Chapter 1
Today, in school, Atlas invited me to go to a party that his friend I don't even know was throwing. He knows I hate going out in the winter, yet he still insisted on inviting me. I actually hate winter at all. Well, I realized that living in Boston really doesn't make any sense to me. One more reason to move out of here after I graduate, besides staying away from my dad as much as possible.
I just wanted to lie down and read my book, wrapped in my warm blanket and away from strangers, so of course at first I refused, but he insisted so much that I ended up giving in. Atlas is my best friend and friends like to see each other happy, so I will go to please him.
Just when we arrived at the party, a reflector of light almost blinded me and left me in a daze. Despite the fact that the house was quite large, there were so many people that it was barely possible to move around inside. The atmosphere was stuffy and there were more people than I expected. What am I doing here?
Atlas immediately went to talk with other friends, and left me alone. Great, I'm extremely bored right now, and uncomfortable with the place, which is full of people and plays unnecessarily loud music. I just wanna leave. But I'm sure we won't be leaving here anytime soon.
I spot a giant drinks table and I'm curious to try it. I go there and help myself. Unfortunately, they only have alcoholic beverages, and since I don't want to get drunk, I fill the glass with ice and wait for it to melt until it turns into water.
I'm going back to look for Atlas, walking hurriedly and accidentally pushing every person passing by me, when a guy who was holding a glass of beer spills the entire drink on me.
Oh, shit!
What the hell were you doing? I'm soaking wet right now and smelling like beer. Wait! Aren't you too young to drink?
Are you my mother now? I don't even know you. You who need to watch where you walk.
We started arguing louder and louder. The party stopped and everybody was watching us. Finally, Atlas appears in the crowd and interrupts the discussion.
Oh, that was just what I needed. Hey, you idiot, get away from my friend!
Hold up, fog- the guy said laughing.
Atlas, let's go, it was a bad idea to come to this party. - I said, almost crying.
I pulled Atlas by the arm, and the two of us disappeared into the crowd towards the door. I could hear a lot of laughter, it seemed that everyone was having fun with the scene that just happened, but that was interrupted by my great desperation to leave.
Chapter 2
I'm walking with Atlas through the crowded school hall. Principal Montgomery, for a change, is scolding girls who come to school in miniskirts. I really admire their effort to impress the boys, today it's unbearably cold. I'm wearing a wool jacket that my grandmother brought me from. Unfortunately I hate this jacket, it has little hairs that itch and give me allergies. Sorry, grandma. Atlas is talking about a kitten that he found almost frozen on the cold winter sidewalk, so he took him home to take care of him, but, unfortunately, his mother hates cats, and won't allow that. Atlas is very sad.
I really don't know how to comfort a person, so I'm trying to get him to forget about it for a while. I start talking about my dear father- I'm being ironic.
Atlas, you are not the only one in a bad situation. My father don´t let me go on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Actually, he thinks it is bullshit and said that if I really wanna go, I'll have to pay for everything myself! Ticket, my flight to California, which is on the other side of the country, hotel stay, EVERYTHING. And you know I love her, so, I'll have to find a way to make money.- I whimpered.
Dude, your father is the mayor. Are you sure you need money?
I already told you. He sucks.
If I had I would lend it to you. But bitch, it's a lot of money!- said Atlas, really willing to help me.
No, you don't have to, I'll find a way.
Why don't you teach mentoring classes? There are a lot of dumb people in this city, you know?
I'm not sure I'm qualified to teach someone. Who would want to be taught by a teenager?
Lily, are you kidding me? You're just the most intelligent person I've ever met. Of course you're able. - said Atlas rolling his eyes.
I hate you because you always manage to convince me!
He laughs and we part ways. I enter the essay room and he enters the chemistry room, I blow a kiss from afar and he waves goodbye.
Chapter 3
"Okay, I guess it will work"
I'm trying to fix a flier to the pole with tape.
I followed Atlas's advice and placed flyers in various neighborhoods around the area. I'm completely exhausted! I need a break.
I sat on a bench next to a pharmacy. The shade from the building covering the bench helped to ease the summer heat. The breeze is calm and there´s funny children playing across the street.
Someone comes out alone from the pharmacy, and seems to be very irritated by the way he walks. The guy is wearing a dark blue sweatshirt, which really sets off his blond hair. But he looks kind of dirty, like he's been dropped in the dirt. He has his back to me but I can still recognize him.
