Secrets Look Different in the Light

Chapter 4

Avery's POV

      "I'm going to go lock the front door so she can't get back in." I announce, the first one to break the speak since May cracked. I knew the girl had some issues, but that? That was next level. And over a shirt? Even I wouldn't jump to conclusions like that. As much as I want to check on Dylan, I doubt he wants to be around anyone right now. I'll deal with it in the morning.

     "Babe!" Jayden calls. I turn around and head back into the living room, where Haley is lounging over the back of the couch like it's hers.
"It's not a jungle gym Haley. Sit on a cushion or don't sit." I snap.
"There wasn't a spot open." She says with a sour twist to her mouth.
"Here, I'll scooch." Theo offers. Her face lights up like he just got down on one knee. She cozies up beside him and I resist the urge to gag.

I roll my eyes and plop onto Jayden's lap. I say, raising my voice just enough for everyone to hear. A beat of silence, then, "Slapped a guy in the face."
I finish my sentence, starting the game. Jackie, Jayden, and Bryan take a drink. Jackie goes next.
"Never have I ever thrown up pretzels on my third-grade crush." Jackie says, tossing a handful of pretzels into her mouth. I begrudgingly take a sip of my drink while she stifles a laugh.

"That is just your favorite story isn't it?" I say, playfully roll my eyes.   

Then Jayden, being Jayden, decides to take it too far. 

"All right my turn. Never have I ever fucked my best friends brother." He blurts, eyes locked on Jackie.

 I punch him in the shoulder. Jackie scoffs.
"I didn't fucking sleep with him," She snaps, standing. "Alright I'm out. I'm over this game." 
"Jackie, wait- come on, he didn't mean it!" I call after her but she already halfway down the hall. I sigh and look back at Jayden. "Why did you say that?" I whisper. 

He shrugs. "It was just poking fun. She did the same to you." 
"Yeah well that was from 3rd grade. I've healed from the humiliation. She probably doesn't want to joke about getting mauled by a psycho right after it happened." I say.

He doesn't respond.

 "Okay, I'll go." Haley says, all too chipper. "Never have I ever... had sex in this house."

 Everyone except Haley and Theo drink. 

I feel Theo's eyes on me as I raise my glass. What? It's my house. Why is he looking at me like I just confessed to murder? I glance over at him and he doesn't look surprised, he just looks... Bothered.
"Why have y'all had sex in my house??" I ask glaring at Bryan and Andrew. Andrew's laughs. "Look you're focusing on the wrong thing, Haley and Theodore haven't boned in your house." They fucking better not have. My subconscious growls.
"Well, with all you're after parties there's still time..." Haley teases, staring at Theo. He pulls an awkward smile and takes a sip of his drink. 

That whore.

Jackie's POV

      Jayden can be a real dick sometimes. I don't hate him, but his sense of humor is warped. It's not like that'll keep Avery from dating him, so whatever. I heard her call after me, but after what happened with May and now Jayden's lovely little joke, I'm over it. I'll just crash in her room until Theo's ready to give me a ride. As I walk down the hall I pass Dylan's door and slow down. Curiosity gets the better of me, I peak in to see what he's doing. I imagine he's not doing too great either right now. He's sitting on the floor, back against the bed, looking like hell.

"Knock knock," I say softly, stepping into the room.
"Hey.." he says, voice low.

I sit on the bed. "How ya doing?" 
"To answer that, I think I'd have to understand what even happened." He says with a scoff.