Truth or Dare-ing?

CHAPTER 8

Austin Zayne Marshall

I’m currently walking in the garden, sweats are starting to form on my forehead due to the hotness and thickness of the weather. I feel like getting sick right now. I feel the warmth in my body and it consumes me. I’m about to head inside when my eye caught two people running in the field. In the middle of the day? How foolish? I made my way to approach them and saw that it was Jay and Gabriel running. They were tired and sweat dripped all over their bodies. “ Why do you keep running? Are you that dumb already?” My voice hints an authoritativeness tone. They stared at me for a while before continuing to run. Something in their eyes makes me wonder if someone had punished them.

“ That was just a punishment, Mr. President.” A familiar voice spoke at my back and her tone was full of playfulness. Is she testing me right now? I turned to look at her, dead serious. Her smile is as satisfying as seeing both of them suffer. “ Look who we have here. Darling?” She just smiled at me and continued to watch as Jay and Gabriel ran on the field. She’s playing with me right now really. Let’s see then.

“ Make them stop or else…” I warned as I grabbed her elbow. I noticed how her expression changed to shock and turned to an angelic smile. Her smile would truly melt people but I wasn’t the one to melt easily. “ They’re not yet 100 ru-”

“ I want you to make them stop. I’m the one who told them to do it. I’m the mastermind darling” My voice is husky and low. Her eyes widened like she’d seen a ghost and I can’t help but smirk seeing how shocked her face is. Her red lips curved while still stunned in front of me. She’s totally cute when she’s lost. “ Wh- Why did you post it?”

“ Can’t I show the world that you’re mind and mind alone, Darling?” I stared at her dead serious and I felt the gasp of her breathing. I slowly made my way towards her and swept her hair from her face to her ear. “ Why so quiet suddenly, darling? I can’t let any guy touch you like I do.” I said with a blend of possessiveness before leaving her to the field dumbfounded. My head began to spin again like I was on a rollercoaster.

Katherine Whitlock

I immediately woke up from being stunned by Austin’s declaration. Why does this guy gives me goosebumps whenever I feel close to him? This is just a game after all. I am here to play with Austin’s feelings and nothing more. I ran to where Gabriel and Jay were sitting, heavy breaths and sweats came all over their body as I sat beside them. The breeze of the wind flickered down my hair and sent shivers to my body. “ You’re such a devil woman!” Gabriel spoke with a chuckle. For a moment, I feel like the tension between us is easing. I smiled and started to play with my feet on the ground. I don’t know what to say.

“ You’re such a devil girl,” Gabriel said with a chuckle as I sat with them. I just smiled while playing with my feet at the ground. I stared at the sky watching how the clouds move in a pattern.

“ Running is worth it too. Gonna flex this biceps. “ Jay said while showing off his biceps. I rolled my eyes. I know he’s gonna show it off to the girls and make them his again. This guy is such a player. I never wonder how he made things go smoothly with the girls. ‘ How’s the move with the President?” My heart skipped a beat from the mention of Austin. Everything slowly flashes through my mind. “ Uhm..I’m still in the game. You, dummy” I’ll not be crowned as a queen of all devil if I’ll just give up on this simple thing. “ Are you guys really in a relationship? If yes? I think the president already falls for you…? Khai you just entered a hell and you’ll have to face it. “ Jay said before grinning. His eyes are sparkling with a newfound of theory. I rolled my eyes trying to hide the thought that the president may fall for me already.

“ I’m the queen of the devil and I’m winning this game” I confidently said with my chin up despite the flicker of beats in my heart. “ Fine, fine devil woman. One month isn’t over yet.” They tease and I can’t help but smile at them. Did he really fall for me? The cold-grumpy President fall for this girl? How pathetic?

After a long conversation with Gabriel and Jay, I made my way to the locker. Few students are walking past and others are murmuring. I didn’t pay attention and hurriedly got my things to the locker. Just as I closed my locker and walked, I didn’t realize I bumped into someone. “ I’m sorry I didn’t mean to-” Those familiar ocean blue eyes of hers reminded me of someone. I let myself stare at her for a moment. “ Dear.. it’s okay.. “ she said with that soft,motherly voice. I then remembered my mom. The pain in my heart starts to grow again, remembering the gruesome night that happened to us. “ I’m sorry, I’m just very clumsy” I wanted to walk away from her but my whole body betrayed me, she’s just too beautiful. I bet her children really look like her. “ You seem familiar dear? Are you that girl on the poster with Austin?” she asked as she handed me my books, her eyes never leaving mine. My heart skipped again at the mention of Austin. Why on earth do they need to bring this up?

