Chapter 28

Chapter 28

Twila was sitting on my bed, her arms crossed, looking at me intently. Coming back to my room, I didn't expect to see her here. It also didn't help that she was asking where I was. Usually, I could avoid these kinds of conversations but today was not my lucky day. Thankfully, it was just Twila because at least we can have a conversation. Had it been anyone else I'm sure what I would do.

Still, she didn't know anything about Cyrus and I meeting up every now and again. I wasn't sure if I could tell her without it being this massive thing. She's made it clear that she wasn't here for the competition and if I did say anything it's not like she'll care. However, there was Bradyn I had to worry about as well. Will she go telling Bradyn about this whole ordeal? Will this somehow jeopardize our friendship? The possibilities were endless, but I was caught at this point. There was no way I could lie my way out of this one.

I closed my door setting my shoes aside. I was still thinking of what to say without telling the truth. However, nothing would come to mind but the truth. That didn't mean I couldn't spark up a deal with her.

Sitting down, I looked at her contemplating telling the truth still. "Say I do tell you, what do I get in return?" I asked trying to see if we could compromise here.

She thought for a moment before sighing. "I'll tell you who I'm here for if you tell me where you were." She said grabbing my attention.

I raised a brow at her offer. I've been trying to figure out who she was after for the longest time now. The fact that she was willing to tell me just to figure out where I was, was something to think about. We were friends so we shouldn't be keeping secrets from each other. But doesn't that go against why she wouldn't tell me in the first place? Not that I would say a word to anyone, but this was someone else's secret as well. Did Twila trust me that much to share this kind of information with me?

"Twy, you don't have to do that." I say feeling bad that she would even suggest that. My secret was something I shouldn't be sharing with anyone, but I would rather tell her than have her go against her morals.

She smiled, pleased by my answer. I wasn't sure how to go about telling her though. This was big news and could affect the outcome of the competition itself. Twila didn't seem like she'd go squealing to anyone. Like I said,she was the closest to me by far. When I first got here, she took it upon herself to come talk to me. Sharing this with her was the least I could do. After I made sure she was going to keep her mouth closed.

Turning towards her, I looked her in the eyes to let her know this was important. "Ok, but you can't say anything, not even to Bradyn." I made it perfectly clear.

"My lips are sealed. You can trust me, Autumn." She reassured me.

I was still a little hesitant to tell her. Cyrus might not approve if he finds out, but I should be able to talk to my friends about this kind of stuff. It would be such a relief getting this off my chest. Holding it in really is stressful.

Taking a deep breath, I looked down at the bracelet Cyrus so graciously got me finally letting this out in the open. "For the past couple of weeks, Cyrus and I have been having secret meet ups." I blurt out.

Her eyes widened looking stunned at what I just said. This would be a shock to anyone if they found out. I was shocked that I was even allowing myself to do something like this. Breaking rules wasn't something I was known for and now here I am doing just that. I couldn't lie and say it wasn't thrilling because it was. It was even better that it was happening with someone I'm starting to care about. The feelings both Cyrus and I had been strong. Stronger than I ever felt for anyone before. It was even better now that I was getting to share this with my best friend.

Twila didn't know what to say at first. She just stared at me making me nervous that I shouldn't have said anything. Was this a mistake? It frightened me that she wasn't saying a word back. I was hoping that it was because this was something unexpected and not because she was judging my decisions. I knew it was wrong and unfair, but I couldn't help myself when it came to Cyrus for some reason. Surely, she would understand that. Right?

After minutes of just looking at me, she finally spoke, subduing my fears. "You're joking right?" She asked me, still stunned.

I shook my head. "I wish I were, but it's true." I confirm.

"Autumn," she said, "that's some crazy shit but I'm living for it!" She finally showed some enthusiasm in her voice, making sigh with relief.

I thought she would be upset about this or tell me I should stop what I was doing. However, she was understanding and excited about it with me. Unlike Jenna, she didn't need to use this information against me. She was happy for me in a strange way. You'd think she wouldn't be since Bradyn was also in this competition. None of this was fair to her in the end, which is why I couldn't let her find out. I knew she would end up hating me if she knew. At least there was still Twila.

Getting comfortable on my bed, she started asking me more questions to get a better understanding. "Wait, when did this all happen? How did this all happen?"

I shrugged. "Well, he wouldn't leave me alone for whatever reason and ended up asking me to make this deal with him." I explained. "I was turning him down as much as I could until I couldn't anymore."

"I knew he was into you!" Twila yelled. She was right about that one. "So that's where you were last night? With Cyrus!"

I nodded my head with a smile on my face. "Guilty." I say blushing.

It was a little embarrassing talking about this aloud to someone. I was embarrassed about the feelings I had for him since it was still a little confusing. I knew I felt something, and I enjoyed his company. After last night things got to a level that I was ready for but not at the same time. We haven't cemented our relationship and I couldn't say what we were. All that mattered for now was that he treated me like an angel. Like he only had eyes for me and for now that was good enough.

Twila laughed, not believing what she was hearing. "What does this all mean?" She asked, still trying to understand.

"Mm, nothing is official. Honestly, I don't even know what we're doing." I admit.

She nodded, getting what I was saying. "How do you feel about it? I mean you have to feel something if you're willing to continue sneaking around." She smirked, nudging me playfully.

I laughed rolling my eyes. "I know I feel something for him. I'm not exactly sure what it is but it's there." I said still unsure.

She smiled, understanding what I was saying. "As long as you're happy that's all that matters. Just make sure you're getting everything you deserve in the end."

She was right. This was a competition still and things can change at any moment. I wasn't the only girl he was interacting with. At any moment's notice he could tell me we're done with this, and he's chosen someone else. There weren't any obligations he had to me. Nothing between us was official and that scared me. I couldn't change anything either. Nothing could be done until after this was over. However, there was no telling what the outcome would be once it was.

The thought made me sad and eager to see him again. I know I won't spend much time alone with him on Saturday but afterwards I was going to surprise him. To feel secure in a way. It was going to sound crazy when I brought it up to him but this conversation with Twila really got me thinking. Though trusting Cyrus was the easiest thing to do now. He didn't give me any reason not to thus far. I'm just getting into my own head.

Before we could say anything more, Bradyn came bursting through the door. She looked confused to see us sitting here like this, but she didn't ask any questions. Instead, she looked between us smiling gently. I don't think she's heard anything we were talking about which is a good sign. I was not ready to have that conversation with her.

"There you are. I've been looking all over for you." She said walking in further. "Hurry up and change we're getting some practice in ladies." She demanded.

Twila groaned. "Do we have to?" She asked unpleased.

Bradyn nodded, crossing her arms at us. "Yep. I must make sure my friends look just as good as I do. You both have five minutes to change." She said so sternly.

I laughed standing up. "Yes ma'am." She was so persistent.

With that she walked out leaving Twila and I to get dressed. Before Twila walked out of my room though, she turned around looking at me in the eyes. I wasn't sure what she was going to say to me. I stared at her wide eyed and shell shock.

"I'm here for...Sienna."