¡°Well, about his worries about his review and all that. I don¡¯t like seeing him avoid Elise like that.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well, he seemed relatively normal in class yesterday, after he snapped at me. He did say sorry, which was pretty normal for him. I think he¡¯s probably fine now. I didn¡¯t bother talking about it directly though, no.¡±

    ¡°I hope Sunday goes well,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°I hope so too. I mean, even if it doesn¡¯t, at least we¡¯ll be going together. Ooh, then I can show you my favourite dinosaurs.¡±

    Lila smiled sincerely. ¡°That sounds really cool.¡±

    ¡°Not that they have every dinosaur there. That¡¯d be crazy. But there¡¯s some Aussie dinosaurs that they¡¯ll be showcasing. You know, surprisingly Australia has a shitton of dinosaur digs and discoveries. They say it¡¯s because Australia was the bottom of the ocean or something.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s pretty cool.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so¡­¡±

    Asher continued on with his dinosaur related facts, swinging her arm gently. His eyes were lit with the fire of his passionate knowledge, and she couldn¡¯t help but smile in response. His enthusiasm was infectious. It reminded her of the special insights she received from him about Shakespeare-related things in English, back at the beginning of last term. Having such a knowledgeable boyfriend, who delighted in his knowledge, was, thus far, a great choice ¨C a source of endless entertainment, even if she didn¡¯t quite understand what he was saying.

    Asher and Lila split off upon reaching the Gymnasium, heading to their various class groups with reluctance. She found Elise and Grace already seated, with a spot saved next to Elise for Lila. She slid down the row and sat down, trying to keep her nerves about the Banker in. She wondered what would be said about it all, and whether or not it would be accepted by the rest of the student body.

    She didn¡¯t have to wonder for long, though, as the rest of the school filed in. The procession moved through, as usual, with a smug-looking Jason and rather subdued-looking Harper moving up the stairs and sitting in the usual spots reserved for the Head Boy and Girl.

    Once everyone was settled and quiet, Mr Lockwood took the stand, shuffling some papers for what seemed to be an inordinate amount of time. Finally, he cleared his throat.

    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, we will begin today¡¯s assembly with an announcement,¡± he said, his voice rather grave.

    He paused, taking a sweeping glance around the room. Then, he nodded as though satisfied by whatever it was he saw.

    ¡°Some of you may be aware of an initiative that Forestglade College was trialling. After some careful consideration and thought, the College has now finalised its arrangements and will making it an official part of this College¡¯s offerings.¡±

    Lila, instead of watching Mr Lockwood, kept her eyes on Jason. He still seemed rather smug ¨C which, to Lila, seemed as though he had absolutely zero idea of the bombshell that the Headmaster was about to drop. The idea made Lila chuckle internally, though she tried not to look suspicious.

    Mr Lockwood changed the slide to showcase a large banner ¨C ¡®Partnership with Uber Eats¡¯, underneath which was the subheading ¡®Lead by students¡¯. There was a picture of a generic paper bag, the Uber Eats logo, and a bunch of Forestglade College students who had clearly long-graduated. Lila watched eagerly as Jason¡¯s face dropped, his eyes almost bulging out of his head. She was sure that, if he wasn¡¯t the Head Boy, he¡¯d get up and walk off.

    ¡°If you¡¯ve used this service before, please be aware of some changes,¡± Mr Lockwood said sternly. ¡°It¡¯s new location will be housed in classroom 1.01 at the bottom of the library, to increase the distance between the carpark and the service for safety. Students who are not affiliated with the service are not to go to the carpark except for the instance that they¡¯re leaving early. The service will be monitored by a teacher during morning and tea, however students will be taking and disseminating orders.¡±

    He cast a severe look around the room before continuing.

    ¡°Card payments are preferred, though students may use cash. Please also be aware that ID cards aren¡¯t connected to this service, though they may be in the future. Now, the purpose of this initiative is to prepare students with some on-the-job learning about how to run a business. If you have any enquiries, including about wanting to be a part of this initiative, please contact administration via the details here,¡± he gestured to the new slide that appeared which had a bunch of contact details.

    ¡°Finally, the last major change is that loans,¡± he paused once more, giving a quick glare to the occupants of the Gymnasium. The atmosphere felt almost suffocating, but before Lila could asphyxiate, he continued, ¡°are no longer permitted on campus.¡±

    At this, Lila saw Jason¡¯s face pale considerably. If someone had said that they¡¯d seen a ghost and pointed out Jason as the ¡®ghost¡¯, she would probably believe them. Were loans a big part of the morphine ring? Lila had thought that it was just cash ¨C but¡­ considering how addictive morphine was, she supposed that loans would be a big part of it.

    ¡°Any that are ongoing at the moment are subject to review, and the where-to regarding those loans will be communicated directly to those affected students. An email regarding the service will be sent to you all early next week along with instructions on how to access the service and the procedure. Now, these changes will come into effect properly on Monday, so if anyone has orders under the old system, please do collect them from the current meeting place.¡±

    Mr Lockwood turned to look at the next slide. It looked like awards were up next, which Lila eagerly tuned out, her mind instead occupied by the truthfully hilarious reaction of Jason to the news. She had noticed that while his face was going through a million emotions at once, Harper¡¯s was as subdued as when she walked in to the Assembly. Daniel must¡¯ve been forthcoming with all this information to Livi¡¯s group, which explained why Livi stormed out.

    Somehow, the idea that none of Jason¡¯s lackeys informed him of the changes either also amused Lila. Perhaps they weren¡¯t as close as they seemed.

    Her curiosity about what they would do next ¨C particularly at lunchtime ¨C was burning within her. Would they keep up the same routine? Mr Lockwood had said that the changes wouldn¡¯t be in effect until Monday ¨C so perhaps they would just go through the motions¡­

    Assembly otherwise proceeded as normal, and Lila was glad for it to be over. She was surprised, really, with how short the segment on the Banker¡¯s operation was ¨C but perhaps it was for the best. The whole business was rather widespread at this point, so lingering on it for too long probably would have bored the entire student body before the true boring parts happened.

    She wasn¡¯t glad that the Grade 11 cohort was picked for packing away the chairs though. None of her cohort seemed happy either, as they groaned about stacking the chairs into groups of ten and walking through the large opening in the back of the Gymnasium, stacking them in the storage room underneath the pool.

    Lila gloomily stacked a group of five before she heard some whispers of conversations that intrigued her.

    ¡°So the Banker¡­ run by the school¡­ whole time?¡±

    ¡°Why¡­ cancel¡­ loans?¡±

    ¡°¡­ could¡¯ve¡­ Uber Eats this whole time?¡±

    ¡°Gotta tell Ayla¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ bank card¡­¡±

    ¡°Aw man¡­ wanted¡­ loan¡­ bets¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ dangerous¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ Livi¡­ still there?¡±

    ¡°Probs¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ juice.¡±

    Juice? Lila whipped her head around to try and see who said that. Unfortunately, with the echoey nature of the Gymnasium, the absolute bedlam of getting the chairs stacked, and the other types of conversations and gossip going on, it was impossible. Did whoever say that mean juice¡­ or juice?

    ¡°Need a hand?¡± Asher had appeared next to Lila, causing her to jump slightly.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila said, finding a sixth chair just ahead of her and stacking it.

    ¡°You sure? I was reading up on¡­ periods,¡± he whispered the last word as though it was a world-ending secret, ¡°and, well, exhaustion is really up there as a symptom.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I am, but stacking chairs is more mind-numbing than difficult.¡±

    He gave her a shrewd look before efficiently stacking four chairs together and plopping them on top of her stack of six so quickly that she only realised what he was doing after he already began carrying the stack away by himself against his back.

    ¡°W-Wait, let me get the back at least,¡± Lila protested. He halted, bending his knees. She grabbed the legs at the bottom of the stack and they moved through the crowd towards the designated drop off point.

    They returned at a leisurely pace, before more gossip floated to Lila¡¯s ears.

    ¡°¡­ Asher¡­ Lila¡­ dating?¡±

    ¡°¡­ under¡­ rock?¡±

    ¡°Huh?¡±

    ¡°¡­ term started, dummy¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ cute.¡±

    Lila stifled her giggle, though it seemed as though Asher had also caught that bit of gossip.

    ¡°Love latecomers to the party,¡± he said as he winked at her, causing her heart to flutter in her chest for a moment. He dusted his hands off and surveyed the rest of the Gymnasium.

    ¡°I reckon we could start heading off to English,¡± Asher said, looking back down at Lila. ¡°There¡¯s only those two rows at the back left, and it looks like everyone¡¯s swarming over there.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯re supposed to leave before it¡¯s all done¡­¡±

    ¡°What¡¯re they going to do? Make us stack non-existent chairs?¡± Asher¡¯s eyes twinkled as he said this.

    ¡°You really have turned into a rebel,¡± Lila laughed, nudging his shoulder.

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯ve never liked the whole stacking chairs thing, goody-two-shoes or not,¡± he replied playfully.

    ¡°Can you two stop flirting and help get this wrapped up?¡± The commanding voice of Mr Johnson caused Lila to immediately jump into action. Asher followed suit, and they separately helped students carry the final stacks to the storage room.

    They returned to a satisfied-looking Mr Morrison, who dismissed them to their classes. Lila and Asher began meandering over to English, talking a little bit about the Assembly as a whole until they were sufficiently distant enough from other students.

    ¡°So¡­¡± Lila began, casting a quick glance to see if anyone was within earshot. No one was, so she continued. ¡°Did you catch Jason¡¯s face?¡±

    ¡°During the announcement? Of course I did. He looked like he was constipated, until it looked like he passed away to the afterlife.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I thought. I hadn¡¯t realised just how white he is until today.¡±

    Asher snickered. ¡°Not everyone is blessed with spice like we are. Though, I¡¯m far more white-washed.¡±

    ¡°Eh, you still count,¡± Lila grinned.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he grinned back.

    ¡°Any theories?¡± Lila asked after a few moments of silent walking.

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Well, about what¡¯s going to happen at lunch.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well, if I was Livi¡¯s group, I¡¯d just pretend everything was normal until I figured out a plan.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d probably do the same¡­ unless I already had a backup plan to follow. Do you reckon they have one?¡±

    ¡°Doubtful,¡± Asher replied, shaking his head. ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen of them, they all seem to be ¡®live in the moment¡¯ types. Which is fine¡­ unless you¡¯re trying to commit crimes. But the thing about most criminals is that they¡¯re ¡®live in the moment¡¯ types. If they weren¡¯t, then they¡¯d probably decide against doing crimes.¡±

    Lila glanced at him and he instantly looked away.

    ¡°W-We don¡¯t count, obviously,¡± he said stiffly. ¡°Besides, our crimes are to uncover other crimes.¡±

    ¡°Uh huh,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll say it is.¡±

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Asher coughed, ¡°I guess we¡¯ll have to see after English. Speaking of¡­¡± he gave her a look that made her feel as though she should run in the opposite direction. ¡°Made any progress on your assignment?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied dejectedly.

    ¡°Hope you bring your thinking cap tomorrow,¡± he said, though not unkindly. ¡°Just try and put something down in class today, alright?¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    He chuckled, giving her a quick kiss on the top of her head. ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so cute when you¡¯re sad like that.¡±

    ¡°Sorry¡­¡±

    He shook his head, a smile on his face. ¡°I feel like you¡¯re doing that on purpose.¡±

    ¡°I swear I¡¯m not,¡± she pouted, this time actually attempting to look as cute as possible.

    ¡°Dammit, Lila,¡± he replied, looking up at the sky. ¡°I can¡¯t with you.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll find that you can,¡± she grinned, pulling him forward by the hand. ¡°C¡¯mon, we¡¯re already late.¡±

    Ms Shard seemed displeased at the tardiness of the Grade 11s that afternoon, though Lila was glad that they were so late ¨C it meant that they didn¡¯t have as much time to mull over the draft that was due next week.

    She did catch Asher giving her laptop some shifty glances every so often, but she gave up on trying to look engrossed in her assignment. Given the agenda for tomorrow at his place, she really wasn¡¯t keen to put effort in just this second.

    He gave a soft sigh, but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything to indicate his thoughts on Lila¡¯s lack of effort whilst they were still in class. It was a different story, however, once they were dismissed for lunch.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said seriously, ¡°are you sure you¡¯re going to get this draft done for next week?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Positive.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re quite avoidant with this.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not normally. But¡­ well¡­ I just feel so dumb every time I look at the poems I chose.¡±

    ¡°You still have time to choose new ones, especially since you haven¡¯t really started on your draft.¡±

    ¡°I guess, but¡­ I feel stupid when I look at any poem.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a problem.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±

    They dropped the conversation for the moment, with Asher seeming deep in thought. A part of her hoped that he was thinking about a solution for her predicament, but another was frustrated at her inability ¨C or perhaps it was more refusal ¨C to think of one on her own.

    They arrived at the locker room, splitting ways as usual, with Lila shoving her laptop in to her locker with an exasperated sigh.

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Elise said, having popped up behind Lila, armed with a lunchbox and water bottle.

    ¡°What doesn¡¯t?¡± Lila asked, immediately looking back at her laptop. Had she broken it?

    ¡°You, silly,¡± Elise replied, digging around in her lunchbox for a moment. ¡°Want a biccie?¡±

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Lila responded. ¡°The lunches Asher brings are always chockful of sweets.¡±

    ¡°Lucky,¡± Elise lamented. ¡°Wish I had a boyfriend who gave me lunches.¡±

    Out of the corner of Lila¡¯s eye, she thought she spotted Isaac backing away from the aisle. Had he heard what Elise said? Or was he still avoiding Elise?

    It didn¡¯t seem as though Elise had noticed as she victoriously dug out a biscuit and bit into it with relish. ¡°Not that my lunches are bad anyway,¡± she added, taking another bite of her biscuit.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯ve been thinking,¡± Asher¡¯s voice preceded him as he rounded the corner and marched down the aisle, two lunchboxes slung over his wrists. ¡°But I really need you to do some of your English work tonight.¡±

    Lila sighed, hanging her head. She¡¯d hoped to escape today with not touching English at all.

    ¡°At least look carefully at the poem-¡±

    ¡°Asher,¡± Elise¡¯s voice was inflamed with an annoyance that instantly reminded Lila that Elise was not pleased with Lila¡¯s lie that Asher was forcing Lila to do schoolwork.

    ¡°Elise?¡± Asher blinked down at her, as though she¡¯d just spawned right in front of him.

    ¡°Leave her alone with the schoolwork shit,¡± Elise grumbled. ¡°Her grades are fine just as they are. Just because you¡¯re the Dux doesn¡¯t mean she has to suddenly be the Proxime Accessit.¡±

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Asher raised both hands in defence, the lunchboxes swinging on his wrists. ¡°I-¡±

    Elise stood in front of Lila, as if to shield her from Asher. ¡°It¡¯s so unfair of you to expect that much of Lila randomly like that. I know you guys have only been dating for, like, a couple weeks, but I thought you were best friends before that. Plus, you guys worked on that English project together, so you really should know her capabilities-¡±

    ¡°Elise-¡± Asher attempted to interject, but she overrode him entirely.

    ¡°It¡¯s really controlling, forcing Lila to try and get her grades up. I mean, how is anyone supposed to measure up to your standards anyway? Not even the runner up can ¨C that¡¯s why they¡¯re the runner up. And, back to the controlling point, first it¡¯s grades, then what?¡±

    Elise was breathing heavily now, her anger coming off her in waves. Lila lightly held on to Elise¡¯s shoulders as she sidestepped her.

    ¡°Elise, thank you for being concerned,¡± Lila said softly, ¡°but he¡¯s not forcing me. I had the wrong word choice. Sorry for giving you the wrong idea.¡±

    ¡°That is so not convincing,¡± Elise huffed. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what a victim says!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a victim-¡±

    ¡°Again!¡±

    ¡°Elise-¡± Lila¡¯s attempt at calming Elise down was halted by Asher himself.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he muttered, grabbing Lila¡¯s wrist. ¡°If she¡¯s not going to listen, then it¡¯s not worth it. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila stumbled as Asher pulled her towards the exit. Lila looked back at Elise briefly and saw that she looked incredibly upset. How many more things could go wrong by Sunday?

    They rounded the corner in silence, Asher still pulling her along until he eventually let go. She could see that he was trembling. For a moment, she thought it was in anger, but she realised that he was also upset, rather than angry.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila queried, bringing her hand back to his and squeezing it tightly. He feebly returned the squeeze.

    ¡°I¡­ just don¡¯t like the idea that¡­ I¡¯m victimising you,¡± he murmured, his voice wavering with emotion. ¡°That¡¯s the last thing I want.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said reassuringly. ¡°I really do. Remember, I trust you, Asher. I know you wouldn¡¯t do something like that.¡±

    ¡°But it disturbs me to think that other people think that I would.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°I did tell you that Elise felt strongly about the idea you were forcing me to do schoolwork, but I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d try and confront you like that.¡±

    He paused for a moment before gesturing for Lila to continue walking towards the lab.

    ¡°Even if I don¡¯t like it¡­ I¡¯m really glad that Elise is there for you like that,¡± he eventually said. ¡°It makes me feel better to know that if I was doing something fucked up, she¡¯d at least try to put me in my place.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s a bit like that,¡± Lila agreed. ¡°I¡¯ve always felt lucky to have her in my corner. But¡­ she can be a bit stubborn, too. I don¡¯t know how we¡¯d be able to convince her that you¡¯re not actually forcing me to do schoolwork, and I still don¡¯t have a good enough excuse to avoid Grace ¨C especially if we take that one back.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply. ¡°A problem for another day, I think. Maybe we can workshop it tomorrow arvo.¡±

    Lila nodded, glad that he didn¡¯t seem to be quite as upset as before. They approached the lab, finding that the outside was just as bustling and popular as usual for a lunchtime ¨C but the lab itself looked strange.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a glance.

    ¡°Are we too late? Did we miss them going somewhere?¡± Asher asked quietly, craning his neck.

    ¡°I dunno. Sorry I took so long.¡±

    ¡°Not your fault,¡± Asher murmured, still looking towards the lab. ¡°Let¡¯s go. If they¡¯re in there, we can see about putting an order in for next week.¡±

    Lila followed Asher¡¯s lead down the walkway to the lab door, which they both peered in to. It was the lack of lights that struck Lila. Usually, Livi¡¯s group had the main lights on at the very least if they were in there.

    Asher tried the door, only to find that it was steadfastly locked. His hand leapt to his blazer¡¯s lapel but Lila gently touched his arm.

    ¡°There¡¯s too many people. You haven¡¯t tried this lock before. Let¡¯s not try and lockpick it.¡±

    He looked down at Lila before sheepishly lowering his hand. ¡°Sorry. I got a bit over-confident there. Ever since I got this kit, no door has seemed like an obstacle.¡±

    Lila chuckled. ¡°All good. Let¡¯s try and find a place to sit, in case they try and come by.¡±

    The spot that they usually inhabited was taken over by a different group of students, so Lila and Asher looked around to find any spare spots. There was one right in front direct line of sight of the door, but with no other alternative, they had to take it.

    Lila and Asher sat down, simultaneously opening their lunchboxes which were filled with an assorted array of deli sandwiches.

    From where they were sitting, they both had clear line of sight of the door. No one approached it, though Lila did see from time to time that Nate appeared before the ravenous crowd of students.

    The absence of the Grade 12s after the sanction was announced did perturb Lila somewhat. Where did they go? Was this part of their backup plan? Were they together, or had they entirely disbanded?

    ¡°On Monday, what do you reckon about having Tuckshop?¡± Asher asked suddenly, causing Lila to look up at him in bewilderment.

    ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ just as I said. On Monday, I reckon we should get Tuckshop. Maybe play a card game or two.¡± His gaze was meaningful and Lila immediately nodded.

    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s get Tuckshop on Monday.¡±

    He smiled at her. ¡°Great.¡±

    Their conversations slowly morphed into casual chats and banter, with neither of them addressing Elise¡¯s confrontation, the morphine ring, the Banker situation, Grace or Isaac. It seemed that they had plenty to talk about outside of those things.

    Lunch finally finished with no appearance from anyone in Livi¡¯s group. It seemed that they had well and truly abandoned the lab, which surprised Lila. Lila had thought that they would at least keep it as a base of operations for the morphine ring, particularly if a lot of people already knew it¡¯s location. Though, perhaps not having a base served them equally as well, if their drops were calculated to look entirely innocent by virtue of environmental disguises.

    ¡°Notice anything?¡± Asher asked her as they both stood up, stretching his hands to the sky.

    ¡°Nope, besides the lights and locked door.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t either. It really looks like they just up and left it though, when you look at some of the desks.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I was just thinking though, what if they tried to come back but the school already changed the locks?¡±

    ¡°I feel like that¡¯s too productive for Forestglade College.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°The labs have some expensive stuff in them. I was surprised to learn, when I first went into one, that students just had free access to them in class. It would make sense to lock it properly after each lesson, and change the locks so that people can¡¯t just wander off around here. Not sure why the teachers haven¡¯t done that so far.¡±

    ¡°Beats me.¡±

    They headed back to the locker room, with Asher seeming glad to see that neither Elise, Grace nor Isaac were standing in Lila¡¯s aisle.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you after class,¡± he said gently, taking his hand away. ¡°You¡¯ve got Design last, yeah?¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila smiled. He didn¡¯t even need to check his phone to know that.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll meet you there.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thanks, Asher.¡±

    ¡°No worries.¡±

    ***

    Mr Dillon released Lila¡¯s Design class with a distinctly un-cheery attitude. It was rather expected of Mr Dillon, though it seemed to dampen exactly none of Lila¡¯s classmates¡¯ attitudes in being set free for the weekend. Some of the more eager ones filed out in a rush, Lila being one of them, and she was pleased to see Asher waiting for her, as promised.

    ¡°Do you literally run everywhere to get to my classes?¡± she asked, slipping her hand into his. He laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you plenty of secrets, but that¡¯s one I¡¯ll keep,¡± he said playfully.

    ¡°You totally do.¡±

    ¡°Busted.¡±

    She giggled, curling her arm around his. ¡°I¡¯m glad. It seems like you¡¯re eager to see me.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± he said candidly as they trekked back to the locker room for the final time that week. ¡°You¡¯re my girlfriend.¡±

    She beamed, squeezing his arm. ¡°And you¡¯re my boyfriend.¡±

    Tomorrow would mark two full weeks of being able to say both of those things. It felt like time was flying by so quickly ¨C yet it felt to Lila as though they¡¯d already been together for an age.

    She packed her school bags and placed her hat on her head, turning to find Asher already silently demanding her bags from her. She laughed as she passed them along. She was glad that he still seemed to find joy in carrying her things for her.

    Though she really wanted to talk a lot about what happened that week in its entirety, she was also incredibly aware that they shouldn¡¯t mention it whilst on campus still ¨C at least, if they wanted a fulsome conversation. Waiting for tomorrow, especially with the rematch against St Peters on their turf ¨C sounded painful, but she managed to keep those thoughts to herself.

    They passed Ms Shard, who was on hat duty this afternoon, with a polite goodbye to her. She eyed them both, but said nothing of the fact that they were touching ¨C instead preferring, it seemed, to say goodbye back. She followed up the goodbye with another reminder about the draft ¨C which made Lila cringe ¨C before barking at a hatless student to stand before her.

    ¡°So, tomorrow,¡± Asher said quietly once they stood outside Lila¡¯s bus stop. ¡°You asked your parents if you could stay over?¡±

    ¡°Yup. I¡¯ll be staying over.¡±

    ¡°Good¡­ uh, I think the museum visit was planned for 10am on Sunday. If we¡¯re still going, that is. I feel like somehow it¡¯s all become such a mess that I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if everyone cancelled.¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°I thought that too, but I know Elise and Grace are very responsible with that kind of thing. Especially since Elise specifically booked time off from Maccas for this. Besides¡­ even if it¡¯s awkward, it¡¯s not like we need to roam around the museum as a group.¡±

    ¡°All good points.¡±

    ¡°Besides¡­ if they all decide to cancel last minute, it¡¯s not like we couldn¡¯t go, just the two of us.¡± Lila felt shy as she raised this with Asher, who¡¯s face looked tinged with pink.

    ¡°I¡­ guess we could,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°It¡¯d¡­ be our first real outing, as boyfriend and girlfriend.¡±

    Lila grinned, leaning in to his shoulder. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Asher seemed ready to say something else when the school bus screeched to a halt in front of her bus stop. Lila despondently took her bags from him and made to get on the bus when he pulled her back by the wrist.

    ¡°Going without a kiss?¡± he asked, his eyes looking sad at the prospect.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila replied, her face splitting into a wide beam. ¡°Just testing you.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t do that again,¡± he murmured before leaning down and giving her his promised kiss. She reciprocated before he stepped away, a forlorn smile on his face.

    ¡°Get home safe. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°You too, Asher. And get some rest for the game tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try. Promise.¡±

    She hopped on the bus, taking her usual seat and keeping an eye on him out the window. He remained at her bus stop as usual until it pulled away. She leaned back into her seat, her face turning into one of longing. At least there was light at the end of this tunnel ¨C she¡¯d be seeing him tomorrow, and even staying over.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Six

    ¡°I know you¡¯re staying over at Asher¡¯s again, but do you really have to take everything you own?¡± Clare yawned as Lila dumped her bags and hockey stick in the back of her car on Saturday morning.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Lila said shortly. ¡°How else am I meant to survive without the kitchen sink?¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°By the looks of that house, there¡¯s at least one kitchen sink. Leave the plumbing alone, dude.¡±

    Lila climbed into the front passenger seat with a smirk and they set off towards St Peters. Lila was glad that the hockey season would be wrapping up in about a month. Spending more time with Asher never seemed like a bad thing, and she was sure that they¡¯d do so once their sports were done and dusted for the year.

    Clare was rather quiet that morning, preferring to instead turn up the music. Lila was tempted to ask Clare how she was going with Alex, but thought for a horrible moment that she¡¯d misspeak and ask about Ms Alexander instead. So, she just scrolled through her phone.

    Eventually, Clare turned down her music as they neared St Peters.

    ¡°So¡­ Daniel seems happy with the outcome,¡± Clare murmured, her eyes fixed on the road.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied noncommittally. ¡°I guess so. It¡­ had some downsides, but pluses, too.¡± Her mind flashed back to Jason¡¯s face at Assembly and she had to hold in her laugh, disguising it instead with a cough.

    ¡°Are you getting sick?¡± Clare sounded concerned as she glanced at Lila.

    ¡°Nah. Just had a tickle in my throat.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Well¡­ after you guys told me about his whole business thing, I¡¯d been pretty worried about how it would turn out.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Clare replied gruffly. ¡°What, you think I only pester you with questions about how your life is going?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I just don¡¯t really see you and Daniel talking that much. So, I hadn¡¯t really thought about it.¡±

    Clare gave her a short, sharp laugh. ¡°No wonder. You do realise that you spend a lot of time out of the house, right? Since you started working with Asher on that English project.¡±

    Lila fell silent. She couldn¡¯t refute this, especially as Clare¡¯s car was full of her bags in preparation for staying over at Asher¡¯s tonight. Now that she thought about it, though, on average she¡¯d visited his place at least once a week since February.

    ¡°Not that there¡¯s anything wrong with it,¡± Clare added. ¡°Anyway, I guess¡­ I just bring it up to get you to monitor the situation for me. Since I¡¯m not at school anymore.¡±

    ¡°Clare, you know for a fact that I wouldn¡¯t not monitor it.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Clare tightened her grip on the steering wheel before giving a small exhale. ¡°I just get worried. He¡¯s just a baby.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t let him hear you say that,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°I get what you mean, though. I¡¯ve¡­¡± she stopped herself, instantly recognising that she¡¯d almost let slip that she was investigating the morphine ring that had intertwined itself with the core of Daniel¡¯s business.

    ¡°You¡¯ve?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping tabs,¡± Lila finally said, looking out the window. ¡°If I see anything concerning, I¡¯ll let you know.¡± She said the last part so quietly that she wasn¡¯t sure that Clare heard her. Another lie. She¡¯d said so many recently.

    ¡°Good,¡± Clare replied, looking incredibly relieved with an expression that began to set Lila¡¯s guilt off for what felt like the hundredth time that week alone.

    Clare smoothly parked into an empty slot besides the St Peter¡¯s oval. She turned to Lila, jerking a thumb to her things.

    ¡°You taking all this now, yeah?¡± she asked. ¡°Are you allowed to store them somewhere?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ll take my stuff now,¡± Lila responded, though she definitely didn¡¯t have a plan for where to put her things.

    ¡°Okay. Well, good luck for today. I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Thanks for dropping me off, Clare! See you tomorrow,¡± Lila waved at her sister after grabbing all of her things. She closed the door with her hip before looking out towards the set up of the oval. She half hoped that Elise would be in the stands again today, but given the fact that Isaac seemed to be avoiding Elise, she thought it was unlikely.

    She took a single step towards the oval when a familiar voice called out behind her.

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    She turned, seeing a beaming Asher waving a hand outside the front passenger window of Marlene¡¯s car, which was parked a few spots down. Marlene also waved at Lila, though it was much less exuberant.

    ¡°Come put your stuff down,¡± he called, gesturing for her to come closer. He jumped out of the car and opened the side door for her and she passed her bags along when she was close enough.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled gratefully at Asher once he was done packing them in. ¡°And thank you too, Marlene.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Marlene replied pleasantly. ¡°Have a good game, the both of you.¡±

    ¡°Thanks. See you later,¡± Asher said, promptly closing the door. Marlene slowly left and they both watched her go in silence.

    ¡°¡­ Where¡¯s she even going?¡± Lila asked after Marlene disappeared from view.

    ¡°What do ya mean?¡± Asher queried, looking down at Lila.

    ¡°Well, I mean, it¡¯s not like our games take forever. She could sit and wait for us in the carpark here.¡±

    Asher held her gaze for a moment before turning his head to where Marlene had departed.

    ¡°I¡­ never questioned what she did during my soccer games,¡± he murmured. He looked mildly disturbed now.

    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s getting coffee or something,¡± Lila hurriedly said. ¡°I mean, it¡¯s not like there¡¯s much else open at the moment.¡±

    ¡°Probably¡­¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, it looks like our teams are waiting for us,¡± Lila began pulling him towards the oval and he stumbled behind her.

    They eventually reached a point where they needed to split off to meet their teams, and Lila paused for a second.

    ¡°Have a good game, yeah?¡± she said encouragingly.

    ¡°You too,¡± he smiled with a nod. He cast a quick glance around the oval before bending down to peck her on the cheek. ¡°See you after.¡±

    ¡°See you,¡± Lila repeated, the heat from her face producing a small steam cloud. He jogged over to his teammates, who immediately began laughing and nudging him upon his approach.

    With a sigh, she turned to her teammates who seemed none the wiser to Asher¡¯s swift peck on her cheek ¨C something that she was rather grateful for, now that she saw how hard the soccer boys were teasing Asher.

    As Lila stretched, she kept her eye on the St Peters girls at the other end of the oval. They looked a bit aggressive already, a fact that spooked Lila. She was very sure that her team had no shot now, considering they were on St Peters¡¯ turf and they looked pissed. Not that she wasn¡¯t going to try¡­ but didn¡¯t get her hopes up, either.

    Though, if it were possible, Alice looked even more pissed than the St Peters team combined.

    ¡°I¡¯m gonna crush them,¡± Lila heard Alice mutter as she bent to touch her toes.

    ¡°Not that I¡¯m against it, but maybe you shouldn¡¯t work yourself up too much,¡± Willow suggested, lowering into a squat.

    ¡°I missed last time,¡± Alice scowled. ¡°I¡¯m not going to miss again.¡±

    ¡°Alice¡­¡± Willow sighed. We¡¯ve been talking about it all week. It wasn¡¯t your fault.¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t see how it¡¯s anything other than my fault,¡± Alice countered, her scowl deepening even further.

    ¡°You¡¯re not infallible,¡± Lila said pointedly. ¡°Misses happen. Out of your control. Not like you missed on purpose.¡±

    ¡°But if I was-¡±

    ¡°Ladies, ladies, whoa. It¡¯s a bit too early in the morning to be quite so upset. What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Ms Wright had crossed over to them, her container of orange slices resting on her hip and concern furrowing her brow.

    None of the girls spoke and instead awkwardly looked in other directions. Ms Wright sighed heavily, shaking her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s not life and death, you know. The most important thing is that you have fun. Come, let¡¯s meet up with the rest of the team,¡± Ms Wright said encouragingly, gesturing to where their teammates had started to naturally congregate.

    After one last pep talk with stern reminders to have fun and do their best, they broke away into their various starting positions. Lila could see that Alice was still seething by the way she shoved her mouthguard in, but she couldn¡¯t think about that now. Perhaps some aggression could be what they needed¡­

    Lila hardly saw the ball for the first half, and there was a lot more yelling from both sides than usual. Every so often, she exchanged a look with Willow, who seemed to grow more concerned as time went on.

    ¡°She¡¯s going to twist an ankle,¡± Willow eventually muttered, biting her lower lip in clear anxiety.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± Lila replied softly, ¡°it¡¯ll come true then.¡±

    ¡°Jesus, the both of you, you wanna curse her or what?¡± Rosa asked, her voice muffled through her Goalie mask.

    Lila felt tempted to laugh, but was prevented by the appearance of a fierce-looking tall, blonde St Peters girl who came barrelling towards her, ball gliding alongside her hockey stick. For a minute second, Lila felt dwarfed, but put that out of her mind as their sticks clashed.

    She wrestled the ball away from her opponent and passed it through to Charlotte, who sprinted back to the goal to the cheers and yells of Forestglade College supporters. Then ¨C

    ¡°They got it!¡± Willow cried as she jumped in excitement. Lila grinned, feeling relieved that they scored one point against St Peters.

    The match continued on, with neither team scoring another point but plenty of fouls. Once half-time was called, Lila was exhausted. It seemed that the point against St Peters had made them more desperate, which meant she was locked into battle after battle for possession of the ball. She wasn¡¯t quite sure that she¡¯d survive the next half.

    One refreshing orange slice later, she started to feel energised once again and she looked over at the soccer game that seemed to be seconds away from half-time. Asher was pacing in his goal, and her eyes passed over to the other goal. It seemed the soccer boys were just as intense as the hockey girls this morning ¨C so much so that as soon as she saw the soccer ball, it disappeared from view.

    A shrill whistle indicated that half-time was starting for the soccer boys. She kept her eyes on Asher,, who immediately wandered off to his water bottle.

    But something else caught her attention.

    Zack had drifted towards the St Peters team and they seemed to be having quite a laugh. It stuck out to Lila, but no one else seemed to notice ¨C was he friends with them? The body language¡­ felt off. As if he was trying to pretend they were, but not quite getting it.

    ¡°Anyone caught your eye?¡±

    She jolted, looking to her left to find a playful-looking Asher smirking at her.

    ¡°You,¡± she smiled before becoming contemplative once more.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem happy about that.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ well, I just¡­¡± she hesitated, wondering for a moment if she was overthinking things. Perhaps Zack met them at a party or something, or they became friends after their last match¡­

    ¡°You look as if you¡¯ve seen something,¡± Asher observed, his voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ probably nothing,¡± she murmured, her eyes flickering to Zack once more. Asher turned, taking in the scene for just a moment before turning back to face her.

    ¡°Yeah, nah, that¡¯s weird,¡± he confirmed.

    ¡°I mean, maybe he knows them.¡±

    ¡°Can guarantee he didn¡¯t last game,¡± Asher frowned for a second before nodding. ¡°At least, I didn¡¯t see him talking to them in the break or after the game.:

    ¡°They were all a bit sad after the game.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± he grinned, the victory still clearly delighting him. ¡°Reckon we could do it again?¡±

    ¡°Undoubtedly,¡± Lila smiled again. He seemed chuffed with this. Lila glanced down at the grass between them, continuing to churn this observation over in her mind.

    ¡°It looks like Will¡¯s going over there, too,¡± Asher muttered after checking behind him once more.

    ¡°Will?¡± Lila looked over his shoulders and saw a Grade 12 soccer boy casually walking towards Zack and the St Peters team. ¡°Oh. Will Reedy.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the one¡­¡± Asher trailed off, seeming deep in thought once more.

    ¡°It just¡­ makes me wonder if they¡¯re setting up a-¡±

    She hardly registered Asher¡¯s eyes flash to a spot behind her before he kissed her lips, effectively ceasing both her thoughts and what she was saying. She leaned into the kiss for just a moment more when a stern command sounded behind her.

    ¡°Asher, go back to your game. Lila, stop kissing him.¡±

    He broke away with a wide cheeky smile. ¡°Sorry, Ms Wright. Can¡¯t help it,¡± he replied.

    ¡°You better help it before I start handing out detentions. We may not be at Forestglade College, but this is still a school event. Do that in your own time.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± he nodded curtly before jogging off to his team. Ms Wright shook her head before facing Lila, a very subtle smile tugging at the corners of her mouth.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so goofy, Lila. He¡¯s got you that twisted?¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila stammered, feeling awkward at having been called out like that by Ms Wright. The feeling of her blush across her cheeks only deepened as she realised she had one.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± Ms Wright smiled fully, before shaking her head. ¡°Actually, do be. There¡¯s a game on and you can¡¯t get carried away, whether at sports or generally on campus, alright? If I have to speak to you again about this, I will have to start considering detention.¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila sighed solemnly as she trudged off to her team¡¯s new side, popping her mouthguard in as she did so. She tossed the case down next to her water bottle and started to prepare for the second half of the match with some light stretches.

    By the end of the match, though, pulverised was an understatement. Despite their best efforts as a team, St Peters had managed to score two points ¨C leaving them victorious.

    Lila¡¯s legs felt like jelly as she lowered onto the field, panting. Her ears were still ringing with the bellows of her teammates and supporters from both sides.

    ¡®That blonde girl is terrifying,¡¯ Lila thought as she struggled to catch her breath.

    But the blonde girl couldn¡¯t hold a candle to Alice.

    ¡°What the fuck, Lila?!¡± Alice¡¯s face was contorted with fury as she glowered at Lila, who was still kneeling on the field.

    ¡°Huh?¡± Lila blinked rapidly, heaving herself to her feet.

    ¡°You were clearly off with the fairies!¡± Alice¡¯s voice continued to rise in volume as she began jabbing a finger at Lila. ¡°You were too busy thinking about Asher to defend properly!¡±

    Lila bristled, the frustration from their defeat and her bewildered anger at being accused of being their downfall creating a ball of heat in her chest. She made to argue back ¨C to tell Alice that if she had better aim, or was doing her job properly, Lila wouldn¡¯t have needed to defend-

    ¡°Hold it,¡± Willow stepped between Alice and Lila, her hand raised in a ¡®stop¡¯ gesture. ¡°Alice, what¡¯s gotten in to you?¡±

    Alice whirled to face Willow. ¡°Lila wasn¡¯t paying attention-¡±

    ¡°Alice, it¡¯s not just on Lila. You¡¯re all a team. You had a hand in it too,¡± Ms Wright said from behind Alice, who shrank back into Willow. ¡°There¡¯s no need to yell at your teammates for a loss all of you share.¡±

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask you again. I¡¯m not above having you sit out for the next match. St Peters is coming over for handshakes. Wrap it up and go home.¡±

    Ms Wright turned on her heel and headed over to the St Peters coach. Lila didn¡¯t want to look at either Alice or Willow for the moment ¨C Alice, because she couldn¡¯t believe that she would attack her like that, and Willow by proxy. So, she marched off towards the rest of the team, leaving both Alice and Willow where they stood.

    The St Peters team were glowing in their elation as they firmly shook Lila¡¯s hand. Most of Lila¡¯s teammates seemed to share similar feelings of despondence as they scattered, as though they were unwilling to stay even a second longer at this place of utter defeat.

    Lila didn¡¯t hear any goodbyes between her teammates, either, and it seemed as if everyone was wishing to simply disappear rather than acknowledge what happened. Hopefully, it would pass¡­

    ¡°Lila,¡± it was Alice¡¯s voice, calling out to her as she started to head off towards the soccer game. Lila sighed.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear it,¡± Lila said shortly, not bothering to look at Alice. ¡°Talk to me next week.¡±

    And, without waiting for a response, Lila sprinted off. Perhaps it was cowardly, or petty, to not listen to what Alice had to say ¨C but she knew that she was not in the right mindset to listen.

    From what Lila could tell, the soccer game was nearing its end, too. It looked like Harrison was gearing up to shoot a goal ¨C but it was defended by the opposition¡¯s goalie just as the referee called time on the match.

    All of the boys from both sides looked incredibly frustrated with this result. The only reason for this that she could think of was that it had ended in a tie¡­

    Lila watched as Asher reluctantly left his goal, his hands on his hips. He engaged in the usual sportsmanship handshake with St Peters before looking around the field. Upon spotting Lila, his face lit up and he jogged over, collecting his water bottle on the way.

    Seeing him instantly put her at ease, a soft smile crossing her face. She couldn¡¯t wait to be in his arms again ¨C particularly after Alice¡¯s berating.

    ¡°Good to see you,¡± he said once he reached her, his eyes gleaming with sincere joy.

    ¡°I can¡¯t wait to leave,¡± she replied with a shiver.

    ¡°Say no more,¡± he sighed, taking his gloves off. ¡°We tied ¨C 1 all.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not too bad. We were crushed.¡±

    ¡°Crushed?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ don¡¯t really want to talk about it.¡±

    ¡°Fair.¡±

    They meandered over to the carpark after checking they had all their things. Whilst the hockey girls had swiftly disappeared, it seemed that the soccer boys were still hanging around ¨C both teams. Lila heard Isaac laughing shrilly before Asher called him over.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Isaac greeted her with a nod.

    ¡°Hey, Isaac,¡± Lila replied, a mischievous smirk on her face. ¡°No Elise today?¡±

    ¡°E-Elise?¡± his face seemed to pale before her eyes before he shook his head. ¡°Nah. Why would she be?¡±

    ¡°I think she enjoyed watching the last game,¡± Lila shrugged, though her smile remained.

    ¡°Did she?¡± Isaac seemed bashful before he sighed. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯m gonna go to the museum tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Lila tried not to sound panicked. The whole idea of going to the museum was so that Elise and Isaac could get together¡­

    ¡°Yeah. The review¡¯s on Monday and I just¡­ don¡¯t feel up to it,¡± Isaac replied, clearly avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°Perfect time to go to a museum,¡± Asher insisted, clapping Isaac on the shoulder. ¡°Live a little. It¡¯s not like you to be so down. You¡¯re usually up for anything.¡±

    Isaac paused before sighing again. ¡°I guess you¡¯re right. Fine, I¡¯ll go.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t want to twist your arm,¡± Asher laughed incredulously. ¡°Why¡¯re you so reluctant?¡±

    Isaac shrugged. ¡°Like I said, I don¡¯t feel up to going. But¡­ you guys are going, and I¡¯ve never been, so I may as well.¡±

    If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.

    Lila was about to comment on this when Zack¡¯s voice interrupted her thought process entirely.

    ¡°¡­ grab some juice?¡±

    She whipped her head around and saw that he was walking backwards, smirking at a group of guys from both Forestglade College and St Peters ¨C about six total. She counted Will among them, but no Theo.

    ¡°Hell yeah,¡± she heard Will reply. ¡°Great game deserves fresh juice.¡±

    There was a general murmur of agreement between them, and they started to drift away towards the carpark, their voices indistinct except for a couple of words here and there.

    ¡°¡­ orange¡­¡±

    ¡°Nah, nah, mango¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ far?¡±

    ¡°Down the road¡­¡±

    Lila glanced at Asher, who seemed to also be listening intently. Isaac looked between them both with a puzzled expression.

    ¡°You guys thirsty? I think there¡¯s a juice spot just over by the shops a couple streets away. We could probably walk there,¡± he said, casting a quick look over at the retreating backs of the group departing with Zack.

    ¡°Huh? Oh. I didn¡¯t know you knew the area,¡± Asher said absently, turning to face Isaac.

    ¡°Well, yeah. This is where my driving instructor is,¡± Isaac responded, gesturing vaguely to the other side of the oval. ¡°Sometimes I hang around the shops while I wait for my lesson to start.¡±

    ¡°I never knew that you were learning to drive. When¡¯s your birthday?¡± Lila asked.

    Isaac gave her an odd look. ¡°Uh, the 28<sup>th</sup> of March¡­ You do know you got me-¡±

    He suddenly cut himself off and pointed over at the carpark. ¡°Oh, I think my Mum¡¯s here. See you guys tomorrow! 10, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher called behind Isaac, who started to jog off to the carpark. Lila pursed her lips, before shaking her head. He was probably going to say something about her getting him a birthday gift when they were dating¡­ but she honestly couldn¡¯t remember that. It felt like an age ¨C a history that had somehow been wiped since she started dating Asher.

    ¡°He¡¯s a bit of a doofus,¡± Asher smirked. Then, he looked down at Lila. ¡°You do know it¡¯s okay to reference your relationship with Isaac, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Not that I have many references to make,¡± Lila replied. ¡°But¡­ I thought it bothered you? Even just a little bit.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Nah, not anymore. I¡¯d thought that it was a lot more than it ended up being. Plus, it was years ago. And¡­ well¡­ seems like you like kissing me, at least.¡±

    Lila felt her face flush as she smacked his arm in response. He chuckled.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t say no-¡±

    ¡°Stop it!¡± She hid her face in her hands, and he chuckled yet again.

    ¡°Am I making you shy?¡± he whispered, lowering her hands. She brought them back up.

    ¡°N-No.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a lie if I¡¯ve ever heard one.¡±

    Lila was about to respond when she felt him touch her shoulder.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he said gently. ¡°Let¡¯s get going. You¡¯ve got an assignment to get through.¡±

    Lila groaned, now crossing her arms in displeasure as they walked to the carpark. ¡°Can this day get any worse?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not so bad,¡± Asher countered, gesturing to the carpark. ¡°We¡¯ll be together, after all.¡±

    Lila smiled, walking a little bit closer to Asher. ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± she said softly, resting her head against his shoulder for a brief second. ¡°Can¡¯t be all that bad if we¡¯re together.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t reply for a few moments. After the silence stretched on, she looked up and saw that his face was bright red. His eyes flickered to hers and he looked away just as quickly. Lila smiled to herself, though her heart skipped a beat. Sometimes, it still felt like a dream ¨C that they reciprocated each other¡¯s feelings, down to spending time together.

    The carpark was virtually deserted by the time they arrived, with Marlene¡¯s car idling a few spaces away. Lila couldn¡¯t see Isaac, nor any of the boys who were talking to Zack. She could see Alice sitting in her car, looking over at Lila and Asher. Lila pulled Asher by his arm to Marlene¡¯s car, uncomfortable with the idea that Alice was looking at them.

    ¡°That excited to go to my place?¡± Asher asked with a surprised laugh.

    ¡°Could say that,¡± Lila murmured, her face tinged with pink. ¡°But¡­ there¡¯s a few things I want to talk about¡­ in private.¡±

    Asher stumbled briefly before she let go of him. ¡°A-About?¡± he queried, his hand resting on the door handle of the front passenger door. Lila glanced at Marlene, who was looking at them curiously.

    ¡°Later.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­¡±

    They hopped in to Marlene¡¯s car and she greeted them, asking how their games went. Asher and Lila both gave noncommittal responses, though Lila noticed Marlene sipping on a coffee cup on the way home. It seemed that Marlene did disappear to get some coffee that morning.

    Asher was awfully subdued all the way until Marlene parked at the mansion. Lila put it down to him being tired ¨C she was feeling rather exhausted herself, after all.

    Asher silently grabbed all of Lila¡¯s things out of the car in one swift motion. She took her shoes off inside the garage, immediately stepping into slippers set aside for her just beyond the inside door.

    ¡°Lunch will be ready soon,¡± Marlene smiled warmly, heading off towards the kitchen. ¡°I¡¯ll call you when it is.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher replied, immediately walking towards the rumpus room. Lila followed behind, stretching her arms as she did so.

    ¡°Did you want to shower?¡± he asked as he set her things down next to the couch. A hot shower sounded perfect.

    ¡°I¡¯m happy to wait for you,¡± Lila said. He shook his head.

    ¡°Nah, go ahead.¡±

    He shuffled over to his room, yawning. With that, she dragged her belongings, besides her school laptop, to the spare room and sorted out some comfortable clothes. She was surprised, for just a moment, with how little she thought of having a shower at his place, instead preferring to feel the warmth against her skin.

    Once she was done, she put her worn clothes back into the spare room before settling herself into the couch. There was already a cup of juice waiting for her, though Asher was nowhere in sight.

    She sighed, not really in the mood to do any schoolwork but she supposed he¡¯d make her do some. She reluctantly pulled out her laptop and opened her English draft. She blankly stared at her bullet points before closing her laptop lid with another sigh. At the very least, Lila couldn¡¯t generate her own motivation now¡­ not without talking to Asher about Alice.

    She¡¯d been thinking about it in the background, all this time. Alice was really out of line, but¡­ could she really blame Alice?

    Lila placed her head into her hands as she considered what happened. Ms Wright was right, of course. They had all suffered a loss collectively, but¡­ perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have kissed Asher at half-time. It wasn¡¯t as if she hadn¡¯t thought about it at least once while she was playing in the second half. Had it affected her gameplay after all?

    ¡°Sorry I took so long,¡± Asher¡¯s voice caused her to raise her head. He was dressed in a loose t?shirt and tracksuit pants, clearly ready to relax.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t waiting long,¡± Lila replied with a smile. He sat next to her, his weight rocking her slightly.

    ¡°I see you got your laptop out,¡± he observed. ¡°Any headway?¡±

    ¡°None,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°But there¡¯s something that I need to talk about first.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ mentioned that,¡± Asher responded, looking towards the TV. ¡°I¡­ know I shouldn¡¯t feel so worried, but I get freaked out whenever you say things like that without context.¡±

    Lila slid closer to Asher, his warmth feeling very comforting. She looked up at his face, taking in every detail. His eyes flickered to hers, betraying his nervousness. She paused before kissing his cheek softly.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. You don¡¯t need to worry,¡± she said with a smile. ¡°It¡¯s about what happened today.¡±

    ¡°Today? You mean with the soccer boys?¡±

    ¡°Yes¡­ and something else.¡±

    She curled up to his arm, suddenly feeling emotional. Being here with him, alone with this peaceful quiet, just felt safe. Even just his presence felt healing, in a way.

    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked in a low, concerned voice, placing a hand on her shoulder. She shrugged, trying to not feel overwhelmed. She relayed what happened with Alice and by the time she was done, he was eerily silent.

    ¡°Asher?¡± She could feel tears welling up in her eyes. She didn¡¯t want to check his expression, but with the firmness of his grip on her shoulder and the stillness of his body, she could tell he wasn¡¯t pleased by her story.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he mumbled, bringing her into his chest. ¡°I just need a minute.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay.¡±

    Her shoulders slumped as she felt his arms wrap around her. It sounded as though he was trying to get his breathing under control.

    ¡°Alice, you said?¡± he clarified after a few moments. He brushed the top of her head gently as she nodded.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he questioned. She shrugged.

    ¡°It¡­ took me by surprise. She¡¯s normally really nice to me. But¡­ I don¡¯t know what happened. It¡­ felt like she was a different person.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you for not wanting to listen to what she had to say after. That¡¯s not something a teammate should do, even if you weren¡¯t friendly before.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply, squeezing her ever so slightly. ¡°Thank you for telling me. That sounded like a horrible situation to be in. If I was there¡­ I probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to keep my cool.¡±

    ¡°I almost lost it,¡± Lila said faintly. ¡°And that makes me feel horrible, too.¡±

    ¡°Defending yourself is always okay, Lila,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Especially since you didn¡¯t actually do anything wrong.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ I was a little bit distracted. Since you kissed me,¡± she whispered, cringing slightly. ¡°I¡¯m not blaming you but-¡±

    ¡°That was my fault, yes. I¡­ well, I always want to kiss you, but I saw Ms Wright coming up behind you when you were talking about Zack. It sounded like you were going to say that they were setting up a deal or something like that, and I didn¡¯t want to shush you or confuse you or wait too long and have you say something that Ms Wright shouldn¡¯t be listening to. So¡­ I kissed you. Sorry. I¡¯ll stop kissing you at half-time. It sounds more trouble than it¡¯s worth.¡±

    She looked up at him, a different kind of emotion infiltrating her mind now. It was probably a better idea, but¡­ it didn¡¯t make her feel happy.

    ¡°But¡­ after the game¡­ I can kiss you all you want,¡± he added lightly. ¡°Within reason.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped. She gripped his shirt, earnestly looking into his eyes. He returned his gaze before looking elsewhere, seeming suddenly nervous once more.

    ¡°Prove it,¡± she murmured, reaching a hand up to his face. She saw an emotion flash through his face ¨C one that stirred her own ¨C before he glanced at her, his face pink.

    ¡°Is that a challenge?¡±

    ¡°Could be.¡±

    ¡°I like those,¡± he whispered, touching her hand that was still against his face. He intertwined their fingers together before leaning forward, his intentions clear. She eagerly met him halfway and they kissed, her heart swelling. It was one that she felt could teeter on the edge of both of them losing control, but she managed to hold herself together ¨C just.

    He broke away with a smile, caressing her cheek tenderly. She pouted, leaning forward for another and he chuckled, shaking his head.

    ¡°I did just say that I¡¯d kiss you all you want, but I can¡¯t stop feeling anxious about your assignment.¡±

    Lila exhaled loudly, tapping her forehead on his chest in defeat. ¡°I hoped you¡¯d forget about it,¡± she said petulantly. He laughed again.

    ¡°One more,¡± he offered, tilting her head up to look at him. ¡°Then it¡¯s time to get to work.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a good negotiator,¡± she muttered, closing the distance between them. She could feel his chest rumble with suppressed laughter, but focused on the feeling of his lips against hers.

    He pulled away with another smile. ¡°Show me what you¡¯ve got so far.¡±

    Lila could see him smirking at her out the corner of her eye as she dejectedly signed in to her laptop.

    Having Asher personally guide her with her English assignment was both incredibly helpful and entirely distracting. Though she thought she was used to his attention being solely on her, this was a different level. Every time she looked up, to see him looking so devoted to her, with that focus that she couldn¡¯t tear her eyes from, it set her mind back a couple steps. Despite her floundering, he kept to his promise of not writing her assignment for her, nor giving her the answers. He spoke with the utmost patience even though she really wasn¡¯t understanding what was going on with the poems she chose, and she gradually decided to limit looking at him.

    Eventually, they were called down for lunch, which was a toasted panini with various deli fillings. They wolfed it down before going back upstairs, with Lila asking him a question on the way up about one of the techniques he¡¯d tried to explain to her before lunch.

    An hour passed, with Lila starting to grow frustrated with herself. Despite all her notes, which she¡¯d brought, and Asher¡¯s explanations, her head felt incredibly dense. She was starting to believe she didn¡¯t actually have a brain in there. Perhaps it¡¯d been replaced with clay in the night.

    ¡°Let¡¯s take a break,¡± Asher said gently as she stared at her screen.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine-¡±

    ¡°Lila, beating a dead horse isn¡¯t going to be effective.¡±

    ¡°Why is everything so abstract?¡± she sighed, moving her hands to type.

    ¡°That¡¯s it,¡± Asher declared, pulling her laptop from her and closing the lid. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go for a walk somewhere.¡±

    ¡°A walk?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Get out of the house. Maybe you¡¯ll find some inspiration out there, too.¡±

    Lila bit her lip. Would leaving it for now really be okay?

    He stood up, holding a hand out for her to take. ¡°Breaks are just as important.¡±

    She reluctantly stood. ¡°I¡¯ll need to grab my shoes,¡± she said, ducking into the spare room and coming back with some lace up shoes. She slipped her free hand into his. ¡°Where to?¡±

    ¡°I know a park,¡± he winked at her, pulling her to the door.

    ¡°We always take the bike there, though. Are you sure it¡¯s in walking distance?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course it is,¡± he nodded. ¡°The bike is just a form of rapid escapism.¡±

    ¡°And us walking there is¡­ slow escapism?¡±

    ¡°Exactly.¡±

    She snorted, and he grinned at her before leading her back downstairs. Marlene seemed perplexed to see them back downstairs as she wiped down the kitchen counter.

    ¡°Did you two want more food?¡± she asked, placing her tea towel back onto her apron.

    ¡°No, we just need a break. Going for a walk,¡± Asher replied politely. Marlene looked between them both before nodding.

    ¡°Alright. Be careful,¡± she said with a smile.

    ¡°Thanks. We will.¡±

    They put their shoes on in silence by the front door before venturing into the brisk, cold air. She was glad that she was wearing a jumper, but Asher didn¡¯t seem so bothered by the cold.

    They walked along the path towards the park, pointing out various things about the scenery that they enjoyed ¨C such as the twelve gnomes outside a neighbour¡¯s house, the way the clouds seemed to be shaped like spectacles, and the colours of the leaves that some of the trees had turned. Lila was quite glad that none of their conversations turned to her English assignment, or Alice¡¯s behaviour post-match. Once at the park, Lila and Asher sat on the bench, taking in the fresh air.

    ¡°Feeling better?¡± he asked Lila after a few moments of zen.

    She swung her legs out in front of her, assessing how she felt. Her head certainly felt much clearer, but she still wasn¡¯t ready to go back just yet.

    ¡°Just a bit,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°Well, that won¡¯t do,¡± he grinned, standing up. ¡°Race ya to the swings.¡±

    ¡°H-Hey!¡±

    He started cackling as he sprinted off towards the swings. She scrambled to get up, struck by the d¨¦j¨¤ vu. By the time she did, he¡¯d already bellyflopped onto one of the swings. He groaned in pain, and she finally caught up to him.

    ¡°Dummy,¡± she laughed, pushing him on the swing. ¡°You¡¯ve done this before and it hurt just as badly.¡±

    He sulked as he allowed his body to carry on the momentum. ¡°What, no sympathy today?¡±

    ¡°I have a lot,¡± she smiled, kissing him on the top of his head as he swung towards her. ¡°Buuuut, this time it¡¯s karma. For running off without me again.¡±

    He laughed, reaching out to touch her. ¡°C¡¯mon, there¡¯s an empty one next to me. Let¡¯s see who can go the highest.¡±

    Though the rushing air was cutting against her face, her heart felt warm as she swung with Asher, his persistent, adorable ¡°Wheeee!¡± noises making her giggle. It distinctly reminded her of their trip to the park during PE ¨C just before she confessed her feelings to Asher. Her feelings had grown so much stronger since then, though they¡¯d felt so intense at the time, and she couldn¡¯t contain her smile.

    ¡°You seem to be in a good mood,¡± Asher observed once they¡¯d slowed to a light swing, hardly lifting their legs from the ground.

    ¡°I am,¡± she replied, broadening her smile. ¡°It just¡­ reminded me, of that PE class we had.¡±

    His eyes sparkled. ¡°Yeah, that was a sick class.¡±

    She chuckled and nodded. ¡°Yeah. You asked me if I had a crush on someone, at the sanctuary. I was going to confess to you then, but Ms Wright took us to the park. The moment had been ruined.¡±

    He stopped his swinging altogether, a faint blush across his face. ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. I¡¯d been trying to confess that whole week, but things kept popping up. But¡­ well, now that it¡¯s all worked out, it¡¯s become a fond memory, I guess. It¡¯s moments like these, when you¡¯re so silly and playful, that makes me glad that I fell for you.¡±

    He stared at her as she continued. ¡°I¡­ used to think that you were super serious. I mean, you can be, don¡¯t get me wrong. And I think most people at school think you¡¯re super serious. Getting to know that side of you¡­ I dunno, it¡¯s¡­ endearing, I guess. Not that I don¡¯t like it when you¡¯re serious.¡±

    ¡°Y¡¯know, Isaac is sillier than I am,¡± Asher said quietly, now looking to his knees.

    ¡°I do. But he¡¯s too silly. I think if I tried to have a serious conversation with him, about anything we¡¯ve been through together, he¡¯d probably short-circuit and break. You¡¯re the right amount of both. And¡­ I kinda like that you¡¯re not too outwardly silly. It¡¯s kinda like you¡¯re keeping that side mainly for me.¡±

    He smiled at her. ¡°Being with you makes me feel safe, Lila. Safe to be silly, safe to not be so serious about studying, or even keeping up a responsible image at school befitting a Dux. I wouldn¡¯t say that I¡¯m keeping this side of me mainly for you ¨C more that¡­ I can let it out because you¡¯re there. It takes me a while to let my guard down about that kind of thing. I think Isaac¡¯s the only other person, besides my family, that I can just be goofy with. Otherwise, it feels like I need to keep it locked away to protect myself. If I¡¯m too unserious, people tend to take advantage of me far more often.¡±

    Lila let his words sink in for a few moments. He¡¯d mentioned that people used to take advantage of him in the past, before he told them to go away. If he was approachable, like Isaac, whilst still being the Dux, and rich as he was? Well, she couldn¡¯t blame him.

    Lila grabbed the chain nearest to her which belonged to his swing. He seemed surprised until she started kissing him, unable to hold back any longer. He returned the kiss before breaking away with another smile.

    ¡°Unfortunately,¡± he said in a low voice, ¡°it looks like I¡¯ll have to get serious again. Time¡¯s running away from us, and we¡¯ll be busy at the museum tomorrow.¡±

    Lila sighed, heaving herself to her feet. He was right ¨C as usual. But, as they walked back together, hand-in-hand, she was glad that they¡¯d had the break. Her focus seemed ready to return.

    ***

    By the time dinner came and went, Lila was far more positive about both her understanding of the content, and her write up. Asher seemed to sense this as he stretched his arms above his head with a yawn. He¡¯d been working on his own studies whilst she was typing after they came back upstairs after dinner and he closed his laptop lid.

    ¡°You¡¯re doing well,¡± he said with a grin. ¡°Reckon you¡¯ll have your draft ready by the due date?¡±

    ¡°I think so,¡± she smiled back. She¡¯d managed to write a few hundred words so far, and knew her main points for the rest.

    ¡°Good, good. Are you in the zone or ready for another break?¡±

    She looked back at her screen. ¡°Maybe¡­ in half an hour.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Asher stood with another yawn, heading over to the kitchenette. She heard him pour more drinks for them and she continued to type away. She hardly realised he¡¯d sat next to her again until he tapped the edge of her laptop screen.

    ¡°Time¡¯s up,¡± he grinned, passing her a set of joy con controllers. ¡°Unless you¡¯re too scared that I¡¯ll wreck you?¡±

    She snorted, immediately setting her laptop aside and taking the controllers from him. ¡°No chance.¡±

    They spent a couple hours gaming, laughing and otherwise enjoying each other¡¯s company. Once it started to get late, though, Asher put down his controllers.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna put on some pyjamas. Give me a sec,¡± he yawned, getting up to do so. Lila decided to do so as well and they both emerged from their rooms, looking rather comfy.

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking¡­ of doing something a bit different,¡± he said, settling into his usual spot. ¡°Maybe watch something.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Lila replied, tucking herself next to him. ¡°I think I¡¯m getting a bit sleepy.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to go to bed?¡±

    She looked up at him for a moment before shaking her head and then resting it on his chest. ¡°No, not yet. Besides¡­ you said I¡¯d be staying in the spare room. But it¡¯s a bit lonely in there.¡±

    She felt his body stiffen. He sighed deeply, bringing a hand to her head. ¡°You know why I said that, right?¡±

    ¡°I do¡­ doesn¡¯t make it any less lonely.¡±

    He sighed again. ¡°¡­ Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m disagreeing with your reasons¡­ but I¡¯d been feeling a bit hopeful that I¡¯d get to sleep next to you, that¡¯s all.¡±

    He wordlessly stroked the top of her head. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°¡­ It¡¯s just sleeping.¡±

    ¡°I know. Sorry, but I can¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll stop¡­ sorry.¡±

    She shook her head, keeping her mouth shut so he wouldn¡¯t say it again. It really was okay.

    They remained silent for a while before Asher reached forward to grab his controllers.

    ¡°I¡¯d¡­ been thinking we should watch some Quack Queen.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°We haven¡¯t for a while, have we?¡±

    ¡°No. I¡¯m wondering how she¡¯s going with it all.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s still insane,¡± Lila replied, sitting up a little higher so she could see better. ¡°I don¡¯t know when she has the time to sleep.¡±

    He made a sound of agreement as he put on the latest VOD on YouTube, and they were greeted with the ¡®Streaming soon!¡¯ loading screen.

    ¡°You know, we haven¡¯t talked about Zack just yet,¡± Lila said quietly as the Quack Queen¡¯s icon spun around in an idling manner beneath the ¡®Streaming soon!¡¯ text. ¡°Or the St Peters boys.¡±

    ¡°We haven¡¯t,¡± Asher conceded.

    ¡°I find it interesting¡­ that they seemed to be setting up a deal with another school. Especially after the Banker got sanctioned,¡± she murmured, pulling a blanket over them both.

    ¡°It seems as though the ring is quite a bit wider than we thought. Just how many schools has it gotten into?¡±

    ¡°I dunno, but I also find it interesting that Zack didn¡¯t seem to know them very well last weekend.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. At least, from my perspective.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon they¡¯ve gotten more desperate? Since it was sanctioned? To get more users hooked onto it?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a possibility,¡± Asher muttered before shivering. ¡°One that I hate.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. No kidding. But¡­ it could also mean that it has enough legs of its own, to stand without Daniel¡¯s money.¡±

    ¡°I reckon so. Livi still seemed pissed after the Square thing, and was hounding people to use cash instead of card, but their activities in the books had started to slow down slightly. Still a lot of money going in and out of Daniel¡¯s business for no real reason, but it wasn¡¯t as frequent towards the end.¡±

    Lila made a sound of contemplation. ¡°But maybe he was genuinely inviting them out for juice. I heard them talking about oranges and mangos.¡±

    ¡°Could be more code. Or¡­ it could be that they do both at the same time. Like the card game. Do something that¡¯s not so shifty, then integrate something shifty in between. That way, the get together itself doesn¡¯t look suspicious.¡±

    Lila nodded before she started frowning. ¡°There¡¯s¡­ something else.¡±

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ Isaac seemed to know about a juice spot.¡±

    ¡°Are you-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that he is involved. But¡­ it was just a bit too convenient that he knew about one.¡±

    ¡°After his whole gambling debt thing blew up in his face, he¡¯s seriously wanted to stay away from that whole group,¡± Asher said grimly. ¡°Plus, he¡¯s still working to pay me back. I don¡¯t think he¡¯d allow himself enough free money to do drugs.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s just a thought.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I know. It¡¯s¡­ a necessary one. Did you want me to ask him about it?¡±

    ¡°No. We said we¡¯d try and keep him out of it, remember?¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ I guess¡­ we¡¯d find out eventually.¡±

    ¡°We would. We¡¯re good at that kind of thing.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Guess so.¡±

    They were quiet again, still watching Marlene¡¯s Twitch icon twirl in place.

    ¡°But¡­ I do feel like he¡¯s hiding something,¡± Asher said softly. Lila looked up at him to see that his face was rather troubled.

    ¡°Like what?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But Elise said that he wouldn¡¯t get fired from Maccas ¡®cause of what he did, right? And even with the whole gambling debt¡­ I¡¯ve never felt that he was being so¡­ evasive as he has been recently. And sometimes it seems like he wants to tell me something, but he¡¯ll just shut his mouth, or turn around, or point at something.¡±

    ¡°Does it worry you?¡±

    Asher rubbed his face, exhaling deeply once again. ¡°Kinda.¡±

    ¡°You should ask him about it.¡±

    ¡°I tried. Then he stopped really talking to me.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°I think¡­ we should see how he¡¯s like after Monday. You said it before that if we were working together, and you messed up to the point that a review was called, you¡¯d be really frustrated with yourself. I think he might just be stopping himself from talking about it so he doesn¡¯t psych himself out even more.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ does sound like Isaac. He can be a bit avoidant at times.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°So¡­ let¡¯s not worry about it just yet.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t help it.¡±

    ¡°I know, but worrying isn¡¯t going to get you anywhere. Besides¡­ we¡¯ve got this ring to take down.¡±

    ¡°We do.¡±

    ¡°And¡­ I feel bad for putting him lower on the list, but I also think¡­ talking to Grace is a bit more important.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. It is. I mean, I do know that if Isaac really needed my help, he¡¯d come to me¡­ even if it was a bit late. But I know he¡¯d talk to me. Grace on the other hand¡­ I don¡¯t think she knows she needs help.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. I don¡¯t think I told you, but¡­ she came to PC the other day crying her eyes out. Said she asked her partner to go to the museum with us tomorrow, and then said they got into a fight about it. Ms Alexander freaked out, apparently.¡±

    Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°Of course she would. I¡¯m really surprised that Grace even asked.¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ it¡¯s ¡®cause Elise has been eager to meet her partner. I was too, until I found out who her partner is. Grace definitely knows that it¡¯s wrong, otherwise she wouldn¡¯t keep it a secret. But I think¡­ maybe she thought it¡¯d be okay. It¡¯s almost been six months, and it sounds serious, so she¡¯d probably think that we¡¯d accept it.¡±

    Asher closed his eyes for a second. ¡°If it was anyone else¡­ at least, anyone who wasn¡¯t a teacher, I¡¯m sure we would.¡±

    ¡°I know. At least, I would.¡±

    ¡°¡­ How are you coping with it?¡±

    ¡°A bit better, but I¡¯m a bit anxious for the museum tomorrow. There¡¯s just so much weirdness. What with us knowing about Grace¡¯s partner, Elise yelling at you yesterday, and then Isaac acting strange.¡±

    ¡°There is a lot of weirdness,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°But¡­ there¡¯ll be a lot of dinosaurs.¡±

    Lila laughed, wrapping her arm around his chest. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    A countdown appeared on the screen ¨C two minutes.

    ¡°How do you feel?¡± Lila asked quietly, squeezing him slightly.

    ¡°Like I¡¯m being cuddled by my girlfriend,¡± he replied with a smile.

    She chuckled. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­ it¡¯s just hard to articulate. It¡¯s a pretty big mess, all around.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ but¡­ I mean about Elise.¡±

    ¡°Elise? Oh. Right. Well¡­ I did kinda invite that impression, with giving you that excuse to give to Grace. It was just a shock that she¡¯d be so¡­ gung ho about confronting me like that. If she tries it again, though, I¡¯ll just¡­ let it happen.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to put up with it.¡±

    ¡°I know, but I will. We¡¯re protecting something important with this lie, and I¡¯ll keep doing that until we figure out what we¡¯re doing about Grace. Ultimately¡­ you know that it¡¯s a lie. Even if it didn¡¯t feel like it today. But, either way, you¡¯re the most important person in this scenario. Since you know the truth, it doesn¡¯t matter what Elise thinks. At least, that¡¯s how I feel. Besides, like I said, I¡¯m glad she¡¯s someone who¡¯ll stick up for you if something was going wrong.¡±

    Lila paused before looking back up at Asher. She kissed him on the jaw, as his lips were out of reach from her rather comfy position, and smiled.

    ¡°Alright. As long as¡­ well, as long as you¡¯re okay with it.¡±

    He shivered for a brief second before nodding. ¡°I am.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up with the shivering?¡±

    ¡°Just¡­ got a cold draft, all of a sudden.¡±

    ¡°Do you want another blanket?¡±

    His face was flushed as he shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. The stream¡¯s about to start.¡±

    As if on cue, Marlene¡¯s voice rang through the speakers. ¡°Hellooo my Quacklings!¡±

    Lila looked up, seeing Marlene¡¯s bright, beaming face, complete with her cat-ear headphones and winged eyeliner.

    ¡°Sorry, the camera angle is all messed up, just a moment,¡± Marlene stood, her low-cut crop top now in full focus. Lila¡¯s eye caught sight of the flurry of comments ¨C most of them saying ¡®Quackers!¡¯ or some iteration of that. Others were¡­ disturbing. Luckily, though, those were quickly buried under some reaction emojis ¨C mostly people covering their eyes.

    ¡°Sorry, guys, back now,¡± Marlene said, sitting back in her chair. The angle had changed so that it was looking slightly down at her, showing a little of her shirt, rather than straight-on.

    She wondered for a moment if Max, the guy at the camera store, had seen this one live as Marlene set out the agenda for that day¡¯s stream.

    ¡°It¡¯s still mind-blowing how different she is,¡± Asher murmured.

    ¡°It is. She¡¯s so¡­ personable. Not that she¡¯s not when she¡¯s working as a maid, but¡­ she¡¯s just so bubbly. It seems like she really enjoys streaming, at least.¡±

    They continued to watch in silence as Marlene opened up WoW. The stream continued on in the same way that Lila had previously seen from Marlene, with Marlene chatting away and giggling.

    After about an hour, Lila noticed some comments coming through on the side.

    ¡®Bot! Get this bot outta here!¡¯

    ¡°A bot?¡± Lila asked, glancing up at Asher. He shrugged.

    ¡°A bot¡¯s probably spamming the chat with something. Oh, that might be it,¡± he pointed at the screen.

    ¡®4j2D2i2p  2i0X0X  6k2Y2b0J0o3A  6r1l1s2D2R1s0Q2R1l  2i0X  4Z2Y1N3A,,  6r3m0Q2b2R3A--6r3m0Q2b2R3A  6r1l2D0Q0Q  0o2R  11003333,,  4c1s2R3A  --  0C2b2D  5u0o2D1e0o2D0Q2R  &&  4E0Q2i2D1e0Q,,  2b0Q0Q0J  0Q3A0Q2K..  4c0o1N1N  1s2b  2K1s0C1G  6k0o2R2Y2D0J0o3A  6r3m0Q2b2R3A--5B1s2b2R1l  2i0X  4Z2Y1N3A,,  6r3m0Q2b2R3A--6r3m0Q2b2R3A  6r1l2D0Q0Q,,  22331122..¡¯

    It was posted by an account called Us3r_Us3r178. Definitely sounded bot-ish. It quickly moved away with the addition of other complaints about it. It appeared once more before Marlene started speaking.

    ¡°What¡¯s got you guys in a flap?¡± she asked with a giggle, looking through the chat. Her face grew serious as she evidently scrolled through the chat.

    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± she smiled, ¡°mods, please kick it.¡±

    Someone posted that they had kicked it, and Marlene thanked them.

    ¡°Alright, it¡¯s a good time to take a break for a sec. I¡¯ll be right back. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll grab Mr Snugglebutt.¡±

    She called for Mr Snugglebutt as she took off her headphones, before darting out of the frame.

    ¡°Got ya!¡± she cried, setting him down on her chair. ¡°Just a sec!¡±

    Marlene grabbed her phone before slipping out of the doorway. Mr Snugglebutt sat politely on the chair before curling up into a small ball.

    ¡°I wonder how often she¡¯s done that,¡± Asher chuckled. Lila¡¯s eyelids began to grow heavy before he gently shook her shoulders.

    ¡°Are you falling asleep?¡± he asked gently.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila yawned. He chuckled again, and she felt him kiss the top of her head.

    ¡°You can sleep.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ you¡¯ll put me in the spare room,¡± she mumbled, looking up at him. Sleep was beginning to win, despite her protests, as his outline swam before her.

    ¡°Just sleep,¡± he replied, stroking her hair.

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°I will put you in the spare room if you keep objecting.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Meanie.¡±

    He laughed, pulling the blanket up to cover her shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ll be as mean as I have to be.¡±

    She pouted but didn¡¯t say anything more. The way he was patting her hair was definitely designed to put her to sleep, but if he was insisting that she do so, then who was she to fight it?

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Seven

    The next time Lila opened her eyes, her face was nestled against Asher¡¯s chest, the blanket that had been around her shoulders having now fallen to the floor. Light was filtering through the window at the far end of the rumpus room. She clutched Asher¡¯s shirt, inhaling his familiar, comforting scent. Waking up in his arms was something she¡¯d love to get used to. He didn¡¯t seem to be awake just yet, so she pressed her ear to his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he murmured, wrapping his arms around her shoulders. ¡°How¡¯d you sleep?¡±

    Of course he was awake.

    ¡°Good,¡± she settled on saying with a small smile, sitting up so she could see his face properly. ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°It was alright. I woke up once or twice, but fell right back to sleep when I saw you sleeping by me. I kept having these¡­ weird dreams. That I kept losing you.¡±

    She gingerly touched his cheek and his eyes met hers. They stayed like that for a couple moments before he touched her hand with his, closing his eyes.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad I haven¡¯t,¡± he said quietly.

    ¡°Of course you haven¡¯t,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I¡¯m right here.¡±

    He squeezed her hand before pulling her back onto his chest. ¡°I know.¡±

    They remained like this for a minute or so before Lila stretched her shoulders.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± she asked with a yawn.

    ¡°Almost 8,¡± he responded after checking his phone.

    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be getting ready so we can be there at 10?¡±

    ¡°It takes you that long to get ready?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ but¡­ well, how are we getting there?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a good point. Let me check if Marlene can-¡± he paused, tilting his head in curiosity. ¡°Actually, looks like Marlene¡¯s called in sick.¡±

    ¡°Called in sick?¡± Lila stared at Asher in bewilderment. ¡°Has she ever done that?¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. She¡¯s worked for us for years. It is really rare, though.¡±

    As if on cue, Asher¡¯s phone buzzed and he glanced down at it. It was a phone call from Gabriel flashing on his screen.

    ¡°Good morning, Gabriel,¡± Asher said upon picking up the call. ¡°¡­ No, we¡¯ll be fine. Sounds awful¡­ Lila and I were going to go to the museum this morning anyway.¡± His eyes flickered to hers and then over to his knees. ¡°If you¡¯re okay with that, then yes please.¡±

    Lila looked at Asher curiously as he nodded.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll meet you down there in¡­ is half an hour okay?¡± He looked at Lila and she blinked back at him. ¡°To get ready,¡± he clarified.

    ¡°Oh. Yeah, should be fine.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ll head down in half an hour. Thanks Gabriel.¡±

    He ended the phone call with a sigh. ¡°Gabriel¡¯s going to drop us off at the museum.¡±

    ¡°At like 8.30? I don¡¯t think it¡¯s open then.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not, but there¡¯s a couple of cafes around that area. Gabriel offered to make us breakfast, but I told him we were going to the museum anyway. He then insisted on dropping us off there early so we could get some breakfast. It¡¯s his day off, but he said he heard Marlene coughing almost all night last night.¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Lila responded with a frown. ¡°I hope she gets better soon.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Asher sighed. Then, he abruptly stood up. ¡°Can¡¯t sit around chatting ¨C Gabriel¡¯s doing us a favour.¡±

    She quickly ducked into the spare bathroom, freshening up and getting changed for the day. A beaded jumper over a long-sleeved shirt and some flared pants would do nicely, given how much walking she figured they¡¯d be doing. She pulled out the necklace Asher had gotten her and made sure to display it front and centre, humming as she brushed her hair.

    Once she was done, she opened the door to find Asher pacing, a navy collared shirt peeking underneath his grey knit jumper. He had tan-coloured chinos on as well, and it seemed he¡¯d put some effort into his hair again. She smiled ¨C he was still a bit crinkly, but he still looked rather handsome.

    ¡°You look really nice,¡± he said upon laying eyes on her. ¡°I¡¯m glad that necklace suits most things.¡±

    ¡°It does,¡± she replied, touching it gently. ¡°You look nice, too.¡±

    ¡°Eh, I just threw this on.¡±

    ¡°Nicely.¡±

    He snorted, reaching a hand out for her to take. ¡°No bag today?¡±

    ¡°Nah. I figured I¡¯d just get annoyed with it, since we¡¯re going to be walking around a bunch at the museum.¡± Then, she paused, her face searing a blush upon her cheeks. ¡°A-Actually, I do need one. Just a sec.¡±

    She hurried into the spare room, digging around for a small bag that she could stuff with period products. She found her faithful cross-body bag and just jammed a variety of things in there, hardly looking to see what she was putting in it.

    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± She called after bursting out of the room, her face still hot.

    ¡°Everything ok-¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t keep him waiting!¡±

    Lila grabbed Asher¡¯s hand and started pulling him out of the rumpus room. He stumbled behind her, seeming bewildered by her sudden rush of activity. They climbed downstairs, put their shoes on and headed into the garage.

    ¡°Morning, you two!¡± Gabriel chirped, waving at them as he stood next to his more humble car. ¡°Ready for the museum?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher replied, giving Lila a sideways glance.

    ¡°Yup. Super ready,¡± Lila grinned at Gabriel, jumping into the back passenger seat. Asher sat in the front with Gabriel, who smoothly pulled away from the garage.

    ¡°So, how is Marlene?¡± Lila asked once they¡¯d travelled down a couple of streets. Gabriel sighed, shaking his head.

    ¡°Not in a good way. She was up coughing all night. I think she¡¯ll be calling in sick tomorrow, too.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s no good,¡± Lila replied sympathetically. ¡°I hope she gets better soon.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Asher said. ¡°Thanks for taking us on your day off, by the way.¡±

    Gabriel waved a hand. ¡°All good. I didn¡¯t want to leave you two to fend for yourselves.¡±

    ¡°You do know that we¡¯d manage for a day, right?¡± Asher laughed. ¡°I¡¯m not a little kid anymore.¡±

    Gabriel looked at Asher before shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯re always going to be a little kid to me, Asher. That¡¯s the way of the world.¡±

    ¡°You say that, until you started shouting at me for not getting with Lila. Pretty sure little kids shouldn¡¯t be dating.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, she¡¯s a kid too.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily. ¡°You mean well, but one day we¡¯re going to be able to get into your club legitimately and drink, too. In¡­ like a year and a bit.¡±

    Gabriel shuddered. ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d also be able to vote.¡±

    ¡°Even worse,¡± Gabriel laughed heartily. ¡°I know time passes, and I do know that you¡¯re not so little anymore, Asher, trust me. But in my heart, I still can¡¯t believe how time¡¯s flown. It¡¯s the perks that come with being so old.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not old,¡± Lila piped up.

    Gabriel laughed again. ¡°Tell that to my aching back.¡±

    ¡°I just did.¡±

    Gabriel chortled now, shaking his head. ¡°You¡¯ll make me crash, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Will it fix your back?¡± she asked with a cheeky grin that neither Asher nor Gabriel could see. She could have sworn that she heard Asher snort very softly from the front seat.

    ¡°It might,¡± Gabriel chuckled.

    The conversation moved along to other things ¨C mostly about the games they played in yesterday, general schoolwork and, finally, what they¡¯d be getting up to today.

    Gabriel slowed down upon approaching the museum, before looking further along the street. ¡°Have you picked a particular spot yet?¡± he asked as he idled at a red traffic light.

    ¡°Nah, not yet,¡± Asher replied, ¡°we can jump out now, though.¡±

    Lila and Asher both hopped out of Gabriel¡¯s car, thanking him for the right and farewelling him for the day. Given the looseness of their plans, they said that they¡¯d take the bus home, which Gabriel warily agreed to.

    ¡°So,¡± Asher said, taking her hand and looking around. ¡°Breakfast.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Let¡¯s go find a place.¡±

    They wandered down the street, taking in the interesting and somewhat eclectic sights. She hadn¡¯t explored this part of the City for a very long time, so everything felt fresh to her wide eyes. In the early morning rays, which were still weak given the fact that it was mid-winter, she could see splashes of artful murals in alleyways, against buildings, and covering electrical boxes. There were abstract statues dotting the way to the museum itself, under which was the art gallery, though Lila had no idea what they represented besides fancy squiggles. In the far distance, she could see the sail-like roof of the formidably large performing arts hub, complete with theatres and stages of all sizes.

    As they journeyed through the sleepy, almost-deserted street, she recalled flashing by this district on the bus when they went to tail Marlene all those months ago, and when they snuck in to Gabriel¡¯s nightclub. She smiled to herself as she remembered all that happened, and what had happened between herself and Asher since.

    He squeezed her hand and she looked up at him, still smiling.

    ¡°What¡¯re you thinking about?¡± he asked, matching her smile with his.

    ¡°Well¡­ I was just remembering that the last time I saw this place, we were going to Gabriel¡¯s nightclub. Dressed like a pimp and a hooker, apparently.¡±

    He laughed hard enough to evidently disturb the peace of a passing jogger, who gave them both an odd look before jogging on slightly faster.

    Asher sobered up with a wide grin, pulling her closer as they continued down the street. ¡°That was the last time I went through here, too. Feels like a lifetime ago. Have you come here for other things, though?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Not really. I think Clare had a dance performance once, like, 10 years ago or something. I usually go to the City itself, if I go there at all.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Asher paused, looking down at her briefly. ¡°Not even to see a play or something?¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to fix that. If we¡¯ve got a spare moment, let¡¯s look at what¡¯s showing.¡±

    The prospect of another date with Asher made Lila¡¯s heart flutter before it turned into a drum at the realisation that this was technically a date, too. A breakfast one¡­ where they could be a genuine couple rather than a disguised one.

    ¡°What about this place?¡± Asher suggested after a few metres, pointing to a quaint-looking corner caf¨¦. It didn¡¯t look overly busy, but wasn¡¯t empty, either. Several patrons were sitting outside underneath large striped umbrellas, sipping coffee and eating a variety of foods ¨C the most popular choice seemingly being a bacon eggs benedict.

    ¡°Looks cute,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I think the menu¡¯s on the stand over there.¡±

    They perused the menu before simultaneously exchanging a look.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Asher asked.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Unless you don¡¯t want to?¡±

    ¡°Nah. C¡¯mon.¡±

    He led her inside by her hand and organised a table for two inside. The caf¨¦ interior was made up of exposed red brickwork with plenty of plants on shelves and linework paintings. There was also a bookshelf which patrons could borrow from whilst they had their food. Behind the caf¨¦ were ornate, white French doors, which opened up to a secluded back alley for more customers, though Lila was definitely glad that Asher had chosen to sit inside.

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    They ordered their food ¨C for Lila, an omelette with spinach, cheese and chorizo and a hot chocolate, and a big breakfast for Asher with a cappuccino.

    ¡°Coffee this morning?¡± Lila queried once they settled into their seats.

    ¡°Of course. Gotta be as wide awake as possible to take in all the exhibits,¡± he grinned, reaching out for her hands. She gave them to him and he stroked the back of her hands with his thumbs, seeming contemplative.

    ¡°So¡­ today¡¯s the day,¡± he murmured after a second or two. ¡°What¡¯s the plan?¡±

    ¡°For?¡±

    ¡°Well, to try and get Isaac and Elise together.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± Lila hadn¡¯t thought that far. Would giving them an opportunity alone help do the trick? But¡­ that would mean that she and Asher would need to distract Grace or otherwise take her away from Elise and Isaac¡­ which sounded unappealing.

    ¡°When are we going to talk to Grace?¡± Lila asked quietly. ¡°About¡­ her partner.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily, squeezing her hands. ¡°I was leaving that up to your discretion¡­ but I can see that it¡¯s getting harder for you to keep pretending nothing¡¯s wrong.¡±

    ¡°Am I that obvious?¡± she groaned, hanging her head low.

    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, yeah.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before looking up at Asher. ¡°Well¡­ do you reckon we could finish up the investigation into Jason and his cronies this week?¡±

    Asher blinked at her. ¡°How?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ Zack seems to be a key player. He also doesn¡¯t seem to be too tough to crack. Not the brightest bulb in the tool shed or whatever-¡± Asher snorted but didn¡¯t otherwise interrupt, ¡°-and, now that we know what we¡¯re looking for, I reckon we could take some photos of a deal or two.¡±

    ¡°And¡­ what? Blackmail him?¡±

    Lila shrugged, the innocent look across her face hampered by the smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. ¡°Not the first illegal thing we¡¯ve done.¡±

    Asher sighed again. ¡°It¡¯s not. But¡­ he¡¯s my teammate. We¡¯ve got, like, four matches of soccer left or whatever.¡±

    ¡°I can do the blackmail,¡± Lila replied confidently. ¡°Easier to show my Dad what comes out, too.¡±

    ¡°Surely these underhanded techniques would compromise his investigation?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow at her.

    ¡°If he was with the Police, maybe. But¡­ if he knows that there is evidence of something going on, my Dad¡¯s more than capable of following his own path to find it.¡±

    ¡°A cappuccino in a mug,¡± declared a bespectacled waitress from beside Asher. He straightened up, letting go of Lila¡¯s hands.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he said gratefully to the waitress. She inclined her head before setting down the hot chocolate before Lila.

    ¡°Food will be out soon,¡± the waitress said, hurrying along back to the serving station without waiting for a response.

    ¡°She¡¯s friendly,¡± Lila murmured, blowing on her hot chocolate. Asher chuckled, shaking his head, but otherwise didn¡¯t say anything as he also blew on his cappuccino. It was still too hot for Lila to drink, so she set her cup back down and instead used it to warm her hands. Asher set his down as well, his expression thoughtful.

    ¡°So, a week you say?¡± he said, glancing at Lila before looking back at his cappuccino.

    ¡°I reckon so. We¡¯ve got enough info to know that Zack¡¯s probably a good target to follow. Not only was he part of deals at our school, but it seems like he¡¯s setting up deals at other schools.¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ I guess we could talk to Grace after that.¡±

    Asher met her gaze before raising an eyebrow again. ¡°At camp?¡±

    ¡°Shit, is that next week?¡±

    ¡°Sure is. Hope you¡¯ve started packing.¡±

    ¡°Not at all,¡± Lila held a hand to her forehead, the warmth momentarily distracting her from the news that she needed to get ready for camp. ¡°It¡¯s Monday to Friday, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Yup. If I were to hazard a guess, based on the last camp we went to that was like this one, I¡¯d say that our classes would be going through the activities together.¡±

    Lila paused. Asher was in 11F, and she was in 11E¡­ so it made sense, if they decided to pair classes together to go through the activities. Her eyes sparkled as she realised what else this meant.

    ¡°We could do a part two to Mission Cupid at camp.¡±

    Asher smiled at her. ¡°Sure could.¡±

    ¡°¡­ As for Grace¡­ maybe talking to her at camp would help. I don¡¯t think Ms- uh, her partner¡¯s going to our camp, so talking to Grace alone, if we could, without her being able to get brainwashed by Ms- her partner right after we speak could help.¡±

    ¡°All sounds like good points.¡± He hesitated for a second before speaking again. ¡°My next debate is this Friday, by the way. It¡¯s another home one. Uh, against Sandy Lakes.¡±

    ¡°I almost forgot you did debating,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°I¡¯ll be there.¡±

    He beamed at her, relaxing even more now as he took a sip of his cappuccino. ¡°Can¡¯t wait. Last debate that you saw was rough. I¡¯ll do better on Friday. Promise.¡±

    Lila smiled. ¡°It wasn¡¯t that bad. But I¡¯m excited to see what you¡¯ll come up with on Friday.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Asher laughed.

    ¡°The big brekkie?¡± The waitress had reappeared, hold two trays of food. Asher accepted the big breakfast and set it down in front of himself. The waitress placed Lila¡¯s food in front of her before bustling back to her station without another word.

    Lila eyed Asher¡¯s food for a moment before digging in to hers. He smirked at her.

    ¡°Jealous?¡± he asked as he sliced a bite-sized piece of sausage off and speared it with his fork.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied almost too defensively. ¡°Just looking for hot sauce.¡±

    ¡°Hot sauce? In my big breakfast?¡±

    She tapped his foot with hers and he chuckled, leaning over to the condiment station. ¡°Luckily, here¡¯s one I prepared earlier.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    She poured the sauce over the omelette before taking a bite. It was a great combo, with the tanginess and spicy edge from the sauce and chorizo blending well with the mildness of the egg.

    She saw his eyes flicker to her food before he quickly averted them.

    ¡°Jealous?¡± she teased, waving a bit of her omelette on her fork.

    ¡°Undoubtedly,¡± he nodded before leaning forwards and taking said bit of omelette into his mouth.

    ¡°Hey! That was mine!¡± Lila cried, looking regretfully at her now-empty fork.

    ¡°And it was delicious,¡± Asher grinned after swallowing it. ¡°Here, have some of mine.¡±

    He separated out some portions of each of his items and placed them on her plate, a small smile on his face as he did so. He looked at her, seeming satisfied with himself. She smiled at him and cut a larger portion of her omelette and put it on his place.

    ¡°It¡¯s o-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t mind sharing,¡± Lila said quietly, interrupting his attempted protest. ¡°Besides, you said it was delicious, right? Only fair to share it.¡±

    He fell silent as he pulled his plate closer to him, his face slightly pink. ¡°Thanks,¡± he murmured before eating.

    Lila watched him for a few moments before her smile turned into a grin. ¡°Did I make you shy again?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ but I¡¯m just thinking that you¡¯re really sweet. Since you gave me more even though I stole a bite,¡± he replied plainly, actively avoiding her gaze. ¡°You really didn¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°Nor you,¡± Lila said pointedly. ¡°You realised I wanted some and gave it to me even though I didn¡¯t ask.¡±

    His eyes met hers and he chuckled. ¡°¡¯Course I did. You look so happy when you eat something good, and this is pretty good. Plus¡­ I reckon I¡¯m starting to figure out what it looks like when you want something. Which¡­ is pretty important. To me.¡±

    The now-wholly familiar feeling of being flustered returned in Lila¡¯s cheeks before settling in her throat. She simply nodded, unable to muster the ability to respond. He pressed his lips together in apparent amusement.

    ¡°Seems like I got you shy,¡± he observed before continuing with his meal. Again, she failed to find the ability to respond and decided to just eat her food before she embarrassed herself further.

    Eventually, after they were almost done with their food, their demeanours had relaxed some ¨C enough to start talking again.

    ¡°So, if we¡¯re talking to Grace at camp¡­ or at least, trying to, what¡¯re we going to do about today?¡± Asher asked, taking his final sip of his cappuccino.

    ¡°I have no idea,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Try and not be weird as hell?¡±

    ¡°Doubt that¡¯ll work.¡±

    ¡°I know. I just¡­ beyond the fact that we found out who Grace¡¯s partner is, it¡¯s also paired with the imagery,¡± Lila shuddered. ¡°Like, damn.¡±

    ¡°I get what you mean. Not necessarily the best kind of scene to stumble in to, so of course it would be burned into your brain.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, can I get a new one? This one sucks.¡±

    ¡°No can do. Even if I could make that happen, I happen to like this one. Wouldn¡¯t trade it for the world.¡±

    Lila shook her head, unable to contain the smile across her face. ¡°You¡¯re so sappy.¡±

    ¡°What can I say,¡± Asher replied, his cheeks tinged with pink, ¡°I am a sap. Not gonna deny it.¡±

    ¡°Lucky for you, I¡¯m a sap too.¡±

    Asher seemed surprised by this admission, his colour deepening. ¡°You are?¡±

    ¡°If you haven¡¯t realised by now, I think I¡¯ll need to get you some glasses,¡± Lila replied loftily, taking her last sip of hot chocolate and patting her mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°¡­ Got the number for Specsavers?¡±

    She smirked at him, placing her used napkin onto her plate. ¡°Unfortunately, no. You ready to go?¡±

    He looked down at his empty plate before nodding. ¡°Yeah. It¡¯s getting pretty close to 10, too.¡±

    They promptly left the restaurant with their hands intertwined, the fresh air reinvigorating Lila. That had been delicious enough to put her into a stupor if she wasn¡¯t careful. She quickly checked the time on her phone. It was 9.50am.

    ¡°Knowing our friends, they¡¯re probably waiting for us already,¡± Lila said after pocketing her phone.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Asher concurred. ¡°We can afford to stroll, though.¡±

    Stroll, they did, past the myriad of murals, colours, and far more people than when Gabriel dropped them off.

    The concrete steps leading up the museum¡¯s grand, sandstone-coloured entryway, combined with the excited chatter of patrons invited Lila and Asher along. As they cleared the steps to the cathedral-like glass doors, behind which a full-sized whale skeleton suspended high in the lobby peeked into view, Lila could see that many of today¡¯s patrons were families with young children. For a moment, Lila felt incredibly out of place, with the collection of prams and toddlers glued close to their parents filing through the front doors. However, once Lila laid eyes on Elise and Isaac standing off to the left, the feeling instantly disappeared.

    It reemerged with a vengeance when she realised, to her immense disappointment, that neither Elise nor Isaac appeared friendly with each other. In fact, they looked like awkward strangers ¨C not at all like the mischievous duo who had hidden themselves to lie in wait for Lila and Asher just a few days ago.

    Asher seemed to sense this, too, as he exchanged a perplexed look with Lila.

    Now that she was observing them, in circumstances that appeared as though neither of them noticed Lila or Asher, Lila instantly doubled back, pulling Asher with her down a few steps from the landing.

    ¡°You need to ask Isaac what¡¯s up,¡± she hissed breathlessly.

    ¡°I was planning on it already,¡± Asher frowned, though Lila could tell that it was about the situation, rather than her insistence.

    ¡°Good. But¡­ what the heck is going on?¡± Lila paused before a theory came to mind ¨C one which made her gasp.

    ¡°Do you reckon one of them confessed and the other rejected it?¡± she asked in a hushed whisper.

    ¡°What, like you and me?¡±

    Lila winced. ¡°Don¡¯t remind me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, yes and no. If they¡¯re acting like this and that did happen, then clearly it wasn¡¯t reciprocated. Just a flat-out rejection.¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Asher appeared to seriously consider this as he brought his hand to his chin. ¡°Possible¡­ but Elise would¡¯ve said something to you about it, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d like to think so, but she has kept a couple secrets from me in the past. But at the same time, I know for sure that she likes Isaac. She said so herself.¡±

    ¡°So, it¡¯s doubtful that she¡¯d be the rejector?¡±

    ¡°I think so, at least.¡±

    Asher hesitated before sighing heavily.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think that he¡¯d reject Elise if she confessed, but it¡¯s not as though I have enough data on Isaac to know how he¡¯d react in romantic situations. How he¡¯d react if he¡¯s gonna lose a board game, sure, but¡­ well, all I¡¯ve got romance-wise is how he was with you, and I couldn¡¯t get myself to be around him when you guys were dating¡­¡± he glanced at Lila as he trailed off before sighing again. ¡°What I do know, though, is that Isaac¡¯s confidence drives him most of the time. As soon as he loses it, he¡¯s lost everything. Like with the gambling. He becomes hopeless for a while if his over-reliance didn¡¯t pan out. So¡­ he either asked her out, and she said no, or he can¡¯t find his confidence to do so, and he¡¯s just turned into¡­ this awkward, unrecognisable version of himself.¡±

    ¡°Ugh, why are they both so plausible?¡± Lila groaned in frustration, folding her arms in front of her chest.

    ¡°Look, I¡¯ll gather some info,¡± Asher promised in a low voice. ¡°If he¡¯s just lost confidence, then it¡¯s a matter of helping him find it again. I would be surprised if that was it, though. Once he decides on doing something, he goes for it, even if he only has minute shreds of confidence.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Lila murmured, pursing her lips together as she mulled over Asher¡¯s words.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you two just standing here on the stairs, whispering?¡±

    Grace¡¯s voice made Lila¡¯s heart jump, and not in a good way.

    ¡°Jesus, Grace, way to give me a heart attack,¡± Lila choked, placing a hand on her chest.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Grace giggled, her demeanour rather lively. ¡°The opportunity was just too good. You both look way too serious for a Sunday.¡±

    ¡°Are Sundays meant to be unserious?¡± Lila questioned.

    Grace shrugged. ¡°For a heathen like me, definitely.¡±

    Lila snorted.

    ¡°Anyway, why are you guys just lurking over here? The door¡¯s that way, you know,¡± Grace queried, her expression genuinely curious.

    It was in this moment that Lila realised that they hadn¡¯t actually told Grace about their plans to get Elise and Isaac together, even though she was supposed to be their co-conspirator. Too many things had come up lately.

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila paused, looking up at the top of the stairs to ensure that neither Elise nor Isaac were listening in or otherwise coming to see where they were. ¡°We¡¯re trying to get Elise and Isaac together.¡±

    ¡°You too?¡± Grace seemed surprised, her eyes wide.

    ¡°What do you mean by ¡®you too¡¯?¡± Asher questioned, looking just as bewildered as Lila felt.

    ¡°Why do you think I¡¯ve been abandoning them together at morning tea and lunch?¡± Grace¡¯s eyes sparkled gleefully, her posture indicating she was rather proud of herself.

    ¡®To make out with your girlfriend?¡¯ Lila thought cynically.

    ¡°Not that it seems like it¡¯s been going well,¡± Grace added with a despondent sigh. ¡°When I am with them, they have these really weird, unromantic vibes. They chat and laugh, sure, but it¡¯s like they¡¯re beyond shy for some reason.¡±

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve seen Elise like someone that she actually hangs out with,¡± Lila replied, furrowing her brow as she tried to remember Elise¡¯s past crushes. Definitely people from afar. And Elise also hadn¡¯t dated anyone in all the years Lila knew her.

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Grace conceded.

    They both looked expectantly at Asher.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked somewhat nervously.

    ¡°Well? What¡¯s Isaac like around a girl he likes?¡± Grace pressed.

    ¡°Uh¡­ last time he mentioned anything, he asked her out pretty quickly. Kinda like he¡¯d already made up his mind by the time he said anything to me.¡±

    ¡°Who was that?¡± Grace sounded perplexed by the notion that Isaac had asked someone out.

    ¡°Who do you think?¡± Asher responded, raising an eyebrow. Now it was Grace and Asher who looked expectantly at Lila.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher said swiftly before Lila could say anything, ¡°I¡¯m not the right person to ask about that. I never noticed that he liked Lila, and when they were together, I¡­ well.¡± He coughed slightly, seeming rather uncomfortable.

    ¡°Oh, I know you avoided them both like they were bullying you just with their mere existence,¡± Grace replied casually, waving a hand.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t that bad,¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded mortified.

    ¡°Not bad enough for Lila to notice,¡± Grace shrugged nonchalantly.

    ¡°You both do realise I¡¯m standing here, right?¡± Lila grumbled.

    ¡°Of course we do,¡± Asher smirked. ¡°Why else would we be talking about it?¡±

    Lila huffed, though she was privately glad that she was relatively normal with Grace, and that Asher appeared comfortable with her past with Isaac. Even though he had reassured her that he wasn¡¯t bothered by it yesterday, seeing the proof of his assertion eased her mind significantly ¨C particularly after what Clare and Daniel said about Lila¡¯s ex being Asher¡¯s best friend.

    Asher slipped his hand into hers, his grasp firm, yet gentle.

    ¡°Either way, looks like we¡¯re all going to try and get them together. Any plans to run off in the distance and leave them along together?¡± Grace asked with a twinkle in her eyes.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s the only plan, besides watching them like hawks,¡± Lila replied reluctantly. She had hoped for something a bit more sophisticated than that, but nothing was coming to mind.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going,¡± Asher said, squeezing her hand. ¡°Before they start wondering where we are.¡±

    The trio climbed the steps to the landing, finding themselves a few metres away from the main entrance. Elise and Isaac had remained the exact same distance apart, with the exact same awkwardness shared between them. They both lit up upon seeing Lila, Asher and Grace and simultaneously flagged them down.

    ¡°Took you guys long enough,¡± Isaac remarked once they all grouped up just by the front doors.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher replied sheepishly. ¡°Got caught up chatting.¡±

    ¡°Well, chat with the rest of us, yeah?¡± Isaac responded with a wink.

    ¡®No can do,¡¯ Lila thought to herself, holding back her impending smirk.

    Now that they were all here as a group, Isaac seemed to have come alive once more. Elise glanced at Isaac before looping her arms with Lila and Grace.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go take on the museum!¡± she declared, pulling them forwards with surprising strength.

    Though it was cold outside, the museum itself wasn¡¯t heated. The high ceiling, complete with more skeletons of marine life hanging just underneath, provided an inviting and inquisitive atmosphere. To the left was a large cloakroom, staffed by one staff member in a Security uniform. Lila quickly checked what the others were wearing ¨C it seemed that none of her friends or Asher needed the cloakroom.

    To the right was the entrance to a gift shop that seemed to be at least twice the size of the one at the aquarium. Straight ahead was a large lobby with several encased displays of replica fossils, alongside several benched seating areas. There were also bathrooms past the seating areas to the right, and a caf¨¦ directly across from the bathrooms to the left.

    At the very back was a set of grand-looking stairs with an elevator just beside the stairs. Asher had a quick look at the fossils located here before giving the group a thumbs up.

    ¡°Just a teaser for what¡¯s to come,¡± he said upon reaching them. ¡°Ready to go up?¡±

    Lila glanced at Elise and Grace who both nodded. They piled in to the elevator, with Elise¡¯s arm still curled around Lila¡¯s and Grace¡¯s.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Eight

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Eight

    The group was silent ¨C awkwardly so. Lila couldn¡¯t shake this weird, stifling energy. Was it because neither Elise nor Isaac were talking? Or because that¡¯s just how elevators were?

    The doors opened, revealing a jungle-esque entryway declaring the dinosaur exhibit was just further inside. They all stepped out and she could see Asher buzzing with excitement. He immediately took out a bunch of pamphlets from the inside of the archway, passing some to Isaac and pouring over the contents.

    Elise firmed her grip on Lila¡¯s arm just as she was contemplating going over to Asher.

    ¡°Let¡¯s stick together,¡± Elise said quietly. ¡°More fun that way.¡±

    Grace exchanged a look with Lila, one that told Lila to oblige with Elise¡¯s request. Ensuring not to let her sigh out, Lila nodded.

    ¡°Here,¡± Isaac thrust the pamphlets towards Lila, not looking at any of the girls.

    She took them with her free hand and a thanks before passing the rest to Elise and Grace.

    ¡°There¡¯s a Megalania in here,¡± Asher said excitedly to Isaac.

    ¡°A Mega what now?¡± Isaac asked, opening his own pamphlet.

    ¡°Largest lizard. Like the Megalodon.¡±

    ¡°Dope.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher called to the silent trio, pointing through the archway. From the way he was swaying, Lila could tell he was a second or so away from bouncing away on his heels. She pulled Elise forward, and they went through the archway.

    Upon emerging on the other side, Lila saw a collection of large replicas of fossils, an array of pictographs, seating areas and even dioramas depicting what archaeologists supposed dinosaur life would have looked like. Lila was surprised that the replica dinosaurs could fit in here, with how large some of them were.

    ¡°Dude,¡± Asher breathed, pushing Isaac¡¯s arm and pointing over to one particular fossil in the centre. ¡°That¡¯s it!¡±

    The boys flocked over to it, with Asher spouting facts that Lila couldn¡¯t hear from this distance. Lila made to follow, but Elise stayed put.

    ¡°L-Let¡¯s go over this way. Um, these ones look cute,¡± Elise suggested, pointing over towards the right, where an assembly of smaller velociraptor-type fossils sat, amongst ancient kangaroos and wallabies.

    They weaved through the crowd towards where Elise wanted to go. It was certainly bustling now, with the general volume on this floor seemingly increasing with each passing second.

    While the exhibit was fascinating, Lila found herself wishing to be with Asher ¨C if only to see how he would light up when he saw something he found interesting, and to hear what he knew about the fossils they¡¯d find. And¡­ to see what he¡¯d look like when he found out something he didn¡¯t know about. Would he be excited?

    ¡°Lila, you seem like you¡¯re daydreaming,¡± Grace¡¯s voice was soft, her face playful. ¡°Did you want to go hang out with Asher?¡±

    Lila glanced at Elise, who was inspecting the title card of a Thylacoleo fossil. Would it be okay to leave Elise with Grace?

    But¡­ at the same time¡­ Elise was supposed to be with Isaac ¨C not Lila or Grace.

    Lila shook her head. If she was going to hang out with Asher, she should at least ensure that Elise and Isaac were getting along. Not¡­ whatever this was.

    ¡°Elise¡­¡± Lila said as she linked arms with Elise and walking them over to another artifact, ¡°what¡¯s up with you and Isaac anyway?¡±

    Elise stiffened. ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±

    Grace linked up with Elise¡¯s other arm, her face rather serious. ¡°You guys are acting weird. Did something happen between you two?¡±

    Elise shook her head. ¡°Nothing. Nothing at all.¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s with the weird energy?¡± Lila pressed, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Surely you¡¯d want to hang out with him all day? Since you like him.¡±

    Elise hesitated. ¡°I¡­ do. But¡­ well¡­ he¡­¡±

    She seemed to be struggling for words, her face turning a slight pink. Elise sighed heavily, letting go of both Lila and Grace.

    ¡°There¡¯s-¡±

    Elise was interrupted by the sound of Isaac¡¯s shrill laughter, which sounded like it was getting closer. Lila turned towards the direction of his laugh and saw that both Asher and Isaac were coming this way.

    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Elise whispered, ¡°he¡¯s¡­ just¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Asher grinned upon reaching them. ¡°Anything interesting over here?¡±

    Lila sighed. It sounded like Elise was going to say something important.

    ¡°Lots,¡± Lila finally said. ¡°There¡¯s a-¡±

    ¡°Oh shit, look at that! A Thylacoleo!¡± Asher rushed over to it, his eyes sparkling. ¡°They¡¯re related to wombats and koalas.¡±

    ¡°Really? That looks like a cat, dude,¡± Isaac laughed, following him.

    ¡°Yeah, a marsupial cat.¡±

    ¡°How does that even work?¡±

    Lila felt the urge to join them once more, but Elise began walking to the opposite side of the exhibit, her face strangely pale.

    Without a word shared between them, Grace and Lila followed after Elise.

    ¡°Elise, wait up! What¡¯s wrong?¡± Grace puffed once they both caught up to Elise. Lila was utterly shocked to find Elise¡¯s hazel eyes brimming with tears. In the same instance that Lila noticed this, Elise wiped them away with shaking fingers.

    Then, Elise hid her face in her hands. Lila and Grace moved in unison to comfort her, patting her shoulders whilst sharing a brief, concerned look.

    ¡°Elise¡­¡± Lila murmured gently. ¡°You can tell us what¡¯s wrong.¡±

    Elise stiffened again as she shook her head.

    ¡°Yes, you can,¡± Grace said just as gently. ¡°We¡¯re worried about you, you know.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ do,¡± Elise¡¯s voice was both muffled and reluctant. ¡°But¡­ it¡¯s not something you can fix.¡±

    ¡°We can at least listen. That¡¯ll help, right?¡± Lila replied softly.

    Elise exhaled softly, raising her head from her hands.

    ¡°¡­ I¡­ heard that Isaac likes someone at work,¡± she finally said, her voice cracking. It seemed she couldn¡¯t meet either of their eyes.

    There was silence for a few moments before Lila decided to say something.

    ¡°Elise¡­ have you considered that it¡¯s you?¡± she asked. Grace nodded in support.

    ¡°Why would it be me? Anika, Emma and Riley are all really hot. Every guy who works with them has a crush on one of them at least once. They always ask me what they should do to help get with them.¡±

    ¡°But Isaac also goes to school with you. He knows you far better-¡±

    ¡°Then of course he doesn¡¯t like me. He knows who I actually am. Loud, talkative, with hardly a soft, feminine bone in my body,¡± Elise¡¯s eyes glimmered with more tears. Grace didn¡¯t reattempt to finish her sentence.

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s who he¡¯s into-¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s into girls like you, Lila. Clearly,¡± Elise¡¯s voice broke again as she cut Lila off, brushing her tears away once more. ¡°I¡¯m not funny, either, and he loves to laugh.¡±

    ¡°You are funny,¡± Grace frowned. ¡°Who told you you¡¯re not?¡±

    Elise shook her head again. ¡°I¡¯m quick to anger, too. Jump to my emotions too quick. By contrast, he¡¯s hardly ever mad or upset. Plus, I swear too much.¡±

    ¡°You do know there¡¯s such a thing as opposites attract-¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no point if he¡¯s not attracted,¡± Elise¡¯s voice sounded desperate now. Lila shut her mouth. It seemed that Elise was stubborn about this ¨C and once Elise got stubborn, it was all over.

    Lila exchanged a knowing look with Grace. The only person, given Elise¡¯s current state, who could convince her that she was Isaac¡¯s crush¡­ was Isaac himself. Which looked very unlikely, given his apparent avoidance of Elise, too.

    ¡®I hope Asher got some info out of Isaac,¡¯ Lila thought as she silently rubbed Elise¡¯s shoulder, resuming her hopefully comforting touch.

    ¡°Besides,¡± Elise¡¯s voice now sounded akin to a whimper. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ just too painful to think about.¡±

    ¡°Come here,¡± Grace insisted, pulling Elise into a hug. Elise seemed to sink into it, her shoulders deflating.

    Too painful to think about, huh¡­ Lila could relate to that feeling. She felt awful for having even asked, but it all made sense. Especially since Elise and Isaac were so close, after working at Maccas together. Being scared was quite natural, given the circumstances.

    ¡°I understand completely,¡± Lila said sympathetically. ¡°Being scared is¡­ really normal. Since being vulnerable is terrifying. I think that you should go for it, though. When you¡¯re ready. I really think that Isaac likes you, but you won¡¯t know until you try.¡±

    Elise sniffled before lighting her head to look at Lila.

    ¡°Maybe one day. But¡­ it still hurts right now.¡±

    ¡°Alright, well¡­ let¡¯s enjoy the museum in the meantime,¡± Lila nodded firmly. ¡°Distractions can help. And we¡¯ll stick with you, since Isaac¡¯s here too.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Elise said with a watery smile as Grace stepped back from her. ¡°I know you probably want to see the museum with Asher, but¡­ even if I¡¯m hurting now, I don¡¯t want Isaac to be alone, or awkwardly third-wheeling. I¡­ want to be with him but¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°It¡¯s not like the museum is gonna just disappear. I can come here again with Asher.¡±

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Elise repeated, the relief evident on her face. ¡°I think I¡¯m ready to keep looking around.¡±

    They inspected the rest of the floor in a subdued silence, artfully dodging the boys where they could. Here and there, it looked like Isaac wanted to say something when they did encounter him, but he would turn around at the last second.

    ¡®So much for a cute, fun museum visit,¡¯ Lila thought petulantly as she read the information card for a prehistoric insect encased in amber. She couldn¡¯t think of a solution to Elise¡¯s predicament with Isaac. If they couldn¡¯t get Isaac to tell Elise his feelings, then the next step would be having them hang out together more and more until it was impossible for Isaac to ignore his feelings anymore. But that again seemed as though it¡¯d take some initiative from Isaac.

    Lila wondered where Elise heard that Isaac liked someone at work. It was pretty hard to believe when one¡¯s crush liked returned their feelings, but at the same time Lila couldn¡¯t help but think that perhaps Isaac liked more than one person, or that the info Elise heard made her think it was about someone else for some reason.

    ¡®And what¡¯s up with the idea that Isaac should like a quiet girl, anyway? And what did she mean, girls like me are his type?¡¯

    Lila was suddenly aware how un-self-aware she was. Sure, she was different to Elise, but Lila hadn¡¯t worked out with Isaac in the end. Surely he figured out that ¡®girls like Lila¡¯ weren¡¯t for him. Plus, it was years ago anyway. Was¡­ Elise feeling insecure about the fact that Lila was his ex? That seemed impossible to fix-

    ¡°I promise you, that thing is long gone and couldn¡¯t possibly have offended you.¡±

    Lila jumped, turning to face who had spoken to her. Asher grinned cheekily in response, his hands in his pockets as he rocked on his heels.

    ¡°Sorry for spooking you,¡± he said, his entire demeanour conveying otherwise.

    Lila laughed. ¡°You look instead like you had the time of your life doing that.¡±

    ¡°Busted.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s Isaac and the others?¡±

    ¡°Ah, well, Isaac went to the bathroom. As for Elise and Grace, I¡¯m not sure. Maybe the bathroom as well? Or they¡¯re hanging around by the elevator, waiting for us.¡±

    ¡°Oh. That¡¯s considerate of them.¡±

    ¡°You say that like it¡¯s unheard of.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not¡­ but, well, it seems like Elise is pretty set on avoiding Isaac today. So quietly disappearing to a different floor isn¡¯t outside the realm of possibility.¡±

    ¡°Her too?¡±

    Lila checked around them to ensure there weren¡¯t any Elise or Isaac-shaped eavesdroppers nearby.

    ¡°¡®Too¡¯?¡± Lila asked in a hushed voice, huddling close to Asher¡¯s arm and pressing it against her chest. ¡°You managed to talk to Isaac?¡±

    Asher cleared his throat, his cheeks brushed with pink. ¡°Well, yeah. I think he was already bracing for it, though.¡±

    ¡°You reckon?¡±

    Asher nodded gravely. ¡°As soon as I said ¡®Elise¡¯, he gave this great big sigh like I asked him to go do all my assignments or something.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s quite the specific sigh.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. One that¡¯s like ¡®I hate that you asked, but I¡¯ll do it.¡¯¡±

    ¡°Glad to know he¡¯d do all your assignments for you,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°Not that I¡¯d let him, unless I was dying.¡±

    ¡°Also glad to know where your priorities are in that scenario.¡±

    ¡°If I have unfinished schoolwork, I¡¯m definitely coming back to haunt someone.¡±

    ¡°And we already know that he¡¯s a ¡®delicious victim¡¯ for ghosts or whatever.¡±

    Their eyes met and they burst into laughter. Lila was glad that they could at least share one small moment like this at the museum, despite the troubles they were entangled in and hoping to resolve.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Asher said seriously, sobering up relatively quickly, ¡°he reckons Elise has a crush on someone at work.¡±

    Lila facepalmed, frustration overcoming her for a moment. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    ¡°Did you convince him that Elise¡¯s ¡®crush on someone at work¡¯ is him?¡±

    ¡°Negatory. He¡¯s also really wound up about this McReview he¡¯s got on Monday.¡±

    ¡°Jeez. I can¡¯t with these two.¡±

    ¡°What did Elise say?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to laugh.¡±

    ¡°Was it meant to be funny?¡±

    ¡°No. Horribly depressing.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯d laugh¡­ why?¡±

    ¡°Because she said she heard Isaac has a crush on someone at work.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes bulged for a split second, but he managed to swallow back his obviously impending laugh.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Lila sighed, shaking her head. ¡°As for solutions, Elise is being stubborn. Basically convinced its on one of the ¡®hot girls¡¯ at Maccas.¡±

    ¡°Ah. With a mentality like that, all we can do is pray. Got a Jesus picture from your Mum in that tiny bag of yours? It¡¯ll really get me in the praying mindset.¡±

    She whacked his arm with said tiny bag and he chuckled.

    ¡°Be serious!¡± she huffed.

    ¡°Alright, alright. From what I¡¯m hearing, Isaac needs to convince Elise that he likes her, and Elise needs to convince Isaac that she likes him.¡±

    ¡°Yup. But¡­ Elise said it was too painful to even think about.¡±

    ¡°Ouch. Isaac pretty much said the same thing, plus he was also freaking out about this review, too. Said he¡¯s too stressed and sad about everything. Then he said he doesn¡¯t like Elise, if that¡¯s what I was thinking until I gave him this look and he finally admitted it. Like pulling teeth with that one. Then he was just moody the rest of the time until he went to the bathroom.¡±

    Lila blinked in surprise. ¡°He seemed happy enough to laugh with you just before.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that was before I asked about Elise. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he was crying in the bathroom now.¡±

    ¡°Is he a crier?¡±

    ¡°Funnily enough, yeah. Takes him a lot to get there, but he¡¯s¡­ well, he seems to be in a real state over this. Mentioned again that if the review went terribly and he got fired, he wouldn¡¯t be able to face her. Since he kinda started viewing working together as their ¡®thing¡¯. And if it got taken away, because of him, then he¡¯d never forgive himself. I think, after all that, my prediction that his confidence was shattered was entirely right. And I don¡¯t know what to do to get it back.¡±

    Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    Lila sighed. This was exactly the opposite of what she¡¯d been hoping to hear.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to see if I can coax him in to the idea of just talking to her about it, but otherwise we¡¯ll just need to have them hang out together until one of them can¡¯t take it any more and confesses,¡± Asher said, taking her hand in his.

    ¡°I mean, that worked with me, I guess,¡± Lila replied, squeezing his hand.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± Asher smiled, looking down at her. He gently caressed her face with his free hand, and she tilted her head upwards with a smile. He paused for a moment, staring deeply into her eyes for long enough that her cheeks started to feel warm before he swiftly kissed her lips, continuing to caress her as he did so. She felt a rush of goosebumps along her arms and she kissed him back in earnest.

    ¡°Whoa, guys,¡± Grace¡¯s voice made them break apart, Lila¡¯s cheeks feeling much hotter than they did just a moment ago. ¡°I was wondering what was taking you so long.¡±

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± Lila stammered, letting go of Asher¡¯s hand. He immediately placed it back over hers.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he repeated, gently pulling her along. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the insect exhibit.¡±

    ¡°Is that what¡¯s next?¡± Lila queried. Grace walked alongside Lila and nodded.

    ¡°Sure is. Full of Australian insects, apparently. I can¡¯t wait,¡± Grace grinned.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have thought that you¡¯d be an insect enthusiast,¡± Asher commented.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. Most of them give me the creeps,¡± Grace replied. ¡°I do like seeing butterfly displays, though. Always gives me inspiration for art.¡±

    ¡°Not that you¡¯d like any of them to be alive and next to you,¡± Lila smirked. Grace shuddered.

    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± she confirmed.

    ¡°Wait, so you just left Elise and Isaac alone?¡± Lila halted, her voice a whisper. Grace winked at Lila.

    ¡°I have my ways,¡± Grace stated mysteriously. ¡°Though, this time it was because Isaac was still in the bathroom.¡±

    ¡°Crying, no doubt,¡± Asher murmured. Lila gave a humourless laugh. She was sure that Asher had been exaggerating at least somewhat regarding that ¨C but if it had been as long as Lila thought¡­ then perhaps they should start getting worried.

    They slowed down near the elevator, finding Elise sitting alone on a leather bench along the back wall. Isaac was nowhere in sight.

    ¡°Where¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°He went up,¡± Elise responded gloomily, gesturing to the elevator. Asher didn¡¯t bother retrying his question ¨C evidently it had been answered.

    Elise, Grace, Lila and Asher piled into the next available elevator, going up one floor in utter silence once more.

    They exited to a cheerful banner proclaiming this domain as the Insect World exhibit.

    ¡°I¡¯ll find Isaac,¡± Asher muttered, kissing Lila on the top of her forehead. ¡°Meet you by the elevator when we¡¯re done.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila replied morosely. He started strolling straight down the aisle without a backwards glance at Lila.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise mumbled, pulling her arms tightly across her chest. ¡°You can go hang out with Asher-¡±

    ¡°Nah. We¡¯ll keep going as we are,¡± Lila replied sternly. ¡°C¡¯mon. Let¡¯s go see some bugs.¡±

    This exhibit seemed to capture Grace¡¯s attention far more as she directed them to the butterfly wall, pointing out all the colours and sizes of the wings pinned behind a glass display. Lila kept a close eye on Elise throughout this exhibit. She seemed to slowly be perking up as they went through the various displays, pointing out the horrifying arachnids to an unimpressed Grace with a giggle. Lila found the display showing life as an ant intriguing enough, and the girls watched it for some time before moving on to another section of the floor.

    Every now and then, she could see the boys out of the corner of her eye. They both swiftly shuffled out of sight upon being spotted, but she thought that perhaps they were keeping tabs on them.

    They proceeded in this way, pausing and observing the myriad of interesting exhibits on each floor ¨C with the next entailing minerals and rocks found within Australia, the one after that displaying indigenous art, and the top floor showing wildlife in Australia. All throughout this journey, the boys kept themselves entirely separate, though she could hear their laughter floating towards them every so often.

    Elise, at least, seemed much more at ease by the end of their exploration, giving Lila a bright smile after she finished comparing her height to that of a cassowary.

    ¡°Man, I¡¯m starving,¡± Elise announced, patting her stomach. ¡°Food?¡±

    Lila hesitated. Should they get food just as a trio, or with the boys as well?

    Asher appeared not a second later, poking his head around a display of shark teeth affixed to a treated wood plank. ¡°I heard ¡®food¡¯ ¨C are we all going?¡±

    Elise pressed her lips together, her eyes flickering to where Isaac was lurking, a few steps away behind a life-size red kangaroo statue.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Elise murmured, quickly looking away again. Lila tried not to look too excited at the prospect of them finally enjoying some time together as a group. Lila saw Asher gesture to Isaac, who strode over with his hands in his pockets. Yet again, the energy was terribly awkward as neither Isaac nor Elise looked at each other. Had all that cheering up of Elise been for naught?

    Of course, Elise hadn¡¯t received any reassurance from Isaac that he liked her all day¡­ so perhaps Lila had been thinking too highly about what cheering Elise up would do for her and how that would transfer to her interactions with Isaac today.

    The group proceeded to the elevator, with the ride down feeling slightly too long, and started walking to the exit. Lila and Grace continued to flank Elise as Asher and Isaac trailed behind them. To outsiders, they probably didn¡¯t look like a group of friends at all.

    They approached the museum shop, which called out to Lila with its enticing colours and bustling activity. At any rate, it was far more cheerful than how it felt amongst the five of them.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Lila grinned brightly at Elise, shaking her arm. ¡°Let¡¯s go look at some of the weird things they sell here!¡±

    Elise smiled back. ¡°With an expression like that, I don¡¯t think I could refuse.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re going in!¡± Lila called behind her to Asher and Isaac who both nodded.

    She was right about the oddities in this store ¨C she feasted her curious eyes on lots of puzzles, scientific experiments, and tiny model replicas of various creatures. Toys for younger kids were also here and there, and more expensive products were locked behind glass cabinets ¨C including plasma orbs, wooden atlas globes, and very intricate-looking chess game sets.

    There was also a selection of jewellery, keychains and museum souvenirs clustered towards the back, behind which were floor-to-ceiling bookshelves stacked with educational books. Caddies of postcards detailing Australia, the State they were in, and other Australian-related photos were beside a selection of Australian-related touristy goods.

    The way it was arranged was eclectic ¨C inviting a sense of wonder as Lila perused all that interested her. She was in half a mind to buy everything in this store or nothing at all.

    ¡°Anything you like?¡±

    Lila looked up at Asher, a set of tiny t-rex earrings, and a small wombat necklace in her hands. She put them back.

    ¡°A few things, but they¡¯re pretty expensive,¡± Lila replied. He glanced over at what she put back and picked up the t-rex earrings. He put them against her ears and smiled.

    ¡°These are cute,¡± he said. ¡°I¡¯ll get them.¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s-¡±

    ¡°Consider them sold.¡±

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°No returns. Anything else?¡±

    Lila laced her fingers together, unsure whether she should be truthful or not. There was a vibrant set of opal earrings that might pair well with the necklace she was wearing ¨C but that would be too much.

    ¡°I¡¯m good,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    He gave her a suspicious look before eyeing the opal jewellery stand. He took the earrings that she was just thinking about and raised them high, the light reflecting small specks of colour.

    ¡°These would look nice,¡± he murmured. ¡°Do you like these?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re nice,¡± she responded, her voice faltering. She was sure she hadn¡¯t hinted that he liked them ¨C so¡­ did he just happen to pick what she¡¯d like?

    ¡°Sold,¡± he nodded. ¡°Anything else?¡±

    ¡°Asher, you know you don¡¯t have to get me anything.¡±

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t,¡± he flashed her a confident smile, one that compelled her to agree without a second thought lest her heart give out. ¡°Let me.¡±

    ¡°O-Okay.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s just something about you that makes me want to decorate you in everything your heart desires,¡± he whispered, leaning in close to her ear. It cast a shiver down her spine, and if he didn¡¯t take her by the shoulders, she surely would¡¯ve sunk into a puddle right there.

    All she could muster was a nod, her face hot enough to almost need her to fan her face ¨C but she just managed to keep her cool. She looked up at Asher, who¡¯s face was a slight shake of pink, a trembling, shy smile on his face, and noticed a hand swiftly karate chop the top of his head.

    ¡°What¡¯re you two blushing about over here?¡± Isaac asked, grinning at them both. He slung an arm over Asher¡¯s shoulder, peering intently at the earrings. ¡°Those are nice. Don¡¯t think they¡¯ll suit me though, sorry bud.¡±

    Asher tapped Isaac on the nose with the packet holding the t-rex earrings. ¡°Dumbass,¡± Asher snorted. ¡°Not like your ears are pierced anyway.¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re not?¡± Isaac feigned total surprise, a hand on his chest. ¡°When did that happen?¡±

    ¡°When you were born, probably.¡±

    Isaac chuckled, the force shaking Asher¡¯s shoulders. Lila smirked at them as they continued their banter, with Asher suggesting different earrings that would suit Isaac, before turning back to see where Grace and Elise were.

    Grace was only a few metres away, looking between an assortment of bracelets, so Lila wandered over to her. Grace glanced up at her, her face flooding with relief upon recognising that it was Lila who was approaching.

    ¡°Thank God you¡¯re here! I¡¯m trying to decide on a bracelet for my partner, but I don¡¯t know which one,¡± Grace said, thrusting two bracelets at Lila. Lila felt her stomach drop as she looked down at the bracelets. A gift¡­ for Grace¡¯s girlfriend? How would Lila know? It wasn¡¯t as though Lila knew Ms Alexander¡¯s preferences in any capacity, nor could she relate to her.

    ¡°I¡­ know nothing about your girlfriend,¡± Lila replied, stepping back slightly. Another lie.

    ¡°Well, you know what looks good,¡± Grace insisted, stepping forwards. Her eyes were round and pleading. ¡°I think one of these would work ¨C but¡­ which one¡¯s nicer?¡±

    Lila sighed. Though she was incredibly uncomfortable with the prospect of helping Grace pick out a bracelet for her Music teacher/girlfriend, there was no way to escape this request. Especially not one that, just this time last week, Lila would¡¯ve been jumping at the chance to help with. She reluctantly accepted the bracelets. One looked to be plated with silver, with delicate chains beside a small charm representing Saturn, speckled with blue glitter. The other was a solid gold-plated bracelet with three diamante stars welded to the middle.

    ¡®Like Grace said, either of these would work¡­¡¯ Lila thought as she looked between them both. Was Ms Alexander a planet person? Stars would probably be a safe option, given Lila didn¡¯t know much about her ¨C plus, it looked simple enough to wear with a lot of outfits¡­

    ¡°The gold one, I think. It¡¯s one she could wear every day,¡± Lila said, handing them back to Grace. ¡°They¡¯re both nice, though.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Lila,¡± Grace replied happily, replacing the silver one on the stand.

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila responded softly, though she had many worries. ¡°I¡¯m just gonna see where Elise is at.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, go for it,¡± Grace beamed, bending low to see the pieces of jewellery within the display cabinets.

    Lila quickly removed herself and made a beeline for Elise, who was looking rather amused.

    ¡°Oh, hey Lila,¡± Elise said upon noticing Lila had come over. ¡°Look at these socks!¡±

    She showed her a pair of mismatched socks ¨C one of a variety of beetles on the left, and mountain blue butterflies on the right.

    Lila laughed, taking a look at the others. Most of these were mismatched and seemed to be prints that were hung up around the insect and wildlife exhibits.

    Elise picked up another set with a giggle and looked over in the direction of Isaac and Asher. She opened her mouth, as if to call out to someone before closing it shut. Was Elise about to show Isaac the socks?

    ¡°Call him over,¡± Lila smiled, nudging Elise with her elbow. ¡°I reckon Isaac would have a riot about these.¡±

    Elise met Lila¡¯s eyes before shaking her head. ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s¡­ pointless.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°Go on.¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m okay. It¡¯s just something silly. He¡¯ll probably come over this way and find them himself, so I don¡¯t need to show him. I¡­ I think I¡¯ll get a set for my Dad, though.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila said loftily. ¡°Oi, Isaac, check these out!¡±

    Isaac whipped his head around to where Lila was standing and she waved.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise whispered desperately, hiding the socks behind her back. ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Sharing the joy,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°Look, here he comes.¡±

    Elise looked really uncertain, her eyes darting between Isaac and Lila. ¡°Lila¡­ I¡­¡±

    ¡°How¡¯re you going to find out if he likes you if you keep avoiding him?¡± Lila whispered back.

    ¡°I¡­ I already know he doesn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°You rang?¡± Isaac queried, looking between Lila and Elise curiously. Asher trailed behind Isaac, seeming interested in what Lila had to say.

    ¡°Look at these,¡± Lila announced, pointing at the socks.

    ¡°Yo,¡± Isaac chortled, picking up a pair. ¡°These are dope. You reckon I could get away with wearing these at school?¡± Isaac turned to Asher, waving the set that Elise had picked up at him.

    ¡°Maybe,¡± Asher replied, picking up a set with emus and wallabies printed on them. ¡°It¡¯d be wild if you did.¡±

    Isaac flipped the socks around before blanching. ¡°Jesus Christ. They¡¯re so expensive. Quick, put them down. Run away!¡±

    Isaac dashed back towards the science kits without a backwards glance. Asher shook his head, putting the socks back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll just buy these earrings then head to the exit,¡± Asher said to Lila, giving her a quick peck on the cheek. He walked away, calling Isaac back to him.

    Once the boys were both out of earshot, Elise reemerged next to Lila, her face rather pink.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you did that,¡± Elise whined, looking through the remaining collection of socks. ¡°I thought I was gonna die.¡±

    ¡°My point still stands,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Spend more time with him. You want to, don¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°¡­ I¡­ do,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°Just¡­ not right now. Not alone, either.¡±

    ¡°Roger that. Do you reckon Asher might like these?¡± Lila asked, pointing at the pair he looked at.

    Elise and Lila continued to look around the gift shop together before heading to the counter with their purchases. Lila decided on getting Asher the socks he¡¯d looked at, plus a keychain with a small stegosaurus on the end, since that was his favourite dinosaur. Elise ended up buying one of the socks for her Dad and a pair of keychains ¨C one with a butterfly, and the other with a t-rex, since she couldn¡¯t decide which one she preferred for her schoolbag.

    They left together, meeting up with Grace, Asher and Isaac who were waiting outside the entrance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go get some food,¡± Grace grinned, her gift shop bag swinging from her arm. ¡°I know a few places around here. Anyone up for some yiros?¡±

    ¡°Yiros?¡± Asher looked intrigued by this idea. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    Isaac gasped. ¡°Mate, you don¡¯t know what a yiros is?¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°There¡¯s a really good Greek shop down the main strip a few streets away. I go there with my girlfriend a lot.¡±

    Asher and Lila both stiffened in response to this. Grace¡­ went to this restaurant with Ms Alexander?

    ¡°U-Uh, actually, maybe I don¡¯t want to be adventurous,¡± Asher stammered.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Isaac replied, patting him on the back. ¡°Try something new. Bet Gabriel¡¯s never whipped this up.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d love a yiros,¡± Elise added, huddling next to Lila¡¯s arm, looking towards Grace rather than Isaac. ¡°Good choice, Grace.¡±

    With no arguments against the majority, Lila decided not to say anything at all. Having a yiros itself wasn¡¯t offensive, after all. But now she couldn¡¯t get the idea of Grace and Ms Alexander having a date there out of her mind.

    The group walked towards where Grace directed them, with Isaac and Asher hanging back behind Lila, Grace, and Elise. They crossed the road and meandered over to a group of archways laden with a bougainvillea canopy. The gaps between the sparse purple flowers showcased a murky grey sky, typical for this time of year. A few families bundled in scarves and jumpers crossed their path through the arches, speaking quietly amongst themselves about the flowers.

    It was rather peaceful, particularly as none of their group really spoke. That was the case, until the archways broke off on the left to an amphitheatre and caf¨¦.

    ¡°I¡¯ve performed there a couple times,¡± Grace said, pointing to the amphitheatre. ¡°Afterwards, my girlfriend and I sit at the caf¨¦, if it¡¯s open. Their tiramisu is really good.¡±

    Lila tried to not show the disgust threatening to scrunch her face. Was that before or after Ms Alexander groomed Grace? One of her techniques? To take her out ¡®for a treat¡¯ for a good performance?

    She drifted closer to Elise, clutching her arm.

    ¡°Ooh,¡± Elise said enthusiastically. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise you had any performances here this year!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, just a couple,¡± Grace replied softly. ¡°Over there¡¯s a nice place to picnic. One of the restaurants around here lets you rent out a picnic basket and supplies the food. Oh, and that spot over there ¨C delicious Italian.¡±

    ¡°Damn Grace, how many dates do you go on?¡± Elise giggled. ¡°One a week?¡±

    ¡°Something like that,¡± Grace smiled. ¡°My girlfriend really likes to spoil me with dates out.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s adorable!¡± Elise nearly squealed. ¡°She must really care about you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, she really wants to provide for me. It helps that she has a good job, too.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure she could hold back her expression anymore and decided to cough harshly, so that she could be forgiven for her frown.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Grace looked concerned as she turned to face Lila. ¡°I might have cough drops-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, thanks,¡± Lila replied, touching the base of her neck. ¡°Just a tickle.¡±

    The group continued on down the pathway for some time, all the way up until encountering the Greek restaurant ¨C ¡®Zeus¡¯. It was decorated with lots of white brick and electric-blue finishes. Inside were several booths that seemed big enough for all five of them. A waiter in a black, branded shirt hurried over to greet them at the entrance, a broad smile on her face.

    ¡°Grace!¡± she said happily, looking over at the group. ¡°It¡¯s rare to see you here without Mia. Here with some friends, I take it?¡±

    Grace glanced at her friends before nodding. ¡°Yeah, we were in the area and yiros sounded great.¡±

    ¡°Love that. Alright, well, there¡¯s a booth inside that should fit ¨C that alright with you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    Lila reluctantly filed in behind Grace and Elise, with Grace sliding in first on one side of the booth, Elise sitting down next to her, and finally Lila sitting next to Elise. Isaac and Asher sat on the other side of the booth and they perused the menus in silence before ordering via the QR code.

    Lila got a chicken yiros, though she wasn¡¯t really feeling hungry. Ms Alexander¡¯s name was Mia? And they went here often enough that they were recognised by the waitstaff?

    It was starting to make her skin crawl. Plus, it wasn¡¯t as though there was a conversation happening that Lila could get lost in ¨C it seemed like Isaac and Elise were still steadfastly silent, with Asher and Grace attempting to speak but bailing at the last second.

    ¡°So¡­ uh, camp¡¯s coming up,¡± Lila said, her voice rather meek. ¡°You guys prepared?¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Grace wrinkled her nose. ¡°I was kind of hoping to ditch that.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Asher asked. ¡°Four days in the wilderness with your classmates doesn¡¯t sound appealing to you?¡±

    ¡°I bruised my elbow on the last trip,¡± Grace lamented, rubbing said elbow. ¡°Couldn¡¯t do anything and was just stuck with the teachers the whole time. The worst.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t like hanging out with the teachers?¡± Lila found herself asking. She winced, avoiding Asher¡¯s eye and instead looking at the table.

    ¡°Eugh, all our PC teachers are so old,¡± Grace replied. ¡°Hard to relate to them. Plus, they treated me like such a baby.¡±

    Lila regretted asking.

    ¡°I¡¯m excited to canoe,¡± Asher suddenly interjected, miming rowing. ¡°Last time, this idiot capsized us about two metres into the lake.¡± He jerked a thumb at Isaac.

    ¡°Hey! I swear I saw a sea snake!¡± Isaac pouted. ¡°Not my fault.¡±

    ¡°That was algae,¡± Asher sighed. ¡°About as frightening as your left shoe.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯d you know that¡¯s my biggest fear?¡± Isaac replied sarcastically. ¡°If it was socially acceptable to not wear my left shoe, you¡¯d know I¡¯d throw those suckers away. Plus, half price shoes all the time? Sign me up.¡±

    Lila heard a small giggle to her right and she looked over at Elise, who immediately stopped giggling, her face red. Perhaps this lunch wasn¡¯t so awful after all.

    It seemed as though Isaac noticed Elise¡¯s reaction, what with the way his eyes glimmered. Was it joy? Relief?

    Their food arrived a few moments after, and they all dug in. Lila took special care to see Asher¡¯s impression of the yiros. His eyes seemed curious as he saw the pita wrap filled with herbed chips, meat, sauce and vegetables.

    Then, as he chewed, his eyes lit up, and he grinned at Lila. ¡°This is great!¡±

    She laughed, the joy she felt from watching him seeming to increase the deliciousness of her own yiros. They made small talk about the various camp activities, though Elise still remained conspicuously out of the conversation. Isaac also had limited contributions, but Lila thought she caught him looking at Elise every so often.

    They finished up their food, and Lila was feeling glad that it was coming to an end. She was starting to feel exhausted with how difficult it was to keep her mouth shut.

    The group gathered outside, with Lila looking through her public transport app to see when the next bus to Asher¡¯s would be leaving.

    ¡°I could smash about four ice cream cones into my mouth,¡± Isaac commented as he stretched his arms.

    ¡°You¡¯re still hungry?¡± Asher looked floored.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you want one too?¡± Isaac looked equally floored.

    ¡°There¡¯s a great gelato place around the corner,¡± Grace piped up, pointing towards the right. ¡°My Mum¡¯s going to take a while to get to me, so I¡¯m happy to go with you to grab some.¡±

    ¡°Gelato?¡± Elise seemed excited, her eyes bright.

    With that, it seemed as though the decision was made. Once more, Lila found herself grudgingly shuffling towards the gelato store. It wasn¡¯t as though the bus was going to get there anytime soon, so she did have enough time to kill¡­

    The gelato store was bright, the ice creams equally so, and Lila was almost overwhelmed with the number of choices. She settled for a scoop of double chocolate brownie and had to battle Asher to pay for her ice cream. She won in the end, much to his chagrin and the giggles of Grace and Elise.

    ¡°Salted caramel and boysenberry?¡± Asher queried, looking over at Isaac¡¯s choices. ¡°That¡¯s a bit of a combination, and less than four cones.¡±

    ¡°The walk here jiggled my tummy enough to make me realise that four was a bit excessive,¡± Isaac replied, licking the top scoop. ¡°I would¡¯ve added pistachio and coffee, too.¡±

    ¡°Fair,¡± Asher laughed. Then, he showed Lila his scoops of mint chocolate and hazelnut. ¡°Wanna try?¡±

    Lila inspected his offering and smiled, taking her little spoon and taking a small bit of both. ¡°Delicious,¡± she murmured, handing over her cup of ice cream. ¡°Try some of mine.¡±

    He obliged, grinning at her once he tasted it. ¡°I¡¯m jealous.¡±

    ¡°You can have it-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m kidding,¡± he chuckled. ¡°Eat.¡±

    Just as she did so, she heard a loud exclamation from Elise.

    ¡°Ugh,¡± she huffed, looking down at the splotch of ice cream that had fallen onto her chest. ¡°Does anyone have a napkin?¡±

    Lila saw Isaac move out of the corner of her eye, as if to reach towards Elise. Was he going to try and help her with her shirt?

    But, just as quickly, he took a step back, taking a massive bite of his ice cream. Grace hurried off into the gelato store to grab a few napkins as Elise licked her cup to ensure more didn¡¯t drip off onto her shirt.

    ¡°Brain freeze,¡± Isaac breathed, clutching his forehead. Lila bit back her laugh as she moved to help Elise with her shirt, tugging at it so the ice cream wasn¡¯t touching her bare skin.

    Grace returned a moment later and they worked as a team to fix Elise¡¯s shirt.

    ¡°Thanks, guys,¡± Elise smiled. ¡°Sorry for the trouble.¡±

    ¡°No worries,¡± Lila replied, scooping some more ice cream into her mouth. Her eyes darted to Isaac and was surprised to see how red his face was. Just what was he thinking about?

    As she thought she started to get an inkling, Asher spoke.

    ¡°We should head to the bus station, Lila. Otherwise, we¡¯d have to wait another hour.¡±

    ¡°R-Right,¡± Lila shoved the rest of the ice cream down, gritting her teeth against the feeling of brain freeze, before chucking her cup into a nearby bin.

    ¡°I should get going, too,¡± Elise said softly. ¡°My Dad¡¯ll be here at any moment.¡±

    ¡°I guess we¡¯ll see you guys tomorrow,¡± Asher stated, throwing his empty cup into the same bin.

    Everyone chorused their various goodbyes and Asher intertwined his fingers with hers. He pressed their hands together, rubbing his thumb along the back of hers with a tenderness that made Lila realise just how much he¡¯d missed her company that day. In fact, it seemed quite comparable to how much she¡¯d yearned for him.

    They hurried off towards the bus station without a word, the smile on her face uncontainable.

    They arrived with a minute to spare before the bus was to arrive. Asher grinned, gently taking her gift shop bag from her and adding it next to his bag.

    ¡°As much as I love hanging out with our friends, I couldn¡¯t wait ¡®till it was over so I could hold you again,¡± he murmured, raising her hand and kissing it. ¡°It was killing me.¡±

    ¡°And me,¡± Lila whispered, squeezing his hand. ¡°What¡¯s on the agenda for the rest of today?¡±

    He glanced at her, before flagging down their bus. ¡°I was thinking of just veging out until dinner. Then, I¡¯d reluctantly let you go home.¡±

    ¡°Sounds perfect.¡±

    They did exactly that upon returning to his place, watching YouTube videos mindlessly whilst in each other¡¯s arms and without a word about Isaac, Elise or Grace. Lila was quite glad, by the time her Mum arrived to pick her up, that it had ended up that way. She¡¯d talk to him about it all tomorrow when they had a spare chance ¨C for now, though, soaking in as much of this time with just Asher was exactly what she needed.

 Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Nine

    Chapter One Hundred and Twenty-Nine

    By the time Lila arrived at English on Monday morning, Asher was already outside, pacing. She cast her eyes around, but it didn¡¯t seem as though anyone else from their class was outside. He didn¡¯t look too happy, until he caught sight of Lila. She caught sight of how pallid his face was, though it seemed to brighten as he strode towards her.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he smiled, pulling her close to him. ¡°How¡¯re you?¡±

    ¡°Better than you, I think,¡± Lila replied, wrapping her arms around his torso and relaxing in the comfort it brought her. She felt his breathing halt for a moment. Then, he sighed.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking all night. About a lot of things.¡±

    Lila stepped back, swinging his left arm slightly as she thought about her response. ¡°I¡¯d be more surprised if you hadn¡¯t been,¡± she finally settled on saying.

    ¡°Were you?¡±

    ¡°Nah. I pretty much fell asleep straight away. I think all the stress exhausted me.¡±

    Asher looked concerned before she flashed him a light-hearted grin.

    ¡°I feel great now, though,¡± she clarified. ¡°For me, at least, not going into everything too soon helped, I think. If we have some time today, I reckon we should talk about yesterday.¡±

    He paused, before apparent relief washed over his face, bringing with it colour back into his cheeks.

    ¡°I was kinda thinking you wouldn¡¯t want to talk. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t push it when we got back,¡± he muttered.

    ¡°Really?¡± Lila blinked in confusion. ¡°But we talk about everything.¡±

    ¡°Call it¡­ overthinking,¡± he replied, running a hand through his hair. ¡°After seeing how you and your friends were yesterday, I realised both how close you are, and how it¡¯s been affecting you. Not just the whole Grace thing, for obvious reasons.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila uttered softly. He noticed that?

    ¡°I¡¯ve known that I¡¯ve got a lot going on, but¡­ well, you¡¯re going through the wringer, too. Just by some of your comments, it peeks through. Like with Grace, when we were waiting for our lunch to be ready. I also saw how concerned you are with making sure Elise is happy ¨C and, by extension, Isaac too. Plus¡­ it¡¯s going to be a big week. Your English draft is due-¡± Lila made a sound of distaste, but he powered on, a flicker of a smile turning the corners of his mouth, ¡°-And we have a few things to resolve this week.¡±

    He held her gaze, the meaning behind his stare crystal clear. Lila made to respond when Ms Shard appeared, looking rather harried for a Monday morning.

    ¡°Morning, morning,¡± Ms Shard said quickly, readjusting the bundle of documents in her arms. She stepped forwards to enter the classroom before pausing and turning to face Asher and Lila.

    ¡°Asher,¡± Ms Shard stated simply, peering over the rim of her glasses at him. He straightened up, glancing at Lila briefly (which prompted her to step away from him) before looking at Ms Shard.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am?¡± he queried, fidgeting with his hands for just a moment. He shoved his hands in his pockets as he waited for Ms Shard to elaborate.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad that it turned out well,¡± Ms Shard replied mysteriously.

    ¡°Uh-¡±

    ¡°Your plea,¡± she added. ¡°After getting support from the teachers.¡±

    Lila furrowed her brow before understanding smoothed them out again. Ms Shard was talking about his efforts with the Banker situation.

    ¡°Ah. Yeah. I¡¯m glad it turned out well, too,¡± he said, relaxing his tense shoulders.

    ¡°Who knows what I would¡¯ve done without Indian,¡± Ms Shard chuckled. ¡°Anyway, enough chatting out here. It¡¯s freezing. Go on.¡±

    Asher and Lila wordlessly filed in to the classroom where everyone else was already waiting. Ms Shard noisily set herself up by the teacher¡¯s desk, declaring that today would be dedicated to finishing up the drafts for their assignment. After begrudgingly working on it with Asher over the weekend, Lila wasn¡¯t excited to actually finish it off. She¡¯d almost hoped that what she prepared would be good enough, but she wasn¡¯t a total idiot ¨C despite what it felt like at times.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Asher whispered, gesturing to her laptop bag. ¡°I know you¡¯ve got some work to do on it still.¡±

    She huffed, but didn¡¯t dispute it. The class was almost deathly quiet, with the sound of rapid typing serving as the soundtrack to her thoughts. She hadn¡¯t looked over what she¡¯d done since Saturday, so it was only coming back to her in bits and pieces. What did her last bullet point even mean? It may as well have been written in a different language¡­

    Once class was dismissed for the day, Lila sighed with relief. She¡¯d managed to write down a few more paragraphs, but if she was going to produce something legible enough to receive a half-decent mark, she¡¯d need to continue working on it tonight.

    ¡°You seemed like you were getting into the groove,¡± Asher commented as he packed away his things. ¡°Did you need more help with it?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila replied wearily. ¡°Just¡­ gotta find the motivation.¡±

    ¡°How about this for motivation,¡± Asher smiled, his eyes twinkling with anticipation. ¡°It¡¯s due on Thursday, just after lunch. It¡¯s also late night shopping on Thursday. So¡­ we can go watch a movie, or grab some dinner, or just hang out at the shops. To celebrate.¡±

    Lila stopped her packing routine to give him her full attention. ¡°Is that a date?¡±

    ¡°Can be,¡± he said loftily, slinging his bag over his shoulder. ¡°There¡¯s an arcade-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a date,¡± Lila nodded, zipping up her laptop bag with an air of finality.

    ¡°Only if you hand your draft in on time.¡±

    She deflated, her mouth forming a small, protesting pout. He laughed, picking up her bags and adding it to his own collection.

    ¡°It¡¯s motivation. I can¡¯t just reward bad behaviour.¡±

    ¡°Rude. Also, don¡¯t let Elise hear you say that.¡±

    He exhaled heavily, shaking his head in disbelief. ¡°She didn¡¯t bring it up again, did she?¡±

    ¡°Nah. Not yesterday, anyway. I think she was a bit preoccupied with Isaac. Or, perhaps, her lack of Isaac.¡±

    ¡°I hope she¡¯s forgotten all about that fake excuse,¡± Asher shuddered as they exited the classroom, hand-in-hand.

    ¡°Doubt it. As soon as you let your guard down, she¡¯ll be back,¡± Lila sighed.

    ¡°You make it sound like a bacterial infection.¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡± Lila looked at him in bemusement and he snorted.

    ¡°When you get antibiotics, you need to finish the whole thing, even if you feel better. Otherwise, your infection will come back to bite you. Is that not something they teach you in Bio?¡±

    ¡°Oh, yeah. Exactly like a bacterial infection in that case.¡±

    He snorted again and she grinned at him before settling back into seriousness. ¡°Elise means well. She can just get a bit stubborn.¡±

    ¡°I noticed.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s one of those things that drives me crazy, but I¡¯m a bit stubborn too, so it¡¯d be hypocritical of me to get mad at her.¡±

    ¡°I also noticed.¡±

    ¡°Not like you¡¯re not stubborn.¡±

    ¡°Never said that.¡±

    She met his gaze and saw that his expression was quite playful. She stepped closer to him, wrapping her arm around his before holding his hand again. ¡°It has its perks, I guess,¡± she acquiesced.

    ¡°Such as?¡±

    ¡°If I wasn¡¯t stubborn, I probably wouldn¡¯t be here.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s rude.¡±

    ¡°I just mean¡­ well¡­ you tried pushing me away.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t try very hard,¡± Asher laughed.

    ¡°Still tried. But a part of me just couldn¡¯t let go. And I¡¯m glad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure that was your massive crush on me, not stubbornness.¡±

    Lila felt her face start burning and she buried it against his arm. He chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯m only joking. It was probably your curiosity. I doubt you had a massive crush on me back then.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t bet on it,¡± she muttered, lifting her head slightly to catch his expression. His own face was an interesting shade of red ¨C not as deep as hers had to have been, but still noticeable.

    ¡°Did¡­ you figure out when you started liking me?¡± he sounded incredibly nervous, looking instead at the path rather than anywhere near Lila. ¡°I know you said that you were bothered about the fact that I was dating someone at the start of the year.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips, considering his question as they continued walking towards the STEM area. She hadn¡¯t really thought about it, beyond recognising that tidbit ¨C if only because she couldn¡¯t pinpoint a beginning. Though¡­

    ¡°I¡¯d¡­ always thought you were kinda cute,¡± she said after a few tense moments. ¡°So¡­ it must¡¯ve been a while. I say that ¡®cause when you were home from school, after the whole¡­ well, you¡¯re never away from school, so I think you know what I¡¯m talking about. A-Anyway, I asked Isaac if he knew how you were, and at that point he didn¡¯t know the full story. He thought you were a bit sad, or sick, but I said that you never missed school. He seemed surprised that I¡¯d noticed that much. But¡­ I don¡¯t think it was an actual crush, anything before this year. Or, if it was, it was really surface level. Once I started to get to know who you were after we were paired for English, it was all over.¡±

    He was silent for a few seconds ¨C long enough for Lila to look up at him. His face was a much deeper shade of red and he was covering his mouth with his free hand. Their eyes met and he lowered his hand.

    ¡°I¡­ I feel like the biggest idiot,¡± he laughed again, though it rang hollow. ¡°Seriously. I gave up¡­ when I really could¡¯ve just¡­ tried. At all. A-And maybe we would¡¯ve gotten together before that shitstorm with my ex could¡¯ve ever started.¡±

    Lila smiled gently at him, standing before him so he¡¯d stop walking. ¡°Asher, we¡¯re here now, right? It happened in the end. Who knows, if we got together earlier, perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have worked out. I think we needed to be best friends first ¨C otherwise, I might not have fallen as hard as I have.¡±

    She reached up to touch his face and he caressed her hand, pressing it against the side of his face and briefly closing his eyes.

    ¡°Dwelling on the ¡®what ifs¡¯ is just so easy, though,¡± he murmured. ¡°But¡­ if I dwell on it, I¡¯ll miss out on what¡¯s actually happening in the here and now. And that¡¯s a terrifying prospect.¡±

    She smiled again, though he couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°Exactly. Let¡¯s focus on the fact that we¡¯re here now, and enjoy it. You¡¯re not an idiot ¨C you didn¡¯t know, and it¡¯s not like I had clearly articulated it in my mind until last term, anyway.¡±

    He nodded, slowly opening his golden-brown eyes, which shimmered in the dappled sunlight streaming down upon them. The intensity of his gaze was magnetic, the seriousness behind it almost blinding her. ¡°You¡¯re right, like always¡­ but¡­ you¡¯ve fallen hard for me?¡±

    Suddenly, she wished to disappear by any means necessary. It had slipped out and there was no way to take it back. Truthfully, she¡¯d hoped he hadn¡¯t caught onto it. It was too early to say things like that. It¡¯d freak him out, right?

    ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Yo! You guys are sure taking your sweet, sweet time. Just about organised a search party for you. Chem¡¯s almost started- whoa, no need to look so mad at me, dude.¡±

    Lila had never felt more glad for Isaac to interrupt what she was saying in her life. She spun around to face Isaac, who seemed defensive, his hands raised.

    ¡°Why do you look so happy?¡± Isaac looked utterly bewildered.

    ¡°Never mind,¡± Lila said swiftly, retrieving her bag from Asher¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Gotta get to class! See you at morning tea, Asher!¡±

    She skedaddled like she¡¯d never skedaddled before ¨C clumsily, but with speed. She turned the corner without a second glance at the boys, her rush disguising the blush etched onto her face.

    She was antsy all through her Maths lesson, hoping beyond hope that Asher had forgotten about what she said. She wasn¡¯t confident that he would¡¯ve, knowing him, but¡­ she still wasn¡¯t prepared to answer his question.

    Something about revealing the depths of her feelings to Asher set her on edge. Again, she wasn¡¯t sure that it had reached the point of love ¨C not yet, anyway. But it was certainly more than just an idle crush. Was it still her fear of rejection that was holding her back? She thought she was over that. Especially since he hadn¡¯t actually rejected her.

    She slid her bookbag and laptop bag over her shoulder and peered out of the classroom windows. Asher was standing just outside, his face seeming rather annoyed. Had she pissed him off by not answering his question?

    Lila took a deep breath and reluctantly joined the throng of classmates battling to leave.

    ¡°Hello,¡± Asher said once she reached him, his expression changing into one of mischief. ¡°Got an answer for me?¡±

    ¡°A-About?¡±

    He gave her a disbelieving look. ¡°You know what.¡±

    Lila sighed. Of course he wouldn¡¯t just let it slide. She could feel the redness from her cheeks making its way to her ears and she readjusted her scarf.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t just say something like that without it being true, you know,¡± she said, looking to the concrete footpath instead of his face.

    ¡°But¡­ I want to hear you say it,¡± he replied softly, his tone sounding rather sad. She glanced up at him and he smiled, his eyes tinged with that sadness she¡¯d thought she heard. She fidgeted, her heart pounding in her chest. Lying or getting out of this somehow were both terrible options. And¡­ if he wanted to hear it¡­ then, surely, he wasn¡¯t rejecting her again. Maybe, it would even make him happy.

    ¡°I thought you knew,¡± she responded quietly.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± he said firmly. ¡°If¡­ you don¡¯t want to say it, that¡¯s okay. We¡¯ve got a bunch of Grade 12s to find-¡±

    Lila clutched the sides of her skirt, finally finding her courage. She looked directly into his eyes, which stopped him from speaking altogether. ¡°Asher, I¡¯ve fallen hard for you.¡±

    His eyes were wide, and it looked as though he wasn¡¯t breathing at all. Her eyes caught sight of his trembling hands before he took her by the shoulders and pulled her into his chest.

    ¡°Thank God. I thought I¡¯d misheard,¡± he whispered, squeezing her tightly. ¡°I¡¯ve fallen hard for you, too.¡±

    Lila felt her eyes prickle as his words registered in her mind. She¡¯d suspected, sure, but hearing him say it was entirely different. She hadn¡¯t realised just how much it would mean to her ¨C and how much she wanted him to say it again.

    But, instead of saying it again, he kissed the top of her head and stepped away, taking her bags and her hand in one swift motion.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got lots to do,¡± he said, his voice shaking. Was it from nerves? ¡°Need to put this stuff away, then head over to the library.¡±

    ¡°Should we check the lab that the Banker used to be run from?¡±

    ¡°With how quickly they abandoned it on Friday? Doubt they¡¯d be there, and I also doubt they¡¯d be in the new spot ¨C but someone there might know where they are.¡±

    Without another word, she let him lead her away by the hand, her other on her boiling-hot face. It was like Asher to not get distracted¡­ but she wished that they¡¯d take a little more time to talk about what he¡¯d said to her.

    Instead, he spoke about their English assignment, which she ruefully participated in. He was almost ready to submit his draft, apparently, which made Lila feel worse about the status of hers.

    They also didn¡¯t speak about yesterday, though Lila considered that to be a more tactical move, rather than an avoidance one. The closer they got to the locker room, the more likely it was to run into one, or all, of their friends.

    They separated once they arrived and Lila took out her morning tea with a sigh. Had Daniel ended up firing the Grade 12s yet? She hadn¡¯t asked ¨C given how unsure he was about it last week. If he had fired them, then she had absolutely no idea where they could have scattered to.

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Elise¡¯s voice pulled her from her thoughts and she looked up. Elise looked rather cheerful for a Monday, taking a large bite from her apple as she waited for Lila to respond.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila smiled, checking behind her to see whether Asher had returned. He hadn¡¯t.

    ¡°Yesterday wasn¡¯t too bad,¡± Elise added, swallowing harshly. ¡°The gelato was nice.¡±

    ¡°So nice that your shirt needed a taste,¡± Lila teased. Elise snorted. She looked like she wanted to say something else when Asher spoke from behind Elise.

    ¡°Ready?¡± he asked Lila. Lila glanced at Elise, who waved her on.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at PC,¡± Elise grinned. ¡°Go on.¡±

    Lila and Asher both exchanged goodbyes with Elise before moving to the exit.

    ¡°Isaac not at his locker?¡± Lila asked curiously as they crossed the threshold into the outside world.

    ¡°He was, actually. But he said he was going to hang out with the soccer boys again for morning tea and lunch today,¡± Asher replied, his brow furrowed. ¡°Odd.¡±

    ¡°I hope Elise knows that and isn¡¯t just waiting for him.¡±

    ¡°Should I tell her?¡±

    Lila looked behind her at the door before looking back at Asher. ¡°I¡¯ll go. You can start walking to the library.¡±

    ¡°Like hell I¡¯m going to do that,¡± Asher bristled. ¡°I¡¯ll go in with you.¡±

    They doubled back, with Lila privately glad that he¡¯d rejected her suggestion. They hadn¡¯t made it very far when Lila caught sight of Elise talking to Isaac. She stopped in her tracks.

    ¡°What?¡± Asher queried before his eyes moved over to Elise and Isaac. ¡°Oh. Looks like we don¡¯t need to say anything.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon they¡¯re talking about their relationship?¡± Lila tried to not let her excitement get out of control as she continued to look at them both.

    ¡°In the locker room?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow sceptically at her. ¡°With everyone around? Besides, look at their body language. Somehow, it¡¯s even more awkward than yesterday.¡±

    Lila sighed in disappointment. ¡°I thought I¡¯d imagined that part.¡±

    ¡°Isaac¡¯s coming this way. Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher said hurriedly, taking her hand and pulling her back outside. They kept walking, heading towards the library at a brisk pace.

    ¡°I know they said that they¡¯d heard that the other likes someone at Maccas, and that¡¯s why they¡¯re avoiding each other now,¡± Lila said after a few moments of silence and significant distance between them and Isaac, ¡°but something doesn¡¯t feel right with that.¡±

    ¡°You reckon there¡¯s a conspiracy?¡± Asher seemed to ponder this as he pressed his lips together.

    ¡°Well, it just makes me think there¡¯s someone at Maccas who¡¯s meddling,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°I mean, they both hear the same thing about each other? Someone¡¯s trying to mess up all our hard work.¡±

    ¡°Or it¡¯s just a bad case of ¡®broken telephone¡¯.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯ve heard it called ¡®Chinese whispers¡¯, too,¡± Asher clarified.

    ¡°Oh. Maybe. It didn¡¯t take long for Grace and me to pull the fact that Elise liked him out of her, but we¡¯re her best friends. It seems like the opposite for you, though.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher shook his head with a wry smile. ¡°He keeps a tight lid on that kind of stuff. Probably ¡®cause I didn¡¯t react well to him dating you. Likely decided it was more trouble than it was worth to tell me those kinds of things.¡±

    ¡°Would he tell anyone else?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be appalled if he did.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ no firm consensus on that.¡±

    ¡°Nope.¡±

    Lila fell silent, hardly paying attention to where she was going as she thought more about it. Was it just a coincidence that they both heard the same thing? Or was there something more sinister going on? She couldn¡¯t recall Elise mentioning any friends at Maccas, besides Riley ¨C though, Riley was more a source of information about Holly than a friend. Sure, Lila was privy to more McGossip than was probably appropriate ¨C but there wasn¡¯t anyone who stood out to Lila that Elise might¡¯ve trusted with her secret crush. Especially since he worked with her ¨C and took on as many shifts as he could so that he could keep an eye on her.

    It was a shame that Isaac actually had a legitimate reason to be doing that, what with his want to pay Asher back. If he didn¡¯t, then Elise might¡¯ve picked up on the fact that Isaac was working so much with Elise because he also liked her and was concerned about her wellbeing.

    ¡°What floor was it again?¡± Asher¡¯s question sounded as though he was underwater for a moment. She blinked at him before recognising that they were standing outside the doors to the library.

    ¡°Uh, first, I think,¡± Lila said, her tone incredibly unconfident. ¡°If we¡¯re really stuck, I guess we could ask Daniel.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Asher inclined his head as he opened the door for Lila. This door led them on to the second floor, so they both made their way to the staircase leading down.

    There was a lot of chatter emanating from the first floor, which comforted Lila. She was probably right about the Banker¡¯s new home being down here. It all sounded to be coming from students.

    ¡°¡­ She¡¯s not here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ bit of a bitch, aye¡­¡±

    ¡°Rude¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ not wrong¡­¡±

    ¡°¡­ made¡­ hell¡­¡±

    Lila exchanged a brief look with Asher, who seemed to have also heard the comments. By ¡®she¡¯, Lila could only infer that people were talking about Livi. If Livi wasn¡¯t here, Lila doubted that the rest of the Grade 12s would be.

    Once the first floor came into view, Lila noticed quite a few groups of students ¨C more than what she¡¯d seen at morning tea outside the lab. Perhaps most of these people were new customers, now that the existence of the Banker¡¯s operations had been both legitimised and advertised on Friday.

    Classroom 1.01 was just ahead and there didn¡¯t seem to be a line. Lila and Asher exchanged another look before Asher stepped forward and opened the door.

    ¡°Wel- oh. It¡¯s you guys,¡± a familiar voice said as they entered the classroom. To Lila¡¯s surprise, it was Daniel sitting behind the teacher¡¯s desk. Beside him was Ms Wang, sitting at one of the desk configurations for students and eating a fruit salad from a glass Tupperware. Otherwise, it was devoid of anyone else.

    ¡°Daniel?¡± Lila couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°What, you forgot your brother? I didn¡¯t think Alzheimer¡¯s started that early,¡± he replied sarcastically. Lila noticed Ms Wang trying her best not to laugh.

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just¡­ surprised you¡¯re here,¡± Lila stated, as though it were obvious.

    Daniel gave a long-suffering sigh. ¡°Turns out I didn¡¯t need to fire anyone. Livi and her group just didn¡¯t show up. When I figured it out, I came here. So¡­ that means I¡¯m stuck doing the hard yards.¡±

    ¡°Poor you,¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°Yes, poor me. Do you know how many guys have already come in here to ask where Livi was? And then when I told them I didn¡¯t know, they asked if I knew her number.¡±

    ¡°Did you give it to them?¡± Asher queried.

    ¡°After the earful I got from Lila about giving you her number? Heck no. Livi¡¯s already mad at me, I didn¡¯t want her to come strangle me. I¡¯m shaped like a twig, you know. I¡¯d probably snap like one, too.¡±

    Ms Wang subtly coughed; her eyes fixed on her fruit salad.

    ¡°You gave him an earful about that?¡± Asher looked perplexed.

    ¡°Said I shouldn¡¯t give randos her number,¡± Daniel shrugged.

    ¡°I was a ¡®rando¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Apparently back then. Not anymore, though, what with the fact that your lips-¡±

    ¡°Jesus, Daniel, are you trying to embarrass me in front of my PC teacher?¡± Lila cut him off, her face a deep scarlet.

    ¡°Succeeding, apparently,¡± Daniel chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯m not here,¡± Ms Wang said casually, though the corners of her mouth were lifted in a slight smile.

    ¡°Forgive me, ma¡¯am, but I don¡¯t think people who actually aren¡¯t here say ¡®I¡¯m not here¡¯,¡± Asher responded, a playful grin on his face.

    ¡°Would you rather I participate in this conversation?¡± Ms Wang quipped, her tone serious. ¡°I, for one, would rather not know about where lips have been.¡±

    ¡°Good point,¡± Asher replied swiftly.

    There was an incredibly awkward silence in the room now. If there was a trapdoor to certain doom beneath her feet, Lila would have gladly pulled the lever herself.

    ¡°Anyway, why are you here?¡± Daniel questioned, rocking back on his chair. ¡°Business?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ sorry to add to the list of people who¡¯ve asked, but you really don¡¯t know where Livi is?¡± Asher enquired after a quick glance at Lila.

    ¡°Thought you didn¡¯t like her,¡± Daniel raised an eyebrow at him.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°I don¡¯t. So, it¡¯d be good to know where she is, so she doesn¡¯t sneak up on us.¡±

    ¡°Does she do that?¡±

    ¡°Do you, or don¡¯t you know?¡± Lila interjected, crossing her arms.

    Daniel shook his head. ¡°¡¯Fraid not. Though, when I first asked her to be a part of this, I think she sat on the oval. Not Jacoval, sorry ¨C Kennedy.¡±

    The Kennedy oval was one that was patrolled by teachers during morning tea and lunch, and much easier to reach than Jacoval. The only problem was that it was almost on the opposite side of the school from the library ¨C closer to Tuckshop.

    Lila checked her phone. If they were going to see if Livi was there, they¡¯d have to go right now.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila said, pocketing her phone. ¡°See you later.¡±

    ¡°Bye, guys,¡± Daniel replied, his tone slightly despondent. ¡°Visit again if you¡¯re bored, yeah?¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re not an ass,¡± Lila responded loftily, halfway out the door.

    ¡°No guarantees.¡±

    ¡°Then no guarantees on our end, either.¡±

    She looked back at Daniel, who stuck his tongue out at her. She snickered, closing the door softly.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to jog a bit,¡± Asher said once they begun climbing the stairs to the second floor.

    ¡°Guess so.¡±

    They hurried along down the road towards Tuckshop and the Kennedy oval, chatting only very minimally about things unrelated to Daniel, Livi¡¯s group, and their friends. Their list of no-go topics seemed to be growing faster than they could spend a private moment to let out their thoughts.

    ¡°So,¡± Asher¡¯s voice was slightly puffed as they neared the Tuckshop, ¡°we can go through here, or up and around the hill-¡±

    ¡°Through, please,¡± Lila huffed in response. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll make it up the hill.¡±

    ¡°Good. I don¡¯t think I would, either.¡±

    They descended the stairs to the Tuckshop, with Lila casting a look towards where Zack and Jake had played cards last week. The boys that they¡¯d played with were still there, but there was no sign of either Zack or Jake. With that mental note in mind, she carried on.

    It was another couple of minutes before they ended up outside the entrance to the Kennedy oval. Lila hadn¡¯t speed-walked that fast anywhere for a while and definitely needed to catch her breath. Luckily, Asher seemed the same.

    ¡°¡­ You¡¯d think we¡¯re unfit,¡± he wheezed, placing his hands on his knees.

    ¡°It¡¯s more that we haven¡¯t warmed up, or taken a break,¡± Lila said sensibly, sucking in a deep breath.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as an explanation.¡±

    She laughed and he grinned at her, straightening up.

    ¡°See anyone?¡± he asked her after a moment.

    ¡°Not from here.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°You know we don¡¯t have hats, right?¡± Lila said as they started to head down into the oval.

    ¡°¡­ Ah, shit. Maybe we can charm the teachers into letting us off the hook?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d probably get away with it,¡± Lila pursed her lips. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t.¡±

    Asher bit his lip in contemplation, looking over at the expansive oval. There were lots of pockets of students here and there, all appropriately hatted, and two teachers floating amongst groups.

    ¡°If we stick to where the trees are on the edges, we might be able to spot them, and we won¡¯t attract the attention of the teachers,¡± he finally murmured. Lila didn¡¯t have a plan to the contrary, so she nodded.

    ¡°Alright. We¡¯ll try that.¡±

    They stepped on to the oval, with Lila bracing herself for the immediate attention of a teacher. Neither of them seemed to notice, so she relaxed a little, sidling over to the cover of nearby trees. Asher trailed behind her, his eyes looking out at the oval.

    She turned her attention that way, too, eyeing the groups of students who were loafing around. None of them included Livi or her group of friends that Lila could see. She sighed in frustration, looking up at Asher.

    ¡°See them?¡± she asked. He shook his head.

    ¡°Not at all. But, it¡¯s not like we¡¯re close enough to see people on the other side of the oval, either.¡±

    ¡°Should we continue following the trees?¡±

    ¡°Not like we¡¯re getting answers here.¡±

    They kept under the cover of the trees, following the left side of the oval past the empty cricket pitch. Lila could recognise a few more of the students that came into view, but there still wasn¡¯t any of the Grade 12s they were looking for.

    ¡°What now?¡± she whispered to Asher, shielding her eyes from the sun. ¡°Keep going?¡±

    ¡°¡­ For a little bit,¡± Asher whispered back. ¡°Just down there.¡±

    He pointed to where there was a break in the trees. She trudged over that way, still looking out at the oval. Still no Livi, or the rest of them.

    ¡°¡­ Should I ask Theo where they-¡± Lila stopped her sentence upon seeing the disgusted look on Asher¡¯s face. ¡°Never mind.¡±

    He wiped his face with a sigh. ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to look at you like that.¡±

    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine. I get it. Sorry for bringing him up.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad idea. Just¡­ would rather it be a last resort.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    She looked back at the oval, straining her neck to see if they were on the other side still. Not having a hat was really inconvenient.

    Then, her eyes met those of one of the patrolling teachers.

    In an instant, her heart plummeted right through her stomach.

    ¡°Asher, we gotta go,¡± she said urgently, shaking his arm.

    ¡°What, why?¡± he questioned.

    ¡°Where are your hats?¡± the stern voice of the teacher that Lila had drawn the attention of rang out.

    Lila felt her blood run cold. Their chance at escape had slipped by.

    ¡°D-Did we need them?¡± Lila¡¯s voice was shaky, her eyes trying to take in anything ¨C anyone ¨C else. But, as the teacher raised her hand to grip the brim of her hat, Lila couldn¡¯t tear her gaze away from the three diamante stars adorning her slim, pale wrist.

    ¡°I would hope so. That¡¯s been the rule for this oval since before I even started here,¡± Ms Alexander stated, readjusting the brim of her hat so her face was more visible. Lila had never been so close to Ms Alexander before and was surprised to see how young she looked. She couldn¡¯t have been out of Uni long. In fact, how long had it been since she started at Forestglade College? Lila had never paid attention, since she¡¯d never been musically inclined. She did, however, notice Asher¡¯s posture stiffen beside her.

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila said, casting her eyes down at her shoes. How had Grace given Ms Alexander the bracelet so quickly? Had Grace gone to see her this morning? Last night? Grace wasn¡¯t anywhere in sight, and Lila had been looking carefully at who was on this side of the oval. Besides, if Grace knew Elise would otherwise be alone at morning tea today, there was no way she¡¯d ditch her, and Elise hated going anywhere further than Tuckshop. Always said it was a waste of time that could be spent lazing around.

    ¡°I like your bracelet,¡± Lila found herself saying, her words sounding robotic. Why couldn¡¯t she get a grip lately? She¡¯d been saying all sorts of things that she instantly regretted.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± Ms Alexander smiled, looking down at it fondly. ¡°I like it too. It was a gift.¡±

    ¡®Good to know my choice was the right one,¡¯ Lila thought cynically, glad that her mouth hadn¡¯t expressed that thought.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get off the oval now,¡± Asher said quickly. ¡°We didn¡¯t know we needed hats here. We don¡¯t normally go this way.¡±

    Ms Alexander pressed her lips together, resting her eyes on Lila. ¡°You¡¯re Lila, correct?¡±

    If it were possible for Lila¡¯s heart to go straight to the core of the Earth, it would¡¯ve been in this moment. Lila settled for a rigid nod, not trusting her mouth to keep a lid on the fact that she knew about Ms Alexander dating a student.

    ¡°And you¡¯re Asher, I believe?¡±

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Ms Alexander paused for a few moments ¨C long enough for Lila to feel sick with anxiety.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let it go for now. If I see you two here again without a hat, I¡¯ll have to give you a written warning and possibly detention.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, ma¡¯am,¡± Asher said through gritted teeth, grabbing a hold of Lila¡¯s blazer sleeve. She stumbled behind him as he took her back to where they¡¯d entered the oval. They left without a word shared between them, the silence stretching on until they had well and truly passed the Tuckshop.

    ¡°¡­ I guess that¡¯s one plus to your friend¡­ knowing a teacher,¡± Lila stated darkly. ¡°The teacher¡¯s less inclined to punish you.¡±

    Asher gave another one of his hollow laughs. ¡°It¡¯s about the only plus, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ helped Grace buy that bracelet.¡±

    ¡°Jesus, really?¡± He looked at her with wide eyes. ¡°When?¡±

    ¡°Yesterday. I couldn¡¯t say no. Not when¡­ I¡¯d normally have jumped at the chance to help.¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± Asher said softly, his shoulders shuddering. It was evident that it wasn¡¯t from the cold. ¡°Probably better off that you went along with it, but that¡¯s jarring.¡±

    ¡°It confirms that they¡¯re dating, at least,¡± Lila replied morosely. ¡°Not that I wanted any more confirmation.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Still want to talk to her next week?¡± Asher queried, his voice as gentle as the hand that grasped hers.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I could hold out much longer.¡±

    He was quiet ¨C pensive.

    ¡°That teacher¡¯s not going to be there at camp, is she?¡± he finally asked.

    ¡°Doubt it. I think it¡¯s only PC teachers for our grade that¡¯re going.¡±

    ¡°Good. If it¡¯s like the last bush camp, we¡¯ll have enough free time to have a conversation. Can probably use the excuse of giving Isaac and Elise some time to themselves.¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ I don¡¯t feel good about it, though.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d be worried if you did. Look, as hard as it is, and as hypocritical as it is for me to say, try not to think about it until then, alright? You¡¯ll just work yourself up, and if we¡¯re not doing anything about it this week, then it¡¯s not productive.¡±

    Lila nodded slowly before letting out a long breath. ¡°Should I talk to Clare about it?¡±

    Asher gave her a serious look. ¡°And say what?¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before answering him. ¡°Give her a hypothetical. See what she reckons I do about it all.¡±

    He sighed deeply, his eyes darting to either side of Lila. ¡°I don¡¯t know whether that¡¯s a good idea. It could help, but wouldn¡¯t it cause trouble if she figured out who was involved?¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Look, I just think we should tread really carefully with this one. But¡­ if you think on it and really feel strongly that you need her advice, then¡­ at least just let me know before you do.¡±

    ¡°Deal.¡±

    They didn¡¯t exchange any further discussion about Ms Alexander or Grace on the rest of their journey to the locker room. In fact, neither seemed up to talking, instead preferring to hold each other¡¯s hands in comfort.

    The closer they got to the locker room, however, the more Lila couldn¡¯t get the idea of Grace with Ms Alexander out of her mind. She was trying to do as Asher suggested ¨C not think about it ¨C but in the absence of any leads about Livi and her group¡¯s whereabouts, it was all Lila could think about.

    Which meant that Lila needed to employ her excuse again so that she could ¡®legitimately¡¯ avoid Grace. Ultimately, it wasn¡¯t as much of an excuse this time, since Asher had promised a date on Thursday if she handed in her English draft¡­

    ¡°See you at lunch,¡± Asher said upon reaching her locker. She looked up at him, wishing for him to not leave her. His eyes seemed to convey the exact same thing and she gave him a small smile.

    ¡°See you then.¡±

    Grace and Elise were already settled in the PC classroom when Lila arrived. She tried to avoid meeting Ms Wang¡¯s eyes but failed miserably. It seemed that Ms Wang was still amused by their morning tea interaction with the way she tried to suppress her smile.

    Once a minute or so passed, Ms Wang stated that she would give everyone some free time before having a serious discussion towards the latter half of PC, to give all their classmates time to get to class. It sounded rather important, though Ms Wang deftly avoided any follow up questions.

    Lila set herself up with her laptop, opening her English draft with a reluctant sigh.

    ¡°What¡¯s with the sigh?¡± Elise murmured, looking over at Lila.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to do this assignment,¡± Lila sighed again. ¡°But Asher-¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re about to tell me he¡¯s forcing you to do work, I¡¯ll call the Police,¡± Elise replied flatly. She didn¡¯t look to be joking.

    ¡°Like I said before, he¡¯s not forcing me,¡± Lila was beginning to feel incredibly exasperated ¨C almost enough for her to get up and choose a different table to sit at. But she remained where she was.

    ¡°Elise, I know you mean well, but give it a rest. It¡¯s not like he¡¯s doing something illegal,¡± Grace laughed. ¡°What would the Police even do? They¡¯ve got specific parameters for criminal investigations, you know.¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, trying to stop herself from thinking on Grace¡¯s statement for too long. The things she said, now that Lila knew¡­ could Grace seriously not see how it could apply to her relationship? She opened her eyes again and stared down at her laptop.

    Elise pouted, crossing her arms. ¡°Yeah, but seriously. Lila probably thinks it¡¯s not controlling ¡®cause he¡¯s promised her a date or something if she gets it done, but that¡¯s still manipulative.¡±

    Lila tried not to show in her expression that Elise was dead-on about the date part. Though was it manipulative? Even if it was, it was ultimately for her benefit. If she didn¡¯t hand her English draft in on time, it would send ripple effects down to the rest of her grades, since Ms Shard would need to deduct marks for a late submission.

    ¡°I told you before, no one likes meddlers,¡± Grace replied plainly. ¡°All you¡¯re doing is just making sure she won¡¯t tell you if something¡¯s wrong. She¡¯ll end up hiding stuff from you, you know.¡±

    Elise fell silent, though her hands were clearly fidgeting. Had Lila driven Grace to hide stuff from her? Was that why Grace hadn¡¯t said anything about dating a teacher? Or¡­ was it because Grace knew it was wrong? Or ¨C worse still ¨C Ms Alexander was forcing Grace to keep it quiet? Was that not manipulative?

    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t hide stuff from me, right Lila?¡± Elise asked quietly, her eyes fixed on her hands. Lila¡¯s face began to heat up, though for once it was not in response to Asher making her heart thump. No¡­ this was shame. She¡¯d hidden a lot from Elise and Grace over this year ¨C and she wasn¡¯t keen on making any of it known right now, in the middle of PC.

    ¡°Actually, never mind,¡± Elise shook her head furiously. ¡°You¡¯re allowed to keep secrets. People usually have good reasons to keep secrets.¡±

    Lila met Elise¡¯s gaze and Elise smiled in return. Elise herself had kept the fact that her Mum was seriously sick a secret, hence why she was working so hard to help pay off her schooling. Elise had also lied, straight to Lila¡¯s face, about going on exchange to Germany. Which ordinarily would¡¯ve offended Lila, if she wasn¡¯t embroiled in her own plentiful secrets. Elise was right, though. People usually did have good reasons to keep secrets.

    If Lila wasn¡¯t in PC right now, she probably would¡¯ve started to break down from the guilt weighing on her. She wanted to be forthcoming with Elise and Grace, just as she always had been before this shitstorm of a year.

    She wanted to giggle with Elise and Grace about the insane amount of duck statues in Marlene¡¯s cottage, the dance moves she saw Gabriel pulling on CCTV and the way that she¡¯d found out about Clare¡¯s job. She wanted to tell them all about how the Banker situation went down, the morphine ring hiding within the halls of their school, how adept Asher was at breaking in to places, and how she was questioned by Police over Piper¡¯s death. She wanted to commiserate with them about the fact that she¡¯d been the last to see Piper alive, besides Asher, and Piper¡¯s killer, and the fact that the place that seemed to hold the secrets of Piper¡¯s last moments was completely burned down.

    And¡­ tell them that Asher¡¯s Mum had disappeared, and how it¡¯d been affecting Asher ¨C to ask them, her usual trusted confidants and wells of advice, if she was doing everything she possibly could, or was she missing something? And, burning deep within Lila at this very moment, was the desire to tell Grace, point blank, that Lila knew she was dating a teacher at their school.

    There was so much more ¨C and all of it Lila had to protect. Most of it was structurally part of an invisible castle of cards. One false move, one slip at the wrong time to the wrong people, and perhaps it would all come tumbling down.

    ¡°Lila, are you okay? You look really pale,¡± Grace¡¯s soothing voice was accompanied by a touch that was both subtle and searing in its force upon her shoulder. She jerked away.

    ¡°Yeah. Sorry. Just thinking about this assignment. Draft is due on Thursday. You¡¯re right, by the way. Asher promised me a date to celebrate handing this in. I¡¯ve been struggling with it all term, and it was still in dot points until he sat me down on the weekend. It was actually super helpful. We¡¯re in Grade Eleven now, so it¡¯s only natural that I want to take this seriously.¡±

    Lila¡¯s rapid explanation came out in a tumble, but she didn¡¯t elaborate any further. Hopefully, Elise got the point and would back off for the moment. Her energy to discuss this further was waning, after all.

    PC progressed without a word, which helped Lila actually get stuck into her work, for about fifteen minutes before Ms Wang clapped her hands and stood up.

    ¡°Alright, class. It¡¯s time to get serious,¡± she said sternly. ¡°The focus of the rest of this lesson is about mental health, warning signs and what to do to help yourself or others.¡±

    Ms Wang pulled up a video on her laptop onto the projector, which went through those topics in detail. There seemed to be an emphasis on ensuring that one should let people who are experiencing difficulties to speak about it with subtle encouragement, rather than asking intrusive and invasive questions, and how to encourage others to seek professional help. It was a heavy video ¨C and one that Lila took very seriously. Considering the talk she was planning to have with Grace at camp next week¡­ she needed all the strategies she could get in case it all went south.

    Ms Wang advertised the counselling services available at the school before she opened the floor for questions, of which there were a surprising amount. Once all questions were answered, Ms Wang dismissed the class for the day.

    ¡°Well, that was dark,¡± Elise sighed as the trio headed off to Modern History.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised they wanted to talk about that kind of stuff all of a sudden. Maybe they had a few reports coming up from the grief counselling about Piper?¡± Lila posited.

    ¡°Probably,¡± Grace nodded. She paused for a second before peering at both Elise and Lila. ¡°You guys are alright, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied quickly. ¡°Right as rain.¡±

    Elise responded in kind.

    ¡°Good,¡± Grace smiled.

    ¡°What about you, Grace?¡± Lila questioned, looking down towards the ground.

    ¡°Just fine,¡± Grace responded lightly. There was something about it that didn¡¯t sit right with Lila but¡­ was it her place to probe, after all that?

    She didn¡¯t have time to ponder this any further once Modern History started, given the complexity of their assignment.

    Once class was over, Lila stretched, her brain stuttering as it tried to switch gears to her new task at hand ¨C finding the Grade 12s.

    ¡°Aw,¡± Elise cooed as she stood, slinging her bag over her shoulder. ¡°Asher¡¯s waiting for you. That¡¯s cute.¡±

    ¡°He is?¡± Lila whipped her head around to look where Elise was pointing. Sure enough, there was Asher, hands in his pockets and looking off in the distance.

    ¡°That¡¯s sweet,¡± Grace grinned. ¡°Honestly, I wish my partner could do that for me.¡±

    ¡°Why doesn¡¯t she? Doesn¡¯t she go to this school?¡± Elise looked puzzled as Grace coolly zipped up her laptop bag.

    ¡°She does. But she¡¯s not out,¡± Grace finally said.

    ¡®As a groomer,¡¯ Lila thought, the snarky nature of this statement surprising her. She needed to get out of here before she said something she regretted. Again.

    ¡°But two girls hanging out isn¡¯t suspicious,¡± Elise whispered, pulling Lila and Grace close to her as she did so.

    ¡®Unless one¡¯s a teacher,¡¯ Lila added internally.

    ¡°Sorry, can¡¯t keep Asher waiting,¡± Lila said swiftly, moving past Elise and Grace at a half-jog. Her attempts at staying calm were instead suffocating her.

    Asher immediately beamed once she approached but instead of greeting him, she took him by the hand and began pulling him in the direction of the locker room. He staggered behind her, clearly perplexed as to what was going on.

    ¡°You okay?¡± he asked after a second or two, speeding up enough so that he could walk next to her instead of being dragged.

    Lila cast him a sideways glance before shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯m one wrong move away from just telling Grace what I know.¡±

    Asher squeezed her hand. ¡°Ordinarily, I¡¯d say we can shuffle things around¡­ but-¡±

    ¡°No, no. This is more important, especially if we want to bring it up to my Dad. Waiting any longer, after the whole sanctioning thing, is just going to get riskier ¨C either in the fact that they¡¯ll hide evidence, or they¡¯ll get good at their new processes. Now¡¯s the time to strike.¡±

    Asher sighed heavily, squeezing her hand again. ¡°If it¡¯s too much, we can-¡±

    ¡°Nope. I¡¯m not giving up. We¡¯re getting close to finding what we need,¡± Lila replied resolutely. ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s grab our food and hats.¡±

    ¡°Back to the oval again?¡±

    ¡°You bet.¡±

    They did exactly that, passing Isaac on the way out of the locker room. He didn¡¯t say anything more besides a quick hello, his face rather pale. Lila almost stopped to ask if he was okay, but Asher instead tugged her arm towards the exit.

    She followed his direction, glancing back briefly at Isaac.

    ¡°He¡¯s freaking out about tonight,¡± Asher explained in a low voice, placing his hat on his head. ¡°I keep telling him it¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can do about it,¡± Lila said reluctantly, placing her hat on her head too. ¡°He¡¯s just going to have to find out himself.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Asher sighed, shaking his head.

    They continued down the path towards Tuckshop, both pulling out their chicken wraps from their lunchboxes and eating as they walked. Lila briefly wondered whether Asher had asked Gabriel to make something handheld for lunch, but just as quickly decided that he must have. It seemed up his alley to think of that.

    The Tuckshop was packed with students lining up to get food. It hadn¡¯t been that long ago that Lila would¡¯ve been in that line, if life hadn¡¯t taken her on this trajectory with Asher. And she wouldn¡¯t have known anything about morphine deals happening just under her nose.

    She confidently strode past various tables and chairs full of students until Asher gripped her arm, rooting her to the spot.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Lila murmured, looking up at Asher. He jerked his head to the left, which she followed with her eyes ¨C which landed on Zack, Jake and Jason, sitting around a table towards the back. None of them seemed happy about this predicament, nor did they seem like they were gearing up for a deal. Was today one of those days where nothing of that sort happened? Or were they waiting for a trigger of some kind?

    ¡°Did you want to stay here and watch?¡± Asher whispered in her ear, pulling her close in to a hug as if to disguise his question.

    ¡°I need to know where Livi is,¡± Lila replied after contemplating his question and looking up at him. ¡°At the very least, to see if she¡¯s doing something else for the ring.¡±

    Asher looked conflicted by this until he nodded. ¡°Alright. It would be good to keep tabs on all of them, rather than just these three. Livi¡¯s definitely related to it somehow, but we haven¡¯t figured that out just yet.¡±

    ¡°If we find her quickly, we can come back here and observe from a distance,¡± Lila suggested. He met her eyes for a second before nodding yet again.

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    With that, they continued their journey to the Kennedy oval. As they got closer, Lila began to feel nervous. Would they encounter Ms Alexander again? Perhaps they should turn around and observe Jason, Zack and Jake after all.

    But she powered on, instead deciding that figuring out where Livi had escaped to was far more important. Besides, her hat offered more protection than just from the sun.

    They emerged onto the oval, with Lila immediately checking the teachers on duty. Neither of them was Ms Alexander, which brought immense relief. Maybe Lila could solely focus on finding Livi without the reminder of further distressing and illegal activity.

    Asher seemed just as relieved as he looked down at her.

    ¡°Where to, boss?¡± he smiled.

    ¡°Boss? I got a promotion?¡±

    ¡°Of sorts.¡±

    ¡°In that case¡­¡± Lila pursed her lips as she surveyed this section of the oval. There was no sign of Livi, Vi, Harper or Theo here. ¡°Let¡¯s go towards the back there. But keep close to the trees for cover.¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss.¡±

    She smirked at him and he winked in return before doing as she suggested. This time around, they went towards the right side of the oval, their pace more akin to a casual stroll to continue avoiding undue attention.

    ¡°See anyone?¡± Lila murmured after a few paces.

    ¡°Not¡­ here.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like you have.¡±

    ¡°Well, I hadn¡¯t until I just saw an awfully familiar person jump up and start wearing a hole in the ground.¡±

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    He gently took her hand and pointed it towards a female student several metres ahead. Lila squinted against the sunlight, attempting to see who it could be.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Asher muttered, gesturing towards her. ¡°We could get a bit closer.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    They shuffled that way, still sticking close to the trees. It wasn¡¯t long before Lila realised that it was Livi, pacing with a distinctly agitated energy. She seemed to be paying no attention to her surroundings except to a student sitting with their back against a tree, a book in her lap. The distinct, red hair flowing down to her told Lila that this student was Vi. There was no one else in their vicinity, and it seemed that Livi was becoming angrier with each passing second.

    ¡°We can chance it,¡± Lila whispered, pointing to a spot in the shade only a few metres from them. Asher seemed unsure before nodding.

    They reached their targeted spot, settling down with eager ears and faces turned away from both of them. Eventually, after some straining, Lila caught on to Livi¡¯s voice.

    ¡°¡­ dare he!¡±

    ¡°Livi,¡± Vi sighed. ¡°I told you it wouldn¡¯t last.¡±

    ¡°But why?¡±

    ¡°Because,¡± Vi replied simply, ¡°you were too brash.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like we have a lot of time. We needed to take advantage-¡±

    ¡°You were too obvious. Of course as it grew, he¡¯d need to adjust a few things.¡±

    ¡°But sanctioning?¡±

    ¡°Of course. It¡¯s the most obvious outcome, besides shutting it down.¡±

    Vi was certainly sharp.

    ¡°But Jason-¡±

    ¡°Livi,¡± Vi¡¯s voice was harsher now. ¡°We¡¯re not in a private classroom anymore. Complain about the Banker all you want, but anything else is off limits. You don¡¯t know who¡¯s listening.¡±

    ¡°No one cares about what we¡¯re saying-¡±

    ¡°You want to ruin the other business, too?¡±

    Lila held her breath. Other business? Surely this was implicating them in the morphine ring, if Livi said anything more now.

    But it seemed that Vi¡¯s words had finally sunk in.

    ¡°Of course not.¡±

    ¡°Good. Shame we lost Theo, but he¡¯d never been interested in it beyond giving general advice.¡±

    ¡°You think Harper¡¯s still-¡±

    ¡°She would¡¯ve told us like Theo did. If you¡¯re that pressed, she¡¯s just over there with the Dancettes.¡±

    ¡°Like hell I¡¯d talk to her in front of the Dancettes.¡±

    ¡°Then don¡¯t worry about it. Just do what¡¯s decided and keep it on the down low.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t see what Livi or Vi were doing, but judging by the silence, Livi was heeding Vi¡¯s command.

    What was Vi¡¯s role in all of this? It seemed like she was far more intelligent than Livi ¨C but far less charismatic. Lila could imagine that Livi would try and get more customers ¨C perhaps¡­ the ones who asked Daniel for her location? Then¡­ was Vi part of the planning of other things?

    Lila looked out over the oval from this vantage point, trying to see Harper. There was a rather large group of girls towards the centre ¨C were they the Dancettes?

    ¡®If Vi reckons Harper¡¯s here¡­ then maybe I don¡¯t need to find her myself,¡¯ Lila thought to herself. She exchanged a look with Asher. She gestured to the exit and he nodded again. So far, their reconnaissance went well. She at least knew now that she could find them out and about, rather than holing up in another classroom. Tomorrow would be a good opportunity to follow Jason¡¯s group, especially if their next drop was via another card game.

    They passed Jason, Zack and Jake again near the Tuckshop, sitting in exactly the same spots and saying nothing to each other. Given they weren¡¯t speaking, Lila thought that there wouldn¡¯t be much utility in observing them. Besides, if they caught on to Lila and Asher today, they might refrain from making other moves too soon. They needed to remain covert if they were going to get any evidence this week.

    She looked up at Asher, who returned her gaze with a curious one of his own.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he queried, taking a bite of the brownie that he¡¯d carefully extracted from his lunchbox.

    ¡°I¡­ just think we have a bit of time to talk. I just don¡¯t know where.¡±

    He pulled out his phone, briefly checking the time. ¡°Well, I reckon if we hurry to the library, we might be able to find a spot.¡±

    ¡°Sure they¡¯re not all taken up?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Not at all, but at the same time, we can¡¯t really just talk in the open. Nothing else we can do but try.¡±

    They briskly walked over to the library, with Lila eager to sit down at the very least and finish off her lunch, even if they couldn¡¯t find a meeting room. They searched the top floor first, finding all of them full.

    ¡°Reckon we could have a chat in the Banker¡¯s room?¡± Asher joked.

    ¡°Why not, it¡¯s not like Daniel or the teacher assigned to the room have ears,¡± Lila replied with a smirk. He chuckled, gesturing for Lila to go ahead of him down the stairs.

    Just as Lila thought that they wouldn¡¯t have lunch on the second floor either, a door swung open to their left. A few students who looked to be in or around Grade 10 left, laughing and chatting about something that sounded like an in-joke. They didn¡¯t even look at Lila or Asher as they left, which suited Lila just fine.

    ¡°After you,¡± Asher said, inclining his head towards her. She smiled at him and entered. There were some crumbs on the table, which she brushed away. She opened her lunchbox and grabbed her brownie, her eyes resting on Asher as he sat just across from her. Now that they were entirely alone, with not even strangers around, he looked absolutely exhausted.

    ¡°I just wanna go home,¡± he lamented, leaning backwards on his chair.

    ¡°That¡¯s rare,¡± Lila replied, offering him some of her brownie.

    ¡°It¡¯s yours,¡± he said as he stretched his arms above his head.

    ¡°Might give you some pep.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± he murmured. ¡°Just¡­ mentally tired. So much has been going on, and it¡¯s been hard trying to keep my mouth shut.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Where do you want to start?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ start with Isaac and Elise,¡± Asher said reluctantly. ¡°They were really weird yesterday.¡±

    Lila nodded as she had another bite of her brownie. ¡°They were.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s our next plan to get them together?¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°I¡¯d been hoping that they¡¯d get together yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Same, but after hearing that they think the other likes someone else, it makes sense why they haven¡¯t made a move.¡±

    ¡°What do you think our next move should be?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ we¡¯ve got camp next week, so I guess we just have to try and get them to pair up as much as possible.¡±

    ¡°Before or after we talk to Grace?¡±

    Asher ran a hand through his hair, seeming to ponder this deeply. ¡°That depends. When do you want to talk to Grace? At the start, or at the end of camp?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d rather get it out the way, I think,¡± Lila said, fidgeting with her hands. ¡°It¡¯d be good to have camp as, well, a breather. But I won¡¯t be able to breathe if we have to keep it a secret until the end. Plus¡­ if we talk about it too late, when Grace talks to her girlfriend next, her girlfriend will be able to just get in her mind. But if we give Grace time to think about it, then she might be able to decide how to go ahead on her own.¡±

    ¡°Even if it ruins camp for Grace?¡±

    Lila slumped forward. ¡°There¡¯s no winning, is there?¡±

    ¡°Not for everyone.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ I guess¡­ I have to ruin camp for Grace,¡± Lila whispered in defeat.

    ¡°Well¡­ we¡¯ll be doing that,¡± Asher said, touching her arm. ¡°You won¡¯t be alone.¡±

    Lila met his earnest gaze. The reminder that she wouldn¡¯t be alone during such a conversation was something she¡¯d sorely needed. Relying on Asher was something that felt really easy. A small flash of guilt did pass through her, but with the way he seemed so willing to help, it quickly dissipated.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We¡¯ll be doing it together,¡± she smiled. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep if you just did it on your own. After all, we both saw it. And¡­ I want to be there to support you.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate it,¡± she smiled again, this time grasping his hand in hers. They remained like this for a moment before Asher pulled back with a sigh.

    ¡°So, I guess after we talk to Grace, we can see about pairing Isaac and Elise together enough that they just talk about the whole crush thing, at the very least,¡± he said, glancing at her as if to seek her approval.

    ¡°Guess that¡¯s all we can do for now.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ let¡¯s talk about the elephant in the room.¡±

    ¡°The what?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you- oh. You¡¯re making a joke.¡±

    She laughed and Asher joined in.

    ¡°Anyway, yes, the morphine ring shaped elephant. We have to plan our next steps,¡± Lila¡¯s voice had grown serious. ¡°We need to see another deal.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll happen soon,¡± Asher replied confidently, leaning back on his chair again. ¡°They diversified to St Peters, even though the Banker had been sanctioned. Means they¡¯re making their own moves independent of how the Banker¡¯s business is going.¡±

    ¡°I know ¨C so we have to act quick.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    Lila turned this over in her mind for a moment before looking up at Asher again. ¡°I¡¯m hoping there¡¯ll be a deal sometime tomorrow during morning tea or lunch¡­ but training¡¯s on tomorrow. I know we said no to you acting as a mole, but we might have to send you in go grab some ¡®juice¡¯ with the boys after training.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes glimmered with excitement before he cleared his throat. ¡°I¡¯m sure it¡¯ll be a last resort.¡±

    Lila appraised him for a moment. ¡°You sure you¡¯d be able to keep your cool if you were?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± he looked affronted by the suggestion that he wouldn¡¯t. ¡°You know me. Coolest guy around.¡±

    She smirked. ¡°To me, sure, but remember you¡¯re a nerdy goody-two-shoes to everyone else.¡±

    ¡°That does sound uncool.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d probably change if everyone knew how adept you were at those lockpicks you keep in your blazer.¡±

    ¡°Eh, maybe not. I¡¯d probably get upgraded to weirdo, though.¡±

    She snorted. ¡°Me too, then. But we¡¯ll think about sending you in. I still would rather not, but¡­ well, you seem enthusiastic at least.¡±

    He grinned at her before becoming serious once again. ¡°We didn¡¯t record what Livi and Vi were saying just now.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t know that they would be saying something. It happened so quick, too.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It made me think, though. I know we¡¯re going to try and take photos of a deal going down¡­ but¡­ should we try and record some conversations?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°No way. We can only record conversations we¡¯re a party to. My Dad¡¯s drilled in that much to me, at least. Photos, and maybe videos, are necessary here¡­ but conversations would need you to be a mole for sure, which is very risky.¡±

    ¡°True¡­ and I guess increasing our list of crimes is probably a bad idea.¡±

    ¡°Definitely.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply. He met her eyes for a second before looking towards his hands. ¡°So¡­ after the deal, you¡¯ll blackmail Zack?¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    ¡°That sounds like we¡¯re adding to our list of crimes.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­ but we have no other choice to get the info we need. Zack would definitely let something slip ¨C but we need to press him on it. He won¡¯t just give it out without some pressure.¡±

    ¡°I guess¡­ but how are you going to do that?¡±

    ¡°Well, through texts.¡±

    ¡°And if he figures out it¡¯s you?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s another reason why we should do all this before camp. If he figures out it¡¯s me, fleeing on a school trip is the best course of action.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not fleeing forever.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not, but if nothing happens while we¡¯re gone, then we can go to Mr Lockwood once we come back. Also, that¡¯s presuming that Zack would know it¡¯s me. How would he? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s ever texted me.¡±

    ¡°You sure? Your number was all over the school.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breathing stopped. She couldn¡¯t be sure, actually. But¡­

    ¡°I¡¯ll just get an eSim. Something cheap, since I only need it for a week.¡±

    ¡°Is it easy to get one of those?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ think so? I know Clare¡¯s physical sim card got busted last year, so she just went online and got an eSim.¡±

    ¡°Alright. If you need money-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got it.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure,¡± Lila frowned at him. ¡°What do you take me for? I¡¯m just as able to source my own money.¡±

    ¡°Even though you don¡¯t have a job?¡±

    ¡°Chores. Allowances. I save what I can after I go out. Lots of methods. You don¡¯t need to worry about me. Thanks for the offer, though.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Alright¡­ so¡­ do you have an actual timeline?¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ if we¡¯re able to get some evidence tomorrow, we¡¯d start before practice. Then give him a day and watch what he does. Hopefully, he doesn¡¯t tip Jason off.¡±

    ¡°I doubt he would,¡± Asher said firmly. ¡°Getting blackmailed is embarrassing, you know. And Jason seemed really pissed off when Zack used some of it on Theo, and at the Assembly. I think Zack would want to avoid saying anything to Jason if he could help it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be good if it turns out that way¡­ since I¡¯d check in again on Thursday. Maybe his deadline should be Thursday afternoon? I think¡­ if we swing it that Jason¡¯s trying to throw Zack under the bus, he¡¯d decide pretty quick. Self-preservation and all that. If he¡¯s not convinced, I guess we could say we¡¯d cut him a deal or something.¡±

    ¡°Would we?¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before shrugging. ¡°Dunno how that works. I¡¯m sure if he cooperates with my Dad, he¡¯d do something. But Zack doesn¡¯t need to know all that. Besides, I¡¯ll be disconnecting the number as soon as we¡¯re done.¡±

    Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°You know, you sound kinda terrifying.¡±

    ¡°You reckon?¡±

    ¡°Yeah¡­ well¡­ it¡¯s a bit ruthless.¡±

    ¡°Not like they don¡¯t deserve it, at this point. Especially since Daniel¡¯s in the firing line. Plus, you upgraded me to ¡®Boss¡¯. Gotta act like it somehow.¡±

    He chuckled before looking concerned. ¡°Are we going to tell him about it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking that we¡¯ll have to. Maybe when we tell Dad¡­ just so that Daniel¡¯s prepared. Since we won¡¯t be there at school next week.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s good that there¡¯s a teacher with him in the room for morning tea and lunch. I doubt Zack or Jason, or whoever else, will try anything with a teacher just there.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. There¡¯s that, at least.¡±

    Asher checked the time on his phone before standing abruptly. ¡°We¡¯ve gotta go. I think that plan sounds solid, at least. Let¡¯s hope something happens tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Realistically, we could wait until Wednesday, too.¡±

    ¡°True. Ready to go?¡±

    Lila zipped up her lunchbox, checking she hadn¡¯t left anything behind, before she returned to the locker room with Asher, both contemplatively silent. Blackmail was a step up from what they¡¯d previously done, but there was no other way to get the information and evidence they needed. She wasn¡¯t interested in becoming a customer herself, and they likely wouldn¡¯t want Asher as a customer because of his reputation. Sending Daniel in was absolutely out of the question, especially if they¡¯d stopped working with him¡­ but she was beginning to feel uneasy about the prospect of getting caught.

    She was sure that Zack wouldn¡¯t figure out that it was her ¨C he¡¯d probably blame whoever his customer at the time of the deal was, if anything ¨C but what if he went to Vi? She seemed to have a working brain, at least. Would she be able to pick up that Lila was the blackmailer?

    She continued to think about what they¡¯d talked about and seen today throughout her next two lessons, hardly realising that the school day was over until she saw Asher waiting for her yet again outside Bio.

    ¡°Ready to go home and work on your English assignment?¡± he asked with a gentle smile. Lila groaned.

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll do it, but I won¡¯t be happy about it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll fix that on Thursday night.¡±

    ¡°Promise?¡±

    He grinned at her, lacing their fingers together. ¡°Of course.¡±

    Falling in to their after-school routine ¨C grabbing their things, putting their hats on, chatting casually and heading over to the bus station ¨C was beginning to feel to Lila as though it had always been this way. How had she gone home without his company?

    The teacher on hat duty was Ms Shard, who didn¡¯t seem to notice them slip by. Lila¡¯s bus rolled to a stop before Lila could truly relish his presence.

    ¡°See you tomorrow,¡± he said forlornly. She reached up to touch his cheek, which seemed to light up his eyes just a smidge.

    ¡°See you then,¡± she smiled, standing on her tip toes, her lips meeting his with a sweetness she wished to bring with her. His hand rested on her waist for a slight moment before he pulled away.

    ¡°Get home safe. I¡­ I¡¯ll see you later,¡± he finally said, his eyes flickering to the bus. ¡°It¡¯ll leave soon.¡±

    ¡°You get home safe too. Goodnight.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty

    Getting an eSim was far easier than Lila had thought. She used Clare¡¯s PayPal account to buy it after getting her permission, since she didn¡¯t have one herself. Whilst it sucked that Lila needed to be 18 to get a PayPal account, at the very least Clare asked no questions as to why Lila wanted an eSim. She might have figured that it was because Lila¡¯s physical sim card wasn¡¯t working anymore, as Clare¡¯s did, or figured it was none of her business. Either way, Lila was very grateful, tipping her sister an extra couple dollars for the inconvenience.

    She tested that it worked after a short text message to Asher using the eSim ¨C a simple ¡®Hi, it¡¯s me¡¯ (which he responded to in kind) before bed that Monday night.

    So, it was with a fresh face, and spring in her step that she hustled over to her Tuesday morning class, feeling mildly accomplished already.

    Asher met her outside the doors to the basketball court, his PE clothes in their usual disarray and a bemused smile on his face.

    ¡°You seem like you¡¯re full of energy,¡± he said with a nod as he opened the doors to the court.

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± she replied with a grin. ¡°It¡¯s all coming together.¡±

    He cautiously glanced around before murmuring, ¡°Should we really be talking about this?¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about anything in particular,¡± Lila responded loftily. He shook his head with a smirk, and she smiled back once more, pulling him forward by the arm.

    For all that talk about Lila being full of energy, Asher seemed quite the same as they walked over to where their classmates were sitting. They took their usual spot towards the front, with Asher checking in on her English progress with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I did do some more,¡± she insisted with a pout.

    ¡°You sure? You weren¡¯t distracted were you?¡±

    ¡°Distracted? By what?¡±

    ¡°You know what I mean.¡±

    She pouted again. It appeared that Asher wasn¡¯t apt to being sidetracked today.

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t. I¡¯m almost done with it, actually,¡± Lila said petulantly. His eyes sparkled.

    ¡°Really? So we¡¯ll be going on our date?¡±

    ¡°You make it sound as if you¡¯re not the one who suggested it and imposed rules.¡±

    ¡°I suppose I did do that,¡± he chuckled, leaning back on his hands. ¡°Still exciting, if you manage to get it through.¡±

    ¡°Of course I will,¡± Lila replied quietly, her eyes passing from his face to the scenery behind his shoulder. Then, she stopped altogether.

    ¡°What?¡± Asher asked, looking behind him and then back at her again. ¡°You look like you¡¯ve seen a ghost.¡±

    ¡°Ayla¡¯s back,¡± Lila whispered, her eyes unwilling to leave Ayla. Ayla looked extraordinarily pale and even thinner than Lila could recall ever seeing her. Her once-glossy, black curls were now lifeless, dull and frizzy. The pride that had seemed as though it were a part of her features had vanished entirely. The dark circles under her eyes were a ghastly greyish-purple, somehow accentuating both the size of her eyes and the whiteness of her skin. Her school jumper flowed off her frame as though it were several sizes too big, and she seemed to be constantly covering her hands with the cuffs.

    The girl certainly looked like Ayla, but she was entirely different ¨C almost as though the girl Lila once knew as the ¡®Gossip Queen¡¯ had been replaced by a mannequin masquerading as Ayla. She was alone, choosing to sit far away from the rest of their classmates and avoiding the gaze of everyone, preferring instead to look directly at the court underneath her.

    ¡°Wait, what?¡± Asher turned as if to look again, but she pulled his arm, shaking her head.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± she warned. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ getting the impression that she wants to be invisible.¡±

    ¡°Then you should stop looking, too,¡± he murmured, shifting so that he could only look ahead towards the stage.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila shuffled so that she was directly next to him, rather than in front of him, her mind and her heart racing. Ayla¡­ was back. But was she? It looked as though she¡¯d lost her soul ¨C or at least something significant, or inextricably linked to who Ayla was as a person.

    Grief was a funny thing. There was no timeline as to when someone would be ¡®normal¡¯ again. But something about how deeply Piper¡¯s death ¨C if that was the reason as to why Ayla was away ¨C affected Ayla was niggling at Lila. If she hadn¡¯t been privy to Ms Wang¡¯s presentation on mental health, and how to support others at school, Lila was sure that she would¡¯ve walked right up to Ayla and asked all the questions that had been clawing at her in Ayla¡¯s absence.

    Had that been the reason behind the timing of the presentation? Ayla¡¯s impending return?

    ¡°¡­ volleyball.¡±

    Lila jumped. She¡¯d been so far into her thoughts that she hadn¡¯t realised that Ms Wright had appeared before her, a bundle of vests and two volleyballs by her feet.

    This time, Lila and Asher were separated by both team and game. Despite the fact that two volleyball games would be running concurrently, there were still too many students for everyone to participate at once.

    Lila was part of the first rotation of students, clad in a horrendously yellow vest that seemed to have stewed in the sweat of its previous wearer for far too long.

    Just as she usually did, she tried as best she could, which really meant that she made as many passes to her teammates as possible ¨C until her time was up and she was tagged out of the game.

    She caught Asher¡¯s eye as he was tagged in to his game. With a reluctant sigh, Lila supposed that this turn of events was surely by Ms Wright¡¯s design. Lila gave him a small wave of encouragement, to which he responded with a bright, cheery grin that displaced the disappointment she felt upon realising that they wouldn¡¯t be able to talk for the rest of the lesson.

    He jogged off to his game and it soon started up again. Lila watched for a few moments before attempting to find a safe place to sit down. Should she face her game, or Asher¡¯s?

    As she pondered this, she eyed Ayla a few metres away, facing Asher¡¯s game and without a vest. Had she not participated at all today?

    Lila supposed that was appropriate since Ayla had only just returned. Besides, she looked fragile enough to keel over as soon as a ball made its way to her hands.

    Should¡­ Lila give her some company? Ayla looked as though the right kind of company could do her some good ¨C but was Lila the ¡®right kind¡¯? She wasn¡¯t sure. But she may as well try ¨C right? Ayla looked incredibly lonely otherwise.

    Lila shuffled over, still in two minds. Perhaps asking would be the best choice, given what was spoken about in PC yesterday. She took a deep breath and finally sat down about half a metre away, her hands knotting together in her lap. Ayla didn¡¯t say anything. Lila wasn¡¯t even sure that Ayla had noticed, so she chanced a glance at Ayla.

    Their eyes met. Ayla¡¯s face instantly distorted in disgust.

    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Ayla snarled, the sudden venom in her voice startling Lila. She immediately scrambled to her feet, unsure about what the issue was but equally sure that she shouldn¡¯t ask.

    With her face burning from embarrassment and the feeling of having done something wrong yet also not knowing what she had done weighing heavily in her stomach, she stalked off to a different spot, far away from Ayla. She decided to face Asher¡¯s game, the sight of him (though he was concentrating on his volleyball match) steadily calming her heart. He was clearly none the wiser to her strange interaction with Ayla but, even so, the idea that she could both talk it through with him and trust that he¡¯d listen helped ease her mind for the moment.

    He looked at her several times throughout the match, and she tried her best to look cheerful so as not to distract him. She hoped it worked, though a couple of his teammates called for him here and there when they shared slightly too long of a look.

    It seemed that he¡¯d be delegated the role of Setter, which appeared to be an effective enough strategy. In fact, by the time class was over, Asher¡¯s team had won.

    With a flushed, beaming grin, he jogged over to her, prompting her to stand with a smile on her own face.

    ¡°We won,¡± he stated breathlessly. ¡°Did you see?¡±

    ¡°Couldn¡¯t keep my eyes off you,¡± she replied earnestly. She watched his cheeks gain a deeper colour as he seemed to struggle to find a reply.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll ever get used to you saying that kind of thing,¡± he murmured after a couple of seconds, face almost glowing.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I want you to,¡± Lila grinned, reaching up on her tiptoes and giving him a soft kiss on the cheek, her stomach fluttering just enough to give her the right amount of height.

    She had the distinct impression with the way he looked at her as she stepped back that if he could pop like a balloon, he would. This simple notion almost made her giggle, but she kept it together.

    As soon as she registered this compulsion, he gently gripped her wrist, a glint in his strangely earnest eyes that made her exceedingly curious. His lips seemed poised to say something significant. What was he thinking about?

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°Move along, you two. Get changed and go to class,¡± Ms Wright¡¯s no-nonsense voice cut across Asher¡¯s attempt at speaking, causing him to instantly let go of Lila¡¯s wrist as though it burnt him.

    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am,¡± Lila and Asher replied simultaneously, equal in their morose tones. Ms Wright gave them a firm nod, extending her hand out for their vests. They handed them to her, and she curtly moved past them, hurrying off other dawdling classmates of theirs. At least they weren¡¯t the only ones attracting Ms Wright¡¯s ire today.

    ¡°You were about to say something?¡± Lila said as they headed out of the Gymnasium¡¯s court and towards the changing rooms. He shook his head.

    ¡°I¡¯ll see you at morning tea,¡± he said simply, turning to the boys¡¯ changing room.

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. It was nothing,¡± he called back, disappearing through the door to the changing room not a moment later. She would have stopped worrying, had he actually looked at her or offered to walk with her to her next class. But¡­ in the absence of either of these things, it only made her want to know even more. She reluctantly headed to the girls¡¯ changing room, shaking her head as if to clear it of her thoughts.

    When she entered the changing room, it seemed that she was alone. It also seemed as though this change of scenery helped to alleviate her concerns about what Asher had almost said. Instead, her concerns about Ayla took its place. She changed as quickly as she could, just in case Ayla was about to come in and scold her again.

    What was that anyway? Was Ayla mad that Lila had technically been involved in Piper¡¯s expulsion? That wasn¡¯t rational, considering the fact that Piper¡¯s expulsion had nothing to do with her murder, given it had happened during the school holidays ¨C right?

    ¡®Besides, Piper expelled herself,¡¯ Lila thought with a huff as she readjusted her ponytail. ¡®I didn¡¯t make her stalk Asher after she¡¯d been warned.¡¯

    Although Lila knew that part of the story, it didn¡¯t mean that Piper had been forthcoming about it to her friends. Or, if she had been, then perhaps Ayla¡¯s thinking was driven purely by the turmoils of grief. Even if that was the specific reason, though it made sense to Lila, it didn¡¯t make her feel better about Ayla¡¯s hostile reaction to Lila simply sitting next to her.

    Lila tried not to dwell on it during Design. Realistically, it didn¡¯t matter. It wasn¡¯t like she was ever friends with Ayla, nor had she wanted to be. Now that she was back at school, Lila didn¡¯t even need to be worrying about where Ayla was anymore. And, from the looks of her, Lila could guess that she¡¯d been away for reasons that definitely included grief. So, mystery solved.

    So, with that unsatisfactory resolution planted within her mind, Lila threw herself into her Design assignment, with morning tea¡¯s mission popping into her mind every so often.

    Finally, Mr Dillon released them from Design and Lila almost ran out of the Applied Tech building. She was starting to get whiplash from all the things she was trying to concentrate on at once.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± Asher¡¯s voice caught her attention before she hurried off too far and she turned her head to the left. He was standing a metre or so away, his hands in his pockets and an amused smirk across his face. ¡°Where¡¯s the fire?¡±

    ¡°Tuckshop, probably,¡± Lila quipped, moving towards him. He snorted.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong. Let¡¯s put our stuff away.¡±

    Lila eyed him carefully for a moment before nodding. He seemed rather casual as they walked to the locker room, without a hint of the seriousness that he¡¯d had in the Gymnasium. Pushing the point wasn¡¯t the best idea, but at least he didn¡¯t seem to be down or anything like that. It probably was nothing in that case. They talked about everything, after all.

    Speaking of¡­

    ¡°So¡­ I tried to sit next to Ayla during PE,¡± Lila said quietly. His carefree expression instantly turned bewildered.

    ¡°Why? I thought you said she wanted to be invisible.¡±

    Lila paused. She had said that. And promptly forgotten it. Was that why Ayla was so mad?

    ¡°She¡­ looked really lonely,¡± Lila replied lamely.

    ¡°Well, yeah, but she probably preferred it that way, as you said.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Evidently.¡±

    ¡°Evidently?¡±

    ¡°Well, I sat next to her and when we looked at each other, she said ¡®Don¡¯t¡¯ in this, like, really scary voice.¡±

    ¡°Scary¡­ like Casper the unfriendly ghost?¡±

    She rolled her eyes at him, an amused smile tugging at the corner of her lips. ¡°No. Like¡­ she was really mad. I don¡¯t think she was going to hurt me, but¡­ it sounded like she was on the verge of doing that.¡±

    Asher was silent, his face stony. Then, in a measured tone ¨C one that she knew well ¨C he asked, ¡°Do I need to have a chat with her?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Lila shook her head vehemently, then his arm for good measure. ¡°Nothing like that. I just¡­ wanted to tell you about it. Besides, it was my fault. I was the one who saw she most likely wanted to be left alone, then just ignored that anyway. Should¡¯ve expected it, really.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡± He clicked his tongue before pulling her close, stopping their journey to the locker room altogether. ¡°Are you okay? Sure, you did do that, but either way, she could¡¯ve made her point differently. Ideally, in a way that was less hostile.¡±

    Lila sighed again, this time with relief. She gripped the sides of his blazer, pressing herself against him even more tightly. ¡°I¡¯m okay now.¡±

    She felt his hand brush the top of her head, his heartbeat from what she could hear picking up in speed. He took a deep breath, then stepped back from her, taking one of her hands in his.

    This story originates from a different website. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

    ¡°Good,¡± he said simply, squeezing her hand. ¡°I¡¯m sorry I didn¡¯t see it happen.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like you seeing it would¡¯ve changed anything.¡±

    He pursed his lips, clearly displeased by Lila¡¯s observation before releasing a small sigh coupled with a shake of his head.

    ¡°You¡¯re right. As usual,¡± he said reluctantly.

    ¡°I know,¡± she smiled, pulling him towards the locker room. ¡°C¡¯mon, can¡¯t be late.¡±

    They split off as soon as they pushed through the door to the locker room, with Lila shoving her things in her locker as haphazardly as she could manage without having the rest of her things topple out. She secured her morning tea and closed her locker with an almost frantic energy. The fact that they had a deadline for their investigation ¨C though arbitrary, she could concede ¨C was beginning to dawn on her, manifesting in her trembling fingers.

    She dropped her apple with a sound of disappointment, watching as it rolled towards another student. To her surprise, said student was Isaac, who bent down and picked it up.

    ¡°Mm, floor apple. Tasty,¡± he commented, passing it over to her with a grin.

    ¡°You seem happy,¡± Lila observed, bringing her apple close to her chest as if to protect it like a mother hen did for her eggs.

    ¡°You reckon?¡± Isaac asked, his eyebrows raised in apparent surprise.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher interjected from around the corner before sliding into the hallway and slinging an arm across Isaac¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Guessing your review wasn¡¯t as bad as you¡¯d thought?¡±

    Isaac laughed, shrinking away from Asher¡¯s touch. ¡°They wanted to promote me to Crew Trainer.¡±

    ¡°So, you went for the .50cent pay rise?¡± Asher grinned, his eyes lighting up with elation. Lila privately thought that it was sweet, how happy Asher seemed for Isaac¡¯s success.

    ¡°Me? Definitely not,¡± Isaac replied shortly. ¡°I know I¡¯m working now, but dude, being bottom of the rung is already busting my balls. I¡¯m at my limit. Besides, who¡¯d want to listen to me? Responsibility at 16 sounds like a terrible idea.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose, the sweetness of the moment instantly evaporating.

    ¡°You¡¯re right about that one,¡± Elise¡¯s voice floated towards them, an easy-going smile on her face. Lila tried to hide her surprise at the fact that Elise had joined their conversation without any hesitation. Had Isaac and Elise made up at work yesterday? Or, now that Isaac wasn¡¯t so moody and stressed over his review, he was more approachable for Elise?

    ¡°Which one? Busting my balls, being at my limit, no one wanting to listen to me, or being responsible at 16?¡± Isaac smirked.

    ¡°Sorry, didn¡¯t catch that. What¡¯d you say?¡± Elise giggled, her smile widening even further. Lila glanced at Asher, who seemed to be sending her a signal with his eyes ¨C one that said he¡¯d picked up on it too.

    Isaac laughed again, before shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m self-aware enough to know that I¡¯m too goofy for anyone to take seriously. Not a very good trait for a Crew Trainer.¡±

    ¡°Eh, I disagree,¡± Asher said curtly. ¡°You might be exactly what the newbies need to put them at ease.¡±

    ¡°Unless you give them ketchup packets,¡± Lila added seriously. ¡°That¡¯s weird.¡±

    ¡°But they¡¯re so squishy,¡± Isaac pouted in protest. ¡°Here, I¡¯ve got one in my blaze-¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s get going, Asher,¡± Lila cut Isaac off before he could give them a ketchup packet. Asher immediately heeded her suggestion, waving goodbye to Isaac and Elise. Lila waved at them too, which they returned, before walking with Asher to the exit.

    ¡°Do you want one? To replace Jerry?¡± Lila heard Isaac say as she and Asher drifted further away from them. She was incredibly tempted to turn around and see Elise¡¯s reaction but thought better of it. She hoped that Elise accepted Isaac¡¯s offer, at least. Jerry was very mangled, after all.

    Walking away from them, Lila felt that Elise and Isaac were in a good spot now ¨C one that might not need any further intrusion from Lila and Asher for the moment.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m glad he¡¯s in a much better mood,¡± Asher commented with a grin, stretching his arms above his head. ¡°I was starting to get worried.¡±

    ¡°I reckon Elise was right. He was stressed about the review, so that¡¯s why he¡¯s been acting weird. But, now that he doesn¡¯t have to worry about facing Elise after getting fired, he¡¯s a lot happier,¡± Lila replied with a nod. ¡°Must¡¯ve made up with her afterwards ¨C or at least become friendly again.¡±

    ¡°Or,¡± Asher gave Lila a sideways glance, his eyes sparkling with a flash of realisation, ¡°they confessed to each other.¡±

    ¡°She would¡¯ve told me,¡± Lila said doubtfully, furrowing her eyebrows. ¡°Plus, she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop talking about it if they did. The only logical outcome of that, too, is that they¡¯d be dating. Which they¡¯re not.¡± Lila paused, tapping her chin thoughtfully. ¡°I think Elise is just happy to be talking to a happy Isaac. Even though the thought of him liking someone else is painful, it didn¡¯t sound to me like she wanted to just avoid him forever. I think after the museum trip, though it was super awkward, she started to see that continuing to hang out with him wasn¡¯t that bad after all.¡±

    Asher glanced at Lila again before sighing. ¡°I did try to convince him that she likes him.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°For now, I think leaving them be for this week would do some good. Let them get settled again,¡± Asher suggested. ¡°Then, at camp, we can keep ditching them together.¡±

    Lila chuckled. ¡°Sounds like a perfect plan.¡±

    They kept a casual pace as they walked towards the Tuckshop, with Asher checking in on her English progress. She was glad that Elise was out of earshot, but also glad that he had checked in. Somehow, getting his approval for how much she¡¯d done made her feel slightly giddy, setting off the butterflies in her stomach again.

    Then, as they approached the stairs down to the Tuckshop, they shared a nervous glance. Would they see something? Would they get caught? If so, would Jason¡¯s group be scared off? Lila didn¡¯t know them at all. She had no idea where they¡¯d go if they were scared off. It was only incidental that they¡¯d spotted them here yesterday after all.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher murmured, grasping her hand in his. ¡°Not the first time we¡¯ve watched someone.¡±

    ¡°Guess so,¡± Lila replied, squeezing his hand. She inhaled deeply before following his lead down the stairs.

    It was bustling with students lining up to get into Tuckshop, with plenty of seats available for the moment. Lila craned her neck to see if she could find Jason, Zack and Jake.

    ¡°There,¡± Asher whispered, turning her shoulders slightly so she was facing a particular direction. Her eyes fell on the trio, who looked to be playing some kind of card game at a table in the far back. She was surprised, really, that Jason was partaking. He never seemed like the type to sit around and play card games.

    ¡°If we sit over there, I reckon they won¡¯t notice us,¡± Lila suggested, gesturing with her left shoulder to a spare table diagonally across from the trio. ¡°If we make it so we can both see them from the side, it¡¯d be slightly harder for them to recognise us.¡±

    ¡°Deal,¡± Asher nodded, immediately moving that way. They sat down, eating their morning tea in total silence, with Lila keeping sight of the trio in her peripheral vision. Perhaps the silence would give away the fact that they were keeping their eyes on the Grade 12s, but no one around them seemed to care about what they were doing.

    As they continued to sit there, Lila had the distinct impression that her assumption about Jason not being a card game player was correct. He seemed incredibly disinterested as the game progressed before he jumped up, pulling his phone out.

    Lila exchanged another look with Asher.

    ¡°Do we-¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head. ¡°We wait.¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t believe you read my mind.¡±

    ¡°I thought of the same question before deciding it wasn¡¯t the right way to go. It seems like Jason¡¯s the one who mainly sets things up. At least, he¡¯s the one who gets all the phone calls. So, we let him go. If he catches us following him, he might abandon the drop altogether,¡± Lila whispered, leaning in so that Asher could catch what she said.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°Besides, our target¡¯s Zack, remember?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Righto. Let¡¯s see if Zack goes on the move.¡±

    Lila¡¯s gaze lingered on Jason as he began to wander down the path, towards the Kennedy oval. Even though she¡¯d just said that they should stay and watch Zack¡­ she really wanted to see what Jason was up to. Was he going to talk to Livi and Vi, maybe? Maybe even Harper? Or was he just walking away from the noise of students messing around at morning tea while he took a phone call?

    She looked behind her at the group of rugby boys that Zack and Jake had passed morphine to last Thursday, before eyeing Zack and Jake once more. None of the rugby boys seemed to be in a phone call but if someone had disappeared, she wouldn¡¯t have noticed. In saying that though, given how close Zack, Jake, and Jason were sitting to them at Tuckshop, would a phone call be necessary?

    So¡­ if it wasn¡¯t necessary ¨C then, if he was setting up a deal, Jason must be setting it up with someone else. Just how many people at Forestglade College were in on this?

    ¡°You¡¯ll catch their attention,¡± Asher warned in a low voice. Lila readjusted her position, looking instead at her apple before taking a bite of it.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said after a few moments. He merely inclined his head with a small smile in response. She watched as he drank from his water bottle and recapped it with shaky fingers. Was he nervous too?

    ¡°Asher, are you okay?¡± she whispered, leaning in close.

    ¡°Me? I¡¯m fine,¡± he replied, looking towards his hands. He quickly took them off the table with a grimace.

    ¡°It¡¯s a lot of pressure,¡± Lila said after a pause. ¡°Especially with everything else going on.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°But we¡¯ve got to get it done, and got to get it right. If we mess up-¡±

    ¡°We won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± his voice was firm, his eyes intense. He took a deep breath before leaning in close as well, his voice almost a whisper. ¡°I know you¡¯re saying that to try and give me confidence, but we could. And if we do, it could cost a whole lot of things. Not just the chance to investigate them again. But they could catch wind of us poking around and go after your brother. As much as you can say he didn¡¯t know, there¡¯s no way of tracking who took what money ¨C especially before Square, but even after if they were smart about it. He was the one running the show, so to speak, even if there was a shadow business under his nose. I don¡¯t think the Headmaster would believe us over the Head Boy and Girl, either, if we tried to say it was all them without any hard evidence.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°But you might be overthinking. If you think we¡¯re going to fail, then we will. That¡¯s just how it goes. Let¡¯s instead think positively. One good thing about them scattering like this is that Daniel¡¯s stuck in a room with a teacher for morning tea and lunch. He¡¯s too busy with his own business to give orders to this one. So, getting evidence would also help to clear him ¨C since he¡¯s got an alibi. And if they check his phone, he won¡¯t have been texting any of them.¡±

    ¡°True¡­¡± Asher sighed, running his fingers through his hair. Then, he straightened up. ¡°Jason¡¯s back.¡±

    Sure enough, Jason crossed through Lila¡¯s peripheral vision not a moment later. He sat down, his face rather smug, before nodding to Zack and Jake. Lila continued to keep an eye on them as best she could without turning her head and she could see Asher doing the same.

    A few moments passed. She realised that she hadn¡¯t taken a breath after a few more moments passed and surreptitiously sucked in a shallow one. Missing any significant movements from the trio because she forgot to breathe sounded like a dumb idea.

    But there were none, besides a continuation of the card game. Had Jason texted them instructions instead of telling them? Occasionally, they checked their phones, but there was no hint of having received anything in particular.

    Eventually, there were only a couple of minutes to go before PC started. Lila and Asher remained seated, idly packing up their bits of rubbish whilst still monitoring the boys.

    From what Lila knew, the Grade 12s locker room and PC classes were in the same building as the Grade 11s were, taking up the top two floors. So, Lila reasoned, it wouldn¡¯t be suspicious for Lila and Asher to trail behind Jason, Zack, and Jake.

    It felt as though Asher had the same reasoning as he continued to linger, zipping and unzipping his sandwich bag full of the remnants of his bunch of grapes.

    Then, Jason, Zack, and Jake finally began to move in the direction of the PC classes. Lila and Asher remained seated, looking down at the table between them, until they were far ahead.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Asher murmured, standing up. Lila followed suit, and they kept their distance from Jason, Zack, and Jake whilst still making sure the trio were within line of sight.

