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THE ARISTOCRATS

BEHIND THE MASK

By:

Jomarie Anne

Cheerleading practice had just finished that Monday afternoon when I saw Aaron waiting for me outside the locker room.

“Hey,” I said.

“What are you doing here?”

He frowned. “What do you mean what am I doing here? I’m picking you up, of course.”

I blushed. It had only been two weeks since we started dating. It was quite a surprise, not knowing that I’d actually get to like the jerk who kept annoying me before and though it had already been two weeks, nothing much had really changed. We still fought sometimes and get into each other’s nerves. The only thing that changed was that despite those fights, I guess we needed to admit we’d always have each other’s backs.

And oh, plus Aaron has become overprotective. This was an example, in fact. He picks me up every day after practice and intimidates every guy who tries to be friends with me including Allan.

“Oh,” I said.

“You don’t really have to do that every day, you know. It’s not like someone’s gonna kidnap me or something.”

“Then what am I for?” he scoffed as he held my hand tightly as we walked at the field where girls kept staring enviously at me. I flinched.

I’m not really used to public display of affection even though Aaron holds my hand every time we walk. I guess I’m just not used to this whole dating thing. The thing with Aaron is that when he does things a normal guy would do for his girl. It’s actually because he’s really possessive. It’s like he’s gonna kill some guy who’s just talking to me.

“I’m your boyfriend and it’s my duty to make sure you get home safe. Since you started being my girlfriend, lots of guys wanted to be friends with you.” He said sternly/

I rolled my eyes and tried not to laugh.

“So where are we going?”

“We’re having dinner at that new restaurant.” He replied as we got inside the car.

“Okay, sure.” I shrugged.

“Just don’t take me home too late. Amber might need me to do some work at the office.”

***

As we sat in Warren’s Café waiting for our order, Aaron was unusually quiet. It was odd, ‘cause just a moment ago, he was telling stories.

“Are you okay?” I asked him.

He looked up. “Yeah. Why shouldn’t I be? So what’s up? I heard the Nationals is coming up. Are you gonna be so busy every day?”

Well, with Amber’s devastation over Damon’s leaving, we hadn’t really done any proper training for the nationals yet and if this goes on, I truly doubt if we’d ever win it. I knew the Nationals was the biggest thing for Amber but she just looks so out of it lately.

I shrugged. “Amber hasn’t talked about it yet. I hope we get to start training already.”

“Well don’t worry, if you get busy, I’m not really the clingy type of guy who’s gonna stop you from reaching your dreams.” He smiled.

I looked at him blankly. How he said it just sounded weird. I forced a laugh.

“Good. ‘Cause I don’t want you to be. Like that, I mean.”

I was relieved when the food was finally served. Dating Aaron didn’t mean I could already comfortably talk about my feelings for him. We were still on that stage where we still felt embarrassed whenever we tell each other how we feel. At least it was for me. He just makes it so easy to blurt out things like that.

“By the way, I’m going to Nick’s party tonight. It’s his sister’s birthday so I thought I just needed to tell you.” He said and glanced at me.

“Do you want to come?”

I honestly didn’t like his friend. It’s not that I hated him or what; I just don’t think he’s good for Aaron. He’s this guy who’s really so carefree and parties every night and oh, did I mention he’d slept with different girls in two weeks? But he’s been Aaron’s childhood best friend and treats him like a brother and since I don’t like to be the type of girl who acts like his mother, I just tolerate it. I trusted Aaron anyway. He might be a jerk sometimes but I know he’d never hurt me.

“Nope. It’s alright. I’m busy with the sorority anyway.” I smiled.

He can spend time with his best friend as long as he wanted but I’m not gonna torture myself having to socialize with people like nick.

“Are you sure? I wouldn’t want you thinking I’m neglecting you.” He smiled.

“It’s great that you’re not the clingy type either. I hate girls like that.”

I wanted to scoff. If he only knew what I was feeling inside. The truth was, I didn’t want him to go there. Who knows what kind of girls go to Nick’s house? And if his best friend was actually doing things like that, how could I be assured he wouldn’t? After all, he had done that before.

Though he had promised me that I was different, that it wasn’t a game this time, with friends like Nick how could he continue being the changed man?

And maybe I didn’t want him to go. Maybe I just wanted him to stay with me in the mansion.

***

“Hi Carly,” May, the housekeeper, greeted as she let me inside the mansion. She studied my face for a while.

“Are you okay?”

Did I really look that disappointed? I had been hoping Aaron would change his mind and decide not to go to Nick’s but he didn’t. Plus, he was still strangely quiet like he was thinking of something.

“I’m just tired from practice.” I smiled at her as I got in.

Megan was at the office and when she saw me, she smiled.

“Hey, Carl. Where’s Aaron? Weren’t you guys together?”

“Nope,” I replied.

“He’s going to Nick’s party.”

She cocked an eyebrow.

When Aaron and I decided to get together, the first people I was most concerned about was Meg and my brother. I mean, come on. They had every right to find the relationship awkward. We were their siblings, after all. But Megan was surprisingly cool with it. Seth on the other hand was really hesitant but I guess Meg had talked him into it.

“And I thought he’d quit partying when you started going out with each other.”

I sighed. “Well apparently, that wasn’t the case.”

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Meg offered. She’d always been a good friend to me, almost like a sister.

“You know I could always knock his head off.”

