Behind a facade

14.

Tessa’s aimless gaze remained on the ceiling of her room. For as long as she could remember the starry night sky ceiling wallpaper was there, accompanying her. It had witnessed all of Tessa’s ups and downs, smiles and tears throughout all these years.

This ceiling wallpaper always held the magic to calm Tessa’s mind. Whenever she is at home, simply looking at it and getting lost in her own world, made Tessa happy more than anything else. It has been her comfort zone where she didn’t afraid to be herself.

She rolled on the bed, humming a song. Saturdays always felt like a blessing to Tessa. The reason behind that was Paul and Elizabeth Brown spend their time in so-called fundraising events for charities every Saturday. Even though Tessa was alone in the big house, she was pleased about the fact that her parents are not at home. Until they arrive in the evening, Tessa was able to spend time as she wants without worrying about her parents’ oppressive supervision. It was indeed a relaxing and peaceful time for someone like Tessa.

A loud knocking sound startled Tessa. It almost sounded like someone is trying to break the door. With a confused state of mind, she jump off the bed wondering about the reason her parents arrive home earlier compared to other Saturdays. She opened the door quickly, knowing her mother’s temper. The last thing Tessa wanted was to get her mother’s bad side when Elizabeth Brown is already unhappy with Tessa’s recent behaviour.

Seeing who is standing in front of her room, Tessa felt as if thunder land on her head.

“Dakota…”

Before she even come out of the sudden shock, Dakota Kent stepped inside the room. There was a dangerous vibe around her that Tessa has never felt before. Dakota shoots a fierce gaze, giving Tessa an intimidating feeling. It was clear that something was definitely off with Dakota.

“What the hell are you doing here? How did you come inside the house?” Tessa upbraided, recovering from her shaken state.

Dakota closed the door behind her, making a loud sound instead of answering Tessa. That mere action was enough to silence Tessa. The next second, Dakota pulled out a key from her pocket and waved it in the air, before throwing it on the study table with an unreadable expression on her face.

Tessa recognized the spare key to her house. A sudden realization hit her. When they were kids, Tessa was the one who told Dakota where the Brown family members hide their spare key. It was a long time ago they had a close friendship, like that. They were able to share even little things, unlike in the present day. Tessa couldn’t help but be surprised how Dakota could still remember irrelevant details that they shared years ago.

“We need to talk,”

Tessa flinched as soon as Dakota spoke those words. There was a demanding tone in Dakota’s voice. It wasn’t the usual way Dakota address people. Though she is not much of a talker, Dakota never took an interest in bossing people around. Tessa at least knew that much of Dakota.

Not knowing what to say, Tessa let out frustration get into her. “What the… you better go out of my house, right now!”

The silence inside the room was getting deeper with every second that passed. Tessa felt Dakota’s penetrating gaze looking into her soul as Dakota took some steps near to Tessa without saying a single word. She wanted to escape for some reason. Tessa tried to walk around Dakota and reached toward the door, giving in to the sudden urge to escape. Her attempt failed with a slight blocking movement of the tall figure in front of her.

“Enough Tessa!” Dakota’s brows knitted. Her chest rose and fell with rapid breaths. Tessa wondered whether Dakota has running to come here. There were hints of tiresome in her actions.

“What?”

“You know what am I talking about,”

Tessa took a step back. She suddenly felt threatened because of the new overwhelming side of Dakota that she is not familiar with.

“I don’t know what the heck you are talking about, Dakota. Just get out of here. Otherwise, I’ll…”

“I am not afraid of your threats,” Dakota interrupted Tessa. There was a clear warning in her addressing way, mixed with a wave of anger. “Just give me your damn phone,”

“Why would I?”

“Give me the damn phone….” Dakota roared. Her furious voice echoed inside the room.

Tessa blinks her eyes, trying to hide her shaking hands. Her throat felt dry, and she had a hard time speaking. First time in her life, she felt as if she doesn’t want to anger the person in front of her. It bothers her to see how Dakota is getting angry at her.

“Give me the phone Tessa,” Dakota repeated, taking another step towards Tessa. “I know you have the photos and the video clip,”

At that moment, Tessa could guess the reason behind Dakota’s arrival and her shocking personality change. It made sense to Tessa, why a neutral person like Dakota behaves like a twisted person. She has already heard everything from that girl. Otherwise, there is no other way to explain how Dakota got to know about the photos or videos. Judging from Dakota’s words, she not only knew about the video that they have taken earlier today but also she knew what they have done.