    ¡°Well, I guess that¡¯s that for now,¡± Asher said quietly.

    ¡°It seems like they¡¯ll do something at lunch,¡± Lila replied just as quietly.

    ¡°You think so?¡±

    ¡°Just from their behaviour.¡±

    Asher seemed deep in thought before he nodded, seeming satisfied with Lila¡¯s observation.

    ¡°Gotta get your phone ready, then,¡± he said with a small smile that betrayed his anxiety.

    ¡°Yours, too. Just in case,¡± Lila replied, leaning her head against his arm.

    ¡°Roger that.¡±

    Jason, Zack, and Jake were quite slow walkers ¨C frustratingly so. But as Lila continued to survey them, she couldn¡¯t help but feel that their dynamics were odd. It didn¡¯t really seem like Jason was even friends with Zack or Jake. Were they purely just his lackeys? At least Zack and Jake seemed to be friends in some capacity as they joked amongst themselves, but Jason never joined in or spoke up.

    ¡®What a lonely life,¡¯ Lila thought absently as they continued towards the lockers. Did Jason even have friends? Or was he one of those guys who was popular from a distance? Actually, was Jason even popular? From Lila¡¯s limited interactions with him, he was more of an ass ¨C though he did have a certain amount of charm.

    Surely he had friends, right? Being Head Boy or Girl included a popularity vote from the cohort and a vote from the teachers, so he had to have some kind of sway. Maybe he was just sticking by Zack and Jake because of the morphine ring. Maybe he didn¡¯t want to drag his actual friends into it, or they were smart enough to avoid it altogether.

    Or he started it all up because he wanted friends.

    Lila shivered. Feeling empathy for Jason was not on her list of things she wanted to feel. Besides, she was making that all up, based on the very little information she had on him. She was interested to know, however, when he started the ring. Was it in Grade 11? Was that why he¡¯d been voted in as Head Boy by his peers? Or was it purely because of Daniel¡¯s Banker activities that the morphine ring started?

    She hadn¡¯t seen when the missing analgesics had been noticed from the Forestglade Private Hospital. But, if she remembered correctly, her Dad¡¯s services had been requested in August last year. Voting for Senior Leadership positions usually began at the end of Term 3 or the start of Term 4, depending on how many applicants there were. They were in Term 3 now, which would end around mid-September. Then, school resumed in early October. Each year was structured more or less the same, give-or-take a few days here and there depending on when the weekdays fell.

    Had Jason bought his leadership position?

    ¡°You¡¯re frowning quite a bit,¡± Asher murmured in Lila¡¯s ear, making her jolt slightly. She blinked at him, realising that her hands were folded across her chest. She lowered them sheepishly.

    ¡°Guess I am,¡± she replied, fiddling with her skirt pocket.

    ¡°They¡¯ve headed up to the Grade 12 locker rooms,¡± Asher said, his eyes flickering upwards towards the stairs. Lila¡¯s shoulders instantly relaxed. The stalking was over for now, not that she¡¯d paid much attention towards the end given how deeply she was thinking.

    ¡°Good.¡±

    ¡°In a sense. We¡¯re going to be seriously late for PC, though. I have to run,¡± Asher responded quickly, giving her a swift peck on the cheek. She felt her cheek heat up, its origin point stemming from where he¡¯d kissed her, and he grinned.

    ¡°See you at lunch,¡± he called, heading inside the locker room at a half-jog. Lila considered whether she should go to her locker or not for a moment and decided against it, hurrying instead to PC. If she was fast enough, she¡¯d be able to avoid Ms Wang¡¯s wrath at her tardiness ¨C which Lila preferred, since she had Maths next.

    Lila sidled in to her PC class, finding it rather abuzz for a Tuesday. Ms Wang looked as though she hadn¡¯t started the roll just yet, so Lila victoriously sat down in her usual seat across from Grace and Elise.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Elise greeted in a low voice. Grace did the same, and Lila returned their greetings with a smile.

    ¡°Got worried for a moment that something happened to you,¡± Grace whispered. ¡°Glad to see you¡¯re okay.¡±

    ¡°Just¡­ got sidetracked,¡± Lila replied, avoiding Grace¡¯s questioning eyes.

    ¡°Making out with Asher?¡± Elise asked, waggling her eyebrows suggestively.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila replied almost too defensively. She cleared her throat and repeated it in a much softer voice.

    ¡°You totally were,¡± Elise teased, her smile cheeky. Lila was about to respond when Ms Wang stood and called the roll. Ms Wang further noted that today was another free lesson before sitting back down.

    Lila glanced at Elise, who was still smiling impishly, her cheeks rather rosy. Seeing Elise back in a good mood, after the glumness of the museum visit and everything else between Elise and Isaac, made Lila feel at ease. Getting Elise and Isaac together would be much easier if they were friendly with each other.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Grace suddenly said, leaning in close to Elise and Lila. ¡°I heard that Ayla¡¯s back.¡±

    ¡°I heard that too,¡± Elise confirmed with a nod. ¡°But I also heard that she looks terrible.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not very nice,¡± Grace admonished.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say it,¡± Elise countered, her hands raised defensively. ¡°Just what I¡¯ve heard.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong,¡± Lila added quietly. ¡°She was in PE with me this morning.¡±

    Both Grace and Elise gasped.

    ¡°Did she say why she was away?¡± Elise instantly queried, her voice raising slightly. Lila saw Ms Wang frown in their direction and she huddled in closer to Elise and Grace, her voice barely above a whisper.

    ¡°No. She didn¡¯t say anything at all until I tried to sit next to her. When I did, she just said ¡®Don¡¯t¡¯ in this really aggressive way.¡±

    Elise looked as though she was about to say something angrily in response when Grace touched Elise¡¯s arm, cooling her fire instantly.

    ¡°She must be just trying to readjust back into school life. It¡¯s the beginning of week four now, so she¡¯s been away from school for five whole weeks,¡± Grace said sensibly.

    ¡°I guess,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Either way, I¡¯m definitely not going to approach her again. It was lowkey kinda scary.¡±

    Elise disdainfully wrinkled her nose. ¡°Doesn¡¯t have to be a bitch about coming back, if that¡¯s the case.¡±

    ¡°Elise,¡± Grace said warningly, shooting a glare in her direction. ¡°Poor girl lost a friend in a horrific way. If either of you died like that during the school holidays, I¡¯d be a bitch too. And that¡¯s if I ever came back here.¡±

    Elise folded her arms across her chest with an indistinct grumble. They were otherwise silent for a second or two before Grace spoke up again.

    ¡°On a lighter note,¡± she said, pulling the left sleeve of her jumper up. ¡°Look at what my partner gave me!¡±

    It was a dainty, gold bracelet that was similar to the one that Lila had helped choose for Ms Alexander, though it was clearly much more expensive ¨C one bought with adult money, that¡¯s for sure. Instead of three stars, there was a cursive ¡®M¡¯ in the middle with a small diamante in one of the arches. Lila almost wanted to throw up.

    ¡°Cute!¡± Elise breathed, taking Grace¡¯s wrist into her hand. ¡°I¡¯m guessing her name starts with ¡®M¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Grace blushed, looking fondly down at the bracelet. Lila¡¯s eyes flickered to Elise. Had¡­ Elise missed the fact that the waitress at the yiros shop told them Grace went there all the time with ¡®Mia¡¯?

    ¡°Won¡¯t you get told off by a teacher for wearing it?¡± Lila managed to ask after a beat.

    ¡°Nah,¡± Grace replied, tucking it back underneath her jumper. ¡°Jumper covers it. Plus, I¡¯ve got Music next, then a vocal lesson at lunch. The teacher¡¯s really nice, so even if I take my jumper off and she sees me wearing it, she won¡¯t say anything.¡±

    ¡®Because she bought it for you,¡¯ Lila thought with an internal sigh.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s fine for Music, I guess, but what about other teachers?¡± Elise questioned, sitting back slightly.

    ¡°If it happens, then¡­ I¡¯ll just keep it on me somehow. I mean, you¡¯re wearing something Asher got you every day, right Lila?¡±

    Lila¡¯s hand grazed against the slight bump made by the necklace Asher gave her under her dress. ¡°I guess. But that¡¯s a necklace. Bit harder to hide a bracelet without a jumper.¡±

    ¡°Could make it into a necklace somehow,¡± Grace smiled. She looked down at where her bracelet was, though it was still hidden underneath her jumper. ¡°I don¡¯t want to part with it.¡±

    ¡°Man, you guys are making me jealous,¡± Elise pouted, placing her chin in her right hand. ¡°Wish I got gifts.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should ask Isaac,¡± Lila suggested with a mischievous grin. ¡°I¡¯m sure he-¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Elise said flatly, her expression dropping considerably. ¡°Besides, it¡¯s different when you get gifts that kinda say that you¡¯re someone¡¯s. I¡¯m not going to ask Isaac for something like that. We¡¯re not dating, and he likes someone else, remember?¡±

    ¡°Did you ask him if he likes someone else?¡± Lila responded with a raised eyebrow. Elise faltered, shaking her head.

    ¡°Then how-¡±

    ¡°Look, his review went well. I¡¯m just going to enjoy his company, now that he¡¯s in a good place, and try not to think or worry about it for now,¡± Elise said curtly, cutting Lila off entirely. Lila sighed.

    ¡°Alright, alright. Sorry for bringing it up,¡± she said gently.

    ¡°I know you mean well,¡± Elise replied, her tone somewhat meek. ¡°Please, don¡¯t take it personally. I just¡­ don¡¯t want to get hurt.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s relatable,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Not your fault.¡±

    The girls began to talk about other things ¨C with Elise mentioning how devasted Andy the McManager looked after talking to Isaac yesterday ¨C until PC ended. They split off to their classes, with Lila stopping briefly by her locker to grab her Maths stuff before hurrying off. She wasn¡¯t quite convinced that she¡¯d be able to get much work done, what with the thoughts swimming through her mind. She was starting to get exhausted ¨C between the problems with Elise, Grace, and the morphine ring that she wanted to resolve, she wasn¡¯t sure how much capacity she had left.

    As she sat down in her usual seat, watching Ms Wang wipe down the whiteboard, she hoped that, at the very least, she could resolve the morphine ring over the coming week. Otherwise, she might just about explode from stress.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-One

    Lila was the first out the door once Maths was over, both eager to leave the lesson behind her and to get to Asher. Somehow, despite her being so speedy to leave, he was already waiting outside, bookbag slung over his shoulder.

    ¡°Shall we?¡± he asked warmly as she approached.

    ¡°Yeah. Locker room first?¡±

    Asher looked down at her for a moment before pulling out two lunchboxes from his bookbag.

    ¡°Sure, but not ours. I came prepared,¡± he said, passing her one. ¡°Here, give me that bag.¡±

    ¡°You sure? It¡¯s got my textbook-¡±

    ¡°Perfect. It can even out my shoulders.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure,¡± Lila replied reluctantly, passing over her bag. He put it over his left shoulder with a satisfied nod.

    ¡°¡¯Course I¡¯m sure. Let¡¯s get going.¡±

    They headed off, with Lila mulling over his choice of words ¨C ¡®not ours¡¯? To Lila, that meant that they would be staking out the Grade 12 locker rooms ¨C but there were two floors of those. Would that mean they¡¯d have to separate?

    ¡°You said¡­ not ours,¡± she mentioned quietly. He glanced at her and nodded.

    ¡°Yup. Not ours. I was thinking in Chem, actually, that we don¡¯t know when they¡¯d go for it. So¡­ with that, we need to follow them from the start instead of waiting at Tuckshop for them.¡±

    ¡°Do you know which floor their lockers are?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Not a clue. But we should hurry. We¡¯d need to split off, but each floor has that little alleyway just outside. I was going to stand there and wait for them to come past.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll do the same.¡±

    It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach the entrance to the Grade 11 locker room. Lila almost continued walking through the doors before realising that Asher was heading up the stairs to their left. She followed behind him until she broke off at the first landing. He didn¡¯t look behind him as he carried on up the next flight of stairs.

    Suddenly being alone amongst a swarm of Grade 12 students, all jostling their way into the locker room, was making Lila feel anxious. No one even gave her a second look, as everyone seemed to be absorbed in their conversations about assignments, who was dating who, and parties that happened on the weekend.

    It was actually quite strange, being invisible amongst this crowd of students who she knew only peripherally. At any moment, she thought she might get called out for going to the wrong locker room, but instead, she slid out into the requisite alleyway without any fuss at all. Were they really so oblivious? Or was she feeling extra vigilant because she knew she wasn¡¯t supposed to be here?

    Lila crept further back into the alleyway, unzipping her lunchbox while keeping an eye on who was passing by. Surprisingly, she wasn¡¯t actually interested in what was in it, but instead trying to appear as non-suspicious as possible.

    She shrank back even more as she saw Theo passing by, laden with textbooks, but even he didn¡¯t seem to notice her. With a small sigh, she pressed her back against one of the walls of the alleyway, still busying herself with her lunchbox and looking out for any sign of Jason, Zack, or Jake. Was Asher having more luck? Had he been spotted?

    More students passed by, including Alice and Willow. The sour taste left in her mouth from Alice¡¯s verbal attack against her on Saturday returned with an unpleasant vengeance. She¡¯d almost forgotten that she¡¯d have to see Alice today at practice.

    Following behind Alice and Willow were Livi and Vi. Livi appeared to be incensed by something, whereas Vi looked nonplussed, leafing through the pages of her book as Livi ranted. Lila quickly pretended to look busy going through her lunchbox once again. After a second or two, she looked back up again ¨C only to meet Vi¡¯s curious eyes.

    Lila willed herself not to panic as Vi seemed ready to say something to her when Lila was saved by the loud, whiny insistence of Livi to move along so they could eat lunch.

    Her phone buzzed and she almost dropped her lunchbox. She hurriedly grabbed her phone, clutching her lunchbox to her chest. It was a message from Asher.

    On the move. Looks like they¡¯re heading to Tuckshop after all.

    Lila finally felt as though she had caught her breath, though at the same time, her panic started to rise. Tuckshop again? Were they not moving on a drop after all?

    There was only one way to find out.

    Okay, Lila replied, pocketing her phone. She headed down the stairs, carefully monitoring who she came across by sight and by her ears. None were of Livi¡¯s group, nor Alice and Willow ¨C something that relieved her once more. Going downstairs made it difficult to tell who was just ahead, after all, and she was still in Grade 12 territory.

    She made it to the floor that was level with the path to Tuckshop. She assumed that Asher would still be tailing Jason, Zack, and Jake, so she hurried as best she could to at least see any of them in the distance. It didn¡¯t take long for her to find Asher casually strolling up ahead, his lunchbox swinging from his left hand, his right in his pocket.

    With an uncontainable smile, Lila speed-walked to him, lightly looping her arm around his left. He looked down at her, his eyes wide with shock until he registered that it was her wrapped around his arm. He chuckled, taking his free hand and reciprocating her touch with a small squeeze.

    ¡°Hello,¡± he said softly. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re happy to see me.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied, her tone politely affronted. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s probably a few reasons,¡± he responded with a playful grin.

    Lila tapped her chin as if she were thinking hard about it. ¡°None that I can find.¡±

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯m very good at hiding them,¡± he replied loftily. He gestured with his head in front of them, towards Jason, Zack and Jake. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary ¨C certainly nothing along the lines of them conducting some illegal activity. Lila¡¯s hopes that they would be doing a morphine drop were dwindling, though she tried not to be pessimistic. Just as she had tried to act casual by the Grade 12 locker rooms, perhaps they were acting casual to avoid suspicion too.

    Once again though, Lila couldn¡¯t find an ounce of warmth shared between Jason and his two companions. Zack and Jake seemed to be chatting, with a guffaw here and there, but Jason was far more interested in his phone.

    Eventually, once they reached the steps down towards Tuckshop, Jason put his phone away. For the first time that day, Lila saw Jason say something to Zack and Jake, followed by nods from them both. Unfortunately, Lila and Asher were too far away to actually hear what was said, but from the way Jason, Zack and Jake split off as soon as they stepped off the stairs, Lila thought that it was instructions.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a glance before continuing to follow Zack and Jake, who took a hard right, past the Tuckshop doors, and towards a large group of male students ¨C around six ¨C sitting around several tables pushed together. Jason, on the other hand, continued walking past Tuckshop altogether and in the direction of the Kennedy oval.

    None of these students were the rugby boys that Asher and Lila were now walking past. It seemed that perhaps this was a different collection of sports players. One thing was for certain ¨C this was the makings of a deal. Jason conveniently disappearing seemed to be part of the strategy to keep his involvement limited, exposing only Zack and Jake as those who were part of the ring. Smart.

    ¡°Over there?¡± Asher pointed out an empty table a few metres away ¨C one that had a good line of sight of Zack¡¯s front in particular. Lila nodded and they both sat down in such a way that they could see Zack from their peripheries. Lila checked and confirmed that he hadn¡¯t noticed them. Instead, he seemed to be throwing himself into the set up of another card game.

    ¡°Should we just film the whole thing?¡± Lila asked in a low voice. ¡°It was so fast last time, we hardly caught it with just our eyes.¡±

    ¡°If you think that you could do it in a way that¡¯s not obvious,¡± Asher said quietly. Lila smiled, opening her lunchbox. She zoomed in to Zack, catching sight of his hands and face, before propping her phone next to her Tupperware container.

    ¡°Alright, I haven¡¯t started it just yet,¡± she whispered. ¡°It¡¯s very important that we don¡¯t talk about anything.¡±

    ¡°Yes, boss,¡± Asher said seriously, setting up his phone in the same way, but less zoomed in, taking in more of the table set up, Zack¡¯s hands and even some part of Jake. It seemed that today¡¯s lunch was an assortment of sushi rolls, which was perfect. They¡¯d be able to pick up the rolls without disturbing their cameras much, if at all.

    Lila double checked that everything was good before meeting Asher¡¯s eyes.

    ¡°Ready?¡± she asked.

    ¡°Ready.¡±

    They both activated their videos. Lila was glad that her phone showed that it was filming at the top edge of her screen. That way, she didn¡¯t need to worry about it.

    From what she saw via the zoom on her camera, it looked like they were paying Uno. Lila was tempted to ask if Asher knew any of the boys sitting around with Zack and Jake, but held her tongue. That wasn¡¯t important now ¨C especially as they were focusing on Zack in particular.

    Lila concentrated on her food instead, which was the only way for her to stop feeling too anxious and jumpy. Eating in absolute silence like this was akin to torture once she finished her food, especially because she didn¡¯t have any other means to track the time except by the movements of most of the student body around them.

    Time ticked away slowly ¨C almost as though it was mocking her. She really would rather that it sped up so that they¡¯d see the deal go down.

    She couldn¡¯t even trust herself to look at Asher. It would be impossible, if their eyes met again, to prevent herself from saying something ¨C anything ¨C to him in this state of limbo. So, she was left to her thoughts.

    She guided them to thoughts of her English draft ¨C something suitably boring, at least. If she tried to think of something funny after all, she¡¯d probably let out a laugh which wouldn¡¯t be good.

    Just as her mind began to wander to other things, her peripheral vision caught sight of some odd movements from the table Zack and Jake were sitting at. She remained silent, even halting her breathing, as she observed the boys packing up their game of Uno.

    Once again, while it looked from a swift glance to the untrained eye that Zack and Jake were both helping to collect the cards, she saw that instead neither of them had cards in their hands.

    This time, there were three small glass vials were in Zack¡¯s hands, two of which he passed to the boy to the right of him and one across the table through handshakes. To Zack¡¯s left, a different boy passed along an envelope across Zack and towards Jake¡¯s awaiting hands. Both Zack and Jake rapidly zipped up their bumbags before passing their piles of Uno cards around the table to the waiting hands of other boys.

    Lila and Asher continued to sit with bated breath. It would be best, before making any moves whatsoever, if Zack and Jake disappeared entirely ¨C or perhaps joined up with Jason again. Footage of that would be even better.

    She was glad that Asher appeared to be on the same wavelength as he stayed absolutely still. Lila bent her head towards the table, in an effort to not be recognised by Zack or Jake. She kept surreptitiously glancing at them every now and then from the corner of her eyes until, finally, Zack and Jake stood, stretching.

    ¡°Same time next week?¡± she thought she heard Zack say. Her heart began to race. Was that caught on her camera?

    ¡°Hell yeah. Don¡¯t forget the stuff,¡± a boy she didn¡¯t recognise replied. A separate one nudged him in the ribs, shushing him loudly.

    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Zack replied with a nod. ¡°Can¡¯t play bullshit without a deck of normal cards.¡±

    The two boys who had spoken to Zack seemed to relax their postures entirely as they indicated their agreement through grunts. Had Zack and Jake managed to set up another deal on their own? Jason would probably be pleased.

    Zack and Jake began to shuffle away from the group towards the Kennedy oval. Was that where they debriefed with Jason? Or were they simply trying to meet up with him on his way back to their locker room?

    Lila locked eyes with Asher before looking back down at her phone. They both turned off their recordings and she gave a long, slow exhale of relief, opening her smaller Tupperware container filled with an assortment of decadent cookies.

    ¡°Thank God,¡± she said through a mouthful of triple choc cookie. ¡°Now it¡¯s the next phase.¡±

    ¡°The dangerous one,¡± Asher murmured, selecting a cookie of his own from his lunchbox. ¡°But we need to check our footage. Make sure we got what we needed.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s head somewhere private,¡± Lila said, standing up and zipping her lunchbox closed. ¡°Anywhere will do, I think ¨C but we should keep our backs to a wall or something while we watch what we recorded.¡±

    ¡°Good idea. I reckon we could find a place like that along the way back to the locker room.¡±

    Off they went, with Lila feeling more and more jittery with each passing step. They¡¯d done it. They¡¯d managed to secure a recording of a deal happening. Of course, she hadn¡¯t yet reviewed the footage, but between both herself and Asher, they must¡¯ve caught enough. Surely.

    Finding a suitably private place to sit, particularly with ten minutes left of lunch, was harder than Lila expected. They made it all the way to their locker room, pausing just outside the alleyway. It looked to be empty.

    ¡°Looks like a good spot,¡± Asher said, gesturing that way. They sat down a few metres inside the alleyway, exchanging a somewhat anxious look as they did so.

    ¡°Well¡­ time to look at the videos,¡± Lila murmured, pulling out her phone. Asher took a deep breath before taking his phone out too.

    With quivering fingers, Lila pressed ¡®play¡¯.

    To her immense relief, her video looked to be fine ¨C exactly what she needed. She skipped about fifteen minutes of footage, almost right to the end. Luckily, Zack¡¯s posture had remained in frame. She slowed down the video, not quite looking frame by frame, but almost.

    Zack flashed a smile ¨C one that looked relaxed, as though he was a gracious loser in this round of Uno. He tapped the top of the table three times before his hand disappeared. As Lila had seen in person, he pulled out the three vials, passing it to the two boys through a handshake. Lila was worried for a moment that the boy in front of Zack would block her view, but as he was angled to the left, it in fact gave a much better view of the deal.

    She paused the video, rewinding it by several seconds. She narrowed her eyes, zooming in as best she could on the vials themselves. Of the three that she saw Zack pull out, one exposed the label on the front. Morphine.

    She tapped Asher on his arm, showing her phone screen to him. He chuckled, showing his phone screen to her. He¡¯d paused at around the same moment, too, though the vial label was a bit blurred. She saw a prominent ¡®M¡¯, though. In his video, she additionally saw the top of Zack¡¯s bumbag. She also saw that Jake had his hand outstretched for the envelope coming his way.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ve caught him red handed,¡± Asher sighed, stretching his arms above his head. He wiped his face, looking positively stressed, before meeting Lila¡¯s gaze.

    ¡°I think you should come over for dinner,¡± he said simply.

    ¡°After practice? Won¡¯t it be a bit late?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯ll be fine ¨C food¡¯s usually ready by the time I get home. Besides¡­ we should figure out what we want to say to him. You should also probably take out your physical sim card so you¡¯re not accidentally texting him from your number. You gonna do that on Jacoval or something?¡±

    ¡°Definitey not,¡± Lila conceded. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Mum.¡±

    Lila¡¯s Mum seemed miffed by the late notice, given her short reply, but agreed nonetheless. Asher smiled brightly upon hearing this and moved to text Gabriel, letting him know Lila was coming over.

    ¡°Not much time left,¡± Asher said, reluctantly standing up. He held out a hand for Lila, who accepted the assistance in standing. ¡°We¡¯ve got our LOTEs, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Japanese for me.¡±

    After grabbing their things from their lockers for their remaining classes, they walked together to the Language Block. Asher looked pensive the whole way, most likely thinking about what to say to Zack.

    Lila remained silent as she too considered the next steps. How did people even blackmail other people? He didn¡¯t seem to be the brightest, which probably meant that manipulating information out of him wouldn¡¯t be too absurdly difficult ¨C unless he ran to Jason, or someone who realised that what the anonymous texter would be doing was a crime. Or, worse still, someone suitably qualified to figure out who the anonymous texter really was.

    How much did soccer mean to Zack? Threatening to tell Mr Kovac could work, but it also seemed too specific. Not many people outside of soccer and hockey would know that Mr Kovac coached the Under 18s for soccer, and considering Asher and Lila did both, it would probably be too risky of a move. If Zack even thought about it for a second, he might realise that someone from one of those teams could be the texter.

    So¡­ then straight to the Headmaster? That could work. Even if Zack didn¡¯t care too much for school in comparison to soccer, at least getting in trouble with the Headmaster himself would be a surefire way for him to panic.

    Or¡­ impressing upon Zack the seriousness of what he was doing, by threatening to go to the Police, would be best. Taking it outside of school would certainly be terrifying for anyone. Even her experience with the Police, despite it leading nowhere in terms of arrests or anything similar, was terrifying ¨C and it wasn¡¯t as though she¡¯d done the crime that she was interviewed about.

    But maybe the best plan was just letting Zack guide her towards what his worst fears would be. Perhaps his panic could just be induced by the simply letting him think that the anonymous texter would go to Jason, telling him he messed up.

    ¡°Thinking hard?¡± Asher queried as they slowed to a stop outside Lila¡¯s classroom. She looked into his eyes, which seemed to convey a hint of playfulness.

    ¡°Hardly thinking, more like,¡± Lila joked. He laughed in response.

    ¡°With a face that serious, I doubt it,¡± he smiled. ¡°I¡¯ll see you after class.¡±

    As promised, Asher was waiting outside her classroom once Japanese ended, still looking rather thoughtful.

    ¡°Thinking hard?¡± Lila teased upon reaching him. He glanced at her before shaking his head.

    ¡°Me? Impossible.¡±

    She laughed. ¡°I think I¡¯d actually like to see you stop thinking. You might find some peace with it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s been known to happen,¡± Asher replied lightly, plucking her bookbag from her shoulder. ¡°Let¡¯s get going, before Elise and Grace send out a search party.¡±

    Lila fell into step with Asher, finding comfort in his mere presence on the short walk to Modern History. Although they¡¯d be having dinner at his place tonight, they¡¯d only have a couple of hours at most to spend together afterwards, since they had school tomorrow as well. She hoped they¡¯d be able to squeeze in a bit of quality time, too. Time that they could be together without worrying about anyone, or anything else.

    Once they arrived, he handed her bag over before dashing off to his class with a wave.

    ¡°Not even a wave to us two? What are we, part of the decoration?¡± Elise huffed. Lila glanced at her in surprise. She hadn¡¯t noticed Elise and Grace waiting outside the classroom for her.

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Lila laughed, ¡°why¡¯s the decoration talking to me?¡±

    Elise pouted as Grace giggled, pulling them both towards the classroom. They didn¡¯t have any time to talk throughout class today, which Lila was secretly grateful for. Her mind was running through various ways to present enough to Zack to get him to talk ¨C to implicate Jason, or even Jason¡¯s Mum, if he had any of that information. One wrong move and she could accidentally let it slip to Elise and Grace ¨C either about blackmailing someone, or about the morphine ring as a whole. She didn¡¯t have much brain space left to think of a way out of that mess if she fell into it.

    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

    Finally, class was over. She waited for Elise and Grace to pack up before they exited together, meeting up with Asher and Isaac.

    ¡°The dynamic duo,¡± Elise smirked as they started on their journey to the locker room.

    ¡°You¡¯re usually not waiting outside Modern History, Isaac,¡± Lila observed with a small smile. He was totally here to see Elise again, what with the way his eyes twinkled as he looked at Elise.

    ¡°I¡¯m not, no,¡± Isaac conceded. ¡°But I thought I may as well, since Asher came all this way. We¡¯ve got practice together anyway.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila drawled, exchanging a meaningful look with Asher. She saw Isaac¡¯s cheeks flush, though he didn¡¯t respond.

    The group chatted amongst themselves, mostly about camp next week. It turned out there was a lot to pack that Lila hadn¡¯t considered ¨C things that she would need to buy at some point over the weekend.

    ¡°What you do mean expired mozzie spray won¡¯t work?¡± Isaac complained, his hands behind his head.

    ¡°Isaac, if it¡¯s expired, then it won¡¯t work,¡± Elise replied with a long-suffering sigh.

    ¡°Eh, mozzie spray is mozzie spray,¡± Isaac insisted, waving a hand dismissively.

    ¡°Sure, until it¡¯s expired,¡± Elise retorted.

    ¡°Are mozzies even active during August?¡± Isaac asked.

    ¡°Even if they weren¡¯t, expired mozzie spray still wouldn¡¯t do anything against them!¡± Elise gave an incredulous laugh after this statement, which prompted a frown from Isaac.

    They continued to squabble amongst themselves, both with equally bright, teasing smiles. Lila felt an urge to just push Elise and Isaac into a kiss by force but kept her hands to herself ¨C just.

    Upon reaching the locker room, they said their goodbyes for the day before splitting off to grab their things. Grace and Elise said goodbye to Lila once again as they passed by, and not a moment later Asher and Isaac appeared beside her locker. Their presence was an almost oppressive demand for Lila to hurry up so they could head off to practice.

    She closed her locker and they headed off to Jacoval, with Asher and Isaac talking about the upcoming game on Saturday ¨C against Mulberry Heights. Neither Asher nor Isaac seemed to indicate that there was anything special about Mulberry Heights in particular, though Lila was instantly incredibly aware of the fact that Mulberry Heights was Holly¡¯s school.

    She knew that Asher had asked to sit out Mulberry Heights debates, but it seemed that he was perfectly comfortable playing soccer against them. It made sense, since Holly didn¡¯t do soccer or hockey, so she wouldn¡¯t be watching them. With that in mind, Lila relaxed a little.

    As far as hockey went, Mulberry Heights wasn¡¯t a tough opponent ¨C they were renowned for being a cheer-heavy school. With a shudder, Lila remembered Holly¡¯s suggestion that they compete against each other in cheerleading. After everything that happened, the idea of sharing a friendly rivalry like that made Lila nauseous.

    They had almost reached Jacoval when the conversation between Asher and Isaac died down. Lila observed how content Isaac appeared and thought for a moment about grilling him about Elise.

    ¡°So, you gonna ask her out?¡± Asher asked not even a second later, a smirk upon his face. Isaac stopped in his tracks, looking towards Lila with a panicked expression.

    ¡°Y-You¡¯re talking to Lila, right?¡± Isaac questioned in a strained voice.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re not that stupid,¡± Asher laughed, shaking his head. ¡°Of course I¡¯m talking to you. About Elise.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face turned pink as he vehemently shook his head. ¡°N-Never. If I can help it.¡±

    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± Lila blinked.

    ¡°It means¡­ I¡¯ve gotta get changed,¡± Isaac replied abruptly, sprinting off down the hill and towards the changing rooms, skidding slightly before he jumped onto the concrete.

    Asher sighed, placing a hand on his forehead. ¡°Well, that answers that.¡±

    ¡°It answers absolutely nothing,¡± Lila replied, frowning deeply.

    ¡°Nope, it answers quite a lot. Poor guy¡¯s confidence is still shattered, even though he generally feels better.¡±

    ¡°I mean there¡¯s nothing against Elise asking Isaac out,¡± Lila said pointedly.

    ¡°There¡¯s not, but somehow I think that¡¯d hurt his confidence even more,¡± Asher replied thoughtfully. ¡°Something about the expectations of society where guys should make the first move, and all that.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Asher gave her a sideways glance before sighing once more. ¡°Well, in a way. But I think it¡¯d also hurt him because he¡¯d feel like an idiot for not making the first move.¡±

    Lila paused before giving him a sympathetic smile. ¡°Is that for Isaac, or for you?¡±

    Asher spluttered, before clearing his throat. ¡°I-¡­ both.¡±

    ¡°You mentioned that you had no idea how Isaac was with someone he had a crush on,¡± Lila said lightly. ¡°What makes you sure about this?¡±

    Asher looked over at the changing rooms before back at Lila. ¡°You¡¯re right, I did say that. But¡­ even though I don¡¯t know how he is with people he likes, I do know what he¡¯s like when he loses his confidence. If someone tries to do what he¡¯s not confident in for him, he gets frustrated with himself. I think¡­ he generally thinks of himself as pretty capable. Sturdy, I guess you could say. So, when he¡¯s shaken up like this, he feels pretty helpless. Then, when someone fixes it, he feels even worse about it, which means he has to overcompensate. Kinda like how he¡¯s been obsessed with paying me back for getting him out of debt, even though I¡¯ve told him a billion times that he can take his time with it and it¡¯s fine. Not sure how he¡¯d go with overcompensating Elise for asking him out first, but either way he¡¯d be hung up on it for a very long time.¡±

    ¡°You know, that makes sense but¡­ damn, it¡¯s silly.¡±

    ¡°Silly¡¯s one word for it. But¡­ well, while I feel a bit stupid for not trying, I¡¯m glad you made the first move. It made me insecure for a little bit, especially after seeing how upset you looked when I turned you down, but¡­ it also made me realise that you actually do like me. I think I would¡¯ve felt unsure forever if I¡¯d made the first move. Sometimes, I feel like maybe¡­ I dunno, sometimes I get a bit unsure, but then I remember-¡±

    He cut himself off with another clearing of his throat. ¡°Sorry, I should get going too,¡± he said, starting to head down to the changing rooms.

    ¡°Asher, wait,¡± Lila called, following behind him. He was evidently trying to escape as quickly as he could without running, but she caught up to him, gripping the sleeve of his blazer to get him to stop walking. He turned to look at her, his expression strangely anxious.

    ¡°Asher, please. I just¡­ I want you to know that sometimes I feel the same. Like it¡¯s¡­ been this dream, that I might wake up and realise I made it all up in my head. But¡­ please, don¡¯t doubt me. I¡­ I told you that before, months ago in a different context, but it still holds true,¡± she murmured. She couldn¡¯t lift her eyes from the grass beneath their feet, suddenly unsure about why she felt quite so vulnerable talking about this.

    ¡°Then¡­ please don¡¯t doubt me, either,¡± Asher replied quietly. He gently brought a finger under her chin, tilting it up so that all she could do was look into his eyes. ¡°I-¡±

    ¡°Mate, you gotta get changed. Mr Kovac¡¯s gonna throw a fit,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice, which sounded strangely gruff, startled Lila. She looked around Asher¡¯s shoulders and saw that Isaac was already dressed in his soccer uniform, his expression slightly worried. ¡°Like, seriously,¡± he added, his voice back to normal.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher said, his shoulders slumping. ¡°Here¡¯s your stuff. Uh, I¡¯ll see you after practice, Lila.¡±

    She watched him go for a second before Isaac spoke.

    ¡°Sorry. It looked like a really¡­ uh tender moment, I guess. But Mr Kovac¡¯s been really strict on him since you guys started dating. I didn¡¯t want him to get in more trouble than he has to,¡± he said apologetically. ¡°See you later.¡±

    He jogged over to his side of the oval, joining the warmups that his teammates had started to do. Had Lila been causing Asher trouble at soccer? He hadn¡¯t said anything to her, and she hadn¡¯t realised. But, if Ms Wright had noticed and been telling her off for how she was with Asher, then it made sense for Mr Kovac to do the same.

    She cursed her denseness as she hurried to get changed, emerging not too long after. All of her teammates were in the process of warming up as well ¨C Alice included. Lila sighed, still wanting to avoid Alice if she could. So, she picked a spot next to Charlotte, who gave her a polite smile. Despite having done hockey together for a couple years, and being in the same year level, she had never been close with Charlotte ¨C but she was a far more comfortable option at the moment.

    After a few minutes, Ms Wright directed her team into some drills before a practice game as part of today¡¯s agenda. Realistically, Lila probably should have been practicing with Charlotte more often than she had been. In terms of the team¡¯s setup, she passed far more to Charlotte than anyone else.

    Alice didn¡¯t approach Lila during practice, which ended just as they usually did ¨C with a pep talk and reminder for their home game against Mulberry Heights on Saturday morning.

    Lila had thought that she had gotten away scot-free as she trudged back to the changing room when Alice called out to her. She closed her eyes, wondering if she could pretend she hadn¡¯t heard Alice when Alice called out again.

    Lila reluctantly turned around, unable to completely erase the displeasure from her expression.

    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked coldly. Alice seemed taken aback by this and exchanged a look with Willow, who hastily carried on to the changing rooms.

    ¡°Lila, I wanted to say that I¡¯m sorry,¡± Alice said, gripping her hockey stick tightly in her hands. ¡°Really sorry. For last week. It was uncalled for.¡±

    ¡°It was.¡±

    Alice continued to stand there, squirming slightly. Clearly, she hadn¡¯t anticipated for Lila to respond so noncommittally. Truthfully, Lila hadn¡¯t either, but this was the route she was apparently embarking on.

    ¡°Um¡­ t-that¡¯s all I wanted to say. Sorry,¡± Alice¡¯s voice was rather small, though she looked into Lila¡¯s eyes as she said this. Lila exhaled deeply.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to say it¡¯s okay, because it¡¯s not. Not only was it uncalled for, but you embarrassed me in front of all of our teammates and Ms Wright. I think even some of the St Peters girls noticed. But¡­ thank you for apologising.¡±

    Alice¡¯s face flushed, though her expression was one of relief. Lila glanced over at the soccer boys before looking back at Alice.

    ¡°You better go, before Asher gets here,¡± Lila said, gesturing to the changing room. ¡°He¡¯s¡­ protective, I guess.¡± Lila stopped, considering this for a touch longer. She hadn¡¯t ever articulated that before, but he definitely was ¨C even before they started dating. To know that he felt she was worth protecting made her heart flutter for a second.

    ¡°Uh, I could tell. He¡¯s¡­ been glaring at me all practice. And even now,¡± Alice replied awkwardly. ¡°See you on Saturday.¡±

    Alice jogged off to the changing room. Lila sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. She wasn¡¯t quite sure whether the apology benefitted her or Alice more, but ultimately she had received an apology. Lila could live with that since they didn¡¯t see each other much outside of hockey practice. They¡¯d probably go back to normal on Saturday, then for the rest of the season.

    She started to head over to the changing room herself when she saw Asher speedily making his way to her. Practice was clearly over for him, too. She smiled as he reached her.

    ¡°What¡¯d she want?¡± Asher immediately asked, his voice grim.

    ¡°She apologised,¡± Lila replied gently. ¡°No need to worry.¡±

    Asher looked unhappy before sighing. ¡°Alright. Well, I guess that¡¯s all you can ask for. Not like she can go back in time.¡±

    ¡°I know. I did thank her, but I made sure to let her know that it wasn¡¯t okay.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    They strolled towards the changing rooms before splitting off to grab their things, meeting up again in the hallway.

    ¡°George will be here,¡± Asher said as they trekked up the hill to the carpark. ¡°Dinner should be ready, more or less, when we get to mine. After that¡­ we can talk.¡±

    The car rode back to Asher¡¯s was, as usual, rather silent on Lila¡¯s end. She had greeted George, who pleasantly greeted her as well before he engaged in minor small talk with Asher. It was quite the contrast to Gabriel¡¯s bustling energy, which immediately hit Lila in the face in the form of his exuberant singing before she could fully take her shoes off.

    ¡°Lila!¡± Gabriel called from the kitchen as she and Asher shuffled towards it, both with identical grins.

    ¡°Gabriel!¡± Lila replied, her smile broadening.

    ¡°I hope you¡¯re hungry,¡± he said joyfully. ¡°It¡¯s already been plated up in the dining room. You can leave your bags just here.¡±

    Marlene didn¡¯t join them for dinner, which was a flavourful tomato-based lamb curry that warmed Lila right to her toes. Marlene¡¯s absence reminded Lila that she hadn¡¯t checked how Marlene was since Sunday.

    ¡°She¡¯s much better,¡± Gabriel confirmed after she asked before blowing on his spoonful of curry. ¡°Doing like work at the moment, starting a bit later and finishing a bit earlier. Mainly to avoid everyone else, I think. It was a nasty cough.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± Lila replied sympathetically, spooning some more curry into her mouth. She swallowed before adding, ¡°Unlike this. This is delicious.¡±

    Gabriel seemed quite chuffed by this. ¡°Thank you, my dear. New recipe. Not quite a Rogan Josh, but I did take some inspiration from it.¡±

    ¡°Well, you can do this again,¡± Lila said warmly, dipping her slice of sourdough bread into the curry.

    ¡°For you, Lila, of course I will.¡±

    Once dinner was over, Lila and Asher headed upstairs. Her body felt weary, but in the privacy of Asher¡¯s rumpus room, her mind started to whirr.

    ¡°Did you want to have a shower?¡± Asher asked as he gently closed the door.

    ¡°Are you trying to say that I stink?¡± Lila asked, sniffing her shirt. She hadn¡¯t prepared anything for a shower at Asher¡¯s, and it was getting late. She doubted her Mum would let her stay over on a school night at such short notice, and time was getting away from them.

    ¡°Sorry, it did sound like that, didn¡¯t it?¡± Asher replied sheepishly. ¡°I just thought you might be more comfortable if you did. It doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±

    ¡°So I do stink,¡± Lila despaired, suddenly feeling embarrassed. Was there deodorant in her bag?

    ¡°No, no, no,¡± Asher sounded panicked now, crossing over to her in an instant. He wrapped his arms around her and she tried to struggle against him. Then, he took a large, dramatic sniff of the top of her head, causing her to pause in confusion.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    He took another sniff and a giggle escaped her lips, her bemusement turning into amusement.

    ¡°You smell great. Just like my Lila,¡± he said softly, a faint smile curling his lips. ¡®My Lila¡¯? This lingered in her mind as she felt her heart begin to race. She was his ¨C but to hear him say it without hesitation, with his hands holding her body; that was something she wished he¡¯d say again and again.

    Their eyes met for a second before he sniffed once more ¨C this time down the side of her neck. The sensation startled her, breaking the thoughts about what he¡¯d said. It was similar to when he kissed her neck in her room, but tantalisingly weak in comparison.

    As though he had read her mind, he grazed his lips against her neck, his hands moving to her waist. She trembled against his touch, giving out small, involuntary whimpers with each jolt of pleasure his kisses gave her.

    He unbuttoned the top button of her sports polo, his lips trailing further down to her clavicle. If it was even possible, the potency of his touch felt even more intense and, as if by reaction, her hands snaked their way underneath his sports polo, brushing against his torso.

    If she had any more of this, Lila thought she¡¯d collapse. She couldn¡¯t find the strength to tell him though as he carried on, goosebumps following the path his kisses carved against her skin. Truthfully, she wanted to collapse, even just a little. She bit her lower lip, aching to feel his lips against hers ¨C or to provide him the same amount of pleasure. Would¡­ touching him there achieve that?

    Then, as she started to lower her hands, pulling at the waistband of his pants, he broke away, his breathing heavy. It was now that she noticed that her own chest was heaving.

    ¡°W-We¡¯ve got things to do,¡± he said breathlessly, avoiding eye contact with her. ¡°Sorry. I don¡¯t want to get carried away. Um. Time¡¯s ticking. Do you have Zack¡¯s number?¡±

    Lila swallowed back her crushing disappointment at this moment of intimacy that she¡¯d sorely craved being cut short.

    ¡°No,¡± she replied, pulling her phone out of her pants pocket. ¡°I¡¯ll ask Daniel.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll just grab the sim ejector thing. I¡¯ve got one in my room. You can sit down on the couch.¡±

    He disappeared into his room and she dejectedly flopped onto the couch, opening up her Messenger app. That way, she wouldn¡¯t accidentally text Daniel from her second number.

    Y do u want his number? Daniel replied almost instantly to her question.

    Asher needs it to organise something for soccer, Lila responded back. She was kinda proud of her quick thinking on that one.

    And he doesn¡¯t already have it?

    Nope. Apparently not.

    Not even FB?

    Asher hardly uses it. I wasn¡¯t even friends with him on FB until this year

    There was a pause in their conversation, though she could see the typing animation that indicated Daniel was writing something appear and disappear.

    Alright. Here. Also, y aren¡¯t u home?

    Thanks

    Lila elected not to respond to Daniel¡¯s question. He¡¯d probably figure out where she was in a millisec-

    Ew. Don¡¯t make me an Uncle

    Lila rolled her eyes, though clearly Daniel wouldn¡¯t be able to see that. Of course he had the same line as Clare.

    Wasn¡¯t planning on it, Lila replied. She heard the sound of Asher¡¯s bedroom door opening again and she looked up. The sim ejector tool in his hands looked incredibly delicate, and he passed it over to her as he sat next to her.

    She carefully inserted it into her phone, releasing the sim card tray after a couple of seconds. She shared an apprehensive look with Asher as she extracted it entirely and placed it, plus the tool, onto the coffee table.

    ¡°I got his number from Daniel,¡± Lila said after another pause.

    ¡°Good. Maybe you should restart your phone, and send me another test text,¡± Asher suggested quietly, absently fiddling with his hands.

    She did so, the silence between them perfectly highlighting how nervous they both were.

    Lila let out a sigh of relief when Asher¡¯s phone buzzed. So, everything worked.

    ¡°Alright, well¡­ now what?¡± Lila asked quietly, her heart thumping for entirely different reasons than several minutes ago.

    ¡°Well¡­ I guess we figure out what we want to say.¡±

    ¡°Did you have any ideas?¡±

    ¡°I mean, I thought about sending him a message with a screenshot of just his face and asking if it was him.¡±

    ¡°His name¡¯s Zack Anderson, right?¡± Lila asked as she opened up the video she¡¯d taken. She found a clear view of his face and screenshot it, cropping it so it was just his neck-up.

    ¡°Pretty sure, why?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila pursed her lips thoughtfully. ¡°If we unnerve him in the beginning, he¡¯ll want to engage, I think. Otherwise, he might think some girl is texting him or something.¡±

    ¡°I mean, he wouldn¡¯t be wrong,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°What were you thinking of saying?¡±

    ¡°Something like ¡®Zack Anderson, is this you?¡¯ and send the picture. See what he comes back with.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯d probably just say ¡®Yeah¡¯. Then what?¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ maybe we send a photo of the morphine in his hands ¨C but not of his face in it or anything. Not just yet. The threat of us having more may be enough.¡±

    Asher fell silent for a moment until he brought his head to his hands.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯ll be honest. This makes me feel sick to my stomach. Especially now that we¡¯re right here, planning it, and about to actually do it,¡± he murmured. ¡°I¡¯m not supposed to be doing this. If my parents found out I was blackmailing someone¡­ I¡¯m starting to think I¡¯m not built for this.¡±

    Lila lightly brought a hand to one of his, caressing it in an attempt to comfort him.

    ¡°Asher¡­ it-¡°

    ¡°I looked it up, Lila. Up to ten years in prison if we get caught for this.¡±

    Her heart stopped for a beat. She hadn¡¯t known that. Sure, she knew all along that it was a crime, but the idea of going to jail for ten years was hardly enticing. At the same time though, there was far too much to lose for far too many people. Resolving this involved both of their families - Daniel, her Dad and then Asher¡¯s Dad, not to mention victims of addiction to morphine laid not just in Jason¡¯s wake, but also his Mum¡¯s wake. If they didn¡¯t get this information to her Dad, who knew what kind of devastation laid ahead?

    Sure, they could wait and see if her Dad solved it without their lead on the ring at Forestglade College¡­ but how long would it take?

    And, thinking back to the file of documents that they¡¯d found in the old farmhouse ¨C they¡¯d hardly talked about the reason for why they were there. To Lila, it seemed like a sign that someone wanted them to solve it. Or maybe anyone who stumbled across the farmhouse. Perhaps Asher¡¯s Dad had set it there?

    Plus, even if they tipped off her Dad about the morphine ring at school ¨C they had absolutely nothing, besides this video, even though they¡¯d seen a drop happen in front of their own eyes. At most, all her Dad could take away from it was speculative rumours and hearsay. He might even think that the video could¡¯ve been staged, or a depiction of a stage play.

    Asher lowered his hands, inhaling deeply before sighing and falling backwards into the couch. They were quiet, with Lila figuring out how to put her thoughts into words without just throwing them all out at once, until Asher spoke.

    ¡°As much as I say that, and as much as I¡¯m terrified¡­ we can¡¯t just sit on this information. We can¡¯t just wait for more people to get hurt. I said before that people can die from it. And then we¡¯ve got people who might be desperate to buy more and end up committing crimes themselves to get that money¡­ or just drown, like Isaac did. Not everyone has someone that can help them out of a bind like that, too.¡± He finished expressing his thoughts with a grimace, as if to steel himself against his better judgement to not commit more crimes. He met her gaze, his eyes resolute. ¡°Someone¡¯s got to do it.¡±

    Lila nodded. ¡°Someone¡¯s got to. Why can¡¯t it be us?¡±

    He gave a humourless chuckle. ¡°¡¯Cause I¡¯m a giant wuss. And¡­ in a way, we¡¯re putting our futures on the line here.¡±

    ¡°Not that I want to sound noble, but¡­ it¡¯s worth it, right?¡±

    His eyes were steady, as though carefully surveying her. ¡°It is.¡±

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s get to it. We won¡¯t really know how it will go until he responds.¡±

    ¡°I still feel nervous about winging blackmail.¡±

    ¡°Preparing too much could go just as badly, right? He might not take us seriously if we don''t respond to him properly.¡±

    Asher sighed again, turning his eyes to the ceiling. ¡°Alright. Send the picture of his face.¡±

    She placed her phone in her lap before shaking her hands out, trying to rid herself of the jitters that were making them tremble. She picked up her phone again, opening a new message to Zack.

    Zack Anderson, is this you? She sent, sans photo.

    ¡°I think we¡¯ll see if he responds first,¡± Lila justified, glancing at Asher. He nodded, his eyes glued to her screen. They sat like this for several minutes, in complete silence, before Asher¡¯s prediction came true.

    Yeah, was the reply. Who is this

    Lila shared another nervous look with Asher.

    ¡°Just send the photo,¡± he whispered. She did so.

    Seriously who is this

    Does it matter? Lila sent. Then, with an apprehensive look, she selected the screenshot she¡¯d taken of the morphine in Zack¡¯s hands.

    That¡¯s not me, Zack replied.

    I know about Jason¡¯s operation.

    What about it

    Lila paused. ¡°He¡¯s admitted it,¡± she said softly, trying not to get too excited. ¡°He¡¯s actually admitted it.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but that¡¯s hardly anything to go off,¡± Asher replied sagely. ¡°Let¡¯s see what else we can get.¡±

    Little birdie told me he¡¯s planning to throw you under the bus, Lila sent after an approving nod from Asher.

    Rly? I don¡¯t take the bus

    ¡°Is he serious?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow as she glanced at Asher.

    ¡°I¡¯d say he¡¯s a big jokester if he was,¡± Asher responded, seeming deeply troubled by this. ¡°I think he¡¯s dumber than I thought.¡±

    Do u know which bus? I should avoid it. Is it the one outside my house???

    ¡°That¡­ sounds like he¡¯s not joking,¡± Lila sighed.

    Also what bird? Magpie?

    ¡°Oh Jesus,¡± Asher laughed, pressing his hands over his eyes. ¡°I can¡¯t deal with this.¡±

    ¡°Stop laughing,¡± Lila implored, the telltale twitch of her mouth betraying her own desire to laugh.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, you¡¯re right,¡± Asher sighed, wiping at his eyes. ¡°Surely he¡¯s taking the piss, right?¡±

    Hello? U there? I¡¯m scared

    ¡°Doubtful,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°Alright, well¡­ where¡¯s this bus that he should be careful of being thrown under? The Police? The school? Soccer?¡±

    ¡°Hit him hard with the Police, I reckon. Even if you¡¯re a dumbass, you know the Police is serious business. He might get confused about why Mr Kovac knowing would be bad, and I don¡¯t want to explain that he¡¯d get kicked off the team at the very least ¨C let alone expelled,¡± Asher recommended with a nod.

    Jason¡¯s going to talk to the Police about what you¡¯ve been doing. He¡¯s got all the proof they need

    He wouldn¡¯t

    Lila tapped the side of her phone absently. Asher plucked the phone from her hands and began to type.

    How do you think we have this video? He sent it to me to give to the Police.

    Why would he send it to you?

    Because I¡¯m part of the CIA

    Lila held her breath as Asher hit ¡®send¡¯. ¡°Asher, what-¡±

    The CIA? Oh shit

    ¡°Asher, we don¡¯t have a CIA in Australia-¡±

    ¡°We know that. But I also happen to know that he loves the Rock and any movie he¡¯s involved in. He¡¯s in at least one CIA one. He¡¯d listen to the Rock,¡± Asher¡¯s eyes glittered as he looked back at Lila¡¯s phone.

    Mr Rock I¡¯m so sorry

    ¡°Does¡­ he think those movies are real?¡± Lila was starting to get very concerned about Zack¡¯s mental capabilities.

    ¡°Beats the shit outta me, but I think we¡¯ve got him,¡± Asher replied eagerly, straightening up.

    I¡¯m reaching out to give you a chance to save yourself. From what I can see, his hands are clean ¨C but yours¡­ yours are holding morphine, Asher sent with a flourish.

    ¡°Ooh, good one,¡± Lila said approvingly.

    What do I have to do, Mr Rock. I can¡¯t go to jail. My soccer career will be over

    ¡°I don¡¯t have the heart to tell him that he¡¯s not good enough for a soccer career,¡± Asher said softly. He handed the phone back to Lila and she pursed her lips. Now was the time to make their demand.

    You have a decision to make. Give me evidence on Jason, and I¡¯ll see what me and my CIA buddies can do about your involvement.

    Evidence?

    Anything you¡¯ve got about him organising deals, or telling you where to go.

    I don¡¯t know if I want to¡­ he¡¯s my buddy

    Your buddy who¡¯s going to throw you under the bus

    There was a lull in the conversation. Lila started to get worried ¨C what if he went to Justin?

    I need to think about it.

    ¡°What¡¯s a reasonable deadline?¡± Lila queried, looking up at Asher.

    ¡°If you want to tell your Dad about everything this weekend before camp, I think¡­ we¡¯d really need it all on Thursday night, so we can process it on Friday or Saturday,¡± Asher replied after a beat.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Lila replied with a smile. ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±

    You have until Thursday night.

    Thank you, Mr Rock.

    Lila sighed, throwing her phone beside her. Asher was right. It wasn¡¯t a good feeling. Especially considering how na?ve Zack seemed ¨C unless, of course, he really was a mastermind. She¡¯d almost prefer if he was. Preying on someone who was like this¡­ felt villainous.

    ¡°It¡¯s almost time for you to go,¡± Asher said quietly after a little bit of silence. Lila reluctantly began reassembling her phone, waiting for her sim card to settle in. She turned off her eSim before texting her Mum to pick her up.

    She wanted to ask Asher about how he¡¯d kissed her neck just before, but it seemed like a bad idea. He¡¯d probably end up saying something about how he still wanted to grow their relationship.

    It was a shame, really, how good he could make her feel. It just made waiting all that more difficult.

    ¡°So, I guess we wait,¡± Asher murmured after putting on a random YouTube video.

    ¡°W-Wait?¡±

    ¡°Well, for his response. I hope you know that I¡¯m not going to let you read through all that stuff during our date, if it comes through then,¡± Asher said seriously.

    ¡°You think we¡¯re going on our date?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher grinned at her. ¡°I trust that you¡¯ll pull through.¡±

    Lila tried not to feel too pleased by his vote of confidence. Her assignment was getting there. If she knuckled down tomorrow, while they were waiting, then she¡¯d even be able to hand it in early.

    He smiled at her again, this time with a fond tenderness. He reached out at touched her hand before kissing it gently. ¡°By that look, you seem like you¡¯ll be able to hand in your draft on time.¡±

    ¡°I will. I hope you¡¯ve got a good plan in mind for our date.¡±

    He chuckled, squeezing her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll think on it.¡±

    She shuffled closer to him on the couch, leaning against his shoulder while they watched the video in contented silence. It wasn¡¯t long until her Mum beeped her car horn outside, and they both dejectedly made their way downstairs.

    At least their parting wouldn¡¯t be for long.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Two

    Lila hadn¡¯t been able to sleep very well that night. She had been worried by the idea that Zack would run straight to Jason, and wondering whether he would take the bait and give them what they needed.

    She had some small comfort, though, when her eyes landed on an equally tired looking Asher that Wednesday morning as he paced outside of English.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± Lila yawned, stretching her arms. He turned to face her, a smile on his face.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± he replied, striding forwards and collecting her into his arms. ¡°You don¡¯t look like you slept much.¡±

    ¡°Neither do you,¡± she said quietly, nestling herself in his chest. His heartbeat sounded strong and stable, casting a wave of solace over her.

    ¡°Hard to,¡± he responded candidly. ¡°Mind¡¯s been working in overdrive.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s relatable.¡±

    He looked down at her, pressing his lips to the top of her head before stepping away.

    ¡°You promised me that you¡¯d get your draft done,¡± he said lightly, gesturing towards the classroom door. They began to walk that way as Asher continued, ¡°So I¡¯ve been thinking about what to do tomorrow night for our date.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t think too hard about it,¡± Lila laughed as they made their way to their seats. ¡°Spontaneity can be good.¡±

    ¡°Or dangerous,¡± Asher murmured. She glanced at him, seeing that the colour of his cheeks were a light pink, before remembering with a sudden jolt how he¡¯d kissed her neck yesterday. Her hand leapt to the side of her neck as she cleared her throat, readjusting herself in her seat with terribly suppressed nervousness. That had been something else that kept her up last night.

    ¡°I-It can be,¡± she conceded in a whisper as Ms Shard sailed in to the room with a loosely knitted, brightly coloured beanie on her head. As Ms Shard started to write the agenda for today on the whiteboard ¨C which was, unsurprisingly, to work on their drafts ¨C Lila found her eyes drawn to the pink pompom bobbing away at the top of her head. It was rather mesmerising, and she was disappointed when Ms Shard wrenched it off with an air of embarrassment after she appeared to realise that she had the class¡¯s full attention for reasons other than being the teacher.

    Asher seemed equally amused as she did as he opened up his laptop with a smirk. Lila did the same, her eyes pointedly fixed onto her screen as it booted up. If their eyes met, she wasn¡¯t sure she could stifle her laugh.

    With the assurance that Asher had been thinking about their date, Lila opened up her draft with a newfound eagerness. She rapidly typed away, falling entirely into her focus. She almost missed it when Ms Shard dismissed them for their next class, and hurriedly turned her laptop off. She was now far more confident that she¡¯d be able to hand in her draft on time ¨C perhaps even this afternoon, during Study.

    Asher patiently waited for her to pack everything away before taking her things from her with a smile.

    ¡°You know, I really like it when you look focused too. I ended up not being able to concentrate,¡± he commented as they exited the classroom and started heading towards the STEM area. The unexpectedness of what he¡¯d said made her stumble slightly and he steadied her with his hand with a breathy chuckle. She felt the embarrassment rising on her face as she took a moment.

    It seemed like he wasn¡¯t going to otherwise comment on her stumbling, so she instead settled for taking his hand, her heart beating faster than she could think of a response. He squeezed her hand, a small smile on his face.

    ¡°You had quite a few words down, though,¡± he said seriously. ¡°Is there anything you wanna do on Thursday?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine with anything. But¡­ there is a ramen place at the shops that I¡¯ve always wanted to try.¡±

    ¡°Ramen?¡± Asher looked surprised by the idea. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve had that.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°I mean, not at a store. Gabriel¡¯s made it before, but he was never happy with it.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Something about the broth, or it not being authentic enough. It¡¯ll be interesting to try it from an actual restaurant.¡±

    ¡°Glad I suggested it,¡± Lila smiled.

    The rest of the journey to Lila¡¯s Biology lab was filled with light-hearted conversation, laughter and careful avoidance of the topic of what they did yesterday. The back of her mind still worried about what Zack would decide to do, but with the amount of ears around, she couldn¡¯t let them out.

    ¡°See you after class,¡± Asher said quietly as he returned her belongings. ¡°I was thinking of having morning tea in the library.¡±

    Lila took a moment to respond, her eyes resting on his, before flickering to the bags that sat under them. ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    She watched him go before turning and heading inside the Biology lab. She figured that his suggestion to avoid Tuckshop was both so they could talk about the next steps, and because Zack might be feeling paranoid. If he was paranoid, he¡¯d likely be on the lookout for people hanging around him, close enough for pictures and videos of a deal to be taken.

    Of course, if he was still entirely convinced that Dwayne the Rock Johnson was the one that had taken the pictures and approached him, then he might not be on the lookout for students. She wished that she knew a little bit more about Zack before all of this, if just to predict what he¡¯d be thinking.

    Cecelia and Lucas greeted her as they sat at their usual shared table and she gave them a lacklustre smile in return.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Cecelia asked as she opened her laptop.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied, trying to appear as casual as possible.

    ¡°Boyfriend troubles?¡± Cecelia queried, concern behind her blue-grey eyes.

    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± Lila shook her head firmly. ¡°He¡¯s been the only thing keeping me sane.¡±

    Cecelia exchanged a look with Lucas, both of whom seemed rather pleased by this statement.

    ¡°What, then?¡± Cecelia pressed as Mr Johnson wrote today¡¯s agenda on the whiteboard ¨C an almost identical one to Ms Shard¡¯s. It was that time of the term, Lila supposed.

    ¡°Just¡­ schoolwork,¡± Lila dropped her voice to a whisper as Mr Johnson surveyed the three of them suspiciously.

    ¡°Ugh, what, is he making you do schoolwork too?¡± Cecelia didn¡¯t appear to get Lila¡¯s hint as she wrinkled her nose in displeasure.

    ¡°I¡¯m not making you do schoolwork for the fun of it,¡± Lucas frowned, pushing his glasses up his nose.

    ¡°I never accused you of that,¡± Cecelia said shortly, mirroring his frown with her own. ¡°Schoolwork¡¯s never fun.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not-¡±

    ¡°Are you three finished with your assignment already?¡± Mr Johnson¡¯s question was obviously rhetorical, the answer to that question clearly in his mind with the way his lip curled.

    ¡°Sorry, sir,¡± Lila responded quickly, opening her laptop lid. He simply nodded, before wandering off to another chatting table.

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Cecelia murmured, flipping her low ponytail over her shoulder with a flourish, ¡°if it¡¯s not that either, then what?¡±

    ¡°Cee, leave her alone,¡± Lucas said disapprovingly. ¡°You¡¯re being nosy.¡±

    Cecelia¡¯s eyes turned pleading as she pouted at him. ¡°Am not.¡±

    ¡°Are too. Come on, before Mr Johnson tells us off again. This is due soon,¡± Lucas replied briskly, the faintest trace of a blush on his cheeks. From Lila¡¯s perspective, Cecelia definitely had some wiggle room to circumvent Lucas¡¯ impositions. But, despite Cecelia¡¯s sulky expression, she heeded Lucas¡¯ words and began to type away on her laptop.

    Lila kept her impending sigh inside as she too began to look through her Biology assignment. If she hadn¡¯t been worrying about something quite so serious, she might¡¯ve told them what was on her mind. But she needed to hold her tongue. Even if she thought they were trustworthy, there was no telling how tight-lipped they would be about either the fact that there was a morphine ring at school, run by the Head Boy of all people, or that Lila and Asher were trying to extort information from Zack about it all.

    She wasn¡¯t exactly sure what the outcome of her Dad¡¯s investigation would be, once they connected the dots for him about this particular offshoot, but expulsion was definitely on the cards for some of the key players. Would Forestglade College look kindly upon Jason, given his status as Head Boy, or would he be expelled regardless of his role?

    It would be a scandal, in any case. They¡¯d just expelled Piper, who ended up being brutally murdered, and potentially the leaders of Grade 12 would be thrown out, too. Surely the reputation of their school would fall. Would it affect Asher, once he graduated?

    Lila blinked rapidly, trying to redirect her focus back onto her Biology assignment. She hadn¡¯t considered what kind of future Asher might have if they went down this path of tearing down their school¡¯s reputation. He had stellar grades ¨C but they¡¯d been told over and over again, since becoming old enough to have a part-time job, that their school carried a certain amount of prestige that would propel them forwards. It was one of the reasons why Lila and her siblings had been enrolled, after all. Of all the private schools in the area, it was highly regarded.

    Then, of course, there wasn¡¯t just Asher who might get pulled down by his affiliation with Forestglade College. Everyone sitting in this room, Mr Johnson included, would be tarnished. What prospects would Elise, who was working so hard to pay her tuition and get good grades to get into Uni, have after this?

    Lila shivered, pulling the cuffs of her jumper to cover as much of her hands as she could without reducing them to nubbins for typing.

    ¡®Stop thinking about that. This goes beyond the school¡¯s reputation. It¡¯ll be forgotten by the time you graduate,¡¯ she sternly told herself, pulling her laptop closer. Besides, the school¡¯s reputation would fall even more if students started overdosing on morphine supplied by the Head Boy ¨C that was for certain.

    With extreme difficulty, Lila found her focus once more and carried on with her Biology assignment in silence. Cecelia and Lucas would occasionally whisper amongst themselves, but Lila didn¡¯t want to join in. It sounded more like Cecelia was attempting to bargain in a variety of ways to stop working on her assignment, which Lucas denied each time.

    ¡®Poor guy,¡¯ Lila thought wryly as Mr Johnson announced they could start packing up. From the look on Lucas¡¯ exasperated face, Cecelia definitely did his head in with her steadfast avoidance of schoolwork. But Lila could also see just how smitten he was as Cecelia bounded towards the door, trying to hurry Lucas along for the Tuckshop she apparently owed him.

    ¡°Bye, Lila!¡± Cecelia called with an energetic wave before grabbing Lucas¡¯ hand and pulling him in the direction of Tuckshop, the beam on his face brighter than the midmorning sunlight filtering through the lab windows.

    Lila hoisted her bookbag over her shoulder before spotting Asher waiting for her just outside the door. Despite the chill in the air, seeing him diligently waiting for her, as he always did now, made the chill abate. Or, perhaps it was the heat emanating from her face that made it feel that way.

    ¡°You seem rather happy,¡± Asher commented as Lila reached him. She met his gaze and smiled.

    ¡°Sometimes, watching other couples be free together makes me wonder what other people think of us,¡± she said lightly, wrapping her arm around his. He seemed surprised as he took her things from her.

    ¡°What brought that on?¡±

    ¡°Just seeing Cecelia and Lucas be together,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°They¡¯re pretty opposite in some aspects, but they seem to enjoy each other¡¯s company regardless. For one thing, she¡¯s really not into schoolwork, but he¡¯s concerned about her enough that he encourages her to get on with it, much to her chagrin. It¡¯s been that way since before they started dating, but she¡¯d still rather loaf around.¡±

    ¡°Loaf around?¡± Asher blinked down at Lila. ¡°Lila, she¡¯s dyslexic. Of course she doesn¡¯t like doing assignments.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to blink at Asher. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Asher nodded, guiding her towards the locker room. ¡°Not to say that she can¡¯t simply ¡®loaf¡¯ with her condition, but her reluctance to do schoolwork is more because reading¡¯s really hard for her.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? I never knew that. Wait. How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s in my PC class. When we did all our core subjects together in Middle School, she¡¯d always have special adjustments for exams for it.¡±

    ¡°She always says that she¡¯s good at exams,¡± Lila replied thoughtfully.

    ¡°Yeah, well she- have you not noticed that she doesn¡¯t take exams with you? For Bio?¡±

    Lila paused, considering this carefully. She hadn¡¯t, actually. When she took exams, she preferred to take one of the desks right up at the front so she would have as little distraction as possible, so she hardly noticed who took exams with her ¨C for Bio, or other subjects.

    ¡°I¡­ hadn¡¯t, actually.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s surprising,¡± Asher chuckled. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought it would be one of those mysteries that drove you wild.¡±

    Lila flushed. ¡°Well, thank you for both introducing it to me and solving it in a manner of seconds. No need to be wild about it.¡±

    Asher laughed. ¡°You¡¯re welcome.¡±

    ¡°Still, though, she¡¯s never seemed dyslexic to me,¡± Lila added, frowning.

    ¡°How are dyslexic people supposed to seem?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Not sure.¡±

    ¡°Then how do you know she doesn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s never mentioned it. And when we do worksheets together¡­ oh. It¡¯s me or Lucas who reads them out. She¡¯s also always the last to finish hers. But she just says she¡¯s unmotivated.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessarily a secret,¡± Asher said carefully, ¡°but I doubt she likes talking about it. She used to be different, back in Primary School. She loved reading the little card things that we read for English, or those chapter books. But as the content started getting harder, she stopped seeming so enthusiastic. I don¡¯t know if shame¡¯s the right word for it, but I think she¡¯d prefer to not talk about it because she doesn¡¯t want sympathy for it.¡±

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    ¡°Huh¡­ she¡¯s messaged me on Insta and I didn¡¯t notice anything, either.¡±

    ¡°Like I said, she loved reading back in Primary School. I don¡¯t know how severe it is, but I¡¯m pretty sure dyslexia operates on a sliding scale. Simple messages might be fine, but dense assignments requiring a lot of research is a battle.¡±

    ¡°I wonder if Lucas knows.¡±

    ¡°He bloody well should,¡± Asher replied sharply. ¡°I¡¯d be disappointed in him if he didn¡¯t.¡±

    Lila was taken aback by Asher¡¯s statement. ¡°Why¡¯d you say it like that?¡±

    ¡°Could he really call himself her boyfriend if he doesn¡¯t know something as basic as that?¡± Asher replied incredulously. ¡°Things like that would be the first thing I¡¯d want to know, so I¡¯d know how to support my girlfriend. Besides, they¡¯ve been friends for years.¡±

    ¡°Oh. Is there something that you want to support me with?¡±

    ¡°Your poetry assignment?¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    Lila felt a bit stupid now as they passed through the locker room door. Asher returned her things before splitting off to his locker, seeming none the wiser to her embarrassment.

    ¡°What¡¯s up with you?¡± Elise asked as she passed Lila despondently stuffing her things into her locker.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Lila replied morosely, taking her morning tea out of her bag. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ not sure how to do that one, with a face like that on you, Lila,¡± Elise said, halting in her tracks altogether. ¡°Is Asher making you do more schoolwork?¡±

    ¡°For the last time, he¡¯s not making me do schoolwork,¡± Lila snapped. Elise took a step back, her eyes wide. Lila closed her locker, exhaling deeply.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± she said softly, resting her back against her locker. ¡°Just¡­ feeling a bit stupid.¡±

    ¡°Ah. About what?¡±

    ¡°About not picking up on things that I really should¡¯ve.¡±

    ¡°Sounds vague and mysterious.¡±

    The corner of Lila¡¯s mouth lifted in amusement. ¡°Something like that.¡±

    Elise seemed satisfied with Lila¡¯s reaction as she began to head to her locker. ¡°Keep your secrets,¡± Elise called loftily.

    ¡®Will do,¡¯ Lila responded internally, looking towards the other end of the row of lockers to see if Asher had finished putting his things away. He rounded the corner with Isaac in tow just as Lila heard Elise rejoin her.

    ¡°Library?¡± Asher asked upon reaching Lila.

    ¡°Yeah. Let¡¯s go. See you guys later,¡± Lila replied, waving at both Elise and Isaac. They returned the wave, and Lila and Asher set off.

    She didn¡¯t want to talk about Cecelia again, since her feeling of embarrassment at having not known that Cecelia was dyslexic and that Asher was actively supporting her with the poetry assignment because she was overtly having trouble with it hadn¡¯t disappeared. So, instead, she spoke about the game against Mulberry Heights on Saturday, since she hadn¡¯t joined in to Asher¡¯s conversation with Isaac about it.

    ¡°Yeah, should be a good game,¡± Asher acknowledged, his eyes seeming uneasy for a split second.

    ¡°How are you feeling about it?¡± Lila asked quietly.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Asher said, though his shoulders tensed up slightly. Lila sighed. This had been a poor conversation topic.

    ¡°You don¡¯t seem fine,¡± Lila replied gently, slipping her hand in to his.

    ¡°It¡¯s just¡­ well, that¡¯s her school. I know she won¡¯t be there at the game, and it¡¯s a home game anyway, but¡­ the name of that school is a reminder of her that I¡¯d rather not have,¡± Asher finally said with a heavy sigh. Lila didn¡¯t need to clarify that ¡®her¡¯ meant Holly.

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve told you before that I¡¯m over her, and everything to do with her. I¡¯d even briefly forgotten I dated her,¡± Asher added softly, squeezing her hand. ¡°It¡¯s not a lie, but I can¡¯t pretend all of that didn¡¯t happen to me when I do get reminded of it.¡±

    ¡°I know. I don¡¯t think you should be expected to pretend, either.¡±

    He glanced at her before sighing once again. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m betraying you, when I catch myself remembering it.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Dead serious.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips, trying to think of what to say in response. It wasn¡¯t a betrayal, but she could see why he¡¯d think that.

    ¡°Asher, what are you actually worried about?¡±

    ¡°Pardon?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I feel like you know that I wouldn¡¯t think it¡¯s a betrayal, simply remembering what Holly did. So, what¡¯s your actual worry?¡±

    He looked incredibly uncomfortable as he opened and closed his mouth several times before shaking his head vigorously.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have one.¡±

    ¡°Asher.¡± Lila raised her eyebrow doubtfully.

    ¡°Fuck. Fine. I guess¡­ I¡¯m worried that, if I remember what happened, and how she hurt me, that I¡¯m not as over it as I think I am. That¡­ because of that, I shouldn¡¯t actually be dating you. Or¡­ even worse¡­ that you might think I still like her, or something.¡±

    His last sentence came out in an almost indecipherable mumble, but Lila managed to catch it. Given how uncomfortable he still looked, Lila felt as though she¡¯d intruded on some very private worries of his ¨C one that she definitely needed to help ease.

    In saying that, though¡­ while what he said wasn¡¯t necessarily unexpected, given the topic, she couldn¡¯t ignore how deeply his words had cut her. The idea that he thought they shouldn¡¯t be dating¡­ was one that she hated.

    ¡°Asher, you¡¯ve more than convinced me that you don¡¯t like her,¡± Lila said, her voice entirely sincere. ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t,¡± he replied swiftly. ¡°Look, let¡¯s just¡­ forget I said anything.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather not,¡± Lila said adamantly. ¡°I want to sort this out.¡±

    ¡°Lila, this is something I need to sort out in my head. It¡¯s all me.¡±

    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t hearing what I have to say about it help?¡±

    He paused, meeting her eyes for the first time since broaching this topic. ¡°It¡­ might.¡±

    ¡°Asher, do you really think we shouldn¡¯t be dating?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t. But¡­¡± he grimaced, taking his hand out of her grasp. ¡°But I don¡¯t want to hurt you. I don¡¯t want to be insecure, either. I know you like me, and you trust me. But I don¡¯t know if I trust me. For a lot of things, things that we¡¯ve talked about. But even with me being over everything she did to me. I don¡¯t know if¡­ if I just got really excited about the fact that you actually liked me back, after all this time, and so¡­ pretended to be over it ¨C when, actually, it¡¯ll come back to haunt me in some way or another. If that happened¡­ then I might push you away. And I don¡¯t want to do that. I¡¯d rather pull you closer. Only problem with that¡­ is I¡¯m a pusher. In most cases.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I¡­¡± Lila stopped herself. Was she just about to say she loved him? Was that what she was feeling about him? Was now even the right time to bring it up, if that was what she was feeling? She closed her eyes for a moment, collecting herself before she could spiral.

    ¡°Asher, if that happened, I¡¯d understand.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to understand,¡± Asher replied, his tone surprisingly aggressive. She reflexively brought her hands to her chest in response. ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered softly, taking a step back from her. ¡°I¡­ I can¡¯t keep talking about this.¡±

    ¡°What I meant was¡­ that I¡¯d understand how you feel. So¡­ if it does happen, you can tell me. We can work on it together. Even if your instinct is to push me away, I¡¯ll just pull myself closer. Even if it means bringing TimTams to a bake-off purely by Gabriel.¡±

    The smallest twitch of Asher¡¯s lips as she said this encouraged Lila to continue speaking.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to feel like we shouldn¡¯t be dating. It¡­ sounds really selfish, but¡­ I¡¯m really happy that we are. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve been happier, really. And I feel like you¡¯ve been happy too. So, with that¡­ even if you have doubts that you¡¯re over it, you can let me in. We¡¯re partners, through and through. Just like how you¡¯ve been supporting me with my English assignment, I can support you with this, too. And, I just want to point out that even if you think it¡¯s just a problem that you need to sort out internally, it sounds more or less like how you said you weren¡¯t going to do my assignment for me. There¡¯s other ways I can help, too.¡±

    Asher was incredibly silent for a few moments.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to burden you,¡± he said reluctantly.

    ¡°You¡¯re not, though.¡±

    ¡°But I would be.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the point of a partnership if we can¡¯t help support each other when the other¡¯s down? I¡¯m not just saying that it¡¯s okay. I¡¯m asking you to do it. Especially if you can¡¯t trust yourself ¨C you trust me, right?¡±

    His gaze was piercing ¨C as though searching for the lie behind her words. But, there wasn¡¯t one. She steadily met his eyes, almost with defiance, before he sighed again, shaking his head.

    ¡°It feels like you¡¯ve just checkmated me,¡± he finally said. ¡°I¡­ I think I¡¯m in trouble.¡±

    ¡°Trouble how?¡± Lila tried not to let panic flood her voice as she continued to look intently at him.

    He stepped forward, bringing a tender hand to the side of her face and caressing her cheekbone with his thumb. ¡°I¡¯ll explain one day,¡± he uttered softly, his eyes flickering to her lips. ¡°Today¡­ I think I¡¯ll just kiss you.¡±

    Although she still wanted to know what he meant just now, she supposed she could let it go in exchange for a kiss that felt like this. For some reason, as his lips touched hers, it felt as though she could almost taste the raw emotion he held behind it ¨C something so delicate and tender, she thought he¡¯d shatter.

    It was different than the previous ones they shared, though by no means did it make her heart flutter less. She did feel that he may have been on the edge of crying, with the way his hands around her shoulders trembled, but she couldn¡¯t think of why that would be. Was it in relation to being in trouble?

    Either way, the warmth that he imparted on her placated her into breathlessness as he broke away, his eyes shimmering with flecks of gold from the sun that shined into them.

    ¡°A-Anyway, let¡¯s go, before all the rooms get taken up,¡± Asher said hurriedly, taking her hand. He seemed like he didn¡¯t want to look at her, but she didn¡¯t push it and instead allowed herself to be taken to the library.

    The journey there went by in utter silence. She tried to keep her theories out of her mind in the absence of a clear explanation from Asher. So far, all she could think was that he¡¯d been incredibly anxious that his lingering fears would come to fruition ¨C but as to why he said he was in trouble, she was drawing up a blank.

    Ultimately, she¡¯d need to trust that he¡¯d come to her if he was in trouble. He said he¡¯d tell her one day, after all. Despite that, and her efforts, she couldn¡¯t fully shake her anxiety as they seated themselves in an empty meeting room. She placed her food on the table as Asher plopped himself across from her with a sigh. Rather than dwell on it, though, she turned her anxiety from what he meant to what they ought to talk about in seclusion.

    As though Asher was on the same wavelength, he spoke with a touch of incredulity. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we did it. Like, I know we didn¡¯t necessarily threaten him with the photos or anything, but damn. Still extortion.¡±

    He sat up and pulled a green apple from the depths of his blazer pocket, crunching on it with force.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering, actually,¡± Lila said softly as she slowly opened her snack bag of salted pretzels. She offered him one and he took it, pinching it between his forefinger and thumb with a curious expression.

    ¡°Whether I¡¯d want a pretzel?¡± he joked after she didn¡¯t elaborate.

    ¡°No. Well, yes, but not what I meant,¡± she smiled. ¡°I¡¯ve been wondering about what his next move will be. Any predictions?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯d tell Jason, if that¡¯s what you¡¯re worried about. We managed to put enough doubt in his mind about Jason, I think.¡±

    ¡°What about him telling Jake? Or someone else?¡±

    ¡°Tell them what? That the Rock reached out to him from the CIA with photos of him doing a drop? Even if he did tell someone else, it sounds ridiculous from the get go. I doubt they¡¯d believe it. Plus, showing his comrades pictures of him being caught red handed in a drop? Talk about embarrassing.¡±

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you mentioned the CIA,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°That, and I wanted to test the limits of his naivety. Or stupidity, whichever. Turns out, it¡¯s the sky.¡±

    Lila snorted. She couldn¡¯t disagree. If Jason found out he was taken down because Zack thought the Rock asked Zack to, he¡¯d have a conniption. The thought made her smile.

    ¡°That¡¯s why you don¡¯t employ meatheads for something like this. Zack¡­ is an alright guy, but he¡¯s got some serious lack of critical thinking ¨C even worse than I¡¯d anticipated. I¡¯m sure he¡¯d been hired as a bodyguard first, then started getting asked to be a dealer for efficiency, since he was right there, or because he takes orders without many questions.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that he hasn¡¯t spilled the beans before now, then.¡±

    ¡°The thing about Zack is that he¡¯s loyal. Bumbling, but loyal. If Jason asked him to keep quiet, you can guarantee he¡¯d keep quiet as best as he could. That¡¯s why testing Jason¡¯s loyalty towards him was effective. At least, I hope it¡¯s effective. Might be speaking too soon.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°You really reckon it¡¯s okay?¡±

    ¡°Reckon so,¡± Asher nodded, finally popping the pretzel in his mouth. ¡°Salty.¡±

    She snickered.

    ¡°Glad I can amuse you in times like these,¡± he grinned.

    ¡°Glad you can, too,¡± Lila replied earnestly, passing him another pretzel.

    ¡°Now that all we can do is wait for Zack to get back to us¡­ let¡¯s get our minds off it,¡± he said after a few moments, his second pretzel suitably demolished. Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. There was one way to get her mind off it.

    ¡°So, English-¡±

    Lila cut him off with a disappointed groan.

    He laughed, winking playfully at her. ¡°Just kidding.¡±

    She relaxed her posture, and they spent the rest of morning tea enjoying each other¡¯s conversation and company ¨C sans any mention of the morphine ring, Holly or Cecelia.

    The rest of the day passed by surprisingly smoothly. Lila hardly remembered what happened during PC or Japanese, and lunch with Asher was spent once more in the library, this time with honey soy stir fry courtesy of Gabriel and warmed by the microwaves. Much like they did at morning tea, they preferred to talk about things other than the morphine ring.

    It was moments of brevity that Lila relished, what with how intense things had been lately. It only made her more excited for the rest of the week to fly by until Thursday, when they could be free to be a couple in the outside world.

    With this mindset and mood, Design also flew by. When she left her classroom, Asher was once more waiting outside, his eyes lighting up upon seeing her.

    ¡°Shall we head to Study?¡± he asked, holding out his arm for her to take in an old-fashioned, gentlemanly matter.

    ¡°No hat to tip?¡± she replied, taking his arm. He whisked them away towards the direction of the library with a chuckle.

    ¡°Definitely not. Only nerds bring their hats everywhere during the school day.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°So, you brought your hat around everywhere last year?¡±

    ¡°I am so offended that you picked up on that so quickly.¡±

    She giggled and he joined in with a laugh of his own. They settled in to their usual spot in the library for Study, sitting across from each other, when Lila¡¯s eyes rested on Ayla¡¯s for just a moment.

    ¡°Can you swap seats with me?¡± she asked hurriedly, immediately standing up.

    ¡°Sure, but why?¡± Asher replied, also standing up. They swapped sides before Lila explained in a hushed whisper.

    ¡°Ah. Yeah. Still unimpressed by that,¡± Asher said candidly, opening up his laptop. ¡°Not sure if looking at me or you is better for her.¡±

    ¡°Look, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    Asher frowned deeply. Lila sighed.

    ¡°Ayla¡¯s having a tough time. Lashing out at me wasn¡¯t great, but don¡¯t be mad at her.¡±

    ¡°Hard not to,¡± Asher replied stiffly. ¡°She keeps looking this way. I think she thinks I¡¯m going to deck her.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t actually do that.¡±

    ¡°Like I would,¡± Asher¡¯s tone was affronted. His eyes slid past Lila¡¯s shoulder before returning to her face and adding, ¡°Physically, at least.¡±

    Lila sighed, though a small smile made its way across her lips. Even just having Asher be mad on her behalf helped her feel better.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ve got some work to do,¡± Lila said with a no-nonsense tone. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll be the one asking you not to distract me.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face split into a wide beam. ¡°Of course I won¡¯t. Scout¡¯s honour.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever been a scout?¡±

    ¡°I thought I wasn¡¯t supposed to be distracting you.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Lila cajoled. ¡°Now that I¡¯ve asked, there¡¯s no way I¡¯ll get my work done without knowing.¡±

    ¡°Have you seen me?¡± Asher replied, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Hell no, I¡¯ve never been a scout.¡±

    ¡°Then why do you even say that?¡± Lila laughed.

    ¡°Just feels right,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°Besides, Isaac couldn¡¯t shut up about ¡®scout¡¯s honour¡¯ when he went on a camp in Grade 4 or something. Asked him if he could stop, on his ¡®scout¡¯s honour¡¯, and after he said he would, I just kept saying it to stir him up.¡±

    Lila laughed again, shaking her head. ¡°So, you were a menace back in Primary School.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a menace now?¡± his eyes sparkled with a cheekiness that she instantly adored.

    ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re right. You are a menace.¡±

    ¡°Hey!¡±

    ¡°A menace who¡¯s distracting me while I¡¯m trying to work.¡±

    ¡°Touch¨¦.¡±

    They shared another smile before Lila looked back down at her draft. She just needed another paragraph or two, then she could reread it all and submit.

    It took a little bit longer than she would have liked, but she urgently tapped Asher on the arm when she was on the Turnitin interface, her draft at the ready.

    ¡°I¡¯m handing it in,¡± she said excitedly.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± He looked thrilled, immediately leaning over her laptop to take a peek. ¡°Send it!¡±

    She double checked that she was submitting the right document before hitting submit with bated breath.

    ¡°Don¡¯t click off until you get your receipt,¡± Asher advised, still watching her screen. Her receipt arrived in her inbox not a moment later and he beamed at her.

    ¡°Look at that! I knew you could do it,¡± he said, grasping her hand. He kissed the top of her knuckles before shaking it with an energy that Lila could only describe as ¡®proud¡¯.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s just the draft,¡± Lila replied bashfully, her face a bright red. ¡°So don¡¯t get too excited.¡±

    ¡°Draft is just practice for the final thing,¡± he said sagely. ¡°Looks like there¡¯s only a few minutes left of class, actually. Let¡¯s pack up.¡±

    They did so, with Asher chattering away about her efforts. She was starting to feel a bit embarrassed by all the praise, but at the same time, something about it made her want him to keep praising her.

    Once Study was over, Asher leapt up, taking her belongings and her hand.

    ¡°Time to go home,¡± he said eagerly. ¡°Faster we get home, the faster Thursday will come.¡±

    Lila laughed, his suddenly boundless energy incredibly endearing.

    Despite seeming so enthusiastic about going home, his body language shifted to something more subdued by the time they were standing outside her bus stop, waiting for her bus to arrive.

    ¡°For someone who wanted to get home as soon as possible, it sure seems like you don¡¯t want to anymore,¡± Lila observed, squeezing his hand gently.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Asher replied with a heavy sigh. ¡°You¡¯re not coming home with me. So¡­ even though I want to get out of here quickly, so I can go to bed even faster, it means more time away from you.¡±

    She smiled gently at him, gripping the brim of her hat as she stood on her tiptoes and gave him a gentle kiss on the cheek. ¡°Asher, have I ever told you that you¡¯re adorable?¡±

    ¡°M-Me?¡± He seemed stunned by the idea that she would think this.

    ¡°Yes, you,¡± she laughed, setting herself back down on the ground. ¡°It really feels nice, to¡­ have you like me so much that you¡¯re sad we have to part. I feel the same way.¡±

    He was silent for a moment. ¡°Well¡­ you¡¯re adorable, too,¡± he murmured, touching her cheek. He bent his head towards hers and she met him halfway in a goodbye kiss that unfortunately brought the attention of Mr Johnson.

    ¡°Oi! No kissing at the bus stop!¡± Mr Johnson barked as he began to make his way to them ¨C presumably to keep them apart. Asher passed her things back to her before giving her an apologetic look.

    ¡°Gotta go, see you tomorrow!¡± he called as he jogged back the way they came, apologising profusely to Mr Johnson as he passed. Lila couldn¡¯t contain her smile as Mr Johnson shook his head and turned around, resuming his careful hat checks.

    The bus trundled to a stop a few seconds later, and she hopped on, her smile still on her face. She spent the ride home daydreaming about tomorrow¡¯s date, her good mood causing a skip in her step as she hurried up to her front door, keys jangling in the lock.

    ¡°¡­ DARE YOU!¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart stopped before she could turn the key fully. That¡­ sounded like her Mum, but she¡¯d never heard her yell so aggressively before. Was she fighting with her Dad? Should Lila come back after a walk around the block?

    A second sound destroyed that idea immediately. It was sobbing. Sobbing that didn¡¯t sound like it was coming from her Mum, but was definitely feminine.

    ¡°M-Mum-¡±

    There was the sound of clattering, as though something had been tossed to the floor followed by a banshee-like, indecipherable yell, cutting off the speaker immediately.

    Lila couldn¡¯t just stand out here any longer. She turned the key as quietly as she could and slipped inside, her curiosity calling her forwards.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Three

    The hallway was devoid of anyone besides Lila, who gingerly closed the front door behind her. She could still hear sobbing ¨C undeniably coming from Clare ¨C but at least there was no further shouting.

    Lila slowly took her shoes off, leaving her bags and hat by the shoes, just out of the way of the front door in case Daniel was coming home soon. She wasn¡¯t entirely sure what to do now, except to see what was happening.

    Her Mum and Clare had previously had wall-shaking arguments over the years, but there was something so distinctly cold about the atmosphere that gave Lila pause. What did Clare do that made her Mum so angry? Whilst her Mum was certainly fiery to some extent, Clare could handle it ¨C but this absence of fire was new. A knot of dread was forming in the pit of her stomach and she wondered if she should just tiptoe out of the house and take the bus somewhere ¨C perhaps to Asher¡¯s?

    ¡°LOOK AT YOU!¡±

    Her Mum¡¯s sudden scream made Lila stumble over the shoes in the hallway and topple over her bag, giving her presence in the house away with the clarity of a tolling church bell. There was no escape now.

    Her Mum rushed out of the kitchen, her face devoid of any of the warmth and love that Lila had known her to possess, even in her worst moments.

    ¡°ARE YOU DOING THIS TOO?!¡± her Mum shrieked, thrusting her phone at Lila. ¡°ARE YOU DISRESPECTING YOURSELF TOO?!¡±

    Her Mum¡¯s fury had made it impossible for Lila to see what was on it, though Clare¡¯s sobs grew louder. Lila¡¯s heart sank. Their Mum had found out about Clare¡¯s job.

    Before she could react, her Mum had charged towards her, grabbing hold of her wrist and dragging Lila towards the kitchen. She didn¡¯t resist, her shock causing her to freeze more than anything else.

    Clare was curled up on the kitchen floor, her body wracking with sobs. Lila couldn¡¯t imagine a scenario where her Mum had hit Clare hard enough to reduce her to this ¨C but with the strength her Mum had in her grip around Lila¡¯s wrist, she had the sickening realisation that she couldn¡¯t rule it out, either. Two of the chairs had toppled to their sides just in front of Clare. Had that been the noise? Had she been trying to get away from their Mum and fallen over them?

    ¡°Mum, what-¡± Lila attempted to say, but she was cut off by Clare¡¯s whimper.

    ¡°Lila, just go.¡±

    ¡°You are not going anywhere,¡± her Mum snarled, tossing her phone down onto the kitchen table with a bang. This change in volume made the hairs on the back of Lila¡¯s neck stand. ¡°Do you know how shameful your sister has been?¡±

    Was lying the best course of action? She¡¯d never imagined seeing Clare ¨C her older sister, defender of the family since Lila could remember ¨C so helpless and defeated.

    ¡°N-No, she doesn¡¯t know, Mum,¡± Clare spoke up, her words barely carrying to Lila. Lila closed her eyes, the shame at having such indecision in this moment almost consuming her. Of course Clare would continue to protect Lila, even when lying down on the floor, tears staining her cheeks.

    ¡°Clare-¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t believe that for a second,¡± their Mum growled, her eyes narrowed to slits as if focusing her eyesight to see through their lies better. ¡°You know, don¡¯t you Lila?¡±

    Lila was rooted to the spot. Play dumb? Continue Clare¡¯s attempted defence of Lila? Or¡­ try and defend Clare ¨C tell their Mum there was nothing wrong with what she was doing? That Clare loved her work? She¡¯d hardly talked back to their Mum, since Clare always did that for her and Daniel. But, as she watched their Mum¡¯s nostrils flare, Lila figured that, if she could talk their Mum down into explaining what was going on, perhaps the situation would resolve itself with clearer heads.

    ¡°K-Know what?¡± Lila stammered uneasily. Their Mum reached for her phone, opening it up again and jabbing it towards Lila. It was a clip of Clare, spinning around a pole on the dance floor of Gabriel¡¯s nightclub, before she stopped, gyrating against it with a sparkling grin that mesmerised anyone who saw it. It seemed like another themed night ¨C something winter related. Lila couldn¡¯t tear her eyes off the video, which ended just as Clare sensually removed her blue and white crop top to reveal a bedazzled, silver push-up bra underneath to the beat of both the cheering chorus of what sounded to be at least twenty men and the EDM song blasting from the speakers. Once the video finished, Lila couldn¡¯t help but feel quite glad that she hadn¡¯t seen Roxy Wurld in action when she snuck in with Asher.

    ¡°Your sister is a pokpok,¡± their Mum¡¯s voice had lowered to a whisper. ¡°She¡¯s not fit to be my daughter.¡±

    ¡°Do you actually mean that?¡± Lila¡¯s anger suddenly flared in response, despite her plan of talking their Mum down, her jaw snapping shut at the last syllable. Though it took a moment to translate what her Mum meant, she knew that she¡¯d just essentially called Clare a whore ¨C something that Lila didn¡¯t think any mother should call their child, no matter their profession. Saying that Clare wasn¡¯t fit to be their Mum¡¯s daughter was also a step too far. Clare was beloved and absolutely integral to this family. Being a dancer didn¡¯t change that.

    Their Mum seemed to falter, evidently having not expected Lila to challenge her. Even the sound of Clare¡¯s sobbing stopped, as though she hardly dared to breathe. It was enough time for Lila to kneel next to Clare and push the hair out of her eyes, catching any remaining tears that still fell from them for a second or two.

    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s get out of here,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°If Mum wants to be like this, she¡¯s not fit to be our mother either. There¡¯s nothing wrong with being a dancer, sis.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t necessarily feel that way about their Mum ¨C at least, not strongly ¨C but she couldn¡¯t help herself. Considering how distraught Clare was, and the fact that her Mum still continued on with her verbal assault, there was no way that her Mum was coming out of this unscathed either. The silence emanating from behind Lila as she helped Clare to stand let her know that her Mum had definitely heard what she said, which gave Lila a miniscule sense of satisfaction.

    Clare inhaled deeply, her entire body trembling in Lila¡¯s hands. Just how long had Clare borne the brunt of their Mum¡¯s rage before Lila got home? She seemed so shaken, not just physically.

    Lila began to lead her past their Mum, placing herself between their Mum and Clare as best she could.

    ¡°Lila, Clare-¡±

    ¡°Respectfully, Mum, save it. You¡¯ve said enough,¡± Lila shot back, her eyes fixed on the exit. She led Clare out towards the stairs, unsure what to do. There was no way that Clare should stay here ¨C at least, not for the next few hours. Since it was a Wednesday, it seemed unlikely that Clare had a shift, either. Should Lila send Clare to Alex¡¯s?

    ¡°I¡­ want to go grab my keys,¡± Clare murmured, wiping at her eyes. ¡°And my phone. I¡¯ll be a sec. Wait for me in the garage, okay?¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t hesitate this time. ¡°Okay.¡±

    She immediately turned around and shoved her feet back into her school shoes before heading through the internal door to the garage, slamming the door behind her as she did so. She winced slightly ¨C she hadn¡¯t quite meant to be that forceful.

    She had lingering energy in her legs, which forced her to pace next to her parents¡¯ car. What was their Mum thinking? Sure, Lila knew that their Mum wouldn¡¯t be happy about Clare¡¯s job ¨C but this was far beyond not being happy. It almost seemed like¡­ hatred.

    Their Mum wouldn¡¯t hate Clare for it, right? But Filipino culture, especially the one that their Mum had come from, was heavily influenced by the Catholics. Was that what was going on? A mismatch between what their Mum expected of Clare because of her culture and the realisation that Clare wasn¡¯t following it?

    But¡­ when Lila asked her Mum about what she¡¯d do if Lila accidentally got pregnant, she didn¡¯t seem adverse to the idea of helping Lila get an abortion. That was definitely against the ideals of most Filipinos, as far as Lila was aware. Just how selective was she about this kind of thing?

    Lila heard the door open from behind her and she stopped her pacing, bracing herself for the appearance of her Mum. Instead, it was a very subdued Clare, sidling in to the garage.

    ¡°Where do you want to go?¡± Lila asked softly. ¡°Alex¡¯s?¡±

    Clare shook her head, her eyes looking more so at the floor than at Lila. She bit her lower lip for a split second before responding. ¡°He¡¯s in Melbourne for a Bucks party for one of his school mates.¡±

    ¡°During the week?¡±

    Clare shrugged lethargically. ¡°It¡¯s a whole week trip. He¡­ was really stoked to go. So I don¡¯t want to tell him what happened just now, either. Not until he comes back.¡±

    ¡°Is there anyone else?¡±

    Clare lifted her eyes to meet Lila¡¯s. ¡°I need to talk to Gabriel. He doesn¡¯t usually work at the Club during the week. So¡­ he should be at Asher¡¯s, right?¡±

    In a flash, Lila opened up her phone, dialling Asher¡¯s number.

    ¡°Hey!¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded chirpy ¨C far chirpier than when he¡¯d left her at the bus stop. ¡°I was just thinking about you.¡±

    Lila made a mental note to call Asher more often after school, if only to hear how happy he sounded to hear from her. She quickly put it out of her mind for now as she said, ¡°Asher, something¡¯s happened. Can Clare and I come over?¡±

    ¡°Now?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°What hap-¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess we¡¯ll explain when we get there.¡±

    ¡°Is everything okay, at least?¡±

    Lila eyed Clare, who was listlessly twirling her hair between her fingers as she waited for Lila to finish up. ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯ll need a couple business days to answer that one, I think.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Gabriel now to make extra food for dinner. I¡­ I¡¯ll see you soon.¡±

    ¡°See you soon.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, then,¡± Lila said gently, putting her phone into her pocket. Clare nodded, her zombie-like shuffling worrying Lila greatly. Was Clare even in a good enough state to drive?

    They climbed into Clare¡¯s car, with Clare wavering for a moment. Then, instead of EDM, she put on a popular hits playlist on Spotify. They immediately took off with speed, Clare grasping the steering wheel so tightly that Lila thought she¡¯d wrench it off.

    They passed Daniel getting off the school bus and Lila contemplated asking Clare to slow down and pick him up. But, with how pallid Clare¡¯s face was, Lila decided it wasn¡¯t a good idea. At the very least, Daniel wouldn¡¯t also be accused of being an adult entertainer. Besides, Lila was fairly certain that Clare wanted a place where she could speak freely, especially since Clare had previously said she hadn¡¯t told her friends about her job. There¡¯d be no way Clare would want to talk openly about what happened if Daniel was around.

    Every so often, Lila chanced a peek at Clare as she wordlessly drove them to Asher¡¯s. She was still pale, her eyes looking almost glazed over. She¡¯d never seen Clare in a state like this. Just what happened before Lila got home?

    Lila also wanted to know how their Mum had gotten a hold of that video. Ultimately though, both of these questions fell far behind the most important one of them all ¨C was Clare okay?

    Lila glanced at Clare again. Her expression hadn¡¯t changed. The absence of any conversation pressed on, the dulcet tones of the latest song trending on TikTok serving as the soundtrack to their increasingly awkward car ride. After a few more minutes, Lila couldn¡¯t take it anymore.

    ¡°Clare, are you okay?¡±

    Lila noticed Clare¡¯s grip on the steering wheel tighten even further. Instinctively, Lila reached out a hand and gently touched Clare¡¯s arm. This seemed to relax Clare¡¯s hold on both the steering wheel and her breath, which came out in a quivering exhale.

    ¡°No,¡± Clare admitted meekly, her voice thick with the aftereffects of crying. ¡°I¡­ it was worse than I imagined. Mum¡¯s reaction.¡±

    Lila kept her automatic ¡°no kidding¡± comment to herself. Clare began to sniffle, but didn¡¯t add anything else.

    ¡°Did¡­ you want to talk about it now?¡± Lila asked after a few moments.

    ¡°I think I want to sit down first. My hands can¡¯t stop shaking. I might crash.¡±

    ¡°Should you pull over?¡±

    Clare shook her head. ¡°Almost there. Should be fine.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ well¡­ be careful.¡±

    ¡°Have to be. My baby sis is in the car.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a baby.¡±

    ¡°Neither am I,¡± Clare muttered.

    Lila decided not to comment, though she suspected that what Clare said was in reference to her interaction with their Mum than anything else.

    They soon reached the driveway outside Asher¡¯s house, with Clare pausing where she normally stopped along the side of his house.

    ¡°Should I¡­ go in?¡± Clare queried, exchanging a bemused look with Lila.

    ¡°I don¡¯t actually know. Oh, there¡¯s Asher now,¡± Lila replied, gesturing to him as he approached from the front doors. He¡¯d already changed into some casual clothes, his hands in his pockets. His eyes seemed wary as he gently rapped his knuckles against Lila¡¯s window. She rolled it down.

    ¡°Mind if I jump in the back? It¡¯ll be easier to show you where to park that way,¡± he said to Clare before briefly smiling at Lila. She attempted to smile back.

    ¡°Hop in,¡± Clare replied, her attempt at sounding cheery falling as flat as Lila¡¯s smile.

    He made no mention of either of their odd behaviours as he climbed in and closed the door. He directed Clare to the garage on the left side of the house without any discussion of anything else.

    The roller door slowly opened and Asher identified an empty parking bay for Clare to park in.

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Clare murmured incredulously as she pulled forwards. ¡°Just how many cars can fit in here?¡±

    ¡°Not sure,¡± Asher responded nonchalantly. ¡°Eight? Ten?¡±

    ¡°You never mentioned how big his garage is,¡± Clare said with a frown at Lila as she turned her car off.

    ¡°Never thought it was important,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°Is it important? Sounds like a euphemism. Plus, it¡¯s kinda a random thing to bring up.¡±

    ¡°I get the feeling that you don¡¯t understand just how rich your boyfriend¡¯s family is,¡± Clare sighed.

    ¡°Am I supposed to?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Clare insisted loudly.

    ¡°How rich is your family, Asher?¡± Lila asked, turning to look at him. His face was beet red as he unbuckled himself and stepped out the car.

    ¡°A bit,¡± he settled on saying as he opened Lila¡¯s door.

    ¡°A bit?¡± Lila raised an eyebrow, now suddenly very curious.

    ¡°Well, Dad partly owns the Forestglade Private Hospital, as you know, as well as being the CEO of it. But that¡¯s more of a family business thing. All of his generation got a major inheritance and they built up this family trust thingy with investment properties and stuff together, and I think my Dad has one or two outside of the trust, too.¡±

    ¡°Of course you¡¯re a trust fund baby,¡± Clare sighed again as she closed her car door and locked it. Asher looked even more uncomfortable.

    ¡°I guess so,¡± he acquiesced. ¡°But, I mean, my parents still work. So it¡¯s not like they¡¯re just taking it for granted.¡±

    ¡°That makes it sound like they don¡¯t have to work if they didn¡¯t want to,¡± Clare replied pointedly.

    ¡°¡­ You¡¯re not wrong.¡±

    ¡°Jesus, Lila. Glad you pulled your head out of your ass and decided to like him back.¡±

    Lila felt her face flush. ¡°Clare, that¡¯s not why I like Asher.¡±

    Clare waved a hand, appearing almost normal as she did so. ¡°Clearly. You¡¯d make for a terrible sugar baby.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied sarcastically. ¡°Looks like I have to cross that one off my career goals. I¡¯ll have to tell the Guidance Counsellor when I see him next.¡±

    ¡°Good. It¡¯s my job as your sister to point out your shortcomings.¡±

    ¡°Thanks again,¡± Lila smiled genuinely. She was glad that Clare could manage to still tease her. Getting out the house was definitely a good idea. Asher didn¡¯t add anything, instead leading them to the internal door and gesturing for them to head in, which they did so after taking their shoes off.

    The smell of cooking chocolate immediately hit Lila in the face upon passing through the door. Gabriel¡¯s humming floated alongside the scent, and Clare suddenly looked nervous.

    ¡°I don¡¯t even know why I¡¯m here,¡± Clare whispered urgently, the panic rising in her tone.

    ¡°You wanted to talk to Gabriel,¡± Lila reminded her. Lila noticed Asher glance back at them before he continued on towards the kitchen, apparently deciding to give them a private space to talk.

    ¡°It¡­ sounded like a good idea at the time, but now that I¡¯m here, I don¡¯t want to,¡± Clare said after a few moments, with no hint that she recognised Asher¡¯s departure from them.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°It¡¯s up to you. There¡¯s no wrong answer here, but I do think you should talk to someone. Someone who knows, at least. And¡­ now you¡¯re in a house full of people who know.¡±

    Clare swallowed audibly before smoothing down her hair. ¡°Y-You¡¯re right. God, I hate it when you¡¯re right.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d say sorry, but I won¡¯t stop.¡±

    The fleeting ghost of a smirk crossed Clare¡¯s face. Lila looped her arm in Clare¡¯s.

    ¡°I¡¯ll follow your lead, if you want to talk,¡± she said, pulling Clare along to the kitchen. The smell and humming only strengthened before the humming suddenly halted.

    ¡°Lila! Clare!¡± Gariel cried out, his tone as joyful as always. He stepped around the island bench, bustling towards them both.

    ¡°Hi Gabriel,¡± Lila smiled, squeezing Clare¡¯s arm against her ribs. ¡°You seem happy.¡±

    ¡°Always,¡± Gabriel beamed. It seemed to falter though when his eyes rested entirely on Clare. ¡°Clare, is everything okay?¡±

    She shook her head in response, immediately descending into tears. This sudden shift startled Lila, and she looked around to find a place for Clare to sit.

    ¡°The dining room,¡± Gabriel suggested, flapping his hands in that direction before hurrying into the butler¡¯s pantry, his face full of worry. Clare stemmed the flow of her tears with a frustrated groan before they made their way to the dining room. Asher untucked chairs for both Lila and Clare before sitting next to Lila. Clare took several deep, shuddering breaths before she sat down at the head of the table, blinking rapidly.

    Asher looked enquiringly at Lila and she simply shook her head. If Clare wanted to speak, then that was up to Clare. Besides, there was still a lot about what happened that Lila didn¡¯t know.

    Gabriel entered, armed with a jug of juice and an assortment of cookies and desserts on a serving plate. He left again but returned just as quickly with some small plates that he set before them.

    ¡°Things I prepared earlier,¡± he said warmly, pouring drinks for all of them. He sat across from Lila, so that he was close to Clare, and gestured for everyone to take something. Lila picked up a fudge brownie with walnuts. Clare and Asher selected their own desserts, but neither bit into them just yet.

    ¡°Now,¡± Gabriel¡¯s voice was calm, though the worry Lila had seen moments ago still permeated his expression, ¡°what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Clare looked down at her hands before picking up her juice and taking a sip. She put it back down with a resigned sigh.

    ¡°Mum found out. About my job.¡±

    Both Gabriel and Asher sat back in understanding.

    ¡°Ah,¡± Gabriel uttered sympathetically. ¡°I take it she wasn¡¯t overjoyed?¡±

    Clare shook her head before wiping at her eyes again. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    Lila quietly sipped her own cup of juice, waiting for Clare to elaborate. Their eyes met and Clare sighed once more.

    ¡°Mum went apeshit,¡± Clare said simply, tracing the edge of her cup with her index finger. ¡°I¡¯d gone to get a snack in the kitchen just after she came back from seeing her Filipino friends. She was sitting at the table and¡­ she asked if I had something to tell her. I said no. She immediately got angry ¨C angrier than I¡¯d seen in a while. Just straight to yelling about how I¡¯m a liar and untrustworthy. I just stood there. I didn¡¯t know what to say, ¡®cause it¡¯s not like it¡¯s untrue. Usually, I don¡¯t take it lying down when Mum starts a fight, but it just¡­ she felt different. I can¡¯t explain it. It felt all sorts of wrong.¡±

    ¡°I noticed it too,¡± Lila said quietly, holding the sides of her juice cup, her eyes locked on to Clare. Clare glanced at her before nodding.

    ¡°She asked me again if I had anything to tell her, but I didn¡¯t answer her fast enough. She started screaming at me ¨C that I was a whore, basically. That I shamed our whole family, and¡­¡± Clare paused, her eyes swimming with tears again. Lila couldn¡¯t help but see Gabriel just ahead of her, looking absolutely guilty. Any and all joy he naturally seemed to possess seemed to have escaped like air deflating from a balloon.

    ¡°She just started screaming and yelling in Tagalog and English. I thought she¡¯d run out of breath and then I could explain. Calm her down, or defend myself. But she didn¡¯t. She didn¡¯t let me speak. Instead, she went on and on about me having sex for money, like a cheap mutt-¡±

    Lila took a sharp, involuntary breath. In most places around the world, being compared to dogs was a horrible insult, but it cut much deeper being half-Asian. She¡¯d lost count the amount of times she¡¯d received comments from people on either side of her identity alluding to her being a ¡°mutt¡± or otherwise not ¡°purebred¡±, and therefore worth less.

    Lila felt Asher take her hand in his, but she couldn¡¯t tear her eyes away from her sister, who continued on with a pained expression.

    ¡°Eventually, I tried to tell her ¨C yell over her ¨C that I¡¯m a dancer, and that I don¡¯t have sex with clients, but she just didn¡¯t want to listen. She asked if I was mocking disgracing our family for fun, because I didn¡¯t care about our parents or you or Daniel, especially because we¡¯re not poor. She then went on about how she couldn¡¯t believe I was her daughter, and how dare I do all of that while living under her roof. It felt like she had a megaphone to my eardrums.¡± Clare took another moment to collect herself, her eyes unfocused as they rested upon her cup of juice.

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    ¡°I remember her saying that no one would ever l-love me. That I was used and tarnished. Then¡­ she showed me the video. I couldn¡¯t believe Mum actually saw me like that, and the realisation made me panic. She kept looking at me like I was a stranger or even worse ¨C scum on the bottom of her shoe. She kept playing and playing the video over again, right up to my eyes, and I tried to get away, going backwards. It¡¯s all a bit fuzzy from there. I think I fell over some chairs or something. When I was on the ground, I just couldn¡¯t stop crying. It was so hard to breathe. I think if you hadn¡¯t come home then, I would¡¯ve had a full-blown panic attack.¡±

    Clare¡¯s recount was worse than Lila could have imagined. None of it sounded like their Mum at all. If she hadn¡¯t seen for herself the tail end of it, she might¡¯ve thought Clare was lying.

    The energy in the dining room was incredibly tense, broken only when Clare added in a robotic voice, ¡°I was surprised that Mum asked if you were doing it too.¡±

    The hand around Lila¡¯s twitched, and she met Asher¡¯s stunned eyes for the first time since Clare started telling them what happened. His expression was shocked beyond belief and Lila was starting to feel exhausted after all that heightened emotion. She took a moment to rub her forehead before sighing.

    ¡°Yeah. Same here. I¡¯m glad she didn¡¯t get a hold of those photos,¡± Lila finally said, her attempt at a joke amusing no one.

    ¡°Photos?¡± Asher blinked at her.

    ¡°The ones Piper put up in the boys¡¯ bathrooms. Calling me a ¡®whore for hire¡¯ and giving out my phone number.¡±

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Asher hissed, bringing his free hand to his mouth. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I forgot about those.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I had too, actually, until Mum asked that.¡±

    Clare¡¯s face suddenly turned a sickly green shade. ¡°Lila, I¡¯m so sorry,¡± she whispered, her eyes as wide as golf balls. ¡°Mum might find them.¡±

    ¡°Huh?!¡± Lila stood up, panic flooding through her, crashing in her stomach. ¡°The fuck do you mean?!¡±

    Clare began to tremble again, her eyes wet with fresh tears.

    ¡°When I showed you the stack I took from Daniel¡¯s room, I put them in my bag and forgot all about them. I¡¯d¡­ been more worried about you yelling at me¡­ for the things I said about Asher.¡±

    ¡°Oh for the love of God,¡± Lila groaned, placing her head in her hands, her heart rate accelerating with fear. If her Mum had reacted to Clare like that, even though all she saw was Clare dancing, how would she react to a picture saying Lila was a whore for hire and giving out her actual phone number?

    ¡°Well, uh, for the record, I don¡¯t know what you said about me, but if the photos are in a bag, surely she won¡¯t find it?¡± Asher piped up. Both sisters looked at him before simultaneously giving short, sarcastic laughs.

    ¡°She goes into our rooms from time to time to ¡®tidy¡¯. I know for a fact that she peeks. I¡¯d been careful to hide things, since she doesn¡¯t seem to snoop too hard¡­ so the bag itself is hidden. But¡­ after tonight, I¡¯d assume she¡¯s tearing both our rooms apart to find evidence of us being sex workers,¡± Clare said darkly.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure-¡±

    ¡°If Mum finds them, she might recognise that it¡¯s Asher in the photos,¡± Lila despaired, cutting Asher off. ¡°She¡¯s going to be mad at him, too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t think I know what photo you¡¯re talking about,¡± Gabriel interjected quietly. Lila jumped. She¡¯d almost forgotten he was there in her distress.

    ¡°I¡­ think I took a picture of it,¡± Lila said, grabbing her phone. She scrolled through her camera roll, looking for the beginning of the year, when everything went down. She found it a few moments later, passing her phone across the table to Gabriel. He took it and once he saw what was on it, closed his eyes.

    ¡°That¡¯s¡­ definitely Asher, even if I can¡¯t see his face,¡± he said, passing the phone back and opening his eyes again. They seemed much older now, as though their conversation had aged him. She sat down again as he asked, ¡°You said someone at school put them up in the boys¡¯ bathrooms?¡±

    ¡°That girl who got murdered,¡± Lila began, her brows furrowed, ¡°she¡­ was basically stalking Asher.¡±

    ¡°I know that much,¡± Gabriel replied with a nod. ¡°From the Police interview.¡±

    ¡°Ah. Well, I¡¯m sure you know where this was taken,¡± Lila said uncomfortably. Gabriel nodded again.

    ¡°For some reason, she thought that she could make me stop hanging out with Asher or something if she just spread rumours about me, and basically ruined my reputation with these. She put them up in the boys¡¯ bathrooms ¨C all of them ¨C and I¡¯d gotten calls and texts from all these random guys at school, trying to¡­ well. I¡¯m sure you can guess.¡±

    ¡°I see. Without any other context, I don¡¯t have high hopes that your mother will be¡­ amenable to an explanation, if she does find it,¡± Gabriel said tentatively. Lila groaned again, placing her head on the table, using her arms as cushions.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, Lila,¡± Clare mumbled again. Lila looked up at her sister and shook her head.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know any of this would happen. Especially back in Term One when it all went down,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°I know you didn¡¯t keep them to be malicious.¡±

    More silence followed Lila¡¯s comment. Then, Gabriel spoke.

    ¡°Clare, would you like to quit? I¡¯d be happy to give you redundancy, and anything else you need.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel, I didn¡¯t come here to quit,¡± Clare said firmly, wiping at her eyes again. ¡°No matter what Mum says, I love my job. I¡¯m not just saying that ¡®cause you¡¯re the owner. It¡­ it¡¯s given me so much freedom, and even self-love, funnily enough. I feel more confident, and I¡¯m surrounded by amazing coworkers.¡±

    ¡°Including Alex?¡± Gabriel smiled sagely.

    ¡°W-What about him?¡± Clare stammered.

    ¡°I know you two are together. No need to hide it,¡± Gabriel replied genially. ¡°For the record, you¡¯re not tarnished or unlovable. You managed to find a partner at Coolisimo.¡±

    Clare herself smiled ¨C the first Lila had seen since coming home from school. ¡°I know. I¡­ well. Lila could tell you all about it, but I had been so scared about that. That no guy would want me, because of my job. But I worked through that¡­ at least, I thought I did. Now that Mum¡¯s brought it all up again¡­ I am starting to doubt myself.¡±

    ¡°Alright, Clare, how about this,¡± Gabriel said, leaning forward, his face earnest. ¡°I¡¯ll change the roster for this week, and next if you¡¯d like me to. Take some time, after all this. Don¡¯t worry about Coolisimo, and don¡¯t worry about pay. I¡¯ll still make sure you get paid.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being firm on this. One week, at the minimum,¡± his voice had suddenly shifted to an authoritative one that Lila hadn¡¯t heard before. ¡°That sounded entirely traumatic.¡±

    Traumatic. Lila glanced at Clare once again. Talking about it had seemed to relieve her somewhat, but Gabriel was right. With Clare¡¯s paraphrasing, it sounded awful ¨C but actually being subjected to it?

    Clare took a few moments before apparently relenting with a nod. ¡°Since¡­ it¡¯s the boss¡¯ decision,¡± she murmured, squeezing her hands together beside her cup.

    Gabriel looked as though he was about to say something else when a beeping sound from the kitchen interrupted him.

    ¡°The dessert is demanding that I tend to it,¡± he declared with another smile. It was nowhere near as brilliant as Lila had known them to be, but he left without another word.

    Clare picked at her nailbeds, seeming to be subconsciously careful not to ruin her manicure.

    The remaining trio didn¡¯t speak, all evidently contemplating what had transpired. Lila still felt uneasy about the fact that the pictures of her outside Asher¡¯s were somewhere in Clare¡¯s room. Gritting her teeth, she took a deep, calming breath. She tried to collect herself, but for some reason, it made her fears even more vibrant.

    ¡°Could¡­ we ask Daniel to grab the bag? Or the photos, at least?¡± Lila asked in a small voice.

    Clare bit her lower lip. ¡°I put it with all my dance stuff. Like, my show bras and stuff. I¡­ could ask, but it¡¯s so suspicious and I¡¯m still processing that Mum knows, let alone try to think of what to say to Daniel. I mean, I¡¯m talking, like, glitter, rhinestones, sheer-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Lila interjected quickly, shaking her head. ¡°I¡­ just hope we¡¯re wrong about Mum going through our rooms.¡±

    Not that she had more than a sliver of hope for that.

    ¡°I¡¯m so sorry,¡± Clare whispered again. ¡°I dragged you into this-¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t drag me anywhere. I just walked into it. Stop feeling guilty for something you didn¡¯t do. Especially not on purpose.¡±

    ¡°But Mum¡¯ll be mad at you, too.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯d be mad regardless. Did you hear what I said to her before we left?¡±

    Clare sighed, taking a long sip of her juice.

    ¡°¡­ Thank you, Lila,¡± Clare said after setting her cup back down. ¡°It¡­ I did hear. I got scared when she turned to you, but I couldn¡¯t say anything. I lost my voice, somehow.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be honest, Clare, it freaked me out that you weren¡¯t fighting back. But¡­ since you weren¡¯t, I had to do what you couldn¡¯t in the moment. I can be your defender, too, even if it doesn¡¯t seem like it.¡±

    Clare gave her a watery smile, downing the rest of her juice. She put her empty cup down before looking back at Lila. ¡°I saw.¡±

    Lila returned her smile, drinking her own cup. Then, a new thought occurred to her ¨C one that made her curiosity tick.

    ¡°How did Mum even get the video anyway?¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes flickered to Lila¡¯s before she clasped her hands together again. ¡°She¡­ well, she was shouting about how embarrassing and shameful it was to be told her daughter is a degenerate whore at lunch with her friends.¡± Clare gave a hollow laugh before carrying on. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure she said it was fucking Tim Rodriguez¡¯s mother who showed her.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose. Tim was always awful. He was the son of Lillian Rodriguez and because he was Clare¡¯s age, they had always been grouped with him at gatherings. Even as a kid, he¡¯d been sexist and generally insufferable, suffering from the hubris of being a ¡®pure Filipino¡¯ boy, which meant Lila, Clare, and even Daniel when he was old enough had spent much of a gathering running away from Tim. He¡¯d also seemed to have an odd fixation on Clare, too ¨C if they were incidentally together, he¡¯d always call her some iteration of freak.

    ¡°So, the worst person to find you spinning around a pole in a nightclub,¡± Lila commented despondently.

    ¡°And exactly one who would run right to Mummy,¡± Clare added, her town spiteful. She bit aggressively into a cookie. ¡°Fucking dickhead.¡±

    ¡°And I¡¯m guessing not a single comment was made about the fact that he was in a nightclub,¡± Lila rolled her eyes.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Clare replied. ¡°What, a pharmacy student can¡¯t blow off some steam in a nightclub?¡±

    ¡°I bet he had some sick satisfaction when he saw you, too.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see him at the time, so I¡¯m glad I didn¡¯t see his expression when he figured out it was me. I think this was taken on Saturday, and his Mum probably held on to it until she could confront Mum with it in person, in front of everyone else.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t refute this idea, either. As bad as Tim was, he was definitely his mother¡¯s child. The two sisters fell silent once more, with Lila increasingly getting annoyed at the reminder of Tim¡¯s existence.

    ¡°Well¡­ Gabriel hasn¡¯t come back,¡± Asher said after a few seconds. ¡°So¡­ did you guys want to play a game, or something?¡±

    Lila perked up immediately. A game sounded perfect ¨C and it might help distract Clare, too.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± she said, standing up. ¡°Come on, sis.¡±

    Clare stood as well, her expression curious. Asher swiftly popped his head into the butler¡¯s pantry before meeting up with Lila and Clare once more and leading them up to the rumpus room.

    ¡°Uh, I guess you could say that this is my wing of the house,¡± Asher said awkwardly before opening the door to the rumpus room and gesturing for them to enter.

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Clare breathed, peering into the room before stepping through the doorway. ¡°Your wing? How big is this place?¡±

    Asher exchanged a look with Lila before shrugging. ¡°Big?¡±

    ¡°You must¡¯ve been laughing when you came over to ours the first time,¡± Clare shook her head.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Asher replied, gesturing to the couch. He gave Clare a brief rundown of the layout before closing the door.

    ¡°You have this massive section of the house all to yourself and you¡¯re allowed to close the door with a girl over?¡± Clare asked incredulously, settling into a spot on the couch. ¡°That seems dangerous.¡±

    ¡°Dangerous how?¡± Lila asked, taking her normal spot on the couch. She heard Asher cross the room to the kitchenette and take some cups out.

    Clare raised an eyebrow. ¡°You need me to spell it out?¡±

    Lila tried to think about what Clare was trying to insinuate but was coming up empty. They¡¯d always hung out behind closed doors, even when they were preparing their English presentation in Asher¡¯s library.

    ¡°Well, I got the answer I wanted,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°All I¡¯m saying is that I¡¯m surprised you have the self-control to remain virgins.¡±

    Lila heard a cup clatter across the counter but she didn¡¯t want to look at Asher to see his expression. Lila flushed immediately, her chest feeling constricted with embarrassment. She felt like they¡¯d been close, at least once, to losing their inhibition here, but she wasn¡¯t about to tell Clare that. Why did Clare have to bring that up now? With Asher here?

    ¡°I mean, w-we might not be,¡± Lila said, avoiding Clare¡¯s gaze now too.

    ¡°Shit,¡± she heard Asher mutter under his breath as yet another cup connected loudly with the counter.

    ¡°You so are,¡± Clare asserted. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s cute. Anyway, what games do you have, Asher?¡±

    Asher sounded entirely relieved that the conversation had changed to something else.

    ¡°You can browse what we have on the Switch, but we¡¯ve got the classics, like Mario Party, and all that.¡±

    ¡°We? Sounds like you¡¯ve made yourself right at home, Lila. He¡¯s already saying ¡®we¡¯ like you own his stuff, too.¡±

    ¡°Clare, don¡¯t be an idiot. He means his family-¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Asher interjected, divvying out the cups of juice that he¡¯d finally managed to pour for them. ¡°There¡¯s consoles for everyone to use down in the living room. Those are for the family.¡±

    Clare gave a sound of satisfaction as she sat back, looking up at the TV. Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure what to say in response, her brain having short-circuited. We? Was that a step up? Did his word choice actually mean what Clare said?

    Asher grabbed three sets of controllers and they browsed through the Switch¡¯s offerings, though Lila couldn¡¯t focus on any of them. Eventually, Clare picked Mario Party, and they played through a couple of rounds, with Clare absolutely throttling them both, before the intercom buzzed, scaring the daylights out of Clare.

    Asher snickered as he crossed the room. It was Gabriel, calling them down for dinner.

    ¡°That¡¯s convenient,¡± Clare commented as they made their way downstairs.

    ¡°It is ¨C but sometimes if it needs servicing, it just makes this annoying buzzing sound constantly,¡± Asher explained as they reached the landing. He led them to the dining room again, finding a serving dish of chicken thigh pieces cooked in what smelt like a garlic and thyme sauce, surrounded by a bed of roasted vegetables. A separate serving dish of steaming rice sat beside it and plates were set up.

    ¡°This smells delicious,¡± Clare said with a light sniff. ¡°Like, wow.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel¡¯s cooking is amazing,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Has he ever cooked at the nightclub?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not, my dear,¡± Gabriel laughed, holding a jug of homemade iced tea. ¡°I told you before, being a chef in a restaurant setting gives me the heebie-jeebies. I¡¯d fold in a second.¡±

    ¡°What Gabriel said,¡± Clare replied, taking a seat.

    Marlene sailed in a moment later, armed with salt and pepper. Clare¡¯s eyes nearly popped out of her head.

    ¡°Marlene?!¡± she gasped.

    ¡°Hello, Clare,¡± Marlene nodded, a pleasant smile on her face. ¡°Good to see you.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, but why are you here too?¡± Clare whipped her head to Gabriel, as though he held the answers. Which, to be fair, he did.

    ¡°I work here part-time as the maid,¡± Marlene replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Eat, it¡¯ll get cold.¡±

    Clare seemed as though she had far more questions to be answered, but obediently started dishing her food. Lila exchanged an amused look with Asher, and they dug in as well. Gabriel and Marlene took their seats not a moment later, and all was silent for a while until Asher spoke.

    ¡°Did you guys want to stay the night?¡± he asked, sipping his iced tea. ¡°The spare room-¡±

    ¡°Is made up,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°I know.¡±

    Asher chuckled in response.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of in-joke that is, but I don¡¯t think we should stay,¡± Clare replied after swallowing roughly. ¡°I¡¯m just hoping to get home after Mum goes to bed. Plus, Lila doesn¡¯t have her school stuff, and¡­ we need to look for some things.¡±

    Asher nodded in understanding, but Lila could detect a hint of forlornness.

    ¡°At least we¡¯re going on our date tomorrow,¡± Lila said in an attempt to cheer him up. It worked, with his eyes changing to ones reflecting excitement rather than despondence.

    ¡°We sure are,¡± he said excitedly.

    ¡°Did you want me to bring a change of clothes?¡±

    ¡°Up to you, if that¡¯s more comfortable. I was thinking that if we want as much time as possible at the shops, we should go straight away, though. So I won¡¯t be.¡±

    Lila nodded ¨C it sounded reasonable.

    ¡°What¡¯re you doing on your date tomorrow?¡± Clare asked conversationally.

    ¡°Hanging around the shops, mainly,¡± Asher replied, a faint hint of pink on his cheeks. ¡°Spontaneity and all that.¡±

    ¡°Ah,¡± Clare uttered, her eyes full of mischief. ¡°Spontaneity.¡±

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Lila interjected before anyone could think too hard about spontaneity between herself and Asher, ¡°what¡¯s your plan from here on out?¡±

    Clare glanced at Marlene, who seemed more absorbed in her food than on what anyone else was doing. ¡°Well, Gabriel told me I can¡¯t work for a week¡­ so I guess I was going to see my friends, and Alex when he gets back. Maybe get started on some Uni assignments that I¡¯ve been neglecting.¡±

    ¡°Thrilling,¡± Lila snorted sarcastically.

    ¡°Very,¡± Clare replied just as sarcastically.

    Dinner proceeded with some more light-hearted banter shared between Lila and Clare, with Lila quite glad that food seemed to have revived her sister¡¯s spirit somewhat. They were definitely related in that regard, at least.

    Once dinner was over, Gabriel brought out a decadent chocolate cake, explaining that this was what he¡¯d been making when Clare and Lila arrived. It had a coffee undertone and even felt healing with its perfect ratio of airiness and delectable substance.

    With thanks to the chef, Lila, Asher and Clare retreated once more to the rumpus room. This time, no one was in the mood to play. Clare instead opted to scroll on her phone, and Lila checked hers. She turned her eSim on once again, making sure to keep her phone well away from Clare. After a few minutes of the eSim connecting with her phone and no new messages, Lila decided to call it there. Zack hadn¡¯t yet made a decision.

    Lila passed her phone to Asher, who simply nodded in acknowledgement. He took out his school-issued laptop from the laptop bag next to the coffee table and began working on an assignment. Lila and Clare continued to lounge until Lila had another question that worried her.

    ¡°When do you think Mum will go to bed?¡± she queried in a hushed voice. Clare glanced at Lila.

    ¡°Knowing Mum? Probably won¡¯t sleep tonight. But she¡¯ll lock herself in her room at about 9, if she hasn¡¯t already.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want to quit dancing at the nightclub?¡±

    Clare gave a heavy sigh, one that seemed to convey a million and one emotions.

    ¡°It sounds like it¡¯d be the easiest solution. Not like I can take back what she¡¯s seen, and how long I¡¯ve worked for already, but¡­ to avoid future problems, quitting would help. At the same time though, I really don¡¯t want to. Plus, it would mean that Mum won. And I don¡¯t want that either.¡±

    Lila caught sight of Asher looking as though he wanted to say something, but he refrained.

    ¡°If it wasn¡¯t such a fun job, and if I didn¡¯t choose to do it because I wanted to, rather than being forced to by circumstance, I probably would quit. There¡¯s some moments, here and there, that can get a bit dicey, but seriously ¨C Gabriel is a great boss. Straightens everything out and protects us. Like now, I guess, since he told me to have a break.¡± Clare huffed. ¡°I¡¯d just finished the fittings for this weekend¡¯s special event, too.¡±

    Clare paused before sighing again. ¡°I¡­ know I have to talk to Mum again. Apologise for being a dancer. But I¡¯m not sorry. She just doesn¡¯t get it. I¡¯m not just selling myself. I¡¯m using my body, sure, but pole is really hard work. It keeps me fit, and I get a shitton of cash. More than the average Uni student, anyway. It¡¯s fun, and knowing I can get a certain rise out of guys because of how I move¡­¡± She eyed Lila carefully before looking towards the black TV screen. ¡°It¡¯s a power trip. I don¡¯t dance just for male attention, don¡¯t get me wrong. It is an amusing bonus - when they behave. I swear, some of them treat me like some kind of idol. Girls are generally better about it though.¡±

    She stretched her arms above her head as she continued. ¡°Being able to be Roxy is something I didn¡¯t think I was good enough for, in the beginning. I hadn¡¯t really been keeping up with dance or cheer at Uni, so I thought I¡¯d fail, be sad that even a nightclub didn¡¯t want me, then cry about it for a bit. But I didn¡¯t fail. It was¡­ exhilarating. Even if it doesn¡¯t make Mum or Dad happy, I¡¯m happy, you know? It¡¯s weird ¡®cause¡­ I know logically it is shameful, I don¡¯t want to tell my school or Uni friends about it, sure, but I dunno. I don¡¯t personally feel ashamed by it, especially when I get out there and perform. Besides, something about keeping secrets is kinda exciting, too. Know what I mean?¡±

    Lila shifted uncomfortably. ¡°Y-Yeah, I guess so.¡±

    Clare looked at Lila shrewdly. ¡°Sounds to me like it¡¯s more than a guess.¡±

    ¡°Well, I haven¡¯t said anything to anyone about sneaking into a nightclub with Asher,¡± Lila said hurriedly. ¡®Or anything else,¡¯ she added privately.

    Clare leaned forward, her lips twitching in a way that seemed she was suppressing a smile. ¡°You know, I never bought your dumb story about why you guys were in the nightclub,¡± Clare said. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking about it for a while now, but I¡¯ve never heard either of you talking about parties or drinking. Why¡¯d you just full send it to a nightclub with dancers?¡±

    Lila had run out of quick thinking. At the time, they¡¯d been trying to figure out why Marlene had gone into Coolisimo during closing hours when they followed her.

    Suddenly, something occurred to Lila that almost made her gasp. She¡¯d wondered about how Marlene had gotten home so quickly ¨C but with the amount of cars under Coolisimo, and the amount of garage space at Asher¡¯s, perhaps Marlene borrowed one of Gabriel¡¯s cars. It still didn¡¯t answer why Marlene was at Coolisimo in the first place, particularly as Marlene had just finished a shift and could¡¯ve simply walked home, but Lila still felt that she¡¯d just fit one piece of the puzzle together.

    Maybe Marlene had to help with something in the nightclub but received an alert about the person lurking around Asher¡¯s house. Even in that scenario, it was still crazy to Lila that Marlene¡¯s solution was to specifically drive from the City and attack him herself, instead of calling the Police or the security company that looked after their house, if they had access to one. Lila was pretty sure some camera companies looked after houses and alerted their internal security or the Police to suspicious activity for a nominal fee ¨C which would be no object to the Wagners-

    ¡°Uh, Earth to Lila. You¡¯ve got this really weird expression,¡± Clare said, waving a hand in front of Lila¡¯s face. ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve worked something out, but I don¡¯t know why it¡¯s related to sneaking into Coolisimo. Did you not even know why you were there in the first place?¡±

    Lila saw Asher shoot her a look in her peripheral vision before he interjected.

    ¡°Like I said back then, it was for me. I was really upset at the time, and I told Lila about the fact that I noticed Gabriel would go out at night, and we both got really curious. We went to see where we would go.¡±

    It was a lame excuse ¨C one that Clare would surely see through.

    ¡°Plus, I really did want to take Asher to get dinner in the city,¡± Lila added, though by the dubious expression on Clare¡¯s face, she believed that even less.

    ¡°Were¡­ you guys getting up to shady stuff while Asher had a girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila snapped. Clare raised her hands defensively.

    ¡°Sorry. I¡¯m just saying, if my boyfriend was casually hanging out with a girl, dressed like that, to ¡®get dinner at a nightclub¡¯, I¡¯d think he¡¯s trying to cheat on me. Don¡¯t look at me like that, yes I know where I work and where Alex works. We do have some sense of decorum over there, you know, especially about relationships since they can be hard to come by. Different when you¡¯re going out in your own time, versus being on shift or hanging around after work. Especially so if it¡¯s a one-on-one hangout in either case.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure she understood the nuance, but with how passionately Clare talked about it, she¡¯d just take her word for it.

    A knock sounded on the door and Asher opened it, revealing a worn-out looking Gabriel.

    ¡°I¡¯m finishing up here for the evening, but I wanted to chat with you some more, Clare. Boss to employee. I¡¯m worried about you.¡±

    Clare hung her head.

    ¡°I promise it won¡¯t be long, unless you¡¯d like it to be. I¡¯ll even fix you up a hot chocolate downstairs.¡±

    ¡°You gotta go,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°Best you¡¯ll ever have.¡±

    Gabriel chuckled, his usual shine returning to his eyes for just a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to make you one too, Lila. I might not come up to deliver it, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Lila beamed. ¡°Intercoms are great for that.¡±

    ¡°They are,¡± Gabriel smiled, gesturing at Clare to follow him. She did so, though her body language oozed reluctance.

    Clare gently closed the door behind her and Lila gave a heavy exhale, placing her head in her hands. She heard Asher shuffle closer before sitting right against her and felt his warm hand on her shoulder. It was delicate enough to almost make her cry.

    ¡°I know you¡¯re more worried about Clare than yourself ¨C but are you okay?¡± His voice was just as warm as his touch, and she leaned her head against his shoulder. He wrapped his arms around her, pulling her into his chest and softly caressing her cheek as he waited for a response.

    ¡°I¡¯m okay,¡± she mumbled against his chest. She felt his arms stiffen and she could tell that he knew it was a lie.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± he said, kissing the side of her head. ¡°Let me in? Even just a little.¡±

    She pressed herself closer to Asher, contemplating how she could answer him. What was she feeling, besides exhausted?

    ¡°¡­ Like Clare said, Mum was really different,¡± Lila finally said with an involuntary sniffle. ¡°I was only there for the very end. Clare was on the floor, crying, and Mum just¡­ didn¡¯t care. She asked if I was doing it too, and she just seemed so cold. I¡­ I don¡¯t know what to think about Mum anymore.¡±

    Asher gave a small breathy sigh, his arms relaxing around her. ¡°I see.¡±

    Lila fell quiet, soaking in the hug. It made her feel a lot better, feeling him care for her in this way, even if she didn¡¯t know what was going on with her mind.

    ¡°Other than that, I¡¯m really not sure. I think I¡¯ll need a day or two to figure it out. Especially after I see Mum again.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m here to help, if you need me to,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ shit that it happened, but at least we¡¯re going out tomorrow. Get your mind off of it. Enjoy a small reward for your English work. I know it was a slog for you.¡±

    Lila smiled, though he couldn¡¯t see. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    They continued to sit like this for a while until the intercom buzzed. It was Gabriel, requesting they retrieve their hot chocolates.

    They headed downstairs, hand in hand, and were about to head back up with their hot chocolates when Clare called them back.

    ¡°I think it¡¯s time to go home, Lila. After you drink that.¡±

    Was it that late already? Sure enough, when Lila checked the time, it was almost 8.30pm.

    ¡°Are you still talking with Gabriel?¡± Lila asked, retreating to the dining room to see where Clare was. She was sitting with Gabriel, one hand against her mug.

    ¡°Yeah. But¡­ we won¡¯t be long.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lila shuffled back towards Asher who nodded at her.

    ¡°You know, I haven¡¯t taken you to the living room,¡± he said conversationally, blowing on his mug of hot chocolate. ¡°I just realised that today.¡±

    ¡°I mean, it doesn¡¯t feel like there¡¯s much living in there,¡± Lila joked as she blew on her own.

    ¡°That¡¯s true. It¡¯s more for guests, really. But, when Mum¡¯s here, sometimes we hang out in there after dinner. Just haven¡¯t¡­ for a while.¡±

    He was quiet for a moment before giving Lila a half-smile. ¡°It¡¯s this way.¡±

    They walked past the dining room once more and walked alongside it down an expansive hallway. At the end was a set of closed double doors. Asher pushed them open and revealed an airy-looking living room with a massive TV along the back wall and a plush-looking light-grey couch that lined the front wall and a little of the right. Beside each side of the TV sat display cases, mostly of Swarovski crystals, books, and antique-looking decorations. Underneath was a TV cabinet that looked to be stowing away the family consoles Asher mentioned, and between the couch and the TV was a colourful mosaic rug, upon which was a glass coffee table much like the one in Asher¡¯s rumpus room.

    ¡°Take a seat,¡± Asher said, pointing to the couch. She perched herself on the edge, trying to take it all in. It looked rather untouched.

    They sipped their hot chocolates in silence, with Lila still contemplating her feelings on the whole situation. She couldn¡¯t land on a firm position just yet, but she might figure it out by tomorrow.

    Asher looked over at her every now and then, having sat next to her, but he seemed to be giving her space to think. She appreciated this but was beginning to think that she¡¯d rather appreciate hearing his voice again, when she realised her hot chocolate had been drunk.

    ¡°Aw,¡± she sighed, looking down at her empty cup. ¡°Looks like I¡¯m done.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to the kitchen, then,¡± Asher suggested, taking her cup from her hands. ¡°Before they start to wonder where we went.¡±

    They returned, with Lila catching the sound of chairs scraping the tiles. Clare must¡¯ve finished her conversation with Gabriel. They passed the dining room again, with Lila seeing Clare nodding at Gabriel, before making their way to the kitchen. Marlene was by the sink now and accepted their empty cups, rinsing them briefly.

    Lila had just barely thanked Marlene when Clare appeared behind her.

    ¡°Time to go,¡± she said softly, nudging Lila¡¯s shoulder.

    ¡°I¡¯ll open the garage for you,¡± Asher said quickly. He followed them after they said their goodbyes to Gabriel and Marlene, opening the door for them both. Lila put her shoes back on, almost falling over herself from her tiredness before Asher steadied her balance.

    ¡°Careful,¡± he murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t hurt yourself.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try not to,¡± Lila replied with a small smile.

    ¡°Good. Uh¡­ well, there¡¯s a button just by the door¡­ so¡­ I guess this is goodnight,¡± he said somewhat awkwardly. Lila took his hand, squeezing it gently.

    ¡°Goodnight,¡± she said softly.

    ¡°Goodnight. And goodnight to you too, Clare,¡± he called to Clare¡¯s retreating back. She waved before hopping in and starting her car.

    Lila was about to follow Clare when Asher pulled her back. She looked up at him, curious as to what else he wanted, before feeling his lips on hers. A goodnight kiss. How could she have forgotten?

    They parted a few moments later, with Lila¡¯s heart pounding in her ears. She hurried to Clare¡¯s car, noticing her bright red cheeks in her reflection on Clare¡¯s windows, and jumped in, buckling her seatbelt.

    ¡°Welcome,¡± Clare said with a grin. ¡°I can see you didn¡¯t want to leave.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila admitted as Clare began to drive out of the open garage doors. ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    ¡°Sorry. I would¡¯ve said yes, but I didn¡¯t want to make Mum even more mad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine, sis. I really needed my school stuff anyway. Plus, it¡¯s not like I have clothes or anything at his.¡±

    Clare looked shocked. ¡°You should start on that. With a house like that, I¡¯m sure his closet has enough space for you.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s intruding.¡±

    ¡°If you were breaking in and doing it, maybe,¡± Clare laughed. ¡°You¡¯re his girlfriend. It¡¯s part of the privilege.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond, turning her head instead to look out the window. Clare didn¡¯t seem to want to speak any further either, as she drove them through the neighbourhood, turning up her EDM tracks ever so slightly.

    Lila noticed, as Clare crept the car up the driveway, that their house was dark on both floors. It most likely meant that their parents had gone to bed, but Lila was still anxious about the possibility of an appearance from their Mum, demanding to know where they went, and to otherwise continue the argument.

    Clare and Lila tiptoed inside, with Lila making a mental note that her school bags were still by the shoes, looking relatively untouched. There was no sound in the living room, and passing by it Lila couldn¡¯t see anyone on the couch.

    Up the stairs they went, with Lila feeling more fatigued with each step. She might collapse if she didn¡¯t make it to her room immediately.

    So, she was slightly annoyed when she tried to do so but was thwarted due to Clare pinching the sleeve of her school dress.

    ¡°Just¡­ come help me find the bag,¡± she whispered, slowly opening her bedroom door. ¡°I know you won¡¯t sleep if you don¡¯t know what happened to it.¡±

    Clare was right, of course. Lila wouldn¡¯t have.

    But, upon seeing the state of Clare¡¯s room, Lila was pretty sure she wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep for other reasons.

    It had been almost ransacked, the chaos of Clare¡¯s things being opened or otherwise strewn about. Her closet was rifled heavily rifled through, and mounds of heels had been pulled out and clearly inspected. The show bras that Clare had said were with the bag she¡¯d hidden the photos in were all over the floor, as if their Mum had thrown them there with fury.

    ¡°No,¡± Clare groaned, moving towards her bed. More of her things were there, like makeup and notebooks, but one particular bag stood out. It was the only one that was in an inside-out state, and Clare grabbed it, looking back at Lila in despair.

    ¡°She found them. She found the photos.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Four

    ¡°You¡¯re fucking kidding me,¡± Lila¡¯s voice came out in a weak tremble, despite her word choice. Clare¡¯s face was drained of colour, her eyes fixed on Lila¡¯s as she slowly shook her head.

    ¡°I¡¯m not. I¡¯m so sorry, Lila,¡± Clare whispered, her eyes sparkling once more with tears. How many more tears would Clare shed that night?

    For a moment, anger burned through Lila¡¯s veins. Why hadn¡¯t Clare gotten rid of them? The mounting frustration, fury, and absolute terror, for a fraction of a second, almost compelled her to slap Clare.

    Instead, Lila turned on her heel and promptly walked to Clare¡¯s door, her breathing heavy. Her restraint was dangerously flimsy now ¨C most likely because of how tired she was. Staying any longer would make her snap.

    ¡°Lila-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed,¡± Lila responded, closing Clare¡¯s door forcefully behind her.

    Lila¡¯s stomach twisted as she realised that she¡¯d have to open her own door and see what carnage awaited her. She paused, her hand outstretched for her doorknob. Would sleeping on the couch be suspicious?

    But¡­ if she slept downstairs, then the likelihood of encountering her Mum was basically guaranteed.

    Gritting her teeth, she twisted her doorknob and swung her door open.

    It was dark, but she could tell it wasn¡¯t the same as she¡¯d left it that morning. She stepped in and closed the door behind her before turning on the light.

    Blinking against the harsh brightness, Lila tried to take in the state of her room. It wasn¡¯t as bad as Clare¡¯s by any means, but clothes had been thrown out of her closet and her desk was littered with the contents of her drawers.

    Her bed had a similar scattering of objects, and she dejectedly changed out of her clothes and into pyjamas that were lying around. Rubbing her eyes with a yawn, she decided that she¡¯d just sweep the stuff off her bed and deal with it tom-

    Her heart skipped.

    There was a folder on her bed. The folder. The godamn folder filled with the documents they¡¯d found in the farmhouse. She frantically picked it up. Would anything be missing?

    With shaking hands, she opened the cover. The documents¡­ looked fine. There wasn¡¯t anything missing from what she could remember. She wasn¡¯t sure whether her Mum opened it ¨C there were other schoolbooks and related materials on her bed, too.

    ¡®The photos of Marlene¡¯s house,¡¯ a voice inside her mind whispered. She placed the folder on her desk, her eyes darting all across her room. If her Mum found the folder, then the photos had to be somewhere.

    The envelope wasn¡¯t on her bed so she turned her attention back to her desk. With a sigh of relief, she saw it sticking out under a textbook that had clearly been knocked sideways from its previous position. At least her Mum had left it in her room. She opened the envelope, hoping that at least these photos had remained.

    From her quick glance, nothing seemed amiss, which would suffice for now. It would be impossible to go through everything and catalogue it, with how heavy her eyelids were feeling, so she simply placed the envelope on top of the folder.

    As she¡¯d already decided, Lila swept everything that had been on her bed to the floor and climbed under the covers. Her mind was awake now, wondering whether her Mum had picked up on the fact that Lila shouldn¡¯t have either the folder or photos of the interior of someone else¡¯s house. Would that be another thing her Mum would yell at her about when she saw Lila next?

    Lila turned around, facing the wall with a shaky breath. She wasn¡¯t a sex worker, but the photos Piper had prepared weren¡¯t exactly even evidence in Lila¡¯s favour. How apt was it that weeks after Piper¡¯s death, she still somehow managed to haunt Lila and mess with her life¡­

    With this thought, Lila fell into a slumber that felt far too light to be refreshing once she opened her eyes again. Lila went through her morning routine with suspense, distinctly aware that her Mum might still be at home. Fortunately, she didn¡¯t see her by the time she walked to her bus, shivering against the cold.

    It was with disappointment that she realised that she didn¡¯t have classes with Asher that morning on her trek to the locker room. Of course, when she arrived, he was standing outside her locker, his face tense with worry. Though his face usually relaxed when he saw her, today his furrowed brow deepened.

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said simply as she put her bag into her locker and assembled her things for Design and Japanese.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± she replied with an involuntary yawn.

    ¡°Is it?¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± she smiled, closing her door and locking it. ¡°You¡¯re here, after all.¡±

    He sighed, taking her things from her with a slight shake of his head. ¡°You know that¡¯s not what I meant.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. She¡¯d been so eager to just go to sleep that she hadn¡¯t told Asher that her Mum had found the photos ¨C of her, and of Marlene¡¯s house.

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ just start walking,¡± she murmured, her eyes lingering on the door to the locker room. Students were filing in at an impressive rate now, and she didn¡¯t feel safe talking about either of those things here.

    She held on to his arm as he parted through the crowd. It was a bit of a squeeze to get out of there, but once they started heading to the Applied Tech building, there were far less people.

    Asher didn¡¯t say anything and she kept her hand on his arm, holding it now for comfort rather than to avoid being swept away. They continued this way for some time before Lila finally spoke.

    ¡°Mum found the photos.¡±

    Asher took a sharp inhale and she could feel his arm flex beneath her hand.

    ¡°Did you see her?¡± he asked quietly, looking directly into her eyes.

    She shook her head. ¡°Haven¡¯t yet. I¡­ would love to avoid her, if I could. At least¡­ either until Clare talks to her, or we tell Dad about¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯ll talk to Marlene about dropping you off tonight, after our date. Then¡­ well, there¡¯s tomorrow¡¯s debate, so she could probably drop you off then, too. Did you want to talk to your Dad on Saturday or Sunday?¡±

    ¡°I think it depends on what we get. We might need to go through what we¡¯ve got, which could take some time. Either works, I think.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ I¡¯d have to go over,¡± Asher said tentatively. Lila nodded, suddenly anxious about the idea that Asher would interact with her Mum. If her Mum hadn¡¯t already recognised him as being the guy in the photo Piper had taken, Lila was sure that her Mum would after seeing him again.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that you¡¯ll just ask your Dad about me coming over?¡± Asher asked after a couple of moments. Lila nodded again.

    ¡°He might already know something happened with Clare and me, but I haven¡¯t seen him either. He¡¯s a much calmer person usually, so¡­ I¡¯m not quite as worried about talking to him. Plus, he knows about the photo of us.¡±

    ¡°And your Mum doesn¡¯t?¡±

    ¡°We¡­ kinda all agreed not to tell her. Even Dad.¡±

    Asher paused. She thought he¡¯d say something about that being a mistake, but he didn¡¯t say anything at all.

    ¡°There¡¯s something else,¡± Lila mumbled. As soon as she said that, she wanted to take her words back.

    ¡°Something else?¡±

    Lila sighed again. She didn¡¯t want to ruin his morning, though he¡¯d previously asked her to let him in and to rely on him. Now that she was in a situation where she felt like she really needed to, she could hardly bring herself to. It¡¯d worry him, probably unnecessarily so, but¡­ it wasn¡¯t like she could talk about it with Elise and Grace. She glanced at him and, upon seeing his concerned yet gentle eyes, admitted defeat.

    ¡°She found the folder, too.¡±

    ¡°Folder?¡±

    ¡°The one we found. In the farmhouse.¡±

    Asher stopped walking altogether. ¡°S-Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. And I think she might¡¯ve found the photos of Marlene¡¯s place, too.¡±

    Asher whipped his head around as if to see if there were any eavesdroppers nearby. There weren¡¯t ¨C Lila had checked.

    ¡°Do you think¡­ she knows their significance? At least, for the folder ¨C how much does she know about your Dad¡¯s cases?¡±

    Lila tightened her grip on his arm. She had no idea. Sometimes, her Mum would go with her Dad to his office to do the books, but she was, for all intents and purposes, a housewife. Once her Dad¡¯s PI business took off around the time Daniel was born, her Mum didn¡¯t need to work for money anymore ¨C so, she hadn¡¯t.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t think she does any case-related work. I mean, being a PI means you have to do a lot of reading and writing ¨C you know, researching source material, and writing investigation reports. Mum¡¯s verbal English is really good ¨C but I don¡¯t think her writing and reading is up to that sort of work.¡±

    ¡°And since your Mum left them in your room¡­ then she probably didn¡¯t think they were important enough to take to your Dad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what I¡¯m hoping.¡±

    Asher wiped his face, the stress showing on his face for a very brief moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m not going to panic,¡± he said quietly, looking down at Lila. ¡°We¡¯re planning to give it to your Dad this weekend anyway, right? So¡­ even if he does see it beforehand, then it won¡¯t matter so much.¡±

    ¡°I guess.¡±

    ¡°As for the photos of Marlene¡¯s place¡­ well, we took a lot of pictures of her little animal statues. Your Mum might think it¡¯s some weird high school project. It¡¯s not like there were really any strange pictures-¡±

    ¡°Except for the corkboard of Piper.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Except for the corkboard of Piper.¡± Asher sighed deeply. ¡°If she saw that and recognised who Piper was, she might think you murdered her after all.¡±

    Lila shivered. ¡°Please don¡¯t say things like that, even if it is a joke.¡±

    ¡°Sorry. Just¡­ spitballing the worst-case scenarios.¡±

    ¡°I think I¡¯d rather be thought of as a sex worker than a murderer.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t say things like that, even if it is a joke.¡±

    Lila looked intently at Asher. Was being a murderer really better than a sex worker in his mind?

    ¡°Sorry¡­ just¡­ well¡­¡± he looked incredibly awkward now, his face rather red. ¡°The¡­ imagery of- well. Y-You, uh, doing things. With other people. Is¡­ not one that I want-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila interrupted him, her own face feeling red-hot. She supposed that imagery would be worse to her boyfriend than her simply being a murderer. She didn¡¯t want that imagery either, of him or herself. ¡°I get it.¡±

    Asher pressed his lips together, as though he was forcing himself to keep quiet.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Lila stammered, her eyes staring at the road as they walked, ¡°uh, so¡­ if it¡¯s okay with you, I¡¯d rather stop thinking about Mum and all that for today. It¡­ I don¡¯t want to be upset during our date tonight.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Asher immediately responded, his voice sounding filled with relief. ¡°Whatever you need.¡±

    ¡°What are we doing on our date tonight?¡± Lila asked curiously, looking up at him.

    ¡°I have a couple ideas in mind,¡± he replied with a grin. ¡°But I thought I¡¯d keep you in suspense. That way, even if it¡¯s not spontaneous to me, you¡¯ll still be surprised. It¡¯s not quite so impressive though, since we¡¯re only going to the shopping centre, but we¡¯ll definitely have ramen.¡±

    Lila pouted. ¡°Well, now I won¡¯t stop thinking about it.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Asher laughed, taking her hand and pulling her towards the Applied Tech building that was just ahead. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you want?¡±

    Lila smiled, squeezing his hand. ¡°I guess I did ask for that.¡±

    When they met up again after class, walking to the Language Block hand-in-hand, Lila was still thinking about what he had in mind for their date. If she had to guess, perhaps they¡¯d go to the bookstore?

    She felt Asher¡¯s hand shake in hers and she glanced at him, only to find him suppressing his laughter.

    ¡°What?¡± she frowned, hoping that he wasn¡¯t laughing at her. He shook his head, a smile taking shape upon his lips.

    ¡°Whaaat?¡± Lila repeated, this time shaking his arm impatiently.

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± he replied, his grin widening. ¡°Just¡­ observing that you look to be seriously thinking about tonight.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am. You¡¯re being awfully mysterious.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t deny that, but¡­ I think you might be building it up a little bit too much.¡±

    ¡°Then you¡¯ll just need to live up to my expectations.¡±

    ¡°Those are?¡±

    Lila took a moment to think. What were her expectations? Ultimately, she didn¡¯t really have any. Except¡­

    Her heart began to pound as she remembered both the feeling of his lips against her neck and the sounds she¡¯d made at the time. For some reason, her butterflies were making it difficult to think, her embarrassment mounting in her cheeks and her chest. She suddenly couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at Asher, the memory pulling her shyness to the forefront. What answer could she give him? One that didn¡¯t make her look absolutely stupid. Or needy. Or¡­ gross.

    ¡°¡­ Not much. Honest. Just¡­ that we spend time together. A-As a couple. Since¡­ the last time we were there, we were just friends.¡± ¡®Friends who knew they liked each other,¡¯ she added to herself.

    ¡°Just friends with crushes on each other,¡± Asher chuckled.

    Lila stared at him for a moment before shaking her head, a small smile on her face.

    ¡°Sometimes, I get paranoid that you can read my thoughts,¡± she joked. She wasn¡¯t quite sure if this was any better than what she¡¯d been thinking about a moment ago, but she certainly didn¡¯t feel quite as embarrassed as she would¡¯ve if she¡¯d talked about that.

    ¡°If I could, then it wouldn¡¯t have been an ordeal for you,¡± he replied bashfully. ¡°Y¡¯know, making you confess, and all that. Then making you wait, too.¡±

    ¡°You know, I feel like you¡¯re still hung up on that.¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Asher said, his voice serious. ¡°But I¡¯m working on it.¡±

    ¡°It was the scariest moment of my life,¡± Lila admitted quietly.

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. I mean, I know why it happened like it did, and¡­ it¡¯s sweet.¡±

    ¡°Sweet?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lila trailed off for a moment before grinning, ¡°Knowing you liked me so much that you thought you shouldn¡¯t try is endearing, in a way. Adorable, even. I do wonder if you would¡¯ve gotten the courage one day.¡±

    ¡°Probably not,¡± he replied, his face tomato-red. ¡°I never thought that you liked me, even before you confessed. Despite Isaac and Daniel saying to just go for it.¡±

    She squeezed his hand. ¡°Then I¡¯m glad I went through such an ordeal. It¡¯s¡­ been better than I imagined.¡±

    ¡°R-Really?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Really.¡±

    It seemed that he¡¯d lost his capacity to speak, his face an impossibly deeper shade of red. She pulled him forwards with a giggle, the idea that saying what she felt stunned him into silence being one that she rather liked. They were going to be late to their language classes if they didn¡¯t get a move on, though.

    <hr>

    Lila and Asher spent both morning tea and lunch in the library, their carefree conversations and laughter being exactly what Lila needed. Asher seemed brighter somehow, his smiles and exuberance calming her mind. Though she didn¡¯t want to think about the problems laying in wait for her at home, they would intrusively pop up every now and then ¨C but basking in his light made them fade away just as quickly.

    The atmosphere in their English classroom was filled with an anxious haze, which almost triggered Lila¡¯s own ¨C until she remembered that she¡¯d handed in her draft yesterday afternoon. Asher looked quite relaxed as he leaned back on his chair, typing every so often but not nearly as furiously as their surrounding classmates. Ms Shard looked to be going through drafts that she¡¯d already received but didn¡¯t admonish their class for the level of noise that seemed to be creeping up. That was one thing about Ms Shard ¨C she seemed to know what her students needed, and for now, freaking out with some noise seemed to be that.

    Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.

    ¡°When did you hand in your draft?¡± Lila asked Asher curiously as she watched him stretch his arms above his head.

    ¡°Me?¡± he blinked at her before setting his chair flat on the ground again. ¡°Last Friday.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Very. I always hand things in well in advance.¡±

    ¡°But wouldn¡¯t you rather have more time to work on your stuff?¡±

    ¡°Why, so I can overthink it to death?¡± His eyes sparkled with humour as he smirked.

    ¡°I guess you¡¯re right,¡± Lila replied with her own matching smirk. ¡°But how do you balance all of the things you do? I mean, if I¡¯m over at yours, we¡¯re hardly studying.¡±

    ¡°Breaks are just as good,¡± Asher shrugged. ¡°It just means I reshuffle my priorities so that all my breaks can be taken in one day, instead of scattered throughout the week. Besides, we¡¯re not at the pointy end of the Term ¨C not just yet, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Did you take into account yesterday?¡± Lila¡¯s voice was low, guilt suddenly gripping her mind.

    ¡°Yesterday was meant to be a study day,¡± Asher conceded, his eyes on her for a moment. ¡°But you needed me more than my assignments did.¡±

    Lila swallowed, her guilt burrowing itself into her brain like a parasitic insect.

    ¡°That¡¯s why I hand my things in early,¡± he said quietly, his knee grazing hers. ¡°Have to expect the unexpected. If I worked right to the deadline and got sick or injured myself, or something else happened, I¡¯d need an extension and that would make me way too anxious to be productive.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡±

    His eyes darted to Ms Shard, who seemed to be entirely absorbed in her marking, and he took her hand that was resting on her keyboard, caressing it briefly before letting go.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re worried about you coming over with Clare yesterday,¡± he observed. ¡°Don¡¯t be. I¡¯m glad you did. Seeing you is always going to make my day, even if I¡¯ve got other plans in mind. If I needed to rearrange my whole life so that I can spend more time with you, I¡¯d do it. Whether that be now, or the future.¡±

    Lila felt the beginning stages of tears forming behind her eyes, but she quickly blinked them away. This was exactly what she meant when she said it was better than she¡¯d expected. At the same time, though, she couldn¡¯t let him do that at the expense of himself.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say things like that,¡± she replied with a small shake of her head. ¡°Don¡¯t rearrange your whole life for me. We haven¡¯t even been together for a month.¡±

    ¡°Sorry. Am I going too fast?¡±

    ¡°No¡­ but I just think¡­ well. I don¡¯t want you to rest your future on me, since you¡¯re set for success, with your grades and everything else. I can¡¯t drag you down.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d never-¡±

    ¡°Asher, I might. You¡¯ve got the world¡¯s possibilities just there for the taking. If that involves a life without me, you have to take it.¡±

    He grew very quiet, his eyes fixed on his laptop. She hoped she hadn¡¯t made him mad, but after a few moments he woke his laptop up again and began typing. She pressed her lips together, keeping her impending sigh inside. There wasn¡¯t really anything more she could say about it, though she¡¯d hoped he would tell her what he was thinking. But distracting him from his work would defeat the purpose of what she¡¯d said just now, so she let him be for the rest of class.

    Once it was over, they walked to the STEM area, hand-in-hand without exchanging a single word. The fact that he was holding her hand let her know that he wasn¡¯t mad, per se, but his continued silence was starting to worry her.

    He slowed his pace as they approached the point that they usually split off for Maths and Chem respectively, his expression strangely cryptic. He took a deep breath before stopping entirely and turning to her.

    ¡°Lila, I appreciate what you said back in English, I really do. But¡­ I think you¡¯re missing the point that you¡¯re also one of the world¡¯s possibilities.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart felt as though it flipped for a second. He looked incredibly serious, the hold his eyes had on her freezing her to the spot.

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°It¡­ frustrated me, to be honest. To hear you say that,¡± he continued as though he hadn¡¯t heard her. He ran a hand through his hair before dropping it to his side. ¡°Lila, I know we haven¡¯t even been together for a month, but¡­ I¡¯m determined anyway. This¡­ everything between us ¨C unless you don¡¯t want to be with me in the future, I¡¯m not going to throw it away, no matter if something bigger and better, in your eyes, comes along. If it means being without you, it¡¯s not even an option.¡±

    His words were so compelling and warm. If he kept saying things like this, she couldn¡¯t help but feel like would fall further ¨C into him and the promises he made. Was¡­ that okay? She felt a thrum of emotion rushing through her body, culminating in more tears behind her eyes. Why was she feeling so emotional?

    She¡¯d never felt quite like this before and, if she was honest, it was starting to make her panic. Lila trusted him, with everything she had, and she didn¡¯t want to stop what she was feeling, but the realisation that he had her whole heart in his hands was one that she hadn¡¯t fully appreciated. She¡¯d logically known it, since before she confessed to him ¨C however, it was on such a different, deeper level than way back then. Now, what it truly meant was starting to hit her with full force. She¡­ was in trouble.

    Asher took another deep breath, the sound tearing through her thoughts. It sounded like he wanted to say something else. Would he take it all back? Say he was kidding?

    ¡°Lila, as I said, I know we haven¡¯t been together long but¡­ I¡­¡± he gave a heavy exhale, his face reddening in colour. ¡°It¡¯s so different, what I feel with you in comparison to my¡­ previous relationship. And I know now that I-¡±

    ¡°Hey guys,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was chirpy ¨C at complete odds with the sincerity and graveness of Asher¡¯s. Asher¡¯s eyes flashed, anger marring his face for the slightest moment.

    ¡°Hey Isaac,¡± Asher replied forcefully, turning away from Lila. Isaac halted in his approach, his expression rather concerned.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Isaac asked, his eyes darting between them both.

    ¡°Peachy,¡± Asher said flatly. He returned Lila¡¯s belongings to her, seeming unable to meet her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll see you after class, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila found herself uttering. ¡°See you then.¡±

    They departed without another word, Asher¡¯s hands firmly in his pockets. She saw Asher and Isaac speak amongst themselves, though it still didn¡¯t look like Asher was happy to see Isaac. What had Asher been about to say to her?

    This question, and the feelings that she was starting to place in her mind, plagued her throughout Maths. She was lucky enough to write down which section of the chapter they were working on from her textbook ¨C her page otherwise remained blank.

    Once it was over, Lila threw her things into her bag, having not settled on any kind of answer to the questions she had. She¡¯d have to ask him.

    But, when she saw him outside her classroom, he looked wary.

    ¡°Hey,¡± she said softly as he removed her belongings.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he replied just as softly. They stood there for a couple of moments ¨C long enough for awkwardness to settle in.

    ¡°Um¡­ so¡­ about what you were saying before. I think you were going to say something else?¡± Lila queried in a murmur.

    He shook his head, a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes stretching across his face. ¡°I said all I wanted to say.¡±

    ¡°You sure?¡±

    ¡°Positive. Let¡¯s get our stuff and get going.¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t convinced in the slightest, but she didn¡¯t want to push him, either. If it was important, he¡¯d let her know. At least, she hoped.

    They headed to the locker room in total silence, with Asher appearing totally pensive the entire way. She almost wished she could sit inside his mind, however she continued to keep her curiosity to herself.

    Once they met up again, hats and bags assembled, Asher seemed to have perked up.

    ¡°So, I don¡¯t think any of the usual school buses stop by the shops,¡± he said upon reaching her. He took her hand and led her out of the locker room. ¡°We¡¯ll need to walk down the road, to the bus stop just across.¡±

    Lila followed his lead, relaxing more as they walked.

    ¡°So, what¡¯re we doing first?¡± she asked once they finally reached the requisite bus stop.

    ¡°Well¡­ I thought we could wander around. Maybe grab a drink. Then¡­ we could watch a movie.¡±

    ¡°A movie? Which one?¡±

    ¡°Well, there¡¯s that one based on this book¡­¡± Asher¡¯s eyes lit up as he explained the brief premise, and she was immediately sold on the idea.

    ¡°Then, we¡¯d get dinner and I was thinking that we might hit up the arcade for a bit before Marlene picks us up,¡± Asher concluded with a nervous smile. ¡°I told you it¡¯s nothing fancy-¡±

    ¡°It sounds perfect,¡± Lila nodded, a reassuring smile on her face. ¡°Exactly what I need, I think.¡±

    His expression eased into relief. ¡°I¡¯m glad. I thought¡­ maybe I¡¯d need to try harder. I dunno, to impress you, but after yesterday¡­ I figured something casual was a bit better.¡±

    ¡°You made the right choice.¡±

    He beamed at her, just as their bus appeared from around the corner. He flagged it down and they hopped on, with Lila now feeling her excitement about their date returning.

    Stepping off the bus, Lila could see a large number of people milling around. In fact, quite a few seemed to be high school couples like Asher and Lila.

    Though they¡¯d had breakfast before visiting the museum as their first date outside as a couple, her dreams about wandering through the museum and experiencing it all in Asher¡¯s company had been dashed. As much as she loved her friends, her worry about them had taken over her ability to really enjoy the day. Now, though, they had no interruptions.

    Despite the fact that they were still in uniform, Lila pulled out the necklace he¡¯d given her, letting it rest upon her school tie.

    ¡°Are you sure you should-¡±

    ¡°Of course I should,¡± Lila promptly cut him off, a light frown furrowing her brow. ¡°It¡¯s not like we¡¯re on campus.¡±

    ¡°I should get you a different one,¡± Asher murmured, though his smile was glowing. ¡°Something more subtle. That one¡¯s pretty big. Maybe a small L, for Lila.¡±

    ¡°Or an A, for Asher.¡±

    He looked at her like she was insane for a moment, before evidently realising that she was serious.

    ¡°If¡­ you want something like that. Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°Would I say something like that if I wasn¡¯t?¡±

    He slowly exhaled, before looking uncertain once more. ¡°It sounds dramatic, but it¡¯s kinda like saying I own you, you know.¡±

    ¡°You say that like it¡¯s a bad thing. I thought you wanted to decorate me in everything my heart desires. And¡­ my heart desires you. So, if there¡¯s the option of an A, I¡¯d love that.¡±

    The word love had left her lips so quickly and easily that it took a moment of seeing a pinkish hue splotching across Asher¡¯s face to realise what she¡¯d said. It almost sounded like she said she loved him. It wasn¡¯t what she meant ¨C at least, not in that context ¨C but she would still love to keep an A around her neck. Something for her to keep on her at all times, and something that she could show off. While the necklace from Vanuatu was nice, it didn¡¯t necessarily scream as something her boyfriend got her ¨C especially since they weren¡¯t dating at the time he bought it.

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Asher finally said, pulling her into him. ¡°Don¡¯t have to twist my arm about it.¡±

    She could hear how heavily his rapid heartbeat was drumming in his chest. She tried to step back to look at his face, but he remained firmly wrapped around her. Eventually, his heartbeat slowed and he let go.

    ¡°Let¡¯s get a drink or something,¡± he suggested quietly. ¡°Are you a fan of bubble tea?¡±

    ¡°Is that even a question?¡±

    Lila fought off Asher¡¯s attempt to pay for her pearl milk tea and found his defeated pout endearing. They contentedly roamed the shops, chatting away without a care in the world. They popped into various stores, admiring or condemning the goods until they approached the dollar store. The memory of Asher laughing so hard that he was asked to leave the last time they were here made Lila snort.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, looking down at her with a small smile.

    ¡°I wanna go in there, but only if you don¡¯t get kicked out again.¡±

    He gave a surprised chuckle. ¡°I promise to try.¡±

    ¡°Good. You missed out on a lot of weird stuff.¡±

    And so, they spent some time giggling over the merchandise, which had turned over by now, leading to many more oddities to point out to each other.

    After checking the time, Asher hurried them both to the cinema, making jokes along the way about what they¡¯d seen. Upon arriving, Lila was hit with the scent of buttered popcorn and carpet, effectively telling her that they were indeed at the right place. They purchased tickets and snacks from a rather unenthused employee who didn¡¯t even bat an eye as Asher jostled Lila out of the way and gleefully paid.

    As she checked their tickets, she recognised with a soft smile that today¡¯s movie was in the same theatre as the last one they¡¯d seen together. They shuffled to their allocated seats towards the back of the theatre. No one else was around them, which made this portion of the date feel even more private.

    As the trailers began to roll, Lila recalled how their friends had ditched them so they could watch a movie alone together. Evidently, they must¡¯ve hoped that Asher, or even Lila, would make a move in the darkness, but the only move that was made was Asher making sure she wasn¡¯t cold by giving up his jacket.

    A certain, nostalgic fondness settled in her chest as Asher lifted the armrest between them and took her hand in his.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit different,¡± he murmured in her ear.

    ¡°What is?¡± she asked, making herself at home against his shoulder.

    ¡°Being able to do what I wanted to the last time we were in the cinemas. Malteser?¡±

    ¡°You offered me some of those last time, though,¡± she chuckled, taking a couple.

    ¡°Sure, but we had an armrest between us¡­¡± he trailed off and she looked up, catching sight of his contemplative expression. She smiled, pressing herself even more against him.

    ¡°This is much better,¡± she said happily. She felt him lightly touch her head.

    ¡°Much,¡± he agreed.

    They stayed like this for a little while before a question occurred to Lila. ¡°Did you believe them?¡±

    ¡°Believe who?¡±

    ¡°Isaac, Elise, and Grace. When they said they got trapped in that Pixar movie.¡±

    Asher chortled, the rumbling of his chest shifting her slightly. ¡°Not for a second.¡±

    Lila sighed. Of course he wouldn¡¯t have.

    ¡°Did you?¡± he asked, offering her some more Maltesers.

    ¡°¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    He was silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°I wanted to believe them. Since the alternative was thinking that they knew something I didn¡¯t. Specifically that you liked me. But¡­ it was too convenient, how it all played out. I settled on thinking it was a prank, instead of them trying to set us up. Until Isaac told me I was being a dumbass and that I should go for it. He confirmed it for me then. Uh, before you went on your date with Theo. Then¡­ well, I thought you liked Theo, so I gave up on the idea Isaac gave me.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°I¡­ well, I trust them, especially not to blatantly lie like that to me. They told me their plans a while after, and I was actually pretty shocked. One of those plans included that they closed us in that storage room on purpose.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know about that one,¡± Asher responded, his voice sounding amused. ¡°I reckon Isaac still laughs his ass off about it.¡±

    Lila was about to add to that very likely conclusion when the theatre was plunged into darkness, signalling the beginning of the movie. Throughout the movie, Lila felt herself drawing closer and closer to Asher, who didn¡¯t seem to mind. Overall, it was a pretty good pick, and Asher seemed particularly enthralled almost the entire time.

    Once it was over, Lila reluctantly extricated herself from his embrace and they made their way out of the cinema, swapping comments and theories about what they¡¯d seen. Some of it had evidently strayed from the book, which Asher didn¡¯t hesitate to explain with a certain bitterness that Lila found endearing.

    They rounded off the evening with hot bowls of tonkotsu ramen, an umami haven for Lila who almost inhaled it all at once.

    ¡°Is it good?¡± she asked Asher after pausing to take a sip of water. He looked up over his bowl at her with several strands of noodles dangling from his mouth. He bit them, swallowed, and seemed to choke for a second before downing a glass of water himself.

    ¡°Very,¡± he breathed, his face flushed. ¡°To die for. Almost literally.¡±

    ¡°Please don¡¯t,¡± she grinned. ¡°I was just starting to like you.¡±

    ¡°Starting?¡± he looked almost offended before clearly noticing her cheekiness. Then, a mischievous glint appeared in his eyes as he said, ¡°I¡¯ll try not to die, then. No guarantees ¨C you might kill me yourself with how adorable you are.¡±

    Her face immediately turned bright red and she started swatting at him in protest, which he dodged with hearty laughter.

    ¡°See!¡± he grinned after she gave up. ¡°Oh no, the light¡­ I¡¯m fading!¡±

    ¡°Oh, shut up,¡± she smiled in spite of herself, his dramatic death pose almost making her snort out her ramen.

    ¡°No can do. These lips are unoccupied, you see.¡±

    ¡°Are you angling for a kiss?¡±

    ¡°Only if you¡¯re angling to give me one.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to think about it,¡± she replied loftily. He pouted and she laughed.

    ¡°Even if you met me halfway, I wouldn¡¯t be able to reach you,¡± she explained, taking another spoonful of ramen broth into her mouth. ¡°There¡¯s too much table in the way. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s alright then,¡± he acquiesced with a smile. ¡°Looks like I have to eat faster.¡±

    Once they finished dinner, with Asher winning the battle for payment yet again with a well-worded reprimand about this being her reward for handing in her English draft, Asher gave Marlene a quick call, requesting her to pick them up. Once he ended the call, they meandered off to the arcade, hand-in-hand.

    They didn¡¯t get very far when Lila stopped him.

    ¡°Hmm?¡± he queried, glancing at her. In response, she gripped the lapel of his blazer, bringing his body closer to hers.

    ¡°You almost forgot your kiss,¡± she whispered before pressing her lips to his. His whole body seemed to relax into it, and she could feel his smile against her lips. It wasn¡¯t a particularly long kiss, but satisfying enough for Lila, at least.

    ¡°I¡¯m offended that you thought I had,¡± he replied after she stepped back, lightly brushing his thumb across her cheek. ¡°Of course I remembered.¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you ask again?¡±

    ¡°I thought I could surprise you in the arcade with one of my own.¡±

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t let me ruin the surprise.¡±

    He chuckled and they continued on, entering the brightly coloured arcade, filled with a cacophony of sounds coming from the various machines and patrons. As they ventured further, Lila heard the sound of bowling pins collapsing, and the collision of bumper cars ahead of them. They wouldn¡¯t have time for either, but she made a mental note to suggest these activities for another time.

    Lila¡¯s eyes lit up upon seeing the air hockey table just to the right of them. He stumbled behind her as she excitedly pulled him towards it, chuckling when he realised what she wanted to do.

    They were neck-in-neck for a couple of rounds before Lila couldn¡¯t continue, her laughter causing her to sink to the floor. Asher had managed to score against himself twice in about ten seconds, his face just as bewildered each time, and even more so when the scoreboard declared him the loser. He also broke into laughter, placing his mallet on the table.

    ¡°I¡¯m so dumb,¡± he huffed through wheezing breaths.

    ¡°I think we¡¯re delirious,¡± Lila gasped, rubbing her aching stomach. He glanced at her before collecting her in an embrace and kissing her lips gently. It managed to sober her up as she leaned into him, almost toppling him over on to the air hockey table. This promised kiss from Asher made her heart swell with joy whilst she pressed even further into him. He laughed, breaking off from her and holding her hands for a second until he suddenly fished for his phone, taking it out of his pocket before putting it back. He inhaled deeply and offered her his hand.

    ¡°Marlene¡¯s here. Time to go.¡±

    She took his hand and they toddled off to the exit, still giggling every now and then, before climbing into Marlene¡¯s awaiting car.

    ¡°Good evening, Mr Wagner. Lila,¡± Marlene greeted them as they buckled themselves in. ¡°You both seem to be in a good mood.¡±

    ¡°Fantastic, actually,¡± Asher replied. Even from the back, Lila could hear the smile in his voice, resulting in one appearing on her face, too. Marlene asked no further questions, and Lila felt a bit too awkward to start a conversation on the way home, though she did want to talk more with Asher. It had been a great date, and exactly what she needed ¨C but now that home was looming ahead of her, the glow that she carried from the date was starting to fade.

    With nothing else to do, Lila took her phone out of her pocket. She hadn¡¯t even glanced at it today, but it didn¡¯t seem like anyone messaged her.

    Given it was Thursday, Lila thought that she should turn on her eSim and check if she¡¯d received anything from Zack.

    Her heart pounded as one message popped up, sent thirty minutes ago.

    I¡¯ll do it.

    There was no way Lila could consult with Asher about what to say now, but she figured that a simple ¡®good¡¯ or similar would suffice. She flicked through her settings, making sure to turn off her physical Sim card, before replying.

    Glad to hear it.

    What do I need to do, Mr Rock?

    Lila sucked in a breath, her laughter almost escaping. She saw Marlene¡¯s eyes lock onto hers in the rearview mirror and Lila coughed, hoping to disguise said odd behaviour. Marlene¡¯s eyes flicked back to the road and Lila looked back at her phone.

    Like I said, I need evidence against Jason. Screenshots, photos, anything like that. Otherwise, I can¡¯t guarantee your safety.

    From the bus?

    Lila closed her eyes for a second. It was getting harder to get a grip.

    And from the Police, she sent with a small shake of her head.

    The Police will hit me with a bus?

    ¡®Oh for fuck¡¯s sake,¡¯ Lila thought, pressing her lips together. If he did end up getting expelled, he¡¯d probably be great at comedy.

    No. But they might arrest you for dealing morphine.

    Oh

    There was no response for a couple of minutes, which helped Lila calm down. Then, when he did reply, it was a myriad of photos ¨C photos that she¡¯d need to go through with Asher.

    Ok Mr Rock ¨C here¡¯s what I got

    Do the photos show that you¡¯re talking to Jason?

    Oh

    There was no response for a couple more minutes, setting Lila slightly on edge. Screenshots were good, but if there was something that conclusively said that who Zack was talking to was indeed Jason Whitley, Head Boy of Forestglade College, that would be even better.

    The next collection of photos had exactly what she needed. A quick flick through and it looked like there were bank account details from Jason and a selfie of him denouncing the changes to his tennis uniform, among other things.

    Perfect. You will hear from me again.

    Thank u Mr Rock

    Lila immediately switched her Sim cards so that her eSim was off and her physical Sim was on. She couldn¡¯t wait to be rid of her eSim, so that she didn¡¯t have to keep remembering to do that.

    It wasn¡¯t long after this that Marlene slowed the car to a stop outside Lila¡¯s house.

    ¡°Thanks for dropping me off, Marlene,¡± Lila said politely as she unbuckled herself and collected her things. Asher jumped out of the car, taking them from her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you to the door,¡± he insisted. She glanced at Marlene, who nodded at them both.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila replied with a smile.

    She couldn¡¯t see any lights on the first floor of her house, which generally meant that everyone was in their rooms upstairs. It was a bit late, so it wasn¡¯t unusual.

    ¡°He sent us the things,¡± Lila whispered to Asher as she unlocked the front door. He looked at her sharply.

    ¡°Anything interesting?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to look through it together tomorrow. I¡¯m¡­ a bit tired.¡±

    ¡°Fair enough. Get some sleep, then.¡±

    She opened the door and grabbed her bags out of Asher¡¯s hands, placing them just inside the entryway. She turned to him with a wide, contented smile.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± she said quietly, taking his hand in hers. ¡°For today. I had a really good time.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± he grinned, squeezing her hand. ¡°If you¡¯d had a bad time, I wouldn¡¯t have forgiven myself.¡±

    She chuckled before leaning in for another kiss ¨C this one bittersweet, unlike the previous two. She didn¡¯t want to leave him again, but there was no other way around it since there was school tomorrow.

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila,¡± he murmured, his smile dropping slightly. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Get home safe. See you tomorrow.¡±

    She waited until he climbed back into Marlene¡¯s car before closing and locking the door. She slowly took her shoes off, the cold, empty darkness of her house instantly reminding her of the fact that she still hadn¡¯t seen her Mum since the fight with Clare. Lila picked up her bags and quietly trod across to the stairs, peeking into the living room just in case. There was no Mum, so she hurried up to her room and closed the door, her heart pounding with a small amount of fear.

    She knew she couldn¡¯t hide from her Mum forever, but she wasn¡¯t ready to face her now, either.

    Luckily, her date with Asher and the interaction with Zack suitably exhausted her enough to almost instantly put her to sleep as soon as she pulled the covers over herself.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Five

    Friday. Normally a day filled with excitement for the weekend. But today, it was filled with a sense of doom as Lila sat through her first lesson, chewing on her bottom lip. Her curiosity had won in the worst way that morning. She¡¯d taken a peek at the screenshots Zack had sent as she took the bus in, and she didn¡¯t like what she saw. Not in the way that it wasn¡¯t evidence ¨C no, it was plenty of evidence. Evidence that this conspiracy had been ongoing for far too long, and reached far too many people.

    Even Asher¡¯s excitement about the success of their date, as he walked with her to class that morning, didn¡¯t dissuade Lila¡¯s turmoil about this. He picked up on it and asked whether he¡¯d done something wrong yesterday, and it took all of her might to hold back her thoughts about what she¡¯d seen. He seemed to understand once she reminded him about her phone, but she was sad to see him looking so dejected afterwards.

    She could hardly hear Ms Wang through the fog in her mind. It seemed that she would need to work hard on her maths when she had the chance ¨C otherwise, she¡¯d fall behind.

    Not willing to see Asher¡¯s disappointed face again, Lila forced herself to think back to yesterday and the happiness she¡¯d felt, rather than attempt to tune in to the lecture. As long as her remembrance didn¡¯t include the ride home, she¡¯d be set to face Asher with a smile once class was over ¨C or so she hoped.

    She felt as though it was somewhat successful by the time Ms Wang dismissed them, her heart feeling slightly lighter. Asher was standing just outside the classroom, scuffing the tip of his right shoe into the concrete, his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Hey,¡± he smiled at her, though there seemed to be a glint of hesitation in his eyes. ¡°Ready to go to your next class?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Lila replied with a smile of her own. Seeing him brought a welcome warmth to her cheeks and a flutter in her chest. ¡°I missed you.¡±

    ¡°You did?¡± His eyes widened with surprise. She nodded, feeling her blush steadily deepen as he held her gaze. After what felt simultaneously like a millisecond and hours, he looked away, his expression rather chuffed.

    ¡°So, I didn¡¯t do anything wrong after all,¡± he said quietly, ruffling his hair.

    ¡°I told you before that you hadn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I know, but¡­ I¡¯d been thinking that you would¡¯ve been happier this morning.¡±

    ¡°I am happy,¡± Lila insisted, shaking his arm as if to illustrate her point. They began walking to Modern History as Asher gave her a doubtful sideways glance.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! I really enjoyed our date. It was a good reward for handing in that shitshow of a draft for English,¡± Lila said with a huff.

    ¡°Your draft didn¡¯t seem that bad, from what I ended up seeing of it.¡±

    ¡°Are you saying that as a reassuring boyfriend or the Dux?¡±

    ¡°Why can¡¯t it be both?¡±

    ¡°¡­ ¡®Cause it was bad,¡± Lila mumbled.

    Asher sighed, pulling her close. ¡°Then, as the Dux, I certify that it wasn¡¯t bad. Don¡¯t fret about it. Ms Shard will give you the feedback you need to improve it, and your final will be even better.¡±

    ¡°I doubt she gives you feedback,¡± Lila grumbled. ¡°She¡¯s going to add a billion notes to mine.¡±

    ¡°She gives me enough.¡±

    ¡°Like, one sentence.¡±

    ¡°Bit more than that. Do you think my work is perfect out of the gate?¡±

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be?¡±

    ¡°Because that¡¯s not how it works,¡± he chuckled, though not unkindly. ¡°It takes a lot of hard work, too. The same kinda hard work that I saw you put into yours.¡±

    Lila fell silent. She still wasn¡¯t necessarily convinced by his assertions, but there was no reason to argue the point. It wasn¡¯t as though she¡¯d gotten her feedback just yet, either, so she couldn¡¯t say for certain how terrible it was in the end.

    He squeezed her hand, which she returned before looking up at him curiously.

    ¡°School work aside,¡± Asher winked, pausing her heartbeat for just a moment, ¡°would you go on another date with me?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Lila replied instantly, trying to ignore the blush which was once again searing itself onto her face. ¡°That¡¯s a silly question.¡±

    ¡°You never know. That might change to a ¡®no¡¯ one day.¡±

    ¡°Why, are you planning something diabolical?¡±

    ¡°Diabolical?¡± The word barely left his lips before he burst into hearty laughter. ¡°Definitely not. Should I?¡±

    She laughed along with him, relieved by his playful response. ¡°I think I can do without.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you mentioned that bookstore in the city,¡± Asher suddenly said, as though a stroke of inspiration had come to him. ¡°Let¡¯s go. Next weekend?¡±

    ¡°Promise you won¡¯t get stolen away from me again?¡± Lila asked with a grin.

    Asher laughed again. ¡°Promise. We¡¯ll actually go this time.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s a date.¡±

    They reached the Modern History classroom only a few seconds later and Asher gave her things back.

    ¡°See you at morning tea,¡± he said with a touch of sadness. Lila¡¯s heart jumped as she recalled what they needed to do during morning tea, her veins filling once more with dread.

    ¡°See you then,¡± she replied softly. The emotion behind his eyes changed to one of concern and he stayed put.

    ¡°What-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re going to be late, lover boy. Don¡¯t you have some work to do?¡± Elise¡¯s teasing voice cut Asher¡¯s question short. He sighed, rolling his right shoulder as though it were bothering him.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± he replied, glancing at Elise, who looked very amused at having interrupted them, her glittering smile reminiscent of the Cheshire cat. He inclined his head before rapidly speedwalking back towards the STEM area.

    ¡°Aaaanyway,¡± Elise drawled, looping her arm with Lila¡¯s and taking them both to the classroom door, ¡°did you end up handing in that draft of yours? I didn¡¯t forget that you admitted he was holding a date over you so you¡¯d hand it in.¡±

    Lila groaned. ¡°Elise-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m only teasing. I thought about what you and Grace said on the topic and it made sense to me. So¡­ I¡¯ll let it go for now ¨C the whole forcing you to do schoolwork part. So, spill. Did you?¡±

    Lila carefully surveyed Elise¡¯s face for a moment. She seemed very genuine ¨C excited to hear about what Lila had to say, even.

    ¡°I did. And we went on our date yesterday after school.¡±

    Elise squealed, prompting a stern, ¡°Ladies, sit down,¡± from Mrs Popovic. They swiftly took their places at the table Grace was sitting at without another peep.

    Now that morning tea was rapidly approaching, Lila couldn¡¯t help the frown deeply etching onto her face. Some of the evidence that Zack had sent her included a list of schools that their ring had managed to infiltrate ¨C and, from the looks of it, there were about ten-

    ¡°Lila,¡± Elise whispered, nudging her slightly. ¡°Did the date not go well?¡±

    Lila blinked at Elise. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°As soon as I asked about it, you just seemed to shut down,¡± Elise continued, her voice still hushed. ¡°Did he do-¡±

    ¡°If you disrupt my class once more, Elise, I will have to write you up. This is crucial for the exam. Even if you don¡¯t care, your classmates are here to learn and do well on the exam.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± Elise mumbled, leaning back in her chair.

    Lila took as many notes as she could, given Mrs Popovic¡¯s advice about its relevance to the exam, but her mind was still swimming with all the things she was bursting to tell Asher about. They¡¯d definitely need to spend some time going through how to present the information to her Dad.

    Finally, just as Lila¡¯s hand was beginning to cramp with how tense she was clenching it around her pen, Mrs Popovic dismissed them. She threw her things into her bag and hauled it over her shoulder. Perhaps she¡¯d been too eager, given how her hands fidgeted with nervous energy as she waited for Elise and Grace to pack up. If they left quickly, Lila and Asher would be able to find a meeting room in the library. Then, once they made a plan, she¡¯d hopefully feel less anxious.

    Both Asher and Isaac were waiting for the girls as they exited their classroom, chatting about something that seemed light-hearted. They stopped talking almost immediately once the girls reached them and Asher reached for Lila¡¯s things.

    ¡°Locker room?¡± Asher asked, his tone rather serious.

    ¡°Ye-¡±

    ¡°Yes, but you¡¯re not keeping Lila away from us for morning tea,¡± Elise announced, locking her arm around Lila¡¯s.

    ¡°Hold on-¡± Lila¡¯s attempted protest was shushed by Grace.

    ¡°You two have been having morning tea and lunch together for weeks now,¡± Grace nodded. ¡°It¡¯s girl time.¡±

    ¡°I really-¡±

    ¡°Actually, that¡¯s a good point,¡± Isaac piped up, linking his arm with Asher¡¯s, who looked equally as panicked as Lila felt, ¡°it¡¯s been a while since we hung out, too.¡±

    ¡°W-What about PC?¡± Lila managed to say, stepping away from Elise, and looking between the group. ¡°We have PC after morning tea, so-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a free lesson since we¡¯re getting our hiking bags during PC,¡± Grace replied matter-of-factly. ¡°For camp?¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t sustain eye contact with Grace. Camp. Where she¡¯d tell Grace that she knew about her sordid relationship with Ms Alexander.

    ¡°Exactly,¡± Elise huffed. ¡°We¡¯ll let you have lunch with Asher, but morning tea is for us girls. C¡¯mon. Let¡¯s get going to the locker room.¡±

    Lila glanced at Asher, who seemed to be defeated by this turn of events. It appeared that Lila would need to survive just over two hours longer with her angst. She supposed it was doable, but that realisation didn¡¯t make her feel any better.

    The group moved towards the locker room, with Elise letting go of Lila partway along the journey. Lila took the opportunity to move to Asher, wrapping her arm around his in an effort to seek comfort from the tremors running through her hands. He lightly traced her knuckles with his free hand, seeming deep in thought.

    ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll have to postpone our chat,¡± Asher murmured after a couple of moments of silence between them both. Asher was almost drowned out by the sound of Isaac¡¯s laughter in response to something Elise said. Lila smiled, feeling relieved that Isaac was still getting along with Elise after that awkward museum visit.

    ¡°Yeah, we will,¡± Lila replied quietly, squeezing his arm. ¡°It¡­ wasn¡¯t a lot of stuff, but the implication was a lot.¡±

    Asher looked between her, Elise, Grace, and Isaac, who were just ahead of them. ¡°I¡­ think I get it.¡±

    Lila nodded, unwilling to say any more than that on the topic.

    They reached the locker room with only a few more words shared here and there ¨C mostly about upcoming assessments, and Asher¡¯s debate that night ¨C before he reluctantly handed her things back.

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ see you after,¡± Asher said forlornly. Isaac clapped him on the shoulder.

    ¡°Bro, you¡¯re acting like she¡¯s dying,¡± Isaac snickered. ¡°What, you don¡¯t want to see my face? I thought we were buddies.¡±

    ¡°We are,¡± Asher replied stiffly.

    ¡°Then, let¡¯s get going,¡± Isaac cajoled. ¡°Get, get.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a horse,¡± Asher grumbled, though he followed Isaac¡¯s lead much like an obedient one. The boys waved goodbye before disappearing around the corner.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s that,¡± Elise¡¯s tone was one of utmost satisfaction. ¡°Let¡¯s head over to the pond after we grab our morning tea.¡±

    They split off, with Lila briefly contemplating just running over to Asher and escaping. Instead, she ultimately decided to go along with Elise¡¯s plan. If she played her cards right, she might be able to squeeze some information out of Elise about her progress with Isaac, which could distract her enough from Zack¡¯s information.

    Once the girls assembled themselves back together, they meandered over to the pond, commenting idly on the cold weather.

    ¡°Alright, out with it,¡± Elise demanded, taking her sandwich bag of dried apricots out of her blazer once they sat down, ¡°you said you went on a date with Asher yesterday? And it didn¡¯t go terribly, despite your mood in Modern History?¡±

    Lila took a careful sip of water before launching into a retelling, more or less, of their date. Reliving it with Elise and Grace, who suitably reacted, actually made her feel quite a bit better after all. Her cheeks were hurting from how widely she¡¯d been smiling by the time she rounded off the story with Asher¡¯s defeat at the hands of himself at air hockey.

    ¡°So, even after all that, there¡¯s something that¡¯s bothering you,¡± Grace surmised, biting into a carrot stick.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ nothing to do with Asher,¡± Lila replied awkwardly, her good mood instantly evaporating.

    ¡°You sure?¡± Elise sounded rather concerned as she polished off her last piece of apricot and scrunched her bag back into her pocket. ¡°¡¯Cause it sounds like everything went perfectly, yet you were scowling up a storm after I mentioned it.¡±

    ¡°It¡­¡± Lila sighed, trying to think of a plausible story that wasn¡¯t too flimsy. She could mention that her Mum fought with Clare¡­ but they might ask what it was about¡­

    ¡°It?¡± Grace pressed.

    Lila sighed again. There was nothing else she could use that wouldn¡¯t fall apart with a single probing question.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been a bit upset this week.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Elise replied with a brisk nod. ¡°We noticed.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why we wanted some of your time,¡± Grace added kindly. ¡°As much as you like Asher, there might be some things that you can only say to us girls, you know.¡±

    Nothing came to mind in that realm, given how open Lila and Asher were with each other, but Lila wasn¡¯t about to refute that.

    ¡°Well¡­ Mum¡­ fought with Clare. On Wednesday night. It was really ugly.¡±

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Elise sat up, her expression morphing into one of worry. ¡°Shit.¡±

    ¡°It¡­ was a bit. We ended up leaving the house and going to Asher¡¯s for dinner.¡±

    ¡°Both of you?¡± Grace¡¯s question wasn¡¯t exactly impolite ¨C more incredulous. ¡°I didn¡¯t know Clare knew Asher well enough to want to do that.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ he was tutoring Daniel, so they have met a few times,¡± Lila replied slowly. ¡®Plus, he¡¯s one of the only people who knows Clare¡¯s secret identity as Roxy Wurld¡­ and her boss lives with him,¡¯ Lila added to herself.

    ¡°I forgot about that,¡± Elise commented, shaking her head. ¡°Did Asher¡¯s Dux magic work on Daniel?¡±

    ¡°You¡­ could say that,¡± Lila replied vaguely. ¡°Anyway, uh, so I haven¡¯t actually seen or spoken to Mum since Wednesday afternoon.¡±

    Elise gave a low whistle. ¡°Damn. That¡¯s not good. It really was that bad, huh?¡±

    ¡°Terrible,¡± Lila shivered, her mind flashing back to her Mum¡¯s face when she was in the throes of accusing Lila of being a sex worker for just a moment.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing since you went over to Asher¡¯s afterwards that you talked to him about it?¡± Grace asked gently.

    ¡°Well, Clare mainly did the talking,¡± Lila responded quietly. ¡°Asher¡¯s a really good listener, though.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Elise uttered approvingly. ¡°What¡¯re you going to do about it, though?¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply, taking another sip of her water before answering. ¡°Continue to avoid her until camp, then¡­ figure it out when I come back.¡±

    ¡°By then, she¡¯d have fully calmed down,¡± Grace said sagely.

    Lila paused. Given the intensity of the fight, she wasn¡¯t quite sure whether that would be the outcome ¨C but in the absence of anything telling her otherwise, she decided to try and be positive. ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila murmured, taking a bite of her apple.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Elise said after a few moments. ¡°I kinda brought down the mood.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Lila replied. ¡°I know you¡¯re worried about me. It comes from a good place. Besides, you didn¡¯t know.¡±

    Elise remained quiet, seeming deep in thought, when a cheeky smile began to form on Lila¡¯s face.

    ¡°There is something you can do to make up for it, though,¡± Lila grinned.

    ¡°Really?¡± Elise looked interested in this prospect as she straightened up.

    ¡°Yup. Give us an update on Isaac.¡±

    Grace seemed just as interested in this as she also straightened up, her eyes fixed on Elise. Elise¡¯s face instantly turned a bright red and she looked down at her lap, rather than at either of them.

    ¡°T-There¡¯s no news,¡± Elise finally said regretfully. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m just glad we¡¯re on speaking terms again.¡±

    ¡°Who told you he had a crush on someone else?¡± Lila asked, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡±

    ¡°Well, you said that you found out that he likes someone at work,¡± Lila pressed. ¡°Who said that?¡±

    ¡°Good question,¡± Grace murmured, her eyes still glued to Elise.

    ¡°¡­ Reilly,¡± Elise said reluctantly. ¡°She¡­ she kinda thought he was cute, so she tried to hit on him. That¡¯s when he told her, apparently.¡±

    ¡°And he didn¡¯t tell her who it¡¯s on, right?¡± Lila questioned.

    ¡°Well, no-¡±

    ¡°So, he could¡¯ve been talking about you,¡± Lila concluded, tapping her chin.

    ¡°He wasn¡¯t,¡± Elise replied flatly, shaking her head. ¡°No way.¡±

    ¡°Why no way?¡± Lila countered.

    ¡°Because,¡± Elise said defiantly, ¡°it¡¯s impossible.¡±

    ¡°But-¡±

    ¡°Lila, seriously,¡± Elise¡¯s voice sounded desperate now.

    ¡°But have you asked him?¡±

    ¡°No-¡±

    ¡°Then-¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± Grace piped up, ¡°Lila, give it a rest.¡±

    Lila huffed. She felt like she¡¯d been getting close to having Elise realise the flaws in her thinking, but she didn¡¯t want to fight with Grace, either. Not yet anyway. That¡­ would come next week.

    ¡°Look, I know you mean well,¡± Elise said softly, reaching out to touch Lila¡¯s arm. ¡°Maybe¡­ one day I¡¯ll be brave enough to say¡­ something.¡±

    ¡°Okay,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m just really excited for the idea that you two would get together.¡±

    Elise¡¯s face was an almost impossibly deep shade of red as she sat back. ¡°R-Really?¡±

    ¡°Of course. You guys honestly seem great for each other.¡±

    ¡°Do we?¡±

    ¡°I think so as well,¡± Grace chimed in. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you smile as much as you do around him after how many years of us being friends?¡±

    Elise looked thoughtful, her cheeks remaining just as bright. ¡°Y-You reckon?¡± she finally stammered.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Grace replied emphatically. ¡°You¡¯ve seen it too, right Lila?¡±

    ¡°Oh, definitely,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I honestly never would¡¯ve picked it, before this year. But, now that I¡¯ve seen how you two are with each other, I feel like there¡¯s no other option for either of you except to date.¡±

    ¡°You¡­ actually think that? Even though he¡¯s your ex?¡± Elise asked, clutching the hem of her skirt.

    ¡°He was hardly a boyfriend at the time,¡± Lila replied, her tone reassuring. ¡°I barely consider him an ex, it was so brief and long ago. Besides, I¡¯m with Asher now. There¡¯s no way I¡¯d be hung up on Isaac when I¡¯m dating someone like Asher.¡±

    Elise still didn¡¯t look convinced, so Lila leaned in. ¡°Even though we dated, which, mind you, it¡¯s not like we even went outside of school on an actual date or anything, it doesn¡¯t mean that you can¡¯t date him. He¡¯s still a good guy ¨C just not for me. I¡¯d actually feel really relieved if you guys did start dating. I feel like you¡¯d be in good hands.¡±

    Elise pursed her lips. It seemed as though she wanted to say something ¨C refute Lila¡¯s claim, perhaps ¨C but she just exhaled deeply.

    Grace swiftly and tactfully changed the topic ¨C to gossip, mainly. Apparently, someone in her art class was mysteriously leaving the paint lids open and driving the art teachers insane. Lila¡¯s mischievous suggestion that it was Isaac earned a couple of laughs, and eventually the girls stood up, ready to head to the Gymnasium to collect their hiking bags.

    ¡°I still can¡¯t believe we have to collect these stupid things the Friday before,¡± Elise wrinkled her nose as they waited in line. ¡°They¡¯re so gross, too.¡±

    ¡°I know, but what would you rather? Overload yourself by mistake and then have to lug it up a mountain and whatever else, like we did in Grade 9?¡± Grace asked sensibly. Elise made a begrudging sound of defeat at this.

    The Grade 11 PC teachers stood in front of rows of hiking bags, marking students off as they collected their assigned bags. Once the pandemonium subsided and Lila was holding a musty, green hiking bag with an air of disgust, Mr Morrison made a couple of announcements regarding the procedure for Monday morning. It was similar to the previous camp that they¡¯d had like this and they were dismissed about ten minutes before PC was supposed to end ¨C presumably so that they could put their bags in their lockers.

    ¡°What a slog,¡± Elise yawned, her hiking bag on her shoulder.

    ¡°Much better than the last camp we had,¡± Lila reminded her. ¡°We just had to bring all our stuff in plastic bags and shove them into the hiking bags the morning we arrived. At least this time we can test the weight, and whatever else.¡±

    ¡°True,¡± Elise conceded with a grimace. ¡°I had to leave so much stuff behind.¡±

    The sound of two pairs of jogging feet caught Lila¡¯s attention and she turned to face the source. Both Isaac and Asher had caught up to them, seeming slightly puffed.

    ¡°You¡¯re all going to your lockers, right?¡± Asher asked breathlessly.

    ¡°Yeah. Gotta put this floppy bag somewhere,¡± Lila replied, shaking said floppy bag. ¡°Plus, I need to get my stuff for Japanese.¡±

    With that, the group travelled to the locker room together, the general discussion now turning to the camp itself. Isaac sounded quite keen, which, given his background as a scout, made a big deal of sense to Lila now. Grace sounded dejected to be going, but she clarified that she at least was keen to spend time with them all. On one hand, Lila would have preferred Grace to drop out and stay home, as she seemed to want to do instead, so that Lila could avoid the impending conversation. But, on the other, she wasn¡¯t sure she could keep her knowledge about Grace¡¯s relationship in any longer.

    ¡°Wait, you can¡¯t ride a bike,¡± Asher suddenly said, stopping the entire group in their tracks. Lila stared at him with wide eyes.

    ¡°A-And?¡± she asked.

    ¡°There¡¯s a whole mountain bike riding activity,¡± Asher clarified. ¡°At least, if it mirrors the previous camp. What did you do back then?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ was in the Ute with our camp counsellor,¡± Lila replied, wincing at the memory. ¡°He was a bit of a maniac. I think he wanted us to still have fun while we were in the Ute, but it really felt like he tried to hit every pothole, tree root, and rock that came our way. Maybe he wanted some insurance money or something.¡±

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    ¡°Oh. So¡­ I guess you¡¯d do the same?¡± Asher queried.

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Probably?¡±

    ¡°Should I pretend I don¡¯t know how to ride a bike?¡±

    ¡°Asher, I think they¡¯d remember from the last camp,¡± Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine. It¡¯s not the worst experience in the world. I can do all the other activities anyway.¡±

    Asher looked doubtful, but he didn¡¯t add anything else. Eventually, the group reached the locker room and broke away from one another to shove their bags into their lockers and grab their things for the next lesson. Asher swiftly reappeared beside Lila as she locked her locker and they set off towards the Language Block, saying goodbye to their friends as they left.

    ¡°So, how was your morning tea?¡± Asher asked with a grin that suggested to Lila that his ended up being quite good.

    ¡°It was nice, actually. Well, to hang out with my friends generally. Conversation-wise... well, they¡¯d picked up on how upset I¡¯ve been, so they asked why,¡± Lila sighed, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°So, I said Mum fought with Clare.¡±

    Asher¡¯s grin faded. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell them the why, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course I didn¡¯t. But I did say we went to yours after.¡±

    ¡°Oh. I see.¡±

    ¡°I also tried to get Elise thinking about talking to Isaac about her crush on him.¡±

    ¡°And, by that expression, it doesn¡¯t look like you were very successful.¡±

    ¡°Not really. She does seem a bit anxious about the fact that Isaac and I briefly dated. I keep telling her it¡¯s fine, and that she should go for it. Honestly, if I¡¯d known the future would be like this, I would¡¯ve said no to him. So much more trouble than it was worth,¡± she lamented.

    Asher chuckled before shaking his head. ¡°You didn¡¯t know, though. Can¡¯t take it back, either.¡±

    ¡°You would¡¯ve preferred it, too,¡± Lila said pointedly. His face fell into one of contemplation.

    ¡°I¡¯d¡­ been thinking about it, actually,¡± he said thoughtfully. ¡°It was pretty uncomfortable at first, and made me really insecure but¡­ I dunno, maybe I would¡¯ve felt worse about the fact that my first kiss was with someone else if you hadn¡¯t kissed Isaac. It¡¯s weird, but¡­ I dunno.¡± He sounded frustrated as he frowned. ¡°Actually, I take it back. I have no idea what this feeling is.¡±

    ¡°I think I kinda get it,¡± Lila replied, her tone careful. ¡°Well, you do have a little more experience, but it¡¯s not like we¡¯re completely uneven.¡±

    He glanced at her before nodding. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°So, what happened at morning tea for you?¡± Lila asked, moving on before she could think any more about the fact that he¡¯d made out with Holly. Asher smirked in response.

    ¡°I mean, hanging out with Isaac is never dull,¡± Asher replied with a slight laugh. ¡°He asked me how I felt when I found out that he got into gambling debt. Said he¡¯d been thinking about it for months. I told him I was real mad that it took ages for him to tell me. Like, I was upset that he was in gambling debt ¨C but more because he¡¯d fallen into it and got trapped. I don¡¯t think any friend would be happy about watching their friend struggle like that. But, really, I was more mad that he kept it from me for so long, y¡¯know? Told him that then he got super quiet and said ¡®sorry¡¯ like he was a little kid. He said he¡¯d tell me straight away the next time he gets into gambling debt, then I decked him.¡±

    Lila snorted and Asher grinned before adding, ¡°He didn¡¯t find it quite that funny, but I think he got the message. I mean, $3k! Just think how long he¡¯d been doing it before he figured out he couldn¡¯t handle it anymore.¡±

    Lila shuddered. She didn¡¯t really want to think about how long it¡¯d been, but it probably would¡¯ve been at least a few months.

    They split off not long after to their language classes, with Lila once again falling into her thoughts about the evidence she¡¯d received. Being with Elise and Grace for a slice of time during morning tea was something that she hadn¡¯t realised she¡¯d missed as much as she had, but it really had put a damper on sorting out these worries.

    Luckily, they were just going through content they¡¯d previously learned in Japanese today, so Lila didn¡¯t have to worry about falling behind. It wasn¡¯t like Asher would be able to help her if she did.

    Finally, she was released for lunch and almost immediately found herself in the arms of Asher.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she urged, stepping back and taking his hand. ¡°I think I¡¯m going to explode.¡±

    ¡°Well, that doesn¡¯t sound good,¡± he replied, letting himself be dragged along to the locker room.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    They hurried along, with Lila shoving her things amongst the hiking bag at record speed. It seemed that Asher was just as speedy as he appeared behind her, lunchboxes in both hands.

    Given how quickly they rushed over, it didn¡¯t take long for them to find an empty meeting room. She sat down with a grateful sigh ¨C one that seemed to come from the depths of her soul. She hardly took notice of what she was eating as she opened her lunchbox and began chewing away. It seemed to be some kind of deli roll, but beyond that, she wasn¡¯t sure.

    ¡°Here,¡± she said after swallowing. She passed Asher her phone after opening her chat with Zack. ¡°Read through it.¡±

    He tentatively picked up her phone, his eyes darting down her screen as though skimming through their conversation. She watched as a smile tugged at his lips before disappearing altogether. She heard him inhale sharply before bringing her phone closer to his face as if to inspect it pixel by pixel.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± he eventually said, his eyes meeting hers.

    ¡°Seriously.¡±

    ¡°What the fuck?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like I have the answers.¡±

    He closed his eyes before running his hands through his hair, looking far more unsure than she¡¯d seen for quite a while.

    ¡°So¡­ from what I can see¡­ Zack and Jake handle on-demand drops, often with very little notice. Some of them are more regular, but it looks more ad-hoc. Because of that, they¡¯re entrusted with the most amount of stock, that they guarded in that science lab of theirs. Now they¡¯ve just got it in their lockers¡­ which is wildly stupid, but I guess no one¡¯s noticed so far that they¡¯re just¡­ throwing morphine around campus like it¡¯s no one¡¯s business.¡±

    He looked back down at her phone with a disgusted expression. ¡°Then, there¡¯s about ten other schools that are part of this ring. They obviously don¡¯t have nearly as much stock as our school does, so whenever there¡¯s a game, Jake, Zack, and Jason distribute them. But it doesn¡¯t seem like they¡¯re the only ones doing deliveries ¨C this is just what Zack has access to.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ten is a lot for only three guys to spread it to. I¡¯m thinking the girls have to palm it off as well, but we don¡¯t know for sure.¡±

    ¡°It looks like it¡¯s been going on since late last year ¨C at least, that¡¯s when Zack came on board.¡±

    ¡°That lines up with when my Dad¡¯s investigation commenced.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. But¡­ I dunno, I reckon Jason had to have been building up a market before bringing others on board, right?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s how most businesses start off.¡±

    Asher was quiet for a few more moments before turning her phone screen off and passing it back to her.

    ¡°Looks like there¡¯s at least a partial list of clients, a drop schedule, some mentions of it actually being called morphine, but they tend to call it juice more than anything else. Then, there¡¯s confirmations of the other schools they hit up, and some dates of when new batches are brought into campus for them to guard,¡± Asher noted, tapping his fingers on the desk between them. ¡°More than enough for your Dad, right?¡±

    ¡°Plenty,¡± Lila confirmed. ¡°Especially the shipment arrivals ¨C hopefully that lines up to when the drugs go missing in the Hospital, and they can keep narrowing it down from here.¡±

    ¡°That would be good,¡± Asher murmured, pressing his lips together. Then, he placed his head in his hands. ¡°Lila, how the hell are we going to explain it to your Dad?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    They remained silent for a while before Asher sighed heavily. ¡°Well, are we giving him the folder of stuff from the farmhouse?¡±

    ¡°I think we should,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°He might not have that, and it helped us figure it out.¡±

    ¡°And how are we going to explain where we found it?¡±

    Lila shrugged before an idea struck her. ¡°I mean, you live with the CEO. Maybe you could just say that¡­ you found it in the study, and that you also know that my Dad¡¯s on the case from conversations with your Dad. But you thought it was important to look into because you recognised that Evelyn¡¯s son is the Head Boy?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s giving me a lot of credit.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but you do happen to be the Dux.¡±

    ¡°And what if your Dad asks my Dad to verify all that?¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Lila stated confidently. ¡°I think.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s as good a guarantee as any,¡± Asher replied sarcastically. Then, he sighed once again. ¡°Sorry, that sounded rude.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not like it¡¯s untrue,¡± Lila responded, her voice small. ¡°But¡­ I do think my Dad will be discreet. It¡¯s part of the job.¡±

    ¡°Suppose so.¡±

    Asher didn¡¯t seem pleased by this, but sighed in defeat without any further complaint.

    ¡°So¡­ how are we going to give him the screenshots?¡± he asked after a couple of seconds.

    ¡°I¡­ think I¡¯ll just have to transfer them to a USB or something. He¡­ doesn¡¯t need to know that we kinda got this through blackmail.¡±

    ¡°What if he asks how we got it in the first place?¡±

    ¡°Any way you can swing it to say that Zack just willingly gave it to you?¡±

    ¡°Why me?¡± A flash of terror crossed Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°I mean, I can try and find a reason, but he¡¯s going to see through it since he¡¯s sorta raised me. He wouldn¡¯t really know any of your tells as well as he would mine.¡±

    Asher looked very stressed by this plan. ¡°It¡¯s true, but I¡¯m going to fold if he even breathes a breath of doubt.¡±

    Lila laughed. ¡°That¡¯s all he breathes, I¡¯m afraid.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯m screwed.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll just say that¡­ we just asked the weakest link in the group about it. And he was just ready to tell us because he felt guilty.¡±

    Asher paused. ¡°¡­ It¡¯s lame, but not unbelievable,¡± he said reluctantly.

    ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Less questions if it¡¯s lame.¡±

    ¡°Are we going to give your Dad the footage of the deal?¡±

    Lila bit her lower lip. It proved, without a doubt, that it wasn¡¯t just all talk. But her flimsy explanation about ¡®just asking¡¯ the weakest link would suffer a dramatic bullet hole.

    ¡°We¡¯d have to. I mean, we could say that we started looking into it because of what you found when you were going through Daniel¡¯s books. But since we didn¡¯t have any leads or evidence, we tailed them until we found something,¡± she said reluctantly.

    ¡°You¡¯re not going to tell him about Theo?¡± His question was as piercing as his gaze. It¡­ wasn¡¯t as though she liked Theo in particular¡­ but¡­ he also wasn¡¯t quite a part of the ring. Would her Dad get that nuance? Theo kept out of it as much as he could to protect his future ¨C the same kind of future that Lila envisioned for Asher, really. One with lots of possibilities. With all of that combined, throwing Theo¡¯s name out there didn¡¯t sit right with Lila.

    Her silence seemed to tell Asher something that he wasn¡¯t happy about as he shook his head. ¡°Fine,¡± he muttered sullenly.

    ¡°W-We can,¡± Lila stammered.

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s fine. It¡¯d be another piece of evidence, to say that we heard about it from someone, but your explanation suffices.¡± His statement was sharp ¨C sharper than she thought he intended, but he didn¡¯t take it back.

    ¡°We¡¯ll tell him-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t¡­ make it worse.¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together to prevent herself from saying anything more. It really would be okay to tell her Dad about what Theo said. Was there any way that she could explain to Asher where her moment of hesitation had come from? Was¡­ there any real way for her to dissuade Asher¡¯s lingering feelings regarding Theo?

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Anyway, was that all?¡± He was staring at his hands, which clutched the sides of his lunchbox.

    ¡°Asher.¡± Her utterance caused him to look up at her, his eyes blank. ¡°Asher, I thought you weren¡¯t jealous of Theo.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not,¡± he said, forcing the words from his mouth like it were poison. ¡°Just¡­ wouldn¡¯t mind if he got expelled.¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Sorry. That was unnecessary.¡±

    ¡°Look. Asher, it¡¯s¡­ I don¡¯t know how to put this, so I¡¯m just going to say it and hope you understand what I mean. But¡­ it¡¯s just¡­ it wouldn¡¯t sit right with me if he got expelled, since he didn¡¯t actually do anything. It makes me feel like it¡¯s destroying his chances for something he didn¡¯t do, and he was the one who gave us this lead to begin with ¨C so, we kinda owe him. But, at the same time, it is crucial that we tell Dad about it. It ties everything together.¡±

    Asher rubbed his forehead. ¡°You¡¯re right. He didn¡¯t actually do anything, from what we know, plus he gave you that info. I doubt we would¡¯ve figured anything out if he hadn¡¯t told you about the morphine, to be honest. I¡¯m just¡­ getting clouded with my emotions. That¡¯s all. It¡¯s irresponsible of me, I know, and I¡¯m trying not to be. Logically, I know I have nothing to worry about, but my brain just doesn¡¯t want to let it go. You¡¯re probably sick of it by now.¡±

    ¡°Sick of it wouldn¡¯t be the right way to put it, but I¡¯m concerned, I guess. I don¡¯t want you to keep feeling that way, and I feel like I¡¯m not helping it.¡±

    He grimaced. ¡°Lila, I¡¯m not blaming you for my messed up thoughts.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that you were. But, if I wasn¡¯t defending Theo, even with logic behind it, you wouldn¡¯t feel this way, would you?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ probably wouldn¡¯t, no.¡±

    Lila held back her sigh. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll stop.¡±

    ¡°Lila, don¡¯t feel like you have to for my sake. I trust your judgement, and I trust you overall,¡± he said, lowering his hand to the table once more. ¡°So, please don¡¯t feel like you have to because of me.¡±

    Lila was about to add to that ¨C tell him that she was happy to, to keep his peace ¨C when he whispered, ¡°Please kiss me. I¡­ need it.¡±

    Had he ever asked so directly before?

    ¡°Sorry. You don¡¯t have to. It just slipped-¡±

    Lila had already stood up, pulling him into a hug. It meant that his face was in her chest since he was still seated, but she didn¡¯t mind. In fact, she found she rather liked the feeling. He stiffened for a moment before wrapping his arms around her waist. She smiled, running her fingers through his hair for a moment but instead of continuing, she sat down next to Asher, her eyes intently on his face. He was flushed and his demeanour suddenly appeared very nervous. It was rather cute, actually, and she couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.

    She pulled him by his tie until their faces were mere centimetres apart. Her breathing quickened ever so slightly before she rested her hands on his shoulders and brought her lips to his. His body instantly reacted to hers in a way that surprised her, what with how tightly he pressed himself against her. If he kept going, he might make her fall backwards out of her chair, but he didn¡¯t seem to notice. Instead, his tongue brushed against her lower lip, and she felt herself losing control of her breathing as her tongue met his. Her stomach swooped, her mind melting into a haze that could only hold on to this spine-tingling sensation.

    ¡®Please don¡¯t stop,¡¯ she felt herself begging internally since she was unable to command her vocal cords to say it aloud. They hadn¡¯t shared a kiss quite like this for a while, and her lips were aching to feel more and more.

    Then, his passion slowed, almost as quickly as it had started, and he pulled back whilst he held her arms by her sides. His breathing was laboured and his cheeks were rosy ¨C both things that she knew to be true of herself. He brought his forehead to hers, squeezing her arms before letting go of her altogether.

    ¡°Almost¡­ lost myself,¡± he murmured.

    ¡°I would¡¯ve liked it,¡± she said quietly, shuffling back in her chair. She combed the ends of her hair with her fingers, wishing that they had for even a moment.

    ¡°Don¡¯t say that,¡± he replied, turning his eyes towards his lunchbox.

    ¡°But I would¡¯ve.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ should say don¡¯t tell me that. I might just let it happen.¡±

    ¡°And you don¡¯t want to?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that¡­¡± he paused, giving her a sideways glance, his cheeks burning a deeper shade of red. ¡°I¡¯m not ready. Besides¡­ we¡¯re at school.¡±

    Lila reached for his hand and placed it in hers. ¡°I understand.¡±

    He sighed, intertwining their fingers together. ¡°Thank you.¡±

    They sat there for a few moments before Lila stood up and returned to her side of the table. The fluttering in her stomach didn¡¯t wane any, and she felt like she couldn¡¯t look at his face anytime soon. Could she convince him that giving in was a good idea? After all, with the look in his eyes after they separated, he seemed to like the feeling just as much as she did.

    ¡®Don¡¯t think like that. He¡¯ll be ready when he¡¯s ready,¡¯ she chastised herself. It still hadn¡¯t yet been a month since they started dating, but it was getting harder and harder to push her desires down. If only he wasn¡¯t as attractive as he was, or if he didn¡¯t make her feel as good as he did ¨C then¡­ she might be able to keep a lid on it with less disappointment.

    Lila decided to finish off her lunch, rather than engage in more topics of discussion. They had Study next before finishing off the week with English anyway, and she still couldn¡¯t lift her eyes to his. Asher did the same, and it didn¡¯t seem that he was in the mood to continue talking, either. By the time lunch drew to a close, the atmosphere between them shifted from slightly awkward to content and comfortable.

    When they returned to the library for Study, with laptops and books in tow, Lila arranged themselves so she didn¡¯t have to look at Ayla behind Asher¡¯s shoulder. He didn¡¯t comment on this, but she was pretty sure he noticed the reason as he squarely sat in front of Lila with a comforting smile.

    ¡°So¡­ you haven¡¯t forgotten about my debate tonight, right?¡± Asher said after ten minutes of silent work. Lila halted her typing.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± she replied with a frown.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± he chuckled before growing serious once again. ¡°But it does mean that we¡¯ll probably run into Livi and Vi, even from a distance.¡±

    Lila had forgotten that part. ¡°Shit.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I mean, not that we¡¯re going to give your Dad evidence against them, since we don¡¯t have anything concrete, but¡­ well, if he starts sniffing around, he¡¯ll likely find out that they¡¯re involved. It¡­ could mean that they get expelled, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know. Way to make me nervous about seeing them again.¡±

    ¡°Sorry. I thought a reminder would help.¡±

    ¡°It is better that I have a reminder than get blindsided,¡± Lila conceded reluctantly. ¡°I hope I don¡¯t have to see them, though.¡±

    ¡°Same.¡±

    She contemplated returning to study when Asher stretched his arms over his head and closed his laptop.

    ¡°Lila, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to be able to concentrate until we fully settle our plan,¡± he said, placing his head in his right hand. ¡°Are we going to go through it with your Dad tomorrow? After the game?¡±

    Lila set aside her laptop. ¡°I reckon so. Mostly because¡­ I just want to be able to stop thinking about it.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ guessing I¡¯m coming over tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°I should probably ask,¡± Lila replied, taking her phone out. She opened her text messages to her Mum before stopping altogether. They still hadn¡¯t spoken, about the fight or anything else, and she wasn¡¯t too keen to start that up again by asking if Asher could come over¡­

    Lila swiped to the family chat. It hadn¡¯t been used since last week, when everything was normal. Should she message there? What if her Mum responded? Her Mum¡­ would probably say no right away, since she also seemed mad at Lila. Plus, her last words to her Mum weren¡¯t exactly conducive to being allowed privileges.

    She quickly flicked open her messages with her Dad. Out of all the options, asking him seemed the safest. Her Dad replied almost instantly, confirming that it was okay.

    ¡°Looks like it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied, placing her phone back into her pocket.

    ¡°Good,¡± Asher nodded, breathing a sigh of relief. ¡°I¡¯m keen to get this over with, too.¡±

    They shared a small, tentative smile before resuming their studying. She was starting to feel accomplished with the amount of work she was getting done when Asher lightly tapped the edge of her laptop screen.

    ¡°Time to get to English,¡± he said, zipping up his laptop bag. ¡°Then, we wait for the debate.¡±

    English was dedicated once more to working on their assignments, and, to Lila¡¯s surprise, she didn¡¯t find herself battling so much with it. Perhaps it was the clarity that her mind now held since their resolve to bring their investigation to her Dad tomorrow had been solidified, but she didn¡¯t want to question it too much.

    Once class was over, they scurried back to the locker room and collected their things, including their hiking bags. She¡¯d almost forgotten that she¡¯d need to pack this thing over the weekend. Did she have everything she needed? Or would she need to go shopping?

    ¡°Staring at it won¡¯t make it pack itself,¡± Elise¡¯s teasing voice called her attention. Lila glanced at Elise before sighing.

    ¡°I know, but I seriously haven¡¯t given camp a thought. I have no idea what to pack.¡±

    ¡°Well, lucky for you, there¡¯s a list on the Announcements board on the Grade 11 website,¡± Elise replied as she sailed towards her locker. She pulled out her hiking bag and belongings before returning to Lila¡¯s side.

    ¡°Thanks for the tip,¡± Lila replied, locking her locker. ¡°Got work tonight?¡±

    ¡°Sure do,¡± Elise nodded. ¡°With Isaac again.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you find it such a shame,¡± Lila joked. Elise seemed as though she was going to say something in response before the sound of Isaac¡¯s laughter intermingling with Asher¡¯s caught their attention. Lila turned around and smiled at Asher. He jostled the bags from her arms and placed them on his shoulders, earning a small snicker from Elise, which he didn¡¯t seem to notice.

    ¡°Well, have fun with your shift, you guys,¡± Lila smirked. Isaac¡¯s face turned a slight shade of pink. Lila glanced at Elise, whose face was equally as pink. Could they really not see that they liked each other?

    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Elise replied, her voice sounding rather shy.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be late if we don¡¯t leave now,¡± Isaac said, looking towards the locker room door. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±

    Elise and Isaac both waved goodbye at Lila and Asher, who returned the wave. Once they were out of earshot, Lila shook her head with disappointment.

    ¡°And they still don¡¯t seem to realise that they totally like each other,¡± she sighed.

    ¡°Are we really ones to talk?¡± Asher replied, raising an eyebrow. Lila felt her face flush. She had been quite convinced that he didn¡¯t like her back when she confessed.

    ¡°Guess not,¡± she acquiesced. He laughed, taking her hand in his.

    ¡°It just means that we need to make sure it¡¯s really obvious during camp,¡± he said. ¡°We¡¯ll get there, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right. We¡¯ll get there,¡± Lila responded, her tone determined. ¡°Even if it kills me.¡±

    Asher chuckled, gently tugging her towards the exit. ¡°Bloody well hope it doesn¡¯t.¡±

    She laughed, and they wandered over to the library. The rest of the afternoon followed much like the last time Asher had a home debate ¨C they hung out in a booth on the top floor of the library, waiting for time to pass in each other¡¯s company. Unlike the last time, though, Asher didn¡¯t seem nearly as nervous. She commented on this and he seemed surprised.

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± he shrugged. ¡°Can¡¯t fumble the bag as hard as I did last time.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t do that bad.¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°It was horrible. I thought I was going to get murdered by my teammates.¡±

    ¡°Sounds a bit dramatic.¡±

    ¡°You have no idea how intense debating can get. If there wasn¡¯t a ban on fisticuffs, I¡¯m sure it¡¯d get settled in the end with a punch-off sometimes.¡±

    Lila laughed and he grinned at her.

    ¡°I reckon the snacks might be set up by now. Wanna check them out?¡± he queried.

    ¡°If you think I¡¯d say no, you mustn¡¯t be paying attention to me,¡± she teased. He grinned at her in response.

    They trudged downstairs, with Asher quite laden under all the bags he was carrying for them, despite her insistence that he give her some. He was quite right ¨C the snacks were set up. He immediately made a beeline for the TimTams, passing her one as she joined him. They chatted freely about what his topic for tonight could be, and the snack offerings, before her eyes caught sight of both Livi and Vi approaching.

    ¡°Uh oh,¡± she murmured, instantly turning to face the other direction. ¡°Here comes Livi and Vi.¡±

    ¡°Did you want to head to the classroom?¡± he murmured back, taking a bite of a TimTam.

    ¡°Is it open? What team are you even in tonight?¡±

    ¡°Beats me. To both-¡±

    ¡°Oh, here¡¯s the lovebirds,¡± Livi¡¯s loud, obnoxious voice called from behind them.

    ¡°Were you looking for us?¡± Asher replied, spinning around to face them. ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit sad?¡±

    Livi spluttered for a moment and Lila turned around as well. She could see Vi looking incredibly amused.

    ¡°No, I was not looking for you,¡± Livi eventually huffed.

    ¡°Seems like a lie,¡± Asher said flatly. ¡°I think I should put a restraining order in.¡±

    Lila snorted and he winked at her. She liked that he was confident enough to fend Livi off, now that they were together. There really wasn¡¯t anything that Livi could say that would make him falter now, despite her previous best efforts.

    ¡°Besides, I thought you said we were boring,¡± Asher continued, tossing the rest of his TimTam into his mouth.

    ¡°You are,¡± Livi replied loftily.

    ¡°Then¡­ you¡¯re talking to us again, why?¡± Asher slowly blinked at Livi. Livi¡¯s face started to turn a light shade of red as she walked towards the snack table.

    ¡°You were just blocking the snacks,¡± Livi retorted.

    ¡°That explained nothing,¡± Asher observed, taking Lila¡¯s hand. He glanced at her before looking back at Livi.

    ¡°Can¡¯t wait until I don¡¯t have to see your face around campus,¡± he said lightly, gesturing for Lila to walk forwards. She squeezed his hand as a warning to stop him from saying any more.

    ¡°Just for that, I think I might stay an extra year,¡± Livi laughed, though her eyes were cold ¨C malicious, even.

    Asher opened his mouth, as if to say something else, when Lila squeezed his hand again, pulling him towards the classrooms where the last Grade 11 debates were held. Once they were out of earshot, Lila solemnly looked at Asher.

    ¡°Asher,¡± she whispered disapprovingly. ¡°You¡¯ll give it away.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Term 3,¡± Asher replied, though his eyes did convey some level of worry. ¡°For all intents and purposes, they¡¯ll be graduating at the end of next term. Besides, she might not get expelled.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila said through a grimace. ¡°But Vi might have considered that you weren¡¯t referring to that.¡±

    ¡°If they thought that my comment was linked to something else, I¡¯d bet that they¡¯d think they¡¯re paranoid. It¡¯s a bit of a leap.¡±

    Lila sighed. It was a bit of a leap, but at the same time, there was no harm in being too careful.

    ¡°I take your point, though,¡± he added. ¡°It¡¯s better to be safe than sorry.¡±

    They continued to stand around outside these classrooms before they were joined by Sofia and Abdul, who were both busily snacking on muffins.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher greeted them. They mumbled their own greetings, and he smirked before turning to Lila.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be starting up soon,¡± he said gently. ¡°So¡­ you¡¯ll need to wait for me again.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°That means the Grade 12s will be hiding away, too. So, unlimited access to snacks.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Hope you save some for me.¡±

    ¡°No promises,¡± she grinned. ¡°Better hope they do a restock after the debate.¡±

    It was at that moment that Mr Barsch appeared, clapping his hands together. Under his left arm looked like two transparent folders with blank sheets of paper and pens.

    ¡°Hello, Group A,¡± he said before doing a double take. ¡°Hello, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Mr Barsch,¡± Lila responded warmly.

    ¡°Are you joining the debate?¡± Mr Barsch asked, his tone clearly joking.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila laughed. ¡°I think I¡¯d die.¡±

    ¡°Eh, dying¡¯s a rare side effect,¡± Asher interjected humorously. ¡°Not impossible, though.¡±

    They all shared a chuckle before Mr Barsch grew serious.

    ¡°Sandy Lakes have all arrived on time, and we¡¯re ready to get started. They¡¯ve already picked the topic and since you¡¯re here all together, I¡¯ll put you into one team. I¡¯m sure Group B is coming this way shortly. So, with that, Asher, pick a hand.¡±

    Asher picked the right hand, and Mr Barsch took out a slip of paper from his right suit pocket and handed it to Asher.

    ¡°Topic is ¡®that no one should be able to post online comments anonymously¡¯,¡± Asher said as he read the slip of paper. ¡°Positive. Well, let¡¯s get going, I guess.¡±

    Mr Barsch passed Asher one of the transparent folders and Asher looked back at Lila.

    ¡°Won¡¯t be long,¡± he said, hoisting all their bags onto his shoulders again. ¡°See you soon.¡±

    Then, he swiftly leaned forward, giving her a quick peck on the lips. She heard both Sofia and Abdul make sounds of varying degrees of shock, before registering Mr Barsch¡¯s sound of clear disapproval.

    ¡°Alright, alright, go on,¡± Mr Barsch said sternly, gesturing to their requisite classroom. ¡°It¡¯s already open.¡±

    Asher grinned at Mr Barsch before leading the way into said classroom. Mr Barsch remained outside, watching them enter. He then turned to Lila.

