Bandmate ||Ricky Garcia||

《f o r t y》

''Maybe you're getting tricked too, ever think of that?''

"Why do you say that? Ricky has done lousy things, but not even him can reach such an all-time low.'' Especially since his father did the same thing to his mom. He hasn't told me but I know he's trying to block out all those memories and be better than his dad. I just wished he would open more so I could help him.

''Oh he has done several things. But we're friends so I'll spare you that nasty details. Now I'm sorry you wasted your time but I'm not saying anything.'' Keta was speaking but it sounds nothing like her. The usual warm smile is gone and replaced by a scared frown.

''You're really willing to let him drown like that?'' I ask her losing faith in any form of her help.

''Either he drowns or I do, and I choose him. Now, please leave my house.'' She points to the same patio door I came in. Dark circles run around her eyes, that's when I realize that the Keta we know is gone, a shell that's being controlled by that psychotic actress. ''Oh and Peyton assured me that even if you tell on me I'll be safe, so there's no point in tattle telling to Ricky about me.''

''Yeah and she also assured you she would drop her stupid plan, but I guess that didn't happen did it.'' My heels echo past the marble floor out to the yard where Liam is running a towel over his hair and torso. His eyes follow me as I march out the door when he calls my name.

''Chick fight?'' He asks draping the navy towel around his neck.

''No, just a disagreement,'' I say tapping my shoe on the grass waiting for the taxi to come back. Crossing my arms I wait for him to leave, but he rather stands there looking around. ''Liam, can I help you with something?'' My voice is clearly irritated and his presence isn't helping.

''Nope, my life is under control. But your's... well that a different story. So here just so you don't think I'm that big of an ass, let me take you home. My car is right there?'' Being inside a car with Liam isn't my idea of fun, but I need to talk to Ricky and he should be home by now.

''Is Ricky back at his place?'' I ask him as I balance my choices.

''What do I look like, his nanny?'' He starts to laugh but once he sees my serious expression he turns quiet. ''I would say he is? So, yes to that drive?''

''Fine, but put a shirt on.'' I start walking to the terribly parked car and go ahead and sit down on the passenger seat.

''Audrey, it's close to 90 degrees, so let me use my right as a man to go around shirtless. '' I'm really going to ignore that comment and remain silent not feeling in the mood to answer his stupid comment. ''I like that new color. It looks like a wig, but an expensive one, you know.''

This man doesn't have a filter, does he? ''Just drive, Liam.''

''Woah someone is moody. That time of the month?'' I turn to look at him and he does the same. He's smiling and quickly starts to laugh. ''Man, you can't be told a joke.'' He drives out of Keta's driveway and turns left passing more fancy houses.

''Sorry, it's just today isn't a good day.'' Besides the invisible highlight of Ricky almost revealing something but ended up keeping it in. ''So you're a senior?''

''Yeah credit wise, but I'm still considered a Junior. But I'm graduating this year once the paperwork is all in.''

''I can't believe they're letting you transfer this far into the year. Wait, just a second, does that mean I'm older than you.'' I start to laugh just thinking I'm older than the guy with a mouth bigger than his brain.

''I'm 17 and Ricky told me you were 17 too. So don't get overconfident.''

''I'm an older 17, so I still win. '' I'm taking any sort of label that will make me superior to him. The roof of Ricky's house starts to reveal itself from behind the trees. ''You should work things out with Jon. I don't like seeing him far away from the band.'' I blurted out feeling nostalgic to come to a house where Jon used to bolt out the door.