It all started when Luke McCleary complained to Brian’s mother about Brian's unreasonable behaviour, and how he had to endure Brian and his fellow's bullying. Unlike Brian’s father, Brian’s mother never tolerated or tried to justify her son’s wrongdoings. She ended up punishing Brian accordingly, and things became complicated. Somehow, this made Brian furious, and he was looking forward to taking revenge on Luke for days.

Finally, he found the chance after many days of prying. Brian and Caleb cornered Luke in the middle of the weekend open house event preparations, giving him no chance to escape. Others were already in the school thanks to the annual drama festival rehearsals. Emma, who tried to stand up for Luke, was dragged into the mess accidentally. The humiliation went quite far when both Brian and Ashley were provoked by the words of Luke and Emma.

“It seems your little girlfriend complain about it to you,” Tessa scoffed.

For an unknown reason, Tessa felt irritated seeing Dakota getting so worked up because of Emma Holt. Dakota was someone who rarely got involved with other people’s affairs. Unless someone matters to her, Dakota didn’t meddle with someone else’s life. In this situation, it was obvious to Tessa that Emma has become someone important to Dakota.

Dakota glared at Tessa, making Tessa flinch. “Complained… whatever! How old are you guys? Stealing and hiding clothes! Where did you and your friends get right to force other people to walk around half-naked? Seriously….”

The disappointment and anger in Dakota’s voice were so clear anyone could easily recognize them. Their gazes met, provoking each other after some time.

Tessa cleared her throat. “This is not something you should put your concern about. For old times’ sake, I am telling you, stay out of this,”

“Dammit! Of course, it is my concern. Emma is my friend, and you…” Dakota bellowed. She drew in a long breath before she speak again. “Do you know how serious this situation can be? You people make them walk around only in their underwear, and force them to hug each other in that state! On top of that, you recorded it. What the hell… is this a p**n site or something like that?”

Tessa pressed her lips together. She already knew she can’t argue against Dakota in this matter. It was wrong from the start. What Brian and Ashley did was indeed out of the line. Even though Tessa didn’t actively participate in humiliating Luke and Emma, she couldn’t say it out loud because of her guilty feeling. When Ashley used Tessa’s phone to video it, she could stop Ashley from doing that, but she didn't. She can't betray her friends no matter what. As always Tessa let Ashley do whatever she wants and didn't care about what that girl and boy going through. It was not her concern from the beginning. They were the people who create and developed the mess. She knew the best thing for her to stay out of that mess.

On the other hand, Tessa knew she is not completely innocent. She didn't like that fatty girl who is getting all the attention from Mrs Potters in drama club. Her script-writing skills and literature knowledge were remarkably good to compete against Tessa. Because of that reason, Tessa didn't miss her chances to look down on Emma Holt. Even if that's true she had nothing to do with the problem which happened earlier in the day except she let Ashley use her phone.

“Answer me Tessa… what the hell are you people planning to do with the video? Ruining someone’s life? Is it that enjoyable to you? How low are you planning to drag yourself down ah?” Dakota broke the silence.

She never heard Dakota talk this much before. Dakota losing her control was even more surprising to Tessa. No matter how bad the situation is, Dakota always kept her cool until now.

Somehow Tessa’s stubborn mindset wasn’t ready to accept the defeat. From the minute Dakota intruded into Tessa’s house she only did questioning and spoke for Emma. It was gradually taking Tessa’s nerves. She found it impossible to tolerate Dakota desperately defending and protecting Emma.

“Who are you to scold me, Dakota Kent?” Tessa clenched her fists, looking into Dakota’s eyes.

“…..”

Dakota’s silence annoyed Tessa even more. “You know what… you and your that little girlfriend disgust me,”

“What?”

“Yeah, you heard it right. It’s hard to look at you… disgusting. Seeing you like this...You disgust me, ”

Tessa regretted it immediately after saying those words, giving in to her indescribable emotions. By the time she realized the weight of those words, it has caused damage to the person to whom they were directed.

She noticed Dakota who is looking at her with a half-open mouth. Her fiery gaze gradually changed into a gaze mixed with disbelief and desolation. Dakota slowly looked away, covering her mouth. There was an unreadable, and sensual expression on Dakota’s face. After almost a minute of painful silence between them, her expression started to change so fast.

Suddenly, Dakota started laughing like an insane one. Her eyes were slightly glossy.