    ¡°Well, this is certainly quite a different circumstance than the last time you observed,¡± he commented idly. Lila simply nodded. The last time she observed, it had been Asher¡¯s first debate back since he had broken up with Holly. And¡­ she¡¯d just figured out she¡¯d liked Asher. It felt like an age ago now.

    ¡°His enthusiasm has returned since then,¡± Mr Barsch added. ¡°I think that¡¯s your doing.¡±

    ¡°Surely not,¡± Lila replied, shaking her head. She looked at where Asher had disappeared before looking back at Mr Barsch. ¡°He¡¯s naturally enthusiastic.¡±

    Mr Barsch gave a sharp laugh. ¡°I had thought it would never return for a moment. But, after that debate, he seemed much better ¨C even though they lost. He¡¯s even pushing the rules, which I thought I¡¯d never see.¡±

    Was he referring to the fact that Asher kissed her despite Mr Barsch standing there? With the twinkle in Mr Barsch¡¯s eyes, it seemed likely.

    ¡°I hope you enjoy tonight¡¯s debate,¡± Mr Barsch said after a moment, inclining his head.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure I will,¡± Lila responded with a smile. He turned and disappeared around the corner ¨C likely to round up the rest of the Grade 11s who were in Group B.

    The procedure for tonight¡¯s debate followed like the last one that she¡¯d seen, except this time, Asher was the second speaker. She caught his eye as he sat down in the second speaker¡¯s seat and he beamed at her. He definitely seemed enthusiastic, as Mr Barsch had said.

    She pressed a hand to her lips, remembering for just a moment that he¡¯d kissed her before going to write his speech. For some reason, her mind conjured up the memory of how he¡¯d leaned in towards her before the last debate. Now that she¡¯d seen that movement from him again and again, she began to wonder if he¡¯d almost kissed her back then.

    The beginning of the debate ceased all the nonsense running through her mind. She straightened up in her chair, committing herself to paying attention. Asher furiously took notes during the opposition¡¯s first speaker¡¯s speech, seeming entirely engrossed in this task. Then, once he stood, ready to begin his own speech, he smiled at Lila. Her heart raced just a little, her ears zoning into the comforting, familiar sound of his voice. He was far more relaxed than the previous home debate, and his confidence seemed to ooze into every word he enunciated. She found herself nodding along to every point he made, given how compelling they were.

    Once his speech was over, she clapped as loudly as she could, earning another grin from Asher as he sat down. Lila lost a significant amount of interest in the rest of the debate as she watched Asher fall back into his unreasonably attractive focus, his intense scribbling making her curious. What points was he shuffling along to Sofia, today¡¯s third speaker? What would she end up integrating into her speech?

    The debate soon drew to a close, and Lila attentively listened to the adjudicator¡¯s final remarks. To her chagrin, Asher didn¡¯t win Best Speaker ¨C but she supposed it was fine since it was awarded to Sofia, and Forestglade College ended up winning the debate overall.

    Finally, everyone stood, ready to go home for the evening. Asher was almost instantly by her side, his eyes alight with the rush of tonight¡¯s win.

    ¡°Congratulations,¡± Lila grinned. He returned the grin with his own.

    ¡°Thanks. Shame I wasn¡¯t able to concentrate fully, but it was a good one in the end.¡±

    ¡°Really? You looked like you were focusing well, and you sounded confident.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°I¡¯ll agree with you if that¡¯s what you think. Means I did my job well. But, I was actually in two minds the whole debate. Tomorrow¡¯s got me on edge.¡±

    Lila gave him a sympathetic smile, bumping him lightly with her shoulder. ¡°That¡¯s fair enough. I¡¯ll be glad when it¡¯s over too.¡±

    He bumped her shoulder in response before pulling out his phone. ¡°Marlene should be here. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Asher grabbed their bags, with Lila trying once more to offload at least some of them to no success, and they started to make their journey to the carpark. Lila had paid enough attention to recall some points that he¡¯d made, and they spent some time discussing them. Asher seemed quite pleased that she¡¯d brought it up as he eagerly delved more into the topic, the energy in his voice increasing with each step.

    Lila was so enthralled by his passion that she almost didn¡¯t notice when they passed by Livi and Vi. When she glanced back behind her, she saw that they seemed subdued. If she had to guess, it appeared that they¡¯d lost their debate. She looked back at Asher, who smirked but didn¡¯t say anything about either Livi or Vi.

    Instead, he changed the topic, as though just remembering something.

    ¡°Abdul and Sofia were amazed that I kissed you in front of Mr Barsch,¡± he said with a laugh, taking her hand. ¡°Said I was pretty bold.¡±

    ¡°You seem to like that idea,¡± Lila replied, swinging his arm gently. ¡°Mr Barsch told me that he thought he¡¯d never see you pushing the rules.¡±

    ¡°What can I say? I couldn¡¯t just leave without a goodbye kiss.¡±

    Lila giggled, leaning into his shoulder. ¡°No, you couldn¡¯t have.¡±

    He squeezed her hand. ¡°They also said I¡¯d changed a lot, since last year. I¡­ don¡¯t know if that¡¯s a good thing or not, but strangely, I don¡¯t really care. You seem to like me as I am, and that¡¯s far more important to me.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She did like him as he was, that much was true ¨C but did it extend further than that? Surely¡­ it was too early for that. Right? Was there someone she could ask?

    With horror, her mind intrusively brought up the memory of Grace telling Lila and Elise that she¡¯d told her partner that she loved her. On one hand¡­ Grace was the only person Lila knew who had said something like that, but on the other, she didn¡¯t want to ask about how Grace figured out she was in love with her Music teacher.

    ¡®Looks like I have to take a page out of Asher¡¯s book and just¡­ keep thinking about it,¡¯ Lila thought to herself. ¡®No way am I asking Grace.¡¯

    They reached Marlene¡¯s car only a moment later and Asher opened the door for her.

    ¡°After you,¡± he smiled, his eyes twinkling under the light of the carpark light just above. She thanked him before sliding into her seat and greeting Marlene. He placed their things in the boot before sitting up the front, next to Marlene.

    ¡°Lila, would you like us to stop and get some food?¡± Marlene asked politely as she began to drive. From Lila¡¯s memory, there were leftovers that she could heat up at home ¨C or, if Daniel or someone had eaten it all, she could always just have some cereal. Dinner of champions.

    ¡°I¡¯m alright,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Thanks for the offer.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m starving,¡± Asher interjected, turning around in his seat to look at her. ¡°Sure you don¡¯t want some Maccas, maybe?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there food waiting for you at home?¡± Lila asked.

    ¡°Eh, I¡¯m so hungry, I¡¯d be able to eat both,¡± Asher shrugged. Lila was about to refuse the offer again when the sound of her stomach rumbling interrupted her.

    ¡°¡­ Actually¡­ if you wouldn¡¯t mind, Marlene,¡± she said quietly, feeling somewhat ashamed.

    ¡°Of course,¡± Marlene said genially.

    Asher told Marlene about his debate as she drove to the nearest Maccas which happened to be the one Elise and Isaac worked at. Lila gave her order to Marlene, who ordered at the drive-thru speaker. She didn¡¯t recognise the voice of the person who took their orders of meals and desserts, but since Elise and Isaac were on tonight, she was sure they¡¯d see at least one of them working the drive-thru.

    Once they reached the presenter window, Lila dejectedly realised that her prediction was wrong. They must be working the front counter or something tonight, which made sense for a Friday night. From what Elise had told her in the past, Friday nights tended to be hectic for walk-ins, since they could hold way more customers in there than the drive-thru.

    Lila gratefully received her food once Marlene passed it to her, and it wasn¡¯t long until they arrived at her house. Asher hastily unbuckled himself, practically inhaling the rest of his ice cream cone as he did so.

    Once he collected all her things from the boot, he walked Lila to her front door. She tested the handle and noted that it wasn¡¯t locked.

    ¡°Thanks, Asher,¡± she said, taking her bags into her arms. ¡°I¡¯ll see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°See you then,¡± he smiled with a hint of nervousness in his eyes. His eyes darted up to her house before resting on her face. ¡°Get some sleep, okay?¡±

    ¡°Only if you do,¡± she replied with a meaningful look. He chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±

    ¡°Good. Now, come kiss me.¡±

    He chuckled once more, a grin spreading across his face. ¡°Coming right up.¡±

    This was far tamer than the one they shared during lunch but she still enjoyed it, especially when he brushed his fingertips against her cheek. He stepped back with a small smile.

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Six

    Lila couldn¡¯t be less keen for hockey if she tried. After all, once hockey was over, she¡¯d have to have the conversation with her Dad. She slogged her way through her morning routine with an almost permanent frown, her mind whirring away with anxiety. It got to the point where Clare urged Lila to hurry up, or she wouldn¡¯t be going at all.

    Whilst in the car, Clare confirmed that she would pick Lila and Asher up after their games before turning the volume of her EDM up and bobbing along with a smile. Lila had been tempted to ask Clare if she¡¯d spoken to their Mum, or otherwise check in on how she was going, but Clare seemed so chipper that Lila didn¡¯t want to burst that bubble ¨C which, after a bemused, half-yelled question from Lila, Clare clarified that Alex was the cause of. Or, rather, his impending return on Monday was.

    So, that meant that Lila was entirely preoccupied with her swirling mess of thoughts on the way to Jacoval. Would her Dad be mad at her for doing her own investigation? Would he connect the dots about her illegal activity in conducting this investigation? Would he suspect Asher¡¯s?

    She hadn¡¯t been able to sleep last night until she¡¯d prepared the USB with the screenshots from Zack and the video she¡¯d taken of his drop. She ended up spending some time that morning obsessing over every minute detail of the contents of the USB, to the point that she knew the size and dimensions of each photo and the video.

    Then, of course, the potential fallout from Daniel, once he realised that Lila and Asher had been hiding it all from him for as long as they had, kept her up as soon as she finally climbed into bed. Lila hadn¡¯t brought it up to Asher, since she didn¡¯t want him to worry about this amongst everything else, but it would be a lie to say that she hadn¡¯t been thinking about it more and more as the impending conversation drew near. While she was confident in their reasoning to keep it from Daniel, she knew that he would be mad, at the very least, that they had hidden it from him¡­

    With a small spike of panic piercing her chest, Lila unbuckled her seatbelt after Clare looked at her expectantly for slightly too long.

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to do hockey in this miserably cold weather, either,¡± Clare chuckled as she watched Lila struggle to take her hockey stick out of the back seat with quivering hands. ¡°You really should¡¯ve done Cheer. That¡¯s indoors, at least.¡±

    The mention of Cheer made Lila¡¯s eyebrow twitch. ¡®I think the fuck not,¡¯ she thought with an involuntary shiver. She glanced over at the oval, taking in the various Mulberry Heights students warming up for soccer and hockey. She much preferred this view to the one she would¡¯ve seen if she happened to be in a Cheer competition facing off against Mulberry Heights and Holly-

    ¡°Shit,¡± Lila hissed, ducking low next to Clare¡¯s car, her heart pounding a mile a minute. She peeked over the bottom edge of the window, watching as two figures strolled by the other side of Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°What, what?¡± Clare¡¯s voice called, evidently perplexed by Lila¡¯s sudden outburst.

    ¡°Why the fuck is Asher¡¯s ex here?¡± Lila spat, gripping her hockey stick with a different kind of tremor. Her eyes were fixed on the couple as they steadily made their way down to the stands facing the soccer boys.

    ¡°Huh?!¡±

    Lila tentatively stood now that they had no line of sight of her. Holly¡¯s perfect flaxen curls were unmistakable, as was the round, protruding belly that Lila had glimpsed. Lila could also see that Holly¡¯s dainty hand was tightly clenched around her male companion¡¯s. He was dressed in a Mulberry Heights soccer uniform and seemed oddly familiar though she couldn¡¯t think why.

    More importantly, the question of why Holly was here clawed at Lila¡¯s brain. Had she figured out that Asher wasn¡¯t going to go to debates at Mulberry Heights and so came here, under the guise of supporting whoever it was she had now ensnared, to torture Asher more?

    Lila continued to observe them for a couple of moments before she realised who the male was. Dylan ¨C the guy that Holly was dating publicly, and the guy that Lila had seen at the shops with Holly over the school holidays.

    ¡°That¡¯s his ex?¡± Clare¡¯s voice broke through the haze that had blanketed Lila¡¯s mind.

    ¡°Y-Yeah,¡± Lila replied, wiping her hands on her hockey pants. They were slick with sweat, despite the cold.

    ¡°Damn. Her?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Damn. Well. She¡¯s definitely pregnant. And I can see why she had a whole roster of guys that could be the father of her baby.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, Clare,¡± Lila scowled. ¡°Don¡¯t need reminders that she¡¯s pretty.¡±

    ¡°I never said that. Besides, you¡¯re prettier. You look like me, after all.¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes, though she couldn¡¯t deny that Clare¡¯s comment had made her feel a teensy bit better. If Clare thought Lila was prettier, even if she was biased¡­ then perhaps Asher thought the same.

    She shook her head forcefully, clapping her right hand to her face. He¡¯d liked her for so long, even when he was with Holly. So¡­ he surely did. Right?

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m sure your hockey game isn¡¯t going to be played up here,¡± Clare said after a pause. ¡°Go on, go warm up with your teammates.¡±

    ¡°Okay. See you after the game,¡± Lila replied, her voice monotonous. She closed the door and Clare drove off. Lila regretted not getting into the car and taking off with Clare, but¡­ she couldn¡¯t deny her morbid curiosity either.

    She inhaled deeply, the biting, icy air filling her lungs. She wondered if Holly had known that Lila would be here, too. When she met with Holly all those months ago, Lila had mentioned that she played hockey ¨C so perhaps the torment was meant to be for Lila, rather than Asher.

    ¡®You¡¯re being paranoid,¡¯ she scolded herself. ¡®She¡¯s just here to support her boyfriend¡­ like how you supported Asher last night.¡¯

    That counterthought seemed logical, Lila supposed. She made her way down to the oval, hockey stick in tow, her eyes drifting to where Holly was sitting alone on the spectator stands. Holly¡¯s attention was clearly on the soccer boys, which made Lila privately grateful. It was less likely that Holly would look her way, in that case.

    Then, a new question made itself known in her mind. Where was Asher? She hadn¡¯t seen him in the carpark, and she couldn¡¯t see him now that she was on the oval, looking at the soccer boys. Had he noticed Holly and walked off? She wasn¡¯t quite sure whether anyone else could play the goalie in his absence-

    ¡°Hey,¡± Asher¡¯s voice halted her frantic search. She spun around, her eyes wide. He smiled at her, though his eyes seemed distant.

    Lila immediately threw herself into his arms, hugging him tightly without thinking about who was watching them.

    ¡°Whoa,¡± he chuckled, placing a warm hand on her head. ¡°That¡¯s quite the greeting.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila mumbled, her grip on him only tightening further. He laughed, returning the hug with a slight sway.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be,¡± he replied, placing a finger under her chin and tilting her head so that their eyes met. ¡°You can hug me all you want.¡±

    Lila nodded before burying her face into his chest again.

    ¡°Everything okay, though?¡± he asked gently after a few more moments.

    ¡°No,¡± she said reluctantly, finally letting go of Asher and stepping back, hugging her hockey stick instead. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    ¡°Is it about after the game?¡±

    Did¡­ Asher not realise Holly was here? Should she tell him?

    Without meaning to, her eyes flickered past him and to the stands. Predictably, he turned around to see where she was looking before immediately turning back, his face a ghostly pale.

    ¡°W-What is she doing here?¡± he stammered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°I think her new boyfriend does soccer?¡±

    ¡°New- oh. The Debating Captain. I didn¡¯t realise he did soccer too¡­¡± he trailed off, his expression looking entirely perturbed by the idea. Then, he gave a hollow laugh. ¡°Wonder if he¡¯s the fucking Dux, too. Why¡¯d she even date me if there was someone who did all the shit I do?¡±

    Lila took his hand, intertwining his fingers with hers. ¡°Let¡¯s just try and not pay her any mind.¡±

    He glanced at Lila before relaxing his scrunched shoulders, a small smile crossing his face. ¡°It¡¯s not half-time.¡±

    Lila blinked at him. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ not. But why-¡±

    Her question was cut short by his lips on hers, his hands on either side of her face. She dropped her hockey stick, pressing herself against him. This kiss felt rougher than the previous ones that they shared, as though he was trying to deeply imprint the feeling of her body onto his skin in as short a time as possible. Lila leaned into this kiss, finding that she actually didn¡¯t mind it, adding her own desperation to feel him in her response. Her hands began to wander to the thumping beat of her heart, pulling him even closer to her-

    ¡°Whoa, whoa, whoa,¡± a familiar voice made Lila jolt. In an instant, Asher had been dragged back a step or two by the scruff of his shirt. Her eyes landed on Isaac¡¯s pink face, which conveyed a deep level of worry that she hadn¡¯t known him to ordinarily possess. ¡°Fucking cut that shit out.¡±

    The fact that Isaac swore made Lila¡¯s heart drop. They¡¯d made him really mad.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher instantly said, pressing his hands to his flushed face. ¡°Uh, Holly¡¯s in the stands.¡±

    ¡°So you decided to give her a show?¡± Isaac¡¯s tone was nearing shrill, but he managed to rein it in as he added, ¡°Don¡¯t do that, dude. If you keep pulling this shit, your position as a goalie won¡¯t even protect you. You¡¯ll get thrown off the team for your public displays of¡­ I don¡¯t even know if I¡¯d call that affection. You¡¯re lucky Mr Kovac¡¯s busy talking to the Mulberry Heights coach.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher repeated meekly.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry to me. You might also stuff up Lila¡¯s place in her hockey team. I know that if that happened, you wouldn¡¯t forgive yourself. Save it for the bedroom or whatever after the game. C¡¯mon. We¡¯ve got a team to thrash.¡±

    Isaac forcefully grabbed Asher¡¯s arm, leading him towards their soccer team. Asher glanced back at Lila and she gave him a small wave which he returned.

    Once they were sufficiently far enough away, she wiped her face, pressing her fingers against her eyelids for a moment. She hadn¡¯t been done with their kiss¡­

    Exhaling deeply, she picked up her hockey stick. Hopefully no one-

    ¡°Jesus Christ, Lila.¡±

    Of course someone noticed. She turned around, looking at a bewildered Willow and a slightly apprehensive Alice standing behind her. Lila briefly wondered why Alice looked like that before remembering their confrontation and Alice¡¯s subsequent apology on Tuesday.

    It was Willow who had spoken and her eyes darted around the field before she took Lila¡¯s arm, gently taking her over to where their team was warming up. Ms Wright seemed to be suitably distracted as she spoke with Charlotte and Rosa, presumably about tactics. Either way, Ms Wright thankfully didn¡¯t appear to be wanting to hunt Lila down for her interaction with Asher just now.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Willow demanded once she stopped walking.

    ¡°What was wh-¡±

    Willow¡¯s pissed expression made Lila instantly shut up and think carefully about her next words.

    ¡°¡­ Asher¡¯s ex is in the crowd,¡± Lila finally said, her eyes darting over that way before looking back at Willow. ¡°So¡­ I think¡­ he just wanted some reassurance.¡±

    ¡°The pregnant one?¡± Willow¡¯s tone was aghast as she whipped around to stare over that way.

    ¡°He¡¯s only had one ex,¡± Lila replied listlessly. She glanced at Alice, who looked just as appalled as Willow, her face drained of colour.

    ¡°Is he gonna pay child support or be in its life?¡± Willow asked, turning back to Lila. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°It¡¯s not his kid.¡±

    ¡°Wait, seriously? I¡¯ve been hearing all over school that it was,¡± Willow said incredulously.

    ¡°Seriously. She told him that it was between a couple of guys or something, none of them being him,¡± Lila explained, a slight ripple of anger almost taking hold of her.

    ¡°¡­ Damn,¡± Willow uttered, shaking her head. ¡°Can¡¯t believe she decided to go through with it and be a teen mum without even knowing who the father is.¡±

    ¡°Why¡¯d you say that?¡± Alice asked, pressing her fingertips together. Willow seemed surprised that Alice asked.

    ¡°¡¯Cause being a teen mum is nuts,¡± Willow laughed. ¡°No thank you. I mean, I¡¯ve been with Damian for years, so I¡¯d know who the Dad would be if I got pregnant ¨C but even still, we wouldn¡¯t keep it if I ended up getting pregnant now. Would be even worse being a single teen mum.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Alice replied softly. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ an interesting take.¡±

    ¡°Are you pro-life?¡± Willow seemed even more surprised by this. Alice shook her head.

    ¡°Not exactly. But I dunno. Abortion¡¯s hard too, from what I¡¯ve heard. My cousin had one, said it was the worst experience of her life ¨C aside from the physical pain of it, she was in emotional pain for months afterwards,¡± Alice shrugged. She shivered before grabbing her hockey stick. ¡°We¡¯ll fall behind our warmups if we don¡¯t get a move on.¡±

    Lila pondered what Alice had said as she went through her usual warm-up routine. She¡¯d never actually looked into that, since she hadn¡¯t needed to, but she wondered if that was why Holly kept her baby. What did one even entail? From her Modern History classes, the only imagery she had was those¡­ graphic, back-alley ones. Surely that wasn¡¯t what they were like now?

    Either way, she hoped she wouldn¡¯t be in the position to either make that decision or go through it. It all sounded unpleasant, in any case.

    Soon, Lila¡¯s warm-up routine enticed her to the idea of participating in hockey after all. In the background, her mind was still churning through the fact that Holly had shown up to their school, what Willow and Alice had said on the topic of teen pregnancy, and the sense of dread that stemmed from what she¡¯d be doing after the game was over. But, as soon as the referee indicated with a short blast of their whistle that it was ¡®go time¡¯, all of that disappeared, replaced only with a surge of energy and the overwhelming desire to beat Mulberry Heights into the ground.

    Like previous matches against Mulberry Heights, they weren¡¯t as tough an opponent as St Peters. Perhaps Alice was still hung up on their loss against St Peters, but she and Charlotte seemed to be playing aggressively enough that Mulberry Heights hadn¡¯t so much as stepped past Lila.

    They were in the lead by the time half-time was called, 2-0, and Lila trudged off to the sidelines, her spirits far lighter than they had been earlier that morning. She accepted her cool orange slice from Ms Wright, turning her attention to the soccer match. Asher was pacing in his goal as Isaac and Harrison ducked and weaved around the Mulberry Heights team near the other goal. Lila pursed her lips as she looked beyond the action to Holly again.

    Holly looked just as gorgeous as she had when Lila sat with her and Asher at Caf¨¦ Vines ¨C though she was evidently a little bit rounder, and a little bit rosier than back then. She looked to be glowing, almost, as her eyes watched Dylan dart around the field. Lila had no idea what position he was in, but for all his sprinting, it didn¡¯t amount to much in the end as Harrison scored a goal to the whoops of Forestglade College supporters.

    Lila smirked as the referee for the soccer game called for half-time. She¡¯d barely processed this fact when Asher appeared by her side with a grin.

    ¡°At least they¡¯re getting flogged,¡± he said impishly, taking his gloves off. ¡°How¡¯s your game going?¡±

    ¡°Much the same,¡± she smiled. ¡°We¡¯re in the lead, 2-0.¡±

    ¡°Nice.¡±

    ¡°You two behaving?¡± Isaac called as he jogged towards them, his chest heaving from exertion.

    ¡°Yes, Dad,¡± Asher replied sullenly. ¡°No need to keep checking in.¡±

    ¡°I beg to differ, son. Man, I¡¯m honestly going to be so glad when the season¡¯s over. Don¡¯t think my heart can keep up.¡±

    ¡°You know, you seem pretty concerned about Asher and me kissing,¡± Lila said suddenly, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Isaac looked at her like she was insane. ¡°I thought I told you before that Asher would die if he got detention.¡±

    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.

    ¡°I already said I wouldn¡¯t,¡± Asher frowned, taking a drink from his water bottle.

    Isaac shook his head. ¡°Nah, mate, you would. It¡¯s different when you¡¯re actually given one.¡±

    ¡°Makes it sound like you¡¯ve been given one,¡± Lila replied with a smirk.

    ¡°With all the complaining Lucas was doing in Engineering after he was caught with Cecelia, I feel like I¡¯ve been given a hundred,¡± Isaac shuddered. ¡°Look, I just want to make sure my buddy¡¯s not in trouble, y¡¯know. Protect the peace and all that. It¡¯s my civic duty.¡±

    Asher snorted.

    ¡°Anyway, isn¡¯t your half-time ending now?¡± Isaac said, turning to Lila. She took a look around at her teammates, who were starting to congregate on the other side of the field in preparation for the second half.

    ¡°Guess so,¡± she sighed reluctantly. ¡°Good luck for the rest of your game.¡±

    ¡°Same to you,¡± Asher smiled. Isaac nodded in agreement. Lila turned and joined the rest of her teammates, who were idly discussing potential strategies for the second half. But, with the way Mulberry Heights was playing, Lila wasn¡¯t too convinced that they even needed strategies to begin with.

    She was more or less proven right, once the game was underway. This time, though, Mulberry Heights seemed to be fighting back as they charged towards Lila, the ball in their possession.

    Finally, Lila was able to properly join the fray, tackling and passing over to Charlotte and even Alice with unparalleled efficiency. Much of the remainder of the match involved the clashing of sticks and steel-willed determination from both teams, centered on the middle of the oval. It meant that Lila could intercept and otherwise participate more.

    To her chagrin, the game was eventually called with no additional goals scored on either side.

    Alice looked particularly wiped as she sunk onto the field, catching her breath. It wasn¡¯t surprising, since she basically hadn¡¯t stopped in the second half, given how intense the battle for the ball was without going anywhere far.

    ¡°Good work,¡± Lila smiled, offering Alice a hand so she could stand again. Alice looked up, her eyes full of apprehension once more, before accepting the assist.

    ¡°Thanks, Lila. Good work, too,¡± Alice replied, dusting herself off. ¡°And¡­ uh, thanks for not getting distracted at half-time with Asher, I guess.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°You have Isaac to thank for that. He¡¯s watching us like a hawk on and off the field.¡±

    ¡°Well, if that¡¯s what gets him off,¡± Alice joked.

    ¡°Ew, I didn¡¯t need that imagery,¡± Lila replied, her tone just as unserious.

    Alice laughed and they trudged over to the rest of their team. They gave sportsmanship handshakes to the Mulberry Heights team, who seemed displeased at having lost but otherwise took it graciously ¨C perhaps far more graciously than Forestglade College had last week against St Peters.

    ¡°I feel like I could sleep for a hundred years,¡± Willow yawned once their team finished with their customary post-game huddle, war cry, and debriefing.

    ¡°Same,¡± Alice replied, stretching. She glanced over at the stands before looking back at Lila. ¡°Who¡¯s the pregnant ex?¡±

    ¡°The blonde girl with the cashmere scarf on the bottom row,¡± Lila said in a low voice. She watched as Willow and Alice simultaneously looked in that direction. Holly wasn¡¯t hard to spot as she¡¯d been given a wide berth, and the hockey spectators had begun to depart now that the match was over.

    ¡°Do you think she knows who you are?¡± Willow queried, her tone conspiratorial.

    ¡°We¡­ met once, while she was with Asher. And we have each other on Instagram,¡± Lila sighed. She really didn¡¯t want to keep talking about Holly, but she couldn¡¯t escape just yet since the soccer game was still going. It was marginally better than being left alone to worry about her talk with her Dad, though.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Alice¡¯s expression was gobsmacked.

    ¡°Yup. And she was pregnant when I met her, too. Didn¡¯t know it at the time, though.¡±

    ¡°Yikes. So she wasn¡¯t showing?¡± Willow asked, her face full of keen interest in the salacious details.

    ¡°Nah. She was, like, barely three months or something,¡± Lila shrugged, feeling increasingly more uncomfortable the more Willow probed. She did understand where it was coming from, since she¡¯d do the same if the roles were reversed, but she started to look for a way out of this conversation all the same.

    ¡°C¡¯mon, Willow. You¡¯re clearly bothering her,¡± Alice said quickly, pulling on Willow¡¯s sleeve.

    ¡°But it¡¯s crazy as heck!¡± Willow protested though she did allow herself to be taken towards the carpark. ¡°See you later, Lila.¡±

    Lila said her goodbyes to Willow and Alice before turning back to the soccer game, feeling incredibly grateful that Alice had picked up on her uncomfortableness without having to tell them. It looked like the soccer boys still had a few minutes left, but she didn¡¯t want to keep standing on the oval in view of Holly. At the same time, she didn¡¯t want to even go near the stands on her own either, since Holly was still sitting here.

    Lila sighed, tapping her hockey stick against her leg as if it would give her an answer to her predicament. Instead, all it gave her was the fear that Holly would be watching their next game too, since it¡¯d be at Mulberry Heights.

    She pursed her lips before sneaking a peek at Holly.

    Their eyes met. Holly smiled.

    Lila instantly wanted to throw up. Was Clare here yet?

    The cheers and yells of the boys playing soccer gave Lila the perfect out to pretend she hadn¡¯t noticed Holly. It looked like another goal had been scored for Forestglade College and she clapped around her hockey stick, surveying the field.

    She smiled as she saw Asher bounce on his heels inside his goal as a small celebration of their goal before he quickly braced himself for the incoming Mulberry Heights team.

    They¡¯d hardly come into his zone when a blast from the referee¡¯s whistle indicated it was all over. From the way the Forestglade College boys boisterously huddled up, Lila could tell that they¡¯d won this match. They gave the school war cry before breaking off into sportsmanship handshakes ¨C which, to Lila, felt a bit backwards.

    She watched on as Asher seemed to hesitate for a second when he came across Dylan. But he grasped Dylan¡¯s hand and firmly shook it before moving on to the next as though nothing happened. Lila could tell from Asher¡¯s posture that he was incredibly serious, and it was at that moment that Lila realised that Mulberry Heights was one of the ten schools involved in the morphine ring as buyers.

    Once the formalities were out of the way, it was with boundless energy and a broad grin that Asher jogged over to Lila, scooping her up into a hug before spinning them both.

    ¡°That¡¯s quite the greeting,¡± she giggled, holding just as tightly onto him. He set her down with a beam before the angry, seagull-like squawk of Isaac made them look his way.

    ¡°We¡¯re not even doing anything,¡± Asher insisted reproachfully.

    ¡°I smell it in the air. Affection,¡± Isaac replied dramatically, pointing an accusatory finger at Asher as though exposing him for a crime.

    ¡°Dumbass,¡± Asher smirked, kicking at Isaac¡¯s shinpads which he nimbly dodged. ¡°Besides, you said you couldn¡¯t call it affection.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, nah, that face-sucking from before was just lust, not affection. Almost needed to sew my eyes shut.¡±

    ¡°I feel like you were mistaken. We can reenact it, so you can-¡±

    ¡°No thank you,¡± Isaac cut Asher¡¯s cheeky suggestion off with a well-placed whack on his shoulder. Asher chuckled, taking hold of Lila¡¯s free hand.

    ¡°Ready to-¡±

    ¡°¡­ juice,¡± Zack¡¯s voice made both Lila and Asher stiffen, halting whatever he¡¯d been about to say to Lila entirely.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. Same place?¡±

    Lila almost stopped breathing. Who was Zack talking to? She didn¡¯t want to turn and check, but her curiosity was begging her to ¨C until she saw the look on Asher¡¯s face.

    ¡°¡­ girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°¡­ need a jumbo¡­¡±

    ¡°Not that kind¡­¡±

    ¡°Mango?¡±

    ¡°¡­ discount?¡±

    ¡°¡­ customer¡­ I¡¯ll check.¡±

    Was Zack seriously still doing drops? Lila hadn¡¯t considered that he would, since he ratted out Jason just two days ago, but it really sounded like he was facilitating more.

    ¡°Uh, you guys alright?¡± Isaac asked, his eyebrows knitting together in confusion. ¡°You kinda just¡­ stopped saying stuff.¡±

    ¡°W-We¡¯re good,¡± Asher stammered. ¡°Well, I¡¯m good-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s, uh, ¡®cause Holly¡¯s just there,¡± Lila stumbled to explain, gesturing to Holly. Isaac¡¯s eyes flashed.

    ¡°You mentioned that before, but I thought you were joking. She better not come anywhere near you guys, or I¡¯ll call the Police.¡±

    ¡°Call the Police?¡± Lila blinked.

    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not like I can hit a pregnant person. Or a girl, in general.¡±

    ¡°What, and you¡¯re hoping the Police would?¡± Asher replied derisively.

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Isaac bristled. ¡°But they might put a restraining order in.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t think that¡¯s how that works,¡± Asher said sensibly.

    They started to bicker about whether or not that was how it worked, though instead of listening in, Lila¡¯s eyes slid over to the group passing the trio by, with Zack in the centre. She could see that Dylan and a few other Mulberry Heights boys were part of it, along with Will Reedy from Forestglade College. Was Will a customer or facilitator?

    Theo, by contrast, was already heading up to the carpark, car keys swinging from his right hand. A few other Forestglade College soccer boys were wandering over that way, still seeming chuffed by their win.

    Was it really not suspicious to anyone else that a group of both Forestglade College and Mulberry Heights students were suddenly hanging out together? Or¡­ was it seen more as a friendly social gathering, since soccer drew them together?

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed and she pulled it out of her zip pocket. It was a text from Clare.

    ¡®Where r u??¡¯

    ¡®Coming,¡¯ Lila sent, putting her phone away again.

    ¡°We gotta go, Asher,¡± Lila said, ¡°Clare¡¯s here.¡±

    ¡°I gotta go too,¡± Isaac said, stretching his arms. ¡°Maccas duties calls.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve been working a whole bunch,¡± Asher commented, exchanging a meaningful look with Lila. ¡°Are your shifts always with Elise?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course not,¡± Isaac replied shortly. ¡°There¡¯s more employees than just me and her, you know.¡±

    ¡°Have you asked who she¡¯s got a crush on?¡± Asher asked pointedly. Isaac¡¯s face turned a deep red colour.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± he murmured. ¡°Don¡¯t need to.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Asher queried, raising an eyebrow.

    ¡°¡¯Cause¡­ it¡¯s not me. I¡¯m gonna be late. See you guys next week,¡± Isaac had barely finished his sentence before he jogged off and up the hill.

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯m beginning to understand why everyone was so frustrated with us not getting together,¡± Asher sighed, shaking his head. ¡°Especially if we were as obvious as this.¡±

    ¡°No kidding,¡± Lila responded. He looked down at her and smiled.

    ¡°So, shall we race to Clare¡¯s car?¡±

    ¡°Surely my hockey stick gives me an unfair disadvantage,¡± Lila replied playfully.

    ¡°True. But I¡¯ve got a backpack, so I reckon we¡¯re even. 321, go!¡± Asher sprinted off like a jet, cackling as he did so, said backpack thumping against his back.

    ¡°Oi!¡± Lila called after him before sprinting after him, unable to contain her own laughter as he spun around and poked his tongue out at her. She barely registered Holly watching them intently as she passed, though a small part of her was glad that Holly had noticed.

    Predictably, Asher summited the hill first, turning to her with an infectiously gleeful expression. Once she reached him with a goofy grin on her own face, he took her hand.

    ¡°Clare¡¯s that way, I think,¡± he said through shallow breaths. ¡°C¡¯mon.¡±

    She allowed herself to be led ¡®that way¡¯, unable to help herself from peeking once more at Holly from the corner of her eye. It seemed that Dylan was speaking to her about something as Zack¡¯s group began to climb the hill to the carpark. Was he telling her that he was about to buy some opioids?

    ¡®Sucks to be him when this operation shuts down,¡¯ Lila thought as they approached Clare¡¯s car. The rumble of EDM was evident even from the outside and Asher opened the front passenger door for Lila, grabbing her hockey stick and other belongings before taking them to the back with him.

    ¡°Jeez, I was about to send out a search party for you two,¡± Clare commented once they closed the doors and buckled themselves in. ¡°What took you guys so long?¡±

    ¡°Just talking to Isaac,¡± Lila responded swiftly. It wasn¡¯t a lie, but he wasn¡¯t the only cause for their delay.

    ¡°Righto.¡±

    The car ride home was rather uneventful, which helped Lila disconnect her mind from what happened that morning. Now that they were going home, Lila reluctantly started to prepare to talk to her Dad.

    They arrived home with hardly any words shared amongst each other before Clare applied the handbrake and turned to Lila and Asher.

    ¡°Mum¡¯s out,¡± Clare said briskly. ¡°Daniel told me. He¡¯s noticed that we haven¡¯t been talking, but I think Mum asked him to tell me so I could tell you guys. So¡­ at least for now, you don¡¯t need to worry about seeing her. I¡¯m guessing you told Asher that Mum found the photo of you and him?¡±

    ¡°Sure did,¡± Lila exhaled heavily, suddenly feeling incredibly weary. ¡°She still hasn¡¯t spoken to me either, so I have no idea if she¡¯s realised that it¡¯s Asher in the photo too.¡±

    ¡°Alright. Uh, I¡¯m still on my week break, so I¡¯ll be home for, like, an hour but then I¡¯m going to visit some friends for some board games.¡±

    ¡°Rude. You could play board games with us instead,¡± Lila replied, though it was half-hearted.

    ¡°Sure, but you can¡¯t drink wine. Well, I¡¯m not going to let you drink wine, anyway. Or any alcohol.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    ¡°It does also mean that I won¡¯t be home, since I¡¯m only my Ps.¡±

    ¡°Double noted.¡±

    Clare unbuckled her seatbelt before Lila stopped her.

    ¡°I-Is Dad home?¡± Lila asked with a slight tremble.

    ¡°Yeah. I think he sent Mum on her way to go shopping or something. I¡¯d¡­ say that it¡¯s definitely been orchestrated that way. Probably figured it¡¯d be for the best since you¡¯d be home all day. And he probably thought I¡¯d be home, too.¡±

    Lila sighed, partly from relief and partly from the fear that she actually would need to talk to her Dad today after all.

    ¡°Anything else?¡± Clare questioned with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I¡¯m all good,¡± Lila said, unbuckling herself. ¡°Just¡­ thinking.¡±

    ¡°Well, you can do that in the house,¡± Clare said with a frown. ¡°You¡¯ll just get cold out here. And no, I¡¯m not going to let you do things in my car, if you were going to say something about warming up.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Then get out.¡±

    Lila heeded Clare¡¯s instruction and gently closed the car door behind her. The trio entered the house, leaving their shoes at the door, before immediately heading upstairs, passing no one in the kitchen or living room.

    ¡°Door open, Lila,¡± Clare reminded her as she shut her own. Lila rolled her eyes, but heeded this instruction as well, gesturing for Asher to head into her room. He did so and her eyes landed on a towel neatly folded on the back of her chair. She hadn¡¯t put that there¡­ had Clare? Or¡­ had her Mum put it there? Hers was in the bathroom, so she thought it was likely for Asher in any event.

    ¡°I think this is for you,¡± Lila said, passing it to Asher before he could sit down. ¡°You can have a shower first.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± Asher replied gratefully, taking the towel and his backpack with him to the bathroom.

    Lila fell backwards onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. Should¡­ they go for it immediately after Lila showered?

    Her mind quickly fell into a jumble as she tried to think about their approach to all of this, her anxiety tying her up in knots. This wasn¡¯t something she could plan, really. It all depended on her Dad¡¯s reaction from the outset. If¡­ he was pissed at them, then she¡¯d just leave the USB and folder of info on his desk and hide away upstairs. If he wanted more answers, then she¡¯d need to explain those, at least.

    It was no clearer by the time Asher returned to her room with his face flushed from the heat of his shower and a quiet, ¡°I¡¯m done.¡±. Lila jumped up, grabbing some warm, comfortable clothes, before heading to the shower.

    She subconsciously went through her usual routine, only barely noticing how nice the water felt against her skin, and exited in a few minutes. Asher was sitting backwards on her desk chair, twisting idly from side to side. He looked up once she entered, giving her a small smile.

    ¡°Feel better?¡± he asked as she crossed her room and sat on her bed.

    ¡°Yeah. You?¡±

    ¡°Marginally.¡±

    ¡°When should we talk to him?¡±

    Asher grimaced. ¡°I don¡¯t know. If we do it now, then the rest of the day might be awkward. But¡­ if we do it later, then we¡¯re just going to overthink ourselves to death.¡±

    ¡°We¡­ tend to do that,¡± Lila reluctantly agreed.

    ¡°Clare¡¯s already gone, by the way,¡± Asher added. ¡°She popped her head in to say that while you were in the shower.¡±

    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then¡­ there really is no obstacle to going now, since she won¡¯t know that we¡¯re talking to Dad with Daniel and excluding her on purpose.¡±

    ¡°She seemed real annoyed by that last time.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Never been privileged enough to experience those pitfalls.¡±

    Lila snorted and he smirked before it fell away entirely.

    ¡°Well, I think going now¡¯s the only option,¡± Lila said, standing up and stretching. Her stomach was feeling much like the interior of a washing machine on the spin cycle, but she knew it wouldn¡¯t improve if she delayed any further. ¡°But let me check the USB first.¡±

    Asher nodded, getting off her chair and offering it to her. She accepted it and opened up her laptop. All seemed fine with the USB and she even asked Asher to check.

    ¡°You¡¯re good,¡± he affirmed. Then, he pointed at the folder on her desk. ¡°I¡¯m guessing that¡¯s the stuff?¡±

    ¡°Sure is.¡±

    He gingerly picked it up and kept it close to him. ¡°¡­ I guess¡­ that¡¯s that, then.¡±

    Lila stood up but didn¡¯t make any further movements. Could¡­ they just pretend they hadn¡¯t seen anything?

    ¡®Definitely not, dumbass,¡¯ she thought to herself, shaking her head forcefully. She took the USB out and gestured for Asher to follow her.

    Lila tried knocking on the master bedroom door, but there was no response.

    ¡°He might be on the bottom floor in the study, or in the living room,¡± Lila said reluctantly. If he was going to be hard to track down, then they could surely forget about telling him.

    ¡®Idiot,¡¯ she chastised herself again.

    In the absence of any other rooms on this floor that her Dad would be interested in, she knocked on Daniel¡¯s door.

    ¡°What?¡± he asked, sounding rather annoyed.

    ¡°It¡¯s Lila and Asher.¡±

    There was a pause. ¡°Come in, I guess.¡±

    Lila swung the door open and Daniel swivelled on his chair to face them both.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked, rolling his shoulders. Lila¡¯s eyes were drawn to the papers on his desk as she entered, though she didn¡¯t sit down as she usually did.

    ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t using the paper system for the Banker,¡± she said.

    ¡°Old habits die hard,¡± Daniel shrugged. ¡°This is only for totals and all that, just so that I can work it out myself first in case something goes wrong on the spreadsheets.¡±

    ¡°Has that been happening?¡± Asher queried.

    ¡°No,¡± Daniel admitted. ¡°But it might. Then I¡¯ll have to manually figure out what happened. At least, if I already have an idea of the inner workings, then it¡¯ll be easier to resolve. I¡¯m more¡­ worried about it, I guess, because I have expenses to pay now to run the Banker activities at school.¡±

    ¡°You really sound like a dedicated businessman,¡± Lila chuckled.

    ¡°That makes me sound old,¡± Daniel replied.

    ¡°Shit yeah, it does. 13 going on 65. Gonna have to plan your funeral soon,¡± Lila stated before breaking into laughter. Both Asher and Daniel joined in.

    ¡°Anyway, I doubt you¡¯re here to just inspect my paperwork,¡± Daniel said once they sobered up. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Lila hesitated. She hadn¡¯t actually planned for this part, beyond knowing that Daniel would be upset.

    ¡°Uh¡­ well, we need to tell Dad something,¡± Lila eventually said, glancing at Asher. ¡°But¡­ it involves you. Well, it involves the Banker.¡±

    He looked utterly confused. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Essentially, we need you to be there too since you deserve to hear it,¡± Asher interjected. Lila gave him a grateful smile.

    ¡°And when is this supposed to happen?¡±

    ¡°As soon as I can track Dad down. We need a computer, so it¡¯ll be in the study.¡±

    Daniel rubbed his forehead, sighing deeply, before standing up.

    ¡°Well, if Asher¡¯s gotta tell me it too, then it must be serious,¡± he commented. ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you guys there, I guess.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila smiled.

    Daniel slipped out of his room, and Lila thought, for an insane moment, that maybe they could close Daniel¡¯s door and-

    ¡°Where to next?¡± Asher asked, his hands in his pockets.

    Lila cleared her throat, feeling the immediate shame about her thoughts flood her face. ¡°U-Uh, maybe the living room.¡±

    He held out a hand for her to take, which she did, before they headed downstairs together. Luckily, they didn¡¯t have to go far to find her Dad ¨C he was sitting on the couch in the living room, watching a true crime show.

    The USB felt like it was burning a hole in her pocket as she took a deep, shaky breath, her hand still intertwined with Asher¡¯s.

    ¡°H-Hey, Dad,¡± Lila said tentatively.

    ¡°Hey, kiddo,¡± her Dad said almost immediately, looking towards her. ¡°Hello, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Hello, Mr Moloney.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked pleasantly, turning his gaze back to the TV. She glanced at Asher, who gave her an encouraging nod.

    ¡°U-Uh, the¡­ thing is,¡± Lila said, nervously clearing her throat. ¡°Asher and I have something really important to tell you.¡±

    Her Dad paused what he was watching.

    ¡°Pardon?¡± he queried, turning to face her. She felt her cheeks redden as she spoke.

    ¡°Um. Asher and I have something really important to tell you.¡±

    Her Dad took off his glasses, rubbing his eyes with the back of his hand. It felt like an hour passed before he spoke.

    ¡°Is this a conversation your mother should be a part of?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila said flatly. He placed his glasses back on his face, his hazel eyes piercing.

    ¡°There are only two things that I can think of that would elicit that reaction,¡± his tone was incredibly grave, his eyes not leaving her face. ¡°You¡¯re either about to confess to me that you¡¯re doing the same work as your sister.¡± He stopped, scrutinising her carefully before continuing, ¡°Or that you¡¯re pregnant.¡±

    Lila spluttered, which rapidly turned into a hacking fit, her face even more red than before. Asher immediately rubbed her back as best he could whilst still holding the folder, his other hand squeezing hers with obvious concern. Her Dad gave a heavy sigh, the lines on his face deepening as though he aged thirty years in mere seconds.

    ¡°I was afraid this day might come,¡± he said gently. ¡°How far along-¡±

    ¡°Dad! No!¡± Lila managed to force out, her eyes watering. ¡°Jesus.¡±

    Her Dad looked incredibly perplexed. ¡°Sorry?¡±

    ¡°I promise you, I am not pregnant. I can¡¯t even be pregnant. Haven¡¯t done anything to get pregnant. I swear.¡± She managed to look earnestly into her Dad¡¯s eyes, her tone as honest as she could muster. Her Dad looked between them both.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes really!¡± Lila was beginning to feel exasperated. The mortification at having this be raised, with Asher standing right next to her, almost made her want to turn tail and forget about telling her Dad anything ever. Plus, after everything she¡¯d heard and seen today, between Holly, Willow, and Alice, she had just about had it with the word ¡®pregnant¡¯. She refused to even glance at Asher as she added, ¡°I¡¯m a virgin. Seriously.¡±

    ¡®Despite my best efforts,¡¯ she thought with a touch of despondence. Her Dad didn¡¯t need to know about that part.

    Her Dad was silent once more, though his face was beet-red.

    ¡°Sorry, kiddo,¡± he said awkwardly. ¡°I just assumed. Since, well, you¡¯re at that age-¡±

    ¡°Dad, for the love of God and all these Jesus pictures in this house, please stop talking about it when Asher¡¯s right here,¡± Lila whined, burying her face in her hands. ¡°I¡¯ll end up passing away from embarrassment as a virgin if you keep going.¡±

    She heard Asher inhale sharply, as though trying to stop a laugh from escaping. Her Dad sighed heavily again.

    ¡°Alright, alright. I get your point. What is it that you want to tell me?¡±

    Lila looked up from her hands. ¡°Daniel¡¯s waiting for us in the study. We¡¯ll explain there.¡±

    ¡°Daniel?¡± Her Dad looked worried. ¡°What¡¯s happened now?¡±

    ¡°Like I said, we¡¯ll explain in the study,¡± Lila replied. ¡°You¡¯ll need to turn your computer on.¡±

    ¡°Now I¡¯ve entirely run out of predictions,¡± her Dad said as he heaved himself to his feet.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad,¡± Lila huffed, her residual mortification still present on her cheeks.

    ¡°Sorry, Lila.¡±

    ¡°You should be.¡±

    There was one plus side to her father¡¯s misunderstanding. It served to break all of the tension in her mind about what she was actually going to tell him about. Now, she was sure this conversation couldn¡¯t go any worse than that.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Seven

    Daniel was spinning listlessly in the office chair usually used by Lila¡¯s Mum as Lila¡¯s Dad opened the door to the study.

    ¡°Finally,¡± Daniel grumbled, ceasing his spinning. ¡°Took you guys long enough. Did you lose Dad in the garden or something?¡±

    Lila tried to keep her face neutral as she stood where she had when Daniel told their parents about the Banker. She was not about to tell Daniel that her Dad had assumed she was pregnant. Asher silently closed the door behind them before standing next to Lila. She still didn¡¯t really want to look at him, but she chanced a peek anyway. He looked nervous, with the way his lips were pressed together, but the cause seemed to change when their eyes met and his cheeks turned a light pink.

    ¡°I¡¯m old, you know. It takes me a while to get a move on,¡± her Dad remarked after glancing at Lila. She tore her eyes away from Asher and gave her Dad a slight smile in response. He sank into his office chair with a sigh.

    ¡°You mentioned me needing to turn on my computer?¡± her Dad questioned. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Yeah¡­ uh. Plug this in. Um. But don¡¯t look through it just yet,¡± she said awkwardly, handing over the USB. Her Dad took it from her, his eyebrows raised with curiosity.

    ¡°Alright,¡± he nodded, doing as she said. Once he was done, he spun in his chair to face Lila and Asher.

    ¡°You¡¯re being awfully mysterious,¡± her Dad observed. Lila looked between her Dad and Daniel before giving a weary sigh.

    ¡°I guess¡­ we should start at the beginning,¡± Lila said gently, exchanging a look with Asher. ¡°When Asher was helping Daniel with the Banker stuff, he noticed some odd transactions.¡±

    ¡°Odd how?¡± Her Dad¡¯s tone shifted to something much more businesslike ¨C investigative, even.

    Daniel folded his arms across his chest. ¡°You mean that 2.5k that regularly went missing, yeah?¡±

    Her Dad looked at him sharply, alarm sparking behind his hazel eyes, but he didn¡¯t otherwise interject. Lila nodded.

    ¡°Yeah. So¡­ we, uh, decided to follow the money, in a way. That amount of money being regularly cycled in and out had to be purposeful, and we knew it wasn¡¯t Daniel doing it. We figured that a good place to start would be the Grade 12s that helped¡­ administer the Banker, I guess you could say.¡± Lila could only stare at her feet as she explained the background of their investigation. She¡¯d have to bring up Theo, since her date with him also served as a fact-finding mission to figure out what Livi, or whoever, was doing with the Banker¡¯s funds.

    ¡°So¡­ I found myself on a date with one of them,¡± Lila continued, her voice rather small now. She definitely didn¡¯t want to look at anyone as she said this ¨C particularly her boyfriend.

    ¡°So that¡¯s why you went on a date with Theo?¡± Daniel asked, sounding floored by this revelation. ¡°Here I thought you were being a dick to Asher.¡±

    Lila shot him a withering look. ¡°Of course I wasn¡¯t being a dick to Asher. Theo asked¡­ and I said yes¡­ then used the opportunity to gather some intel.¡±

    ¡°You could¡¯ve gathered info in less dick-ish ways-¡±

    Lila¡¯s Dad cleared his throat, cutting Daniel¡¯s counter-argument short. ¡°You¡¯re saying you gathered intel? What kind?¡±

    Lila took a deep breath ¨C one that reached all the way to her toes and fingertips. There was no going back, now.

    ¡°I found out¡­ that the Grade 12s had a side gig,¡± she said carefully. Her eyes flickered to her Dad, who nodded encouragingly. Lila sighed again.

    ¡°The side gig was supplying drugs. Morphine, specifically, to students. They were using the Banker¡¯s money to fund it at the outset, then evidently made enough in sales to put it right back.¡±

    ¡°They what?¡± Daniel¡¯s voice was breathy with shock, his eyes wide open. If he was in a chair that he could fall out of, Lila was confident that he would¡¯ve. As soon as the thought crossed her mind, though, he stood up, his face furious.

    ¡°Must¡¯ve been one hell of a date to get that information out of a member of a morphine ring,¡± her Dad said, reaching an arm out to Daniel¡¯s. He met his mark, his grip seeming firm yet gentle ¨C reassuring, almost ¨C from where Lila was standing.

    ¡°Christ, Dad,¡± Lila replied, all the embarrassment that she¡¯d managed to fend off returning in an instant.

    ¡°Well, he did try to kiss her and she shoulder-barged him instead,¡± Asher said lightly.

    ¡°Disgusting,¡± Daniel scowled derisively, slowly sitting once more. The quick change in topic seemed to calm him down enough, which was clearly her Dad¡¯s intended effect.

    ¡°What, that he tried, or that your sister rejected him?¡± Her Dad chuckled.

    ¡°Dad, do you know how hard it was to see that guy¡¯s sad face every time he helped with the books once he found out Theo was making moves?¡± Daniel pointed at Asher, which caused everyone to look at him. He shifted uncomfortably, his face now a vibrant crimson, and his eyes were fixed on the floor. Lila suppressed the smile fighting to break out and instead looked back at her Dad, who didn¡¯t have the same reservation in keeping his amusement hidden.

    ¡°Shall we move on before you both expire and don¡¯t tell us anything more?¡± Her Dad asked, his expression swiftly returning to one of seriousness. Lila glanced at Daniel and, upon seeing that the fire in his eyes had mellowed out, nodded.

    ¡°So¡­ we didn¡¯t really have evidence of what was going on, and we got distracted by other things-¡±

    ¡°Ew, for a different reason,¡± Daniel wrinkled his nose with distaste.

    ¡°-like the murder of Asher¡¯s stalker,¡± Lila finished, glaring at Daniel.

    ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡®And the break and enter of Marlene¡¯s place¡­ exploring the creepy-ass farmhouse¡­ and that we liked each other,¡¯ Lila added internally.

    ¡°Basically, we kinda put it away for a little bit,¡± Lila said with a sigh. Now, she was coming up to the point where she needed Asher to jump in.

    It seemed that he caught on to this as he handed the folder to Lila¡¯s Dad.

    ¡°I, uh, found out that you were investigating missing drugs from Dad¡¯s Hospital,¡± Asher said vaguely. ¡°And, well, we, uh, I found this in my Dad¡¯s study and it seemed odd to me¡­¡± he trailed off as Lila¡¯s Dad opened the folder.

    ¡°Did you hack at this with a knife?¡± Her Dad asked, lightly touching where Mr Snugglebutt had clawed at the papers.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Asher replied, his face reddening once more. ¡°It drew my attention because a cat was tearing it up.¡±

    ¡°A cat?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad looked at Asher incredulously. ¡°You make it sound like it¡¯s not your cat.¡±

    ¡°Uh, I think it belongs to one of the workers at Asher¡¯s place,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°A tortoise-shell one.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see,¡± her Dad murmured, looking back down at the folder. ¡°So, you found this, and then what?¡±

    ¡°We figured out that Jason¡¯s Mum is the Vice CEO of the Hospital. Um, Jason is the Head Boy for this year and one of the Grade 12s who was hanging around the Banker,¡± Lila said, her tone rather subdued.

    Her Dad looked incredibly alert now, though he waited patiently for Lila to continue.

    ¡°Because morphine¡¯s been going missing from the hospital Jason¡¯s Mum is the Vice at, and morphine¡¯s been going around our school, according to Theo-¡±

    ¡°The person you were on a date with,¡± her Dad commented with a nod. Lila also nodded.

    ¡°Yeah. Uh, he¡¯s the Dux of Year 12. Does soccer with Asher.¡±

    ¡°Last name?¡±

    ¡°Liang,¡± Lila replied without skipping a beat. From the corner of her eye, she noticed Asher straighten up, the shock on his face evident from where she stood.

    ¡°Liang,¡± her Dad repeated, folding his arms across his chest contemplatively.

    ¡°He¡¯s not really involved,¡± Asher said quickly, surprising Lila. She stared at him momentarily as he continued, ¡°At least, not in organising any drops, or taking money or anything like that, from what we know.¡±

    ¡°I think he might be a customer, though. They asked him to join, but he said he had piano recitals and study to focus on,¡± Lila added.

    Daniel snorted. ¡°Nerd.¡±

    No one disputed this. There was a heavy pause.

    ¡°As you were saying,¡± her Dad encouraged with a nod. Lila had almost forgotten where she was up to in their explanation.

    ¡°Right¡­ well, we thought we should keep tabs on those Grade 12s, essentially,¡± Lila murmured lamely. ¡°So, we posed as customers for Daniel¡¯s business a couple times, to see if they did anything different. From what we knew, they just hung out at the lab where the Banker stuff was being administered, so if they were doing anything shady, it must¡¯ve been from there.¡±

    ¡°And for a while, we didn¡¯t see anything,¡± Asher said, placing his hands in his pockets. ¡°We persisted, though, and finally saw Jason take a phone call. Then¡­ he came back and told Zack and Jake that they were up, and they clipped on these bumbags and left. We didn¡¯t follow them that day but we kept tabs on them until one day Zack and Jake left again.¡±

    ¡°Then¡­ we saw them hand off some morphine to some students,¡± Lila sighed. They were starting to get closer and closer to the fact that they blackmailed Zack into giving them information. ¡°But it was too fast for us to get any pictures or proof, besides us seeing it with our own eyes.¡±

    ¡°Then,¡± Asher smirked as though recalling a sweet memory, ¡°the Banker got sanctioned. Jason looked like he was gonna pass out right there on stage at Assembly. It was almost like I could see the money leaving his grasp in an instant.¡±

    Daniel¡¯s expression twisted into one of anger yet again. ¡°That¡¯s why he looked like he was constipated? Because he wasn¡¯t able to take advantage of my business anymore?¡±

    ¡°From what I could tell, yeah,¡± Lila replied. ¡°They scattered real quick after the announcement. Which¡­ made our job a bit harder, but we found them again. Kinda surprised that they kept going with it all, but I think it¡¯d either gotten too big to stop, or they needed to ramp it up to make up for losing the ¡®backing¡¯ of the Banker-¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t back fuck all-¡±

    ¡°Daniel,¡± their Dad cut in, looking at him sharply. ¡°No one¡¯s accusing you of that.¡±

    Daniel slumped back into his chair, folding his arms across his chest with another scowl. Lila was slightly taken aback that their Dad didn¡¯t address the swearing, but perhaps he figured he needed to choose his battles to avoid Daniel from blowing up or shutting down entirely. At least, he seemed really intentional with how he was interacting with Daniel, since the beginning of their conversation. She felt almost as though she needed to take notes for her conversation with Grace next week. Navigating strong emotions like this, in such a way that the other person still listened, seemed like an art form.

    ¡°Uh, so¡­ yeah. Well, we followed Jason, Zack, and Jake again, since we knew for sure that they were actively participating in drops, at least. And¡­ we finally were able to get something tangible,¡± Lila¡¯s voice began to shake. She really didn¡¯t want to get into this part, but it was the only part that her Dad needed ¨C the rest¡­ was all background fluff that he couldn¡¯t verify or rely on for his investigation.

    ¡°Essentially, we got a video of Zack and Jake passing morphine to some students,¡± Asher cut in, straightening up his posture. ¡°After that, I decided to talk to Zack. He plays soccer with me, too. Known him for a couple of years. He¡¯s¡­ also a bit of a¡­ well, I don¡¯t know how else to put it besides ¡®himbo¡¯.¡±

    Daniel snorted. Lila¡¯s Dad looked incredibly confused.

    ¡°A¡­ what?¡±

    Asher paused, evidently considering his response. ¡°¡­ Na?ve with more brawn than brains, I guess you could say. He¡¯s¡­ well, he¡¯s not malicious. I wasn¡¯t quite convinced that he knew what he was doing was actually bad, either. When I pointed it out, he, uh, seemed to feel really guilty. So it wasn¡¯t that difficult to get some information from him.¡±

    Lila placed a hand on her chest, right where the necklace Asher had given her was sitting. Asher had seemed nervous about taking the blame for that part just yesterday when they talked about their plans for this discussion. But, now, she couldn¡¯t even tell that he was lying out of his ass about talking with Zack, which resulted in Zack giving him information out of guilt. She kept her grateful smile to herself, making a mental note to thank Asher for it later.

    ¡°That¡¯s basically it,¡± Asher concluded. ¡°The information we got from Zack is on that USB, plus the video we took.¡±

    The silence in the study was beginning to get on Lila¡¯s nerves the longer it stretched on. Her Dad looked pensive, but she couldn¡¯t tell from his expression whether it was good or bad.

    Then ¨C

    ¡°I won¡¯t ask any questions about the true circumstances of how you obtained this information,¡± her Dad said quietly, turning to the computer which had long fallen asleep. Lila¡¯s stomach dropped. He knew they were lying. But¡­ at the same time¡­ he didn¡¯t seem mad about it. And he wasn¡¯t going to make them tell him the truth. It was probably the best outcome she could hope for in the circumstances. ¡°I¡¯ll need to verify what you¡¯re giving me independently anyway,¡± he added, clicking open the folder containing the contents of the USB.

    Lila¡¯s shoulders relaxed. Finally, they were done with this investigation and turned over their evidence to her Dad. He could take it from here, and even use it for his own investigation. They were free of this burden.

    She saw Asher shuffle closer to her and she placed her hand in his. It seemed as though he¡¯d been sweating from anxiety, but she didn¡¯t mind. Her hands were probably just as sweaty.

    Daniel wheeled himself over to their Dad¡¯s computer, peering over his shoulder. They remained quiet, though Lila could see when the images changed from where she was standing. She felt Asher squeeze her hand and she looked up. He was smiling anxiously at her and she returned it with one of her own.

    Eventually, her Dad and Daniel swivelled in their chairs to Lila and Asher. Her Dad had a glint in his eye ¨C one that she¡¯d seen before when someone said something that sparked his investigative mind.

    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Since you seem to know some of what I¡¯ve been investigating, I suppose I can say that I¡¯d been in a bit of a slump. Connecting the missing drugs to some activities outside the Hospital was quite the revelation. When things like that go missing from hospitals, in most circumstances, it¡¯s implied that either the perpetrator took it for themselves or to sell it on. But, if they¡¯re sneaky, it¡¯s nigh impossible to discover where it goes once it¡¯s left the hospital ¨C and therefore difficult to trace it back.¡±

    He paused before eyeing them carefully. ¡°I will have you know, I don¡¯t condone undertaking investigations like this for either of you. This time, it worked well, and it was very helpful to both myself and Ivaan, and Daniel too. But you¡¯re absolute rookies. That kind of inexperience is dangerous.¡± He sighed heavily, shaking his head. ¡°Like father, like daughter, it seems.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°It¡­ I couldn¡¯t leave it alone. But there also wasn¡¯t enough to really give you. One of my biggest concerns¡­ was about Daniel. If they thought he was poking around or knew too much, or even if they wanted to, they could just throw him under the bus and have him take the fall for it all, since he¡¯s got a paper trail of all these transactions. And¡­ the longer it went on, the more students would be affected by it all. I didn¡¯t realise that it reached ten schools ¨C at least, ten that Zack knows about ¨C and¡­ Asher said morphine¡¯s really dangerous and addictive.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± her Dad nodded. ¡°I appreciate what you¡¯re saying about Daniel¡¯s on-paper involvement, too.¡±

    He glanced at Daniel before sighing heavily once more. ¡°Daniel, sorry kiddo, but you¡¯ll need to be careful this week.¡±

    ¡°What? Why?¡± The colour from Daniel¡¯s face drained in time to his questions.

    ¡°As Lila said, the quicker we move on this, the better. I¡¯ll have to shuffle my schedule around to focus on this investigation over the week. If I manage it, it might get wrapped up to the Police and your school by the end of this week ¨C but it will mean that the more perceptive group members will realise something¡¯s up. They might come after you, in some way or another.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no way to just¡­ not have that happen?¡± Lila asked, panic rising in her voice.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to try,¡± her Dad replied, his tone even. She could see, though, that panic was starting to form behind his eyes, too. ¡°But it¡¯s inevitable that things will happen before a suspension or anything like that, which may catch their notice. If they try to submit evidence that Daniel orchestrated the ring, I can prevent that from actually affecting his schooling. But there¡¯s no guarantee regarding what other options they might come to in desperation.¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, trying to prevent herself from shuddering. She¡¯d, of course, considered physical violence as one of the options, but there were probably others that they could employ ¨C like trying to kick Daniel off the touch footy team.

    ¡°We¡¯ve got camp this week,¡± Lila said softly, her eyes still closed. ¡°We¡­ can¡¯t protect you, Daniel.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Daniel replied with a slight tremble. ¡°I¡¯m stuck actually administering the Uber Eats stuff, remember? The only time they could try and do something to me is during morning tea and lunch, and I¡¯m stuck in a room with a teacher for both of those ¨C not to mention all the hungry witnesses who¡¯d be around.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll need to come straight home after school,¡± Lila responded, opening her eyes and taking in his terrified expression.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got touch footy on Thursdays-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± her Dad interjected. ¡°I¡¯ll pick you straight up after touch footy.¡±

    ¡°Could I just pretend I¡¯m sick?¡± Daniel asked half-heartedly. ¡°Stay home from school the whole week?¡±

    ¡°What week of the term is it?¡± Lila¡¯s Dad questioned, looking directly at Asher.

    ¡°It¡¯ll be five,¡± he answered promptly. Lila¡¯s Dad placed a hand on his chin thoughtfully.

    ¡°You won¡¯t need to for the first couple of days,¡± her Dad said slowly. ¡°If you really feel like you need it from Wednesday onwards, let me know. I¡¯ll have to convince your mother somehow since she¡¯d want to attend to you if you say you¡¯re sick ¨C but I can swing something, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Daniel let out a long, slow breath. He rubbed his eyes before abruptly standing up.

    ¡°Is there anything else?¡± he asked, his fists clenched by his sides.

    ¡°Not from us,¡± Lila replied, interlocking her fingers with Asher¡¯s.

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to my room.¡±

    Daniel left without another word, the door to the study closing forcefully behind him. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure what she should do now. Could she and Asher also go?

    ¡°Daniel¡¯s¡­ in a precarious situation,¡± her Dad said softly, causing Lila to look at him.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°I¡­ wanted to tell him earlier, but at the same time¡­ it¡¯s really scary, this whole thing. Especially when we first found out, the Banker situation was still underground ¨C so he was interacting with at least Livi and her bodyguards every day, getting notebooks and whatever for accounting. There would¡¯ve been no way that he could¡¯ve acted normal with them if he knew something was up in that scenario.¡±

    ¡°Your reasoning is sound, Lila. I¡¯m not criticising your thinking ¨C for any of it. I understand that you were trying your best to protect him in a situation you¡¯ve never navigated before. But¡­ I think you need to talk to him about it a bit more. He might think that you didn¡¯t trust him despite it directly affecting him and his business and even his relationships with these Grade 12s. I¡¯m sure that he trusted them at some point, at least once ¨C whether that changed after the sanction, or just now in this study ¨C and he may not be sure if he can trust you, either.¡±

    Lila swallowed hard. ¡°Okay.¡±

    There was silence once more, with her Dad leafing through the folder of information, before a question came to Lila.

    ¡°Dad, are you mad?¡±

    He looked up, readjusting his glasses. ¡°About?¡±

    She gestured vaguely to the folder in his hands and the USB. ¡°About¡­ what Asher and I did.¡±

    He pursed his lips, placing the folder on his desk before looking at her with undivided attention. ¡°Furious.¡±

    Lila let go of Asher¡¯s hand, instead preferring to hold her arms in comfort.

    ¡°But¡­ I am also proud. Grateful, too. And it¡¯s better than you being pregnant.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face flushed. She decided to not address the last comment. ¡°Really?¡±

    Her Dad bowed his head. ¡°Really. Next time, if something like this happens, come to me in the first instance. Things like this are not to be meddled with. You¡¯ve put yourselves in unnecessary danger, too. It¡¯s convenient that you have camp next week ¨C though I¡¯m sure you planned this conversation with that in mind. But, again, don¡¯t do things like this on your own. I am in half a mind to actively punish you, but because it was ultimately helpful ¨C I won¡¯t, on this occasion. The same goes for you, too, Asher. I won¡¯t let Ivaan know about this, but I¡¯m addressing you as well. If I catch wind of you putting my daughter in danger again, I¡¯m not above banning you from the house. Come to me first. Understood?¡±

    Lila inhaled deeply. She was still investigating Marlene with Asher, though that had been put on hold. Ultimately, they were also both still investigating his Mum¡¯s disappearance. Then¡­ there was also the fact that Grace was in a relationship with a teacher. It wasn¡¯t an investigation, as such, since they had seen it with their own eyes ¨C but it probably fell under the definition of ¡®something like this¡¯. Even though her Dad warned her against continuing on their own¡­ she wasn¡¯t ready to tell him about any of that.

    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± Asher¡¯s confident reply caught Lila off guard. A bold-faced lie, but one that seemed to satisfy her Dad as his eyes rested expectantly on Lila.

    ¡°Y-Yes, Dad,¡± she said, looking into his eyes. It was painful, this eye contact ¨C almost as though the lie itself was stabbing into her eyes like shards of glass.

    ¡°Good,¡± her Dad nodded. There was more silence before his serious expression changed into one that looked much softer ¨C kinder, almost.

    ¡°I assume that Asher knows about what happened with Clare and your mother?¡± her Dad queried in an almost whisper.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila uttered. ¡°We went to his after.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Another pause.

    ¡°I told your mother about the photo,¡± her Dad said plainly. ¡°She¡¯d come to me with it during the week, very distressed. I explained what happened, with that girl who bullied you and told your mother that she got expelled¡­ and then murdered. I think when I said that part, she realised why the Police called you both in for an interview. Either way, you don¡¯t need to worry about that, if you were. She did say that it looked like Asher in the photo, so I confirmed that too.¡± He hesitated before an amused smirk appeared on his face. ¡°It may have led to some of my assumptions earlier today.¡±

    If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

    Lila groaned, bracing herself for part two of his discussion about her sex life ¨C or rather lack thereof.

    ¡°Your mother¡­ is still processing,¡± her Dad continued, his smirk disappearing just as quickly as it had arrived. ¡°Once you come back from camp, I think you and Clare need to talk to her.¡±

    ¡°Dad¡­ you don¡¯t understand,¡± Lila couldn¡¯t help the emotion wavering in her voice as she spoke. ¡°Mum was¡­ scary.¡±

    ¡°I know I wasn¡¯t there to see it,¡± her Dad said carefully. ¡°But I also know what kind of reaction she would have had.¡±

    ¡°I doubt what you¡¯re thinking of is as intense as it actually was.¡±

    ¡°I would disagree,¡± her Dad¡¯s voice was firm, his gaze incredibly grave. ¡°I know my wife.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t as though Lila was going to disagree with that, so she settled on a noncommittal shrug.

    ¡°That¡¯s all from me for now,¡± her Dad said with another nod. ¡°I can¡¯t speak on behalf of your mother, so you¡¯ll just need to wait to talk to her after you come back from camp.¡±

    ¡°Not tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s too soon,¡± her Dad shook his head. ¡°Far too soon. To be clear, I¡¯ll be encouraging your mother this week to talk to you and Clare ¨C she hasn¡¯t said that she wants to speak with you. I know I¡¯ll manage it, but she¡¯ll be stubborn for a while on the topic.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Thanks, Dad.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re welcome, kiddo. Now, based on this, I have a few things I need to do and plan, so I¡¯d appreciate it if you close the door on the way out.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°It also goes without saying that I won¡¯t be telling your mother about what you¡¯ve been doing,¡± her Dad added meaningfully. Lila pressed her lips together. She hadn¡¯t thought about the possibility of her Dad telling her Mum that she¡¯d been poking her nose around a drug ring.

    ¡°Thanks, Dad.¡±

    Asher and Lila departed without another word, remaining quiet all the way up the stairs. Daniel¡¯s door was closed, and she considered talking to him about what her Dad had mentioned ¨C explain their reasoning for not letting him know sooner, at least ¨C but let it go for the moment. He had a lot to process as it was.

    As soon as they entered her room, Asher sunk into Lila¡¯s desk chair and placed his head down on her desk.

    ¡°Any way I could sleep for a billion years?¡± he murmured as Lila sat on the edge of her bed.

    ¡°No, sir,¡± Lila replied lightly. ¡°I¡¯ve got some experiences with you that are on my list to check off.¡±

    He turned his head so he could see her face. ¡°Like what?¡±

    She felt her face flush again as she thought about what was first on her list. So, she went with her second. ¡°Like going on that date to the bookstore you promised me.¡±

    His eyes sparkled as he sat up. ¡°Well, considering that didn¡¯t go as badly as I¡¯d thought, what about going tomorrow?¡±

    Lila almost said ¡®yes¡¯ immediately, before her eyes fell upon the sad, neglected hiking bag in the corner of her room.

    ¡°I¡­ need to pack,¡± she said reluctantly.

    ¡°That won¡¯t take all day,¡± Asher replied.

    ¡°I might need to get some supplies.¡±

    ¡°We can go to the shops in the city. Or you could just come over to mine and see what I¡¯ve packed, then we can go to the shopping centre.¡±

    Lila looked into his earnest, hopeful eyes. Her heart gave a strange thump, and she remembered the first item on her list ¨C and the insane thought she¡¯d had in Daniel¡¯s room.

    ¡°I think I need a break. Just for a day,¡± she murmured, staring at her hands as they fidgeted in her lap.

    ¡°A¡­ break?¡±

    She simply nodded.

    ¡°From¡­ us?¡±

    ¡°Not exactly. Um. I don¡¯t know how to put this, but¡­ I think I¡¯m losing my mind.¡±

    ¡°Is that all?¡± He sounded relieved and she glanced at him. He ran his fingers through his hair before resting his head in his right hand and smiling warmly at her. ¡°I can help you find it again.¡±

    She sighed. ¡°You¡¯d help me lose it faster.¡±

    He laughed. ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    ¡°Asher, we¡¯ve seen each other every day for weeks.¡±

    ¡°You make that sound like a bad thing.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not, and I want to see you every day. But¡­¡± she paused, suddenly unsure how to articulate what she was feeling. The increasing heat from her face wasn¡¯t helping her find the answer.

    ¡°But?¡±

    She shifted her position, her hands fidgeting even more. ¡°But¡­ you said you¡¯re not ready.¡±

    He blinked at her, the confusion apparent in his creased eyebrows. ¡°For?¡±

    She hadn¡¯t thought that it was possible to feel this flustered. ¡°Um. Well¡­ when Daniel left us in his room, I had this thought¡­ about closing the door and¡­ doing things.¡±

    His eyes flew wide open. ¡°What, just before?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Um, I think¡­ if we spend more time together, it¡¯s going to get harder for me to not jump you. And not in a mugging kind of way.¡±

    ¡°O-Oh.¡±

    His face turned a deep shade of red as he averted his gaze from her.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ not sure what to say,¡± he whispered after a few moments of silence.

    In response, she grabbed a cushion and fell back onto her bed, placing it over her face. Her heart was pounding, and she was sure that she¡¯d burn an imprint of her face on the cushion. She wanted him to say that it was fine, that they could¡­ go for it. But she had a feeling that he¡¯d say he still wasn¡¯t ready.

    ¡°I¡­ guess I¡¯ll just say that¡­ I am hearing what you¡¯re saying,¡± he said softly. ¡°A-And¡­ uh, I think it¡¯s a good idea. T-To take a break. In that case.¡±

    She managed to keep her groan of disappointment in as she hugged the cushion tighter to her face. Maybe it¡¯d be better if she suffocated.

    If the cushion wasn¡¯t going to achieve that, the lingering atmosphere in this room probably would. Neither moved nor said anything for what felt like too long. Then, she heard Asher get up from her chair. Was he going to say that Marlene was here, and he¡¯d be going home now?

    She felt him tug at her cushion and she clutched it tighter. She heard him give a small, breathy exhale before he tried again. This time, she let him take it from her though she brought her hands up to cover her face instead. His grip around her wrists was gentle as he pulled them away, too. She turned her eyes to the ceiling but he soon hovered above her line of sight, his eyes swimming with an emotion she couldn¡¯t place. Concern was definitely there, but she couldn¡¯t tell if it mixed in with guilt or¡­ something else.

    ¡°Lila, it probably sounds like a load of bullshit, but¡­ even though I¡¯m not ready, I really do want to.¡±

    She groaned, trying to turn so she could face the wall but his hold on her wrists prevented her. She really didn¡¯t want to hear that. Could he not see that it made it worse? Knowing that he really wanted to¡­ made the idea of just getting lost in the moment so much more tempting.

    ¡°It sounds really selfish of me, to keep¡­ being like this,¡± he continued, his voice softer than before. ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t want to rush it. Since¡­ it¡¯s a big step.¡±

    ¡°It is,¡± Lila murmured, her voice barely audible. ¡°But it¡¯s one I want to take with you.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ want to do everything with you. And I know what you said, about growing our relationship first, but¡­ there¡¯s just something inside me that just wants to be shared with you¡­ and I don¡¯t know how to tell it to wait.¡±

    She wasn¡¯t even sure whether that made sense, or where it came from, so she turned her head away from his in case he¡¯d call her out on that. He didn¡¯t, so she continued.

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ never felt this way before, and I¡¯m stuck. A-And it feels like I¡¯m just throwing a tantrum, like a big baby, just ¡®cause you don¡¯t want to have sex with me. Well, you do, but you don¡¯t. And I don¡¯t want to pressure you, but it feels like I am. And¡­ I definitely don¡¯t want you to just¡­ give in because I¡¯m being such an idiot about it. I want you to be ready, and do it because you feel ready to, but my impulse control is starting to get really weak,¡± she said hopelessly. ¡°I dunno, maybe it¡¯s just from all the stress of the past couple of weeks. Even your kisses feel like¡­ like they take away my stress and distract me just enough to survive a little easier. And I¡¯m¡­ curious, about what more would do to me.¡±

    She felt his hands flex around her wrists. Then, he let go entirely.

    ¡°You¡¯re not pressuring me,¡± he said, caressing her face before turning it to face his. ¡°I do feel like I¡¯m hurting you, by saying no though.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ not,¡± she grimaced, the lie evidently convincing no one.

    He sighed. ¡°It feels like I¡¯m forever having these conversations.¡±

    The guilt that had been brewing within Lila, for having started this discussion in the first place despite knowing that it would go nowhere and make him uncomfortable, grew. Of course he was forever having these conversations. He¡¯d rejected Holly for six months. And, since she¡¯d broken him, it made sense that he¡¯d reject Lila, too. But it wasn¡¯t fair. Lila didn¡¯t break his heart. Yet¡­ it felt as though she was being punished for it.

    ¡®Don¡¯t be ridiculous,¡¯ she thought, pressing the palms of her hands against her eyelids. ¡®You¡¯re being selfish.¡¯

    ¡°Sorry. That was kinda fucked up for me to say,¡± Asher said with an edge of frustration. Lila didn¡¯t respond. It was kinda fucked up.

    ¡°I¡­ I need more time,¡± Asher eventually uttered, his voice reluctant. ¡°It¡­ I¡¯m not trying to reject you, even if it feels that way. It¡¯s just¡­ it¡¯s such a big step, and I don¡¯t want to pressure you, either.¡±

    ¡°You think you¡¯re pressuring me?¡±

    ¡°If I wasn¡¯t giving you such mixed signals, by saying shit that makes no sense like how I want to, but I¡¯m not ready, you wouldn¡¯t feel so frustrated, would you? And it¡¯s that frustration¡­ that might be confusing you, making you think that you want this when you don¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Confusing me?¡±

    ¡°Have you thought about what it would mean? Doing that¡­ with me. Especially¡­ since it¡¯d be your first time. You can¡¯t take that back.¡±

    ¡°Why would I want to?¡±

    ¡°Because¡­ I¡¯m me.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re exactly what I want.¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­¡±

    She sat up, almost dizzyingly fast. ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Lila, but I don¡¯t want to get into it. Not¡­ any more than that.¡±

    Was there something that he wasn¡¯t telling her? Had¡­ he actually had sex with Holly after all? Or had he done something that would make him undesirable to her? Neither of those sounded right, but his refusal to speak anymore on the topic meant that it¡¯d remain elusive to her. What was he so uncomfortable about? Was it a problem with her?

    The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs made Lila want to hide once more behind her cushion, but she stayed where she was. Asher stepped away from her, sitting again on her chair, as they waited for whoever it was to pass the open door.

    It was, of course, her Dad. He knocked on the outside wall, which he didn¡¯t need to since Lila had already locked eyes with him.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked dejectedly.

    ¡°I thought you two would¡¯ve been having a party up here,¡± her Dad said, stepping inside her room. ¡°Since your investigation is over.¡±

    ¡°Yup, best party all round,¡± Lila replied sarcastically. ¡°Don¡¯t you see the balloons and streamers?¡±

    Her Dad looked between them both before evidently deciding to change the topic.

    ¡°I have to head over to the office. Means you two are in charge of the household, while I¡¯m gone. Your Mum might be coming home soon, but for the meantime¡­¡± he paused, glancing at the door. He exhaled deeply, shaking his head. ¡°For the meantime, it means you¡¯ll be unsupervised. And that means that having an open door, or not, doesn¡¯t really matter.¡±

    ¡°Are you trying to encourage us to get up to something?¡± Lila questioned tonelessly. If her Dad had said this before she talked to Asher about wanting to do more, she might¡¯ve even felt excited. Instead, she felt as though fate was surely a cruel mistress.

    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to encourage anything, but since you¡¯re apparently not getting into those types of things, even though you¡¯re behind closed doors at Asher¡¯s, it perhaps doesn¡¯t make much sense to act as if I distrust you two.¡± His expression made it appear like he already regretted saying that, but he didn¡¯t take it back.

    ¡°Besides, I am aware of how important debriefing is. I doubt you¡¯d want to debrief with Daniel just across the hallway, even if his door is closed.¡± He stopped for a moment before adding, ¡°Perhaps allowing you two to be behind closed doors here will distract you from investigating things you shouldn¡¯t be, too.¡±

    Lila detected an odd shift in his cadence as he said this ¨C one that made her feel wary. Of course, they¡¯d talked in the study downstairs about how dangerous investigating things as rookies was, and in particular the dangerousness of the morphine ring¡­ but something was off. Had her Dad found something that¡­ made it all so much worse? Something that she and Asher had somehow missed? His expression was entirely devoid of any nuance that she could read ¨C not even mischievousness, or disapproval of the idea he was insinuating.

    ¡°Not sure how long it¡¯ll be before I come back. You kids are probably getting hungry. Feel free to order something for lunch. I¡¯ll send you the money, Lila.¡±

    Before she could question her Dad, he closed the door. Lila flopped backwards onto her bed again, feeling the prickle of tears forming behind her eyes. If only she could act like she wanted to behind this closed door.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Asher repeated quietly.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather you weren¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    She felt as though screaming into a pillow might help, but she didn¡¯t want to do that in front of Asher. She wasn¡¯t mad at him, really. It still hadn¡¯t been a month yet since they started dating. But if she was starting to feel like this, not even a month in, how long would she have to endure it until he was ready? She felt incredibly stupid for pushing the point when she knew the answer. All it did was make her feel worse.

    At the same time, though, what Asher had said sounded strange. He was concerned that he was confusing her? And that this confusion was what was making her feel like she wanted to do this? That she hadn¡¯t thought about what it meant, to take that next step with him? She¡¯d already thought about whether she wanted to do it for the first time with Asher and decided that she did. So¡­ why would he think she hadn¡¯t?

    She placed both her arms over her eyes. What did it mean? What was he trying to tell her? Asking him to elaborate seemed like a no-go.

    She started to feel as though her mind was drifting to sleep, the exertion from her hockey game, relief that her conversation with her Dad went well, and the lingering feeling of anxiety from her conversation with Asher culminating into a bout of exhaustion that she couldn¡¯t fend off.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Asher¡¯s voice was soothing, and definitely not helping her to stay awake.

    ¡°A¡­ bit,¡± she confessed with a yawn.

    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±

    ¡°No. Just¡­ disappointed.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    She heard him get up from her chair and she removed her arms from her eyes, only to see that he was right next to her.

    ¡°Sleep,¡± he said quietly, moving her legs with ease and making it so that she was lying down properly on her bed.

    ¡°N-No, I want-¡±

    ¡°Just for a little bit. I¡¯ll order food with Daniel and I¡¯ll wake you up when it¡¯s here.¡±

    He pulled the covers over her before kissing the side of her forehead.

    ¡°A-At least use my phone,¡± Lila insisted, her eyelids feeling far too heavy to cooperate with her.

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°You remember my password?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡±

    She heard him open and close her door, the sound pulling her deeper into sleep. If it wasn¡¯t going to be long, then she supposed it would be alright¡­

    The next time she woke, it was to the feeling of a gentle kiss on her cheek. For a moment, she had no idea why she was receiving one before remembering, with a flash of embarrassment, that she¡¯d fallen asleep while Asher was over.

    ¡°Food¡¯s here,¡± he murmured. She opened her eyes. His seemed full of worry. Had something gone wrong with the food?

    ¡°Daniel insisted on Mexican. Said he wanted to feel the fire or something. He¡­ seemed okay, when I talked to him,¡± Asher added, stepping back as she sat up. ¡°I hope you don¡¯t mind that I got you the same as what you ordered from the Banker. When we last had Mexican.¡±

    ¡°Sounds fine,¡± Lila replied, stretching. ¡°We can eat up here if you want.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll be a sec.¡±

    He disappeared and she stretched again, taking a look around her room. What had he been doing while she was asleep? It looked like his school laptop was on her desk. Was he studying?

    After a minute or so, she heard him knock on Daniel¡¯s door and a gleeful ¡°Thanks!¡± from Daniel. Asher then opened her door, a paper bag of food in one hand, and soft drink bottles in the other.

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± she smiled, gratefully accepting her food. He shut the door behind him and returned her smile before sitting down and taking his burrito out of the bag.

    They ate in silence, with Lila feeling the shame about how she reacted to his rejection trickle back into her mind. Why couldn¡¯t she get a grip on herself?

    ¡°I¡­ was researching,¡± Asher said quietly, scrunching his burrito wrapping into a ball and placing it back into the bag it came in.

    ¡°About?¡±

    He glanced at her, his cheeks tinged with pink. ¡°A couple of things. But¡­ mainly confirming that¡­ well, that Grace¡¯s relationship is illegal.¡±

    ¡°Ah.¡±

    ¡°I thought for a moment that it wasn¡¯t. Since the age of consent is 16 and there¡¯s no real limitations for that in the Criminal Code. I mean, even the definition of a ¡®child¡¯ under the Criminal Code is someone under the age of 16, so¡­ none of us are technically children. But¡­ I looked at the Education Act, and it¡¯s in there ¨C where a ¡®relevant person¡¯, so a student 18 years old and under, and another person, who has more power than the relevant person, or there¡¯s a significant disparity between the relevant person and the other person in maturity, engage in sexual behaviour ¨C it¡¯s classed as sexual abuse, even if it¡¯s consensual¡­¡± he glanced at Lila again before looking at his closed laptop. ¡°But it¡¯s not really clear to me about what happens once it gets reported since Grace is under 18, but over 16. Just that teachers are obligated to report on it, and it¡¯s meant to go to the Police. So, with that, it must be an offence.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡± Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure what any of that really meant, but he seemed to be relatively confident about this. It didn¡¯t make her any more excited to talk to Grace, though at least there was confirmation that what was happening was wrong.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how she¡¯s going to react,¡± Lila murmured, feeling her exhaustion return. ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ never had to have this conversation with Grace, or anyone, before. About dating a teacher. Do¡­ you think she¡¯ll end our friendship?¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t expressed that worry before, but now that she¡¯d let it out, it was the only conclusion she could reach. Asher rolled closer to her, his eyes serious.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said simply. ¡°But¡­ I know that we have to talk to her about it. I think you¡¯ll explode otherwise.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ would,¡± Lila conceded. ¡°I can¡¯t keep it in anymore, and I¡¯m afraid that if I get¡­ I dunno, pushed to a certain point, it¡¯s going to come out in this¡­ flood. That I¡¯ll out her, both as a lesbian and as being in a relationship with a teacher, in front of people who¡­ shouldn¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing that includes Elise and Isaac.¡±

    ¡°¡­ yeah. I think¡­ if Grace wants to tell them, it should be up to her.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense to me.¡±

    ¡°If¡­ she decides to end the friendship, what do I do?¡± Her voice was small, her shoulders falling. Even though the past week or so had been difficult, being around Grace, it didn¡¯t erase all the years of friendship they¡¯d shared.

    ¡°Give her time,¡± Asher replied softly, taking her hand in his. ¡°She¡¯d come around, eventually. She¡¯d know that you¡¯re concerned about her.¡±

    ¡°I just wish there was an easy answer to all of this,¡± Lila sighed. She felt a tear form and wiped it away with her free hand. ¡°I mean, we could tell a teacher¡­ but if Grace really is in love with Ms Alexander, then¡­ that¡¯s betrayal, isn¡¯t it? I¡¯d be really upset, if one of my friends made it so that my partner ended up in jail, or lost their teaching license, or anything like that, when I was in love. I don¡¯t know if I¡¯d ever forgive them, no matter the reason.¡±

    For some reason, she couldn¡¯t look at Asher. She still hadn¡¯t settled on whether what she was feeling about Asher was ¡®love¡¯, or whether she only ¡®liked¡¯ him. If ¡®love¡¯ was even stronger than ¡®like¡¯, and Lila wasn¡¯t quite at ¡®love¡¯ yet, then the depth of Grace¡¯s feelings for Ms Alexander was unfathomably vast.

    Even so, if it was Asher who was on the chopping block, so to speak, with the feelings that she had now for him¡­ she¡¯d definitely feel betrayed if Grace or Elise told someone about her relationship and made it end, or put him in jail, or hurt him in some way. Perhaps it would be different if she knew he had groomed her, or that the relationship was otherwise unbalanced ¨C but there was no guarantee that Grace would feel that way, even in the future.

    ¡°Let¡¯s¡­ take it one step at a time,¡± Asher suggested, squeezing her hand comfortingly. ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge if, or when, we get to it.¡±

    Lila nodded, unable to think of an argument against doing that.

    ¡°Let¡¯s do something else,¡± Asher said, shaking her hand slightly. ¡°Board games, or something.¡±

    Doing something else sounded appealing, but there wasn¡¯t anything in particular that piqued her interest for the moment.

    ¡°We¡­ can try a board game,¡± Lila replied unenthusiastically. Asher looked crestfallen.

    ¡°We don¡¯t have to.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I want to do something else, but nothing¡¯s jumping out at me at the moment.¡±

    He interlocked his fingers with hers. ¡°We could¡­ make out.¡±

    She blinked rapidly, looking up at his flushed face. Her eyes darted to the closed door and back to his face. Instead of eagerness, the suggestion made her feel deflated, given their previous conversation.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she responded. ¡°Maybe we should study.¡±

    Now he seemed deflated. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Studying was never her first preference, but it surprisingly seemed to be the best suggestion. She sat cross-legged on her bed, laptop upon her lap, and began typing away at her assignments. As time wore on, the realisation that the weight of the morphine ring had been lifted from her shoulders became more apparent. Logically, she¡¯d known that it had been back in the study, but now it felt real. Somehow, it manifested into incredible productivity, and she made fair headway into a couple of assignments.

    Every so often, she looked over at Asher who was diligently typing on his laptop. He appeared incredibly focused, hardly meeting her eyes even when she stared slightly too long at him.

    Eventually, Lila closed her laptop, her mind far more positive than it had been since their conversation with her Dad about the investigation.

    ¡°Asher, did you want to debrief?¡±

    He closed his own laptop almost immediately, spinning to face her. ¡°Yes, please.¡±

    ¡°How long have you been wanting to debrief?¡±

    ¡°Since we left the study.¡±

    ¡°Sorry¡­ I kinda ruined that, didn¡¯t I?¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°The fault¡¯s mine. You¡¯re within your rights to tell me how you feel about something I¡¯m actively preventing.¡±

    She exhaled deeply and he rolled to her once more, placing a warm hand on her cheek.

    ¡°Let¡¯s debrief,¡± he said earnestly. ¡°Please.¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ well¡­ that went a lot better than I thought it would,¡± Lila began, taking her laptop off her lap and leaning backwards on her hands. ¡°I thought I was going to die when Dad assumed I was pregnant.¡±

    ¡°We¡­ kinda did set it up that way,¡± Asher replied quietly, averting his gaze. ¡°I think if my daughter came to me with her boyfriend like that, and said they had something important to tell me, I¡¯d assume they were going to announce that they were pregnant too.¡±

    ¡°I guess. But what else was I supposed to say?¡±

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Asher chuckled, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m glad he was receptive to the conversation, though.¡±

    ¡°Of course he was. It was pertinent to his investigation, after all.¡±

    ¡°I know. I think¡­ he took us a lot more seriously than most adults would.¡±

    ¡°You reckon?¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°I mean, it helped that we had evidence, but I think most adults wouldn¡¯t care what us teenagers had to say about that kind of thing.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s stupid.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s adults, who think they know better.¡±

    ¡°Suppose so.¡±

    Asher paused, pressing his lips together. ¡°Do¡­ you reckon your Dad¡¯s going to wrap up his investigation this week? Like he said?¡±

    ¡°I hope so. I¡¯d like it to be all over as quickly as possible. I don¡¯t think I could stand seeing them around campus a second longer.¡±

    ¡°What, you think they¡¯d get expelled?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯d have to,¡± Lila reasoned. ¡°Well, Jason at least, as the ringleader. Probably Livi, as the financier, then Zack and Jake as the couriers. As for anyone else¡­ I¡¯m not sure. I still think Vi has a larger hand in it than we¡¯ve discovered, though. There¡¯s just something about her that makes me think she¡¯s quite a good puppeteer.¡±

    He scrutinised her for a moment before nodding. ¡°I think so too. That conversation we overheard at the Kennedy Oval sounded more like Vi was the boss, rather than Livi.¡± He hesitated before adding, ¡°You know, Livi¡¯s never been great at maths.¡±

    ¡°How do you know that?¡±

    ¡°Both Livi and Vi have done debating for years. Not for as long as me, but there was a brief time back in Middle School when we didn¡¯t have a separate debating coach. During our morning meetings, Livi would be stressed out about maths and Vi would be by her side, either helping her through or just doing her homework for her.¡±

    ¡°I thought she didn¡¯t know who you were when we first started interacting with them this year.¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°It was only for a term and it¡¯s not like we ever spoke. She could¡¯ve forgotten about me. Or it was part of her ploy to catch me off guard. Or she didn¡¯t know why I was significant enough for Jason to warn her about pissing me off. Not like she really paid attention to that, though. I don¡¯t know what goes through her head, nor do I want to.¡± He stopped again. ¡°I did see three different types of handwriting in Daniel¡¯s books.¡±

    ¡°And you didn¡¯t point it out before?¡± Lila asked, slightly stunned by this disclosure so late in the game.

    ¡°I¡¯d always assumed that Livi had someone helping with her work, but I didn¡¯t connect Vi to that until just now. I did ask Daniel about it, but he didn¡¯t have any insights at the time.¡±

    Neither said anything as Lila pondered this. If Vi was one of the actual masterminds, then she really should be expelled.

    ¡°I also noticed that you took it upon yourself to lie about how we got the stuff from Zack,¡± Lila observed with a smile. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    He shook his head with a slight smile. ¡°When you first suggested that I do that, I was really freaked out about lying to your Dad like that. But¡­ I may have practiced a little. And then the conversation seemed to be going well, which made it easier. I think he cottoned on to that part being a lie, though.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s shrewd like that,¡± Lila shrugged. ¡°I think I would¡¯ve been more surprised if he didn¡¯t cotton on, now that I think about it. I¡¯m¡­ just glad that he decided against punishing us. I¡¯d¡­ had this small worry that he¡¯d tell me that you¡¯re not welcome here anymore.¡±

    Asher looked solemn. ¡°Same here. Or that you couldn¡¯t go to mine. Though¡­ he did say that if he caught wind about me putting you in danger again, he would ban me.¡±

    ¡°I know. It just means we have to be careful when we go back to looking into¡­ well, everything else,¡± Lila said with a sigh. He nodded, and they sat in a contemplative silence for a few moments. Then, something new crossed Lila¡¯s mind.

    ¡°By the way¡­ it surprised me that you defended Theo back there,¡± Lila commented. Asher met her gaze before looking down at his fidgety hands.

    ¡°Your reasoning made sense,¡± he stated. ¡°We do kinda owe him for the lead. And¡­ well. If he didn¡¯t ask you out, I might not have realised how strong my feelings for you were. Still didn¡¯t do shit about it, but¡­ when I kept Isaac up until, like, 2am, the day after I found out about your date, he got really frustrated at me. Asked why I was so upset if I wasn¡¯t going to do anything but make everyone else miserable about it. After that, I just ended the call but I couldn¡¯t deny it at that point ¨C not to myself, anyway.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips before saying, ¡°Theo kinda told me that it was one of the reasons why he asked me to go on a date with him.¡±

    Asher immediately looked up, staring at her like she¡¯d grown a second head. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°After our date, he figured out I liked you. Well, he basically knew the whole time. But he said that he thought it¡¯d spring you into action ¨C like he was giving you a push as your senior. And that he didn¡¯t mind losing to you.¡±

    Asher laughed, clapping a hand to his head in clear disbelief. ¡°Damn. I¡¯m such an idiot,¡± he finally said after sobering up. ¡°Here I¡¯d been, going around and acting like a dick about and to him ¨C but he was trying to help me the whole time.¡±

    ¡°He did also imply that he was hurt by my rejection and that he liked me.¡±

    Asher glanced at her before grinning. ¡°That¡¯s not hard, though. Man, I am such a dickhead. Real glad I didn¡¯t throw him into the fire now.¡±

    He leaned forward and cupped her face in his hand, brushing a thumb across her cheek. There was a tidal wave of relief flooding his eyes, and Lila thought for a moment that he¡¯d take back what he said, about not being ready.

    Instead, he leaned even more forward, grazing her lips with his before emitting a sound of shock as he toppled off her chair. His face landed on her chest, pushing her back onto her bed with a slight sting. In the same instant, a thwack told her that the backrest of the chair hit him from behind and he moaned in pain. The chair then clattered to the floor like a cymbal signalling the end of a drumming performance.

    ¡°Are you okay?¡± Lila asked frantically, trying to sit up. She couldn¡¯t manage it and instead cradled his head to her chest.

    ¡°Owie,¡± he whined, the sound muffled against her body. ¡°I¡¯m alive. Just.¡±

    ¡°Someone¡¯s silly today,¡± she said tenderly, running her fingers through his hair, and glad his humour was still intact.

    ¡°The heck is going on?¡± Daniel demanded as he threw her door open. They turned their heads his way and Lila saw Daniel¡¯s cheeks turn rosy.

    ¡°Forgive my inexperience, but I think you¡¯re doing it wrong,¡± he remarked, his tone somewhat bemused. ¡°Why¡¯s the door closed anyway?¡±

    Lila rolled her eyes at Daniel. ¡°Dad said we could close it. Thanks for your concern. Asher just fell off the chair.¡±

    ¡°Convenient landing spot,¡± Daniel snorted.

    ¡°Go away.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    He started to close the door before stopping.

    ¡°Just¡­ gonna turn this off,¡± he said, flicking her light switch off and closing the door. Lila heard a distinct chortle from Daniel as he went into his own room. She sighed. Again, if only she could act as she wanted to behind this closed door and now in the semi-darkness.

    ¡°Are you still sore?¡± Lila queried, continuing to run her fingers through his hair.

    ¡°Terribly. I think I¡¯ll be bedridden for months.¡±

    She laughed.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious!¡±

    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll call 000 to come collect you,¡± she teased, making as if to stand. He clutched onto her waist, turning her efforts futile.

    ¡°Can¡¯t I just stay in your bed?¡± he murmured.

    She smiled, another laugh escaping her lips. ¡°It¡¯s not as though you¡¯re really in it at the moment.¡± She lightly stroked his cheek before adding, ¡°I never took you for being such a sook, though.¡±

    ¡°I have my moments,¡± he replied softly, gripping her tighter. ¡°Did I hurt you?¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re okay, I¡¯m fine. That chair sounded like it did a number on you.¡±

    He exhaled slowly before propping himself up on his hands on either side of her shoulders. He looked intently into her eyes, causing her heart to skip a beat.

    ¡°Now, I¡¯d like to finish what I started. Without embarrassing myself,¡± he whispered, gradually bringing his face to hers.

    This kiss was much more successful. He was so warm that she began to melt against him, focusing on the feeling of his body and the tingles his lips left across hers. She could swear that his heart was touching hers, what with how powerfully both seemed to be hammering against their ribcages.

    It felt like no time passed at all when he pulled away from her, a bright smile on his face.

    ¡°There. That¡¯s better,¡± he muttered, tucking a stray piece of hair behind her ear. An urge to pull him into her for another kiss almost overcame her, but she settled for resting her hands on his biceps instead.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go play some board games,¡± she suggested quietly, her breath shaky. His eyes glimmered with excitement.

    ¡°Say no more.¡±

    They played board games downstairs for the rest of the afternoon and into the night. Eventually, Lila braced herself for the return of her Mum, but when a text from her Dad arrived, telling her that her parents were out having dinner together and to order something again, she relaxed considerably.

    After their food arrived, Daniel joined them for a couple of games as they all ate. It wasn¡¯t for long though as he retreated upstairs once he was done with dinner, despite Lila and Asher calling him out on his cowardice.

    Another hour passed before Asher stretched, having won this round of Catan, and announced the arrival of Marlene. As Lila scrambled to her feet, she considered rescinding what she said about not seeing him tomorrow.

    She battled with this thought as she trailed behind him up the stairs and waited for him to pack away his things. She still battled as they headed back down, her heart aching by this indecision.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to look so sad,¡± he said with a twinge of sadness himself. ¡°We¡¯ll see each other on Monday. Then, it¡¯s camping until Friday morning. Plenty of time together.¡±

    ¡°I know¡­ but¡­ I do want to see you tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°I know. And I want to see you tomorrow, too. Except¡­¡± he rested his hand on the doorknob of her front door, pressing his lips together as though carefully choosing his next words. ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea. I have to pack, too. So¡­ see you on Monday.¡±

    She swallowed her sadness. It had been her idea originally, after all. There was no point in making him feel guilty for it. ¡°Yeah. See you then.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Eight

    Lila felt that she¡¯d been hit by a truck when she awoke on Sunday morning. The whiplash of emotions that she¡¯d gone through yesterday, and would undoubtedly need to prepare for next week, had kept her in a state of sleep-limbo ¨C not entirely asleep, but not entirely awake, either. She didn¡¯t even have seeing Asher to look forward to, since she¡¯d rejected hanging out with him today.

    ¡®Why am I such an idiot?¡¯ she thought, curling up into a ball on her bed. Seriously. Who rejected hanging out with their boyfriend because they were too¡­ sexually pent up?

    But¡­ then again¡­ she¡¯d had this impression, from bits of gossip and chatter here and there, that boys were just¡­ sex-crazed maniacs at this age.

    She recalled Theo¡¯s suggestion, about hooking up if she wanted to on their date. He¡¯d opened the door for that so soon on their first date. If only she had more frames of reference, but¡­ well, Cecelia and Lucas had started the same night they got together. It also sounded like Willow was the one who controlled when she and Damian started, given how nervous she said she was. With that¡­ was there any guy who actually waited, besides Asher, when their partner was willing?

    Was there something wrong with her after all ¨C something Asher didn¡¯t like?

    She sighed, looking directly at the hiking bag that she¡¯d put in this exact line of sight for this purpose ¨C so that she couldn¡¯t ignore it. She reluctantly stood, stretching, before moving to her school laptop and pulling up the list of things to pack that Elise had mentioned.

    Organising her things for camp that morning helped to clear her mind. As she folded her clothes and prepared to put them into her hiking bag, she settled on the fact that she trusted Asher. That¡­ if he was thinking about it as often as he said he did a while ago, then there must be a very good reason as to why he wasn¡¯t jumping at all the opportunities she was giving him. Why he wasn¡¯t able to tell her¡­ she wasn¡¯t sure. But, this was Asher. Responsible, sweet, caring Asher. He wouldn¡¯t do this to simply be an asshole to her. And¡­ if there was something wrong with her, he wouldn¡¯t have told her yesterday that he really wanted to.

    After about an hour of sourcing all the things she needed, and listing out what she didn¡¯t have, Lila was starting to feel a lot more positive. Though she did want to see Asher as much as possible, having a break really helped change her mindset. At least, to where she was fairly confident that she could keep herself in check. It wasn¡¯t just about her ¨C it was about him, too. He knew where she stood, so all she could hope for was that he¡¯d feel ready soon.

    A knock on her door interrupted her musings and she spun in her desk chair to face the knocker, notepad and pen in hand.

    ¡°Oh, hey Daniel,¡± Lila said, putting her things down. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    His expression wasn¡¯t one that carried any light-hearted pleasantries. He lingered at her door as he asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you trust me?¡±

    Lila sighed, rubbing her forehead. She¡¯d almost thought, given their interactions yesterday, what with his turning off her light and their board game matches during dinner, that he¡¯d understood why it went the way it did. Or, at the very least, decided he was fine with it.

    ¡°Close the door and come sit,¡± she said gently. He seemed wary but did so anyway, taking a seat on her bed. She turned in her chair to face him and noticed that he was quite expressionless now. With that, she had no insight as to what he was really thinking. He merely looked at Lila, clearly waiting for her to explain herself.

    ¡°I thought you would¡¯ve wanted to talk to Asher about this, too,¡± she said, staring down at her hands.

    ¡°Nah. He¡¯s great and finally your boyfriend after a billion years, sure. But I don¡¯t have the same expectations of him as I do for my own sister.¡±

    Lila heard his voice shake ever so slightly at the words ¡®my own sister¡¯ and she looked up to find him averting his gaze from her. She suddenly felt that it¡¯d be better for him to have been shouting and screaming. That, she knew how to handle. This¡­ was a different, quiet kind of hurt ¨C one that seemed to have nestled itself deeply within Daniel; far beyond her reach.

    She hadn¡¯t realised, until that moment, just how much she¡¯d taken advantage of how mature Daniel had seemed over the course of this year. Now, though, she fully appreciated the fact that he wasn¡¯t yet fourteen.

    Though she wanted to fall over herself and apologise ¨C ¡°band-aid¡± her way out of this, to conceal the fact that she had, ultimately, aggrieved him with her choice ¨C she knew that it would be a disservice to her brother.

    ¡°Daniel, I wanted to tell you earlier.¡±

    ¡°So why didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Like I said yesterday, if those Grade 12s thought you were poking around or knew too much, they¡¯d just toss you to the wolves. They might¡¯ve even hurt you.¡±

    ¡°And why would you think that telling me would lead to that?¡± His voice shook again, but this time she could place the cause quite well ¨C a broiling anger.

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that I thought it would definitely lead to that-¡±

    ¡°You only found out about me being the Banker by accident. I¡¯d been running it for months before Asher paid off Isaac¡¯s debt. I kept it a secret that whole time.¡±

    ¡°I know-¡±

    ¡°You just thought I¡¯d be dumb enough to blab to them?¡±

    ¡°No-¡±

    ¡°Or that I¡¯d try and take them out myself?¡±

    ¡°No-¡±

    ¡°That I might start selling drugs with them?¡±

    ¡°No-¡±

    His eyes flashed. ¡°You knew about this for months. And you didn¡¯t think I deserved to know? That someone¡¯s taking advantage of my business to do illegal shit?¡±

    ¡°Daniel-¡±

    ¡°Or did you just want to take all the glory for yourself? Pat yourself on the back? Zack¡¯s my employee. If you needed information from him, I could¡¯ve gotten it.¡±

    Lila blinked. Was that the issue? That¡­ they didn¡¯t let Daniel investigate with them?

    ¡°It¡¯d be normal for Zack to talk to me. Now Asher¡¯s just gone and done something sus as hell ¨C he might be in danger, not just me. So what, they do soccer together? Doesn¡¯t mean they hang out. Someone could¡¯ve seen-¡±

    Lila raised a hand in an attempt to stop his tirade. ¡°Woah. What do you mean?¡±

    Daniel¡¯s nostrils flared. ¡°What do you mean, what do I mean? Zack¡¯s an idiot. He¡¯s probably already told Jason that he spilled the beans to Asher. You guys are going hiking in the wilderness. Maybe there¡¯s someone in your Grade that would-¡±

    ¡°Daniel, Asher didn¡¯t talk to Zack to get that information.¡±

    Daniel stopped for a moment, his expression changing from fury to bewilderment. ¡°What do you mean? That¡¯s what he said to Dad.¡±

    Lila closed her eyes, gritting her teeth for a moment. If¡­ trust was what Daniel was asking for, at the heart of this confrontation, then¡­

    ¡°Here,¡± she murmured, taking her phone from her desk. She turned her phone on Airplane mode and opened her messages with Zack. ¡°This is how we got the info.¡±

    He accepted her phone with curiosity before reading the messages. His expression rotated between alarm, amusement, and disgust at various intervals. Finally, after what felt like years, he looked back at Lila.

    ¡°You blackmailed him? As the Rock? Using his fear of buses?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think he had a fear of buses until our conversation. But, yeah. With that, it¡¯s pretty unlikely that Zack would say anything to Jason and if he did, it wouldn¡¯t be easily traced back to us.¡±

    Daniel stared back down at her phone. ¡°So¡­ you guys lied to Dad.¡±

    ¡°Had to. I didn¡¯t want to tell him about my crimes when talking about Jason¡¯s. Daniel, Asher and I had to play it safe to get this information. You saw how far it extended to ¨C at least, from what Zack knows. That¡¯s a lot of dependent customers who are going to be very upset when it gets shut down. Never mind the fact that Jason would probably be out for blood once he gets wind of the investigation. You saw his reaction at Assembly, when you got sanctioned. He¡¯s not a guy who¡¯s willing to just let it go ¡®cause he got caught. The fact that they kept doing deals after you were sanctioned means he¡¯s at least persistent. Determined, most likely. Probably self-sufficient at this stage, too.¡±

    Lila sighed before shaking her head. ¡°We considered sending Asher in as a mole to pose as a customer after soccer practice. Even though he¡¯s walking dollar signs to anyone connected to the Banker, given how easily he paid off Isaac¡¯s debt, we decided that it¡¯d be too risky. You were in the prime position to get intel, I know that. But¡­ we crawled along with this.¡± She paused.

    ¡°I¡¯m suspicious that at least one of them is a lot sharper than we give them credit for. If you knew even a word more, acted even a smidge different ¨C it might¡¯ve been all over for you. I¡­ couldn¡¯t let that happen. I¡¯d already been nervous that someone would catch on when Asher was redoing the books. But this carried a much higher level of risk. If it was a guarantee, that letting you in wouldn¡¯t have led to you being put in danger ¨C of being expelled, or otherwise ¨C we would¡¯ve gladly asked for the help. We¡­ were kinda floundering for a bit, to be honest.¡±

    Lila surveyed Daniel for a moment. He seemed to be absorbing what she was saying, at least.

    ¡°I never thought you¡¯d just run to them and tell them what was happening. I know you¡¯re smarter than that, Daniel. Dad has talked about the basics of investigations around you since you were born ¨C I know that you know that confidentiality is key. But we can¡¯t help what we can¡¯t help. That includes shifts in demeanour, changes in attitude, things like that, when you find something out about someone.¡± In a flash, Lila was reminded of the amount of times Grace had asked her what was wrong since Lila and Asher caught her with Ms Alexander. Even though Lila tried to be as normal as possible, and even made excuses for her odd behaviour, she evidently wasn¡¯t perfect at masking that something had changed for her either.

    Daniel gave a long, heavy exhale ¨C one that seemed to carry relief along with it. She took it as an encouraging sign ¨C it was all Lila could hope for, that he might understand where she was coming from now.

    ¡°I know¡­ that it might feel disrespectful, that I did all this behind your back despite it being linked to your literal business. But¡­ I didn¡¯t do it without reason, or just to spite you. I¡¯ve had a few sleepless nights, thinking about how to get through this without putting you in the firing line, as well as trying to figure out when to tell you.¡±

    ¡°Sis, I can take care of myself.¡±

    ¡°I know. You¡¯re an established businessman. But you had to work with these people every day. You picked up notebooks from Livi all the time, and interacted with them as your employees. However, you did all that without knowing that all of them had knives behind their backs. None of them were safe, not even Theo, really. I know we talked about Jason, Zack, and Jake mainly, but Harper and Vi also know far too much to be casual observers. Theo¡­ rejected their offers to be part of the ring, but he¡¯s smart. He knew enough to keep both you and the others in his back pocket. If it all tipped in a certain direction, one where he¡¯d be questioned, I¡¯m sure he¡¯d throw the others under the bus in a heartbeat. Vi might, too, but her hands are far from clean in comparison to Theo. The question wasn¡¯t about whether you could take care of yourself ¨C it was about how many people were looking at you as an endless cash cow, and how many people would be willing to do something to save their own skins. None of them strike me as the type to not throw someone else into it if they¡¯re going down.¡±

    Daniel was quiet, placing Lila¡¯s phone next to him on her bed. Then, he whispered, ¡°I¡­ just wish you could¡¯ve let me make decisions on how to handle it.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ get it, though.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    Daniel didn¡¯t speak for a minute or so, and Lila didn¡¯t want to interrupt his thoughts. Eventually, he stood up.

    ¡°I think that¡¯s all I wanted to say,¡± he said softly. ¡°Uh, I won¡¯t tell Dad about the blackmail part.¡±

    ¡°I appreciate it.¡±

    He crossed her room before stopping just in front of the door. ¡°Also¡­ thanks. For doing all that. I know I came in here a bit pissed off, but I also know that it would¡¯ve been hard for you. It seems like Dad¡¯s happy with the info, too. Hopefully, this will all be over next week.¡±

    ¡°I did what I had to,¡± Lila replied with a nod. ¡°Not only because I¡¯m your big sister, but also because I¡¯m nosy as hell. If I didn¡¯t get to the bottom of it, or at least, as far as I could get to the bottom of it, I would¡¯ve been cranky for the rest of time.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true. Glad that didn¡¯t happen, then.¡±

    They shared a smile before Daniel left, closing the door behind him. He still seemed subdued, but Lila hoped that she addressed his concerns, at least ¨C even if he had to mull over them for a bit.

    She was tempted to pick up her phone and call Asher, to tell him what transpired and to hear his voice once again. A break was a break, though, so she resisted the urge and instead looked through her notepad, her thoughts returning to camp.

    They would be in three-person tents this camp, and she¡¯d already picked her preference to be with Elise and Grace earlier this year. Now, though, she wasn¡¯t sure how she was going to get through this week, sleeping in such close quarters with Grace ¨C before and after their conversation.

    Did you know this story is from Royal Road? Read the official version for free and support the author.

    She slapped her notepad down onto her desk. She¡¯d have to navigate that tomorrow. Right now, she needed to figure out how to get these remaining supplies, since she wasn¡¯t with Asher today. There was a bus route that went to the shopping centre outside her house, but she wasn¡¯t sure whether going alone was the best idea.

    Though it had been some time since Piper¡¯s murder, there wasn¡¯t any news about the progress of the Police¡¯s investigation into it ¨C at least, no arrests, as far as she knew. That meant that it was likely that Piper¡¯s murderer was somewhere out there. Perhaps, they were even waiting at that same shopping centre that Piper was last seen at ¨C the exact one that Lila wanted to go to today.

    Suddenly, going to the shops at all was no longer appealing. But she really needed that damn torch. All the ones at home were either missing or so old that she didn¡¯t trust herself to not suffer at least a minor shock when touching them.

    She checked the time. 10.30am. Was Clare back? Was she even coming back home today?

    Lila considered asking her Dad to take her, but she didn¡¯t necessarily want to hang around the shops with him following their conversation yesterday. Besides, if he was going to wrap everything up in a week, as he¡¯d said, he was probably far too busy anyway.

    Now that she¡¯d slept on it, a week sounded like a short amount of time. Would he really get it done by then? At the same time though, it had started in August last year. What would the end of a professional investigation look like? She hadn¡¯t really asked what outcome she should be expecting at the end of the week.

    She poked her head out of her room, attempting to see whether the door to her parents¡¯ room was closed. Instead, her eyes met her Dad hurrying down the hallway, slipping on a blazer.

    ¡°Where¡¯re you going?¡± Lila asked, evidently catching him off guard as he practically skidded to a stop and looked back at her.

    ¡°Ah. The Hospital, then the Police Station,¡± her Dad said meaningfully. ¡°Not sure when I¡¯ll be back.¡±

    ¡°Is Mum-¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s heading out soon.¡±

    ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°See you later, kiddo.¡±

    ¡°Good luck, Dad.¡±

    ¡°With your information, I don¡¯t need luck,¡± he grinned. He promptly headed down the stairs and Lila couldn¡¯t hold back the smile that had crept onto her face. She almost retreated into her room fully when a different sound ¨C of footsteps shuffling up the stairs, rather than down ¨C caught her attention. Was that Clare?

    She peered out of the doorway, waiting to see who emerged on the landing.

    As soon as Lila¡¯s eyes landed on who it was, she snapped her door shut and scrambled to her bed. Mum.

    Lila¡¯s heart began to race, her fear manifesting into a chokehold so panic-inducing she wasn¡¯t sure if she¡¯d be able to breathe again. Had she been spotted? Would her Mum come in?

    It felt like hours had passed. Her Mum didn¡¯t try and talk to her, or approach her door, and it seemed that she was long gone. So, Lila relaxed her grip on her blankets. As much as her Dad had said yesterday that it was too soon for her Mum to want to talk to Lila and Clare, Lila was obviously not ready either.

    Lila¡¯s phone buzzed. It was a message from Clare consisting of only two words ¨C Mum home?

    Yeah, Lila replied with a small sigh. Almost bumped into her. Freaked me out

    Sounds like you need some bubble tea

    And a torch

    A what

    For camp

    Ew lol ¨C be there in 20

    Lila pressed her phone to her chest. Her Mum might have left home now, but as Lila wasn¡¯t sure, she didn¡¯t want to spend any more time here with even the slightest potential to bump into her Mum again.

    She showered and dressed in record time, untucking her necklace from her jumper just as another knock sounded on her door.

    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Clare¡¯s voice called. ¡°Ready?¡±

    Lila grabbed her notepad, phone, and small cross-body bag before opening the door. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡°Oi,¡± Clare said sharply as she rapped her knuckles against Daniel¡¯s door. ¡°Lila and I are going to the shops. Want anything?¡±

    ¡°Sisters who don¡¯t annoy me,¡± was Daniel¡¯s muffled response.

    ¡°Rude,¡± Clare snorted. ¡°Bye.¡±

    ¡°Bye.¡±

    Lila followed behind Clare as she flounced down the stairs, seeming in a much chirpier mood than even yesterday morning when she dropped Lila off at Jacoval.

    ¡°Sis, I might need to tie weights to you,¡± Lila joked as they headed to Clare¡¯s car.

    ¡°What? Why?¡± Clare asked, her eyebrows creased with confusion.

    ¡°You might float away with all that happiness you¡¯re giving off.¡±

    Clare laughed, hopping into the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°You can tell, huh?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course,¡± Lila replied matter-of-factly as she sat in the passenger seat and buckled herself in. ¡°You¡¯re that keen to see Alex?¡±

    ¡°Duh.¡±

    Lila chuckled. They didn¡¯t speak too much on the way over to the shopping centre, with Clare blasting her usual tunes. Lila did ask how Clare¡¯s night went, though.

    ¡°Managed to not get absolutely smashed,¡± Clare replied with a victorious laugh. ¡°I¡¯d call that a success.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure if I¡¯d call that a success, but I suppose you¡¯re not hungover.¡±

    ¡°Exactly. Success.¡±

    Lila smirked at Clare, who grinned in return as they continued to make their way to the shopping centre. It wasn¡¯t long before Clare parked and they exited, leisurely walking inside.

    ¡°So, why¡¯d you come back?¡± Lila asked curiously, looping her arm with Clare¡¯s. Clare glanced at her before sighing.

    ¡°Couple reasons. Alex comes back on Monday, so I wanted to pack some stuff. But¡­ I also didn¡¯t want to leave you at home if Mum was there.¡±

    For some reason, Lila felt a twinge of emotion at Clare¡¯s words. ¡°Dad said Mum was going out.¡±

    ¡°Did he say when?¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then it was better off that I took you away, right?¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°I guess¡­¡±

    Clare pursed her lips before guiding them towards a bubble tea store. They made their orders, waiting off to the side whilst they were being made.

    ¡°Clare?¡±

    ¡°Yeah?¡±

    ¡°¡­ Dad said that¡­ when I get back from camp, we should talk to Mum.¡±

    ¡°Did he?¡± Clare didn¡¯t necessarily look surprised, but she didn¡¯t look pleased either. She gave a heavy exhale before shaking her head.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to,¡± Clare said after a few moments. ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear what she has to say.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t blame you, sis.¡±

    Clare gritted her teeth before placing a hand on her hip, her expression still displeased. ¡°But¡­ we can¡¯t live like this forever, either. And¡­ she needs to apologise to you.¡±

    ¡°And you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯d mean much to me, to be honest. Taking a break from work made me realise how much I love and miss it. If Mum thinks I¡¯m a whore still, then that¡¯s what it is. I¡¯m not going to stop doing what I love just because Mum disapproves. I¡¯m an adult now.¡± She paused. ¡°I¡¯d probably move in with friends, or Alex, if Mum wanted to kick me out.¡±

    ¡°Even if it¡¯ll be hard for you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯d be much easier than living with someone who thinks I¡¯m less than just because of my job ¨Cwhich is perfectly legal, mind you.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    Clare eyed Lila carefully before sighing again. ¡°I¡¯d rather not move out, though. It¡¯d leave you and Daniel undefended if Mum loses her shit again. I¡¯d¡­ never felt scared of her, before our latest fight. Fights before that¡­ well, they were serious, but not terrifying. I don¡¯t want to leave you guys behind if I can help it.¡±

    ¡°Clare, you don¡¯t need to worry. I can take care of myself and Daniel, too.¡±

    Clare smiled, bumping Lila¡¯s shoulder. ¡°I know you can. I¡¯d still worry, though. It¡¯s the privilege that comes with being the eldest.¡±

    ¡°I worry about you, too, you know.¡±

    Clare laughed, ruffling Lila¡¯s hair. ¡°You can tell we¡¯re related.¡±

    Their drinks were called and they wandered off through the shops, drinking idly. Eventually, Lila pulled her list out and passed it to Clare.

    ¡°I need these things for camp,¡± Lila explained. Clare looked at it and nodded.

    ¡°Alright. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t hung out with just Clare at the shops for a long while ¨C not this year, at least. It was quite nice, actually. They hit up all the places that Lila needed to buy things at before stopping for lunch, chatting freely about their classes and camp, making jokes along the way. It didn¡¯t take long for their conversation to circle to their boyfriends, though.

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that you¡¯re not with Asher today,¡± Clare observed. ¡°Trouble in paradise?¡±

    Lila shook her head before pausing. ¡°Not¡­ exactly.¡±

    ¡°Not even after seeing his ex?¡±

    Lila blinked. She hadn¡¯t even spoken to Asher about that, after everything else that happened yesterday. Since he hadn¡¯t brought it up, it mustn¡¯t have bothered him. But¡­ since they weren¡¯t together today, would he be bothered about it now?

    ¡°Sorry. Didn¡¯t mean to bring her up,¡± Clare said quietly.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine. We actually didn¡¯t really talk about her yesterday, after we noticed she was at the game.¡±

    ¡°Oh? That¡¯s progress. I thought you would¡¯ve talked in circles about her.¡±

    ¡°We might¡¯ve, if we didn¡¯t have other things to talk about. Actually, we had something important to talk to Dad about yesterday, and I think that distracted us from everything else.¡±

    ¡°Important to talk to Dad about?¡± Clare raised an eyebrow before suddenly pointing at Lila, her face white. ¡°Uh uh. You¡¯re pregnant?¡±

    Lila choked on her bubble tea, coughing as she put it down. ¡°Jesus, not you too! That¡¯s what Dad thought.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer!¡±

    ¡°Clare, I¡¯m still a virgin.¡±

    Clare looked at her doubtfully.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious! Despite¡­ my best efforts,¡± she gave a hopeless sigh.

    Clare¡¯s mouth twitched, and Lila could tell she was suppressing a smirk. ¡°What¡¯s holding him back?¡± Clare asked, taking a careful sip of her drink.

    ¡°No idea. If I had an idea, maybe¡­ I¡¯d feel better about it.¡±

    Clare looked contemplative. ¡°If I had to guess what¡¯s going through his head, I reckon he¡¯s nervous.¡±

    ¡°I mean, I am too. But¡­ I still want to do it with him. So¡­ I¡¯m trying not to let it overtake me. I decided this morning that he¡¯d have a very good reason and that I can wait.¡±

    ¡°Sure,¡± Clare nodded. ¡°From my experience, some guys have this¡­ thing about performing, so to speak. He¡¯s probably tangled up in all these knots, trying to figure out how to do it without disappointing you, anxious boy that he is.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°I don¡¯t want to push him if he¡¯s not ready. I just wish we could work through it together.¡±

    Clare waggled her eyebrows suggestively. Lila glared at her, and she ceased her eyebrow-waggling immediately.

    ¡°Well, if you weren¡¯t telling Dad that you¡¯re pregnant, then what was it?¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°An update on Daniel¡¯s business. And we also talked about Mum, that¡¯s why I know Dad said we should talk to her after I come back from camp.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Clare finished off her sushi roll before looking intently at Lila. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry. Asher will be ready when he¡¯s ready.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila groaned. ¡°I don¡¯t want to pressure him, but trying to push these feelings down is impossible.¡±

    ¡°So, I¡¯m guessing you¡¯re going to avoid talking to him anymore about it?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Have you talked to Elise and Grace about it?¡±

    ¡°They¡­ probably wouldn¡¯t have advice.¡±

    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t necessarily need advice ¨C an outlet for what you¡¯re feeling could be all that you need. You¡¯re also only going to want it more because he¡¯s saying no. Clearly, the first option, letting it out physically or verbally with Asher, won¡¯t work. So, you¡¯ll just need to complain about it with your friends.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if complaining about it is the right terminology.¡±

    ¡°Are¡­ you not complaining about it?¡±

    Lila sighed in defeat. ¡°Fine. I am. I get what you¡¯re saying, too. Thanks.¡± She took another sip of her drink before looking at Clare curiously. ¡°Have you ever had this situation before?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Clare looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking her head. ¡°No, actually. I mean, more respectful guys waited for me to bring it up, but as soon as I did, that was it.¡±

    ¡°See, that¡¯s what I thought guys were like.¡±

    ¡°All I can say is that he cares a lot about you, Lila. What¡¯s the rush, anyway?¡±

    Lila hesitated. She didn¡¯t really know, truthfully. There was just¡­ something that yearned for him, and the only conclusion she reached about what that was¡­ was this. But¡­ perhaps it was something else. Something she was still struggling to understand.

    ¡°Clare, have you¡­ been in love before?¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyes bulged, the surprise almost making her choke. She took a moment to collect herself before answering.

    ¡°I¡­ well. Once. At least, I thought it was, but it wasn¡¯t reciprocated, remember? I¡¯m not quite there with Alex, yet, but yeah, I¡¯d call it that. Why, do you think you¡¯re in love with Asher?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s another thing I¡¯m trying to figure out. Can you be in love with someone without having sex with them?¡±

    ¡°Not sure if I¡¯m the authority on that,¡± Clare replied delicately. ¡°There are people who remain virgins until marriage, though. And people who wait until they feel like they¡¯re fully in love, so I¡¯d guess so.¡±

    ¡°Is a month too soon?¡±

    ¡°If your feelings for him only started a month ago, maybe,¡± Clare responded with a shrug. ¡°Though, I¡¯m pretty sure your crush started long before that. It really depends, Lila. I can¡¯t answer for you, but if you feel like you¡¯re in love, then you¡¯re in love.¡±

    ¡°What does it feel like?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ like most things, it feels different from person to person, I think. But there¡¯s a couple things that I think are pretty commonly felt when someone¡¯s in love, at least. Firstly, feeling like you¡¯re safe with them. Safe to be yourself, and comfortable to be around them. Like there¡¯s this peace that you feel, when you lay eyes on them. This next one is a bit different, but when you¡¯re around them, it feels like you¡¯re home ¨C one that you¡¯ve built together. It¡¯s hard to explain, but you¡¯ll know when you feel it. Trust is really important, too. Of course, thinking about them and wanting to be with them is a good sign. Missing them, even if it hasn¡¯t been long since you last saw them. Sexual desire can be important ¨C at least, if there¡¯s a lack of it, then perhaps you¡¯re not compatible.¡± Clare¡¯s face suddenly turned pink, and she clutched both sides of her drink. ¡°Actually, scratch what I said, about not being quite there with Alex.¡±

    Lila smiled, taking in Clare¡¯s flustered demeanour. The idea that Clare was in love with Alex was an endearing one, after all the trouble Clare went through in deciding what she wanted with him. There was another reason for her smile, though. It¡­ felt as though Clare had hit the nail on her head with how Lila felt about Asher.

    Was this it, then? The acknowledgement that she was feeling this way was also terrifying. Nerve-wracking. It felt like such a heavy step forward if she were to tell him that she loved him, though. If he didn¡¯t feel the same way, then he might think she was clingy, or moving too fast, or something.

    ¡°That¡¯s a bright smile,¡± Clare grinned, her face back to its normal colour. ¡°Feels like you¡¯ve got your answer.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ think so, too. B-But¡­ I don¡¯t know if I should tell him yet.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with waiting until you¡¯re dead certain,¡± Clare said sagely. ¡°I still am a bit pissed about the fact that he laughed at you when you told him you liked him. So, holding back might be a better idea in the meantime.¡± She pulled out her phone and glanced at Lila. ¡°C¡¯mon, I need to get some new outfits for when I start work again.¡±

    They threw their rubbish away and explored some more shops. Clare bought quite a few new outfits and encouraged Lila to get something, too. Finally, they were done, laden with quite a number of bags, and Lila double-checked her list.

    ¡°I¡¯ve got everything,¡± she confirmed to Clare, who nodded.

    ¡°Thank God. Ready to go home?¡±

    ¡°Guess so.¡±

    Once Clare started driving home, Lila looked at Clare seriously.

    ¡°Are you going to tell Alex you love him?¡±

    ¡°Jesus, Lila, you¡¯ll make me crash,¡± Clare replied, her voice taut with panic as she touched the brake a little too hard. ¡°N-Not anytime soon.¡±

    That made Lila feel much better about holding back herself. ¡°Alright.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say this before, but admitting it out loud is way, way scarier than just saying you like them. I¡¯m a coward, remember? Take my advice with a grain of salt. You¡¯re much braver than I am, so maybe you¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Maybe.¡±

    Clare looked at Lila warily before sighing. ¡°Man, none of these conversations were on my bingo cards for this year.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not a bad thing. I¡¯m glad, actually, that you were able to find someone who makes you feel this way ¨C and that it¡¯s reciprocated. It makes your worrywart sister feel a little less worried, to know someone else is looking out for you.¡±

    ¡°I never said that he was.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to. I can tell, just by how he is with you. The guy got Gabriel to pay for my fine before you even started dating, remember? Of course he¡¯s the type to be looking out for you.¡±

    Lila had forgotten about that.

    ¡°Anyway, camp¡¯ll be fun,¡± Clare said cheerily. ¡°Maybe you¡¯ll have a sweet love confession under the stars.¡±

    Lila blushed, feeling her heart race. ¡°That¡¯s definitely too soon.¡±

    ¡°But if the mood fits,¡± Clare sang. Then, she gave Lila a warning look. ¡°No wayward touching, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Like I was gonna even try,¡± Lila replied, rolling her eyes.

    ¡°I only warn you because a girl from my grade got suspended for that, after they caught her in someone¡¯s tent. They then found her in another guy¡¯s tent and sent her home from camp immediately. I think she was suspended for a week.¡±

    ¡°Jesus.¡±

    ¡°She ended up moving schools.¡±

    ¡°I feel like this is an urban legend.¡±

    ¡°What, you think I¡¯d lie about that?¡±

    ¡°No, but someone might have lied to you about that. Did you ever ask her?¡±

    ¡°Nah. She was gone by the time I heard about it.¡±

    ¡°So, you don¡¯t really know if it¡¯s true.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s true!¡±

    Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°I¡¯ll take that story with a pinch of salt, rather than a grain.¡±

    ¡°Whatever.¡±

    They both burst into giggles, continuing their drive home with more light-hearted conversation.

    When they finally arrived home and Lila was back in the quiet of her room, bags upon bags resting on her floor, she finished packing, her mood carrying through the happiness she¡¯d felt when hanging out with Clare. She¡¯d been spending so much time with Asher lately that she hadn¡¯t realised how much she missed spending time with her sister.

    The rest of her afternoon and night was spent lounging mindlessly in her room. The mindlessness was a conscious choice since the looming task of having to talk to Grace this week would send her into a frenzy if she thought about it too much right now. She also wanted to talk to Asher, but with her revelation from today, she was a bit too nervous to strike up a conversation. Besides, a break was a break.

    Dinner consisted of more takeaway ¨C pizza, this time ¨C and the absence of her parents. She collected some slices of pizza before scurrying away upstairs once more, not keen on the potential of running into them. It seemed that both Clare and Daniel had the same idea in mind since neither was sitting in the dining room.

    Finally, she began to feel sleepy enough to start her bedtime routine, pausing when she untucked her necklace from her pyjamas. It¡­ was too nice to wear to camp. She didn¡¯t want it to get damaged, or potentially lost, so it was with reluctance that she unhooked it. She placed it in one of her desk drawers, where she knew it would be safe, before climbing into bed and setting a timer for the morning.

    Camp was finally upon her, and she had a couple of missions to complete before the week was done ¨C talking to Grace, and trying to push Elise and Isaac together, whilst trying to survive the multiple arduous activities and the persistent worry about whether her Dad was progressing with what he¡¯d promised, namely. But, at the very least, she¡¯d be with Asher once again.

 Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Nine

    Chapter One Hundred and Thirty-Nine

    Lila was starting to regret how much she¡¯d packed as she trudged her way to the lawn on campus which served as their meeting point on Monday morning. She¡¯d thought it was okay when she tested it out yesterday, but now, with the late-winter chill, she was convinced she was going to struggle to hike to their campsite once they arrived.

    It looked like most of her cohort had already arrived, all in free dress suitable for outdoor activities. Some were standing around in vague class groups and others had unceremoniously flopped onto the grass, waiting for roll call to commence. Lila didn¡¯t see any of her friends or Asher as she looked over the lawn, so she remained where she was, plopping her bag next to her.

    Lila glanced at the carpark, seeing whether their buses had arrived. It was already 8am, so she thought they really should have¡­

    ¡°Morning,¡± Asher¡¯s voice made her spin around to face him, her smile aching her cheeks already. She threw herself against him and he chuckled, placing a hand on the back of her head.

    ¡°Missed me that much?¡± his voice was warm ¨C golden and smooth like honey. She nodded, holding him closer to her.

    ¡°You¡¯ll crack my ribs,¡± he laughed, pulling away from her. ¡°It was only a day.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila replied petulantly. ¡°Like I said on Saturday, though, I did want to hang out with you yesterday.¡±

    ¡®Plus¡­ I¡­ figured out I love you,¡¯ she added internally, her face flushing at the thought. She was far too scared to admit it to his face. The fact that she could think it to herself ¨C and recognise that, yes, it felt right ¨C was enough for now.

    He suddenly looked rather bashful, touching her arm softly. ¡°I did too. But-¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    He exhaled deeply before flashing her a nervous smile. ¡°So, I went to the shops yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t see you there,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°You could¡¯ve had lunch or something with me and Clare, at least.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ went to the centre by Sandy Lakes,¡± he said, his tone rather vague.

    ¡°Oh. Last minute shopping for camp?¡±

    ¡°You could say that,¡± he replied, patting his right pocket. He pulled out a small, thin box and passed it to her with shaking fingers. She looked down at it in surprise.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°A gift. I¡­ thought about giving it to you after camp, but I just couldn¡¯t wait.¡±

    She opened it curiously before her eyes took in the silver, glittering, cursive A upon the black cushion nestled inside the box. She pulled it up, revealing that it was on a delicate silver chain. Her heart jumped in her chest as she stared at it, her face feeling hotter by the second.

    ¡°D-Do you-¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s perfect,¡± Lila said breathlessly. She met his gaze and saw that his expression was one of absolute relief.

    ¡°I¡¯m glad you like it,¡± he murmured, giving a light laugh. ¡°I thought¡­ that maybe you were kidding, about wanting an A.¡±

    ¡°Of course I wasn¡¯t,¡± Lila replied emphatically. ¡°I told you that already. Can you help me put it on?¡±

    He smiled, taking the necklace from her. She pulled her hair to the side, and he clipped it around her neck. His fingers brushed against the base of her neck before they paused.

    ¡°You¡¯re not wearing your other necklace,¡± he observed with a twinge of disappointment.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t want to risk it getting damaged or lost,¡± she replied, touching the A on her chest. ¡°Now that I¡¯m thinking about it, should I leave this one off?¡±

    ¡°Only if you want to,¡± Asher replied, gently caressing her neck, causing a rush of goosebumps to trace a path up to her ears. ¡°I did make sure that it was good quality and it¡¯s not bulky, so it shouldn¡¯t catch on anything.¡±

    His tender touches were sending her heart into a flurry. She almost turned around to face him but was prevented by the arrival of his lips right where his fingers had been. She swayed, both with surprise and giddiness, and he held on to her shoulders.

    ¡°Sorry, sorry,¡± he said in a low voice, the feeling of his breath tickling her ear making her shudder in response, ¡°intrusive th-¡±

    The rest of his apology was drowned out by what could only be described as a honk of disapproval coming from none other than Isaac. Lila turned to face Isaac, who had swatted Asher away from her, her face feeling hot enough to cook an egg.

    ¡°I swear to God, you two,¡± Isaac bristled. Elise¡¯s musical laugh floated behind Isaac, and the trio turned to look at her.

    ¡°You¡¯re being such a pest,¡± Elise admonished Isaac, her smile and eyes both bright with amusement. ¡°Let them have fun.¡±

    ¡°Do you see how many teachers there are?¡± Isaac retorted, gesturing around with a flap of his hands. ¡°Asher will-¡±

    ¡°For the hundredth time, I don¡¯t care if I get detention,¡± Asher interjected, folding his arms across his chest. ¡°You really need to stop fretting.¡±

    Elise gasped dramatically. Isaac scoffed.

    ¡°What about your reputation?¡± Isaac questioned pointedly.

    ¡°What about it?¡± Asher asked, placing his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it important to you? At least, your rep with the teachers. Weren¡¯t you going to go for Head Boy or something?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°My reputation¡¯s been dragged through the mud this year. Been called a cheater and a deadbeat Dad and all that around school. I didn¡¯t think there was any left to salvage. At this point, no one would vote for me as Head Boy, so I don¡¯t need to worry about that.¡±

    Isaac sighed. ¡°Look, if you keep being so obvious around campus, teachers will give you a hard time.¡±

    ¡°The only person who¡¯s giving me a hard time is you, dude,¡± Asher responded with a raised eyebrow.

    ¡°I¡¯m trying to protect you, man.¡±

    Asher gave a heavy, reluctant sigh, pushing his hand through his hair. ¡°Alright. Sorry.¡±

    Isaac narrowed his eyes at Asher. ¡°It seems like you¡¯re not.¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯m not sorry for kissing my girlfriend, no. But I¡¯m sorry for upsetting you. I know you¡¯re worried about me.¡±

    Isaac kept his eyes narrowed. ¡°I¡¯ll accept that, for now.¡±

    ¡°Anyway,¡± Elise grinned, poking at the A on Lila¡¯s chest, ¡°what¡¯s this?¡±

    Lila returned Elise¡¯s grin. ¡°A gift, apparently.¡±

    Elise¡¯s eyes flickered to Asher, whose face was a deep shade of red, before inspecting it carefully. ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve been branded,¡± Elise said after a few moments.

    Lila blushed and she heard both Asher and Isaac make spluttering sounds, but she refused to look at either of them. Elise, on the other hand, gave them reproachful looks.

    ¡°It¡¯s sweet,¡± Elise said firmly. ¡°Stop being weird.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re the one who said Lila¡¯s been branded,¡± Isaac reminded her with a cough. ¡°Like she¡¯s some object that Asher owns or something.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s your weird train of thought taking you there,¡± Elise insisted.

    ¡°I like it,¡± Lila interjected. ¡°The necklace. And that it stands for Asher.¡±

    There was silence as everyone stared at Lila, causing her blush to deepen further.

    ¡°See, it¡¯s sweet,¡± Elise repeated, rounding on Isaac.

    ¡°Alright, alright, geez,¡± Isaac replied, holding his hands up in surrender.

    ¡°Besides, I am Asher¡¯s,¡± Lila added quietly.

    ¡°Careful, you¡¯ll kill him,¡± Isaac chortled, patting Asher on the shoulder. Lila¡¯s eyes met Asher¡¯s, only to find that he was scarlet, the emotion in his eyes indecipherable, though a smile tugged at his lips. It had been a while since she¡¯d come across one of those indecipherable looks, and it immediately piqued her interest. What was going on in his mind?

    Before she could ask, the roar of a fleet of buses drew her attention. It seemed that they would start getting ready to leave soon.

    ¡°Where¡¯s Grace?¡± Elise asked, peering around. ¡°Is she sick?¡±

    Lila tried not to look hopeful at the prospect as she also peered across the lawn. It didn¡¯t take long to spot Grace as she jogged their way, her face red from exertion. Her hiking bag seemed heavy, and both Isaac and Asher met Grace a few paces away, lifting her bag from her. Lila met Asher¡¯s gaze before swiftly looking away. It was sweet that he readily helped Grace, particularly given the circumstances, but if she continued to look at him, she might spill the beans right here.

    ¡°T-Thanks,¡± Grace huffed, coming up to where Lila and Elise were still standing. ¡°Sorry I¡¯m a bit late, I had to see my vocal coach.¡±

    Lila saw Asher¡¯s fist clench around Grace¡¯s bag as he set it down next to the other bags with Isaac¡¯s assistance.

    ¡°What for?¡± Elise queried, tilting her head with curiosity.

    ¡°Since I won¡¯t have any music lessons this week, she wanted to give me the music sheets for my upcoming performances, just in case I found some spare time to practice,¡± Grace replied matter-of-factly. Lila found that staring at her shoes was an excellent choice, as it helped shut up her instinctual question about whether that was a lie.

    ¡°Who is your vocal coach, anyway?¡± Elise questioned. ¡°I remember when Lila and I tried to look for you, but we realised we didn¡¯t know who it was.¡±

    ¡°Oh. M-.¡± Grace paused, seeming flustered. ¡°M-My vocal coach is Ms Alexander. She¡¯s also my Music teacher.¡±

    ¡°Ms Alexander? Never heard of her,¡± Elise said thoughtfully. Then, she shrugged. ¡°Is she new?¡±

    ¡°Started last year,¡± Grace replied, relaxing her posture slightly. ¡°She¡¯s much better than the previous Music teacher and my previous vocal coach.¡±

    Running away would be far too obvious a reaction, right? Lila forcefully pressed her lips together as she tried not to think any more about Ms Alexander and Grace for the moment. Now wasn¡¯t the best time to get into it.

    She was saved by the sharp whistle of Mr Morrison from the middle of the lawn. He was dressed in white sneakers, cargo shorts and a fleece jumper ¨C an odd change from his usual long-sleeved button-up and suit pants. He raised his hand, and all the students raised their own hands in acknowledgement as well.

    ¡°Alright, Grade 11,¡± he boomed, ¡°please find your PC teacher and wait with them. They¡¯ll do roll call with you all before we load our bags onto the buses. Once that¡¯s done, we can get on and be on our way. It¡¯s about two hours from here to the campgrounds, so if you¡¯ve brought anything for entertainment, or blankets or pillows, I¡¯d suggest bringing them on to the bus with you. You¡¯ll be paired with your adjacent PC class for both the bus ride and the majority of camp, though there are opportunities to stay at bigger campsites throughout the week per the schedule.¡± He clapped his hands. ¡°Off you go.¡±

    There was a mad scramble as everyone started to head to their PC teachers. Asher reluctantly gave Lila her bag before taking off with Isaac towards their PC teacher ¨C Mr Vanderbilt, a thin, pale and balding man with a bucket hat who was another English teacher from Lila¡¯s understanding. There was something distinctly bat-like about him, what with the shape of his facial features peeking just below his hat.

    Ms Wang appeared much more no-nonsense than usual this morning, a large, wide-brimmed straw hat on her head. She wore a red polo shirt, knee-length black shorts and black hiking boots ¨C again, a disconcerting difference in comparison to her normal attire. As Mr Morrison had explained, Ms Wang went through the roll, noting that everyone was present (something which surprised Lila, considering how grumbly her PC classmates seemed to be whenever camp had been mentioned throughout the year), and they waited for the go-ahead to start loading their hiking bags. Lila pulled out a blanket and a book from her hiking bag, bundling both under her right arm. Elise and Grace followed suit, taking out their own items of interest, and they were finally told to start heading to the buses.

    Ms Wang directed their class to the third bus, the outside of which was already swarming with Asher¡¯s PC class. The bus driver was loading the bags into the storage compartment of the bus, along with Michael Wallis, a student from 11E, and Mr Vanderbilt.

    ¡°Give me those,¡± Asher demanded, spooking Lila, Elise, and Grace with his sudden appearance. Isaac appeared on the other side of the girls, and between the two of them, they shoved their hiking bags onto the bus.

    Some of 11E and 11F had already shuffled onto the bus, so the five of them joined the line to get on.

    ¡°You guys excited?¡± Isaac asked, turning to face the girls.

    ¡°Kinda,¡± Lila shrugged, avoiding Asher¡¯s gaze though she felt his warmth on her left side.

    ¡°I¡¯m stoked,¡± Isaac replied, stretching. ¡°Especially since that means no McWork.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Elise asked, her eyebrow raised. ¡°I can see if they¡¯d reduce your shifts if you don¡¯t want to McWork anymore.¡±

    Isaac turned around again. ¡°For legal reasons, that was a joke,¡± he said swiftly.

    Asher and Lila simultaneously snickered. Watching Elise and Isaac interact in this carefree manner made Lila feel hopeful that, perhaps, they¡¯d have a confession under the stars this week.

    Clambering onto the bus revealed that the chairs only sat two people, though there were three in a row towards the middle of the back that were free. The group made their way there, with Asher and Lila sliding into the first of the free chairs and Isaac sitting just behind them. Elise looked at Isaac for a moment before turning to Grace.

    ¡°Grace, let¡¯s sit-¡± Elise began before Grace shook her head.

    ¡°I think Amy wanted to sit with me if it was a two-seater bus,¡± Grace replied, promptly sliding into the seat behind Isaac. ¡°We¡¯ve got our music performance due in a couple of weeks.¡±

    Lila suppressed her smile as she watched Elise¡¯s face turn a light shade of pink. She perched herself on the end of the seat that Isaac was occupying, fluffing out her blanket.

    ¡°He doesn¡¯t bite,¡± Asher laughed.

    ¡°He might,¡± Elise mumbled, her blush deepening. Isaac, by contrast, was staring out of the window as though there was nothing else that would hold his interest more. Elise moved herself barely an inch closer to Isaac, as if preparing herself to be bitten by him. Lila and Asher turned to face the front of the bus, settling themselves comfortably in their shared seat.

    ¡°Would¡­ you like some of my blanket?¡± Lila heard Elise ask tentatively.

    ¡°Huh? Oh¡­ thanks,¡± Isaac mumbled in response. Lila was incredibly tempted to turn around, but Asher gently nudged her with a subtle head shake. She leaned her head on his shoulder, placing her blanket across their legs and otherwise making herself comfortable.

    Eventually, Amy Kang, a girl from Asher¡¯s PC class, waved at Grace and sat beside her, chatting immediately about their music performance. It seemed that Grace¡¯s excuse to not sit with Elise wasn¡¯t that much of an excuse after all.

    After about ten minutes, Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt stood up and faced the back of the bus, each taking a head count of the students on the bus. They nodded to each other before Ms Wang tucked her clipboard underneath her arm.

    ¡°Alright, we¡¯re going to start moving in a few minutes,¡± Ms Wang announced. ¡°It¡¯ll be about two hours to the campsite, and we¡¯ll break for morning tea before hiking to our designated rest spot for the night.¡±

    There were some murmurs of acknowledgement and both teachers sat back down.

    Lila pressed herself closer to Asher and he took her hand under the blanket in response. Just as Ms Wang had said, the bus shortly began to move, rolling out of the College¡¯s carpark and towards the highway.

    At first, there was quite a bit of babble on the bus from classmates, even to the point of rowdiness, but this began to subside after about half an hour. Lila spent her time simply next to Asher, occasionally playing games on her phone, reading a passage or two from her book, or talking with him about something that caught their interest. Neither interacted with Elise or Isaac, though Lila could hear Isaac trying to talk to Elise, who was uncharacteristically quiet. Grace¡¯s conversation with Amy was far too indistinct for Lila to pay attention to, which she was privately pleased about. It likely contained lots of discussion about Ms Alexander that Lila didn¡¯t want to hear in the slightest.

    With only half an hour left to go, Lila was beginning to feel incredibly restless ¨C something that Asher seemed to notice.

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a long trip, huh?¡± he asked, watching as she stretched in her seat.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila sighed, looking up at the dusty ceiling of the bus. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I¡¯ll have any energy left to hike.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll have to,¡± he said seriously. ¡°Otherwise, you won¡¯t be able to get to the rest spot.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± she sighed again. ¡°I wish I could teleport.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯d be convenient,¡± he smiled, his eyes twinkling. ¡°If you had teleportation, do you reckon you could take me with you?¡±

    ¡°Depends on where I¡¯m getting these powers from, I think,¡± Lila replied thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯d like to. That way we could go wherever we wanted to.¡±

    Asher abruptly turned in his seat to Isaac, prompting Lila to turn and look that way, too. She caught sight of Elise nervously picking at her nails above the blanket, and Isaac seemed to have given up on the idea of talking to her, as his eyes were glued to his phone.

    ¡°Isaac,¡± Asher said simply. Isaac looked up, his expression slightly annoyed.

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°If you could bestow teleportation on someone, would you rule it that they could take someone with them?¡±

    Isaac put his phone down, a glimmer of excitement passing through his green eyes. He sat up, a hand placed thoughtfully on his chin.

    ¡°If it were me bestowing a power, I¡¯d say no since I¡¯m not giving that power to whoever else happens to be with the bestowee,¡± Isaac nodded, as though settled on this being his final answer. ¡°But, if it were about the rules of teleportation, I think that depends on how it works in this scenario. Is it a warp portal, or are you breaking into subatomic particles? If it¡¯s a warp portal, then there¡¯s no reason why someone else who¡¯s standing in it doesn¡¯t also get sucked off to wherever.¡± He paused, his cheeks a light pink. ¡°Could¡¯ve phrased that one better. A-Anyway, uh, if you¡¯re breaking into subatomic particles, then I feel like it¡¯d be difficult to transfer someone else with you.¡±

    ¡°What about you, Elise?¡± Asher asked, looking over at her.

    ¡°H-Huh?¡±

    ¡°If you-¡±

    ¡°Asher, sit down and face forwards, please,¡± Mr Vanderbilt¡¯s exasperated voice carried over to them. Lila and Asher both heeded the warning, though Asher had a slight pout.

    ¡°¡­ If teleportation includes moving stuff that¡¯s on you like your clothes and bags and whatever, then surely touching someone you want to take with you would mean they go too,¡± Elise replied, her voice only just loud enough for them to hear.

    ¡°That makes sense to me,¡± Isaac responded.

    ¡°Hey, you just said that you wouldn¡¯t have people take others with them if you bestowed the power,¡± Elise countered.

    ¡°You were listening?¡± Isaac questioned incredulously. ¡°If so, why haven¡¯t you been talking-¡±

    Isaac was cut off by an announcement from the bus driver over the speakers regarding an approaching mountain to the left side of the bus. Lila moved her head forward so she could see around Asher, the sight of the cragged surface and barren trees decorating the massive mountain being a novel one, considering they lived in rather flat suburbs.

    ¡°Beautiful,¡± Lila breathed. She looked up at Asher to find him smiling at her.

    ¡°Yeah. You are.¡±

    She immediately sat back, her heart crashing against her ribs.

    ¡°N-No, the mountain,¡± she faltered, pointing out the window.

    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s pretty cool,¡± he grinned, a mischievous sparkle in his eye, ¡°but that¡¯s not what I was talking about.¡±

    Lila touched the pendant of her new necklace, unsure where to look. He still managed to say things that made her shy and speechless all at once. She couldn¡¯t hide her smile, though. Was he able to sense how fast her heart was beating?

    Asher chuckled, pulling her so that her head was on his shoulder again. ¡°You¡¯re too cute to leave alone, you know.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll give me a heart attack,¡± Lila mumbled, glad that he wasn¡¯t looking at her face.

    ¡°Can¡¯t have that,¡± he murmured softly, ¡°you¡¯re mine after all.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m definitely passing away now,¡± Lila replied, her voice higher than normal. If he kept saying things like this, she¡¯d lose her inhibition ¨C let her true feelings slip, before she was ready to face what it would mean and the consequences if he wasn¡¯t feeling quite the same. She was far, far from ready for that.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare,¡± he laughed, sneaking a quick kiss to the side of her head. ¡°I¡¯ve got many more plans with you, yet.¡±

    Lila¡¯s breathing halted for a moment. Did that¡­ mean¡­

    ¡°OW!¡± Asher¡¯s head bumped into Lila¡¯s before he whipped around in a huff. ¡°The fuck, dude. Did you have to flick me?¡±

    ¡°I saw that,¡± Isaac¡¯s lofty voice replied. ¡°And stop flirting so hard.¡±

    Asher gave a heavy sigh, lightly touching Lila where he bumped her. ¡°Fine, fine. Did I hurt you?¡±

    She shook her head, lowering his hand back to his lap. ¡°I¡¯m okay.¡±

    With that, any chance that Lila could hope for in asking Asher if he meant what she wanted him to mean had sunk. Lila forced her thoughts to drift away from Asher and towards the investigation her Dad was conducting. Was Daniel okay today? It wasn¡¯t quite yet morning tea, so it wasn¡¯t as though he could report back anything if she texted him. From the looks of it, too, the closer and closer they drew to the campsite, the worse her reception became. She wasn¡¯t confident that she¡¯d be able to get in contact with Daniel at all that week, which worried her. Should she have told Clare to look out for Daniel?

    Lila hadn¡¯t thought about it yesterday, relishing instead the time spent with her sister, but now she was regretting not bringing it up. Should she send a quick text to Clare now?

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Asher whispered, taking her hand in his.

    Lila blinked, startled that he could tell that he should ask. ¡°¡­ I¡¯m just thinking about Daniel. I know that we purposefully didn¡¯t tell Clare anything about the investigation, but now that we¡¯re not on campus¡­ I¡¯m not sure if I should suggest she checks in on him throughout the week.¡±

    Asher looked contemplative as he ran his thumb along her knuckles. ¡°I don¡¯t think it would hurt,¡± he said after a few moments. ¡°I¡¯d make sure that she doesn¡¯t push him, though. Let him come to her if he wants to talk it out.¡±

    Lila sighed, pulling the blanket up. ¡°You¡¯re so sensible.¡±

    ¡°Well, I do try,¡± he smirked. ¡°Sometimes it doesn¡¯t work out so much.¡±

    ¡°Do¡­ you regret the risks we¡¯ve taken?¡± Lila¡¯s question was barely audible, and she¡¯d almost thought that she hadn¡¯t actually said that aloud. But, when Asher¡¯s hand went back to caressing the back of hers, she realised that he¡¯d heard her.

    ¡°Not at all. You make it sound as if they weren¡¯t taken sensibly,¡± he whispered back.

    ¡°Well¡­ there was a bit of-¡±

    ¡°I know. But we had our reasons. Wasn¡¯t as if we just¡­ did things mindlessly.¡±

    Lila twisted in her seat, peering briefly at Isaac and Elise. They both seemed to be absorbed in their phones, their expressions looking none the wiser to her conversation with Asher.

    ¡°Could say that we think too much,¡± she added with a small smile, turning back to face the front.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Asher concurred with a small smile of his own.

    Lila relaxed against him as she picked up her phone again. She sent Clare, Hey Clare, hope you enjoy your time with Alex. If you can, just keep an eye on Daniel this week. He¡¯s going through some stuff, but don¡¯t ask him questions ¨C wait until he¡¯s ready to talk, if he wants to. About to lose signal.

    About a second later, Lila¡¯s phone buzzed.

    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.

    What, why?? Clare¡¯s response didn¡¯t surprise Lila.

    It¡¯s getting worked out, but this week might be tough. Thought you weren¡¯t being nosy, Lila replied. It managed to send, but her signal cut off not a moment later. Seemed like Clare would need to just trust Lila¡¯s word.

    The bus wound its way through rough country roads, the number of farmlands flashing by Asher¡¯s window increasing by the second. Checking the time on her phone, it seemed that they only had ten minutes left before they¡¯d reach the campgrounds.

    There was one other thing that Lila wanted to check with Asher ¨C something that had crept into her mind since her sister mentioned it yesterday.

    ¡°Asher?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±

    She smiled before continuing. ¡°Uh, well, I wanted to know what you thought, about Holly being at the game on Saturday.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± He looked bewildered before realisation softened his gaze. ¡°Oh. That happened. Right. Well, I know Isaac was so unimpressed that he wanted the Police to hit a pregnant person-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I said,¡± Isaac¡¯s sulky voice insisted from behind them.

    Asher snickered, giving Lila a playful wink.

    ¡°Pretty sure that¡¯s what you said,¡± Lila teased.

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Isaac repeated. ¡°Just wanted a restraining order.¡±

    ¡°From a pregnant person?¡± Elise piped up. ¡°You don¡¯t need much, just walk away. They¡¯re not all that fast.¡±

    ¡°Now you¡¯re all just being dicks,¡± Isaac replied. Lila could hear the pout in his voice, which made her break into giggles with Asher and Elise. After a few moments, Asher and Lila sobered up, and Asher became serious once more.

    ¡°Anyway, sure, I was a bit disturbed at first, but¡­ seeing you there, and being able to kiss you and be¡­ I dunno, a bit stupid, I guess ¨C well, she may as well have not existed in the end.¡±

    Lila was quiet, though she leaned her head against his shoulder. Then, she asked, ¡°What if she¡¯s there at the next game?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°Then she¡¯s there.¡±

    ¡°You won¡¯t¡­ feel upset?¡±

    ¡°Why should I be upset?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ she¡¯s your ex, and was horrible to you.¡±

    Asher shrugged again. ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±

    ¡°Fine?¡±

    ¡°Well, what can I do? Mope around when I¡¯ve got the girl I¡¯ve wanted for years by my side? One who worries about whether I¡¯ll be okay seeing my ex months after I broke up with said ex?¡± He reached down to touch her cheek tenderly. ¡°When I said that I was disturbed, I meant that her appearance was shocking since she was at our school. It almost felt like Piper part two, for a moment. I¡¯d rather not see her ever again, but once I got over the initial shock of it all, it was whatever. I¡¯m sure one day, I won¡¯t have any reaction at all.¡±

    He faltered for a moment, another blush rising on his cheeks.

    ¡°Lila, the depths of the feelings I have for you¡­ you can stop worrying about her. She¡¯s so far from relevant. Since¡­¡±

    Lila was hooked on every word he was saying. There seemed to be something different about him, with the careful way he was breathing. She touched the pendant upon her chest, her eyes entirely devoted to him.

    Then, in an instant, the intensity of his gaze shifted as his eyes flickered to the front of the bus and back to her again.

    ¡°Since¡­ it was so long ago. I know she made everything complicated in the beginning. Sorry.¡± He grimaced before sitting back in his seat and leaning his head on the headrest.

    ¡°You¡­ were going to say something else,¡± Lila murmured, holding the A on her chest with a firmer grip. She couldn¡¯t think why her heart was pounding hard enough to leave her breathless.

    A look of panic crossed his face as their eyes met, his cheeks as red as an apple.

    ¡°N-No,¡± he stammered, readjusting his shirt. ¡°I said what I wanted to say.¡±

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t what I said.¡±

    ¡°I-¡±

    Asher¡¯s attempt at speaking was cut off by Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt standing in unison at the front.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be arriving soon,¡± Mr Vanderbilt declared, gesturing for everyone to keep the noise down. ¡°Start packing up your things and get ready to depart. No, that¡¯s not an invitation to stand ¨C Liam, sit.¡± He gave a frustrated sigh as he shook his head. A few people on the bus giggled before another student shushed them with an air of annoyance. ¡°As Ms Wang said earlier, once we stop, we¡¯ll have morning tea before hiking to our first camping spot.¡±

    ¡°What kind of stick is up his ass?¡± grumbled Isaac, viscerally reminding Lila that she was not as alone with Asher as it had felt when she challenged him about what he¡¯d almost said.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t he your PC teacher?¡± Lila heard Elise reply.

    ¡°Sure, but he¡¯s not normally so grumpy.¡±

    ¡°Somehow, I feel like any sensible teacher worth their weight in soap would hate to be stuck on a two-hour bus ride, then an almost week-long camp, with teenagers,¡± Elise responded, her tone rather businesslike.

    ¡°Soap?¡± Isaac sounded incredulous. ¡°Don¡¯t you mean gold?¡±

    ¡°No, I mean soap.¡±

    ¡°Who the heck taught you that? It¡¯s gold. ¡®Worth their weight in gold.¡¯¡±

    ¡°No one taught me that. That¡¯s just what it is. Gold? That¡¯s stupid. Can¡¯t wash yourself with gold.¡±

    ¡°I- what?¡± Isaac¡¯s tone rose in pitch, the bafflement in this simple response permeating each letter. ¡°What¡¯s washing yourself got anything to do with anything?¡±

    ¡°What use is there in gold besides to look shiny?¡±

    ¡°A lot, actually. Much more than soap.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back her laugh anymore. It seemed that Asher had a similar lack of inhibition as he chortled alongside her, holding a hand to his eyes.

    ¡°Well, you can go wash yourself with gold like a rich heathen, and I will continue to use soap.¡±

    ¡°You guys are getting loud over there,¡± Ms Wang called, having stood up at the front to gesture at where Lila and Asher were fighting for their lives to not fully give in to their impending fits of hysterics. ¡°I¡¯m happy enough to make you solve some mathematical equations in the dirt.¡±

    This threat was sufficient to make Lila immediately sober up, though Asher took a moment to sharply inhale through his nostrils before sitting back in his chair, a wide grin on his face. This seemed to satisfy Ms Wang as she sat back down.

    ¡°They¡¯re perfect for each other,¡± Lila whispered to Asher, folding up her blanket.

    ¡°Agreed,¡± Asher grinned with the slightest wheeze of laughter escaping through his teeth.

    The bus groaned to a halt, the sound of gravel crunching underneath the tyres being one hint that they were somewhere far more rural than Lila was ordinarily used to.

    ¡°We¡¯ll get off in an orderly fashion,¡± Mr Vanderbilt announced, gesturing to the left-hand side of the bus. ¡°This side will get off first. Make sure to double-check your seats so that you haven¡¯t left anything behind.¡±

    Mr Vanderbilt hopped off and Ms Wang guided the students off the bus.

    ¡°Thanks, sir,¡± Lila smiled at the bus driver as she passed. He nodded in acknowledgement, his head seeming more like a bobblehead as other passing students thanked him, including Asher.

    Once out of the bus, Lila stretched her arms above her head. While she didn¡¯t mind being cosy next to Asher, having to be seated the whole time did a number on her posture.

    Mr Vanderbilt was dragging the bags from the storage compartment with Michael and a few other boys from both PC classes. Asher joined in, helping to separate his, Lila''s, Isaac''s, Elise''s, and Grace¡¯s bags from the majority.

    A few moments later, a dusty white Ute pulled up next to the bus. Out jumped two youthful-looking men, dressed in identical tan caps, khaki polos with ¡®Camp Horizon¡¯ embroidered on them and hiking shorts and boots. A third person, a young brunette woman dressed in the same uniform, also popped out, though she stayed by the Ute as the two males spoke with Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt.

    ¡°They must be the camp counsellors,¡± Lila noted to Elise, who was busily fisting her blanket back into her hiking bag.

    ¡°What? Oh. Yeah,¡± she replied noncommittally, her face screwed up in concentration as she continued to shove.

    ¡°What the hell did you pack in here?¡± Lila asked, propping up Elise¡¯s bag to make the whole experience easier.

    ¡°A few things,¡± Elise huffed, finally zipping it up. ¡°Like my whole life.¡±

    ¡°And bundles upon bundles of soap, no doubt,¡± Isaac snorted, zipping up his hiking bag as well.

    ¡°Good thing, too,¡± Elise retorted, crossing her arms. ¡°Since you apparently bathe in gold.¡±

    ¡°I wish. Then I wouldn¡¯t have to work at Maccas to pay back this guy,¡± Isaac replied, jerking a thumb at Asher. Asher held his hands up in surrender.

    ¡°I told you that you could take as long as you needed,¡± Asher said.

    ¡°I don¡¯t want to take years.¡±

    ¡°Then get to McWorking. I don¡¯t know what else to tell you,¡± Asher laughed.

    ¡°Kinda McWalked into that one,¡± Isaac sighed, turning his attention to the camp counsellors, who were standing a few metres away from the majority of the group.

    ¡°Morning, and welcome,¡± the taller of the two males said with a bright, enthusiastic smile. ¡°I¡¯m Mick, and that¡¯s Henry. We¡¯ll be your guides for your camping trip this week. Also behind us is Rachael, but she won¡¯t be joining us on this morning¡¯s hike. Now, before we get going to the campsite, how about we eat?¡±

    A few cheered with lacklustre energy and Mick, Henry and Rachael began to pull out trays of sandwiches and fruits, passing them around to the students. Once those were handed out, Mick jumped onto the back of the Ute and passed Henry small juice boxes, bottles of water and trail mix bags. These weren¡¯t handed out just yet, laying instead by Henry¡¯s feet for the moment. Mick then jumped off the Ute before unwrapping his own sandwich.

    Everyone was silent as they ate their food. Overall, it wasn¡¯t the worst morning tea that Lila had experienced. Once everyone was finished, Mick, Henry and Rachael began handing out the trail mix, juice boxes and water.

    ¡°The trail mix is snacks for the road,¡± Mick announced, holding up one of the bags. ¡°Feel free to have water and juice, if you¡¯d like, but I would recommend keeping at least some water for the journey.¡±

    ¡°How far away is it?¡± a student Lila couldn¡¯t see asked.

    ¡°Not far,¡± Henry replied, his voice far more weathered than Mick¡¯s. ¡°A couple kilometres or more.¡±

    ¡°Or more?¡± repeated Liam, who stood a few metres away from Lila, his scowl evident. His statement was accompanied by murmurs of agreement at the atrocity of this idea from other classmates.

    ¡°It won¡¯t be so bad,¡± Mick said cheerily. ¡°We¡¯ll take regular breaks and should reach the campsite by lunchtime. After that, we¡¯ll have lunch, pitch our tents, and then it¡¯ll be free time until dinner. Easy day today.¡±

    Lila exchanged a nervous look with Asher. It sounded like they¡¯d have quite a bit of free time¡­ was today the day to talk to Grace?

    Mick instructed everyone on how to properly wear the hiking bag before wandering through the group of students with Henry, checking as they went.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t think you can carry your hiking bag, we¡¯ll give you some time to take out some items and pop them in the Ute,¡± Henry said, holding up a reel of plastic garbage bags. ¡°If there are things that you need to leave behind, just grab one of these. They¡¯ll go onto the Ute and meet you at the campsite.¡±

    There was a flurry of activity as students assessed the weight of their hiking bags, with some, including Grace and Elise, taking up the offer of lightening their loads.

    ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need to take things out of your bag?¡± Asher murmured to Lila as Henry and Mick finished packing the tray of the Ute, tying down the belongings with a tarp.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°I packed light.¡± She jostled her bag as a demonstration. After her morning tea, she was feeling energised enough to carry it without issue.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take your bag,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°So, you will be fine.¡±

    ¡°Asher, the point of all of this is taking your own stuff along with you,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°I appreciate the offer, but I don¡¯t want to overload you, either.¡±

    He seemed prepared to argue before a shrill whistle from Mick silenced him.

    ¡°Rightio,¡± Mick called, heading towards the trail through the trees just ahead, a hiking bag on his back. ¡°I¡¯ll lead from the front, your teachers will be somewhere in the middle, and Henry will be in the back. Rachael will head off with the Ute now and meet us there.¡±

    Lila, Asher, Isaac, Elise and Grace positioned themselves so that they were towards the middle, behind Ms Wang. Mick checked behind him before giving another shrill whistle.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± he shouted, pointing up ahead. The trail was filled with dusty rocks, branches and a myriad of leaves that had fallen from the trees enclosing them on the pathway, but at least it was relatively flat for now. In fact, the walk was pleasant, given the soothing wind brushing past Lila¡¯s face and the feeling of fresh, rural air in her lungs.

    There wasn¡¯t much talk amongst all of the students for a while, with people seemingly preferring to concentrate on walking. Eventually, the trail exited the forest and took the students through a field of tall, thick wild grass. It was almost as tall as Lila, who let her fingers glide through the yellowed blades. She caught sight of Asher smiling at her and she returned the smile.

    ¡°Try it,¡± she said, pushing her hand through more of the grass. ¡°It¡¯s a weird feeling.¡±

    Asher did so before laughing. ¡°Yeah, it is.¡±

    Soon, the grass gave way to another forest, which looked to be going up into an incline ¨C where the real hiking was to begin.

    ¡°By the way,¡± Lila said as they continued to traverse the path with slightly more trepidation than before, ¡°who are you tenting with?¡±

    ¡°Isaac and Finley,¡± Asher replied.

    ¡°Finley? You close with him?¡±

    Asher shrugged, turning around.

    ¡°Oi, Finley,¡± he said, cupping his hands around his mouth to carry his voice further. ¡°We close?¡±

    ¡°Close to what?¡± came Finley¡¯s puffed, bemused reply. ¡°Death?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Snot that bad,¡± Isaac laughed. ¡°Need me to carry your bag, Fin?¡±

    ¡°Nah, man. You¡¯ll just drop it,¡± Finley snorted.

    ¡°Eh, true,¡± Isaac laughed again.

    ¡°There¡¯s your answer,¡± Asher grinned, turning back around.

    ¡°That answered nothing,¡± Lila blinked, lifting her bag for a moment.

    ¡°We¡¯re close enough to share a tent, not close enough for anything else. Been in the same PC class since Grade 7,¡± Asher said matter-of-factly, as though the conclusion was obvious.

    ¡°I¡¯d kinda thought that Isaac was your only friend,¡± Lila mumbled, glad that the physical activity left her face red regardless of her embarrassment.

    ¡°I mean¡­ I wouldn¡¯t invite Finley to my house,¡± Asher said quietly. ¡°Not nowadays, anyway. Maybe when we were younger. Friend is such an odd term. It¡¯s hard to say that Finley is or isn¡¯t a friend. Definitely not a close friend, or a best friend, but we¡¯re friendly.¡±

    ¡°Does Finley have other friends?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s part of a group of four, that I know of,¡± Asher said casually. ¡°At least, four in my PC class. Don¡¯t know the rest of them at all, really, so it was a no-brainer for Finley to be the sacrifice for my tent.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see.¡±

    They didn¡¯t speak for a few minutes as Lila turned her attention to what she was doing. She was starting to feel the burn in her legs now, as the incline continued to steepen. After about ten more minutes of this incline, a break was called. This led to many students sitting on the ground or nearby boulders and tree stumps in relief, some drinking water, and catching their breaths.

    ¡°You going okay?¡± Asher queried, stretching his legs with a slight lunge. ¡°I can seriously take your bag.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Lila insisted. ¡°Thanks.¡±

    Just as the words left her lips, she heard Isaac offering the same to Elise.

    ¡°I can take it,¡± Isaac said confidently. ¡°You seem to be getting tired.¡±

    Elise¡¯s expression seemed incredibly unsure. ¡°It¡­ should be okay,¡± she said after a few moments.

    ¡°What about you, Grace? You need me to take your bag?¡± Isaac questioned.

    ¡°If you¡¯re offering,¡± Grace replied, eagerly unbuckling herself from her hiking bag. Isaac seemed amused as he placed Grace¡¯s bag on his left shoulder.

    ¡°Well, don¡¯t let me twist your arm over it,¡± Isaac commented, adjusting his shoulders. ¡°I¡¯ve got room for one more, Elise.¡±

    ¡°Uh, how?¡± Elise questioned, pointing at both the bags. ¡°You¡¯ve got one on each shoulder.¡±

    ¡°Right one¡¯s the strong one,¡± Isaac stated, patting said ¡®strong one¡¯.

    ¡°Actually, Asher,¡± Lila said loudly, unbuckling her own bag, ¡°you can carry my bag if you want.¡± She gave Elise a sideways glance and saw that Elise was indeed watching as Asher grinned and took Lila¡¯s bag away. Lila hoped that perhaps it would encourage Elise to pass her bag to Isaac since he clearly wanted to carry it.

    ¡°C¡¯mon,¡± Isaac cajoled, shaking his right shoulder towards Elise, ¡°I¡¯m strong. I can lift.¡±

    She still looked unsure as she tentatively unbuckled her bag. ¡°If¡­ you want to. I mean, it¡¯s full of soap.¡±

    Isaac chortled heartily, taking her bag and throwing it over his shoulder. ¡°See,¡± he said after wiggling his shoulders again, showing how stable he was with the extra weight. ¡°I¡¯m strong.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ wasn¡¯t doubting that,¡± Elise replied, turning from him, her eyes resting on Lila¡¯s. Elise then looked back at Isaac, her voice meek as she said, ¡°Thanks, Isaac.¡±

    Lila kept the urge to immediately tell Elise that it was clear Isaac liked her to herself. That was an ¡®in tent¡¯ discussion, once they reached the rest spot.

    Their break finished up shortly thereafter and the girls, now no longer weighed down by the bags, had a much easier time. It didn¡¯t seem like taking on more bags slowed either Asher or Isaac down, and they all passed a number of their fellow students as they continued to hike. Lila checked on the people behind them and saw that a few other male students had taken on more bags than their own. Perhaps there were some more in that number who might be trying to impress others¡­

    Finally, after another break and a steady decline down the other side of the small hill they¡¯d been hiking along, they reached what appeared to be the rest spot ¨C a large, relatively flat clearing with toilets and showers off to the far end, and bundles of tents in the middle. Also in the middle was a couple of gazebos, under which Rachael appeared to be busily preparing for lunch.

    ¡°Alright,¡± Mick called as Lila, Asher and their friends arrived. ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the rest spot. Grab a tent and your tenting buddies while we wait for the others to get here. The sleeping areas are a bit further back, but we¡¯ll have lunch and rest up for the moment.¡±

    Mick gestured to the tents, inviting the newcomers to go on. Several students were sitting around on the ground or their hiking bags, having already selected a tent. One of these students was Cecelia, talking with some people from Asher¡¯s PC class. Lila had forgotten, actually, that Asher had mentioned Cecelia was in his PC class until now.

    They both waved at each other, but neither approached for the moment. Lila looked back at Asher, who was setting down the bags next to the three that Isaac had already set down. Lila accompanied Elise and Grace in inspecting the tents before selecting two, bringing them back to Asher and Isaac and sitting down.

    ¡°I am so hungry,¡± Elise sighed, stretching her legs out in front of her. ¡°I already ate all my trail mix.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Isaac lamented. ¡°It was too irresistible.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve resisted mine,¡± Asher said frankly, pulling his out of his pocket, ¡°if you want, you can-¡±

    Isaac gleefully snatched it from Asher, who chuckled. Isaac threw a couple of pieces in his mouth before offering it to Elise, who hesitantly took some. The group idly spoke about the hike and what tomorrow¡¯s activities might be, whilst they waited for the rest of the students to arrive. Finally, after about twenty minutes, Henry emerged behind the last stragglers, nodding at Mick.

    Lila watched with mild interest as Mick and Henry helped with Rachael¡¯s preparation of lunch. Though Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt tried to assist, they were quickly (and politely) told to sit down and relax. After some more preparation, Mick and Henry clapped their hands, ceasing all conversation.

    ¡°Lunch is ready. We¡¯ve got sandwiches, fruits, more trail mix, some juice and more water bottles under the gazebo here. A handwashing station is set up over here, where you¡¯ll start lining up. Please wash your hands and proceed across the tables that way,¡± Henry announced, pointing at the various spots of interest. ¡°Two sandwiches each at first, then you can come back for seconds.¡±

    As Lila made her way through the conveyor-like system, she noted several sandwiches for those with allergies and dietary requirements ¨C which, thankfully, she didn¡¯t need to take. Once lunch was over and Lila¡¯s belly was full, Mick reiterated the procedure from here; that students were to take their tents and tent buddies and set up.

    ¡°Aw,¡± Elise whispered as Mick continued with his explanation ¨C that the girls and boys were tented separately, with strict supervision ¨C ¡°I was enjoying just loafing around here.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll want a place to sleep tonight even more,¡± Grace replied reasonably.

    ¡°I¡¯ll reluctantly agree to that one,¡± Elise sighed. The girls shared a small giggle, sobering up just as Mick released them all, funnelling them to the requisite sites per gender. Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt also led the way per gender, and Lila, Elise, and Grace meandered over to the gaggle of girls congregating beside Ms Wang and Rachael, their bags slung over their shoulders. Lila carried the tent in her arms and they set off past the toilets and showers, through more tall grassland. It was about a five-minute walk, and she couldn¡¯t see or hear any of the boys from where they finally stopped.

    Once they were shown how to put up the tents by Rachael and Ms Wang, Lila, Grace, and Elise tried their best to figure it out. It seemed to go well until they realised their zip was opening upside down. After the heaviest of sighs, they unpicked their tent and did it again, with a few giggles here and there.

    Unfurling their sleeping mats resulted in some casualties of the face variety, and more giggles, which helped Lila feel far more at peace with the idea of sleeping in the same tent as Grace. She did insist that Elise sleep in the middle though, just in case things ended up getting dicey.

    ¡°This is¡­ the worst sleeping arrangement I think I ever could¡¯ve come up with,¡± Grace sighed once their hiking bags were safely inside, sleeping bags were set and torchlights were hung up. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯m going to sleep at all this week.¡±

    ¡®You¡­ probably won¡¯t,¡¯ Lila thought privately as she continued to fuss about with her sleeping bag.

    Elise flopped down onto her sleeping bag with a wince. ¡°Neither. I even got the extra thick mat and I think I feel every rock that¡¯s ever been in this spot. Dinosaurs, too.¡±

    ¡°How many nights are we here for?¡± Lila questioned as she knelt on her sleeping bag. It was as both Grace and Elise had described ¨C wholly unpleasant.

    ¡°Have no idea,¡± Grace replied with distaste. ¡°Hopefully not long.¡±

    ¡°You girls ready to go back?¡± Ms Wang¡¯s voice carried through the rows and rows of tents as though she had cupped her hands around her mouth. ¡°We¡¯ll have a debriefing before we let you all go have some free time.¡±

    With a groan, Elise flailed before getting to her hands and knees, and crawling out behind Lila. Grace exited from the other side and they all took a deep breath of the crisp air before heading back to the common area. There were far more tarps lying around now, which meant more students were sitting on the ground. Asher and Isaac were already waiting, laughing about how they¡¯d shoddily set up their tent, though they were still standing.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila smiled, lightly brushing her shoulder against Asher. He beamed back at her, repeating her greeting. They continued to look at each other for a moment, with Lila feeling content to be back in his presence. She was itching, really, to hug him again, but refrained for the moment.

    ¡°Lila, can I borrow you for a moment?¡± Ms Wang¡¯s voice was low, though it still startled Lila since Ms Wang was behind her.

    ¡°O-Oh. Hello, Ms Wang,¡± Lila responded, nodding. ¡°What about?¡±

    Ms Wang gestured towards a secluded spot by one of the gazebos, far away from any of the other students. Lila looked back behind her, sharing bemused looks with her friends before realising that Asher was heading off with Mr Vanderbilt, his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°What¡¯s¡­ up?¡± Lila asked Ms Wang tentatively. Ms Wang remained quiet until they reached the spot she¡¯d gestured at before standing so that she was blocking Lila from seeing anyone else in the common area.

    ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be a long conversation,¡± Ms Wang began, her voice gentle yet stern. ¡°Now, I¡¯m well aware that you and Asher are together, so I¡¯d like to set some expectations.¡±

    Lila blinked, feeling flabbergasted by Ms Wang¡¯s statement. Expectations? For what?

    ¡°I know that we¡¯re not on campus, and now that we¡¯re camping with a bit of free time, but you still mustn¡¯t be tempted.¡±

    ¡°T-Tempted?¡±

    Ms Wang gave her a serious look. ¡°Tempted to go into a bush, or a tent, or something else together and do things that teenaged couples do. I know that environments like these can get people swept up in the moment, but hands to yourselves, please.¡±

    Lila¡¯s face immediately felt as though it was on fire. ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°I know you know what I¡¯m alluding to. Please don¡¯t do anything like that, Lila. That¡¯s not something that I wish to write home about. I¡¯m sure you also wouldn¡¯t want to go home early, either.¡±

    ¡°M-Message received,¡± Lila replied weakly. Was there an opportunity to bury herself somewhere? She had never felt so awkward in Ms Wang¡¯s presence, and she wasn¡¯t quite sure whether she could look her in the eye after this. Just what kind of rumours were swirling around Lila and Asher that Ms Wang felt the need to talk to her about that?

    Ms Wang smiled warmly at Lila. ¡°Good. Look, I¡¯m sure you wouldn¡¯t have, but I¡¯m obligated to make sure that you know you shouldn¡¯t. You can go back to your friends now.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t find any words to respond with, so she settled with a stiff nod before scurrying back to her friends, her face still feeling hot. They¡¯d now settled themselves on the tarp, their eyes on her as she approached.

    ¡°What was that about?¡± Elise asked, leaning towards Lila as she sat down in their rough circle. Lila was about to respond before catching sight of Isaac.

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ tell you guys later. Like, much later,¡± Lila mumbled, her embarrassment rising once more.

    ¡°You can tell me,¡± Isaac implored, also leaning towards Lila.

    ¡°It¡­ was, uh, girl talk,¡± Lila said vaguely, staring down at her hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m one of the girls,¡± Isaac nodded eagerly.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila countered. She was saved by the reappearance of Asher, who was bright red and seemed just as flustered as Lila felt.

    ¡°What happened to you?¡± Isaac questioned as Asher sat next to him, clearly averting his eyes from Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you later. Like, much later,¡± Asher responded, placing his head in his hands.

    ¡°That¡¯s what Lila said!¡± Isaac huffed, lowering himself so that he was lying down on the tarp, using his hands as cushions.

    At that, Asher¡¯s eyes met Lila¡¯s before they both instantly looked away. From Asher¡¯s behaviour, Lila could only surmise that Mr Vanderbilt had a similar conversation with Asher. It was hard enough to convince Asher to do more than just kiss in the privacy of his home (something she still hadn¡¯t managed) ¨C let alone do anything of that sort on a school camp, surrounded by their peers. So, the idea that their PC teachers felt the need to warn them like that felt like another slap in the face to Lila.

    Their friends didn¡¯t ask again, which relieved Lila. Instead, they engaged in casual conversations about what would be for dinner, what their activities for tomorrow would be, and whatever else came to mind.

    It didn¡¯t take much longer for Mick, Henry, and Rachael to command everyone¡¯s attention once more. They advised the students that the rest of the day until dinner was dedicated to free time, to allow everyone to settle in. They were given strict instructions to not stray too far, remaining within the bounds of the tents and the common area, though some freedom was afforded to them to explore the surroundings, up to the fence lines, with at least one other person as part of a buddy system.

    Nothing was said about not running into bushes and getting up to ¡®what teenagers do¡¯, which surprisingly made Lila feel even worse about her conversation with Ms Wang. Had she seriously singled Lila out? Was¡­ this following on from what Isaac kept fussing about? That the teachers would begin targeting them, because of their kissing around school and at sports?

    With that, there were no more announcements and they were allowed to be free for the rest of the afternoon.

    ¡°Damn, I didn¡¯t bring my book,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°I¡¯m gonna go grab it from my tent. Do you want anything, you two?¡±

    Grace shook her head with a yawn. ¡°I¡¯ll come with you, actually. I think I¡¯ll take a nap.¡±

    ¡°You sure it won¡¯t be too hot in there?¡± Elise queried. It was a fair question, now that it was the tail end of winter. Though the mornings and nights were still chilly, the days themselves were warming up.

    ¡°I brought a portable fan,¡± Grace replied proudly. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    ¡°Righto. Won¡¯t be long,¡± Elise said to the remaining three as she and Grace stood up.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯m gonna grab something from my tent too,¡± Isaac said hurriedly, standing up as well. ¡°Not that you guys are boring, but reading sounds like a good idea.¡±

    Lila hoped that Asher would stay behind with her as she waved Elise, Grace and Isaac off. To her relief, he did.

    Once their friends were out of earshot, Asher gave a long, slow exhale.

    ¡°That¡­ was a really awkward conversation,¡± he muttered, looking up at the sky. ¡°Like, much more awkward than when your Dad accused you of being pregnant.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me,¡± Lila whined, lying down on the tarp and covering her eyes with her right arm. ¡°I¡¯d think you¡¯re bullying me.¡±

    ¡°Not trying to,¡± was Asher¡¯s sheepish response. ¡°Just¡­ trying to make myself laugh. Otherwise, I might bury myself alive.¡±

    ¡°What did Mr Vanderbilt say to you?¡±

    ¡°He kinda just¡­ looked at me and said ¡®Don¡¯t even think about it¡¯. I asked what he meant by that and he gave me this super serious look and said, ¡®If you want to do something private with your girlfriend, do it on the weekend.¡¯. I couldn¡¯t find the words to defend myself. I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever been more mortified by an adult. Especially since¡­ well¡­ it¡¯s not like-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me of that, either,¡± Lila sighed, taking her free hand and lightly touching the A on her chest. ¡°¡­ Ms Wang basically gave me the same talk. Essentially said that it might be tempting to go into a bush, or a tent, but to keep my hands to myself when it comes to you.¡±

    ¡°How did they even reach that conclusion? That we¡¯d just¡­ do something like that.¡±

    ¡°I might have an idea, actually,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Clare said that someone from her grade got suspended, and then she moved schools, because she¡¯d been caught in two different guys¡¯ tents.¡±

    ¡°Damn. That¡¯s¡­ risky.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah. I dunno, I feel like¡­ people who are seriously together are more aware of not doing that kind of thing on a school camp since they probably have more opportunity to do that elsewhere. Not that¡­ I¡¯d really know, I guess.¡±

    Asher sighed, and she could tell that he¡¯d scooted closer to her. ¡°Lila¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that in a sulky kind of way. It¡¯s just a fact.¡±

    He paused. ¡°¡­ Okay.¡±

    They were silent for a few moments before Lila asked, ¡°Should¡­ we talk to Grace? Today?¡±

    ¡°Are you feeling brave enough to?¡±

    ¡°If it was down to me feeling brave enough, I think I¡¯d take this secret to my grave,¡± Lila said drily.

    ¡°Point taken. I know we said before that, well, today would be the day¡­ but I think ambushing her on day one of camp might not be a good idea. Especially since you¡¯re sharing the same tent.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila mumbled. ¡°But we¡¯re sharing a tent for the rest of camp.¡±

    ¡°Maybe¡­ just let her settle in for the day. Try and¡­ not make it so awkward on day one.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Alright.¡±

    Lila fell into a contemplative silence before asking, ¡°What¡¯d you reckon about Elise and Isaac?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m surprised that she was so quiet on the bus, but at least she seems to be perking up a bit now,¡± Asher replied simply.

    ¡°It was pretty sweet that he offered to take her bag,¡± Lila said softly.

    ¡°It was, but I think he might¡¯ve ruined the moment by asking Grace immediately afterwards,¡± Asher laughed. ¡°Not that I wouldn¡¯t have done the same if I were in his shoes.¡±

    ¡°Hey, you were pretty persistent about wanting to hold stuff for me before we started dating,¡± Lila reminded him.

    ¡°You knew I liked you by then, though. They seem to be actively refusing to see it. Oh, looks like they¡¯re coming back.¡±

    The rest of their time passed from afternoon to night without much of particular note. She enjoyed her time lazing about with Asher, Elise, and Isaac. They played some wordplay games when Elise and Isaac had stopped reading and talked about their predictions for the rest of their camping trip to pass the time before moving on to other topics filled with laughter.

    As the sun began to set, they watched as Mick, Henry, and Rachael started to set up a lively bonfire, after which dinner began to be prepared. It was at this point that Grace emerged from her nap, looking not much more refreshed than when she disappeared.

    They ate their humble dinners of spaghetti bolognese and watched the bonfire flicker and dance against the darkened forest before finally going through their bedtime routines and heading to their tents under the starlit sky.

    Lila tried not to think of this as being the last idyllic night that she¡¯d spend with her friends. In fact, she tried her best to feel hopeful that, perhaps, Grace would see where Lila was coming from, if she managed to gain her courage tomorrow. That¡­ maybe there¡¯d be more comfortable, relaxed nights throughout the week with all of her friends, Grace included ¨C a much needed reprieve from everything that had happened this term alone.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty

    It turned out that, even with the thinness of her sleeping mat and the chill passing through her pyjamas, Lila had managed to fall asleep quite easily. Perhaps it was the exhaustion, both mental and physical, that had clocked her out as soon as she pulled her sleeping bag over herself last night, the twigs and rocks underneath her not bothering her as much as she¡¯d thought they would.

    Upon opening her eyes the next morning, she could tell it was far too early to get up. From the small window at the top of the tent, Lila saw that only the earliest sunrays had just begun to peek through. It was also far too quiet and still outside to suggest that many, if any, other girls had started stirring.

    Despite the fact that her phone was currently an expensive lemon since there was no signal, Lila had taken the time last night to put it on charge via her battery pack. With a yawn, she checked the time ¨C 6.05am. Breakfast wouldn¡¯t be for at least another hour to hour and a half.

    The heck was she supposed to do now? There still wasn¡¯t any signal on her phone and it wasn¡¯t bright enough to read just yet. She did have some offline games, but she wanted to conserve at least some battery since it was only day two of camp.

    With a sigh, she put her phone back, leaving it unplugged for now. So¡­ would the next half an hour be spent wallowing in silence until Elise or Grace woke up since showering was so unappealing right now?

    She couldn¡¯t put off talking to Grace any longer. Every time she eyed the glimmering bracelet around Grace¡¯s wrist, which she knew Ms Alexander had bought for Grace, her stomach would turn and she¡¯d fall silent. The subsequent relief that she kept feeling when Grace wasn¡¯t around ultimately didn¡¯t make Lila feel good at all.

    But what would the best way to approach this be? Sure, they were on camp now, and there was no way for Grace to contact Ms Alexander, and limited opportunities for her to run from Lila and Asher, but¡­ would talking to her in the morning be best? Or the afternoon? After dinner?

    Lila pressed her palms into her eyelids, trying to think. She didn¡¯t want there to be any opportunity for anyone else to listen in ¨C not even Elise and Isaac. She didn¡¯t want to have the conversation without Asher, either, so trying to talk in the tent was a no-go, too. Though there were plenty of secluded spots, she was also well aware of the special attention that Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt had been paying to her and Asher after yesterday¡¯s warning. While she thought that Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt would doubt that anything would be happening with Grace involved, there wasn¡¯t any guarantee that they wouldn¡¯t lurk to make sure.

    It was starting to look like this would be an opportunistic conversation. Not ideal, but there was no other way around it. They¡¯d have to find a spot and just¡­ go for it. How would the conversation even start? She¡¯d been too anxious to plan it out, especially with the morphine ring investigation happening concurrently.

    A half-stifled snore caught Lila¡¯s attention and she looked to her right. It seemed that Elise had startled herself into waking, with the small, grumpy sounds she was emitting. Lila waited with bated breath to see if Elise was actually waking up ¨C and, to her relief, Elise rubbed her eyes and opened them.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila said quietly, welcoming this new distraction.

    ¡°M-M-Morning,¡± Elise yawned, stretching her arms up and hitting the wall of the tent. She frowned before yawning again, this time with her hands over her mouth.

    Lila heard rustling on the other side of Elise, which probably meant that Grace was starting to wake up, too.

    ¡°What time is it?¡± Elise whispered, blinking as she looked at Lila.

    ¡°Just after six.¡±

    ¡°Ew,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°Now that I¡¯m awake, there¡¯s no way I¡¯m going back to sleep.¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Do you reckon it¡¯s too early to go to the showers?¡±

    ¡°Probably not, but I was going to wait a little bit longer. The sun¡¯s only just rising and I don¡¯t want to bother with a torch.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±

    ¡°Good morning, guys,¡± Grace¡¯s sleepy voice interjected.

    ¡°Grace!¡± Elise said happily, turning her head towards Grace. ¡°Morning.¡±

    ¡°Morning,¡± Lila added with far less enthusiasm. ¡°It¡¯s just after six.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Grace replied with a yawn. ¡°That¡¯s early.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila responded casually. She pressed her lips together, wishing that Grace had slept even a little bit longer.

    ¡°Well, if we¡¯re just waiting for time to pass,¡± Elise said, sitting up and looking at Lila, ¡°you can tell us what Ms Wang wanted with you yesterday.¡±

    Lila groaned, covering her face with her hands. Now she wished that both Elise and Grace had slept a bit longer.

    ¡°You did say that you¡¯d tell us later,¡± Grace added, her tone curious.

    ¡°Ms Wang¡­ basically told me to not get handsy with Asher, or sneak off and¡­ ¡®do things that teenagers do¡¯,¡± Lila explained after a slight pause. She lowered her hands, looking up at the ceiling of the tent as she continued, ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever felt more awkward with Ms Wang, and that¡¯s taking into account that time she confronted me about the pictures Piper put up around school.¡±

    Elise gasped. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. Mr Vanderbilt had a similar conversation with Asher, too.¡±

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Elise uttered incredulously. Then, Lila caught sight of a smirk on Elise¡¯s face, which flooded her with a sense of foreboding. ¡°So, you guys-¡±

    ¡°Not even slightly,¡± Lila cut Elise off with yet another groan. ¡°We¡¯ve only made out, like, a couple times.¡±

    ¡°Seriously? With the way he was sucking on your neck yesterday, I thought you¡¯d gone all the way.¡±

    Lila turned to face the wall of the tent, her cheeks aflame with mortification. ¡°Definitely not. And he wasn¡¯t sucking on my neck.¡±

    Elise snorted. ¡°Okay, he was a second away from that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll throw my pillow at you.¡±

    ¡°Good, I need another.¡±

    ¡°I might be wrong, but it sounds like you want more,¡± Grace said, effectively ignoring Elise¡¯s teasing of Lila. Lila stiffened. She wanted to talk about this with Grace, but this want was tainted by her confrontation plans.

    ¡°I agree with Grace,¡± Elise said. ¡°Is there a hold up?¡±

    Lila closed her eyes. Neither Elise nor Grace would let her go at this point¡­ so, talk about it, she did.

    ¡°The hold up¡­ is him,¡± she reluctantly admitted in a low mumble. ¡°But¡­ he confuses me. He says stuff like he really wants to, but then¡­ doesn¡¯t do anything about it. I¡¯ve told him a few times that I want to so I decided to leave it at that since he didn¡¯t want to get into why when I asked.¡±

    ¡°Weird,¡± Elise commented. ¡°I would¡¯ve thought he couldn¡¯t wait, and would just go for it as soon as you said you wanted to.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila replied despondently. ¡°I¡­ also don¡¯t know if I feel like I really want to because¡­ well, I figured out, after talking to Clare, that I l-love him.¡±

    Elise¡¯s squeal seemed to rattle the walls of their tent. Grace immediately hastened to shush Elise.

    ¡°You love him?¡± Elise whispered, clearly getting the hint. ¡°Without banging him?¡±

    Lila turned to face Elise and Grace, who were both beaming. ¡°Yeah,¡± she confirmed quietly. ¡°Is banging a prerequisite to love?¡±

    Elise and Grace exchanged a glance.

    ¡°Dunno,¡± Elise shrugged, looking at Grace expectantly. ¡°What say you, Miss Experienced One?¡±

    Grace pursed her lips, her expression contemplative. ¡°Well¡­ for me¡­ I realised it after we started doing things like that.¡±

    ¡°Is not even a month too short to be feeling like this?¡± Lila questioned, doubt seeping into her words whilst she tried to put Ms Alexander out of her mind. ¡°Am I just¡­ I dunno, sexually frustrated and confusing everything?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with calling it love and finding out later that it¡¯s not, especially if you end up feeling stronger feelings about him later,¡± Grace replied sagely. ¡°Relationships are meant to evolve over time.¡±

    It made sense to Lila, but she didn¡¯t want to think about whether Ms Alexander said that to Grace, or whether Grace came to that conclusion on her own.

    ¡°Have you told him?¡± Elise asked, her eyes eager.

    ¡°No,¡± Lila responded emphatically. ¡°I don¡¯t want to freak him out. I mean, I¡­ I¡¯ve settled on it being love, but since it hasn¡¯t even been a month yet, I want to keep it to myself for now.¡±

    ¡°But what if that¡¯s what¡¯ll make him make a move on you?¡±

    ¡°Elise, don¡¯t give her ideas like that. You might pressure her into saying it because she wants a certain outcome, only to be disappointed if he¡¯s still not ready,¡± Grace frowned.

    ¡°Well, have you tried getting lost in the moment?¡± Elise pressed.

    ¡°Yeah. Well, not with the goal of¡­ that in mind, but just¡­ something more. He stops us every time,¡± Lila said dejectedly. ¡°I dunno, maybe I¡¯m just¡­ super sensitive after he rejected me a couple months ago. Like, these moments are all more rejections, and it¡­¡± Lila trailed off, unsure what the rest of her thought was.

    ¡°It hurts,¡± Grace finished wisely. ¡°At least, I can see why it would.¡±

    ¡°Should I ask Isaac why?¡± Elise questioned in a low whisper. ¡°Y¡¯know, since he¡¯s Asher¡¯s best friend.¡±

    Lila shot up, her face red once more. ¡°No!¡± she half-shouted. ¡°Don¡¯t ask my ex why his best friend, my new boyfriend, won¡¯t do more with me. Are you insane?¡±

    ¡°Geez, alright, alright. It was just an idea since I know you wouldn¡¯t ask Isaac, and Asher won¡¯t give you an answer,¡± Elise replied defensively.

    ¡°Besides, I didn¡¯t think you¡¯d be up to talking to him about anything serious,¡± Lila said in a much quieter voice. ¡°You¡¯ve been weird with him on this camping trip already.¡±

    ¡°W-Weird?¡± Elise stammered, suddenly looking unsure of herself. ¡°Weird how?¡±

    ¡°Well, you hardly talked to him on the bus, even though he kept trying to talk to you. He totally likes you, by the way. I mean, he wanted to carry your bag,¡± Lila stated with a smile.

    ¡°He offered to carry Grace¡¯s too and he knows she¡¯s into girls, so it¡¯s not like he¡¯d have a chance with Grace,¡± Elise countered. ¡°You make it sound like he was flirting. He just didn¡¯t want me to slow you guys down.¡±

    ¡°I disagree,¡± Grace piped up. ¡°He asked you first. Then, when you said no, he deflected to me to make it seem like he was asking to be nice.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ a nice guy,¡± Elise insisted, her face turning pinker by the second. ¡°Just ¡®cause he wanted to carry my bag one time doesn¡¯t mean he likes me.¡±

    Lila raised an eyebrow at Elise, who looked over at Grace. With the sigh Elise gave, it seemed that Grace gave her a similar look.

    ¡°Guys, I¡¯m serious. He likes someone at Maccas,¡± Elise said quietly, fidgeting with her hands.

    ¡°Newsflash. You¡¯re someone at Maccas,¡± Lila pointed out.

    ¡°I¡­ asked him,¡± Elise said after a pause. ¡°Since you kept insisting that I should.¡±

    ¡°Asked him what?¡± Grace questioned, meeting Lila¡¯s eyes over Elise¡¯s shoulders.

    ¡°Asked who he had a crush on. It¡¯s on¡­ Anika.¡± Elise¡¯s voice faltered, and Lila immediately regretted this line of questioning. Could she convince Elise that what Isaac told her was a lie? She¡¯d had confirmation from Asher that Isaac liked Elise ¨C plus, Lila had heard from Isaac himself that he thought Elise was cute.

    ¡°He could¡¯ve lied,¡± Grace said pointedly. ¡°Since you haven¡¯t told him that you like him, right?¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t,¡± Elise sighed. ¡°But¡­ he¡¯s not much of a liar, is he?¡±

    ¡°Grace is right,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Sure, he might not be much of a liar, but he could¡¯ve panicked when you asked.¡±

    ¡°Guys¡­ that¡¯s a lot of assumptions,¡± Elise said listlessly. ¡°I¡­ sorry. I just want to enjoy my time at camp. Talking about this¡­ makes me uncomfortable.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Lila replied immediately, gently rubbing Elise¡¯s arm.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Grace repeated softly. Elise gave them both a weak smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay. But¡­ can we please¡­ not talk about Isaac and me? For now, at least.¡±

    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lila nodded. Grace nodded as well.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Elise¡¯s subsequent smile was much brighter. ¡°What do you reckon¡¯s for breakfast?¡±

    The rest of the morning went by with theories about breakfast and that day¡¯s activities before they decided it would be a good time to get showered and dressed. There were only very few girls who were up and about, which meant that the showers were both mostly dry and empty.

    Getting out of the shower was hellish, given how cold it was, but Lila managed to finish up her morning routine without dropping anything from her shivering hands ¨C which she took to be quite a success.

    ¡°If we jog back to the tent, then back to the eating area, we might warm up,¡± Grace suggested once Lila met with her and Elise. Lila and Elise couldn¡¯t disagree with the idea.

    The sky was much brighter by the time they made it back to the eating area, though there still weren¡¯t a huge amount of students around. Mick was busy prodding the fire pit that had held last night¡¯s bonfire, encouraging it back to life, but neither Henry nor Rachael were in view at the moment. Some students were sitting around, wrapped up in blankets or jumpers, though there was one lone student who caught Lila¡¯s attention. Finley.

    She¡¯d never had reason to cross paths with Finley Rosenthal in the past, but today, after knowing he shared a tent with Asher and Isaac, Lila thought that perhaps there was reason enough.

    ¡°I¡¯m just gonna check if Asher and Isaac are up yet,¡± Lila said to Elise and Grace. They both looked at her in confusion until she gestured towards Finley, who was busy snapping a long twig into tiny pieces, his eyes glassy and staring at the remnants of the fire Mick was still battling with.

    ¡°Hey, Finley,¡± Lila said gently as she approached, sitting to the right of him. He seemed startled as he looked back at her, his dark brown eyes widening with horror before crinkling with amusement.

    ¡°Ah, Lila, right?¡± he asked. ¡°I¡¯m guessing you want to know where your boyfriend is.¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied awkwardly. ¡°You caught me.¡±

    ¡°He finally passed out after about hour five of talking about you last night,¡± Finley responded, a smirk forming on his face. ¡°He¡¯s probably still asleep.¡±

    ¡°W-What do you mean?¡± Lila felt her cheeks turning pink, the idea that Asher spent all night talking about her making her feel flustered. Surely Finley was just teasing her.

    ¡°I mean what I said,¡± Finley said plainly. ¡°I knew he was an overthinker, but damn.¡±

    Lila touched the A on her chest, now anxious to check in on Asher. What had he been saying?

    ¡°All I can hope for is that he¡¯s all talked out,¡± Finley chuckled. ¡°I mean, there¡¯s only so many times he can say that he really likes you.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if you¡¯re teasing me or not.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Finley said seriously. ¡°If he keeps it up again tonight, I think I¡¯ll pass out from sleep deprivation.¡±

    Lila took in his expression, trying to read it as best she could. She really had no idea what kind of person Finley was.

    ¡°Looks like you don¡¯t need to wait too long for him,¡± Finley observed, gesturing behind Lila. ¡°Here he comes.¡±

    Lila turned, her eyes meeting Asher¡¯s instantly. He looked incredibly tired and his clothes were in a haphazard array ¨C like he hadn¡¯t been able to see what he was putting on. Isaac was just behind him, looking just as tired, hiding his yawn behind one of his hands, the other in his tracksuit pants pocket.

    Asher smiled at Lila before halting his approach, his face sheepish. Isaac nudged Asher forward before waving at Elise and Grace, heading towards them instead of Lila and Finley. With a sigh, Asher continued on.

    ¡°Morning, Fin,¡± he said abashedly once he was within reasonable distance of Lila and Finley. ¡°Uh¡­ about last night-¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Finley waved a hand dismissively. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t do it again.¡±

    ¡°¡­ yeah. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Help me up and we¡¯ll be even. I¡¯m gonna see if Xavier and them are up yet.¡±

    Asher grasped Finley¡¯s arm, helping him up as requested. Lila and Asher watched Finley go before Asher turned to Lila, his face flushed.

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ guessing Finley told you what happened.¡±

    ¡°Kinda? He¡­ said you couldn¡¯t stop talking about me.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes widened with surprise before he placed a hand on the back of his neck. ¡°I see. That¡­ was part of it.¡±

    ¡°Part of it?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d backtrack but you¡¯ll probably hear about it anyway,¡± Asher sighed again. ¡°Care to walk and talk with me?¡±

    ¡°Only if Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt won¡¯t ambush us.¡±

    Asher smiled in response, but it seemed joyless. ¡°We¡¯ll be in view of people, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t worried. I¡¯d rather be with just you, though.¡±

    His eyes met hers before he held out a hand for her to take. She did so, and he helped her up too.

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be with just you, too,¡± he murmured, holding her hand for a second more before forcefully shoving both of his into his pockets.

    They ambled towards Elise, Grace, and Isaac, who had sat a little ways away, close enough to the now-burning fire to get some warmth, but far enough to not inhale too much smoke.

    ¡°Just going for a walk with Lila,¡± Asher said lightly, nodding at Isaac. Isaac nodded back, and Elise and Grace waved goodbye at Lila, who waved back.

    They continued past Elise, Grace, and Isaac, with Lila finding that a substantial number of students had now shuffled their way over, plenty seeming displeased by this turn of events. A few of the boys snickered as Asher passed, and another few attempted to give him high-fives, which he steadfastly ignored.

    ¡®Odd,¡¯ Lila thought, glancing back at the boys they¡¯d passed. That kind of interaction wasn¡¯t par for the course for Asher, as far as she was aware.

    There was a collection of boulders that served as a natural fence-line towards the other side of the eating area which seemed to be Asher¡¯s target. There weren¡¯t any other students within earshot of here, at least, since most of them looked to be preferring being near the fire. It was fairly cold in this spot though there wasn¡¯t any wind, which made it bearable.

    Asher sat on one of the mid-sized boulders and Lila sat on the one next to him, feeling her previous anxiety rising up once more. He looked far too grim.

    ¡°So¡­ I¡¯ll probably be in trouble,¡± Asher said softly after a few moments of staring at his hands, which he¡¯d clasped in his lap.

    ¡°In trouble?¡±

    He lifted his eyes briefly, not even meeting her gaze before looking back down at his hands. ¡°Yeah. Uh¡­ well. Liam was starting shit.¡±

    ¡°Liam?¡± She couldn¡¯t help the anger rising to her throat as she repeated his name. He¡¯d somehow managed to peeve her several times this year and if Asher was in trouble because of Liam, he¡¯d clearly pushed Asher over the edge.

    ¡°Yeah. He¡¯d been trying to mess with me at the showers, saying stupid stuff about how I¡¯m a deadbeat Dad and whatever. I ignored him, though Isaac was ready to deck him. Then he followed us towards the tents, still going on about it until I got fed up and said it wasn¡¯t mine and to piss off. Big mistake, apparently.¡±

    Asher leaned back on his boulder for a second before shaking his head. ¡°Liam started laughing, so Isaac and I just went into the tent. Fin was in there, vibing or whatever. Then¡­ well, Liam started saying shit about how I got cucked, and that it¡¯ll happen to me again, since according to him, I¡¯m ¡®that type¡¯. I tried to ignore him again, but then Isaac started getting real mad.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing cucked means something about how Holly cheated on you?¡±

    Asher winced. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    Lila was beginning to see where Asher might¡¯ve gotten himself into trouble. He straightened up on his boulder and continued.

    ¡°Anyway, after a while someone told Liam to shut up about it, so he did. Mr Vanderbilt came by a little bit later and basically said it was lights out and time to sleep. I was pretty agitated, so I¡­ kinda started talking about you with Isaac and Fin.¡± He scratched his chin, his cheeks pink. ¡°I guess to get my mind off all the bullshit Liam was spouting, and just Holly in general.¡±

    He paused, seeming reluctant to finish his story but he powered through regardless. ¡°I thought he went to sleep, since I didn¡¯t hear much from outside our tent until he said, ¡®Oi, Asher, what¡¯s it like getting cucked like a loser?¡¯. I warned him to shut up, or he¡¯d regret it. He said he wasn¡¯t scared of a nerd who¡¯s not good enough to have a faithful girl, essentially, and I just saw red. Got out and unpegged his whole tent. Kinda felt sorry for his tent buddies, but when they started screaming ¡®cause their tent fell on them, I legged it back to mine instead of helping. Mr Vanderbilt was fuming. Spent about five minutes shouting at all of us, and I know Fin was really embarrassed.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t hold back her laugh. He stared at her in bewilderment.

    ¡°S-Sorry, I¡¯m not laughing at you,¡± Lila clarified, catching her breath. ¡°I just¡­ the imagery. I can imagine that Liam flailed in his tent for ages.¡±

    Asher relaxed his posture as he smiled at her. ¡°Probably. I¡­ kinda thought that you¡¯d be mad at me.¡±

    ¡°Why would that be?¡± Lila blinked at him in confusion.

    ¡°Well¡­ you tend to warn me against losing my cool.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s like you¡¯ve forgotten that I slapped Livi. And Daniel, I guess, when I found out about him. Sure, I warn you against losing your cool, but that¡¯s more so you don¡¯t get in trouble, not ¡®cause I necessarily disapprove. Liam deserved it. More, actually, but that was pretty good.¡±

    He ran his fingers through his hair before standing up. ¡°So, you¡¯re really not mad at me?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± Lila insisted, standing up as well. ¡°Asher, like what you said to me when Alice yelled at me for losing the hockey game ¨C defending yourself is always okay, especially when you didn¡¯t do anything wrong. Where¡¯d you even get this idea that I would be mad at you?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ dunno anymore. I guess¡­ I was worried since you usually tend to say no when I ask if I should have words with people.¡±

    Lila laughed again, this one much gentler. ¡°You¡¯d destroy them if I let you have words with them. Learnt that with Piper.¡±

    ¡°Not like it stopped her being crazy,¡± Asher grumbled. Then, he smiled at Lila again, his eyes light with relief. ¡°Looks like I kept Fin and Isaac up for nothing.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure Isaac would¡¯ve been up anyway, if he¡¯d gotten riled up from Liam¡¯s comments,¡± Lila replied, her tone reasonable. ¡°As for Finley¡­ well, I don¡¯t know him but he didn¡¯t seem mad about it.¡±

    ¡°He was getting there last night. If he hadn¡¯t put his pillow over his face and begged me to go to sleep, I doubt I would¡¯ve.¡±

    Lila reached out to touch his arm, ensuring the contact was brief enough to not draw the ire of their teachers. ¡°How did you sleep, anyway? No¡­ night terrors or nightmares or weird dreams?¡±

    ¡°Just the usual. Well, my new usual. The one about losing you.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes fluttered shut for a moment, her emotions almost taking hold of her. Hearing him say that made her desperately want to tell him that it was impossible ¨C that she was right there for him, whether physically or not, because she loved him. But she kept it in for now.

    ¡°You haven¡¯t,¡± she finally said reassuringly.

    ¡°I know.¡±

    They stood in silence for a few moments before a new thought occurred to Lila.

    ¡°So, I guess that means our PC classes know the baby¡¯s not yours.¡±

    Asher exhaled deeply. ¡°Yeah. At this point, though, I think I¡¯d prefer that everyone knew. When I first found out, I was really embarrassed that I couldn¡¯t even pretend it was mine¡­ but somehow, now that we¡¯re together, I¡¯m more embarrassed at the fact that some people still think I¡¯m having a kid with someone else.¡±

    Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

    Lila tried not to read into the implication that he wouldn¡¯t be embarrassed if people thought he was having a kid with her. There wasn¡¯t a hidden meaning in his words ¨C or, at least, not that hidden meaning.

    ¡°That sounds fair to me,¡± she settled on saying.

    ¡°It¡¯d be good if I didn¡¯t have to repeat it, though. Hopefully, it gets out all around school, that it¡¯s not mine, without me having to do anything.¡±

    ¡°I feel like it would. After hearing what Liam was doing, all the reactions you were getting this morning make a lot of sense now.¡±

    ¡°Ah. The high-fives?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, and everything else. I think everyone else was also annoyed at him, or at least thought you were justified in undoing his tent. So, they¡¯d probably tell that story when they could, which would feature the fact that you were cheated on as a reason for why you undid his tent.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Guess so.¡± He looked back over at the eating area before grinning at her. ¡°Let¡¯s head back.¡±

    He seemed to be in a much bouncier mood, now that Lila had said she wasn¡¯t mad at him for undoing Liam¡¯s tent. Lila kept her hands intertwined in front of her so she wasn¡¯t tempted to try and hold Asher¡¯s hand.

    They rejoined Elise, Grace, and Isaac near the fire, hanging out until breakfast was served. The counsellors had set up a makeshift breakfast bar, with cereals and toast to choose from, along with some yoghurt and fresh fruit.

    ¡°Happy campers,¡± Mick declared once everyone was about halfway through their breakfast, ¡°we¡¯ll be moving on to the next campsite today. That means you¡¯ll need to pack up your tents and your bags so we can get moving to our first activity after breakfast. The walk this time won¡¯t be far, but we¡¯ll be canoeing across a lake to the next campsite. It¡¯s a bigger one that you¡¯ll stay at for longer, so you¡¯ll see more of your cohort tonight and tomorrow night.¡±

    There was a ripple of distaste from her classmates, though no one outwardly complained to Mick about this plan.

    After breakfast, Lila, Elise, and Grace headed back to their tent to pack up. She changed into something that would be more canoeing-friendly before zipping up her hiking bag and tossing it outside the tent. Packing away their tent was far more efficient than putting it up in the end and it felt like no time at all before they returned to the common area.

    Asher, Isaac and Finley were already there, standing together while they waited for everyone else to return. Lila, Grace, and Elise joined them both physically and in conversation.

    Soon, it was time to head off. Rachael was once again delegated to taking extra things to the next campsite via her Ute, and Lila was glad that they didn¡¯t have to lug their tents along with them.

    The teachers and counsellors handed out packs of snacks ¨C trail mix and drinks, mainly ¨C before they assembled everyone into a similar order as yesterday¡¯s hike.

    This hike was much shorter and consequently far more pleasant than yesterday¡¯s. Though Asher tried to take her bag again, Lila declined, concerned mainly by how little he seemed to have slept. There were far more activities to get through before night fell once again, after all.

    After half an hour or so, they congregated by the side of a large lake edged with mangroves, complete with ducks peacefully swimming and diving some ways into the water. Bright orange canoes were sitting on the shoreline, waiting for the students to climb in and get going.

    A medium-sized boat was idling to the left, with a gruff-looking man in a yellow raincoat and matching hat standing on board, his wiry beard speckled with grey hinting at his age.

    Lila followed the instructions given to pass her hiking bag along to Henry, who helped load the bags onto the boat. Once all the bags were on, further instructions were given to put on life vests and assemble in groups of three ¨C groups that didn¡¯t necessarily need to be the groups they were in for tents.

    Lila¡¯s heart thumped. A group of three could mean-

    ¡°Hey,¡± Grace whispered, curling her arm around Lila¡¯s. Lila stiffened, looking at her with mild alarm.

    ¡°Y-Yeah?¡±

    ¡°If we group up with Asher, then Elise and Isaac have to be together,¡± Grace continued her whispering, glancing at Asher, Isaac and Elise, who were inspecting the canoes. ¡°Not sure who their third will be, but either way, it¡¯d be romantic, right? Might get one of them in the mood to say something.¡±

    ¡°If they don¡¯t capsize it,¡± Lila replied nervously. Since one of Lila¡¯s goals for this camp was to get Elise and Isaac together, Lila couldn¡¯t refuse Grace¡¯s suggestion. Was this the opportunity she needed to take for her conversation with Grace?

    Grace laughed. ¡°Sounds like them. And sounds like they¡¯d have a ball doing it too. It¡¯s perfect.¡±

    With that, it sounded entirely decided. Grace tugged Lila over to the others, a mischievous smile on her face. Could Lila really ruin Grace¡¯s good mood like this?

    ¡°We¡¯ll be in a group of three,¡± Grace announced, gesturing at Lila and Asher. Asher turned to Lila and Grace, horror flickering across his face for the briefest second. Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure whether Grace caught it but reckoned that Grace might¡¯ve figured that Asher would prefer to be with Isaac if she had.

    ¡°S-Sure,¡± Asher stammered, ¡°uh, let me get some vests.¡±

    He headed off in the direction of the life vests, his posture impeccably straight. Elise and Isaac glanced at each other before quickly looking away.

    ¡°U-Uh, I think I could see if Cecelia-¡±

    ¡°Finley might-¡±

    Elise and Isaac both stopped speaking as soon as they recognised that the other had spoken.

    ¡°Maybe I¡¯ll see if there¡¯s another group-¡±

    ¡°One of the boys-¡±

    They stopped speaking again, their faces turning similar shades of pink.

    ¡°Hey, Isaac, you got room in a canoe?¡± It was Finley¡¯s voice, prompting everyone to face him. He was already wearing a life vest and armed with an oar. ¡°Everyone else has gotten into groups already.¡±

    Isaac¡¯s posture relaxed as he nodded. ¡°Yeah, looks like I¡¯ve got room.¡±

    ¡°Sick,¡± Finley grinned, ¡°Asher¡¯s with you, yeah?¡±

    ¡°Asher¡¯s in a different group,¡± Isaac replied reluctantly. Finley looked at Lila and Grace, who were standing awkwardly off to the side, before nodding.

    ¡°Probably for the best,¡± Finley responded. ¡°Who¡¯s your third?¡±

    ¡°Me,¡± Elise said meekly, her face steadily reddening even further.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you knew any girls, Isaac,¡± Finley laughed. ¡°She your girlfriend?¡±

    ¡°She has a name,¡± Isaac said shortly. ¡°Elise. And she¡¯s a friend. Who happens to be a girl.¡±

    ¡°Right, right. Sorry, Elise.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Elise replied quietly.

    There was a pause, one that was slightly too long, before Asher reappeared, armed with bundles of life vests and oars.

    ¡°Oh, hey Finley,¡± Asher¡¯s tone was a touch surprised as he handed out the vests and oars to the rest.

    ¡°Hey. Xavier and the others decided to group up without me.¡±

    ¡°Ouch,¡± Asher replied plainly, buckling his life vest on.

    ¡°Eh, they said they¡¯ll have me for another group activity. It¡¯s not the end of the world.¡±

    Finley sounded nonchalant, but Lila felt that perhaps he felt more aggrieved than he was letting on, with the exaggerated shrug he gave.

    Lila put her life vest on with a sigh. Now that she would be trapped on a canoe with Grace, there really wasn¡¯t any excuse to not have this conversation.

    ¡°Can I borrow you for a sec?¡± Asher asked Lila, his tone meaningful. Lila glanced at the rest of the group and accepted upon seeing Grace ask Elise to help with her life vest.

    They strayed far enough to be out of earshot of anyone else, but still within eyesight. Asher twisted his oar between his hands, his expression nervous.

    ¡°Are we going to talk to her?¡± he asked after visibly swallowing.

    ¡°We have to,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s coming next, and I¡¯d rather not have to orchestrate an excuse today if I can help it. She was the one who suggested that we be in a group, actually.¡±

    Asher gave a low whistle. ¡°She might regret that.¡±

    ¡°She might.¡±

    ¡°In that case, we should probably canoe away from the others.¡±

    ¡°Sounds like a plan.¡±

    ¡°I think Mick said it wasn¡¯t a race about three times, so we should be fine to take it slow. You¡­ have any ideas on what to say?¡±

    ¡°None at all. I¡¯ve been too nervous to try and think about it.¡±

    ¡°Ah, shit. Same.¡±

    They stared at each other for a moment. The absence of a plan between both of them was a terrifying realisation.

    ¡°I¡­ was just going to go for it,¡± Lila finally said, breaking eye contact with him.

    ¡°Not like we can do anything else,¡± Asher sighed. He bit his bottom lip before shaking his head. ¡°Well, I¡¯m not horrible at canoeing. I can probably lead us far enough away from everyone else for a conversation.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ also really scared for what happens afterwards,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°That¡¯s one of the reasons why I haven¡¯t thought about what to say.¡±

    Asher reached out and lightly brushed her arm before standing back. ¡°I know. But¡­ can you really go on any longer without having this conversation?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not.¡± Lila paused before exhaling deeply, the action causing her fingers to shake. Asher glanced behind her before pulling her in for a hug, firm yet gentle, before releasing her.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head back. They¡¯ll start wondering where we are. At the very least, we¡¯ll be together¡­ in a straight line and not facing each other, I guess.¡±

    His comment earned a chuckle from Lila, though she wished she could have enjoyed the hug just a moment longer. They headed back to their friends, who had secured two canoes. It seemed they had returned at just the right moment, for the man in the boat began to give instructions on how to canoe. He then started to drive his boat to the right side of the lake, out of the way of the canoes.

    It was a mad scramble for all the students to push their canoes into the lake and clamber in without capsizing. Asher sat in the front of their canoe, with Lila managing to convince Grace to sit in the middle with a note of anxiety in her voice that she couldn¡¯t shake. With one last push, Lila stepped in, oar at the ready.

    Checking behind her, she could see that Finley was in the front of the canoe he shared with Elise and Isaac, Isaac being at the back.

    Most of the canoes had an unsteady start as they drifted forwards due to the residual momentum of being pushed. Mick and Henry brought up the rear in a two-person canoe, with Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt floating peacefully in another next to them.

    ¡°Follow the boat!¡± Henry called. Said boat roared to life, guiding the students across the lake. It was at this moment that a couple of canoes capsized, though Lila tried not to look in those directions. From the previous camp, she knew that that would be a recipe for capsizing herself.

    Lila waited to put her oar in the water for a few moments, watching as most of the canoes passed her by. Neither Grace nor Asher commented on her lack of participation as they slowly paddled, the gentle lapping of the waves against their canoe steadying Lila¡¯s resolve. She could do this.

    ¡°There they go,¡± Grace giggled, pointing at Elise, Isaac and Finley¡¯s canoe. They looked to be talking about something, with Elise heartily laughing, but, even though they couldn¡¯t have been more than five metres away, whatever it was remained indecipherable to Lila over the engine of the boat ahead. Shouts, screams and laughs came from all directions as their classmates paddled across the lake, which also helped to disguise what they were talking about.

    She placed her oar into the water, each stroke helping her mind think about what to say. The counsellors and teachers were trailing far behind since they were assisting the capsized canoes. No one else was any closer to them than Elise, Isaac and Finley, who were gaining speed away from them too.

    It was now or never.

    ¡°Hey¡­ Grace,¡± Lila said, clearing her throat. Grace straightened up, glancing behind her before looking forwards again.

    ¡°Yeah? What¡¯s up?¡±

    Lila sighed. Asher turned around, meeting her eyes and giving her a slight encouraging nod before turning around again. At the very least, it seemed like he could hear her.

    ¡°A¡­ couple weeks ago now,¡± Lila said reluctantly, paddling once. ¡°Asher and I wanted to find a private place to talk.¡± She paused before sighing again. ¡°So¡­ we went to the Performing Arts area.¡±

    Lila saw Grace¡¯s grip tighten around her oar, though she didn¡¯t say anything.

    ¡°There¡­ were a few boarded up classrooms. Probably to control the lighting. But¡­ there was one that had a gap.¡±

    Grace pulled her oar out of the water and placed it on her lap, still without a word.

    ¡°Through the gap¡­ we saw you. And someone else.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t tell whether Grace had begun to tremble, or her eyesight was wavering due to the waves rocking their canoe.

    ¡°Ms Alexander. And you two started kissing.¡±

    ¡°Mustn¡¯t have been me,¡± Grace replied, her voice quivering at the word ¡®me¡¯. ¡°You saw someone else.¡±

    ¡°Believe me, Grace, I wish I had,¡± Lila said, her tone firm. ¡°You were facing us. I thought you were going to sing, so I almost went inside the classroom when we saw¡­ that.¡±

    ¡°Lila, it¡¯s¡­ not¡­¡± Grace trailed off before hanging her head.

    ¡°And the bracelet that I helped pick out, at the museum. I¡¯ve seen Ms Alexander wear it.¡±

    It seemed that words had failed Grace ¨C something which worried Lila. She couldn¡¯t see Grace¡¯s expression, nor could she read her mind. What was she thinking?

    ¡°I¡­ checked the legislation,¡± Asher added. Grace seemed startled that he spoke, though he evidently didn¡¯t notice as he continued. ¡°Grace, it¡¯s illegal, you know.¡±

    ¡°¡­ What do you mean?¡± Grace¡¯s voice sounded genuinely confused.

    ¡°Dating a teacher,¡± Asher replied in a low voice.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s not. We started dating after I turned 16. I¡¯m over the age of consent.¡± Grace¡¯s tone was combative.

    ¡°When it comes to dating a teacher, it doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Asher stated, paddling as he spoke. ¡°There¡¯s a power imbalance.¡±

    ¡°No there isn¡¯t. Mia treats me with respect and like a proper girlfriend-¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what I mean. Grace, of course you think that. Teachers automatically have this hold over their students, being an authority figure. She groomed-¡±

    ¡°She didn¡¯t do anything like that. I asked her to be my girlfriend,¡± Grace sharply cut Asher off. ¡°She¡¯s the one that said we shouldn¡¯t-¡±

    ¡°Grace, she¡¯s the adult,¡± Lila said gently. ¡°Being your teacher means she has to say no, regardless if you make the first move and even if you¡¯re persistent. It¡¯s not right.¡±

    ¡°Lila, we¡¯re in love,¡± Grace sounded desperate now, pulling her shoulders inward. ¡°It¡¯s not like she¡¯s using me.¡±

    ¡°Grace, it¡¯s illegal for a reason,¡± Lila replied, her tone even.

    ¡°But you don¡¯t know Mia,¡± Grace insisted. ¡°She¡¯s kind. She takes care of me. She makes me happy, Lila.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ worried about you,¡± Lila responded, placing her oar in the water. ¡°Specifically, I¡¯m worried that¡­ you¡¯re not seeing what¡¯s going on here.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here is that I¡¯m happy and you¡¯re thinking that¡¯s bad.¡±

    ¡°You being happy isn¡¯t what¡¯s bad-¡±

    ¡°Then what¡¯s the issue?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s illegal.¡±

    ¡°So what?¡±

    Lila blinked. Although she and Asher had been ignoring the law in some circumstances, she never would have thought that Grace would disregard it, too. She¡¯d always seemed so¡­ responsible. Straight edge.

    ¡°If you get caught, she¡¯ll lose her teaching licence,¡± Asher interjected. ¡°Since it¡¯s illegal, she might get charged, too.¡±

    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Grace¡¯s voice rose in pitch, audibly conveying her panic. ¡°Don¡¯t take her away from me.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not threatening you-¡±

    ¡°Then why bring it up at all?¡±

    ¡°Grace, it¡­ it¡¯s not right. I¡­ don¡¯t want you to get hurt. And it¡¯s not like you can be out in the open with her,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°I know you feel like you love her, but what about ten years from now, when you¡¯re an adult? What kind of adult looks at a 16-year-old like¡­ like they¡¯re a dateable option? Your lives are so different. She¡¯s finished Uni, she¡¯s got a career. You¡¯re still in high school. Doesn¡¯t that just¡­ feel wrong to you? It¡¯s not adding up. Besides, teachers are meant to protect their students ¨C not have sex with them, or harm them-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never felt hurt with her-¡±

    ¡°What about when she rejected going to the museum with us? She knows it¡¯s wrong, and she made you cry over it,¡± Lila interrupted Grace, her tone colder than she¡¯d wanted it to be. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t wrong, you wouldn¡¯t need to sneak around. If it wasn¡¯t wrong, you could go on double dates with us ¨C or a triple date, I guess, if Elise and Isaac get together. You¡¯re missing out on sharing those parts with us-¡±

    ¡°I like that it¡¯s private. It means it¡¯s all for me,¡± Grace¡¯s voice faltered and she placed her oar in the water, wiping at her face with the back of her hand before beginning to row with far more power than she¡¯d previously shown.

    ¡°Grace-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m done talking. Leave me alone.¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart dropped. This¡­ had been what she was afraid of. She¡¯d pushed Grace too far.

    She silently began to push her oar through the water, trying to keep herself from bursting into tears and letting the oar go by accident. With the force of the three of them working together, despite how that conversation went, they efficiently made their way to the other side. Asher jumped out first, holding on to the front of the canoe with one hand and offering for Grace to take his other, his eyes looking at the water. Instead of accepting his hand, Grace jumped out herself, splashing all three of them in the process.

    Lila took Asher¡¯s hand instead, and he gently helped her out. Once she was out, the two of them pulled the canoe up the shoreline, setting them next to the others that were already there.

    A blonde, female counsellor Lila hadn¡¯t seen before was directing those who had arrived to take their life vests off and place their oars in a pile just in front of her on some tarp. Lila followed these instructions, taking a brief look around to see whether Elise, Isaac and Finley had made it just yet.

    They were dragging their canoe to the shore, all laughing as they did so. As soon as they unbuckled their vests and put down their oars, Grace was by Elise¡¯s side, holding on to her arm.

    Lila wasn¡¯t sure what she wanted to do with her own hands. Really, she wanted to hold Asher¡¯s hand, but she would probably be reprimanded by teachers or Isaac. She tucked them under her arms, looking towards the lake to try and act casual.

    Asher stood by her side, just barely close enough to touch. It was only a small comfort as tears began to well up in her eyes. She took a deep breath, which stemmed them for now, purposefully avoiding his own eyes which seemed to bore into her skull.

    Isaac, Elise and Finley engaged in some lighthearted conversation, mostly about their canoeing across the lake, and neither Asher, Grace nor Lila joined in. It didn¡¯t seem like anyone noticed their unusual quietness, which Lila was grateful for.

    Lila went through the motions required of her from there, once everyone had scrambled onto dry land. Her mind began to feel foggy, the intensity increasing alongside how frosty the atmosphere between her and Grace felt. She hoped that she was imagining it, but as their hike to their new campsite ¨C one that was to hold four classes, rather than two ¨C started, Elise sidled up to her, bagless by virtue of Isaac.

    ¡°You good?¡± Elise asked, the expression in her eyes conveying concern.

    ¡°Me? Yeah,¡± Lila replied lightly, looking ahead at Asher, who was walking along with both their bags.

    ¡°You sure?¡± Elise pressed. ¡°You¡¯ve been awfully quiet.¡±

    Lila sighed. Of course. Elise had noticed.

    ¡°Just¡­ tired. Rowing was a lot harder than I thought. Since I usually use my legs in hockey.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair,¡± Elise looked doubtful but skipped ahead to Grace, taking her by the arm. Lila sighed again, taking the opportunity to walk by herself for the moment.

    ¡®That¡­ could¡¯ve gone better,¡¯ she lamented. She wasn¡¯t exactly sure what she could¡¯ve said that would¡¯ve made the conversation better. Perhaps she should¡¯ve been more tactful? Maybe not mentioned the bit about teachers protecting students? A canoe was also a terrible choice in the end, but there really wouldn¡¯t have been somewhere else that could¡¯ve guaranteed the three of them a chance to let it all out.

