Falling for Aphrodite

02

Chapter Two

In which she struggled. 

[Kingston Veen]

I am finally with my beloved. 

My smile appeared as soon as I woke up, which was a first for me. To finally see my girlfriend right here beside me brings me this indescribable sense of euphoria. She stirred, making adorable soft mumbles in her sleep. Not having her in my arms for two years gives me a considerable amount of need to be beside her for almost 24 hours a day, and it makes me happy that she feels the same way.

“Lily?” I called out softly, kissing her forehead softly. Her hands circled my waist, head rubbing soft to my chest. The smile on my lips seemed permanent after seeing her act like a small child. “Baby, you need to wake up now.”

A groan passed by her lips. “No, what I need is sleep.”

“You’ve done enough of that.”

“Yes, but I need it,” she murmured, eyes still kept close, “and a little bit more of you. I missed you.”

There it is again. It is the same grin that seems to ooze out of my face ever since Lily arrived back in town. One of her eyes flutters open, flashing that grin to see me beaming from ear to ear. I wouldn’t even dare to hide every sense of happiness that I feel about her.

She knows it.

She always does.

“You know I missed you more, my Lily.”

She hummed, “I’m sorry for taking so long.”

“I would wait for you as long as you want me to.” my words were followed by kissing her forehead as if vowing my words. I would never want her to give up her dreams just to appease my need to be near her. From the second I recognized my feelings for Lily, I always vowed to support her aspirations. 

I could see her appreciation in those doe eyes, an act that reminds me how I’m acting correctly. Lily is the type of person who would offer everything to someone she treasured most, which is why I take value in her sacrifices. Both Ayne and I understood the gravity of her goals, and that is why we always continue to support her. 

“Heavens, I love you too much.”

Her face radiated with delight, lifting that tiny head of her just to cast a chaste kiss on my lips, “And I love you too.”

“Do you, Lily?” I whispered, “Do you?”

She agreed, eyes still shimmering with naiveté, “Yes, I do, and I—” she held her words as soon as she saw my lips morphed into a smirk, “Oh no! Hell, no. I take back everything that I—” the words were soon cut short by her squeal, followed by a small laugh. Even with her futile and adorable attempts to stop me, she couldn’t do much. I carry her ass out of that bed, and she is now walking towards her gym.

“I hate you,” she puffed, her lips formed in this adorable pout.

I simply nodded, kissing her pout away, “And I love you most, my Lily.”

.

.

[Ayne Kent] 

“Kingston Lavern, I will kill you.”

My hand is balled to my sides as the other seems to be gripping the phone way too tight that it is enough for it to break. It was 7 in the morning, and I thought I could finally talk to Lily after the i***t manhandled her yesterday and drove off before I could even hug her. And now, I just got notified that Kingston is taking her out to work out.

His obsession with her health is beyond me; I swear to heavens.

But then, I couldn’t even be mad at him. 

I saw Kingston in every kind of pain when he got the news that Lily would be leaving. They talk endlessly on the phone, even Skype, from time to time. Kingston isn’t one to complain when he knows better; Lily is dealing with the same pain. Both of them invested a significant part of their lives in their relationship and the future they wanted to take. 

But I know deep inside of me that all those years that she was apart from him, he was hurting. We were all together since we were kids, and to finally be together for not even a year and then come to terms with the fact that she’ll be away must have had a toll on him.

I mean he —ouch!

“What the hell! Is the hallway too freaking narrow to you that you have to bump into some—Ah, h-hi, Tristen!”

You’re a fool, Ayne!

Tristen’s left hand was continuously drying his wet hair — somewhat halted before his eyes met mine. For a split second, there was this suspicion burning inside his eyes. He, however, fogged that, replacing that with what seemed like confusion. It looks like he didn’t even realize that he bumped into me. Tristen seems somewhat distracted, which seems a bit odd.

But wait. What the actual fudge! How to freaking breathe!? Based on his appearance, it looks like he just took a shower in their locker from their strict and stressful practice. His scent is invading my nose, and that smells freaking fantastic on him. 

