Chapter 34

Chapter 34

The girls and I were sitting having breakfast the next morning as always on a Tuesday. It was just as good as always, but I couldn't really enjoy it as much. My mind kept thinking about what Farah was going to come announce. The way she downplayed my time here was really starting to get under my skin. I know she didn't like me but damn she didn't have to lay it on thick like that. Either way, Cyrus was happy with me and that's all that mattered.

Anyway, while we were eating Jenna kept looking over at me. It was because she knew my secret and it was a little uncomfortable with her staring like that. Like she wanted to disclose information to everyone. Cyrus said he'll handle it but I'm not sure if he's capable of handling Jenna. This chick was on another level of psychotic. If she couldn't have him then no one could.

Knowing this, I saw her staring at the bracelet on my wrist and I knew she was going to say something about that. Lucky for me, I had an answer prepared just in case anyone ever asked.

"So, Autumn, where'd you get that bracelet from? There's just no way you could afford it." She snickered.

All eyes fell on me as I sipped my drink not having the best of times this week. "A friend of mine got it for me." I say not disclosing names.

She rolled her eyes like she didn't believe me. "What friend?" She continued to question.

This was complete nonsense. I knew I didn't know what friend to say, and it'll bite me in the ass later. He was the only option I could think of to name though. There was no way I could name Cyrus and the girls didn't get it for me. He was my only option left. Plus, he was the only person who wouldn't get me into trouble. At least, I don't think I'll get in trouble.

Gulping, I knew I was going to regret this in the end. "Jason." I say to gasp filling the room.

Ok, it wasn't the smartest idea, but I wanted her to stop pressuring me. She thought that it'd make me say Cyrus, but I was one step ahead of her. There wasn't anything she could do to make give away my secret and the only other person who knew was Twila. And I knew Twila wasn't going to say anything. The look on Jenna's face told me everything I needed to know. She was upset her pathetic plan didn't work but it still got the girls talking.

"No way, Jason Cyrus' friend?" Ocean gawked looking at the bracelet in awe.

I nodded, not saying much else. "Mhmm." I muttered.

They all started asking me questions at the same time, making it too hard to keep up with that they were saying. I sat back in my chair, my cheeks flustering. I just lied but if the conversation stirred away from what Jenna was saying the better. It's not like I wasn't friends with Jason though. Not close friends but still close enough. Though the other girls didn't know better, Twila did which is why she stayed silent. She also probably didn't care all that much like everyone else. It was just a bracelet anyway.

"Is that why you've been disappearing lately?" Bradyn asked me to try to put the pieces together.

Shit, I forgot all about Bradyn. I didn't tell her the truth for all good reasons and now I had to not only hide something from her but also lie to her. This didn't make me happy in the slightest but what else was I going to do? Bradyn was here for this competition just like I was. If she found out anything about Cyrus and I, it would crush it. It might crush her more once she finds out I lied though. Everything is so complicated.

Luckily, I was saved by the bell as Farah walked in and just in time. I never felt so happy to see someone in my life. It took the attention off of me for a little bit. Even if just for a second.

Farah came to the head of the table with that gleaming smile like she always does on announcement days. She didn't look at me once and after yesterday I didn't expect her too. Quite frankly I didn't want to look at her either but here we are, I had to look a little alive during these announcements. This one was something I couldn't have ever imagined. It made me think that Farah was right. I may not get a chance like this ever again.

"Exciting news lady! Since we're at the halfway mark of the competition." She began, "this week's challenge is a big one. Bigger than anything I've had you do thus far." That made all of us nervous. "I'm pleased to announce that we will be taking part in a very sexy photoshoot on Saturday."

We all got excited about that, and I was happy that I would be able to do something like this. I've never participated in a photoshoot before. This was going to be interesting and way out of my element. I was going to have so much fun though and I honestly couldn't wait for this one. Seeing myself professionally photographed was going to be very nerve-racking and thrilling all in one. Hopefully, my outfit was as good as they have been these past weeks.

Making everyone calm down, Farah started to speak again. "Also, you'll be taking pictures with Cyrus and whoever has the best photos not only gets to be on the cover of Young and Restless but also gets a whole spread with an interview included."

My eyes widened at the sound of that. I can't believe what I just heard. Not only do I get to take pictures with Cyrus, but if you have the best photos you get to be on the cover and a whole spread. That was complete insanity, and I couldn't believe I was going to be a part of this. I was so excited, and I couldn't wait to see Cyrus looking great like I knew he would. This time people were going to see our connection on full display. Hopefully, terrible things won't come from this, but I was going to have fun either way.

Everyone was excited about it and murmuring amongst themselves. We finished breakfast going our separate ways. Unexpectedly, I was pulled aside down one of the many hallways by the man himself. I was shocked to see him, but this was also very risky meeting up like this. I had no idea what he wanted and at a time like this. Now was not a suitable time. If his mother saw him, we would have been caught.

Nevertheless, I smiled at him, but he didn't look so happy. In fact, he was frowning. This was unusual to see him like this. Whenever he was around me, he was sweet, smiley, and flirting. He was visibly upset, making me worried.

"What's going on?" I asked dreading the sad news I was going to hear.

He sighed very annoyed with the whole thing. "It's Jay." He spoke. "I need your help."

I was confused but agreed anyway. "My help? Why?"

"He won't listen to me, and I have no idea what else to do." He admitted sounding defeated.

I understood the situation but what was I supposed to do if he wasn't listening to Cyrus? We weren't good friends, and I knew nothing about his situation. However, if Cyrus felt I could help I was going to do everything in my power to convince him of whatever I needed to. Jay was someone important to Cyrus, so he was important to me. Judging by Cyrus' face, the matter was urgent, and we needed to act fast.

Agreeing, I walked up to Cyrus wrapping my arms around him. He seemed like he needed a hug and I wanted one. It wasn't much and won't make everything go away. But sometimes a hug goes a long way. When he wrapped his arms back around me, I knew that he appreciated everything I was doing. He squeezed me so tight I nearly broke in half. I didn't mind though. Anything to cheer him up even if it's only minimal.

"What's going on?" I ask to get a little more insight.

Cyrus looked down at me figuring out how to word it. "He's spiraling again and won't listen to reason. I've been at it since yesterday." He sounded exhausted.

"Does this happen a lot?" I keep asking questions.

He nodded. "It's actually been a while since anything like this happened. I think there's more to the story this time around."

There was something deep going on with Jay. I'm not sure of what yet and I respected Cyrus' decision not to tell me. That was up to Jay if he wanted to share it with me or not. I also wouldn't pressure him to do that. It would help me to give him better advice, but I wasn't going to overstep my boundaries. I will try my best though and hopefully get satisfactory results in the end.

Not wasting another minute, I quickly took a shower and met Cyrus somewhere private, so we weren't seen leaving together. He sped out of the gates of his house quickly as we were on our way to figure out what to do with Jay. I could feel the nerves radiating off Cyrus the whole ride there. He held my hand tight though not letting go even for a second. I'm not sure if it was because he wanted to hold it or because he was anxious. Either way I squeezed it tightly leaving a small kiss on the top of his hand.

A smile appeared on his face as we came to a standstill. He looked at me with gleam in his eyes the way he always looked at me. The Cyrus I knew wasn't letting things stress him out but having fun and being his best self. Even when we were sitting in silence, he was this person I couldn't get enough of.

Looking at me, he sighed that smile never leaving his face. "Thank you, A."