    At the same time though, it was done now. She was sure Grace wouldn¡¯t want to talk to her, at least not anytime soon. Perhaps Grace would decide that she couldn¡¯t be friends with Lila any more. After all, technically Lila had tried to interfere with Grace¡¯s relationship. How would this new dynamic work? Obviously, Grace wouldn¡¯t tell Elise that she was dating a teacher, so Elise would have no idea who to side with ¨C or she¡¯d just side with no one and they¡¯d all drift apart¡­

    ¡°Careful,¡± Asher¡¯s voice startled her to a halt and she looked up. He¡¯d turned around at some point and was now standing before her, his hand outstretched. It seemed that she¡¯d almost scraped her shins on a sizeable boulder without realising.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said quietly. He nodded and they both sidestepped it, following the trail. Grace, Isaac and Elise were steadily disappearing ahead ¨C something that oddly didn¡¯t bother Lila.

    ¡°It¡­ could¡¯ve gone better,¡± he said after a few paces. Lila nodded, not willing herself to say any words.

    ¡°But it also could¡¯ve gone worse,¡± he added after several more paces. He wasn¡¯t wrong, but it wasn¡¯t quite as comforting as she would¡¯ve liked.

    ¡°Just give it some time,¡± he said, glancing at her. ¡°It seemed like it was a massive shock that we knew, with how she reacted.¡±

    ¡°¡­ I guess so,¡± Lila responded listlessly. ¡°I¡¯ve just¡­ never seen Grace react like this before to anything I¡¯ve said. She¡¯s never really given me the silent treatment, and it¡¯s making me feel anxious. I just don¡¯t feel like we were really able to talk it out fully.¡±

    ¡°We weren¡¯t,¡± Asher agreed, ¡°but if she absorbs the fact that we know, she might end up being more willing down the line to talk it out. I mean, what kind of result are we hoping for? That they¡¯ll break up?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t really know. I¡­ think they should. But she sounded really scared about the idea that they would. She feels like they¡¯re in love,¡± Lila lowered her voice, choosing her words carefully so that eavesdroppers wouldn¡¯t figure out anything more. ¡°And she said she¡¯s really happy. But I don¡¯t know how much of that is an illusion.¡±

    ¡°At least she knows that you know,¡± Asher said softly. ¡°Now it¡¯s off your chest. I know that¡­ well, there¡¯s uneasiness now. But you¡¯ve let out the secret ¨C that you know what she¡¯s been up to. Eventually, you¡¯ll feel relief.¡±

    ¡°I know you¡¯re right, but it doesn¡¯t feel like you should be,¡± Lila mumbled, kicking a rock out of her way.

    ¡°What, you want to be miserable?¡±

    ¡°Of course not,¡± she frowned, only to see him looking playfully back at her. ¡°Ah, you¡¯re teasing me.¡±

    ¡°Teasing isn¡¯t the right word ¨C but we can go with that.¡±

    They exchanged a smile, continuing on their journey. This hike was far shorter than the one from yesterday. Upon arriving at the common area, she noticed many students from classes 11D and 11C wandering around. They must¡¯ve arrived at this campsite yesterday. Had they had this massive area to themselves? Or had Lila and Asher¡¯s class replaced another?

    Elise, Isaac and Grace were already sitting down on a spare bit of tarp, their legs outstretched before them in a semi-circle. Lila contemplated dragging Asher to a different spot but was thwarted by Isaac¡¯s encouraging wave. Grace was staring at her knees as though she¡¯d never seen them before, and Lila hesitantly sat next to Elise, with Asher sitting on Lila¡¯s other side.

    ¡°That wasn¡¯t so bad,¡± Isaac commented as they sat down. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s been a pretty good morning so far.¡±

    ¡°Mmhm,¡± Lila murmured half-heartedly. The silence between the group lingered. Just as it felt that it might swallow Lila whole, their camp counsellors appeared, giving a quick head count before Henry spoke.

    ¡°Alright, same as yesterday, tents are behind you all. We¡¯ll guide you to the female and male areas. Just be mindful that some of the campers were here last night, so you¡¯ll be sharing these spaces with a few more people.¡±

    Everyone collectively stood, picked their tents, and followed their requisite teachers. Lila could hear many of the students chatting and laughing as they trailed behind Ms Wang. She pointed out the areas they could pitch their tents in and off they went.

    Lila set down the tent and her hiking bag in a spot that seemed relatively rock-free. Grace hardly engaged with any of Elise¡¯s chatter, which centred around her canoe experience with Isaac and Finley, on the way here. Elise¡¯s ramblings continued as the three of them pitched their tent, threw down their sleeping bags and mats, and returned to the common area with not a word exchanged between Lila and Grace.

    Once all of 11E and 11F had returned, they were provided with their offerings of morning tea and the confirmation that they would have free time until lunch. After lunch, they¡¯d head over to an obstacle course among the trees, which included a zipline, before returning for dinner and having more free time.

    As soon as the announcements were over, Grace stood up, clutching her morning tea.

    ¡°I¡¯m going to nap in the tent,¡± she said stiffly, immediately turning tail and heading towards the girls¡¯ tents.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± Elise asked, staring wildly at Lila. ¡°She¡¯ll hardly start napping before lunch is ready.¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Rowing was hard.¡±

    ¡°You guys made it back before we did,¡± Elise pointed out. Lila shrugged again.

    ¡°I don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on with you guys, but something is,¡± Elise said with narrowed eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going to go check on Grace.¡±

    Lila was about to say ¡®knock yourself out¡¯, but considered that it would be a bit suspicious if she did. Instead, Lila nodded and waved Elise off. Elise cast her a wary look before hurrying after Grace, calling out for her.

    Lila brought her knees to her chest, breaking into her trail mix. Isaac and Asher were both eyeing her, so she stared intently at her trail mix.

    ¡°What was that?¡± Isaac asked. Lila decided not to respond.

    ¡°What, can¡¯t Grace be tired?¡± Asher replied, shoving a mandarin slice in his mouth.

    ¡°Of course she can,¡± Isaac stated simply. ¡°But it¡¯s weird that you¡¯re not checking on her too, Lila.¡±

    ¡°We¡­ got into a disagreement on the canoe,¡± Lila explained, her tone dejected.

    ¡°About what?¡±

    ¡°Nothing you need to worry about,¡± Lila said, bringing her face down on her knees. ¡°Please.¡±

    Isaac was silent for a beat before saying, ¡°Okay.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    Lila continued to have her face on her knees, no longer having any appetite at all.

    ¡°Oh, hey Fin,¡± Asher¡¯s voice said casually. ¡°Why¡¯re you here?¡±

    ¡°Me? I just spent a magical canoe ride with Isaac over here,¡± Finley¡¯s voice replied, lowering in height as he evidently sat down. ¡°So I may as well sit here, y¡¯know. Keep the fire going.¡±

    ¡°Was tent building not enough?¡± Asher responded, his tone bemused.

    ¡°Clearly,¡± Finley uttered. ¡°By the way, where¡¯s Elise? And that other girl?¡±

    ¡°Went to their tent,¡± Isaac explained. Lila finally looked up. Finley was beside Asher, looking rather comfortable as he sat with his legs splayed before him, leaning back on his hands.

    ¡°I see. You know, for a guy who says he¡¯s not dating Elise, you sure are chummy with her,¡± Finley said candidly. Isaac¡¯s face immediately turned red.

    ¡°Am not,¡± he retorted.

    ¡°Are too. If you flirted any harder, I think I would¡¯ve thrown up in the canoe.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t flirting.¡±

    Finley raised an eyebrow at Isaac. ¡°Suuure. If you¡¯re not into her, then you should probably stop staring at her huge b-¡±

    ¡°Shut up,¡± Isaac snapped, his face still red.

    Finley sat up, his eyes alight with realisation. ¡°You like her. So why don¡¯t you date her?¡±

    Isaac exhaled deeply before falling backwards onto the tarp. ¡°She likes someone else.¡±

    ¡°What if she doesn¡¯t?¡± Lila questioned, looking down at his form.

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ impossible.¡±

    ¡°Isaac, I haven¡¯t said this directly, but you do know that I¡¯m one of her best friends, right? Trust me. She likes you.¡±

    Isaac slowly propped himself up. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ going to grab something from my tent.¡±

    ¡°Isaac-¡±

    Lila¡¯s attempt to call him back fell on deaf ears. The group watched Isaac go, with no one saying a word until he disappeared from view.

    ¡°He¡¯s a bit stubborn,¡± Finley commented. ¡°Seriously, I think even you two would¡¯ve thought about capsizing the canoe with the way they were going on.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been trying to get them together,¡± Asher said, his tone a little forlorn. ¡°But even if we say that they like each other, they keep denying it.¡±

    ¡°The way I see it, it¡¯ll just happen,¡± Finley said nonchalantly.

    ¡°Both of them can be really stubborn,¡± Asher said matter-of-factly. ¡°Nothing will happen until they¡¯re sure that the other likes them back.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Finley replied, looking in the direction of the tents. ¡°That could be an issue then.¡±

    The trio simultaneously sighed. Eventually, they did end up talking about other things ¨C mostly about what Finley¡¯s other friends had gotten up to. Apparently, their canoe had capsized so he was glad that he¡¯d been on Isaac and Elise¡¯s canoe in the end.

    Lunch was announced and Lila considered telling Elise and Grace. She pursed her lips before she saw them approach from the side of the girls¡¯ tents, with Isaac walking over from the boys¡¯ tents.

    The new atmosphere, when they joined Lila, Asher and Finley, was awkward enough for Finley to excuse himself. Which made it worse.

    Elise seemed to keep trying to catch Lila¡¯s eye as they dished their lunch, even more so as they ate, and it was almost oppressive by the time they started moving on to the obstacle course.

    Lila managed to ignore Elise as much as possible throughout their time on the obstacle course ¨C mainly by swiftly charging ahead, far beyond her classmates.

    She couldn¡¯t deny that she¡¯d had even a little bit of fun, but her main goal was to escape any possibility of Elise cornering her. It was undeniable that Grace had said something to Elise about their conversation on the canoe, but Lila wasn¡¯t prepared for that scenario.

    Once she cleared the zipline, Lila found a shaded spot under a tree to sit under. She watched as her classmates laughed, squealed and stumbled across the course. Asher wasn¡¯t so far behind Lila, with Isaac just behind him. Elise and Grace were far behind the boys, seemingly keeping pace with one another.

    ¡°I see you¡¯re practising for the Olympics,¡± Asher joked as he plopped down next to Lila, removing his bright orange helmet.

    ¡°How¡¯d you figure that out so quickly?¡± Lila joked back. He laughed and she leaned against his shoulder. Soon, Isaac joined them, and they were handed afternoon tea while they waited for the rest of their classmates to finish up. Elise and Grace were almost dead last, which meant that they weren¡¯t able to talk to Lila, Asher or Isaac, since they spent their time inhaling their afternoon tea.

    The rest of the afternoon and dinner passed by with nothing much of consequence ¨C Grace and Elise didn¡¯t hang around with Lila, Asher or Isaac, even when dinner was served. Isaac had brought along a set of Uno cards, which they played until the darkness made it hard to see the cards.

    Lila didn¡¯t necessarily want to go to bed, but there was nothing else to do. She would have to go into the tent where Grace was probably venting to Elise, and then she¡¯d have to sleep next to both of them. She reluctantly said goodnight to Asher and Isaac. Asher hurriedly stood, glancing at Isaac before looking back at Lila.

    ¡°I-I¡¯ll walk you as far as I can,¡± he said, placing his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°¡­ Thanks.¡±

    The chill was pressing in around her, and she folded her arms against her chest to try and keep her warmth.

    ¡°You going okay?¡± Asher asked once they were quite a distance away from Isaac.

    ¡°Yeah. I¡¯ll¡­ be fine. It¡­ might be better once I sleep it off,¡± Lila replied, looking over at where her tent was. She could see a light was on, which meant that Elise and Grace were still up. She shuddered involuntarily.

    ¡°I¡­ wish I could stay with you,¡± Asher murmured, gently touching her shoulder. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not your fault,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Just a few more days of camp.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Goodnight, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡±

    She hesitated, wanting to spend more time with him until a gust of wind hurried her along.

    Lila could hear voices inside her tent as she began to take off her shoes, though she couldn¡¯t make out any of their words. She took a deep breath, her fingers quivering upon the zip. She could do this.

    She opened it, the conversation inside ceasing immediately.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Elise said as Lila crawled inside and zipped the tent up again.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Lila replied quietly. ¡°I¡¯m pretty tired, so¡­ I¡¯ll see you guys in the morning.¡±

    ¡°Okay. Goodnight,¡± Elise responded simply. Lila tried not to read into Elise¡¯s behaviour, but she could tell something was off. What had Grace said happened?

    Unlike last night, falling asleep was far more difficult ¨C and not just because of the rocks underneath her sleeping mat.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-One

    Lila¡¯s sleep wasn¡¯t restful in the slightest. Every so often, she would wake up, her eyes staring at the wall closest to her. Once or twice, she could have sworn that she heard someone leave the tent, but, as she didn¡¯t want to alert them that she¡¯d woken up, she remained as still as possible.

    Finally, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Her eyes opened once more ¨C however, instead of seeing pitch-blackness, she saw that sunlight had begun to stream through the windows of the tent. What time was it?

    She strained her arm to reach for her phone ¨C 6.45am. Elise and Grace still seemed to be sleeping, but Lila could hear some girls in other tents had started to wake up, given all the giggling.

    As quietly as she could, Lila crawled to her bag and assembled what she wanted to bring to the shower. Neither Elise nor Grace stirred by the time she was done and she slipped out of the tent, carefully zipping it behind her.

    The walk to the shower was a lonely experience, though there was a slight line this morning for them despite how many showers there were at this particular site.

    ¡°¡­ girl crying really hard last night in the bathroom.¡±

    Lila¡¯s attention snapped to who had spoken ¨C a red-haired girl named Larissa Avery from 11C who was waiting just ahead of Lila.

    ¡°Seriously?¡± was the incredulous reply from an Asian girl named Dorothy Ng. ¡°Who?¡±

    ¡°No idea. I tried to ask if she was okay, but she stopped as soon as I spoke. I waited for a couple of minutes, to see if she would come out, but she didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Poor thing. Must be homesick.¡±

    ¡°Must be. I came back about ten minutes later and it had started again ¨C and the same thing happened. I wonder if she stayed there all night.¡±

    Had¡­ that been Grace? After all, someone had left their tent during the night. It worried Lila greatly ¨C but what could she do? Grace had told Lila to leave her alone.

    Besides, maybe it was a coincidence. Larissa didn¡¯t know who had been crying ¨C so it could¡¯ve been someone else. There were four classes on this campsite now, after all.

    The lingering feeling that it had been Grace stuck with Lila as she went through her morning routine and she found herself wishing to talk to Grace much more now. Was she okay?

    Lila had known, logically, that this was a possible ¨C no, probable ¨C outcome; that Grace would be incredibly upset. But to face it in reality was a different story.

    She left the shower in a cloud of steam before quickly brushing her teeth at the sink and squeezing past those in the line ¨C one of whom was Ayla. As soon as Lila registered this, she looked away, her heart pounding from the sudden spike of anxiety in her chest. Of course. Ayla was in 11D.

    With that realisation in her mind, Lila hurried back to her tent. Hopefully, they wouldn¡¯t have any activities together. She wasn¡¯t quite sure whether she could handle being around two girls who were clearly unhappy with her.

    Lila rested her hand on the zipper, bracing herself for the possibility that Elise or Grace, or both, were awake now. With a deep breath, she opened it as silently as she could.

    ¡°Morning,¡± Elise greeted upon seeing Lila.

    Lila nodded. ¡°Morning. Uh, there¡¯s a line for the showers. You might want to head over before it gets too long,¡± she said, focusing her gaze on her hiking bag, in which she shoved her things.

    ¡°Thanks for the tip. Let¡¯s go, Grace.¡±

    Lila immediately left into the brisk cold, her hand clutching the necklace Asher had given her for comfort. She hoped he was up.

    Her hope was answered almost immediately after she emerged into the common area of the campsite. He was standing to the side of the pathway leading to the tents, gazing off into the distance. It appeared that he¡¯d had better luck dressing himself today than yesterday, with the careful placement of his clothes now.

    ¡°Morning,¡± she smiled. His eyes snapped to hers and he returned her smile.

    ¡°Morning. How¡¯d you sleep?¡±

    ¡°Terribly,¡± she replied candidly. ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ there wasn¡¯t any more tent unpicking, at least.¡±

    She laughed and his smile grew wider.

    ¡°I reckon Fin¡¯s happier with me today, too. He spent a bit of time teasing Isaac about Elise, but Isaac turned around in a huff. Somehow, it feels like he¡¯s even more stubborn now that more people are pointing out that they should date.¡±

    Lila sighed. ¡°Elise told me that he told her that he likes some Anika girl at Maccas.¡±

    Asher groaned. ¡°What a dumbass. Of course she¡¯s not going to want to say anything to him now.¡±

    ¡°Yup.¡±

    Asher shook his head in disappointment. ¡°Man, not like I can¡¯t understand why he did that, though. Probably panicked, since he doesn¡¯t think she likes him.¡±

    ¡°Did he say anything last night? Since I said that Elise likes him.¡±

    Asher paused, looking thoughtful. ¡°¡­ He didn¡¯t. Like I said, he got teased a bit by Fin, but he didn¡¯t really say much about it. Just kinda¡­ pouted.¡±

    ¡°Maybe he was upset ¡®cause he realised he messed up, by lying to her like that.¡±

    ¡°Probably¡­¡± Asher trailed off as he scanned the entrance to this campsite, puzzlement etched into his expression. ¡°Why¡¯s Mr Morrison here?¡±

    ¡°Mr Morrison?¡± Lila looked behind her, seeing that Mr Morrison had indeed arrived, his demeanour harried. He hardly stopped to greet any students, though some did attempt one.

    ¡°Okay, second question, why¡¯s he charging towards us?¡± Asher asked, straightening up in alarm.

    Lila had no idea ¨C until one plunged her heart into a sudden iciness, far beyond the weather.

    ¡°Did something happen to Daniel?¡± she whispered, feeling the cold spread throughout her torso. Asher looked even more alarmed, seeming about to say something when Mr Morrison addressed him directly. Mr Morrison¡¯s expression was devoid of the friendliness Lila had come to expect from her Head of Year, which didn¡¯t help her anxiety.

    ¡°Morning, Asher. Since it looks like you¡¯re close to the sleeping area, can you take me to Mr Vanderbilt and Mr Singh¡¯s tents, please?¡±

    Asher blinked, pointing at his chest. ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, please. I¡¯m sure the tents are around here somewhere.¡±

    ¡°Okay, sir.¡±

    ¡°And Lila, can you please get Ms Wang and Mrs O¡¯Leary? I need to speak with them urgently.¡±

    ¡°Y-Yes, sir.¡±

    Bemused, they split off, with Lila taking the path to the female teachers¡¯ tents at a half-jog. Mr Morrison wanted to speak with the teachers urgently? About what? He didn¡¯t mention anything about Daniel and had spoken to Asher first, so she figured that Daniel was holding up okay. Besides, even if something had happened to Daniel, surely Mr Morrison wouldn¡¯t need to talk to the other teachers about it¡­

    Mrs O¡¯Leary¡¯s tent was near the front, so Lila called out to her first. It didn¡¯t take long for Mrs O¡¯Leary to pop her head out of her tent, her massive, brown glasses and wiry bob giving her an owl-like impression.

    ¡°Yes, Lila?¡±

    ¡°Uh, Mr Morrison wants to urgently speak with the teachers. He went with Asher to collect Mr Vanderbilt and Mr Singh.¡±

    ¡°Mr Morrison?¡± Mrs O¡¯Leary looked taken aback before nodding. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll head out to the main area now.¡±

    ¡°Thank you, ma¡¯am.¡±

    Lila swiftly made her way to Ms Wang¡¯s tent, which was towards the middle. Ms Wang had a similar reaction, with a touch bit more wariness than Mrs O¡¯Leary. With her messages delivered, Lila hurried back to where she had split from Asher and Mr Morrison.

    Asher was waiting for her at the same spot as he had been earlier. Mr Morrison was standing a few metres away, speaking in hushed tones with Mr Vanderbilt and Mr Singh.

    ¡°Did he say anything?¡± Lila asked quietly, trying to settle the frown forming on her face.

    ¡°No. But I think something¡¯s happened back at school. That¡¯s why he had to come up here in person, since signal¡¯s really shit around here,¡± Asher gave her a meaningful glance before gesturing towards a more secluded spot amongst the trees, away from the ears of teachers and fellow students.

    Lila followed him, her mind racing ¨C back to her Dad¡¯s investigation. Had his promise been actualised?

    ¡°I reckon they¡¯re freaked out, trying to figure out what to tell us, or what to do generally,¡± Asher finally said once they were a fair distance away from anyone else, leaning against a gum tree.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing you think they¡¯ve suspended Jason and his group?¡±

    ¡°Of course ¨C if not just straight up expelled. Even though he¡¯s the Head Boy, there¡¯s only so much the school can do to protect him in that situation.¡±

    ¡°I guess so. Especially since it¡¯s spread to so many schools. If it gets out that it started with ours, our school¡¯s reputation will be dragged through the mud.¡±

    ¡°So soon after Piper, too.¡±

    There was a heavy pause between them, with the weight of Asher¡¯s words pressing in on Lila. It felt like it had been an age since Piper¡¯s murder, but in reality, it hadn¡¯t been that long at all ¨C just over a month since her discovery.

    ¡°¡­ I saw Ayla this morning,¡± Lila said quietly, scuffing her toes along the ground.

    ¡°That¡¯s right,¡± Asher replied, a slight frown wrinkling his brow. ¡°She¡¯s in 11D.¡±

    ¡°I hope I don¡¯t run into her again,¡± Lila shuddered.

    ¡°You probably won¡¯t,¡± Asher nodded as he gave her an encouraging smile. ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure that we¡¯re still separated into the classes we¡¯ve been in thus far for our activities.¡±

    Lila sighed before folding her arms across her chest. ¡°I¡¯m kinda regretting telling Grace that we know about her secret.¡±

    ¡°I see. Is there a reason behind that, besides it being awkward now?¡±

    ¡°I dunno. I mean, I think Elise keeps wanting to talk to me, but I¡¯ve been avoiding her too. I just¡­ I wish Grace¡­ I dunno.¡± Lila¡¯s view of the collection of leaves, dirt and twigs beneath her feet swam before her. ¡°I dunno what I was hoping for ¨C that Grace would just magically see the issue, break up with her partner and then be happy? Stupid, but¡­ I don¡¯t know how to fix this. She doesn¡¯t want to talk to me, and I want to hear¡­ I guess if she¡¯s doing okay. I heard some girls mention that someone was crying in the bathroom last night and I know either Grace or Elise left the tent last night. I keep worrying that it was Grace.¡±

    Asher remained silent for a few moments. Eventually, he said, ¡°It¡¯s not stupid. It was a hard thing to do, to bring this up. You could¡¯ve just pretended everything was fine, and ignored¡­ well, that you knew. You¡¯ve told her, more or less, what you think. It¡¯s out of your hands now, which makes it terrifying, but I think¡­ you should trust that Grace makes a decision that¡¯s right for her ¨C about your friendship, and her relationship. Those things are two-way streets, and I know you want to still be friends with her, but she has to want that too. It¡¯s¡­ it sucks. And I¡¯m sorry that it¡¯s turned out like that. Is there anything I can do in the meantime?¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply before shaking her head. ¡°No¡­ but knowing that you understand helps. It makes me feel less crazy, at least.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re not crazy for feeling like this,¡± he said firmly. ¡°It shows that you care, at least.¡±

    Lila almost replied that she did care a lot before her eyes landed on Elise and Grace walking towards the showers. Grace looked incredibly pale ¨C much more so than usual ¨C and Elise seemed to be trying to act cheery. The giveaway that it was forced was in the stiff way Elise walked ¨C something she always did in moments like this. Lila was tempted to call out to them for the briefest of seconds before remembering that it was a bad idea. So, instead, she gently pressed her lips together. It didn¡¯t look like either of them noticed her and Asher, which was probably fortunate. She touched her necklace once more, lightly pulling the A across the chain.

    Asher glanced behind him before turning around again.

    ¡°Shall we sit by the fire?¡± he suggested, tugging at her sleeve and pointing. Just as Lila was about to heed his suggestion, Mr Morrison caught her attention once more. He¡¯d begun to hurry off the campsite, ignoring the greetings from students that he received again. The glimpse Lila saw of his face troubled her ¨C he seemed incredibly stressed. Asher¡¯s eyes followed Mr Morrison until he was well out of view. Then, Asher tugged at her sleeve again.

    ¡°C¡¯mon. I¡¯m sure the teachers will tell us what happened after breakfast,¡± he said, leading her towards the fire.

    The rest of the morning passed by without an explanation, however. Neither Elise nor Grace joined them, though Isaac did. He appeared much more refreshed and ready to take on the day than he was yesterday, his humour returning in full force over breakfast, as well as his offer to eat all of her barely-touched food.

    Lila contemplated telling Isaac about their encounter with Mr Morrison as she half-heartedly swatted his hands away from her cereal, but decided against it. She trusted that their teachers would relay the contents of their urgent meeting soon ¨C perhaps they were just waiting for the right time.

    Once breakfast was over, the campsite began to thrum with the hum of student chatter, laughter and otherwise good mood. Within a few minutes though, a hush befell them as their six counsellors called for attention.

    This morning¡¯s agenda, it seemed, was a mountain biking activity, which dampened Lila¡¯s spirits even further. It seemed that she¡¯d be separated from Asher for now until they reached their secret destination. They were assured that it would be a nice destination ¨C one that required towels and clothing that could accommodate the need for a towel. They¡¯d have lunch there and participate in some more activities before coming back to the campsite for dinner and free time.

    With that, they were sent off to prepare themselves prior to heading to where the bikes were stationed.

    Lila glanced at her outfit, determining that it seemed to be fine if she needed to wade in some water or similar, before reluctantly heading to her tent for a towel. She hoped that she wouldn¡¯t bump into Elise or Grace on this journey.

    Unfortunately, yet also predictably, she did bump into both of them on the way to their tent. Elise opened her mouth as if to say something, but Lila quickened her pace, hurriedly unzipping the tent and pulling out her towel before exiting the tent again. They both looked sullen when Lila passed them by again, though she pressed on.

    She knew that being avoidant was cowardly, particularly since Elise obviously wanted to talk to her. But Lila wanted a little more time. For what¡­ she wasn¡¯t sure. So, avoidance it was. For now. Hopefully.

    Asher met her at the edge of the pathway to the female tents, his face worried.

    ¡°You okay? You seem a bit frazzled,¡± he observed in a low voice. She contemplated lying by saying she was fine for a moment ¨C before remembering how easily he saw through that particular lie, and how upset it made him when he realised she was hiding her feelings.

    ¡°I guess you could say that I am,¡± Lila admitted. ¡°I just can¡¯t bring myself to talk to Elise. I don¡¯t know what I could even say ¨C like, I doubt Grace has let her secret out. Knowing Elise, she probably wants to confront me about¡­ I guess you could say fighting with Grace, but about what? I definitely don¡¯t want to tell Elise about Grace¡¯s gi-¡­ partner if Grace hasn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t deny that I can be a bit avoidant too,¡± Asher replied with a small smile. ¡°The thing about it, though, is that it tends to breed overthinking.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    He pressed his lips together before opening his backpack. ¡°Avoid them as much as you want today ¨C but see if you can push through your feelings for tomorrow. Elise is probably worried about you, too. She¡¯d be able to tell that you¡¯re off, even if Grace hasn¡¯t said anything about you guys fighting.¡± He gently took her towel from her hands and shoved it into his backpack before putting it on his shoulders.

    ¡°¡­ Okay. I¡¯ll try.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s all you can ask for,¡± he responded with a nod. ¡°Let¡¯s go stand with everyone else.¡±

    They moved towards the middle of the common area, which grew in number by the second. Eventually, headcounts were made between all the teachers and the counsellors began to organise the students into haphazard groups so that walking to the mountain bikes wouldn¡¯t be a pandemonium.

    As they filed out of the campsite, they collected their morning tea offerings from Rachael and another female camp counsellor that Lila hadn¡¯t caught the name of who was evidently part of 11C and 11D¡¯s group.

    This walk was far more pleasant than the walk from the canoes and far shorter. They reached a large clearing that overlooked a cul-de-sac and was filled with mountain bikes and helmets. Two Utes were parked at the top of the cul-de-sac, the image of which incited a sigh from Lila. Her humble ride to wherever they were going awaited her.

    Instructions were given to put on helmets and choose a bike for those who knew how to ride one, and for those who didn¡¯t ¨C they had the joy of waiting to the side next to Mick.

    Lila shuffled that way, almost wishing that she¡¯d asked Asher to teach her how to ride a bike properly. Then, when she realised who else was lining up next to Mick, she definitely wished so.

    Ayla looked rather solemn as her eyes were turned to their classmates, who seemed to be having some measure of fun picking bikes. Lila tore her eyes away from Ayla, folding her arms across her chest. With two Utes, there was a 50/50 chance that she wouldn¡¯t be sitting in one with Ayla.

    Well, that¡¯s what she assumed ¨C until it was clear that everyone except Lila, Ayla and Dorothy knew how to ride a bike.

    ¡°Well, this is a good turnout,¡± Mick grinned as he turned to the three girls. ¡°I was hoping we¡¯d only need one Ute. Here, you can get in while I chat to your teachers and the other counsellors for a moment.¡±

    He unlocked one of the Utes with his key before briskly marching towards the adults.

    Lila couldn¡¯t help but notice Ayla stiffen when she looked at Lila. Nothing was said between the three of them before Dorothy spoke up.

    ¡°So¡­ you guys don¡¯t know how to ride a bike?¡±

    Lila shook her head. ¡°Not at all. I was never really interested, and my parents never had bikes at home.¡±

    ¡°Have you ever tried riding a bike?¡± Dorothy continued, edging towards the Ute. Lila found her feet following Dorothy¡¯s lead as she responded.

    ¡°I¡­ have. With my boyfriend, on one of those tandem bikes.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, you have a boyfriend? Who?¡± Dorothy asked, her tone excited. Lila held her surprise in. She¡¯d almost assumed that everyone knew at this point that she and Asher were dating. At the same time, though, she hardly knew Dorothy at all ¨C neither travelled in similar circles nor did they have any classes together.

    ¡°Asher.¡±

    ¡°Wait, no, really? The Dux?¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes subconsciously flickered to Ayla, whose expression was evidently unimpressed. Lila looked back at Dorothy just as quickly. ¡°Yeah.¡±

    ¡°How¡¯d that even happen?¡± Dorothy questioned, opening one of the back passenger doors of the Ute. She patiently waited, as if inviting Lila to climb in first. Lila did so as she tried to think of a response, briefly noticing that Ayla had made her way to the other side of the car.

    ¡°Well¡­ uh, we were partners for our English project,¡± Lila began as she clipped herself into the middle seat. Then, she stopped. If she was in the middle-

    Ayla opened the door on the other side and silently got in. Now that Lila was in the middle, buckled up already, it¡¯d be far too awkward and obvious to ask Dorothy to swap with her. Ayla seemed to be sitting as far away from Lila as possible, her head turned to the window.

    ¡®At least she¡¯s not telling me off for sitting near her this time,¡¯ Lila thought drily, turning to face Dorothy who had climbed in and closed the door behind her.

    ¡°And then what?¡± Dorothy pressed after putting her seatbelt on, her eyes full of rapt attention.

    ¡°We ended up becoming really close,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°It¡¯s kinda weird to think about, but¡­ we work really well together. After the project was over, he really became my best friend. Then, after¡­ we kept hanging out, I realised that I liked him and¡­ I was really scared to tell him, in case it ruined everything. But then he said he liked me too and had for a really long time. Like, years. He wasn¡¯t ready to date me then, though.¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why?¡±

    Lila wasn¡¯t exactly sure why she was telling Dorothy so much. Perhaps it was because the alternative was sitting in insufferable silence while they waited for Mick to come back. Either way, she couldn¡¯t help herself. ¡°His ex cheated on him and got pregnant by someone else.¡±

    Dorothy gave a horrified gasp. ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. He¡­ was a mess. So, for a little bit after I told him I liked him, he worked on being okay with getting into another relationship, I guess. He went on a trip to Vanuatu over the school holidays, and when he came back he planned this whole thing to ask me to be his girlfriend,¡± Lila explained, feeling a smile form on her face. Reminiscing on the picnic, even though it hadn¡¯t been that long ago, spread warmth within her.

    ¡°That¡¯s so cute,¡± Dorothy grinned. Then, she sighed. ¡°Wish I had a boyfriend. What about you, Ayla? Are you dating anyone?¡±

    Ayla jumped, as if surprised someone was talking to her. She turned to face Dorothy, her skin an interesting shade of pale.

    ¡°No,¡± Ayla murmured, looking back out of her window.

    ¡°Do you like anyone, Dorothy?¡± Lila swiftly asked, whipping her head to look at Dorothy again.

    ¡°Kinda,¡± Dorothy replied coyly. ¡°You know Michael Wallis?¡±

    Lila adjusted herself in her seat. ¡°Know of him.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in 11F. And he¡¯s really cute.¡±

    ¡°You should tell him.¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Dorothy shook her head vehemently. ¡°I¡¯m definitely not brave like you.¡±

    ¡°Not sure if brave is the right word for what I did,¡± Lila responded frankly. ¡°I just couldn¡¯t really keep it in anymore, since we were so close. It was kinda killing me.¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve just died.¡±

    ¡°Are you friends with Michael?¡±

    ¡°Not really. I mean, we sit in the same section of the bus every day, and sometimes we talk.¡±

    ¡°Maybe try getting closer to him. One thing that I¡¯ve learned is that dating someone that you¡¯re friends with first is actually really nice. I dated someone I hardly knew a couple years ago and it was just so awkward. But¡­ with Asher, it feels like-¡± Lila felt her face burning as she cut herself off. Dorothy was staring wide-eyed at Lila, and she felt as though Ayla was looking at her, too.

    ¡°Feels like what?¡± Dorothy questioned.

    ¡°Feels like¡­ I¡¯m myself. And he¡¯s himself. We started off with no real pressure to pretend to be anyone else, and it just feels right. Comfortable, but exciting, now that we have a new phase of us to explore. I can¡¯t imagine being with anyone else.¡±

    ¡°Wow. That¡¯s goals right there.¡±

    Lila paused. Was that really what others would think about her relationship with Asher? A part of her still felt as though¡­ well, that those who believed the rumours would assume that they had been true ¨C that Lila was a homewrecker, or prostituting herself to Asher, or whatever else the rumour mill had come up with in Term One, which wouldn¡¯t really be ¡®goals¡¯.

    ¡°Girl to girl, though,¡± Dorothy added with a sly smile, ¡°I heard he¡¯s, like, mega loaded ¡®cause of his family, plus he¡¯s the smartest guy in our grade. You totally singled him out ¡®cause of that, right?¡±

    Lila hadn¡¯t felt so offended so quickly in a long while.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± she bristled. ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less if he wasn¡¯t either of those things. What¡¯s important to me is that he¡¯s who he is. Sure, he¡¯s smart, but he¡¯s so much more than that. He¡¯s really caring and sweet, and I can¡¯t help but smile around him. Even though I¡¯m nowhere near as smart as him, he¡¯s always respected me and my opinions, and he understands me. He remembers all the little things, too, plus he¡¯s also really responsible-¡±

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m sorry,¡± Dorothy said defensively, raising her hands in surrender. ¡°It¡¯s just that I hardly know him. He¡­ seemed like this quiet goody two-shoes, whose only interest was studying. I didn¡¯t know what the appeal was.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s also really attractive.¡±

    ¡°Well, yeah,¡± Dorothy replied, lowering her hands. ¡°But there¡¯s plenty of attractive guys around.¡±

    Lila was about to respond when Mick opened the driver¡¯s side door and buckled himself in. There was no way that Lila was going to continue the conversation now.

    ¡°Rightio,¡± Mick said cheerily, turning the key in the ignition. It roared to a start and he turned in his seat to face the three of them in the back. ¡°We¡¯ll be doing some four-wheel driving to get to our destination. Hope you¡¯re all strapped in and ready to go.¡±

    Without waiting for a response, he set off, following the cul-de-sac and venturing along the road. Lila strained to look out of the windows to see where their classmates were whilst trying to ignore how awkward it felt in the car now. It looked like they were receiving a debriefing back in the clearing, helmets on and bikes selected. She caught one last glimpse of Asher standing next to Isaac before the entire clearing disappeared altogether.

    The entrance to the four-wheel driving trail wasn¡¯t far from the cul-de-sac, and Mick carefully drove onto it. The sound of the engine intermingled with the crunching of gravel and branches drowned out any hope of any kind of conversation, so Lila sat in silence, glancing out of Dorothy¡¯s window every so often to see the scenery flashing by.

    The Ute climbed up the mountainside, with Mick artfully navigating potholes and tight turns. Though it was thus far a nice experience, albeit with forceful headbanging and jostling, Lila couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Asher was enjoying his mountain biking activity. She really should¡¯ve asked him to teach her so they could¡¯ve biked together¡­

    Occasionally, Lila bumped into Ayla with the force of the car, and each time she¡¯d mumble an apology. She still didn¡¯t really want to interact with Ayla at all, but she also didn¡¯t want to seem rude just in case that would¡¯ve annoyed Ayla more.

    Eventually, the journey was over ¨C they¡¯d survived the descent from the mountain and were now parked on the road alongside a small, secluded beach ringed with grass.

    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Mick announced exuberantly. ¡°We¡¯ll have lunch, then break into groups for beach volleyball, beach flags, and sand art, have a little bit of free time after and then head back to the campsite. Sound good to you three?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t as though protesting would make him change the plan, so Lila audibly agreed. Besides, it did sound like a good plan.

    They hopped out of the Ute, taking a look around at the beach. It was rather small ¨C more akin to a very sandy riverside or lake than a beach, though the sand was incredibly fine and almost white.

    Mick requested their assistance in setting up the gazebo under which lunch would be served and the activities while they waited for their classmates to arrive. It gave Lila an opportunity to avoid simply standing around with Ayla and Dorothy, so she eagerly pitched in.

    Henry arrived first just as Lila was tying the tablecloths onto the tables underneath the gazebo, a tall, red flag clipped onto the back of his bike.

    ¡°You¡¯re all very efficient,¡± Henry said as he unclipped his helmet and dragged his bike to where the grass met the road.

    ¡°Mate, we¡¯ve been here for hours,¡± Mick replied with a cheeky grin. ¡°We¡¯re actually packing up.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Henry replied, unclipping his helmet. ¡°Righto.¡±

    The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.

    The first group of students arrived mere seconds later, which consisted of mostly males. None of them were Asher, so Lila moved on to setting up the beach flags activity with Dorothy who looked rather lost at the idea.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Dorothy said gratefully as Lila grabbed a bundle of flags. They worked in silence for a few moments before Dorothy glanced at Lila, her face a bright red.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look now, but Michael¡¯s coming this way,¡± she whispered dramatically, stabbing a flag slightly too deep into the sand. She pulled it back out with shaking hands.

    Lila pressed her lips together to hide her smirk. It seemed that ¡®kinda¡¯ admission from before was just scratching the surface.

    ¡°You guys need any help?¡± Michael¡¯s voice, one far deeper than Lila had suspected him to have, carried over to them. They both turned towards him.

    ¡°Su-¡±

    ¡°No thanks,¡± Dorothy squeaked, cutting Lila off and turning back to where she was facing. Lila gave her a sideways glance before standing up and dusting her hands on her pants.

    ¡°Actually, I¡¯ll go check on how Ayla¡¯s doing with the volleyball nets,¡± she announced, passing Michael the remaining flags in her hands. She heard a small whisper-scream from Dorothy, who had placed her head in her hands. Michael nodded at Lila before squatting next to Dorothy, diligently placing flags into the sand without a word shared between them.

    As Lila backed away, she couldn¡¯t tell from Michael¡¯s body language whether he liked Dorothy as well, or whether he was just being helpful. Over this camping trip, she had seen Michael help out at various intervals on a variety of tasks ¨C so¡­ perhaps it wasn¡¯t out of character for him to get stuck into something like this to help out.

    Now that she¡¯d said that she¡¯d check on Ayla, though, Lila slowed her pace. She didn¡¯t really want to, but she could see from here that Ayla was struggling as the wind began to pick up around her. It didn¡¯t seem like anyone else noticed this so, with a reluctant sigh, she headed over.

    Ayla jumped, as if startled by Lila¡¯s appearance, before continuing on with her attempts to secure the volleyball net on the right side. Lila secured the left, shaking it slightly to test its sturdiness before beginning to walk back to where students were generally hanging around.

    ¡°Lila,¡± Ayla¡¯s voice was small, almost imperceptible, over the wind. Lila stopped, unsettled by the fact that Ayla spoke to her.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah?¡±

    Their eyes met. Ayla shook her head.

    ¡°Never mind. Sorry.¡±

    ¡°¡­ All good.¡±

    Lila continued on her way, the confusion settling on her face. Had she been about to tell Lila off again?

    More students were rolling in, parking their bikes in a neat line on the grass and bundling their helmets in a pile. The counsellors were handing out chilled bottles of water to the new arrivals. Plenty of students were lying down under the shade of the gazebo or nearby trees, with others sitting on the grass and talking.

    She took another sweeping glance at the students who were arriving, absently touching her necklace. Another wave of students arrived and she breathed a sigh of relief ¨C there was Asher, looking incredibly puffed but at the very least like he¡¯d enjoyed the mountain biking.

    She hurried over to him, taking the bike out of his hands. He looked surprised before smiling broadly at her and unclipping his helmet. She wheeled it over to the rest, took a moment to park it, and returned to him. He was standing under the shade of the gazebo, his eyes bright with amusement.

    ¡°How was that?¡± she asked as he drank some water. He wiped his mouth before responding.

    ¡°It was alright,¡± he grinned. ¡°Isaac stacked it at the end there. I tried to help him but he waved me off. He should be coming up soon.¡±

    As though his words summoned Isaac, Isaac walked his bike towards the other bikes, his face flushed and visible scrapes along his arms. He looked rather sheepish when he headed to them after parking his bike along the grass.

    ¡°Hey, Isaac,¡± Asher chuckled. He grabbed a bottle from the table behind him and passed it to Isaac, who placed it against a particularly deep scrape.

    ¡°Hey,¡± Isaac replied with a sigh. ¡°I seriously thought it was a snake. You can stop laughing.¡±

    ¡°I wasn¡¯t laughing,¡± Asher responded, his eyes briefly resting on Lila¡¯s before he looked away and sipped more water.

    Isaac frowned, though he sipped his own water in silence. Lila looked behind them both to see if Elise or Grace had made it, but they hadn¡¯t just yet.

    ¡°Should you get some antiseptic?¡± Lila asked after Isaac capped his bottle again.

    ¡°Don¡¯t make me feel worse,¡± Isaac complained. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±

    ¡°Should¡¯ve seen what he did to that tree he collided with though,¡± Asher added. Isaac attempted a half-hearted kick at Asher¡¯s shins, which he easily dodged with a laugh.

    ¡°You know, you seem really grumpy about it,¡± Lila said, a smile creeping up on her face. ¡°Did you stack it in front of Elise?¡±

    Isaac¡¯s face immediately grew pink and he turned away from Lila and Asher, looking towards the road that yet more students were traversing. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°He did,¡± Asher nodded.

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Lila smirked.

    ¡°What does?¡± Isaac immediately turned around again, his expression slightly panicked.

    ¡°That you¡¯d be so embarrassed by stacking it in front of Elise.¡±

    ¡°I am not,¡± Isaac replied shortly. ¡°Not at all.¡±

    ¡°Suuure,¡± Lila drawled. Isaac huffed but evidently decided against replying to her assertions.

    Eventually, all students were accounted for, including Elise and Grace, though they stayed with the bikes rather than approach Lila, Asher and Isaac. Lila briefly wondered whether Isaac found it odd that Elise and Grace were avoiding them today, but he didn¡¯t comment on it.

    They were sorted into haphazard groups, with Asher, Lila and Isaac in one group and Elise and Grace in another, before lunch ¨C a beachside barbecue ¨C was served. This relieved Lila since it meant she¡¯d be less likely to be cornered by Eli-

    ¡°Lila, can I have a chat?¡± Elise¡¯s voice broke through Lila¡¯s thoughts as her sausage sizzle was halfway to her mouth. Lila sighed, closing her eyes.

    ¡°Sure,¡± she replied, her tone resigned. She looked up at Elise, who had a concerned expression on her face.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go this way,¡± Elise said, pointing towards a nearby spot under the trees that was surprisingly student-free. Asher quickly grabbed Lila¡¯s hand, giving it a gentle, reassuring squeeze before letting go. She smiled at him, though her anxiety was twisting her stomach. Of course Elise wouldn¡¯t be able to go much longer without talking to Lila.

    Lila craned her neck to see where Grace was and spotted her sitting with Amy, delicately eating her sausage sizzle. Her face seemed paler than usual ¨C but, other than that, there was no hint that something was wrong.

    Lila walked behind Elise until they reached the spot that she¡¯d pointed out. Lila tried to shovel her food into her mouth as swiftly as possible since she anticipated that she¡¯d lose her appetite entirely as soon as Elise started talking to her.

    Elise suddenly swivelled just as Lila took the biggest bite she could, locking eyes with her. Lila began to cough, and it looked as if Elise was suppressing a laugh.

    ¡°Sorry, finish eating,¡± Elise said after a moment, waving a hand at Lila. Lila swallowed roughly before sighing once more.

    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Lila asked, her fingers trembling against her paper plate.

    Elise¡¯s expression changed into one of seriousness. ¡°I think you know what¡¯s up.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ plenty,¡± Lila replied vaguely, her heartbeat quickening.

    Elise looked at her doubtfully. ¡°There¡¯s only one thing that I¡¯d want to talk to you about.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t respond. Elise placed her hands on her hips before crossing her arms.

    ¡°Why are you and Grace fighting?¡±

    Lila still hadn¡¯t managed to think of an excuse. So, in her panic, she asked, ¡°What did Grace say?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t answer a question with a question.¡±

    ¡®Shit.¡¯

    ¡°I¡­ wasn¡¯t trying to fight with Grace.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s really upset.¡±

    ¡°I know. But she told me not to talk to her.¡±

    That seemed to shock Elise. ¡°Really? That¡¯s not like Grace.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    There was an awkward pause between them before Elise sighed. ¡°She¡­ said that you were fed up with not meeting her partner. You said something about wanting to go on double dates?¡±

    Lila sank to the ground, her legs suddenly unable to take her weight. ¡°She said that¡­ did she?¡±

    ¡°Lila, I didn¡¯t think you would be so pushy.¡±

    Lila hesitated as Elise took a seat next to her. Clearly, Grace lied to Elise. It was really Grace¡¯s secret, and it was a big one, so Lila didn¡¯t want to tell Elise the full story. So, she settled on being sufficiently vague enough to fit Grace¡¯s narrative and express some counterpoints. ¡°¡­ Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s weird? We knew about her relationship in, like, early February, and now it¡¯s August.¡±

    ¡°Grace said it¡¯s ¡®cause her girlfriend isn¡¯t out yet.¡±

    ¡°So, she doesn¡¯t trust us to meet her partner and keep it a secret?¡± Lila¡¯s gaze was piercing.

    ¡°It¡¯s not about trust-¡±

    ¡°I know. But is she ever going to let us meet? Her gir-¡­ partner is really important to her.¡±

    ¡°In time, maybe.¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply. ¡°I just feel like keeping relationships secret from your best friends is kinda counter-intuitive to the whole best friend thing. Don¡¯t you want to celebrate Grace¡¯s relationship with her?¡±

    Elise looked deeply uncomfortable. ¡°I mean¡­ we do, don¡¯t we? We, like, talk to her about it and stuff.¡±

    ¡°We¡­ support¡­¡± Lila paused before sighing again. ¡°Look. I just want to make sure Grace is happy.¡±

    ¡°She says she¡¯s happy.¡±

    ¡°What she says¡­ might not be the truth.¡±

    ¡°What, do you think something¡¯s wrong with her relationship?¡±

    ¡®Yes! Everything¡¯s wrong with it!¡¯ ¡°Well¡­ she made Grace cry when she invited her to the museum.¡±

    Elise pressed her lips together. ¡°Yeah. I guess.¡±

    ¡°Look, it started as¡­ gentle questioning, you know. About her partner. But¡­ I dunno how it ended up like this. I¡¯m just trying not to push her too far, so I¡¯m giving her space.¡±

    ¡°Alright. I just wanted to check in with you. I think¡­ it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t love you, Lila, but Grace would be alone if I didn¡¯t stick by her.¡±

    ¡°By all means. Grace needs a friend. Asher¡¯s here, so I don¡¯t mind.¡±

    Elise nodded. ¡°Yeah. Okay. Thanks.¡±

    They returned to where everyone was sitting, with Elise splitting off and sitting next to Grace and Amy. Lila carried on to Asher and Isaac, who stopped talking as she approached.

    ¡°Everything okay?¡± Asher asked meaningfully.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Lila replied lightly. Isaac looked between them both but didn¡¯t say anything. Eventually, they began to talk about other things before they were called to the various activities.

    For the rest of the day, Lila found herself hardly giving Grace, Elise or Ayla any thought at all as she participated in the activities. Mostly, she was quite entertained by the antics of her cohort ¨C including the increasingly dramatic shouts from each pass during beach volleyball.

    The beach art activity was rather strange by contrast. It was led by Rachael, who encouraged meditative breathing alongside the abstract ¡®paintings¡¯ made of glue and sand.

    Finally, they were allowed some free time, which naturally meant a small walk alongside the waves with Asher. Isaac took the opportunity to sit with Elise and Grace ¨C which made Lila happy for Elise, but slightly worried that Grace would tell Isaac that she and Lila fought.

    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t have any cash on me, and my phone is useless, but I bet I could find a sand dollar for your thoughts,¡± Asher said brightly, an amused smirk on his face.

    Lila laughed. ¡°Sorry, but the Bank of Lila doesn¡¯t accept sea creatures as payment.¡±

    ¡°Damn.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ at the moment, looking at that cheeky grin of yours, like you find yourself to be absolutely hilarious, makes me think that I really miss kissing you.¡±

    ¡°What a coincidence,¡± Asher replied, his smirk broadening into a gleaming grin. ¡°I really miss kissing you, too.¡±

    ¡°Could we-¡±

    ¡°Definitely not. I can feel Isaac¡¯s eyes on us at all times like he¡¯s got laser vision.¡±

    ¡°He really should just hurry up and get with Elise,¡± Lila grumbled. ¡°Occupy himself with something else.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s an idea,¡± Asher chuckled.

    They slowed at the edge of a collection of smooth grey and brown rocks at the end of this small beach. Many of their cohort were carefully walking across them, and others were inspecting the rocks and shallow rock pools with great interest. Lila and Asher joined the crowd, pointing out intriguing formations and potential critters to one another whilst letting a couple of jokes filter through here and there.

    After a few minutes of this, they circled back towards the gazebo which was now serving as a central hub for lounging students. Asher gently nudged her shoulder, his voice low as he asked, ¡°How was your trip over here?¡±

    Lila sighed, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°It was alright. I somehow sat in the middle, between Ayla and Dorothy. I¡¯ve never really spoken to Dorothy before, but she seems nice. Maybe a little bit nosy, but she means well. She kinda implied that we were couple goals or something.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± Asher seemed chuffed. ¡°What did you even say, though?¡±

    Lila blushed, pressing her crossed arms closer together. ¡°¡­ Just¡­ talked about you. Why I like you, and why I think us being best friends first¡­ was a really good thing.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher murmured, his own face turning slightly pink. ¡°Why do you like me?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°Honestly.¡±

    Lila fell quiet, trying to think of the best way to answer him.

    ¡°There¡¯s¡­ a lot of reasons,¡± Lila began, letting her arms fall to her sides. ¡°It¡¯s hard to think of which to say first.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Asher repeated, his eyes wide with shock. ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Deadly.¡±

    His lips twitched for a moment, the movement of which made Lila¡¯s stomach flutter, before they split into a genuine smile.

    ¡°I¡¯d like to know one day,¡± he said softly, glancing behind her towards the gazebo.

    ¡°Well, what about me?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°What do you like about me?¡±

    He looked thoughtful for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°It¡¯s like what you said. There are a lot of reasons, so it¡¯s hard to think of what to say first. But¡­ well, one of the reasons boils down to how I¡¯ve always felt around you. Somehow, you¡¯ve always captivated me and made me feel lighter when I¡¯m around you. It¡¯s difficult to explain, but it¡¯s¡­ similar to happiness, I guess, but also different.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila uttered. Then, she tilted her head as she tried to think why he would feel that way ¨C especially since he¡¯d said ¡®always¡¯.

    ¡°Plus, it seems like your mind is always going ¨C either because you¡¯re curious, or you¡¯re thinking deeply about something,¡± he smiled. ¡°You ever look at someone and think there¡¯s nothing in there but air?¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°Sometimes.¡±

    A whistle caught their attention and they both looked over at the gazebo from where it had sounded. All of the counsellors and teachers were waving their arms, beckoning the students to return. It seemed like they¡¯d be setting off back to the main campsite shortly.

    Her prediction came true, and it wasn¡¯t long before the activities and gazebo were packed up and she was once more sitting in the Ute. She allowed Dorothy to get in before her so that she was sandwiched next to the door this time.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe you ditched me with Michael,¡± Dorothy huffed once Lila closed the door behind her. Lila smirked.

    ¡°I can¡¯t believe he approached you first,¡± she countered, watching as Dorothy¡¯s cheeks reddened.

    ¡°W-Well, he¡¯s just a helpful guy.¡±

    ¡°He didn¡¯t ask to help me,¡± Ayla piped up. Lila held back her surprise that Ayla voluntarily joined in this conversation. ¡°And I was struggling. Just ask Lila.¡±

    Dorothy whipped her head to Lila, who shrugged and said, ¡°It¡¯s not a lie. We managed, though.¡±

    Dorothy sat back, leaning her head against the headrest. ¡°He¡¯s too cute. I almost drowned myself in the ocean once he left.¡±

    ¡°It looks like you¡¯d easily get his attention by constantly struggling,¡± Lila replied plainly.

    ¡°But constantly struggling is a struggle,¡± Dorothy whined. ¡°I just¡­ I¡¯d rather not have these feelings.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Lila questioned.

    ¡°Why? Because it¡¯s torture.¡±

    ¡°Sure, but isn¡¯t it kind of fun, too? Knowing that he can affect you like that, I mean. Not everyone can do that.¡±

    Dorothy sighed before placing her head in her hands. ¡°¡­ Yeah. I¡­ guess I like the butterflies.¡±

    ¡°I mean, you don¡¯t need to do anything about your crush,¡± Lila added. ¡°It might go away on its own.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Maybe.¡±

    It was at that moment that Mick threw open the driver¡¯s side door and jumped in.

    ¡°How was that, ladies?¡± he asked cheerily as he turned the key into the ignition.

    ¡°Fun,¡± Lila replied simply.

    ¡°That¡¯s all we ask for,¡± Mick responded, beginning to head back towards the trail that they¡¯d taken to get here. It was far more relaxing this time around, despite all the bumps and jiggling, since she wasn¡¯t knocking against Ayla.

    Her legs felt much like jelly as she got out of the Ute, making sure to leave the door open for Dorothy. Looking around, her eyes squinting to protect against the glare of the sun, she was surprised to see that they were at the campsite already, rather than the spot where her cohort had picked up the bikes from.

    ¡°Thought it didn¡¯t make sense to have you all wait until everyone reaches the other spot,¡± Mick explained, as though he had read Lila¡¯s enquiring mind. ¡°It¡¯s free time until dinner, same time as yesterday.¡±

    He began attacking the fire again, though it was nowhere near cold enough to really need it.

    The three girls exchanged a glance before Dorothy shrugged and headed towards the bathroom. Lila was about to make her way to her tent to rescue a book when Ayla called for her again.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah?¡±

    ¡°Can I talk to you? Please?¡±

    It wasn¡¯t as though Lila¡¯s curiosity about why Ayla wanted to talk to her before had disappeared. She tried to keep her face neutral as she said, ¡°Sure.¡±

    Ayla¡¯s expression changed, as though she was regretting her request. Now that Lila had an excuse to look intently at Ayla, she could see that she looked much the same as she had at PE ¨C pallid, thin and frail, her jumper dwarfing her frame. The circles under her eyes hadn¡¯t improved, either.

    ¡°Maybe¡­ we should go over there,¡± Ayla suggested quietly, pointing towards the pathway to the boys¡¯ tents. It was far enough away that Mick wouldn¡¯t be able to overhear them at the very least.

    With no other alternative coming to her, Lila nodded. There were a few boulders at the beginning of the path and they both sat on one each, facing each other. Suddenly, Lila was feeling rather nervous. Ayla¡¯s quietness was certainly odd, particularly for being one of the Gossip Queens, and Lila had absolutely no idea what Ayla would want to talk to her about. They¡¯d barely talked until this year, and the times that they had were hardly conversations.

    Lila patiently waited as Ayla took a slow, steadying breath.

    ¡°I¡­ wanted to apologise,¡± Ayla said meekly, staring at her hands. ¡°For PE.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to,¡± Lila replied seriously. ¡°I¡¯d¡­ kinda assumed that you didn¡¯t want anyone around you, but pushed it anyway.¡±

    Ayla grimaced. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong, but you¡¯re not right, either. Um, this¡­ might sound really weird, but¡­ I¡­ kinda thought you had something to do with¡­¡±

    She stopped, taking another breath ¨C this time, it was much shakier.

    ¡°S-Sorry. Um. P-Piper.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ see. Is there any particular reason?¡±

    Ayla sighed. ¡°When I found out you and Asher started dating after she¡­ died¡­ I thought you¡¯d gotten rid of her so you could have him.¡±

    Lila blinked. ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°Irrational. But¡­¡± Ayla hesitated, picking at her fingernails. ¡°It felt logical, at the time.¡±

    ¡°Grief can do strange things,¡± Lila responded, her tone gentle.

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Ayla swallowed, a fleeting expression of guilt mingled with incredible sadness passing so quickly that Lila wasn¡¯t quite sure whether she¡¯d imagined it entirely. ¡°Except¡­ it¡¯s more than that.¡±

    Lila chose not to respond, instead waiting for Ayla to continue.

    ¡°I loved Piper. Not just as a friend. I¡­ spent so much time, by her side, as she raved on and on about Asher. About how rich he was, and how smart he was. About how¡­ she would just live a life of luxury if she got with him. And it seemed like¡­ a silly fantasy, or crush. Something temporary that I could sit through, despite the pain. But I started to realise that it was dangerous. And, truthfully, I was relieved when she got expelled. I thought¡­ it could mean that she would let go of him. When she got expelled though, it seemed to get worse ¨C and she blamed you a lot. Then, I heard what she did, with those photos, and everything else, and then she died. It felt too convenient that you got with Asher so soon afterwards.¡±

    Ayla¡¯s eyes glistened as she took another deep breath before speaking. ¡°I wanted to see her, the day she disappeared. I asked if we could go to the movies or something, and I was¡­ finally going to tell her. I thought maybe since she was expelled, she might seriously think about moving on¡­ with me. But she said no, she couldn¡¯t. She had to do something, apparently. And so I never told her. And I¡¯ll never know what she would¡¯ve thought, or said, or done once I confessed.¡±

    Silent tears had now begun to fall down Ayla¡¯s face, though she continued without addressing them at all. ¡°I think I was projecting my guilt onto you. I mean, if she¡¯d said yes to hanging out with me, then she might not have been murdered, right? I¡­ could¡¯ve saved her. And maybe¡­ maybe we might¡¯ve started something. Something that sounds like what you and Asher have.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯s natural for you to feel that way,¡± Lila said softly. ¡°For all of it. I don¡¯t blame you at all¡­ but I have to ask. Why tell me all this?¡±

    Ayla gave a half-hearted shrug. ¡°I¡¯d kinda assumed that you were dating Asher for the same reasons that Piper wanted to. And it made me mad, for some reason ¨C like, why was Piper not good enough when you were doing the same thing? But hearing you say that you couldn¡¯t care less if he wasn¡¯t rich or smart, and then listing out some of his qualities that I had no idea about ¨C well, it seemed like you were genuine. It made me feel like¡­ at least Asher was with someone who wasn¡¯t using him. A-As much as I loved Piper, I couldn¡¯t agree with her about her chasing him for such superficial reasons. I wanted her to be happy, and it seemed like her happiness was tied to this obsession, but it also wouldn¡¯t have been fair on him to be dating someone who just wanted him for his potential, and didn¡¯t care at all about who he was. So¡­ I wanted to apologise, for PE, and explain myself, I guess.¡±

    Ayla wiped away her residual tears before sighing yet again. ¡°I had a mental breakdown after her Mum said she was missing. I spent as long as I could, looking for her with her family. We even went to that park¡­ but she wasn¡¯t there then.¡± A pained expression lingered on her face as she added, ¡°I sat on the same bench as the one where she was found. Calling her phone, calling for her. I feel like¡­ I might¡¯ve jinxed it. And¡­ that feeling, after she was found, sent me to the hospital.¡±

    Instinctively, so that the girl before her didn¡¯t crumble right there into nothing, Lila reached out and pulled Ayla into a hug.

    ¡°I know it¡¯s easier said than done, but you can¡¯t blame yourself for the decisions some psycho made. Have you talked about any of this with your friends? Brittany, Scarlett and all them?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± came Ayla¡¯s subdued reply. She seemed to be melting into Lila¡¯s hug as she uttered, ¡°They don¡¯t even know I¡¯m a lesbian.¡±

    Now Lila had no idea what to do. The floodgates to the hole in Ayla¡¯s heart seemed to have broken entirely as she cried in earnest. Lila glanced around and saw Mick looking their way with an unsure expression. Lila gave him an awkward thumbs up and he promptly turned back to the fire.

    ¡°I m-miss her,¡± Ayla sniffled into Lila¡¯s jumper.

    ¡®Can¡¯t relate,¡¯ Lila thought as she tightened her grasp on Ayla. With how fragile she felt, almost skin and bone, the detrimental effects of Piper¡¯s passing on Ayla was undeniable. Lila would never know the version of Piper that Ayla had seen, loved and was still mourning. For a moment, she wondered who that had been.

    Somehow, the visage of Piper¡¯s deranged face and abhorrent behaviour softened just a little as Ayla¡¯s shoulders shook. It¡¯d been hard not to villainise Piper, given everything she¡¯d done to both Lila and Asher, but to think that in a moment like this, with someone so devastated by her loss, felt villainous in itself. Lila continued to hold Ayla, letting her tears soak into her clothes for as long as Ayla needed. While it wasn¡¯t the same, being unable to express to her friends tightly held secrets was a feeling Lila could relate to ¨C at the very least, the suffocation and absence of support for something so heavy was almost always crushing.

    ¡°Are you going to tell your friends?¡± Lila murmured as Ayla¡¯s sobs finally subsided and she stepped out of Lila¡¯s embrace.

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know. They¡¯re¡­ well, they¡¯re incredibly straight. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯d get it,¡± Ayla replied, wiping her eyes with the cuffs of her own jumper. ¡°I¡¯ve ruined your clothes, I¡¯m so sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°Nothing a washing machine can¡¯t fix.¡±

    Ayla gave her a fleeting smile in return.

    ¡°Sorry I just dumped that all on you,¡± Ayla added, pushing the wrists of her jumper over her hands. ¡°I¡¯m not sure why I said all that.¡±

    Lila¡¯s mind flashed to the time Asher had said something similar, way back in the beginning of the year when Lila said she wanted to keep helping him.

    ¡°Let¡¯s just say I have that effect on people,¡± Lila replied kindly. ¡°But you looked like you needed to let it out anyway. I just happened to be here.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ayla replied with a small smile. She exhaled deeply, folding her arms across her body as if to comfort herself.

    A niggling question tugged at the corners of Lila¡¯s lips, now that Ayla seemed to have calmed down. Ayla had said that the day Piper disappeared, she had declined to hang out with Ayla to ¡®do something¡¯. Was that something related to why Piper had looked so dirty and dishevelled when she called out for Asher at the shops?

    ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry to bring it up,¡± Lila said slowly, knotting her hands before her. ¡°But you mentioned that the day she disappeared, she said she had to do something?¡±

    Lila¡¯s heart raced as she waited for Ayla to respond. She hoped she hadn¡¯t pushed Ayla with this line of questioning, but her desire to know more was beginning to overwhelm her. What had it been?

    Ayla looked surprised that Lila asked before her posture softened. ¡°Yeah. She just said she had to go somewhere that day. It sounded important ¨C until she sent me this selfie.¡±

    Ayla¡¯s hands hunted around in her pockets before she pulled out her phone. With visibly quivering fingers, Ayla tapped on it before handing her phone to Lila.

    It took all of Lila¡¯s willpower to not drop Ayla¡¯s phone. Piper ¨C looking alive, well and dirt-free ¨C had taken a selfie next to Mr Snugglebutt the Third, with an unmistakably familiar collar around his neck. Instead of red, like the one Asher had taken off him, it was a bright blue colour with a bottle attached to it ¨C empty, this time.

    But it was what was behind both Piper and Mr Snugglebutt that was really disturbing. It looked as though Piper was sitting on the instantly recognisable porch of the farmhouse by Asher¡¯s place. And, not only that, but the same silhouette that they had seen through the front farmhouse window was in this photo.

    The hairs along Lila¡¯s arms stood despite her jumper. Was¡­ this one of the only photos left of the farmhouse?

    She zoomed in on the silhouette ¨C its hulking shape unforgettable through the worn curtains. But, now that she had a picture in her hands, she could make out a slight detail that she¡¯d been too terrified to take note of when she¡¯d seen it in person.

    The shape of the body ¨C it looked feminine.

    Ayla peered over at her phone before looking up at Lila.

    ¡°Yeah, I noticed that creepy-ass thing too. I don¡¯t know if Piper did, but she was really excited that she¡¯d found a cat. She¡­ always loved cats, ever since I¡¯ve known her. I¡­ I¡¯ve looked at that picture so many times, I think I could draw it from memory. I¡¯ve¡­ wondered whether Piper took a photo with her¡­¡± Ayla¡¯s eyes glistened again before she whispered, ¡°killer.¡±

    The implication made Lila nauseous. She passed Ayla¡¯s phone back to her, hesitating for just a second. She almost asked Ayla if she¡¯d told the Police ¨C but at the same time, Lila didn¡¯t want to put the idea in Ayla¡¯s head. If Ayla told the Police, then they¡¯d probably suspect Asher and his family again¡­

    Asking for a copy of the selfie was out of the question, too. She¡¯d just have to relay what she saw to Asher verbally and hope it was accurate.

    The imagery of the stain on the floor of the farmhouse made Lila shudder and she quickly shook her head, as if to throw it out of her memories.

    ¡°Sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to freak you out,¡± Ayla said softly, pocketing her phone again.

    ¡°No, it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila replied reassuringly. ¡°You, um, said Piper liked cats?¡±

    Ayla nodded, pulling her jumper tighter still against her body. ¡°Yeah. There was this one time in Grade 6 or 7 when we had a sleepover and she cried because she was thinking about all the cats that didn¡¯t have a home to come back to.¡±

    It was the first smile that Lila had seen Ayla have that day which felt real. Ayla laughed as she said, ¡°She cried so hard her Mum had to come check on her. She ended up staying the whole night, but she couldn¡¯t sleep by herself. So she shared my bed. I told her she was a big baby about five times, and she said she knew each time, but that didn¡¯t make the sadness about the kitties any less.¡±

    Ayla¡¯s mouth trembled and she stared at the ground instead.

    ¡°Remembering the good can help,¡± Lila said, reaching out to touch Ayla¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Better than thinking about the sad. What else did you guys get up to?¡±

    For the next ten minutes or so, Ayla spoke about her antics with Piper. It was through these glimmers that Lila began to build a picture of who Piper had been ¨C someone who was prone to giving in to her emotions, good and bad, and someone who was always there for her friends. A lover of more animals than just cats, who wanted to build a shelter after school and spend her days tending to the homeless animals. Ayla, with a faint smirk, said that it¡¯d never work since the idea of most shelters was to rehome the animals, and Piper would never have been able to part with any she¡¯d received. To Lila, before this, Piper had been a social chameleon. But, to Ayla, it was clear that Piper had been the opposite ¨C the first person she always searched for as a source of light.

    It also turned out that Piper had some family in Germany, which was part of her motivation for going on exchange if it hadn¡¯t been cancelled and she hadn¡¯t been expelled. Ayla, with a dreamy expression, conveyed some of the plans they¡¯d made for adventures in Germany, and her wish that she could have seen the Christmas lights adorning the gingerbread house-like structures with snow for frosting arm-in-arm with Piper.

    Talking about Piper in this context seemed to give Ayla a bittersweet energy, as she finished her latest explanation about some of their Dance mishaps, including Piper¡¯s accidental splits that resulted in hysterical bouts of laughter which were followed immediately by just as hysterical shouts of pain, with her head slightly bowed.

    ¡°Thanks for listening, Lila. I think¡­ I¡¯ll go lie down in my tent for now. I hadn¡¯t really talked about her for a while. I thought it would be too painful ¨C but you¡¯re right. Remembering the good helps. I know you probably didn¡¯t like her, and I don¡¯t blame you, so I appreciate you still sticking around. I¡¯ll¡­ see you later.¡±

    She smiled once more at Lila, looking exhausted, before heading off towards the girls¡¯ tents. Lila didn¡¯t follow her, even though she was still bookless, her mind going over what Ayla had said and the picture she¡¯d seen, her index finger gently touching her lips.

    It was to the point that she hadn¡¯t realised that the rest of her cohort had returned, she was that engrossed in her own thoughts. Two sturdy hands tenderly took her by the shoulders whilst she tried to ingrain the details of the silhouette into her mind¡¯s eye and she nearly swung out a fist in response.

    With a furiously beating heart, she turned around and saw Asher¡¯s red, sweaty face.

    ¡°I¡¯m back,¡± he said, his voice as warm as the hands that still held onto her. ¡°Whoa, why is your front all wet?¡±

    Lila glanced down and saw that Ayla¡¯s tears hadn¡¯t fully dried as she¡¯d expected.

    ¡°Oh, this is just tears.¡±

    ¡°Were you crying?¡± Asher sounded concerned as he took a seat on the boulder that Ayla had been sitting on mere minutes ago.

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Lila replied. ¡°Ayla was.¡±

    ¡°You talked to Ayla?¡±

    ¡°Yeah.¡± Lila glanced around. There were far too many people around for Lila to tell Asher what had transpired. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you about it later. When we get a moment.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve got a moment now, don¡¯t we?¡±

    ¡°I meant¡­ away from everyone else. It was a much heavier conversation than I¡¯d thought.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    Unfortunately for Lila, it didn¡¯t seem like they¡¯d get the chance that day. Since there were so many classes here, finding a secluded enough spot was next to impossible. Instead, Lila asked Asher about the journey back, which he discussed with great detail, before talking about far lower-stakes matters.

    The afternoon carried on in a similar manner, with dinner not being much different, though Lila noticed that Elise, Grace and Isaac seemed to have consciously separated themselves from Lila and Asher for the time being. Eventually, the counsellors called everyone to attention.

    They announced that all the students would be packing up their tents tomorrow morning and split off into two different groups. It looked like 11C and 11D would be canoeing over to the campsite that Lila¡¯s class had left yesterday, and 11E and 11F would move along on another hike, featuring some abseiling and waterfall spotting, followed by some survival skills over at the base camp ¨C which felt a bit late to Lila, but apparently this campsite was the only one that could support it.

    Asher gave a long yawn, stretching his arms above his head. They were sitting side-by-side a little ways back from the bonfire, their knees constantly drifting together.

    ¡°Are you tired?¡± Lila queried with a twinge of sadness. He glanced at her before nodding.

    ¡°Exhausted. Whoever said that mountain bike trail was a fantastic idea is a certified maniac. Or sadist. Likely both.¡±

    Lila laughed, gently resting her head on his shoulder. ¡°Okay. You should get to bed, then.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t have to,¡± Asher frowned. ¡°I can stay up.¡±

    ¡°No, no. I¡¯ll just head to bed and go straight to sleep, I think.¡±

    ¡°Are you sure? If you¡¯re not tired-¡±

    ¡°I think you should sleep,¡± she smiled, though her tone was firm. She shook his arm slightly as she stated, ¡°Sooner we sleep, the sooner we can wake up. Last full day of camp tomorrow, after all.¡±

    ¡°Well, you¡¯ve got me there,¡± he sighed before covering another yawn with his hands. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    They slowly slogged their way to the paths leading to the tents, pausing just at the fork.

    ¡°Hey, I know we haven¡¯t talked about what to do after camp,¡± Asher suddenly said, as though an idea had struck him just now. ¡°But what do you reckon about going to mine? On Friday. After we get dropped off.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes darted around him before she smirked at him. ¡°To do what, exactly?¡±

    He gave her an odd look before his cheeks reddened. He quickly responded, ¡°Hang out.¡±

    She¡¯d hoped that he¡¯d suggest kissing. Though she¡¯d been enjoying her time at camp with him, she had been craving his touch. Just as she thought this, though, she recalled the selfie of Piper ¨C and the figure in the window. A feminine figure in the window of the farmhouse connected to Asher¡¯s property ¨C could that have been¡­ Marlene? Especially since she¡¯d clearly taken the photos they¡¯d printed of the farmhouse ¨C she definitely knew about it.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go to yours, and then go to a caf¨¦.¡±

    ¡°A caf¨¦?¡± He looked perplexed before his face settled into a smile. ¡°As long as it¡¯s a date.¡±

    She returned his smile with an edge of seriousness. ¡°Sure. As long as you¡¯re ready to pay attention.¡±

    ¡°Pay¡­ attention?¡±

    She glanced around again ¨C there were more people heading this way, clearly ready for bed. She lifted herself onto the tips of her toes and whispered in his ear, ¡°There¡¯s a cute caf¨¦ called ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, after all.¡±

    He stretched his neck, as though fighting against a rush of goosebumps, which made Lila smirk once more.

    ¡°You¡¯re being mysterious. I¡¯m not sure whether I can go to sleep anymore,¡± he murmured, taking a step back from her.

    ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ll lie down and immediately figure it out,¡± Lila replied loftily. ¡°Goodnight, Asher.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Lila.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Two

    It had been difficult to fall asleep that night. So many things had happened yesterday that her mind seemed to have trouble shutting off. Aside from the strange appearance of Mr Morrison and the subsequent secretive conversation he¡¯d had with the teachers on this campsite, there was also the realisation that Elise had been lied to by Grace ¨C and the realisation that Lila couldn¡¯t bring herself to correct it. Then, the conversation with Ayla ¨C the fact that she was a lesbian was a revelation that Lila had not even an inkling about prior to their chat, nor had she known that Ayla was in love with Piper.

    But, most of all, the biggest thing weighing on her mind was the picture Piper had taken the day she disappeared. It even outweighed the stifling feeling of being in this tent with Elise and Grace, who had already tucked themselves into bed by the time Lila arrived.

    She tossed and turned, trying desperately to fall asleep, but the image of the figure in the window kept her up. If only she could talk to Elise and Grace about some of the lighter stuff that happened that day. Like Dorothy¡¯s reaction to Michael coming to help set up beach flags¡­

    It didn¡¯t help that she hadn¡¯t found an opportunity to pull Asher aside and tell him what she¡¯d discovered, either. Perhaps that would¡¯ve made her sleep more restful.

    Finally, after an exhausting couple of hours willing her body to sleep, she drifted off, waking only when the songs of what felt like three hundred birds over in the nearby trees commanded her to.

    Elise and Grace had already left, so Lila took her time to gather her things for the day. Her phone told her that it was 7.15am, which was quite late for Lila.

    It meant that there was an unfortunately long line for the showers, though she didn¡¯t pass Ayla on the way there. She wasn¡¯t quite sure how she should react when she did see Ayla next, so not being confronted with that decision so early in the morning was welcomed. She showered as quickly as possible and put her things back in the tent before returning with a rumbling stomach.

    Breakfast was already underway, and she saw Asher pacing with two plates of food just near the pathway to the tents.

    ¡°There you are,¡± he said, his voice oozing with relief. ¡°I got you some food. They decided to do bacon and eggs and all that. Might be a bit cold now, sorry.¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t eat any?¡± she asked as she received a plate from him, along with cutlery. He shook his head.

    ¡°Food tastes better when I¡¯m eating with you,¡± he replied. A moment passed and his cheeks turned pink. ¡°Sorry. That¡­ sounded-¡±

    ¡°Sweet. And I agree,¡± she smiled broadly. Her fluttering heart couldn¡¯t calm down as she stood there and looked at him, so she gestured to the tarp before the bonfire as a distraction. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±

    They stopped short of Isaac, Elise and Grace, none of whom appeared to notice their approach. Lila and Asher promptly sat and dug into their food without many words exchanged.

    Once they were done, though, Lila asked how he¡¯d slept.

    ¡°Me?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you.¡±

    ¡°Same as usual¡­ but as soon as I pulled the covers on myself, I figured out what you meant. Marlene, right?¡±

    ¡°Bingo.¡± Lila checked to see if anyone was listening in and met Ayla¡¯s eyes. They exchanged a quick smile before Lila turned her eyes back to Asher. ¡°I found something out yesterday. I think she needs to be on our radar again.¡±

    Asher nodded. ¡°Alright. I trust your judgement.¡±

    ¡°Thanks.¡±

    There were far too many people for Lila to talk to Asher about yesterday, so she settled on other topics until the counsellors announced that it was time to pack up their tents and move along to their first activity.

    Lila packed up the tent with Elise and Grace in absolute silence, the awkwardness still hanging in the air between them. She¡¯d hoped that it would¡¯ve dissipated by now, but she also wasn¡¯t prepared to try and break it herself.

    The hike to their next campsite commenced shortly after, with Asher taking her hiking bag once more. They stuck around the middle, behind Isaac, Elise and Grace. Lila noticed Isaac looking back at them every so often, but he didn¡¯t make any attempts to come their way.

    To Lila, it confirmed that Grace or Elise had said something to him about the conversation on the canoe. Truthfully, it made her feel deflated, but there was nothing she could do about it now.

    It was clear that Asher was trying to keep her spirits up, though ¨C which she appreciated greatly. He chatted away beside her, pointing out the various animals skittering around them, and didn¡¯t fail to make her laugh despite her whirring mind.

    Eventually, her breath was stolen by something other than the hike. As they rounded the corner through a particularly dense section of the forested trail, Lila heard the gush of a waterfall. She grabbed Asher¡¯s arm in excitement.

    ¡°Asher, Asher ¨C a waterfall!¡±

    He laughed, his eyes twinkling. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s part of our trail.¡±

    ¡°C¡¯mon, let¡¯s go see!¡±

    He laughed again, allowing himself to be pulled forwards by Lila. The power and beauty of waterfalls had always captivated Lila, and in this moment she couldn¡¯t think of anything better than marvelling at one with Asher.

    They pressed closer, towards the sounds of wonder from the classmates ahead of them and the rush of water. Eventually, Lila¡¯s vision was flooded by the impressive sight, the smell of fresh water delighting her.

    It wasn¡¯t a particularly massive waterfall, but the lush green surrounding it was still beautiful enough for a small, ¡°Wow.¡± to escape her lips.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you liked waterfalls so much,¡± Asher smiled as she continued to observe, tracing the watery descent down into the rocky riverbed below.

    ¡°Aren¡¯t they cool?¡± she replied, glancing at him.

    ¡°Well, yeah, but you seem enthralled,¡± he responded lightly. ¡°Like you could stay here forever.¡±

    ¡°I probably could,¡± she grinned. ¡°Anything to do with water and I¡¯m happy. Though, I¡¯m not a strong swimmer. Much more of a floater. And sand isn¡¯t my favourite. I much prefer freshwater things, like rivers and lakes.¡±

    ¡°I had no idea.¡±

    ¡°Not like we¡¯re really around water much.¡±

    ¡°True.¡±

    They both turned to look at the waterfall again before Lila finally tore her eyes away. ¡°Let¡¯s keep going before we get left behind.¡±

    They passed more shallow streams in which Lila could see some small, speedy fish. The water and scenery helped calm her senses as they climbed uphill. Finally, the crowd of students ahead of them slowed and she strained her ears to hear what was going on up ahead.

    It seemed that they had reached another clearing ¨C one next to a small cliff face. The students in front of them began to move again, which allowed Lila and Asher to progress to the clearing itself. Many of their classmates had already relieved themselves of their hiking bags, with some sitting on them, and others just lounging on the leaf-littered ground. The counsellors were handing out morning tea and asking for volunteers for abseiling. It seemed like this was an optional activity.

    ¡°Are you gonna try it?¡± Lila asked as she took a seat on the floor of the clearing, facing the rappelling gear and cliff face.

    ¡°Me?¡± Asher stared at her as though she¡¯d lost her mind. ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    She gave a hearty laugh, opening her bag of morning tea. ¡°Here I was, thinking you were pretty risky.¡±

    He gave her a serious look. ¡°Throwing yourself off the edge of a cliff in the name of fun isn¡¯t a risk. That¡¯s just asking for death.¡±

    She laughed again. ¡°Asher, there¡¯s a billion teachers and witnesses here. If it wasn¡¯t safe, they wouldn¡¯t do it. Besides, it¡¯s not the tallest cliff in the world.¡±

    ¡°Are you going to do it?¡±

    Lila fell silent, looking uneasily at the cliff face. Despite what she said, it¡­ certainly looked high up. He seemed to have picked up on her apprehension as he raised his eyebrows at her.

    ¡°Bit unfair, picking on me for not doing it if you¡¯re not gonna,¡± he commented, though he added a smile at the end which showed he wasn¡¯t necessarily upset.

    ¡°I just thought¡­ well, you like doing sports and stuff,¡± Lila replied lamely.

    ¡°And so do you,¡± Asher nodded.

    ¡°And¡­ you¡¯ve been taking on some big risks lately.¡±

    His smile broadened. ¡°And so have you.¡±

    ¡°Though I guess you do get yourself in a tizzy about some of them,¡± Lila murmured, feeling her cheeks turn pink.

    ¡°A tizzy?¡± Asher snorted.

    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll do it,¡± Lila huffed, ignoring his snort and meeting his eyes with a challenge behind her own. The emotion in his face flashed straight to panicked.

    ¡°H-Hold on-¡±

    ¡°Nup, that¡¯s my final say,¡± Lila replied, shoving an almond into her mouth with shaky fingers.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to-¡±

    ¡°I do,¡± Lila responded unconvincingly. ¡°Besides, I might end up enjoying it.¡±

    Asher sighed. ¡°Alright, fine. I¡¯ll¡­ do it too.¡±

    Now it was her turn to look at him in alarm. ¡°You don¡¯t have to-¡±

    ¡°I know I don¡¯t, but if you¡¯re going to do it, I may as well. Like you said, I might end up enjoying it.¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t laugh at you if you don¡¯t want to,¡± Lila said quietly, fiddling with another almond.

    ¡°I¡¯m not scared of you laughing at me. It just occurred to me that maybe I should try something like this, now that I¡¯m new and improved. Old me just sat in the back, watching everyone else have fun with abseiling at the Grade 9 camp.¡±

    Lila thought back to the Grade 9 camp that he mentioned. At the time, she was focused on making sure Grace was comfortable, given her elbow injury during that particular camp, whilst secretly glad that it meant she had an excuse to not participate in abseiling. With no Grace to fall back on now, in any sense, she figured that she may as well go for it ¨C since Asher seemed like he was going to.

    ¡°Shake on it?¡± Lila offered her hand out to him. He looked at it for a moment before giving her a firm handshake.

    With that, their fates were sealed and Asher put up his hand to be put on the list to go abseiling. Mr Vanderbilt noted Asher down with an air of surprise, which seemed to increase further when Lila requested that she be placed on the list as well.

    Mr Vanderbilt moved on to other students who raised their hands and eventually Asher and Lila were called up to get harnessed in. They passed Isaac, Elise and Grace who all simultaneously appeared to choke on their remaining bits of morning tea, though none of them said anything.

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise we¡¯d be going at the same time,¡± Lila commented as Rachael checked her gear over and jostled her harness to test how secure it was.

    ¡°I mean, we did volunteer at the same time,¡± Asher responded as Henry did the same with his harness.

    ¡°You wanna race?¡±

    ¡°You didn¡¯t even want to do this half an hour ago,¡± Asher replied incredulously.

    ¡°Yeah, and?¡±

    Lila caught sight of Rachael smiling as she turned to give Mick a thumbs-up.

    ¡°I¡¯ll race you,¡± Asher said with a hint of reluctance. ¡°As long as you¡¯re reasonable.¡±

    ¡°Me? Reasonable? Since when?¡±

    ¡°Henry, I think I¡¯ve made a mistake-¡±

    ¡°If you want to back down, that¡¯s fine,¡± Henry said matter-of-factly. ¡°Just let me know.¡±

    They all stood there for a slightly too long pause before Asher tightened the chinstrap of his helmet. ¡°Send me up,¡± he sighed, glancing at Lila. ¡°I can¡¯t back down now with the sad face she¡¯s making.¡±

    ¡°Am I? Sorry. If you really don¡¯t want to-¡±

    ¡°You better be prepared to lose,¡± Asher interjected seriously. Lila grinned at him.

    ¡°I think you¡¯ll find that you¡¯ll be the loser for this one.¡±

    Of course, a race sounded like a good idea at the time, but instead of feeling competitive, Lila began to feel rather anxious as she approached the cliff. Knowing she was harnessed in helped though it didn¡¯t erase the feeling entirely.

    At the very least, Asher¡¯s face seemed to reflect how Lila was feeling, though she couldn¡¯t concentrate on it once they were encouraged to go up.

    Soon the feeling of anxiety melted away as she began to climb. It actually wasn¡¯t as bad as she¡¯d been thinking, and she found herself enjoying the view by the end. She¡¯d only been half-serious about a race, which made the fact that it ended up being a draw satisfying enough.

    Finally, they both returned to the ground and unbuckled themselves from their harnesses and helmets before heading back to where they¡¯d been sitting before with identical grins on their faces.

    ¡°Okay, that wasn¡¯t the worst,¡± Asher conceded, propping himself up with his hands on either side of him. ¡°Did you enjoy that?¡±

    ¡°Surprisingly, yes,¡± Lila replied genuinely. ¡°I¡¯m glad we tried it. Though, I probably won¡¯t make it my hobby or anything.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m pretty much one-and-done with that activity,¡± Asher laughed.

    They watched on as more of their classmates joined in on the abseiling activity, commenting here and there. Before long, the activity wrapped up, with no more volunteers left (none of them being Isaac, Elise or Grace), and they were instructed to continue along the trail to the next campsite.

    This journey was far shorter ¨C likely to account for any tired individuals who had also decided to abseil ¨C and Lila was relieved when the hike was over. As it had been for the previous few days, a pile of tents were waiting for them to set up.

    Elise kept giving Lila sideways looks as the girls set up their tent in their designated sleeping area in sustained silence. Keeping her mouth shut to prevent asking Elise why she kept looking at Lila was extremely difficult, but she was glad to walk away from their tent having managed this feat.

    Their final activity for the day commenced shortly after lunch, which involved another walk ¨C this time, past all the tents and towards the back of the property ¨C before they were greeted with many piles of twigs and some plastic bottles.

    For their crash course in survival skills, Henry was the main speaker. It was clear that this was Henry¡¯s domain, and he explained that their afternoon would be filled with survival fire lighting skills, water procurement, emergency signalling and navigation and emergency first aid.

    They were broken up into groups of three, which worried Lila as their classmates quickly found themselves in the requisite groups. To her surprise, though, Isaac joined Asher and Lila, who were standing somewhat awkwardly to the side.

    ¡°Not grouping up with Elise and Grace?¡± Lila asked curiously. Isaac shoved his hands in his pockets.

    ¡°Nah. By the time I turned around, they¡¯d already made a trio with Amy.¡±

    ¡°That kinda sucks,¡± Asher replied sympathetically.

    ¡°For them, maybe. I did all this stuff as a Boy Scout. We¡¯ll smash through this.¡±

    ¡°Are you impatient?¡± Lila queried as they shuffled closer to the rest of the groups and sat down.

    ¡°Nah, just a show-off,¡± Isaac responded, his tone teasing as he leaned back on the palms of his hands. ¡°It¡¯s hard to get opportunities to shine like this when your best bud is the Dux. Just watch and learn, suckers.¡±

    ¡°Isaac, you do know that you shine far more than I do in many things, right?¡± Asher asked, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Have you seen me try and draw a smiley face?¡±

    Isaac snorted. ¡°Yeah, you do suck at art. Like, absolutely suck at it. Like, as in you have two left hands-¡±

    ¡°Okay, you didn¡¯t need to go that far.¡±

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    The trio shared a laugh ¨C or perhaps it was closer to a guffaw ¨C before the counsellors shushed the students. It seemed that they were ready to commence. Without delay, Henry began demonstrating the survival skills that he highlighted in his opening segment before letting the students have a go.

    Isaac was quite right ¨C he was a show-off, and he was efficient at the tasks given to them by Henry. Though he was fast, he did take the time to explain to Asher and Lila what he was doing with more depth than Henry did, and Lila definitely felt more learned with Isaac¡¯s supplementary explanations.

    It ended up being a pleasant afternoon and Lila was almost sad to pack up by the end. She could see why being a Boy Scout had attracted Isaac years ago ¨C not that she¡¯d sign herself up for it. One afternoon was enough.

    Once they were back at the main campsite, having been released for free time before dinner, Lila could feel that there was something different in the air. As she considered why this might be, she settled on the idea that perhaps everyone was starting to feel a certain type of way about having to go home tomorrow morning.

    ¡°Just going to grab a book,¡± Isaac said to Lila and Asher, who both nodded in response. He headed off to the boys¡¯ tents without another word and Lila glanced around to see where Elise and Grace were.

    She spotted them making their way towards the girls¡¯ tents and she sighed, taking a seat on a spare bit of tarp.

    ¡°That¡¯s a big sigh,¡± Asher commented, sitting beside her.

    ¡°It is,¡± Lila conceded glumly. ¡°After talking to Grace, it really halted Mission Cupid.¡±

    Asher laughed, gently nudging her with his shoulder. ¡°You reckon?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve hardly spent time with Elise and Isaac together,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°Hard to match ¡®em up if they¡¯re not in the same place. After all, Isaac allegedly likes Anika.¡±

    Asher shook his head in apparent disappointment before saying, ¡°While it¡¯s true that it¡¯s difficult to play matchmaker when they¡¯re not together, I think Isaac¡¯s spent plenty of time with Elise on this trip ¨C so it¡¯s not all gone to waste.¡±

    Lila pursed her lips. ¡°Yeah, I guess. Do you think she might¡¯ve noticed that he¡¯s been hanging around her?¡±

    Asher shrugged, stretching his legs out in front of him. ¡°Beats me. I¡¯m not that close to her. Do you think she¡¯s noticed that he¡¯s been choosing her to go to?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡± Lila contemplated this before looking back at him. ¡°She¡¯s probably almost too focused on the fact that he¡¯s near her, rather than thinking that he¡¯s specifically going out of his way to do it so he can be close to her ¨C even if it¡¯s subconscious. Plus, I think she¡¯s worried about Grace.¡±

    Asher looked at her for a moment before turning his head to face his feet. ¡°Are you going to try to talk to Grace again? Before we go back to school?¡±

    Lila flopped backwards onto the tarp with a small wince, given the stone that had made its presence known in her right shoulder blade. She didn¡¯t move again, instead attempting to focus on her opinion on the matter.

    ¡°I mean¡­ Grace is the one who told me to leave her alone,¡± Lila muttered. ¡°So, shouldn¡¯t she be the one to approach me?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I know I said to give it some time when we first talked about it, but do you want to leave it for next week?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I mean, what would I even say?¡±

    ¡°You said before that you wanted to check in on her. You could start there. Look, I¡¯m not saying you have to. I just¡­ don¡¯t like seeing you so sad, every time you look over at them.¡±

    Lila pressed her hands over her eyelids. She couldn¡¯t help it, not by a long shot, but hearing him say it like that was kind of embarrassing. She¡¯d brought it on to herself, after all. Did she really have any business looking so sad?

    ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ think about it,¡± she said, slowly removing her hands. ¡°I don¡¯t want to push her too far away from me.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°But¡­ maybe she needs me to check in on her. To remind her that I¡¯m still her friend.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s possible.¡±

    Lila blinked up at him. ¡°Don¡¯t have anything more concrete than that?¡±

    ¡°Shit outta luck,¡± Asher replied with a lazy grin. ¡°Wish I did. I¡¯ve never had the pleasure of being in this situation before.¡±

    Lila exhaled deeply. ¡°I guess knowing you don¡¯t have anything more concrete also helps me feel like I¡¯m not supposed to know the answers.¡±

    ¡°Glad my uselessness is useful.¡±

    She nudged him with her knee and he returned the nudge in kind. ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d ever consider you useless,¡± she said softly after a few moments, her gaze drifting to the sky, which had begun to fall into a myriad of reds, oranges and violets.

    ¡°You might be the first.¡±

    Lila gave him a sharp look, expecting him to look playful. Instead, he looked gravely serious.

    ¡°Surely Isaac doesn¡¯t consider you useless.¡±

    ¡°Perhaps¡­ I¡¯m overgeneralising. But¡­ sometimes I wonder if he¡¯d stick around if I wasn¡¯t¡­ well, smart and rich.¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯re being paranoid.¡±

    He lowered himself onto the tarp so that he was lying next to her. ¡°Probably. But¡­ at least, you¡¯re the first that makes me feel like¡­ I can trust that fully. I know he took his time to ask for help with that whole fiasco last term, but he still turned to me in the end.¡±

    ¡°I thought that was more to let it out, rather than to ask you to pay it off. You kinda took it upon yourself to do that.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± He paused before whispering, ¡°I might¡¯ve been afraid that if I didn¡¯t, he¡¯d drop me.¡±

    ¡°Asher¡­ have you talked to him about that?¡±

    ¡°Definitely not.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should.¡±

    ¡°But what if I do and I feel like he¡¯s lying to me?¡±

    ¡°Asher, this is Isaac we¡¯re talking about. He¡¯s a bit too honest.¡±

    ¡°He managed to hide his¡­ situation. That amount isn¡¯t something that happens from one bad day.¡±

    Lila didn¡¯t have much of a rebuttal to this. So, she didn¡¯t speak, for quite a while. Then, she asked, ¡°Is this really how you feel, or are you just trying to protect yourself?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡°I really don¡¯t think you need to doubt Isaac. He¡¯s been a good friend to you for ages. Friendship is two-way. Sure, you¡¯ve helped him out of a bind or two, but hasn¡¯t he helped you in return without expecting anything?¡±

    ¡°¡­ yeah.¡±

    ¡°There you go.¡±

    He tapped his leg briefly before sighing. ¡°I know logically that Isaac is a true friend to me, and I don¡¯t need to feel paranoid that it¡¯s all an act. But I just get so in my head sometimes. I hate feeling insecure like this.¡±

    ¡°I think it¡¯d be rare to find someone who doesn¡¯t feel that way from time to time. Sometimes it¡¯s helpful to separate out what thoughts are based in reality, and what is coming from fear or intrusiveness. Are any of your doubts based on reality? I mean¡­ he hid that he was in trouble, but so what? We¡¯ve hidden a lot from our friends all year.¡± She gave him a meaningful look ¨C one that she hoped conveyed the fact that Asher still hadn¡¯t told Isaac that his Mum was missing, and had been since December. It seemed to land, given the tight grimace that he gave her in response. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯re disingenuous or that your whole friendship is fake.¡±

    Lila was well aware that this advice she was giving Asher could apply to her and Grace, but she didn¡¯t want to confront that idea just yet.

    ¡°You¡¯re right, as usual¡­ sorry. I was trying to help you, and you helped me instead,¡± he said after a few seconds of silence.

    ¡°You¡¯ve helped me plenty ¨C even just by being here.¡±

    ¡°If you¡¯re sure.¡±

    ¡°Of course I¡¯m sure.¡±

    Neither spoke for several seconds. Then, just as Lila contemplated closing her eyes and drifting off, she was interrupted by Isaac, who leaned over the both of them.

    ¡°Looking cosy,¡± he uttered, taking his book out from under his arm. He fell into a seated position beside Asher. ¡°What were you guys doing after I left?¡±

    ¡°Making out,¡± Asher replied tonelessly. ¡°It was a whole show and everything. Think we even got scored on our performance.¡±

    Isaac hit Asher¡¯s chest with the spine of his book, causing a tiny ¡°Oof¡± to escape Asher¡¯s lips. ¡°I¡¯ll sit between you two if you keep saying stuff like that.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s not lying,¡± Lila interjected just as tonelessly. ¡°I¡¯ve got detention until the end of the school year. And I¡¯m being sent home after dinner.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re joking,¡± Isaac sounded completely shocked, his book falling to his lap. ¡°Seriously.¡±

    ¡°Dead serious,¡± Asher replied frankly.

    ¡°I think my burial plot¡¯s been bought,¡± Lila added. ¡°Mum and Dad aren¡¯t happy.¡±

    ¡°Nah, nah, nah,¡± Isaac¡¯s voice sounded panicked as he waved around his book towards the two of them, which Lila could only partially see since she was lying down and Isaac was still sitting.

    ¡°Just teasing you,¡± Asher said, patting Isaac¡¯s knee. ¡°We were only chatting.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank God. Thought I was going to have to throw hands with some teachers.¡±

    Lila smiled, stretching her arms out in front of her. The relief in those words was certainly strong ¨C surely strong enough to get rid of Asher¡¯s fears for the moment. She really didn¡¯t think Asher had anything to worry about when it came to Isaac, especially with his reaction to their teasing. She met Asher¡¯s amused gaze before quickly looking away to avoid laughing.

    They sat in comfortable silence for a while, with Lila watching the rapid melding of colours in the sky until stars twinkled into existence against the now inky expanse.

    Then, Isaac closed his book with an air of finality, prompting Lila and Asher to glance at him.

    ¡°You finished it?¡± Asher asked idly.

    ¡°Barely started,¡± Isaac replied, setting it down beside him. ¡°Can¡¯t read anything anymore anyway. Wish I had my iPad.¡±

    Lila suddenly had an ominous feeling in the pit of her stomach as Isaac¡¯s eyes appeared to glint in the semi-darkness at them both, like a cat that had spotted its prey.

    ¡°So¡­ what happened with Grace?¡±

    Lila groaned, covering her eyes with her hands yet again. Asher sighed with a similar amount of misery.

    ¡°What makes you think something did happen?¡± Asher asked after a beat passed.

    ¡°Uh, that,¡± Isaac replied plainly.

    ¡°We just had a talk with her,¡± Asher replied vaguely.

    ¡°Sure. But it must¡¯ve been bad.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ private,¡± Lila stated reluctantly.

    ¡°I can get behind that. But none of you have looked okay after it. It¡¯s¡­ worried me.¡±

    ¡°Even me?¡± Asher¡¯s tone was bemused. Lila lowered her hands to look up at his confused expression.

    ¡°Yeah dude,¡± Isaac confirmed. ¡°You¡¯ve just generally been on edge.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ have?¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯d notice after how many years of friendship? You seem better when you¡¯re with Lila, but otherwise, you keep swaying as if you want to pace but you¡¯re stopping yourself. Not to mention how antsy you were last night when going to bed.¡±

    Understanding brightened Asher¡¯s face. ¡°Oh. No, it¡¯s not about that.¡±

    ¡°What, then?¡±

    ¡°Nothing.¡±

    Lila guessed that Asher was referring to the outcome of the investigation her Dad was finalising. Though Grace was important, she couldn¡¯t blame Asher for worrying more about the investigation. Isaac narrowed his eyes at Asher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± he asked. Lila heard Asher¡¯s breath hitch in his throat. Her heart began to race as she tried to anticipate what Asher would say in response. If¡­ her Dad¡¯s investigation had progressed in the way they thought it did, then it would probably be okay for Asher to tell Isaac ¨C but should she suggest it when Isaac was sitting right there?

    ¡°I trust you,¡± Asher said finally. ¡°I do. At the same time¡­ I think¡­ well, I¡¯ll tell you later.¡±

    Isaac tilted his head in apparent confusion. ¡°What does that even mean?¡±

    ¡°It means¡­¡± Asher met Lila¡¯s eyes before looking back at Isaac, ¡°I will tell you. Later.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the difference between later and now?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ just need to sort it out in my head,¡± Asher sighed again. ¡°Once that¡¯s done, I can tell you what I¡¯ve been so worried about lately.¡±

    Isaac seemed dissatisfied with this response. But, instead of arguing, he just nodded. ¡°Alright. Well. I only wanted to check in and see if you were okay since you¡¯ve been avoiding Grace like the plague over the past couple of days.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bit of both,¡± Asher murmured. ¡°She¡¯s avoiding us, too.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll give you that.¡±

    ¡°What has she said?¡± Lila asked, her voice almost inaudible.

    ¡°Just¡­ that you got into a disagreement about something.¡±

    There was something in the way that Isaac¡¯s voice wavered that made her think there was more to the story.

    ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s it?¡± she pressed.

    ¡°Yeah. More or less.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the more?¡±

    Isaac pursed his lips. ¡°Basically, she said that you don¡¯t like her partner.¡±

    It was a lot closer to what actually happened than the explanation Grace had given Elise immediately after the canoe trip. Had Elise picked up on the discrepancy, or had Grace managed to corner Isaac on her own to tell him that?

    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily wrong,¡± Lila murmured.

    ¡°That makes it seem like there¡¯s something else,¡± Isaac replied pointedly, with the faintest touch of impatience.

    ¡°Like I said, it¡¯s private.¡±

    ¡°Did you meet them or something?¡±

    Lila winced. She was beyond tempted to say that she had and that Isaac probably had too. But she settled for a non-committal, ¡°Or something.¡±

    Isaac gave a heavy, long-suffering sigh before flopping onto the ground next to Asher and using his hands as pillows in classic Isaac fashion.

    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Grace or Elise that I told you, but Grace is regretting how she¡¯s been acting,¡± he said softly. ¡°She¡¯s been preparing for you to want to cut her off.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d never,¡± Lila replied instant, sitting up in alarm.

    ¡°I¡¯ve told her that. Elise did too.¡±

    Lila clasped her hands together, squeezing them gently. What should she do now? She anxiously looked at Asher, who gave her a small, comforting smile.

    ¡°It¡¯s a good sign,¡± he nodded.

    She whipped her head behind her, trying to spot Grace and Elise, but they weren¡¯t in her line of sight. Should she talk to Grace?

    ¡°What should I do?¡± Lila asked, pressing her hands together again.

    ¡°From my unenlightened perspective,¡± Isaac responded, having not moved a centimetre from his position and squinting up at her, ¡°I¡¯d wait.¡±

    Lila¡¯s posture deflated slightly. Wait?

    ¡°I don¡¯t think she¡¯s finished thinking about it all,¡± Isaac elaborated. ¡°She only mentioned it today when you guys were abseiling. Which, come to think of it, why did you?¡± Isaac seemed to be addressing Asher directly with this question.

    ¡°Can¡¯t a guy abseil without being interrogated?¡± Asher quipped.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Isaac snorted, ¡°but never in a million years did I think you¡¯d go for it.¡±

    ¡°Neither, to be honest. I¡¯ve been trying a lot of new things this year, though. May as well keep it up.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t realise that having a heart attack was on that list.¡±

    ¡°No wonder ¨C didn¡¯t have one.¡±

    Isaac chortled. ¡°You really have changed. At the beginning of the year, before you two got paired up, I thought it was for the worse. You looked like death, man. Now, though, I think it¡¯s been for the better.¡±

    Lila saw Asher¡¯s eyebrow twitch involuntarily. She suddenly wanted to ask if he was ever going to tell Isaac about his Mum¡¯s disappearance, but she kept her mouth shut.

    ¡°Not sure if that¡¯s a compliment or not,¡± Asher finally said after a couple moments.

    ¡°Not sure either,¡± Isaac replied candidly.

    The trio fell silent which was only interrupted by the announcement of dinner¡¯s arrival. Lila eagerly headed over to the food, glad to have something else to distract her from Isaac¡¯s comments.

    She spotted Grace and Elise making their way over from the tents and scuttled away with her plate of food, back to where she¡¯d been sitting with Asher and Isaac. Though she wanted to talk to Grace after learning Isaac¡¯s information, she also trusted his advice to wait.

    Isaac joined Lila and Asher for dinner, and their discussions mainly revolved around their upcoming assessments, now that returning to reality was upon them.

    Eventually, Lila started to feel exhausted. She headed towards the tents, turning back only to find Asher hurriedly walking over.

    ¡°I¡¯ll walk you as far as I can,¡± he said in a low voice, his hands in his pockets. ¡°Damn, it¡¯s cold away from the fire.¡±

    ¡°You can go sit by the fire,¡± Lila yawned, waving vaguely in that direction. ¡°Don¡¯t mind me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m minding,¡± Asher countered. ¡°Minding very much, all the time.¡±

    It took a moment for Lila to figure out what he meant by that, though it resulted in a blush when she finally understood. Knowing that she was on his mind all the time made her heart skip a beat and she absently touched the ¡®A¡¯ on her chest once more.

    ¡°Asher, I¡­¡± Could she say it? Had she found her courage under the stars, like her sister had suggested?

    ¡°You?¡± he asked after the pause stretched on for slightly too long.

    ¡°I¡­ I, uh, think about you all the time, too.¡±

    He grinned at her. ¡°That makes me happier than you could know.¡±

    Their eyes met. She felt like she could sink into the rich, warm gaze, filled with a tenderness that she¡¯d come to love from him. She could say it, right? Right now?

    ¡°Oh, hey, Lila,¡± Cecelia¡¯s voice pulled Lila¡¯s eyes away from Asher¡¯s and she looked over his shoulder at Cecelia. ¡°You know, we¡¯ve spent all week together, technically, but I haven¡¯t managed to talk to you.¡±

    Asher glanced at Cecelia and stepped aside. Cecelia looped her arm with Lila¡¯s before Lila could react.

    ¡°Goodnight, lover boy. Sorry for stealing your girlfriend,¡± Cecelia called as she walked forwards, taking Lila with her.

    In some respects, Lila was relieved. She hadn¡¯t found her courage, after all.

    ¡°So,¡± Cecelia¡¯s excited, bubbly voice brought a smile to Lila¡¯s face, ¡°how¡¯s camp been? I noticed that you¡¯ve been sticking by Asher this whole time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been pretty eventful,¡± Lila replied. ¡°How¡¯s it been for you? Missing Lucas?¡±

    ¡°Like crazy,¡± Cecelia huffed. ¡°How dare he be in 11A! I¡¯ll have to rip him a new one for that.¡±

    Lila laughed and Cecelia laughed along with her. It was this that she¡¯d been missing from Grace and Elise over the past couple of days ¨C talking and giggling about nonsense.

    ¡°You two seem really close, though,¡± Cecelia observed, slowing down as they approached her tent, which was a few spots before Lila¡¯s. ¡°Gotten any further?¡±

    ¡°Nope,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Well, not¡­ physically.¡±

    ¡°Ooh, emotionally?¡±

    ¡°I guess,¡± Lila felt her face begin to warm up, and was glad for the cover of darkness which aided in hiding it from Cecelia. ¡°I was about to¡­ tell him I love him, back there.¡±

    Cecelia stopped dead in her tracks. ¡°WHAT! And you just let me take you? Let¡¯s go back-¡±

    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s fine,¡± Lila insisted, removing her arm from Cecelia¡¯s. ¡°I lost my courage anyway.¡±

    ¡°Damn, I¡¯m sorry. You should¡¯ve, I dunno, told me to piss off or something.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m being serious ¨C it¡¯s fine. I¡¯ll tell him some other time.¡±

    Cecelia huffed again, before giving Lila a wide beam. ¡°I¡¯m actually beyond happy for you, you know. After everything you went through¡­ even though you couldn¡¯t tell him tonight, I¡¯m sure he feels it too. It seems like it, anyway, with the way he was looking at you just now. You¡¯ll get there, I¡¯m sure.¡±

    ¡°Have you told Lucas you love him?¡±

    ¡°¡¯Course. Like, after a week,¡± Cecelia gave a breezy laugh. ¡°We kinda steamrolled ahead with our relationship, though. It just felt right, and he said it at the same time anyway. We¡¯d been¡­ actually, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll tell you that story.¡±

    She looked bashful enough for Lila to get the hint.

    ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m pretty tired,¡± Cecelia said hurriedly, shutting down any opportunity for Lila to probe further ¨C not that she wanted to. ¡°Faster I go to bed, faster I can see Lucas. I¡¯m so glad that they¡¯re just dropping us off in the morning and the school¡¯s letting us go home. You doing anything with Asher after?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯re going to go to a caf¨¦ near his place, then probably hang out at his for a while.¡±

    Cecelia beamed again, nudging Lila with her elbow. ¡°Sounds like that could be a good time. You¡¯ll need to tell me if you do when we have Bio next.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make sure of it,¡± Lila smiled. ¡°If I manage it.¡±

    ¡°Good luck! And goodnight.¡±

    ¡°Goodnight, Cecelia.¡±

    With that, Cecelia disappeared into her tent and Lila toddled off to her own, a small smile still on her face. Even just the small amount of girl talk with Cecelia put her in a good enough mood to be able to ease her into sleep ¨C especially since neither Grace nor Elise were in the tent just yet. Plus, like Cecelia had said ¨C the faster Lila went to sleep, the faster she¡¯d be able to hang out with Asher without anyone else around.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Three

    The last day of camp started as the previous had ¨C with Lila waking up to birdsong. Unlike yesterday, though, Grace and Elise were still in the tent, snoozing away peacefully. Lila checked the time ¨C 7.08am.

    She slipped out of the tent and towards the showers, grateful that she¡¯d packed enough clothes for the trip. The line was shorter than yesterday, which signalled to Lila that most of her campmates were sleeping in.

    Feeling the warmth rushing over her woke her up considerably ¨C enough so that she could turn her mind to Grace. Would Grace try to talk to her soon? Should she just disregard Isaac¡¯s advice and check in today?

    Would they even have an opportunity to talk if this morning was dedicated to breakfast, packing up and travelling back to school? Grace would probably want to talk somewhere private, which would be hard to come by with all the activity that Lila anticipated.

    With that, her decision was made for her ¨C she¡¯d have to wait. It likely meant that Grace would talk to Ms Alexander in the meantime, but at least Grace had had some time to think on her own these past couple of days. Hopefully, she¡¯d been able to see Lila¡¯s point of view¡­

    Lila emerged from the shower, feeling resolute at the very least. For now, she could put the Grace situation to the back of her mind. Now that it was Friday, she needed to switch gears and think about Ayla¡¯s information again, and tell Asher what she¡¯d learned ¨C and why they needed to keep an eye on Marlene again. The picture she¡¯d seen still gave her the creeps, so she wasn¡¯t concerned that she¡¯d forgotten any details at least.

    She¡¯d also need to find out as much as she could about what happened with the Grade 12s while she and Asher had been away. Hopefully, her Dad would be forthcoming, considering she¡¯d brought crucial bits of information to his attention, but he may not know the intricacies of what happened to their schooling lives, like suspensions or expulsions. Daniel was probably more suited for that type of update, but he might¡¯ve stayed home for the latter half of the week, so he might not know much either.

    Grace and Elise seemed to be stirring just as she returned to the tent. She wordlessly packed her toiletries and old clothes into her hiking bag and gathered what remained behind in a small pile to make it easier for herself when it came time to pack up everything else.

    Neither Grace nor Elise spoke by the time Lila left again for breakfast. Overall, camp had been a good experience ¨C one that had been tainted by how the conversation with Grace went, but ultimately Lila did manage to have some level of fun. She tried to bring that thought to the forefront of her mind as she looked over the common area in an attempt to find Asher. She looked to the left, but he wasn¡¯t-

    ¡°Boo,¡± Asher¡¯s voice on her right was low, sending tingles down her spine. She immediately turned to face him to find him smirking at her, his eyes bright and well-rested.

    ¡°Good morning,¡± she smiled. ¡°You look awfully happy this morning.¡±

    ¡°Of course I am,¡± Asher confirmed with a serious nod. ¡°We get to go home.¡±

    ¡°Are you sick of camp already?¡± Lila asked curiously.

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s been long enough,¡± Asher replied sensibly. ¡°Besides, you still haven¡¯t told me your reasoning.¡±

    ¡°For?¡±

    ¡°Going to a caf¨¦. Besides the fact that she¡¯ll be there.¡±

    Lila shot a furtive look behind him. Mr Vanderbilt was strolling by, his bucket hat firmly on his head. Stalking Asher¡¯s potentially murderous maid was not something she wanted to reveal in front of anyone, let alone Asher¡¯s PC teacher.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. You know I¡¯ll tell you,¡± Lila responded carefully.

    ¡°I know, but¡­ well, now that I¡¯ve gotten curious, I can see why you¡¯ve been relentless until you found the answers,¡± he laughed. ¡°It sucks.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t go so far as to say that it sucks,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°Once you get the answers, it can be really satisfying. Especially when you¡¯re nosy.¡±

    He smiled at her before shaking his head. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you willingly enjoy overthinking.¡±

    ¡°Only for some things,¡± Lila replied softly. ¡°If there¡¯s a mystery, there¡¯s some fun in trying to find out if I¡¯m right or not.¡±

    ¡°Do you still have fun if you¡¯re wrong?¡±

    ¡°Of course. Perhaps especially so.¡±

    He looked bewildered. ¡°I thought you like being right?¡±

    ¡°Everyone likes being right. But, if I¡¯m wrong, figuring out why I was can be half the fun. Or, at the very least, just finding the answer is satisfying in and of itself ¨C no matter how I got there.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t get it at all.¡±

    Lila¡¯s eyes flickered up to his. They seemed entirely lost by the notion she¡¯d put forward to him, which made her smile. ¡°While I like putting the jigsaw pieces together, and it¡¯s really satisfying when I finish the puzzle myself, the end product is a prize in and of itself ¨C worthy of framing and hanging up in my mind.¡±

    ¡°I¡­ guess,¡± Asher replied reluctantly. ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll just need to watch and learn from you. Maybe I¡¯ll end up appreciating it one day.¡±

    ¡°I hope so. While overthinking comes with the territory, knowing the answer brings with it this kind of sweet relief.¡±

    He pursed his lips before smiling at her once more. ¡°Hearing you say that makes me feel so much more glad that I asked you for help, back in February. It¡¯s like¡­ you actually want to do all this.¡±

    ¡°I already told you I did.¡±

    ¡°I know ¨C but I think my jigsaw puzzle, about figuring out why you¡¯ve felt that way, is almost complete.¡±

    ¡°Did you add in the fact that I liked you into that jigsaw puzzle of yours?¡±

    ¡°No, actually,¡± he replied incredulously. ¡°I didn¡¯t realise-¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t realise at the time, either, but now I¡¯m pretty sure that it was one of my motivating factors. Being close to you then, and now, of course, feels¡­ right.¡±

    ¡°Damn. I think I need to go see an optometrist,¡± he murmured. ¡°I was so blind for so long. It¡¯s kinda crazy, considering how much I thought about you.¡±

    Lila laughed before falling silent, her brow furrowed. Asher¡­ see an optometrist? For some reason, that sounded incredibly familiar ¨C but why?

    ¡°Hey, looks like breakfast¡¯s ready,¡± Asher said suddenly, gesturing to a point behind Lila. She turned, seeing that a line had indeed formed in front of the makeshift breakfast bar. Her thoughts on the phrase would have to wait ¨C her stomach was beginning to rumble.

    There was hot food once again, which Lila eagerly loaded onto her plate. Once they both had their breakfasts dished out, they headed to a spare spot on the tarp.

    ¡°Isaac sleeping in this morning?¡± Lila asked as she scooped some scrambled egg onto her fork.

    ¡°Yeah, he was still asleep when I left the tent. I kept him up again.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯d you do?¡±

    He paused before shovelling a substantial amount of bacon into his mouth. She patiently waited for him to swallow, which he did with the help of some orange juice.

    ¡°Just talking,¡± he finally said, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°About?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much. Just guy stuff.¡±

    ¡°Guy stuff?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I almost forgot we have soccer again on Saturday.¡±

    Lila groaned. ¡°I forgot about hockey, too.¡±

    ¡°Three more matches,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°Well, unless we make it to finals. Then there¡¯s another, of course.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s your chances of getting through to the finals?¡±

    ¡°I would¡¯ve said probably not high¡­ except for the fact that we beat St Peters, then tied the game after.¡±

    Lila grinned at him. ¡°You better make it through. I want to sit on the stands for your whole game and watch, you know.¡±

    ¡°What, are you guys not going through to the finals?¡±

    ¡°I doubt it. Alice and Willow will probably be gutted, since it¡¯s their last year, but we were thrashed by St Peters. We¡¯d only catch up if we score a ton of points in our next few matches ¨C but that¡¯s hard to do in hockey.¡±

    ¡°I see. Well¡­ I¡¯ll try my best,¡± he smiled with a twinkle in his eye that felt much like a promise to Lila.

    ¡°I¡¯ll be cheering you on.¡±

    They exchanged another smile before they continued to eat. Isaac eventually made an appearance, initially looking rather worn out. He eventually came back to life after eating and they chatted casually until it was announced that they had to pack up and get ready to head to the bus.

    Lila was incredibly glad that this was the last time she¡¯d have to pack up her tent with Grace and Elise. They were still rather silent, with Grace looking far more subdued than Lila had seen over the course of this camping trip.

    Lila zipped up her hiking bag, making sure her blanket and anything else she¡¯d need for the bus trip were at the top, before throwing it onto her right shoulder, her left holding the tent bag. She hesitated for a moment, wondering if, despite her conclusion this morning, she should turn around and ask how Grace was going.

    With a deep breath, Lila marched back to the common area. Flip-flopping like this wasn¡¯t a good idea. She needed to stick with her plan, especially since it was made with sound reasoning. There really wouldn¡¯t be an opportunity to talk about the situation in private here, and after they arrived on campus, Lila and Asher would need to move quickly to catch Marlene at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ before her shift ended.

    Lila¡¯s return to the common area had been good timing, actually. The students who were already finished packing up their own tents were helping to clean up the rest of the facilities, and Lila jumped in, the busyness occupying her mind, too.

    Finally, once all the tents were piled into the Ute that Rachael would be driving away, Mick, Henry and Rachael gave a general debrief to the students. Lila tightened her hold on her hiking bag as Mick pointed out some of the memories the students had made on this trip, earning a chuckle or two from everyone. There had been plenty of good ones, sure, but Lila was starting to regret not having made more with Grace and Elise.

    Asher glanced down at her before shuffling closer. ¡°Everything okay?¡± he whispered as Henry complimented the students¡¯ survival skills.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila replied just as quietly. He looked thoroughly unconvinced, but instead of saying anything more, he lifted her hiking bag from her and placed it on his free shoulder.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she muttered.

    ¡°No need to thank me,¡± he murmured back, readjusting his shoulders.

    Mick checked his watch before sharing a look with Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt. It seemed like it was time to leave.

    This time, the hike didn¡¯t go past the waterfall ¨C instead, it was a much shorter journey further up the mountain they were on. Shorter didn¡¯t necessarily mean less arduous and Lila was delighted for it to be over as she spied a bus idling alongside the road just ahead of them.

    Just like it had been before they left on Monday morning, instructions were given to the students to pull out anything they needed for the bus ride back to school before bags were stored in the storage compartment. Head counts were made, and each of the students thanked the camp counsellors, who waved them on, before climbing up the stairs and settling into their seats.

    Lila and Asher were among the last to board the bus and she took one sweep of the seating arrangements as she crested the stairs. It seemed that Grace had made the same arrangements with Amy as she had on Monday, resulting in Elise and Isaac sitting together with Grace and Amy just behind them. There was a spare seat in front of Elise and Isaac so Lila headed that way.

    Elise and Isaac gave them both brief smiles as Lila and Asher slid into the empty seat. Lila fluffed out the blanket she carried, covering herself and Asher, before looking out the window. She could see the camp counsellors speaking with Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt, though she had no idea what it could have been about aside from a thank-you from their teachers.

    ¡°So, any thoughts about what you¡¯ll order from ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯?¡± Asher¡¯s voice pulled her attention to his grinning face.

    She shook her head. ¡°Not really. We normally go for breakfast, so I have no idea what their other food options are.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s true,¡± Asher tapped his chin in contemplation as Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt boarded the bus. ¡°Do you reckon it¡¯d be too early for lunch?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯d have to see. How are we getting there, anyway?¡±

    ¡°George will take us to mine, then I guess we¡¯ll walk? Unless you want me to ask him to wait for us to put our stuff down.¡±

    ¡°A walk¡­ sounds good,¡± Lila replied carefully. She¡¯d still need to be wary of who could be listening in to their conversation on the way to the caf¨¦, but she reckoned that she should be able to let him know at least some of the things she¡¯d learned from Ayla on the way.

    ¡°Alright, everyone,¡± Mr Vanderbilt¡¯s tired voice silenced all conversation immediately. ¡°It¡¯s a two-hour bus ride back to school. You¡¯re free to leave afterwards but if you can¡¯t for whatever reason, you¡¯ll have to remain in your PC classrooms until the end of the day.¡±

    A small buzz of excitement began to build but Mr Vanderbilt simply sat down. The bus driver seemed to take this as a sign to start driving.

    Unlike the journey here, most of the students were rather quiet. It seemed like everyone was pretty tired ¨C Lila included. She settled herself next to Asher, leaning against his shoulder. She glanced up at him and he smiled at her, reaching over to touch her face. After so many days in his presence without much physical contact, the mere brush of his fingertips kickstarted her heart into a race she hadn¡¯t expected, her cheeks filling with warmth.

    ¡°I¡¯m really glad that we can go home,¡± he said quietly, his eyes not leaving hers as his fingers traced her skin. ¡°Being unable to kiss you has been tougher than I thought.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been feeling the same,¡± Lila admitted softly, her eyes fluttering shut to enhance the sensation of his hand on her face. They remained like that for a little while before a disapproving cough sounded from behind them.

    ¡°We¡¯re not even doing anything,¡± Asher sighed, pulling his hand away and sitting back in his seat with a tad bit of petulance.

    ¡°Yet,¡± Isaac replied. ¡°You can go do whatever after you get off campus.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re so weirdly intense about this,¡± Lila huffed. ¡°I think you need a hobby.¡±

    ¡°Got one,¡± Isaac retorted. ¡°Saving you guys from certain doom.¡±

    Lila snorted. ¡°That¡¯s a bit dramatic.¡±

    ¡°On the contrary, you¡¯re not being dramatic enough,¡± Isaac countered.

    ¡°I feel like the more you keep going on about this, the more tempted I¡¯m going to get,¡± Lila said.

    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare.¡±

    Lila laughed, though she did scoot closer to the window instead of Asher. The bus ride proceeded without much in the way of conversation or interest for a while. The residual effects of sleeping uncomfortably during the camp, along with the emotional rollercoaster she¡¯d experienced all week, were lulling her into sleep the longer the bus ride went on.

    Eventually, though, Asher nudged Lila¡¯s shoulder a few times. She opened her bleary eyes, confused by the unexpected contact. How long had she been asleep? Had they already arrived at school?

    ¡°Your phone has been going off,¡± he explained as she rubbed her eyes.

    ¡°W-What?¡± she yawned, patting the pocket that held her phone. She pulled it out and saw that she¡¯d indeed received plenty of notifications. Judging by the time, they were about halfway through the bus trip.

    It looked to be reminders for her phone games as well as text messages from Daniel ¨C but those hadn¡¯t been sent just now. Her phone must¡¯ve received signal while she¡¯d been asleep, which meant his texts could come through. She looked up at Asher, suddenly wide awake.

    ¡°They¡¯re texts from Daniel,¡± she whispered, leaning closer to Asher. She placed her phone between them and opened her conversation history with Daniel.

    I know ur away but damn

    Lila clicked on this message and saw that it had been sent after lunch on Monday.

    Heckas, followed immediately after.

    She frowned. That told her absolutely nothing.

    ¡°He¡¯s¡­ not the most talkative over text, is he?¡± Asher chuckled.

    ¡°Not really ¨C but this is stupid,¡± Lila replied, pursing her lips as she scrolled.

    So Livi¡¯s group got called to the Headmaster¡¯s office, was Daniel¡¯s Tuesday afternoon update. It was followed by a skull emoji.

    Yoooo y r the popo here?? was Daniel¡¯s Wednesday morning update. Raiding lockers????

    The¡­ popo? He probably meant the Police, right? In that case, it was far more serious than a mere expulsion, if the Police resorted to an on-campus raid. There were no more updates, which worried Lila. She quickly switched to the family group chat, as another notification was waiting there, before rolling her eyes. The notification was a demand from Daniel for orange and mango juice on Thursday afternoon. Clearly, he was fine.

    ¡°Never mind not being talkative,¡± Asher said with a raised eyebrow. ¡°He¡¯s just not a good storyteller.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s always been better with numbers,¡± Lila sighed. ¡°Should I ask him for more info?¡±

    Asher peered at her phone for a moment before shaking his head. ¡°Nah. He¡¯ll be in class, and I doubt we¡¯d get a coherent update anyway. Maybe you can ask him when you go home?¡±

    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.

    ¡°I¡¯ll have to,¡± Lila replied, changing from her text history to a phone game that required internet. ¡°My curiosity won¡¯t budge until I do.¡±

    ¡°Fair.¡±

    Her mind was still conjuring up theories about what could have happened as she impatiently waited for the journey to be over. Her phone games weren¡¯t able to entertain her enough to forget about it for now, and she eventually turned her phone off, watching the scenery flash from the countryside to the highway.

    With about half an hour to go, Ms Wang stood up, facing the back of the bus. Mr Vanderbilt also stood, his face weary. He looked to have aged ten years since they left the campgrounds.

    ¡°Alright, students, we have an important announcement,¡± Ms Wang called, though her tone was incredibly reluctant. It evidently caught everyone¡¯s attention as they instantly stopped talking and looked ahead at their teachers.

    ¡°I regret to inform you that the Head Boy and Girl were expelled on Wednesday,¡± Ms Wang began. The students erupted into frantic conversation, which was silenced by Mr Vanderbilt demanding so. ¡°Several other Grade 12 students were also expelled.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Liam¡¯s voice carried over the hush. Ms Wang gave him a stern look, seeing as he sat in the front, as she continued though it was without direct reprimand.

    ¡°We are notifying you of this now so that it won¡¯t be a shock to return on Monday with this news,¡± Ms Wang continued. ¡°Additionally, there will be an assembly held first thing on Monday morning. That means formal uniforms, blazers and stockings. For everyone,¡± Ms Wang cast another stern look, this time at everyone sitting on the bus. The tension was palpable as Ms Wang remained silent for another moment. ¡°Please refrain from unnecessary gossip and rumours in the meantime. As I said, the school will provide an announcement with the official explanation on Monday.¡±

    Both teachers sat back down, and Lila felt a wave of unease come over her. The bus was quiet for a few more seconds before the noise picked up, hardly allowing her room to think. Jason, Harper and several unnamed others. Had it been everyone who was part of that group?

    Lila looked up at Asher, who seemed just as uneasy as she felt by the news.

    ¡°Damn, straight to expulsion? Seems¡­ quick,¡± he said in clear disbelief.

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lila uttered, folding her arms across her chest. ¡°Whatever the Police found must¡¯ve been significant enough to run straight to expulsion, rather than what they did with Piper ¨C suspend first, then give them a second chance.¡±

    ¡°Jesus,¡± Asher breathed, placing a hand over his mouth. ¡°I¡­ knew it¡¯d lead to something like this, logically, but¡­ I can¡¯t stop feeling sorry for them.¡±

    ¡°They would¡¯ve known the risks. Well, everyone except Zack, probably,¡± Lila responded. ¡°Besides, it was wrong.¡±

    ¡°I know that,¡± Asher said with a heavy exhale. ¡°I just¡­ couldn¡¯t imagine being expelled. Especially since Term 3 is halfway over. I think¡­ I¡¯d feel like my life was ruined.¡±

    ¡°And that¡¯s why I don¡¯t want you guys to get detention,¡± Isaac piped up. Lila froze. How¡­ much had Isaac heard? Things like the mention of Police, and knowing that it would lead to something like this ¨C that wasn¡¯t information that made sense based on the announcement alone.

    ¡°Isaac, detention and expulsion are wildly different,¡± Asher replied plainly, turning around to look at Isaac. ¡°Detention¡¯s whatever. I don¡¯t even think they go on your school record.¡±

    ¡°I know they are, but I still think you¡¯d think your life is over-¡±

    ¡°Doubtful. Besides, unless you¡¯re planning on expelling me yourself, I think I¡¯ll take my chances with detention. Expulsion is not on my to-do list.¡±

    ¡°Why do you think they got expelled?¡± Elise¡¯s question shut both boys up before they had a chance to continue the argument.

    ¡°Must¡¯ve been bad,¡± Isaac responded darkly. ¡°The Head Boy and Head Girl?¡±

    ¡°Do you think they murdered Piper?¡± Elise asked.

    ¡°Jesus, what? Where¡¯d you get that idea?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was bewildered.

    ¡°What else could it have been? Surely the school protects the Head Boy and Girl as much as they can,¡± Elise replied snappishly. ¡°Those are, like, untouchable positions.¡±

    Lila picked at her nails. She had considered telling Isaac about the investigation yesterday, but now she was unexpectedly apprehensive about divulging the fact that, technically, she and Asher were involved in the expulsions. Again, since they¡¯d been involved in Piper¡¯s, too. Besides, though she knew it was a likely outcome, to have it confirmed like this was a whole different ballgame. Just what had the Police found?

    She exchanged a look with Asher, who subtly shook his head as if he read her mind about telling people about their involvement.

    ¡°Clearly, they were banging on campus,¡± Liam¡¯s obnoxious voice floated over to them, followed up with an unsettling guffaw.

    ¡°What, the Head Boy and Girl?¡± Callum¡¯s equally obnoxious voice asked. ¡°And a whole bunch of other Grade 12s?¡±

    ¡°Would you get expelled for that? Not suspended?¡± piped up Michael.

    ¡°Boys, what did I just say about rumours?¡± Ms Wang¡¯s sharp voice stopped their snickering immediately.

    ¡°Sorry, ma¡¯am,¡± came the glum chorus from said boys.

    Lila reckoned it was an interesting theory that only boys would come up with. Of course, the truth was far different than whatever scenario was running through their minds.

    Lila did suppose that with Jason and Livi¡¯s reputations for promiscuity, those two could have done something like that on campus at least once ¨C probably not together, though.

    She glanced back at Elise and Isaac, who seemed deep in thought.

    ¡°What¡¯s your theory, Isaac?¡± Lila asked. He looked at her for a moment, as though he hadn¡¯t heard what she said.

    ¡°I¡­ think it could be something along the lines of a party gone wrong. Busted with alcohol, probably,¡± he said after a moment. ¡°Definitely not murder.¡±

    Elise pouted. ¡°Way to shut down my theory.¡±

    ¡°Why would the Head Boy and Girl want to murder Piper, of all people?¡± Isaac countered, his apparent bemusement increasing by the second.

    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t they? She was such a creep!¡± Elise retorted.

    Something in Lila shifted. Piper had been a creep, but¡­ Lila couldn¡¯t get the imagery of Ayla¡¯s shaky tears staining Lila¡¯s shirt out of her mind.

    ¡°You make it sound as if she deserved to be murdered,¡± Lila replied. Elise grimaced, her body language immediately descending into awkwardness.

    ¡°That¡­ wasn¡¯t my intention,¡± Elise mumbled.

    ¡°I know. Still, though. She had people who loved her, who would probably get upset if they heard what you said,¡± Lila said softly. She turned back to the front of the bus, unsure why she¡¯d said that. She was ultimately glad, in a twisted way, that Piper had been murdered since it meant she couldn¡¯t stalk Asher and Lila anymore ¨C and yet¡­ it felt wrong to express that kind of thing aloud, after seeing how devastated Ayla still was about her death.

    Asher looked at her curiously, but she refused to meet his gaze. He¡¯d understand once she got a chance to tell him what happened with Ayla. Probably.

    ¡°A-Anyway,¡± Isaac interjected tentatively. ¡°What¡¯s your theory, Asher?¡±

    ¡°For?¡± Asher twisted in his seat to look back at Isaac.

    ¡°¡­ the expulsions?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Drugs.¡±

    ¡°Drugs?¡± Isaac repeated, his voice raising in pitch. ¡°Drugs?¡±

    Lila shot Asher a warning look. As he looked back at her, she could see that it only dawned on him just now that he¡¯d let something slip.

    ¡°Y-Yeah. I mean, if it¡¯s not alcohol, it¡¯d have to be drugs, right?¡± Asher hurriedly added.

    ¡°What, like marijuana?¡± Elise queried.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that the first one that comes to your mind?¡± Isaac questioned.

    ¡°Better that than cocaine, right?¡± Elise responded matter-of-factly. ¡°Besides, I don¡¯t like anything up my nose.¡±

    ¡°I-I guess,¡± Isaac spluttered.

    ¡°I don¡¯t have any particular drugs in mind,¡± Asher replied just as matter-of-factly.

    ¡°What about you, Lila? You got any different theories?¡± Elise asked conversationally.

    ¡°M-Me?¡± Lila stammered. She could feel Asher¡¯s eyes boring into her as she contemplated an acceptable answer. ¡°Uh, plagiarism?¡±

    ¡°Plagiarism?¡± Isaac¡¯s surprise was evident in his tone, somehow overtaking his previous displays of surprise. ¡°You think they got expelled for plagiarism?¡±

    ¡°Well, if it¡¯s not anything else,¡± Lila explained uncomfortably.

    ¡°Can you even get expelled for plagiarism?¡± Elise enquired.

    ¡°I¡¯d expel ¡®em for plagiarising,¡± Asher cut in. ¡°Do your own work.¡±

    ¡°Of course you would,¡± Elise replied as though it was obvious.

    ¡°Well, we can add that theory to the maybe pile,¡± Isaac said thoughtfully. ¡°Wonder what it¡¯ll end up being.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll find out on Monday,¡± Asher said sensibly. ¡°Just gotta be patient.¡±

    ¡°Nah, I bet the Grade 12s in our soccer team will know,¡± Isaac replied enthusiastically, leaning forward in his seat. ¡°We can ask them tomorrow.¡±

    Lila was glad Isaac couldn¡¯t see her directly as she visibly cringed in her seat. Chances were that Zack was one of the students who had been expelled, and it was 50/50 whether Theo had been expelled as well. It would probably be a very sore subject for the soccer boys, but she wasn¡¯t going to allude to that.

    ¡°Sure,¡± Asher responded noncommittally. ¡°If we¡¯ve got time.¡±

    Their conversation about the Grade 12s faded into more discussion about assignments, which Lila felt far better engaging with. Gradually, the scenery outside became far more familiar to Lila and she nudged Asher, who was talking to Isaac about their Chem assignment.

    ¡°We¡¯re almost at school,¡± she said.

    ¡°I¡¯ll let George know,¡± he replied, pulling out his phone. ¡°I¡¯m ecstatic to get off this bus.¡±

    ¡°Same,¡± Lila nodded. ¡°Starting to get hungry, too.¡±

    ¡°Perfect,¡± Asher grinned. ¡°I¡¯ve got a place in mind.¡±

    She smiled at him in response. It didn¡¯t take long for Ms Wang to stand up again, announcing that the bus was almost at school now, and reminding students to take all their things with them.

    As soon as the bus parked, the students went into a flurry, scrambling to get off whilst chatting away ¨C mostly about the Grade 12s.

    Stepping off the bus after a polite thanks to the driver made Lila¡¯s excitement stir. Finally, she would spend some time with Asher, away from everyone else ¨C particularly Isaac. If nothing else, it meant she could tell him about the photo Ayla showed her, and openly discuss the expulsions.

    Plus¡­ they were going on another date. Sure, it was really to keep tabs on Marlene ¨C perhaps even see if her body type matched the figure in the window ¨C but Lila couldn¡¯t help but remember the fact that the last time they were at Marlene¡¯s caf¨¦, they hadn¡¯t yet been dating.

    ¡°Lost in thought?¡± Asher asked, readjusting his shoulders so that both of their hiking bags sat on his shoulders nicely. She hadn¡¯t noticed that he¡¯d gone to grab them.

    ¡°A bit,¡± Lila replied bashfully.

    ¡°Well, I¡¯ve got internet on my phone now. I can transfer you a dollar,¡± he grinned. She playfully bumped his shoulder.

    ¡°Stop trying to buy me off.¡±

    ¡°But it makes you smile every time,¡± he protested. Lila paused. Did it?

    She felt a blush rising on her cheeks before three sharp claps interrupted her train of thought. Looking over at the source, she saw Ms Wang and Mr Vanderbilt standing with their right arms in the air. Lila obediently raised her right arm, glancing at Asher as she did so to ensure he also followed suit.

    ¡°Alright. Now that everything is out of the bus, you are all dismissed. If you can¡¯t go home, please sit in your assigned PC class. I realise that you may not have your laptops or study materials on campus ¨C so it will be free time until the end of the day,¡± Mr Vanderbilt called out. There was a pause. ¡°Well, go on,¡± he gestured at the students to move along.

    They didn¡¯t need to be told again. Gleefully, the students separated, with most heading over to the carpark or bus station. Lila caught Isaac and Elise¡¯s attention with a goodbye wave, which they returned.

    ¡°Reckon they¡¯re gonna hang out for the rest of the day?¡± Lila queried as Asher led her to the carpark where George was undoubtedly waiting for them.

    ¡°I think Isaac mentioned he had a McShift,¡± Asher replied with a shrug. ¡°He said he was taking advantage of the earlier start so he could go home earlier and sleep off his post-camp exhaustion in time for the game.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Lila uttered, slightly disappointed. ¡°I¡¯d kinda thought that maybe they¡¯d stick together.¡±

    Asher shrugged again. ¡°I still reckon that they¡¯re getting closer, so it should be fine.¡±

    Lila sighed, taking one of his arms in her own. He looked down at her, his eyes widening with surprise before softening alongside his smile.

    As she suspected, George¡¯s taxi was trundling in the waiting bay. He immediately jumped out to help Asher place the hiking bags into the trunk once they were close enough, and Lila pleasantly greeted him before climbing into the taxi. The journey to Asher¡¯s was filled with Asher recounting some of their camp activities, to George¡¯s evident amusement.

    The familiarity of Asher¡¯s house elicited a feeling of comfort over Lila as George parked the taxi. It was almost as though, despite the chaos surrounding her, there was a stability here that she could melt into.

    After a cheery goodbye to George, Asher pulled their hiking bags to the front doors before unlocking them. He stepped aside to let Lila through before shuffling in and closing the doors behind them.

    ¡°Gabriel,¡± Asher called, his voice echoing down the hallway, ¡°are you here?¡±

    There was silence before a great clattering sounded from the butler¡¯s pantry. Lila and Asher exchanged the briefest look possible before hurrying towards the source.

    Of course, the source was Gabriel, who met them by the island bench, wiping his hands on a paper towel.

    ¡°Welco- Lila! You¡¯re here as well,¡± Gabriel beamed, continuing to wipe his hands on the paper towel.

    ¡°Hello, Gabriel,¡± Lila smiled. Her eyes flashed to his hands. A small pool of blood was spreading throughout the paper towel. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±

    ¡°Me?¡± Gabriel looked down at his hand before shaking his head with a laugh. ¡°Par for the course in this profession, my dear. I was preparing some vegetables to accompany dinner when Asher surprised me.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Asher replied instantly, letting go of their hiking bags and hurrying towards an upper cabinet in the right corner. He opened it and pulled out a box of various plasters and bandages before heading to Gabriel¡¯s side. ¡°Here, show me.¡±

    ¡°No, thank you,¡± Gabriel replied, screwing his brow to indicate that he found offence in Asher¡¯s suggestion. He plucked the items from Asher¡¯s hands before turning around. ¡°Thanks for these. Now shoo.¡±

    ¡°Gabriel-¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ll hurt my pride far more than this knife did my finger,¡± Gabriel responded, shooting a warning look at Asher. ¡°I¡¯ll be fine.¡±

    Asher¡¯s expression was doubtful, but he relented all the same, picking up their hiking bags. ¡°If you¡¯re sure. Lila and I were planning on going to a caf¨¦ for some food. Were you going to-¡±

    ¡°No plans here,¡± Gabriel confirmed, inspecting a box of band-aids. ¡°This has hindered me some. Go have fun.¡±

    Asher exchanged an unsure look with Lila before they shuffled towards the stairs. It didn¡¯t take Asher long to put their things into the rumpus room and they headed back down.

    ¡°See you later, Gabriel,¡± Asher said as they passed the kitchen. Gabriel popped his head out of the butler¡¯s pantry with an energetic wave and about three plasters wrapped around his thumb. Lila was tempted to ask if Gabriel was okay again but he disappeared before she could try.

    Asher gently took Lila¡¯s hand as he led her to the front doors.

    ¡°Still feeling hungry?¡± he asked as he opened them for her.

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Lila smiled as she put her shoes on.

    They began their leisurely journey towards the shopping district, the warmth from his hand bringing another smile to her face. She had definitely missed this over the week.

    Since it was a Friday morning, nearing 10.45am, the street they were walking along was entirely devoid of both cars and people. With that, she could at least tell Asher why they needed to go to the caf¨¦ whilst there was some level of privacy.

    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re probably still wondering why we¡¯re going to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯,¡± Lila said quietly.

    ¡°Yes,¡± Asher instantly replied. ¡°I¡¯ve been racking my brains, but I¡¯m coming up empty besides just because she¡¯s been at the top of our list for a while.¡±

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s part of it,¡± Lila admitted, ¡°but something happened at camp.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, you kinda alluded to that.¡±

    ¡°When Ayla and I talked, after coming back from the beach, she mentioned a few things,¡± Lila began, glancing around once more to see if anyone was in the vicinity. There wasn¡¯t, so she continued. ¡°She was in love with Piper.¡±

    ¡°Damn,¡± Asher uttered incredulously. ¡°Seriously?¡±

    ¡°Entirely. It¡­ really shocked me. I hadn¡¯t considered that anyone would have those kinds of feelings for her and, for some reason, I¡¯d never thought Ayla would be lesbian.¡±

    Asher paused before shrugging. ¡°It never occurred to me whether she was or wasn¡¯t. Though, I have heard a few stories of guys being turned down by her over the years.¡±

    Lila thought back to when Cecelia mentioned that Lucas had confessed to Ayla last year and ¡®gotten destroyed¡¯ by her, whatever that meant. That made quite a lot of sense now.

    ¡°Anyway, the day we saw Piper at the shops, Ayla had actually tried to hang out with her. She said she was going to confess to Piper, but Piper had something important to do. She didn¡¯t say what specifically, but Ayla got a selfie from Piper later that day.¡± Lila cast another look around ¨C the street remained desolate. ¡°A selfie with Mr Snugglebutt.¡±

    Asher¡¯s grip on Lila¡¯s hand tightened. ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°At the farmhouse.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit.¡±

    ¡°And¡­ this is really creepy, but¡­ in the window, behind Piper, was the figure we saw. Except I could see a little more detail of it and it looked feminine,¡± Lila added the last part in a whisper. Asher stopped walking, his eyes wide.

    ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±

    ¡°I wish I was. I almost wanted to throw up, but I tried not to react too much. Ayla noticed that I looked a bit freaked out though, and she¡­ she mentioned that she¡¯s wondered whether Piper had taken a picture of her murderer.¡±

    Asher¡¯s face visibly paled as he brought a hand to his mouth. His eyes were subtly shifting side-to-side, as though he was running through a million thoughts in his mind. Then, he spoke.

    ¡°You said¡­ it looked feminine. Do you reckon it looked like Marlene?¡±

    ¡°It was mostly indistinct, but the body type looked similar enough. I thought asking for the selfie would be weird, so that¡¯s all I¡¯ve got. I¡­ I just think we should keep some more tabs on Marlene again. Just in case. I mean, the farmhouse is¡­ well, was, connected to your house. We know that she knew about the farmhouse since she was the only one who could¡¯ve taken the pictures of the farmhouse out of the stack of photos we had. It just keeps lining up.¡±

    Asher visibly swallowed, his eyes troubled. ¡°Yeah. You¡¯re right.¡±

    They stood for a few more moments, neither one moving nor saying anything until Lila sighed. ¡°I didn¡¯t mean to ruin your lunch, though.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it,¡± Asher replied, though it sounded hollow. ¡°It¡­ well, it¡¯s bringing more weight to the idea that Piper was murdered at the farmhouse. And¡­ I know that Marlene couldn¡¯t have murdered her, but she could have had an accomplice. An accomplice that we might see at the caf¨¦.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Maybe.¡±

    Asher took her hand again, bringing it to his lips. ¡°Let¡¯s go, then.¡±

    She squeezed his hand and they continued their walk, both evidently deep in thought. The idea of Marlene with an accomplice sounded hard to believe, but at the same time, it made sense. She could have killed Piper for stalking Asher via an accomplice, which is why she fled to Vanuatu ¨C for an alibi.

    Had she done the same thing in December?

    Lila¡¯s heart began to pound as she remembered the notes they¡¯d compiled about Marlene, way back in the Term One holidays. Marlene¡­ had been away, visiting family from the 23<sup>rd</sup> to the 30<sup>th</sup> of December. Evidently, she hadn¡¯t been called back earlier to cover Gabriel when he went to sort out the theft at the Coolisimo Nightclub, which may have meant that, even though Asher had thought she stayed local to the area, she was ¡®out of town¡¯ and unable to come back earlier. It also meant that she was away when Asher¡¯s Mum went missing on the 28<sup>th</sup>¡­

    ¡°Where are we sitting today, boss?¡± Asher¡¯s voice sounded distant, as though they were a football field apart. She blinked up at him.

    ¡°O-Oh. Well, I think¡­ we could sit where we normally sat, outside. Where we saw the¡­ uni student that she assaulted,¡± Lila grimaced at these words. Marlene had proven herself to be capable on her own to do some serious damage to someone else. ¡°But ideally, we want to be able to see her without her noticing us.¡±

    ¡°I doubt she¡¯d think we¡¯d go to the caf¨¦ after camp,¡± Asher said slowly, intertwining their fingers together. ¡°We could probably get away with sitting inside since she won¡¯t be expecting to see us.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll have to see if there¡¯s a good vantage point in there,¡± Lila nodded.

    The shopping district was in full view now and Lila could see it was bustling with people ¨C mostly the elderly and middle-aged women. Here and there were some very young families, too. Despite this, though, the shopping district wasn¡¯t packed ¨C just moderately busy.

    She hoped it meant the caf¨¦ was busy enough for Marlene to not have a spare moment to look around, but she¡¯d have to see.

    ¡°Here goes,¡± Asher smiled at Lila as they slowed their approach towards ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯. ¡°Time for some lunch and some good old¡­ reconnaissance.¡±

    Lila laughed, shaking her head. ¡°We¡¯re not military, you know.¡±

    ¡°I know. Yet, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Yet? Are you planning to go into the military?¡± For some reason, the idea of Asher going into the military made her feel uneasy.

    ¡°Not necessarily the military ¨C but the government in general sounds interesting.¡±

    Lila wrinkled her nose. ¡°Does it?¡±

    Asher shrugged. ¡°To me, yeah. I was thinking about signing up for the youth parliament program, actually.¡±

    That made Lila feel uneasy for different reasons. Youth parliament? Sounded boring. But¡­ if he wanted to do it, there was no reason for her to be unsupportive.

    ¡°That could be interesting. I can see why you¡¯d want to go for it, since you like debating.¡±

    Asher¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Wanna join with me?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯d have to think about it,¡± Lila replied somewhat awkwardly. ¡°It sounds intimidating.¡±

    ¡°Could be fun. Besides, we¡¯d be together.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it, but no guarantees.¡±

    He grinned at her. ¡°Deal.¡±

    With that, they¡¯d reached the door to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯, with Lila¡¯s stomach suddenly flipping at the thought of seeing Marlene again. A wave of paranoia settled over Lila as Asher placed his hand on the door to open it.

    Would Marlene see them? Would she know they suspected her? How could they keep their presence hidden from her?

    Asher swung open the door with a familiar tingle.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Four

    The pleasant chime of the bell by the door evoked a sense of panic in Lila. Now that they¡¯d made their presence known, would Marlene have noticed?

    The caf¨¦ was busy, though there was still plenty of seating inside. Lila was hardly able to take another look when the waitress they¡¯d been served by plenty of times before hurried up to them with a beam.

    ¡°Welcome back,¡± she greeted them, brandishing two menus at them. ¡°It¡¯s been a while.¡±

    ¡°It has been,¡± Asher nodded, taking both menus with his free hand. The waitress¡¯ eyes flickered down to where their hands were still joined and her smile widened.

    ¡°Inside or outside today?¡± she asked genially.

    Lila hadn¡¯t decided what would be best. She exchanged a look with Asher before gesturing at him to pick.

    ¡°Is the spot outside that we usually sit in free?¡± he queried.

    The waitress craned her neck as she looked through the window. ¡°Seems like it. There¡¯re heaters outside as well if you need them.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher smiled. The waitress inclined her head before leading them outside. Lila¡¯s eyes drifted towards the barista station and saw, with a small jump of her heart, that Marlene, her back turned to them and hair once more in a braid, was busy at the barista station. It looked like the coffee she was working on had her full focus and Lila quickened her pace.

    ¡°As usual, you can order through the QR code,¡± the waitress said as she poured them both glasses of water. ¡°The kitchen¡¯s lunch menu is open, otherwise the all-day breakfast is also available.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Asher and Lila said simultaneously. They shared a glance before the waitress grinned and headed back inside.

    ¡°She seems invested in us,¡± Asher commented as he opened his menu.

    ¡°She does. It¡¯s kinda funny, though, since the last time we were here, we weren¡¯t dating,¡± Lila said delicately. He looked up at her, his expression mystifying.

    ¡°¡­ We¡­ weren¡¯t. But we pretended we were,¡± he said quietly. ¡°I wish it hadn¡¯t been pretending, back then.¡±

    Lila paused. Asher had gone along with the idea that they were dating at the time, but he had still been dating Holly. From her recollection, their last visit was just before he¡¯d found out about Holly¡¯s cheating, too.

    She reached over and intertwined his fingers in hers. ¡°I understand what you mean, but that was then.¡± She paused again before rubbing her thumb against his knuckles. His eyes were glued to hers and the level of attention he was paying to her made her feel slightly flustered. ¡°Now, we¡¯re free to do anything we want as a couple.¡±

    He swallowed audibly before tearing his eyes away from hers. ¡°Almost¡­ anything.¡±

    She squeezed his hand. ¡°Hey, you haven¡¯t even kissed me today.¡±

    His eyes flickered to hers before he took his hand back, the corners of his mouth twitching as though he was suppressing a smile. ¡°I thought about it, back at home. But I also thought the faster we get here the better since if I had kissed you, I don¡¯t think I would¡¯ve wanted to leave.¡±

    She pressed her lips together, trying not to show that the thought was conjuring a mental image that she wished to put into reality.

    ¡°You¡¯ll just have to make up for lost time when we do go back to yours,¡± she settled on saying, training her eyes on the menu before her. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯d start to think you don¡¯t want to kiss me.¡±

    ¡°Of course I do,¡± Asher said quickly, taking her hand into his again. ¡°You know that.¡±

    She gave him a playful smile, which appeared to ease his desperate expression. ¡°You¡¯ll have to prove it.¡±

    His cheeks reddened as he stared down at his menu. ¡°Alright.¡±

    Lila felt satisfied that she¡¯d teased him enough, so she didn¡¯t say anything more as she perused the menu. There were plenty of good options for lunch ¨C so much so that she was almost overwhelmed.

    ¡°It¡¯s just after 11,¡± Lila observed, glancing at Asher before reading some more items from the menu. ¡°Is it too early for lunch?¡±

    ¡°Nah,¡± he replied after clearing his throat. ¡°Who said lunch has to start at a certain time, anyway?¡±

    ¡°True. What do you want?¡± she questioned after a pause, casting another look at him.

    ¡°W-What do I want?¡± he repeated, sounding unsure of himself. She gestured to the menu and his body relaxed in his chair. ¡°Oh. Uh, I reckon the beef burger looks good.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Lila murmured, reading the inclusions for the beef burger. It admittedly did look good ¨C but so did the chicken schnitzel with a parmigiana topping.

    ¡°I reckon I¡¯ll go with the chicken parmy,¡± she said with a tone of finality. ¡°Feeling pretty hungry.¡±

    Asher pulled out his phone and passed it to her. ¡°Order off mine.¡±

    ¡°That would mean that you¡¯d pay,¡± she frowned.

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°Well, I invited you-¡±

    ¡°And?¡±

    ¡°So I should-¡±

    He shook his head. ¡°Let me. Please?¡±

    She still felt reluctant but, under his piercing gaze, she picked the items she wanted and handed him back his phone.

    ¡°Thanks,¡± he smiled. He tapped on it a few times before turning his screen off. ¡°Ordered.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± she said, ¡°I¡¯ll send-¡±

    ¡°Nothing. You¡¯ll send nothing.¡±

    ¡°Asher-¡±

    ¡°Lila. You¡¯re the one who just said we¡¯re free to do anything we want as a couple. And I, as your boyfriend, would love to buy your lunch.¡± His eyes were defiant. It seemed that he was starting to become stubborn on the topic.

    ¡°Okay, okay,¡± Lila said, raising her hands in surrender. ¡°You win. I¡¯ll get it next time.¡±

    He eyed her for a moment longer. ¡°Maybe.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I don¡¯t want to inconvenience you with paying for me. Besides, I want to pay for you, too.¡±

    ¡°Lila,¡± he said seriously, his face matching his tone, ¡°how much money do you have?¡±

    She felt her face flush with embarrassment. ¡°I have enough.¡±

    ¡°How do you even get more money?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ get an allowance from my parents.¡±

    He raised an eyebrow. ¡°Is it a lot?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s enough.¡±

    ¡°Lila, you know I get a butt-load of money from my parents, right?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, but it¡¯s not as if I¡¯m destitute.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not necessarily about that. I¡¯m just saying you don¡¯t have to worry about inconveniencing me. I happen to enjoy knowing that I can pay for you, you know.¡±

    ¡°What, like a power trip?¡±

    He leaned forwards, sustaining eye contact with her as he did so. ¡°Exactly like a power trip.¡±

    ¡°That¡­ sounds controlling,¡± she said after a moment. For some reason, with the intensity of his gaze and the way he¡¯d said that, she was finding it hard to gather herself.

    ¡°Did you think I wasn¡¯t?¡± he replied, raising an eyebrow again. ¡°I thought we¡¯d well established that I get freaked out if I¡¯m not in control.¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ I hadn¡¯t thought that applied to me,¡± she responded awkwardly.

    He gave her a small smile. ¡°I hope I¡¯m not controlling in that sense. You can tell me if I am. But¡­ for everything else, I have to be a bit of a control freak. No way to be the Dux if I¡¯m all loosey-goosey about studying. Discipline is just as important, after all.¡± He pursed his lips slightly before sighing. ¡°You can spot me next time.¡±

    She shook her head. ¡°It¡­ does make me happy when you want to do that kind of stuff for me. I just don¡¯t want you to resent me, or think I¡¯m just using you for your money or whatever. And I wanna do stuff for you, too. I-¡± she stopped herself, feeling her face instantly turn scarlet. Was this the moment to tell him?

    ¡°You?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ l-like seeing you happy,¡± she squeaked, her eyes fixed on their table. ¡°So, if I can make you happy like how you make me happy, by doing things for me, then I¡¯ll have accomplished my goal.¡±

    ¡°I see¡­¡± he trailed off, his tone thoughtful. ¡°I suppose it makes sense. I hope you know that just being with me makes me happy, though.¡±

    The pounding of her heart was beginning to drown out his words. ¡°I-I know.¡±

    ¡°So you don¡¯t have to especially do anything for me.¡±

    ¡°Nor you.¡±

    ¡°Nor me.¡± He sighed again, shaking his head. ¡°I¡¯m not used to this.¡±

    ¡°To¡­ what?¡±

    He froze before his expression tightened uncomfortably. ¡°Nothing.¡±

    She looked at him doubtfully.

    ¡°I guess I can¡¯t back out of this one,¡± he said reluctantly. ¡°I hate it when I do that.¡±

    ¡°Do what?¡±

    ¡°Compare our relationship to¡­ what mine was like with Holly.¡±

    ¡°Oh.¡± A strange icy feeling began to take hold of Lila and she instinctively clasped her hands together to keep them warm. What was he trying to say?

    ¡°When¡­ I was with her, she¡¯d hardly say a word against me buying things for her. Occasionally, she¡¯d beat me to the punch when we¡¯d have food, but we never had any conversations like this. I was happy enough to just carry on and buy whatever she wanted since she¡¯d be really happy afterwards. But, with you, well¡­ I¡¯ve never encountered this situation before, especially since not many people besides my family want to do things for me, so I don¡¯t know what to do. It¡­ you¡¯re stumping me ¨C especially since it doesn¡¯t seem like you¡¯re unhappy when I do or get things for you. And I¡¯m finding that I quite like that, and the way you challenge me and my mind.¡±

    Lila remained quiet for a few moments, processing what he¡¯d said. She squeezed her hands together before exhaling gently. ¡°Is¡­ it a good comparison?¡±

    ¡°Is that what you¡¯re worried about?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ at first, I thought I was doing something wrong ¨C but it seems like I was doing something right instead. So, I guess my only worry is that¡­ if you¡¯re comparing me with her, that it¡¯s a good comparison.¡±

    ¡°Fuck,¡± he muttered, placing a hand on his forehead in annoyance. ¡°This is exactly why I feel like an idiot for doing this.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not an answer.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. Look, Lila, you don¡¯t need to worry, which is easier said than done. I don¡¯t mean to make you feel insecure, or less than ¨C if anything, it¡¯s the complete opposite. All the comparisons my stupid brain makes are good. I-¡±

    ¡°The cappuccino?¡±

    Both Lila and Asher jumped at the sound of their waitress¡¯ voice. Lila had almost forgotten that they were actually in ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ ¨C and that they needed to be keeping tabs on Marlene, not talking endlessly about their relationship.

    ¡°Uh, yeah, that¡¯s mine,¡± Asher said, sitting up and collecting their menus. A steaming mug was set before him, and the waitress wordlessly placed Lila¡¯s hot chocolate in front of her.

    ¡°I¡¯ll grab those menus off you,¡± the waitress smiled. Asher handed them over and she headed back towards the inside of the caf¨¦.

    The silence started to get to Lila as they stared at their drinks. It felt strange to go back to talking about something so¡­ well, she wasn¡¯t actually sure what to call it. But leaving it also felt strange.

    Asher tapped the table for a second before reaching for both of her hands.

    ¡°I¡¯m really sorry,¡± he murmured as he squeezed her hands in his. ¡°The last thing I want to do is hurt you, and I feel like I¡¯ve been doing that a lot lately.¡±

    ¡°As long as you¡¯re sure I¡¯m not worse than her,¡± she replied simply, taking her hands back and absently picking at her nails as she continued. ¡°You¡¯re not wrong about me feeling insecure, but that¡¯s just me anyway.¡±

    ¡°I doubt it. If I wasn¡¯t an idiot who kept saying shit like this, you¡¯d have no reason to feel insecure.¡±

    He seemed to be falling into moodiness, with the way he glared at his cappuccino, so she placed a hand on his.

    ¡°Asher, let¡¯s drop it for now. We¡¯ve got other reasons for being here.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± he sighed, taking the complimentary cookie next to his cappuccino and dipping it. He popped it into his mouth before tilting his head. ¡°Have you ever seen cappuccinos with art on them?¡±

    Lila looked over at his cup and saw that there was indeed art on top of his coffee. To Lila, it looked like three coffee beans that had been created via a stencil and the chocolate powder that was customary for a cappuccino. She shrugged. ¡°I mean, why not? Maybe they¡¯re really into the ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯ theme.¡±

    She tested the side of her mug with her fingertips before deciding that it would be okay to take a drink. She was instantly reminded of the hot chocolates that Gabriel made, sans the whipped marshmallow. The rich, decadent warmth seemed to reach all the way to her fingertips and toes as she took another sip.

    ¡°That¡¯s really good,¡± she smiled, nudging it towards Asher. ¡°Try it.¡±

    He seemed surprised but took a sip without protest. His eyes sparkled as he set her cup down. ¡°Damn. I feel like I¡¯m going to go on a sugar high just from that sip alone.¡±

    She laughed as she took it back from him. He grinned and began stirring his cappuccino. She was glad that they had moved on from their previous conversation ¨C back into something lighthearted. This was much better.

    She turned her eyes over to the window, looking into the caf¨¦. There were quite a number of people now ¨C likely the lunch rush. Marlene¡¯s back was facing Lila, and she seemed incredibly busy. As Lila continued to watch, order after order was taken off the espresso machine and Marlene would slap her hand against the bell on the counter, which would spring the waitresses and waiters into action.

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d like to be a barista,¡± Lila observed in a low voice to Asher.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± he asked, sipping his cappuccino.

    ¡°It just seems so busy,¡± Lila replied frankly. ¡°I mean, I don¡¯t think Marlene¡¯s even had a moment to breathe in there.¡±

    ¡°Surely not every caf¨¦ is like that.¡±

    ¡°Maybe, but I¡¯m also not the biggest fan of coffee.¡±

    ¡°Huh,¡± Asher uttered, leaning back in his chair. ¡°Come to think of it, I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve ever seen you have coffee.¡±

    ¡°Busted.¡±

    ¡°Is it the bitterness?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°Maybe? Just never really been interested. I¡¯ve tried it, but I decided I could live without it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s fair.¡±

    Her eyes flickered back to the window. Marlene still looked run off her feet, so Lila scanned what she could of the patrons inside. If Marlene had an accomplice, were they sitting there now?

    A family of four which included young children were sitting near where the Uni student had sat, which made Lila shudder. What happened to him? Had Marlene actually killed him? He was nowhere in sight now, though Lila probably wouldn¡¯t come back to the place where her attacker worked afterwards either.

    She took another sip of her hot chocolate as she continued to survey the caf¨¦. The table next to the family was cleared, which gave Lila a better line of sight of Marlene. It just seemed like an ordinary Friday.

    Lila was starting to doubt her insistence on watching Marlene again today. Perhaps they should¡¯ve stayed at Asher¡¯s after all. Lila sighed in disappointment.

    ¡°I¡¯m guessing nothing¡¯s going on behind me?¡± Asher asked quietly. Lila shook her head.

    ¡°Looks like an ordinary day. She¡¯s been really busy though.¡±

    Asher looked thoughtful. Lila was about to speak again when she saw their waitress approaching with two plates of food. She straightened up and moved her cup aside in preparation to receive her lunch.

    ¡°The chicken parmy?¡± the waitress asked, looking between them both.

    ¡°That¡¯s me, thanks,¡± Lila smiled. The waitress set it down in front of Lila before setting down Asher¡¯s burger in front of him.

    ¡°Was that everything?¡± the waitress queried politely.

    ¡°For now, yes thanks,¡± Asher replied with a nod. The waitress returned the nod and moved to the empty table behind theirs, resetting it with an efficiency that could only come with plenty of experience.

    ¡°It¡¯s interesting that she¡¯s been here for so long,¡± Lila commented as she started to cut up her schnitzel. ¡°I thought most hospitality places had quick turnovers.¡±

    ¡°Must mean it¡¯s a good environment. Did you want a bite?¡±

    They both separated some food out for each other before eating in contented silence. Her schnitzel had the right amount of savoury flavours alongside the sharp, slightly sweet taste of tomato sauce underneath the cheese.

    Every so often, she would look into the window again and see nothing of interest. Eventually, the family moved on, and a lone man took the empty place beside their table full of dishes and clutter. From what Lila could see, he was dressed in a long-sleeved, button-up shirt. He took off a leather cross-body bag, which he placed next to him, before sitting down. She thought it strange at first, given the general patronage of the caf¨¦ today, but figured he¡¯d stopped work early or there was an office nearby that she was unaware of. Her lunch was certainly tasty enough to lure anyone this way if they had the opportunity.

    Lila continued to eat, the amount of food filling her up nicely. She was beginning to wonder if she¡¯d make the walk back without bursting at the seams.

    ¡°Gee, you¡¯ve powered through that parmy,¡± Asher said incredulously, wiping his mouth with a napkin.

    ¡°I reckon I¡¯ve overeaten already,¡± Lila lamented, patting her stomach. ¡°You might need to roll me back to yours.¡±

    Asher laughed heartily. ¡°How about I just carry you?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be too heavy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve done it before.¡±

    ¡°Not with the addition of a fat parmy.¡±

    He chuckled and she grinned at him. Despite her complaints, she nibbled on one of the remaining pieces of her food, casting another contented glance around.

    Another family replaced the previous one inside the establishment and Lila idly watched them strap a fussy infant into a high chair.

    ¡°The food¡¯s that good that you¡¯re still smiling?¡± Asher queried lightly. Lila¡¯s eyes darted to his before looking back at the family.

    ¡°Yes, and no. That baby is standing its ground over there,¡± she smiled. ¡°It¡¯s pretty entertaining.¡±

    He briefly looked behind him before looking back at Lila. ¡°Everyone involved is pretty valiant. It¡¯s an impressive standoff.¡±

    It was Lila¡¯s turn to chuckle. She watched as the baby arched its back against the highchair, its face pink with unrestrained fury. Despite how much she was enjoying the show, though, something else caught her attention.

    The man next to the family received a steaming mug from Marlene herself.

    Lila dropped her fork in surprise, jolting Asher in his seat.

    ¡°What, what?¡± His voice was alarmed as he wildly looked around.

    ¡°Marlene just gave someone a drink,¡± Lila whispered, her eyes glued to what was playing out before her.

    ¡°Is¡­ that not her job?¡± Asher asked, his tone now bemused.

    ¡°No ¨C well, yes, but she just gave one to a customer.¡±

    ¡°Is that still not her job?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together firmly to prevent her exasperation from leaking out. It looked like Marlene was talking to the man for a moment before letting out a laugh which she delicately covered with her left hand. Then, she turned around and was back behind the espresso machine as though nothing happened.

    ¡°Does Marlene have a boyfriend?¡± Lila asked after a moment.

    ¡°A what?¡± Asher turned entirely, facing the window Lila was looking through. She grabbed his shoulder and twisted him back around.

    ¡°You¡¯re being obvious,¡± she hissed.

    ¡°S-Sorry.¡±

    Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

    Lila peered into the window once more. The man was sipping on his cup. Nothing in his demeanour hinted to Lila that he thought it was strange that the barista personally handed him a drink, and there was no reaction from any of the other staff members either. Did¡­ this guy visit regularly? Enough so that the staff knew who he was and didn¡¯t mind Marlene running drinks out to him, even though that wasn¡¯t her usual job?

    Lila couldn¡¯t recall seeing him before, but it had been several months since their last visit. Perhaps he was a new regular?

    Or¡­ was he Marlene¡¯s accomplice?

    Lila wished she¡¯d been able to get a better look at him, but all she could see, aside from his business shirt, was his tidy-looking brown hair ¨C a description that fit most of the males she¡¯d seen in her life. In saying that, the tidiness seemed to be helped by some kind of hair product. Not every brown-haired male wore hair products.

    It was starting to frustrate her ¨C this mystery man and his connection to Marlene. Did they even have a connection? She seemed just as busy now as she had been earlier when she was almost constantly hitting the bell to tell the waiters and waitresses that drinks were ready. Did she just happen to have a spare moment to personally hand out a drink and ultimately chose this man by chance?

    ¡°Did¡­ you want to get something else?¡± Asher questioned in a low voice. ¡°So we stay longer? And before you fight me, I¡¯ll pay. It¡¯s part of lunch.¡±

    Lila considered the suggestion, her previous fire in insisting she should buy their lunch now falling short given the mystery lying before her. ¡°¡­ Sure. Just a drink, though.¡±

    ¡°Juice, I¡¯m guessing?¡±

    ¡°Sounds perfect. Thank you, Asher.¡±

    He gave her a broad smile before tapping on his phone. She mindlessly picked at the remaining bits of food on her plate, her eyes flickering to the man every so often. He remained peacefully seated, taking sips of his mug here and there. Since his back was facing her, she couldn¡¯t see whether he might¡¯ve been working on a laptop, reading, or doing something else to otherwise occupy himself while drinking his coffee.

    Their waitress reappeared, passing along their juice and clearing their now-empty plates, and Lila still observed the man through the window.

    ¡°I feel like if you had laser eyes, he¡¯d be dead by now,¡± Asher joked after a few minutes of sustained silence. Lila sighed deeply, taking a sip of her juice.

    ¡°Probably. Pretty glad I don¡¯t have laser eyes.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s glad, too. Nothing else happen?¡±

    ¡°Nothing at all. I¡¯m starting to think I hallucinated it.¡±

    ¡°Doubt it, but I get what you mean.¡±

    She drank some more of her juice before sighing once more. ¡°Thanks, Asher. For being so patient.¡±

    ¡°You make it sound like we haven¡¯t sat here for the entirety of her shifts before,¡± Asher replied. ¡°Besides, some time in the outside world with you isn¡¯t anything for me to complain about.¡±

    She reached over, taking his hand in hers. ¡°Let¡¯s go on that date to the bookstore in the city.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow?¡±

    Lila almost agreed straight away ¨C but she was reminded of her Dad¡¯s request for her and Clare to talk to their Mum this weekend after camp. Truthfully, she still didn¡¯t want to talk to her Mum, but, after all the time Lila had spent avoiding Grace that week, she wasn¡¯t sure she could handle also avoiding her Mum any longer either.

    ¡°Dad said that Clare and I should talk to Mum this weekend,¡± Lila replied reluctantly. ¡°I don¡¯t know if I should commit to a date just yet. If it¡¯s fine with you, I might just see how it all goes. Besides, I want to get some info out of my Dad about the investigation where I can, and he can sometimes be a bit slippery.¡±

    ¡°Always got next weekend,¡± Asher nodded. ¡°No stress. Though, I would like to see you.¡±

    ¡°Me too. Well, that I¡¯d like to see you. I can see myself at any time.¡±

    He smirked and she returned it with one of her own. ¡°Especially if I get to hear jokes like that,¡± he added.

    They finished their juices with Lila once more carefully surveying the inside of the caf¨¦. Marlene still seemed almost chaotically busy, and Lila had noticed a generally gradual increase in the number of patrons. Perhaps this was the real lunch rush.

    With nothing else of note ¨C not even a glance in the man¡¯s direction from Marlene ¨C Lila was beginning to think that it was just a strange coincidence. In fact, the man stood without any acknowledgement to anyone else, placing his hands in his dark navy pants pockets and strolling towards the exit.

    Lila felt a bit disappointed as she twisted in her seat, trying to take a better look at the man. Aside from looking like he was in his early-to-mid 30s, she couldn¡¯t identify anything that made him stand out. In a way, that could make him exceptional ¨C exceptionally generic. She supposed that he could be considered decent-looking enough to be Marlene¡¯s boyfriend ¨C if that¡¯s who he was.

    He headed down the street, his hands still in his pockets, and out of view. She checked the time. It was getting close to 12pm. Marlene would be finishing up in an hour-

    Or would she? Lila squinted at the barista station. It was empty. Was Marlene hand-delivering another coffee?

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Asher asked, placing his empty cup down on the table, a furrowed brow forming on his face.

    ¡°She¡¯s¡­ gone.¡±

    ¡°Gone?¡±

    ¡°Wait-¡±

    Just as Lila had said that, Marlene reappeared ¨C in the window facing them. She instinctively ducked low to the table, her heart crashing against her chest in her haste to do so.

    ¡°Talk about me being obvious,¡± Asher commented idly, looking down at her with a fond smile. She immediately felt her face flush with embarrassment in response.

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± she whispered shamefully, peering over his shoulder. Marlene was walking away from the window, her hoodie on and a bag over her shoulder.

    ¡°Why is she-¡±

    Before Lila could finish her sentence, Marlene paused by the barista station. Then, she turned towards the front door and briskly walked out of the caf¨¦ altogether.

    Lila instantly stood up, the force shaking the cups on their table.

    ¡°Wh-¡±

    ¡°We gotta go,¡± she said urgently, taking Asher¡¯s hand and pulling him up. ¡°She just left.¡±

    ¡°What? Her shift¡¯s still-¡±

    ¡°I know ¨C we gotta go.¡±

    They speed-walked to the inside of the establishment, with Lila¡¯s eyes fixed on the door that Marlene had exited through. The tinkle of the bell signalled their own departure and they both continued to hurry along the road towards Asher¡¯s place.

    Marlene was just ahead, walking with some measure of efficiency. With someone as reliable as Marlene in her scheduling, leaving early like this was sparking a million-and-one questions in Lila¡¯s mind.

    Lila and Asher silently kept their distance from Marlene as they had done in the past. There was something oddly familiar about the bag slung over Marlene¡¯s shoulder¡­

    Come to think of it, the man that she¡¯d seen in the window ¨C had he taken his bag with him?

    ¡®No¡­ he walked out with his hands in his pockets ¨C but no bag¡­¡¯ Lila recollected with a severe frown. The bag around Marlene seemed bulky ¨C leather, like the one Lila had seen the man enter with. Actually, from this distance, with the details Lila could see, it looked like a modern briefcase. Was it just part of Marlene¡¯s style? Surely it wasn¡¯t the same bag?

    She placed a hand on her chin, her thoughts swirling even more than before ¨C enough that she could hardly catch any of them. Did they know each other after all? What was in the bag? Lila couldn¡¯t remember if Marlene had ever taken a bag with her to the caf¨¦. She didn¡¯t want to ask Asher, for fear of alerting Marlene to their presence, so she instead tried to focus on those memories.

    Her mind¡¯s eye wasn¡¯t conjuring any imagery of Marlene with a bag ¨C or not. Instead, it seemed to focus on her glasses, her braid, and her hoodie ¨C things that Lila hadn¡¯t really seen Marlene wear besides at her job at the caf¨¦. Why were these the aspects taking up the space in her brain?

    She shook her head ¨C she¡¯d just have to ask Asher if he remembered whether Marlene took a bag to work. For now, they needed to see where Marlene was going.

    So, Lila continued to think about what could be going on. If it was the mysterious man¡¯s bag, perhaps Marlene had collected it and left to give it back to him? Ending a shift early, in that case, made sense ¨C if she had noticed the bag, then dashing out as quickly as possible to find him again to return it might be the only solution in circumstances where there were no contact details for the bag¡¯s owner.

    But¡­ looking at Marlene, there didn¡¯t seem to be enough urgency for this theory to be the right one.

    Marlene also didn¡¯t look suspicious in the slightest. There was no furtiveness about her ¨C absolutely nothing in her body language to suggest that the bag across her body wasn¡¯t one that she owned. Actually, she looked quite chuffed, almost on the verge of skipping. Maybe she was going to the man¡¯s place? Or was she simply that happy to be leaving work early?

    Luckily for Lila and Asher, there was also nothing to suggest that she noticed their presence behind her.

    It didn¡¯t take long to determine that the pathway Marlene was walking along was exactly the same as the one she took to return to the cottage behind Asher¡¯s place. So¡­ with that, Marlene ended her shift early to purely go home? Could she be unwell? Well ¨C that didn¡¯t seem to fit either, what with her decidedly perky demeanour. So, what was the reason?

    Lila and Asher simultaneously slowed their pace as Marlene turned down Asher¡¯s street. Just as Lila had thought, Marlene headed up the driveway of Asher¡¯s place, moving the bag ever so slightly that the bag itself hung behind her, rather than next to her hip. They remained at the bottom of the driveway for a few moments, ensuring that Marlene had closed the side gate beside the mansion before heading up to the front doors themselves.

    Asher wordlessly unlocked the front doors and they both removed their shoes before heading inside. Lila was still racking her brains for any kind of solution to any of her questions as she drifted behind Asher, letting him lead her to the rumpus room.

    ¡°We¡¯re home,¡± Asher called out to the empty kitchen. Gabriel popped his head out of the butler¡¯s pantry as they passed with a warm smile.

    ¡°Welcome back. I hope you had a good lunch?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Almost had to hire a wheelbarrow to take Lila home,¡± Asher joked.

    ¡°Well, that¡¯s rude,¡± Lila joked back. He turned to wink at her as Gabriel let out a deep belly laugh.

    ¡°I¡¯ll try to keep dinner light, then,¡± Gabriel chuckled.

    ¡°I¡¯ll need it,¡± Lila grinned. Then, a question occurred to her, with the mention of dinner. She didn¡¯t want to ask her Mum to pick her up, and it was a Friday ¨C a day that was usually spotty at best to count on Clare to pick her up, given her work at Coolisimo.

    ¡°Is Clare still banned from working?¡± Lila asked before Gabriel could slink away into the butler¡¯s pantry. He paused before sighing.

    ¡°You make it sound as though she¡¯d done something wrong, Lila,¡± he said gently, stepping outside the butler¡¯s pantry. Lila noticed that his injured finger was still wrapped in a large number of bandages as he rested both hands on the counter between them, his eyes looking at the empty sink for a moment. ¡°I had her rostered on for bartending last night, but she wasn¡¯t ready.¡±

    Wasn¡¯t ready? What did-

    ¡°She sent herself home,¡± Gabriel continued, now looking intently at Lila. ¡°She¡¯s told some of the girls more or less what happened ¨C that your mother found out and disapproves. She said that¡­ although she loves working at the club, stepping inside after their fight made her anxious even though it wasn¡¯t for dancing. She called me in tears, apologising.¡±

    That didn¡¯t sound good at all. Lila folded her arms across her chest. Should she go home now and see Clare?

    ¡°I suggested another week off, which she agreed with. She also asked me to not tell you, but I can¡¯t help myself. You¡¯re just so coercive.¡±

    He gave Lila a small smile ¨C one that showed his coercive comment was made in jest. It also showed that he was poorly attempting to mask his worry.

    ¡°Thanks for telling me, Gabriel,¡± Lila settled on saying after a moment of digesting his information. ¡°I thought about just going home now, but if she said to not tell me, I¡¯ll have to pretend I don¡¯t know.¡±

    He inclined his head before turning around and shuffling back inside the butler¡¯s pantry.

    ¡°You okay?¡± Asher queried after Gabriel closed the door. Lila glanced at him and gave him a tentative smile.

    ¡°Yeah.¡±

    He looked at her dubiously before gesturing towards the stairs. ¡°Let¡¯s head up.¡±

    They did so, with Lila¡¯s concern about Clare increasing with each step. She¡¯d have to check in as soon as possible ¨C but without throwing Gabriel under the bus.

    She sat down in her usual spot on Asher¡¯s couch, her mind feeling like it would split into two, what with her theories about Marlene and her worries about Clare battling for her attention.

    She barely registered the fact that Asher placed two cups on his coffee table and sat next to her until he tenderly touched her shoulder.

    ¡°You look like you¡¯re going to explode,¡± he murmured.

    ¡°I feel it, too,¡± Lila replied, her voice sounding rather strained. ¡°I wish I could power down.¡±

    Asher pulled her towards him, smoothly altering his position so that he was lying down on the couch. He cradled her against his chest, his light touch allowing her to melt completely in his arms.

    ¡°Thinking too much can be a trap,¡± he said softly. ¡°You can either let it all out or rest for a while. There¡¯s no rush.¡±

    She pressed herself into his chest. The rhythmic sound of his heartbeat was soothing, and the way he held her felt like something she wanted to cherish forever. Minutes passed in total silence before she found her voice again.

    ¡°¡­ Asher?¡±

    ¡°Yes?¡±

    She lifted herself up from his chest, looking into his eyes. In this bubble, consisting of just the two of them in the peaceful quiet of his rumpus room, she thought she could be brave for a moment. Though she¡¯d confessed her feelings for him once before, the crushing weight of these new, deeper feelings was closing in around her throat. It seemed far more frightening, despite the fact that they were now dating. Would he think she was moving too fast? Would he think that she was clingy? She¡¯d heard through rumours and snippets of gossip in the school halls that clinginess was the doom of many relationships. The thought that perhaps she had everything to lose was enough to make her tremble.

    He curled one of his hands around one of hers before using the other to tuck a piece of her hair behind her ear. ¡°You¡¯re really worried about Clare, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    She sighed in defeat. There was no way she could say something of that magnitude in these conditions. They needed to talk about Marlene and Clare, after all.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. The last time I talked to her about it all, she sounded really determined to go back to work, no matter what Mum and Dad thought. I never would¡¯ve thought she¡¯d feel too anxious to even be inside. She might end up quitting. Which might sound like a solution to the whole ordeal, but I know it¡¯d kill Clare ¨C she¡¯d see it as Mum winning.¡±

    Asher brought her back down to his chest, placing a hand on the small of her back. ¡°You should try and check in with her when you can.¡±

    ¡°I will. She probably won¡¯t tell me much, though. She¡­ tends to hide that kind of stuff from me.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a surprise.¡±

    ¡°I think¡­ she has this thing about seeming strong, for Daniel and me. It¡¯s unnecessary, but¡­ it¡¯s always how she¡¯s been. This year has been the first that I¡¯ve felt like she¡¯s been vulnerable with me ¨C and that¡¯s mainly been when she was helping me figure out my own emotions.¡± Lila was glad that they weren¡¯t directly looking at each other as she said this ¨C particularly since Clare encouraged Lila to tell Asher she loved him after she explained what love felt like to her.

    ¡°I think all of you have that tendency to want to seem strong,¡± Asher murmured, lightly running his fingers through her hair. ¡°It seems like a family trait.¡±

    ¡°That, and being nosy as all hell.¡±

    He chuckled. ¡°Can¡¯t forget that, even if I wanted to.¡±

    Neither spoke for some time, though Asher continued to brush his fingers through her hair. Eventually, she brought her hand to his, halting his movements. Their eyes met.

    ¡°Do you¡­ not like it?¡± he asked in a low, tentative voice.

    ¡°I do,¡± she whispered, propping herself up so that she could see the entirety of his face, ¡°but you promised me something.¡±

    ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve promised you lots of things,¡± he said softly.

    ¡°You might be right,¡± Lila replied, her eyes flickering to his lips. She faltered. Whenever they kissed, he¡¯d find a way to cut it short. Would it be the same today?

    ¡°I think I know what you¡¯re referring to, though,¡± he smiled. There was a pause ¨C one that felt charged with a suspenseful kind of energy. The look in his eyes seemed different, somehow. As if¡­ there was desire buried within that was on the brink of breaking out. What was he thinking about?

    It turned out she didn¡¯t need to ask.

    In an instant, he had pulled her down so that their lips were locked together. Though she¡¯d teased him before by asking him to prove how much he wanted to kiss her, it seemed that he¡¯d taken it to heart. A feverish passion had seemingly taken over him as he moved his lips against hers. She matched his pace, the heat emanating from them both increasing by the second.

    His hands wandered down her body until meeting her hips. The way he gripped them shot goosebumps through her, the feeling seemingly seeping straight to her bones, and she could feel herself becoming desperate for more of his touch. Once again, he had an uncanny way of knowing what she was thinking as he slipped his hands under her shirt, his fingertips grazing her waist. He clutched her tighter to him as his tongue searched for hers.

    An involuntary moan escaped her lips as their tongues met and explored one another. She fell further into the way her body was feeling as they continued without interruption. It seemed that he wasn¡¯t going to cut them off anytime soon. In fact, somehow, it seemed that he was falling into this just as much as she was. Could that mean¡­

    His hands lowered once more ¨C trailing a path down her bare skin that reached even lower than before. She shook ever so slightly in anticipation; where was he going?

    Then, he suddenly stopped altogether, breaking off their kiss.

    ¡°S-Sorry,¡± his voice shuddered, now using his hands to gently push her away. ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t.¡±

    Her head spun, her chest falling in dismay. Of course. Just as it always went.

    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± she replied, sitting up properly. She saw him clench his jaw before he held her right shoulder.

    ¡°It¡­ might be easier for me if I¡¯m¡­ on top,¡± he stammered, his face cherry-red. She blinked up at him.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to force yourself,¡± she whispered.

    ¡°I want to keep going,¡± he replied in a similar whisper. ¡°But only¡­ for kissing.¡±

    ¡°Asher, I¡¯m serious. It¡¯s fine-¡±

    He cut her off with another kiss, bringing his body forward so that he was hovering above her. She brought a hand to his face as he tangled his fingers in her hair. This kiss felt hesitant and she almost wanted to stop. Clearly, he was forcing himself to keep going on her behalf.

    A second later, however, the kiss morphed into something rough ¨C raw, almost. She couldn¡¯t keep up, instead letting her body take the reins in response. It was forceful ¨C but in a way that showed her how well they fit together, and exposed just a taste of his true desire. It was leaving her breathless, excitingly so. She¡¯d never experienced something quite like this from him and she was finding that she really really liked it.

    He broke off again, his chest heaving as if he couldn¡¯t get enough air into his lungs.

    ¡°I need to stop,¡± he said through haggard breaths, sitting back. ¡°It-¡­ I¡¯m losing it.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you lose it,¡± Lila responded quietly, touching the ¡®A¡¯ on her chest for comfort. ¡°Really.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± he shook his head. ¡°Look. I¡­ need more time.¡±

    ¡°Not more kissing practice? It¡­ might get easier.¡±

    He bit his lower lip, his eyes conflicted. ¡°I really don¡¯t know.¡±

    She couldn¡¯t hold her sigh in, which elicited a grimace from him in response. She immediately felt guilty and shuffled backwards on the couch, leaving some distance between them.

    ¡°Lila, I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for pressuring you,¡± Lila replied seriously.

    ¡°You¡¯re not pressuring me.¡±

    ¡°Then what is it? What¡¯s wrong?¡± She couldn¡¯t keep the quiver out of her voice.

    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with you,¡± he said hurriedly. ¡°It¡¯s all me.¡±

    ¡°We keep talking in circles about this,¡± Lila finally said after a heavy pause. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ tired of it.¡±

    ¡°Sorry.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be sorry, Asher. That makes it worse,¡± she snapped. Upon seeing the flash of hurt on his face, she closed her eyes, hiding them behind her hands. ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Neither spoke for a few moments and she eventually lowered her hands. Then, Asher ran his hands through his hair before standing up.

    ¡°I just need a minute.¡±

    He disappeared into his room, closing the door behind him. With nothing else to do, Lila flopped back onto the couch. She couldn¡¯t hold her upset at bay anymore. If¡­ she told him that she loved him, would he think she was trying to manipulate him? To make him feel guilty and give in before he was ready? It wasn¡¯t the case, but a tiny part of her did feel tempted, in case that was what he was missing to at least let them kiss for a little bit longer¡­

    She felt a tear rolling down her face and she brushed it away, anger at herself for being so pitiful rising. It was all so stupid, the way she was feeling. She just wanted to enjoy the physical side of their relationship but each time she was starting to, this happened.

    She heard his door open and she sat up, wiping her eyes again to ensure she didn¡¯t have any remaining tears.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± he murmured, sitting next to her.

    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Lila replied, her tone slightly awkward.

    ¡°It¡¯s not.¡±

    ¡°It is since it won¡¯t change. So, I have to be okay with it. And if you¡¯re going to say it will change, don¡¯t get my hopes up. I¡¯d rather¡­ be surprised than disappointed.¡±

    ¡°Lila¡­¡±

    ¡°Can we stop talking about it? Please.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Okay.¡±

    There was silence for quite a while. Then, Asher spoke.

    ¡°Uh, well¡­ what did you see at ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯?¡±

    Lila paused, her posture relaxing into the couch. ¡°Well¡­ there was this guy who came into the caf¨¦ towards the end. He sat by the window, and he had this bag with him. Then, Marlene personally gave him a drink, and it looked like they talked for a moment. Eventually, he left and she came to the window for some reason ¨C then she left an hour before her shift was supposed to end. But¡­ it looked like she was carrying the bag the guy left behind.¡±

    Asher looked unsettled by this. ¡°So she just stole some guy¡¯s bag?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°That¡¯s what it looked like to me. Did she ever take a bag with her to her shifts? Back when we first followed her?¡±

    Asher shook his head. ¡°No. She generally sets off on foot, carrying as little as possible, if anything. I probably would too, if my workplace was so close to my house. What would the point of taking anything be?¡±

    ¡°I see. I¡­ thought at first that maybe she was going to try and give it back to that guy, but she just went home with the bag.¡±

    ¡°What do you reckon¡¯s in it?¡±

    ¡°No idea. It makes me want to break into the cottage again and look for it.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t necessarily be against the idea, but at the same time, I think it¡¯s probably not a good one.¡±

    ¡°I know. It¡¯s not like we can directly ask her though.¡±

    It seemed that they¡¯d exhausted all they could on the topic. Without any further information, there wasn¡¯t any conclusion they could reach that would be satisfying in any regard. Who was he? A boyfriend? A murder accomplice? Just a customer? Perhaps Marlene was simply a kleptomaniac and seized the opportunity to take something home when she saw it left behind.

    ¡°I think¡­ we should go back,¡± Asher suggested quietly. Lila glanced at him and he gave her a small smile. ¡°Next Wednesday is the Show holiday. So, we could go see her at the caf¨¦. Maybe he¡¯ll come back. Or we might find something else out.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. Sounds like a plan.¡±

    Asher pressed his lips together before leaning forwards and grabbing some joycons. ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can really do about it at the moment¡­ so¡­ unless you want to go home now, should we play something?¡±

    A part of her did want to go home ¨C to escape from the slight, lingering awkwardness between them, and to check in on Clare ¨C but she decided to stay, accepting his offer of controllers. Being in his company, despite what happened just before, outweighed this temporary heaviness weighing on her.

    It ended up being a good decision, as the discomfort faded in the face of their gaming. The rest of the afternoon proceeded without any more discussion of Clare, Marlene or their physical intimacy ¨C something that Lila appreciated.

    At around 6pm, a knock sounded on the rumpus room door. Asher stood and opened it, stepping back to allow Marlene to enter. Lila looked over in surprise. She never normally came in at this time. On her hip was an empty washing basket, and she was dressed in her normal maid attire. Once again, there was nothing about her to suggest that she¡¯d spent her morning working at a caf¨¦, and definitely nothing to suggest that she¡¯d stolen a bag on the way home.

    ¡°Hello, Mr Wagner,¡± Marlene greeted pleasantly. ¡°Hello, Lila.¡±

    ¡°Hello,¡± Asher replied warily. ¡°Uh-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m assuming you have things from camp that you¡¯d like washing?¡±

    ¡°Oh. Right.¡±

    Asher crossed the rumpus room towards their hiking bags with Marlene trailing behind him. He unzipped his bag, pulled bundles of clothes out and placed them into her waiting washing basket. As he was doing this, Lila heard Marlene humming ever-so-slightly.

    ¡°Thank you, Mr Wagner. Lila, would you like anything to be washed?¡±

    ¡°I-I¡¯m okay, thank you,¡± Lila replied swiftly. ¡°I¡¯ll take my stuff home. Thanks for offering.¡±

    Marlene smiled before exiting the rumpus room, her humming growing louder as she closed the door.

    Lila exchanged a glance with Asher.

    ¡°Does¡­ she normally hum?¡± Lila questioned.

    ¡°Not that I¡¯m aware of. Seems like she¡¯s in a good mood,¡± Asher responded, his face changing to one of contemplation. ¡°Weird.¡±

    ¡°Is she never in a good mood?¡±

    ¡°Well, she¡¯s normally pretty neutral. It was almost like¡­ we saw a shadow of the Quack Queen, rather than Marlene the housemaid.¡±

    ¡°The Quack Queen¡­¡± Lila muttered, placing a hand on her chin. ¡°She seems to talk about her personal interests when she¡¯s streaming. Maybe she¡¯ll mention something in one of her streams. Like maybe seeing her boyfriend, or something good happening?¡±

    Asher sat back down next to her, grabbing his phone. ¡°Maybe. I¡¯m just checking her schedule real quick.¡±

    He tapped on his phone before looking up at Lila again. ¡°She¡¯s streaming tonight, 10.30pm to 2am.¡±

    ¡°Looks like I¡¯ll be tuning in to that when I get home.¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to. I¡¯ll watch it-¡±

    ¡°I want to. I¡¯m nosy, remember?¡± Besides, she wasn¡¯t quite sure whether she¡¯d be able to fall asleep anyway.

    He seemed reluctant before nodding. ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll watch too. Better that both of us watch, in case one of us misses something.¡±

    ¡°Sounds good.¡±

    With that, they continued with their gaming, though Lila was still thinking about Marlene¡¯s odd behavioural changes. Was it from seeing that man at the caf¨¦? Scoring a bag? Or¡­ was Lila just feeling hypercritical of Marlene, given the selfie she¡¯d seen of Piper featuring a feminine figure in the farmhouse?

    They were called down for dinner not long after. As promised, it was light ¨C a noodle soup consisting of generously seasoned chicken and plenty of seasonal veggies, sans the offending veggie that Gabriel had cut himself on per his proud announcement once they sat down. Marlene didn¡¯t join them for dinner, though she did help set up the dinner table. Dessert was a homemade apple crumble slathered with cream and cinnamon.

    By the time Lila asked Clare to pick her up, to which Clare agreed within seconds, she was feeling far more content ¨C something which was necessary to prepare herself to ask Clare about what happened last night when she sent herself home from Coolisimo.

    Asher carried Lila¡¯s hiking bag down when the time came, his face a complicated mix of emotions as he opened the front doors for Lila.

    ¡°I¡­ know you mentioned going to the bookstore,¡± he said quietly as they exited into the cool night air, heading towards Clare¡¯s waiting car. ¡°I might¡¯ve ruined that-¡±

    ¡°You will if you keep mentioning things like that,¡± Lila replied, though not unkindly. She¡¯d managed to put it far behind her throughout the afternoon and night. ¡°I¡¯ll let you know tomorrow after I get home from practice. I need to ask Dad what happened over the week if he¡¯s at home. If I get the answers, then I¡¯m sure we can go on Sunday.¡±

    He nodded before opening the back passenger door, greeting Clare and placing Lila¡¯s hiking bag inside the car.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for your message,¡± he said softly. ¡°Goodnight, Lila.¡±

    He stepped back but Lila took his hand, halting his progress. ¡°Hang on. You¡¯re forgetting something,¡± she said coyly.

    He looked confused. ¡°Did you have two hiking bags?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Lila shook her head emphatically. ¡°I can¡¯t leave without a goodnight kiss, though.¡±

    He looked relieved. ¡°Right, right. Of course not. I¡¯d almost thought-¡±

    ¡°Shut up and kiss me. Please.¡±

    He did just that ¨C a small, tender kiss; sweet enough for a goodbye, and to slowly rewrite her disappointment with today¡¯s other kisses.

    ¡°Goodnight, Asher,¡± she smiled once it was over, lightly touching the ¡®A¡¯ on her chest. ¡°We¡¯ll see each other at the game tomorrow, at least.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. See you then.¡±

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Five

    Clare seemed unusually quiet on the way home, and her EDM beats weren¡¯t as loud either. Though Lila figured that it had something to do with what Gabriel had told her, she couldn¡¯t quite work out how to approach the subject in a way that didn¡¯t out his failure to keep it a secret.

    ¡°So¡­ how was your week?¡± Lila settled on asking after a minute or so of silent driving.

    ¡°Fine,¡± Clare replied, her tone evasive.

    ¡°What¡¯d you get up to?¡±

    ¡°Not much. Just Uni and hanging out with Alex.¡± Clare¡¯s tone continued to be evasive, her eyes fixed on the road in front of them.

    Lila sighed. She¡¯d have to be more direct, it seemed. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ been more than a week since the whole blow-up with Mum,¡± she said quietly. ¡°Have you got any shifts lined up?¡±

    She saw Clare cast her a suspicious glance but tried not to react. It was Clare¡¯s turn to sigh.

    ¡°I¡­ did. But I ended up getting someone else to cover them.¡±

    ¡°I see. Um, any reason why?¡±

    ¡°Gabriel couldn¡¯t help himself, could he?¡± Clare muttered in defeat.

    ¡°W-What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°Lila, you¡¯re shit at this whole nonchalant questioning thing.¡± She sighed again. ¡°I wasn¡¯t being serious when I asked him not to tell you. I already knew he would. He¡¯s too kind a person to just leave it at the Club.¡±

    ¡®So much for trying to be delicate,¡¯ Lila thought. She didn¡¯t want to confirm or deny Clare¡¯s accusation, so didn¡¯t say anything at all for a few moments. It was enough time for Clare to give her another glance before speaking.

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what Gabriel told you, but I freaked out yesterday. I was meant to do a shift at the bar. Alex wasn¡¯t on, which at first made me feel better since I didn¡¯t want him to see me so stressed. But as soon as I clocked on, I realised I couldn¡¯t do it at all and I really needed him. Mum¡¯s words just kept running through my head ¨C I couldn¡¯t think. It almost sent me into a panic attack. I¡­ went over to Alex¡¯s afterwards and cried for a while.¡±

    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you with him now?¡± Lila asked, her worry increasing. Surely being at home after that was a terrible idea.

    ¡°You were coming home,¡± Clare shrugged.

    ¡°Clare, you should be with Alex. Clearly, you¡¯re not okay.¡±

    Clare simply smiled at Lila, though her eyes were filled with apprehension.

    ¡°Clare-¡±

    ¡°Dad told me yesterday, before my shift, that Mum wants to talk to us tomorrow.¡±

    Tomorrow? Lila knew that they¡¯d need to talk to her, but tomorrow felt too soon. She started picking at her nails, the sudden anxiety from Clare¡¯s words hunching her shoulders.

    ¡°So I thought I should be home,¡± Clare added. ¡°I don¡¯t want her to ambush you by yourself.¡±

    ¡°Thanks,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°Not that you should be ambushed either.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t work out last time, did it?¡± Clare gave a hollow laugh, which caused Lila to give her a sharp look. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. If I don¡¯t joke about it, I¡¯ll go insane.¡±

    Lila forced herself to look away.

    ¡°How was camp?¡± Clare queried after a minute or so of awkward silence.

    ¡°It was good,¡± Lila replied noncommittally.

    ¡°Did you manage to tell Asher that you love him?¡±

    Lila groaned, placing her hands over her face. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Feels like there¡¯s a story behind that.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve¡­ been trying,¡± Lila¡¯s voice was muffled.

    ¡°Lila, it seems like you feel ashamed that you can¡¯t,¡± Clare observed frankly. ¡°There¡¯s no shame in taking your time.¡±

    Lila looked up at Clare, who gave her an encouraging smile before turning her eyes back to the road.

    ¡°Clare, did you tell Alex?¡±

    Clare didn¡¯t respond.

    ¡°Clare?¡±

    Clare tightened her grip on the steering wheel. ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Why does it seem like it went badly?¡±

    Clare shook her head, though Lila saw a tear make its way down her face. She sat up straight in alarm.

    ¡°Why¡¯re you crying, then?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Clare whined, ¡°I¡¯m just feeling emotional!¡±

    ¡°Did he-¡±

    ¡°He said it back.¡±

    ¡°And that makes you cry?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know!¡±

    ¡°Jesus, Clare, now I don¡¯t want to tell Asher!¡±

    ¡°No, no, you should,¡± Clare sniffled, wiping away the tear Lila had seen. ¡°Really.¡±

    Lila looked at her doubtfully. ¡°Not if I¡¯m going to cry about it. I already did that when he asked me to be his girlfriend and felt like an idiot.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s happy tears, so it¡¯s not a bad thing,¡± Clare insisted, wiping yet another tear away.

    ¡°You don¡¯t look happy.¡±

    ¡°Love¡¯s hard, Lila. So¡¯s being vulnerable. I told you that I wouldn¡¯t tell him anytime soon, but I couldn¡¯t keep it in anymore after he rescued me from my attempted shift yesterday. I was really scared, but it turned out that I didn¡¯t need to be. I¡¯m just emotional ¨C from the relief of knowing that it worked out.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re hardly ever emotional.¡± Lila almost added that the first time in a long time she¡¯d seen Clare be emotional was after the fight with Mum, but held her tongue.

    Clare snorted. ¡°You think so?¡±

    ¡°Well¡­ it¡¯s not like you really show it to me or Daniel if you can help it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, ¡®cause you¡¯d panic ¨C like you did just now. Are you emotional with Daniel?¡±

    ¡°Not¡­ really.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a big sister thing,¡± Clare smiled, the emotion ¨C whatever it was ¨C marring the colour around her eyes. ¡°Sorry for freaking you out. You should tell Asher you love him.¡±

    Lila lightly pressed her head against the headrest. ¡°I won¡¯t. Not for a while, anyway.¡±

    ¡°Lila, they¡¯re happy te-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not refusing to because you got emotional. I just¡­ don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea for the moment.¡±

    ¡°Did something happen?¡±

    Lila felt her face redden. ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Is it to do with the whole Asher not being ready to have sex thing?¡±

    ¡°Kinda,¡± Lila uttered, staring out the window again. ¡°He¡­ keeps saying that he wants to, but he¡¯s not ready. When we kiss, he¡¯ll often stop us because it¡¯s getting too much for him. So¡­ while I want to tell him that I love him, I guess part of me is worried that he¡¯ll think I¡¯m just saying it to guilt trip him into doing more with me.¡±

    Clare was silent for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m guessing another part of you wants to say it so that he does give in, too.¡±

    Lila felt incredibly uncomfortable. Having that thought exposed so casually by Clare made it harder to reconcile in her mind that, yes, she was thinking something so awful.

    ¡°I¡¯d think the same,¡± Clare said plainly. ¡°But, since you love him, you probably shouldn¡¯t weaponise that.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Lila grimaced. ¡°It just gets so disappointing, being cut off all the time.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯d have the patience for that,¡± Clare replied sagely. ¡°He¡¯s obviously worth it to you, though.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah.¡±

    ¡°Still, you¡¯d think he might want to get a move on, considering what happened with the last girlfriend.¡±

    Nausea settled in the pit of Lila¡¯s stomach. ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not saying that you¡¯d cheat on him,¡± Clare clarified hurriedly, ¡°but I¡¯m surprised that he doesn¡¯t seem at least a little bit worried about you going for someone else who¡¯ll give you what you want.¡±

    ¡°I want him, Clare-¡±

    ¡°I know that. All I¡¯m saying is that I would¡¯ve thought he¡¯d go for it as soon as you said you wanted to so that you might not seek it elsewhere. Like, same-day kinda thing. It¡¯s why I was practically running to get you the Pill. Makes me wonder what¡¯s going on in that mind of his. Something¡¯s holding him back that outweighs that fear, at least. Or maybe he¡¯s not thinking about that.¡±

    Lila thought back to what Livi had said to Asher ¨C ¡®Hope this one doesn¡¯t cheat on you since you¡¯re so frigid¡¯ ¨C and his reaction to that. She had allayed his fears at the time but, knowing him, he probably still thought about it every now and then.

    ¡°All I want right now is to be able to kiss him without fearing that he¡¯ll stop before I¡¯ve had the chance to enjoy it. I don¡¯t even need to go further than that,¡± Lila murmured. ¡°I already said we don¡¯t have to do more, but this isn¡¯t even more¡­ it¡¯s just finishing what we started. And he said we could keep kissing, but it doesn¡¯t feel that way if he just stops all the time.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a unique problem, that¡¯s for sure,¡± Clare responded, her tone kind. ¡°I don¡¯t have any real advice for you.¡±

    ¡°Just having you listen is enough for me,¡± Lila said quietly. ¡°It makes me feel less insane, anyway.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re definitely not insane,¡± Clare said firmly. ¡°I agree with you, though. Telling him that you love him right now while you¡¯re struggling with this could lead him to the wrong conclusion ¨C especially if you want him to be ready on his own accord.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. Thanks, Clare.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s what I¡¯m here for,¡± Clare smiled. ¡°Now, what did happen at camp?¡±

    Lila recapped a couple of the activities whilst carefully avoiding any mention of the awkwardness with Grace. She also updated Clare on the situation with Isaac and Elise ¨C specifically, that Isaac told Elise that he liked some girl called Anika from Maccas. Clare was suitably appalled by this and reached the same conclusion Asher had ¨C that Isaac had panicked in the moment when Elise asked him who he had a crush on.

    They giggled over some of the funnier stories ¨C including the fact that Lila had ditched Dorothy with Michael ¨C before Lila sighed. They weren¡¯t far from home now, which meant she needed to sort out her hockey things and get ready to watch Marlene¡¯s stream.

    ¡°By the way, Clare, did you end up checking in on Daniel?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Oh. Right. You asked me to do that. Well¡­ I did try. But he seemed normal.¡±

    ¡°Did he go to school every day?¡±

    Clare looked at her like she¡¯d spoken in Gaelic. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t he?¡±

    ¡°Dad said that from mid-week, he might need to stay home.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t know you could plan illnesses in advance. Maybe I should ask him how to manage that for Uni,¡± Clare joked.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I¡¯m guessing he didn¡¯t stay home, though?¡±

    ¡°Not as far as I¡¯m aware. Should he have?¡±

    ¡°Not necessarily.¡±

    ¡°You know how I said you were shit at the whole nonchalant questioning thing? You¡¯re still shit at it.¡±

    ¡°Thanks, sis.¡±

    Clare snorted. ¡°I can tell you¡¯re hiding something, but I won¡¯t ask any more questions about it. Which, if I¡¯m dead tomorrow morning, it¡¯s ¡®cause the curiosity killed me.¡±

    ¡°Noted.¡±

    They shared another giggle. They¡¯d reached home now and Clare pulled into the driveway.

    ¡°Still got hockey tomorrow?¡± she asked, unbuckling herself.

    ¡°Yup. At Mulberry Heights,¡± Lila shuddered. ¡°Holly¡¯s school.¡±

    Clare scrunched her nose. ¡°Ew. Considering she was at the game last week at Forestglade, she¡¯ll probably be at tomorrow¡¯s game too. You gonna be okay?¡±

    ¡°Yeah. It caught me off guard last week, but I¡¯m prepared this time.¡±

    ¡°Good, good.¡±

    They headed inside, with Lila ensuring to take her hiking bag, and said goodnight to each other before entering their respective rooms for the night.

    Waiting for the stream to start didn¡¯t take as long as Lila thought after she finished setting up for hockey, taking out her things from the hiking bag, and otherwise wrapping up her evening routine. In fact, she almost missed the start once she dived under the covers, her laptop on her stomach and headphones on.

    ¡°Hellooo my Quacklings!¡± Marlene¡¯s joyful voice floated through Lila¡¯s ears and she tucked herself further into her bed, her eyes glued to the screen. Marlene was once again wearing a low-cut top and her expression seemed to be radiating happiness, her winged eyeliner enhancing her eyes nicely. ¡°How is everyone?¡±

    Lila watched as messages from the chat flashed on the right-hand side of her screen. Most of them were various ways of saying ¡®good¡¯ and ¡®I missed you¡¯ and ¡®absolutely quackin¡¯¡¯.

    ¡°I¡¯m so glad everyone seems to be doing okay! Now, I have something exciting to show you- oh, here¡¯s Mr Snugglebutt. Hold on a moment, I¡¯ll go grab it. Mr Snugglebutt, you¡¯re in charge!¡±

    Marlene bounded off-screen before lightly dropping Mr Snugglebutt into her streaming chair. ¡°I¡¯ll be a sec!¡± she called.

    More messages flooded the chat, greeting Mr Snugglebutt who began licking his shoulder. Lila noted a flash of colour around his neck ¨C a deep green today. Unlike the other collars that Lila had seen him wear, it didn¡¯t have a bottle attached to it. All up, Lila had seen him wear a red, blue and now green colour. Did the colours mean something? Just how many collars did Marlene have for him?

    Before she could consider this any further, her phone buzzed on her desk. She reached over and saw it was a text from Asher.

    It read, Are you watching the stream?

    Yeah, Lila replied. Did you see Mr Snugglebutt¡¯s collar?

    His collar? There was a pause before another message from him came through. Oh, the green one? Yeah?

    I don¡¯t think I mentioned this, but in the photo I saw, he had a bright blue collar with a bottle. Now it¡¯s green with no bottle

    Looks like Marlene is working her ass off to buy collars and ducks

    Lila snorted and was about to respond when the sound of Marlene returning distracted her. Lila¡¯s heart almost leapt to her throat when she saw what Marlene was holding.

    It was the bag that she¡¯d taken home earlier that day.

    ¡°Quacklings, this has made my week,¡± Marlene gushed, lifting Mr Snugglebutt and placing him on the floor. ¡°Check this out.¡±

    A few comments were either emojis of a drum set or the words ¡®drum roll¡¯ as Marlene placed the bag on her thighs.

    ¡°Hold on, just gotta fix this camera,¡± she murmured, tilting it downwards for a better view of the bag. It was certainly a leather bag of the briefcase variety, which matched the one the mystery man had brought to ¡®Beans & Biscuits¡¯.

    ¡°Anyway¡­ this is the coolest thing I¡¯ve seen in a while. Ready? One¡­ two¡­ three!¡± Marlene beamed as she flipped the flap on the bag open. Lila leaned forwards, despite the fact that it didn¡¯t change anything about her view of the stream. Her heart pounded. She¡¯d get to see what was in the bag after all.

    Marlene lowered her hands into the bag and pulled out a heavy-looking, carved duck statue. Lila groaned. Another duck statue?

    The chat went wild, praising Marlene for her find. It seemed like she read the comments as her beam widened.

    ¡°I got him today,¡± she explained. ¡°It¡¯s an antique all the way from Nepal. As you can see, it¡¯s been expertly carved out of ancient wood but the wings are made of brass and tipped with bone. It was very precious cargo. The antique dealer I bought it from just came back from Nepal with a whole bunch of goodies. I had to get it hand delivered from him to make sure it was safe.¡±

    For some reason, Lila felt as though Marlene¡¯s face had changed to a pinkish colour. Lila supposed it was subtle enough that it could¡¯ve been because of some lighting changes in the room that she couldn¡¯t detect. Was Marlene flushed with excitement?

    ¡°Anyway, chat, you don¡¯t want to know how much I paid for this little guy,¡± Marlene giggled, placing him on her desk. ¡°But I will say it was in the thousands.¡±

    ¡°Holy shit,¡± Lila exclaimed aloud. In the thousands? Plural? Was Marlene insane?

    ¡°He¡¯s gonna be today¡¯s desk buddy. I¡¯m just going to put this bag away and I¡¯ll come back and we can start up some WoW. Quick recap ¨C we¡¯re still going through the new megadungeon as we prep for the next big patch.¡±

    Marlene left again after readjusting her camera and ensuring the duck was in view. With the floppiness of the bag that Lila could see, it didn¡¯t look like there was anything else at all in it.

    So¡­ was the mysterious man the antique dealer that she mentioned? Why did they have to do such a strange drop off for the duck ¨C besides to ¡®make sure it was safe¡¯? Was it due to how expensive and rare it was? Or was it due to the fact that Marlene hardly had any time in the day to breathe, let alone attend an antique shop to pick it up?

    Seriously? Asher¡¯s newest text read. A godamn duck?

    Yeah. Defs the bag she was wearing home, too, Lila responded.

    So the guy was an antique dealer?

    Seems like it

    Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

    So weird¡­

    Agreed

    Lila sighed. Well, that was one mystery solved. For some reason, it didn¡¯t satisfy her nearly as much as she¡¯d been hoping. A godamn duck indeed¡­

    Tiredness was starting to take hold of her mind, so she bid goodnight to Asher. He asked whether she¡¯d keep watching the stream, but she honestly could hardly keep her eyes open enough to text him. After telling him as much, he said goodnight as well. Then¡­ he sent a kissing emoji. He hadn¡¯t really sent her emojis thus far, so the idea that he specifically hunted for this one to send as a virtual goodnight kiss made her smile. She sent one back before properly lying down in bed, her smile still on her face as she closed her eyes.

    <hr>

    Clare didn¡¯t speak much to Lila on the way to Mulberry Heights High. Clare¡¯s expression alternated between stressed, content, emotional and back again. Considering their impending conversation with their Mum, Lila didn¡¯t need to check that Clare was anxious about it.

    Clare slowly drove into an empty parking bay outside the oval before applying the handbrake.

    ¡°Since¡­ we¡¯re talking to Mum after you¡¯re done with hockey, you¡¯ll have to cancel any plans you¡¯ve made with Asher for today.¡±

    ¡°I hadn¡¯t made any,¡± Lila replied, unbuckling herself.

    ¡°Good.¡± Clare exhaled for what felt like too long before shaking her head. ¡°Try not to worry about it. It has to happen anyway. So, we just have to get on with it. Maybe¡­ we can be normal afterwards. As a family.¡±

    ¡°Clare, you don¡¯t have to forgive-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just going to let whatever happens happen. If I do or don¡¯t forgive her, that¡¯s just what it is.¡±

    They looked at each other for a moment before Lila nodded.

    ¡°Okay. See you after the game,¡± she said, getting out and grabbing her hockey gear.

    ¡°Good luck.¡±

    Lila gently closed the door and stepped back, watching as Clare patted her face before driving away.

    With that, Lila turned to face the oval, taking a deep breath. Clare was right. There was no point worrying about what Mum had to say to them just yet. For now, she had more pressing matters to think about.

    She shambled down the hill, towards where she could see the Forestglade College hockey girls warming up. From this distance, she wasn¡¯t sure whether anyone from her team was missing, or what the general vibe between them was. Since Ms Wang had announced that the Head Boy and Head Girl were expelled, along with ¡®several other Grade 12s¡¯ yesterday, Lila¡¯s team members must¡¯ve known something to that effect. Otherwise, there would¡¯ve been no need to forewarn the Grade 11s ahead of the assembly on Monday.

    Lila tried to ignore the spectator stands as they loomed into view before her, but she couldn¡¯t help sneaking a peek. As predicted, Holly was sitting on the stands along the front row, talking to Dylan. Could Lila¡¯s nosiness extend to¡­ eavesdropping?

    She inched slightly closer, maintaining enough distance that they wouldn¡¯t immediately spot her lurking.

    ¡°¡­ nothing to me-¡±

    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Dylan¡¯s voice was, to Lila, distinctly irritated. Lila immediately felt awkward as he continued, ¡°You keep looking at their profiles-¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just bored, Dylan-¡±

    ¡°Or are you just pissed our plan didn¡¯t work?¡±

    ¡®Our¡¯ plan? For what? Lila¡¯s intrigue pulled her forwards again.

    ¡°Dylan-¡±

    ¡°Just fucking block the cunts and call it a day, alright? It¡¯s done. Been done for months. Get over it. We¡¯ve got Mars to worry about.¡±

    ¡®Jesus, he¡¯s got a mouth on him,¡¯ Lila thought with a stunned blink. Whatever awkwardness she felt before had now magnified tenfold. ¡®Also¡­ Mars? The God of War? Why do they have to worry about him?¡¯

    Holly huffed, bringing her hands over her stomach. ¡°Stop swearing. He can hear you, you know.¡±

    ¡°Mars, your Mum¡¯s a stupid bitch,¡± Dylan snapped, turning to face the oval. ¡°Block that ex and his new girlfriend already.¡±

    Lila frowned, watching Dylan¡¯s retreating back with distaste. He was certainly a piece of work. She could never imagine Asher speaking to her like that, even if they were in a massive fight.

    Lila glanced at Holly, who was holding her face in her hands. Lila wasn¡¯t sure if Holly was crying, but she felt an overwhelming urge to check on her-

    ¡°Lila!¡±

    She almost jumped out of her skin as she abruptly turned towards the speaker. It was Isaac, a broad, friendly grin on his face.

    ¡°Oh, hey,¡± Lila replied, relaxing instantly. ¡°Did you just get here?¡±

    ¡°Nah, filled up my water bottle. Knocked it over while warming up. I¡¯m so tired,¡± Isaac yawned, placing said bottle on his hip. He cast a look around before instantly turning pale.

    ¡°Let¡¯s head-¡±

    ¡°Hey, Lila,¡± Asher¡¯s voice interrupted Isaac¡¯s. Lila whirled around to see him half-jogging to her, catching a slight glimpse of Holly looking over at the three of them as she did so. He wrapped his arms around Lila, kissing the top of her head before bending to her ear and murmuring, ¡°Lila, let¡¯s get onto the oval. She¡¯s been staring at you.¡±

    ¡°Gladly,¡± Lila murmured back. He stepped back and gestured at Isaac to head over to where their teammates were warming up. Isaac did so without a word, his face still pale, quickly leaving Lila and Asher behind.

    Once they travelled some distance from Holly, Lila asked, ¡°Have you been here long?¡±

    ¡°Long enough to figure out that Zack won¡¯t be joining us again,¡± Asher replied matter-of-factly. ¡°Theo¡¯s here though. We have a couple of subs for our team, so we¡¯re not dropping out of the season at least.¡±

    ¡°Anyone else?¡±

    ¡°Looks like the rest of the team is unscathed. No one¡¯s talking about it though.¡±

    ¡°¡­ Are you surprised Theo¡¯s still around?¡±

    ¡°Yes and no. Your Dad mustn¡¯t have found much on him,¡± Asher whispered the last sentence after taking a look around. ¡°I¡¯ve gotta go. See you later.¡±

    He seemed to hesitate before smiling at Lila and jogging off to his side of the oval. She¡¯d briefly hoped for a light kiss but, with Isaac around, she figured she wouldn¡¯t get one today.

    Lila¡¯s teammates seemed rather quiet that morning as they warmed up. Lila took her place beside Willow and Alice, who gave her smiles as their greeting. Alice in particular looked pallid, which Lila queried in a low whisper.

    ¡°Just some bad period cramps,¡± Alice replied in an equally low whisper.

    ¡°You sure you should be playing?¡± Lila pressed.

    ¡°Yeah, yeah. I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Alice nodded. ¡°The sunlight¡¯s helping me warm up and feel better ¨C besides, the season¡¯s nearly over.¡±

    Lila exchanged a concerned look with Willow, who shrugged. ¡°She said the same thing to me.¡±

    ¡°How was camp?¡± Alice asked as the trio completed some shoulder stretches.

    ¡°It was alright,¡± Lila responded casually. ¡°Though, on the bus back, they told us the Head Boy, Head Girl and some other Grade 12s got expelled.¡±

    Both Alice and Willow looked apprehensive.

    ¡°¡­ Wednesday was really dramatic,¡± Alice muttered, avoiding Lila¡¯s gaze as she bent to touch her toes.

    ¡°Rather not talk about it here at Mulberry Heights, though,¡± Willow added.

    ¡°Why¡¯s that?¡± Lila questioned curiously.

    ¡°I mean, should they really know about our school¡¯s business? They might use it against us,¡± Willow explained. It felt like a bit of a leap to Lila, but she let it go for now.

    ¡°You don¡¯t need to look so disappointed,¡± Willow laughed. ¡°We¡¯ll chat about it on Tuesday when we¡¯re getting changed or maybe during practice.¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Lila sighed. She¡¯d have to corner Daniel when she got home this afternoon for answers. There was no way she could wait until Tuesday since it was unlikely the school would tell them the whole story on Monday.

    Once the match started, Lila focused as best she could on her tactics. It seemed that Mulberry Heights was not pleased with how the previous match had gone and was far more aggressive than the week prior. Despite this aggression, they didn¡¯t play all that much better than their last match ¨C something that truthfully disappointed Lila. By the time half-time was called, Forestglade College was in the lead by one point and Lila hadn¡¯t moved as much as she¡¯d hoped.

    She accepted her orange slice from Ms Wright, biting into the cool, juicy flesh as she watched the soccer boys. She spotted Dylan and her distaste for him grew. Just what was wrong with him? Even if Holly was doing something he didn¡¯t like, that was too much.

    ¡®Wait¡­ am I feeling sympathy for Holly?¡¯ Lila thought, taking another bite of her orange slice. The thought disturbed her somewhat. At the same time though, Lila was thinking that it was verging on domestic abuse ¨C if not actually domestic abuse. It wasn¡¯t exactly something that Holly ¡®deserved¡¯, but a small part of Lila was glad that Holly¡¯s new boyfriend wasn¡¯t a saintly person since she¡¯d messed up by destroying her relationship with Asher like she had. As far as Lila was concerned, Asher was warm and kind ¨C a far better choice than Dylan. But, if Holly hadn¡¯t cheated on Asher, would Lila have been able to experience this side of Asher, as her boyfriend?

    ¡®Maybe ¨C since he liked me for so long,¡¯ she thought with a touch of doubt. She shook her head. Dwelling on the what-ifs, especially that scenario, wasn¡¯t doing her any good.

    Half-time for the soccer boys began shortly after and Lila smiled as Asher approached her, taking large gulps of his water.

    ¡°Working hard out there?¡± Lila asked, her smile still on her face. This reality that she was in was far nicer than whatever her mind had momentarily posited.

    ¡°Always,¡± Asher replied, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand with a grin. ¡°What¡¯re you up to after the game?¡±

    Lila paused. ¡°Mum wants to talk to Clare and me after I come back home from hockey.¡±

    Asher reached out to touch her arm, concern on his face. ¡°Will you be okay?¡±

    Lila shrugged. ¡°No idea. I might have to be, for Clare¡¯s sake. She¡­ told me a little bit about what happened the other day. Not as much as I wanted, but I didn¡¯t pry.¡±

    Asher¡¯s concerned expression deepened further. ¡°Should you come over tomorrow?¡±

    Lila pressed her lips together. She wanted to ¨C even if all she did was nestle herself in Asher¡¯s arms ¨C but¡­ she had a few things to do, aside from talking to her Mum.

    ¡°I¡­ can¡¯t make any promises,¡± Lila said reluctantly. Disappointment flashed in his eyes but he nodded, gently squeezing her arm.

    ¡°Alright. If you change your mind, let me know ¨C anytime. Even if you¡¯re five minutes away, or if you need me to come get you.¡±

    ¡°Thank you.¡±

    They shared another smile, with Lila relaxing considerably under his soft gaze. For a second, she considered telling him what she¡¯d heard Holly and Dylan saying but decided against it for now.

    ¡°Did anything else happen on stream?¡± Lila decided to ask.

    ¡°Oh, right, I watched that. Nope, nothing else. She did fondly pat the duck every so often, and Mr Snugglebutt would make appearances, but she mainly talked about WoW. Apparently, there¡¯s a big update coming in November or something. Most of her fans are excited about it. I didn¡¯t watch through to 2am, but I¡¯ll watch the tail end of the VOD when it¡¯s uploaded in case there was something else. I doubt it, though.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know how she survives on such little sleep,¡± Asher added incredulously. ¡°When she dropped me off this morning, she seemed right as rain.¡±

    ¡°Was she humming again?¡±

    ¡°Actually, yeah. I¡¯m thinking that duck really made her happy.¡±

    ¡°She¡¯s got quite the collection. If it made her unhappy, I¡¯d be worried for her mental state.¡±

    ¡°And you¡¯re not now, after knowing A ¨C how many ducks she already had and B ¨C that this new one was in the thousands?¡±

    Lila chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re right. I am.¡±

    ¡°It makes me wonder how much the rest of her ducks are,¡± Asher shivered.

    ¡°Maybe that¡¯s why her security skills are no joke,¡± Lila smirked. ¡°She¡¯s protecting her ducks.¡±

    Asher seemed like he wanted to add to this before Isaac joined them. Lila shuffled slightly so that they could all face each other.

    ¡°Watcha talkin¡¯ ¡®bout?¡± Isaac queried. ¡°Not about your plans to make out here, I hope.¡±

    ¡°Just about the fact that you¡¯re not making moves on Elise,¡± Lila quipped.

    Isaac¡¯s face turned a bright pink as Asher chortled.

    ¡°Well- she... She likes someone at Maccas,¡± Isaac stammered.

    ¡°Did you ever consider it was you?¡± Lila replied, her tone slightly impatient.

    ¡°Wow, look at the time, I¡¯ve gotta go,¡± Isaac responded, glancing at his empty wrist. ¡°Time flies.¡±

    They both watched as Isaac turned tail and speed-walked back to the Forestglade College soccer team.

    ¡°Nice quick thinking,¡± Asher complimented.

    ¡°A skill I honed to keep nosy little brothers out of important conversations,¡± Lila grinned. ¡°Just pretend you¡¯re talking about something he doesn¡¯t want to talk about, and suddenly you wonder if he existed at all.¡±

    Asher laughed and she smiled at him.

    ¡°Still, though, I¡¯m a bit disappointed in Isaac¡¯s response just now,¡± Lila commented. ¡°I¡¯d kinda hoped that after camp he¡¯d seem a bit more confident about it.¡±

    ¡°I mean, camp did only finish yesterday morning. He just might need to reflect a little bit more on how Elise was with him and figure it out from there.¡±

    ¡°You reckon he will figure it out?¡±

    ¡°You keep telling him that he should think she likes him,¡± Asher replied pointedly. ¡°I was pretty dense when everyone was telling me you liked me, but he¡¯s always had this perceptiveness with people. Makes me think he knows, but he¡¯s actively refusing to believe it for some reason.¡±

    ¡°Probably scared,¡± Lila sighed, glancing over towards Isaac. He¡¯d managed to find himself in a conversation with some of his teammates, his shrill laugh just barely carrying over this way.

    ¡°Probably. This is harder than I thought,¡± Asher lamented.

    ¡°How so?¡±

    ¡°Well, I¡¯d reckoned, given how he is, it¡¯d only take a small nudge. Seems like he needs a sledgehammer instead.¡±

    Lila snorted before sighing once more. ¡°I¡¯ve been hoping that Elise would confess to him since she¡¯s always been a bit headstrong. Honestly, that¡¯s probably why she asked him who his crush was ¨C so she could get a feel for whether it was on her or not in preparation to confess.¡±

    ¡°But he ruined it.¡± Asher kicked his toe into the ground briefly in contemplation. ¡°I haven¡¯t told him off for that yet.¡±

    ¡°Maybe you should,¡± Lila nodded.

    ¡°After the game,¡± Asher said, looking behind Lila. ¡°Looks like your half-time¡¯s up.¡±

    She also looked behind her and saw her teammates reassembling on the opposite side of the field. ¡°Yeah. Good luck with your game, Asher.¡±

    ¡°You too.¡±

    He remained standing along the sidelines whilst Lila headed over to her spot. She looked over at him once she was settled and he waved at her before running back to his own team.

    The second half of her match proceeded almost identically to the first ¨C so much so that Forestglade College ended up being the winners with two points ahead. Lila briefly wondered what the point of her showing up even was as Charlotte and Alice walked towards their team, both beaming and puffing from their exertion.

    ¡°Good job, team,¡± Charlotte grinned. ¡°That¡¯s the kinda game I like.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah,¡± Rosa grumbled as she took off her Goalie mask, ¡°I could¡¯ve just put a dummy in my place and done some study instead of being here.¡±

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Charlotte replied sheepishly. ¡°I don¡¯t know what was with them today. They seemed aggressive, but they didn¡¯t push forward as much as I¡¯d been expecting. Honestly, I thought some of them seemed physically unwell. At the very least, it made it easier for Alice and me to keep pushing.¡±

    Lila felt uneasy as she registered what Charlotte was saying. Lila was confident that the soccer boys at Mulberry Heights had been getting morphine from Jason¡¯s ring ¨C Zack, specifically ¨C but were the hockey girls also taking it? Was this a withdrawal side effect, how shockingly they¡¯d played?

    ¡°Do you reckon we¡¯ll make it through to the finals?¡± Willow asked, leaning on her hockey stick.

    ¡°Depends on our next opponents,¡± Rosa replied darkly. ¡°Cedar Grove Girls¡¯ are always tough.¡±

    Lila couldn¡¯t disagree. Most years, it ended up that St Peters would face off against Cedar Grove, an all-girls school based in the city, for the hockey finals. From Lila¡¯s recollection of the list of ten or so schools Zack had given her, Cedar Grove Girls¡¯ College didn¡¯t feature. In that case, it was unlikely that they¡¯d have withdrawal symptoms from the disbandment of the morphine ring ¨C so there was no hope of an advantage in that regard.

    ¡°Here they come,¡± Alice said suddenly, straightening up. The Mulberry Heights team trudged their way over to Lila¡¯s team, engaging in the usual sportsmanship handshakes. Now that Lila was actually facing them, she could see what Charlotte had been saying. Most of them seemed to be pale, tired or even nauseous-looking. Had they been hit by an illness, aside from addiction issues, at Mulberry Heights?

    ¡°Fabulous work, ladies,¡± Ms Wright said approvingly once the Mulberry Heights team shuffled away. ¡°Two more matches to go before the season ends.¡±

    ¡°Well, hang on,¡± Charlotte frowned, turning to Ms Wright. ¡°What if we get through to the semi-finals and then finals?¡±

    ¡°My apologies. Two to four matches to go before the season ends.¡±

    Charlotte continued to look miffed, though Lila was secretly relieved. It seemed that Ms Wright wasn¡¯t banking on them going through to the end. As much as she loved hockey, this year had been hectic enough without sacrificing half her Saturdays.

    Her team started drifting off towards the carpark, so Lila collected her belongings and slowly headed towards the soccer match. She wasn¡¯t keen on getting any closer to Holly, who was still sitting on the spectator stands, so she stood at a relatively safe spot along the sidelines near the goal Asher was defending.

    The Mulberry Heights boys definitely seemed lethargic as Lila watched on, leaning against her hockey stick. She could also see that Will Reedy was similarly lethargic. With her lips pursed, she eyed him suspiciously. She¡¯d wondered whether he was a customer or facilitator last week, but with the fact that he was still part of the soccer team and his lackluster performance, she was quite sure he was simply a customer. If that was true¡­ then it seemed likely that only the dealers were punished. She had no idea how many customers there were at Forestglade College, besides practically the whole rugby team, and given the school¡¯s focus on sports, there probably wouldn¡¯t be anyone left if the customers were expelled too.

    Isaac, Harrison and Asher, by contrast, seemed just as energetic as usual for their soccer game. Asher was bouncing on his heels in anticipation, his gaze seemingly trained on Isaac and Harrison, who were passing the ball to each other in quick succession towards the other goal.

    Though Lila was grateful that her hockey season seemed to be wrapping up, she hoped that Asher¡¯s team would be able to make it through to the end ¨C if only to see how pleased and excited he¡¯d be to get that far.

    Lila watched with bated breath as Isaac lined up a shot towards the goal. He kicked ¨C hard enough for the sound to echo towards Lila ¨C and it rolled from the force of his kick in the top right corner of the goal, having scraped past the Mulberry Heights¡¯ Goalie¡¯s fingertips.

    Forestglade College supporters, including Lila, descended into celebratory whoops and cheers as Isaac jumped in the air. The referee blew the whistle, the first blast indicating that a goal had been scored then another indicating that the match was over. The Forestglade team rushed into a huddle that Isaac and Asher quickly joined. Lila grinned ¨C it seemed they¡¯d won.

    Lila observed their post-match celebrations with a chuckle. They seemed to fly through the sportsmanship handshakes before engaging in their school war cry. At this, the Mulberry Heights team made themselves scarce, which signalled to Lila that she could start heading over. It was hard not to be swept up by their victory as they continued their triumphant shenanigans. Asher and Isaac seemed to be in the middle, so Lila waited slightly to the side, still smiling.

    It got to the point that Mr Kovac had to break them up and tell them to shut up and go home, which made Lila smirk. It didn¡¯t take Asher long to spot her after this, and he sped over to her, his exuberance virtually boundless.

    ¡°I reckon we¡¯re moving on to the semi-finals,¡± Asher beamed, taking her hockey stick from her and engaging in a practice swing like a golfer. ¡°I don¡¯t think we¡¯ve been this close in a while.¡±

    ¡°I reckon you¡¯ll get there,¡± Lila grinned, gently plucking her hockey stick from his hands before he knocked out a rapidly approaching Isaac.

    ¡°Am I good, or what?¡± Isaac¡¯s eyes sparkled as he flexed his arm muscles ¨C which he notably didn¡¯t use for soccer. Lila said as much and he looked at her like she was insane.

    ¡°It¡¯s all about balance, Lila,¡± he asserted, waggling a finger disapprovingly in her direction. ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯d just topple over and be useless to everyone.¡±

    ¡°I feel like that¡¯d be the case if you only worked on your arm muscles,¡± Lila snorted.

    ¡°Oh yeah,¡± Isaac replied, inspecting his biceps with less enthusiasm.

    ¡°Glad you¡¯re still here, Isaac,¡± Asher suddenly said, turning to him. ¡°I¡¯ve got a bone to pick with you.¡±

    ¡°Was my goal not fabulous enough?¡±

    ¡°No, it was sufficiently fabulous,¡± Asher smirked. ¡°Problem is that Elise seems to think you have a crush on some girl called Anika?¡±

    Isaac looked perplexed. ¡°She¡­ does?¡±

    Lila folded her arms across her chest. ¡°She told me that she asked you who you had a crush on, and you said Anika.¡±

    ¡°Wh- oh. Yeah,¡± Isaac said simply.

    ¡°Yeah?¡± Asher raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that all about?¡±

    Isaac looked incredibly uneasy. ¡°I, uh, panicked.¡±

    ¡°Can you unpanic?¡± Lila queried. ¡°Tell her that you were joking or something-¡±

    ¡°What would that even do, Lila?¡± Isaac retorted, his eyes flashing with anger. Lila took a step back in alarm.

