---9---

AUSTIN:

"Why the hell Andy?!" I shouted at her just as she entered the kitchen. It had been a long night for me thinking about Andy and Raven doing....

"Are you outa your freakin' mind?!" she replied me just the way Raven talks, irritating the shit out of me.

"So you didn't do it?"

"Did I say that?" she smirked, teasing me. She walked over to the counter. "So where's my breakfast? Didn't you make it?"

What? Am I supposed to cook for her?! "Feed yourself!" I was really frustrated now. Either she did it or she didn't!

"I fed myself.... But that was last night... and Raven was so tasty!" she licked her lower lip, pouting probably thinking about Raven.

"Wait! So you really.... had sex with him?!" I couldn't control but to show my disgust at the thought of them in bed 'cause my Andy with animal Raven was a pretty bad idea!

"Are you gonna throw up here now?" she still had the teasing accent.

"Andy! How could you?! I mean with none other than Raven."

"He was the only one you sent for me... oh wait... was someone else waiting too?" she had the naughtiness in her eyes.

"Stop it Andy! You're-"

"No you stop Austin! Did you forget you were the one planning to have me raped by Raven!? But I'm glad one of your friends has a brain! Unlike you!!" she literally shouted at me and I didn't notice when I leaned back realizing that she had moved real close to me now glaring at me.

"FYI we didn't had anything last night! 'Cause in case you've forgotten... I'm not a player Austin... You Are A Big Player!!"

"Relax Andy... you're just over reacting..." I slipped to my side, really feeling that Andy might hit me.

"I'm over reacting?" she was taken aback by this. "Breaking News for you, the great Austin Blake is not just an ultimate loser and a player but he's also sick to the pit of his empty stomach to make his dumb headed friend rape his to-be-fiancée!!" she shouted right at my face and you won't believe it, I was scared of her that time. But the next second I realized she for the first time said herself my fiancée....

"C'mon Andy, at least nothing happened. That's the best part."

"Do you really wanna know what the best part was? The mint taste of Raven's tongue in my mouth!" her voice became shaky.

Oh great Austin! You made her cry... you're seriously a jerk man!

"Look Andy..." I whispered. "I'm really sorry abo-"

"Save it Austin." She turned around probably hiding her tears. I really shouldn't have done that.

I stepped in front of her, putting my hands over her shoulder. She looked at me with her watery eyes. "It won't happen ever again..."

I don't know what happened but I felt myself leaning towards her and in an instant I was kissing her. I softly sucked on her lip, gripping tight on her. She didn't responded the way I wanted her so I pulled her closer, licking my tongue on her lip so she's part them. Fortunately she did so and I moaned.

But the second I started loving it, her hand - which I didn't know was formed in a fist, until it landed hard on my stomach. I literally threw myself back, choking up bad.

Even though I have an athletic body and it shouldn't hurt me that bad but it came unexpected. "I deserved it." I said totally choking up. She smirked.

"I hope I didn't interrupt anything." I looked towards the kitchen entrance and found my mom standing.

"Mom? You're back!" I don't know what to express.

"Austin! Are you alright?" she asked looking at me. I felt Andy tensed. I hope mom didn't saw Andy doing that.

"Yeah I'm good." I straightened up, gritting my teeth. "You came early? 'S everythin' alright?"

"Yes. The trip was cut short because we had a lot to do for your engagement party." She smiled. Andy blushed hearing that.

"How are you Andy?" she smiled, walking to her.

"Great." They both hugged each other.

"I missed you Andy.." now mom was starting up a good-mother-in-law-drama.

"Missed you too Doris." Andy smiled. She was good at making up too!

"We gotta go. I don't wanna be late." I spoke hoping they'd cut off being good.

"You better go. I'll see you after school." Mom kissed Andy's forehead. Hey mom! Here. I'm your son! Did you forget?!

No Austin! You're not jealous about this now!

Hell no!

ANDY:

I had no idea why Austin overreacted about last night? I think he should have known I'm not just gonna sleep with anyone. And never ever with Austin's dumb headed friends!

We had to drive together now since his parents were here and they shouldn't know that we're not really serious about each other. I don't know how people just end up in arranged marriages?

Well for me and Austin. It really wasn't working.

