Careless and Reckless — Chapter 37

You know what the cherry on the I'm-mad-at-Wyatt-and-am-trying-to-avoid-him sunday is? Camilla releasing the pictures on Monday morning a few hours before school starts.

Mine and Wyatt's faces were on posters and billboards everywhere and it made me want to scream. Don't get me wrong Camilla's new line is stunning — I actually got a couple of the pieces for free which is freaking sick — but I don't think the timing could be any worse.

How am I supposed to avoid Wyatt and not think about him when every single person I meet is bombarding me with questions about him, about us. It's fucking exhausting, I'm already sick of it and first period hasn't even started yet.

Even my close friends were attacking me with questions but luckily they understood that I wasn't in the mood to talk about it so dropped the subject very quickly.

Chase was going on about another one of his hookups at the table and I wrinkled my nose in disgust. At this point, I wasn't sure who was more of a fuck boy: Eli or Chase. Either way, I just didn't understand what they got out of sleeping with so many people, it was just gross if you asked me but at the end of the day it's up to them what they do with their lives. It's not fair of me to judge.

I decided to talk to Mason instead as he wasn't weighing in on Chase's story. He normally sits with Ava — since this year of school anyway — but she had a last minute cheer practice at lunch because of the rugby match that was happening on Friday. Max is playing in that match, that's why he's not here either, his coach scheduled a practice for the team every lunch and after school for the week leading up to the game — a bit excessive if you ask me.

Max is fine with it though. He's hoping to do something sports related at university but his parents aren't so keen on the idea, they don't think it's a stable career choice and what him to pick something more academic focused. But that's just not Max, he's always excelled more in sports than anything else, being the star player of every sports team he's on, especially rugby and football.

"So Mase," I start as I grab a fork full of pasta. "How are you and that mystery girl doing?"

I can see a faint blush creep onto his cheeks but he hides it quickly. "Good," he mumbles looking anywhere but at me.

"Mason, what's the problem? Did it not work out?" I ask in concern. It would break my heart for it not to work out for him because Mason has never had a girlfriend before, he's too shy and always doubts himself. He could easily get a girl if he wanted too — I mean look at him, the guy is hot — but he's never bothered.

"I don't know," he sighs. "We're still seeing each other, I guess, but I don't think she's as into the relationship as I am. And I'm tired of keeping it a secret, it's draining the life out of me and I don't think I can do it anymore," he tells me, sadness clear in his eyes.

"Mase," I say softly. "Look you have to tell her this. Tell her exactly what you told me and see what she says. If she still doesn't want to go public then end it because no relationship is worth the mental exhaustion it's putting you through. You'll end up resenting her and I know you don't want that."

He looks at me almost as if he's calculating me and everything I said. After a few moments, he looks away in defeat. "You're right," he murmurs. "I know you are but it's hard. I like her, Ari, I like her a lot."

I give him a comforting side hug which he returns.

I hope they can work it out. For both their sakes, especially Masons. If this goes wrong it could crush him.

~*~*~

The rest of the day went by in a blur. I don't understand how people can be so nosey. It's none of their damn business about what's going on between me and Wyatt so why can't they just leave it at that? I mean all that's happened is that I've modelled for one of the most sought-after brands with the most popular boy in school and now my face is all over the country on billboards. Nothing big.

Either way, let's just say I'm not in the best mood when I get home and immediately proceed to flop onto my bed in exhaustion. Dealing with people can be hard work.

I left my phone at home this morning after noticing that Camilla released the photos because I didn't want to deal with anyone but now that I'm spying it laying there on my dresser I have to pick it up.

My socials have blown up and I've gained quite a few followers but that's not what draws my attention. River texted me.

Great. How about 7pm Friday at the ice cream parlour where we met?

I can feel the blush on my cheeks as I read his message. I'm actually going on a date with someone. I type back a quick response saying that that's fine before I put my phone to the side, leaving all means if human contact behind for the next few hours. Right now I just need to alone time if I'm honest.

But all I can think about as I'm sitting on my bed reading my new book is Wyatt, River and James.