I laughed. “No thanks. Don’t worry, I can handle it.”

“If you say so.” Meg shrugged. She handed me a piece of paper.

“Here, Amber needs this emailed to the charity.” She grabbed her bag and smiled.

“I’m having dinner with Seth tonight. Wanna come with us?”

I shook my head. “I already had dinner with Aaron. Thanks. Tell my brother I said hello.”

“Okay, I’ll see you then. Bye!” She went off and I was left in the office. I sat down and out my hand under my chin as I opened the computer.

I wouldn’t want to be the chaperone to anyone’s date. I wouldn’t have minded it if I was still single but now that I had a boyfriend, it seemed stupid.

I swore to myself even if Aaron and I started dating. O wouldn’t be that kind of girl who starts demanding attention but why do I feel like I was pathetic now?

“Damn, I like you better when you’re smiling.” I remarked as I found Amber at the university field sitting all by herself. It was so unlikely of her to be alone. Most of the time, she’s surrounded by people if she wasn’t with Carter.

She looked up and rolled her eyes. She was still wearing her cheerleading uniform and though she still looked good with the high ponytail. I could tell she could’ve looked better if she was feeling okay.

“You look terrible.” I said as I sat beside her.

“Thanks,” she smirked.

“I heard about Damon. Sorry about it,” is aid.

“But you know you don’t have to mop around forever just because he’ll be gone for a year.”

I could understand what she’s feeling, or scratch that. Maybe I don’t since I have never been in a serious relationship anyway but this was too much. This was far from the Amber I knew.

She shook her head. “It’s not just for a year, Vin. I might never see him again. And oh, I’m sorry if I mop around all day. I’m sorry for forgetting I still have to fake a stupid smile for you people and I still have a lot of duties to do.”

Well, I felt sorry for her. I still hated seeing her like that. I didn’t want seeing her hurt.

“I’m sorry, I just can’t stand seeing you sad. I hate it.” I smiled at her.

She sighed and tried to smile back. “I know. Thanks. Why are you here anyway? Waiting for Lana to show up again? You could never really get enough of her, could you?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I chuckled. But she was right. I was there to see Lana. She’d texted me to grab dinner with her and since we were sort of seeing each other in a completely ‘impassionate’ way, I guessed it was my obligation to be with her.

“Oh come on, Vin. You’re not fooling me. I saw how you guys kissed each other at the camp.” Amber scoffed.

“There’s definitely something going on. I’m not blind, okay? You can fool anyone but me.”

I laughed. “Fine. We’re casually dating. It’s just that. No big deal.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Well, you may not want her to see you talking to me then. She might get jealous. After all, I’m not her favorite girl.”

“It’s just casual, okay? It means no feelings involved, no commitment.”

“You sure about that?” she shrugged.

“You should be careful. What if she falls for you? You should know better than play games with Lana Wang. She could easily dispose you with nay way she wants.”

“Nah. That’s not gonna happen. She’s a tough girl.” I assured her. I couldn’t even imagine Lana falling in love with anyone.

Of course I was attracted to her. I wouldn’t be seeing her if I wasn’t but feelings were just too complicated to include in whatever we have. I just wanted to enjoy her company.

“So why did you want to date her?” Amber asked.

“I like being with her. She’s fun.”

“Fun? Why? Don’t you have enough friends to have fun with?” She snorted.

“There must be something else aside from that.”

I didn’t really know how to answer her question. I guess I haven’t really thought about it. You see, I just go with whatever happens. I hated complications and this relationship I have with Lana was just too good to complicate. I didn’t want to think too much about things.

Fortunately, I saw Lana walking towards me. Saved by the bell.

I smiled at Amber and ruffled her hair. “There she is. I gotta go now. And oh, maybe you should start talking to Carter. He’s the only guy who could turn that frown upside down.”

“What? He’s not even the reason why I’m down.” She shook her head and laughed.

Well I was glad I had made her smile. It was now my turn to tease her.

“I don’t think so. He’s the reason you’d dumped me after all.” I joked. It was true anyway. I wondered when she would ever realize that.

“No he wasn’t. I did it because I had a boyfriend.” She frowned.

“Whatever you say,” I shrugged and smiled.

“Well, I better get going. You’re girlfriend’s coming.” She winked at me and lest as we bid each other goodbye.

***

“I’m glad you got my text,” Lana smiled. She looked pretty. Since we started hanging out,. O couldn’t help noticing how gorgeous she actually was.

I shrugged. “I got nothing better to do anyway. Where do you wanna go?”

She made a face. “I wanna eat at that Italian restaurant. I’m really hungry. Let’s go?”

I nodded. “Sure,”

As we arrived at the restaurant, I couldn’t help noticing how cheerful she was compared to days she looked so stoic. That was one of the things which changed since we started going out too. She wasn’t that usual dark, mysterious girl who barely smiled anymore. She became more open.

And I guess I liked her better that way. I got to know her more.

“So, you look happy today. How was school?” I asked as we ate.

She sorted. “‘How’s school?’ really? Couldn’t you come up with anything better than that? Are you my father?”

I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Just when I thought I was getting through to her now, she starts being the same ol’ Lana Wang again.

I honestly didn’t know what it was about her that truly amused me. She was like some mystery I wanted to solve. I wanted to know who she was behind that stoic person and every time I think I hand finally got close to her, it makes me happy. And to tell you, happiness wasn’t something I get to feel often.