^^West Hills

Quietly sitting, I stared through the window of Nate's car as Andrew drove us towards my house. I was still shocked from inside by what happened and how I burst out crying. I didn't get why Dexter thought like that. No wonder what the student body thinks and gossips about the Clichés.

Can't they mind their own business as I do?

Is it impossible for a girl like me to be friends with the Clichés?

Why does everyone think there is an ulterior motive for me to be with them?

Just because I'm a scholarship student and not a rich brat like them?

No one has the right to degrade someone like that-

My thoughts were cut off when the car stopped. I looked outside and frowned when I realized it wasn't my house.

"Why are we here?" I asked when I notice we were in the drive-thru of McDonald's.

"We need some ice cream in our system." Andrew grinned and turned towards the mic. "I would like to order two McFlurry with oreo cookies... Regular size." He added.

"Regular size? And two?" I blinked my eyes at him.

"Yup." He said popping the p. "My mom eats ice cream whenever she cries watching a sad movie and Brittany always eats ice cream when she's moody." He shrugged. "And I've heard that ice creams solve all our problems."

Wow... That's thoughtful.

"But I don't have money with me-"

"You always have to do that." He looked at me deadpan.

"I'm not eating from your money." I crossed my arms and looked straight.

"Fine..." I heard him groan as he turned in front of the window. "Pay me later, alright."

I was about to argue, but the counter window opened and the sight of McFlurry made my mouth water. I licked my lips when Andrew extended them towards me.

"I'll pay you tomorrow," I said and took it from him.

I waited for him to pay and drive out of there. He parked his car in the parking lot on the hills, which gave a full view of West Hills. The town was brightened with the lights and it felt peaceful watching it. The sky was dark and a little cloudy, covering the moon shining with the stars. I didn't have my glasses on so the view was blurry. I took them out of my pocket and wore them.

"You should eat it before it melts," Andrew said, getting me out of my thoughts.

"Yeah..." I gulped and began eating. I moaned when the cold, creamy taste went down my throat.

He was right.

Ice cream solves all our problems.

Trying to forget what happened tonight, I concentrate on my delicious ice cream and watched the view in front. I was fully aware of the boy sitting next to me. Now and then, I noticed him glancing at me.

I knew he had questions in his head and I was also glad he didn't ask me because I didn't want him to know what Dexter tried to do.

Closing my eyes, I shook my head a little to get rid of that freak. I was staying away from him all this time and tonight I had to go to the greenhouse with him.

I wish I would have stayed in the house. None of this would have happened. I just wanted to distract myself from Andrew, so I went outside and look where it got me. I was sitting in Nate's car with him...

Just him and me...

I side glanced at him and saw him frowning at his ice cream as he put the filled spoon in his mouth. He looked like he was thinking about something. My eyes wandered over his clothes. He wore a black and white stripe shirt over a white inner with black pants and shoes.

No doubt he got good taste.

He always looked dashing in whatever he wore and the way he carried himself. No wonder why girls die over him. My mind flickered to when he hugged me in the greenhouse.

At first, I was surprised and wanted to pull away, but the warmth of his body melted me. I didn't know why, but I felt safe in his arms. The way he wrapped his arm around me, I couldn't help but want to get closer to him when he whispered in my ear.

"It's alright... I'm here for you."

I wanted to burst out crying again and cling to him forever and, no matter how many times I try to deny my feelings; I wanted to be with him. When I heard his heartbeat getting faster, I got my senses back on time and asked him to drop me home, otherwise, I don't think I would have let him go.

When he let go of me, I suddenly felt empty and cold. I wanted to grab him again, but I controlled myself. I didn't want to freak him out with my weird behavior. It was wrong of me to use him as my escape after what happened to me when I was the one who said no to him.

I kind of regret it now.

Only because I feared getting heartbroken, I didn't give him a chance. He's not even a bad guy. Everyone knew he was a player and at least he never forced himself on a girl or accused her of being a prostitute, unlike some jerks who act fake just to get in the bed with a girl.

"Is something on my face?"

"Huh?" I blinked my eyes and realized I was staring at him all this time.

