Thankfully I don't have to think about food anymore because Brandon enters Starbucks instead and I just follow him silently. Did he sense my panic when he said that we should go out and eat? He did say his mother is a psychologist maybe he got some of her observing talents? Or I'm just overanalyzing things but I really don't want to be an inconvenience to him or be the reason that he's having the most boring day in his life.
We sit down at an empty table and a girl comes over to take our order. So, what would a normal growing teenage boy order?
" I will take a grande chocolate chip cream frappuccino. And with blended cream of course." Brandon says and winks at the girl. The girl smiles and winks back and then she looks at me with an almost annoyed expression. He ordered what now?
I look down at the menu and see what Brandon ordered and I order almost the same thing. I have to take a large right?
"Uhh I'll take a large gingerbread cream Frappuccino blended créme," I say robot-like reading straight from the menu because what the hell is that? And why the long names?
"I think you have to re-phrase your order," The girl says while she's smiling forcefully and Brandon snorts. Wait for what? I don't get it. I start to blush and look up at Brandon that's covering his mouth attempting to hide a smile. He doesn't succeed. I look up at the girl that's waiting impatiently for my answer but I have no idea what to say. What's going on?
"You mean you'll take a Venti Gingerbread Cream Frappuccino...?" The girl asks pretending to be completely clueless.
"I-I guess...? I answer.
"Thank you for your order they'll be here shortly," She says like she's been rehearsing for an important exam but before she goes she flashes a smile at Brandon.
When she's finally gone Brandon burst out laughing and stays like that for a few minutes. I don't get it.
"Oh, Braze I've never laughed so hard at someone! You're completely adorable!" Brandon says between laughs and I blush harder at what he called me. But I still don't get it.
When Brandon finally stops laughing and sees my clueless expression he smiles.
"Venti means large Darling." He laughs again. "And Grande means Medium and Tall means Small. I swear to god I usually hate all those idiotic Starbucks puns but you should have seen yourself!"
"Oh" I answer and he laughs. His laugh is like music and I love music.
"You don't come here often do you?" He asks.
"N-not really no" I answer. Will he think that's weird?
"Didn't any of your exes drag you here?" He asks. It's a totally normal question. But I'm freaking out.
Oh no this guy is like a freaking dating machine and he'll definitely think I'm weird if I tell him. But seriously? What the hell, he already thinks I'm weird! I got a stupid panic attack just from a couple of violent scenes from a movie. There wasn't even blood! So to hell with it!
"Not really" I mumble and he raises an eyebrow.
"Really? Well, that's surprising. Where did they drag you instead?"
"Nowhere," I answer silently and Brandon lifts both of his eyebrows in surprise. But then he sees my expression and I silently die when he starts gaping surprised.
"Just to be clear here. You have dated before right? Or you know, done other things?" He asks.
I shake my head and I guess now is the time he'll laugh at me but he didn't. He just looks generally surprised as if he can't believe it.
"Oh my god, what? I don't believe it! Someone with your looks could easily get a date!" He exclaims and I can only sit there and blush with embarrassment.
They were quiet for a moment before I open my mouth.
"Y-you're weirded outright?" I ask with embarrassment and what a stupid question because of course, he is!
" No no I'm not weirded out just surprised! I just can't bring myself to imagine it, they all should line up for you.." Then he leans over and puts two of his fingers on my now red cheek."Because you're so handsome but yet so cute and... innocent."
Ha! I want to laugh out loud. Me? Innocent? If only he knew he would totally change his opinion about me. Someone like me could never be innocent. Not anymore at least.
It takes me a moment to realise that he just called me handsome and I look up at him and find him gazing into my eyes with his fingers still in the same place. I stare at him with the same intensity and I never thought I can get so easily lost in someone's eyes although I know this doesn't mean anything. Brandon only sees me as the awkward boy he found sitting on the restroom floor having a panic attack and deciding that maybe they could go out and grab something. Plus I can't start having feelings for him because I know they will never be returned because he is Brandon. I've heard enough from Sammy, Clare and Ash to know that I should treat Brandon like fire. You can come close but not too close and you absolutely don't give in to it because then you'll hurt yourself and I've had enough of that. So I break our trance by looking down clearing my throat and answer him.
