My Bad Boy’s Ego — Chapter 43

I held the check in both of my hands, staring down at the paper in awe from all the zeros scribbled into the box. I couldn't imagine happiness after receiving this piece of paper that could hold my whole family's fortune.

A small smile was swept across my lips before I opened the sketchbook, sticking the check in the middle of my two favorite sketches before shoving it into my book stand. I breathed out in relief before backing away from the bookshelf, staring at it in awe.

I can't believe it.

I rubbed my palms against my dark washed jeans and walked over to my bag, swinging it over my shoulder before I made my way out of the bedroom. Austin chose to sleep in today, and my father has already left early for work as usual.

I still yet have told them about the debt.

My phone suddenly dinged.

7:55 AM

Colton

I'm outside.

I squinted at the phone, confused. I don't remember asking him for a ride to school. However, I curiously walked towards the front door, opening it as the bright rays from the sunlight lit upon my face.

"Aubrey!" Bella beamed.

Her curly, orange-red hair reflected the sunlight. The upper half of her body was sticking out from the sunroof, while the bottom half was covered by Colton's dark tinted windows.

The moment my lips formed into a large smile, the passenger window of Colton's rolled down; revealing him in his Ray Ban shades. He sent me a large smile and motioned me to come towards them.

"We missed you," Bella cooed, pouting at me as she rests her elbows on the roof of the car.

"I missed you guys too," I responded, crossing my arms in a joking manner as I skipped towards the car. Bella climbed down from the sunroof, and propped herself in the backseat as Colton unlocked the door for me to enter.

I jumped into the passenger seat and turned towards Bella, grinning widely at her. I held my arms out between the small space between the drivers and passenger's seat. Bella didn't even hesitate to jump into my arms as we both hugged each other tightly despite the cup holders and arm rest between us.

She pushed me away as she cupped my face, squealing as if we haven't seen each other in years.

"You look so grown!"

I laughed, "Bella, we only haven't seen each other for like a week," I shook my head at her.

"Yeah," she groans, "Ever since that thing dramatically dragged you down the hallway."

A smirk appeared onto her lips as my lips formed into a defensive 'o', gasping for air as if what she said wasn't true.

"So, what about him?" Colton speaks up, tilting his sunglasses downwards as it hangs on the tip of his nose, mimicking Bella's devious smirk.

I looked between my best friends, giggling nervously from their attack.

"I mean he's cute," I innocently defended.

Bella's gasp was heard over Colton's start of the engine. Colton's eyebrows were raised as both of my friends started panicking from my little confession.

"What have you two done?" Bella grinned, leaning onto the arm rest that was set between Colton and I.

"Nothing," I smiled, shaking my head as nothing honestly popped into my head. I turned back around to face the from, leaning back against the chair before Bella bolts up.

"You guys didn't at least hug? Kiss? Maybe hook up?" Bella squeals, leaning her head towards me as she tries to escape from the seat belt hugging around her waist.

Memories suddenly jumped back into my mind about the moments that Landon and I had shared our special scenes together. I stared at the road in awe, with my lips slightly parted as it was soon replaced by a wide smile.

"Oh my," Colton trails off, as I see his finger pointing towards me, "They did!"

A loud laugh escaped from Colton's lips as he retracts his hands, setting them both on the steering wheel before turning the corner.

Bella stares at me with convincing eyes, "So, details?"

I casually shrugged, "We hugged," I trialed off, my voice suddenly turning into a higher pitch, "and kissed, maybe more than once." I tried not to smile as I stared off into the road. I failed to contain my smile once I heard the two screaming and crying in disbelief.

"More than once?" Bella gasps.

I nodded and turned my heads towards both of them. Even through Colton's jet black tinted sunglasses, I could tell his eyes were as wide as Bella's.

Looks like I've got something to explain.

- - -

"Aubrey," Isaiah's voice spoke up from behind me.

I turned around on my heels with my huge canvas in my arm, paint smudges almost everywhere on my body. I noticed Isaiah's shock reaction when he saw the mess I was drowning in. However, it didn't stop me to flash him a smile, giggling with happiness as I greeted him with a simple "Hi."

Isaiah's hand suddenly jumped to the back of his head, scratching it softly, "Uh," he trails off, "You look a little busy."

Isaiah was dressed in his normal tracksuits. Like always, an athletic jacket that covered his entire neck, and matching pants that had three stripes coming down on both sides. However, he didn't have a duffel bag on this time. He has a normal black backpack, with cleats dangling through the straps of one backpack, and his jersey shirt hanging through the other.

I laughed at his appearance, eyeing at the odd hanging technique he had going on, "You seem to be more busier than I am."

He couldn't help but crack a wide smile at me.

"So, what's up?" I casually asked, hugging the large canvas onto my body as I tried to balance my bag on my other shoulder.

Isaiah takes a step forward and grabs onto the canvas. I didn't deny his offer as he easily carried the canvas between one arm and the side of his body.

"Thanks," I said.

He nodded in response.

"Guess what," he leans down towards me, whispering lightly in my ear before jumping ahead. He started walking backwards as I started walking forward; our attentions drawn towards each other.

"What?" I asked, tilting my head.

"Someone may have just earned a scholarship to a Division I school," his voice raises, as his head tilts up slightly.

My jaws dropped in excitement as we both stopped out tracks. I couldn't help but jump up and down from excitement as Isaiah announces the life changing moment for him. I pursed my lips together proudly as I tiptoed towards him.

He grins and pulls me into a tight hug. Although only one of his arm was around my body, the strength from the athlete seemed to almost push all the air out of my body.

"Congratulations," a voice spoke up from behind me, revealing no other than Landon.

Isaiah immediately pulls us apart, looking back at Isaiah with a wide smile, "Thanks bro."

The two guys stared at each other proudly as I got tired of their masculine egos. I groaned and snatched my canvas from Isaiah's arm, casually shoving Isaiah with all my might towards Landon.

Isaiah waddles towards Landon slowly before the two finally claps hand lowly, pulling each other into a tight side hug. However, the side hug seemed to last a little longer than normal. I stood there awkwardly as I observed the two best friends bonding. I tilted my head and sighed happily at the sight.

Then it occurred to me. I didn't tell the two boys about the check.

"Guys," I spoke up.

"Hold on Aubrey," Landon mumbles from Isaiah's shoulder. The two boys laughed as they were still frozen in the bromance position.