A Dare With The Player

Chapter 7: The Girl Who Loved Trouble

I’ve never been excited to start school. Every year I just hoped that time would move faster than the speed of light and it would all be over, but this year it kind of felt different. I wasn’t sure if it was the idea of it being my actual last year in high school or maybe… something else.

Suddenly, my phone alarm went off and I turned to my side, quickly getting to my phone to shut it up without having to open my eyes. I let out groaning noises. I guess even when I was feeling less disappointed at the start of school, it still doesn’t change the fact that waking up early was not really something exciting to me unless I was waking up to take pictures of the sunrise.

“Cristiano, you better be awake. Get ready and have breakfast downstairs so we can go to school together.” I heard my father on the other side of the door and I rolled my eyes while burying my head on my pillow.

That’s another thing I wasn’t so keen about. I was forced to go to school… with him as the Principal. I didn’t mind him getting his dream job, but why did it have to be in the same school as me? It’s like having your father as your boss and being told what you can and can’t do. I hated the thought of it. I was my own person and disliked being told what to do.

I don’t bother to reply to him as I just get up off the bed and head to the bathroom to wash up. I usually like my water lukewarm, but this morning I think an ice cold shower would do me good to wake me up and help me face my reality a little more.

Once I was done, I grabbed the first hoodie and jeans in my closet, but paused momentarily as a small amused smile formed on my lips seeing my drawer with my underwear.

“I guess it was a good thing I managed to arrange my clothes beforehand,” I muttered to myself.

It might not look like it, but disorderly was not my thing. I liked to arrange what little stuff I have in a neat and organized manner and since a little someone was here and saw all of that, it was reassuring knowing it was at its prime condition at least.

I grabbed another one of my black boxers, the second out of all three I had. Scratch that, now only two because someone took the other one. Interesting how she decided to pick that color when the others were closer to her, but who am I to judge what caught her eye?

I stood in front of the mirror in my room and puckered my lips in thought. My hair was getting longer than usual since I hadn't found the time to get a haircut, but looking at it now, the length made it seem like it was intentional to a two block haircut, the one block at the top of my head is longer while the second on the back and sides are shorter.

If I’m not in the mood to communicate with anyone, I can just pull the front down and I won’t even have to get into eye contact with them. I reckon I can keep this hairstyle for now.

I softly chuckled to myself before pushing my hair back into a slightly messy and casual look. With my things, I liked to be organized, but with my overall look, I preferred it to be the opposite.

I let out a heavy sigh before nodding at myself. I guess I’m ready.

Grabbing my bag, I walked out of my room and made my way down the stairs. It was suspiciously much quieter than I expected. I would have thought my dad would be nagging right now, but he wasn’t there.

I walked to the dining area and saw a plate of pancakes and toast ready for me. There was another plate with a half-bitten pancake on it. Confused, I take a piece of toast with me before looking for my dad.

I made my way to the living room, munching on my toast, but didn’t see any signs of him. Continuing to the kitchen, not there either. I walked to the window that overlooked the front yard, but his car was still there and there doesn’t seem to be signs of him outside. Where in the world did he go?

Just then, I heard a few noises downstairs and figured it out. He’s in the basement.

Taking one last bite of my toast, I hurried to go down. It sounded like something fell and as much as I didn’t want to really talk with him, I didn’t want harm to come to him.

“Dad!” I said in surprise and panic when I opened the door and looked down at the basement to see him on the floor with a few boxes atop him.

I quickly ran towards him and without thinking of anything else, I pushed away all the boxes.

“Careful, son! You might break something!” He suddenly said as he grabbed a hold of one of the boxes like it mattered more than his own life.

“Seriously? I’m trying to help you,” I told him unamused before pulling the box away from him now with much more force.

“What are you doing here, anyway? You said we were leaving, why are you down here?” I asked him as I pulled him up from the ground and helped dust him off.

“It’s nothi-” Before he could respond, one of them caught my attention and I realized why he was so sensitive about it.

“f**k, you’ve gotta be kidding me. Seriously?” I turned to him with a disdainful look.

I grabbed one of the small pottery clays that had my mother’s initials carved on it before shaking my head in disbelief. “This s**t again?”

My father hardened his look at me before grabbing the pottery from my hand. “Do not call your mother’s things shit.”

“She’s not even my mother,” I scoffed. “A real mother wouldn’t abandon their child.”

My father knew not to argue after what I had said. He knows. He knew the only reason I had become so spiteful towards anything related towards her was because of her own wrongdoing and sometimes he tried to correct me, to make me into a better man the day she left, but there was so much hatred in my heart that it just didn’t work. I was always going to be this venomous.