    ¡°Sorry,¡± Isaac said through gritted teeth. ¡°See you guys on Monday.¡±

    Asher gaped after Isaac as he abruptly headed towards the carpark.

    ¡°You should go check on him,¡± Lila said quietly. Asher glanced at her and back at Isaac.

    ¡°¡­ Yeah. I¡¯ll¡­ see you later.¡±

    Lila gripped his wrist before he could leave. He stumbled slightly, looking at her in confusion after regaining his balance.

    ¡°You¡¯re going to just leave like that?¡± Lila murmured. He continued to look confused until his eyes sparked with understanding.

    ¡°Well, I was ¨C but I can see that was a mistake,¡± he replied, gently caressing her face. He bent down, giving her a swift kiss before breaking away. ¡°Gotta run to catch him,¡± he said regretfully. She let him go and he sped off, calling out for Isaac. She couldn¡¯t tell whether he¡¯d noticed Holly still in the stands, watching him pass, but Lila was firmly against mentioning it to him at any rate.

    Lila looked around, trying to find where Dylan was before seeing him in a deep discussion with Will. Lila contemplated eavesdropping yet again, but¡­ since Dylan seemed to be a rather aggressive person, decided against it. She guessed that it had something to do with the lack of morphine coming from Forestglade College and that Dylan had some impression that Will had something to do with the supply chain.

    So, that now meant she had to pass by a lonesome Holly.

    Holly¡¯s face was fixed into a severe scowl, though it didn¡¯t seem to be particularly directed at Lila. Either way, Lila cast her eyes down to ensure she didn¡¯t look at Holly again.

    Upon reaching the carpark, she could see that Clare was already idling in a parking bay, waiting for Lila. She opened the back door, tossing in her hockey stick and other belongings before climbing into the front passenger seat and buckling herself in.

    ¡°Well, you don¡¯t look happy,¡± Clare observed as she began to drive away. ¡°Did you lose?¡±

    ¡°Actually, we won,¡± Lila replied stiffly.

    ¡°You seem thrilled,¡± Clare responded sarcastically.

    ¡°Very.¡±

    She could see Clare eyeing her. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Clare asked after some tense silence. ¡°I feel like it¡¯s nothing to do with Mum.¡±

    Lila sighed heavily. ¡°I¡­ found myself feeling sorry for Holly.¡±

    ¡°Nothing wrong with that,¡± Clare shrugged. ¡°Being empathetic is generally a good thing.¡±

    ¡°Right¡­ but¡­ it feels like I shouldn¡¯t. Since I¡¯m Asher¡¯s girlfriend, and she¡­ well. Did all that to him.¡±

    Clare¡¯s eyebrow twitched, but she didn¡¯t ask Lila to explain what ¡®all that¡¯ meant. ¡°What happened to make you feel sorry for her?¡±

    ¡°Her new boyfriend called her a stupid bitch, for one thing,¡± Lila frowned. ¡°He was just¡­ really aggressive towards her, too. Demanding her to block her ex and his new girlfriend.¡±

    ¡°So¡­ you and Asher?¡±

    ¡°Probably. Though, given everything, she might have other exes with new girlfriends that she¡¯s cyberstalking.¡±

    ¡°I can see why you¡¯re feeling sorry for her. Unfortunately, even if you¡¯re close friends with someone in a sticky relationship, saying something may not do anything. If she wants to leave, she¡¯s the only one who can.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your energy on them, Lila. I probably wouldn¡¯t tell Asher, either. He doesn¡¯t need to hear it.¡±

    ¡°Yeah. I won¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°Good.¡±

    The two sisters didn¡¯t speak any further until Clare pulled into the driveway.

    ¡°Mum¡¯s home. Just¡­ maybe get changed, put your stuff down, all that. I¡¯d rather get this over with if we can.¡±

    ¡°Same here,¡± Lila replied, unbuckling herself. Clare gave her a tight smile before getting out.

    ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you in the kitchen,¡± Clare said once she unlocked the front door.

    Lila simply nodded before hurrying up the stairs, her hands shaking with nerves. Now that she was home, and the conversation was imminent, she suddenly wanted to turn around and take the bus to Asher¡¯s place. She was almost disorientated, despite the fact that she was only standing in her room, due to a ripple of nausea making itself known in her stomach and twirling into a knot. She wasn¡¯t sure whether she could go through with this ¨C but¡­ Clare needed her. Reluctantly, Lila set her hockey stick down, trying to mentally prepare herself.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Six

    Time felt as though it was going both far too fast and far too slow as Lila changed out of her hockey gear. A shower would''ve been nice, but she ultimately had hardly done anything noteworthy at the match today so she supposed she didn''t need one.

    What would their Mum even say? Lila imagined that it would be an apology. After seeing how Clare had reacted to their Mum during their fight, though, it would have to be a damn good apology for Lila to not feel aggrieved on her behalf.

    A soft knock sounded on Lila''s door as she rested her hockey stick in its usual place. She jumped ¨C was that Mum?

    "Just me," Clare''s voice called out.

    "Come in."

    Clare sidled in, glancing around Lila''s room. "Ready?"

    "Sure," Lila nodded.

    Clare reached out for Lila''s arm, which she gave her. "We''ll be fine," Clare whispered, her voice wavering ever-so-slightly. Lila had the distinct impression that Clare was saying that for her own benefit rather than Lila''s.

    They headed down the stairs, slowing as they reached the living room. Lila had passed by it so quickly upon returning home that she didn''t know whether her Mum had been sitting there when she arrived. Now, there was no mistaking it ¨C her Mum was sitting on the couch, watching a Filipino drama as usual. Lila''s Dad was also sitting in the living room, and once he spotted Lila and Clare, he wearily got to his feet.

    "Hi, girls," he said, his eyes resting on their Mum for a brief second. "Daniel and I are going to head out."

    "To do what?" Clare asked, her voice rising with panic.

    "Something. Watch a movie, paint dry, or grass grow," their Dad replied, his voice measured. "We''ll be back later."

    He headed past Lila and Clare, who continued to stand awkwardly by the stairs rather than fully enter the living room, and climbed the stairs. After a few moments of sustained, awkward silence, their Dad knocked on Daniel''s door.

    "¡­ still don''t see why-"

    "You don''t want father-son time?"

    The voices of her Dad and brother were drifting towards them as they both traipsed down the stairs. Daniel seemed displeased by this turn of events, owing to the glower on his face, but their Dad was evidently ignoring this.

    "We''ll be going now. See you later," their Dad announced as he and Daniel passed Lila and Clare on the way to the garage. Lila wondered why Daniel seemed so unwilling, but she wouldn''t get the answer now.

    The door to the garage slammed shut, leaving Lila, Clare and their Mum in far more awkward silence than before ¨C a feat that Lila hadn''t thought possible.

    She''d avoided looking at their Mum as much as she could but when their Mum rubbed her hands over her face, Lila couldn''t look anywhere else. Her skin seemed to have dulled in colour, her under-eyes a deep purplish grey, and any joy that her Mum usually possessed in her face had all but disappeared entirely. Clearly, she hadn''t been sleeping well over the past week and a bit.

    Lila relaxed the tension in her shoulders. While she was expecting an apology from their Mum, a small part of her had thought that it would be disingenuous and that their Mum would double down on what happened. Sometimes, their Mum could be quite stubborn when she had done something egregious. But, now that she was looking properly at their Mum, she had a feeling that it would at least be partly genuine.

    "Come, sit down," their Mum said softly, gesturing to the couch. She moved to sit in one of the armchairs as Clare gently tugged Lila along. They all tentatively sat. Lila nervously combed her fingers through the ends of her hair, waiting for their Mum to speak.

    Their Mum opened and closed her mouth several times before leaning forward and grabbing a glass of water from the coffee table. She drank it in one gulp before setting it back down again. Her eyes were shining in a way that Lila had never seen before ¨C like there was a mixture of regret, sorrow and fear hidden within her dark brown irises.

    "Girls¡­ I''m sorry," she said quietly, looking down at her hands. Lila felt Clare stiffen beside her, but she didn''t dare take her eyes off their Mum.

    "Your Mum¡­ was very frightened," she whispered, now wringing her hands together. She took a deep breath before looking directly at Clare ¨C something which Lila appreciated. "Clare, it''s not a life your Mum wants for you."

    Clare sighed, extricating her arm from Lila''s. "Mum-"

    "Because it''s a life your Mum had before."

    Lila''s heart dropped. What? Surely she misheard.

    "When Danilo was murdered," their Mum continued, her eyes flickering down to her knees, the shame almost billowing out from her like a cloak and engulfing her face in shadow, "and I became the eldest, we needed so much money ¨C quickly. At first, I was just a dancer ¨C but the money wasn''t enough. I had five younger siblings to help take care of. I had no idea how much money Danilo was giving to our family until he was gone. I''d taken it for granted and¡­ found myself doing sex work."

    A lone tear descended their Mum''s face, and she quickly dotted it away with her hands. "It''s illegal. But the police never do anything about it. If they did, I don''t know how I could''ve helped my family. We didn''t need to be beggars, just. Christine¡­" She closed her eyes briefly, taking another deep breath. "Christine almost had to do it, too but I couldn''t let that happen. She would''ve only been 15 then. It''s¡­ awful. Some nights, I was only a bar girl. I''d come home drunk, throw up as much as I could, and then sleep for a few hours before preparing for my studies. Even now, the thought of alcohol burns my throat and my liver is permanently damaged. Other nights, I would be a sex worker, with foreign and Filipino clients. Oftentimes, I did both jobs in one night, but I tried to get a schedule to¡­ prepare my mind. It¡­ was hard to know what kind of client I''d get. Many were violent, but those customers usually paid much better ¨C and I needed it, for a family of eight plus Danilo''s debts, and my studies."

    Their Mum paused, brushing away another tear. "It''s¡­ a common thing, for a white man to tell us girls that they''ll take us away, take care of us and our families, and buy us everything we need. They say just the right things to make us fall in love ¨C with the idea of escaping that hell. Most girls believed them and went with them. Some came right back, working the same job without a word about the men who had taken them. A small amount¡­ I never saw or heard from again, unless their deaths made the newspaper. One or two were forced into the same work in different countries. So when your father found me a couple of years after I started, I didn''t want to listen to his promises."

    The idea that their Dad had been a client was hard for Lila to comprehend. Lila had known ¨C well, thought she''d known ¨C that her parents had met at their Mum''s University.

    "He found me working as a bar girl. He''d buy me a drink, then drink it himself before his own as soon as possible. When he first did that, I thought ''what a crazy alcoholic''. Australians¡­ have a reputation, but this was¡­ different. When he finished the drinks, he said he first saw me at University, which shocked me. I kept it as separate as I could, my University life and my working life. He was on exchange there for extra credits and it turned out we shared a class. I think that''s when he started using his investigation skills, to find me outside of University," she gave a small, fond smile, as though the memory of their first encounter was a treasured one. "At first, I thought he was a stalker ¨C but there was something genuine there. He said I was beautiful, but my mind was more so. He couldn''t understand why I was working the way I was. Eventually, I told him."

    She pursed her lips, stemming the tears that threatened to fall for a moment. "He said¡­ he was poor now, but when he had a proper job, he''d come back for me. Somehow, he''d charmed me enough in those few weeks he was there to wait about a year for him. I graduated, but even the wage of an accountant wasn''t enough, so I still had some shifts. At that point, though, Christine could start work ¨C legal, honest work ¨C and it became a little easier¡­"

    Their Mum trailed off before she spoke again. "When he came back, he was a junior investigator under a private company. The money¡­ wasn''t great, but it was much better than what I could earn. So, I went with him and I was free. Free to not force myself to do all of those things to survive. Australia is a country of opportunity, and I quickly found work as an accountant and was able to support my family back home. We''ve done well since."

    She exhaled deeply, looking between both Clare and Lila. "Clare, Lila¡­ Mum doesn''t want you to live that life. Living in Australia means you don''t have to. Since I''ve stopped working in the Philippines, I''ve asked God for forgiveness every day ¨C and I will, until I die. I will hate myself for living like that until I die. Sinning like that is a regret I''ll have to repent for, but it was the only thing I could do to keep my family alive. Living here, in this house, means you don''t need to, Clare."

    Clare didn''t respond. Lila chanced a peak at Clare and saw that she was stony-faced, her thoughts entirely unreadable from her expression.

    "When I saw that video, I thought¡­ it was my fault, for having lived that life. That you''d gotten it from me. I tried to scare you away from it, even though I knew it was too late since you were already doing it. The shame I felt, seeing you like that¡­ some of it is because I used to do it, too. I thought¡­ how could I have ruined my daughter''s life before she was even born? How dare I? I''d pretended that my past life couldn''t hurt me and my family anymore, but¡­ it did. In that moment, I hadn''t realised I could hate myself any more and-"

    Their Mum gave a hollow laugh, wiping yet more tears from her eyes. "Clare, I went too far. You''re my precious daughter ¨C both of you ¨C and I just want you to be safe. You don''t need the money. We have more than enough for you. Focus on your studies, and find good, honest work when you can. You can stay here until you''re thirty, forty, seventy ¨C I don''t care. I said¡­ you''re not fit to be my daughter, but Lila''s right. I was never fit to be your mother, since you ended up like this."

    The silence now was suffocating Lila. Their Mum seemed to be waiting for Clare''s response with more tears noiselessly rolling down her face.

    "Mum¡­ I don''t work at Coolisimo for the money," Clare said in a low voice, fidgeting with her hands in her lap. "I work there because it makes me happy."

    Their Mum looked bewildered by this idea.

    "I get to dance and perform, which I love doing, and everyone there is so lovely. It''s fun ¨C and I''ve felt so confident since I started. It makes me feel good and strong. Plus, I''m purely a dancer. Well, I also do some bartending shifts, but it''s not like being a bar girl. I can''t drink at all on shift, actually. It''s nothing like what you had to go through. I''m not forced into it ¨C I know I don''t need the money, though it is a bonus. I¡­ I''m not sorry for being a dancer at a nightclub. I''m not going to quit. It''s my life, Mum. I know¡­ you want better for me, but I''ve been so happy there. My boss¡­ I told him what happened, and he said he''d give me all the time in the world for me to be okay again. So I haven''t worked since our fight and¡­ and I''ve been miserable without it."

    Lila held on to Clare''s hand, squeezing it for comfort. Clare gave Lila a watery smile before looking back at their Mum.

    "I tried going back on Thursday, but I couldn''t work, I was so anxious from our fight. At the same time¡­ I''m upset because I want to go back. I want to work. I started working there because¡­ well, I was at a really low point in my self-esteem and I applied because I thought I''d get rejected ¨C then I could say that not even a nightclub wanted me. But I got the job and it''s been better than I''ve expected at every point ¨C and I really enjoy it."

    Their Mum''s expression changed from bewilderment to contemplation. It seemed she was genuinely listening to what Clare was saying.

    "I don''t think the way you handled it was right, Mum," she added softly. "I can see why it went that way, though. I just¡­ it''s very different, what happened to you and what''s happening with me. I don''t want to quit, and I don''t think I should have to. I want to keep being happy. And¡­ I don''t think you''re unfit to be my mother, and it''s not your fault that I work at a nightclub. And if you think I''m ashamed of your past, I''m not."

    Clare paused, tightening her hold on Lila''s hand before speaking again.

    "T-There''s something else, too," Clare whispered. She looked at Lila, who had no idea what Clare was about to say next. "Another reason why I want to keep working there. I¡­ met a guy there. His name is Alex and¡­ and we''re in l-love."

    Lila was definitely not expecting that. Their Mum shifted in her seat, her eyes fixed on Clare.

    "Um¡­ I don''t know where I''m going with this, but¡­ but since you''ve been honest with us, I think¡­ I should tell you about him and, well, I have felt some shame working as a dancer. Not enough to make me want to stop, but enough to feel like no one would properly love me, or want me, after knowing I''m an adult entertainer. But Alex¡­ he wanted me even though he knew where I worked and persisted, despite everything. I''m really serious about him, and he''s serious about me. I-I''ve been wanting him to meet you and Dad, but I''ve also been scared about what you might think since he also works at Coolisimo. A?As a bartender."

    The fact that Clare felt the need to add that last sentence almost made Lila snort, given the briefest imagery of Alex with his flowing hair and bulging muscles swinging around a pole flashing in her mind''s eye, but she squashed the urge down as silence prevailed again.

    Their Mum rubbed her face with both hands before inhaling deeply. Then, she opened her arms, gesturing for Clare to come in for a hug. Clare slipped out of Lila''s grasp and did so, curling up onto the armchair and their Mum. It was at this point that both of them started to openly sob; which also made Lila cry, though she kept her sounds to herself. This conversation was mainly for Clare and their Mum, after all.

    They spent at least a couple minutes like this, with Clare clutching onto their Mum and their Mum placing her hand on the back of Clare''s head. Eventually, the tears for everyone involved subsided, though the sniffles persisted.

    Their Mum wiped away Clare''s tears before rubbing her nose against Clare''s cheek and kissing her forehead. "Clare¡­ it''s hard for your Mum to just agree to you working there¡­ but¡­" she sighed, expelling all the air from her lungs. "If you say that doing this makes you happy¡­ then¡­ I can''t take it away from you. You''re right ¨C it''s your life, and even if I want to protect you, there''s not much I can do about it."

    Lila held her breath, waiting for their Mum to take it back. But she didn''t.

    "As soon as there''s trouble, please quit," their Mum murmured, caressing Clare''s head. "It''s still scary working at night like that."

    "We have really good security, Mum," Clare replied quietly. "Better than before."

    Lila figured that last comment was for her, rather than their Mum ¨C perhaps a subtle warning that Lila and Asher wouldn''t be able to sneak in again; not that she wanted to.

    "I park at work, too ¨C so I''m not out on the street after my shifts," Clare added softly.

    Their Mum sighed again before gently letting Clare go. "Okay."

    Lila pressed her lips together so that her smile wouldn''t appear on her face. It wasn''t the time.

    "As for you, Lila," their Mum said, turning to Lila as Clare made her way back to the couch, wiping at her eyes, "I don''t think I can handle two of my children doing this-"

    "Don''t worry, Mum. I''m sure Clare has fun and all that, but it''s not for me."

    Lila braced herself for a follow-up question, asking how she knew it wasn''t for her, but her Mum didn''t ask.

    "I love you both ¨C dearly. All I ask is for both of you to be safe ¨C not just at work. You must keep an eye on these boyfriends of yours, too. Any trouble, and you need to leave. And¡­ use protection."

    Lila wasn''t quite sure what to say. She didn''t necessarily want to tell her Mum that she still wasn''t having sex with Asher since her Mum already knew she was on the Pill and would probably not believe her. She also didn''t want to ask her Mum what ''any trouble'' meant, considering all the things they did get up to, so she merely nodded in agreement.

    "So¡­ when are we meeting Alex?" their Mum asked, a small smile on her face. She looked incredibly weary now, but she seemed interested, at least.

    Clare exchanged a look with Lila. "I¡­ said I want you to meet him, but¡­ I should warn you that, um, he probably doesn''t¡­ look like a guy you want me to be with."

    Their Mum frowned. "Should you be-"

    "He''s really nice, but he''s got lots of tattoos and piercings and¡­ long hair."

    "Ah. Well¡­" their Mum''s frown deepened before she shook her head, sighing yet again. "I''ve already said yes to you working at the nightclub, so¡­ it''s too late to say no to him."

    Clare''s posture relaxed, though her voice was riddled with nerves. "Okay. Um¡­ I''ll find some time for him to visit."

    "Asher should meet him too," their Mum nodded. "We''ll have a big dinner-"

    "No, I think it should just be Alex meeting the family, right?" Lila couldn''t keep the panic out of her words. She wasn''t sure if Alex and Asher meeting again would be a good idea ¨C what if Alex let slip that they''d met before?

    Clare patted Lila''s knee. "I think it sounds like a great idea ¨C a big family dinner, with Alex and Asher."

    "A-Are you sure?"

    "Dead sure," Clare replied, her severe gaze rooting Lila to the spot. "Less pressure for Alex, since there''s another partner there."

    "But-"

    "Tocino?" Clare asked, turning to their Mum. Their Mum beamed.

    "Of course," she nodded. "As long as you help make it."

    Lila sighed. She couldn''t deprive Asher of eating more tocino. Clare had checkmated her. Clare definitely knew it, too, with the smirk she was giving Lila.

    "Fine," Lila acquiesced tonelessly. "Can''t wait to meet him."

    Clare looked like she wanted to laugh, but held it in. The three of them sat in a much more natural, comfortable silence than before for a few minutes until their Mum spoke again.

    "Hungry?"

    "Yes," Lila and Clare simultaneously replied. They shared a quick grin before their Mum stood, shuffling over to the kitchen.

    "I''ll make some lunch," she called. "You two just sit down."

    "Should¡­ we help Mum?" Lila whispered to Clare. Clare glanced over at where their Mum had disappeared before looking at Lila.

    "No. I think¡­ she wants some time in the kitchen by herself."

    "You reckon?"

    "I would."

    "Even though you don''t really cook?"

    Clare gave her a withering look. "I may not cook much, but I do eat."

    Lila snorted. "True."

    Clare elbowed her in the side. Lila returned the favour, glad that Clare had some of her usual fire back.

    "So¡­ what do you reckon?" Lila asked carefully. She saw Clare give her a sideways glance before falling deeper into the couch.

    "I¡­ I think I''ll need a bit more time to really digest it all," Clare replied slowly. "But¡­ for now¡­ at least it makes sense. I can''t believe Mum went through all that."

    "Did you know about Uncle Danilo?"

    Clare blinked at Lila. "Yeah. Mum told me about him last year."

    "I see¡­ she only told Daniel and me about him, I dunno, a few weeks ago now. So, I didn''t know if you knew."

    "I only found out because I saw a post on Uncle Andres'' Facebook page. It was all in Tagalog, but it was of a gravestone, so I asked Mum who it was for. She didn''t want to tell me at first but she then figured that I was old enough to know the story. She did ask me not to tell you two, since she thought you were too young to know."

    "Oh. I didn''t even know Uncle Andres had Facebook."

    "He posts, like, every day. Better off that you don''t, otherwise you''ll be flooded with his posts."

    "Noted."

    "I still don''t think Mum''s reaction was¡­ the best," Clare murmured after a few moments. "Understandable, but¡­ terrifying."

    "I was only there for the end so I didn''t see much, but I feel the same."

    "I''m glad you didn''t see much," Clare whispered, her eyes glassy. "I think¡­ ultimately, I''ll be okay. We understand each other more now. Just¡­ gotta think on it a bit."

    "You don''t have to force yourself to feel a particular way, sis. But at least she said you can keep working at Coolisimo and living here."

    Clare smiled with relief. "Yeah. She did."

    Contemplative silence settled over the two sisters as Lila tried to think about her own feelings on the matter. She''d likely need to think on it too, but, for now, the shame her Mum was still feeling, years ¨C decades, most likely ¨C on from that life had a heaviness that Lila wasn''t sure she''d ever be able to lift. The sacrifices her Mum had to make when she was about Clare''s age herself was something Lila felt grateful that she''d never have to endure. To be able to do all that, for the sake of her family ¨C to Lila, that was a strength she didn''t think she could ever possess.

    She agreed with Clare, too. Lila also wasn''t ashamed of her Mum''s past. She had done what she needed to in order to survive. The fact that she could support such a large family and put herself through University in the Philippines was incredibly impressive, even if the money had come from ''sinful'' work. Not that Lila was particularly religious anyway¡­

    Come to think of it, Lila considered that her Mum''s past was probably a big part of the reason why her Mum was so religious ¨C much more so than any of Lila''s Aunts or Uncles from the Philippines.

    Lila continued to ruminate over what her Mum had said until lunch ¨C a humble batch of fried rice with chicken ¨C was ready.

    They ate together in the living room, no one really speaking, with a Filipino drama playing in the background. It hinted at some return of normalcy ¨C something that Lila welcomed ¨C but also highlighted that no one was quite ready for that, either. Slowly but surely, Lila thought it would happen, though.

    Daniel and her Dad didn''t reappear for a while. Once they did, they were met with Lila, Clare and their Mum sitting on the ground around the coffee table, breaking open sunflower seeds with their teeth as an after-lunch snack, their eyes fixed on the increasing dramatic tension on the TV screen.

    Her Dad chuckled, which prompted Lila to look up. As she did so, she caught sight of Daniel disappearing up the stairs without a second spent saying hello to the family.

    "Welcome back," Lila said, reaching for another seed. "Did you have fun?"

    "That might be a question for Daniel instead of me."

    Speaking of¡­

    "Dad, can I have a chat with you? In the study, maybe?" Lila asked, scrambling to her feet.

    For some reason, his expression turned reluctant. "Alright."

    He began to amble down the hallway, with Lila quickly following behind. She gave a backwards glance to Clare, who waved her off. She didn''t look anxious, at least.

    Her Dad opened the study, gesturing to her Mum''s usual chair for her to sit in, which she did with speed and her heart pounding furiously in her chest.

    "So¡­ what happened?" Lila asked as he closed the door behind them. He didn''t speak until he was settled in his chair, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses.

    "Went with Daniel to grab some lunch before milling about the shops. Neither of us were in the mood to watch a movie."

    Lila sighed. That wasn''t what she was referring to.

    "If you want information on the investigation, unfortunately, it''s confidential, kiddo," he added, his voice firm.

    "Even though I gave you a lot of evidence?" It was hard for Lila to not sound whiny and she wasn''t convinced she managed it.

    "Even then. It was definitely a big help, don''t get me wrong. But it''s been turned over to the Police now."

    That was a sliver of information, at least.

    "So¡­ that''s it? Nothing?" Lila deflated slightly in her chair.

    "Sorry, kiddo. I know you don''t want to hear it, but that''s all I can say."

    Lila swung her legs out, staring down at the floor. If¡­ she had Asher''s lockpicks, then she might be able to get into her Dad''s filing cabinets again for more information¡­

    Although¡­

    She peeked at the filing cabinets before looking back down at her knees. Could she make do with some paperclips? Surely not ¨C but¡­ she could try.

    Or¡­ should she wait until Monday? Asher always kept his lockpicks in his blazer, and he''d definitely be wearing it to assembly.

    This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

    But he''d also said that he was available this weekend. Could she get Clare to drop her off after this? Or maybe tomorrow? Then, she could come home with the lockpicks and-

    "How was your talk with Mum, Lila?"

    The question threw her for a moment. Honestly, she''d half-forgotten her Dad was still here.

    "Oh. Uh. It was¡­ fine, I guess."

    "Fine?"

    She raised her eyebrows. "I''ll tell you how it went if you tell me some more info."

    Her Dad laughed heartily. "Nice try. This isn''t negotiable, though. I''m happy to hear how it went from your mother."

    Lila pouted. "Was worth a shot."

    He gave her a fond smile. "It was."

    Lila pursed her lips before sighing. "I think Clare will need a bit more time to fully forgive what Mum did to her a couple weeks ago."

    Her Dad nodded sagely. "I should think so. I''ve not been impressed with your mother in the slightest about that, and how it''s been in this house since."

    Lila stared at him for a moment. "Even though you know her full story?"

    His lips tightened into a thin line before he responded. "Even though I know her full story."

    "Why didn''t you guys tell us earlier? About how you really met? Or¡­ just Mum''s past?"

    He exhaled deeply, rubbing his eyes beneath his glasses once more before setting them properly on his nose. "That¡­ was your mother''s decision. She''s never been proud of her history and has gone to great lengths to hide as much of it as she could over the years. Plus¡­ you''ve only just really become old enough now to understand it. If it was up to her, she probably would''ve waited until you were over 18 as well, but I told her that you could handle it now ¨C and that you had a right to know, after that display of behaviour."

    "I see¡­ I''m not ashamed of her past," Lila said quietly. "It wouldn''t have been easy, to do all those things. Especially for the sake of her family. She¡­ She''s really strong, Dad."

    "I know," he said simply. "I couldn''t leave her to keep living like that."

    It hadn''t really occurred to Lila until now how her parents felt about each other. Not in a tangible sense, anyway. She knew that they were ''in love''; but she''d only just started to recognise what that meant for herself. For her Dad to keep to his promise, after working hard in his studies and getting a job to bring her Mum over to Australia ¨C he must''ve really loved her.

    "Dad, why did you keep drinking all her drinks?"

    He gave another hearty laugh, this one mingled with surprise. "She told you about that?"

    "She said she thought you were a crazy alcoholic."

    He looked rather serious as he answered her question. "I knew what a bar girl was at the time, after some research. They weren''t really a thing in Australia ¨C well, not to my knowledge ¨C but when I realised that part of convincing customers to buy more drinks involved, well, drinking on her part, I decided I''d drink for the both of us so that she didn''t need to get drunk ¨C at least, not as quickly. Not that I can hold my liquor very well. The amount of times I had to be escorted out¡­" he shook his head with a chuckle. "I spent almost all my savings on her in that short trip alone ¨C but she was worth it to me. I''d do it again in a heartbeat."

    Lila remained silent, taking in what he''d said. She was quite sure that, if it were her and Asher in a similar situation, he''d do the exact same thing ¨C or just pay for her debts outright, if that''s how it even worked, what with all the cash he had.

    "And now look at us. Three beautiful, intelligent though troublesome kids, a good home, able to send all of you to a private school, and support her family in the Philippines. Best decision of my life," he gave her a genuine smile, reaching out to ruffle her hair. She was again struck by how in love he sounded still, despite all the years they''d spent together. Could she and Asher have that too? After decades?

    She flushed, patting down her hair before folding her arms across her chest. That was way too fast, way too soon. First, she''d need to tell Asher she loved him. Which she already said she wasn''t going to do for a while.

    "Was that everything you wanted to talk about?" her Dad questioned.

    "Guess so, since you don''t want to tell me what happened with the investigation."

    "You''re just going to keep pressing, aren''t you?"

    "Being relentless is important in this line of work," she huffed, sitting up straight.

    "''This line of work''," he repeated with a chortle. "You''ll get some answers soon enough, I''m sure. I just can''t personally tell you."

    "Alright, alright," Lila replied sadly. "I get it."

    "C''mon. Before your mother and sister eat all the sunflower seeds."

    Lila spent the rest of the afternoon into the night in the living room with her Mum, Dad and Clare, watching TV and talking idly about what was happening on-screen. It seemed like a normal night with the family ¨C something she hadn''t realised she''d longed for as much as she had. Though Clare and their Mum weren''t as chatty as usual, there was a peace between them that, to Lila, was encouraging.

    Daniel clomped down the stairs at around dinner time, looking around at the family assembled in the living room.

    "Well, that''s better," he commented shortly, taking a seat on the couch next to Lila, who had wrapped a blanket over herself like a hoodie. "What''s for dinner?"

    Dinner, it turned out, was just takeaway. They continued to sit in the living room, now armed with their noodle boxes from the local Chinese restaurant, Daniel included. Every so often, Lila would glance at him to see his overall demeanour. He seemed as hungry as anything, as he scarfed down his food at record speed ¨C which was pretty normal for him.

    "What?" he asked, meeting her gaze and swallowing roughly.

    "Nothing," Lila sighed, shoving her chopsticks into her food to pick out some meat.

    As soon as he was done, Daniel retreated into the kitchen before heading upstairs, saying goodnight as he did so. Lila tipped her box into her mouth so that her remaining pieces of egg noodle fell in before standing abruptly.

    "Goodnight, guys."

    Her parents and Clare responded with various sounds of acknowledgement and she hurried into the kitchen, tossing her rubbish away and downing a glass of juice. She climbed the stairs two at a time and made a beeline for Daniel''s room.

    Knock, knock.

    "What?" came Daniel''s frustrated voice.

    "It''s me," Lila replied, "can I come in?"

    She could hear him heave the biggest sigh imaginable. "Yeah, whatever."

    She opened the door and sidled in. He was at his desk, rapidly pressing keys on his computer, his red headphones exposing his left ear. She peeked at what he was playing ¨C Fortnite, it seemed.

    "Can we talk?" she asked.

    "Fire away- you dumb idiot," he snapped suddenly, pressing his keys harder as if that would help his situation. "Jesus!"

    "Could¡­ we talk without you gaming?"

    "Huh?" he glanced at her before looking back at his screen. "Uh, no. I''ve just unlocked-"

    "Fine," Lila interjected, not really interested in hearing about that. She crossed his room and sat on his bed, watching him wordlessly for a few moments.

    "Are you gonna talk, or can you leave?" he asked. "I''m not a streamer, dude. Plus, your sighing is putting me off."

    Lila hadn''t realised she was sighing. "I just wanted to know what happened last week."

    "Last week? I dunno. Stuff. School. Not much else- oh my GOD, you dickhead!"

    Lila sighed ¨C consciously, this time. "What about the Banker stuff?"

    "Banker- oh. I haven''t hired anyone yet for the reception gig."

    Reception gig? She figured he meant the administration of food orders.

    "Okay ¨C but what happened with the Grade 12s?"

    "Grade 12s?"

    "Livi, and all them," Lila frowned, starting to get exasperated.

    He didn''t respond. The clacking of his keyboard and mouse was grating ¨C almost enough that she wanted to get up and turn his computer off.

    "Didya say something?" he questioned after a few moments.

    "Seriously?"

    "What?"

    "What happened with Livi?" Lila demanded.

    "Livi? Oh. She''s gone, dude. Thought you knew."

    "Kinda ¨C but who else?"

    "Who else what?"

    "Who else is gone?"

    "To the LEFT, you asshole!" Daniel growled, clicking furiously.

    Lila was beginning to wonder what the point of being here was. "Livi''s gone, but who else?"

    "Who- uh, um¡­ Jason. Harper. Zack. I think Jake?"

    "No one else?"

    "I dunno. You thought I''d pay attention to that shit?"

    "Yes! I thought you''d pay attention to it the most!"

    "Nah, dude. Me and Mr Jensen''ve just been vibing in the Banker room. He plays a sick game of Uno."

    "Mr Jensen?" Lila tried to remember what subject he taught.

    "My Science teacher. Thought you''d pay attention to that."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "You texted me that the Police showed up? They raided lockers?"

    "Oh, yeah. Come to think of it, the Grade 12s disappeared that same afternoon. Might be connected."

    Lila pinched the bridge of her nose, trying not to lose it right there. "Are you purposefully being obtuse?"

    "Obtuse? Isn''t that a shape?"

    "Jesus, Daniel, I thought you were the math guy."

    "The meth guy? Ask Livi. I just sell Uber Eats."

    Lila''s patience had just about vanished. "Whatever. Anything else happen?"

    "¡­ Nuh. Not that I can remember."

    She gave one long heavy sigh before getting up from his bed. "Righto. Good talk. Hope you lose."

    "That''s rude," he remarked, clicking his mouse rapidly. "Come on!"

    "I''m gonna go turn the WiFi off."

    "Wait, what?" He pulled his headphones off entirely as he turned to her in alarm. "Lila, don''t!"

    "So now you can hear me," she huffed. "Hope you enjoy the next two minutes of your game."

    "Lila-"

    She shuffled out, leaving him to his game with a snap of his door. It was an empty threat and, considering he didn''t follow her, he probably reckoned as much.

    ''Well¡­ that was shit info,'' she thought as she crossed the hallway into her own room. It was becoming more tempting to rifle through her Dad''s papers now.

    She rubbed her forehead before plugging her phone in to charge. It was almost 9pm. Asher was probably awake¡­

    Hey, she sent him, lying down on her bed in such a way to ensure her phone was still charging.

    Hey, he instantly replied. She smiled. Had he been waiting for her to message him?

    So I don''t have any plans for tomorrow

    Say no more ¨C you do now

    Her smile broadened into a grin. Do I? she replied, tapping the edge of her phone in anticipation of his response.

    Sure do. Hope you like books

    They''re alright. Where am I meeting you?

    He took a while to reply to this ¨C enough time that she contemplated sending a follow-up message.

    Just checked with Marlene ¨C she''ll take us into the city from your place, and she can pick us up or we take the bus back. 9.30 sound good? We can have breakfast

    Sounds perfect

    <hr>

    Lila rushed out of the house at exactly 9.28am that Sunday morning, her hair pinned back from her face with an emerald bow and a matching fit-and-flare dress. She tried her best to look dressed up enough for a date, but casual enough that it didn''t seem as though she was trying too hard. She wasn''t quite sure she managed it as she shrugged on her white front-tie cardigan, hastily closing it up.

    She''d told her plans for today to a sleepy Clare, who was reviving herself with a coffee in the kitchen, but she was sure she was forgetting something in her excitement to see Asher again. She had her phone, her usual cross-body bag, and house keys¡­ that was everything, right?

    Lila unlocked her phone, checking her messages. Asher should be here at any moment, especially since he''d let her know when he was leaving. What was she forgetting?

    Marlene''s car rolled up the driveway a second later and Lila looked up, seeing Asher''s beaming face.

    Her heart sank. She''d forgotten to ask if he could bring his lockpicks.

    ''Looks like I''m breaking in on Monday¡­'' she thought as she hopped in the back seat.

    "Good morning," she said, closing the door.

    "Good morning, Lila," Marlene replied pleasantly.

    "Good morning, Lila," Asher echoed, turning around in his seat to face her. A slight blush crossed his cheeks as he added, "You look nice."

    She bashfully smoothed down her dress. "You look nice too."

    "You hardly know what I look like today," he laughed, turning to face the front as Marlene started to drive off.

    "You look nice every day," she murmured. "To me, anyway."

    "T-Thanks," she heard him stammer in return.

    There was a moment of silence before Marlene turned the music up in the car. Lila wasn''t sure whether that meant anything in particular, except that perhaps she didn''t want to hear Lila and Asher being¡­ well, couple-y.

    With that, there wasn''t any room for further conversation, which Lila didn''t mind. Her cheeks felt so red-hot that she wasn''t confident that she could say anything at the moment in any case.

    They were deposited near the bookstore about half an hour later. Lila and Asher bid Marlene goodbye once they exited the car and she promptly drove off after her own goodbye. Lila watched the car for some time until she felt Asher''s hand graze hers.

    She smiled up at him, intertwining their fingers. Now that she saw him fully, she wasn''t wrong ¨C he did look nice in a button-up shirt and chinos.

    "You look like you''ll get cold soon," he said, inspecting her cardigan.

    "It''s the middle of August," she replied, readjusting the strap of her bag with her free hand. "I''ll be fine."

    "Alright," he responded, looking unconvinced. She squeezed his hand.

    "Don''t be a worrywart," she teased. "If I get cold, we can do some speed-walking around the city."

    He snorted. "After we eat. Don''t think I have the energy to speed-walk the length of the city just now."

    She chuckled, taking a look around the street they were on. There seemed to be a couple of places open, though one in particular immediately took her interest.

    "That place looks cool," she said, pointing at said ''cool'' place. It looked like a refurbished church, with its high roof, mottled red brickwork and wood finishes.

    "You into pancakes?" he asked, gently leading her that way.

    "Heck yeah I am," she grinned. "I can see that they''re all about it from the name."

    The inside of Pancake Manor lived up to its grandiose name. There were several chandeliers inside beneath the magnificent arches, and the sun shone through the carefully placed windows along the back wall. The deep brown wooden furnishings gave it a homely feeling and there were quite a number of patrons sitting around in booths and tables, which encircled a small wooden bar directly in the middle of the restaurant.

    "Table for two?" queried a waitress standing just inside the entrance. Asher nodded and the waitress led them to an empty table, explained the process of ordering, and almost immediately disappeared again.

    "QR code again?" Asher asked, pulling out his phone.

    Lila gently placed a hand on his phone, lowering it to the table. She gave him a stern look. "Let me."

    He looked ready to argue before shaking his head with a heavy sigh. "Alright."

    She gleefully took her phone out and scanned the QR code before passing it to him. He reluctantly accepted it and tapped through the menu before returning it to Lila.

    "That looks good," Lila smiled, checking that he had, in fact, put something in the cart.

    "Hope so. I''d be pretty annoyed if the Pancake Manor served shit pancakes," he said playfully. She chuckled and selected what she wanted before sending it off to the kitchen.

    "So¡­" Asher said, reaching out for her hands. She gave them to him, meeting his soft gaze.

    "So?"

    "How''d¡­ your conversation go? With your Mum."

    "Ah," Lila uttered, taking a moment to think. On one hand, she wanted to tell Asher everything that had gone down ¨C but, on the other, with how fiercely her mother had protected her secret and how ashamed she still was about it, she didn''t think it was right to tell him without first asking if she could.

    "It¡­ went well," she finally said, avoiding his eyes. "She told us a bit about her life that made her reaction to Clare make sense. Not that it made it right, but¡­ we ended it with a better understanding of Mum. Something we needed, I think. Clare still needs a bit of time to think and reconcile it all, but otherwise, we''ve started becoming normal again. Clare made her case about wanting to keep working at Coolisimo, which Mum reluctantly approved, and Clare also-" Lila stopped herself, her face feeling flushed. She shifted in her seat slightly as she tried to find the words to explain Clare''s confession to their Mum about Alex.

    "Clare also?"

    "She, uh, told Mum about Alex, too."

    "That they''re dating, yeah? I remember Gabriel mentioning that."

    "Yeah. They even agreed that he should come around and meet the family. They also want you there at the same time."

    "Me?" He blinked, clearly taken aback. "I''m not part of the family, though."

    "I know," Lila sighed. "Clare reckons there''ll be less pressure on Alex if you''re there too."

    "I can see why," Asher frowned, concern setting deep lines upon his brow. "What if it gets out that we''ve met him before, ''cause we snuck into Coolisimo?"

    "I was worried about that too but¡­ I think Clare would know to tell him to keep it quiet. I just don''t know how good he is at keeping secrets."

    Asher continued to look worried for a moment before shaking his head. "We''ll have to assume it''ll be fine. If¡­ he does let slip that we''ve met before, maybe we could swing it that it was a casual thing somewhere else."

    "Mum might be mad that I kept Clare''s boyfriend a secret."

    "She can be mad, but I think after this experience she''ll let it go," Asher said sagely. "I would think that one of the biggest lessons you''ve all learned from this experience is that sometimes secrets are secrets for a reason."

    He''d obviously said that in reference to Clare keeping her working life a secret from their Mum. Lila only just managed to prevent herself from commenting about how accurate he was with that statement.

    "The cappuccino?"

    Lila turned to the waiter who''d spoken and let go of Asher''s hands. He placed the cappuccino in front of Asher, and the chocolate Swiss shake in front of Lila before returning to the bar.

    "You sure like your cappuccinos," Lila commented as Asher swirled it briefly with his spoon.

    He glanced at her before reaching for a sugar packet. "Did you want to try it?"

    "I''m good," she replied, taking a sip of her shake. "Not a fan of coffee, remember?"

    "I know," he smiled, "I might turn you to the dark side one day."

    "I''d like to see you try. Here, have some of this," she said, passing her drink across to him. He obliged before shuddering.

    "Again with the sugar," he commented.

    "You say that so derisively for someone who just dumped a packet of sugar into his drink," she said loftily, taking another sip of her drink.

    "The bitterness-"

    "Tastes awful enough to mask it with sugar?" She gave him a cheeky grin.

    He looked down at his cappuccino. "I guess you''re not wrong. Your shake is good though, despite the sugar."

    They spent a few minutes in contented silence before Lila spoke.

    "You wouldn''t happen to have your lockpicks on you, right?"

    He swallowed harshly, having just taken a sip of his drink when she asked. "N-No," he replied, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "Almost gave me a heart attack."

    "Sorry."

    "Why''d you ask?"

    "Well¡­" she exhaled deeply before relaying the non-information she''d received from her Dad and Daniel.

    "I see," he responded, thoughtfully tapping the edge of his mug. "You can take them this afternoon though."

    Lila pursed her lips. "I will, but I think I''ll only try them on Monday after school."

    "Why''s that?"

    "I''ll have about an hour or so before Dad gets back from the office. I''m not sure what his plans are for today, but if he''s home, the chances of getting caught are pretty high."

    "Fair enough."

    Their food arrived shortly thereafter and they dug in, with Lila delightedly pouring maple syrup over her pancakes. She could see why this place specialised in them ¨C they were a decent size and fluffiness, without being overly sweet on their own.

    Once they finished up, they made their way out of the restaurant and down the stairs to the street. Lila felt like she''d eaten far too much, but was ultimately rather pleased with the food. She''d happily go there again with Asher.

    They held hands once more as they traipsed down the street, pointing out various oddities and interesting-looking shops before arriving at the bookstore in question.

    It seemed to also be housed in a refurbished church. The architecture here was tastefully old, fitting in with the theme of rare antique books, and similar to the architecture within Pancake Manor. There was a moodiness to the lighting in here that soothed Lila as she looked around. The entrance was lined with two counters, under which were locked glass cabinets displaying several worn-looking books.

    More display cabinets were further inside before a half-flight of stairs, beyond which were towering shelves of many hundreds of books, waiting to be purchased. Beyond that, Lila could see pockets of colour from kitschy couches; spots in which to read said books, she imagined. The scent of musty pages and old, well cared for wood mixed pleasantly in the air, which felt a touch too cold. Lila supposed it was to take care of the books in here, and she tied her cardigan closer together for more coverage. It wasn''t cold enough to require a speedwalk around in here, at least.

    "Whoa," Asher breathed, looking around with wonder. "This is dope."

    "Sure is. C''mon, let''s explore."

    They first stopped to inspect the antique books, most of which were leatherbound. Some were even first editions, the price of which reaching the thousands. They stepped up the stairs soon after, peering at the offerings on the shelves.

    "These are all used books," Asher whispered, picking a book up and scanning the blurb.

    "Well, yeah," Lila whispered back, taking one off the shelf herself. A mystery novel with an interesting premise. "Old-ass books tend to be that way."

    He chuckled, picking up another. "Got me there."

    They roamed around, collecting several rare books and pointing out some to each other, for quite some time. Eventually, Lila felt quite satisfied with her bundle.

    "I reckon I''m set," she said, lifting the cover of the latest one she''d obtained. "I''ll just grab these."

    "I''m pretty much done here, too," Asher replied, taking one last sweeping look around the shelf they were standing in front of. "Let''s go."

    They purchased their new ¨C well, new to them ¨C books, with Lila swatting Asher''s hand away when he tried to buy hers.

    "Asher, I don''t ask to go on dates with you so you can pay my way," she chastised once they left.

    "I know, I know. I can''t help it."

    "You''re lucky I l-" she stopped herself, coughing wildly to prevent her almost-confession from spilling out of her mouth. He looked concerned as he gently grasped her arm, pulling her closer to the buildings than the road.

    "Are you alright?" he asked.

    "N-Never better," she replied with a shudder.

    "You''re cold, aren''t you?" he rubbed her shoulders before bringing her to his chest. "Should''ve brought a jacket."

    "I-I''m not cold," she insisted. It wasn''t a lie ¨C the overwhelming shyness that had emerged the instant she recognised what she''d almost said had brought with it a warmth throughout her whole body.

    He pulled away from her with a frown. "You sure?"

    "Dead sure."

    He continued to look at her doubtfully before taking her bag of purchases from her hand. "Okay, but I''m taking this."

    "Okay," Lila murmured. He seemed satisfied with this response as he slipped her hand into his and they resumed walking along the street.

    "¡­ What were you about to say?" he questioned after a few moments of silent walking. Her hand twitched in his grasp.

    "I was going to say that you''re lucky I like you," she said quietly. A beat passed.

    "I sure am," he replied, squeezing her hand. He turned to her with a wide, genuine smile. "Guess what?"

    "What?" she queried, matching his infectious smile.

    "Tuesday will be a month."

    "A month?"

    "Yup."

    She caught herself before she could query the importance behind his words. The 15th of August ¨C a month since they officially started dating.

    "Shame we have practice," she responded sadly.

    "Yeah ¨C but we could still do something."

    "Like what?"

    "You still have to eat after practice, don''t you?"

    She laughed. "I see your point."

    "It might mean we''re out a bit late, but there''s a small Indian restaurant down the road from Jacoval."

    "Is there?" She''d never taken the time to explore the area surrounding their school.

    "Yeah ¨C there''s actually a complex with a few food options. The Indian sounds good though," he clarified, brushing the top of her knuckles with his thumb. "But there''s a condition."

    "What condition?"

    He smirked at her. "I''m paying."

    She pursed her lips. "Fine."

    "Yes," he said, pulling her closer to him. "I win."

    "It''s not a competition."

    "You sure make it competitive, though."

    She paused. She¡­ did tend to do that with a lot of things. "You''ve¡­ got me there."

    He lightly kissed her hand before swinging it gently. "Is there anywhere else you''d like to go?"

    They explored quite a number of stores around the city before stopping for some kebabs for lunch. They wandered around, hand in hand, for a while afterwards, talking and laughing as they went, until Lila''s legs began to feel tired.

    "I think we should think about heading back," she said forlornly. He nodded, pulling out his phone. He called Marlene, checking to see if she could come get them. She could, so he confirmed their location before hanging up.

    "It''ll be about half-an-hour. Want some ice cream?"

    He pointed at a nearby gelato store ¨C the front of which had a bench they could sit on.

    "Sounds perfect."

    As they consumed their ice creams on the bench she''d spied earlier, Lila turned her mind to Tuesday. What could she give Asher as a small celebration of their month together? She''d probably have to ask Clare to get it, given her filing cabinet plans for tomorrow. Though, Clare might ask why Lila couldn''t go¡­ perhaps she should make an excuse about studying?

    In saying that, there actually was a pressing need to study, so it wouldn''t really be an excuse. It would be the start of week six tomorrow, after all.

    She absently touched the ''A'' around her neck before an idea struck her. An ''L'' for him to wear sounded like the perfect present. She eyed Asher as he happily consumed his ice cream, evidently none the wiser to her musings. Would there be a suitable one at the shopping centre? Her ''A'' was rather feminine, with its sparkles and delicateness, but perhaps there was a plain one on a thicker chain available somewhere¡­

    "You look deep in thought," he commented, reaching out for her to take his hand. She did so and he helped her stand.

    "Just¡­ thinking about study," she said vaguely.

    "You''re right," he replied grimly. "We''re getting to the pointy end of the term."

    "Yeah," she uttered noncommittally. They proceeded to walk to a temporary waiting bay where Marlene''s car was idling, with Asher seemingly ruminating on something.

    "It''ll¡­ probably mean we can''t hang out as much," he said regretfully, opening the back door for her. She stopped in her tracks. Of course. He needed to keep up his studies.

    "Right¡­"

    "I mean, we can, but¡­"

    "No, no, it''s fine. You shouldn''t be distracted," she responded, hopping in and putting her seatbelt on. He hesitated before closing her door and getting in the front.

    They greeted Marlene, who asked whether they had a good time as she began driving away from the city. Asher confirmed that they had, and spoke about the books he''d purchased before falling silent for the rest of the journey to his place.

    Lila had taken for granted how much time they''d been spending with one another since getting together. But that had been at the beginning of the term¡­

    ''Don''t get all mopey,'' she thought to herself as she watched the scenery flash from the highway to the suburbs, ''it''s not like you won''t see him at school.''

    Once they arrived at Asher''s, they holed themselves up in his rumpus room as usual. He seemed a bit antsy, though, as he sat down with drinks for them both.

    "I¡­ don''t want to stop hanging out," he said finally, passing her a cup.

    "You''re still thinking about that?"

    "Of course," he said desperately, turning to her. "I-." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Spending time with you is one of my favourite things."

    She blinked at him before placing her drink on the coffee table, her stunned expression melting into a smile.

    "Spending time with you is one of my favourite things too, Asher."

    He placed his drink down before putting his face in his hands. "I gotta keep doing well."

    She gently rubbed his shoulder. "I know. I''m happy to support you, by not hanging out as much until the term''s over."

    He looked up at her in despair. "Most of our things are handed in by week eight or nine, though."

    She laughed. "Alright, alright ¨C until the bulk of our things are handed in. The weeks will fly by. There''s no need to fret."

    She was well aware that she''d been fretting on the way back to his, but she wasn''t going to admit to that.

    "¡­ Okay. Well. Alright," he clapped his hands together, sitting up straight. "Tuesday, we''ve got our dinner date. Wednesday, we already said we''re going to ''Beans & Biscuits''. From there¡­ from there, we''ll¡­ just see each other at school, and at sporting matches. You''ve gotta study too, so¡­ I think that''s for the best. It''s just for a couple of weeks ¨C then we can go back to normal."

    Normal, huh. Lila hadn''t thought about seeing Asher as often as she did as her new normal, but his casual use of the word brought that idea into sharp focus.

    He still seemed distressed by the course of action that he''d proposed and she smiled again.

    "Asher, that''s fine. We''ll see each other at school, still have lunch together, all of that."

    "¡­ Yeah."

    They looked at each other for a moment before he suddenly stood.

    "I''ve gotta give you the thing before I forget," he said, heading off into his room. He returned a few moments later, handing her his lockpicking kit. "Here."

    "Thanks," she said, placing it in her cross-body bag. "I almost forgot again."

    "Can''t have that."

    He sat back down and leaned forward, grabbing some joy cons. "Let''s make the most of the rest of the day, yeah?"

    "You''re on," she grinned, accepting the joy cons he passed her.

    The rest of the afternoon fell into the evening, with Lila and Asher gradually becoming physically closer. Eventually, they stopped gaming and were instead watching videos, with Lila in his arms. Every so often, he would give her a small kiss on the side of her head and they remained like this until they were called down for dinner ¨C a serving of honey soy chicken stir fry and fluffy white rice. It seemed that their day was wrapping up now, given their normal routine.

    Finally, Clare indicated that she had arrived to take Lila home and Asher picked up the things that Lila had purchased, ready to take them downstairs.

    Lila said goodbye to Marlene, who returned the farewell, as she passed the kitchen. As usual, Asher unlocked the front doors and they headed down the driveway to Clare''s car.

    Lila eyed him briefly before opening the back passenger door. He loaded her purchases in and took a step back.

    "I''ve noticed we haven''t kissed today," Lila mentioned after closing the car door.

    "¡­ Yeah."

    "Was that intentional?"

    "Might''ve been."

    She sighed, her hand on the front passenger door''s handle. He took hold of her shoulders, spinning her towards him.

    "You can''t leave without a goodbye kiss, though," he murmured, bending his head to hers. Her heart jumped in her chest as she met him halfway. Although not as long or as passionate as she would''ve liked, she still smiled against his lips, the feeling satiating her enough to end the day without complaint.

    "See you tomorrow, Asher," she said softly, taking her seat in Clare''s car.

    "See you tomorrow, Lila."

    "And I''ll be seeing you whenever," Clare sang. Lila glared at her sister before slamming the door shut.

    Clare chortled as she drove off, Lila still buckling herself in.

    "You seem to be in annoyingly high spirits," Lila said brusquely.

    "Ding-ding," Clare replied, "I sure am."

    "What''s happened now?"

    "Nothing, really. But, after sleeping on everything that happened yesterday, I am feeling so much better."

    Lila relaxed in her seat. "You''re forgiven, then."

    "And I found a day that works for Alex for dinner."

    "Yeah?"

    "Well, Wednesday is a public holiday, so we both have off in favour of the cheaper staff. If I were to have started working again from Wednesday, anyway."

    "Ah¡­" Lila felt a sinking sensation in her stomach.

    "You have plans for Wednesday?" Clare sounded disappointed.

    "Well, just for the day."

    "Perfect. Bring Asher around, like, 4 or 5pm, yeah?"

    "¡­ I''ll have to check with him. He''s getting intense about study again."

    "Riiight. Yeah, I keep forgetting he''s the Dux," Clare shook her head as if she couldn''t believe that she''d forgotten. "Well, let me know."

    "I''ll convince him to come along if you do a favour for me," Lila said, her tone slightly mischievous. She was going to ask Clare anyway, but now that Lila had the guise of this being a returned favour, there was no way Clare could decline.

    "Shoot," Clare responded encouragingly.

    "So¡­ Tuesday will be one month since Asher and I started dating," Lila began. Clare interrupted her with a chuckle.

    "One month? That''s adorable."

    Lila readjusted herself in her seat, now feeling flustered. "Yeah. Well, Asher and I were going to celebrate-"

    "Even more adorable. Are you guys going to celebrate every month? Not saying you shouldn''t, but it can be a bit much. Well, stressful, more like, especially if you''re giving gifts at each one. Most couples tend to only celebrate year milestones, even. Though, I guess high school relationships are a bit different. One month can certainly feel like a year."

    "I dunno. It was Asher''s idea, but¡­ I think the first month is worth it. It feels special to me, at least, after everything."

    Clare glanced at Lila, her waggling eyebrows just barely visible under the low lighting given by the streetlamps overhead. "One month is special, hey?"

    Lila folded her arms across her chest, catching her insinuation immediately with a touch of embarrassment. "We won''t."

    "I mean¡­ you could."

    "We''re just having dinner at the Indian place by school since we have practice."

    "I see. Alright, carry on. What''s the favour?"

    "Well, I can''t exactly do this tomorrow, but I was wondering if you''d be able to go to the shops and get a necklace for me?"

    "For you?"

    "It''s for Asher, but, like, as in-"

    "Yeah, yeah, I get it. What type of necklace?"

    "One with an ''L'' on it. On a decent-sized chain. Plain enough that he could wear it every day."

    "Ooh, I know just the place," Clare grinned. "Cute idea. I have noticed the ''A'' you''ve been wearing ¨C makes sense to match. Leave it to your big sis. Although, are you sure you don''t want to come with me to pick it out? You finish school at 3.20, and the shops close at about 5.30."

    Lila''s palms grew sweaty, her nerves at hiding her plan for tomorrow afternoon manifesting with surprising force. "I''ve¡­ got to study too."

    "Ah, righto. Good idea. Divide and conquer, and all that."

    Lila breathed a small sigh of relief. "Yeah. Thanks, sis."

    "Anytime," Clare replied fondly. "It''s the least I could do."

    There was an edge of seriousness to that last sentence that Lila didn''t want to question. It was definitely deeper than Lila convincing Asher to come for a family dinner on Wednesday night. Lila fiddled with the zip on her bag absently as she considered this. It likely stemmed from the fact that she had been with Clare for the conversation with their Mum.

    They arrived home without much further conversation, aside from Lila recounting a couple of moments from her date with Asher, and she scrambled upstairs. She had to make sure that Asher''s lockpicks would be stowed somewhere safe, where no nosy family members would find it.

    As she held the kit in her hand, she looked at her blazer. Asher''s reasoning for keeping it in his blazer made sense ¨C so that Marlene wouldn''t find them when he was at school. In that case, Lila would have to borrow the same reasoning.

    With that settled, she finished her nighttime routine and curled up into her bed. Tomorrow would start with assembly. There was no chance that the school would give her anything but a sanitised version of events. If it hadn''t been the Head Boy and the Head Girl who had been expelled, there wouldn''t even have been any need for an assembly ¨C especially since, well, Piper didn''t get an assembly¡­ until her murder.

    Shuddering, Lila turned so she was looking up at the ceiling, though it was pitch black in her room. What would the excuse be? It¡­ was pretty embarrassing for the school to expel the two students who were meant to embody the values of Forestglade College at the highest standard. Would the Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl of Senior School be asked to step up, since they would technically be next on the hierarchy? Or would the school just leave it?

    She slowly drifted to sleep, her mind unwilling to let go of her questions for quite a while. She''d find out soon enough.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Seven

    Lining up for assembly was chaotic that Monday morning. It seemed that not everyone had been told that there was one, aside from Lila and Asher''s PC classes. Though they had been sternly warned about wearing the formal uniform on Monday, Lila could see that many students were afforded some amount of grace for their transgressions.

    "What''s this even about?" Lila could hear a Grade 10 student ahead of her grumbling as they joined the swarm into the gymnasium.

    "Beats me," came the annoyed response. "Do they not realise we have assignments?"

    "You want to do schoolwork?"

    "Being an idiot sounds worse than doing school work, Felix. Not that I''d know."

    "Hey!"

    Lila swiftly exited this throng when she could, making a beeline towards the Grade 11s. It was a shame that she couldn''t sit with Asher, since they needed to sit in PC rows, but she might be able to catch his eye-

    "Fancy meeting you here," his voice was low in her ear, causing a ripple of goosebumps to dance across her skin. She spun to face him and was struck by how bright with mirth his eyes were.

    "Fancy that," she smiled.

    "Shame that English has been taken away from us this fine morning," he commented as they joined the slow procession towards their PC rows.

    "Yeah ¨C though I''m happy enough to delay getting my draft feedback."

    "You would''ve done fine," Asher insisted.

    "Doubtful."

    "Do you need me to-"

    "Asher, you''re heading to the wrong row," Isaac''s voice called, drawing their attention. He waved before gesturing for Asher to sidle into the row he was in the middle of.

    "See you later," Asher sighed ruefully.

    "See you."

    He departed, ruffling his hair with apparent annoyance, as Lila moved on to the row just ahead. She swallowed, anxiety suddenly taking hold. Grace was sitting next to Elise, with the next free spot being right beside Grace. Lila glanced at the students still meandering to their seats that she was stuck behind. None of them were in 11E.

    After everything she''d been through that weekend, she''d entirely forgotten about this part of her school life. She drew in a deep breath, shuffling into her row with a shakiness in her legs that she couldn''t fend off.

    Elise and Grace looked up at her as she arrived.

    "Do you want to swap?" Lila heard Elise say through the rush of blood that was suddenly thundering through her ears.

    "Nah," Grace replied with a soft smile. "I''ll be right."

    ''Yeah, but will I?'' Lila thought as she tucked the skirt of her dress beneath her and sat down next to Grace. She immediately knotted her hands together in her lap, staring off towards the empty stage. They had Modern History together today, and it was too late in the term for Lila to sit somewhere else so¡­ she''d have to get used to sitting with Grace, she supposed.

    "Lila," Grace murmured gently. Lila jumped, staring at her with wide eyes.

    "W-What?"

    "Can¡­ I borrow you? And Asher. At morning tea?"

    Morning tea? Lila shifted uncomfortably in her seat. "I¡­ guess."

    "Thanks," Grace smiled once again. Instead of putting Lila at ease, it made her feel rather uncomfortable and she quickly looked away, back at the stage. Grace didn''t seem upset, at least. Would they be making amends? Or¡­

    Lila swallowed, her blazer suddenly feeling far too heavy across her shoulders. She didn''t want to think about that just yet.

    It took about ten more minutes for everyone to be settled, including the Headmaster and associated teachers and students who sat on the stage. Lila could see that the Vice Head Boy and Vice Head Girl were sitting primly next to the Headmaster, their expressions unreadable. Lila recalled their names ¨C Toby Nguyen and Hannah Redfern. She knew virtually nothing else about them ¨C which was probably a good thing, considering the circumstances the whole school was finding itself in just now.

    The onstage screen displayed the school crest, motto and name but nothing else. No hint as to what today''s emergency assembly was about. Not that Lila thought a PowerPoint slide with the words ''Morphine is bad'' would''ve been appropriate either, but a smidgen of something would''ve been nice.

    Mr Lockwood stood, a mixture of fury and forced calm battling across his face. He made his way to the lectern, waiting for silence to befall the gymnasium.

    Lila glanced around, noticing with distaste that Liam, of all people, had sat next to her. She whipped her head back around to the stage.

    "Students," Mr Lockwood''s authoritative voice boomed with the assistance of the onstage speakers. An immediate hush settled over everyone. "This should be a short assembly. Settle down."

    Lila could hear the scraping of several chairs as Mr Lockwood cast his eyes around. He nodded in satisfaction before continuing.

    "Some of you may have noticed that the previous Head Boy and Head Girl are not on stage with me this morning."

    He was starting there?

    Whispers started up before Mr Lockwood gave the whole student body a stern look, silencing them all.

    "The ethos of this College is such that we have zero tolerance for illegal activity," he continued. This statement made Lila feel slightly awkward and she turned her gaze to the screen rather than Mr Lockwood. From the corner of her eye, she could see Grace compulsively straightening the skirt of her dress and Lila''s awkwardness shot sky-high. "As a result, due to a recent investigation into the activities of several Grade 12 students, there was no other outcome than to expel those involved."

    "In particular," he added, his voice harsher than before, "drugs are unacceptable in any form on campus, or connected to any of our students ¨C especially the distribution of drugs."

    The atmosphere descended into something incredibly grim.

    "I note that the College is cooperating fully with a Police investigation into these illegal activities. Witnesses are encouraged to come forward, either to myself directly or via the contact details on screen."

    The screen changed to the details of Detective Constable Louis Conrad. Lila was privately glad that the Detective Constable wasn''t familiar to her, given her experience at the Forestglade Police Station.

    He then changed the screen again to some videos ¨C one regarding drugs in general and then another about drug addiction to opioids, produced by the Department of Health. It was rather confronting. Lila had no idea how opioids affected a person ¨C aside from, well, death, which Asher had mentioned to her ¨C until now.

    The silence following this could only be described as stunned. Even the teachers onstage were looking uncomfortable now. Then, Mr Lockwood changed the screen to yet another video ¨C a more positive one, about getting help when personally affected by drug addiction, and how to support those who were. Once that was over, Mr Lockwood spoke again.

    "Our counsellors are available, should you need them regarding the topics spoken about today. In particular, I note that the attendance of Police last Wednesday on campus may have been distressing for some students. Please know that the school does care for your well-being."

    He paused before turning to Toby and Hannah. "For some lighter news, please join me in welcoming Toby and Hannah to the positions of Head Boy and Head Girl respectively. They will be invaluable assets in leading our student body and truly embody our school''s ethos."

    Shocked applause rang out through the gymnasium as Toby and Hannah stood.

    "They would like to say a few words before our assembly wraps up this morning," Mr Lockwood said before heading to his seat.

    Both Toby and Hannah made their way to the lectern, and Lila couldn''t help but notice how nervous they seemed. It would certainly be a lot of pressure to take the most coveted positions one could have as a student amidst a scandal, this late into the school year.

    "Hello everyone," Toby began, his voice soft despite the microphone. He cleared his throat and shuffled forwards. The silence changed from stunned to uncomfortable in an instant, and Lila couldn''t help but squirm slightly.

    "Hannah and I just wanted to address you all, as we know that this will have come as a huge shock," he continued, his voice trembling. "We are committed to supporting you as your new leaders."

    Hannah took over, her dazzling smile at odds with the severity of this assembly. "We are also committed to supporting the ethos and values of this great College. It''s a big change, with Toby and I taking the lead now."

    "Though it may seem like the next few months of this school year will be uncertain, we will be your certainty. We can''t let the actions of a select few define or destroy us," Toby added, his voice much more stable.

    It sounded a bit cultish, but what else could they say? Lila pursed her lips as Hannah started speaking again.

    "There may be many rumours floating around school, however, they can be part of the problem. Please know that there are still friends and family of these students who are at school and may be affected by unfounded gossip."

    Lila''s eyebrow twitched. Clearly, from Wednesday until now, things had gotten wild in the rumour mill.

    "We hope to serve and lead you in the way that you all deserve. Please, if you see us in the hallways, don''t hesitate to have a chat. Any concerns that you may have, we will do our best to help," Toby finished off. They exchanged a glance before Hannah gave closing remarks.

    They¡­ sounded a bit more approachable than Jason and Harper had ever been, at least. Lila recalled Jason''s snide comments about her and Asher when they visited the Banker''s operations with a scowl. At least they wouldn''t need to deal with any of those kinds of comments from Livi or Jason, or anyone else connected to them for that matter ¨C not that she had been inclined to see them again, what with how quickly they disbanded after the Banker had been sanctioned.

    Mr Lockwood returned to the lectern, finalising the assembly as a whole. He was right ¨C it had been a short one. He announced that the Grade 9s would be packing away the chairs and she could almost hear Daniel''s heart break from where she was sitting. The rest of the students were sent off to their PC classes, which meant that the morning''s schedule was moved forward by about ten minutes since PC was the shortest class of the day.

    Lila unenthusiastically stood once they were released, waiting for the row to empty. She followed Grace once they were moving, hoping to disappear into the crowd as soon as possible so she wouldn''t need to walk with Grace to PC.

    She spotted Asher and Isaac up ahead, though neither seemed to be speaking which was in stark contrast to the flurry of conversations rising all around them. She pushed past several students until she was able to grab Asher''s hand. He flinched, taking his hand away before turning to her.

    "You spooked me," he confessed, pulling her closer to him and rubbing the hand that he''d unceremoniously discarded. Isaac looked similarly spooked as he looked down at Lila.

    "Sorry," Lila replied sheepishly. "There''s just so many people. I thought I''d lose you if I didn''t reach out."

    "I don''t mind," Asher clarified, "just wasn''t expecting it."

    "It''s like you''ve been working on your stealth skills," Isaac laughed. Neither Lila nor Asher joined in.

    "Damn, that assembly got you both real serious," Isaac frowned after waiting a touch too long for a response from either of them. The trio burst out of the gymnasium doors, blinking against the sunlight.

    "Of course," Lila responded. "The Head Boy and Head Girl expelled over drugs?"

    "Oh yeah, you were right on the money there, Asher," Isaac said suddenly, nudging Asher''s shoulder over Lila''s head.

    "Huh?" Asher frowned at Isaac in confusion.

    "On the bus back, you said it was probably to do with drugs. They weren''t specific about which, but it seemed to be an opi-whatsit."

    "Opioid," Asher corrected.

    "Yeah, yeah, those. Man, I thought your suggestion was silly, but like always, you were right."

    Asher looked incredibly uncomfortable. Of course Asher had been right ¨C he''d been instrumental in exposing the whole thing to the school, if only from the shadows by Lila''s side. Lila caught sight of Isaac''s suspicious expression and hurriedly changed the topic.

    "By the way, Grace wants to talk to us at morning tea."

    Asher looked alarmed. "Seriously?"

    "Yeah."

    "That''s a good thing," Isaac interjected with a grin. "Told you that you just needed to wait."

    "Yeah, but¡­ what if it''s bad?" Lila asked quietly.

    "It won''t be," Isaac said confidently. "Like I said, she''d been regretting how she was acting. Can''t be bad if she feels that way."

    She felt slightly better from Isaac''s assessment. "Thanks, Isaac."

    "No worries. Literally. Don''t worry about it. Morning tea''s soon anyway. Worry about it then."

    "Seems like you''re well-practised in telling overthinkers to stop worrying," Lila smirked, glancing up at Asher.

    "Very," Isaac returned her smirk before gesturing at Asher. "You seen that guy?"

    Asher looked over his shoulder dramatically. "Who?" he asked.

    "You, dumbass," Isaac snorted.

    "Can''t be me. I''m a chronic underthinker."

    "Well, with the way you were going on at camp-"

    "Shut up," Asher''s face was bright red as he whacked Isaac on the arm.

    "Alright, alright. No need to get handsy," Isaac chortled.

    Their PC classrooms were just ahead and Asher slowed his pace, the colour of his face having returned to normal.

    "We''ll walk over to the STEM area after this, yeah?" he asked Lila in a low voice, as though divulging a secret.

    "Of course," Lila smiled. "See you."

    "See you."

    Asher and Isaac strolled over to their classroom and it looked as though Isaac was still teasing Asher. Lila was curious about what Isaac had meant, but with how defensive Asher was about it, she wasn''t sure whether she should ask.

    She entered her PC classroom, taking her usual seat with a sigh. There were just under twenty minutes remaining of PC ¨C not enough time to really do anything.

    Moments later, her classmates piled in, including Elise and Grace. They sat in their usual spots as well, though they were both quiet. Lila tapped the table absently, trying not to look at either of them. Would Elise be joining their morning tea discussion? Lila highly doubted that Grace had told Elise that she was dating a teacher ¨C but perhaps she had ended up confessing at camp.

    Ms Wang entered shortly after, her expression rather no-nonsense.

    "I hope you all paid attention at today''s assembly," she said sternly, placing her laptop on the desk before leaning against it, facing her students. "The school is very concerned that something like this won''t happen again."

    Liam raised his hand. "Ma''am?"

    "Yes, Liam?"

    "What exactly did they do?"

    Ms Wang rubbed her forehead. "I''m not at liberty to say any more than what was explained at assembly."

    "But I don''t get it though," Liam frowned. "Like, it seemed really random to bring up drugs?"

    "I''ll explain it to you later, dude," someone from Liam''s table hissed. "Stop asking dumb shit."

    "Bailey," Ms Wang said sharply, "I appreciate your assistance, but I have to ask you to refrain from swearing in my classroom."

    "Sorry ma''am," Bailey McPherson mumbled.

    "So, they weren''t banging?" Liam asked, turning to Bailey.

    "No!" came Bailey''s exasperated response. "Well, maybe? But that''s not why they were expelled."

    Ms Wang evidently chose to ignore the continued antics of Liam and Bailey as she pulled up the roll and signed the students in. She then set aside her laptop and explained the protocol for returning their hiking bags, and that photos from camp would be uploaded onto the Grade 11 intranet by the end of the week. She also reminded everyone that the timing for classes would be a bit off until lunch, much to the groans of Lila''s classmates. With her announcements otherwise done with, Ms Wang sat down behind her desk and announced that it was free time until the end of class ¨C not that there was much of that left now.

    Lila spent her remaining few minutes looking through her phone. Neither Grace nor Elise spoke, with both of them looking absorbed in their own phones.

    Upon being dismissed, Lila left the class, bumping almost immediately into Asher''s chest.

    "Someone''s eager for some mathematical equations," he chuckled, stepping back.

    "Definitely not," Lila sighed, taking a quick look behind her. Elise and Grace looked to be making their way towards their lockers.

    "I see you don''t have your stuff. Pit stop at the lockers?" he asked.

    "Yeah ¨C where''s Isaac?"

    "Already rifling through his locker, no doubt."

    They meandered over that way, splitting and rejoining once they had their belongings and Isaac in tow.

    "Still," Isaac said conversationally as the trio began their journey to the STEM area, "what an intense assembly."

    "Yup," Asher murmured noncommittally. Though they weren''t holding hands, Asher was drifting closer and closer to Lila, which began to stir the butterflies lying dormant in her stomach.

    "They don''t just do assemblies for expulsions, either," Isaac observed, placing his hands on the back of his head.

    "I feel like the Head Boy and Head Girl generally don''t get expelled," Lila replied pointedly. "It''d be a bit weird for them to just insert Toby and Hannah into the roles without an announcement since we''ve spent most of the year knowing Jason and Harper were the Head Boy and Head Girl."

    "I guess," Isaac sighed. "I wonder how the school found out."

    Lila prevented herself from responding. She''d probably give it away if she said anything ¨C even a simple ''I don''t know''.

    "Someone with a conscience must''ve found out," Asher shrugged. Lila refused to look at him.

    "Maybe it was a bad deal," Isaac suggested. "I bet they were hella surprised on Wednesday when the Police showed up."

    "I think anyone would be surprised if the Police showed up to school," Asher responded plainly.

    Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "You''d hope ¨C unless you called them in," Isaac grinned. "Man, all that action and there we were, lazing about on camp."

    "Sounds like we got the better end of the deal," Asher remarked idly. Lila finally looked at him and saw that he looked rather casual. He¡­ was pretty good at hiding secrets. Not that she thought he shouldn''t be ¨C but, with an active display like this, it really brought this skill to light.

    "Anyway, do you reckon they''ve enrolled in new schools?" Isaac queried.

    "Beats me," Asher shrugged. "So late in their final year? Would anyone even take them?"

    "I''m sure someone would ¨C or maybe they just do that, like, certificate thing."

    "Certificate thing?"

    "You know, just to say that they''re competent up to Grade 12 or whatever. I mean, that''s all we''re here to get in the end."

    "I guess so," Asher acquiesced.

    "Who else got expelled, do you reckon?"

    "Isaac, you''re being such a gossipmonger," Lila chastised.

    "Aren''t you curious?" Isaac questioned incredulously. "This is, like, the most exciting thing that''s happened around here for ages. I thought you''d be going feral for answers."

    "Not like I''m going to get answers out of the two of you," Lila retorted, her face growing pink. Again, she avoided looking at Asher. "Besides, I may have tried to get some info from Daniel yesterday."

    "What''d he say? Did he see it go down?" Isaac''s voice rose with keen interest.

    "He didn''t, but he said it was Livi, Zack, Jake, Jason and Harper who''d been expelled. He wasn''t sure if there was anyone else."

    Isaac gave a low whistle before a dark look crossed his face. "They definitely deserved it. Greedy bastards. I''m surprised they didn''t go down for the loans they were just dishing out without a care."

    Lila held her tongue.

    "Anyway, we should get serious about studying," Asher interjected. "We''re at that point in the term."

    "Yeah, yeah," Isaac uttered dismissively. "I''m working on it."

    "Are you taking less Maccas shifts to compensate?" Asher gave him a hard stare. Isaac met his gaze before shrugging.

    "I will if Elise does."

    "Have you told her that?"

    "Definitely not."

    "Isaac," Lila said exasperatedly, "you should tell her you like-"

    "Wow, class is starting. I''m gonna go ahead," Isaac cut her off before jogging in the direction of the Chem lab. They had reached the usual break-off point for their respective classes, so it wasn''t completely odd timing ¨C but she was well aware he was mostly trying to avoid the topic.

    "I''ll continue working on getting him to turn around to the idea," Asher said in a low voice. "Looks like it will take a while, though. See you at morning tea."

    "See you," Lila replied dejectedly. He gave her a slight smile before heading off in the direction that Isaac had hightailed it to.

    Lila threw herself into her maths lesson, writing down as many notes and examples as possible. Asher''s reminder of the importance of these next couple of weeks had definitely sunk in and she left maths feeling rather satisfied with her progress.

    Asher was waiting for her, as usual, outside her classroom once she was released. She sighed ¨C both in relief at seeing him, and with anxiety for their impending conversation with Grace.

    "Isaac scrammed as soon as class was over," Asher said after they greeted each other.

    "Probably to avoid me asking about him and Elise again," Lila replied, curling her arm around his.

    "Probably. It''s kinda funny to watch."

    "I reckon he felt the same about us."

    "Should probably remind him of that when I see him next," Asher murmured. He gave Lila a sideways glance. "Did Grace say anything about a meeting place?"

    "No," Lila replied. "I think she''ll just meet us in the locker room and we''ll go from there."

    Asher exhaled deeply before gently shaking his arm. "I hope you''re not freaking out about it."

    "Sorry to dash your hopes."

    He pursed his lips, bringing her closer. "Like Isaac said, can''t be bad if she was regretting how she was acting."

    "I just¡­ I don''t even know what outcome I want," Lila lamented. "Do I want her to break up with her partner? I¡­ don''t know. I know that it''s wrong, for them to be together, but at the same time¡­ I''d be pretty mad if my friends tried to break us up. Especially since¡­ she¡­ feels in love," Lila trailed off, staring down at the road they were walking across.

    "I wish I had an answer for you," Asher replied softly. "But, like you said, it''s wrong. It''s pretty black and white, as far as the law is concerned."

    "It is ¨C but if¡­ if they hadn''t met the way they had, it wouldn''t be. Right? Like, if they just met at the shops or something, since she''s over the age of consent, the law-"

    "I don''t know," Asher dropped his voice even lower, eyeing the students toddling by them. "We can talk about it later ¨C in private."

    Lila also eyed the students around them before nodding. "Yeah. Okay."

    Lila felt her pocket vibrate and she dug out her phone. Glancing at the screen, she saw it was a message from Clare.

    ''Shit,'' she thought, throwing her phone right back into her pocket and zipping it up. She was probably messaging about the gift Lila wanted to get for Asher.

    "Everything okay?"

    "Y-Yeah. Uh, I-" Lila wildly looked around, spotting, to her relief, a bathroom. "I''ll be right back."

    She rushed towards it, pulling her phone back out as she did so.

    I''m about to get ready to go to the shops

    Need anything else?

    The double-texting from Clare had worried Lila for a moment, but this was quickly replaced by annoyance.

    No ¨C I thought you were already getting it. I ran away from Asher

    Lol, love me some drama, was Clare''s nonchalant reply. Lila rolled her eyes.

    Message me later ¨C 12 or so, Lila sent back. Clare simply sent a thumbs-up.

    Lila sighed, washing her hands out of habit before staring at her reflection in the mirror. She was a splotchy, beet-red colour and her hair was askew ¨C likely from both the sudden sprint and panic she''d just endured. She fixed it up, lightly patting her face when she was done. It felt like so many things were happening all at once and, surprisingly, taking this moment to breathe was doing wonders.

    She left the bathroom, shaking her hands to get out the residual adrenaline. Asher''s expression was relatively concerned as she resumed her place beside him, her arms back around his arm.

    "You know I''m going to ask again if everything''s okay," Asher said, his tone just as concerned as his face.

    "Yeah, I''m fine. I just thought, um, my hands were really sticky."

    She saw his mouth twitch in amusement out of the corner of her eye. "You ran in there like that for sticky hands?"

    "Yeah, I needed to wash them."

    He smirked and she felt her blush deepen. She definitely needed to think of a list of excuses she could dish out that weren''t lame for situations like this. If Clare messaged during English or at lunch, she doubted the ''sticky hands'' excuse could work a second time ¨C if it even worked the first time.

    "Well, I''m glad I''m wearing a blazer to protect me from your abhorrent, sticky hands," Asher laughed. Lila''s blush deepened even more. They continued walking towards the locker room, with Lila''s feeling of embarrassment only abating once they were inside. She shoved her things in her locker and took out bits of her morning tea before turning to find Grace on the other side of her locker door.

    "Jesus," Lila jumped, placing a hand on her chest. "How long were you standing there for?"

    "A minute," Grace replied quietly. Unlike this morning when she first spoke to Lila, there was a distinctly nervous air about Grace which set Lila''s own nerves on edge. They looked at each other for a moment before Lila locked her locker.

    "¡­ I''m guessing we''re not going to talk here," Lila murmured, taking stock of who was walking past.

    "No," Grace whispered. "Um, we need to go to the Performing Arts area."

    "Performing Arts area?" Lila gave Grace a bemused look. "Not just some meeting room in the library?"

    Grace shook her head, seeming unwilling to say anything else. Was there something in the Performing Arts area that she wanted to show Lila and Asher? Perhaps some weird trick of the light, so that Grace could say they hadn''t seen her and Ms Alexander kissing at all? That didn''t make sense, since Grace admitted that they were dating during their canoe¡­ experience.

    Elise stopped next to them, tossing a couple of cashew nuts into her mouth. "Why''re you both so whispery?"

    "Sorry, Elise, but you''ll have to have morning tea on your own," Grace said in a hushed voice. Elise blinked at Grace, before exchanging a look with Lila.

    "Allllrighty," Elise drawled, a puzzled expression taking hold of her face. "I guess I''ll see you guys at Modern History?"

    "Yeah," Lila uttered. Elise glanced at them again before moving towards the exit. Asher and Isaac rounded the corner and she stopped dead in her tracks. She was a mere metre from Isaac and took an immediate step back.

    "Hey, Elise," Isaac said, looking at her for a moment. He then leaned to the side and looked around her at Lila and Grace. "Hey, everyone else. Gang''s all here. Should we have morning tea together?"

    "Absolutely not," Asher replied, shaking his head forcefully. "See you later."

    Lila took this as her cue to hurry along towards Asher, Grace keeping pace just behind her. They left the locker room in silence, with Lila leading Asher towards the Performing Arts area since Grace was still trailing behind them.

    Eventually, they reached the square space outside the auditorium, still without a word. Like the last time they visited, there wasn''t anyone milling around out here. Lila didn''t really have any idea where they were going now ¨C or if they were going somewhere at all ¨C so she spun towards Grace, whose anxiety was apparent in the sickly colour her face had turned.

    "Um¡­ so¡­ we need to go to Mia''s office," she muttered, clutching the sides of her dress and looking at neither of them.

    "I''d rather not," Asher said immediately.

    "Asher, please," Grace implored, now looking directly at him. "Please at least¡­ meet her."

    Asher pressed his lips together before sighing. "It''s not like we haven''t met her before. What do you think, Lila?" he asked, folding his arms across his chest.

    "She''s important to Grace," Lila said plainly.

    He ran his fingers through his hair before sighing again. "Alright. Let''s go."

    Grace stepped past them, leading them into the office building. Their footsteps echoed against the hardwood floor, which only built upon the tension in Lila''s shoulders. Then, Grace stopped outside the office three doors down, the plaque below the door''s window reading ''M. Alexander''.

    She opened it with a creak, gesturing at Lila and Asher to head inside. They did so, encountering Ms Alexander, hatless this time, sitting behind a desk upon which were several music-related knickknacks and a school-issued laptop reserved for teachers. Charts of musical notes adorned the walls, along with a degree bearing Ms Alexander''s name. There was also a grey fabric sofa just to the right of the door ¨C a sofa that Lila hadn''t seen from the sliver of unfrosted glass on the office door''s window.

    Ms Alexander stiffened for a moment. Then, her face pulled into an uncomfortable-looking smile as she stood up.

    "Welcome, Lila and Asher."

    Lila wasn''t quite sure what to say, so she simply nodded. Asher otherwise didn''t react.

    The four of them now stood in the most awkward silence that Lila considered possible. Surely Grace didn''t want them to come all the way here just to look at Ms Alexander and leave, though she was tempted to turn around and run away, never to return.

    "¡­ I¡­ hear that you know about Grace and me," Ms Alexander finally said, moving so that she was in front of her desk now. "Take a seat," she added, gesturing to the sofa.

    "I''m okay," Lila replied, taking a step back in reaction to Ms Alexander''s approach. Asher still didn''t react. Lila snuck a peek at his face and was surprised by how utterly unimpressed his expression was.

    Ms Alexander sighed, rubbing her forehead. Lila noticed that she was once again wearing the bracelet Grace had bought for her at the museum.

    "I wanted to speak with you two directly about this," Ms Alexander stated. "Grace and I are in a consensual relationship."

    Lila could feel the disbelief emanating from Asher from where she was standing.

    "It may be hard to believe, but it''s a genuine relationship," Ms Alexander continued, as though reading Asher''s doubt. "I''m no longer able to imagine a life without her."

    Asher unfolded his arms, which seemed to encourage Ms Alexander to continue.

    "As a result, I''d like to make a deal with you."

    He folded his arms again.

    "I don''t want to break up with Grace ¨C so, I''ll be moving on from Forestglade College after this term is over."

    "W-What?" Grace''s voice trembled, causing both Asher and Lila to look at her. Her expression was entirely dumbstruck by the news.

    "I''ve already accepted a position at Mulberry Heights High."

    Lila suppressed the urge to wince at the name of Holly''s school.

    "Mia, you didn''t tell me that-"

    "Grace," Ms Alexander''s face looked incredibly pained as she stepped back, now leaning against her desk, "I don''t think you realise what it means ¨C the fact that Asher, of all people, knows about us. Making a deal like this is the only way to protect us."

    "A-Asher wouldn''t tell, right? You guys wouldn''t tell anyone," Grace sounded desperate, her eyes turning red with unshed tears.

    "Wouldn''t I?" Asher challenged, raising an eyebrow. Somehow, he looked incredibly peeved by this turn of events. "Lila might not, but I''m still thinking about it."

    "Lila," Grace turned to her, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Lila, you can''t let him-"

    "Grace," Ms Alexander''s voice was soft ¨C tender, even. "Grace, this is just how it has to be."

    "I¡­ I don''t want it to be like this," Grace began to cry in earnest now, furiously swiping at her eyes. After a heaving breath, she said, "Mia, I w-want you to stay. I love you."

    "I know," Ms Alexander replied plainly. "I love you too. Which is why¡­ I have to leave."

    "But-"

    "The alternative is that we break up and never speak again," Ms Alexander''s voice was now harsh ¨C much more authoritative, as most teachers'' tended to be.

    Though Lila would have preferred that outcome, with how distraught Grace looked, she felt her own heart shattering. She thought that Ms Alexander should''ve sounded more emotional ¨C especially since she was apparently in love with Grace ¨C but maybe that was the result of being an adult? Or had she already let out her emotions prior to this conversation, since she''d made the decision without telling Grace beforehand?

    "I''m concerned that neither of you are willing to consider why this is prohibited by law," Asher said through gritted teeth. "Changing schools doesn''t change the fact that it started in this one, when Grace was, and still is, your student."

    Ms Alexander looked at him for a long moment. "You''re right. But what Grace and I have is special."

    "Special because of the power imbalance?" Asher''s words made both Ms Alexander and Grace flinch. "Or special because she''s under eighteen?"

    Lila was torn between stopping him and letting him continue grilling Ms Alexander on the topic.

    "Our friends will know that you were a teacher here," Asher said pointedly. "Are you just going to be in a secret relationship forever? What are you going to say when someone asks how you met?"

    Ms Alexander looked like she wanted to sink into the floor. Lila couldn''t help but wonder yet again how old Ms Alexander actually was ¨C she really didn''t seem much older than Lila, Asher and Grace, especially now in the face of Asher''s direct questioning.

    "Have you met Grace''s parents?" Asher pressed. "What are you going to say to them?"

    "She has, actually," Grace piped up.

    He whirled to face her. "And they know she''s your music teacher and vocal coach?"

    "¡­ No."

    Asher''s eyelids fluttered briefly. "Do they approve of your girlfriend being so much older?"

    "They''re happy that I found someone. When¡­ I told them that I''m a lesbian, I also told them about Mia. Then, they met and they got along super well. They like the fact that she''s stable and so mature."

    Asher now looked conflicted. Lila could guess why ¨C if Grace''s parents were okay with it, then¡­ perhaps it really was fine.

    "Look, I get that you''re trying to¡­ protect me, I guess, since I''m one of Lila''s best friends. But¡­ it''s my life, you know. If I want to go down this path then¡­ should you stop me? We''ve hardly spoken ¨C and only really started this year," Grace said, her tone reasonable. "I really love Mia, and the thought of us separating scares me. I''m not with her because I''m being forced to."

    Asher looked between them both before turning to Lila. "You''ve been awfully quiet," he observed. "What''s your thoughts?"

    Lila caught sight of Grace''s hopeful expression, which was still blotchy from her crying. Ms Alexander, by contrast, seemed to be forcing neutrality upon her face.

    "It¡­ well, like I said to you earlier, I can''t¡­ it feels wrong to try and break them up. Since¡­ Grace seems happy," Lila said after a lengthy pause. "And¡­ they say they''re in love. It''s¡­ at least, from what I''ve heard, um, pretty powerful." She shifted the weight between her feet as she said the last part. She could tell that her face was starting to turn red, but she hoped that by avoiding Asher''s gaze, he wouldn''t be able to guess that she was feeling that way about him. She still wasn''t ready for a confession of that level.

    "Lila, I''m also really sorry," Grace suddenly cut in. "About how I was at camp¡­ I was¡­ really scared you''d run to a teacher."

    Lila couldn''t help but feel hurt by this accusation, but she managed to quell her immediate reaction by reminding herself that it had been a major shock to Grace that Lila had known ¨C especially for as long as she had.

    "And¡­ I was scared that you thought less of me."

    "Grace, this wouldn''t make me think less of you. All this time, I''ve been worried that¡­ you weren''t¡­" Lila faltered as she tried to find the right words. "Well, that you were being taken advantage of, and you couldn''t see it."

    Ms Alexander covered her mouth, though Lila couldn''t think why she would do that. Was it an admission of guilt? Or shock at Lila being so wrong? She didn''t have enough information to support either case, though the possibility of the first continued to worry her.

    "Would¡­ it be too soon to ask if you accept us?" Grace asked in a wavering voice, her eyes fixed on her fidgeting hands.

    "As a friend¡­ I can''t say outright that I don''t," Lila said hesitantly. "However, I¡­ can''t also say I condone it ¨C the law¡­ is the law for a reason."

    She couldn''t believe she''d said that with such a straight face since her illegal blackmailing of Zack led to several expulsions and this morning''s intense assembly. She began to tremble and wrapped her arms around her stomach in an effort to hide this, a cold, creeping wave of nausea swirling within her stomach. It was a strange sensation ¨C almost like the beginning of a tsunami being sucked back out to sea, driven entirely by the guilt of her hypocrisy.

    Asher moved to rub her shoulder, his frosty demeanour melting almost entirely. Once again, she had the uncanny feeling that he''d read her mind with how reassuring his touch was, and the threat of the tsunami consuming her disappeared ¨C at least, for now.

    "I, for one, don''t," Asher said, his hand still on Lila''s shoulder. "But does it actually matter if I do? Probably not." He stopped for a moment. "Since¡­ you''re moving on from Forestglade College¡­ I guess I can keep my mouth shut."

    Lila looked up. His expression was entirely unreadable now. Had she guilted him into agreeing to not report this? She didn''t necessarily want to force his hand.

    "Asher, are you sure?" she asked quietly, her eyes drifting to the poorly-hidden glee on Grace''s face before snapping back to Asher''s face.

    "Positive," he replied, steadily meeting her eyes. "As a person with loose and fast morals, it''d be stupid of me to run to the Headmaster or something when she''s moving to a different school anyway."

    Lila gave him a tight smile. Should he really have said that here?

    "Thank you," Ms Alexander said, followed by a deep sigh of relief. She looked to be on the verge of becoming emotional but held it together. "Truly."

    Asher simply nodded.

    "I think we should go," Lila murmured, briefly touching his hand. "I''ll see you in class, Grace."

    "T-Thank you, Lila ¨C and Asher, too," Grace''s words matched her stumbling as she reached out for Lila''s hands. Lila let her take them, the clamminess from Grace''s touch taking her by surprise. Lila squeezed them gently before letting go, returning Grace''s bright beam with a much softer smile.

    Lila and Asher swiftly left. She thought she''d heard Grace collapse on the couch with a small whimper as the door shut, but she wasn''t about to double back and check.

    "I feel disgusting," Asher muttered once they exited the office building.

    "Same," Lila admitted. "It''s¡­ a shit decision. Damned if you do, damned if you don''t."

    "Well, it''s not like we''d be damned-"

    "Maybe not in the sense of, well, the law; but certainly my conscience would be, considering the big commotion that happened from our unsavoury methods of investigation," she said, her tone harsher than she''d intended. "Sorry," she mumbled.

    "It''s not like I''ve got anything to back me up if I were to say you were wrong," Asher replied, throwing his hands into his hair with palpable frustration. "Fuck this sucks."

    They aimlessly continued walking in silence, with Lila taking an apple out of her blazer pocket. She didn''t feel hungry, but chewing might help her gather her thoughts¡­

    "If¡­ I was the Asher of last year," Asher said softly, his hands firmly jammed into his blazer pockets now, "I would''ve gone straight to the Headmaster when we saw them kissing. But I can''t say shit like ''the law''s the law'' and be all high and mighty when¡­" he gave her a brief look before staring straight ahead again, "well, I literally gave you my lockpicks yesterday afternoon, which I''d bought specifically for breaking and entering."

    "¡­ Yeah. The¡­ hypocrisy was getting to me, too."

    "At the very least, she''ll be gone at the end of this term," he sighed. "I know Grace is upset by that, but¡­ it puts me at ease, even just a little, that she won''t be on campus anymore. Then¡­ maybe with some distance, Grace can figure out if she really does love her without that¡­ inappropriate dynamic."

    "I guess we''ll have to see," Lila replied, her voice weary and defeated. Though she''d made a decision, she couldn''t help but wonder if it''d been the right one after all.

    The rest of morning tea in Asher''s company comfortably blended into their English lesson, during which Lila did get her draft back. She didn''t necessarily want to admit to Asher that he was right ¨C that it hadn''t been as bad as she''d anticipated ¨C but she did have quite a lot of work to do on it; enough that it kept her busy until class was over.

    Asher walked her to Modern History before making himself scarce as soon as they spotted Elise and Grace standing outside the classroom door. He promised to see Lila at lunch and almost sprinted off to Advanced Maths, doubling back to give her bookbag to her. She chuckled as she watched him go for the second time.

    When Lila rested her eyes on Grace, she could tell that Grace had been crying again. Grace''s smile was warm, however, which¡­ felt encouraging to Lila. All things considered, whether or not the decision she''d made ¨C to keep the relationship a secret ¨C was morally or legally correct, at least Grace hadn''t ended their friendship.

    Elise seemed concerned throughout Modern History, but no one had time to chat, what with how quickly they were meant to absorb this week''s material ahead of their practice exam next week. At 12pm on the dot, however, Lila''s phone buzzed in her pocket, distracting her enough to put her pen down to pull it out.

    She could see that Clare had sent a photo, but she needed to unlock her phone to see it. She glanced at Mrs Popovic, who looked entirely engrossed in her lecture and opened the message.

    It was an image of a sterling silver necklace on a black, velvet board. The ''L'' pendant was strong yet plain, and the chain was certainly thicker than her dainty one. It looked perfect ¨C but Lila was suddenly doubting her choice in present. Asher had never expressed a desire to wear a necklace, and he didn''t typically wear jewellery when they went out. Was it¡­ too girly? Was he bothered by perceived gender norms in that way? She didn''t know, and that was starting to make her panic.

    Clare sent a simple question mark, having clearly noticed that Lila had seen her message.

    Lila cast her eyes at Elise and Grace, who were absorbed in Mrs Popovic''s lecture. This¡­ was exactly a question to ask her best friends, but¡­ they still weren''t quite ''normal'' yet, after camp.

    Elise''s eyes flickered to Lila''s and she put her pen down. "You look like you''re in strife," she whispered.

    Perhaps Isaac was rubbing off on Elise after all.

    "I¡­" Lila discreetly laid her phone out on the desk between the trio, with Elise and Grace immediately shielding it from Mrs Popovic''s line of sight, "well, tomorrow''s my one-month anniversary with Asher." She felt a twinge of embarrassment as she said that out loud. She could see Clare''s point, about month anniversaries perhaps being excessive.

    "Go on," Elise nodded. Lila unlocked her phone screen.

    "I want to get him this. To, y''know, match mine. Except¡­ it''s just occurred to me that I don''t know if he even likes jewellery, or would wear it, or would be offended or something-"

    "Lila, it''s cute," Grace murmured encouragingly. "Get it."

    "Well, I mean, he''s a guy," Lila said in a low voice.

    "Knowing how head over heels that guy is for you, a matching necklace sounds like a great idea," Elise said quietly. "I agree with Grace ¨C get it."

    Lila took a deep breath. She''d almost given in to her overthinking.

    "Thanks, guys. I will."

    Lila slid her phone back to her lap and messaged Clare that it looked perfect. Clare gave her a thumbs-up emoji in return, and she pocketed her phone with a smile.

    The rest of the lesson passed without much incident. As usual, once class was over and Lila stowed her belongings into her locker, Asher passed her a lunchbox lovingly prepared by Gabriel. They proceeded to hide away in an empty meeting room in the library after bidding goodbye to Elise, Grace and Isaac. Neither Lila nor Asher seemed up to talking about Grace or the expulsions, so instead they spent their time joking around and discussing much lighter topics.

    Every so often, Lila thought that a good opportunity for a kiss arose, but she didn''t take it. She''d decided that, since Asher was the one who stopped them more often than not, he should be the one to start them ¨C otherwise, he might get the wrong impression, or she''d freak him out. She could live with the idea that kissing (or, rather, making out) was restricted ¨C but she didn''t want him to associate them with negativity.

    Finally, she reached her final class ¨C Biology ¨C with relief. She was both exhausted and wide-awake, what with the heaviness from today generally and her subsequent plans for immediately heading home and breaking into her Dad''s filing cabinet for more specifics on the investigation.

    Cecelia and Lucas were in high spirits, though their conversation did turn to this morning''s assembly. Lila kept to herself, instead preferring to actually pay attention to the lesson content this time. It remained that way until Cecelia lightly tapped her hand with the back of her pen.

    "So," Cecelia grinned, her eyes sparkling with her usual enthusiasm, "did you tell him?"

    Lila had completely and utterly forgotten that she''d made a commitment to update Cecelia on whether she''d told Asher she loved him at their next Biology lesson.

    "No," Lila replied vaguely. She didn''t necessarily want to tell Cecelia that the reason why she wasn''t going to anymore was because she was worried that doing so would pressure Asher into having sex with her before he was ready. And that she''d realised she wasn''t actually ready to say something so intense to him just yet anyway.

    "Oh," Cecelia deflated in her seat. "Sorry."

    "Don''t be sorry," Lila responded, shaking her head. "It''s not like it''s your fault."

    "I mean, it kinda is since I interrupted you at camp."

    Lila shook her head again. "I was going to back out anyway."

    "Doubt it," Cecelia replied loftily. "The way you guys were ogling at each other made me jealous."

    "Did you purposefully interrupt us then?"

    "No ¨C but I''d been missing Lucas."

    Lila remained suspicious that Cecelia had, in fact, purposefully interrupted them.

    "Anyway, let me know when you do," Cecelia smiled. "It''s actually really freeing, once you say it the first time. Well, once you do anything the first time, I guess ¨C since there''s no more pressure tied to ones afterwards as being ''the first''."

    "You reckon?" Lucas asked, looking up from his notebook for the first time since Cecelia engaged in this conversation. "I still get nervous sometimes."

    Cecelia tenderly rubbed his hand. "And I love that about you."

    Lucas immediately flushed a deep red as he hurriedly looked back at his notebook. "I-If you say so."

    "See! How could I not?"

    Lila tuned them out for the rest of Biology.

    Once class was over, Lila met Asher outside. He smiled at her, which she returned, and offered his arm for her to take. She mentioned nothing of her conversation with Cecelia and Lucas to him on their way to the locker room, instead letting him guide their conversations all the way up to the bus station.

    "Well¡­ I guess¡­ this is goodbye," Asher said reluctantly as they stood a few metres from the teacher on hat duty ¨C one that was unfamiliar to Lila.

    "Yeah."

    "You¡­ confident about tonight?" he asked evasively, casting his eyes around at the students passing them.

    "I''ve done it before," Lila replied with a nod. "No reason not to be confident."

    "Alright. Call me if you need me."

    "Okay."

    The roar of an approaching bus caused Lila to look. Her bus had arrived.

    They speed-walked up the path to where it was now idling, with Asher returning her things to her once she joined the back of the line to get on. He looked behind him before suddenly reaching towards her face, caressing it gently with his thumb.

    "See you tomorrow, Lila," he murmured, leaning in towards her. Her breath spiked as she eagerly met his lips with her own. At least goodbye kisses were reliable ¨C both in how warm they made her feel and in the fact that Asher seemed to have little to no problems giving them to her.

    She stepped back with a brilliant smile ¨C the widest she''d had all day.

    "See you tomorrow, Asher."

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Eight

    As she''d hoped, her Dad wasn''t home yet. Neither was Daniel nor Clare, though she knew Clare had come back, owing to the small bag from the jewellers sitting politely in the middle of her desk. It was a 50/50 chance whether her Mum was home, but she hadn''t seen or heard her on the way upstairs.

    With that, Lila felt it was safe to sneak into the home office. Even if Daniel were to come home, he would immediately hole up in his room until dinner ¨C that much Lila was certain about. Clare was most likely out with Alex or friends, but if she did come home, she''d similarly be unlikely to go anywhere near the home office.

    Lila softly knocked on Clare''s door, in case she was home without her car (a very doubtful, but not impossible, scenario) and received no response. So, she tiptoed downstairs, her blazer firmly on, and anxiety making her hands slick with sweat.

    Lila poked her head in the living room in case her Mum was curled up on the couch or doing some non-TV-related activities, but it was empty.

    ''So far, so good,'' Lila thought to herself, proceeding down the hallway towards the home office. For some reason, Lila was far more on edge this time than the last time she rifled through her Dad''s investigation files. Perhaps it was because she knew there would be information stored here. Or maybe it was because her Dad had made it clear that the investigation was confidential, now that it was with the Police. He''d definitely be unhappy with her if he found her sneaking around for information that he''d basically banned her from obtaining¡­

    She did have one thing on her side, though ¨C prior experience with picking these specific locks.

    Despite knowing this, she still needed to take a deep breath before opening the door to the home office.

    She flicked the light switch on, pausing when her hand brushed against the pocket that held her phone. Last time, she''d videoed her search, since Asher was in Vanuatu. Surely she didn''t need to this time?

    She glanced around. Everything¡­ seemed the same ¨C or, at least, the same enough. It was clear that her Dad had been in here recently, shuffling things around. There were a few cardboard boxes and bags of varying types and sizes along the back wall, though Lila was aware that he would be attending a convention for investigators soon. Perhaps it was a small amount of merchandise for him to give out as part of networking? Or maybe he had a stall this year?

    Curious, she gently lifted the flap to one of the boxes, peering inside. Sure enough, it looked like bundles of pamphlets advertising her Dad''s PI company, as well as some business cards and pens. She replaced the flap to its original position, taking a step back with a contemplative finger on her chin.

    What did these conventions even look like? What did people do there? From what she knew, there would be a mixture of State, Federal and Local Government bodies, plus private investigation firms, including her Dad''s, among other related places ¨C but¡­ did they just stand around all day? She highly doubted there would be performances for something so serious as an investigators'' convention.

    It was a shame that it was in another State this year. Otherwise, she might''ve asked if she could go along, just to see what it was all about.

    ''Lila, you''re getting distracted,'' she admonished herself, shaking her head. She spun, facing the cabinets along the wall. The Wagner file had been in the final cabinet, so she made a beeline for that one, pulling out Asher''s kit from her inside breast pocket.

    She selected a pick and the tension wrench and got to work on the lock. As it had been last time, she was met with some resistance but she knew how to handle it. Within a minute ¨C her speediest time yet ¨C a satisfying click sounded and Lila replaced the tools inside the pouch and back into her blazer. Time to hunt around.

    She went straight to the ''W'' section of her Dad''s case files. WAGNER ¨C CMS 2122046 was still in here ¨C the one about the missing husband and suspected infidelity, requested by Helen Wagner. Lila was slightly surprised that she remembered those details upon reading the number, but didn''t linger on this thought as she pulled out WAGNER ¨C CMS 2223007.

    It was significantly chunkier than she remembered. Her heart skipped a beat. There were new things in here.

    She glanced at her phone ¨C she''d only been here for a few minutes. She still had time. With that confirmation, she moved the folder to her Mum''s desk, since it wasn''t cluttered like her Dad''s.

    Flipping open the folder, she was greeted with a mug shot of Jason''s smug face. To Lila, it seemed that he was very confident that he wasn''t as in trouble as he likely was, given this was taken in a Police station.

    The mug shot underneath Jason''s was far less smug. Evelyn Whitley, by contrast, looked far more grim than her son. Lila thought there was some level of fear hidden in the blue eyes that she had passed down to her son, though she of course couldn''t interrogate the image to check if her suspicion was correct. Strangely, there was another photo underneath the mug shots ¨C one which appeared to be taken from some very shoddy CCTV footage. It appeared to show a dark-haired man in a white Doctor''s coat, but from this angle, Lila couldn''t tell anything else. There wasn''t any writing on it either that could attribute the picture to a particular person. Who was he?

    In the absence of a video of her going through the folder, Lila decided to snap pictures of everything inside on her phone. She took a couple extra of the CCTV still for good measure.

    Underneath the CCTV image was a transcript. Lila hadn''t ever seen one before. It took her a while to figure out that it was a written record of an interview (noted by the ''ROI'' acronym at the top) between Detective Constable Louis Conrad, Jason and Morris Whitley, who Lila knew to be Jason''s Dad from her Facebook searches she did the day Asher came back from Vanuatu.

    It was a fair few pages ¨C possibly even two interview transcripts, so instead of reading any of it, she took pictures of each of the pages before moving on to the document underneath it. It was another transcript ¨C this time between the same Detective Constable and Evelyn. It seemed she had no support person.

    Lila snapped more pictures. The next document seemed to be records of access card use within the Forestglade Private Hospital attributed to Evelyn, which Lila took another photo of. Underneath that was the documentation Lila had given her Dad, which was followed by the two documents that Lila had first seen within this folder. Even though she''d already seen these, she took pictures of each document ¨C if only to show the chronology of her Dad''s document storing.

    She pursed her lips. There wasn''t anything else ¨C nothing about the raid on the school, at least. Unless¡­

    She flipped back to the transcript of Jason''s interview. Flicking through the pages, she skimmed bits here and there before landing on something that the Detective Constable had said.

    DC Conrad: Jason, I don''t think you''re aware of the trouble you''re in here, mate.

    J Whitley: I don''t know what to tell you, Officer, they''re not mine.

    DC Conrad: Then what explanation can you offer about the presence of ten vials of morphine in the lunchbox that was in the locker assigned to you at your school?

    Lila was tempted to read further but she instead closed the folder. She double-checked that all her photos were crisp before returning the folder to its original place in the filing cabinet. She gently closed it and reversed her lockpicking so that it was locked, testing it with a firm tug of the drawers.

    She cast one look around the home office to ensure that nothing was out of place. Upon being satisfied, she flicked off the light and tiptoed out, closing the door behind her.

    Her throat was parched ¨C likely from the subconscious stress of what she''d done. She slipped Asher''s lockpicking set into her inner breast pocket as she walked down the hall and towards the kitchen.

    The front door jiggled as she passed and she immediately darted inside the kitchen.

    ''Act casual. Natural. Nonchalant. Juice,'' she thought sternly to herself. It was probably Daniel, after all.

    She picked up a carton of juice from the fridge and poured it into a cup she''d taken from the overhead cupboard with trembling hands. ''Get a grip,'' she admonished internally. She inhaled deeply, which helped stabilise her hands. The footsteps shuffling towards her sounded like her brother, so she kept the juice out of the fridge.

    "Yo," Daniel greeted her, his school bags still hanging off his shoulders, "gimme the box."

    Lila wordlessly passed it to him and he poured himself a glass of juice as well.

    "Intense assembly, aye?" he asked, taking a sip of his juice.

    Lila sighed. He was talkative now? Just when she wanted to flop onto her bed and read through the interview transcripts?

    "Yeah. There''s probably a lot of students affected by the morphine Jason and Livi were spreading around," Lila said monotonously. "It makes sense to show those resources for help, at least."

    "A couple of weird dudes came in today," Daniel said conversationally. "They wanted to know if I''d taken over Livi''s operation, which I thought was pretty ironic. Like, what am I? Minced beef? Or is it chopped liver? Either way, they could only do their stuff ''cause of my operation. I pretended I had no idea what they were talking about and they got really awkward. Mr Singh was there, but he didn''t really do anything besides look at them. They danced around it for a bit then eventually they got the hint that I wasn''t going to give them morphine and left."

    "You''re probably going to get more of those as time goes on and the withdrawal gets worse."

    "Yippee," Daniel uttered sarcastically, pouring himself more juice. "Well, it''s whatever. The school obviously decided not to chase down the customers and expel them, so I''ll just have to live with it."

    "You should recommend they talk to the school counsellor."

    "Nah." Daniel paused before eyeing Lila. "¡­ That''s actually a good idea."

    "Thanks. I''m full of those."

    "Blackmail being one of them?"

    "It got them expelled, didn''t it? Now they''re not around, mooching off of you and otherwise being shady as hell, or putting students in danger."

    Daniel gave her some major, judgemental side-eye as he put the carton of juice in the fridge. "I still think I could''ve talked to Zack, at least, for the info."

    "Then Zack could''ve told Jason that you were snooping around," Lila countered. "At least when I did it, he had no idea it was me."

    They gave each other resolutely stubborn looks before Daniel sighed. "It''s done now, I guess. By the way, I forgot to tell you that Zack got hit by a bus."

    Lila spat out the mouthful of juice she''d just taken. "W-What?" she asked as she desperately dabbed at her front with some paper towels.

    "Yeah, dude. The Police were escorting Jason, Livi, Zack, Jake and Harper off campus after the raid and Zack decided to make a run for it ¨C into an oncoming bus."

    "Jesus Christ, Daniel, you didn''t want to tell me earlier?" Lila''s voice was bordering on hysterical.

    "Slipped my mind. The dude''s fine, it was more a love-tap than an actual hit. He didn''t go very far anyway. I think he sprained his ankle and fell on the road, but the bus stopped pretty quick."

    "And you know this how?"

    Daniel smirked at her. "Saw it from my SOSE classroom. It was real funny. Well, it was funny when we realised he was fine. I didn''t know a body that solid could ragdoll so spectacularly."

    "How could that have slipped your mind when I asked you what happened last week?"

    Daniel shrugged. "Wasn''t important. You see, I''d just unlocked-"

    "Yeah, yeah," Lila cut him off impatiently with a wave of her hand. "Next time, you gotta lead with that ¨C not wait an entire weekend to tell me."

    "I was only reminded ''cause I was thinking about your texts with him and his bus phobia. Poor guy."

    "¡­ That is kinda poetic, though," Lila admitted. They shared another look before bursting into laughter. Normally, Lila wouldn''t find it funny ¨C nor should she ¨C but, as Daniel said, the humour was there since Zack was ultimately fine. She wondered, through giggles, whether Zack thought the Rock betrayed him, or that the Police organised a hit on him via bus. If she was invested in conspiracy theories, she might have been inclined to agree with the last one given the circumstances.

    "Anyway, I''m gonna head up. See you at dinner," Daniel said, readjusting his bags and taking his cup of juice with him as he went. Lila made a sound of acknowledgement and remained behind in the kitchen until she heard his door close.

    She picked up her own cup and headed upstairs as well, the imagery of Zack being ''love-tapped'' by a bus and ragdolling across the road forcing her to take each step carefully, lest she drop the cup.

    She took a sip of her juice once she was safely in her room before putting it down on her desk. Now, she could look at everything she''d taken pictures of.

    Something occurred to her as she opened up her gallery. There were transcripts of the interview with Jason and Evelyn ¨C but none with Livi, Zack, Jake and Harper. They''d all been arrested on the same day (well, except maybe Evelyn) and, other than Zack''s unfortunate meeting with a bus, there wouldn''t be a delay for any of the other interviews by now. So¡­ why were those transcripts not included?

    Lila was aware that the physical file at home wasn''t necessarily the only file her Dad had ¨C there was, of course, the electronic one, and he potentially had one in his PI office with more information. Even still, the fact that he''d specifically selected these interviews, out of around six, to bring home seemed to be telling Lila something. But what?

    Frowning, she decided to just look at her photos instead of dwelling on it. The answers might be hidden right on her phone, after all.

    She flicked past the two mug-shots. She paused at the CCTV image and zoomed in. The person just looked like an ordinary Doctor to Lila. She couldn''t see how they were related to her Dad''s investigation ¨C unless the Doctor was signing off on Evelyn''s demands for morphine as a prescription, to conceal the theft?

    Pursing her lips, she moved past that as well, stopping when she landed on the transcript of Jason''s interview. The interview, it seemed, commenced on Wednesday at about 11.13am.

    ''So, they must''ve been raided pretty much as soon as school started,'' Lila thought, flicking to the next photo she''d taken.

    The transcript was a decent size, with the beginning preamble identifying him as a suspect in the sale and distribution of restricted Schedule 8 drugs, that he had the right to remain silent, and that he had his father as his support person. It was similar, in a way, to the preamble that Lila had received at her Police interview, but she hadn''t been identified as a suspect ¨C just a witness.

    The interview started shortly after.

    DC Conrad: Jason, this is a very serious matter. Distribution of drugs is taken very seriously by the law.

    J Whitley: I know.

    DC Conrad: Tell me how this all started.

    [Pause]

    J Whitley: Some kid had a really good gig going, with getting loans for students.

    Lila frowned again. At least Jason didn''t name her brother.

    DC Conrad: Alright.

    J Whitley: Eventually, there was so much money just floating around that, well, I thought we could borrow it. It wasn''t stealing, ''cause we put it back.

    DC Conrad: Who''s we?

    J Whitley: Livi- oh, Olivia Malouf. She mainly handled the finances for the loan stuff. The kid really liked her for some reason.

    DC Conrad: Okay.

    J Whitley: So she took the money.

    DC Conrad: But you knew about it.

    J Whitley: But I didn''t do it. She did.

    DC Conrad: Who put it back?

    J Whitley: She did.

    Lila emitted a soft sigh, in lieu of a snort. The admission and then immediate blame-shifting was a bit amusing.

    DC Conrad: Okay. So, where''d you get the morphine?

    J Whitley: What morphine?

    M Whitley: Jason, should you really be talking?

    J Whitley: Dad, it''s fine. I didn''t do anything.

    Lila blinked. But he''d just said¡­

    M Whitley: Jason.

    J Whitley: Besides, I''m under 18.

    M Whitley: Jason.

    J Whitley: I''m just having a chat, Dad.

    M Whitley: Jason, he said you''re a suspect.

    J Whitley: And I''ll be unsuspected after this. Anyway, you said morphine? Whatever you think it is, it''s not mine.

    DC Conrad: Jason, I don''t think you''re aware of the trouble you''re in here, mate.

    J Whitley: I don''t know what to tell you, Officer, they''re not mine.

    DC Conrad: Then what explanation can you offer about the presence of ten vials of morphine in the lunchbox that was in the locker assigned to you at your school?

    [Pause]

    J Whitley: It''s easy to break into lockers.

    DC Conrad: The lunchbox had your name on it.

    [Pause]

    J Whitley: I got them from someone else.

    DC Conrad: Okay. Who?

    [Pause]

    J Whitley: Mum''s boyfriend.

    [Pause]

    M Whitley: Who?

    DC Conrad: Morris, I''ll ask the questions. Jason, do you have a name for this boyfriend?

    J Whitley: Only his first name. Hunter. Uh, he''s a Doctor at the hospital Mum works at. But because she''s the Vice CEO, they''ve kept it really hush-hush.

    DC Conrad: How long have they been dating for?

    J Whitley: I don''t know. A year? Just over? Dad, when did you guys get divorced?

    M Whitley: [unintelligible]

    J Whitley: Yeah, so just over a year.

    If it had been just over a year¡­ then Jason''s Mum had been dating this Doctor just before Asher''s Dad asked Lila''s Dad to investigate the missing drugs. Lila filed this away in her mind as something of importance to bring to Asher''s attention when they talked about what she found.

    DC Conrad: What kind of person is Hunter?

    J Whitley: A chill dude, I guess. He''s smart, since he''s a Doctor. He''s got an accent ¨C I think he''s Dutch? Or German? Some kind of European. He never really talked about his personal life, but he seems nice enough.

    DC Conrad: Any distinguishing features?

    J Whitley: I dunno. Looks like a regular white guy, I guess. If I saw a photo of him, I''d be able to tell you straight away.

    DC Conrad: So, Hunter was supplying you with morphine. Was there an arrangement?

    J Whitley: Yeah. He asked me to sell it, basically, and give him a cut. Then, he asked me to expand the network into other schools ¨C not that I wasn''t doing that already anyway. We were making bank.

    DC Conrad: How often did he give you the drugs?

    J Whitley: Every week. He''d come over with an esky ¨C one side had, like, wine for him and Mum, and the other was the drugs. I have my own bar fridge in my room, so I''d take it and put it there until it was time to give it out.

    DC Conrad: Who were your customers?

    J Whitley: Mostly the sports teams. Everyone on the tennis team is on them, ''cause that''s where I started with it. Then, I had Zack, Jake and Harper distribute it on.

    DC Conrad: For a cut?

    J Whitley: Of course. I''m not a monster.

    Lila squinted at the screen. There were so many slices being taken out of this operation ¨C just how much money was being made here?

    DC Conrad: So, you expanded the network?

    J Whitley: Yeah. At comps, we all offered it to the other schools. Female teams didn''t buy into it as much, except for Mulberry Heights and Sandy Lakes. All of them are feral for it.

    She wondered why Jason was so forthcoming with all of this information. Did he really believe that he would be cleared after this?

    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

    DC Conrad: Okay. How many schools?

    J Whitley: About ten.

    M Whitley: Jesus Christ, Jason.

    J Whitley: You''d do it too, Dad, with the amount of money there is in it. I haven''t forgotten why you and Mum got divorced.

    Well, that piqued Lila''s curiosity even more. Was this a ''like father, like son'' kind of situation? Or, rather, a whole family tendency, what with Evelyn''s involvement? If that was the case¡­ then a mother involving her son in distributing drugs illegally might be an expected outcome.

    J Whitley: Anyway, it''s not my fault. Hunter asked me to.

    DC Conrad: Would you like to submit that as part of your statement?

    J Whitley: Yeah, Officer. He''s the one who taught me how to do all this. I think he was distributing it himself, too. I''m surprised there''s any morphine left at the hospital.

    DC Conrad: Did your Mum know about this?

    J Whitley: I never talked to her about it, but I''d assume so. How else can he get that much morphine? Like, he''s a Doctor, but still. Supply chain shit or whatever.

    [Pause]

    DC Conrad: Okay, Jason. From here, we''re going to take a break. You''ll need to be remanded in custody-

    M Whitley: Detective Constable, isn''t that a bit much?

    DC Conrad: I''m afraid that''s how this will play out, Morris. I can supply further details, but as of right now, Jason will be taken into custody until we figure out a few things. Jason, I''ll be interviewing you again once some of your information has been verified.

    J Whitley: But it was all Hunter.

    DC Conrad: We need to do some more inquiries. I''ll be in touch and let you know when you need to come back, Morris. I''ll be turning off the recording ¨C the time is now 12.46pm.

    There actually looked to be another, much smaller transcript beneath this one with Jason, his Dad and Detective Constable Conrad. It looked to be of an interview undertaken on Sunday at 10.10am. The preamble was the same but started very differently.

    DC Conrad: I understand you have some information for me?

    J Whitley: Yeah. Look, it wasn''t just me at Forestglade College spreading it all. Sure, I helped introduce it to other schools, but it was those contacts that I sold to who then distributed it themselves.

    [Pause]

    J Whitley: So, I want to give you the contacts that I dealt with, or know of. Since you said there could be a deal for me?

    DC Conrad: Yes. I did say that. We''d need a little bit of time to evaluate what information you give me, but we could see about a bail release while you await trial.

    M Whitley: Any idea on cost?

    DC Conrad: It depends, Morris.

    M Whitley: Alright.

    J Whitley: Here goes¡­

    The list of names was mostly unfamiliar to Lila, but she at least had a photo of them to give to Asher. One did stand out, though ¨C Dylan Huntley, at Mulberry Heights.

    ''So¡­ Holly''s boyfriend was a distributor,'' Lila thought with a slight frown. His discussion with Will Reedy at the end of the last match, though she didn''t hear what they spoke about, was probably related to that, then.

    DC Conrad: Thank you, Jason. This will be very helpful.

    J Whitley: To be clear, though, I got it first from Hunter, who probably got it from Mum or at least with her authority, since she''s the Vice CEO. So it''s not my fault.

    DC Conrad: I will add your statement to the record. Is there anything else you''d like to add?

    He didn''t mention anything else, but from the context of what Jason said, it seemed like there might''ve been further interviews in between Wednesday''s and now Saturday''s. This interview ended at 10.35am.

    Lila flicked through her photos before returning to the one she''d left on. There wasn''t anything else with Jason. So her Dad had either selected these two purposefully to take home, or he hadn''t been given the others. If it was by design ¨C why? Wouldn''t he have preferred to take home a lengthier interview ¨C one with more information, and verified information at that?

    Puzzled, she looked through Evelyn''s interview transcript. This one was shorter ¨C short enough that Lila could skim the contents and realise that there didn''t seem to be anything of note in it. Evelyn steadfastly denied everything and, in fact, sounded a little confused. There was also no mention of Hunter, or any kind of romantic relationships at all, though this interview happened on Wednesday morning at about 9am ¨C likely while the raid was taking place, and definitely during school hours. Lila considered that it was probably strategic ¨C to limit the potential for Evelyn to warn Jason that the Police were on to them. Just like Jason, she remained in custody following her interview.

    Lila was curious about why the Detective Constable didn''t participate in the raid if he was at the Police station interviewing Jason''s Mum, but perhaps raids required a different set of skills that he didn''t have. Lila was also curious about why the Detective Constable didn''t inform Jason that his Mum was in custody. Perhaps he left that out in the initial interview to see what Jason had to say without knowing that information as another strategic move.

    Lila moved on to the photos of the documents she''d provided her Dad. They looked the same-

    ''Wait¡­ that''s not what I gave Dad,'' Lila thought as she zoomed in to the first document ¨C the list of employee names at the corporate level. Beneath that were ID photos of the individuals named in the document, and organisational structure information ¨C showing what area of the hospital the people worked in. Some names had been redacted, too, though Lila had no hope of knowing the reasoning behind this.

    With her brow furrowed, Lila changed to the next photo. Blueprints ¨C but these weren''t scratched up at all. Had her Dad found a different set of blueprints and discarded hers?

    ''Hang on. The one underneath is scratched¡­'' Lila thought as she checked the next photo. There seemed to be a difference between the two blueprints. The one she''d secured from Mr Snugglebutt''s sharp claws was dated in the 1930s. The one that had appeared in her Dad''s case file was dated 2014. Some of the rooms had changed ¨C including the availability of an underground room, beneath the morgue. The purpose of the now-missing room wasn''t listed on the blueprint from the 30s.

    Though it had disappeared from the modern blueprint, did that room still exist? Why was its existence, or not, relevant? Or had her Dad simply received a new blueprint from Asher''s Dad, because that was the latest version, and stored it with this case file for safekeeping?

    The next photos were of money orders. Just like the previous two documents, there seemed to be more here than what she''d provided her Dad. She peered at one of the new pages. There was an initial, which looked to be ''H.V.'' as an authoriser for some. Another initial looked to be ''E.D.'', along with ''I.W.''. Some of the ''E.D.'' initials seemed quite different from each other, but there wasn''t anything in particular that led Lila to feel this way that she could point to. Perhaps Asher would know, upon looking at this. There were a myriad of other initials but they all seemed uniform enough for Lila to not take note.

    The photos of her Dad''s documentation ¨C that she''d seen the first time she looked in this folder ¨C looked the same. A list of corporate roles, and the document listing analgesic drugs. It did look as if her Dad had circled ''morphine'' where previously it had only been highlighted.

    She locked her phone screen and placed her phone on charge before staring up at the ceiling. She was slightly disappointed with the information she''d found. Sure, there was something ¨C confirmation that Jason and Livi''s group were arrested and that Jason''s Mum had been too. It also seemed like the Police were confident enough that they could keep Jason and his Mum detained, which she supposed was a good sign. But¡­ nothing was really lining up in her mind.

    She either needed to sleep on it, or Asher would help her connect the dots tomorrow. For now, it seemed like the gears in her brain had stopped turning altogether.

    With a sigh, she eyed the bag Clare had placed on her desk. She should probably check that it was the right one.

    It looked a lot better in person than in the photos Clare had sent, the brightness of the silver contrasting brilliantly against the blackness of the cushion it sat upon. The ''L'' was a good size, too.

    Another flash of doubt crossed through her as she placed the necklace back into the bag. Would he like it? This was uncharted territory for her since she''d never asked his opinion on jewellery. She hoped he''d like it, since¡­ well¡­ the necklace he''d gotten for her made her happy. She was proud to wear it, even when it was hidden under her uniform since it served as a tangible reminder that she was Asher''s.

    ''Well, I''ll just have to find out tomorrow,'' she thought reluctantly as she sat on the edge of her bed. Now that she''d accomplished those things, she supposed she should put the necklace in her school bag so she didn''t leave it behind.

    Opening her school bag revealed her maths textbook and a few other bits of work that she''d taken home for study. She found an empty pocket and gingerly placed the jewellery bag containing the necklace inside before regretfully extracting her study materials. He had said to her that she needed to study too.

    Getting stuck into study felt like a chore, but Lila pushed past this feeling all the way until dinner. Once her Mum called for her and Daniel, she was relatively pleased. She''d made some decent progress, at least.

    Clare didn''t join them for dinner that night, with Lila''s Mum explaining that Clare was instead with her boyfriend. Lila smiled ¨C the fact that Clare had told their Mum where she was, and that she was with Alex, meant that they were definitely on track to normalcy. However, this sweetness was ruined by Daniel spitting out grains of rice across the dining room table.

    "She''s with her what?" he demanded, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

    "Don''t be a drama queen," Lila frowned. "You know what a boyfriend is."

    "Well, yeah, but Clare has one?"

    "Why, shouldn''t she have one?"

    "She''s never mentioned having one."

    "Well, sorry to throw something else onto you, but you''re meeting him here on Wednesday night for dinner," Lila smirked.

    Daniel wrinkled his nose. "Here?"

    "Yeah," Lila nodded.

    Daniel seemed miffed by this.

    "What''s with that look?"

    "Well, some dude''s coming over," Daniel frowned.

    Lila laughed. "You''ve met Asher here plenty of times."

    "Yeah, when he was just your stalker."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "He was not a stalker. I know what those are like. We were friends when he started coming over, and ''some dude'' to you."

    "He was not just ''some dude''. He was¡­ my¡­ tutor? What would you even call it?"

    Lila glanced at her Dad, who seemed amused by this conversation. "I dunno, business manager?" she suggested, looking back at Daniel.

    "Sounds lame."

    "Better than ''tutor''."

    Daniel fell silent, jabbing at his pork chop. Then, he gave Lila a sideways look. "Have you met Clare''s boyfriend?"

    Lila paused without meaning to. She knew it looked suspicious, but she attempted to mask it by immediately shoving some green beans into her mouth. "No," she finally said after swallowing.

    "Wonder what he''s like. He''d have to be insane to want to be with Clare."

    "Don''t be rude."

    "All I''m saying is that he''ll never know peace. She''ll just be bugging him all the time, being nosy and all up in his business and whatever. Imagine willingly being subjected to that."

    It was Lila''s turn to fall silent. Lila wasn''t sure if Clare had already started seeing him casually or whether that started after Lila had inadvertently met Alex. She had no idea about what kind of relationship dynamic they had, except that he sounded sweet enough by Clare''s brief stories. In saying that, though, he''d been very intimidating at Coolisimo¡­

    "Eat your food, you two. It''s getting cold," Lila''s Mum said after a few moments. Lila and Daniel both obliged without another word.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Lila pulled the bag containing her PE gear out of her school bag and popped it at her feet before halting. She¡­ had class with Asher now, but not for the rest of the day. Should she give the necklace to him before class? Or during morning tea? Lunch? Before practice? Dinner? What was the protocol for these things?

    She hesitantly reached for the jewellery bag.

    "Good morning," Asher''s voice made her immediately slam her locker door shut, her heart almost thumping out of her chest.

    She cleared her throat. "G-Good morning," she replied, feeling her face, neck and ears turn red all at once. She tried to meet his bemused eyes but found that she couldn''t.

    "Everything-"

    "Peachy. Let''s go to PE." She bent down, grabbed her PE bag and locked her locker with trembling hands. Her back was still turned to him as she surreptitiously attempted to take a deep breath.

    "Well, before that," he murmured, his lips just grazing her ear. All hope for taking a breath was lost as she shuddered. He took hold of her shoulders and spun her towards him. There was something quite different about the look he gave her now than most mornings before school. Determination was there, yes, but also something else that she was on the cusp of understanding. She found there was no escape with how close his body was and how the cold, hard metal of her locker pressed against her back. She also found that she didn''t want to escape, either.

    "Y-Yes?" she squeaked, her face feeling hotter than before.

    "It''s been one month," he whispered, his face inching closer to hers. Her stomach gave an interesting flop, her eyes now fixed on his.

    "Y-Yeah. Happy one month, Asher," she managed to say. "Um. You''re really close."

    "I know." He bent his head low as he placed his hands on either side of her, capturing her lips in his. Her heart fluttered as their kiss deepened, the passion mounting with each subtle movement.

    They took their time, with Lila savouring each lip-tingling second. He seemed to be keeping himself in check, the slow burn of their kiss further inflaming her cheeks. It was with a gentleness that he eventually broke away, rather than panicked abruptness, and she smiled.

    "What''s this all about?" she asked coyly, placing a hand where the ''A'' rested underneath her uniform. Her breathing slowly returned to normal as he took a moment to respond.

    "I can''t say hello on a day like this without a kiss," he said with a similar smile. "Now we can go to PE."

    It turned out she enjoyed hello kisses far more than goodbye ones. Still smiling, she placed her PE bag in Asher''s awaiting hand.

    They set off to the gymnasium, her footsteps as light as her heart. She eventually turned to Asher, who seemed to have kept his own smile all this way.

    "That was a little bit risky from you," she said playfully.

    "It was, wasn''t it?" Asher replied just as playfully.

    "What if Isaac saw us?" she asked, imagining how frantic he would''ve been upon seeing that kiss.

    "I may have paid him off."

    "What?" Lila laughed. He gave her a serious look.

    "I gave him $50 to get me some jellybeans from the vending machine outside Tuckshop."

    "That''s oddly specific."

    "It''s the only one that sells ''em. Told him I use them as study snacks, which isn''t a lie. Most expensive jellybeans I''ve bought but¡­ definitely worth it."

    She beamed at him and he laughed, his eyes crinkled with joy.

    "You seem happy," he observed.

    "''Course I am. It''s a great day."

    They made it to the gymnasium with some more laughing, talking and goofy smiles before splitting to get changed. Once they were seated inside, they waited for Ms Wright to start the lesson, Lila''s spirits still high. She glanced around to check how far away Ms Wright was and met Ayla''s gaze. In an instant, Lila remembered what Ayla had told her through tears during camp and she gave Ayla a tentative smile. Ayla smiled back.

    "Well, that''s positive," Lila murmured to Asher, turning back to face where Ms Wright usually stood.

    "What is?"

    "Ayla smiled at me."

    "I''ll bet she feels a lot better after talking to you," Asher nodded. "It sounded heavy, from what you told me."

    "Yeah¡­ it''s no wonder she was away for so long ¨C especially since she wanted to see Piper the day that¡­ well¡­"

    "Yeah."

    Though her mood was more sombre now, Lila took comfort in the fact that Ayla''s smile was much nicer than her death glares.

    Ms Wright arrived not a second later, a bright, peppy smile on her face.

    "Look at all of your fresh faces, back from camp," she said approvingly. "Easy one today, since you all had plenty of exercise last week."

    A few of Lila''s classmates cheered.

    "Well, if you''re going to be that energetic, perhaps I should kick it up a notch."

    A smaller number of Lila''s classmates booed. Ms Wright smirked.

    "Alright, alright. Let''s get set up for dodgeball."

    "Again?" Connor whined as Lila and her classmates scrambled to their feet.

    "Yes, Connor. Again," Ms Wright confirmed. He grumbled incoherently as Justin helped him to his feet.

    "Hope you''re not planning to smack me in the face again," Lila said to Asher with a smirk. His face visibly paled.

    "Wouldn''t dream of it," he replied seriously. "I''m really sorry-"

    "Asher, I''m joking. It''s dodgeball. You''re meant to hit me."

    "Not in the face, though."

    "What''s a couple balls to the face?"

    As soon as she recognised what she''d said, helped along by Asher''s sudden coughing fit, she scrambled to find a way to backtrack.

    "D-Dodgeballs to the face. They''re light, s-so even if you do hit me, it doesn''t hurt."

    "Noted," Asher responded, looking away from Lila, his cheeks pink.

    Why had she said that? She probably ruined things now, after their conversations back and forth about¡­ doing more. Now that she''d seen his reaction, although she hadn''t intended her words to be euphemistic, she was not feeling encouraged that he''d turned his mind around on the idea of doing more.

    They were placed in separate teams once again, though with Connor being in Asher''s team, the threat of Asher hitting her in the face with a dodgeball was significantly reduced. She managed to stay in for quite a while ¨C longer than Asher, at least ¨C but, with ten minutes left to spare, was struck in the thigh and begrudgingly shuffled off the court.

    "Good work," he smiled at her as she sat next to him.

    "Thanks," she smiled in return.

    It didn''t seem as though her previous comment was still affecting him, so she relaxed a little, placing her hands next to her hips and leaning back. Overthinking would probably end up killing her one day.

    They spent the rest of the lesson taking bets on who would be next to get out and talking about nothing in particular, which helped her relax further. Finally, class was over and they changed before returning to one another''s side, falling into step with ease on the way to Design.

    "Managed to get some study in yesterday?" she asked conversationally with a small smile.

    "Sure did," he replied, giving her a sideways glance. "Did you?"

    "A bit."

    He seemed relieved. "That''s good. I doubt you''ll be able to today."

    Her heart skipped a beat. "Why''s that?"

    He blinked at her. "Well, we''re going on our date tonight after practice. We wouldn''t be going home early, that''s for sure."

    "Yeah," she sighed before pressing her lips together. Yep ¨C her death would surely be met by the hands of her own overthinking. What was she even hoping would happen? Her head was a mess that she needed to straighten out. But there was something about him that just¡­ kept making her act up.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    As Lila left Design, she locked eyes with Asher, who grinned at her in greeting.

    "Morning tea time," he declared, stretching his arms before taking her bag back from her unsuspecting hands.

    "Sure is," Lila laughed.

    "Got any energy to skip with me?"

    "I might be able to find some."

    "Perfect."

    They linked hands, which seemed to transfer Asher''s infectious joy straight to her as they skipped along for a few moments. Eventually, they both somehow decided simultaneously that they''d skipped for long enough and settled down into a walk. Feeling carefree with Asher like this, even though assignments and their limitations for seeing each other for the next few weeks loomed overhead, would never make her upset.

    They chatted ¨C well, Lila complained ¨C about their upcoming assignments, before a voice caught their attention.

    "Asher!" Isaac called, waving. They''d crossed paths just outside the locker room without Lila realising. She glanced at Isaac, who beamed as he thrust three packets of jellybeans at Asher.

    "Got a few," he announced. "I did accidentally eat a packet on the way here. It was a long walk. Sorry. We''ll call it the courier''s fee." Lila exchanged a quick look with Asher before they both looked away, with Lila biting back a smile as the memory of the kiss they''d shared in the locker room returned with a surprising amount of force.

    "All good ¨C only needed one. Thanks, mate," Asher replied, pocketing all three into his blazer as they entered the locker room. "Really helped me out."

    "That''s what friends are for," Isaac nodded, clapping him on the shoulder. "Guessing you two are having morning tea together again?"

    "Yeah," Asher said, glancing at Lila as if to check that he was correct. She nodded and he headed off with Isaac to their aisle. Lila shoved her things into her locker, her mind drifting back to the necklace.

    ''The dinner date is probably best,'' she thought as she pulled out her morning tea. ''There''ll be a more romantic atmosphere than school, at least.''

    With that in mind, she closed her locker. Asher arrived a few seconds later and they immediately left in the direction of the library.

    They very nearly weren''t able to find an empty meeting room, but finally managed it and sat down. Lila began to peel her banana and bit into it, hunger suddenly taking hold. Asher himself munched away on an apple and they stayed in a contented silence for a while.

    Once she was done with her banana, Lila set aside the skin and looked up at Asher.

    "By the way," she said, "here''s your lockpicks."

    The faintest trace of a blush appeared on his face as he accepted the lockpicks from her inner breast pocket. "Thanks."

    "No, thank you. It was really helpful," she said meaningfully. They met each other''s gaze for a moment before Lila realised she should probably tell Asher about tomorrow''s plans.

    "So, you know how I mentioned that my family wanted you to ''meet'' Alex at my place with them?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Apparently, tomorrow night works for them both. Since it''s a public holiday, can you come over? After we keep an eye on Marlene. Clare said about 4 or 5pm."

    Asher looked apprehensive. "Well, I guess so, since I''ve already written the day off. I will admit though, the idea of meeting him again after the Coolisimo incident makes me a bit nervous."

    "Me too. He was¡­ kinda intimidating. At least at first."

    "I guess that means I''ll have to get Gabriel to drop us off, and let him know we''re not having dinner." Asher pulled out his phone and immediately started rapidly tapping the screen. A few moments later, he pocketed his phone. "Apparently, he''s irrecoverably disappointed, but understands."

    "Poor Gabriel," Lila replied sympathetically. He chuckled in agreement before taking a sip from his water bottle.

    "Lila, I want to know what you found," he said slowly, replacing the lid on the water bottle. "But there''s something I want to talk to you about first. It¡­ should hopefully be short, but maybe we should keep the morphine ring investigation for lunchtime."

    His seriousness made her tense. Was he going to tell her off about the ''balls to the face'' comment after all?

    "¡­ Okay."

    For some reason, his face turned a deep shade of red and he turned his gaze to the table. "I''ve¡­ been thinking I should¡­ let you in about-" he took a deep breath, the anxiety that was suddenly emanating from him making her feel twice as nervous, "-about why, uh, why I''m hesitant to do more."

    "You don''t need to-"

    "I know I don''t. At the same time, I think you deserve to know. It''s¡­ not a full explanation. I''m not ready to talk about the rest. It''s one that''s been heavily weighing on my mind, though."

    "You already told me that you''re struggling with the idea of¡­ losing control."

    "That''s¡­ a part of it, yes. But¡­ here goes. I''m just¡­ I really respect you and your body, and I guess part of what I''m struggling with is¡­ the things I want to-" he swallowed, his eyes still fixed on the table, "-do to you¡­ comes off as disrespectful."

    "Don''t say that."

    He whipped his head up to look at her before staring back down at the table just as quickly. "Sorry. I-I''ll keep that to myself."

    Lila felt her ears growing hot as she hastened to explain herself, her heart thundering in her chest as her mind raced in tandem, the images flashing through her mind almost derailing her. "No. I meant, well. That was really hot, what you just said. So, don''t say that if you don''t mean it."

    "What?"

    She''d never seen him quite so dumbstruck and flabbergasted all at once. She felt her face flush, her ears still burning.

    "Well¡­ uh," she coughed as if it would make words come to her. They didn''t. Could she get out of this somehow? Never mind what she''d said in PE ¨C this would surely ruin things.

    "Uh, well, I, um. I don''t really think you''d be capable of doing that," she said, now thoroughly flustered. "Disrespecting me. But now¡­ I want to see you try. Shit, I''m making this worse."

    "Lila, I''d have to put my-"

    "You don''t need to explain how it works to me."

    He fell quiet, his face still red and expression looking as though his mind was racing through a million things at once. He leaned forwards, placing his head in his hands.

    "I''m¡­ gonna need at least ten business days to think about what you said," he muttered, his voice significantly muffled. Why couldn''t she keep her stupid mouth shut?

    "S-Sorry."

    "No, no," Asher looked up at her once more. "It''s just¡­ I¡­ didn''t think you''d feel that way, and now that I know, it¡­ it''s helpful."

    "Helpful for what?"

    "My clarity. I¡­ know you want to do more, but I didn''t know that meant¡­ you felt like that on the topic."

    Did that mean he was getting close to letting it happen after all? She shifted in her seat, trying not to look hopeful, which was difficult to manage with the butterflies soaring right from her stomach and into her chest.

    He remained quiet for a while, and Lila slowly finished the rest of her morning tea. Every so often, her mind would wander ¨C over to where he''d said that the things he wanted to do to her came off as disrespectful. It''d started to set off a curiosity that she wasn''t sure she''d be able to satisfy until she''d experienced each and every one of those things.

    She swallowed again. She needed to ask, or else she''d go crazy with her imagination.

    "A-Asher. Um, what exactly¡­ did you mean by the things you want to do to me?"

    "Lila," his voice sounded desperate as he hung his head low, his hands over his face, "Lila, don''t make me say it. I won''t be able to hold back, and I really, really need to. For¡­ my sake. I''m still not ready. Plus, we''re at school."

    Well, that just made her curiosity so much worse.

    "¡­ Okay. Sorry."

    "It''s not your fault. It''s all me, and this stupid brain of mine. If¡­ I was a different person, I''m sure I would''ve gotten over this by now and-" he cut himself off with a deep breath. "Yeah. Just. I need to think ¨C properly. Clearly. I haven''t been able to do that, since my brain takes me elsewhere and then disappears. Sorry, Lila."

    It was a feeling Lila could relate to. "Okay."

    He clenched his jaw for a brief second before pushing aside the remnants of their morning tea, reaching for her hands. She gave them to him and he met her eyes with sincerity.

    "I am trying," he said.

    "I can see that. I appreciate it but don''t rush yourself. Besides, we''ve got study to worry about."

    "We do. I saw you working hard on your English assignment yesterday. How''d it go?"

    Lila and Asher talked for a while before he checked the time.

    "We''ve got about ten minutes left. I think we could start heading now-"

    A sharp knock sounded on the door, making them both jump. They''d never been knocked on before when they were in the school library.

    "Y-Yeah?" Asher asked tentatively, standing up from the table.

    "Thank God," Isaac''s voice responded as he swung open the door, his face as white as a ghost. Lila stood up in concern as both Isaac and Elise filed in.

    "What''s wrong?" Lila asked, looking between their pale, stunned faces.

    "Do you guys not know about Jason?" Isaac asked quietly.

    "Uh, I feel like everyone does," Lila replied uneasily. "We did attend a whole assembly about his expulsion yesterday."

    Isaac shook his head. "That''s not what I mean."

    "What, then? What happened? You guys look-"

    Lila was cut off by Elise gently placing her phone in her hand. Isaac gave his phone to Asher, who took it with a furrowed brow. Elise''s phone was open to an article. Was it about the drugs?

    It took Lila a moment to recognise what she was reading, the sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu almost overwhelming her.

    ''BODY OF TEENAGED MALE FOUND IN LOCAL PARK'' read the headline. Lila''s heart began to race. Isaac had said¡­ this was connected to Jason?

    ''At approximately 9.03 this morning, the reporter, Julie Matthews, came across the body of an unidentified male at Flora Park alongside Honeysuckle Boulevard, posed in a sitting position on a park bench.

    ''His general description, from what the reporter could identify, was that the deceased was a tanned white male of about high-school age. He was approximately 180-185cms tall, looked to be 70-75kgs, with short, wavy brown hair. He was dressed in a white t-shirt, denim shorts and lace-up Vans.

    ''Of particular note, the teenaged male was

    heavily mutilated. His eyes were removed, along with his ears and fingertips. His mouth was additionally sewn shut, with severe bruising across his face.

    From what the reporter could tell, there was

    severe bleeding in the groin area.

    ''Immediately upon discovery, police were notified. The park has been sealed for crime scene investigation and is expected to remain closed for the rest of the day.

    ''Upon police attendance, the victim was identified as Jason Whitley, former Head Boy of Forestglade College. He was last seen on Sunday night at approximately 6.30pm, exiting the Forestglade Police Station. Should you suspect you know anything about this crime, do not hesitate to contact the Forestglade Police Station¡­''

    The rest of the article included details of how to contact the police, including where the station was, and warnings against using the emergency hotline.

    Underneath this was a school photo of Jason in his Forestglade College uniform. His bright blue eyes pierced into Lila, like his mother''s had in her staff photo, and he was grinning from ear to ear ¨C a grin that had been

    sewn

    shut forever. Just like Piper.

    The similarities were uncanny and horrifying all at the same time. There seemed to be more to the article, so Lila scrolled down.

    ''On a personal note, despite changing my jogging routine to later in the day to avoid dead bodies, it appears that this tactic did not work. As a result, this is my last article. I will be moving on from the Forestglade Press into new ventures. Follow me on JMattSews on Instagram and X, formerly known as Twitter.''

    "Fuck," Asher said softly, returning Isaac''s phone to him. Lila returned Elise''s before hugging her torso, as though it''d stop the nausea coursing through her stomach.

    "When did you see this?" Asher asked Isaac, moving to Lila and placing a warm hand on her shoulder.

    "About ten minutes ago. Kinda freaked out and tried to find you guys," Isaac replied, his face still pale. "It''s terrifying. I¡­ can''t believe it."

    "Neither," Lila and Asher said simultaneously. Jason had been alive just a few days ago. He''d been talking to the Police just before that. And, this time last week, Jason had been a student, walking around campus ¨C likely with that trademark smug look he always seemed to have.

    The way that he''d been killed ¨C it was almost exactly like Piper, except for

    the bleeding groin bit.

    What did that mean? What did any of it mean?

    She brought a shaking hand to Asher''s, both for comfort and stability before she started swaying. Considering how quickly Jason had been killed after being expelled¡­ had Lila and Asher killed him? Had¡­ they also killed Piper, since they''d also been part of expelling her?

    "I¡­ think I''m going to throw up," Lila murmured. Asher''s hold on her tightened.

    "C''mon, guys. Let''s get out of this room," he said, freeing one hand to grab their rubbish and belongings from the table. Elise curled an arm around Lila''s. Asher let go entirely and stepped back as the girls left first ¨C into this strange, new reality; one where two former Forestglade College students had been butchered since July.

 Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Nine

    Chapter One Hundred and Forty-Nine

    Elise and Lila continued to walk arm-in-arm until they reached the locker room. There seemed to be an unusual amount of silence and a distinct lack of laughter and shenanigans from the rest of the student body on the way. Had everyone found the news article?

    They reached the point where the boys normally left to go to their own lockers, but both steadfastly remained standing there.

    "I¡­ don''t want to leave you," Asher said quietly, taking hold of Lila''s blazer sleeve. She looked back at him.

    "I don''t want to leave you, either," she replied softly. Her overthinking was starting to steer her thoughts towards a sickening idea ¨C that, with such a murderer haunting their community, if Asher left her sight, she might never see him again.

    "We should be safe in school," Isaac said, his expression thoroughly unconvinced by his statement. "Since¡­ Jason and Piper were ex-students when they got murdered."

    "We should be safe in school generally," Elise responded gently. "We''ve got plenty of teachers around, there''re cameras everywhere, and there''s on-site security, too."

    "There is?" Asher blinked at Elise.

    "Yeah. They monitor the CCTV, but walk around after hours."

    "How do you know that?" Asher asked.

    "There''s been times where I had to come back and grab something after a Maccas shift ''cause I forgot it in my rush to leave on a Friday night. They lock the doors to the locker rooms, so I''ve had to call someone to unlock it for me. We''ve got heaps of valuables on campus, Asher. Especially in the science labs ¨C all the equipment is up to date in there."

    "C''mon, let''s get ready for class," Isaac interjected. There was something in his voice that gave Lila pause. It seemed like he was swallowing down a potential freak-out over Jason''s murder. Should he really be doing that?

    "Alright," Asher sighed, running his hands through his hair. "It''s¡­ not like skipping class would do anything good. See you in a bit, Lila."

    "See you," Lila echoed, watching them turn the corner. Her anxiety hadn''t settled at all, but¡­ he was right. Skipping class wouldn''t benefit her in any way.

    She was about to open her locker when the sound of jogging footsteps caught her attention. She turned to the source and was surprised to feel Asher''s lips against her cheek.

    "Bye," he murmured, his eyes muddled with way too many emotions for her to untangle in the brief second their eyes met. He turned and jogged back towards a disapproving but silent Isaac. Lila brought her hand to where he''d kissed her with a small smile.

    "Well, that was sweet," Elise commented.

    Lila glanced at her, letting her hand fall back to her side. "He tends to be."

    "Did you give him the necklace?"

    Lila shook her head, clutching the strap of the bookbag containing her maths things with her right hand as they walked towards PC. "Chickened out this morning, but I thought I''d give it to him at dinner tonight. Although¡­ I''m not sure if we''re doing that anymore."

    Elise sighed. "It''s unfortunate that Jason was killed, but it''s not like you were friends with him or anything. Don''t let it stop you from your plans."

    ''Except for the fact that¡­ I basically had him expelled,'' Lila thought to herself. She settled on saying instead, "You say that, but you were pretty intent on telling Asher and me as soon as you could. If it shouldn''t stop our plans, then it shouldn''t matter when we knew about it."

    "That''s because it was shocking. But if a body''s been found today, surely the murderer isn''t just waiting around to kill again straight away."

    "It''s been less than two months since Piper''s murder. Who knows what their cooldown is like?"

    "It has to be the same person, right?" Elise dropped her voice as they entered their PC classroom.

    "Probably," Lila replied with a shudder. "Seems too specific for a copycat."

    Grace was already sitting at their table, her face just barely flushed. Lila didn''t want to think about the reason for that, considering the couch in Ms Alexander''s office.

    "I''m surprised you''re already here," Elise observed, sitting next to Grace. "Usually when you have vocal lessons during morning tea, you come running in late."

    Lila pointedly looked away.

    "I-It just finished early today," Grace replied with a hint of nervousness. "A-Anyway, why''s everyone so quiet?"

    "Here," Elise whispered, passing her phone to Grace. Grace looked puzzled ¨C an expression that quickly turned to horror.

    "Seriously? Jason?"

    "Yeah."

    "Are¡­ the others going to be murdered too?" Grace breathed, bringing a shaky hand to her mouth and covering it.

    Lila''s stomach lurched. Would they?

    "I heard one of them got hit by a bus," Elise said in a low voice. "Maybe they''re being targeted?"

    "I''m pretty sure that one was an accident," Lila replied in a similarly low voice. "Daniel saw it from his classroom. The guy tried to make a break for it when the Police were escorting them from campus. I doubt there are any bus assassins."

    "But isn''t that the best way to¡­ dispatch someone?" Elise said, her tone conspiratory. "Like, by making it look like an accident?"

    "What, the bus was just waiting for him to run across the road in the shadows?"

    "Maybe."

    "So then why brutalise Jason like that, if these bus assassins have buses to kill with?" Lila countered with a frown.

    Elise looked like she was about to respond when Ms Wang, her face and demeanour both incredibly grim, walked in.

    "Students," her voice was commanding silence, though the room had been relatively quiet anyway. "You may have already seen or heard this news, however, I regret to inform you that Jason Whitley has passed away-"

    "Ma''am, you can say he was murdered. It''s in the news," Liam called out. Ms Wang sighed.

    "Yes, Liam. Jason has been murdered."

    The pause in Ms Wang''s speech was heavier than any Lila had experienced from her ¨C even more so than when she announced that Piper had died.

    "As it had been earlier in the term, our school counsellors have been advised and are prepared to meet any extra demand that may be required during this time. You are all encouraged to add to the memorial wall inside the Counselling Services building, and there will be a group therapy session running during lunch breaks for the next two weeks at this stage. I also strongly discourage any research into Jason''s death, for the details are disturbing. I am still appalled that this was published with a similar level of detail as the previous time."

    Ms Wang rubbed her forehead, as though nursing a headache at the words ''previous time''. "Please be mindful that there are students who were friends with the deceased, especially as he was the Head Boy. An assembly will be held sometime this week as a memorial for Jason. Classes and activities are scheduled to continue, however the school understands if you need a break to grieve, or otherwise process the news. Some may find that throwing themselves into work is more beneficial. Please know that whatever the case may be, the school will support you."

    She looked around at all of Lila''s classmates before sighing once more. "If I hear any of you speaking disrespectfully, or otherwise not treating this situation with the utmost respect that it deserves, I will not hesitate to give you detention. This is not a light matter. The rest of this lesson is dedicated to free time. Please keep the noise to a minimum."

    The silence in the classroom lingered for quite a while until Lila''s classmates started to talk amongst themselves in hushed tones.

    "It''s crazy," Grace murmured. "I¡­ don''t even want to go outside anymore."

    "I''m sure it''s fine," Lila whispered tentatively.

    "Yeah. I mean, it''s not like you''ve been expelled," Elise replied reassuringly, also in a whisper.

    Grace''s eyes flickered to Lila''s and Lila immediately felt awkward. Would dating a teacher result in the expulsion of the student? Surely it was only the teacher who''d get in trouble¡­

    "Yeah," Grace uttered. "There''s that, at least."

    Lila wasn''t feeling up to talking throughout the rest of PC. The visceral imagery of Jason''s murder kept playing in her mind. Though she hadn''t seen the state he was left in, the details in the news report definitely didn''t leave a lot to the imagination.

    Was there a connection between Piper and Jason? One that Lila had overlooked? She couldn''t think of anything at all. They were in different grades, and with Piper''s obsession with Asher over the years, there wouldn''t have been a reason for Piper to be involved with Jason in any way. Was the connection purely that they had been expelled?

    But if that was the case, was it¡­ someone from their school? Not many people outside of Forestglade College would''ve known that quickly that Jason had been expelled, especially if he''d been taken on Sunday night.

    Lila still hadn''t managed to dispel her suspicions about Marlene, but on Sunday, for all Lila knew, Marlene was at Asher''s, doing her usual weekend duties. They''d returned to his in the afternoon, and had dinner at around¡­ what time had it been?

    Lila brought a finger to her chin, trying to remember. Was it¡­ six? Seven? It wouldn''t have been eight or later. Considering that they''d spent almost all of their time in the rumpus room once they returned, Lila did concede that Marlene could have slipped out at any point. Plus, there was the ongoing theory that Marlene may have had an accomplice when Piper was murdered.

    She shuddered. Like she''d said to Elise, it was undeniable that it was the same person who''d murdered both Piper and Jason. The similarities, down to the same location, were uncanny. But what would the reason be for Marlene killing Jason? Piper had been a direct threat to Asher himself ¨C but Jason was only peripherally connected to Asher. Lila was far more connected to Jason than Asher was in that sense, since Daniel''s business had helped Jason''s along, according to Jason''s police interview.

    ''Hang on,'' Lila thought with a severe frown. ''Daniel''s business, at least from what I thought I knew, only started this year. But Jason''s morphine ring started around this time last year. Maybe I should double-check with Daniel when his business started¡­''

    Lila pondered on this some more before a new thought entered her mind. Could the murderer actually be someone from Livi''s group? Livi herself, maybe?

    Clearly, Jason had had no qualms about throwing any of the blame onto them. Then, there was Piper''s tendency to be an invisible stalker. Perhaps Piper had found something out about the morphine ring that absolutely needed to be a secret, and now Jason was killed out of revenge for the breakdown of the ring¡­

    Her mind was still clouded as PC ended. She bid her goodbyes to Elise and Grace before stopping in front of Asher, who looked just as deep in thought as she was.

    "Hi," she said, though there wasn''t any energy in this greeting.

    "Hi," he responded. "Are you okay?"

    "I¡­ am, but I really have to tell you what I found."

    Asher looked around. He nodded, offering his arm for her to hold. "Lunchtime."

    "Yeah."

    They headed to the STEM area, with Asher still looking contemplative. Lila didn''t want to interrupt his thoughts, but as they approached the point where they usually broke away for Maths and Chem respectively, she spoke up.

    "Asher, are we still going on our date tonight?"

    He looked down at her as though she''d asked who he was. "Huh?"

    "¡­ Are we still going on our date tonight?"

    "Of course," he replied, the bewilderment still not leaving his face. "Why wouldn''t we?"

    "Isn''t it¡­ a bit dangerous?" she asked, avoiding his piercing gaze.

    "But we''ll be together," Asher said with a nod, as though that solved everything.

    "Sure, but¡­ what if-"

    "Lila, a date is exactly what''s needed, don''t you think? Some time to unwind a bit, eat some Indian food, share each other''s company. We can be hermits from Thursday. Well, we need to be hermits from Thursday ¨C our studies won''t survive."

    "Are you really going that poorly?"

    "I will if I don''t start knuckling down."

    "¡­ Sorry. For distracting you."

    "Lila, you''re my favourite distraction."

    "Still a distraction."

    "Yes, but I''ve got my own methods of distraction that get in the way. I''d much rather that you do the distracting," he grinned at her, though she still felt guilty.

    "Sorry."

    "Lila."

    "Sorry."

    "Lila."

    "So-"

    "Are you the one trapped in an apology loop now?" his eyes twinkled as he said this. He gently shook her arm. "Don''t be sorry for existing. It all comes down to scheduling, and right now my schedule is telling me that we need to go on our date tonight."

    "Need to?"

    "Of course."

    It almost sounded like he had a particular plan in mind.

    "¡­ Okay. How are you getting home?" she asked quietly.

    "Via Marlene. She can drop you off, too. Considering what''s happened, I''d rather we go home in the same car if we can."

    Lila paused. She''d asked Clare to pick her up, but¡­ perhaps it would be more convenient for Marlene to drop her off at home.

    "Alright. I''ll just tell Clare."

    He smiled at her again. "Great."

    She returned the smile.

    "Oh, hey Isaac. Ready for Chem?" Asher asked, nodding at someone behind Lila. Lila turned and saw that it was indeed Isaac.

    "Not at all. Practice tests suck," Isaac lamented.

    "Probably could''ve guessed that response. See you at lunch, Lila."

    "See you then."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Asher was pulling faces in the window as Lila packed away her things. A couple of her classmates snickered, but she found that her eyes were only drawn to Asher. She assumed he was trying to cheer her up, and she couldn''t help but feel it work.

    "You''re being real goofy," Lila grinned once she exited the classroom.

    "Really? Never would''ve guessed," he winked at her, offering his arm again after swiftly taking her book bag. She giggled, accepting his arm. She wondered whether he''d thought about how best to put her in a good mood during Chem. Knowing him though, he probably had.

    They strolled to the locker room, breaking away to put their things into their respective lockers. Asher returned to her moments later, passing along a lunchbox.

    "Let''s go," he said with a nod. She returned the nod and off they set towards the library. Now that Lila and Asher were going to sequester themselves in a meeting room, she felt as though her phone was burning a hole in her pocket.

    Once Asher brought their microwaved food to their meeting room and the door was closed, Lila gave a deep exhale.

    "I¡­ I can''t believe Jason was murdered," she said as she took a seat.

    "Neither. It''s crazy," Asher concurred, sitting in front of her.

    She unzipped her lunchbox to find a bed of rice shaped like a love heart, alongside some sliced, marinated chicken breast.

    "That''s cute," she smiled, poking at the vegetables, also cut in the shape of hearts, and chocolate-covered strawberries artfully laid on the sides. "Did you ask for this?"

    "Might''ve," he replied, scratching at his chin with an air of bashfulness. "Might not''ve. Might''ve instead been going on about today last night until Gabriel was fed up with me."

    Lila laughed, taking a bite of the flavourful, ginger-infused chicken. It was humble ¨C but delicious.

    "I really appreciate that you''re so honest," she said after taking a few more bites.

    "Sometimes I feel like I''m too honest," Asher replied, his bashfulness returning in his voice. "Like this morning. Sorry."

    "Asher, don''t feel guilty-"

    "I''ll stop, I''ll stop. I just wanted to add that to make me feel better. I''m self-serving like that."

    "Perhaps not self-serving enough," Lila replied lightly.

    "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Well¡­ you''re quite generous, but I think¡­ if you want something, you shouldn''t be afraid to be selfish."

    "I feel like you''re not speaking in general terms."

    She flushed. Of course she wasn''t. "I-I''m just saying you can be selfish, too."

    He stared at her for a moment before chuckling under his breath. "You''re too obvious. It''s cute."

    She shifted in her chair slightly, the flush on her cheeks feeling as though it would permanently sear itself onto her face. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."

    "Good. I don''t think my heart can take another discussion about it."

    She wasn''t sure what to make of that statement and instead focused on eating her food. He''d seen through her attempt at encouraging him to give in so quickly. This fact only served to solidify her decision to not tell him she loved him anytime soon.

    After spending some time eating, Lila pulled out her phone.

    "I didn''t take a video this time," she said, opening up her gallery of photos, "but I did take pictures of everything in my Dad''s case file."

    "Alright," Asher replied, accepting her phone. He was silent as he flicked through the photos, taking bites of his food every now and then. His speed reading seemed to be in full effect as he finished looking through all the photos in only a few minutes.

    "It''s kinda eerie," he commented, glancing back down at her phone, "reading interviews with Jason after he''s dead."

    Lila hadn''t considered this. "Yeah. Now that you''ve said it, it really is."

    "Do you think he knew?"

    "Knew what?"

    "That he''d be murdered."

    "Doubt it. He seemed confident that he was going to get away with everything, after all. If you knew you were about to be murdered, wouldn''t you want to tell the Police everything? That way they can protect you."

    Asher made a sound of agreement before shaking his head incredulously. "How did he think he''d get away with everything?"

    "I think he''s used to blaming other people for his problems and getting away with it," Lila shrugged. "First it was Daniel, though he wasn''t named, then Livi. Then, he threw his Mum''s boyfriend in there and then was adamant that it wasn''t his fault. Then, of course, he threw in all those contacts at other schools."

    Asher gave her a dark look. "I''m surprised, but somehow not surprised, that Holly''s new boyfriend was involved in all of this."

    Lila paused, tempted for a brief second to tell Asher about Dylan and Holly''s conversation. But, she held her tongue and simply nodded.

    Asher tapped his chin. "Not that I should''ve, but I definitely didn''t know Dad''s Vice CEO had a boyfriend ¨C much less one that she''s had for around a year."

    "Well, Jason did say it was kept under wraps because of her role at the hospital."

    He nodded again before entering her passcode into her phone, which had fallen asleep. He seemed to be concentrating heavily on the pictures he was looking at before looking back up at her.

    "Take a look at this," Asher said, sliding her phone towards her. "See the top of this CCTV screenshot?"

    Lila peered at it intently. It read ''Door 3 ¨C Courtyard ¨C 07.36.12 ¨C 31 Jul 2023''.

    "What about it?" she asked, looking back at Asher. He flicked to the access logs.

    "Here''s where it says Evelyn used her key card to get through Door 3 on 31 July 2023 at 07.36.12 hours."

    "You noticed something like this that quickly?" Lila queried, awestruck by how fast his mind ticked. "You sure you need me to help you investigate things?"

    "Don''t give me too much credit. I just thought that if your Dad had a select bundle of stuff, rather than literally everything he gathered for this case, they''re probably all connected in some way. So, with that, I checked whether the access logs matched the screenshot. Turns out my hunch was right."

    "Still, though, I didn''t pick that up."

    He seemed rather chuffed, his cheeks pink, as he pushed past the subject. "So, uh, basically this dude doesn''t look like Evelyn."

    "Not in the slightest. Do you reckon that''s this ''Hunter'' guy?"

    "Very likely. Who else would have access to the Vice CEO''s access pass?"

    "But wouldn''t she need it to get into work?"

    "He might''ve borrowed it. Said he left his at home or something. From what Dad''s told me, the roles of CEO and Vice CEO are pretty desk-bound, now that heaps of meetings are done via Zoom or Teams. Occasionally, they''ll do face-to-face things, but that''s, like, 10% of the time or something low like that. So, if a Doctor said he needed her access pass, it probably didn''t affect her. Dad and Evelyn would have the most amount of access, except for security I guess, in that hospital, in case they needed to attend to something in those capacities."

    "I wonder how often that happened ¨C that he wandered around with her pass."

    "Who knows? Maybe that''s part of what the Police needed to verify."

    He looked thoughtful again as she flicked to the money orders. "I felt like these initials weren''t matching up, and I don''t know why. Can you see something?" she asked, offering her phone back to him.

    He narrowed his eyes as he zoomed in. "¡­ they do feel off. It looks like some have a much skinnier ''E'', and the ''D'' for these ones have tails while the others don''t."

    Lila relaxed in her chair. "Thanks. That was going to bother me for ages."

    He perused through the photos again, this time much more slowly. A new thought occurred to her and she snorted.

    "What?" he smiled, glancing up at her before looking back at her phone.

    "It''s¡­ well, Daniel told me yesterday that Zack got hit by a bus."

    "You''re joking," Asher replied in astonishment, abandoning her phone altogether. "Seriously?"

    "Yeah. He''s¡­ fine, apparently. Better than Jason, at least," Lila shuddered. "Daniel saw it from his SOSE classroom. The Police were escorting them off campus and Zack made a break for it and got hit by a bus. He didn''t get very far, so Daniel says."

    He laughed, shaking his head. "Poor guy. He''s probably sitting in hospital, wondering why the Rock abandoned him like that. He''d probably be suspicious enough of the Police to not say anything to them now, though."

    Lila laughed as well, surprised that he''d thought the same as she had when she first heard the news, before pausing. "Do you think that''s why my Dad doesn''t have transcripts of the interviews with the others? ''Cause no one wanted to talk?"

    "Could be. But Evelyn''s didn''t have much in it either. Maybe he just didn''t get them, or he didn''t think they were important because they''re not directly connected to the source. I mean, my Dad requested yours to investigate the missing analgesics, not the morphine ring."

    "True¡­"

    "They''re connected, but it probably doesn''t matter too much to my Dad what they did with the drugs after they left the hospital. I mean, besides morally."

    His statement lingered in the air until a new question came to Lila, one that frightened her.

    "¡­ who do you think killed Jason?"

    "I wish I knew," Asher replied bitterly. "That way¡­ I''d know to avoid them, and keep you safe."

    "Keep me safe?" she stared at him as he gave her a solemn nod.

    "Of course. Lila, you''re the most important person to me. If something happened to you-" his voice broke and he tore his eyes away from her. "-I''d never forgive myself."

    "It''s not like it''d be your fault."

    "But if I wasn''t there to protect you, then it would be."

    She swallowed, the seriousness of his statements hitting her hard. "Asher, you''re the most important person to me, too. You need protection just as much as I do. I''d never forgive myself either, if something happened to you."

    He smiled at her, gently caressing her hand. "Not that it''s a competition, but I think my fear is a bit more warranted."

    "Why? Because I''m a girl?"

    "Not¡­ exactly. There are other things, besides a rampaging lunatic, that make me worried about you."

    She tilted her head. "Like what?"

    He seemed as though he was going to say something but he instead shook his head. "Don''t worry about it."

    "Well, that just makes me worry about it."

    He steadily met her gaze before shaking his head again. "Okay, worry about it then. I''ll tell you one day, but not today."

    His hands seemed restless, so she reached out and grabbed them. "Okay, Asher. I trust that you will."

    They twitched in her grasp before his furrowed brow smoothed out and he nodded.

    Of course, her curiosity was going into overdrive ¨C but pushing him had more often than not turned out to be counterproductive. So, she swallowed it down and forced herself to think about something else ¨C the connection between Jason and Piper beyond being murdered in the same way.

    "It''s pretty clear that Piper and Jason were killed by the same person. What do you reckon their connection was?"

    "I''ve been hearing from classmates that it''s because they were both expelled from Forestglade College but I reckon that''s a pretty bogus theory," Asher replied after a beat.

    "But what else is there?"

    Asher pursed his lips. "She¡­ might''ve been a customer of his. Harper was the leader of the Dancettes, right?"

    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.

    "Right, but Piper bombed the audition. Ayla got in, though."

    "Doesn''t mean she couldn''t be a customer. I mean, Ayla seemed like she was pretty close with Piper. Piper could''ve still hung around the Dancettes and been mixed up in it."

    "I guess. She did also move to Mulberry Heights, who are apparently ''feral'' for it."

    Asher frowned at the mention of Mulberry Heights, but it quickly disappeared. It reminded Lila that she hadn''t told him about Holly and Dylan''s¡­ whatever it was at the last sporting match. It further reminded her that she didn''t want to tell him.

    "She could''ve been the link from Forestglade College to Mulberry Heights, too. Brought it to Dylan''s attention or whatever," Asher eventually suggested. With that, it started sounding like a plausible connection.

    "She also, or alternatively, might''ve found something out about the morphine ring that needed to be a secret and one of them killed her. I was thinking possibly Livi, since Jason''s dead now, and she could''ve killed Jason, too. Since Piper was pretty invisible, I bet she knew heaps of stuff."

    "Besides stuff about us," Asher said drily. He placed a hand on his chin for a few moments before snorting. "Either that or the Headmaster is killing them off since expulsion is an inadequate punishment for the stuff they got up to."

    Lila laughed. "I feel like that one''s a bit too far-fetched."

    "Sure, but not impossible."

    "Guess not," Lila conceded. She sat back, running through a mental list of what she''d found. There was something they hadn''t discussed yet.

    "What do you reckon about the blueprints?" she asked. His eyes darted to hers before he shrugged.

    "I haven''t thought too much about them. Is there something to them?"

    "Well, the one Mr Snugglebutt scratched up has a room underneath the morgue."

    "Huh?" Asher blinked, opening her phone again. "Oh, you''re right. I didn''t realise there were two blueprints here."

    "You didn''t notice that?"

    "Not at all. I just thought he''d scanned it and gotten rid of the marks."

    "Do you reckon the room is important?"

    "Well, it doesn''t exist anymore, does it? Since it''s not on the new plans."

    "How do you just¡­ get rid of a room?"

    Asher paused. "Fill it with concrete?"

    "That''s a lot of concrete."

    "Board up the room?"

    "So, the room would still exist?"

    Asher folded his arms pensively. "I mean, it''s the most cost-effective option."

    "I wonder what it was used for."

    "Storage, maybe?"

    "Surely storage is useful until the end of time?"

    "Right, but the morgue itself looks like it got a bit bigger," Asher pointed at the dimensions listed by the morgue on both blueprints. "Probably absorbed the required storage into the upgraded morgue."

    "Should we¡­ break in?"

    He looked at her like she''d asked him to do a standing double backflip. "Hell no. We are not breaking into my Dad''s hospital to find a nonexistent room. There''s so many cameras, and besides everything is locked behind access cards, not, y''know, door locks."

    She sighed with a touch of despondence. "Okay."

    "¡­ But maybe we could still visit it? After exams and all that is over. If you''re curious about the hospital itself."

    She sat up. "That''s an idea."

    "It''s kinda lame though."

    "Doesn''t worry me. I''ve never been to the Forestglade Private Hospital."

    "We''d just be bumming around."

    "You''re making me think you''re really reluctant about this."

    He ran a hand through his hair. "Of course I am. I used to spend my summers there when Gabriel and Marlene were on holidays, and Mum was on her business trips."

    "Really? What''d you do?"

    "Sit in Dad''s office. Beg Isaac to come back from wherever he was so I could hang out at his. Read. Rinse. Repeat. That was when I was much younger and only for a few summers, though. I think they all figured out that I hated doing that and staggered their timings a bit more so I could at least be at home."

    "You didn''t complain as soon as you figured out you hated it?"

    "Me? Complain? Never." He winced as soon as he said that before sighing. "You know how I fought with my Dad about¡­ not going to Vanuatu?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Well¡­ I''ve never really fought with my parents. Ever. I''ve had disagreements here and there, but I could probably count them on one hand. I''ve fought more with Marlene and Gabriel, but even then, I could probably count those on both hands per person. I think that''s part of why my Dad was so angry when I did fight back. He didn''t know what to do to get me to comply. Long story short¡­ yeah, I''ve never really complained ¨C not to my parents, anyway."

    "Huh. That makes sense to me."

    "It does?"

    Lila nodded. "Yeah. You''re generally pretty compliant. I guess¡­ I reckon I''ve seen the most rebellious part of you, and even then you''re still¡­ pretty responsible."

    He chuckled. "Some days it doesn''t feel that way. You''re not wrong, though ¨C you have seen the most rebellious part of me. That I know of, anyway." He paused before sighing again. "Look¡­ if you''re that keen on seeing the hospital, I can give you a tour ¨C of the areas we can get to, at least."

    "Thanks."

    They exchanged a small smile before falling into silence. Lila wasn''t quite sure if she had anything more to add for the moment about what she''d found, and Jason''s murder. She was starting to need a break from thinking about all of that.

    "So, tomorrow," Lila said lightly, picking up one of the strawberries from her lunchbox, "what''s the go?"

    "Well, we were going to ''Beans & Biscuits'' again, weren''t we?"

    "And after that?"

    "Dinner at yours. With Alex."

    "Okay, then between those two things?"

    "I didn''t have anything particular in mind, but studying doesn''t sound like a bad idea."

    She regretted asking. "Okay, sure."

    "I know it''s not exactly the most entertaining activity," Asher replied, his tone guilty, "but-"

    "No, no, it''s fine. I''ll bring my study stuff with me. A lot of due dates are coming up, so it''s not like it''s the end of the world if I study."

    He reached out, gently caressing her face. "Sorry."

    "Asher," she said firmly, grasping his hands in hers. "Don''t be. It''s important to you, and it should be important to me."

    "It''s not?"

    "Well¡­ I''ve got other things I''d prefer to do," she glanced at him before looking back at the hands that were holding his. "Like¡­ um, gaming."

    "Might be able to fit some of that in," he replied softly. They sat there for a moment, still holding each other, before Asher reached for her phone again.

    "It''s time to head back," he said reluctantly. "Let''s go."

    The rest of Lila''s classes passed without incident. The mood in both Japanese and Modern History was so dire that Lila was surprised that all of her classmates were still on campus. Even the teachers seemed to have less energy, which only fed back into the students, resulting in an eerily silent Elise and Grace during Modern History.

    Once they were released from Modern History, both Elise and Grace took a moment to give Lila some encouragement about the necklace before disappearing into the bustle of students heading to the lockers. Though they''d meant well, the reminder of the necklace in her school bag made her anxiety spike.

    Of course, laying eyes on Asher, who was waiting patiently by the trees on the other side of the pathway, made this spike even further. Never mind her fears about whether it was an adequate present ¨C she had to actually give it to him, too.

    "Ready for practice?" he asked as they fell into step with one another.

    "I''m ready for the season to be over," she replied, looking ahead at where they were walking rather than him.

    "Really?"

    "Yeah. I can''t wait to have full Saturdays again."

    "That will be a bonus."

    "For study?" she eyed him with a playful smile, which he returned.

    "Of course."

    "Nothing more?"

    "Well, there is something else."

    "Something else?"

    "Yeah ¨C hanging out with my girlfriend."

    She smiled again. "That''s a coincidence. I was thinking about hanging out with my boyfriend on Saturdays, too."

    "I''ll have to meet him," he smirked.

    "You still haven''t met him? You probably should. He can get a bit protective."

    "I can see why," he grinned, clearly enjoying the bit they were partaking in, "you''re too cute to be left alone. So, what''s he like?"

    "Well¡­ there''s so much depth to him that it''s hard to just list it all. But¡­ he''s really kind, really smart, makes me laugh, super attractive and¡­ is an anxious overthinker."

    "Oof," Asher replied, touching his chest like she''d shot him in the heart. "I thought it was going to be really sweet."

    She laughed. "The overthinking¡­ can be troublesome, but it lets me know he cares enough to get whatever he''s thinking about right. I trust him with everything I''ve got. Especially since he''s my best friend."

    "Still?"

    "Are you supposed to no longer be my best friend?"

    "I''d¡­ never really thought about it. Being both."

    "Of course you''re both. Aren''t I both?"

    "Yeah."

    "Then that''s that."

    He fell silent, as though he was processing what she said.

    "And, above all, you make me really happy, Asher."

    He stared at her, his expression, somehow, flickering to guilt before breaking into a wide smile. "Really?"

    "Of course. Simply being with you, even if we''re at a low point, gives me a comforting kind of warmth ¨C a constant thrum of happiness, in a way. Like a power source. It''s really easy to be happy with you," she smiled at him, allowing herself to feel that warmth stretch from her heart to her fingertips and toes.

    "I¡­ see," he faltered. "I feel the same way, Lila. You make me really happy too."

    "You don''t look happy." As she said this, she remembered, with horror, what he''d said ¨C months ago ¨C about Holly telling him he was her ''happy charm''. "T-To be clear, I don''t need you to do or be anything for me to feel this way. Like, you don''t need to stress about¡­ making sure you''re happy. ''Cause even if you''re not, we find a way, eventually. S-So you can be honest with your feelings and emotions with me."

    He blinked at her, and she was immediately regretting her panic.

    "Where''d that come from?" he asked, halting in the pathway altogether.

    She shook her head. "Just¡­ trying to reassure you."

    He looked like her answer bothered him. "I feel like there''s something more to that."

    She sighed. "I¡­ just remembered what you said, ages ago, about¡­ being Holly''s happy charm."

    He snorted derisively. "I think you should take back what you said about me being really smart. I''m the biggest idiot around."

    "Asher."

    "Fine, fine. Go on."

    "Well, you mentioned that¡­ you were scared to lose your smile with her since you wouldn''t be her happy charm anymore. And you were scared to lose her, with your vulnerability."

    "I¡­ did," he said softly, folding his arms across his chest. Lila''s regret was growing, gnawing at her to stop talking and pretend nothing happened. But she couldn''t. Not when he was reacting like this.

    "And I just wanted to clarify, I guess. If you lose your smile, it doesn''t matter to me since I''ll help you find it again. When you''re in pain, I¡­ feel like I''m in pain but that doesn''t mean that you being with me makes me any less happy. I''m not making any sense¡­" she trailed off before setting off again, towards the locker room. Shutting up here was her only option to save face.

    She didn''t get very far before feeling Asher grab her wrist. He pulled her to his chest, the collision causing a small ''oof'' to escape her lips. He gripped her tightly in a hug, his sturdy hand on the back of her head. He took a deep breath, the sound and feeling of his embrace soothing her almost instantly. She took her own deep breath and melted into the hug, clutching around his waist just as tightly.

    "Thank you, Lila," he whispered, not letting go in the slightest. "I trust you, too. And¡­ if you lose your smile, I''ll help you find it again, no matter what. We''re partners, through and through."

    "Yeah," she murmured into his chest, suddenly feeling very emotional.

    "C''mon, we better get to practice."

    "Y-Yeah."

    He stepped back from her but kept their hands linked as they continued to the locker room before briefly separating and returning to each other when they were packed and ready to go. She''d taken his suggestion for study to heart and packed as much as she could whilst still being able to carry her things since they''d be walking to the nearby Indian restaurant after practice.

    The walk to Jacoval was spent talking in low voices about games they could potentially play in between study sessions tomorrow, with both artfully avoiding any discussion about Jason, Piper, or even their relationship.

    "I''ll see you after practice," Asher said once they arrived at the changing rooms. "Good luck."

    "You too."

    They split up after Asher returned her bags and she toddled off to the female changing room. Both she and Asher were running a little bit behind schedule, but¡­ with the news of Jason''s death, she figured that being behind schedule wouldn''t be a big deal today.

    So, she was surprised to see Alice sitting in her sports uniform on one of the benches inside the changing room. Her face was pale and it looked as though she''d been crying, which immediately alarmed Lila. She looked reminiscent of the Mulberry Heights girls from last weekend''s game with her complexion. Was Alice a morphine ring customer?

    Alice hurriedly wiped at her eyes, pulling her knees up to her chest as soon as their eyes met.

    "Everything okay?" Lila asked, placing her bags down nearby. It seemed like no one else was around ¨C not even Willow.

    "Y-Yeah," Alice replied, her voice wavering. A lone tear slid down her face and she wiped it away just as quickly.

    "That¡­ doesn''t seem like it," Lila observed quietly, coming over to sit next to Alice. "Are you sure you should be at practice?"

    "I¡­ need to be," Alice responded, bringing her hands together on her knees. "I can''t go home just yet."

    "Is no one at home?"

    Alice shook her head. "That''s¡­ not the reason. I¡­ don''t feel well."

    "Then you surely shouldn''t be at practice-"

    "Alice? Are you in here?"

    It was Willow''s voice. Alice immediately tensed up, turning away from the doorway. Willow entered, concern on her face.

    "I said to Ms Wright that you were here, so she sent me to go find you. If you''re not feeling up to practice, considering¡­ the news¡­ I can let her know."

    Alice brought both her hands over her eyes, the tears overflowing now onto her polo.

    "Jesus," Willow immediately came over to Alice''s other side as Lila placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "I don''t think you should be here-"

    "I need to be," Alice gasped, though with the way her body was curling into itself, Lila wasn''t quite convinced she could get up, much less hold a hockey stick.

    "Alice," Willow said softly, placing a hand on her other shoulder and exchanging a concerned look with Lila. "I didn''t know you liked Jason that much-"

    "I liked him enough to fuck him!" Alice cried, startling both Willow and Lila, before burying her face in her hands. They shared another look.

    "You mentioned that a while ago," Willow said gently, rubbing Alice''s shoulder. "But you said that was FOMO ¨C a one-time thing."

    "I-It was," Alice started sobbing with more force, now clutching her stomach. "And then-" she seemed unable to speak any further. Lila''s eyes were unable to look away from Alice as she waited for Alice to collect herself. Alice swallowed before saying, "T-Then I-"

    Alice started heaving now, the devastation shaking Lila to her core with each breath Alice struggled to take. Had Alice¡­ been in love with Jason?

    "Then what?" Willow whispered, squeezing Alice''s shoulder now.

    "Then I fucking got pregnant," Alice burst out in a wail before descending into more incoherent sobs.

    "W-What?" Lila couldn''t help her stammer as she exchanged a stunned look with Willow.

    "You''re joking," Willow replied, her voice hoarse with shock.

    "I wish," Alice whimpered as though she''d been sucker punched. She took a shuddering breath, which seemed to calm her just enough to speak. "I-I found out, two weekends ago. Before our home game with Mulberry Heights. I¡­ took a week to process. Then, after our game last Saturday, I tried t-to organise to meet with him over the week, but he¡­ he was busy, then the Police took him away. He said he''d talk to me when he got out a-and now-"

    Her body became overrun with distress once again. Willow pulled her into a hug, her face white with alarm. Lila had no idea what to do ¨C except she thought Alice''s water bottle would surely be in her gym bag. Lila rifled through it, as Alice''s cries increased in volume, and found what she was looking for. She flipped open the lid and passed it to Willow, who offered it to Alice. Alice accepted it and took large gulps of water. It seemed to help settle her again ¨C enough so that she scooted back from Willow, wiping at her face once more.

    "S-Sorry," Alice sniffled, taking another sip of water. "I¡­ I-"

    "Don''t be sorry," Lila said soothingly. "It''s a lot."

    A small smile flickered on Alice''s face before it wrinkled again with another impending fit of tears. She managed to hold it together for the moment as she looked up to the ceiling, breathing incredibly deeply.

    The girls sat there, with neither Willow nor Lila willing to say a word. Eventually, Alice looked back down at her hands, using them to pull her knees even closer to her chest.

    "¡­ I¡­ don''t know what to do," she whispered, her eyes glassy. "I was¡­ going to tell him, in person, so I could see what he wanted to do. We¡­ we''d never talked about what we should do, if I got pregnant, since it was really casual-"

    "Wait, you didn''t get pregnant from losing your virginity?" Willow asked before clapping a hand over her mouth as though to seal it shut.

    Alice shook her head. "It was meant to be a one-time thing¡­ but¡­ it ended up feeling really good. He was such an asshole, though. Cocky. But at least he paid attention to what he was doing in the moment. So I went back a couple times."

    Her body convulsed for a moment, and she heaved again. "I¡­ I''d been thinking about an abortion b-but now that he''s dead, I-"

    More tears spilled out of her eyes, and she groaned in frustration, dabbing at them with her hands. "It¡­ feels like I''d be killing him twice," she eventually confessed, her voice breaking. The heaviness in this statement settled in Lila''s lungs and she fought to keep breathing. She could see where Alice was coming from ¨C and had no solution to this predicament to offer.

    "Have¡­ you talked to the school counsellor?" Lila eventually asked as Alice swiped more tears from her face.

    Alice shook her head. "I haven''t even told my parents. The counsellor would have to tell them, wouldn''t they?"

    "I have no idea," Lila replied, holding her arms against her body. It was starting to feel cold in here, her stomach twisting. What would she do? If¡­ it was her and Asher, and Asher had passed away, she''d probably keep it ¨C but they were in a relationship, and she loved him. From the sounds of it, Alice hardly liked Jason aside from their casual hookups.

    "How far along are you?" Willow queried softly.

    "The test I used said about a month. Well, that was a couple of weeks ago, though. And¡­ I haven''t seen a Doctor yet."

    Now Alice''s appearance and demeanour over the past couple of times that Lila had seen her made more sense ¨C including her interest in Holly at the home game.

    Willow grabbed Alice''s hand, squeezing it comfortingly. "You''ve got time to think about it. It''s up to you-"

    "But that''s terrifying, Willow," Alice muttered. "I make shit decisions. Clearly."

    "You''re capable of making good ones, too. We''re friends, after all," Willow smiled. Alice gave her a half-hearted smile in return.

    "We only just found out about Jason today," Lila said quietly. "I think you should go home and rest-"

    Alice shook her head again. "No, I-I need to do something. Sitting at home, now that he''s¡­ gone¡­" her lips trembled but she pushed past the emotion threatening to take hold, "sounds like a terrible idea. I need to be with people. I need to run around. And I don''t think I could drive home right now. I''m still feeling terrible."

    "Are you sure you can run around? If you decide to keep it," Lila questioned, cringing at the fact that she couldn''t figure out how to word that tactfully.

    Alice nodded. "I did some research. It''s fine since it''s early."

    Willow rubbed Alice''s back. "Alright. Let''s get you on the field. See you there, Lila."

    Alice smiled gratefully at them both. "Let''s go." She picked up her hockey stick, leaving Lila alone in the changing room.

    ''Holy shit,'' Lila thought as she slowly changed into her hockey uniform. ''Poor Alice¡­''

    Of course, pregnancy was a risk when having sex. Lila wasn''t stupid. But to get pregnant with a casual fling''s child, who then ended up murdered before having a chance to tell him? To even ask what he wanted to do? No wonder Alice was so upset¡­

    Lila finished getting changed as quickly as she could before heading off onto the field. She was beyond late now, but Ms Wright didn''t say a word. Perhaps Willow or Alice had said she was coming, or Ms Wright was giving them a pass. A couple of the Grade 12 girls were noticeably absent, and the mood was rather sombre, but practice otherwise went as it usually did. Willow and Alice didn''t talk nearly as much as they tended to, but, under Lila''s watchful eye, Alice seemed to start feeling better as they progressed through their drills.

    Since Lila had arrived late, practice felt as though it had stopped far too soon. But, for Alice, it seemed like it had gone long enough. She looked absolutely exhausted and linked arms with both Willow and Lila as they staggered off towards the changing room.

    It seemed like no one was bothered to change back into their usual school uniforms, Lila included, so they simply picked up their bags and made their way up to the carpark.

    "Are you sure you''re okay to drive home?" Lila asked Alice in a murmur. Alice waved her off.

    "Yeah," she replied. She pressed her lips together lightly, her eyes shifting from Lila to Willow. "But I''m glad that tomorrow''s a public holiday."

    "No kidding," Lila responded, rubbing Alice''s forearm comfortingly. "Get some rest."

    "I''ll try. Sorry for¡­ losing it before practice and making you late," Alice said, her voice laden with guilt. "You missed almost the whole session."

    "Eh, I was late already," Lila said nonchalantly. "I''m more surprised you''re still standing after everything that''s happened today. You''re stronger than you probably feel, you know."

    Alice gave her a feeble smile. "You''re right about me not feeling strong. I still don''t know what to do but¡­ it''s so horrible, the way he was killed, too." She dropped her voice to below a whisper, though no one was around, lightly pressing her stomach. "What¡­ do I tell our kid, if I keep it? They''d ask one day, surely?"

    "I really think you should get some counselling, Alice. Someone who can help you untangle all of this. I mean, do you want to keep it? Beyond¡­ well, beyond the fact that the father''s gone now," Lila said, brushing against Alice''s bicep in a way that she hoped was reassuring.

    "I¡­ I don''t know. I''ve never given much thought as to whether I want to be a Mum, but¡­ I can''t help but think¡­ this baby''s innocent. A-And, like I said, it feels like¡­ I''d be killing Jason again. I don''t know if I can live with doing that since¡­ it''s not like I can ask him, i-if he''d be okay with¡­ not having a part of him live on."

    Lila could see Alice''s eyes sparkling under the lights of the carpark. Lila was glad that there was still no one around just yet, owing to the fact that they''d left as soon as they could.

    "S-Sorry, I''m quickly getting back to where I started," Alice mumbled, dabbing at her under eyes. "I better get home."

    "Ali, do you want company tomorrow?" Willow asked as Lila disentangled herself from Alice.

    "Maybe," Alice replied, "I''ll text you. I think I just need to¡­ have a really long sleep. I might wake up having made a decision." She paused, giving them both another smile. "I hope."

    "I''ll walk you to your car," Willow said hurriedly, walking alongside Alice as she started to head to her car.

    "Thanks. See you later, Lila," Alice said half-heartedly.

    "See you," Lila replied. Willow waved, looping her arm around Alice''s once more. They seemed to be talking in hushed voices, but, for once, Lila wasn''t curious. Alice''s problems¡­ were so intense that Lila wasn''t convinced listening any further would produce any advice from her about how to handle it.

    Lila watched as Alice sat in her car, taking deep breaths and drying her eyes again. A moment later, Alice drove off with Willow close behind in her own car.

    Lila sighed. Her head was beginning to throb. She wanted to go on her date with Asher ¨C but she also wanted to go home and process.

    The sound of footsteps shuffling through the grass made Lila turn around. The soccer boys were trudging up the hill, still in their uniforms. She couldn''t see Theo, but she did see Isaac and Asher making their way towards her. Isaac was still wearing his soccer cleats, but it looked like Asher had changed into his normal PE shoes.

    "Well, that was the most depressing training session of my life," Isaac commented once the boys reached her, both slightly puffed from the journey.

    "Uh huh," Lila replied, unable to keep the nervousness out of her response.

    "Everything okay?" Isaac asked, straightening up his posture with his hands on his hips.

    Lila met Asher''s puzzled eyes. "Yeah. We''ll see you on Thursday, Isaac."

    "Sure will," he replied with a slight frown. Then, he looked over at the carpark. "Mum''s here. See you."

    They all said their goodbyes before watching Isaac get into the passenger seat of his Mum''s car and be driven away.

    "Something must''ve happened," Asher said quietly, slipping his hand into hers after he readjusted what he was carrying so that he could take her things too.

    "Yeah. It''s¡­ quite a shock," she said reluctantly. "I want to tell you, but I didn''t ask if I could¡­ but if I don''t tell you, I might explode." She met his sincere gaze before sighing. "Let''s¡­ just walk for a bit. Gather my thoughts. If¡­ I do tell you, you have to promise to keep it a secret. This is privileged information, alright? Something I''d tell you only because we''re dating since it''s about someone else."

    "Sounds incredibly serious," Asher nodded. "Scout''s honour."

    Lila exhaled in relief. They started slowly meandering out of the carpark and towards the pathway that connected the school to a large complex of restaurants, a local grocery store and a medical centre. The complex itself seemed to be bustling with patrons, including a decent number of Forestglade College students. Being here, instead of over at Jacoval, helped her mind separate from Alice''s confession for now. Lila stepped closer to Asher, squeezing his hand for a moment. He looked down at her with a smile.

    "Have you tried this place before?" she asked him. He shook his head.

    "No, but I''ve always been curious."

    "Good," she said happily, swinging his arm slightly. "I like trying new things with you."

    He chuckled, though he didn''t say anything else as they approached the Indian restaurant in question. It was elaborately decorated, though it wasn''t particularly large. There were several families already seated inside. A waitress, who did look to be at least part-Indian, seated them at a table for two by the far left window and Asher stacked their belongings beside the wall. Lila looked at her bag for a moment as Asher sat down. Should¡­ she get the necklace now?

    "Did you want some water?" he asked, holding their jug of table water and a glass cup.

    "Y-Yeah," she replied, hurriedly sitting down. She cleared her throat and took a sip of water before picking up the menu. It felt as though it was in a foreign language, though she knew that it was, in fact, in English.

    ''I thought I got over the nerves about this,'' Lila thought with mild annoyance. She lifted her eyes over the top of her menu, seeing Asher perusing his copy with interest.

    "Anything stick out to you?" he asked, his eyes darting to meet hers. She hid behind her menu, looking through it again.

    "Um, the kadai beef looks interesting," she said after a pause.

    "Have you had that before?"

    "Definitely not."

    "Then¡­ I''ll go with¡­ the lamb vindaloo. Would you like an appetiser?"

    "¡­ Maybe¡­ the chicken tikka?"

    "Would you like dessert?"

    "Let''s see whether we can get through dinner, first."

    "That''s fair. Alright, I''ll order. Naan?"

    "Cheese and garlic, please."

    "Perfect choice."

    He looked around, catching the eye of the waitress. She stood patiently at their table as Asher ordered before taking their menus with a smile.

    "Now that that''s done," Asher said, reaching out for her hands. "Happy one month, Lila."

    She smiled at him, her heart jumping for a moment as both of her hands made contact with his. "Happy one month, Asher."

    "I''m really glad I can say that," he murmured, running his thumbs over her knuckles. "I''ve made a lot of fuck ups to get to this point, but every second with you, knowing that it''s not just a dream, has made all the pain worth it."

    "Asher, you''ll make me cry," she said, the sweetness of his statement making her heart pang. "I feel the same. It''s strange but it¡­ feels like it''s been both longer and shorter than a month. I want time to slow down, so I can relish each moment, but I also want to speed it up, so that¡­ I can experience as much as I can with you."

    "Luckily, we live right in the middle," he smiled, bringing her left hand to his lips and kissing it gently. "So, we get a bit of both. But please don''t cry."

    She returned his smile. "It''d be happy tears, Asher."

    "Well, that''s alright then," he chuckled. "Cry away."

    She giggled before saying, "I must ask¡­ but are we going to celebrate every month?"

    "We don''t have to, but¡­ I just figured the first is special. Mostly ''cause now I can say that it''s definitely not an elaborate hoax."

    Lila laughed. "I get what you mean."

    "Therefore¡­ because it''s so special, I did get you something," he said, his voice sounding shy. "Just give me a moment."

    He quickly went to their bags and opened a side pocket of his school bag before turning back to her. In his hands was a small leather pouch.

    "Now, before I give this to you," he said as he sat down again, his face pink, "I must warn you that it''s not the most romantic of gifts."

    She curiously accepted the pouch, inspecting it closely. It felt almost like there were pencils in it. She opened the zip, revealing a set of customised lockpicking tools.

    She immediately closed it, looking around fervently.

    "It''s fine," Asher muttered reassuringly. "No one''s looking at us."

    She glanced at him and he smiled. With that, she reopened the pouch. The lockpicks themselves were thin, with slim, ergonomic, teal handles. She picked one up in awe.

    "These are beautiful, Asher," she whispered, grazing her hand over the rest. "What made you decide to get them? Surely these are more useful in your hands?"

    "I¡­ figured that it was a bit inconvenient for you, to keep asking me for mine. Not that I mind, of course, but¡­ well, my partner in crime should have her own tools, don''t you think? Just in case."

    She continued to look at the set, a smile forming on her face. "This¡­ is really unexpected. I love them."

    "Really?" he sounded both relieved and incredibly pleased. "I thought¡­ since it wasn''t really romantic, it might not go over well."

    Lila shook her head. "This is romantic, Asher. You saw that I needed this, and paid enough attention to get them of your own volition."

    "I did guess about the colour though," he said with a bashful expression. "I''d never asked what your favourite colour is, but I noticed you had a lot of teal stuff in your room."

    "Lucky guess," she grinned. "It is my favourite colour."

    "Perfect."

    She picked up another lockpick before pausing. There was something engraved on all of these. It was so small that she almost didn''t catch it. Lifting the lockpick already in her hands, she saw the numbers ''15.07.2023'' along the metal shaft, just above where it met the teal handle.

    "That''s our anniversary date," she said, pointing at it excitedly. He looked even more bashful than before.

    "Yeah. I thought about putting your name on it, but¡­ then people would know who they belonged to which might not be a good thing. This date, though ¨C not many people would put it together."

    "Thank you, Asher. Like I said, I love them."

    "I''m glad," he replied genuinely. "I''d been thinking that you might not since I''m the one that mainly uses these."

    "I don''t even want to use them," Lila said, beaming at him. "They look so nice."

    "Well, feel free to do what you like with them," he responded, "I won''t stop you."

    She laughed again and he joined in.

    "When did you even order these?" she asked, her eyes not straying from his face.

    "A couple weeks ago. I¡­ was kinda anxious that they wouldn''t arrive in time, so I got you the ''A'' necklace as a backup. But, in classic fashion, they arrived at the post office depot the day after I bought the necklace at, like, 7am, so I decided to just give you the necklace before camp."

    She grinned at him. "You''re so sweet, Asher."

    He seemed really chuffed by this. "I''m happy you think so."

    She looked at them one last time before closing up the pouch. Since¡­ he''d given her a gift, it was now or never.

    "I''m just gonna put this in my bag-"

    "I can do that," he said, holding his hand out for the set.

    "Nah, it''s so full that I''ll need to make space. Just a sec."

    She was surprised with how smoothly she said that but didn''t allow it to distract her as she opened the pocket which contained her gift for him. She placed the lockpicking set in said pocket before heading back to her seat, trying to hide the jewellery bag as best she could.

    "So¡­" she tried to sound casual, though her hands were trembling. "I, uh, got you something as well."

    He looked taken aback. "Seriously?"

    "Yeah."

    "You didn''t have to-"

    "You didn''t either."

    He fell silent, which Lila took as her cue to reveal the jewellery bag. She passed it along and he took it with a complicated expression. He glanced at her before pulling out the box. He opened it and froze. His silence stretched on to the point of worrying Lila. Did he not like necklaces at all?

    "A-Asher?"

    He met her gaze, and she was surprised to see that his expression was quite emotional.

    "Lila, is this what I think it is?" he questioned, his voice sounding hoarse.

    "¡­ I hope so. It''s not an illusion, at least."

    He lifted the necklace out of the box, peering closely at the ''L''. Then, with a brilliantly gleaming smile, he lifted it above his head. "Approved!"

    She felt all of the tension leave her body in an instant. He fumbled with the chain and she stood up, helping him put it on.

    "How does it look?" he asked excitedly, his eyes bright.

    "It looks¡­ like it belongs on you," she smiled, taking her seat again.

    He met her gaze. "We match."

    "We do."

    He touched the ''L'' on his chest, seemingly appraising it with his fingers. "It feels like it''s good quality."

    "I''d hope so."

    "Lila, this¡­ this is an excellent gift."

    "I''m glad you like it."

    He looked like he was glowing with joy. "Like it? I love it. It¡­ I''d contemplated getting one for me when I bought yours, but I thought it''d be a bit¡­ much."

    "Much?"

    "Well, presumptuous that you''d want your initial on me, I guess."

    "Of course I do," Lila replied firmly. "I was worried that you¡­ wouldn''t like a necklace, or that you''d think it was too girly. Since you''re a guy."

    Asher almost violently shook his head. "Lila, when Elise said that the necklace I got you was like me branding you, and then you said that you liked that it stood for me, I regretted not getting one for myself with an ''L''. Thank you. Really. I''m going to wear it forever."

    Lila laughed. He gave her a serious look.

    "Literally," he insisted. She reached for his hands and held them tightly.

    "You can wear it forever, but it might end up falling apart," she said softly. "If it looks worse for wear, just let me know and I''ll get you a new one."

    "I''ll take good care of it so that I''ll always have this one."

    "Still," Lila said, giving him just as serious a look.

    "Alright, alright." He looked down at his chest before smiling fondly. "I can see why you wanted yours to begin with. Being able to show everyone that I''m yours¡­ is a really nice feeling, after everything."

    "You''re not embarrassed to wear it?"

    "What, just ''cause it''s a necklace?"

    "Well, yeah. I''d never asked you whether you''d be into jewellery."

    "Good thing you didn''t because I would''ve just said I don''t know. This, though¡­ I''m definitely into it."

    She intertwined her hands with his. "I''m glad."

    He took a deep breath before looking into her eyes again. "Lila, this might be a bit soon, but-"

    He was interrupted by the appearance of their waitress with their appetiser. The scent of the chicken tikka made Lila''s stomach growl and they abandoned each other''s hands, watching in silence as she placed two small plates and the chicken tikka between them. The waitress disappeared with a smile and Lila started dishing out some of the chicken pieces onto her plate. She ravenously dug in, finding that this blend of spices was delicious. She almost regretted not getting a full-sized version as her main course.

    She glanced at Asher, who hadn''t yet moved to take chicken onto his plate. Instead, he was watching her with a soft, amused smile. She swallowed.

    "It''s really good," she said, straightening her posture.

    "I feel like I can tell."

    She blushed, nudging the plate of chicken closer to him. "You must be hungry after practice."

    "Not really. Well, I am hungry, but not because of practice. Isaac wasn''t kidding when he said it was the most depressing training session."

    She lowered her fork, which she''d speared her chicken onto. "¡­ Mine was definitely not better." Her eyes darted to her food then back at his face. "Eat. Before I take it all."

    He dished some onto his plate and she waited patiently for him to take a bite. He did so before pausing. "Damn, this is good."

    "See!"

    He took another bite, and then another in rapid succession. With a smile, Lila finished her portion before setting aside her empty plate.

    "I feel like you were cut off before," she said quietly, interlacing her fingers underneath her chin and resting her head.

    "From?" he asked nonchalantly, though the faint trace of a blush betrayed that he had, in fact, been cut off from something.

    "You were saying something about being too soon?"

    He pressed his lips together before speaking. "Was I?"

    "Are you trying to gaslight me?"

    He froze. "N-Not gaslight you¡­ but¡­" he sighed. "I did say that."

    "So, what''s too soon?"

    "I¡­ ended up deciding that it was, in fact, too soon."

    "Oh." She tried to not look crestfallen, but¡­ a part of her had hoped, in some small measure, that he was going to¡­

    ''Stop getting your hopes up,'' she admonished herself. ''You''re so desperate. Just enjoy it as it is.''

    He gave her a brief look before wiping his mouth with a napkin and setting aside his own plate. "It''s unbearable when you look at me like that."

    "S-Sorry."

    "I''m sure it''s more unbearable when I make you look like that." He sighed again. "Alright, alright. There''s a pupil-free day coming up ¨C the 1st of September, a Friday. It''s at the end of week eight, so most of our stuff would be in. It''s just exams in week nine so¡­" his voice faded before he shook his head as if gathering the courage to finish his sentence. "So, I was wondering if you might want to¡­ stay over. From that Thursday night, until maybe Sunday? Whether we do or don''t get into the semi-final and final rounds for sports, that week is a break for the season anyway, so¡­ we''d have the full Saturday, too. It''s, um, just a suggestion. If you think you''d get sick of me before Sunday, you can go home earlier¡­ since it might be a bit much."

    Thursday night until Sunday? That would be quite a while. Would her parents even say yes to that? Though¡­ her Mum had already approved a couple sleepovers in the past¡­

    "I-It''s a couple weeks away, which is why I said it was a bit soon."

    "I want to," Lila said after a moment. "I''m just not sure whether my parents would let me stay for that long. I''ll need to ask them."

    He gave a heavy exhale. "That''s okay. I¡­ figured. It was just a thought, so no pressure. But it''d be nice to see you."

    "Just¡­ nice?"

    He looked panicked. "N-Not just nice, I want to see you-"

    "I was teasing," she laughed. "I''ll definitely see you that weekend ¨C but I''m not sure if I can stay the whole time."

    His posture relaxed. "That''s fine."

    Lila reached for his hand, though before they could touch, their waitress reappeared with their mains, setting them down before them. They dug in, complimenting the food and sharing as they did so.

    The rest of the date passed by with plenty of smiles, laughs, discussions of their various upcoming assignments and dessert consisting of gulab jamuns.

    "Marlene''s here," Asher finally said with a sliver of despondence. "Time to go home."

    They shuffled out of the restaurant, Asher having paid for dinner before becoming laden with their bags. Lila was sure that it would''ve been incredibly expensive, but he didn''t say a word about that as they walked along the street to Marlene''s car.

    "So, tomorrow," Asher said meaningfully, readjusting the bags on his shoulders, "breakfast?"

    "Of course."

    They reached Marlene''s car not a moment later and climbed in. Lila greeted Marlene, who returned it pleasantly, before asking how their date went. Asher could hardly shut up about the necklace Lila had given him, which made her smile. Eventually, he''d run out of things to say on that topic and silence settled in the car.

    They were a few minutes from Lila''s house when Marlene spoke again.

    "I''m assuming you heard about the murder of a teenager around here?"

    "Yeah," Asher said quietly. "It''s why I asked if you could take Lila home."

    "It''s a good idea," Marlene replied sagely. "You need to remain vigilant, both of you. It''s unsafe out there."

    There was something in the way that Marlene said this that made the hairs on the back of her neck stand up. Was it bias? Lila uttered her agreement with this statement, but truthfully it confused her. Was Marlene trying to muddy the waters, if she was the culprit ¨C or at least part of the murders? Or¡­ was she warning them that they would be next? Or was it completely innocent? It was unsafe out there ¨C that was undeniable.

    Of course, Lila kept her disquiet to herself, even when Asher jumped out and helped carry her belongings to her front door. She opened it and placed her things inside before turning to Asher. Seeing his happy, relaxed smile and the ''L'' sitting proudly on his chest made her own smile appear, despite her thoughts about Marlene. For now, she didn''t need to worry about that. For now, all she wanted was to hold him close ¨C both in memory, from their date tonight, and physically, in the form of a goodbye kiss.

    He reached out and tucked some stray hairs behind her ear, his eyes seeming to drink her in. She gently took hold of his hand and squeezed it, which he reciprocated.

    "Thank you," he said quietly. "I had a really good time tonight, despite everything."

    "I''m assuming you mean Jason''s murder?"

    "Yeah, and whatever else happened today that I didn''t enjoy."

    "What else-"

    "Let''s not get into it," he replied in a murmur. "Goodnight, Lila."

    "Goodnight, Asher."

    He caressed her cheek before tilting her chin, their eyes locking for a moment. Then, they met each other halfway, their lips moving against each other for only a couple seconds before breaking apart. This kiss fell short of their morning kiss in quite a few ways, but she still enjoyed it.

    "See you tomorrow," he smiled, squeezing her hand one last time before heading to Marlene''s car.

    "See you then," she responded, watching him go from her doorway. She waited until Marlene backed out of the driveway before stepping inside and locking the front door ¨C checking it twice, just in case.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty

    "You sure are taking a lot of stuff when you''re meant to be back here at like 4 or 5," Clare observed with a frown the next morning as Lila shoved her bag into the front seat by her feet.

    "I didn''t know what I should study for when I''m over at his," Lila responded reluctantly, closing the door behind her.

    "So, your date didn''t go well?"

    "Why would you think that?" Lila replied, aghast at the suggestion. She buckled herself in before adding, "It went really well, actually."

    "So well that you''re going over to his to study?" Clare asked as she smoothly reversed out of the driveway and began heading towards Asher''s.

    "I feel like you''re trying to imply something that I''ve already said wouldn''t happen."

    "You caught me. Nothing''s moved on that front?"

    "Nope."

    Clare flashed her a sympathetic smile. "Well, study isn''t a bad thing."

    "I know. I feel like camp really set me back on school work."

    "That''s fair. You''ll get through though, especially with Asher by your side."

    "Yeah."

    Clare tapped her index finger against the steering wheel before giving Lila a serious look. "Lila, I heard about what happened to that ex-Head Boy. Jason."

    "I''m sure everyone has by now."

    "Are you okay?"

    Lila shrugged, looking out the car window. "I¡­ didn''t know Jason that well. He was kind of a jerk to me when we did talk. Apparently, he tried to contact me during the whole ''photos in the boys'' bathrooms'' incident."

    "I''ll keep my thoughts on that to myself," Clare remarked, though the disapproval in her tone was clear as day.

    "But¡­ I''ve realised that, even if I don''t like someone, it doesn''t mean that their loss isn''t felt. It sounds like that should be obvious, except it didn''t occur to me exactly how much of an impact it could have on people." Of course, Lila was thinking of the tears both Ayla and Alice had cried over Piper and Jason respectively in her presence ¨C though the tears were for vastly different reasons.

    She glanced at Clare, turning to face her. While Lila didn''t have much advice for Alice, aside from seeing a counsellor, Clare''s perspective might be helpful, since she was both older and had casual flings in the past.

    "I¡­ actually found out yesterday that Jason, uh, got someone I know pregnant."

    "Jesus," Clare uttered, braking slightly too harshly.

    "Yeah. Um, the person¡­ that I know¡­ said that they were only casual and that she actually thought he was an asshole, too. Cocky, even-" Clare snorted but didn''t say anything. Lila continued, "-and she''s not sure what to do about the pregnancy now."

    "I see."

    "I just¡­ well, I don''t have any insight but I wondered what you might do if it was you. I want to give her some advice since she''s mentioned some real heavy stuff, like the fact that if she has an abortion, it''d be like killing him twice."

    "Whoa. Firstly, I get where she''s coming from with that, but she does not need to keep the baby if that''s the only reason why she would. She''s not murdering Jason ''again'' by using her free will."

    "I know, but¡­ it''d be an unshakeable feeling, right?"

    Clare sighed. "You''re not wrong. But she shouldn''t feel guilty for protecting herself if she decides to go through with an abortion. It''s unfortunate that he''s dead, but¡­ it''s not like he''d know if she did or didn''t go through with it. She can''t hurt a dead man''s feelings."

    "Yeah."

    "In saying all that though, if it were me¡­ I think I''d end up keeping it."

    "You would?"

    Clare nodded. "At least, I''d end up keeping the pregnancy going. Depending on my life''s circumstances, I might not raise the child and instead let it be adopted by his parents. I''m assuming she''s a student at Forestglade College?"

    "She is, but she''ll be graduating in November."

    "That makes it a little bit easier, then. If she still had school to focus on while raising a baby, that''d be much harder. If I was keeping the baby and raising it as a single Mum¡­ well, that''s hard at any age, but not impossible if she has enough resources, which she might since she''s a private school kid. It means that she can''t experience a lot of the same milestones as her peers at the same time, or do things like go to parties and nightclubs as much, but some get a lot of fulfilment out of raising a baby and don''t mind ''missing out''. Do you know if she wants to be a Mum?"

    "She said she hadn''t given it much thought."

    "Something that''s very important to consider is that children will pick up on negativity and absorb it. If she feels like she''s going to resent Jason or the baby for, I guess, intruding on her life and changing the trajectory in such a drastic way, especially since she''ll be alone, that feeds into the baby. Even if she tries her best to hide it, the child may realise that they''re unwanted, which, I mean, is never nice for anyone at any age. But coming from your only parent? Messes you up for sure."

    "I¡­ see."

    "If she feels like she''s being forced to keep it because Jason''s dead, then it''s likely she''d fall into resentful territory. If, instead, she feels like¡­ I dunno, it''s an opportunity, or something she really wants to do, or something like that, then it should be okay. Man, that is really tough, though. Especially since she liked him enough to have sex with him, even if she thought he was an asshole. I mean, the word casual implies more than once, too, so she went back."

    Lila took a moment to think about what else she needed advice from Clare on. "She''s¡­ also worried about what to tell the kid when they ask about their Dad."

    "That''s also tricky ¨C but something she can worry about later down the road. I tend to believe that being honest to your kids is better than lying," a slight frown crossed Clare''s face as she said this. Lila kept her instinctual question ¨C about whether that applied to their own parents regarding their Mum''s past ¨C under lock and key, instead waiting for Clare to finish her thought.

    "Of course, you don''t want to tell a three-year-old that their father was brutally murdered and displayed in the local park when he was a teenager. But truthful baby steps, pardon the pun, would be helpful. At first, saying he passed away, then adding more age-appropriate detail as it goes on. Doing it that way does run the risk of another kid finding the article and telling Jason''s kid about it at school or something, which could lead to feelings of betrayal, but I still think it''s better than outright lying or giving them nightmares far too early."

    Clare glanced at Lila before looking back at the road. "Also, ensuring that the kid has support around them when she does tell them more significant details is important. Child psychologists or school counsellors, in particular ¨C someone trained, as well as family. Even though family members are usually untrained in psychological theory, they at least know the child ¨C or should ¨C well enough to know how to comfort them as they navigate the fact that their father met a tragic end before they were born. Take that advice with a grain of salt, though ¨C I am studying to become a Psychologist or whatever after all. Is this considered a plug?"

    Lila snorted. "Probably not, since you''re only talking to me and I don''t think I could be a client of yours. But¡­ that sounds like good things for her to think about."

    "Has she told anyone else?"

    Lila shook her head. "Besides her close friend who was with me at the time, no. She didn''t get the chance to tell Jason and ask him what he wanted to do, which I think makes her feel even more anxious about doing the ''right thing'', whatever that may be. She hasn''t yet told her parents, nor has she seen a Doctor."

    "She should also tell his parents if she''s keeping it and if she can get a hold of them. It¡­ might bring them some comfort, that their son isn''t entirely lost. Of course, the baby is their own person, but they''ll share enough traits with Jason to hopefully be a positive reminder."

    ''Well, one of them is probably still in custody and not going anywhere, given the scale of the morphine ring,'' Lila thought to herself. ''And I was able to find their Facebook profiles¡­''

    "Still, though," Clare sighed, "what a situation."

    "I know. She broke down over it pretty badly. She''d known for over a week, but when she found out he died, I think it tipped her over the edge and she needed to tell someone."

    "I hope she''s okay."

    "Same here."

    Neither spoke for a while, with Lila feeling satisfied for now that there wasn''t anything else that came to mind regarding Alice. But there was something else that had been playing on her mind that she needed to clear up with Clare.

    "Clare, Alex knows he can''t say anything about meeting me and Asher before, yeah?"

    "Duh," Clare replied as if it were obvious. "That''s, like, the first thing I said to him when I brought up meeting the family."

    "Good."

    "He''s pretty nervous about today, actually," Clare added softly. "It''s kinda cute."

    "Is there anything I should know about him before he comes over?"

    "I feel like you know a lot about him."

    "Not¡­ well, about him, sure, but I don''t know who he is, really."

    "Fair. What was your first impression of him?"

    "He was pretty intimidating."

    "I guess he would be since you guys were underage and he clocked it straight away."

    "Yeah."

    Clare gave Lila a suspicious side-long look. "You''re not drinking alcohol or anything, are you?"

    "That''s a random question."

    "And that''s a non-answer."

    "Clare, I''m going to my boyfriend''s place to study, of all things. I''m boring like that."

    "Still not an answer. He could be a functioning alcoholic."

    "And still beat out the rest of my cohort in grades?"

    "Super functioning alcoholic."

    Lila sighed. "I''m definitely not drinking alcohol. If you''re still trying to figure out why I went to Coolisimo with him, it''s not because we wanted alcohol. Besides, we already told you why."

    "Lila, the excuses you gave were bogus as hell. I''ve been your sister all your life. I won''t tell anyone if you were actually trying to drink underage."

    "Clare," Lila''s exasperation was reaching a boiling point. "Cut it out. I don''t drink."

    Clare''s suspicious look only intensified, but she finally shrugged. "Fine. I''ll drop it."

    "What''s with the insistence anyway?"

    "Alcohol and the Pill aren''t good friends," Clare said grimly. "They used to think it stopped making the Pill work, but really it just makes your judgement worse, like, in misusing the Pill."

    "Great, but like I said before, nothing''s-"

    "I know, but with a bit of alcohol, things could change," Clare''s tone was incredibly severe. "Be careful."

    "I will. If it ever gets to that."

    "It will."

    "I''m glad you''re confident. I''m not so much."

    Clare didn''t respond and instead seemed to concentrate on her driving. In an effort to stop thinking about what Clare had insinuated, Lila considered what Asher had suggested last night ¨C perhaps she could test the waters by running it by Clare first.

    "¡­ What do you think my chances are for Mum and Dad to say yes to me staying at Asher''s?"

    "They''ve already said yes a couple times," Clare replied with surprise evident in her voice.

    "Right, but¡­ there''s a pupil-free day coming up on a Friday, and Asher suggested I stay over from that Thursday night until the Sunday."

    "And you''re still convinced nothing will happen?" Clare asked incredulously.

    "Of course," Lila frowned. "We spoke about it yesterday. He''s still struggling with¡­ whatever it is that he''s struggling with."

    "Well, if nothing else, that guy defends his virginity like his life depends on it."

    Lila placed her face in her hands, mortified by Clare''s casual statement on the matter.

    "Am I wrong?" Clare queried.

    "It¡­ makes it sound like I''m attacking him," Lila said into her hands.

    Clare snorted. "Not that I''m there whenever you guys are¡­ talking or whatever about it, I highly doubt he interprets it as you attacking him."

    Lila simply made a disgruntled sound before looking up at Clare. "Clare, what the fuck do I do about this? I''m so frustrated with myself, and I hate it. I''m broken or something, surely being so desperate at one month isn''t normal? I mean, I don''t even know what it feels like! We''ve only kissed! What if it''s terrible, or it hurts, or I hate it, or he hates it and I''ve just built all of this up in my head and then, ''cause I''ve forced him, he hates me-"

    "Whoa, whoa, Lila, slow down," Clare''s voice took on a calm, sisterly tone ¨C something that Lila had experienced in previous moments of distress. Something that usually worked. Today, however, it made her burst into tears.

    "Shit," Clare muttered. Lila could feel the car slow to a stop and she felt incredibly stupid ¨C which did nothing to stop her tears. Clare pulled the handbrake up before leaning over and clearing Lila''s hair from her face. The gentle touch seemed to only make Lila''s tears fall faster.

    "Lila," Clare said softly, reaching for Lila''s hands. Lila let her sister take them, trying to inhale more air but she somehow couldn''t force it into her lungs. "Oh, geez¡­"

    Lila hadn''t ever fully articulated these feelings properly before, even in her own ruminations. Now that she''d said them, they had the unfortunate consequence of making themselves known with incredible intensity. She squeezed her eyes shut as if it could turn off the taps behind them, her body feeling both far too cold and far too hot in Clare''s car.

    "Should we go back home? Tell Asher you''re sick?" Clare asked, placing a tissue in Lila''s hand. Lila looked down at it, its presence making her feel even worse ¨C but at least her tears were starting to slow down.

    "N-No. You want him at the d-dinner-"

    "It''s fine."

    Lila shook her head forcefully. "D-Don''t."

    "We don''t need Asher there, I just thought it''d help Alex feel a bit more comfortable. But he''s a bartender. They''re used to being uncomfortable. I can cancel the dinner, too."

    "B-But-"

    "Lila, those are some major feelings. They probably feel even worse because you feel like you can''t talk to Asher about them since he''s got his own big feelings on it all."

    Lila reluctantly nodded, dabbing at her eyes with the tissue.

    "Have you been bottling them up?"

    Lila paused before giving a defeated shrug. She inhaled deeply, this time feeling it work to calm her down, though she couldn''t meet Clare''s gaze.

    "Bottling is never good for anyone. I''ve told you this before. You can come and talk to me about anything, you know."

    "I¡­ know. But¡­"

    "But?"

    "But you''ve had your own stuff."

    "And?"

    "And¡­ that''s more important. Since¡­ Mum was so scary, and you''ve been anxious about work."

    "Lila, do you think you''re not important?"

    Lila shrugged again.

    "Could that be why you''re feeling like Asher won''t, well, end up having sex with you?"

    Lila wrapped her arms across her torso. "I-I don''t know," she eventually said, her voice small. "He¡­ he makes me feel happy, and I love being with him and he''s always kind and listens to me¡­ so I guess that makes me feel important. But I just don''t understand why he''s¡­ like this. About that. He''s¡­ said things like the things he wants to do comes off as disrespectful, and I said that he could basically try and disrespect me-" Clare took a sharp inhale and Lila faltered.

    "Sorry, sorry," Clare said hurriedly. "Keep talking."

    "¡­ A-And¡­ I''m just really curious. I want to know what he means, and he won''t tell me. I¡­ still can''t get past the fact that he keeps telling me he wants to, but that he''s not ready. Like, if he said he just didn''t want to, that''d make a lot more sense to me. There''s this little voice in the back of my head that makes me think¡­ he''s lying to make me feel better, without realising it''s making me feel worse. And¡­ I think¡­ maybe I''m feeling insecure."

    Clare didn''t say anything so Lila continued, "Insecure about how he was with Holly for so long and it sounded like¡­ well, he said he loved her at the beginning of the year, though he''s taken that back since. But I don''t know which one''s true. And if he loved her, but still didn''t have sex with her, then what does that say about me? Will he ever love me? He¡­ liked me for so long, and¡­ he''s not¡­" Lila took a deep breath. "He called her ''babe'', a-and he hasn''t given me a nickname. I''m just Lila to him still. And he said he touched her boobs a little bit, over clothes, and he''s not done that with me. Is there something wrong with mine? Are they not big enough or something?"

    Clare inhaled sharply again and Lila''s eyes snapped to hers. It looked like Clare was suppressing the urge to laugh. Lila buried her face in her hands once more.

    "You think I''m stupid," Lila whined.

    "No, not at all," Clare responded firmly. "Sorry. It just¡­ sounded a little bit like all these feelings are coming from him not touching your boobs, which just caught me off guard. It¡­ also sounded, with the disrespecting thing, that you might end up being a bit of a freak, which, after hearing your far more innocent complaint about a lack of boob touching and pet names, gave me whiplash."

    "Huh?"

    "Not that there''s anything wrong with being a freak. But I''m sure his mind went crazy after you said that."

    Lila groaned, tears welling behind her eyes again. "I shouldn''t have told him that, then. I''m such an idiot. I knew at the time I was messing it up-"

    "Lila, you''re stressing yourself out. Take a moment ¨C breathe."

    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.

    Lila stopped talking and focused on breathing, as Clare had suggested. It¡­ helped her feel better, if only just.

    After a few seconds of silence, Clare said, "I didn''t realise just how truly upset you are about this, and I''m sorry I brought it up."

    "I¡­ didn''t realise, either," Lila mumbled.

    "Is being with him painful with these feelings you have?"

    "Not exactly. It can be when he rejects me, but¡­ when we''re together and enjoying each other''s company, I just feel content, or happy, or¡­ like I''m in this cosy bubble of just the two of us."

    "Would seeing him now help?"

    Considering that they were staking out ''Beans & Biscuits'' again today, Lila didn''t want to turn around and go home. But her frustration hadn''t disappeared. Would¡­ she end up taking it out on him? She wasn''t sure. She was sure, though, that she did want to be with him ¨C collapse in his arms, be held against his sturdy chest and listen to his beating heart, even if it was only for a few minutes.

    "I want to see him."

    "Alright. I''ll keep driving, but if you change your mind, let me know straight away."

    Clare slowly began driving again. Lila''s mind was still swirling, but at least she wasn''t crying anymore.

    The girls remained silent for a little while before Clare spoke up, her voice almost too soft to be heard. "¡­ It worries me that you feel like you''re not important, Lila."

    Lila turned her gaze to her lap. "I don''t know if I''d put it like that."

    Clare gave her a sideways glance before shaking her head. "Lila, your value is more than whether or not your boyfriend will touch your boobs or have sex with you, you know."

    Lila winced. Having it boiled down to that simple sentence made her feel incredibly uncomfortable. It sounded silly, except¡­ that had, more or less, been what she''d felt ¨C even if she hadn''t put it like that.

    "Your importance lies in who you are. His want to be ready is because you''re important to him. Remember the ''friends with benefits'' guy I really liked? I wasn''t important to him in the end ¨C just someone to have sex with so he''d stop feeling so lonely after his girlfriend left him. He didn''t care whether or not he was ready to enter into something like that and stupid me just let him do whatever. Look, you''re the most important little sister in the world to me. You''re my only one, but even if I had fifty, you''d be the most important. Don''t tell the other imaginary ones that, though."

    Lila cracked a small smile.

    "You deserve to take up space, not just sexually, but romantically, platonically, and all the other ''-ally''s'' in this world. That includes talking to me about your problems." Clare gave a heavy sigh before powering on, "I know you''re reluctant to talk to him about this, but it worries me, Lila. I think¡­ if you want to avoid getting into the topic of sex, you should at least let him in about some of your other worries. Sure, I can reassure you that you''re important to me, but I''m thinking you''re hunting for that from Asher."

    "¡­ I¡­ can''t say you''re wrong."

    There was silence once more before Clare eventually said, "I''ve never been in your situation before, but I have had my moments of self-doubt and frustration. I lost my virginity ages ago, too. So I think I can tell you a few things that might help with what you mentioned."

    Lila straightened up her posture, looking attentively at Clare. Clare gave her another sideways glance before speaking. "Have you done any research into sex?"

    "¡­ Not in detail."

    "Alright. Well, in terms of the first time, for a lot of people¡­ it sucks. It can also hurt for girls. It''s awkward, it''s weird, there''s all sorts of feelings, physically and typically emotionally, and like most things, it takes a bit of practice."

    "Oh."

    "There''s a few things you can do to help it along, and not have it be so awkward, or painful. One of those things is getting out of your head and relaxing. Which, considering how much you like Asher, could either be the biggest hurdle or nonexistent. Another is just taking the time to really warm up through, like, foreplay and stuff. Using lube also helps." She frowned. "Not sure if I should be coaching you on all that, but it seems like the second he says yes, you''ll immediately take his pants off."

    Lila flushed. "I-"

    "Anyway, those are some tips. Man, that was awkward." Clare shivered. "Suddenly, I feel a sense of unease about my baby sister going for it, and giving you that advice just made it more real. Not sure if I can look at him in the eyes anymore. Whatever. Moving on."

    Clare cleared her throat, her eyes fixed on the road with almost too much intensity. "I can understand entirely why you''re so frustrated with yourself. It sounds frustrating. But¡­ even though it''s frustrating, it''s what it is." Clare paused, glancing at Lila before continuing.

    "So, instead of focusing on the idea that you''re broken, that you''re frustrated with yourself, and that he''ll hate you, and all of the other things you said, focus instead on the fact that Asher cares enough to make sure he''s ready. I''m sure if he rushed into it because you wanted to and you found out later that he wasn''t ready, you''d feel awful. Focus instead on your feelings for him, and how he makes you feel ¨C that he''s worth all this waiting, awkwardness and pain. Trust that he''ll tell you what the hold-up was when he can. As for whether he''s lying about wanting to, I don''t think he is. From an outsider''s perspective, the way he looks at you sometimes is this intense mixture of adoration and desire ¨C even before you were dating, but now it seems like he''s not trying to hide it. Which he was horrible at anyway, by the way."

    A minuscule smile flickered the corners of Lila''s mouth, but she waited patiently for Clare to keep talking.

    "As for Holly¡­ well, your insecurities about her will fade, especially since it''s not like they''re friends and she cheated on him a bunch. I can''t tell you whether he did or didn''t love her, though. You''ll just have to take his word for that, unfortunately. Pet names will come organically too, so I can''t really give you advice on that either besides maybe giving him one first and seeing what he thinks. But, what I can tell you is that your boobs are fine. By all accounts, he liked you before you had boobs too. Now though, he looks at them far too often to have complaints, even in that ugly-ass school uniform."

    "H-He does?"

    "You haven''t noticed?" Clare shook her head in disbelief. "Pay attention to where his eyes drift to and you''ll see. Might make you feel a bit more confident again."

    Lila looked down at what she was wearing ¨C a plain black t-shirt and jeans. Hardly the attire of someone who''d be checked out by their boyfriend. Maybe she should''ve worn something else, but she did want to blend in at the caf¨¦.

    "He''ll still look," Clare said, as though sensing Lila''s doubt. Lila sighed, leaning her head back against the headrest.

    "Sorry I cried, Clare. Now that I''ve calmed down, it''s all so¡­ stupid."

    "Don''t be sorry. It''s not stupid. You can''t help feeling what you''re feeling. It''s what you do in relation to those feelings that''s really important."

    Lila didn''t respond, instead preferring to look out the window. Eventually, she said, "You¡­ said it hurts. Does it get better?"

    "Of course it gets better. There''s a reason why people get legitimately addicted. Don''t be surprised if you bleed the first time, though. Not every girl feels that it hurts or bleeds the first time, but like I said, it''s pretty common."

    "Will I regret it?"

    Clare gave Lila a brief surprised look. "Where''d that come from?"

    "Well¡­ what if I don''t like it? If it hurts."

    "I can''t answer for you, but even if it does hurt, there''s just this rush that you''ll probably get that makes up for it. Plus, if he focuses on you afterwards, you''ll forget all about the pain. Besides, you said you love him. I don''t think you''d regret it since you love him. You''ll probably just be excited that it''s happened at all, given all your conversations with me about it."

    "I hope so."

    "You''ll be fine. You trust him, don''t you?"

    "More than anything."

    "Then, you can trust that even if it does hurt, he''s not doing it intentionally."

    "¡­ Yeah. Thanks, Clare. That does make me feel better. And¡­ thanks for everything else, too."

    "You''re welcome, Lila. Like I said, you can talk to me about anything. If you''ve got more questions, I''ll answer them. I''ll probably feel awkward about it again if it''s about sex, but I don''t want you to overthink yourself to death."

    "Thanks, sis."

    They were only a minute or so away from Asher''s place now, so Lila didn''t say anything else to Clare. They were a bit later than she''d promised since her freakout caused Clare to park, so she didn''t want to open a new conversation topic and be even later.

    "Well, he looks worried," Clare chuckled, gesturing at Asher as she slowly parked outside his gate. Lila looked up ¨C he definitely did look worried as he approached Clare''s car. She immediately felt guilty for taking so long to calm down and picked at her nails for a moment.

    "Have a good time," Clare said cheerfully, patting the middle console as if to encourage Lila to leave faster. "I''m heading over to Alex''s now to prep him for meeting the fam and all that. How are you getting back home?"

    "I think Gabriel''s dropping us off."

    "Alright. See you later."

    Lila clambered out of the car and pulled her bag out. "See you at dinner."

    She closed her door and watched as Clare sped off. Now that Asher was standing behind her, the feelings she''d expressed in the car were starting to rise in her chest again. She shakily took a deep breath before facing him.

    "I thought something happened to you," he said quietly, taking her bag. "You weren''t answering my texts."

    "Sorry," she replied just as quietly, interlocking her hands together. "We got a bit sidetracked."

    "That''s okay," he replied, his tone now relieved. "I know that sometimes you can''t predict it, but¡­ it''d help with my overthinking if you could let me know you were running late next time. Especially since you''re usually so prompt."

    "Sorry."

    He pulled her into his arms, his scent wrapping around her just as much as his warmth. It was crazy how quickly it soothed her. "It''s okay. Did you want to put this bag in the house or take it with us?"

    "We can take it. We''re running late already."

    "Not too late that I can''t put it down."

    "Is it heavy?"

    "I''ve had worse."

    "Would¡­ you like to put it down?"

    "Nah. I''m fine."

    Lila eyed him for a moment before saying, "Where''s your study stuff?"

    "My- oh. Right. I should bring something in case we''re there for the whole shift."

    "Were you that worried about me that you forgot to bring something?" Lila asked as they began traversing the driveway.

