THE STARKS ALLEY

15

KRISTIE'S POV

I had done a lot of thinking about that night I was with Kelly. For you perverts, nothing happened. I know Kelly was avoiding me. I could easily tell from the way he nervously made eye contact with me before bumping into Miss P.

I was seated alone, with my laptop. This was a perfect setting for Kelly to disturb me like he always did. I knew why, but I didn't know how to feel about it. The more I looked at him, the more I understood what was going on and he really was the victim, not me.

He did say he loved me.

But not in that context.

Kent approached me and he smiled the same way he did when I was at his place. He was happy about something and I knew exactly what it was. I didn't like this game Kelly was playing.

"I'm excited to see you Kristie," he started, "Now I know what's going on and I want to make both of you safe." He winked at me, then slipped me some pills.

"I..." I was shocked beyond words.

"Don't mention it!!" He happily walked away.

This is ridiculous. Kelly already confessed it all and he didn't have to. I should be the bigger person and talk to him. That's exactly what I did. I could see the fear in his eyes as I approached him. He knew I could use what he told me that night against him, but that wasn't me. I never thought I'd make him feel so vulnerable.

"Abortion pills!!" I said furiously.

"What?"

"You dad gave me abortion pills," I retorted.

"He wasn't supposed to do that."

"What more did you tell your dad?" He clearly didn't tell me everything.

"I told him we had sex! It has to be believable!!"

I dragged Kelly outside where I could raise my voice at him.

"Unbelievable!! You should have mentioned that part, don't you think so?!" He looked at me quietly, "I mean, if we're sleeping together then I should know!"

"I'm sorry okay! He's happy that I'm finally dating someone. That's what matters." That explains why Kent had been smiling at me.

"You mean he's happy that you're fake dating someone." I couldn't believe what I had been dragged into. Going to his place was all part of his plan.

"So this is why you hang around me so much. Just because you've been living a lie."

"No, I genuinely enjoy your company. I can't say I'm proud of using you, Kristie."

"Why me Kelly? There are tonnes of models who would kill for you." It was suspicious, I must admit.

"You're the ideal girlfriend! You're nice, sweet, kind... My dad has been pressuring me to get a girlfriend and that's why."

"What about Miss P, huh!!"

"Are you kidding me? I promise this will be worth your while Kristie. I'll be the best fake boyfriend you'll ever have!"

"I didn't ask for this!"

"I know you'd want it more than anything. Any girl would."

"Kelly..."

"Don't lie to me, Kristie. Imagine being the girlfriend of the Kelly Starks! You will be the envy of many girls on the planet. You will live the life! You'll become an idol. But between you and me, none of it is real."

"You should just come clean Kelly." There was silence between Kelly and I, which only increased the tension.

"Imagine if someone took Izzy away from you."

"What?"

"We're dating, Kristie. I know your type. And it's not me."

"Izzy is dating Monic, and I'm dating Dale."

"I know. But the chemistry between you two is undeniable. I'm observant."

"Okay fine. I'm in. Just... stop talking."

Just then, Kent walked out to look for us. Kelly quickly pulled me close and he started laughing. He truly was a great actor.

"I must interrupt the love birds because we need to get to work now."

"It's okay dad," Kelly said, giving me a peck which made me shiver a bit. I don't know how long Kent was going to be fooled but for Kelly's sake, I hope it's going to be for a long time.