Living With The Player novel Chapter 3

I laid on the bed as thoughts of the fire crowded my mind. I turned and tossed all through unable to wash the guilt or get some sleep at least.

"I'm so sorry Dad," I whispered nearly shedding tears. I had none left to cry.

"Aside from the fire, there was another factor dancing around in my mind. Dylan Emerton. He might not remember, but I do. Vividly. That makes things extra complicated. I can't play with fire, that's both figuratively and literally. I would have to avoid him at all costs no matter what. If he gets a whiff of the truth, I'm comatose." I thought with a deep sigh.

I hope things don't change. I just want to continue my boring life as the unnoticed girl in school.

"You wish." My subconscious mocked and I knew it was right. My life had changed and it might never be the same. I can only salvage what's left and pray for the best.

~THE NEXT MORNING

The sun rays were my artificial alarm clock, the minute they hit my skin I found myself waking up slowly with a lengthy yawn, don't get me wrong, I love my sleep and I didn't get much of it last night.

I slept like a baby last night and now I was fully charged for the day.

Usually, I would get my clothes ready for the laundry but things aren't what they used to be.

I simply rushed out of bed, grabbed my dirty clothes and left them in the bathroom for later.

I heard a soft knock on the door, Dylan wouldn't knock, would he? Forget Dylan. It might be my mom or dad.

I walked towards it, unlocking it as I twisted the doorknob to reveal a smirking Dylan. I was wrong, he was being civil...? Knocking even. Did I wake up in an alternate universe?

His eyes raked over my body as I realised I was wearing just a T-Shirt.

"I left my clothes here but they look so much better on you, I doubt you need these." He raised a bag, I reached to grab it allowing my shirt to raise as Dylan stared at my bare laps, shamelessly might I add.

I yanked it off his hands, slamming the door on his face as I pressed my hand on my beating heart to calm it down.

"Being around him does me no good, I need to stay away," I muttered opening the nylon to pick out the clothes for the day.

After taking a shower, I got dressed in a floral gown and was on my way downstairs, everyone was at the dining table except my parents. Did they leave? Or maybe they were still resting after the long day yesterday. Mrs Emerton noticed how confused I was so she sighed.

"Your parents had an emergency, they had to leave the country but they'll be back soon."

She dropped with a reassuring smile at the end.

"They left without telling me?" I was a little hurt. Not little. Very hurt. Not even a note?

"I'm sorry dear, they left a bag and some money. They promised to call you later, but had to leave very quickly." Mr Emerton said I exhaled grabbing what I needed. This sucked. This sucked.

I left most of my books in my locker for which I was thankful.

"I'm not hungry, I'll eat something during lunch hour at school."

He added as I turned and placed my hands on his neck.

Meet Kyle. You might already be suspicious, but I'll confirm by saying he's my boyfriend. Two years and still going strong or whatever they say.

"I'm sorry about yesterday." He apologized and I sighed. He didn't need to bring that up, I'm trying to forget

"It's not your fault."

We were texting when the house caught on fire, you know the rest...

"Do you have anywhere to stay?" He asked tenderly. I gulped, meeting his intense gaze. What do I do? I can't spill Dylan's story, not because I'm scared, but Kyle wouldn't understand.

"Yeah we do, my dad friend's place." Well, that wasn't a total lie, more like a partial truth.

"But I am sorry, come on let's get to class." I slammed my locker in response as we held hands on our way to class. Glad he dropped that, one crisis averted, for now. Knowing Kyle, he'll want to know more shortly. Very near future.

"Camila..." Dylan called behind me. What the?

I swear his voice made me freeze, I stood on an edge, dead in my tracks, and unable to react. He's talking to me? Calling my name even?

We've attended the same school since junior high, he barely utters one word to me even though we have over three classes together, now he's yelling my name in the halls? Murder me now. It was his dumb idea not to get noticed, wasn't it? I mentally smack myself across the face before turning to meet Kyle. Of course, his brows were knitted in confusion, he had that "Explain now" look. I'm so doomed.