Aria's POV

"That was freshman year."

"Still counts." She jabs a finger at me. "And don't forget the sleepover incident. One of those moments of you begging me to stay and watch that horror movie with you, even though I told you I'd pee myself. And guess who screamed so loud your brother came to check? Me. Again."

I stare at Lily, fighting the urge to laugh. "You didn't pee yourself."

"Not the point. The point is... I do all these best friend things for you, and now it's your turn. So you're coming to the diner."

"Lily, you always do this. You wear me down until I say yes. But will saying yes shut you up?"

She grins. "Yes."

I cover my face with my hands. "Fine."

"Atta girl." She's already halfway to the door when she adds casually. "Oh, by the way, there's this guy you should meet."

I frown, wondering when I began meeting guys. But since it's my best friend talking, I say... "Uhm... Okay."

Maybe this is what I even need. Food. To forget everything about today.

The car ride to the diner starts with Lily blasting the radio so loud my ears buzz.

She's belting out some old pop song off-key, while smacking the steering wheel, forgetting it's not a drum.

Despite myself, I give in halfway and join her. Our voices together would make a sane, human deaf. They overlap, it's like we are squeaking and it's totally off the rhythm. But who cares?

"THIS! IS! MY! JAM!" Lily screams, dragging out the note.

I stop singing, clutching my stomach and laughing. Lily keeps tossing her hair and singing until I get distracted by the buzzing in my lap. I glance down.

Mom Monroe.

Dad Monroe.

Two missed calls. Three unread texts.

I turn the screen face down.

"Who's blowing you up?" Lily asks.

"Nobody," I say too quickly.

She looks at me. "That wasn't a nobody. That was a somebody."

I sigh. "It's his parents."

Jason's parents.

"What do they want from you?"

"Nobody cares. I can't with them right now." I shove the phone deeper into my pocket.

Lily studies me for a second, then nods. "Okay. No questions asked. You don't want to deal, we don't deal. Period."

I send her a grateful look. "Thanks, Lily."

"Anytime." She flicks her blinker and pulls into the parking lot. "Anyway, enough about them. We're here."

I look up at the neon lights of the diner that glows against the snow. It's a pretty sight. It's been a while since I came here, though.

I arch a brow. "Who's the guy?" I'm tempted to ask. Don't blame me for being extra inquisitive. I mean, I once dressed up to go on an actual date with a gay guy. What if this one was worse?

"Trust me, Aria. You'll like the guy."

"How do you even know him?"

"Hey," she points at me as she kills the engine.

"Have a little faith in me, Ria. When have I ever set you up with someone terrible?"

"Do you want me to list the names or alphabetise them?" I stare at her.

"Rude." She leans into the mirror, fluffing her very pink hair. "Okay, check yourself. Do I have lipstick on my teeth? I think I can feel..."

"Nope. All good."

I follow her out and she loops her arm through mine and tugs me toward the glowing diner doors. "Smile," she whispers as she pushes the door open.

The little bell above the door jingles as we enter. The place smells like fried foods and coffee... the exact kind of comfort place Lily would drag me to when I was in a mood.

Lily scans the room, her eyes landing on someone at a booth near the window. Her grin widens, and she grabs my hand. "There. That's him."

I squint, trying to keep up, and then all I do is stare when I see him. He looks about our age, maybe a little older, with messy brown hair and a goofy smile.

I think this is the time when girls my age tell their type in guys and try to see if the guy they have just met fits in. But me... I do not have a type. Since I've never dated anyone, I don't know what to look for.

But this guy... he looks nice. And I'm going for nice. Before I can object, Lily is tugging me forward. The guy stands up when we reach the booth, and the smile is still plastered on his face.

"Hey," Lily says, sliding into the booth. "This is my best friend, Aria. Aria, this is Matt. Matt, this is the genius I've been telling you about."

I blink, heat rising in my cheeks. "Genius?" I give her a look.

"Yes, genius. Don't argue." Lily waves me off and turns back to Matt. "She tutors literally everyone and still manages to be cute while doing it. She's the principal's daughter, and she..."

"Lily, stop." I pinch her. "Forget about the last part."

Matt laughs. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Aria." He extends his hand.

I shake it quickly, wishing I could melt into the diner floor. "Nice to meet you too."

"Okay, okay, small talk's cute and all," Lily interrupts as she grabs a menu. "But I already know what I'm getting, so Aria..." She leans in to whisper. "Why don't you, like, actually talk to him while I go grab some ketchup or something?"

