The First Rule

Chapter 6a: Bracelet of Mischief

April 2017

Sounds of fake trumpets filled the room as the boy stepped through the door, followed by fires of confetti right above his little head. Gold balloons roamed on the ceilings, and at the back center of the wall, hung ones forming letters that explained the theme.

As a piece of confetti landed on his nose, it was visible how he didn't expect any of this at all. That shock soon turned into more of a startle right when a saxophone blasted in full volume on his right ear. It worked from waking him up from his reverie—because he swiftly turned his head.. and saw you, holding the saxophone while grinning. Guilty as charged.

"Happy Birthday, Tyty!"

As if on cue, the whole room swarmed to him, congratulating him. The scene quickly unfolded with joyful Tyler standing in the center of the room. Accompanied by his parents, they blew the 11 candles that's been sitting on the Dodgers Jersey Cake. Friends and neighbors took turns in giving him gifts and wishing him good fortunes. Amidst the crowd, you slipped away to the back of the room, eager to continue whatever preparations you had started.

As Mr. Winters was about to join the line, Mrs. Winters tugged the hem of his shirt. She nodded towards running you, indicating what she meant. Just as they were about to call out to you—they saw you working on your craft, kneading and threading in dedication. Your parents chuckled in recognition as they held hands tenderly, and made their way to the line without you.

All of his invited friends lined up, giving him gifts of all kinds. Despite the array of thoughtful and creative gifts, his eyes occasionally scanned the room, seeming to be anticipating something, or.. someone.

You contemplated whether you should give your masterpiece now or later.. but—‘whatever,’ you thought. Finally, it's the last person's turn, and you hurriedly tiptoed to the line. While the girl handed the gift to him, he finally noticed you, giggling behind her cheekily. His face lit up instantly as he chuckled and said thank you to the girl briefly. When it's finally your turn, in tune with his excitement, you eagerly ran to him. Despite the height difference, you still attempted to reach up and mess up his hair playfully.

"Pfftt. Happy Birthday, dork!"

However, he was quick to dodge your attempts and grabbed your hand. He pulled you into a headlock, and messed your hair instead, ranting, "I was so ready to demand a burger voucher for a week straight—"

Suddenly you turned around, and your hand went to his mouth to shut him up, "Hut hut hut!" he stared at you in bewilderment as you continued, "I have a pretty good reason for my late entrance, and that's becaaause, I made you this!"

Holding a piece of bracelet in your hand, you finally showed him your masterpiece. Taking the bracelet from your hand, Tyler analyzed it with concentration. It's a black and blue string made of floss, decorated with a few dangling silvery plates.

"What in the ugly creation is this?" he critiqued as he squinted his eyes. Offended, your eyes widened in horror at his bratty response, and you couldn't help but smack his arms in frustration.

"What the?! It's a friendship bracelet, i***t!" you exclaimed, irritated by his refusal. Determined to prove your point, you shoved your hand in front of his face, revealing that you were wearing—pretty much, the same.. identical bracelet. "See?! Everybody's wearing it now!"

Tyler remained defiant, dismissing the idea with a nonchalant attitude, "Well everybody ain't me. There ain't no way I'm wearing one of those! What would the other guys think?!" Behind him, you noticed the amused reactions of both sets of parents, giggling and chuckling at the banter between the two of you. Despite their amusement, the situation left your cheeks flushed with embarrassment, frustrated by Tyler's annoying rejection.

"I saved you the hassle by making it myself—and you still complain?! I even made it with your color you ungrateful brat!" you pouted, expressing your frustration, feeling unappreciated.

Noticing your genuine disappointment, Cavill sighed and tilted his head, contemplating for a moment until eventually, pursing his lips in defeat.. he held out his arms reluctantly, giving in to your persistence. Maybe.. because he pitied you and didn't want to embarrass you in public, or.. it's you who was planning to embarrass him in public in the first place. Yeah, maybe the latter.

Beaming, you tackled his right hand, leaving just his left hand to hang in the air. He scoffed at your audacity, but as he watched you cheerfully put on the bracelet on his hand.. a slight smile formed on his face.

Aligning your left hand beside his, you took a good look at the brand new view. Your brand new favorite view. By the time you look at him with a grin, he's already back on his apathetic self. And with an eyebrow raised, knowingly, he awaited for your new verdict, "Ok, new rule—"

Rule #5: Always wear the Bracelets however ugly you may think they are.

Strikes of black and blue snugly encircled your hand. You feel the coolness from the silvery plates against your skin as you grip your red cup filled with your favorite soda. While fixing your slippers to keep the sands from drowning your feet, you watch Tyler and Dom have their little argument and chuckle. Tyler takes out his pod from his pockets, a familiar sight, and you can't help but shake your head with a grin. Then your gaze trails to—

Dom.

Dominic Hunt.

When I think about it.. I never really got the chance to.. get to know him? All this time, it's always been—just Wyatt? That's been so welcoming to me? As for Dom.. it always has been small talks whenever we ever get the chance to talk—heck when was the last time we ever talked?

Nevermind. Seeing how he's surrounded—geez look at that smug face—already flirting hard with those many chicks?

I know his type.

"Um.. excuse me, pretty lady.."

Oh s**t not this guy.

That's when a guy walks up to you confidently. He's big, and kinda.. looks older than you, maybe.. a football guy? Pretty good looking though—dark skinned.. emerald eyes..

But know what puts me off the second he gets here? His constant creepy smile. Gives off pedo vibes right in the feels. Yeah yeah, I want a boyfriend. But he.. is so not what I have in mind for a boyfriend material—

"So.. Emily, right? Wanna see something cool?"

Without even introducing himself, the guy who already knows your name from God knows who, attempts to lean on the torch beside you but slips, trying too hard to look cool in front of you. He catches his posture back by crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Uh.. what?" you respond with a slight smile, still trying your best to give him a polite response. But your eyes go left and right in pure panic, searching for he's suddenly nowhere to be seen. Oh, and of course, without forgetting to flash your bracelet to the side of your head—aiming the silvery plates to reflect on any light fixture. You almost give up and rack your brain for Plan B—when your eye lands on hope.

Your knight in shining armor. Beneath the brim of his cap, you discern the unmistakable glint of amusement in his eyes. He’s leaning on a palm tree, a hand holding his Iced Tea flavored pod, another tucked in his pocket, already grinning in amusement. Knowing exactly what situation you're in. Knowing exactly how needed he is right now.

Remember how annoying Tyler is when it comes to sabotaging my potential SOs? However.. sometimes.. that skill could come in handy. Especially at times like this. And the sparkling plates move to catch his eyes? Yes, it helps every time.

Arching his eyebrows in a playful manner, he smirks endlessly while taking a puff from his pod. Cringing and squinting his eyes exaggeratedly, in a silent yet comical exchange, he mouths, 'No?'

With a furrowed forehead and a slight pout, you make a pinky promise gesture with your finger and push the tip of your nose with it, signaling a clear 'f**k no, please help me!'. But you quickly turn your attention to the creep so he wouldn't be spoiled on what's to come.

He laughs at your reaction, his cap almost hiding a flash of amusement in his eyes. Holding the urge from moving your attention to Tyler, the creep advances his moves you repeatedly call a massive failure.

"Maybe we could go upstairs—there's so many rooms here, no?"

Aaand also without wasting his time, the creep dropped the bomb fantastically. Your eyes go rounder and rounder until you finally give in and shoot him a disgusted look—when you feel an arm circle around you. Right on time.

"Winny~ What's going on baby?"