Holy crap! It's that idiot from the party.
He drops something. I don't want to pick it up and hand it to him. It would be very embarrassing, but my mother always tells me to be helpful, no matter who it is.
I get up and grab something that looks like bandages. He turns to me and I can see his completely bruised face.
Oh, the bear girl!- He said in a surprised tone.
Wait, "bear girl"? Are you kidding me? I have a name, you asswhole, it´s Lily. Gosh! How can you be such an idiot? I'm doing you a favor.
Sorry, but you will always be the bear girl for me- Said laughing.
Anyway.- I said rolling my eyes- What happened to your face?
This?- He said pointing to his face- Take it easy! I was just talking to some kids over there.
Why don't I believe in you?
Cause you´re weird. Oh, by the way, what are you doing over here? You shouldn't be holed up at home, away from crowds?
I'm advertising my newest business, okay?- I said in a sarcastic tone- Well, I need money, so I'm selling tuition classes- for some reason I was too embarrassed to tell him that.
Oh, you´re really a loser- He was laughing at me- But, you know what? Today is your lucky day! If I don't improve my grades they won't let me stay on the football team, so…- He said pointing at me in an enthusiastic, but at the same time, provocative way.
No! No. Definitely not.
Come on! You need money, I need classes. It's perfect! Unless you want to spend all afternoon passing out these cheesy flyers.
I hate the way he blackmailed me to get what he wanted, but unfortunately I had to give in, I'm desperate.
Shit! Okay, but you must take this seriously. My Instagram account is in the "cheesy flyers"- I'm sarcastic too- Text me so we can schedule the day of the class. Oh, and just so you know, I don't want you in my house, so it will be at yours- I gave him a flier and left.
I didn't look back, but I think he was taken aback by the way I spoke to him. I didn't hear any footsteps and he didn't say anything either.
I can't deny that I get nervous talking to him, his presence alone intimidates me a little, but I'll handle it. After all, they're just classes.
Chapter 4
It's 9pm. and he still hasn't contacted me. Gosh, that was a waste of time. I bet he's laughing at my face right now. I'm lying on my bed, and finally had time to read my book. The rainy weather is perfect for relaxing; I love the unique noise of rain drops.
My cell phone is on my side and I check it every minute to see if there's a message from a guy that I don't even know the name of and who, incredible as it seems, will come to his house to help him stay on the football team. Congratulations, Lily. You really just got into hot water.
Atlas is calling me right now, he never called me during the night, something must have happened. I answer the call, it's on video. He is crying.
Lily, I don't know what I do- He said sobbing- My mom found my kitten and threw him away. SHE THREW HIM AWAY- He screamed desperately- Like trash!
Oh my God, Atlas. Your mother is crazy.
Yeah, I know!
When Atlas is angry, he says so many things at the same time that I can't process all of it. In addition, his tearful tone makes my understanding even more difficult.
My phone vibrates. It's a message. I automatically went from annoyed to anxious. I open Instagram while Atlas is talking. The profile of a blond guy named Ryle Kincaid started following me and sent me a message. "Ryle" I repeat this name in my head.
I instinctively turn off the call without saying anything to Atlas and open the message.
Yo! I found you. When can we start?
Oh you´re really interested. Nice! Can it be on friday?
I'm going out with my friends on Friday. Better on Saturday morning, cause I'm going out in the evening. But not too early.
Look, if you really want to continue on the team, you need to create responsibility ASAP. You know, give up some things like this. It´ll be on friday, in your house, period. BTW, on Saturdays the Ellen DeGeneres program is on TV, and I can't lose.
Fiiine. You're right. You can come after school.
Great! See ya.
Wait, wait. What the hell is Ellen DeGeneres?
He's really a fool.
Well, you wouldn't understand, honestly. Byeee!
Now that I'm offline, I realize the shit I did. I hung up on Atlas. Unfortunately I really want to continue my reading. Tomorrow I will apologize to him.
I throw myself on the bed, and reflect on what just happened. The way I acted when Ryle sent me the message and as from one hour to another he became more understanding. His name echoes in my mind, perhaps because of the surprise of having discovered it today. I totally forget about the book and fall asleep.