He sighed. “Let’s go upstairs. I’ll fix this later. We should get to school.”

“I’m not going with you anymore,” I quickly said before turning around and walking my way back up from the basement.

“What? Cristiano, you said your car needs a repair. Just let me drive you, son.” He offered but I was no longer in the mood.

“Whatever, I can find my own way to school.” I informed him and just before stepping out of the basement I turned back to face him.

“Put a bandaid on your hand. There’s a scratch.”

And that’s how I ended up walking to the bus stop at this god forbidden city.

Albeit my hatred for being here, I can’t deny that a part of me still knew the ins and outs of the place. Some things have obviously changed, but there are still more familiarity to it than otherwise, such as the bus stop at the end of the street, or the two houses that I’ve gotten used to seeing everyday back when I was younger - the Harries and Donovan houses.

I took a few seconds to look at the house and it seems nothing has changed here. The paint had gotten less vibrant, but other than that, it was still the same childhood house I used to love visiting. It was interesting to remember this was where I kind of grew up, but at the same time heartbreaking to know it was the last place I knew what happiness was like before everything went to s**t.

I shook my head and turned away from the house, continuing my walk.

Fortunately, right now although the sun was up, the wind battled with its heat and the hoodie I was wearing was just right for the weather. I reached the bus stop in less than three minutes with barely any sweat.

“Oh my god, are you the guy at the party the other night?! You totally look like the one in the videos and pictures!” A girl in a miniskirt approached me before placing herself right next to the empty spot on the bench.

Videos and pictures? That I wasn’t aware of, but I guess with the things I’ve done, it wouldn’t be surprising if people wanted to keep it for themselves to replay over and over.

The girl was desperately trying to get my attention, biting her lip and playing with her hair in a seductive manner.

I internally rolled my eyes, but in all fairness, she wasn’t so bad. I have nothing else to do, but wait for the bus anyway. Might as well have a little fun.

I shrugged my shoulders. “There’s a lot of other parties I’ve been to, but I can be that guy in that party no problem.”

She quickly blushed. “You’re incredibly sexy. If I had known you’d be there, I definitely would have come. It’s such a shame I’m not one of the lucky girls you were dared to make out with.” She pouted and looked up at me with sad eyes.

I didn’t need a second to think about it as I leaned in closer and got her lips with mine. She moaned into my mouth in an instant, signaling that she was enjoying it already. I’m not surprised. Every single one I’ve kissed has done the same.

This action has become so trivial to me. Kissing, making out, they were considered something romantic, something that was supposed to have meaning, but to me, they were all just mundane. I didn’t need to like a girl to kiss her. I used this act to make me forget about anything and everything as I focused on making whoever was on the other end enjoy what it was I was giving. In turn, they do whatever I want after.

To me, kissing was just a business transaction of some sorts. Nothing more.

Suddenly, I hear the sound of the bus nearing and immediately pull away. The girl I was kissing was not happy about this as she looked at me, mouth half open and eyes begging for more.

“My chariot awaits,” I told her before turning around and saw the bus pull up.

Just before she could respond, I stood up and hopped on to the ride. I hadn’t noticed there were other people at the bus stop with us and probably saw the quick make out session as they were slightly staring at me.

When the bus drove off, the girl had finally snapped out of her daze and stood up in panic, realizing too late that this was the bus she should have gotten on. I chuckled amused before turning back to face the front and relax on my seat.

I exhaled deeply as I turned to my window, watching morning in the city unfold right before my eyes. I guess I can’t deny that this place had its own beauty to it. Amidst the scalding heat sometimes or the noise in every corner, once in a while you find yourself admiring what’s in front of you.

When the stop light turned red, the bus stopped right next to a wooden house with a tall tree beside it and if you looked closer, there was a bird’s nest with a mother and a small bird. It looked like she was teaching the small bird how to fly. At that moment, I wished I had my camera with me, but my phone will do for now.

I quickly got it out of my pocket and positioned it to take a picture before the light turned green and the bus needed to move.

I snapped the picture just as a car came up and was directly in the frame of the shot. The matte black Ford Mustang was not hard to distinguish from other cars and I knew instantly it was none other than T’s. I remember him talking about it endlessly as his dream car when we were kids and it was good to see him with it. Apparently after working as a janitor for his dad’s company during the summer and his sixteenth birthday gift.

But as I looked over to the car, something else caught my eye again. The windows were rolled down and it seemed like the two were dancing to the beat of the music that was playing from the speakers.