"You know what I like about you? You're honest and say what's in your mind like the first time we met. I don't think I've ever heard someone get my name wrong or call me "His Majesty" straight to my face. That's what makes you so fun to be with. You're straight up when it comes to things."
" You know what I like about you? You're honest and say what's in your mind like the first time we met. I don't think I've ever heard someone get my name wrong or call me "His Majesty" straight to my face. That's what makes you so fun to be with. You're straight up when it comes to things."I smile at that because me blurting things out has always gotten me into trouble before with mostly my parents. And then I remember our first meeting. Our first horrible meeting and I can feel panic starting to build up and I open my mouth to explain myself but Brandon beats me to it and changes the subject:"Your siblings huh? Alex and Jace? I must say I enjoy Jace because come on, his style is not to compete with! Of course, that applies to everyone except for me I could easily win because I'm fabulous, but that Alex though? No thank
The girl probably going to go around all day or week expecting a phone call and will she get it? Maybe, maybe not. And if she doesn't get it maybe she'll get sad, disappointed or angry and all because she fancied the boy laughing in front of me that called her an angel.But still, I laugh and not because of what he did to the girl but because of the cheesy pickup line but still, I feel extremely guilty afterwards. He really is a total asshole but somehow. I really enjoy being with him and I don't think I've ever laughed this much in a really long time.Then Brandon starts to talk about his group of friends while we drink our frappuccinos and I briefly comment on how much I ship Alexander and Ash. Brandon entire face lits up and he starts to talk about how much he also loves them together and how much they love each other i
"Braze?" Brandon snaps me back to reality and I realise I've been silent for a long time. I'm about to answer all of his questions when he beats me to it like always. "Are you tired? I suppose we have been sitting here for long. Let's go" Brandon goes up and I start to collect my things.Then I look up and I see him talking to the male barista who is smiling at him with a blush clear on his face. Brandon turns around and discreetly winks at me to come. I head over there."...suppose you're tired," Brandon tells the barista. Oh, no same pickup line?! "But well you should be," Brandon says while smirking seductively. " Because you've been running through my mind all day." He says and winks again. The barista blushes harder and Brandon still smirking exits the store.God he really is a player and that pick up line sucked more than the other one. I smile at the barista who looks like he doesn't kn
I just stand there and take it to punch after punch recalling all the horrible things I've done and I'm almost glad that this is happening. I know it's weird but I'm almost relieved that I'm finally facing the consequences I deserve. I almost smile at that.Suddenly Aldertree stops and I look up slowly my body trembling and see Jia holding up her hand but Mel is still holding me firmly. She approaches me with a smirk and I flinch."First Alex and now Brandon, Braze? You can't seem to back off."Wait for what?! What does Brandon have to do with anything? Is it because of the smiles? But they're only greetings!"W-what-what?" I manage to say because I still can't breathe properly and I'm standing there panting for my life after the many hits to my stomach and my whole body is shaking and I would probably fall on the ground if it weren't for Mel strong arms. Then Aldertree grabs my collar and puts his face so
"Hey Braze, man have you seen my...OH MY GOD WHAT HAPPENED?!" Ash screams and I pull him in and lock the door before anyone comes."P-please be quiet please" I plead as I try to cover my body. I start to pull on my shirt but Ash stops me his eyes wide and swallows."Braze who did this to you? A-an-and when? An-and for how long? And where were we the whole time?" Ash asks faintly fighting his tears but I can no longer fight my own and I start to cry. Ash puts his shaking arm around me and hugs me."Braze listens, please answer the questions I need to know. Please"And I do it because I can't fight anymore. Because I'm pathetic." I-It's A-Aldertree a-an-and M-Mel. F-for a-about s-seven w-weeks
I feel the shaking arms around me let go and Mel rushes out of the room at the same time as I tumble on the ground struggling to breathe. Aldertree starts to stand but doesn't really succeed and Brandon uses the same voice he used on Mel that sends shivers down my entire body "Leave..and for your sake, I hope you know what will happen if you ever touch my Braze again."Aldertree nods desperately and starts to stand up while limping his way out of here however when he was about to go through the door Alexander stretches out one of his legs where Aldertree is just about to walk causing Aldertree to stumble and fall on the other side of the door that Alexander closes while showing his middle finger. Brandon rushes over to my trembling panting body and carefully lifts up my face."They didn't hurt your face huh? Smart. Are you okay Flower? Where does it hurt to tell me."