As if he finally assessed the situation, he flashed me a soft smile. “Oh. Good morning, Ayne.”

OMG OMG OMG! “Hi!”

“Thanks for watching us play.”

“You’re a great player—” I stopped dead in my sentence as I saw his forehead creased, “I mean, not in a player—player way, but-uhm.” I cringe inwardly, noticing the awkward atmosphere that I put the both of us into. “I need to shut up.” 

Can someone just punch me in the face right now? Before I could even mouth out another dumb, I flashed him a thumbs up, which made the crease on his forehead disappear.

“I was not aware that you are interested in sports.” 

Tristen continued the conversation, saving the little face that I had. I simply agreed to his words, responding much calmer than earlier. “I also watched your game last year.” the whole play flashed in my mind, immediately trashing the small composure that I had for a second. “You’re just- wow! I see why you hold the title of being Hermes.”

“Oh, really?” he blinked twice as if he was surprised by my compliment.

Uh, doesn’t everybody tell him the obvious? Everybody knows that he’s the best at doing soccer. It was enough that people recognized his skill, hence his title. I mean, doesn’t he know that? I nodded, which made his lips form into a smile. Aww! That just makes him ten times cuter!

“Thank you. I wasn’t in the right mind at that time. The game got into my head, and I thought I look pretty stupid.”

“Say what? You look breathtaking, in my view. I mean, those abs-”

And that is my cue to put a hand on my mouth. 

Seriously, I think I need some filter in my mouth to stop myself from blurting out words as I end up looking stupid in front of others. Where can I even buy those? Tristen didn’t seem to mind as he released a loud laugh, making my cheeks heat up as my embarrassed state doubled than usual. His hand moved towards my cheeks, pinching them lightly as his eyes sparkled with glee.

“You’re cute.”

Damn.

The power that this man holds over me. 

“Tristen, you toad! We’re late! The walk towards the class is a b***h,” Chris announced with an annoyance lacing on his words. His eyes were focused on his phone before it followed our direction, making him look at me carefully—or more like in a conflicted manner, “Ms. Aphrodite! What are you doing here?”

“Am I not allowed to be in the same space as you?”

His eyes bulged out, entirely mortified by my accusation, “I mean... er, you look pretty today.”

Instead of accepting his compliment, my arms swiftly crossed just below my chest as my brow partly raised at his comment, “Chris Smith, are you saying that I looked ugly yesterday?”

“What? Bu- uh, huh?” Chris parted his lips, but words don’t progress on it, making him look like nothing but a gaping fish. Realizing his appearance, he flutters his eyes close before taking this deep breath, “N-no! I didn’t mean- no, you look... you know... a-always... uh... blue...”

“I always uh blue?” I pressed lightly, making him gulp.

“You know, blue is a very dull yet—”

“So, I looked ugly yesterday, and now, I’m dull?”

As Chris’s mouth hung visibly low as his eyes flicked from that nervous state, Tristen did nothing but chuckle before he would even mouth out another word that could dig his own grave. My mouth finally realized a chuckle, urging Chris’s realization that I was just messing with him.

“That was mean,” he injected before looking at Tristen, “Maybe you should.”

Ten’s eyes froze before shaking his head, pushing him towards the hallway as he bid me farewell. As soon as they did, I saw both of them talking on what seemed like a serious note. At least, I guess that it was. 

“Aphrodite,”

“f**k!” I hissed, my handheld out my chest as I swivel back to the source of the voice. Upon seeing Stephen in his uniform, my body eased up. The man might look scary, but Kingston told me that he is naturally harmless. Some people are just gifted with a stern expression. “I apologize. That just f*****g scared me.”

He bubbled his head as if merely agreeing to whatever I said. It is mighty evident that he does not give a flying f**k about his scares, “I just wanted you to know that a person like yourself should never be involved with Tristen.”

A person like myself? 

What does that mean?

