Twisted Temptation

Chapter 1

As my consciousness slips from me, the burning ache in my wrists do not fade. My head is pinned on my desk, as my neck finds a comfortable rest on page after page of notes for my upcoming term test. Paper is scattered all over my table and a portion of the floor beneath me, but that is impossible to be seen through half-lidded eyes.

Instead, I keep my blurry vision focused on my cell phone, which is yet to light up.

Looking towards my clock, it reads, 11:30.

'I suppose he'd be asleep by now...' I think, yawning into my arm.

'11:30 is far too late for Tanner to still be awake.'

Tanner James Hawkins (otherwise known affectionately by his co-swimmers as 'TJ'), is one of the state's best swimmers, and the uprising talent at East Durham College, an athletic powerhouse. Which makes sense, he fits right in with those sporty kids. Sun-kissed skin, broad shoulders, blonde hair, green eyes, and the meatiest, sluttiest set of muscles from his waist up; he is the picture of athleticism.

If anything, students like me are considered an outlier at East Durham. Not that they don't teach academics, rather, their VCE ranks are consistently increasing by the year. Nevertheless, when I got a scholarship for this school, I never imagined just how much physical education is incorporated into our studies, and just how much time I would spend wasted at a random party thrown by those who relish in such classes.

Back to Tanner. Being a professional swimmer at seventeen means training every night, and working out every morning. Athletics' days don't start at 6 or 7, or for sleep-deprived-wannabe-smartasses like me, 8 or 9. They start as early as 4:30 in the goddamned morning. So, for him, he blacks out the moment clock hits 10.

'I wish he'd remember to send me a message or something though.'

Just as I think this, my cell phone lights up. I almost jump out of my seat, grabbing my phone with much urgency.

From: Blonde Prick

'Couldn't sleep, felt like I forgot something.'

I read the message instantly. Desperate, but that's how I am with Tanner.

'yes?' I respond.

He types for a moment, and I impatiently tap my foot.

'Nah, just needed to take my nightly dump.'

I scrunch up my face.

'Disgusting.'

I can practically hear him laughing from the other side of the screen.

'I'm kidding. Goodnight beautiful.'

I roll my eyes, but can't keep the grin off my face.

'I hope you drown tmr at practice, asshole.'

His message comes instantly.

'Love you too baby.'

Moments like these made me feel like Tanner is worth everything, like I could give him the whole world if he wanted it.

I nearly fly to the other side of the school hallway, as someone bumps into my shoulder. He doesn't spare me even a glance, before walking on.

And then moments like these make me feel as if it is all for naught.

You see, Tanner and I are in a secret relationship. He's a private person, and he told me he'd rather not tell everyone, because they will 'nag' him.

"Do you seriously think that's why?" Joslyn Wong, the prettiest girl in our year level, and probably my only friend, sighs, rolling her eyes.

I furrow my brows, and my mouth stretches into a tight, thin line.