PLAIN and PROUD: Book 1 (BxB n LGBT)

Chapter 34: Of Veritas and Complications

Amanda’s POV

“First of all, I would like to start this meeting with an agreement from everyone that everything shall remain only between us within this very room and I mean it. Everything. Secondly, constant respect towards each other must also be maintained. Would you guys comply with these two easy rules?”

I had never considered myself to be a judge or a referee or both but I felt like one right now. This meeting was not meant to be serious or harmful and I would like it to stay that way. Friendships and trust will be tested but that’s what I’m aiming for and I looked up from a few useful YouTube videos that emotionally linked gatherings among friends like what I’m doing now can be very beneficial in the long run. 

                Everyone nodded their head, except for Candy. She cleared her throat instead and pursed her lips when I glanced at her quizzically, my left eyebrow raised. “Can I add something to that?” I gave her a nod and she straightened her seating posture so that her shoulders squared facing the rest of us. She cleared her throat again then speaks with conviction and it was meant for the entire group present around her.

“There must also be no prejudice or hatred. I understand that there is an air of hostility lingering around so I want to make it clear that I am invited here by Amanda just like the rest of you guys so please if there’s any beef with me, you may settle it elsewhere.”

The atmosphere in my room quickly took a colder and tensed turn. Nobody replied to her request. I took her additional wish into consideration and nodded my head, there was no harm in fulfilling it for the sake of everyone in the room. “Well, I believe that we’re all going to be professional here. We are all friends, no matter what happened before. She’s right guys. I really want this meeting to work out so please put all those enmities behind for now.”

My eyes grazed around to have a look at each and every one present inside the circle. Only one more person is absent in this group gathering. Hopefully she would come soon. I was praying that she will. “So… why the hell am I here again?”

      A familiar, irritating voice erupted close from the bedroom door, alerting her presence. Finally, she’s arrived in one piece. I was quite worried she would rather pull off a no-show just now. I took a quick glance at my watch. Half an hour late, as expected from a self-professed diva like herself so I simply sighed as she closed the door behind her. “Chill out, Miss Orthodoxy-Pants, I got some stuffs to settle on my way here so pardon me for being late, Your Highness.”

Everyone glanced towards her as she took her time making her presence known and entered the room, the one and only Queen Bee. I could see Alain rolling his eyes with discontent. He was probably hoping that this circle wouldn’t be tainted by her presence. I just ignored his deathly glare shot towards me, more like wondering about the same thing like everyone else. What is she even doing here? I don’t have to be a mind reader to generalize that question forming in everyone else’s minds at the moment. Candy was being ignorant as always, probably relieved that the glaring heat is channelled away from her for the first time since she arrived here.

    Connor gritted his teeth at his ex-girlfriend’s typically sarcastic remarks, but I just couldn’t care less. At least she’s present now. That’s the main point. It was my house after all, my idea in the first place and my rules so I figured it’s better for her to be here. If someone has anything against her being here then they won’t have much choice than to keep quiet and let me carry on with the plan, for I have the veto power now.

“To answer your first question, you’re here so that we could all make amends of our faults and carry on with the rest of our senior year with a clean slate.” I don’t want to complicate things and inviting her would probably solve some grudges too, hopefully. I’m crossing my fingers now praying that nothing horrendous will unfold along the way. The boys were all a bit quiet and pensive beforehand and I couldn’t read their expression much except for Alain’s. He wasn’t looking so disappointed and that can be taken as good news enough for me.