    "¡­ Possibly."

    "Sorry."

    "If you keep saying sorry, I''ll have to think that you did it on purpose."

    He was obviously teasing her, but instead of laughing, she just felt more guilty.

    "Lila, something seems off about you," he said gently as he opened the right front door for them. "Is-"

    "It''s fine. Just. Well. I''ll tell you at breakfast," she replied, unable to take the anxiety out of her voice. Perhaps she''d be able to mask her shiftiness with a discussion of Alice''s predicament. Being a guy, he might have a different perspective to offer that she could tell Alice, too.

    They headed up to his rumpus room, with Lila taking the opportunity to empty out some of her bag and bring only what she needed as Asher disappeared into his bedroom. She decided that she''d be fine with just her laptop and her English notebook for now and piled up her various textbooks and other notebooks onto the coffee table.

    "You certainly came prepared," Asher smiled upon spotting her collection and closing his bedroom door.

    "I figured I should be obedient today," Lila replied curtly, closing her bag. "Otherwise, you''d just give me a disappointed look until it was time to go back to mine."

    He laughed. "Do I give you disappointed looks often?"

    "No, but I don''t aim to disappoint."

    "That''s fair," he grinned. In the next instant, she saw his eyes flicker downwards so quickly that she almost thought she''d imagined it. Was¡­ that what Clare was talking about?

    She felt her cheeks turning pink as she looked away.

    "Did I do something?" Asher asked, crossing over to her and taking her bag in his hand.

    "N-No," Lila stammered, clearing her throat. For some reason, the idea that he had taken a peek made her feel pleased. She kept it to herself, just in case he would deny it. Maybe being a little bit delusional would cure her self-doubt for the moment.

    "Sounds like I did. Whatever it is, I''m either sorry, or you''re welcome."

    "Thanks," she smiled.

    "Consider me still mystified," he remarked, returning her smile as he opened the door out of the rumpus room. She chuckled, which seemed to intensify the joy behind his smile and they headed downstairs and towards the front doors.

    "Oh, good morning, Lila," Gabriel said as he washed his hands in the kitchen sink. "I didn''t see you come in."

    "Good morning, Gabriel," Lila replied, "I didn''t see you either."

    "Well, in that case, you''re forgiven for not saying hello earlier," Gabriel said pleasantly. Then, his facial expression turned gloomy. "Asher said no to breakfast, and I''m to drop the both of you off to your place for dinner. Please tell me you''ll at least eat lunch?"

    Lila and Asher exchanged a look. If they were at ''Beans & Biscuits'' for the entirety of Marlene''s shift, they''d be back at around 1.30pm¡­

    "A¡­ slightly late lunch," Asher responded tentatively. "Perhaps¡­ 2pm?"

    Gabriel gave a dramatic sniff. "Alright."

    Asher grabbed Lila''s hand and gently pulled her in the direction of the front doors.

    "See you later, Gabriel," Lila said as she followed Asher''s lead.

    "See you both," Gabriel replied morosely before heading into the butler''s pantry.

    Asher punched in the security code and they exited his house without a word. However, once the front doors were closed and locked, Lila spoke.

    "Gabriel seemed really disappointed that we''re hardly eating at yours today."

    "Yeah. He appreciates the company whenever he can get it since it''s rare that he''s here when I''ve got days off school. Sure, there are school holidays, but he''s not here on weekends. So days like this are a bonus for him."

    "I see. That''s sweet. And another explanation as to why he''d own a nightclub."

    Asher chuckled and held her hand again as they began their journey to ''Beans & Biscuits''. It was about 9.30 now, so their stroll was far more leisurely than frantic as was the case when they followed Marlene to work.

    "Still, though, I can''t believe Jason was murdered," Asher said softly after a few paces. "Do you really think Marlene had a part in it?"

    "Well, the first few days after a murder could be pretty telling, right? We can see whether she''s normal, or affected by the news, or just¡­ nervous and antsy. Until I see how she''s acting, I can''t be confident either way."

    Asher pursed his lips. "She was pretty antsy in Vanuatu."

    "I¡­ think I''d give that a bit of a pass, what with how sudden it was and that it was out of your house. It''s hard to get a gauge on her normal behaviour in such an abnormal situation to begin with."

    "Well, now I feel silly for bringing it up."

    She laughed. "I might not be right, you know."

    "Impossible."

    She squeezed his hand. Her breakdown in Clare''s car felt even more unnecessary than when she''d first sobered up. Of course she was important to him, with how he looked at her now, his appreciation for her views, and his gentle touch. How could she have thought otherwise?

    She was sure, too, that if she let Asher in on that small thought ¨C that she felt unimportant, due to a lack of physical intimacy ¨C that he''d despair over it. There wasn''t any particular solution that she could offer him, aside from physical intimacy, beyond what he already did when they were together either ¨C at least, none that she could think of. So what was the point in stressing him out in that respect?

    ''Sorry, Clare, but I won''t be confiding in Asher after all,'' she thought as they neared the shopping street. It was busy enough that it felt like today was the weekend, rather than a mid-week public holiday.

    "Outside again?" Asher asked as they continued their approach towards ''Beans & Biscuits''.

    "Of course. Usual spot, if we can."

    It was the same waitress who greeted them as it had been the previous few times, her beam brighter than the late winter sun bearing down on all those who walked under its light.

    "Where to today?" she asked with a flourish.

    "Outside please, in our usual spot."

    The waitress craned her neck before nodding. "I''ll just need to clear it, but that will be fine."

    Lila chanced a glance at the barista station as they were escorted outside to their table. Marlene was there, her face full of concentration and hands flying across the espresso machine.

    "Just to warn you, as it is a public holiday, there''s just a 15% surcharge," the waitress said chirpily before taking the assortment of plates and cups that were piled on the table.

    "Thanks," Asher replied with a smile.

    They sat down, with Lila facing the window as usual. Marlene was still busily working away ¨C to the point that it didn''t seem like she looked up even once. Which¡­ seemed relatively normal.

    The waitress returned and wiped down the table before setting down and filling some cups of water. She immediately disappeared back into the bustling caf¨¦ without a word.

    Asher carefully slid his phone into Lila''s field of view, the menu already open. She looked up at his hopeful expression before accepting it with a laugh.

    "I get the hint," she smiled, stretching her left hand out to touch his. "You win this round."

    "Yes," he grinned, taking her hand in his.

    "Well, don''t seem too excited about it ¨C I''ll take it back," she teased. He pouted before nudging his phone with his right hand.

    "Order, please," he said far more seriously, "otherwise I''ll get you whatever."

    "Alright, alright."

    She made her order and passed his phone back to him. After tapping it a few times, he set aside his phone and took both her hands in his.

    "So¡­ I know we''re here to keep an eye on things¡­ but I can''t help feeling like I''d rather this just be a date."

    She smiled again. "It''s both."

    "I know, I know. Anything happening?"

    Lila looked through the window, seeing that the spot occupied by the antique dealer ¨C if that''s who he was ¨C was empty. With that, it was a clear shot to see Marlene smacking the bell and sparking the waiters and waitresses into action. The patronage inside the caf¨¦ seemed to be the same as usual, too, though with a few less families ¨C likely due to the Show running in the city, which was the purpose of today''s public holiday.

    "Nothing for now," Lila sighed, looking back at Asher.

    "Good," he grinned. "More time for us."

    They talked a little bit about what subjects they''d be focusing on for study before their drinks were delivered.

    "Another cappuccino," Lila smirked.

    "Indeed," Asher nodded, looking intently at this one. "Art again today."

    Lila peered at his cup. Three coffee beans were once more adorning the top of Asher''s cappuccino and she glanced at Marlene. She was still incredibly busy, so it didn''t seem likely to Lila that she had noticed them arrive, much less single out this cappuccino to put art on it over and above all the other patrons.

    "Oh, you''ve got a cookie today," Asher observed, poking at the cookie sitting next to her hot chocolate.

    "Did you want it?"

    "Nah, got my own."

    She took a sip of the hot chocolate, delighted once more by the decadent flavour, and offered him a sip which he took with enthusiasm.

    "Well, looks like you might convert me to the dark side of ordering hot chocolates," Asher remarked as he licked his lips. "So good."

    They shared a grin before Asher grew serious. "So¡­ you said you''d tell me something at breakfast?"

    A slight panic rose in her chest before she swallowed it back down. The Alice situation ¨C that''s what she was going to tell him. "Like I said yesterday, you can''t tell anyone else about this."

    He nodded solemnly. "Scout''s honour."

    A brief flash of a smile crossed her face. "I was a bit late today since I was asking Clare what she''d do."

    "Alright."

    "¡­ Basically¡­ before practice yesterday, I ran into Alice."

    "Sounds normal so far. I''m still not impressed with her loss of control at that match against St Peters."

    Lila paused. Considering the timeline¡­ Alice would''ve been pregnant by then. Could that have influenced her behaviour?

    "Well¡­ she was in the changing room, and it looked like she''d been crying. At first, I thought she was a customer of the morphine ring. But¡­ Willow came in, and Alice started breaking down. Willow said she had no idea Alice liked Jason that much which just set Alice off entirely." Lila''s eyes flickered to Asher''s rapt ones and she took a deep breath. Truthfully, she wasn''t sure how he''d react to another teen pregnancy, but it was too late to take it back.

    "Alice confessed that Jason got her pregnant."

    "Holy shit."

    "She¡­ freaked out. She''s not sure what to do with the pregnancy, since¡­ well, she found out just before the home match against Mulberry Heights. She wanted to tell Jason in person, after taking a week to process everything, but he was apparently busy then the Police took him. He said he''d talk to her once he got out and¡­ well, he was murdered before she had the chance to ask him what he wanted to do about the baby. She wanted to get an abortion at first, but now she feels like it''d be killing him twice."

    "Jesus."

    "Yeah," Lila uttered lamely. She wasn''t sure what to do with her hands, so she took a sip of her hot chocolate, collecting her thoughts some more. He¡­ didn''t seem to be sensitive to the fact that Lila had mentioned a pregnancy, at least.

    "Damn." Asher''s face turned from incredulity to contemplation as he placed a finger on his chin. "Were they dating?"

    "No. Just having casual hookups, apparently. She thought he was a cocky asshole."

    "Could say that twice."

    "I didn''t want to say that to her when she was mid-crying."

    "She''s clearly well aware," Asher sighed, picking up his cappuccino with a frown. "That''s a¡­ pretty big issue, though."

    "Yeah. I suggested that she should see a counsellor, but she''s worried they''d tell her parents."

    "I mean, she''s over the age of consent, so I''m not sure that they would. If she was underage, then they''d have to I''m pretty sure."

    "I think she''d need more reassurance than ''trust me, I''m pretty sure''."

    "True."

    "So, this morning I basically asked Clare what she would do in that situation."

    "I see. And?"

    "And Clare said she''d probably keep the pregnancy going, and if she couldn''t take care of the baby, let his parents adopt it."

    "That sounds a lot easier in theory than practice, I''m sure."

    Lila sighed. "Yeah, but just before we left for our date, Alice mentioned that she wasn''t sure if she could live with herself if she went through with an abortion since she couldn''t ask Jason if he''d be okay with not having a part of him live on."

    "That''s heavy."

    "The whole thing is heavy."

    Asher took a long sip of his cappuccino, his eyes distant as he did so. Once he put it down, he shook his head. "I hardly knew Jason, but there''s something about leaving behind a child that¡­ sounds pretty apt for him. Kinda like¡­ well, he''s really persistent, even in death."

    "I see what you mean."

    "¡­ It''s not like I''d be able to get pregnant, but I think¡­ with what Alice said, Clare''s opinion might be good to give her. Pregnancy takes a lot out of someone, from what I''ve heard with my Aunt Madeline, and it''s hard work but at least if she can''t take care of the baby, his parents might. I mean, I''m not sure how much care Evelyn can give the baby since, well, she''s in custody, but Morris might be willing and able. The Whitleys, even though they''re divorced, weren''t ever struggling from what I know of them. Which, to be honest, kinda makes the whole morphine ring thing a bit more bizarre, but given that first interview with Jason and his Dad, perhaps they''re used to shady dealings."

    "Clare also mentioned that Alice should tell his parents if she''s keeping the pregnancy since it might give them some comfort. Y''know, that he''s not entirely gone."

    Asher ran his fingers through his hair. "Yeah, she should. I just don''t know how she''d go about it if she doesn''t know their details already."

    "It''s not like Evelyn''s going anywhere."

    Asher gave Lila a sharp look. "Lila, the drug bust hasn''t made the news yet. No one''s supposed to know she''s in custody ¨C not even us, by the fact that your Dad didn''t say she was. The news of Jason''s murder didn''t even say that Jason was expelled ¨C just that he was the former Head Boy at our school. It could be read that he graduated. It''s good advice, but I don''t think you should tell Alice that his Mum is in custody."

    "But¡­ I think this is more important than keeping the fact that Evelyn is involved in the morphine ring a secret. I mean, Alice might want to talk to his parents first in order to make a decision about it all, since she can''t ask Jason what to do. I''ve got to tell her."

    "I hardly doubt prospective grandparents would say to get rid of the baby of their recently-murdered child."

    "Still, she might want to get a feel for who they are beforehand, especially if she ends up giving the baby up to them. And, since Evelyn''s in custody, it''d be easy to talk to her. Well, easier than Morris. He''d need to be contacted through Facebook, and who knows how long it''d take for him to notice a stranger has messaged him."

    "And if Alice asks why you know where Jason''s Mum is?"

    "I''ll just say¡­ I heard it from¡­ Theo or something."

    Asher snorted. "Theo?"

    "Well, Theo''s connected to the ring, but managed to escape from Police notice. So, he might know what happened to that group. Who knows, maybe he''s even visited them since they got expelled. He told me he hung around them ''cause they were interesting. All of this¡­ is pretty interesting. Besides, she might not even ask me why I know."

    Asher met her gaze before sighing. "You''re right. It''s pretty important to tell her."

    "It''s also time-sensitive."

    "That''s true."

    "Asher¡­ if you were Jason¡­ what would you have said?"

    He pursed his lips before taking another long sip of his cappuccino. "If I was Jason and it was a casual fling¡­ I''d probably say she could keep it if she wanted to, but that I''d prefer an abortion. Depending on how casual it was, I might say that I wouldn''t be an active part of the child''s life, either."

    Lila blinked. "That''s¡­ unexpected."

    His eyes flickered to hers. "That''s if I was Jason and it was exceptionally casual. This is also presuming that I''m alive and able to have kids later down the road ¨C which¡­ doesn''t really apply here at all. I doubt Jason knew his time was up, especially if he said he was going to talk to Alice after he got out, so that''s why I think he could''ve said something like that if they''d talked. But¡­ I personally don''t think I''d ever be the type to get into casual flings."

    "A-And if-"

    "The big brekkie?"

    Lila jolted. She hadn''t realised their waitress had approached with their food, what with how absorbed she was in her conversation with Asher. The waitress set it down in front of Asher before putting a plate of bacon and eggs down in front of Lila and bustling back into the caf¨¦.

    Lila wanted to ask Asher what his view would be on a situation like that which wasn''t casual, but¡­ now that the moment had passed and he was eagerly digging into his food, she thought that perhaps it wouldn''t be the right time. Besides, it wasn''t like she was close to a reality where she might need to make such a decision with him. If she asked¡­ well, it''d just remind her that they still weren''t doing anything of the sort.

    She also knew Asher to be responsible to a fault, so perhaps what he said ¨C especially the part where he wouldn''t be part of the child''s life ¨C was purely from what he knew of Jason rather than his true feelings on the matter if it had happened to him. Although, Asher''s admission that he didn''t think he''d ever be the type to get into casual flings was an interesting one.

    ''It''s hard to know without being in that situation, too,'' Lila thought as she shoved a piece of bacon into her mouth. ''Hypotheticals are all hypothetical, after all.''

    For now, Lila put it out of her mind and instead enjoyed breakfast in Asher''s presence. Given it was mid-August, it was generally chilly however the sun overhead was doing a nice job of gently combating this so that she wasn''t shivering.

    He glanced at her with a faint smile before cutting up bits of his big breakfast and placing it on her plate.

    "I don''t-"

    "C''mon," his eyes crinkled with happiness as he gestured at his offerings, "have some."

    "I feel like you''re trying to fatten me up."

    "If that''s a natural consequence of getting to see how your eyes sparkle when you taste something yummy, then that''s just what it is."

    "So there are ulterior motives."

    "You catch on quick."

    She chuckled, stabbing a piece of sausage that he''d given her and placing it in her mouth. He was right ¨C it was yummy.

    "See, that''s the look!"

    "It''s not like I''m able to see it," she replied, now stabbing a bit of mushroom.

    "Ah, that''s true, but at least I can," he said playfully, cutting up some more of his food and eating it.

    They continued eating with some playful banter. By the time they finished, Lila''s heart felt warm, her smile content and belly full.

    "So, are we sticking around?" Asher eventually asked. She checked the time. It was about 11am.

    "Well, we''re pretty close to the end of her shift," Lila said, pulling her bag onto her thighs. "I think we could stay until then, right?"

    "If that''s what you want."

    Lila was about to respond when it felt as though the sun had disappeared behind the clouds. By the brightness still surrounding them, she knew it hadn''t ¨C but that didn''t make her blood feel any less cold. Her eyes had locked on to a figure so familiar to her that she thought she was dreaming.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-One

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-One

    "D-Dad?" Lila baulked.

    "What?" Asher looked around wildly before his face turned pale. "Why''s your Dad here?"

    Lila shook her head. It couldn''t be her Dad, right? His PI office was over near the city ¨C far from ''Beans & Biscuits'' ¨C and home was a good 20 to 30 minutes from here, too.

    The man who looked awfully like her Dad ¨C but couldn''t be her Dad ¨C was led over to the seat the antique dealer had sat in, his back to the window. Lila saw a flash of something in his hands ¨C a bag; one that looked incredibly similar to one she''d seen in her Dad''s home office the other day when she broke into the filing cabinet. So¡­ maybe it was her Dad?

    It was a public holiday today, so her Mum should also be here, if it was her Dad. Lila craned her neck, looking at the street and then back at the caf¨¦ to try and find her. No one fitting her Mum''s description was remotely nearby. So¡­ if it was her Dad, why was he here at some random local caf¨¦ without her Mum on a day off?

    Her Dad had also known that Lila was heading this way, since she''d mentioned it last night when she came home and found her parents and Clare sitting in the living room watching some lame reality TV show. Surely, then, when Lila asked for a ride, he would''ve said yes if he was also planning on coming this way?

    Her mind was reeling, though it wasn''t catching any fish.

    "Maybe¡­ he''s meeting my Dad?" Asher suggested quietly.

    "I don''t see your Dad at all."

    "Wait¡­ Dad''s at another conference," Asher frowned, tapping the edge of his empty coffee cup. "Up north. He was annoyed that it was over the public holiday, but since Evelyn''s, well, not available, he had to send himself."

    "¡­ Looks like we''re staying until we figure out what he''s up to," Lila murmured, rifling through the bag that was still on her thighs. She pulled out her laptop and placed it on their table, which seemed to summon their waitress.

    "I''ll just clear these plates," she said cheerily. Asher and Lila nodded in acknowledgement as Asher put a maths textbook and notebook onto the now-cleared table.

    "I''ll order some juice," Asher offered, his tone subdued with apparent worry.

    "Yes, please," Lila replied automatically, signing in to her laptop. She left her screen on her desktop as she continued to observe the man who looked uncannily like her Dad. It simply seemed as though he was just taking a coffee break ¨C but from what?

    "And you''re 100% sure your Dad is at a conference?" Lila asked Asher in a low voice.

    "Entirely. He was complaining about it a lot when he said goodnight to me last night. Kinda felt like he forgot why he was in my rumpus room to begin with."

    "And there''s no chance he''s lying?"

    "Well, there''s always a chance," Asher frowned again, "especially since he''s not exactly above hiding things from me. But why would he hide meeting your Dad with a conference, if that was the case? He could just tell me he was at the hospital as usual, it''s not like he works from home often since he''s so busy. Plus, they''d have been meeting all the time for the case already." Asher paused before adding, "Perhaps he''s got a new client this way and will be meeting them soon for coffee, or something."

    "Surely meetings like that happen in his office."

    "Probably, unless there needs to be some rapport built on an even playing field, like an unaffiliated coffee shop," he said carefully, his eyes looking down at the textbook that he''d opened.

    Lila still wasn''t exactly convinced by this theory, but she had nothing else to offer. With a small sound of dissatisfaction, she opened her English assignment. Maybe it wasn''t her Dad. He¡­ was fairly generic as a white guy ¨C a dime a dozen in this particular suburb, too. Asher''s family was probably the only splash of colour for kilometres, and even then they were slightly diluted, like Lila.

    "¡­ Maybe he''s not my Dad," Lila murmured after a few seconds.

    "He''s definitely your Dad."

    "I mean, you only just glanced at him."

    "Sure, but every detail of him is etched in my brain with flashing neon warning lights. I''m terrified of the man."

    "You are?"

    He looked offended that she''d asked. "Of course. A bit of healthy fear of my girlfriend''s parents is required, I think." His voice dropped to a whisper. "What if I upset him?"

    "Upset him? What are you planning to do that would upset him? You''ve already helped uncover a dru-"

    "The orange and mango juices?" Their waitress had once again reappeared, armed with their cups of juice. Lila snapped her mouth shut and made room on the table to receive said juice, though her heart was racing a mile a minute. They both sheepishly thanked the waitress, who disappeared with another polite nod.

    "¡­ A-Anyway, he''d¡­ already said he was furious about the thing we did," Lila said in a hushed tone. "I don''t think you could upset him any more than that."

    "Breathing wrong in his presence could upset him."

    "Asher, you''re being silly. He likes you."

    "And I like his daughter."

    "Well, I''d hope so, and I think he''d hope so too."

    Asher sighed before taking a long sip of his juice. "I¡­ I''ll explain better later."

    "Later?"

    "Like, next year."

    "That doesn''t make sense."

    His face flushed and he slurped some more of his juice. She continued to look at him expectantly and he avoided her eyes as he said, "It''s not important now, but I''ll tell you at some point why."

    She pouted. "I don''t get it."

    "I''m glad."

    "So, what, you panic every time you have dinner with him? ''Cause¡­ you''re doing that again tonight."

    "A little."

    "But my Dad''s such a teddy bear."

    "Is he? He seems very severe."

    "Well, when we''re talking about¡­" Lila furtively looked around before leaning in and whispering, "serious stuff, then of course he is."

    "Seems like we only talk about serious stuff with your Dad."

    "You''ve talked to him about, like, soccer and whatever."

    "Very serious business."

    She looked at him dubiously and saw the corners of his mouth twitch in cheeky amusement.

    "You''re pulling my leg. You''re not actually scared of him," Lila insisted.

    "Hand on heart and shoot me in the eye, I am."

    "I¡­ think you''re misusing the phrase."

    "There''s a phrase? I''m just speaking my truth."

    Lila shook her head, though she was unable to keep the smile off her face. "I still think you''re being silly."

    "You can keep thinking that," Asher replied with a shudder. "It doesn''t change the facts."

    "Alright, I get it. So, you''re saying that it''s definitely my Dad?"

    "Without a doubt in my mind."

    "Then¡­ what''s he doing here?"

    "I don''t know, I can''t see from where I''m sitting. Having coffee, probably."

    She playfully tapped his hand. "Don''t be rude."

    "What? It''s true. I''ve got less of a clue than you do about his reasons for being here."

    She fell silent, turning her eyes to her Dad. He seemed to be acting quite normal for a lone man in a caf¨¦. Lila sighed once more, looking down at her laptop. There was no way she''d be able to concentrate on anything study-related with her Dad just over there.

    "You don''t have to study if you don''t want to," Asher said softly. "We''ve always got when we get back."

    "I¡­ should at least pretend to look busy," Lila replied just as softly.

    "Pretend away."

    She gave him a half-hearted smile before looking back at her Dad.

    "Wait, what the fuck?"

    "What?" Asher looked up in alarm.

    "Don''t turn around," Lila hissed, her eyes transfixed on the scene before her.

    Like how it had been with the antique dealer, her Dad received a steaming hot mug from Marlene herself. Lila watched with bated breath as Marlene pressed the tray with which she''d carried it to her body, seemingly engaging in conversation with her Dad. Unlike the conversation with the antique dealer, it seemed far more brief, with far less laughter.

    Lila continued to watch, lowering herself so she was half-hidden behind her laptop. Marlene promptly turned on her heel and returned to the espresso machine, resuming her almost frantic coffee-making.

    "Okay, what the fuck?" Lila repeated.

    "You gonna tell me or-"

    "Sorry. Marlene personally gave my Dad coffee."

    "What? Like she did with that other guy?"

    "Yeah."

    Lila narrowed her eyes. Her Dad had relaxed his posture slightly, seemingly settling in with his coffee.

    "Why would Marlene know my Dad?" she asked, disturbed by this notion.

    "¡­ Maybe she helped with the investigation my Dad asked your Dad to do?"

    "But it would''ve been confidential, and it''s not like she works at the hospital."

    "No idea then."

    Lila chewed her bottom lip. No¡­ this wasn''t her Dad-

    Except, a different waitress than the one attending to Lila and Asher delivered a suspicious-looking pastry to the man. A blueberry danish.

    His body language picked up with energy, the glee apparent with the way he raised both hands in anticipation of picking up the danish.

    Lila groaned. "That''s my Dad for sure."

    "You''re finally convinced?" Asher coughed, clearly hiding a smile.

    "Yeah," Lila replied reluctantly. "Mum banned him from blueberry danishes and he just got one now."

    "Banned him? Why?"

    Lila gave him a dark look. "A few years ago, that''s all he ate. That''s all anyone ate. For weeks."

    "And your Mum just¡­ let that happen?"

    "She was really sick at the time ¨C it was before COVID but something similar, so she was basically bedridden."

    "And¡­ that''s all she ate for weeks too?"

    "You bet. She couldn''t speak, but the death glares¡­ they did all the talking."

    "So while your Mum was held hostage by her own body, he just force-fed the family blueberry danishes?"

    "That''s exactly it. I can''t even look at one anymore."

    Asher chuckled. "Maybe if I upset your Dad, he''ll force-feed me blueberry danishes."

    "That would be a horrible fate," Lila concurred with a shiver. She watched as her Dad moved with unbridled enthusiasm, evidently eating said blueberry danish. He seemed to be savouring each bite, taking long enough to finish eating that Lila wasn''t sure if he''d ordered three ¨C though she''d only seen the waitress bring him one. Lila checked the time ¨C 11.45am. Marlene didn''t otherwise look in her Dad''s direction or do anything else in the time that passed besides fulfilling coffee orders, all within the confines of her barista station.

    Lila observed the waitress approach her Dad once more, this time holding a white paper bag with a definitely blueberry danish-shaped object inside. He accepted the paper bag before overtly downing his cup.

    "I think he bought another one," Lila said disapprovingly, taking a sip of her now significantly watered-down juice.

    "At least it''s only one and not five. Or seven, for tonight."

    "Don''t jinx it."

    Asher snickered.

    It was at that point, though, that her Dad stood, appearing to wipe his hands on something.

    "Looks like he''s leaving," Lila murmured, taking another sip of her juice.

    "Did you want to follow him?"

    "No way. I''d rather pretend I never saw him here. He basically told us to stop being nosy, remember?"

    "Roger that."

    "Still, though, is it part of Marlene''s role to randomly serve one lone customer a drink?" Lila pursed her lips, watching as her Dad dusted himself off.

    "Beats the shit outta me."

    Her Dad clutched his spoils in his right hand before finally walking towards the exit. Lila''s eyes followed his movements where they could before hearing the pleasing tinkle of the door which signalled his departure from the caf¨¦.

    "Which direction is he going?" she asked Asher, absently scrolling through her English assignment before her laptop fell asleep.

    "To the left ¨C towards the carpark."

    "Okay."

    The left side was the opposite side of ''Beans & Biscuits'' to where Lila and Asher were sitting, so there were no further opportunities for Asher to see what her Dad was up to. Lila tapped on the table, taking a minute or so to think. Did her Dad come all this way to secretly stuff his face with blueberry danishes? Maybe, considering how her whole family felt about them now. Surely there were more sold in the city, though?

    Lila''s eyes flickered to where her Dad had been sitting. There was hardly a hint of the danish left ¨C but¡­

    "Asher, was my Dad carrying a bag?"

    "A bag? Yeah, looked like a pastry bag."

    "No, no, like¡­ an actual bag?"

    "Are¡­ pastry bags not bags?"

    She frowned at him. "Like a¡­ leather¡­ one¡­" She trailed off as she pictured the bag in question. It hadn''t stuck out to her in her Dad''s home office, since there''d been so many, but the glimpse of the one that she''d seen her Dad with looked far too familiar for comfort.

    She didn''t have time to ruminate on this though.

    "Shit."

    Lila ducked below her laptop screen, her heart almost breaking her ribs with the force of its rapid beating. Marlene had appeared at the window.

    "What happened?"

    "Marlene''s at the window."

    Lila peered over Asher''s shoulder, the d¨¦j¨¤ vu making her skin crawl. Marlene was walking away from the window, her hoodie on and a bag over her shoulder.

    Lila held her breath as Marlene paused by the barista station. Then, like she had on Friday, Marlene turned towards the front door and briskly walked out of the caf¨¦ altogether.

    "Fuck, we have to go-"

    "What do-"

    "C''mon, pack up."

    Asher downed the rest of his juice before throwing his textbook and notebook back into the bag he''d brought with him, just as Lila did the same with her laptop and notebook. The telltale tinkle of the bell made Lila feel anxious. What if Marlene changed course today and they''d miss her since they were packing up?

    She haphazardly zipped up her bag and threw it over her shoulder before hurrying towards the inside of the caf¨¦, checking that Asher was right behind her. They burst out of the front doors, seeing Marlene turn the corner at the end of the street. Lila felt a small amount of relief ¨C Marlene was heading towards Asher''s.

    The sudden exercise was leaving her winded but once they also turned the corner, they slowed their pace, catching their ragged breaths as they did so. Marlene was just ahead, seeming none the wiser to their presence. The bag on her shoulder ¨C it was undeniably the one that Lila had seen her Dad take into the caf¨¦. Just as undeniably, it looked virtually identical to the one Marlene had taken from the antique dealer ¨C the one that had a duck in it.

    Lila glanced at Asher. His cheeks were pink with exertion and it didn''t seem like he knew what the heck was going on. Lila didn''t want to get into it here, but her mind was whirling. Did her Dad get Marlene a duck? Lila had no idea if her Dad knew where to even get duck statues since she''d never seen him venture to any such places and they didn''t have any duck statues at home.

    They continued to follow Marlene, who walked as she usually did ¨C without a hint that she was carrying a bag that hadn''t belonged to her half an hour ago.

    Asher''s hand fished for hers, and she let them connect though she still didn''t dare say a word. Why had her Dad left his bag behind ¨C one that looked the same as the one the antique dealer had ¨C and why had Marlene picked it up? Did Marlene know that it was her Dad who had left it behind? Was she going to pass it along to Lila, or maybe Asher to give to Lila, so that her Dad could get it back? But¡­ her Dad was never absentminded, either. His attention to detail was paramount in his job ¨C his entire life, even. To be so inattentive to the point of leaving a bag behind¡­ that didn''t add up.

    They lingered on the street for a while as Marlene passed through the gates to Asher''s place before meandering up the driveway once enough time had passed. Asher''s expression seemed to convey that he was deep in thought, so Lila figured he''d caught on by now.

    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

    Marlene was thankfully nowhere in sight as they carefully approached the front doors. He unlocked them before a small meow caught their attention.

    Looking down, they saw Mr Snugglebutt lightly brush against Asher''s leg and he recoiled, jumping closer to Lila.

    "Oh, hello Mr Snugglebutt," she cooed, squatting down to him. He paced in a small circle ahead of her before approaching and rubbing his chin on her knees.

    "Watch out, he''s got claws," Asher said warily.

    "All cats have claws, Asher."

    "But we know this one uses them."

    Lila tentatively held her hand out and Mr Snugglebutt immediately sniffed it before rubbing against it. She scratched him gently and his tail quivered, as though enjoying her touch.

    "He might let you touch him," Lila smiled, looking up at Asher. He seemed horrified by the prospect.

    "Or he might rip me to shreds."

    "C''mon, he''s friendly today."

    "To you, maybe."

    "You wouldn''t hurt Asher again, would you Mr Snugglebutt?" Lila asked in a childlike tone, still scratching the cat.

    "See, he didn''t say anything."

    "What''s he supposed to say? ''Not on my life, Lila''?"

    Asher continued to look wary, though he too squatted down low to the ground. He tentatively stretched a hand out towards Mr Snugglebutt, who swatted at it, his tail flicking in anger.

    "Friendly, my ass," Asher grumbled. "Can we go inside now?"

    Lila pouted. "But-"

    "Hang on," Asher interjected. "He''s got another bottle around his neck."

    "He does?" Lila looked down at the cat, who had returned to her hand. Around his neck was a yellow collar with a small bottle attached around the middle, which had been just out of reach of her fingers from where he''d requested scratches. A rolled-up piece of paper was inside and she exchanged a look with Asher.

    "Reckon he''ll let me take it off him?" Lila asked quietly.

    "Probably. If not, I strangled him pretty efficiently last time."

    "And you wonder why he''s not friendly."

    "What was I supposed to do?"

    "Not strangle him, clearly."

    Asher glanced around before gesturing at Lila. "Give it a go, at least."

    Lila pursed her lips. "Alright, Mr Snugglebutt. I''m just going to take this off¡­"

    To her surprise, Mr Snugglebutt sat down as still as a statue. She turned the collar to see the latch and slowly removed it. She slid the bottle off the collar with ease and gave Asher an unsure look.

    "Do I just take the message or the whole bottle?"

    Asher shrugged. "Do you reckon you could pop it open now? The doors are going to start complaining if we keep sitting out here with them unlocked."

    Lila tightened her grasp on the bottle. "¡­ I''ll just take the bottle."

    "Alright. Pass it here and I''ll put it in my pocket."

    She did so before replacing the collar around Mr Snugglebutt''s neck. He had remained extraordinarily still ¨C right up until she tested that the collar was indeed secure. He shook his whole body before giving another meow.

    "Thanks, kitty," Lila said affectionately, giving him one last scratch under the chin. He meowed again before sauntering off, towards the side gate that Marlene usually used.

    "You reckon he''s going home?" Lila asked after they watched him go for a few moments.

    "Probably. Though¡­ we just saw Marlene go through that gate. Surely she didn''t have time to write a message and put it on his collar just now. So¡­ who did?"

    Lila pressed her lips together. "Gabriel?"

    "Why would he bother?"

    "Maybe it''s their thing, him and Marlene. Something fun to entertain each other, sending messages in a bottle via cat."

    Asher paused. "¡­ Maybe. I won''t ask him, though."

    "Good idea. At least, not until we read the note."

    "Yeah. Do you need help standing?"

    Lila shook her head. "I''m good, thanks."

    They wordlessly stood and entered through the front doors. They started making their way to the rumpus room, with Lila hardly noticing Gabriel in the kitchen.

    "Ah, you came back," Gabriel''s cheerful voice cut through Lila''s musings on what they''d seen at the caf¨¦ and the message in the bottle. They both looked at him before Lila smiled.

    "Of course we did," she said pleasantly. "We promised we''d have lunch here."

    "I hope you''ll have room for it," Gabriel grinned. "It''ll make you wish you were staying for dinner, too!"

    "I''d be inclined to agree, but I have a major soft spot for tocino," Lila lamented. "Plus, Clare is bringing Alex over to meet the family."

    Gabriel gawked at her. "It''s that serious?"

    "Apparently so," Lila smiled. "Not sure how it''ll go if it gets out that we''ve met him before at Coolisimo."

    Gabriel''s expression now changed to one of concern. "Maybe you should stay here for dinner."

    "If we don''t go, I think that''ll look more suspicious," Asher interjected. "Besides, he was very intimidating at Coolisimo. It''ll be interesting to see what he''s like when he''s not in ''bartender catching underaged teens in a club'' mode."

    Gabriel''s concern only grew on his face. "But your mother-"

    "I think¡­ we''ll just have to hope for the best," Lila said, giving him a gentle smile. "No need to be so concerned."

    Gabriel seemed ready to say something else but instead nodded.

    "Let us know when lunch is ready," Asher said with a return nod.

    "Of course," Gabriel murmured. He stood in the kitchen for a moment longer before heading back into the butler''s pantry.

    With that, Lila and Asher headed up to the rumpus room, with all of Lila''s questions burning her throat. As soon as Asher closed the door behind them, she turned to him.

    "Okay, firstly, what do you think is in the bag?"

    "You don''t want to know what''s in the bottle first?" he asked, his tone surprised.

    "I do, but¡­ I''m still feeling really weird about the caf¨¦ stuff."

    Asher paused. "I feel like I know what you''re talking about with the bag thing, but give me more context."

    "Well-"

    "Come, sit down first."

    She complied, placing her bag next to the couch. He sat next to her and she shuffled closer to him, placing her head on his shoulder.

    "So, Dad went into the caf¨¦ with a bag," she began, staring at the blank TV screen. "Then, he left without it. Marlene finished her shift early again and took the bag that he''d left behind. At least, that''s what it looks like. The bag looks almost identical to the one the antique guy left behind on Friday. So, what do you think is in the bag?"

    Asher paused. "A¡­ duck?"

    "But why would my Dad get her a duck?"

    "Your family doesn''t have any duck statues lying around, right?"

    "Definitely none that I know of."

    "So it''s unlikely that he sold a duck statue on, like, Facebook marketplace then."

    "Very much so."

    Asher pursed his lips. "No idea, then. Maybe she bought the bag?"

    "But she already had one, from the antique dealer."

    "Maybe it''s a set?"

    This answer didn''t satisfy Lila at all. It seemed like Asher could tell, for he fell silent, resting a finger on his chin in contemplation.

    "I really can''t think of anything," he finally said in defeat.

    She sighed. "Damn."

    "Maybe she''ll talk about it on stream tonight?"

    "It''s the only thing I can hope for," Lila grumbled, pressing herself deeply into the couch in protest. Asher eyed her carefully before pulling her into his arms.

    "We can''t do anything about it now," he said, squeezing her gently. She melted into his hug, enjoying how his touch enveloped her in his warmth.

    "Yeah, but¡­ it makes me just want to break into the cottage again. Especially now that I have my own lockpicks."

    "Did I create a monster?" he asked, his tone teasing.

    "Maybe."

    He kissed her on the side of her head. "Let''s not do that. At least, not anytime soon. We''ll see what''s on her stream tonight, since it''s a Wednesday. Then, if there''s nothing, we can think about what to do to find out."

    "¡­ Okay," Lila mumbled, nestling herself closer to him. "Sometimes, I don''t like it when you''re reasonable."

    "Really? Sorry-"

    "I''m only joking. Your reasonable self is probably why we''ve survived so far. You''ve got the right amount of caution."

    "That I constantly throw to the wind."

    She giggled. "Yes, but I think that''s my influence."

    He didn''t respond for a moment before he gently squeezed her again. "Bit of A, bit of B. Or should I say L?"

    She giggled again, reaching out to lightly touch the ''L'' on his chest. "Definitely L."

    He smiled fondly at her. "You''re adorable."

    She flushed and hid in his chest to mask it. He wrapped his arms around her with a tighter grip.

    "You''ll kill me," he whispered in her ear.

    "Can''t have that," she mumbled into his body. "Then who''ll hug me like this?"

    He gave a deep belly laugh, one that jostled her slightly. "That''s true," he said, "I don''t want there to be anyone else who hugs you like this. Guess that means I need to work on being invincible."

    "Please do."

    He laughed again, though this time it was soft. "I will, for you."

    She swallowed before lifting herself up to see his face once more. He was blushing and his eyes were glued to hers. Neither moved for a second. Could she steal a kiss?

    As if he had the same thought, he leaned in and she eagerly met his lips. The passion flowing through her veins drew her whole body forward, almost to the point of straddling him. It seemed like he didn''t notice ¨C or perhaps even encouraged it, with the way he gripped her hair. He pulled down on her strands, forcing her lips to connect to his with more force ¨C something that she found herself to enjoy far more than she thought possible. She felt like she was glimpsing where his desires were taking him, and her curiosity was telling her to comply without making any moves of her own so she could see what else he''d do.

    Even so, it was beginning to feel really warm in here. Her shirt ¨C she needed to take it off, otherwise she''d overheat.

    With her lips still busy with his, she began to lift the hem and was surprised to find his hands meet hers. He tugged upwards, and her breath halted. Was he helping her?

    As soon as she had the thought, he roughly pulled her shirt down and broke away.

    "Wait, wait, wait," he muttered frantically, his expression entirely flustered, "no-"

    "Asher, it''s-"

    "No," he repeated firmly, letting go entirely, his eyes wild with what looked to be thousands of thoughts and emotions each fighting for dominance. At the moment, it looked like guilt was prevailing.

    She sat up, sinking into the couch between his legs as quickly as her hopes. It''d¡­ been going so well.

    "Sorry," he whispered, bringing his hands over his eyes. They were shaking, though she couldn''t tell from what.

    "That just makes it worse," she replied, unable to look at him anymore, lest the tears behind her eyes fell.

    Nothing was said for far too long. Lila moved further back, away from him, now feeling much too cold and hugging her torso to keep a shred of that fleeting warmth she''d had only seconds ago.

    After what felt like hours, but could only have been minutes, she felt him move.

    "Here," he said softly, prompting her to look at him. He''d sat up as well, averting his eyes from hers. In his hands was the bottle from Mr Snugglebutt''s collar and he carefully dropped it into her hands, as though afraid to touch her. Would¡­ that fear linger?

    She didn''t find any of her usual enthusiastic curiosity as she turned the bottle in her hands. Somehow, it just kept getting worse and worse, every time they kissed and he''d panic like this. And, despite how he''d made her feel during breakfast, she was beginning to fall back into those feelings that she''d had in the car with Clare. He made her happy, yes¡­ but this was really stinging.

    "You¡­ don''t want to open it?" his voice was hesitant, barely above a whisper. She sighed. It''d¡­ be a good distraction, at least.

    "I''ll open it," she said just as quietly. She fumbled with it for a few awkward seconds before the lid gave way. She tipped the bottle into her hand, grabbing the paper as it slipped out.

    She unfurled it with a frown. It looked like a black-and-white picture-

    "That''s us," she said, the shock twisting her stomach until it was nauseous. "It''s a picture of us."

    "What?" Asher leaned forward, inspecting the paper in her hands. It was indeed a printed black and white picture of Lila and Asher, both laughing, at ''Beans & Biscuits''. Judging by the outfits, it''d been taken that day and from the right side ¨C likely from the caf¨¦ next door. She hadn''t seen anyone with a camera or felt anyone watching them at all that day. That realisation alone made her shiver.

    Asher shuddered, sitting back with gritted teeth. "This is like Piper all over again."

    "If¡­ she wasn''t dead, I would be inclined to think that she''d taken it¡­"

    "Unless she''s not dead."

    Lila stared at him. He was joking, right?

    "I-I think she''s dead," he quickly explained, "but I mean, I don''t know for sure. It''s not like I''ve seen her body."

    "I doubt the reporter would give out fake news without another news piece apologising for the fake news since it was so horrible. Plus, the Police haven''t put a contrary statement out there."

    They both looked back down at the photo, the nausea Lila felt not letting up any. Had they attracted a new stalker? Why? And a new stalker who put photos of them on Mr Snugglebutt, no less¡­

    She looked back down at the photo, taking in as many details as she could. The picture was actually¡­ kind of sweet. She had no idea what it looked like when they were together from an outsider''s perspective, but, to her, she looked happier than she''d ever been. Asher, too. Despite what she''d felt moments ago, she really loved being with Asher. If only he''d-

    "Is there anything on the back?" he asked. She blinked up at him, unable to register what he''d said for a moment. Then, she turned the photo.

    There was something written so lightly in the centre that Lila hadn''t noticed it when she''d first taken the paper out of the bottle. It was a series of numbers, letters and symbols that made no sense to her.

    WU¡ã EP'' RY.EO" 3

    QTE¡ã PW'' RT.OW" 2

    "I have absolutely no idea what this is," Lila said, passing it to Asher. He brought it close to his eyes, peering at it intently.

    "I''m not convinced that it''s words," he said after a few moments. "Other than that, I have no idea."

    "Not words?"

    Asher shook his head. "Or, at least, not a legible sentence."

    "Why would someone print a picture of us and write this behind it?"

    "Not sure. I''d expected a message, maybe like the one about Mr Snugglebutt''s real name, but¡­ there are hardly any letters for a message."

    Lila was entirely stumped. "Maybe¡­ we should do some studying for now. Reset our brains and look at it again after lunch?"

    Asher checked the time on his phone. "That works. Should give us about an hour."

    He placed the note back into the bottle and put the lid back on. Lila pulled out her laptop and English notebook once again. Trying to work on her assignment was almost impossible, with the chaos running through her mind of what she''d seen at ''Beans & Biscuits'', the mystery of the photo and accompanying note, what Asher had said about Alice''s predicament, and¡­ her want for him to touch her again ¨C even if it was just a light brush against her arm. But he was steadfastly working on his maths. Not even his eyes drifted to her as he worked, let alone any part of his body.

    She gave a soft sigh before setting aside her laptop. He looked up.

    "Just going to the bathroom," she explained, standing up and heading to the spare bathroom. Cooling herself down with some water had helped in the past, so she tried it again. It took a bit longer than she''d hoped, but it gradually worked to bring her focus back. Her English assignment was due very soon, so she really needed to finish it ¨C especially when Ms Shard''s more general tips from marking their drafts were fresh in her mind.

    With more determination, she sat on the couch and found two cups of juice sitting on the coffee table. She picked up the one closest to her and turned to Asher, who''d returned to studying as though nothing had happened.

    "Thanks for the juice," she smiled, taking a sip.

    "You''re welcome," he said, his gaze still on his work. "I realised I hadn''t poured some. Bit rude of me."

    "I''ll forgive you."

    "I''m glad."

    Something seemed off about his response. Was it the cadence? She looked at him suspiciously, however he seemed to be concentrating on his work. It was likely, then, that it was due to having divided his attention between her and his studies.

    She took one more sip before setting her cup down. She dived into her English assignment, making a satisfying amount of progress that stopped only when the shrill tone of the intercom startled her.

    Asher sighed, obediently heading to the intercom.

    "Hello," he said once he reached it.

    "Lunch is ready," Gabriel''s joyous voice responded.

    "Thanks, Gabriel."

    Lila stretched and put her laptop to sleep. She wasn''t exactly starving as they headed downstairs but it changed when she reached the dining room and inhaled the tantalising scent of spiced pulled pork.

    Three plates of humble pulled pork burgers and homemade, rustic chips sat patiently on the dining table where Lila, Asher and Gabriel typically sat.

    "Eat, eat," Gabriel called from the kitchen as they took their seats. "Just sorting out some punch."

    Lila popped a chip into her mouth, letting the chicken salt settle on her tongue before grabbing hold of her burger. Slivers of tomato and lettuce poked out of the sides, but of most importance was the pulled pork calling her name.

    As expected, it was delicious, the unexpected sweet tang of applesauce enhancing the flavour of the pork as she chewed.

    Gabriel entered not a moment later, brandishing a jug of punch and pouring some for both Lila and Asher. He bustled to his own seat, his eyes resting on Lila for a moment.

    "How is it?" he asked with an all-knowing smile.

    "Delicious, as always," Lila gushed. "I love it."

    "Glad to hear it," Gabriel chuckled before tucking in to his own burger.

    They ate in silence, with Lila savouring each bite. Eventually, her plate was completely empty and she''d had more than her fair share of punch.

    "That was amazing, Gabriel," she beamed. "Thanks."

    "You''re very welcome, Lila. Unfortunately, I now have an absurd amount of pulled pork and applesauce left over to enjoy all on my lonesome tonight," Gabriel ended his sentence with a dramatic sniff.

    "There''s worse things you could be left with," Asher replied.

    Gabriel huffed. "Of course there is. No company, for one thing."

    "I''m sure Marlene will join you if you ask her very nicely," Asher quipped.

    "She''ll have to," Gabriel nodded. "Otherwise, I''ll complain endlessly tomorrow."

    "No, please let it end!" Asher responded in mock horror.

    Gabriel gave Asher a reproachful look. "Someone''s lively today."

    "You make it sound like it''s a bad thing."

    Gabriel pressed his lips together before turning to Lila. "Lila, knock him down a peg or two, will you? His lack of devastation is insufferable."

    She laughed. "I''m sure he''s very devastated, Gabriel, as am I. Apparently, today''s the only day that works, as they''re both not on shift since it''s a public holiday."

    "Ah. I did approve that roster."

    "So this devastation is of your own making," Asher raised an eyebrow at Gabriel.

    "Yes, yes, well. If I hear that you didn''t eat lots of tocino, I will go back to feeding you only cheese slices. You mustn''t be rude."

    "Like I was going to do that," Asher replied petulantly.

    Gabriel cracked a smile before winking at Lila. "Alright, I''ve had my fun now. We''ll leave here at 3.30, shall we?"

    Lila almost forgot that Gabriel was taking them to her parents'' place. "Yes please."

    She stood in unison with Asher and they both returned to the rumpus room. They had just under an hour before they would be leaving again.

    "So, what now?" Lila asked as she sat on the couch.

    "I think I''ll have a look at some codes I wrote down in my spreadsheet. The one I used to read the last message from Mr Snugglebutt''s neck. Maybe one of the ones I tested will work for this photo," he replied before disappearing into his room. He reappeared just as quickly with his laptop and sat next to her.

    He seemed to be sitting a little bit closer than he had after their kissing earlier that afternoon. Lila was glad since she had been worried that he wouldn''t want to touch her at all after that. With a surreptitious glance at his legs, she figured that if he kept drifting this way, he''d eventually touch her leg with his own.

    "Alrighty," he muttered, picking up the bottle and taking the photo back out, "let''s see what I''ve got¡­"

    Lila inched closer to him, peering over his shoulder. His spreadsheet was quite detailed and contained several different tabs. He flicked through them all once before returning to the first and frowning at the writing on the back of the photo.

    Lila was again fascinated by the way his expression rested when he was in deep focus. She wondered briefly about what it would take for him to look at her that way before subtly shaking her head. She was being ridiculous.

    "Do you see anything?" Asher asked after a few moments had passed.

    "M-Me?"

    "Yeah. I mean, I made this thing, so I might be missing something." He passed his laptop and the photo over to her.

    "I''ll check, but I''m really not great at decoding stuff."

    "Have you tried?"

    She hesitated. "I''ve¡­ tried enough."

    "I bet it''ll just be like when you picked the lock at Marlene''s. You''ll find something that solves it in an instant after I''ve agonised over it for ages, and then I get to look at you in awe and jealousy."

    "You were jealous?"

    "Of course. I was supposed to show off how cool I was."

    "You were plenty cool before that. I mean, you were the reason why we were in her cottage opening that other door in the first place."

    "I''m glad you think so. My point still stands though."

    She shook her head, unable to hide her grin as she turned her attention back to his spreadsheet. Nothing¡­ seemed to be lining up. Asher had said that it didn''t look to be words or a message ¨C so what was it? If they could figure out what it was supposed to be, then decoding it would be much easier.

    "What do you think this is?" Lila asked quietly, opening another tab of his spreadsheet to no avail.

    "The writing?"

    "Yeah. Since it''s not words."

    "I''ve been trying to think, but nothing''s coming to me. Something about it feels ridiculously familiar, but I have no idea why."

    "I think once we figure out what it''s supposed to be, decoding it will be easier."

    "You''re right," Asher said reluctantly, taking the laptop back from her after she finished looking through the last tab. "I guess we''ll be studying for the next however long. Coming back to it later might help. Besides, we don''t have much time left."

    "Okay."

    Asher put a timer on his phone as Lila returned to her English assignment. Though she was successful in completing more of it, the back of her mind wouldn''t let go of the mystery behind the note. Whatever had been written down was clearly intentional, and it seemed as though the delivery to them specifically via Mr Snugglebutt was just as intentional.

    Marlene, though, had been flat out the entire time she was working that morning. Yes, she''d taken the time to deliver a coffee to her Dad and left early, but there was no way she could have gotten across from them at the caf¨¦ next door, taken a picture, printed it and put it on Mr Snugglebutt in time for Lila and Asher to encounter him at the front doors.

    It didn''t seem like a Gabriel thing to do, either. If he''d taken a picture of them, he would simply give it to them. It seemed like Gabriel took delight in seeing people''s reactions, so to deprive himself of that joy and write an odd note on the back of it? Doubtful at best.

    So¡­ someone else had access to Mr Snugglebutt.

    Someone who could be an accomplice to murder? Now two murders? Was the message meant to be a threat somehow; to say that Lila and Asher were next on the hitlist?

    She shuddered, causing Asher to look up at her.

    "Whoa, your face is super pale. Everything okay?" he asked, setting aside the laptop that he''d been working on.

    "Y-Yeah. Just freaked myself out."

    "About what?"

    "Well¡­ you know how we were thinking that¡­ if Marlene was involved in Piper''s murder, she must''ve had an accomplice? Since she was in Vanuatu with you and your Dad when Piper died."

    "Yeah?"

    "It couldn''t have been Marlene who took this picture of us. Not that I had eyes on her the entire time, but she was so busy, there wouldn''t have been a way for her to leave the caf¨¦, go to the one next to ''Beans & Biscuits'', take a photo of us, print it, write a code and then put it on Mr Snugglebutt''s collar. The printing, code and collar part alone had to have been done after she finished her shift and there was absolutely no way she had time to do that since we were right behind her and Mr Snugglebutt was already waiting for us at the front."

    "You suggested before that Gabriel could''ve done it," Asher replied, though his expression conveyed his own doubt about that.

    "If it had been something like, I dunno, a shopping list, or a fun joke, or something about her obscene amount of ducks, I''d be confident that it was Gabriel sending a message to Marlene," Lila said. Her continued suggestion was making her skin crawl. "But a photo of us? I mean, firstly, I don''t think he''d tend to go out for breakfast, and it seems like he''s someone who needs company. Secondly, if he did take a photo of us, I''m sure he''d just give it to us so he can see our reactions."

    "I agree,"Asher said, looking disturbed by that conclusion. "I''m definitely not going to ask him about it."

    "Yeah, let''s not."

    They both paused before Asher threw his hands into his hair.

    "If it is a murder accomplice, then surely it means they know that we know there''s someone else? Are we next?" he sounded on the verge of panic.

    "¡­ I don''t know."

    His eyes met hers and he quickly grabbed her hands. "Lila, it''s important that you stay safe."

    She hadn''t heard him sound quite so serious, desperate and terrified all at once and it made her shudder once again. "Asher, you need to stay safe, too."

    He shook his head. "I''ll be fine."

    "I bet Jason thought that, too."

    His eyes widened before he looked down, towards their hands. "I¡­ bet so too."

    "Should we¡­ go to the Police?"

    "And say what? We found a random picture of us in the collar of my maid''s cat? There''s hardly anything to go off. I doubt there''re any fingerprints besides ours ¨C especially since it looks like it was printed on printer paper. We''ve probably wiped any that was on the bottle by accident since it''s so small."

    He was beginning to ramble. It was as though she could see his mind spiralling right there. With one forceful tug, she pulled him to her and he landed with his head on her chest.

    "Sor-"

    She gently placed her hands on the back of his head, the touch cutting his attempted apology short. His hair was soft as she ran her fingers through it, the feeling calming her down as much as he seemed to be whilst in her embrace.

    "Asher," she said softly, "let''s not unravel here. It''s only a theory."

    She felt his arms move to her waist and clutch her firmly as he turned his head slightly to talk. "Theories can be right, though."

    "I know, but if we scare ourselves silly, we''d become recluses."

    "Being a recluse sounds perfect right now."

    Though she was trying to sound brave, she couldn''t disagree with Asher''s statement. "If we become recluses, how are we meant to finish school?"

    He made a disgruntled sound but didn''t say anything.

    "Or go on dates?"

    He remained silent. She continued to caress his head until she felt his entire body relax. She smiled as her own body fully relaxed. She couldn''t imagine that anyone else could make her feel quite like this so quickly, her worries almost entirely forgotten. If she could hold him forever, she was sure to find endless peace.

    Disappointingly, Asher''s alarm blared, causing Asher to groan in frustration. She let him go and he sat up, his face red from being pressed against her.

    "Looks like we have to pack up and not be recluses," he sighed, turning it off. He seemed to be avoiding her eyes but instead of questioning it, she started packing up. Once she''d collected everything, she turned to Asher who was holding the photo in his hands.

    "Ready to go?" she asked.

    "Yeah¡­ well, sort of. I want to keep this safe-"

    "Did you take a picture of both sides?"

    He pulled out his phone with a grimace. "No."

    She removed the photo from his hands and unfurled it so he could take pictures on both sides. Once that was done, she took the bottle from the table, placed the photo inside and closed it.

    "I''m guessing you don''t want this to stay here, in case Marlene finds it?" she asked, looking up to find him staring intently at his phone.

    "Definitely not," he said shortly, pocketing it. "If the accomplice theory is right, it could''ve been a message meant for Marlene ¨C to tell her that we''ve been watching her."

    She hadn''t thought about that. "Alright. I''ll take it home with me."

    She slipped it into a zip-up pocket in her bag, which Asher immediately placed on his shoulder. With that, she started to head downstairs, with Asher just behind her.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Two

    Gabriel was shrugging on a jacket as they picked up their shoes from the front of Asher''s house.

    "Ah, good," he said approvingly once they returned. "Very prompt."

    "You know us," Asher replied, opening the door to the garage. "Nothing but prompt."

    "Well, I suppose that''s true," Gabriel smiled. "In the interests of being prompt, let''s go."

    Lila wasn''t up to talking much on the way over to hers. Gabriel and Asher spoke amongst themselves for most of the journey, mostly about what Asher''s study plans were, and what Gabriel was thinking of doing with the pulled pork.

    They were a few minutes away from Lila''s place when a question occurred to her.

    "Gabriel, what''s Alex like?" she asked, sitting up straight.

    He glanced at her over his shoulder before looking back at the road. "He''s a hard worker. Can be no-nonsense when he''s dealing with drunk patrons."

    "Nothing else?"

    "Well¡­ he''s nice enough. Complements your sister well, as far as the rumours I''ve heard go."

    Lila tried to imagine what that would be like, but she couldn''t. The fact that she hadn''t seen Clare with a boyfriend before made this concept incredibly mysterious.

    "Have you even talked to the guy?" Asher asked incredulously. "You''re being pretty vague."

    "The bartenders are pretty self-sufficient. I hardly hear from any of them. The dancers, however, need a lot more attention from me, since their job is far riskier," Gabriel explained. "Truthfully, I don''t know Alex on any personal level. Not that I know most of my employees on a personal level, either. Clare is an exception ¨C and only because of you two."

    "I suppose that makes sense," Lila sighed. "Thanks, though."

    "Sorry I couldn''t be more helpful ¨C but it''s not as if you won''t find out for yourself soon enough."

    "Yeah¡­"

    Gabriel smoothly parked at the bottom of Lila''s driveway after checking that he was at the right house. Lila and Asher clambered out, with Gabriel confirming that Marlene would pick Asher back up afterwards. They both bid him goodbye and he drove away, his EDM beats significantly louder than they had been on the way here.

    Lila unlocked the front door and they both took their shoes off in the entryway, the smell of rice floating towards them from the kitchen.

    "Looks like Mum is preparing dinner," Lila said as they slowly made their way down the hallway towards the kitchen. Lila popped her head in and saw that her Mum was, indeed, in the kitchen.

    "Hi Mum," Lila smiled. Her Mum looked up.

    "Hi Lila, hi Asher," she said pleasantly, wiping her hands on her apron. "I see that you came home a bit early."

    "Clare said 4 or 5pm," Lila replied, shuffling in so that Asher could also be part of the conversation.

    "Well, dinner won''t be until about 6," her Mum said, squinting at the clock hanging up in the kitchen. "I don''t know when Clare and her boyfriend will be arriving."

    "Okay. Um, Asher and I will just¡­ go upstairs, then. Unless you want some help?"

    Her Mum waved her hand. "No, no. I''m making biko with latik now. Very simple."

    Lila grinned, looking at Asher excitedly. "You haven''t had that, right?"

    "What?"

    "Biko with latik."

    "¡­ I don''t think so," he replied with a slight frown. "What¡­ is it?"

    "A dessert. A sweet rice cake with, like, a syrup as the topping." Lila gestured wildly, her mind a mess as she tried to describe the dessert.

    He shook his head. "Definitely not, then. Sounds delicious."

    "In that case, I''ll need to try very hard," Lila''s Mum smiled. "See you later."

    Lila took that as her cue to leave her Mum to it and she led Asher upstairs to her room. She paused as he made himself comfortable on her desk chair. Her Dad had said before that they could have the door closed, when they needed to debrief after telling him about the morphine ring at school. Did that still apply?

    ''It''s not like you''ll be doing anything anyway,'' she thought with a touch of hopelessness. ''Door doesn''t need to be closed.''

    Just as she had backed away from the open door and sat down on her bed, she heard the master bedroom door open. Her Dad shuffled down the hallway and seemed ready to pass Lila''s door before he popped his head in.

    "Oh, hello, kiddo. Hello, Asher."

    "Hello, Mr Moloney," Asher straightened up, seeming abnormally tense. Lila felt herself tensing as well upon seeing her Dad''s face. He stepped inside and she saw that he was wearing exactly the same outfit that he had been in at ''Beans & Biscuits''. Her heart rate sped up. Why was he in her room now? Was he going to confront them about seeing him at the caf¨¦?

    "I see that your door''s open," her Dad commented.

    Lila nodded rigidly.

    "You don''t need to keep it open," he said, his tone holding the barest hint of disapproval of this idea.

    "It''s o-"

    "I''m not about to take back something I let you do just a couple of weeks ago," her Dad said simply. He gripped the handle and seemed ready to leave when Lila stood up. He blinked at her.

    "U-Um, Dad," she said, her heart crashing against her ribs.

    "That''s me," he replied cautiously.

    "Um. Well. Uh," Lila flushed, feeling far too shy to ask all of a sudden. Asher''s admission that he was terrified of her Dad flooded her mind as she tried to think of what to say.

    Her Dad patiently waited for her to speak. She took a deep breath.

    "Um, so¡­ on the 1st of September¡­ it''s a pupil-free day," she eventually said. She heard Asher move at her desk, but she didn''t want to look at him. "A-And it''s a Friday."

    Her Dad continued to patiently wait for her to finish speaking.

    "S-So, I was¡­ wondering if¡­ maybe I could stay at Asher''s. From¡­ the Thursday night."

    Her Dad instantly looked ready to say ''no'', but he instead pressed his lips together for a moment. "Until when?" he finally asked.

    "M-Maybe¡­ the Sunday?"

    He exhaled deeply, wiping his face with both hands. Then, he gave Asher a long, indecipherable look. Lila glanced at Asher, who looked, for lack of better words, scared shitless.

    "I''ll have to check with your mother," her Dad eventually said, his eyes flickering to Lila. "It''s a very long time."

    "I know," Lila replied in a small voice. "It''s after our assignments are handed in, though."

    Her Dad looked back at Asher. Then, he sighed again. "I assume you heard about the Whitley kid?"

    That¡­ was a bit random.

    "Yeah, we did," Lila said with mild confusion.

    "Are you planning on going out much over that weekend?"

    "I¡­ don''t think so," Lila''s voice was uncertain as she looked back at Asher. Asher shook his head vigorously, his face still pale.

    "How are your studies going?" her Dad asked, readjusting his glasses.

    "Good," Lila said earnestly. "I made some progress on my English assignment today."

    "At Asher''s?"

    "Well, yeah."

    "Alright. I''ll check with your mother."

    "Thanks, Dad."

    Her Dad gave Asher another hard stare before nodding at Lila. "See you later, kiddo."

    He left her room, closing the door behind him. As soon as it clicked shut, Asher heaved a massive exhale.

    "Holy shit, Lila, are you trying to kill me?" he gasped, clutching at his chest as though his heart was giving out.

    "S-Sorry. I just remembered when he was in here, and¡­ well, it was either that, or asking what was in the bag Marlene picked up."

    He rested his forehead on her desk. "Tell Marlene to bring a body bag to take me home."

    "That''s a bit dramatic, though I suppose she''d probably have one."

    He snorted into her desk. She sat back down on her bed, thinking.

    "Asher, why did my Dad keep looking at you strangely?"

    "Dunno," he mumbled. He didn''t move to look at her and she was suspicious that he, in fact, knew.

    "I feel like that''s a lie."

    He turned his head towards her, though he still rested it on her desk. "I dunno, Lila, maybe it''s because his daughter just asked to have a three-night sleepover with her boyfriend. Of course he''s going to look at me weird. I hope he''s not upset with me."

    "I don''t really get it, though. Sure, it''s a long time, but why does he have to look at you like that?"

    "He''s trying to suss me out, Lila."

    "For what?"

    He turned his head the other way. "My¡­ intentions."

    "For what?"

    "Look, if you don''t understand, maybe it''s better to live in bliss."

    Lila huffed. "But I want to understand."

    Asher sighed. "I¡­ don''t want to talk about it. Especially not when¡­ bringing up Jason''s murder like that sounded a bit like a threat."

    "A threat? What, you think my Dad''s the accomplice?"

    "Definitely not," Asher said shortly. "At least, that''s not what I''m referring to."

    "Then why-"

    "I don''t want to talk about it."

    Lila fell silent. It''d been such a whiplash of emotions with Asher today, and she wasn''t quite sure what to do with herself now. So, they remained like this for quite a few minutes until Asher sat up.

    "Sorry," he murmured. "Not only about¡­ not talking about what just happened, but also¡­ earlier. For stopping our kiss."

    Lila stiffened. "Don''t be," she replied robotically.

    "I¡­ I am, though."

    "I''d rather you weren''t."

    "Lila, you''ve said that before, but I don''t understand."

    "As much as I want to explain, if I try I might end up crying."

    "So you are upset with me."

    She sighed, flopping backwards on her bed. "Not exactly."

    "That doesn''t sound like someone who''s happy with me."

    "Asher¡­ like how you didn''t want to talk about whatever it was with my Dad just now, can we please not talk about this?"

    "¡­ Okay."

    She closed her eyes, feeling the beginning stages of tears brewing. If she thought about it too much, she would be inconsolable after yet another broken kiss. If only he''d be cruel ¨C then it might hurt less, since it would make sense. Being kind only made her think there really was something wrong with her ¨C something he didn''t like. Otherwise, why did it keep happening?

    "Should we play some board games?"

    His suggestion made her glance at him. He was fidgeting in her seat, his nervousness painfully evident. A flash of guilt for not getting into her feelings coursed through her, but¡­ she didn''t want to snap at him or cry when expressing them to him, either.

    "Okay," she murmured reluctantly.

    "We don''t have to," he said hurriedly. "I just thought, since we''re waiting-"

    "Let''s go."

    They left her room without another word and she knocked on Daniel''s door.

    "What?" he called tersely.

    "Asher and I are gonna play some board games downstairs. Wanna join?"

    She heard some rustling before Daniel opened his door.

    "Isn''t old mate supposed to be here soon?" he asked, his expression less than impressed.

    Lila shrugged. "Clare only told me to be here around now. Not sure when they''re coming."

    "Well¡­" he looked at Asher before straightening up. "I''ll come down soon."

    "Righto. We might play some card games rather than set up a whole board game."

    "Cool, cool." He snapped his door shut.

    With that, Lila and Asher went downstairs and into the living room. Lila squatted down in front of where the board games were stored and looked up at Asher.

    "Any of them stand out to you?" she asked, pointing at where the card games were stacked. He bent down, perusing the titles.

    "You said card games, yeah?"

    "Well, it just makes it less complicated to pack away once dinner''s ready."

    "Alright¡­ well, what about those?"

    Daniel joined them shortly after they set up the first card game and they played for a while before Lila sighed.

    "Daniel, you heard about Jason, right?" she asked softly.

    He paused his card shuffling, a dark look crossing his face. "Yeah. ''Course. Everyone has. Some girls in my class were crying about it yesterday afternoon."

    "¡­ How are you holding up?"

    He sighed, restarting his shuffling in contemplation. "Feeling like, well, it was better him than me. Since¡­ it started ''cause of my business."

    Lila hesitated. She almost said that it had started far earlier ¨C but she actually didn''t really know when the Banker started operating.

    "When did it all start? Your business?" she settled on asking.

    "When school started this year," he replied, dealing out the requisite amount of cards. "Borrowed money from my buddy over the summer holidays, then another mate asked to borrow some off me. Charged him interest then paid the first back in the first week of school."

    Lila exchanged a brief look with Asher.

    "What''s that look for?" Daniel asked, his eyes narrowed.

    "Nothing. Who''s starting this round?" Lila hurriedly said. Her deflection didn''t seem to work but before Daniel could press the issue, the telltale sound of the front door opening caused all of them to stop what they were doing.

    "He''s here," Daniel hissed, scrambling to pick up the cards.

    "Why are we packing up?" Lila asked as he swiped her hand from her.

    "What, are you intending for him to play with us?" Daniel''s voice started to rise, as though on the verge of panic.

    "Whoa, dude, chill," Lila frowned. "Why-"

    "''Cause he''s going to be old and probably lame, since he''s Clare''s boyfriend."

    "Okay, rude, but I mean Asher''s older than you-"

    "He''s not lame though."

    "Actually, Daniel, I really am," Asher interjected. "I spend most of my life studying."

    "For not-lame reasons."

    "Well, I don''t actually have a real goal-"

    "Mum," Clare''s voice sang from the entryway. "We''re here."

    "Pack this shit up," Daniel urged.

    With nothing else to do, and Daniel''s frantic behaviour disturbing her some, Lila helped pack up the card game.

    "Well, now we look weird as hell, sitting around an empty table," she said to Daniel with a raised eyebrow.

    "Oh, these are beautiful!" Lila heard her Mum rave in the kitchen before he could respond. "Clare, get a vase, will you?"

    "Should we-" Lila attempted to suggest taking a look in the kitchen, but stopped speaking after seeing Daniel shake his head.

    "What''s got you in such a mess?" Lila whispered, reaching out to grab his arm. "Seriously."

    "I don''t want to meet him."

    "Why?"

    Daniel seemed to have trouble articulating his thoughts. "¡­ ''Cause¡­ Clare will move out, won''t she?"

    Lila blinked. That was¡­ a really unexpected conclusion to draw.

    "Daniel-"

    "There you guys are," Clare beamed, appearing at the entrance of the dining room. Lila and Asher immediately stood. Daniel instantly looked sulky, staying put in his chair.

    "Hey, Clare," Lila smiled. Clare looked over her shoulder and gestured at someone before stepping inside the dining room properly.

    Alex looked much the same as he had in Coolisimo, with his ear piercings running to the top of his left ear and exposed, muscular arms showcasing his sleeve tattoos. His chin-length hair, instead of an updo, was left down and neatly styled with loose waves. He had a trimmed, light beard that Lila didn''t recall him having at Coolisimo, though. He was dressed rather smartly in a black polo shirt, long, dark-grey jeans and a thick, silver watch.

    Lila met his eyes ¨C bright blue and perceptive-looking ¨C and was surprised to see how nervous he looked, his hands firmly in his pockets. In fact, she half wanted to tell him where the bathroom was since he looked like he really needed it. The flash of recognition in his eyes seemed to only increase his nervous demeanour, and they all remained silent for a beat too long.

    "Uh, this is Alex," Clare finally said, gesturing to him. "My boyfriend."

    Asher took the lead in walking over to Alex, holding his hand out for a handshake. "I''m Asher, Lila''s boyfriend."

    The two shook hands, the faintest trace of a smile crossing Alex''s lips. "Nice to meet you," he responded, a heaviness behind these words that Lila hoped Daniel wouldn''t catch on to.

    Lila followed up with her own handshake, her eyes flashing down to the numerous rings adorning his fingers. His hands were calloused and his handshake was just as firm as she expected from someone who possessed such serious muscles.

    "I''m Lila," she said, avoiding his eyes. "Clare''s sister."

    "Nice to meet you." The awkwardness increased considerably as Alex stepped back with a nod.

    Lila glanced behind her at Daniel ¨C who looked shocked and slightly terrified. Despite Alex''s nervousness, he still carried an intimidating aura that evidently spooked her brother.

    ''Not old and lame, is he?'' Lila thought as Daniel scrambled from his chair.

    "Uh, I''m Daniel," he said faintly. "Clare''s brother."

    "Nice to meet you."

    Did Alex¡­ not have any alternative greetings? Lila glanced at Alex again and he somehow looked even worse now that he''d greeted everyone here.

    ''Must be the nerves¡­'' she figured, taking a step back as well.

    Had Alex never met a partner''s family before? By contrast, Asher hadn''t been quite so¡­ whatever this was. But, then again, they were just friends when he first met her family, and he somewhat knew Daniel before they started getting close this year. Seeing Clare as ''Roxy Wurld'' had also significantly broken the ice, once everyone was settled on the fact that they had encountered each other in a nightclub when, for all intents and purposes, none of them should have been there ¨C if they were as they portrayed in their day-to-day lives.

    In saying that, though, Asher had acted similarly as Alex was now when Lila asked her Dad about staying over at his for three nights¡­

    "Oh, were you guys playing something?" Clare asked, pointing to the mound of card games sitting on the table.

    "We¡­ were," Lila said, giving Daniel a sideways glance.

    "Perfect. Mum said dinner''s about half an hour away. How about we play this one? It''s quick." Clare suggested, moving over to the dining room table. Alex remained as close to the entrance as possible.

    "Sit next to me," Clare smiled at him as she opened the box she''d selected. "This one''s really fun."

    He slowly sat next to Clare as she read out the instructions. They played a few rounds in complete silence before Asher was out.

    "Dang," he said ruefully, displaying his hand. "One more draw and I would''ve won."

    The next round eliminated Clare, who had a similar reaction before looking at Asher.

    "Asher, can I borrow you for a sec?" she asked. Lila looked at her sister curiously. Was it about a game plan to make Alex feel more comfortable?

    "Sure."

    Daniel looked horrified at being left behind with Lila and Alex but didn''t say anything as they continued their game. Eventually, the silence got to Lila.

    "¡­ So¡­ Alex," Lila said slowly as she waited for Daniel to put a card down.

    "Y-Yes?" he asked, clearing his throat.

    "Are you excited for dinner?"

    "M-Me?"

    This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.

    ''I almost prefer how he was at the nightclub,'' Lila frowned, placing her card on top of Daniel''s. ''Even though he got us kicked out.''

    "Yeah. Have you had Filipino food before?"

    "No," Alex replied, placing his card down on top of Lila''s. "Never."

    "Tocino''s my favourite. Did Clare tell you what it is, at least?"

    "She said it''s a surprise," his voice was as soft as the smile on his face.

    "Well, I''ll at least let you in a little. It''s a type of pork dish."

    "That''s unfortunate. I''m vegetarian."

    The atmosphere dropped past awkwardness straight down to a strange type of surreal hell.

    "What?" Lila asked, glancing at Daniel. Alarm began to flood her as she contemplated getting up right now and seeing if there was something else for him to eat-

    "I''m only joking," Alex said quietly. "I win, by the way."

    Lila wasn''t sure whether to laugh or cry.

    "Good one," Daniel chuckled, bringing all the cards to himself. Had¡­ Alex''s odd joke warmed Daniel up to him?

    Daniel handed out a new set of cards to Lila and Alex before picking his cards up and looking intently at Alex.

    "So, what do you do?" Daniel questioned, his eyes narrowed as he scrutinised Alex. Alex shot a look at Lila who instantly looked down at her cards.

    ''Don''t look at me! You''ll give everyone away!'' she internally panicked, forcing herself to otherwise maintain a calm exterior.

    "I, uh, work at a nightclub. A-As a bartender."

    "How''d you meet Clare?"

    Lila could feel Alex''s eyes on her again.

    "A party."

    "Oh. When?"

    "About a year ago."

    "Oh. How long-"

    "Sorry," Clare''s voice interrupted Daniel''s line of questioning and both Lila and Alex visibly relaxed. "Is it too late to join this game?"

    Asher trailed in behind Clare, avoiding Lila''s curious gaze. His cheeks were tinged with pink and, in the absence of meeting his eyes, Lila looked at Clare. Clare winked at her, seeming rather pleased with herself. Instead of making her feel relieved, Lila immediately felt on edge. Had¡­ Clare meddled?

    It''d been so long since Clare had meddled in Lila''s business that she''d almost forgotten that was her sister''s favourite activity. Her eyes darted to Asher again, who still refused to look at her. What had Clare said? Had she told him about how Lila cried this morning? Was there any way to save it? Convince him that Clare was joking?

    "It''s your turn, Lila," Daniel frowned. Lila jolted, staring down at her cards. She put a random one down, her anxiety increasing with each second that Clare continued to look smug.

    They remained like this until Clare leapt up.

    "Yes!" she beamed, throwing down her last card. "I win."

    "Ugh," Daniel grumbled, collecting everyone''s cards yet again. "She''s never going to let that go."

    "Nor should I," Clare replied loftily. "I''m just going to check on Mum. I''ll be back."

    Silence once again prevailed as Daniel stacked the cards in Clare''s wake and Lila noticed Alex smiling.

    "I reckon we should start packing everything away," Lila said, standing up and picking up the assortment of games she''d brought over. "Dinner will be ready soon."

    "I-I''ll help," Asher stammered, grabbing some from her and the game Daniel had finished closing. His face returned to its pinkish hue and she noticed his eyes drift down to her chest before he turned on his heel, marching back to the living room.

    Lila quickly followed him, and, once they were alone in the living room, she couldn''t hold her questions back.

    "Asher, what did Clare say to you?"

    "N-Nothing," his voice broke as he placed the card games back into the cabinet. He cleared his throat. "Nothing at all."

    "You''re acting far too weird for her to have said nothing."

    He reached his hand up in a silent demand for the card games she was still holding. She gave them to him and he wordlessly packed them away.

    "Asher-"

    "It''s nothing."

    "Asher¡­ please?"

    He sighed, hanging his head briefly. "Uh, look. I''ll¡­ tell you later. But much later."

    "You''ve got lots to tell me ''much later''. I''d rather know now."

    "I think I''ll die if I tell you now."

    "That''s-"

    "My honest feelings."

    She pursed her lips. If Asher wasn''t going to tell her, she''d just have to interrogate Clare.

    "I''m guessing it had nothing to do with getting Alex more comfortable with the family?" she finally asked.

    Asher shut the cabinet door and stood up. "There was that."

    And more, clearly.

    It was Lila''s turn to sigh. "Asher, you''ve said that¡­ you can''t shut up around me and that you''re really honest with me, but lately I haven''t seen that."

    He looked at her like she''d physically slapped him. Then, he ran a hand through his hair with a sigh. "You''ve been keeping things from me, too."

    So Clare had said something about what she''d said to her in the car this morning.

    "Whatever Clare said, it was probably a joke-"

    "She said you''d say that."

    "W-Well, she, uh, likes to be dramatic-"

    "She said that one, too."

    "You don''t need to take her seriously-"

    "And that one."

    To have a meddling sister who knew her so well was endlessly frustrating in situations like these.

    "Alright, well¡­ I''ll just have to ask her what she said to you."

    "I doubt she''ll tell you."

    "I''m pretty persistent."

    It was the first time he''d smiled since they started this conversation. "I know."

    Now she was even more confused.

    "If we don''t go back now, they''ll come looking for us," Asher said pointedly, glancing towards the hallway. "Plus, I think Daniel''s in shock."

    "He''s not the only one," Lila replied, crossing her arms. "I¡­ don''t know what I was expecting, but Alex is like a really buff mouse."

    Asher snorted. "A buff mouse?"

    "Timid like one, but he''s got intense muscles." She flexed her own meagre ones to illustrate her point.

    "What, are you into that?"

    Lila shivered. "No thanks. Too intimidating for me."

    "Even if he''s got the personality of a mouse?"

    "Even then. Imagine a buff-ass mouse running at you in the dark. Then, you look at him with a little too much scrutiny and he runs the other way? Horrifying."

    He chuckled. "Sometimes, you say the strangest things."

    "They may be strange, but I bet you''d scream if you saw that."

    "Though I want to argue with that logic, I''m finding that I can''t."

    She smiled at him and he tentatively stretched out a hand for her to take. She accepted and he led them back to the dining room, which Daniel, Clare and Alex were busy setting up.

    "Oh, good," Daniel said, foisting the silverware at Lila. "Set this up, will ya?"

    "And what''ll you do?" Lila asked, taking it all the same with a frown.

    "Stand around and direct all of you," Daniel replied, as though it were obvious. "Turns out I''m pretty good at that."

    "Yeah, yeah, whatever," Lila rolled her eyes and started placing cutlery in their requisite spaces. Asher busied himself with placing serviettes down and Clare eventually disappeared, bringing with her the garlic rice and side dishes. Lila''s Mum followed closely behind with a large serving dish full of tocino.

    "Daniel, please get your father," Lila''s Mum asked, wiping her hands on her apron. "He''s just in the office."

    He obediently left, and Lila''s Mum smiled at everyone else. "Sit down," she said, flapping her hands at the chairs. "I''ll just get the drinks."

    She left, returning alongside Lila''s Dad and Daniel, both of whom were laden with cups and two bottles of juice.

    "Hello," Lila''s Dad said to Alex, his expression cryptic. He crossed over to Alex who clumsily stood and shook his hand.

    "H-Hello. I''m Alex."

    "You can call me Rob," Lila''s Dad said pleasantly.

    "N-Nice to meet you, Rob," Alex stuttered. Lila''s Dad promptly sat down across from Alex, which seemed to only intensify Alex''s skittishness.

    Lila''s Mum entered the dining room without her apron, setting a vase of brightly coloured flowers in the centre of the table before sitting next to Lila''s Dad with a beam.

    "Dig in," she said, gesturing at the food. Daniel immediately began dishing food for himself whilst Asher poured drinks and passed them along. Lila patiently waited for Daniel to get out of the way, and Clare explained what was on the table to Alex in a low voice.

    Eventually, everyone had full plates of food and began eating.

    "This is delicious," Alex said after a few bites, his blue eyes seeming even bluer with his enjoyment.

    "I''m glad you like it," Lila''s Mum replied. "It''s a family favourite around here."

    "I can see why," he said earnestly. Lila met Asher''s eyes and they exchanged a small smile. It seemed that Clare had found someone who enjoyed food, at least.

    "So, Alex," Lila''s Dad said after a few more minutes of eating. "What do you do with yourself?"

    Alex took a swig of his drink with a shaky hand before answering, his eyes flickering to Daniel and back to Lila''s Dad. "Uh, I work as a bartender."

    "Anything else?"

    "I study botany."

    "Botany?" Daniel''s voice was incredulous. "Not¡­ personal training?"

    Alex looked at him in confusion. "No¡­ should I study personal training instead?"

    Clare smacked Daniel''s hand in disapproval. "Don''t be rude."

    "I-"

    "Did you grow those flowers yourself?" Lila''s Mum cut Daniel''s attempted protest off with a stern look at both Clare and Daniel. She gestured towards the vase in the middle of the table.

    Alex beamed. "I did, actually. I have a small flower garden on my balcony."

    "Do you grow any fruit?" Lila''s Mum asked, her eyes sparkling with interest. Lila internally groaned. Anything to do with homegrown fruit made her Mum absolutely crazy. Her driving landmarks tended to be banana, pawpaw or citrus trees they found growing outside people''s houses. Unfortunately though, her Mum''s efforts in growing any such trees at their house had not borne fruit, something she bitterly bemoaned every time they found a successful plant.

    "I do," Alex replied, straightening up in his seat. "My strawberries and tomatoes live outside, but I have a small lemon tree in my living room. It drives my roommates crazy whenever I''m away since they have to water it."

    "A lemon tree? Do your lemons get big?" Lila asked. She''d never thought about the logistics of a whole tree just hanging out in someone''s living room.

    "A decent size. I should''ve brought some, sorry."

    "Do you know how to grow banana trees?" Lila''s Mum asked. Her enthusiasm was clearly mounting as she looked at Lila''s Dad, nodding furiously.

    Alex nodded. "At my parents, I grew a small banana tree."

    "You''ll need to help me with mine," Lila''s Mum insisted. "I''ve tried for years to get them to grow nice and big, but nothing''s worked."

    Clare seemed delighted by her Mum''s insistence. Alex''s face flushed.

    "I-I can have a look," he said with a nervous laugh. "It might come down to soil quality or the temperature around here, though. So, I can''t promise anything, unless you have a greenhouse?"

    "See, Rob, I need you to build me a greenhouse," Lila''s Mum pouted.

    Lila''s Dad sighed. "If I had the time, I would, dear."

    "I can help," Alex suggested.

    Just like that, Lila knew for sure that he had won their Mum over.

    "I''ve been trying to get my husband to build me one for years," Lila''s Mum said with a forlorn shake of her head.

    "Well, as I said, I''ve been busy-"

    "Busy not building me a greenhouse."

    "Edith."

    Lila''s Mum winked at Alex before breaking into laughter. "Don''t be so serious, Rob. I''m only teasing."

    Her Dad grumbled indistinctly before taking a bite of some more tocino.

    Lila glanced at Daniel, who seemed like he had no idea how to appraise Alex anymore.

    "What''s with all the tattoos?" Daniel questioned after a beat before shovelling rice into his mouth. "You in a gang of plant nerds?"

    Clare''s expression turned murderous, though it quickly calmed after Alex lightly brushed her hand with his.

    "One of my roommates is an apprentice tattooist. He''s actually a mate from school, so I''ve always known I''d be his canvas one day. I think tattoos are pretty neat."

    Neat? That was certainly a way to describe tattoos.

    "Especially when they''re free. Plus, he can''t say no to watering my plants since I''m decorated in his practice work. There are a couple that I''ve paid more experienced professionals for, though."

    "And, what, your other roommate is a piercer?" Daniel raised an eyebrow at Alex.

    Alex chuckled. "No, I did the bottom ones on a bus on the way to school with a safety pin, then figured I should go professional from then on."

    "A bus?" Daniel gawked. "Why?"

    "Why not? I thought they were pretty cool, but I didn''t want to spend the money to get them done. Then, I realised that was a bad idea."

    "Yeah, it would be," Daniel responded gingerly. "Clare, your boyfriend''s insane."

    "Daniel," Lila''s Dad''s tone was severe. "I''m not above sending you to your room even though we have guests over."

    "Sorry," Daniel mumbled, pushing some rice on his plate.

    Alex laughed. "No, it''s okay. It''s not the first time I''ve heard that, and he''s not wrong."

    "Besides, maybe that''s just the way I like it," Clare said affectionately, smiling at Alex.

    Daniel wrinkled his nose in distaste. "Ew."

    Lila snorted, more in reaction to Daniel than Clare, though throwing up from the sweetness emanating from her sister was a close second.

    Lila''s Mum looked around at everyone before engaging in more plant-related discussion. Lila felt herself switching off and could see that Daniel and Asher had the same thoughts. By contrast, Clare seemed incredibly interested in the conversation, hanging on to every word Alex said.

    She''d never known her sister to be interested in plants ¨C in fact, Clare usually hid in her room whenever their Mum requested deweeding assistance ¨C but perhaps it was because Alex was talking so passionately about it that made Clare look so smitten.

    Their discussion morphed into more topics of conversation, including where Alex lived, how long he''d been studying (he was apparently in his final year), whether he enjoyed his work as a bartender (which, accompanied with a bright red face that Lila could only assume stemmed from the fact Clare also worked there as a dancer, was a yes), and even questions from Alex to the family about their interests. When he asked Lila about hers, the first thing that jumped to her mind was investigating things with Asher, so she instead lamely answered something about board games. Alex seemed keen to know more about the board games they had, so a commitment was made to play one or two after dinner since it wasn''t quite so late.

    Soon enough, everyone''s plates were empty and the family began to stack the plates and cutlery. Clare stood to put them in the kitchen and Lila''s Mum followed. They soon reemerged with plates of individually cut pieces of biko, which appeared to take Asher''s curiosity.

    "Wow, Mum, it''s been a while since you whipped this one up," Clare commented once she finished giving out pieces to whoever needed them.

    "I thought it''d be a good occasion," Lila''s Mum smiled, passing out spoons to everyone. "Besides, Asher hasn''t tried it, right?"

    "Definitely not," Asher said, inspecting his piece closely. "This smells amazing."

    "Eat," Lila''s Mum nodded encouragingly. "There is more."

    There was silence as everyone took a spoonful of their sweet, chewy rice cakes. The taste of coconut syrup was welcome and the flavour of pandan carried through the dish, combining into something quite addictive.

    Once all the plates were spotless, the Moloney siblings discussed what the best board game to play would be. Once decided, Daniel retrieved it as the rest of the family cleared the table and wiped it down.

    "Thank you for dinner," Alex said gratefully as Lila''s parents were leaving for the last time.

    "My pleasure. I''m glad you enjoyed it," Lila''s Mum replied. "Don''t forget you promised to help me with my banana tree."

    "I''d love to."

    "We''ll let you kids have fun," Lila''s Dad said, readjusting his glasses.

    "See you later," the Moloney siblings chorused. Their parents slipped out of the dining room and Lila turned her attention to setting up the board game.

    This board game had a much more comfortable atmosphere than the card game they''d first played with Alex. Lila still wasn''t quite sure what type of vibe Alex was giving her, but she hadn''t seen any red flags, at least. She could tell that both Alex and Clare were deeply devoted to each other, with the amount of subtle touching, glances and smiles they''d shared since arriving home. Aside from how nervous Alex had been, there wasn''t anything that stuck out to Lila that she needed to address with Clare, anyway. Plus, he''d kept their actual first meeting a secret thus far, even though she''d been afraid that he''d give it away through his nonverbal language ¨C but no one seemed to pick it up.

    They played a few rounds of the board game, and Alex''s sense of humour began to shine. He seemed to prefer a deadpan, sarcastic type, which explained his vegetarian joke quite well. He was still rather quiet generally, but Lila was beginning to think that he might naturally be quiet, which, in her opinion, complemented her boisterous sister very well.

    The beginning of the end of the night came when Daniel started yawning. Clare picked up on this pretty quickly and reminded everyone that they actually had school tomorrow ¨C which was a rude awakening for Lila. She''d almost thought it was the weekend.

    "I''ll just let Marlene know to come get me," Asher said to Lila as they began packing away the board game.

    "Alright," Lila sighed reluctantly. "I wish you could stay."

    "Sorry."

    "Ew," Daniel interjected, his nose wrinkled once more.

    Lila frowned at him. "One day, you''ll find out what it''s like and you won''t think it''s so ew."

    "Yeah, but that won''t make your sappiness any less gross to me," Daniel countered.

    Lila rolled her eyes at him. "Whatever. You wanted this, remember?"

    Daniel smirked. "No, no. I just wanted Asher to stop pining-"

    "Wow, look at that, the board game''s all packed up," Asher said loudly, pulling the closed box to him. "I''ll just put this away."

    Lila thought she heard Alex chuckle but when she glanced at him, he looked utterly serious. Asher promptly escaped to the living room.

    "I think I better get going," Alex said to Clare. She nodded and they both stood.

    "You''re not going with him?" Lila asked.

    "Nah," Clare replied nonchalantly. "I''ll just see you tomorrow, yeah?" she asked Alex directly.

    "Of course," he said. "It was nice to meet you guys."

    "You too," Lila responded warmly.

    "Yeah," Daniel said, though Lila could detect that he was still slightly resentful about it.

    Alex waved at them both, which they returned, before following Clare. Lila guessed that Alex would be saying his goodbyes to her parents and likely Asher before leaving for the night.

    Daniel slumped in his chair, which forced Lila to look at him.

    "What?" she asked.

    He sighed. "Nothing."

    "Doesn''t seem like nothing."

    "¡­ Do you reckon Clare''s boyfriend is a weed dealer?"

    Lila blinked. "Huh?"

    "Well, he likes plants, and he looks like a full-on drug dealer with his tattoos."

    "I''m so confused. How did you jump to that conclusion?"

    Daniel grew quiet. "Not sure."

    "Daniel, are you trying to dislike him?"

    "¡­ No. I''m going to bed."

    "Daniel, something''s up with you. Is everything-"

    It was at that moment that Asher scurried back into the dining room, his face pink. Both Daniel and Lila looked at him in mild confusion.

    "Let''s head upstairs," Asher said after taking a deep breath.

    "What happen-" Lila tried to ask.

    "Please," he interjected.

    With no objections coming to mind, she warily stood and followed Asher up the stairs and straight to her room. She heard Daniel following them, but she didn''t necessarily want to continue the conversation openly in the house. Whatever was going on with Daniel seemed¡­ private. Something that perhaps even Asher shouldn''t be privy to.

    She closed the door to her room behind her and watched as Asher just about collapsed on her desk chair.

    "What happened to you?" she asked, still bemused. She sat down on her bed, facing him.

    "Your Mum and Dad said yes to the sleepover," he said, looking away from her. He spun on her chair before sighing. "After they asked me a whole bunch of questions about what we''d be doing."

    "Which is?"

    "Hanging out. Studying."

    Lila raised an eyebrow at him. "It seems like there''s more to the story than that."

    "There¡­ may have been some stern looks."

    "About what?" Lila laughed.

    "About treating you right and not letting you get murdered."

    "Is that all?" Lila laughed again. "You seem so worked up over something that you''re already doing."

    "I guess I have a good track record of not letting you get murdered," Asher quipped. Then, he ran a hand through his hair in annoyance. "Treating you right is a bit hit-and-miss at the moment, though."

    "What makes you think that?"

    "If I was, then you wouldn''t need to cry and keep it from me, right?"

    It seemed like Lila would need to tell Clare off for making Asher feel this way.

    "Asher, that''s not from you mistreating me-"

    "Then what is it from?"

    Lila uncomfortably fiddled with her hands. "Frustration at myself."

    "Which you wouldn''t feel if-"

    "Asher, please don''t blame yourself. I''m just¡­ impatient and that''s really on me. Sorry, I¡­ don''t mean to be."

    He exhaled deeply. "No, Lila, I''m sorry. I really am."

    "Like I said before, that makes it worse."

    "But why?"

    She squirmed slightly, now avoiding his probing gaze. "If you were mean about it, or if you just weren''t sorry, then it''d be easier since I could blame you. It''s because you''re kind about it that it makes me feel like there''s something wrong with me that you don''t like but you don''t want to tell me to spare my feelings. Or that¡­ maybe you''re lying to me by saying all the right things but not actually meaning it."

    "Lila¡­ there''s nothing wrong with you, and I''m not lying to you."

    She couldn''t help the tears now. She wiped them away and stared at her lap rather than at him. "So then why? Why say things like you want to, but you can''t? Why can''t you? It must be a problem with me."

    "No, Lila, it''s a problem with me."

    "It can''t be," she whispered. "You''re you."

    He faltered. "Lila, I''m not perfect."

    "But you''re perfect enough for me. Except for¡­ that." She threw herself backwards onto her bed, placing an arm over her eyes.

    The silence was particularly loud now, interrupted only by the sound of her blood rushing through her head. Why did she say that? Maybe he''d think she was clingy or weird now. Of course he wasn''t perfect, but she loved him anyway even with all of his flaws; though she didn''t want to say that, either. Not yet, anyway.

    Then, she heard him move. Was Marlene here already?

    "Lila," he said softly, his voice right next to her. "There''s absolutely nothing wrong with you. You''re perfect enough for me, too."

    He didn''t actually mean that, right? If she lowered her arm and saw his face, she''d be able to see that he was lying. So, she kept her arm up. That way, she could feign ignorance and spare her feelings.

    Then, her bed moved, as though he was climbing onto it. Her heartbeat quickened. What was he doing?

    She found out a moment later as he gently removed her arm from her face. He then held her wrists in his hands beside her head, his face a bright shade of red and eyes determined. He shifted so that his knees were on either side of her left leg. She couldn''t untangle his intentions, for her brain was starting to short-circuit due to how close he was.

    He bent his head towards hers and they kissed, with Lila being slightly reluctant. Surely, this was a pity kiss, since she''d just been crying. Any second now and it''d be done, leaving her cold and wanting more but unable to ask.

    He kept his hold on her, even as his tongue caressed hers. She began to feel lightheaded ¨C as though she were floating. She tried to enjoy it, but the feeling of dread ¨C that he''d stop their kiss in a panic before she was ready for it to be over ¨C began to knot itself in her stomach. Any second now¡­ and she''d be disappointed again. But¡­ for now, they were still kissing.

    His lips were so soft, so kissable, and she just wanted to feel them against hers, as though she were parched and he was her only source of water. It was like she was getting more dehydrated with each passing second, causing her desperation to maintain their kiss to grow, and, to her surprise, he kept going, deepening their kiss even more with his tongue.

    How long had it been? Seconds? Minutes? Hours? Time had become irrelevant as she slowly transformed into putty in his hands. He was so warm ¨C but she''d learned from this morning; no sudden movements, no attempts at taking her shirt off. Not that she could, with how firm his grasp on her wrists was.

    Her heart was swelling as they continued to kiss. Her stomach unknotted itself and instead felt like it was swooping. Though she couldn''t figure out how long it''d been, she was dead sure they''d never kissed this long before. She smiled against his lips. This was what she''d been longing for. Especially since he didn''t seem scared; not now, at least.

    They continued on for a while, neither picking up the intensity but both matching the rhythm they''d naturally fallen into until he eventually slowed to a stop. Instead of disappointment coursing through her, she only felt tingles of joy. That¡­ had felt really good and was definitely long enough to keep her smile on her face.

    His eyes sparkled as he lifted himself above her, his chest rising and falling as though he was out of breath.

    "That¡­ wasn''t so bad," he said after a moment. He seemed quite pleased with himself, his smile brilliant in its elation.

    "I really liked it," she replied softly, taking in every detail of his expression. She wanted him again, but for now¡­ this was perfectly satisfying, especially with how delighted he looked.

    "I did too. It¡­ it was easier to feel in control since there''s so many people in this house," he confessed in a murmur. His hold on her loosened slightly but he stayed where he was for the most part. "It seems like the threat of someone coming in here at any moment is enough to keep my head where it''s supposed to be."

    "But we''ve kissed in my room before and you still felt¡­ nervous, I guess."

    "The door being closed helps."

    "That doesn''t make sense, if lots of people being here makes you feel more in control of yourself."

    "Well¡­ with the door being open, the threat was painfully real at any moment. With the door closed, there''s at least a second of lead time to be¡­ appropriate. And¡­ keeping my hands¡­ uh, occupied means they can''t do something I don''t want them to."

    "I¡­ see."

    She really wanted to know what he didn''t want his hands to do but if he was finding ways for him to stop freaking out, she didn''t want to ruin it by pressing him. They fell silent as he looked into her eyes, the eye contact mesmerising her. Would he kiss her again? Or was she just being greedy? His eyes flickered down her body and she suddenly felt self-conscious ¨C particularly about her basic choice of outfit. There was hardly anything for him to enjoy.

    Then, his right hand released her left. He brushed it against her cheek, resuming their eye contact. It seemed, for some reason, that he''d stopped breathing for a moment, his face deepening in colour. He inhaled deeply before, with a tremble in his smile, his hand grazed her shoulder and eventually found its way to her boobs.

    She''d never felt a guy intentionally touch them before ¨C and feeling this guy, her boyfriend, in fact, do it gave her a strangely pleasant jolt that she wasn''t expecting. Her heart rate instantly picked up, its beat so strong she could hardly breathe, her brain struggling to comprehend what was happening aside from how good it felt to be held by him like this. He ran his hand across both before resting on her left one. He gave it a gentle squeeze and a low, involuntary moan escaped her lips-

    Knock-knock.

    "How''s my two favourite virgins?" Clare''s voice called. In an instant, without Lila catching how it happened, Asher was on the floor next to her bed, the thump that accompanied his fall sounding painful.

    The door opened, revealing a gleeful-looking Clare. She looked between them both, her glee changing to confusion.

    "You''re doing it wrong," she remarked to Asher, who was rubbing his elbow which had connected to the floor.

    "Get out," Lila said shortly, embarrassment both at the sound she''d made and the fact that Clare was now in here, being embarrassing, taking control of the colour in her cheeks. She armed herself with a cushion, ready to throw it at her sister before her sister raised her hands in surrender.

    "I would," Clare said apologetically, "but I just wanted to chat with you both before Asher has to go."

    Lila lowered her cushion and begrudgingly sat up, hugging it against her chest to conceal her still-furiously beating heart as if it were thundering out of her ribcage. Clare closed the door and pulled Lila''s desk chair slightly away from Asher before sitting in it. He slowly sat up and Lila could see his whole body wince. Had he landed on something next to her bed?

    Before she could fret, her sister began to speak.

    "So¡­ what''d you think?"

    "Of?" Lila asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "Alex. Duh."

    "He seemed surprisingly shy. Or at the very least nervous as hell," Lila said, glancing at Asher once more. He seemed fine as she added, "I didn''t think he''d be into plants like that."

    She recalled what Daniel had asked, about whether Alex was a weed dealer and she snorted. "Actually, Daniel seems to think he might be a weed dealer. He''s not, is he?"

    Clare bristled. "What an idiot. Of course not. I''ll talk to him after this-"

    "Actually, sis, that might not be a good idea," Lila said hurriedly, straightening her posture. "I''ll talk to him."

    "Why wouldn''t it be a good idea for me to talk to him?" Clare asked, raising a suspicious eyebrow.

    "I think¡­ he''s having some trouble adjusting."

    "Adjusting? To what?"

    "Well, you''ve never brought a guy around. I mean, I already know it''s serious, but it sends a message to the rest of the family, y''know. That you think he''s worth it."

    "Of course I do."

    "So, it''s really new to Daniel."

    "Even though there''s this guy?" Clare gestured at Asher.

    "I said that to him before, and even still, apparently. So¡­ let me talk to Daniel, alright?"

    "Okay, okay," Clare relented. She paused before a small smile graced her lips. "Alex was pretty cute, though."

    "If you say so," Asher interjected from the floor.

    "You''re right about him being nervous," Clare said after giving Asher a brief look. "It was adorable."

    "I''m glad you think so. At first, I thought he was really weird," Lila said candidly.

    "Rude."

    "Especially after I said tocino was made from pork and he said he was vegetarian. Then he said he was joking and promptly beat Daniel and me both at the card game"

    Clare laughed. "He so would do that."

    "I am glad that he didn''t let slip that he''d already met us," Lila said quietly. "Daniel asked how you met and Alex said you guys met at a party, by the way."

    "Yeah, that''s our cover," Clare said just as quietly. "Obviously, you guys and our parents know otherwise, so I doubt it''ll come up again."

    "Is he normally so timid?" Asher asked.

    "He''s kinda like me, where we get a different persona when we''re working. Outside of work, yeah. I told Lila it took him, like, a year to get the courage to ask me out on a date."

    "Well, that''s shorter than it took me," Asher observed.

    "Anything''s shorter than it took you, my guy. I heard you liked this one since Grade 7 or 8."

    "¡­ Probably more, to be honest," Asher murmured.

    "Cute," Clare smirked.

    "Anyway," Lila interjected, her face beginning to feel warm again, "I can tell he''s really into you. It''s sweet. You guys seem like a good match."

    Clare smiled once again. "It makes me really happy to know that you think so."

    "Seems like he won Mum over pretty quick, too."

    "A part of me thought he might, since he''s pretty respectful and, well, we know how Mum loves plants. I just¡­ couldn''t get over the fact that he looks quite the opposite of what I know our parents want for me."

    "I know. But, hey, it went well. Not sure on Dad''s perspective though."

    "To me, he seemed to think Alex was alright," Asher piped up.

    "Really?" Clare asked, seeming eager to know more.

    "Yeah. At first, he was looking at Alex all intense, but by the end he seemed satisfied ¨C like he''d sussed him out."

    "I never noticed that," Lila said incredulously.

    "I, uh, pay lots of attention," Asher replied, his tone unconvincing. Had Asher been observing Lila''s Dad intently because of today''s drop, or because he was scared of him?

    "You gonna bring Alex around again?" Lila asked swiftly before Clare could ask any follow-up questions, in case it was the former.

    "Well, Mum was still insistent about the greenhouse idea, so he''ll have to come by to make good on that promise. Probably wouldn''t look so great if he didn''t."

    "Is there a reason for his intense muscles, by the way?" Asher queried. Clare blinked down at him.

    "Yeah? He works out."

    "Clearly, but, like, is he an athlete or something?"

    "Oh, God no. He just likes going to the gym, plus it gives him an edge against wild ones," Clare replied, an amused smile flickering across her face.

    "You know, we heard that in the club," Lila said, suddenly curious. "What does that mean?"

    "Wild ones? It''s interchangeable with wild child. A code word for our club. Essentially, it''s underage people that''ve snuck into places they shouldn''t. Like you two."

    "Somehow, I feel like you''re never going to let it go," Asher said.

    "Definitely not. One day, I think I''ll tell our family the story."

    "Please don''t," Lila and Asher both said in panicked unison. Clare narrowed her eyes at them.

    "So you were up to something nefarious," she said as if she''d caught them red-handed. At that moment, Asher''s phone buzzed on Lila''s desk. He sat up even straighter and grabbed it.

    "Wow, Marlene''s here," he said, getting to his feet. "Looks like I''ve got to go."

    "That''s right," Clare said, her eyes still narrowed. "Marlene also works for you."

    "Well, technically my family, yeah," Asher replied, looking down at Clare in surprise.

    "You know, Alex mentioned something weird," Clare said slowly, tapping her chin. "He said you guys showed him a photo of someone who looked familiar, but he couldn''t quite pinpoint her."

    A chill began to take hold of Lila''s heart and she clasped her hands together in an attempt to capture her remaining warmth. Clare was really close to the truth now.

    "Did he?" Asher asked, his demeanour far calmer than how Lila felt.

    "Yeah. Was it Marlene?"

    "Can''t remember now. I''ve gotta go, study is calling my name and I can''t fall behind," he said abruptly. After unenthusiastically saying goodbye to Asher, Clare looked deep in thought. They couldn''t escape fast enough, though Lila did take the time to knock on Daniel''s door to tell him Asher was leaving.

    Daniel seemed morose at this fact and gave Asher a half-hearted goodbye. They finished their round-tour of goodbyes in the living room, with Asher looking slightly stressed as he said goodbye to her parents. Lila decided not to comment on this, though she still thought that there was something more to the story he''d told her about his conversation with her parents.

    Lila unlocked the door as Asher put his shoes on.

    "So¡­ I guess¡­ this is it," he said softly, turning to her in the doorway.

    "What do you mean?" she asked, panic starting to build in her chest and constrict her throat. It almost sounded like-

    "Until our assignments are in," he reminded her. "I¡­ can''t really hang out, except for morning tea and lunch."

    "Oh." She''d forgotten about that commitment he''d made. She started to deflate. It would be a couple of weeks before they could see each other outside of school and sports again.

    "But you''ll be coming to mine on the 31st of August," he said, tenderly stroking her cheek. "Then, the term will be over before we know it. We won''t need to worry about schoolwork at that point."

    She placed a hand on his before he could pull it away from her face. "Yeah."

    "I''ll see you tomorrow," he smiled. He took his hand back and seemed about to leave when she clutched his shirt.

    "You''re forgetting something," she said coyly.

    "Of course," Asher replied, shaking his head. "I''d¡­ been thinking about the other one."

    She didn''t need to ask about what he was referring to nor could she help the beam on her face. "Well, I''d still like this one to end the night."

    His eyes softened as he returned her smile with a chuckle. "I didn''t realise it made you so happy."

    "Of course it did. Asher, I-" she swallowed, her almost confession dying once more in her throat. That had been close. "I''ve been waiting for something like that."

    Guilt passed through his eyes, though it swiftly disappeared. "Goodnight, Lila," he murmured, leaning in for a kiss that she quickly met. Soft, sweet and just enough to make her smile again, they separated shortly after.

    "Goodnight, Asher. See you tomorrow."

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Three

    It had been pretty late by the time Asher left. Though she''d hoped to watch Marlene''s stream that night, in case she spoke about what was in the bag her Dad had left behind at the caf¨¦, she''d been too exhausted to. Between all the emotions that had run through her yesterday, plus the mystery of her Dad and Marlene and then dinner with Alex, as soon as her head hit the pillow, she was out. She''d just have to watch it tomorrow.

    As a result, it also meant that Lila would check in on Daniel after returning home from school. A part of her also hoped that his feelings about Clare''s boyfriend would settle by then ¨C in which case, her interrogation would actually bear fruit; pun intended.

    She was still rather confused by it all when she placed her school bag in her locker that morning and set herself up for her first two classes ¨C Design and Japanese. Daniel was worried that Clare having a boyfriend would mean she''d move out? Considering the fact that he spent a good portion of his life in his room, Lila thought he''d hardly notice if Clare was gone. Plus, just having a boyfriend didn''t necessarily mean she''d move out, either.

    "Good morning," Asher''s chipper voice made her crane her neck around her locker door. She beamed upon seeing him, closing it promptly and locking it. He took her laptop bag from her with an identical beam on his face.

    "I see you''re still in a good mood," he said, his own voice joyful.

    "Of course," she replied. "I''m offended you''d think otherwise."

    "Let''s just say I''m glad I was able to turn yesterday around in the end," he said softly, holding his arm out for her to take. "Design first up, right?"

    "Yes, sir."

    He smirked. "Sir?"

    "Well, you seem so fancy and formal, with your arm like this," she said playfully as they began to move along to the Applied Tech building.

    "Only for you."

    She giggled, and they chatted and joked along the way to her class. Eventually, he reluctantly returned her laptop bag and she said goodbye, carrying her good mood with her all through Design. Surprisingly, she found that it helped her concentrate on her project, which was due in two weeks time.

    In fact, she felt the same in Japanese too, though her listening exam was at the beginning of next week. She took the time at the end of her lesson to look through her exam schedule for Japanese and was displeased to see that her speaking exam was in two weeks and her writing exam was in the second-last week of term. Asher was quite right to reduce the time they spent together, it seemed.

    He was waiting for her outside as usual once class was over and she rejoined him with a touch more despondence than before.

    "I hope that look isn''t for me," he said jokingly. She shook her head.

    "No. I''m just not excited for all these assignments and exams I have to do."

    "But once they''re done, we can hang out again," he reminded her gently.

    "Doesn''t mean there''s any more excitement for my assignments and exams."

    "At least I tried."

    She laughed, stepping closer to him. "Thanks."

    "Anytime."

    Their journey to the locker room was much the same as this morning in its lightheartedness. After putting away their things and collecting their morning tea, they meandered over to the library, content in each other''s company.

    They sat down in an empty meeting room, snacking away for some time before her mind turned to the kiss they had in her room and¡­ how he''d touched her.

    She started choking, reaching wildly for her water bottle which Asher quickly gave her. She took a long sip, her face flushed from both her thoughts and the choking she''d just survived.

    "What happened?" he asked, looking at her in concern.

    "N-Nothing," she replied, wiping her mouth. She couldn''t look at him directly anymore ¨C her heart would give out if she did.

    On the other hand, she wanted to ask him about it ¨C maybe even ask him to do it again ¨C since it was at odds with his typical behaviour when they touched a bit too much. It''d certainly been an escalation ¨C welcome, but further than they''d gone previously.

    She shook her head ¨C no way was she going to ask about it. Probably not ever.

    "You sure it was nothing?" Asher asked, his concern seemingly growing.

    "Yeah. I''m fine. Thanks for checking," she replied after clearing her throat.

    Truthfully, she''d been thinking about it all night, trying to hold on to the feeling of his hands and lips on her as far as her memory could allow. Now, though, with him sitting right there, it was a completely different scenario. It brought those memories to a much sharper focus, and her eyes couldn''t help but drift towards his hands.

    "If you''re sure," he said somewhat dubiously. He eyed her carefully before leaning forward, causing her to lean back in reaction.

    "So, I couldn''t sleep last night," he said conversationally, seemingly not noticing her movement.

    "W-Why?"

    "Overactive brain," he said, looking intently at the table between them. Had he been thinking about what she''d been thinking about? She was tempted to ask, but couldn''t find the words. Instead, she lightly touched where the ''A'' rested on her chest, watching as his cheeks turned light pink before quickly returning to their natural colour.

    "So, I watched Marlene''s stream," he said after a brief pause. "In case she said anything about the bag."

    Lila straightened up in her seat. "I fell asleep almost as soon as you left, so I wasn''t able to. Did she say anything about it?"

    Asher shook his head. "Not a single word. I watched the whole thing, too."

    "You should''ve gone to sleep," Lila said, reaching out to touch his arm. "You need your sleep."

    Asher gave her a slight smile. "I know that, but my brain and my body don''t, apparently. At the very least, though, I''m a pretty good multitasker." He met her gaze before lightly brushing his hand against the one on his arm. "While I was watching, I also figured out part of the code. At least, what it''s meant to be," he added.

    "Someone was busy," she said, unable to keep the excitement out of her voice. "What did you figure out?"

    "Well¡­" he pulled out his phone and opened up a photo that he''d taken of the code. "It''s coordinates."

    "Coordinates?"

    "Yeah. Longitude and latitude specifically."

    She surveyed the photo. It''d been a while since she''d turned her mind to longitude and latitude, but now that he''d said it, it seemed so obvious.

    "Do you reckon it''s for ''Beans & Biscuits''?" she asked breathlessly, looking up at him in excitement.

    "I thought that too, at first, but I couldn''t find a way to make the numbers fit the letters. The attempts I had in my head contradicted each other."

    "Hmm¡­ were you able to figure out any of the numbers or letters?"

    He shook his head ruefully. "Nope. But¡­ I''ve already handed in a couple assignments, so I''ll be working on it today."

    "Don''t you have exams, too?"

    "Yeah. I''ll study in tandem."

    "How do you even have space in your brain for that?"

    He laughed. "Like I said, I''m a good multitasker. Besides, some of your curiosity has rubbed off on me. It''s given me a superpower."

    "Are you sure you should be sacrificing study time and, well, resources, since you''re in class with your teachers?"

    "It''s not a sacrifice to get this out of my head," he said simply. "Besides¡­ the way you looked at me just now when I told you that I''d figured out that it was coordinates¡­" he blushed before tearing his eyes away from her, looking once more at the table. "I really liked it. I wouldn''t mind it if you looked at me like that again."

    Her heart thudded. "R-Really?"

    He simply nodded in response. He seemed shy all of a sudden, though she was one to talk ¨C for some reason, she felt flustered.

    "I¡­ like looking at you," she found herself saying. She cringed as soon as she recognised what she said. That¡­ sounded really weird.

    "I-I mean-"

    "I like looking at you, too," he murmured before lifting his eyes to meet hers. It was like a zap travelled between their eyes and her gaze immediately darted elsewhere. The atmosphere was suddenly intense, as though the zap had charged the very air around them. It¡­ felt almost like the perfect setting for another kiss.

    She decided against trying. Though yesterday had been rather successful in the comfort of her room, the reasons he had for maintaining his composure seemed specific to being in her house. She didn''t want to get too hopeful too quickly that she wouldn''t get cut off again, after all. If she did get cut off again, she might really end up crying without any way of stopping it.

    "Pass me your phone again," she said after taking a moment to rearrange her thoughts. He glanced at her in surprise.

    "Why?"

    "Well, now that we know what it is, it should get us closer to solving it, right?"

    He obliged and she looked at the photo with as much concentration as she could muster. If longitude and latitude were numbers now transformed into letters, at the very least the numbers at the end had been transposed from letters ¨C likely the four cardinal directions.

    "Did you compare your theory to your decoding spreadsheet again?" she asked quietly. She didn''t necessarily want to look silly if he''d already figured out that much at least.

    "Nah. I was pretty comfy in bed when I realised it was coordinates after Marlene''s stream ended. Didn''t want to drag out my laptop again since I''d just put it away."

    Lila immediately suppressed images of Asher being ''comfy in bed'' flashing in her mind, though her first image of him being tucked under the covers made her smile. The second¡­ was sending her heart rate through the roof. Perhaps she should see a doctor ¨C surely the way he sent her heart into a tizzy was unhealthy. Was there medication for this kind of thing?

    "Why''s that?" Asher followed up. She looked back at the photo.

    "Well¡­ at the very least, the numbers at the end ¨C the 3 and the 2. Surely the ''3'' is actually South, and the ''2'' is East."

    "Huh," Asher uttered, tilting his head to see the picture. She nudged his phone closer to him.

    "Makes sense to me," he said with a satisfied nod. "So, with that, we can confirm that this location is in Australia."

    "That''s not as helpful as I''d hoped."

    "On the contrary, it''s pretty helpful. Since we received this message via cat in Australia, I''m going to assume that it''s within a reasonable distance to the cat. If it was going to be further away ¨C more international ¨C I doubt the message would be sent via cat, especially if it''s intended to be a meeting point. It''d be a lot of admin to set up an international flight based on a few numbers on a photo."

    "What''s a reasonable distance?"

    "Driving."

    "Well, you could drive to Alice Springs if you wanted to."

    "I was thinking more like¡­ within a couple hours, just to make sure."

    "Alright. Let''s get a radius up, then."

    Lila opened her phone and downloaded a detailed picture of their State onto it. Once it was ready, she zoomed in to their general suburb.

    "How far away would you say two hours is?" Lila asked. Asher tapped on his phone before helping her map out the radius.

    "A two hour radius is massive ground to cover," Lila lamented. "Especially since part of it goes into the next State."

    "True, but any type of narrowing at this point would be helpful."

    "You''re right, of course."

    "I try to be."

    "You''re very good at it," she grinned, meeting his eyes. He returned her grin before looking back at the code and the radius they''d put on their map.

    "Can you send the map to me? Just in case I need it when I try decoding again."

    She did so and he nodded. "Thanks."

    Lila checked the time and hurriedly stood up. "Shit, it''s almost PC."

    "Crap."

    They packed their things away before booking it to the locker room, hardly slowing for any type of conversation. Lila didn''t bother getting her Biology things, figuring that she could grab it on the way out from PC.

    Asher still took the time to walk her to class but swiftly sprinted away with a "See you!" as soon as they reached her door. She headed in, finding that her whole class, or at least most of it, were already seated and Ms Wang was partway through the roll.

    "Sorry, ma''am," Lila mumbled as she speed-walked to the cluster of desks Elise and Grace were sitting at. Ms Wang simply nodded before resuming the roll. Luckily for Lila, she hadn''t quite made it to ''M'' yet.

    Once everyone who was present was accounted for, Ms Wang stood in front of the whiteboard, her arms folded across her chest and face incredibly serious.

    "I hope you were able to enjoy your day off yesterday," she began, her voice stern. "Due to Jason Whitley''s recent death, an assembly will be held tomorrow."

    "Another one?" Liam grumbled audibly. Ms Wang shot him a disapproving look, but continued on.

    "As per usual assemblies, formal dresses, stockings, long pants and blazers please. It will take place during PC."

    "Ma''am?" Bailey''s hand shot up and Ms Wang inclined her head at him.

    "Um, so, why do we need another assembly? We all know he''s dead."

    Ms Wang was silent for what felt like hours. "You have the privilege of insider information at this point," she finally said. "As far as I''m aware, only Grades 11 and 12 were specifically told in PC classes on Tuesday. Younger cohorts might know due to the article, but they weren''t directly told."

    "Why?"

    Ms Wang sighed. "It was a decision made by the Headmaster."

    ''Probably because he wants to control a certain narrative ¨C but Grades 11 and 12 ought to know since we''re technically the leaders of the school; 12 being current, 11 being incoming,'' Lila thought to herself. There was at least some logic to that decision. ''Plus, there''s a lot of damage control to be done. Two ex-students murdered within a couple of months or so of each other?''

    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    "What would you have done?" Bailey asked, his tone far more interested in this than the answers to his previous questions combined.

    "I''d prefer not to answer that question."

    "C''mon, Ms Wang," Bailey cajoled, looking around the room in an effort to garner support. "How would you have handled this?"

    "I won''t be entertaining those kinds of questions, Bailey. Undermining authority is not in my role description."

    So¡­ she did disapprove of how things had gone. Bailey resumed his protests, but Ms Wang artfully ignored him.

    "Just another reminder to make full use of the counsellors if you need to. The rest of today''s class is dedicated to free time."

    Though Lila had been reminded of Jason''s death yesterday, it seemed to feel far more real now that she was back on campus. It was likely that everyone in the school was now alerted to another assembly, which only made Lila wonder¡­ how was Alice coping? Had she made a decision yet?

    "The whole murder thing really makes me want to never get expelled, ever," Elise sighed, placing her face on her desk.

    "Not that you should''ve wanted to be expelled before all this," Lila replied, turning her attention to her friends.

    "Of course not," Elise grumbled. "I''ve gotta do well, remember?"

    "I remember," Lila smiled, giving Elise an affectionate pat on her shoulder. "How''s it all been going, by the way? It feels like you haven''t really cut down on your Maccas shifts."

    Elise turned her head, glancing at Lila before sighing. "Mum''s¡­ been okay. But it''s still expensive."

    "I thought you had enough saved up for this term," Lila replied gently. Elise turned her head the other way.

    "I did¡­ but¡­ things have been getting more expensive, y''know? Have to keep up somehow, and if I drop too many shifts, they won''t ask for me to cover and all that either."

    Lila hadn''t ever worked before, but she supposed it made sense. "Well, as long as you''re able to juggle. It''s getting to the serious point in the term."

    Elise sat up, now looking intently at Lila.

    "Sure is. I bet your boyfriend''s stressed," Elise said knowingly. She narrowed her eyes at Lila. "Is he back to forcing-"

    "Elise," Lila sighed, raising her hand in a ''stop'' gesture. "We''ve talked about this. Asher''s never forced me to do anything at all. Study included."

    Elise pursed her lips before sinking back onto her desk. "Alright, alright. What about you, Grace? How''s your partner coping with school?"

    Lila cringed, though she tried to conceal it.

    "She''s doing okay," Grace replied smoothly. Lila couldn''t look at Grace, so she had no idea what kind of expression she had.

    "That''s good. Are you going to let us meet her one day?"

    Lila''s curiosity overran her avoidance and she glanced at Grace. Grace looked conflicted, and her eyes met Lila''s, as though asking for help. Lila folded her arms, waiting for Grace''s answer.

    "¡­ Maybe one day. After school''s done," Grace eventually said, looking down at her desk. "She''s still not out, and she''ll be moving schools next term anyway."

    "You''ve got to let us meet her before she moves," Elise insisted, straightening up. "Easiest way for-"

    "I can try, but I know she''ll say no," Grace murmured. Elise looked at Lila.

    "You want to meet her too, right?" she asked. "It''s been, like, fifty years since Grace started dating her partner."

    ''Truthfully, meeting her partner''s sucked the both times I did,'' Lila thought before sighing. "Look, if Grace''s partner is uncomfortable, then that''s that. Talking about Asher forcing me and all that."

    Elise pouted before raising both her hands in surrender. "You win. I didn''t think of it like that, but I guess it''d be forcing her if she''s not ready."

    "Speaking of love lives," Lila said, desperate to now get away from the topic of Grace and her partner, "how''s yours going?"

    Elise pressed her face against her desk again. "Same as usual."

    "Why haven''t you made a move yet?" Grace asked, her tone kind.

    "¡­ It''s hard to when he keeps talking to Anika at work."

    "Well, it''s not like Anika goes here. You guys spend heaps of time together at, like, lunch," Lila replied matter-of-factly. "At least, it seems like you do."

    It looked like Elise was pressing herself even more into the desk as she mumbled indistinctly.

    "Sorry?" Lila uttered.

    "Just¡­ don''t want to talk about it," Elise said, the hurt clear in her voice.

    "Alright," Lila replied softly, giving Elise another pat on the shoulder. Elise turned her head to Grace.

    "Wait, why''s your partner moving schools?" she asked, her voice still morose. "Surely she could finish the year here, at least?"

    Panic crossed through Grace''s eyes and Lila felt the need to help her this time ¨C but how? And in a way that concealed that she knew exactly who Grace''s partner was?

    "¡­ Her¡­ parents are scared of the murders," Grace finally said, avoiding the eyes of both Lila and Elise. "They''ve decided that she shouldn''t affiliate with this school anymore."

    "Oh," Elise whispered. "That¡­ makes sense. I bet hers aren''t the only ones worried about that. Actually, Dad asked me if I wouldn''t think about moving to a state school ¨C not just for the money. I think he''s nervous, too."

    Lila released the tension that had curled her hands into fists on her desk. That was actually quite a good excuse. She briefly wondered how many more good excuses she''d been fed by Grace but decided not to think about it. Dwelling on something like that would only make her resentful, and she was hanging on by a thread in that regard for the moment.

    "My parents have told me to be careful," Lila said after a pause. She may as well add on to this topic, to bolster Grace''s claim. "Basically spend as much time as possible indoors."

    "Have they told you to stop hanging out with Asher outside of school?" Elise asked.

    "Not exactly, but we won''t be for a while anyway. I''ve been taking him away from his studies a bit too much."

    Elise looked ready to make a disparaging comment about this before Grace intervened.

    "It''s a bit unfortunate, but that means you can work on your studies too," she smiled. "Hopefully, all the panic will die down by the time assignments and exams are finished."

    "Yeah¡­ I mean, we do have plans in a couple weeks but until then I''ll just be seeing him in class and during breaks."

    "That''s still every weekday," Elise replied, her disparaging comment evidently forgotten. "What''s your plans?"

    Lila halted, feeling her cheeks heat up. "Well¡­ uh, nothing fancy. Just staying over at his. Uh, from Thursday to Sunday, over the pupil free day weekend."

    "That''s exciting," Elise grinned before waggling her eyebrows suggestively. "Sounds like you might end up getting up to something."

    "No way," Lila replied, shaking her head. She could feel her blush spreading across her face to her ears. "He''s still¡­ a bit¡­ well, he stopped us yesterday when we were kissing at his, but then he was fine at mine-" she coughed, forcing her memory of where he''d touched her before Clare interrupted them out of her mind, "-but I really don''t think he''s ready still. So I''m not going to count on it. We''ll probably just end up studying for exams, since it''s just before exam block."

    "So, what, you just literally sleep together at night?" Elise questioned, seeming disappointed on behalf of Lila. "That''s boring."

    "Well, if we don''t fall asleep on his couch, I''m in the spare room," Lila said quietly.

    "Oh well," Elise said with a shrug. "It''s only been a month. Ooh, how''d your date go, actually? Did he like the necklace?"

    Lila smiled, remembering his reaction to the necklace with a flutter in her chest. "Yeah. He said he''ll wear it forever."

    "He''s such a sap," Elise beamed, lightly tapping Lila on the arm. "You should tell him you love him. I bet he''ll explode."

    Lila shook her head. "Definitely not. Not¡­ while he''s still not ready for anything more."

    Elise frowned. "But what if that''ll make him-"

    "I don''t want to force him out of guilt. I¡­ I will tell him one day. It''s just too soon now."

    Elise sighed in defeat. "Alright. What''d he get you?"

    Lila almost answered ''lockpicks'' immediately ¨C but that was a suspicious as hell gift with quite a backstory. There was no way she''d tell her friends the truth.

    "U-Uh, flowers," she said awkwardly.

    "Flowers are nice," Elise smiled in a dreamy kind of way. "Have you thought about pressing them?"

    "That''s a bit of a random activity," Lila replied.

    "Flower pressing is pretty easy," Elise said, "and you can use them for lots of things."

    "I didn''t know you were into flower pressing," Grace said.

    "I didn''t even know you were into flowers," Lila added.

    Elise''s face turned red. "Well, it''s kinda a hobby that doesn''t take a lot of my time. I can just set and forget it while I''m on shift and whatever. I also made a flower press as one of my first Manufacturing projects. I hate wasting things, so I put it to use every now and then."

    Lila tilted her head. "Oh, yeah, I forgot about that."

    Grace grinned. "Elise, I feel like you''re so much more of a romantic than you portray. Looks like we should tell Isaac to get you flowers."

    "Stop," Elise replied shortly. "He doesn''t like me. There''s no way he''d get me flowers. Besides, he''s allergic. Remember how he was sneezing when he asked you to semi?"

    "I forgot about that," Grace replied, looking crestfallen.

    "Anyway, I can lend you my flower press if you''d like to give it a go, Lila," Elise said. "It''s not the most thrilling hobby, but you get some pretty keepsakes."

    "Thanks," Lila smiled, "I''ll keep that in mind, but I don''t need it for now."

    "No worries."

    The rest of PC involved some bits of gossip, but otherwise nothing of real note ¨C which Lila was quite glad for. Though she was starting to become more normal with Grace, there were still plenty of uncomfortable moments.

    As usual, Asher was waiting for her once PC ended, and she checked that he knew about tomorrow''s assembly. He nodded grimly, but otherwise changed the topic back to something lighthearted that they''d discussed earlier in the day on the way to Bio.

    The rest of the day rushed by, including lunch with Asher. He''d been no closer to solving the code, but otherwise they both enjoyed each other''s company without any mention of the more stressful things that had happened over the course of this week.

    English involved intense focus on their assignments, and Maths featured the same ¨C minus Asher, of course. Once school was done for the day, Lila and Asher linked hands, walking towards the bus station after assembling all their things.

    "Shame I won''t be going home with you," Lila sighed as they approached the teacher on hat duty.

    "I wish you could come home with me, but-"

    "It''s fine, truly. I''d feel terrible if you lost your Dux status because of me."

    "The fault would be mine, Lila."

    "No, it''d be mine, since I''m a distraction."

    "Lila, I didn''t say that to make you feel guilty," he said seriously, stopping them both in their tracks. "Believe me, it''d be my fault for not studying hard enough. Once this is all over, we can celebrate, yeah? Think about what you might want to do. You said you hadn''t gone to see a play, right? That could be something. It''s also warming up, so maybe we could go to a theme park, or play mini golf, or-"

    "Asher," she smiled, shaking the hand that was still in hers, "it sounds like all you think about is date ideas."

    He glanced at her before swiftly looking at her bus stop. "Not¡­ entirely, but I do think about them."

    Her smile widened. "You''re so sweet."

    "You think so? Despite-"

    "If you bring up something to pull the mood down, I won''t forgive you," she said sternly.

    "R-Right. Then¡­ I guess I am sweet."

    "Exactly."

    She started walking again, pulling him along with her until she reached the line for her bus. She turned around and he returned her belongings to her.

    "I''ll see you tomorrow," he said softly. He hesitated for a moment before giving her a goodbye kiss.

    "See you then," she smiled, reaching up to gently touch his cheek. He squeezed her hand and stood back, for the bus had arrived and students were starting to clamber on. She waved, which he returned, just as she sat down. He remained standing at the bus stop until it pulled away from the station and into the heart of Forestglade.

    <hr>

    Daniel took his merry time to get home that afternoon. She''d almost forgotten that she''d promised to talk to him, since she was that absorbed in study, but when his door slammed she was rudely reminded of that commitment. She stretched, glad in some small part for the break. She was not glad, however, for the likely strange conversation she''d have to have with Daniel about Clare and her boyfriend.

    She''d contemplated asking Asher for his opinion on it all when she''d seen him but decided against it in favour of a more lighthearted day. Now that she was about to knock on Daniel''s door, however, she wished that she had talked to Asher after all. He usually had good insight into these things.

    Though, he was an only child. Would he have advice for a situation so foreign to him as sibling dynamics?

    She shook her head, taking a deep breath. No more stalling. She knocked twice.

    "What?" came Daniel''s sharp response.

    "It''s me."

    "Yeah? What do you want?"

    "Can I come in?"

    She could hear his weary sigh from where she was standing.

    "Whatever."

    Lila opened the door. Daniel was sitting at his desk, though it didn''t look like he''d turned anything on quite yet.

    "Why''re you here?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

    "I wanted to talk to you."

    "Clearly."

    "About Alex."

    He snapped his mouth shut and spun away from her. "What about him?"

    "Daniel, what''s going on?"

    "What do you mean?"

    "Well¡­ you''ve been resistant about Clare''s boyfriend ever since you heard she had one. You weren''t like that with me, and it seems like something''s still off with you despite meeting him."

    Daniel roughly threw his hands into his hair before slowly turning back to Lila. "You can sit down."

    She took a seat on his bed, watching his expression carefully. He seemed to be experiencing a whole range of emotions that he was having trouble wrangling, what with the way his lip trembled and his eyes darted around.

    "You¡­ said that you were worried Clare would move out if she had a boyfriend. What does that mean?"

    "It means¡­ what I said," he murmured after a very long pause.

    "It''s quite a leap to make, you know."

    "I¡­ don''t really want to talk about it," he mumbled, placing his head in his hands.

    "I feel like you should," Lila said gently. "If not with Clare, then with me. Or our parents. I''m worried about you."

    Daniel stiffened before looking up at Lila. "Even if you think it''s stupid, you can''t laugh."

    "I wasn''t planning to."

    He crossed his arms, now turning his eyes to his knees. "I¡­ I''m scared that¡­ now that she''s got a boyfriend, she''ll move out and leave us."

    Lila didn''t say anything, waiting instead for him to elaborate. He sighed.

    "I''m¡­ not stupid. I know that, one day, you and Clare are going to move out. And¡­ it makes me sound like a little kid but that means I''ll be alone then. As much as I love Mum and Dad¡­ you and Clare have always been around. I don''t want to be alone, but being the youngest basically means I will be in the end. Clare''s five years older than me, so I always knew she''d leave first but¡­ it feels too soon."

    "Oh," Lila uttered.

    "And¡­ I want to make sure this guy''s right for her, you know. It-" he looked frustrated as he searched the ceiling for the words he needed to convey what he was feeling. "It might not feel like it, but I actually do love you guys and I don''t want to see either of you be hurt." He sighed, staring back down at his knees.

    "When it came down to trying to get you and Asher together, it was a no-brainer. When I was younger, in like Grade 4 or 5 or whatever, he''d let me play with him and his friends at lunchtime when they were playing soccer. Then, when I joined the co-curricular, we had a few training sessions together and he''d always help me out. I don''t even know if he remembers all that, since this was ages ago, but he''d also always be looking at you, or for you. At first, I thought it was weird and I''d try to keep you away but then I figured out what it meant. Year after year, it was the same and I thought¡­ this guy''s sincere, at least. Then, I heard he was really smart and I reckoned it wouldn''t be a bad thing if you two got together. When he asked me for your number, I thought for sure it was to ask you out, so I gave it to him and waited. Didn''t know he had a girlfriend at the time." Daniel shook his head disdainfully.

    "Anyway, when he started helping me with the Banker stuff, and I saw how you two got along, it just made sense. We don''t hang out and we''re not friends, really, but I felt like I knew him well enough that I could trust him with you. So I bugged him to get his act together. With Alex¡­ I don''t know who the hell he is. He looks terrifying but his personality is terrified. I don''t know where Clare found him, but I want her to put him back. I can''t trust him farther than I can throw him, and I doubt I could even lift half of him."

    He paused. Lila pursed her lips as she absorbed all of this information.

    "He''ll probably hurt her," he whispered. "She''ll move out, get heartbroken, and won''t be Clare anymore."

    "Well, just because you go through a breakup doesn''t mean you''re no longer the same person," Lila interjected.

    Daniel gave her a half-hearted smile. "Don''t you remember, Lila? A couple years back? Clare never told me what happened, but one day she stopped smiling. For ages. You''re on the other side of the hallway, so you probably didn''t hear how much she''d cry at night. Not like I did, anyway. It¡­ was pretty obvious to me that a guy did that to her."

    Lila faltered. That must''ve been when Clare''s friends with benefits situation fell apart. Now that Daniel said it, plus the stories Clare had told her about that guy, it suddenly locked into place. He was right ¨C she had changed drastically around that time. But then¡­ she bounced back. At the time, Lila had thought she''d had trouble adjusting to Uni, and Clare never shared her feelings even when Lila had asked. It was only this year that it started to shift, and really after Lila and Asher had caught her working as ''Roxy Wurld''.

    "But the same thing could happen to Asher and me," Lila said quietly. "You don''t seem so worried about that."

    Daniel nodded. "That''s because if you guys break up, it''d be you who did it."

    "What?"

    "That guy''s way too obsessed with you to ever think about breaking up," Daniel said matter-of-factly. "And, anyway, you guys are still in school. If he hurts you, I just have to walk around campus to find him and beat him up."

    Lila looked at him, her eyebrow raised. Daniel probably couldn''t beat up a fly.

    "I can feel you judging me," Daniel said curtly. "I might pay other people to beat him up."

    "Well, that makes more sense."

    Daniel slumped back into his chair, his eyes distant. "All this to say¡­ I guess I''m scared that everyone''s growing up and moving on. But I''m stuck five years in the past for Clare, then two years behind you."

    "I appreciate you telling me all this," Lila said softly, now that it seemed he''d finished talking. "I get what you mean, too. With Clare going. It won''t be the same here when she does. But I know that she doesn''t have any plans for that anytime soon, at least. She said to me once that¡­ she doesn''t want to move out and leave us behind, but that can only hold her here for so long, you know? Change is always going to happen and it sucks, and it''s hard to adjust. But we can''t stop her from living her life too." Lila paused before pursing her lips.

    "In terms of Alex, though¡­ I, uh, hadn''t met him before, but Clare did talk to me about him a while ago. Before they got together officially. She struggled a lot with deciding what she wanted and whether she could put aside her vulnerabilities ¨C and whether he was worth her doing that, too. She eventually did, and she seems really happy. She''s told me that she feels safe and comfortable with him, and that when they''re together it feels like she''s at home. She trusts him, too. The other guy¡­ the one that made her cry, like you said ¨C she wasn''t able to be honest with him. Apparently, she is with Alex. She was pretty scared of losing him, actually. So¡­ I don''t think you need to worry about him so much. Obviously, if we see him again and he''s giving off red flags, we should take note of them but otherwise, like I said, she''s happy."

    Daniel still looked troubled. "But, Lila, he looks-"

    "I know what he looks like," Lila interrupted him before he could say anything rude. "But, like you said, his personality is quite the opposite of his appearance. Besides, Mum and Dad seemed fine with it." She wasn''t about to say that they approved of what he looked like. She also wasn''t about to tell Daniel that part of their Mum being fine with Alex came from their deep conversation with her about her past and Clare''s happiness at Coolisimo. He was still too young for those revelations.

    Daniel remained quiet for a while. Lila didn''t want to interrupt his train of thought, so patiently waited for him to be ready for more discussion ¨C if he still needed it.

    "Sometimes I feel like¡­ I''m mature. Mostly ''cause of the Banker stuff. But I''m really not. Even though I hear what you''re saying, I can''t¡­ my feelings haven''t changed. I''m still scared, and it makes me feel like I''m still at preschool, crying ''cause you two are leaving me to go to big kid school. Well, bigger than preschool, anyway¡­" he trailed off, his eyes shining.

    Lila crossed over to him, pulling him into a hug with him still seated. "Who said you had to grow up fast anyway?" she murmured, patting his hair. She felt him tremble in her arms and he seemed to be holding back tears. "It''s okay to still be immature. You''re only thirteen. You''re a tough guy, but even I''m immature, you know? Heck, Clare can be, too, and she''s a legal adult. Kinda scary, if you think about it."

    He snorted and relaxed into her hug. "Guess you''re right."

    "I, at least, won''t be going anywhere for a while. Honestly, you''ll probably be begging me to move out by the time I''ll be thinking about it." She paused, though he didn''t say anything. "It''s fine to be scared, and it''s fine to not want change. The thing about change though is that it happens anyway. We just have to take it when it comes. And, at least, when Clare goes, I''ll be there with you. We can think of it as a practice run for when I leave at, like, 40. And you know exactly how to entice me back, too. Just have to get Mum to make tocino."

    He snorted again and she rested her chin on his head. "You feeling okay?" she asked after a few moments of silence.

    "Better. Just."

    She patted his hair again. "You don''t have to force yourself. I know what I''ve said doesn''t change anything, really, but I hope it can help you feel okay about it one day."

    "¡­ Thanks, Lila."

    "Anytime. I seriously mean that, too."

    "I know."

    She smiled. At least there was that.

    To her surprise, he tightened his hold on her. "I''m glad you''re my sister," he whispered.

    That was probably the sweetest thing he''d ever said to her.

    "And I''m glad you''re my brother," she replied, squeezing him slightly. Neither spoke for a moment before Daniel wriggled away from her.

    "Now¡­ please get out before I throw up," he said, a small smile on his face.

    "Alright, alright," Lila grinned, making her way to the door. She rested her hand on the handle before turning to him. "Clare''s worried about you too. What should I say to her if she asks?"

    Daniel sighed. "¡­ Just that we''ve talked and I feel a bit better. Maybe throw in an apology for how I was with Alex. I was a bit of a dick. But¡­ nothing else, please."

    "Okay. See you later."

    "See you, sis."

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Four

    Friday had a distinctly solemn air to it. Even Asher was in a more subdued mood as he walked her to class, though they did exchange smiles every so often. Neither apparently wanted to actually broach the topic of Jason, and Lila didn''t necessarily want to get into what she spoke about with Daniel either, so they talked about surface-level things.

    It was the same during morning tea, even in the privacy of a meeting room. She was pleased to hear that he''d made good progress on his assignments but otherwise remained sombre.

    Eventually, though, it seemed that neither could help themselves.

    "What do you reckon the memorial''s going to be like?" Lila asked just as Asher opened his mouth to say something.

    "I was going to ask that," he said with a small smile. "I think it''s going to be incredibly awkward. We just survived Monday where the school basically said that group was a bunch of terrible people, and now they have to backtrack and say he was great?"

    Lila nodded. "Yeah. Probably going to be awkward as hell. I¡­ I''m kinda worried about Alice, though."

    "Alice? Oh. Right. Shit."

    "Yeah. I don''t know if she''d come today. I wouldn''t blame her if she didn''t."

    "Do you think she''ll be at your hockey game tomorrow? Wouldn''t it be dangerous if she got hit in the stomach or something?"

    "She really wanted to go to practice on Tuesday, to get her mind off things. She''s always really loved hockey ¨C more than me, at least. Plus, it''s her last year. So¡­ I think she would."

    "I''m guessing you''ll try to talk to her about Clare''s advice after the match?"

    Lila sighed. "I think so. The earlier the better."

    "Good luck," he said, his tone grave. "I don''t envy you."

    "It''s not like I can just ignore it," she replied simply. "Alice really needed help the other day. She might''ve made a decision by now, but it wouldn''t hurt to tell her what Clare said."

    They fell silent, both seemingly deep in thought.

    "Did you get anywhere with the code?" Lila asked quietly.

    "Nope," Asher sighed, leaning back in his chair. "All of my alphabet-related code breakers have ended up contradicting themselves, or produced a nonsense coordinate."

    "Can I have a look during Study?"

    "Go for your life. I''m sick of looking at it anyway."

    "It''s really that bad?"

    "Sure is," Asher said grimly. Then, his eyes widened. "Hey, do you remember? We found a whole bunch of bits of paper at Marlene''s. I reckon the pictures I took of those might show some of what was written on them. Only problem is they were taken with a disposable camera, so they could be crap. But if there were more messages with the same type of code, maybe we could find the pattern."

    "The photos are still at mine, so I can definitely have a look when I get home," Lila replied, trying not to sound too excited. Maybe Asher was right ¨C and maybe they''d figure out the coordinates really soon. Silence befell them both as Lila strained to remember any specifics of any of the pieces of paper they''d seen, but nothing particular was coming to mind.

    Eventually, Asher murmured, "I''ve¡­ been thinking about¡­ the way Piper and Jason were murdered."

    "It''s hard not to," Lila shuddered. "Anything specific?"

    Asher paused. "Well, it seems like a message, doesn''t it?"

    "A message¡­" Lila tapped her fingernails against the table. "What, with the mutilation?"

    Asher nodded gravely. "I mean, it''s too consistent to not be, right?"

    Lila placed a finger on her chin in contemplation. "It''s¡­ like the three wise monkeys."

    "Sorry?"

    She looked up at him. "You''ve heard the see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil proverb, right?"

    "Of course. Oh. Those monkeys?"

    "Yeah. They originate from Japan. The three monkeys are Mizaru, Kikazaru and Iwazaru ¨C the ''zaru'' being, well, monkey and also ''do not'', or, well, lack of action. It''s kinda a pun, actually. ''Mi'', ''kika'' and ''iwa'' means see, hear and speak respectively."

    "That''s interesting," Asher smiled, his eyes seeming devoted to Lila. "I never knew that."

    She shifted, the attention both pleasing her and making her feel slightly shy. "Really? I feel like you would''ve."

    Asher shook his head. "Remember when I told you my list of languages that I kinda know?"

    "Yeah?"

    "For my general knowledge base, I''m pretty Eurocentric. It''s a well-known saying that''s clearly made its way to the West, but I just took it at face value and moved on. Didn''t realise it had Japanese origins."

    "But you take Mandarin."

    "That''s more to cover my bases," he replied with a small smile. "Because China is so huge, the cultural lessons are really varied, too."

    "I see."

    Asher leaned back in his seat. "It''s interesting that you compared the murders to the three wise monkeys, though."

    "It makes me think that they saw or heard or said something they shouldn''t have," Lila said in a low voice.

    "But what would be serious enough for that?"

    "No idea. But for Jason, at least, it might''ve been because he snitched."

    "That''s right, he named a whole bunch of people who were distributing into other schools. He also kept throwing Livi under the bus."

    "Do we know what happened to the others? We know that Jason was in custody and then last seen when he was let out. According to Daniel, Zack seemed relatively okay after getting hit by a bus, but he might be recovering in, like, a hospital somewhere. Otherwise¡­ Livi, Jake and Harper are a total mystery."

    "So, what, one of them murdered Jason after his release?"

    Lila shrugged.

    "Then what about Piper?"

    "Well, Jason said that Mulberry Heights High were ''feral'' for morphine. That was her new school. She might''ve found out about the morphine ring from that side of things and wanted to turn them in."

    Asher raised an eyebrow at Lila. "Was she ever that noble?"

    Lila shrugged again. "Who knows? She might''ve wanted to use it as a bargaining chip to come back here so she could stalk you again."

    "Ugh," Asher shivered. "Don''t say something so horrifying so casually."

    "Sorry, I can say it spookily instead?"

    "Definitely not," he replied, catching her playful tone and smirking. He paused for a moment before saying, "I guess¡­ since it all started at Forestglade College, the Headmaster could''ve been interested."

    "Yeah, except I highly doubt it''d be enough to let her come back."

    "She wasn''t exactly the most logical person," Asher said pointedly. Lila couldn''t disagree.

    A new theory sprouted in her mind as she absorbed his words. "Or¡­ since she was obsessed with you, she figured out it was coming from your family''s hospital and was going to tell someone. Maybe confront the Grade 12s, since it would''ve affected you if it all came out."

    Asher''s eyes widened. "Could that have been what she was trying to tell me? The day she disappeared?"

    Lila felt a wave of goosebumps burst across her skin, almost causing her teeth to chatter. "I-I have no idea."

    Asher pressed his lips together before tapping the table in contemplation. "They''re good theories, at least. They tie Piper and Jason together, and even the potential message behind the way they were killed."

    "It''s hard to believe that one of the Grade 12s murdered Piper and Jason, though," Lila said slowly. "I mean, from what I knew of them. Which wasn''t much."

    "People can have dark sides. But it might''ve also been someone from a different school."

    "So¡­ maybe Mulberry Heights." Lila stopped. Holly''s boyfriend had been named by Jason in the interview, and he''d seemed pretty aggressive to Lila. He could be a suspect.

    She eyed Asher carefully. He was pensively staring at the table. She''d never told him about Dylan''s attitude towards Holly, and just naming him as a suspect might sound biased without that information¡­ but she doubted he''d want to hear any of it.

    He met her eyes. "You look like you want to say something."

    "N-No. Nothing."

    The doubt on his face made her sigh.

    "Alright¡­ well¡­ I didn''t want to tell you before because, well¡­ I don''t think you''d want to hear it. Since¡­ it''s to do with Holly and her boyfriend."

    His expression turned grim, but he didn''t say anything, clearly waiting for her to continue.

    "When¡­ we had the game at Mulberry Heights," she said softly, feeling every fibre of her being begging her to stop talking. She stared at her hands as she continued despite this. "I heard Holly and Dylan fighting. Um, at first¡­ she was saying things like someone meant nothing to her, and he challenged that by saying that she was looking at ''their'' profiles and she said it was only ''cause she was bored. Then he asked if she was just pissed that their plan didn''t work." She took a deep breath, unsure for a moment if she''d censor herself, but the reason for her telling him this would be lost if she did that. "Then he said to ''just fucking block the cunts and call it a day''. That it was done, had been for months, and they needed to worry about Mars." She stopped speaking, for her trembling hands were distracting her.

    "The¡­ planet? I''m pretty sure it''s still in orbit."

    Lila glanced at him. Whatever emotions he had at the moment seemed incredibly guarded ¨C including whether he was joking around.

    "I think they''re naming her baby that. Uh, she said something about how he should stop swearing ''cause the baby can hear him. Then Dylan said, ''Mars, your Mum''s a stupid bitch'' and to ''block that ex and his new girlfriend already''. It¡­ seemed like she was crying, or about to, after he left to go warm up. I don''t know for sure, though, since Isaac showed up. I¡­ I''m only bringing it up because it seems like he might be aggressive. Someone who could hurt somebody."

    Asher let out a long, deep exhale before rubbing his chin. "Yeah, I hated hearing that."

    Lila slumped in her seat, now feeling foolish for bringing it up. She should''ve listened to her instincts-

    Asher''s expression morphed into one of absolute disgust. "If anyone''s a cunt, it''s him for speaking that way to a girl." He met Lila''s gaze before looking apologetic. "Sorry for my language."

    "No, it''s okay," Lila replied automatically. It wasn''t quite the reaction she''d thought he''d have, though it was close.

    "Don''t get me wrong, she''s trash and it''s probably karma. But even still ¨C that''s not how someone should treat their girlfriend or any girl, actually. If I''d heard that, I reckon I''d have punched him."

    "Even though¡­ y''know, after what she did to you?"

    "If Holly hadn''t cheated on me, and all that, I''d probably punch him twice." He placed his head in his hands as he looked seriously at Lila. "It''s not because I have any feelings for her, or because I want to defend her. She''s irrelevant in this scenario, except for the fact that Dylan was being an asshat to her. Swap her out for anyone else, except you, and I''d feel the same. He needs to straighten the fuck up. Especially if he''s planning to stick by her when she has the kid."

    Lila blinked. "And¡­ if it was me?"

    He looked away. "I''d¡­ rather not say."

    "¡­ Okay."

    "Only because it''d incriminate me."

    "Not that I don''t already have enough dirt on you."

    The barest hint of a smile flicked the corners of his mouth upward. "All I''ll say is that¡­ if he, or anyone else, spoke to you like that¡­ they might find themselves on a park bench like Piper and Jason."

    "Oh no, is that Triple 0 on my phone listening to every word you say?" she teased. He laughed, reaching out a hand to hers. She let him take it and he kissed her knuckles.

    "You''re precious to me, Lila, and I intend to defend you like I mean it," he murmured.

    She squeezed his hand, feeling a hard lump in her throat. She swallowed it down before saying, "I feel the same about you, you know. I''ll defend you, too."

    "I hardly need defending."

    "Same."

    He kissed her hand again. "If that''s the case, then we''re even."

    She looked into his sincere eyes, feeling them draw her forward ¨C almost across the table. She pressed her lips together, halting her impulse to kiss him. Before her desire could overrule her sense, she decided to ask Asher something that had been bugging her since she''d seen Holly and Dylan''s argument.

    "What do you think Dylan meant by their ''plan'' not working?"

    He glanced at her, holding her hand tighter. "Beats me. Should it mean something to me?"

    "Well¡­ not necessarily, but it''s been bothering me. At least, it feels like he was talking about us, right? The ex and the girlfriend, that''s us."

    Asher gave her a dark look. "She cheated on me with a few people," he said bitterly, his hold on her hand tightening even further. "There''s probably a few exes with new girlfriends."

    Lila pulled out her phone. "I had her on Insta. Did you still have her on your socials?"

    Asher shook her head. "Didn''t block her, though."

    She opened up Instagram and searched for Holly''s username. Nothing.

    "Can''t find her," Lila said, glancing once more at Asher. He reluctantly pulled out his phone and tapped on it for a few moments.

    "Looks like she''s blocked me on Facebook," he confirmed. He shrugged before pocketing his phone and holding her hand once more. "Probably should''ve blocked her when everything went down, to be honest."

    "Asher¡­ this might be a conspiracy, or at least a massive leap, but what if they both planned what happened to you?"

    Asher paled. "What do you mean?"

    Lila sighed. She wasn''t too sure. "It''s just a thought. I mean, why would he say that in basically the same breath as telling her to block us?"

    Asher paused. "What, that she planned to get pregnant with his kid while she was dating me?"

    "Maybe not that, but, well, your family is rich. She could''ve found out she was pregnant and tried to trap you, so that you''d feel obligated to take care of her and the baby."

    He looked disturbed. "It sounds like I shouldn''t say this, but it''s not actually a bad plan."

    "And if she cheated on you with a bunch of other guys, could she have tried to run the scam on others?"

    He shuddered. "A scam like that at sixteen?"

    "Based on Dylan''s attitude towards her, it seems more like his scam than hers. I mean, she tried really hard to get you to sleep with her, right? But if she had a whole bunch of other guys on the side, why would it matter to her if you did or didn''t? Except that you have money, and she wanted to be taken care of."

    "That''s the grossest thing I''ve heard all day."

    "Sorry."

    "¡­ Thinking back on what she did and said to try and get me to have sex with her, though," he said slowly, now avoiding Lila''s gaze, "it really came out of left field at the beginning of the year. As in, we hadn''t even talked about anything like that until she one day just asked to go all the way. She first talked about it right after we started working together on our English project." He grimaced before continuing, "I told you before that I thought my crush on you had disappeared until then. I''d contemplated trying it with her, to get you off my mind, but it felt way too soon. We''d only been together for about three months at that point, and she was basically a stranger before we started going out."

    Three months was too soon? Lila felt slightly deflated. They''d only just reached one month. Would she have to wait at least two more months?

    ''Don''t be desperate,'' she thought to herself as she looked at the table between them. ''So what if it''s two more months?''

    Asher suddenly jumped, letting go of her hand and fishing around in his pocket. He pulled out his phone again and shoved it back in his pocket just as quickly.

    "We''ve gotta go," he said hurriedly, swiftly collecting their rubbish. Lila checked the time ¨C he was right; they''d almost need to run to the Gymnasium to make the assembly on time.

    "Did you set an alarm or something?" she asked as she tucked her chair in. He opened the door for her with a shake of his head.

    "Nah, that was Isaac, telling me to stop making out with you and go to the assembly. I think he''s already waiting there."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "He''s so annoying about all of that."

    Asher smirked, taking her hand as they speed-walked to the Gymnasium. "It''s probably ''cause making out with Elise is on his mind, but he can''t bring himself to ask her out."

    Lila sighed. "Maybe we need to literally smoosh them together like Barbie dolls."

    Asher chuckled. "Maybe we should."

    There weren''t many students milling around the library as they left since it was really close to the start of the assembly, so Lila took the opportunity to talk once more about Dylan ¨C just to see what Asher thought of him as a suspect in the murders. She wrapped her arms around one of his and stepped closer to him so that she could keep a low volume just in case.

    "So¡­ since Dylan has shown himself to be a bit aggressive, he could be a suspect," she said, glancing at Asher. He looked back at her and shrugged.

    "I guess so. I only know of him from debating and soccer, and he''s always just seemed normal. Though, I guess it turns out that he is deplorable. Especially if he tried to get Holly to scam me with her pregnancy," Asher frowned again.

    Lila nodded. Then, she swallowed back a gasp. "I don''t know when he started dating Holly, but¡­ what if that''s why he murdered Piper, if he did it? I doubt Piper wouldn''t have stalked Holly, what with Holly''s connection to you. Dylan might''ve noticed, or felt threatened, or, well, wanted to protect her and so murdered Piper?"

    "I don''t think he''s the protective type," Asher replied disdainfully. "I mean, if your theory is right about their plan, he basically pimped out his girlfriend, since there were other potential fathers for her baby."

    "It''s weird but some abusers are also very protective of their victims," Lila said matter-of-factly. "Something like how they feel like they can harm the victim, but no one else can. Especially since it''s all about control."

    "Huh¡­ gross." Asher shuddered again. "Well, we can put him on the suspect list, I guess. Piper being killed for stalking Holly, then Jason being killed ''cause he got caught as the ringleader for the morphine ring and throwing Dylan under the bus ¨C both of those make sense."

    Lila cast a look around, finding that more students were coming into view now that they were closing in on the Gymnasium. She relaxed her grip on him and put some distance between them. He seemed to get the hint and switched gears to talk about something light.

    The steps into the Gymnasium were just ahead and Lila noticed Isaac and Elise chatting at the top. They both seemed to be in a good mood, and she nudged Asher, gesturing towards them.

    "If only they could see what we all see," she said forlornly. Isaac''s laughter reached them as they ascended the stairs and Asher sighed.

    "I''m sure it''ll happen one day," he murmured. Lila met his gaze and gave him a mischievous wink, lightly bounding up to the top.

    "You two look cute and cosy over here," she announced with a grin. "You guys talking about your clearly mutual admiration for each other?"

    Isaac and Elise immediately looked horrified, their faces red, and they instantly stepped back from each other. Asher appeared just behind Lila with a similar grin.

    "I don''t think I''ve seen you this happy all term," Asher nodded at Isaac, whose face only deepened in colour.

    "C-Come on, Lila, Grace is saving us seats," Elise said hurriedly, gripping Lila''s arm and pulling her forwards. Lila waved at Isaac, who still looked horrified, and Asher as she was led away.

    Lila couldn''t hide her giggling as they pushed through the crowd of students searching for their seats.

    "Lila," Elise bemoaned once they were far enough away from the boys. "Why''d you embarrass me like that?"

    Lila smirked. "It''s not like I lied. You two look really good together."

    "Stop teasing me," Elise whined, tugging Lila into their row of seats. "He''s not into me."

    "He so is."

    "He was only looking like that because we were talking about Anika," Elise replied softly, letting go of Lila.

    "So why did you look so happy?" Lila said just as softly. Elise took her seat next to Grace as Lila sat down on her other side.

    "¡­ ''cause he''s cute. Especially when he''s in a good mood."

    "And I''m guessing he''s always in a good mood when you guys are talking?"

    "Lila, don''t be stupid. I don''t think I can face him after that."

    "Sure you can. I think you could even kiss him."

    Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    Elise whipped her head around as if trying to see if he was lurking nearby. Of course, he wasn''t anywhere near them.

    "Stop that," Elise hissed, her face red. "You''re putting all these thoughts into my head."

    "But if they become unbearable then you''ll just have to act on it, right?"

    "What are you guys gossiping about over there?" Grace asked, leaning forwards to look at Lila over Elise.

    "Nothing," Elise said, her face stony.

    "Quite a lot, actually," Lila grinned. "You should''ve seen how Elise and Isaac were talking outside the Gymnasium just now. All smiles and everything."

    Grace shot Elise a serious look. "You should just go for it. Stuff Anika. You''re better anyway."

    "You don''t even know who Anika is," Elise replied, folding her arms across her chest petulantly.

    "Don''t need to. You''re amazing," Grace responded with a nod. "Isaac would be stupid to go for her when there''s you, you know."

    Elise sighed. "Guys-"

    "Students," the booming voice of Mr Lockwood forced everyone into silence immediately. Chairs squeaked in the distance, but no other sounds could be heard at all. No one else was on stage yet and the onstage screen was slowly descending behind Mr Lockwood ¨C signs that they weren''t quite ready yet, though the black banners were already in place. Mr Lockwood was dressed in all black today, which seemed fitting for the occasion.

    Lila wondered what kind of relationship the Headmaster, Head Boy and Head Girl had. Not just Jason and Harper, but the roles themselves. Surely Mr Lockwood would''ve had a lot to do with them, if not before this year due to their co-curricular commitments, then throughout the year.

    If Mr Lockwood had liked Jason from their interactions ¨C which Lila would assume so, given his position and ability to be charismatic when he wanted to be ¨C then this would likely be a much tougher memorial assembly on him than Piper''s was.

    "The assembly will begin shortly. I ask for your full attention and respect for the duration of this assembly." His expression was as complicated as Lila expected his emotions to be if she was correct in her assumptions. He departed from the lectern, disappearing behind the stageright curtains. Jason''s school photo slowly made itself known on the screen, his broad grin and piercing blue eyes a chilling reminder of the life that he''d had when this was taken at the beginning of the year.

    Silence prevailed for a few moments before students began to speak in hushed tones to fill the time. It wasn''t long until the procession began with Toby and Hannah taking their places ¨C the ones that had ordinarily been occupied by Jason and Harper ¨C next to Mr Lockwood. The Vice Captains for the Middle and Primary Schools also took their places, along with the usual teachers, who were also dressed in all black, and the Chaplain. It seemed that the Vice Captains for Senior School positions were empty, now that Toby and Hannah had ''upgraded'' to being the Head Boy and Girl.

    Mr Lockwood returned to the lectern, clearing his throat. "Good morning, students. As mentioned, today''s assembly is incredibly serious. Today, we are gathered to remember Jason Whitley. As you all know, he was the Head Boy up until this week." He gave a heavy pause, and Lila felt a wave of awkwardness settle across the student body. "He had been a student at Forestglade College since kindergarten and made numerous friends, won tennis championships, and had excellent grades. In essence, he was, for a long time, the embodiment of a stellar student who took every opportunity the College had to offer him."

    A flash of disdain crossed Mr Lockwood''s face as he said this, but it quickly disappeared. "On Tuesday, the school was notified of his passing. His loss is felt by a vast number of people ¨C friends, teachers and family members of Jason alike. He also made valuable connections with students of all grades during his time as Head Boy. Though his departure from the school may not have been the most positive, it would be remiss to say that he left an indelible mark and legacy upon this College ¨C one that will likely endure for years to come. We ask that you please respect his family at this time. There are extra support resources available at the Counselling Services building, and the details for his upcoming memorial are on the screen behind me."

    Just as he had for Piper''s memorial assembly, Mr Lockwood turned and faced the screen, which changed to display the details for a memorial over at a local crematorium ¨C a different, more expensive one than Piper''s. A minute of silence was called before a collage of images and videos of Jason during his time at Forestglade College began to play. This segment was far longer than Piper''s, and Lila could hear sniffles from students around her once more. The Grade 12s sat ahead of the Grade 11s, but she couldn''t tell whether Alice was in the crowd ahead. There wasn''t any outright sobbing at least, and Lila continued to watch the photos and videos flicker past. There were quite a few of him with Zack and Jake, a few with Harper, a couple with Livi and an assortment of selfies with several Grade 12s ¨C including Alice.

    Lila knotted her hands together, the picture flashing past as quickly as it''d appeared. Evidently, Alice had submitted something for the assembly.

    As though the picture had sparked something, Lila noticed a student stand before rushing off towards the bathrooms. It took just as long for Lila to register that it was Alice as it did for Willow to dash after her. No one, not even teachers, outwardly reacted to this, though Lila was tempted to follow them.

    Did Alice have deeper feelings for Jason than she''d expressed to Lila and Willow at practice? The selfie seemed to have been taken at school and Lila wondered if it had been taken before or after they started their casual fling.

    Lila remembered Willow''s description of Jason being a bit of a ''player'', and Livi''s statement of Jason being a ''love ''em and leave ''em'' type. She wondered how many people he''d been with that were sitting in the crowd right now. What type of feelings did they have, watching this memorial? Were there any in her own cohort?

    Alice and Willow returned just as Mr Lockwood introduced a choir performance, this time singing a song that Lila didn''t recognise but was beautiful nonetheless. It seemed to cause more tears to fall from those around her, and Lila couldn''t help but feel the emotions transferring to her as well.

    Following this were a couple of speeches from students detailing their experiences with Jason and his qualities ¨C one being Jason''s cousin from Grade 10, another being one of Jason''s friends from Grade 12 ¨C with the final speech to wrap up the assembly being from another Grade 12 student that was about living on for others in their stead. Lila thought she could hear an Alice-like sob during this particular speech, but, of course, she couldn''t be certain.

    Following the final speech, the choirmaster led the school into a rendition of the school song. Today, the Grade 8s were lucky enough to pack away the chairs, which meant that the Grade 11s could proceed with their usual schedule. Regrettably, that meant Lila had to go to a class that she didn''t share with Asher, but at least they were both headed to the Language Block.

    It didn''t take long for Lila to find him in the crowd. He was just ahead of her and she tightly hugged his arm, startling him for just a moment.

    "Oh, hello," he laughed, brushing her cheek affectionately. "Excited for Japanese?"

    Lila sighed. "I love it, but I''m not keen for my exams."

    "A feeling felt by everyone, I''m sure."

    "What, are you keen for exams?"

    He glanced at her before smiling. "I mean, once exams are over, it means we''ll be hanging out more."

    She returned his smile. "I feel like you keep saying it in a positive way so that eventually I''ll turn my mind around on the idea that exams are horrible."

    "Busted," he grinned. "Look, they''re unavoidable, so it doesn''t matter how you feel about them. You can be as grumpy as you want, but I doubt that feels any good. So, why not think about it positively?"

    "You know, I never expected that kind of outlook from you."

    "Why''s that?"

    "Well¡­" she wasn''t sure whether she should say that he tended to be on the moodier side, but was interrupted by the brash voice of Isaac, who slung his arm across Asher''s shoulders.

    "You''re always such an anxious overthinker, my guy. Makes you grumpy as anything, and serious as heck. Quiet as heck, too."

    Asher immediately shrugged Isaac off. "Way to call me out, dude. Also, why were you eavesdropping?"

    Isaac laughed. "Eavesdropping? More like on guard for appropriate behaviour. Which¡­" he gently removed Lila''s arm from Asher''s and took her place, bumping her away with his hip. "There, that''s better."

    Asher frowned, shaking Isaac off again.

    Isaac cackled. "That''s not beating back the allegations."

    Asher''s frown deepened and he pulled Lila close to him. "I''m a happy guy," he said petulantly.

    "With me and Lila, sure. But when you''re in class, you''ve got mad resting scholar face," Isaac replied.

    "Resting scholar face?" Asher blinked.

    "Like resting bitch face, but yours is scholarly. Anyway, I''m heading off this way," Isaac said, waving goodbye to them both before he diverged over to the path that would take him to Engineering. They watched him go for a moment, then continued towards the Language Block, with Lila''s arm back around Asher''s.

    After a few paces, Asher looked down at Lila. "I''m not grumpy as anything, right?"

    Lila suppressed her smile as she answered. "You can be a bit moody, but I think everyone can be."

    Asher sighed. "But I''m the happiest I''ve ever been."

    "Not with that sigh," she teased.

    "Lila, I just want you to know that I am, though," he said softly. "Because of you."

    "M-Me?"

    He nodded, halting their progress on the pathway. "I really am." He took her hand and gently pressed it against his chest. She could feel the ''L'' pendant beneath his shirt and she smiled broadly. It seemed he''d made good on his promise to wear it.

    "You''ve made me the happiest I''ve ever been, too," she said softly, feeling it once more before letting her hand drop.

    "And the saddest," he murmured, turning back to the path.

    "Asher-"

    "C''mon, can''t be late. Especially since exams are close."

    Lila sighed, allowing herself to be taken to class. He left with a whispered goodbye, which she returned.

    Her Japanese class was dedicated to study and she threw herself into it ¨C mostly because she needed to, but also so she could stop her mind from replaying the sad look on Asher''s face before he hurried them to class.

    He seemed in a slightly better mood when she met with him outside her class once it was lunchtime, which increased even further as they sat in an unoccupied meeting room with their lunches.

    As Lila opened hers, a realisation came to her.

    "Asher, what day is it?"

    "Friday," he replied, opening his Tupperware container of chicken carbonara.

    "No, no, the date."

    "The¡­ 18th of August?"

    "Isn''t that Gabriel''s birthday?"

    Asher paled, dropping his fork into his pasta. "Shit. I didn''t get him anything."

    "I think we should, after everything he''s done for us this year."

    "What though?"

    Lila pursed her lips, contemplating the idea deeply. "What about¡­ a disco ball?"

    "A¡­ disco ball?"

    "Not one to put up in the ceiling, but like the little stand-up light things. So he can have disco parties in the butler''s pantry."

    Asher''s eyes lit up. "That''d be perfect."

    "Here," Lila said, taking out her wallet. She passed along a $20 note, which Asher immediately pushed back.

    "Take it," Lila said sternly, placing her hand over his. "I want to contribute to a birthday gift for Gabriel."

    He looked unsure so she gave him another stern look.

    "Please," she insisted.

    "¡­ Okay," he relented, opening his wallet and placing the note inside.

    "You better use it," she replied. "None of this keeping it so you can use it on me again."

    He winced. "It''s like you read my mind."

    She grinned at him. "Or I just know you really well."

    He returned her grin. "As expected of my best friend."

    They continued to look at each other fondly before Asher gestured at her food. "Eat up, otherwise I''ll have to tell Gabriel on his birthday that you disliked his food."

    She obliged. It was delicious, the sauce clearly made by Gabriel himself. Once she was done, she looked up at Asher.

    "Are you going to get it today?"

    "Of course," Asher nodded. "I know a shop that sells them, so I''ll just ask George if he can make a quick detour."

    Lila smirked. "You know a shop that sells disco lights?"

    "Well, yeah. I saw them when we went to that stationery store on our date to the mall."

    "Oh." She thought back to when they''d looked inside that store, picturing exactly the stand that it had been set on. "I can''t believe you remembered that."

    "''Course," he replied, snapping his empty Tupperware shut. "Why wouldn''t I remember a date with you?"

    "That''s not what I meant."

    He winked at her playfully. "I know."

    She blushed, zipping up her lunchbox in an effort to look busy. He chuckled and she thought for another moment that now might be a good opportunity for a kiss.

    But, instead of a kiss, he started chatting away about a show he wanted to watch with her once their exams were done. She watched as his enthusiasm began to build, and she found herself engaging in more lighthearted conversations, with no mention of Jason or today''s assembly.

    Study, however, changed the lighthearted nature of what she wanted to talk to Asher about. After signing in, Lila noticed that Ayla was conspicuously absent from her usual spot. Was she simply studying elsewhere, or was the murder of someone else in the exact same way as Piper affecting her enough to not be at school?

    "I don''t think Ayla''s here," Lila murmured as she slid into their usual booth. He passed her bag along to her and she unpacked her laptop and English notebook. She logged in to her laptop and opened her assignment as Asher settled himself in as well.

    "I haven''t seen her today," Asher replied once he''d set up, though he sounded disinterested. He instead looked slightly smug.

    "So, I ended up doing some research into those three wise monkeys," he said, his eyes sparkling. "Did you know there''s a fourth?"

    It sounded familiar, but the details weren''t coming to the forefront. "A¡­ fourth?"

    "Yup. I think it''s called Sezaru. Do no evil." He paused, looking intently into her eyes. "If it is depicted with the others, it tends to cross its arms or cover its genitals."

    "You''re kidding," Lila gasped. "You think that''s why¡­ they did that to Jason?"

    Asher nodded grimly. "It fits, at least. It makes me think you were definitely on the right track with the three wise monkeys thing. There''s a message there for sure. With that¡­"

    He slid his phone towards her with anticipation. With a thrum of realisation, she picked it up and signed in, opening his Photos app. She sat his phone in the middle of her laptop''s keyboard, looking at it intently.

    "These letters¡­ there''s something weird about them," she said after a few moments. She pulled her notebook to her and flipped it open to the middle, the pages of their first foray into investigative activities appearing before her. She lightly brushed her fingers across the page detailing Asher''s observations of the lead-up to his Mum''s disappearance before turning to the nearest blank one. Once the holidays started, they''d really need to look back at all of this and see if anything had changed¡­

    She wrote the code down afresh:

    WU¡ã EP'' RY.EO" 3

    QTE¡ã PW'' RT.OW" 2

    "What''s weird about them?" Asher asked after she put her pen back down.

    "Well¡­ there''s only 10 numbers, right? 0 to 9. So¡­ why these letters specifically? Why not A being 1 or 0 or Z being 1 or 0?"

    He tilted his head quizzically. "I don''t know. I tried to put it through a whole bunch of ready-made ciphers, and none of them worked. Neither did my brain."

    Lila pressed her lips together, narrowing her eyes. Coordinates could only use numbers 0 to 9, since those were the only ones that existed, and she''d already established with Asher that the ''2'' and ''3'' referred to the four cardinal directions.

    She glanced down at her keyboard in contemplation. It looked like all the letters in the top row of her keyboard, except for ''I'', were used, and none in the rows below.

    Frowning, she wanted to try something. It probably wouldn''t work, but¡­

    ''If I used QWERTYUIOP in place of numbers, what would the results be?'' she thought. ''But¡­ what''s 1? Is it Q or W?''

    She tapped the tip of her pen onto her notebook a couple of times. She''d just have to write down both variants. She wrote the following:

    If 0 was Q and W was 1, it would be:

    16¡ã 29¡ä 35.28¡å S

    042¡ã 91¡ä 34.81¡å E

    If 1 was Q and P was 0, it would be:

    27¡ã 30¡ä 46.39¡å S

    153¡ã 02¡ä 45.92¡å E

    She looked down at what she''d written.

    "What do you reckon about this?" she asked, pushing her notebook to Asher. He took it from her before looking at her in surprise.

    "How''d you do that?"

    She felt her face flush again. "I¡­ figured out that the only letters in this were from the top row of the keyboard. So I just substituted them with numbers based on how the letters sat in that row."

    "Damn," he uttered softly. He looked down at her notes and then back at her once more. "Looks like I was right."

    "Huh?"

    "Y''know. When I said that you''ll find something that solves it in an instant after I''ve agonised over it for ages, and then I get to look at you in awe and jealousy¡­ consider me looking at you in awe and jealousy." As he said this, she could see exactly what he meant. He was certainly looking at her with eyes that sparkled in awe and jealousy.

    "Well, I don''t know if I''m right," she said, suddenly feeling shy. "I could be completely off base."

    "Only one way to find out. Let''s plug ''em into Google."

    He opened up his laptop and rapidly typed out the first option, ensuring that he included the appropriate degree symbol, and tilted it so they could both see. Pressing enter revealed¡­

    Nothing.

    Lila deflated slightly. "See, I was wrong," she murmured, biting her lower lip in disappointment.

    "Well, hang on," Asher said comfortingly, pulling his laptop back to him. "We haven''t tried the second one yet."

    He rapidly typed again before turning the screen so they could both see once more. He pressed enter. It took a moment to load ¨C but¡­ load it did. And this time it wasn''t ''nothing''.

    "The¡­ Forestglade Private Hospital Morgue?" he whispered in confusion. She stared at it for a moment before looking back at the numbers.

    "There seems to be fewer numbers than I figured out," she said, pointing. He peered over at his screen.

    "Looks like Google rounds them up," Asher said with a nod. "Your numbers are fine."

    "If¡­ that''s the case¡­ then is the message telling us to go there?" she asked nervously. Though she''d been curious about the old room underneath the morgue, going to the morgue itself was terrifying. She didn''t want to see a dead body under any circumstances.

    "Or¡­ is it a threat?" Asher muttered, staring back down at his phone. "Saying we''ll end up there."

    "If we do what, though?"

    Asher shrugged. "We could already be on the hit list. Or¡­ it''s a warning about us following Marlene."

    "But Marlene wouldn''t threaten you, surely."

    "Her accomplice might."

    Lila fell silent. That¡­ was true.

    Suddenly, Asher grabbed his phone and brought it closer to his eyes. "Wait a minute¡­ there''s something else here."

    "What?"

    He zoomed in on something on his phone before showing it to Lila. "It looks like there''s a really faint arrow pointing downwards, along with ''QOEE''. It was so faint, I didn''t see it at the time, but it''s in this corner here."

    She struggled to see what he was looking at, at first, before she finally saw it. A downwards arrow and ''QOEE''?

    "Since the second code worked, this must be¡­" she trailed off as she concentrated on her keyboard again. "1933."

    "Lila, what year was that copy of the blueprint Mr Snugglebutt tore up made?"

    Lila whipped her phone out of her pocket and hastily scrolled through her photos. She''d only registered it as being from the 1930s before, but now it was undeniable ¨C 1933.

    "1933," she confirmed. "So¡­ is someone telling us to look at the room below the morgue after all?"

    Asher''s expression turned frustrated. "Like hell we''d be able to."

    "Well, we haven''t tried-"

    "Lila, like I said, everything''s locked behind access cards."

    "Surely there''s, like, a back entrance? Access cards didn''t exist in 1933."

    He sighed. "Let''s¡­ just¡­ visit the hospital. You''ll see what I mean." He eyed her carefully before adding, "Besides, should we follow instructions from a message sent to us via cat? We don''t even know who''s trying to communicate with us ¨C except that this wasn''t sent by Marlene, even though she owns Mr Snugglebutt. At least, I think she does."

    Lila sunk in her seat. "¡­ I guess you''re right."

    Asher sighed again. "We''ll still go."

    "We don''t have to."

    "You say that, but I''ve made you sad again."

    She pulled her laptop towards her. "No, you haven''t. You''re just being reasonable. Smart. Cautious."

    "Unadventurous. Joy-killer. Scaredy-cat."

    "Don''t be silly."

    "That wasn''t part of my descriptors."

    It was Lila''s turn to sigh. "Well¡­ let''s just keep it in mind. It''s not like we''d be going anytime soon anyway."

    "I''ll put it in my calendar so we don''t forget."

    "For when?"

    "First Saturday of the holidays. It''ll be relatively busy then with visitors and the like, so it''s less likely we''ll be noticed."

    "Alright. Thank you."

    Asher shook his head. "If we don''t follow this lead, then we''ll never know who sent it or who''s watching us or their intentions. It¡­ makes sense to try at least a little."

    "If you''re sure."

    "I''m sure." He gave her a small smile. She smiled back at him.

    "Let''s get to studying," he said after a moment.

    "Let''s."

    Study and then English passed her by as she took the opportunity to get her work done. Though Asher wasn''t forcing her in the slightest, his encouragement helped her take her studies a bit more seriously. It was by no means a bad thing.

    Once Ms Shard released them, Lila walked with Asher at a leisurely pace to the locker room.

    "So¡­ I''ll be seeing you on Monday," she said quietly, her arm around his.

    "Yeah," he replied forlornly. "I''m sorry."

    "Don''t be. I''d be really upset with myself if you lost your Dux position. You''ve been the Dux since it started being counted, after all. So, by all means. Besides, we''ll be together over that long weekend. It''s basically the same amount of time we would''ve spent together, just all at once. It makes up for it. Plus, I''m going to be really excited when you accept your Dux award onstage, you know. I might even whoop and cheer."

    He laughed, squeezing her arm against his ribcage. "Thanks for understanding. I''ll probably die if you whoop and cheer though," he smiled.

    "Please don''t," she said sincerely. "I''ll need to cheer you on next year too, after all."

    His smile widened even more, a faint blush dusting his cheeks. "I¡­ can''t wait."

    They separated in the locker room to grab their things before walking to the bus station once more, hats firmly on their heads. For a Friday, there weren''t too many people around and they took the time to slow their pace.

    "Don''t forget to grab Gabriel''s gift," Lila said after a few moments of tranquil silence.

    "I won''t. I already asked George anyway, and he''s happy to do it since I know which store I''m going to. I''ll let you know how it goes."

    "I''m looking forward to it," she grinned. "I''m sure he''ll be really pleased."

    "I''m sure too. It''s a great idea since he''s always grooving in there anyway."

    The mention of Gabriel reminded Lila of their subsequent conversation after her gift suggestion. There was something still bothering her, about the frequent connections to Asher''s Dad''s hospital. She''d considered that his investigation was case closed ¨C but was the mysterious note writer telling her it wasn''t at all?

    Something was niggling at her ¨C telling her to look in her Dad''s case file again. So much had happened since the last time she looked, there was no chance that he wouldn''t have stored something else in it. At a minimum, there should be details of Jason''s murder in there since he was highly connected to the missing drugs, and his involvement showed where they went ¨C that it wasn''t just an administrative error within the hospital, and had criminal intent.

    Asher''s expression still seemed pretty stoked at the idea of giving Gabriel such a gift ¨C so much so that she didn''t want to bring his mood back to seriousness. But¡­ he should know what she was planning.

    "By the way," she said in a low voice, bringing a hand to her inner breast pocket, "it looks like I''ll be using your gift after all."

    He blinked rapidly at her in bemusement. "Not to say that I''m displeased by the idea since I''d rather them be useful, but why?"

    She cast a quick look around. No one seemed to be listening in. "I need to see the case file again. Dad would''ve added stuff to it. Maybe the interviews with the other members of the morphine ring, or confirmation of some of the things Jason said. There should also be something about Jason''s murder in there since he was so closely connected to the missing drugs. For, like, closure. For the file."

    Asher''s eyes flickered to where her hand was still on her chest and she quickly dropped her hand to her side. Was he checking her out or checking out where she kept her set of lockpicks?

    "Alright. Let me know what you find, yeah?" he said with a nod.

    "Of course I will."

    Now that the bus station was within line of sight, there were far more students milling around, so neither of them continued their conversation.

    Her bus arrived shortly and Asher swiftly gave her a goodbye kiss. This one seemed a bit different to the others ¨C almost like he didn''t want to pull away. He did, though, and she gave him a slightly puzzled look.

    "I''ll miss you like crazy," he confessed, squeezing her hand. "Over the weekend."

    She felt herself growing giddy by this concept ¨C yet another reminder that, actually, he genuinely wanted to be with her. "Same here, Asher. Stay safe and I hope you study well."

    "You better stay safe, too," he said firmly, squeezing her hand yet again. "I''ll see you on Monday."

    "See you then."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Clare was definitely home as Lila had seen her car on the way up to the front door after getting off the school bus. Lila wanted to take the opportunity to tell her, in general terms, what Daniel had said that she could say ¨C especially since Daniel wasn''t yet home. She also wanted to know exactly what Clare had said to Asher the other day since he hadn''t been forthcoming with that information. So, with that, Lila knocked on Clare''s door as soon as she dropped her bags off in her room.

    "Yeah?" Clare called.

    "Can I come in?"

    "Sure."

    Lila opened the door and saw Clare sitting at her vanity, beating her face with a beauty blender.

    "You going out?" Lila queried as she sat on Clare''s bed. Clare''s eyes gleamed as she turned to look at Lila.

    "Of course," she said ecstatically, the beating increasing in intensity. "Can''t miss my first shift back."

    "Nice," Lila grinned. It was nice to see Clare so excited about returning to work ¨C a far cry from her anxiety attack about it.

    "I feel like I''ll be rusty," Clare lamented, turning to her mirror and inspecting her foundation. "Maybe I should be ''Rusty Wurld'' for the night."

    Lila snorted. "I think people might think you''re a dude."

    "You''re right ¨C but that''ll make it more entertaining, right?" Clare chuckled. Lila watched as Clare looked through her eyeshadow palettes before her sister squinted at her through the vanity mirror.

    "What''s up?" Clare asked, halting her search.

    "Well¡­ a couple of things. What did Alex think of dinner?"

    "Oh, he was shy as anything," Clare laughed, resuming her search. "But he enjoyed his time. He especially enjoyed how panicked you were after his vegetarian joke."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "I didn''t want to offend him or make him starve on his first visit."

    "Don''t get me wrong, your panic was much appreciated by both of us. Unnecessary, but helpful to know that you cared enough to panic. As for the food, he''s asked me if Mum can teach me how to make it."

    "You told me before that you wanted to get upskilled in cooking so that you''d be a bit more ''girlfriend'' material. How''s that going?"

    "Well, I can make a few quick desserts, and a couple roasts, since I go to Alex''s on Sundays pretty often."

    "So, quite improved, then?"

    "Much. Though, I still don''t enjoy cooking as much as I thought I would by the time my lessons were over."

    "You even took lessons? When?"

    "During the week. They were on Wednesdays, and only for a few weeks."

    "Wow. You really went all out."

    Clare smiled sheepishly. "I was pretty stressed about it."

    "At least your fringe grew out nicely," Lila smirked.

    Clare snorted. "He liked the fringe, but if I decide to get one again, please shoot me."

    "Noted," Lila chuckled. Clare looked through her eyeshadow palettes again.

    Lila shook her head, taking a deep breath to avoid being too confrontational from the get-go. "What did you talk to Asher about?"

    Clare didn''t speak; instead, she preferred to open one of her palettes and swipe at the colours.

    "Clare?"

    She slowly turned towards Lila. "Maroon or pink?" she asked, placing the two shades on her wrist and showing Lila.

    Lila sighed. "Is there a theme tonight?"

    "Only the return of the top dancer."

    "Ah, yes, Rusty World. How could I have forgotten?"

    Clare rolled her eyes before looking down at her palette. "What about bronze? Or an orange shimmer?"

    "Does orange even work on our skin tone?"

    Clare closely inspected the colour. "I''ve never used it."

    "Go maroon."

    Clare happily turned her entire body back to the vanity.

    "Clare¡­"

    "What?"

    "What''d you say to Asher?"

    "Who?"

    Lila glared at Clare, who she could see was trying not to laugh in the reflection of her vanity.

    "Don''t be an idiot," Lila said, folding her arms in annoyance.

    "I''m assuming you asked him."

    Lila huffed. "I did, but he didn''t tell me anything."

    "Good man."

    "Clare, please tell me."

    Clare turned back around, her eyelids half-covered in the maroon eyeshadow. "All I did was tell him the truth."

    "Of what?"

    Clare shrugged. "The truth."

    "Of what?"

    "Just that you''re upset."

    Lila groaned. "Clare, now he''s upset. He''s been making all these weird comments about making me sad, or me crying and not telling him."

    "Oh, good, he''s noticed."

    "Clare! I thought you were on a no-meddling streak."

    Clare placed her makeup tools on her vanity with a slap before facing Lila once more, her expression incredibly severe despite her half-finished makeup. "I was until you were distressed like that in my car. I told you, I don''t like the fact that you seem to think that you''re not important."

    "That''s not what I said."

    "It''s called reading between the lines, Lila."

    "Did you psychology me?"

    Clare snorted. "If it were that easy to psychology you, I would''ve stepped in far earlier and I''d know why you were snooping around Coolisimo."

    So Clare had narrowed it down to snooping. Shit.

    "Look, Asher''s my boyfriend. I''ll deal with whatever I''m feeling with him."

    "But you haven''t been. Instead, you''ve been bottling your feelings to the point that you don''t even know what they are until they explode."

    Lila didn''t have a rebuttal to this, which seemed to satisfy Clare.

    "Anyway, the fact that you''re standing here confronting me about it must mean that something changed," Clare said, looking at Lila shrewdly. Lila couldn''t look at her sister as she felt her cheeks warming up.

    "Bullseye," Clare sang, resuming her makeup routine with gusto. "Glad I helped."

    "Clare, you made him upset-"

    "I didn''t make him anything. If he''s upset, that''s because he knows he''s not treating you the way you want him to."

    "But Clare, I don''t want you to pressure him either. I''m already doing enough of that on my own."

    Clare looked at her dubiously through her mirror. "From what I heard, he''s not feeling pressured by you."

    "He''s just saying that."

    "I don''t think so," Clare replied, her tone vague enough for Lila to feel wary. What had he told Clare?

    "He¡­ hides his feelings on the topic. He''s said that he''d tell me later, or that he''s not ready to talk about that to me. So he''d be hiding that I''m pressuring him, since¡­ it''d make me look bad. Which it does."

    "Eh, I told him to cut the bullshit when he''s talking to me about you. You''re too important for him to do that with me. From there, he was almost a bit too honest. I think he''s still scared of me," Clare smirked, this observation clearly amusing her. "Besides, it doesn''t make you look bad to me. Just desperate," she finished matter-of-factly, humming now as she placed more makeup on her face. With that, Lila was sure that she wasn''t going to get anything else out of Clare on the subject. Truthfully, Clare had probably said more than she''d realised.

    "Whatever. I guess I''ll drop it," Lila relented. Now, she just had to talk about the last thing that was on her mind.

    "I talked to Daniel," she said with a weary sigh.

    Clare swivelled around to face her properly. "What''d he say?"

    "Well, since you weren''t forthcoming, I don''t see a reason to be either."

    Clare frowned. "Lila-"

    "Plus, I promised Daniel."

    Clare sighed. "Guess I can''t force it, then."

    "Nope. Anyway, after we talked, he said he felt a bit better about it all and that he''s sorry about how he was with Alex since he was a bit of a dick."

    "Could say that again. Not that Alex minded. He''s got a bunch of younger cousins that he babysits from time to time. He gets what kids are like."

    Lila paused. "Maybe hold back on calling him a kid," she suggested.

    Clare raised an eyebrow at Lila through the mirror before sighing once more. "¡­ I guess you''re right. He''ll always feel like a kid to me, but¡­ he''s growing up."

    ''Not as fast as you, according to him,'' Lila thought.

    "Anyway, that''s all I wanted to say," Lila said after watching Clare carefully layer false eyelashes atop her real ones. "Uh, enjoy work, I guess."

    "I will," Clare grinned. "After the chat with Mum and seeing how our parents were with Alex, it''s taken a huge weight off my shoulders. I''ll probably go flying."

    "Well, don''t fly too hard."

    "No promises."

    Lila quietly left Clare''s room before shuffling into her own. Study was, regrettably, calling her name, so she dedicated herself to it for the rest of the evening. Realistically, she was also using it as a means to stop thinking about everything that had happened this week. She needed a break, and if study was the only means to get it since she wasn''t with Asher, then so be it.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Five

    Though she would be seeing Asher today, it was certainly not for as long as she would''ve liked ¨C and had grown accustomed to.

    She sullenly readied herself for hockey, glad that, at the very least, this was her second last hockey game. Cedar Grove Girls'' College would surely crush them. Which, truthfully, would be quite a relief ¨C though it would still leave a bad taste in her mouth to have lost.

    ''Maybe Asher will get through to the semi-finals,'' Lila thought as she pulled her shinpads on. ''Then, I''d get to sit in the stands and watch properly¡­''

    She grabbed her things and knocked on Clare''s door. Clare opened it with a yawn before nodding and gesturing for Lila to head downstairs. Clare joined her only a few moments later, and they buckled themselves into her car.

    "How was last night?" Lila asked as Clare slowly backed out of the driveway. Clare smiled, her tiredness seemingly melting away the instant Lila asked her.

    "Amazing. Not only did I not make any mistakes, but most of my fans tipped me extra. It was Gabriel''s birthday too, so he made an appearance at the end and tore up the dance floor. He''s probably nursing a terrible hangover now. We all sang happy birthday and got him a new set of chef knives. I think he cried, or at least almost did."

    Lila was pleased to hear that he had a good birthday, at least. "Sounds like you had fun."

    "Sure did. Man, coming back was a bit of a shock though." She looked at Lila with an excited grin which could only be paired with incoming gossip, which made Lila sit up. "You know that girl I was telling you about? The one from my camp that kept getting caught in guys'' tents, and then got suspended and left Forestglade College?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Her name''s Melody Miller. She started as a dancer while I was away. Her stage name is Candy Bliss."

    "Did you ask her about camp?"

    "Hell no I didn''t. She recognised me since we have each other on Facebook, but we hardly talked in school, let alone in the past few years since she left."

    "Aw," Lila pouted. "I thought you were going to tell me that she told you what happened."

    Clare rolled her eyes. "Definitely not. Coolisimo isn''t her first club, apparently. I helped her with a couple of things last night since she''s still getting her bearings and she seems alright."

    Lila pulled out her phone and searched through Clare''s Facebook friends list for Melody, her curiosity driving her hands.

    It was a public profile and she clicked on Melody''s profile picture. She was attractive enough, with sleek blonde hair and a wide, gleaming smile. Though, there was something uncanny about Melody that Lila couldn''t quite put her finger on.

    "She looks really familiar," Lila said, glancing at Clare.

    Clare laughed. "Yeah, I felt it too when I saw her in the dressing room. I honestly thought she was Marlene at first, which wouldn''t have been that weird since she helps out ¨C except for the fact that she was in a bedazzled set of bra and micro-shorts."

    Now that Clare had articulated it, it was undeniable. "Are you sure she isn''t Marlene?"

    "Of course," Clare replied, shaking her head in disbelief. "Firstly, they sound nothing alike. Secondly, Marlene definitely looks older, and thirdly, Gabriel treated her like she was brand new."

    Lila flicked through a few more pictures of Melody before pocketing her phone again. She thought for a moment that Melody might be Marlene''s sister, but they didn''t share the same last name. Half-siblings, of course, existed, or Marlene might be married (unlikely, due to her living arrangements at Asher''s), among other things, but upon closer inspection, Lila considered there were enough differences to call it an unsettling coincidence. Besides, between Marlene''s job at the caf¨¦, at Asher''s and as a streamer, there''d be no time to be a dancer at Gabriel''s nightclub, too.

    "If you find out whether the camp stuff actually happened, let me know, yeah?" Lila smirked, leaning back in her seat.

    "I''ll see if I can remember," Clare replied. "No guarantees though."

    Lila nodded, before a new question formed in her mind. "Are you nervous that she''ll tell people you know from school? Y''know, about your job?"

    "Nah," Clare said nonchalantly. "She''d only been at our school for a year before all that happened, and she wasn''t friends with anyone I was friends with. That''s why it took so long for me to find out about her camp shenanigans. Even if she does tell people from my grade what I do, it wouldn''t be anyone I actually care about. Besides¡­ it''s not like Mum and Dad don''t know. I''d rather my Uni friends and school friends not know, but it won''t be the end of the world now."

    "Is it a relief? That our parents know?"

    "Of course. Well¡­ it was hell when I was in limbo back there after Mum found out, and I''d rather not have that confrontation again, but¡­ now that everything''s kinda settled, it''s freeing."

    "Even though you haven''t told Daniel?"

    "He''s too young. Besides, I don''t think I''d ever tell him ¨C even when I''m 60."

    "I probably wouldn''t either."

    "Glad to know it''s not just me." Clare gave Lila a sideways glance. "I haven''t heard about any plans with Asher for this weekend."

    "That''s because there aren''t any," Lila lamented. "Not until that sleepover I mentioned."

    "Aw," Clare wrinkled her nose. "Poor you."

    "It gives me time to work on my own assignments and study without distractions."

    "I mean, yeah, but surely you could do that with him? Especially since you''re not banging."

    Lila paused. It was likely that if they did hang out together on weekends or after school, they''d be distracted with progressing their investigation rather than anything else. Or spend their time gaming. "He asked for the space. He said that¡­ I''m his favourite distraction."

    "That''s both sweet and a bit rude."

    "Yeah, I guess¡­ I''d feel really bad if he lost his Dux status, though. So I''m happy enough to spend the time by myself." Though she said that, she really didn''t feel that happy to be away from him. Especially not after the way he''d touched her on Wednesday. It had been so brief, thanks to Clare, that she really wanted him to do it again ¨C just so she could fully appreciate how it felt. But she also felt far, far too shy to outright ask him to do so, or even simply address the fact that he''d done it in the first place.

    "I hope you both do well," Clare smiled. "He''s pretty responsible. I''m sure he knows that he''s your favourite distraction, too."

    Lila narrowed her eyes at Clare. "Is that based on the conversation you had with him on Wednesday?"

    Clare shrugged. "Might be. Might not be."

    Lila folded her arms across her chest. "One day, I''ll ask and you''ll slip up."

    Clare snorted. "You''re talking to me, Lila. Only reason you found out about my job was because you were in the club when I was on shift, and I''d already been there for, like, a year."

    Lila faced the window with a pout. Since neither Clare nor Asher wanted to be forthcoming with what happened, she''d have to settle for the scant level of detail she''d obtained. It didn''t make her any less curious, though ¨C in fact, her curiosity was probably going to kill her soon enough.

    "Anyway," Clare cleared her throat, swiftly changing the topic, "have you talked to that girl again? The one who''s pregnant? You said you wanted my opinion and to give her advice on it, so I''m guessing you''ll tell her."

    "I haven''t yet," Lila sighed, leaning back into her seat. "I was thinking of talking to her after the game today, if you''re happy to wait for that?"

    "Yeah," Clare replied sincerely. "I want to know what she ends up choosing."

    "She might not have made a decision yet."

    "I know. But she''ll be closer to doing that after you talk to her again." Clare shuddered. "Definitely not an enviable situation."

    "Yeah."

    The two sisters didn''t speak much on the rest of the journey to Forestglade College. Clare did mention that their parents would be away until late since they were celebrating the end of one of their Dad''s cases. They tended to do that once big investigations wrapped up, and it made Lila wonder if today''s celebration was about the missing analgesics from Forestglade Private Hospital. Of course, there''d be no way for Clare to know, and Lila wasn''t about to ask her Dad. Especially since it meant that she could go rifling again once she got home.

    Clare parked and Lila jumped out, hockey stick in hand.

    "See you later," she said. Clare waved her off and Lila made her way to her hockey team, stretching her arms.

    She didn''t make it very far when a blur of green rushed to her, picking her up and spinning her around faster than she could process. She laughed, relaxing as she realised that it was Asher, who gave her another spin.

    "Good morning," she grinned as he gently set her down. "Someone seems excited."

    "Good morning," he grinned back. "Am I not supposed to be excited to see you?"

    "Well, I think I''d be upset if you were depressed to see me."

    "Noted." He glanced behind him before giving her a swift kiss on the cheek. "Good luck with your game. I''ll see you at half-time."

    "Good luck to you, too. See you."

    She watched him jog off to his teammates, some of whom whistled as he approached. Still smiling, she continued to her own team.

    Willow and Alice were warming up some distance away from the rest of the hockey girls, which seemed strategic.

    "Hey, Lila," Willow greeted once Lila approached. "Your boyfriend''s pretty enthusiastic."

    Lila laughed. "Yeah. I think he''s sad about the fact that we''re not hanging out as much."

    "You''re not? Why?" Willow asked, stretching her wrists.

    "Assignments and exams," Lila sighed.

    Alice gave Lila a sympathetic look. "I guess that''s a drawback when you''re dating a Dux."

    Lila looked at her for a moment before shrugging. "Yeah, but I''d feel guilty if I made him lose that title."

    "True," Willow conceded.

    They carried on their morning routine in relative silence until Lila gave Alice another glance. She looked pale and exhausted, but she wasn''t complaining.

    "Alice," Lila said quietly as she lowered herself into a lunge, "how''s it going with you?"

    Alice gave her the barest hint of a smile. "Same as Tuesday."

    "You haven''t made a decision?"

    Alice shook her head. "I''ve been distracted with trying to process¡­ the murder."

    It would be pretty distracting. Lila cast a look around. No one seemed to be listening in, at least.

    "Have you talked to anyone about it since Tuesday?" Lila asked.

    "Definitely not. I¡­ still feel stuck."

    "Alright," Lila murmured. "If you want, we could have a chat after the game."

    "I''ll need all the help I can get," Alice grimaced. "Like, seriously."

    "Alright," Lila replied with a hopefully comforting smile.

    Willow gave Alice an apologetic look. "I have to run off straight after the game. I''m going to the movies with Damian this afternoon."

    Alice waved her hand dismissively, though Lila could tell that she wanted Willow to stay behind. "Don''t worry about it. It''ll be easier for two of us to talk about something like this rather than three anyway."

    They finished their warm-up routine without much in the way of conversation. It seemed that both Lila and Willow were consciously giving Alice space to think.

    Then, Ms Wright gathered the girls and gave them a pep talk that really made it seem like it was their second-last game. Though Charlotte looked annoyed at this, no one commented and Ms Wright released them to set up for the match.

    The Cedar Grove Girls'' College team were much like their name ¨C statuesque and imposing. They all seemed incredibly serious as they took their places opposite Lila''s team and, with a short blast from the referee''s whistle, the opposition immediately took possession of the ball. The speed and mesmerising grace with which they reached Lila momentarily stunned her. How had they come up here so fast?

    She barely had time to lower herself into a defensive stance, but she made it in time to fling the ball towards Willow, who passed it along to Alice. Alice''s movements were far more sluggish than usual, which she seemed to realise since she immediately whacked it to Charlotte.

    From there, Lila had no real concept of what happened as she reacted with pure instinct. She''d never shouted in a hockey match as much as she had that morning, though it was no avail. Half-time was signalled with Cedar Grove Girls'' in the lead by two points.

    "¡­ monsters," she heard Charlotte grumble as Lila shuffled to her water bottle and took a swig. At least it didn''t seem like Charlotte was blaming Alice, who looked ready to take a nap.

    Lila gratefully accepted an orange slice from Ms Wright before standing where she could see Asher''s game. Lila wasn''t sure who they were versing, except that it was an all-boys school. They seemed formidable, but Asher''s team were even more so. Perhaps it was in an effort to prove themselves since the morphine ring had taken Zack from their team. Theo, at least, looked to be trying his best.

    Half-time was called for them as well and Asher made his way to her, out of breath yet smiling.

    "We''re doing well," he commented before taking a sip of water. "What about you guys?"

    Lila shook her head. "Getting smashed, but I''m not too fussed."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah, well¡­ I''d like my Saturdays back. That way, we can hang out for longer."

    He smiled at her. "That''ll be nice. I''d almost forgotten what it was like."

    "What''re your plans for this weekend?"

    His expression changed to one of guilt. "Finishing up some assignments then studying for exams. Not very thrilling, and¡­ I''m really sorry I can''t-"

    "Don''t be," she said firmly. "It''s for a legitimate reason, and I''ll be studying as well. I was just curious."

    "I''ll make it up to you," he insisted.

    "I mean, if our studies go well, there''s no need for that," she laughed.

    Instead of laughing with her, he looked incredibly serious. "I will," he said stubbornly.

    "It sounds like a threat," she joked.

    At this, he cracked a small smile. "I hope not."

    Then, his eyes rested on a spot behind Lila.

    "I''m guessing you haven''t talked to Alice just yet?" he asked quietly, looking back down at Lila.

    "Not properly. I''ll be doing that after the game."

    "Let me know how it goes, yeah?"

    "I will. Probably not this weekend, since you''ll be busy."

    He sighed, running his hand through his hair. "Probably for the best. I appreciate it."

    Lila glanced behind her and saw that her teammates were preparing to start the second half. "Looks like I better go," she said reluctantly.

    Asher nodded and bent low to her before stopping short of a kiss. "Oops. Better not do that, sorry. See you after the game. Good luck."

    "Good luck," she said with a wave. He waved back before jogging over to his team.

    Lila placed her mouthguard back in and twisted her hockey stick between her hands, ready to at least try in earnest to defend.

    Just as the first half had been, Lila had no time to think about tactics besides defend, defend and defend. It was an absolute whirlwind of activity and shouting that ultimately led to their defeat. She was absolutely knackered by the time they had their sportsmanship handshakes with the smug-looking Cedar Grove Girls'' team. Even worse was the fact that Lila knew they would have to face them again next week ¨C but with a six-nil score, Lila''s team may as well forfeit. There was no way they were in the semi-finals.

    Ms Wright gave them a pep talk that was geared far more in the direction of fun than winning, which seemed to only stoke Charlotte''s ire at having lost.

    "It''s been a big week," Ms Wright reminded them after waiting for Charlotte to settle down again. "In so many ways. You girls did well."

    "We didn''t even get a point-"

    "Charlotte, the final score could have been far worse," Ms Wright said sternly. "See you all next week."

    The reminder that it had been ''a big week'' seemed to loom overhead of the team as they slowly slinked off the field, not even a single one chatting.

    "Did you still want to talk?" Alice asked from behind Lila in a low voice, jolting her from her thoughts. She glanced at Alice, seeing that she seemed over the day already.

    "Yeah. Uh, if it''s okay though, can I say bye to Asher?"

    "How long does it take for the boys to wrap up soccer?"

    "A few minutes."

    "I''ll head to the bathroom then. I think¡­ my car''s probably the best spot to talk."

    Lila nodded, watching Alice wander over to the bathroom before turning back to the soccer game. To Lila, it looked like Forestglade College was still in the lead for soccer. Asher was pacing in his goal, the ball far from him at the other end. There was also lots of shouting during this match, but unlike the panicked shouting that Lila''s team had engaged in, the boys seemed to be on the verge of bursting with excitement.

    She continued to observe the game from the sidelines, her mind travelling elsewhere. She was glad, really, that Willow had already left to go get ready for her cinema date. It meant that she could tell Alice exactly where Jason''s Mum was ¨C at least, where Lila last knew she was ¨C without other people knowing.

    Her musings were cut short by the final blast of the referee''s whistle. With the amount of leaping the Forestglade College soccer team was doing, Lila could tell that they had won.

    She grinned as the boys carried on with their celebratory shenanigans, which seemed to be increasing with ridiculousness at the end of each game. Once the sportsmanship handshakes had all been dealt with, instead of fully participating in more post-game whoops with his teammates, Asher jogged over to her with a beam, taking his gloves off as he did so.

    "We won," he said happily.

    "I think I can tell," she replied, gesturing at Isaac, who was attempting to do a handstand to the whistling of his teammates behind Asher. Asher glanced behind him before snorting.

    "Isaac''s always much better at cartwheels," he commented, his eyes twinkling with amusement. With impeccable timing, Isaac flopped onto the ground, a cacophony of disappointed groans following his defeat.

    "Surely a handstand is much easier than a cartwheel," Lila replied.

    "You''d think so, but I think he prefers a cartwheel because of the momentum," Asher responded. Then, he looked at Lila with a touch more seriousness. "I''m guessing you''ve got to go?"

    "Yeah," she said softly. "We''ll be talking in her car."

    "Well¡­" he stepped forwards, grazing her cheek with the back of his hand, "let me walk you to the carpark, at least."

    "And if I were to say no?" she asked mischievously.

    "Then I''d just follow you at a reasonable distance anyway."

    "Sounds like something I''m used to."

    Support the creativity of authors by visiting Royal Road for this novel and more.

    He snorted again before he was bumped away from Lila by Isaac''s hip.

    "One of these days I''m going to shotput you into outer space," Asher frowned, rubbing where Isaac''s hip connected with him.

    "Can I have an astronaut suit for the journey?" Isaac asked with a lazy grin.

    "Sure. Let me just call NASA. I''m sure they''ll lend me one," Asher replied sarcastically. A beat passed before the three of them descended into guffaws, the imagery of Isaac flying off into space by Asher''s hands too funny for Lila not to react.

    "Congrats on winning, though," Lila said as the trio began to walk towards the carpark.

    "Thanks. We''ve been on quite the streak," Isaac said, placing his hands behind his head. "I was kinda worried we''d bomb after Zack got expelled, and then the whole Jason thing, but it seems like everyone was on the same page."

    "Are your teammates affected by it all?" Lila asked curiously. "It''s been one heck of a week."

    "There''s a nervous energy, for sure," Isaac nodded. "But otherwise, it seems like it''s just made everyone more determined to beat ''em into the ground."

    Lila glanced at Asher who nodded. "That''s my impression, too," he confirmed.

    "What about your team?" Isaac asked. "You guys win?"

    "Definitely not. But Cedar Grove Girls'' have always been good. On par with St Peters. Finals usually end up with them facing off against each other."

    "Ah. Has your team been doing okay, after the news?" Isaac questioned.

    Lila paused, exchanging another glance with Asher. "¡­ Mostly," she settled on saying.

    They''d crested the hill now and Isaac suddenly patted his pockets wildly before pulling out his phone.

    "Gotta go. Maccas is calling my name," he said to Asher and Lila. He still seemed to be in a good mood as he virtually skipped off towards his Mum''s car and clambered in with a, "HELLO!"

    "I mean, his commitment to work nowadays is admirable," Asher smirked, watching Isaac''s Mum pull away from the carpark. "Honestly, I''d thought he''d quit as soon as he paid me back. Seems like he''ll just keep working, though."

    "Has he paid you back?"

    "Nah, but he''d be close by now. I''ve told him he can slow it down, which he appreciated. He said he''s saving up for some driving lessons so he can get his Ps, so it''s not like all his work is for me."

    "Fair enough. Life sure does get expensive."

    Asher gave her a sideways look. "If you need money-"

    "I don''t," Lila said shortly. "Save your money."

    "I''ve got too much."

    "Sounds like you''re suffering from success."

    He frowned. "Seriously, if you need something-"

    "Asher, stop fretting. I''m good. I''ve got no expenses, so I''ve got no money issues."

    He continued to look at her doubtfully before sighing. "Alright, alright. Looks like Marlene''s just come back. So¡­ I''ll see you on Monday."

    Lila couldn''t help the sadness flickering across her face, but she tried to mask it with a smile. "See you on Monday, Asher."

    He hesitated before cupping her face in his hand. He ran his thumb across her cheek and swiftly bent low, kissing her. She pulled herself closer to him with his shirt, kissing him back with a touch more force than she thought he could handle. Had their kiss on Wednesday been a fluke?

    To her delight, instead of pulling away, he seemed to lean into it, moving his hand to the back of her head for a moment. She was starting to feel dizzy, so she took a step back, inhaling deeply.

    He smiled at her, his face a light pink. "See you on Monday, Lila."

    "See you," she murmured, touching the ''A'' under her sports polo. He touched where his ''L'' would be and released it from under his sports shirt before giving her a final wave. She smiled, pleased to see that the ''L'' gleamed nicely in the sunlight.

    Lila watched him climb into Marlene''s car and they promptly drove off, leaving the carpark relatively empty. She looked around and saw Clare waggling her eyebrows at her from the confines of her car a few spaces away. She rolled her eyes at her sister before heading towards Alice''s car.

    Alice looked like she was spacing out in the driver''s seat as Lila opened the passenger door. She jumped and took a deep breath before smiling at Lila.

    "Hey."

    "Hey," Lila replied, closing the door behind her. There was an awkward pause, with Lila slowly realising that she hadn''t really spoken to Alice that much without Willow.

    "I know I asked this before but how are you really?" Lila asked quietly, looking over at the carpark.

    "¡­ Shit." Alice leaned back, placing her head on the headrest. "Every day, I wake up and I wonder what the fuck I''m going to do."

    Lila hadn''t heard Alice swear quite so much at once, but at the same time, Alice was really going through a lot. "I can imagine."

    There was silence once more. At least Alice wasn''t crying, but she looked relatively lifeless.

    "I¡­ saw you leave the assembly yesterday," Lila commented, her voice low. Alice winced.

    "Yeah. I¡­ I thought I should at least send a picture in for the assembly, given everything, but I didn''t realise it would be so massive. It reminded me all at once that he was gone¡­ except for whoever this is." Alice placed a hand gently on her stomach, her eyes shining for a brief second. "Lila, I don''t know what I''m going to do. I¡­ I''m not strong enough for this. Couldn''t someone else decide for me? Why do I have to do it?"

    Lila paused. "You said you haven''t talked to anyone else about it¡­ so I''m guessing that includes your parents?"

    Alice nodded. "Yeah. Because he''s passed away, my parents¡­ have been really supportive, so they haven''t pressed me for much. They knew he was in my grade and all that, and had seen him around on campus. They might think we were friends or something at this point ''cause I''ve just been hiding in my room since I found out, except for going to school. School¡­ helps, until I pass by his friends or something but that''s pretty rare."

    "Did you see Willow on the public holiday?"

    "I wanted to, but I couldn''t get out of bed. I was just so emotionally drained." She glanced at Lila, giving her a small smile. "I¡­ don''t really know why I''m spilling all this to you."

    "I have that effect on people."

    Alice smiled again. "I think it''s your voice. It''s so¡­ calm. Like¡­ it''s a hug when you talk."

    Lila had never heard that description before. Perhaps she should ask Asher what he thought on that front.

    "And it seems like you listen, in any case. A-Anyway," Alice cleared her throat, evidently trying to move on, "I keep thinking that it''s all some big prank, you know. That he''ll turn up, say it was all just a horrible nightmare, and that we''ll figure something out. I''m just so scared that any decision is the wrong one, especially since I don''t know what he would''ve wanted."

    Lila reached out and grasped her hands, surprised with how ice-cold they were.

    "I hope you don''t mind but¡­ I talked to my sister about it. She''s a few years older and I didn''t name names ¨C except that she knows who the father is, since¡­ well, it''s all so heavy," Lila said gently. She squeezed Alice''s hands as she continued. "My sister''s had casual flings in the past, and she''s studying psychology at Uni, so I thought she might have something good to say. She usually does."

    Alice sighed. "I wish I had a big sister to talk to about this."

    "You can borrow mine if you want," Lila smiled, "I don''t think she''d mind."

    Alice gave a quiet chuckle but didn''t say anything.

    "Essentially¡­ she said a bunch of stuff, but one of them was that you''re not murdering Jason ''again'' by using your free will and, I guess, protecting yourself by going through with an abortion. Especially since you can''t hurt a dead person''s feelings. Keeping the baby just because of that might not be a good idea."

    Alice flinched.

    Lila powered on. "But¡­ she also said that she''d keep the pregnancy going at the very least, and she understands where you''re coming from. Depending on what the circumstances are, the option could be open to letting his parents adopt the baby since they lost Jason. And, at the very least, you''ll be graduating from school soon, which is a bit easier than also needing to focus on school while raising a baby, if you decide to raise it. Raising it would be hard, but you might have enough resources around you to make it through okay. There''ll be sacrifices, though ¨C like not going to parties and nightclubs as much, but some people actually don''t mind missing out because they feel fulfilled raising a baby." Lila paused, taking in Alice''s thoughtful expression.

    "I think might be from her psychology studies, but she said that kids pick up on negativity and absorb it. If¡­ you feel like you''re going to resent Jason, or the baby, for changing your life so drastically, it''ll feed into the baby. It''s¡­ hard when you''re a single parent, but being unwanted by your only parent is terrible, too. If you decide to keep and raise it just because Jason''s no longer here, then you might fall into resentment, but¡­ if you really do want to do this, to be a parent, then it should be okay, according to my sister."

    Alice remained quiet as she picked at her nails, her emotions rather guarded.

    "In regards to¡­ what to tell his kid, if you do raise them¡­ about how he died ¨C she recommended that being honest, but age-appropriate, is the best way to go about it. At first, saying he passed away, then adding more details as they grow up ¨C so you''re not outright lying, but also not giving them nightmares far too early. I guess¡­ she means that the kid has a right to know what happened to their father. Importantly, though, having support around the kid when you do give more details is crucial. So, like, child psychologists or counsellors and also family who knows them and knows how to comfort them."

    Lila sighed, taking another moment for Alice to absorb what was being said. It was a bit awkward, talking to herself, but she was now getting to the last point that Clare had raised. It''d be over soon and she could leave Alice to her thoughts.

    "My sister also said that you should tell his parents if you''re keeping the pregnancy going since it might bring them some comfort. The baby is their own person, but they may share enough traits with Jason to be a positive reminder, and that he''s not entirely lost. With that¡­ I thought that you might want to talk to them before making a decision ¨C or at least making a decision to raise the baby, or give the baby to them for adoption." Lila pressed her lips together, suddenly feeling nervous to divulge further details.

    "¡­ Thanks, Lila," Alice said, leaning her head against the headrest again. "It''s an idea, at least. Having a¡­ fail safe, where¡­ maybe his parents could adopt the baby if it''s too much for me. My parents¡­ might be an option, but part of the reason why I haven''t told them still is because they''re super Christian. Like, ''no sex before marriage'' type of Christian. I''d¡­ really never intended to get pregnant. But it''d be hard to hide a pregnancy while still living with them. I also looked into how much abortions cost and they''re, like, $500, plus there''s ultrasounds and Doctor''s appointments and there''s just no way for me to get that kind of money without them knowing¡­ so I''ll have to tell them at some point."

    "If they''re a ''no sex before marriage'' kind of family, would that also mean that they''re against abortions?"

    "¡­ Generally, yeah. But¡­ I''ve never been in this situation before, so¡­ they might change their minds and help me get one if I want it. Or they''ll kick me out." Alice''s voice broke at the end of her sentence and Lila reached out to rub Alice''s arm comfortingly. She smiled at Lila before sighing.

    "Why did I have to do it in the first place?" Alice asked quietly. "This wasn''t what I wanted when I first hit him up to get rid of my FOMO. I¡­ I regret it so much. I regret¡­ having to deal with this. And I hear what you''re saying, about not resenting the baby if I decide to keep it, and I don''t know whether I''m feeling resentful because of the fact that I''m alone in making a decision so¡­ heavy. I''m not smart. I can''t make a good decision. Sometimes, I wish I actually had liked him more than just for casual sex. Then¡­ maybe I''d have an easier time making a decision."

    Alice hesitated before adding, "I¡­ know I have to take responsibility for my actions. And I hate myself for thinking this but¡­ I hate that he got to escape his responsibility. The way he died was so awful, but leaving me behind like this¡­ feels just as awful to me. Not that he owes me anything, but¡­ he owes this baby. Owed, I guess."

    Lila hesitated for a few moments, letting Alice''s words sink in. Then, she softly said, "I hardly knew him, and I''m not going to pretend I did, but he kinda gave me a playboy impression. He¡­ also seemed really irresponsible. Definitely not someone who''d raise a kid at 17. So¡­ I feel like he would''ve wanted you to get an abortion or at the very least would''ve decided to not be involved anyway."

    Alice sighed again. "From what I knew of him, that''d be spot on. But, like I said before, it''s not like I can ask him if he''s okay with me¡­ killing the only part of him that''s living on. Even if I''m not, the baby''s innocent through all of this. I''ve grown up with the idea that children are blessings but despite that¡­ I keep hesitating and flip-flopping. If I go all the way to the end, will I feel like it was a blessing? Was¡­ his baby given to me to safeguard because he''s gone? Is being a mother now what I''m supposed to be doing? Or is this supposed to test me and how much I want to protect my future? I mean, single Mums aren''t exactly desirable either, so I might not even find love. So then should I have an abortion so that I can live my life how other 17-year-olds are supposed to? This¡­ agony I have over it all makes it feel like a curse."

    Alice grimaced again, seeming on the verge of crying before she placed her head in her hands as if to combat a headache. "I don''t even know what his parents'' names are. Your idea, about talking to them first, is a good one, I think. I''m sure they''d want me to keep the baby or at least the pregnancy, since Jason''s dead, but if I do end up adopting the baby out, I want to make sure his parents are good people. He wasn''t, not really, but his parents might be."

    ''Negative on that front,'' Lila thought. But it wasn''t her place to tell Alice that. Besides, what Alice might be looking for would be more about character rather than criminality, though they did tend to go together as a pair.

    Now, though, Lila had to figure out a way to tell Alice what she knew without sounding suspicious as all hell. She hoped that Alice wasn''t curious-minded like she was ¨C otherwise, she''d have a really hard time managing.

    "I¡­ might have some idea about how to contact them," she said quietly, looking out of the window and towards Clare''s car.

    "You do?"

    Lila pursed her lips. "¡­ Jason was hanging around my brother. I thought it was suspicious, so I went snooping a bit. I guess you could call it being protective, but my brother''s in Grade 9 and it just felt weird. So, basically, I found out his parents are divorced, and his Dad is Morris Whitley. His Mum is Evelyn Whitley but I think she goes by Evelyn Dupont as well. At least, she calls herself Eve Dupont on Facebook."

    Alice wildly grabbed for her phone before Lila placed a hand over it.

    "The¡­ thing is. With Evelyn. She''s¡­ in jail, at the moment. Well, custody ¨C over at the Forestglade Police Station, from what I last heard. So¡­ I doubt she has access to Facebook."

    Alice stared at Lila like she''d announced she was an alien. "What?"

    Lila exhaled deeply, avoiding Alice''s gaze. "Yeah. Well, that''s what I found out, w-when I went snooping. I¡­ don''t know what it''s for, but she''s at least not going anywhere at the moment. Because it''s not in the news or anything, I think it should be kept on the down-low that she''s in custody. Not that you''d have a reason to tell people about where she is, but it''s already a hard time for the family in general right now without that getting out. A-Anyway, I don''t know how to visit people in those situations, but I doubt his parents would be able to find message requests easily on Messenger either ¨C and¡­ it''s pretty time-sensitive, isn''t it? So¡­ going to see them ¨C o-or at least Evelyn ¨C in person is probably better."

    Alice looked down at her phone. "Yeah¡­ it is time-sensitive." Then, she looked at Lila. "Do you reckon I could visit now? At least, if I visit his Mum, she can give me his Dad''s phone number or something."

    "Now? I¡­ have no idea."

    Alice bit her lower lip before slowly putting her phone back. "I''ll¡­ just go to the police station and see. I''ve got nothing to lose if they turn me away ''cause it''s not visiting hours. And¡­ they might give me some sympathy if I tell them I''ve got to talk to her about something important."

    "Are you leaning towards a particular decision?"

    Alice glanced at Lila, her expression incredibly serious. "Not fully, but¡­ but I think I might end up keeping the pregnancy for now at least." Then, she buried her face in her hands. "Fuck. I don''t know. It''s so terrifying, the idea of being pregnant. I mean, I am, but, like, there''s a human in there. It''s so long, too. Nine months?" She whimpered for a moment before falling entirely silent, her head still in her hands.

    "Personally¡­ I know that you don''t think you''re capable of making good decisions, but I don''t think any of the decisions you could make here are inherently bad. It''s because you''re so distressed by it that I think¡­ whatever you decide, you''ll have thought it through completely. There''s no way it could be the wrong one if you look at it from all angles."

    Alice raised her head, her eyes wide like an owl''s and entirely full of shock and disbelief. She was quiet until her lower lip trembled. "Really?"

    Lila smiled. "Really. It''s easier said than done, but I think you should trust yourself. The way that you''re thinking about it all already tells me that you care about making the right decision. Ultimately, the right decision here is whatever resonates with you. It''s your life and your future that you''re thinking about. No matter what happens, it will affect you ¨C so that''s who you need to look out for the most right now. As harsh as it sounds, it might even be easier now that Jason''s passed away since you don''t need to worry about how it''ll affect his life and future."

    Alice gave Lila a feeble smile. "I''m¡­ really glad to hear that you think that I''ll make the right decision. I''m still not convinced, but to hear that helped even just a little bit."

    "I''m glad to hear that too."

    They were silent for a few more moments. Lila didn''t have anything else to say, so she eventually turned to Alice.

    "Good luck," she said soothingly. "I''ve got to go, but I hope that I at least helped. Well, that my sister helped."

    "You really did," Alice replied, her smile seeming more sincere than before. "Thanks for asking her for me. I¡­ I was really stuck, and I didn''t want to get into it with anyone else. To be honest, I hardly want to get into it with Willow even though she''s my best friend. It''s strange, but¡­ sometimes, for things like this, talking to someone who''s not so close just feels easier¡­ Anyway, I''ll see you on Tuesday."

    "See you then."

    Lila left Alice''s car and headed to Clare''s, feeling far more at ease now that she''d relayed her sister''s perspective to Alice. Technically, since Asher agreed with Clare''s views, it was also coming from him but she didn''t want to tell Alice that.

    Once Lila buckled herself in, she saw Alice give her a small wave before she drove out of the carpark at a speed that was slightly too fast. With that, it was clear to Lila that Alice was going to the police station now, as she said.

    "So¡­ how''d it go?" Clare asked, turning the car on.

    "Well, I think," Lila replied quietly. "She''s still a bit on the fence, but it seems like she''s leaning towards keeping the pregnancy going for now. Her parents are pretty religious, so she''s still hesitant to tell them. But¡­ I think she''s going to talk to Jason''s Mum now."

    "I''m surprised she knows his Mum''s details."

    Lila held her tongue, opting for just a shrug.

    "Did she find it helpful at least?"

    "Yeah. She said she hadn''t talked to anyone else about it, and that she also felt like she couldn''t talk to her best friend about it. I guess sometimes when you''re too close, you get afraid that their opinion of you might change, or she knew that her best friend wouldn''t really have advice for her. Her best friend''s been in a relationship since Grade 9 and they lost their virginity to each other. I mean, I don''t get the idea of casual sex either, so I''m glad you had something to offer from that perspective. I think she really appreciated that."

    "Glad to be of service. Keep me updated, yeah?"

    "Of course."

    The rest of the car ride was spent in silence, with Lila considering what Alice had said. None of it was enviable, though she wondered if Alice was religious herself. She hadn''t claimed it when talking about her parents, but there was something in the rhetorical, unanswerable questions she had that made Lila think that perhaps she was.

    Eventually, they arrived home, with Lila heading straight upstairs for a shower. When she emerged in her house clothes, Clare looked to be on the way out, complete with a handbag, makeup and a bodycon dress ensemble.

    "Oh," Clare said, looking at Lila for a moment. "I forgot to mention that I''m heading over to Alex''s before my shift tonight. I''ll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

    "I mean, yeah," Lila replied with a slight frown. "What time are Mum and Dad coming home?"

    Clare shrugged. "Whenever they want. You know how long it usually takes for them to celebrate. After dinner?"

    "Alright. Just asking, since it''ll just be Daniel and me. Wanted to know what to do about food."

    Clare pulled out a $50 note from her handbag. "Get whatever."

    "Thanks."

    Clare nodded before heading downstairs. Lila watched her go before quietly entering her room. So¡­ most of the family was out, and Daniel would be stuck to the confines of his room, probably playing Fortnite and unlocking whatever else it was that she didn''t care to hear about. The conditions were perfect.

    ''Time to see what else Dad added after Jason''s murder¡­'' Lila thought, heading straight to her blazer in which her lockpicking kit sat.

    It was funny to think that, before this year, Lila would have never dared break into her Dad''s filing cabinets. Now, it seemed like the only logical thing to do.

    She tried not to pay it too much mind as she slipped into the home office, double-checking along the way that no one was wandering around.

    It had yet again been rearranged in here. She''d hoped that she could snoop through all the bags that she''d seen last time but was disappointed to find they had all disappeared. All of her Dad''s convention material had also disappeared but Lila knew that it was fast approaching ¨C perhaps he''d moved it all to his actual office.

    With pursed lips, she approached the last filing cabinet. She unzipped her kit, a small smile on her face as she traced the engraving alongside one of the picks. It felt almost as if Asher was with her.

    Since it wasn''t exactly like his set, it took her a moment to figure out which combination of tools she should use. But, once she did, it was open in barely ten seconds.

    She ran her thumb along the alphabetic dividers, her heart racing. What would the file say now? Would there be mention of Piper''s murder, given the similarities? Would the rest of the interviews with the Grade 12s be in there? In particular, Lila was curious about what Livi would have said to the Police about her involvement in the morphine ring¡­

    With bated breath, she opened the ''W'' section.

    She frowned.

    There was WAGNER ¨C CMS 2122046; but there were no other Wagner files. She''d seen it just the other day ¨C where was it? Had her Dad taken it? Why?

    Lila pulled out the WAGNER ¨C CMS 2122046 file, double-checking that it wasn''t the one for Asher''s Dad. Nope ¨C Helen Wagner.

    Lila thumbed through it quickly; her Dad had managed to find the missing husband. The suspected infidelity turned out to be true and the file was long closed. So¡­ it wasn''t as though her Dad had taken the other file out because it was closed. Had he accidentally put it somewhere else?

    Lila rifled through the rest of the filing cabinet. Everything was in order ¨C as it should be. Her Dad''s meticulous nature seemed to still be intact.

    She slowly closed and locked the filing cabinet with a contemplative frown. Where was it?

    Lila unlocked the other cabinets, just in case it had made its way into one of those. Nothing.

    Nothing?

    His desk was full of papers, so she moved there to rifle through them. None of it was relevant to the Forestglade Private Hospital investigation, or the morphine ring. It was as though the investigation hadn''t ever existed at all.

    The files in her Dad''s filing cabinets here were not the main files he worked from, she knew that much. Those were stored in his actual office. The ones in the house were ones that he''d work on whilst at home, and, once they were done, they tended to stay and languish.

    So¡­ why had this file gone? As far as she knew, clients weren''t ever given the full file once the investigation was complete ¨C just a report and relevant evidence. So, it probably wasn''t given to Ivaan either.

    ''Damn,'' Lila thought, clenching her teeth in frustration. She''d been so curious about what her Dad''s investigation had to say about the rest of the Grade 12s or Jason''s murder or, perhaps, something about the room beneath the morgue.

    Her Dad must''ve taken it back with him when he took the materials for the convention. She still didn''t know why, nor could she ask him since she shouldn''t even know that the file had been in this house in the first place. She was glad that she''d taken pictures of what had been in the file at least, now that she knew it was no longer at home, bummer that it was.

    ''Well, now how am I supposed to concentrate on studying?''

    Lila sighed before double-checking that the room was in the same state as when she''d entered. She wanted to call Asher right away and tell him that the file was missing, but she didn''t want to disrupt him even further. If she did, then he might not have time for her over the upcoming long weekend, since it was just before exam block¡­

    Reluctantly, Lila headed back upstairs and settled in for a tiresome afternoon of study. It was hindered by the lack of answers about the missing file, but she supposed she was successful enough to call it a day when dinner rolled around.

    Her parents still weren''t home, so she organised some takeaway for herself and Daniel. He seemed slightly awkward, which Lila attributed to their conversation about Clare''s boyfriend, so she didn''t push him to talk to her. Not that she could really, with how quickly he''d scarpered away upstairs with his food once it''d been delivered.

    Now that she was back in her room after finishing her dinner, she wondered if she should message Asher at least. Just for a small while¡­

    She flopped onto her bed, staring at her phone. She wanted to talk to him, even without mentioning the missing case file ¨C but would she be disturbing his studies? If she did, and he slipped behind, she wasn''t sure she''d be able to forgive herself. He''d worked so hard, despite everything that had happened over the course of this year, to maintain his grades.

    She sighed, turning her phone screen off and letting it rest on her chest. It felt like she shouldn''t miss him nearly as much as she did right now-

    Bzzz. Bzzz. Bzzz.

    Lila picked up her phone before sitting bolt upright. It was a call from Asher.

    "H-Hey," she said after picking up the call, curling a strand of hair around her finger.

    "Hey," he replied, his voice immediately easing her.

    She shuffled backwards, leaning on some pillows. "What''s up?"

    "Nothing. Just¡­ missing you."

    She smiled. "I was just thinking about calling or messaging you, but I didn''t know if it was okay."

    "I''ll always pick up the phone for you."

    "I know ¨C but is that a good thing? I mean, you''ve got your studies."

    "Sure, but I told you before that breaks are just as important. Need some balance and all that."

    "But I feel like I distract you too much."

    "Maybe if you were here in front of me."

    Lila felt her heart skip, her mind racing to conclusions she knew were still impossible for the moment. But, since they were on the phone, she was feeling surprisingly brazen.

    "Why? What would you do?" she asked, her voice low with anticipation.

    She heard his breath halt in his throat.

    "U-Uh, kiss," he replied after a moment, his voice breaking.

    She pursed her lips. "Nothing else?"

    "Lila, I feel like you''re teasing me."

    "Teasing you? I''m just curious."

    He sighed. "Lila¡­"

    "Yes?"

    "If you were with me now, I might continue what I started in your room the other day."

    She almost thought that he''d forgotten since they hadn''t addressed it.

    "Continue what?" she asked, trying to sound innocent.

    He paused. "Are you asking me to spell it out for you?"

    "Spell what out?"

    "Lila ¨C I¡­" he sounded flustered but powered on. "I''d¡­ touch you until I heard my fill of the sounds you make when I do."

    ''Oh my God,'' Lila thought, feeling a blush rise on her cheeks. He''d never said anything like that before, and it was making her feel a certain type of way that she didn''t want to express.

    "S-Sorry," he stammered. "Was that too much?"

    "Not at all," Lila squeaked, compulsively twirling her hair even more. "I, uh, just wanted to know¡­ uh-" her stumbling was embarrassing, which only made her stumble more. She swallowed, trying to collect herself. "Uh¡­ whether¡­ you like them?"

    There was an even longer pause than before. "Like¡­ what?"

    "M-My sounds." ''And my boobs,'' she added to herself. No way would she ask about that ¨C not now that her brain had melted.

    "Of course I do. I like them a little too much." He sounded so confident that it took her by surprise.

    "Really?"

    "Of course."

    "Then¡­ will you make it happen?"

    He fell silent.

    "Asher?"

    "One day."

    The butterflies in her stomach burst into a flurry of activity, the strength of her heartbeat leaving her breathless.

    "I can''t wait," she managed to murmur after a few moments.

    "I know."

    "B-But I will. For as long as you need."

    She heard him give a quiet sigh. "Thank you."

    Neither of them said anything for a couple of seconds.

    "How are your assignments going?" she asked him.

    "Great, actually. I¡­ I''ve been feeling really focused."

    "That''s good. Sorry for distracting you lately."

    "It''s because I know we''ll be hanging out soon that I feel so focused, Lila."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah. It''s like¡­ a reward I''m working towards."

    "A reward? Don''t you already get money for doing well?"

    "I do, but¡­ this one''s better than money. I''ve bought a couple of games for us to play, and searched for some things for us to watch together-"

    "That doesn''t sound like studying."

    "Breaks, remember?"

    "I see," Lila laughed, settling herself into a lying down position. "Have you been sleeping well?"

    "Define ''well''."

    "Enough that I don''t have to be grumpy with you."

    "Fabulously well, then."