I couldn’t help but laugh quietly. I could only see T’s hands moving from my angle, but Thalia was fully enjoying this song, even using her hand as a fake microphone. I switched to the video mode on my phone and decided to record the siblings having a concert in their car but before I could record for more than ten seconds, the light turned green and both cars started to move.

Still, the remembrance of the two made me smile a little even for just a quick second.

The bus soon came to a halt as the ride was only about fifteen minutes. There were only about two students that went down with me, assuming the others were going down on the next stop. Nonetheless, I caught a lady in a business suit winking at me. Seeing as I would most likely have to ride the bus more than usual and on the same route meaning she would likely be there too, it was best not to create any bad tension for now.

I licked my lips for a quick second whilst still staring at her and her eyes gleamed in delight. I stepped out of the bus right after my mission was complete.

I didn’t know that there would be another rather… special challenge waiting for me on the ground.

I had only taken a few steps when someone had landed straight on my chest. Usually, my first response would be annoyed, but it was hard to do that when I caught a whiff of a sweet vanilla scent and I quickly realized that it was not just anyone that landed on me, but her.

“Hey, watch where you’re going, man!” She quickly retorted. So much feistiness in such a little thing. It was kind of hot.

I doubt she would have acted the same way if she knew who it was in front of her and I was right because when she looked up, it was like blood had quickly ran out of her body from sheer panic.

“If it isn’t the little daredevil…” I told her as I looked at her from head to toe.

Compared to most of the girl students I have passed by so far, she was definitely wearing more clothes. Frankly, it looked like we were wearing matching outfits as she wore the same earth-toned crop top and ripped denim jeans. I’d be lying to myself if I said she didn’t fill those jeans up pretty well.

My, my, my…There is definitely no denying that my best friend’s sister has grown up.

She was obviously a little dumbfounded, and I found it kind of cute the way she looked at me so lost and shy at the same time. A part of me instantly wanted to tease and embarrass her even more.

I cleared my throat and slightly smirked all whilst keeping my stare at her.

“Is that how you talk to someone you just stole from? You know, if you wanted one of my boxers, you could have just said so.” I exclaimed in a rather taunting voice and I truly wished I could snap a picture of the way her face looked right now.

I decided to raise up the level, seeing as how much fun teasing Thalia was. I leaned in closer to her ear and whispered, “I would have gladly given it to you.”

I made sure to brush a part of my lip on her ear, and I noticed her shiver ever so slightly, before stiffening up and stepping backwards away from me.

“I- I don’t know what you’re talking about!” She said with so much fervent conviction, if I hadn’t watched the proof last night, she would have convinced me too.

But alas, I did. Maybe more than once, too, so I knew all too well. Which made me realize… She doesn’t know. She doesn’t know I have her phone. Or maybe… she does, but she’s now convinced herself it’s somewhere else other than with me.

I watched as Thalia hurriedly turned herself around, her hair flipping and almost hitting me from where I was standing, and then stomping her way towards the school entrance.

No one has ever walked away from me. They wouldn’t exactly dare, but it seems to me that Thalia either didn’t care or cared too much to walk away in order to save face.

Either way… I think I’m going to have fun with this little daredevil.

The bell rang shortly after that and students fumbled in the hallway to get to their respective classes. I, on the other hand, was happily taking my time.

What are they going to do to me? Give me detention? Hah. In my old school in Brazil, I think I’ve attended more detention than actual classes. The only reason I was able to pass each year was because all lessons weren’t really that hard to follow. I passed my quizzes and exams with ease.

Plus, detention meant an hour of free time for me to do whatever the hell I want. Play games on my phone, edit photos, watch a movie, etcetera. They were just giving me more time away from my dad which was a win-win.

Eventually, about ten minutes later and a desert-like hallway, I reached the front of my classroom. Standing in front of the plain wooden door, I didn’t care enough to check the classroom list and who the other students would be with me. Frankly, it’s not like I would go out of my way to make new friends or anything.

“You’re late,” the teacher said immediately as soon as I opened the door.

“My sincerest apologies, Sir. I was so excited for this class I lost track of time.” I told him with a mocking smile and he looked at me with a blank expression before pointing his finger towards the side of the room with an empty seat.

“Detention after classes. Now sit down, Mr. Ferreira.” He said with an unamused shake of his head.

I smirked to myself thinking - well that was easy; before turning to where I was assigned to sit, and lo and behold, a familiar face.

The same emerald green eyes looked at me with cheeks that were trying not to be obviously flushed, but failing at it.

As some of the other girls were trying to catch my attention with their winks and other attempts, one girl has already gotten my full attention.