"Is there something on my face?" He repeated, pointing with his finger. "You were-"

"No." I cut him off before he said the words out loud. "I was just thinking." Clearing my throat, I sat straight on the seat.

"You don't like it?"

"Huh?" I turned my head towards Andrew.

"The ice cream?"

"No. Um... It's good... I was just..." I blew a breath and mumbled. "It's been a long night."

"Tell me about it." He chuckled. "Long and surprising night." He said, referring to Louis and Chloe.

"Yeah..." I smiled, remembering the good part of tonight.

"I almost gave up on Louis tonight, but damn, he did it." Andrew beamed.

I remembered Ben saying that 'We' planned for Louis to ask Chloe to be his girlfriend.

"Whose idea was it?" I asked, and Andrew's eyes widened.

"Wh-what do you mean?" He let out a nervous laugh.

"Ben said that you guys planned it." I raised my brows. "That means it wasn't Louis's idea."

"He doesn't know how to keep his mouth shut," Andrew grumbled, then looked at me innocently. "It was my idea..." I opened my mouth, but he cut me off. "Before you say something, can you hear me out first?"

"Alright." I ate my ice cream as I listened to him.

"All I wanted was good for my friend. Louis wanted to have more with Chloe but he was scared, so Ben and I hyped him up and helped him to ask her out. And the reason we did it now was so that he could ask her to on the spring break with us and enjoy it with his girlfriend."

I processed what he said and nodded my head. It makes sense to me. It was favorable timing to ask Chloe out because of the spring break.

"It was a good idea." I praised him.

"Yeah..." He shifted in his seat and faced me. "And honestly... That wasn't the only reason."

"What was the other reason?" I questioned while scooping some ice cream.

"I force him the ask Chloe so that he could bring her with us to the beach and I did that because I knew if Chloe will come then so will you." I mid paused, my hand near my mouth and my jaw dropped when I heard him.

I lowered my hand and observed Andrew as he cautiously watched me. Blinking my eyes, I opened and closed my mouth, but nothing came out of it.

He wants me to come with them...?

Heat crawled up my neck and I felt my face burn. I thanked God that it was dark outside and the lights of the car were off or else he would have seen me blushing like an idiot.

"And I know you must think why I did all this. I could have asked you directly, but you were angry after what happened on Valentine's day, so that's why I had to plan all this." He added. "I wasn't confident that you would have said yes to me so..." He trailed off.

"You could have tried." I blurted, then my eyes bugged out, and I internally slapped myself.

Why did I say that?!

"You want me to ask you?" He tilted his head and looked at me intensely.

"N-no... I-I uh... Didn't mean it like that-"

"Lillian..." He cut me and leaned closer to my face.

I gulped and watched him with wide eyes as his eyes darted over my face.

"A-Andrew?"

"Will you come to the beach with us?" He said in a serious tone. "With me?"

With me?

"Yes..." The words came out of my mouth without hesitation.

My stomach clutched when Andrew's face split into a huge grin and it suddenly got hot inside. His sparkling blue eyes made me swallow heavily, and I averted my gaze back to my ice cream, which now looked like a milkshake.

She agreed!

I wish I would have asked her myself before going through all this hassle. But who knew...

She's seriously unpredictable.

I side glanced at her as I drove towards her house. She was now drinking her melted ice cream. The ice cream idea was amazing, it lightened her mood and gave me the chance to ask her. Turning towards Lillian's house street, I thought about the breaks.

I'll get to spend the entire week with her.

What better time will I get to convince her to give me a chance?

"Wait, is that..." Lillian cut me off when we almost reached her house.

There was a car parked in the driveway and a guy was getting out of it.

"Luke!" she exclaimed. "Stop here!"

I pressed the paddle abruptly, and the car halted, making us jerk forward. I winced and leaned my back on the car seat, but Lillian remained unbothered. She swung the door opened and ran towards the guy.

"Luke!" The guy turned towards her and grinned when he saw her.

"Lillian!" He shouted and Lillian hopped on him and hugged him tightly as they both laughed. "I missed you so much!"