I took a deep breath to calm my shaky body and compose myself to face her. “ Ye-yea Madam, I am that girl in the photo” I smiled sweetly at her. I just wanted the earth to take me down. I can’t take this anymore. Lots of interrogation from people. “ So, I bet you’re his girlfriend?” I gulped trying to hide my nervousness from her, despite being so dang confident. I’ve been left stuttered by this woman. “ Yea- yea we were”I said my voice is beginning to c***k. A huge smile creeped her lips and her last words made my jaw drop. “ I didn’t expect that my son would have such a beautiful girlfriend like you.” S-son? She’s Austin’s mom! My heart is racing fast enough as the horse would run. I just wanted to dissolve from where I stand right now. I’m so doomed.

“ I never get your name Dear? Or should I say my soon to be daughter-in-law” she said happily with those sweet smiles. But that made my heart race more. I took a deep breath while she waited for my answer.” I’m K-Kahterine but you can call me Khai” I try my best not to let my nervousness consume me

“ Such a beautiful name for a pretty girl. You can just call me Amanda or your soon to be mother-in-law dear”

This is another lie again, I’m totally doomed! I feel like sweat is starting to form in my forehead, so I immediately wipe it.

“ Do you know how to get to Austin’s office? I’ve been roaming around this campus” This can’t be! Why doesn’t she know where her son’s office is? I bet she never went here. But I can’t face Austin yet. I took a deep breath. “ Yes, I know” Dang it! Why does my body always betray me?

We walked down the hallway and passed students who were chit chatting with each other. Every step I take feels heavy and deep. I feel like the world is crashing down on me. I’m on the point of fainting right now but I can’t. I need to finish this game. My legs are trembling as we stop at the front door. I feel my hands are sweating as I slowly open the door. I took a deep breath and led Austin’s mom to the room.

“ Austin?” His mom called. The room is not that dark as I see before. The door to the other side creep opened revealing Austin with his little bit messy hair. Yet, that heartless man is still handsome. He stops and locks eyes with me. From that moment, I feel like he was an angel sent down here. An angel of my life. I was too drawn by his innocent face right now. “ What are you doing here?” His voice came in husky and rasp.

“ Honey? Why didn’t you introduce me to your girlfriend? Such a pretty girl” His mom said while greeting him with a hug. I didn’t expect him to suddenly burst out the fact that Austin and I are in a relationship. I was left standing in my position looking as they exchanged their hugs. I can feel his blue eyes staring at me. Those blue eyes that send vibration to my whole body. I wish the earth could just summon someone to get me here.

“ You okay, son? You seem sick. Do you take a rest sometime?” concerned echoes through his mom’s voice. His face was a bit pale and I know that he’s sick yet he keeps denying it. God! This guy is a total pretender.

“ I’m fine”

“ Are you seriously sure about that honey? The teacher asked me to check on you? You wouldn’t talk to anybody else? Son, I’m here. I’m your mother”

“ I’m fine, Mom. Just tired ,I guess” The silence resounding the room and those blue eyes are staring at me again. Austin’s mom fetched her phone. We were silent for the moment, locking eyes with each other until his mom spoke in.

“ Honey, I’m so sorry, Mommy’s been called to the hospital. It’s pretty urgent. I promise, I’ll make it up to you at the house. Okay? I love you” she said and planted a kiss on Austin’s cheeks. I watched as she opened the door and slowly disappeared from our sight. After Austin’s mom left, I was about to leave when Austin grabbed my hand. His other hand is wrapping my waist and his head is leaning at my shoulder. I felt the fast beating of my heart. Austin is so close to me. I wanted to push him away but I couldn't. “ A-Austin” I started and the only word that came out in my mouth.

“ Stay with me for a while” his hot breath in my neck brought shivers to my body and made my heart beat so fast. I was left frozen from where I was standing. I don’t know what to do. I let myself fall into Austin’s presence. I feel how close we are to each other.

“ Austin, are you sick?” I asked in a soft voice but he just growled at me. I chuckled at his response . I took a deep breath before turning to face him. I held both his cheeks and felt that he was hot. Gosh! He looks like a child who got lost!

“ Austin, your cheeks are hot? You don’t look fine. You’re sick” I cupped the strands of his hair out of his eyes.

“ I’m not feeling well. Will you stay with me for a while?” His voice is so soft that any minute I could melt. I was stunned that he returned to hug me again. I could move, the only thing I did was to hug him too. Well I guess Austin could have this clingy side ever. I just got to know you better.