My eyes widen. I am not ready for this. "Lily..."

But she's already sliding out of the booth. "Be nice," she winks. "I'll be right back." And just like that, I'm alone with Matt.

He gives me a small, amused smile. "Does she always do this?"

"All the time," I mutter, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. What now? "Uhm... how do you know Lily?" I ask.

"Next door neighbours." He says simply.

Right. He doesn't elaborate or anything. I get the memo dude. You're not up for more discussion. Well, this is some awkward shit. Where the hell is Lily? Does it usually take this long to get ketchup?

"Looking for Lily?" Matt asks me.

"Huh? Yes." I admit. She's kind of... relentless."

"I can tell," he chuckles. "But hey, I don't mind. Means I get to meet you."

Is that a pickup line? Because it's damn cheesy as hell. But it doesn't stop the blush that comes to my cheeks.

Jason's POV

The way I feel right now? It's like my head is pounding like someone's been using it as a drum all night.

I groan, trying to piece together the mess that's my brain right now.

There's an arm draped over my neck. I don't even have to look to know it's her.

The cheerleader. Tracy? Danny? Fuck, I can't remember. All I know is we spent last night drinking and then fucking.

Her perfume is still in the air and the cloying sweetness of it is making my stomach churn. I scowl, shoving her arm off me with more force than necessary. She doesn't even stir. Lucky her.

I stagger to my bathroom. The moment I step in, the smell hits me again. Her perfume, everywhere. The hell permitted her to use my bathroom? I squeeze my eyes shut, but it's no use.

Fuck, I feel like death.

And to make it worse, the thought of my tutor pops into my head. My ex-tutor, probably. After yesterday, after I pushed her... yeah, she's not coming back. Good riddance.

I brush my teeth, then splash cold water on my face. It helps a little, but not enough. I stumble back into my room.

Cheer is still asleep on my bed, looking so relaxed. It makes me want to do something stupid. So I do.

I grab a bowl of water from the sink and, without a second thought, fling it on her. She jerks awake with a gasp, her hair plastered to her face, her body drenched.

Her eyes meet mine and I can't help but smirk. "Time to go do the walk of shame," I say.

She glares at me, as she touches her hair, trying to fix what's already ruined. "Screw you," she snaps. She looks around the room, probably trying to remember where the hell she is. "Fuck you, Jason. You couldn't bother to be a gentleman and wake me up properly?"

I laugh. "So what? You'd be expecting breakfast in bed next? Get the fuck up and go. My parents will be home by noon, and I have to get to the gym. Plus, this room stinks."

She frowns.

"No, not of your perfume," I add, smirking. "But of sex. It has to be cleaned. Now go." I raise my voice.

Cheer is one of those girls I hate dealing with after. Well, I like fucking her... I enjoy it... But the aftermath? Gross. The way she clings to you, makes her pathetic.

She stands up from the bed, and I can't help but stare. My eyes darken as I take in her naked body, the way she moves... she's trying to tempt me. She walks over to me, her hips swaying, and then she leans in like she's going to kiss me.

But I grab her neck, my fingers tightening just enough to make her gasp, and push her back onto the bed. "It's not happening," I tell her.

And of course, she starts whining. Her voice is high-pitched and annoying.

"Uh... can you get dressed, Tracy, I..." I start but she cuts me off.

"It's Penelope, you idiot." She yells.

I stop, blinking at her. Right. Penelope. I can swear it's the first time I'm hearing her name, even though we've fucked a dozen times.

"Hey, why didn't your folks give you Pen or something? I mean, it's simpler and easier to remember," I say, half to myself, as I turn around toward the door.

And then I freeze.

My stomach drops, and I swallow hard, even though there's nothing in my throat.

Standing in the doorway is my mum, who's supposed to be on a business trip with her husband... my dad.

Her eyes take in the scene... Pen naked on my bed, me standing there in just my boxer briefs.

Her face goes from confused to horrified in seconds, and then she yells, "Honey, you've got to come down here."

Shit.

I am so fucked.

🏒🏒🏒

Aria's POV

"Girls," Mum's voice floats into my room. "Up. There are chores waiting." Mum's voice is too chipper for a Saturday morning.

I blink groggily, my eyes landing on the mop of messy pink hair beside me. Lily who ended up sleeping over last night, dramatically yanks the blanket over her head.

"Nooo. Tell her I died in my sleep." Lily muffles.

