Chapter 3 The Bet

• Ava
• After leaving the cafeteria, I walk away with my emotions in turmoil.
• “Why’s he coming after me?
• Esmery hurries after mefinally catching up outside the school building.
• "Ava!" Esmery calls, frustration evident in her voice. "Will you stop for a second?"
• I finally stop but I don't turn around to look at her
• "What?" I ask coldly.
• Esmery folds her arms, disappointment written across her face.
• "What was that back there? Brandon was only trying to be nice to you."
• I let out a bitter laugh.
• "Nice?"
• "Yes!" she replies. "He wasn't bullying you or insulting you. He simply wanted to have a conversation."
• "I don't owe him one."
• "You don't," Esmery says, her brows knitting together, "but you didn't have to embarrass him either."
• The words sting. For a moment, I say nothing.
• Esmery sighs before shaking her head.
• "You know what? I think you actually like the attention you’re getting from him.”
• My eyes snap toward her.
• "What?" I ask, confusion creasing my eyes.”
• "Why else would you act so cold and rude? Brandon is one of the nicest guys in this school even tho he’s wealthy and popular, yet you're treating him like he committed a crime. It honestly feels like you're trying to make him chase you."
• I feel something snap inside me.
• "What the fuck are you talking about Esmery? is that what you think I am?” I asked anger eating me up.
• "What else am I supposed to think?"
• I take a shaky breath.
• "I stay away from him because he looks like he’s bad news." I said my voice shaking with anger.
• “But he’s not “ she said, her voice raising.
• What’s her problem anyways?
• “I don’t care about whatever you think he is.” I won’t change my opinion about him just because you said so. I didn’t come here to make friends with anyone here, I’m here because I was opportune stop attend the most prestigious school in the country and I won’t let anyone distract me from it. My eyes become glassy.
• "So forgive me if I don't believe that your handsome, popular hockey captain suddenly wants to be friends with the poor scholarship girl." I said all in a rush, my voice raising.
• Neither of us speaks afterwards then I wipe at the corner of my eye before walking away.
• Esmery watches me leave, anger evident in her eyes.
• Throughout every lecture, I didn’t focus. The professor's voice becomes distant. Instead, I replay the cafeteria scene over and over. Maybe I had overreacted. Brandon hadn't mocked me. He hadn't insulted me even tho I embarrassed him in front of hundreds of student yesterday. He had only tried to be friendly. Maybe... Just maybe... I had judged him because of stubborn mistakes.
• When classes finally end, I decide I owe two people an apology. First, Esmery. Then Brandon. Maybe i should just swallow my pride and apologize to him for being rude when he’s just trying to be friendly
• I brought out my phone and send Esmery a text.
• Ava: I'm sorry about earlier. Can we talk?
• No reply.
• I waited but still no response.
• Sighing, I pack my books. “I'll just find her."
• I head toward the sports building, knowing Esmery usually spends time with the cheerleaders after classes. As I walk past one of their meeting rooms, I notice the door isn't fully closed. Voices drift into the hallway. I instinctively glance inside.
• My eyes widen at the people I saw talking.
• Brandon, three of his friends
• And... Esmery.
• I smile faintly. Right... She's one of the cheerleaders and she have every reason to be with them.
• I turn to leave but then I heard my own name. “Ava."
• My footsteps stop and my heartbeat quickens. Without thinking, I quietly step closer to the slightly opened door.
• "I honestly don't know why she hates me," Brandon says, rubbing the back of his neck. "I've barely spoken to her or did anything bad."
• I frown. Why are they talking about me?
• "She’s stubborn and cute ," Tyler said with a laugh.
• "She's definitely playing hard to get," Esmery says confidently.
• I freeze.
• "I've known girls like her," Esmery continues. "Ignore the popular guy long enough and he'll come chasing."
• Ryan chuckles.
• "I don't know, man. But i think she genuinely isn't interested."
• "Exactly," Kendrick adds with a grin. "Looks like you've finally met a girl who doesn't care you're Brandon Kingston."
• The room erupts with laughter.
• Brandon shakes his head, an amused smile tugging at his lips.
• "No." He leans back in his chair.
• "I can make her fall for me."
• The laughter stops.
• Tyler raises an eyebrow. “Oh really?"
• Brandon smirks.
• "Yes."
• Ryan whistles. "You're serious?"
• Brandon shrugs. "Completely serious."
• "How?" Esmery asked her eyes twinkling with answers.
• Brandon nods once.
• "Yes, just give me one month. I'll make Ava fall for me,sleep with her and come here with evidence”
• How did you know she will allow you to sleep with her.” Esmery asked jealousy showing in her voice.
• "She will.” Brandon says as his smile deepen.”
• I feel the blood drain from my face. My fingers tighten painfully around my backpack. Every apology I'd planned... Every guilty thought I'd had was all gone.
• The room fills with cheers and laughter. Only I hear the sound of my own heart breaking.
• I ran away from the scene, I don't know how far but I only stop when their voices disappear behind me.
• My chest rises and falls rapidly as I struggle to breathe. Tears burn my eyes.
• I laughed, a painful one. So that's all I am?" A game they think they can play?”
• I wipe away the tears before they have the chance to fall. Then... A slow smile spreads across my face. Not a happy one but one filled with determination.
• "Brandon Kingston..."
• "You think I’m the pawn in your game?? I laughed again bitterly but you just become a pawn in your own game.” I’ll make y’all regret ever crossing with me.
• I strapped my backpack tightly and walk toward the school gate without looking back.