Brandon takes one step forward with a face that hides all possible emotions and it gives me goose bumps."Braze. Why were they beating you up? Don't bother lying those guys usually don't meddle with other people's business unless they have a reason to. So tell me and be honest."He says firmly and looks at me with a stone serious face. I start to panic because what am I supposed to say? I definitely can't say anything about Jia and her reasons because that's off limits. But I could tell him about Aldertree and Mel but how am I supposed to tell him that he is the reason. I bite my lip and stay quiet. Then Brandon nods."It's because of me isn't it?" he states and I start to protest but he holds up a hand silencing me. He walks over to me."Lift up your shirt"I blush because A) my body is covered in bruises and I don't want him to see that because then he'll feel guilty B) I don't want him seeing my disgusting bruises C) THE Brandon is gonna see me shirtless and I've been around enough t
After taking to Brandon and basically not telling him anything to him,I follow him silently through the empty hallways to the school nurse. But if the school nurse sees me won't she know?Brandon didn't pressurised me to say anything if I don't want to which is kind of good thing but school nurse going to know everything after she look my injuries.And what if my family know about this, I bring another shame for them, ok Braze you have to tell Brandon not to open his mouth. Or maybe it is ok if we don't go their,yea I think it's a best idea.I'm just about to tell Brandon to not open the door to her office but it's too late and he enters. I gulp and follow after him angrily. After all she can't force me to take off my sweater right?Yea, I will make sure she will not see my nacked body.Yea and if she didn't listen to me I will punch and then run away.Ok,ok Br
When we walk out of the school, we're met by two detectives who eye us up and down."What were you doing here? I think it's past school hours don't you think?" He asks. I give Brandon a panicked look and he's about to answer the detective when a familiar voice does it instead:"Because I gave them permission to do so"We turn around and see Hodge approaching us.The detective huffs. "You were the one that called us right? How come you gave them permission to enter the school alone and how did you know that Jia was going to be there?"Hodge clears his throat. "Well you see, they suspected that our school receptionist suicide was not really a suicide and eventually they found what they believe is the stolen video. I could not contact the police because up until now these were just speculations. When they found the footage, they called me and said that they might have evidence and I told them
We're on our way to drop off Nia and Elven when Ash stops the car two blocks away from Elven house."Thanks for coming Elven." Ash says. At least thirty seconds pass with pure silence before Ash turns around and looks at Elven. "Why are you still here?"Elven is utterly confused and Nia speaks up, " Elven, I think he wants you to get out of the car. You've annoyed him today so he stopped the car a few blocks away from your house because he wants revenge." Nia explains and you can see the realisation dawning on Elven."So wait...you're mad at me?!!" Elven asks like he can't believe it.Ash glares at him. Elvem and Alexander turns to Elven and say at the same time: "Get out."Elven puts his hands up in defence. "Fine whatever. Nia come on."Nia looks up at him and raises her eyebrows.Elven gapes. "Nia! What the hell you're my g
We stop by Elven house where we pick up both him and NiaElven opens the passenger seat door and scowls at Alexander. "Get outta here the passenger seat is reserved for the one and only me!"Alexander has been irritated the entire ride and I try to tell Elven with my eyes that now is not the right time. Alexander glares at him and slaps Elven hand away from the door. "Fuck off." He dismisses and slams the door in his face.Elven is about to fight for his rightful seat when Nia grabs his arm, noticing Alexander mood. "Stop complaining before I'll make you sit in the trunk."Elven rolls his eyes and we squeeze ourselves together in the back seats but we're four people so we're not able to sit comfortably. I hear Brandon sigh before he lifts me up and places me on his lap. "You sit here so we can fit."I roll my eyes embarrassingly but when he puts his arms around me I put my head against his shoulder