    She laughed again, which he joined in with. Lila doubted that he had been, but she didn''t push the issue. They ended up talking for half an hour longer about nothing in particular except light, casual topics. She briefly wondered if she should mention the missing case file, but she decided to get into it when they were back at school. For now, she was simply enjoying this time without heaviness with Asher.

    Eventually, though, Lila was beginning to feel really drowsy.

    "You sound like you''re going to fall asleep," Asher murmured. "I''ll let you sleep."

    "But I want to talk to you some more," Lila protested with a yawn.

    "I''m not disappearing anytime soon," Asher said playfully. "There''ll always be tomorrow."

    "You''ll call again tomorrow?"

    "Of course."

    "Promise?"

    "Promise."

    "Then¡­ I guess it''s okay," Lila yawned again.

    He laughed once more.

    "Alright, sleepyhead. Goodnight," he said gently.

    "Goodnight, Asher. I wish you could give me a goodnight kiss."

    "I''ll have to bank them up."

    "I''ll cash in soon."

    He chuckled. "Alright. I''ll talk to you tomorrow."

    "Okay," Lila smiled. "You need to sleep too, okay? I''ll get grumpy with you."

    "I can''t have that. I''ll go to sleep soon."

    "Good."

    "¡­ Goodnight, Lila."

    "Goodnight, Asher."

    They hung up. She was glad that he called ¨C it helped alleviate her sadness at being unable to hang out with him that weekend. She couldn''t wait to hear his voice again tomorrow.

    Lila fell asleep almost instantly with a smile still on her face.

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Six

    Lila spent Sunday studying and finishing up assignments without even a single thought of complaint. Her conversation with Asher last night had put her in such an excellent mood that she hardly noticed when she was feeling hungry, her focus rivalling even Asher''s.

    It was only when her Mum reappeared in her room, calling her down for dinner yet again, that Lila realised what the time was.

    She shovelled her dinner into her mouth, her lingering questions about the missing case file resurfacing when she laid her eyes on her Dad. She kept quiet, mostly because her mouth was occupied with inhaling as much food as she could handle at once, and bounded back upstairs as soon as she was done.

    Her motivation to continue studying had been sapped once she flopped onto her bed. Now that she had no distractions, her mind was starting to tick.

    She''d hoped to find more information in the case file, but that was clearly a bust. There would be no way that she could go to her Dad''s workplace ¨C not with a legitimate reason, and not one that could entail rifling through his case files with him right there. So, her chances of getting her hands on the investigation into the Forestglade Private Hospital again were nonexistent.

    With that, all she had was the scraps of information that she''d taken pictures of last time. In the days following Jason''s death, had her Dad found something else? Something that tied everything up in a neat bow ¨C enough to celebrate the case being closed? Had something happened with Evelyn ¨C something like her confessing to her involvement in the missing analgesics?

    Besides all of that, what was the deal with the room underneath the morgue? Now that they''d received a coded message with coordinates to it, plus the blueprints, it seemed like someone was telling them to check it out. But why? Who? Were they a benefactor to their investigation, or a hindrance?

    She hadn''t thought about this before, but it was obvious that the person who had provided the coordinates via Mr Snugglebutt had been the same person who had left the documents in the old farmhouse. Someone who was watching them and had been for some time. Of course, Marlene was a good candidate for that but she had an alibi for at least providing the coordinates to them.

    Lila''s phone buzzed, startling her out of her musings. It was Asher again.

    "Hey," she chirped upon picking up the call.

    "Hey," he replied, sounding equally happy.

    "You''re calling a bit earlier than yesterday."

    He laughed with an edge of surprise. "I didn''t realise you''d notice. I really miss you."

    "Of course I would. Not only are you a creature of habit, but I''ve been missing you like crazy too. Keeping an eye on the clock as I waited for you to call like you promised."

    He laughed once more. "Not like calling has been a habit."

    "Maybe it should be."

    "Noted." He sounded playful, and she laid down on her bed, settling herself into hearing his voice. After about an hour of casual conversation, Lila began to feel restless. She really wanted to talk about the missing case file, and what it might mean, but¡­ had the person who was observing them bugged one of their phones? It sounded silly, but it wasn''t impossible-

    "Then, I thought we should start having lunch with Isaac, Elise and Grace again-"

    "Sorry, what?" Lila was entirely thrown by the suggestion, having been absorbed in her thoughts for a moment.

    "Well, maybe once a week or something. It''s been a while, and I think Isaac is feeling put out by it."

    "I guess it''d also be a good way to see whether Elise and Isaac are getting any closer to dating."

    "I was thinking the same. Though¡­ I do like having lunch with just you."

    "You''ll make Isaac cry."

    He chuckled. "You''re right. I do feel bad about not hanging out with him that much."

    "Well, once he starts dating Elise, we can go on double dates. You should tell him that, might get his butt in gear."

    Asher laughed again. "Maybe."

    Lila paused, feeling her bravery return. "Hey, Asher¡­"

    "Yeah?"

    "I¡­ was wondering¡­"

    "Uh oh. Go on."

    "Well¡­ we haven''t really talked about¡­ what you did."

    "What I did?"

    "To me."

    It was his turn to pause. "I''ve¡­ done a few things to you."

    She was glad this was a phone call, for her blush would surely make her look like a firetruck.

    "R-Right, but I mean¡­ um, the fact that you touched-" she cut herself off, now unable to finish her sentence, her bravery having failed her.

    "What about it?" His voice sounded strange, as though he had forgotten how to speak.

    "I was wondering¡­ why."

    "Did you not like it?"

    She swallowed. "I really liked it."

    "I see," he replied, his voice still sounding strange ¨C but with a different quality, like he was thinking deeply about something.

    "You see?"

    "I''d been worried that it was too much."

    "It wasn''t at all. I''ve told you-"

    "I know. But since I''m not a mind reader, I still get worried. I''m glad to know that you don''t think it was too much."

    "Definitely not."

    "I''ll keep it in mind."

    "Please do."

    He fell silent for a few moments. She didn''t interrupt his silence, since it seemed like he was still thinking about something.

    "Lila, there''s something I want to tell you."

    "Yeah?"

    He paused again. "I really miss you."

    "You already told me that."

    "Am I not allowed to tell you again?"

    "I never said that."

    He chuckled. "I know. So, I''ll tell you again. I really miss you."

    "I really miss you, too. Did you even get any work done today?"

    "Of course."

    "Good."

    "I¡­ I miss you enough to want to stop getting work done and start hanging out again, though."

    "Asher, that''s a terrible idea."

    He sighed. "I know."

    "There''s only two weeks left before I stay over at yours again."

    "I know." This time, his tone was brighter. She smiled.

    "You didn''t tell me how it went with Alice," he said as if suddenly remembering this.

    "I didn''t, since I didn''t want to distract you. But as it''s Sunday night, I guess it''s okay to get into it," Lila replied with a sigh of her own. "I think it went well. She¡­ went straight to the police station after our chat. At least, that''s where I think she went."

    "She didn''t ask about why you knew where Jason''s Mum is?"

    "Not even slightly."

    "Weird."

    "She''s just not that way inclined. Plus, I think she was focused on the fact that she wanted to talk to Jason''s Mum, rather than why I knew about where she was. I think that in circumstances like that, people let things slip for convenience. Thinking about it too hard gets in the way of the fact that the information is useful, no matter the source."

    "I suppose that makes sense. It just feels like such a natural question to ask though."

    "Are you saying this because my curiosity has rubbed off on you? Since you once told me you''re generally not curious."

    "Huh. That''s true. I''m¡­ actually not sure." He paused before giving a low, breathy chuckle. "Looks like I''m going to be thinking about that for days."

    "Sounds like I stumped you."

    "Sure did."

    She smiled again. "I like doing that."

    "You happen to do it a lot."

    "Oh? With what?"

    "Many things."

    "That''s specific."

    He laughed, this time with a fond heartiness. "It''s hard to just come up with something."

    "Now that just sounds like you''re lying," she said with a similar amount of fondness.

    "Well, fine, you stumped me with how quickly you figured out the coordinates."

    "You already told me that, more or less. Anything else?"

    Whatever he said next was incomprehensible, so she asked him to repeat himself.

    "Just¡­ well, when you¡­ mention things that make me realise you actually like me."

    "Such as?"

    "¡­ When you say you miss me."

    "Sounds like there''s something else you wanted to say first."

    "¡­ There might''ve been."

    "What was it?"

    "I don''t know if I should."

    "What would happen if you did?"

    "Depending on your response, I won''t be able to sleep for different reasons."

    "Huh?"

    His voice was strained as he said, "If it''s a bad response, then I''ll feel like an idiot. If it''s a good response, I''ll also feel like an idiot, but for different reasons."

    "How so?"

    "You can be so relentless."

    "Then relent."

    "I walked into that one, didn''t I?"

    "You''re still avoiding the topic."

    "I''m glad you''re sharp until moments like this." Despite his words, it didn''t sound like a criticism in particular.

    "Shucks."

    He snorted before giving a heavy exhale. "Alright, alright. You''ve worn me down. I was going to say that when you say things like you like the way I touch you, it stumps me. Mostly because it still hardly feels real. That you''re mine, and I''m yours. It feels like you shouldn''t actually like me. Or, at least, not enough for that."

    Lila let his words sink in before speaking, her words so soft that she wasn''t sure he could hear her. "Asher, is there a reason for you feeling that way? That I shouldn''t like you or want you?"

    "Besides crippling self-doubt and feelings of both insecurity and inadequacy?"

    "Asher, that''s serious."

    "I''ve said too much. I''ll see you-"

    "If you''re planning on hanging up right now, I won''t forgive you."

    He stayed on the line but didn''t say anything.

    "Is it something I''ve caused?"

    "Not at all. It''s just me."

    "Is it¡­" her brain didn''t want to say it, but by the time she realised what she was doing, the words had left her lips, "because of what Holly did?"

    Was there a way to turn back time? Maybe if she hung up, he''d forget that she''d said that. Before she could attempt this, he answered.

    "I was like this before, but she made it so much worse, yes," he murmured.

    Yeah, she''d really like that ''turn back time'' option right about now. But, in its absence, she needed to say something. Was telling him the true extent of her feelings for him the right decision here?

    "Asher, I-"

    "I know what you''re going to say."

    Did he? That''d make it easier if he did, but she''d really like to tell him first rather than him knowing-

    "Something about how I shouldn''t feel that way, since you''re not her. And I know that, and I feel so different with you than I did with her, in so many different ways, but it creeps up still. Especially since we''re together now ¨C it feels like I don''t deserve someone who makes me feel this way."

    "Asher, it breaks my heart to hear you say that."

    "Sorry. I said too much again."

    "That''s not what I meant and, for the record, you haven''t." She took a deep, shaky breath, bracing herself for what she was about to say. "You don''t have to feel insecure or inadequate or doubt yourself. Since I l-"

    "Sorry, someone''s at the door. Just a sec."

    Lila deflated on her bed as she heard him put his phone down. Saying it now wasn''t going to work. It''d sound contrived, like she was saying it to just ''Band-Aid'' what he was feeling. Besides, it might push him before he was ready.

    "Sorry," he said again, this time sounding bemused. "Marlene just gave me some brownies."

    "What?" Lila checked the time ¨C just after 9pm. "Isn''t it a bit late for that? Especially since school''s tomorrow."

    "That''s what I thought." It sounded like he bit into one before sighing. "It''s not the same if you''re not having one, too."

    She laughed. "You''ll just need to bring mine to school tomorrow."

    "Deal." He swallowed before saying, "I cut you off. What were you going to say?"

    "I, uh, was just going to say that I- hang on, do you think Marlene was listening to you?"

    "Huh?" He swallowed again, his mouth evidently full of brownie. "What makes you say that?"

    "Isn''t the timing a bit too convenient?"

    "Of what?"

    "Well¡­ you were just saying something that sounded really¡­" she trailed off.

    "Sad?"

    "Yeah, I guess. Plus, it''s a bit late."

    "I doubt it. Why would she? She''s got a million things to do. It''s not the first time she''s given me desserts at this time, either."

    Lila pursed her lips. She''d prefer it if Marlene hadn''t been listening in to their conversation, but¡­ there''d been a few odd moments, here and there, where it seemed like she knew exactly what Lila and Asher had spoken about in the privacy of his wing of the house. Except they''d spoken a ton about Marlene ¨C unsavoury things, truthfully ¨C that she''d surely want to quash, like how she possibly murdered Piper with an accomplice. If she was listening in to the rumpus room, she''d try and dissuade them from the idea ¨C either because she didn''t do it, or because she did do it and wanted to conceal it. Right?

    "They''re pretty good, though," Asher''s muffled judgement of the brownies interrupted Lila''s thoughts and she smiled.

    "Did she make them?"

    "Nah. Gabriel did on Friday. Told him off for it since it was his birthday, but he said he needed to make ''em so I''d think of him over his birthday weekend."

    "So you''ve just been eating brownies all weekend?"

    "Aside from following the birthday boy''s instructions, I gotta keep a steady sugar high too," he joked. "Got lots to study for and finish up."

    "Do you think your grades will still be Dux-level?"

    "That''s an ominous thing to say. I bloody well hope so, otherwise I''ll be mad at the fact that I stopped us from hanging out."

    "I hope so too."

    They talked for a while more before Lila started to get sleepy again, which seemed to amuse Asher.

    "Seems like this is where I hang up," he said softly.

    "Don''t say it like that," Lila pouted before yawning. "It sounds so depressing," she added.

    "Alright. Seems like this is where I hang up!" His voice was far more jovial and she snorted.

    "Yeah, don''t say it like that, either."

    "Noted."

    She laughed before yawning again. "You''re right though," she admitted reluctantly. "I''ll need to go to sleep."

    "Goodnight, Lila."

    "Goodnight, Asher. See you tomorrow."

    "See you then."

    "Don''t forget that I''ve banked up two kisses."

    "I''d never forget."

    "Good."

    "You''re so cute," he whispered. "I can''t wait to see you again."

    "You''re cute too, you know."

    "Hardly. Goodnight, Lila."

    "You are!"

    "I''m glad you think so. Makes you even cuter."

    She couldn''t think of a response fast enough.

    "Goodnight," he said once more, sounding incredibly pleased with himself.

    "G-Goodnight," Lila finally said, her face red once again. He hung up and she tossed her phone next to her on the bed as she curled into a ball. How had he managed to make her feel so shy and giddy all at once, right as they were finishing their call? It wasn''t fair ¨C and now she was wide awake.

    ''Faster you go to sleep, the faster you''ll see him again,'' she thought to herself as she now sprawled herself out on her bed, staring up at the ceiling. It helped to settle her once again, her excitement at seeing him overruling the constant hum of her thoughts for the night.

    <hr>

    Asher met Lila at her locker that Monday morning with an elated beam and tight hug.

    "Good morning," she smiled, pressing herself tighter into his chest.

    "Good morning."

    Neither stepped away from each other for a minute or so, until an obnoxious ''ahem'' sounded behind Asher. Lila didn''t even have to look to know that it was Isaac, though she did glare at him after she separated from Asher''s embrace.

    "Morning," Isaac said disapprovingly.

    "Why are you here?" Lila asked, folding her arms in displeasure.

    "Something about an education, I''m pretty sure."

    "Hilarious," Lila huffed, her sarcasm clearly amusing Isaac by the smile that flashed across his face.

    "You two seemed so content just before. Not sure why you''re so upset now."

    "Isaac, I think you should get a girlfriend or a hobby," Lila said with another glare.

    "I have a hobby," Isaac replied nonchalantly. "Being the affection police."

    Lila rolled her eyes as Isaac took the opportunity to cackle maniacally.

    "To me, it seems like you just want to be affectionate with Eli-"

    "Gotta go get changed for PE," Isaac interrupted Asher abruptly, bolting towards his aisle of the locker room without another word. The reason for this was immediately apparent as Elise approached Lila and Asher, her eyes locked onto Isaac''s retreating back.

    "He seems like he''s in a hurry," she commented as she passed Lila and Asher to get to her locker. Lila and Asher glanced at each other before they both gave her a shrug.

    "Big rush," Asher said with a smirk, "we all know that PE is strict with starting times."

    Elise looked confused. "PE is, like, the most lax class for that."

    "Wait a sec ¨C don''t you have PE now?" Lila asked, suddenly excited. "Doesn''t that mean that you have PE with Isaac?"

    Elise''s face flushed as she closed her locker, slinging a tote bag over her shoulder. "I mean, yeah, but I don''t know why that matters."

    "Make a move!" Lila insisted. "He-"

    "Lila, please, I''m not going to make a move on Isaac during PE."

    "You say that like it''s ridiculous."

    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

    "It is ridiculous. I''d just look like an idiot since I already know he likes Anika. Besides, who makes a move during PE?"

    "You''re so stubborn. What''s it going to take to convince you that he likes you?" Lila asked, her frustration painfully apparent with the bite in her tone.

    "So you''re saying he lied to me?" Elise retorted, her own frustration apparent with the way she crossed her arms. "Why would he do that?"

    "''Cause he''s scared," Lila sighed.

    "Of what?"

    "You rejecting him, obviously. Same reason why you''re scared."

    "I think you''re just making this up. I''ve gotta go-"

    "Are you saying that he''s lying to me?" Asher asked, the quietness in his voice making Lila feel as uncomfortable as Elise looked.

    "Not exactly," Elise mumbled, her eyes fixed on the floor between them.

    "Then what? He''s my best mate. He wouldn''t have a reason to lie to me-"

    "Look, just drop it. It''s not happening. See you later."

    Lila gaped after Elise, having caught her wiping away a tear as she hurried past them. Had they pushed her too far?

    "Well, that went a bit shit," Asher said after a moment. He sighed before looking down at Lila. "Let''s get to English."

    With there being no utility in standing around here any longer, Lila followed Asher out of the locker room. She fiddled with her fingernails as she bit her lower lip, her mind filled with worry. After they walked a few paces in utter silence, Asher reached for one of her hands and gently held it.

    "This might not be helpful, but I was kinda the same," he said softly. "Isaac and Daniel kept insisting like we do, but it took a really long time for me to think that it was a possibility. Even then, I wasn''t entirely convinced ¨C especially after your date with Theo."

    "Did it help? The persistence?"

    "It would''ve, except for Theo."

    Lila winced. "Sorry."

    "It''s fine," Asher said, shaking her hand reassuringly. "You said it was a pity date, and it''s not like I made it easy for you to tell me you liked me since I was being such an ass."

    "Yeah, but-"

    "You didn''t know."

    "If I had, I wouldn''t have gone."

    "I know. At the same time though, would we have found out about the-" he cast a quick glance around before whispering, "-morphine ring?"

    Lila hesitated. "Probably not."

    "So don''t worry about it."

    Lila eyed him carefully. He met her gaze before saying, "Anyway, persistence might be what they need."

    "Even if they run away crying?"

    "You think I didn''t?"

    She wasn''t sure whether he was joking until he smirked, his eyes bright with amusement.

    "I still don''t feel good about it," she said. "Elise¡­ keeps telling me to back off, and I haven''t been since, well, persistence and all that. But I really think she means it."

    "Then, I''ll have to work on Isaac and push him a little."

    "He runs away too."

    "Yeah, but I know how to work with him," Asher replied confidently.

    "Has it been working?"

    Asher looked away, seeming more interested in the foliage dotting the path they were walking alongside. "¡­ I may have been hoping that you''d be successful with Elise."

    Lila sighed. "That''s busted."

    "Seems like it."

    "I just feel like this stubbornness is going to prevent them from ever getting together." Lila pursed her lips before shaking her head. "Elise deserves happiness, especially with the year she''s had. She''s such a hard worker, and just with the way she looks at him, I can tell she''d be really happy with him. Isaac''s also a good guy. I think he''d treat her well."

    Asher nodded. "I reckon Elise would be good for Isaac, too. I mean, firstly, he turned his lazy ass into a workaholic at Maccas. Aside from that, I can tell that he enjoys being in her company. He''s always been a social kinda guy, but when he''s with her, it''s like the rest of us could just disappear and he wouldn''t notice."

    "Should we actually smoosh them together?"

    Asher snorted. "If you can imagine a scenario where that would actually work, sure."

    Their English classroom loomed just ahead, its mere presence seemingly causing a shift in Asher. He immediately looked far more serious, though he still held Lila''s hand as they walked through the doorway.

    "Time to knuckle down," he said apologetically as they took their usual seats. She nodded, not trusting her ability to speak.

    It seemed like their classmates were taking this lesson just as seriously as Asher was. The silence was almost unprecedented, broken only by the sound of furious typing. It was a rare enough occurrence that it caused Ms Shard to roam around, looking for students in strife but finding that none wanted to ask for her help.

    Asher''s mood picked right back up again once they were dismissed for their second class. He swung Lila''s bag over his shoulder as they started walking towards the STEM area.

    "Getting through your English work?" Lila asked with a small smile.

    "Yup. Seeing my word count go up is so satisfying."

    "Can''t relate."

    "Really?"

    "Well, I always write far too much for these types of assignments and can never figure out how to cut down."

    "Editing is an art. Probably why people get paid well for it."

    "Do you like editing?"

    "Definitely not. But if you''re concise from the get-go, you don''t need to edit so much."

    Lila made a discontented sound and he laughed.

    "It''s also fine to not be concise. Both have their merits."

    "It''s a pain is what it is."

    Asher laughed again, which caused Lila to crack a smile. They remained lighthearted all the way to their usual break-off point, holding hands as they waited for Isaac to appear.

    He eventually did appear, though he attempted to slip past them. It didn''t work as Asher grabbed a hold of his arm.

    "Isaac," Asher said, his tone serious enough to make even Lila nervous.

    "Yeah?" Isaac replied, unable to meet the gaze of either Asher or Lila.

    "I was thinking of having lunch as a group again."

    Isaac lit up, his usual enthusiasm brightening his smile. "I thought you''d never ask. I''ve missed my buddy."

    "Sorry. I-"

    "Yeah, nah, I don''t need to hear how you''d rather be unsupervised with Lila."

    Lila rolled her eyes, though she could feel her cheeks flooding with warmth in time to the rush of images in her mind.

    "How was PE?" she asked, hoping that the question would stop his eyebrow waggling. It did, though it also dropped Isaac''s mood.

    "Fine," he said shortly. "Let''s get to Chem-"

    "Did something happen?" Lila asked, hopeful that Elise may have tried something.

    "Nothing except a basketball to the shin," Isaac replied with an annoyed edge to his voice. "C''mon, let''s go."

    Asher obediently followed Isaac as he began to march towards the Chem lab. Asher gave Lila a shrug and she waved goodbye before heading to Maths. Evidently, Elise hadn''t made a move on Isaac, otherwise he would''ve mentioned it or at least seemed happier than that.

    ''At this rate, it''d be easier to get two walls to go out than these two,'' Lila lamented to herself as she unpacked her Maths things, waiting for Ms Wang''s instructions. ''Will they ever get together?''

    The answer to this question wouldn''t be found in her Maths lesson, of course, so she focused on that for the time being.

    When she was released for morning tea, Asher was waiting for her as usual.

    "You know, Ms Wang is quite prompt with letting us out on time," Lila remarked as he dutifully took her bag.

    "Yeah?"

    "Just how fast do you sprint?"

    He snorted, letting her take his arm. "Faster than lightning."

    "Seems like it."

    "Speaking of fast sprinters," Asher said, gesturing vaguely in the direction of Isaac, who seemed to be on a mission to get away from them as fast as possible over the bridge, "he didn''t want a bar of anything I had to say."

    "What''d you say?"

    "I basically encouraged him to just try and he refused. It makes me feel like they''ve actually talked about it in some capacity."

    "I guess they have," Lila said thoughtfully. "I mean, they managed to get to a point where Isaac told Elise he likes Anika after she asked. It seems like he hasn''t backtracked from that, either. Do you think he might like Anika and Elise?"

    Asher shook his head. "Nah. He panicked, that''s all ¨C but since he''s got a reputation for being incredibly honest, I doubt he wants to tell her he lied. Probably why he also doesn''t like it when we say stuff that implies he likes Elise. He hates being dishonest and hiding stuff with a burning passion. I was pretty surprised that he''d hidden the whole Banker debt thing for as long as he had ¨C he basically fell apart when he finally told me and even more so when he apologised for hiding it. Not that it really was any of my business except that I didn''t want to see him in strife, which I told him at the time. He kept apologising until I hit him with a cushion."

    Lila exhaled heavily. Admitting to Elise that he lied sounded like an impossible feat for Isaac in that case. "Maybe we should leave it for now. Let''s just have lunch as a group here and there and observe."

    "Alright."

    She glanced at him before holding his arm tighter to her body. "Besides, there''s something else I want to talk about."

    "What about?"

    "About¡­ the results of me using your gift."

    "Ah," his eyes gleamed with intrigue and his tone was as vague as hers as they strolled towards the locker room. "I see."

    Lila tried to remain casual, but her anticipation at seeing his reaction to the news that his Dad''s case file was entirely missing made her jittery. Asher looked concerned, though he didn''t comment ¨C instead, he switched topics, making her laugh with silly jokes, including ones about how he was going to steal the contents of her bag. When she reminded him that he, in fact, had the same materials, he simply pretended not to hear her, which made her snort loud enough to attract the attention of some lifeless-looking Grade 12s.

    All at once, she remembered that, actually, Jason ¨C someone who was by all means popular, either for better or for worse ¨C had been brutally murdered only last week. A whole bunch of Grade 12s had also been expelled just before that; unexpectedly, for the rest of the school.

    She grew quiet, maintaining her grip on Asher''s arm. He looked down at her, his smile fading.

    "Something got you serious," he murmured. She sighed.

    "Well, yeah. It''s hard not to be when walking around out here serves as a reminder that something really dark happened all at once."

    "That''s true," Asher replied, his tone sombre. "It''s¡­ a lot."

    "I just feel like I have a weird disconnect with it all."

    "How so?"

    "It seems like it''s hit everyone else so much harder than it has me."

    "Were you friends with Jason?"

    "Absolutely not."

    "Then why should it have hit you hard?"

    "He was the Head Boy."

    "And?"

    "And surely that should make me feel a type of way."

    Asher gave her a bemused look. "Sure, if you hadn''t known what he was up to for weeks."

    After taking a look around to see if there was anyone listening in to their conversation, Lila dropped her voice to a whisper. "Asher, I thought this when we first heard about it but¡­ did we kill him?"

    "What?"

    "I mean, it was because of us that-"

    "Let''s talk about it in the library," Asher cut her off hurriedly, tugging her towards the locker room. His eyes were swimming with anxiety, and she regretted bringing it up at all.

    He disappeared and reappeared at her side almost instantly once they reached her locker, which she locked as soon as she was armed with her morning tea. They set off, neither willing to speak any further until they were in the safe confines of a meeting room in the library.

    Asher closed the door behind them and slowly sat in front of Lila as she tentatively unwrapped her banana.

    "So, you were saying? You think we killed him?"

    She sighed, lowering her banana. "It''s an insane thing to say, I know. But¡­ it''s been niggling at me. Not only is there crossover in the way they were killed, but also the circumstances ¨C that they''d been expelled¡­ and¡­ that we caused their expulsions."

    "Lila, they were expelled because of themselves-"

    "Only because we were investigating what they were doing. Well, me, for Piper, I guess. P-Point is ¨C it was our information that led to their expulsions. If we hadn''t brought it to the attention of those in authority, they''d both still be Forestglade College students. Would they also both still be alive?"

    "One way or another, what they were doing would''ve come out," Asher said, taking her hands in his across the table. "Just because we sped up the process doesn''t mean that we killed them."

    "There''s just too many similarities to ignore. I keep thinking¡­ who could have done this and why? It''s terrifying, but also the fact that we helped their expulsions along can''t be ignored. I mean, should we go to the Police?"

    "And say what? We think that we killed them because we helped expel them? I doubt they''re even looking at expulsion as a connecting factor. To be honest, that''s just ridiculous to me full stop. Who would even care about whether someone was expelled or not to the point of killing them? It''s also not like they''re the only people to have ever been expelled. I bet there were more students at other schools expelled around the same time, but none of them have been murdered. Plus, there''s Jason''s posse ¨C as far as we know, they''re all alive. Zack may have a question mark, but that''s ''cause he was an idiot, not because he was targeted by a murderer."

    Lila sighed. "You''re right. It just¡­ all seems too convenient."

    "Besides, only your family knows that we lifted the lid on the morphine ring at our school. A whole bunch of people probably know that Piper was expelled because she was stalking us, but the fact remains that your family are the only other people on this planet who know that we''re the source for the takedown of the morphine ring. Unless you''re suggesting your Dad would''ve told other people that it was us? Or that he''s the murderer?"

    "Of course my Dad''s not the murderer," Lila said sharply. "Aside from the fact that he was with me the day and time that Piper was murdered, his sense of justice in the legal sense is far too strong. Besides, what would his motive be to kill Jason? Surely he''d prefer Jason to be alive to answer to his crimes both in the administrative and criminal sense."

    "I wasn''t being serious about that."

    "I know. Still."

    He paused before meeting her gaze with a soft smile. "You''re so cute when you get serious."

    She tried not to blush but felt her cheeks betray her. "T-Thanks, I guess. A-Anyway, um, right. Well. It was just a coincidence, then. That we were the cause behind both expulsions."

    His smile grew wider, as though he''d figured out that she had been flustered by his comment. "Just a coincidence."

    She tucked a stray hair behind her ear, struggling to meet his bright, mirthful eyes. "Okay, well, if that''s settled, then I want to talk about what I found. Or rather didn''t find."

    Asher straightened up in his seat. "Didn''t find?"

    Lila nodded, relieved that his gaze wasn''t one of amusement anymore. "The whole case file is gone."

    "Gone? Like¡­ the contents are gone?"

    "No. The whole file."

    "Is that normal?"

    "I''d never snooped in his filing cabinet before this year, but I saw heaps of closed case files in there. From what he''s told me in the past, the files at home are just backups ¨C or just small snapshots of the file ¨C so he can continue working on them when he''s working from home."

    "Sounds like a lot of admin to keep track of all of that."

    "Dad''s always been like that," Lila shrugged. "He might not be a people murderer, but he sure slaughters trees."

    Asher snorted before growing serious again. "What does that mean? That it''s missing."

    "Like I said, I''d never snooped before," Lila sighed, placing her head in her hands. "I''m sure he''s taken it back to his PI office, but I have no idea why."

    Asher appraised her for a moment before shaking his head. "Is it not because he knows you?"

    "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Well¡­ perhaps he thought you''d do exactly what you ended up doing."

    Lila pursed her lips. "I''ve been careful, though."

    "That''s what we thought about our break-in at Marlene''s."

    Lila stopped herself from laughing as her mind conjured up the image of Asher wrangling Mr Snugglebutt. "Mr Snugglebutt ratted on us, for sure."

    Asher snorted again. "Probably. But, seriously, maybe he took it ''cause he knew you''d go looking."

    Lila paused before giving him a thoughtful look. "He confronted me a while ago about snooping around his office. Surely he''d talk to me about it again if he figured it out."

    "So you are obvious when you rummage around in there."

    Lila flushed in embarrassment, rather than shyness. "This was ages ago!"

    "Define ''ages''," Asher grinned playfully.

    "Easter holidays."

    "I guess I''ll give you that."

    "See! I''ve grown since then, so I''m pretty sure he hasn''t noticed me going through the cabinets. I mean, I''ve been going into them so often at this point, he definitely should talk to me about it."

    "At least you recognise that much," Asher smirked. Then he said, "So if we go with your say-so that you''ve been super sneaky, why''d he take the file if there''re other closed cases in there?"

    "I was hoping you''d have a theory."

    Asher looked thoughtful. "If I were to think of a theory, then I''d say he needed to consolidate his office file. When you last saw the file, it still had the stuff we gave him, right?"

    "Yeah."

    "So then he just wanted to tidy up his office file."

    "What a boring answer."

    Asher laughed. "It might not be right, either."

    "Of course it''s right. It''s your theory."

    He smiled at her before frowning. "You said he had a bag at Beans & Biscuits, right?"

    "Yeah. He did."

    "That Marlene picked up."

    "Yeah¡­" Lila trailed off before leaning across the table. "You think he gave the file to Marlene?"

    "I mean, she works for my Dad."

    "But why''d he have to give it to her like that? He knows where your Dad lives, and has probably been meeting him regularly for the investigation. Besides, I''m pretty sure that clients don''t get given the whole case file. There''s heaps of sensitive info that they don''t need to know in there, like details of witnesses who want to remain anonymous and all that."

    "Right¡­" Asher continued frowning. "If it wasn''t the case file, then what did he give Marlene?"

    "I still have no idea. I mean, did he give her anything at all? Like, it could''ve just been the bag."

    "Why''d he have to give it to her like that though?"

    "Maybe that''s just how she likes to get stuff. I mean, why''d the antique dealer have to give her the duck like that?"

    "''Cause it was expensive as hell," Asher said before sighing. "It''s¡­ so weird. She''s weird," he murmured the last part so quietly that Lila wasn''t entirely sure that''s what he said. He then looked at Lila.

    "Maybe you should ask your Dad what happens when a case is finished. Like, does he normally give a copy to clients? Or does he just store them forever? Sure, he doesn''t usually take the home files back to the office since the office has a file there too, but his answer might hint at what happened to the file."

    "I''m pretty sure they only get a report and some evidence," Lila replied. She folded her arms in contemplation before adding, "I''ll ask him, though. That''s just what I''ve assumed based on things that he''s said before. Maybe clients get the whole file if they pay a certain amount or something."

    Asher placed a hand on his chin for a couple of moments. Then, he sighed. "Still got nothing else. I just think the timing of it, and when he was at Beans & Biscuits, is too close. You''d only just seen the file, then we were at the caf¨¦, and suddenly it''s now gone? Especially considering the investigation started a year ago. It''s likely existed in your house for months before you first saw it, so if it didn''t get taken to be consolidated, why''d it disappear now?"

    She tapped her fingers along the edge of the table, gritting her teeth. "I have no idea either. It feels like I have no idea about anything. It''s really bugging me."

    He pulled the hand that was still tapping away closer to him before nudging her morning tea towards her. "Let''s eat. Get some brain power."

    Lila reluctantly heeded his words. He watched her eat for a second before clearing his throat with frantic energy, as if he''d choked on something.

    "You okay?" she asked as he downed his water bottle. He wiped his mouth with the back of his hand before answering.

    "Yup," he replied, taking an aggressive bite out of his apple.

    "You sure?"

    "Never better. Just, uh, really hungry."

    "Alright."

    She doubted this excuse as she folded up her empty banana peel and placed it in the sandwich bag she''d used to carry it here. She scrutinised him as he averted his gaze before looking back down at the peel. Then, it hit her.

    Clearly, he''d envisioned something lewd. Something that, now that she was thinking about it, made her curious. What would it be like?

    "Uh, anyway, when did you want to have lunch with the others?" Asher asked, cutting her thoughts short. She was feeling incredibly warm, for some reason, and she continued to look at her banana peel. Seeing his face seemed like a bad idea at the moment.

    "Um, I don''t have a preference," she replied, her voice oddly high-pitched. She took a deep breath as she fiddled with the sandwich bag. "Maybe tomorrow or Wednesday?"

    "Wednesday sounds good."

    "Okay. I''ll tell Elise and Grace."

    Was the silence that now stretched between them awkward, or was she just feeling awkward because she''d caught herself thinking about that? Something she didn''t want to express to Asher, since it wouldn''t be something she''d explore anytime soon.

    Sighing, she took a long sip of water, feeling it cleanse both her body and mind. Hanging out with their friends at lunch was quite a timely idea. Closing the lid, she perked up and smiled at Asher.

    "How''d Gabriel like his gift?" Lila asked.

    Asher grinned at her. "A bit too much, I reckon. He started using it straight away. He was annoyed with me when I said you wouldn''t be coming over for a bit ¨C said it was cruel to him since you''d gotten him the gift too. I''m sure there''ll be a heartfelt note in your lunch today."

    "I''m excited to see it in action."

    "You definitely will."

    They exchanged another smile, though Lila''s smile quickly faded as her mind returned to the case file. Its disappearance irked her to no end. The fact that she couldn''t quench the fire of curiosity that had begun to burn a hole in her mind irked her even more. She really wanted to know what Livi had told the Police. Could there have been clues as to Jason''s death in that interview? Or any of the other interviews, for that matter? If there were, then what did that say about Piper''s death?

    What had Piper tried to tell Asher?

    "I feel like you need a break from thinking," Asher said gently, taking her hand. A break from thinking?

    Her mind whizzed through a myriad of scenarios that would give her exactly that, but of course none of them were what he would''ve meant.

    "When I went to grab Gabriel''s gift, I also swung by the board game shop since it was on the way," he continued, pulling out his phone with his free hand. "I saw a couple that you might like¡­"

    <hr>

    The rest of the day passed by like most, with Lila enjoying Asher''s company at lunch. As he''d suspected, there was a ''thank you'' note from Gabriel tucked in the side of her lunchbox filled with handmade sushi rolls, frosted chocolate brownies and slivers of birthday cake. As they ate, Lila noticed that Asher''s body language had shifted, hinting at the stress that was tapping his fingers and shaking his leg. They once again avoided topics relating to Jason, Piper and her Dad''s investigation, which eventually settled his energy ¨C especially after Lila made him laugh so hard he almost headbutted his lunchbox.

    Throughout the rest of her lessons without Asher, Lila''s mind would drift back to what she''d spoken to him about at morning tea. Despite his assurances that it was all a coincidence, Lila still couldn''t shake the feeling that they had inadvertently led Piper and Jason to their demise due to her nosiness.

    Were the messages ¨C the murders mimicking the three wise monkeys ¨C really for Lila and Asher? One to leave things alone, ignore what was going on and live in blissful ignorance?

    She hoped that the Police were closing in on the killer. After all, if it was a message intended for Lila and Asher, surely the killer would want to target them next?

    On that point ¨C Lila and Asher were clearly being watched by someone; someone connected to Marlene, or at least Mr Snugglebutt. The paranoia that she''d felt when Piper had been stalking them was starting to build once more. She hadn''t felt unseen eyes on her, not for a while, yet someone had taken a picture of them at Beans & Biscuits. Were there ways to figure out who was watching them or at least shake them off? If the messages left behind by the killer, or killers, were for Lila and Asher, then surely their theory about Marlene''s connection to the killings would be-

    "That''s quite a frown," Grace whispered to Lila as Mrs Popovic wiped down the whiteboard in preparation to start a mind map of the events leading up to the Cronulla race riots.

    Lila glanced at Grace, who seemed to be imploring her to let them into what was troubling her. What could she even say? They had no idea about Lila''s involvement in Jason''s expulsion and arrest. Without that information, saying she thought she, or Asher, was going to be targeted by the murderer sounded ridiculous.

    "What''s up?" Elise asked, also in a whisper.

    Lila was tempted to say that she was bothered by Elise still not making a move on Isaac, but she held her tongue.

    "Just getting stressed about assignments," Lila said after a moment. It wasn''t a lie, but it wasn''t what was on her mind. It seemed to pass the test as Elise and Grace both nodded in understanding.

    "Yeah, no kidding. It seems like they''ve ramped it up a whole notch now," Elise sighed with a shake of her head.

    "How are you managing it with Maccas?" Lila asked quietly, jotting down the notes that Mrs Popovic was writing up on the board.

    "Like I always have," Elise replied in a murmur. Lila looked up at Elise, who was dutifully writing down notes as well.

    "I think out of everyone here, you should take the time to de-stress, Elise," Lila said before looking back at her notes. "Take some time to yourself, if you can."

    "I agree," Grace nodded.

    "I''ve got my ways," Elise said simply. "I''ve been working and studying all year, you know."

    "I know, but you should still take care of yourself," Lila said gently. "Don''t want to overwork yourself like you were last term."

    "You don''t need to worry," Elise said firmly, laying her pen down next to her notebook. "Seriously. I''m good. I''ve been using some new strategies to de-stress and decompress so I don''t get overwhelmed. I''ve been learning from last term''s mistakes."

    "Ooh, like what?" Grace asked, her keen interest apparent. "I need some techniques."

    "Just walking more," Elise replied, turning her attention to her notebook with a frown. "I think I wrote down the wrong year."

    "It''s 2005," Lila said helpfully.

    "Thanks. Um, walking more and just taking time out to relax, watch some shows, all of that."

    "How do you manage that without procrastinating?" Grace queried.

    "I figured out that taking breaks when studying makes me more productive."

    "Sounds counterintuitive."

    "That''s one of Asher''s strategies, actually," Lila commented. "Says that breaks are just as important."

    Elise looked smug. "See!"

    "Well, if that''s something that helps Asher," Grace said thoughtfully, "then it must be okay. But how do you get back to focusing?"

    "Remembering why I''m studying helps," Elise said with a nod. "To get into Uni."

    "To do what?"

    Elise faltered. "No idea," she confessed in a whisper.

    "Damn," Grace sighed. "I''d been hoping to get an idea from you."

    "Does anyone have any idea what they want to do?" Lila asked, jotting down new notes.

    "Isaac," Elise replied shortly. "He''s, like, the only person who''s decided what they want to do after school."

    Lila remembered what Isaac had said, ages ago ¨C back when the group got Uber Eats from Livi ¨C about being a chemical engineer. "Does he legitimately want to be an engineer?" Lila questioned.

    "As far as I know," Elise shrugged before frowning at her notes and crossing out what she''d just written.

    Lila glanced at Elise curiously. "What do you guys talk about?"

    "Sorry?"

    "You know. When it''s just you two."

    Elise shrugged again. "Whatever comes to mind."

    "Like¡­ your crush on him?" The words had left Lila''s lips before her mind could remind her that it was a bad idea to bring it up.

    Elise rolled her eyes at Lila. "Definitely not."

    "Actually, I''ve been wondering," Grace piped up, looking at Elise for a moment before scrawling down a point or two from the whiteboard, "how did you find out he likes Anika? Like, you said you asked him ¨C but how did it even come up? Besides, I''m pretty sure that bringing up crushes is almost a universal signal that you like the person you''re asking. He hasn''t picked up on that?"

    Now that Grace had asked, Lila eagerly waited for Elise''s response. Elise bit her lower lip, her eyes fixed on her notebook.

    "I mean, you guys told me I should just before we went on camp," Elise said after a few moments, her mood dropping considerably. "So there was a moment when Lila and Asher were on a walk and you were going to the bathroom and, I dunno, I just¡­ took the opportunity and asked."

    "That''s brave," Lila said, exchanging a look with Grace ¨C one that asked how dense Isaac was. "Grace is right, though. Asking about someone''s crush is basically telling them you like them in most cases. So he hasn''t said anything that makes you think he knows?"

    "Not a thing. Clearly, it''s not going to go anywhere."

    "I think-"

    "C''mon," Elise said firmly, cutting Grace off, "the assignment is due soon and the exam on this is right after that. Can we please focus?"

    Lila exchanged another look with Grace ¨C one of disappointment. They both nodded and the trio worked in silence for the rest of Modern History.

    Once class was dismissed, Lila bid her goodbyes to Elise and Grace before smiling at a waiting Asher.

    "Hey," she said, wrapping her hand around his arm.

    "Hey," he replied, though his voice sounded off. Had something happened?

    "Everything okay?" Lila asked as they set off.

    "Yeah," Asher sighed heavily. "Except¡­ well, some of these assignments are taking more out of me than I thought they would."

    "How so?"

    "The complexity has really kicked up a notch. Or maybe it''s my overthinking twisting it all into knots."

    "You really took the poetry stuff from English in, huh?"

    Asher looked at her in confusion for a moment before smirking. "Seems more like you absorbed what I taught you. That was pretty quick."

    She tried not to show how pleased she was by his praise. "What can I say? I had an excellent teacher."

    "Ms Shard is pretty good."

    "You''re better."

    His face lit up, his blush extending to the tips of his ears. She bit back a smile as he lightly brushed his fingers against her hand.

    "You turned that one around," he murmured, bringing her hand to his lips and kissing it tenderly, "and now I''m feeling unbelievably shy."

    She grinned at him. "I''m glad. It''s not fair if I don''t make you shy once in a while too."

    "Too, huh?"

    Lila looked away from him, instead turning her gaze towards the path to the locker room. "You knew that already."

    He chuckled as he squeezed her hand, though she still refused to look at him. "It''s nice to hear you admit it, though."

    She didn''t know what to respond with but was rescued by the fact that they approached the locker room doors. He let her go after promising to return to her after he grabbed her things and she made her way to her locker.

    She exhaled deeply, shaking her head in disbelief. Would she ever get over the way he scattered her brain like this?

    "See you tomorrow, Lila," Elise said as she passed behind Lila. Lila turned to her, grateful for the opportunity to think of something else.

    "See you then. You heading off to Maccas?"

    Elise nodded, hoisting her school bag onto her shoulder. "Yeah."

    "With Isaac?"

    "Yeah. If you''re going to say something stupid about me and him, I''ll hit you."

    Lila smirked. "Message received. Please don''t hit me."

    Elise sighed. "I¡­ I don''t mean to be rude about it, but it hurts."

    "I know it would, but sometimes pushing past that can lead to something good. Clearing the air can feel like a relief, even if it doesn''t lead anywhere."

    "Clearing the air, huh," Elise murmured, her eyes distant.

    "Yeah," Lila smiled. "I mean, that''s what I did with Asher and it turned out well."

    Elise glanced at Lila. "You think I should?"

    "Clear the air? Yeah. Then you know where you stand, at least."

    "I do know, though."

    "Elise," Lila sighed. "I think you should just¡­ double-check."

    "Double-check?"

    "Like, clear the air and see what he says."

    Elise looked troubled by this prospect. She took a deep breath, as if bracing herself to do exactly that, when a voice asked, "Ready to go?"

    Lila turned and saw both Isaac and Asher standing in the aisle. It was Isaac who''d spoken, his expression softening in Elise''s presence. Lila peeked at Elise and saw to her dismay how pale her face was. Despite how Isaac was looking at Elise right now, and the courage Lila tried to instil in Elise, she could immediately tell that her being forthcoming was not happening today.

    "Y-Yeah," Elise said, readjusting her school bag. "Um, let''s go."

    Elise and Isaac waved their goodbyes at Lila and Asher before proceeding to the exit. Lila pursed her lips as she watched them go before giving a heavy, exaggerated sigh.

    "What''s wrong?" Asher asked, offering her his hand. She took it and shook her head.

    "I thought for a moment that I''d made a breakthrough with Elise. It looked like she was going to actually talk to Isaac about her crush on him, but then he showed up and I saw instantly that it wasn''t going to happen. She looked like she passed away on the spot."

    "That''s kinda fair, though," Asher replied, gently leading her to the bus station. "Maybe she''ll think about it. The timing was a bit soon."

    Lila sighed again. "Isaac''s timing has always been a bit inconvenient."

    Asher laughed. "It''s like he''s psychic."

    "Can he just not for once? I''m sure he''d be happier if he''d stop interrupting everyone and making them grumpy. Especially if he''d stop interrupting Elise."

    Asher laughed again. "I don''t think he can stop that, but I''ll suggest it."

    "Good."

    They exchanged a look before bursting into laughter. She squeezed his hand and he squeezed back before swinging it lightly. They walked to the bus station, chatting and laughing some more about topics that didn''t touch on the hopefully budding romance between Elise and Isaac. Truthfully, Lila was tired of it. How far should she push it?

    It was something she''d have to think about later. Instead, she spent as much energy as she could soaking up this time with Asher.

    "Well, this is where I leave you," he said softly once they stood outside her particular bus stop. She glanced behind her, checking whether the teacher on duty would see them. She''d really like those kisses she''d banked up¡­

    As though he''d read her mind, he caressed her face and said, "Unfortunately, we''ll need to keep those extra kisses for another time. One is all I can manage before looking suspicious."

    "Okay," Lila replied, trying not to sound disappointed. "Can''t have you looking suspicious, since you are suspicious."

    His eyes sparkled with amusement. "So are you."

    "You caught me."

    He lifted her chin, looking deeply into her eyes. "And aren''t I glad for it?" he murmured, kissing her before she had a chance to respond. It was over far too quickly, but Lila didn''t enjoy it any less.

    Her bus squealed to a halt at the station, the door creaking open in invitation. Asher stepped back after returning her bags and she reluctantly said goodbye.

    "Counting down the days," he said. "See you tomorrow."

    "Same here," Lila replied sincerely. "See you then."

 One Hundred and Fifty-Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Seven

    Lila eyed her Dad carefully over dinner that Monday night. She''d promised Asher she''d ask what her Dad did with finalised investigation case files, but now that they were eating dinner as a family she wasn''t sure she had the courage.

    Her Dad looked the same as he usually did ¨C intent on eating his dinner, but cracking dad jokes every so often to the chagrin of everyone around the table. Daniel also seemed to be back to normal with her, having flicked her on the way past to sit down. She considered checking in on him again but, for now, she needed to focus. Ask questions without sounding suspicious. A task that required all her concentration.

    She picked a natural lull in the conversation about Daniel''s touch footy progress, wiping her mouth of spaghetti sauce with a napkin.

    "Dad, I''ve been wondering."

    Her Dad looked up at her, his eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Sounds like I''ve got to brace myself. Fire away."

    "It, um, occurred to me that I don''t really know what happens when an investigation is over."

    His expression changed from curiosity to suspicion. "What''s up with the question?"

    "I was just curious. Since, well, our chat in the study with Asher and Daniel meant-"

    Her Dad''s eyes darted to Lila''s Mum and Daniel before he cut her off. "Right." He took another look at Lila''s Mum, who seemed just as curious about his response as Lila felt.

    "The investigator looks through the case file before the admin team tidy it up and prepares it for archiving."

    "Archiving?"

    He nodded, now seemingly piquing the interest of Daniel and Clare, too. "It gets put into deep storage. Since the files range from employment matters, criminal matters, personal matters, all sorts, they all have different retention thresholds. Timelines that they need to be kept in storage in case there are appeals or anything arising from the actions taken in relation to the findings. To make it easier, we just have a permanent retention policy but since we''ve been doing this for quite a while, we needed to go offsite for archiving."

    "Oh. Where''s that?"

    "There''s a company based in the city."

    "Oh. Do clients get a copy of the file?"

    He looked surprised. "Definitely not."

    "Even if they pay?"

    At once, his expression turned grim. "I''m not in that kind of business, Lila. Confidentiality is very important ¨C including maintaining confidentiality of our investigative techniques and our investigators."

    "Sorry."

    Her Dad readjusted his glasses. "Don''t be. It is a fair question, albeit offensive."

    "Sorry, Dad."

    "You''re alright, kiddo. Still thinking about career paths?"

    "Yeah. Um, investigation sounds cool."

    Her Dad chuckled, which eased the tension building in her shoulders. Perhaps she could inch towards what she really wanted to know now.

    "So, uh, when you archive things," Lila said tentatively, looking back down at the remnants of her spaghetti, "does that include the stuff in your office?"

    He paused long enough for her to get nervous once more. "That''s an interesting question."

    She gave a short, anxious laugh. "You know me. Interesting questions all the time."

    She wasn''t sure whether that made it worse, but his narrowed eyes relaxed. "I told you a while ago that the files in my office are copies."

    "Yeah, but, like, what do you do with them when you''re done?"

    "Since they''re copies, I just leave them at home. What I bring back home is such a small part of the file for easy reference anyway so it doesn''t need to go back to the office."

    ''Then where''s Asher''s Dad''s file?'' Lila bit her lip, unsure what to ask to prompt him to tell her something that could hint at where it''d gone. With the way that his eyes were narrowing once more, she could tell that her time was running out before he''d start asking questions of her instead ¨C questions she didn''t want to answer.

    "Well, hang on," Daniel interjected, causing everyone to stare at him, "what happens when your home office gets full?"

    Lila''s Dad chuckled again and Lila had never felt so grateful for her brother''s intrusion into a conversation in her life.

    "I look through everything that was closed in chronological order from date of closure, double-check that I''ve got everything saved onto the electronic file and then shred enough to make space," her Dad replied simply, his probing eyes no longer on Lila.

    Shred them? There was a shredder in the home office, but Lila had never thought to check whether there were scraps of paper in there. Except¡­ if something had been shredded, she wouldn''t be able to jigsaw it back together. He''d recently upgraded his home shredder to a micro-cut version ¨C something which had been cool when he demonstrated it to them but was now incessantly frustrating. At the same time, though, perhaps she''d be able to get the gist from whatever remains were there which could provide her with the answer she needed.

    Aside from that, the Helen Wagner file had been closed far before Ivaan''s file. So why was that still there if he shredded his files in chronological order from the date of closure?

    Then, there was the fact that Lila and Asher had provided her Dad with hardcopy originals of what they''d found in the farmhouse. Surely he wouldn''t shred that. But if he didn''t take his home office files back to his PI office, then¡­ what happened?

    "What about when you receive original documents?" The question had escaped her lips before she could conduct a risk-benefit analysis of said question. His eyes darted to her Mum, who continued to watch on with mild curiosity. From her Mum''s reaction, it seemed that her Dad had kept his promise to not tell her Mum about Lila''s investigation into the morphine ring. If she took advantage of that possibility, then she might be able to squeeze a bit more out of him¡­

    Her Dad rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses, evidently resigning himself to answering her question. "I scan it at home and take the originals back with me to the main file. Kiddo, this is an awful lot of questions. Is there something in particular that you want to know?"

    "No, Dad," Lila responded swiftly. "Just curious, like I said. Especially since¡­ well, recent events-"

    "Alright," her Dad interjected with another quick glance at Lila''s Mum. "I understand."

    "Understand what, my dear?" Lila''s Mum asked, holding her cup with both hands, her eyes shrewd ¨C as though she knew something was amiss.

    "I''m gonna head on up for some more study," Lila announced, getting up from the table. "Thanks for letting me know, Dad. Being an investigator really sounds interesting."

    Something flashed in her Dad''s eyes ¨C was it excitement? Or acquiescence? "If you do well in your studies, I''ll consider having you be an intern at the PI office over the summer holidays."

    "Really?!" Lila''s exclamation was only a notch under a squeal as she leaned on the dining table towards her Dad. "You seriously mean it?"

    He laughed, all his scrutiny melting in an instant. "Of course ¨C if it''s something you''ll still be interested in by then."

    "I mean, I don''t see why it wouldn''t be," Lila grinned. "I''ve been in the PI office before, but ''intern'' implies I''ll actually be doing something for investigations, right?"

    "Sure does," her Dad smiled fondly. "I''ll figure out what I''ll have you working on since you''re still in school, but it sounds like good motivation for you to do well."

    "Yeah," Lila grinned again, stepping back from the table. "Thanks, Dad. Goodnight everyone."

    Her family chorused their goodbyes before Daniel said, "Can I do it too, Dad?"

    "Don''t you have a stupidly successful business?" Clare queried, prompting Lila to smirk as she departed.

    "Yeah, and? Being an investigator does sound cool-"

    The rest of whatever Daniel was saying was lost to Lila as she climbed the stairs, buzzing from her Dad''s suggestion. She hadn''t expected anything like that but, since he offered, her mind was running through all the potential scenarios she''d encounter whilst interning at his agency.

    What would a legitimate investigation even look like? She''d gotten far with uncovering certain truths, but she was incredibly aware of how amateurish it all was. If she had some experience doing real work, then would she be able to upskill enough that she could make headway on finding Asher''s Mum? Or perhaps if she interacted with her Dad''s team more, like colleagues in a sense, maybe she''d see how capable they were ¨C and if she saw how capable they were, she might be able to convince Asher that they could ask her Dad to find Tabitha.

    They hadn''t talked about his Mum''s disappearance for a while. Here and there, he''d mention something about her ¨C wholesome things, like how she''d enjoy a movie he was planning to watch with Lila or a book they were both reading ¨C which painfully reminded Lila how raw his hurt still was and how desperately he wanted to see her again.

    While it should''ve been their main focus, so many different mysteries had managed to pull her attention elsewhere ¨C enough so that the disappearance of Asher''s favourite person had fallen to the wayside. At the same time, she really didn''t have a clue about where to go next with it. The Police knew she was missing, which was good, Lila supposed ¨C except for the fact that it seemed like they were doing jack shit about it.

    ''Like how they''re doing jack shit about these murders.''

    That might not be fair. After all, she wasn''t privy to anything about that investigation. Even so, it really felt like nothing was being done about it. The murders had been so graphic, so horrifying, yet there were no new press releases. Not even a suspect profile had been released to the public. Not even anything to reassure the public that they were taking it all seriously.

    She flopped onto her bed with a sigh. She''d never had reason to question the effectiveness of the Police force before, but how could she not? Piper had only died in early July, and now Jason had died in mid-August. With how quickly it was all happening, she was pretty sure someone would be next within a few weeks.

    Lila had previously read about murderers and serial killer psychology after Clare had talked about her class on criminal psychology last year. Usually, a crime as vicious as Piper''s murder wouldn''t be a first. Of course, she hadn''t seen Piper''s body, nor did she want to, so there was no way to tell if there were hesitation marks or anything to indicate that it was a first.

    So, who was the first? Tabitha?

    Not that Lila had evidence to suggest that, but¡­ a cool down between December and July sounded reasonable. Hiding the body of their first crime also sounded reasonable. But how would they ever find a body that was hidden?

    Could it be in that park where Piper and Jason had been found? She hadn''t been to Flora Park before. That park could be hiding the clues that she needed ¨C either for Piper and Jason''s murders or for Asher''s Mum''s potential murder.

    She definitely wouldn''t go alone ¨C nor would she tell Asher she thought his Mum''s dead body was in that park. That was a recipe for disaster ¨C or a breakup. With that, her theory in that regard would need to be close to her chest. For all she knew, Tabitha could very well still be alive somewhere¡­ doing¡­ whatever. Since December. Without telling Asher.

    She clapped her face with her hands, resolve flooding through her. For now, she needed to focus on her schoolwork. There wasn''t any capacity for anything else with exams and deadlines looming over her.

    <hr>

    Lila and Asher saw each other bright and early the next morning as usual. Though he was as friendly and tender as he usually was, he was definitely far quieter than normal ¨C a fact she questioned on their walk to their English classroom.

    "Sorry," he murmured. "Just¡­ feeling the pressure."

    "You didn''t seem like this last term."

    He smiled at her, squeezing the hand that was intertwined with his. "Tried to seem cool in front of you and Daniel, you know."

    That''s right ¨C he had spent the lead-up to exams and such holed up in Daniel''s room, redoing the Banker''s books.

    "Besides," he continued, "I''m sure you''re picking up on it more now. I mean, it feels like I know you better since we started dating."

    She returned his smile, stepping closer to him. "I definitely feel that way."

    His smile faded as he added, "Term 3 is the one that counts the most for the award calculations, too."

    "So even more pressure."

    "Yeah. Plus, I¡­ I don''t know how I''d explain my grades slipping if-" he cut himself off and shook his head, his expression changing to one of determination, "-when I see Mum again."

    ''Couldn''t even beat the suggestion she''s dead out of me,'' Lila thought as she tightened her grip on his hand.

    "You will see her again," Lila said softly. "And you won''t have to explain that your grades slipped, because you''ll do well. I believe in you."

    She could virtually see his doubt dissipate.

    "That means more to me than you know," he said, lifting her hand and kissing it gently. "I''m trying not to let the stress get to me."

    "I see."

    She pursed her lips, contemplating whether or not to talk about her Dad''s investigation record-keeping techniques. She didn''t want to add more stress to Asher than necessary, not at this critical time.

    So, she sat quietly beside him throughout English, and even more so during Study right after. His rapid typing on his laptop was the only sound between them until morning tea began.

    "Sorry," Asher said as soon as the clock ticked over. "I don''t like ignoring you."

    "I wasn''t trying to be noticed," she replied, packing away her laptop. "No need to be sorry."

    "Sorry."

    "Asher."

    He grinned at her, taking her bag. "Sorry."

    "Now you''re just forcing it."

    "Sorry."

    "Asher!"

    He laughed, which she joined in with. After grabbing their morning tea, they meandered back towards the library and took their places in an empty meeting room.

    "So," Asher said pleasantly, unwrapping his mandarin, "did you talk to your Dad?"

    Lila kept in her sigh. So much for trying not to stress Asher out. "Yeah, I did."

    "Did he give you any answers?"

    Lila let her sigh out. "Not really. He might''ve shredded it to make room in his home office."

    "Was it particularly full?"

    Lila paused. "Not really. Especially not the last cabinet with the ''W'' files."

    "You haven''t checked the shredder?"

    "Not yet."

    Asher leaned back in his seat, his eyes narrowed in concentration. "He wouldn''t shred the things we gave him, right?"

    "He said he scans originals and then brings them back with him to the office."

    Asher tapped his chin before shrugging. "I reckon he''s shredded it then."

    "Even though he didn''t need the space?"

    "Well, he either took it with him to the office or shredded it. If it''s just a copy, then it''s unlikely he took it to the office, right? So he must''ve shredded it."

    This didn''t satisfy Lila in the slightest, but she begrudgingly agreed. "Must''ve."

    "The why is still mysterious, since he didn''t need the space, but I reckon he shredded it so that you wouldn''t read it."

    "Yeah." She pressed her lips together before sitting upright, leaning towards him with excitement. "Dad said that if I do well, I''ll get to be an intern at his PI office."

    "That''d be cool."

    "Right!"

    The rest of their morning tea was spent speculating what kind of work she''d do as an intern. They both predicted that social media checks would be on the list. Asher guessed that she''d work on a cheating file, and Lila guessed that she''d work on a workplace misconduct file since there tended to be enough evidence to show the conduct happened by the time a PI was hired. She didn''t bring up the idea that she could pass over his Mum''s disappearance to the PI firm, nor that the skills she might learn could be useful in looking into his Mum''s disappearance, though she definitely considered this in the background.

    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Eventually, they headed back to class and met up once more for lunch. Lila continued to carefully avoid conversations that might lead Asher to feel more stressed than he needed to, which seemed to be successful based on the amount of grinning and joking he did.

    Then, it was time for practice. Lila and Asher slowly made their way to Jacoval, hand-in-hand. At the rate they were going, they''d very nearly miss warm-ups but neither of them mentioned this fact.

    "See you after practice," Asher said as they stood in the hallway to the changing rooms.

    "See you," Lila smiled, accepting her school bags from him. He didn''t move, his reluctance to leave apparent in the way he pressed his lips together, but he eventually headed down the hallway.

    Alice and Willow were still in the changing room when Lila arrived, now eager for her last hockey practice for the year. After their horrible defeat at the hands of Cedar Grove Girls'' last weekend, she''d resigned herself entirely to the fact that there was no chance of progressing to the semi-finals and finals. This probably would''ve devastated Lila last year, but this year¡­ well, she had more important things to do on Saturdays that she''d love more time for ¨C specifically, hanging out with Asher.

    Willow glanced at Lila before looking back at Alice. "I''ll see you both on the oval, yeah?"

    "Yeah," Alice nodded, bending to readjust her shinpads.

    "See you soon," Lila also nodded, crossing over to a spare bit of bench and placing her bag down.

    She heard the door close as she started to change, humming along to a song Asher had suggested she listen to.

    "Thanks, Lila," Alice said quietly after a few moments. Lila turned to face her, having not realised she hadn''t left when the door closed. Alice still looked rather pale, her eyes tired and body slumped on the bench. Despite that, her smile was genuine.

    "You''re welcome," Lila replied with her own smile. "I hope I helped."

    "You really did," Alice said, sitting forwards now. "I''ve decided to keep it."

    Lila kept her reaction as neutral as possible. "Really?"

    "Yeah. I don''t think I''d be able to live with myself if I didn''t."

    "I see."

    Alice looked at Lila for a moment. "I''m really grateful for you telling me about where Jason''s Mum is. Well, was."

    "Was?"

    "Yeah. When I saw her on Saturday, she was going to be released that afternoon. I would''ve missed her if I had gone any later. Then I wouldn''t have met her."

    "How did meeting her go?"

    "Really well," Alice smiled once more. "She''s actually super nice. Like, to the point that I''m wondering whether Jason was actually her son."

    ''Well, that''s unexpected,'' Lila thought, zipping up her bag.

    "He was, of course. They look so similar," Alice added, her eyebrows furrowing with emotion for a moment. "A-Anyway, she, uh, said she''s willing to look after me as much as she can ¨C whether or not I keep the baby. She''d pay for an abortion if that''s what I wanted, but she''d prefer that I didn''t get one. She cried a couple times while we were talking and I realised I couldn''t take this baby from her. She''s devastated beyond belief about Jason."

    "I see," Lila replied gently. "Are you sure you want to raise the baby?"

    "Yeah. I''ve grown really attached and¡­ it''s exciting. I didn''t really know what I wanted to do once I graduated and was thinking of taking a gap year anyway. It''s also terrifying, but I think I''ll be fine. We''ll be fine."

    Though Lila didn''t know Alice too well, she could tell that Alice wasn''t lying.

    "You will be," Lila said encouragingly. "Especially with a mindset like that."

    "Evelyn did say she''d be happy to adopt the baby if I didn''t want it but, for some reason, my heart just hurt when she offered."

    Lila comfortingly patted Alice''s shoulder and Alice looked up at Lila. "She asked me if I had told my parents and I found myself telling her that I was kinda scared they''d kick me out¡­ she said I didn''t need to worry ''cause if they did, she''d let me stay with her. I wouldn''t need to worry about shelter, money or food. When I explained that Jason and I weren''t dating so she really didn''t owe me any of that kindness, she said it didn''t matter."

    "That''s¡­"

    "Amazing," Alice nodded, her eyes shimmering. "I don''t think I''ve met anyone nicer ¨C especially since it was the first time we met."

    Lila hoped that it wasn''t too good to be true.

    "She wants to get to know me, too. We''re going to go to the shops on Thursday night to look at some maternity things and have dinner."

    Lila blinked at Alice. "She''s allowed to do that?"

    Alice blinked back at Lila. "Yeah¡­ why wouldn''t she?"

    Lila wasn''t sure whether she''d said too much. "U-Uh, you mentioned that she''ll be getting out but isn''t there, like, restrictions?"

    "Oh, right," Alice laughed. "Yeah, she had no idea why she was detained. Said it was a big misunderstanding. That''s why she''s getting out."

    A¡­ misunderstanding? But all the evidence they''d had¡­

    "They thought she was involved with whatever Jason was involved in, but she swears up and down that she had no idea," Alice explained.

    "And you think she''s being honest about that?"

    "Yeah. She was really confused. It didn''t seem like they''d told her much about what was going on, and all she said was she didn''t know what happened. The Police brought her in for questioning again after Jason died, apparently. She thinks they were hoping she''d ''crack'', but she had nothing to give them. Which, between you and me, sounds absolutely cruel of them to do. She''s also really upset that her partner''s abandoned her, too ¨C so she said I''ve given her hope. Me and whoever this is." Alice lightly touched her stomach, her eyes swimming with unshed tears for the briefest second, before standing up.

    "All this to say, I really owe you, Lila," Alice said earnestly. "If I didn''t have Jason''s Mum''s support, I¡­ I wouldn''t have made a decision. Not yet, anyway. I might''ve ended up resenting everything since I would''ve just let it keep going without actually wanting to ''cause I''d be waiting for a decision that might not come. Now, though, I feel safe to go through with this."

    Lila smiled with relief. "I''m so glad that you feel that way. It''s a hard decision to make but to hear you feel safe to go through with it is amazing. I''m assuming you told Willow?"

    "Yeah. She''s really supportive, too. Excited to be an Aunt, even." Alice chuckled before adding, "She was just as surprised as I was that Jason''s Mum is so nice."

    "When are you going to tell your parents?"

    Alice sighed. "When the baby''s born?"

    Lila wasn''t sure whether to laugh or be concerned, though Alice continued on.

    "Honestly, if it were up to me, never. But it''s not just about me anymore. They deserve to know just as much as Jason''s parents and¡­ with Evelyn''s support, it should be fine. I think I might need to get to know Evelyn a bit more first, though. As much as I want to believe the things she''s saying to me, I was talking to her when she was detained. It''s easy to make promises like that in that scenario."

    So it seemed Alice did consider that it might be too good to be true.

    "Do you have a backup plan in case she''s all talk and your parents aren''t supportive?"

    Alice leaned back, touching the wall behind her with her head. "Backup plan is to try and work until I can''t anymore or sell my car to try and rent somewhere for a little bit. Maybe apply for Centrelink or whatever. Maybe I could stay with Willow''s family, but I don''t necessarily want to burden them. They''ve been good to me for as long as I can remember. Ten years or something."

    Lila nodded, glad that Alice did have a backup plan, loose though it was at this point. Hopefully, she wouldn''t need to actually use it. "Did you get a hold of Jason''s Dad?"

    "No, but his Mum said she''d talk to him. She didn''t think I needed to meet him just yet if I made my decision anyway. She said¡­ he''s not the friendliest person, nor is he particularly generous. I reckon that''s where Jason got his personality from but I didn''t say that to her."

    Lila hadn''t necessarily gotten that impression from the Police interview with Jason, except there was what he''d said ¨C ''I haven''t forgotten why you and Mum got divorced'' ¨C in relation to how much money he had been making from the morphine ring. Was that a character reference?

    Knock, knock.

    "Guys, Ms Wright asked me to grab you," Willow''s voice floated through the changing room door. "Sorry."

    "All good," Alice called, glancing at Lila. "I said all I wanted to say."

    "Thanks for telling me," Lila said as they grabbed their hockey sticks. "I''d love to know how you go with everything. If I can help with anything else, please let me know. I''ll buy you hundreds of nappies."

    Alice laughed heartily, looping her arm around Lila''s. "While I won''t say no to hundreds of nappies, you''ve really done enough."

    "You''ll give me updates, right?"

    "Of course. Let''s get practising before Ms Wright or Charlotte murder us."

    Willow was still standing outside the door and the trio walked towards the oval, talking about their predictions for their last match of the season. Lila kept her eye on Alice throughout practice, pleased that she really looked happy ¨C like her stress had entirely evaporated. Every so often, Alice would need to catch her breath ¨C a fact that Willow and Lila picked up on and allowed for her.

    Most of the other girls took a rather lazy approach to training this afternoon, a fact that Ms Wright didn''t admonish them for. Charlotte, on the other hand, was desperately trying to rile everyone up for their training session, insisting that they needed to keep in shape for the semi-finals and finals. No one wanted to rain on her parade, though Ms Wright did give Charlotte a pitying look every time she mentioned it.

    ''At least we''ve got next year, Charlotte,'' Lila thought as she passed the ball to Willow, who proceeded to go through a cone drill.

    Due to the casual nature of today''s practice, Lila would sneak glances at the soccer boys. The fervour with which they practised today convinced Lila that they would be going ahead to not only the semi-finals but the finals, too. Even Theo, who usually was rather lackadaisical in practice, was working incredibly hard.

    Asher was inside the goal closest to the changing rooms and tossing a soccer ball to Isaac, who would kick it as hard as possible back to him. The ball was almost invisible from Lila''s standpoint, the sound it made when connecting to Asher''s hands sounding painful if he wasn''t wearing gloves.

    "I''m glad you''ve found someone who makes you look like that," Alice chuckled as she passed the ball to Lila, who let it tap her shinpads. "I kinda wish I had that."

    Lila looked down at the ball before shooting it towards Willow with a clack.

    "You''ll have that one day," Lila grinned. "Just might not be romantic."

    Alice looked confused for a moment before grinning back. "You''re right. I will."

    Practice slowly drew to a close, with Ms Wright''s pep talk being carefully worded to avoid the ire of Charlotte, yet was still focused more on having fun rather than winning.

    "See you girls on Saturday," Ms Wright finished with a smile. "Bright and early at Cedar Grove Girls''."

    "Bye, ma''am!" chorused Lila''s teammates as they immediately scattered to the changing room.

    Lila glanced over at the soccer boys, who were still practising with incredible determination, before making her own way to the changing room alongside Alice and Willow.

    "Get some rest, alright?" Lila said to Alice as they reemerged into the hallway outside the changing room, bags slung over their shoulders.

    "Will do," Alice replied softly. "Gotta take care of myself."

    "That you do," Willow interjected.

    Lila waved them goodbye as they slowly wandered off to the carpark. She readjusted her bag, listening as the sound of raucous, boisterous laughter floated towards her.

    She flattened herself against the wall of the hallway, wrinkling her nose to protect against the scent of the soccer boys, none of whom looked to have noticed her as they shoved each other and guffawed.

    Well, none except Asher.

    "Hey," Asher beamed, his scent being one that she enjoyed rather than loathed. He wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand before gently touching her cheek. "I''ll grab my stuff and we can head up to the carpark?"

    "Yeah," Lila replied, holding his hand against her face for a second more.

    "Alright, lover boy," Isaac chastised, pushing Asher forwards with his knee and a grin. "C''mon."

    Lila leaned against the wall again as she waited for Asher to return. Most of the boys had filed through into the changing room now, so Lila took the time to revel in the silence.

    "Hey, Lila," Theo''s voice called her attention. She turned her head to watch his approach from the oval, his hair a sweaty mess. She straightened up, carefully surveying his demeanour. He¡­ seemed like he always did.

    "Hey, Theo."

    He nodded, passing her without another word.

    "W-Wait, Theo," Lila said, turning to him again. He stepped backwards until he faced her.

    "Yeah?"

    "U-Uh¡­ how are you?"

    "Me?" His eyes flashed with uncertainty, glancing at the boys'' changing rooms. "Anxious your boyfriend''s going to deck me."

    "Sorry. You don''t have to talk to me."

    "That was a joke." He sighed before crossing his arms. "A shit one."

    Lila didn''t say anything. He looked at her for a moment.

    "¡­ I can''t believe he''s dead," Theo murmured. "This stupid drug ring¡­ it killed him."

    "You reckon?"

    Theo gave her a dark look. "I''ve never been more certain of anything in my life."

    "Even though he was killed like Piper?"

    "Who?"

    "Um, that girl who was found murdered in the same way last month?"

    Theo blinked before realisation made him nod. "Yeah. Even then. Best way to disguise why someone was murdered is to murder them like someone else did it."

    Lila hadn''t considered that before. The similarities had seemed too close for a copycat¡­ but maybe it was?

    "And my money is that Livi did it," Theo said through gritted teeth. "She always hated him."

    "Livi? Wasn''t she detained?"

    "Everyone else except Jason was released the next morning. They''ve been¡­ pretty pissed at me for not going down with them, so I''ve been getting texts from them."

    "I see." Lila considered this for a moment before shaking her head. "I don''t think Livi would personally do that, though."

    "She wouldn''t, but everyone knows she''s more than happy to use her body to get what she wants."

    "Even murder?"

    Theo shrugged. "Wouldn''t put it past her."

    Lila pursed her lips. "You sound a bit biased."

    Theo placed his hands on his hips, a flurry of emotions flitting across his face. "She was always a bitch, so maybe I am biased. Or maybe¡­ I feel guilty for not trying harder to get them to stop. Besides the fact that he''s dead, they all got expelled just before they could graduate. Everyone except me. And Vi, I guess."

    "But you weren''t involved."

    "I also didn''t report it and get it shut down before it got too big."

    Lila had never thought that Theo would hold himself accountable like this ¨C not that she knew him particularly well.

    "I¡­ don''t think you should hold onto this regret," she said softly, looking past his shoulder. "It''s not like you murdered him."

    "I may as well have by keeping my mouth shut and nose clean. I¡­ I just thought it was entertaining. I watched them go through with it, take your brother''s money, and infect other schools ''cause it was interesting to me. I wanted to see where it''d go from the sidelines. That passivity-"

    "Sure, maybe you were passive," Lila interjected, "but they were expelled because of their actions, not your inaction. They could''ve stopped themselves, too."

    Theo kicked at the ground in frustration before sighing again. "You''re right, but¡­ I can''t stop myself from feeling like this."

    Lila held her tongue just in time ¨C she''d only been a couple of seconds away from telling him that she''d reported the ring. It made her feel just as guilty as Theo was confessing, but she''d surely make him feel worse by admitting that it was his loose lips that started her and Asher''s investigation.

    "I¡­ can imagine that it''s really hard on you, but it''s not your fault. I''m sure you''ll see that one day."

    "Can''t wait," Theo replied bitterly. Then, he smiled at Lila, though it didn''t look very genuine. "Thanks for listening. Said more than I wanted. Sorry."

    "You''re good," Lila smiled in return. "I have that effect on people apparently."

    "Maybe you should be a psychologist. Or a police officer."

    The door to the boys'' changing room opened once more, prompting both Lila and Theo to look that way.

    "That''s my cue to run away," Theo said swiftly. "That anxiety wasn''t as much of a joke as I thought. See ya."

    "Bye."

    Lila watched as he practically sprinted down the hall and past an unimpressed Asher. Theo bumped into Isaac in his haste, the door swinging shut behind him.

    Asher snorted before strolling towards Lila and picking up her bag, Isaac trailing behind him.

    "You know, I''d normally feel jealous, but I think he shat himself when he saw me," Asher smirked.

    "You don''t have to feel jealous," Lila insisted, taking his arm in hers. "Asher, I only have eyes for you."

    His face burst into a brilliant red shade, his smile bright. "Well, how can I go against that?"

    "You two are so corny," Isaac laughed, slapping them apart.

    "Why are you still even here?" Lila frowned.

    "''Cause I can''t teleport home, Lila," Isaac replied as though it was obvious. "Damn."

    Lila rolled her eyes at him and he snorted in response.

    The three of them headed up to the carpark, with Lila and Asher hanging slightly behind Isaac. They bid their goodbyes to him, watching him head into his Mum''s car, before Asher turned to Lila.

    "I only have eyes for you, too," Asher murmured, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

    The butterflies in her stomach began to flutter. "I''m glad."

    He lifted her chin, his magnetic gaze halting her breath. He leaned in, pausing a mere centimetre from her lips. She waited for his lips to be against hers, but as the seconds passed, it seemed like he wasn''t going to.

    "Asher," she whispered, gripping his shirt. "Don''t tease me."

    "Sorry," he whispered back, his grin lightening his playful tone. "I just¡­ wanted to see what you''d say."

    She frowned and then pressed her lips to his. He laughed before deepening the kiss and pulling her closer by her waist. To her surprise, he continued to maintain the kiss, sending trickles of electricity over her skin. If only they weren''t in a carpark at school.

    He broke away with a dazzling smile, though it dropped slightly. "It''s time for me to go."

    "What about my other two kisses?"

    His smile picked up again. "Coming right up."

    As promised, they shared two more kisses, though they were much quicker than the first. Once he stepped back, she intertwined her fingers with his.

    "I''ll see you tomorrow," she said softly. He squeezed her hands.

    "See you then."

    With that, he returned her bag to her and begrudgingly walked towards Marlene''s awaiting car. Lila watched him go before turning to Clare''s car. Clare immediately waggled her eyebrows at Lila, which didn''t cease until Lila sat in the front and clipped her seatbelt in.

    "Welcome, welcome," Clare smirked. "I thought I''d have to get out and stop you guys before your coaches gave you detention."

    "Oh, shut up," Lila huffed, feeling her cheeks flush with embarrassment.

    Clare did so, her smirk still on her face. As they began to leave campus though, her smirk fell. Clare tapped her fingers against the steering wheel, a scowl forming. The tapping continued, which started to grate on Lila.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked, turning to face Clare. Clare glanced at her, her scowl relaxing but finger tapping increasing in speed. Lila would''ve preferred the opposite to occur, but she didn''t say anything, instead waiting for Clare to explain herself.

    "It''s¡­ that new chick, Melody."

    "Oh? What''s wrong?"

    "Don''t you reckon it''s a bit soon for her to, like, start adding the bar staff on Facebook?"

    Lila blinked at her sister, perplexed by the question. "What do you mean?"

    Clare tensed her shoulders as she clenched her hands around the steering wheel. "When I went over to Alex''s on Saturday, I saw she added him on Facebook."

    "Yeah? Is¡­ she not supposed to?"

    Clare exhaled deeply. "The dancers at Coolisimo hardly interact with the bar staff. The roles are pretty separate, especially since it''s not encouraged for the dancers to drink before or on shift. The only reason I got close with Alex, really, is because I also take on bartending shifts."

    "And none of the other dancers do?"

    "Just Cherry. Sorry, Bridget. Cherry''s her stage name."

    "Right. Why do you do bartending shifts?"

    "I was curious about it. It looked interesting, so I asked Gabriel if I could. He needed to hire a casual bartender anyway since Alex was back to studying botany, so he paid for an RSA for me and away I went."

    "RSA?"

    "Responsible Service of Alcohol. A certificate that says I can responsibly serve alcohol to patrons. They teach you things about cutting people off, checking IDs, and all that to get certified."

    "Oh. You''re far more trained in a lot more things than I thought you''d be."

    "What''s that supposed to mean?"

    "Just that you''re so busy, but you never seem run down. Do you do drugs?"

    Clare gave Lila a reproachful look. "Are you purposefully being a dumbass?"

    "It''s an honest question!"

    "So it''s not on purpose. You''re just a dumbass."

    "Hey!"

    Clare smirked at Lila. "No, I don''t do drugs. I just have the time management skills of a god."

    Lila''s eyebrow twitched. "Uh-"

    "Got my ass into gear with time management in school. I did Cheer, remember? That''s a time commitment and a half. Got my license as soon as I could so that Mum and Dad didn''t have to cart me around all the time. There''s comps, practice, exams, camps-"

    "Yeah, yeah, I remember."

    "And I managed to get a good ATAR score."

    "Alright, geez. I get it. Right, so, she shouldn''t know Alex is what you''re saying?"

    "Yeah. I guess." Clare sighed. "I just¡­ well, everyone at the club knows about us now."

    "Could she think you''re friends with her?"

    "I don''t think so. We hardly talked, like I said."

    "I don''t think you need to worry, sis. Did Alex say anything about it? Like, does he think it''s weird?"

    "No¡­ but he did say that she was flirty at the bar the other day after her shift. But she was flirty with him and Eric, so maybe that''s just who she is?"

    "He thought she was flirty and still added her?"

    Clare pursed her lips. "That''s what I said. He just thinks she was trying to be friendly since she''s new. He told her that we''re dating when she kept flirting after he shut her down, then got home and saw the friend request."

    "Maybe she''ll get the picture soon."

    Clare frowned. "Maybe."

    "I don''t think you should be insecure about it," Lila said reassuringly. "You and Alex love each other. She wouldn''t get in the middle of that even if she tried. Besides, he''s with you of all people. You''re great. Even with a fringe."

    Clare lightly smacked Lila''s shoulder before they both laughed.

    "You''re right," Clare said, "I''m just being silly. It''s just being friends on Facebook. It doesn''t mean anything."

    "Exactly."

    Clare relaxed her hands on the steering wheel, which Lila took as a sign that she also relaxed about the topic.

    ''I didn''t think that Clare would get insecure over something like this,'' Lila thought as she turned her gaze to the window, watching the scenery flash by. ''Guess love can do this to even my sister.''

    Privately, though, Lila was quite glad that Asher still didn''t have Holly on Facebook. Of course, Holly had blocked them now, but even before then. Perhaps she would''ve felt just as insecure.

    "Did you talk to that girl again?" Clare asked after a few minutes of silent driving. "The pregnant one."

    Lila nodded. "I did. She''s decided to keep the baby after talking to Jason''s Mum."

    "I see. Does your friend seem happy about it? She''s not being forced to, right?"

    "I reckon she''s happy. She said it was exciting, actually. She was thinking of taking a gap year anyway."

    "That''s good, then. It''ll probably be a few gap years but she''ll work it out. From what you told me, she seems to think things through."

    "Yeah, though she doesn''t trust her decision-making skills since she ended up in this situation."

    "Eh, things happen," Clare said with a wave of her hand. "I''d say it''s this part now that''s more important."

    "I think so too."

    "She''ll learn to trust herself more when the baby comes, I''m sure."

    "Yeah."

    "Is his Mum supportive at least?"

    "Definitely. She''d even take her in if her parents kicked her out."

    "Damn."

    "Yeah, it''s pretty incredible. She told his Mum that she wasn''t dating Jason and his Mum said it didn''t matter, she''d still look after her ¨C even if she didn''t keep the baby. Of course, she''d prefer my friend to keep the baby."

    "Of course."

    "Thanks for your advice, Clare. She really appreciated it and she even said that she might not have made a decision if she hadn''t talked to Jason''s Mum and then might''ve resented the baby in the end. I don''t think she''s going to resent it now."

    "That''s what I''m here for. Big sisters are advice givers, you know."

    "I know."

    Clare eyed Lila as she slowly crawled the car up their driveway. "Not that little sisters can''t be advice givers. You''re decently okay at it."

    "Thanks, I guess."

    Clare snorted as she pulled up the handbrake. Lila flashed her a grin before scrambling out of the car and grabbing her things.

    Lila spent the rest of her night studying, her thoughts drifting here and there to what Alice had said. She really was glad that Alice seemed content with her decision, though Lila couldn''t help but wonder about what Evelyn had told Alice. Did she really not know a thing? Alice was convinced, but¡­ could she be pushing aside red flags because Evelyn''s offer was so tempting?

    ''I''ll have to tell Asher tomorrow,'' Lila thought as she pulled the covers over herself and plugged her phone in. ''He might have an idea¡­''

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Eight

    Asher greeted her with a warm, comforting smile beside her locker. She gently caressed his face as her own greeting, delighting at the pinkness appearing beneath her fingertips.

    "Good morning," she grinned, opening her locker and stuffing her bookbag with her Modern History and Biology materials.

    "G-Good morning," he replied, coughing slightly. "You seem chipper."

    "Of course," she said, her voice lilting with genuine joy. "I''ll always be chipper when I get to see you."

    He smiled again, caressing her face this time. "I hope that never changes."

    "It won''t," she replied confidently. "You''re my best friend, you know."

    "I know. And you''re mine."

    His eyes flickered to her lips and she smiled, her heart skipping a beat in anticipation of a kiss. She didn''t have to wait long, though it was brief. She pouted as he drew away and he chuckled.

    "Sorry. Isaac''s on campus and he''d definitely ruin the mood if he saw us."

    "What a killjoy."

    "I know, but I think he''s just frustrated he''s not kissing Elise."

    "Still."

    They headed out of the locker room, hands joined, and bumped right into Isaac.

    "Well, speak of the devil," Lila grumbled.

    Isaac beamed at her. "And he shall appear. What''re you talking about me for?"

    "Glad to know you assumed we were talking about you," Lila remarked.

    "And were you?"

    "Yes."

    Isaac looked particularly proud of himself with that fact. "And you made it sound like I was wrong," he admonished her. "Anyway, what''s up?"

    "Just talking about the fact that you''re a pest," Lila sighed. "A killjoy, even."

    "Well that''s offensive."

    "If you find it offensive, how about you just don''t be?" Lila retorted. She could see Asher suppressing a laugh from the corner of her eye as she said this.

    "I have no idea what you''re talking about," Isaac replied loftily. "I''m enhancing your joy by getting you two out of trouble."

    "I think you''re being excessive," Lila huffed.

    "All I can say is you should leave space for Jesus. We do go to a Christian school, you know. He''s here all around us, or whatever they say. He''s in the air or something."

    "Well that''s offensive," Lila frowned.

    "Look, as entertaining as it is to watch you two bicker," Asher said with a smirk, "I think it''s time for us to get to class."

    Isaac nodded before gasping dramatically and pointing at their still-joined hands. "Trying to flee the scene of your crime, I see!"

    "You really should''ve taken Drama as an elective," Asher sighed, though he didn''t let go of Lila''s hand.

    "Why, you reckon I''d be good at it?" Isaac grinned, pulling his hair back from his face.

    "On second thought, definitely not. Perhaps a clown school would suit you better," Asher deadpanned.

    "Oi!"

    "Why do you all look like you''re seconds away from a punch-up?" Elise''s voice caused all three of them to look at her.

    "He''s being a nuisance," Lila said, pointing at Isaac.

    Elise glanced at Isaac. "Isn''t he always?"

    "Hey!" Isaac pouted. "That''s unfair."

    A small smile flashed across Elise''s face as she turned away from him. "I think that''s pretty fair. Anyway, shouldn''t we get to Modern History, Lila?"

    "Yeah," Lila said, looking back at Isaac. He had a small smile on his face too, which disappeared as soon as he noticed Lila looking at him.

    "See you later, guys," Isaac said, promptly walking away from them, his hand raised in a half-wave. They watched him go for a moment then finally headed off to Modern History.

    "Elise," Lila said after exchanging a brief look with Asher, "not to say you shouldn''t, but¡­ aren''t you giving Isaac mixed signals if you say things like that about him?"

    "Huh?" Elise blinked at Lila. "What do you mean?"

    "Well, don''t you want him to know you like him? If you say he''s a nuisance, he might think you don''t want him around."

    Elise exhaled heavily. "What''s the point?"

    "Elise-"

    "I''m fine with how things are. That includes teasing him," Elise replied firmly.

    Lila glanced at Asher who shrugged. "He didn''t seem offended to me," he said.

    She pursed her lips, carefully surveying Elise, who tightly clasped her hands together and avoided Lila''s eyes.

    "A-Anyway, you were saying that he was being a nuisance?" Elise said awkwardly, readjusting her bag and looking at the path before them.

    Lila reluctantly moved on. "Yeah. Since Asher and I started dating, he''s been really intense about us being close. You''ve seen him a couple times, but it seems like he''s ramping up for whatever reason. It''s a big vibe-killer."

    "Why, are you guys going to get up to something on campus?" Elise asked suggestively.

    "N-No," Lila spluttered, her face growing red in an instant. "B-But he''s still a vibe-killer."

    "Uh huh," Elise smirked. "Sure, Jan."

    Lila didn''t want to see Asher''s reaction, the embarrassment at Elise suggesting such a thing taking hold.

    "I-I just don''t want to be interrupted," Lila stammered.

    "Lila, you''re digging yourself a hole," Elise laughed. "It definitely sounds like you guys are going to get up to something! Isaac should keep following you around, I reckon."

    Lila put her face in her hands. "I don''t think I should have lunch with you if you keep running off with the wrong idea."

    Elise laughed again. "Well, it''s not like Smarty McSmartPants over there is denying it either."

    "I''m going to assume you mean me," Asher replied.

    "Yes, Smarty."

    Asher sighed heavily and Lila lowered her hands to find his face was beet-red. He met her gaze and instantly looked away. Elise chortled in response.

    "You guys are so awkward," she said through ragged breaths, wiping her eyes. "It''s like you don''t want to admit that you guys want each other physically or something. I mean, you two are dating. If you didn''t want each other physically, I''d be concerned."

    "Looks like this is where I leave you," Asher suddenly interjected. The Modern History classroom was a few metres ahead and the trio stopped walking as Asher passed Lila''s bag back to her.

    "See you later," he said, averting his eyes from Lila.

    "See you," she replied, though she wasn''t sure he heard her with how fast he speed-walked away.

    Elise began giggling and Lila glared at her.

    "Stop it," Lila snapped.

    "Sorry," Elise grinned, raising her hands in surrender. "It''s been a while since we talked about it, but I''m getting the idea that you still haven''t done anything more."

    "You have to talk about that here?" Lila whispered desperately, gesturing to their classmates who were filing into the classroom.

    "Sorry," Elise said sheepishly. "C''mon, let''s get in."

    They trailed behind the rest of their classmates to find Grace already seated at their usual table.

    "Good morning," Grace smiled as Lila and Elise sat down.

    "Morning," Lila replied quietly.

    "Hey," Elise said, glancing at Lila with a touch of apprehension.

    "You guys okay?" Grace asked.

    "Yeah. I was just teasing Lila," Elise replied matter-of-factly, pulling out her laptop.

    "Well, as long as you know that much," Lila frowned. Then, she placed her head in her hands.

    "How hard were you teasing her?" Grace asked, gently touching Lila''s shoulder.

    "I didn''t think it was that bad," Elise said frankly. "Sorry, Lila."

    "No, no, it''s¡­ it''s more just Asher''s reaction," Lila sighed. "It felt like¡­ he didn''t actually feel like how you were saying he''d be feeling."

    "Lila, I think you''re reading too much into it," Elise said softly. "I think he''s just awkward since your relationship is still new or ''cause I was talking about it."

    Lila slid down in her chair, now placing her head on her desk. "I don''t want him to feel awkward."

    "I''m sure it''ll change with time," Grace said confidently.

    "Yeah," Elise agreed. "And probably when you guys start doing more stuff."

    Lila pressed her head into her desk, as though she could become one with it by doing so. "But¡­ we kinda did."

    "Kinda?" Elise asked, her tone both incredibly curious and totally surprised.

    Lila didn''t want to get into it. She could hardly talk about it with Asher, and while she''d love to celebrate the win with her friends who supported her through her strife regarding intimacy thus far, she felt like she''d crumble into dust if she tried.

    Lila was rescued from her friends'' probing looks by Mrs Popovic demanding their attention for the next phase of their studies in preparation for their exam.

    Elise and Grace looked as though they weren''t giving up by the time class was over.

    "Lila, you''re going to need to explain," Elise said promptly as soon as Mrs Popovic released them. "I think I''ve got about fifty theories as to what ''kinda'' means."

    "Sorry, gotta run," Lila replied hurriedly, gesturing at Asher in the distance. "Can''t keep him waiting."

    Elise looked ready to protest but kept quiet after Grace placed a hand on her arm with a small shake of her head.

    Lila rushed to Asher''s side and began pulling him towards her Bio lab. He allowed her to do so for a few paces before he slowed them down with a bemused smile.

    "Everything okay?"

    "Yup."

    "Somehow, I''m not getting that impression."

    Her eyes flickered to his before she looked down at where her arm was wrapped around him. If she asked and his answer wasn''t what she wanted to hear, what would she do? He''d said it in the past, that he wanted to do more, but his actions¡­

    "Is it about what Elise said?"

    Lila cringed. He sighed, sliding his arm out of her grasp and instead taking her hand and squeezing it.

    "Sorry for leaving like that and sorry for not saying anything, either."

    Lila shook her head. "That''s-"

    "I had to leave before I got myself into trouble," he said softly, squeezing her hand again before intertwining their fingers.

    Lila gave him a sharp look. "What does that mean?"

    "It means¡­ I didn''t want to admit to Elise that she''s right."

    Lila''s breath hitched in her throat. "About what?"

    He steadily met her gaze. "That I want you physically, wherever we are. That includes on campus."

    "R-Really?" Lila wasn''t quite sure whether she was capable of breathing anymore.

    "Yup," he replied, now looking away from her, his face beet-red once more. "It''s a bit of a problem."

    "Why would it be a problem?"

    He paused. "¡­ As much as I tell Isaac that I don''t care about getting detention, it does kinda freak me out."

    "Really?"

    "Not enough for me to not want to push my luck," he clarified, placing his free hand in his blazer pocket. "I''ve just never had detention before. Plus, it''d mean you''d get detention, too. Not sure if I''m up for doing that to you."

    Lila lightly touched where her necklace sat on her chest, her heart beating so hard that she felt the pulse in her fingertips. "I wouldn''t mind getting detention with you."

    He stopped walking entirely, staring at her for a second, before chuckling.

    "Well, if you say something like that, then we may as well push our luck together," he said, stepping closer. His eyes shone with an intense energy ¨C one that displayed his intention to draw her forwards into a kiss. There was something different about him recently; something that she couldn''t quite put her finger on, aside from how serious he was about studying. Whatever it was, it was stirring her heartbeat into overdrive.

    "I wouldn''t if I were you," a voice said firmly. Lila blinked, half-expecting it to be coming from Isaac. Instead, it was Lucas, who had approached them with a grinning Cecelia in tow.

    "Sorry?" Asher asked, taking a step back.

    "You''re standing a bit too close to Mr Morrison''s domain," Lucas replied, as though it explained everything.

    Lila wasn''t quite in the mood for riddles. "What?"

    "Mr Morrison was the one who gave us detention," Cecelia explained, looping her arm with Lila''s and jerking her away from Asher. "He''s been really grizzly about displays of affection."

    "Has he?" Lila asked, her tone surprised.

    "Entirely. If he looks at me too long, I feel myself inching closer to death," Lucas lamented. "Detention sucked ass. No kissing. At least, not right in the open."

    "Did Isaac put you up to this?" Asher questioned suspiciously.

    "Isaac?" Lucas looked confused before he shook his head. "Nah, mate. But I talked his ear off about it, so he''s probably just concerned."

    "Right," Asher frowned.

    "We''ll take Lila to class," Cecelia giggled, tightening her hold on Lila''s arm. "Don''t worry."

    Asher glanced at Lila before passing her bag over with an air of defeat. "See you at morning tea, Lila."

    "See you," she replied, her attempt at reaching him blocked by Cecelia.

    They watched Asher go before Cecelia giggled again. "You''re turning him into a troublemaker, aren''t you?"

    Lila felt blood rushing to her face in response. "Huh?"

    "I never would''ve imagined him to be playing with fire like this," Cecelia replied simply. Lucas murmured his agreement.

    "I-It''s not like I''m doing anything for that to happen," Lila said abashedly.

    "You''re not?" Cecelia raised an eyebrow, letting go of Lila so she could enter the Bio lab.

    "I''m not," Lila replied, this time with more confidence.

    "If you say so," Cecelia said, her tone mysterious. "That''s not what I''m seeing, though."

    "What do you mean?"

    Cecelia shrugged. "Dunno."

    "Cecelia-"

    "Are you just going to block the doorway forever or are we allowed to get in, too?" one of Lila''s classmates grumbled from behind Lila, Cecelia and Lucas. They scrambled to their table without another word.

    Mr Johnson sailed in shortly after, apparently none the wiser to the hold up at the door, and furiously scrubbed the whiteboard.

    As the lesson continued on, Lila''s frustration climbed. What was she apparently doing to cause Asher to be a ''troublemaker'', according to Cecelia? Whatever it was, she should probably stop, right? He''d just said that the idea of getting detention did kinda freak him out.

    "If you''re going to keep frowning like that, I''ll tell you," Cecelia whispered, her mischievous smirk making Lila incredibly uncomfortable.

    "No-"

    "I can tell you want to know," Cecelia continued, raising both eyebrows in a way that left no room for Lila to disagree.

    "Yeah. I can''t figure it out."

    Cecelia leaned forward, her mischief only increasing. "You guys have done it, haven''t you?"

    "We actually haven''t," Lila murmured, looking down at her keyboard.

    "Oh. Well, that throws my theory out the window," Cecelia said flatly.

    "What was your theory?" Lila asked, her confusion even more apparent in her tone.

    "Just that he was addicted to it," Cecelia replied with another shrug. "Once they get hooked, it''s a mission to keep their hands to themselves."

    "Cee, you do realise I''m sitting right here?" Lucas interjected, readjusting his glasses as though it would disguise how embarrassed he looked.

    "Am I wrong?"

    "¡­ Like I want to admit something like that-"

    "You''re all awfully chatty," Mr Johnson''s terse voice cut all three of them to size, instantly shutting them up and reddening their faces. "Care to include the rest of the class?"

    "No, sir," Lucas said instantly, placing his face in his hands. "Sorry."

    "Then concentrate on your studies, please. I don''t care to listen to whatever your hands are doing."

    Mr Johnson turned on his heel, marching towards a student who had their hand raised. Lucas'' mouth flapped open in response as he gripped his hair. His whispered "Please kill me." had a squeaky quality to it that made Lila smirk.

    They listened to Mr Johnson''s instruction to concentrate for perhaps half of their remaining class time before Cecelia looked up at Lila, her mischief reappearing. The noise level in the lab was steadily increasing, though Mr Johnson didn''t appear to mind at the minute, his attention drawn instead to leafing through papers.

    "Anyway," Cecelia murmured, pushing aside her laptop and leaning closer to Lila, "if you guys aren''t doing more, then his troublemaker tendencies must be emerging ''cause he''d do anything you asked him to."

    "I wish," Lila sighed. "I think you''ll need a new theory."

    "Mine''s just that he''s fully in love with you," Lucas remarked. "It''s making him throw caution to the wind."

    Lila''s surprise took the form of a coughing fit. She grasped her water bottle and chugged several large gulps to remedy this, her watery eyes taking in Cecelia and Lucas'' concerned expressions.

    "Gee, Lila, you okay?" Cecelia asked, her eyebrows furrowing even further.

    "Y-Yeah," Lila stuttered, wiping her mouth with her blazer sleeve. "Just took me by surprise. In love? That¡­ sounds impossible."

    "I don''t see why it would be," Lucas said seriously. "Hasn''t he liked you for ages? Besides, love can make people crazy. Crazy enough for even the Dux to start breaking the rules."

    "What, you''re crazy then?" Cecelia asked, turning to him.

    "Batshit," Lucas replied.

    "¡­ I guess that''s true."

    Lila snorted at the look of offence on Lucas'' face.

    "I''d thought you''d resist a little," Lucas said, his tone slightly dejected.

    "Well, I''m crazy too," Cecelia grinned.

    "Sickening, the both of you," Lila smirked.

    "Says you," Cecelia replied, pointing dramatically at Lila. "The way you look at him makes me want to throw up from cuteness. Have you told him you love him yet?"

    Lila shook her head.

    "Why?"

    "Cee, you''re being intrusive," Lucas reprimanded.

    "It''s alright, isn''t it, Lila?" Cecelia asked, her eyes wide and imploring.

    Lila looked down at her keyboard, contemplating whether she should talk about it with Cecelia and Lucas. She glanced over at Mr Johnson, who seemed even more engrossed in his paper-leafing than he had moments ago when she last laid eyes on him.

    "The¡­ short explanation is that I don''t want to pressure him," Lila said softly.

    "Pressure him? For what?" Cecelia queried.

    "Going further."

    "Ah. So he''s stopping it?"

    Lila nodded.

    "I''m surprised. I would''ve thought that it was you stopping it," Cecelia murmured, tapping her chin. "I mean, it''s a big deal for girls."Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

    "And it''s not for guys?" Lucas asked.

    "Well, it is, but bigger for girls," Cecelia insisted with a wave of her hand. "You wouldn''t get it."

    "I definitely won''t when you won''t explain," Lucas frowned.

    "I''ll tell you later," Cecelia said dismissively. "That''s not important now. Anyway, so, he''s stopping it even though he looks at you like you''re the only person on this planet. And you''re worried that telling him you love him would pressure him to go further?"

    "Yeah. He¡­ well, he knows I want to do more, but if I tell him I love him, I think he''d give in before he''s ready. At least, that''s what I''m scared of. I want him to be ready ''cause of him, not ''cause I made him feel guilty for holding back or whatever."

    "Ah," Cecelia nodded sagely. "That sounds fair enough. If it were me, I''d think the same. It didn''t come to that, obviously, but I see where you''re coming from."

    "At least I''m not totally off base with that," Lila replied. Cecelia''s agreement made her feel better about her decision to keep a lid on it, at least.

    Lucas nodded. "I also reckon that''s fair enough. I''m surprised he''s stopping it too, but maybe something''s going on to make him be that way."

    "Like what?" Cecelia asked, turning to Lucas.

    Lucas shrugged. "As if I''d have an idea. We just went for it.

    Cecelia pouted. "But you''ve been giving lots of theories."

    "This is one I have zero idea on. I really can''t relate."

    Cecelia pouted even more dramatically. Lucas shrugged again.

    "I''m being serious, Cee. All I can say is that a guy like Asher''s gotta have a reason."

    "Fiiine," Cecelia reluctantly drawled. "Sorry, girl. I thought Lucas would have an idea since he''s a guy."

    "I may be a guy, but it''s not as if we''re all the same."

    "I know, I know. I''m guessing you''ve asked him, right?"

    "I have," Lila confirmed. "You don''t need to theorise, since I know the answer."

    "Oh," Cecelia said shortly. "Probably should''ve jumped in a bit earlier, then."

    "Yeah, sorry. I kinda wanted to know where you''d go with it. He''s¡­ afraid of losing control, for one thing. Then he said he doesn''t want to disrespect me."

    "Eh, that''s fair," Lucas remarked with a nod. "Both of those things would probably happen."

    Lila''s heart dropped. If that was true, then¡­ they''d probably never go further.

    "Seriously?" she asked, fiddling with her fingernails.

    "Yup. But as long as it''s consensual, neither of those things matter. Heat of the moment, and all that," Cecelia added. "Well, with the disrespect thing, there''s a limit to that, of course. Depends on his definition of ''disrespect'', but a guy like him? Probably just the fact that he''d have to do things to you is ''disrespect'' in and of itself. Or maybe he''s got a weird kink since he''s not a virgin. Should someone talk to him?"

    "I''d rather him not know I''ve been whining about it to anyone who''d listen," Lila said sadly, setting aside her kneejerk reaction to correct Cecelia''s assumption that Asher wasn''t a virgin. "Besides, it''d be weird if you just started talking to him about it."

    "True," Cecelia conceded. "If you need me to, though, I''ll brave the weirdness."

    "Thanks," Lila smiled, though it was half-hearted.

    "Looks like Mr Johnson''s coming this way," Lucas said hurriedly. "We''ve got to look busy."

    With that, there were no further opportunities for conversation with Cecelia and Lucas ¨C which, truthfully, Lila was grateful for. The idea that Asher''s fears would be realised was one that she didn''t want to think too hard about. If they did it once and both of his fears came true? They''d probably never do it again¡­ and if it hurt like Clare said, then that''s all Lila would know, which didn''t sound that appealing.

    Once Mr Johnson finally released them, Cecelia reiterated her offer to talk to Asher, which Lila declined. Lila considered that maybe once exams were over, she''d work up the courage to talk to him herself ¨C properly, and about her feelings on the subject. That way, he wouldn''t need to stress unnecessarily in the midst of his studies and¡­ maybe she''d feel a lot better. She''d said she wanted to do more, but she hadn''t told him about her fears if they didn''t, after all.

    "Hey," Asher said upon Lila meeting him outside. She found she couldn''t meet his eyes, but she disguised this by grabbing his arm and pulling him towards the locker room.

    "Are you hungry?" Asher laughed, allowing himself to be dragged by her for the second time that day.

    "Starving," Lila lied. After her Bio lesson, she had entirely lost her appetite.

    "Alright. Let''s fix that, then."

    They promptly arrived at the locker room and collected their morning tea from their lockers before meeting up once more in front of Lila''s locker.

    "Ready?" Asher asked, providing her with his arm.

    "Yeah-"

    "Lila," Elise called, hurrying to them. "I''ve been driving myself crazy thinking about what you said in Modern History-"

    "I''ll talk to you later," Lila said, shaking Asher''s arm with urgency in such a way that hopefully conveyed her want to skedaddle away. "I''m not going to talk about it here."

    "Huh- oh. Hi, Asher."

    "Hi, Elise," Asher said, looking at her in bemusement. "What do you guys mean?"

    Elise shook her head. "Girl stuff. Don''t worry about it."

    Asher glanced at Lila, who nodded furiously, thankful for Elise''s quick thinking.

    "Alright. See you at lunch, Elise."

    "Bye!" Elise responded a touch too enthusiastically.

    Asher and Lila departed the locker room in silence and remained so until they were about halfway to the library. At this point, Asher looked down at Lila. "Girl stuff?"

    "Um, about periods."

    "Oh. Sorry to pry."

    And now it felt oppressively awkward. They were silent once more until they entered an empty meeting room and sat down in their usual spots.

    "So, we''re having lunch with Isaac, Elise and Grace," Asher said casually, unwrapping his banana.

    "Yeah."

    "Any predictions as to how the dynamic between Isaac and Elise will be now?"

    Lila pursed her lips. "Hopefully they''ll be close. After this morning, though, I''m not sure."

    "I''m pretty surprised that Isaac takes that kind of talk," Asher nodded, taking a bite of his banana. He swallowed before adding, "Though, given his usual confidence, I guess stuff like that just bounces off him ¨C that he just assumes it''s a joke."

    "Maybe. I guess I''m mostly worried that Elise''ll put her foot in it."

    "Isaac''s already done that for her, what with that panic response about liking Anika, I reckon."

    Lila sighed. "You''re probably right."

    "We''ll just see how they are," Asher nodded.

    "Yeah."

    Lila opened her small yoghurt tub, thinking about it a bit more. If Asher thought that Isaac wasn''t offended, then perhaps she was worrying over nothing.

    "You feeling ready for hockey to be over?" Asher asked, causing Lila to look at him.

    "Beyond ready," Lila replied, spooning some yoghurt into her mouth.

    "I would''ve thought that you''d be a little bit sad."

    "I''ve come to terms with the idea that this is our last game for the year. No need to feel sad when it''s not like I can change the future."

    "Is it really like that?"

    Lila nodded. "Unfortunately so. We got smashed towards the end there. There''s no way we''d be able to catch up, unless Cedar Grove Girls'' really lose the plot and let us score, like, ten goals or something ridiculous."

    "Ah, righto."

    "What about you guys? You seem close to making it to semi-finals."

    "It''s a guarantee," Asher replied, his beam infectious. "We''ve done really well this year. It''s kinda freaky."

    "Have you ever been this close to winning the whole season?"

    Asher tilted his head, clearly trying to remember. "I¡­ think maybe we made it to the semi-finals in middle school or primary school. Definitely not in senior school. Not that we''ve been in senior school for long."

    "True."

    Lila fell quiet, the mention of hockey reminding her about her conversation with Alice yesterday ¨C and the fact that Evelyn asserted her innocence to Alice and had been released.

    "I know that I said I wasn''t feeling jealous yesterday," Asher said suddenly, "but what were you talking to Theo about?"

    "Theo? Oh." Lila took a moment to look at Asher. His expression was laden with curiosity rather than jealousy, but the way his mouth pulled hinted to Lila that it did, in fact, bother him.

    "I was curious about how he was," Lila said honestly. "Considering he was close to Jason. Well, in a way, at least."

    "I see."

    Asher didn''t seem pleased, so Lila continued.

    "Really, I was hunting for information about the others from him. I was right, he does know what happened to them. He''s been getting texts from them ¨C they were released the day after they were arrested, apparently. They''re all pissed at him for escaping trouble ¨C and he thinks that Livi killed Jason, or at least got someone to kill him for her."

    Asher leaned back in his chair, lightly tapping the table as though it provided a beat to his thoughts. "Interesting that he thinks she did it."

    "That''s what I thought. I asked about Piper, and he seemed like he''d forgotten about her murder. He reckons Jason''s murder is a copycat, to disguise why he was murdered. Pretend someone else killed him."

    "What a hell of a copycat," Asher murmured.

    "Not to say that it''d be easy to be a copycat, but the details from Piper''s murder that the Forestglade Press released was kind of a blueprint. So, I guess it''s not impossible."

    "Livi is a Class A bitch and we did think that she could''ve been responsible for Jason''s death. I''m just not sure how much I buy that copycat theory."

    "I''m not sure either. Like I said, it''s not impossible but why would anyone want to copy mutilation?"

    "Yeah." Asher paused. "Did he say anything else?"

    "Just that he regrets not reporting them and watching on for his own amusement. He blames himself and feels guilty for it going on for so long."

    "As he should."

    "I didn''t tell him we reported it, obviously. I almost did but I think he''d realise that they all got expelled ''cause he told me about the morphine. That''d probably make him feel worse."

    "Good call. That''d be an unnecessary revelation if he''s feeling guilty."

    Lila glanced at him, her question ¨C about him approving of her not making Theo feel worse ¨C evidently etched on her face. Asher raised his hands in surrender.

    "I''m not about to kick a man while he''s down like that, even if I don''t like the guy. His sorta friend got murdered and his other sorta friends all got expelled over something he sat on his ass about. He''s going through enough. Plus, we need him for the semi-finals and finals."

    His cheeky smirk made Lila smile. "I can see what your true concerns are."

    He snorted and she smiled again. It soon dropped, however, as she readjusted her posture. "I also talked to Alice yesterday."

    Asher''s initial bemusement quickly gave way to understanding. "Oh, right. You said she went straight to the police station after you guys talked. Did she tell you what happened?"

    "Yeah. After talking to Evelyn, she decided that she''s going to keep the baby. She reckons Evelyn''s the nicest person in the world ¨C so nice that she wasn''t sure that Jason was actually Evelyn''s son, except for the fact that they look alike."

    Asher snorted again and Lila carried on.

    "Anyway, Evelyn''s really supportive, to the point of saying she''d provide whatever Alice needs, including shelter if her parents kick her out over this."

    "That''s certainly a promise from a lady in jail."

    "Except she''s not anymore. Evelyn said it was all a big misunderstanding and she was getting let out that afternoon. According to Alice, Evelyn''s apparently really confused about why she was detained and she didn''t know anything. She''s also annoyed that her partner''s abandoned her, essentially."

    "Are we sure her partner''s abandoned her, or is he also in jail ''cause of this?"

    Lila shrugged. "No idea. I don''t know if Alice would''ve even asked that, or if Evelyn would know."

    "And Alice is sure she''s not bullshitting?"

    "I did ask if she thought Evelyn was telling the truth and Alice believes her wholeheartedly. I¡­ don''t know whether that''s for convenience, though. I mean, you''d want to believe the grandparent of your baby is a good person, especially if she''s promising you all these things. Alice is so vulnerable at the moment, I think she''d believe Evelyn if she told Alice the sky was red. So¡­ I''m not sure if I believe that Evelyn wasn''t involved in the morphine ring."

    Asher gave an almost too-long exhale. "I hope Evelyn''s not preying on Alice, at least."

    "Same."

    "Does Alice seem like she wants to go through with all this?"

    "I''d say so. She seemed earnest enough to me, and she said she was thinking of taking a gap year anyway since she wasn''t sure what she wanted to do."

    "It''s certainly going to be a gap year, that''s for sure. Or maybe three."

    "Yeah, I know. I just hope everything goes well."

    "If Evelyn is genuine and all that, I''m sure it will, even if Alice''s family disown her or something drastic. Jason''s parents will be fighting for that baby''s wellbeing since Jason''s gone, I''m sure."

    "Well, Evelyn, yeah. Morris, maybe not. Alice said that Evelyn said Morris isn''t the friendliest of people nor generous."

    "Probably where Jason got his personality from," Asher remarked.

    "That''s what Alice said."

    "Must be true then."

    "¡­ Do you think Evelyn''s genuine? At least, about not being involved in the morphine ring?"

    Asher inhaled deeply and rested his head in his right hand. He was quiet for a few moments before seemingly reaching a verdict.

    "I don''t think it''s impossible."

    "Really?"

    "Remember the picture of that Doctor? From your Dad''s investigation file?"

    "Yeah?"

    "Well¡­ the Doctor definitely wasn''t Evelyn. I said before that he may have borrowed it under a pretence ¨C it could''ve always worked that way. Everything was a pretence ¨C maybe even their relationship ¨C and she was none the wiser."

    "How would you not notice something like that?"

    Asher shrugged. "It sounded like her partner didn''t live with her, and it also sounded like Jason didn''t say anything to his Mum about it either. If she''s being truthful, then she probably had no idea because why would you suspect your teenage son of being a kingpin? Your partner, too."

    Lila pondered this. Could it be true? Could someone really be that oblivious? Especially since, if it was purely the Doctor''s doing, it was done under name?

    "¡­ There''s that strange signature, too," Lila murmured. "You know, how the initials on money orders were sometimes different."

    Asher nodded. "Maybe he forged some of those initials."

    Lila shuddered. "That just¡­ feels so creepy. Someone you trust, going around and doing illegal things under your name without you knowing."

    "One thing I''ve learned from this year is that everyone''s hiding something," Asher said darkly.

    "Yeah."

    ''Even me,'' Lila thought, clasping her hands together under her desk. Aside from keeping the fact that she loved him close to her chest, she still hadn''t told Asher about being on the Pill either¡­ which¡­ he should probably know about. Right? That''d¡­ be helpful information, wouldn''t it?

    She squeezed her hands together as if it would stop the blush from forming on her face. At the same time, it''d be just as bad of an idea as telling him she loved him. If they weren''t going to be doing anything like that, then she didn''t need to tell him. Otherwise, it might make him think that she had a certain expectation, which might then pressure him.

    "I really wonder, though," Asher said, jolting her out of her thoughts, "about this Hunter guy. I wish your Dad kept the file. Maybe he found more info on Hunter."

    "I wish he did, too. I''d love to know what Livi said in her interview, and I''m sure he would''ve had that info somewhere."

    "I agree, especially if she is the murderer. Or involved, at least."

    "I¡­ hope there won''t be any more murders."

    Asher gave her a very serious look ¨C probably the most serious one he''d ever given her.

    "I hope so too ¨C but even if there are, I''ll keep you safe."

    She smiled at Asher. "I trust that you will, but it''d be helpful to know who the perpetrator is."

    "It would be, but I''ll keep you safe regardless."

    She smiled again. "And I''ll keep you safe."

    "Lila, I don''t need safekeeping."

    "You do since you''re really important to me, like I said before. I don''t know what I''d do if something happened to you."

    "Worry not," he said, his smile genuine ¨C almost blinding, "nothing''ll happen to me."

    "As long as you promise."

    "Promise."

    Neither spoke, though the seriousness with which Asher had said that was echoed in the gaze he gave her. Then, she smiled once more, taking his hands in hers.

    But in an instant, her smile vanished.

    There was something that she remembered.

    She stood up.

    "Everything-"

    "Asher, the notebook."

    "The¡­ notebook? Like the movie?"

    "What?" She blinked down at his utterly confused face. "How do you know about the movie?"

    "Watched it with Mum a few times."

    "A few?"

    "She loves Ryan Gosling."

    "Oh." Lila shook her head. "No, not ''The Notebook'', but the notebook. Marlene''s."

    "Huh?"

    "She had that weird scrapbook of, like," Lila flapped her hands, trying to remember specific details, "pictures of people relevant to your Dad''s hospital."

    He stared at her for a second before his eyes glimmered with realisation. "That''s right. What about it?"

    "Do you reckon Hunter''s in there?"

    "He could be. But you can hardly see any details of him from the CCTV screenshot."

    "We might be able to see enough."

    Asher placed his chin in his hand. "Maybe. What would you do with that info?"

    "Be satisfied that puzzle pieces are lining up."

    "What puzzle are you even making?"

    "Well¡­ I won''t know until it''s done. Gotta have it all together to see what I''m looking at."

    "Fair enough," Asher nodded. Then, he smiled at her again, this time with a look of adoration ¨C one that made her feel flustered. "I don''t think I''d get tired of knowing what intrigues you."

    "G-Good," she stammered, lowering herself into her chair, the heat from her face slowly making its way down her neck. Typically, her curiosity and nosiness drew the ire of her family members. Even her friends would grow impatient with her endlessly circular questions ¨C a habit that she''d dropped significantly this year, now that her interests revolved around things she couldn''t talk to them about. It didn''t seem like Elise or Grace had noticed this absence, actually. Were they secretly hoping she''d stopped for good?

    Either way¡­ to think that Asher wouldn''t grow tired of it ¨C was there a limit to how in love someone could feel?

    "That''s quite a smile," he commented, a grin slowly forming. Strangely, his face was flushed. "Should I say that again?"

    "N-No, it''s okay," Lila said quickly, her blush deepening even more. "I just didn''t realise that you felt that way."

    "Of course I do. I''ve told you that I like the way you think."

    "I know but¡­ you don''t think my questions are annoying?"

    "Why would I?"

    Lila squirmed slightly. "I''ve got a lot."

    "I know."

    She squirmed even more. "But sometimes there''s no reason for my questions. Knowing the answers won''t lead to anything."

    He reached over, gently taking her hands in his and caressing the back of them with his thumbs. "So?"

    She couldn''t think of a response. He chuckled.

    "A while ago, you said that you like how I look when I''m focusing. I know I moved on after you said that, but it''s something I''ve replayed in my mind since then. It threw me since I''ve got ''resting scholar face'', or whatever it was that Isaac said, and no one had ever said that to me before. I wanted to tell you that I really like how you look when you''re curious. Hunting for answers seems to give you this glow almost. My brain short-circuited and I couldn''t find the words to express that then. So, no, I don''t think your questions are annoying and I never will."

    "I¡­ I don''t know what to say."

    "You don''t have to say anything at all." He looked incredibly pleased with himself as he caressed the back of her hands again. "The expression on your face tells me all I need to know."

    She had no idea what kind of expression she had, though the mischievous smirk on his face told her that he wouldn''t tell her even if she asked. She decided to try it though.

    "And what does it say?"

    "Something that I''ll keep close to my chest."

    "I knew you''d say something like that."

    "You did?" This seemed to genuinely surprise him.

    "Yeah," she nodded.

    "Seems like you''ve spent too much time around me," he said playfully.

    "Impossible," she grinned.

    They gazed into each other''s eyes for a moment ¨C long enough for Lila to contemplate a kiss ¨C until Asher pulled out his phone.

    "Shit, I thought morning tea was wrapping up, but this is cutting it close," he said, panic suddenly colouring his tone.

    Lila checked her own phone. He was right, of course, and they both swiftly packed up.

    Now that they had left the private sanctuary that was the library''s meeting room, Lila couldn''t continue their conversation. Her shyness had kicked up to an unprecedented level, her mind trapped in a loop of repeating the things he''d said about her. Moments like these ¨C well, they reminded Lila that Asher really did like her.

    Though, was it love, like Lucas suggested?

    She chanced a peek at Asher, who seemed content in the silence they shared with their hands conjoined. He definitely liked Lila ¨C but had it progressed to love? Did¡­ she make him feel like he made her feel?

    She continued to ponder this all the way to her locker and again once Asher returned to her side. Should she ask?

    "See you later," Asher said once they reached her PC classroom.

    "See you later," Lila echoed, watching him leave without having asked any of the questions that swirled in her mind.

    Once he was out of sight, she entered her classroom, catching sight of Elise''s impatient scowl. Even Grace seemed poised to interrogate Lila. Her heart dropped. It seemed there would be no escape.

    Lila slowly slid into her seat.

    "Out with it," Elise said, her eyes glimmering like a lioness that had spotted her prey.

    "With what?" Lila asked innocently, unpacking her laptop.

    "You know what," Elise narrowed her eyes at Lila.

    "¡­ No?"

    "Nice try, Lila," Grace said, her eyes also narrowed.

    Lila sighed. "Kinda just means what it means."

    "Kinda could be anything," Elise whispered, glancing at Ms Wang who had begun to take the roll.

    "Well, not anything."

    "Lila, pedantry isn''t going to get you anywhere fast," Grace replied, leaning forwards across the desk. Lila glanced at Grace, hopeful that her snarky thoughts about that statement amongst Grace''s insistence her relationship with Ms Alexander was fine didn''t come through in her body language.

    "Kinda could range from, like, necking to soaking," Elise whispered again.

    "Soaking?" Grace looked perplexed.

    "I''m not gonna explain," Elise said shortly, her face pink.

    "Well it''s definitely not soaking," Lila replied, her face just as pink. "Jesus."

    "Then what is it? You can''t just leave us hanging like that, not after what you said at camp!" Elise insisted.

    "If Lila doesn''t want to talk about it, Elise, maybe we should drop it," Grace said hurriedly after a flash of a grimace crossed her face at the word ''camp''.

    Lila looked at Elise, who seemed ready to explode into a million pieces if Lila didn''t tell them with the intense way she was holding her breath.

    "It''s¡­ nothing exciting," Lila said, looking down at her hands, which she''d placed on her still-closed laptop.

    "A win is a win," Elise said with a satisfied nod.

    "I feel like you''re really digging," Lila replied. "Like, a lot."

    Elise looked at Lila for a moment before shrugging. "Gotta live vicariously through you guys since you''re in relationships."

    There was a certain sadness in the way that Elise said this that made Lila regret saying that. Of course Elise would want to talk about something like this to distract her from her situation with Isaac.

    ''Poor Elise. She must be in a lot of pain¡­'' Lila thought, taking a deep breath.

    "Like I said, it''s nothing exciting. We just, well¡­" Lila faltered, taking another deep breath. She leaned in towards her friends, who similarly also leaned in. "Um, well, we''ve been kissing a bit more and he''s not stopped it like he used to."

    "Oh. That''s anticlimactic."

    "I told you it''s nothing exciting, Elise. But¡­ he was over at mine on the Show holiday and¡­ he touched my chest."

    "Your chest or your chest?" Grace asked, exchanging a look with Elise.

    "¡­ It was only for a couple seconds or so before Clare knocked on the door," Lila replied, feeling her cheeks redden and a smile appear. "And it''s where you''re thinking. I¡­ hadn''t expected it to feel good."

    "Sounds like Asher''s got some moves," Elise grinned. "I''d kinda thought you''d done something to him, to be honest."

    "It sounds promising, too," Grace smiled.

    "I just hope Clare didn''t scare him away from doing it again," Lila sighed, moving now to rest her head on her arms.

    "All I can say is that basically everyone likes a bit of boob touching," Grace said, the jarring nature of this statement making Lila snort in surprise, though she didn''t lift her head.

    "It''s not like he can take it back," Elise said. "I doubt he''d be scared away from it."

    "I hope so."

    There was a pause before Elise said, her tone excited, "But, hey, it''s a step in the right direction!"

    Lila nodded, her hope fluttering in her chest. At least there was that.

    "Alright, we''ve tortured you enough," Elise smiled, patting Lila''s shoulder. "There was something else I''d been meaning to ask in Modern History ¨C with the assignment, how much critical analysis is too much?"

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    "Ready for lunch?" Asher asked as Lila left her Japanese classroom, frowning as she desperately tried to remember her kanji.

    "Sorry? Oh, yeah," Lila replied, looking up at Asher. "Kanji will be the death of me."

    "Kanji''s the one that''s Chinese, right?" Asher queried as he discretely took her bag from her. They began walking towards the locker room, with Lila curling her hand around Asher''s arm.

    "Sorta," she nodded. "Some of it''s originally Japanese, but most of it''s borrowed."

    "Maybe I could help then."

    "I''m sure lots of it has changed. I mean, the pronunciation won''t be the same, at least."

    "Sure, but isn''t your writing test coming up? I could probably help at least a little with that."

    Lila smiled, which he instantly returned. "I''d like that."

    "Did you want to work on it during Study this afternoon?"

    "I''ll have to see what''s coming up on my list."

    "Fair enough."

    They continued on, discussing what was on her list, among other things, before separating in the locker room. Lila packed away her things and, once her locker was locked, turned to come face-to-face with Asher.

    "This one''s for you," he said, passing her customary lunchbox over.

    "Aw, you''re still doing that?" Grace asked, appearing beside Lila with her own lunchbox.

    "Yeah," Asher replied, as if it were obvious. Which, given the fact that he''d just given Lila one, it really was.

    "That''s sweet."

    Lila could tell that Asher wasn''t quite sure what to make of Grace''s friendliness, but they were all saved by Isaac''s approach.

    "Man, I''m starving," Isaac yawned, "and tired."

    "What''re you tired for?" Asher asked, shuffling aside to admit Isaac into their haphazard circle while they waited for Elise to join them.

    "Late night McShift, my guy," Isaac replied, partially unzipping his lunchbox and rummaging around in it.

    "Surely you can stop taking so many shifts," Asher said disapprovingly. "It''s exam and assignment season."

    Isaac waved a hand around, still inspecting his food. "Nah. Can do all the things."

    "Are you sure you should? I mean, you''d hardly be sleeping."

    "Says you," Lila remarked. Asher instantly looked guilty.

    "I-I''m getting enough sleep," he said unconvincingly.

    "Don''t you need sleep to do well?" Grace asked, seeming genuinely interested in this topic.

    "I run pretty well on about five hours-"

    "Only five?" Lila raised an eyebrow at him.

    "W-Well, I mean, I study in such a way that what I learn essentially becomes automatic-"

    "Somehow he got himself into trouble," Isaac snorted, finally plucking out an apple.

    "Who''s got themselves into trouble?" Elise asked, looking around the group.

    "Asher," Isaac said, gesturing at Asher, who looked like he was figuring out an escape plan in his mind.

    "Hey, this all started because you mentioned your late night McShift," Asher frowned. "You''re not getting much sleep either."

    Isaac bit into his apple, turning towards the locker room exit with a shrug. "What can I say? The McLife''s got me in a chokehold. Let''s go."

    "What an ominous sentence," Lila said, holding onto Asher''s arm. He looked relieved as she pulled herself closer to him.

    "I know you''re trying your best to get some sleep," she clarified.

    Asher relaxed, giving a slight, breathy laugh. "Thanks. I do try. Glad you''re not actually mad."

    She squeezed his arm in acknowledgement and he smiled at her. They all meandered towards the library, chatting idly about schoolwork. They found an empty meeting room and piled in, sitting comfortably in the same configuration that they usually sat in as a group.

    Lila kept a close eye on Elise and Isaac, neither of whom were speaking and instead eating quietly. It was worryingly odd, considering that both of them tended to talk quite a bit, and Lila hoped that it wasn''t due to Elise''s nuisance comment earlier that morning.

    Eventually, Elise did begin talking ¨C about a topic that Lila immediately wished to avoid.

    "Grace, since your partner''s moving schools, you should definitely let us meet them," Elise declared, pointing at Grace. "We''ve only got, like, three full weeks of school left, and then a bit of this week."

    Grace paled, though she answered with a dignified voice, "I''d have to check with her."

    "So you would?" Elise asked eagerly. She glanced at Lila, as though expecting her to join in her excitement. "She could have lunch with us!"

    Lila stared down at her apricot chicken and rice, wondering if she should start counting each grain to avoid being dragged into this conversation.

    "Maybe," Grace replied, her voice now hinting at the stress this conversation was clearly putting on her. "Like I said, I''d have to check. She''s still not out."

    "Well, if it''s just in a meeting room like this, no one else would know," Elise said, her tone rational. "Besides, no one here would tell anyone else, right? Don''t you trust us? Lila, help me out here."

    ''42¡­ 43¡­ I''ve lost count.''

    "U-Uh, well, if she''s not comfortable, then she''s not comfortable," Lila said lamely.

    "Lila, that''s not helping," Elise frowned. "Aren''t you curious? You''ve hardly wanted to talk about Grace''s partner this term. You wanted to meet her only, like, a few weeks ago."

    "I''ve, uh, turned a new leaf. No more questions for me."

    "Well, that sounds like bull," Elise''s frown deepened. "I doubt that."

    "Not that I''ve been asking you guys stuff."

    "Not since Piper''s stalking, no, but I just thought you were asking Asher instead."

    Isaac coughed, stopping both Lila and Elise in their tracks. "I think that Grace is similarly uncomfortable about this. Maybe you should let it go, Elise," he suggested.

    Elise whirled around towards him and he instantly looked away from her. "Isaac, you don''t get it. Grace has raved on about this person and I just want to make sure that they''re good for her."

    ''Well, Ms Alexander''s not,'' Lila thought, shovelling her food in her mouth to prevent herself from talking.

    "Of course she''s good for me," Grace laughed, instantly making Lila''s skin crawl, "I wouldn''t be with her if she wasn''t."

    Asher cleared his throat, which stopped Grace''s smile immediately. Was she worried he was going to tell them who Grace''s partner was?

    "Why''re you all looking at me?" Asher asked after a moment. "Just got some rice stuck in my throat."

    "Sounded like you were going to make a speech," Isaac snorted.

    "Definitely not," Asher replied bluntly. "Not my kind of thing."

    "Says the master debater," Isaac quipped.

    "Don''t say that one too quickly," Asher joked.

    "Masterdebater- hey, that''s quite the juvenile joke from you," Isaac remarked, sitting up. "Where''d that even come from?"

    "When you do debating for yonks, you get the whole suite of lame jokes that can be offered."

    And, like that, the conversation regarding Grace''s girlfriend was basically forgotten, with Asher entertaining them with other lame debating-related jokes.

    Lila still kept her eye on Elise and Isaac, but she didn''t see anything in particular. They seemed like they always had, though they didn''t talk to each other directly today. Lila conceded that they probably didn''t need to because, unlike previous lunchtimes that they''d spent together as a group, Asher and Lila were also joining in on the conversation.

    Eventually, lunch was coming to a close and the group packed up with promises that they''d have lunch together next Wednesday, too.

    "Well, that was fun," Lila commented as she walked beside Asher, having left the library.

    "Some of it, sure," Asher replied with a tight smile.

    Lila paused before nodding. "Yeah. Agreed."

    The rest of the day passed without much of note, including Study. Lila had considered Asher''s offer to help her with kanji, but it wasn''t necessary just yet ¨C besides, Asher had plenty of work to get done, too.

    He brought it up once they started walking to the bus station, her bag on his shoulder.

    "I just thought you still had a lot to do," Lila replied, readjusting her hat.

    "I do, but I''d make time for you, especially during Study."

    "But isn''t that the reason why we''re not hanging out after school and on the weekends at the moment?"

    "¡­ Alright, you''ve got me there."

    "My exam''s only after the pupil-free day, so we can work on it during the long weekend."

    He nodded, though he seemed to be avoiding her gaze. "Yeah."

    Then he stopped walking, causing her to stumble slightly.

    "What-"

    "It''s Ms Alexander," Asher murmured, gesturing to the teacher on duty.

    "Shit, really?" Lila looked ahead, seeing that Ms Alexander was indeed the teacher on duty. Her bracelet sparkled in the sunlight as she spoke to a student, laughing with them about something.

    ''At least she wears the damn thing,'' Lila thought as she scuttled along the path with Asher, hoping beyond hope that they wouldn''t be spotted.

    "I don''t think Elise and Isaac should meet Grace''s partner," Asher said quietly as they successfully passed Ms Alexander without a second glance from her.

    "Definitely not."

    "Do you think Grace would have them meet her?"

    "As a music teacher, sure, but seeing how terribly it went with us when we found out who her partner is? Probably not."

    "Good. I don''t think Isaac would cope."

    "Would he-"

    "Report them? Absolutely."

    "Why haven''t you?"

    He looked down at her with a gentle smile. "For you, of course. I didn''t want to make you feel guilty for whatever aftermath would follow, which would mostly include a breakup between the two of them. I thought you would''ve known that."

    "Well, I know that you decided not to in the end, but I didn''t think that I was the cause of it. I thought you were just being nice to Grace since Ms Alexander decided to go to a new school."

    Asher shook his head. "Nope. I don''t really care what Grace or Ms Alexander think of me. You, on the other hand, I do care."

    "Did you force yourself not to report it?"

    "Not really. It would''ve been harder if she was staying, though."

    The bus squeaked into place at the bus station and Lila reluctantly took her bag from him.

    "Don''t look so sad," he said. "Otherwise, I''ll have to get on the bus with you."

    Lila pouted and he laughed.

    "Looks like I''ll need to give you a goodbye kiss to wipe that pout off your face," he said, running a thumb across her jaw.

    She didn''t need any more encouragement than that as she met his lips with her own. He laughed again, continuing their kiss for a moment longer before breaking away, his cheeks pink.

    "That worked," he smiled. "See you tomorrow."

    "See you tomorrow, Asher."

 Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine

    Chapter One Hundred and Fifty-Nine

    It took Lila a minute or so to recall where she''d hidden the photos they''d printed all those weeks ago. As she pulled the envelope out of her desk drawer, she remembered that she hadn''t been Asher''s girlfriend when these were taken and printed. It felt like a lifetime ago now.

    Shaking her head, she opened the envelope and shuffled through the photos.

    Revisiting Marlene''s place in picture form stirred Lila''s mind yet again. Marlene was the strangest person she''d ever encountered, an enigma whose motivations were shrouded in the densest fog imaginable. She generally behaved normally ¨C except¡­ when you figure out two teenagers have broken into your house, do you really give them tips about locking doors behind them? Without a word of admonishment for invading your privacy?

    Lila couldn''t help but frown as she continued to flip through the photos, pausing at the picture showcasing the half-finished embroidery. She still had no idea what flower it was supposed to be, though something compelled her to take it to show Asher tomorrow. He might know.

    She continued on, pausing again at the pictures of Marlene''s corkboard filled with Piper-related photos and notes. Perhaps¡­ she should take these, too. Something about it niggled at her. Its existence to begin with didn''t give her any answers as to who Marlene was, or her motivations ¨C but it might give her some clues about Piper''s death.

    ''Either Marlene killed her, or someone else did ¨C maybe someone else who was captured in these photos,'' Lila thought, moving on as quickly as she could. Though she collected it to refer to later with Asher, looking at it alone made her feel uneasy.

    Finally, she came across what she''d been looking for. Again, it didn''t make sense. Why would Marlene have these photos of employees at the Forestglade Private Hospital and pictures of Asher''s Dad and Lila''s Dad in and outside the hospital?

    Lila immediately recognised Evelyn amongst the collection of headshots¡ªand her picture was circled. Lila brought the photo closer, squinting to see what else was there. None of the headshots looked to be of the doctor from the CCTV screenshot, but one picture stood out.

    It was blurred, but the man within it¡­ could this be the mysterious doctor? He certainly looked to be a doctor, one with a similar build to the one from the CCTV screenshot. But¡­ well, he wasn''t exactly a unique-looking man, and the quality of these photos didn''t show any features. If he wasn''t the doctor, then who was he?

    She placed the requisite photos on top of the ones she''d set aside and continued to flip through the rest. None looked to be important enough to bring to Asher''s attention tomorrow, but the absence of the farmhouse pictures puzzled her again. Why had Marlene ¨C at least, she assumed it was Marlene ¨C taken them? Especially the one of Asher at the farmhouse¡­ Lila really would''ve liked that one.

    ''Well, maybe Asher can see if this guy looks like the one from the CCTV,'' Lila hoped, slipping the photos into her blazer''s breast pocket.

    Still, Marlene bothered Lila incessantly. Maybe¡­ maybe they should talk to her. Ask her what her deal is. It was obvious she knew they''d poked around her place, so asking about what they saw ¨C was that out of line?

    She knew that Asher really didn''t want to talk to Marlene about any of that ¨C or at all, actually. But how else were they going to get the answers? If Marlene wasn''t the perpetrator of Piper or Jason''s murder, then she very well might know something about the person who was. And, if she did, maybe Lila could stop wondering.

    At the same time, there was a certain satisfaction Lila gained from piecing together the truth herself. If Marlene just laid everything out there, would she get the same satisfaction?

    ''Probably not, but I''ve got no ideas based on the information I have.''

    She sighed, draping her blazer over her school bag. She could propose the idea to Asher at least.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    "Fuck no, you want me to get murdered in my sleep?!"

    That was probably to be expected.

    Lila sighed, taking a bite of her apple. She''d thought about asking him just before English, or even during English, but decided to hold her tongue until morning tea. It was quite a good move, apparently, owing to how loudly he said that. Though she had tried her best to avoid conversations that would likely stress Asher out, her want to talk about Marlene and the photos was too powerful to keep her mouth shut. She was definitely regretting it now, though, what with the terrified expression on his face.

    "Sorry," he said sheepishly, slowly sitting down after having stood up in reaction to her suggestion. "That was a bit more aggressive than I intended. But we did see her take down a guy in my library like it was nothing. The fact that she knows we were in our house ¨C we''re on thin ice."

    "No, I get it," Lila replied with an understanding smile. "I know she freaks you out, and you live with her."

    It was Asher''s turn to sigh. "I wish she didn''t."

    "Freak you out or live with you?"

    "Well, if she didn''t freak me out, then she could live with me. So either? Both?"

    "Yeah, that''s fair enough."

    There was now an exceptionally awkward silence between them. Lila took another bite of her apple as Asher held his head in his hands.

    "There''s¡­ something else, too."

    "Something else?" Lila repeated curiously, lowering her apple.

    "Yeah. Well. If it wasn''t Marlene, normally I''d go to Dad and ask him to look into her. But Marlene''s been with us for ages and¡­ Mum hired her. Mum trusts her. So a part of me¡­ thinks she''s got to be good, right? Like, she wouldn''t betray Mum, or the family, since Mum trusts her not to."

    "I wouldn''t say that''s an odd feeling to have, but what makes you say your Mum trusts her?"

    Asher looked up at Lila. "She clearly does, otherwise she wouldn''t have Marlene live on the same property, nor would she have kept her around for so many years."

    "That''s all?"

    "No, but it''s hard to explain. I mean, when Mum''s home, Marlene has dinner with us every night and they talk, actually. Mum''s so lively that it just draws everyone else in to have a conversation. It''s in the way that they talk, though. It''s¡­ friendly. Familiar. More like Marlene is family than just a maid, you know. It''s the same with Gabriel. When Marlene and I talk, though, she''s more like a robot."

    Lila privately thought that it was more on Asher''s part that Marlene spoke to him like a robot, given the interactions she''d seen them have up to this point, but she didn''t say anything to that effect.

    "As much as I think she''s crazy, and she''s just a big mystery, and¡­ maybe she did something to my Mum-" Asher swallowed like he''d swallowed an impending panic attack before continuing, "-but a part of me thinks I shouldn''t rock the boat too much until Mum comes back. I mean, what if I ended up getting Marlene fired? I don''t think Mum would be happy with that."

    "Well, if Marlene got fired, I think that would be because of her, rather than you," Lila responded sensibly.

    "Sure, but¡­ I dunno, I just don''t want to talk to Dad about her. It probably doesn''t make sense to you." He drew his shoulders forward in apparent shame. "I''m being a bit of a wimp, but this is the hill I''ll die on. Wimpishly."

    Lila held back her first instinct to laugh and instead vehemently shook her head. "Asher, you''re not being a wimp. I think anyone would feel the same way. I know I would. You don''t need to be ashamed of that. I guess¡­ it would be like thinking Clare''s the serial killer."

    "Serial killer? Wasn''t it just Piper and Jason who were murdered?"

    Lila glanced at him. She was definitely not going to tell Asher that she thought his Mum might''ve been the first victim ¨C she needed to be firm on that, at least.

    "A murder like Piper''s definitely isn''t someone''s first."

    "Sure, but if Jason''s was a copycat, then that would''ve been that person''s first and therefore there isn''t a serial killer running around," Asher said, his tone logical and his face betraying the anxiety behind his words.

    "I know what Theo said, but is that really more likely than one person committing both?"

    "At this point, I''d say they''re both as likely. I mean, Jason''s murder did have a difference, after all."

    "Is that not just ''cause he''s a guy?"

    "Well, I guess you can''t really do that to a girl¡­ but at the same time, it was different."

    "Murders don''t have to be the same for each victim even though they share the same killer."

    "I suppose so. So, what, you reckon there''s a third victim floating around somewhere?"

    "Possibly. Either way, going back to Marlene, I get what you mean. I just wish we could find the answers to all of our questions."

    Asher surveyed her for a couple of moments. "Sorry to keep disappointing you," he said finally, the remorse ringing in his voice. "Even though I want to help you get the answers you''re curious about, I just¡­ can''t talk to her."

    "I''m guessing you''re not going to say yes to us breaking into her place again?"

    "Hell no."

    "Well, at least I asked."

    Asher looked conflicted, so she gave him a smile.

    "I was only joking," she said reassuringly. "Anyway, that''s not all I wanted to talk about."

    She pulled out the pictures that she''d placed in her breast pocket and scooted them towards Asher. He picked them up with interest before quickly putting them face-down on the table.

    "Why''d you bring these?" he asked anxiously, looking around the otherwise empty room as if it had filled with a bunch of people without their notice.

    "It was bothering me," Lila replied, now checking the room as well. "Remember yesterday? About Marlene''s notebook?"

    "Right¡­ but you didn''t want to just take a picture on your phone? What if you lose these?"

    "I won''t lose them," Lila said, slightly affronted. She nudged them towards him again. "I didn''t want to take a picture for the same reason we took these on disposables. While I hope no one''s going to get into our phones, there''s no guarantee."

    He reluctantly turned them over again with one last glance around the room. "Yeah, okay. Sorry, I guess I''m a bit spooked after talking about Marlene." He spread them out across the table. "There''s a bit more here than just her notebook."

    "Yeah, well, I kinda wanted to revisit the others, too. There''s just something that bothers me about them."

    He nodded, though it seemed like he''d only half-heard her. His hands lingered on the photos of the corkboard and he shuddered, pushing these slightly further away from the rest. He tapped on the one of the embroidery.

    "Why''s this one here?" he asked.

    "Do you know what this flower is?"

    He blinked at her before smiling. "So that intrigues you?"

    She blushed, remembering his comments from yesterday. "Yeah. It does."

    He smiled at her again. Then he lifted the photo of the embroidery to his eyes.

    "I might be wrong¡­ but this looks like wolfsbane."

    "Wolfsbane?"

    He pulled out his phone and rapidly tapped on it before passing it over to Lila.

    "Yeah. It looks like it to me."

    Lila compared the image he''d located and the embroidery before nodding. "Yeah, that''s definitely the same. I''m glad you knew."

    He beamed. "I came across the term in some of Shakespeare''s work when I was younger so I looked it up to see if it was real. It''s a highly poisonous flower that contains aconitine. They used it to tip arrows and weapons back then."

    "Huh, that''s pretty cool."

    "In Ancient Greece, they used it to poison their bait to kill wolves ¨C the Greek name for the plant translates to ''wolf''s bane'' because of it."

    Lila placed the photo back into her blazer, her mind racing with new questions. Was this embroidery simply an idle pastime? Or was there something else to it? It didn''t seem as though this was from a kit, so Marlene would have to have looked up the flower and traced it onto the cloth herself.

    ''Quite the conscious choice¡­''

    "I completely forgot about this notebook," Asher said, picking up one of the photos of Marlene''s notebook and inspecting it. "Well, that''s certainly Evelyn."

    Lila quickly opened her phone and pulled up the CCTV screenshot and placed it between them.

    "I had a brief look, and I think this guy-" she shuffled the photos over and tapped the relevant one, "-could be Hunter. I can''t see that any of these headshots look like him, though."

    "Hmm¡­"

    Asher zoomed in on the screenshot on Lila''s phone, his lips pursed in concentration.

    "Can''t really see much," he murmured, squinting at both photos. "It could be¡­ but it also could not be."

    Lila deflated in her chair. He was right, of course ¨C there wasn''t much that could be seen. His eyes flickered to her before he chewed his bottom lip.

    "I mean, it does look like the same guy. If you squint-"

    "You don''t need to force it. It''s fine if it''s not the same guy. I was just hopeful that maybe they were connected, and that maybe it was Hunter."

    "Do you still have pictures of that employee list?"

    Lila drew a sharp breath, her sudden excitement taking even her by surprise. "I do."

    She eagerly retrieved her phone and flipped through her gallery.

    "Here," she said, placing it back between them. She leaned on the table, looking upside-down at the list as Asher zoomed in and moved the image around. From what she could see, ''Hunter'' was not among any of the names, but she waited for Asher to finish looking through it in case he found it.

    He looked up at her after a few seconds, his speed once again impressing her.

    "I can''t find anyone named ''Hunter'', but there are redacted names. Weren''t there ID photos in your Dad''s file, too?"

    Lila promptly slid to the next photo. He inspected this a lot more slowly before shaking his head.

    "There''s a few guys that could match, but none of them are named Hunter. They look pretty generic, which is why they could match," he said, pointing them out to her. She picked up her phone and sighed.

    "Yeah, you''re right. That''s annoying."

    She crossed her arms in frustration, staring down at the ID photos as though Hunter would emerge amongst them. Then, a strange question began to form in her mind.

    "¡­ Asher, what if Hunter didn''t actually work at the Hospital?"

    "What?"

    "I mean, he''s not in this list of names, and there''s no ID photos that match."

    "I doubt this is exhaustive, and the list of names is for those at the corporate level. It''s not impossible that he was a doctor who happened to work at the corporate level, but to be able to access and sign off on morphine, I would''ve thought he''d be a general medical professional instead."

    Lila tapped her index fingers on the side of the table, thinking hard. Her sister had mentioned a while ago that psychologists needed to be registered nationally, since ''psychologist'' was a protected term ¨C whereas ''counsellor'' was not. It was part of Clare''s consideration about her future prospects after Uni, whether or not she wanted to be registered since that added more time to her qualification.

    ''Surely doctors need to be registered too. It''d be dangerous to just be able to claim that you''re a doctor and not have anything to certify that you are¡­'' Lila thought, sitting up straight.

    "Asher, doctors need to be registered, right?"

    "Of course," Asher nodded. Then, a glimmer passed through his eyes ¨C like he''d been struck with an idea. "The register is publicly available."

    They both immediately scrambled for their phones.

    "What''s the register called?" Lila asked, opening Google.

    "Ahpra."

    "Ah-what?"

    "Ahpra ¨C the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency."

    She eagerly typed it in and opened the register. She selected their state to narrow it down and searched ''Hunter''. Then ¨C

    "Not a single person with the first name ''Hunter''," Asher said with a frown. "I searched the whole of Australia too."

    "Yeah. All last names ¨C not even a middle name."

    "Jason definitely said it was a first name, right?"

    "Definitely."

    "¡­ What does it mean?"

    "It means that¡­ either the guy gave Jason and his Mum a fake name, or¡­ he''s a fake doctor."

    A wave of goosebumps caused her to bunch her shoulders up, the eeriness of that statement almost making her teeth chatter. "A fake doctor running around your Dad''s hospital?"

    Asher himself looked pale, as though the statement terrified him, too. "Maybe."

    "But wouldn''t Evelyn have known that?"

    Asher shook his head. "There''s so many employees at the hospital. Plus, she''s only supposed to access records for business purposes ¨C she can''t just search databases to check that he works there. But¡­ I guess if she was in on the whole morphine ring, maybe that kind of thing isn''t something she abides by either."

    "I doubt Jason would''ve known that," Lila murmured, pulling her arms closer to her body. It felt as though there was a gust of wind blowing directly on her ¨C an impossibility since they were quite insulated in this meeting room.

    "Yeah."

    The silence was oppressive, the undeniably sinister nature of a masquerading doctor pressing down on Lila''s throat, preventing her from speaking. She took a sip of her water bottle, which relieved her enough to consider a new angle of approach.You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.

    "Do you know how long it takes for a doctor to deregister or change their address on this Ahpra thing?" she asked quietly.

    "No idea."

    She tried to find the answer via a couple of Google searches before sighing and locking her phone. "Can''t find it."

    "Neither."

    "So he might not be fake, at least not then," Lila sighed.

    "Well, it looks like you can''t really ''deregister'' or cancel your registration, only a Court or Tribunal can do that. He could''ve moved to a new state or something."

    "That''d be pretty sudden, though. Surely if you were just moving for a job opportunity or something, you''d tell your partner, right? And if he told Evelyn he was moving, she wouldn''t have told Alice that he ''abandoned'' her. Plus, changing states wouldn''t take you off the register and you searched the whole country."

    "That''s probably true."

    "Wonder where this Hunter guy is," Lila said after another pause. "I mean, it seems like he fled, right? Since Jason was caught dealing the morphine Hunter stole. But if Evelyn doesn''t know much about the morphine ring, then of course she''d think he abandoned her."

    "Wherever he is, I hope he doesn''t have any other connection to my Dad''s hospital," Asher replied gravely.

    "Same here."

    More silence.

    "¡­ Do you reckon he murdered Jason?" Lila whispered. She met Asher''s wide eyes and watched as he swallowed.

    "Maybe, if he''s a copycat killer. I can''t see a reason why he''d want to murder Piper, at least," he finally responded tentatively.

    Lila''s eyes flashed to the pictures of the corkboard and Asher seemed to get where she was going with that.

    "¡­ Unless this corkboard shows a connection," he said reluctantly.

    He slowly moved the pictures between them and they picked up one each.

    "Isn''t it creepy looking at this stuff now that Piper''s dead?" Asher asked, his voice wavering as he stared intently at the photo in his hands.

    "I guess," Lila replied, "I just try not to think about it."

    "¡­ Yeah. I''ll try that."

    The picture that Lila held was of the right side of the corkboard. It was all devoted to Piper and her activities before her death. It was strange seeing her in a Mulberry Heights uniform, and stranger still to consider that she''d hardly worn that uniform before her murder. Asher was right ¨C it was creepy.

    Shuddering, she instead focused on what she was actually seeing.

    Of course, nothing had changed from the last time she laid eyes on this photo. There were photos of Piper acting suspiciously, tailing Asher and even standing outside Lila''s house. The post-it notes were the same ¨C Piper''s date of birth, her parent''s names, and the words ''OBSESSED'' and ''Why?''.

    Lila scanned the rest of the photo, looking for anything that she missed the last time she looked at these ¨C over the school holidays, in fact ¨C that could be relevant now. Maybe there was a photo of Piper with Jason or something.

    Alas, there wasn''t anything different. Nothing that jumped out at Lila, at least. It really didn''t seem like Piper knew she had been followed by someone ¨C either Marlene or Piper''s killer. It reminded Lila of the fact that someone had secretly taken pictures of Lila and Asher at Beans & Biscuits without their notice, too.

    "Well, I can''t see anything besides the fact that Piper was creepy as fuck," Asher said frankly. "All I can say is whoever killed her kinda did me a favour." He winced. "That sounds terrible."

    "Don''t worry, I get what you mean and I feel the same."

    "Let''s swap pictures, just in case."

    They followed Asher''s suggestion, sitting in silence for a few more moments before Asher hissed. She looked up at him to find that he was glaring at the photo, as though willing it to wither away.

    "That''s an intense look," she commented. He blinked rapidly, his glare melting in the same instant.

    "Was it? Sorry. I just noticed that she''d been outside your house."

    "Sure was. I''ll just say it''s something else we have in common."

    "You¡­ you''re a bit blas¨¦ about it."

    "What am I supposed to do? Confront her about it in the graveyard?"

    "I¡­ guess not." He frowned as he cast his eyes down to the photo again and murmured, "I hate that I''m not blas¨¦ about it."

    She grasped his hands. "Asher, it''s fine not to be fine about it. She did far worse to you, which I guess is why I don''t care so much. It''s not like she can do it anymore, and she didn''t end up harming me or anything. If she did the same stuff to me as she did to you, I''d still be freaked out about it."

    "That''s¡­ well, that does bother me, the fact that she stalked me for years like a creep and I had no idea. But it''s more the fact that she stalked you because of me that I''m annoyed about. I mean, we weren''t even dating then. She could''ve done something to you. Just looking at this makes me feel like I led you into danger or¡­ something that sounds a lot stupider than I intended."

    "It would''ve been a lot different if you knew she was doing whatever she was doing and asked her to target me," Lila replied tersely. "You don''t need to feel guilty about something you had no control over."

    "Easier said than done."

    "I know."

    He exhaled heavily, flipping the photo face down again. "It''s hard not to feel guilty, but I get what you''re saying."

    "At least she can''t do it again."

    "At least there''s that."

    Silence prevailed for a few moments, with Lila unsure what to say to help him feel better.

    Eventually, he said, "Sorry, I can''t look at these anymore."

    She promptly started putting them back into her blazer pocket. "No worries. Sorry for bringing them."

    "Don''t be sorry about that. It was good to think about something else for a change. Plus, you always like theorising."

    "I do, but not at the expense of you."

    He shook his head with a small smile. "I see how I made you feel just now. I''m serious, though."

    "I guess I can believe you."

    "That doesn''t sound very convincing."

    "I wasn''t trying to convince you of anything."

    He gazed into her eyes, as though searching for something in them. He tilted his head to the side, a cheeky smile slowly stretching across his face.

    "If you''re going to continue feeling guilty, then you may as well come over here for a kiss."

    Had she misheard? The way that he looked at her expectantly, with that smile, made her think that she hadn''t.

    With a smile of her own, she asked, "Do you mean that?"

    "''Course I do."

    There was no way she''d miss such an opportunity. She was by his side in an instant, her fingers in his hair. He chuckled as he remained in his seat and wrapped his arms around her hips. His sparkling eyes drew her down to his lips as an enticing invitation. They locked together and her heart started to race as tingles emanated from their lips to the rest of her face.

    It had been a while since she''d had a kiss outside of their regular goodbye ones and Lila desperately clutched Asher close to her, unwilling to let him go before she was satisfied. To her surprise, he let her do exactly that.

    She kept herself in check, though the feeling of him against her was making this task more difficult the longer they kissed. His arms were still firmly around her hips before she gently touched them, which signalled to him to let her go. She took a step back, grinning.

    "Wow," she breathed, "that¡­ was longer than usual."

    He brushed his fingers across her lips before trailing them up to her cheeks, his own grin widening in time to the blush deepening on her face.

    "Yeah," he confirmed, intertwining their hands. "It was."

    Then, as if saying that made him realise something, he quickly checked his phone. "Actually, it was a bit too long ¨C we''ve gotta go."

    Once they were sure there was nothing left behind, they hurried out of the meeting room and headed straight to the locker room.

    She wanted to ask about him ¨C about why he seemed different. She still wasn''t sure about what it was exactly, but there was something. Was he more confident somehow? If so, why? What changed?

    But, with the way he was tugging her hand in an effort to speed up their journey, there was no room to. Perhaps PE would give her the opportunity.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Lila was about to sling her PE bag across her shoulder when, as if the act had summoned him, Asher plucked it from her hands.

    "Ready for PE?" he asked conversationally like he hadn''t just stolen her bag.

    "Sure," Lila grinned. "Let''s go."

    Off they went, with Lila clutching his arm and basking in the warmth of his mood and body heat. She glanced up at him and he met her gaze, a bemused smile on his lips.

    "You look like you want to say something," he said.

    She looked ahead at the path, suddenly feeling shy. His eyes ¨C they were intense today.

    "Um, just¡­ that something seems different about you lately."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah."

    She could feel his eyes on her still and she folded her arms. "Like¡­ you''re more confident?"

    He was silent for long enough that she lifted her eyes to meet his again.

    As if in reaction, he smiled at her. "You reckon?"

    "I¡­ I did."

    "You did?"

    "Well, um, now I''m not sure."

    "That doesn''t sound very confident of you."

    "I guess not."

    He laughed and she felt herself relax a little.

    "What changed?" she asked.

    "With what?"

    "Well¡­ your confidence."

    "I''m not quite sure what you mean, actually. I feel the same as I always have."

    She scrutinised him to determine whether he meant that or not. She couldn''t tell.

    "I guess I mean¡­ with us."

    "Now I really don''t know what you mean."

    Lila sighed. "I can''t explain it, it''s just a vibe I''ve been getting."

    He was silent once more and he looked deep in thought. She wasn''t sure whether to break it, but he did so himself.

    "If you''re talking about our kissing, all I can say is that I''ve had an epiphany."

    "An epiphany?"

    "Yup. One of those."

    His lack of elaboration made Lila purse her lips in dissatisfaction.

    "What-"

    "It''s an epiphany that I¡­ I''ll tell you about later."

    "Your list of things to tell me about later just keeps growing," Lila replied with a pout. "I want to know now."

    "I know you do. I just don''t want to shoot myself in the foot and tell you something before-" he cut himself off with a shake of his head. "Look, I''ll tell you when I can."

    She wanted to press the point, but instead let the quiet between them lapse.

    Neither spoke until they reached the hallway leading to the changing rooms in the Gymnasium and he passed her bag to her.

    "See you in a sec," he said, his tone indicating that he wasn''t upset, at least. That was good.

    "Yeah. A-Actually, I''ve got one more question."

    He stopped in his tracks and looked back at her. "Yeah?"

    "You will tell me, right? All the things you''ve promised to tell me, I mean."

    A bright blush pooled across his cheeks as he nodded and said, "Definitely."

    Then, he turned on his heel and practically sprinted to the changing room ¨C or, at least, as much of a sprint as he could muster amongst all their classmates who were now crowding the hallway.

    ''Strange reaction,'' Lila pondered as she headed into the girls'' changing room. ''Guess I can''t ask about it now ¨C aside from the fact that he''s vanished.''

    When she met him in the hallway once more, he was certainly far calmer than when he''d disappeared.

    "What do you reckon today''s sport will be?" he asked, completely ignoring his weird behaviour. She decided to ignore it too as she shrugged.

    "Netball?"

    "And badminton," Ms Wright said from behind them. They jolted and turned, only to see her smile as she handed them both bundles of vests.

    "I can trust you with these, yes?" she asked.

    "Yes, ma''am," Lila and Asher said in unison.

    "Great. I''ve got to get the racquets."

    Ms Wright doubled back towards the office. Lila and Asher exchanged a look.

    "Well¡­ I guess we should put these down," Lila suggested.

    "Before the smell singes my nose hairs," Asher replied, wrinkling his nose.

    They placed the vests on the floor where Ms Wright usually put them before sitting down. Lila leaned back on her hands, stretching her neck with her eyes on the ceiling. Just as it was the last time she took notice, it was incredibly dusty.

    "Yup, that spot over there still looks like Isaac with a moustache," Asher said, also leaning back on his hands. Lila giggled.

    "Sure does. He still wouldn''t suit a moustache, and I don''t think Elise likes ''em anyway."

    "I''ll have to tell him."

    "Good."

    They grinned at each other before Lila sighed, looking back up at the ceiling.

    "They were weird yesterday, weren''t they? Elise and Isaac," she murmured.

    "Yup. Incredibly."

    "You reckon they''ve talked about, well, them?"

    "I''ve asked Isaac, but he shut down the conversation."

    "That''s weird in itself, isn''t it?"

    "Yeah, but what can I do?"

    "I guess we just need to keep hanging out with them as a group. Eventually, they''ll relax and get comfortable again, right? More time together might get them to realise that they should push past whatever it was that happened between them, or at least the idea that they like other people."

    "Yeah. Besides, Isaac looked happy enough yesterday, so it''s not like I want to take that away from him either."

    "Yeah."

    "Alrighty, students," Ms Wright called as she strolled to the front of the class, bundles of racquets and shuttlecocks in her arms. "Netball and badminton today."

    There were some groans mingled with cheers, which Ms Wright expertly ignored. Once they were set up, Lila was glad to see that Ms Wright hadn''t separated her from Asher.

    They found themselves face-to-face against Ayla and Justin in badminton. Ayla gave Lila a small, fleeting smile before their match began.

    Lila recalled that Ayla had been away for at least a couple of days since the news of Jason''s murder broke out. Looking at Ayla, Lila couldn''t tell whether she''d been away because she''d been sick or because of the visceral reminder of Piper''s murder¡­

    Donk.

    "Are you okay?" Ayla squeaked as Lila instinctively held her head where the shuttlecock had bounced off.

    "Yeah," Lila replied, meeting Asher''s concerned eyes. "It''s just a shuttlecock. Hardly noticed a thing."

    He reached out to touch her head and she let him. It really was fine, and she smiled reassuringly at him.

    "You sure?" he asked.

    "Surer than I''ve ever been. Seriously."

    "Sorry," Ayla said, twirling her racquet between her hands with nervousness. "I didn''t mean to."

    "It''s fine, I wasn''t paying attention."

    Ayla continued to look apprehensive until Asher picked up the shuttlecock.

    "Let''s resume play," he said with another glance at Lila.

    They did so, with Lila now paying attention. Eventually, they cycled over to netball and, soon enough, PE was over.

    "Lunchtime," Asher grinned as they shuffled off towards the changing rooms.

    Lila''s heart flopped in a strange way. Could¡­ there be another kiss in store?

    "Y-Yeah. See you in a bit," she responded. He jogged down the hallway to the boys'' changing room. She took a moment to collect herself before heading into the girls'' changing room. It was empty since Lila and Asher had been roped into helping Ms Wright pack up as well.

    ''You''re getting greedy,'' she chastised herself as she changed. ''Stop it.''

    "I''m really sorry, Lila," Ayla said quietly to Lila''s left, causing Lila to jump.

    "About what?" Lila asked as her heartbeat slowed back down to its normal pace. "And where did you come from, anyway?"

    "About hitting you. Uh, I was washing my hands. You didn''t see me come in?"

    Lila laughed, relaxing considerably. "Sorry, no. I was in my own world. You don''t need to worry, really. Things like that happen."

    "You sure? You were frowning really hard over there, I thought you were mad at me."

    "Was I?" Lila faltered, feeling her face burn.

    Ayla nodded solemnly. Lila touched her cheeks and abruptly turned away from Ayla.

    "I-I was thinking about something else."

    "Oh," Ayla sounded relieved. "I''m glad. See you later."

    "Actually," Lila said, turning around again. Ayla had slung her bag over her shoulder and was now looking curiously at Lila, her head ever-so-slightly tilted.

    "Yeah?"

    "Uh, I noticed you weren''t in class for a couple of days after, well, Jason''s death."

    Ayla blinked at Lila before nodding. "Yeah¡­ it, um, reminded me of Piper, and not in a good way. I wish it had been good."

    Her eyes glistened and she hastened to wipe at them with the sleeves of her jumper.

    "Sorry," Lila said sympathetically. "I just wanted to check in. You''re okay now?"

    "Thanks. Yeah, I am. It- well. I couldn''t believe it happened again. It''s terrifying," Ayla grimaced, tightening her hold on the strap of her bag. "Who could''ve guessed that Jason would be next? He always seemed so responsible."

    Lila held her tongue, opting for a nod. "Yeah. It is terrifying."

    "I mean, who''s next?"

    "No one, I hope."

    Ayla sighed deeply. "I hope so too, but the way things are going, it''s guaranteed that someone else is next. Maybe it''ll be me. If it is¡­ then maybe I''ll feel happy. Since I''ll get to see Piper again."

    Lila''s heart dropped. She swiftly held on to Ayla''s arms, her grasp firm yet gentle.

    "Ayla, are you seriously okay?"

    She gave Lila a half-hearted smile. "Yeah. As okay as I can be after losing her. Sorry, I didn''t mean to get so dark."

    "Ayla, have you seen a school counsellor?"

    Ayla shook her head. "No. What''re they going to say? That I''m sad? Of course I''m sad."

    "Ayla," Lila said softly, "they can help you with these feelings."

    Ayla''s lip trembled. "Nothing can help me. Nothing except¡­ waking up from this nightmare and seeing Piper again."

    Lila brought Ayla into a hug, feeling that the rest of her trembled much like her lip had. "Have you told your friends about everything?"

    "No," Ayla sniffled. "Not even that I''m still sad."

    "I think you should at least start with that."

    "It feels like they''ve forgotten about her," Ayla whispered, her shoulders shaking as though a chill was rushing through her. "They haven''t said a word about her since I came back to school the first time."

    "Could that not just be because they know you two were close? They might not want to upset you by talking about her."

    Ayla''s body felt heavy with defeat. "I don''t know."

    "You should talk to someone at least."

    "¡­ But the person that I would''ve talked to is gone."

    "I know."

    Ayla stepped back from Lila, wiping her eyes once again. "I¡­ I get what you''re saying, really. But I just¡­ can''t handle losing anyone else. What if my friends reject me?"

    "Then they weren''t your friends."

    "But then I''ll be alone."

    Lila smiled reassuringly. "You won''t be. I''ll be here. Even if they don''t reject you and you just want to talk. I still think you should try, even if it''s baby steps, since you''ve been friends with them for ages and they know you better than I do."

    Ayla''s eyes widened before shimmering with unshed tears. "Thanks, Lila. I know you didn''t like Piper, but you''re here, checking on me when you know I''m falling apart over her."

    Lila gave her another comforting smile. "It''s no problem at all. Look, I still remember when you shielded me from Harrison earlier this year, even though we''d hardly talked up to that point. I''m seriously grateful for that. Of course I''ll be here for you, too ¨C no matter what I thought about Piper. I do think you should talk to a counsellor though. It worries me that you feel like that."

    Ayla scrunched her nose in distaste. "He was such a creep." Then, she bit her lower lip, her eyes distant. "I''d like to say I was joking about how I''m feeling, but¡­ I think you''d be able to tell that it would be a lie."

    "Do you want me to walk you there now?"

    "No," Ayla said firmly. "I''ll need to think about it still."

    "Alright."

    A tentative knock sounded on the door, which caused both Lila and Ayla to stare at it.

    "Lila?" Asher''s voice called.

    "Coming," Lila replied, placing her bag on her shoulder. "Unless you want me to stay?" she asked Ayla.

    "No, no. Let''s get out of here."

    They both left, with Ayla giving Lila one last smile before squeezing past Asher and disappearing down the hallway towards the exit. Asher watched her go for a moment before turning to Lila.

    "I was starting to get- whoa. That''s certainly an expression," he remarked, reaching out to lightly brush her face. She clutched the hand that was still on her face and gave him a small smile.

    "Sure is."

    "Everything okay?"

    Lila glanced at where Ayla had left before looking back at Asher with a sigh.

    "With me, yeah. I''ll¡­ tell you at lunch."

    "Alright. As long as you''re okay."

    Lila contemplated what Ayla had said on the way to the locker room, a slight frown across her face. It was, honestly, incredibly heartbreaking. It made sense, given everything Ayla had told Lila at camp, but that only made it worse.

    "Alright, I can''t take it anymore," Asher declared once they sat down in their usual meeting room. "I don''t think I''ve seen you look so serious and so sad at the same time. It''s usually one or the other."

    "Is it?" Lila asked, genuinely surprised by this observation.

    "Well, yeah. What happened?"

    Lila slowly unwrapped the deli sandwich that Gabriel had packed in her lunchbox as she tried to find the words.

    "I checked in on Ayla."

    "Ah," Asher nodded in understanding. "I''m guessing she''s still affected by everything?"

    "You could say that. Except¡­ I''m really worried about her. The feelings she has, they''re really, really depressing."

    "Depressing how?"

    "Depressing like ''I''ve got to tell a teacher'' depressing."

    "Shit, really?"

    "Yeah. I mean, she said if she was targeted next by the killer, she might feel happy since she''d get to see Piper again."

    "Holy shit," Asher''s face paled. "Maybe you should tell a teacher. That''s intense."

    "I said she should see a counsellor and she said she doesn''t really see the point. I''m hoping I convinced her to change her mind on that one, but I don''t know if she will. I also don''t want to betray her trust, you know. She''s struggling with talking to her friends about it ¨C about even the fact that she''s still sad, let alone that she was in love with Piper and everything else. I told her she should try with baby steps, y''know, by telling them that she''s still sad about Piper."

    "I get you." Asher frowned as though he was thinking incredibly deeply. "I¡­ I think you should just keep an eye on her for now. If she doesn''t feel like she has the support of her friends, if you go behind her back and talk to a teacher about it, you might make it worse."

    "That''s what I''m afraid of."

    "Damn. No wonder you looked so serious and sad."

    "It¡­ it''s also weird, talking to Ayla about her feelings after just looking at Marlene''s corkboard full of Piper-related pictures. I feel sorry for Ayla, that she''s going through that, but at the same time, I don''t know. I can''t ignore what Piper was doing to you."

    "And to you."

    "And to me, I guess."

    Lila exhaled heavily, placing her head in her hands. "I think I''m getting a headache after all that."

    "You might be dehydrated from PE. Drink some water," Asher said kindly, pushing her water bottle towards her. "Then eat. You can''t solve Ayla''s problems for her, especially right now. You''re doing well, letting her talk to you and supporting her, but you need to take care of yourself, too. I''m sure her friends will support her when she tells them how she''s feeling."

    "You''re right," Lila replied, pressing her lips together. Then, with a resigned sigh, she did exactly as Asher suggested. He eyed her carefully for a few moments before he nodded, seeming satisfied that she would continue eating, and unearthed his own food.

    The rest of lunch passed by with much lighter conversation. Lila could tell, with the exaggerated way Asher was talking, that he was trying to make her forget about Ayla''s plight and instead laugh with him. She let herself fall into this, eventually letting out genuine, loud laughs at his jokes which made them even sillier, his smile brighter and his demeanour far more relaxed.

    Her spirits were high as they walked back to the locker room at the end of lunch, hand-in-hand. His knack for making her happier was insane. Did she make him feel the same?

    "See you in a bit," he smiled, gently letting go of her hand. "You''ve got Modern History, yeah?"

    "Yeah."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Finally, after nothing of interest due to how busy Lila''s remaining classes were, the end of the school day was upon them. Lila placed her hat on her head, looking around for Asher.

    Instead, she found Isaac hovering at the other end of the aisle, his head swivelling between the exit and where Elise''s locker was.

    "Isaac," Lila called, waving him over. He stiffened, as though he hadn''t expected to be caught by Lila, and shuffled to her.

    "Yeah?" he asked, folding his arms.

    "Why''re you just¡­ standing over there like a weirdo?"

    He looked affronted. "I wasn''t just standing over there, I was lurking."

    "Either way, you''re suspicious as hell. What''re you looking for?"

    "Nothin''."

    "Then stop lurking."

    "No."

    Lila sighed. "You''re waiting for Elise, aren''t you? You don''t have to be so strange about it."

    Isaac''s face turned red. "N-No."

    "That''s not a confident ''no''."

    It was at that second, as Lila folded her arms in disapproval, that Asher appeared behind Isaac.

    "Sorry for the delay, I was making sure I had all my maths stuff and my Chem draft- oh, hey, dude," Asher said, stepping back from Isaac. "Why''re you here?"

    "He''s lurking, apparently," Lila replied.

    "Lurking?"

    "I was trying to be funny," Isaac huffed.

    "It wasn''t funny," Lila insisted.

    "I thought I saw you chuckle."

    "Lies."

    "I don''t lie," Isaac mumbled, looking behind him. It was like he sensed Elise''s approach and he stood aside, allowing her to pass the three of them.

    "Hey, Elise," Lila greeted.

    "Hey, guys," Elise replied, looking puzzled. "Normally you and Asher are gone by now."

    "Yeah, well, I was making sure I had my stuff," Asher responded, as though he were in trouble.

    "I''m not telling you off," Elise laughed, rummaging through her locker.

    Asher took the opportunity to smirk at Isaac. "So, just staying behind to say goodbye to your girl-"

    "No," Isaac interrupted him, his face red again, "we just have a shift. It makes sense to go together."

    "That''s sweet," Lila nodded, a smirk on her own face. "Maybe you should tell-"

    "Shhh," Isaac shushed. "She''s right there."

    "Isaac-"

    "Ready to go, Isaac?" Elise called, locking her locker.

    "Yes!" Isaac affirmed. "Gotta go, guys. See you tomorrow."

    With that, he legged it to the exit, though he waited at the door, looking back at Elise. Elise, Lila and Asher said their goodbyes as Elise hurried along, her expression confused.

    Lila and Asher watched as Elise and Isaac left before glancing at each other.

    "Well, let''s head to the bus station before you miss your bus," Asher said, giving her his hand. She accepted it and off they went, with Lila thinking about their interaction with Isaac.

    "Do you think Isaac was weird just now?" Lila asked after a minute or so of silence.

    "Nah. He seemed pretty normal to me."

    Lila frowned. There was something that bothered her about Isaac''s demeanour, but perhaps it was because of how he was at lunch yesterday with Elise.

    "It''s no wonder Elise doesn''t know Isaac likes her," Lila said simply.

    "Huh?" Asher looked at her in surprise. "How do you figure?"

    "Yesterday, they hardly talked at lunch, but he waited for her this afternoon to go to their shift together?"

    "I guess that is weird."

    "Maybe you should talk to him about it."

    "He keeps avoiding any topic related to Elise," Asher sighed.

    "He''s gotta confront it if he wants her to be his," Lila frowned. "I mean, she might just give up and go for someone else."

    "Yeah, I''m not going to tell him that."

    "It''s true though."

    "I know, but I don''t want to incite panic in him. I mean, that''s not a good start to a relationship."

    "I guess¡­"

    "Isn''t that your bus?" Asher suddenly asked, pointing at said bus idling at her stop.

    "Shit, it is-"

    "Here''s your bags," Asher swiftly gave them to her.

    "Thanks!"

    She reached up for a quick peck, not caring that the teacher on duty was looking in their direction, before sprinting off to the bus. She made it just as the doors were closing, almost tripping up the steps in her haste. With a heaving chest, she craned her neck to try and see Asher out the window, but the bus departed faster than she could find him.

    She slowly sat down, kicking herself over the fact that she didn''t suggest having Asher''s driver take her home. It would''ve been a rude request, but that way they could''ve had a much better goodbye.

    Bzzz.

    Lila pulled her phone out of her pocket, seeing a text message from Asher.

    Next time, I''ll ask if George can take you home. The rush isn''t worth missing a good kiss from you

    Lila''s butterflies swirled inside her stomach as she smiled.

    Agreed, she replied. Then, after a beat, she sent, I miss you already.

    I miss you too, Lila

    See you tomorrow. Good luck with your studies

    See you then ¨C good luck for yours, too

    She smiled again. She had considered loafing when she got home, but with a good luck message like that, there was no way she could. She needed to do well so she could tell him, after all. He''d surely be happy for her if she got good grades. Maybe they''d even celebrate.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty

    Lila wasn''t keen for yet another assembly. Unlike the previous assemblies, this was the regularly scheduled one. Lila''s classmates in both Japanese and Biology seemed similarly displeased by the way they were grumbling about it, though seeing Asher in between those classes brightened her mood.

    Once it was morning tea, he promptly left with a promise to return and Lila began rummaging amongst her things. Her bag had become increasingly chaotic as the term wore on, and she definitely needed to clear it out.

    "Can''t believe we have assembly again," Elise groaned, slamming her locker shut.

    "What''re they even going to talk about?" Grace said, closing her locker much more gently.

    "Probably sports stuff," Lila shrugged, inspecting the pocket in which she''d put her morning tea.

    "Boring," Elise sighed. "Can''t the athletes just award themselves at, like, sporting matches or whatever?"

    "Aw," Isaac''s voice interjected, forcing the three girls to turn to him, "you guys don''t want to see us get our shiny awards when we win the soccer finals?"

    "You think you''ll win?" Grace asked idly.

    "Of course," Asher replied, bringing up the rear with a confident grin. "We''ve been doing really well."

    "They have been," Lila confirmed with a grin of her own. Seeing how proud and pleased he looked instilled a sense of pride in herself as she interlocked their hands. Then, she turned to Elise and Grace.

    "You guys should watch them play in the semis and the finals," she said, her eyes resting on Elise''s face.

    "My weekends are pretty stacked, I''m afraid," Grace said quickly, giving Lila a knowing nod. "Lots of rehearsals for the musical."

    "Ooh, when is that?" Elise asked, swiftly avoiding the topic as though she hadn''t heard Lila''s suggestion.

    "Mid-October," Grace responded, narrowing her eyes at Elise. "You should go watch the soccer boys."

    "I''ll probably have work," Elise said awkwardly, casting her eyes down at the floor. The way that she bit her lip and squeezed her hands together told Lila that Elise really wanted to go, though.

    Lila''s eyes flickered to Asher''s and he nudged Isaac. Isaac looked back at Asher before clenching his fists.

    Isaac stumbled over his words as he said, "Y-You should watch, Elise. Soccer. The games, I mean. Where I''ll be playing with Asher." He grimaced and turned around. "I''m gonna go on a walk for morning tea."

    "Do you want me to go with you?" Asher asked. Isaac shook his head.

    "Nah. I''d like a long walk alone. The weather''s good for it."

    Isaac started heading out when Lila nudged Elise forward.

    "I-I''ll try, Isaac," Elise said, looking incredibly flustered. "It was fun, last time."

    He slowly swivelled on his heel, a nervous smile twitching on his face. "Okay. I''ll see you there."

    Then, without waiting for a response from Elise, he continued on his journey out of the locker room, his hands firmly in his pockets. In unison, Lila, Asher and Grace faced Elise, who hid her face in her hands.

    "That''s some progress!" Lila said excitedly, shaking Elise''s shoulder. "He asked you to go watch him play!"

    "Only ''cause you said I should," Elise mumbled. "You basically forced him to ask."

    "Not really," Grace replied. "He specifically said you should watch. No one told him to say that."

    Elise lowered her hands, revealing her pink face. "That was peer pressure. He didn''t really mean it."

    "Certainly not," Asher said seriously. "You know Isaac. He never says things he doesn''t mean."

    Elise looked at Asher for a moment. "He might."

    "Not my buddy," Asher responded with a smile. "Trust me and trust him. He wants you there."

    Elise pressed her lips together, her expression seeming like she was teetering on the edge of denying what Asher had said. Before she could do so, Grace looped an arm around Elise''s and gently shook it.

    "C''mon, let''s go to morning tea. These carrots are calling my name," Grace said, shaking her container of carrots. "See you guys later."

    She pulled Elise alongside her and Lila watched them walk over to the exit, an uncontrollable beam across her face.

    "Success!" she said eagerly to Asher once the door closed behind them. "Good move, encouraging him to ask like that."

    "I just saw an opportunity," Asher replied, his eyes crinkled in joy as he looked down at her. "Glad it worked."

    "You''re amazing."

    "It was just a nudge."

    "A well-timed, well-intentioned nudge."

    "You''ve got me there. Don''t forget you had a good nudge, too."

    They shared another grin and strolled to the library with Lila clutching Asher''s arm in excitement.

    "I reckon if Isaac does well at the game, Elise''ll want to kiss him in celebration," Lila said gleefully as they sat down in the meeting room. Asher chuckled.

    "After everything, you think she''d be that bold?" he asked.

    "Of course," Lila replied with a firm nod. "I mean, I always want to when you do well."

    He chuckled again. "I did well just then, didn''t I?"

    He raised an eyebrow, his eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly like he was testing her, and she was delighted to fall into his trap, immediately crossing over to him. His eyes sparkled with anticipation and she playfully grabbed his tie, pulling him close enough for a kiss.

    Just like yesterday, he didn''t pull away or panic, his hands around her waist. It was again Lila who signalled for it to end, her breathing heavy, giddiness soaring within her chest and the feeling of his lips lingering on her lips like a tantalising imprint.

    "I think I really like this epiphany of yours. You should have them more often," she said after catching her breath. She straightened his tie, attempting to meet his eyes but finding them rather elusive, his cheeks flushed.

    He laughed, though there seemed to be nervousness within it. "You reckon?"

    "Definitely."

    "I''ll try and see what this brain of mine comes up with, then."

    "Good."

    They spent the rest of morning tea talking and joking around, with their legs lightly touching under the table.

    Eventually, Lila stretched her arms above her head. "Isn''t it about time we head off to assembly?"

    Asher checked his phone and nodded. "Yeah. Let''s go watch those athletes get those shiny awards."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Lila sidled into the spare seat beside Grace, saying hello to both Grace and Elise and entirely unenthusiastic about the coming assembly.

    It wasn''t long until everyone was seated, the procession was finished, and Mr Lockwood had taken his place at the lectern.

    "Good morning, students," he said into the microphone, peering around at the student body before taking a downwards glance at the lectern. "A couple of things to mention before we go through the usual agenda today."

    He adjusted his glasses, his expression becoming more grim in the pause that followed.

    "There has been a lot of discussion and gossip floating through the school halls that must not carry on. I understand that the last assembly was shocking to all of you, however that is not an invitation to spread malicious rumours regarding recent events. Many of your classmates and teachers are grieving and will continue to grieve for some time. Even if you do not respect those that have passed, respect those around you."

    It was quite a severe message, tone and glare. Lila folded her arms across her body, feeling a chill come over her. She hadn''t heard any of the rumours regarding Jason, though it wasn''t like she was listening out for them either. Surely Mr Lockwood would know that pointing them out would just make it worse, right?

    ''Wonder what''s being said,'' Lila thought as she stared up at Mr Lockwood''s serious face. If Mr Lockwood''s insistence that rumours and gossip stop didn''t work, she''d need to keep an ear out. Perhaps it was time to get Tuckshop again.

    "Secondly, we are regrettably saying goodbye to Ms Mia Alexander at the end of the term," he said after clearing his throat. Hearing him mention Ms Alexander made Lila uneasy. Grace sat unnaturally rigid next to Lila, and Lila regretted sitting next to her. She braced herself for whatever he would say next.

    "Despite only being with us for a short amount of time as the middle and senior school music teacher, Ms Alexander has been an asset to Forestglade College and we wish her all the best for her new endeavours at Mulberry Heights High. It goes without saying that her successor will have a tough act to follow when we find them."

    Lila couldn''t help herself from glancing at Grace and was shocked to see that Grace already had tears in her eyes. It was undeniable how hard Ms Alexander''s departure was hitting Grace. Should Lila feel sympathy? She wasn''t sure, for the relief she was feeling was overpowering anything else. Maybe, once Ms Alexander was gone, Grace would begin to wake up and realise what was going on¡­

    With that announcement, Mr Lockwood moved through the assembly''s agenda. Awards were given for various sports, there was an address from the school Chaplain and a performance from the school band among other usual announcements and celebrations. The fact that this assembly was so ordinary after the previous two was honestly jarring, though Lila conceded that they''d have to get back to normal at some point.

    Eventually, it wrapped up with Ms Alexander leading today''s school song. Seeing Ms Alexander on stage, professional and businesslike, only reminded Lila of the fact that Ms Alexander was at such a different stage of life to Grace ¨C and should definitely not be dating a teenager, let alone convince one that they were in love.

    Grace barely sang a note when she was usually the loudest. The Grade 7s were chosen to pack away the chairs and Lila stood up, ready to find Asher in the crowd, when Grace tugged on her blazer sleeve.

    "Lila," Grace murmured quietly, causing Lila to look back at her. She was incredibly pale.

    "Whoa, are you okay?" Lila asked, holding onto Grace''s shoulders. It felt as though Grace was one small push away from collapsing.

    Grace shook her head. "No. It''s starting to get real and I''m scared."

    "Grace¡­"

    "I know you don''t like it, but¡­ but I need some reassurance that everything will be okay."

    "Grace, you know I can''t promise that."

    "Can''t you pretend?"

    "Are you guys gonna get a move on, or are you gonna pack up the chairs with the Grade 7s?" Elise asked from behind Grace, looking curiously at them.

    "S-Sorry," Grace said, "just got caught chatting."

    Lila slid out of the now-empty row, feeling Grace hold onto her arm. There was something incredibly childlike about Grace now, with how subdued and sullen she was, that sparked a feeling of protectiveness within Lila. It was hard to not feel guilty about being the catalyst for Ms Alexander''s move to Mulberry Heights High with how upset Grace was, but Lila was starting to feel incredibly angry. Furious at the fact that Ms Alexander had groomed and ensnared her best friend, someone who had been with Lila through thick and thin over the years, convinced her that they were in love, and was subsequently breaking her heart.

    It actually took her by surprise, how pissed off she was, given how relieved she''d been during MrLockwood''s announcement. There wasn''t anything she could do about it, and she definitely didn''t want Ms Alexander to stay, but that didn''t stop her from feeling the steam coming out of her ears. As far as Lila was concerned, Mulberry Heights High wasn''t far enough away from Grace.

    "Lila, can I hang out with you and Asher for lunch?" Grace asked softly once they pushed their way out of the Gymnasium. Elise was far behind them and Asher wasn''t anywhere near where they were standing. Lila took a deep breath, hoping that the fumes of her rage dissipated quickly enough to answer Grace without alarming her.

    "I-I''m not sure," Lila eventually replied, looking elsewhere. "Asher''s not here, so it''s not like I can ask. Maybe you should hang out with Elise."

    Lila''s eyes then rested on Grace, who looked crestfallen. "That''s the backup plan, but she doesn''t know. I¡­ I want to be with people who know," Grace said almost too quietly for Lila to hear over the chatter of the students standing around them.

    Lila really wasn''t sure whether Asher would be receptive to that, given how he was in Ms Alexander''s office. She already knew Asher wasn''t supportive of the relationship, but would he support Grace now that she was upset?

    "Look, I''ve got English with him next, so I''ll ask," Lila said with a resigned sigh. "I''ll let you know, okay?"

    "Okay," Grace replied, her voice once again almost swallowed by the sounds of people talking around them. "Thank you. I know you like to have lunch alone with him, but¡­ I think I''ll explode."

    ''Well, that''s not good¡­''

    "There you are," Asher''s voice startled them both and, before Lila could pose the question, Grace scuttled away into the crowd.

    "I''m not that intimidating, am I?" he asked pleasantly, his gaze locked onto where Grace had disappeared.

    "You will be once you hear what she was asking me," Lila sighed.

    "What?"

    "Not here," Lila gestured around at the students surrounding them. "Let''s walk to English."

    Asher gave Lila a curious look before taking her hand and leading her away from the bulk of the students.

    "Guessing we''ll go the route less travelled?" he asked, glancing down at her. She nodded, warily looking at some nearby Grade 10s. Gradually, the number of potential eavesdroppers decreased to none and Lila inhaled deeply.

    "Didn''t expect a whole announcement about Ms Alexander leaving. Seems like she''s well-liked by the school and the students," Asher said before she could speak.

    "I''m pretty sure she''s the only music teacher for grades 7 to 12," Lila responded robotically.

    "Yeah, figures. Must be nice. Probably makes it even worse, if you consider her getting into a ''relationship'' with a student betrayal to the school." He surveyed Lila carefully before asking, "What did Grace want?"

    "She wants to have lunch with us."

    "So she ran away from me like I was the devil incarnate? That''s some lunch invitation."

    "I think it''s mostly because we were kinda talking about Ms Alexander. She knows you don''t like the whole situation-"

    "As no one should ¨C not even them."

    "Yes, well, it''s what it is, I guess. Anyway, she said that she wants to be with people that know. I think that technically means her family''s out since she only told them part of the picture."

    "Surely she''d want to spend every moment she can with her girlfriend?"

    Lila shrugged. "I would''ve thought so but from the way she was talking, I think she''s too upset to face her at the moment."

    Asher scratched at his chin before shaking his head with a soft sigh. "Yeah. Let''s have lunch with her."

    "Really?"

    "Yeah," Asher furrowed his brow in confusion. "Did you think I''d say no?"

    "Not necessarily, but you''re not supportive of them."

    "Of course I''m not, but I''m not mad at Grace. The way she''s been groomed, it''s only natural for her to be like how she is. I feel a lot of pity for Grace but it''s also clear that she''s not budging on being with Ms Alexander ¨C which is right where Ms Alexander wants her, unfortunately. If she''s as in love as she thinks she is, then the fact that Ms Alexander''s moving to a different school is horrible for her."

    "I see."

    "Why, do you think we should say no?"

    "No, not necessarily. I¡­ got really angry all of a sudden over the whole situation. As much as I''m happy that Grace thinks she''s in love and happy, I just wish it wasn''t with a teacher. There''s just something insidious about them being together and I hate it. It''ll be a mission to keep that from slipping out during lunch."

    "I agree. I believe in your capability to keep it in, though."

    Lila gripped Asher''s arm close to her chest. "Do you think they''ll break up?"

    "I have no idea, to be honest. I mean, if Ms Alexander intentionally groomed Grace and plotted for Grace to be under her thumb, then she''d probably just find a new victim at Mulberry Heights and forget about Grace. If Ms Alexander is¡­ genuine-" the word fell out of his lips with enough disgust that he scrunched his nose, "about feeling in love, then probably not. I doubt Grace would ever break up with Ms Alexander ¨C at least, not until Grace realises how fucked up it all is. That''ll probably only happen when she''s fully an adult."

    "That makes sense."

    "I try."

    They traversed the path ahead in silence for a while before Lila pulled out her phone.

    "I''ll just tell Grace we''ll have lunch with her."

    "Okay," Asher nodded. "I''ll brace myself for the most awkward lunch of all time."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    "Let''s go, Grace," Elise said, her lunchbox swinging from one hand, the other grasping Grace''s arm. "I wanna grab a nice shady spot before they all get taken."

    "Sorry, Elise," Grace replied, slipping out of Elise''s hand. "I''m having lunch with Lila and Asher."

    Elise''s shoulders deflated, her face looking taken aback. "And I''m not invited?"

    Lila winced, immediately turning around to her locker. She didn''t want to see either of her friends'' faces as they navigated this.

    "U-Um, it''s not that you''re not invited," Grace stammered, "I just, um, thought it''d be a good opportunity for you to have lunch with Isaac."

    "After this morning, I''m too embarrassed to," came Elise''s no-nonsense reply. "C''mon, let me have lunch with you guys too."

    "If you want something to happen between you two, you gotta keep the ball rolling," Lila found herself saying. She cringed as she realised what she''d said, but she didn''t take it back. "Besides, Grace wanted some help with her Maths assignment from Asher."

    "Ew," Elise replied, her distaste evident even though Lila still wasn''t facing her. "I''d rather do anything else than use my lunch break to study. That''s what Study is for, and like I said before, breaks are important. Do you really have to do it now?"

    "I-I''m just having so much trouble," Grace stuttered, "so I''ll need to work on it tonight. I''m so stuck that Asher helping me will take all lunch, I''m sure. I can''t wrap my head around-"

    "Yikes, I don''t even want to hear that," Elise interjected. "You win. I''ll go for a wander. Maybe some alone time will do me some good."You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.

    "Or you could ask Isaac-"

    "Hey, Isaac, hey, Asher," Elise suddenly said, forcing Lila to look in the direction of the beginning of their locker room aisle. Sure enough, both Asher and Isaac had appeared, though neither seemed to have caught on to what the girls had been saying before their arrival.

    "Look at that, gotta go maximise our study sesh," Grace said hurriedly, pinching Lila''s blazer with her thumb and forefinger. "See you later!"

    With that, Grace marched towards Asher. He took an instant step back before allowing himself to be captured by Lila, who pulled him forward by his arm. Grace and Lila greeted Isaac as they passed and he nodded in return, his expression beyond perplexed. Lila could''ve sworn she spotted Asher mouthing ''Good luck,'' to Isaac, though it didn''t seem like Isaac had noticed. Had Asher been giving him a pep talk at their lockers?

    There wasn''t any room to ponder this, however, as Grace barrelled along towards the library, Lila and Asher almost jogging to keep up.

    Finally, they all plopped into their seats in a meeting room, catching their breath.

    "Jesus, Grace, you''d think you were being chased by bears," Lila huffed.

    "S-Sorry," Grace wheezed, clutching her side. "I think I was a bit too enthusiastic."

    "A bit," Asher confirmed, wiping his face with his hands.

    "Sorry," Grace repeated. "I''m¡­ just really upset."

    "It''s understandable," Asher replied after catching his breath and taking his morning tea out of his blazer pocket.

    "It is?" Grace''s eyes were wide, her voice a stunned whisper.

    "Well, yeah. If Lila moved schools, I''d be devastated."

    The earnest frankness of his statement surprised Lila enough that she felt winded once again. He knew Grace was in love with Ms Alexander ¨C so¡­ did his theoretical devastation mean he was in love with Lila?

    ''Stop it,'' she chastised herself, taking a slow, measured breath to calm down. ''You''re not just jumping to conclusions, you''re catapulting to them.''

    "It feels like asking is redundant, but how are you coping?" Lila asked in an effort to force her mind elsewhere.

    "I''m not," Grace said, squeezing her hands together on the table. "I can''t count how many times I asked her to stay."

    "Grace," Lila sighed, placing a sympathetic hand on Grace''s hands.

    "I know she can''t," Grace continued, tears welling in her eyes. "That doesn''t mean I¡­" She shook her head, seeming unable to finish her sentence.

    "Have you told her how hard you''re taking this?" Lila asked, her concern only rising.

    "She knows but what can she do? She''s accepted the contract and¡­ well, she told me that she applied to start working there at the start of the term. So it''s been in the works for a long time¡­ just without me knowing." Grace then placed her head in her hands and gave a shaky breath.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a glance.

    "Maybe it''ll be a good thing," Asher said, his tone gentle. "You know how they say absence makes the heart grow fonder? It''ll mean that when you do see each other again, you''ll appreciate it even more."

    "You''re just hoping we''ll break up," Grace murmured petulantly behind her hands.

    Asher sighed. "I''m not going to lie and say no. At the same time, I get how you''re feeling and it''s terrible. I''m really sorry you''re going through this."

    "Why don''t you let Elise in on it?" Lila suggested. "At least tell her you''re struggling with your girlfriend going to a different school. It''s true, after all."

    Grace paused before lowering her hands, shame etched onto her face. "I can''t. I''d accidentally tell her who my girlfriend is."

    "I mean, we know," Asher said pointedly, gesturing at himself and Lila. "Is it a bad thing if she knows? Surely she''d keep it a secret too."

    "I¡­ I don''t want to say it to her out loud. As much as I love Mia and our relationship, I know it''s¡­ well, a scandal. She might think less of me because of it, and I can''t bear that. I also don''t want to admit that I''ve been keeping such a big secret from her for so long. We tell each other everything. At least, we''re supposed to. We used to. It''s¡­ kinda like I''ve betrayed her, you know."

    Lila pursed her lips. It''d be rich of her to push Grace to tell Elise, given how many secrets she held, and knew about, that she hadn''t told Grace or Elise.

    "I see," Asher responded. "Makes sense not to. I''m guessing you wouldn''t have ever told Lila?"

    Grace squirmed in her seat, her face pink. "¡­ Never."

    "Well, at least you would''ve equally not told me," Lila said quickly. "It sounds weird, but I''m glad we found out. Aside from my curiosity killing me, had I not known, I''d hate it if I found out later that you had to deal with her moving and all that on your own."

    Grace gave her a weak smile. "Not sure if that makes me feel better or worse."

    "I''m not trying to make you feel worse."

    Grace attempted a laugh, though it fell flat.

    "You mentioned you were scared," Lila said, grasping Grace''s hands again. "Scared of what?"

    "I''m¡­ scared of the future without her here. Since she told us that she''s moving to Mulberry Heights High, I''ve spent most of my morning tea and lunchtimes with her and it just makes me so sad that I won''t be able to anymore. And what if we break up? I don''t think I could handle that pain. I''m really weak, Lila." She gave another half-hearted attempt at a laugh. "Probably why I''m in this relationship to begin with."

    Lila held her tongue back from saying how self-aware that was and it seemed from Asher''s swift look at Lila that he was doing the same.

    "I think that if you''re in love, you shouldn''t worry," Asher said after a beat. "She''s moving to protect your relationship, isn''t she?"

    Grace nodded, her eyes shining with tears.

    "Then you should trust that everything will be okay. You can''t spend the rest of your time together worrying about something that may or may not happen," he concluded with a comforting smile. "I''m sure she''s just as upset."

    "She¡­ hasn''t said whether she is or isn''t. What if she''s not?"

    "What if she''s not saying anything so that you don''t feel bad about her being upset?" Lila countered.

    "¡­ I guess that sounds like her," Grace murmured. Then, without warning, she started crying, alarming both Lila and Asher into standing.

    "T-Tissues," Asher stammered, looking wildly around the room. Lila took a brief look before sitting next to Grace, pulling her into a hug. It seemed to settle her for a moment as she took a gasping breath before melting into the hug.

    "I-I''m still scared. It feels like we''ve broken up already," Grace sniffled. Then, her silent tears turned into sobbing.

    Asher stumbled over to Grace, armed with about ten tissues from a nearby tissue box. "Here," he said uncertainly. Grace took them and pressed all of them against her eyes, her sobbing not even pausing for a moment. Lila rhythmically patted Grace''s back, meeting Asher''s anxious eyes with a reassuring smile.

    He slowly sat down as Grace''s sobs eased.

    "I¡­ can''t imagine my life without her," Grace finally uttered, her hold on Lila tightening like a boa constrictor.

    "You''ve lived without her before," Lila managed to say with what limited air she had. "Besides, you haven''t broken up. It just means you won''t see each other as often."

    Grace shook her head. "Lila, you don''t get it. I''ve seen her every day for the past year, and the year before that it was at least twice a week. Now I''m going to see her, what, over the weekend? Once or twice? What if we''ve got stuff on over the weekend? How am I meant to choose? I mean, Asher goes to the same school as you do, so it''s not like you can relate."

    "You''re right," Lila replied quietly. "Sorry."

    Asher looked apprehensively at Lila, seeming conflicted. He opened his mouth to speak before closing it again and shaking his head.

    "You look like you want to say something, Asher," Lila observed. He shook his head again.

    "Not at all."

    Grace let go of Lila and wiped her eyes with the tissues again before looking over at Asher. "What''s on your mind?"

    He met Lila''s gaze before exhaling deeply. "A relationship with someone outside of school isn''t impossible."

    Both Grace and Lila stiffened. It had completely slipped her mind that he''d dated someone from a different school.

    She wasn''t exactly sure why it''d slipped her mind, given she was hyper-aware that Ms Alexander''s new school was Holly''s school, but the obvious, visceral reminder that he''d dated Holly felt like a sucker punch to her gut.

    "Not that my experience ended up going well," Asher mumbled. Then, he gave a sarcastic laugh before saying, "Though I don''t think it started well, actually. It kinda seemed like she''d planned on using me from the start since she cheated so early on." He cleared his throat and continued.

    "A-Anyway, when it was going well ¨C well, when I thought it was going well ¨C her being at a different school wasn''t something that bothered me. We''d see each other when we could throughout the week and on weekends for the six-ish months that we were together. It just meant that we''d have more to talk about and that the time we made for each other was¡­ I don''t want to say important, because every second with Lila is important, but I guess on a micro level it''s similar to how I felt after going to Vanuatu. I spent a lot of time in Vanuatu thinking about how to relish and celebrate our time together since the time I''d intended to spend with Lila had been taken from me unexpectedly."

    Lila hadn''t thought about the intricacies of how Asher had spent his time with Holly, for it had been too painful to even broach in her mind, and it seemed like Asher wanted to vanish entirely with how guilty he looked. But¡­ to hear that he considered every second with Lila important and that he''d spent a lot of time on Vanuatu thinking about how to relish and celebrate their time together ¨C it began to stir her butterflies into motion within her stomach.

    "Sorry," he said, avoiding Lila''s eyes ¨C not that she was eager to meet them at the moment either because of what he''d said about his relationship with Holly, and because she was suddenly feeling too shy to. "I just thought it might be helpful for you to hear, Grace."

    "I thought Lila was over at your house, like, all the time when you were dating your ex. How did you have the time to be with your ex?" Grace asked, dabbing at her eyes with tissues.

    Asher winced. "It was around the same time that Holly had suddenly become busier. We''d still usually go late-night shopping, or she''d come over for dinner at least once during the week. Before that, it was a couple times a week that we''d hang out. Looking back, I think she just wanted to avoid me getting suspicious of her by decreasing the time we spent together. She was also probably spending her time cheating instead."

    "I¡­ don''t know if that comforts me or makes me freak out more. What if she cheats on me?" Grace fretted.

    "Do you trust her?" Asher asked, his tone dead serious.

    "Of course I do," Grace immediately responded like he was insane. "With my whole heart."

    "Then what''s there to worry about?"

    "Didn''t you trust Holly?"

    He gave her a rueful smile. "Not really. Not even with things that deeply bothered me."

    Grace looked taken aback. "Really?"

    "Really. I trusted Lila far more when we were just English partners than I ever trusted Holly ¨C particularly before I found out she''d been cheating on me. Told Lila stuff that I haven''t even told Isaac let alone Holly, like, the first time she came over."

    The matter-of-fact way that he''d said that seemed to have shocked Grace into silence. Truthfully, Lila felt shocked, too. She''d never heard Asher admit that to anyone else and it didn''t seem like he was embarrassed. In fact, he gave Lila a warm smile ¨C one that compelled her to smile back.

    ''God, I love him,'' she thought, her heart pounding and face beginning to go red.

    Grace seemed none the wiser to the goofy smiles Lila and Asher shared given how contemplative she looked.

    "I get what you''re saying," Grace said after a long pause. "I can''t change that she''s leaving, even though I want to. All I can do is trust that everything will work out. Even though we won''t see each other as often, when we do, it''ll mean more than it does now ¨C that we''ve put in that extra effort."

    "That''s the way," Asher said approvingly. "No need to be scared."

    "Yeah," Grace smiled. "Thanks for reassuring me, Asher. I hadn''t realised that you''d be so kind to me about it, even though¡­ well, you don''t like my relationship."

    "I''m not mad at you, Grace, and it''s not like I can try and stop it more than I''ve already tried," Asher replied bluntly. "It''s also not nice to process something like this on your own. After Lila barged in on me being a whole mess after I found out my ex was cheating, I realised just how much being alone in vulnerable moments like that sucked. That''s not something I want to wish on you, especially with how important you are to Lila."

    Lila knew that he''d appreciated her going to see him after his breakup, but she hadn''t heard him express it in a while. Actually, she thought he would''ve tried to forget everything; yet here he was, mentioning something personal once again to Grace without batting an eye.

    "So it all comes down to you, huh," Grace said to Lila.

    "Seems like it," Lila laughed. Grace joined in, though she laughed slightly louder than normal.

    Grace then rested her head in her hands, staring down at the table. "¡­ I''m still anxious."

    "That''s fine," Lila replied soothingly. "I think you will be until you settle into your new normal."

    "My new normal, huh," Grace repeated, her eyes distant and glassy. "Why does it have to suck like this? I know it''s meant to be for the best, but does the best have to make my heart hurt like this?"

    "Grace-"

    "No, no. I''m fine. Well, I will be," Grace said, cutting Lila off. "We''ll be fine. I just need to process what you guys have said. It''s reassuring, at least. It''s also reassuring that you guys aren''t telling me that feeling this way is stupid."

    A silent tear trailed down her face and she quickly wiped it away with an insincere smile.

    "A-Anyway, enough about all that," she said lightly, picking at her thumbnails. "Good work, you two with pushing Elise and Isaac to finally make plans outside of working together."

    Asher looked uncertainly at Lila, who simply nodded back. If Grace was changing the topic, there wasn''t any reason to not let her.

    "Yeah. I mean, she watched him play a while ago, but I think that was to support him as a friend. With how nervous they both were just now, it definitely seems like they''re getting the vibe that maybe this is more than just going to support a friend," Lila proposed.

    "I agree," Grace''s smile looked more genuine this time. "Elise works so hard. She deserves some happiness."

    "Couldn''t agree more." Lila then turned to Asher. "What were you saying to Isaac before we came here?"

    "Oh, that?" Asher grinned. "I said he should suggest treating her to some Tuckshop at some point. He looked like I was crazy, but then he actually said he''d try it out as friends."

    "You waited until now to reveal that?" Lila asked, jumping out of her seat and slamming her hands onto the table, leaning towards Asher with eyes brimming with excitement.

    "It''s not like I had any opportunity," Asher laughed, raising his hands in surrender.

    "Way to hold back on us," Grace interjected, a teasing smile on her lips.

    "You''re ganging up on me too? What happened to my good advice?" Asher joked.

    "Long forgotten in the face of your mistakes," Grace replied haughtily before the three of them burst into laughter.

    This brevity carried on through the rest of lunch as they chatted, ate and walked back to the locker room. Though the absence of Elise and Isaac was painfully obvious, Lila, Asher and Grace still managed to get along fine ¨C even better than usual, now that Asher had given Grace some advice.

    "See you later," Grace said once they reached the aisle she shared with Lila and Elise, waving at Asher and Lila before heading to her locker.

    "I''ll be back in a sec, probably with Isaac," Asher said. Lila nodded in acknowledgement.

    "Okay."

    She assembled her Maths and Design things while she waited for Asher. He didn''t take too long and he indeed had Isaac in tow.

    "So, Isaac," Asher said with an expectant grin on his face, "did you talk to Elise?"

    Isaac stared at Asher, as if unable to comprehend what Asher had said. "Huh?"

    "About shouting her some food?"

    "Oh." Isaac bashfully raised a hand to the back of his head. "Might''ve."

    Lila gasped and Asher elbowed him in reaction.

    "What''d she say?" Lila asked enthusiastically.

    "Don''t you guys have class at the other end of campus?" Elise questioned, craning her neck around Isaac and Asher and meeting Lila''s eyes.

    "Sure do. Let''s go," Isaac said abruptly, pulling Asher towards the exit by his arm.

    Lila waggled her eyebrows at Elise, who looked at her blankly, and followed the boys out of the locker room before they left her behind.

    Once they were clear of the locker room and Elise, Asher shrugged Isaac off his arm.

    "What''s up with the panic?" Asher asked as Lila immediately took Isaac''s place around the same arm.

    "What panic?" Isaac replied stiffly. "There''s no panic."

    "Mate, if you''ve already asked to shout her some lunch, you don''t have to run away from her like that," Asher snorted, pulling Lila closer to him.

    "We''ll be late for class," Isaac insisted, wedging a hand between Lila and Asher''s shoulders. "Stop that."

    "Not until you actually talk to us," Asher retorted, not moving an inch from Lila.

    Isaac huffed. "Fine. She said yes."

    "How''d you ask?" Lila pressed.

    Isaac looked uncomfortable by the question and he avoided looking at either of them. "Just said it''s a ''thank you'' for showing me the McRopes."

    "Isaac," Lila sighed. "That doesn''t make it seem like you''re interested-"

    "Lila, politely, I think I''m going to combust. Let''s talk about something else," Isaac replied, his voice strained.

    "¡­ Sorry."

    Isaac gritted his teeth, looking up at the awning stretching above their path to the STEM area. "You don''t need to be sorry. I''m sorry for¡­ whatever this is." He shoved his hands in his pockets and gestured at where Lila was still holding Asher with a jerk of his head. "Go on."

    Lila reluctantly let go and folded her arms across her chest. "It''s not like we''re kissing," she grumbled.

    "Everyone knows that a handhold is a slippery slope."

    "Who the hell says that?" Asher snorted. "Besides, we weren''t holding hands either."

    Isaac shrugged. "Dunno, but I doubt you want to get in trouble at this point in the term, Asher. Isn''t it, like, the most important time of year for you?"

    Asher also shrugged. "I mean, yeah. It''s exactly why I-" he stopped short, clearing his throat, though it sounded more like he''d started having a hacking fit.

    "You okay?" Lila asked, reaching up to lightly touch his cheek. His eyes met hers and his cheeks turned pink where she grazed him.

    "Yeah," he replied, hiding his mouth with his hand. "Just fine."

    "What were you going to say?" she queried, taking in his entirely shifty demeanour.

    His eyes flickered to Isaac and he shook his head. "Nothing."

    "I think we all know that''s bs," Isaac said, his eyebrow raised.

    "Like I want to talk about it with you here," Asher retorted, his blush returning in full force.

    "I asked the question!" Isaac replied shrilly. Then, with a gasp, he said, "Asher, you''re thinking weird things, aren''t-"

    "Oh, piss off," Asher swung a leg out, missing Isaac but getting the point across. Isaac began cackling.

    "Mate, you''re not going to escape answering properly," Isaac laughed. "Didya forget we''ve got Chem next? Besides, Lila looks curious enough for the both of us."

    Asher sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "It''s just that being with Lila, holding her and kissing her helps with the stress. I''m my happiest with her, and that trumps getting in trouble if I''m caught ¨C especially now at this point in the term."

    "Ah," Isaac uttered sheepishly, "that makes a lot of sense."

    Asher had said so many sweet things today ¨C things that made her wonder¡­ maybe now was the time to tell him that she loved him. But, for the moment, it was as though her voicebox had disappeared entirely, replaced instead with her thumping heart.

    "So, no, I''m not thinking weird things, dumbass," Asher added, kicking lazily at Isaac and missing him once again.

    "Alright, alright, sheesh. Stop with the kicking. These legs are a precious commodity, you know ¨C unless you don''t want us to get to the finals?"

    Asher and Isaac exchanged a look before descending into laughter. Lila joined in, though her mind was still focusing on what Asher had said.

    In fact, it was all she could focus on for the rest of the day.

    "You know, I didn''t want to point this out before," Asher said quietly as they strolled to her bus station, hats firmly on their heads and bags bulging from the study materials they were taking home for the weekend, "but you''ve been really quiet this afternoon."

    Lila glanced at Asher, who looked back at her with worry in his eyes. She smiled.

    "I''ve been thinking," she said simply.

    "Oh," Asher breathed, a smile of relief taking the place of his previous worry. "I thought I did something."

    "Well, you did," she replied. The relief then turned into guilt.

    "Sorry," he mumbled, clutching the straps of their bags tightly. "I didn''t want to talk about it, but I thought Grace needed that perspective ¨C especially when she said you couldn''t relate."

    Lila furrowed her brow in confusion. "Huh?"

    He stared back at her. "That''s¡­ not what you were thinking about?"

    "No, but what are you talking about?"

    "Forget what I just said," Asher replied briskly, hiking their bags higher on his shoulders. "C''mon, you''ll be late for the bus."

    "No, no," Lila said, grabbing hold of the back of Asher''s bag before he could walk too far ahead. "What''s that all about?"

    "I''ve put my foot in it, haven''t I?" Asher muttered before giving a long-suffering sigh of defeat. "I meant¡­ talking about what it was like, dating someone from a different school."

    "Oh." Lila had actually overlooked that. Her mind had been dedicated to preserving Asher''s comments about how he felt about her instead. "Right."

    "Now that I''ve¡­ reminded you about it," he said softly, "¡­ are you upset?"

    "I''d had a brief moment of shock, I guess. I''d kinda forgotten that you dated someone from a different school until you brought it up."

    "Sorry for bringing it up."

    "Don''t be. It seemed helpful for Grace. I think she''d forgotten too." She took in his still-guilty expression with a small smile. "Besides, I''ve been focused on other things that you said."

    "What other things?"

    "Well¡­ I didn''t think you''d say all that to Grace. A-About, uh, that every second with me is important, that you spent a lot of time on Vanuatu thinking about, well, us, and that you told me stuff that you never told Holly or Isaac. I was also thinking about what you said to Isaac¡­ that I help you with your stress and that you''re happiest with me," she explained in a murmur.

    "I did say all that," Asher replied, his cheeks pink. "Should I not have?"

    "No, it''s not that ¨C I just didn''t realise that you''d be so¡­ candid about that. I would''ve thought you''d be embarrassed admitting that."

    "Embarrassed?" Asher blinked at her in confusion. "Why would I be embarrassed?"

    "Well, you seemed it with Isaac, at least."

    "That¡­ was more because I couldn''t find the right words, but I needed to say something."

    "The right words? Were you lying?"

    "Not at all." He looked offended that she''d think that. "No, it''s just¡­ he''d tease me if I said too much."

    "Tease you?"

    Asher readjusted his hat before patting his pocket. "I don''t think you''ll make it to the bus. I''ll just let George know to drop you off."

    She watched him quickly text George and he turned around, facing the path to the carpark.

    "You didn''t answer my question," she said, her tone slightly sulky. They both walked in silence for a few moments before Asher sighed.

    "He teased me at camp."

    "About what?"

    "About you."

    "What about me?"

    "Just that we kiss and stuff," Asher said awkwardly, his face a deep crimson now. "That''s all."

    "Oh." Lila couldn''t imagine why Isaac would tease Asher over that, but in the absence of an answer, she shrugged. ''Must be a guy thing,'' she thought, her mind flashing back to how the soccer boys would act during practice and games when she and Asher would kiss.

    "Anyway," Asher smoothly carried on, "it''s all the truth. I mean, I''ve already told you all that."

    "I wasn''t worried that you were lying. It¡­ it''s hard to explain, but it really made me happy. Like, I know you felt that way but it feels more real somehow, now that you''ve acknowledged it to other people."

    He looked perplexed before chuckling. "I think I get what you''re saying. I wouldn''t mind if you did the same thing, too."

    Lila blushed, her heart racing. She''d told Elise and Grace that she loved him ¨C was now the moment? Should she say ''I do, since I''ve told my friends that I love you''? Was that too abrupt? Would it even make sense? Was it the right moment?

    Her hands were tingling, her mind racing. Now? Could she do it now? She felt like it''d be safe to say it since he''d said all that to Grace and Isaac today. At least, she felt like he wouldn''t laugh at her again if she confessed to him about how hard she''d fallen. That every waking moment involved thinking about him in some capacity; about whether he''d laugh at a joke she''d thought up, about whether he''d smile first that day or would she, about the feeling of his skin against hers-

    Suddenly, reality was reintroduced to her in the form of Asher''s arms around her waist, their bags slipping off his shoulders and her face dangerously close to the ground.

    "Whoa," he said, abandoning their bags and righting her up. He gave her a once over, tucking some stray strands of hair behind her ear and adjusting her hat. "What were you thinking about? You completely spaced out all of a sudden."

    With how embarrassed she felt, telling him that she loved him was completely out of the picture. "I, uh, started thinking about my Japanese writing exam."

    The doubt was evident in the way he raised his eyebrow and she looked down at her dress, dusting it off.

    "The kanji," she added lamely. "It''s messing me up."

    "I thought your exam was after the long weekend."

    "It is, but it''s getting difficult."

    He still looked doubtful, but he reset her blazer without another word on the topic. He picked up their bags and tenderly took her hand in his. Eventually, they started to talk about something lighthearted though Lila was hardly paying attention. Her thoughts were instead gripped by both the horrendously embarrassing fall she just had and the fact that she''d almost given in and told him, despite all of her good reasons not to.

    ''I''m so weak,'' she thought as Asher opened the door to George''s taxi for Lila before loading their bags into the boot.

    "Hello again, Lila," George greeted pleasantly whilst she buckled herself in.

    "Hello, George."

    With that, nothing else was said to Lila and George instead devoted his conversation to Asher. She wondered, with a wry smile, whether making conversation with the other passengers cost an additional fee that Ivaan wasn''t paying.

    Once they arrived at Lila''s, Asher jumped out and grabbed her bags. She said goodbye to George, who simply nodded in acknowledgement. Asher walked her to her door and she opened it, taking her bags and placing them in the entryway before turning to Asher with a smile.

    "So, since I didn''t have to run to catch the bus¡­ do I get a good goodbye kiss?" she asked, wrapping her arms around his neck. He smiled at her, his hands trailing down her waist, stopping just short of her hips.

    "Of course," he murmured, leaning down and giving her exactly what she wanted. Her stomach swooped, a feeling which intensified as his hands firmly flexed around her body. He deepened the kiss and her fingers grasped his hair as she pushed them closer together, the sensation leaving her breathless.

    "Oh, Jesus, ew," a disapproving voice said behind them. "God, on our lawn?"

    They broke apart, seeing Daniel''s disturbed expression before they both started laughing.

    "It''s not funny," he insisted, stepping past them. "I hope you''ll pay the taxi driver extra for the privilege of watching whatever that face-sucking was."

    "Yeah, yeah, I''ll be sure to tip him," Asher replied with another laugh. "See you-" he halted before smiling sadly. "See you on Monday, Lila. I almost forgot that the game tomorrow is at an all-boys'' school for me."

    Lila deflated. "Same here. See you on Monday."

    He started to turn to leave when Lila clutched his arm. There was one thing that could improve the suddenly dour mood. He turned his head to look at her and she grinned at him.

    "You know, this time next week, we''ll be hanging out at yours."

    He laughed once more. "Eager, are you?"

    "Of course. I miss you like crazy."

    "Okay, can you two get a room? Preferably not in this house," Daniel cut in, swinging open the front door.

    "Will do next week," Lila replied in a sing-song tone.

    "Good," Daniel said shortly. "You coming in or am I locking you out?"

    Lila looked at Asher, whose eyes were sparkling with apparent amusement. "See you on Monday," she repeated.

    "Can''t wait," he responded, squeezing her hand before stepping backwards. He then stayed put, gesturing for Lila to head inside. She did so with one final wave before closing the door.

    To her surprise, Daniel was waiting for her in the hallway, smirking.

    "Glad to see you two are doing well," he said before making his way to the kitchen. "What''s this about hanging out with Asher next Friday?"

    Lila picked up her bags and followed him into the kitchen. "I''m staying over at his from Thursday night ''til Sunday."

    Daniel wrinkled his nose, begrudgingly pouring her some juice. "Forget I asked."

    She rolled her eyes at him though accepted the juice all the same. "You''re so dramatic."

    "For good reason," he frowned, capping the carton and replacing it in the fridge. "Just don''t turn me into an Uncle, alright?"

    She rolled her eyes again. "Nothing remotely like that''s going to happen, so your wish is my command."

    He stared at her for a moment before shaking his head. "You''re so dumb."

    "Excuse me?"

    "Who asks their girlfriend to stay over for three nights for ''nothing like that'' to happen?"

    She bristled, almost spilling her juice. "Not that it''s any of your business, but he''s waiting until he''s comfortable."

    Daniel''s nose wrinkled so much that Lila thought it''d sink into his face. "Makes it sound like it''s not your choice." Then, he threw his hands up in the air. "Nope, not thinking about it anymore. Leave my sight before I throw up."

    She did just that, her mind lingering on what Daniel had said. Given what she knew about Asher, it was a ridiculous notion. He was nowhere near ready.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-One

    Yawning, Lila knocked on Clare''s door, dressed and ready to go for her last game of hockey.

    "Yeah?" Clare called, her voice thick with sleep.

    "Are you taking me to hockey? It''s at Cedar Girls''."

    There was a pause. "Oh, shit, it''s Saturday."

    "Yup."

    "Give me a sec."

    There was some rustling before Clare emerged, rubbing her eyes with her right hand, keys jangling from her left.

    "Is this your last game?" she asked as they descended the stairs.

    "Yeah," Lila replied, gripping her hockey stick. "Until next year."

    "Well, your birthday is in January," Clare noted. "Gonna get your license then?"

    "Hope so."

    Clare was silent as Lila opened the front door. They buckled themselves into Clare''s car before Clare quietly said, "Not that I''d mind if you still need rides next year. This year especially has been¡­ kinda nice. I feel like we''ve gotten a lot closer at least."

    Lila smiled, looking over at Clare, who seemed somewhat embarrassed. It looked to Lila that, despite Clare''s progress with telling Lila her feelings, she still had her moments of difficulty.

    "Yeah, we have. I''m really glad you''re my sister, Clare."

    Clare laughed, though her expression was touched. "Even though I''m deplorable?"

    "Clare¡­"

    "Just being dramatic," Clare grinned. She was in a significantly good mood as they travelled through Forestglade and towards Cedar Grove.

    "By the way," Clare said after a few minutes, "I ended up asking Melody about what happened."

    "Melody? Oh, camp girl."

    Clare snorted. "Yeah, camp girl. Apparently, the gossip I got was pretty accurate."

    "She actually admitted that?"

    "''Course. I mean, why wouldn''t she? We were talking about it half-naked last night as we were getting ready for our sets."

    "Well, what happened?"

    Clare smirked. "Melody ended up flirting a bit too hard, had a bit too much fun in a couple of guys'' tents, got sent home and suspended. My intel said she just changed schools, but she said she was actually formally expelled. Seems like they''re pretty no-nonsense with that kind of stuff."

    "She got expelled?"

    "Sure did. I won''t repeat what she was doing in said tents, but¡­ I think I''d be more surprised if they let her stay. Not to say that you mustn''t do those kinds of things if you''re of age but at a school camp? It wasn''t even a teacher who caught her ¨C it was a camp counsellor, both times. I think the school was pretty embarrassed."

    "I''m still surprised she told you all that."

    "She kinda seemed proud of it. The other girls that were on shift were laughing along and asking for all the details and she was smiling the whole time."

    "I guess it''s definitely a story to tell."

    "Yup."

    "Are you still bothered by her adding Alex on Facebook?"

    Clare glanced at Lila as she turned left before answering. "Nah. She seems pretty chill. I think it was only a moment of insecurity. Besides, after her camp story, I reckon she''s just got a flirty personality, rather than her intentionally targeting Alex."

    "That''s good. Not the insecurity part, just the fact that you''re not bothered anymore."

    "Thanks for clarifying," Clare joked.

    "Yeah, no worries," Lila snickered. "Does this mean you''re friends now with Melody?"

    Clare laughed. "You don''t have to be friends with your colleagues, you know."

    "Yeah, but it seemed like you had a good chat with her."

    Clare shook her head with a smile that wasn''t quite condescending, but close to it. "You''re so naive. A good chat doesn''t mean friendship. She''s fine, sure, but I don''t need to be her friend and she doesn''t need to be mine."

    "I see."

    "Not that she can''t be one day, but that''s just not today."

    They chatted some more about upcoming assessments for the both of them until Clare eventually slowed down in the carpark outside of Field 2 of Cedar Grove Girls'' College.

    "See you in a bit. Good luck. Knock ''em dead or whatever," Clare rattled off as Lila took her things out of her car.

    "Thanks, Clare."

    Lila stepped back, watching Clare zoom away before turning to the oval in question. She could see that most of her teammates were already warming up.

    She trudged down the hill, stretching her arms. There were quite a few people in the stands today ¨C likely because this was the last game of the season. Lila idly took a look at the stands as she passed before her heart stopped.

    Sitting in the stands was a picture come to life ¨C one that Lila had studied over and over again.

    Evelyn Whitley, in the flesh, a scarf with Forestglade College colours wrapped around her neck. She looked elegant, her hair tied back into a bun without a single strand out of place, her clothes neatly pressed. Quite like a Vice CEO of a private hospital. Lila briefly wondered whether Evelyn had been fired or not, but that thought disappeared in the instant that Lila recognised the heavy, dark under-eyes still visible under all that makeup. It seemed that grief was winning the battle against the desperate attempt to hide it.

    Of course, while Lila knew exactly who Evelyn was, Evelyn had no reason to know who Lila was and didn''t even look her way.

    "Lila!" Alice and Willow called in unison, waving her over. Lila tore her eyes away from Evelyn and jogged to them, trying to shake off how unsettled she felt. Knowing so much about a person who had no idea of her existence was certainly odd. Was this how Piper felt?

    "Last game," Alice beamed, bending into a stretch once Lila joined them.

    "Yeah," Lila replied, her eyes darting to Evelyn once more. Then, she looked at Alice closely. "Damn, you look ecstatic about that," Lila commented, stretching her neck.

    Alice laughed. "Yeah, I''m pretty excited for it to be over. I almost didn''t wake up this morning. The tiredness is getting to me."

    Lila glanced around, trying to see if anyone was listening in.

    "You know, acting like that makes it more suspicious," Willow said lightly, shaking out her hands and feet.

    "Sorry," Lila murmured awkwardly.

    "Don''t worry about it," Alice replied, waving her hand reassuringly. "No one would put two and two together. At least, not from that."

    "How have you been going?" Lila asked quietly.

    "Pretty good, actually. Thursday was a success. I''ve already told Willow, but Lila ¨C she''s everything she said and more. She''s even sitting in the stands to support me."

    "I-Is she?" Lila stammered.

    "Yep," Alice said happily, gesturing to Evelyn. "She''s just there. The lady in the green scarf."

    "I see," Lila tried to sound as though this was news to her, but she wasn''t sure whether she pulled it off. "I''m glad that you like her."

    "Same here. I''m¡­ gonna tell my parents. Maybe not today, but soon. I''m ready for whatever the consequences are."

    Lila reached out and lightly touched Alice''s shoulder. "I hope everything goes well."

    "Same," Alice sighed deeply. "Like my life depends on it. Especially since it kinda does."

    "Your parents aren''t here, are they?" Lila asked.

    Alice shook her head. "No, thank God. Then I''d have to explain why I''m talking to Evelyn."

    "Good-"

    Lila was cut off by Ms Wright''s three sharp claps which forced their team to look at her.

    "Alright, ladies," Ms Wright grinned. "Last game of the season. Have fun out there, alright?"

    "We''ll win," Charlotte murmured, gripping her hockey stick in such a way that if it were a person, it''d pass out.

    Ms Wright glanced at Charlotte before continuing.

    "You''ve all improved tremendously. It has been a fantastic season and I hope you''ve enjoyed it as much as I have. Enough of the chit-chat, looks like the game''s about to start."

    Ms Wright hurriedly jogged off to the sidelines and the team scrambled into formation.

    Now that they were commencing without Lila having seen Asher, it felt like her whole world was thrown into disarray. Lila was once again impressed by Cedar Grove Girls'' prowess at hockey, as well as their height, and though she leapt to action when it was called for, she definitely didn''t play as hard as she normally did.

    At least she wasn''t the only Forestglade College player who seemed out of sorts ¨C in fact, it was only Charlotte who was performing with determination. Alice was also going quite well, but Lila could tell that she was trying to fight against her exhaustion.

    Half-time was called with Forestglade College scoring no points and Cedar Grove Girls'' scoring one. Lila and her team collected their customary orange slice from Ms Wright before Lila stood off to the side with Willow and Alice.

    "Saddest part about the season being over is the absence of orange slices," Alice lamented through a mouthful of orange.

    "That''s the saddest part?" Willow asked, wiping her mouth. "Not the fact that we were wiped out this year?"

    Alice shrugged.

    "Damn, Alice, your priorities really have changed," Lila laughed. "To think, you yelled at me about not concentrating enough and goofing off with Asher just a few weeks ago."

    Alice''s face turned bright red. "Sorry," she mumbled, picking at her orange rind.

    "Water under the bridge. Besides, I have a feeling I know why you were so mad," Lila replied with a genuine smile. "All good. I was just feeling a bit down about the fact that he''s not here."

    "Surely you can go see him after this, though. No need to be down," Willow said comfortingly.

    Lila sighed. "I would if I could."

    "Are you guys still not seeing each other as much?" Alice asked.

    "Yeah. He''s focusing a lot on his studies."

    "He better focus on you once the holidays come up," Alice remarked with a grin. "Just not enough that you end up like me."

    "Alice!" Willow admonished. "You''ll scare her."

    Alice laughed, clutching her sides. "I''ve probably already scared her, Willow," she wheezed. With an exhale, she straightened up, wiping at her eyes. "Besides, Lila''s smart. No way she''ll end up like me."

    "Not that intelligence has anything to do with it," Willow frowned.

    "You''re smarter than me and haven''t had this happen to you."

    "That''s not-"

    "Either way, if I don''t make jokes about it, I''ll cry," Alice said, her humour disappearing in an instant.

    "Right," Willow replied awkwardly. "Sorry."

    Alice glanced behind her towards the stands and finished the rest of her orange slice. Lila and Willow exchanged an uncertain look before doing the same.

    "I can''t cry," Alice suddenly said, her voice only just above a whisper. "Otherwise, Jason''s Mum might think I''m having seconds thoughts and I can''t make her sadder than she already is."

    "Alice, I hope you''re not forcing yourself-"

    "I already told you I want this, Lila," Alice smiled, looping both her arms around one of Willow''s and Lila''s. "We''re talking too much about it. Let''s bin these peels."

    With that, it wasn''t long before the game started up again. As suspected, Cedar Grove Girls'' were on top of it today, scoring goal after goal, though a couple were thwarted. Rosa seemed frustrated by this every time the ball slipped past her defence and Lila and Willow were puffed from the chase as midfielders.

    ''It''s not just that we''re complacent,'' Lila thought, wiping the sweat from her brow as she watched Charlotte carry the ball to their goal, ''they''re also good.''

    Charlotte passed the ball to Alice who, just before an attempted tackle from one of their opponents, tossed it back just as quickly, allowing Charlotte to score the only point for Forestglade College. Lila and the rest of their teammates cheered for Charlotte, who beamed so brightly it was almost blinding.

    The cheering didn''t last for long, though ¨C the referee blew their whistle for the final time for the hockey season and Lila let her hockey stick fall to the ground with finality.Unauthorized use of content: if you find this story on Amazon, report the violation.

    "Good game, guys," she said to Willow and Rosa, both of whom repeated the sentiment.

    Once all their teammates caught their breath, they gave sportsmanship handshakes to the opposition before being called to Ms Wright for one final discussion.

    "Alright team," she said, smiling at everyone gathered around her. "Good season, and good to see that you finished it with a respectable game against Cedar Grove. I''ve organised a joint end-of-season celebration with the soccer boys for next Tuesday during our usual training session-" a few tired ''whoops'' sounded from some of Lila''s teammates, "-so I hope you''ll all join us."

    "Ma''am," Charlotte''s voice sounded defeated as she raised her hand.

    "Yes, Charlotte?"

    "Ma''am, we didn''t make it to the semi-finals, did we?"

    Ms Wright''s smile turned from one of joy to sympathy. "No, Charlotte, we did not."

    Charlotte sighed in disappointment and one of the girls patted her on the shoulder in solidarity.

    "You can have another crack at it next year," Ms Wright said, her tone chipper. "For now, just enjoy the next few weekends without this commitment."

    "Where will the finals be held?" Rosa asked.

    "It depends on how the semi-finals go," Ms Wright replied. "I''m not sure on the progress of the other schools, but after talking to the Cedar Grove Girls'' coach, I think they''re in for the semi-finals."

    "Boo," Charlotte pouted. Ms Wright evidently decided not to say anything as she continued.

    "I can send you the details of the finals if you''d like to attend," she said.

    "Yeah, that''d be great, thanks Coach," Rosa grinned, placing her Goalie mask on her hip. "Since it''s my last year, I think I''d like to see the season through to the end."

    "That''s a nice idea," Willow said, looking at Alice briefly. "I might join you, Rosa."

    "Same here," Alice replied.

    "What about the soccer boys?" Christa Nguyen asked, running her fingers through her ponytail.

    "What about them?" Ms Wright responded, her tone bemused.

    "W-Well, just, how are they going?"

    Lila side-eyed Christa, noticing quite the blush appearing on her face. Christa was in her cohort and it definitely seemed that she was interested in one of the soccer boys.

    Ms Wright waited a beat ¨C one that was slightly too long ¨C before saying, "Generally?"

    Christa immediately became flustered and Ms Wright laughed. "Only teasing. Annoyingly so, they''ll likely progress to the semi-finals. Mr Kovac is very pleased about that."

    Christa looked relieved and Ms Wright glanced around at her charges with a warm, proud smile.

    "I am serious. You all should be very pleased with yourselves. You finished strong ¨C it was very close, getting into the semi-finals. See you all next Tuesday."

    The team chorused their goodbyes before trudging off the field and up to the carpark.

    Lila wandered up by herself, eyeing Evelyn as she did so. Alice headed straight for Evelyn, grinning broadly and pulling Willow by her wrist. It seemed that introductions were in order and Lila was very glad to escape those.

    Clare''s car was idling in the carpark. Lila tossed her hockey stick in the back and plopped into the front seat, the fatigue from today''s game finally hitting her.

    "Did ya win?" Clare asked, pulling out of the carpark and heading home.

    "Not even close."

    "You don''t seem upset by that."

    "I was kinda hoping to lose, actually."

    "You? The competitive one? Who hit you on the head?"