“We meet again, daredevil.” I said to her teasingly as I sat right behind her.

She merely brushed back her hair without so much as a glance to acknowledge me, but I quickly caught her scent again, making me momentarily close my eyes at the sweetness of it. Whatever it is she bathes in, it must be damn good because I can’t seem to get enough of it.

Classes eventually started and I would say more about it if I actually knew what was going on. I have formed a habit of admiring the window view and of daredevil in front of me.

I realized two things.

One, there are a lot of birds in California.

Two, Thalia was terrible at Mathematics.

Albeit my lack of interest in traditional education, I was somehow fortunate enough to have no problems understanding lessons. For some reason, it was just generally easy for me, especially when it came to Math and equations. I see numbers and they compute in my head automatically.

There were times in class I had to stop myself from leaning forward and telling Thalia that the formula she was using was wrong, giving her the wrong answer overall, but I bit my lip and let it pass. It wasn’t my jurisdiction. If she asked for my help, I’d gladly give it though... For something else in return.

Finally, it was almost the last class of the day. Surprisingly, I didn’t get as bored as I thought I would be. Girls flocked over me every time there was a fifteen minute break before another class would start and I’d enjoy their company, but more so, I enjoyed watching Thalia roll her eyes at me. Her dedication to do such amused me and at the same time made me curious as to how she hasn’t gotten a headache from constantly doing it.

“Hey hot stuff, are you free later tonight? The girls and I were planning to hit the mall.” One of the tall girls and her posse approached me, her elbows on my desk as she stared up right into me, giving me a full view of her cleavage.

I would much rather accept if it was an invite to her room, not the mall. I don’t go out with girls in public. It makes you look like you’re on a date and I never go on dates. They’re called a good time for a reason. No involvements, no attachments.

“Apologies, baby girl, but I might be too tired after detention. I’m going to have to take a raincheck, but I could be free tomorrow. That is if I don’t get into another trouble.” I winked at her and all the girls swooned.

“You are such a bad boy, Cristiano.” The girls giggled and once again, I caught Thalia rolling her eyes at me. I couldn’t help but smile slightly.

Although her attention was quickly taken by someone else. “Hey, Thal! Dare!”

I don’t know what it was, but I felt a bit iffy seeing how she turned to the boy, eyes glistening in delight and smiling ear to ear. I narrowed my eyes at the puny boy in front of her. I could take him down with just one arm and with my eyes blindfolded. Psh.

“Hit me!” Thalia answered with a little giggle, but it wasn’t like the way the other girls did it. It wasn’t annoying, it was just… cute.

I shoo away the girls in front of me as curiosity gets the best of me. I want to hear what the boy is going to dare her.

Clearly, the girls aren’t amused but I could give a rat’s ass.

“I dare you to lock out the last teacher,” the boy said before he started snickering.

I turned to Thalia who looked surprised for a quick second, but was immediately replaced by a mischievous smile and her eyes lit up in playfulness.

This was the face of the girl who loved trouble.

“You’re on, Kev.” She shook hands with the boy before standing up from her seat and running towards the classroom door.

At this point, everyone in the classroom is intrigued, all their eyes on the daredevil.

Thalia stood by the door, smiling widely, and looking pleased with herself. “Ladies and gentlemen, let Senior Year begin.” She announced before locking the door and not a second later, the last teacher arrived and tried to open it, but alas, he was unsuccessful.

The man’s face popped up on the small glass opening on the door looking confused.

“Why is the door locked?” He said out loud, his voice barely a muffle on the other side.

Thalia merely shrugged her shoulders, her face trying to look innocent.

“Thalia Donovan, open the door.” The teacher told her and she pretended to try and open it, moving the doorknob around.

“It’s not opening, Sir!” She shouted out back to him and you could clearly see the teacher’s face starting to lose patience.

A few more minutes of the teacher asking Thalia to open the door and her pretending to do so, he has completely lost his patience and is now shouting louder.

“Ms. Donovan, you will open this door right now or else!” He demanded, but daredevil here was truly living up to her name.

Finally, a school guard came and was about to unlock the door. Thalia got ahead of them, though.

“It worked, Sir Gibbins! It finally unlocked!” She shouted in pretend, her dedication to this act truly surprising and amusing me.

I have a feeling it would have worked if the other students weren’t so obviously snickering at the sides… or maybe not. She would have gotten caught either way by the looks of it aka Mr. Gibbins very red face.

All of a sudden, he yelped in the four walls of the classroom, immediately shutting up everyone.

“DETENTION, MS. DONOVAN!”

I chuckled softly.

It looks like later’s detention just got even more exciting with a special guest.