Chapter 5
Today at school the day went very slowly. It seems that when you're looking forward to something, it takes even longer to arrive. I apologized to Atlas but he is acting weird with me. He didn't want to talk about yesterday and ignored me. I don't know what I did wrong, I was just busy taking care of business, doesn't he know how important this is to me?
Luckily I'm already at home getting ready to go to Ryle's house. Despite the cold, today it's sunny so I'm not going to be so bundled up.
…
He sent me the location of his house this morning. As soon as I arrived with my mom I checked three times if it was really that house. Despite having a dark, almost black color, the house is full of lights, from the garage to the windows, which are so big that you can see the chandeliers hanging inside. It is so big and luxurious, I can't believe I'm going to start going there.
While my mom is parking the car, I call Ryle.
Yeah?- He answered.
Hey, I'm here in front.
Oh, I'll ask Georgia to receive you.
Georgia?
He turns off.
I get out of the car and say goodbye to my mom.
The door opens and a woman in her forties, wearing a white uniform, invites me in. Definitely SHE IS Georgia. I greet her and spot Ryle standing on the stairs watching me. He makes a sign calling me to go there.
Why didn't you tell me you live in a mansion?
It's not a mansion. It 's just tidy. He laughs.
From the top of the stairs I can contemplate all the decoration and structure of the place. His parents seem to be really whimsical, but I think they are not here.
At the end of the stairs we reach a kind of corridor where the main rooms are located, he opens one of the doors and we finally enter his room. Like the whole house, his room also has dark tones and is really big. The decoration is simple, however not a simple bland, it is a simple sophisticated.
I leave my bag on the side of his bed and we sit at a table by the window.
So what subject do you want to start with?- I asked
Huum… History, maybe. I hate this one.
Well, I guess we should start with the ones you have an affinity for, otherwise you'll get bored quickly. What subjects do you like more?
Do you really think I have preferences about school subjects? I don't like any of them.
I stared at him seriously.
Fiiine- He huffed- I like Biology.
We studied the whole afternoon, until night. Over time, I realized that he gets it easily, he just needed a little push.
When we finished, I tried calling my mom to pick me up here, but she wasn't answering.
Gosh! My mom is not answering me- I sniveled.
I can drop you off if you want. My parents are traveling, so I can use the car.
No, don't mind it. I can take a taxi.
Lily, it 's late. I'll drop you- He said, I guess, in a worried tone.
All right
We are entering the garage, it is absurdly large. In addition to three cars, they also have a jetski that doesn't seem to be used much. He goes towards the car I liked the most, it seems he read my mind. I don't know much about cars but I know it's a BMW just because it's written. It's a glossy black, I can't resist and run my hand gently over the side.
It's gorgeous isn't it? My father never let me drive this one, but they aren't here right now, so I don't care. Come in.
…
I´m in the car with Ryle. The road is dark and covered by a dense fog. By the way he drives it seems to be something usual, that he always does.
He seems serious, maybe tense. I don´t understand why, it's just me here. I´m tired and sleepy, I just wanna take a shower and go to bed, but obviously I need to get there first.
The car seat is so soft and cozy… My eyes are closing… Why are they closing?... I rest my head on the backrest and automatically fall asleep.
…
I wake up with the rays of sunlight reflected in the snow that cross my window. I had never slept so soundly since elementary school. I'm still stunned, but I hear a female voice.
Lillllyyyyy! Hurry up, you'll be late- My mom screams and then comes into my room- Sorry I didn't answer your call yesterday, I was busy with some things- I look at her face and see a mark barely covered with makeup. Now I know exactly what she was busy with. They fought!
Mom, are you okay?- I ask as I get up and go to the bathroom, I need to get ready as soon as possible.
Sure, honey- she says in a discouraged tone- Oh, by the way, the guy who brought you yesterday was very polite, he carried you from the car to your room. Your father was a little stressed at the office so he couldn't help him. Are you giving him lessons?
I totally ignored other evidence that they argued and also her question. I'm putting on my pants and I'm paralyzed. Ryle carried me into my house?! I don't remember anything about last night, I just got in the car and… OH MY GOD… I slept on the way home. Lily, you're so stupid. I hate myself!
My phone vibrates. It's Ryle's message.
You're going to have to pay me for a new leather seat, huh. I don't know if your drool stain will come off lol.
I aggressively put my phone in my backpack and cover my face with my hands, ashamed of myself.