    "No one," Lila said, rolling her eyes impatiently. "Asher''s team are progressing to the semi-finals and I want to see them play."

    "I guess that''s a good reason," Clare conceded with a nod.

    The rest of the car ride was devoted to Clare''s plans for the weekend ¨C working tonight, then hanging out with Alex on Sunday night ¨C and Lila''s theory about Christa liking a soccer boy.

    They finally tumbled out of Clare''s car once she parked outside the house. Lila slipped into the garage, putting her hockey stick, hockey shoes and shinpads amongst her Dad''s golf clubs and other sporting paraphernalia.

    Her pocket buzzed as she wearily climbed the stairs and she saw it was a message from Asher. She slipped up the steps, catching her footing just before she slammed her face into the landing.

    "I know I''m pretty important, but you don''t need to bow down before me," Daniel smirked as he observed her from said landing, an empty cup in his hands and headphones on his head.

    "Shut up," Lila snapped, standing properly and glaring at him.

    "I''m not the one who decided to kiss the floor."

    "I''ll throw you down these stairs myself."

    "I''d like to see you try."

    They glared at each other for a few moments more before Clare piped up from behind Lila.

    "If neither of you get off the stairs, I''ll toss both of you down here at once."

    Lila glanced behind her, seeing Clare look entirely serious, and she and Daniel both immediately passed each other without another word. Out of the three of the Moloney siblings, there was no doubt in Lila''s mind that Clare could and would toss them down the stairs.

    Lila scurried to her room and closed the door, sitting down on her bed. She pulled her phone out again and now opened Asher''s message.

    Hey, it read.

    Hey, Lila replied. How did your game go?

    We won. Heading to the semi-finals at Sandy Lakes on the 9th

    Congrats! Can''t wait to watch you play

    There was a pause before Asher sent:

    Can I give you a call tonight? Just for a bit. I miss you

    Lila smiled, though he couldn''t see it. Of course. Call me whenever

    Okay

    She watched her phone, waiting to see if he''d say anything else but he didn''t. With that, Lila decided to fill her time with taking a shower and finalising assessments that were due next week.

    Dinner passed by and Lila still hadn''t heard from Asher. He was going to call, right?

    She absently scrolled on her phone, trying to not get overwhelmed with anxiety. It was hard not to think in the back of her mind that perhaps Marlene had finally made her move and harmed him somehow.

    ''You''re being stupid,'' she chastised herself, scrolling faster and not taking anything in. Of course Marlene wouldn''t do anything to Asher. He was probably just sidetracked with his studies-

    Bzz. Bzz.

    Lila almost dropped her phone, seeing Asher''s name flash at the top of her screen. She swiped to it and accepted the call.

    "Hey," Lila said breathlessly.

    "Hey," he said brightly. "Did I catch you in a bad moment?"

    "No, no," Lila combed through her hair and readjusted her seating position on the bed. "I was wondering when you''d call."

    "Sorry. I wanted to call earlier, but I found an error in my Chem assignment."

    "Guessing you fixed it?"

    "Fixed and sent it."

    "Sent it? You sure you didn''t want to spend more time on it?"

    "Definitely not. I''ve got other stuff to work on, after all."

    "I see."

    "So how''d your game go?"

    Lila gave him a quick run through of how it went, including her theory that Christa liked one of the soccer boys.

    "Christa?" She could almost hear the frown through the phone.

    "Yeah. Nguyen. I think she''s in Lucas'' class."

    "Christa Nguyen¡­ I''ve seen her talking to Harrison a couple of times, but it was about English a while ago."

    "Harrison? If she likes him, I''ll have to warn her."

    "Yeah. He''s still a bit of a dick."

    "Ugh."

    "I heard we''re having a joint celebration on Tuesday. We could play matchmaker since Isaac and Elise won''t get it together and Harrison would get with anything that moves."

    Lila wrinkled her nose. "Not sure if I want to subject Christa to that. Besides, she might like someone else."

    "True, true."

    There was a pause in the conversation and Lila sighed.

    "What''s that sigh for?" Asher asked pleasantly.

    "¡­ I also saw Evelyn today."

    "Evelyn? Like Jason''s Mum Evelyn?"

    "Yup. Recognised her immediately."

    "Why would she be at a hockey game?"

    "To support Alice, apparently."

    "Ohh," Asher breathed. "Right. That''s nice of her."

    "Yeah. Alice said their hangout on Thursday night went well and she seems like how Alice envisioned her."

    "That''s good."

    They then quickly started talking and laughing about all sorts of things, the time flying so quickly that Lila was sure they''d keep talking into Sunday.

    This didn''t come to fruition though, since her first yawn signalled the end.

    "You need to sleep," Asher said quietly, a hint of sadness in his voice.

    "I don''t want to."

    "Lila¡­ I''ll call again tomorrow."

    She huffed before yawning once again. He chuckled.

    "If I could come and tuck you in myself, I would," he said.

    Lila''s heart skipped a beat. "I''d wait up for you."

    He chuckled again. "Maybe once I get my license."

    Lila pouted. "When''s that supposed to be?"

    "3rd of December."

    "3rd of December?" Lila tried to think what that meant, but her brain started to shut down because of how tired she was.

    "Yeah. I was born the year before you."

    Lila gasped. "Maybe that''s why you''re so smart!"

    Asher laughed with surprise. "Just ''cause I''m a month older?"

    "Yeah. A lot can happen in a month. I mean, we''ve been together for over a month."

    He laughed again. "That''s true. Maybe you''re right."

    "I''m always right."

    "True again."

    Lila yawned once more.

    "Alright, alright, I''ll have to go," Asher said gently. "Like I said, I''ll call again tomorrow."

    "Promise me."

    "I promise."

    "Good. Goodnight, Asher."

    "Goodnight, Lila."

    <hr>

    Thump, thump, thump.

    Lila opened her bleary eyes, looking around for the source of the noise. It was pitch black. What time was it?

    SLAM.

    ''The heck?''

    Lila hunted around for her phone and opened it. The searing pain of the bright light in her eyes made them water and she blinked furiously against the tears.

    ''2.37?'' It didn''t sound like an intruder, at least. Was it Clare? Lila had never heard her come home before ¨C at least, not like this. Usually, she was dead asleep.

    Lila turned her phone off, placing it next to her head and slowly drifted back to sleep¡­

    <hr>

    Lila had barely remembered the sounds from last night as she ate her cereal, watching a YouTube video on her phone in the kitchen.

    That was until the sound of thundering footsteps joined her in the kitchen.

    "Jesus, Clare," Lila said, blinking at her sister as she threw open the fridge door, a bottle of ketchup flying out onto the floor next to Clare''s foot. The sisters both stared at it until Clare slowly bent down to pick it up and shoved it back into the fridge. It wheezed into place.

    Lila held back her instinctual laugh and instead kept her eyes on Clare, who turned to face Lila.

    "Hi," Clare said through gritted teeth.

    "That''s certainly a greeting," Lila blinked.

    Clare exhaled deeply, sounding reminiscent of a dragon sniffing out intruders in its treasure horde.

    "Melody''s a bitch."

    "Uh¡­ huh¡­" Lila nodded in bewilderment, encouraging Clare to go on.

    Clare began to pace, stopping only when the fridge beeped as the door was still open. She slammed it shut and then paced again.

    "So, it''s not a secret that I''m, like, the top performer ¨C at least one of. I''ve got a fanbase and all that."

    "Right¡­" Lila remembered the cheers for ''Roxy Wurld'' and the reviews noting her as a fan-favourite.

    "So, I get to perform alone."

    "Yeah¡­"

    "So then fucking tell me why in the middle of my set, Melody ¨C no, sorry, Candy Bliss, decides to crash it? I''m literally swinging on the pole and almost knocked her out with my heels since I wasn''t expecting her. The crowd went wild ''cause she''s hot or whatever, but she ruined the whole thing! Took half my tips even though she wasn''t supposed to be performing."

    "That''s a dick move."

    "It was all anyone could talk about! The clients ''cause they thought it was a new performance, and the team ''cause they were so confused and mad on my behalf. She''s never done that before with anyone else and she knew she wasn''t supposed to be up there. She just freestyled whatever the hell she was doing."

    "Damn. Any reason why she''d do that?"

    "I''d love to fucking know. She just straight-up ignored me before and after our Manager talked to her. I was tempted to march up to Gabriel, but I didn''t want to cause a bigger scene. If she does it again though, I''m going to throttle her. That''s seriously one of the rudest things you can do. The biggest faux pas for dancers. It''s, like, the biggest rule ¨C respect the set." She glared at the coffee station before marching her way over. "I need a coffee. And a shot. Coffee first."

    "Do you even have anything here to take a shot of?"

    Clare clinked her coffee mug onto the counter. "Nope, but I''ll fucking juice potatoes with my bare hands if I have to."

    "Or you could just drive to the liquor store."

    "I can guarantee I''d feel better breaking those potatoes open."

    "Well, we don''t have potatoes, so you''ll have to go to the store anyway."

    Clare glared at Lila, who gave her a cheeky grin. It seemed to cool Clare down as she switched the kettle on and leaned against the countertop, her arms folded across her chest.

    "You know how yesterday, you asked if I was friends with her?"

    "Yeah. Guess that''s out the window."

    "Abso-fucking-lutely. I''m starting to see why she hasn''t stayed at a nightclub for long."

    "Maybe she just doesn''t know the rules."

    Clare sighed. "Maybe."

    "You said she ignored you, but maybe she was embarrassed. You should try and talk to her again when you''re on shift."

    "I''ve got a bartending shift on Monday," Clare said reluctantly. "I think she''s on. I''ll see what she says."

    "Was Alex there?"

    "Yeah. He said that she looked awful next to me and it was clear that she wasn''t part of the set, but he''s also seen it a billion times."

    The kettle clicked off and Clare busied herself with making her coffee. It seemed like she was defused enough by the time Lila was finished with her cereal, so she rinsed it in the sink and headed upstairs to study.

    Lunch was signalled by a knock on her door.

    "Yeah?" Lila called, spinning in her desk chair.

    "It''s me," Daniel''s voice replied.

    "You can come in."

    He poked his head in, his eyes wary.

    "What''s wrong?" Lila asked.

    "Do¡­ you happen to know why Clare''s running around in the backyard, yelling and throwing rocks at the ground?"

    The image of such almost sent Lila into a choking fit of laughter.

    "W-What?" she managed to say through tears.

    "Yeah. I can see her from my window."

    "Daniel, I feel like you see the weirdest stuff from windows."

    "Yeah, I''d rather not see this. She hasn''t broken up with Alex, has she?"

    "Definitely not."

    He looked suspiciously at Lila. "You know why, don''t you?"

    "Yeah. Something to do with her job."

    "Oh. Is she thinking of quitting?"

    "Definitely not."

    He continued to look at Lila expectantly.

    "I''m not going to tell you. You can stop looking at me."

    "Sis¡­"

    "Calling me sis isn''t going to work, either."

    "C''mon. She''s rabid out there."

    "Ask her yourself if you''re so pressed."

    He ruffled his hair. "Maybe I will. Either way, lunch is downstairs. Come eat, nerd."

    "Okay, rude. Now I''m definitely not going to tell you anything."

    He smirked and she followed him downstairs. Sure enough, she could hear Clare yelling incoherently in the backyard.

    ''I thought she''d cooled down,'' Lila thought as she plated up her food. ''Did something else happen? Or did she rile herself up again?''

    Both were equally plausible, considering who Clare was.

    "Well, I may as well see what''s going on," Lila commented to Daniel. He nodded, his eyes watching her as she passed him with her food. Their parents were in the living room and she was about to pass them when her Mum called her back.

    "Yeah?" Lila asked, spooning some of her curry into her mouth.

    "Do you know why your sister''s acting like a maniac?"

    Lila nodded slowly but didn''t elaborate.

    "Is it to do with her boyfriend?"

    Lila swallowed. "No. Some new girl at work is ruining what she''s doing. You know Clare. She''s a perfectionist."

    Lila''s Mum sighed, shaking her head. "If it''s upsetting her this much, she should quit."

    "Mum, after the fight it took for her to stay, I''m not going to suggest it to her. She might throw rocks at me instead."

    Lila''s Mum sighed again. "Alright, alright."

    Lila carried on through the backdoor, watching as Clare threw a rock on the ground with a banshee-like wail.

    Lila decided not to say anything and instead slowly sat down, lotus-style, on the concrete in the alfresco, looking on at the spectacle. Clare didn''t seem to notice, though Lila heard the rattle of the sliding door and she turned her head to see Daniel, also with a plate of food. He silently sat next to her and they both watched Clare, eating as they did so.

    Eventually, huffing and puffing, Clare turned. As soon as her eyes landed on them, she screamed in surprise and tripped over her feet, falling flat on her butt.

    "How long have you been there?" she asked from the ground. Lila and Daniel simultaneously showed her their empty plates.

    "Long enough to finish these," Lila commented.

    Clare flopped backwards, staring up at the sky. "I¡­ just had some residual energy."

    "I think we can tell," Lila replied. "You''re worrying Daniel, you know."

    Clare raised her head and squinted at him. "Don''t worry about it."

    "I don''t think I can do that," Daniel responded flatly.

    Clare sighed, placing an arm over her eyes. "It''s just work bullshit. It''ll blow over, but it''s frustrating at the moment."

    "Alright."

    None of the siblings moved a muscle. Then ¨C

    "It''s kinda a nice day out here, isn''t it?" Clare asked.

    "Uh huh," Lila agreed.

    "Sure," Daniel said.

    "¡­ we haven''t hung out as siblings for a while. Not since we opened that bank account for Daniel," Clare said softly.

    "Is¡­ this hanging out?" Daniel asked. Lila elbowed him in the side.

    "Guess not," Clare replied. "Let''s¡­ set aside a day in the school holidays. I''ll take you guys somewhere ¨C my treat."

    "Sounds ominous," Daniel said darkly.

    "Oh my God, Daniel, do you exist just to be rude?" Lila snapped.

    "Yeah, it''s my right as the youngest."

    It seemed that it was the right thing to say to get Clare laughing. Both Lila and Daniel joined in her laughter, though her laugh quickly turned hysterical.

    "Should we call those guys with the white jackets?" Daniel asked Lila.

    "No, I think she just needs a minute," Lila said, watching as Clare clutched at her sides. "Like¡­ a good minute."

    "Okay."

    Eventually, Clare sat up, looking at them both with a sad smile.

    "Sorry for worrying you guys. I''m okay. Just needed to process. I''ve worked really hard to get where I am at work, and I hate that someone who just started thinks she can just run the show and ruin everything for me. I''ve never come across someone who''s such an asshole."

    "You''ve met Daniel."

    "Hey!"

    Clare''s smile twitched into a grin. "That''s true."

    "Ugh, you guys are the worst."

    They laughed again, this time without Clare getting into hysterics.

    "C''mon, let''s get inside. We''ll all get an ugly ass tan," Clare said, getting to her feet. Lila and Daniel did too and they filed back into the kitchen, with Lila and Daniel putting their plates into the dishwasher and Clare placing food on her own plate.

    Lila and Daniel headed upstairs and exchanged a look in the hallway separating their bedrooms.

    "She''s not okay," Daniel said.

    "Yeah, definitely not." Lila bit her lip before shaking her head. "There''s nothing we can do, though."

    "Surely we can go to her work and, like, explain? Or get them to do something?"

    ''Got kicked out last time,'' Lila thought. "Nah. She''s a big girl. She can handle it. Trust her. It''s Clare ¨C she can make anything happen."

    "¡­ Okay."

    Daniel opened his door, taking one look back at Lila. "If you can figure out a way to help, tell me?"

    Lila smiled, though she knew there was no way for them to help. "Yeah. If I do, I''ll tell you."

    He nodded and slipped into his room, closing the door behind him. Lila headed into her room and closed the door as well, contemplating Clare''s plight. There really wasn''t anything she could do¡­ unless she spoke to Asher about it and he relayed it to Gabriel.

    Just as she reached for her phone to ask when he''d call, a message lit up her screen.

    Sorry, Lila. I won''t be able to call tonight.

    Lila''s heart dropped.

    Why?

    It turns out I need to redo my whole Physics assignment. I misinterpreted the aim of the whole thing, so I need to shift the tone. It''s due on Thursday, so I have to get it done for us to hang out

    I see.

    I''ll make it up to you. Let''s get Tuckshop tomorrow. Have a walk around the campus, see some sights

    Ok.

    Lila saw him ''typing'' for what felt like hours.

    I''m really sorry.

    I know. It''s okay. The longer we text, the less time you have. Goodnight, Asher

    Thank you. Goodnight, Lila

    Sighing, Lila plugged her phone in. She''d have to ask him tomorrow, it seemed, though it hurt her heart to not be able to hear his voice today.

    ''Thursday. From Thursday, we''ll be together until Sunday. Then we can make up for lost time and hang out.''

    Pep talks to herself weren''t as effective as those said by others, but it would do. She repeated it several times as she threw herself into studying, and even as she tried to fall asleep that night.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Two

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Two

    Monday morning started with a drizzle ¨C one that Lila didn''t mind being unprotected from. She shook the droplets off her hat as she entered the locker room with a yawn.

    Despite her best intentions, she hadn''t slept well. Asher breaking his promise had affected her more than she realised, it seemed.

    But¡­ it also seemed to have affected Asher.

    She smiled upon seeing him pace outside her locker, his face wracked with guilt and anxiety. He hadn''t paced like that for a long while, his hair fluffed up like he''d run his hands through it a million times over. For now, his hands were in his pockets.

    "Good morning," Lila said as soon as she reached him. He stiffened before looking at her, the worry etched even deeper into his face.

    "G-Good morning," he stuttered, somehow jamming his hands even deeper into his pockets.

    "You don''t need to look so scared," Lila laughed. "It''s okay-"

    "It''s not okay. I broke my promise."

    "Asher, it''s seriously fine," Lila replied, shaking her head.

    He gently gripped her wrist, slipping her bag off her shoulder, his face still morose. "It''s not."

    "Asher-"

    "I''m telling you, it''s not fine," he said firmly. "At least, to me. It''s really not fine and it won''t be fine. I really wanted to call-"

    She placed a gentle hand on his face, looking deeply into his eyes. They didn''t look rested at all ¨C in fact, she was certain he hadn''t even slept yet.

    "You didn''t sleep, did you?"

    He gripped the strap of her bag, his jaw twitching. "I¡­ slept."

    "That''s a lie if I''ve ever heard one."

    He looked at her before closing his eyes and exhaling deeply through gritted teeth. "I slept on the bus."

    "That''s it?"

    He nodded rigidly, opening his eyes once again. "I worked really hard to get it done. I haven''t handed it in yet, since I haven''t slept, but I-"

    "Asher, don''t do that again, please. Thursday is ages away. You could''ve spent some of your time sleeping."

    "I¡­ couldn''t," he muttered, lightly touching her hand. "I let you down. There''s no way I could sleep after that."

    "Your reason is justified, Asher," Lila said seriously. "It''s not like you just decided to be a dick."

    He pressed his lips together and she let her hand fall back to her side.

    "Even so," he said, his voice strained, "I never want to break a promise I''ve made to you."

    "It''s not as though it was a serious one. It was only a phone call."

    "It''s serious to me. I don''t want to set up a pattern."

    "If you''re reacting like this to a phone call, then you won''t."

    He stared into her eyes, brushing her cheek with the back of his hand. "You didn''t sleep either. Shit."

    She pulled away from him, looking behind his shoulder instead of his face. "I did."

    "Not much. I''m so sor-"

    "How many times do I have to say that it''s okay, Asher? It''s just one night."

    He clenched his jaw. "It was my fault for being stupid and not looking at my assignment properly."

    "But you have now, so it''s fine."

    Neither spoke, both standing in defiance of the other. Then, he sighed.

    "I want to make it up to you. What do you want?"

    "What do I want?"

    "Yeah. I''ll get you anything you want as an apology, and I mean anything."

    "Asher, I don''t want anything-"

    "Sure you do. Everyone wants something."

    She swallowed, glancing down at his body for a moment, her face flushed. There was¡­ something ¨C but that''d be horrendous of her to ask for that.

    "I''ll go to the shops this afternoon," he continued, seemingly unaware of where she was looking or what she was thinking.

    "I don''t-"

    "Please."

    His eyes were wide and beseeching, as though he was one moment away from grovelling.

    "I don''t want you to get into a habit of buying me things as an apology," she said after a few moments. "After all, that''s not a very good apology. That''s more of a band-aid or a distraction."

    He faltered and she clutched his hand.

    "But, since you want to make it up to me so badly, I have two requests."

    "Two? Okay."

    "The first is¡­ you have to buy me the most expensive ice cream at Tuckshop."

    "¡­ That''d only be, like, ten bucks at the absolute most."

    "Yeah, and? You said anything I want and you said we were going to Tuckshop yesterday, so that''s what I want."

    "I''ll buy your whole lunch."

    "Is your card set up?"

    "Yep." He nodded furiously and she smiled.

    "Deal, then. The second thing that I want¡­ is a good kiss."

    "O-Oh." He gave her a tentative smile. "Is that all?"

    "Yup. That''s the two things I want."

    "Well¡­ if that''s the case¡­ I can at least give you that kiss before class."

    "It has to be good, remember."

    "Of course." He started to bend down, but she placed her hands on his chest and shook her head.

    "I don''t want it to be interrupted by Isaac," she murmured, glancing around before looking back at Asher. "Otherwise, it wouldn''t be a good one, would it?"

    She heard his breathing stop for a moment, a flash of guilt in his eyes again, before he nodded.

    "Alright. Let''s go to English, then."

    He stood aside as she set herself up for her morning classes. Once she was ready, they set off, with Lila keeping a close eye on Asher. An all-nighter didn''t sound like it would do him any good when he already ran on little sleep.

    He seemed to be okay during English, diligently working away on his laptop, and on their journey to the STEM area.

    "See you in a bit," he said quietly, squeezing her hand at their usual breakaway point.

    "See you-"

    Her goodbye was interrupted by Isaac slapping away Asher''s hand.

    "Isaac, I''m really getting tired of your antics," Lila frowned.

    "It feels like it''s getting worse every day," Asher commented, rubbing his hand. "Are you okay?"

    "No," Isaac replied, turning towards the Chem lab. "You two keep making me anxious."

    "You''re worrying far too much-"

    "You''re worrying not enough," Isaac retorted, cutting off Asher with a glare ¨C one that was more severe than Lila had ever seen from him.

    "I think you need a new hobby, Isaac. Stop worrying about what we''re doing and start worrying about what you''re doing," Lila snapped. "Either that or get your shit together and start dating Elise."

    Isaac took a step back from Lila, blinking at her in shock. "Someone''s grouchy today."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "I''m not in the mood."

    Surprisingly, Isaac actually looked apologetic. "I¡­ I''m sorry. I just¡­" he blew out a long, slow breath, his face reminiscent of a blown-up pufferfish. "I can''t do this anymore."

    He started to walk off in the direction of the Chem lab before Asher grabbed a hold of his blazer, forcing Isaac to look back at them with impatience.

    "What?" he asked harshly. "Clearly, I shouldn''t be around-"

    "That''s not what I meant, Isaac," Lila sighed.

    "No, no. I''ve gotta go."

    "What''s wrong? Something''s been off with you recently, and it really makes me concerned," Asher said. Isaac attempted to wiggle out of Asher''s grasp, but Asher simply tightened his hold.

    Isaac pressed his lips together, staring down at the ground. "I¡­ don''t want to admit it, but¡­" he said slowly, sounding as though he swallowed several golf balls at once.

    "But?" Asher pressed, his grip still tight.

    "But¡­ I''m¡­ jealous."

    Asher let go of Isaac''s blazer, his shock evident upon his face. "Jealous?"

    "Jealous of you guys¡­ being together. Watching you two be affectionate around campus in the open like that reminds me that I¡­ can''t."

    "Isaac¡­" Lila murmured in sympathy. "You could-"

    "I can''t," he said shortly, refusing to look at either of them. "I''ve told you once, I''ve told you a billion times. I''m gonna go to class. Chem''s due tomorrow."

    With that, Lila and Asher watched him go, both dumbfounded. He had long disappeared before Lila and Asher finally turned to each other. Asher was gaping like a fish, his eyes darting back and forth as though he was running through thousands of thoughts all at once.

    "I¡­ I''ve never experienced this from Isaac," he finally uttered. "I can''t believe I never realised. It makes sense that he gets uncomfortable seeing us even just hold hands. Fuck, he must really like Elise. I feel like the biggest idiot-"

    "Asher, if you didn''t know, then you didn''t know-"

    "But I should know. He''s been my best friend for, what, a decade? And I''ve been hurting him¡­"

    She reached out to touch him, but he sidestepped her and instead handed her bag to her.

    "I''ve gotta get to class. I''ll see you at morning tea, Lila."

    She dropped her hand, clenching her fist around her bag. "See you then."

    He rushed to his class, leaving Lila by herself. She wasn''t quite sure what to do besides go to Maths, so that''s what she did.

    She ignored the Isaac problem for now as she instead focused on her assignment, the rhythm of typing from surrounding students helping her concentrate. She was so close to finishing it¡­

    "Are you going to stay here forever?"

    Lila jumped, looking wildly around from her laptop. Asher had taken a seat opposite her, his expression both concerned and guilty. They were otherwise alone.

    "S-Sorry," Lila stood up, packing away her laptop. "I didn''t realise."

    "You don''t need to apologise."

    She tightly pressed her lips together as she shoved the rest of her materials into her bag. Now that he was here, she was reminded of how this morning had started and how it would likely go. There wasn''t a scenario where Asher would be as touchy with her as he normally was since Isaac admitted to being jealous-

    "I think the library would be full at this time, so maybe we should just take a walk around campus for morning tea," he suggested, taking her hand in his.

    "S-Should you be touching me?" Lila asked in a whisper.

    He looked down at their hands. "Yeah."

    She blinked at him. "But Isaac-"

    "About that," Asher sighed. "I managed to talk to him after class. I''m actually late coming by and I thought you''d left already. Anyway, he apologised. He said he was just getting worked up because of exams and assignments. The whole jealousy thing¡­ he feels it, but he''s not upset by us. He''s more upset at himself, for not having the balls to ask Elise to be his girlfriend. I asked if he could tone it down, and he said he would unless we start kissing around teachers."

    "I see." She continued to look at their conjoined hands and he smiled.

    "C''mon. Let''s go."

    After putting away their things and grabbing their various fruits for morning tea, Lila and Asher picked a direction to start walking in.

    "Are you sure Isaac''s okay?" Lila asked after the number of students around them thinned out to only a couple every so often.

    "Yeah," Asher replied. "He cooled down after class, so."

    "The solution is so obvious. I just wish he''d take that step with Elise ¨C aside from the fact that he could then be as affectionate as he wants, I think they''d be really happy together."

    "I know. I think the same. But it''s obvious to us, and absolutely terrifying to him. I mean, I was terrified when I asked even though I knew you liked me."

    "I remember that. Why were you so scared? Did you think I was going to turn you down?"

    "¡­ Yeah. I mean, it''d been a while since you told me you liked me and I thought I missed the boat, especially since I was taken to Vanuatu and we couldn''t hang out."

    "I promised I''d wait for you."

    "I was worried you''d changed your mind."

    "Never."

    "Well, I know that now," he laughed. She laughed as well and they slowed their walk down as they approached the IT building. There wasn''t anyone around and they wandered over, leaning against the brickwork on the side of said building.

    "So, something interesting happened yesterday," Lila said conversationally, taking a bite of her apple.

    "Yeah?"

    "Clare came home all pissed off and remained that way all day ''cause some new girl at work crashed her set on Saturday night," Lila explained. "Apparently, the girl ignored her after their Manager talked to her and¡­ well, I was wondering if you could bring it up to Gabriel."

    "To Gabriel?"

    "Well, yeah. Since he''s the boss."

    Asher pursed his lips. "I will, but I don''t think he can change much. I mean, she''s been spoken to already, so hopefully she gets it."

    Lila nodded. "Yeah, but¡­ Clare was a bit insane. Like, she was throwing rocks in the backyard and yelling for ages. She didn''t even know Daniel and I had sat down to watch her."

    Asher snorted. "That''s an image I won''t forget easily."

    "Yeah, neither."Find this and other great novels on the author''s preferred platform. Support original creators!

    "Alright, I''ll mention to Gabriel that it''s been affecting Clare quite a bit."

    "Thanks."

    He silently looked at her as she took one final bite of her apple. She put the remains in her sandwich bag and into her pocket before she glanced at Asher, only to find him still looking at her.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked.

    "I¡­ was just wondering if you wanted me to give you that kiss," he replied, now looking at the trees just across from them. Her heart thumped.

    "But what if-"

    "There''s no one here and no one will come here now that morning tea is half over," he said frankly.

    "Sounds like you''ve thought about it."

    "I may have tried to direct you here for a specific purpose."

    "A specific purpose?"

    He flashed her a grin, moving to stand in front of her. "One I''d like to show you, if you wouldn''t mind."

    A rush of goosebumps rushed through her, her heart suddenly feeling jittery.

    "U-Uh, yeah."

    He placed his hand on the wall next to her, using it to brace himself as he leaned in. She clutched at his blazer''s lapel, her breath halting as it waited to meet his. He pressed his lips to hers, not waiting a second more before his tongue lightly touched her lips, a hidden invitation behind this touch. She let their tongues dance as she felt blood rushing to her ears.

    Then, just as she was weakening from the feeling of their kiss, his free hand grazed her cheek before descending ¨C lower, then lower and lower still. She didn''t move for fear of scaring him away, but as soon as he touched her chest, she couldn''t hold back her yelp of surprise.

    "S-Sorry," he immediately said, backing away.

    "No," Lila replied, her disappointment turning her voice into a whine. "Please don''t go."

    "But you-"

    "Like it."

    "Huh?"

    "I like it. I was just surprised."

    He continued to look unsure. "I should''ve asked."

    She was rapidly falling out of the mood. "Asher, it''s fine."

    "It''s fine?"

    "It''s fine."

    He took a deep breath, his face crimson. She thought he was about to start pacing once again but he instead stepped forward, placing his hands on her shoulders.

    "If it''s fine, then¡­" he trailed off, his eyes glued to hers. She nodded and they picked up where they left off, though his hands were still on her shoulders. It didn''t seem like his hands would go wandering again so she instead focused on the fluttering in her chest and his lips on hers.

    Just as she figured the kiss was over, his hand grazed her collarbone. Would he keep going?

    "Please," she found herself whispering.

    He didn''t hesitate. He caressed her chest before he finally touched her boobs ¨C both of them.

    Was it acceptable to explode? Aside from how it felt physically, her mind was spiralling with excitement. It hadn''t been a fluke after all ¨C the last time he did this. And this time, there was no nosy Clare to ruin everything.

    She closed her eyes to allow herself to concentrate, her smile uncontrollable. With each second he lingered, held and fondled them, the more she wanted him to keep going. How would it feel under-

    "I-I have to stop," he stammered, turning around from her. "I''m sorry."

    While she wanted to keep going for curiosity''s sake, with the way her body was quivering, the heat of his touch reaching places he''d never been near, it was a very good idea ¨C especially since he wasn''t ready for anything her mind was envisioning.

    "It''s okay. Um, that was enough for me," she said, her voice suddenly shy, her hands clasped together in front of her chest.

    "Really?" he asked, still turned away from her.

    "Yeah."

    "You''re not¡­ disappointed?"

    "Um, no, actually. I think if it was longer, I would''ve passed out. Or away."

    "What?" He swiftly turned back to her, looking over her person as though he could diagnose what she''d meant from a glance.

    "I think I stopped breathing, is all."

    His shoulders relaxed. "Same here. And, uh, we''re at school. Acting up too much in the open doesn''t sound like a good idea."

    In the open? Lila squeezed her hands tightly, her nails digging into her skin. It helped to force her question ¨C about whether not being in the open would make a difference ¨C out of her mind. It was way, way too easy for him to get her into a tizzy. Was there a way to stop it or get it out of her system?

    At the same time, though, it was exciting ¨C the way he could turn her into a mess from something that seemed so simple. Did she even want to get it to stop?

    She peeked at him as something else occurred to her. That was the first time that she''d said it was fine to keep going and¡­ he listened.

    He suddenly pulled his phone out of his pocket. "It''s time to go," he said reluctantly.

    She smoothed down her blazer before nodding. "Alright."

    He offered her his arm and she took it, clinging on as they strolled towards the locker room. She was still buzzing and warm when they entered, even as she opened her locker.

    "Someone seems happy," Elise said loftily as she passed by. Lila turned to look at Elise and felt her face flush deeper. She wasn''t quite sure about telling her friends about what Asher had done to her, but with how light she was feeling, it might end up flying out despite her best intentions.

    Lila was saved by the fact that Elise was rummaging in her locker and not paying her any attention. Lila finished collecting her things and turned, almost bumping into Asher. His surprise appearance made her heart leap to her throat and she attempted to clear it with a cough.

    He smiled at her. "Hello," he said warmly.

    For some reason, she''d lost the capacity to speak. His smile grew wider, his eyes sparkling with humour.

    "I had a question, actually," he said. She nodded, her voicebox still refusing to work.

    "Whether you''d classify, well, that as a good kiss?"

    She nodded emphatically, her head almost flying off with how forceful it was. He laughed, intertwining their hands.

    "I''m glad that I''m halfway to making it up to you."

    She cleared her throat again. "Y-You''ve done more than make it up to me."

    "I''ll still buy you lunch."

    She relaxed her shoulders, squeezing his hand. "Okay."

    He beamed at her and, with an incline of his head towards the exit, walked with her to her PC class.

    She hurried inside with a wave to Asher and slotted herself into her usual seat, a smile still on her face. She greeted Elise and Grace, who exchanged a look before returning her greeting.

    "Yeah, nah, you''re not just happy, you''re ecstatic," Elise said, tapping the edge of the table for emphasis.

    Lila shrugged, opening her laptop screen.

    "C''mon, let us know," Elise cajoled, shaking Lila''s arm as she typed her password in.

    Password incorrect.

    She typed it in again with a reproachful look at Elise.

    "I''m just naturally happy," she insisted, pulling open her Maths assignment. If she concentrated, she might even be able to submit it during PC today.

    "Now, I''d believe that if I didn''t see the look Asher was giving you in the locker room just now," Elise replied, as though she''d cracked the code. "You went over to his on the weekend and did it, didn''t you?"

    "Jesus, no," Lila hissed, closing her laptop lid. "Don''t say that."

    Elise smirked. "So, what then?"

    "Just¡­ kissed a bit at morning tea. Besides, I didn''t go over to his on the weekend. He''s busy studying, remember?"

    "That''s right, you''re staying with him this weekend," Grace interjected.

    "Yeah."

    "I agree with Elise, though. That''s a smile that says more than kissed a bit."

    "Am I that obvious?" Lila felt a blush rising on her cheeks again and she opened her laptop screen once more.

    "With anything to do with Asher, it''s ridiculously obvious when you''re affected by him," Grace clarified, her eyes narrowing. "Other things, not so much."

    Lila immediately averted her eyes from Grace, instead looking at Elise. It felt as though Grace was calling Lila out for not being obvious with the fact that she had known Grace''s secret for as long as she had before their canoe confrontation.

    "So, what happened then?" Elise queried, sounding like she was desperate to know.

    Lila''s blush deepened. "N-Nothing much. But¡­ he touched my, uh, chest again and even after I freaked him out a bit since I was a bit surprised, he kept going. I think that was the first time he listened when I said it was fine and he carried on."

    Both Grace and Elise grinned at Lila, which only made her feel more shy about the whole thing.

    "Good for you," Grace nodded. "I''m sure you''ll be riding that high all day."

    "Yeah," Lila smiled. "I will be. Plus, Asher talked to Isaac and told him to stop doing his weird thing that he does when he sees Asher and I being affectionate or whatever. That took a bit of pressure off."

    Lila kept her eyes on Elise, who dropped her smile as she opened her laptop. It suddenly occurred to Lila that perhaps she shouldn''t have said that. Was Elise jealous of Lila and Asher too? Lila wanted to ask but decided against it. Instead, she shut up and continued with her Maths assignment.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    "Are you humming away over there?" Asher''s voice was light with amusement as Lila locked her locker and faced him.

    "Maybe," she replied, her cheeks feeling warm under his gaze.

    "I feel like I know the reason why," Asher smiled, his face flushing slightly.

    "I''d hope so. You''re the reason, after all."

    He held her hand in his, leading her to the locker room door. "I''m glad it made you so happy."

    "I don''t think it''d ever make me unhappy, coming from you."

    He was strangely silent as they walked in step towards Tuckshop. Eventually, he murmured, "I''ll keep that in mind."

    "Please do."

    He gave her a sideways glance before running his fingers through his hair. "Sometimes, I wish you could feel the effect you have on me."

    Well, that made her curious.

    "What do you mean?"

    "The way you look at me sometimes¡­ makes me feel like I''m having heart palpitations. Despite that, I don''t want you to ever stop looking at me. Especially when I do something that makes you happy."

    "You want me to feel like I have heart palpitations?"

    Asher stumbled, looking incredibly flustered. "That''s not what I-"

    Lila laughed, reaching up to touch his face. "I''m kidding. I don''t need to feel the effect I have on you since¡­ you make me feel like I have heart palpitations too."

    He closed his eyes, the colour in his cheeks deepening. "Well, they''ve started up again."

    She moved her hand to his chest, concentrating on the feeling. He was right ¨C and now it''d set off her own. He seemed to recognise this as he opened his eyes with a smile, his eyes appearing to shine gold in the sunlight.

    "I''d test your heartbeat too, but we''re standing in the middle of the road here. I think that might be a step too far," he said, his gaze roving downwards in a way that told Lila he really wanted to go against that. "Let''s go before the Tuckshop line gets too long."

    Now the silence between them had a giddy atmosphere and neither spoke until they joined the back of the Tuckshop line.

    "So, what''re you wanting for lunch?" he asked, looking down at her.

    "Hmm¡­ it''s been quite a while since I''ve had Tuckshop, so maybe lasagne?"

    "Lasagne? Do you like it?"

    Lila shrugged. "It''s decently okay."

    "Looks like I''ll need to see if Gabriel wants to compete against the school lasagne."

    Lila laughed, imagining Gabriel scrambling to make the most perfect lasagne imaginable. "When?"

    "Maybe¡­ Thursday?"

    She grinned, her happiness rising even more at the mere mention of Thursday ¨C enough that she was convinced she''d float away soon. "Sounds like a plan."

    They chatted away, with Lila proudly announcing her Maths progress and Asher listing off the assignments he''d handed in, until they were about halfway to the entrance of the Tuckshop, closer to the bulk of the students milling around.

    "¡­ assembly was wild-"

    "Like, what rumours¡­ around?"

    Lila straightened up, something that Asher noticed.

    "Uh-"

    "Shh," Lila hushed quietly, clutching his arm. "I''m listening."

    "Listening?"

    She gestured around them at several pockets of gossiping students. He smirked at her but kept his mouth shut.

    "Jason¡­ Piper¡­ dated?"

    "No way¡­ she was¡­ stalker."

    "Shit, yeah¡­"

    "¡­ serial killer-"

    "¡­ terrifying."

    "Morphine¡­"

    Lila snapped her head to look at Asher''s face. From what she''d heard from official statements, no one had ever said anything about morphine. He seemed to have heard the same thing, his eyes wide. They shuffled forward as the line moved along.

    "¡­ sucks¡­ needed that¡­"

    "You bought¡­"

    "''Course. Everyone was."

    "Where do you think they took his¡­"

    "EW! Why even ask?"

    "Did you want it or something?"

    "¡­ jealous ex?"

    "How jealous¡­ have to be?"

    "Bet he banged¡­ wrong person."

    "Yikes. So that''d mean¡­ killer is¡­ student?"

    "Probably."

    "¡­ creepy¡­"

    "Teacher¡­"

    "¡­ sad¡­ Ms Alexander¡­"

    "¡­ so busy¡­ always with that girl¡­"

    Lila froze in place. That sounded like suspicion about Ms Alexander and Grace was arising¡­

    Asher pulled her forward to fill the gap left in the line and she obediently stood next to him as they waited some more.

    "Why¡­ Ms Alexander leaving?"

    "Maybe she killed Jason-"

    "Idiot."

    So maybe there wasn''t suspicion about Ms Alexander and Grace after all.

    "¡­ Flora Park¡­ other day¡­"

    "Jesus, you''re brave. Or just stupid¡­"

    "Hey!"

    "¡­ true."

    "Whatever¡­ haunted for sure."

    "Did¡­ see¡­ ghosts?"

    "Nah but¡­ Piper¡­ killed Jason?"

    "¡­ you high?"

    "I wish."

    Lila snorted, prompting Asher to glance down at her. He grinned and they stepped forward again, Lila straining to hear what else people were saying.

    "Ms Alexander¡­ so nice¡­"

    "Hot too¡­"

    "In your dreams, dude."

    "Probably got¡­ man."

    ''Unfortunately not,'' Lila thought. It seemed more students than Grace would''ve liked to be with Ms Alexander.

    "¡­ Jason¡­ Banker?"

    "It''s still¡­ probably not¡­"

    "Ayla¡­ bit weird."

    "Who even¡­ Banker?"

    "No clue¡­ Grade 12?"

    At least Daniel''s role as the Banker was still a mystery on campus. It was pretty unlikely that people would suspect that the Grade 9 kid running the payments for orders and admin was the whole boss of the operation. Though maybe he''d hired someone to do that for him by now.

    "You coming?" Asher asked. Lila looked up ¨C he was halfway into the Tuckshop and she heard quite a few disgruntled people behind her.

    "Yeah."

    They took their time picking their lunch for today ¨C Asher choosing a butter chicken and Lila indeed taking the lasagne ¨C as well as desserts. Luckily for Lila, the ''most expensive ice cream'' at Tuckshop was one that she did want to eat.

    Asher proudly paid with his student ID card, and Lila took a curious peek at his photo as he did so.

    "How the heck did you manage to get a good ID photo?" she complained as he passed her lasagne to her awaiting hands on the way out.

    He gave a surprised laugh. "You think this is a good ID photo?"

    "Yeah, you look really hot-" the words slipped out of her mouth before she could think it through and say it with a bit less reckless abandon and a bit more eloquence. She cut herself off, trying and failing miserably to stop feeling embarrassed.

    "I-oh."

    His lack of a coherent response made her feel nervous and she side-eyed him. He looked both chuffed and shy from Lila''s words. Their eyes met and his lips twitched into a smile.

    "I''m glad you think so," he said, his acknowledgement of her slip-up making her die a little inside.

    "A-Anyway," Lila stuttered, grabbing his arm and pulling him along in a random direction, "let''s find somewhere to eat."

    He allowed her to take him past the Tuckshop and towards an empty table. They sat down, with Lila still feeling embarrassed. Neither spoke as they opened their containers of food, Lila wishing she''d said something much better than that. For whatever reason, the word ''hot'' just seemed too¡­ objectifying, the one thing she didn''t want to do since it might give him the impression she just wanted to use him-

    "¡­ I never thought you''d describe me as hot," Asher murmured. She immediately placed her face in her hands.

    "Sorry-"

    "What''re you apologising for?" he laughed, gently pulling her hands away from her face.

    "I-I just¡­ you''re more than that," she replied, staring at her lasagne.

    "If you say so, but somehow hearing you say that surprised me in a good way. It feels like I should know what you think of me, but I''m honestly at a loss sometimes."

    Lila''s eyes met his. "What does that mean?"

    He shrugged, looking down at his butter chicken and stabbing a piece with his fork. "That I''m still waiting for you to say ''psych'', laugh and tell me I''m stupid for thinking you liked me."

    "Whoa," Lila lowered his fork and kept her hand on his. "Asher, that''s-"

    "No, no, I''m just tired," he mumbled, "I don''t think that."

    "That''s not something you just say because you''re tired. You mentioned something similar before, so I''ve got to ask ¨C is it because of something I''ve done? Or haven''t done?" ''Like say I love you?'' she added to herself. She''d been about to when Asher had brought up feeling insecure over the phone until Marlene brought him brownies. Was this the time?

    He sighed heavily, letting go of his fork and slipping out of her grasp. "Not at all. I just keep being too much in my head."

    "I said a while ago that you shouldn''t doubt me," she replied quietly. "Are you doubting me?"

    "Not at all ¨C it''s¡­ ah, fuck, there goes my big mouth again." He looked totally frustrated with himself, his frown deep-set and lips pressed together for a moment. "Lila, it''s nothing to do with you at all. It''s everything to do with me."

    "But if I wasn''t failing at something, then you wouldn''t feel that way."

    "I told you before that I''m an insecure person. I''m trying to stop feeling that way, but it still creeps up on me especially when I''m tired. It''s really just me."

    Lila sighed, slowly pressing her fork into her lasagne. She wanted to instead press the issue, but he had a stubborn glint in his eye. She acquiesced. "Promise me you''ll sleep tonight?"

    His mouth twitched. "Yeah."

    "You don''t sound like you believe you will."

    His eyes flickered to hers before he resumed his hold on his fork. "I promised, didn''t I?"

    She paused. He looked both determined and exhausted, and she resolved to move on from this conversation topic as quickly as possible. It wasn''t a good time for them to get into it, though she really wanted to get to the bottom of those feelings. She needed to assure him in whatever way she could that she wouldn''t do any of that since the previous time she said he didn''t need to feel insecure or inadequate clearly hadn''t worked.

    It would be a dance that she needed to figure out soon ¨C one that didn''t pressure him but comforted him enough that he could feel entirely secure with Lila. Truthfully, the fact that he felt this intensely about her laughing and telling him he was stupid about believing she liked him stung ¨C but¡­

    ''I bet if Holly hadn''t cheated, he wouldn''t feel like this about me,'' Lila thought, a flash of anger passing through her rapidly enough that she managed to keep her lasagne intact though it was in danger of being mauled by her fork.

    "I''ll believe your promise," Lila finally said. It was like he hadn''t taken a breath since his last sentence with the way he sucked one in now.

    "Good. Like I said, I don''t want to break them."

    "I know. But¡­ well, you making up for breaking them hasn''t been so bad."

    "Even though I ruined lunch?"

    "You didn''t ruin lunch, but I was thinking specifically about¡­ my other request."

    He flushed, taking several bites of his butter chicken as if he''d never eaten in his life before. It looked like she wasn''t the only person who was still flustered over it.

    "Um, I wanted to ask though," she continued as he downed yet a few more bites. What was he going to do when he had no more food left?

    "Y-Yeah?" he asked, pausing his onslaught against his butter chicken.

    "Did you like it?" She''d never actually asked him this before, whether he liked doing the things he''d do to her. What if he didn''t? Could that be why he''d stop all the time? She''d just assumed that he liked it since he was worried about losing control. But she''d never checked. Sure, she''d asked if he liked her sounds, but this was a bit different¡­

    "Like what?"

    She swallowed, her mouth suddenly feeling dry. Why was she trembling right now? "U-Um, touching me."

    He reddened, casting his eyes around before lowering his fork. "Do I give you the impression that I don''t?"

    She violently shook her head. "Not at all but I just wanted to check, I guess."

    He pursed his lips. "Checking¡­ is good." It seemed like he couldn''t meet her gaze. "Of course I like it. As much as I want you to feel the effect you have on me, I''m ecstatic that you can''t. I think I''d die of embarrassment."

    How many times had she felt the same this year alone? "That sounds familiar."

    His eyes darted to hers as though trying to discern the meaning behind her statement. Nervousness passed over his face, the tips of his ears now red and she instantly wanted to ask about the cause of this. However, it seemed like the moment he recognised her curiosity, he shuffled back in his seat and picked up his container of food.

    "Eat before it gets cold," he said, gesturing to her sadly prodded lasagne. "Otherwise I can''t give you that ice cream you asked for."

    She''d forgotten about that.

    The question on her lips fell away as she immediately started devouring her food in record time. Once she was done, she outstretched her hand to a dumbfounded Asher.

    "Ice cream, please."

    He laughed heartily. "Where did you even put that lasagne?" he asked incredulously, sliding over her ice cream.

    She patted her stomach. "Here, of course. I thought you''d know that."

    He chuckled, opening his ice cream. "I don''t take Biology, so I guess not."

    She giggled and they both ate their ice creams in contented silence.

    Eventually, they started to speak about things that didn''t venture close to their relationship. At least for Lila, she figured she''d had enough vulnerability for one day.

    This feeling carried on all the way to the bus station. Her countdown until she could hang out with Asher again was loud and clear in her mind as she watched some students greet the teacher on hat duty. She drowned out her excitement by running through her mental list of assignments left to be handed in.

    "Your bus is here," Asher''s voice forlornly intruded on her thoughts and she looked up. There it was, curving around the bend just before the station.

    She smiled at Asher, taking her bags from him. "See you tomorrow."

    She started to walk away, her mind on her awaiting Maths assignment which she needed to double check before sending, when he pulled on one of her bags.

    "Excuse me," he said in bewilderment. She looked back at him.

    "Am¡­ I not seeing you tomorrow?"

    He frowned, shaking her bag slightly. "You are, but you look like you''re going to get on that bus without a goodbye kiss."

    She flushed. "Sorry, I was caught up thinking about Maths and¡­ it felt like our other kiss more than filled today''s quota."

    He let go of her bag with a shrewd smile. "I think I''m rubbing off on you," he said pointedly. "Thinking so hard about Maths that you forgot a goodbye kiss? The Lila I know would never let me forget."

    She felt the heat on her face grow. Was she actually like that? For some reason, she felt sheepish, her heart stuttering. What was wrong with her? Was she really that demanding?

    He chuckled. "I like that about you. Don''t worry."

    "R-Really?"

    "Well, yeah," he nodded, his eyes entirely serious and voice low with a quality that made her shudder, "why wouldn''t I want you to want me? Especially considering¡­ what I said at lunch. I tried to play it off, but I''m really tired." He paused, looking just behind her shoulder. He seemed like he was going to say something else, but he was stopped by her lips which she desperately pressed against his. He made a small sound of surprise before it was replaced with the sound of laughter.

    He gently pulled away from her and she took in the sparkle in his eyes.

    "You''re going to keep your promise, right?" she asked breathlessly, lightly grazing her fingertips against his blazer.

    "My promise?" His whole body tensed up, though she couldn''t think why.

    She raised an eyebrow. "To sleep tonight."

    His shoulders relaxed. "Of course. My head''s never going to hit the pillow as hard as it will tonight."

    She laughed, touching the side of his face. "Well, don''t go too hard. Knocking yourself unconscious is different to sleeping."

    He grinned. "Nah, it''s the same thing."

    She playfully pushed his shoulder and he laughed before growing serious. "I''ll keep my promise this time, don''t worry. See you tomorrow, Lila. Your bus is about to go."

    She turned, seeing the line into the bus only had a few people left.

    "See you tomorrow," she replied before hurrying off, looking backwards to see him waving goodbye, the exhaustion taking over his entire face in an instant. How long had he been pretending to be so alive for? It almost seemed like he''d collapse right there.

    She pressed her lips together, fighting back her urge to go back to him. If he did what he said, he''d be fine tomorrow.

    The door on the bus swung shut behind her and she begrudgingly took her seat. Thursday ¨C then she could make sure he fell asleep, in her arms or otherwise. He''d worked so hard over the past few weeks that rest was her biggest mission for the weekend and she wouldn''t take no for an answer.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Three

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Three

    Lila had managed to submit her Maths assignment on Monday night, working immediately on the next as soon as Turnitin sent her receipt to her email address. Usually at this point in the term, she would feel rather overwhelmed by the lack of time she had left to complete her assignments. This term, though, there was no overwhelm ¨C just progressive anticipation for the weekend. She''d started working on these far earlier than usual and now she had just two to hand in.

    So, when it was time for her to go to bed having achieved quite a bit, it felt like a private reward to remember the kissing and touching she''d shared with Asher at morning tea. She drifted off, a smile on her face with one hopeful question on her mind ¨C could they reenact it in the privacy of his rumpus room?

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Lila ran through an internal list of the points she needed to adjust on her Modern History assignment as she pulled out her HPE bag from her locker that Tuesday morning, her spirits high. Then, a warm hand on her shoulder jolted her as if it were a lightning bolt.

    "Gee," Asher laughed, his voice as warm as his hand. "I don''t think I''ve had that reaction before."

    She immediately spun to face him, scrutinising every centimetre of his face. Her face broke into a wide smile.

    "You kept your promise."

    He laughed again. "I''m surprised you can tell."

    She straightened up. "Of course I can. I''ve memorised your face, you know."

    He lightly plucked her HPE bag from her hands, his face pink. "I''ve memorised yours too," he murmured, avoiding her eyes. "I can tell you slept."

    She grinned. "I did. I slept very well."

    "Any reason for that?"

    Lila slowly closed her locker, hoping to find the words in the time it''d take to do that. With dismay, she hadn''t by the time her lock clicked and she turned back to face him.

    "¡­ I kept thinking about morning tea," she eventually said, hugging her torso. "I can''t explain why, but it helped me sleep."

    He paused. "I see."

    "I really like it when you touch me," she whispered, trembling ever so slightly. Again with the sudden nervousness ¨C was she feeling this way because she still didn''t know where he was at with the whole intimacy thing?

    He took a deep breath, his ribcage visibly expanding from the force.

    "I''m glad," he said after exhaling, turning to the exit. She was disappointed by the shortness of his response, though she couldn''t think why. He''d already said he liked touching her yesterday ¨C what else was she looking for?

    "Did you manage to hand in your Maths?"

    She fell into step with him as she responded in the affirmative, their conversation smoothly moving on to more topics.

    Just like that, they easily slipped into the routine of their daily life, with jokes, smiles, and engaging discussions. To have found someone she could easily lose track of the time and herself with was truly a blessing, her smile never fading even as she changed into her sports uniform.

    "You look really happy."

    Lila jolted for the second time that morning. Her eyes landed on Ayla who, by contrast, looked pretty unhappy.

    "D-Do I?"

    Ayla nodded, lacing up her shoes. "Yeah. Any reason?"

    Lila faltered. Ayla glanced at her, seemingly noticing her hesitation.

    "I''d love to hear a happy story right now."

    "W-Well, I don''t have a story as such but¡­ I was just thinking about how lucky I am to-" she cut herself off, hooking her bag up.

    "To?"

    Lila winced. "To¡­ be with Asher."

    "Ah," Ayla breathed. The silence that followed was stifling, but Ayla''s eventual reaction was even more so. "You reckon?"

    Lila assessed Ayla''s expression. She seemed tired, though Lila hadn''t seen her not be tired this whole term. She also didn''t seem angry with Lila ¨C in fact, there appeared to be some mild interest in her answer.

    "Yeah. I''ve forgotten what my life was like without him, actually," Lila finally said.

    "I see." Ayla''s lips quivered as though she was about to break down into tears, but she held it together for now. "I''m scared of forgetting what my life with Piper was like."

    A crushing statement so early in the morning made Lila sit down next to Ayla.

    "Have you ended up seeing the counsellor like I suggested?"

    "I made an appointment for later this week," Ayla replied, a forlorn smile on her face. "I hope it helps."

    "I think it will. Talking about it all helps, doesn''t it?"

    Ayla nodded before bringing her knees to her chin. "I ended up confessing to my friends about everything yesterday. I hadn''t meant to tell them everything but I just couldn''t stop talking which is normal, I guess. Most of them are supportive but¡­ Jackson left the group. Said he couldn''t be friends with a ''lesbo'' or whatever he said, even though we''ve been friends for years and nothing''s changed. I think Belle might want to leave too, but that''s mainly ''cause I know she likes Jackson. Most of all, though, even the friends who''ve stayed and are supportive¡­ I know their opinion of me has changed. I''m just too scared to ask them how."

    From what Lila could recall, Jackson did soccer with Asher ¨C which meant she''d see him tonight for their end-of-season celebrations.

    ''What an asshole,'' she thought as she watched Ayla tremble.

    "Worst of all is¡­ well, Brittany hasn''t left or anything like that but¡­ she''s been way, way too quiet. Aside from Piper, Brittany''s my closest friend. Her silence is killing me."

    Lila held in her instinctual sigh. It didn''t sound like the best outcome, but at least it wasn''t the worst.

    "Did clearing the air with your friends help a little?"

    Ayla shrugged. "It did until Jackson made a scene. I wouldn''t be surprised if the whole school knows by the end of the week but¡­ I don''t really care anymore. Haven''t cared about much recently."

    "Seems like Jackson''s not someone you''d want to be friends with."

    "Yeah¡­ but we''d been friends for years and I had no idea he felt like this. I feel kinda stupid for ever thinking we were friends."

    "You''re not stupid for that," Lila said firmly. "If he wants to be a dick about it, he can go be a dick by himself. At least your other friends have stayed."

    Ayla sighed again. "Yeah."

    "I think Brittany might be shocked, that''s all," Lila said comfortingly. "She probably just needs some time."

    Ayla nodded, her eyes glazed over for just a moment. Then, she stood up, stretching.

    "Well, I think it''s time for class," she said lamely. They both exited with Lila almost immediately coming face-to-face with a worried Asher.

    "You took a while," he said, his eyes darting to Ayla before resting on Lila. "Everything-"

    "Let''s go," Lila said, pulling him towards the Gymnasium.

    "O-Okay."

    Lila thought she saw a shadow of a smile cross Ayla''s face before she was quickly left behind in their haste.

    Ms Wright was already at the front of the class, but it didn''t seem she''d gotten to the roll quite yet. Lila and Asher quietly sat down before her, though not quietly enough.

    "Morning, Lila. Morning, Asher. You two attending the celebration this afternoon?" Ms Wright asked sternly, looking over the rim of her glasses at them both.

    There wasn''t any room to say ''no'' with a look like that. They both nodded and Ms Wright smiled.

    "Good, good." She then gave three sharp claps, calling for the attention of their classmates. It seemed that today would entail basketball.

    "You know, I don''t think we''ve really had a formal assessment for PE this year," Lila commented to Asher as he helped her up.

    "You do know that Ms Wright''s clipboard isn''t just a showpiece, right?" Asher replied with a small chuckle. Lila spun to see Ms Wright''s clipboard sitting forlornly on the floor where she''d stood and Lila looked at Asher again.

    "That''s not just for the roll?"

    "Nope. She evaluates our performance through the sports we play. I think at this point though, it''s all pretty chill. The grade doesn''t actually do anything for our GPA, since it''s more a Government initiative to make sure we''re at least a little bit active. It''s completely dropped next year unless you elected to take Fitness, which I think nets you a Cert in it."

    "Seriously?"

    He grinned. "What, you think the Dux is going to lie to you about that?"

    She flushed. "Not at all. I''m just surprised you knew all that."

    "I had to evaluate all the options when I was choosing my electives."

    "Even though you knew you were basically going to do the Suicide Six classes?"

    "''Course. If there was some configuration that gave me a better advantage, I would''ve done that instead. Just meant I needed to look into all the configurations. That''s why I decided against Biology and went for Mandarin."

    "Do you guys talk about anything interesting?" Connor''s intrusion into their conversation immediately sparked violence in Lila''s heart. "You guys are dating but you''re talking about schoolwork? You''re so boring."

    Lila spun to face Connor, who was holding two vests clearly meant for Lila and Asher.

    "Butt out," Lila said shortly, taking both vests.

    Connor defensively held his hands up. "Bro, I was just asking. No need to get so mad."

    "You just said we were boring," Asher said, his eyes narrowed. "I don''t think that''s ''just asking''. I''m happy to continue where we left off in February if you wanna start some shit."

    Lila frowned, trying to think about ''where we left off'', but it seemed that Connor had immediately understood. He shrank back before scuttling to where the vests were sitting and grabbing fistfuls more.

    "He''s all talk," Asher said disapprovingly, scowling in the direction that Connor had disappeared to.

    "February?" Lila asked, looking up at his face.

    He blankly looked back at her before his expression softened. "Yeah. When we were practising the dances for the semi-formal."

    In a flash, Lila remembered exactly that ¨C when Connor had continually tried to touch her lower back, or even more, before Asher had told him off, looking as if he was about to punch Connor. Now knowing that Asher had realised that his feelings for Lila hadn''t disappeared despite having a girlfriend, his reaction back then made a lot of sense.

    "Valentine''s Day, right?" Lila clarified. Asher nodded.

    "Yeah. I was pretty close to punching him."

    "I remember."

    "He does too, it seems." Asher chuckled. "Good."

    Lila pressed her lips together, lest her want to say ''I love you'' slipped out.

    "Looks like we''re on different teams," Asher said disappointedly. "See you after class."

    "What? Oh. Yeah. Try not to lose, alright?"

    "Against you? That''s like asking me to fistfight a bear and win."

    She snorted. "Not sure how I feel about being compared to a bear."

    "I wasn''t saying I''d fistfight you," Asher replied with a bemused smile. "Though, I''d definitely lose if I tried."

    "Why? You''re pretty strong."

    "Besides the fact that I don''t want to hurt you," he said softly, looking at the court in which his team was settling their positions, "I don''t think I''d stand a chance against you if you''re giving it your all. I''ve already said that you''re pretty relentless."

    Lila blinked. "Uh, being relentless is nothing when there''s strength."

    "I wouldn''t be so sure. A-Anyway, it doesn''t really matter since I''m not going to fight you."

    "Now I''m curious, though."

    He looked at her like she''d just announced she''d taken a spaceship to school. "Jesus, Lila, that''s not something to be curious about."

    "C''mon. Fight me," she grinned, putting up both of her fists.

    "Lila, I''m not going to fight you," Asher said flatly, though his lips twitched with amusement.

    "C''mon, just a little fight?"

    "I don''t think you can just have ''a little fight''. It''s either a fight or it''s not."

    "Fine. Fight me mediumly then, you coward."

    He laughed, shaking his head. "No. Besides, I don''t think medium fights exist, either."

    "Aw," Lila pouted. "Why not?"

    "Well, first of all, our teams are glaring at us because we''re already wasting time, and secondly, I don''t want to."

    "Damn."

    He laughed again. "You sure are full of fire today."

    "Enough fire to fight you."

    "Lila, you''re going to make me choke," he chuckled, lightly pushing her towards her side of the court.

    "Is that a fighting invitation?" she immediately asked, putting her fists up again.

    "No!"

    "Lila, Asher, please stop flirting and go to your teammates," Ms Wright barked, startling them both. "Otherwise I''ll have to mark you both as having not attended."

    Ms Wright didn''t have to tell them twice.

    Class finished up with Lila''s team winning, though it was only by a point. Lila changed as quickly as she could and met up with Asher with a grin.

    "So, have you thought about fighting me?"

    "Lila," Asher sighed, though his eyes had a playful twinkle. "I''m not going to fight you."

    Lila huffed. "I can''t believe you''d deprive me of finding out how we''d go in a fight."

    "It''s simple. You''d win and I''d lose."

    "Nuh-uh. You''d win and I''d lose."

    "Fine, then-" she gasped in excitement but he continued without meeting her eyes, "-you''d lose and I''d win. Happy now?"

    Lila contemplated this before shaking her head. "No. Not the same as actually trying."

    He chuckled. "Then I guess you''ll just need to stay curious."

    She huffed again and he wrapped her arm around her shoulders. "You''re adorable."

    She relaxed in his grasp, though her heartbeat was anything other than relaxed. She felt him shake with laughter and she looked up at him with a frown.

    "Stop laughing at me."

    "I''m not laughing at you," Asher insisted. "I''m just feeling¡­ happy."

    "Happy?"

    "Well, yeah. You make me really happy."

    "You make me really happy, too," Lila mumbled, unexpectedly feeling shy. Butterflies thundered in her stomach and she reached a hand up to his arm, squeezing it gently. "Happy enough to fight you."

    He chortled. "Are you ever going to give it up?"

    "Probably not."

    "See, you''re relentless."

    "Then relent."

    "No can do." She felt him kiss the top of her head before he let go of her entirely. "Not for this."

    "I''ll make you one day."

    "No, you won''t."

    "Yes, I will."

    "Why are you so persistent with this?" he laughed again.

    She paused, trying to think. One answer sprang to mind, though she wasn''t sure if she should tell him. The way he looked at her though, his eyes shining with curiosity, made it hard to keep it to herself. Would she sound too weird?

    "I¡­ I figured out that I really like your hands on me," she murmured, looking at the road before them. They were nearing the Applied Tech building, so if she managed to explain herself fully she could easily run away and hide from him in her classroom.

    "Sorry, what?" he blundered.

    "S-So, if you fight me, I''d get to feel them again. N-Not that the way you touch me at the moment isn''t enough, like with hugging and holding hands, but I just¡­ want to know more about how it''d feel if you touch me in other contexts."

    He didn''t speak, instead making spluttering sounds for a moment. She grabbed her bag from his shoulder and started to hurry along to class when he finally said, "Lila, if you want me to touch you, you can just ask. You don''t need to try and start a duel."

    Yeah, no, she was far too embarrassed to continue the conversation now.

    "Yup, okay, bye, see you later," she said hurriedly, gripping her bag with urgency now. "Bye!"

    She sprinted the rest of the way to her classroom, curious but ultimately refusing to look back and see his expression.

    It was lucky that she''d already finished her Design assignment, for she wouldn''t have been able to concentrate on getting it done today. Her mind was still reeling from her conversation with Asher and she wasn''t sure how to get it to stop. She''d really slipped up. Was there any way she could save it?

    She hadn''t figured it out by the time morning tea started. Asher was waiting for her as usual and, for the first time, she really wished he hadn''t.

    That was until he smiled at her and her wish faded in an instant.

    "Ready for morning tea?" he asked as soon as she stood before him.

    "Yeah," she replied, turning her gaze towards the floor.

    "Let''s go."

    He attempted some innocuous conversation but she gave him one-word answers, if any, all the way to the locker room. It wasn''t as though she wanted to be rude, but she was afraid of saying too much again.

    She closed her locker after grabbing her food with an internal sigh. Should she suggest eating with their friends today?

    "Library?"

    Lila raised her head to see Asher fidgeting with the sandwich bag containing his morning tea. Her internal sigh became external and she walked towards him.

    "Yeah."

    "We don''t have to if you don''t want to."

    What did she want? She wasn''t sure.

    "The library''s fine."

    He didn''t respond for a second, though his fidgeting increased. Why was he so fidgety?

    "If you say it''s fine, then let''s go," he finally uttered, turning to face the exit.

    Neither spoke until they''d settled into their chairs in a spare meeting room. Lila didn''t even intend to speak as she unzipped her sandwich bag and pulled out her mandarin.

    "¡­ So, about earlier," Asher said quietly, instantly making Lila''s shoulders bunch up. She stared at the pith of her mandarin, trying to identify any particular patterns within. He continued.

    "Uh, I just wanted to say that you don''t have to be embarrassed when you''re telling me what you want."

    She placed her head on the table. Despite him saying that, all it did was make her feel far more embarrassed.Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

    "I feel like I made it worse," he said, a hint of sadness in his voice. "I''m being serious, though."

    Lila made a sound of discontentment.

    "Lila?"

    She turned her head to the side so she could speak. "I get what you''re saying, but I can''t help but feel embarrassed. It''s a new thing, that you''re touching me more than usual and kissing me for longer and I''m really enjoying it. It''s selfish of me to ask for more, I know. Especially since¡­ I don''t know where you stand on the whole with us being more¡­ touchy. So, I''m sorry. And I''m sorry for trying to incite violence, even if it was jokingly."

    Asher sighed heavily. "Lila, I-"

    "I''m sorry but can we talk about something else?"

    "Sure, but-"

    "Please."

    "¡­ Okay." There was a moment of silence before he said, "I saw you walk out of the changing room with Ayla. Did you guys talk again?"

    Lila gradually sat up. "Yeah. She''s going to see a counsellor at the end of this week."

    "That''s good," Asher said genuinely. "That should really help her."

    "Yeah. Especially ''cause she ended up telling her friends everything and it didn''t really go as well as she''d hoped."

    "Really?"

    Lila nodded. "Yeah. Jackson decided he''s homophobic and left the group after Ayla told them yesterday. Apparently, one of the girls wants to follow him ''cause Ayla reckons she likes Jackson. Then Brittany, Ayla''s closest friend besides Piper, has been really quiet, despite being a Gossip Queen."

    "Ah." Asher leaned forward on his desk, looking contemplative. "Sounds on par for Jackson, to be honest."

    "What, that he''s homophobic?"

    "Yeah," Asher nodded. "He''s always been a bit like that with the guys. Hates Theo, but he learned to live with it ''cause he likes soccer more than he hates gay people. At least, that''s what I''d thought. Maybe he hates them more than I''d guessed."

    "That''s really sad for Ayla, though."

    Asher shrugged. "Jackson''s loss. I mean, him leaving the group means he left the rest of them, not just Ayla, and there''re quite a few people in that group. Besides, Ayla doesn''t seem like a bad person. Not like Piper, in any case."

    "Yeah¡­ I just feel really sorry for Ayla. She''s going through it and it seems like she can''t catch a break. Even if the rest of her friends have stayed and seem supportive, she''s scared to know what they actually think."

    "I would be too."

    "She also thinks it won''t be long until the whole school knows, basically, but she doesn''t care about it ¨C or much, really."

    "While I''m glad she doesn''t care about the whole school knowing, I''m not so glad that she doesn''t care about much."

    "I know. I''m hoping that seeing a professional can help with that, too."

    "I hope she doesn''t get bullied," Asher said darkly. "That would suck."

    "Yeah. I feel a bit guilty since I recommended she tell her friends and it ended up like this."

    "You couldn''t predict their reactions."

    "I know, I know."

    Asher stretched out a hand to Lila''s and she let him take it, though she almost wanted to move it out of his reach. Once he did take it, she felt herself relax again. She wondered when she''d stop being stupid, but concluded that it was unlikely to happen anytime soon.

    "We also heard some interesting things yesterday," he said gently, as if he could sense her spike of anxiety.

    She eagerly sat forward and he chuckled.

    "We did," Lila breathed, trying to remember the bits of gossip she''d heard at Tuckshop yesterday. "It surprised me but also didn''t surprise me that people think Jason and Piper dated. I mean, he''d date anyone-" she paused. "Actually, I remember him saying he didn''t date, and Livi said he preferred older girls."

    "Well you can have a preference, but if you''re someone like Jason, I doubt it''d matter much."

    "I guess so. Though, with the whole dating thing, I''m pretty sure that''s true. I mean, he wasn''t dating Alice. Besides, Piper was far too obsessed with you to even look at anyone else, so that''s all debunked," Lila said, tapping her fingers lightly on the table. "Someone also reckons there''s a serial killer."

    "I''ve been thinking about the whole serial killer thing. As much as I hate the idea, I think I''ll have to agree with you on that," he said unenthusiastically. "Even though there''s only two now, there may have been a first to ''get practice''," he added with a shiver. "Maybe even one that the Police found but haven''t reported on. I mean, it only really got out with all the details because of that jogging journalist. Or¡­ there''s more to come."

    "I definitely hate that idea the most."

    "Yeah." He audibly swallowed before shaking his head. "You need to keep safe."

    "You too."

    "Of course." He pressed his lips together. "A-Anyway, there were people who openly talked about buying morphine."

    "I mean, they''ve already basically said they won''t get the users in trouble, so they may as well talk about it," Lila replied thoughtfully. "Plus, I think Jason was the one who''d organise the deals, even though it was Zack and Jake who''d make the drops."

    "Yeah, I mean, he was the one talking on the phone all the time. If the killer is a student¡­ then it''d be obvious who to target if you felt wronged by the ring. And that''s why your brother''s tactic of not dealing with people and keeping his identity hidden is a good one. Seems like people still don''t know that it''s Daniel running the thing."

    "I''m glad it''s stayed that way," Lila sighed.

    "There is the bonus that he''s in Grade 9," Asher snickered. Lila nodded in agreement, her mind swiftly moving on.

    "Then¡­ there was Ms Alexander."

    Asher snorted. "Yeah, the teacher who apparently killed Jason. For what purpose? Who knows."

    "I''m getting worried that people are catching on to her and Grace, though," Lila replied with a frown.

    "If people catch on to them, they can report Ms Alexander and we''ll be innocent. Actually, maybe we should start some more specific rumours-" he stopped talking as soon as his eyes met hers. "Kidding."

    Lila sighed again. "You''re not necessarily wrong in thinking that''s a good idea, but Grace would always blame us even if someone else reported Ms Alexander. That''s just how it''d go."

    "You''re right. Sorry."

    "Don''t be."

    There was silence between them for a moment before Asher glanced at her. "Did you hear that someone went to Flora Park?"

    Lila straightened up. "Yeah. I''ve actually been thinking of going."

    Asher immediately shook his head. "No."

    Lila pouted. "But I wanna see."

    "Lila, there''s a literal murderer hanging around there."

    "What''re the chances that they''ll strike again at the same park? Besides, we already know that Piper wasn''t at the park when she was taken. Jason was last seen at the police station. Therefore¡­ the park is safe. Until there''s a dead body to be placed. In which case, they''re already dead anyway." Lila made a satisfied sound as she waited for Asher to consider her points.

    He frowned. "Lila¡­ what if you find the next dead body?"

    She could feel the excitement burst over her face and he looked horrified.

    "No, that sounds like a terrible idea," he insisted.

    "But-"

    "Lila, I''m serious."

    "I''m serious too! Asher, I want to know more about all this. Not knowing makes me feel unsafe."

    "You''re not going to know more about it if you go to the park."

    "How would you know?"

    Asher hesitated. "The Police would''ve taken all the evidence away."

    "I''m not saying I necessarily want to find evidence. I just want to know why the killer, or killers, keep choosing that park and that park bench. I mean, there must be a reason, right? Doing it twice in the same spot sounds like a recipe for getting caught and they haven''t. Aside from the fact that it seems purposeful, how have they gotten away with it?"

    He grimaced. "You¡­ really think you''ll feel safer if you went there?"

    Lila nodded. "The unknown is terrible. The known is also terrible, but at least I don''t have to wonder."

    "The¡­ unknown is terrible," he conceded, his eyes looking down at the table between them.

    ''Besides,'' Lila thought, ''there might be clues about Asher''s Mum there¡­ if she was the first victim.''

    She still wasn''t going to tell him her theory about that.

    "Fine. We''ll go," he said, though his lack of willingness about this was evident in his tone.

    "This weekend?" she asked, her own tone pleading.

    His gaze met hers. "No."

    Her shoulders slumped in disappointment.

    "You wouldn''t want to be rushed, right?" he said reluctantly.

    "Rushed?"

    "Well, we are hanging out this weekend, but exams start next week," Asher reminded her. "So we would need to study."

    Lila groaned. She''d forgotten about that. "You''re right. School holidays, then."

    He looked relieved. "Yeah. School holidays."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    The rest of the day carried on as usual, with Lila focusing once more on her assignments during PC. Since she''d handed in her Maths assignment, that class was dedicated to revising for the exam.

    Even lunch with Asher was quite usual, both taking the time to talk about what they wanted to do during the school holidays together, aside from visiting Asher''s Dad''s hospital and Flora Park. It helped Lila de-stress, having such goals in mind, and it seemed to help Asher, too.

    Japanese involved more furious studying for upcoming exams, and finally Modern History consisted of ignoring Elise''s attempts to draw Lila and Grace into conversation about things that weren''t relevant to Modern History.

    ''It definitely does suck when you''re the only one who''s handed in the assignment in your group of three,'' Lila thought as her eyes caught Elise''s crestfallen expression once more before Lila looked over her assignment yet again. At the very least, Elise seemed chattier than she had been for a while. Was that purely because she''d already handed her assignment in?

    By the end of the lesson, Lila had one final once-over of her assignment and also handed it in. Grace still looked busy and truthfully stressed out of her mind. There were only five minutes left of class, so Lila slowly packed away her things, hoping it would stretch out the time. It didn''t and now Elise had gleefully noticed Lila''s lack of things to do.

    "Lila, Lila, did you hear the rumours about Ayla?"

    Lila sighed. Seems like Ayla''s prediction was right.

    "Yeah," Lila replied. "Crazy."

    "I thought you would''ve been more scandalised," Elise frowned. "She was in love with Piper, you know."

    So that tidbit was also making the rounds.

    "Yeah, I know."

    Elise''s frown deepened. "You knew before, didn''t you?"

    "Yeah, like, at morning tea," Lila lied, zipping and unzipping her laptop bag.

    "Nah, nah, like before," Elise insisted, leaning in. "Your lack of intrigue tells me so."

    Lila blinked at Elise. "Lack of intrigue? That''s certainly a phrase."

    "Never mind my phrasing," Elise said shortly. "When did you find out? And you didn''t share?"

    Now even Grace was leaning in, her assignment evidently forgotten.

    "At camp," Lila said dejectedly.

    "WHAT?"

    "Elise, settle down. I know class is almost over, but please," Mrs Popovic called from the teacher''s desk. The trio looked at Mrs Popovic, who continued talking to a student who had asked for help.

    "You didn''t say anything," Elise whisper-yelled. "Why?"

    "It was hard to when she''d been crying to me about Piper''s murder," Lila replied awkwardly. ''Plus, Grace and I weren''t talking then¡­''

    Grace looked just as awkward as Lila felt, her attention returning to her laptop.

    "Ah, yeah it would be," Elise said in breathless understanding. "She''s pretty brave, though. I mean, she basically outed herself to the whole school just now."

    "Where''d you even hear the rumour?" Lila asked. "Ayla told me she only told her friends yesterday at lunch."

    Elise waved her hand dismissively. "At Tuckshop, of course. That''s where all the rumours are."

    "Tuckshop, aye¡­" Lila smirked at Elise. "Did Isaac shout you some food?"

    Elise''s face flushed. "N-No."

    "He totally did," Lila grinned. "Otherwise, why would you be looking like that?"

    Elise pressed her lips together before sighing. "Fine. Yeah. He did today. Said it was for all the McHelp."

    Lila hung her head. "Not because he likes you?"

    "Lila, drop it. He doesn''t like me," Elise replied, her face flushed even deeper.

    "I say he does."

    "He doesn''t."

    Lila frowned. Then, an idea came to her ¨C but would it be too cruel?

    "See, you can''t even say he does-"

    "Actually," Lila said, her tone both incredibly serious and careful, "I think I can say that."

    Elise''s eyes fluttered in confusion. "Huh?"

    "Well, he liked me, right? So, I''d say, as his ex, he definitely likes you."

    Elise winced. "E-Even so, that was a while ago, wasn''t it? Maybe he''s changed."

    "Nope," Lila emphatically shook her head. "He likes you."

    Elise now looked entirely uncomfortable and Lila smirked. There was no way she could refute this.

    "I-Impossible," Elise finally said. "You''re just mistaking him for being friendly-"

    "Class dismissed. Don''t forget your assignments are due tomorrow at 4pm," Ms Popovic called, her voice increasing in volume as the cacophony of students getting up grew louder.

    "I''ve got a shift, so I''ll see you tomorrow," Elise remarked, instantly hurrying out of the classroom, beating all of their classmates for the privilege.

    "¡­ Lila, I think you should leave it," Grace said quietly as they both stood in Elise''s wake.

    "She''s being so stubborn," Lila replied. "Like, unreasonably stubborn."

    "Look, I think so too, but maybe you can try again next term or over the school holidays. She''s already stressed with it being this point in the term."

    Lila pursed her lips. Grace was right, but¡­ well, when Lila enjoyed the company of Asher, now that they were dating, her stress melted away. If Elise had the same feeling with Isaac, then that''d help her stress too, right?

    "Grace, being with your partner is nice, isn''t it?"

    "Nice? I mean, that''s one way to put it. It''s more than just nice, though."

    "Well, yeah, but don''t you think Elise deserves it?"

    "Of course I do. I just think you''ve tried all you can, you know. Now''s not really the time. It''s not like they could hang out or go on dates with their busy work schedule along with handing in assignments and studying for exams."

    Lila sighed, placing her bag on her shoulder. "You''re right."

    "Let''s go home," Grace smiled. "You should also stop stressing yourself out trying to get them together."

    "Yeah¡­ except I''m going to Jacoval."

    "I thought your hockey season was over?"

    "Yeah, we''re having this joint celebration thing for the end of the season tonight."

    "Alright. I''ll go ahead then. See you tomorrow!"

    Lila watched as Grace left the classroom and waited a beat before heading out herself.

    "There you are," Asher smiled as she approached. "I was thinking you''d gotten carried away with the time again."

    She slipped her hand into his. "Nah, just letting Elise and Grace go first."

    "Ah, righto."

    "What do you reckon''s going to happen at the celebration?" Lila asked.

    "I''d bet it''s going to be a pizza party probably," Asher replied thoughtfully. "It seems to be the easiest to organise for teachers."

    "I reckon there might be doughnuts, too."

    "Pizza and doughnuts ¨C that''s a good combo."

    They continued to theorise as they wandered over to the locker room and even still as they walked over to the oval.

    A smattering of pop-up tables were laid out on the field, upon which were soft drinks, cups, plates and doughnuts. The hockey girls and soccer boys who were already here stood in team groups, looking nervously at the other gender every so often.

    "Hey, guys!" Isaac called, cheerfully waving them over. It was a far cry from how he''d been the last time Lila saw him.

    Lila elbowed Asher. "Elise said that Isaac bought her Tuckshop today."

    "Did he?" Asher replied, looking down at her in surprise. "Nice."

    "Maybe we could grill him-"

    "Let''s not," Asher smiled. "He was so freaked out by our last attempt, I think we should let him just enjoy the party. Besides, didn''t you have another mission here?"

    Lila cast her eyes back to one of the groups of hockey girls. Christa was one of the girls who kept looking back at the soccer boys ¨C particularly in the direction of the group containing Harrison.

    "I''m right here!" Isaac called again, his waving increasing in intensity.

    Lila and Asher exchanged a look before heading over to him. He had a plate with a plain glazed doughnut in the hand that hadn''t waved at them.

    "Heya," Isaac said, immediately shoving said doughnut into his mouth once Lila and Asher reached him. He swallowed in such a way that he looked like a pelican and Lila fought hard to not laugh. "Thought you guys went blind."

    "Nah," Lila said, looking around again. "Just seeing how the party''s going."

    "Mr Kovac and Ms Wright went to grab the pizzas," Isaac explained. "Otherwise, no one''s really mingling. It''s pretty awkward."

    "No kidding," Asher replied.

    "Looks like we both won the bet," Lila grinned. "Pizza and doughnuts."

    It was at that moment that Ms Wright and Mr Kovac, armed with pizza boxes, descended the hill. As though this brought everyone to life, all the students swarmed their coaches, chatting excitedly about the food.

    "Hey, hey, settle down," grumbled Mr Kovac, holding his boxes high above his head. "Let us put these down first."

    Everyone took a step back, which allowed the teachers to set the boxes down. At that point, the rest of the hockey and soccer players had arrived and moments later, the pizzas were divvied out. It seemed to ease the previously uncomfortable atmosphere and students started to mingle.

    "So, loser," Isaac began, shoving pizza in his mouth. "That''s hot!"

    "Yes, other loser?" Lila snorted, delicately taking a bite of a slice to test how hot it was. He was right ¨C it was hot. Unsurprising, given how close the pizza shop was.

    Isaac huffed, fanning his mouth. "I¡­ was going to ask¡­"

    "Dude, just breathe," Asher laughed. "We''re not in a rush to talk."

    Isaac did so and eventually tried again. "I was going to ask what your plans were for all your free time," he said. "Since we still have our training sessions after this week."

    "Study, probably," Lila replied, taking a bigger bite of her cooled pizza.

    "You could watch if you wanted," Asher said tentatively, eating some of his pizza.

    Lila glanced at him, seeing that his face was slightly pink. "I might," she smiled.

    "Eugh, you''ll make me throw up with your antics," Isaac frowned. "Stop looking at each other like that."

    "I thought you were taking a break from your rudeness," Lila retorted.

    "You''re right. Sorry," Isaac said, his eyes distant.

    "It''d take getting used to," Asher said, looking between them both. "It''s okay."

    Lila was about to add to that when Asher nudged her, gesturing towards Christa. "She looks a bit lonely over there."

    Christa was hovering by the tables, looking nervously around. Lila nodded.

    "I''ll be back in a sec," she said. "Did you want a drink or something?"

    "Nah, I''m right."

    "What about you, Isaac?"

    "I''m good."

    Lila headed in the direction of Christa, a smile on her face.

    "Hey, Christa."

    Christa jumped. Then, her face relaxed. "Oh. Hey, Lila. What''s up?"

    "Another season done," Lila said, her tone light.

    "Yup. We get to do it all again next year," Christa replied. She pulled her lips to the side as if losing herself in thought.

    "I''ve been meaning to ask," Lila said quietly, "but¡­ do you have a thing for one of the soccer boys?"

    Christa nearly dropped her cup onto the table, catching it just before it could splash her.

    "N-Not at all-" she spluttered.

    "Not even for¡­ Harrison?"

    Lila had never quite seen someone become almost neon red before.

    "W-Why would you say Harrison?" Christa squeaked.

    "You keep looking at him," Lila replied matter-of-factly.

    Christa sighed. "¡­ He''s kinda cute, don''t you think?"

    "Uh, not for me," Lila said swiftly.

    Christa sighed again. "I want to talk to him, but¡­ I get really shy. I only manage to talk to him about class and he always seems so surprised."

    "Keep trying if you do like him," Lila replied encouragingly. "I should just say though¡­ he can be a bit creepy."

    "R-Really?"

    "Yeah, well¡­ earlier in the year he tried to grab me."

    Christa frowned. "That¡­ doesn''t sound good."

    "He might''ve changed," Lila said. "I''d keep an eye out, though."

    Christa glanced at where Harrison was standing, laughing with Will Reedy and Theo. "¡­ He''s really cute."

    "You should try and go for it. I mean, now''s a pretty good opportunity."

    Christa looked incredibly unsure. "I-I''m not brave."

    "Sure you are. That''s why you''re a Defender. You have to come face-to-face with all the terrifying Attackers."

    "That''s more your job."

    "Still doesn''t mean you don''t do it."

    Christa picked at the rim of her cup. "You really think I should?"

    "For sure. And, you know what, I think he''d even be receptive."

    "You think so?"

    "Definitely." ''''Cause he''s a bit of a creep,'' Lila thought, but she didn''t say that. She''d already mentioned it to Christa¡­ so it was up to her to decide what she wanted to do.

    "Thanks, Lila. I''ll¡­ think about it."

    "Good," Lila grinned. "I''m rooting for you."

    Christa glanced once more in the direction of Harrison.

    "Those Grade 12s are a bit intimidating, though."

    Lila eyed Theo before looking back at Christa. "Nah. They''re alright. ''Specially Theo."

    "Theo?"

    Lila nodded.

    "Alright. Like I said, I''ll think about it."

    Lila poured herself a cup of soft drink and grinned at Christa. "Good luck!"

    Christa gave her a nervous smile and Lila turned, ready to head back to Asher and Isaac when Alice beckoned her over.

    Lila obediently did so, sipping her soft drink.

    "Hey, Lila," Alice said, her face pale and weary. Willow was rubbing Alice''s shoulder, looking concerned. They were otherwise far apart from other students.

    "Whoa, what happened?" Lila asked, her eyes darting between the two. Alice looked grim.

    "I thought¡­ I should let you know that I got kicked out on Sunday, since you''ve been helping me a lot."

    "Shit, really?" Lila''s eyes flew wide open, panic immediately flooding through her. "Oh my God, I''m so sorry."

    Alice shrugged, taking a bite of her pizza. "It''s¡­ not fine and I wish I hadn''t been, but it''s what it is. Evelyn took me in straight away and it''s¡­ pretty weird, actually. There''re so many pictures of him around the house. Thankfully, I don''t have to stay in his room." She shuddered, though Lila could tell it wasn''t from the cold.

    "I''m¡­ surprised that you''re not more upset," Lila said softly.

    Alice shrugged again. "I was expecting it. I cried all night on Sunday, then a little bit yesterday but I''m feeling pretty okay now. I think it''s because Evelyn''s so nice. She really takes care of me. At the moment, she''s still not working but she''s made some smart investments in the past so she doesn''t need to for a while ¨C so she''s pretty devoted to making sure I''m okay."

    "That''s¡­ incredible," Lila replied, genuinely surprised.

    "I know. I''m just more upset that my parents don''t want to know their¡­" she trailed off, her eyes glistening. Willow rubbed Alice''s shoulder with more force.

    "A-Anyway, that''s all I wanted to say," Alice said meekly. "Asher keeps looking this way."

    "Right," Lila said, looking between Alice and Willow. "If you need anything, let me know, okay?"

    "I will," Alice smiled, though it wavered more than Lila felt was okay. She stood for a moment before Alice gestured for her to go to Asher.

    "See you around," Lila said before turning. Alice and Willow bid their goodbyes and Lila started to head over to Asher and Isaac, feeling worried for Alice being an understatement. It would be incredibly weird to be hanging around all those photos of Jason in a scenario like Alice''s, aside from the pain of total rejection from Alice''s parents.

    She took a sip of her cup and continued on her way, seeing that Asher and Isaac were engaged in some kind of conversation. She took note of the groups that she passed along the way, seeing that many of the girls and guys had formed larger groups, each one more rowdy than the last.

    Then ¨C

    "¡­ bitch was gay all along-"

    Lila stopped dead in her tracks, suddenly feeling as though she''d been dumped in a bucket of ice water. She whipped her head around to face the owner of the voice, though she knew before she saw him. Jackson.

    He was talking to some Grade 10 boys, who were all nodding along to his story. She felt sick, frozen in place as Jackson continued his tirade.

    "She just needs some good dick to turn her straight."

    ''That''s quite the opposite of how it works,'' Lila thought.

    "Yeah," piped up one of the Grade 10s. "You should go for it."

    "Maybe I should," Jackson replied. "She''s hot enough."

    ''I think the fuck not,'' Lila thought. Jackson''s group slowly turned to her. It seemed like her thought was more of a yell.

    "Huh?" Jackson asked, raising an eyebrow at Lila. "What would you know? Are you gay too?"

    "Doesn''t matter if I am or not," Lila said hotly, her drink splashing slightly. "I can guarantee no one wants your dick, straight or gay."

    Jackson''s face flushed red.

    "Plenty of chicks do," he said defiantly.

    "In your dreams."

    Jackson stalked towards her and in an instant, both Asher and Isaac were between Lila and Jackson.

    "The heck is going on?" Isaac asked Jackson, his tone less than impressed. Asher gripped Lila''s arm, gently tugging her in such a way that she was more concealed behind him.

    "Asher''s dumb slut-"

    Thump.

    Before Lila could fully register what happened, she saw Jackson reeling backwards, clutching his face. Asher wasn''t beside her anymore and was instead being pulled back from Jackson by Isaac, whose face was white.

    "Oi-"

    "Shut the fuck up. You''re the dumb slut in this equation," Asher''s voice flew from his throat like a poisoned dart, his struggle against Isaac''s grasp nearly lifting Isaac''s feet from the ground. If it were anyone else besides Isaac, Lila was sure they would''ve been tossed to the ground so that Asher could have another go at Jackson.

    The Grade 10s immediately dispersed, seeking refuge in other groups, the panic clear to Lila in the sounds that they made as they rushed off.

    "Asher, c''mon-"

    "No-"

    "He''s already down," Isaac said firmly, dragging Asher back. "It''s not worth it."

    "Not worth it? He-"

    "Uh, boys? What''s going on here?" Ms Wright''s shrill voice, reminiscent of the whistle she usually wore, cut through Asher and Isaac''s argument. Asher stopped struggling and Isaac stepped away from him.

    "He hit me, ma''am," Jackson whined from the floor.

    "He started going for Lila," Asher spat. Lila grabbed the back of Asher''s blazer to prevent him from lunging at Jackson, though she knew it wouldn''t really stop him if he was motivated enough.

    Ms Wright''s eyes flashed. She maintained her composure as she fully turned to Lila.

    "What happened, Lila?" she asked, folding her arms in displeasure.

    "He¡­ was talking about someone who''s recently come out as gay, ma''am," Lila said vaguely. "A girl. Um, he said something about giving her some ''good dick'' or whatever to ''turn her'' straight. I¡­ happen to know her and it''s not right, ma''am. It''s disgusting. So, I told him off. Then, he started going towards me and called me Asher''s dumb slut and now here we are."

    Ms Wright inhaled sharply. "Is that true?" she asked Isaac, who nodded.

    "We heard the end bit and tried to stop Jackson from going for Lila but¡­" Isaac looked uncertainly at Asher, who sighed.

    "Sorry, ma''am. Sorry for losing my cool, Jackson."

    Ms Wright narrowed her eyes, as if she was trying to make a decision about what to do next.

    Jackson wearily sat up, his face twisting with discomfort.

    "It''s my fault," he said, as though it were painful for him to say. "I started shit."

    Ms Wright''s mouth twitched, though she didn''t say anything about Jackson''s swearing.

    "I''m in half a mind to punish the both of you," she said slowly. Asher stiffened and Jackson hung his head. "But¡­ I think this has been resolved," she finished reluctantly. "I don''t think I need to explain that you shouldn''t talk about or to people like that, Jackson, and you shouldn''t resort to physical violence, Asher."

    "Yes, ma''am," Jackson and Asher said in unison.

    "If I see trouble between the two of you again, it''s automatic detention," Ms Wright noted sternly. "I''ll be telling Mr Kovac about this, too."

    She swiftly turned and headed back to the tables, where Mr Kovac happened to be inspecting the leftover pizzas.

    The four of them were left in incredibly awkward silence.

    "I thought Ayla was your friend," Lila said quietly after a beat.

    A dark look crossed Jackson''s face as he stood up. "I thought she was going to be my girlfriend."

    He dusted himself off and walked away from them before they could react.

    "¡­ Huh?" Isaac''s voice was not quite high-pitched as he spun to face Lila and Asher. "What just happened?"

    Lila sighed. "Have you heard the rumours?"

    "Rumours? Oh. About Ayla liking Piper or something?"

    "Yeah. When Ayla told her friendship group, Jackson called her a ''lesbo'' and left them. It seems like he''s butthurt about the fact that she''s not into guys and therefore won''t ever be into him."

    "Ah," Isaac looked back at where Jackson had gone before looking sympathetically at Lila and Asher. "I''d say ''poor guy'' if he wasn''t an asshole about it just now."

    Asher finally unclenched his jaw and gently held Lila''s shoulders, forcing her to face him. "Are you okay?"

    "Yeah," Lila replied. "Thank you for defending me."

    He closed his eyes, his jaw flexing. "Sorry for drawing attention to us."

    "I''m sure whatever he wanted to do would''ve drawn attention," Lila said softly. "No need to apologise for that."

    "Then¡­ sorry for losing my cool."

    "I would''ve too."

    Asher pursed his lips, staring at her for a moment longer. "You sure you''re okay?"

    "Very."

    "¡­ Alright."

    "Are you okay?" she asked, apprehensively touching the knuckles along his right hand. His fingers twitched and he didn''t speak for a beat or two. Then, he exhaled deeply with a shake of his head.

    "I still feel my heartbeat in my ears," he said quietly. "I haven''t been that pissed in a long while, but I''m okay now that I know you are."

    She gave him a small smile, gently raising his right hand to her lips and kissing his knuckles. They felt far warmer than usual, but she couldn''t see whether there was anything wrong with them in this lighting.

    The atmosphere remained uncomfortable for a few moments until Isaac suggested some more food and drinks.

    None of the trio spoke about the altercation with Jackson and instead, conversation slowly drifted towards a book series Isaac was recommending.

    The night drew to a close soon after with speeches from Ms Wright and Ms Kovac about a season well done. There were extra cheers for the soccer boys and then they were all dismissed. Both Isaac and Asher walked closely on either side of Lila all the way to the carpark.

    "See you tomorrow," Isaac said once they reached the peak. "Lunch with the group, yeah?"

    "Yeah," Asher said quietly.

    "See you," Lila said. Isaac nodded and headed off to his Mum''s car.

    Lila could hear the muffled beats of Clare''s music and started to walk in that direction, Asher following closely behind.

    "Hello," Lila said to Clare as she opened the back passenger door. Asher loaded her bags into it and, strangely, Clare didn''t respond. Lila closed the door and turned to Asher.

    His eyes still looked worried and she placed her hands around his neck. He automatically held her waist and he sighed.

    "Sorry," he murmured.

    "Asher, it''s okay. Remember what you said about how defending yourself is always okay? Defending others is the same. I appreciate it. Thank you."

    He looked conflicted and she reached up, capturing his lips in hers. He reciprocated, though there wasn''t the usual underlying passion that they normally shared. They separated soon after.

    "Goodnight, Asher. Please don''t worry about it."

    "I''ll try. Goodnight, Lila."

    Lila slid into Clare''s car and buckled herself in, watching Asher in the window as Clare silently pulled away from the carpark.

    "What''s up with you?" Lila finally asked after they had long left the school.

    "Me?"

    "Yeah, you. Are there other people in this car?"

    Clare exhaled heavily, her hold on her steering wheel tightening. "I¡­ had my bartending shift last night."

    "Oh, yeah. Did you manage to talk to Melody?"

    Annoyance crossed Clare''s face. "No. She kept dodging me as much as possible until our Manager said that we wouldn''t be working on shift together anymore. We might be before or after each other when we dance, but we definitely won''t be on the same shift. It''s a bit annoying, but at least I have first preference for shifts."

    "Ah. Do you think she''s avoiding you on purpose?"

    "Of course. She decided to start a war and now she''s playing mind games. What worries me though is¡­ she''ll be on shift with Alex."

    "I''m sure nothing will happen," Lila replied. "After all, Alex is head over heels for you."

    Clare pursed her lips. "Yeah, I hope so. Fuck with me, it''s whatever. Fuck with him¡­ and I don''t know what I''d do."

    Lila was quite sure Asher would relate to that statement ¨C as much, if not more, than Lila did, at least.

    "Like I said, it should be fine, sis. Being separated is probably for the best."

    "Not probably. Definitely."

    That sentence hung in the air as Lila and Clare fell quiet. After everything that happened today, Lila felt exhausted ¨C too exhausted to tell Clare what had happened at the celebration. She resolved to tell her at some point, though. She''d probably get a kick out of it.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Four

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Four

    Lila woke up far earlier than she''d intended to on Wednesday. It was as though her body knew that she''d be staying at Asher''s tomorrow night and she couldn''t go back to sleep. So, with nothing else to do, she started packing.

    ''Actually, maybe I should bring at least one bag to school today¡­'' Lila thought as she folded some clothes into a bag. A four-day, three-night stay at Asher''s meant she needed to bring quite a bit, after all. She assembled one full of clothes and a couple of books, for casual reading and studying, for the weekend.

    With that, she made the trek to her bus and then to her locker room more laden than usual. She shoved her bags in her locker with a little force and used her shoulder to help shut it when Asher appeared, placing his hand on her door.

    "T-Thanks," Lila stammered, locking her locker. He was really close ¨C and so early in the morning, too.

    "No worries. Any reason why your locker is about to burst?"

    Lila laughed nervously. "I¡­ thought it''d be smart to bring some of my stuff for the weekend today. You know, to stagger it. Good thing, too, since it''s only one extra bag today and my locker''s already falling apart."

    "Ah," Asher smiled, "that is smart. I''ll take it home tonight."

    "Sounds like a plan."

    Her eyes landed on the hand still on her locker and she gasped at the state of it. "Asher, your knuckles-"

    He instantly put his hand behind his back as if she lacked object permanence. "It''s nothing."

    "Asher, they look so sore."

    "Well, you''re not wrong."

    "Just how hard did you punch Jackson?"

    "Enough."

    "Enough?"

    He held out his left arm for her to take. "Shall we go to English?"

    She frowned and he sighed. "I haven''t really punched anyone before. I''ve been close, but¡­ yesterday was the first time I hit someone like I meant it. Seems like I walked away with some damage myself."

    She held out her hand for his and he reluctantly gave his right hand to her. His knuckles looked tender and red and she very lightly ran her index finger along them. He winced from the contact, a small exhale escaping his lips.

    "Asher¡­"

    "Don''t worry about me," he said, offering his arm again. "Let''s go."

    She sighed, grabbing hold of his arm. "Alright."

    Since they''d both already handed in their English assignments, they silently studied for the final exam. Lila would sneak peeks at Asher every so often ¨C he looked relatively rested, which pleased Lila. She''d almost thought his fight with Jackson would''ve kept him up, but it didn''t seem to be the case.

    Then, Asher walked with Lila to Biology, his arms stretched high above him, a yawn escaping.

    "Tired?" Lila queried.

    "A bit. I did sleep last night, though," he replied with another yawn.

    "I kinda thought you wouldn''t," Lila said.

    "Huh? Why''s that?"

    "I thought you''d feel guilty about punching Jackson and wouldn''t sleep because of it."

    "Oh." He laughed, the volume building as he continued into a chortle. Once it petered out, he said, "Nah, nah, that made me sleep better, even though my hand hurt all night. I''m more tired ''cause I spent a little bit too much time on my Physics, but at least I handed it in."

    "Made you sleep better?"

    "Yup. After what he said, seeing his face after I punched him felt pretty good. Made hurting my hand worth it. I didn''t hear the first bit of what he was saying, but after you explained it to Ms Wright ¨C I felt even angrier."

    She laughed. "Yeah, I''d agree on that one."

    "Though¡­ punching him was a bad idea overall. It''d be a lie to say that I don''t regret it."

    "Yeah, it was. I''m really glad you didn''t get in trouble, but I think that''s because it was Ms Wright who came over, not Mr Kovac."

    "Yeah ¨C I thought I was about to die until she said it was all resolved. Never mind escaping by the skin of my teeth, that felt like escaping by atoms." He surveyed her carefully before he touched her shoulder. "Are you sure you''re alright? He was really out of line."

    Lila smiled. "You don''t need to worry. I''m glad you were there. There was no room to feel anything besides protected with a reaction like that." She narrowed her eyes at him and added, "That''s not meant to encourage more violence, though."

    "Scout''s honour," he replied immediately. "I''ll keep a lid on it."

    "Good." Then, she smirked. "Unless it''s violence against me."

    He groaned before giving a light laugh. "Lila, I''m still not going to fight you."

    "But now that I''ve seen you throw a punch-"

    "Lila, please tell me you''re joking otherwise I''ll have to send you to a doctor to get checked out."

    "Fine. I''m joking."

    "Good."

    "¡­ for now."

    "Lila-"

    She burst into laughter, which drew him into laughing along with her.

    "I''m glad you''re still in high spirits, but if you keep going on about me fighting you, I won''t have a choice except to touch you where you like it," he finally said, looking down at her with a grin.

    She immediately placed her hands over her face. She''d hoped he''d forgotten about that part of yesterday.

    He laughed, taking her hands away. "If you''re going to demand that I fight you, the least you could do is look at me."

    She avoided his eyes and instead tried to struggle against his grasp. He laughed again, pulling her close to him.

    "C''mon," he whispered in her ear, "how are we supposed to do the things you want if you''re so shy?"

    His words and his breath caused a shiver down her spine and she involuntarily pulled her neck to the side, away from his lips. Her butterflies started acting up, making her feel as though she''d fly away from the force of their beating wings. What did he mean? He seemed so forward all of a sudden.

    She forced herself to look at him, and he instantly looked away, his face bright red. Now, she had absolutely no idea what was going on.

    "You can''t just say that and be shy yourself," she murmured, hiding behind his arm.

    He chuckled, ruffling his hair with his free arm. "That''s true."

    Their faces remained pink and voices silent all the way to Lila''s Biology lab, even as Asher returned her belongings.

    "S-See you at morning tea," Lila managed to say as she grabbed her belongings.

    "Yeah," Asher replied, clearing his throat. "See you."

    She pressed her lips together as she watched him walk away, holding her bag tight to her chest. He''d done it again ¨C managed to make her feel flustered beyond belief with words alone.

    She took a deep breath in an attempt to clear her head.

    "You going to head inside?" Cecelia asked, making Lila jump. Lucas was just behind her, looking over at Lila curiously.

    "Yeah. ''Course."

    They filed into the lab, sitting at their table. As usual, Mr Johnson hadn''t quite arrived yet.

    As soon as the trio set up for class, Cecelia''s eyes gleamed. Lila was sure that if they were in the dark, they''d be glowing.

    "I heard some interesting things this morning," Cecelia said, leaning in towards Lila. Lila blinked, trying to think of what Cecelia could''ve heard this morning. So many things were happening all at once, all of them gossipworthy, after all.

    "Yeah?"

    "I heard¡­ that your boyfriend, Mr Dux the Nerd, punched Jackson yesterday."

    "Okay, rude," Lila frowned.

    Cecelia waved a hand dismissively. "The title''s part of the rumour."

    "Still rude."

    "Did it happen?"

    Lucas cleared his throat, adjusting his glasses. "I can answer that one, Cee. It happened for sure."

    Cecelia whirled to face him, hitting him lightly on the arm in shock. "What?! And you didn''t tell me?"

    "Cee, this is the first time we''ve seen each other today," Lucas laughed. "I haven''t had the chance. Anyway, it was all Jackson could talk about this morning in Maths. Well, it was all anyone could talk about since he''s got a massive black eye."

    "Seriously?" Lila''s jaw dropped.

    "Oh, dead serious," Lucas nodded. "Looks more like he got hit with a baseball bat, but I think that''s just how black eyes are."

    "Oh my God, I can''t wait to see," Cecelia breathed, her eyes sparkling. "I had no idea your boyfriend could throw a punch."

    "Neither did I, to be honest," Lila replied sheepishly. "He''s been close a couple times, but¡­ Jackson was really stupid."

    "He never actually said why he got punched, just that there was a bit of an argument," Lucas said thoughtfully, his eyes shining with curiosity. "So what happened?"

    Lila sighed. "Have you guys heard the rumours about Ayla?"

    "Ayla?" Cecelia paused, tapping her chin. "Nup."

    Lila sighed again. Since she knew the fact that Ayla liked Piper in that way was spreading like wildfire, she supposed she could tell Cecelia and Lucas.

    "The other day, Ayla told her friends that she''s a lesbian and she liked Piper. Like, liked liked."

    "Seriously?" Cecelia gasped.

    "Now that makes me feel heaps better about getting rejected by her," Lucas replied. Cecelia glanced at him.

    "I forgot that happened."

    "What do you mean, you ''forgot that happened''?" Lucas asked, clearly bemused. "You''re the one that brought it up in Term One!"

    "Oh yeah." Cecelia shrugged. "Kinda forgot you liked anyone else. Maybe that''s just for my convenience."

    Lucas'' face reddened. "W-Well¡­ it''s not like I didn''t like you at the same time, Cee. I just thought you''d never like me back, so I asked Ayla out."

    "Dummy," Cecelia said affectionately. Then, she placed her hands on the table, redirecting the topic as quickly as it''d diverged.

    "So? Why''s that relevant to Asher punching Jackson?" she asked keenly.

    Lila rolled her eyes. Just remembering what Jackson had said annoyed her once again. "Last night, the hockey girls and soccer boys had a joint end-of-season celebration, since we both share Jacoval at the same time for practice. You know how Jackson was friends with Ayla?"

    Cecelia nodded furiously and Lucas leaned forwards like he was very invested in what Lila had to say.

    "Apparently, when she told her friends about everything, Jackson called her a ''lesbo''-" Cecelia gave a scandalised gasp and Lucas looked thoroughly unimpressed, "and left the friendship group. At the celebration, he was complaining about it in the worst way."

    Lila wrinkled her nose but pressed on. "He called her a bitch and said that she ''just needs some good dick to turn her straight'' and that he''d ''go for it'' ''cause she''s hot enough."

    Cecelia''s scandalised gasp changed into an affronted squeak and Lucas'' expression turned horrified. Lila continued.

    "So I told him off and said no one wants his dick, straight or gay-"

    "Uh, yeah, Queen," Cecelia interjected. "With a sexist, pig-like attitude like that, that''s the truest thing you could''ve said."

    Lila nodded. "Anyway, he started going towards me and Isaac and Asher stepped in. Isaac asked what was going on and Jackson called me Asher''s ''dumb slut''-"

    "Oh hell no!"

    It was at that point that Mr Johnson had entered and the room was relatively quiet, which made Cecelia''s angry outburst feel ten times louder than it actually was.

    "None of that in my classroom, Walters," Mr Johnson immediately admonished. "I''ll toss you out of here."

    Cecelia immediately turned pink. "Sorry, sir."

    "Good. I hope your progress on your assignment will mean you''ll hand it in on time tomorrow."

    Cecelia nodded meekly and Mr Johnson began marking the roll, halting Lila''s recollection of yesterday for the moment. Once he was done and announced that today''s class was dedicated to finishing their assignments, Cecelia and Lucas leaned in towards Lila ¨C a gesture that meant that Lila had to finish her story.

    "So¡­ after Jackson called me that, Asher punched him. Isaac was able to keep him from punching Jackson again. Ms Wright then came over and told Jackson and Asher off. They managed to get out of it without any detentions but as Jackson was leaving, he said something interesting."

    "Ooh," Cecelia breathed, nodding encouragingly.

    "He said he''d thought that Ayla was going to be his girlfriend."

    "Yeah, no," Lucas snorted derisively. "I think even if she was into guys, there''d be no way."

    It was at that moment that Lila recalled something that she''d buried in the recesses of her mind. She shuddered. "Remember the photo incident?"

    "Photo incident?" Lucas asked blankly.

    "The one where photos of me and my phone number were being spread around in the boys'' bathrooms?"

    "Yuck, don''t remind me," Cecelia replied with a shudder of her own. "I can''t believe you survived that."

    "Yeah, well¡­ Jackson actually called me. I erased it out of my mind because of how many people were calling and texting at the time but I remember now ¨C he was one of the first callers."

    Cecelia mimicked throwing up and Lucas''s brow creased, his lips pulled in disgust.

    "Yeah, Ayla definitely wouldn''t have gone for him," Lucas affirmed. "I never liked him and now I feel entirely justified. He was always a bit arrogant."

    "A bit''s an understatement," Cecelia added.

    "True." Then, Lucas grinned. "Good on Asher. If there were any moment to punch Jackson, he picked the right one."

    "I honestly can''t believe he called you a dumb slut, first of all, but second of all, in front of Asher. Like, how stupid could you be?" Cecelia said, shaking her head. "That''s like asking Asher directly to punch him."

    Lila snorted. "After Asher punched Jackson, he called Jackson the ''dumb slut in this equation''."

    Cecelia burst into laughter for just a second before being stifled by an equally amused Lucas, his hand over her mouth.

    "Bro, Asher''s my hero," Lucas snickered softly. "Had no idea he could be badass like that."

    Lila smiled. "He''s my hero, too."

    "Aww," Cecelia cooed, having escaped Lucas'' grasp, "that''s so cute."

    "Walters, if you don''t keep quiet for the rest of class, I will actually make you leave," Mr Johnson said gravely, appearing next to Cecelia. She squeaked in response and scrambled to open her laptop. Mr Johnson looked around the table at Lila and Lucas who looked back at him with wide, terrified eyes.

    "Go on. Get to work."

    None of them spoke for the rest of Bio.

    This was actually quite beneficial for Lila, as her Bio assignment was the last of hers to be handed in for the term. Unfortunately, she hadn''t quite finalised it by the time class was over but at least she had a couple more classes she could work on it in before 4pm tomorrow.

    She trailed behind Cecelia and Lucas, both of whom crossed paths with Asher.

    "Good job, mate," Lucas said approvingly as they passed.

    "I wouldn''t mind if you hit him again!" Cecelia called before giggling and taking Lucas'' arm as they headed towards the locker room.

    Asher looked perplexed at Lila as he took her bag from her.

    "Why am I getting cheered on by Lucas and Cecelia?" he asked. Lila laughed.

    "Cecelia heard that you hit Jackson and Lucas said Jackson''s got a black eye, so they asked me about it."

    Asher blanched. "He''s got a black eye? Seriously? Shit, I didn''t mean to hit him that hard."

    "Well, he''s not being forthcoming about why you punched him, so maybe you should do it again."

    "I thought you didn''t want to encourage violence."

    "Yeah, that was until I realised he''s a bit of a coward."

    "I don''t mind if he''s not telling people why I punched him. Just means his version of events is already untrustworthy to everyone since it''s missing critical details."

    "I''m not sure anyone else will think that deeply about it and say it''s untrustworthy."

    Asher shrugged. "Doesn''t matter to me. I''d be more anxious about you getting the wrong idea if you weren''t there to see it happen. No one else matters in this scenario. They can think what they want. Besides, even though I don''t feel guilty for punching him, I''m a bit embarrassed about losing my cool in front of everyone like that. I''m supposed to be better than that. I''d rather everyone forget the whole thing and move on."If you stumble upon this tale on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.

    Lila paused. "¡­ Even so, I''d rather people know the real reason why."

    "Why?" Asher queried, his expression entirely perplexed.

    "Why? Because it was¡­" Lila stopped herself from saying ''kinda hot'' and took a deep breath. "I-It was for a good reason. Not that you should''ve done it, but at least it was warranted, you know? It sounds better than you just attacking him out of nowhere."

    He smiled. "Like I said, all I care is that you know that. C''mon, worrywart. Let''s grab something to eat."

    <hr>

    Lila spent morning tea enjoying Asher''s company, as usual. She told him about her singular assignment that was left ¨C to which he beamed, radiating an excited energy that she hadn''t seen for quite a while. Or was it pride?

    The idea that it was pride made Lila feel shy all over again. If he looked at her like that again for something she did¡­ she wouldn''t mind at all.

    Either way, their discussions didn''t touch on the subject of Jackson, though she eyed Asher''s knuckles every so often. They seemed to be healing well, which eased her somewhat.

    However, when they finally headed back to the locker room to get ready for PC, it shouldn''t have surprised Lila as much as it did when Elise immediately accosted her on sight. It looked like she wouldn''t be able to escape talking about it generally.

    "I heard about what happened yesterday," Elise said matter-of-factly. "Tell me everything."

    Asher began to sidle away from Elise''s range of sight with an apologetic wave to Lila. It seemed like he wasn''t kidding about being embarrassed by it. She reluctantly waved back and allowed her arm to be looped with Elise''s.

    "It''s like everyone''s gone insane," Elise rattled off excitedly. "No one can believe it but since Jackson''s got the biggest black eye imaginable, it can''t not be true."

    Lila sighed. "What''d you hear?"

    "Well, Isaac was fuming about what Jackson said during Study-"

    "Was he?" Lila tilted her head curiously. "He didn''t seem that way yesterday."

    Elise opened the door to their PC classroom with a flourish. "He couldn''t stop ranting about it. Said the split-second decision to hold Asher back or punch Jackson himself was the hardest decision he''s had to make in a while."

    "So it seems like you know everything."

    "Not your perspective."

    Well, Elise had her there. "True¡­"

    "We were also surrounded by idiots talking about it. They said a whole bunch of stuff, none of it the truth according to Isaac. Some people think you''re in another love triangle-" Lila involuntarily shuddered, the imagery making her sick, "-or that Jackson called Asher a nerd too many times-" and now Lila snorted derisively, "-or that it was some lame soccer spat. I can''t remember the rest, it changes so quickly."

    "Seems like Study was buzzing with not enough study."

    "Tell me about it. It was so distracting and only made Isaac more mad."

    Lila gave Elise a sideways glance as they sat down at their usual table. "Sounds like you two were pretty cosy, chatting away."

    Elise''s face flushed. "We sit together during Study ''cause we''re friends, so of course we talk. It''s not being cosy. Whatever weird image is in your head is not what''s going on."

    Lila simply gave Elise a suggestive smile.

    "Stop that."

    "But Elise-"

    "Lila, you''re getting on my last nerves-"

    "Whoa," Grace''s voice halted their squabbling as she sat across from them in her usual spot. "Sounds intense over here."

    "Not as intense as what happened yesterday," Elise said swiftly. "Did you hear about it?"

    Grace looked blankly back at Elise.

    "Are you seriously the only person who hasn''t heard about Asher giving Jackson a black eye?"

    Grace''s expression turned alarmed. "What?"

    "Damn, where have you been, girl?" Elise asked incredulously.

    "Working hard on my assignments," Grace replied frankly. "What''s this about Asher and Jackson?"

    Elise looked at Lila expectantly and she sighed again.

    "So, you know how I said I had that celebration last night for the end of the hockey season?" Lila began. Grace nodded, glancing curiously at Elise.

    "Jackson does soccer, so he was there. He¡­ wasn''t very happy about Ayla''s confession the other day. The one where she said she was in love with Piper. At the time, he''d left their friend group over it and he was complaining about it yesterday. Said some gross stuff about turning Ayla straight with some ''good dick''-"

    "Yeah, that''s not how it works," Grace interjected, her face a mixture of anger and disgust. "I hate that so much."

    "Well, I told him off for it ¨C told him no one wants his dick, straight or gay-" both Elise and Grace snorted, "-and then he started coming towards me and Asher and Isaac stepped in. Isaac asked what was going on and Jackson said ''Asher''s dumb slut'' before Asher just punched him. I''ve got no idea what Jackson was going to say after that but I''m guessing it was about me butting into his conversation. Isaac held Asher back from going at Jackson again and Ms Wright showed up, told them both off and let them go without detention. I couldn''t help but say to Jackson that I thought Ayla was his friend and he said he thought she was going to be his girlfriend before walking off."

    "Some celebration," Grace remarked with a frown deeper than any Lila had seen on her. "Glad Asher punched him."

    "Yeah, same ¨C except now it seems everyone''s running off with different ideas on what happened," Lila replied, placing her head in her hands. "It really annoys me. Like, it all started ''cause Jackson''s a disgusting person. People should know the truth."

    "Well, he''s not going to admit that, plus you know how rumours are. Even if some did know, it''d just get twisted within minutes," Elise said sensibly. Then, her eyes lit up. "At least he''s got a gnarly souvenir from it."

    "That makes it sound like you''ve seen it," Lila commented.

    "That''s because I have," Elise nodded. "I do Manufacturing with Jackson. Had that class just before morning tea and he was such a baby about it."

    "What''d he say happened?"

    "That Asher punched him over an argument yesterday."

    Lila rolled her eyes. "He''s not exactly incorrect but he''s missing out a big portion of the story."

    "''Course he is, ''cause he''s embarrassed your boyfriend showed him up. Heaps of people double-checked that he actually meant Asher. I mean, Asher''s such a goody-two-shoes that no one can believe it ¨C except Jackson definitely confirmed it."

    "What have you done to him, Lila?" Grace laughed. Lila flushed. Asher had changed quite a lot ¨C in the beginning, it was because his Mum was missing but now¡­ was it Lila''s fault?

    "Nothing," Lila replied awkwardly. "He''s not a goody-two-shoes, though. Not anymore, anyway."

    Now Grace looked awkward, her eyes flickering uneasily towards Elise, who looked none the wiser.

    "He''s the Dux," Elise said disbelievingly. "Of course he''s a goody-two-shoes. Always has been."

    "They''re not the same thing, you know," Lila responded shortly.

    Elise laughed. "They are for him. Unless¡­" she looked suspiciously at Lila, who immediately stared down at her hands, "you''re doing sketchy stuff with him."

    "Definitely not," Lila said a bit too quickly.

    "Uh-huh."

    "He''s just¡­ a lot different to what most people think of him as," Lila explained softly. "He''s got strong morals, sure, but he''s more than that, too. He''s not black and white about stuff, you know. He usually evaluates most situations and weighs up the cost-benefit of doing something to resolve it, even if the action isn''t inherently ''good''."

    ''I mean, he''ll bend the law if it''s to investigate stuff with me,'' Lila thought. Then, she paused. ''Oh God, I am the problem.''

    She inhaled deeply, trying to calm down. ''No, no. I''m not the problem. He got his and my lockpicking kits on his own accord.''

    ''The blackmail idea was mine, though, despite his help with it¡­ and whose idea was it to break into Marlene''s place again?''

    "Lila, you look unwell," Grace said gently, looking unwell herself. "Maybe we should change the topic. It must''ve been a very confronting situation for you, even if the punch was for good reason."

    Was she worried Lila would spill the beans to Elise about Asher keeping quiet about Grace''s illegal relationship? Though Lila ordinarily would''ve been upset by that, she was grateful for Grace''s suggestion since she was starting to spiral.

    "Y-Yeah. How''d you go with your Modern History assignment, Grace?"

    <hr>

    "Did your boyfriend actually punch Jackson?"

    Lila blinked up from her Japanese workbook at who''d spoken to her, her mind dancing between Japanese and English. It was April, sitting next to her. April Huntley.

    ''Hang on, where have I heard that last name before?'' Lila thought, staring blankly at April, who stared just as blankly back.

    "Hello?" April asked.

    "O-Oh. Uh, yeah, he did," Lila confirmed with a frown. "Sorry, but I just realised that your last name sounds really familiar."

    "Does it?" April raised an eyebrow at Lila. Then, it hit her.

    "Wait, are you related to someone named Dylan by any chance? I think he goes to Mulberry Heights."

    April nodded, the thought that Lila was bizarre clearly passing through her mind in the way she looked at Lila with wide eyes. Then, the look quickly fell away.

    "Oh. Right. He''s my cousin. He''s dating Asher''s ex, that''s right." April wrinkled her nose. "I had to go to their baby shower last weekend."

    "Wait, seriously?" Lila sat up, her interest in April as a person skyrocketing like never before. They only ever interacted in Japanese, and only as partners for speaking and listening and occasionally checking each other''s writing. Then, there was the strange custody arrangement they had for Ayaka all those months ago. Aside from that, Lila still hardly knew anything about her.

    "Yeah," April replied, seeming surprised by Lila''s interest. "God, it was weird."

    "How so?"

    "All Dylan could do was be mad they lost their chance at making it to the soccer finals. Like, hello, you''re about to be a Dad in October and some high school sport is all you care about?"

    "Is it actually his baby?"

    April looked incredibly uncomfortable. "¡­ yeah. I know what the timeline is and all that. They did one of those paternity tests that you can do while pregnant. My Aunt was livid when Holly said that Dylan might not be the father and demanded she do the test before she got any help from Dylan''s parents. At least Dylan''s parents paid for it, it was like over $1500 or something stupid."

    "Jesus."

    "Yeah. It''s been a bit rough for Holly, hanging out with us Huntleys. Everyone in the family judges her since everyone knows she was dating Asher when she got pregnant."

    At least Holly was facing some social consequences.

    "How is she going to finish school?" Lila asked. "Term Four starts in October."

    "Homeschooling from Term Four," April replied with a shrug. "I think she''ll be going back to Mulberry Heights next year, but she said something about homeschooling for next term so that she can recover."

    "What do you think about it all?"

    "Me?" April blinked, as though she''d never considered this. "I think they''re both stupid. But it''s not my problem. I only see them once every month, maybe every two months, ''cause my grandparents insist on it. I mean, aside from the fact that Holly''s a cheater, Dylan''s not exactly a catch, to be honest. He always makes these weird comments about her, how much of a mistake she made. As if he didn''t also make a mistake? I don''t know, he''s always just acted like he''s better than everyone else. It''s so draining. I''m so glad I go to a different school."

    Then, April side-eyed Lila. "Why''d Asher punch Jackson?"

    With a sigh, Lila relayed the events to April''s horror.

    "Yeah, no wonder Asher punched him. I thought my cousin was stupid, that''s even stupider. Calling you that in front of your boyfriend." Then, she smiled at Lila. "Impressive. He must really like you to do that in front of teachers. I heard he hasn''t ever done anything bad at school, let alone been given detention."

    Lila laughed nervously. Whilst it was true that he hadn''t been given detention, stalking Zack with intent to blackmail did happen on campus, as well as using lockpicks to escape the storage room in the Applied Tech building.

    "Aw, you''re going red! You must like him a lot too."

    Lila laughed nervously again, though this time for a different reason. "Yeah. More than I''ve liked anyone."

    "Cute! I feel the same about my boyfriend. He''s in Uni-"

    "Sorry, what?" Lila exclaimed. A few of their classmates looked back at them as April looked sheepish.

    "I get that reaction a lot," April replied, "but we''ve been dating for a while. He only graduated from here, like, three years ago."

    "So he''s four years older than us?"

    "Yeah."

    Lila felt uneasy, but supposed it was a lot better than Ms Alexander and Grace''s age gap by a mile.

    "He said once I graduate, we''ll get married," April continued, her eyes gleaming with hope.

    "Isn''t that a bit early?"

    "Early?" April stared at Lila as though she''d grown another head. "It''s late, to be honest."

    "Just how long have you been dating this guy?"

    "Like I said, a while. Three months."

    Was the age gap better? Lila was starting to get whiplash. Was April''s situation actually better than Holly and Dylan''s? It seemed equally stupid to think about marriage after three months, especially straight out of high school ¨C right?

    She eyed how giddy April looked. Whilst Lila wouldn''t recommend getting engaged after only three months ¨C and in Grade 11, no less ¨C relationships were all so different and unique. There''d probably be more than a few people who would think her relationship with Asher was bizarre in some way, so could she really judge?

    This question bothered Lila into silence for the rest of their lesson, which worked well as April absorbed herself into studying for their upcoming Japanese exams.

    Lila eventually settled on her stance. ''I think I''ll judge, but if she''s happy, then what do I matter in this situation? So, in that case¡­ three months is a bit ridiculous. How did she even meet this guy? No matter how I slice it, a 20-year-old dating a 16-year-old sounds horrific.''

    She refrained from asking since she didn''t want to think about it anymore. At least he wasn''t April''s teacher¡­

    Once class was finally over, Lila stumbled into Asher''s arms, hearing his familiar chuckle.

    "Studying hard, I take it?" he asked with a grin.

    "There''s that, but¡­ I heard something interesting in class."

    "Interesting how?" he asked, raising an eyebrow. They started walking to the locker room as he added, "I hope it''s not about me. I''m getting sick of these interviews. I really wish everyone forgot about it."

    "They probably won''t forget until Jackson''s black eye is gone."

    "¡­ I still can''t believe I did that."

    "Yeah, you did. But that''s not what I heard. Well, I kinda did ¨C April asked so I told her what happened. Anyway, so, April is Dylan''s cousin-"

    "I''m gonna need you to rewind that a bit. Who''s April?"

    "April Huntley. She''s in my Japanese class. Anyway, she''s-" Lila stopped herself, glancing at Asher. She''d been so excited to share this new information about Holly and Dylan that she forgot that Asher probably wouldn''t want to hear it.

    "She''s?"

    "S-She''s, um, in a relationship with a 20-year-old."

    Appalled was an understatement. Asher''s expression twisted so dramatically that Lila wasn''t sure whether it''d been replaced with a pretzel.

    "Huh? How many people in this godamn school are walking around in relationships with people far older than them?!"

    This outburst earned some strange looks from those walking by them. He didn''t seem to notice as he continued to look at Lila in bafflement.

    "Well, that''s part one of what she told me. Part two is that they''re engaged-" Asher made incoherent noises of disbelief and Lila powered on, "-after only being together for three months."

    "Seriously?" his voice sounded faint. "Three months? Lila, that''s insane."

    "I know."

    "Someone should stop them."

    Lila paused before sighing. "Well¡­ I mean, why stop them when we haven''t stopped others? She seems happy."

    "Of course she seems happy. He''s preying on her."

    "Or¡­ he might not be."

    He gave her a doubtful look before shaking his head. "I guess people can do what they want with their lives. As much as I hate it, I wouldn''t know her from a bar of soap and¡­ as you said, it''s not like we''ve stopped others."

    Lila nodded. Then, a strange sensation came over her ¨C as though she were possessed by curiosity itself. "O-Out of curiosity¡­ um, what''s your views?"

    Asher gave her a sharp look. "On what?"

    She shook her head. She suddenly didn''t want to know. If his views didn''t align with hers¡­ did that mean the end? "Never mind."

    "No, no. What did you want to know?" His question sounded desperate, almost.

    Lila pressed her lips together, as if doing that could stop her next words from spilling out. "What''s your views on marriage?"

    "U-Uh, I-what''s yours?"

    "That''s not an answer."

    He floundered, his lips opening and closing as though he wanted to say something but couldn''t bring himself to.

    "What''s wrong?" Lila asked quietly, her heartbeat anything but.

    "¡­ I¡­ I''m just nervous," Asher replied, running a hand through his hair.

    "Nervous?"

    He simply nodded.

    "Why?"

    "I''m hoping our answers match, but I have no idea what yours would be."

    She smiled. "That''s exactly why I wanted to back out of asking."

    He exhaled slowly, folding his arms across his chest. "It''s¡­ a goal of mine."

    Lila felt her chest lighten and her smile widen. Relief ¨C rolling like a wave throughout her body, a sensation that took her anxiety away. Their answers matched.

    "Same," she replied, reaching for one of his arms. "One day. Just¡­ not at three months."

    He laughed heartily, his relief apparent in the way his upper body entirely relaxed as soon as she touched him. "Another thing we agree on."

    They spent the rest of their journey to the locker room talking, smiling and laughing. Neither touched on the serious topic of marriage though Lila secretly hoped he didn''t think she meant that her want to be married was with him. If three months was too soon to get engaged, one and a half months was lightning speed, after all.

    Not¡­ not that she''d mind if he did. She did love him, after all. But no ¨C it was way, way too soon.

    ''I mean, I haven''t even been able to tell him that I love him¡­''

    "You guys forget we were having lunch together or something?" was Isaac''s greeting upon Lila reaching her aisle, flapping his lunchbox about on his wrist at the word ''lunch'' for emphasis.

    "No," Lila replied shortly, moving past Isaac to put her things away. "We were just talking."

    "I hope it was just talking," Isaac frowned.

    Lila rolled her eyes, slamming her locker shut. "Just talking."

    "Ooh, about what?" Elise asked from behind Lila. "About him punching Jackson?"

    "No, actually. Stop being obsessed about that."

    "But it''s a fascinating concept," Elise insisted. "Right, Grace?"

    Lila turned to look at Grace, who shrugged. "Maybe for a minute."

    "Isaac, back me up," Elise said, whirling to face him. He took a step back.

    "It wasn''t exactly a great moment," he replied awkwardly. "I don''t think Asher''s proud of it."

    "He should be," Elise frowned. "He was defending Lila."

    "I shouldn''t be," Asher said, his appearance startling everyone. "Lashing out like that isn''t good."

    "I beg to differ," Elise replied confidently. "You put Jackson in his place after he said some terrible things about Lila and Ayla."

    "I only heard what he called Lila."

    "Was that not terrible?"

    Asher''s jaw flexed. "Of course it was. But you make it sound noble, like what he''d said about Ayla had any bearing on what I did."

    "Eh, that''s neither here nor there. I doubt he knows what you heard."

    "Even so. Let''s not talk about it anymore. I''m so tired of all of this, everyone''s been trying to talk to me like I''m some celebrity when all I did was see red and be impulsive. I''m supposed to be better than that ¨C use my brain. Have some words. It''s what I''m known for." He paused before mumbling, "I hate when my brain isn''t in control."

    Those words made Lila''s heart drop. After all the innuendos from her friends and family about the long weekend, a tiny part of her had started to hope that something new would happen. Not necessarily going all the way but something. Hearing that though ¨C it killed that hope right where she stood.

    "Why, do you regret punching him?" Elise pressed. Everyone else besides Asher narrowed their eyes at her and she shrugged. "What?"

    Asher sighed. "I regret that that was the action I took, yes, but I don''t necessarily feel guilty for it, given the stuff he was saying. Not sure what my resolution would''ve been if I hadn''t just hit him faster than I could think, but he needed to be put in his place somehow."

    "I doubt words would''ve got through to him," Isaac said with a scowl. "Punching him was the only solution."

    "I doubt it," Asher replied. "Anyway, should we sit down somewhere?"

    The ''somewhere'' ended up being the library as usual, and it looked like Elise wanted to keep talking about Asher''s altercation with Jackson. However, Isaac instead chatted away about a myriad of things, which Lila thought was a bit different than how he''d been over the past few weeks. It was quite welcome though ¨C just different.

    Lunch flashed by after that, with the mood being significantly lifted after Isaac''s antics. It almost felt like he was normal. But had he been abnormal or just quiet for some reason? Lila couldn''t quite put her finger on it.

    Since Lila had already handed in her Design assignment, it was now time to work on the next. She ran a couple of ideas by Asher on their way to the Applied Tech building when she noticed, standing outside with a gaggle of guys, Jackson.

    She''d completely forgotten that he was in her Design class.

    Jackson''s eyes fell on Lila and Asher and the hush that fell over the group was instant. Both Lila and Asher stopped in their tracks. She could see why no one could stop talking about Asher''s punch from yesterday.

    Jackson''s left eye was surrounded by a deep purple, the swelling making his eye almost permanently closed. What she could see of his eyeball was red, as if the blood vessels in his whites had burst. Most of all, it looked entirely painful.

    Asher started to back away, her bag at her feet, when Jackson strode towards them, his hands in his pockets. He¡­ didn''t look angry but Lila had the sudden fear that he was going to exact revenge on Asher. She stepped between them.

    "What''re you doing?" she asked, a surge of anger welling inside her. Now that he was standing before her again, after calling her a dumb slut, she was half tempted to give him a matching black eye on his right side.

    Jackson defensively held up his hands.

    "I just wanted to say sorry," he said, lowering them. Lila''s eyebrow twitched and she felt Asher''s hand on her shoulder.

    "Huh?"

    "For yesterday. I¡­ said something really dumb. I''ve just been pissed at everything and everyone over the past few days," he replied, his posture entirely ashamed.

    Lila blinked. She hadn''t expected an apology from Jackson, especially since he wasn''t telling the rest of the cohort the truth about what happened.

    "Oh," she uttered. Jackson simply nodded before looking at Asher.

    "And I''m sorry for being a dick to your girl. I didn''t know you were cool like that."

    "Cool like that?" Asher''s tone was surprised and bemused all at once.

    "Y''know. That you could throw it down. I just thought you were a little bitch, ''cause of what happened with your last girlfriend and also ''cause you''re the biggest nerd around."

    Lila felt Asher''s hand flex around her shoulder, so she placed her hand on it, hoping it would calm him down.

    "Anyway, I know that now. I think the rest of the grade knows not to fuck with you either. Sorry. And, uh, that really hurt. It was a good one."

    He stuck his hand out, evidently requesting a handshake from Asher. Asher looked down at it for a moment before reciprocating. Jackson turned to walk away.

    "Um, Jackson?" Lila said before he could take a step.

    "Yeah?" he asked, turning to look at her.

    "I hope you say sorry to Ayla, too."

    "Ayla?" A hint of emotion passed through his uninjured eye. "Why?"

    "She¡­ thought you were friends."

    Jackson stared at her before turning back towards the Design classroom. "Not sure if I can do that. Not now, anyway."

    Lila and Asher didn''t move, watching instead as Jackson and the group he''d been talking to started talking again.

    "That¡­ was weird," Lila murmured.

    "Yeah. I don''t know how I feel anymore," Asher replied. "I mean, he managed to sneak two insults in there but it seems like he''s not a bad guy? I can''t tell."

    She paused, unsure about whether to keep this information inside. At the same time, though, Asher deserved to know. "When Piper put those photos in the bathroom, he was one of the first people who called."

    "Never mind. Hate him."

    Lila looked up at Asher, who was glaring at Jackson.

    "I don''t think he knew it was me."

    "Is that meant to make it better?"

    She didn''t have a firm answer for that.

    "¡­ it makes it marginally better," Asher muttered. He met her eyes and smiled.

    "See you after class," he said, casting his eyes around for just a second. Then he kissed the top of her head before immediately jogging off.

    "See you," she called after him, slightly miffed that she couldn''t kiss him in return.

    The energy in Design from then on was definitely odd for Lila. It was quiet ¨C par for the course ¨C but she was receiving far too many looks from classmates; Jackson''s crowd, but also those who''d clearly heard the rumours.

    She tried not to pay attention to all the stares. It was a mission to do so since she didn''t have an assignment to complete.

    Sketching some of her ideas for the next term helped, but it wasn''t a cure. It was starting to feel like how it was in Term One when rumours about her were flying through the school halls ¨C though that had all been completely unfounded then.

    After being dismissed from class, Lila bolted out of there as soon as possible. She''d almost thought that Asher wouldn''t be waiting for her, yet there he was.

    "Hey," he greeted her with a beam.

    "Hey," she smiled. "You seem much happier after that class."

    "''Course. We have Study together now."

    She linked arms with him and they headed off to the library. They settled into their usual booth, with Lila now being the apologetic one.

    "I''d love to talk, but I''m so close to finishing my Bio assignment."

    He laughed. "Don''t sound so sorry about it. I''m all for ignoring me in favour of finishing your assignments."

    "Not that I want to ignore you."

    He grinned before sinking behind his laptop screen and disappearing from view. "Ignore away. I don''t exist. It''s payback for when I had to ignore you."

    She giggled and opened her laptop, swiftly picking up where she left off from her assignment. Eventually, Asher reemerged, though she was too focused to react with anything besides a smile.

    In what felt like seconds, Asher wiggled the top of her laptop screen and her eyes flickered to his.

    "It''s home time," he smiled. "Let''s get going."

    She packed up and stretched, her mind still running through her assignment. Just a little bit more, then she''d be done.

    Their afternoon routine proceeded as they normally did, though Lila could feel yet more eyes on them as they passed. Some nodded at Asher, which he steadfastly ignored in favour of talking to Lila.

    "So¡­ tomorrow you''re coming over to mine," he grinned, his cheeks flushed. "It''s been a while."

    "Yeah," Lila replied, tightening her hold on his arm. "I''m really excited."

    "I am too. I''ve asked Gabriel to make lasagna and he''s obsessing over cheeses and spice mixes. He reckons he''s got the perfect recipe in mind."

    "I can''t wait."

    They split off once they were in the locker room and Lila was still assembling her belongings when Asher arrived by her side.

    "Is this your extra bag?" he asked, picking it up.

    "Sure is."

    "Is there anything you don''t need for tomorrow but want over the weekend?" he asked, peering into her locker. "Whoa, it''s hectic in here."

    She blushed, closing her door with more force than necessary. "It gets like that at the end of the term."

    "You don''t need to be embarrassed," he replied, gently prying it open. "C''mon, load me up with more stuff."

    She pursed her lips before sighing. There were a few things at least.

    Once that was done, they toddled over to the bus station.

    "You sure you can handle carrying everything?" Lila asked. "My hands work, you know."

    "I know," he replied. "I''ve got it, though."

    "Uh huh¡­"

    The pile in his arms definitely looked unsteady, but he looked resolute. So, they carried on, with Lila double-checking every so often that he still had a good hold on their things.

    They slowed down by the bus station and he managed to hand her school bag over without dropping anything, which was pretty impressive.

    "See you tomorrow," he said, leaning down and pressing his lips to hers. She eagerly returned the kiss and he chuckled, stepping back.

    "The teacher on hat duty will see," he said gently, readjusting her hat with his free hand.

    Lila pouted. "Not even a little bit more?"

    He lightly tapped her nose, his eyes light with amusement. "Nope. But tomorrow, I''ll kiss you all you want."

    Her heart skipped. "R-Really?"

    Their eyes met and his face turned bright red. She thought he''d back down but to her surprise, he nodded. "Really. Your bus is here, so I''ll see you tomorrow."

    She smiled brightly at him, touching his cheek. This only seemed to deepen his blush and widen her smile.

    "See you tomorrow, Asher."

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Five

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Five

    Thursday. It was finally Thursday.

    Not seeing Asher in the privacy of either of their houses, or even going on dates, over the past couple of weeks almost killed her. She couldn''t wait to get changed into her pyjamas, curl up on Asher''s couch and spend the night watching YouTube videos and gaming in his arms. Sure, he''d probably want to study tomorrow, but tonight? She could probably convince him to relax. Especially since she handed in her last assignment last night ¨C it was practically guaranteed that his were handed in now too, even if there were due dates for next week.

    The morning passed in a blur after shoving her remaining bags into her locker. She''d had Design, then Japanese, and now it was morning tea. Her excitement overruled any hints of gossip that she might''ve heard about Jackson and Asher, which she mildly noticed towards the end of her journey with Asher to the locker room.

    "You''ve been buzzing all morning," Asher laughed.

    "Of course," she said, swinging his arm delightedly. "I''ve missed you."

    "You''ve seen me every weekday," Asher said incredulously. "It''s not like we haven''t seen each other."

    "Yeah, but I''ve missed hanging out. I literally just got used to the idea of us hanging out almost constantly and then we couldn''t anymore."

    "I''m sorry," he replied quietly. "I-"

    "You had good reason, Asher," Lila affirmed. "It helped me, too. Usually, I''d be spending morning tea and lunch working on assignments and stressing up until the final second, working on two or three assignments at a time. But¡­ I handed in my last assignment last night without any stress."

    "Congrats," Asher beamed. "Looks like we''ll need to celebrate then."

    "Yup. I hope you reward me for my hard work."

    He looked away from her, his face pink. "Of course. I''ve seen how hard you''ve been working. Besides, I told you I''d make it up to you."

    "Sounds like you''ve got a plan," Lila grinned. "Care to let me in?"

    "Nope," Asher said emphatically. "I don''t actually have a plan. Or, at least, not anything set in stone."

    "So you are thinking about something," Lila narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "Tell me."

    "I''m not going to," Asher said, his expression strangely nervous. "Stop it."

    "But I''m relentless, remember."

    "You''ll know soon enough."

    She pouted and he shook his head. "Pouting''s not going to work on me, Lila."

    "But I''m so curious! I think I might die."

    "If you die, then you won''t find out."

    Her pout was even more dramatic and he laughed, kissing her on the side of her head.

    "You''re cute, Lila, but that won''t work either. You''ll just need to wait."

    She huffed.

    "You''re just going to hype yourself up for something that''s not even guaranteed. Like I said, it''s not set in stone."

    "So then you can definitely tell-"

    She was silenced by his lips on hers and the feeling of his hands on her waist. She struggled against him, but he continued on, melting her stubbornness with each passing moment. A clever ploy to distract her¡­ one that wouldn''t¡­ work.

    He gently pulled her head to the side, exposing her neck to him and he trailed kisses down her jaw, his breath-

    "Asher," Isaac''s cold voice proceeded his yanking of the back of Asher''s blazer. "The fuck did I say?"

    Lila pressed her hands to the side of her face, barely taking in Asher''s apologetic expression next to Isaac''s irate one. What had Asher been about to do?

    "¡­ the Dux has¡­ insane-"

    "¡­ rule breaker¡­"

    "Someone should stop him¡­"

    "Isaac¡­ angry."

    "That''s new."

    Lila whipped her head around, finding that members of their cohort were staring at her, Asher and Isaac. As soon as they realised her eyes were on them, they hurried inside the door to the locker room.

    "Asher, you''ve never pissed me off as much as you have now."

    Lila''s attention snapped back to Isaac, who was trembling with apparent rage.

    "Why?" Asher straightened up, looking incredibly concerned.

    "Why? Why? How many times have I told you? You just seem to want to ignore me as much as possible. I''m not going to be sympathetic to you when you get in trouble."

    "When?"

    "Yes, when. It''s inevitable. What the fuck''s gotten into you lately?"

    Asher took a step back from Isaac. "What the fuck''s gotten into you lately, Isaac? Something''s-"

    "Whatever. I thought there was a teacher here, but seems like you''re lucky. I''m going to my locker."

    Isaac turned tail and headed into the locker room, leaving both Lila and Asher''s jaws agape in shock. They exchanged a look before wordlessly heading in as well.

    Lila opened her locker, taking her morning tea out of her bulging school bag. What was wrong with Isaac? Was it just the stress of assignments and exams? Or was it just because Asher wasn''t listening to his warnings? Or¡­ had he started gambling again?

    It was possible since working at McDonalds meant he had more money now.

    Lila slowly closed her locker. Asher''s busyness for the past couple of weeks meant he''d hardly had time for Lila, so it was unlikely that, if he was in debt, Isaac felt able to talk to Asher about it.

    She pursed her lips, leaning her back against her locker. Isaac didn''t seem angry with Lila, but she wasn''t about to ask him if he''d gotten himself into trouble again.

    There was probably one person she could ask, though.

    "Hey, Elise," Lila called, turning her head to face Elise as she rummaged through her locker.

    "Yeah? What''s up?" Elise replied, locking her locker. Lila beckoned Elise to come closer, which she did, her head tilted in curiosity.

    "Something''s been different with Isaac lately," Lila said once Elise stood before her. "Do you know any reason for that?"

    Elise stiffened, her hands clutching her sandwich bag tightly. "No idea."

    "It looks like you do."

    Elise shook her head. "I really don''t. Maybe ask Asher."

    Lila pursed her lips. "I would, but Asher''s been so busy that I doubt Isaac would''ve told him anything."

    "Then I don''t know."

    "Are you sure?"

    "Dead sure."

    Lila paused, narrowing her eyes at Elise. "Is it to do with money?"

    "Money?"

    "Yeah. Like, I know you know he''s trying to pay Asher back but has something happened that''s making it difficult?"

    Elise relaxed her tension. "Y-Yeah. He''s paying for a few things which has meant his debt to Asher is on the backburner."

    "Like what?"

    Elise shrugged. "Driving lessons, other stuff here and there. I don''t know, I''m not his accountant. All I can say is that he feels guilty, but he knows Asher will understand. He just hasn''t had the opportunity to tell Asher about it and renegotiate."

    "I see¡­ is that why he''s so stressed out?"

    Elise paused, as though she was considering Lila''s words. She shrugged.

    "No idea. Looks like Asher''s coming with Isaac. You could ask-"

    "Nah. If you reckon he needs an opportunity to tell Asher, then I''ll let him do that."

    Lila then turned to face Asher and Isaac, who looked in a much better mood now. He even seemed to be smirking at Asher. Had Asher said something to Isaac at their lockers?

    "Let''s go," Asher said to Lila with a smile. She nodded and followed him out of the locker room and towards the library.

    "Isaac seems to be in a better mood," Lila eventually commented.

    "Does he?" Asher replied idly.

    "Yeah. Did you tell him something?"

    Asher''s face turned red. "Not at all."

    "That''s suspicious as heck."

    Asher sighed. "Look, I just told him that you were being persistent and that was one way I could get you to forget about being persistent."

    Lila frowned. "Did you tell him whatever plan it was you have?"

    Asher shook his head. "No."

    There was something about that simple response that made Lila doubt him but she decided to let it go. She could be patient.

    <hr>

    The rest of the day went by with Lila concentrating as much as she could on studying for her final exams. She figured that if she studied well enough in class, then she might be able to carve out a little more time to simply relax with Asher over the weekend.

    It seemed that Asher was on a similar wavelength. They had English after lunch together and once he sat down next to her, he didn''t say a word and instead knuckled down to practise for their exam next week. The practice exam was doing her head in, but she managed to figure out what half of it was asking for by the end of class.

    Then, it was their final subject. Maths was surprisingly easier for Lila to get into practising for. Perhaps it was because her textbook had a variety of questions and some exemplary ways to solve similar problems. Either way, she finished class feeling quite satisfied with today''s progress. She''d also managed to ignore any further whisperings and gossip about her and Asher too, so all in all, it was quite a successful day ¨C one to be rewarded for.

    Lila hardly recalled getting into the taxi and leaving campus, her excitement now at a fever pitch.

    It was strange in a way, just how excited she was to just loaf around with Asher for the afternoon and into the evening. While she was still curious about what plans he had in mind, truthfully it didn''t matter as long as they were together.

    "Thanks, George. See you next week," Asher said as he exited the taxi. Lila jolted ¨C she hadn''t realised they were already here.

    "Thank you, George," Lila said as she unbuckled her seatbelt. Asher was by her door in a flash and helped her out before grabbing their things.

    "No worries at all. Have a good long weekend," George said pleasantly before winding up the passenger window and driving off. Lila and Asher watched him go for a moment. Then, Asher turned to Lila with a smile.

    "Welcome back," he said gently. "It''s been a while."

    "Too long," Lila replied with a grin. "Let''s go."

    Asher opened the door as Lila took her shoes off. His house was the same as it always was, and its familiarity made Lila''s heart soar. She was really back here, with her love. Something so simple made her heart so, so warm.

    "Gabriel, Lila-"

    "Coming!"

    Asher had barely closed the front door behind them when Gabriel appeared, his welcoming beam a sight for sore eyes.

    "Lila!" Gabriel said, taking her arm and pulling her further into the house. "It''s been too long. I''ve got a long list of meals that I''ve been itching to make for you. You wouldn''t believe how gloomy it''s been without you here."

    "Gloomy? But you''re here, Gabriel."

    He gave a hearty laugh, leading her to the kitchen with Asher trailing behind. "Even so, it''s been very gloomy. Asher can be incredibly moody, you know."

    "Well, that''s rude," Asher huffed behind them.

    "Not untrue though," Gabriel sang. He let go of Lila''s arm before throwing open the door to the butler''s pantry. A brilliant burst of colour danced across her eyes before she realised what she was looking at. The disco ball.

    "It''s a party in here," Lila grinned. "How can it be gloomy with this thing?"

    "Oh, trust me, it helps," Gabriel laughed. "It''s almost constantly on."

    "I''m glad you like it," Lila said with a chuckle. "I thought you would."

    "Like it? I love it," Gabriel declared. "Just a moment."

    He bustled into the butler''s pantry before returning with a tray of desserts. The smell was heavenly and something else that she''d sorely missed.

    "Here, take these. Dinner will be ready soon. Lasagna, just like you ordered."

    Lila gratefully accepted the tray and Gabriel waved her off. She turned to Asher, only to see him smiling.

    "Let''s head on up," he said.

    They climbed up to the rumpus room and Lila opened the door, stepping aside to let Asher in. It was exactly as she''d remembered and she crossed the room, placing the tray on his coffee table. He placed her bags down beside the couch, closed the door and made his way to the kitchenette. She looked at her bags for a moment before picking them up, placing them in the spare room and returning to peruse the offerings on the tray.

    "Juice?" he asked when she closed the door to the spare room.

    "Of course," she replied, picking up a small red velvet brownie. She bit into it, letting the decadent chocolate flavour coat her tongue. Gabriel''s cooking was definitely something else. She hummed a little as she finished it off.

    Asher approached, two cups in his hands. He passed her one before sitting next to her and taking a sip of his.

    "So, Lila," he said with a smile, "what would you like to do?"

    She glanced at him before putting down her cup. She took his from his unresisting hands, placed it next to her cup and turned to face him, her face sombre.

    "Cuddle."

    He laughed. "Cuddle?"

    "Please."

    "Would you at least like to watch a movie while we cuddle?"

    "Got any in mind?"

    "A few." He reached for his PlayStation 5 controller and turned his console on, opening up Netflix. She looked at him expectantly and he shuffled aside, allowing her to nestle herself next to him. She wrapped her arms around him and watched while he scrolled through the movie offerings before they chose one. Though she was comfortable, there was a secondary reason for her arms around him ¨C the edge of the couch was very close.

    Her head was on his chest, her thoughts purely on the feeling of bliss she had in this moment. His heartbeat was mostly strong and stable. Occasionally they''d share a brief kiss, with Lila noticing his heart rate pick up slightly when she pressed her ear against his chest afterwards.

    The end credits began to roll and she stretched with a smile on her face.

    "Did you like the movie?" Asher asked, a smile on his face too.

    "I liked being with you more."

    He laughed, his face pink. "I did too."

    Then, he reached forward for their cups. "More juice?" he asked.

    "Yes, please."

    He shuffled over to the kitchenette, stretching as he did so. She inspected the tray for more goodies, but there weren''t too many left.

    "Should we save these for after dinner?" Lila asked, turning to look at him.

    "If you think so," he replied noncomittally. "I''m sure Gabriel has something in mind for dessert, though."

    She looked down at the remnants before shrugging. "Always room for more desserts."

    He chuckled, making his way back over with their cups. He continued standing next to the couch, his expression conflicted.

    "Everything okay?" she asked.

    "Huh? Oh." He passed her cup to her with trembling hands. She accepted it, though she was still concerned that something wasn''t right. He remained standing for a few moments before taking a deep breath and looking down at her.

    "So¡­ uh, I was thinking," Asher said, slowly sitting next to her. "If you want to, and you don''t have to, but¡­ would you like to sleep in my bed tonight?"

    Lila stared at him for a moment, trying to ascertain if he was joking. He seemed serious. With shaky hands, she placed her cup on the coffee table.

    "Y-Yeah," Lila replied, suddenly feeling shy. She twirled her hair in her fingers as she imagined what it might be like to sleep next to him. If he had more nightmares, she''d be able to help him directly. And¡­ it definitely had more space than his couch, so she wouldn''t need to worry about falling off when they cuddled. She smiled. "I''d really like that."

    He took another deep breath, setting his cup down. "With that¡­ there''s something else."

    "Something else?" she repeated. Their eyes met before he tore his gaze away, looking beyond her shoulder.

    "Yeah. I¡­" he paused, bringing a hand through his hair. "I''m ready."

    She sat forward ¨C he was ready? Was it¡­ for what she''d been hoping for?

    "I''m ready to¡­ do more," he said quietly. "N-Not just more. If you want to, I''m ready to go all the way."

    "W-Wait, really?" she asked as she compulsively smoothed down her hair. Did he mean right now? Her heart made itself known loudly in her chest as she continued to look at him.

    "Yeah. Well, I''m¡­ nervous as fuck, b-but I''m ready. I can push past all that-"

    "Asher, are you just forcing yourself to be ready?"

    He shook his head, gently taking both of her hands in his own. "No. I''ve thought ¨C a lot ¨C about my hesitations and decided that¡­ even if they do still exist, which most of them do, this is more important. That¡­ if I keep getting scared off, I''ll never get to experience this with you, and that''s not what I want. Look, I''ve been wanting to do this with you since before we got together, but¡­ well, then we got together."

    Lila tilted her head in confusion. "Us getting together¡­ was a bad thing?"

    "Definitely not. What I mean is¡­ now that we''re together, I''m terrified of losing you. Especially over this."

    "You won''t-"

    "I know. And I logically knew that, but I needed to get myself to believe that."

    The intercom''s shrill tone made them both jump, and Asher seemed annoyed as he got up to answer it.

    "Yeah?" he asked with a hint of petulance.

    "Dinner''s ready, Asher," Gabriel''s voice replied.

    Asher looked at Lila before answering. "Okay. We''ll come down now."

    His expression was apologetic as he turned to Lila. "Sorry. We''ll¡­ pick this up after dinner."

    Lila couldn''t even look at him, her mind in an absolute flurry. He was ready? Why would he tell her that just before dinner? Now she wouldn''t be able to think about anything else.

    He stretched out a hand to her and she could hardly look at that, either.

    "Lila?"

    ''Calm down. Let''s just have dinner. He probably didn''t mean today. Keep your cool.''

    But no matter how many times she repeated the phrase, all she could do was silently hold his hand to the dining room. The smell of cheese and mince wafted from the kitchen into the dining room, which allowed her mind to switch gears just a little. Marlene greeted Lila with a wide smile, pouring her and Asher some punch.

    Gabriel bustled into the dining room, carrying two plates of lasagna which he eagerly set down in front of her.

    "It smells delicious, Gabriel," she said, though her usual enthusiasm was missing due to how hard her heart was beating. She stared down at her lasagna, the melted cheese still steaming and bubbling.

    "Is everything okay?" Gabriel asked, his face concerned. "Are you not hungry?"

    "Huh? Oh. I¡­ I''m starving," Lila replied, reaching for her cutlery and digging in. After her first bite, she grinned at Gabriel, who had been looking at her apprehensively.

    "It''s amazing. Much better than the school''s lasagna," she declared, taking another bite.

    "I''m glad to hear," Gabriel chuckled. Marlene took her usual place at the table.

    Lila felt Asher''s hand graze against hers and she jumped.

    "S-Sorry," Asher mumbled, taking his hand back.

    She grabbed his hand, though she still refused to look at him. Now that they were touching, her heart rate was so fast it was almost painful. It was taking everything she had to focus on her food now and she was losing the battle. Terribly.

    "Are you not hungry, Lila?" Marlene asked, her tone kind and concerned.

    She was ¨C but she was also something else. She started shovelling her food into her mouth without answering, which seemed to resolve everyone''s concerns. Gabriel attempted some conversation about Lila''s past two weeks, but, given the fact that it was mostly filled with study, that died pretty quickly.

    Finally, she finished her food and took her first glance at Asher, who was watching her closely. Their eyes met and she instantly looked away, her heart racing faster than she could move.

    "Apple crumble for dessert," Gabriel said, helping Marlene to clear their plates. "I won''t be a moment."Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.

    Of course, Lila wanted dessert but¡­ she''d rather-

    "Um, the lasagna was pretty filling," Asher replied, getting up from his chair. Lila looked up at him in surprise, seeing that his hands were trembling again.

    "Y-Yeah," Lila agreed, also getting up. "Thanks, Gabriel. It was amazing as always, but I can''t fit another bite."

    He looked devastated in response.

    "Now, now, Gabriel," Marlene said pleasantly, "it''s been a while since they''ve seen each other outside of school. Of course they want to hurry out of here."

    For some reason, Lila didn''t like the way Marlene said that. Was she implying what Lila thought she was implying?

    "If they''d like it later, then I''ll happily warm it up for them."

    Gabriel made a begrudging sigh. "If you are full, then I suppose there''s no reason to force-feed you dessert."

    "Thanks, Gabriel and Marlene. See you tomorrow," Asher said, taking Lila''s hand again. She grasped it tightly and he looked down at her in surprise.

    "See you," Lila repeated. Marlene and Gabriel said their goodbyes and Lila and Asher made their way upstairs.

    Lila stepped inside the rumpus room, her anxiety in full swing. Asher closed the door to the rumpus room and started to make his way to the kitchenette.

    "A-Asher," she called, forcing him to turn around.

    "Yeah?" he replied, his expression curious. He reached into the fridge as she struggled to find the words she wanted to say.

    "U-Uh, I was wondering if I could, uh, check out your room?"

    "M-My room?" Asher asked, suddenly looking nervous. He closed the fridge and continued to stare at her, which made her flustered for a moment. She took in a deep breath, bringing her hands together in front of her chest.

    "Yeah. I¡­ just-" Lila tried to think of an excuse ¨C any excuse ¨C to finish their earlier conversation in his room. That way¡­ they could hopefully get down to business. "Just want to see where I''ll be sleeping. It''ll be easier if I bring my bags there too."

    He seemed like he was about to say no, but he instead nodded. "Alright."

    She took measured steps to the spare room and picked up her bags, trying to either not shake or look too excited. Once she reached him again, he took her hand and led her into his room, her heart beating with a lot more force at each step.

    He slowly opened the door and flicked the light switch on. His room was incredibly tidy ¨C even more than usual. It seemed like he''d planned for Lila to say yes to staying in here tonight.

    "Do you have a side you usually sleep on?" she asked, trying to seem nonchalant as she placed her bags down. He glanced at her as they approached the bottom edge of his bed.

    "Yeah. This one." He fondly patted the right side.

    "So, I get to sleep on that side?" she pointed to the left.

    "I mean, if you''re attached to the right, I''m not about to say no."

    "I don''t mind." She smoothed down her hair again. "So¡­ you were saying¡­ about being ready for more?"

    He looked at her before sighing. "Yeah. It¡­ look, you''ll have to hear me out since it sounds like I''m not, but I want to check that you really want to do more with me. I told you before that I have¡­ some hesitations which haven''t exactly gone away. So, I want to clear them with you and make sure you actually want to do this, with¡­ all the information available. Since a lot of them stem from the fact that I don''t know what you think." He reached out for her shoulders, looking into her eyes as though searching for any hint of hesitation on her part. "One of those is the fact that it''ll be with¡­ me. Are you sure you want me to do this with you? Going all the way? Especially as¡­ your first?"

    "Asher, we''ve been over this to death now. I want to do more with you. I''m constantly thinking about it. I want you and only you."

    "I know that," he murmured, now avoiding her eyes. "After we talked about it the first time, I''ve been doing some research¡­ Lila, sex is completely different to just kissing and touching. It¡­ well, I''ve read that it hurts for girls. The first time, maybe even the first few times. And I don''t want to hurt you¡­ plus¡­ I just-"

    "I''m not fragile, you know."

    "I know," he whispered, bringing his forehead to hers, his hold on her shoulders tightening slightly. "But that''s not the only thing I''m afraid of."

    "What, then?"

    He pulled away, his face a brilliant shade of red. His breathing seemed to be rapidly increasing in pace, his eyes roving down her body before travelling back to meet hers.

    "I''ve¡­ been really terrified that, by hurting you too much ¨C emotionally, physically, and all of that ¨C you''d leave me. I can''t lose you, not when I just¡­ finally¡­" He pressed his lips together, sighing ever so slightly. She wanted to refute this, but he began speaking again before she had the chance.

    "And¡­ like I said before¡­ I''m afraid of losing control. About this, specifically. I¡­ I''ve never done this before, s-so I don''t know what I''d be like. And that mystery ¨C something I can''t account for, overthinker I am, keeps freaking me out. It''s been the main thing that''s been stopping me, even when you''ve been so upset about it. And¡­ if I lose control to the point of hurting you? I don''t know what I''d do. I mean¡­ if our kissing is anything to go by¡­" he trailed off, tentatively meeting her eyes before looking away again. His grip on her loosened, as though dejected.

    Lila''s heartbeat pounded in her ears, her face reddening. She gently pushed him back and he let go of her entirely, lowering himself backwards onto his bed. She climbed onto the bed, placing her hips squarely over his. She wasn''t exactly sure where the sudden surge of confidence was coming from, but she found herself saying, "Well, after the first time you said that about your sense of control, my curiosity has been burning. Since you always seem so put together¡­ well, I''d¡­ really like to see you lose it completely. I''m more than ready to take it. And¡­ by the look in your eyes, I can tell that you''re curious about how it''ll feel, too."

    His eyes widened, his mouth slack-jawed and dumbfounded. "W-Wha-"

    Lila pressed a finger against his mouth before grazing her lips against his. As though by instinct, she felt his hands wrap around her back, pulling her as close to him as he could. He returned the kiss, moving in a rhythm that was distinctly theirs. His lips were the same softness that she''d felt many times before, but there was an energy in this kiss that was spine-tinglingly new ¨C one that she wanted to know more intimately. When she broke away for air, she was instantly back, his magnetic pull not allowing her a second more away from him.

    Her body began moving on its own accord, as though desperate to feel as much of Asher as possible. Her hands ran up his body before resting on his broad chest as she continued to straddle him. Her blood had been replaced with a fire she''d never felt before ¨C even when compared with all their previous kisses combined.

    She moved against him, gripping the collar of his shirt to stabilise herself. A soft moan escaped his lips, somehow strengthening the buzzing thrum pulsating through her thighs as she rotated her hips. His hands traced their way down her back before resting on them, the flexing in his fingers betraying how much he clearly desired her touch. She wondered, briefly, how his hands would feel right there, against her bare skin, before the sensation of his kiss wiped any thoughts from her mind.

    Just as quickly as they started, Asher suddenly broke away from her entirely. He sat up, consequently taking her with him though his hand on her back stopped her from falling off the bed. Her heart stopped, the now-familiar feeling of disappointment settling in her chest. But, unlike all the previous times, this¡­ seemed different.

    His face was an impossibly deeper shade of red ¨C the deepest she''d ever seen on him. He wiped his mouth with the back of his free hand before bringing both of his hands to his hair, clutching at it.

    "Oh man, oh man," he muttered, near-hyperventilating, his eyes looking beyond her. "This isn''t a dream, right? You''re actually okay with this? With¡­ me? I can actually do what I want, right?"

    Lila smiled, his words reassuring her entirely that he wasn''t going to stop just yet. She placed her right hand on his chest again. "Only if I can do what I want, too."

    His eyes snapped to hers before fluttering shut. "I-It probably sounds like I''m scaling back to what we''ve talked about again and again, but I-I''m freaking out."

    "Same here."

    "Y-You don''t seem like it. I-I¡­ I''m ready. I''m ready to just let go and¡­ and trust that everything will be okay ¨C but are you sure you are? Even with what I just said, a-about it hurting you? I just- I don''t want to rush you, or push you into this. J-Just to be clear, I really want to, but I know that sex means something very different for girls, like are you sure I''m the right-"

    "Asher, if you don''t shut up and kiss me, I''m gonna go crazy."

    His hand curled around her right hand and he lifted it up, swiftly placing his other hand on her back. Her world spun for a moment, and suddenly she was the one lying down on his bed. His mouth captured hers again, his tongue running along her lips. She let out a low moan as he cupped her face, caressing her cheek with his thumb. Tingles shot through her whole body and she clutched his shirt, the fibres instantly crumpling in her fists. Feeling good was an understatement ¨C this, coupled with the anticipation that maybe they would finally do what she''d been wanting to do for weeks ¨C months, even ¨C was addictive. She was craving everything he could give her within this moment.

    He continued to passionately kiss her, her head empty of any rational or reasonable thought. She brought a hand underneath his shirt to his toned stomach, touching it for a moment before trailing downwards, drifting over his pants. Asher broke their kiss again, standing up entirely with his hands raised in surrender.

    "I-I''m serious," he stammered, "i-if you touch me there again, I won''t be able to restrain myself. I''m already on the edge here."

    "Do you want to restrain yourself?" she challenged, raising an eyebrow. "I thought you just said that you were ready. If you''re not sure about this, we don''t have to-"

    "L-Lila, you''re driving me insane," he replied breathlessly. "You''ve been driving me insane. As¡­ hesitant as I''ve been this whole time, there''s something else that has been tearing at me ¨C telling me to just¡­ take you."

    He took a deep breath as he brought a hand to his chest. "Sometimes it makes my chest hurt with how intense it feels. Y-You''re right¡­ I''m beyond curious." He looked incredibly conflicted, glancing back at her whilst biting his bottom lip. Then, he hung his head, pulling back from her slightly. "But I¡­ don''t have any protection."

    "I''m surprised."

    "I just hadn''t thought I''d be in a position to need it. And I¡­ I thought we''d wait much longer than this. That I''d just tell you I was ready and we''d¡­ go slow. Wait until we see each other next or something. So, I thought I''d have time to prepare. But¡­ the more you kiss me and touch me, the less I want to wait." He sighed before shaking his head. "Actually¡­ I think¡­ it was more my cowardice coming through, so I could back out again since¡­ I was convinced you wouldn''t be okay with me, or getting hurt, and all of that. S-Sorry. For disappointing you again."

    Lila gestured for him to come closer, shuffling up on his bed to give him room. "Let me tell you a secret," she whispered. He obliged and she grabbed his shirt again, pulling herself close to his ear. "I''m on the Pill."

    His whole body shivered and he looked astounded for a moment. "Really?"

    "Yeah. When you went away, Clare took me to see a doctor for it. So, I guess you could say that I''m always protected. Well, for some things. Not everything."

    He stared at her before ruffling his hair and looking down at the bed. "¡­ Fuck," he murmured under his breath.

    "Please."

    He gave her a sharp look, and she returned it with a steady one of her own. The butterflies in her stomach, permanent residents since they started dating, had now swelled to the size of birds. Her heartbeat pounded heavily in her throat as she waited for his reaction. She was ready. After abstaining for so long against her desires, even though it was for the growth of their relationship, she never wanted anything more in her life. And¡­ when she heard that he was finally ready ¨C it just made the feeling even more powerful.

    His expression changed to one of sincere nervousness as he lowered himself onto the bed, propping himself above her with his arm. They remained in that position for a split second, Lila''s eyes searching his for an answer to her implied request.

    "Since you asked so politely," he whispered in her ear, kissing it gently. He continued his kisses down her neck, setting her body alight with a shuddering rush. She gave an involuntary groan, which seemed to arouse him further, his pace quickening. He traced her collarbone with his fingers, sparks flying down her body with each movement downwards, before easily unbuttoning her shirt one by one¡­

    <hr>

    Lila was glad that she was staying over. There was no way she''d be able to walk straight to her sister''s car after they were done. She clutched Asher''s blanket tightly in her right hand, raising it to cover her bare chest even more. She still hadn''t regained her breath properly, and it sounded like Asher hadn''t either.

    Though she''d been told it would likely be this way, she hadn''t expected just how much her first time would be both a thrilling and awkward experience ¨C clumsy, yet exciting. It''d taken them a while to get into the swing of things, spending quite a lot of time warming up through touches, kisses and more, with a couple more questions about whether or not they were ready to keep going.

    Once it was time to actually have sex, though she''d felt ready, she couldn''t help but also feel nervous. After they started though, there was no way of stopping until the natural end. As it had felt that Asher worshipped every part of her body, treating her with the utmost care and respect, she hadn''t minded the initial pain she''d felt. It had quickly been replaced with pleasure, after all.

    Through all of it, she found a connection to him that seemed to intertwine their very souls together ¨C one that raised her trust in him to new heights. Now she was beyond certain ¨C there was nothing else in her heart for him except for love and there was no room for anyone else, either.

    His embarrassment about how it had ended was adorable, his panicked apologies almost making her laugh. Somehow, she felt that nothing could have endeared him more to her and after several reassurances that it really was okay ¨C that, actually, she''d liked it ¨C he''d finally settled down enough to hold her hand underneath his blanket.

    Asher seemed spent as he stared at the ceiling, his mouth twitching occasionally as though he was about to say something. She wondered what he was thinking about but couldn''t find the words, or breath, to ask.

    They laid like that, side by side, in his bed for a few minutes. Eventually, Lila''s breathing returned, and she relaxed her grip on the blanket. She was feeling rather exhausted, after all that. She closed her eyes before feeling Asher''s arm wrap around her once more. Her breath spiked along with her heartbeat, and she turned to look at him. He was gazing at her with a blazing intensity ¨C one that she''d never seen before, though previous looks had come close.

    "Lila," he said seriously, "I love you. I''ve¡­ wanted to tell you for a while, but couldn''t get the courage. You don''t have to say it back, but I can''t hold it in anymore."

    She gave an impulsive laugh ¨C a laugh that shocked even her. Asher instantly looked hurt before Lila leaned forward and kissed him. He reciprocated, though he seemed reluctant.

    "Sorry," she said, moving back to her original position. "It¡­ just came out. I think¡­ well, after everything, and what you did to me just now, it felt like you better love me. Especially ''cause¡­" she smiled, her heart beating almost as fast as it had just minutes before, "I love you, too. I''ve also wanted to tell you for a while but didn''t want to scare you away or force you to do this before you were ready."

    Asher breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank God," he said, beaming at her. "And¡­ I guess we''re even now."

    "Even?"

    "Well, kinda. Not fully. As even as we can get. Since I laughed ¨C when you confessed. So, it''s only fair that you laughed when I confessed. Fuck, though, that hurt. I¡­ I''m so sorry I did that to you."

    She looked at him for a moment, her eyes briefly drawn to the ''L'' that he was still wearing, before scooting closer to him. "Guess we are even," she agreed softly, leaning her head on his chest. His heartbeat sounded strong and stable ¨C comforting. He lightly stroked the top of her head, and she closed her eyes again. With him, she felt entirely safe. Warm. Loved, even.

    <hr>

    As though losing her virginity had unlocked something deep inside her, Lila found herself not only thinking about it the next morning but also with an insatiable yearning for more. Her previous level of desire was no match for what it was like now that she knew exactly what it felt like, beginning to end. This feeling wasn''t helped by the fact that she knew that if they practised more, it would feel even better. When she woke, though, Asher was still asleep next to her, snoozing peacefully.

    She looked over at his sleeping form fondly. She was glad that he hadn''t had any night terrors or nightmares last night. From how rested he looked, it seemed that this was the soundest that he''d slept for a long time ¨C even more so than the night they started dating.

    Looking around the room, she could see the pile of clothes that they had taken off in a hurry next to the bed. It was probably a good time for a shower¡­

    After it was sufficiently warm, she stepped inside, the water refreshing her tired body. Surprisingly, she was aching in places and ways she didn''t know she could, but figured she''d get over it soon. The shower was helping, at least.

    It turned out that Asher losing control was like lifting the lid on a gentle yet untameable beast. In fact, he still had enough control to make sure she enjoyed herself and Lila had a slight inkling that, perhaps, he had still been holding back. Overall, he needn''t have been as worried as he had been¡­

    "Showering without me?"

    Lila jumped, spinning around to see Asher poking his head into the shower. Instinctively, she tried to cover herself with her hands. She could see, though, that he was naked, except for the ''L'' around his neck. In an instant, she remembered that there wasn''t even any need for humility.

    She lowered her hands and moved back. "You''re welcome to join if you want. I just thought you were still sleeping."

    He gleefully stepped in, and she felt herself grinning. Though clearly designed to be a one-person shower, there was more than enough room for them both.

    "So¡­" he said casually after a few minutes of running through their showering routines. "Any complaints?"

    Lila smiled at him, pecking him on the cheek. "None whatsoever."

    "None? That sounds promising."

    "Well, actually," she said playfully, tapping her chin. "I do have one complaint."

    "Uh oh."

    "It''s made me want more."

    "Oh." He looked down at her before a look of realisation crossed his face. "Oh." His face turned red, though a tentative smile started to form. "I reckon I could fix that."

    "I''ll report back," Lila promised, turning around to rinse her body. She felt his hand brush against her shoulder and she turned back, looking at him curiously. His face was entirely flushed and eyes seemed to pierce the core of her soul.

    "I¡­ just wanted to say," he began, his voice a low rumble, "I''d never forget this. Not in a million years. Every moment feels etched into my memory and every time I close my eyes¡­ well, I see you. I''m¡­ so glad I waited. For you."

    "Well, you didn''t know I had a crush on you," Lila replied softly, tracing the lines of the muscles along his bicep. "So even if you hadn''t waited, that would''ve been okay, too."

    He gently took both her hands in his, tenderly kissing each. "It feels like I was meant to wait for you. Like fate was stopping me on purpose ¨C telling me that she wasn''t right for me. Being with you just feels right. It''s always felt right, even when I didn''t want it to. Like I said before, somehow, we just clicked."

    Lila''s heart jumped in her chest and she squeezed his hands, a genuine smile on her face. "I love you. I''m glad that I could experience my first time with you. Even though it hurt a little at first, I didn''t mind. You make me feel safe. Almost like¡­ you''re my home."

    He inhaled audibly before enveloping her in a hug. He seemed overcome with emotion, the realisation of which prickled the tears behind her eyes. After a couple of seconds, he let go with a wide, sparkling grin.

    "I love you too. Let''s get outta here, though. I think we''re in a drought."

    <hr>

    Lila couldn''t hold back any of her giddiness, exchanging furtive looks with Asher filled with meaning over breakfast that Friday morning. It was yet another secret that they shared, their nighttime passion, and she hadn''t anticipated that it would make her feel this joyful.

    Gabriel eyed the both of them suspiciously as they ate their breakfast of elaborately decorated French toast.

    "Something good happen, I take it?" he asked. Asher''s fork clattered to the floor and he bent to pick it up, his face cherry-red.

    "N-No," Asher replied, his voice quivering. "N-Not at all."

    Gabriel stared at him for a moment before heaving himself to his feet with a loud, long-suffering sigh.

    "Yup," Gabriel announced. "I think I''m going to eat in the kitchen before you make me feel sick. I don''t like the looks you keep giving each other."

    Lila was mortified as Gabriel swiftly took his leave, armed with his breakfast. Asher''s face was still cherry-red, though he seemed to relax a little now that Gabriel had disappeared.

    Lila snuck a peek at Asher and his eyes met hers. They smiled at each other simultaneously, though neither spoke. They finished their breakfast and Gabriel returned, his nose wrinkled.

    "Any plans for the rest of the day? Since it''s a pupil-free day," he asked stiffly, collecting their plates. It seemed like he didn''t actually want to know the answer, but Asher spoke anyway.

    "I was, uh, thinking of going to the shops," he said, wiping his hands on a napkin. His eyes flickered to Lila''s, though she wasn''t exactly sure why. They hadn''t discussed any plans but something behind his gaze was telling her to agree.

    "Yeah," Lila said, looking back at Gabriel.

    "Probably better off that you two aren''t loitering around the house," Gabriel said sagely. "I presume you want to take the bus?"

    "Yeah," Asher said quickly, standing up. He tucked his chair in haphazardly. "We might take the bus home, too."

    "Alright," Gabriel nodded. "I''d expect it to be crowded with school students since school''s not on today."

    "Thanks for the reminder," Asher replied. Gabriel inclined his head again before departing to the kitchen once more. Asher made his way to Lila''s side of the table. He gently held her hand, helping her to stand.

    "Thanks," Lila smiled, tucking her chair in with much more success than Asher. "Why''d you wanna go to the shops?"

    He let go of her hand, his face breaking out into an anxious smile. "I-I need to get something."

    "Something?"

    He nervously looked behind him, as though expecting Gabriel to be standing there. He leaned in close to her ear and whispered, "Condoms."

    Lila emitted a surprised squeak, covering her face with her hands. Obviously, that implied they''d be doing it again¡­

    "B-B-But, I mean, we don''t have to, if you don''t want to, I mean, it could be a one-time thing, i-if you didn''t like it, a-and, besides, I don''t want to pressure you, and I know you''re on the Pill, but I think it''s better to be safe-"

    "It''s okay," Lila interrupted him, her voice muffled behind her hands. "It just took me by surprise. We''d¡­ probably need them."

    She hoped he wasn''t looking at her as she said that. When she didn''t hear a reply, she lowered her hands. He was hiding behind his own hands, the bits of his face that she could see a vibrant scarlet.

    "L-Let''s go," Lila said hurriedly, "the bus''ll be here soon."

    <hr>

    Visiting the shopping centre felt odd. Being the first time they ventured into the open after having sex, Lila felt almost paranoid that people around them would know. After they got off the bus, Asher slipped her hand into his and they walked in step with one another, their fingers interlocked. Were there people from school around? Would someone see them? Did she need to panic?

    ''Calm down,'' she told herself firmly. ''You''re his girlfriend. Of course you don''t need to panic.''

    The fact that they were dating had spread around school incredibly quickly over the past few weeks ¨C undoubtedly helped by their making it official on social media and Asher''s dramatic punch-up with Jackson. It was likely that if someone from school did see them, they''d already know they were dating. Besides, how would anyone be able to tell that they''d done it anyway?

    "Hungry?" Asher asked kindly as they passed through the automatic glass doors.

    "Nah," Lila replied, patting her stomach with her free hand to test her hunger. "I''m still okay from breakfast."

    "Alright."

    They walked around at a leisurely pace, pointing out various shops of interest to one another as they usually did. Eventually, though, they passed a chemist and Asher slowed to a stop.

    "¡­ If we don''t get them now, we''ll probably forget," he said softly.

    "¡­ Probably."

    Neither moved a muscle as they looked at the clinically bright, bustling store.

    "You''ve¡­ never bought them before, right?" Lila asked in a low voice.

    "Never," Asher replied, shaking his head. "I don''t even know where to go."

    "I think I''ll die if we have to ask someone."

    "We''ll find them," Asher asserted firmly, squeezing her hand. He uneasily turned his gaze back to the storefront.

    "Well¡­ we won''t find them out here," Lila said after a few moments. They exchanged an apprehensive look before stepping inside.

    The signage, lights and sheer number of products stacked high on shelves were overwhelming. Lila couldn''t orientate herself properly and was glad that Asher was still holding her hand.

    "It might be down here," he murmured, gently tugging her down a particular aisle. It wasn''t, and together they searched every aisle they came across until finding one called ''Family Planning''.

    ''I¡­ guess planning against kids is family planning,'' Lila thought to herself as they found the requisite section. If finding this particular aisle had been overwhelming, finding the right product was even more so.

    They wordlessly picked up two different brands of condoms, reading the back of the boxes.

    "I¡­ don''t know what any of this is trying to say," Lila muttered.

    "It''s a bit like that, isn''t it?" Asher agreed with a sigh, putting his box back and selecting another one. Lila looked back down at the box she was holding. What were the differences between condoms? Did reviews even exist for these things?

    "Hey guys," a voice called next to them. "What- uh. Why are you guys holding those?"

    Lila whirled around to face the owner of the voice and saw an awkward-looking Isaac. Asher immediately chucked the box he was holding back onto the shelf and tried to look casual as he faced his friend.

    "N-No reason," Asher replied, a trembling grimace on his face. Isaac''s eyes slid over to Lila''s face before travelling down to the box in her hands and back up to the label of this section of the aisle.

    "¡­ you guys-"

    "Shhhhhhh!" Asher hushed loudly, drowning out the rest of Isaac''s sentence. "Not. Another. Word."

    Isaac mimed zipping his mouth together and throwing away the key. The trio stood there, looking at each other, each of their faces varying degrees of red, before Asher sighed, running his fingers through his hair.

    "Why''re you here, mate?" he asked. Isaac mimed searching for the key in his pockets and Asher glared at him.

    "I''ve been feeling like I''m coming down with a cold," Isaac explained, the faintest trace of a grin on his face. "I''m still taking on a whole bunch of shifts at Maccas, so I can''t afford to get sick. Literally, and also because then I won''t be on with Elise."

    "Makes sense," Lila replied, slowly putting the box she was holding back on the shelf as if it would make Isaac forget what he''d seen.

    Isaac cast them a suspicious look before placing his hands behind his head. "You know, when I started shipping you guys, then Elise and Grace came on board and we played matchmaker, I didn''t realise that you''d just fly so quickly into those activities after you finally started dating. I thought it''d be at least a few more months with the way Asher was going on about it at camp. I think I''ve still got the bags under my eyes from staying up. I also thought all you were doing this weekend was telling Lila you love her, not making love to her."

    Asher whacked him on the stomach with the back of his hand and Isaac gave a small "Oof" before rubbing his stomach, looking distinctly displeased.

    "If you were going to be this sensitive about it, you should''ve done a click and collect or something," Isaac objected. "It''s fine, dude. You''re dating and even if you weren''t, it''s still fine. No need to freak out about it. I''d recommend the Skyn brand. Anyway, see ya later."

    Isaac looked ready to skedaddle like a Looney Toons character before Asher gripped his jacket.

    "Wait, how do you know what brand to get?" Asher asked seriously. Isaac smirked, however his eyes looked uneasy.

    "Wouldn''t you like to know? Anyway, I''ve-"

    "Are you and Elise banging?" Lila piped up. Isaac began to splutter, his face entirely bright red.

    "W-Why would you say Elise and I were?" he queried nonchalantly, though the panic in his expression was painfully apparent. He shrugged off Asher''s hand, looking elsewhere in the aisle. "I''m, uh, as virgin as the day I was born. T-Trust me, I just guessed a brand since you guys looked lost."

    Asher and Lila exchanged a look.

    "Bingo," Asher nodded. "As your best mate, that''s the worst attempt at lying I think I''ve ever seen from you."

    Isaac sighed, shaking his head in apparent defeat. "Fine. Yeah. Since just before term started, that week Asher was in Vanuatu."

    "That long?" Lila gaped, her mind scrambling to figure out how many weeks ago that was. To say she was floored by the revelation was an understatement, that''s for sure.

    Isaac shifted his weight uncomfortably. "Yeah. Uh, please don''t tell her I told you. She''ll kill me."

    "How''d that even start?" Lila crossed her arms, impatiently waiting for a response.

    "It¡­ was an accident," Isaac said awkwardly, still avoiding looking at either of them.

    "H-How can you even do that by accident?" Asher looked bewildered, a blush rising on his cheeks. Lila averted her eyes from him ¨C as far as her experience had gone, it had been very purposeful.

    "It¡­ we went on a walk to the park after a shift. Then, she started crying ¨C about her Mum, and all the stress she was under and a whole bunch of stuff. A-And I didn''t know what to do to help." Isaac himself looked incredibly stressed now, his eyes darting around wildly as though searching for escape routes.

    Lila''s mind was swirling. "So¡­ having sex with her was the answer? In a park?"

    "I-It''s not like I had any money to help her and it''s not like it was out in the open," Isaac replied, his voice both strained and exasperated. "We just¡­ kept doing it and¡­ she started getting a lot happier. So¡­ we''ve been doing it ever since."

    "It kinda sounds like you sold your body to her," Asher commented, raising an eyebrow. Isaac spluttered, though he didn''t refute this.

    "Hang on, you guys are both so busy," Lila frowned. "It''s not really like you have that much free time to go visit each other''s houses since you''re working so much, plus school. Besides, Elise''s Dad would kill any guy who stepped foot into his house. Neither of you can drive, too. So, where do you guys even do it? Just at yours?"

    Isaac''s face turned scarlet as he mumbled, "I''m not gonna tell you guys."

    Asher blinked. "Why not?"

    "You''ll take my spots."

    "Your¡­ spots?" Asher raised an eyebrow before realisation lifted both. "Wait ¨C you guys are doing it at school?"

    Isaac didn''t respond, instead preferring to begin sidling away from them, his expression telling them all they needed to know. Definitely at school.

    "Are you guys dating?" Asher questioned, his volume rising as quickly as Isaac''s escape, which picked up in pace as he shuffled away even faster.

    "If you guys are dating, then why wouldn''t you tell us sooner?" Lila''s tone was accusatory. Isaac immediately broke off into a sprint, out of the aisle entirely.

    "They''re totally dating," Asher said monotonously. He pressed a hand to his forehead before inhaling deeply. "Skyn, huh¡­"

    "I feel like you''re brushing past this way too quickly," Lila huffed.

    "They clearly have their reasons as to why they didn''t tell us," Asher shrugged, picking up two varieties of the Skyn brand. "How do I even know what size I am?" he murmured, frowning as he read the backs.

    Lila pursed her lips. He seemed to sense her discontent as he glanced up at her and placed one of the boxes on his hip.

    "I''ll process it at some point. Don''t worry. I''ve just got a one-track mind here. That being I gotta get this and get the fuck outta here before more people we know show up."

    Lila nodded ¨C that would probably be for the best. As she looked at the rest of the aisle, something occurred to her.

    "There''s no cold and flu medicine in this aisle."

    Asher blinked down at her. "What?"

    "W-Well, I just noticed that there''s none of that stuff here. Somehow, I don''t think Isaac''s coming down with a cold."

    Asher laughed before understanding sparked within his eyes. He looked down at the boxes he was holding, then back at the shelf they were at, before resting his eyes on the banner declaring what aisle this was.

    "He was trying to get more, wasn''t he? That''s why he stood around for far too long, answering our questions. Now I feel bad for chasing him away."

    Lila looked back at where Isaac had fled with a sigh. Seriously ¨C why couldn''t they have told Lila and Asher earlier? All at once though, the feeling that she''d had about Isaac''s weird behaviour for the past few weeks made sense.

    "Alright, I think I''ll just¡­ get this one," Asher said, drawing her attention to him. His face was bright red, his posture awkward as he showed her the box.

    "T-Twenty?" she stammered, staring at it. "Don''t most of these come in sets of ten?"

    "U-Uh, I just thought¡­ y''know, to be prepared. Buy more than we''d need. E-Especially since I didn''t have any yesterday."

    Twenty¡­ seemed like a lot. She glanced at him, only to see that he looked incredibly anxious.

    "Actually, I''ll just grab a ten-"

    "No, no. Take the twenty."

    "You sure?"

    Lila nodded, unable to meet his eyes. It was a lot but it wasn''t as though they weren''t going to do it again. There wasn''t anything wrong with preparation, after all.

    "Alright, I''ll just buy these quick. Uh, should we grab some lunch?"

    "Y-Yeah."

    Buying the things was the most uncomfortable thing she''d felt in a long time. The attendant hardly batted an eye, proceeding through the transaction as though they''d just bought Band-Aids but surely they were thinking about why Asher was buying these, right?

    They survived the transaction and he''d purchased a paper bag for them even though she put it in her handbag. It felt like its mere presence was burning a hole through both. Was there a way she could escape this embarrassment?

    It started to ease as they walked to the food court, but her mind kept drifting to both the fact that they''d just bought that ¨C but also that they''d finally¡­

    She gripped Asher''s arm tightly and he looked down at her.

    "Whoa, you look pale," he said, stopping in his tracks. "Are you okay?"

    "I¡­ I''m okay. Just¡­ thinking."

    "Thinking?"

    She could only muster a nod. He smiled, touching her cheek before lightly brushing her lips with his finger.

    "I''m thinking too," he murmured, leaning down for a kiss. She was worried for a moment about kissing him in public before she realised that they were at the shops. There wasn''t any reason to stop just a kiss.

    Except ¨C when their lips met, she was suddenly transported back to what they''d done and what she was hoping to do when they got back. He himself felt like-

    "Shit, this isn''t good," Asher said, breaking apart with force. "L-Let''s get lunch. Um, was there anything else you wanted to do here?"

    It felt like there was a hole in her chest, right where her lungs were. She sucked in a deep breath, recovering as much as she could before answering.

    "N-Nothing else. Just, um, keen to get back."

    His face, which was already pink, turned a deeper shade. "Okay. Sounds good."

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Six

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Six

    The fervour with which Asher ate his lunch today made Lila smile. He seemed just as eager to get home as she felt. Was¡­ he feeling like doing it again? She hoped so. He said he''d fix her want to do it again ¨C could that happen as soon as they got back? Could she ask? Should she ask?

    ''What''s happened to me?'' Lila pressed a hand to her chest, her heart nearly jumping out and touching it.

    "You''ve been pretty quiet today," Asher murmured as they waited at the bus station, hand-in-hand. "Still thinking?"

    "Sorry," Lila replied softly. "I love you but my mind is such a mess. I¡­ I''m trying to clear it but¡­ I''m feeling¡­ greedy."

    "Greedy?"

    She nodded. "Yesterday was really good and I just want more and more."

    He was silent and she immediately wished she hadn''t said that, the regret sinking heavily in her stomach.

    "Then¡­ I must be feeling greedy too," he said, his smile betraying the nervousness behind this statement. "I can think of a way to solve that if you''d like."

    She swallowed, her heart fluttering. "I''d really like that."

    He squeezed her hand tightly. "Then let''s."

    The silence they shared as they waited for the bus and through the journey home made Lila feel giddy again. Was he being serious? She hoped so. He wouldn''t take it all back would he?

    Once they returned to Asher''s place, they slipped by Gabriel with a quick, "We''re back." and nothing further. Her legs felt heavy as she climbed the steps to the rumpus room, and even more so for the next few steps into his bedroom.

    She dropped her bag next to his bed before flopping backwards onto it, her face feeling incredibly hot. Was it a fluke? Just a one-time thing?

    He climbed onto the bed, his face hovering above hers for just a second before he pressed his lips against hers. Slowly, her movements unsure, she started to lift her shirt. She almost thought that he''d stop her like he had in the past but, instead, he helped her, pulling it over her head and tossing it next to them...

    Once it was all over, with smiles on their faces, they remained in bed for a few moments, their conversation soft and tender. She felt a surge of emotion flooding through her ¨C one that she could only attribute as being love. She gripped his arm before pulling his hand up to caress her face, which he obliged without a word. Then, an overwhelming urge came over her.

    "Ow! Why''d you bite me?" he jerked his arm back, rubbing where her teeth had sunk into him.

    "I-I don''t know," Lila stammered, the realisation that she''d lost her inhibition for a moment causing her to feel panicked. "It looks like my intrusive thoughts won."

    Their eyes met and he ceased touching her teeth marks.

    "It''s alright," Asher chuckled, brushing her bare shoulder. "I get how intrusive thoughts can be."

    "Sorry."

    He shook his head. "Don''t be," he said reassuringly, rubbing the back of her head. "Let''s get you cleaned up."

    He shuffled off the bed, pulling her close to the edge. Then, he expertly lifted her in a princess carry, taking her to his bathroom. He stumbled slightly but managed to set her down in the shower without any further issues.

    "What''s with the stumbling?" she asked curiously as she twisted the tap on.

    "My legs are just shaky," he replied matter-of-factly. "You¡­ feel really good." Her heart thumped heavily against her ribcage as she registered his words. She liked the idea of that far more than she was willing to express. He then jumped into the shower, stretching with a brilliant smile on his face.

    She felt her cheeks turning red as she made to face away from him.

    "What''s wrong?" he asked, gently turning her by her shoulders.

    "It''s¡­ well, I''m just embarrassed," she confessed in a small voice. "I don''t really know what happened just then. It was a bit¡­ feral."

    He laughed heartily, pulling her close to him. "Whatever it was, I take it as a compliment."

    Her embarrassment only increased, and she buried her head in his chest. He laughed again.

    "I love you, Lila."

    She made a disgruntled noise before raising her head to look at him. "I love you too, Asher¡­ but you''re being mean."

    "Mean?" He stared at her in surprise. "How?"

    "You''re¡­ just talking about these things so candidly."

    He softly rubbed her lower back before reaching for the showerhead. He aimed it at her, washing her with the comfort of warm running water.

    "Sorry," he murmured after her body relaxed some. "I didn''t mean to."

    She sighed, taking the showerhead from his hands and aiming it at his chest and shoulders. "Don''t be¡­ I guess we just went from 0 to 100, and I''m still trying to adjust."

    "We did, didn''t we?" he smiled down at her. "Not that I have any regrets¡­ truthfully, waiting for as long as we did was killing me."

    "Me too," she replied earnestly.

    "I''m glad that I''m not alone in that," he said quietly, bending down and giving her a tender kiss on her cheek. He hooked the showerhead up to its original place with a grin. They began to soap themselves up in silence, though they''d share a smile here and there.

    Eventually, he chuckled to himself. "Even still, I didn''t realise how¡­ wild you were."

    Lila immediately turned around, her mortification rising.

    "I-I''m sorry," she murmured, her voice melding with the sound of the shower. She raised her hands to cover her face as she continued. "I-It''s just, I mean, I''ve been wanting it for so long a-and I don''t know what''s happening to me. My self-control-"

    He gently spun her around before lowering her hands, his eyes intense as he held her gaze.

    "You''re like me," he whispered, kissing her softly. He broke the kiss, brushing a thumb along her lips. "We can be wild together. And¡­ I''m fond of this little mark you''ve left me. It''s almost like you''re saying I''m yours. Something¡­ I''d always wanted."

    She rubbed where she''d bit him before holding out her own arm.

    "Here," she said, her voice trembling slightly. He looked at her in surprise.

    "Here what?"

    She brought her arm higher. "You can bite me too."

    He laughed, pushing it down. She only raised it again, a sudden feeling of shyness overcoming her. She couldn''t look at him, instead watching the water from the shower flow into the drain.

    "Asher, I''m serious. If¡­ if the mark I left on you says that you''re mine, then you better give me one as well. S-Since¡­ I''m yours, too."

    He was silent for a moment before she felt him gingerly grab her arm. She held her breath and he bit into her, a feeling that was only just barely painful.

    "There," his voice seemed clouded with an emotion she couldn''t quite place. Though, maybe it was more because there was a rush of emotions running through him. She looked up at him and he ran a finger along the mark he''d left, seeming mesmerised for a moment. He kissed it, before kissing her lips.

    "Let''s finish up," he smiled.

    After they rinsed off, Lila stepped out, glancing at Asher as he towelled himself off.Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.

    "I¡­ I''m curious about something," she said quietly, drying off as well.

    "Uh oh. What about?"

    "Well¡­ it just feels like you have a lot of experience somehow. It''s like you know exactly where to touch me. I¡­ I''ve never felt that good before. So how do you know what to do?"

    He paused before continuing to towel his hair dry. He looked thoughtful until his face suddenly turned a bright shade of scarlet, his expression morphing into one of sheepishness.

    "Like I said yesterday, part of the reason why¡­ it took me so long to feel ready was because I was doing some research. I was really worried that¡­ if I hurt you even once, I''d ruin everything. That¡­ you''d be traumatised and never forgive me. And letting go of that fear was the hardest thing I''ve done for a while. But¡­ now that I know that you want to keep doing it and the world didn''t end, I guess I''m¡­ just acting out my daydreams," he explained, turning away from her, his apparent shyness lowering the volume of his voice. "I''ve had plenty over the years of you¡­ and me."

    She grinned, the confirmation that she wasn''t alone in her bouts of shyness relieving her. He was cute enough to contemplate doing it again...

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    "I told you once we started, I wouldn''t want to do anything else," Asher breathed as they laid in his bed, recovering once more. Lila briefly wondered if a box of condoms would even last them a day, considering they''d used two almost as soon as they arrived back at his house.

    "No kidding," Lila whispered, placing a hand on her chest and looking up at the ceiling. If they went again, she thought her heart would explode. "Not that I''m feeling like I want to do anything else, either. Though¡­ I am a bit tired."

    He grinned. "If you weren''t, I would''ve thought I was doing a bad job."

    He then intertwined their fingers together, kissing the top of her knuckles. She turned her head to face him with a small smile on her face. His expression grew serious as he spoke again. "I do have to say, though¡­ Lila, even though it seems like we''re pretty isolated up here¡­ we both know that there are too many ears for the kind of volume you give out."

    She flushed deeply, attempting to escape his grasp. He didn''t budge and she sighed.

    "Same to you," she muttered.

    He turned a bright red shade before nodding. "I''m not denying that I''m loud. I''m gonna work on it too, but¡­ I don''t want anyone coming up here. Ideally¡­ I guess I don''t want anyone to know that we''ve done it."

    "Why?"

    "Well¡­ just¡­" he seemed really awkward now as he looked up at the ceiling instead of her face. "It''s something private. Well, it''s already a bit late to say that I don''t want Isaac to know, but I guess I don''t mind him knowing so much. At least, I don''t want, like, Marlene or Gabriel or my Dad to know. Even though it felt like it was ages until we did this, it''s a bit fast, isn''t it?"

    "Fast?" She propped herself on her elbow, looking curiously at him. Did he regret not waiting longer?

    "Well¡­ I''m just saying that we haven''t even been dating for two months."

    "So? Lots can happen in two months," she replied, shuffling so she could nestle herself into his arms.

    He wrapped his arms around her and said, "That''s true. A lot can happen in even 24 hours. I mean, I''ve had my way with you three times in that amount of time."

    "Wanna go for a fourth?"

    He shook his head, smiling from ear to ear. "I think you need to rest. At the very least, I don''t want to hurt you by overworking you."

    Lila returned his smile with a broad one of her own. "It''s like you don''t realise you''re addictive."

    His eyes widened. Then, he rolled over her, propping himself up as if to avoid crushing her.

    "That''s a dangerous thing to say," he whispered. "Especially since you''re driving me absolutely crazy."

    She bit her bottom lip, feeling herself twitch deep within in anticipation, before wrapping her arms around his neck and pulling him down for a kiss. He reciprocated and ran his left hand over her chest before moving down to her waist when a shrill sound made them both jump.

    "Shit, that''s the intercom," Asher said, immediately getting up. He wrapped his discarded towel around his waist and staggered out of his room, leaving the door wide open.

    "Dinner will be ready soon," Lila thought she heard Gabriel''s voice say.

    She definitely heard Asher''s reply. "How soon?" There was a pause.

    "Soon enough for you to start getting dressed appropriately now."

    Asher sighed in defeat. "Thanks for the heads up, Gabriel."

    "No worries."

    Asher returned to his room, his face looking incredibly abashed. "I think Gabriel knows," he said, crossing his room and picking up Lila''s towel. "Just hanging these up."

    "Of course Gabriel knows," Lila replied plainly. "He said as much at breakfast."

    "I thought he was just trying to be funny," he furrowed his brow as he made his way back to his room.

    "Somehow, I think he''d rather not think about it."

    Asher glanced at her before passing her clothes back to her. "Good."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    After surviving dinner, during which no one spoke, Asher once again declined dessert. Gabriel frowned, seeming about to complain when he evidently decided against it and waved them off.

    Asher held out his hand for Lila, which she immediately took, and led her out towards the stairs before giving her a mischievous look.

    "Wanna race?" he asked.

    She beamed at him. "Of course. I''ll win."

    "I don''t doubt it."

    With that, she took off and he playfully chased her up the stairs. She giggled as she made her escape, hurrying into the rumpus room, then his bedroom and jumping onto the bed. He closed the door behind him before flopping on top of her, grinning all the way.

    Though he had, of course, been playful with her in the past, now that they''d finally crossed their biggest hurdle, it seemed that he felt like he could fully indulge in that behaviour. She smiled, wrapping her hands around his head and pressing him into her chest.

    There was something else about him that was different, too.

    His lust, assertiveness and confidence ¨C Lila had glimpsed all of these in varying amounts over this year. But now, this side of him, the one where they all combined with such raw intensity, was enough to make her quiver with anticipation whenever it made its appearance. If she could inject it all ¨C him, the care he took with her, the way his touches lit her heart and body on fire ¨C straight to her veins, she''d do it in a heartbeat. Electrifying, addictive, new and exciting ¨C this stage of their relationship was just as he''d said back in July. It was dangerous.

    In the absence of a needle, she''d have to settle for having him as close as possible ¨C physically, emotionally and even spiritually. And¡­ she''d come to realise that her initial assumption was correct ¨C he''d still held on to some self-control when they first did it, but the more they had it, the more she could see it slipping ¨C and that, in itself, was tantalising. How long would it take for it to fall away completely?

    Asher ran a thumb over her lips, forcing their eyes to meet.

    "You''re giving me that look," he murmured, beginning to kiss the side of her neck. She emitted a gasp, her hand gripping the back of his head, bringing him as close as possible to her.

    He pulled away with another of his intense gazes, his smile almost mischievous. "Dammit, Lila. What the hell have you done to me?"

    "The exact same thing you''ve done to me," she whispered.

    It was as if all the pent-up sexual frustration over the past year had culminated in this explosive weekend. She couldn''t get enough, no matter how many times they had it. This feeling though, overall, took her by surprise. She wasn''t used to this absolute release of her inhibition. She was glad that Clare had helped her get on the Pill. If she hadn''t, then Lila couldn''t see any other outcome than her getting pregnant over this weekend¡­

    Despite all the activity, they managed to have one conversation in particular; one that felt so intimate, solidifying exactly how she felt about him even more.

    Asher''s face had looked desperate, his eyes full of longing. "I don''t want it to end-"

    "My love, I''m not going anywhere," she replied softly, looking into his eyes. "Even if it ends now, it doesn''t mean you''re never going to do this again. Of course I''ll be back for more."

    His face flushed deeply, tearing his eyes from hers. "How is it that you can make me shy in a situation like this?"

    "It must be one of my talents," she breathed. Soon, it indeed ended again, and some time was spent in each other''s arms. This... this was probably her limit for the day.

    Eventually, they rolled off the bed and put on some clothes. It was far too early to go to sleep, so when Asher suggested watching something, Lila had no choice but to say yes ¨C not that her mind was put together enough to think of an alternative.

    It was strange ¨C their normal routine dancing between something that was so unusual, new and different. Like¡­ this was how it was always meant to be.

    After some time browsing, they settled on a lets play series, with Lila against his chest. She smiled, remembering that, yes, this kind of warmth from him was great, too. They were silent for quite some time, with Asher stroking her hair. She was almost ready to fall asleep when he spoke.

    "You¡­ called me ''my love''," he said quietly, intertwining his fingers with hers. She met his gaze, shocked to find just how much emotion was brewing behind his irises.

    "I did," she replied gently, "because you are. It just came naturally to me."

    "I¡­ really like the sound of it, coming from your lips."

    "I''m glad since¡­ I really like saying it."

    His face reddened, though his eyes remained just as intense. "You''re my love, too."

    She wasn''t prepared for how giddy that small sentence made her feel, her beam wide and sparkling.

    "I''ve¡­ also noticed that¡­ you say please a lot when we do things," he whispered.

    "I do?"

    "Yeah." He leaned forward, the redness of his face even more apparent. "I really like it."

    "You do?"

    He nodded, leaning in even closer ¨C close enough that their lips almost touched. "It''s like you''re begging for me. And¡­ and that just really turns me on."

    The way he''d said that¡­ it was weakening the resolve she''d had to not go for it again today. She readjusted herself so that she could at least give him a kiss. He gently reciprocated, which surprisingly helped her impulse stay unactioned.

    They continued watching the lets play series in a comfortable silence for an hour or so before Asher started yawning.

    "Damn, I''m exhausted," he murmured sheepishly. "It just hit me all at once. Sorry, it''s not even 9 o''clock yet."

    "We can go to bed," Lila said, squeezing his hand. "You''ve been working really hard today."

    He gave a surprised laugh. "On what? I haven''t even touched my study materials today."

    "On me."

    "O-Oh." He paused before laughing again. "I suppose that''s true."

    They moved to his room, with Asher yawning again. Though he was clearly very tired, Lila felt wide awake now that they were under his covers once more.

    The prospect of sleeping that night together in his bed felt exciting. For one thing, she usually slept with pyjamas on at home, due to the number of family members in her house, but for another, feeling his body against her back reminded her that they''d reached a new point in their relationship ¨C one of utmost comfortability. She hadn''t been able to fully appreciate any of this last night, what with the excitement of having had their first time together, and now she couldn''t stop smiling.

    She wiggled backwards, filling almost all the possible space between them with the curves of her body.

    "Lila," he whispered, kissing her ear, "if you keep doing that, I won''t be able to sleep."

    "Why?" she asked with a mischievous grin that he wouldn''t be able to see. "I''m just innocently lying here."

    "Innocent, my ass," he murmured, his voice deepening with a quality that made her heart skip.

    She giggled. "I don''t know what you''re talking about. Besides, I thought you were tired. Surely little things like that don''t matter."

    Evidently, he wasn''t as tired as she''d thought.

    He then wrapped his arms around her, kissing her gently on the forehead.

    "Goodnight, my love," she mumbled in contentment, closing her eyes.

    "Goodnight, my love," he echoed, kissing her once again.

 Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Seven

    Chapter One Hundred and Sixty-Seven

    Lila stretched, confused for a moment by how much room she had to do so. She opened her eyes, and, with a jolt, realised she was in Asher''s bed ¨C naked. Alone, too.

    ''So¡­ none of it had been a dream,'' she thought to herself, placing her hands over her eyes in a brief moment of embarrassment. She''d¡­ actually spent most of yesterday on his dick, virtually moaning until she fell asleep.

    Though, should she really be embarrassed? Clearly, he''d wanted, and enjoyed, it too. So, was her embarrassment simply stemming from how much she had tried to ignore her sexual thoughts, which had started before they got together?

    She wasn''t quite sure if she''d ever get an answer to that, but for now she sat up. She was slightly disappointed that Asher wasn''t in bed with her, but perhaps he was in the bathroom.

    Her eyes landed on her bags and she pulled on what she''d intended to wear as pyjamas.

    She knocked on the bathroom door but didn''t hear anything. She gingerly opened it, peering into the darkness. He wasn''t there, either.

    She left his bedroom and saw him sitting on the couch in house clothes, textbooks splayed out on the coffee table. He looked up as soon as she left and beamed at her.

    "Good morning," he said brightly, standing up immediately. "Did you want some juice?"

    "Good morning," she smiled. "Sounds great."

    He bustled over to the kitchenette. "Sorry I left," he said as he poured juice into a cup. "I woke up about an hour ago in a cold sweat, since exams are next week."

    "Oh," she uttered as she sat in her usual spot. He passed her cup to her with a kiss and she took a sip as he sat next to her, their legs lightly touching. "It''s okay. I get it," she said.

    He reached over and gently squeezed her thigh before looking back down at his textbooks. She wasn''t quite sure what subject he was studying for, since he had several open, but she watched him for a while, enjoying the sight of him in full focus.

    Eventually, he glanced at her before closing his Chem textbook. "I''m guessing you don''t want to study."

    "I do, but¡­ I like looking at you," she replied frankly, taking another sip of her juice. "Plus, I''m feeling too lazy to get my study bag."

    "I can grab it," he said, stretching his arms up. "Where''s it?"

    "Just in your room. The bag that doesn''t have clothes in it."

    "Roger that," he smiled, standing up and crossing to his room. He returned shortly after and handed her bag to her.

    It felt almost as though yesterday had been a freak occurrence since neither of them addressed it. He''d been rather shy when he purchased a pack of twenty condoms rather than ten, but at the rate they were going yesterday, she''d been convinced that they''d need to buy more before the weekend was over. Now, though¡­ he seemed dedicated to studying.

    She pulled out her Maths textbook and workbook and began studying alongside him. A benefit of having done it so much, it seemed, was that she felt incredibly calm and focused today.

    The shrill tone of the intercom made her jump and Asher crossed the rumpus room to respond to Marlene''s invitation for breakfast.

    "Good time for a break," he commented with a nod. "Hope you''re hungry."

    She returned the nod, vividly remembering his comments from last night. He seemed to remember the same as he quickly looked away, his face as pink as hers surely was. She returned to his room to put on something a touch more presentable before heading downstairs with him, hand-in-hand.

    Breakfast today was a humble ham, cheese and mushroom omelette with some toast and juice, which was swiftly demolished.

    "I can see you two were hungry," Marlene said lightly as she collected their plates. "Would you like me to make more food?"

    "I''m okay," Lila said upon Asher glancing at her.

    "Yeah, I''m okay too," Asher said, nodding at Marlene.

    "Okay. Let me know if that changes."

    "Thanks," Asher replied, standing up and holding his hand out for Lila to take. She did so, and they headed back up to the rumpus room.

    "You don''t have to study if you don''t want to," Asher said as she sat down in her usual spot.

    "I get stressed about exams too," she said frankly. "I''ll study with you."

    "Alright, well¡­ if you get bored or need a break, just let me know. You can use the TV, too. I don''t mind a bit of background noise."

    "Okay."

    They studied in silence for a while longer. That was until Lila decided she couldn''t take it anymore. Her curiosity about what he thought regarding yesterday was going to drive her mental.

    "So¡­ Asher."

    "Yes, my love?"

    She blushed. That was something else that had happened yesterday, and his casual use of this pet name told her that it wasn''t just a ''yesterday'' thing.

    "Um¡­ I was¡­ curious."

    "Uh oh," he said playfully, looking up at her. He placed his notebook on the coffee table and turned to her, giving her his undivided attention.

    "I¡­ wanted to know what you thought about yesterday," she said, unable to look into his eyes.

    "What I thought?" he asked. She nodded.

    "Well¡­ another reason why I left was because I couldn''t stop thinking about it. I needed a distraction. Since¡­ when I woke up and saw you, it felt like I was having heart palpitations again. You looked so peaceful¡­ and naked." He paused and she felt her cheeks heat up.

    "I¡­ kinda thought that maybe you''d think it was too much," he continued, his tone surprisingly nervous.

    "Definitely not," she said emphatically. "It was perfect."

    He breathed a deep sigh of relief. "I''m¡­ really glad."

    "So¡­ if you wanted to take a break from study at some point," she said tentatively, "we could¡­ if you wanted-"

    "Do you want to?"

    She looked into his eyes, detecting his interest in the idea of doing it again. "Of course."

    He smiled brightly, touching her cheek. "Now?"

    Her heartbeat sped up as she swallowed. "Please."

    He wasted absolutely no time in lifting her from the couch, his lips against her neck. "I can''t wait," he murmured, the goosebumps bursting across her skin causing her to shiver in response. She threw her arms around his neck with a musical giggle and it wasn''t long before he tossed her onto his bed, closing the door behind them with a slam.

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    Later that day, amidst further study, Asher looked up at Lila and closed his notebook.

    "It''s been a while," he said, which made Lila''s heart pound. Did he mean-

    "We should take a break," he continued. "We haven''t played a game yet."

    She took a deep breath. ''Games¡­ normal things¡­ that''s good too.''

    "Unless you don''t want to?"

    She glanced at him. He looked really keen for a gaming break, and he''d been studying for hours now. She smiled.

    "Let''s play."

    She cleared the couch of study materials as Asher selected a game for them to play. After only ten minutes though, she started to feel antsy. There was something that they hadn''t addressed ¨C something big that happened. He''d said he''d process it later¡­ had that ''later'' arrived yet?

    "What''s wrong?" Asher asked as he revived her character with a sideways glance at her. "Do you not want to play?"

    "I do but¡­ I really want to talk about what Isaac said."

    "Oh." Asher hit ''pause'' and balanced his controller on his pile of textbooks. "Then let''s talk about it."

    She placed her controller down and pressed her lips together.

    "It¡­ doesn''t look like you want to talk about it."

    "No, I do ¨C it just¡­ I feel so stupid," she said after a long pause. "They''ve been together for so long and I didn''t notice."

    "I didn''t notice either," Asher replied gently. "I think that''s what they were hoping for, though."

    "But why? I mean, I know Isaac said not to tell Elise since she''d kill him, but why would she want to hide that from me? Is it¡­ because I''ve been neglecting our friendship?"

    Asher sighed. "If they''ve been together for as long as Vanuatu, then I doubt she feels that way, since she''d be spending her time with Isaac anyway."

    "Right, but¡­ does she not trust me?"

    "I think she trusts you quite a lot ¨C but that might also be part of the problem. Maybe she thinks she''s let you down in some way by it."

    "Let me down? But she knows I''ve been trying to get them together all term."

    Asher shrugged. "Maybe she''s ashamed for some reason?"

    "Ashamed?" Lila paused. "But why?"

    Asher shrugged again. "I mean, Isaac said it first happened in a park. Maybe she''s ashamed of that?"

    "But that shouldn''t matter," Lila insisted. "I''m just happy that they''re together. It would''ve made me happy to have known when it happened."

    "Mysteries to be resolved when we see them next, I''m sure."

    "It kinda annoys me to know that they''ve been going all the way at school, but Isaac''s been lurking and trying to stop us from showing any affection," Lila grumbled. "How hypocritical."

    "I think¡­ that jealousy thing he mentioned was deeper than I thought. Knowing Isaac, I think every moment he has to restrain himself has been slowly killing him off. I know that if it were up to him, he would''ve called me as soon as they got together ¨C but of course, I haven''t received any phone calls from him this term. Hiding his feelings like this¡­ makes me think he loves Elise. Like he''d do absolutely anything she asked. So¡­ since he couldn''t do what he wanted, even small things like hold her hand or talk to her like his girlfriend, it was painful to watch us do all that."

    "That''s sad," Lila replied, sinking deeper into the couch. "Poor guy. Do you think he would''ve told us at some point?"

    "He said he ''can''t do this anymore'' the other day," Asher noted thoughtfully. "I think he was planning to avoid us for the rest of time."

    Lila tried to wrack her brain, thinking why Elise felt like she couldn''t bring herself to tell Lila that she was with Isaac ¨C even if it were to just shut Lila up, given all the comments she made. If it were Lila, she would''ve lost her resolve incredibly quickly, since she would''ve been that excited to tell her friends. So was Elise simply not excited?

    That¡­ didn''t feel right.

    Elise had made a few comments here and there about Isaac being Lila''s ex. She''d tried to dissuade Elise from making a big deal of it, but maybe it still concerned her.

    Lila glanced at Asher, her sudden concern about what he thought resurfacing. They''d talked about it in the past but¡­ there wasn''t any harm in checking again, right?

    "I¡­ think¡­ she could be worried about the fact that¡­" Lila''s hands twisted together, her tongue even more so.

    "The fact that?"

    She took a deep breath. Then another. Then another. Each one shorter than the last, her whole body quivering. Why was she feeling so unsure? He''d been fine with it before since all she''d done with Isaac was kiss. Surely it''d be even better now, right? They''d gone all the way, so¡­ so he wouldn''t care at all about her past with Isaac, right?

    But what if that made it worse? She wasn''t sure how it could but Elise was in the same situation, having gone all the way with Isaac ¨C yet, if she was still worried, then maybe there was something wrong with this situation. Something that Lila needed to be scared of. Something that could destroy everything.

    "Lila, what''s on your mind?" Asher asked, taking her hands in his, his eyes almost swimming with worry. "You look like you''re going to get into a panic attack."

    She shook her head, but her breathing wasn''t calming down. He pulled her closer, gently placing her head on his chest.Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.

    "My love, what''s wrong?" he murmured, holding her tighter.

    That''s right¡­ he''d said he loved Lila. He called her his love. He held her tenderly, just like this, and worried for her. If he was bothered about her past with Isaac, then he wouldn''t be like how he was.

    "You can tell me anything," he added, his voice straining. "Did I do something wrong?"

    "No," Lila managed to say.

    "Then what happened? Your mood changed so quickly."

    She looked into his eyes, feeling her anxiety beginning to melt.

    "Please tell me? I''ve¡­ I''ve got a few dollars."

    Her lips twitched into a small smile as she took one more deep breath ¨C the deepest one yet.

    "S-Sorry¡­ I just freaked myself out. Um, I was¡­ just thinking¡­ that, um. E-Elise is probably worried that Isaac and I dated." She paused. "A-And now I''m worried."

    He blinked at her. "About?"

    "About what you think."

    His body relaxed, though his hold on her tightened again. "That''s all? My love, you don''t need to work yourself up about this."

    The tension in her shoulders released. "Really?"

    "Of course. It was one of those things that I worked through before asking you to be mine. I mean, sometimes it pops up every now and then, but, like I said the other day, it''s mainly when I''m super tired and generally insecure." He halted, lightly brushing his finger across her eyebrows. She hadn''t realised how hard she was frowning until his touch reset them.

    "When you told me that you hadn''t really liked him ¨C that you started dating because he asked, basically ¨C it really eased my mind. Not to say you didn''t have a choice in accepting to be his girlfriend, but¡­ well, like I told you before, I''d been upset while you two were dating because I thought you chose him over me. Not that I''d done anything to draw your attention and choose me, but it still hurt. Hurt to see my best friend be with the girl I''d liked for years. I mean, he knew, too. I''d said it was okay for him to ask you out ¨C and I thought it would be. Then I realised I couldn''t even talk to him after you''d said yes. I''d¡­ never felt jealousy over anything up until then."

    He waved his hand around at the rumpus room before letting it rest on hers again. "Never really had to ''want'' for anything in an environment like this, so there wasn''t any need to feel jealous about anyone or anything. But then the first time I saw you two walking together, it hit me like a truck. I didn''t know what to do. It was honestly terrifying, feeling something I''d never felt before ¨C something that felt even a small bit like hatred towards my best friend. Then, you guys broke up and I knew Isaac did it because of me, which made me feel pretty stupid and like a shitty friend. And¡­ it did come up again when I asked you out and you kissed me. It felt really good ¨C better than I''d ever kissed Holly ¨C and my mind went straight to asking whether it felt that way because you had some practice with Isaac. That messed me up just a little."

    He caressed her face, his expression serious. "He might''ve taken the opportunity to have your first kiss away from me, but¡­ I think what I''ve been able to have is far more precious. Aside from your first time for basically everything else, the amount of happiness I''ve felt since we''ve been together- actually, no ¨C since you told me you liked me- vastly outweighs any jealousy over Isaac I''d ever had. Especially now ¨C it feels like your whole heart and body belong to me, though it probably sounds weird to say that. Possessive, maybe controlling or like I''m trying to say I own you. It''s hard to explain."

    Lila smiled. "You don''t need to explain. I''m all yours, right down to my heart and my pussy. The proof is right here." She showed him where the indent of his teeth was still on her arm.

    His face turned pink. "You really had to say it like that, didn''t you?"

    "Of course," she replied with a nod. "I do belong to you, just like you belong to me. You''re my person, Asher, and I''m not ashamed to admit it."

    He ran a finger along his bite mark and returned her smile. "Lila, you''re my person too. You don''t need to worry about me feeling jealous of Isaac. That''s a bridge I crossed long ago, especially since I''ve been able to see and have all of you, and even know you far better than he ever has or ever will."

    "So then what about Theo?"

    "Ah. Right." Asher pursed his lips. "Well, the same thing there, mostly. Except¡­ I don''t think my jealousy will ever really go away with him. I had an easier time letting go of it in regards to Isaac because he''s my best mate and I actually like him as a person. Theo, on the other hand¡­ is like a better-"

    She raised an eyebrow at him and he faltered.

    "¡­ version of me generally speaking."

    "Definitely not."

    "On paper, he is."

    "Asher-"

    "Lila, it''s fine," he chuckled, holding her even tighter. "I know you love me and you chose me over him. I''m just saying that my jealousy makes me think that he is better ¨C even if it was just for the fact that he asked you out. I had to wait for you to tell me you liked me to feel brave, and even then it took like a few weeks to get the balls to do it. And¡­ well, Isaac had told me you guys never went on a date when I got the courage to ask what you two had done. So, Theo took another first from me ¨C your first date."

    "Well, that''s wrong," Lila replied resolutely. Asher blinked at her in surprise.

    "Did you go on a date with someone else?"

    "Yeah. You, dummy."

    "Me?"

    "The cinema?"

    "The- oh. When everyone ditched us."

    "Yeah. You asked if we should think of it as a date and we''d settled on no, but¡­ it definitely was. I was just too afraid to claim it as one in case you didn''t like me back."

    He chuckled again, kissing the side of her head. "Same here. Alright, you win. Looks like I was able to have your first date."

    "I¡­ wish I''d had yours."

    He remained quiet ¨C long enough for Lila to start getting worried.

    "While it''s true that you technically didn''t, our firsts are the only ones that matter to me. I hardly remember all of that anymore. You''ve kinda buried yourself into everything I am and have now ¨C my past history; well, I was completely different to who I am now with you. Best part is¡­ I feel like this is my true self. Probably ''cause I wanted to be with you for so long, hiding that part of me that wanted it so badly meant I wasn''t really me. So, to me, that was my first date too."

    She rested her head on his chest. He was being really genuine ¨C she could feel it deeply. Her insecurities about Holly were fading, but it''d be remiss to say they''d disappeared entirely. She just needed more time. Time to process this new stage in their relationship, time to realise fully that this all wasn''t just a dream. She had everything she wanted ¨C a reality she''d never thought possible months ago; even just the other day for¡­ certain things.

    "I love you," she whispered, clutching his shirt. "A lot."

    He laughed ¨C one that was gentle, kind and warm. "I love you a lot too."

    They remained quiet like this for a while before Lila remembered why they were having this conversation in the first place.

    "Elise and Isaac won''t be able to escape us on Monday," she said.

    "They definitely won''t," Asher agreed.

    "Do you think, even though Isaac asked us to keep it quiet, that he told her he told us?"

    "Oh, definitely," Asher replied instantly, his confidence in this answer overwhelming. "He''d feel guilty and panicked and, well, what''s spilling one secret after you''ve told the biggest one you''ve had for a while?"

    She nodded, contemplating this for a moment before saying, "I hope¡­ now that their secret''s out, they''ll be happy about it on Monday."

    "I hope so too."

    He squeezed her hand. "Do you feel better? You certainly look better than you did before asking about what I thought."

    She smiled. "Yeah. Sorry. I got so worked up over nothing."

    "It makes sense. It worried me too, for a time. That Isaac would feel like I betrayed him or something, but it disappeared pretty quickly with how hard he tried to get us together. Surely Elise would feel the same since you''ve been bugging her about it all term."

    "Yeah. Surely. Um, besides the fact that we''ve been completely busy with¡­ other things, I''ve intentionally not messaged her. If Isaac''s told her, then she''ll be expecting a message from me but I don''t think I should. If she''s that passionate about keeping it a secret that Isaac thinks she''d ''kill'' him, then I think she needs space."

    "That sounds logical," Asher replied, "but wouldn''t she think you''re mad at her?"

    Lila paused. She¡­ might. But what if Isaac hadn''t told her yet?

    "I think it''s the best course of action, though," Asher added thoughtfully. "If Isaac hasn''t said anything yet, then you''d be throwing him under the bus and I think he''s been stressed enough for the past few weeks."

    Lila exhaled slowly. "I''m so curious about the reason."

    "I''m sure we''ll find out soon enough."

    "Yeah."

    She pursed her lips before looking up at Asher. "My love?"

    "Yes?" he asked pleasantly, looking down at her in return.

    "Um¡­ i-if you''re okay with it¡­ can we do it again?"

    He looked surprised, yet also excited for the prospect. "I''m not gonna say no but it feels a bit out of the blue. Is there a reason?"

    She smiled, her heartbeat feeling heavier with anticipation with each passing second. "Besides the fact that I love you?"

    "I mean, that''s as good a reason as any, but¡­"

    "You''re right. You said some really sweet things just now. So, I want to make sure you mean it."

    He shifted his posture so he was more upright. "You think I don''t?"

    She gave him a mischievous look. "I dunno," she said, her tone light and airy. "I think I need some reassurance."

    "Then¡­" he grabbed her hand as he stood, lifting her to her feet, "let me show you."

    "Please."

    "I feel like I shouldn''t have told you that I like it when you say please," he murmured, leading her to his room.

    She giggled. "Should I beg instead?"

    He glanced at her before closing the door, his lust burning brightly in his eyes. "Only if you want me to go crazy."

    She grinned. "Always."

    <hr noshade="noshade" size="1">

    The rest of the weekend passed by in a blur of study, love, lighthearted conversation, laughter and, to her surprise, even sleep. Lila had never felt so prepared and relaxed before her exams as she did now, which really surprised her given how much not-study they were squeezing in. She wondered if she was giving herself a false sense of security and that, actually, she wasn''t absorbing anything at all and instead believing she was. When she told Asher this, he, of course, laughed and said he believed she''d do brilliantly ¨C something that, coming from him, settled her doubt for the moment. Eventually though, her stay with Asher had to end.

    Lila reluctantly texted Clare, asking her to pick her up after their dinner of slow-cooked honey and garlic chicken. It was first met with a ''ur alive?'' response before a confirmation and Lila glumly put her phone into her pocket.

    They returned upstairs, hand-in-hand, with Asher seeming just as solemn about the end of her visit. He helped her pack away the myriad of her things that had somehow found themselves strewn about before she pulled out a couple of pieces of comfortable clothes.

    "You do know that unpacking doesn''t mean you don''t have to leave," he said as she passed them to him. She laughed.

    "I know. I wish it did, but I just thought¡­ well, with the holidays coming up, I could leave some clothes here. Just in case."

    He looked down at what he was holding before glancing at her, his cheeks slightly flushed. "You want to leave these?"

    It¡­ may have been the smallest pair of pyjamas she owned, coupled with a loose t-shirt, mini shorts and clean underwear.

    "Yeah. I mean, I might unexpectedly stay over. Why, are you going to do weird things with them?"

    He looked mortified as he put them down on his bed. "Definitely not."

    "Seems suspicious," she said seriously, though it was paired with a teasing grin.

    He gave her a pleading look until he evidently realised she was kidding around. He looked back down at the clothes and gingerly held up her underwear.

    "How do I even fold this?" he asked, seeming distressed by the fact he didn''t know.

    "Here," she said, folding the set of underwear in the way she normally did. "Where are you going to put it?"

    "I''ll find a spot in my drawers. I¡­ hope Marlene doesn''t find them."

    Lila nodded, taking one last look around his room. She pointed at the box of condoms haphazardly left on his bedside table. "What about those?"

    He headed over to them and inspected the contents of the box, his face turning a bright red after he did so. "Uh¡­ well, there''s not many left, so¡­ I''ll just toss the box and keep the rest inside my bedside table. Looks like I''ll need to get more."

    "I can get more-"

    "No," he shook his head vehemently. "You''re already buying and taking the Pill. I''ve got to contribute somehow, too."

    Being saved from the embarrassment of getting some was quite the bonus. "You won''t get embarrassed?" she asked quietly.

    "Shit yeah, I will be. I''ve gotta do it though. It''s not fair otherwise."

    "Do you want me to come with you?"

    "Always," he smirked, the innuendo making her feel slightly flustered, "but no, it''s alright. It''s easy for me to ask George to wait for me to duck into the shops after school. Like when I got that gift for Gabriel."

    "If¡­ you''re sure."

    "As sure as I can be."

    They shared a smile, though Lila''s heart was pounding. If only she could stay a little bit longer¡­

    "I¡­ hope I made it up to you," Asher said softly, taking her hand in his. "I said I would, since we couldn''t see each other as much the past couple weeks and I broke my promise last Sunday. I''d¡­ been hoping to go out on a couple dates, but we ended up-" his face flushed and he turned his eyes away from hers, "-mostly staying in. Sorry."

    "Are you kidding?" Lila replied, squeezing his hand. "I''m going to be thinking about this weekend forever. It was even better than my fantasies."

    "Seriously?"

    She nodded.

    "Mine too," he smiled.

    "I loved every moment."

    "Even the studying?"

    "Even the studying. Best I''ve ever studied."

    He chuckled. "Same, actually." He squeezed her hand and kissed her on the side of her head. "I love you."

    "I love you too."

    They made their way downstairs, with Asher''s shoulders laden with her bags. Marlene was washing some cookware from tonight''s dinner and shut the tap off as Lila and Asher approached.

    "I hope you enjoyed your time, Lila," Marlene smiled, her eyes flickering to Lila''s arm. She placed a hand to cover where she felt Marlene was looking ¨C the bite mark. It had mostly disappeared but¡­ well, she''d had it for quite a while over this weekend. Was Marlene checking on it?

    "I really did," Lila replied, her tone somewhat nervous. She was reminded of the fact that Asher had said he didn''t want Marlene to know, but something about the way Marlene was smiling convinced Lila that she, without a doubt, knew.

    "I''m glad to hear it," Marlene replied pleasantly. "I''m sure I''ll be seeing you soon again."

    "Y-Yeah," Lila responded, the feeling that Marlene knew only increasing. "Have a good night, Marlene."

    "Goodnight, Lila."

    Asher pulled Lila along to the front doors, entering the security code when he reached the panel.

    Lila could hear Clare''s music from all the way here as she put her shoes on. She wondered whether something was bothering Clare again, to the point that she needed to drown out her thoughts with music.

    "I wish you could stay," Asher muttered, taking her hand again as they walked to Clare''s car.

    "Same," Lila replied, her steps feeling heavy, as if her body was subconsciously making her drag her feet.

    "But at least we''ll see each other tomorrow."

    "Yup. And we even have English second."

    Asher opened the back passenger door and placed her bags inside, greeting Clare as he did so. She returned the greeting, but Lila could tell ¨C something was definitely off.

    He closed the door and turned to face Lila. She could feel the sadness in her face about to take over but she masked it with a smile.

    "A goodnight kiss, please," she said, placing her arms around his neck. He snaked his hands down her waist before firmly grasping her hips.

    "With a request like that, of course," he whispered, leaning in and capturing her lips in his. The way that their energies matched ¨C an echo of the passion they''d had over the past four days with a touch of sadness at their parting.

    Once it was over, she gave him a breathless smile. "That''s some goodnight kiss," she said coyly, opening the front passenger door.

    "I aim to please," he smiled back. "Goodnight Lila. I love you. See you tomorrow."

    "Goodnight, my love. I love you too."

    She slid into the car, a smile still on her face, though it started to wane slightly as Clare pulled away from his house. It returned when she remembered what happened over the weekend and she brought a hand to her chest, lightly touching the ''A'' underneath her shirt.

    There was silence for just a moment before Clare turned her head towards Lila and swiftly turned the music down.

    "Jesus, Lila, you look like he ran through you a million times."

    The sudden statement threw Lila. Was she that obvious? How?

    "W-What does that even look like?"

    "You. Right now. You look exhausted, but you''re smiling like crazy. And you''re walking with this confidence, plus the way you kissed goodbye just now¡­" Clare wrinkled her nose. "Please, for my sanity, tell me that you remembered to take your Pill over the past few days."

    "Don''t worry, sis."

    "Good. Look, I don''t know if you know about this other pill called the ''morning after pill'', or ''Plan B''. You get them at any pharmacy. It''s not advised to take them often but¡­ if you think you need it, you need to get on that. It''s got a very small timeframe before it''s ineffective. Best used within 24 hours, but good up to 72 hours or so depending on the brand."

    "I don''t. We were careful."

    "The Pill isn''t 100% effective, you know. It''s pretty good, but being careful doesn''t hurt anyone."

    "I know. We also used condoms and it''s not like he¡­ y''know¡­ in-"

    "I''ll believe you," Clare instantly cut Lila off with a shudder. "Not another word, please."

    Lila pursed her lips, looking out the window as Clare drove them back home. Lila thought about asking Clare what was wrong with her, but the awkwardness of what they''d just talked about was preventing Lila from speaking. They were a minute or so away when Clare spoke again.

    "Did he take care of you, at least?"

    "I feel like you know him well enough to know the answer to that."

    "Some guys turn into someone completely different when they''re having sex," Clare shrugged. "Something about it can make them entirely selfish."

    "He wasn''t selfish," Lila said lightly, pressing her lips together to prevent her from saying more.

    "Good, good."

    Clare remained silent until she parked the car at home. Lila touched the handle, ready to get out, when Clare pulled her arm.

    "After¡­ what happened with Mum, I think you should just go upstairs. You''re a bit¡­ obvious right now," Clare said gently.

    "What does that even mean?" Lila frowned.

    "Exactly what I said before. I''m sure you''ll be fine after you go to sleep, and I know we sorted out Mum''s worries before, but¡­ well, with her experience, she''ll be able to tell a mile away. I don''t think she''s ready for that realisation just yet."

    "Even though she thought it was happening before?"

    "It''s different when you clearly look like you had the time of your life, getting the daylights banged out of you."

    Lila spluttered, unable to deny Clare''s observation. She¡­ was exactly right, after all.

    "Like I said, you should be fine when you sleep it off. I mean, realistically, she would probably figure it out since it''s, what, Sunday night and you''ve been gone since Thursday. But, after hearing about what happened to Mum back in the Philippines, I guess I just want to protect her peace as much as I can. For your sake, too."

    "Okay."

    She heeded Clare''s advice, skipping straight past her parents, who were seated in the living room, and had almost ended up in her bedroom without encountering Daniel ¨C except, she didn''t quite make it.

    He opened up his bedroom door right as she placed her hand on her doorknob. He took one look at her and scowled.

    "Disgusting," he remarked, retreating back into his room and snapping the door shut. "Your love''s gross!" he added in a half-yell.

    She''d really need to work on whatever it was that made her so obvious.