“Your mom asked you. Why didn’t you tell her?”

“ I don’t want her to worry. She has a lot of problems to deal with. I don’t want her to be involved in this” He was walking on the couch. I watched as he collapsed on it and slowly closed his eyes. His breathing slows and turns faster. I feel hurt by his sudden confession. Austin being the cold guy in front of me shoulders a huge responsibility and doesn’t let anyone know he's sick.

I made my way towards Austin’s mini kitchen and searched to find medicine. Also, I get a towel to put on his forehead. As I returned holding those medicines, I noticed how red his ear and face were. Oh gosh! This guy is really sick. For how many hours I helped Austin feel comfortable and made our way to the school’s clinic.

Later that day, I drove Austin to his house. I was greeted by the maids and a guy who introduced himself as Austin’s cousin. As I entered his house, the atmosphere was totally different. I was stunned seeing how huge and fancy things are. I can’t imagine he got to have a lot of these expensive things. I won’t deny it's much bigger than our house. Yet I think having such a huge mansion like this would be a little lonely..?

“ Let me help you there, Princess!” he said as I was carrying Austin on my shoulder. We walked towards the long stairs until we reached Austin’s room. “ Thanks and name’s Khai not Princess ” I replied softly to him as we entered Austin’s room. I can’t help but be amazed at his room, it was dark yet the stars and universe illuminates the room.

We place Austin on his bed. He’s still helping. I watched as Austin peacefully slept. He’s still handsome no matter what he does. Why am I so lucky to have you? Oh? No! This is just a game Katherine! I heard someone clear their throat, I immediately shifted my attention to see Austn’s cousin.

“ Admiring him huh?” He teased me and I looked away feeling a bit flustered by his teasing.

“Uhm… I never knew your name yet?”

“ I’m Kyro… Khai.. Nice meeting you,”He said, placing his hand, we then shook hands.

“ Nice meeting you too. I- I need to go.. My granny might be worried about me”

I was making my way down the stairs when I heard a familiar voice. Gosh! Not today!

“ Oh Hello! Dear Katherine. Good to see you here dear,” Mrs. Amanda said as she walked towards me, giving me a quick hug. I grin before smiling at her.

“ Where’s Austin?” I paused and the concern of her eyes was evident. “ Is something wrong with my son?” she asked

“ Austin’s not feeling well”

Her eyes are full of concern and worry. I watched as she made her ways towards the stairs to Austin’s room. But before entering the room she called out Kyro. “ Kyro, will you accompany Katherien for a while?” Her voice is soft and understanding. I and Kyro headed into the dining area. We sat there in silence for a minute when he started to talk.

“ So tell me. How did you guys meet?” His eyes are sparkling while waiting for my answer.

"Obviously, I'm his secretary. It doesn't matter how we met.” I wasn’t in the mood for this question right now. I just wanted to go home now.

“ Not bad… huh? Likewise… you’re too good Princess” He states with a wink. What is wrong with this guy?

“ Is this all you have to say? I really need to go” I said with crossed arms as I was looking at him with this disinterested impression. A thin smile played on his lips as he watched me.

“ Leaving so soon Princess! I still haven’t gotten any luck with your Kawai-sa”

“ Are you trying to flirt with me, Mister?” I glared at him with my arms still crossed on my chest. Yet despite being offended, a soft chuckle came out from his mouth. Really? This guy is totally annoying. I took a deep breath and let myself calm.

“ Oh Princess! Chillax You’re so ratty. And I kind of…..find you interesting…” Those shimmering brown eyes of his stared at me with excitement and challenge. How dare he? I met those eyes with a challenge. I didn’t have the gut to look away not when Austin’s mom approached us.

“ You guys are having fun? Austin’s just gotten a cold. ” Mrs. Amanda said while she sat on the empty chair next to me. She smells like rose velvet. I then remembered my mom.

“ Oh didn’t expect that to come. How was he feeling right now?”

“ He’s fine. He just needed time to rest. Thank you dear Katherine for taking care of my son. It's a huge help for me” she said while reaching out for my hand.

“ It’s not a problem though,”

It’s already late at night, the cold air greeted me as I left Austin’s house Kryo walked me towards the gate. I walk in silence as I approach my car. I’m about to enter when I heard Kyro’s voice.

“ See you then Princess!” He added with a wink. I can’t help but roll my eyes. Yet he seems fun to be with. Along the drive, the silence surrounds the car except the sound of the engine running. My mind lingers Austin’s sickness. I can’t help but think about how he is doing right now. Hope he recovers soon.