Chapter sixty five

Chapter sixty five

Arielle

Sex with Drayton was how I imagined sex to be. Consuming. Charged. And emotional baring. But sadly, all things had to come to an end.

“I just think it's weird, you know. She said we needed to talk but she hung up, and now she's left for work this early. It's like she's avoiding me. I just don't get why.” Drayton said, his eyes fixed on the road.

“Or maybe she just had to get to work early and wasn't avoiding you. You guys will definitely talk about whatever it is when we get back from the school trip. Mum and I are moving out after I get back. You'll have the entire house to yourself and will eventually have to talk.”

I placed my hand on his and smiled. His posture slowly relax. He squeezed my hand gently.

Today started out perfectly. I woke up next to Drayton and got the chance to stare at his face. The raw version of him in his sleep. And it was the most beautiful sight in the world. Which, of course, got interrupted by a text message from Dan asking when I'd get to school for the senior trip.

Drayton and I left the beach house in his car. I hadn't figured out how to explain the mysterious return of my car to my mum, so I've decided not to.

At least not until the end of the trip. I just wanted one weekend away from all the drama in my life. One weekend to explore this phase I was in with Drayton.

I had this gnawing feeling that after this weekend, nothing was going to be the same. I would tell my best friend the truth. I've lied to Dan for far too long. I would tell Natalie the truth about her mum.

Natalie and her mother might not get along but she adored my father. She deserved to know what kind of person he was. Especially after that olive branch she offered on the school's rooftop. I wasn't going to let my father ruin another daughter's life.

“Do you really have to move out though? We all make great housemates. Why mess with that?” Drayton said, breaking my trail of thoughts.

“Because the renovations of our house has been over for a few days, but Mum keeps pushing back our move.”

“That's because she loves staying with us. I mean, I'm an amazing host and a total sweetheart.” he snickered.

“Really? You think she's pushing it back ‘cuz of you? Like a hundred percent sure?”

“Not a hundred percent sure about Joyce, but a hundred percent sure about you.” he smirked.

I rolled my eyes. “Do you always think so highly of yourself?”

“Not always, but most of the times. Comes with the sexiness and generally appealing character.”

“No and no. Your character is loathsome and you're definitely not sexy.” I shook my head, feigning disgust.

“I don't recall you saying that while you were screaming my name last night, Frozen.” the corners of his lips tilted up in a smirk.

My cheeks burned as memories of last night filtered into my mind. I turned to the window to hide my blush.

“And that blush tells me you remember just how loud you were screaming.”

“I'm not blushing.” I argued.

I suddenly became interested in the buildings we passed. We were approaching the school gate now. I just had to keep my face hidden for a few more minutes.

“Really?” Drayton chuckled.

I chose to ignore him instead. We reached the parking lot in seconds. Just as I was about to open the door and step out of the car, Drayton grabbed my arm and pulled me back.

“You don't have to hide or be embarrassed with me, Arielle. You are beautiful.” he caressed my cheeks fondly and kissed me softly.

I found myself melting in his arms again. By the time he pulled away, I didn't need a mirror to know my face was even more red. And, of course, he noticed. But this time, I didn't turn away.

“Look at that, you're blushing harder. Red always did look better on you anyway.” He said and kissed both of my cheeks.

“We should go before the bus leaves and we miss the trip.” I said, but it wasn't what I wanted.

What I wanted was to stay here with him and enjoy the moment before it all goes to shit next week. But I also needed to make memories with some people. Just in case we ended up broken up for life.

“Argh! Fucking school trip.” he scoffed. “What if, hear me out, we bail on the trip and head back to the beach house? You would still get that magical weekend you wanted.”

“And what exactly could be more magical than a graduation trip to a fancy resort?” I asked.

“I could think of a few things.” He leaned closer to me, his breath caressing my face. “They involve being completely naked with each other, doing things and–”

A loud knock on the car window cut off his words. I didn't know if I should be pissed or grateful for the interruption.

No, pissed. Definitely pissed. And with the way Drayton groaned, he was pissed too.

He pulled away and wind down the car window. The sight of brown hair made me immediately pull back and turned my face away.

Well, fuck.

“Hi, Arielle!” Jack waved at me with an eerily wide smile on his face. I gave him a simple nod and immediately got down from the car. Drayton followed suit.

“What do you want?” Drayton groaned.

“Woah! No need to look so murderous. I just wanted to tell you that the bus will be leaving soon. You have to hurry. Did I interrupt something?” He asked innocently.

My brows furrowed. Jack was never innocent.

“No!” I said just as Drayton said, “Yes!”

An awkward silence settled between the three of us. Jack gave Drayton a look I didn't understand, while Drayton glared at him in return.

Just when I was thinking about leaving, Dan walked by and waved at me giving me the escape I needed.

“I gotta go. I'll see you guys around.” I didn't give either of them a chance to respond before rushing towards Dan.

“Oh my dear friend, Daniel Watson, you have no idea what awkwardness you just rescued me from.” I exhaled heavily.

I hooked my arm with his as we walked towards the bus.

“Happy to be of help. What was that about anyway?” He asked.

“Oh, you know, just boys been boys. Lots of testosterone release.” I waved my hand dismissively.

“Is that why your face is so red?”

“What? No!” I half yelled. “It's…the cold. I'm just a little cold. That's…that's probably why.” I stuttered.

“Hm!” Dan nodded. We reached the bus and joined the long line of students waiting to enter.

I saw Natalie at the front of the line, assigning seats. President of the Student Council duties. Her gaze hardened when they landed on me but she quickly averted them.

“I was just wondering how I didn't know that when you ‘supposedly’ spent the night at my place.” Dan said, his brows arched in question.

I froze, my mind scrambling for answers. I had told my mum last night that I was spending the night at Dan's house. I knew she wouldn't question that. There was no way Dan would have found out about it unless –

“Your mum called to ask about you this morning. She wanted me to remind you about the senior trip and wake you up early. I covered for you, of course. But then I commended her on the Ohio charity, I found out there was no charity.” He folded his arms and pinned me with a stare.

Well, shit. So much for a magical weekend. The universe really does hate me.

“Where were you last night, Arielle? And why does your mum thinks you were with me?”

I averted Dan's gaze as I tried to come up with a believable lie but I couldn't think of anything. The other option I had was to tell the truth. But now wasn't the time or place for it. I really, really needed a save right now.

“All the students should head into the bus now. We will move in five minutes.” Ms Brown's voice echoed through the speakers.

“I'll tell you everything later. I promise.” I rushed into the bus.

Drayton was already inside when I got in, the seat beside him was empty. Our gazes collided and he motioned to the empty seat. I couldn't sit beside him with Dan walking behind me. He would definitely connect the dots.

I immediately settled down next to one person that would surely make this trip miserable for me.

Natalie removed her headphones and glared at me. I ignored her and sat down anyway.

“You and your boyfriend had a fight?” Natalie asked, referring to Dan. Dan and I always sat together during every school trip.

“Just shut up.” I snapped.

She put her headphones back on and turned to the window.

One thing became very certain, this trip wasn't going the way I hoped.