"I missed you too!"

Who the f**k is that?!

My grip on the steering wheel tightened, and I parked my car on the road in front of her house. Opening the door, I stepped outside and watched them still hugging made my blood boil.

Am I missing something... Or more like someone here?!

I crossed my arms around my chest and narrowed my eyes at them. Lillian got off him and gave him a side hug. They both didn't pay attention to me like I was invisible.

Who is the guy? A friend from her previous high school, like Mark?

But he looks old enough to be a college guy.

"You told me you were coming tomorrow morning."

"I thought of giving you all a surprise." He chuckled and kissed the side of her head.

"Eh-Ehem!" I cleared my throat loudly to get their attention as my fist clenched.

The f**k he kissed my girl!

They both turned their heads towards me and Lillian's eyes widened while the guy frowned.

Yes, people, I'm still here.

"Can I help you?" The guy asked strolling towards me.

"Do I look like I need help?" I responded, irritated.

The guy was about to say something, but Lillian stopped him.

"Luke this is Andrew." She stepped between us. "He's my senior from high school."

"This is Andrew?" The guy raised his brows and darted his eyes up and down my figure.

How the f**k does he know who I am?

"Yes." She nodded and then turned to me. "Andrew, this is Luke, my big brother."

And I'm only a senior from high school-

Wait a minute...

Brother?

My stiff shoulders relaxed a little, and I darted my eyes between them. Now that I noticed, they look alike. They got the same brown hair and green eyes just like their father. I internally slapped myself and I uncrossed my arms.

Of course, he's her brother a**hole. What else did you think?

"Hi. Andrew Pierce." I introduced myself again and extended my hand toward him.

"Luke Smith." He clasped my hand and shook it a little. I gave an awkward smile when he didn't let go of my hand. "So how can help you, Andrew?" He repeated, narrowing his eyes at me.

I think I've made a terrible impression already.

"I was just dropping Lillian." I shrugged and blew a breath in relief when he finally let go of my hand.

"From where?" He raised his brows.

"Nate held a party at his house for the last day," Lillian replied to him.

"Hmm..." He nodded his head, keeping his eyes on me.

"I should get going-" I stepped backward.

"No. You should join us for dinner." He plastered a smile on his face. "I'd love to have a little chat with you."

"I'm not hungry. Maybe some other time." I returned his smile.

"No, I insist-"

"Let him go, Luke." Lillian rolled her eyes at his brother, then darted them to me. "Thank you for tonight."

"Just doing the right thing." I smiled and glanced at her brother to see him looking at me deadpan. "I'll see you on Monday."

"Ok-"

"What's on Monday?" Her brother interrupted, looking between us.

"I'll tell you about it inside." She eyed him.

"I'll leave then." I opened Nate's car door and sat inside. "Good night."

"Goodnight Andrew." She waved, and I quickly drove away from her house.

Phew!

I took a breath in relief. Her brother looked ready to beat me. I wonder from where Lillian's brother inherited that anger. None of her parents is like that.

Thinking about how stupid and immediately jealous I got without understanding the situation, I parked Nate's car in front of his house and went inside to look for him.

The party was still in swing but looked less crowded than before. I strode towards the kitchen and saw Nate there, typing on his phone.

"Where is everyone?" I asked, taking a beer from the fridge.

"Louis and Chloe went home frustrated when no one was stopping teasing them. Tiana went home with them because she was angry at David for some reason, which he doesn't know either." He answered without looking up from his phone. "Brittany, David, Jordan, and Maddie are in the gaming room while Ben is MIA again."

"Did you get the footage?" I asked, gulping the drink down.

"I did..." He finally looked up from the phone. "And you will not like it."

"Show it to me." He accessed the CCTV footage on his phone and turned the screen towards me.

I frowned when I saw Lillian walking around the greenhouse and talking to someone. My eyes bugged out when I saw Dexter coming towards her and after what he did. I couldn't hear them, but it was clear what he was trying to do with her.

"Is he still here?" My grip on the beer bottle tightened in anger.