Despite the confusion, I answered. “I am not involved with him.”

There was a slight hesitation in his eyes as if scrutinizing my words if they were words of a lie. After a solid five minutes of awkward space, Spencer seemed relieved. “Good,” then he passed right through me before he stopped again, glancing back at me with those fierce eyes, “Let’s keep it that way.”

What the f**k is wrong with his friends? Seriously, ugh!

“Miss Kent.”

My hands flew to my forehead, leaning back as I tried to compose myself. I do not know what the f**k is going on in the world, but I feel like everyone wanted me to have a heart attack or something. I hissed, looking back at the other intruder before pausing, almost thanking all the heavens as I didn’t voice out that cuss. Standing before me was the guidance counselor, her hair and suit were so proper that you would think that she’s meeting the President every single day.

“The director wants to meet you in her office.” She announced with a face void of emotion. 

I thank her quietly, delicately walking towards the director’s room. Her room was white, almost too white. She has her eyes fixed on the countless pieces of paper placed on her glass table. I am not exaggerating when I say that this seemed like small mountains pilling over each other.

“Good morning...?” I greeted, moving her out of her trance.

Her eyes moved towards me, pointing at the chair close to her desk. There’s always this fear around me when I’m with someone who has power over something. A small part of me wants to calm down since our director has been nothing but kind to me. But no matter how I try, I can’t help my defense mechanism.

Besides, I didn’t do anything wrong. So why...

“Do you know why you’re here, Ms. Kent?”

My head moved sideways, “I am afraid that I do not know, ma’am.”

“Are you sure?” she lightly pushed, and there’s this disbelief in her tone.

At the tone of her voice, I can’t help but release a gasp, “I swear I didn’t do anything. Oh god, this is Lucas’s work, isn’t it? Please don’t ever believe his words against me. That rotten shemale, seriously.”

“Okay, take a breather. It seemed like that you two are still acting foolish.” Her tone was soft, reminding me that the woman used to know me when I was young. She still offered the same kindness in those eyes, one that I wanted to bask myself in. “I am moving your class, Ayne.” 

A frown arose on my lips, “Moving my class? But why?”

“I think you know why.” She moved forward, her elbows resting on her desk as she prompts her face, grinning at me.

I tilted my head to the side. “I am afraid that I do not, ma-.”

“Do not make me feel old, Ayne. Call me as you normally do.” I hesitated in the words. She seemed to notice my hesitation, which led her to pat me softly in the head. Seemingly wanting to have me comfortable, she shifted the conversation. “My dear nephew has been doing some daily visits to you, and some students are missing their class so you two can have a conversation.”

“But that’s on him! Why am I getting punished?” I bite back, not really wanting to have special treatments because of what the i***t had done. The principal simply shrugged; a notion that alerts me that this decision is final. “Is there any way that we could solve this in a different way?”

She shook her head. “It’ll be easier for the both of you, and you won’t miss any classes either.” 

Well… I am filing complaints that the i***t had been letting me miss some class because of his idiocy. Still, this type of solution is more damning for my sake. My lips formed a smile, but I’m sure as hell that it looks like a grimace rather than a pleasing smile. My mouth was about to move to form words, but the door opened, spitting out Lucas who seemed somewhat surprised to see me in her aunt’s room.

“Is she finally getting suspended?” He asked.

The principal rolled her eyes, “No, but you’re about to get hit.”

“With wha—ouch!” He flinched as a pen was thrown into his direction, “What was that for?”

“What was that for?! You have the audacity to ask that, young man?” She stood up, making me flinch along with Lucas. This lady might be the sweetest girl that anyone can meet, but she can be scary when she’s angry as f**k, “Do you see this pile of paper in my desk? This is just yours!”

“But—”

“No, buts.” She looked at me, and all traces of anger dissipate before her face, “You can go now, Ayne.”

I nodded, walking out of that room as fast as I can. My feet weren’t even far from the office, and I could already hear someone shouting inside the room. Thank the heavens that I wasn’t the other end of that argument.