I sit up, laughing. "You're impossible. Come on, it's just chores. It won't kill you."

"It might," she grumbles, peeking one eye out from under the blanket. It's not her fault. Lily is an only child. I'm not sure if she does a single chore at home.

"Lily, come on."

"Look at me, Aria. I'm a shell of the girl I was last night. I need, like, twelve more hours... at minimum."

I shove her shoulder. "You're so cranky in the morning."

Before Lily can reply, a shadow appears at my doorway. Drew. Shirtless. His hair is sticking up. My brother forgets he has to comb his hair sometimes.

"Rise and shine, princess," he says, aiming it directly at me before letting his gaze settle on Lily who immediately squeals and yanks the blanket all the way over her head.

"Ugh!" I make a gagging sound. "Drew, seriously, go put on a shirt. Nobody needs to see that first thing in the morning."

He hisses. "It's my house. I'll walk around however I want."

"Gross. Ew." I grab a pillow and throw it at him.

He catches it easily and tosses it onto the bed. "Dad says you need to be downstairs in five minutes. His orders. And you know what happens if you keep him waiting."

"Yeah, yeah. We'll be there."

From under the blanket, Lily whispers just loud enough for Drew to hear. "Tell your dad I'm still asleep. He'll understand."

Drew chuckles. "Lily, is that you under there? Wow. Didn't think I'd ever see you willingly hide your face."

"Shut up!" She squeaked. "I look like... just... nobody talks to me."

Drew shakes his head and leaves. That's when Lily peeks out with narrowed eyes. "Your brother is the worst."

"Tell me about it." I giggle. "Come on, let's go."

She nods and grabs a scrunchie from my nightstand to tie her messy hair up. "What if I break a nail? Like... I just got acrylic last week."

I ignore her and walk out. Dragging her down the stairs while she's clinging to the bannister is a chore for me. She keeps saying that if my mum hands her a broom, she'll leave. Which I wouldn't let her do.

"You are..." I tug at her wrist. Just a little more before we get to the final step. "...not leaving. You're helping."

Finally. I smile and open my mouth to greet my parents. But the smile falls right off my face the second my eyes land on the living room.

Jason. His parents. Sitting neatly on our couch like some formal family visit.

Is this what it takes to ruin a good mood? Just a bunch of visitors?

My jaw clenches as I look from my dad to my mom. "So... this is why I'm here?"

Aria's POV

My dad clears his throat, obviously trying to play peacemaker. "Pumpkin..."

"Pumpkin?" I narrow my eyes at him. He used to call me that when I was a kid.

"Arianna, we thought it'd be good..."

I cut in again. "To murder me?"

Jason's mum instantly enters the conversation. "Aria, honey, we're so, so sorry for everything Jason put you through. We didn't raise him to act like that. Truly."

His dad nods, looking equally embarrassed. "Yes, we apologise on his behalf. He was out of line."

I cross my arms, staring at Jason, who looks about as thrilled to be here as I am.

Beside me, Lily suddenly speaks up, her sleepiness gone. She tilts her head, eyeing Jason. "Why don't you apologise for yourself, Jason?"

Jason gives her a boring look. "And I thought you were the fun one."

Lily narrows her eyes and crosses her arms in a perfect mirror of mine. "Oh, I'm fun. You just have no idea what I'd do for my best friend."

Jason lets out a dry laugh. "Right."

I'm tempted to return to my room. This is who they want me to come back to tutor? He'll do worse. He doesn't even look sorry.

His mom nudges him. "Jason. Go on."

Jason groans, running a hand through his hair. "Do I seriously have to..."

"Yes," his dad cuts in. "You do."

He glances at me. I think I just saw an emotion flash in his gorgeous eyes. I'm thinking annoyance... guilt, I can't tell. But hang on... Gorgeous? Slap me this instant.

"Fine," he mutters. "Aria, I'm... sorry."

"That sounded convincing," Lily mutters under her breath.

"Want me to write it in cursive and put a heart at the end?"

Lily gasps. "See? This is exactly why you had to come here. You're too egoistic."

My mom who has been silent since I walked in here, clears her throat. "Jason, try again. Mean it this time."

I fight the urge to smile. The fact that mum thinks he has to apologise as well is enough to tell me that she'll be on dad's neck when the Monroes are gone.

Yay. At least if I can't yell at my dad, my mum will do it for me.