"I hope you're not mad at me now." Austin broke the silence.

"Not at all." I said sarcastically.

"C'mon Andy! It's not like I liked doing that. I was just a little carried away when I saw you with Lee yesterday. And I really was a jerk to do that."

"I hope you know what you are..."

"Not a hint of what you think." He smirked.

"A jealous dinosaur!"

Austin laughed out loud making me laugh with him. I really felt light 'cause it's been ages since I laughed this hard. I laughed for god knows how long - and totally like mad - not noticing that Austin was looking at me.

I stopped, hiding my face from him because I was blushing. "What are you looking at?" I mumbled feeling stupid.

"You." she said softly. So this was getting a little awkward.

"Huh?"

"Uh... nothing." He looked at the road. "So I was thinking.. Um... about the engagement invitations. Any particular person you would or wouldn't want to invite?"

Actually Austin I don't wanna invite anyone. Can't it be just you, me and our parents having a lovely dinner? I thought of saying that but just couldn't say it.

The thing was Austin's family had legendary traditions and their functions were celebrated like mini carnivals. So there was no point in not inviting anybody!

"Andy?" he startled me.

"Uh... I don't know. I don't feel good about inviting any of the school friends 'cause since we won't ever get married, there aint no point in letting them know about it too and I don't want Lana and her bitch friends to call me a slut who'd stolen Austin away from them killing there only chance of being with you!" I know I was babbling.

Austin just stared at me blankly. Probably gulping in about what I said. Thanks god we weren't at the road anymore or else we'd be caught up in an accident!

"I'm gonna have to think about that." He finally said.

"Thanks. I just want it to be a little secret." I smiled to him, picking up my bag to get out.

"Andy wait!" Austin grabbed my forearm pulling me towards him. Before I could ask what he was doing his mouth landed on mine. It wasn't soft like earlier today. His lips moved up and down making there way in.

I pulled myself back. "What the hell was that?"

"A kiss..." great he was back to being a loser!

"What part of secret didn't you understand Austin?!"

He looked away scanning the area if somebody saw us. "Nobody saw it. Just Seth and Collie."

I looked in their direction finding them both grinning at us. "It could be anybody!"

I quickly got out of the car, walking inside. Austin won't ever give up being a jerk.

I wasn't saying this because he'd kissed me and I hate it. No! I love it when he kissed. Its really good and all and... okay I gotta admit I think I'm getting into Austin... but just a little. Yeah I like the way he teases me and irritates the hell outa me and I love the way his lips move on mine.

But... that doesn't mean we'd end up getting married for real because he said himself that this is not a good idea and that he have a life.

Even if I started liking Austin and want to be with him... he's not like that. I mean he doesn't have anything for me. That thing he did last night was just to get me to his bed. I know that really well!

"Yo Andy?! What's up with you?" Collie startled me. "Why'd you always slip in another world girl?!" she really got irritated when I get lost in my mind.

"I was uh..."

"How're things with Austin?" she giggled, probably remembering watching us kiss.

"He's such a loser..." I started walking not really feeling like talking to Collie about him.

"Hey what's wrong?" she hopped in front of me. Her eyes scanning my face, reading my mind. "You're not okay with him?" what the heck... she's my BFF. She'd definitely know everything I was going through.

"He's got me thinking..." I sighed.

"As in a good sense?" she narrowed her eyes.

"More in a dangerous way!"

"And what would that be?"

"Urgh Collie! Don't you get it? I think I might actually like the guy!"

First she just looked at me and then she squeaked. "Isn't that awesome!!"

"No! Austin won't ever like me back! He's.... just... I'm not his type. And after all he made a deal himself to just pretend to be with him and nothing more!" I said in one breath.

"Aw... it's gonna be okay. You're gonna be fine." She curled her arm around my shoulder. I felt like crying but then I remember what a jerk I am being.

Liking Austin Blake is not my thing! He's a douche bag!

"No! I'm not fine Collie. I think I'm totally outa my freakin' mind because I cant like the guy!"

She pulled back looking at me. "What do you mean?"

"He almost got me raped by his friend last night!"

"He what!!!?!???!" Collie's eyes got huge and mouth hung open in an O.

"I mean can you believe it? He's sick."