“Ayne!” I crane my neck, looking for the voice that called me.

A squeal passes my lips to the source of the voice, running towards Lily to give her a hug that was already due yesterday. There was this laugh that I missed hearing for two years, and it didn’t even take her a moment she engulfed me in the same intensity of the hug.

“So, I heard that you’d be in the same class as my brother?” She whispered.

I frowned, massaging the side of my head, “Yes. Please pray for my soul.”

“You’ll be fine,” Lily whispered, arm linking to mine, “If you want, I can tell you a secret or two? One that will shut my brother down if you wanted to.”

My lips formed into a smirk, “I would love that.”

We dropped Lily in her class, making me see an embarrassing sight of my best friend. Why does Kingston look like he’s dropping his child at daycare? She was in a different year as us, almost two years below. If I did not know the woman when we were kids, I doubt we would even know each other by now. 

“The seating arrangement is prompted on the main table here,” Kingston muttered before sitting on his desk. 

Kingston had some friends greeting him as he sat, which is only natural since he had been attending the same class for years now. Unluckily for me, I’m on the other side of the room since this seating arrangement was done before I was moved. Most who were seated around me were girls who seemed to have some anger directed towards me.

What fun. 

Think happy thoughts, Ayne. Happy thoughts.

Not even a second later—the universe couldn’t also give me a split second to think one happy thought before it decided to open the door and spit out six members of my personal hell.

You got to be kidding me.

They were about to walk in their seats, talking about something stupid, but then they paused as they got a glimpse of me. You couldn’t fail but see the surprise presented in their faces. Lucas even walked towards me, taking all the time in the world to look at me carefully, as if I grew two heads or some sort.

“Wow, you’re all stunned seeing a goddess? Yes! That’s right, peasant. Marvel my beauty,” he didn’t produce any response, in fact, he just blinked. I grin before pushing a tissue in his direction, “I think you’re kind of... drooling.”

He suddenly snaps back into reality and glared at me, “I’m just—”

“Appreciating my beauty. Trust me, I know. You can take a picture though, I’ll last longer.”

Everyone seemed to lighten their voices to hear our banter, and it makes me almost cheer inside my head that this was one of the times that I have the upper hand in our conversation. Lucas suddenly opened his mouth, and I take that as a chance to put him more on edge.

“The great almighty is gaping at me?” I flipped my hair and smirk, “Hashtag Aphrodite Problems.”

Everybody chuckled while Lucas just glared at me. He was about to utter another word, but the professor entered the class, giving us thirty seconds to make ourselves presentable—which according to the girl beside me, means everybody must be in the right chair. No one is allowed to utter another word.

“Welcome to the class,” I heard Lucas mumbled currently on my back, and being in this proximity isn’t all pleasing to me. He’s not even supposed to be behind me, but I think he has his way to annoy me in any situation given to him, “Are you enjoying your stay?”

I rolled my eyes, “Oh, shut the hell up.”

“Excuse me, Ms. Kent?”

My eyes snap back to the teacher, and everyone seems to bite their lips to hide their laughter, which then indicates that I did speak way too loud for him to hear. Oh damn. I shook my head which made him send me a piercing gaze.

“Ms. Kent, welcome to my class. If there is something you must know, no one is allowed to speak, pass notes, cheat, an excuse for a bathroom break—” He continued to mouth out rules that made me question myself if I enter a classroom or a marine exercise. “—and no one is allowed even to dare to interrupt me in my class,” He finished in a very mocking voice as if he was talking to a five-year-old.

I rolled my eyes, “Wow, thank the heavens that I’m still allowed to breathe.”

My hands moved to my lips, making me release a soft sorry, which sounded like a squeak. The professor looks at me weirdly, seems like he didn’t hear my words, something that I am thankful for. Most of the students obviously heard me, seeing that they badly want to laugh as loud as they could. It seems like they’re not that uptight as I thought that they would be.

