It Would Be My Guilty Pleasure

It Only Adds Fuel to the Fire

All night long all I could think about was Tristan's letter. What could it possibly say? Personally I found it difficult to believe that he has this big secret. Currently, the four of us were at Cheers after school, gouging on our ice cream.

     "Tess." Liam says, snapping me out of my trance. I blink twice before looking at him. "You okay?" I nod, scooping some ice cream in my mouth.

     "There's just a lot on my mind." Presley looks over at me, concerned.

     "Did anything happen today with-"

     "No." I say, cutting her off sharply. "Nothing happened. Promise." She smiles at this, and Tristan speaks next.

     "You know in a way... this is kind of cool." All eyes turn to him and Pres slaps him on the arm.

     "No, this is not kind of cool!" She says dramatically. Tristan rolls his eyes.

     "It just depends on how you look at it." Pres raises an eyebrow. "For example: Currently we could be on the verge of getting killed, risking our lives if we take one wrong step. Or we have the chance to save a whole teenage population from public humiliation, thus becoming famous and rich." We all review this thought before Liam shakes his head.

     "Nope, still not cool."

     "C'mon guys!" Tristan whines. "We could be heroes." With that the rest of us stand up from the table, letting Tristan scramble to keep up.

—————

     "Hey." I say, ducking into Liam's car. The boys wave from the front seat and we speed off.

     "So..." Liam starts. The tone in his voice instantly dampens my mood. "There's a party for the team tonight."

     "Who's?"

     "Alex Maries." Groaning, I lay my head back against the headrest. I had been looking forward to finishing my latest book this afternoon. Besides, we have school tomorrow. "Please Tess?" He pleads. "I know you don't like them but I kind of have to go and would like to bring my best girl with me."

     "What about Presley?" I challenge, trying to find a way out of this situation.

     "She's watching the triplets tonight." But this was all really about reputation. If I don't show up, it paints a bad image for Liam. The rule is unspoken, and it's just something that everyone from school understands. Unless you have no friends, a plus one comes whether you leave with them or not. Preferably one of the opposite sex. Personally, I disagree with the way people objectify girls and how popularity matters in the grand scheme of things. It wasn't right.

     "I'll come for a little while only." I promise. He smiles over his shoulder.

     "Thanks Tessa. Really." I return the smile halfheartedly and continue to watch the world blur by outside. Maybe this party could even help us solve our mystery. Who knows? Suddenly my phone buzzes in my lap and I examine the incoming notification.

     "Pres is staying home today." I tell the boys. "Says that Evan got her sick." Tristan grimances, picturing the image. Liam quickly takes a detour, pressing my body against the right back window.

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     Later that night, Liam comes to pick me up at home and is greeted by my father.

     "Hey Liam." I hear him greet down the stairs. Quickly, I fix my earrings and make my way down the hall in my short silver heels. Liam smiles when he sees me.