𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐍𝐀 | The Girl Behind The Act

Chapter 12

Ariana

"Ariana," a voice called out from in front of me, causing me to freeze.

I recognized that voice instantly, and it belonged to the last person I expected to find here right now.

Sniffing, I looked up and quickly brushed away my tears with the back of my hand.

"What are you doing here?" I managed to say aloud, my voice shaky. He stared back at me with an expressionless face.

"I live nearby. What about you?"

I wasn't about to answer that question. Instead, I stood up and averted my gaze to avoid those piercing eyes of his.

"Nothing. I was just leaving," I said abruptly, attempting to walk past him, but he caught my arm, preventing me from going any farther.

His touch sent a jolt of electricity through me, causing me to stop in my tracks.

"You're lying," he said firmly, his gaze unwavering. Annoyance surged within me.

"Why do you even care? After rejecting me in front of everyone at school, you're the last person I expected to see me like this."

He continued staring at me, his grip on my arm tightening slightly before I managed to pull away.

"That's hours ago and you being here alone is a completely different story. You can't just expect people to walk away when they see you're not okay. And trust me, you're also the last person I thought I'd run into right now."

His voice remained steady and serious, and I crossed my arms in front of me.

"Well, I'm leaving," I retorted, ready to get away from this situation.

"Sure, but you're not going alone. Especially dressed like that, it's not safe. I'll take you home."

His offer caught me off guard, and I barely had time to process it before he was leading me away from the park, his hand tightly holding mine, sending more sparks through my skin.

"Why are you doing this? Don't you have better things to do than helping me?"

He didn't respond verbally, but he let go of my hand. I tried to hide my disappointment; I had started to enjoy his touch.

He glanced back at me and motioned for me to follow him. Sighing, I reluctantly walked behind him.

Unfamiliar houses and streetlights lit up the area, and I realized I had no idea where I was.

"Are you going to tell me why you were at the park earlier?" Tristan suddenly asked, causing me to stop walking.

I couldn't bring myself to tell him. I barely knew him, and although I sensed he could see through my façade, I couldn't risk revealing my secret.

"I can't go home," I mumbled, not meeting his gaze.

"Why not?"

"I just can't, okay? So drop it."

"Then where are you planning to go?" His voice was sharp, and my eyes started to burn.

"I don't know," I mumbled to myself, doubting he even heard me.

A breeze brushed by, and I rubbed my arms to ward off the chill. He noticed and, unexpectedly, took off his blue and silver jacket, the school logo on the back, and draped it over my shoulders.

To any stranger walking by, it might look like a cute couple moment, a football player giving his cheerleader girlfriend his jacket. But such a scenario felt light-years away.

"Sit," he instructed, perching on the edge of the sidewalk. Uncertain, I settled beside him, making sure there was a significant gap between us.

I didn't want to add more awkwardness to the day. Earlier, he'd rejected me when I asked him out.

"So, you won't tell me what happened in the park, and you don't want to go home. What's your plan, then?" Tristan's side glance met my gaze, and I looked down at my clasped hands.

"No idea."

Clearly, there was nothing else to do and no place for me to go. I didn't want to face my parents, and burdening my friends Shay and Jo wasn't an option. This was my problem, and I intended to solve it myself.

Tristan was the only one with me right now.

"You're so confusing, you know. At school, you looked so happy, like everything was perfect. But here you are, having cried your eyes out and nowhere to go. What's your deal anyway?"

I stared at him, surprised that he had paid attention. I couldn't answer. One more step, and he'd likely figure out everything, and I couldn't afford that. But I also had no energy left to keep up the pretense.

"And I'm supposed to tell you because....? I am way more confused that you're even talking to me right now. You rejected me on going out on a date and don't even wanna be friends with me. So, why stick around now? You could have just walked away when you saw me at the park."

He pursed his lips, his gaze on me before he averted his eyes elsewhere.

"Do you want to know why I turned you down in the cafeteria today?" My heart skipped a beat.

Did I really want to know? What if he confirmed he didn't like me in that way? That would be worse than just being rejected; I had already accepted I liked him.

"It's because I can't figure you out. You reveal only what you want people to see, and that's not much. Why is that?"

Fuck, he's getting too close.

I stood, facing him. "I needed a place to stay. I can't go home, and I don't want to call my friends. If you're willing to help, I'd be grateful, but if not that's fine also. Not that I expect that much from you anyway."

I took off his jacket and handed it back. Turning away, I began walking.

"Aren't you even going to wait for my answer?" he called out, and I halted in my tracks.

Turning back to him, I met his gaze. He smirked, gesturing behind him.

"My house is this way." Holding back a smile, I followed him to a sizable home, almost a mansion, with imposing iron gates and security cameras.

He keyed in a code, and the gates swung open, revealing a driveway. He held the door for me, and I stepped inside, taking in the stylish décor.

"My room's upstairs. I'll find you something to change into, and you can use my room for the night. I'll drop you off early tomorrow," he said, matter-of-factly.

"Thank you," I murmured, and he shrugged it off, leading me up a staircase.

"Where's Josh and your parents?" I inquired, noting the silence.

"Josh went out with Joanna. Our parents are out of town." He replied, and I mentally slapped myself for forgetting Joanna's plans with Josh.

We reached a hallway, and he opened the first door on the right.

"Make yourself at home. The bathroom's there. I'll bring you some clothes. Freshen up."

With that, he left the room, and I looked around. The room was neat, with shades of grey and black dominating the décor.

Tristan returned with a bundle of clothes, a large white t-shirt, and boxers.

"The T-shirt is mine, and the boxers are from my mom's new set that she hasn't opened yet. I borrowed them for you. I'll be back to get you once I order something for us to eat."

With that, he turned and left, shutting the door behind him.

I wasn't sure what had sparked his newfound kindness, but I appreciated him showing this side of himself today.

Author's Note:

Hey everyone. Sorry again for this little slip-up. Just wanted to clarify that chapter 13 is right at the top—easy to miss with the character chapter right before it. So no need to plan my funeral over this annoying mistake!

Love you all ♥