Jason pinches the bridge of his nose. I bet this whole thing is physically painful for him. Finally, he looks at me and says, slower this time, "I'm sorry. Okay? I was... wrong. I shouldn't have treated you the way I did."

The room goes quiet. Well, that sounded sincere enough. I don't even know what to say. Lily leans in closer and whispers to me. "You don't have to forgive him if you don't want to. And you could forgive him and decide never to see his face again."

"Liliana! What are you telling my daughter?" Dad glares at Lily who smiles sheepishly.

"Nothing, Principal Bennett. Just giving her first-hand best friend advice. The way you would..." She matches his glare with hers. "And the way everybody in here would. Jason hurt her,"

"And I apologised, stop being so insufferable."

"Yeah? And your teammates?" She's almost yelling at him.

"What about them?"

"Both of you, shut up," Dad yells.

"Gladly," they both mutter at once.

It's my turn to pinch the bridge of my nose. Is this the point where I pretend to forgive Jason and actually take him back? My fingers twist against my pyjama hem.

"Okay, I forgive you. But no more sessions at your home." I stated. He doesn't look fazed, it's like he expected I'd say it. "And I'll text you every time you have a session,"

Jason's parents' faces are relieved, and they start muttering how grateful they are, while their son just sits there without saying a word. It's time for them to leave. His parents are talking to my dad and he walks up to me.

He shoves his hand into his pocket and gives me an awkward half-smile. "So... uh, how's school?"

I blink at him. "Really? Small talk?" I mutter, so his parents wouldn't hear. "You didn't actually think faking an apology with your mom standing over your shoulder was gonna erase what you said yesterday, right?"

His expression slips and he stutters. "I..."

"No," I cut him off. "Here's the deal, Monroe. No more talking outside of your tutor sessions. I'm not the old Aria you got to mess with."

Liar. You are the same Aria you were yesterday.

"Aria..."

Lily, thank God slides between us. "That's right. She's not the same girl you used to look down on yesterday. She's got a boyfriend now."

My head whips to my best friend. What. The. Hell. I have to physically bite my tongue to keep from groaning out loud.

Jason's brow shoots up, then he smirks. He gives Lily this look that says Oh, really? Then glances back at me. "A boyfriend, huh?"

Lily tilts her chin smugly. "That's right. So don't get any ideas."

I slap my palm to my forehead. I'm going to kill her later.

"Duly noted," he says before turning and walking out with his parents. As the door closes, I round on Lily, dragging her into the kitchen. "Seriously? A boyfriend?"

Lily just grins. "Boys respect girls with boyfriends. Speaking of which, Matt asked me for your contact and I sent it. So expect a text."

I open my mouth to reply when I hear the arguments from the living room. Lily and I exchange worried glances. I hate it when my parents fight. And I hate that it's because of the Monroes.

"She needed the money. And I couldn't refuse the Monroes. It's a very good partnership. He's donating..."

"Aria is your daughter! That guy is the worst thing that I have ever seen. He isn't even remorseful. You should have more respect for your kids."

"Are you really saying this to my face? Since when have you brought any income into this home? I do everything. Every damn thing!"

I can't hold back being silent in here anymore. Dad has no right to talk to my mum that way. As soon as I leave the kitchen, I spot my brother marching up to my dad with a scowl.

Good.

"Apologise to our mum." He tells Dad sternly.

Dad looks up at him, a sneer on his face. "What will you do? Beat me up? Try that and you'll go without an allowance for your next semester."

"You can't do that to him," I speak up. "He won't..."

"Aria, leave it be. I can survive, I'm a guy." Drew smiles softly at me.

Dad is fuming. "Look at you both, dancing to her tunes. A very disrespectful woman raised you and now..."

"Dad, walk out," I say, my voice cracking a little.

"You heard her. Walk out before I do something I'd regret," Drew adds. He's taller than my Dad and standing in front of him, he gives him a menacing look. Dad hesitates but then he storms out.

Lily is the first to walk to my mum. "Hey, Mrs. Bennett... It's gonna be fine. You'll get a job this week with or without his permission. You're gonna be that mother who can provide for her kids and the wife who doesn't need to lean on her husband. You'll go shopping and get new outfits. You'll look hot. You'll make him eat his words. You'll be a supermom. What am I even saying..." Lily smiles. "You are a supermom."

We all laugh lightly as Lily hugs my mum tightly. Drew and I exchange glances. I know he's thinking the same thing. For once, Lily's extroverted nature has been put to good use.

I love my best friend.