Will Wyatt hate me for going out with River?

Does River actually like me?

What about James? Am I ready to move on?

Thoughts swirl around in my mind in a raging frenzy, leaving me not a single peaceful moment.

Boys — they're all so annoying. Why do they have to invade my mind so often? Can't I just have a day to myself without one of them popping into my head at random? Stupid boys.

~*~*~

Each day of the week goes by painfully slowly. Hearing about Wyatt and seeing him but not talking to him is weird and uncomfortable in a way, it just leaves this unfulfilled feeling within me.

The pointless chatter people have directed towards me in an attempt to now get to know me better leaves a sour taste in my mouth. They never bothered with me before except for the few hellos when I was with James but now they're all bending over backwards trying it be friendly. Please.

By the time Friday comes around, I couldn't be more glad, I don't think it's ever taken this long to get through a week. But of course, as I'm finally about to leave the dreaded building and make my way home someone has to call my name and stop me.

But this isn't just any person, I'd recognise this voice from a mile away and, right now, I'm glad to hear it. It always fills me with warmth.

"What's got you in such a hurry to leave?" He asks as I turn around to face him.

I shrug, my heeled ankle boots clicking against the floor as I walk closer. I've decided to still keep up the bad girl look, even if I'm mad at Wyatt that doesn't mean I want to give up on the plan and to be honest I kind of like the clothes, albeit I don't really ever pick the ones that are too revealing, they make me feel like the new me and help me aspire to be the person I want to become: reckless, fearless and careless.

"Just had a shit week," I tell him.

"You and me both, coach has had us practicing nonstop and he's driving me crazy," he whines like a child, causing a small laugh to escape my lips for the first time this week.

"So are you coming to the game? Your favourite person in the entire world is playing and I know you don't want to miss that."

I sigh. "Sorry, Maxi, but I've already got plans," I tell him.

He grumbles as he replies, his arms crossed over his chest. "How many times have I told you not to call me that?"

I send him a mischievous smile. "Not enough, besides I know you secretly love my nicknames."

He lets out a disbelieving scoff. "Sure, Ari, whatever you say," the sarcasm in his voice is impossible to miss but I pretend to anyway just to annoy him like I'm supposed to do.

"Good, I'm glad we're on the same page," I grin.

He just rolls his eyes at me, changing the subject. "So what plans are so important you won't come to see the most amazing person you've ever had the pleasure of meeting kick arse tonight?"

Oh right, I never told him, I actually haven't told anyone now I come to think of it but I thought I would've told Max, I tell him everything, I'm probably secretly closer to him than Ava. It's probably because he's been so busy this week that I haven't had the chance.

"Oh right, I'm going on a date tonight."

He frowns in confusion. "Wait, since when do you go on dates? I thought you were scrapping the whole idea of romance after what happened."

"I don't know, I thought it would be good for me. I need to move on, Maxi."

He's too concerned to bother correcting me on his name as he pulls me in for a hug. "You're right, it'll probably be good for you. Who's the guy?"

"Just someone I met at an ice cream parlour, his name is River," I say, not mentioning the track. Although I tell Max basically everything there's no need to worry him unnecessarily, especially when he has a match that he needs to be focusing on.

"You sure he's not some creepy weirdo?"

"I'm sure," I laugh.

His face holds uncertainty but it's mixed with something else I can't decipher which is strange because I can always tell what Max is thinking. "Just be safe, Ari. I care about you a lot, you know that. If something were to ha—"

"I'll be fine," I stop him before he can even finish. "I'm a big girl now and can take care of myself. Don't worry about me just focus on winning your match."

He scoffs. "You know I'll win no problem."

"I know," I smile, giving him a quick peck on the cheek for good luck before I turn away and start walking to my car. I know, me driving who would've thought but Ava is busy with the game tonight; I can't exactly ask Wyatt and everyone else went home ages ago but I stayed behind in the art department.

"And, Ari," Max calls, as I'm by the doors.

I hum in response, not turning around.

"You know I'll always worry."