"Totally!" she agreed quickly and we walked in the class.

I didn't plan to tell this but I had to, to get Collie's mind off the fact that I've started liking Austin. She'd just go around telling him and he's gonna make my little life miserable.

I really tried to avoid Lee all day because I was so unsure about my feelings for Austin and I didn't wanna ruin anything for both of them.

Yesterday, Lee and I didn't had anything serious! Seriously. We went to his house just to show Austin that if he's got a life with girls then I'm not a loner too and then I told Lee 'let's not rush things' and so we watched a movie and then make out a little. Just at the parts where the girl and guy in the movie kissed, Lee kissed me too. We just played 'Kiss-O-Kiss' nothing that big.

So was this that bad that Austin needed to tell his friend to crap out with me so he'd be a hero?? I can't believe my parents agreed to marry me to this animal!

***************

School was a little boring than usual and I dreaded for it to be over. I didn't get to see much of Austin because maybe he had his practice today.

I was pretty much alone after the school got over. I walked out to the parking lot to Austin's car when my phone ranged.

"Hello?"

"Andy? It's Doris."

"Oh hey..." I didn't know what to say to my mother-in-law.

"I was trying Austin's phone but he's not answering it. Are you with him?"

"Um... no. my class just got over." I tried to be careful with my words.

"It's okay. So I was thinking if you two can go for shopping and get a few things for your engagement. Its just two days left and I've already ordered your dress but there are still some things left." She kept on talking and I tried to grasp on everything. "I've already send a list of things to Fleur De Lair, you just have to pick them up." She exhaled deeply giggling to herself.

"Uh.. that's a lot. I think I got a few of what you said." I chuckled.

"That's enough honey. I'm so excited. I just don't know how's it gonna happen in such a short time."

"Doris... its gonna be all good." I assured her, unsure of myself. I really was getting engaged to Austin Blake!

"Oh honey. You're a blessing."

"I'll pick up everything. Don't worry." I was about o hung up when she spoke again.

"And if you want to have a look at your dress, it's at La Belle Elaine. I'd give them a call that you're coming."

"Um... great."

"See you at dinner. Have a good time honey." She hung up and I stood there staring blankly at my phone.

Did she really plan a big engagement party?? Shit! My heart started to race like mad horse thinking about getting engaged to Austin!

I gulped in and looked around for Austin. I saw him near the bleachers. I could see his back and it looked like she was talking to someone. I started walking towards him.

Before I could reach for him, I saw one of the cheerleader girls talking with him. It was Bianca Campbell. She was tall, with thick long dark brown hair and pair of dull green eyes and a tan skin. It wasn't natural though.

She was a Barbie doll type too like Lana Travis and she'd been in Austin's bed a couple of times.

I thought they were just talking about the match that was next week but then I realized they were standing real close and Austin had hand curled around her waist. Okay! This shouldn't be a problem.

I stood just a little away for them to see me, giving them time to do what ever they were doing. Though I never intended to listen to what they were talking but I could hear them a little.

"...maybe how about tonight?" Bianca was saying.

"...I think tomorrow would be good. I've got some other plans tonight." Yeah right. With some other girl.

"...as long as you're gonna give me you're full strength, I'm in for tomorrow."

Oh wait! Isn't tomorrow last day before we get engaged? Damn! He's gonna have sex with some bitch the night before he's gonna get engaged to me!

"...I'm all yours tomorrow babe..." He leaned his face and they were into each others mouth.

How could Austin be so stupid to spend a night with someone else when he should be with me?! Oh hell Andy! You don't like that guy... not after now!!

I didn't know when they both were done but Austin called my name in shock. He'd turned around to find me.

"Andy! What're you doin'?" he was sure I've seen him.

"Don't be a pussy Austin. I wont fuss about it." I said simply.

"Uh... so?"

"You're mom called an-"

"Austin!" before I could finish Lana shouted for Austin, walking towards us.

"Hey tiger!" they hugged like I wasn't standing there. "I knew you'd be waiting for me here." She gave him a peck on his lips. Then she noticed me! Damn.

"Oh hey Mandy!"

"Andy."

"Whatever. So what are you doing with my boyfriend?" she paused and before I could answer she continued. "Oh wait! Is she still drooling over marrying you tiger?" she made a pout.

