Living With The Player

**CAMILLA RENÉE**

MONDAY.

8:43 PM.

“I have actually, that is I have watched a movie there before.”

I answered, averting my gaze from a tormented Dylan, that response was in hopes of ending the facade. He’ll drop the date thing if there’s no need to show me around.

“That’s great, you could pick a movie although I was hoping we could Jumanji.”

He’s relentless.

Wow. One more thing he has in common with his brother. For everyone’s sake, I can’t go on the date.

Yes, I’m calling it that.

It was in the confines of the house, there will be people around the house, we might be alone in the theatre, plus he didn’t request for anyone else, that has all the attributes of a date, characteristics and all.

If it sounds like a date. Looks like a date. It sure as hell feels like a date.

It’s a date.

Deep breaths Camilla. Deep breaths. What’s strange is how Mother and Father have completely zoned out, the Emerton’s as well and don’t even get me started on Dylan.

He’s in his nonchalant phase but we all know he cares. For some reason, he’s angry about this. With Blake stretching it out more, it’s only to cause more blowback.

Blake’s comeback are strong, soon I’ll have no choice but to say yes. Do I want to say yes? I’m not interested in the said date. I can watch Jumanji on my cell phone. Maybe that’s it. I just say no.

“I have classes tomorrow and projects to catch up on. I’m sorry I won’t be able to watch the movie, Maybe some other time.”

Why did I give him hope?

I turned to Dylan. There’s a shimmer of hope in his eyes, it vanishes again and the smug look is back.

Maybe omit the “some other time”

Ugh.

“I thought it was soccer season but it’s okay some other time. I am here for a while plus I’m available any time.”

Shit, he probably attended Kingston High.

I give him a small nod to hide my lie and return to my food.

If I just answer, he’ll throw a comeback. No one seems to care anyway, so why not end this.

****

We ate in silence.

Not the good kind.

I could only hear the clinging of glass over the table, utensils over the plate, and a few chewing sounds.

It’s annoying.

When did my life become this bleak?

Probably why I don’t like having dinner like this anyway.

I should bring something up.

“Mother, I was hoping we could go to the mall later on and get some clothes. I’m all out, weekend maybe? I know I’m grounded, but since I’m with you I can just stay in one corner and be back afterwards.”

I held my fork, looking straight at her. She passed dad a look then return her eyes to me. I’m almost sure of what’s happening next.

Worth a try. Time to prepare me for the usual talk. What is this time? Insurance? Trip? Work? Or they just don’t want to spend some time with their daughter. Figured that’s it.

“Dear, we might not stay that long. It’s Monday and we might not even stay till the weekend. I won’t be able to go shopping with you, I’m sorry. Maybe some other time.”

“Oh.”

I reply trying to fake the acute pain in my chest caused by their rejection. I knew it was coming, it’s not even the first time it’s happening so why am I so disturbed and bothered? So stupid. That’s why.

“Camilla, it’s fine. You don’t have to wait till they return or go by yourself. I’m around and available. I could go with you. On the plus side, I’m a guy who is also in college, there’s no way I can’t figure out the clothes that’ll suit and look good on you. I don’t mind tagging along for shopping, mind end up buying some for myself.”

He offered with a smile.Property © 2024 N0(v)elDrama.Org.

It didn’t help the lump in my chest, not in a good way at least.

“That’s a great idea.”

Father spoke up for the first time.

He’d think that? Wait he despises Dylan with me but has no problem with Blake taking me out for shopping? Really?

Since they were all in agreement, I didn’t have any choice but to agree with a small nod.

I want to disappear anyway, it’s a good thing I’m nearly done with my meal, that way I can leave this place.

As though he read my mind, Dylan stood up, his chair screeching against the tiled floor as he slid past it, he stretched his hands over the table and grabbed his plate.

“As much as I’d like to stay, I’ve had my fill.”

He announced coldly. The final words sliced through me, leaving a very deep cut.

Why did that feel personal?

Fill with what?

I’m beginning to think it’s not dinner.

I gulp and keep my gaze steady on him, he doesn’t pass one look to me.

His eyes are on everyone else

“Mother, Father. Goodnight. Goodnight Mr and Mrs Renee.”

He greets and walks to the kitchen.

I’m the only one that finds that odd, everyone else just lowers their head and return to their meal.

Do they not see the despair in his eyes? His cold tone?

Hard face?

Really?

My gaze is frozen to the spot where he stood moments ago.

Seconds later, he returns from the kitchen, once again avoiding my gaze, he slides through the dining around, enters the living room and shortly afterwards I hear his hurried footsteps up to the stairs.

More than weird.

I swallow and slowly bring my gaze back to the meal.

My appetite is reduced and I don’t even feel like eating any longer.

Still, I pull up my fork and take a bite out of the meat.

******

I left the table minutes after he did.

They were having deserts and Blake had even charmed my parents alongside his.

He has the charisma, I’m not surprised. I just didn’t want to sit there and pretend to enjoy myself especially when I wasn’t.

My mind drifted completely to Dylan and I’ll only feel better once I know how he is.

After dropping my plate in the dishwasher, I follow his footsteps up the stairs.

Standing in front of my door, I’m unable to pull the knob, get in and force myself to sleep. I know what I must do.

Ugh. I take a deep breath.

Spinning, I return to the path I came through and get to his door instead.

Two times in one day. Maybe I’ll catch him doing that thing again.

Focus Camilla.

I ball my fist to knock, maybe he didn’t lock it again.

The door didn’t creak open, but my knock sounded to my hearing.

I step backwards contemplating whether to wait or pull the knob in hopes of it being unlocked.

Didn’t need to.

The door creaks as soon as I drift off, I’m snapped back to reality, tilting my head to meet his gaze.

“Do you want something?”

His tone is clipped. Harsh. I shudder and begin to rethink coming here in the first place.

“Uhm.”

Cat got my tongue now. Holy fuck.

“I was just checking up on you.”

“Checking up on me?”

He repeats followed by a loud scoff. He lets his hand off the knob, standing boldly between the door and his room.

“Why?”

He asks hinting at sheer curiosity.

Why I’m checking up on him?

Why am I checking up on him?

The second one was for myself. Honestly, I’m not sure. There’s this thing in the centre of my chest that made me come here. Now I am and I look like a complete fool. Great. Freaking fantastic.

“Oh, nothing you just seem tensed especially when you’re older brother was maybe asking me not.”

That’s what I want to say. It’s what I think. But I don’t utter that. I can’t.

“At dinner…”

I began instead.

“Dinner? I thought it was you and my brother doing whatever that was. Great job. It didn’t seem predictable at all. I can’t believe I thought there were platonic reasons for you coming down for dinner. Turns out Blake was the only thing you were there for. Enjoy the shopping spree. I don’t need checking upon. I never said I wasn’t terrific.”

He closed the tiny gap that existed, retreated into his room and slammed the door.

A tiny gasp escaped the little space I let out in my mouth.

I can’t. No, I can believe it. It’s just surprising, but believable.

Does he think I came downstairs for Blake? Somehow I wanted that or something?

It’s ridiculous. It’s stupid. It’s childish.

How can he even..?

I curled my right hand, glaring at the door like fire without shooting out from my eyes and just burning right through.

“Fuck it.”

I swore underneath my breath, spun around and stormed back to my room.

I keep proving how silly I am. Tonight is just an addition to the never-ending list.

******

*Author’s Note*

*Blake is equal to trouble. Lol. He’s not as much trouble as the next chapter. Daily updates. Much Love.*