Chapter 4
Chapter 4
After hanging up on Daxon, I posted the Instagram story I’d been editing.
[Light and time, made special by your capture.]
Kieran liked my post instantly, then sent me a message:
[Forgot to ask-where are you planning to go for college?]
I replied: [Applying to Stanford University, not sure if I’ll pass the interview.]
Then Kieran sent a happy emoji, and followed up with [Good luck!]
After responding to him, my Instagram comments were blowing up.
[Just came from campus heartthrob’s Instagram, omg what’s happening here!]
[So gorgeous! Babe, these photos are absolutely stunning.]
[As of today, I’m shipping you two.]
I frantically started explaining to everyone.
Right up until the graduation party the next day, everyone was still asking about Kieran taking photos of me.
I explained tiredly, “He’s in our school’s photography club-what’s the big deal about taking some photos?”
Daxon sat diagonally across from me with a dark expression, holding a bubble tea.
Aria sipped from his cup, then complained softly, “Too cold. Can you hold it for me?”
When people started talking about which schools everyone applied to, Aria seemed to jump in eagerly:
“I applied to Manhattan Community College. It’s really close to Daxon’s school, so I can go hang out with him for meals on weekends.” Daxon frowned slightly.
Why would you visit me on weekends? I’m not your boyfriend.”
Then everyone asked about me.
I was hesitating since the Stanford University interview wasn’t over yet-didn’t seem right to mention it now. But Daxon answered for me:
‘Skylar’s obviously going to the same school as me. She scored only 5 points lower-same school, same major, no problem.”
Aria laughed pointedly. “Then she can keep bullying you.”
Surprisingly, Daxon actually ignored her this time.
After dinner, Daxon stopped me.
I got the New York Institute of Photography book you sent me. Thank you, I really love it.”
I paused. “It arrived already? Sorry, I forgot to cancel the order.”
Daxon’s face suddenly got darker.
“Come on, Skylar, let’s stop this, okay? Are you thinking business or computer science? Let me know when you decide-I’ll apply for the same major.”
Daxon reached out and grabbed my wrist, but I immediately noticed the bracelet on his wrist.
I instinctively glanced at Aria’s wrist-sure enough, they were wearing matching ones.
Daxon immediately took it off. “Aria bought these to mess around with the other day. If you don’t like it, I won’t wear it.” He stuffed the bracelet into his pocket.
Aria stood by side looking totally pissed.
السلامة
Chapter
Daxon stared at me. “Once you decide on a major, tell me first thing, okay?”
Suddenly Aria grabbed Daxon’s arm, clutching her stomach in pain.
“Daxon, my stomach hurts so bad. I think I’m getting my period.”
Daxon took a deep breath and scolded, “I told you not to drink cold stuff when you’re about to start-you never listen.”
Aria’s eyes filled with tears, her whole weight hanging on Daxon’s arm.
“I’ll call you tonight to talk about majors, okay?”
Daxon left that one line to me and took off with Aria in a taxi.
I smiled and called my dad.
3
“Dad, come pick me up. My suitcase is by the door-let’s head straight to the airport.”
