Chapter 21

         # Chapter 21: Do You Like Lyric Spencer?

    # Gavin's POV

    I watched as Lyric walked out of the bedroom, wearing the clothes I lent her. The purple shirt was a bit too big, but the shorts fit perfectly. She was braless, and I could see the outline of her silhouette through the shirt.

    Her hair was still damp from the shower, and her eyes sparkled with a newfound sense of confidence. I couldn't help but smile. Seeing her in my clothes invoked a certain emotion I could never understand.

    We had been getting along, and I enjoyed her company, but everything went downhill when Iris sent those texts.

    I chased after her, barefoot and shirtless, until she reached the bus station. I watched as she sat down, her eyes red from crying.

    As the bus drove away, I realized my mistake. I had hurt her, and now she was gone. A pang of regret washed over me, knowing I had lost her trust.

    I walked back home, feeling defeated. I had let my own selfish desires cloud my judgment.

    As I walked in the door, my phone buzzed with a text from Irisito. “What happened? Did she agree to tutor you?”

    I sighed, a mix of emotions swirling inside me. My hands shook as I typed, “No, she didn’t. And now she’s gone.”

    ###

    Taking the next bus, I headed to Iris's house. On the way, I couldn’t stop thinking about the look on Lyric’s face when she left.

    Iris met me at the gate and we went upstairs together. She wore a colorful sundress, her hair in a messy bun. It was the first time I’d seen Iris so simple.

    At first, I thought she had slept with her makeup on—she looked perfectly sophisticated, her hair never out of place.

    She led me to her room. It was the same as it had been last month, except the numerous pictures of her and Aaron were missing—only shadows remained.

    I noticed a picture of us by her bed, taken on my sixteenth birthday. I had smudged cake on my face, and she was looking at the camera with glassy eyes. It was the first time we smoked pot after stealing from her father.

    She trailed her eyes over the photo, looking nostalgic. “How fast time has passed, right? You’re no longer that cute little boy.”

    I forced a smile. I wasn’t interested in talking about anything that didn’t concern Lyric. I didn’t know what had happened, but she seemed to be the only thing I was focused on.

    Iris came next to me, pulling me by the waist, raising her arm at a strategic angle as she clicked a photo.

    I forced another smile for the second one. Iris examined the picture, a broad smile spreading across her face. “We no longer take pictures together,” she pouted.

    Out of frustration, I yelled, “How can I get Lyric back?!”

    It was the only thing I could think about. I couldn’t stand the idea of her staying mad at me.

    Iris looked at me with a mix of concern and amusement. “What did she say?” she asked, setting her phone down on the bed.

    “I don’t know,” I replied, shaking my head. “She was making weird movements with her hands.”

    Iris's eyes narrowed. “Signing?” she asked, her voice tinged with understanding.

    I nodded, smiling slightly. “Yes, signing. I think she hates me now, and it’s only because of your stupid texts.”

    Iris’s expression changed, a hint of defensiveness creeping in. “Gavin, I can’t believe you’re blaming me now. I was only teasing you; that’s just how we normally text.”

    “I know, but she doesn’t know that,” I said, frustration evident in my voice.

    Iris sighed. “Why is this bothering you so much? Just apologize to her and get it over with. She’s not the first girl who’s misunderstood you.”

    “Lyric is different,” I said, my voice firm. It was a bit difficult to explain. How that girl had taken control of my life in such a short span? 

Was it because I was sexually attracted to her? That explained those wet dreams, with a body like that anyman could lose control m 

It was not easy for me to see her in my clothes and pretend or even stop myself from jumping on her. It was the right moment to do that. 

Keeping that aside, Lyric was a good person. And I enjoyed her company. 

    “How so?” Iris asked, curiosity piqued, placing her two fingers underneath her chin. I stared at the hairpin Aaron had gifted her for her last birthday on the bed. I could not help but frown at it. She still had not gotten rid of his stuff from her bedroom like I advised her too. I did not like that.

I rubbed my hands together, one , two three. My thoughts jumbled.

    I hesitated, unsure of how to explain. “I don’t know, but I liked being around her. I don’t want her to stay mad at me. And she’s in danger; I need to find the person who sent her to that brothel.”

    Iris’s expression turned skeptical. “Did she not tell you?”

    I shook my head. “I saw that asking her made her uncomfortable, so I stopped and changed the subject to my tutoring. Now she hates me.”

    Iris leaned back, her eyes locked onto mine. “What are you going to do?”

    I threw my hands up in frustration. “I don’t know. I was thinking of asking the teacher to talk to her, but…”

    Iris’s eyes widened. “Are you crazy? That would make her furious. You should just apologize to her.”

    I slammed my hands on the table. “What should I do now? She lost her phone, so I can’t get to her. Even her best friend, Wren, doesn’t want to help me. I’m so confused now.”

    Irisito’s voice was laced with amusement. “Even I wouldn’t help you if the roles were reversed.”

    I looked at her, desperation clear in my voice. “Are you going to help me or not?”

    Iris’s expression turned thoughtful. “I’m sorry. I just find everything so… amusing. You let her into your house when I’ve known you since kindergarten, but you never invited me over. You cooked for her when we always order takeout. You let her sleep in your grandma’s room, which is a sore subject for you, and worst of all, you let her wear your clothes.”

    I felt defensive. “And?”

    I was only being good to her because she was in need. That night I rescued her… how was she now?

    Iris’s voice was incredulous. She laughed at my answer, pointing at me. “Your OCD doesn’t allow you to let me use your car because you’re afraid I’ll contaminate it. Why are you letting her into your life like a tornado?”

    “She needed help,” I replied, my voice firm.

    Iris’s eyes narrowed. “What happened to the couch? What happened to calling me to borrow her clothes?”

    I shook my head, trying to uncloud my thoughts. “I don’t know what you’re thinking about.”

    Iris’s eyes locked onto mine, searching for the truth. She placed her hand on mine, squeezing it. “Do you like Lyric Spencer?”

    I paused, reflecting on my feelings.

    Did I like her? I thought hard, trying to recall the moments we spent together. I wanted her physically—every man would want her with that body. But did I like her? I didn’t think so.

    I was not the type to get emotionally involved with any girl; that wasn't my style. Plus, she wasn’t my type of girl.

    “You find this question very easy to answer when it’s about Jenny. But you can’t answer for Lyric,” she pressed again. “Tell me, Gavin, do you have feelings for Lyric?”