The Player and the Played

27. The Hidden 'Couple'

"Lana? Reese?" I called out. The girl and guy laughing together in the narrow alley froze. They turned towards the sound of my voice, identical looks of shock on their faces.

"Hi, Hailey!" Lana said, over enthusiastic.

"You guys know each other?" Tyler asked.

"Who the hell is he?" Jesse asked me.

"We met at a party and we're friends," Lana explained.

"But who is this guy?"

"He's Reese. An ex of mine. A total asshole as well."

"Hailey, I'm really sorry about everything that's happened between us," the idiot said, trying to apologise.

"Don't apologise," Tyler said, glaring at him. "She deserves much more than a crappy apology that's way too late anyway."

"Wait, what did you do, Reese?"

"I told you it was bad."

"Yeah! And you also said I could trust you so I decided to meet up more discreetly so that Hailey won't know because I expected you to explain."

"I'm sorry, Lana," he started. "But you've got to trust me on this."

"What did he do to you?" Jesse asked while sending a death glare at Reese.

"Dated me for a year. Broke my heart. But he's an asshole."

"Hailey, it wasn't me," Reese said.

"Wait, you have a twin with the same voice? Why haven't I met him then?" I asked, my voice oozing with sarcasm. < quick a/n: how cool is the word oozing hahaha>. Reese said nothing.

"I heard you. I heard you very clearly. But I don't even care now. I don't even care about you or the fact that you're an asshole who never even liked me."

"Hailey, what did he do to you?" Lana asked, stepping away from Reese. I didn't reply. Not that I had to.

"Oh, nothing much," Tyler said, his voice venomous. "He dated her and after a year she found out it was just a bet. And they used to be best friends before."

"Reese?" Lana asked for a confirmation, her voice completely astounded. He didn't reply but his expression was enough. Tyler slowly linked his fingers with mine, sensing my discomfort.

"I'm sorry that I never told you but I didn't want you to judge me. I'm not that naive and dumb anymore," he apologised to Lana. He didn't look me in the eye as he said, "you too, Hails. I'm really sorry that I did what I did. It was a drunken bet and I was just too caught up in it by the time I wanted to get out of it."

"Why did you make it in the first place?" Tyler asked, his grip on my hand tightening. "Actually, you know what? Don't even try to explain. Hailey deserves someone better than a pathetic asshole like you."

"Um, i have no idea how I got caught up in all your drama so do you mind if I just go?" Jesse said awkwardly.

"No, you stay," I said, glaring at the poor soul.

"Oh, so you're the guy who deserves Hailey? Another Austin?" Reese said, spite colouring his tone. "Or you, new guy?"

"Austin?" Lana asked, shocked.

"After I broke up with Reese, he dated me. It wasn't real and didn't last because I shifted. Besides, he was just a friend."

"That's not what he thought," Reese said softly.

"Hey, Hailey is not my type. I'm more into guys."

"You're gay?" Lana asked.

"Why's it a big deal?" I asked her.

"It's not. It's just that he's probably fucked the entire cheerleading squad."

"I'm pansexual. I prefer guys though. And that was just a phase when I hadn't realised."

"One question," Reese said. "How did we go from me being an asshole to him being bi?"

"I don't know. Let's continue talking about how you're an asshole and of all the things I'd like to do," Lana said sweetly.

"I was thinking slow torture," Tyler suggested. Reese threw me a panicked look but I just shrugged.

"I should get out of here. Lana, Hailey, I'll explain later. At the Ball." And he left. Well, he'd always been good at that. Not that I cared anymore.

"Ball? Oh, wait The Ball?" Tyler said.

"Shit! I forgot all about it," i said. You're probably kind of confused. The Ball was the Valentines Day Ball. It's annual and everyone goes. It's not just our school but also my old school which is just a town away. I always avoided it because I didn't want to meet any of my old friends. There were too many memories.

"Oh, right. I'm not sure I going," Lana said.

"Yeah, me neither," Jesse replied.

"Why not?" Tyler asked.

"I don't have anyone," they said together.

"So? You can go alone. And Jesse, there's this guy I thought you should meet. So, if I call him up and ask him to be there, you won't be alone. Heck, even I'll be going alone," I said.

"Right. About that. You don't have to go alone," Tyler told me awkwardly.

"What do you mean?"

"You could go with me?"

A/N
I'm way too lazy and tired and stuff and also mindblower after binge watching Supernatural to write an author's note. Also, I just returned today after five days of living without my bed and Ive missed it like hell.

Also, I'm working on the next chapter and I've got tons of stuff planned and I'll try finishing it as soon as I can.

Well, it's New Year's Eve rn but Happy New Year, people!!!

Hope you guys have an awesome year ahead!

Xoxo

Anu.