Our kiss loses control and after a few seconds Brandon is shirtless and we find ourselves having a make out session in the water. Brandon kisses me hard and I whimper crashing my head into the sand and it's only the feeling of water sorrounding my head and coming into my nose that breaks our trance. I push Brandon away and start coughing violently.Brandon laughs a little and start dunking my back. I stop coughing and instead try to breathe properly but I can't help but let out a little after cough.I smile guiltily. "Sorry for ruining the mood.."Brandon kisses me again. "Darling. I literally pushed you into the water while we were making out, you could've drowned. No need to apologise. In fact, I'm sorry"I grin. "It's okay." I look around still shivering at the water around me. "So um..you still wanna be in here?""I don't know, do you still want to sit in the water? Because I must admi
I shake my head. These people! But wait a minute..I open the door and interrupt their make out."Clare when the hell did you get discharged?!" Clare jumps making Jace and her break apart. Both of their eyes widen and their cheeks start forming a red shape."Panda! Wh-When did you get home?!" Clare asks while she looks down at her clothes making sure that they're sitting right."Just now. When did you get out of the hospital?""Just now. I was supposed to be released tomorrow morning but I insisted. Then Jace called me and you know we're dating so..."I raise my brow. "And you didn't think that it was necessary to text me and Ash?"Clare eyes drop down and Jace turns to me. "Give her a break Braze! She just came out of the hospital of course she's going to visit her boyfriend first!"I sigh. Sure you can visit your boyfriend but at least t
Brandon mother eyes me from top to toe. "Good choice Brandon, he looks adorable. Are you sure you deserve him?""Oh mum, stop, you're embarrassing him!" Brandon says and gives me a wide grin.I glare at him. "Brandon release me." I hiss but Brandon shakes his head."Brandon I have to greet your mum properly!" I hiss again and struggle in his arms because I'm legit starting to panic.I hear Brandon mum chuckle and I see here approaching. She ruffles my hair playfully and I give her a small smile. "No need. I like you a lot not like that other boy."When she mentions 'that other boy' her face twists in anger for a second before returning to be the nice mum. "I told Brandon not to choose him. But I really like you,little rose"'Well I guess it's a family thing to call me little rose..'I think to myself.Then she glares at Brandon. "I'll punch you
Alexander crosses his arms and curses . "You two are reckless, thoughtless, idiotic-..!""But smart." Brandon interrupts and gives us a proud smile. "Way to go team AshBree, now we can take down this psycho."Alexander looks at Brandon with warning. Ash entire face lights up."AshBree?! Did you hear that Alexander? Omg we have a ship name Bree!" He says like he can't believe it and then jumps at me, squishing me with his body.I whimper when he squeezes too much, my body still being a bit sore."That's enough idiota" Who would've thought that Alexander would be my savior.Ash releases me and apologises."AshBree. BreeAsh. Sounds so good, nice one Brandon! AshBree!""Goodness grief, this boyfriend of mine.." Alexander mumbles. "Idiota focus on what's important!"Ash snaps out of it and turns serious. "Oh yeah, right!"
Ash quickly crawls out and I'm right behind him, trembling because this is it. This is how Braze future ends. Under a fucking desk, caught by non other than freaking Hodge."Well..we just you know..got lost? I needed to use a computer so I could..email my mum! Because ..uh..I don't have a phone! And well I heard there are some really awesome computers down here so we went here!" Ash lamely explains and I want to facepalm myself. Really? Fucking really? That's the explanation that's going to save our future? I'm fucked.Hodge raises our brow. "Really? Then explain why you were under the desk?"Ash looks at me pleadingly and I bite my lip."Because..um.. Ash doesn't know his mum's email so he wrote it done on a piece of paper that he dropped on the ground and he couldn't find it. It's very dark in here so I went down with him on the floor to look and turned on the flash on my phone." I lie and put on a smile. Ha.Haha. Great, thi
"We've been here for an hour Ash what the hell are you doing? We should get out. Now. We haven't found anything!" I plead anxiously. I keep on glancing at the door, my nerves on edge.Ash is currently sitting in front of some computers checking surveillance or something and by the looks of it he hasn't found anything."I'm not leaving until I can prove that I'm right Braze" he says, still concentrated on the several screens in front of him.I sigh frustrated. "Ash enough. You're gonna get us in trouble and your theory is absurd. Thank you, I mean it, but we can't go blaming everything on Jia as soon as something bad happens because we want to bring her down."Ash gives out a frustrated sound and start to scratch his hair. " i don't get it! Why can't I find anything?!"I sigh. " What are you even looking for?""Since the clip where the actual murder