“This is… wow! you disgust me, it seems,” Dakota stated, directing a cynical smirk. Her voice broke at some point. “I deserve this...”

“I…” Tessa took a weak attempt to speak.

“Okay… I don’t care anymore,”

Dakota reduced the distance between Tessa and her with immense speed. She caught Tessa’s upper arms and forcefully pushed her backward until Tessa’s back clashed with the wall. With the same strength and speed, Dakota held Tessa’s hands above her head, limiting Tessa’s body movements. Everything happen so fast and it took a few seconds for Tessa to even understand she has been caged between Dakota and the wall.

“What’s wrong with you?” Tessa shrieked. She struggled to release Dakota’s grasp around her wrists.

“Since you already disgust me, why don’t I show you the real disgusting side of me?”

When Tessa met Dakota’s eyes she recognized some unfamiliar shades in her gaze. It was indeed challenging. The sardonic smirk on Dakota’s face looked dangerous for some reason. Tessa cursed herself inside her mind, for speaking those words earlier. She never expected this sort of drastic reaction from Dakota and, by the current moment, she was aware that her words may have hurt the first friend she had made when she came to Lakeville.

“Just… what are you…”

Before Tessa could complete her sentence her lips were covered by Dakota’s lips. The grip around her wrists became tighter, and Dakota’s slim, strong body pressed against Tessa, making her unable to move.

Tessa was in a dumbfounded state. When she was barely able to come out of the surprise, her lips were fully seized by Dakota’s. She took a weak attempt to resist at the first. It only sealed the tiny space between them. Without even realizing it, Tessa’s tensed body starts to loosen with the rough yet oddly gentle kiss.

Though she was getting dizzy, Tessa could slowly realise that she doesn’t hate the sensation she had met through Dakota’s warm lips. The warmth that passed between their lips and bodies gave a fuzzy feeling that Tessa has never felt before. The intensity between them was addictive enough to give Tessa a flip inside her stomach. She had never felt sensations like that before. She wasn’t even aware she was capable of feeling all these sensations for a person.

Her whole body tingled, and Tesa felt her knees giving away. Her heart was beating like it was ready to come out of her chest. Tessa knew one thing; at the current moment, she doesn’t care about the rest of the world. Whatever this was, it was pulling her in.

She felt she want more. She wanted to claim the sweet wetness on Dakota’s lips. The hot trembling fire growing inside her urged her to want to be impulsive. Tessa parted her lips slightly, with an impatient little wriggle.

Suddenly, Dakota stepped away from Tessa as if she had received an electric shock. Her eyes widen, indicating that she is fighting with a terrifying realization.

Tessa noticed Dakota’s eyes are becoming glossy. Dakota made a nasal sound before turning around and walking quite far away from Tessa. Then she punched the wall near her, making Tessa let out a small cry. A painful cursing sound came from Dakota.

“s**t… what I have done!” Dakota hissed. Seeing blood drops falling from Dakota’s clenched fist, Tessa got scared. Everything felt like a mess to her.

“Dakota..” Tessa tried to speak.

Dakota took a long breath and turned towards Tessa while whipping her eyes from the uninjured hand. “This is all my fault. I shouldn’t have…. just give me the phone Tessa. I don’t know what I will become if I stay here any longer,”

Tessa took her phone, which was under her blanket and gave it to Dakota after unlocking it. What happened between them still felt like a dream to Tessa. She didn’t want to make the situation even more overwhelming. At least until she gets a clear grasp of the things that happened earlier.

“I know you might be able to recover these again,” Dakota handed over the phone to Tessa after carefully deleting the video clips. “But keep in mind that you were better than this. And if you or your friends cause any harm to Emma using those clips, I won’t stay back ever again,”

Sharp pain rises inside Tessa’s chest, making her hard to breathe. “What’s between you and that...”

“Shhh…” Dakota hushed. “You are welcome to feel disgusted as much as you want from now on. I’ll consider that I never knew someone like you,”

Tessa gulped, enduring the guilty feeling. She wanted to stop Dakota, who is walking away. A tiny hope bloomed in her heart when Dakota suddenly looked back.

“And I am sorry for kissing you. I am really sorry. It won’t happen ever again,”

Tessa felt her heart sink, listening to Dakota's dry words. She wanted to cry so badly. Through her blurry eyes, Tessa was looking at the way Dakota’s figure slowly disappear from her sight.