Forced to Play Family

Game

Scarlett's Pov

The moment I reached my room I burst into tears. In my state of pure sadness I called up the only person I knew would understand. It was too much to deal with on my own. 

Emma panicked seeing my wet face and red eyes. I couldn't control myself no matter how much she tried to console me. 

For the first time in life I felt like I wasn't worth it. Alessio made me feel like a discardable toy —only fun to play with when he's in the mood. 

“Why does he not like me?” I cried. 

“It's not your fault baby, it's that asshole Astor boy. He's fucked up.” 

“But he- he acts like he's genuinely interested in me and then-” I hiccuped. “...he pulls back like I'm the most unattractive person he’s ever seen.” 

“Don't blame any of this on yourself, Scar. Maybe he's confused-” 

“Am I a beige flag that he's confused about? Can't he see I’m nice and so bloody into him?!” 

“Beige flag?” Emma mumbled in confusion. 

As the conversation progressed Emma advised I break off all contact with him. She said it's best for my sanity that I get over him and focus on things that give me joy. 

But she didn't know the whole picture. She had no idea of the fucked up rule breaking partnership we had formed. And I couldn't confess to her, fearing her disappointment. 

However something clicked in my head and I suddenly gained the courage I had almost forgotten in my pursuit of chasing his approvals. I wasn't gonna let him put me down anymore. Now it is time I stand up for myself. 

So I decided to go with Emma's advice. But it was more complicated than it felt at the surface. I couldn't just start ignoring him out of the blue or tell him I don't wanna do this secret partnership anymore. 

If he asks for a reason, what am I supposed to say? He'll act oblivious, claiming he did nothing wrong. And I can't confess I had a crush on him and him not reciprocating is hurting me. 

It is better if he pulls back, if he says he can't do this anymore. So he becomes the coward I'm scared to be deemed. 

For that, all I needed to do is come up with some dare that he won't ever do no matter the satisfaction of rebellion. And I knew exactly what he wasn't willing to do. 

“But I should end it in style so how about I wear a skirt for a change?” 

“Okay… get the pastel pink one Genesis bought you last week.” 

I pouted. “That's too long.” 

“You know very well you get uncomfortable in stuff that's too short.” 

“I’ll try not to this time.” 

“No, I won't let you be uncomfortable,” If only you knew how uncomfortable I had been the last few weeks. “Just to… make him regret.” Or bait him…

“Okay, we’ll do knee length but I'm not wearing pink. I’ll go get the options out.” 

I brought my whole collection of skirts —which only counted to six as I don't wear skirts. When I came back I tried to adjust the camera on the vanity so I could place each against my pelvic to show her how they'll look on me. 

But I failed to get a good angle each time. As I struggled I heard light footsteps behind me. When I turned around my phone was held by someone, perfectly focusing the camera where I wanted it to be.