"Yeah totally." Austin mumbled. What!? Is he crazy?

"I'm sure you've told her that she should kill her lil dream." She looked at Austin for answer.

"For a thousandth time." He grinned at her, telling her what she wanted to hear.

"Then off you go weirdo. Austin's got no place for you're crap." She said bitchy, going back to kiss him.

I felt myself heating up and I really wanted to punch her good-for-nothing face but I turned around and walked away. I was shaking with anger and my eyes started to fill up. Damn tears!

I saw Lee standing besides his car. Maybe he'd help me get the things. I took out my phone and dialed Doris's number.

"Yeah honey?"

"Doris, I think Austin is busy with his practice so I was thinking if I could go with my friend?"

"Oh sure."

I hung up, smiling to myself. I walked over to Lee.

"Hey."

"Oh hey. What's up?" he smiled.

"Um... if you're free... can we go shopping?."

"Shopping? You don't like shopping."

"I've gotta pick up something for..."

"What for?" damn! Never thought about what I'm gonna tell him.

"Uh... for engagement. Um... my cousin's engagement. Its day after tomorrow and she's got much stuff to do so I thought I'd help?"

"Okay. Let's get going." He smiled, opening the door for me.

AUSTIN:

I got back home without Andy 'cause I guessed she'd come back herself and besides... I had to drop Lana. Man she was irritating but... she's hot!

"Hey honey!" my mom greeted as I was passing the living room.

"Hey mom."

"Austin, come over here. There's someone I would like you to meet."

I walked over and there was a beautiful young lady sitting on the sofa. What? Has mom rejected Andy and chosen her instead? Sweet...

"this is Donna Mylchard, the florist. She's going to decorate your engagement party. If you've got any particular choice you can tell her. I'm sure she'll do it beautifully..."

Damn! Mom sounds so excited about the whole thing. It's just a lie!

"Uh can I talk to you for a sec?"

She smiled following me to the stairs where the florist wouldn't hear us.

"Mom, am I just feeling it or are you really planning a big party?"

She looked at me for a second. "You're dad wants it to be grand."

"But I don't!" I remembered what Andy said... 'No school kids.'

"Honey... you're a Carlson. And Carlsons always have big occasions and after all this is your engagement. Its not gonna come again." She said sweetly.

"It's not even like I'm crowned for a King!!"

"Well... this is going to be a big one and you're inviting all of your friends."

"Yeah right..."

"You look tired. Practices are always tiring."

"Practice?" where did this come from?

"Andy told me you had practice today. Actually I called her so you both could go for shopping but she told me you've practice and so she went with her friend."

What!? She went without me?? She lied! I didn't have any practice.

She went with Lee! I saw her going with him. She didn't even tell me!

I ran up to my room, without answering my mom. I was so angry at her and that stupid Lee. I banged the door forcefully.

Guess she hasn't told him yet about our thing! Austin buddy... you've gotta tell him... the bad way.

An evil smile curled around my lips. Andy doesn't want anyone to come to our lil engagement party... and now I'll make sure everyone comes... especially Lee..... and he should see her be mine.

That'd break two hearts... one Lee's and one Andy's... I'd love to see that!

ANDY:

I shopped with Lee for a long time and he didn't got a hint of anything. When we were at La Belle Elaine, I asked him to wait out so he couldn't see me checking out my dress.'

To be honest I was getting excited too. The dress was beautiful but still had a little working to do. I tired it on and it was a little loose. But for a second I forgot who I was getting married to... it just didn't matter.

Later I asked Lee to drop me to Collie's place 'cause he should in no way know I'm staying with Austin! Collie dropped me at my hell, amazed how I shopped for my engagement with Lee without letting him know about it.

"You look awfully exhausted honey..." Doris told me when I was in the living room. "We'll have a quick dinner and you can rest." She smiled.

"Okay. Let me go get changed."

I slowly walked to my room, which seemed like miles away. I shut the door behind me, once I was in and turned on the lights.

"Austin? What are you doing in my room?"

"Waiting for my prey for tonight." He smiled evilly.

"Go screw you're girlfriend!" I started walking towards the bathroom.

"Maybe I will..."