Little Wonders ((Shansel))

Chapter 17 )) Pretty Lies

7 Months Later...

Shailene. . .

The interviewer flashes a smile at the camera "Today we are here with the cast of Allegiant." The camera swings at us. I smile. Theo is sitting by me and he places his hand on top of mine. I steal a glance at Ansel who steals a glance at our hands. The camera focus itself between the cast and the interviewer.

"How was filming?" The interviewer asks.

First question easy. "Fun." I answer and Theo nods."

"I'm just really glad to reunite with my co stars today." He glances at Ansel, Miles and me.

The interviewer nods. "Great." He says everything warmly while keeping our interest. A lady interviewer walks confidently into the room and sits. She's wearing a hot pink dress that hugs her body. She is tall with a very slim waist and thin long legs. Her hair a mixture of blond and brown.

"Tris." She says, then looks up from the card to look at us. She sounds to me, South American. "Was brave. She was strong and she fought for what she believed was right. What do any of you think is worth fighting for?"

"I think what's right is worth fighting for. I fight for nature. Its our home you know, this earth. And respect. We should respect each other and accept our differences." I say.

And then Theo jumps in. "Loyalty. I think you know one person should be loyal to someone, don't cheat. Don't betray. That's important to me."

Miles shrugs. "My hair, y'know. No, I'm kidding. The truth, I guess. I hate when the media tells lies. Its not fair."

"Love. Love is so important. Friendship too." There's firm confidence in Ansel's voice as he says this.

"Well, Ansel. That's nice. I just wanted to make sure, well you confirmed your break up with Violetta Komyshan on Instagram. Is that so?"

I grimace. The spotlight is on Ansel on something painful.

But he does answer, quietly. "Yes."

"After that, you were seen with Shailene I New Zealand. Rumor has it that Theo and Shailene are together but rumor also has it that you and Shailene are. We want to bring truth to the internet."

The room is silent. Its a lot to comprehend for everyone. I speak up. "I'm dating Theo. Lets move on."

"Excuse me. I'll be back." Ansel leaves, out the door.

The room is silent. "Excuse me." I excuse myself to go loo for Ansel.

Ansel. . .

Shailene and Theo in the picture, no place for me. The door opens. "Ansel?" I know that voice. I don't have to turn my head to know its Shai.

"Sorry." She says and when I look at her she sends me a small sympathetic smile. She just makes me fall head over heels in love with her. And when she walked away that morning, I felt like half a person. When she walked away, she took part of me with her.

"No. Its okay." I say in a low voice. "Just... needed to think."

"I know I hurt everyone. I now know I lied. To myself to you to Theo to everyone."

"What do you mean?"

"I loved you, Ansel, I did. But I never thought you'd love me back so I said yes to Theo. And now there's no  turning back."

"Who are you, Shailene?"

"I don't know. I'm so lost. I never thought this is a position I would ever be in."

There's a certain tightness in my throat. I swallow. I'm mad at Shailene for not knowing where she stands. I shouldn't be but I am. "Let's go back inside." I say, but then she reaches for  my hand but I step back. "Just don't touch me okay?! Ever."

"Okay." She squeaks like a frightened mouse and I'm mortified at my own harsh tone.

By the time I can think about apologizing, the door has closed behind her.

We finish the interview. Shai never looked at me during the whole thing, which might be driving me insane. So, as we're all walking out, I catch up to her ad grab her wrist from behind.

When she looks behind her and our eyes meet I tell her what might determine our friendship "Meet me." I say. "Tonight. Lobby of our apartment. At nine. I think we have to sort things out."

She does not nod or shake her head but simply walk on.