"He's in the backyard smoking," Nate answered, taking the beer bottle from my hand.

"A**hole..." I grumbled and walked towards the back door of the kitchen.

Before I could open the door, it slide itself and Ben was standing on the other side with a huge grin on his.

"Hi..." His grin faltered when he saw my face. "What happened?" His eyes darted between me and Nate.

"Dexter tried to force himself on Lillian," I growled and walked past him.

"What the f**k?!" He shouted and followed me. "Where is she?!"

"Safe. I drove her home."

"And where the f**k is he?"

My eyes landed on him sitting near the pool with Marco and a few other juniors smoking weed.

"There..." I fastened my pace and strode towards them.

"I'll kill him tonight." Ben fumed, walking with me.

"No... He's mine." I narrowed my eyes at him.

Dexter saw us coming and grinned, making my blood boil. Lillian cried because of him and here he was, laughing.

I'll make him pay.

"Hi, Drew Ben! Want to join us?"

"I'd love to." I gave him a sarcastic smile and punched him in the face.

"Oph!" He fell to the ground and winced.

I kicked his stomach a few times but was stopped by Marco when he grabbed me from behind.

"What the f**k?!" I got out of his grip and Ben took care of him for me while I jumped on Dexter and began punching his face.

"F**k!" He groaned and used his elbows to shield his face.

"You made her cry, a**hole! How does it feel? Tell me?!" I shouted while punching him.

"What the f**k?!" I heard Brittany shrieking.

"That's enough, Drew!" Nate came and pulled me backward.

"Let me go!" I yelled, but David came from the other side and they both yanked me back. "I said let me go!"

"Enough!" Nate shouted, and I glared at him.

"Let me go!" I turned my head towards Ben. Jordan and Maddie were holding him back.

"Calm down, boy, and we will." Maddie and Jordan slowly let him go.

I shrugged David and Nate's grip on me and glanced down to see Marco and Dexter groaning in pain.

They deserve it.

"Shit!" Brittany cursed and looked at the juniors, who were stunned. "What are you waiting for, idiots? Take them away!"

They looked shocked but still got them up. I gripped Dexter's collar and pulled him closer.

"This was just a trailer. If you ever even think about her... I'll bury you alive." His eyes widened, and I jerked him back. They quickly scattered and ran out of the backyard.

"What the f**k was that?!" Brittany growled, looking between me and Ben. "Will someone tell me what's going on?"

Ben, Nate, and I peeked at each other and then back to Brittany.

"Nothing happened." Ben dusted his clothes.

"You almost killed them and you're saying nothing happened?" Maddie raised her brows at us. "How stupid do you think we are?"

"They just got into an argument." Nate shrugged his shoulders.

"You know what happened?" David looked at us.

"It wasn't a big deal-"

"God, you guys are unbelievable." Brittany massaged her forehead. "I'm going home now." She grumbled, sauntering inside.

"Me too." Maddie narrowed her eyes at us. "Let's go Jordan. We'll complete the level later."

"Are we still on for the beach or not?" David asked, watching them leave.

"Of course we are." Ben and I said simultaneously and walked inside after everyone.

The leftover crowd of the party watched us with a curious gaze and everyone was itching to know what happened and why we fought.

"What should I do with the footage?" Nate whispered.

"Keep it out of others' reach," I said, and he nodded.

"Let's go. I'll drop you." Ben said, and we stepped out of Nate's house.

Brittany was standing beside Ben's car and tapping her foot.

"See you guys on Monday," I said and everyone nodded, getting in their cars.

I knew they wanted to know what happened, but they knew also that we won't be telling them.

I sat in the back seat, and Ben and Brittany were in front. The whole way to my home, we remained silent. I knew Brittany wanted to know what happened and she wouldn't stop until she finds out. I always told her everything, but I would not tell her this.

I've embarrassed Lillian enough. She didn't tell me about this because of the obvious, and I was planning to keep it that way. As for Dexter, I know he won't open his gutter of a mouth after what happened.

Closing my eyes, I sighed and leaned my head back on the seat. Thinking of spring break, my lips curled into a smile.