"Wow, why does it look like it's a bad thing that I am your girlfriend? You should be thankful that you even got the chance to be my boyfriend, even if the relationship is fake!" I told him because, to be honest, it kind of offended me.
"Why? Is it because if we do not have this deal, a good-for-nothing like me won't stand a chance on having a girlfriend like you?"
My eyes widened at that, and I even slammed my hand on the table. "It's not what I mean! I'm the one who's supposed to be agitated here, you know! What do you mean by not telling everyone that we are a couple? Are you actually ashamed of me?"
He looked at me intently, then sighed deeply. "Can we press pause on this conversation? I'm not looking for a fight, Arya. I'm sorry for offending you," he said so gently that he even reached for my hand.
My breath hitched at the sight of our hands entwined together. "Okay, I am sorry too," I said back.
Blaise and I did not go home together since either of us did not want anybody to see us right now, especially since we just dealt with his ex and had our heated argument.
Not that I mind, though. I also don't want him to bring me home and have to explain to my brothers who he is and why I am with him. My thoughts are in a mess, and that's the last thing I want to happen right now.
After our heated argument, I just realized how we sounded like a real couple for a moment and that it started to feel awkward. I should've not reacted that way. I did not want our deal in the first place, right?
In fairness to him, he showed genuine concern about my safety. Last time we went out of the café, he was the one who hailed a cab for me. He even opened the door for me, and like a gentleman, he held my hand to make sure I wouldn't trip, as if I were a child that needed guidance. Not just that. He even threatened the poor driver that he wouldn't just stand idly by if something bad happened to me, although he was the one who paid for my fare after getting the cab's plate number and the operator's phone number.
I certainly know how to protect myself, but it still makes me happy when someone like him is protective of me. He really reminds me of my brothers.
"Where have you been? Where's Gail?" Rennan asked right away. I haven't even stepped inside the house. He's sweating all over, so I guess he just finished working out.
"We just separated; maybe they are on their way home as well. I hailed a cab going here while Trina and her went together," I answered.
He crossed his arms over his chest while waiting for my response. I suddenly feel guilty for not telling him right away. I said it first to GD and CL, when in fact, out of all the people here, he's supposed to be the first one to know since we are always together.
"Well, I'm sorry for not telling you. It's not that I intend to keep it from you; I'm just really waiting for the perfect time, I said lamely.
His lips curled into a smirk. "Am I different from you that you still need to look for an opportunity to tell it to me? If our brothers did not tell me about it, and if I did not see that picture Snow posted on social media, I would not even have an idea."
I narrowed my eyes at that. "Picture that Snow posted?"
"Yes. A picture of her and Maven with a caption that they're officially together. When Monday comes, I'll fucking break the neck of that son-of-a-bitch ex-boyfriend of yours, you'll see," Rennan said angrily. I hurriedly ran to him and hugged him.
"Come on, there's no need for you to do that. Anyway, it's better that way since I don't love Maven anymore, anyway."
He tsked. "Try harder, Arya. I know you're hurt. You're just being that independent girl you think you are. That's why you're saying that you are okay. Sometimes, you don't have to pretend that you're strong. It's okay not to be okay."
That silenced me and made me think about it. Am I just pretending that I am strong, or am I really strong? When Mom decided to take her own life, I was doomed. I have experienced such excruciating pain that I thought when someone leaves, it wouldn't hurt already. I have long accepted that people come and go; hence, letting Maven go is not that hard. One more thing: I am still young. College is just around the corner, and I am sure that I'll meet someone else who's much better than him. So, why would I let heartbreak wreck me? It's not as if I am already expecting him to be my endgame.
"No, it's really okay. It's better to just leave him and that Snow alone because I don't want to do anything with them anyway. They're cut from the same cloth, so they're a good match," I said sternly.
"Whatever you say, sis," Rennan just breathed into my hair. I just smiled at that.
***
My friends and even the whole team have been texting me that I should go to school right away. I don't have any idea what exactly is going on, but I figure that it has something to do with me. I just wish that it wasn't about the volleyball team. How I wish Rennan was here with me so he could talk some sense to me since I am so nervous, but coincidentally, he left with dad to the United States for a business trip, so he won't be around school for quite some time.
It won't be a problem since our school has an online portal where our teachers can upload the lessons and activities for him, so even if he's not around, he can still comply with the requirements. The one driving me right now to school is our family driver, and of course, unlike my twin, I can't just tell him to drive like Dominic Toretto because, for sure, he'll tell dad and my brothers about it. If that happens, I won't hear the end of their sermons; I might even be grounded forever.
After almost an hour, we have arrived on the school grounds. I did not wait for our driver to stop near the high school building anymore, as I opened the door already after saying my thanks and then made my way towards my destination. It's weird. Everyone is looking at me, and then they'll laugh.
I am sure that there is nothing wrong with my appearance, so just what the fuck is happening?!
"Arya!" I looked around to see who called me, then spotted Gail and Trina rushing towards me.
"What's happening?" I asked them.
"You won't believe this. Snow has been spreading around that Maven dumped you in front of her. She even said that you kneeled in front of him and you begged him not to leave you."