Five

Ari

I landed with a splash in the pool, the cool water enveloping me. As I surfaced, sputtering, I looked up.

Dina stood at the edge of the pool right where I was with a smirk on her face. Right beside her was Roland, my bag in her hand.

“Oh Ari. I didn't know you were so desperate for a swim. You couldn't even change first?”

Fallory giggled along with Daria.

As I looked around, terror filled me. The place had turned silent with all the attention on me.

I felt a surge of humiliation wash over me, bringing back memories of their torment. I looked around, seeing all the people staring at me, and then my eyes landed on Zayn and Zachary, at the far end of the building. They were smirking at me, looking amused.

That was the last straw.

Tears stung my eyes, but I fought them back. I refused to cry. Clenching my jaw, I bravely left the pool, and walked towards them. Keeping my face neutral against their smirks, I grabbed my bag away.

“You should watch your words Fallory. And maybe your makeup as well.” I spat out, making her gasp in shock.

My gaze trailed to Dina, looking over them.

“At least I don’t need to worry about giving everyone a peep show with what I'm wearing, although knowing your reputation I'm sure you wouldn't mind that either.”

Dina’s eyes widened in horror but I couldn't care less.  With that, I stormed out of the pool area. I ignored everything else, not stopping until I reached the back of the building.

When I was sure I was completely alone I finally fell apart.

Sobs wracked my body until I couldn't hold myself up. Sliding down the wall, I curled onto myself as I cried.

Why? Why did I have to bear this humiliation from them? Did I have to deal with this for the entire summer?

“Hey…”

A voice came out of nowhere. Wiping my tears frantically, I turned to find a blonde man standing on the other side. I couldn't recognize him.

"Are you alright?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

I stared at him warily. I couldn't recognize him, but I refused to take my chances.

Yet as he moved forward I remained.

“I saw what happened back there. I'm so sorry. You didn't deserve any of that. I'm glad you put those two in their place.”

Shock ran through me as I looked at him. Nobody else had done that before

“Thanks,” I said hoarsely,

As he smiled, I found myself relaxing in his presence. Slowly he moved forward before sitting down beside me.

"You shouldn't be embarrassed about being seen in your underwear anyways,” he snorted "Swimsuits are way worse. I mean, have you seen the little things Fallory and Dina were wearing?"

I couldn't help but laugh at his teasing.

"I'm Ken. I'm new around here. Well technically new," he said, “I came to the pack only a few months ago with my dad. He's a former rogue.”

“Nice to meet you. I'm Ari,” I greeted.

We continued talking and joking and slowly the burden in my chest lightened. For the first time since arriving at the party, I felt like I could breathe.

“We can't stay here all day. Do you want to come out? You know, and show off?” He offered.

I wasn't afraid of them anymore and I would show it.

“Yeah,” I agreed, determination igniting within me.

Changing into my two piece swimsuit, I returned to the party with Ken by my side. As we walked back into the pool area, I felt the stares penetrating me.

I ignored them, focusing instead on talking to Ken.

As we chatted, my gaze found Zayn and Zachary staring at me. Dina and Fallory were gone and their eyes were focused on mine with an intensity I couldn't fathom. Why were they looking at me that way?

It didn't matter. I could care less about them.

Inhaling sharply, I turned away, focusing on enjoying Ken's company.

For the first time since returning to Silver Reed, I felt happy and refreshed. I was set on enjoying the rest of the party, no matter what.

As the night wore on, I found myself laughing and joking with Ken more and more. We shared stories, teased each other, and enjoyed each other's company. Soon enough, all thought of Zayn, Zachary and everything else was swept away.

Eventually however, as I checked my phone I realized it was getting late.

“I should probably get going,” I said reluctantly. He didn't look disgruntled nodded,

“I'll walk you home.” He said, leading me out

As we approached the mansion gates, I turned to him with a smile.

"Thanks for everything. I had a great time tonight.” I smiled, nervously.

I didn't know what to expect, but to my surprise, he took my hand and kissed it gently.

“Sweet dreams, Ari," he whispered, his breath sending shivers down my spine. Heat rose to my cheeks.

“Y- You too,” I stammered out.

With that he turned and walked away. I watched him go, my heart racing.

“Stop it,” I whispered to myself. No way in hell was I going to act like a hormonal teenager with a crush.

Taking a deep breath, I turned towards the mansion, only to be blocked by a wall. No, not a wall. Two people.

Looking up, my breath hitched.

Zayn and Zachary stood in front of me, faces twisted in scowls and eyes blazing with fury.

My heart skipped a beat. I was trapped.