Dangerous Illusion

Chapter 2

"How was school?"

"They gave us extra homework."

On the other side of the table, my mother looks up with a raised eyebrow.

"That's it?"

I shrug my shoulders, hanging my bag on a little hook. "Pretty much."

"Okay then. Go change and help me out here. Lucas' mother's coming over for dinner today."

I unintentionally let a loud groan slip out from my tongue, causing my mother to give me a weird look.

"What was that for?"

Oh crap.

There's a hint of warning underlining her words. I feel like if I give out the wrong answer, she'll tie me up and hold a long talk with me.

So it's better to not say anything. Definitely.

I slap a hand over mouth and shake my head, aiming for my room. "Nothing. I'll be right back."

With that, I dash up staires.

Five minutes passes by and the door bell rings throughout the halls.

"Can you get that, sweetie?"

Like I have other choices. I set the remaining utensils in their perspective plates and head towards the door.

Upon swinging it open, I'm met with the softest eyes in the century.

"Mrs. Dalton." I start off, trying to wipe away any tract of sweat forming in my hands." It's nice to see you again. Come on in."

"Oh my goodness Kaia. Look how pretty you've become." She gives me a hug. "I can't believe it's only been a month since I've last seen you."

Indeed it's been a month since we last met. She's been overseas handling their family's new business.

I can only give her an awkward smile. With a pinch to my cheek, she then glides down the hall to catch up with my mother.

Now that she's over there, Lucas steps in front of me with a playful grin contouring his lips.

I give him a weird stare. "What?"

"No hug for me?"

My lips twitches. "I see you everyday."

I turn around only to suddenly have Lucas block my path. Tilting my face to look him straight in the eye, I say. "Move."

He chortles with amusement beaming his eyes. "I swear you've gotten quite feisty."

I give him a fake grin. "You don't say?" I eventually push him to the side.

"Oh and by the way. I think we need to talk later. After dinner."

"Why?" I give him a glance over my shoulder.

"You'll know when we start." That stated, he walks past me to greet my mother.

Dinner goes by smoothly and we soon find ourselves sitting in the living room. Mother's in a heated conversation with Mrs. Dalton and judging by the laughters going on around, I really don't want to know.

I've been on the other side of the couch watching them in boredom. Lucas on the other hand's having the time of his life staring at his phone screen.

I could walk out of here but I don't think my own mother will allow me to. I huff a strand of hair away from my face, resting my chin above my palm.

I'm so bored. Im full. But I'm bored.

I'm also tired. The dishes are already clean so I can't use that as an excuse.

"Psst."

I turn to my side, finding Lucas suddenly occupying the space beside me. "Let's go to your room." He suddenly says. I land my gaze on my mother. As if telling him 'I don't think we're allowed to leave'.

He eventually rolls his eyes and drags me by the wrist.

"Where are you kids going?"

Lucas stops momentarily at the entrance of the hall go answer my mother.

"Up stairs." He says with a grin.

"Okay have fun."

I blink my eyes. Okay have fun? That's it? And when I try to leave, she sends me a warning glare?

How can the world be so unfair?

Lucas tugs me by the arm and we end up in my room.

"Finally." The boy groans, planting himself face first on my bed. "I thought I was gonna die out of boredom down there."

At least we think alike.

I close the door behind me. "What did you want to talk about?"

"Ah that." He pulls himself up and sits criss cross. "Remind me again why I should pretend I don't know you at school."

I stop tapping on my phone, feeling the wires in my head twisting and turning. "Well.. Um... Just because. Oh would you look at that? I'm hungry again. Do you want a sandwich? Of course you do. Wait here. I'll go make you a sandwich."

One second has on my bed, the next he's standing in front of the door. "You're trying to avoid the question."

"Really?" I feign ignorance. "I'm just going down to make us some sandwich. Now if you will excuse me."

I land my hands on his arm, attempting to push him away only to suddenly have my plan back fire. Because next thing I know, Lucas grabs me by my shoulders and abruptly switches places. I let out a hiss when my back comes in contact with the door.

Oh for goodness sake.

"You know how hard it is for me to keep ignoring you? You probably have a reason for this but have you ever considered how I'd feel?"

Sighing, I force my eyes to meet his. "Of course have."

If he thinks he's the only one having a hard time then its ten times worse for me. I mean just imagine having to ignore someone so precious to you all because you want to avoid being stuck between unwanted situations.

I may sound selfish but anyone in my shoes would have done the same. As long as isn't putting a strain in our friendship, then I think it'll be fine.

His face tightens. "Then why?"

"It's..." My mind goes blank. How should I escape this without slipping out my real reason behind all these?

I got nothing.

So I give him a pat on the arm instead. "Just play sport."

Not much of an answer but I'll take it.

It makes Lucas smile a little and he suddenly taps my nose with the tip of his finger.

"You're lucky you're cute."

My lips clamp into a thin neutral line. I don't like being called that and he knows it.

"Move."

This time he listens, taking a step back as I reach for the handle.

"Extra on-"

I cut him off without looking back. "Extra onions, lettuce and ham. I know."

He laughs charmingly, jumping on my bed. "That's my girl."

I roll my eyes. "Don't call me that."