Chapter 8: The photos
Crestwood College was bustling at the lovely picture of Kyle and Kaitlyn on their after-school joy ride. From the angle where the picture was taken, it was so ambiguous that it would hand one the key to a world of wild imagination. From that angle, Kaitlyn held on tightly to Kyle, obviously this gave room for the girls to attack the female protagonist of the picture.
Ava had just arrived at her locker when Daisy walked up to her, this time there was a guy by her side by name, Alex Klein. He gave Ava a quick intense glance before looking elsewhere. Daisy was too oblivious to notice.
"Have you seen the photos?"
"Photos sounds so archaic Daisy".
Daisy rolled her eyes ignoring the correction.
"Kaitlyn and Kyle. It won't be too soon before they become the college couple".
"Hey Daisy, could you just mind your own business? I don't care about it. Kyle is my bestie and that's that. It doesn't matter to me who he goes out with".
"Ouch! That hurts", a deep but playful male voice came from behind. The trio looked at him.
"Hey Kyle", Daisy was quick to say with a playful smile, trying to soothe the atmosphere.
"Hey Ava, that's a harsh thing to say to your bestie".
"We were just talking" Ava said. She slammed her locker shut and walked out on them.
"What did you say to her?", Kyle's protective instinct kicked in. He glared at the duo.
"We were just telling her about the photos".
"Damn those pictures", he said as he raked his fingers through his hair.
"But she said you guys weren't a thing, so it's fine".
"Hey, you're her friend too, can you be at least matured?"
"Hey, don't talk to Daisy like that", Alex warned shielding Daisy behind him.
Kyle just glared at them as if giving a warning before leaving. Leaving to find Ava.
The breeze at the rooftop was so cool but Ava's heart was a contrast to it. She didn't know what was wrong with her. She wasn't one to flare up. She looked at the friendship bracelet on her wrist her cute eyes forming mist. She loved him. But she had to hide it under the pretext of what this bracelet meant.
"You're here" someone said interrupting the moment.
Hurriedly, she batted her eyelids so that they could dry up from the tears. Bo one should see her like this. She turned around. It was Kaitlyn.
"I looked all over for you".
"Me?" Ava asked, a little surprised.
"Yeah. I had something to ask you. Your notes".
"Oh...ok then".
"Thanks" she said smiling.
"Not to worry. Uh, hope you're ok?"
"Yeah. This isn't the first time pictures of me are flying around".
Ava didn't say anything. They were about to leave the rooftop when someone else joined them.
"Ava",
She looked up, her heart skipping a beat at that voice that was only and would always be particular to him.
"Kyle.. uh, I'm sorry about what happened downstairs. So sorry for lashing out".
Kyle looked at Kaitlyn. "You're not needed here".
Kaitlyn shuddered within. "Ok".
"Ava, what's up? Are you ok?", he began asking as soon as Kaitlyn left.
"Yeah. I'm", she said with a giggle. "Why send her out?"
"Do I really have to spell it out to you?"
"No. She just wanted to borrow some notes".
He smirked. "Whatever. I just need you to be careful with her".
"She's good best. She's not as bad as you think ".
"I hope I'm wrong ".
"Let's go downstairs. Class will start soon".
With that, they left.