The rest of the day continued breezy for them... and quite a pain in my side. Lucas is creating some sort of weird things on my back, something that exactly stirs my stomach into a frenzy. He’s tracing some pattern on my neck, and he would sometimes breathe on the back of my neck, sending a shiver down my spine. Seriously, my nerves have never been this crazy. The bell rang, indicating the end of school.

“Ms. Kent, please stay for a second.”

I recoiled at the sudden reasons that swirl inside my brain. My eyes noticed that Kingston seemed possibly worried about me. The man knew what was going through my head, which explains his response to the words. My eyes caught how Lucas’s brow raised, confused at how I flinched at the words. His reaction gathered that I had lost my composure, and I hated that I was still affected by my past. 

“Ayne,” Kingston whispered, hands slowly reaching to my closed first. “Should I...”

I shook my head, not wanting to gather attention. Lucas locked eyes with me. It seemed as if debating something in his demonic mind. My brow raised, wanting to lose some tension. A slight tug from one of his friends, and he disappeared along with the crowd. It took some minutes before the room got bare. The professor is still cleaning upfront, creating silence in the large room. 

Time ticks by a minute or two. 

Suddenly, all of my nerves start going haywire, and not in the right kind. I flinched at the sound of the eraser colliding with the table. My head darted forward, locking eyes with his. I am not familiar with the man, as I have never had him as a professor, so I never knew if this was normal for him. He walked closer to me, and I could feel myself shaking.

Ayne, breathe. This is not a good time to have a pa—

“Ms. Kent, I need you to refrain from creating a scene in my class so people can pay more attention to you. I have a special way to welcome my student here.”

He snapped at me, and before I know it, he has a tight grip on my wrist. My mouth wanted to release a whimper in response to the pain, but my head just shuts down. Locking eyes with the man, I did not even know the expression that was flashing on my face. 

“Let me go, Professor.”

He paused as if confused. “What did you just say?” 

“You are hurting my wri-” 

“Shut up, Ms. Kent.”

My eyes grew wide. The tone of his voice seemed familiar, that my mind wanted to shut down. I wasn’t creating any scene; I’m far from creating one. I just can’t stop my reflexes most of the time. I did my best not to react too intensely, following the advice that I had from before. The way I looked at him seemed to piss him off more. 

“You—”

He was about to cut the distance between us, but there was a knock on the door. The small action made me thank whoever was behind that damn door. As someone called his surname, I was dismissed with that sudden appointment he has; without a minute of thinking, I grab my bag as I run towards the door since I feel like my breath is constricting now, and I feel trapped.

As I opened the door, I bumped into a hard wall, and I did not even try to see where I bumped myself. My brain seemed to finally take a grip of the air that I lacked earlier, causing me to panic even more. I pushed myself up, only to pause by seeing a familiar pair of shoes in front of me. Eyes looking up, I saw Lucas leaning on the wall. 

What is he doing here? 

“Are you modeling for Top 10’s most i***t?” I mumbled, composing myself. 

Lucas squinted his eyes. “You are shaking.”

“I do not recall danci—” my words hitched on my throat from the second he inched closer. I usually do not feel threatened when he does, but the last encounter had fumbled over my brain. Lucas’s expression hardened by my reaction. His eyes took notice of how I hid my hands behind me. “G... get the f**k away from me, you stink.”

A large hand rested on top of my head, moving so slightly as he whispered. “Go and take a breather.”

My feet moved automatically as soon as he uttered the words as if my body was just waiting for an order to take action. I walked without stopping, letting the wind hit my face as I did. Eyes followed me blindly, but I did not reply. My breaks only arrived from the second I spotted a private space. The breath that I had been holding for too long finally escaped, followed by a sob. 

I do not always feel weak, but situations like this make my knees buckle. 

No matter how much I lie to myself, it is a situation that would haunt me for years. Forgetting it for days does not mean that it would not occur to me again. I know what I need to do to get over this, but my heart throbs the second I want to fix it. 

“But I would never have guessed that Lucas would be the one to appease me.”